Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 . https://archive.org/details/manuscriptsofcor00grea_0 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. ELEVENTH REPORT, APPENDIX, PART III. THE MANUSCRIPTS OF THE CORPORATIONS OF SOUTHAMPTON AND KING’S LYNN. $8reg$tttetf ta fcatlj af parliament Sr Cammantf cf fi^r iHaK^tin LONDON: PRINTED FOR HER MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE, BY EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE, PRINTERS TO THE QUEEN’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from EYRE A nd SPOTTISWOODE, East Harding Street, Fleet Street, E.C., and 32, Abingdon Street, Westminster, S.W. ; or ADAM and CPI ARLES BLACK, 6 , North Bridge, Edinburgh ; or HODGES, FIGGIS, & Co., 104, Grafton Street, Dublin, 1887. [C.— 5060.-II.] Price Is. 8 d. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION, ELEVENTH REPORT, APPENDIX, PART III. THE MANUSCRIPTS OF THE V CORPORATIONS OF SOUTHAMPTON AND KING’S LYNN. pretfenttfCf to fiutlj $?ou£c£ oC parliament f>y Commantf of JHAirsF#. LONDON : PRINTED FOR HER MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE, BY EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE, PRINTERS TO THE QUEEN’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from EYRE and SPOTTISWOODE, East Harding Strfet, Fleet Street, E.C., and 32, Abingdon Street, Westminster, S.W. ; or ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK, 6 , North Bridge, Edinburgh; or HODGES, PIGGIS, & Co., 104. Grafton Street, Dublin. 1887. [C. — 5060. — II.] Price Is. 8 d. a INTRODUCTION, Consisting o£ (a.) Books, (! b .) Charters and Letters Patent, (c.) Deeds, Municipal and Private, (d.)] Letters and Loose Memoranda, and (e.) Rolls and Miscellaneous Documents, the manuscripts belonging to the Corporation of Southampton, like the muniments of several of our other provincial municipali- ties, have been recovered from extreme confusion, and reduced to order at the instance of the Commission on Historical Manuscripts. (a.) Books.— Of the 504 MS. volumes belonging to the Cor- poration, the most deserving of consideration are — (1) The Oak Book, exhibiting on 60 vellum leaves, in penmanship of the time of Edward the Second, the ancient Laws, Ordinances, and Customs of the town of Southampton ; (2.) The Black Book , otherwise styled Liber Niger nigro carbone notalus, otherwise styled Niger Papyrus, [otherwise styled The Blak Papyr , a large folio of Municipal Remembrances, that was used for the enrolment of acknowledgments of deeds from the 16th of Richard the Second to the 12th year of Elizabeth ; (3.) A curious treatise in English verse On The Philosopher s Stone andAurum Potabile, the manuscript being the performance of a fifteenth century copyist ; (4.) the Book of Remembrances of the Town of Southampton, from the year of grace 1445 to the time of James the First, containing a characteristic memorandum of the pious observances with which the people of the borough returned thanks in the 2nd year of Henry the Seventh for the birth of the sovereign’s first-born son; (5) the Liber de Finibus ville Suthampton from 1489 to 1593 A.D., affording particulars of the costs and charges incurred by the town for Queen Elizabeth’s entertainment in 1569 A.D. ; (6) the Book of Oaths , Ordinances, and Burgesses's Admissions from 1496 to 1794 A.D. , affording in its records of admissions numerous data that may be service - able to the future biographers of the more memorable of the eminent persons who during that period condescended to accept the franchise of the borough ; (7) the Book of Remembrances from 1591 to 1689 A.D.; and (8) the imperfect series of U 24955. Wt. 6696. a 9 | IV Assembly Books , that afford many curious illustrations of the social life of the borough in the seventeenth century. Of the minor minutes of these last-mentioned folios few are more startling than the orders given to churwomen (sic.), to place themselves in regular service, if they would escape whipping. For instance, on 28th April 1615, “ Mary Quinton a churwoman was this daie sent for to this house and charged to gett herselfe into service presentlie uppon payne of a whippinge.” On the same day, two other churwomen were ordered “ at their peril ” to place themselves in domestic service within the next month. In the ensuing report extracts are given from all the afore-men- tioned books. Notice is also taken in the same report of (1) the folio of the Letters that passed between John Flamsteed of the Greenwich Observatory and his friend William Molyneux, the Dublin mathematician, from 2nd September 1681 to 10th May 1690, and (2) the Letter Book of Samuel Molyneux, of Trinity College, Dublin, containing copies of letters interchanged by Samuel Molyneux and his scientific friends between 9th January 1707 and 19th December 1709. ( b .) Charters and Letters Patent. — Opening with a charter dated by King John to his burgesses of Southampton in the first year of his reign, the collection of Charters and Letters Patent comprises fifty-eight several writings, one of the more interesting of them being the Letters Patent of the Exemplification (13 Feb., 2 Henry V.) of the enrolment, on the roll of the last parlia- ment, of the petition of the burgesses of Southampton to the King for a diminution of their burdens, together with the sovereign’s reply to the prayer. (c.) Deeds, Municipal and Private. — Consisting, for the most part, of documents of strictly local significance and interest, that may be serviceable to future historians of the borough, and will not fail to afford some measure of entertainment to the Hamp- shire antiquaries, but have no claim to be rated with important historical evidences, the large assemblage of writings, catalogued under “ Deeds, Municipal and Private,” comprises matters of higher moment and value in (1) the Indenture of the Agreement, made on 13 July, 13 Edward III., between Edward the Black Prince of the one part and Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, of the other part, for the safe keeping of the town of Southampton, with lists of the men-at-arms and archers under the Earl’s command at Southampton, from the 25th of July to the 25th of August in that year ; (2) the Indenture of the Agreement, made 31st December, 42 Edward III., at Farnham, in the diocese of Win- V Chester, between William of Wykeham of the one part, and the Mayor and the Community of Southampton of the other part, for the observance of ordinances and agreements for cessation from business in the said town during the fairs held yearly at St. Giles’s Hill, near the City of Winchester ; (3) the Indenture of a curious agreement, by way of a marriage settlement, made on 10 May, 2 Henry IV., between William Lelham “ dominum de Grove” and his wife Cecilia of the one part, and John Benet of Oxford, cook, of the other part, in anticipation of the marriage of William Lelham (son and heir of the aforesaid William) with Juliana, daughter of the said John Benet ; and (4) the remarkable Letters of Evidence, dated by John Ingler, Mayor of New Salis- bury, on 2 December, 18 Edward IV., touching the testament of the late William Nycoll, sometime burgess and merchant of Southampton, and setting forth the circumstances under which the said William Ny coil’s hand was used fraudulently for the sealing of a certain deed of enfeoffment, and certain letters of attorney for livery of seisin, when he was so completely in extremis that his wittes were passed- away and mynde allso so that he nother herd sey spake nor made any signe or tokene thereto to knowleiche ; it being alleged in the same Letters of Evidence that this fraud was committed by certain persons conspiring to compass the disinherison of the testator’s niece ‘ Alice,’ “ the whiche was weddyd to a bondeman at Twyford.” (i d .) Letters and Loose Memoranda . — It is for the writings, catalogued under this heading in the ensuing report, that the Southampton MSS. are especially deserving of the consideration of historical students. Opening with letters dated under the sign manual and signet of Henry the Sixth, the goodly show of privy seals, sign manuals, and bills prepared for the sovereign’s signature, described in the earlier pages of the catalogue, com- prises seven writings under the sign manual and signet of Edward the Fourth, eight writings of the same kind by Richard the Third, one by Henry the Seventh, five by Henry the Eighth, and one by Edward the Sixth, in all, twenty -three sign manuals. The letters so dated by Richard will not fail to arrest and hold the attention of readers. Beginning with letters, dated before Richard’s accession to the throne, to the Mayor of Southampton, this remark- able assemblage of epistles by a sovereign, whose sign manuals are not plentiful, comprises an epistle dated to the Mayor, Sheriff, and Aldermen of Southampton on the 13th of October m the first year of the sovereign’s reign, and running in these words. 2 VI “ Trusty and welbelowed, we grete you wele, and let you wit that the Due of Buckingham is tratorously turned upon us con- trary to the deutie of his liegeaunce and entendith thutter dis- truccion of us, you, and alle othre our trewe subgiettes that have taken oure part, whose traiterus entent we with Goddes grace entend briefly to resist and subdue. Pray you hertly therefore and naithles upon your leigeaunce charge you that with as many as ye may reise and make in defensible array on horsbak ye do sende to be with us at our Citie of Co ventre the xxii day of this present moneth withouten faile in any wise as ye tendre our honnour and your owne wele, and we shall soo see to you for your reward and charges, as ye shal hold you right wele content. Yeven under our signet at our Citie of Lincoln the xiii day of Octobre.” The series of Richard’s epistles to the people of Southampton closes with the letters for the seizure of seditious bills and the arrest of seditious speakers, dated under his sign ^manual and signet to the Mayor and his brethren of the town on 5th April 1485, and running in these words ' rf Trusty and Welbiloved We grete you wele, And wher it is soo that di verses sedicious and evil disposed personnes both in our citie of London and elliswhere within this our Reame enforced thaymself dailly to sowe sede of noyse and dislaundre ayenst our persoune and ayenst many of the lordes and estates of our iandes, to abuse the multitude of our subgiettes, and averte thaire myndes from us if they coude by any mean attaigne to that thaire mischevous entent and pourpos, somme by setting up of billes, some by messages and sending furth of fals and abliominable languages and lyes, somme by bold and presumptuous open speche and comitacioun oon with othre, Wherethurgh the innocent people, which wold lyve in rest and peax and truly under our obeis- sance, as thay ought to doo, be greatly abused and often- tymes put in daunger of their lifes, Iandes, and goodes as ofte as thay fol owe the steppis and advises of the said sedicious and mysehevous personnes to our great hevinesse and pitie, For remedie whereof and to thentent the trouth openly declared shuld represse al such fals and continued invencions, We now of late called us the Maire and Aldremen of our Citie of London, togidre with the moost sadde and discrete personnes of the same citie in great nombre being present, many of the Lordes spirituel and temporall of our land and the substance of al our houshold to whom We largely shewed our trewe entente and mynde in al suche thinges as the said noyse and disclaundre ronne upon, in Vll such wise as We doubt not* al wele disposed persounes were and bee right wele content with, Wher we also at the same tyme yave straitly in charge as wele to the said Maire as to al othre our officers servantes and feithful subgettes Whersover they be that from hensforth as often as they finde any persoune speking of us or any othre lord or estate of this our land othrwise than is according to honour, trouth, and peax and restfulnesse of this oure Eeame, or telling of talys and tidinges Wherby the people myglit bee stirred to commocions and unlawful assembles, or any strife and debate aryse betwix lord and lord or us any of the lordes and estates of this our land, thay take and arreste the same persoune unto to the tyme he have brought forth hym or thaym of whom he understode that that soo is spoken and soo proceeding from oon to othre unto the tyme the furst auctor and maker of the said sedicious speche and language be taken attached and punisshed according to his defautes, and that Whosoever furst fynde any sedicious bille sette up in any place he take it down and without redyng or shewyng the same to any othre persoune bring it forthwith to us or somme of the Lordes or othre of our Counsaill* all which directions, charges* and commandements, so by us taken and geven by our mouth in our Citie of London, We notifie unto you by these our lettres to thentent that ye shewe the same within al the places of your jurisdiccioun* and see ther the due execucioun of the same from tyme to tyme, as ye wol eschewe our grevous indignacioun and answer to as at your extreme perelles. Y even undre our signet in our Citie of 1 jondon the V th - day of Aprile.” Amongst the one hundred and twenty-seven more or less noteworthy writings described in this catalogue after the notices of the royal letters, the searcher of the South- ampton archives comes upon epistles by Nicholas Holmage [ alias Holmegge], W. Clerk, and Eichard Gryme, Mayors of Southampton in the time of Henry the Sixth* and letters from Lords of the Council temp. Henry VIII., Edward VI.* Elizabeth, James I., and Charles the First. That the Southampton archives have proved so rich in historic letters is the more remarkable, because no inhabitant of the town was aware of the existence of these particular writings, until they came to light during the inspection that was made of the muniments of the borough bjr the inspector of the Commission. (e.) Rolls and Miscellaneous Documents . — With a single ex- ception, the Southampton Eolls are comparatively unimportant ; ; 2 Vlll but the single exception, the Boll of the Account of John Ben- tham, steward of the town, from Michaelmas, 7 Henry VI., to Michaelmas, 8 Henry VI., is a record to be examined no less carefully by general students of onr social history than by annalists of the particular community to which it pertains. Though it preserves no bundles of personal correspondence, and is poor in respect to several kinds of manuscripts, for which some collections of municipal writings are chiefly valuable, the King’s Lynn muniment-room possesses in its Hall Books (beginning with the famous Bed Begister, 35 Edw. I. to 19. Bic. II.), and in certain of its Letters Patent and corporate indentures, a body of evidences that should be examined by students who would observe the constitutional growth and social life of the boroughs of medieval England. It has also in its Chamberlain’s Accounts and Trinity Gild Bolls, an assem- blage of records that are of inferior moment to students, only because successive antiquaries have done so much more for the sufficient exhibition of their most interesting particulars. That the Hall Books have hitherto missed the proper share of attention is the more surprising, because in a well known letter which was published so long since as 1832, in the Transactions of the Boyal Society of Antiquaries, the late Mr. Hudson Gurney gave our constitutional historians to understand that it would be worth their while to examine the volumes of which he spoke at second hand. The epistle which showed that at least on two occasions in Henry the Sixth’s reign the parlia- mentary burgesses of Bishop’s Lynn were chosen by a com- mittee of twelve men of the borough, created no appetite for a larger measure of information respecting the electoral usages of the Norfolk town ; and the length of the period is only now ascertained, during which the burgesses of parlia- ment for Lynn appear from the records of the corporation to have been usually, if not invariably, chosen by a committee of twelve persons, and also to set forth the extent of the much longer period during which the ordinary freemen of the borough, the burgesses at large as they were disdainfully designated in the seventeenth century, had no direct voice in choosing the parlia- mentary representatives of their municipality. From an entry in the Bed Begister, it appears that on 9th October, 48 Edw. III., a committee of twelve burgesses made choice of Bobert Bathe IX and John Waryn, to attend the parliament as the representatives of Bishop’s Lynn. Two years later (50 Edw. III.), John Dock- yngg and Thomas .... (his surname has vanished from the defaced record) were in like manner selected for parliamentary service by a committee of twelve persons, appointed to choose two fit and proper burgesses to attend the King’s parliament. Hence- forth to Henry the Eighth’s time, all the persons, whose elections to serve the borough as burgesses of parliament are recorded in the extant archives of the municipality, were chosen for that purpose by a committee of twelve individuals, taken from the ruling bod} 7 of the borough, whether that body consisted (as it did till the eighth year of Henry the Fifth) of twenty-four jurats, or of the ‘ f twenty- four ” jurats and a subordinate council of cc twenty- seven ” burgesses chosen yearly from the nine constabularies of the town (viz., three representatives for each constabulary), in accordance with the concessions made in 8 Hen. V. to the burgesses of Lynn by their lord, the Bishop of Norwich. The precise year of the last of these elections of parliamentary burgesses made by a committee of twelve does not appear. But, though burgesses of parliament for the borough were so chosen in the 1st and 3rd years of Henry VIII., the practice of electing parliamen- tary representatives by a committee appointed for the purpose was nearing its end. On 31st March, 14 Hen. VIII., instead of being elected by a committee, Mr. Thomas Miller and Mr. Bewshere were chosen to serve the borough in parliament by a majority of “ the twenty -four ”* and “ the twenty -seven and from this date the searcher of the Hall Books comes upon no evidence of a revival of a usage, that seems to have been the invariable method of making elections of this kind from the time of Edward the Third, and may have originated in the 7th year of Edward II., when a congregation of the burgesses appointed a committee of twenty-six persons to elect twelve of the more sufficient individuals of the community, to make provision in respect to all business touching the borough in the King’s parliament and elsewhere. The practice of electing parliamentary representatives by a committee having thus come to an end in the time of Henry the Eighth, elections of that kind were henceforth, till the middle of the seventeenth century, made by the ruling burgesses at congregations, specially summoned for the purpose. This change of electoral practice was followed at a brief interval by the charter dated on 27th June, 16 Henry VIII., for the reconstitution i X of the borough, a measure that, abolishing the ancient council of “the twenty-four” jurats and the subordinate council of “the twenty-seven ” representatives of the constabularies, replaced them with a court of twelve aldermen and a court of eighteen common coun oilmen. Thus reconstituted the municipal assembly, or “ this House ” as it is usually styled in the Hall Books, kept the right of electing burgesses of parliament in its own hands no less tenaciously and exclusively, than “ the House ” of “ the twenty-four” and “the twenty-seven” had held the same privilege, to the exclusion of the inferior burgesses from par- ticipation in the power of choosing the parliamentary repre- sentatives of the community. None the less for the reconstitution of the borough were the burgesses at large, viz., the freemen who were neither aldermen nor common councilmen, shut out from the parliamentary franchise. Chosen by “the House,” taking their wages at various rates from “ the House,” and holding communication on parliamentary matters with “the House ” and no other body of the townspeople, the members of parliament for the borough regarded themselves as responsible only to “ the House ” and as in no way under an obligation to consider the wishes or to study the feelings of the burgesses, who were not “ of the House.” That this state of things lasted to the revolutionary period of the 17th century appears from the abundant testimon} 7 of the Hall Books. But that the “ burgesses at large ” not only asserted their right to vote at the elections of their parliamentary representatives, but exer- cised the right in 1640, is shown by the Order of the Commons House of Parliament, dated 15th Oct. 1642, which required the mayor, aldermen, and common council of King’s Lynn to “ pay and allowe out of the towne stocke as formerly unto John Percevall and Thomas Toll their burgesses, for this present parliament, as lardge an allowance per diem as they heretofore allowed any of their aldermen that hath bene burgesses in parlia- ment for that towne, notwithstanding the freemen of the towne had their voyces in the choice of the said John Perci- vall and Tho. Toll to be their burgesses for this present par- liament.” During the years, that intervened between the election of these last-named parliamentary burgesses and the choice of members for the first parliament to meet after Charles the Second’s restoration, the question of the right of the “ burgesses at large ” to vote at such elections was a source of much contention amongst the keener politicians of the borough. XI From the wording of a municipal order (8 September, 1649) touching the election, it seems that the burgesses -at-large took part in the choice of the Earl of Salisbury to be a parliamentary burgess for King’s Lynn ; for whilst the order represents that “ the House ” granted the Earl the freedom of the burgh, it adds that “ the cominalty of the burgh hath elected him a burgess “ of the parliamentt of England.” But in August, 1656, General John Desbrow and Major-General Phillip Skippon were chosen burgesses of parliament for the borough by the municipal “ house,” without the co-operation of the mere freemen ; and on the 11th of the next month it was ordered by the mayor, aider- men, and common council “that Mr. John Horsnell of London be sent unto by this house as their solicitor in this behalfe to attende upon the Committee of Previledges at Westminster to make good this house’s auncient custom of electing of burgesses to set in parliament, and that an abbreviate of the records be sent up to him in order to his prosecution of the same.” That the decision of the Committee of Privileges favoured the claims of the house may be inferred from successive entries in the Hall Books. In the several ensuing elections that preceded the King’s restoration the freemen at large seem to have had no share. On 19th Dec., 1656, Sir John Thorowgood was chosen to be a burgess of parliament by 6< this house.” In like manner on the 3rd of Jan. 1658, Mr. Toll and Captain Griffith Lloyd were chosen burgesses of parliament for King’s Lynn by the mayor, aldermen, and com- mon council,” though “ several burgesses of this burrough of the commons at large ” appeared at the town-hall and requested that they might be allowed to take part in the election. On this occa- sion, after considering the claims and arguments of the petitioners, and before proceeding to the election of the members who were in due course chosen, the governing body of the corporation came to a recorded judgment “ that the right of election of the said burgesses is at present in this bouse according to the aforesaid order ” (viz., the Order of the Committee of Privileges and the Parliament). But on 16th April, 1660, yielding to another demonstration of sentiment on the part of the “ burgesses at large,” the House decided that, for the present election, and without prejudice in coming time to the ancient right and custom of the Assembly, the mere freemen should be permitted to vote ; the record of this remarkable concession running in the Hall Book in these words, “ Whereas Mr. Mayor hath this day caused a Common Hall to be warned in order to the elec- 2 Xll tion of burgesses to serve in parliament to be houlden at Westminster and severall of the members of the House being mett together in this House, divers of the free burgesses of this burgh came and requested that they might be admitted to elect burgesses as theire right, which being taken into con- sideration this house doth think fitt for the present satisfac- tion of the people to suffer the commons to elect, and to wave the election in this house for this present election.” Having thus yielded to popular feeling for a single turn, the ruling body of the corporation never again ventured to exclude the mere freemen from proceedings for the choice of parliamentary burgesses. The practical effect of this tardy concession, which implied the existence of a dormant right in the populace who had for successive centuries been prevented from exercising it, was that the freemen at large were admitted to the franchise without any parliamentary enactment for their enfranchisement. In their orders and other memoranda, touching the payment of members of parliament, the King’s Lynn Hall Books preserve several matters to be considered by social historians. Changing with the gradual depreciation of current money, the wages paid to burgesses of parliament for the borough rose from two to five shillings a day to each burgess, for each day spent either in attendance on the parliament, or in travelling to or fro between the parliament or the borough ; and in a few cases the municipal allowance to a burgess of parliament was as much as ten shil- lings a day. On his election to represent the borough in parlia- ment, Sir Robert Hitcham, Anne of Denmark’s attorney-general and judge of the county- palatine of Ely, undertook to serve the borough gratuitously : in consideration of which tender care for their pecuniary resources the corporation, on the occasion of his passing through the town on his way to Ely in July 1610, entertained lawyer handsomely and gave him a gratuity of twenty pounds. Four years later the Mayor of Lynn, by a muni- cipal order dated 20th June, 1614, was “ allowed for his burgis wages for every day wherein he served this last parliament the sum of tenne shillinges per day,” it being noted in the memoran- dum that “ he went from hence the first of Aprill last and returned the xi of June next following.” In December 1620, on the election of Mr. Matthewe Clark and Mr. John Wallis, two aldermen of the corporation, to serve as parliamentary burgesses, it was ordered with the same excessive or at least unusual liberality “ that either of the said burgesses shall have for their wages xm tenne shillings for every day of the said parliament and for every day of their traveill outward and homeward/’ It does not appear whether the exceptional magnitude of these three allowances was due to exceptional circumstances. Anyhow, though the House of Commons in 1642 ordered the Mayor, aldermen, and common council of King’s Lynn to pay their then burgesses, Messrs. John Perce vail and Thomas Toll, “ as lardge an allowance per diem as they have heretofore allowed any of their aldermen that have been burgesses of parliament for that towne,” the municipal house had no regard for the munificence, shown to the Mayor in 1614, and to Messrs. Clark and Wallis in 1620, in ordering the wages of Messrs. Percevall and Toll, who each received five shillings a day and no more for parliamentary service from the borough treasurer. A curious and instructive view of the dissensions and rivalries, that troubled the inhabitants of Lynn (Bishops Lenn as the borough was then styled) in the fifteenth century, is afforded by the Inspeximus dated 25th Nov., 14 Henry IV. (mcZepp. 191 to 194) of a memorandum touching certain decrees, made by Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor upon certain dis- cords and controversies between divers of the Potentiores of Bishop’s Lenn of the one part and the Mayor, burgesses, and community of the other part, respecting certain oppressions and extortions committed by the said “potentiores” on the said Mayor, burgesses, and community. From this remarkable record it may be seen how the inhabitants of the little borough were not only historically divisible, but were sharply and hardly divided into three several orders, styled respectively the Poten- tiores, the Mediocres, and the Inferiores non Burgenses, and how these three classes were so rigidly defined, and their respective members so precisely catalogued, that it was known to every man of them, and to all his acquaintance, to which of the three orders he belonged. Further information respecting the feuds and discords, that stirred the rival classes in the same period of the borough’s history, may be gathered (vide pp. 195 to 203) from the Exemplification, dated 2 June, 4 Henry V., of a certain instrument for the revocation of divers new ordinances and con- stitutions, and for the re-establishment of the ancient constitutions and customs, for the election of officers in the town of Bishops Lenn. Devised and established in the interest of municipal peace though they were, the new ordinances and constitutions made matters so much worse, and especially so by rendering 2 XIV quarrels fiercer and spites more rancorous, that in the opinion of the townspeople, or at least in the judgment of the prevail- ing party of the borough, it was needful to abolish thenfiutterly, in order to recover the town from evils that threatened it with quick destruction. A few years later (8 Henry V., vide pp. 245, 246) a better remedy for the insolence of the jurats, and the passionate discontent of the poorer burgesses and other inferior inhabitants of the town, was devised by the Bishop|of Norwich, when he established the annually elected common-council of “ the twenty-seven,” in order that, in respect to taxes for the sovereign and talliages for local charges and necessities, the populace of the nine constabularies should not be left completely at the mercy of the jurats, who were invariably drawn from the overbearing Potentiores. If they were not wholly wanting in the virtues, it is manifest from earlier records of the com- munity that the Potentiores were not wholly exempt from the failings, of a dominant class. It indicates the spirit in which they dealt with the meaner freemen and the unenfranchised resi- dents of their town, that in the 33rd year of Edward the First, they were at pains to procure Letters Patent under the great seal of “ Pardon and Belease ” (vide p. 187) “ to the burgesses of Lenn, in respect to all trespass, &c. said to have been done by them in assessing divers talliages on the community of the said town, without the unanimous consent of the same community, and in levying the same talliages from the poor and but moderately endowed men of the same community, and other great sums under colour of certain common fines, heretofore made by them for divers causes, beyond the sums to which the same fines extended themselves, and in converting to their own use, and not to the advantage of the said community, nor to the corpo- ration of the same town, a great part of the same talliages and other different sums of money formerly levied in the same town, as well by occasion of the aforesaid fines as by occasion of murage granted unto them ” by the Crown. In the composition made a few years later (October, 3 Edward II.), between the Bishop of Norwich of the one part and the Mayor and com- munity of the town of Lenne of the other part, it was especially provided, for the correction of the extortionate disposition of the Potentiores and for the fairer treatment of the Mediocres of the community and of the Inferiores non Burgesses of the town, that the mayor and community should henceforth cease to exact from the poorer people of the place such immoderate “ taskes and XV tallyages unleeful and unresonable grevous,” as had heretofore been put %< by the grete men of the towne aforesaid upon the mene peple and the povere to their oppression and hyndryng.” The Potentiores having shown themselves thus greedy and rapacious, it was well alike for them and their victims, when the Bishop, as Lord of Bishop’s Lenne, empowered the more numerous but feeble folk to vote yearly for the twenty-seven representatives, without whose concurrence the hitherto urn bridled jurats should henceforth be powerless to settle the assessments of such taxes as tenths and fifteenths, or of sums to be levied within the borough for repairs of houses, walls, bridges, watercourses, and other local charges. - ' - • Hi m HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. THE MANUSCRIPTS OF THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON. The Southampton muniments were found by the present inspector in a state of disorder, which caused him (after working for some time upon them) to represent to the local authorities, that the difficulty of examin- ing so large an assemblage of records would be greatly diminished by preliminary measures for their needful arrangement. Taking the same view of the case, and accepting the suggestion in the spirit that animated them in every stage of a business, which occasioned them no little inconvenience, the Town Council forthwith invited me to put the writings in order at the charge of the Corporation, and, assigning to my use the large committee room, adjoining their Council Chamber, lost no time in fitting it with an enormous table, made of planks and tressels, strong enough to bear the weight of a large and heavy pile of books and unbound documents, whilst it at the same time afforded sufficient space for sorting the multifarious evidences. Fortunately no large proportion of the manuscripts had been injured by damp or rodentia ; and as most of the records had been preserved in closely fitting cases, the labour of reducing them to order was attended with no excessive discomfort from dust and dirt. Comparatively free from mould and rot, the miscel- laneous writings were upon the whole a cleanly and well-kept body of muniments, but their confusion was so complete that six weeks were spent in sorting and labelling the books and unbound documents, before I could dispense for awhile with the services of clerk and porter, and returning to the ways of ordinary official labour could enter on the inspection of the — («.) Books , (6.) Charters and Letters Patent , (c.) Deeds , Municipal and Private , ( d .) Letters and Loose Memoranda , (e.) Rolls and Miscellaneous Documents , described in the ensuing catalogues. (a.) Books. /. — List of Books in the Southampton Muniment Room . Vols. (1.) Edward II. The Book of Laws, Ordinances, and Customs of the Town of Southampton, known in the annals of the borough as “ The Oak Book,” containing at the present time sixty vellum leaves, clog-covered. Of this highly interesting book the Reverend Silvester Davies (M.A., F.S.A., Vicar of St. James’s, Enfield Highway), in his well-designed and carefully executed “ History of South- hampton : Partly from the MS. of Dr. Speed, in the the Southampton Archives,” (1883), remarks, “ The “ earliest version of the ordinances of the Guild Merchant U 24955. A MSS. of the Town of Southampton. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. Vok 44 is to be found in an ancient and curious volume, which 44 is one of the most interesting of the town records. It 44 is a small quarto on vellum, bound in oak covers, one 44 being much longer than the other, and having a square 44 hole in the lower part to put the hand through while 44 using the volume. On the outside are a couple of 44 merchants’ marks. The ordinances commence at the 44 top of folio 10, and are written continuously without any 44 break to the fifth line of folio 20, the heading of each 44 bring in rubric. The handwriting is apparently that 44 of the first part of the fourteenth century. Prefixed 44 to the ordinances, on folio 9, is the guildsman’s or 44 burgess’s oath, in which mention is made of a mayor, a 44 title which does not occur in the ordinances themselves. 44 The oath which is in rubric and in a larger hand than 44 the rest appears to be of the same age. The ordinances 44 are of various dates, some of them probably belonging 44 to the earliest period of the Guild. This book was 44 noticed by the late Mr. Thomas Wright in Winchester 44 volume Brit. Archseol. Assoc., 1846, where is also a 44 drawing of the covers by Mr. Fairholt. A table of 44 contents is to be found in the Record Commissioners* 44 Report” - 1 (2.) Edward III. to Richard II. Calendar of Letters Patent dated in or between the reigns of the said kings - l (3.) Richard II. to Elizabeth. 44 The Black Book ” of the Town of Southampton. Further particulars of this volume appear on subsequent pages of this catalogue - ^ - 1 (4.) 15th Century. Treatise in English Verse on the Philoso- pher’s Stone and Aurum Potabile, in twelve chapters, with a Preface, and concluding 44 Recapitulacio totius 44 operis.” Further particulars of this volume appear on a subsequent page of this catalogue - - - 1 (5.) Henry VI. to Elizabeth. Brokage Books : Yearly Ac- counts of Receivers of Toll and Dues at the Bar-gate : — Temp. Henry VI. - Three books - 3 „ Edward IV. - Seven books - 7 „ Henry VII. •• Three books - 3 „ Henry VIII. - Eight books - 8 „ Edward VI. - Four books - 4 „ Mary - - Four books - 4 „ Elizabeth - Three books - 3 Twenty-seven dateless and otherwise defective books of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries - - - - 27 59 - 59 (6.) Henry VI. to George III. Port Books : Yearly Accounts of Water-Bailiffs and Receivers of Petty Customs of the Port of Southampton : — Temp. Henry VI. - Sixteen books - 16 „ Edward IV. - Three books - 3 „ Henry VII. - Five books - 5 „ Henry VIII. - Fifteen books - 15 „ Edward VI. - Four books - 4 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. Vols. Temp . Mary - Elizabeth - Four books - 4 - Thirty-seven books - 37 Thirteen dateless and otherwise defec- tive books of the sixteenth century - 13 Temp. Charles I. - Two books - 2 „ George II. - Four books - 4 „ George III. - Three books - 3 106 - 106 (7.) Henry YI. to Charles II. Stewards’ Books : Yearly Accounts of Beceipts into and Disbursements from the Town treasury: — Temp. Henry YI. - Nine books - 9 „ Edward IY. - Nine books - 9 „ Richard III. - Two books - 2 „ Henry VII. - Seven books - 7 „ Henry VIII. - Fifteen books - 15 „ Mary - - Two books - 2 „ Elizabeth - Seven books - 7 „ Charles I. - One book - 1 ,, Charles II. - One book - 1 53 (8.) Edward IY. to George III. Town Court Books ■ Temp. Edward IY. Four dateless and other- - 53 wise defective books Town Court Book 1482-3 A.D. „ „ 1566 A.D. „ „ 1572-3 A.D. „ „ 1589-91 A.D. „ „ 1603-13 A.D. „ „ 1618-26 A.D. „ ,, 1621 A.D. „ 1631 A.D. „ „ 1637-46 A.D. „ „ 1638-50 A.D. „ „ 1651-61 A.D. „ „ 1662-68 A.D. „ „ 1677-94 A.D. „ „ 1694-1701 A.D. „ „ 1695-1707 A.D. „ „ 1708-30 A.D. „ 1731-66 A.D. 21 (9.) 1445 A.D. to James I. Book of Remembrances of the Town of Suthampton ------ (10.) 1455 A.D. Terrier of the Tenements, &c. within the walls of the town of Suthampton - (11.) 1473-8 A.D. Book of Oaths and Ordinances of the town of Suthampton ------ (12.) 1482 A.D. Assize of Bread Book • a 2 21 MSS. of the Town of Southampton. $ 4 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. of the Town of Southampton. Vol&. (13.) 1488 to 1597 A.D. Book o£ Remembrances of the town of Suthampton. Used in later time (1708-56 A.D.) as an Admiralty Court Book - - - - 1 (14.) 1489 to 1593 A.D. Liber de finibus ville Suthampton. The Book of fines, perquisites, forfeitures, and casual- ties - - - - - - 1 (14.) 1495 A.D. Terrier of the town of Suthampton - - 1 (15.) 1496 to 1554. Tour Weighing-books of 1496, 1533, 1545, and 1554 A.D. - - - - - - 4 (16.) 1496 to 1704. Book of Oaths and Ordinances of the town of Suthampton : With burgesses’ admissions - - I (17.) 16 th Century. Book of common forms and precedents for the convenience and use of legal draughtsmen - 1 (18.) 1517 to 1592 A.D. The Boke of Remembrances of the town of Suthampton - - - - - 1 (18.) 1525-98 A.D. Liber Debitorum ville Suthampton : Book of debts of the town of Suthampton - - - 1 (19.) 1535 to 1782. Mayors’ Books of receipts and disbursments : Yearly Accounts of 1535-6, 1541-2, 1562-3, 1566-7, 1574-5, 1580-1, 1581-2, 1603-4, 1610-11, 1616-17, 1631-2, 1633-4, 1634-5, 1636-7, 1638-9, 1645-6, 1647-8, 1654-5, 1658-9, 1660-1, 1661-2, 1662-3, 1669-70, 1671-2, 1674-5, 1679-80, 1704-5, 1707-8, 1708-9, 1709-10, 1710-11, 1712-13, 1717-18 1721-2, 1723-4, 1724-5, 1727-8, 1730-1, 1731-2, 1734-5, 1737-8, 1738-9, 1744-5, 1746-7, 1752-3, 1757-8, 1760-1, 1763-4, 1766-7, 1767-8, 1768-9, 1769-70, 1771-2, 1772-3, 1773-4, 1774-5, 1776-7, 1777-8, 1781-2 A.D. - 59 (20.) 1544 to 1589 A.D. Ten Muster-Books of 1544, 1555, 1567, 1579, 1583 and 1589 A.D. - - - 10 (21.) 1552 to 1580 A.D. Seven Linen-Hall Account-books of 1552-5, 1556, 1557, 1560, 1564, 1569, 1580 A.D. - 7 (22.) 1550 to 1796. Imperfect series of Court Leet (Cutted Thorn) books ------ 100 (22.) 1554 to 1584 A.D. Nine Woollen-Hall Account books of 1554-5, 1569-70, 1570-1, 1572, 1574, 1574-5, 1575-6, 1581-2, 1583-4 - - - - - 9 (23.) 1559 A.D. Assize of Bread book - - - 1 (24.) 1559 to 1567 A.D. i6 Stall-and-Art ” and “ Presentments ” book - - - - - - 1 (25.) 1576 to 1586 A.D. Robert Knaplocke’s “ Liber Instru- mentorum,” i.e. Book of legal evidences - - - 1 (26.) 1575 to 1586 A.D. Four Mayors’ Books : of yearly re- membrances, with examinations and depositions - 4 (27.) 1576-7 A.D. Book of examinations, informations, and depositions - - - - - - 1 (28.) 1582 A.D. City of Winchester Pied Poudre Court book- 1 (29.) 1590 A.D. Book of depositions - - - - 1 (30.) 1591 to 1689 A.D. Book of Remembrances of the town of Southampton : With records of orders and proceedings in municipal assemblies - - 1 (31.) 1592-4 A.D. Book of examinations, recognizances, and depositions - - - - - - I (32.) 1592 to 1617 A.D. Liber Debitorum ville Suthampton : Audit Accounts book of the town of Suthampton HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 5 Vols. (33.) 1596 A.D. Assize of Bread book - (34.) 1601-2 A.D. Book of examinations, informations, and depositions - - - - - - 1 (35.) 1602-3 A.D. Assembly Book : of orders and proceedings in municipal assemblies - - - - - 1 (36.) 1606-7 A.D. Assembly Book : of orders and proceedings in municipal assemblies - - - - - 1 (37.) 1609 to 1705 A.D. Book of Apprentices : a register of the poor children bound apprentices by the Mayor, aider- men, and assistants of the town of Southampton - - 1 (38.) 1609 to 1737 A.D. Book of Apprentices ; a register of “all persons bound Apprentices in the town of South- ampton ” - - - . » - - 1 (39.) 1613 to 1725 A.D. Register of the Free Commoners of the town of Southampton - - - - 1 (40.) 1617 A.D. Survey of the lands and tenements of the corporation of the town of Southampton - - - 1 (41.) 1619 to 1635 A.D. Sessions of Peace Book - ~ 1 (42.) 1622 to 1643 A.D. Book of examinations, informations, and depositions - - - - - - 1 (43.) 1625 to 1702 A.D. Grants from the Crown for termes of yeares ; in two parts. Part I. from 1625 to 1685 A.D., and Part II. from 1685 to 1702 A.D. - - - 1 (44.) 1632 to 1648 A.D. Book of Recognizances of the town of Southampton - - - - - - i (45.) 1638 to 1666 A.D. Town of Southampton 44 Lease-Ledger ” I (46.) 1642 to 1678 A.D. Assembly-Book : Book of orders and minutes of proceedings in municipal assemblies - - 1 (47.) 1643 A.D. Book of Accounts of the estate of the late John Parkinson, Esq., 44 Felo-de-se ” - - I (48.) 1643 A.D. Terrier of the town of Southampton - - 1 (49.) 1646 to 1672 A.D. Liber Debitorum ville Southampton ; Book of the debts of the town of Southampton - - I (50.) 1647 to 1652 A.D. Assessments Book - - - I (51.) 1648 to 1663 A.D. Book of examinations, informations, and depositions - - - - - - I (52.) 1661 A.D. Book of subscriptions and contributions in aid of the King - - - - - - 1 (53.) 1663 to 1668 A.D. Book of examinations, informations, and depositions - - - - - - 1 (54.) 1666-7 A.D. Alehouse Recognizances book - - 1 (55.) 1669 to 1689 A.D. Book of examinations and recogni- zances, and of proceedings at Sessions of Peace - - 1 (56.) 1679 to 1734 A.D. Book of Orders and minutes of pro- ceedings of municipal assemblies - - - 1 (57.) 1681-8 A.D. Book of [the correspondence of John Flam- steed and William Molyneux - - - - 1 (58.) 1681 A.D. Translation from Latin into English, by William Molyneux for his father’s use, of Evangelista Torricellio’s treatise 44 Of the Motion of Heavy Bodys, naturally fall- ing and projected” - - - - - I (59.) 1694 A.D. Assize of Bread book - - - I (60.) ■. Translation into English, by William Moly- neux, of Galileo’s Dialogues - - - - 1 (61.) 18th Century. Book of extents and particulars of manors in the county of Cornwall - - - - I MSS. or the Town or Southampton. 6 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. of the Town of Southampton. Vote. (62.) 18th Century. Dr. Bulkeley’s Treatise of Trees and their Culture - - - - - - -1 (63.) 1703 to 1721 A.D. Book of oaths and ordinances of the town of Southampton : With records of Burgesses* Ad- missions to the franchise of the town, and of minutes of proceedings in municipal assemblies - - - 1 (64.) 1704 A.D. Notes and materials for the History of Ireland - - - - - - -1 (65.) 1707 to 1709 A.D. Letter-book of Samuel Molyneux, the son of William Molyneux, the mathematician - - 1 (66.) 1711 to 1747 A.D. Register of parochial settlements. - 1 (67*) 1721 A.D. Copy of the testament (with codicil) of Dorothy Lady Capell, Baroness-Dowager of Tewkesbury, proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury in London, on 21 June, 1721 A.D. 1 (68.) 1723-4 A.D. Cash-book of the Corporation of South- ampton - - - - - - -1 (69.) 1725 A.D. County Stock and County Treasurer’s accounts book - - - - - - -I (70.) 1728 to 1755 A.D. Book of examinations and deposi- tions - - - - - - -1 (71.) 1729 to 1748 A.D. Sessions of Peace (Orders) Book - I (72*) 1734 A.D. Southampton Chartulary; Book of the charters of the town, copied and made into a book by order of Recorder - - - - - 1 (73.) 1734 to 1766 A.D. Assembly Book ; of orders and minutes of proceedings in municipal assemblies - - - 1 (74.) George III. Dr. Speed’s “ History and Antiquities of Southampton,” used by the Reverend Silvester Davies in his recently published “ History of Southampton,” and described in the Preface to that comprehensive and care- fully executed book - - - - -I (75.) 1765 A.D. Book of common forms and precedents, for the convenience and use of legal draughtsmen - - I (76.) 1776 to 1782 A.D. Rental of the Corporation of the town of Southampton - - - - - - 1 (77.) 1779 to 1781 A.D. Rental of the Corporation of the town of Southampton - - - - - - I (78.) 1783 to 1796 A.D. Town of Southampton “Market Rental Book ” - - - - -1 (79.) 1792 to 1803 A.D. Town of Southampton Quit-Rent book - - - - - - -1 (80.) 1808 to 1848 A.D. Town of Southampton “ Market Rental Book - - - - -1 Total number of volumes - - 504 II .— Notes respecting , and Extracts from , the most noteworthy books . (1.) Edward II. Book of Laws, Ordinances, and Customs of the Town of Southampton, known in the annals of the borough as “ The Oak Book,” containing at the present time sixty vellum leaves, clog- covered. Resembling in several particulars the far more perfect and exemplary Little Domesday Books of the Borough of Ipswich, this HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 7 volume (comprises with divers inconsiderable memoranda of compara- tively recent penmanship) the following matters : — (a.) List (imperfect) of the boroughs of England, with particulars touching the dates of their respective charters of incorporation. (h.) The Oath (French) administered to and sworn by the 44 Meyre Baillif e bones gents ” of the town. (c.) The Laws and Usages (French) of the town, in seventy-seven chapters ; each chapter being headed with red letters, setting forth concisely the subject of the chapter. ( d .) The List of Dues and Customs on merchandize coming into the town by sea or land. (e.) Copy of the Deed of Concord, dated 3 Edward III., between the Mayor and Community of the city of New Sarum of the one part and the Mayor and Community of the town of Suthampton of the other part, for the determination of controversy respecting tolls and customs. (f.) Table of Rates, for regulating the price of bread. ( g .) Copy of the Charter of Inspeximus (of the charter dated by King John in the 9th year of his reign and also of the charter dated by Henry the Third in the 16th year of his reign, 44 de libertatibus Wynton’ ecclesie ”), dated by Nicholas bishop of Winchester A.D. 1268. ( h .) Copy of record of the proceedings, with verdict for the plaintiff, in the cause (6 Edward II.) of John le Cowper of Farnham, a tenant of the Bishop of Winchester, v. John Shirlee, William Foghel and William Basyngrom the younger, of the town of Southampton, for unlawful seizing for payment of toll unlawfully demanded as due to the said town 44 unum 44 coreum bouum precii vnius denarii ipsius Johannis le Couper.” («.) Collection of Maritime cases and legal decisions touching ships and seamen, headed 44 Ceo est la Chartre Doylyroun de Jugements du, Meer.” (j.) Copy of the Charter, dated by Edward the Third in the 2nd. year of his reign, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Edward the Second’s Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation, of Edward the First’s Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation, of the Charter of concessions dated by Henry the Third at Winchester on the 20tli of June in the 37th year of his reign 44 Deo et beate Marie et Sancto Johanni Baptiste a et Fratribus Hospitalis Jerusalem.” ( k .) Copy of the Letters Patent, dated 28 June 29 Edward III.,, of the Burgesses of the town of Southampton, of power for ten years to levy one penny from every pound, one half-penny from every ten shillings, and one farthing from every five shillings, of goods imported into or exported from the said town, the revenue from the said grant to be applied to the works for completing the enclosure of the town, for its greater security. (/.) Copy of a Concord and Agreement, made 24 Henry III., between the Burgesses of Suthampton and the Burgesses of Portes- mothe. (m.) Copy of the Inquisition taken and made, 38 Henry III., by twenty-four lawful men, before Sir Ernaldus de Bosco, the said King’s Justice 44 de Foresta,” — 44 qui dicunt super saeramentum suum quod hec est meta et divisa inter forestam de la Beri et villam domini Regis Suthampton, scilicet, de Ponte de Acardy sicut via extendit se per cruces versus Aquilonem usque Cuthorn et de Cuttethorn usque ad Burleston, Et de Burleston usque ad Fursewelle, et de Furswelle sicut descendit in Ychene infra quas metas et divisas libertatis Ville domini Regis Suthampton canonici Sancti [Juliani?] ... et tenent quemdam boscum qui vocatur Porteswode ex concessione Ricardi MSS. of the Town o Southampton & 8 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION* MSS. of the Town of Southampton. quondam Regis Anglie i liberam et puram et perpetuam elimosinam, Et est et bosco pro quo bosco et terra que vocatur Kyngeslond dominus Rex predictus remisit de firma sua Ville Suth- ampton imperpetuum centum solidos.” A notion of the literary style of “ The Laws and Usages/’ by far the most important and interesting of the several matters of the volume, may be gained from the following transcript of the first four of the seventy-seven chapters. “ 1. Coment le Alderman Seneschal Chapellayn Eskevyns Usser seront esluys en Gilde. En primes chief que de la Gilde Marchaundz soient eslus e etablis, un Alderman, un Seneschal, un Chapelayn e iii. eskevyns e un Usser, Et est assavoyr que celuy que serra Alderman deit avoyr de chescun entraunt en la Gilde iiiid., le Seneschal iid., le Chapeleyn iid., e le Usser id. Et doit la Gilde feer deuz foyz en le an, Cest asavoir le Dymaynge prochain apres la Seintz J ohan le Baptistez e le Dymaynge proschayn apres la Seintz Hyllery. (2.) Quant la Gilde serra nul entre eux ne vendra si ne seit par le Alderman. Quant la Gilde serra nul de la Gilde ne doit mener nul estraunge, si il ne soit requis par le Alderman ou le Seneschal, Et le Alderman doitz avoir un Sergaunt aler nyer devaunt ly, le Sene- schal un autre Sergauntz e les deuz eskevyns un Sergauntz, Et les autr’ deus eskevyns un sergaunt e le Chapeleyn auera seon Clerk. (3.) De ceo que le Alderman auera mizt tauntoi la Gilde y serra. Et quaunt la Gilde serra le Alderman doit avoyr chescun muytz tauntz come la Gilde sietz ii. galouns de vin Et deus chaundeles e le Seneschal autresy e les iiii. eskevyns e le Chapelayn chescun de eus un galoundd e vyn de une chaundele e le Usser un galoun de vyn. (4.) Que les Meseaus auerount de la Gilde tantu’ y serra. Et quaunt la Gilde serra les Meseaus de la Maudelyne auerount del Aumune de Gildeyns ii cestres de la ceruoyse. Et les Malades de la Maysun Deu e de Seintz Julian auerount deus cestyers de cervose. Et les Freires menors auerount ii cestres de cervoyse e un cestr’ de vyn. Et iiii. cestres de cervoyse serrount donetz a poveres la ou la Gilde sera. The entries of this volume, which the Hampshire archaeologists would do well to edit, are by various hands, and were made at different times ; the earliest of the entries, the Copy of “ The Laws and Usages,” being of a penmanship that justifies the reporter in assigning it to some clerk of the earlier time of the 14th century. (2.) 16 Richard II. to 12 Elizabeth. The Black Book, otherwise styled the “ Liber Niger nigro carbone notatus,” otherwise styled the “ Niger Papyrus,” otherwise styled “ The Blak Papyr ” of the town of Suthampton ; a large folio register containing 144 leaves of unusually thick paper, the last thirty-two of which are blank. Used from the 16 th year of Richard II. to the 12 th year of Elizabeth as a Book of Record for the enrolment of acknowledgments of deeds, this well preserved volume (covered with black flexible leather), together with writings of convey- ance and quitclaim, and other legal instruments and writings of record, comprises the following matters (a.) 16 Richard II. Ordinances by the Mayor and Community, “ quod quilibet burgensis ac alius commorans infra liber tatem ville Suthampton seu commoraturus respondebit versus alienigenas ac extra- neos in placitis pedis pulverosati non obstante aliqua libertate prius habita seu possessa in placitis debiti pro aliquibus rebus vel merci- HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 9 moniis venditis seu emptis infra libertatem predictam. Et quod inter ^ 0E indigenos seu infra libertatem ville commorantes ac burgenses Southampton. placita terminentur in Curia Regia ville secundum consuetudinem ante Hac usitatam.” (5.) 1 Henry Y. Ordinance by the Maior, Bailiffs, and Community, “ quod omnes meretrices commune Hospicium in Estrete tenentes a dicto Vico omnino ammoverentur ; Et quod nee ipse nee alique alie huiusmodi vite mulieres ad aliquod tenementum sive cotagium in eodem vico inhabitandum aut tenendum aliqualiter de cetero admitterentur et precipue propter continenciam dictum vicum pertranseuncium sive ad ecclesias beate Marie Sancte Trinitatis ac Sancti Andree peregre proficiscencium conservandam quam quidem ordinacionem supradictam imperpetuum tenendam ac observandam in nigro papiro eiusdem ville fecerunt irrotulari ut de recordo hie in futuro videatur esse permanend.” (c.) 17 October 22 Edward III. Ordinances by the Mayor, Aider- men, and Community of the town of Suthampton, for the amendment of proceedings in the Town Court — Cestassavere. Que apres ascun accion de dette affirme en le comyn courte de mesme ie vile envers ascun home demeurant deinz mesme le vile que le processe sera tielle, — Em primes le defendant serra somone et apres en le procheyne court il auera un essoyne sil voet et apres en le procheyn courte il auera un defaute saunz rien perder, Et apres sil ne vient un Attachment. Et sil trove un home destre son plegge sur mesme latach- ment sil face defaute le proime jour il serra amercie ii. d. le seconde jour iiii. d. le tierce jour vi. d. le quarte jour viii. le quinte jour x. d. le vi jour xii. d. et issint apres achescun courte sil fait defaute il serra amercye a xii. d. jesqz il veigne et respoyne al pleyntif et auxi en mesme le manere lissues serront retournes apres vn distresse agarde envers le defendant sicome est dit dez amercimentes avauntditz si le sargent retorne le defendant sufficient. Item est assentu et accorde mesme le jour que apres ceo que ascun issue est ioine entre lez pleyntiffs et defendantes en mesme le courte que si le pleyntif ne voile suer . . . effects pur auer son jurre deinz trois moys proscheyn apres lissue ioine que le pleintif perdera son accion pur mesme le temps. Item est assentu et accorde mesme le jour que apres ceo que ascun issue est ioine come est avauntdit auxibien en le comyn court come en le courte de pee poudres si le summe en demande soit declare ax. marces ou deinz que le Sargent auera pur faire son retourne del panelle forsq xii. d. Et si le summe en demande soit declare ouster x. marcs come a x. li. xx. marcs xx. li ou ouster, Donqz le Sargent auera pur faire son retorne del panelle forsqz ii. s. Item est assentu et acorde que en un plee de trespas le defendant pledera al Issue et tiendra son ley si les damages soient declares a xl. s. ou ouster et priera que le pleyntif soiet examyne si ces damages atteygnent a xl. s. ou ouster par reson de mesme trespas, Et si le pleyntif refuse le examynacion donqz le defendant ferra son ley, Et si le pleyntif sur son serement sur un liver dit qil est en damage a xl. s. ou ouster donqz lissue serra trie par pais. Item est assentu et acorde mesme le jour que le Clerk del ville pren- dera de chescun Burgeys pur faire ou pur entrer son declaracion si le summe en demaunde soit declare a x. marcs ou deinz forsqz xii. d. Et si le summe en demaunde soit declare a x. li. xx. marcs xx. li. ou ouster il prendera pur faire ou pur son entre del declaracion de mesme le plee forsqz ii. s. Et des estraungers ou Foreyns il prendera sicome ils poient agrees. 10 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. of the Town of Southampton, Item est acorde et assentu mesme le jour que quaunt un estraunger ou Foreyn afferme ascun accion en le comen courte ou en le courte de pee poudres il gagera al Sargent que doit son affire de mesme le pleynt en nawn’ de plegge iii. d. ( xxs. Item, to the Sergeantes of the Arms - - - - xx s. Item, payed her fotemen - - - - - xx s. „ „ her trumpeters - - - - xx s. the musicions - - - - ■ xxs. the Marshall for a proclamacion - -vs. the Marshall for his fees - - -vs. to the clarke of the marketes eryer - - ii s. to the skylers - - - - - v s. to the drome and flute of Portismothe - - v s. m certaine Lordes minstrelles - - -vs. to the yemen of may ell - - -vs. to the yemen of the bottells - - - vs. Peter Glasier for his drome and flutes - -vs. the Quene’s Majestis porters - - - vs. William M r whiche he must give accompts of - x li. „ „ for iii lode of bowes sett by the commaunde- ment of Sir Francis Knowells • - v s. „ „ for the helping of the gonners - ii s. \i d. ,, „ M r Torner for newe-making of the Buttes - ix s. Item, payed for fiftye yeardes of London russett that daye to M r Hotson for the townes liueries at viii s. the yearde - - - - - xx h. „ „ for canvas to wrape the clothe in xvi d. „ „ for M r Stanelis charges and myne with twoe men and iiii horses xviii dayes at ii s. viii d. the daye man and horse - - - ix li. xij s. „ „ for fyer dueringe that tyme vi d. per daye amounteth to ixs., for washinge of shertes, shewinge of horses, mending of saddells and reward to the howse where we laye - - xix s. „ „ for M r Hoopers charges at Winsor vij dayes and his twoe men at iiij s. xxviii s. &c. &c. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 19 Occasionally the searcher of the accounts comes upon payments to players, such as the following of 19-20 Elizabeth, — Item, paid by consent to xi players, beinge the Lorde of Bathe’s players, the firste of Male 1577 - - - xiijs.iiijt/. Item, paid by consent to my Lorde Delawarre’s plaiers being tenne of them the vi th of May - - - xs, Item, paid by consent to the Earle of Worcester his players the 14 of June, beinge x of them - - - - x s. Item, paid the 24 th of June to sixe of my Lord Clinton’s players ------- x s. Save that they usually tell the number of persons in the wandering troops (information seldom given, by municipal chroniclers) the entries touching players are unimportant. (6.) — 1496 to 1704 A.D. The Book of Oaths, ordinances and bur- gesses, admissions. Opening with forms of oaths to be sworn on admission to franchise or office by (1) Burgesses, (2) Commoners “ admytted to set vp in any arte, scyence or ioccupacion wuthyn the towne, (3) Maiors, (4) Aldermen and Justices of the Peace, (5) Constables of the Staple, (6) Recorder or Town Clerke, (7) the Sheriffe, *(8) Bailiffes, (9) the Crowners, (10) Cunstables, (11) the Pettye Customer, (12) the fower Discretes of the Market, (13) the Eower Serjantes, (14) the Receaver of Customs and Brocage at the Bargat, (15) Brokers betwixt merchante and merchante, (16) Mea- surers of Clothe, (17) the Steward, (18) Measurers of Salt and Corne and other, (19) the Teller of Leather, and (20) the Alderman of Portiswoade, this book of record contains on later pages more recent forms of oaths to be sworn by Assistants, Packers of Herrings, and other officers of the community ; the earlier set of oaths being followed in the register by “ Certaine olde auncient and laudable ordinaunces touching the Burgesses and their duties of and within Suthampton,” in eighty chapters, comprising the French ordinances of the Oak Book translated into English and other orders. — Beginning with the record of v Richard Wotton’s admission into the gilde on 15 June, 11 Henry Vll., the Register of burgesses’ admissions is continued to 21 July 1704, and contains the records of the enfranchisement of the following more or less notable persons : — Maurice Barkeley, seconde sonne of Edward Barkeley late burgesse of this towne, 10 September, 22 Henry VII. John Arpit vicar of St. Michaelle’s churche in the towne of Suth- ampton, on Friday next after the feast of St. Michael, 2 Henry VIII. John Wilcok, D.D., vicar of the parisshe churche of Holy Rodes in the towne of Southampton, on the Friday after Michaelmas, 2 Henry VIII. William Seint-John, otherwise called William Poninges, 18 March, 3 Henry VIII. Walter Maye, Prior of the priory of Sainte Dennys by the towne of Suthampton, 2 April, 3 Henry VIII. Thomas Skevington, Bishop of Bangor and Abbot of the monastery of Sancte Mary the Virgin of Kinges Bewly, on Friday after Michael- mas, 6 Henry VIII. John Corne, Abbot of Letley, 3 August, 16 Henry VIII. William, the Honorable Erie of Arundelle, 13 January, 16 Henry VIII. Master John Alen, Doctour of both lawes, Chancel our of our Lorde the Kinge, one of the Maisters and . * . of the churche of b 2 a MSS. or the Town oe Southampton. MSS. of the Town of Southampton 20 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. Sainte Mary the Virgen of the towne of Sutliamnton, 28 March, 18 Henry VIII. Thomas Pace, gentleman, 31 December, 25 Henry VIII. John Newton, esquire, 24 October, 26 Henry VIII. Anthony Guidotty, merchante of Florence, 14 January, 26 Henry VIII. Thomas Welles, gentleman, 1 July, 27 Henry VIII. Thomas Bettes, son of James Bettes esquire, 18 October, 27 Henry VIII. John, Abbot of the monastery of Saint Mary the Virgen of Kinges Bewly, 28 January, 27 Henry VIII. Thomas, Abbot of the monastery of Sainte Mary the Virgen of Kinges . . . ., 28 January, 27 Henry VIII. William, Abbot of the monastery of Sainte Mary the Virgen of Kinges Waverley, 28 January, 27 Henry VIII. William, Abbot of the monastery of the blessed Virgen Mary of Kinges Guarre, 28 January, 27 Henry VIII. Michael Lyster esquire, 12 September, 27 Henry VIII. Francis Dautrey esquire, 12 September, 27 Henry VIII. William Thorpe esquire, 12 September, 27 Henry VIII. William Barkeley knt., 18 January, 28 Henry VIII. James Wursley knt., 20 August, 29 Henry VIII. The Honorable Lord Maltravers, 27 September, 29 Henry VIII. John Walloppe knt., 27 September, 29 Henry VIII. Thomas Lisle knt., 27 September, 29 Henry VIII. Clement Harleston knt., 27 September, 29 Henry VIII. Richard Blounte esquire, 27 September, 29 Henry VIII. Thomas Welles the elder esquire, 16 September, 32 Henry VIII. Thomas Sherley gentleman, 27 February, 32 Henry VIII. John Warener, harbour and surgyn, 4 January, 35 Henry VIII. William Kalway esquire, 29 July, 1549 A.D. Sir Hugh Paulet knt., 23 November, 3 Edward VI. Sir John Kingesmill knt., 8 April, 7 Edward VI. Olyver Saint- John esquire, 26 September, 2 & 3 Philip and Mary.-* Richarde Worsleye esquire, 2 January, 1555 A.D. William Bowier gentleman, 16 August, 2 & 3 Philip and Mary. Thomas Shukborowe, 16 August, 2 & 3 Philip and Mary. Edmund Cockerrelle gentleman, 30 September, 1 Elizabeth. Thomas Carewe esquire, 19 September 1561 A.D. John Hoper esquire, 28 November 1561 A.D. Charells Vaghan gentleman, 12 December 1565 A.D. Henry W^allopp esquire, 20 April 1569 A.D. John Worsley esquire, 16 September 1569 A.D. Oddet de Colligny, Cardinall de Chastillon 29 October 1570 A.D. Edward Horssey esquire, Captayne of the Quene’s Majesties Isle of Wight, 29 October 1570 A.D.' James Pagget esquire, 29 October 1570 A.D. Gilbert Wells esquire, 13 January 1571 A.D. John Searlle gentleman, 13 January 1571 A.D. John Barnabie gentleman, servant to the Rt. Hon. the Earle of Lecester, admitted at his lordship’s request, 31 March 1572 A.D. John Penrodocke esquire, Recorder of the town of Southampton, 21 May 1572 A.D. The Rt. Hon. Henry, Earl of Suthampton, 1 December 17 Elizabeth. The Right Worshipful Roger Manwood, one of the Quene’s Justices of the Court of Comen Place at Westminster, 28 March 1577 A.D. Thorn* t Fleming ^esquire, 28 February 1579 A.D; HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION, 21 Sir Thomas Leighton knt., Captain of the Quene’s Majesties Isle of Guarnzey, 1 April 1580. Foulk Grevill esquire, son and heir of Sir Foulk Greuill knt., 27 January 1580. Thomas Wilkes esquire, one of Her Majesties clarkes of the Privy Council, 28 January 1580. Richard Knight esquire, 9 September 1581. VVilliam Lewkner esquire, 1 February 1581. Henry Knowlls esquire, 17 March 1581. Martin Furbusher gentleman, 17 March 1581. Frauncis Mills gentleman, 17 March 1581. Sir Humfrey Gilbert knt., 27 August 1 582. The Rt. Hon. Henry, Lord Haward and Viscount Bindon, 14 Sep- tember 1582. William Wallope esquire, 20 March 1584* Sir George Carie knight, Marshal of Her Majesties Household and Captain of the Isle of Wight, 2 August 1584. The Rt. Hon. Sir Henry Carey, K.G., Baron Hunsdon, 28 October 1585. Thomas West esquire, 28 October 1585. The Rt. Worshipful Sir Walter Raleigh knt., 10 September 1586* Caro Raleigh esq., 10 September 1586. Sir Edward Hobbi knt., 2 May 1587. Sir John Norrys knt., Lord President of Munster in the realm of Ireland, 1 May 1588. The Rt. Hon. Sir Edward Seymour knt., Lord Beauchamp and Earle of Hertforde, 4 June 1588. John Seymour esquire, 4 June 1588. The Rt. Hon. Charles, Lord Howard and Baron of Effingham, Lord High Admiral, 23 June 1589. The Rt. Hon. Robert Earl of Essex, 13 August, 31 Elizabeth. TheRt. Hon. George, Earl of Comberlande, 13 August, 31 Elizabeth. The Rt. Hon. Ferdinando, Lord Straunge, 3 October, 32 Elizabeth. The Rt. Hon. Henry, Earl of Suthampton, 9 January, 33 Elizabeth. The Rt. Wor. Thomas Candishe esquire, 9 July, 33 Elizabeth. The Wor. Olliuer Cromewell esquire, son and heir to Sir Henry Cromewell knt., S July, 33 Elizabeth. Hon Anthonio, King of Portugal, 1 1 May, 33 Elizabeth. The Right Wor. Julius Caesar H.C.L., Judge of Her Majesty’s High Court of Admiralty, 10 August, 34 Elizabeth. The Rt. Hon. Sir Edmunde Anderson knt., Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, 19 March, 34 Elizabeth. The Rt. Hon. Thomas Gent, Baron of the Court of Exchequer, 16 July, 34 Elizabeth. Sir Walter Sandes knt., 30 December, 35 Elizabeth. The Rt. Hon. Lord Henrie Seymour, 7 January, 35 Elizabeth,. Sir John Savadge knt., 8 August, 35 Elizabeth. The Rt. Hon. Robert, Lord Riche, 28 May, 36 Elizabeth. Sir Charles Blunt knt., Governor of Portesmuthe, 28 May, 36 Eliza- beth. Rt. Wor. Robert Duddeley esquire, 6 November, 36 Elizabeth. Rt- Hon. Sir Thomas Wallmesley, Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, 6 February, 37 Elizabeth. The Wor. Edward Fermer esq., one of the Justices of Her Majesty’s Bench, 13 August, 37 Elizabeth. Sir Anthonie Sherley knt., 16 April, 38 Elizabeth. Thomas Lambert esquire, 16 April, 38 Elizabeth. MSS. OP THE ToWiV 02 Southampton. m 22 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. of the Town o? Southampton. Hampden Pawlett esquire, 20 July, 38 Elizabeth. The Worshipful John Trevor esquire, 13 August, 38 Elizabeth. The Worshipful Robert Sackvill esquire,^ son and heir of the Lord Buckhurst, 5 September, 38 Elizabeth. The Rt. Worshipful Sir Mathewe Arrundell knt., 30 September, 38 Elizabeth. Sir Olliver Lambert knt., 27 November, 39 Elizabeth. The Rt. Hon. William, Lord Seint John, 16 January, 39 Elizabeth. The Rt. Hon. William, Lord Sandys, 16 January, 39 Elizabeth. Henry Wallop esquire, son and heir of Sir Henry Wallop knt., 16 January, 39 Elizabeth. Benjamin Ticheborne esquire, 16 January, 39 Elizabeth. William Uvedall esquire, 16 January, 39 Elizabeth. Gyles Hobbie esquire, 16 January, 39 Elizabeth. Henry Audeley esquire, 16 January, 39 Elizabeth. Richard Kingeswell esquire, 16 January, 39 Elizabeth. Henry Collthorpe esquire, 16 January, 39 Elizabeth. Sir Henry Durant knt., 5 November, 39 Elizabeth. Thomas Connawaye esquire, 5 November, 39 Elizabeth. Carey Reynolds esquire, one of Her Majesty’s gentlemen pensioners, 5 November, 39 Elizabeth. William Cotton esquire, 5 November, 39 Elizabeth. William Duttson esquire, 7 November, 40 Elizabeth. John Yonge of Chichester esquire, 7 November, 40 Elizabeth. William Gressham esquire, 7 November, 40 Elizabeth. Thomas Kervyse of Stanbridge esquire, 9 November, 40 Elizabeth. Roger Tuchborne of Shervill co. Southampton, 9 November, 40 Eliza- beth. Thomas Cheeke esquire, 8 January, 41 Elizabeth. Thomas Eleminge esquire, son and heir of Thomas Fleminge esquire, Her Majesty’s Solicitor- General, 8 January, 41 Elizabeth. Symon Steward esquire, 8 January, 41 Elizabeth. William Fletewood esquire, Her Majesty’s Receiver- General of the Court of Warde and Liveries, 8 January, 41 Elizabeth. Robert Wright D.D., 8 January, 41 Elizabeth. Thomas Clerke of Avington esquire, 3 May, 41 Elizabeth. Sir William Clarcke knt. 13 August, 41 Elizabeth. Sir Robert Needham knt., 13 August, 41 Elizabeth. Sir Michael Blunt knt. 13 January, 42 Elizabeth. The Worshipful Rowland Litton of Knebbworth, co. Hertford, esquire, 2 May, 43 Elizabeth. Sir Richard Fetteplace knt. 4 June, 44 Elizabeth. Thomas, Lord Dellawarr, 22 September, 44 Elizabeth. Sir Thomas Sherley the elder knt., 22 September, 44 Elizabeth. Sir John Tracey of Tuddenham, co. Gloster, knt., 22 September, 44 Elizabeth. Sir Peter Warberton, knt., Justice of the Common Pleas, 31 July, 1 James I. Edward Savadge, esquire, 31 July, 1 James I. Sir William Rider knt., Lord Mayor of London, 12 August, 1 James I. Sir Thomas Laake knt., Clerk of His Majesty’s Signet, 12 August, 1 James 1. Sir William Peyton knt., Gouernor of Jersey, 30 August, 1 James I. Sir John Peyton knt., son of the said Sir William, 30 August, 1 James I. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 23 Sir Thomas Edmondes, a Clerk of the Privy Council and His Majesty’s Secretary for the French Army, 7 September, 1 J ames I. Sir Lewis Lewckner knt., Master of the Ceremonies and one of the Honorable Band of His Majesty’s Gentlemen Pensioners, 19 September, 1 James I. Sir Bober t Sidney knt., Lord Sidney of Penshurst, Lord Chamberlain to the Quene’s Majesty and Governor of Flushinge, 14 October, 1 James I. Sir Frauncis Knollys knt., 14 October, 1 James I. Sir William Courtney knt., 14 October, 1 James I. John Leweson esquire, “ Querry to the Quene’s Majesty,” 14 October, 1 James I. The Rt. Hon. Henry, Earl of Northumberland, 15 October, 1 James I. The Rt. Hon. Lodovike, Duke of Lenox, 21 October, 1 James I. The Rt. Lion. Thomas, Earl of SufFolke, 21 October, 1 James I. The Rt. Flon. William, Earl of Pembroke, 21 October, 1 James I. The Rt. Hon. John, Earl of Marr, 21 October, 1 James I. The Rt. Hon. the Lord Hewme, 21 October, 1 James I. The R.t. Hon. William, Lord Effingham, 21 October, l James I. Sir Thomas Areskin, knt., captain of His Majesty’s Guard, 21 Octo- ber, 1 James I. Sir Philipp Harbert knt., 21 October 1 James I. Sir James Haye knt., 21 October, 1 James I. To the records of these admissions of 21 October, 1 James I., is ap- pended this marginal memorandum “ The Kinge’s Ma tie was this daye in this towne & came hither yesterdaye the xx th of October & this daye went to Sarum.” The Rt. Hon. John, Lord Ramesey, 14 September, 4 James I. The Rt. Hon. John, Lord Areskin, son and heir of the Earl of Marr, 14 September, 4 James I. Sir Patricke Moory knt., 14 September, 4 James I. Sir Thomas Savage knt., 28 July, 5 James I. Sir Walter Tichborne knt., 28 July, 5 James I. Sir Peter Bucke knt., 1 September, 5 James I. Sir John Doddridge knt. S. L., 14 September, 5 James I. Sir Myles Fleetwood knt., 14 September, 5 James I. Sir Gerrard Fleetwood knt., 14 September, 5 James I. Sir Richard Gifforde knt., 21 December, 8 James J. Sir Frauncis Castilian knt., 21 December, 8 James I. Robert Wallopp esquire, 21 December, 8 James I. Payne Fisher gentleman, 21 December, 8 James I. William Conaway, Doctour of Phisicke, 1 September, 9 James I. Hennage Finche of the Inner Temple, London, esquire, 6 September, 12 James I. Frauncis Asheley of the Middle Temple, London, esquire, 6 Septem- ber, 12 James 1/ The Rt. Hon. Charles, Lord Lambarte, 17 September, 17 James I. The Rt. Hon. Lionell Lord Cranfield, Earl of Middlesex and Lord High Treasurer of England, 4 June, 21 James I. The Rt. Hon. . . . Lord Marquesse Hamilton, Earl of Cambridge, K.G., 4 June, 21 James 1. The Rt. Hon. Thomas, Earl of Arundell and Surrey, 4 June, 21 James I. The Rt. Hon. Arthur lord Chichester, Baron of Bellfaste, Lord Treasurer of Ireland, 4 June, 21 James I. Sir William Spooner knt., 4 June, 21 James I. Sir Thomas Badger knt., 4 June, 21 James I, 2 MSS. or the Town or Southampton. MSS. of the Town of Southampton. 24) HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. Inigo Jones, esq., 4 June, 21 James I. James, Lord Wriothesley, son and heir of the Hi. Hon. Henry, Earl of Southampton, 6 July 1623. Thomas Wriothesley, esq., 6 July 1623. Richard Cromwell of Henshinbrook co. Hunts, esq., 6 July 1623. The Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Ritche knt., Earl of Warwick, 25 October,. 2 Charles I. Raphael, Allen, barber-surgeon and servant to the Rt. Hon. Edward Lord Conway, 25 October, 2 Charles I. The Rt. Hon. Edward, Lord Conway, 9 December, 2 Charles I. Sir Henry Mildemay knt., Master of the King’s Jewel House, 11 December, 2 Charles I. Bearing in mind that it might be extended to three times its length,, the peruser of the foregoing list of exemplary names will not hesitate to infer that during several successive generations, it was the practice of chiefs of the corporation to draw within their lines, by means of complimentary enfranchisement, most of the persons of rank or considerable quality who passed through the town. The entries of the commonwealth period may be especially commended to the consideration of students and historians of Hampshire in the seventeenth century. (7.) Extracts from the Books of examinations, informations, and depositions ; an imperfect series of books, beginning with Volume 1576-7. 16 June 1590. Letters (from Lords of the Council to all Mayors,, sheriffs, &c., &c.) of safe-conduct and free passage for John Battrae, Michael Hornet, and Mathias Petrus, all of Hungarie, who in defence of the Gospel have been taken prisoners by the Turk, and are bound to redeem themselves by the payment of heavy ransoms, for the answeringe whereof they have accordinglie putt their friends in pledge ; ” With permission to the same John Battrae, Michael Hornet, and Mathias Petrus to return beyond the seas, and on their way to gather money of Her Highness’s “ subjects towards their relief, recoverie of theire estate and redemption of theire pledges abovesaide.” Dated (with nine signatures) from the Court at Greenwich. 22 February 1663. Deposition of Richard Massey of Milbrook co. Southampton gentleman, aged sixty- three years, before John Stepto, mayor of Southampton. Deposing “ that hee hath alwaies hitherto lieen a true and faithfull subject to our souverein Lord the King that now is, That he never searched either in the Lord Treasurer’s house or any other house or place whatsoever for him (as maliciously hath been lately affirmed against him) ; but on the contrary ever earnestly desired his Maties restauracion and was and yett is ready to serve him with hi& life and fortune and hath alwaies been conformable to the discipline of the Church of England as it is now established ; Further he deposeth that hee suffered very much in the late troubles by being plundered by the Parliament’s forces and was not only by their power carryed a prisoner to Portsmouth but unduly put out of the Surveyor’s place in the Custome House of the Port of Southampton.” 3 May 1577. From the Lords of the Council to all Justices of the Peace, maiors &c. Letters (copy) of safe- conduct and free-passage for the bearers thereof, viz., “ Mounser dela Persone, Mounser deLIearcourt, Mounser de Bonecourte and Mounser de la Hugnery frenche gentlemen w th their traynes and servantes to the number of xxx persons,” who have “ hir Maties good favor and licens presently to repayer into Fraunce.” Dated from Westminster. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 25 29 March 1628. Deposition of George Gregorie of London merchant, aged 24 years, that Richard Tirrill of Southampton “ sett forth in a voyage to St. Christopher’s Island from Yarmouth in the Isle of Wight about the xxix th day of Aprill last past in a shipp called the Faith of London, of the burthern of 300 tonnes or thereabouts, * • • and dyed on that voyage”; the deponent being qualified to speak to the facts, “ because he went the same voyage in the same shipp in the companie of the said Richard Tirrell, being factour for one M r Maurice Tompson, a merchaunt of London, who was an adventurer in that same shipp.” 13 September 1629. Relation of Steven Day of St Katherine’s near London, “ Marriner-gunner of a shipp called the St. Claude, whereof Capteine Leonard Caluert, soune of the Lord Baltimore was capteine, in a voyage to Newfoundland, set forth about Aprill last past, being one of His Majesty’s shipps, lent to carrie provision thither for the Lord Baltimore.” With several other depositions touching the same ship and voyage. 28 November 1624. Several depositions respecting the suspicious behaviour and language of one William Morgan B.A. Oxon, and clerk, charged with saying that the Queen Elizabeth was a whore and a witch, that the King of Spain paid his soldiers more in a single year than all the revenues of England were worth, and that before the body of Henry late Prince of Wales was cold on earth “ his soule was frying on a grid- iron in hell ; ” one of the depositions being the same William Morgan’s account of his education, employment in England, travels in foreign countries, and experience since his return from foreign parts to his proper country. In this long and curious narrative of his personal adventures, the deponent certified that he was born in Merionethshire, was a Bachelor of Arts of Oxford, and bad kept a school and served a cure in Somersetshire, when moved with desire to see lands beyond sea, he threw up his school and cure, and starting forth with 1 8f. in his pocket and no other resources went to Boulogne, Paris, and Rome, on withdrawing from which last-named capital, he “ travelled over the Alpes into Germanye” and concluded his continental wanderings by taking ship at Dunkirch for Ipswich co. Suffolk, whence he journeyed to Cambridge, Bedford, Wallingford, Newbury, and Southampton, being aided and sustained on his way by the hospitalities of the clergy, who befriended him as an unfortunate member of their own order, and by the benevolences of other charitable individuals. As to the charges made against him, the deponent averred, that in answer to a question, he had said of Queen Elizabeth “ In Spayne they say shee was a whore and a witch,” and only repeated what was said on the authority of a Catholic priest in Rome to the late Prince of Wales’s discredit, viz., “ that before his body was cold on earth, his soul was frying in hell.” Containing particulars of evidence touching the more important of the various criminal matters and civil causes, that held the attention of the Borough Magistrates, these books of depositions and examinations are notably rich in evidential writings, having reference to suits in the Southampton Admiralty Court, and the doings of our merchant adventurers from the reign of Elizabeth to the close of the seventeenth century. The historian of England’s maritime interests, desirous of producing a complete narrative of the exploits of our merchant adventurers — and more especially of those of them who were concerned in the first settlement and maintenance of our plantations in the West Indies and the mainland of North America — should seek access to these books, in order that he may search them for particulars respecting the -MSS. OF THE Towx OS' Southampton. 2 26 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. mss. vessels, seamen, and colonizing adventurers who crossed the Atlantic in Southampton. 1 days °f Elizabeth and the seventeenth century Stuarts. (8.) 1591 to 1689 A.D. Book of Remembrances of the town of Southampton ; with Assembly orders and minutes, &c. : Containing the following copy of Letters certificatory and commendatory, dated by Anne of Denmark in behalf of her players : — “ Warrant from the Queene’s Majestie of her Players. Anna Regina. — Anne by the grace of God Queene of England, Scotlland, Praunce, and Ireland. To all Justices of the Peace, Maiors, Sheriffs, Bayliffes, and all other his Majestes Officers and loving subiectes to whom yt shall or maye apper- taine greetinge, Know yee that of our speciall grace and favour, Wee are well pleased to authorize under our hand and signett the bearers hereof our sworne servauntes Robert Lee, Martin Statier and Roger Barfeld with theyr fellowes and associates being our Commedians vppon theyr humble suite unto us for theyr better mainetenaunce, Yf att annie time they should have occasion to travell into anie parte of his Majestes Dominions to playe Tragedyes, historyes, commedies and pastoralls as well in anie about the Cittye of London, and in all other cittyes vniversities and townes at all time anie times (the time of divine seruice onlye excepted), Theise are therefore to will and requier you uppon the sight hereofe quiettlye and favourably with your best favours, to permitt and suffer them, to use theyr sayd qualitye within your Juris- diccions without anie of your molestacions or troubles, and also to affourd them your Townehalls and all other such places as att anie time have been used by men of theyr qualitye, That they maye be in the better readiness for our seruise when they shalbe thereunto commaunded, Kott doubtinge butt that our sayd servauntes shall find the more favour for our sake in your best assi-staunce, Wherein you shall doe vnto us acceptable pleasure. Given att the Court of Whitehall, the seaventh daye of Marche 1605.” (9.) Extracts from the Assembly Books : An imperfect series of volumes, beginning with the register of 1602-3 A.D. 2 October 1, 1605. “ Uppon the repaire hither of iiii xx x Irishmen souldiers bounde for Plushinge vnder the conduct of one Lieutenant Tirrell under Captain William Dareie, whose cominge to the Towne was from St. Ives in Cornewall, hopinge here to meet with a barke for there transportacion as was promised them as they saye, and missinge the said barke and againe the winde beinge contrarie not likelie to come thither a longe time, they beinge in great want of monie for their reliefes, not havinge anie to supplie there wantes, exhibitinge there peticion to that effect vnto the Maior, desiering that he or the Towne would take order for there victuallinge and diettes in this Towne for iii or iiii dayes within which time (as they alleadged) they hoped to receave monies from there Capten. — Yt was rather ordered by the Howse to ridd them out of the Towne, and to bestow vppon them in monie fortie shillinges which was by the consent of the Howse presentlie giuen them by M r Maior, together with a passport for there travell to London.” 2 April 1613. “ This daie Stephen Chaplyn is admitted to be one of the musitians of this towne in the place of William. Tompson, and the saide Stephen Chaplyn is to furnisshe the companie with him selfe and two others, and William Greene one other the said musitians is to furnisshe the said companie with himselfe and one other. And the saide Stephen Chaplyn doth hereby covenaunt .... to redeliver or cause to be redelivered unto the said Mayor bailiffes and burgesses and HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 27 their successors or assigns, one of the Cognizaunces or Badges above mss. mencioned (which he is presentlie to receave) at any tyme or tymes when he shalbe thereunto required. — 12 August 1608. “ Alsoe this daye Judith Bradinge, daughter of Besse Brankie (sic), approoved to be a whore by her owne confession, As also Walter Bands wife, a notable Bawde, havinge bene heretofore punished for bawdrye and now alsoe approved against her: Yt is ordered that the saide bawde Wooddye bande shalbe soundlye whipped at a carts tayle throughout the towne, and the said Judith to be whipped closelye in the Townehall. 10 February 1608. “Hughe New a Sargeweaver havinge by letter complayned to Mr. Maior of a lewd houswife named Judith Bradinge daughter of Elizabeth Brankin (sic), heretofore detected for her honestie and punished, was this daye sent to the house, and the said Judith alsoe present; Uppon heeringe of whiche complainte in the presence of both parties, yt plainelie appeareth by her owne confession uppon her knees askinge God and said Hughe New forgivnes, acknowledging^ she hath slaundered him without anie cause Yt was thought httinge by the House that she should receave open punishment, but that, uppon her humble suite and peticion promissinge to depart this towne, her punishment is respetted.” 28 April 1615. “ This daie Jane Maiior being presented at last Sessions by the Grand Jurie for a churwoman and this daie sent for to this house was appoynted to place herself in service within a month now next comynge at her perille.” 28 April 1615. “ Susan Yiberta churwoman, who latelie came out of Jarsey is this daye appoynted to returne againe into the saide He of Jarsey in the next barcke that saileth thither.” 28 April 1615. “ Margaret Rumboll a churwoman was this present daie sent for to this house and charged to gett herselfe into service presentlie uppon payne of a whippinge.” 28 April 1615. “Mary Quinton a churwoman was this present daie alsoe sent for and charged to gett herselfe into service within one moneth next at her perill.” 27 October 1615. “ This day Ordered, that whereas it hath pleased Almightie God to vysite M rs Toldervey, wife of M v Phillip Toldervey, alderman, with a lunacy and great distemperature of minde, as too notoriously appereth ; The like wherof he may (if so be it his pleasure) lay uppon any one of us : from the which we humblie beseech his Majestie to preserve us and all others, and for his mercies sake to restore her to her former sence and understanding : In the meane time, seeing that her speches are manie times most idle odious and scandalous againste His Majestie and the state, and that also her walking abrode appereth to be verie daungerous, bothe in regarde of her owne percon and also of others her neighbours whoe stand in great feare of her : It is thought fitt and so ordered by the Assembly of this house this day, that the said M r Toldervey be required to take course, that she may not hencefourth walke abrode out of his house, but be closely kepte upp, untill it shall please god to geve her a feeling of his grace. All which we require to bee done, as well to prevent all daunger of hurte unto her owne percon as aforesaid as to others, Whoe alredie stand in great feare of her, to avoide all disquiet fcnes in the Church at the Assemblies, both on the Sabboth daies and other dales for Christian exercises, As also all occasion of scandall by reason he is one of our Company : which if he i 28 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. or theTown of & kall re ^ use or wilfully neglect to do, we shalbe forced to take such Southampton, further order, as we are and shalbe unwilling to proceede unto.” 5 May 1620. <( Stephen Chaplyn one of the Musitians of this towne beinge for drunkennes and other mysdemeanours by him oftentimes committed thought an unfitt person to be one of the Companie of the Musitians of the same Towne, and therefore he being this daie called to this house and forbidden to be anie more of the saide Companye, his Ly verie was taken from him : It being then agreed that he shall have so much allowed him as the making of the Lyverie amounted unto .... Memorandum that he had his lyverie redely vered againe, uppon promise that he will not be drunken againe hereafter.” 6 February 1623. “ Stage players. Forasmuch as" the grauntinge of leave to stage players or players of interludes and the like, to act and represent theire interludes playes and shewes in the towne-hall is very hurtfull troublesome and inconvenyent for that the table benches and fourmes theire sett and placed for holdiuge the Kinges Courtes are by those ineanes broken and spoyled, or at least wise soe disordered that the Mayor aud bayliffes and other officers of the saide courts comminge thither for the administracion of justice, especially in the Pipowder Courts of the said Towne, which are there to bee holden twice a day yf occasion soe require, cannot sit there in such decent and convenient order as becometh, and dyvers other inconvenyences do thereupon ensue, It is therefore ordered by generall consent that from hens- forth no leave shall bee graunted to any stage players or interlude players or to any other person or persons resortinge to this towne to act shewe or represent any manner of interludes or playes or any other sports or pastymes whatsoever in the said hall.” 1 8 May 1632. “ This day there was a certificate made and sealed with the lesser seale of office of mayraltie and was signed by those whose names are in the margent directed to the Lords and others of His Majesties most Hon ble Privie Councell concerninge the venting and selling of tobacco by retaile, what persons were thought most fitting within this towne to use that trade, according as the Mayor and aldermen of this towne were required by theire honors letters, bearing date the last of Aprill last paste, And Joseph Mason, Richard Cornelius, and William Stanley, grocers, James Mason, John Harman, and Thomas Dowse chaundlers, and John Thackham apothecarie were returned in the certificate fitt persons to vent and sell Tobacco by retayle.” 10 May 1639. “ This day Jacob Tliring a fencer being sent for to this house and questioned for infamous words and lyes by him reported about the Towne concerning M r Gollop alderman, and constantly denying them till it was proved to his face by William Higgins, was committed to the bargate prison, there to remaine till hee shall finde sufficient sureties for his appearance at the next Sessions, there to be ordered for his lewd carriage. Hee reported that hee had putt a tricke vpon M r Gollop by way of scoffe and derision, saying that M r Gollop mett him in the streete and called him Syrrah, askeing how often his servant had beene in the said Thringes schoole : And that hee the said Timing dis- dayning to be called Syrrah presently clapt on his hatt and stucke it up before M r Gollop : And that M r Gollop asked him whether hee knew' to whom hee spake, and that hee the said Thring answered him scoff- ingly, that hee did not ride a gallop, but hee knew that hee spake to Alderman Gallop. All which are notorious lyes.” 8 November 1642. “It is this day ordered and agreed in the presence of M r Maior and M r Whitehead, M r Button, and M r Hooper esqrs., HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 2'J three of the Deputie Lieutenants of the countie of Southampton, and MSg. of the towne and countie of Southampton with the assent of the Southampton! aldermen and assistants then present, That the said M r Whitehead, collonell of a regiment in com. Southampton, doth or shall bring into this towne and countie of Southampton the number of 300, 400 or 500 men for appeasing the present tumult within this towne and such as may in future time arrise, and for the defence of the same towne, shalbe admitted into the saide towne, Provided that the said collonell doth duly and orderly pay the said 300, 400 or 500 men.” 27 November 1642. 44 It is this day ordered and agreed that the per- sons undernamed shall have authority for the defence and safegard of this Towne, to summon by beating [drum], in case any assault shalbe made upon the same, the inhabitants of the several wards to them hereby assigned, and in the meane time to putt them into such a posture of defence as they shall thinke best for the security and keeping of the same towne, vizt. For the ward of Holly Roodes Henry Bracebridge . . . , Peter Legay, Robert Mason, and James Mason : For the ward of All S ts Peter Clungeon and Robert Wroth aldermen, Roger Pedley and William . . . . ; For the wards of S* MichaelFs and S t John’s, Edward Richards esq. Joseph Delamotte and Gyles Clement.” — Also, on the same leaf (1 December 1642). An order for deferring all enquiry respecting the recent tumults in the town, lest the inquisition should occasion fresh tumults, which u might draw forces upon the Towne from the Kinges ships.” 2 December 1642. Letter from Richard Swanley to the Mayor and aldermen of the Town of Southampton. — 44 You well know in what distrae- cions this kingdome is in at this Time. I am placed here by authority of Parliament, for the quiettand peace of this parte of the kingdome, which X shall endeavour to maintaine as farre as my abillity of life and fortune may extend. Your Towne is a considerable place of merchandizing, and by reason thereof are men amongst you of very good fortune and estates, and to preserve their estates and soe in generall through the whole kingdome, with their religion and liber tie is the only ay me of Parliament, and noe question those that shall oppose either of these are vnfitt to enjoy either, but to be branded with baseness : There are divers reports in the County of your forwardnes in opposing the Parliament herein, but I hope you wish your owne peace herein, better then soe, if you should there can nothing befall you but ruin and destruccion. To know the truth of this I have sent my letter unto you, as likewise whether you will submitt your selves obedient to the commands of Parliament, and soe consequently to the direccions and commands of the Gouvernor of Portsmouth, and the Com- mittee there authorized by both houses of Parliament for the peace of this parte of the kingdome. I have seized Cashott Castle, disabled St. Andrewes Castle and Netley Castle, I have seased all the boats at Hirth and thereabouts, I have given order to stop all provision from eomming out of the Isle of Wight, all w ch I have done by Command of the Com- mittee at Portsm th . I have alsoe authority to summon you and that Towne to your obedience to the Grand Councell of England to which I desire an answer, if noe answer I shall take it as a deniall, and then if any unhappines befall you thanke yourselues, for I shall to my utter- most endeavour use all my power to bring you thereunto. I pray you lett this letter bee knowne to the Commons as to your selves. Thus expecting an answer by this messenger I rest Yours as you use your selves. Ric. Swanley. Dated from 44 On board his Majesties ship the Charles.” H 30 ■HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. 3 December 1642. Letter from the Mayor and aldermen of Southamp* ^oFTHAM]m)Sf ton to Captain Swanley aboard the Charles, riding at anchor neere Cowes. — — “ Sir, Yours of this month wee received this day about one of the clocke, the contents whereof cannot be communicated to the Inhabitants of this Towne untill Munday next ; in the meanetime, We cannot but marvell that reports of our disaffeccion to the Parliament should bee spread of us, not knowing that wee haue done any acte to deserve the same. A more full answer to your letter you shall receive some time the next weeke. This with our hearty commendacions unto you remembered, Wee remaine Your veiy loving Freinds, Peter Seale, Maior ” (with nine other signatures). o December 1642. Letter from the Mayor aldermen and bur- gesses of Southampton to Captain Richard Swanley; with a copy of the following letter of the same date, from the same Maior aldermen and burgesses to the Committee for the Countie of Southampton at Portesmouth. — “ Worthy Sirs, It may please you to take notice that Wee lately received from Cap. Swanley a letter which wee thought fitt herewith to send you : We are heartily sorry that such suspicions should be uppon this Towne, being confident that there will appeare noe just cause for the same : M r Maior hath summoned the Inhabitants of the Towne according to direccions and they whose names are hereunder written doe cheerefully and unanimously consent and agree to submitt them- selves in obedience to the commands of the King and Parliament (according to the protestacion by them taken), and to the dii*eccions of the Committee authorized by the Parliament for the Countie of Southampton. Our due respects presented wee humbly rest. Your Affectionate Servants.” (With ninety -four signatures.) 22 August 1655. Letter from the Lord President Lawrence to [the aldei’men and burgesses of Southampton]. “ Gentlemen, His Ilighnesse and the Councell haveing taken into consideration the miscarriages and misdemeanours of William Higgens, Mayor of your Town of South- ampton, William Stanley alderman, Edward Downer late High Sheriffe of that Corporacion, appearing by sevei’all examinacions, have resolved That the said William Higgens, William Stanley and Edward Downer be dischardged from holding bearing or exercising the respective offices or places wherein they now are in that Corporacion, and doe hereby require that you and such others as have right in elections of this nature doe forthwith proceede to the elections of other fitt persons in their respective places, and that the persons so to bee chosen bee men of integrity piety and well affected to the present government. Whereof his highnesse and the Councell expect a due observance. Signed in the name and by order of His Highnesse and y e Councill, Hy, Lawrence, President.” Dated from Whitehall. Followed in the book by the record of the elections made in accordance with the letter. 1659 December 11 ; Portsmouth. Letter from Sir Arthur Heselrigge and Colonels Robert Waller and H. Morley to the Mayor aldermen and burgesses of Southampton. — “ Gentlemen, God by his pi’ovidence having brought us hither to the Towne of Portsmuth, the Garrison hath declared for the Parliament. Wee are now considering how the forces and garisons of the Commonwealth according to the trust imposed in us by the Parliament can be disposed of and settled : And having busines of great importance to advise with you about, Wee desire that you or some of you come with all convenient speed to us at Poi’tsmouth where wee shall readily advise with you for the publique good, and the welfare of your Towne. Wee are gentlemen,” &c., &c. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 81 13 December 1659. Letter from the Major aldermen and burgesses op 0 of Southampton to Sir Arthur Ilesibrigge and Cols. Waller and Morley, Southampton 44 Gentlemen, Your Honours’ of the xi th of this instant is this day come to our handes, which hath beene communicated to the Common Councell of this Towne, who have desired us to acquaint your Honours that this Towne is, and hath for a long time beene under the Command of a Major and Company of Foote Souldiers sent hither by order of the Parliament, who have the keyes of the gates in their possession, and of late they are reinforced which some horse and foote which quarter in this Towne, so that at present the Civil Magistrate hath not any power or capacity left in them to answere Your Honours’ desire in waiting on Your Honours, in order to any treaty about it, and doe therefore humbly begg your Honours charitable opinion of us and this Towne, and your favourable excuse of us here in desiring and praying that God may dis- pose Your Honours hearts and all others of this nation to a generall and settled peace, which hath beene is and shall bee the dayly continued prayers of ” &c., &c. (With fourteen signatures.) 8 June 1660. Subscriptions of acceptance of the King Charles the Second’s Free and General Pardon, dated at Breda under His Majesty’s sign-manual and signet on April last past. 23 June 1662. Letters dated under the Sign Manual and Signet of Charles the Second, and directed to the Mayor and Common Council of the town of Southampton, for the suppression of factious and dis- obedient persons within the Corporation. 11 July 1665. Letters from Lords of the Council to the Mayor and aldermen of Southampton. For the relief and due care of poor sufferers from the pestilence of the plague, raging within the said town. Followed by a list of contributions towards the relief of the same sufferers, headed ct The Charitable Guifts of well Disposed Persons for the Releife of the Poore of this Towne and County in this tyme of visitacion and distresse.” Several other entries, having reference to this outbreak of the Plague, appear in the book about the same time. . . . . August 1669. Orders for the loyal reception of His Majesty the King, on the occasion of his visit to Southampton. 26 November 1669. This House (haveing taken into consideracion the practice of the Citty of Winton and the Corporacion of Rumsey in setting out of halfe pence and farthings for changeing of Money) have unanimously ordered, That whereas severall Inhabitants of this Towne and County have heretofore put forth halfe pence and farthings upon their own private account, Proclamacion to be forthwith made that they severall Inhabitants of the Towne and County aforesaid doe by the first day of January next call in all their half pence and farthings by them severally sett forth, against which said first of January, It is decreed that the Mayor of this Towne send for twenty-five pounds worth of brasse halfe pence and farthings, and cause them to be stamped with the Towne Armes on one side ancl this Inscripcion on the other side, vizt., 44 The Corporacion of Southampton to be distributed to the several shop keepers, that have occasion for the same, for the benefitt of the Poore of the Corporacion.” (10.) A Group of Seven Books that may be styled the Molyneux Books, as they pertained in former time either to William Molyneux (the mathematician, who was John Flamsteed’s friend) or to his son Samuel Molyneux, and were probably placed amongst the muniments of the Corporation by some Town Clerk, who acted as attorney for either the U 32 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. oe the Town op Southampton. said William Molyneux or Samuel Molyneux, or some other member of the Molyneux family. (1.) 2 September 1681, to 10 May 1690. John Flamsteed’s and William Molyneux’s Letters : a Folio (lettered at the back c M r Flamsteed’s Letters No. 7’) containing seventy-one original letters that passed between John Flamsteed of the Greenwich Observatory and William Molyneux of Dublin between the above-given days; the epistles, which relate chiefly to questions arising from the scientific pursuits of the correspondents, being arranged in chronological order between the leaves of the volume in which they are preserved, without being stitched or otherwise fixed. Flamsteed’s letters, dated usually from the Greenwich Hospital, are addressed in most cases “ To M r William Molyneux at his father’s house near Ormond Gate in Dublin ; ” and several of the scientific intercommunications of the two correspon- dents are illustrated with carefully executed diagrams. Reference is made once and again in the correspondence to the labours of Sir Isaac Newton. (a.) 1681 September 17 ; Dublin. From William Molyneux to John Flamsteed. “. . . .1 must returne you my thanks for the troble you put yourself to in trying my glasses. I hope their goodnesse will incour- age me to use them to some purpose, especially now that I have the help and advice of one of the most celebrated Astronomers of Europe. . . , But, Sir, I must confesse to you I have not the advantages I expect hereafter. One thing I wanted was the assistance of one skilled in this Coelestiall Knowledge, but in this I am abundantly and beyond my deserts releived by your generous selfe, for which T shall never be able to make a competent returne. The other is that living here in a king- dome barren of all things, but especially of ingenious artificers, I am wholly destitute of instruments that I can rely upon ; but in this too I hope in a short tyme to be supplied.” ( b .) 1681 December 3: Dublin. From William Molyneux to John Flamsteed. “ Honor’d Sir, I deferd my answer to your last of October 12, knowing the ingagements you are under in Terme Time by your Gresham Lectures, which I am hartily sorry to hear you call allmost ruined. Truly ’tis pity so noble a designe shoulde fall to the ground. And ’tis a shame for the gentry of London to suffer the Great Pro- fessors of that Colledge to read sometimes to almost bare walls. Were a seditious balling (sic) fanatick in the pulpit, he would have a thick audience to hear his infernall doctrines, whilst the Coelestiall Discourses of a learned astronomer or other mathematician are heard but by a few, and perhaps by them neglected.” (c.) 1686 February 20 ; Dublin. From William Molyneux to John Flemsteed. “. . . . There is lately come up to this Town from the country a gentleman that pretends to discover the Longitude, Jonathan Alland, a man perfectly ignorant of Mathematicks and Astronomy, and yet pretends to this (I believe) by inspiration, for he has no reason ; he has pestered our Society with his banter severall times, and tho’ what he proposes is to no manner of purpose, yet so hardened he is, as to print his stuff, and has already gotten a Silly Astrologicall Almanack- Seri bier in this place to prefix before his Almanack, that the Dublin Society have approved of his (Alland’s) Folly, whereas nothing can be more false, for we have told him in a civill way that he is an Asse, but thinking himself a Hind will find his mistake in leaping a ditch. His way in brieff is by the distance of the moon from fixt stars, and he thinks he has invented an instrument for avoiding of errours of Refraction and HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. S3 Parallax, whereas certainly the poor man never heard of either lie- fraction or Parallax till our Society hinted it to him, and to this moment he understands neither fully.” (d.) 1688 June 16; . . . Prom John Flamsteed to William Moly- neux. . I have read some 60 pages of M 1 ’ Newton, after which I found the most materiall parte of that booke being mastered the rest would be easy, but it cost me many dayes paines to get through them, and yet I thought my time well requited. At present I have iayd him by, but as soone as M r Sharpe (whom I have hired to supply Stafford’s place) returne to me, I shall resume and goo through with him. M r Sharpe is become an excellent geometrician and algebraist. As soone as he comes to his post and is setled, I shall acquaint you with my labours, for I have resolved that I will persist to the accomplishment of my designe, without any consideration of our present circumstances, and by so doeing I thinke I shall be lesse troubled with the thought of them.” (2.) . . . October 1681. Of the Motion of Heavy Bodys Falling and Projected ; In Two Books ; Wherein are shewn the Ingenious Per- formances of Nature by Motion in a Parabolick Line, and the universal Doctrine of Projects is Dispatched by the Description of a Semicircle. By Evangelista Torricellio. Translated from the Latin by W. M. (William Molyneux) for his Father’s Use. Dublin: October, 1681. * — Two Volumes. (3.) “ Ogygia seu Rerum Hibernicarum Chronologia. Ex perve- tustis monumentis fideliter inter se collatis eruta atque e sacris ac pro- fanis literis primarum orbis gentium tarn genealogicis quam chronologicis suffiaminata prmsidiis &c. : Liber Primus ab universali deluvio ad annum Virginei Partus 428 &c. With dedicatory Letter to the Duke of York (Epistola DedicatoriaDuci Eboracensi) by Rodericus O’Flaherty. — MS. Copy in William Molyneux’s handwriting. (4.) Galileo’s Dialogues : Translated into English by William Molyneux. With this dedicatory letter to the translator’s Honoured and Affectionate Father. “ Sir, — I here present you with as much of Galileo in English as serves for your designs. I need not tell you (who very well know already) the disadvantages circumstances under which I set upon this Translation. But because no one knows the fate of his papers, or into whose hands they may fall hereafter, I must needs intimate, that I had not look’d into an Italian Grammar or other Italian Author over three days before I undertook this work. This I am the more willing to prefix before the following sheets, least hereafter they may be viewed by some that may censure me for the bad- ness of the Translation. But these I will inform beforehand, That I [?did] this only for your Private Use ; And also, that tho’ I dare not undertake for thelitterall exposition of some few places herein, yet I will promise for the full sense of the Whole, two or three passages (which are not at all materiall to the Doctrine) of which I am something distrustfull being excepted. And moreover I will venture to go a little further, and will aver in my own justification, that I do veryly beleive, taking the whole work together, I have performed it better than one more skilld in the Italian, and wholy ignorant in the Doctrine could possibly have done ; and for Proof of this I could instance severall passages of the following work, which [? could] not easily (if at all) be rendred by the greatest Masters of that Language, that understood not the matter treated off. As for the baldnes, and sometimes impropriety of the English hereof, I was e’en forced thereto by the Italian, to which (where it was possible with U 24955. G MSS. op the Town op Southampton. 34 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. of the Town oe Southampton. any manner of fairnes) I have indeavoured to keep close, least otherwise (especially in matters of the Doctrine) I should vitiate the author’s sense, not studying so much Netitude(?) as plainess of expression. Lastly, least I should seem in this translation 4 Actum agere,’ I must intimate also, That M r Salisbury’s Translation of these same Dialogues perishing all in the Fire of London, not one copy thereof could possibly be procured, or else I should never have undertaken a work for which in some circumstances I must confess myself so unfitt. And if any one on this my confession ask me, Why then did I undertake it, I answer them by saying, it was only for your perusal!, to whose service, obedience and satisfaction my whole life shall be devoted, and in part of that great debt of duty and love which is owing to you by, Your Most Affectionate Sonn, William Molyneux.” (5.) 9* January 1707 to 19 December 1709. The Letter-Book of Samuel Molyneux of Trinity College, Dublin. Containing copies of the following letters, that passed between the said Samuel Molyneux and various correspondents between the above-given dates. (a.) 1707. January 9. ; Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, London. F. Hauksbee to Samuel Molyneux. Letter about air-pumps. Dated from Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, London. (b.) 1707 January 25; Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to the above- mentioned F. Hauksbee. About air-pumps. (c.) 1707 February 27 ; London. F. Hauksbee to Samuel Moly- neux. About an air-pump and apparatus with bill for the same, amounting to £26 8s. 0 d. (d.) Paper entitled 44 A Description of the Air-Pump,” with illustrative diagrams. ( e .) 1707 June 24 ; London. A. Churchill to Samuel Molyneux. About certain 44 letters of M r Lock’s,” which M r Molyneux has kindly contributed to a collection that is being made of M r Lock’s (John Locke’s) letters. (f.) 1707 June 24 ... . Samuel Molyneux to „ Short note in which M r Molyneux begs his correspondent to transmit an enclosed letter 44 to the ingenious M r Derham” who 44 is well known to all the gentlemen of the Royal Society.” (g.) 1707 June 24 ... . Samuel Molyneux to M r Derham. Respecting 44 an extraordinary phenomenon of an unusual glare of light visible in the heavens at Dublin on 2 March 1706 (? I70f), and the eclipse of the moon that occurred on the 6th of last April.” In a post- script the writer says, 44 Sir I know not whether my Father, W m . Molyneux, had y e honour of being known to you during his life. . If he had the happiness of your acquaintance, I beg y* may in some way excuse the ill manners of his son in thus troubling with an impertinent letter a person no otherwise known to him than as he is to the whole learned world by his great w r orth and learning.” ( h .) 1707 July 31 ; London. F. Hauksbee to Samuel Molyneux. Containing 44 the farther account of the Condensing Engine.” ( i .) 1707 August 31 ; Upminster. M r William Derham of Upminster to S[amuel] Molyneux. Touching the spots on the sun observed by Captain Stanyan in the year 1703, the last eclipse of the moon, and other matters of astronomical interest. ( /.) 1707 September 27 ; Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to the Rev. M r William Derham, Rector of Upminster near Rumford, in Essex. On astronomical matters. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 85 (k) 1707 November 27; Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to the Rev- 0E the^own ot erend Rather in God the Lord Bishop of Clogher. Touching the Southampton. affairs of the Dublin Philosophical Society, and beginning thus — 44 My Lord, The underserved honour y e Philosophical Society of Dublin have lately done me in commending me to officiate as their Secretary I am never more sensible of than when it gives me power of addressing myself to such worthy persons as your Good Lordship/’ (/.) 1707 November 29 ; Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to the Rev d M r John Keogh of Strokestown co. Roscommon. Touching 44 the Revival of the Philosophical Society of Dublin, who have lately honoured ” the writer 44 with the office of their Secretary.” (m.) 1707 November 30 ; Clogher. The Bishop of Clogher to Samuel Molyneux. Touching the Dublin Philosophical Society, and beginning with these words, 44 Sir I doe very heartily congratulate you on your being chosen Secretary to the Philosophical Society. Your worthy Father was our first Secretary upon our Establishment, and you are so upon our Revival. May you still succeed to and inherit every one of your father’s valuable good qualitys.” (n.) 1707 December 6; . . . . Samuel Molyneux to the Bishop of Clogher. Comprising the list of the recently elected Council and Offi- cers of the Dublin Philosophical Society. (.) 1708 April 5 ; Upminster. The Rev. William Derham to Samuel Molyneux. Touching M r Flamsteed’s Calculations in respect to Circumjovial Eclipses, the Migration of birds, experiments with the Air-Pump, and other matters of scientific interest. (cc.) 1708 April 9 ; Park nigh Galway Westward. R. O’Flaherty to Samuel Molyneux. Declaring the writer’s readiness to further the ends of the Dublin Philosophical Society, and concluding with petulant remarks on the unfriendly critics of the “ Ogygia.” In the earlier part of the long- letter, the writer, speaking gratefully of his dear friends M r Molyneux and D r Loftus, the said M r Molyneux’s successor in the Court ot Chancery, observes “ your father was a means (perhaps not unknown to you) of the good Bishop of Meath’s bounty to me, w^ h w d prove more bountifull, had not he been prevented by Death at your father’s house.” {dd.) 1708 April 10 ; . . . . Walter AJkins to Samuel Molyneux. Communications (of no moment) for the Philosophical Society, HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION 37 (ee.) 1708 April 11 ; London. A. Cliarchill to Samuel Molyneux. mss. Making reference to the printing of “ your collection of letters,” and uteLmmox? other matters of interest to the book-trade. *"“* iff’) 1708 April 20 ; Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to Walter Alkins, Touching D r Harris’s Lexicon Technicon, and con- taining observations on the migration of birds and other matters ; with long postscript on the ways of finding the time for celebrating Easter. (gg.) 1708 April 20 ; Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to M r Rotherick O’Flaglierty. ( hh .) 1708 April 25; Park, Westward of Gallway, St. Marks. R. O’Flaherty to Samuel Molyneux. (it.) 1708 May 4; Upminster. The Eev. William Derham to Samuel Molyneux. Having reference to astronomical observations. (jj.) 1708 May 19 ; Park. E. O’Flaherty to Samuel Molyneux. (kk.) 1708 June 8; .... D r Hans Sloan to Samuel Molyneux. A communication that D r Wall has demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the Koyal Society, “ that jet-black amber, gum-lacca or sealing-wax made of it, and diamonds, espetially table ones, when rub’d in the dark after sunsett, y e first 3 or 4 with flannell and the last with silk will emitt a considerable light.” (//.) 1708 July 15; London. A. Churchill to Samuel Molyneux. Announcing that the collection of letters ( i.e ., John Locke’s and William Molyneux’s letters) is at length published, and that eight copies of the work have been dispatched to Dublin, — two copies for D r Moly- neux, and the other six copies for the recipient of the letter. (mm.) 1708 August 3 : Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to the Eev. William Derham of Upminster. Long letter touching eclipses, atmospherical phenomena, migration of birds, and other matters. “ As to the Migration of Birds,” the writer observes, “ I have not my- self made any observations as yet, but I hope next Spring I may from my own or my friends’ observations let you know sofiiething of the matter. I find among some notes of my Father the following observation to have been made by Coll. Solom. Eichards, an inhabitant of Wexford, that it is most certain the Barnacles in the Harbour of Wexford from the 21 of August on which they come to the 21 of May on which they goe every year, are in numbers wonderfull, but on May the 21 st they all leave it going northwards by sea and in the opinion of many curious observers they goe to the northern Isles of Scotland to breed, for on the 21 st of August following they doe certainly and constantly return, bringing their young ones with them in numbers beyond expression. This relator, as he rode forward and backward between Dublin and Wexford, hath often seen them at sea, coming a day or two before their arrival as also going a day or two after their departure, and for above 20 years hath observed their not failing the time of going and coming, as also of their swimming when the Tide is with them, and flying when against them, and now and then resting on the water.” (nn.) 1708 August 15; ... . Christopher Ussher to Samuel Molyneux. Memoranda for the Philosophical Society. (oo.) . E. O’Flaherty to Samuel Molyneux. Entreating that M r Molyneux will use his influence to procure for the writer’s son-in- law (M r Edward Tyrrill of Gallway, a protestant) the u place of a boatman in Her Majesty’s boat in Gallway.” No date. ( pp .) 1708 August 5 ; Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to M r R. O’Flaherty. Reply to the last-described epistle. s 38 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. op i he Town op Southampton. (i qq .) 1708 August 5 j Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to M r A. Churchill. Respecting the publication of John Locke’s letters. “ The originalls,” says the writer, “ will come to my hands if you please to bundle and seal them up, directing for M r Samuel Madden at Young Men’s Coffee House in London who will bring them for Ireland to me.” (rr.) 1708 August 5 ; Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to [? D 1 ’ Hans Sloane). Touching D r Wall’s experiments for the production of light by friction. (ss.) 1708 August 19; London. A. Churchill to Samuel Molyneux. Respecting the publication of Lock’s Letters. (tt.) 1708 August 20; Park. R. O’Plaherty to Samuel Molyneux. ( uu .) 1708 August 27 ; Portadown. Edward Chichester to Samuel Molyneux. Reminding M r Molyneux of his promise to lend one of his father’s books, “ relating to the Priviledges of Ireland,” to the writer. ( vv .) 1708 September 9 ; Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Moly- neux to , who is thanked for civilities offered to the writer’s cousin, Dropping. (ww.) 1708 September 10; Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to Sir Patrick Dunn “ at his house on the Inns.” Making reference to mathematical calculations and instruments. ( xx .) 1708 September 27 ; Park. R. O’Flaherty to Samuel Molyneux. Another letter in behalf of the writer’s son-in-law, M r Edward ,Tyrilh (yy.) 1708 October 2 ; Park. The Same to the Same. Touching M r Edward Tyrill’s affairs. (zz.) 1708 October 10 ; Park. The Same to the Same. “ I writt you in relation to the queries of the Dublin Society, that some time this year a star was seen as near the Compass of the Moon, as was to the wonder of many. . . . But this day a nephew of mine being at his Ant Madame Stafford’s house at Harrow Barr in the County of Antrim at the same time saw "a Resplendent Starr in the middle of the Moon, much wondered by the people. You read the Shining Star seen at noon in London on May 29 th 1630, the Birth-day of King Char, the 2 d .” ( aaa .) 1708 November 30 ; Upminister. The Rev. William Derham to Samuel Molyneux. A long letter of astronomical observations ; with a reference to M r Molyneux’s enquiries respecting Ci the pictures of the Greenwich Observatory.” ( bbb .) 1708 December 17 ; Park. R. O’Flaherty to Samuel Moly- neux. Making reference to modes of calculating the right time for the celebration of Easter. “I doe not,” the writer observes, “ offer this to carry coales to New Market — a curious slip for an Irish philosopher. (ccc.) 1708 December 25 ; Samuel Molyneux to R. O’Flaherty, who is asked for information respecting the money used by the Irish before the Conquest, if indeed they used any. I shall,” says the writer in a postscript, “soon be better acquainted with the Ogygia and your Manuscript, having set about the reading them together this day.” ( ddd .) 170f January 2 ; Park. R. O’Flaherty to Samuel Molyneux. Long letter in reply to enquiry about the money of the ancient Irish. (eee.) 170f January 18 ; Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to M r Tooke, book seller near Temple-Bar in Fleet Street, London. Offering notes, if they may be discovered, for the amendment of the HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 39 advertised 2 nd edition of liis father’s Treatise of Dioptricks, M r Molyneux invites the bookseller to communicate with him. Sotjthamptox. ( fff .) 170 1 February 8 ; London. Benjamin Tooke to Samuel Molyneux. Announcing that the advertised second edition of the “ Treatise of Dioptricks ” is no genuine second edition of the work, but merely an effort to dispose of 200 “ remainder copies,” by offering them under a new title-page and with the diagrams printed on better paper, the bookseller says, " I had no expectation of making those ” (i.e. f the 200 copies, wanting the “ cuts,” in stock) “ perfect so soon, but the letters which were published some time agoe between M r Molyneux and M r Lock having several times mentioned the Book, it occasioned a fresh demand for them, which soon took away the few which I had perfect and printing all the cutts again for’ em on much better Paper than the former, and this occasioned my calling it a Second Edition, and printing a new title to it, which has turn’d to so good an account that since the adver- tisement I have disposed of 25 of them which is more than I did in 2 years before.” (, 999 0 170| February 17 ; Park. R. O’Flaherty to Samuel Molyneux. ( [hhh „) l70f March 8 ; Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to R. O’Flaherty. Touching Irish coins, and certain proposals for the publication of a work, at present in MS., by M r O'Flaherty. (Hi.) 1709 April 2; Trinity College, Dublin. Samuel Molyneux to Rev. William Derham, “ I beg the favour of you that you would be pleas’d to send me the Satellit Eclipses for 1709, if you have received them from M r Flamsteed.” (jjj.) 1709 April 1 1 ; Killeglaw. Samuel Molyneux to D r Molyneux. Familiar gossip about the writer’s journey into Connaught, the aspect of the country, and matters of domestic interest. (kkk.) 1709 April 12 ; Upminster. The Rev. William Derham to Samuel Molyneux. Scientific notes and intelligence. (III.) 1 709 1 April 21 ; Dublin. D r T. Molyneux to Samuel Molyneux. In acknowledgment of Samuel Molyneux’s account of his Aunt Ussher’s health, and his successful journey into Connaught. (mmm.) 1709 August 1 ; Burton near Charleville. George Berkeley to D r Molyneux. Containing notes on the Monastery of Buttefont and the Castle of Liscarol, — places recently visited by the writer. Dated from Burton near Charleville. — Also, three other letters (of some value for the personal historian) from George Berkeley to the same correspondent ; dated respectively 26 November 1709, 8 December 1709, and 19 December 1709, from Trinity College, Dublin. (6.) Copy in Book-form of the Testament (dated 18 August 1819), with Codicil, proved on 1 June 1721, of Dorothy Lady Capell, Baroness- dowager of Tewksbury, widow of Henry Lord Capell, Baron of Tewksbury : Containing bequests In Trust to the Hon ble Samuell Molyneux esq., Principall Secretary to his Royall Highness George, Prince of Wales, Sir Philip Jackson knt., John Lely esq. and Christopher Appleby gentleman, and bequests to the Right Honourable the Lady Elizabeth Molyneux, wife of the said Samuell Molyneux esq. and eldest daughter of the Rt. Hon. Algernon Earl of Essex deceased; With appointment of the aforesaid Samuell Molyneux to be one of the executors. How these seven volumes came into the hands of the Corporation of Southampton is unknown ; but it is reasonable hypothesis that they were i 40 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION MSS. or the Town op Southampton. left with the muniments of the borough by some Town Clerk, who acted as Attorney for M r Samuel Molyneux or some other member of the Molyneux family. (A) Charters and Letters Patent. (1.) 26 June, 1 John. Charter of King John to his Burgesses of Suhampton. — John &c. &c. Salutem. Volumus et firmiter preoipimus et hac presenti carta confirmamus quod Burgenses nostri de Suhampton sint quieti de Theloneo et passagio et pontagio, Tam in terris quam in Aquis, Tam in feiris quam in Mercatis et de omni seculari consuetudine per omnes terras nostras, Citra mare et ultra, Et per omnem potestatem nostram, Et prohibemus ne quis eos super hoc disturbet, Aut injuriam vel molestiam aut gravamen faciat, super forisfacturam nostram in hiis que ad nostram pertinent potestatem. Hiis Testibus &c. &c. Datum per manum H. Cant. Archiepiscopi cancellarii nostri apud r[upem] Andel [iaci] &c. . ... (2.) 3 May, 11 Henry III. Charter of Henry Third’s Grant of the farm of the town of Suhampton with the port of Portesmues to the Burgesses of Suhampton. — Henricus &c. &c. Salutem. Sciatis nos concessisse et presenti carta nostra confirmasse Burgensibus nostris de Suhampton villam de Suhampton ad firmam imperpetuum cum porfcu de Portesmues cum omnibus pertinenciis, libertatibus et liberis consuetudi- nibus suis et aliis omnibus que ad firmam predicte Yille de Suhamton pertinebant tempore Henrici avi nostri, Tenendam de nobis et heredibus nostris imperpetuum ad firmam, Reddendo inde annuatim ad festum Sancti Michaelis ad scaccarium nostrum Ducentas Libras sterlingorum, Quare volumus et firmiter precipimus quod predicti Burgenses liabeant et teneant predictam villam cum predicto portu de Portesmues cum omnibus pertinenciis et libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus ad illam firmam pertinentibus sicut predictum est, Sicut carta domini Johannis Regis patris nostri quam inde habent racionabiliter testatur. Hiis Testibus &c. &c. Datum per manum Yenerabilis patris Radulphi Cycestrie Episcopi Cancellarii nostri apud Mortelak &c.” (3.) 15 June, 23 Henry III. Charter of Henry the Third in con- firmation of an agreement between the Men of Merleberg and the Men of Suhampton. — Henricus &c. &c. Salutem, Sciatis quod cum con- tencio mota fuisset in Curia nostra coram nobis inter probos homines nostros de Merleberg querentes et probos homines nostros Suhampton* deforciantes de tellonio quod predicti homines Suhampton’ capiebant de hominibus nostris de Merleberg contra libertates suas quas habent per cartam domini Johannis Regis patris nostri et per cartam nostram ut asserebant, tandem de licencia nostra taliter inter eos convenit quod omnes homines de Merleberg qui sunt in Gilda mereand’a de Merleberg et hoc affidare voluerint, quieti sint imperpetuum de omni consuetudine et omnimodo tellonio in villa Suhampton’ et in omnibus pertinenciis suis de quibus homines Suhampton infra libertatem suam dictos homines de Merleberg acquietare possint, non obstante eo quod Carta nostroruin hominum Suhampton prior est cartis predictorum hominum de Merleberg, Et similiter homines de Suhampton quieti sint de omni consuetudine et tellonio in villa de Merleberg. Nos igitur volentes quod predicta conven- cio firma sit et stabilis imperpetuum, ipsam pro nobis concedimus et confirmamus. Hiis Testibus &c. &c. Datum per manum nostram apud Westmonasterium &c. (4.) 14 May, 36 Henry III. Writ of Precept and Injunction from Henry the Third to the Barons of the Cinque Ports, for the HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 41 observance of the liberties and rights of the men of Suhampton and mss. Portesmuth in their port of Portesmuth. — Henricus &c. &c. Baronibus suis Quinque Portuum salutem, Ex querela proborum hominum nos- ’ — ' trorum de Suhampton et de Portesmuth intelleximus quod eis estis graves et molesti vi capiendo karkas in navibus vestris de hominibus volentibus transfretare in portu suo de Portesmuth quern de nobis tenent ad firmam et faciendo atachiamenta sine licencia ballivorum eiusdem Portus et alias injurias eis inferendo contra libertates et consuetudines eorum usitatas et approbatas, Et ideo de vobis mandamus fir miter injungentes quod decetero nullam karkam in predicto portu suo capiatis aut atachiamenta faciatis, nullam eis injuriam inferentes contra libertates et consuetudines suas eis a nobis concessas super forisfacturam nostram, set permittatis emptores vinorum nostrorum venientes ex parte nostra una cum ballivis nostris de Suhampton et Portesmuth vina mercatorum in navibus vestris contenta in predicto Portu ad opus nostrum emere, Sicut quod si secus egeritis dissimulare non poterimus quin ad vos et bona vestra nos graviter capiamus. Teste me ipso apud Westmonas- terium &c. (5.) 14 July, 40 Henry III. Charter of Henry the Third, granting freedom from arrest of their persons and goods to the Burgesses of Suhampton for debts of which “ fidejussores aut principals debitores non extiterint.” — Henricus &c. &c. salutem, Sciatis nos concessisse et hac carta nostra confirmasse pro nobis et heredibus nostris Burgensibus nostris de Suhampton quod ipsi et lieredes imperpetuum per totam terram et potestatem nostram haheant hanc libertatem, videlicet quod ipsi vel eorum bona quocunque locorum in potestate nostra inventa non arestentur pro aliquo debito de quo fidejussores aut principales debitores non extiterint, Nisi forte ipsi debitores de eorum sint communa et potestate habentes unde de debitis suis in toto vel in parte satisfacere possint, et dicti Burgenses creditoribus eorundem debitorum in justicia defuerint et de hoc racionabiliter constare possit. Quare &c. &c. Hiis testibus &c. &c. Datum per manum nostram apud Bristoll &c. (6.) 4 April, 14 Edward III. Letters Patent of the Exemplification of the Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation, dated at Westminster, by Edward the Third in the 1st year of his reign to the Burgesses of Suthampton. Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c. (7.) 10 February, 39 Edward III. Letters Patent of Exemplification of the Letters Patent, dated by Edward the Third on 28th J une in the 29th year of his reign to the Burgesses of Suthampton, containing these words, “ Nos considerantes villam predictam et partes adjacentes per clausuram dicte ville si perficiatur contra dicta pericula imminencia posse multipliciter assecurari, ac volentes securitati dicte ville et partium adjacencium providere prout decet concessimus eisdem Burgensibus in auxilium clausure ville predicte quod a die confeccionis presencium usque ad finem decern annorum proxime sequentium plenarie completorum capiant et colligant per manus illorum quos ad hoc deputare et pro quibus respondere voluerint de quibuscunque bonis et mercimoniis infra libertatem dicte ville adductis seu ab eadem eductis tarn per terram quam per aquam tarn videlicet ipsorum Burgensium quam aliorum quorumcunque unum denarium de libra et de decern solidis unum obolum et de quinque solidis unum quadrantem. Ita quod denarii inde provenientes ...... circa clausuram ville predicte ponantur.” Teste meipso apud Westmonasterium &c. (8.) 9 November, 5 Richard II. Letters Patent of a grant to John Slegh and his heirs for ever (in enlargement of a previous grant to the same John Slegh for life) of a tenement and certain pieces of vacant •2 42 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. 01? the Town or Southampton, ground in the town of Suthampton ; the said tenement and pieces of vacant ground having come by way of escheat into the King’s hand, on the death of Richard Elmesle de Elmesle co. Worcester, who was a bastard and died “ sine herede de se.” Testo meipso apud Westmonasterium Letters Patent of Exemplification of a certain writ directed on the 8lh day of July in the said 5th year of His Majesty’s reign to Sir Thomas Smith knt., Clerk of His said Majesty’s Parliaments, Together with Exemplification of the tenor, returned into Chancery in accordance with the said writ’s requirements, of a certain Act of Parliament entitled u An Act for the Confirmacion of some parte of a Charter graunted by Kinge Henry the Sixt to the Major Bailiflfes and Burgesses of the Towne of Southampton and for the releife of the said Towne,” and made in the 4th year of His aforesaid Majesty’s reign, To restrain persons not being free of the said town from buying any merchandises (salt and sea fish only excepted) of, and selling any merchandise (salt and sea fish only excepted) to any person or persons within the said town, not being free of the same. — Teste me ips’ apud Westmonasterium Ac. (51.) 6 February, 6 James I. Letters Patent of the grants, whereby the King granted to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Southampton and their successors for ever “ alle and everye those the same suche and soo many our Tonnes and other porcions of prisage wynes to be yerelie and from tymo lo tyme had and taken out of alie and everye the prise wynes eomynge or growinge in the saide Towne of Southampton or in the porte of the same Towne, which were heretofore graunted or payable or used to bee payd or delivered by anie of our Progenitors or predecessors kinges of this our Realme of Englande or by our or theire Butlers of England or any other our or theire Officers or by anie other parsoune or parsounes bodyes pollitique or corporate whatsoever for us or them or anie of them yerelye or every yere unto anye late Abbottes and Coventcs of the late scverall Monasteries or Abbies of Bewlye Letley ” (sic) “ Tichfeild and Waverley or anie of them or to anye late Prior and Covent of the late Priorys of Saint Dennis, And which Tonnes and other porcions of prisage Wynes were iate parcell of the severall possessions of the said severall Monasteries Abbies and Prioryes and came or ought to have come unto us or some of our progenitors or predecessors by reason of the severall dissolucions of the same Monasteries Abbies and Prioryes and are nowe in our handes and possession.” — Witnes Our Selfe at Westmynster &c. (52.) 15 June, 14 James. Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Con- firmation, of the Letters Patent, dated by Queen Elizabeth on the (5th day of May in the 6th year of her reign, of Inspeximus and Confirma- tion of the Letters Patent, dated by Philip and Mary, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Letters Patent, dated Edward the Sixth, of Inspexi- mus and Confirmation of Letters Patent, dated by Henry the Eighth, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Letters Patent, dated Henry the Seventh, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Letters Patent, dated by Edward the Fourth, for the confirmation of concessions made by pre- vious sovereigns to the burgesses of Southampton — Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c. (53.) March 11, Charles I. Letters Patent of a Commission of Oyer and Terminer and Gaol Delivery for the Town and County of Southampton, directed to the Lord High Admiral, and to Lord Keeper Coventry, John Marquis of Winchester, Thomas Earl of Southampton, William Earl of Hertford, Sir Henry Marten knt. Judge of the Admiralty Court, the Mayor of Southampton for the time being, Robert Mason Doctor of Laws and Judge of the Admiralty Court HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 55 in the county of Southampton and the Isle of Wight, Thomas Leving- ton esq. Recorder of the Town of Southampton and to John Guillam, George Gallopp, Edward Exton, Nicholas Pescod, John Clangeon, Na- thaniel Mille, Peter Seale, Thomas Mason and Peter Clangeon of the same town alderman. — Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c. (54.) 27 June, 16 Charles I. Letters Patent dated by Charles the First to the Mayor baliffs and burgesses of the town of Southampton and their successors for ever, for the reconstitution of the said town, with confirmation and more precise declaration of the powers and fran- chises granted to the same town by previous sovereigns.— -Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium Ac. (55.) 19 February, 14 Charles II. Letters Patent of a Commission to the Mayor of Southampton for the time being, William Legg, esq., Richard Ford knt., Richard Goddard, Thomas Knowles, Laurence Ilyde, Arthur Bold, Roger Gollop, Thomas Mill, and Edward Hooper of Cliil worth, esquires, Thomas Corderoy, Edward Exton, Peter Clungeon (sic), Henry Pitt, William Stanley, James Caplin, William Horne, Joseph Delamote, Thomas Cornelius, James Clungeon (sic), Nicholas Clement, and Edward Downe aldermen of the aforesaid town, and Robert Richbell gentleman; To execute within the said town and county thereof the Act ot Parliament “ For the well governing and regulatinge of Cor porac ions.” (56.) 15 September, 4 James II. Letters Patent of Reconstitution and Reincorporation of the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Southampton and their successors for ever into a free town and county ; With appointment of Richard White esq. to be the first Mayor, of Thomas Cooper esq. to be the first Recorder, of Robert Vernon to be the first Sheriff ; of Richard White aforesaid, William Brackstone, Richard Hunt, Adam de Cardinall, William Lyne, Robert Vernon aforesaid, Robert Culliford, Cornelius Macham, John Thornburgh, William Cropp, William Joliffe and John Lee to be the first Aldermen ; of Jonathan Ingles and Thomas Barnard to be the first Bailiffs ; of the aforesaid Jonathan Ingles, the aforesaid Thomas Barnard, .... Piccard, Leonard Cropp, Thomas Bracebridge, John Gilbert, Thomas Bower, John Fassett, James Flower, Edward Fryer, John Greenwood, and William Stokes to be the first Common Councillors ; and of William Pocock to be the first Common Clerk, of the said town by virtue of the same Letters Patent : — With dispensation to the afore- appointed Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, Bailiffs, Common Councillors, Ac. Ac. from the necessity of taking the Oath of Supremacy mentioned in a certain Statute of 1 Elizabeth, and the Oath of Allegiance and Obedience men- tioned in a certain Statute of 3 James I., and of the Oaths mentioned in a certain Statute of 13 Charles II. entitled ‘•An Act for the well govern- ing and regulating of Corporacions,” and from the necessity of taking the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper according to the rite and use of the Anglican Church, and also of taking and subscribing the Declarations mentioned in the aforesaid Statute 13 Charles II. or in a certain Statute of the same last-mentioned King’s 25th year, entitled “ An Act for pre- venting Dangers which may happen from Popish Recusants,” Ac., Ac., Ac.: It being also provided, amongst other things, “quod nullus Recordator vel Communis Clericus ville predicte imposterum eligendus vel perficiendus ad execucionem officii sui respective admittatur nisi Approbatio et consensus noster heredum vel successorum nostrorum sub Sigillo vel Signeto Manuali nostro heredum vel sucessorum nostrorum in ea parte prius Significabitur,” — Teste me ipso apud West- monasleriuin Ac. MSS. or the Tows’ or SOUTHAMPTOX. .2 56 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. of the Town o^ Southampton. (57.) 6 William IV. Letters Patent of tlie Grant that u A Separate Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace 55 shall continue to be holden in and for the Borough of Southampton. —Also, Letters Patent of a Com- mission of the Peace to the Mayor for the time being and others of the Borough of Southampton. (58.) 1 Victoria. Letters Patent of a Commission of the Peace to the Mayor for the time being and others of the Borough of South- ampton. (59.) 20 Victoria. Letters Patent of a Commission of the Peace to the mayor for tne time being and others of the Borough of South- ampton. (c.) Deeds , Municipal and Private Including Unconditional Grants in Perpetuity , Grants in Fee Farm , Writings of Release and Quit Claim , indentures of Agreement , Acknowledgments , Bonds , and other Instruments. • — Henry III. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever, by William Gor to Adam le Hordyer of Suthampton, burgess, of a piece of vacant ground in English Street in the parish of St. Laurence of the said town of Suthampton. Sealed with the donor’s seal and also, for greater security, with the seal “ prepositure ville Suthampton,” and witnessed by Thomas le Blund and Bobert le Mercier, then bailiffs of the said town, and by Henry le Flameng, Nicholas de Barfieut, Bobert Bonheit, Geoffery de la Puse, Thomas de Andeuer, Walter le Hordier, Balph the Little, Nicholas Gese, Bichard Tebaud, John Hug’, Bobert Hug’, John Elyot and others. — 30 Edward I. Indenture (French) of a lease for a year of the Farm of the town of Suthampton by Peter de Lyons, Bobert le Barber, John de la Barre, Richard de Bareflut, John de Montdenarde, John le Flameng, Rauf Bissoup, Edmond Cole, Thomas le Gardenyer, William Bykelonde, Symon de Shirlye, William atte Nywelonde, Imberd Stang- man, Roberd le Border, Thommns Dykeman, Bobert le Barber, William le Wyte, Roberd de la Stone, William de Bottelye, Richard Bagge, Henry Burgeys, James de Andeuere and all the community of the town of Suthampton, to Roberd lc Mercyer, Thomas Stout, John de Shirlye, John de Borgoyne, Adam le H order, John le Molenyr, John le Dulbere, and Henry de Lym. — ■ Edward I. Deed of sale and conveyance for ever by the executors of the will of William Seylde deceased, late burgess of the town of Suthampton, of a messuage with appurtenances in English Street of the said town, to John de Weston and his wife Agnes and their son John. — Edward I. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever, of a “ petrinum cum uno celario et pertinenciis suis”and divers rents in the town of Suthampton, by Henry Brian, Thomas Brian, Constance Brian, Matildis Brian, and Agnes Brian to Adam le Hordier of Suthampton and Joan (the sister of the said Constance, Matildis and Agnes) and the heirs of their bodies. — Edward 1. Deed of the gift ill fee-farm, at a yearly rent of ten shillings for ever, of a tenement with a curtilage and a shop in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Bobert le Barkyer to Roger de Basinges of the said town burgess. — Edward I. (?). Deed of release and quit-claim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Richard le Barbour to John de Weston of the said town burgess. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 57 — Edward T. Deed of gift in fee-farm for ever, at a yearly rent of a silver farthing, of a certain half acre of land (with the exception of a certain eighth thereof), in the suburb of the town of Suthampton, by Eoysia Geldenyshe, widow and executrix of the late John Horn, to Adam le Hordyer of the said town, burgess. — Edward I. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of divers lands, tenements, and rents in the town of Suthampton, by Margery, daughter and heir of Nicholas Simon deceased, to Lucy Sampson, sometime wife of Hugh Sampson, formerly of Suthampton, burgess. — Edward I. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of a house in Boule Strete in town of Suthampton, by Richerius Tresaut and liis wife Juliana to Thomas, son of Thomas de Andeuere. — Edward I. Deed of gift in fee-farm, of a certain garden and a rent in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Geoffrey de Peisa clerk to Adam le Hordier of the said town, burgess. — Edward I. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of tenements in French Street in the town of Suthampton, by Henry le Lung of the said town, burgess, to John de Burgoyne and his wife Cecilia. — Edward I. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of a house in French Street in the town of Suthampton, and of three acres of arable land in the suburb of the same town, by Joan la Flemeng widow to Peter de Rue. — Edward I. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever, by Thomas le ITfdueknyzt (son and coheir of Thomas le Halueknyzt formerly of Suth- ampton, burgess, and his wife Cristina) of all his share of the tenement called “ La Westhalle ” in the said town, to John de Schirlye of the said town, burgess, and his wife Felicia ; the said share of La Westhalle being described in tin' deed in these terms c< videlicet, petrinum cum celario s ub j ace rite el. quandam cameram que voeatur la Oriole que est supra portam predicti tenementi in vico Francisco, una cum quodam stabulo infra dictam portam retro dictum petrinum et celario adjacente que omnia predicta mihi acciderunt .jure hereditario.” Witnessed by Adam le Hordyr then alderman of the town of Suthamptone, William Fogul, and Robert Le Hordyr, then bailiffs of the said town, and Robert le Mereyr, Thomas Stut, John de Puteo, Henry de Lvm, John de Mon tdenard, Richard de Barflut, William Bassingrom the elder, Thomas Dykeman, Roger le Blouces, and Richard English, then clerk of the Town of Suthamptone. — Edward I. Indenture of the agreement, made between John Le Halueknyzt, Thomas le Halueknyzt, William Bassingrom and his wife Petronilla, Roger le Halueknyzt, and Walter le Halueknyzt (the coheirs of Thomas le Halueknyzt and his wife Cristina), for division of and participation in the tenement and its appurtenances called La Westhalle in the town of Suthampton, lying in the parish of the church of St. John the Baptist of the said town. Witnessed by Adam le Hordyr then alderman, William Foghel then bailiff, and Robert le Hordyr the customer of the town of Suthampton, and by John de Schirlye, Thomas Stut, Richard de Bareflet, Henry de Lym and many others. 18 December, 5 Edward II. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of a tenement in Svmenelestrete in the town of Suthampton, by Alice formerly the wife of Richard Ballestare, deceased, and Agnes daughter and heir of the said Richard, to Philipp Suel of the said town burgess. — 10 Edward II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in Symenelestrete in the town of Suthampton, by Alice MSS. or the Town of Southampton. 58 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. of the Town of Southampton. formerly tlie wife of Richard le Arblastir and hy Agnes la Arblastir daughter of the same Alice, to Richard Bagge of the said town burgess. — 10 Edward IT. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a messuage in the town of Suthampton, by John le Haluenyght, son and colieir of Thomas le Halueknyglit formerly of the said town burgess, to Richard Bagge burgess of Suthampton. — 10 Edward II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in Simenelcstrete in the town of Suthampton, by Richard ITongles and his wife Alice, to Thomas Frost of the same town burgess. — 10 Edward II. Deed of sale and conveyance of a tenement in Symenelestrete in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas Frost to Richard Bagge of the said town. — 10 Edward II. Deed of gift and conveyance of a tenement in Symenelestrete in the town of Suthampton, by Richard Bagge of the said town burgess, to Richard Sweye of the said town burgess. — 10 Edward II. Deed of gift and conveyance of a tenement in Symenelestrete in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas Frost of the said town burgess, to Richard Bagge of the same town burgess. — 10 Edward II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in Simenelestretc in the town of Suthampton, by Agnes daughter of Richard le Arblastir late of the said town deceased, to Richard Bagge of the said town burgess. — 10 Edward II. to 1 Edward III. Portion of a Roll of the Receivers of Acknowledgments of Debts within the town of Suthampton. — 11 Edward II. Deed of gift by Isabella, daughter and heir of Roger de Bassinges deceased, of a certain tenement with appurtenances in the town of Suthampton, to Reymund Arnald “ de Monte Ansario,” to hold for his security, till he shall be satisfied in respect to the articles of an agreement made (with the consent of the said Isabella) between Robert Tromfletes and his wife Isabella (mother of the afore- mentioned Isabella) of the one part and the said Reymund of the other part. — 11 Edward II. Lease for six years of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Robert de Tromfletes and his wife Isabella, to Reymund Arnald of Monte-Ansar, of the said town burgess. 14 March, 11 Edward II. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Petronilla Dykeman formerly the wife of Nicholas de Barefluet, to Mathew Gentylcors clerk. — 12 Edward II. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of a tene- ment in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Mathew Gentil- corps to Petronilla formerly the wife of Nicholas de Barefluet and to John Petyngar. — 14 Edward 11. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement with appurtenances in English Street, by Richard le Sceytare son of Richard le Sceytare of Romasye to John Aurcy of Suthampton. - — 15 Edward II. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever, of a tenement with appurtenances in Simenelcstrete in the town of Suth- ampton, by John Wodham burgess of the said town, to Reginald Martin of the same town burgess. - — 17 Edward II. Deed of gilt and conveyance of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton by Richard Tliolouse, son HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 59 of Henry de Tholouse the elder of Broncleye, to John Forest of Suth- ampton burgess. — 17 Edward II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a piece of vacant ground in French Street in the town of Sutharapton, by John Bevereche of the said town to Hugh Sampson of the same town, burgess. — 19 Edward II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to two tenements in the town of Suthampton, by Symon Botenylayn of the said town burgess and his wife Felicia, to Hugh Sampsson of the same town burgess. 21 July, 20 Edward II. Indenture (French) of an agreement, made between John le Long, Hugh le Long and Anneys Fyslekes sister of the aforesaid John and Hugh (sons and daughter of Henry le Longes deceased, formerly burgess of the town of Suthampton), for division of and participation in the tenements, formerly pertaining in Suthampton to their said father, Henry le Longes. Also a duplicate of the same indenture. — Edward II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to two shops, with appurtenances and a yearly rent of ten shillings in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Isabella daughter and heir of Roger de Bassinges formerly of the said town burgess, to Reymund Arnald of Monte Ansar burgess of the same town. — Edward II. Deed of gift and conveyance of a tenement in Symene- lestrete in the town of Suthampton, by John Bondborn of the said town burgess to Nicholas Sampsson burgess of the same town. — Edward II. Deed of gift and conveyance of a piece of land in French Street in the town of Suthampton, by John Beuereche and William Dykeman of the said town burgesses, to Hugh Sampsson burgess of the same town. — Edward II. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of a yearly rent of ten shillings out of a tenement in the fish market of the town of Suthampton, by Caterine la Hordyr, daughter and coheir of Adam le Hordyr the elder late of Suthampton deceased, to Thomas de Noss- choolyng of the same town burgess. — Edward II. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of a tenement in Symenel Street in the town of Suthampton, by Philipp Suel of the said town burgess, to Thomas le Skynnere called Vorstes burgess of the same town. — Edward II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Isabella daughter and heir of Roger de Bassynges formerly of the said town, to her mother Isabella formerly the wife of the said Roger. — Edward II. Bond of William Bassingrom of the town of Suthampton burgess, for warranty to John Schirlye and his wife Felicia, of a certain “ celarium ” in the same town, given to the said John and Felicia by the aforesaid William and his wife Petronilla. — Easter, 1327 A.D. Deed of gift and conveyance of a tenement in French Street in the town of Suthampton, by Hugh Sampson of the said town burgess, to John de Doone called Shauennyr of the said town burgess and his wife Cristina. — 3 Edward III. Certificate that John de Vyenna, the King’s clerk for acknowledgements of debts to be received in the town of Suthampton, has received “quoddam transcription statutum dornini Regis in hec verba &c. &c. ” MSS. of the Town of Southampton. I 60 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. op the Town op Southampton. — 3 Edward III. Indenture of an agreement between the Mayor and Community of the city of New Sarum of the one part and the Mayor and Community of the town of Suthampton of the other part : for the determination of controversies respecting tolls and customs. — Also a duplicate of the same indenture of an agreement for the deter- mination of controversy and difference respecting tolls and customs, and for a settlement of the dues, henceforth to be paid on merchandize by the citizens and inhabitants of New Sarum, to the Mayor and community of the town of Suthampton. — 3 Edward III. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of a capital tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Nicholas de Bareflitt, son of Nicholas de Bareflitt the elder deceased, to Nicholas de Moundenard of the said town burgess. — 4 Edward Ilf. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of divers tenements &c. <&c. in the town of Suthampton, by John le Spicer of New Sarum and his wife Alicia, to Andrew Daune of Winchester chap- lain. — 4 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Isabella daughter and heir of Roger de Bassinges formerly of Suthampton bur- gess deceased, to Robert de Barre of the said town burgess. — 4 Edward III. Deed of gift and conveyance of a tenement with appurtenances in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John de Weston, son of John de Weston formerly of the said town burgess, to John de Warb of the same town burgess, and his wife Cristina. — - 5 Edward III. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever, of a tene- ment in English Street in the Town of Suthampton, and of two houses in a suburb of the same town by Juliana Coppe to Thomas Palmere called “ Le Taverner,” of the same town burgess. — 6 Edward III. Indenture of an agreement, made between Joan le Grauntes, daughter of Richard le Grauntes, of the one part, and John Attestone of the town of Suthampton burgess of the other part, respecting a certain rent. 6 July, 7 Edward III. Deed of assignment of nine unexpired years of a lease of a tenement in Suthampton, by John de Watlyngton to William le Smale. 6 July, 7 Edward III. Letters of attorney, for livery of seisin, by Mathew Gcntilcorps to Roger atte Legh. — 7 Edward III. Deed of gift and quitclaim, in respect to a piece of vacant ground in the town of Suthampton, by John de Weston to John Segyn of the said town burgess. (j July, 7 Edward III. Deed of gift and conveyance of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Matthew Gentilcorps to William le Smale and his wife Isabella. 6 July, 7 Edward III. Deed of sale of his reversionary interest in a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Mathew Gentilcorps to William le Smale and his wife Isabella. 6 July, 7 Edward III. Deed of sale and conveyance for ever, of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Mathew Gentilcorps to William lc Smale of the said town burgess and his wife Isabella. — 9 Edward III* Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of a tenement in English street in the town of Suthampton, by William le HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 01 Smale and his wife Isabella to John do Barflutt of the said town burgess and his wife Joan. 30 August, 9 Edward III. J)eed of gift and conveyance for ever ot certain tenements in the town of Suthampton, by Iiichard de Kingeston (rector of the church of St. Cross of Suthampton) to Nicholas Sampson and his wife Isabella. — 10 Edward III. Deed of quitclaim for nine years, in respect to a certain rent of nine shillings, by Stephen Lambard of Suthampton bur- gess and his wife Alice, to Robert de Portesmuth smith and his wife Alice and their son John. 6 February, 11 Edward III. — Deed of Mutual Release, between the Mayor and community of Winchester on the one part and the Mayor and community of Suthampton on the other part, for the determination of controversy. — 13 Edward III. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, b}^ John de Weston of Suthampton burgess to Richard le Ryder of the same town, 13 July, 13 Edward III. Indenture of agreement between Edward the Black Prince of the one part and Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warrewyk of the other part. — “ Ceste endenture faite perentre le noble et puissant seigneur Sire Edward eisnez filz an noble roi Dengleterre dues de Corne- waille Coumte de Cestre et Gardein Dengleterre dune part, et le noble home Monsieur Thomas de Beauchamp Coumt de Warrewyk dautre, tesmoigne qe le dit Coumt est demeure sur la garde de la ville de Suthampton come gardein de meisme la ville, a mettre le bien qil pourra pour la sauve garde dycelle du lundy prochein apres la feste de Seint Jake prochein apres la date de ceste jusqes a la fin dun quarter del an prochein ensuant plenerement accompli et auera le dit Coumte ovesque lui sur meisme la garde Cent homes darmes de queux il auera de ses gentz propres cynkante homes darmes lui meisme Coumt, un Baneret et dis Chivalers purvuant pour lui meisme et ses dites gentz darmes les gages Le Roi de de guerre accoustumez et auera aussi ovesqe lui sur meisme la garde Cent et vint Archers des queux le dit Coumt auera de ses soens propres guarante, checun de eux purvuant le jour trois deniers des queles gages aussbien des gentz darmes come des Archers il serra . . . . et paie pour un moys devant la meyn, et ensi de moys en moys devant la meyiq durant le terme susdit, et auera aussint le dit Coumt une commission sous le graunt seal notre Seigneur le Roi de suryeoir les gentz darmes et Archers le Priour del Hospital et les gentz darmes de Berks et autres qe seront en aide de la garde de la dite ville et de les punir quele heure qe defaulte y soit trove, et aussint de destreyndre les gentz qe solevent estre enhabitez en meisme la ville et qe se sount mayntenant retretz de retournir et de y demeurer enforcement selontz lour estat et en cas qils ne le voillent pas faire de seisir lour maisons rentes et autres possessions et touts lour biens et chateux deinz la ville en la meyn notre dit Seigneur le Roi, et aussi seront cynkant livres dargent ordinez et paiez en amendement de la dite ville et toute manere de garnesture des engins, espringals, arks, arbelastes, targes, launces et toute manere dautres engins demeuront en la dite ville pour la sauve g-arde dycelle et per endenteure, Et en cas qe les covenantz dusditz ne soient pas tenuz ne accompliz an dit Coumt, ou qe les enemys arrivent en Engleterre et demoererent a entencion de conquere par aillours il lirra bien a lui a departir de la dite ville ovesqes ses gentz susditz sannz reproeche et saunz efre enpescjie par notre Seigneur MSS. or the Town of Southampton. i 62 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. or the Town of Southampton. le Roi on nul de son conseil pour celle eneliaison, En tesmoignance de queux chose, les parties susdites ount a cest endenture entrechaunge- ablement mys lour seals. Don a Kenynglon le xiij jour de Juyl Lnn du regne le Roi Edward tierz apres le conquest treysime.” Also this roll : Nomina Militum horainum ad anna et sagittariorum in Comitia Thome de Bello Campo Comitis Warrewyk super salvam custodiam ville Suhampton. A xxv to Julii anno xiij usque xxv. diem Augusti proxime sequentem per xxxij dies, utroque die computato. Idem Comes Thomas do Astleye, Bannettus Johannes de Lysours Nicholaus Pecche Nicholaus de Charneles Nicholaus de Burnehy J>Milites. Johannes de Botiller j Johannes de Leukenore | Johannes Golafre I Nomina Armigerorum. Robert us le Zousche. Johannes le Despenser. Henricus le Mortymer. Willelmus de Hardeshulle. Johannes Haunsard. Willelmus de Shobyndone. Badulphus Basset. Willelmus de Lucy. Walterus le Blount. Fulco de Holcote. Thomas Folyot. Johannes de Harle. Nicholaus Gascoun. Thomas de Henle. Rogerus de Ledbury. Ricardus de Perytone. Ricardus Chamberleyn. Adam le Trompour. Thomas le Trompour. Walterus le Ken. Gilbertus Chastiloun. Stephanus de Dupham. Ricardus de Redynges. Hugo de Brornwyche. Robertus de Stretfeld. Ricardus de Hanford. Roger de Kenynton. Bertreamus de Wyme. Willelmus Ryuel. Nicholaus de Egebaston. * Johannes de Esenhall. Oliuerus de Brompton. Thomas de Burneby. Johannes Scot. Johannes Burdet. Willelmus Carles. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 63 Johannes de Milton. Radulphus Pecclie. Johannes de Yerdon. Johannes de Norden. Johannes Moreuille. Petrus de Wasseburne. By the side of this list on the same skin appears a similar list setting forth the “Nomina Saggittariorum.” Beneath these two lists appear : — Perticule computi Thome de Bello Campo Comitis Warrewyk de receptis et vadiis ipsius Comitis liominum suorum ad arma et sagit- tariorum in Comitia ejusdem Comitis super salva et secura custodia ville Suhampton super convencionem inter Ducem Cornubie tunc Custodem Anglic et dictum Oomitem per Indenturam inter eos con- fectam existentem et ad dictam villam Suhampton eommorantem, videlicet a xxv. die Julii anno xiii., scilicet die dominica in festo Sancti Jacobi vsque xxv. diem Augusti proxime sequentem per xxxii. dies, primo et ultimo die computato. Also, on another membrane (preserved in the same frame and under the same glass as the indenture and the already given schedule of names) t he “ Rotulus Nichotai atte Magdelene nuper Receptoris denariorum et victualium domini Regis apud Suhampton et Supervisoris Araia- menti et Retenementi hominum ad arma et sagittariorum existencium in Comitia domini Thome de Bello Campo Comitis Warrewyk tempore quo idem Comes habuit custodiam ville predicte ” ; setting forth the names, the men at arms, and the archers mentioned in the other roll. These writings came into the possession of the Corporation so recently as 1849, in which year Mr. R. Laishley, then Mayor of Southampton, bought them at a public sale and gave them to the town. — 13 Edward III. Deed of confirmation (of a deed of enfeoffment and conveyance of a piece of land in English Street in the town of Suthamptou by John de Weston to Thomas le Saghiere) by Joane the wife of the said John de Weston. — 14 Edward III. Deed of gift and conveyance of a “ celarium,” a shop and a piece of vacant ground in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Cristina la Rydar, formerly the wife of John le Barbyr deceased, to Richard Comyn of the said town burgess. — 14 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a “ celarium cum solario et petrina,” divers shops and a piece of ground &c. in the town of Suthampton, by John de Weston to Richard Comyn of the said town burgess. 14 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever, of a piece of land in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas le Saghiere to Richard Comyn of the said town burgess. — 14 Edward III. Deed of grant for life, in survivorship, of a mes- suage with places before and behind it in English Street in the town of Suthampton, to Augustine Burgeis and his wife Isabella, by William atte Burclie and his wife Isabella. — 14 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a piece of land in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John de Weston to Thomas Je Saghiar of the said town burgess. — 14 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to cer- tain shops, cellars, upper rooms, &c. in the town or suburb of the town of Suthampton, by John de Weston to Richard Comyn of the said town burgess. O MSS. op the Town op Southampton. i 64 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. or theTown of — *4 Edward III. Deed of gift for' ever of a 44 celarium ” shops and Southampton. messuages &c. in the town or suburb of the town of Suthampton, by Cristina la Bydare to Bichard Comyn of the said town burgess. — 16 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a piece of land in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Cristina widow of the late Philip de Baryngton to William Dolle of the said town butcher and burgess. — 17 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever, of “ a place ” with a curtilage in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John le Saddeler to Bobert le Suteler of the said town burgess. — 17 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever, of a messuage in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John deWatlyngton of New Sarum to John le Clerk mariner and his wife Alice. — 17 Edward III. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by Gilbert Auenal and his wife Alicia to John Segyn of Suthampton. — 17 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Joan de Weston widow, to Bichard Comyn of the said town burgess. — 18 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a place in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Nicholas Montdenard of the said town burgess to Bobert de Portesmuth of the same town smith. — 19 Edward III. Deed of gift, for life in survivorship, of two shops with a curtilage in Bole Street in the town of Suthampton, by Agnes le Smale to Nicholas Sampson the elder of the said town burgess and his wife Isabella. — 19 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a piece of vacant ground in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Nicholas Sampson. the elder of the said town burgess and his wife Isabella, to Thomas Wode- fold of the said town burgess and his wife Agnes. 6 March, 19 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a piece of land in “ Le Fisshchepyng ” of the town of Suthampton by Bobert Wrangy to his brother Nicholas Wrangy. 10 March, 19 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a pece of land in “ le Fysshchepynges ” in the town of Suthampton, by Bobert Wrangy to his brother Nicholas Wrangy of the said town burgess. 8 September, 19 Edward III. Deed of sale and conveyance for ever of a piece of vacant ground in the town of Suthampton, by Alice Segyn and her husband John Segyn to Bichard Comyn of the said town burgess. — 19 Edward III. Deed of conveyance for ever, of a piece of ground in the town of Suthampton, by John Segyn of the said town burgess and his wife Alicia, to Bichard Comyn of the said town burgess. — 19 Edward III. Deed of grant for life in survivorship, at a yearly rent of a red rose, of two shops with a curtilage in Bole Street in the town of Suthampton, to Nicholas Sampson the elder of the said town burgess and his wife Isabella, by Agneta daughter of William le Smale formerly burgess of the same town. — 19 Edward III. Deed of sale and conveyance for ever, of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, to Boger Godefrey of the said town burgess, by Henry de Chippenham parson HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 65 of the church of St. John of Suthampton and Adam Gondozar atte mss. Burche, executors of the testament of Isabella la Carter formerly the °s 0 ™HAMPToxf wife John le Carter formerly burgess of the same town. — — 20 Edward III. Deed of grant in fee-farm of a toft in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by William le Horder of the said town burgess and his wife Agnes, to Bichard Imberd burgess of the same town. — 20 Edward III. Deed of gift and conveyance, of a toft in the town to Suthampton, by Thomas Draycote chaplain, to John Barnabe of New Sarum and his wife Florence, and the heirs of her body. 20 March, 20 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a certain yearly rent of eight shillings, issuing out of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Laurence de Mes of the said town burgess and his wife Felicia, to Boger Godefrey burgess of the same town. — 22 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a “ celarium cum petrina” in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas de Draycote, chaplain, to John Consaill and John Barnabee of New Sarum. — 28 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John de Upton parson of the church of St. Cross in Suthampton, to Thomas le Gust of the said town burgess. — 32 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a piece of vacant land in French Street in the town of Suthampton, by Bobert Wrangy of the said town burgess, to Thomas de Kyngton clerk. — 33 Edward III. Copy of the deed of gift for ever of a “ celarium cum petrinis supra-edificatis ” and a toft in the town of Suthampton, by Bobert de Boict citizen of New Sarum and Edmund Wier clerk to Diehard le Sherere of the same city. 16 July, 34 Edward III. Deed of grant for life of all the lands and tenements at le Burchelonde, which descended to the grantor on the death of his father Edward atte Burch, by Bobert atte Burche to John Bolf and John le Pipere the younger. — 35 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of one-half of a messuage in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas Stride son of John Stride of Lemyngton to John Barfiet. — 36 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a piece of vacant land in the town of Suthampton by Thomas Dol to John Wytegode of the said town burgess. — 37 Edward III. Certificate and Memorandum of the imposition of the seal of the town of Suthampton upon certain writings of the conveyance of a tenement in English Street, in the town of Suthampton, made by Lucy daughter and heir of the late Bichard Comyn to Nicholas Langestoke of the said town burgess and his wife Cristina ; the sealing being done at the request of the said Lucy, after her declaration on oath that she was eighteen years old. 4 July, 37 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Lucy daughter of Bichard Comyn deceased to Nicholas Langestoke and his wife Cristina. — 37 Edward III. Acknowledgment of Lucy, daughter and heir of Bichard Comyn formerly of the, town of Suthampton burgess, for the payment of a sum of money (100/.) to Nicholas Langestoke of the said town burgess and his wife Cristina. U 24955. t? i 66 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. of the Town of Southampton. — 37 Edward III. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by Cristina, the wife of William Thorny of Hamele, of the town of Suthampton burgess, to Thomas le Gust burgess of the same town. — 37 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement with two vaults in the town of Suthampton, by Lucy, daughter and heir of Richard Comyn, to Nicholas Langestoke and his wife Cristina. — 40 Edward III. — Deed of grant in fee-farm of certain land called “ le Langlonde ” and a croft called “ Pillokes ” in the parish of Elyng, by Robert atte Burche and his wife Alice, to John Rolf and his wife Julian and to John Piper the younger and his wife Katherine. 11 April, 41 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Nicholas Sherwynde of the said town burgess, to John Polymound burgess of the same town. 25 September, 41 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of the house called “ Ronseval ” and other tenements, Ac. Ac. in the town of Suthampton, by Stephen Michel to John Bron and Nicholas Sherewynd of the said town burgesses. 31 December, 42 Edward III. Indenture of an agreement made at Earnham in the diocese of Winchester between ‘the Venerable Father and Lord, the lord William de Wykeham, bishop of Winchester, of the one part, and Edward Dieugard mayor of the town of Suthampton and John le Clerc the elder, John Wytegod, John Polymound and William Bacon the Scavini, and Roger Mascall and John Scarlet the bailiffs, and also Nicholas Langestoke the steward, and John Vissh, John le Clerc the younger, Henry Flemmyng, Adam Glouere, William Keruere, Nicholas Chapman, Richard Mey, William Malmeshulle, Nicholas Sher- wynd, Thomas Hanwode, William Bole, Gregory Gerard, Ralph Tayl- lour, Henry Staunford, Bartholomew Denys and Robert de Aulton burgesses, and the whole community of the town of Suthampton, of the other part. Witnessing, “ Quod cum dudum inter bone memorie domi- num Adomarium tunc Electum Wintonie et communitatem Burgensium ville composicio quedam facta fuisset super diversis ne mercimonia negociaciones seu merchandise alique victualibus diurnis dumtaxat exceptis in dicta villa Suthampton aut empcio seu vendicio eorum quovis modo fierent durante tempore feriarum sive Nundinarum ad montem Sancti Egidii juxta Wyntoniam prout in dicta composicione quam dictus Henricus Rex Anglie dicti domini nostri Regis .... per cartam suam confirmavit plenius continetur quarum quidem composicionis et confirmacionis tenores sequuntur in hec verba, Anno domini Millesimo ducentesimo quinquagesimo quarto die dominica proxima post Annun- ciacionem dominicam apud Merewell facta est composicio inter Venera- bilem patrem a dei gracia Wyntonie Electum ex parte una et communi- tatem Burgensium ville Suthampton ex altera, videlicet, Cum exorta fuisset contencio inter predictum dominum Electum et dictos Burgenses super vendicionibus empcionibus et rerum venalium mercandisis tronagio et pesagio earumdem que durantibus Nundinis Sancti Egidii in Monte a quocunque in villa de Suthampton exceptis victualibus fieri non debent, dicti Burgenses ac ipsorum tota communitas unacum consensu et spon- tanea voluntate consenserunt et consenciendo promiserunt quod decetero de quibusdam rebus venalibus aut mercandisis quocumque termino venientibus ad Viliam Suthampton occasione Nundinarum predictarum Sancti Egidii vel ipsarum Nundinarum de causa existentibus in eadem villa, nulla fiet vendicio aut empcio in dicta villa Suthampton per aliquem mercatorem sive de villa sive de extra exist’ durantibus Nun- dinis supradictis nisi de victualibus que licite vendi possunt, Nec aliquod HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 67 in eadem villa fieri debet tronagium aut pesagium dictarum rerum durantibus Nundinis prenotatis, Set omnes mercatores cum rebus suis venalibus et mercandisis predietis nundinis venientes ibidem et euro mercandisis occasione Nundinarum existentibus ibidem distringentur ad predictas Nundinas venire per catalla sua, quod si forsitan mercator ibi veniens cum rebus suis jurare voluerit se non ibidem venisse pro Nun- dinis aut occasione predictarum Nundinarum libere transeat recedat vel maneat sine compulsione aliqua veniendi ad Nundinas predictas dun- tamen durantibus dictis Nundinis nullam vendicionem in dicta villa faciat nisi de victualibus ut predictum est, Huic autem composi- cioni dicti Burgenses quantum in ipsis est consencientes ipsam observare et in nullo contravenire juramento prestito promiserunt jure domini Begis salvo cui per predictam composicionem nullum prejudicium generetur, In cujus rei testimonium nos Burgenses de Suthampton sigillum communitatis eiusdem ville presentibus literis fecimus apponi Dat’ die et anno supranominatis : Henricus dei gracia Bex Anglie &c. &c. salutem, Inspeximus composicionem factam inter Venerabilem patrem Adomarium Wyntonie Electum et communitatem Burgensium ville nostre Suthampton in hec verba anno domini Millesimo ducentesimo quinquagesimo quarto &c. &c. &c. Nos autem predictam composicionem ratam habentes et gratam earn predicto Electo Wyntonie et successoribus suis pro nobis et heredibus nostris concedimus et confirmamus sicut composicio predicta racionabiliter testatur, Hiis testibus &c. &c. Dat’ per manum nostram apud Westmonasterium vicesimo quarto die Aprilis anno regni nostri tricesimo nono ; and Witnessing further that the same aforesaid agreement was viewed subsequently by Thomas Noteshullyng late mayor of the said town of Suthampton and by Boger Norman and other burgesses of the said town, and was approved and confirmed by the same mayor and burgesses by letters sealed with the seal of the community of the said town ; which same letters (comprising the aforesaid agreement and confirmed by the present King of England) conclude with the following words, “ quam quidem composicionem ratificamus confirmamus et approbamus pro nobis heredibus et successoribus nostris et communitate predicta imperpetuum, Concedimus eciam pro nobis heredibus et successoribus nostris ac communitate predicta quod ista composicio bis in annum in ecclesia beate Marie Suthampton per precentorem dicte ecclesie legatur et pupplicetur, videlicet in festis dominice in Bands Palmarum et Assumpcionis beate Marie coram populo illuc ad processionem concurrente et sic imperpetuum de anno in annum pupplicetflr et legatur, In cujus rei testimonium sigillum communitatis nostre ville Suthampton et sigilla nostra presentibus sunt appensa. Datum apud Suthampton die lune in festo Sancti Nicholai anno domini millesimo CCC mo tricesimo tercio.” After these recitals of previous letters, the present indenture continues, “ Quibus quidem composicionibus et confirmacionibus iidem Edwardus Dieugard maior et Scabini Ballivi Senescallus ac ceteri burgenses predicti ac eciam communitas dicte ville Suthampton in presencia dicti domini Episcopi, domini Prioris Wyntonie Abbatis de Tychefeld, Dauid de Wollore Custodis rotulorum Cancellarie Begis, Ricardi de Rauensere Archidiaconi Lincolnie, dominorum Bernardi Brocas, Badulphi de Norton militum, Magistri Johannis Corf et Magistri Johannis Kelleseye notario- rum publicorum ac aliorum fidedignorum tarn de Comitatu Suthampton quam de Comitatu Sun*’ et Sussex fatebantur publice et expresse se contravenisse et eas violasse ac contra vim formam et effectual earundarum deliquisseeo quod tempore feriarumsive Nundinarum Sancti Egidii predicti ultimo preteritarum ministros Yenerabilis Patris domini Episcopi supra- dicti ad dictam villam Suthampton ad faciendum et exercendum officium MSS. of the Town of Southampton. MSS. of the Town of Southampton. t)8 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. eorundein pro Nundinis prodictis venientes contra dictas composiciones et confirmaciones ac libertatem ejusdem Episcopi impediverunt et sic deliquerunt propter quod iidem nunc Maior Scabini Ballivi Senescallus et ceteri Burgenses predicti vice et nomine eorundem ac tocius communitatis ejusdem ville Suthampton gracie et ordinacioni dicti domini Episcopi se simpliciter submiserunt et quadraginta dolia boni vini Yascon nomine emende pro delicto impedimento sive transgression e huiusmodi sibi pure ec spontanee optulerunt et concesserunt solvend’ eidem domino Episcopo ad terminum per ipsum limitandum juxta ipsius voluntatem et beneplacitum, Voliint insuper et concedunt dicti Maior Scabini Ballivi Seneschallus et ceteri Burgenses pro se et communitate predicta quod composiciones et comfirmacionespredictas de quibus supra fit mentio factas quatenus eos et eorum quemlibet ac heredes et successores suos ac terrarum et tenementorum suorum tenentes concernunt inviolabiliter observabunt et in nullo contravenire volunt nec contravenient in futuro Item volunt et concedunt prefati nunc Maior Scabini Ballivi et alii predicti pro se et communitate predicta ac heredibus successoribus et terrarum et tenementorum suorum tenentibus quod Prefatus Episcopus et successores sui Episcopi Winlonie singulis annis imperpetuum libere habeat seu habeant unum ballivum sive ministrum quern duxerint seu duxerit deputandum ad interessendum morandum et videndum in villa Suthampton predicta pro toto tempore feriarum sive nundinarum pre- dictarum ne alique empciones seu vendiciones ibidem fiant victualibus .... dumtaxat exceptis et ad facienda attacliiamenta et aresta omminoda et plenariam execucionem de omnibus supradictis et ad seisiendum et eapiendum in manus dicti domini Episcopi omnes forisfacturas ad ipsum in hac parte pertinentes si que fuerint vel acciderint et eas extra dictam villam abducendum et asportandum ad opus predicti Episcopi et sue- cessorum suorum absque impedimento seu contradiccione predictorum Maioris Scabinorum Ballivorum Senescalli aut aliorum Burgensium seu communitatis ejusdem ville Suthampton, heredum vel successorum suorum aut alicujus eorundem ; Et si contingat quod ipsos Maiorem Scabinos Ballivos et alios predictos seu communitatem ejusdem ville "Suthampton aut aliquem eorundem vel heredes successores aut terrarum et tenementorum suorum tenentes aut aliquem eorundem in premissis vel aliquo premissorum infuturum delinquere seu presenti composicioni aut aliis composicionibus et confirmacionibus predictis in aliquo contravenire, quod absit, tunc volunt et concedunt iidem nunc Maior Scabini Ballivi Senescallus Burgenses et communitas ejusdem ville Suthampton pro se heredibus ac successoribus suis ac terrarum et tenementorum suorum tenentibus quod quociens ipsi vel eorum aliquis sic deliquerit vel con- travenerit seu contravenerint aut deliquerint tociens penam mille mar- carum erga dictum dominum Episcopum et successores suos incurrant soluendarum eidem Episcopo aut successoribus suis Episcopis Wyntonie apud Wolveseye infra tres menses a tempore hujusmodi delicti aut transgressionis facte absque contradiccione seu dilatione ulteriori, Ad quam quidem summam mille marcarum terminis diebus et loco predictis ut premittitur fideliter solvendarum iidem nunc Maior Scabini Ballivi seu Burgenses et communitas dicte ville Suthampton obligant se heredes et suc- cessores suos ac terrarum et tenementorum suarum tenentes, necnon terras tenementa bona et catalla sua mobilia et immobilia quecunque prefato domino Episcopo et successoribus suis Episcopis Wyntonie imperpetuum Volunt insuper predicti nunc Maior Scabini &c., &c., &c. quod annuatim die dominica ante festum Sancti Egidii et die domimca proxima post festum in ecclesia Sante Crucis ac in plena Curia Suth- ampton .... fieri faciant publicam proclamacionem inter eos dum major pars populi ibidem fuerint de predictis composicionibus . . HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 69 . . . ne de eis aliquis pretendere possit ignoranciam in futurum, Et MSS. preter hoc anuis singulis imperpetuum die dominica in Ramis Palmarum 0 so^thamptok et in festo Assumpcionis beate Marie Yirginis in ecclesia beate Marie — ■ Suthampton ad majorem noticiam premissorum publicari facient coram populo omnia et singula contenta in composicionibus et confirmacionibus memoratis Et ad omnia et singula premissa fideliter tenenda etobservanda &c. &c. prefati nunc Maior Scabini et alii superius nominati nichilomhms sacrosanctis dei evangeliis . corporali juramento se astrinxerunt et realiterjuraverunt in presencia dictorum Prioris Abbatis Dauid Archidiaconi Bernardi Radulphi et notariorum predictorum et aliorum plurimorum &c. &c. Sealed with the seals (fragments of them remaining) of the Bishop aforesaid William of Wykeham and the chapter of Winchester. 26 May, 42 Edward HI. Deed of gift for ever of certain lands and tenements &c. within the liberty of the town of Suthampton, by Bar- tholomew Denys, Henry Goteberd and Nicholas Tanner, executors of tbe will of Christina formerly the wife of Nicholas Moundebird, to Roger Mascal ; a yearly rent of six marks being reserved to the said Bar- tholomew Denys during his life. — 43 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of two “ celaria cum solariis ” in Bole Street in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas Chapelyn citizen of New Sarum, to Robert Bechefont of Suthampton burgess. 6 February, 43 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to an annual rent, by John London the younger of Hardebrugge and his wife Agnes, to William le Carpynter of the same town. 8 October, 46 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a piece of garden in the town of Suthampton by John Barflett to John atte Bere of the said town burgess. 25 March, 46 Edward III. Deed of grant in fee-farm of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John le Clerk the elder of the said town burgess to William Walderne citizen of London. — 46 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all actions &c., by Henry Cantebrigge, citizen and merchant of London, to his late servant William Raueneston. — 47 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever, by the Mayor and com- munity of the town of Suthampton to the Friars Minors of the said town, of a certain house which the said Friars have lately built for the defence of the said town. — 47 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all actions &c., by Simon Clerk of Lymington merchant to Thomas le Gust of Suthampton merchant. 20 September, 48 Edward III. Deed of the grant, for life in survivor- ship, of a messuage in English Street in the town of Suthampton, to Roger Mascal and his wife Felicia, by John Polymound. 6 October, 48 Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Walter Lange of the said town and his wife Joan, to William Bacon burgess of the said town and to the grantor’s uncle, Thomas Lange. 18 October, 49 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to certain tenements and shops &c., within the liberty of the town of Suthampton, by William Malmeshull, son of William Malmeshull, of the- said town burgess, to his said father. i MSS. os' che Town oe Southampton. 70 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. — 49 Edward III. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to certain tenements and shops in the town of Suthampton, by William Fysmark to his brother John Fysmark. 12 April, 51 Edward III. Indenture of an agreement, made between Nicholas Sherewynd and John Polymound, burgesses of Suthampton : Having reference to the grant and conveyance of a tenement in English Street in the said town by the said Nicholas to the said John ; and also having reference to two writings of Statute Merchant, by which the said Nicholas is bound in 120/. to Stephen Haym and Nicholas le Taillour of New Sarum citizens, and in 20 marks to William Shyringliam of London. — Edward III. Deed of Conveyance of a Capital Tenement in French Street in the town of Suthampton, by John le Long, son and heir of Henry le Long formerly of the said town burgess, to Hugh Sampson burgess of the same town. — Edward III. Acknowledgment by Lucy, daughter and heir of Richard Comyn formerly burgess of Suthampton, of the payment in full made to her for a tenement in the said town, sold by her to Nicholas Langestoke burgess of the same town and his wife Cristina. — Edward III. Deed of gift for ever of a“celarium cum duabus petrinis” in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Lucy Fortyn, formerly wife of the late Robert de Bareflut, to her daughter Rosia. — Edward III. (?). Deed of gift for ever of a tenement in Symen- lestrete in the town of Suthampton, by Nicholas le Ride de Weston and his wife Margery, to John Wadhorn of Suthampton. — Edward III. (?). Deed of gift for ever of a “celarium cum duabus petrinis, &c.” in English Street in the town- of Suthampton, by Theobald le Walsman and his wife Rosia to Nicholas de Moundenard of the said town burgess. — Richard II. Indenture of concession that should Nicholas Sher- wynd of Suthampton burgess pay the sum of 63/. 6s. 8 d. to Roger Mascal and John Pembrok rector of St. John’s church in the said town, or to either of them, at or before the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle next to come, the deed, whereby the said Nicholas has given to the same Roger and John a certain tenement with a curtilage in English Street in Suthampton, shall be void. 1 April, 2 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement with ap- purtenances in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Roger Mascal of the said town burgess and John Pembrok parson of St.John’s church in the same town, to John Flete and John Swofham of the said town burgesses. 19 February, 2 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in re- spect to all causes of action, &c., by Nicholas Sherwynd to Walter Lange of the town of Suthampton burgess and to his wife Joan, execu- trix of the testament of Thomas Gust. 8 June, 2 Richard II. Grant in fee-farm of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John Barflet of the said town bur- gess to John Atte Bere burgess of the same town. 25 November, 2 Richard II. Deed of Grant in fee-farm of a tene- ment with a curtilage in Estrete in the town of Suthampton by Wil- liam Malmeshull the Mayor and by the Community of the said town to John Dounton weaver. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION, 71 7 July, 3 Richard II. Deed of gift of a tenement in English Street MSS. in the town of Suthampton, by William Bacon junior burgess of the IfouTHAMmwf said town and Thomas Lange of Weymouth, to Walter Lange of Suth- — amp ton and his wife Joan. 0 October, 3 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Roger Mascal of the said town burgess and his wife Felicia to John Clerot of Lymyngton. 6 October, 3 Richard II. Letters of attorney, for livery of seisin, by John Clerot of Lymington to Nicholas Chapman and Thomas Baw of the town pf Suthampton burgesses. 14 June, 3 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of a piece of vacant ground in English Street in the town of Suthampton, together with a rent from two shops, &c., by John atte Bere of Suthampton burgess to Roger Mascal of the same town. 16 June, 3 Richard II. Bond of John atte Bere of the town of Suthampton merchant for the payment of 80/. to Roger Mascal. 17 June, 3 Richard II. Condition of the bond of John atte Bere of Suthampton for the payment of 80/. to Roger Mascal of the same town. — 3 Richard II. Bond of Roger Mascal of the town of Suthampton burgess for the pajunent of seventy pounds to John le Clerot of Lemyng- ton. — 3 Richard II. Bond of Roger Mascal of Suthampton for the pay- ment of 70/. to John le Clerke of Lemyngton. — 3 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John Flete and John Swafham of the said town burgesses, to Roger Mascal burgess of the same town and his wife Felicia. 6 March, 4 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to lands and tenements &c. in the town of Suthampton, by Nicholas Chapman and two others to John-atte-Bere of Suthampton burgess. 1 February, 4 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of all his lands and tenements &c. within the town of Suthampton and the suburbs thereof, by John-atte-Bere of the said town burgess to John Baillif of Lymyngton, Nicholas Chapman of Suthampton burgess and William Underleche of the last-named town chaplain. 6 July, 4 Richard II. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by John atte Bere of the town of Suthampton burgess to Thomas de Mid- lyngton. 4 July, 5 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a piece of vacant ground in English Street in the town of Suthampton, together with a certain rent, by Roger Mascal to John-atte-Bere of the said town burgess. 9 July, 5 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of divers tenements, a piece of vacant ground and a rent in the town of Suthampton, by John atte Bere of the said town burgess to Robert Parker rector of the church of St. Lawrence of the said town and John Pembrok rector of the church of St. John of the same town and William Underleche chaplain. 20 October, 5 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of a piece of vacant ground in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas-atte- Grene of the town of Burdegal burgess to Roger Mascal burgess of Suthampton. 2 - MSS. of the Town oe Southampton. 72 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION* 20 January, 5 Richard II. Deed of grant in fee-farm, at a yearly rent of twenty-four shillings, of a piece of ground and a certain rent, by Robert Parker rector of the church of St. Lawrence and John Pem- brok rector of the church of St. John in the town of Suthampton and William Underleche of the same town chaplain, to Sir Thomas Beu- champ, knt. 26 April, 6 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to> all lands and tenements &c. in the town of Suthampton, formerly belonging to Nicholas atte More of the said town burgess deceased, by Edith atte Weye, executrix of the testament of the said Nicholas, to John Flete of the said town burgess. 22 May, 6 Richard II. Letters (French) of attorney, to receive money of Johan at Bere of Suthampton burgess and merchant, by Roger Mascall of the same town burgess and merchant, to Sir Thomas Beu- champ knt. 14 February, 7 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of a piece of vacant ground in French Street in the town of Suthampton by Thomas Hoore esq. the King’s serjeant-at-arms, to John Poly mound of the said town burgess. 9 January, 8 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of certain lands and tenements in the liberty of the town of Suthampton by John atte Bere of the said town burgess to Sir Thomas Beauchamp knt. 31 January, 8 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all actions &c., by Robert Felde of London merchant to William Raueneston of Suthampton merchant. 25 April, 8 Richard II. Deed of grant in fee-farm of a piece of vacant ground in the street called “ Fysschepyng ” in the town of Southampton, by William Malmeshull to Roger Claidon of the said town burgess. 18 September, 9 Richard II. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by John atte Bere of Suthampton burgess, to Sir Thomas Beauchamp knt. 28 February, 10 Richard II. Deed of release, in respect to ail actions, &c., by Richard Hewet of Heanslape draper and William Smeth of Castelthorp, to William Newey late of Raueneston and now of Suthampton. 8 January, 11 Richard II. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of a tenement in Suthampton called “ le Runsival ” by John Bechefont, William Tuderlegh and William Weston, to Robert Bechefont of Sarum citizen. 20 June, 11 Richard II. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever of a tenement in the parish of St. Michael in the town of Suthampton, called “ Le Ronceval ” by Robert Bechefont of the said town burgess to John Syward, John Frome and Thomas Huse. 18 March, 12 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all causes of action &c., by Joan Yont to William Raueneston of the town of Suthampton burgess. — March, 13 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all causes of action &c, by Henry Cantebrigge citizen of London to William Raueneston of Suthampton. — 14 Richard II. Lease (French) for an entire year of the customs of their town (by land as well as by water), by the Mayor and com- munity of the town of Southampton to Thomas Appelby merchant of the same town. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 73 — 15 Richard II. Lease by Robert Tanner of the town of Suth- ^ TH ^|owir or ampton burgess and his wife Alice, to Walter Reygate of the same town Southampton burgess and his wife Juliana, of lands and tenements &c., in the said town, for the term of the life of the said Alice. 28 February, 15 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas de Midlyngton, John Skarlet and Thomas Bau of the said town burgesses, to Geoffrey Waldern of London citizen. 2 March, 15 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Richard Godfrey of the said town burgess, to Geoffrey Waldern of London citizen. 5 March, 15 Richard II. Acknowledgment of Richard Godfray of the town of Suthampton mercer of the payment of 40/. by Geoffrey Walderne of London citizen and mercer. — 16 Richard II. Deed of grant for life, in survivorship, by John Polymound of the town of Suthampton burgess, of a tenement in English Street in the said town, to Geoffrey Yeel of the same town, his wife Margery, and their sons Thomas and John. 21 November, 16 Richard II. Deed of sale and conveyance of a messuage in the town of Suthampton, by William Malmeshulle of the said town burgess, to Walter Reigate and John Botiller burgesses of the same town ; power being reserved to the said William to redeem the said messuage by paying the said Walter and his wife Alice sixteen marks on or before a certain day. 22 January, 16 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement with two vaults in English Street in the town of Suth- ampton, by Richard Holle of Westcosham to Nicholas Langestoke of Suthampton burgess. 27 May, 17 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to two tenements in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by William Brugges and Gilbert Herry of the said town chaplains and Thomas Bromle and Thomas Briklyngseie burgesses of the same town, to John Deryng of the same town burgess. 5 March, 17 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all causes of action &c., by Robert Warmer, Master of a ship called “ la Cristofre of Yepiswiche,” to Robert Pole and William Waryn, merchants of New Sarum. 7 August, 18 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all causes of action &c., by Walter Lange of the town of Suthampton burgess to William Nicoll of the same town. 24 May, 19 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement with appur- tenances in the High Street of Suthampton (“ in summo vico ”) by John Clerk of Lemyngton to John Bolt, Thomas Emmori, John Garston and Robert Notyere. — 19 Richard II. Acknowledgment (French) by Margaret widow of the late John Slegh and executrix of his will, that she has received 12/. of William Rauenston of the town of Suthampton. 24 May, 19 Richard II. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by John Clerk of Lemyngton to Thomas Marleburgh and William Rauenes- ton of the town of Suthampton. 1 February, 19 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all actions &c., by John-atte-Well to William Raueneston of the town of Suthampton burgess. 74 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OP THE TOW OP Southampton. I October, 20 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a u celarium cum petrina et placea terre ” in the town of Suthampton, by William Brugis and Gilbert Harry chaplains to William Nicholl and his wife Elena. 20 October, 20 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of a 44 celarium cum petrina suprasita et placea terre vacue ” in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas Midlyngton and Alexander Dey (executors of the testament of John Polymond deceased), to William Nicholl and his wife Elena. 6 May, 20 Richard II. Indenture of Apprenticeship whereby William Lange, son of Adam Lange of Emmesworthe, co. Suthampton, bound himself as an apprentice for six yeers to John Lange of the town of Suthampton cordwaner. — 20 Richard II. Indenture of a Final Concord made between John the Prior and convent of St. Denis near Suthampton of the one part, and William Maple and the community of the town of Suthampton of the other part. Whereby it was agreed amongst other things that the tenants of the said Prior and Convent 44 apud villatam de Porteswoda commoraturi facient seetas suas semel vel bis annuatim ad visus franc* pleg* tenendos per Maiorem et ballivos ville predicte vel successores suos apud le Cutthorn vel alibi,” all amerciaments, fines, forfeitures &c. arising thereat from the said tenants being divided between the two parties to the present agreement, in the proportion of two-thirds thereof to the Mayor and Convent and the remaining one-third thereof to the said Mayor bailiffs and community ; and that towards all fifteenths raised within the same town and its liberties, the said Prior and Convent shall be contributories thereto with the said Mayor and community, contri- buting (for the rent held by them, the said Prior and Convent in the said town, and for their said tenants at Porteswode) 44 ad quamlibet quintam decimam viginti sex solidos et octo denarios sterlingorum, ad mediam vero quintam- decimam tresdecim solidos et quatuor denarios sterlingorum ; ” and further that the said Prior and Convent shall not exact aught from the same Mayor and community &c. 44 nomine pro quodam annuali redditu quadraginta solidorum et quatuor denariorum unde triginta duos solidos et duos denarios pro lepriosis ville Suthamp- ton et octo solidos et duos denarios sterlingorum in terra de Suthwykes juxta Porteswodam &c.” 20 May, 20 Richard II. Bond of Sir Ralph Whitehors knt. of the county of Surrey for the payment of forty shillings sterling to Richard Llyderowe esquire. — 21 Richard II. Deed of release and "quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Joan, widow of John-atte-Bere deceased, to Walter Lange of the said town burgess. — 21 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Nicholas Chapman of the said town burgess to Walter Lange and Joan his wife. 20 October, 21 Richard II. Letters of attorney, for livery of seisin, by John Bolt, Thomas Emory, John Garston and Robert Notyere to John Pengeston. 31 October, 21 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement in the High Street (in summo vico) of the town of Suthampton, by John Bolt, Thomas Emory, John Garston and Robert Notyere, to Walter Lange of Suthampton and his wife Joan. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 75 ' 27 November, 21 Richard II. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to lands and tenements in the town of Suthampton, by Lucy, widow of John Clerk of Lemyngfcon deceased, to Walter Lange of Suthampton burgess. 10 September, 23 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of lands and tenements in the town of Suthampton, by John Towy of the said town, to John Barflet of the same town burgess. - — 23 Richard II. Letters of attorney, for livery of seisin, by Thomas Spicer of Southampton to John Hampton and Thomas Hele. — 23 Richard II. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement in the town of Suthampton by Thomas Spicer of the said town to Thomas Couentre. 23 March, 2 Henry IY. Deed of gift for ever of two tenements in English Street in the town of Suthampton by Philipp Fritewell chaplain to John Deryng of the said town burgess. 30 March, 2 Henry IY. Deed of gift for ever of two contiguous tenements in English Street in the town of Suthampton by Walter Lude rector of the church of St. Michael in the said town to John Boteller burgess of the same town. 10 May, 2 Henry IY. Indenture of a curious agreement (by way of a marriage settlement), made between William Lelham “ dominum de Grove ” and his wife Cecilia of the one part, and John Benet of Oxford cook of the other part, in anticipation of the marriage of William Lelham (son and heir of the aforesaid William) with Juliana, daughter of the said John Benet. — Witnessing (1) That William Lelham the son will take for his wife the said Juliana, with whom the said John will deliver to the said William Lelham the father and to his wife Cecilia twenty marks of silver, forty shillings thereof to be paid in hand, and the remainder in sums of six shillings and eightpence each to be paid on the next ensuing feasts of St. Thomas the Apostle, the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, the Nativity of John the Baptist and of St. Michael the Archangel, and so on year by year till the completion of the payment of the said twenty marks, it being provided that should the said William Lelham the son die within five years of the agreement the said John shall be under no obligation to pay another instalment of 6s. 8 d., but shall, on the contrary be repaid by the said William the father and his wife Cecilia all moneys rendered by him (the said John) towards the pay- ment of the said twenty marks; (2) That the said John Benet will enfeoff the said William Lelham the younger and his wife Juliana in three several tenements lying in Oxford, to hold the same to them and their heirs, the lawful issue of the contemplated marriage, under conditions hereafter set forth ; it being provided that, in case Juliana should die without issue, one of the tenements should remain to the said William the younger and his right heirs, the other two tenements reverting to the aforesaid John Benet his heirs and assigns; (3) That the said John for the eight years next following the date of the present indenture at his costs and charges shall entertain the said William the younger and J uliana and all children begotten between them, and provide them with all necessaries, receiving however during the same eight years the rents and profits of the said three tenements, towards the maintenance of the said William and Juliana and their children ; and (4) that on the departure of the said William and Juliana with their children at the end of the said term of eight years from his house to a house of their own, the aforesaid John Bennet cook will provide them with one bed provided with blankets, sheets and all other furniture needful for the same bed, one vessel for water with a wine-vase, two table cloths with MSS. or the Town of Southampton. I MSS. of the Town of Southampton. 76 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. two towels (ij mappas cum ij tuall) twelve silver spoons, two cups, two brass pots, one { chawfre,* four plates, one dozen of vessels for gar- nishing the supper, two salts, and two candlesticks. — 3 to 4 Henry IV. Bill (French) of Costs and Charges, headed “ Ceux sount lez expensez faictz par John’ Meyr par dvversez temps entour lez pleez et bosoignez de Geflr’ Gatton, Isold sa femme et John* Horder et William Horder et le dit John Meyr lan du regne von Henry le iiij e iij et le quart.** — 3 Henry IV. Acknowledgment of William Parkens of London citizen and mercer^ that he has received 61. of William Raueneston of Suthampton. 3 July, 3 Henry IV. Acknowledgment of Henry Hyndelay that he has received 50 marks of William Rauyneston. — 3 Henry IV. Lease for ten years of a messuage in the High Street of the town of Suthampton, by Joan Tylby widow to John Jamys of the said town merchant. 7 January, 4 Henry 4. Deed of release and quit-claim, in respect to all causes of action &c., by John Coombe the younger of London clerk to John Therne of the same city goldsmith. 6 February, 4 Henry IV. Letters Certificatory touching the Beam of the Wools in the port of Suthampton by “ Alexander Dey executor testamenti Johannis Polymound et nuper clericus ejusdem Johannis et Willelmus Rosyng nuper deputatus Roberti Lyncoln nuper Custodis Trabis lanarum in portu ville Suthampton.” — 4 Henry IV. Lease for twenty years, at a yearly rent of a red rose, of a tower over the Watyrgate of the town of Suthampton and of another tower contiguous thereto, by Thomas Mi dlyngton mayor and the community of the said town to William Raueneston. 4 October, 5 Henry IV. Deed of release and quit-claim, in respect to a tenement in Bovebarrestret in the town of Suthampton, by Amice Malmeshull widow to Walter Lange of the said town burgess. 14 March, 5 Henry IV. Deed of release and quit-claim, in respect to a certain yearly rent of 8s., by Amice widow of the late William Malmeshull to Walter Lange burgess of Suthampton. 4 June, 5 Henry IV. Acknowledgment of Henry Popliam esq. that he has received of Richard Bradewey, Steward of the town of Suthampton, 81. 13s. 3d. “ pro medietate subsid’d.” 19 June, 5 Henry IV. Acknowledgment of John Pegest of Cornwall, that he is indebted and bound in the sum of 12/. to John Therne gold- smith, John Talkarne tailor, and John Sutton hosier, all three of London. 16 September, 5 Henry IV. Letters of Exemplification under the Mayoral seal of the town of Bristol, of a certain wilting under the seal of the town of Suthampton, fixing the tolls and customs, to be paid by men of Bristol on merchandize brought by them into Suthampton. 28 April, 6 Henry IV. Acknowledgment (French) of Henry Pop- ham that he has received 10/. from Thomas Appleby, in part payment of twenty marks. 1 June, 6 Henry IV. Bond of Margaret Alond of Suthwerk for the payment of 26 shillings and 8 pence to John Therne of London, citizen and goldsmith. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 77 — , 6 Henry IY. Deed of sale and conveyance of “ duo celaria cum una petrina” in the town of Suthampton, by Alexander Dey of the said town burgess, to William Nicoll burgess of the same town. 8 June, 6 Henry IV. Lease for twenty years of a messuage &c. in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John Bardete to Adam Merrish. 3 March, 7 Henry IY. Bond of Thomas Couentre for the payment of ten marks to William Rauenston and his wife Alice. 4 March, 7 Henry IY. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement in Suthampton by Thomas Couentre of Oxford to William Rauenston and his wife Alice. 5 March, 7 Henry IY. Indented memorandum of the delivery of divers charters and other muniments by Thomas Couentre and John Spicer, to William Rauenston and his wife Alice. — 7 Henry IY. Licence to the Mayor and Community of Suthamp- ton, to buy and sell within their town during the fairs of St. Giles {super montem sancti Egidii juxta Wyntoniam), granted by Richard Wyot (Steward of the lord Henry Beaufort bishop of Winchester, and Justiciar of the same bishop’s pavilion on the hill of St. Giles of Winchester) and Simon Membury, Treasurer of the same bishop’s palace of Wolveseye. — 8 Henry IY. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a rent of 4s. to be had yearly of a tenement in the suburb of Suthampton, called “ Abovebarestret,” by Benedict Flemyng of tlie said town burgess and John son of the said Benedict, to Michael Goos and his wife Isabella. 24 May, 8 Henry IY. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Gilbert Herry to William Rauenston and his wife Alice. — 10 Henry IY. Letters of Attorney dated by Roger Randolf to Richard Stydulf. 10 October, 11 Henry IY. Indenture of an agreement between Thomas Godynton alias Gotton of the Isle of Wight and Margaret Tanks widow, for the satisfaction of the said Margaret in respect to the said Thomas’s bond for the payment of 100/. to the same Margaret. 20 September, 11 Henry IY. Deed of grant for life in survivorship, of a tenement in French Street in the town of Suthampton, by John Beneyt the Mayor and the community of the said town, to Thomas Patryche of the same town “ bowyar ” and his wife Cristina. 20 September, 11 Henry I Y. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement and a piece of land in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas Chamberlain clerk to William Rauenston of the said town and his wife Alice. 9 July, II Henry IY. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all causes of action, &c., by Anabil Sopply of Tychefeld to William Raueneston of the town of Suthampton burgess. — 11 Henry IY. Bond of John de Nobyll of Florence for the payment of 40s. to William Kyngesmyll of London, citizen. 3 October, 12 Henry IV. Acknowledgment of Thomas Marleburgh, executor of the testament of Alexander Dey of Suthampton, burgess, that he has received of John Dygill and his wife Agnes 33 shillings and 1 d. in part payment of a yearly rent of ten marks. MSS. of the Town of Southampton a MSS. of the Town of Southampton. 78 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 11 October, 12 Henry IY. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by William Raueneston of the said town burgess and his wife Alice, to Henry Somer, Mark le Fayre, citizens of Winchester, and Henry Holewey, Thomas Armorer, burgesses of Suthampton, Richard Wollopp and Richard Spencer of New Sarum, William Picard citizen of London, and Gilbert Thurlbern, clerk. 12 October, 12 Henry IY. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement and “ petrina cum selario ” in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas Marie- burgh of the said town and William Rede of Bottelee, to William Nicholl of Suthampton, burgess. 20 October, 12 Henry IY. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by William Rede of Bottele to Thomas Marleburgh of Suthampton. 20 November, 12 Henry IY. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in French Street in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas Marleburgh of the same town burgess and William Rede of Bottelee, to William Nicoll burgess of the same town. 8 February, 12 Henry IV. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect of all causes of action &c., by John Coombe clerk to John Therne of London, citizen and goldsmith. — 12 Henry IY. Deed of gift for ever, of all his goods and chattels, by John Therne of London citizen, to John Garton, Esq. and Richard Felmonger of Southwerk. — 12 Henry IY. Grant (French) of pardon of a trespass in respect td a pipe of wine by Thomas Beaufort, A_dmiral of England and Ireland and Captain of the “ Chastell de Calais,” to William Berman of Crofton, Dated from London. 5 June, 13 Henry IV. Acknowledgment of Thomas Marlburgli, executor of the testament of Alexander Dey late of Suthampton, deceased, that he has received 33s. 4 d. of Michael Gos and his wife Isabella. 27 September, 13 Henry IY. Deed of gift for ever of a piece of land in French Street in the town of Suthampton, by John Selder to William Nicoll of the said town, burgess. 21 October, 13 Henry IY. Deed of gift for ever of a tenement with appurtenances in Suthampton, by John Mundy to John Mascall of the said town burgess. 30 October, 13 Henry IV. Acknowledgment of Thomas Leynt- wardyn clerk, that he has received 100 shillings of John Nylewyn. — 13 Henry IY. Acknowledgment of Methem Goos of the town of Suthampton burgess, that he has received 33 s. 4 d. from John Dygill of the same town. 27 November, 13 Henry IY. Charter-party, made and sealed by William Nycoll and Wylliam Soper of Southampton, merchants, and Geffroy de Fonille, Master of the vessel “ le Vessel de Saynt Gabrieli de Vimers de Hirell en Bretaigne.” 10 March, 13 Henry IY. Bond of John Wulf of the town of Suthampton, burgess, for the payment of 10/. to James Seye, citizen and merchant of New Sarum. 30 March, 1 Henry V. Letters of Exemplification, under the official seal of Henry Holewey, mayor of the town of Suthampton, of the Letters of Free Passage and Safe Conduct, for an entire year, dated HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 79 31 August, 13 Henry IV., by Thomas Earl of Dorset and Admiral of England and Ireland, for Oublet Burgus of Harfleu in Normandy, prisoner of Thomas Codeworth of Weymouth, at whose request are granted the said letters of Free Passage and Safe Conduct, which empower the said Oublet Burgus to cross the seas from whatever port he may choose, in the execution of his own affairs, and within the said year to return either in person or by attorney, in a vessel of 40 tons burden, manned with seven seamen and freighted with merchandise of his own selection, and to dispose of the same freight for his own profit and advantage. 25 November, 1 Henry V. Bond of John Shopper of New Sarum mercer, for the payment of 5 marks 3 shillings and 4 pence to Clarice Pecock of Southwerk. -r- 1 Henry V. Lease for ten years, of a piece of vacant ground in Bole Street in the town of Suthampton, by the Mayor and community of the said town to Walter Fetplace of the same town burgess. 6 January, 3 Henry V. Deed of gift for ever, of lands and tenements &c. in the town of Suthampton, by John Barnabe of New Sarum to his son John Barnabe. 7 April, 5 Henry V. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by Richarde de Towne to Thomas Belle and Benedict Wychford. 27 April, 5 Henry V. Deed of gift for ever, of the moiety of a tenement with appurtenances in the town of Suthampton, by Robert de Bercroft and his wife of Joan, to William Nycoll of the said town burgess. 15 May, 5 Henry V. Deed of gift for ever, of the half of a certain tenement with the whole of a certain vault in the town of Suthampton, by William Nycoll of the said town burgess and Richard de Towne, to Robert de Bercroft and his wife Joan. 15 May, 5 Henry V. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by Richard de Towne to Thomas Belle and Benedict Wichford. 17 January, 5 Henry V. Deed of gift for ever, of certain tenements in the town of Suthampton, by Robert Hayne, Henry Swanlond, Thomas Selby, William Breeme and Thomas Cosyns, to Adam Merreysh of the said town burgess and his wife Joan. 28 April, 6 Henry V. Letters of attorney, for livery of seisin, by Thomas, Duke of Exeter, &c., to Thomas Soper of Suthampton burgess and Thomas Clere. 28 April, 6 Henry V. Deed of gift and conveyance by Thomas, Duke of Exeter &c., of certain lands and tenements &c. in the town of Suthampton, which came to His Grace of the gift and feoffment of Thomas Apulby late of the said town burgess, to Roger Whelpedale, Philip Caxton, Richard Barbour, William Rotheram and Thomas Erelond ; To hold during the life of the wife of John Pole of the said town burgess. 7 May, 6 Henry V. Acknowledgment by Thomas Andrew of Herwych co. Essex, merchant, that he has received 10/. of William Nicoll burgess and merchant of the town of Suthampton. 28 June, 6 Henry V. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all causes of action &c. by John Dunster, formerly servant of William Rauenston of the town of Suthampton burgess, to Alice (widow of the said William) and William Rownhale clerk, executors of the testament of the said William Rauenston. MSS. of the Toww oi Southampton. I 80 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. op the Town of Southampton. 3 October, 8 Henry V. Copy of a Deed of grant for ever, by John Horewode, Warden of the Friars Minors of the town of Suthampton, and by the convent of the said Friars Minors, of their rights in their Conduit, Conduit-Head and Pipes, to the Mayor and Community of the said town. — A translation into English of this Latin deed (which was dated on 3 October, 8 Henry V) may be found in Speed’s MS. “ History of Southampton.” 1 August, 9 Henry V. Deed of gift for ever, of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Joan formerly the wife of William Webbe deceased, to her son Henry Cayme. 1 August, 9 Henry V. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by Joan, formerly the wife of William Webbe of Bronmore, to Thomas Frelond of the town of Suthampton burgess and John Fraunceys of the same town. 4 August, 9 Henry Y. Deed of gift for ever, of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Henry Cayme of Fordyngbrygge to John Sampson of Suthampton burgess. (15th century). Letters of Attorney (sealed with the seal of the alderman of the guild of St. George of Northampton) by Thomas Saxby of Northampton merchant, to Christopher Ambrose and John Warde merchants of the town of Sothampton ; empowering the said Christopher and John to demand and recover from Lewse Spenell and Antone Stapherson merchants of Jene the sum of 60/. due from the said Genoese merchants to the said Thomas Saxby. No date. — 1 Henry VI. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by Robert Bercroft to Nicholas Banastre. — 1 Henry YI. Deed of gift for ever, of the moiety of a tenement in the town of Suthampton, by Robert de Bercroft to William Nicoll of the town of Suthampton and his wife Alice. — 1 Henry YI. Deed of gift for ever, of lands and tenements in the town and liberty of the town of Suthampton, by J ohn Barnabe of the city of London, to Robert Mai ton clerk, John Boteler, Giles Thorndon, Philip Boteler, Alexander Anne, John Pydmylle and John Flemyng. 20 October, 1 Henry YI. Deed of gift for ever by John Pole Esq. of the town of Suthampton burgess to Thomas Darlyng Esq., one of the king’s serjeants- at-arms, and to Joan Hanes daughter of John Hanes late of Wynchestre gentleman, of all lands and tenements &c., in the town of Suthampton, formerly pertaining to Thomas Apulby of the said town burgess, which lands and tenements, & c., he (the said John Pole) had of the grant of Thomas late Duke of Exeter, Earl of Dorset and Admiral of England. 20 October, 1 Henry YI. Deed of release and quit-claim, by John Pole Esq. of the town of Suthampton burgess, to John Darlyng Esq. one of the king’s serjeants-at-arms and to Joan daughter of John Hanes late of Wychestre gentleman, in respect to lands and tenements &c. lately belonging in the town of Suthampton and elsewhere to Thomas Appulby of the said town burgess, which lands and tenements &c. the said John Pole had of the gift of Thomas late Duke of Exeter. 12 November, 1 Henry YI. The Indenture, bearing the seal of Joan Queen of England, of the agreement made between the said queen of the one part, and William Nichole mayor and the community of Suthampton of the other part, whereby in consideration of a yearly payment of four marks, which the said Mayer and community covenant HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 81 to pay her yearly during the term of her life, Her Majesty grants to the said Mayor and community and their successors for the term of her life, that they may by their attorneys for that purpose duly ap- pointed claim and collect and keep and put to their own use all goods and chattels &c. accruing to her said Majesty within the town of Suth- ampton and the precinct and liberty thereof, “ virtu te literarum patencium per dominum Henricum nuper Regem Anglie quartum eidem Regine confectarum.” Dated at Westminster. — 3 Henry YI. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever, of a tenement with appurtenances in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by William Reynold citizen and vintner of London, to Peter Jamys of Suthampton burgess and his wife Joan. 20 October, 4 Henry VL Acknowledgment of John Foxholes (Clerk of the Treasury and Receiver-General of Joan Queen of England) that he has received of the Mayor and Community of the town of Southampton 60/. , in part payment of the greater sum of the fee-farm of their town. 11 December, 4 Henry YI. Similar acknowledgment by James Foxholes, that he has received 14/. 16s. 8c/. in part payment of the fee- farm of the town of Southampton. 26 August, 5 Henry VI. Bond of Robert Bacon of the town of Shypdene, Master of the Crayere called Le Peter de Crawmere and Simon Rowland, Master of the Crayere called La Elene de Shyllyngham- hythe, for the payment of twenty marks to John Wodeford, Steward of the town of Suthampton. 18 June, 6 Henry VI. Deed of gift by William Sedlyng of South- farham co. Southampton, of his burgage with appurtenances in South- farham and all his goods and chattels &c., to John Pole of Suthampton esq. Also attached to this instrument, the Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin to the said John Pole, by the said William Sedlyng to John Bussh, John Leuerton and William Mounde. 2 April, 6 Henry YI. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever, of his lands and tenements 8cc. in the town and parish of Southstonham co. Southampton, by William Nicoll of the town of Suthampton burgess to Peter Osmond and William Raveneston clerks, and Robert Ovyngham of the last-named town burgess, and John Sues “ de Hille juxta Suth- ampton.” 12 February, 6 Henry VI. Deed of sale and conveyance for ever, of a tenement in English Street and four cottages in French Street in the town of Suthampton, by Alice, widow and executrix of the testament of the late John Sampson, to Thomas Godyton of the Isle of Wight gentleman. 20 March, 6 Henry VI. Deed of conveyance, of messuages and lands &c. within the liberty of the town of Suthampton, by Roger Hosewyff to William Chamberleyn and Ralph Chamberleyn. 26 April, 6 Henry VI. Deed of gift for ever, of all his messuages and tofts &c. in the town and liberty of the town of Suthampton, by William Nicoll of the said town burgess to John Sues “de Hille juxta Suthampton,” Richard Stonhard of Fowy co. Cornwall, and William Rede of Lostithiel in the same county. 19 April, 6 Henry VI. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to certain messuages, cottages and crofts &c. in the town of Suth- U 24955. F MSS. of the Town of Southampton. I 82 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. 03 ? THE Towsr OE Southampton. hampton and the liberty thereof, by Sir Henry Plesyngton knt. (cousin and heir of Sir Robert Plesyngton knt.) to William Chamberleyn of the said town. — , 6 Henry VI. Indented memorandum of divers goods and chattels on his manor of Warneford, sold by Thomas Ponyngges lord of St. John to William Nycoll of Hampton merchant. 16 December, 6 Henry VI. Bond of Alice, widow of John Sampson formerly burgess of Suthampton, for payment of 40/. to Thomas Godyton of the Isle of Wight. 1 April, 7 Henry VI. Deed of release and quitclaim by John Pen- keston to Agnes Langstoke. 16 June, 7 Henry VI. Deed of conveyance of divers lands and tenements &c., formerly belonging to Thomas Appilby in the town of Suthampton, by Robert Longe esq., Peter Coudray esq., Robert Wayte and John Esmond the elder, to Peter Jamys, John Flemyng, Peter Osmond clerk and John Barton clerk, all of the town of Suth- ampton. 16 January, 9 Henry VI. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a messuage in the High Street of Suthampton, by Ancelm Bennyng of Hatfeld-Bishops co. Hertford to John Crawle of Suthampton hosyer. 17 April, 9 Henry VI. Deed of gift for ever, of divers lands and tenements &c. in the town and parish of South Stonham co. Suth- ampton, by Peter Osmond clerk, William Reueneston clerk, Robert Honyngham of Suthampton burgess and John Sues of Hylle near the town of Suthampton, to William Nycoll of the said town burgess and Richard Knyght clerk. — 9 Henry VI. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to certain shops, lands and tenements in the town of Suthampton, by William Belnayre to John Smyth vicar of the church of Froyle, Peter Osmond vicar of the church of St. Cross in the town of Suthampton, Matilda widow of Thomas Armorer, John Fayrle, Richard Turnant, John Draper, John Huse chaplain, Benedict Wycheford, John North draper, Richard Baudewyn and the executors of William Newe. 17 April, 9 Henry VI. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by Peter Osmond clerk to John Compton of Suthampton. 26 May, 9 Henry VI. Deed of gift for ever, of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John Crawle of the said town hosier to William Nicoll burgess and merchant of the same town. 9 June, 9 Henry VI. Deed of gift for ever of his reversionary interest in lands and tenements in the town of Suthampton and else- where in the county of Suthampton, by Ancelm Bennyng to John Pool esq. and William Malemeshulle cutler of Suthampton. 19 February, 11 Henry VI. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John Pole esq. to William Nicholle of the said town merchant. 19 June, 11 Henry VI. Lease for one hundred years, at a yearly rent of a red rose, of the tower over their Water-gate and also of an adjacent tower, by the Mayor and community of the town of Suthamp- ton to William Sopere, who is bound to keep in repair the same tower, which he has alread}^ repaired. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 83 — , 13 Henry VI. Deed of grant in fee-farm, of a piece of vacant land called “ Mersery Lane,” in the town of Suthampton, by John Emery the Mayor and the community of the said town to John Hunt esq. of the same town and his wife Alice. — 5 14 Henry VI. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by John Barnabe of London and his wife Petronilla to Nicholas Banastre and Richard Hunte. 1 June, 14 Henry VI. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by John Boteler of London and Alexander Anne to John Flemyng. I June, 14 Henry VI. Deed of conveyance for ever, of certain lands and tenements in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by John Boteler citizen and clothworker of London, Alexander Anne and John Flemyng, to John Barnabe citizen and clothworker of London. 14 December, 15 Henry VI. Indenture of the agreement of John Chamberleyn of the town of Southampton burgess, to accept a certain yearly rent of 4/. for twenty-four years, in lieu of a single payment of 24/., which Walter Eetplace of the same town burgess is bound to pay him next Michaelmas. 19 September, 17 Henry VI. Lease for one hundred and twenty years of the two towers, the one over and the other near the Water-Gate of the town of Suthampton, by the Mayor and community of the said town (at a yearly rent of a red rose) to William Sopere of the said town burgess. Also, the counterpart of the same lease. 5 April, 20 Henry VI. Letters of Attorney, by William Nycoll of the town of Suthampton burgess to Thomas Peri : To deliver seisin of lands and tenements, &c. in cos. Suthampton, Cornwall and Surrey to Walter Petplace, William Stone and John Serteyn chaplain. 5 April, 20 Henry VI. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever, of all his lands, tenements and rents, &c. in cos. Southampton, Cornwall and Surrey, by William Nicoll of Suthampton burgess to Master Thomas Forest, Robert Ayleward, Walter Fetplace, William Stone and John Certeyn chaplain. 6 August, 20 Henry VI. Deed of conveyance for ever, of a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Master Thomas Forest, Robert Aylward and Walter Fetplace of the said town burgesses, William Stone esq. and John Serteyn chaplain, to William Johnyssons and his wife Katherine and the heirs of their bodies. 7 July, 21 Henry VI. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all causes of action &c., by William Poole of Stokenesy and John Poole of the same place to John Duke of Somerset and Earl of Kendal, and to Thomas Vaghan, esquire, II June, 22 Henry VI. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas Nycoll of the said town burgess and his wife Amice, to Joan formerly wife of Adam Merysshe and to Nicholas Holmehegge mayor and to the community of the said town. 8 May } 23 Henry VI. The award of Master William Prentyse (Doctor of Theology), Walter Fetplace (Mayor of the town of Suth- ampton), Robert Ayleward and William Blake, arbitrators ; For the determination of controversy and strife between Thomas Whyte and Richard Thomas of the said town burgesses. f 2 MSS. of the Town of Southampton. P HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. of the Town of Southampton. 84f — , 24 Henry YI. Letters of Attorney, for livery of seisin, by John Colpeys of the city of Winchester to John Burbrigge of the town of Suthampton. — , 24 Henry YI. Deed of gift, of nine messuages &c. in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Robert Colpeys of Winchester, to Joan wife of Nicholas Holmehegge and formerly wife of William Marche, for the term of her life ; With remainder &c. to &c. 13 April, 25 Henry VI. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all causes of action &c., by Richard Rownde to the Mayor and bailiffs of the town of Suthampton, and to Richard Brydde, Keeper of the Gaol of the said town. 2 May, 28 Henry VI. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all actions &c., by Arnold Claysson “Magistrum cujusdam Balyngere de Armouth in Selandia vocate le Marie knyght ” John Van Devys, John vtten Haghe, Gerard Lowe and Peter Martynesson merchants of the same balyngere, to Thomas Payne merchant of Suthampton and owner of a balyngere called the John of Suthampton and Philip Trum- pette, Master of the last-named balyngere. 9 February, 29 Henry YI. Letters of Attorney by William Pole and John Pole to John Gunas. 15 April, 29 Henry YI. Deed of gift and conveyance, of lands and tenements in the town of Suthampton and suburbs thereof, by William Pole and John Pole of Stokegnesy co. Somerset to John Gunas of Gloucester and his wife Joan, and to John Payne and Nicholas Holme- hegge of Suthampton burgesses. 20 April, 29 Henry YI. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to lands and tenements &c. in the town of Suthampton and its suburbs, by William Pole and John Pole of Stokegnesy co. Somerset, to John Gunas of Gloucester and his wife Joan, and John Payne and Nicholas Holmehegge of Suthampton burgesses. 18 October, 30 Henry YI. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a rent issuing from a messuage in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Thomas Ryngwode esq. to John Chamberleyn and his wife Joan. 5 December, 31 Henry YI. Coroner’s Inquisition post-mortem, with verdict that the deceased John, servant of Isbrand Peterson bere- brewer, came to bis death by accidental drowning. — , 31 Henry YI. Bond of John Hampton of Bromesgrove co. Worcester, for the payment of 61. 155. 0 d. to Robert Belhous of the town of Suthampton merchant. 26 January, 34 Henry YI. Indenture of an agreement between the Mayor, Sheriffs, and community of the town of Coventre, of the one part, and the Mayor, Sheriff, and community of the town of Suthampton, of the other part. For the exemption of the members of each com- munity from tolls within the bounds of the other conftn unity. 10 July, 34 Henry VI. Bond of John Estfelde and Walter Clerk of the town of Suthampton burgesses, for the payment of one hundred shillings to Peter South citizen and surgeon of London. 2 October, 34 Henry VI. Deed of assignment of all the remainder of his lease of the two Watergate towers of the town of Suthampton, by William Soper to John Ingoldesbye “pro consilio suo mihi impenso.” 18 January, 35 Henry VI. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all causes of action, &c., and also in respect to a tenement in English HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 85 Street in the town of Suthampton, by Walter Bacyn and his wife to the Mayor, bailiffs and burgesses of Suthampton. 25 February, 35 Henry VI. Bond of Walter Bacyn for the payment of 10/. to John William the mayor of Suthampton and Robert Belhouse the elder of the same town. 16 October, 37 Henry VI. Acknowledgment of Thomas Luyt, that he has received his fee of 13s. 4 tl. of William Nedham, late sheriff of the county of the town of Suthampton. 28 September, 39 Henry VI. Indented certificate, that Richard Symond, Master of the Ship called Le Gracedydee has received 31/. 10s. 10 d. of Richard Gryme, Mayor of the town of Suthampton. 10 August, 1 Edward IV. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to all causes of action &c., by Thomas Bayly to William Shoteswold. 28 September, 1 Edward IV. Indented certificate, that Robert Bag- worth, Mayor of the town of Suthampton, has paid to Richard Symond, Master of the ship Gracedywe the sum of 68/. os. 10 d., for the victualling and safe custody of the said ship for one whole year. 18 January, 1 Edward IV. Deed of gift and conveyance for ever, of thirteen messuages &c. in the town of Suthampton, by Joan late the wife of Nicholas Holmehegge late burgess of the town of Suthampton, to John Holand, William Darset, William Blake, clerks, Michael Skyllyng, John William, John Doune, Simon Patrike, William Wever clerk, Andrew Arthur clerk, John Stokker, John Borughbrigge and John Moryce, in trust “ ad implendam et observandam voluntatem et intencionem mei prefate Joanne eis in scriptis imposterum declar- andam.” Also, the counterpart of the same indenture. 20 January, 2 Edward IV. Deed of gift, for the term of her life, by Joan formerly wife of Adam Meresshe deceased, of four several messuages in the town of Suthampton, to John William, merchant, Robert Bageworth, Richard Gryme, John Dunne, John Walker, Gilbert. Cornemonger, Simon Patrik and .... Spring “ venerabilibus viris ville Suthampton,” in trust to render her the rents and profits of the premises during her life. Also, the counterpart of the same deed. 1 April, 2 Edward IV. Certificate that John Dun, Mayor of the town of Suthampton, has paid 14/. 145. 4 d. to Richard Symond, Master of the ship called Le Gracedewe for the victualling and safe custody of the said ship from Michaelmas 1 Edward IV. to the 1st day of April in the 2nd year of the same king’s reign. 6 May, 2 Edward IV. The writing of the Intention and Will for pious uses of Joan, widow of the late Nicholas Holmehegge, in respect to the thirteen messuages with appurtenances in the town of Suthamp- ton, granted and conveyed by her to John Holand and eleven others by a deed dated 18 January 1 Edward IV., running in these words,- — “Noveritis quod intencio et voluntas mei prefate Johanne de predictis messuagiis, &c., &c., est videlicet quod de undecim messuagiis pre- dictorum tresdecim messuagiorum &c. quod si Maior burgenses et communitas ville Suthampton predicte amortizare et facere velint unam cantariam perpetuam de uno capellano idoneo annuatim celebraturo apud ecclesiam beate Marie juxta Suthampton predictam pro animabus mei prefate Johanne et predicti Nicholai nuper mariti mei ac animabus parentum et antecessorum meorum infra duos annos post mortem meam extunc proxime sequentes, Quod extunc volo post hujusmodi amortizacionem sic factam, quod Maior burgenses et communitas ville predicte habeant sibi et successoribus predictis predicta MSS. OF THE Town OF Southampton. 2 86 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. undecim messuagia cum voltis &c. ad inveniendum annuatim capel- of the Town of, . , ° , , , 1 . . . i Southampton, lanum predictum et ad tenendum annuatim anniversanum meum et predicti Nicholai nuper mariti mei in uno die apud dictam ecclesiam beate Marie videlicet dando annuatim Andree Arthur modo capellano mei prefate Johanne decern marcas ad terminum vite sue, et post mortem ejusdem Andree dando alii capellano idoneo sic celebranti similiter decern marcas ac ad distribuendos annuatim dicto die Anni- versarii viginti sex solidos et octo aenarios videlicet Maiori ville pre- dicte pro tempore existente tres solidos et quatuor denarios, et Senas- callo ejusdem ville duos solidos, Et residuum inde ad distribuendum inter presbiteros clericos et pauperes ibidem, videlicet apud dictam ecclesiam beate Marie, Et quod predicti Maior burgenses et communitas et successores sui nichil capiant de exitibus et proficuis dictorum undecim messuagiorum cum pertinenciis quousque dicta amortizacio facta fuerit.” In case the said Mayor and community should neglect to amortize for two years after her death, Joan Holmehegge says, “ Extunc volo quod precentor dicte ecclesie beate Marie pro tempore existens habeat dicta undecim messuagia &c. sibi et successoribus suis si amortizacionem fecerit de uno capellano &c.” In case the said precentor should neglect to do her will for two years, the donor to pious uses continues, “ Extunc volo quod Custos domus dei ville predicte pro tempore existens habeat sibi et successoribus suis predicta undecim messuagia &c. &c. ,&c.” for the accomplishment of her will; it being further ordered that, should the keeper of God’s House be in like manner neglectful, the donor’s will is to be carried into effect by the executors of her testament. After further provision for the fulfilment of her intention in respect to the aforesaid messuages, the donor to pious uses continues, “ Et de duobus mesuagiis predictorum tresdecim messuagiorum residuis situatis &c. Voluntas et intencio mei prefate Johanne est quod predicta duo mesuagia cum pertinenciis vendantur per executores meos seu execu- tores executorum meorum, Et quod pecunia inde perveniens disponatur et distribuatur per eosdem executores pro animabus mei prefate Johanne et dicti Nicholai nuper mariti mei ac animabus parentum antecessorum amicorum et omnium benefactorum meorum prout ipsi melius et uberius viderint et sciverint expedire.” — , 3 Edward IV. Acknowledgment of Thomas Luyt, that he has received 13s. 4 d. of Thomas Walker, late sheriff of Southampton. 22 March, 5 Edward IV. Letters of attorney, for livery of seisin, by John Gonas of London weaver and Joan his wife, to Walter William and William Thomas. 22 March, 5 Edward IV. Deed of gift for ever, by John Gonas of London weaver and his wife Joan, to Walter Fetiplace, John William, John Donne, Guy Cornemonger and 'William Hekkele of Suthampton burgesses, of lands and tenements in the said town of Suthampton, formerly the property of John duke of Exeter, and afterwards of John Pole. Also, dated on 1 April in the same year, a deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to the same lands and tenements, by the said John Gonas and his wife. 13 September, 6 Edward IV. Lease for ninety-nine years, of two pieces of land in the town of Suthampton, by the Mayor (Gilbert Cornmonger) and the community of the said town to John Walker merchant of the same town. 8 January, 6 Edward IV. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to the thirteen tenements conveyed to trustees for the execution of Joan HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 87 Holmehegge s last will, by the Master, brethren and sisters of St. Julian s M £ s * , T . 1? , 1 r- • •, L OF THE Town OF Hospital to the aforesaid trustees. Southampton. 12 December, 8 Edward IV. Certificatory Letters, touching the petition made to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Suthampton by the tailors of the said town, and the consent of the same Mayor &c. to the said petition, whereby the tailors of Suthampton sought for the protec- tion of their trade against the encroachments and competition of foreign tailors. After stating that heretofore their gains have been “ wonte to rise of the strange people comynge into the poorte of the saied towne as in carryckes galleys shippes of Spayne, Portingall, Almayne, Flanders, Zelonde, and others in their vyages, ther beynge for their use to cutte their clothe by the handes of the taylors of the same town,” John Renande (Roeffe Taylor) and the petitioners of the Craft of Tailors of Suthampton complain that to their injury “ Nowe of late in dyvers carrickes galJeyes and in shippes of strangers have come taylers of divers nacions and sondre in them by divers tymes the which tary and abyde within the carrickes galleyes and shippes within the same poorte &c.” 10 January, 8 Edward IV. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to a tenement in English Street in the town of Suthampton, by Joan Tilby widow, William Saunderson, Esq., Oliver Sherd, and his wife Joan, to John James of the said town burgess. 31 August, 9 Edward IV. Lease for ninety-nine years, of certain vacant lands 66 apud le West Kay ” and certain other adjacent lands, by Robert Bagworthe (the Mayor) and the whole community of the town of Suthampton to John William of the same town burgess. 20 January, 12 Edward IV. Bond of Thomas Dun grocer for the payment of 10/. to Nicholas Baker esquire, and David Rested yeoman. 16 September, 14 Edward IV. Bond of William Kerver citizen and merchant of London, Christofer Ambrose of the town of Suthampton merchant, Michael de Chyperell of Florence merchant, and Gabriel de Leorsy and Paul Theople of Venice merchants, for the payment of 40/. to Geoffrey Moumbray of Suthampton sheriff. 1 April, 16 Edward IV. Deed of gift for life, of a yearly rent of twenty shillings, by the Prior and Convent of St. Denis near Suthamp- ton to Willian Gunter of the said town merchant. 1 May, 17 Edward IV. Deed of release and quitclaim, in respect to two Watergate Towers &c. in the town of Suthampton by John Ingoldesby to the Mayor bailiffs and community of the said town. 11 September, 17 Edward IV. Letters certificatory of the Grant of Powers and Privileges, made at their humble petition to the Cord- wainers of the town of Suthampton by the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of the same town. 31 October, 18 Edward IV. Letters of attorney, for taking livery of seisin, by Robert Maudite, son and heir of Alice Maudite, to William Shoteswold and John Filder. 31 October, 18 Edward IV. Deed of Gift and conveyance for ever of divers lands and tenements &c. both within and without the parish of Suthstoneliam co. Suthampton, by Robert Mawdyte (son and heir of Alice Mawdyte, daughter and heir of Oliver Nichol, who was brother of William Niclioll formerly of Suthampton Burgess) to John Ludlowe, John Walker, Richard Gryme, Walter Feteplace, Robert Bluet and Michael Luke. I 88 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OF THE TOWN OF Southampton. 2 December, 18 Edward IV. Letters of Evidence, touching the testament of William Nycoll by John Ingler, mayor of Newe Saresbury : “To all trewe Christien people whiche these present lettres shall see or here redde John Ingler Mayre of the Cite of Newe Saresbury sendeth dewe recommendacion in our Londe God everlasting, and forasmuche as that hit is nedefull and meritory to every trewe Christien Manne to here wytnesse of trouthe so that Allway trouthe may be preferrid and every untrewe matier ltsyed apart To youre Universiteze grete sadnesses and Wysedomes be it knowen shewed and undrestonden That one Thomas Pyrie oure faithfull Brother a Cocitezene of the Cite aforeseid beyng with us a Manne of good name fame condicion openyon and of feithfull delyng honeste conversacion and governaunce the making herof personally apperyng before me the seid Mayre and other that is to sey William Roket marchaunt, William Shirwodq, «Tohn Gamelyn mercers and William Wynne Notary Imperialle Cocitezeins of the foreseid Cite Within the seid Cite as in the Mansion and dwellyng place of me the seid Maire than and there the seame Thomas Pyrie of his owen fre wylle be fore us shewyng, and declaryng in maner and forme as herafter folowyth and ensueth, First that he was servaunt with one William Nycoll sumtyme Burges & Merchaunt of the Towne of Suthampton in the tyme of the decesse of the same William & longe tyme before, And that the said William beyng in his helth and good mynde then commaunded the same Thomas to bringe to hym into his parle in Suthampton clene papir & penne & Inke and bygynne to write the forme of the begynnyng of his testament the whiche the same Thomas so dide & ferthermore commaunded hym to write particuler legatis as well to Churches & Places of Religion as to private persones servauntes & other named by the same William and forth with after to write his devise of disposicion of the residue of his godes before not quetked equally to be departed betwix Julian his wyfe and Richard Thomas his kynnesman then beyng his factour & purser of his Shipp named the Marie of Hampton beyng in a bay viage, and that so doon he commaunded the seid Thomas to wryte his devise & disposicion of alle his landis and tenementes &c. that he att that day hadde within the Town and Suburb &c. of Southampton & ellis where within the Realme of Englonde & the landis & tenementes &c. he devised to be departed assone after his decesse as they godely rnyglit in too parties by even porcions Whereof he devysed the one partie to the seid Julian his Wyfe to have to hir terme of her lyfe yeldyng tlierfore Rentis and Services dewe &c. And also beryng therof half of an annuell charge for a pfestes wagis and of an anniversaric or obite in the parisshe cliurche of Holy Rodes in Southampton duryng her lyfe, and after her decesse the said half of landis & tenementes &c. shulde remayn to the seid Richarde and to the heires of his body lawfully begoten for ever yeldyng therfore rentes & service due &c. And also beryng therof the said halfe of the annuell charge to the prest and of the anniversaric or obite in the churche a forseid for ever and the other partie of all the said landis & tenementes &c. ihe said William Nicoll devised to the same Richard To have & to holde to hym & to the hey res of his body laufully begoten for ever yeldyng tlierfore Rentis and services due &c. And also bering therof the other halfe of the seid Annuell charge to the seid preste and obit or Anniversarie in the seid Churche for ever, and yf it hapned the seid Richard to decesse without suche heir of his body begoten that than the said parte of all the said landis & tenements &c. so devised to the said Richard and also the said other parte of all the said landes and tenementes &c. devised to the said Julian when they be hapned HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 89 to falle alter hir decesse sliulde holly remayne to Jone the wyfe of Thomas Payne of Loo in Cornewalle Suster of the said Richard & to the hey res of her body lawfully begoten for ever yeldyng therfore rentis and services due &c. and also bsring of and for alle the seid londis and tenementes &c, the hole charge Annuelle to the Prest & Anniversari or obit in the Churche aforesaid as it is above rehe'rsed for ever, And if it liapned that the seid Richard or his said heyres or elles the said Johane or her said heyres to fayle and not bere the said charges of Annuite to the Preist or of the Anniversary or obite in the said Churche by an hole yere that than alle the said londes and tenementes with the appurtenaunces sliulde holy remayne to the Mayre and Burgeis of the Towne of Suthampton and to theire successoures forever, and yf it hapned to the seid Johane to decese withoute heyres of her body laufully begoten that then all the said londes and tenementes with the appurtenaunces shulde holy remayne to the said Maire and Burgeis of the Towne of Suthampton aforeseid, and to theyre successours forever, yeldyng therfore rentes and services dewe and of olde tyme accustumed and also beryng the seid hole charge to the Preiste and Anniversary or Obite in the said Churche forever, and if it hapned the said Mayre & Burgeys to fade and not bere the said charge to the Preiste and Anniversary or obite in the said Churche as is above rehersed by an hole yere, that then alle the said londes and tene- ments with the appurtenaunces shulde holly remayne to the Priour Sc Convent of the Monastery of Seint Denys be side Suthampton & to their successores for ever yeldyng tlier of rentis and services due &c. And also beryng the seid charge of the Prieste and Anniversary or obite in the seid Church of Holy Rode for ever, And executors of hii said testament he made the above wryten Julian & Richard. Item after this thus doon the said William Nicoll become dedly seke so that his Fisicions given him over for a ded man. And then it was remembred by Sir John Serteyn and other beyng aboute the seid William Nicoll liowe that his manor of South-Stonham with his per- tinences laye withoute Cite or Borugh in the countie at large, and if the seid William Nicoll decessed seased therof that then his brother’s doughter called Alice, the whiche was weddyd to a bondeman at Twyford, sholde have bene lieyre to hit &c. Therfore it was thought to them behovefull to make a dede of feoffament 5. L MSS. or the Boeough of Kino’s Lynn. 2 MSS. OF THE Borough OF King’s Lynn. 162 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. (III.) — 9-29 Henry VI. — Assembly (or Congregation) Book, Ho. II. Though it passed long since from the hands of the corporation, and still reposes in Sir William Ffolkes’s library at Hillington Hall near Lynn, I do not hesitate to deal with this folio as one of the records in the possession of the borough, because I have the best grounds for thinking that at no distant future — possibly even before the publication of this report — it will be restored to the collection of muniments to which it appertains in every sense but the strictly legal sense. Affording evidence that in Henry the Sixth’s time the electorates of the nine constabularies, endowed with the power of electing three members of each constabulary to serve in the “ Common Council of Twenty Seven,” seldom numbered more than twenty individuals and sometimes consisted of so few as twelve voters actually taking part in the elections, the present volume contains, with a large body of other more or less noteworthy entries, the following matters of record. («.) 12 October, 9 Henry VI. — And the Congregation also granted that the three players (histriones) shall serve the community this year for twenty-one shillings and their clothing, to be had of every house. (A) 20 December, 9 Henry VI. — And there choice was made by the Mayor of Richard Lecchour, William Style, John Muriell and John Syffe, for the election of a burgess of parliament : and those four called Andrew Swatton, William Coll, William Palmer, John Spugwell, John Masey, Hugh Crosse, John Bury, William Norfolk, who elected John Parmonter and T. Salibury. (c.) 3 January, 9 Henry VI. — And there John Salus was named with assent to go over to the King of Dacia together with the Ambassador and John Muriell. (i d .) 14 January, 10 Henry VI.— And there election was made of divers persons to collect in the different constabularies for the making of the campanile. „ „ And there was sealed a letter, sent to the Prior of Norwich, the tenor of which follows in these words, — Fulwurshipful and reverent Fader in God We your gostly children the Maior alderman burgeyses and all the Comons of Lynne humbly recomaund us to your good fadir- hod, Besechyng that it like to your benigne grace be the avys of the richt discret and religious personys your wurthi birthern of pe covent of Norwiche at pe reverence of God in encresyng of his lovyng and devocioun of pe pepil, and for pe gret quiete and ese of your parisshens of pe same toun to graunte pat pe sacrament of Bapteme and pe saciri- mentall of Purificacioun maybe ministrid to your parisshens aforesaid in your Chapell of Seynt Nicolis in pe said toun^pe richt of your minister pe Cathedrall churche of Norwiche and of Saynt Margarete pe parissh churche of Lynne in all pinges alwey &c. . . . whiche goode and holy vew shal cause you gret merite for pe . . . pat we trist to God shal growe perof. In Witness herof to pis present lettir patent We have do sett our comone seel. Yeven in our Gilde Halle pe xiiii day of January in pe x yeer of pe reigne of King Henry pe Sext. ( d .) 4 August, 10 Henry VI.— And there John Bampton clearly declared those things which he did with the Chancellor of the Lord King : And there was exhibited the Lord King’s brief directed to the Mayor of the town of Lenn, which was read by the common clerk, being put in the mother tongue and afterwards there was exhibited and directed a close letter directed to the Mayor by the Chancellor. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 163 (e.) 3 November, 11 Henry YI. — It was ordered that the community shall give to the Lord Bishop one pipe of red wine and one vessel of Rliine-wine, and certain of the portions of oats to ten quarters, and twelve pikys, and twelve tenches and one parcel (ferndell) of sturgeon. „ 5 , And there was exhibited a bill on behalf of the players (histrionum), to the effect that they desired an increase of their reward : And it was granted that each of those two should have for his fee twenty shillings and his clothing for that year, which grant shall last for that year to each ; And they shall go through the town with their instruments, from the feast of All Saints to the following feast of Purification, (/.) 17 June, 11 Henry YI.— And there in the first place was read a brief of the Lord King for the election of burgesses of parliament. And for the election of them the Mayor chose two of the Twenty-four, and two of the Common Council, viz. William Waterden, Richard Lecchbur, John Springwell, and Nicolas Frank; and those four chose two of the Twenty-four and two of the Common Council, viz. William Herford, Andrew Swarton, John Syff, John Adams, and they ( i.e . the eight) elected William Kirton, William Style,. William Raulyn and Robert Walsyngham ; Who (viz. the twelve) with unanimous assent elected John Watirden and Thomas Spicer to be burgesses of parliament. (g.) Friday next after the Feast of the Purification, 12 Henry VI. — And there it was moved by the Mayor how the Lord our King intended to come to that town in the second week of Lent next coming, and how order should be taken against his arrival, whereupon it was asked what should be done in that respect. And it was agreed that order should be taken for a hundred pounds, and that those, who had been chosen to assess 30/., should in like manner assess 100/., the 30/. being omitted. (A.) 4 April, 13 Henry YI. — In pe same day of pis congregacioun be pe full avyse and assent of pe xxiiii. and pe comon counseill and of all pe burgeses and merchaunts of Lenn it is playnly ordeyned graunted and appoynted p fc for pe profile and welefare of pis town pis Maire Thomas Burgh shalle go in pe Kynges oure sovereyn lordes Ambassiat to Bruges in Flandres like as he is assigned be pe Kynges Comission and commaunded be a pry vie seall, And pat he for pe W urchipp of pis town in alle pynges shall wele and lionestely gone in pourneye accordyng to his office and degree as hym semeth beste, Also Walter Curson and John Bampton of Lenn clerk of pe mairalte and pe commonalte of pe same town ben chosen Proctours to gone for pis town to Bruges in Flandres aforesaid, pere to declare before oure said soverayn Lordes Ambassiatours and pambassiatours of pe Maister of Pruce and of pe Duche Hanse the grevaunces dammages and wronges and other harmes be pe same Maiester and his Sogettes and be pern off pe Hanse, done to men of pis town of Lenn and to aske restitucioun and reformacioun &c> of pe said harmes &c. as it is specified in pe proonvacie (?) under pe comon seall of pis toun made to pe said proctours, Also it is fully graunted pat pe costes and expenses of pe forsaid mater and proctours made in pis journeye and also peyre rewaard shalbe bourne gaderd and paid be pe said merchauntes and burges of pe merchaundysez pat ben aventured to Pruce Scove to Norweye and Swecne. ,, „ On the same day John Thorysby Alderman was elected by the common assent to occupy the Mayor’s office in place of the Mayor during his absence. (*.) 26 January, 19 Henry VI. — On the said day was read and entertained a certain letter, sent by the Duke of Norfolk to the Mayor L 2 MSS. or THE Borough or King’s Lynh. A 164 - HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Ltnn. alderman and community of this town, touching the eight persons to he sent to the Lord Duke to Norwich, to confer with him there respect- ing certain matters touching the Lord the King and this town, when there were named by the whole congregation the following eight persons to ride to Norwich on the said business, viz. — John Waryn, Henry Thorisby, John Pygot, John Syf, Simon Draper, John Nicholasson, Robert Hunt and William Kelloc: — and Thomas Tolyot, chamberlain, is chosen to ride with the same eight persons, and to pay for their expenses in this matter out of the goods of the community. (j.) 10 January, 20 Henry VI. — On that day by authority of the Lord the King’s brief, directed by the Sheriff of Norfolk to the Mayor, there were elected burgesses of this town to be present at the parliament, to be held at Westminster on the day of Paul’s conversion next to come. In the first place, the Mayor, according to custom, chose for making the aforesaid election William Kyrketon, Bartholomew Colies, John Colchester, William W r areleys, who chose John Saluz, John Seyle, Hugh Crosse, Ralph Bircham, who chose John Syf, William Kellowe, Robert Sad, Th. Calbot, which twelve elected Richard Frank and Walter Curson to be burgesses of the said parliament. On the said day, it was agreed by the assent of the whole congregation, that [the] burgesses hereafter to be chosen in this town for parliaments shall receive for their wages (viz., each of them) two shillings a day and no more in any manner : and al«o it was agreed that the Mayor for the time being, at the pleasure of his will, shall name, for the election of burgesses of parliament, any four persons, it shall please him to name, that is to say two of the number twenty-four and two [of] the common council being present. at the congregations, whenever Burgesses of this kind shall in future be elected for parliaments. The marginal note touching this memorandum being in these words , — “ Ordinacio pro vadiis burgensium parliament’ hujus ville que quidem vadia extendunt se per diem ad quatuor solidos et non amplius.” The Latin of these remarkable memoranda runs thus : — “ In primis Maior ut est moris vocavit pro eleccione premissa facienda Will’ Kyrketon, Barth’ Colies, Joh’ Colchester, Will’ Wareleys, qui voca- verunt Johannem Saluz, Joh’ Style, Hug’ Crosse, Rad’ Bircham, qui vocaverunt Joh’ Syf, Will’ Kellowe, Rob’ Sad, Th. Calbot, qui duodecim elegerunt in Burgenses dicti parliament. Ricm’ Frank, Walt’ Curson. “ Dicto die concordatum fuit per assensum tocius congregacionis quod burgenses in hac villa pro parliamentis imposterum eligendi percipient, pro eorum vadiis quolibet die, videlicet uterque eorum, duos solidos et non amplius ullo modo, et eciam concordatum fuit quod Maior qui pro tempore fuerit ad sue libitum voluntatis nominabit pro eleccione burgensium parliamenti quatuor personas, scilicet duas de numero xxiiii 0 , et duas de communi consilio, interessentes ad con- gregaciones quando hujusmodi burgenses in futuro pro parliamentis eligentur.” (/i.) Die .Tovis, next following the Feast of St. Scolastica the Virgin, 23 Henry VI. — On that day by authority of the Lord the King’s brief, directed by the sheriff to the bailiff of the liberty of Lenn, there were chosen burgesses of this town, to attend the parliament to be held at Westminster on the 25th day next to come. In the first place the Mayor, according to custom chose, for making the aforesaid election, .John Robynson, John Colchester, William Costyn, John Smyth, who chose .John Saluz, John Pygot, William Costyn, John Smyth, who HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 165 chose William Kellowe, Simon Pygot, William Hardy, John Dody, which twelve burgesses chose for burgesses of the said parliament Thomas Burgh and Henry Tliorisby. (/.) 5 August, 24 Henry VL — On the same day it was ordered that the Mayor’s sword should be borne before him with the point, upward (puncto erecto) according to the grant made by the Lord King, when he was last in the town, to the Mayor. (m.) Monday 5 December, 25 Henry VI. — On the same day was read what was shown to the Mayor and community by Thomas Salisbury late Mayor of this Town, that the Lord our King at his last coming to the town of his special grace granted to the Mayor and community of the said town, that henceforth the Mayor’s sword should be borne before him with point erect, as appeared more fully at the congregation held on the 5th day of August last past ; and that upon this the said Lord the King with the said Mayor sent a certain letter written on parchment and sealed with the King’s signet, directed to the Bishop of Chichester, keeper of the Privy Seal, and in his absence to ins deputy, for the carriage of the Mayor’s said sword ; and that afterwards the same Lord the King t by his Privy Seal strictly commanded, that the Mayors sword should not be borne before in any way, other than the way in which it was borne before the King’s said last coming to the town ; the tenor of the said Privy Seal being in these words : — By the Kyng, Trusty and welbeioved We be enfourmed by the Wor- shipyfull Fadir in god the bisshop of Norwich Lord of the burgh and towne of Lynne that, undre colour of youre suete late made unto us at our beyng there, to have a swerd and a mace to be boren byfore the Meire of the said burgh for ]?e tyme being, Ye the Meyre of the said borough have a swerd and a mace boren before you, otherwise than was done byfore oure beyng theyre, notwithstandyng ye have no lettres patentes of our graunt so for to do the which is ayenst the fourme of oure la we, and prejudicial to the said Worshipful Fadre in God, and to the Chirche of Norwich as [we] be enfourmed, And how be it that We were wele enclyned to yeur desire in this behalf, yit it was not, nother is not, oure entent, to prejudice any partie, and namely the Chirche for by oure oth made at oure coronacioun We be bo unde to supporte and maynteyne the Chirche and the ryght thereof, And therefore We wol and charge you Meire straitely that all execu- sacions left ye ceese from hens forwarde to have any swerde or mace, to be bore before you, otherwyse than was used before oure beyng there, And We charge you straitely the Commoinalte of ]?e said borough that ye suffre not, the Meire that now is, and that for the time shalbe, to have any swerd, or mace to be boren before him in the said borough, otherwise than was used also before our last being there. Yeven under oure Prive Seal at Westminster the viii. day of November. Which lettter of the Privy Seal having been thus read, it was ordained by the whole Congregation, that the Mayor’s sword should henceforth be borne? only in the maimer and way in which it was borne before the said King’s coming to this town. (n.) 16 July, 27 Henry VI. — Ordinance by the Mayor and council, made for the good government of the Craft of taillours of the town of Bishop’s Lenn, whereby it was appointed that yearly all tailors, plying their craft in the said town should appear before the Mayor in the Guildhall within the two months following St. Michael’s Feast, and in his presence choose two of their number to act as Hedesmen of their craft, during the ensuing twelve months, who on their election should MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. 2 166 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OF THE Borough or King’s Lynn. take the following oath Sires ye shul wele duly and trewely make serche of your crafte of all dwellers with in the town att this time and that from this tyme forward no newe come persones sette uppe the saide crafte with oute he he sufficiaunt in connyng, Whos sufficiaunce and connyng shal be determyned be pe advyse of the meyre and the seid hedesmen. And every persone so newe come and amitted and wilbe no burgeys for his newe settyng uppe shal paye to the Meyre xl d. } to the comons of Lenn xl d. f and to the said hedesmen xl d., Which xl d. shal go to the sustentacioun of the procession upon Corpus Christi day, And yf he wil be burgeys than he to pay but xl d. for his no newe settyng uppe to pe seid hedesmen for every sower be the weke denysen q a for every sower be the quarter denysen ii d ., and for every sower of alyaunt duble to pe sower of deynsens upon the peyne the seid dwellers paye dublehem selffe, And also what persone of the seide crafte kepe any pren- tys with in the toun from this tyme forward and be no burgeys shal paye to pe sustentacioun of the seid procession on Corpus Christi day xl d., And the Meyre to sette a rewele therein according to pe statute in the Hall of okle tyme, And yf any persone compleyne of any man of the seid crafte pt he hath hurte be mysse cuttyng or mysse shapyng or any parte of his clothe taken otlierwyse than in trewe forme upon which any persone or persones so convicted be leful and due preves pat pan he or they so convycted to make amendes to pe party or partyes so greved be the sight of the Meyre and the seid hedesmen, And yf any persone of the said crafte slaundre any man of such dedis so doon and may not evydently be preved be due and leeful preves they to be punysshed be pe avyse of the Meyre and the seid hedesmen and to forfete as often as he is founden so fauty xl d., Which shall go to pe seid procession upon Corpus Christi day, And yf any other other persone than of the said crafte compleyn or slaundre any man of dedis so doon, and may not be duly preved, thei to be punnysshed be advyse of the Meyre and his counsell, And yf ther be any controverseis and debates among any of the seid crafte shaper or sower noon of them to sewe other in no manere wyse but to come to pe ii hedesmen and to com- pleyne to hem yf nede be and thei to do ther parte to drawe hem to aecorde and yf thei may not pat pan thei to make relacioun to ‘Meyre every man doying the contrary shal pe payne accordyng to pe statute in the halle and yf any of the seid ii hedesmen wil be parciall or rcwle pe mater otherwise than conciens that than he pat so feletli him agreved come and compleyne to the Meyre and yf any pe seid hedesmen be slawe and wil not do as it is afornseicl so that they departe without remedy so that who of hem sewe other throwe here dcfaute that iche of pe seid hedesmen so preved gilty to forfete pe peyne pat longeth to the halle &c. Followed by the names of the thirty-eight tailors of Lenn aftectcd by the statute. (IY.) 31 Henry VI. to II Henry VII. — Assembly (or Congregation) Look, No. III. Folio of 317 leaves, with pamphlet index to contents at the opening of the volume, containing with other matters the following memoranda. (a.) 31 March, 31 Henry VI. — On that day they elected burgesses of parliament. The Mayor, in accordance with custom, chose (vocavit) Richard Cosyn, Hugh Crosse, William Gilbert, J. Petyclerk, Robert Hunt, Robert Lexham, William Assill, Martin Wrighte, John Cave, William Alkas, J. Melcheburn, William Philpot, who being sworn, &c. elected fur burgesses of parliament Henry Lermyngliam and William Pillon. On this occasion the Mayor seems to have named all the electors, taking them from “ the Twenty-four” and “ the Twenty-seven.” HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 167 (b.) 3 July, 33 Henry VI. — On that clay they elected burgesses. MSS. or the The Mayor, in accordance with custom, for electing burgesses of parlia- king’s Lynst. ment, &c, as is aforesaid, &c., Robert Hunte, William Pilton, William — Toot, Thomas Leighton, and they chose William Wareles, William Assill, Hugh Crosse, John Melcheburn, Thomas Thornham, John Boys, John Tranche, William Lynne, Who being sworn, &c. chose for bur- gesses of parliament Henry Thorisby and Walter Cony. In this case the Mayor named four persons, who chose the other eight members of the electing Committee, which consisted wholly of persons who were either Jurats or of “the Twenty-seven.” (c.) 16 July, 33 Henry VI. — On the same day William Pilton was elected into the number of “the Twenty-four,” and he took time till the next Assembly to bring x li. into Hall or otherwise to accept the burden. v (cl.) 30 January, 36 Henry VI. — Also on the same day the matter, touching the tenement in which Elias Bulwere the butcher, is put in the arbitrament of John Pygott, Walter Cony, Thomas Tuliott, Thomas Thorneham arbitrators chosen by the aforesaid Elias, and of Henry Bermynghham, William Cauce (?), Bobert Lexham and William Ivott, arbitrators elected by the community ; to make their arbitrament this side the Lord’s Day in . . . Easter, next coming. (e.) 9 January, 38 Henry VIII.— Memorandum, that Symon Pygott and William Pilton, late burgesses of parliament, rode towards Coventre on Wednesday next before the Feast of St. Edmund the King last past and returned to Lenn on the vigil of the Lord’s Nativity, and thus pro- tracted their stay (moram) in going thither, waiting there and returning to forty-one days, whence the sum at the rate of four shillings a day extends itself to viii. li. iiij. s. of which they received beforehand one hundred shillings. And thus there are owed to the same Simon and William sixty-four shillings. And on that day the said Symon and William declared the acts of parliament. (f.) 10 December, 39 Henry VI. — Memorandum that on that day Henry Bermyngham and William Pilton, burgesses of parliament, declared the acts of the parliament &c. ; and the same burgesses rode towards London on Friday the third day of October and returned to Lenn on the second day of December then next following, and thus they were at parliament, with going and returning, throughout sixty days, and the parliament is prorogued to the twenty-eighth day of January next to come. ( g .) 12 February, 39 Henry VI. — On the same day it was ordained that all those persons, who have been appointed captains in the several constabularies of this town, shall provide and each of them shall provide for the defence of the ward assigned to him, and that each constabulary may be sufficiently defended this side the Lord’s day next coming, under a penalty of forty shillings for each captain being wanting : And that every person of each constabulary, who shall have been summoned by any captain for the defence of his ward, and shall refuse to obey, shall forfeit to the community of the town three shillings and fourpence every time he shall be disobedient. Also on the same day it was ordained that two constables shall watch every night for a certain time. (N.B. — • Similar orders for putting the town in a state of defence, by perfecting the military organisation of the constabularies, appear in the present book.) And on the same day John Burbage delivered here upon the “ screnium alias scrinium ” a little box with the charters of the tene- 2 108 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn men t late of John Curson in Baxterrowe, another little box with the charters of the tenements late of John Flete in Briggegate, and another little box with the charters of the tenement, late of John Massingham in Dampgate, and a book late of John Assheburne ; which little boxes and book remain in the “ screnium.” (A.) 30 December, 1 Edward IY. — On the same day Symon Pygot and Henry Bermyngeham declared the acts of the parliament last past, namely certain acts in writing and certain by word of mouth &c. Which Symonjmd Henry rode towards London to the Parliament on Friday next before the Feast of All Saints last past, and returned home to Lenn “ die Jovis in vigilia Natal’ domini.” And thus they attended at Par- liament, with the going and returning, for fifty-six days. (i.) 11 February, 2 Edward IY. On the same day it was agreed that, for thexxxviii li. xiiii s. iiii d. which divers Burgesses have provided for the use of the community, and for the vi li. owed to John Martyn and his associates for the wages of subordinate persons, a certain tax shall be assessed to the sum of xxxvi li ., for assessing which tax there were elected— Henry Bermyngeham Edmund Wes thorp William Ivott John Smyth Thomas Bene William Warles William Bole Robert Mareis John Stowe William Raulyn John Stone Adam Okey John Boyes John Balle Thomas Chamberleyn Robert Chapman William Dunnell Andrew Price of the Number of “ the Twenty- > four.” J }>of‘ the Common Council. I i ■i ■of the Community (de Communitate). (N.B. — Noteworthy for its evidence that the inferior burgesses, who were neither members of “ the Twenty-four,” nor members of the Common Council [“ the Twenty-seven ”] had at this time a voice in the assessment of taxes, this entry is also interesting for its evidence that the word “ Communitas ” had already lost its original meaning and was used to designate the humblest and least influential class of burgesses.) (j.) 6 September, 5 Edward IY. — On the same day William Cans and Robert Thoresby declared the acts of the parliament. And the same burgesses tarried at the parliament through one hundred and twenty -three days. (A.) 30 October, 5 Edward IY. — This day it is ordeyned by all the Congregacion abovesaide that no man within the Towne of Lenne dweilyng fro hens furthward shall kepe nor favoui* nor mayteyne eny common Tapster with in his house as servaunt or tenaunt, whiche is knowen for a misgoverned woman, upon peyne of xl s. als often as ony persone is so founden defectif : Provided alway, that if ony man have ony woman to his tenaunt, that kepith a tappestre and is a mys- governed woman her landelord unwityng, that hir landelord be noght in the case of this ordenaunce but if he supporte or maynteyne his saide HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 169 tenaunt after moniciouns to hym made by the Maire of this Towne and also that all suiche comen Tapstres be avoided out of this Towne by Cristemesse even next comyng by proclamacion thereof to be made. Also it is ordeyned by the saide congregacioun that non bocher, taillour, shomaker, pateynmaker, nor non other artificer with in this towne except wynetaverners and comen cokes selle no manere fleshe nor other vitaill nor non other ware upon the Sonday to non manere persone of this towne nor straunger upon peyne to pay als oft as he is found defectif vi s. viii d ., the tyme of harvest and also cases reasonable of nede and necessarie oonly excepted. (1.) Friday 4 in crastino Ascensionis Domini, 5 7 Edward IV.— Also, on the same day a certain brief for the election of burgesses of parliament was lead publicly before the Mayor and the community, which brief having been read, the Mayor in accordance with custom chose for the aforesaid election the under-written persons — Who chose Symon Pigott Ralph Gerton Robert Vmfray Robert Kereby Who elected for Burgesses of Parliament, Henry Bermyngham and William Pilton. [It may be remarked that John Pigot, Robert Hunt, Symon Pigott and Ralph Gerton were of the Twenty-four Jurats, and that Robert Mareis, Gilbert Watson, Robert Vmfray and Robert Kereby were of the Common Council viz. of the Twenty- Seven representatives of the nine constabularies]. (: m .) 13 December, 9 Edward IV. — On the same day the Mayor, in accordance with custom, chose for the election of a constable in the place of John Blanche. Richard Godewyn "| ("Edward Westhorp Thomas Wright I w , , J Ralph Geyton John Boys ( j Robert Mareis Gilbert Watteson J k Robert Vmfray elected for a constable Robert Powdiche (: n .) 18 December, 12 Edward IV. — Memorandum: — That on this day Henry Bermyngham mayor and William Nicholasson, burgesses of parliament, declared a certain Act of the parliament, for the grant of a tenth of all the lands and tenements of all persons holding the same in England, for one year ; And that the same parliament is prorogued. (o.) Die Jovis in Festo Decollacionis Sancti Johan nis, 16 Edward IV. —On the same day, Walter Cony, Alderman of the Gild of the Holy Trinity of the town of Lenne, and William Nicholasson the Mayor, together with very many other burgesses of the same town, being there present and assembled for the election of the Mayor and other officers of the aforesaid town, for the coming year, the aforesaid Alderman in accordance with the form of an agreement in that respect made, and exemplified under the King’s Great Seal took his charge, and chose for the aforesaid election the four under-written burgesses, viz. John Ernesby, John Truncli, William Raulyn, and Edmund Baws,y: Who chose, John Smyth, John Massvngham, Thomas Chamberleyn, and Thomas Calbott Thomas Bene William Raulyn John Bilney John Pigott Robert Hunt Robert Mareis Gilbert Watson of the number of the xxiiii of the Common Council i Who chose MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. I 170 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION, MSS. OP THE Borough op King’s Lynn. John Blanche, John Burton, William Lamkyn, John Bilney and John Aildburgh. Which aforesaid twelve persons elected for Mayor of this town for the coming year, Thomas Leighton ; for chamberlains, William Her- wode, Edmund Demany, Richard Tighe, John Rede; for recorder, John Burbage ; for common serjeant, Edward Salthons ; for keeper of the east gate and market, William Baker ; for keeper of the south gate, William Palmer ; for keeper of the doucehill gate, Henry Bocher. (/?.) 6 March, 18 Edward IV. — * John Burbage and William Marche, burgesses for the borough of Lenn to be present at the parliament of the Lord King, were in attendance on the said parliament, in going to it, waiting there, and in returning from the same, for forty- seven days. ( q .) 12 March, 19 Edward IV. — Also on the said day it was ordained, for the good of the peace amongst all the burgesses and inhabitants of this town, that in each constabulary of this town one person of the number of the twenty-four jurats shall be chosen for Alderman of that constabulary, and that the same Alderman and the constable of his con- stabulary shall determine all controversies and debates of every kind whatsoever of the inhabitants of their constabulary, and reduce the parties abiding therein to peace ; And that every burgess and inhabi- tant in each constabulary shall obey and yield to the judgment and ordinance of the aforesaid alderman and constable ; And that if the said Alderman and constable shall be unable to reduce the parties to peace, no burgess or inhabitant of any such constabulary shall be suitor in any courts spiritual or temporal, unless he shall have the licence of the Mayor. And for the execution of the aforesaid ordinance, divers persons of the number of the Twenty-Eour were chosen Aldermen. (r.) 24 April, 1 Edward V.— -Our said Lord King sent a letter to the Mayor and his brethren &c., which was read on the said day ; the tenor whereof follows : — Trusti and welbelovyd We grete you well, and where as it hath pleased [God] to take out of this transitory lyf the most victorious Christen Prince of famous memory King Edward the iiii th our kyng loving lord, and fader, whos soule god # of his infinite mercye pardon, The lamentable and most sorowfulle tydynges therof was shewed unto us the xiiii th daye of this present moneth, which stered us to alle sorowe and pensyfncs, yit remembryng that we be alle mortall and nedely must obey goddes ordenaunce and take it therfor as we shalle doo al thynges obeisantly after his will, And where it hath pleased hym to ordeigne and provide us to succede and enlierite my seid lord and fader in the preemynence and dignite Royalle of the Crowne of Eng- lond and Fraunche, We entend by hym that sendeth alle power with the feithfulassistence of you and other our true and lovyng subgettes so to governe rule and protecte this our Realme of Englonde as shalbe to his pleasyr oure honor and the wele and suerte of all oure subgettes in the same and to be att oure Cite of London in alle convenient haste by goddes grace to be crowned at Westminstre, Wiilyng and charging you to se that our peax be surely kepte and good governaunce had within the town of Lynne, Not fayling to excute our commandement and your auctorite in that behalfe favour or dewte of eny persons what estate or de«Te he be offe as ye entende our singler pleasure and your trewe acquittal therin ye shal deserve of us special! thankes. Yeven undre our signet at our Castell of Ludlowe the xvi day of Aprill. (t.) 22 October, 2 Henry VII. — This day is shoed and red a lcttre that came from our Sovereyn Lord the Kyngc for to make serchc this present moneth for vacabowndes and vailant beggers &c. &c. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION, 171 («.) 26 October 1487. — Also yt is accordyd wher as tlier is a new pare of stokkes made by the meanes of one Robert Matliew smyth sette aforn the dorr of the said Robert, yt is acordyd fat if the said Robert wyll not obey to the ordenannces of this towne that my mayster the mayr that now is shalle do sette away the said stokkes and set hem in the markett place and to sette the said Robert in the said stokkes in the markett place till he wyll be obedyent. (v.) 8 January, 11 Henry VII. — This same day John Gryndall alderman and William Horwode chochen burgess of the last parliament cam in and shewid what actes were made in the said parliament, which actes the said John Gryndall aldirman declared and redde them opynly afore alle the congregacion here. (a?.) 24 March, 11 Henry VIL— Thies same day were redde the Kinge’s lettres directid from the King the xxiiii th 'day of March, on to Maistre touching the Diete to be holden at Andewarp betwene the Esterlinges the Stedn and the kinges Ambassadours to understand of any greves as it apperith in the same letter [of] which copie [is] writtyn in the leiff folowing ; and an other letter directid to the Maier and his brethren for the bonde of thamite and peace entrecourz of merchandise intelli- gence, and the copie of [the] bonde desired by the King undrethe to be had and sent to the King, which Ires and copie of the bonde bee engrose in the next Leiff, first begynyng of Asshburns booke, as it apperith in the same. It is consent! d agreed and condescended by all and every singler persoun of this congregacion that the same bonde shalbe sealid with the comen seale, and they be agreed everychone and upon peyne shall appere at Seint Margarites chirch for the sealing yerof at iiii of the clok at afternoon and William Off’ is named and assigned to ride up to London and ther shall delyver the said Bound. (V.) 12 Henry VII. to 35 Henry VIII.-— Assembly (or Congregation) Book No. IV. Large Folio of 345 leaves (many of them mutilated) containing the following entries. (a.) 5 January, 19 Henry VII.— This day the Mayre have called for the eleccioun of the burges of the parliament tlieyse persons folowyng, for asmoch as Thomas Gfuybon late elected burges of the seid parlia- ment hath refewsed and wyl not take upon him, Henry Bretenham, 1 William Osse, ~] Nicholas Yosson, John Becclys, ( Robert Amfless, 1 William Ivye, John Grendell, C Richard Price, [ Thomas Fyssher, John Wilkinson, J John Daweney, J Richard Am fles, who elected for burgesses of parliament, William Trewe and William G rebye. (5.) 7 January, 1 Henry VIII.— This day by avyce of the congre- gacion, M r Meyre hath named for the eleccion of the burgesez of the parliament these persons folowyng, for asmoch as M r Wyth hathe ex- cused him by the service of the Bysshop of Ely and M r Gerves by extreme perell of sykenes, therfore the Mayre hath named for the said eleccion these persones followyng — Richard Bewshere,") Richard Peper, Thomas Myller, el John Hullyer, qui elege- unt ("John Grendell, sen 1 ’"'] Henry Bretenham, William Cnesford, | M r Burdy, Christofer Brod- )>John Grendell, jun 1 ' bank, j Richard Harde, Roger Bowesey, J who elected Thomas Guy bon and Francis Mondeford. j MSS OF THE Bokotjgh or King’s Lynn, 2 MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Ltnn, 172 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION* (c.) 28 January, 3 Henry VIII.- rnent : — -Election of burgesses of parlia- fRichard Bew-^| Mayor 1 shere, J Thomas Miller, Richard Bull, Richarcl Peper, Richard Price, ThomasRoose, John A 1 ward, f Robert Soome, ') . oucic, ,• j Thomas Leygh- j By the J John Gre udell, [ who J ton, ! rm Ti/r-ii .. ^ chose j Christopher f | Brodbank, [_Thomas Barrett, J who elected for Burgesses of Parliament M r Thomas Wyth, the mayor, and Francis Mondeford. ( d .) 22 January, 6 Henry VIII. — For the expenses of burgesses of parliament. This day be chosen these persones followyng to cesse the knyghtes mete for the burgeses of the last [parliament]. f John Grendell, John Hullyor, J John Barnard, William Barker, ( Robert Spaldyng, William Ha we, 7 John Morse, Humfre Wolle, J John Assheby, Sessars - <( sen r , John Alysaunce, Richard Peper, Robert Amfles, > sen 1 Followed by the names of the nine collectors of the cessement in the nine constabularies of the town. (e.) 20 August, 12 Henry VIII. — Memorandum, that the Monday the xx d day of August in the xii th yere of the reigne of Kyng Henry the VIII te , the tyme of Robert Gerves Mayer of Lenn. The Most Reverend Father in God Thomas Lord Cardynall Legate a latere Archebysshope of York, Primate and Chaunceler of England with the Bysshope of Ely and a Bysshope of Irland, with many knyghtes and • esquyers com’ to Lenn, Which Lord Cardynall &c. was met on the caunsy beyound Gay wood brigge with the Mayre and commons of Lenn, Which lord Cardynall was presented at Hulyns Place with xx^ dosen brede, vi soys of ale, xv barelles of beer, a tonn and xii galon of wyne, ii oxen, xx u shepe, x signettes, xii capons, iii botores, iii shovelerdes, xiii plovers, viii pykes, and iii tenches, and on the next Wednesday after the seyd Lord Cardynall with the forseyd Bisshops knight es and esquyers departed, and the forseyd Mayor and commoinaltye brought the sayd Lord Cardynall beyound Hardewyk churche and ther departed from the sayd Lord Cardynall with gret laude and thankes. — Summa Totalis. — xxii li. vi d. payd for the charges of the seyd present, with rewardes yeven to diverse officers of the seyd Lord Cardynall. (*/.) 31 March, 14 Henry VIII. — Congregation of burgesses held in the Gild Hall of Bishop’s Lenn -Thomas Miller (gubernator), Richard Bewshere, Thomas Leyghton, William Castell, Christopher Brodbank, Richard Peper, John Holyour, Roger Bowesey, Robert Parmenter, Edward Baker, Thomas Palmer, William Crampe, William Olyett, John Dunston, William Gerves, John Judde, Humfrey Wolle, John Odam, William Wygan, William Kenette, Robert Roughton, William Hall draper, Henry Duplak, William Loklay, William Hall taylor, Peter Mowthe, John Malby jun r , Robert Candeler, William Baxter, William Mowthe, Simon Thompson. The greater part of whom , viz., Richard Peper, John Holys, Robert Parmenler, William Olyett, William Gerves, John Judde, Humfrey Wolle, John Odam, William Wygan, William Kenette, Peter Mowthe, John Malby jun r , Robert Candeler, William Baxter, Thomas Water, William Mowthe, Simon Thompson, Thomas Herryson, John Whyte, HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION* 173 Robert Lambard, John Sufi, Jolm Knape elected these two under- written for burgesses of parliament, Mr. Thomas Miller, gubernator, and „ Richard Bewshere. It is worthy of observation that every burgess voting at this election was either one of “ the Twenty-four,” or one of “ the Twenty-seven ” and that the introductory record of the persons present at the con- gregation makes no mention of seven of the persons, who voted with the majority. ( e .) 5 November, 15 Henry VIII. — This daye it is agreed by all the congregacion forseid that a sessement, late sessed for the wages of the burgesses of the parliament, shalbe gathered up by the Collectours of every Ward, and furthermore that the same bylles shalbe gathered abowte agayn, and that every man that was sessed by the first bylles at ii cl. shall paye nowe at this second gatheryng of every of them iiii ct. And furthermore to sesse all those persounes that be now cum to the Town or were forgoten at the other sessing as they shall thynk reson and good consciens, and that this mony be levyed wythynne viii dayes, and be disposed in makyng the town fensaybyll with gunstones gunpowder bulwarkes, and other artylary in all hast and for to fynd a post accordyng to the commauiidement of the kynges commissioneres, and John Malby shalbe the post, and have every weke xviii d. for fyndyng of his horse and his self and every day that he ryde to have xii d. (/.) Friday before the Feast of Epiphany, 19 Henry VIII. — This day the whole company before-rehersed ben aggred that the Frenche Quene and the Due of Suffolk shalbe presented at the White Freers with ii hoggeshedes of wyne, iiij swannes, with other wylde fowle. ( g .) Friday before the Feast of All Saints, 27 Henry VIII. — This day the Mayer aldermen and comen counselle have elect and chosen in burgess of theKinges parliament for the tyme to come in lewe and place of Richard Bewdaer, Robert Suthwell esquyer by the whole assent. (h.) 31 May, 28 Henry VIII. — Congregation held at Bishop’s Lenn : — Mai or cum xii. : — - Thomas Water mayor, John Gryndell, Richard Bowsher, Thomas Leyghton, Thomas Miller, Robert Aumfles, Robert Parmotour, John Water, John Power, Edward Baker, William Hall. Numerus de xviii: — Peter Cur, William Kenete, William Hall, Peter Clebourn, Henry Dewplak, George Amis, Stephen Leyghton, Roger Bowsey, William Baxter, Thomas Bowsey, William Norman. This day alle the hole assent of theis abovenamed have elect for burgesses of parliament for this towne William Conyngeby and Robert Southwell esquires, and gyven them full auctorite and power to deal with all matters in Parliament. (i.) Friday, April, 30 Henry VIII.— This day the Mayer, aider- men and comen counsell have elect and chosyn to be burgesses at the parliament for this parliament to begyn the xxviii day of this present moneth of Aprellfor this town of Kyng’s Len, Robert Suthwell, esquyer, and Thomas Water, and have gyven them full power and auctorite to tract and comon in all and every thynge and thynges consernyng the said parliament. (/.) Friday, ante festum Natalis Domini, 33 Henry VIII. — Thys daye the Mayer, aldermen, and comon counsell have elect and chosen to be burges of the parlament for thys parlament to begyn the xvii th day of Januarii next cumyng for this towne of Kynges Lynne, Thomas Water and Thomas Myllar, and have gyven them full power and auctoryte to treate and comon in all and every thyng and thynges consernyng the sayde parlament. MSS. OF THE Boeough of King’s Lynn. 2 174 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. BoIough^p (VI.) 35 Henry VIII. to II Elizabeth.—- Assembly (or Congregation) King’s Lynx. Book, No. V. ; large folio of 522 leaves, containing with a large number of other matters the following memoranda, — < (a.) 14 January, 36 Henry VIII. — This day the Mayer, recorder, the aldermen and common counsell have electyd and chosen for burgesses of the parlyament Edmund Grey and Thomas Myller. (6.) Monday before the Feast of St. Michael, 1 Edward VI.- — This daye M r Maior with the whole assent of the aldermen and comen counsell have elected and chosen M r Thomas Gawdy esq. and M r William Ouerend to be burgesses of parlyament. (c.) 7 October, 1 Edward VI.—- Badges for pore and impotent per- sons. This daye yt is agreed that there shalbe badges made of leade and engraved with a roose and an E and an R of the sydes for suche aged and impotent persons as ben within this town and ben not able to labour for theire lyvyng to beare, wherby they maybe knowen from other, and that thees badges shall not be delyvered to any of the sayd impotent persons, butt by the advice of M r Maior and of the alderman and constable of every ward, wherein they shalbe admytted. ( d .) Friday, in the Vigil of Saints Peter and Paul, 3 Edward VI.— This daye it is agreed and establyshed by M r Mayor, aldermen and comen counsaill that M 1 ’ Mayor on Sundaie next comyng shall in recompens of the wyne and breade for the communyon and for the offering offer and give unto the curat of the church of St. Margaret viii d for all iii churches, and that every inhabitaunt of this town oon after an othr every Sondaye shall doo likewise as the turn shall come abowt in maner and forme as hertofore the Holy Breade Loffe hath ben yevyn, provided allway that yf the hows wherin such inhabitaunt doth inhabit and dwell be not of the value of xx s yerely or soo leaten that then ii or iii of the next shalbe joyned unto hym and to paie portion lyke towardes the charges of the communyon and offering aforesaid. (e.) 20 January, 6 Edward VI.— This daie M r Mayor, aldermen and comen counsaill have elected and chosen Sir Richard Corbett knight and M r Thomas Waters gent, to be burgesses of this next parlyament. (/.) 18 September, 1 Mary. — This daie M r Aldermen and comen counsaill have elected John Walpole esquier and Thomas Waters gen. to be burgesses of the parlyament. (ook No. VIII. Large folio of 472 leaves, containing — (a.) 20 June 1614. All so itt was agreed that M r Maior shall be allowed for his burgis wages for every day wherein he served this last parliament the some of tenne shillinges per day. He went from hence the first of Aprill last and returned the xi of June next following. (b.) 14 October 1616. At this day itt was agreed that a Letter shall be written by M r Maior and the aldermen to the Lo. Chancelor of England, the townes High Steward, to intreat that he will* be a meanes that all the companyes of players which yerely resort to this towne may nott be suffered here to use playing notwithstandinge their grantes and patentes made unto them. (c.) 15 December 1620. Record of the election, by “ M r Maior the aldermen and comon counsell,” of M r Matthewe Clark and M r .John Wallis, aldermen, to be burgesses of parliament for the town : with memorandum that “ the Maior aldremen and comon counsel have granted that either of the said burgesses shall have for their wages tenne shillinges for every day of the said parliament and for every day of their traveill outward and homeward.” ( d .) 22 January 1628. Record of the election, by the “ Maior the aldermen and comon councell” of John Wallis and William Doughty, aldermen of the town, to be burgesses of parliament ; with memo- randum of an agreement “ that the severall wages of those that shall be elected burgesses of this burrough shall be fyve shillinges a piece for every daye.” (e.) 25 April 1625. — Record of the election by “ M r Maior the aider- men and comon councell,” of Thomas Guriy n and John Cook aldermen, to be burgesses of parliament for the borough ; with memorandum that each of the two burgesses is to have for his “wages” five shillings a day. (/.) 16 January 1625. — Record of the election, by “ M r Maior the aldermen and comon counsell,” of Thomas Gurlyn and John Cook, to be burgesses of parliament for the borough, at “ wages for every day of fyve shillinges a piece.” (g.) 25 February 1627. — Record of the election, by “ M r Maior the aldermen and comon counsell,” of Sir John Hare, knt. and William Doughty, one of the aldermen of the town, to be burgesses of parlia- ment for the borough. (A.) 16 December 1631 .—Allso itt is granted that the chamberlyns shall pay unto Hester Ogden the late dawghter of Doctor Fulk deceased towards the newe reprintinge of the books of her said father five pownds. U 24955. M MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. ■2 178 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. or the Borough of King’s Lynn. (?.) 31 March 1633. — At this daie [it] was apoynted that Fif tie-one shillinges and eight pence should he paied to M r Mayor by the Cham- berlins for a gratuitie sent my Lord Cheefe Justice Richardson : also fortie shillinges to send away his Majesties Plaiours of his private chamber in Yorke without actinge heere. (j.) 20 May 1636. — Also itt is this daie ordered that M r Mayor is to be paied by the Chamberlains fortie shillings for so much by him given to the King’s players not to plaie heere. (X.) 12 Charles I. to 10 Charles II.— Assembly (or Congregation) Book, No. IX. ; large folio of 561 leaves, with pamplet index to con- tents, at the opening of the volume, containing with a large number of other entries, the following matters of record, — (a.) 13 March 1639. — Record of the election, by “Mr. Maior the aldermen and common counsel!,” of Mr. Doughty and Mr. Guriy n, two aldermen of the borough, to be burgesses of parliament for the town at the parliament, summoned to be holden at Westminster on 13 April next coming, having “for their wages fyve shillinges a day.” (b.) 12 October 1640. — Memorandum, respecting two letters, — one addressed to Mr. Mayor, the aldermen and common council, and the other addressed to the Mayor alone, — from the Earl of Arundell, Lord General, requesting that one of the burgesses to represent King’s Lynn in the next parliament may be a person nominated by him ; with record that “yt is unanimously agreed by the howse that they will choose noe other burgesses to serve in Parliament, but only such as are resident and inhabitinge within the corporacion, and that two letters slmlbe sent the Erie, one by the Maior and Aldermen, and the other by the Mayor himself, in answeare of the said letters.” ( c .) 22 March 1640. — Order that a letter, brought in by Mr. Mayor and read to the congregation, should be fairly written out and sent to Mr. Perce vail and Mr. Toll, burgesses of the Parliament for this town. ( d .) 24 October 1642. — Record that Mr. Toll, one of the burgesses for King’s Lynn in the present parliament, brought into the congrega- tion an Order of the parliament (copied into the present book) for putting Lynn in a state of military defence and efficiency, and for permitting no soldiers to enter the town without the authority of the parliament. (e.) 11 November 1642. — Memoranda of the persons appointed to be officers of the two trained bands of King’s Lynn; with copy of the warrant (dated 11 November 1642) of the Mayor and aldermen to captains of the same bands, for drilling and furnishing their soldiers “ soe as they may be fitted for the defence of the Kinge and Kingdome upon one howers warnynge.” (/.) 18 November 1642. — Memorandum that the “ one hundred powndes formerly agreed by the house to be lent to the Parliament upon the Propositions &c., was accordingly payd rmd delivered to Mr. Percivall and Mr. Maxey, aldermen, the treasurers appoynted by the Parliament Committee, whoe gave a receipt for the same under their handes.” (g.) 5 November 1642. — Order of Assembly, for Mr. Recorder, Mr. Leeke, Mr. Percivall, and Mr. Toll, to go to Norwich, and there attend the meeting, summoned by the Deputy-Lieutenants of Norfolk “ for consultinge and consideringe of some speedy course to be taken for the trained bandes of horse and foot to bo fitted in a-readiness to oppose foreigne forces much feared to be sodainly landed in some part of the Coastes of Norfolke, Suffolk, and Essex.” HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 179 (. h .) 12 December 1642. — Order of Assembly that neither the trained bands nor voluntiers of the borough shall go out of the town in soldierly fashion for any military purpose without the permission of the Mayor and aldermen, unto whom the militia of this burrough is by lawe granted.” — Also Order of Assembly, for Mr. Recorder and Mr. Leek to attend “ at Norwich on Thursday next the gencrall meeting of the Deputy-Lieutenants of this county to the end that a mutual! corespondence and communication of all affairs and intervening passages, tending to the good and safety as well of the county as of this towne, may be signified by the lievetenauntes to Mr. Mayor before the determinate Resolucion by them of any act to be here performed.” — Also Order of Assembly, that the captain of volunteers within the borough shall not train or show his men in any place, save the Artillery Yard, within the borough. — Also, Order of Assembly, u that a peticion be drawen to the Parliament to desier fyve hundred poundes to be allowed out of the moneys lent by this Towne, upon the proposicions, towards the towne fortifications begunne; And also ten peeces of ordinance to plant thereon, and allso a certificate to be procured from the Deputy Lievetenauntes of this county to attest the said Peticion. And the said Peticion is desired to be preferred by the parliament burgesses for this towne, whoe beinge now present have promised to promote the same with their best assistaunce.” (i.) 30 December 1642. — Memorandum : This day Mr. Percevall and Mr. Toll, aldermen and Burgesses of the parliament for this burough, by the handes of the said Mr. Percevall in the other’s absence, did bringe in and deliver into this House, of the subscription moneys upon the parliament propositions collected within this burough in their handes remaininge, the just summe of fyve hundred twenty-five powndes fifteene shillinges and six pence in moneys numbred. To the end the said moneys shalbe heare deposited in trust, and to such only purposes as is particularly expressed in an Order entered at the last Hall and congregacion heare howlden and accordinge to the trew Scope thereof. ( j.) 2 January 1642.— This day an Order of the Commons House in Parliament, dated Sabti 15 October 1642, was brought and produced in the howse by Mr. Percevall and Mr. Toll, aldermen, in hec verba sq. “ It is this day Ordered by the Commons now assembled in parliament, That the Maior, aldermen and common counsell of the towne of Kinges Lynne in the county of Norfolk shall pay and allotve out of the towne stock as formerly, unto John Percevall and Thomas Toll their burgesses, for this present parliament, as lardge an allowance per diem as they have heretofore allowed any of their aldermen that hath bene burgesses in parliament for that towne, notwithstanding the freemen of that towne had their voyces in the choice of the said John Percivall and Tho : Toll to be their burgesses for this present parliament. If the Mayor of Lynne can shew any cause to the contrary, we shalbe ready to heare him.” And yt is thereupon ordered that Mr. Maior, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Doughty, Mr. May and Mr. Leeke with all convenient speede shall consider of and draw up a fittinge answeare to present to the Honourable House of Commons upon the said order and offer the same to be allowed by the howse. (Ji.) 11 January 1642. — Letter from Mr. Percevall, one of the aldermen and burgesses of parliament for King’s Lynn, touching the proceed- ings of the parliament in respect to the town’s petition for an assign- ment of tho money, already raised by the town for the use of the parliament, to the fortification of Ihe town. “They fell in the end,” m 2 MSS. or titk Bokougii or King’s Lynn. I 180 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. says the writer “to consider how to gett money for their present and urgent occasions, and then came to say theare was much money to come from Norfolk, and some from Lynne. I tooke occasion to tell them what I had received in plate and money at Lynne upon the proposicions, and what plate was sent up, and what money was ready to be sent up, and what we had begunne to doe accordinge to their commaund touchinge the fortifyinge the towne, and what a greate deale of money that has already cost, and would cost to finishe yt, And delivered in your Peticion, And yt was presently ordered we should have 40Q/?. out oi the said money towards our fortification, and I beleeve I had gott 500//., had not a member of the House, that Mr. Robinson and Mr. Kirby spake with, stood up and said that they said 400/?’. would content them, or wordes to that effect.” (/.) 20 March 1642. — Order that a free entertaynment at the Towne ehardges shalbe made by Mr. Maior for Colonell Cromwell, and the rest of those gentlemen that shall come alonge with him in his Equipage, accordinge to the invitacion of Mr. Mayor signified by his letter, sent to him yesterday in answeare of a letter, dated the day before, sent to Mr. Mayor from Colonell Cromwell. (m.) 27 March 1643. — This daye, at the request of the howse by Mr. Maior made to the right worthy and noble gentleman, Jonn Spel- man esq., a deputy-lieutenant of this county, to take the paynes to ryde to Cambridge, accompanied and attended by Mr. Alderman Hudson, Mr. William Williams, Mr. Jonas Scott of the Common Counsel], theare to countenance and assiste the delivery of a letter to Colonell Cromwell from this house, much ymportinge the peace of this towne and the generall peace of the Kinge and Parliament, in whiche letter yt is desired that the Colonell should write to the Parliament by Mr. Recorder and Mr. Kirby whoe are also to accompany them to Cambridge[and from thence to Parliament, theare to attend &c. It is ordered so that this be done at the Town Chardge. (n.) 5 May 1643. — Order that a letter shalbe forthwith sent up to the parliament from Mr. Mayor and aldermen, directed to Mr. Corbett, whoe sittes in the chayer at the Committee for Informacions, desiringe him in the townes behalf to present the sence of this howse to the Honorable House of Commons, to this effect, — To desire an order from them therby to authorize Mr. Maior to examine all such persons, strangers as are now lately or hereafter shall shroud themselves within this towne and which may be supposed to be malignantes or probably coniectured to be so, And to remove or apprehend such of them as Mr. Maior with the rest of his feliow-iustices shall thinke meete. (o.) 26 May 1643. — Also this day Mr. Mayor is desired to invite the Deputy Lieutenantes one day in a Aveeke to dinner at the toAvne charge. (/>.) 7 August 1643. — Whereas in these dangerous [times] it i4 informed to this House that not only a great companie are now to come into this burgh, but that an overmultitude of such strangers will suddenly pester the said burgh ; it is therefore ordered and thought meete by the Maior recorder aldermen and common counsell heer present, that generall and spetiall notis shalbe given to all and everi the liowshoulders and inhabitants of this burgh that henceforth they receive not, nor presume to entertaine into ther howscs any person or persons Avhatsoever before first they acquaint Mr. Maior with ther purpose in that behalfe, and therin receive his direction ; and in the meane time it is further thought meet and so ordered that this matter, now in debate before us, shalbe HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 181 communicated by Mr. Maior unto the Committee of Parliament, to be MSS. of the assembled one the morrowe next within this burgh, to the end that such kSsLynk. further course may be taken in the premises, as thereby no hurt or — hinderance may happen to our Assotiation latly made, with and con- cerninge the parts adjacent to the said burgh, touching ther entertaine- ment therin for ther and our better saffetie in these times of danger. (qr.) 21 August 1643. — This day it is consented unto and ordered by this liowse that all the lanes in this towne may be paled up with deale hordes next the water side and doores made to be locked up by all niglit-longe and stand open all day longe ; and to oversee the worke Mr. Robinson alderman, Mr. Simans, Mr. Wharton [and] Mr. Skott of the common councell with the chamberlains are desired to doe it. ( s .) 28 September 1643. — Whereas upon a late treaty betwixt the Commissioners on the Right Honorable the Earle of Manchester’s part and the Commissioners on the behalf of this burrough, towchidge the surenderinge thereof into His Lordship’s hands, to the use of the King and parliament, amongst other articles in the said treaty concluded upon, vizt. in the 7 th Article yt is conteyned and concluded to this effect following, scilicet, That Ten shillinges a man for all the f'oote souldiers, and a fortnightly pay for all the officers under captaynes in his Lordship’s army be raysed and levied upon the said towne of Kinges Lynne, The estates of the Gentlemen, straungers and well- affected not beinge lyable therunto, As by the said Article appeareth amongst the rest, dated 16tli September 1643. And whereas his Lordship by his letter under his Lordship’s hand, dated the 26th of this instant directed to Mr. Maior, did requier expedicion of the said assessment, declareinge therby the Summe to be assessed to be 2300/. to the uses aforesaid, Therfore by consent of this howse yt is ordered that the said assessment be entered into debate instantly and performed accordingly by such equall wages as shalbe thought most fittinge. (/.) 24 November 1643. — This day it is ordered that Mr. Perceval and Mr. Toll aldermen, which are Burgesses in this present parliament for this bourgh, shalbe allowed 5s. a day a man from the time they went up to the parliament till this day out of the howse. ( u .) 26 January 1643.— -Also this day it is ordered that Mr. Jno. Bassitt, Mr. Maxie, Mr. Robbinson aldermen, together with Mr. Joshua Grene, Mr. Robert Tlioroogood, and Mr. Thomas Greene, or any lower of them, shall consider what clamadge hath bene done to the howses and landes belonginge to this Borough, in the late desertion of this towne, and to appoint such workemen, to view the same and to preferr the same to the gentlemen appointed by the Lords and Commons in . . . for repararations of such losses. (r.) 16 February 1643. — Order that Mr. Toll, alderman and burgess of parliament, and Mr. Jonas Skott, one of the common counsell, go to the Earl of Manchester at Cambridge, “ with a peticion about payment for firinge and candell for the Courtes of . . . and con- eerniuge the breakingc the church windowes and concerninge the taking down of the painted glass, and what other thinges shall concerne the towne.” ,, „ Also, Order that the parishioners of St. Margaret’s parish shall be assessed, as well as those who have houses and lands, “for the repairinge of the church windowes which are taken downe.” „ „ Also, Order that Mr. Maxev alderman, with twelve other persons named in the order, or any seven of them, “ with other parishioners that will come shall assist the churchwardens to make an 2 ' MSS. 0E THE JBOHOUGH OF King’s Lynn. 182 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION, assessment uppon tlie parishioners for the repairinge of the church windows accordinge to the ordinaunce of Parliament.” (w.) 20 November 1644. — This day Collonell Valentine Walton now Governour came into this house this daye and hath accepted of the freedome of this towne and hath taken the oath belonging therunto. (a?.) 8 March 1644. — Order (in reference to a letter from Sir John Alildrum, begging for ammunition and victuals, to assist him in holding Scarburgli against the enemy) that Air. Maxey and Air. Robinson alder- men, and Mr. Jonas Scott and Air. Murford of the common counsell shall forthwith “ make fitt such provision of beare and victualls, as they shall think good and fitting©, and send the same to Scarbrugh to the said Sir John, nott exceeding fower hundred powndes.” Copy of this letter from Scarburgh was sent to the Committees of Cambridge and Norwich. (//.) 18 Alarch 1645. — Order of Assembly for the execution of the order of Commissioners (dated 13 Alarch 1644, and signed — Miles Corbett, Valentyne Walton and Tho. Toll), requiring, in accordance with order of parliament, the heir of Air. Thomas Gurlyn (late Mayor of Lynn), Sir Hamon Lcstrange and Robert Clench esquire, to pay in equal proportions the sum of 2871. Is. 6d. in compensation of damage done at their instance and command to the Mayor and burgesses of Lynn ; it having been shown “ that Thomas Gurlyn late Mayor of the said towne of Lynne, Sir Ilamon Lestrange knt., and Robert Clench esquier did in or about the moneth of September 1643 att Lynne afore- said unjustly comaund and cause certeyne Rouses and Avails in South Lynne, of the said Alayor and Burgesses, to be pulled downe and demo- lished to the damage of the said Mayor and Burgesses, two hundred eighty-seven poundes one shilling and eight pence.” f z .) 24 November 1645. — This daye itt is agreed [and] ordered that Air. Robinson, Alayor, shall att his pleasure sett up and build in Luth Street to his prevye dweelinge howse there one compleat porch, such as he shall think good. (««.) 8 September 1649. — It is this day ordered, That a letter be written to the Right ILon ble the Earle of Salisbury by the Alayor from his house, to give him knowledge, that this house hath granted him the freedom of this burgh, and that the cominalty of this burgh hath elected him a burgess of the parliament of England.” (bb .) — September 1649.— Copy of the Earl of Salisbury’s reply to the letter, sent him in accordance with the last given order, — Gentle- men, As the President you have made in choosing of me to be your burgess is unusuall (I beleeve) if not the first amongst you, so doth it lay the greater obligac’on uppon me, neither is that favour a little heightened by my being so much a stranger unto you as indeede I am. And as you have heere an open and free acknowledgment from me of your kinde and good affections in so unanimous an elecc’on of me to serve you in Parliament, as your letter doth expresse, so cannot they merit, or you expect more thanks then I do really retorne unto you for them ; you have bene pleased cheerefully (as you say) to conferre your freedome upon me, 1 shall ever be as zealous in mantaining of yours. And as I am not ignorant of the great trust you have placed in me, so shall you never be deceived in it. For the addresses you are to make unto me (as your occasions shall require) they shall not be so many as cheerefully received, And whatsoever may concerne the publique good or yours shall ever be pursued with all faitbfullness and diligence by him that is — Hatfield, Your very loving friend, 15th Sep. 1649, Salisbury. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 18 o ( cc .) 11 August 1656. — >This day General John Desbrow and Maior- Generall Phillip Skippon are chosen in this House to serve as bur- gesses for this burrough in his Highnes next parliament at West- minster, upon the seventeenth day of September next, according to a precept directed to Mr. Mayor from the sheriff, which was this day read in this House. „ „ It is this day ordered that the common seale be taken out and fixed to an indenture for the election of Generali Desbrow and Maior- Generali Skippon, being choses burgesses for the burrough, to sit in the next parliament by this House, which indenture is to be returned to the high sheriffe of the county. (del.) 26 September 1656. — It is this day ordered that Mr. John Horsnell of London be sent unto by this house as their solicitor in this behalfe to attende upon the Committee of Previledges at Westminster to make good this houses auncient Custome of electing of burgesses to set in parliament and that an abbreviate of the records be sent up to him in order to his prosecution of the same. And that in order there- unto Mr. JSTewelect Mr. Joshua Greene, Mr. Thomas Greene, Mr. Benjamyn Holly aldermen, the town clarke Mr. Robinson, Mr. Pope and Mr. Clampe, or any four or more of them, and any other of the house that please, be a Committee, And are desired to meet this afternoon . . . . to draw up instructions and state the busines of election clearly betweene this house and the comons of this burgh and make theire report to this house the next Hall day. (ee.) 29 September 1656. — It is this day ordered that Mr. John Horsnell of London be desired to attend upon Mr. Clarke of Bury now being in London with such instruccions as shall be sent unto him concerneing the custome of this House for electing burgesses To sett in parliament for this burgh according to the order of the last Hall day, and that the committee appoynted the last hall day for that purpose do sett this afternoone. (Jf.) 19 December 1656.— This day Sir John Thorowgood was by this house chosen to be. one of the burgesses to serve in this present parliament for this burrough in the roome and place of Gen’all John Disbrowe who hath made Ms election to serve for the county of Somersett and thereupon the common seale is by order taken out of of the Treasury and affixed to an indenture testifieing the said election. (f/g).- 7 August 1657. — It is this day ordered that the chamberlyhs doe pay unto Mris. Wheelock the summe of twenty shillings as a gratuity to her in consideration of a booke presented by her to this house being the 4 Gospells in the Pertian Language, the worke of her deceased husband. (M.) 7 August 1657. — Whereas William Dumbelow the marshall of this towne hath committed a very greate offence in not observeing the command of Mr. Mayor and Captain White upon this day of pro- claiming his Highnes the Lord Protectour whereby a difference hath beene likely to arise betweene the officers of this gairison and this towne, It is thereupon this day ordered that the said William Dumbe- low for his neglect and default aforesaid be remooved from his said office. (jj.) 8 September 1658. — Official announcement of Cromwell’s death and of his appointment of Richard for his successor ; dated from Whitehall 4 Sept. 1658, and signed — He. Lawrence Presidb — Followed by this Memorandum, MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lye e x 1 MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. 184 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God in his wise and over-ruleing Providence to take into his mercy the most Serene and Renowned Oliver late Lord Protector of this common wealth, And whereas his said late Highness did in his life tyme, according to the humble peticion and advice, appoynt and declare the most noble and illustrious lord, the Lord Richard Eldest Soun of his said late Highnes to succeed him in the government of these nations, We therefore the Mayor and other the magistrates of this burrough of Kings Lynn in the name and with the consent and concurrence of the comonalty of the said burgh doe with one full voyce and consent of tongue and hart publish and pro- clayme the said most noble and illustrious Lord Richard to be the Rightfull Lord Protector of this common wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland and the dominions and territoryes thereunto belonging, to whome we acknowledge all fidelity and constant obedience according to law and the said humble peticion and advice, with all harty and humble affections beseeching the Lord by whome princes rule to blesse him with long life and these nations with peace and happines under his government. God save his Highness Richard Lord Protectour of the common wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland and the dominions and terri- toryes thereto belonging. (XI). 10-36 Charles II. — Assembly (or Congregation) Book, Xo. X. ; Large Folio of 537 leaves, with index to contents at the end of the volume, containing these noteworthy entries. (a) 3 January 1658. — About Election of Burgesses to sett in Parlia- ment. Whereas severall burgesses of this burrough of the commons at large have this day made their requestes to this house that they might be admitted to joyne with this house in the election of burgesses to sett in the next parliament to be houlden at Westminster the 27th day of this instant January, It is thought fitt and ordered that the resolves of the Committee of Priviledges of the last parliament and the parliamentes Orders thereupon concerning elections be first read unto them in the open hall which is done accordingly. This day alsoe upon further debate of the aforesaid business of election of burgesses to sett in the next parliament for this burrough it being adjudged by this house that the right of election of the said burgesses is at present in this house according to the aforesaid order, It is therefore ordered that this house doe proceed to an election accordingly, And that in case the said commons at large shall after such election persist in theire desires to have the precept for election of burgesses to be read unto them That the same be read unto them accordingly for theire satisfaction. Mr. Toll and Capt. Lloyd chosen burgesses for parliament. This day the Mayor, aldermen and common councell have elected and chosen Mr. Thomas Toll one of the Aldermen of this burrough arid captain Griffifth Lloyd to be Burgesses for this burrough in the next parliament to be houlden at Westminster upon the 27th of January instant. (5.) 16 April 1660. The election of burgesses to serve in Parlia- ment waved by the House for this present election. Whereas Mr. Mayor hath this day caused a Common Hall to be warned in order to the election of burgesses to serve in the next parliament to be houlden at Westminster and severall of the members of the house being mett together in this house, divers of the free burgesses of this burgh came and requested that they might be admitted to elect burgesses for the HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 185 said parliament as tlieire right, which being taken into consideration this house doth think fitt for the present satisfaction of the people to suffer the commons to elect, and to wave the election in this house for this present election. ( b ) Charters , Letters Patent , and Privy Seal Writs. 1 1 tli century. — Charter (Latin and Saxon) of privileges, granted by King Cnut to the monks of St. Edmund’s Bury ; the Saxon part of the instrument having been translated into the following English by the late Mr. C. W. Goodwin, — “In the name of the Almighty Lord, I. Cnut, king, make known to all men concerning the counsel which T have taken with my counsellors, for my soul’s need and for the benefit of all my people, that is to say : — That I grant eternal freedom to the holy king Saint Edmund in such wise henceforth as he had it heretofore in the place where he rests, and I will that this freedom stand in his dominion unchanged, from the power of every bishop of the shire what- soever eternally free. And so often as men pay army-money or ship- money let the township pay, according as other men do, to the behoof of the monks, who shall therein serve [God] iu our behalf. And we have chosen that no man shall ever convert the place to the use of men of another order, unless he would be cut off from the communion of God and all his saints. And I grant to the monks for their nourish- ment all the fishery which Ulfkytel owned at Wylla, and my toll of fish which arises to me along the sea-coast. And my queen ^Elgyfu grants to the saints four thousand eels with their services which pertain to them, at Lakinge hithe. And I grant to them jurisdiction over all their townships in all their land, which they now have, and may hereafter acquire by God’s grace.” Regarded with suspicion by Kemble, and pronounced a forgery by Hickes, this interesting document may be said to have recovered the confidence of Saxon scholars through the critical judgment and ingenuity of the late Mr. C, W. Goodwin, who offered cogent reasons for thinking it a genuine performance, in a paper to be found in the Fourth Volume of “Norfolk Archeology.” — Also, resting amongst the Lynn Muniments, a Latin Charter, purporting to be a con- firmation of King Cnut’s charter, by his son Hardecnut. Forbearing to pronounce this second charter an altogether spurious fabrication, on account of its penmanship, which, in the absence of strong reasons for declaring the document a piece of pure imposture, might be assigned to the hand of the same twelfth-century copyist of a genuine writing, Mr. Goodwin produced internal evidence that the document is nothing more than one of the ingenious forgeries, of which the monastic scrip- toria were fruitful. How these two writings came into the possession of the burgesses of Lynn is a matter of conjecture ; but as the endorse- ments of both parchments demonstrate them to have been at Bury so late as 1536, it has been reasonably assumed that the genuine charter and the later fabrication came to the Mayor and burgesses of King’s Lynn, together with the title-deeds of a property (formerly pertaining to Bury Abbey), which they bought at Brandon co. Norfolk, and have since sold. For further particulars of these interesting MSS. readers are referred to Mr. Goodwin’s masterly essay (Norfolk Archoeology vol. IV.) “ On two Ancient Charters, In the Possession of the Corpora- tion of King’s Lynn.” 14 September, 6 John. — Charter of concessions by King John to the Burgesses of Lenn, with clause granting to them “ quietanciam murdri infra burgum dc Lenna et quod null us eormn facial duellum,” and a MSS. OF THE Borotjgh of King’s Lynn. m 186 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION, BoIough HE c ^ ause say i n S ^ ie rights of the Bishop of Norwich and his successors, King’s Lynn, and of the Earl of Arundel and his heirs. Dated at Lutgershall. — Also, duplicate of the same charter, with a different arrangement of the names of the witnesses, amongst whom appears Alan Basset, a name that is not placed in the testamentary clause of the other writing. 6 February, 17 Henry III. — Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the charter of concessions, dated at Lutgershall by King John on 14tli September in the 6th year of his reign to the Burgesses of Lenn. Dated at Westminster. 14 April, 39 Henry III. — Charter, entitled “Ne quis pro alio dis- tringatur,” to the Burgesses of Lenn, Dated at Windsor. — Also, dupli- cate of the same charter. 26 March, 52 Henry III.— Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the charter of concessions, dated at Lutgershall by King John on 14th September in the 6th year of his reign to the burgesses of Lenn ; With further Grant to the same burgesses of power to elect their mayors, in accordance with a charter granted to them in former time by the Bishop of Norwich and his Chapter : — “ Cumque quondam Norwic’ Episcopus et Capitulum suum Norwic’ concesserint et carta sua con- iirmaverint prefatis burgensibus quod ipsi per suam eleccionem creare possint sibi aliquem de suis in maiorem et maiorem ab eis creatum eidem Episcopo et successoribus suis presentare sicut per cartam eorundem quam inspeximus nobis constat evidenter, Nos pro concessimus pro . prefatis Burgensibus et heredibus suis quod loco prepositi sui predicti decetero eligant maiorem et maiorem suum sic electum teneant sine impedimento nostri vel heredum nostro- rum imperpetuum qui quidem Maior namium illorum qni thelonium vel consuetudinem a Burgensibus predictis ceperint excepta civitate London’ ut superius inde apud Lenn capiat &c.” Dated at Westminster. 29 November, 9 Edward I. — Charter of Inspeximus and Confirma- lion of the charter of concessions, dated at Lutgershall by King John on the 14th September of the 6th year of his reign to the burgesses of Lenn ; With Inspeximus and Confirmation of the charter, dated at Westminster by Henry the Third on the 26th March in the 52nd year of his reign to the same burgesses. Dated at Westminster. 17 February, 18 Edward. — Privy Seal Writ addressed to the Mayor bailiffs and good people at Lenne ; For the equipment and setting forth of the ships of the town, so that they may be ready at Portesmouth by mid-lent next ensuing, in accordance with orders given them by the Kind’s Admiral towards the north. Dated from Westminster. o 30 September, 19 Edward. — Privy Seal Writ addressed to the Mayor, steward and bailiffs of Lenne ; Enjoining them, if they would escape heavy loss and their sovereign’s indignation, to do what they shall be told by the King’s Admiral towards the north and John de ILarsiek, or by either of them, who have been despatched to the parts of Lenne on certain of the writer’s necessities. Dated at Mersefeld. 20 July, 29 Edward I. — Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the charter, dated at Westminster by Henry the Third, on the 16tli February of the 13th year of his reign to the burgesses of Oxford : With Inspeximus and Confirmation of the charter of concessions, dated at Westminster by the same King Henry the Third, on the 26th of March in the 41st year of his reign, to the burgesses of Oxford. Dated at Caldstrem per manum nostrum. 5 April, 33 Edward I. — Charter of concessions to the burgesses of R enn ; — Granting that they may have their Gild Merchant, together with HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION* 187 all lands and buildings pertaining to the same gild : that the same bur- gesses shall not be impleaded out of the borough by foreigners, in respect to contracts, demands, or other matters made or done within the borough ; and that the Mayor for the time being of Lenn may make reasonable distresses for talliages and other reasonable aids, assessed and to be levied on the community of the borough, for the use of the same community. Dated at Westminster. 7 April, 33 Edward I.- — Letters Patent of Pardon and Release to the burgesses of Lenn, in respect to all trespasses, &c. said to have been done by them in assessing divers talliages on the community of the said town, without the unanimous assent of the same community, and in levying the same talliages from the poor and but moderately endowed men of the same community, and other great sums of money under colour of certain common fines, heretofore made by them for divers causes, beyond the sums to which the same fines extended themselves, and in converting to their own use, and not to the advantage of the said community, nor to the reparation (emendacionem) of the same town, a great part of the same talliages and other different sums of money formerly levied in the same town, as well by occasion of the aforesaid fines as by occasion of murage granted unto them by us, and also in committing divers “ forestalla et prisas 55 of merchantable things coming to the same town, of their own peculiar authority, against the law of our kingdom, and in establishing and using in the same town certain corruptions, contrary as well to common law as to law-merchant. Dated at Westminster. 26 May, 35 Edward.-— Privy Seal Writ addressed to the Mayor and bailiffs of Lenne. Por their prompt and zealous compliance with a recent ordinance that all chattels and moveable things, forfeited to the King in the ports of his realm by offenders against “ le statut de la monoie,” be no longer delayed, but immediately on the very days of their becoming forfeit be seized into the King’s hand by his servants in those places, and without delay remitted to the Chamberlains at the receipt of his Exchequer. It being ordered that no one, high or low, of what condition so ever, be spared in this matter. Don’ a Kardoyl. 16 May, 0 Edward II. — Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the charter, dated at Westminster by Edward the First, on the 29th of November in the 9th year of his reign, to the burgesses of Lenn, and also of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the charter, dated at West- minster by the same King Edward the First, on the 5 th of April in the 33rd year of his reign, to the same burgesses; with grant to the same burgesses of freedom throughout the kingdom, “ de panagio muragio, kanagio ; Salvo jure Episcopi Norwycen’ domini dicti burgi et succes- sorum suorum.” Dated at Westminster.— Also a duplicate of the same charter. 28 September, 11 Edward.- — Privy Seal Writ to the Bailiffs and good people of the town of Lenne. For that news has come to us that our enemies of Scotland have laid siege to our town of Berewyk-on- Twede with a great number of people, wherefore we have need to send thither men and ships for the rescue of our said town and the safety of our people who are there, We pray and charge you as especially as we are able that you will aid us sufficiently and with good will with your navy well equipt with men and victuals in aid, for the rescue of our aforesaid town. — Promise being given of reasonable repayment of the costs to which the bailiffs and good people shall put themselves in the matter ; order being given for their ships and men to be at Scardeburgh MSS. or the Borough or King’s Lynn - . s 188 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. on the 12th of next October, to proceed thence in the company of Simon de Driby who has been appointed “ cheveteyn de la navie ” about to be sent for the rescue of the aforesaid town. Dated at Eu’Wykes. 28 March, 12 Edward. — Privy Seal Writ addressed to the Mayor, bailiffs, and good people of the town of Lenne; Enjoining them to comply with the requirements of the Bishop of Norwich, Mons r Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke and Mons r Walter of Norwich, or two of the three, touching aid of ships and men for the king’s navy, to be for a time at the charges of the town and afterwards to remain in the king’s service and also in his pay, for the despatch of his war with Scotland. Dated at Euer Wyk’. Though it remains at Lynn, this writ is no longer in the hands of the Corporation. 1 August, 16 Edward. — Privy Seal Writ addressed to the Mayor and bailiffs of the town of Lenne (on information that many ships charged with victuals have come to the said town), Ordering and strictly charging that no such ships, that have or shall come thither, be permitted to discharge there, but be required to proceed with their victuals to the North parts for the sustenance of the king and 4 hoste.” Don’ a Noef Chastel-sur-Tyne. 5 August, 16 Edward. — Privy Seal Writ addressed to the Mayor and Bailiffs of the town of Lenne, on information that divers ships laden with wheat, rye and other victuals have entered the haven of the said town. Deferring to previous letters on the same subject, and ex- pressing astonishment that he has heard nothing in reply to them, the King orders the Mayor and bailiffs to permit no such vessels to discharge at Lenne, but on pain of forfeiture and his further displeasure to compel all of them to proceed promptly with their freight for the sustenance of himself and his host. Don’ a Goseford. 1 April, 9 Edward III. — Charter of Inspeximus and Continuation of the charter, dated at Westminster by Edward the Second, on the 16th of May in the 6th year of his reign, to the burgesses of Lenn : With further grant that (the burgesses of Lenn having been heretofore accustomed to bequeath by will their tenements in the said burgh according to custom) the wills touching tenements bequeathed in the said burgh may be proved and enrolled in the Guildhall before the Mayors and burgesses for the time being of the said borough ; With further grant of freedom from arrest to the said burgesses and their successors in respect to their own persons, and also in respect to their ships, mer- chandise, goods and chattels, 66 pro debito aliquo unde principals debitores plegii seu manucaptores non existant aut pro delictis et transgressionibus aliorum infra regnum nostrum.” Dated at Nottingham. — Also, a duplicate of the same charter. 24 February . . . , . Edward.— Privy Seal Writ addressed to the Mayor and the community of Bishop’s Lenne. It having come to the King’s knowledge that certain people of the said town are causing fear and trouble there, to his injury and to the prejudice and damage of his most dear and well-beloved William, Bishop of Norwyc and seigneur of the said town, the king bids the same Mayor and community, under pain of forfeiture, to alter their demeanour, and bear themselves otherwise if they Avould escape his most grievous anger. Dated at Westminster. 8 August, 10 Edward. — Privy Seal Writ addressed to the Mayor and bailiffs of Lenne : Bidding them deliver for reasonable payment to Koger Daketon, the King’s larderer, a sufficient ship for taking by sea live thousand lish between Lenne and Euerwykes for the use of the King’s household.-— Don’ ... a Nicole. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 189 9 August, 10 Edward. — Privy Seal Writ addressed to the Mayor and bailiffs of Lenne, bidding them to do what is right to Walter le Cotillor Deuer-Wyk’ and his wife Isabel in respect to their requirements. Don’ ... a Nicole. Though it remains at Lynn this writing has passed from the hands of the Corporation. 5 November, 11 Edward. — Privy Seal Mandate addressed to the Mayor and community, for immediate payment to the King’s larderer, Boger de Accon, of the fifty marks due from them for provision of fish for the King’s household. Dated from Westminster. 17 April, 15 Edward. — Privy Seal Writ addressed to the Mayor of Lenne. A letter of credence for John Lambert, in which the Mayor is enjoined to put perfect trust in the said John Lambert, who has been enjoined to confer with the Mayor, and give him particular informa- tion, respecting certain of the king’s most urgent needs. Dated at West- minster. 27 April, 1343. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation, dated by Brother William de Claxton Prior to the Church of the Hol} r Trinity of Norwyc and the Convent or Chapter of the same place, for the perpetual confirmation to the burgesses of Lenn of all liberties and things granted to them in former time by the charter of John by God’s grace Bishop of Norwich. Dated at Norwyc, sealed with the seal of the chapter, and endorsed li Confirmacio libertatum ville Lenn concessarum per Capitulum Norwici juxta libertates Oxon.’ ” 20 May, 17 Edward III. — Letters Patent, of s a^ Mandate to the Mayor and honest men of Bishop’s Lenn. For the strict observance of the Statute of Warranty provided for every person impleaded respecting lands in the city of London, who shall call a foreigner for Warranty, and also for the observance of the provision that, when a plea shall have been moved in London by brief respecting any tenement in the same city, it shall not be lawful for the tenant to make waste “ de tenements petito pendente placito predicto.” Dated at Westminster. 24 December, 18 Edward. — Privy Seal Writ, addressed to the Mayor bailiffs and good people of Lenne, for the timely provision of one hundred of the most soldierlike and vigorous men of the said town, armed in accordance with the precise requirements of the present writing, and for their punctual appearance on the appointed day of mid-Lent next coming at Portesmouth, thence to proceed in the king’s service, in the expedition for the rescue and defence of his Duchy of Gascoyn. 5 August, 23 Edward. — Privy Seal Writ, addressed to the Bailiffs and community of the town of Lenne ; For their prompt and zealous action in drawing together all the ships galleys and other vessels of their port and coast, and in putting them upon the sea, to follow the King’s fleet, in accordance with directions to be given by the bearer of the writ, Peter de Donewyz, the King’s clerk. Dated at Westminster. 1352 A.D. — Indenture of Agreement, whereby William by God’s grace Bishop of Norwich, with the consent of his chapter, for the determination of all dispute and contention between him on the one part and the Burgesses and community of the town of Lenn on the other part, respecting the election of the Mayor of the said town, granted that henceforth the burgesses of the said town should be able to elect annually their Mayor, on condition that every Mayor of Lenne so elected and sworn in the said town be presented within three days of his election at Geywode by his comburgesses to the said bishop or to the same bishop’s steward in case of the bishop’s absence from his manor, MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. 2 190 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OP THE Borough of King's Lynn. and at his presentation promise to discharge his official duties faithfully, and preserve from injury the rights and liberties of the Church of Nor- wich within the said burgh. Dated at Norwich, 20 July, 30 Edward. — Lettters under the Privy Seal to the well beloved Bailiffs and good people of the town of Lenn ; In acknow- ledgment of their manifestations of affectionate concern for the writer’s honour and profit, and for the honour and advantage of all his people, and also for the good despatch “ de n’re guerre Descoce.”, Don’ . . . . a Euerwyk’. 2 July, 33 Edward.— Privy Seal Writ to the Bailiffs of Len, charging them “ si marelianz ou aulres gentz viegnent a la dite ville par mer, ou par terre, od nuls ostours qui soient a vendre, et vous puisssz trover nul de eux qi soit plus graunt de corps qe autres ne soient communalment, qe ceu facez prendre a n’re oeps, ia soit ce qil sit les pennes brisees.” Don’ a Smerden. 10 November, 34 Edward III. — Letters Patent of Special Pardon to the Mayor, burgesses and community of the town of Bishops Lenn co. Norfolk. Dated at Westminster. 20 November, 41 Edward. — Privy Seal Writ, addressed to the Mayor and bailiffs of Lenne : For their zealous compliance with the requirements and furtherance of the business of John de Swanlond the king’s clerk, and William Getour the king’s mariner, who have been appointed to take at Lenne suitable and sufficient ships for the king’s service. Don’ • • • • “ en Park de Wyn desores.” 4 May, 51 Edward III. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Con- firmation of the Letters Patent, dated at Walton on 10 July in the eleventh year of his reign by Edward II. to the Mayor and burgesses of the towne of Lenne, and granting during pleasure to the same Mayor and burgesses the custody of the same town, and its defence against the attacks of foreigners, and all others being the king’s enemies. Dated at Westminster. 9 February, 1 Richard II. — Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the charter, dated at Nottingham by Edward the Third on the 1st of April in the 9th year of his reign, to the Burgesses of Lenn. Dated at Westminster. 17 May, 9 Richard II.— Letters Patent of a Commission addressed to John Brunham, Mayor of the town of Lenn, and to John Waryn, Richard de Honton, Roger Paxman, Henry de Botele, and Thomas Curson, to array all the able-bodied men of Lenn and also of South Lenn between the ages of sixty and sixteen years, and to put the town together with South Lenn in a state of defense against the King’s enemies of France and their adherents and all his other enemies ; With power to the commissioners to levy moneys on the inhabitants of the burgh and of South Lenn for the execution of the commission, and to punish persons resisting their orders. — Dated at Westminster. 3 September, 16 Richard II. — Letters Patent of Licence of Aliena- tion : granting to John de Brunham and Thomas de Contcshale of Lenn licence to give and assign to the Alderman and brethren of the Gild Merchant of The Holy Trinity of Bishop’s Lenn five messuages, a quay, ten pounds six shillings and eight pence of rent, and the profit of the passage of a boat beyond the port of Bishop’s Lenn. With Licence to the Alderman and brethren of the said gild to hold the same messuages, quay and rents and profit to themselves and their successors for ever, lor religious uses, the Statute of the Mortmain notwithstanding. The HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 191 grant being made from special favour and also in consideration of tlie sum of one hundred and twenty pounds, paid to the King by Henry de Betele the alderman and by the brethren of the said Gild. — Dated at Beverley. 20 September, 16 Richard II. —Letters Patent of Licence to John de Brunham mayor of the town of Bishop’s Lenn, to give and assign to the Mayor and community of the said town a certain messuage and a cerfcaiu rent of seventy-five shillings and seven pence half-penny in the said town, and also of licence to Richard Dun to give and assign to the same Mayor and community a certain rent of twelve pence and the profit of the passage of a boat out of the port of the same town, with their appurtenances in the same town : With licence to the same Mayor and community and their successors to hold the same, together with other things mentioned in the grant, to religious uses, the Statute of Mortmain notwithstanding.— Dated at Wodestoke. 1 1 January, 2 Henry IV.— Letters Patent of Mandate to the Mayor and bailiffs and community of the town of Lenn : Por their speedy preparation and complete equipment this side the quindene of Easter next coming, of a barge fully provided to serve as a vessel of war against the King’s enemies. — Dated at Westminster. 27 May, 2 Henry (IV.) — Letters Patent of Licence to John Prentys, Thomas Throthe, John Berwyk, John Meye, and Robert Ferrour of Southlenn and John Wynteryngham, to found and make of themselves and other persons, as well men as women, in the Church of All Saints of Southlenn, a gild and fraternity to the praise and honour of the LXoly Trinity; With power to the brethren and sisters of the same gild to elect yearly and as often as shall be needful from themselves a Master or Warden, and further licence (of alienation) to William Gaysle chaplain to give and assign to the Master or Warden the brethren and sisters aforesaid a certain messuage and a rent of twelve pence, for the support of the burdens of the said gild, and also to same Master or Warden brethren and sisters to take the same messuage and rent and hold them toThemselves for ever, the Statute of Mortmain notwithstand- ing. — Dated at Leycestre. 16 March, 11 Henry IV.— Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the charter, dated at Westminster by Richard the Second, on the 9th of February in the 1st year of his feign, to the Burgesses of Lenn. ■ — Dated at Westminster. 10 April, i Henry V. — Letters Patent of Exemplication of Letters Patent, dated at Westminster by Plenry IV. on the 25th of November in the 14th year of his reign, of Inspeximus of a certain memorandum touching certain decrees of the Venerable Thomas by God’s grace Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor, upon certain discords and controversies between certain “ de potentioribus ” of the town of Bishop’s Lenn of the one part, and the Mayor burgesses and com- munity of the said town of the other part, respecting certain oppressions and extortions &c. committed by the said “ potentiores ” on the said Mayor burgesses and community, and upon certain articles &c. touch- ing the same, — viz. A memorandum that, whereas certain strifes and controversies had arisen between Robert Botekesham late mayor of the said town and certain of the Potentiores of the same town of the one part and the Burgesses and community of the town of the other part con- cerning certain oppressions and extortions &c. alleged to have been done against the said Burgesses and Community by the said Mayor and Potentiores, and whereas afterwards Roger Gabon Mayor of the MSS. or the Borough or King’s Lynn. 2 192 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION, MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. aforesaid town and the Potentiores Mediocres and Inferiores and whole community of the same town in respect to the said alleged oppressions and extortions Ac. submitted themselves to each and all the decrees and ordinances of certain eighteen persons set forth in a certain writing of Submission, and whereas for the greater security of the same Sub- mission and of the fulfilment of the same decrees and ordinances, certain persons have become bound in certain sums of money to the said Mayor and community, as is set forth in the said Writing of Submission, running in these words 4 To all Believers in Christ to whom &c. . . . . . . Know that we as well the Mayor and potentiores as the mediocres and inferiores aforesaid in respect to all and each of the said discords and strifes &c. . and all the said oppressions and extortions Ac. by these presents firmly submit ourselves to the decrees and ordinances of the eighteen underwritten persons, namely, Thomas Waterden, Robert Brunham, John Spicer, James Brigge, John Thoresby, Bartholomew Sisterne, William Brice- ham, John Bilneye, Bartholomew Patypas, William Baret, Philip Franke, William Hereford comburgesses of Lenn aforesaid, William Halleyate, John Thilney, Robert Appelton, John Cokfeld, Thomas Middleton, and John Cressyngham inferiores not burgesses of the town of Lenn aforesaid, Which decrees and ordinances and every decree and ordinance to be pronounced by the same eighteen persons Ac. . . . We the Mayor and Potentiores for our part and We the Mediocres and the Inferiores not burgesses for our part and the whole community of the town of Lenn aforesaid by ihese presents promise to fulfil in all things ; and further for the greater security of this present Submission and for the faithful fulfilment, of the decrees and ordinances of the said eighteen persons, on the part of the Potentiores, Edmund Belleyetere, Thomas Waterden, John Wintworth, Thomas Brygge, Robert Brunham, John Brandon, Ralph Bedyngham, William Hounder- pound, James Brygge, Richard Thorp, Richard Dendy, John W'esen- ham, Bartholomew Systerne, Andrew Swan ton, John Bolt, John Spicer, John Home, John Lakynghithe, Robert Salesbury, William Briccham, John Thoresby and Thomas Hunt have each been bound by themselves by their obligatory writing in the sum of one hundred pounds to the Mayor and community of Lenn aforesaid and their successors, And on the part of the Mediocres and of the Inferiores not being burgesses William Baret, Robert Narburgh, Adam Whyte, William Hereford, Richard Waterden, Alexander Draper, Nicholas Dunton, Thomas Ploket, Richard Letthour, John Bilneye, John Masye, Philip Franke, John Muriel!, John Butworth, William Style, Walter Todenham, William Colles, William Baldewyn, Richard Constable, Geoffery Gatleo, William Waterdon, John Alger, Henry Elmham, Nicholas Marty n, John Bentleo, John Frost, Ralph Topcrofte, Thomas Worsted, Thomas Walsyngham bocher, Robert Burgeys, John Brekerop, John Drewe, John Fylyppe, William Spire, James Nichasson, Hugh Cook, Bartholo- mew Toftes, John Cawod, Robert Randes, John Loueday sporyour, Richard Wyche, Peter Cambell, Philip Bylneye, Adam Candeler, Bartholomew Petypas, Henry Fouldon, John Berewyke, John Wynche, William Waldon, John S}deden, Richard Thewyck, John Parmenter, John Warner, John Hert, Thomas Skarlet, Henry Drewe, John Shermon, Henry Gil, William Norfolk, John Tydde, John Maupas, John Sisterne, Geoffrey Joynour, Richard Lyndeseye, Thomas Rudham, John Dytton. John Noble, Simon Rody, William Blakeneye, Edward Bonet, Thomas Paynot, John Bcuerleo, Thomas Truyt, Reginald Castollacre, John Wythe, John Crosse, William Bedyngham, Thomas Langton, Robert Hadlee, Thomas Langton, John Brightyowe, Thomas HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 193 Thro the, Adam Marcant, John Branham senior, burgesses of Lenn aforesaid, have each been bound by themselves by their obligatory writing to the said Mayor and Community and their successors in the sum of fifty pounds of the money of England, And John Wyrham, William Hilly ngton, John Perche, Richard Lyster, Nicholas Shermon, John Chesterton, Andrew Fourbour, Walter Baxter, Thomas Wyrmgeye skynner, John Wystede, Richard Gedney, John Kyng bocher, Nicholas Barbour, William Pye, John Franke, John Tamworthe, Stephen Lyster, Robert Gyle, William Wygenhale, John Broun taylour, Richard Pyinond, Richard Caluebane, Robert Fourbour, John Candeler wolman, Thomas Lvnmour, William Wolmon, John Wotton, Thomas Bonet, John Clerk harbour, John Melleford, Roger Fraunceys, John Crosse skynner, John Walpole bocher, Thomas Stalwortli, William Wesenham cordwaner, John Worthyn, John Tranche, Roger Lok- smythe, John Albot, John Hesell, William Peautrer, John Honton, John Swayn fletcher, William Pressour, John Barbour, Thomas Baryngton, John Gotthe, William Hanspe, John Wermegeys, John Walham, John Botthe draper, Thomas Gocche glover, Roger Broun barker, John Balder skynner, Robert Sadde, John Cainhz, John Steynour, William Blome, William Luswyk, John Godyng, William Hallegate, John Tylneye, Robert Appelton, John Cokfeld, Thomas Midilton, and John Cressyngham, not being Burgesses of Lenne aforesaid, have each been bound by themselves by their obli- gatory writing in the sum of five pounds eleven shillings and two pence of the money of England to the aforesaid Mayor and community and their successors ” Sealed with the common seal of the town of Lenn, and dated 15 Dec., 13 Henry IV. It is next recorded in the memorandum that the said eighteen persons, appointed to make decrees for the settlement of the matters in controversy, being hindered in coming together and unable to do so, agreed and decreed that whatsoever (with the assent of the Mayor and community of the town) the greater part of them, so long as it was a greater part consist- ing of at least ten persons, determined respecting any of the said matters, should be firm and valid as though all eighteen had been pre- sent at their decision ; this agreement being made by a writing, dated in the Gildhall of Lenn on 8 April, 13 Henry IV., and set forth in the memorandum, which goes on to record how, in accordance with powers given to them, the said eighteen persons (1) disallowed the claim made by John Belleyetere, one of the party of the Potentiores, on the Mayor and community for 36/. 135. 8 d. for expenses incurred by him when he was mayor of the town; (2) also declared unjust and disallowed the claim for 70/. 155. 10c/. made on the Mayer and community by Thomas Watirden, one of the party of the Potentiores, for expenses alleged to have been incurred by him, when he was Mayor of the town ; (3) also declared unjust and disallowed the claim for 80/. 105. 0 d. made on the Mayor and community of the town by John Wyntworthe, one of the party of the Potentiores, in respect to expenses alleged to have been incurred by him when lie was Mayor of the town ; (4) also declared unjust and disallowed the claim for 69/. 25. 4Jc/. made on the Mayor and community by Thomas Watirden, John Bitteryng, and Thomas Hunt, executors of the testament of Robert Botekesham, late Mayor of the town, in respect to expenses alleged to have been incurred by the said Robert Botekesham deceased during his said mayoralty; and (5) also declared unjust and disallowed the claim for 122/. I 5 . 5d. made on the Mayor and community by Thomas Brigge, one of the party of the Potentiores in respect to expenses alleged to have been incurred by him for the town’s benefit, in the times when he U 24955. tv- MSS. or THE Borough oe King’s Lynn. 194 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn, was Mayor of the town ; and (7) granted a quit-claim to John Brun- hain, Edmund Belleyetere, Thomas Watirden, and to the aforesaid executors of Robert Botekesham, and to John Wynteworth, of the party of the Potentiores and formerly mayors in respect to a certain sum of 457/. 195. 7 d., which sum, in addition to very many other sums of money spent against Henry le Dispenser, late Bishop of Norwich, the aforesaid John Brunham, Edmund Belleyetere, Thomas Watirden, Robert Botekesham, and John Wynteworth, whilom Mayors of the town, from the first to the 13th year of Henry the Fourth, disbursed without the consent of the aforesaid community unjustly and inordinately, to the serious pre- judice and extreme depoverishment of the same community ; and (8) decreed that henceforth the Mayor of the said town should receive in ac- cordance with ancient custom 10/. for his fee for the year of his mayoralty, and further for his reward whatsoever the Community of the said town (videlicet, potentiores mediocres et inferiores non burgenses) shall put aside for this purpose with regard to his merit or demerit, this being however observed with respect to rewards of this kind that the mayor do not exceed the same ; and further (9) decreed that the Mayor answer to the Community for all arrears of all contributions coming up for the town’s benefit during the year of his mayoralty; and further (10) decreed that yearly each mayor should choose and take to himself three persons of the Potentiores, and three persons of the Mediocres, and three persons of the Inferiores, not being burgesses of the aforesaid community, which nine persons together with the said mayor should, during the year of his said mayoralty, have full power to deal with the rents, &c. of the same community; and (11.) further decreed that the Inferiores not being burgesses of the same community, who hitherto against order of justice have been deprived of their certain privileges, should have and enjoy for ever all the privileges granted to them by a certain Composition, made between John formerly by Cod’s grace Bishop of Norwich of the one part and the Mayor and Community of the town of Lenn of the other part : The aforesaid ordinances and decrees being embodied and set forth in certain writing dated at Lenn, by the majority of the aforesaid eighteen persons on 20 May, 13 Henry IV., and assented to by the Mayor and Community at the same place and time, and further confirmed by the several writings of assent, made by individuals of the aforesaid Potentiores, Mediocres, and Inferiores of the said town of Lenn, and dated respectively on 16 July, 18 July, and 21 July, 13 Henry IV. The remainder of the memo- randum being the record of proceedings in the Court of Chancery for the confirmation of the aforesaid ordinances and decrees macle by the aforesaid eighteen persons ; the record closing with the aforesaid Chancellor’s decree for the confirmation of the same ordinances and decrees, delivered on 17 November, 14 Henry IV. Dated at West- minster. — Also, a copy of the same Letters Patent of Exemplification, made on membranes stitched together in the form of a pamphlet. — Also, in connection with the foregoing Letters Patent of Exemplifica- tion, it may be observed that there remain amongst the Lynn Muni- ments the three obligatory writings set forth in the same Letters Patent and said therein to have been dated respectively at Lenn on the 20th of May, the 16th of July, and the 21st of July, in the 13th year of Henry the Fourth. 20 May, 2 Henry V. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirma- tion of the charter, dated at Westminster by Henry the Fourth, on the 16th of March, in the 11th year of his reign, to the burgesses of Lenn. Dated at Leicester. historical manuscripts commission. 195 2 June, 4 Henry Y. — Letters Patent of Exemplification of the Tenor of a certain instrument for the Revocation of divers new ordinances and constitutions and for the reestablishment of the ancient constitutions and customs for the election of officers in the town of Bishops Lenn. u Henricus &c salutem : We have inspected the tenor of a certain revocation of certain new ordinances, made in the town oi Bishop’s Lenn by certain late burgesses, made by the Mayor jurats and community of the said town, sent to us into our Chancery in these words. To all sons of the holy mother the Church who shall see these presents. We the Mayor jurats and the rest of the comburgesses of the town of Bishop’s Lenn and the whole community of the same town greeting in the Saviour of all men, Whereas our progenitors and pre- decessors of happy memory formerly burgesses of the aforesaid town from time in which memory does not stand for the better and healthier government of the same town were accustomed to make twenty and four jurats of the more discreet honest and worthy and more sufficient burgesses of that town and a certain election of a Mayor chamberlains common clerk common serjeant-at-mace, and other officers and ministers in the same town yearly by virtue and authority of certain liberties and privileges granted to our said progenitors and predecessors and their heirs and successors by the charters of the noble progenitors of our most excellent prince and lord in Christ the lord Henry by the grace of God King of England and France and lord of Ireland with the assent and at the special requisition of the then Bishop of Norwich of memory to be honoured and lord of the said Town and confirmed by our same most dread lord the King, under certain manner and form following, That is to say That all the burgesses of the aforesaid town yearly in the vigil of the Feast of the Decollation of St. John the Baptist be summoned and warned by the common serjeant-at-mace, in the name and by the authority of the Mayor for the time being of the said town to assemble on the following morrow with the Mayor and jurats for the time being of the said Town at the Guildhall of that town as well for electing the Mayor as for electing the aforesaid officers and ministers, who being thus assembled the Alderman for the time being of the Gild of the holy Trinity of Lenn or any other person appointed in his place by him if he shall not be able to attend respecting the election of this kind choose and nominate four of the more worthy and more sufficient burgesses of the same town not being of the state and degree of the aforesaid jurats, and then being there present, to elect to themselves eight other of their comburgesses likewise not being of the said state or degree of the twenty-four Jurats for making choice of the Mayor and the rest of the officers and ministers of the said town for the year then next following, which twelve burgesses thus elected, a certain accustomed oath having been first taken of the common clerk of the aforesaid town, should proceed at once [cum effectu] to making * election of one of the aforesaid twenty and four jurats and of no other to the office of Mayor of that town and of others of their comburgesses and others not burgesses to the offices of chamberlains, common clerk, common serjeant-at-mace and janitors and also to the offices of belleman and wayte in that town for the year next following ; Who being thus then elected to the aforesaid offices should on the next following Michaelmas- day and not before in the aforesaid Gildehall receive without delay of the common clerk of the aforesaid town the oaths pertaining and customary to their offices, which having been thus done they should continue in do and exercise their offices of this kind throughout one entire year. Respecting the election indeed of the N 2 MSS. OF THE Boeotjgh of King’s Lynn. i 196 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OP THE Borough of King’s Lynn. aforesaid twenty and four jurats, this was the ancient custom that as often as it should happen that one or more of the said twenty and four jurats should die or voluntarily relinquish his state and degree or otherwise his demerits compelliug him to be reasonably removed and expelled from the same, then the Mayor for the time being of the same town and the rest of the remaining jurats in the presence of all and each of the rest of the burgesses of that town wishing to be present at warning made to them on the part of the aforesaid Mayor by the aforesaid sergeant-at-mace in the aforesaid Grildhall should so often and when there be need elect admit and ordain another or others of the more worthy honest discreet and more sufficient of the aforesaid burgesses in the place of him or them thus dying retiring or being removed to do and exercise the state and degree of this kind, who being thus elected admitted and ordained the customary oath having been taken should continue for life in the state and degree of this kind, unless it should happen from the causes aforesaid that they or any one of them should voluntarily retire or be removed therefrom, And moreover if it should happen that any one or more of the coroners or constables should die or on account of old age or any other reasonable cause should retire or be removed, then the said Mayor for the time being should cause the burgesses of that town to be warned by the common serjeant aforesaid to be in the aforesaid Guildhall for electing the deficient officer or officers of this kind and on the appearance of all his comburgesses wishing to be present there, the aforesaid Mayor should nominate four of the same comburgesses, who should in like manner nominate eight others of the comburgesses then being there present, which having being done the twelve thus nominated, the customary oath having been first taken, should elect and ordain another person or persons in place of him or them of the coroners or constables aforesaid either wanting or removed, Which ordinances elections and ancient customs being held enduring and being observed in the aforesaid manner our aforesaid progenitors and predecessors the Mayor jurats burgesses and community of that town rested happily under the sweetness of peace and quiet throughout the days of pro- sperous times, But now greviously discords strifes controversies riots dissensions and quarrels have for long sprung up and increased amongst the comburgesses and others of the same town, by reason of certain new ordinances and constitutions concerning and about the elections of the Mayor and the rest of the jurats officers and ministers aforesaid, made by certain late burgesses of the aforesaid town and others adhering to them and more than wont which is to be deplored increase and grow in these days, the tenor of which new ordinances and constitutions in the form ensuing follows, Be it remembered that whereas lately divers dissensions discords and controversies have been moved and have arisen beiween the Mayor of the town of Bishop’s Lean and the more part of the burgesses of the aforesaid town on the one part, and certain others of the burgesses of the aforesaid town on the other part, about and concerning the yearly election and the manner and form of the election as well of the Mayor in the aforesaid town as of the chamberlains prelocutor common clerk common serjeant-at- mace janitors and other ministers and officers wont to be yearly elected in the same town, and also about and concerning the election and the manner and form of the election of comburgesses of the aforesaid town whenever it may happen that they should be elected as well to the state and degree of the twenty and four jurats as often and whenever it may happen for any one or more of the said state and degree to die or voluntarily retire or for his or their demerits to be removed by the HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 197 same as to the offices of coroners constables or others in the same town, The King our present dread Lord to whose ears through the suit of certain persons have resounded the aforesaid dissensions discords and controversies observing that the dissensions discords and controversies of this kind arising not only from the aforesaid causes but also from ancient discords not fully and cordially put to rest, between the aforesaid parties lying hid have broken forth anew between the same parties, and that by this the more quickly very many disturbances ard commotions may easily result between the same parties and the rest of the burgesses of the said town and the community of the same, And wishing not only to take precaution against dangers of this kind, but to put an end to strifes, and more quietly and securely to reform and the more firmly to establish peace and tranquillity between the same parties, caused it by his royal power to be declared, that certain of the aforesaid parties should come before him, and caused his will respecting the premises to be declared to them, the aforesaid declaration being also thus made, he of his royal benignity urged the aforesaid parties for making conccrd renewing peace and altogether putting an end to strifes amongst themselves, that the same parties at the gracious instance of the same King by his royal authority and also with the unanimous consent and mere free and unforced will of the same parties made a final concord between them, concerning and about the aforesaid dissensions discords and controversies and in the following form respect- ing the elections and day of election of the Mayor jurats prelocutor and other officers following, and also in respect to the time of the Mayor’s coming into the aforesaid mayoralty and the manner and form of the taking and receiving of his oath with the needful articles following being agreed unanimously for themselves and their successors that it should be held in the aforesaid town, That is to say, That henceforth the election of the Mayor in the aforesaid town should for ever be made yearly in the same town, in the manner and form in which it was used in the City of London, or at least to the greatest possible conformity with them of London, 'for so much that in the aforesaid town there are not had aldermen wards recorder nor divers other things as in the City of London but by statutes in the said town are twenty-four jurats, and that henceforth yearly that election take place on the day of the Decollation of St. John the Baptist, and he who had then- been elected on Michaelmas day then next following and not before in the Gildhall of the aforesaid town, to the same town it was the custom that he should take the oath, the common clerk of the same town giving that oath to the same elected person, and that having been done he should take upon himself the state and degree and should continue in them, as the highest disposed, throughout an entire year, and as to the form and manner of the election, it was agreed that all burgesses of the afore- said town who should be able and willing to assemble at the Guildhall of the same town in the aforesaid day of Decollation, for electing a Mayor of this kind, might come there freely, and the congregation of this kind having being made there should be public proclamation that no one under penalty of imprisonment presume to give voice to take part in making the said election unless he should be a comburgess or minister of the aforesaid town, And immediately afterwards it should be enjoined by the prelocutor and common clerk of the aforesaid town on all the burgesses thus assembled, That the same burgesses with good deliberation should then and there severally [divisim] elect and nominate two of the twenty-four jurats or of others who were formerly of the number of the twenty-four jurats, of the degree and state of the twenty- four jurats of this kind, notoriously not discharged on account of MSS. or the Borough of King’s Lynx. s MSS. oi’the Borough op King’s Lynn, 198 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. dishonesty or public causes or their demerits, which two thus to be chosen and nominated the same burgesses believed the more discreet more sufficient and more useful to the community of the twenty-four jurats and others aforesaid to take and hold the office of the Mayoralty to God’s praise and the aforesaid towne’s good fame advantage and honor, and thus under this form should be named the aforesaid two thus to be nominated, that it be first be enquired by the prelocutor and common clerk of the aforesaid burgesses, to whom in the first place and to whom in the second place they would wish to give their voices and this with due intervening pause, so that one of them may be named clearly, and those appointed to this work may be able to have full report of him before inquisition be made respecting the other, and it being well and carefully seen by the prelocutor and clerk aforesaid who in the first place and who in the second place in this matter have the larger number of voices amongst the aforesaid burgesses, For the true reporting of which and presenting it to the Mayor and jurats the prelocutor and clerk should be themselves amongst the burgesses aforesaid and the same prelocutor and clerk be firmly sworn forthwith to report publicly the names of those two persons, that is to say of him who had the greater number of voices for first, and of him who had the greater number of voices for second, faithfully and without fraud to the same twenty-four jurats in the chamber appointed for their session and state, and this being done, the Mayor of the aforesaid town first and then each of the aforesaid jurats should in series and secretly declare and each of them should declare his wish to the aforesaid prelocutor and clerk respecting the one or the other of those two persons whose names were thus presented to them the Mayor and jurats for to be then elected to be Mayor, And the same common clerk under the observation of the same prelocutor should write down severally and secretly the wishes in this respect of each of the aforesaid Mayor and jurats, and he of the aforesaid two thus presented on whom the greater part of the same Mayor and jurats may agree should be chosen and made Mayor for the year then next to come, and the election thus made faithfully should be announced immediately to the same burgesses, so that if the aforesaid two thus presented have an equal number of voices amongst the aforesaid Mayor and jurats, then the voice of the Mayor should be counted for two voices, so that in a case of this kind he who shall have the Mayor’s aforesaid voice should be agreeably named chosen and had for Mayor of that town for the year then following. Also in respect to the election of four chamberlains in the aforesaid town it was agreed that every year, the aforesaid mayor having been elected and it having been agreed respecting him among the jurats and burgesses, forthwith two of the burgesses of the aforesaid'town on which two the Mayor and jurats for the time being in the aforesaid [manner] shall have agreed for taking the state or office of a chamberlain or at least the greater part of the same twenty- four jurats shall have agreed, the voice of the Mayor being computed as is aforesaid for two voices in case that amongst the same Mayor and jurats both parties be equal in voices and a greater party be not found, should be elected in the aforesaid form to be two of the aforesaid chamberlains by the same Mayor and jurats, And for the election of two other chamberlains in every year aforesaid two other burgesses should be named and chosen for the two other chamberlains by the burgesses themselves being present, as for the election of a mayor, or by the greater part of the same, the testimony and record of the aforesaid prelocutor and clerk sworn in form aforesaid being always taken, as to which two of the burgesses of the aforesaid town the greater part of the burgesses taking part in the election shall agree [to elect] as is HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION, 199 aforesaid, the intention of either party being that neither the said chamberlains nor either of them be in any year chosen out of the twenty-four jurats and that no one of the same jurats be in any manner taken to the office of those chamberlains. Also it was agreed that when anyone of the aforesaid twenty-four jurats shall die or it shall happen that any one of them shall voluntarily retire or be removed from the grade and state of the twenty-four jurats, either by withdrawal deposition or exoneration either on account of old age or infirm hy of body or any other cause whatsoever, then immediately the Mayor for the time being should appoint a day for this matter and by the common sergeant-at-mace give notice to the twenty-four jurats and all the other burgesses aforesaid of the said day and warn them to be then in the Chamber and Gildhall aforesaid, and all the burgesses aforesaid not being of the number of the twenty-four jurats who may wish to come together, then and there should with good deliberation amongst them- selves elect and name from amongst themselves two persons whom likewise they believe more discreet faithful and more sufficient men to take the state and degree of jurats to God’s praise and the aforesaid town’s advantage and honor, and that the aforesaid prelocutor and clerk to this in like manner sworn should be in this matter present amongst the same burgesses, who should in the chamber aforesaid of the twenty-four jurats in this respect faithfully and without fraud in accordance with their oath thus taken forthwith present publicly to the same jurats the names of those two of the aforesaid burgesses on whom all the aforesaid burgesses shall have agreed, or at least the greater part shall have agreed, which names being thus presented, if it may appear to the same twenty-four jurats or at least to the greater part of the same twenty-four jurats that the two aforesaid burgesses thus pre- sented to take the state and degree of this kind are sufficiently discreet and sufficient or that either of them is sufficiently discreet and sufficient, then immediately he of the aforesaid two thus presented, on whom the greater part of the aforesaid twenty -four jurats shall agree for being the more discreet and more sufficient, should be taken and advanced to the degree and state of this kind by the same jurats, the oath customary in this respect having been first taken by him, and should forthwith be numbered with them and rated for one of them, Otherwise if it appear to the- greater part of the same twenty-four jurats that neither of the aforesaid two is for any reasons in this respect sufficiently discreet and competent, then those persons being omitted the aforesaid burgesses should come together again immediately in the Gildhall, and in the places of the omitted persons should elect two others from themselves the same burgesses, and that as well the choice as the assumption to the aforesaid state and degree as well for that time as henceforth, when there be need for any persons to be chosen and assumed to the same, should be of the more discreet more faithful and more sufficient bur- gesses of the aforesaid town as is aforesaid in the aforesaid form. And it was agreed that no one henceforth should be elected to the aforesaid degree of the twenty -four jurats nor be established in that degree unless he be of free condition and have at least a hundred solidates of rent, And that if henceforth at an election of this kind there be elected a common victualler selling by retail, he should put aside this kind of selling of victuals and till he do so should not be taken to the same degree, and that after being assumed into the aforesaid degree, and during his continuance in the same degree, he should not be a common victualler as is aforesaid under penalty of removal from the aforesaid degree. And in like manner in all things as the twenty -four jurats are elected, that the coroners and constables should be elected whenever MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. MSS. OF THE Borough of Kikg’s Lynx. 200 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. such officers need to be elected, this nevertheless being added that coroners of this kind and constables should be chosen indifferently from the twenty jurats or all other burgesses at the discretion of the electors. Also it was agreed and ordained that if anyone henceforth sue for the exoneration of anyone being of the state and degree of the twenty-four jurats, or the removal of the same person from the afore- said degree and state for any cause whatsoever, or any one of the twenty-four jurats wish to sue for his own proper exoneration on account of old age sickness or infirmity of body or for any other cause whatsoever, the Mayor for the time being should on this appoint a certain day and give notice of the same day to all the jurats and bur- gesses aforesaid by warning them by the common serjeant-at-mace to be present in the aforesaid Chamber and Gildehall, and that on the coming together at the said day in their Chamber of the aforesaid jurats with the aforesaid Mayor, and of those of the burgesses who wish to be present in the Gildhall, and on mature deliberation had separately by them upon the reasons against thus removing and discharging anyone by any persons in this respect put forward, or upon the reasons for exonerating the same person alleged for his discharge by himself or by any other person in his name, if the reasons thus pro- posed and alleged appear effectual and reasonable to the greater part of the same Mayor and jurats, and also to a part of all the other burgesses being in the Gildhall, then the same jurat against whom the same reasons for his removal have been set forth, or by whom the same reasons have been alleged for his discharge, should be discharged from the aforesaid degree and state and another person to be elected in his place and in form hereabove specified, the customary oath being first taken, should be demanded and charged, Otherwise the aforesaid person should not be removed from the aforesaid degree and state nor at his own suit nor the suit of any one else be discharged from the same degree and state for that time in any way, And that in this respect the Mayor’s voice be computed for two voices in case that in the discussion of the aforesaid reasons there be not found a greater party amongst the Mayor and jurats aforesaid, and as to how the greater part of the burgesses had itself in the aforesaid discussion, full credence be had in the prelocutor and clerk to this matter sworn and in the report to be made in this respect by the same in accordance with that which is contained more fully in the form set forth in respect to the election of the Mayor. And it was agreed that yearly at the Feast of St. Bartholomew, due warning having been made by the common serjeant-at-mace as well to all the twenty-four jurats as to all the other burgesses of the aforesaid town for assembling in the aforesaid Chamber and Gildhall, in the form aforesaid with the assent of all the burgesses not being of the grade of the twenty-four jurats or at the least of the greater part of the same there should be elected one of the burgesses not being of the state of the twenty-four jurats to be prelocutor of the aforesaid town for the year then next coming and that, immediately after election, the person thus elected should take his oath before the Mayor jurats and all the burgesses, and henceforth for the aforesaid year continue and exercise his abovesaid office, And that there should be a report and presentation in this case by the common clerk to this matter sworn, as to the burgess upon whom the greater part aforesaid of the burgesses should agree for the aforesaid prelocutor. Adso in respect to the offices of common clerk common serjeant-at-mace janitor at the east gate janitor at the west gate and janitor at the gate of St. Anne in the aforesaid town and the office of belman and the office of the wayte for the same town it was agreed and ordained that HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 201 every year there should be a nomination of men for the aforesaid offices by the Mayor and jurats for the time being, and this as well of the Burgesses as of all persons whatsoever according to the advice and discretion of the aforesaid Mayor and jurats, on the aforesaid day of the Decollation immediately after the making choice of the aforesaid chamberlains. So that always if controversy respecting elections of this kind or anyone of them should in any way whatever be had amongst the afore- said Mayor and jurats, those persons to be elected on whom the greater part of the aforesaid Mayor and jurats agree be appointed to the abovesaid offices, and be placed severally in the same according to the nomination thus had, contradiction or choice of the smaller part not- withstanding. Provided always that if a greater party cannot be found, but both parties be equal, that then the Mayor’s voice be taken for two voices as has been said very often in order to make a greater part. Provided also that the aforesaid officers having been nominated in the aforesaid form their names be immediately made known to the burgesses being in the Gildhall, and that for a nomination of this kind at least the greater part of the same burgesses be content, And that if the greater part of the burgesses being in the Gildhall be not content -respecting a nomination of this kind or any one of the persons of this kind nomi- nated, for repeating a choice of this kind the major part and the aforesaid jurats may pass without delay to another nomination, and that in the places of the persons thus refused there be named in the aforesaid form such persons as those to whom to the greater part of the burgesses be willing to give agreement and contentment, and that the prelocutor and common clerk for the time being tG this matter sworn see and on their oath faithfully report every year to what officers in this respect the greater part of the burgesses have given their voices, and with respect to whom they may be willing to be contented and with regard to whom not to be contented. But if the greater part of the burgesses be not able to be contented with the persons thus nominated at the first turn, or with those nominated at a second time, that then the same persons or person, on whom the greater part as well of the twenty-four jurats as of all the other aforesaid burgesses agree for holding the aforesaid offices or any of them, should be elected to those offices or that office and hold them or it according to the election thus made a third time. Also it was agreed that in the preferment of the prelocutor and common clerk of the aforesaid towm. to their aforesaid offices either of them should take his customary oath for doing and exercising faithfully and without fraud hi 3 office and all things pertaining to the same, before the Mayor and jurats for the time being in the Chamber of the Gildhall, And that the common clerk’s oath should be in these words “ Thou shalt swear that thou wilt be faithful to the Mayor jurats and all the rest of the burgesses of the town of Bishop’s Lenn in whatever pertains to the office of common clerk in the afore- said town in all times whatsoever and that without influence or motive of hatred or favour whatsoever between the Mayor and jurats and the rest of the comburgesses of all the town aforesaid thou wilt not make report unfaithful coloured or mixed with falsehood in any matter of those things that concern thy office, but without fraud to anyone to be done thou wilt according to thy knowledge make faithful report and not other between all degrees whatsoever of the same town as to thy office belongs, also in all cases thou wilt render and have thyself indifferent as- well as in writing examining and reporting as in doing whatsoever pertains to thy office towards the Mayor jurats burgesses every and all degrees and the community of the aforesaid town and that thou wilt MSS. or the Borough of Sing’s Lynn. m 202 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSIONS MSS. OF THE Boeouoh of King’s Lynn# reveal to no one the counsel of the same to the aforesaid town’s injury or dishonour and if thou shalt learn or know anything by which to your knowledge injury or disgrace shall be able to happen to the aforesaid town thou wilt warn the Mayor for the time being or some one of the twenty-four jurats who shall be willing and able in thy estimation to amend this between thee and him and in what better way thou shalt know, and thou shalt not procure discords and dissensions between the aforsaid Mayor jurats degrees of the burgh and community or any of them secretly or openly, nor shalt thou know of any discords of this kind and dissensions but thou shalt hinder them, or as far as thou shalt be able thou shalt for allaying discords of this kind and not for justifying them reveal it to those of the aforesaid town who shall be able to hinder it so as Grod and the holy evangelists may help you.” And that the prelocutor in his preferment take the same oath (things to be changed being changed), and nevertheless as well in the election of the Mayor as of all the other aforesaid degrees and officers and at every and all times when it shall happen that the same prelocutor and clerk or either of them shall do any of the affairs of their offices that their aforesaid oath be renewed, that is that it be taken again as it shall seem to be expedient to Mayor jurats and burgesses, and that if any prelocutor or common clerk be found unfaithful against his oath and be duly convicted of infidelity of this kind he lose as well his afore- said office as his franchise of the aforesaid town and from then in no manner be restored to the same office and franchise nor do exercise or occupy henceforth any other office in the aforesaid town. We therefore observing how certain immense expenses charges losses and intolerable damage by reason of the aforesaid discords strifes con- troversies riots and dissensions from the time of the first establishment and completion of the said new ordinances and constitutions in the afore- said town have happened, and by process of time much greater will happen and are feared to happen, unless they be restrained, lest they re- dound to the final destruction and depauperization but also the de- solation and probable overthrowing of all that town, which may it be far distant, and wishing to take precaution against losses and burden- some injuries of this kind, and according to our power to pluck up by the roots and extirpate the aforesaid strifes quarrels and dissensions from the said town and from the persons inhabiting the same and to bring back and reform peace quiet and true concord between us and our heirs and successors with the lords favour and help, and thus being reformed to establish it for ever, by the tenor of these presents revoke make void render vain and annul all and each of the aforesaid new ordinances and constitutions made for and about the election of the aforesaid Mayor jurats officers and ministers and contained and specified in the said memorandum, which have furnished as is premised the fuel of grief and hatred, and every particle of the same, by our common consent will and authority for ourselves our heirs and our successors, Being unwilling that the same new ordinances and constitutions be henceforth any further used in the aforesaid town by ourselves or our said heirs or suc- cessors or be drawn in any manner whatsoever into consequence use or exercise, But that henceforth for ever they be wanting of all their power and virtue. And Further for the better healthier and more dis- creet government of the aforesaid town of our aforesaid common counsel consent assent will and authority We Will grant ordain give and declare for ourselves our heirs and successors aforesaid that the aforesaid ancient customs ordinances and constitutions and all other laudable and prescribed customs in all and each of their articles “ con- nexis et dependiciis ” whatsoever from now and even for ever be held .HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 203 kept and firmly observed, and that if it happen that the Mayor for the time being of the aforesaid town within his year before he shall have executed the office of his mayoralty throughout one year should die, the Alderman for the time being of the aforesaid Gfild be able to accomplish occupy and exercise the office of the Mayor of this kind thus dying until the end of that year as in the same Town in like case from ancient time the custom was, the said new ordinances and constitutions in any way notwithstanding. We are unwilling nevertheless nor is it of our intention that by colour of the premises there be in any respect any derogation from the right of the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity of Norwich or of our Venerable Father and Bishop of the same place Lord of the said Town of Lenn. In testimony of which thing we have caused to be put to these presents the new common seal of the said town of Lenn. Dated at Lenn aforesaid on the first day of June in the fourth year of the Reign of Henry the Fifth after the conquest of England. We more- over at the request of the aforesaid Mayor jurats and the rest of the comburgesses and community of the aforesaid town have thought right by the tenor of these presents to exemplify the tenor aforesaid, In testimony of which thing we have caused these our letters patent to be made. Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium on the second day of June in the fourth year of our reign. 3 Juty, I Henry VI. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Con- firmation of the Letters Patent dated at Leicester by Henry the Fifth, on the 20th of May in the 2nd year of his reign, to the burgesses of Lenn. Dated at Westminster. 12 July, 1 Henry VI. — Letters Patent of a Pardon and Release to William Trewe alderman of the Gild Merchant of the Holy Trinity of Bishop’s Lenn, and to the wardens or scabins and to the brethren and their predecessors of the same Gild. Dated at Westminster. 13 December, 3 Henry VI. — Letters Patent of Exemplification of certain letters, made under the Privy Seal, and addressed by the same King to all Proconsuls, consuls, judges, &c. of Eric by God’s grace King of Dacia, Norwegia and Swecia, touching the affairs of certain of the said King of England’s subjects of his town of Lenne and certain merchants “ de Hansa ” using mercatorially the parts of Northberne ; and for determining all discord between them in respect to the same matters. Dated at Westminster. 20 June, 6 Henry VI. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Con- firmation of the Letters Patent, dated on 6 June in the 5th year of his reign by Henry the Fourth, empowering English merchants “in parti- bus Prucie Dacie Norweie Hanse et Swethie commorantes,” to assemble at their pleasure in a sufficient place, and to elect governors to them- selves and make ordinances for their self-government in mercantile matters and for the furtherance and better execution of their affairs of commerce ; power being accorded to the governors so elected to mete out reasonable punishment to any of the aforesaid English merchants, disobeying the governors so elected and the ordinances so made. Dated at Westminster. 14 February, 19 Henry VI. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Letters Patent of concessions to the Gild of the Holy Trinity of Lenn, dated at Beverley by Richard II. on 3 September in the 1 6th year of his reign : With further concessions to the same Gild. Dated at Westminster. — In duplicate : one of the parchments being MSS. OP THE Borough of King’s Lynn® I MSS. of the Borough of King’s Ltnn. 204 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. so decayed and injured by damp that it is legible only in places, whilst the other writing is in perfect preservation. 1 December, 20 Henry VI. — Letters Patent ( of Inspeximus and Con- firmation of the Letters Patent, dated at Leicester by Henry the Fifth, on the 20th of May in the 2nd year of his reign ; With reference to the confirmation of the same last-named Letters Patent dated by Henry the Sixth on the 3rd of July in the 1st year of his reign, it being stated that the King confirmed them on this previous occasion, with the assent of Parliament. — The initial letter, beautifully drawn in pen-and-ink, of these Letters Patent is surmounted by the Sovereign’s crown, with the legend “ Dieu et Mon Droit ” on the head-band. Below the floreated letter, the draughtsman has depicted in pen-and-ink an angel bearing the shield of the Arms of Lynn. Dated at Westminster. 1 February, 26 Henry V [.--Letters Patent of Licence to Marmaduke by God’s grace Bishop of Carlisle, Sir Thomas Scales knt., and Imaine his wife to empower William Goderede to give and assign a certain mill called Scalesmylle to Henry Thoresby now alderman and to the wardens or scabins and the brethren of the Gild of the Holy Trinity of Bishop’s Lenn, and of licence to Master Adam Gerard clerk and Henry Wryght chaplain, to give and assign to the same Gild two messuages and six acres of land with appurtenances in South Lenn : With licence to the said Gild Merchant to take the same mill, messuages and land and hold them to themselves and their successors for ever, the Statute of Mortmain notwithstanding. Dated at Westminster. 29 January, 34 Henry VI. — Letters Patent of Pardon and Release to the Alderman and wardens or scabins and the brethren of the Gild Merchant of the Holy Trinity of Bishop’s Lenn. Dated at West- minster. 16 December, 1 Edward IV. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Letters Patent, dated at Westminster 4 October, 8 Henry IV., granting licence to John Brandon, Bartholomew Cisterne, and John Snailwell of Bishop’s Lenn, to found and establish in the church of St. Margaret of the said town a perpetual fraternity of brethren and sisters to the honour of God and of the glorious martyr, St. George, with permission to the brethren and sisters of the same gild to elect yearly and as often as may be necessary an alderman and four wardens of the same gild: With licence to the same alderman and wardens, the Statute of Mortmain notwithstanding, to hold a certain tenement with an adjacent quay, and all the buildings pertaining to the same tenement and quay, &c., of the annual value of ten marks, for the maintenance of one or two chaplains, to celebrate divine rites in the said church for the healthful estate of the said King Henry the Fourth and his consort Joan, Queen of England, during life, and for their souls after death, and for the souls of the said King’s father and mother, and for the healthful estate of the brethren and sisters of the aforesaid gild and of their successors during life, and for their souls after death, and also for the performance of other works of piety : — With further Licence, by the present grantor, to the alderman and wardens of the same fraternity, the Statute of Mortmain notwithstanding, to acquire and hold lands and rents, to the yearly value of ten pounds, over and beyond the said ten marks, for the better sustentation of the said one or two chaplains, to celebrate divine services for the healthful estate of the present King (Edward IV.) and of George duke of Clarence and Richard duke of Gloucester, and of George bishop of Exeter and Richard earl of Warwick, and of the brethren and sisters of the Gild during life, and for the souls of aforesaid King, &e. after IJISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 205 death, and also for the souls of the King’s father Richard late Duke of York, and Edmund late earl of Rutland, and Richard earl of Salisbury, and of all who have died in the faith. Dated at Westminster. 6 December, 13 Edward IY. — Letters Patent of Exemplification, of Letters Patent dated by Edward III. on 24 dune in the 20th year of his reign at Porcestre, appointing William Basset, William de Thorp. Edmund de Grymesby clerk, Robert de Thorp, William de Notton and Roger Petygard, commissioners to enquire respecting allegations that John de Ely late Bishop of Norwich assumed to himself and his successors, bishops of Norwich, view of frank-pledge of the men and tenants of the town of Lenn “necnou hustengum eadem villa ac cogniciones de contractibus, convencionibus et transgressionibus ibidem emergentibus, &c.,” with lands and tenements in former time had by the Mayor and community of the said town, and that by pretext of this acquisition the present bishop holds the same and other privileges and certain tenements pertaining to the said Mayor and community, to- gether with the Inquisition taken and the Return made by the same Commissioners : With Inspeximus of a certain brief, dated at Windsor on 6 July, in the 20th year of his reign by Edward the Third, to the same Commissioners : With Inspeximus of a certain other brief, dated at Westminster by Edward III. on 20 August, in the 20th year of his reign (Teste Leonello filio nostro carissimo Custode Anglie) to William de Thorp, directing that the same view of frankpledge, husteng, liberties, lands and tenements be committed to the keeping of the Sheriff of Norfolk and to the King’s Escheator there, until further order be taken in respect to them, by the advice of the King’s council ; with the said William de Thorp’s reply, that in obedience to the aforesaid brief the same View of Frankpledge and Husteng, &c. have been taken into the King’s hand and committed to William de Middelton, sheriff and escheator of Norfolk. 16 July, 14 Edward IV. — Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation, dated at Westminster by Richard the Second, on the 9th of February in the 1st year of his reign ; With Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Letters Patent, dated to the Burgesses of Lenn by Edward the Third on the 4th of May in the 51st year of his reign, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Letters Patent, dated at Walton by Edward the Second on the 10th of July in the 12th year of his reign, granting to the Mayor and burgesses of Lenn the custody of their said town against all hostile attacks by aliens, Ac., and power of assessing subsidies on all persons of the same town for its defence, with the power of making distresses for levying the same ; reservation being made of ail rights pertaining to the Bishop of Norwich and his successors. Dated at Westminster. 21 February, 1 Richard III. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation, dated at Westminster by Edward the Fourth, on the 16th of July in the 14th year of his reign, to the Mayor and burgesses of Lenn. Dated at Westminster. 10 May, 2 Henry VII. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Con- firmation of the Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation, dated at Westminster by Richard the Third on the 21st of February in the 1st year of his reign, to the Mayor and burgesses of Lenn. 6 August, 3 Henry VII. — Letters Patent of Pardon and Release to the Aldermen and wardens or scabins and to the brethren of the Gild of the Holy Trinity of Bishop’s Lenn. Dated at Westminster. MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. 206 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION* 24 November, 4 Henry VIII. — Letters Patent, dated to Bichard the now Bishop of Norwich, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of a series of Charters and Letters Patent, dated by successive sovereigns of Eng- land to successive Bishops of Norwich, from the charter dated by William King of England to Herbert Bishop of Norwich and the monks of the church of the Holy Trinity at Norwich. [“ W., & c. . . . . Salutem, Sciatis me dedisse Herberto Episcopo terras illas omnes quas viderunt et determinaverunt et circum irifecerunt Walthelin Episcopus et R. Capellanus et Rogerus Bigotus ad ecclesiam suam faciendam et ad domos suas et monachorum suorum faciend’ apud Norwicense Castrum et hoc cum soca et saca et aliis consuetudinibus omnibus Ita quidem quod Episcopus ibi constituat monachos qui ibidem serviant usque ad finem seculi perseverantes et vos Vnfr’ et Rad’ et Odb’te seisite Episcopum inde, &c.”], to Letters Patent, dated at West- minster on 9 May, 3 Henry VII., in Confirmation of divers charters, closing with Letters Patent, dated at Westminster by Edward IV. on the 8th of December in the 1st year of his reign. 11 February, 16 Henry VIII. — Letters Patent of Exemplification and Confirmation of the rights pertaining to the Bishop of Norwich in Lynn ; setting forth in detail the ancient tolls and customs of the port of Lynn, afterwards vested in the corporation of the borough. 27 June, 16 Henry VIII. — Letters Patent of a new charter, for the reconstitution of the burgh of Bishop’s Lenn co. Norfolk, with a Mayor, twelve aldermen, eighteen common-councilmen, a recorder, a town- clerk, nine constables, two coroners, four serjeants-at-mace, and a clerk of the market ; with appointment of Thomas Miller to be the first Mayor under the charter ; and with the appointment of John Grendell, John Burd, Richard Bewshere, Robert Amfles, Thomas Leighton, William Castell, Richard Brice, Cristofer Brodbank, John Water, Edward Newton, Richard Peper, and Robert Parmenter to be the first twelve aldermen under the new charter, .each of them being appointed to the office of alderman for life, " dummodo se bene gesserit in officio ” ; power being granted to the same Mayor and aldermen and their successors to come together in the Guildhall and there elect whensoever and so often as they shall please eighteen burgesses from the burgesses of the borough, to be the common council of the same borough ; power being given to the said common council of eighteen burgesses or the greater part of them at the Feast of the Decollation of John the Baptist in each year to choose one alderman from the existing aldermen, who has not held the Mayor’s office for the last five years, and make him to be Mayor of the said burgh for a single year, to enter upon and hold the said office of Mayor from the Feast of Michaelmas next following his election thereto till the Feast of Michaelmas next following ; power also being given to the same common council of eighteen burgesses or the greater part of them, on the death or removal from office of any one or more of the aldermen, to elect in the Gildhall another burgess or other burgesses in place of the burgess or burgesses so dying or being removed, to hold the office of alderman for life unless lawful cause for his removal shall arise or happen ; power moreover being granted to the Mayor and aldermen for the time or the greater part of them to remove from the common council any member thereof whom they may think fit to remove and expel therefrom, and also, in case any member or members of the common council die or be removed, to elect at their discretion from the burgesses other burgesses or another burgess to hold office in the common council in place of the members or member thereof thus HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 207 dying or being removed. It is granted that in all places within the borough the Mayor for the time being may have a sheathed sword borne before him by a sword-bearer, to be elected for that purpose by the Mayor and aldermen or the greater part of them. Directions are given for the election of the recorder and town clerk and for swearing them into office. Power is given to the Mayor, and aldermen and common council or the greater part of them for creating new burgesses within the burgh according to their discretion, so that no one be a burgess of the burgh or as a burgess enjoy any liberty therein, until he shall have been elected and made a burgess by the aforesaid Mayor aldermen and common council or the greater part of them for the time being. Pro- vision is made for the election and swearing in &c. of the clerk of the market, coroners, nine constables and officers for the conservation of the river, from St. Edmund’s Nesse to the sewer of the Staple Were. To- gether with other concessions for the advantage of the burgesses it is granted that no one foreign to and outside the freedom of the borough may henceforth buy aught of or sell aught “ in gross ” to any like foreigner within the limits of the burgh, except only at the time of the fair, under pain of forfeiture to the king, his heirs or successors, of the things so bought and sold. Full power is granted to the Mayor aldermen and common council to levy taxes on the inhabitants of the. burgh, for the defence of the said burgh against the water-flow and for other necessary matters happening from time to time within the burgh, and to punish at their discretion all persons resisting the collection of such needful taxes. A clause for the preservation to the Bishop of Norwich and his successors of all rights pertaining to him and them within the burgh. 7 July, 29 Henry VIII.-— Letters patent to Mayor, burgesses and inhabitants of Lynn. Reciting briefly the Letters Patent, dated to the Mayor burgesses and inhabitants of Lynn Episcopi on 27th June in the 16tli year of the king’s reign, and confirming the concessions made by the same Letters, and also Reciting briefly the Act of Parliament (3 Nov. 21 Hen. VIII. to 4 Feb. of the 27th year of the same reign) vesting the Temporalities of the Bishop of Norwich in the Crown, the present Letters Patent ordain that henceforth the borough instead of being called Bishop’s Lynn shall be styled King’s Lynn, and with other concessions grant to the same Mayor burgesses and inhabitants two courts every week in the G-ildhall for holding pleas and plaints before the Mayor and recorder or either of them, or the deputies or deputy of either of them, and another court to be called The Tolboth Court and to be held before the same Mayor and recorder or either of them or the deputies or deputy of both or either within the said burgh, or the limits of St. Edmondnesse and Staple Weyre, for hearing and determining plaints and pleas for transgressions done and debts arising by water within the same limits, and also yearly Court Lete within the same burgh : It being further Granted that the Mayor and recorder of the burgh, and those aldermen of the burgh who shall have served in the Mayor’s office shall be Justices of the Peace within the burgh, and that the same Mayor burgesses and inhabitants of King’s Lenn may have within the burgh two yearly fairs, and two markets in each week, with a Court of Pied Poudre to be held for ever in the times of the fairs and markets. 6 December, 1 Edward VI. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the charter, for the reconstitution of the burgh of Bishop’s Lenn co. Norfolk, dated at Westminster by Henry the Eighth on the 27th of June in the 16th year of his reign. Dated at Westminster. MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. 1 208 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. op the Borough op Ring’s Lynn. 21 May. — 2 Edward VI. Letters Patent of the Grant in fee-farm to the Mayor and burgesses of the town of Lenn Regis of divers lands tenements and rents, late belonging to the Gild Merchant of the Holy Trinity, and of divers lands &c. late belonging to the Gild of St. George the Martyr, in the said town, at a yearly rent of 13 /. 10s. ; together with the grant to the same Mayor and burgesses of all the stock and store of mill-stones worth 40/., late a parcel of the goods and chattels of the aforesaid Gild Merchant of the Holy Trinity, and also of 30/. late a parcel of the goods chattels and moneys of the aforesaid Gild of St. George the Martyr. Dated at Wanstead. 27 February, 1 & 2 Philip . and Mary. — Letters Patent for the annexation (during pleasure) of South Lynn to the borough of Lynn Regis. Dated at Westminster. 11 August, 4 & 5 Philip and Mary. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Letters Patent, dated at Westminster by Edward the Sixth on the 6th of December in the first year of his reign, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Letters Patent, dated at West- minster by Henry the Eighth on the 7th of July in the 29th year of his reign, to the Mayor, burgesses, and inhabitants of Lenne. Dated at Richmond. 2 October, 4 & 5 Philip and Mary. — Letters Patent to the Mayor and burgesses of King’s Lynn. Reciting the substance of the Letters Patent of 27 Feb., 1 & 2 Phil, and Mary, which annexed South Lynn to King’s Lynn during pleasure, the present Letters Patent give South Lynn to the Mayor and burgesses of King’s Lynn in fee-farm at a yearly rent of ten shillings, and further grant to the same Mayor and burgesses in fee-farm the manor of King’s Lynn, and the quit-rents in the borough, being in the hands of the said King and Queen by force of an arrangement made between the Bishop of Norwich and the late King Henry the Eighth, to hold the same as of the manor of Estgrenewiche of the said King and Queen and of their heirs and successors, at a yearly rent of 13/. 13s. 6d. Dated at Westminster. 6 July, 1 Elizabeth. — Letters Patent of Exemplification of a certain Act of the Parliament (begun at Westminster on the 23rd of January in the same year), respecting the renewal of a fair in the town of King’s Lynn, to be held there yearly on the next .... after the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, and to last for six days. The parchment being so defaced by damp as to be illegible in the most important passages of the original writing. 20 May, 18 Elizabeth. — Articles Indented made and agreed upon by Robert Bell esquire, recorder of the towne of Kinge’s Lynne co. Norfolk, and Stephen Thumblebye esq. recorder of the towne of Bostone in the countie of Lincolne, touching a matter in varyaunce for toll between certeync of the inhabitantes of Bostone aforesaide being tenauntes of the Duchye of Lancaster of thone partye, and the Mayor and burgcsess of Kyngyes Lynne aforesaid of tliother partye. 1 December, 19 Elizabeth. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Letters Patent, dated at Richmond by Philip and Mary on the 11th of August in the 4th and 5th year of their respective reigns, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Letters Patent, dated at Westminster by Edward the Sixth on the 6th of December in the 1st year of his reign, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of aforementioned Letters Patent, dated at Westminster by Henry the Eighth on the 7th of July in the 29tli year of his reign. Dated at Westminster. 12 November, 2 James I. — Letters Patent of the grant of Admiralty Jurisdiction to the Mayor and burgesses of King’s Lenn, on the death HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 209 or resignation of the present Lord High Admiral, with confirmation in general terms of previous charters to the borough. — Hated at West- minster. 22 April, 9 James I. — Letters Patent for the reconstitution of the ancient hospital of St. Mary Magdalen in Gayvvood, situated near the calcetum between King’s Lynn and Gaywood co. Norfolk, with Governors, a warden or master, and ten, nine, eight, seven, six or five poor brethren and sisters. Dated at Westminster. — Also, Letters Patent of 27 January 15 James I., of a Commission, addressed to Sir Le Strange Mordant bart., and Sir Hamond Le Strange knt., and to John Richers, Owin Sheppard, John Founteyne and William Armiger esquires and appointing them commissioners to enquire and ascertain by the examination of witnesses the limits and bounds of a certain “ faldecursus,” in dispute between the Governors of the hospital of St. Mary Magdalen aforesaid plaintiffs and Henry Bastard and others defendants, and to return their finding into the Court of Chancery. Dated at Westminster. — Also, the Letters Patent (dated at Westminster, 4 June 5 James I.) of the grant, for life, of the “ roome and place of Governor or Guyder of the Spitle Howse of Goworth ” (sic) co. Norfolk, to Thomas Battle ; the said grant being made in con- sideration of the said Thomas Battie’s “ service heretofore done in the warres,” and of “ his maymes sustained therein.” 9 March, 17 Charles II. — Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Con- firmation of charters dated by former sovereigns, beginning with King John’s charter to the Burgesses of Lenn ; granting to the borough a High Steward, and appointing a fine for refusal to serve in the office of an alderman. Dated at Westminster. 9 July, 36 Charles II. *— Letters Patent for the reconstitution of the borough of King’s Lynn, with a Chief Steward, Mayor, recorder, twelve aldermen, two coroners, a town clerk, and eighteen common council- men. With appointment (for life) of Henry Duke of Norfolk to be first and present Chief Steward; of Benjamin' Keene esq. to be first and present Mayor; with appointment of Henry Ferrour to be first and present recorder, “ quam diu bene se gesserit ;” with appointment of Sir Simon Taylor knt., Sir John Turner knt., and Benjamin Holley, Henry Bell, Thomas Robinson, Giles Bridgman, Edmund Tassett and Henry Chennery, esquires, and Edward Bodham, John Kidd, Edmund Hooke and Thomas Pepys gentlemen to be first and present aldermen, holding office for life, unless in the meantime the same aldermen or any one of them shall be removed from office for any reasonable cause ; with appointment of Edward Bodham and John Kidd, gentlemen, to be first and present coroners ; with appointment of Edmund Rolfe to be first and present town-clerk, holding office “ quamdiu bene se gesserit ;” and with appointment of Robert Sparrow, Osbert Backler, J ohn Pulvertoft, William Hatfield, Robert Paine, Thomas Lemon, William Lyn stead, Henry Bett junior, William Holley, Charles Turner, Henry Pope, Robert Few, John Taverner, Robert Awborne, Robert Allen, Timothy Preist, Robert Fuller, and William Stringer gentlemen to be the first and present eighteen members of the common council, holding office in accordance with the ancient usage of the borough : power being reserved to the King, his heirs and his successors, at their pleasure to remove, by order made in Privy Council and under the seal of the same Council, any Steward, Mayor, recorder, town clerk, justice of the peace, alderman, common councilman, or other officer of. the said borough. Dated at Westminster. U 24955. o MSS. or the Borough or King’s Lynx. P 210 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 3ISS. of the Borough of King’s Lynn. (c.) Rolls from the Time of Edward the First to 1656 A.D. (1.) — Edward I. — Two Subsidy Rolls. (3.) The Roll of moneys gathered in a single constabulary of the town of Bishop’s Lynn towards the payment of a Fifteenth, granted to the King by parliament in the 3rd or 29th year of Edward the First. To learn the reasons for assign- ing this roll to the one or the other of these years, the reader is referred to “ Remarks on a Subsidy Roll in the Possession of the Corporation of Lynn Regis. Communicated by the Rev. G-. H. Dashwood F.S.A.” in the first volume of “ Norfolk Archgeology.” (2) The Roll of moneys, gathered in a single constabulary of the town of Bishop’s Lynn towards the payment of a tenth. Neither of these rolls is dated. Extracts from Roll (1) are given in Mr. Dashwood’s paper. Roll (2) came to light after the publication of the antiquary’s essay. (2.) — Edward I. (?). — Imperfect Terrier of the town of Bishop’s Lynn. Not dated ; but assigned to Edward the First’s time, by a note on the leather wrapper. (3.) 24-6 Edward I. — Assize-of-Bread Rolls of the 24th, 25th and 26th years of Edward the First. (4.) Edward II. — Copy, in hand-writing of Henry the Sixth’s time, of a Terrier (temp. Edward II. ?) of the part of Bishop’s Lenn, called Neweland ; ending with the words, “ Hie explicit tota ilia pars Lenn’ que vocatur Newelond, scilicet ex parte Aquilonari dicte Ville.” (5.) 3 Edward II. to 1654 A.D.— Leet Rolls of the years of 3 Edward II. ; 2, 7, 20, 26, 33, 46 and 49 Edward III., with undated membranes of divers rolls of the same reign ; 3, 15, 18 Richard II. ; 5, 6 Henry IV., with undated membranes of divers rolls of the same reign ; 8 Henry V. ; 4, 5, 6, 9, 13 Henry VI. ; 20 Elizabeth ; 13, 14, 21 James I. ; and 1654 A.D. Also, to be mentioned in connection with these rolls, Headborough’s Books of 1594, 1624, 1630, 1633, 1636, 1641, 1663, 1666, 1746 A.D., and similar books of later years. (6.) Edward II. (?). — Undated Bede-Roll of the Gild Merchant of the Holy Trinity of Lenn ; exhibiting 867 names of the brethren of the gild on two closely written membranes, the earlier membrane being headed, “ Hii sunt fratres Gilde Mercatorie de Lenn.” (7.) October, 3 Edward II. — Illustrated copy of a Composition made between John by God’s grace the Bishop of Norwich and Lord of the town of Bishop’s Lenne of the one part, and the Mayor and Community of the said town of the other part. (8.) 1 Edward III. to 4 & 5 Philip andMary. — Chamberlains’ Yearly Accounts of receipts and payments, in the years 1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 8-9, 9-10, 10-11, 11-12, 12-13, 13-14, 14-15, 17-18, 20-1, 22-3, 23-4, 25-6, 27-8, 28-9, 29-30, 30-1, 31-2, 34-5, 35-6, 36-7, 38-9, 39-40, 41-2, 43-4, 44-5, 45-6, 46-7, 47-8, 48-9, 49-50 of Edward the Third, and 50 Edward III.— 1 Richard II. ; 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9, 12-13 of Richard the Second, and 22 Rich. II. — 1 Hen. IV. ; 3-4 of Henry the Fourth; 1-2, 4-5, 6-7 of Henry the Fifth; 23-4, 25-6, 31-2, 35-6 of Henry the Sixth ; 1-2, 5-6, 13-14 of Edward the Fourth; 1-2 and 2-3 of Richard the Third ; 1-2, 7-8, 9-10, 20-1 of Henry the Seventh ; 2-3, 6-7, 11-12, 15-16 of Henry the Eighth, with fragmentary Rolls of 18-19, 19-20, 20-1, 22-3, 27-8, 31-2, 35-6 of the same reign; 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6 of Edward the Sixth, and 6 Edw. VI. — Mary ; and 1 & 2-2 & 3, 2 & 3-3 <& 4, 3 & 4-4 & 5 and 4 & 5 Philip and Mary. HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 211 (9.) 8 & 23 Edward III. — Husting Court Rolls (fragmentary) of the 8th and 23rd years of Edward the Third. (10.) 47 Edward III. to 24 Henry VII. — Trinity Gild Rolls ; viz., rolls of the yearly accounts of the scabins of the Gild Merchant of the Holy Trinity of Lenn, of the years 47-8 of Edward the Third ; 8-9, 10-11, 13-14, of Richard the Second; 7-8 of Henry the Fourth; 4-5, 9-10 of Henry the Fifth, and 10 Henry V. — 1 Henry VI ; 3-4, 16- 17, 17-18, 19-20, and 22-3 of Henry the Sixth ; 3-4, 7-8, 8-9, 14-15, 17- 18, 18-19 of Edward the Fourth ; 1 Edward the Fifth; and 8-9, 18- 19 and 23, of Henry the Seventh. Made up from the Feast of the Holy Trinity of one year to the same Feast in the next following year, these accounts show that the Gild derived a considerable yearly revenue from the sale of mill-stones, grave-stones, paving-stones and marble, in which commodity it seems to have had a monopoly, and a still more important source of income from fees for admissions, — women being admitted to the spiritual benefits of the gild for the same heavy payment, by which men became participators in all the benefits of the association. What is here said of the terms and conditions, under which women were admitted to the Gild should not escape the reader’s attention, nor be allowed to pass from his mind, as it differs materially from what was written on the same subject by the late Mr. Harrod, F.S.A., some of whose trans- lated extracts from these records represent that women entered the Gild, in order to share in the special benefits of the society. For instance, according to Mr. Harrod ( vide his published “ Report on the Deeds and Records of the Borough of King’s Lynn,” 1874), Margaret Kyrketon in the 10th year of Henry the Fifth paid a hundred shillings 66 for admission to special benefits of the Guild after her death,” the Latin word there rendered “ special ” being a contracted form of u spiritualibus.” — Also, to be mentioned with these Rolls of Accounts, (a.) The Series of Congregation Rolls, viz., rolls of records of acts and pro- ceedings at the assemblies of the Alderman and brethren of the Trinity Gild (8 Ric. II. to 12 Henry VI.), and (b) a Terrier, made in 4 Edw. IV. of the Lands and Tenements of the Gild of the Holy Trinity of Bishop’s Lenn, lying in South Lenn. (11.) 8-22 Richard II. — Enrolments of Wills (Testaments and Last Wills). (12.) 9 Richard II. to 10 Henry V. — Assembly or Congregation Rolls (otherwise styled Guild Hall Rolls) of the following years, (a) 9-10 Richard II. ; (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Henry IV. ; (c) 13 Henry IV.-l Henry V. ; and (d) 6-7, 8-9 and 9-10 Henry V. It should be observed that three of these four rolls pertain to the period, beginning in 19 Richard II., when the Congregation records of the Red Register cease, and closing with 2 Henry VI., the opening year of the Assembly (or Congregation) Book No. I. ; during the larger part of which period, if not during the whole of it, the Acts and Proceedings of Assemblies were entered for permanent record on the membranes of Hall Rolls, instead of the leaves of Hall Registers. (13.) 11 Richard II. to 39 Henry VI.— -Corpus Christi Gild Rolls ; viz., Rolls of the yearly accounts of the successive treasurers of the Corpus Christi Gild, of the following years 11-12, 15-16, of Richard the Second; 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 11-12 of Henry the Fourth, and 13 Hen. IV., 1 Hen. V. ; and 3-4, 5-6, 6-7, 7-8, 8-9, 9-10, 10-11, 12-13, 16-17, 17-18, 18-19, 19-20,20-1, 22-3, 24-5, 25-6, 29-30, J3 1-2, 37-8, 38-9 Henry VI. (14.) 15 Richard II. — Rental of the rents pertaining to the com- munity of the town of Bishop’s Lenn. o 2 MSS. or THE Borotjgh or King’s Lynx. I 212 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OF THB Borough or King’s Lynn. (15.) 17 September, 4 Henry VI. — Rental of all tbe rents, tenements and lands of the community of Lenn, renewed on the seventeenth day of September of 4 Henry VI. and 1425 A.D., John Parmonter being then the Mayor of Lenn. (16.) 4-5 Henry VI. — Rental of all the rents, tenements and lands of the community of Lenne. (17.) Philip and Mary. — Tolbooth Roll (paper) headed, Thys Booke Gatheryd in the year of Raaff Downs Mayor anno 1557 by me Henry Hylle. (18.) Elizabeth. — Four Petty Tolls’ Rolls (paper), of moneys taken by way of the same tolls. (19.) 13 Elizabeth to 1751 A.D. — Nine Rolls of enrolments of deeds, of the following terms of years, 13 Eliz. to 1 James 1, 1640-48, 1654-62, 1671-91, 1689-1702, 1702-8, 1710-11, 1717-29, 1730-33, 1733-35, and 1735-40. Together with a Book of enrolments of deeds of 1740 -51, A.D. (20.) 22-3 Elizabeth. — Roll of the Common Staith Quay Tolls and Rents ; headed, Thaccompt of Michaell Revitt for the Profettes rising of the Comen Stath Yarde . . . the warehouses thereto belonginge within the same, from the yeldinge up of his accompte made the xixth of February in the xxii yere of the reigne of our Sovereigne Lady Quene Elizabeth until the first daie of the moneth of March in the xxii i yere of her said Majesties reigne, made and yelded up att the Hall holden the Tenth daie of the said month of March in the second yere of Mr. Franneis Shaxton his mayoralty, as followeth.” (21.) 1597 A.D. —Roll of the names of the Mayors of Lynn, from John Cotshall mayor of the said town in 1352. With historical notes and memoranda. (22.) 20 April, 1604. — Petty Tolls Roll, indented and headed, “ This Roll indented made the xx th daie of Aprill 1604, and in the yeres of the raigne of our Sovereign Lord James &c of all such tolls commonly called pettie . . . ., belonging to the Maior and burgesses of the said towne of Lenne as they have appointed Clement Pilgram one of their watter-bailiffes of the said Town to collect gather take and receive for upon or in respect of any such goodes wares or merchandizes as shalbe conveied or carried either by water or by land from or out of the said towne or the liberties thereof, apperteyninge or belonginge to any foriner or stranger, or any person or persons not being fre of any citie burgh or towne priviledged from payinge of tolls within the said towne of Lenne, as hereafter followeth.” (23) — February 1656. — Petty Tolls* Roll, headed. “ A Roll of all . . . . Tolls belonging to the Mayor and burgesses of the said burrough, commonly called pettie tolls to be collected and gathered for and in respect of all such goods wares and merchandizes as be hereafter mencioned after the rates hereunder written and set downe, and soe for any greater or lesser quantityes proportions or summes which shalbe conveied or carried by water or by land to any place or places out of the said burrough or the libertyes thereof (except into parts beyond the sea), belonging to any forreigner or other person or persons not being priviledged from paying of tolls within the said borrough or the libertyes thereof, transcribed and copied out this day of February in the yeare of our Lord 1656, as hereafter followeth.” HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 213 (. A ). Extracts from, The Chamberlains' Accounts . Chamberlains' Accounts from 1 Edward III to 4 A 5 Philip and Mary . 1-2 Edward III. — Account of Roger de Buttele, Thomas de Melclie- burne, William de Hautboys and Richard de Jakesham, chamberlains of the town of Lenn of all receipts and expenses, from Michaelmas-day 1 Edw. III. to the same feast next following. The account of expenses comprising the following items, — viiis. viii ff a Thomas Brygge - if if a HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. 229 The same - in the gild’s debt for £10 0 0 The same (for the debts of Thoresby, R. Waterden, R. Systerne and P. Franke) - n ii ii £15 0 0 John Jeve n ii ii £1 13 4 John Spycer (for his wife) 11 ii ii £2 10 0 John Wesenham junior 11 ii ii £0 6 8 John Staunton - 11 ii ii £5 0 0 Richard Franke - 11 ii ii £2 15 0 John Jemynglond clerk, Rector of Stukey - 11 ii ii £5 0 0 Adam Elsy 11 ii ii £1 10 0 William Cok 11 ii ii £5 0 0 John Coker - 11 ii ii £5 0 0 John Ridland - 11 ii ii £2 13 4 Richard Lecchour (for his wife) 11 ii ii £5 0 0 John Copenot 11 ii ii £2 10 0 Hugh Crosse - ~ - 11 ii ii £3 15 0 J oan Flete - 11 ii ii £5 0 0 Adam White (for his wife) 11 ii ii £5 0 0 W. Style (for M. Hounderpound) - 11 n ii £2 10 0 Margareta Galyon - 11 ii ii £5 0 0 T. Salesbury (for Agnes his mother) 11 ii ii £2 10 0 Alice Brunger 11 ii ii £5 0 0 W. Erie, James Fitz Nicol, J. Wesenham and S. Festwell (by one obligation) - 11 ii ii o CO 10 0 The Mayor and chamberlains (by one obligation, - 11 ii ii £40 0 0 John Wace, T. Waterden, J. Wynt- worth and W. Hunderpound (for the chapel of St. Nicholas) 11 ii ii £20 0 0 T. Brygge, J. Brunham and eight other persons for the church of St. Margaret, by one obligation - 11 ii ii £20 0 0 The Mayor and chamberlains (by one obligation) - 11 ii ii £10 0 0 The Community of Lenn » 11 ii ii £26 13 4 The Community of Lenn - 11 ii ii JP300 0 0 The Community of Lenn (in respect to R. Botkesham) 11 ii ii £60 0 0 The Community of Lenn (at the coming of King Henry IV. in the time of E. Belleyetere the Mayor) 11 ii ii £58 15 10 The Community of Lenn (for William Waterden and John Curson) 11 ii ii £8 0 0 John Durward - 11 ii ii £100 0 0 Robert Botkesham - 11 ii ii £6 11 8 T. Ploket, J. Wesenham and their associates for lead for St. Mar- garet’s Church - 11 ii ii £0 12 8 T. Worsted, W. Hunderpound, W. Blakeney and R. Burgeys 11 ii ii £25 0 0 The Executors of the will of Henry de Elmham, from the sale of his tenement in Damgate 11 ii ii £1 0 0 MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. 2 230 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION. MSS. OF THE Borough of King’s Lynn. Philip Franke, scabin, in moneys delivered to him in respect to his office - - - - in the Gild’s debt for £30 0 0 John Systerne, scabin, in moneys delivered to him in respect of his office - - - „ „ „ £8 10 0 John Systerne, scabin, in moneys delivered to him from the debt of John Malpace - - - „ ,, „ £2 13 4 The result of the account being that in addition to the numbered moneys in the Treasury, the Guild has, £ s. d. (a.) In the above-stated divers debts - - 1213 18 7 (i b .) In millstones of divers sizes - - - 120 0 0 (c.) In gravestones and paving-stones - - 34 0 0 £1367 18 7 10 Henry Y. to 1 Henry VI.— Account of John Systerne, William Spyre, Philip Franke and William Waterden, scabins of the Gild of the Holy Trinity, of receipts and disbursements from the Feast of the Holy Trinity, 10 Henry, to the same Feast 1 Henry YI. The account of Receipts comprising : — m 1 cc xli. iiis. viii d. ob. of moneys due to the Gild, xiiii/i. xiiiis. iiiic?., from rents of assise and income from the right of a certain ferry, xlix/L iiiis. ixd., from farm of houses, xlix/e. xiis. from sale of millstones, xxii/«. ii s. from sale ot gravestones, vii/«. xixs. from cranage of merchandise, \li. from admissions of Brethren and Sisters into the Gild : the items under this head comprising (1) c s. from William Molle for his entrance after death, (2) cs. from Robert Sprot for his entrance after death, (3) c s. from Margery Kyrketon for her entrance to the spiritual benefits of the gild after death, and (4) c s. from Margery Martyn for entrance in her life. And the account of disbursements comprising the following items under the head of