AN ACT OF COMMON COUNCIL For Regulating the Election of Sheriffs, AND For Repealing the Treasonable and Disloyal Acts and Proceed of that COURT in the Time of the Late Rebellion.  printer's device comprising the coat of arms of the Common Council; arms: argent a cross gules, in the first quarter a sword in pale point upwards of the last.  
LONDON, Printed by Samuel Roycroft, Printer to this Honourable CITY, 1683.   
 Two woodcut panels each depicting the coat of arms of the Common Council; arms: argent a cross gules, in the first quarter a sword in pale point upwards of the last. 
Commune Concil' tent' in Camera Guildhall Civitat' London, die Mercurii sexto die Junii, Anno Dom' 1683. Annoque Regni Domini nostri CAROLI Secundi, nunc Regis Angl ', etc. Tricesimo quinto. Coram Willielmo Pritchard Mil', Major' Civitat' Lond', Willielmo Turner Mil', Jacobo Edward's Mil', Roberto Clayton Mil', Johanne Moor Mil', Henrico Tulse Mil', Jacobo Smyth Mil', Roberto Geoffrey Mil', Johanne Peake Mil', Thoma Beckford Mil', Johanne Chapman Mil', Simone Lewis Mil', Jonathano Raymond Mil', & Petro Daniel Armig ' Aldermanis; Necnon major' part Communiar' dicte Civitat' in Communi Concil' tunc & ibidem assemblat'.  
THis Day a Report was brought into this Court by the Committee appointed to inspect the Acts and Proceed entered in the Journals of this Court in the Times of Usurpation, or at any time before or since, that might be fit to be Explained or Repealed: The Tenor of which Report is as followeth, that is to say,  
To the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Commons of the City of London, in Common Council Assembled.  
WHereas by a late Order of this Honourable Court it was referred unto us, whose Names are subscribed, to inspect the Acts and other Proceed entered in the Journals of this Court in the Times of Usurpation, or at any time before or since, that may be thought fit to be Explained or Repealed; Now we do humbly certify, That in pursuance of the said Order, We have perused and examined the Journals of this Court in the Times of the late Rebellion, wherein we find not only many Innovations and Irregularities brought into this Court and the Government of this City; but also most pernicious and abominable Proceed, in abetting and carrying on those Wicked and Unnatural Divisions then raised in the Kingdom, and serving the Usurpation of those Times. All, or most of which, We persuade ourselves, could never have had place in this Court, had not Violence been offered to the Government of this City, the Lord Mayor been Arrested and Imprisoned, divers Loyal Aldermen and Commoners, some Imprisoned, others Displaced, and all Loyal Citizens generally discountenanced and discouraged, and Others of factious, unquiet and turbulent Spirits, got themselves into the Common Council, and made up the greater Number therein. All which Acts and Proceed might (as they well deserve) be obliterated and wholly expunged, that no Remembrance thereof should be transmitted to Posterity to the shame and dishonour of this Court and City; but that other Matters are therewith intermixed, which for the substance of them are, in our Opinions, inoffensive, useful, and fit to be continued. Several Committees have formerly been appointed by this Court to obliterate the said unjust Proceed, and there are Lines crossed over divers of them, which (we presume) were made by the said Committees; but not being thereby obliterated, and still remaining in the Books as the Acts and Proceed of this Court, and never having been particularly Disclaimed and Repealed by any Vote or Act of this Court, (that we have observed;) We think it very fitting, that the same, and all other like disloyal and irregular Proceed, should by an express Act of this Court be Renounced, Repealed, and made absolutely Null and Void. Which Proceed, or most of them, We have here set down and present to this Honourable Court, for that purpose; and desire that some few of them may be here openly read, to beget in this Court (as it hath done in Us) a just Abhorrence and Detestation of such Proceed; of which kind are the Proceed following, Entered in the Journals of this Court, viz.  
AN Order of Common Council, for taking the Protestation made in the House of Commons, 29. May 1641.  
An Order made upon a Message from the House of Commons, touching Fears and Dangers apprehended from Armed men at White-Hall, and other Preparations. 4. Jan. 1641.  
Petition to be presented to the King (with the Proceed thereupon) representing their Fears from Papists, etc. and the Kings going to the House to demand several Members. 5. Jan. 1641.  
Orders and Proceed touching raising of Guards, raising and sending out Forces, and Officers for conducting them, making of Forts and Bulwarks, and other Acts of Disloyalty relating thereunto. 10, 19, & 22. Jan. 12. Febr. 9, 17, & 19 March 1641. 4, & 15 April, 17 May, 1, 6, 15, & 23 Septemb. 18 Octob. 23 Febr. 1, & 15 March, 1642. 21 June, 8, & 14 July, 11 August, 9 Sept. 9 Octob. 1, & 30 Decemb. & 16 Feb. 1643. 12, & 17 Apr. 2, & 9 May, 5, 7, & 15 Jun. 2 August. 7, 13, & 20 Sept. & 16 Jan. 1644. 15, & 29 April, 2 Sept. & 3 Jan. 1645. 3 June, 1648, 4, 6, 15, 21, & 27 July, & 12 August, 1648. 17 April 1649.  
Orders and Determinations touching Election of Common Council Men in several Wards. 19 Jan. & 2 March, 1641. 9 Febr. 1645, 17 April, 1647.  
Orders touching laying up Ammunition in the City for use of the Parliament: And other Orders touching Powder and other Military Provisions. 19 Jan. 1641. 9 July, 25 August, 15 Sept. 1642. 8, & 17 April, 1644. 13 Jun. & 4 July, 1645. 14 April. & 23 Febr. 1646. 13 August 1647.  
Orders touching Sir John Byron, Lieutenant of the Tower, 19, & 22 Jan. 1641.  
Reference upon a Remonstrance of Grievances and Fears. 22 Jan. 1641.  
Petition to the Lords House, complaining that the Tower and other Forts are not in such hands as the Parliament might confide in (wherewith the City would not otherwise be satisfied.) 24 Jan. 1641.  
Petition to the House of Commons, representing Obstructions in raising Moneys to suppress the Irish. 24 Jan. 1641.  
Thanks to some Country Gentlemen, for acknowledging the City's care of the Public. 14 Febr. 1641.  
Deciding a Question touching Reading a Petition of divers Citizens. 17 Febr. 1641.  
Reading a Petition of Vintrey-Ward, touching Election of their Alderman. 2 March 1641.  
Dismission of Mr. Alden from the Common Council, for not taking the Protestation. 14 March 1641.  
Petitions to the Parliament touching the Militia of the Kingdom. 9, & 17 March 1641.  
Orders for the Chamberlain to take up Money for Military Affairs. 17 March. 1641. 18 Octob. 1642. 24 Feb. 1644. 13 Aug. 1647.  
Orders charging the Chamber with payment of Military Officers, and for other Military Affairs. 4 & 15 Apr. 23 Aug. 2 Decemb. & 15 Feb. 1642. 4 Sept. 1645. 6 Novemb. & 24 Jan. 1647. 30 May. 1648. 18 July. 1649.  
Orders for the Chamber to bear the charge of entertaining the Lords and Commons at several Training. 9 July 1642. 20 May. 1646.  
Orders touching lending Money and Plate for raising Forces. 2 Sep. 1642.  
Parliament's thanks for the City's forwardness and affections, and the Common Council's thanks to the Parliament for assisting them with Money towards their charges of raising Forces. 6 Sept. 1642.  
Recommendation to the Citizens of the Earl of Essex his desire to borrow One Hundred Thousand Pounds. 15 Sept. 1642.  
Suspension of Mr. Weld, Town-Clerk, 15 Sept. 1642.  
Agreement to send out Twelve Companies for defence of Religion, the King, Kingdom, Parliament and City, upon notice from the Parliament of Prince Rupert's approach 18 Oct. 1642.  
A Committee appointed touching Malignant Ministers. 2. Decemb. 1642.  
Dislike of a Petition of Mr. Osbolstone and other Citizens to the Common Council to endeavour an end of the War, and an accommodation between the King and both Houses. 12. Decem. 1642.  
Petitions to the King and Parliament touching the King's return upon dishonourable Terms, and Proceed thereupon. 16. Decemb. 9 and 18. Jan. 1642.  
Money to be advanced for the Parliament to prevent the Armies disbanding; and Ministers to stir up men for that purpose. 18. Feb. 1642.  
Propositions for reforming the Army. Ibid.  
Discharge of the Remembrancer and Cities Marshals. Ibid.  
Propositions to the Parliament touching moneys to be raised for the Army, and other matters. 21. Febr. 1642.  
Report to the Parliament touching Reformation of the Army, and a Religious Covenant and Association, with the Parliament's Answer. 23. Febr. 1642.  
moneys to be raised at desire of the Parliament for the Earl of Essex preparing to go against Prince Rupert. 10. March. 1642.  
The Chamberlain to take up moneys (in all 12000 l.) for the Fortifications. 25. Marc. 4, 13 & 25 May. 21 Jun. & 6. Jul. 1643.  
Application to the Parliament for Assessments to be paid to the Treasurers of Money and Plate at Guild-Hall. 25 March. 1643.  
Forty Thousand Pounds advanced for the Army. 6 April. 1643.  
Companies to lend their Arms for the Auxiliary Forces raised in the City. 27 April. 1643.  
Parliament to be moved for demolishing the Cross in Cheapside. Ibid.  
Propositions touching reducing Newcastle. 20 & 25 May. & 10 June. 1643.  
Orders and Reports upon a difference between the Militia and Sub-Committee at Salters-Hall. 7, 10, 14 & 21 June. 1643.  
Petition to the Parliament for listing of Horses. 21 June. 1643.  
Several Fifteen (Twenty Four in all) raised for Military affairs. 5 Jan. & 19 March. 1641. 23 Feb. 1642. 6 July. 1643.  
An Act repealing Two former Acts, whereby the Court of Aldermen were to nominate Two persons to the Common-Hall for election of Chamberlain, and Four for election of Bridgemasters, and the Comonalty to choose out of them and no others. 21 June. 1643.  
A Search to be made upon complaint of Arms carried out of the City to the Enemy. 14 July. 1643.  
Upon notice of the King's Forces near the City, and a Rising in Kent and Surrey, Monies to be advanced. 18 July. 1643. And 1 Aug. 1643. Fifty Thousand Pounds ordered to be advanced. Afterwards 11 Aug. 1643. Fifty Thousand Pounds to be raised by the Companies, and Fifty Subsidies by private persons. 26 Aug. 1643. an Ordinance of Parliament thereupon. 9 Septemb. 1643. the City Seal to be given for the said Subsidies.  
Message from Common Council to the Earl of Essex to assure him of their resolutions to assist him. 1 Aug. 1643.  
A Petition to the House of Commons for punishment on Delinquents. 6 Aug. 1643.  
A Committee to join with a Committee of Parliament for raising moneys. 2 Octob. 1643.  
Orders touching moneys to be raised by sparing weekly Meals. 10 & 22 Jan. 3, 8 & 16 Feb. 1643. 30 March. 1644.  
Orders touching pulling down Houses, etc. near the Forts. 10 Jan. 1643.  
Invitation of both Houses and Assembly of Divines to Dinner. 12, 13, & 22 Jan 1643.  
Order for a Petition to the Parliament, to settle the Church Government. 22 Jan. 1643.  
Petition to the Parliament for Reforming and Recruiting the Army. 26 Jan. 1643.  
A Loan of 20000 l. to the Parliament. 4 April 1644.  
Order for presenting to the Parliament a Petition of Soldiers maimed in the Parliaments Service, to be admitted into Sutton's Hospital. 8 Apr. 1644.  
Orders that no Petition be read in the Petitioners presence. 9 May 1644.  
Ralph Robinson to pray before the Common Council. 9 May 1644.  
Petitions to the Parliament to continue their Endeavours in the Cause of God and the Kingdom, assuring them they will stand by them with their Lives and Estates according to the Covenant. 9, & 10 May 1644.  
Petition to the House of Commons for punishment of Delinquents, and not to readmit Members that had deserted them. 16, & 18 May 1644.  
A Committee to consider and promote the Parliaments desire for raising 2 or 300000 l. 28 May 1644.  
Suit made by Alderman Gibs to be discharged his place of Alderman. 5 June 1644.  
An Ordinance desired, to charge persons for finding Arms. Ibid  
Petition to the Parliament for justice upon Delinquents. 22 July, & 2 August 1644.  
Petition to the Parliament touching Estates Sequestered. 2 Aug. 1644.  
Ordinance to be presented to the Parliament to raise Money for Forts and Guards. 20 Aug 1644.  
Motion to the Parliament for fortifying Redding. 9 Sept. 1644.  
Reference touching raising 20000 l. for setting out Forces towards the West; and an Ordinance of Parliament thereupon. 27 Sept. 2, & 23 Oct. 1644.  
Petition to the Parliament against Free-trade with Ports in Hostility. 23 Oct. 44.  
Petition to the Parliament for fortifying Windsor, etc. 9, & 28 Nou. 1644.  
Reference touching easing the Cities Charge out of Delinquents Estates. 28 Novemb. 1644.  
Ordinance desired for further power to search for Suspicious Persons. 17, & 27 Decemb. 1644.  
Petition to the Parliament for Ships of War to secure Trade in the West. 16, & 24 Jan. 1644.  
Orders and Resolutions touching the calling and managing of Common Councils, 24 Jan. 1644. And 24 Apr. 1645, A difference between the Mayor and Aldermen, and Commons, touching the Mayor and Alderman's right of a Negative Voice proposed to be determined by the Parliament, and order to suspend their Right in the mean time.  
Reference upon a Motion for advancing 80000 l. for the Army, after refusal of the King's Propositions at Uxbridge. 4 March 1644.  
Col. West (by virtue of an Order of Parliament) presented to be Lieutenant of the Tower. 24 Apr. 1645.  
Proposition for reducing of Oxford approved. 16 May 1645.  
Petition to the Parliament for recruiting Fairfax's Army, to regain Leicester, etc. Also Order, that the Parliament be desired that Massy may continue at Gloucester. 7 June 1645.  
Common Council Men to move Inhabitants to supply Arms, Men or Money for relief of Taunton. 9 June 1645.  
Orders for paying Money raised for Military Affairs. 9 Novemb. 1644. 15 April, 16 May, 13 June, 4 July, 9, & 26 August. 4, & 15 Sept. 1645.  
Parliament to be desired, that the Scots Army may assist for the Regaining of Leicester. 14 June 1645.  
Parliament and Assembly of Divines invited to Dinner at the charge of the Chamber, upon a Thanksgiving for Victory against the King: And the Committée for the Militia to join in raising a Body to pursue the Victory. 17 Jun. 1645.  
Inhabitants to be stirred up to furnish Arms and Money for relief of several Parts. 12 August 1645.  
A Committee to set Fines upon Persons not sending out Soldiers. 21 August 1645.  
Thirty thousand Pounds desired by the Parliament for the Scots Army, agreed to be raised. 10 Octob. & 6 Decemb. 1645.  
Chamberlain to furnish Moneys for fitting out the Convocation House and Cloisters at Paul's for Soldiers. 20 Octob. & 2 Feb. 1645. 22 May 1646.  
Six Thousand Pounds to be advanced for the Parliament. 12 Novemb. 1645.  
Orders touching raising, advancing, or issuing out Money raised for the Parliament or Army. 14 June, 21 July, 21 August, 21 Novemb. 18 Decemb. 9 Feb. 9 & 24 March, 1645. 20 May, 30 Jun. 13 Aug. 9 & 25 Sept. 25 Jan. 23 Feb. 1646. 26 March, 27 May, 25 Jun. 15 Decemb. 1647. 26 May, 27 July, 29 August, 6, & 10 Jan. 1648. 24 May, 1649.  
Reference about settling Church Government. 17 Nou. 8 Jan. 9 March, 1645. Petition to the Parliament touching the same. 14 Jan. 1645. Another Petition, 11 March, 1645.  
Petition to the Parliament, acknowledging the Parliaments great care of their Liberties, etc. against the Common Enemy, and touching Church Government; With the Citizens Petition to the Common Council touching the same. 18 Nou. 1645.  
Day of Humiliation appointed; and then the Oath and Covenant to be administered by one of the Ministers to the Lord Mayor, aldermans and Common Council. 8 Jan. 1645.  
Parliament to be moved for 20000 l. out of the Excise, and 2000 l. per Month for 6 Months towards the charges of Fortifications and Guards. 8 Jan. 1645.  
Petition to the Parliament for 20000 l. more, for Military Affairs. 6 July 1647.  
Reference upon a Petition against Citizens deserting the City and bearing Arms, and driving Trades in the Enemy's Quarters. 30 Jan. 1645.  
Petition to the Parliament for the Militia, grounded upon their former good Services to the Parliament; with Alderman Fowkes' Speech and other Proceed thereupon. 6 & 9 Febr. 1645.  
Order for reading the Covenant in Common Council once a Quarter, and strict Enquiry after such Members as had not taken it. 9 Feb. 1645.  
Common Councils Resolutions to keep the Covenant, etc. declared to Commissioners sent with a Letter from Scotland, 11 Febr. 1645.  
Another Letter from Scotland. 10 July 1646.  
Order of Common Council touching Members refusing to take the Covenant the last Humiliation Day. 11 March 1645.  
Members of Parliament, Prince Palatine, Assembly of Divines, and Others, invited to Dinner at the Charge of the Chamber, on a Thanksgiving Day for several Victories. 26 March 1646.  
Order for Election of Officers in Common Hall on the 25th of June, a Fast being appointed on Midsummer Day. 23 Jun. 1646.  
A large Remonstrance and Petition to the Parliament touching several public Matters. 20 May 1646. And a Petition, 23 Jun. 1646. to the Common Council from divers Citizens, desiring the prosecution thereof.  
House of Commons to be moved for 12000 l. out of the Excise, towards paying the City's Forces. 6 Aug. 1646.  
Reference touching disfranchisement of Citizens that have sided with the enemy. 6 Aug. 1646.  
Reference touching Two Hundred Thousand Pounds desired of the Common Council by the Parliament. 7 Septemb. 1646.  
Report to be made to the Parliament touching advancing the said Money upon Security of Bishop's Lands etc. 9 Sept. 1646.  
Reference touching a Petition from divers well affected Freemen and Covenant engaged Citizens. 10 Dec. 1646.  
A Petition thereupon from the Common Council to the Parliament. 18 Decemb. 1646.  
Petition to the Parliament, that (inter alia) such as have been in opposition to the Parliament may be removed out of the City and kept at distance from the King; with a Seditious Petition annexed from several others. 16 March. 1646.  
Reference touching a Governor to be appointed for Newcastle and Tinmouth. 26 March. 1647.  
Reference touching a Loan of Two Hundred Thousand Pounds for which the Common Council's Assistance was desired by the Parliament, and Propositions to the Parliament, and proceed thereupon 6 & 17 April, 3 & 8 May, 1647.  
Order for a Sermon to be made to the Common Council, and the Covenant renewed by them, in order to nomination of the Militia, pursuant to an Order of Parliament. 23 April, 1647. The nomination of the Militia accordingly 27 April, 1647.  
Order for a Salary to Webb as Agitant to the Militia. 5 Jun. 1647.  
Petition to the Parliament touching the King, declaring (inter alia) their resolutions to stand and fall with them according to the Covenant, 8 Jun. 1647.  
Correspondencies and Transactions between the General and chief Officers of the Parliament's Army and the Common Council, and proceed relating to the Army. 11 Jun. 12, 15, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 Jun. 9, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 July, 3, 4 & 5 Aug. 20 & 25 Novem. 1647. 12 May, 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 & 9 Decemb. 1648. 13 Decemb. 1648.  
Petition from the Common Council to the Parliament concerning the Army and other matters. 1 & 6 July, 1647.  
Twenty Thousand Pounds to be taken up under the Cities Seal for Military Affairs. 29 July, 1647.  
Orders touching raising One Hundred Thousand Pounds for Military Affairs. 30 July, 1647.  
General with the Officers of the Army invited to Dinner; and he then to be presented with a Basin and Ever of Gold. 9 & 13 Aug. 1647.  
Reference and Proceed touching a Loan of Fifty Thousand Pounds desired by the Parliament and for getting in Assessments. 24 August, 4, 6, 11, 13 & 20 Sept. 1647.  
Election of Lord MAYOR appointed to be on Michaelmas Eve because a Fast was appointed on Michaelmas-Day. 20 Sept. 1647.  
A Petition to the Parliament for divers matters, and proceed thereupon, 29 Novemb. & 15 Decemb. 1647.  
Application to the Parliament and proceed touching a tumult, 11 & 24 April, 1648.  
Petitions to and Negotiations with the Parliament touching Military and other public Affairs, 8, 10, 12, 19, 22, 24, 26 May, 28 & 31 July, & 29 August, 1648.  
Order for a Precept upon Information of a Plot against the Parliament and City, 24 May, 1648.  
Petition of divers Citizens recommended to the Parliament for a settlement according to the Covenant, 30 May, & 1 June, 1648.  
Reference touching a Petition to the Common Council for a Common Hall: And a Declaration afterwards that it is in the power of the Common Council to assemble the Common Hall, 1 & 3 June, 1648.  
A Petition to the Parliament complaining of private listing of Soldiers, 21 July, 1648.  
Order not to take a Letter and Declaration from the Prince into further consideration, 4 August, 1648.  
Orders for advancing Fourteen Thousand Pounds desired at several times by the Parliament, 4, 9, & 19 Sept. & 4 Nou. 1648.  
Reference upon a Paper presented from the provincial Assembly, 12 Octob. 1648.  
A Petition to the Parliament thereupon (inter alia) that the Bishop's Lands, etc. in the Province of London may be settled upon the Ministers, 14 Octob. 1648.  
Orders and Proceed touching better guarding of the Parliament and seizing Delinquents, 4 & 27 Nou. 1648.  
Orders for payment of One Thousand Six Hundred Pounds for Military Affairs out of the next Alderman's Fines, 27 Nou. & 13 Jan. 1648.  
Upon a Petition prepared to the Parliament for justice upon all Capital Actors, from the highest to the lowest, in the War against the Parliament, brought into Common Council, and the Lord Mayor's refusal to put it to the question; and He with the Aldermen and Officers at last withdrawing, the Commoners continued and put a Commoner in the Chair, and then Voted the said Petition, and ordered it to be presented in the Name of the Commons in Common Council, with a Narrative of that Days proceeding: And an Ordinance thereupon shortly after made by the House of Commons touching the calling and holding of Common Councils. 13 Jan. 1648.  
Also a Reference than made touching Officers to sit in Common Council, and whether they shall be chosen annually. 13 Jan. 1648.  
George Griffith appointed to pray before the Common Council. Also a Reference touching a Loan of 120000 l. desired by the House of Commons. 12 April 1649.  
Declaration that the Recorder is an Officer of the Common Council. 29 May 1649.  
Commons in Parliament, Fairfax, Council of State, etc. Invited to Dinner on a Thanksgiving Day at the charge of the Chamber. A Basin and Ewer of Gold then to be presented to Fairfax, and 934 Ounces of Plate and 200 l. in Gold to Cromwell. 29 May, & 2 June 1649.  
Orders touching Election of an Alderman of Bread-street. 2 June 1649.  
Entry of an Order of the House of Commons for the Lord Mayor to deliver the Sword to the Speaker upon his reception in the City. 6 June 1649.  
William Steel chosen Recorder by Common Council, by virtue of an Act of the House of Commons. 3 July 1649.  
Robert Mitchell Town Clerk displaced, and Jo. Sadler elected. 3 July 1649.  
A Committée to consider with a Committée of the House of Commons for raising 150000 l. for Ireland. 5 July 1649.  
Orders touching Arrears due to Commanders. 18 July, 18 Sept. & 11 Decemb. 1649.  
Order to refer to the House of Commons a difference with the Court of Aldermen touching choice of Recorder. 18 July 1649.  
Order, that at the rising of every Common Council another Common Council shall be appointed. 1 Sept. 1649.  
Orders relating to Assessments made for the Parliaments Army. 1 & 6 Sept. 1649.  
Orders for buying from the Commissioners at Gurny House the reversion of the Manor of Finsbury, being Deans and Chapters Lands. 25 Sept. & 9 Oct. 1649.  
Reference touching the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs House-keeping. 9 Nou. 1649.  
Report that no Places be disposed without order of Common Council. 14 Novemb. 1649.  
Order for allowances to be made Monthly out of the Chamber to the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs. 7 Decemb. 1649.  
Act touching Lord Mayors and Sheriffs Housekeeping; (As also the Act made in the Reign of Ph. & Ma. therein mentioned) and for making them allowances out of the Chamber; and against Selling of Places: And that the Com. Council shall nominate two Persons to all Places, and the Mayor and Aldermen to choose One. 11 Decemb. 1649.  
Orders touching Assessments for Forts & Guards. 9 Dec. 1649.  
Two Persons nominated to the Court of Aldermen for Clerk of the Bridge-House. 21 Jan. 1649. For one of the City's Music. 8 April 1650. For Sheriff's Officers. 24 March 1650. 18 April 1651. For Common Pleader. 29 April 1651.  
Reference for revoking Proceed in 1646. concerning a Petition to the King, and all others that reflect on the Parliament or Army. 25 Jan. 1649.  
The stile of all Petitions to the Parliament as the Supreme Authority; or to the Parliament of the Commonwealth, etc. 〈◊〉 his Highness Oliver, Lord Protector, etc.  
Petition for altering the Laws. 25 Jan. 1649.  
Secondaries Places to be disposed by a Committée. 6 Feb. 1649.  
Reference touching a Petition for satisfaction of Persons, alleged to have laid out themselves for the Public Safety. 7 Febr. 1649.  
Common Councils acknowledgement to the Parliament, declaring their Resolutions to stand and fall with them. 2 Apr. 1650.  
Narrative touching a Common Council called without Lord Mayor's directions, and held after his departure from it, by virtue of an Ordinance of Parliament. 14 & 17 June 1650.  
Report touching the Place of Recorder, and other Officers. Also, Order touching allowances to be made by the Committee appointed for the Sale of Offices. 9 July 1650.  
Agreement of the Common Council to Fast and Pray for the Army gone into Scotland. 20 August 1650.  
Orders touching a Contribution from the Common Council to the Army, 27 Aug. 12 & 24 Sept. 18 Decemb. 1650.  
Thanksgiving appointed for the Victory in Scotland, 12 Sept. 1650.  
Question put after the Lord MAYOR and aldermans gone out of the Common Council, 26 Septemb. 1650.  
Touching Elections of Common Council-Men, and preparing orders for proceeding and adjourning of Common Councils 7, 15 & 26 Febr. 1650.  
Orders touching dividing of the Court, 28 Feb. 1650.  
In Mr. Griffith's absence, some Member to pray in Common Council, 15 March. 1650.  
Petition to the Parliament to be excused the further Charge of some Troops, declaring they had already cost them Two and Twenty Thousand Pounds in the expedition against Scotland, 10 April. 1651.  
Order that Lord MAYOR issue out Warrants for new Elections of Common Council Men in place of those that have not taken the Oath required by Parliament, 25 April, 1651.  
Orders that Common Council Men may departed within an hour after Summons, 13 May. 1651.  
Also that no new matter be moved in Common Council after Twelve in the Morning and Seven in the Evening, Ibid.  
Fast appointed for success of the Army in Scotland, 3 June. 1651.  
Petition to the Parliament for Writts to elect new Burgesses, 12 June, 1651.  
Election of one of the Prothonotaries in the Sheriff's Courts, 19 June, 1651.  
Proceed at a Common Council after the Lord MAYOR and Aldermen were gone out, and Owen Row voted into the Chair, 2 July, 1651.  
And 29 July, 1651. Owen Row voted into the Chair by the Commons in Common Council before the Lord MAYOR and Aldermen came in.  
Resolve of Common Council to adventure Lives and Estates in defence of the Commonwealth against the King of Scotland, and proceed thereupon, 11 Aug. 1651.  
Thanksgiving appointed for several Victories, 7 Oct. 1651.  
Orders that the Lord MAYOR and aldermans withdraw out of the Common Council, and the Commons turned into a grand Committee, 3 Decemb. 1651.  
That none be admitted to the Freedom without notice of the Common Council, 12 Decem. 1651. 11 March, 1652. As also so much of an Act or Order made 16 Octob. 1638. upon Report to the Common Council as limits the number of persons to be admitted into the Freedom by order of the Lord MAYOR and aldermans.  
Votes touching allowances to Lord MAYOR and Sheriffs out of the Chamber, 15 June, & 20 July, 1652.  
Thanksgiving appointed for the Victory obtained by the Parliament's Forces at Worcester, 26 Aug. 1652.  
Order for presenting to the Council of State Votes touching perquisites to Lord MAYOR, etc. 7 Octob. 1652.  
Orders touching disposal of Cole-meaters places, 12 Octob. 1652.  
Common Councils held without the Lord MAYOR, or continued after his going out, 7 & 14 Decemb. 1652. 14 & 15 Jun. & 24 Oct. 1653.  
Petition touching the Minister's maintenance, acknowledging the Parliament for delivering them from their Persecutors, etc. 1 Sept. 1653.  
Cromwell (Protector) and his Council invited to dine at Grocers-Hall at the charge of the Chamber; and the Common Council to attend him at his coming into the City, 25 Jan. 1653.  
S. C. with the Dagger to be set upon new Measures instead of the Letter C and the Crown, 29 Novemb. 1654.  
In an Act 1632 these words (His Majesty's liege People) altered to (The People of the Nation) and (his Majesties) Court to be left out, 12 Decem. 1654.  
Petition to the Parliament touching Publick-Faith Debts, declaring their former Assistances given the Parliament for the public preservation, 16 Jan. 1654.  
Thanks to the Protector for his great care of the peace and safety of the City, 17 Feb. 1654.  
Orders for issuing Money out of the Chamber for the use of the Militia, 13 March, 1654. 16 Sept. 3 Octob. 1656. 23 Oct. 1657. 8 Sept. 12 Octob. & 6 Decemb. 1658.  
So much of an Act as appoints the choice of a Committee for placing and displacing Ministers of Prisons, 16 Decem. 1656  
Order for payment of charges about the Guards in Paul's, 25 Jan. 1657.  
Petition to Cromwell, acknowledging subjection to his Government, 16 March. 1657.  
Recorder to condole the Death of the old Protector, and congratulate his Successor, owning him as the Chief Magistrate, and declare their resolutions to adhere to him against all Opposers, 8 Decemb. 1658.  
Petition to the Rump upon their Restauration, 31 May. 1659.  
Common Council held without the Lord MAYOR, and Lord Tichborne voted into the Chair, 21 Sept. 1659.  
Parliament, Council of State, Officers of the Army, etc. invited to Dinner with the Common Council at the charge of the Chamber, 30 Sept. 1659.  
All which Particulars aforesaid being highly disloyal, or savouring of the Faction and Usurpation of those unhappy Times, are fit by Act of this Court to be disclaimed, revoked, abrogated and repealed to all intents and purposes whatsoever; which as it will demonstrate the Loyalty and good Affections of the present Members of this Court to his Majesty and the established Government, and vindicate them from all imputation of the like pernicious and destructive Principles and Practices, and will also express their dislike of all factious Innovation in the Usages and Constitutions of this City; so will it prevent any ill use that may be made in time to come of the said irregular Actions.  
And we having also seen several Entries in the Journals of this Court, that the Lord Mayor and Aldermen upon matters here propounded, have taken time to advise and consider thereof, and to others have declared their dissent, and even in those worst of Times; as for Instance, The 14 March 1641. upon two Petitions brought into Common Council by a Committee to be presented to the Parliament, they were read, but not voted; because the Mayor's Locum tenens, and the Major part of the Aldermen thought fit to advise of the same. And 24 Jan. 1644. it was declared by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, That they had a Negative Voice in Common Council by the ancient Custom and Charters of this City. And we having also seen the Opinions of divers Learned Councils, heretofore given to the Court of Aldermen under their hands, viz. the present L. Chief Justice Pemberton, Sir W. Dolbin, Sergeant Maynard, Sir W. Jones, Sir G. Jeffries, and Sir Fr. Winnington, that the Lord Mayor and Aldermen have a Negative Voice in making Laws and Orders, and admitting of Officers in Common Council; we humbly propound (to take away all disputes in this matter for the time to come) that the same may have the approbation and concurrence of this Honourable Court.;  
And because We find the usage for the Lord Mayor to nominate or elect one of the Sheriffs of this City and County of Middlesex was called in question, in those troublesome and disorderly Times (as it hath unhappily been this Year or two last passed) We have examined the usage in that particular; and find it very ancient, and not questioned (that we can find) until the breaking out of those Troubles. We have also seen very many Acts of Common Council that take notice of and allow it, and particularly the Act made 7 Car. 1 touching the Election of Sheriffs; to which last mentioned Act we are of Opinion, that an addition or explanation should be made in some particulars, which seem not sufficiently provided for thereby. And we have prepared a Bill for that purpose which we here present to this Honourable Court. And therein also the said Usage for the Lord Mayor's Nomination or Election of one of the Sheriffs is further declared, and provision made to remove all Disputes that might hereafter be made touching the same; by which the peace and quiet of this City hath been of late so greatly disturbed.;  
All which Matters are humbly submitted to the wisdom and good pleasure of this Honourable Court. This Fifth day of June, 1683. 

William Turner,  
James Edwards,  
John Moor,  
Henry Tulce,  
Thomas Langham,  
Francis Griffith,  
Nathaniel Hawes,  
Henry Loads,  
Peter Aylworth,  
Nicholas Charlton,  
Thomas Vernon,    
After reading of which Report here openly in this Court, the same was by this Court (in the several particulars thereof) well approved of, and agreed to and confirmed: And it is Enacted by the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Commons in this Common Council Assembled, That all the several Acts, Orders and Proceed therein propounded to be Disclaimed and Repealed, be repealed and made void; And they and every of them are by Authority of this Court disclaimed, repealed, and made null and void.  
And the Bill in the said Report mentioned being now likewise read, it was put to the question, whether the same should be read again or recommitted? and it being thereupon determined to be read again, it was so done accordingly; And a Question being then put, whether the same should be read a third time? it was carried against the further reading thereof. Then upon a further Question, whether the said Bill should pass, or no? and Poll 〈◊〉 thereupon, 113 Commoners being for the passing it, and 78 against it, the same was passed and made the Act of this Court, the Tenor of which Bill is as followeth: That is to say,  
WHereas by an Act of Common Council made in the Seventh Year of King Charles the First of Blessed memory (Ducy Mayor) It is (amongst other things) Enacted, That if any person being a Freeman of this City shall be chosen or elected Sheriff of the same City and County of Middlesex, and publication thereof by open Proclamation being made in the Guild-Hall, in the place where the Court of Hustings is usually holden in the presence of the Lord Mayor and Sir Aldermen for the time being at the least, or in the absence of the Lord Mayor, then in the presence of Eight Aldermen of the said City for the time being at the least, and being called to come forth and give his consent to take the said Office of Shrievalty upon him, shall not personally before the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen for the time being, in the inner Chamber of Guild-Hall aforesaid, at the next Court there to be holden, unless he have such reasonable excuse as the Lord Mayor and greater part of the Aldermen for the time being shall in open Court allow; and then and there become bound to the Chamberlain of the same City for the time being and his Successors by his Deed Obligatory, in the Sum of 1000 l. with Condition that if he shall personally appear in the public assembly in the Guild-Hall of the same City on the Vigil of St. Michael the Archangel than next following, at the time in that behalf accustomed, and then and there take upon him the Office and charge of Shrievalty of the said City and County of Middlesex; that then the said Obligation shall be void. Or if such Person so to be chosen or elected shall before the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, openly declare his refusal to take upon him the said Office, than every such person as shall make such default in appearance, or shall not become bounden, or which shall declare his refusal as aforesaid, shall forfeit the Sum of 400 l. of lawful Money of England to the Mayor and Comonalty of the same City to be employed to the uses in the said Act declared and expressed, unless he shall be duly discharged of the said Office of Shrievalty for want or defect of ability in Wealth upon Oath taken, as in and by the said Act is mentioned and directed. Provided, and it is thereby further Enacted, That if the Person so to be chosen or elected, and making default in appearance or denying to become bound, or that shall declare his refusal as aforesaid, shall be an Alderman of this City at the time of his Choice or Election, than every such Alderman so to be chosen or elected shall forfeit 600 Marks of lawful money of England to the Mayor and Cominalty of the same City to be employed to the uses in the said Act declared and expressed. Now forasmuch as the said Penalty of 600 Marks in case of an Alderman chosen to the said Office of Sheriff, and not appearing or refusing to be bound or to take the same upon him as aforesaid, is conceived to be too small for the end thereby intended, and is requisite to be enlarged. Be it therefore Enacted by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, the Right Worshipful the Aldermen, and the Commons in Common Council assembled, That every Alderman of this City that shall hereafter be chosen or elected one of the Sheriffs of the said City and County of Middlesex (not having before served the said Office) and shall not appear the next Court of Aldermen after such Election, or shall there deny to become bound, or declare his refusal to take the said Office upon him according to the direction and intent of the said recited Act; then every such Alderman shall forfeit the Sum of 600 l. of lawful money of England to the Mayor, and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City, to be employed to the same uses, and recovered in the same manner as the said 600 Marks is appointed to be employed and recovered in and by the said recited Act. And forasmuch as Doubts have arisen touching the meaning of the Clause first before mentioned in the said recited Act, and to the end that no person or persons that shall hereafter be chosen or elected to the Office of Sheriff of this City and County of Middlesex, may pretend upon Construction of the said Act, to exempt him or themselves from taking upon him or them the said Office, by payment of the Forfeitures in this or the said recited Act contained, but may notwithstanding be liable to serve the said Office; Be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That every person and persons, whether Aldermen or Commoners, being Freemen of the City of London, who shall hereafter be chosen or elected to be Sheriff or Sheriffs of the said City and County of Middlesex, and publication be thereof made according to the direction of the said Act, and by making default in appearance, or denying to become bound, or declaring his or their refusal, as aforesaid, shall incur the Forfeitures aforesaid, shall notwithstanding the said Forfeitures (unless He or They shall upon payment thereof be by Order of the said Court of Lord Mayor and Aldermen exempted for that Year from taking upon him or them the said Office) hold the same, and be presented to the Barons of his Majesty's Exchequer, to be by them amerced in case of his or their absenting or refusing to take upon Him or Them the said Office. The aforesaid Act, or any other Act or Acts of this Court, or any Law, Usage, or Custom of this City to the contrary notwithstanding. Provided always, and be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That no person or persons that shall hereafter be Chosen or Elected to the Office of Sheriff of the said City and County, and shall be presented to the Barons of the Exchequer, to the end He or They may be compelled to take upon Him or Them the said Office, and shall thereupon take upon Him the said Office, shall be in any wise liable to pay or be prosecuted for any of the Forfeitures and Penalties in this or the said recited Act mentioned. Any thing in this or the said Act contained to the contrary notwithstanding. And whereas it hath been an ancient Custom and Usage in choosing the Sheriffs of the City of London and County of Middlesex, (allowed and approved by divers Acts of Common Council) for the Lord Mayor to elect a Person to be one of the said Sheriffs, and the Commons in Common-Hall to confirm the said Election; And there have been of late great and fierce Disputes and Contests within this City touching the said Usage, which hath given great Disturbance to very many good Citizens and offence to his Majesty (upon whose Grace and Favour the welfare of this City so much depends,) and Feuds and Animosities have thereby arisen, and are still too much continued among many Citizens, and othee manifold Inconveniences and Mischiefs have been occasioned thereby to this City, and greater may ensue, if due remedy be not provided to take away and remove all occasion of the like Differences for the future. For prevention therefore of the said Mischiefs, and to remove all Disputes and Controversies that may arise in time to come, touching the Confirmation of such Person as shall be chosen to be one of the said Sheriffs by the Lord Mayor for the time being; Be it Declared and Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That hereafter the Person who shall be Nominated and Elected according to ancient Usage by the Lord Mayor of this City for the time being, to be one of the Sheriffs of the City of London and County of Middlesex, and such Election shall be declared to the Commons of the said City assembled in Common-Hall upon the 24th Day of June (being the Day appointed by the afore-recited Act) as well for Confirmation and Allowance of such Person as shall be chosen and elected by the Lord Mayor to be Sheriff of the said City and County, as also for the Choice and Election of such other Persons as by the Lord Mayor, aldermans and Commons shall be chosen to be Sheriffs of the said City and County) shall there by the said Commons be Confirmed and allowed to be one of the Sheriffs of the said City and County accordingly. And that upon proposing the said Person to be Confirmed to the said Common-Hall, in case any Hands shall be holden up in token of Confirmation, the said Person shall be taken to be Confirmed and allowed, and then another Person shall be chosen by Majority of Hands to be the other of the said Sheriffs, and to join with Him that shall be so confirmed. Any former Law, Usage, or other Matter whatsoever to the contrary notwithstanding.  
Wagstaffe.  
FINIS