THE ASSIZE OF BREAD, Newly corrected and enlarged, according to the raising & falling of the price of wheat in the market, together with sundry good and needful orders commanded to be kept in making of all kinds of bread, that are appointed to be sold in all places whatsoever:  
Whereunto are added, sundry other good ordinances for Bakers, Brewers, Inholders, Vintners, Butchers, and Victulers. And also other Assizes in weights and measure, to be observed and kept.  
Agreeing with the ancient Statutes of this Realm, tending greatly to the general common wealth of the same.  
Seen allowed, and commanded to be kept, by the right Honourable the Lords, and others of the Queen's majesties privy Counsel.  

joh. Cant.  
Ch. Hatton.  
W. Burley.  
H. Derby.  
Cham Haward.  
H. Hunsdon.  
Tho. Buchurst.  
S. Frances Knowles.  
S. Tho. Heneage.  
I. Woolley. Es.  
I. Forthescue. Es.   
LONDON Printed by john Windet, dwelling at Paul's Wharfe, at the sign of the Cross Keys. 1592.▪   

TO THE READER.  
THe means have been very manifold in all ages (most loving Reader) which Aucthorie by reason hath established in the variable, yet orderly governments of States and people for the holding them in that most loving and memberlike duty which one part oweth unto others, & every of them to the conservation of the whole body in best estate. Among which, this hath had his special place: that in the common and still continuing, commerce and interchangeable traffic, passing between man & man, Country and Country, each hath been limited to others reasonable liking, by a due observation of such assize in the matter of true weight and measure, as by general consent hath been commended to particular practice. Now albeit, that reason itself may in this behalf, seem a sufficient school mistress to every man not degenerate. Yet when for the needful use of this equity, the Author both of reason and holy religion, shall commend and command it to be carefully kept of all such as profess themselves to be his people (and that under the penalty of most fearful execrations, to the violaters of the same) how aught every Christian to be carried with a conscience of duty herein: upon which no doubt, the most lawful and wholesome constitutions of this my native country of England were first founded, & still do stand built. And therefore presenteth unto every true natural and loyal subject of the same (even as he oweth obedience to his most dread sovereign, not so much for fear as conscience sake) a plain path truly tending to this kind of justice, which many always seeking to themselves, doth seldom practise towards others, for the avoiding of whose common, though oftentimes most untrue excuse herein (in alleging their ignorance of the laws, to be the lack of their lawful obedience) I have drawn together such Acts, Statutes, and ordinances, as having been ordained and used in sundry Kings Reigns, and now allowed by the Honourable in authority: most apt and proper for the warranting of all lawful Assize both in weight and measure, which are to be used at this day, and within this Realm: especially such as concern the Bakers, Brewers, and Inholders directions. The not observing whereof upon so manifest & plain a publishing, what shall it else but note unto us the men of worst mark, whether we respect their conscience towards God, or their virtuous conversation in a Christian common wealth. And if all laws established by lawful authority (not repugning the laws of God) are to be embraced by Christian subjects in a conscionable obedience: by what excuse then do they think to wind out from the desert of such disobedience as directly cotrarieth both Gods and man's laws at once: of which nature these are, that command the true observation of weight and measure between man and man. In the book of Leviticus thus we read. You shall not do unjustly, 
Levit. 19 v. 3●.  in judgement, in line, weight or measure, you shall have just Balances & true Weights. In the book of Deu. thus. Thou shalt not have in thy bag two manner of weights a great and a small, 
Deut. 25. v. 18.  neither shalt thou have in thy house divers measures a great and a small but thou shalt have a right and a just weight, a perfect and a just measure shalt thou have. Again in the Proverbs, False balances are an abomination unto the Lord, 
Pro. 11. v. 1.  but a p rfect weight pleaseth him. Also in the first Epistle to the Thessalonians, thus it is written: 
1. Thes. 4. v. 6.  Let no man defraud his brother in any thing (as every one doth that useth false weight or measure,) for the Lord is a revenger of such things. By all which places & many others that might be cited out of sacred scriptures, it appeareth how specially this uprightness in the use of weight and measure hath ever been enjoined by God himself, for a continual practice among his people. And therefore most shameless are they before men, and no less desperate in despising the revenging hand of God: who (besides the penalties provided by civil authority for the holding them in awe) dare go on in so manifest contempt of his so fearful threats. Leaving therefore these despisers, to the disposing hand of the Almighty, either in mercy to amend them, or in justice to condemn them. I commend this little Pamphlet (shrouded under Gods and my Country's laws, to the reading, and regarding of the common) yet more conscionable sort of subjects in the same. As unto whose usual trades (standing for the most part upon weight and measure,) the practice thereof most properly appertaineth, and for whose sakes I have satisfied my well meaning, in delivering them the truth rather homely then handsomely. Like as their following the same, aught to be in a plain true dealing, and not in a crafty subtle deceiving, which being the fruit that I hope will ensue my poor pains taking herein (as a well pleasing taste both to God and man) I will only content myself with expectation of such reward, committing thee (good Reader) to the conduct of that spirit that is only able and always ready to prepare thee for every good duty, and to perform the same in thee, according to thy proper place and calling.  
joh. powel.   

The Quarter of Wheat. The Bushel of Wheat. The Farthing white loaf. The half penny white loaf. xii. s. xviij. d. viii. ℥. xuj. ℥. xiii. s. vj. d. xx. d. q. seven. ℥. q. xiv. ℥. di. xv. s. xxij. d. ob. vi. ℥. di. ij. d. ob. q. xiii. ℥. q. ob. xuj. s. ij. s. vi. ℥. q. i d. xii. ℥. di. ij. d. xvij. s. vj. d. ij. s. ij. d. q. v. ℥. iij. q. ij. d. q. xj. ℥. di. iiij. d. ob. xi●. s. ij. s. iiij. d. ob. v. ℥. di. xj. ℥. xx. s. ij. s. vi. d. v. ℥. q. ob. q. x. ℥. di. j d. ob. xx. i. s. vi. ij. s. viii. d. q. v. ℥. x. ℥. twenty-three. s. ij. s. x. d. ob. iiij. ℥. iij. q. ix. ℥. di. xxiv. s. iij. s. iiij. ℥. di. ij. d. ix, ℥. iiij. d. xxv. s vi. d. iij. s. ij. d. q. iiij. ℥. q. iij. d. viii. ℥. iij. q. j d. xxvij. s. iij. s. iiij. d. ob. iiij. ℥. iiij. d. ob. viii. ℥. q. iiij. d. xxviij. s. iij. s. vi. d. iiij. ℥. ij. d. q. viii. ℥. iiij. d. ob. xxix. s. vi. d. iij. s. viii. d. q. iij. ℥. iij. q. iij. d. q. seven. ℥. iij. q. j d. ob. xxxi. s. iij. s. x. d. ob. iij. ℥. iij. q. j d. ob. q. seven. ℥. di. iij. d. ob. xxxij. s. iiij. s. iij. ℥. iij. q. seven. ℥. di. xxxiij. s. vi. d. iiij. s. ij. d. q. iij. ℥. di. ij. d. ob. q. seven. ℥. q. ob. xxxv. s. iiij. s. iiij. d. ob. iij. ℥. di. ob. seven. ℥. j d. xxxvi. s. iiij. s. vi. d. iij. ℥. q. iii d. q. vj. ℥. iij. q. j d. ob. xxxvij. s. vi. d. iiij. s. viii. d. q iij. ℥. q. ij. d. q. vj. ℥. iij. q. xxxi●. s. iiij. s. x. d. ob. iij. ℥. q. j d. vj. ℥. di. ij. d. xl. s. v. s. two ℥. q. vj. ℥. di.  
The penny white loaf. The half penny wheaten loaf. The penny wheaten loaf. The ob. household or horslofe. xxxij. ℥. xxiv. ℥. xlviij. ℥. xxxij. ℥. xxix. ℥. xxj. ℥. iij. q. xliij. ℥. di. xxix. ℥. xxuj. ℥. di. j d. nineteen. ℥. iij. q. ij. d. q. xxxix. ℥. di. iiij. d. ob. xxuj. ℥. di. j d. xxv. ℥. iiij. d. xviij. ℥. iij. q. iij. d. xxxvij. ℥. iij. q. j d. xxv. ℥. iiij. d. twenty-three. ℥. q. iiij. d. xvij. ℥. di. j d. ob. q. xxxv. ℥. iij. d. ob. twenty-three. ℥. q. iiij. d. xxij. ℥. xuj. ℥. di. xxxiij. ℥. xxij. ℥. xxj. ℥. iij. d. xv. ℥. iij. q. ij. q. xxxj. ℥. di. iiij. d. ob. xxj. ℥. iij. d. xx. ℥. xv. ℥. xxx. ℥. xx. ℥. nineteen. ℥. xiv. ℥. q. xxviij. ℥. di. nineteen. ℥. xviij. ℥. q. iij. d. xiii. ℥. iij. q. j d. xxvij. ℥. di. ij. d. xviij. ℥. q. iij. d. xvij. ℥. di. ij. d. xiii. ℥. iiij. d. xxuj. ℥. q. iij. d. xvij. ℥. di. ij. d. xuj. ℥. iij. q. iij. d. xii. ℥. di. j d. ●xv. ℥. ij. d. xuj. ℥. iij. q. iij. d. xuj. ℥. q. iiij. d. xii. ℥. q. j d. ob. xxiv. ℥. di. iij. d. xuj. ℥. q. iiij. d. xv. ℥. di. iij. d. xj. ℥. di. iiij. d. ob. q. twenty-three. ℥. q. iiij. d. ob. xv. ℥. di. iij. d. xv. ℥. q. ij. d. xj. ℥. di. q. twenty-three. ℥. ob. xv. ℥. q. ij. d. xv. ℥. xj. ℥. q. xxij. ℥. di. xv. ℥. xiv. ℥. di. j d. x. ℥. iij. q. iij. d. q. xxj. ℥. iij. q. j d. ob xiv. ℥. di. j d. xiv. ℥. ij. d. x. ℥. di. j d. ob. xxj. ℥. iiij. d. xiv. ℥. ij. d. xiii. ℥. di. iij. d. x. ℥. iiij. d. q. xx. ℥. q. iiij. d. ob. xiii. ℥. di. iij. d. xiii. ℥. di. x. ℥. ij. d. ob. xx. ℥. q. xiii. ℥. di. xiii. ℥. iiij. d. x. ℥. ob. xx. ℥. j d. xiii. ℥. iiij. d. xiii. ℥. ix. ℥. iij. q. nineteen. ℥. di. xiii. ℥.  
The Quarter of Wheat. The Bushel of Wheat. The Farthing white loaf. The half penny white loaf. xlj. s. viii. d. v. s. ij. d. ob. ij. ℥. iij. q. ob. q. di. q. v. ℥. di. j d. ob. q. xlij. s. x. d. v. s. iiij. d. q. ij. ℥. di. v. ℥. xiiiij. s. v. s. vj. d. ij. ℥. q. iiij. d. di. q. iiij. ℥. iij. q. iij. d. q. xlv. s. viii. v. s. viii. d. ob. ij. ℥. q. ij. d. ob. iiij. ℥. iij. q. xlviij. s. vj. s. ij. ℥. q. j d. iiij. ℥. di. ij. d. xlix. s. viii. d. vj. s. ij. d. ob. ij. ℥. iiij. d. ob. di. q. iiij. ℥. q. iiij. d. q. l. s. x. d. vj. s. iiij. d. q. ij. ℥. iiij. d. iiij. ℥. q. iij. d. lij. s. vj. s. vj. d. ij. ℥. ij. d. ob. q. iiij. ℥. q. ob. liij. s. iiij. d. vj. s. viii. d. ij. ℥. j d. q. iiij. ℥. ij. d. ob.  
IN this assize there is no allowance given unto the Baker towards his charges, in the baking of his bread. And the Baker for his offence in breaking of his assize, he shallbe amerced: for the second offence likewise amerced: for the third offence in breaking his assize he shallbe more grievously amerced, and warned. And if he offend in breaking the assice of his bread the fourth time (being thereof convicted by order of law) than he shall receive corporal punishment upon the pillory, without any redemption, either by Gold, or Silver. But if the Baker doth exceed (in breaking th' assize of his bread) the full weight of ij. s. vi. d. which is one ounce and a half in his Farthing white loaf, than he shall suffer the judgement of the pillory without any fine, or admonition given unto him. Et post Septem dies panis nonponderetur. Thassise or weight of bread shall not be changed, but by the increase and decrease of vi. d. in the price of a quarter of wheat. And that every Baker hath his proper Mark upon his bread. Anno. 51. H. 3. Et Anno. 31. Ed. primi. As it appeareth by 14. Ed. 3. cap. 12.  
The penny white loaf. The half penny wheaten loaf. The penny weahton loaf. The ob. household or horslofe. xj. ℥. iij. d. ob. viii. ℥. q. ij. d. ob. di. q. xuj. ℥. iij. q. q. xi. ℥. iij. d. ob. x. ℥. seven. ℥. di. xv. ℥. x. ℥. ix. ℥. jij. q. j d. ob. seven. ℥. q. ij. d. ob. di q. xiv. ℥. di. iiij. d. ob. q ix. ℥. iij. q. i d. ob. ix. ℥. di. seven. ℥. ij. d. ob. xiv. ℥. q. ix. ℥. di. ix. ℥. iiij. d. vi. ℥. iij. q. iij. d. xiii. ℥. iij. q. i d. ix. ℥. iiij. d. viii. ℥. iij q. iij. d ob. vi. ℥. di. iij. d. ob. q. xiii. ℥. q. ij. d. ob. q. viii. ℥. iij. q. i● d. ob viii. ℥. iij. q. j d. vi. ℥. di. ij. d. xiii. ℥. iiij. d. viii. ℥. iij. q. i d. viii. ℥. di. i. d. vi. ℥. q. iij. d. q. xii. ℥. iij. q. i d. ob. viii. ℥. di. i d. viii. ℥. q. vi. ℥. iij. d. ob. q. xii. ℥. q. ij. d. ob. viii. ℥. q.   

Allowance to Bakers.  
FIrst it is to be remembered, that the foresaid Assize of all sorts of bread, being many years since established by law, for the good of this Common wealth. At what time all manner of Fuel and other necessaries needful for the mystery of Bakers were far better cheap, then now they are: as may plainly appear by the Baker's allowances, for their charges in the batch of a quarter of wheat, set down by the old size books, not amounting above the value of ten pence.  
It is therefore very needful, that all manner of officers having to deal therein, should have due regard thereunto: In yielding the said Bakers such reasonable consideration and allowances, for and towards their costs and charges, in baking their breads, as is agreeable unto equity and good conscience: and may likewise answer unto the highness of prices which things now bear: whereby they may continued their said mysteries, with a due observation of the true Assize according to the laws in that behalf provided.  
And further more if their be any manner of Parson or Parsons which shall by any false ways, or means cell any meal unto the Queen's subjects either by mixing of it deceitefully, or musty and corrupted meal, which may be to the hurt or infection of man's body: or else by any false slight or any deceitful ways or means, by false weight or measure, and so deceive the subjects: For the first offence he shallbe grievously punished, the second offence he shall loose his meal, the third offence he shall suffer the judgement of the Pillowrie, and the fourth time he shall foresweare the Town wherein he dwelleth.   

Ancient laws and good ordinances set down aswell for Bakers, in making, Sising and selling of all sorts of lawful breads, which by the laws are vendable unto her Majesty subjects in the common wealth: as also for Inholders, Victuallers, and other persons retailing the same, ratified and allowed by her majesties most honourable privy counsel, as hereafter followeth.  
first, that no manner of person or persons shall keep a common Bakehouse, in Cities and corporate Towns, 
Baker's to be apprentized,  but such persons as have been aprentized unto the same mystery, or brought up therein for the more space of seven years, or else otherwise, skilful in the good making and true sising of all sorts of bread, and shall put his own proper mark and seal upon all sorts of his man's bread, which he or they shall make and cell as before is mentioned.  
Item, that no Baker or other persons, do make, bake, 
Lawful breads to be made and sold.  utter and sell, any kinds or sorts of bread, in the commonwealth: but such which the Statutes and ancient ordinances of this Realm do allow them to bake, and cell. That is to say, they may bake, and cell Simnell bread, wastel, white, wheaten, household, and Horsebreades, and none other kinds of bread to put to sale unto her majesties subjects.  
Item, they must make and bake farthing white bread, 
What sorts of bread are to be made.  half penny white, penny white, halfpenny wheaten, penny wheaten bread, penny household, and two penny household loves, and none of greater Sise, upon pain of forfeiture unto poor people all such great bread which they or any of them shall make to sell of greater Sise, (the time of Christmas always excepted).  
Item, they shall not utter and cell to any Inholder or Victuler either in man's bread or horsebread (which shall retail the same) but only xiii penny worth for xii. d. without any Poundage or other advantage.  
Item, they shall cell and deliver unto Inholders and Victulers, in horsebread, 
xiii pence in bread for xii. pence.  but three Loves for a penny, and xiii penny worth for xii. d. (as aforesaid) every one of the same three horse loves weighing the full weight of a penny white loaf: whether wheat be good cheap or dear.  
Item, that no bakers or other person or persons, shall at any time or times hereafter, make, utter or sell, by retail, within or without their houses, 
Unlawful breads forbidden.  unto any the queens subjects any spice Cakes, Bunnes, Biscuits, or other spice breads (being bread out of Sise and not by law allowed) except it be at Burials or upon the Friday before Easter, or at Christmas: upon pain of forfeiture of all such spice breads to the poor.  
Item, whereas there are, in Cities or corporate Towns, common Bakers, using the mystery of baking, there and within the same Towns the foreign Bakers, which come into the market with their breades to be sold, shall not only bring with them, 
Foreign bakers to keep greater size than the towns men.  such kinds of sorts of Sised breads, as the law and ordinances do allow, to be made and sold as aforesaid: but also shall keep and observe this order, in the weight of their breades, as hereafter followeth: because the said foreigners do not bear and pay, within the same Cities or Towns, such Scotte and Lot, as the Bakers of the same towns do.  
First, the Foreigners half penny white Loves shall weigh half an ounce more in every loaf, than the Bakers of the same towns half penny white Loves do.  
Item, their penny white Loves shall weigh, one ounce more in every loaf than the Bakers of the same towns penny white Loves do.  
Item, their half penny wheaten loves, shall weigh one ounce more in every loaf, than the Bakers of the same towns half penny wheaten loves do.  
Item, their penny wheaten loves, shall weigh two ounces more in every loaf, than the Bakers of the same towns, penny wheaten loves do.  
Item, their penny household loves, shall weigh two ounces more in every loaf, than the Bakers of the same towns, penny household loves do.  
Item, their two penny household loves, shall weigh four ounces more in every loaf, than the Bakers of the same towns, two penny household loves do.  
Provided always, that the Clerk of the market of her majesties household, his deputies or deputy, Majors, bailiffs and other Officers, of Cities, Corporat towns & liberties, shall look unto, have diligent care and respect unto the due performance, and execution of these Articles, and shall and may from time, to time, freely give and distribute, 
Penalty.  all such unlawful breades as shallbe hereafter made and put to sale being contrary to these Articles (before mentioned) unto poor prisoners or any other poor people, willing & requiring all justices of peace, Constables, Bailiffs, and all other Officers, to be aiding, assisting and helping, all the foresaid Officers in the due execution hereof, as they will answer to the contrary at their perils.  
Note also, that this Assize of all sorts of bread, 
Assize of bread after Troy weight.  aught always to be approved by the Troy weight, derived from the grains of wheat: whereof two grains, taken in the midst of the ear, maketh the xuj. part of a Sterling penny: iiij. grains maketh the eight part of a penny Sterling: eight grains make the fourth part of a penny Sterling, and two and thirty grains of wheat, make the whole Sterling penny. Twenty of which pence, make the ounce Troy, xv. d. three quarters of an ounce, x. d. half an ounce, five pence a quarter of an ounce, & ij. d. ob. half a quarter of an ounce, which weight being named Troy weight, serveth only to weigh, Bread, Gold, 
Ounce Troy.  Silver, precious jewels, and Ellectuaries, of which weight, there is but xii ounces to the pound, viii pounds to the gallon, xuj pounds to the peck, xxxij. pounds to the half Bushel, and lxiiij. pounds to the Bushel. Anno. 12. H. 7. cap. 5.  
There is also an other usual weight, named avoirdupois weight, whereunto there is xuj. ounces for the pound, which weight serveth to weigh Butter, Cheese, Flesh, Tallow, Wax, and every other thing that beareth the name of garbel, and whereof issueth a refuse or waste. 
avoirdupois weight.  The difference between these two weights, Troy and avoirdupois, is this, that xiiii. ounces and a half Troy weight, being xxiiii. s. ij. d. sterling, do make xuj. ounces avoirdupois weight, at this day, and according to the same rate seven. pounds avoirdupois, make the gallon in measure: 
Difference of weights.  xiiii. pounds' the peck, xxviii. pounds' the half bushel, and lvi. pounds make the bushel, the which bushel justly accordeth with the lxiiii. pounds Troy weight, as is before mentioned. The which lvi. pound of avoirdupois weight, are and have been accustomably used, for the content of the bushel through this Realm, and not repugnant to the law as before is remembered. From the which weight named Troy, is also drawn the assize or gaige, as well for all manner of wet measures to be had and used, 
Water measure.  
The measure drawn from the troy weight.  both by land and within ship board, as also for all manner of corn and grain vendable within this Realm of England, which according to the law is to be observed and kept, as well within liberties as without, both by the buyers and sellers: that is to say, the full and just weight of xii. ounces Troy in wheat, do make a concave or hollow measure named a pint, and viii. of the same pints do make the gallon for Wine, Ale, Beer, and Corn, according to the Standard of her majesties Exchequier, viii. of which gallons do make the bushel, 
The content of cask.  and eight of the same bushels do make the quarter in measure. An. 11. & 12. H. 7. Memorandum, there is allowed by the law for water measure within the ship board, ten gallons to the bushel, which contain five pecks. An. 11. H. 7. Cap. 4.  
Furthermore, there is derived and drawn out, and from the said gallon made by the said eight pints, which containeth twelve ounces of Troy weight to every pint, as before is declared. The Assize for the quantity and true content of all manner of cask, lawful and vend●ble within this Realm of England, as well for Wines, Oil, & Honey, as also for Ale, Beer, and Sauce. That is to say, every hogshead to have and contain threescore and three gallons, every Tertian fourscore and four gallons, every Pipe Cxxvi gallons, and every Tun, Cclii gallons of the foresaid English gallons, and that no manner of person or persons shall bring out of any country, or make or cause to be made here within the Realm of England, any of the said vessels of lesser size or content then before is declared, An. 2. H. 6. Cap. 11. An. 1. R. 3. Cap. 13. & An. 28. H. 8. Cap. 14.  
There is also a certain measure called a Salmon Butte, 
Salmon measure.  which must hold and contain fourscore and four gallons, the Barrel must hold and contain, xlii. gallons, the half Barrel one and twenty gallons. The Hearing Barrel must hold and contain, thirty two gallons. The Eale barrel forty two gallons, and the half barrel and firkin for Hear and Eales, 
Eales and bearing cask,  must hold and contain according to the same rate, the which gallons must be also agreeable unto her majesties Standard of the Exchequier, and derived as before is mentioned, Ann. 22. Ed. 4. Cap. 11.  
And every Soap barrel to hold and contain 32. Gallons and upwards according to the queens maisties' standard of Thexchequire, and shall way being empty xxvi. pounds of avoirdupois weight and not above, and every half barrel empty shall way xiii. pounds & not above, and shall hold and contain xuj. Gallons and above, and every Firkin empty shall way vi. pound and a half and not above, and shall hold and contain viii. Gallons and above, upon pain of forfeiture for every barrel, half barrel, Ferking or othed vessel hereafter to be made had or used contrary to this Act iii s. iiii. d.  
There is also the true weight of a weigh of cheese & butter, after the rate of fivescore & twelve pounds of avoirdupois weight to the hundred, as aforesaid, which two hundredth weight, is a leaven score and four pounds, containing xxxii. cloves, 
The weight of cheese and butter.  and every clove to be seven. pounds of avoirdupois weight. And so the weigh of Suffolk cheese, is two hundredth, quarter and four pounds, which is twelvescore and sixteen pounds of avoirdupois weights, and the barrel of butter is of like weight, with the Foist thereof. But the weight of the weigh of Essexs' cheese or butter, is three hundredth pounds weight, after the rate of fivescore & twelve pounds to the hundredth, which is sixteen score and sixteen pounds of avoirdupois weight, Anno. 9 H. 6. Cap. 8.  

The sack of wool.  The Sack of Wool is three hundred twenty eight pounds, and a hundred twelve pounds to every hundred weight, which is xviii. score and four pounds of avoirdupois weight, as before is mentioned, An. 11. H. 7. Cap. 4. Two weights of wool make a sack, and xii. sacks make a last. But a last of Hear, containeth ten thousand, and every thousand contain ten hundredth. And every hundredth, contain sixscore, An. 14. Ed. 3. Cap. 12.  
There is also a load of Lead, which consisteth of thirty formels, 
The load of Lead.  and every formel containeth six stone wanting two pounds. And every stone must consist of twelve pound avoirdupois: and every pound consisteth of the weight of five and twenty shillings sterling, whereby the sum in the formel is seven pound, but the sum of the stones in the load, is eight times twenty and fifteen. And it is proved by six times thirty, which is, nine times twenty. But of every formel there are abated two pounds in the foresaid multiplication, which are sixty, which make five stone. And so there are in the load eight times twenty and fifteen pounds as is above said. According to some other, it consisteth of twelve weights: and this is after Troy weight. And the sum of stones in the load, is eight times twenty, and eight stone. And it is proved by twelve times 14. An. 14. Ed. 3. Cap. 12.  
There is likewise a measure ordained by law, named a yard, being derived from the grains of Barley, as three barley corns in length shall make an inch. 
Compositio ulnarum & perticarum. An. 31. Ed. 1.  Twelve of the same inches shall make the foot, three foot shall make the yard, and sixteen foot and a half, shall make the poll or perch to measure land or wood withal. In many countries this poll or perch doth vary, as in some places it is eighteen foot, and in some other places xxi. foot, as by ancient custom is allowed. Of the which poles or perches, forty in length and four of them in breadth, 
The Acre of land.  make the Acre of land or wood, upon which measure, Pliny li. 2. Cap. 23 deriveth Stadium to be a furlong, which containeth 125. paces, every pace to contain five foot: the foot to contain four palms, and every palm containeth four fingers breadth. There are also three kinds of Stadia, the first is, 
Anno. ●1. H. 3.  
Stadin or furlong.  Stadium Italicum, containing 625. feet, which is 125. paces: the second is Stadium Olimpicum, containing 600. feet, which is, 120. paces. The third, is Stadium Pithicum, containing 1000 feet, which is 200. paces, of these Stadia, eight in length, do make the Italian mile, containing 1000 paces, and every pace to be five foot in length. And of these paces junius writeth, 
The difference days.  that there is Passus duplex, & passus minor vel simplex, passus duplex, is five foot as aforesaid, but passus minor vel simplex, is but two foot and a half, which is usually the distance from the toes of the fore foot, unto the heel of the hinder foot in going. And also he saith, that passus maior sive Geometricus is apace, or fathom of five feet, there is also passus Grecus, & passus Romanus, passus Grecus, being more than pas-Rsusomanus by a foot, and the fourth part of a foot in the  

The Assize and order for Brewers, aswell of Ale as of Beer.  
IT was also ordained in Anno. 23. H. 8. that the Ale Firking shall hold and contain viii gallons and upwards, the Kilderking xuj. gallons and upwards, 
Brewer's cas●.  and the Ale barrel, xxxij. gallons and upwards. The beer Firking shall hold and contain ix. gallons and upwards, the beer Kilderking xviij gallons and upwards, and the beer barrel xxxvi. gallons and upwards, according to the English gallon, before mentioned.  
These being the true contents of Beer and Ale vessels, the Brewers that are to cell by them, 
Unwholesome drinks.  are likewise thus restrained by laws. Viz. that they brew not their Ale nor Beer of any musty malt or eton with wivels, nor put any Ale or Beer to sale, in any musty or corrupt vessels, or in any vessels of a lesser content than before mentioned: neither must they make any new vessels within their own houses, 
New vessels not to be mad by brewers.  to utter their Ale and Bear in, saving that they may keep Cooper's within their houses, only to Hoop, Cobble, and amend their vessels and not otherwise.  
And further more, that every beer brewer and ale brewer with in this Realm of England, shall not take over and above for every such barrel, Kilderking or Firkin, of ale or bear, but after the prices and rates as shallbe thought convenient & sufficient by the distression of the justices of the peace, within every sheer where such ale brewer or here brewer shall devil, 
Anno. 51. H. ●. &. An. 31. Ep. 1 cop. 7.  
Prizes for ale and beer.  without any City, Borough, or Town corporate, where no head officers, as Majors, Bailises, Shéeriffes, or other head officers, have none authority nor rule: & in every City, Borrought, or Town, where there be Mayor, sheriffs or other head officers, the same rates and prices to be rated and ceased by them and every of them by their discretions▪ And that the fame ale brewers and beer brewers at any time hereafter shall not cell there beer nor ale, at any higher rates and prices then shallbe unto them assigned after the form above rehearsed, upon pain to loose and forfeit for every barrel so put to sale contrary to this statute vi. s. for every half barrel or kilderking iii s. iiii. d. for every Firking two. s. And for every vessel containing greater number of Gallons x. s. and for every vessel containing lesser number of Gallons xii. d. the one half of which penalties and forfeitures shallbe unto the queens Majesty, her hears and successors: the other half unto him that will sue for the same, by action debt, bill, plaint, or information in any of her majesties court of record, wherein the defendant shall not wage his law.  
And for as much as the mystery of brewing, as a thing very needful and necessary for the common wealth, hath been always by ancient custom & good orders, practised and maintained with in Cities, Corporat, Borroughs, and market Towns of this Realm, by such expert and skilful persons, 
Wholesome meats.  
Brewer's to be apprentizes or skilful men in the mystery.  as either were traded and brought up therein, by the space of seven years, and as prentice therein accepted: accordingly as in all other Trades and Occupations, or else well known to be such men of skill and honesty, in that mystery, as could and would always yield unto her majesties subjects in the common wealth, such good and wholesome Ale and Beer, as both in the quality and for the quantity thereof, did ever agree with the good laws of the Realm. And especially to the comfort of the poorer sort of subjects: who most need it: until of late years, sundry Persons inhabiting within the foresaid liberties, rather seeking their own private gain, than the public profit of their country: have not only erected and set up small brewhouses at their pleasures: but also brew and utter such Ale and Beer, for want of skill in that mystery, as both in the prices and wholesomeness thereof: doth utterly disagree with the goodlawes and orders of this Realm: thereby also, over throwing the greater and more ancient brewhouses: and the estate of the said mystery of brewing. It is therefore very necessary, that the Mayor, Bailiffs, or other head Officers of every City, corporate, borough, or market towns within this realm, where such great and ancient brewhouses are, do take such good order by virtue of their Charters granted to them, either by her Highness, or her noble progeniters: as that within these liberties, the aforesaid ancient brewers and brewhouses, may be recontinued and maintained, and those new erected houses, with their unskilful owners, suppressed and put down, which as it hath been, so doubtless would it be the best and surest means of maintaining that mystery, and unto the common wealths most profit.   

The Assize and order for Inholders and Victulers.  
AND for that Ale and Beer are not in themselves perfect licures, but being filled into a small measure, the yeste or froth therefore will ascend, 
Inholders and victulers.  by working very speedily, requiring a time in settling thereof again, there is alto used and to be allowed within this realm, sundry measures of lesser contents for Brewer's Inholders and Victulers, 
Thurdendels.  selling their Ale & Beer by retail, unto the subjects: The which are named or called, hooped quart and pint, measures, thurdendells, and half thurdendells, being a small quantity some what bigger than the foresaid standard: in respect of the working and ascending of the yeste and froth as aforesaid: by the which quarts and pints, the Inholders shall retail, their Ale and Beer, being after the rate of four pence the gallon: And by the same thurdendel, and half thurdendel, the Victulers shall retail their drink, being after the rate of three pence the gallon, the which said several measures are lawful and aught to be used in manner aforesaid, at this day.  
And furthermore, Inholders, Cooks, & Victulers are, not only by the laws and ancient good orders of this realm, 
The assize of Evil.  
Unwholesome victuals.  forbidden to bake, seethe, or roast, any fish or flesh twice, or cell and utter unto the Subjects any manner of corruptible victuals, which may be to the hurt and the infection of man's body. But also that they shall not utter and cell their Ale and Beer, within or without their houses by retail or otherwise, unto any the queens majesties subjects, with any false or unsealed measures, 
False measures  lesser than the standard before metioned, nor utter and cell their provender within their Ostries, with any false or unsealed measures, which shallbe repugnant unto the foresaid standard of her highness Exchequier. Anno. 11. &. 12. H. 7. cap. 4.  
Item if any Butcher, Fishmunger, Inholder, Victuler, Baker, Poulter or any other whatsoever: which shall cell any victuals unto the subjects at any excessive price or prizes otherwise then the plenty and skarcitie of the time, and the distance of carriage of the same considered, shall accord with equity and good conscience. Than majors Bailiffs and other chief officers of Cities, boroughs, and Towns corporate shall have full power and authority: to inquire and examine all such offences and defaults therein done and committed, and to inflict punishment upon the offenders, by ceasing of the double value, of that which he or they shall so utter and cell, unto the party damnified. And if the said chief officers shall omit to do their duties herein: then the justices of the peace shall have full power and authority to inflict punishment upon such negligent and careless officers. Anno. 23. Ed. tercij. cap. 6.  
Item it is enacted in Anno. 6. R. 2. cap. 9 That no victuler, or victulers, within any City, or other Town, or Towns within the Realm of England, shall use or occupy the office of a judge, during the time that he shallbe officer there, (except it be for want of other sufficient men which should excercise the same office) And then whilst he is in that office of a judge he nor none of his shall utter and cell any victuals unto the subjects upon pain of forfeiture of the same victuals.   

The assize for Inholders, or any others retailing their Hey by the Bottle, Truss, or hundredth, as followeth.  
FIrst the load, which men call the cart or waineteight, is reckoned to be twenty hundred weight of avoirdupois weight, accounting a hundredth & twelve pounds unto every hundredth, 
The assize of Heye.  but for as much as her majesties subjects inhabiting near unto the City of London, cannot very easily, or well load their carts or wanes with hay, of such great weight, and so carry the same unto the city. They do reckon and accounted eighteen hundredth weight of avoirdupois weight, to be the common load of hay, the which they make and size as followeth: that is to sale, that xxxvi. trusses of hay shall make the load, every truss of hay, to weigh the full weight of fifty six pounds of avoirdupois, and after that rate, one pound of hay sold for a ob. maketh four pounds four shillings the load in money: two pounds of hay for a ob. make xlii. s. the load: three pounds of hay for a ob. make xxxi. s. vid. the load: & four pounds of hay for a ob. make xxi. s. the load the which assize or weight in hay, the Inholders and others retailing the same, aught to observe and keep.  
And whereas any Inholders or others do or shall: take or receive any manner of horse or horses unto livery at Heay● and Litter by day and night. Than if the bottle of Heye shall way three pounds for a half penny, which is vj. pound for a i d. and so xviij. pounds of Heye for three pence, the which xviij pound of hay with reasonable provender at every watering will suffice one horse day and night and according to that ra●e the Inholder or any other parson shall make xxxi. s. vi. d. of his load of hay: being of the full weight as before is mentioned then allow him one penny day and night for high litter, whichin the hole amounteth unto iiij. d day and night for hay and litter, and so shall the Inholders or any others have sufficient gain in his stablen, if the same horse shall spend but three half pence in provender at every watering. And so shall all manner of officers, appurtionate the Inholders: and all others which use to take horses by livery day and night, as the prices of the load of hay shall yearly increase and deminishe.   

The Assize for Vintner's.  
Vintner's must cell good and wholesome wines for the sustenance of man, they must not mix or altar the verdure and proper nature of their wines, 
Vintner's.  nor compound them with any thing, otherwise then perfect wine of itself. They must utter and cell their wines by retail, with such lawful and sealed measures, as are agreeable unto the Standard of her Majesties Exchequier, by the half pint, pine, quart, pottle and gallon, according to the approved Standard before mentioned.   

The Assize for Butchers.  
IT hath been always a thing most carefully looked unto, and provided for, by good and ancient orders and laws of this Realm, and also by advise of the learned and skilful Physicians of the same: that no Butchers should kill and sell unto the subjects, any flesh of any cattle which were grieved or infected with a disease called the Morren: nor kill and cell any Bull or Bulls unbaited, any Cow or kine great with Calf, or near calving, any Ewe or Ewes with Lamb, or taking the Ram, or any Sow great with Pig or taking the Boar, upon pain of amercement, at the discretion of the Officers having authority to inquire thereof: neither that they should blow their flesh, which they cell to the subjects, or geld the kidneys of their Muttons, Veals, or Lambs, taking away the fat thereof, nor deceitfully raise the same kidneys, with any stopping or under putting them, to deceive the ignorant buyers thereof: upon like pain. Nor uttered and cell any meseled Pork, upon pain of amercement, 
deceipts of Butchers.  and to suffer the judgement of the Pillory, with his corrupt flesh to be burned openly before his face, in the market place. Likewise that they shall not cell their flesh unto the queens subjects, with any beam or balance inclining more unto the one end, then unto the other, thereby to deceive the subjects, nor cell their flesh by or with any false weight, lesser than the queens majesties Standard, before mentioned, and that after the rate of xuj. ounces avoirdupois to the pound, and eight of them pounds to make the stone, or otherwise as the usage or custom of the country requireth for the number of the pounds unto the stone.   

The Assize of Fuel to be observed in the City of London, Westminster, and the subberbes of the same.  
FIrst every sack of char Coals, must contain and hold, four bushels of good and clean coals.  
Item every Taleshide, must contain in length four foot besides the Carfe, every Taleshide named one, to contain in greatness within a foot of the midst, xuj. inches about: and every Taleshade named of two, to contain in greatness within a foot of the midst, xxiii. inches about: and every Talshide named of three, to contain in greatness within a foot of the midst, xviii. inches about: and every Talshide named of sour, to contain in greatness within a foot of the midst, xxxiii. inches about: and every Talshide named of five, to contain in greatness within a foot of the midst, xxxviii inches about.  
Item, every billet to contain in length, three foot and sour inches, and every billet named a single, to contain seven. inches and a half about.  
Item, every billet named to be a cast, to contain ten inches about: and every billet of two cast, to contain xiiii. inches about.  
Item, every faggot bend, to contain in length three foot, and the band of every such faggot, to be xxiiii. inches about, besides the knot.  
Item all billets of two cast that shall be made, to be put to sale, shall be of the size herein comprised, and shall be marked within six inches of the midst thereof. And every billet of one cast made to be put to sale, shall be marked within four inches of the end thereof, upon pain that every marker, and every seller, that shall make any such fuel or coals, and put the same to sale, to forfeit for every shide, of talwood, billet, faggot, or acke of coals, lacking the assize aforesaid, iii s. iiii d. And that if any cutter or marker, or other, that shall forfeit any sums herein contained, shall not be able to yield or pay such forfeiture for sums as aforesaid, that then every such person convicted by witnesses, or otherwise, to be set on the Pillory in the next Market Town, to the place wherein he shall so offend, by a justice of the Peace, or any other her majesties Officers, at the hour of eleven of the clock, upon the market day, with a billet, faggot, or sack of coals, bound to some part of his body, and so to be discharged of the foresaid forfeiture. An. 7. Ed. 6. Cap. 7.   

The Assize for Lath.  
ITem that every Lath shall be and contain in length five foot, and in breadth two inches, and in thickness half an inch of Assize, upon pain to forfeit for every hundredth which shallbe put to sale of lesser Sise. ij. d.   

The Assize of Timber.  
ITem that all manner of Timber be well he won and perfectly squared, and also keep true measure. Viz. fifty foot of Timber for the load, upon pain to forfeit for every load of Timber which shallbe sold to the contrary. xii. d.   

The Assize of Tile.  
ITem every Parson or Parsons, which shall use the occupation of making of thack tile roof tile, crest tile, or gutter tile, shall make it good and seasonable, able and sufficient, and well whited and annealed, and the ground whereof any such tile shallbe made, shall be digged and cast up before the first day of November next before they shallbe made, and the said earth shallbe stirred and turned before the first day of januarie than next following, and the same earth before it be put to making the tile, shall be truly wrought and tried from stones, and also the veins called maline or marvel and chalk (lying commonly in the ground near the land conveinent to make tile) after the diggin of the said ground whereof any such tile shall be made: shall be well and truly severed and cast from the earth whereof any such tile shallbe made. And that every such plain tile shall contain in length x. Inches and a half, and in breadth vi. Inches and a quarter, and in thickness half an Inch and half a quarter at the lest, and every such roof tile or crest tile, shall contain in length xiii. Inches, and in thickness half an Inch and half a quarter at the lest with convenient déepnes according, and every gutter tile and corner tile shall contain in length, x. Inches and a half with convenient thickness, breadth and déepth according and if any Parson set to sale any such tile made against the foresaid ordinance, than the seller thereof shall forfeit to the bier, the double value of the same tile, and beside shall make fine to the Queen at her pleasure, and every Parson that findeth himself grieved herein and will sue shall have an action of debt against the offenders, and the plaintiff (if he recover herein) shall recover his costs, wherein no wager of law shallbe allowed unto the defendaht. Anno. 17. Ed. 4. cap. 4.  
Thus much I have thought good, simply to make apparent unto the eyes of the ignorant, for the true order and assize of weight and measure, with the assize of bread and other necessaries, concerning the same, to be observed by all subjects, as a thing very necessary and needful in the common wealth. The which both God's book, the good laws and ancient orders of the Realm, do allow & maintain, wishing every good subject to embrace the same accordingly.   
FINIS.