Copyright held by
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Further details of licences are available from our
Licences page. For more
information, contact the project director,
This semi-diplomatic transcription takes the
Most MoEML documents, or significant fragments with mol: prefix and accessed through the web application
with their id + .xml.
The molagas prefix points to the shape representation of a location on MoEML’s OpenLayers3-based rendering of the Agas Map.
Links to page-images in the Chadwyck-Healey
Links to page-images in the
The mdt (MoEML Document Type) prefix used on
The mdtlist (MoEML Document Type listing) prefix used in linking attributes points to a listings page constructed from a category in the central MDT taxonomy in the includes file. There are two variants, one with the plain _subcategories
, meaning all subcategories of the category.
The molgls (MoEML gloss) prefix used on
This molvariant prefix is used on
This molajax prefix is used on
The molstow prefix is used on
The molshows prefix is used on
The sb prefix is used on
Encoding has been done using the recommendations for Level 4 of the TEI in Libraries Guidelines. Digital page images are linked to the text file.
London being under the
government of the
Britaines,
Romans,
and Saxons, the most
ancient and famous
City of the whole
Realme, was at length destroyed by the
Danes, and left desolate, as may appeare
by our Histories. But Aelfred
the West Saxons, having brought this
whole Realme (from many parts) into
one Monarchie, honorably repaired this
City, and made it againe habitable, and
then committed the custody thereof to
his Sonne in law AdheredMercia. After whose decease, the Citie, with
all other possessions pertaining to the
said Earle, returned to Edward,
sirnamed the Elder
ned in the Kings hands, being governed
under him by Portgraves (or Portreves)
which name is compounded of the two
Saxon words,
Porte and Gerefe or Reve-Porte
betokeneth a Towne, and Gerefe
signifieth a Gardian, Ruler or Keeper of
the Towne.
These Governors of old time (saith Robert Fabian) with the lawes and customes
then used within this Citie, were registred
in a Booke, called the Doomes-day Booke,
written in the Saxon Tongue: but of later
dayes, when the lawes and customes were
changed, and for that also the said Booke
was of a small hand, sore defaced, and hard
to be read or understood; it was lesse set by,
so that it was imbezeled and lost.
Thus farre
Notwithstanding, I have found by
search of divers old Registers and other
Records abroad; namely, in a Booke
sometime appertaining to the Monaste
ry of Saint Albans, of the Portgraves,
and other Governours of this City, as
followeth.
First, that in the reigne of EdwardWolfegare was Portgrave, as may appeare by
the Charter of the same King, in these
words:
King, greeteth Alfward Bishop,
and Wolfgar my Portgrave, and all the Burgesses of London. And afterward, that in
another Charter, EdwardWilliamSwetman my Port
grave. And after that, in another Char
ter to the Abbey of Chertsey: To William
Bishop, and LeofstaneAlffy
graves.
In the William ConquerorWilliamLondon, procured of
the said Conqueror his Charter of Li
berties, to the same WilliamGodfreySaxon tongue,
and turned into English, thus:
WilliamWilliam
shop, and Godfrey, Portgrave, and all the
Burgesses within London, French, and
English: And I grant that they be all their
law worth, that they were in Edward
the King. And I will that each child bee his
Fathers heire. And I will not suffer that a
ny man doe you wrong: and God you
keepe.
And then in the
Conquerourfrey de Magnavile
Sheriffe) as may appeare by their Char
ters, and Richard de Par
In the Henry the firstHugh BucheLeofstanusBermondsey.
After them, Aubery de Vere
Temporall Government.
and Robert Bar Querel
This Aubery de VereStephen
ted also, that Henry the first
ted to the Citizens of London, the Shi
rifwicke thereof, and of Middlesex, as in
another place is shewed.
In the StephenGilbert
BecketAndrew Buchevet
After him, Godfrey Magnavile
Sonne of VVilliamGodfrey MagnavileMaud the
EmpresseLondon and Middlesex, for the yeerely
farme of three hundred pound, as ap
peareth by the Charter.
In the Henry the se
condPeter Fitz Walter
after him Iohn Fitz Nigel
grave, after him, Ernulfus Buchel
Portgrave; and after him VVilliam Fitz
Isable
These Portgraves are also in divers
Records called,
Vicecomites, Vicounties,
or Sheriffes, as being under an Earle;
for that they then, as since, used that of
fice as the Sheriffes of London doe till
this day. Some Authors do call them
Doomes-men, Eldermen, or Iudges of the
Kings Court.
VVilliam Fitz Stephen
state of this City, & Government there
of in his time, under the StephenHenry the second
these words:
This Citie (faith he) even as Rome, is
divided into VVards, it hath yeerely She
riffes in stead of Consuls, it hath the dignity
of Senators and Aldermen, it hath Vnder-officers,
and according to the qualitie of
Lawes, it hath severall Courts, and generall
Assemblies upon appointed dayes.
Thus much for the antiquity of She
riffes, and also of Aldermen in severall
Wards of this Citie may suffice: and
now for the name of Bayliffes, and after
that, of Maiors as followeth.
In the Richard the
firstLondon obtained to
bee governed by two Bailiffes, which
Bailiffes are in divers ancient dceds cal
led Sheriffes, according to the speech of
the Law, which called the Shire Balliva,
for that they (like as the Portgraves)
used the same office of Shrivewicke, for
the which the City paid to fee-farme,
300. l. yeerely as before, since the
Henry the first
yet paid by the City into the Exchequer
untill this day.
They also obtained to have a Maior,
to bee their principall Governour and
Lieutenant of the City, as of the Kings
Chamber.
1189 The names of the first Bailiffes
or Officers, entring into their office
at the Feast ofS. MichaelCelebrated on 29 September. the Arch
angell, in the yeere of Christ1189 .
were named, and Henry Cornehill, Bailiffes or Sheriffes. Ri
chard Reynere
Their first Maior was, Henry Fitz-Alwin
Draper, appointed by the said
King, and continued Maior from thefirst of , untill theRichardthe first15. of , which was 24. yeeres andKing Iohn
somewhat more.
Thus much for the chiefe and principall Governours of this famous City; of
whose publike Government, with the assistance of other inferiour Officers,
their charges for preserving the Peace, service of the Prince, and Honour
of this City, much might have beene said, and shall be hereafter discoursed
more at large, when I have more spacious ground to walke in, and other
helpes (thereto belonging) can more conveniently be had.
THe
Lands, to the value of twenty pounds by the yeere, the
Richard the secondAnno Dom.
GOD GRANT GRACE
The
first incorporated by the name of
of Edward the thirdAnno Dom.
and supporters granted by Thomas Benote, Clarencieux,
of Henry the eight William Harvey, Clarencieux, Anno Dom.
VNTO GOD ONLY BE HONER & GLORY.
THe Drapers
teenth yeere of Henry the sixtAnno Dom.
Armes first granted by Garter King of Armes: Crest and Suppor
ters by William Harvy, Clarencieux, Anno Dom.
AL WORSHIP BE TO GOD ONLY
FishmongersStockfishmongersSaltfishmongersSaltfishmongers
the beginning of the Reigne of Henry the eighthAnno Dom.
1509. did beare their Armes as here is set downe. But lastly, in
the Anno Dom.
nies were vnited in one, and then their Armes more fully granted.
TO GOD ONLY. BE ALL GLORY
THe Goldsmiths
teenth yeere of Richard the second
porters were granted by Robert Cooke, Clarencieux, Anno Dom.
1571.
TO GOD ONLY. BE ALL GLORY.
THe Skinners
of Edward the thirdAnno Dom.
therhood in the Richard the second
Crest and Supporters were granted by William Haruy
free of the same Company, Anno Dom.
CONCORDIA PARVA RES CRESCVNT.
THe first Patent of these Armes, were granted by Sir Thomas
Holne Knight, Clarencieux, King of Armes to the Tailors and Linnen ArmourersEdward the fourthAnno Dom.
by Henry the seventhMerchant-Tailors
the Anno Dom.
and Supporters being granted by Robert Cooke, Clarencieux, Anno
Dom.
SERVE AND OBEY
The HaberdashersHurrers
corporated a Brotherhood of Saint Katharine, in the
tieth yeere of Henry the sixthAnno Dom▪
were confirmed in the Henry the seventh
and named Merchant-Haberdashers
were granted by Robert Cooke, Clarencioux, King of Armes. Anno
Dom.
SAL SAPIT OMNIA
THe Salters
them in the Henry the eightAnno Dom. Thomas Benolt, Clarencieux. The Crest and
Supporters by Robert Cooke, Clarencieux. In the nine and twenti
eth yeere of ElizabethAnno Dom.
THe IronmongersEdward the fourthAnno Dom.
granted by Lancaster, King of Armes, Marshall to Clarencieux, King
of Armes, Anno Dom.
the reigne of Henry the sixth
THe VintonnersEdward the thirdWine-Tonners
in the Henry the sixtAnno Dom.
The Armes first granted by Clarencieux, in the Henry the sixtAnno Dom.
MY TRVST IS IN GOD ALONE
THe ClothworkersThomas Be
noltClarencieux, in the Henry
the eighthAnno Dom.
by Robert Cooke, Clarencieux, King of Armes, Anno Dom.
GOD BE OVR FRIEND
THe Company of Merchants, called of the Staple, incorpora
ted by King Edward the third: in whose time they had their
Staple of Wools at Callis.
GOD BE OVR FRIEND
THe Company of Merchants, called Merchants Adventures,
were incorporated by King Edward the fourth: And had
their Priviledges confirmed and enlarged by Queene Elizabeth.
GOD BE OVR GOOD GVIDE
THe Company of Merchants of Russia, who were incorpo
rated by King Edward the sixth: and againe confirmed and
augmented by Queene Elizabeth.
THe Company of Merchants of Elbing, they became incor
porated by Queene Elizabeth.
THe Company of Merchants of Levant, or (more com
monly) termed Turkie Merchants, being first incorporated by
Queene Elizabeth, were afterward confirmed and enlarged by our
Soveraigne Lord King Iames.
THe Company of Merchants of Spaine, or more usually cal
led Spanish Merchants, were incorporated by Queene Elizabeth.
DEVS-INDICAT
DEO DVCENTE, NIL NOCET.
THe Company of Merchants, called Merchants of East-India,
were incorporated by Queene Elizabeth, Anno Dom. 1600.
REDDITE CVIQVE SVVM.
A New Company of Merchant Adventures, but of their in
corporating I am able to say nothing: but the Coat and Crest
of their Armes were given and granted by Sir William Seger, Garter,
and Master William Camden, Clarencieux, Kings of Armes, the thir
teenth day of November, in the 14. yeere of King Iames, 1616.
THe Company now called of French Merchants: of their cre
ating, incorporating, and Patents granting, no intelligence
hath beene given me, and therefore I am the lesse able to speake of
them: onely I heare them to be a Company of worthy Gentle
men; and let that honest title at this time suffice them.
EN DAY VIRGINIA QVINTAM.
THe Company of Merchants, called Merchants of Virginia,
Bermudas, or Summer-Ilands, for (as I heare) all these additi
ons are given them. I know not the time of their incorporating,
neither by whom their Armes, Supporters, and Crest were gran
ted, and therefore am compelled to leaue them abruptly.
KIng Henry the sixt, late King of England, of famous memo
ry, by his Highnesse Letters-Patents, or Charter of Incor
poration, bearing date the sixteenth day of February, in the
nine and fortieth yeere from the beginning of his Reigne; and in
the first yeere of the redemption of his Royall power, did incor
porate the Company of the Dyers in London, and so they have ever
since continued.
THe Charter of the Brewers was granted by King Henry the
sixth, and his Letters-Patents dated at Windsor, the two and
twentieth of February, in the sixth yeere of his Reigne. Moreover,
it was reconfirmed at Greenewich, Iuly the 13. and second yeere of
Queene Elizabeth of blessed memory.
THe Lethersellers being formerly a Society, or Brotherhood of
long time, became incorporated in the sixth yeere of King
Richard the second, and when Whittington was Lord Maior of
London.
THe Pewterers were a Company, or Meeting of friendly and
neighbourly men, in the time of King Edward the fourth; and
in the thirteenth yeere of this King became incorporated, Ianu
ary the 20. And from this King they have beene still confirmed by
all Princes since: lastly, by King Iames.
THe Barbers-Chirurgions, being a Company of no meane credit
and estate, became a Brotherhood and Fellowship, incorpo
rated by the Charter of King Edward the fourth; afterward by the
Henries, the seventh and eighth, Philip and Mary, and Queene Elizabeth: last of all they were againe confirmed by King Iames, with
other additions also: and all those former Charters have bin recon
firmed (with larger additions) by our most gracious King Charles.
THe Society or Company of the Armourers, have beene a Bro
therhood of ancient continuance, and became incorporated
in the beginning of the reigne of King Henry the sixth: the
King being pleased to stile himselfe a Brother of their Society.
THe Company of White-Bakers are of great Antiquity, as ap
peareth by their Records, and divers other things of Anti
quity, extant in their common Hall. They were a Compa
ny of this City in the first yeere of Edward the second, and had a new
Charter granted unto them in the first yeere of Henry the seventh;
the which Charter was confirmed unto them by Henry the eighth,
Edward the sixth, Queene Mary, Queene Elizabeth, and King Iames.
THe Company of Wax-Chandlers, having beene a Brother
hood of very ancient standing, and much used in the times
of superstition, became yet to be incorporated in Anno, 1484.
it being the second yeere of King Richard the third.
THe company of the Tallow-Chandlers, were a Society of great
antiquity, living in good formality among men, and loving
agreement with themselves: they became to be incorpora
ted in the second yeere of King Edward the fourth, and from him
successively to King Iames.
COncerning this Company of Cutlers, I finde them to be of great
antiquity, and that they were incorporated in the beginning
of the Reigne of King Henry the fifth, and afterward confirmed
by King Henry the sixth, King Henry the eighth, King Philip and
Queene Mary, famous Queene Elizabeth; and King Iames in his
fifth yeere, the eighth day of February, fully confirmed all.
I Finde the Company of the Girdlers not to be much behind-hand
(with others) for eminency and antiquity, because they have
held good correspondency with the world and with themselves:
they became to bee incorporated the sixth day of August, in the
seven and twentieth yeere of the Reigne of King Henry the sixth.
THe Butchers were incorporated by King Iames, under his
Letters-Patents, bearing date the sixteenth day of Septem
ber, in the third yeere of his Reigne of England, and of Scotland the nine and twentieth: they were incorporated by the name
of Master, Wardens, and Comminalty of the Art or mystery of
Butchers of the City of London, the Fraternity being very ancient.
THe Company of Sadlers questionlesse declare themselves to
be of great antiquity, as shewing their beginning in the times
of these Kings following: Edward the first, Rich. the second,
Henry the fourth, Edw. the second, Edw. the third, Henry the fifth,
Henry the sixth, Edw. the fourth, Rich. the third, Henry the seventh,
Henry the eighth, Edw. the sixth, and since the first King above na
med, the Craft of the Sadlers hath given Livery, and so have conti
nued in their Livery by the space of 300 yeeres and more. What all
the precedent Princes gave and granted, King Iames confirmed.
THe Company of the Carpenters, being a Society of ancient
standing, were incorporated by Letters-Patents, bearing date
the seventh day of Iuly, in the seventeenth yeere of the Reigne of
King Edward the fourth; by the name of Master, Wardens, and
Comminalty of the mystery of Freemen of the Carpentry of the
City of London.
THe Company of Shoomakers or Cordwainers, as they stile
themselves, have beene of long continuance, and were first
incorporated in the seventeenth yeere of King Henry the sixth; be
ing afterward confirmed by Philip and Queene Mary, in the fourth
and fifth yeeres of their Reigne: then againe re-confirmed by
Queene Elizabeth, in the fourth yeere of her Reigne: and lastly,
by King Iames.
THe Company of the Painters, having the addition of Painters-Stainers,
for their skill and cunning in divers mysterious
workes, have beene a Society of great antiquity from time to time,
and were incorporated in Anno Dom. 1580. it being the three and
twentieth yeere of Queene Elizabeth, &c.
THe Company of Curryers, a Company of long continuance,
and of good community amongst themselves, became incor
porated in the third yeere of King Iames, the twelfth day of Iune.
THe Company of Masons, being otherwise termed Free-Masons, of ancient standing and good reckoning, by meanes of af
fable and kinde meetings divers times, and as a loving Brotherhood
should use to doe, did frequent this mutuall assembly in the time
of King Henry the fourth, in the twelfth yeere of his most gracious
Reigne.
THe Company of Plumbers, of large and very memorable
antiquity, remaining a Fellowship or Brotherhood by the
name of Plumbers. At length they attained to be incorporated by
Letters-Patents, the eleventh or twelfth day of Aprill, in the ninth
yeere of King IAMES of England, and of Scotland the foure and
fortieth, &c.
THe Company of the Inholders, having beene a Community or
Society of honest friendly men, by their often meeting and
conversing together, as in those dayes it was a matter much obser
ved: became to be incorporated in the sixth yeere of King Henry
the eighth, and so renued from time to time.
THe Company of Founders, no doubt of antiquity and long
continuance in Brotherhood and Fellowship together, were
incorporated the eighteenth day of September, in the
twelfth yeere of the Reigne of King IAMES.
THe Company of the Embroiderers can make appeare by their
worthy and famous pieces of Art, that they have beene of
ancient use and eminence, as is to be seene in divers places at this
day: but for the matter of their incorporating, it hath relation to
the fourth yeere of Queene Elizabeth, &c.
THe Company of the Poulters were incorporated in the nine
teenth yeere of King Henry the seventh, the three and twen
tieth day of Ianuary, and renued againe in the thirtieth yeere of
the Reigne of Queene Elizabeth, February the two and twentieth.
THe Company of the Cookes, having beene a Fellowship or
Brotherhood of antiquity, became to be incorporated in the
twelfth yeere of the Reigne of King Edward the fourth, the ele
venth day of Iuly: re-confirmed againe by Queene Elizabeth: and
afterward by King Iames, in the thirteenth yeere of his Reigne,
May the nineteenth day.
THe Company of the Coopers, became to bee incorporated in
the sixteenth yeere of the Reigne of King Henry the seventh,
by the name of Master, Wardens, or Keepers of the Commi
nalty of the Freemen of the mystery of Coopers in London, and the
Suburbes of the same City.
THe Company of Tylers and Brick-layers, or Brick-layers and
Tylers, notwithstanding their antiquity, were first incorpo
rated in the tenth yeere of the Reigne of Queene Elizabeth,
and confirmed againe in the second yeere of the Reigne of King
Iames.
THe Company of Bowyers, in regard that the use of the long
Bow hath added no meane honour to this Realme of
England, making it famous in farre remote nations: they may
well stand on a great priviledge of antiquity, yet their incorpora
ting speakes but of the one and twentieth yeere of the Reigne of
King Iames.
ALthough there is small reason of sundering Bowes from Ar
rowes, or Arrowes from Bowes, yet because they have divi
ded themselves into two severall Companies, let the fault be on
their owne heads: for as I finde them, so I leave them.
THe Company of Smithes, or Black-Smithes, by which title you
please to tearme them, being a very ancient Brotherhood or
Fraternity of the City of London, were first incorporated by Queene
Elizabeth, in the twentieth yeere of her Reigne, their Charter
bearing date the fifteenth of Aprill, &c. Afterward it was re
confirmed by King Iames, in the second yeere of his Reigne, the
one and twentieth day of March.
THe Company of the Ioyners, called also Ioyners and Seelers,
of ancient standing, and reputed to be a loving Society, were
incorporated by Queene Elizabeth, in the thirteenth yeere of
her Reigne.
THe Company of the Plaisterers, of larger antiquity then lea
sure will admit to be delivered, of good and mutuall agree
ment among themselves, like affable and loving Brethren,
were incorporated in the time of King Henry the sevent, &c.
THe Company of Weavers (not meaning them which are now
called Silke-Weavers) were of very ancient note indeed; as ha
ving three severall Societies of themselves, the Woollen-Cloth-Weavers, the Arras-Weavers, and the Linnen-Weavers: all which I re
ferre to a further relation.
THe Company of the Fruiterers, being a very ancient Brother
hood, and of long continuance, became to be first incorporated
in the third yeere of the Reigne of King Iames, &c.
THe Company of the Scriveners, an ancient and long conti
nued Society, were incorporated the eight and twentieth
day of Ianuary, in the fourteenth yeere of the Reigne of our
Soveraigne Lord, King Iames.
AS for Bottle-makers and Horne-makers, the precedent times
have remembred them to be of Antiquity, and two distinct
Companies combined in one: But I finde no Record that
they were at any time incorporated.
THe Company of the Stationers, of great antiquity, before the
famous Art of Printing was invented or brought hither, as
(for the most part) their then dwelling in Pater-noster Row, and
the adjoyning parts can testifie. Their Charter of incorporation
was granted the fourth day of May, in the third and fourth yeeres
of King Philip and Queene Mary.
THe Company called by the name of Marblers, for their excel
lent knowledge and skill in the Art of Insulpting personages
for Tombes, Grave-stones, and Monuments in Churches, and else
where in Religious places: their antiquity and what respect they
have carried, is unknowne to me; nor can I finde them to bee in
corporated, but hold some friendship with the Masons, and are
thought to be esteemed among them in Fellowship.
THe Company of Wooll-packers I know not what to say of
them, because it seemes that there were such men in the
Haunse dayes, when the Wooll-Staple flourished, and that
our Wooll-Merchants had their eminency. Further, I cannot
speake of them, but leave them and their Armes to your consi
deration.
THe Company of the Farriers. My relation concerning them,
must needs be answerable to their owne allegation. Henry de
Ferraris, or Ferrers, a Norman borne, came over with William the Conquerour, who gave vnto the said Henry de Ferraris (as
being his Farrier, or Master of his horse) the Honor of Tutbury,
in the County of Stafford, which was the first Honor given to the
Ferrars in England.
THe Company of the Paviours, no doubt have beene a Com
pany of antiquity, and maintained a Community or Brother
hood among themselves; but for incorporation, no Record doth
testifie it to me, and therefore I have the lesse to say of them.
THe Company of the Lorinors, or Lorimers, which they please
to accept, I have received a note from themselves, that the se
cond day of October, and fourth yeere of King Henry the se
venth, the Wardens of the Art of Lorimers came into the Court of
our Lord the King, in the Chamber of Guild-hall, in the City of
London, before Sir William Horne Knight, then Lord Maior, and
Aldermen of the said City, preferring then and there a Bill or Sup
plication to the Maior and Aldermen. And this is all that I can
finde remembred of them.
THe Company of the Brown-Bakers, a Society of long stand
ing and continuance, prevailed to have their incorporating
granted the ninth day of Iune, in the nineteenth yeere of the
Reigne of our Soveraigne Lord King Iames.
THe Company of the Wood-mongers, being a very ancient Fel
lowship, and of good and amiable agreement together for
long time, became to be incorporated the nine and twentieth
day of August, in the third yeere of the Reigne of our Soveraigne
Lord King Iames.
THe Company of the Vpholsters, or Vpholders, were in elder
times of good reckoning and esteeme, and had a Brother
hood or Fellowship among themselves, but concerning
their incorporating I finde it not recorded.
THe Company of the Turners had long continued a loving
Fellowship or Brotherhood among themselves, to the good
president and example of others: they became incorporated
in the second yeere of King Iames.
THe Company called of the Glasiers, have beene a Society of
ancient memory, and maintained a league of Brotherly affe
ction together; but because I am able to say nothing of their in
corporating, I am the more willing to passe them over.
THe Company of the Clearkes, commonly tearmed Parish-Clearkes,
I finde to bee very ancient in continuance, and stand
registred in the Bookes of Guild-hall; they became first to bee in
corporated in the seventeenth yeere of King Henry the third, and
followed on still in all the Princes Reignes, to the ninth yeere of
our Soveraigne Lord King Iames.
THe Company of the Watermen, that have their maintenance by rowing
in Boats on the River of Thames, being a Brotherhood under the power
and command of the Lord Maior of London, I leave them for this time.
THe Company of the Apothecaries, that have divided themselves from
the Ancient Society of Grocers, grew so highly favoured by our Sove
raigne Lord, King Iames, that (as I have heard) he called them his Com
pany; and granted them order for incorporation the sixth day of December, in
the fifteenth yeere of his Highnesse Reigne.
THis Company of Silke-throwers, having gained their Trade of Silke-throwing
from the Strangers, since Anno quinto of Queene Elizabeth, and
being for the most part Free men of this City, were made a Fellowship
of this City 4. die Iunii, Anno 19. of King Iames, Sir Francis Iones, Knight, be
ing then Lord Maior. And 23. die Aprilis Anne quinte Caroli Regis, they were in
corporated by the name of the Master, Wardens, Assistants and Commonalty
of the Trade, Art, or Mystery of Silke-throwers of the City of London.
DOMINE DIRIGE NOS
THus our most Noble, Ancient, and famous Mother,
LONDON, (the Queene or Empresse of all Cities in this
West part of the World) having, like an Amazonian Virago,
led forth her warlike City-Sonnes into their Fields of Honour,
without her Walls, to take an ample view of her Armes, Furni
ture, and other warlike Embellishments, such as beseemed their
worth, and her dignity; like a valiant Captaine, that takes it
to be his honour, of abiding last in the field, and marshalling them
home before her into her walled City, followes after them her
selfe, in her owne Armes and brave Accoutrements.
THere are in this City (according to the number
of the Wards) six and twenty Aldermen: wher
of, yeerely on the Feast of Saint Michael the Arch-angell,
one of those Aldermen is elected to bee Maior
for the yeere following: He is to begin and take place on
the eight and twentieth day of October then next fol
lowing. The other Aldermen his Brethren are to him
Assistants in Councels and Courts, &c.
As the Wards are formerly set downe, according to the order of their
beginning Eastward: so I thought it fet to set downe those Aldermens names
that have the instant government and direction of them: wherein let no ex
ception be taken, although Aldermen (not knighted) are named as their
Wards successively follow, because this observation is done but onely for or
ders sake.
Thus these Wards have (from time to time) held, and still doe
their severall Aldermen, till either death, or occasion of remove,
do make an alteration of them in their Aldermen. As for an ex
ample, since the last Impression of this Booke, which is with
in the compasse of fifteene yeeres, of all the Aldermen that
then were living, there remaine no more then three at this
instant.
MOre, there is a Recorder of London, a grave and learned
Lawyer, skilfull in the Customes of this City, also assistant
to the Lord Maior: hee taketh place in Councels and in Courts
before any man that hath not beene Maior, and learnedly delive
reth the Sentences of the whole Court.
THe Sheriffes of London (of old time) chosen out of the Com
minalty, Commoners, and oftentimes never came to bee
Aldermen; as many Aldermen were never Sheriffes, and yet
advanced to be Maiors. But of later time, (by occasion) the She
riffes have beene made Aldermen, before, or presently after their
Election.
Nicholas Faringdon was never Sheriffe, yet foure times Maior of
this City, and so of other; which reprooveth a by-word, Such a one
will be Maior, before he be Sheriffe, &c.
MAster Chamberlain of London,
Master Common Sergeant.
Master Town-Clarke, or Com
mon Clarke.
The Coroner of London.
Whereof nine of these have Live
ries of the L. Maior, viz. The Sword-bearer
and his man, the three Carvers,
and the foure Yeomen of the Water-side.
All the rest have their Liveries
from the Chamber of London.
Thus farre after my notes delivered
by an Officer of the Lord Maiors house,
but unperfect: for I remember a Crow
ner, an Vnder-Chamberlaine, and foure
Clarkes of the Maiors Court, and
others.
MAster Sword-bearer, to waite
dayly.
Master Common Hunt, to
wait Mundaies, Wednesdays, Fry
dayes and Saturdayes.
Master Common Crier, to wait
Tuesdayes, Thursdayes, Frydayes, and
Saturdayes.
Master Water-Bayliffe, to wait Mun
dayes, Tuesdayes, Wednesdayes and
Thursdayes.
The three Sergeant Carvers, to wait
weekly, all excuses set apart.
The three Sergeants of the Cham
ber likewise, to wait weekely, without
any excuse.
The Sergeant of the Chanell, to wait
dayly.
The two Yeomen of the Chamber,
one of them to wait dayly at dinner, to
Vsher the Hall.
The foure Yeomen of the Waters
side, two of them to wait weekely, and
not to be absent.
The Yeomen of the Chanell, to wait
dayly.
The Vnder-Water-Bayliffe, to wait
on Holydayes and Court dayes, if hee
goe not up the River.
The six young men, to wait dayly.
The three Meale-Weighers, to wait
on Holydayes, and Court dayes.
The two Yeomen of the Wood-Wharfe,
to wait on generall dayes.
The Forraigne-Taker, to wait like
wise on generall dayes.
THe Sheriffes of London, in the
yeere 1471. were appointed each
of them to have sixteene Ser
Temporall Government.
every Sergeant to have his Yeo
man. And six Clarkes, to wit, a Se
condary, a Clarke of the Papers, and
foure other Clarkes, besides the Vnder-Sheriffes
Clarkes, their Stewards, But
lers, Porters, and other in houshold
many.
TO follow president of former
time, the Clarks of Companies
were to enquire for them of
their Companies, that would have the
Maiors Livery, their money (as a be
nevolence given) which must be twen
ty shillings at the least put in a purse,
with their names that gave it, and the
Wardens to deliver it to the Maior by
the first of December. For the which,
every man had then sent him foure
yards of broad Cloth, rowed or stri
ped thwart with a different colour, to
make him a Gowne, and these were
called Rey Gownes, which was then
the Livery of the Maior, and also of the
Sheriffes; but each differing from others
in the colours.
Of older times I read, that the Offi
cers of this City ware Gownes of party
colours, as the right side of one colour,
and the left side of another: as for ex
ample; I reade in Bookes of accounts in
the Guild-Hall, that in the nineteenth
yeere of Henry the sixth, there was
bought for an Officers Gown two yards
of Cloth, coloured Mustard-villars (a
colour now out of use) and two yards
of Cloth coloured blue, price two shil
lings the yard, in all eight shillings.
More, payed to Iohn Pope, Draper, for
two Gowne clothes, eight yards of two
colours eux ambo deux de Rouge (or red)
Medley Brune and Porre (or Purple) co
lour, price, the yard two shillings.
These Gownes were for Piers Rider, and
Iohn Buckles, Clarkes of the Chamber.
More, I reade, that in the yeere 1516.
in the 7. of Henry the 8. it was agreed
by a Common Councell in the Guild-Hall,
that the Sheriffes of London should
(as they had beene accustomed) give
yeerely Reyed Gownes to the Recor
der, Chamberlaine, Common Serge
ant, and Common Clarke, the Sword-bearer,
Common Hunt, Water-Bayly,
Common Cryer, like as to their owne
Officers, &c.
1525. More, in the sixteenth of Henry the eighth, Sir William Bayly then
being Maior, made a request, for that
clothes of Ray (as hee alleaged) were
evill wrought, his Officers might bee
permitted (contrary to custome) for
that yeere to weare Gownes of one co
lour, to the which (in a common Coun
cell) one answered and said, Yea, it
might be permitted: and no man said
nay, and so it passed. Thus much for
party-coloured, and Ray Gownes have
I read. But for benevolence to the
Maior, I finde that of later time, each
man giving forty shillings towards his
charges, received foure yards of broad
Cloth to make him a Gowne: for Sir
Thomas White performed it in the first
yeere of Queene Mary, but Sir Thomas Lodge gave (in stead of foure yards
of broad Cloth) three yards of Satten
to make them Dubblets, and since that,
the three yards of Satten is now tur
ned into a silver Spoone, and so it hath
held.
THe Lord Maior and the Alder
men (with the Sheriffes) meet
at the Guild-Hall,
at eight of
the clocke in the morning, apparelled
in their violet coloured Gownes lined,
and their Cloakes of Scarlet lined, but
without their horses.
Temporall Government.
And when they have beene together
in the Councell Chamber a certaine
time, concerning the nomination of
certaine persons to bee elected: the
Lord Maior and the Aldermen come
forth, and put on their Cloakes in the
Orphanes Court, and then goe downe
in order to the Hustings Court, where
being set, Master Recorder ariseth, and
standing forth before the Bench and
Companies, for the same cause there
assembled; having done his obeisance
first to the Court, and then to them all:
he declareth unto them, the reason why
they are thus there assembled together:
Shewing unto them, that it is for the e
lection of one of the Sheriffs of London,
and the Sheriffe of Middlesex for the
yeere next ensuing: As also the confir
mation of the other Sheriffe, nomina
ted by the Lord Maior according to his
prerogative. Then afterward, is the
choice and election of Master Cham
berlaine of London, and of other Offi
cers.
But first, the Lord Maior and Alder
men go up into the Lord Maiors Court,
and there remaine, untill the Sheriffe
be named and chosen, the doore being
fast shut to them all the while.
Then the Sheriffes, Master Cham
berlaine, Master Common Sergeant,
Master Towne-Clarke, and the Coun
cellors of the City, and other Officers,
continue still in the Hustings Court, to
take and receive the name of him, that
shall seeme (by their judgements) free
ly, and without consent to be nomina
ted and elected, and justly tryed out,
not only by voyce, but also by hands, to
be Sheriffe for the yeere following.
Then the Commons goe to the ele
ction of Master Chamberlaine; the
two Bridge-Masters; the Auditors of
the City and Bridge-house accounts;
and the Surveyors for Beere and Ale,
according to the accustomed manner.
That done, the Sheriffes, Master
Chamberlaine, Master Common Ser
geant, Master Towne-Clarke, the
Councellors of the City, the two Se
condaries of the Compters, and the
Wardens of the head or chiefe Com
panies (Master Common Cryer going
before them, bearing his Mace) thus
they carry up the report to the Lord
Maior and Aldermen, concerning what
they have done in their election.
Which report being received, the
Lord Maior and Aldermen came down
againe to the Hustings Court. And
there being in order set and placed,
Master Recorder standeth up againe, as
he did before, and maketh rehearsall of
the names of those persons, whom they
have nominated and chosen. Then hee
demandeth of them, whether it bee
their free election, yea or no? Which
they confirming to be their free choice,
Master Recorder giueth them thankes:
And so they arise, and all depart thence
home.
THE Aldermen meete the Lord
Maior and the Sheriffes at the
Guild-hall Chappell, at two
of the clocke after dinner, having on
their violet Gownes lined, and their
horses, but without their cloakes, and
there they heare Evening Prayer.
Which being done, they mount on
their horses, and riding to Newgate,
passe forth of the Gate. Then entring
into the Cloth-Fayre, there they make
a Proclamation, which Proclamation
being ended, they ride thorow the
Cloth-Fayre, and so returne backe a
gaine thorow the Church-yard of great
Saint Bartholomewes to Aldersgate: And
then ride home againe to the Lord Ma
iors House.
SO many Aldermen as doe dine
with the Lord Maior, and the
Sheriffes, are apparelled in their
Scarlet Gownes lined; and after din
ner, their horses are brought to them
where they dined. And those Alder
men which dine with the Sheriffes, ride
with them to the Lord Maiors house
for accompanying him to the Wrast
ling. When as the Wrastling is
Temporall Government.
done, they mount their horses, and ride
backe againe thorow the Fayre, and so
in at Aldersgate, and then home againe
to the Lord Maiors house.
The next day (if it be not Sunday) is
appointed for the Shooting, and the
service performed as upon Bartholomew
day: but if it bee Sunday, the Sabbath
day, it is referred to the Munday then
following.
THE Lord Maior and the She
riffes ride to S. Magnus Church
in their Scarlet Gownes lined,
without their cloaks, after dinner at two
of the clocke; and there the Aldermen
meet the L. Maior: when evening Pray
er is ended, they ride thorow the Faire,
till they come unto St. Georges Church,
and then ride further to Newington
Bridge, or to St. Thomas of Waterings
to the Stones that point out the Liber
ties of the City (if it bee so their plea
sures) and they then returne backe a
gaine unto the Bridge-house, where
they refresh themselves with a Ban
quet. Then returning over the Bridge,
the Aldermen take their leave of the
Lord Maior, and depart the next way
every one unto his own house. After all
this is done, & the Lord Maior brought
home: his Officers have a supper pro
vided for them by the Bridge-Masters.
WHat day soever it falleth
on, so many of the Alder
men as are bidden to din
ner at either of the Sheriffes houses,
come thither first to breakefast, or else
to drinke, at eight of the clocke in the
morning, in their violet coloured
Gownes furred, and their violet cloaks,
which are brought with them, without
their horses. But if the Sheriffe bee an
Alderman; then they must put on their
Cloakes, and the Sheriffe likewise his
Cloake: and so hee goes on to the
Guild-Hall, betweene two Aldermen
wearing their gray Cloakes. But if the
Sheriffe be no Alderman: then hee is
to come thither betweene two of the
Aldermen without Cloakes, and the
Sheriffe wearing his Livery Gowne
and Hood. After he is sworne, then he
is to put on his violet Gown and Cloak
and his Chaine thereon. All which be
ing done, the Aldermen are to bring
him home to his dwelling place to din
ner, wearing their cloakes: and after
dinner, they may take their plea
sure.
ALL the Aldermen meet the
Lord Maior and the Sheriffes, at
eight of the clocke in the mor
ning at the Guild-Hall, wearing their
Scarlet Gownes and Cloakes furred, ri
ding on their horses. And after they
have beene a certaine time together in
the Councell Chamber; they come
forth into the Orphans Court, where
putting on their Cloakes, they goe in
order to the Chappell, there to heare
Service and a Sermon: where also the
Lord Maior (with certaine Aldermen)
receive the Communion.
After that the Communion is ended,
and they have delivered their Offrings,
they returne backe into the Councell
Chamber, and pausing there a while,
they come to the place where the court
of Hustings is kept. Being there set in
Master Recorder ariseth up, and
making his obeisance first to the Lord
Maior, and after to the Commons, he
declareth unto them, that the manner
of this ancient custome is well knowne
unto them, as also the reason of their
aſſembly: and thus meeting together of
the ſeverall Companies in London,
which is, for the election of the Lord
Maior for the yeere ensuing: declaring
unto them divers grants from the Kings
Progenitors, for this their election from
time to time. That done, the Lord
Maior and the Aldermen goe up again
Temporall Government.
into the Lord Maiors Court: and there
remain (the doors fast shut unto them)
untill the election shall be brought un
to them.
Then standeth up Master Common
Sergeant, having the Sheriffes standing
on either side of him; and by the She
riffes, Master Chamberlaine, Master
Towne-Clarke, the two Secondaries of
the Compters, and the Councellors of
the Citty, in the said Hustings Court
before the Commons. At that time,
the said Common Sergeant maketh a
briefe rehearsall of those former presi
dents which Master Recorder had be
fore delivered to them, saying; There
remained no more now for him to say,
but onely to put them in remembrance
in what order and sort they should car
ry themselves in their election. As
namely, how they are to nominate and
chuse two: of the which two, the Lord
Maior and the Aldermen must confirm
one. Those two being nominated, e
lected and chosen; Master Common
Sergeant, the Sheriffes (with the rest
before-named) and certain of the prime
Wardens of the chiefe Companies, go
up to the Lord Maior and Aldermen,
and there present the names of those
two men, which the Commons have
nominated in their election.
Then the Lord Maior and the Al
dermen proceed by Scrutiny, to elect
one of those two persons, which the
said Commons had before nominated.
Then commeth downe the Lord Maior
againe to the Hustings Court, and hee
(whom they have chosen) goeth on his
left hand; and so the Lord Maior and
Aldermen sit downe againe in order.
But hee who is chosen, sitteth next unto
the Lord Maior on his left hand. Then
standeth up Master Recorder, and rea
deth unto them the names of such per
sons whom they have nominated and
chosen. Of which, the Lord Maior and
the Aldermen have admitted one,
whose name is N. demanding of them,
whether it be their free election, or no.
Then the Commons affirming it to bee
their free choice: the Sword-bearer
steppeth to him, and taketh off his Tip
pet, which he hath for his labour, and
putteth on his Chaine. And the Mai
or so lately elected, standing upon the
Hustings Court, given them thankes,
&c. which being done, the old Maior
doth likewise give them thankes, &c.
Then they arise up, putting off their
cloakes, and the Lord Maior hath the
Lord Elect riding with him, to the el
dest Sheriffes to dinner.
THen after dinner, the Lord E
lect goeth to the Lord Chancel
lor, if he be at home at his place
or neere unto it, attended with five or
sixe of the Aldermen, and Master Re
corder also with him, they wearing
their violet Gownes, passing either by
land or by water, according as fitteth
with conueniencie of the Lord Chan
cellors dwelling place. The Common
Hunt, with the extraordinary Officers,
and those that be at liberty, doe also at
tend on him.
ALL the Aldermen are to meet
at the two new Sheriffes houses
in the morning at eight of the
clocke, wearing their violet Gownes
furred, without their cloakes, yet ha
ving their horses there ready. But the
Lord Maior, Master Recorder, and the
two Sheriffes, must weare their Scarlet
Gownes furred, and their cloakes carri
ed with them to Westminster. First, they
ride to them Guild-Hall, and from thence
to the Vinetree, and there taking Barge,
land at Westminster-Bridge, and in the
Hall they put on their cloakes; then
goe they up into the Exchequer, where
the two new Sheriffs be presented, and
the old sworne to their account.
Then they put off their cloakes, and
take Barge, landing againe at the Vinetree, where they mount their horses.
And the Lord Maior rideth to the eldest
Temporall Government.
Sheriffes to dinner; Master Recorder
& the Sheriffes riding next to the Lord
Maior. The two Sheriffes carrying two
white rods in their hands, and their
Hench-men going after them.
THe old Lord Maior is to have so
many of the Aldermen, as are
appointed to dine with him
that day, come to his house by eight of
the clock in the morning, wearing their
violet Gownes furred, with their violet
cloakes furred, and their horses atten
ding. Then the Sheriffes come to fetch
him and them to the Guild-Hall, and
there abide in the Councell Chamber,
untill the comming of the new Lord
Maior, and the rest of the Aldermen,
with the Companies of either the
Lords old and new going before them.
After they haue continued in the
Councell Chamber a certaine space of
time, they come forth into the Or
phanes Court, where they put on their
furred cloakes, and then goe downe to
the Hustings Court, where being set in
order, the common Cryer maketh Pro
clamation, commanding every man to
keep silence.
Then Master Towne-Clarke giveth
the new elected Lord his Oath, which
when he hath taken, the old Lord Mai
or ariseth, and giveth the new Lord his
place, the old Lord sitting downe where
the new Lord was placed. Then Ma
ster Chamberlaine first delivereth to
him the Scepter, next the Keyes of the
common Seale; and lastly, the Seale of
the office of the Maioralty. Afterward,
Master Sword-bearer giveth him the
Sword. And then they arise, put off
their Cloakes, and the old Lord rideth
home with the new Lord to his place,
and there leaveth him, and so many of
the Aldermen as dine with him. The
old Lord (with the rest of the Alder
men) ride home to his house, the Sword
being carried before him. And so after
dinner, the Aldermen depart home at
their pleasure.
ALL the Aldermen and the She
riffes meet at the new Lords
house, by eight a clocke in the
morning, wearing their Scarlet Gowns
furred, and their Cloakes, and their
Horses there attending on them; from
thence they ride to the Guild-Hall, with
the Batchelers and Livery, as also the
Gentlemen Vshers of the new Lords
Company, going in decent order be
fore him.
But before this, the old Lord rideth
alone from his owne place to the Guild-Hall,
having no Officers to wait upon
him, except the Common Hunt, as a
Gentleman Vsher going before him,
and those Officers that are at liberty,
as also the Common Hunts man (with
his owne men following him) and so
he tarrieth at the Hall.
And after they be all come together,
they mount on their horses, riding on
to the Vine-tree, where they take Barge
to Westminster Bridge, where when they
are landed, the Lord Maior and Al
dermen put on their Cloakes within
the Palace, and then goe round about
the Hall, where they performe many
courtefies, going vp afterward into the
the Exchequer Chamber to be sworne.
When the Oath is taken in the Exche
quer, they returne downe againe, and
goe first to the Kings Bench, then to
the Common-Pleas, and so putting off
their Cloakes, walke about the Kings
Tombes in Westminster Abbey, and then
returne to take Barge againe.
Being landed at London,
all the seve
rall Companies of the City, who had
honoured him in their Barges to Westminster and backe againe, doe likewise
performe their attending service, as he
(with the Aldermen) ride on to the
Guild-Hall to dinner. Full well may
this be called a Feast, and ranked next
in Honour to Saint Georges Feast: For
the Honourable Lords of his Highnesse
Privie Councell, other Lords, Barons,
Temporall Government.
Iudges, Ladies, Gentlemen, and Gen
tlewomen, with forraigne Ambassadors
and Strangers, dine there as invited
Guests. And therefore it is desertfully
termed,
The Lord Maiors Feast.
At their comming into the Hall, the
new Lord Maior, with two of the anci
entest Aldermen, Master Recorder, and
the Sheriffes, goe vp to the Lords Ta
ble to bid them welcome, as they doe
the like to all the other guests, Lords,
Ladies, and other. From thence they
goe to the Lady Maioresse her Table,
the Gentlewomens, and the Iudges;
and then the said new Lord Maior (and
they with him) goe into the Chamber
laines Office, where he dineth. Con
cerning the old Lord Maior, so soone
as they come into the Hall, hee goeth
vp to the high Table in the Hustings,
and there keepeth the State for that
Feast. When the Hall is served with
the seconds, then the new Lord Maior
goeth with Master Recorder, and those
Aldermen that dined with him, to bid
the old Lord, and all the Companies
or Guests in the Hall welcome.
Then after dinner he rideth with the
Aldermen to Pauls,
the Companies
waiting, and standing in their due pla
ces for his comming.
ALL the Aldermen and the She
riffes come to the Lord Maiors
house, in their Scarlet Gownes
furred, and their Cloakes, as also their
Horses brought thither with them.
From thence they ride to the Guild-Hall,
the Company belonging to the
Lord Maior, and the band of Batche
lers, with their Gentlemen Vshers wal
king orderly before him; and there
they heare Evening Prayer. When
Prayer is ended, then they ride thence
to Pauls Church, where both the new
Lord Maior and the old put on their
Cloakes, and goe vp into the Quire,
where they sit to heare the Sermon.
Which being done, they walke about
the Church, and put off their Cloakes
where they did put them on. Then
they mount on their Horses againe, and
the Aldermen, with the Companies
and Batchelours bring the Lord Maior
home to his house: where they have
Spice-bread and Hypocrasse, and so
take leave of the Lord Maior. Here is
further to be vnderstood, that All-Saints
day is the last day of the old Lords ri
ding with the new in this manner.
THe Lord Maior, and every Al
derman likewise, is to sit in the
Ward belonging to him, about
such businesse as is then necessarily re
quired to be done. Each of them is to
weare his Violet Gowne and Cloake
furred.
FOr the Christmas holydayes, vntill
Twelfe day, if the Lord Maior and
Aldermen go abroad to any pub
like meeting, they are to weare Scar
let. But on the working dayes, with
in compasse of the Twelve dayes, if the
Lord Maior goe to the Guild-Hall, Mar
kets, or Streets, then he and they weare
blacke.
VPon Innocents day, the Alder
men dine at the Lord Maiors
and the Sheriffes, wearing
Scarlet: but the Ladies weare blacke.
THe Lord Maior and the Alder
men meet at the Guild-Hall by
eight of the clocke in the mor
ning, wearing their furred Scarlet
Gownes, and their furred Cloakes,
Temporall Government.
but using no Horses. Then and there
they receive of their severall Wards,
their sealed Indentures of the Ward
mote Enquests: And take the Oathes
of the Constables and Scavengers.
THe Lord Maior and the Alder
men meet at Pauls Crosse at
one of the clocke in the after
noone, to heare the Sermon for that
day appointed: they then wearing their
Pewke Gownes, and without their
Chaines and Tippets.
ALL the Aldermen and Sheriffs
come unto the Lord Maiors
dwelling house, before eight of
the clock in the morning, to breakfast,
wearing their Scarlet Gownes furred,
and their cloakes, as also their horses
attending. When breakefast is en
ded, they mount on their horses, and
ride to the Spittle, the Sword and
Mace borne before the Lord Maior. Be
ing come thither, there they put on
their Cloakes, and then sit downe in or
der to heare the Sermon. Which be
ing done, they ride thence homeward in
due order, till they come to the Pumpe
within Bishopsgate; and there, so ma
ny of the Aldermen as doe dine with
the Sheriffes, take their leave of the
Lord Maior, and the rest go home with
him.
LIke as before on the other two
dayes: onely reserved, that the
Lord Maior and the Aldermen
must then weare their violet Gownes,
and sutable Cloakes: But the Ladies
(on the two former daies) wearing
their Scarlet, on this day are attired in
blacke.
ALL the Aldermen meete the
Lord Maior and the Sheriffes at
Pauls Schoole, wearing their
Scarlet Gownes furred (yet without
their Cloakes or horses) and there stay
to heare the Sermon.
VPon Whitsunday, all the Al
dermen use to meet the Lord
Maior and the Sheriffes at the
new Church-yard by Moore-fields:
wearing their Scarlet Gownes lined,
without Cloakes, to heare the Sermon
there appointed for that day, which be
ing ended, they depart thence againe.
ALL the Aldermen are to meete
the Lord Maior and the Sheriffs
at Pauls;
wearing their Scarlet
Gownes, without Cloakes, to heare the
Sermon at the Crosse.
ALL the Aldermen doe meet the
Lord Maior, either at the three
Cranes (if the King then bee at
Westminster) or at Saint Mary Hill (if
the King be then at Greenewitch) by se
ven of the clocke in the morning; wea
ring their Scarlet Gownes; and their
Cloakes carryed with them. After
morning Prayer is ended, they take
Barge to the King his place, and there
they give attendance, untill that the
Ceremony bee finished: and then re
turne home with the Lord Maior to
dinner.
ALL the Aldermen doe meet the
Lord Maior and the Sheriffes
at Pauls,
wearing their Scarlet
Gownes, either furred or lined, accor
ding as the time of the yeere requireth:
but without Cloakes or Horses, when
the Terme beginneth.
ALL the Aldermen doe meet the
Lord Maior and the Sheriffes at
Guild-Hall,
by nine of the clocke
in the morning, wearing their Violet
Gownes and their Cloakes, either fur
red or lined, according as the time of
the yeere requireth when they are to be
chosen, and they sit in the Hustings
Court, vntill the Commons doe make
choice of them. The order hath beene
observed, that they chuse Master Re
corder for one of their Knights, and one
Gray Cloake for the other, and two
Commoners for the Burgesses: which
being done, they depart thence.
WHen the Lords and Com
missioners come downe
for assesment of the Sub
sidies, the Lord Maior and the Alder
men doe weare their blacke Gownes, as
they use at other times. And the Com
missioners are to be warned by the Of
ficers, which doe belong to both the
Sheriffes.
THe Lord Maior and the Alder
men, wearing their violet Gowns
without their Cloakes, being
seated in the Hustings Court, doe there
continue their sitting, and not remove
thence, untill such time as the Election
bee made.
ALL the Aldermen doe meet the
Lord Maior and the Sheriffes at
the three Cranes in the Vinetree,
according to the houre of their sum
mons appointed. The Lord Maior (for
that time of service & attendance) wea
reth a Crimosin Velvet Gowne, a Col
ler of Esses and Scepter, but no Cloake.
The Aldermen weare their Scarlet
Gownes, and their Cloaks carried with
them, either furred or lined, according
as the season of the yeere requireth.
There taking Barge, they land at Westminster, and there they give attendance
in the Exchequer Chamber (being ser
ved with Cakes and Wine) vntill they
be called by the Heraulds: and then
they put on their Cloakes.
FRom Michaelmas to Whitson
tide, Violet furred: and from
Whitsontide to Michaelmas,
Scarlet lined.
The Lord Maior, and those Knights
that have borne the office of the Maio
Temporall Government.
ought to have their Cloakes fur
red with Gray Amis. And those Al
dermen that have not beene Maiors,
are to have their Cloakes furred with
Calabre.
And likewise, such as have been Mai
ors, are to have their Cloaks lined with
changeable Taffata: and the rest are to
have their Cloakes lined with greene
Taffata.
THe first day of every Quarter
Sessions (in the forenoone only)
the Lord Maior and the She
riffes weare their violet Gownes and
Cloakes furred. But at Midsummer
Quarter Sessions, the first day, they
weare Violet Gownes and Scarlet
Cloakes: and on the other dayes Black.
THe Aldermen are to weare their
Violet Gownes, except such as
have (of their friends allowance)
blacke Gownes, or mourning. When
an Alderman dieth, Master Sword
bearer is to have a blacke Gowne, or
three and thirty shillings and foure
pence in money. And if the Alder
man deceased doe give the Lord Mai
or mourning, then Master Sword-bea
rer is to have mourning also, or forty
shillings in money, as the value there
of, and so to carry the Sword in blacke
before the Lord Maior.
Master Chamberlaine is not to weare
his Tipper, but when the Lord Maior
or Aldermen doe weare their Scarlet
or Violet.
FOr the Nomination of an Alder
man, the Lord Maior weareth his
black Gowne, and violet Cloake,
and both the Sheriffes their blacke
Gownes.
THe Lord Maior and the Alder
men doe meet at the Guild-Hall,
wearing their Violet Gownes
without Cloakes: but the Lord Maior
ought to weare his Cloake. The Com
mon Cryer is the Warner of this Court.
AD Commune Concilium, ten
tum in Guildhaldia Civitatis
Londini, xiij. die Octob. Anno
Regni Edvardi sexti, Dei gratia An
gliae, Franciae, & Hiberniae Regis, fidei
defensoris, & in terra Ecclesiae An
glicanae, & Hibernicae supremi capitis,
quinto: coram Andrea Iudde Mi
lite, tunc Maiore, & Aldermannis
Civitatis illius, ordinata sunt inter
alia, inactitata, concessa & stabilita,
omnia & singula subsequentia.
FOr as much as the City of London
is of late yeeres sore decayed, and
dayly is like to decay more and
more: A great cause and occasion wher
of, among other, hath beene, for that
freemens children (Orphans of the said
City) sometimes in the lives of their
Parents, and sometimes after their de
ceases, being left wealthy and rich, doe
bestow themselves in ungodly Marria
ges, for the most part in their young
age, at their owne wills and pleasures,
without the consent, and against the
mindes of their friends, saying and af
firming, that the Law and Custome of
the said City giveth unto them their
portions, whether they marry by the
assent of their friends or not, and so doe
dayly cast away and undoe themselves,
in trust to have their said Portions,
Temporall Government.
whether their parents or friends will or
will not.
And thereby doe they bestow them
selves upon simple and light persons,
having neither cunning, knowledge,
substance, nor good or honest conditi
ons. By reason whereof, such Orphans,
inordinately, and insolently, doe spend
and consume their patrimony and por
tions in short time, not onely to the un
doing of themselves, and to the great
ignomy and shame of their friends, but
also to the great slander of the Lord
Maior and Aldermen of this City (who
been reputed and taken as Fathers and
Protectors of the same Orphanes) and
to the great losse and hindrance of the
said City.
And for as much as the said Lord
Maior and Citizens, have by their
lawes, and customes, power and autho
rity to make lawes and ordinances, by
their Common Councel, for redresse of
the same:
It is therefore now (to the intent to
reduce the same to a more godly, more
profitable and decent order and confor
mity) by the said Lord Maior, & Com
minalty, and Citizens, in this present
Common Councell assembled, and by
authority of the said Common Coun
cell, enacted, ordained, authorized, and
established for a law perpetually to bee
observed and kept within the said Ci
ty: That if any Orphane, or child of any
free man or free woman of the said Ci
ty, doe offend in any the things hereaf
ter expressed, and bee thereof lawfully
convicted, afore the Lord Maior and
the Aldermen or else where, that then
they and every of them, shall to all en
tents, purposes, constructions and mea
nings, be unabled and barred to demand
and claime their portion or portions,
and also shall lose and forgoe and bee
barred for euer, of all and every his, her
or their part or parts, and portions to
him or them belonging, by and after
the death of his or their said father or
mother, of the goods and cattals, of e
very such father and mother, by reason
of any law, custome, ordinance, usage,
franches, priviledge, act of Common
Councell, or other thing, heretofore had
or used, within the said City: The same
Law, Custome, Ordinance, or other
thing whatsoe’re, heretofore had, made,
ordained, allowed, and put in ure, to
the contrary in any wise notwithstan
ding. That is to wit: First, if any man
child, or woman-child, shall maliciously
goe about or attempt to doe, or cause
to be done, any bodily harme, death, or
destruction to his or their Father or
Mother: Or if any man-child doe here
after marry or contract marriage in the
life of his father or mother (by whom
he will claime any portion) under the
age of one and twenty yeeres, without
the consent of his said Father, or Mo
ther, by whom he will claime any por
tion: Or if any woman-child doe here
after marry or contract marriage, in the
life of her father, or other parent, by
whom she shall claime any portion, be
fore the age of eighteene yeeres, with
out the consent of her father, or such o
ther parent by whom shee shall or may
claime any portion: Or if any man-child
be a Theefe, or a Fellon, or a com
mon whore-hanter; a common Diser, or
a common player at unlawfull games
notoriously known: Or if any woman
child shal hereafter commit any whore
dome, or bee a common Picker, that
then every of the persons so offending,
shall be barred and excluded to have, or
demand any portion.
Provided alwaies, that it shall bee
lawfull for the father, or mother of any
such child, or children, to give and be
queath in Legacy, to such child or chil
dren, as much as the portion of such
childe so offending shall amount unto,
by the custome of the said City, & then
such child therby to be enabled to have
and demand the same, as portion, this
Act notwithstanding, so that the same
Legacy bee contained in his or their re
stament in writing, and not otherwise.
And that then, and from thenceforth
his said child or children, to be admit
ted and restored to claime such legacy,
or legacies, in such sort, manner and
forme, as if there had beene never any
such offence done, or committed by any
such childe.
Item, it is further ordained, enacted,
authorized and established, by the au
thority aforesaid, that if any woman
child, being an Orphane, and under the
age of one and twenty yeeres, at any
Temporall Government.
time hereafter, after the death of her
Father, doe ensure or contract her selfe
in marriage, or else according to the Ec
clesiasticall lawes of this Realme, doe
perfitly solemnize or consummate Mar
riage, with any free man of this City,
the consent and agreement of the Lord
Maior and Aldermen of this said City
of London for the time being, not obtai
ned and had, that then for every such
default and offence committed or done
by any Orphane, or Orphanes, of the
said City, the same being confessed, or
sufficiently proved by two witnesses;
or otherwise before the said Lord Maior
and Aldermen of this said City of London, for the time being, at and in a
Court of Aldermen, she or they that so
happen to behave her or themselves, as
is aforesaid, shall forfeit, forgoe and
lose two pence of and for every pound,
so due or to bee due unto her, or them,
by reason of any such Orphanage, the
summe of twelve pence of every pound,
to goe, or to be to the use of the Cham
ber of the said City, according to the
ancient custome before this time, in such
case used.
And if the said contract or marriage
of the said Orphane or Orphanes, bee
made with any forreine, not being free
of this City, at the time of any such
contract or marriage made, that then
the said Orphan or Orphans, and every
of them shall forfeit and lose three shil
lings of every pound, or to be due unto
her or them, by vertue of any Orpha
nage or custome had and used within
the said City.
The one shilling of the said three
shillings of every pound, to goe, or to
be, to the use of the Chamber of the
said City, in such manner and forme as
is aforesaid.
And the other two shillings so for
feited of every pound, to goe to the use
of such other Orphane, or Orphanes, as
then shall remaine unmarried. Or else
for default of such Orphans, or Orphan,
to remaine to the next of the kindred of
the Orphane so offending.
Also, be it further ordained, enacted,
and established by authority aforesaid,
for, & in eschewing of divers variances,
contentions, and suits, that daily here
tofore have, and hereafter may ensue:
that if any free mans child, man or wo
man fortune to bee married hereafter,
in the life time of his, or their father,
by his consent, and not fully advanced
of, and to his, or her full part, or porti
on of his or her said Fathers goods, as
he shall be worth at the time of his de
cease, according to the ancient lawes
and customes of this said City: that
then every such free mans child, so be
ing married in the life time of his, or
her Father, shall bee to all intents and
purposes, disabled to demand any fur
ther part or portion of his or her fathers
goods, after the decease of his, or her
father, but shall be adjudged, reputed,
and taken to be fully advanced, accor
ding as the law and custome of this Ci
ty hath beene long time out of minde,
except his or her said father doe men
tion certainely in his last Will or Testa
ment, or by other writing signed with
his owne proper name, or marke the
certainety of the summe or summes of
money, goods and cattels, and the va
lue of them that the Father gave, pay
ed or departed withall, or otherwise as
sured, or hereafter shall give, pay, depart
withall, or otherwise make assurance of
unto him, or her, before, at or after the
marriage of him or her, or otherwise in
his life time, for and towards their ad
vancements, in the name of his, or her
part, or portion.
And then every such Orphane, or
child, which after the decease of his or
her said father, can bring forth the said
Testament, or other writing signed or
marked with the fathers hand or mark,
wherein the certainety of such money,
goods, or cattels, as they have or shall
have received of their said Father, or by
the same Father, assured by especialty,
or otherwise, shall have asmuch of the
ready money, goods, cattels, and debts
of the said Father, as (with that which
he or they shall have received towards
their advancements, in the life of their
said Father) shall make up a full childs
part, of his goods and cattels, as he shall
bee worth at the time of his decease.
The same to be demanded, asked, and
claimed, or sued for against the execu
tor, or executors, administrator, or ad
ministrators, of the goods, and cattels
of the said Father, by bill Originall, to
Temporall Government.
be commenced to our Soveraigne Lord
the Kings Court, holden in the vtter
Chamber of the Guild-Hall of the said
City, before the said L. Maior and Al
dermen of the same City for the time
being, any Law or Custome heretofore
made or used to the contrary notwith
standing. In which action, no wager of
Law, or Essoine, shall bee admitted or
allowed.
Provided alway, and it is further en
acted, that if any freee mans sonne, be
ing of full age (which shall hereafter
be married with the consent of his Fa
ther, or any other person, being of full
age, which shall hereafter marry any
free mans daughter) doe at the time of
the Espousals, or any time after, con
fesse themselves by writing fully satis
fied, of his or their portion, or doe
otherwise acquit and discharge the Fa
ther of such free mans sonnes or daugh
ters, of all their part and portion due,
or to be due, by the Law and Custome
of the City; that then every such per
son, so confessing, acquitting, or other
wise discharging, shall be reputed and
taken as fully advanced of his or their
whole part or portion, and shall not be
enabled to demand any further or grea
ter part of the substance, goods, and
cattels of his or her Father: this Law,
or any other Law or Custome hereto
fore had, made, or used to the contrary
notwithstanding.
And further, for as much as it is
thought very prejudiciall and hurtfull
to the fatherlesse children & Orphans,
when the mother, or mother in Law,
being Executrix of the last Will and
Testament of her late husband, by
whom, and after whose death, the Or
phanes are intituled to an Orphanage,
(according to the said laudable Cu
stomes of this City) doe divers times
marry, or contract Matrimony, some
with Forriners, and persons unknowne,
and some with Free men, or ever a just
Inventory of the Goods, Cattels, Plate,
Iewels, ready Money of the Testators,
be by them brought in: By reason wher
of, many times they (either for feare or
affection of their husbands, or for some
other sinister cause) doe bring in very
suspicious Inventories, omitting there
in either ready Money, Plate, Iewels,
or Debts, or some other thing or things,
whereby some benefit should redound
to the fatherlesse children, to the great
losse and hinderance of the Orphanes,
and sometimes slander to the Lord
Maior and Aldermen of the City, not
withstanding their great care and tra
vaile that they take for the good orde
ring, and true answering of the said
Orphanes:
It is therefore, by like authority, or
dained, established, and enacted, that
if after the first day of November next
ensuing, any Widow, which is, or shall
be made Executrix of the Testament &
last Will of her late Husband (being a
free man) or shall take upon her the ad
ministration of the Goods and Cattels
of her late Husband (being a free man)
doe not upon her Oath bring in and
exhibit, or cause to be brought in and
exhibited before the Lord Maior and
Aldermen of this said City for the time
being, at and in a Court of Aldermen,
a just and perfect Inventory (to their
knowledge) of all the Goods, Cattels,
Plate, and Jewels, ready Money, and
Debts, as were her said Husbands at
the time of his death, appraysed accor
ding to the Law of the said City, be
fore she do ensure her selfe in marriage,
or contract marriage, or else according
to the Lawes of the Realme, doe per
fectly solemnize or consummate marri
age with any person before such time
as aforesaid, that then every person so
offending, shall forfait and lose eight
shillings of every pound, of her Por
tion, of the goods of her late Husband,
due to her by the laudable Custome of
the said City, the same to goe to the
use of such Orphane, or Orphanes, as
then shall bee intituled to have or de
mand any Orphanage or Portion, after
the death of his or her late Father▪ the
same to be demanded, asked, claimed,
or sued for, against such Executrix, or
Administratrix, by Bill originall of
debt, to bee commenced in our Sove
raigne Lord the Kings Court, holden
in the vtter Chamber of the Guild-Hall
of the said City, before the Lord
Maior and Aldermen of the same Ci
ty for the time being, any Law, &c. In
which action no wager, &c.
FOr the election of Governours
belonging to the severall Hospi
tals: the Lord Maior and the Al
dermen do weare their blacke Gownes.
THe foure Pleaders, the Cham
berlaine, Towne-Clarke, Com
mon Sergeant, two Judges of
the Sheriffes Court, the Secondaries,
the Vnder-Chamberlaine, and Bridge
masters, are to attend the Lord Maior
at his house, before his going abroad on
all Festivall times, and generall dayes.
COurts of Aldermen in ordinary,
are kept at the Guild-Hall, every
Tuesday and Thursday thorow
the whole yeere; except Holydayes,
the moneth of August, untill Bartho
lomew day bee past, the weeke before
Christmas, Shrove-Tuesday, and the
weeke before Easter.
FIrst, in all the Markets of this
City, no Victuall shall bee sold,
but by the price set by the Maior
of this City.
2 No man shall forestall any Victuall
comming to the Market, as for to buy
in any Inne or other privy place, or yet
comming to the Market, whether it be
found in the hands of the buyer or of
the seller, under paine of forfeiture of
the same: and no Inne-holder shall
suffer nothing to bee sold in his house,
vpon paine of forfeiture of forty shil
lings.
3 No man shall regrate any Victu
all which is in the Market, or buy any
Victuall to ingrate in the Market, so
that the Commons can or may have
any part of such Victuall, as in especi
all, such as be knowne for Hucksters, or
other people, occupying their living by
such Victuall as they would so ingrosse,
under paine of forfeiture of such Victu
all so regrated: Provided alwayes, that
any Steward for any noble Feast, may
buy or ingrate such Victuall as is con
venient for the same Feast.
4 No Butter shall be sold, but accor
ding to the waight, for the time of the
yeere allowed.
5 No Poulters shall deceiveably
occupy the Market, to sell any stale Vi
ctuall, or such as bee Poulters of this
City, for to stand in strange cloathing
so to doe, under paine of forty shil
lings, and the forfeiture of such Victu
all, forty shillings.
6 No Hucksters shall stand or sit in
the Market, but in the lower place, and
the ends of the Market, to the intent
they may be perfectly knowne, and the
Stranger-market-people have the pree
minence of the Market, under paine of
three shillings foure pence, if the Huck
sters disobey the same.
7 No unwholsome or stale Victuall
shall be sold under paine of xi. s. and
forfeiture of the same Victuall.
FIrst, no man shall sweepe the filth
of the Street into the Chancell of
the City, in the time of any raine,
or at any other time, under paine of six
shillings eight pence.
2 No man shall cast, or lay in the
Streets, Dogs, Cats, or other Carren,
or any noysome thing contagious of
Aire. Nor no Inholder shall lay out
dung out of his house, but if the Cart
bee ready to carry the same away in
continently, under paine of forty shil
lings.
3 No Brewer shall cast wilfully
dregs or drosse of Ale or Beere into the
Chanell, under paine of two shillings.
4 No man shall encumber the streets
with Timber, Stones, Carts, or such
like, under paine of forfeiture of the
same thing that so encumbreth the
streets, which is twenty shillings fine,
if hee remove it not at the warning of
the Sergeant of the Market.
5 Euery builder of houses ought
to come to the Maior, Aldermen, and
Chamberlaine, for a speciall licence
for hourd of, by him to bee made
in the high Street, and no builder to
encumber the Streets with any manner
of thing, taking downe for the prepa
ring of his new building, under paine
of forty shillings, except hee make a
hourd of forty shillings.
6 No man shall set any Carts in the
Streets by night time, under the paine
of twelve pence, and recompence to
such persons as shall bee hurt thereby,
if any such be, twelve pence.
7 No Budge-man shall leade but
two horſes, and hee shall not let them
goe vnled, under paine of two shil
lings.
8 No man shall ride, or drive his
Car or Cart atrot in the Street, but
patiently, under paine of two shil
lings.
9 No man shall gallop his horse in
the Street, under paine of two shil
lings.
10 No man shall shoot in the Street,
for Wager or otherwise, under like
paine of two shillings.
11 No man shall bowle, or cash any
stone in the Street, for wager, or gaine,
or such like, under paine of two shil
lings.
12 No man shall dig any hole in the
Temporall Government.
Street for any matter, except hee stop
it up againe, under paine of two shil
lings, and recompence to any person
hurt thereby, two shillings.
13 No man shall bury any dung, or
goung, within the Liberties of this Ci
ty, under paine of forty shillings.
14 No Goungfermour shall carry
any Ordure till after nine of the Clocke
in the night, under paine of thirteene
shillings foure pence.
15 No Goungfermour shall spill
any Ordure in the Street, under paine
of thirteene shillings foure pence.
16 No man shall bait Bull, Beare,
or Horse in the open street, under paine
of twenty shillings.
17 No man shall have any Kine,
Goats, Hogs, Pigs, Hens, Cocks, Ca
pons, or Ducks in the open Street, un
der paine of forfeiture of the same.
18 No man shall maintaine any bi
ting Curs, or mad Dogs, in the streets,
under paine of two shillings, and re
compence unto every party hurt there
with, two shillings.
19 No Carts that shall be shod with
Spig-naile, that shall come upon the
streets of this City, under paine of three
shillings foure pence.
20 No Carts using daily carriage
within this City, nor Car shall have
Wheeles shod with any Iron, but bare,
under paine of six shillings.
21 No man shall burne any Straw,
Rushes, or other thing, Linnen or Wol
len in the streets, by night or by day, un
der paine of three shillings foure pence.
22 No man shall blow any Horne in
the night within this City, or Whistle
after the houre of nine of the clocke in
the night, under pain of imprisonment.
23 No man shall use to goe with Vi
zards, or disguised by night, under like
paine of imprisonment.
24 That Night-walkers, and Eves
droppers endure like punishment.
25 No Hammer-man, as a Smith, a
Pewterer, a Founder, and all Artificers,
making great sound, shall not worke af
ter the houre of nine in the night, nor
afore the houre of foure in the morning,
under paine of three shil. foure pence.
26 No man shall cast into the Dit
ches of this City, or the Sewers of this
City, without the walls, or into the
walls, Grates, or Gullets of this City,
any manner of Carren, stinking Flesh,
rotten Fish, or any Rubbish, Dung,
Sand, Gravell, Weeds, Stones, or any
other thing to stop the course of the
same, under paine of cleansing them
at his own cost and charge, under paine
of imprisonment.
27 No man shall make any Wi
drawtes in any of the Towne-Ditches,
or the Towne-Gullets, under paine of
twenty shillings.
28 No man shall build nigh the
Walls of this City, without licence of
the Lord Maior, Aldermen, & Cham
berlaine, under paine of throwing down
the same, and no licence may be gran
ted, except that the Chamberlain free
ly at all times have convenient and
needfull ingresse, and entry, going out,
and cleare recourse.
29 No man shall goe in the streets
by night or by day with Bow bent, or
Arrowes under his Girdle, nor with
Sword unscabberd, under paine of im
prisonment; or with Hand-Gun, ha
ving therewith Powder and Match, ex
cept it bee in an usuall May-game or
Sight.
30 No man shall after the houre of
nine at the Night, keep any rule where
by any such sudden out-cry be made in
the still of the night, as making any
Affray, or beating his Wife, or Ser
vant, or Singing, or Revelling in his
house, to the disturbance of his neigh
bors, under paine of 3. shil. 4. pence.
31 No man shall make any Affray,
Temporall Government.
upon any Officer, which with good de
meanour doth his message by comman
dement of my Lord Maior, or any Al
derman, or M. Sheriffes, or M. Cham
berlaine, or misbehave himselfe in any
rayling upon any Judge of this City, or
their Officers, which by commande
ment are sent to bring any breaker of
this Law and Custome to Ward, or to
distresse, or such like, upon paine of Im
prisonment of forty dayes, and forfei
ture of the double penalty: for the of
fences asseasing, railing upon any Al
derman, or Maior in his office, is judge
ment of the Pillory: railing upon Ma
ster Chamberlaine in his office, forty
dayes imprisonment: beating, threat
ning, and railing of an Officer, is im
prisonment, after as the trespasse is.
32 Memorandum, That every offence
found in this City, it is accustomed
that the Officer, a Free man, finding
it, which is called primus Inventor, hath
halfe the penalty by the grace of the
Court.
33 Also, every Free man may finde
any offence, but hee hath no power to
bring the party before any Judge of
this City without an Officer, except
the party will come to his answer by
free will.
34 No man hath power to Arrest,
Attach, or make distresse of any goods
forfeitable, or offences, except the Con
stable or Sergeant of the Mace.
35 No Butcher, or his servant shall
not use to drive any Oxe or Oxen, a
trot in the streets, but peaceably: and
ifan Oxe happen to be let goe when he
is prepared to slaughter, the Butcher
shall forfeit two shil. besides recom
pence, if any person be hurt thereby.
36 No Butcher shall scald Hogs, but
in the common scalding house, upon
paine of six shillings eight pence.
37 No Butcher shall sell any Mea
sell Hog, or unwholsome flesh, under
paine of ten pounds.
38 No Butcher shall sell any old
stale Victuall: that is to say, above the
slaughter of three dayes in the Winter,
and two in the Summer, under paine of
ten pounds.
39 None unreasonable Victuall for
all manner of Victuals.
40 No Victualer of this City shall
give any rude or unsetting language, or
make any clamour upon any man or
woman in the open Market, for cheap
ning of Victuall, under paine of three
shillings foure pence.
41 No Butcher shall cast the in
wards of Beasts into the streets, cleaves
of Beasts feet, Bones, Hornes of Sheepe,
or other such like, under paine of two
shillings.
42 The Pudding-cart of the Sham
bles shall not go afore the houre of nine
in the night, or after the houre of five
in the morning, under paine of six shil
lings eight pence.
43 No man shall cast any Vrine
boles, or Ordure-boles into the streets
by day or night, afore the houre of nine
in the night: And also hee shall not
cast it out, but bring it downe, and lay
it in the Chanell, under the paine of
three shillings foure pence. And if he
doe cast it upon any persons head, the
party to have a lawfull recompence, if
he have hurt thereby.
44 No man shall hurt, cut, or de
stroy any Pipes, Sesperals, or Wind
vents pertaining to the Conduit, un
der paine of imprisonment, and making
satisfaction, though hee doth it out of
the City, if hee may bee taken within
the City.
45 No man within this City may
make any Quill, and breake any Pipe
of the Conduit, comming thorow his
house, or nigh his ground, under paine
of the Pillory, or take any water pri
vily unto his house.
46 Casting any corrupt thing, ap
poysoning the water, is Lourgulary
and Felony.
Temporall Government.
47 Whosoever destroy or perish
any Cocks of the Conduit, must have
imprisonment, and make satisfaction.
48 NO man shall set up shop, or
occupy as a Free-man, afore
he be sworne in the Cham
ber of London, and admitted by the
Chamberlaine, under paine of▪
49 No man shall set over his Ap
prentice to any other person, but by li
cense of Master Chamberlaine, and
there to be set over, under paine of▪
50 No man which is a Forraine,
shall not buy nor sell within the liber
ties of this City with another Forraine,
under paine of forfeiture of the goods
so forraine bought and sold.
51 No Free-man shall be disobedi
ent for to come at Master Chamber
laines commandement, to any sum
mons to him given by any officer of
the Chamber, under paine of impri
sonment.
52 Master Chamberlaine hath po
wer to send a free man to Ward, so that
he incontinently after send to the Lord
Maior, the cause why that he is puni
shed, so that the Lord Maior release
him not, but by the Chamberlaines
assent: and if he be a great Commoner,
and disobeying to the Chamberlaine,
Master Chamberlaine may referre it to
a Court of Aldermen.
Master Chamberlaine hath autho
rity for to send or command any Apo
prentice to the Counter for their of
fences: and if their offences bee great,
as in defiling their Masters houses by
vicious living, or offending his Master
by theft, or disslander, or such like, then
to command him to Newgate.
Apprentice Enrolled, his Master
payeth two shillings six pence.
Apprentice set over, hee that recei
veth, two shillings.
Apprentice made Free, hee payeth
foure shillings.
Apprentice never Enrolled, and
made free, his Master payeth thirteene
shillings two pence.
A man made Free by his Fathers
Copy, payeth eighteene pence.
A Proclamation made in the time of
the Maioralty of Sir Michael Dormer,
Knight.
An Act of Common Councell,
made in the Even of Saint Michael,
Anno Regis Henrici Octavi xxxj. That
no person should lay any Wares in the
Street, or beyond the edge of their
Stall, upon paine of forfeiture the first
time six shillings eight pence: the se
cond time thirteene shillings foure
pence: and the third time, the Ware so
laid.
mand you, that upon
Saint Thomas day the
Apostle next com
ming, you doe hold
your Wardmote, and
that you have afore us at our generall
Court of Aldermen to be holden in the
Guild-Hall, the Munday next after the
Feast of the Epiphany next comming,
all the defaults that shall bee presented
afore you by Inquest in the said Ward
mote, and the said Inquest shall have
full power and authority by one whole
yeere, to enquire and present all such de
faults as shall be found within your said
Ward, as oftentimes as shal be thought
to you expedient and needfull, which
we will, shall bee once every moneth at
the least.
AND if it happen any of your
said Inquest to dye, or depart
out of your said Ward within
the said yeere, that then in place of him
or them so dying, or departing out of
your said Ward, you cause to be chosen
one able person to inquire and present
with the other in manner and forme a
foresaid.
AND that at the said generall
Court, you give afore us the
names and sur-names of al them
of your said Ward, that come not to
your said Wardmote, if they be duely
warned, so that due redresse and punish
ment of them may bee had, as the case
shall require, according to the Law.
AND that ye doe provide, that
at all times convenient, covena
ble Watch bee kept: and that
Lanthornes with light by Nightertaile
in old manner accustomed, be hanged
forth, and that no man goe by nighter
Temporall Government.
without light, nor with Vizard, on
the perill that belongeth thereto.
AND also that you doe cause to
be chosen men of the most
sufficient, honest, and discreet
men of your said Ward, to be for your
said Ward of the Common Councell
of this City for the yeere ensuing, ac
cording to the custome in that behalfe
yeerely used. And also that you doe
cause the said men so to be chosen to be
of the Common Councell, to be sworn
before you and in your presence, accor
ding to the oath for them used, and of
old time accustomed, the Tenor of
which oath hereafter ensueth.
bee true to our Sove
raigne Lord the King
that now is, and to his
heires and successors Kings of Eng
land, and readily yee shall come when
ye be summonned to the Common Coun
cell of this City, but if yee be reasona
bly excused, and good and true coun
sell ye shall give in all things, touch
ing the Common-wealth of this City,
after your wit and cunning: and that
for favour of any person ye shall main
taine no singular profit against the
common profit of this City, and after
that you be come to the Common Coun
cell, you shall not from thence depart,
untill the Common Councell be ended,
without reasonable cause, or else by
the Lord Maiors License. And also
any secret things that be spoken on said
in the Common Councell, which ought
to be kept secret, in no wise you shall
disclose, as God you helpe.
AND that also in the said Ward
mote you cause to be chosen cer
taine other honest persons to bee
Constables, and Scavengers, and a
common Beadle, and a Raker to make
cleane the streets and lanes of all your
said Ward, according to the custome
yeerly used in that behalfe, which Con
stables have, and shall have full power
and authority to distraine for the ſallary
and quarterage of the said Beadle
and Raker, as oftentimes as it shall bee
behinde unpaid.
ALso, that you keepe a Roll of the
names, sur-names, dwelling pla
ces, professions and trades of all
persons dwelling within your Ward
and within what Constables precinct
they dwell, wherein the place is to bee
specially noted by the street, lane, alley,
or signe.
ALso that you cause every Con
stable from time to time, to cer
tifie unto you, the name, sur
name, dwelling place, profession, and
trade of every person, who shall newly
come to dwell within his Precinct,
whereby you may make and keepe your
Roll perfect: and that you cause every
Constable for his Precinct to that pur
pose to make and keepe a perfect Roll
in like manner.
ALso that you give speciall charge
that every Inholder, and other
person within your Ward, who
shall receive any person to lodge or so
journe in his house above two dayes,
shall before the third day after his com
Temporall Government.
thither, give knowledge to the
Constable of the Precinct where hee
shall be so received, of the name, sur
name, dwelling place, profession, and
trade of life, or place of service of such
person, and for what cause hee shall
come to reside there: and that the said
Constable give present notice thereof
to you: and that the said Inholder lodge
no suspected person, or men or women
of evill name.
ALso that you cause every Con
stable within his Precinct, once
every moneth at the farthest,
and oftner, if need require, to make di
ligent search and inquiry, what persons
bee newly come into his Precinct to
dwell, sojourne, or lodge: and that you
give speciall charge, that no Inholder or
other person shall resist or deny any
Constable, in making such search or in
quiry, but shall doe his best endeavour
to aide and assist him therein.
ANd for that of late there is more
resort to the City of persons e
vill affected in Religion, and o
therwise than in former times have bin:
You shall diligently inquire if any man
bee received to dwell or abide within
your Ward, that is not put under frank
pledge, as he ought to be by the custome
of the City, and whether any person
hath continued in the said Ward by the
space of one yeere, being above the age
of twelve yeeres, and not sworne to bee
faithfull and loyall to the Kings Maje
sty, in such sort as by the Law and cu
stome of the City he ought to be.
TO all these purposes the Bea
dle of every Ward shall em
ploy his diligence, and give his
best furtherance.
ALso that you have speciall re
gard that from time to time,
there be convenient provisiō for
Hooks, Ladders, and Buckets, in meet
places within the severall Parishes of
your Ward, for avoiding the perill of
fire.
ALso that the Streets and lanes of
this City, be from time to time
kept clean before every Church,
house, shop, ware-house, doore, dead
wall, and in all other common passages
and streets of the said Ward.
AND where by divers acts of
Common Councell, afore time
made and established for the
Common-weale of this City, amongst
other things it is ordained and enacted,
as hereafter ensueth:
Also it is ordained and enacted, That
from henceforth no Huckster of Ale or
Beere, be within any Ward of the Ci
ty of London, but honest persons, and of
good name and fame, and so taken and
admitted by the Alderman of the
Ward for the time being, and that the
same Hucksters doe find sufficient sure
ty afore the Maior and Aldermen for
the time being, to bee of good guiding
and rule: and that the same Hucksters
shall keepe no bawdry, nor suffer no
letchery, dice-playing, carding, or any
other unlawfull games, to be done, ex
ercised, or used within their houses:
and to shut in their doores at nine of the
clocke in the night from Michaelmas to
Easter, and from Easter to Michaelmas, at
tenne of the clocke in the night, and af
ter that houre sell none Ale or Beere.
And if any Huckster of Beere or Ale,
after this act published and proclaim
ed, sell any Ale or Beere within any
Ward of the City of London, and bee
not admitted by the Alderman of the
Temporall Government.
ſame Ward so to doe, or finde not suf
ficient surety as it is above rehearsed,
the same Huckster to have imprison
ment, and make fine and ransome for
his contempt, after the discretion of the
Maior and Aldermen: and also that
the said Hucksters suffer no manner of
common eating and drinking within
their Cellars or Vaults contrary to the
ordinance thereof ordained and provi
ded, as in the said act more plainely ap
peareth at large: wee charge you that
you doe put the same in due execution
accordingly.
AND also that ye see all Tiplers
and other sellers of Ale or Beere
as well of privy Osteries, as
Brewers and Inholders within your
Ward, not selling by lawfull measures
sealed and marked with the letter C.
crowned, according as in that behalfe it
is ordained and purveighed, bee presen
ted, and their names in your said In
dentures bee expressed, with their de
faults, so that the Chamberlain may be
lawfully answer’d of their amersements.
ANd also that you suffer no stran
ger borne out of the Realme, to
bee of the Common Councell,
nor to exercise or use any other Office
within this City, nor receive or accept
any person into your Watch, privie or
open, but Englishmen borne: and if a
ny stranger borne out of this Realme,
made Denizen by the Kings Letters
Patents, or any other after his course
and lot be appointed to any watch, that
then ye command and compell him or
them to find in his stead and place one
Englishman to supply the same.
AND also that you cause an ab
stract of the Assize appointed by
act of Parliament, for Billers and
other fire-wood, to bee faire written in
Parchment, and to bee fixed or hanged
up in a Table in some fit and conveni
ent place in every Parish within your
Ward, where the common people may
best see the same.
AND furthermore we charge and
command you, that you cause
such provision to be had in your
said Ward, that all the streets and lanes
within the same Ward be from time to
time cleansed and clearely voided of or
dure, dung, mire, rubbish, and other fil
thy things whatsoever they be, to the a
noyance of the Kings Majesties subjects.
AND also that at all times, as
you shall thinke necessary, you
doe cause search to bee made
within your said Ward, for all vagarant
Beggers, suspicious and idle people,
and such as cannot shew how to live,
and such as shall bee found within your
said Ward, that you cause to be puni
shed and dealt with according to the
law and the statute in such case ordain
ed and provided.
AND also wee will and charge
you the said Alderman, that
your selfe certifie and present
before us, at the same generall Court
to be holden the foresaid munday next
after the Feast of Epiphany, all the
names and sur-names truely written of
such persons within your said Ward, as
bee able to passe in a grand Iury by
themselves: and also all the names and
sur-names truly written of such persons,
being and dwelling within your said
Ward, as be able to passe in a petty Iu
ry, and not able to passe in a grand Iury
by themselves, that is to say, every grand
Iury man to be worth in goods an hun
dred Markes, and every petty Jury man
forty Markes, according to an Act in
Temporall Government.
that case made and provided: and the
same you shall indorce on the backeside
of your Indenture.
ITem, for divers reasonable and ur
gent considerations, vs especially
moving, wee straightly charge and
command you on the King our Sove
raigne Lords behalfe, that you dili
gently provide and foresee, that no
manner of person or persons within
your said Ward, of what condition
or degree soever he or they be of, kee
ping any Taverne or Ale-house, Ale
seller or victualling house, or place of
common resort to eate and drinke in,
within the same Ward, permit or suf
fer at any time hereafter, any common
women of their bodies, or Harlors to
resort and come into their said house,
or other the places aforesaid to eat or
drinke, or otherwise to bee conversant
or abide, or thither to haunt or fre
quent, upon paine of imprisonment, as
well of the occupier and keeper of eve
ry such house or houses, and all other
the places afore remembred, as of the
said common women or Harlots.
ALso that you doe give in charge
to the Wardmote Inquest of
your Ward, all the Articles de
livered to you herewith.
Commons, Dinners, Banquetings.
Wardmote Inquests
within the severall
Wards of this City,
for the maintenance
of Honesty, Vertue, & good Li
ving; and for the abolishment,
exiling, and suppressing of all
kinde of Vice, evill Rule, and In
iquity, according to the ancient
laudable Lawes and Customs of
the said City, are yeerely several
ly charged and sworne, upon the
day of S. Thomas the Apostle, be
fore the Aldermen of the said
Wards, chiefely and principally
to the end and intent, that they
with all diligence should truly
and duly inquire and present all
such Enormities, Nusances, Mis
order, and Offences, as are, or at
any time within the space of one
whole yeere then next ensuing,
shalbe severally used, committed,
or done within the said Wards,
and have day yeerely to make
their said Presentments, untill
the Munday next after the Feast
of the Epiphany: The said In
quests heretofore little or no
thing at all regarding (as it is
very manifest and not unknown,
the more is the pity) their said
Oathes, or yet the great commo
dities, Vtility, Quietnesse, Ho
nour, and Worship, that might
or should grow and insue to the
said City, and inhabitants of the
same, through their good, indu
strious, and indifferent procee
dings, for the advancement of
Vertue, and repressing of Vices,
have drawne it in a manner into
a very ordinary course and com
mon Custome, to consume and
spend a great part of their said
time, that they have yerely given
unto them, when they receive
their said charge; partly in set
ting up among themselves a cer
taine Commons, and making and
Temporall Government.
keeping many costly and sump
tuous Dinners, Suppers, and
Banquets, inviting and calling
to the same at sundry times, in a
manner, all the Inhabitants of
the said severall Wards, to the
no little charges of the same In
habitants, and partly in passing
and occupying much part of the
same time in playing at Dice,
Tables, Cards, and such other
unlawfull Games both to the
great costs, charges, and expen¦ces
of the said Inquests (where
of the greater part most com
monly are but poore men) and
also to the very lewd, perniti
ous, and evill example of all such
as have any accesse or recourse
unto the same Inquests. And
where also the said Inquests have
of late usurped to dispense with
such persons, as they by their
search, and otherwise, have foun
den to offend and transgresse the
Lawes, in using and occupying
of unlawfull Weights and Mea
sures, taking of the said Offen
ders certaine Fines (as it is said)
the said Inquests have common
ly used to imploy toward the
maintenance of their said Fea
sting and Banqueting, directly
against the due order of our So
veraigne Lord the Kings Lawes,
and the publike wealth of all his
Highnesse Subiects within the
said City, and much to the re
proch and dishonour of the same
City.
For remedy and Reformation
thereof, be it Ordained Enacted,
& Established by the Lord Mai
or, Aldermen, and Commons,
in this present Common Coun
cell assembled, and by authority
of the same, That all and every
the Wardmote Inquests of the
said City, from henceforth to be
yeerely charged & sworne with
in the severall Wards at the time
afore rehearsed, shall at all times
and places meet and convenient
for the due execution of their
said charge, meet and assemble
themselves together, and that
they and every of them after
their said meetings, inquisition,
and treating of their said neces
sary matters, shall goe home to
their owne severall houses to
Breakefast, Dinner, and Supper,
during all the said accustomed
time of their charge and Session
abovesaid: And that none of the
said Inquests shal from hencefor
ward set up any manner of Com
mons, or keepe or maintaine any
manner of Dinners, Suppers, or
Banquets among themselves, or
use at their said Assemblies and
Sessions, any of the Games above
mentioned, or any other whatso
ever unlawfull Games or Playes
at any time, before the giving up
of the said Presentments at the
time above remembred. Or shall
take or receive any maner of Fine
or Fines, for the concealement
and discharging of any of the Of
fences afore recited: but truly
present the same Offences, and
every of them, according to their
Oaths, upon paine of imprison
ment by the discretion of the
Lord Maior and Aldermen of
the said City for the time being.
PRovided alway, and bee it
enacted by the Authority
aforesaid, That it shall bee
lawfull for all the every of the
said Inquests, to take and receive
towards the charges of their Fire
and Candles, and other neces
saries during the time of their
said Session, all and every such
summes of money, as any honest
person or persons of their free
will and benevolent minde, will
give or offer unto them: and
when they have made their said
Presentments, to goe and assem
ble themselves together for their
Recreation and solace, where
they shall thinke it good: and
there not onely to bestow and
spend the twenty shillings,
which every Alderman within
his Ward, according to a cer
taine order lately taken, shall
yeerely give unto them at the
time of the delivery of the said
Presentments, towards their said
charges in this behalfe, but also
the residue of the said money re
ceived and gathered, as it is afore
said, of the benevolence of their
said loving friends, if any such
residue shall fortune to remaine.
Any Clause or Article in this
present Act contained to the
contrary notwithstanding.
Not fayling hereof, as ye ten
der the Common weale of this
City, and advancement of good
Iustice, and as ye will answer for
the contrary at your vttermost
perill.
YEE shall sweare, that yee shall
truly enquire if the Peace of the
King our Soveraigne Lord bee
not kept as it ought to be, and in whose
default, and by whom it is broken or
disturbed.
ALso if any man be received with
in this Ward, but if he be under
Free pledge, that is to say, bee
sworn after the Alderman at his Court,
or else afore the said Alderman, be
tween this & the Munday next after the
Feast of the Epiphany next comming.
ALso if there dwell any man with
in the Ward, that is outlawed
or indited of Treason or Fello
ny, or bee any receiver of Traitors or
Fellons.
ALso yee shall enquire, and truly
present all the offences and de
faults done by any person or per
sons within the River of Thames, ac
cording to the intent and purport of
an Act made by our late Lord King Edward the sixth, in his high Court of
Parliament, and also of divers other
things ordained by Act of Common
Councell of this City, for the redresse
and amendment of the said River,
which as now is in great decay and ru
ine, and will bee in short time past all
Temporall Government.
remedy, if high and substantiall provi
sion and great helpe be not had with all
speed and diligence possible: as more
plainely appeareth in the said Act of
Parliament, and the said Act of Com
mon Councell of this City.
ALso if any maner of person make
Congregation, or be receiver or
gatherer of evill companies.
ALso if any man be a common Ri
otor, or a Barrator, walking by
nightertaile without light, a
gainst the rule & custome of this City.
ALso if there be any man within
this Ward, that will not helpe,
aide, nor succour the Consta
bles, Beadle, and other ministers of this
City in keeping of the peace, and ar
rest the evill doers with rearing of hue
and cry.
ALso if there be any Huckster of
Ale and Beere, that commonly
useth to receive any Apprenti
ces, servants, Artificers or Labourers,
that commonly use to play at the Dice,
Cards, or Tables, contrary to the form
of the statute in that case ordained and
provided.
ALso if there bee any Inholder,
Taverner, Brewer, Huckster, or
other Victualer, that hold open
their houses after the houre limited by
the Maior.
ALso if any Parish Clarke doe
ring the Bell, called the Curfue
Bell, after Curfue rungen at the
Churches of Bow, Barking Chruch,
and Saint Giles without Creplegate.
ALso yee shall enquire if any Pu
tour, that is to say, man-Bawd, or
woman-Bawd, common hazer
dours, contectour, maintainer of quar
rels, champartours, or embracers of
Inquests, or other common mis-doers
bee dwelling within this Ward, and
present their names.
ALso if any Baud, common strum
pet, common Adulterer, Witch
or common Scold bee dwelling
within this Ward.
ALso if there be any house, where
in is kept and holden any hot-house,
or sweating-house, for
ease and health of men, to the which be
resorting or conversant any strumpets,
or women of evill name or fame, or if
there be any hot-house or sweating or
dained for women, to the which is any
common recourse of young men, or of
other persons of evill fame and suspect
conditions.
Also, if there bee any such persons
that keepe or hold any such hot-houses,
either for men or women, and have
found no surety to the Chamberlaine
for their good and honest behaviour,
according to the Lawes of this City,
and lodge any manner of person by
night, contrary to the ordinance therof
made, by the which he or they shall for
Temporall Government.
twenty pounds to the Chamber, if
they doe the contrary.
ALso if any manner of person cast
or lay dung, ordure, rubbish,
seacole dust, rushes, or any other
thing noyant, in the River of Thames,
Walbrooke, Fleet, or other ditches of this
City, or in the open streets, waies, or
lanes within this City.
ALso if any person after a great
rain falleth, or at any other time
sweepe any dung, ordure, rub
bish, rushes, Seacole dust, or any other
thing noyant, downe into the chanell
of any street or lane, whereby the com
mon course there is let, and the same
things noyant driven downe into the
said water of Thames.
ALso if any manner of person nou
rish Hogs, Oxen, Kine, Ducks,
or any beasts within this Ward,
to the grievance and disease of their
Neighbours.
ALSO if any Vsurers or false
chevesancers be dwelling with
in this Ward.
ALso where afore this time it is
ordained and enacted as hereaf
ter followeth. Item, for to es
chew the evils of misgoverned persons
that daily when they be indited in one
Ward, flye into another: It is ordain
ed by the Maior and Aldermen, that as
soone as a man or woman suspect, first
doe come to dwell within any house, in
any Ward within the City, the Con
stables, Beadles, or other Officers of
the same, shall bee charged by their
Oathes, at the generall Court, to en
quire and espy from whence they come.
And if they finde by their owne confes
sion, or by the record of any of the
Bookes of any Alderman of the Ci
ty, that they be indited or cast of evill
and noyous life, and will not finde sure
ty for their good abearing and honest
governance to the Alderman for the
time being, that then they shall not
dwell there from thenceforth, but shall
bee warned to avoid within three
or foure dayes, or more or lesse, after,
as it shall bee seene to the Alderman
of the Ward for the time being, and
that the Landlord that letteth the
house, or his attourney, shall bee al
so warned to make them to avoid
out of his house aforesaid, within the
said time limited by the Alderman: and
if they bee found there after the time,
that then not onely the said dishonest
persons shal have imprisonmēt of their
bodies after the discretion of the Maior
and Aldermen, but also the said Land
lords, letters of the said houses, shall for
feit to the Guild-hall, as much as they
should have had for letting of the said
house, or should be paid by the yeere, if
the said persons or others had dwelled
in the said house.
ALso if any Freeman against his
Oath made, conceale, cover, or
colour the goods of Forrains, by
the which the King may in any wise
lose, or the franchises of this City bee
imblemished.
ALso if any Forraine buy and sell
with any other Forraine within
this City or the Suburbs thereof
any goods or Merchandises, the same
Temporall Government.
goods or Merchandises bee forthwith
forfeit, to the use of the Comminalty of
this City.
ALso if every Freeman, which re
ceiveth or taketh the benefit,
and enjoyeth the franchises of
this City, bee continually dwelling
out of the City, and hath not, nor
will not (after his oath made) bee at
scot and lot, nor partner to the char
ges of this City, for the worship of
the same City, when hee is duely re
quired.
ALSO if any man conceale the
goods of Orphanes of this City,
of whom the Ward and marri
age of right belongeth to the Maior and
Aldermen of this City.
AND if any Officer by colour of
his Office, doe extortion unto
any man, or bee maintainer of
quarrels against right, or take carriage,
or arrest victuall unduely.
ALso if any Boatman or Ferriour
be dwelling in the Ward, that
taketh more for Boatmanage or
ferriage, than is ordained.
ALso if any man make Purpre
stures, that is to say, encroach, or
take of the common ground of
this City, by land or by water, as in
walls, pales, stoopes, grieces, or doores,
or cellers, or in any other like within
the Ward; or if any porch, pent-house,
or jetty bee too low, in letting of men
that ride beside, or carts that goe there
forth.
ALso that Pentises and Ietties be
at the least the height of nine
foot, and that the stalls bee not
but of two foot and a halfe in breadth,
and to be flexible or moveable, that is
to say, to hang by Iemewes or garners,
so that they may bee taken up and let
downe.
ALso if any common way or com
mon course of water be foreclo
sed or letted, that it may not
have his course as it was wont, to the
noyance of the Ward, and by whom it
is done.
ALso if any pavement bee defe
ctive, or too high in one place,
and too low in another, to the
disturbance of riders and goers therby,
and carts that goe thereupon.
ALso if any Regrator or Forestal
ler of victuall, or of any other
Merchandizes which should
come to this City to be sold, bee dwel
ling in this Ward: a Regrator is as much
to lay, as hee that buyeth up all the vi
ctual, or Merchandizes, or the most part
thereof, when it is come to the City or
the Suburbs of the same at a low price,
and then afterwards selleth it at his
owne pleasure, at a high and excessive
price: a Forestaller is he that goeth out
of the City, and meeteth with the vi
ctual or Merchandize by the way, com
ming unto the City to be sold, and there
buyeth it, both these bee called in the
Temporall Government.
Law, Inimici publici patriae, which is to
say, open enemies to a Country.
ALso if any Butcher, Fishmonger,
Poulter, Vintner, Hostler, Cook,
or seller of Victuall, doe sell Vi
ctuall at unreasonable prices.
ALso if any Hostler sell Hay,
Oats or Provender at excessive
prices, taking greater gain ther
by then is reasonable and lawfull.
ALso if any Victualer sell any
Victuals not covenable, or un
wholsome for mans body, or
else dearer than is proclaimed by the
Maior.
YE shall diligently make search
and inquiry, whether there bee
any Vintner, Inholder, Ale
house-keeper, or any other person or
persons whatsoever within your Ward,
that doe use or keepe in his or their
house or houses, any Cans, Stone pots,
or other measures which be unsealed, &
by Law not allowed to sell Beere or
Ale thereby, and whether they doe sell
any of their best Beere and Ale above
a penny the quart, or any small Ale or
Beere above a halfe penny the quart, &
whether any of them doe sell by any
measure not sealed. If there bee any
such, you shall seize them, and send
them to the Guild-Hall to the Cham
berlaines Office, & present their names
and faults by Indenture, so oft as there
shall be any occasion so to doe.
YE shall also make search in the
Shops and Houses of all the
Chandlers, and of all others
which sell by Weight or Measure,
dwelling within your Ward, and see
that their Scales bee not one heavier
then another, and that their Measures,
as well Bushels as lesser Measures, as
well those that sell Sea-coales by (which
ought to bee heaped) that they bee in
bredth according to the new Standard,
sealed as all others; and that all Yards
and Ells be their just lengths & sealed,
that the poore and other his Majesties
subjects be not deceived. And further,
if any doe buy by one Weight or Mea
sure, and sell by others: and if in your
search you finde any false Weights,
Measures, or Scales, ye shall seize them
and send them unto the Guild-Hall to
the Chamberlaine: and you shall also
doe the like, if you shall finde any that
doe sell any thing by Venice Weights,
contrary to the Law, and his Majesties
Proclamations, present their names and
faults.
ALso if any Inholder bake any
Bread to sell within his house:
and if any Baker of sowre Bread
bake white Bread to sell, or marke not
his Bread, or else take more for the ba
king then three pence for a Bushell.
ALso yee shall enquire, if any
house bee covered otherwise,
then with Tile, Stone, Lead, for
perill of fire.
ALso if any Leper, Faitour, or
mighty Begger bee dwelling
within this Ward.
ALso if any Baker or Brewer
bake or brew with Straw, of
any other thing which is peril
lous for fire.
ALso if any man goe with painted
Vizage.
ALso if there be any man that han
geth not out a Lanthorne with a
Candle therein burning after
the Vsage, according to the comman
dement thereupon given.
ALso if any person bring or cause
to be brought to this City or the
Liberties thereof, to be sold, or
sell, offer or put to sale, any Tall-wood,
Billets, Faggots, or other fire-wood,
not being of the full assize which the
same ought to hold.
ALso if any Free man of this City,
use to resort into the Countries
neere to this City, and there to
ingrosse and buy up much Billet, Tall
wood, Faggot, Tofard, or other Fire-wood,
and convey the same by water
unto this City, and there lay it upon
their Wharfes and other places, and so
keepe it till they may sell it at high and
excessive prices at their owne wills.
Also if any Wood-monger, or any
other, sell any Billets or other Fire-wood
above the price set by the Lord
Maior.
ALso if any Citizen of this City,
by himselfe, or any other person
for him or to his use, use to resort
into the Country, and there buy and
ingrosse great quantitie of Cheese and
Butter, as well barrelled as otherwise,
and after conveigh it by water or other
wise to this City to be sold at deare and
excessive prices.
ALso forasmuch as it is thought
that divers and many persons
dwelling within the Liberties
of this City, dayly occupy as Free
men, whereas indeed they bee none,
nor never were admitted into the Li
berties of this City, ye shall therefore
require every such person dwelling
within this Ward, whom ye shall su
spect of the same, to shew you the Co
py of his Freedome, under the Seale of
the Office of the Chamberlaine of the
said City; and such as yee shall finde
without their Copies, or deny to shew
their Copies, ye shall write and present
their names in your Indentures.
ALso you shall inquire and truly
present all such persons as use
melting of Tallow, contrary to
an Act of Common Councell in that
case made and provided.
ALso you shall truly present all
persons which have or use any
Fire-Presses within the said Ci
ty or Liberties of the same, for pressing
or dressing of Nether-stockes, Wollen
clothes, or other things.
Also you shall enquire of all Armo
rers and other Artificers, uſing to work
in Metall which have or use any Rear
dorſes, or any other places dangerous
or perillous for fire.
ALso if any have appraised any
goods of any Free-man decea
sed, leaving behind him any Or
Temporall Government.
or Orphanes, and the Appraisers
not sworne before the Lord Maior or
the Alderman of the Ward.
ALso if any Free-man buy any
Wares or Merchandizes un
weighed, which ought to bee
weighed at the Kings Beame, of any
stranger or forreigne free of the Liber
ties of this City, contrary to the Act of
Common Councell in that case made
and provided.
ALso if any buy or sell any Cloth
or Clothes in the house, shop,
ware-house, or other place of
any Cloth-worker, or other person a
gainst any Ordinance or Custome of
this City, or if any Cloth-worker or
other doe receive or harbour any
Clothes, before the same be brought
to Blackwell-Hall, contrary to the ordi
nance made in that behalfe.
ALso if any Carman take any mo
ney for carriage of any Goods,
Wares, and Merchandizes, a
bove the rates ordained.
ALso if any make or cause to bee
made any new Building or Buil
dings, or divide or cause to bee
divided any House or Houses, or re
ceive any Inmate or Inmates contrary
to the Kings Majesties Proclamation,
or contrary to Law, or any Statute of
this Realme.
ALso if any bee dwelling within
this Ward, which doe offer or
put to sale any Wares or Mer
chandizes in the open Streets or Lane
of this City, or goe from house to
house to sell the same, commonly called
Hawkers, contrary to an Act made in
that behalfe.
ALso if any have covenously,
fraudently, or unduly obtained
the freedome of this City.
ALso if any Collector of Fif
teenes or other duties for the
publike service of the King or
of this City, doe retaine in his hands
any part of the money collected to his
owne use.
YE shall also enquire if there bee
dwelling within your Ward a
ny Woman-broker, such as re
fort unto mens houses, demanding of
their Maid-servants if they doe like of
their services: if not, then they will
tell them they will helpe them to a
better service, and so allure them to
come from their Masters to their hou
ses, where they abide as Boorders un
till they bee provided for. In which
time it falleth out, that by lewd young
men that resort to those houses, they be
oftentimes made Harlots to their un
doing, and the great hurt of the Com
mon-wealth: wherefore if any such be,
you shall present them, that order may
be taken for reformation.
ALso if any have or use any com
mon Privie, having issue into
any common Sewer of the
Citie.
ALso if any Constable, Beadle,
or other Officer, be negligent or
remisse in discharging his duty
touching the execution of the Statute
made for punishment of Rogues, Va
gabonds, and sturdy Beggers, or other
wise, and wherein the default is.
ALso if any to whom the execu
tion of the Statute made for re
liefe of the poore doth apper
taine, be remisse in discharging his du
ty touching the execution of the same
Statute, and wherein the default is.
ALso if any Executor or other
person retaine in his hands any
Legacy, summe of money, or o
ther thing given to any charitable use.
YEE shall inquire whether there
be within your Ward any com
mon Drunkard, Whoremon
ger, Blasphemer of Gods holy Name,
Prophaner of the Sabbath, Iesuite, Se
minary or Secular Priest, or any Re
ceiver, Releever, or Maintainer of any
of them, or any Popish Recusant, Coo
zener, or swaggering idle Compani
on, such as cannot give account how
they live; if there bee any such, you
shall present them and the names of
those that lodge them or aid them.
YEE shall also enquire, whe
ther any person or persons doe
or shall say or sing Masse with
in your Ward, or bee persent at any
Masse.
ALso if any person or persons
within your Ward being evill
affected, doe or shall extoll the
Roman Catholike Religion above the
Religion professed and established by
the Kings Majesties authority in England, or doe or shall deprave the Reli
gion now professed in this Realme by
authority as above, which may breed
discord in the City, and dissension in
the Common-wealth, ye shall carefully
present the same persons and their of
fences.
ALso if any person or persons that
keepeth Horses in their houses,
doe lay his or their Stable dung,
or such kinde of stinking filth in any
Streets or Lanes of this City, to the
great annoyance of the people passing
that way, and doe not leade his Dung-Cart
to his Stable doore as he ought
to doe.
YOu shall assemble your selves
once every moneth, or oftner if
need require, so long as you shall
continue of this Inquest, and present
the defaults which you shall finde to
bee committed concerning any of the
Articles of your charge, to the end
due remedy may bee speedily suppli
ed, and the offenders punished as oc
casion shall require.
River of Thames, a
mong all other Rivers
within this Realme, hath
beene accepted and taken, and as it is
indeed most commodious and profita
ble unto all the Kings liege people:
and chiefly of all other frequented and
used, and as well by the Kings High
nesse, his Estates, and Nobles, Mer
chants, and other repairing to the Ci
ty of London, and other places, Shires
and Counties adjoyning to the same:
which River of Thames is, and hath
been most meet and convenient of all
other, for the safegard and ordering
of the Kings Navy, conveighance of
Merchandizes, and other necessaries,
to, and for the Kings most Honoura
ble houshold, and otherwise, to the great
relief and comfort of all persons with
in this Realme, till now of late divers
evil-disposed persons, partly by mis
ordering of the said River, by casting
in of dung and other filth, laid nigh
to the bankes of the said River, dig
ging & undermining of the said banks
and walls next adjoyning to the same
River, carrying and conveighing a
way of way-shides, shore-piles, boords,
timber-worke, ballast for ships, and o
ther things from the said bankes and
walles in sundry places: by reason
whereof, great shelfs and risings haue
of late beene made and growne in the
farway of the said Riuer, and such
grounds as lye within the levell of the
said water marke, by occasion thereof
haue bin surrounded and ouerflowne by
rage of the said water, and many great
breaches haue ensued and followed
thereupon, and daily are like to doe,
and the said River of Thames to be
utterly destroyed for euer, if conueni
ent and speedy remedy bee not sooner
provided in that behalfe.
For reformation whereof, be it en
acted, established, and ordained by the
King, our Soueraigne Lord, and by
the assent of the Lords spirituall and
temporall, and the Commons in this
present Parliament assembled, and by
the authority of the same, That if any
person or persons hereafter, doe or
procure any thing to be done in the an
noying of the streame of the said Ri
ver of Thames, making of shelfs by
Temporall Government.
any manner of meanes, by mining,
digging, casting of dung, or rubbish;
or other thing in the same Riuer, or
take, plucke, or conueigh away any
boords, stakes, piles, Timberworke,
or other thing from the said bankes or
walls, except it bee to amend, and the
same to repaire againe, or dig or un
dermine any bankes or walls on the
water side of Thames aforesaid, to the
hurt, impairing or dammage of any the
said walls and bankes, then the same
person or persons, and euery of them,
shall forfeit and pay for euery time so
offending, one hundred shillings: the
one moity thereof to be to the King our
Soueraigne Lord, and the other moity
thereof to the Maior and Comminalty
of London for the time being, the
same to be recouered and obtained by
the Maior and Comminalty of London, by Bill or plaint, writ of debt or
information seuerally against euery of
fender in any of the Kings Courts, in
which actions and suits, or any of
them, the party defendant shall not
be essoined or wage his law, or any pro
tection to be allowed in the same.
And it is further enacted by the au
thority aforesaid, that if complaint shal
happen to be made to the Lord Chan
cellor of England, Lord Treasurer,
Lord President of the Kings Coun
cell, Lord Priuie Seale, or to any of
them by any person or persons or bo
dy politick, that Sir Thomas Spert
Knight, now hauing the Office and or
dering, of, and for ballasting of Ships,
or any other that hereafter shall haue
the Office and order of ballasting of
Ships, doe take any ballast for Ships
neere the said Riuer of Thames, and
do not take for parcell of the said bal
lasting, the grauel and sand of the shelfs
betweene Greenhyth and Richmond within the said Riuer of
Thames, or in any place or places,
that is or shall bee unto the dammage
or annoyance of the said Riuer of
Thames, or in any part thereof, that
then upon euery such complaint, the
said Lord Chancelor, Lord Treasu
rer, Lord President of the Kings most
honourable Councell, Lord Priuie
seale, and euery of them, calling both
the chiefe Iustices of either bench, or
one of them, shall haue power and au
thority from time to time, to heare
and finally determine euery such com
plaint by their discretion, and to put
such order therein, for the taking of
ballast for ships upon euery such com
plaint, as by their discretions shall
seeme most conuenient for the preser
uation of the said Riuer of Thames,
and the parties offending such order,
shall suffer imprisonment, and make
no lesse fine than 5. pound to the Kings
use for euery time offending or brea
king the same.
Prouided alwaies, and be it enacted,
that it shall be lawfull to euery person
and persons, to dig, carry, and take
away sand, grauell or other rubbish,
earth, or thing lying or being in, or
upon any shelfe or shelfs within the
said Riuer of Thames, without let
or interruption of any person or per
sons, or paying any thing for the
same, any thing contained in this pre
sent Act to the contrary notwithstan
ding.
made in the 27. yeere
of the Reigne of our
Soveraigne LORD,
King HENRY the eighth, among
other, for reformation of the mis-ordering
of the River of Thames,
by casting in dung and other
filth, many great shelves and o
ther risings have beene of late
growne and made within the
same River: By reason whereof
many great Breaches have ensu
ed by occasion thereof, which of
like shall be the occasion of the
utter destruction of the said Ri
ver, unlesse that the same Law
bee put in due execution accor
ding to the true intent and mea
ning thereof.
Wherefore for a further re
formation of the same, and to
the intent that the said good and
wholsome Statute may bee put
in more execution, and better
knowledge of the people: It is
enacted by the authority of this
Common Councell, that Procla
mation may be made within this
said City, and the same to be put
in writing, and Tables thereof
made and set up in divers places
of this City, that it shall be law
full to every person or persons, to
dig, carry away, and take away
Sand, Gravell, or any Rubbish,
Earth, or any thing lying or
being in any Shelfe or Shelves
within the said River of Thames,
without let or interruption of
any person or persons, and with
out any thing paying for the
same, and after that to sell the
same away, or otherwise occupy
or dispose the said Gravell, Sand,
or other thing at their free liber
ty and pleasure. And that all
Paviours, Brick-layers, Tilers,
Masons, and all other that shall
occupy Sand or Gravell, shall
endevour themselves with all
their diligence, to occupy the
said Sand or Gravell, and none
other, paying for the same rea
sonably, as they should & ought
to pay for other Sand or Gra
vell digged out of other mens
grounds about the said City,
which after is filled againe with
much filthy things, to the great
Temporall Government.
infection of the inhabitants of
the said City, and all other re
pairing unto the same. And that
further, humble suit may bee
made to the Kings Highnesse,
that all persons having lands or
tenements along the said River
side, upon certaine paine by his
Highnesse, and the Lords of his
Honourable Councell to bee li
mited, shall well and sufficient
ly repaire and maintaine all the
Walls and Bankes adioyning un
to their said Lands, that so the
Water may not, nor shal break in
upon the same: and the same to
bee continued till the time that
the said noble River be brought
againe to his old course and for
mer estate. And that strong
grates of iron along the said wa
ter side, and also by the street
side, where any Water-course is
had into the said Thames be made
by the inhabitants of every Ward
so along the said Water, as of old
time hath beene accustomed.
And that every grate be in height
foure and twenty inches at the
least, or more, as the place shall
neede, and in breadth one from
another one inch; and the same
to bee done with all expedition
and speed. And if the occupiers
of the said Lands and Tene
ments make default contrary to
the Ordinance aforesaid: or else
if any person or persons in great
Raines and other times, sweepe
their Soylage, or filth of their
houses into the Chanell, and the
same after is conveyed into the
Thames, every person so offen
ding, shall forfeit for every such
default twenty pence, and that
upon complaint to bee made to
any Constable, next adioyning
to the said place where any such
default shall bee found, it shall
be lawfull for the said Consta
ble, or his sufficient Deputy for
the time being, from time to
time to distraine for the same
offence: and to retaine the same
irreplegiable, and like Law to
be observed and kept. And like
penalty to bee paid for every
person that burnes Rushes and
Straw in their houses, or wash
in the common streets or lanes,
and to bee recoverd as aforesaid,
and the one moity thereof to be
to the Maior and Comminalty,
and the other moity to bee divi
ded betweene the said Consta
ble that taketh paine, and the
party finder of the said default.
And if the Constable or his De
puty, refuse to doe his duty ac
cording to the true meaning of
this Act, that then the Consta
ble or his Deputy, which shal so
refuse to do his duty as aforesaid,
shall forfeit and pay for every
time so offending, three shillings
foure pence. And the same pe
nalty of the said Constable to
be recovered and obtained by di
stresse irreplegiable, to bee ta
ken by any of the Officers of the
Chamber of London, to the use
of the Maior and Comminalty
of London.
And further, that no person
or persons having any Wharfe
or House by the said Water side,
make not their Lay-stalls nigh
to the River aforesaid, except
onely the common Lay-stalls,
where the common Rakers of
Temporall Government.
this City use to repose, and lay
all their soylage, to bee car
ried a way by them with their
Dung-boats. And that the said
Rakers shall lay their said
Dung, carried in their Dung-boats,
to such convenient place
or places as shall bee appoin
ted by the Lord Maior of LON
DON, for the time being, with
the advice of his brethren, the
Aldermen of the same, and to
no other place or places, up
on paine to forfeit for every such
default five pounds, to bee re
covered in any of the Kings
Courts within the City of LON
DON, by Bill, Plaint, moity
of Debt, or information by any
person that will or shall pursue
for the same: the one moity
thereof to bee unto the Maior
and Comminalty of London, and
the other moity to him or them
that will or shall pursue for the
same; in which actions or suits,
no wager of Law nor essoigne
shall be allowed.
the Peace of our Sove
raigne Lord the King,
well and lawfully after
your power. And yee shall arrest all
them that make, contect, Riot, Debate,
or afray, in breaking of the said Peace,
and leade them to the house or Comp
ter of one of the Sheriffes. And if
ye bee withstood by strength of mis
doers, ye shall reare on them an Out
cry, and pursue them from street to
street, and from Ward to Ward, till
they be arrested: and ye shall search
at all times, when ye bee required by
the Scavengers or Beadles, the com
mon noysance of your Ward. And the
Beadle and Raker yee shall helpe to
reare, and gather their Sallary and
Quarter age, if yee bee thereunto by
them required. And if any thing bee
done within your Ward against the
Ordinance of this City, such defaults
as ye shall find there done, ye shall them
present to the Maior and Ministers
of this City: and if ye bee letted by
any person or persons, that yee may
not duly doe your office, yee shall cer
tifie the Maior and Councell of the
City, of the name or names of him or
them that so let you.
Yee shall also sweare, that during
the time that yee shall stand in the
Office, and occupy the roome of a
Constable, yee shall, once at the least
every moneth, certifie and shew to one
of the Clarkes of the Maiors Court,
and in the same Court, as well the
names as surnames of all Free-men,
which yee shall know to bee deceased
within the moneth, in the Parish
wherein yee bee inhabited, as also
the names and surnames of all the
Children of the said Freemen so de
ceased, being Orphanes of this City.
And thus ye shall not leave to doe, as
God you helpe, &c.
shall diligently oversee
that the Pavements
within your Ward, bee
well and sufficiently repaired, and
not made too high in noysance of your
Neighbours: and that the Wayes,
Streets, and Lanes bee cleansed of
Dung and all manner of filth for the
honesty of this City. And that all
the Chimnies, Furnaces, and Rere
does be of stone sufficiently and de
fensively made against perill of fire.
And if yee finde any the contrary,
ye shall shew it to the Alderman of
the Ward, so that the Alderman may
ordaine for the amendment thereof.
And thus yee shall doe, as God you
helpe.
God save the King.
devoutly, on your knees
every day, serve God
Morning and Evening,
and make conscience in
the due hearing of the
Word preached, and endevour the
right practice thereof in your life and
conversation: You shall doe diligent
and faithfull service to your Master for
the time of your Apprentiship, & deale
truly in what you shall be trusted: You
shall often reade over the Coveants of
your Indenture, and see and endevour
your selfe to performe the same to the
vttermost of your power: You shall
auoid all evill Company, and all occa
sions which may tend, or draw you to
the same, and make speedy returne
when you shall be sent of your Masters
or Mistresse errands: You shall avoid
idlenesse, and be ever imployed either
for Gods service, or in your Masters bu
sinesse: You shall be of faire, gentle,
and lowly speech and behaviour to all
men, and especially to all your Gover
nours. And according to your carri
age, expect your reward, for good or
ill, from God and your friends.
God save the King.
shall be good and true to
our Soveraigne Lord,
King CHARLES, and
to the Heires of our said Soveraigne
Lord the King. Obeysant and obe
dient yee shall bee to the Maior and
Ministers of this City, the Franchi
ses and Customes thereof yee shall
maintaine, and this City keep harmlesse
in that which in you is. Yee shall bee
contributory to all manner of char
ges within this City, as Summons,
Watches, Contributions, Taxes, Tal
lages, Lot and Scot, and to all other
charges, bearing your part as a free
man ought to doe. Yee shall colour no
Forraines goods, under, or in your
name, whereby the King or this City
might or may lose their Customes or
Advantages. Yee shall know no For
raigne to buy or sell any Merchan
dize with any other Forraigne with
in this City or Franchise thereof, but
yee shall warne the Chamberlaine
thereof, or some Minister of the
Chamber. Yee shall implead or sue no
Freeman out of this City, whiles ye
may have right and Law within the
same City. Ye shall take none Appren
tice, but if hee be free borne (that is
to say) no bond-mans Sonne, nor the
Sonne of any Alien, and for no lesse
tearme then for seven yeeres, without
fraud or deceit: and within the first
yeere yee shall cause him to be enrolled,
or else pay such Fine as shall bee rea
sonably imposed upon you for omit
ting the same: and after his tearmes
end, within convenient time (being
required) ye shall make him free of
this City, if hee have well and truly
served you. Yee shall also keepe the
Kings Peace in your owne person. Ye
shall know no Gatherings, Conven
ticles, or Conspiracies made against
the Kings Peace, but ye shall warne
the Maior thereof, or let it to your
power. All these points and Articles
ye shall well and truly keepe, accor
ding to the Lawes and Customes of
this City to your power. So God you
helpe.
God save the King.
Councell, it is a
greed, granted, or
dained, & enacted,
That if hereafter any Free man
or Free woman of this City, take
any Apprentice, and within the
terme of seven yeeres suffer the
same Apprentice to goe at his
large liberty and pleasure: and
within, or after the said terme,
agree with his said Apprentice
for a certaine summe of money,
or otherwise for his said service,
and within or after the end of the
said tearme, the said Free man
present the said Apprentice to
the Chamberlaine of the City,
and by good deliberation, and
upon his Oath made to the same
City, the same Free man or Free
woman assureth and affirmeth to
the said Chamberlain, that the said
Apprentice hath fully served his
said tearme as Apprentice: Or if
any Free man or Free woman of
this City, take any apprentice,
which at the time of the said ta
king hath any Wife: Or if any
Free man or Free woman of this
City, give any wages to his or
her Apprentice, or suffer the said
Apprentices to take any part of
their owne getting or gaines: Or
if any Free man or Free woman
of this City hereafter colour any
Forraines goods, or from hence
forth buy or sell for any person
or persons, or with or to any per
son or persons, being Forraine, or
Forrainers, Clothes, Silks, Wine,
Oyles, or any other goods or mer
chandize whatsoever they bee;
whether hee take any thing or
things for his or their wages or
labour, or not: Or if any person or
persons being free of this City, by
any colour or deceitfull meanes
from henceforth, doe buy, sell, or
receive of any Apprentice with
in this City, any Money, Goods,
Merchandize, or Wares, without
the assent or licence of his Master
or Mistresse: & upon examinati
on duly proved before the Cham
berlaine of the said City for the
time being: And the same repor
ted by the mouth of the said
Chamberlaine at a Court to bee
holden by the Maior and the Al
dermen of the same City in their
Councel Chamber: That as well
the said Master as the said Ap
prentice, shall for evermore bee
dis-franchised.
God save the King.