is to say if they have not declared altogether well and of all their Debts which were lent at London and Promises there made Pleas be there Held according to the ancient Custom Further he granted to the City that all be quit of Childwit and Jeresgive and from Scotale so that our Sheriffs of London nor any other Bayliff shall not make any Scotale And also that the said Citizens may justly have and hold their Lands Tenures or Promises and also their Debts whosoever shall owe them and that no Merchant or other forestall any Goods coming to London to be sold upon Forfeiture of Imprisonment and the things bought And that none put their Goods to Sale before Custom be paid upon Pain of Forfeiture And that no Merchant-Stranger or other do buy any Goods before they be weighed at the King's Beam upon Forfeiture of the said Wares And also that those Debts which of Contracts or Loan shall be due unto them shall be inrolled in the Exchequer upon the Recognizance of those who shall stand bound Nevertheless no Debt to be inrolled but testified by six or four Witnesses who may be sufficient to answer as well for the Debt as for the Damages which any may have of such Recognizances if the same happen to be falsly done under their Names And for every pound so inrolled one penny to be paid towards the sustentation of those who attend To hold to them and their Heirs so long as they shall behave themselves well to the King and his Heirs together with their just and reasonable Customs heretofore had so as the Customs be not contrary to Law saving in all things the Liberty of the Church of Westminster But as touching Jews and Merchant-Strangers he will provide as he sees expedient Dated the 26th day of March 1268. EDWARD 1. A Charter made by Edward the First to the City of London dated April 18. Anno Domini 1298. In which Charter is contained That the Citizens of London have been accustomed to present every Major before the Barons of the Exchequer the King not being at Westminster that he may be admitted Major The King willing to shew more ample Favour to the said Citizens Doth Grant to them for him and his Heirs the Major and Sheriffs in absence of the King and Barons to be presented to the Constable of the Tower of London yearly Nevertheless that at the next coming of the King or his Heirs to Westminster or London the Major be presented and admitted c. And the King also Granted for him and his Heirs to the Citizens and their Successors for ever quit and free of Pannage Pontage and Murrage throughout the Realm and Dominions And that the Sheriffs amerced for any Offence shall be amerced according to the measure of the Offence as other the Sheriffs of our Realm have been amerced for the like offence And the Citizens to enjoy their Customes EDW. 2. Letters Patents of Edward Son of Edw. King c. reciting Whereas the Major and good men of the City of London have of late done the King Service with Armed men c. going with the King through divers parts of the Realm The King willing to indempnifie the said Major and Citizens Hath granted to them for him and his Heirs That the Aids so done shall not be prejudicial to the said Major and Citizens and Successors nor be drawn into Consequence or Example Teste 12 Dec. 1322. EDW. 3. A Charter of Edw. the Third by consent of Parliament hath Granted and Confirmed to the Citizens of London the Liberties underwritten To have and to hold to them their Heirs and Successors for ever First Whereas in the Great Charter of the Liberties of England is contained that the City of London may have all the Ancient Liberties and Customs And the said Citizens at the time of making the Charter from the time of St. Edward and William the Conquerour had divers Liberties and Customs as well by Charters as without Charter by Ancient Custom whereby in divers the Circuits and other the Courts of his Progenitors as well by Judgments as by Statutes were invaded He grants for him and his Heirs that they may have their Liberties according to the Form of the aforesaid Great Charter And that Impediments and Usurpations to them in that behalf made shall be revoked and annulled He further grants for him and his Heirs to the Citizens c. That the Major of the aforesaid City which for time shall be one of the Justices to be assigned for the Goal delivery at Newgate and be named in every Commission thereof to be made And that the said Citizens may have Infamy Theft and Chattels of Fellons of all those who shall be adjudged before them within the Liberties of the same City at the aforesaid Goal to be adjudged And whereas also by the Charters of his Progenitors it was granted to the same Citizens that they should hold the Sherifwick of London and Middlesex for 300 l. yearly to be paid at the Exchequer And they are now charged with 400 l. yearly contrary to the Form of the said Charters He grants for him c. That the Citizens their Heirs and Successors hold the aforesaid Sherifwicks for 300 l. yearly and that they be acquitted the said 100 l. Further grants for him and his Heirs to the Citizens their Heirs and Successors to bequeath their Tenements within the Liberties of the aforesaid City as well in Mortmaine as in other Manner as in ancient time they have been accustomed to do And whereas in a Charter of King Edw. his Father made to the said Citizens is contained that the Sheriffs of the said City as often as they shall be amerced for any Offence in the Court should not be amerced in other manner for Escapes than other Sheriffs wont to be in other Counties on this side Trent He grants that the Sheriffs of the said City shall in no wise be amerced or charged for the Escape of Thieves in any otherwise than as the Thieves on this Side Trent And that the Citizens shall not be charged for the Custody of those that fly to the Churches within the aforesaid Liberty and that the Citizens may take away all the Wears in the water of Thames and Medway The King Wills and Commands that all Merchant-Strangers coming to England shall sell their Wares and Merchandizes within 40 days after their coming thither and shall continue and board with free Hosts of London and other the Cities and Towns of England And also Wills and Grants for him and his Heirs that the Marshal-Steward or Clerk of the Market of his Houshold or of his Heirs shall not sit from thenceforth within the Liberty of the said City nor exercise any Office there nor any way draw any Citizen to plead without the Liberties of the said City of any thing to happen within the Liberties of the same And that no Escheator from henceforth exercise the Office but that the Major for
Murthers Felonies c. And also to inquire after all unjust Weights and Measures and grants them full Power to Do and Execute all such things which the Justices and Keepers of the Peace in any other County of England may or ought by virtue of any Statute or Ordinance by virtue of any Commission to Execute or Do for the keeping of the Peace And that the Sheriffs of the said City and their Successors be attending and aiding to the said Keepers of the Peace of the said City when they shall be duely required to do the same And also grants to the said Major all Recognizances to be taken and forfeited for not appearing at the Sessions And also all manner of Recognizances taken by Justices of the Peace concerning the keeping and maintaining of Bastard Children and keeping the City from Inmates suppressing of Ale-houses and also the Forfeitures of Recognizances taken for the Appearances of Prisoners And also Fines and Issues of Jurors and all other Fines Issues and Amerciaments together with Assessments and Levies of the same when and as often as need shall require And then excepts all manner of Issues and Amerciaments called Fines and Issues Royal. And further grants the said Major c. all Recognizances that are forfeited or to be forfeited taken for the Preservation of the River of Thames without any Account to be made for the same And also grants them the Fines and Amerciaments that shall be imposed by the Commissioners of Sewers without any Account to be rendred for the same And also grants to the Major c. all those Fields called Inward Moor and Outward Moor in the Parish of St. Giles without Cripplegate St. Stephen in Colemanstreet and St. Botolph without Bishopsgate or in some or any of them And also West Smithfield That they hold in the Field called Smithfield Fairs and Markets and to receive and have Package Stallage Tolls and Profits thereunto belonging Waste Grounds and Streets reserved out of the Grant to hold the same in Common Burgage and not in Capite or Knights Service and by the same pardons all Issues from the Major c. And that no Writ of Ad quod dampnum to be procured Issued or prosecuted And also pardons all manner of Entries Intrusions and Ingresses of the Major Commonalty and Citizens That this grant shall not lessen any Proclamation concerning Buildings in the said City What Incroachments that have been made upon any of the Church Walls within the City of London shall be subject to such Reformation as He or his Privy Council shall appoint And also grants to the Major c. the Office of Garbling of Merchandizes and also grants them Garblers To hold the said Office together with all the Fees Profits and Emoluments belonging to the same without rendring any Account for the same And for such Goods and Spices that heretofore have not paid any Fee and hath not heretofore been Imported such Fees to be settled by the Lord Chancellor Lord Treasurer Lord Privy Seal Steward of the Houshold two of the Justices of the King's Bench or Common Bench for the time being or any four of them at least Except and reserving all such like Grants of the Garbling of Tobacco And grants to the said Mayor c. the Office of Gauging of Wines Oyles and other Merchandizes To have and to hold the said Office of Gauger with all and singular the Fees Profits and Emoluments without rendring any Account for the same And also grants to the said Major c. the great Standard and Common Ballance ordained to weigh between Merchant and Merchant and also the Office of Keeper of the great Ballance for the weighing of all Merchandize of Avoir du pois To have and to hold the said Office with the Fees Profits Wages Rewards and Emoluments thereunto belonging without rendring any Account for the same And also by the said Grant doth Erect and Create through the said City and Liberties thereof and in and through the Burrough of Southwark a certain Office called Outroper or Common-Cryer to and for the selling of Houshold-stuff c. that such Goods may be sold by Out-cry which said Office he grants to the Major c. to have and exercise the said Office by such Officer as shall be admitted by the Major and Commonalty for the time being they being assembled in Common Councel or the major part of them and that it shall and may be lawful to and for the Major Commonalty or their Deputy to demand and take for the Use of the Major and Commonalty the Wares and Fees expressed in a certain Schedule hereunto annexed And thereby charges and commands that no other Person do sell any Goods Chattels Houshold-stuff c. or other things in publick claim called Out-cry in the said City or Liberties of the same and Burrough of Southwark under pain of his Royal Displeasure And also grants to the Major c. and doth thereby declare the Relicts and Widows of Free-men using Manual Arts and Occupations as long as they shall continue Widows may be licensed to use and exercise the same Arts and Manual Occupations in the said City although they were not educated by the space of seven years as Apprentices notwithstanding the Statute of the 5th of Queen Elizabeth or any other Statute whatsoever And also that no Market be kept within seven Miles of the City And also grants to the Major and Commonalty the Major c. by the mouth of the Recorder to record their Customs and if at any time it shall happen that the Custom of the City lye pleaded in any of his Majesties Courts that then such Custom to be certified to the Court by the Mouth of the Recorder and no Jury or Enquiry thereon to be had and thereupon they may proceed to the Caption and Determination of the Plea And also grants to the Major c. Treasure found in the said City or Liberties of the same and also waived and strayed Goods and Chattels of all Felons and Fugitives for Felonies committed in the City or Liberties thereof And also grants that the Major of the City may name to the Chancellor of England two of the Aldermen of the City one to be Justice of the Peace in Middlesex and the other in Surry and shall be incerted with others in the Commission And in the said Charter recites that whereas several the Sons of Freemen of the said City and others who have served seven years Apprentiship doth refuse to take their Freedom but notwithstanding use the Trade of Merchandizing whereby they obtain great Estates and by not taking their Freedom free themselves from the Burthen of publick Office for such Persons who do so trade or are Sons of Freemen or served seven years as an Apprentice is prohibited to Merchandize before he hath taken his Freedom and is to bring a Testimonial from the Chamberlain or under Chamberlain that they are admitted into the Liberty of the said City And
Chart. 3. Commands all Weares to be removed out of the Thames or Medway And that the Keepers of the Tower do not exact any thing for Weares That great hurt hath grown to the City and Realm by Weares Confirms the same HENR 3. Chart. 4. No Citizen to plead without the Walls except Monyers and Ministers Acquits Murther within the City and Portsoken and none shall wage Battail That they may discharge themselves of Pleas belonging to the Crown That no man may take a Lodging by Force or by delivery of the Marshal The Citizens of London to be quit of Toll and Bestage None to be condemned of Amerciaments but according to the Law of the City That there be no Miskenning in any Pleading That the Hustings be kept once a Week That Right be holden to them of their Lands and Tenures according to the Custom of the City That Pleas be there holden of all Debts which be lent at London and Promises there made If any take Toll he shall fail of Right the Sheriffs of London may take Goods To have Hunting as formerly To be quit from Bristol Childwite and Teresgite and of all Scotals so that the Shriff of London or any of the Bayliffs shall not make any Scotale To hold of him and his Heirs HENR 3. Chart. 5. That all the Warren of Staines shall be unwarrened so that they and their Heirs may have Liberty of Warren and Forrest in the said Warren without the Contradiction of the Warrenner or Forester and to be free of Exactions and Commands The same to be unwarrened HENR 3. Chart. 6. There is another Charter of the same King concerning Queen Hythe reciting a Covenant made between the Earl of Cornwall and the City of London for certain Exactions belonging to Queen Hythe the said Earl granting for him and his Heirs that the said Major and all the Majors after him and Commonalty of the said City may hold the said Queen Hythe with all their Liberties Customs c. in Fee-Farm paying yearly to the said Earl his Heirs and Assigns 50. l. viz. at Easter 25. l. and St. Michael Th'archangel The King allowing of the said Covenant for him and his Heirs Grants and Allows the same the 6th of February in the 31th Year of his Reign HENR 3. Chart. 7. There is another Charter of the said King wherein he grants for him and his Heirs and confirmed it by Charter That the Major and Citizens of London should hold all their Liberties and Free Customs which they had in the time of King Henry his Grand-father and his Ancestors Kings of England for ever The said King granted to the Citizens that every Major they should choose he not being at Westminster they should present him to the Barons of his Exchequer that he may be admitted by them as Major so that at the next coming of the King or his Heirs to Westminster he may be presented and so admitted Major And the King Wills and Commands for him and his Heirs that out of the Farm of the said City there be allowed to the Sheriffs of the said City yearly in his said Accompt 7. l. at his Exchequer for the Liberâ—y of St. Pauls and that his Citizens throughout all his Dominions as well on this side as beyond the Sea be quit of all Toll and Custom for ever HENR 3. Chart. 8. There is another Charter of the aforesaid King bearing Date the 11th day of January in the 50th Year of his Reign wherein he granted to the said Citizens that they might traffick with their Merchandizes when they please throughout his Dominions as well by Sea as by Land without Interruption of him or his as they see expedient quit from Custom Toll c. And may abide for their Trading wheresoever they please till such time it shall be more fully ordered by his Councel touching the State of the said City Pro ut Letters Patents HENR 3. Chart. 9. There is another Charter of the said King wherein he granted to his Citizens of London for him his Heirs and Successors whom of late has been received into his Grace and Favour after divers Trespasses and Forfeitures of them and their Commonalty to him for the which both for Life and Member and all other things belonging to the said City they have submitted themselves to his Will That none of them be compelled to plead out of the Walls of the said City for any thing except forreign Tenures And except his Monyers and Officers And except those things which shall happen to be done against his Peace which according to the Common Law of the Realm were wont to be determined in the parts where the Trespasses were done And except Pleas concerning Merchandizing which were wont to be determined according to the Law-Merchant in Burrough and Fairs So yet notwithstanding that those Plaints be determined in Burroughs and Fairs by four or five of the said Citizens of London that shall be there present saving to him the Amerciaments upon Pain of Forfeitures He also grants to the said Citizens acquittal of Murther in the said City and in Portsoken and that none of the Citizens may wage Battail And that for the Pleas belonging to the Crown chiefly those that may chance within the said City to discharge themselves of Pleas of the Crown according to ancient Custom of the City except that upon the Graves of the Dead for that which they should have said if they had lived It shall not be lawful to swear but instead of those deceased which before their Deaths to discharge those which concerning the things belonging to the Crown were called and received There may other free and lawful Men be chosen which may accomplish that which by the deceased should have been done if they had lived And within the Walls of the said City none may take Lodgings forceably He hath also granted the Citizens throughout all his Dominions wheresoever they come to dwell with their Merchandizes And also throughout all the Sea Ports as well on this side as beyond the Seas which shall be free of all Toll and Customs c. except every where his ancient Custom and Prices of Wines That is to say one Tun before and another behind the Mast at 20. s. the Tun to be paid in such Form as he and his Ancestors have been accustom'd to have the said Prices And if Toll or Custom shall be taken of the Citizens of London the Sheriff may take Goods therefore at London He also granted to them that the Hustings be kept once a Week and that only by one Day so as those things within the same day that cannot be determined may continue till next Morning and no longer and that Right be holden to them for their Rights and Tenures within the same City according to the Custom of the said City and Forreigners and Citizens may make their Attorneys as well in Pleading as Defending and that there may not be Miskening in any other Pleas that
the time being do the Office of Escheator within the said Liberty so that he take his Oath that he exercise the Office and answer to the King and his Heirs as he ought to do and that the Citizens be not compelled to go or send to War out of the said City and that the Constable of the Tower shall not make any Prizes of any thing belonging to the Citizens nor arrest Ships or Boats bringing Victuals c. to or from the said City And forasmuch as the Citizens in Fairs of England were wont to have amongst themselves Keepers to hold the Pleas touching the Citizens of the said City and assembling at the Fairs grants as much as in him is that the Citizens may have such like Keepers to hold such like Pleas of their Covenants as of ancient time they had Except the Pleas of Land and of the Crown He further Grants for Him and his Heirs That the Sheriffs of London shall not be compelled to take any Oath at the Exchequer but upon the yielding up of their Accounts And Grants the Citizens all their Liberties and free Customs as of old time they were wont And that they may record their said Liberties And that to the allowance of their Charters to be had in the Exchequer and other his Pleas whatsoever one Writ shall suffice in all Pleas for every Kings time And that no Summons Attachments or Executions be made by any the Officers whatsoever of him or his Heirs by Writ or without Writ within the Liberty of the said City but onely by the Officers of the said City And that the Sheriffs may lawfully have the Forfeitures of Victuals and other things and Merchandizes according to the Charter and shall not be debarred thereof hereafter And that the Citizens shall be guided by the same Laws and Customs as in the time of King John and King Henry And if any thing was attempted contrary to their Liberties and free Customs He Wills that they be not prejudicial to them but that they be guided as of old time they were The King Grants for him and his Heirs that the said Citizens be taxed in Subsidies and Contributions as other Commoners And that they be quit of all other Tallages And that the Liberty of the said City shall not be taken into his hands or his Heirs for any Personal Trespass of any Minister of the City And that no Purveyor Taker Officer and other Minister of him or his Heirs or of any other shall make any prices in the City or without of the Goods of any Citizen contrary to their Will And that no Prices be made of Citizens Wines against their Wills but shall be quit thereof for ever Also no Officer of the King or his Heirs shall merchandize within or without the said City of any thing touching their Offices Also grants that the Lands and Tenements lying without of the Citizens which have or shall be Ministers of the City be bound to keep the City harmless against him and his Heirs of things which concern their Offices And that no Market shall be granted within seven Miles round the City And that all Inquisitions from henceforth shall be taken by our Justices or Ministers of the said City in St. Martins le Grand except the Inquisitions in the Circincts at the Tower and for the Goal Delivery at Newgate and no Citizen to be impleaded in the Exchequer unless it concern the King And Grants the City all their ancient Liberties and free Customs Dat. 6. Martii in the first year of his Reign Anno 1327. EDW. 3. Chart. 2. Also other Letters Patents of King Edward 3. upon the Citizens Petition to the King in Parliament concerning Robberies Fellonies c. where the Robbers Fellons c. fly into Southwark and cannot be attached by the Ministers of the City for Prevention of which the King with the Parliament grants to the City the said Village of Southwark to hold to them and their Successors for ever for a Farm and Rent to be paid yearly at the Exchequer at the accustomed times due and accustomed Teste 6. Martii 1327. EDW. 3. Chart. 3. Another Charter of Edw. 3. in the Parliament at York holden the ninth Year of his Reign wherein all Merchant-Strangers as well as English should sell and buy in all Cities and Towns in the Realm except to the Enemies of the King and Realm yet nevertheless because the Statutes as well in this as in other Parliaments it was granted and established that the great Charter of the Liberty of England in all and singular the Articles should be maintained And in the same Charter is contained that the City of London may have it's ancient Liberties the King grants to the Citizens for him and his Heirs that the Citizens their Heirs and Successors shall have all their Liberties and free Customs Teste 26 die Martii 1337. EDW. 3. Chart. 4. Another Stat. of Edw. 3. wherein he granted to the City that the Serjeants of London may bear Maces of Gold or Silver or Silvered or garnished with the Sign of his Arms in the City and Liberties and also without the City to meet with the King his Mother his Consort or his Children c. And as often as any of the Serjeants be sent to Foreign places without the City to do their Office at the Command of the King or the Major or Sheriffs they may carry their Maces Teste 10 Junii 1355. EDW. 3. Chart. 5. Letters Pattents from King Edward 3. confirmed that all Merchant-Strangers coming into England shall remain at Board with free Hosts and not to keep Houses And that there be no Brokers of any Merchant unless they be chosen by the Merchants of the Mystery in which the Brokers exercise their Offices and to take their Oath before the Major of the City And that Merchants who are not free of the City do not sell by Retail any Wares within the said City or Suburbs thereof The Major and Aldermen and Commonalty petition the King that they have often sued in Parliament that they are impoverished by reason their Liberties formerly granted are restrained Therefore prayes the King and Councel to ordain in Parliament that the Merchants-Strangers may be restrained The King with consent of Parliament granted for him and his Heirs that the Major Aldermen and Citizens of the said City and their Successors upon condition they put the said City under good Government That no Stranger from henceforth shall sell any Wares in the City or Suburbs by Retail nor keep House or be Broker in the City or Suburbs saving to the Merchants of High Almain their Liberties Teste 4 Dec. in the fiftieth year of his Reign of England and of France the 37th HENR 4. A Charter of Henry the 4th Dat. 25 Maii 1399. Granting to the Citizens the keeping of the Gates of Newgate and Ludgate and all other the Gates and Posterns of the City And also the Office of gathering the Tolls and
the Eighth And for the Consideration of 500 Marks Hath granted to the said Major and Commonalty in and through the Burrough of Southwark and the Parishes St. Saviours St. Olives St. Georges and St. Thomas Hospital Kent-street Blackman-street and Newington all Waifes Strays Treasure found Goods of Traitors Fellons Fugitives outlawed Persons Deodans And that they shall have the Assize and Assay of Bread Wine Beer and Ale and all Victuals and things whatsoever set to Sale in the said Town and what pertains to the Clerk of the Market And the Punishment of all Persons selling Wine Beer Ale and others exercising Arts howsoever And all Forfeitures Fines and Amerciaments and all other things whatsoever belonging to the said King and his Heirs And the Execution of Writs and all Warrants and the Returns of the same And shall have there and through all the said Town Burrough and Precincts one Fair to endure three days viz. the seventh eighth ninth days of September together with a Pye-powder Court to hear all Actions Plaints and Pleas together with all Summons Attachments Arrests Issues Fines Redemptions and Commodities and other Rights thereto belonging without any Let or Disturbance And may have throughout the aforesaid Precincts Views of Frank-pledge And may take and Arrest all Felons Thieves and other Malefactors within the same Precincts and bring them to the Goal of Newgate there to be kept till by Law delivered And that they may have the same Liberties as the King should have if it were in his hands And also to hold all Pleas Actions and Personal Suits and all Contracts and demands within the said Burrough before the said Major Aldermen and Sheriffs in the Guild-Hall and Hustings to be holden in like Actions Bills Plaints Process Arrests Judgments Executions and in such manner as the same hath been executed in the Court before the said Major Aldermen and Sheriffs of the said City And that the Serjeants at Mace of the said City may Execute any manner of Process about such Pleas and Execution of the same as it hath been used in the said City And the Jurors making Default before the Major and Sheriffs of London Then such men Impannelled and Summoned shall be amerced and shall forfeit such Issues upon them returned and such Forfeitures to be levied by the Ministers of the said City And also the Major c. to have cognizance of Personal Actions arising within the Precincts of Southwark and the Issues of such Suits shall be Tryed in the same Courts before the Major Aldermen and Sheriffs by the men in Southwark That the Major c. may choose two Coroners in Southwark and the said Coroners so elected may have full power to Execute the Office of Coroner and no other Coroner to intermeddle in the said Burrough or Precincts thereof The Major for the time being to be Escheator in Southwark and shall have full Power to make his Precept to the Sheriff of Surrey to execute such things there as belongs to the Office of Escheator and no other Escheator to intermeddle The said Major to be Clerk of the Market in Southwark and the King's Clerk of the Market not to intermeddle The Major Commonalty and Citizens shall for ever enjoy within the said Burrough all Franchises Tolls Stallages Pickages and other Privileges whatsoever which the Arch-bishop of Canterbury c. enjoyed and none of our Sheriffs or Officers to intermeddle there All the Inhabitants of Southwark to be under Government and Correction of the Major and Officers of London as the Citizens and Inhabitants of the said City ought to be The Major and Commonalty to have the like Jurisdiction as in the said City of London The Major Recorder and such Aldermen as have been Majors to be Justices of the Peace in the said Burrough and County of Surry The said Major c. to have Markets in Southwark on Munday Wednesday Friday and Saturday and all things which to a Market appertaineth for ever Except the Jurisdictions Liberties and Franchises over the Capital Messuage and Park in Southwark And except the King's Bench with the Appurtenances so long as it shall be used for a Prison as it then was This grants not to the Prejudice of the Steward or Marshal of the said King's House Nor to John Gate Knight one of the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber during Life which Premisses are of 35 l. 14. s. 4. d. yearly Value To hold and enjoy the said Manors Messuages and Premisses with the Appurtenances except before excepted to the said Major and Commonalty of the said City for ever to be holden as of the Manors of East Greenwich in the County of Kent by Fealty only in free Soccage And grants the Rents and Profits thereof from Michaelmas then last past of the said King's Gift without Accompt The said King to save harmless the said Major and Commonalty against all Rents Corodies and Sums of Money whatsoever to be paid or charged on the Premisses Saving the Services thereby reserved and the ancient Fee-Farm of 10. l. for the said Burrough paid by the Major and Commonalty into the said King's Exchequer Jacob. Chart. 1. That the Major and Commonalty of London have ever had the Office of Bayliff and Conservation of the River of Thames to be occupied by the said Major during his Majoralty or his Deputy that is to say from Stanes Bridge in Com' Middlesex to a place called Kendall alias Yeuland alias Yeuleete towards the Sea and East and Medway and on every Shore and Wharf of the same And to take the Fees and Profits belonging to the same And to measure Coals and Grain Salt and Apples and other Fruits Roots Onyons and all other Wares and Merchandizes brought into the Port of London by any Vessel and to take the Profits and Fees thereof And they being hindred supposing the same not anciently by any lawful Grant to belong to them whereas it plainly appears that they lawfully and rightfully ought to receive the same The said King confirms the Fees and Profits to the said Major that they may execute the Office of Bayliff to conserve the said River of Thames from Stanes Bridge to Yeeuleet and in Medway and the Port of London and every Bank of Shore thereof And to receive the Fees and Profits thereof as Bayliff to the the use of the Major and Commonalty And to enjoy the Office of measuring of Coals Grain Fruits Roots Onyons and other Merchandizes to be brought to any Port of London To receive the Profits thereof to the use of the said Major and Commonalty without the Kings hindrance or any other without Accompt to be made for the same No other Water Bayliff to intermeddle And grants the said Offices notwithstanding any Non-User or Abuser of the same and without the Hinderance of any of his Officers any Charter past to the contrary JAC. Chart. 2. He thereby confirms all former Charters and Customs to the City of London And grants a Restitution of all
discharge himself by Oath None to lodge within the Walls of the City by Force A Citizen to be Toll-free throughout England and to hold their Sokes and Customes and a Stranger to give Custome to none but to whom the Soke appertaineth He is not to be adjudged in Amerciaments of Money but of 100 l. meaning the Pleas which appertain to Money No Miskenning to be in the Courts of the City and the Hustings to sit every Munday Every Citizen shall enjoy his Goods according to the Law of the City Debts owing in London to be discharged in London or else the Citizen to whom the Debt is due may take their Goods The Citizens may Hunt in Chiltrey Surrey and Middlesex HENRY 2. That none of the Citizens plead without the Walls except in Foreign Tenures except Monyers To be acquit of Murther and not to wage Battail and to discharge themselves of the Pleas of the Crown None to lodge by Force To be free from Toll throughout England No Amerciament but according to the Law of the City To be no Miskenning The Hustings to be kept once a Week Right is to be done to the Citizens of their Lands and Debts To have their Hustings kept wheresoever they had the same formerly The Citizens are to be Toll-free Also for the Advancement of the said City they are to be free of Bristol And confirms to them their Customes to hold from him and his Heirs RICHARD 1. Chart. 1. None to plead without the Walls except Monyers To be acquit of Murther and none to wage Battail That they may discharge themselves of the Pleas belonging to the Crown None to take Lodgings by force To be free from Toll and Bestage throughout England and all Sea-Ports None to be adjudged of Amerciaments of Money but according to the Law of the City That there be no Miskenning in any Plea within the City The Hustings to be kept once a Week That Right be done according to the Custome of the City of all their Lands and Tenements and of their Debts If any in all England shall take Toll of the men of London after that he shall fail of Right and the Sheriff of London may take his Goods therefore at London To have their Hustings where they formerly had the same And confirms to them their Liberties and Free Customs as they had the same formerly To hold of him and his Heirs RICHARD 1. Chart. 2. That all Weares be removed in the Thames and that none be put any way within the Thames and Quit-claims the Keepers of the Tower of London who was wont to receive of the said Weares and they are not to exact any thing for the future And confirms the same JOHN Chart. 1. None to plead without the Walls his Monyers and Ministers excepted Grants an Acquittal of Murther within the City and in Portsoken and none shall wage Battail That they may discharge themselves of the Pleas of the Crown No man shall take any Lodgings by Force or delivery of the Marshal Citizens of London to be quit from Toll and Bestage throughout all his Lands on this side and beyond the Seas That none be judged for Amerciaments of Money but according to the Law of the City That there be no Miskenning in any Plea The Hustings to be kept once every Week Justly to have their Lands and Tenures and Premisses and all other their Debts whosoever owe them and that Right be holden according to the Custom of the said City of all their Debts due at London If any take Toll of the men of London after that he shall fail of Right may take Goods therefore at London That they may have their Huntings as formerly To be free of Bristol and Childwite and of Teresgite and Scotale so as the Sheriff nor any other Bailiff may make any Scotale And grants the Customs they had in the Reign of Henry the First To hold of him and his Heirs JOHN Chart. 2. Confirms to the Citizens of London the Sherifwick of London and Middlesex To hold to them and their Heirs of him and his Heirs paying 300 l. at Easter and Michaelmas saving to them their Liberties and Free Customs A Grant to the Citizens of London That they make Sheriffs whom they will and to present to the Justices of his Exchequer of those things to whom the same belongs whereof they ought to Answer and satisfie the Amerciament That the Sheriffs for the time being shall not be amerced above 20 l. for any Offence they shall commit but if they do any Offence that they ought to lose their Lives they shall be adjudged as they ought according to the Law of the City and the Sheriffs to answer to the Justices of the Exchequer Because the Sherifwick of the City of London was in Ancient Times farmed at 300 l. he Confirms the same To hold of him and his Heirs Forbids that none do any damage to the Citizens of London of those things which to the Sherifwick do or were accustomed to appertain the same shall be acquitted to the Citizens of London out of the Exchequer JOHN Chart. 3. The Weares in the Thames and Medway to be removed and none to be put in the Thames That no Keeper of the Tower Exact any thing for the Weares And Confirms the same JOHN Chart. 4. The Barons of London to choose a Major who is to be presented to him or his Justices and the said Major to swear to be faithful to him and at the end of the year to amove him and substitute another or the same to return to Us or our Justices And Confirms the Liberties of the said City Saving the Chamberlainship to the King JOHN Chart. 5. Confirms That the Guild of Weavers be no more in the City nor shall be at all maintained but because it was a Custom yearly for them to pay 18 Marks they shall pay the King 20 Marks at Michaelmas into the Exchequer HENR 3. Chart. 1. Confirms the Sherifwick of London and Middlesex they paying yearly 300 l. That the Citizens of London may make and amove Sheriffs when they will and to present them to his Justices and if the Sheriff do not Answer the Amerciaments the Citizens of London shall and if the Sheriffs commit any thing whereby they ought to be amerced they shall not be condemned to be amerced to any more than 20 l. If they do any Offence whereby to incur the loss of their Lives they shall be adjudged according to Law The Citizens to hold the said Sherifwicks at 300 l. per Annum That none presume to do any hurt to the said Sherifwick What the said King takes away to be allowed on Account of the Farm HENR 3. Chart. 2. That the Barons choose a Major who is to be presented to the said King or his Justices and at the end of the year to amove him and substitute another or to retain him still so as he be presented To enjoy their Liberties saving the Chamberlainship HENR 3.
Customs in Cheap Billingsgate Smithfield and also the Tonnage viz. the weighing of Lead Wax Pepper c. EDW. 4. Chart. 1. A Charter of Edward the 4th for Preservation of the Peace and Governing of the City that they may have and hold all their Liberties and Customs as whole and sound as ever they had And further Grants for him and his Heirs That the Major Recorder and such Aldermen as have been Majors shall be Justices of the Peace and keep or cause to be kept all Ordinances and Statutes made and to be made for the quiet Rule and Government of the People and for the good of the Peace by Land and Water within the Liberty of the said City and to chastize and punish according to the Form of the Statutes And also grants to the said Major and Citizens and their Successors and the Recorder of the said City and such Aldermen or four of the same the Major Recorder and Aldermen of whom such Major for the time being and his Successors to be one be Justices for ever To enquire hear and determine of all manner of Felonies Trespasses c. And also to hear and determine and execute all other things which shall pertain to other Justices of the Peace within the Realm Giving in command to the Sheriffs of the said City that they attend counsel answer and aid the Justices Major Recorder and their Successors as required for conserving the Peace Saving to the City their Customs c. And the King being willing rather to enlarge than diminish the Custom of the said City hath Granted to them and their Successors That when any Issue shall be taken in any Plea of or upon the Custom of the City between any Parties in pleading or if any thing touching the said Customs be moved before the Judges or Barons c. the same Major and Aldermen by word of Mouth and then there may be speedy Process by that Record and Declaration such Custom so alledged shall be allowed for a Custom And though the Major c. make not Use or abuse the Customs and Liberties no Forfeiture to be taken therefore As well Denizens as Aliens and all abiding within the City to be contributary to Taxes according to their Faculties as well as the Citizens Merchants of Almaine excepted Aldermen not to be put upon Assizes Attaints or Juries Nor Collectors or Taxers out of the City Southwark granted to the City of London and Waifs and Estraies Treasure c. Assize of Bread Execution and Return of Writs by the City Officers The King's Clerk of the Market nor the Sheriff of Surrey to intermeddle Also a Fair for three days To carry to Newgate Thieves taken in Southwark Grants them all Liberties he had or should have in Southwark the Right of the Arch-bishop of Canterbury excepted EDW. 4. Chart. 2. Tonnage and Weighing granted to the City Weighing of Wool to be at Leaden-Hall and no other place within three Miles EDW. 4. Chart. 3. Liberty to purchase 200 Marks per Annum in Mortmain upon consideration of remitting the King 1923. formerly lent Also Liberty to any to grant such Lands to the City in Mortmain without any other Writ ad quod damnum EDW. 4. Chart. 4. A Grant of the Office of Packing to the City of all Woollen Cloths and all other Merchandizes for and in consideration of remitting the King 7000 l. formerly lent This Charter was confirmed by Parliament in the Third year of the Reign of King Hen. 8. Also the Grant of the Office of Portage of the Goods and Merchandizes of all Denizens and Aliens Also the Grant of the Office of Garbling of all Spices and other Merchandizes coming to the City which ought to be Garbled And also the Office of Gauging and Wine-drawing for the carrying off of Wines brought to the Port of the City to be exercised by them and their Deputies And also the Grant of the Office of Coroner HENRY 7. Part of the Charter A Grant for the Merchandize of Foreigners bought and sold forfeited to the City Also a Confirmation to the City of the Customs of Foreign Goods bought and sold Yet Strangers may buy things in the Gross for their own Use but not to Sell again HENR 8. Chart. 1. A Charter of Henry the 8th Dated the 16th day of June in the 10th year of his Reign for all Inquisitions formerly taken in St. Martins to be taken at Guild-Hall or at any other place within the said City Except Inquisitions in Eyers to be taken at the Circuits of the Tower of London and for the Goal Delivery at Newgate HENR 8. Chart. 2. Another Charter to the City of the Office of Keeper of the Great Beam and common Ballance of Weight for weighing of all Merchandizes of A vou du pois and also all Weights whatsoever And also Tronage that is to say the weighing of Lead Wax Pepper Dome Madder and all other such Wares confirmed to the City formerly granted them by King Henry the 4th The keeping of the Weights and Beams to be and remain at the Will of the Commonalty of the City to be kept in the custody of good sufficient men expert in the same The Major Commonalty and Citizens ordained Keepers of the great Beam Ballance and Weights aforesaid And also to Make Name and Assign from time to time all and all manner of Clerks Porters Servants and Ministers of the great Beam and Ballance and of the Iron Beam and of the Beam of the Styll-yard and the Weights aforesaid and also to remove any Officer or Minister and to make constitute and place others in his or their Place as often as to them shall seem expedient The same to be to the Use of the Major and Commonalty of the City without any Accompt to be delivered made given or paid in this Behalf for the Premises or any of them EDW. 6. For the Consideration of 647 l. 2. s. 1 d. paid to the Treasurer of the Court of Augmentation by the Major and Commonalty of London hath granted to the said Major c. several Messuages Tenements Closes and Parcels of Ground in Southwark in Com' Surrey except the Capital House called Southwark Place and the Park and the Buildings and Ground called the Antelope there And further grants to them the Lordship and Manner of Southwark with the Appurtenances in Com' Surrey appertaining to the late dissolved Monastry of Bermondsey except before therein excepted And further grants to them the Manor and Burrough of Southwark in the said County parcel of the Possessions of the Arch-bishop and Arch-bishoprick of Canterbury and certain Rents thereout coming And further Grants all Woods Underwoods and Trees and the Soil and Ground of the same and the Reversion and yearly Profits thereof And also grants the Premises in as large manner as the Duke of Suffolk or any Abbot of Bermondsey or Archbishop of Canterbury did enjoy the same and as largely as it came to Edward the Sixth or Henry
Liberties as fully as all their Predecessors enjoyed them or ought to enjoy them That although the said Major and Commonalty have not used or abused their Liberties and Customs they may use the same for time to come without Lett or Hinderance To hold the same by the like Services Fee-Farm Rents and Sums of Money as the same were formerly held of the said King or of any of his Predecessors And thouugh the Search and Surveying of Oyl Hops Sope Salt Butter Cheese and other such like things brought to the Port of the same City of London to be sold and the Measuring of Corn of any kind Onyons Salt Sea-cole Fruit and Shell-fish measurable and used to be measured and brought to the City of London to be measured hath appertained to the Major and Commonalty of the said City and their Predecessors to be executed by the said Major according to the Statutes made concerning the same He doth Ratifie and Confirm the same Search Surveying and Measuring in and by all things as the said Major and Commonalty and Citizens or their Successors lawfully had or enjoyed the same before and to the said Major and Commonalty by the said Charter Grants That the said City and Liberties do extend through the Circuits of St. Trinity Parish near Aldgate or the Dukes-Place Great St. Bartholomews and Little St. Bartholomews near Smithfield Black-Friars White-Friars and the Liberty of Cold Harbourough That the Inhabitants be under the Government of the said City Provided the Inhabitants of Black and White-Friars be exempted from all Taxes c. except setting out Souldiers and cleansing of Lanes c. The Inhabitants to be quit from the Offices of Constable Scavenger c. within the City The Free-men of the City inhabiting in Black and White Friars are Eligible into all Offices as Major Sheriffs c. as other Free-men are Grants That all Persons who dwell within the City although not Free-men except the Inhabitants of Black and White-Friars be Taxed for the Houses in which they dwell according to the Custom of the City and the Officers levy the same except before excepted by Distress c. to the Use aforesaid Provided any such who are not Free-men are unjustly grieved the Chancellor to moderate such Taxes c. Grants That the Major Recorder and Aldermen who have been Majors be Justices of Oyer and Terminer the Major and Recorder to be of the Quorum with power to take Security for the Peace and to commit the Refusers That no other Justices of the Peace shall intermeddle That the Sheriffs shall be attendant to the aforesaid Justices Grants That the Major c. may enjoy all Treasure found within the Precincts before granted to the City And to have these Patents under Seal without Fine in the Hamper or other Fees c. Dated at Hampton-Court the 20th of September of his Reign over England c. the 5th and of Scotland the 42d. JAC. Chart. 3. Grants the Major c. to have the Measuring and Weighing of all Coals at the Port of London And to receive as a Fee 8 d. per Ton to the Use of the City The Merchant enjoyned not to unload his Coals till the Major have notice and shall give direction for the unlading and weighing or measuring thereof that the Major may be able to render a ready Account that so the Profits arising thereby may be paid to the Kings Officers The selling of Coals by Retail in Lighters prohibited No Coals to be sold in any other Vessel than such which first brought them into the said Port unless upon some Key Port or Wharf near the River of Thames Covenants the said City may enjoy the Premisses for ever If any Defect be in the said Charter or any Doubt or Scruple arise the City upon Request may have other Letters Patents Dated 25 Septemb. the 12th of England of Scotland the 48th CHARLES 1. Chart. 1. Grants to the Major and Commonalty of the City of London in consideration of their good Services All and singular the Letters Patents Charters and Confirmations of all and singular the Grants of his Predecessors except as hereafter is excepted And grants all and singular Lands Tenements Offices Jurisdictions Franches Quittals Immunities c. which the said Major c. or their Predecessors c. and Ratifies and Confirms the said former Charters And also grants to the said Major c. and their Successors that they be fully and wholly restored to all and singular their Authorities Jurisdictions Liberties c. in as ample manner and Form as they or their Predecessors had used or enjoyed the same heretofore And for the intent that no Ambiguity Controversie doubtful Construction or Question of or about the Premises from thenceforth might arise but be altogether taken away for the Considerations aforesaid Confirms the said Grant to the Major c. and their Successors To hold the same for the like Services Fees Fee-farm Rent Sums of Money and Demands by which or what the same were formerly held And recites that which Henr. 6. by his Letters Patents bearing date at Westminster the 26th of October in the 23d year of his Reign granted to the Citizens of the City c. That the said Citizens and their Successors for ever should have all Soiles Commons Purpressures and Improvements in all Wastes Commons Streets Ways and other places in the City and Suburbs and in the Water of Thames with the Profits of the same and that they may improve And whereas by an Act of Parliament made at Westminster in the 28th year of the said Henr. 6. it was Enacted That the said King should take resume and seize into his hands and possession all what he had granted to hold and retain the same in the like State he had them And that all Letters Patents granted by the said King should be void And recites that H. 7. by his Letters Patents bearing date the 23d of July in the 20th year of his Reign Confirms to the Major c. all former Grants And questions the Validity of both the Patents of H. 6. and H. 7. by reason of the Act of Parliament concerning the Resumption and by the same takes away the Doubt And grants to the said Major Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors the same things in the said Patents mentioned And grants to the Major c. That the Major and Recorder of the City for the time being and the Aldermen who have been Majors although they shall de dismissed of their Majoralty shall stand Aldermen and that the three Senior Aldermen be Justices of the Peace although they have not been Majors The Major Recorder and Aldermen to be Justices of the Peace within the City of London and Liberties thereof And also grants to the Mayor c. That the Major and Recorder and such Aldermen as aforesaid or four of them but the said Major or Recorder to be one may hold Sessions of the Peace to inquire after all manner of