THE Pleasant Walks OF moorfield's.  
Being the gift of two Sisters, now beautified, to the continuing fame of this worthy City.  
Printed at London for Henry Gosson, and are to be sold at the Sign of the Sun in Pater noster Row. 1607.   

To the Right Worshipful, the Knights and Aldermen of this Honourable City of London.  
THose sweet and delightful walks of More fields (right Worshipful) as it seems a Garden to this City, and a pleasurable place of sweet airs for Citizens to walk in, now made most beautiful by your good worship's appointment, hath emboldened me to search for the true antiquity thereof: and furthermore to satisfy the desires of many, I have given here a true light of the late glory done unto the same: and withal briefly set down a few notes of ancient records, of their being a kind of morish ground in times past, and by whom, and in what manner they were brought to this beneficial use, together with many other Honours done to this city, If your worships vouchsafe to think well of my labours, I attain my wished hopes: So ending I commit you all to the joy of your own hearts.  
By your Worships to be commanded. Rich: johnson.   

The pleasant walks of Moor Fields.  The Speakers names in this discourse, a Country Gentleman, and a London Citizen. Gentleman. 
THis City of London (sir) in my mind both for antiquity and situation may challenge glory with any City in the World.  Cit 
Most true (sir) for it is reported, that Brute lineally descended from the demi-god Aeneas, son of Venus, daughter of jupiter, about the year of the world 2855 and 1108. before the Nativity of Christ, builded this city, and named it Troynovant. But in process of time K. Lud, not only repaired it, but also increased the same with fair buildings, towers and walls, and after his own name called it Luds town: and by corruption of speech, it is now called London: which king lieth buried at a gate in the West part of the City, which he likewise built in the honour of his name, caling it Ludgate.  Gent. 
Since that time (I perceive) in every Princes reign it hath been much beautified: but of all pleasures that contents me, these sweet walks of Moor fields are the chiefest, and the causers thereof deserve much commendations.  Citi. 
Those be the worthy Aldermen and Common-counsel of London, who seeing the disorder used in these fields, have bestowed this cost, and as occasion requires intends further to beautify the same.  Gent. 
In so doing, they purchase same after Death, and much pleasure to posterity: But to what use are these Fields reserved?  Citi. 
Only for Citizens to walk in to take the air, and for Merchant's maids to dry clothes in, which want necessary gardens at their dwellings.  gent. 
By whom was these fields given to the city?  Cit 
Marry sir by two maids, the only daughters to Sir William Fines, a knight of the Rhodes, in the time of Edward the Confessor: who dying, left these Fields of Fines-berry after his own name to his two daughters, Mary and Katherine, who refusing the pleasures of this world, betook themselves to a devout kind of life, and became two Nuns in the Monastery of Bedlam: where having spent their days in the service of God, at their death gave these aforesaid fields to the City of London, for an ease to the Citizens, and a place for their servants to dry clothes in, and likewise builded the two Crosses, the one at Bedlam gate, the other at Shoreditch.  Gent. 
These walks (Sir,) as it seems, bears the fashion of a cross, equally divided four ways, and like wise squared about with pleasant walls, the trees thereof makes a gallant show, and yields unto mine eye much delight.  Citizen. 
They may well, for the like border of trees are not at this day in all the land again, for they be in number within these walls two Hundred, fourscore, and eleven, beside those other standing westward without, to the number of some four or five and thirty.  Gent. 
I have heard that many of these trees do carry proper names?  Citiz. 
According to the planting thereof, they do: and those which I remember so called, now stand on the the west side within these walls, the first of them at the corner of the middle walk westward, was first of all placed by Sir Leonard holiday then Lord Maior: the next on the corner northward at the steps coming down, by a Captain, being a Gentleman of good reputation: the third by a Citizen, and Son to Sir Leonard holiday, which standeth next to his Father's tree. There standeth near unto that, a tree called the two brothers, planted by two little boys, and sons to a Citizen here in London, there is likewise a tree called the three sisters, by the name of three maidens that set it, and another the three brothers: there is a tree likewise on the northwest corner, which I saw set up (called Stubs his tree) by one Christopher Stubs, one of the principal Porters of Black-well hall, a man well beloved, and of good credit. Many others were set up by our Citizens, which I think needless to speak of, nor tell of the bounty they showed to the workmen, at the planting of these same trees.  Gent. 
The charges hereof show their liberal minds, and no doubt but this field will be maintained time out of minds in as good order as it is now kept, for what you Citizens mean to give glory too, neither cost nor care can be wanting, But I pray you how many Akars may this plot of ground contain?  Citiz. 
Marry Sir, within the walls some ten Akars, which was so measured out, and by a Plough made level, as it is now, a thing that never hath been seen before to go so near London.  Gent. 
But why are these stocks of wood here provided, with such a huge chain of iron locked to the wall?  Citiz. 
Only as a punishment for those that lay any filthy thing within these fields, or make water in the same to the annoyance of those that walk therein, which evil savours in times past have much corrupted man's senses, and supposed to be a great nourisher of diseases.  Gent 
That bears good reason, and the manner of this punishment I like well, and pity it were, but it should be maintained, for it is one of the best things that ever your City bestowed cost upon.  Citiz. 
The cost hereof they regard not, and the more they bestow hereon, the more honour they tie unto our City, and the causers of these walks hath deserved high commendations, making their posterities famous by these their deeds.  Gent. 
It seems they intent a further grace to these fields?  Citiz. 
Their purpose is not fully known, but surely their intents are inclined to bountiful proceedings, as I hear, the building of certain houses for shelters for maidens having their clothes lying there a drying, if at any time it should chance to rain.  Gent. 
All England may take example, at your London Citizens, who not only seek for their own benefits▪ but strive to profit others, showing themselves good commonwealths men, and as they be called the Fathers of the City, so be they cherishers of the poor and succourless.  Citiz. 
If I should show you the charitable deeds, of all our Citizens now living, as of those in times pass, from one kings reign to another, I should fill a large volume with antiquities: but I will briefly touch but only such as concerns this our discourse of these walks of Moorefieldes, and things pertinent to the same purpose.  Gent. 
But I pray you show me sir, have they never been otherwise used?  Citi. 
Yes that they have, for time is often the overthrower of laudable customs: for halls Chronicle setteth down, that the inhabitants about London, as Isling tun, Hogsdon, Shoreditch and others, before the reign of Henry the eight, had so enclosed these fields, with hedges and ditches, that neither the young men of this City might shoot, nor the ancient persons walk for pleasure in these fields, but that either their bows and arrows were taken away, or broken, or the Citizens arrested for walking, saying, that no Londoner ought to go out of the City, but in the high ways. This so grieved the Londoners, that in the sixth year of King Henry the Eight, a great number of the City, assembled themselves in a morning and a Turner in a fools coat, ran crying therough the City, Shovels and spades, Shovels & spades, by which means followed so many people, that it was a wonder to behold, and within less than three hours all the hedges about the City were cast down, the ditches filled up, and every thing made plain, such was the quickness of these diligent workmen, after this the fields were never more hedged in.  Gent. 
The Citizens I perceive ever carried gallant minds, and to this day (I see) they continually strive to beautify this famous City, for what fair summer houses with lofty towers and turrets are here builded in these fields, and in other places, the suburbs of the City▪ not so much for use and profit as for show and pleasure, bewraying the nobleness of their minds.  Citiz. 
Many of our ancient Citizen's sir have far more worthier dispositions, and chiefly delights in the repairing of Hospitals, and building alms houses for the poor and therein employ their wits, spending their wealths to the common commoditis of this our City.  Gent. 
You speak but truth▪ for London Citizens are the laws mirror for charitable gifts: but of all other stately buildings near unto these fields, this bears the greatest show, called Fishers folly.  Citiz. 
It is sir, a very fair house indeed, large, and beautiful, encompassed with many walks and gardens of pleasure, builded by one jasper Fisher, free of the Goldsmiths, late one of the six Clerks of the Chancery, and a justice of peace, it hath since for a time been the Earl of Oxford's place: our late Queen hath lodged there, and now it belongeth to Sir William Cornewallis.  Gent. 
This house (as I have heard) being so large and sumptuously builded by a man of no greater calling, was mockingly named Fishers Folly, and a rhyme hath been lately made of it, and others the like (not far off builded) in this manner.  
Kirkebyes' Castle, and Fisher's folly;  
Spynylas pleasure, and Megses glory.  Citiz. 
Indeed of such like houses builded by Citizens, men will report their pleasures, but if I should speak of the true glory of our Citizens, Gresham house, with the Royal Exchange, builded by one man: Whittington College, Newgate, part of Christ church by another with divers other monuments which I omit, as the charge of London bridge, builded at the first by two Sisters of Saint Marie Oueryes, and such like: but of all other memorable deeds maintained to this day by our Citizens, there is three which deserve immortal commendations, the orphans Court in Guild hall, where covetous executors are prevented, Christ's Hospital, where fatherless children are well brought up, and the prison of Bridewell where vice is justly corrected.  Gent. 
Three things in my mind that your Citizens win heaven by, but for what Offenders is that Bridewell chiefly reserved?  Citiz. 
For 〈◊〉 persons: as vagabonds, and for those that are obstinate, and will not live in the fear of God, but abuse their bodies with lewd vices, as whoredom, and such like.  Gent. 
That place I think needless sir to speak of in these walks, therefore I pray you show the of the antiquity of this Monastery of Bedlam where these two charitable sisters were buried.  Citiz. 
The Monastery (now ruinated) was builded by their Father Sir William Fines the chief owner of the rich Farm of Finesburie house, the which to this day holds privileges of good esteem. Likewise here in Bedlam is now situated an Hospital for the cure of distracted people, which in former times about the year 1246, was founded by Simon Fitz-marie, one of the Sheriffs of London, of the same house and kindred, naming it the priory of Saint Marie de Bethlem, after the elder of the two Sisters, to which King Edward the third granted a protection, but after in the time tune of King Henry the 8. in the beginning of his reign, there was one Sir Walter genning's one of the King's Chamber, who being distracted of his wits got help in that place, by the means of that holy Prior, in regard of which King Henry at the suppression of this religious Monastery, gave it to the City for Hospital for that use, the Chapel whereof was taken down in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and houses builded there by the Governors of Christ's Hospital in in London, and now in this place, people that be distracted of wits, are by the suit of their friends received and kept, but not without chargers to their bringers in.  Gent. 
Here is Sir, as it seems a burying place walled in with brick, which surely is, the devotion of some charitable Citizen.  Citiz. 
It is sir for in the year 1569, sir Thomas Roe, Merchant tailor, and Mayor of this City, caused to bèe enclosed within this wall, about one akar of ground, being part of this Hospital of the Hospital of Bethlem, this he appointed for a burying place, as an ease for such Parishes in London, as wanteth a convenient ground within their Parishes. The ●●die his wife was there buried (by whose persuasions he enclosed it) but himself borne in London, was buried at Hackney.  Gent. 
But now sir, let us return by the walk near this Ditch fide, where I am willing to understand how those fields came so beautified, being in times past, as I have heard, a Fen or moorish kind of ground.  Citiz. 
To begin first, after it was given by these two sisters to this City: I find that in the time of William the Conqueror. it was continually in winter, as you say, a great Fen or moor of water, stretching all along betwixt Crippie-gate and Bishopsgate, but not in such good manner as it now doth, for all these whole fields of Finsbury, from Hollow well to this place. was a waist and unprofitable ground a long time, so that in the reign of Edward the second, it was let to farm for four Marks by the year: but in the year 1415, the 3. year of Henry the fifth, Thomas Falnet Mayor, caused the wall of the City to be broken toward this Moor, and builded here the postern called Moore-gate for the case of the Citizens, to walk this way upon caus● (as was then) towards Isllington, Hogsdon & such like. Moreover, he caused the ditches of the City, from Shoreditch to Hounds-ditch and so to this Moor ditch along by Bedlam to be new cast, and cleansed, by means whereof this Fen or Moor, was greatly drained and dried: so shortly after it grew such hard ground, that Ralph loselin Mayor for repairing the City wall, caused this Moor to be searched for clay, & here in this place brick to be burnt.  Gent. 
But sir, here is stones set upright, what is the meaning of them?  Citiz. 
Marry where they stand, tons underneath the common shore from a spring called dame Annis de Clear called by the name of a rich London widow, called Annis Cla●e, who matching herself with a riotous Courtier in the time of Edward the first, who vainly consumed all her wealth, and leaving her in much poverty, there drowned she herself, being then but a shallow ditch or running water, since which as I said before) turneth by sluices arched over, all along by these stones here standing: which sluices or bridges was made in the year 1512, by Roger Atchley Maior, who likewise caused the grounds to be leveled, as they were this last year, by Sir Leonard holiday Mayor, and the other worshipful Aldermen his brethren, whereby these fields were made something more commodious, but not so pleasant and dry as now they are, for many times they stood still full of noisome waters, which afterward in the year 1527. was by the means of sir Thomas Semor, Mayor made dry, who repairing the sluices, conveyed the said waters over this Town Ditch, into the course of Wall-brooke shore, and so into the Thames, and by these degrees was this Fen or Moor at length made main and hard ground, which before being overgrown with flags, sedges, and Rushes, served for no use, since the which time, all the further and higher grounds beyond Finsbury court, have been so heightened with leastals and dung, that now three Windmills are set thereon, the ditches being filled up, and the bridges overwhelmed.  Gen. 
But now I pray you let us walk back again to Moor gate, & go into this narrow laus called the postern, between Moore-gate and Criple-gate, because it hath at either end a door to be shut in the night season.  Cit 
This is a postern belonging to Criple-gate so called long before the conquest, only to keep nightwalkers out of the subberbs, but now I have named Criple-gate, I think it not amiss to show the antiquity thereof, and why it was so called at the first.  Gen 
That would I gladly understand, for I have heard divers reports thereof.  Cit 
I have read in the history of Edmond King of England, written by john Lydgate. Monk of Berry, that when the Danes spotled part of his kingdom, a reverent bishop of this land, caused that body of king Edmond martyr to be brought from S. edmond's bury to London, in at Cripplegate, a place saith he so called of cripples begging there, at which gate (it was said) the body entering, Mirracles were wrought, as some of the Lame to go away, praising God: This Gate was sometimes a Prison, whereunto such Citizens and others as were arrested for debt, or common trespasses, were committed, as they be now to the Counters. This Gate was new builded by the Brewers of London. 1244.  Gent. 
This hath much contented my desires, and considering it is yet far, to night I will request you to turn back into the walks, and there to discourse of further antiquities.  Citiz. 
Withal my heart Sir, I cannot spend my time better.  Gent. 
Then I pray you tell what course (Sir) hath this common shore through the City into the Thames.  Citiz. 
This City in old time, (as I find it recorded) was divided, the one halfs from the other, which is East from West, by a fair brook of sweet Water, which ran from these fields through this wall into the river of thames, which division to this day is maintained without charge, which water is called Wall-brooke. The course from hence runneth directly first to Saint Margret's Church in Loathbury from thence from the lower part of the Gracers hall, about the East of their Kitchen, under Saint Mildred's Church, somewhat West from the stocks Market, from thence through Bucklersbury, by a great House built of stone and Timber, called the old Barge, because in times past, Barges out of the Thames were rowed up so far into this brook, on the backside of the Houses on Wall-brooke street, which street taketh the name of this said brook: then by the west end of Saint john's Church upon Wall-brooke, under Horshee bridge, by the West side of Tallow Chandler's Hall, and of the Skinner's Hall, and so behind the other houses to Elbow lane, and by a part thereof down Gréenwitch lane, into the river of thames, this is the right course of this water, which of old time was bridged over in divers places, for passage of Horses & men as need required: but since by the means of increasement on the banks thereof, much annoyances be done therein. But at length the same by a common consent of this City, was arched over with Brick, and paved with stone equal with the ground whence it passed through: and is now in most places builded upon, that no man may deserve it, and therefore the trace thereof is hardly known to the common sort of people.  gen. 
Now I pray you let me know how this vault or River is made clean, considering so much Channel dirt runs therein.  Citi. 
Where these stones stand as I said before, there is a long hollow Cistern or shore arched over, reaching into the City, into the which once a year, as it is the custom of our City, to see it made clean, there entereth divers labouring men, with Links and Torches lighted, with a Taber and a pipe, or other such Melody, that the Merchants, whose Vaults and Houses of offices stand over, may hear them, and by such means they may know what is amiss, and wanteth mending, and still when this business is effecting, the owners of those houses spare not for cost, which they give down at the Grates as they pass along.  Gent. 
This is a good order, and an encouragement to such an intricate business, but to let that pass, and show me the antiquity of your Alderman's going to the Sermons to the spital, near Soreditch in Easter week, which in my mind is a most memorable custom.  Citi. 
First to show you the first antiquity thereof, that place was in times past an Hospital, commonly called Saint Mary spital, builded by Water Browne, Deane of Paul's, in the year 1197. first named by him Domus Dei, but at the suppression of Abbeys bring surrendered to King Henry the eight, it was valued to be worth yearly 478 pound, wherein was found (besides the ornaments of the Church) and other goods belonging to the Hospital, a hundred and fourscore Beds well furnished for the receipt of poor people, for it was an Hospital of great relief: but now touching the custom why three Sermons be made there in the three Holidays of Easter week, I find that in the year 1398. King Richard having procured from Rome confirmation of such statutes & ordinances as were made in the Parliament, begun at Westminster, and ended at Shrew▪ bury, he caused the same confirmation to be read and pronounced at Paul's Cross, and at Saint Mary spital in the Sermons, before all the people: Philip Malpas, one of the Shreive's in the year 1439. gave twenty shillings by the year, to the three Preachers at the spital. Steven Foster Mayor in the year 1454. gave forty pounds to the Preachers at the spital and Paul's Cross: I find also that the said house wherein the Mayor and Aldermen do fit at the spital, was builded for that purpose of the good, and by the executors of Richard Rawson Aldermen, and Isabella his wife in the year 1488. Likewise in the year 1595. the Pulpit being old, was taken down, and a new set up, the Preachers face turned toward the South, which was before towards the west: Also a large House on the East side of the said Pulpit, was then builded for the governors and Children of Christ's Hospital to sit in, and this was done of the goods of William Elkins, Alderman lately deceased, but within the first year the same house decaying, and like to have fallen, was again with great cost repated at the cities charge.  
And now here is to be noted, that time out of mind, it hath been, and is a laudable custom in London, that on good Friday in the afternoon, some especial learned man, by appointment of the Bishops, hath Preached a Sermon at Paul's Cross treating of Christ's passion: and upon the three next Easter Hollydays, Monday, Teusday, and Wednesday, the like learned men, by the like appointment, have used to preach on the forenoons at the said spital, to the same effect, and then on low sunday, one other learned man at Paul's Cross, to make rehearsal of those four former Sermons, either commending or reproving them, as to him by the judgement of the learned Divines was thought convenient, and that done, he was to make a sermon of his own study, which in all were five Sermons in one. At these Sermons so severally preached, the Mayor with his brethren the Aldermen are accustomed to be present, in their violet gowns at Paul's, on good Friday, & in their Scarlet gowns at the spital upon Monday, and Teusday, on the Wednesday in their violets, and on Low sunday in their Scarlets again at Paul's Cross, which is used to this day.  Gent. 
These are laudable customs, but have your Aldermen no place to sit in at the spital, if it should chance to rain.  Cit 
There is provided for the Mayor, aldermans and Sheriffs, a fair house of two stories hie to sit in, and in the lost over them, where the Bishop of London, and other Prelates were wont to sit, now stand the Ladies and Alderman's Wives in a fair window, where they may likewise sit at their pleasure. And this is all the antiquity, that I ever read of the Spittle Sermons. And now (sir) considering the tediousness of this my long discourse, I will revive you with a few verses, writ in the honour of London.  

London's Description.  

That famous offspring of down razed Troy.  
King Brute the Conqueror, of Giants fell,  
Built London first, these mansion Towers of joy,  
As all the spacious world may witness well,  
Even he it was, whose glory more to vaunt,  
From burned Troy, surnamed this Troynovant.   

This name, if that antiquities prove true,  
Full many years in Majesty she bore,  
Till princely Lud did christian her anew,  
And changed her name, from that it was before,  
So kingly Lud did shape a second frame,  
And called this Luds Town by his princely name.   

Luds-towne it was, and yet is termed so,  
But that for briefness, and for pleasant sound,  
Few letters of that name it doth forego,  
And London now, which was once called Luds-Towne,  
Thus Brute and Lud, London parents were,  
Since fostered up by many a royal peer.   

But since that time, five conquests have insewd,  
And all save one, been glutted with red gore,  
Yet near were London streets with blood imbrued:  
Yet still retained the state it held before,  
Such was her beauty, and the victor's pity,  
That spared their swords, from spoiling this fair City.   

From her first founders, thus hath she increased,  
Favoured of those, the Diadem advanced,  
Scarce with their deaths, their large divosions ceased,  
Yet by their deaths, her better fortunes chanced,  
As one gave place, and left what he intended,  
The next successor what he found amended.   

One famous King, this City doth indew,  
With wished freedoms, and innimities,  
The next confirms, augmenting it with new,  
And grants more large and ample liberties,  
And thus fair London's members strongly knitteth,  
When Kings adorn what fame and honour fitteth.   

From Lud unto King james, thus London fared,  
Sacred Monarch, Emperor of the West,  
To whom the world yields none to be compared,  
By London's love thou art here earthly blest,  
Mirror of mankind, each lands admiration,  
The world's wonder, heavens true contemplation.   

Long mayst thou live fair London's wished bliss,  
Long mayst thou reign great Britain's happiness,  
Live, reign, and be when there no being is,  
Triumphant over all that wish thee less,  
In earth adored with glory and renown,  
In heaven adorned with an Angel's crown.   

Of London's pride I will not boast upon,  
Her gold, her silver, and her ornaments,  
Her Gems and jewels, pearls, and precious stone,  
Her furniture, and rich habiliments,  
Her cloth of silver, tissue, and of gold,  
Which in her shops men daily may behold.   

What mines of gold the Indian soil doth nourish,  
Within the secrets of her fruitful womb,  
London partakes it, and doth daily flourish,  
Ordained thereto by heaven, and heavenly doom:  
All foreign Lands whom majesty doth move,  
Do still contend to grace her with their love.   

What Civil, Spain, or Portugal affordeth,  
What France, what Flaunders, or what Germany,  
What Crect, what Scicile, or what Naples hoardeth,  
The Coasts of Turkey, or of Barbary,  
The boundless Seas to London walls presenteth,  
Through which all England's state she much augmenteth.   

If Rome by Tiber substance doth attain,  
Or Euphrates to Babylon brings plenty,  
If golden Ganges Egypt fills with gain,  
The Thames of London surely is not empty,  
Her flowing channel poureth forth much profit,  
For London's good, yet few knows what comes of it.   

Thus by the bounty of imperious minds,  
Furthered by nature with a noble flood,  
Proud wealth, and wealthy pride, brave London finds,  
Nor wants she not, that brings her gain and good,  
Within her walls there lieth close concealed,  
That wealth, by tongues can hardly be revealed   

London hath likewise four terms of law most fit,  
The four four-fold year in equal parts divide,  
In which the judges of the law do sit,  
Depending matters justly to decide:  
The poor man's plaint, and eke the rich man's cause,  
And sentence given by righteous dooming laws.   

First of the four, fresh spring doth entertain,  
The second is, in sweeting summer placed,  
The third, With windy harvest doth remain,  
And freezing Winter, doth delight the last,  
When these times come, and Courts of law unlock,  
'tis strange to mark how men to London flock.   

These be the Bees, by which my being is,  
England the Orchard, London is the Hive,  
Their toil, her triumph, and their fruit her bliss,  
When most they labour, London most doth thrive,  
The lofty Courtyor, and the Country Clown,  
By their expense, brings London rich renown.   

And thus from all sides doth much substance flow,  
By Thames, by terms, by Sea, and by the Land,  
So rich a mass, whole kingdoms cannot show,  
In this estate fair London still doth stand,  
Foure-piller, terms, and Thames be the fifth,  
Which ta'en away, then farewell London's thrift.    Gen. 
By these verses Sir, you have highly honoured your city, and no doubt but therein have been many worthy Citizens which hath thus brought her glory to this height.  Cit 
The City of itself Sir, is the most Noble, Populous, and richest in all the Land, for it is most glorious in manhood, furnished with munitions, insomuch as in the troublesome time of King Stephen, (when it was not half so populous) it hath showed at a Muster, twenty thousand armed Horsemen and three score thousand foot men, serviceable for the wars. Moreover, the Citizens hereof, wheresoever they become, be regarded before all other Citizens, both for civility of manners, attire, company, and talk. The women, or rather Matrons of this City, resemble the very modest Sabine Ladies of Italy.  Gent. 
Now, I pray you sir, discourse the gallant minds of some of your Citizens in times past, for I have seen many records of them, and such as be most memorable.  
Henry Picard Maior. 1357. did in one day sumptuously feast at his own charge 4 Kings, 3 Princes, and one Queen: which was, Edward the third King of England, john King of France, David King of Scots, & the King of Cypress, than all in England: the black Prince, his Princess, and the Dolphin Prince of France, with many other noble men, and kept his Hall open for all comers to revel and dice in.  
john Barnes Maior 1371, gave a Chest with three locks and a Thousand Marks therein to the City, to be lent to young men upon sufficient surety, or upon pawn.  
john Philpot Maior 1378, hired at his own charge 1000 Soldiers, to defend the Land from the incursion of the enemy, so in short time his hired 〈◊〉 took many sea Rovers with fifteen Spanish Ships laden with great riches.  
William Walworth Maior 1381, most valiantly with his own hands slew the Kebell Wat Tyler, for which he was knighted in the field, and the bloody Dagger given to London's arms, to his great honour and praise.  
Richard Whittington three times Mayor in the year 1421, began the School of Christ's Church in London, he builded Whittington College, with Alms houses for 13 poor men, and divine lectures to be read there for ever, he repaired Saint Bartholomew's Hospital in smith field, he glazed and paved part of Guildhall, he builded the West gate of London called Newgate.  
john Allen Mercer, Maior of London, one of the Council to King Henry the Eight, he deceased 1544, and he was buried at Saint Thomas of Achars in a fair chapel by him builded, he gave to the City of London a rich collar of gold, to be worn by the Lord Mayor for ever: he gave 500 li. to be a stock for Sea coal for the City, his Lands purchased of the King, the rent thereof to be given to the poor in the wards of London for ever. He gave beside to prisons, hospitals, lazer-houses, and all other poor in the City, or two miles about very liberaily too long to be recited.  
Sir Thomas Gresham Mercer 1466, builded the Royal Exchange in London, and by his testament, left his dwelling house in Bishopsgate street, to be a place for readings of the seven liberal Sciences, allowing large stipends to the readers, and certain Alms houses for the poor.  
Thus have I made a brief of some of our worthy Citizens, and their charitable actions, some done in their lives, the rest left to their executors, I have heard some of them hardly (or never) performed, wherefore I wish men to make their own hands their executors, and their eyes their overseers, not forgetting this old and true proverbs,  
Women be forgetful, children be unkind,  
Executors covetous, and take what they find:  
If any one ask where the Legacies became:  
They answer, so God help me, he died a poor man.  
There is now living one Master Dove a Marchant-taylor, having many years considered this old proverb, hath therefore established in his life time to twelve aged men merchant-taylors 6 pounds 2 shillings, to each yearly for ever; he hath also given them gowns of good broad cloth, lived through out with bays, and are to receive at every three years end the like gowns for ever. He likewise in charity at Saint Sepulchres Church without Newgate, allows the great bell on every execution day to be toled till the condemned prisoners have suffered death, & also a small hand-bell to be rung at midnight under newgate the night after their condemnation, and the next morning at the Church wall, with a prayer to be saved touching their salvation, and for the maintaining thereof, he hath given to Saint sepulchres a certain sum of money for ever.  Gent. 
This is my mind, it is a charitable devotion, and deserves eternal praise, I have much been delighted not only in these your walks, but also in your pleasant discourses, which now we are forced to end, by reason of the night drawing on. Therefore I humbly take my leave.  
FINIS.