sumptuous Fane The Lands Chief Seat that challengeth for hers Kings Coranations and their Sepulchers Then goes along by that more beautious Strand That shews the Wealth and glory of the Land Such sumptuous Seats within so little space Th' all-viewing Sun scarce sees in all his Race By London leads which like a Crescent lies Whose Windows view with the be-spangled Skies Her rising Spires so thick themselves do show As do the Reeds that on her Banks do grow There sees his Wharffs and People-crowded Shores His bosom spread with shoals of labouring Oars With that great Bridge that doth him most Renown By which he puts all other Rivers down This Noble River hath her Original out of the side of an Hill in Cotswold Downs a little above a Village called Winchcomb in Oxfordshire where it was antiently called Isis or the Ouse running to Oxford and by the way receiving many small Rivulets and Brooks joyning at that City with the Charwell then by Abington Dorchester where the River Thame and Isis joyn from whence it is called Thamâsis or Thames thence by Reading Maiden-head Windsor Stanes and several other considerable Palaces Towns and stately Houses to London and receives the Medway a considerable River that runs by the City of Rochester and Waters all the Southern parts of Kent The length of it being at least if measured by the Journeys at Land 180 Miles and Ebbs and Flows as before near 80 Miles The Common difference betwixt Tide and Tide is found to consist of 24 Minutes which wanteth but 12 of a whole hour in 24 by which they come later than the other Mr. Stow tells us that in his time the first Edition of his Survey being Printed above 80 years ago there were 2000 Wherries or small Boats whereby 3000 Water-men got their Living their Gains being most in Term-time but now there are a great many more this River being a Nursery to breed young Men sit for the Sea to Serve His Majesty or the Merchants c. Besides these there is an Infinite Number of Wherries Tide-Boats Tilt-Boats Barges Hoys c. for Passengers or to bring necessary Provision of all sorts from all Quarters of Oxfordshire Berkshire Buckinghamshire Bedfordshire Hartfordshire Middlesex Essex Surrey and Kent unto the City but of the Navigation of London we refer to the Chapter of Trade and the Rates of Water-men to a distinct head to be Treated of hereafter The Extent of the Jurisdiction and Prerogative of the Lord Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of London on the River Thames c. THe Lord Mayor of LONDON for the time being and his Successors for ever in that great Dignity have full Power and Authority over the Rivers of Thames and Medway to inflict punishment upon all Transgressors relating to the said Rivers the Water-Bayly of London being his Substitute The Extent of this Jurisdiction begins at a place called Colnie-Ditch a little above Stains-Bridge Westward as far as London-Bridge and from thence to a place called Yendall otherwise Yenland or Yenleete and the Waters of Medway This Authority and Jurisdiction belongs to the Lord Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of London by divers Grants Charters and Confirmations made by the Kings and Queens of England besides sundry Acts of Parliament Yet there have been some contests betwixt the Lord Mayor and the Lord High Admiral of England about it but after a fair and Judicial Tryal in open Court the Controversie was decided in favour of the City and the Lord Mayor was adjudged to be Conservator of the Thames There were also some Controversies about the Rivers of Thames and Medway but all differences were absolutely concluded Anno 1613. Sir John Swinnerton being then Lord Mayor and Thomas Sparry Esq being then his Deputy in that Office So that the Lord Mayor bears always since as in former times the stile of Conservator of the said River within the said Limits and Bounds And whereas there was a Company of Fishermen called Tinckermen that with unlawful Nets and other devices made an infinite destruction of the young Brood or Fry of Fish to feed their Hogs by the singular care and cost of the Lord Mayor and vigilance of the Citizens they were many years ago supprest and a regular and orderly manner of Fishing brought in use that such a havock may not be made of the young Fry As also sundry other abuses by unlawful Fishing and some annoying Timbers in Tilbury-hope dangerous to Passengers and destructive to the young Brood of Fish and Fishermens Nets were also to general benefit reformed Likewise they took care to clear and cleanse the River Westward of about 79 Stops or Hatches consisting of divers great Stakes and Piles erected by Fishermen for their private lucre and standing ill-favouredly for Passengers near the Fair-Deep but none now are left except such as stand out of the passable high stream that can prejudice none The like Course was kept in the time of Henry the 4 th and Henry the 8 ths times There is also a watchful Eye that no Carrion nor Dead Carkasses be thrown into the River to pollute or infect the stream To all these intents and purposes the Lord Mayor and the Aldermen his Brethren with the under Officers meet eight times a year in the four Counties of Middlesex Surrey Kent and Essex and have a Judicial sitting for Maintenance of the Rivers Rights and Priviledges where they have power to Impanel Juries to make Inquisition after all Offences committed upon the River within their Exteââ and as the Verdict given by the Jury makes it appear so they proceed to the punishment of the ãâã sors according to the quality of the offence whereof it may be proper to give this Memorable Instance as it is Recorded by Mr. Stow in his Survey page 20 Printed Anno 1633. and more briefly delivered by Mr. Howel in his Londinopolis Printed Anno 1657. page 15. Thus. Sir John Rolls Knight and Lord Mayor of the City of London and Conservator of the River of Thames and Waters of Medway assisted and accompanied by the Aldermen and two Sheriffs then contemporary and attended by the Recorder and the Sub-conservation or Water-Bayly with 50 Officers and Servants took their Barges at Billings-gate the third of July 1616. and in a few hours arrived at Graves-end in Kent where a Session for Conservancy of the said River was kept before the said Lord Mayor and his said Assistants at which place and time a Jury of the Free-holders of the said County being sworn to inquire of all Offences committed in any part of the River whatsoever within the said County The Common Sergeant of the City the Recorder being then absent upon extraordinary occasions Delivered them a Charge to this effect That for as much as there had not been any Session of Conservancy in many years passed kept by any Lord Mayor of London in that place it was probable and evident they could not be well informed neither of the Lord Mayor's
amongst the highest Nobles of the Kingdom which serve on that Day in other Offices He presents the King with Wine in a Golden Cup having a Cover of which the King Drinks and the Lord Mayor receives the said Cup for his Fee The first Lord Mayor that went by Water to Westminster was Sir John Norman Draper Anno 1453. the 32. of H. 6. that is 228 years ago The two Sheriffs of this City are also Sheriffs of the County of Middlesex and are annually Chosen by the Citizens from among themselves in the Guild-Hall upon Midsummer-day a high Priviledge among many others anciently granted to this City by several Kings and Queens of this Kingdom but they are not Sworn till Michaelmas-Eve and then are also presented at the Exchequer to be allowed by the Barons and Sworn after which they enter upon their Office If the Persons so chosen refuse to hold they incur a Penalty unless they will take a Solemn Oath that they are not worth 10000 l. In the Year 1199. that is 482 years ago King John granted the Sheriff-Wick of London and Middlesex to the City as King Henry the First before had done for the sum of 300 l. a year which is paid into the Exchequer to this Day He gave them also Authority to Chuse and Deprive their Sheriffs at pleasure In the 1. of R. 1. the Citizens obtained to be Governed by two Bayliffs which Bayliffs are in Divers antient Deeds called Sheriffs according to the Speech of the Law which called the Shire Ballâva c. which King also as formerly said gave the City liberty to be governed by a Mayor as their Principal Governour and their Bayliffs were changed into Sheriffs The Sheriffs of London In the Year 1471. were appointed each of them to have Sixteen Sergeants every Sergeant to have his Yeoman and Six Clerks viz. A Secondary a Clerk of the Papers and Four other Clerks besides the Under-Sheriffs Clerks their Stewards Bâtlers Porters and other in Houshold many There are Twenty-six Aldermen that preside over the Twenty-six Wards of the City of which more when we speak of Wards when any of these die the Lord Mayor and Aldermen chuse another out of the most substantial men of the City If any so chosen refuse to hold he is usually Fined 500 l. All the Aldermen that have been Lord Mayors and the Three eldest Aldermen that have not yet arrived to that Honourable Estate are by their Charter Justices of the Peace of this City In the Year 1555. Seven Aldermen Died in less than Ten Months The Recorder of London is usually a Grave and Learned Lawyer that is skilful in the Customs of the City who is to be an Assistant to the Lord Mayor He taketh his place in Councels and in Courts before any man that hath not been Mayor and Learnedly Delivers the sentences of the whole Court The Present Recorder is Sir George Treby an eminent Gentleman and a Worthy Member of our last Parliaments The Chamberlain of London is at present Sir Thomas Player a Gentleman that has deserved very well of this City and the Protestant Interest in General both in that Station and as a Member for this Honourable City in the last Parliaments The Chamberlain is Elected by the Commons upon Midsummer-day so are the Two Bridge-Masters The Auditors of the City and Bridge-House Accounts the Surveyors for BEER and ALE. There is also a Town-Clark or Common-Clerk and a Remembrancer who are Esquires The Chamberlain of London is an Officer very considerable in point of power for without him can no man set up Shop or Occupy his Trade without being Sworn before him no man can set over an Apprentice to another but by his Licence he may Imprison any that disobeys his Summons or any Apprentice that misdemeans himself or punish him otherwise On Munday and Tuesday in Eâster-week all the Aldermen and Sheriffs come unto the Lord Mayor's House before Eight of the Clock in the Morning to Break-fast wearing their Scarlet Gowns Furr'd and their Cloaks as also their Horses attending When Break-fast is ended they mount their Horses and ride to the Spittle which is an ancient Custom not changed but once in 300 years and that upon extraordinary occasion till this year when they went to S. Sepulchres the Sword and Mace being born before the Lord Mayor There they hear a Sermon and then return to Dinner and some of the Aldermen Dine with the Sheriffs and some with the Lord Mayor On Wednesday in Easter-week they go thither in the same manner only the Lord Mayor and Aldermen wear their Violet Gownes and sutable Cloaks But the Ladies on the former Days wearing Scarlet on this Day are attired in Black On Whitsunday all the Aldermen use to meet the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs at the New-Church-yard by Moorfields wearing their Scarlet Gowns lined without Cloaks there they hear a Sermon appointed for that Day and so return to Dinner When they chuse Parliament-men all the Aldermen meet the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs at the Guild-Hall by nine of the Clock in the Morning wearing their Velvet Gowns and their Cloaks either furred or lined according as the time of the year requireth when they are to be chosen and they sit in the Hastings-Court untill the Commons do make Choice of them The last Honourable Members that served for this Renowned City were Sir Robert Clayton Knight that was Lord Mayor the last year Thomas Pilkinton Alderman Sir Thomas Player Knight and William ãâã Esq of whose real worth courage fidelity and wisdom in the management of that great Trust the City is very sensible as appears by the publick demonstrations deservedly given of it and no less sensible was the last Parliament but one of the Cities Loyalty Fidelity and great care to preserve his Majesties Royal person and the Protestant Religion that the thanks of the House was order'd to be given them which was accordingly done by the Worthy Members aforesaid What the Office of the Constables in the City of London is you may gather from their Oath which is thus Ye shall Swear that ye keep the Peace of our Soveraign Lord the King well and lawfully after your power And ye shall Arrest all them that make Contest Riot Debate or Affray in breaking of the said Peace and lead them to the House or Compter of one of the Sheriffs And if ye be withstood by strength of Misdoers ye shall rear on them an Out-cry and pursue them from Street to Street and from Ward to Ward till they be Arrested And ye shall search at all times when ye be required by the Seavengers or Beadles the Common Noysance of your Ward And the Beadle and Raker ye shall help to Rear and gather their Sallary and Quarterage if ye be thereunto by them required And if any thing be done within your Ward against the Ordinance of this City such defaults as ye shall find there done ye shall them present to the Mayor and
Woodstreet on Wednesday goes out on Thursday Wells in Somersetshire and other places thereabouts John Proviss Worthington Price Carriers come to the Castle in Woodstreet on Thursday goes out on Friday Warwick John Windmill Anthony Bailey Carriers come to the Rose in West-Smithfield on Wednesday goes out on Thursday Mr. Rothwel Carrier comes to the Bell in West-Smithfield on Wednesday goes out on Thursday Thomas Wilmotte Francis Purden Thomas Ousler Daniel Swift's Coach-Wagon comes to the Bell-Savage on Ludgate-hill on Saturday goes out on Monday Windsor in Berkshire Mr. Bennet's Coach comes to the White-horse in Fleet-street in and out every day Mr. Saunders Coachman comes to the Bell-Savage on Ludgate-hill in and out every other day Robert Burridge Samuel Bradford Coachmen come to the Eagle and Child in the Strand in and out every day Samuel Bennet Coachman comes to the Kings-head near Charing-cross in and out every day Mr. Hattox Reader Neal and Burt come to the Chequer-Inn near Charing-cross in and out every day Philip Best 's Coach comes to the Unicorn in the Hay-market in and out every day Elias Gliss Coachman comes to the Crown in the Hay-market in and out every day The same Man comes to the Black-horse near the Mews-gate in and out every day Mr. Burt's Coach comes to the George in Kings-street Westminster in and out every day Wolverhampton in Staffordshire William Woolley's Wagon comes to the Bell-Savage on Ludgate-hill on Saturday goes out on Monday Watford in Hertfordshire John Halsey's Coach comes to the Bull in Holbourn on Monday Wednesday and Friday goes out on Tuesday Thursday and Saturday Wiltopp in Hampshire Mr. Garaway's Wagon comes to the Windmill in Shoe-lane on Wednesday goes out on Thursday Watford in Leicestershire William Biggs Carrier comes to the Castle in West-Smithfield on Wednesday goes out on Thursday Wemington in Leicestershire âeorge Goodsân Carrier comes to the Bear and Ragged-staff in West-Smithfield on Saturday goes out on Monday Woodford Edward Lake Wagoner comes to the Maiden-head in St. Giles's on Tuesday and Thursday goes out Wednesday and Friday Worcester John Winslow Thomas Winslowâ Flying-Coach comes to the Kings-head near Charing-cross on Tuesday Thursday and Saturday goes out Monday Wednesday and Friday Woodford in Essex John Hinton's Coach comes to the Three Nuns without Aldgate in and out every day Wonsted in Essex William Humphrey's Coach comes to the Blueâ Boar witout Aldgate in and out every day Wadhurst in Sussex James Reed Carrier comes to the Queens-head in Southwark on Wednesday goes out on Thursday Weam in Shropshire William Chetwood Wagoner comes to Blossoms-Inn in Lawrence-lane on Friday goes out on Saturday once in three weeks Wittham in Essex John Summers Carrier comes to the Cross-Keys in Grace-church-street on Thursday goes out on Friday Y. Yarmouth and Norwich Mr. Philips Coachman âânes to the Green Dragon within Bishopsgate every Wednesday and Friday goes out Thursday and Saturday York Francis Gardner Margaret Gardner Henry Molden's Coach comes to the Black Swan in Holbourn on Monday Wednesday and Friday goes out Tuesday Thursday and Saturday The Rates and Orders for Carmen At a General Quarter-Sessions of the Peace holden for the City of London the 10th of Octob. in the Twenty ninth year of His Majesties Reign Sir Thomas Davies then Lord Mayor at Justice-Hall in the Old-Baily the following Rates and Orders were appointed for Carr-men Rates for Carr-men ALL Carr-men Trading or Working with Carrs in the City of London and Liberties thereof shall and may demand and take for every Carriage or Load of the Commodities under-mentioned the Rates hereafter following that is to say s. d. From any the Wharfs between the Tower and London-Bridge to Tower-street Grace-Church-street Fen-Church-street Bishopsgate-street within Cornhill and places of like distance up the Hill with 18 Hundred Weight not exceeding 20 Hundred Weight 2 2 And being above 20 Hundred Weight for every Hundred 0 2 In which may be included Two Pun2heons of Prunes 2 Bales of Mather 20 Barrels of Figs 2 Fat 's of Fustians 6 ordinary Sacks of Cotton-Wools of Smyrna and 3 Cyprus Bags a Butt of Currans a great Butt of Oyls 3 Chests of Sugar 8 Bags of Alâms 1 Last of Flax 1 Last of Hemp and any other Goods herein not named of the like Weight for every Load 2 2 And for Sea-Coals 14 pence the Load every Load to be half a Chaldron and for one Hundred Fagots the like Rate 1 2 And from any the Wharfs aforesaid to Broad-street Lothbury Old Jury Bassishaw Coleman-street Ironmonger-Lane St. Lawrence lane Milk-street Aldermanbury Cheapside Wood-street Friday-street Bread-street and places of like distance for the like Weight of 18 Hundred not exceeding 20 Hundred Weight for the Goods aforesaid and other Goods herein not named of the like Weight for every Loâd 2 6 And being above 20 Hundred Weight for every Hundred 0 2 And so Sea-Coals 16 pence the Load every Load to be half a Chaldron and for one Hundred Fagots the like Rate 1 4 Also from any the Wharfs aforesaid to Smithfield-Baâs Holborn-Bââs Temple-Bar or any of the Bars on the North-side of the City and places of like distance up the Hill with 18 Hundred Weight not exceeding 20 Hundred Weight for every Load 3 4 And going beyond the said places the parties to agree with the Carr-men Also from any the Wharfs aforesaid to Tower-street Bishopsgate within Cornhill and others places of like distance up the Hill with 14 Hundred Weight not exceeding 18 Hundred Weight 1 10 In which may be included Twenty pieces of Raisins a Load of Raisins of the Sun 6 Bags of Pepper 6 ordinary Bags of Galls 3 great Bags of Galls 6 Bales and Barrels of Indico 6 Bales of Grogram Yarn 6 Bales of Turkie Silk 5 Hogsheads of Cloves 4 Bales of Callicoes 3 Hogsheads of Wines 2 Chests of Sugar or any other Goods of the like Weight 5 Hogsheads of Tobacco not exceeding 18 Hundred weight 1 10 Also from any the Wharfs aforesaid to Broad-street Lothbury Old Jury Bassishaw Colâman-strâet Ironmonger-Lane St. Lawrence-Lane Milk-street Aldermanbury Cheapside Wood-street Friday-street Bread-street and places of the like distance for any of the said Goods of the same quantity and Weight for every Load 2 0 Also from any the Wâarfs aforesaid to Tower-âtreet Grace-Church-street Fan-Church-street Bishopsgate-street within Cornhill and other places of like distance up the Hill with 8 Hundred Weight not exceeding 14 Hundred Weight 1 6 In which may be included All Buâs and Pipes of Wine or a Pipe of Oil Packs of Canvas 2 Hogsheads or 3 Terces a Fat of Fustians and all other Goods of the like Bulk and Weight for every Load 1 6 And from any the Wharfs aforesaid to Broadstreet Lothbury Old Jury Bassishaw Coleman-street Ironmonger-Lane St. Lawrence-lane Milk-street Aldermanbury Cheapside Wood-street Friday-street and other places of like distance for any other Goods of like Load or Weight for every Load 1 8 Also from London-Bridge-foot Westward to the
The Lord Mayor Court Of Aldermen THE PRESENT STATE OF London OR Memorials COMPREHENDING A Full and Succinct Account Of the Ancient and Modern State thereof By THO. DE-LAVNE Gent. Civitates ab initio Vtilitatis causa constitutae sunt Aristot 1. Polit. LONDON Printed by George Larkin for Enoch Prosser and John How at the Rose and Crown and Seven Stars in Sweethings-Alley near the Royal Exchange in Cornhil 1681. To the Right Honourable Sir Patience Ward Knight LORD MAYOR OF THE City of LONDON My Lord THese Memorials respecting the Ancient and Modern State of this great and Renowned City of which under His Majesty Your Lordship enjoys the Supreme Magistracy cannot find a more Proper or more Honourable Patron than Your Lordship considering the High Place You hold in that Meridian for which This Discourse is Calculated The General Grief expressed by all Loyal English Protestants for Your Lordships late Indisposition and the General Rejoycing amongst them for Your Happy Recovery as a Mercy to this City of both which the Presenter of this Address was in part a Witness and Partaker are Evidences both of Your Lordships Good Administration in so Eminent a Dignity aud the Universal Satisfaction of this Famous Metropolis in Your Government Your Prudent Zealous and Couragious Conduct in these Perillous and Menacing Times suitable to those Never-to-be-forgotten Speeches delivered by Your Lordship and Your Eminent and Worthy Predecessor Sir Robert Clayton at the Time of Your Election to this August Magistracy has engaged all True Patriots and Abhorrers of Foreign and Domestick Vassalage a thing attempted to be Introduced by those Execrable Mediums of Assassinating the Sacred Person of His Royal Majesty and Everting His Government to give Your Lordship an Eminent Place in their Esteem and Justly Obliges this Great City to Honour Your Lordship in a Degree suitable to so High a Merit My Lord I hope You will vouchsafe me Your Pardon for my Presumption in Publishing this small Product of my Recess and Solitude under the Patronage of Your Honourable Name for which and the Famous City You Govern I have so High a Veneration that it Obliges me to be Your Lordships most humble Servant Thomas De-Laune London June 24. 1681. To the Reader THis Abstract is partly collected from the best Authors I could meet with as the Chronicles and Statutes of England Antiquaries Modern Writers c. I have endeavoured to avoid Prolixity and to omit no Remarkables as far as my designed Brevity would admit intending rather a Compendium than a Voluminous History What lay scatered in divers Volumes are reduced in a method wholly new under their proper Heads briefly yet I hope not obscurely I have intermixt many new things which fell within my own observation or my Friends respecting the Present State of this City never to my knowledge I am sure never in this Method Published It is said That Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile Dulci If that be not done here yet it is an Essay of that kind being a mixture wherein with great variety things highly useful are interwoven with delightsom And if there be any mistakes or imperfections which all men are liable to upon any Information which shall be thankfully resented it may be capable of Rectifying hereafter I do not pretend to give a full account of all things worthy to be known in this great City or of its famous Citizens for that would make an huge Volume but onely of the most Eminent which have occurr'd to my Reading or Observation As to the Method and particulars treated of you are referred to the Synopsis or Table of Contents following by which you may easily find out any thing in the Book If the City thinks this worth entertainment it will engage me to proceed in perfecting other Materials I have by me and offer it in another work which I trust will be useful to all I have an high Honor for this Illustrious City and the worthy Inhabitants thereof as an Instance of which this Essay is offered to the perusal of the Candid Reader by Thomas Dâ-lauââ To his Friend Mr. Thomas De-Laune An Acrostick on The Present State of LONDON This is that City which the Papal Crew Have by their Damn'd Devices overthrew Erected on her old Foundations New Pourtrayed once by Stow and now again Rebuilt and Re-reviv'd by thee De-laune Extracted Phoenix-like whose splendor shows She triumphs o're the Ruine of her Foes Excellent Architect that in few Sheets New builds a City of Five hundred Streets Temples Courts Churches Monuments and Halls Shores Towers Gates Inns Citadels and Walls The Grandeur of this fam'd Metropolis Arts Laws and Customs thou hast shewn in this This Little Volume comprehends the Great European-Empory the Royal Seat Of English Monarchs whose Succession runs From Royal Fathers Lineally to Sons London the Author fully lets Thee see Orders and Customs of Antiquity Names Honours Titles Companies drawn forth Display'd in Banners Badges of thy Worth Of all the Cities on the Continent No better Governours nor Government R. S. To his Friend the Author UPON THE Present State of LONDON REader Survey DE-LAVNE and his Survey Who LONDON's Glories lively doth display In Her immediate State whose Stately Pile Exceeds all Structures on the British Isle Look through this Little Book as through a Glass You may behold what now She Is and Was. View between Sixty Six and Eighty One Can you not see Great Alteration In Sky-Invading-Flames three days She burns Which all her Glories into Ashes turns But stop not there Look nearer yet by Ten Doth She not mount to greater Glory then Before Look nigher yet by Five for this Her Present State a Pleasant Prospect is This Glass Brave City he presents to Thee That Thou Thy Self Thy Self may'st better see This Thy Remote and Distant Friends will move To Admiration and Vniting Love When they peruse those Gallant Laws whereby Thou' rt Rul'd and Rulest by Just Policy Thy Piety Thy Splendid Trade by which Thou art become so Great so Good so Rich. Those worthy Characters which he hath writ Exalts Thy Greatness Justifies his Wit 'T is not my Task Thy Splendor to Commend It is Exalted by DE-LAVNE Thy Friend My Muse would fain Attempt his Commendation But is constrain'd to rest in Admiration D. E. Philopolis The CONTENTS CHap. 1 Of the Antiquity Original and Name of London Page 1. Chap. 2. Of the Situation of London P. 3. Chap. 3. Of its Increase Magnitude Publick Structures and number of Inhabitants p. 5 292. Sect. 1. Of its Walls Towers Gates c. p. 9. Of the Tower and Ancient Castles p. 13 17. Sect. 2. Of its Churches and Monuments p. 19 Of Pauls Church and Westminster-Abby p. 20 The Ancient State of all the Churches in London Alphabetically with their monuments c. p 27. The Monument of Mr. Fox Martyrologist p. 69. Of Mr. Speed the Famous Historian p. 73. Sect. 3. Of Hospitals viz. Christs Hospital and
the foundation of the aforesaid Gate it was much loosned and weakned so that 200 and oddâ years after viz. Anno 1440. 18 H. 6. It fell down and was never since re-edified There were several other Water-Gates which were purchased by private Men as at Black-frier-stairs a free landing place Puddle-Wharf Pauls-Wharf a free landing place Broken-wharf Queen-Hith a place called Woolf-Gate in the Parish of Aâlâallows after called Woolf-lane but the lower part being built on by the Earl of Shreâsâury and the upper part by the Chamberlain of London it was grown out of use There was also a Gate called Ebgate now the Old Swan There was also a small Gate called Oyster-Gate because Oysters were sold there and other Shell Fish Bridg-gate so called of London-Bridg was reckoned by Fitz-Seephens one of the Principal Gates of the City Next Buttolph-gate so called of St. Buttolphs-Church adjoining Of Billingsgate we have spoke already There was a Water-gate by the Custom-House at the South end of Water-lanâ and another Water-gate by the Tower Of the Tower of London THe Wall of the City was furnished round about with Towers and Bulworks at due and Regular distances Of which where the Wall ended towards the River on the East-side the most eminent was that which we call the Toââr of London Built by William the Conqueror about the Year 1078. Some say that Caesar built the White-Tower but that is not so nor does he mention it in his Commentary though an exact Recorder of his own Actions Gundulph Bishop of Rochester being Principal Surveyor and Overseer of the Work This was the great Square Tower now called the White-Tower which has been much inlarged by several Buildings since adjoyned at diverse times and incompassed with a Wall And Anno 1190 in the 2 R. 1. as was said the Bishop of Ely Chancellor of England inclâsed it with a thick and strong outward Wall of stone Embattailed and caused a Broad and Deep Ditch to be cast about the same thinking to have Invironed it with the River of Thames so that it is a most Famous Goodly Citadel resembling a big Town Edward the 4 th fortified this Tower inclosing a certain piece of Ground taken from Tower-Hill on the West which is now called the Bulwark Near West-gate opening to the South there is a strong Postern for passengers by the Ward-House over a Drawbridg let down for that purpose On the South side towards the East is a large Water-gate for the Receipt of small Vessels under a store Bridg from the River Thames beyond it ãâã a small Pâstern with a Draw-bridg seldom let down but to receive great Persons that are Prisoners The Lyon-Tower was built by Edward the 4 th This is not only a Fort or Citadel to Defend and Command both City and River but alâo a Royal Palace where our Kings with their Courts have Lodged some times 'T is furnished with an Armory and Royal Arsenaf of Arms and Ammunition for 60000 Men. Here are kept the Treâsury for the Jewels and Ornaments of the English Crown the only Mint now for Coining Silver and Gold in England And the most Antient Records of the King's Courts of Justice at Westminster This is the Chief Prison for the safe Custody of Great Persons that are Criminals It is out of any County or Parish yet a great part of it is within the liberty of the City For it was the Judges opinion that those that were to be Tried for the Murder of Sir Thomas Overbury must be Tried in the City the Fact being done there The Office of his Majesties Records is of venerable Antiquity And as the Chapel of the Rolls in Chancery-Lane and Petty Bag-Office doth fill with Records out of other Offices they are transmitted into the Tower after some years for preservation and security These Records contain the Foundations and Dissolutions of Abbeys Donation of Land c. These Records at the Rolls being joyned to those in the Tower will make a perfect continuance of all the Antient Rights of England as 1. The Leagues and Treaties of Foreign Princes 2. The Warlike Atchievments of the English in France and other Parts 3. The Original of all the Laws Enacted and Recorded till the Reign of Richard the 3. 4. The Homage and Dependancy of Scotland upon England The Establishment of Ireland in Laws and Dominions 5. The Dominion of the British Seas excluding both French and Dutch from Fishing there without the Kings License proved by Records before the Conquest 6. The Title of the Realm of France and how obtained 7. And all that the Kings or Princes of this Land have until that time done abroad on granted or confirmed unto their Subjects at home or abroad 8. Tenures of all Lands extents of Surveys of Mannors and Land Inquisitions post mortem 9. Libertys and Priviledges Granted to Citys Towns or private Men. 10. Several Writs Bleadings Proceedings c. in Courts of Chancery Common Law Exchequer c. 11. Inspeximus's and Inrollments of Charters and Deeds before the Conquest 12. Metes and Bounds of all Forrests with the respective Rights of the Inhabitants to common pasture besides many other things too tedious to be repeated and are in the Petition of the Commons of England in Parliament Anno 46. E. 3. Num. 43. Said to be the perpetual Evidence of every Mans Right and the Records of this Nation without which no Story of the Nation can be written or proved They are reposited in Wakefield-Tower adjoyning to the Blood-Tower near Traytors-gate It is to be kept open and constantly attended for all Resorters thereto from 7. to 11. of the Clock in the Morning and from 1. till 5. in the Afternoon every Day of the week but in December January and February from 8. in the Morning to 4. in the Afternoon except Holy-days c. The Governor is call'd the Lieutenant of the Tower who ought to be a Person of Worth and Fidelity and by Vertue of his Office is to be a Justice of Peace in Kent Surrey and Middlesex he is High Steward of a Court there held hath a Deputy may refuse an Habeas Corpus and may give Protection to all Debtors belonging to the Tower all England over He can take two Gallons and a Pint of all Wine-Ships that come His Sallary is 200 l. per annum His usual Fee for every Prisoner sent to the Tower who are commonly Men of Estates is 20 l. and 3. l. a week of an Esq 5. l. for a Knight for a Baron or above 5. l. at Entrance to whom the King weekly allows 10 l. whereof two parts to the Prisoner the third to the Lieutenant for Lodging and Dyet and 50 l. to the Lieutenant upon the Prisoners discharge The Gentleman Taylor is put in by the Lieutenant of the Tower and his Fee is 41 s. of a Gentleman and 5 l. of a Knight There are 40 Warders of the Tower accounted the King's Domestick Servants and sworn by the Lord
built in the year 1430. 8 H. 6. Sir William Eastfield Mayor William Russe and Ralph Holland Esqs Sheriffs and the Commonalty granted of the Common Ground of the City Three Foot and an half in Breadth on the North part and Four Foot in Breadth toward the East for the enlarging thereof This Ancient Church belonging to the Black-friers before the dissolution of such places by H. 8. was one of the most spacious and fair Churches in London but afterwards demolished Anno 1613. The Inhabitants of Black-friers purchased so much Houses on the South-side of their Church as was 36 Foot in Length and 54 in Breadth the Purchase whereof together with the Vault for Burying and other Rooms under that part of the Church c. cost 1546 l. 6 s. Anno 1632. The Inhabitants of the said Black-friers purchased the Rooms directly under an upper Room formerly converted to a Church to repair the Walls and Foundations whereon the Church stood at the cost together with the Repairs of 500 l. The Sum of all bestowed upon Black-friers Church since the Reformation amounted to 2600 l. 4 s. till the year 1633. It was burnt down Anno 1666. in the great Fire and not yet Re-built XVI St. Anthonieâ Church vulgarly called St. Antlins or St. Antholins in Budge-Row in Cord-wainer-street Ward was a fair Parish-Church Sir Thomas Knowles late Lord Mayor of London lieth Buried there who Repaired and was a great Benefactor to it It was Repaired and Beautified Anno 1616. towards which Sir William Craven Mr. Henry Jay Aldermen Mr. Adrian Moore Mr. Thomas Boothby Mr. Francis Dorrington Mr. William Parker Mr. Cleophas Smith Citizen and Draper of London were free and bountiful Benefactors the cost amounted to near 1000 l. XVII The Parish-Church of Augustine vulgarly Austin in Watling-street in Faringdon-Ward-within was a fair Church and well Repaired And was in the years 1630 and 1631 in part Re-built and Beautifully adorned at the charge of the Parishioners which cost 1200 l. XVIII The Parish-Church of St. Bartholomew Exchange at the end of Bartholomew-lane was new Built by Thomas Pike Alderman with the assistance of Nicholas Yoo one of the Sheriffs of London about the year 1438. Sir John Lepington's Lady founded a Chauntry there in the 21 of Edw. 4. Sir William Capel Mayor added a proper Chapel Anno 1509. on the South-side James Wilford Taylor one of the Sheriffs 1499. appointed by his Testament a Doctor of Divinity every Good-Friday to preach a Sermon there of Christ's Passion for ever from six a clock till 8 before Noon This Church was Repaired and Beautified at the charge of the Parishioners Anno 1620. XIX The Parish-Church of St. Bennet which of Robert Fink senior who new Built it is called St. Bennet Finck stands in Thread-needle-street in Broad-street-Ward which was a proper Church It was Repaired and Beautifully adorn'd at the Parish-charge Anno 1633. at the cost of above 400 l. XX. In the Street formerly called Grass-street but vulgarly Graces or Gracious-street is the Parish-Church called St. Bennet Grass-Church of the Herb-Market kept near it but vulgarly Grace-Church in Bridge-Ward-within This Church was Repaired and Beautified Anno 1630. with a new Clock-Dyal and Chimes added Anno 1633. XXI St. Bennet Pauls-Wharf in Thames-street in Castle-Baynard-Ward was a proper Parish-Church with several Monuments in it XXII The Parish-Church of St. Syth hath an addition of Bennet-Shorne or Shrog or Shorehog and is vulgarly called St. Bennet Sherehog The ancientest name of these is Shorne of one Benedict Shorne sometime a Citizen and Stock-fishmonger of London who New Built Repaired it or was a Benefactor thereof in the time of Edward II. so that Shorne is corruptly called Shrog and more corruptly Shorebog Being very much decayed it was at the Parish-charge very amply Repaired and Beautified Anno 1628. It is near Needles-lane in Cheap-Ward XXIII The Parish-Church of St. Botolph in Thames-street in Billingsgate-Ward was a handsom Church and had many fair Monuments in it but now defaced This Church was Repaired and Beautifully adorn'd at the Parish-charge Anno 1624. XXIV Christ-Church was founded by King Henry VIII who gave the old Parish-Church of St. Nicholas to the Mayor and Commonalty of London towards the maintenance of this New Church to be erected in the late dissolved Church of the Grey-fryers called St. Ewin which Parish-Church with the aforesaid Parish-Church of St. Nicholas and so much of St. Sepulchres Parish as is within Newgate were then made one Parish-Church by the name of Christ-Church Of the Hospital there we shall speak under its proper head There was a fair and spacious Gallery erected in the North Isle of this Church Anno 1628. which cost the Parishioners 149 l. 10 s. which was not only necessary but graceful and beautiful It is in Faringdon-Ward-within XXV In Broad-street-Ward near the Stocks-Market is the Parish-Church of St. Christopher To which Richard Sherington Anno 1392. gave Lands so did the Lady Margaret Norford Anno 1406. John Clavering 1421 c. But above all the charity of Robert Thorne Merchant-Taylor and a Batchelor is to be perpetuated who lay Interred there in a fair Tomb of Touch and gave by his Will 4445 l. to pious Uses This Church was Repaired and Beautified at the cost of the Parish Anno 1621. XXVI St. Clements East-Cheap in Candlewick-street-Ward is a small Parish-Church William Chartney and William Overie founded a Chauntry there It was Repaired and Beautified at the cost of the Parishioners Anno 1632. XXVII At the South-west corner of Lime-street in Langborn-Ward stood the fair Parish-Church of St. Dionis called Back-Church new Built in the Reign of Henry VI. to which John Bugge Esq was a great Benefactor John Darby Alderman added thereto a fair Isle or Chapel on the South-side and was there Buried Anno 1466. He gave besides sundry Ornaments his Dwelling-house besides other Houses unto the said Church The middle Isle of this Church was new laid in the year of our Lord 1629. The Steeple was repaired a new Turret built new Frames were made for the Bells and the Church very decently beautified Anno 1632. XXVIII The Parish-Church of St. Dunstans East is so called for difference from another Church in the West of that Name It was a fair and large Church of an ancient Building and within a large Church-yard There be many rich Merchants and other rich Tradesmen in that Parish chiefly Salters and Ironmongers In this are divers Monuments of worthy persons There are also Seven shillings three pence given to the Poor every Sunday throughout the year in ready money besides Bread and other Gifts according to the Wills and Dispositions of Sir Richard Champion and Alderman Heardson with Coals given besides at certain times One man hath given yearly on Ox to be distributed by a quarter thereof quarterly and a Peck of Oat-meal therewithall to the Poor But so ordered that they that have the quarter of Beef and Peck of Oatmeal at one
French or Latin He knew the state of Foreign Princes perfectly and his own more He could call all Gentlemen of Account through his Kingdom by their Names And all this when he had scarce yet attained to the Age of Fifteen Years and dyed before Sixteen That from hence we may gather It is a sign of no long Life when the Faculties of the Mind are ripe so early His Pious and Religious Life was Remarkable as may be seen in the whole series of it and his Death was no less for the hour before he dyed he was over-heard to pray thus by himself O Lord God deliver me out of this miserable and wretched life O Lord thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee yet for thy Chosen's sake if it be thy Will send me life and health that I may truly serve thee O Lord God save thy chosen People in England and defend this Realm from PAPISTRY and maintain thy true Religion that I and my People may praise thy Holy Name for thy Son Jesus Christ's sake So turning his Face and seeing some by him he said I thought you had not been so nigh Yes said Dr. Owen we heard you speak to your self Then said the King I was praying to God I am faint Lord have mercy upon me and receive my Spirit And in so saying his blessed Spirit departed to take possession of an heavenly Crown when he had enjoyed an earthly Crown six years five months and nine days He was buried the 9th of August in Henry the Seventh's Chappel at Westminster near the Body of the said King Henry the Seventh his Grandfather This small Digression I hope will not be unacceptable to all true Christians being in memorial of that Peerless and Never-enough Bewailed Prince but he was too good for the World and rests now in endless Happiness In the year 1552 began the Repairing of the Gray-Fryers House for the poor Fatherless Children and in the month of November the Children were taken in to the same to the Number of almost 400. On Christmas-day in the Afternoon while the Lord Mayor and Aldermen Rode to Pauls the Children of Christs-Hospital from St. Lawrence-lane end in Cheapside towards Pauls all in one Livery of Russet-Cotton Three hundred and forty in Number and at Easter next they were in Blue at the Spittle and so they have continued ever since but they were this Year at St. Sepulchres This indeed was a work of extraordinary Piety and in my judgment it is a very Comely Sight to see the Poor Boys when they Sup all together with what Decency Order and Neatness they are serv'd and Governed by the respective Persons in that Office how plentifully they are provided with good Dyet Washing Lodging and Learning to fit them for business which the City takes care to settle them in according to their respective Capacities and it is known that many of them came to be Men of Note Wealth and great Usefulness in their Countrey Christs-Hospital Bridewel and St. Thomas are Incorporated by the Names of the Mayor Commonalty and Commons of the City of London Governors of the Possessions Revenues and Goods of the Hospitals of Edward King of England the Sixth oâ Christ Bridewel and St. Thomas the Apostleâ c. St. Bartholomew-Hospital is Incorporated by thâ Name of the Mayor Commonalty and Citizens ãâã the City of London Governors of the Hospital ãâã the Poor called Little Saint Bartholomews near to West-Smithfield of the Foundation of King Henry the Eighth In the Year 1533 the 10th of April Sir George Barnâ being Mayor of this City was sent for to the Court at Wâitehall where the King gave him ãâã was said his House of Bridewel and 700 Marks of Land late belonging to Savoy Hospital and all the Bedding and other Furniture c. for Bridewel and St. Thomas in Southwark The Gift was confirmed by Charter dated June 26. following And in the Year 1555 Sir William Gerrard Lord Mayor and the Aldermen entred Bridewel and took possession thereof according to the Gift of the said King Edward the same being confirmed by Queen Mary This Bridewel is now buâlt in a very curious and stately manner To reckon up the several Eminent and Bountiful Benefactors to these Hospitals would be endless they except some that would be concealed are to be found in the Records of those places to which the Reader is referred Only it being a very singular Example of Honesty Industry and Piety not to detract in the least from any Worthy and Bountiful Benefactor I will Remark one Richard Castel oâ Castellâr Shoemaker dwelling in Westminster a Man of great labour and care in his Faculty with his own hands so that he was called the Cock of Westminster because both Winter and Summer he was at his Work before Four a Clock in the morning This Man thus honestly and painfully labouring for his Living God blessed and increased his Labours so âbundantly that he purchased Lands and Tenements ân Westminster to the yearly value of 44 l. And having no Child with the consent of his Wife who survived him and was a virtuous good Woman gave the same Lââds wholly to Christs-Hospital aforesaid to the Relief of the Innocent and Fatherless Children and for the Succor of the Miserable Sore and Sick harboured in other Hospitals about London Sir William Chester Kt. and Alderman of London and John Calthrop Citizen and Draper of the same City at their own proper Costs and Charges ââade the Brick-Walls and Way on the Back-side which leadeth from the said New Hospital unto the Hospital of St. Bartholomew and also covered and vaulted the Town-Ditch from Aldersgate to Newgate which before was very Noisom and Contagiouâ to the said Hospital Sir Rowland Hill Lord Mayor in the 3d Year of this King besides many large and bountiful Charities on other things gave this Hospital 500 l. in his Life and 100 l. at his Death In the Year 1552 the Citizens of London having purchased the void suppressed Hospital of St. Thomas in Southwark in the Month of July began the Reparations thereof for Poor Impotent Lame and Diseased People so that in November following the Sick and Lame were taken in II. Of all the Hospitals that ever were Founded in Christendom there is none can parallel that of Thomas Sutton Esq called Sutton's Hospital which will commend to all succeeding Posterity the duely deserved Praises of that truely Worthy and Never-to-be-forgotten Gentleman the Phoenix of Charity in our Times The Dissolved Charter-house by West-Smithfield belonging to the Right Honourable Thomas Earl of Suffolk after Lord Treasurer of England is sufficiently known to be a very large and goodly Mansion beautified with spacious Gardens Walks Orchards and other Pleasures Enriched with divers Dependencies of Lands and Tenements thereunto belonging and very aptly seated for wholesom Air and several other Commodities All which Commodiousness of Situation and largeness of Circuit gave occasion to this well minded Gentleman
When the King Prorogues or Dissolves the Parliament He commonly comes in Person to the House of Lords in his Robes with the Crown on his Head and sends by the Vsher of the Black-Rod for all the House of Commons to the Bar of that House and after the King's Answer to each Bill signified as aforesaid his Majesty usually makes a Solemn Speech the Lord Chancellor another and the Speaker of the House of Commons a Third Then the Lord Chancellor by the special Command of the King doth pronounce the Parliament Prorogued or Dissolved The King being Head of the Parliament if his Death doth happen during the Sitting of the Parliament it is ipso facto Dissolved IV. Sommerset-House in the Strand is the Queens Palace In the Year 1549. Edward Duke of Sommerset Uncle to Edward the 6 th and Lord Protector pulled down several adjoyning Buildings to make him a Mansion-House there the Stones of which Houses and some other more remote Buildings which he demollished were converted to this Spatious and Beautiful Palace of which we cannot add much more but that it was the Fatal place where the wicked Romish Assassinates prompted by Hell and their accursed Principles most barbarously Murdered that Noble Patriot and never to be forgotten Knight Sir EDMOND-BERRY GODFREY on Saturday the 12 th of October 1678. The Bloody Villains being enraged at the Discovery of their Execrable Plot in which this brave Gentleman was very active made him a Sacrifice to their Revenge so that he may be truly stiled the Martyr of the English Protestant Interest and deserves a Memorial in all Loyal Christian Hearts The Narrative is published at large to which we refer our Reader only we cannot omit his Majesties Royal act who so resented this Abominable Villany that he issued his Proclamation the 20 th of October promising 500 l. to the Discoverer and a Pardon if one of the Malefactors and another soon after promising on the word of a King not only the said Reward of 500 l but such care for the Security of the Discoverer as he could in Reason propose upon which Captain William Bedlow since Dead and Mr. Miles Praunce a Silver-smith in Princes-street which last confessed to have been in the Fact made the Discovery and upon their clear and undoubted Evidence three of the Wretches were Executed viz. Green Berry and Hill the rest fled from Justice but cannot escape Divine Vengeance Having spoken of these principal Palaces it may be expected that we should speak something of the Great and Famous Houses of the Nobility which are very many and Magnificent not yielding to any in Europe as Clarendon-House which for Situation stately Architecture spacious solid uniform Structure is admirable Berkley-House Wallingford-House Northumberland-House Salisbury and Worcester Houses Bedford Leicester Newport Mountague and Southampton Houses and indeed most Houses of the great Peers But the brevity of our Volume will not admit a large Description only in General we shall say something of them in the Section that Treats of the Fire Anno 1666. and the Rebuilding of the City SECT 5. Of Exchanges and Publick-Halls THe Royal Exchange in Cornhil-Ward was Erected in the Year 1566 just one hundred Years before it was Burnt in this manner Certain Houses upon Cornhil containing Eighty Housholds were purchased by the City of London for above 3532 l. which they sold for 478 l. to such as would take them down and carry them away Then the Ground or Plot was made plain at the Charges of the City and Possession thereof was given to Sir Thomas Gresham Knight a Noble Merchant and Agent to Queen Elizabeth by certain Aldermen in the name of the whole for to Build an Exchange thereon for Merchants to Assemble On the 7 th of June he laid the first Stone in the Foundation being accompanied with some Aldermen where every one of them laid a piece of Gold which the Work-men took up The Work was advanced with such Expedition that in November 1567 it was finished and afterwards in the presence and by the special Command of the Queen it was Proclaimed by a Herald and with sound of Trumpet named The ROYAL EXCHANGE It was Built most of Brick and yet was the most splendid Burse all things considered that was then in Europe The Burse for Merchants was kept before in Lumbard-street In the great and dismal Conflagration Anno 1666. the Royal Exchange was consumed But it is since Rebuilt in a far more stately and Magnificent manner of excellent Portland Stone almost as durable as Marble with such curious and admirable Architecture especially for a Front a Turret and for Arch-work that it surpasseth all other Burses in Europe The Form is Quadrangular with a large Paved Court where the Merchants Meet it is Quadratum Oblongum an Oblong square and on each side are stately Galleries or Portico's Checquered with a smooth and delicate Stone-Pavement the Arches supported with strong Stone Pillars where in case of Rain or extream Heat the greatest part may be sheltered The whole Fabrick cost above 50000 l. whereof one half was disbursed by the Chamber of London and the other by the Company of Mercers And to reimburse them there are to be let 190 Shops above-stairs at 20 l. per annum and 30 l. Fine besides the several Shops below on the several sides and the huge Vaulted Cellars under ground so that it must needs be the richest piece of Ground in the World For The Exact Dimensions of the Ground whereon this Goodly Fabrick is Erected is but 171 Foot from North to South and 203 Foot from East to West and little more than three quarters of an Acre of Ground yet producing above 4000 l. Yearly Rent The New Exchange on the Strand was called Durham-House Built by Thomas Hatfield Bishop of Durham who being made Bishop of that See Anno 1549. continued so 36 Years It was a very Capacious Edifice on the North side stood a row of Thatcht low Stables which the Right Honourable Robert Earl of Salisbury then Lord High Treasurer of England purchased and pulled down Erecting in the room thereof at his own Charge a very goodly and beautiful Building with Cellars underneath and a Walk fairly Paved above it with Rows of Shops and the like above stairs The first Stone was laid the 10 th of June 1608 and it was finished in November following The Shops above and under were curiously adorn'd and in April following the Earl Invited King James the Queen the Prince the Duke of York to come thither who came attended with many of the Nobility where after a Rich Banquet the King named it Britains Burse There are also two Exchanges more viz. The Middle Exchange and Exeter Exchange which last was lately built in both which Goods are sold as at the Royal Exchange Having done with Exchanges we shall proceed to the Publick Halls of Companies As for the Great Guild-Hall for Orders sake the Reader is referred to the Section
Pleadable before the Mayor and Sheriffs in the same Husting of Cowmon-Pleas by Plaint without Writ c. The Aldermen of London are summoned to the Husting and they ought by usage of the said City to be summoned by an Officer of the Sheriffs sitting upon an Horse of 100 s. price at least Of the Court of Requests or Conscience THis Court was first Erected by an Act of Common-Councel 9 H. 8. viz. That the Lord Mayor and Aldermen for the time being should Monthly assign two Aldermen and four Discreet Commoners to sit twice a week to hear and Determine all matters brought before them betwixt Freemen where the Due Debt or Damage did not exceed 40 s. Afterwards the said Number of Commissioners were enlarged to the Number of Twelve which continued till the end of Queen Elizabeths Reign and 3 Jacobi cap. 15. confirm'd by Act of Parliament where it was Enacted That every poor Citizen and Free-man inhabiting in London being sued for Debt under 40 s. may exhibit his suit in the Court of London called the Court of Requests where shall be nominated Twelve Commissioners three of which may send for any Creditor who is complained of in suing such a Debt under 40 s. and if he refuse to come or perform not their Orders they may cause him to be Arrested by any Sergeant of London and Commit him to Prison there to remain untill he perform the said Order c. This Court was to continue by the first Act of Common-Councel but for two years but being found Charitable and Profitable for the relief of poor Debtors unable to make present payment and to restrain malicious persons from proceeding in wilful Suits and to help poor persons as had small Debts owing to them and unable to prosecute Suits in Law elsewhere it was continued by divers Acts of Common-Councel as aforesaid Of the Court of the Lord MAYOR and ALDERMEN IN this Court the Lord Mayor and Aldermen as also the Recorder and Sheriffs who are usually Aldermen or else constantly Chosen upon the next vacancy sit this is a Court of Record principally instituted among other causes for the redressing and correcting the Errors Defaults and misprisions which happen in the Government of the City It is kept on Tuesdays and Thursdays In this Court are comprehended several other Courts as I. The Court of Orphans for the Mayor and Alderman as was said at large before by Custom have the Custody of the Orphans within the City c. The Chamberlain is a sole Corporation to himself and his Successors for Orphans and a Recognizance made to him and his Successours touching Orphans shall by Custom go to his Successor The Government of Orphans is so invested in the Mayor that if any Orphans sue in the Ecclesiastical Court or elsewhere for a Legacy or Duty due to them by the Custom a Prohibition doth lie 2. The Court of Wardmote or of the Wardmote Inquest for the whole City being divided into twenty-six Wards every Ward hath such an Inquest consisting of twelve or more who inquire after Abuses and Disorders and present them to be redressed inquiry is also made into all things that can conduce to the Regulating and well governing the City 3. The Court of Hall-mote or Hall-Court or Assembly of every Guild or Fraternity for Redressing what belongs to the said Companies in particular 4. The Court of the Conservation of the Water and River of Thames which belongs to the Lord Mayor from Stanes-Bridge unto the Water of Yendal and Medway of which we have spoke largly before when we Treated of the River of Thames 5. The Courts of the Coroner and Escheater which both belong to the Lord Mayor he being Coroner and Escheator by vertue of his Authority and Office 6. The Court of Policies and Assurances to Merchants that venture and Traffique on the Seas where Ships and Goods are Insured at so much per Cent. where there is an Officer of good Quality who Registers those Assurances 7. The Court of the Tower of London which is held within the Verge of the City before the Steward by prescription of Debt Trespass and other Actions Now part of the Tower is within the City and part in Middlesex viz the East part but the West in London whereof as was formerly said when we spoke of the Tower p. 14. there was a notable Example in the Person of Sir Thomas Overbury who being poysoned in a Chamber on the West part the principal Murderers were Tryed before Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer in London and so was Sir Gervase Elways the Lieutenant of the Tower at that time 8. The Court of Common-Councel consisting as the Parliament of England of two Houses one for the Lord Mayor and Aldermen and the other for the Commoners In which Court are made all By-Laws which bind all the Citizens of London for every Man either by himself or by his Representative gives his assent thereunto wherein consists the great happiness of the English Subject above all the Subjects of any other Prince in the World that neither in Laws nor By-Laws neither in Taxes or Imposts any man is obliged but by his own Consent The Oath of a Common-Councel-Man YE shall Swear that ye shall be true to our Soveraign Lord the King that now is and to his Heirs and Successors Kings of England and readily ye shall come when ye be summoned to the Common-Council of this City but if ye be reasonably excused and good and true Councel ye shall give in all things touching the Commonwealth of this City after your Wit and Cunning and that for favour of any person ye shall maintain no singular profit against the Common profit of this City and after that ye be come to the Common-Councel you shall not thence depart untill the Common-Councel be ended without reasonable cause or else by the Lord Mayors License And also any secret things that be spoken or said in the Common-Councel which ought to be kept secret in no wise you shall disclose as God you help The Common-Councel-Men are chosen at the Wardmote-Inquest for the respective Wards and are to be of the most sufficient honest and discreet Men of the Ward to serve for the ensuing year on St. Thomas the Apostles day 9. The Court of the Chamberlain of the City to whom belongs the Receipts of the Rents and Revenues of the City And to his Court belongs the business of Apprentices over whom he hath great Authority as was said before This Officer is chosen by the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Commons He over-sees and keeps all the Books Rolls Records and other Monuments and Remembrances that ought to remain of Record and the City Treasure to keep and maintain all the Rents and Tenements pertaining to the Chamber of London His Office about Orphans we have shewed before as also about Apprentices to which we shall add that he is to cause their Indentures to be Inrolled and make those Apprentices to serve out
through the City of London for going to Court when his House was Infected December 22. 1607. Nineteen Pyrates were Executed at Wapping These Historical Memorandums with what is scattered up and down the Book Comprehend the most memorable Tumults Fires Plagues Rarities and Casualties in which this Great City has been concern'd I confess there are many more of less Remark but I must of necessity refer the Reader at present to larger Tracts if he be so Curious as to pe ruse them An APPENDIX Containing the Names of the Present Aldermen of the City of London and the respective Wards they Govern Also a List of the Officers of the Lord Mayors House and the Offices belonging to the Two Compters IN this Appendix shall be inserted some few things that should have been put into their proper place could I have timely obtained distinct Information The City of London is divided into Twenty Six Wards each of which is Governed by its Respective Alderman the Names of which are these that follow with the several Wards which they Govern Aldersgate-Ward Sir Thomas Bludworth Alderman Algate-Ward Sir Thomas Bâcâford Alderman Bassishaw-Ward Sir Simon Lewis Alderman Billingsgate-Ward Sir John Peak Alderman Bishopsgate-Ward Sir Joseph Sheldon Alderman Breadstreet-Ward Sir Henry Tulse Alderman Bridge-Ward Sir George Waterman Alderman Broadstreet-Ward Sir William Pritchard Alderman Candlewike-Ward Sir James Edwards Alderman Castlebaynard-Ward Sir William Turner Alderman Cheapside-Ward Sir Robert Clayton Alderman Colemanstreet-Ward Sir John Frederick Alderman Cordwayner-Ward Sir Robert Jeffery Alderman Cornhil-VVard Sir William Hooker Alderman Cripplegate-VVard Sir John Shorter Alderman Dowgate-VVard Sir Thomas Gold Alderman Farringdon-Ward within The Right Honourable Sir Patience Ward L. Mayor Farringdon-VVard without Thomas Pilkington Esq Alderman Langborne-VVard Sir Robert Viner Alderman Limestreet-VVard Sir William Rawsterne Alderman Portsoken-VVard Sir James Smith Alderman Queen-Hythe-VVard Sir John Lawrence Alderman Tower-Street-Ward Sir John Chapman Alderman Vintry-VVard Henry Cornish Esq Alderman Walbrook-Ward Sir John Moore Alderman Sir Thomas Allen Alderman of Bridge-Ward without A List of the Officers of the L. Mayors House William Man Esq Sword-Bearer John Wells Esq Common-Cryer Ro. Cheney Esq Common-Hunt Harvey Esq Water-Baily John Robotham Coroner Jo. Bancroft R. Capel Tho. Blenksop Serjeant Garvers John Clare John Beverly John Cole Seââeants of the Chamber John Bradnox Serjeant of the Channel William Jones Thomas Cross William Page Lee Sadler Yeomen of the Water-side John Noyes Yeoman of the Channel William Shaw Under Water-Bayliff Daniel Man and Samuel Boufoy Yeomen of the Chamber Francis Brown Richard Ball Thomas Hewit Sydrach Denham John Doley Young Men. John Weightman and two more Meal-Weighers William Cave John Fickels Yeomen of the Wood-Wharf William Cave Fruit-Meter Daniel Man Hall-keeper Officers belonging to Woodstreet-Compter Richard Normansel Secundary George Kingswel Clerk of the Papers Benjamin Woodworth William Scot John Mordent and Marshal Clerks Sitters Longworth Cross and Robert Reves Attornies Serjeants Wil. Newton Edw. Howard âohn Prigmore âohn East âohn Boyer âno Brown âohn Hill Wells âohn Costhust Ed. Thompson Fran. Bromley John Bell Andr. Lambeth Henry Lee Ralph Lewis W. Thorn dead Will. Keath John Rand Yeomen Dan. Beverly Rob. Cooper Will. Bell sen Will. Jacobs John King Steph. Webb Jos Hill Tho. Stanton Na. Churchman Nath. Thwait Henry Witt Will. Bell jun. Tho. Audley Geo. Cotterel Andrew Harris Edward Omans Tho. Crayford William Alcock Officers belonging to the Poultrey-Compter Trotman Secundary William Pim Clerk of the Papers John Normansel George Dixon Ger. Green Gabriel Neve Clerks Sitters Dutton Seymour Robert Brabon Godfrey Woodward Richard Dalling Thomas Baynes Lewis Newenham Attornies Serjeants Richard Cole Arth. Seth Taylor John Cushy Simon Sânds Edward Cole Robert Cole George Benson Henry Linnet James Witham Edward Tudor Richard Ashby James Smith Thomas Bond Abraham New ãâ¦ã Tricââ Samuel Mabbs Archibald Sparks Yeomen Fletcher Edward Hen Sheldon John Lââson John Wesâââcut Will. Trickle Tim. Cotterel Will ââtherston Mabâ John ãâã William Philâps William Parker Zach Gardner Edward Barber ãâ¦ã ãâ¦ã Joseph ãâã John ãâã Note That though the several Attornies Serjeanâââ and Yeomen belonging to the two Compters are in a strict sence said to belong but to One Compter yet do they do business in Both as occasion requires and as they happen to be Employ'd FINIS Advertisement IF there be any defect or imperfection in the Accounâ of the Carriers Waggoners and Stage-Coachââ it is really the fault of such Persons to whom ãâã was made in the respective Inns for a Perfect Account to get which there were six Persons employed Yet in many places partly by the ignorance of some the discourtesie or suspitions of others the Persons employed could not procure so Satisfactory an Account ãâã ââuld be wished Therefore if any Carriers Waggâââ or Stage-Coachmen will send their Names ãâ¦ã Days to the Booksellers for whom this ãâ¦ã Care shall be taken for Common Benefit ãâ¦ã them in due place