Roll A 20: 1374-75

ROLL A 20

Membr. 1

Roll of Pleas and Memoranda of the time of William Waleworthe, Mayor, A ^o 48 Edw. III [1374-5]

8 Nov. 1374

Jacob van Melstede, who had been arrested for selling false girdles, was sworn not to sell anymore within the kingdom of England, or to sell or introduce for sale any other spurious merchandise, and further to warn his partners and others against so doing.

20 Nov. 1374

Monday the Feast of S^t Edmund King [20 Nov.] William Strokelady and Robert Lucas were accepted as sureties for the appearance of John Baude, rector of S^t Nicholas Coldabbey, Thomas Neuport and William Frere to defend their title to certain rents which has been sequestrated in an action by Agnes, widow of John Hacchesham, son of John Adam, apothecary, as being the rents of John Triple.

29 Nov. 1374

Richard Lynne, Roger Chaumberleyn of Fordham, John Bernard and John Salle were committed to prison on Wednesday 29 Nov. 1374 for payment of £200 damages awarded against them for a trespass against Katherine Breouse (fn. 1), of which they were found guilty by a jury. Afterwards on 15 March 1375 they were set free at the instance of the said Katherine.

2 Dec. 1374

Roger Chambre and Andrew Pykeman brought into court a bond made by the said Roger to the said Andrew, John Wroth and Robert Gurdeler, as security that he and his wife Agnes, widow of William Glendale, would confirm the title of the rector and parishioners of S^t Botolph's, Billingsgate, to a chantry founded by the will of Henry Sterre (fn. 2).

Membr. 1 b

4 Dec. 1374

Peter Radulphi of Bardes, merchant of the Society of the Bardi (fn. 3), came before the Mayor arid brought in two writs, open and close, dated 18 Nov., to the effect that whereas the said Peter was indebted to the King in a large sum of money and was being pressed by other creditors, the King claimed priority of payment and took the said Peter under his protection.

12 Dec. 1374

Writ to the Mayor that he warn John Colshull and John Paule, servants of Richard Lyouns, John Horn, fishmonger, John Michell, Roger Stanle, Hugh Sidingborne, Robert Cavendissh, Thomas Langeton, John More of Hithe and John Donyngton, pelter, to appear before the King and his Council on Friday next. Dated 12 Dec. A^o 48 Edw. III [1374].

Return by the Mayor to the effect that certain of the parties named had been warned by John Chaumberleyn and Robert Baketon, but that John Colshull, Hugh Sidingborne, Robert Cavendissh and John More had nothing in his bailiwick by which they could be warned, nor could they be found, and that Thomas Langeton was dead.

Membr. 2

29 Nov. 1374

William Burden brought a bill setting forth that, whereas he and Henry Frowyk, mercer, were possessed of a tenement at the corner of S^t Lawrence Lane in the parish of S^t Mary le Bow, which needed repair throughout, such repair being impossible for one portion alone, there was no means of compelling the said Henry, who had fled the City for debt, to perform his share. He prays a remedy in accordance with the custom and usage of the City (fn. 4). [French]

The Court decreed that the complainant should make all the necessary repairs and repay himself out of the rents of the tenement due to the said Henry, unless the latter should otherwise satisfy him in the meantime.

18 Dec. 1374

Pleas in the Chamber of the Guildhall on Monday after the Feast of S ^t Lucia [13 Dec.] A ^o 48 Edw. III [1374]

John Loryng, William Neweman, Richard Bereford, William Stratford and Robert Buckston were indicted with others, not taken, for having been present with arms to give assistance to a certain John Spencer and others, who had gone with swords and bucklers and cuirasses, called "jakkes," under their outer garments to the inn of John Godard, hostiller, in the parish of S^t Peter's Cornhill, where they broke into a chamber occupied by Katherine de Brewes and carried her out, dragging her along the floor by her arms and clothes, naked upwards to the waist and with her hair hanging over her bosom, until the neighbours, aroused by the cries of her servants and herself, came and rescued her.

The accused denied the charge and put themselves on the country. They were found not guilty and acquitted.

20 Dec. 1374

William Hockele brought into court a writ of protection in favour of Nicholas Poule, Lombard, who was then about to cross the sea in the company of Edmund de Mortuo Mary, Earl of March. Dated 3 Nov. 1374.

Membr. 2 b

The same day a body of 40 Spanish sailors brought a bill of complaint setting forth that a certain Messer Pascal had received the wages for all the sailors on board one of the King's galleys and had paid the Genoese, but refused to pay the Spanish sailors. They had complained to the King, who sent them to his Treasurer. The latter told them in the presence of Messer Pascal that he had paid out money for them as well as for the Genoese and that he could do nothing further in the matter. The petitioners pray the Mayor to help them, because they were in danger of being imprisoned for debt in the City, on account of what they owed for lodging. [French]

Next day a writ was received from the King, ordering the Mayor and Sheriffs to summon the said "Pascasius" of Genoa, who was in-charge of certain men-at-arms for service in the King's Galley, and to do justice in the matter. Thereupon the parties were summoned, and the Spaniards again demanded their wages. The said Pascal admitted that he had received the money for them and had not paid it. Judgment was given for the sailors, and Pascal was committed to prison till he satisfied them. Afterwards on Tuesday, 6 Feb. 1375, the sailors appeared before the Mayor and Aldermen and consented to his liberation.

9 Jan. 1375

Thomas de Same, tailor, was committed to prison for £52 3s arrears of account due to John, son of Bartholomew Chastiloun (fn. 5). Afterwards on Friday before the Feast of S^t Hilary [13 Jan.] he paid the amount in court and was set free.

The same Thomas was attached to answer Arnald Busshe and Alice his wife, daughter of Bartholomew Castiloun, for detinue of certain chattels entrusted to him by Silvester Nicholas five years before on condition that he should deliver them to the said Alice on her marriage, viz. 2 silver cups weighing 6 marks 9s 7d; a biker with a silver covercle weighing 3 marks 2s 2½d; one silver bolle with a silver covercle which did not fit it, weighing 23s 2d; 6 plain pieces of silver weighing 7 marks 2s 9d; 2 nuces (fn. 6) with silver covercles weighing 24s; 12 silver spoons weighing 20s; one mazer with a foot and covercle of mazer and 2 small mazers, value 20s; one chapelet of pearls, value 40s; 2 salt-cellars of silver weighing 2 marks 5s 2¼d; sum total, 28 marks, 13s 11¼d.

The defendant came and said that he was willing to give up the articles. Judgment was thereupon given for the plaintiffs and delivery was made.

Membr. 3

9 Jan. 1375

The same day, the following vintners were sworn to make a scrutiny of corrupt and unhealthy wines in taverns and cellars, and to pour out in the street those which they con demned: Thomas Cornwaleys, Roger Long, William Stokesby, Gilbert Bonet, William Sharpyng and John Ponder, for the east side (of Walbrook); John Rothing, John Clivele, John Edrop, John Clopton, John Wylyngham and Richard Sprot, for the west.

11 Jan. 1375

William Daubeneye, skinner, mainprised John Chestre to inform John Balsham, skinner, before Easter as to the whereabouts of certain goods and chattels which had been taken from his house about the Feast of S^t Hilary last past—under penalty of £40.

13 Jan. 1375

George Clementyn of Candie (fn. 7) appeared in court and, by deed, constituted Senobius Martyn his attorney to recover debts etc.

18 Jan. 1375

Thomas Cook and Richard Matheu, cornmeters at Queenhithe, were attached to answer the King and the Commonalty of the City in a plea of trespass and deceit, wherein Ralph Strode, the Common Serjeant, who prosecuted, charged them with having during the last three years measured corn by false quarter measures, each quarter being deficient by half a peck or more. In defence, they pleaded that the measures were delivered to them by the bailiffs of Queenhithe for executing their office, and that they were not aware that they were defective. Both parties claimed a jury. In the meantime the defendants were mainprised by John Somerton.

Membr. 3 b

17 Jan. 1375

John Mylton, cordwainer, was summoned to answer Robert Herwardstoke, tailor, in a plea of covenant, wherein the latter alleged that as the result of disputes between them, the said John had agreed in the presence of their neighbours to surrender the unexpired portion of a lease of part of a garden which he held from the plaintiff in Fleet Street. The defendant denied that any such agreement was made. Both parties put themselves on the verdict of a jury, which found for the defendant.

20 Jan. 1375

Richard Cartere, late servant of Hugh Welbourne, carter to the Princess, was attached to answer the King and the Commonalty of the City in a plea of contempt and trespass, wherein Ralph Strode, Common Serjeant, alleged that he had pretended to be a purveyor of coal and oats to the Prince and had arrested and detained goods until the owners bought him off by fines, and that he had practised extortion of this kind on several previous occasions. The defendant admitted the offence and put himself on the mercy of the Mayor and Aldermen, who committed him to prison pending judgment. Afterwards on 9 Feb. he was liberated on taking an oath for his good behaviour and not to practise this deception again.

Owan Hicche, freinshbaker, ovenman of Margaret Stoke, dwelling in Lombard Street, was bound over to perform his work honestly and well, under pain of receiving the judgment ordained (fn. 8) for bakers if any defect were found in future in bread baked by him.

Membr. 4

23 Jan. 1375

John, Bishop of Macedonia, paid in court to Stephen atte Wode, spicer and pepperer, a debt of 23½ marks, whereupon the latter brought in a Statute Staple of £16 made by Richard Penhaldyn of co. Cornwall and a bond of 24 marks made by the same Richard and John Meldre, to be kept in court until the said Richard should have delivered 4000 lbs of tin, for which the said Stephen had stood surety for the said Richard, to Walter le Peautrer before Whitsuntide, if meanwhile there was a coinage (cunagium) (fn. 9) of tin in the neighbourhood. Afterwards on 5 July, the said Stephen came and acknowledged that the whole of the tin had" been delivered by John Trenans of the parish of S^t Austol in Cornwall. Thereupon he cancelled the Statute Staple and bond and gave them to John Trenans to deliver to Richard Penhalwyn (sic) and John Meldre.

The same day John Patyn, fleccher (fn. 10), came before the Mayor and Aldermen in the Husting and confessed that he had delivered to John his servant a parcel of bow-staves to make into bows at a certain house in Southwark and to sell them on his behalf, contrary to the ordinance between the Bowyers and Fletchers, as set out in Letter Book G, fo. 267 (fn. 11). Judgment was given that he pay to the Commonalty the sum of 40s for his offence.

The same day John Chestre was attached to answer John Porter of Clerkenwell in a plea of trespass, wherein the latter complained that the defendant had made a covenant with him, for the sum of 9s 2d, to invoke (fn. 12) and inform him of the person or persons who had stolen certain goods of his at Clerkenwell. The defendant had afterwards turned a loaf with knives (fn. 13), but had failed to give him any information.

The defendant came and acknowledged the covenant, and admitted that he often exercised that art, as for instance when he restored a mazer to a man at the "bell othe hoppe," and on another occasion at Garlickhithe, when he had recovered for another man the sum of £15 stolen from him. The Court gave judgment for the return of the 9s 2d, on the ground that the defendant did not claim to have given the plaintiff the desired information, and committed the defendant to prison till he paid. Afterwards on Monday, 29 Jan., the parties appeared in court, and the plaintiff announced that they had come to an agreement and he was willing that the defendant should be released. Thereupon, because the defendant's art was held to be a deception of the public, he was sworn not to exercise it in future under penalty etc.

26 Jan. 1375

Release and quitclaim by William Tyller of Calais to Adam de Bury (fn. 14), citizen and Alderman, of all actions arising out of any covenants between them, and also to the same Adam, John de Burley, Captain of Calais, and John Romesey, Treasurer of Calais, of all claim which he might have against them for wages due for garrisoning of the castle of Balingham. Witnesses: John Sely, Elys de Thorpe, Nicholas Holbourne, Reynald Aleyn and others. Dated at London, 26 Jan. A^o 49 Edw. III [1375].

20 Jan. 1375

Writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs ordering them to admit to probate the will of John Burgays, draper, as regards what concerned his free tenement in the City. Dated at Westminster, 20 Jan. A^o 48 Edw. III [1375].

Return to the above, to the effect that according to the custom of the City no will could be admitted to probate, which did not bear the testator's seal.

Membr. 4 b

29 Jan. 1375

Pleas held on Monday after the Feast of the Conversion of S ^t Paul [25 Jan.] A ^o 49 Edw. III [1375]

John Hert, Richard Matheu, Thomas Cook, Thomas Wylton and William Sharpe, cornmeters, were attached to answer the King and the Commonalty of London, on the prosecution of Ralph Strode, who alleged that in their capacity as chief meters at Queenhithe (fn. 15) they had measured corn by false and defective quarters (fn. 16), to wit, measures which were lower at the top in one part than the rest; and also with having given fuller measure for corn bought at the granaries than for corn bought by the common people elsewhere, and that they had done so for three years past.

The defendants pleaded not guilty and put themselves on the country. A jury found that they were not aware that their measures were defective, but they had given fuller measures at the granaries of the merchants than they allowed to the common people buying corn. After several adjournments to consider their judgment, on 3 Feb. the Court sentenced the accused persons to forty days' imprisonment and a fine. Four days later they were released by order of the Mayor with the consent of the Aldermen. John Hert and Thomas Wylton were then dismissed from their offices and forbidden to engage in them again.

Membr. 5

6 Feb. 1375

Robert Waleys, tawyer, was committed to prison on being found guilty of charges made against him by the masters of the mistery of Skinners.

7 Feb. 1375

John Thomesson, "Scot," was committed to prison for having thrown dirty water upon William Spaldyng contrary to the ordinance.

24 Jan. 1375

Writ to the Mayor and Chamberlain ordering them to search the rolls and memoranda in the Chamber of London and report whether Ralph Smith, alias Faber, deceased, was sworn into the freedom of the City in the time of King Henry III. Dated at Westminster, 24 Jan. A^o 48 Edw. III [1375].

Return by the Mayor and William Eynesham, Chamberlain, to the effect that a scrutiny of the rolls and memoranda had failed to show that Ralph Smyth had been admitted or sworn to the freedom.

The Mayor committed Thomas Pountfreyt, skinner, to prison, evidence having been given that the latter was a common maintainer of false plaints.

Senobius Martin was also committed to prison by order of the Mayor.

10 Feb. 1375

Robert Ryder, brasier, deposited in court a deed of release executed by Thomas Walrond of co. Cambridge to John Poul, concerning certain houses in the street of S^t Mary Axe in the parish of S^t Andrew Cornhill, which deed he had received from John Hoke, executor of Master Joyce Evote.

The same day, John Leget, who had been arrested for pledging a small buckle of counterfeit metal, was set free on his taking an oath that he had believed it to be of genuine silver.

14 Feb. 1375

John de S^t Albans acknowledged receipt from William de Walworth, Mayor, of a silver-gilt mace, which Robert de Langeton, the King's serjeant-at-arms, had pledged to the Mayor for £10, and had now redeemed.

17 Feb. 1375

William Sharp and Thomas Cook were chosen and sworn cornmeters at Queenhithe. On 19 Feb. Richard Matheu was likewise chosen and sworn.

Membr. 5 b

2 March 1375

Henry Myttebek, Ducheman, was committed to prison for taking the King's pay to go to the war, and failing to go.

8 March 1375

Henry Cornysh, Philip Samwell, John Leg and Matthew Strengere, cornmeters at Billingsgate, were sworn for the due discharge of their office.

The same day, John Sutton, servant of Sir Alan de Buxhull, appeared against Stephen de Wyndesore, herald, called "king-of-arms," in a plea of debt. The plea was respited, as the defendant produced a writ of protection, dated 3 March, which stated that he was then about to go abroad in the company of Edmund, Earl of Cambridge (fn. 17), and John, Duke of Brittany (fn. 18).

John Raulyn of Barnet was charged with having taken malt to Gracechurch for sale, instead of to the pavement within Newgate near the Friars Minors, as he ought to have done according to the ordinance thereon made (fn. 19). He pleaded guilty and the malt was forfeited, but six quarters out of the seven were returned to him. The remaining quarter was given to the Carmelite Friars in Fleet Street for love of God and by way of charity.

John Heed of Barnet pleaded guilty to a similar offence, and two quarters out of twelve were given to the Friars Preachers and the Augustinians.

The same day Thomas Adam, girdler, pleaded guilty to having offered 16d and 17d the bushel for corn in Henley market, when the real price was 14d, in order to create a scarcity of corn. He was mainprised to come up for judgment.

Membr. 6

William Gysburgh was attached to answer a charge brought by Robert Payn, fustour, of having unlawfully removed certain goods from a house in the parish of S^t Alban, Wood Street, which John Bekyr, tailor, had hired from the plaintiff and for which he had failed to pay the rent due.

Feb. 1375

The defendant pleaded that the plaintiff had of his own accord given him a chest full of goods, which together with other articles had been seized for debt at the suit of Robert Baas, fuller, in the Sheriffs' Court, and that he, the defendant, had successfully proved that these goods did not belong to William Byker (sic) but to himself, but when the Sheriffs' officer went to effect delivery of them to the defendant, the plaintiff wanted to arrest the goods himself on the plea that his tenant was in debt for arrears of rent, which arrest the defendant prevented. To this the plaintiff answered that he had already arrested the goods before the Sheriffs' officer arrived. After an adjournment for consultation, the Court, on 1 Feb. 1375, gave judgment for the plaintiff with 13s 4d damages.

William Gysbourne (sic) was attached to answer Robert Baas, fuller, who complained that he had brought an action for debt in the Sheriffs' Court against William Byker, and that certain goods of William Byker had been arrested, and that thereupon William Gysbourne, who was in league with the debtor, came into court and falsely proved that certain goods so arrested belonged to him, and on that proof seized the whole of the goods in order to exclude him from recovering his debt.

The defendant pleaded that he had proved in the Sheriffs' Court that the goods had never belonged to the debtor, William Byker, but to himself, and he produced a copy of the court proceedings, which set forth that he had proved that a locked chest containing one silk jak de defense (fn. 20), 10 tunics of divers colours, a bed of blew worstede, 2 blankets, a black tester, two pairs of sheets, a sword, three pieces of canvas, a red hood, 2 pairs of red hose, 2 red caps, 2 formes and other goods were his own property and that no one else had any interest in them to the value of 4d.

The plaintiff answered that the defendant had taken away other goods beyond those above mentioned, viz. a bascinet with aventail, a breastplate, one pair of vantbrace (fn. 21) and rerbrace (fn. 22), a pair of gloves of plate, a pair of legherneys (fn. 23), a steinydhalle (fn. 24), a blak jak, a cheker jak (fn. 25) and a jak de defense.

8 Feb. 1375

The defendant denied taking anything more than he had proved in court, and on this issue the parties went to a jury. The jury brought in a verdict that the defendant took other goods than those in the chest, namely, the articles mentioned by the plaintiff, which were hanging on a perch in a room, and which had been arrested in the plaintiff's action. Judgment was given on 8 Feb. 1375 that the plaintiff recover damages taxed at 40s and that the defendant be committed to prison till he pay both the damages and a fine to the King.

Membr. 6 b

John Thurkyld sued Nicholas Kylby, saddler, for a debt of 32s 4d. The defendant, who had been attached by foreign attachment, made four defaults. Thereupon the plaintiff asked that the goods attached might be appraised and delivered to him according to custom. The goods were appraised by Richard Brok, William Norton, Robert Yonge and Robert Somerby as follows: 4 saddles with panels (fn. 26) but without harness, 16s; 3 wooden saddles without panels and harness, 5s; a red. saddle for a woman without panel, but with croper, peuterel (fn. 27) and capital (fn. 28), 8s; one entire black harness, 2s 6d; one black harness without reynis, 2s; one croper and a red peiterell, 18d; one other peiterell with croper, 12d; one peiterell and one red chevesell (fn. 29), 14d; two chevesells, 12d; other peiterells, halters and reynis, 10d; total 39s; other goods, comprising brass plates and pots, were valued at us 10d; total, 50s 10d.

16 March 1375

Afterwards on 16 March 1375 the debtor appeared and with his consent the goods were delivered to the Mayor, who took them over at the valuation, adding a further 12d. Out of the money thus available, 20s was paid to Robert Berden, rent-collector for Thomas Farndon, for arrears of rent due from the debtor, and the balance of 31s 10d was paid to the creditor's attorney, John Strecche.

29 March 1375

Robert Wormwell, apprentice of John Scot, armourer, brought a petition to the Mayor and Recorder, setting forth that a week ago they had granted that he might take service with any armourer, until his master returned, but no armourer would give him employment because the return of his master was pleadable (fn. 30), wherefore he prayed that he might be released from the remaining two years of his apprenticeship and allowed to purchase his freedom. [French]

John Chamberlain, serjeant, was accordingly ordered to summon the master to appear next day. He reported that the said master had nothing in the City whereby he could be summoned, and that he had no dwelling in the City, but was living in Westminster. Judgment was given that the apprentice be exonerated.

28 March 1375

John, son of John Lucas (fn. 31), late citizen and Common Clerk of the City, who had been apprenticed by John de Cauntebrig, fishmonger, to Simon atte Wode, goldsmith, for fourteen years, petitioned that he might be transferred to another master, because the said Simon had left the kingdom a long time ago, in consequence of which he was learning nothing. [French]

The wife of the said Simon appeared in court and gave evidence that her husband had no shop in the City, and had not assigned anyone to teach the apprentice, and that she did not know whether he was alive or dead. She asked that the boy might be transferred to Robert Fraunceys, goldsmith, who was present in court and agreed to take him for the remainder of his apprenticeship, if necessary. This arrangement was approved by the Mayor and Aldermen.

Membr. 7

14 March 1375

Edmund Jernemuth acknowledged as his deed a quitclaim to Clarice de Buckingham, and a bond in £20 to the same for the payment to her every year during their joint lives of a tunic at Easter and 21s by quarterly payments.

15 March 1375

John Ledrede, fishmonger, produced two letters of attorney, viz. one from Robert Fleteby, and the other from Richard de Reymerston, attorney of John de Stalham, burgess of Great Yarmouth, to recover two sums of £100 and £85 from Giles Onyng, son of Sir seger Onyng of Bruges. He also acknowledged satisfaction from the above Giles, who had been put in prison for the above debts on 23 March the preceding year, and was now released.

22 March 1375

Robert Wormwell (fn. 32), apprentice of John Scot, armourer, brought a petition to the effect that he had served six of his eight years and that his master had now left the City, and that no other master would employ him because he was still an apprentice. [French]

The Mayor and Aldermen gave him permission to serve any other master until his own master should return.

Membr. 8

26 March 1375

John Fynch, chaplain, was brought before the Mayor and Aldermen on a charge that, having corn to sell at Gracechurch and the price of the day being 18d the bushel, he had offered other vendors of corn 20d the bushel, in order that he might sell his own corn dearer, in deceit of the people. He admitted the offence and was committed to prison, being released on mainprise on the next Wednesday.

Note that a cart, shod with squared iron nails (fn. 33), belonging to Guy de Stratford, which had been seized by order of the Mayor, was given up at the request of John Aubrey, Alderman. The carter was warned not to drive any cart so shod in the City of London.

Membr. 8 b

6 April 1375

William Asshewell, beadle of Cornhill, was committed to prison for having beaten a carter on Cornhill, and for having told Edmund de Clare that he and other jurors had falsely caused Richard de Croydon to lose £20 worth of land to the King—this abuse being in reply to the said Edmund, who had blamed him for beating the carter instead of arresting him to stand his trial, if he had done anything wrong.

The same day John Gale, brewer, was committed to prison for refusing, in the presence of the Mayor and Aldermen, to serve John Shirwode, armourer, with whom he was living, till Easter and thenceforward by the quarter or half-year, according to the custom of the City. Afterwards on 26 April he was released on his taking an oath that he would serve his master for a year from Easter.

17 April 1375

John Chivaler, baker, who had recently been committed to prison for a trespass against a girl, was released.

Membr. 9

22 May 1375

John Pasforde, recently married to Joan Asshford, whom John Cook, late burgess of Rochelle, had authorized, by a letter of attorney under the seal of Sir Philip de Courteneye, the King's Admiral for Southampton and the West, to receive from Roger Bernard a bond drawn in his favour by Giles Ony of Bruges, gave an acquittance to the said Roger for the receipt of the bond.

5 June 1375

A writ of protection was brought into court on behalf of Thomas Gisors. The writ declared that the above Thomas was indebted to the King in £80, as testified by Richard Lescrope, Treasurer. Nevertheless, on the petition of William, Lord de Latymere, Adam Fraunceys, Richard Lyouns and other creditors, the King consented to his remaining at liberty and travelling about the country, in order that he might the more quickly find means of discharging his debts. Dated at Westminster, 25 March A^o 49 Edw. III [1375].

Membr. 9 b

18 June 1375

John, son of John Patryk of Aspreton (fn. 34) co. Devon, who had been apprenticed to William Bertram, pepperer, for a term of nine years, brought a petition praying to be exonerated from his apprenticeship on the ground that his master had left the City and was dwelling in Hull and other "foreign" towns, and no longer had a shop or domicile in London, and had ceased either to instruct or provide for him. [French]

The master having failed to appear on summons, the discharge was granted.

25 June 1375

A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen in the Chamber of the Guildhall on Monday the morrow of the Nativity of S ^t John the Baptist [24 June] A ^o 49 Edw. III [1375]

John de Stokyngbury, fishmonger, and Idonia his wife, and John de Blockele and Joan his wife prayed an Assize of Mort d'Ancestor (fn. 35) against Emma, wife of Simon de Pistoye, to determine whether William de Algate, potter, the father of Idonia and Joan, died seised as of fee of a messuage and 24 shops in the parish of S^t Andrew Cornhill, whether he died after the coronation of King Henry III, and whether the said Idonia and Joan were his next heirs. Also they demand that the aforesaid Emma, who holds the property, be summoned etc.

Membr. 10

4 July 1375

Letter of Attorney from Bonanno Serpenti, merchant of Lucca, to Francis Vyncheguerre, merchant of Lucca.

The same day John de Lyncoln, fishmonger, acknowledged a deed whereby he sold, granted and confirmed to John Cavendissh, fishmonger, all his goods and chattels, movable or immovable, and all debts owed to him, in discharge of all debts owed by the grantor to the said John. Dated 6 May.

10 July 1375

Letter of Attorney from Joceus Amelryk of Bruges to Peter Bridport.

Membr. 10 b

21 June 1375

John Pyioun brought a bill complaining that Stephen Godwyne had agreed to give him a nine years lease of a tavern and shop in the parish of Wolchirche from the Feast of the Nativity of S^t John the Baptist [24 June] 1374. The said Stephen had previously leased the tavern for three years, terminating at Michaelmas next [1375], to a certain Katherine Cook, and now demurred to giving him possession on that date. [French]

The defendant pleaded that the lease was granted on condition that if he could talk nicely (pulchre loqui) to the said Katherine and induce her to surrender the tavern, the plaintiff should have it at Michaelmas, but she had refused to do so, and accordingly the agreement had come to nothing and he had returned the God's penny to the plaintiff. The latter denied that there had been any conditions at all.

On this issue, a jury found that the defendant had granted the tavern to the plaintiff without any conditions, possession to be given at Michaelmas. In answer to a question, the jury said that if the plaintiff could not obtain his term, the damages should be £10. Judgment was given that he should recover his term.

20 July 1375

Mayoral precept ordering the Aldermen to see that in front of every house in their Wards there should stand a large kowve (fn. 36) or other vessel full of water during the present intensely hot and dry season, that there should be ladders and crooks and that the watches should be properly kept. Written at Guildhall, 20 July. [French]

Membr. 11

24 July 1375

Deed of release from William de Foxley, son of Sir John de Foxley, to Thomas de Haselden, Richard Bulter of Wakefeld, John Merchaunt, chaplain, of Ferybrigge, John Mille, chaplain, of Wakefeld, and Richard Holand, falconer—of the Manor of Gildenmorden (fn. 37), granted to them in fee simple by his father on 22 July. Witnesses: Sir John Avenell, Sir Baldewyn S^t George, Sir John Dengayn, knights, William de Norton, John, son of John Martyn of Lythyngton, John Oldefeld and others. Dated 24 July A^o 49 Edw. III [1375].

17 Aug. 1375

Gilbert Daventre, brewer, servant of Nicholas Brichford, was brought before the Mayor and Aldermen for having spoken opprobrious words about John Chichestre, Alderman arid late Mayor, to the scandal of the same John and of all citizens, who are bound to honour, as far as possible, their superiors and their Aldermen, especially those who have been Mayors. The said Gilbert confessed his offence and threw himself on the mercy of the court. He was committed to prison pending judgment. Four days later he was released at the request of John Chichestre.

25 Aug. 1375

Thomas, son of Robyn Massoun, brewer, who had been sworn before the Mayor to serve his master William Louyn, brewer, till Michaelmas at the rate of wages set up by City ordinances, and who had run away next day and hidden himself, was captured by the supervisors of the journeymen brewers and brought before the Mayor and Aldermen. He confessed his offence. Thereupon William Wodehous, one of the Sheriffs, was ordered to set him on the pillory for an hour and to proclaim the reason for his punishment.

The same day William Wodehous, Sheriff, brought before the Mayor and Recorder in the Chamber of the Guildhall a certain Robert Maydestan of co. Essex, who had been arrested on a writ de minis (fn. 38) at the suit of Robert Mareschal of the Weald of Essex (fn. 39), and kept in prison because the mainprise required by the writ could not be found for him. As Robert Mareschal had allowed him to remain in prison for a long time without taking any further proceedings against him, and as the prisoner was manifestly suffering from divers ailments and weaknesses from which it would be difficult for him to recover in prison, the Court allowed him to be set free on his taking an oath that he would do no harm and procure no harm to be done to the said Robert.

Membr. 11 b

22 Aug. 1375

Gilbert Chaumponeys acknowledged a deed, dated 20 Aug., whereby he granted to William de Halden, John Aubrey, John Fourneux, John Ussher and William de Whetele, cordwainers, certain properties in the parish of Fulham, which he, together with Henry de Burford and John de Barton, deceased, had recently acquired from Robert de Norwich, goldsmith, and Katherine his wife. Witnesses: John Saunford, John Fraunkeleyn, Thomas de Wauden, William Knot, Maurice atte Grove, John Styler, senior, Ivo de Fulham and others.

Power of attorney from the same to Ralph Whyte to deliver seisin.

10 Sept. 1375

A Congregation of Mayor and Aldermen in the Chamber of the Guildhall on Monday after the Feast of the Nativity B.M. [8 Sept.] A ^o 49 Edw. III [1375]

Adam Lovekyn, grocer, and Katherine his wife prayed an Assize of Mort d'Ancestor against William Acton and Thomas Caysho, rector of the Church of S^t Michael Bassishaw, as to two messuages and shops in the parishes of S^t Nicholas Coldabbey and S^t Mary de Mountenhaut, and that enquiry be made as to whether Robert de Ely, father of the said Katherine, died seised of the aforesaid messuages as of fee, whether he died after the coronation of King Henry III and whether the said Katherine was his next heir; and that the said William and Thomas, present tenants of the property, should be summoned.

3 Nov. 1375

John Warde delivered up two rolls of Assize of Mort d'Ancestor, together with a petition and a panel of the time that he was Sheriff, viz. A^o 41 Edw. III (fn. 40). One of the rolls contained an Assize between Richard de Weston, goldsmith, Roesia his wife and others and Thomas, son of Thomas de Farndon, and the other roll an Assize between John Pope, waxchandler, and Robert Beauchamp, plumber, another Assize between Beatrice Bryd and Ralph Wynchestre, another between Thomas Perle and John Fitz Simond, and another between Simon Setele and Felicia his wife and John Cori, rector of All Hallows Staynyngcherche.

Membr. 12

Thomas Gisors, vintner, having lately brought a bill demanding from William Messebergh a true account of moneys, goods and chattels to the value of £2011 8s 4d, received by him between 1 Nov. 1371 and 25 March 1375 by the hands of the plaintiff, and of Robert Ambeler, William Berard, John. Stodeye, William Wodeford of Bristol, Paul Lodekynson, John Somerwell, Walter Knot, John Pruet, Maurice Lannisty, Thomas Crede, John Ledham, John Colshull, Robert Whitfeld, John Carre and John Andreu his attorneys—the said William was summoned.

The defendant admitted receiving moneys and said he was willing to render account, but disputed the amount claimed. After further process, the parties put themselves on the award of John Haddele, Alderman, John Clyvele and William Tong, or, in case they disagreed, of an umpire to be chosen by them. They further agreed to accept the award and to produce documents before the Feast of S^t Matthew the Apostle and that documents produced afterwards should be excluded, and they took an oath to give every assistance towards a decision. If the defendant refused to accept the award, it was agreed that the plaintiff might sue or cause him to be arrested for the amount mentioned in the award, and the defendant for his part swore that he would not eloign or absent himself and that he would stand to their ruling.

16 Nov. 1375

John Bakton of co. Norfolk, apprentice of Henry Perle, mercer, brought a bill to the effect that his master had no shop and was intending to go abroad, taking the petitioner with him, whereby he would be entirely prevented from learning his trade. He prayed that enquiry might be made into the matter. [French]

The master, who was summoned, admitted that he was going abroad on business and was uncertain as to the time of his return, and that he could not keep shop in the City. He claimed, however, that the apprentice was his chattel (fn. 41) and that he could dispose of him by gift or sale like any other chattel. He asked that he might put him to a certain Roger de Causton to serve the remainder of his term.

The apprentice prayed that, as his master could not instruct him, and as he was not bound to serve any other person against his will and did not wish to serve the said Roger, the Court would exonerate him from his apprenticeship and allow him to choose another master of the same mistery, namely, John Fyfhide, mercer.

After deliberation the Court granted his petition, on the ground that he was not bound to serve any other person than his original master against his will.

Membr. 12 b

20 Sept. 1375

William atte Style, servant of William Chaundeler, collector of customs, was attached to answer Robert Corne, citizen of London, on a charge of having attempted to extort custom from the said Robert's servant when he was coming with a horse and a fardel of wool through Fleet Street, though the servant swore thrice that his master was a citizen of London and so free of custom; further with having beaten this servant and taken away from him a bow and arrows in lieu of custom. He was also charged on the prosecution of Ralph Strode, Common Serjeant, with having extorted a quarterly payment from certain foreign merchants who were exempt from custom, to the scandal of the City and to the damage of foreign merchants visiting the same.

The defendant denied the first charge and put himself on the country. As regards the quarterage, he pleaded that he was merely obeying his master's orders. The latter, who was present in court, did not deny it, and put himself on the mercy of the court. A jury was summoned and the master was ordered to attend on Monday after the Feast of S^t Matthew. On that day in the presence of an immense Commonalty which had been summoned for the election of the Sheriffs, he again put himself on the mercy of the court. Next day the servant did the same as regards both charges. Thereupon the prosecutor pardoned him for the assault. Judgment as regards the quarterage was respited during the good behaviour of the defendants and both of them took an oath not to make any further illegal exactions.

21 Sept. 1375

Richard, servant of John Smyth, came before the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen and told them that a certain Richard Counfort, ostler of Alice atte March in Friday Street, went to the house of Richard Waltham in Fleet Street and there, in the presence of himself and William Duke, offered for sale two horses. Thereupon Richard Waltham and William Duke went to Alice's house, saw the horses and bought them. After this the complainant arrived and the others asked him to ride the grey horse, bought by William Duke, on trial. On his answering that he had no spurs, the said Alice sent for some, and he rode the horse as far as S^t Paul's Churchyard. William Duke was satisfied and they went to the house of William Avenell, customs-collector in Smithfield, to pay the toll, the complainant riding the horse. There William Duke paid the ostler the price of the horse. But the latter fled from his mistress's house next day (with the money). And now the said Alice had brought an action for trespass against the complainant in the Sheriffs' Court and was charging him with. having come to her house with force and arms and carried away the grey horse against the peace and to her damage £10.

Membr. 13

13 Sept. 1375

Be it remembered that quarrels having arisen between Roger Friseby, parson of the Church of S^t Michael atte Corne, and John Cornewall, John Strecche and other parishioners, and between the same Roger and William Tyngewyk, John Botesham, Robert Fraunceys, William Fraunceys, Robert Welford and others of the mistery of Goldsmiths, owing to disparaging words spoken by the parson, whereby ill-feeling was created between them, the said Roger appeared in the presence of the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen on 13 Sept. and entered into an agreement with a penalty of £10 for his future good behaviour, it being understood that if he offended again, this sum should be due to the Chamberlain for the use of the City, and that the Chamberlain should have the legal right to sue for payment.

13 Sept. 1375

Release and quitclaim from Margaret Mitford of London to Thomas Usk, clerk, of all actions arising out of any claims up to the present day. Dated in London on the eve of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross [14 Sept.] A^o 49 Edw. III [1375].

6 Oct. 1375

Power of attorney from Peter Gracyan, merchant of Lucca, to Nicholas Brembre and Thomas Albon, merchants of London, to receive from John Marchaunt, fellmonger, the sum of £55 due on an obligation.

20 Oct. 1375

Nicholas Popeholte, who had been committed to prison for refusing to enter the service of a brewer except by the day, was sworn to serve John Bademan till Michaelmas at the wages customary in the City. John Colyn of co. Somerset and John Leaf were ordered to be arrested if found serving a brewer, evidence having been given that they knew nothing of the business.

Membr. 13 b

4 Oct. 1375

Power of attorney by Guydo del Portico and Gilbert Aymeryk, merchants of Lucca, to Thomas Albon, Thomas Ally and Nicholas Glynd to receive 200 marks from William Betelee and John Bosham, mercers and executors of John Birlyngham, late mercer.

16 Oct. 1375

Power of attorney from Leonard Roulyn of Bruges in favour of John Reynold, haberdasher, to receive 5½ marks from John Coggeshale, citizen and leynerknittere (fn. 42).

22 Oct. 1375

Monday after the Feast of S^t Luke [18 Oct.] John Passer of Tewkesbury co. Gloucester, apprentice of William Champion, hurer (fn. 43), was committed to prison for refusing to allow his indentures to be enrolled before the Chamberlain of the Guildhall.

John Hauberger, against whom Marion Joynour had brought an Assize in the Sheriffs' Court, came before the Mayor and Aldermen and acknowledged that he was willing to hand over the tenements claimed whenever she wished, and he brought into court five deeds concerning her title.

21 Oct. 1375

Memorandum to the effect that when William Walworth, the Mayor, was walking among the poulterers at S^t Nicholas Shambles to see at what price poultry was being sold, he came to John Andreu, a poulterer, and asked him the price of a goose. The poulterer told him in reply 8d or 7d, and the Mayor thereupon told him to charge no more than 6d, to which he answered that he would not bring any geese to the City for forty days. He was committed to prison. Three days later he was brought before the Mayor and Aldermen and made to swear that he would not buy, sell or bring any poultry within the liberties of the City for the space of seven weeks on pain of the pillory.