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 Ballâ—va 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 Bâ—tlers 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 Eâ—ster-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 〈◊〉 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
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 Aâ—lâ—allows after called Woolf-lane but the lower part being built on by the Earl of Shreâ—sâ—ury 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 Toâ—â—r 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 inclâ—sed 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 〈◊〉 a small Pâ—stern 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 alâ—o 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 Treâ—sury 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
And by Charter of Ed. 6. The Lord Mayor Recorder and Aldermen that are Justices of the Peace in London are to be Justices of the Peace in Southwark All Forfeited Recognizances about Ale-houses Inmates Bastard Children Appearance at Sessions of Goal-Delivery Fines and Issues of Jurors except Fines or Issues Royal c. Granted to the City by Charter of King Charles 1. Chart. 1. That no Aliens are to keep Houses in London nor be Brokers by Charter of E. 3 ch 5. That no Citizen shall wage Battel H. 1. H. 2. R. 1. ch 1. John ch 1. H. 3. ch 4. ch 9. No Stranger is to buy Goods before they be weighed by the King's Beam H. 3. ch 9. The Inhabitants of Black-Fryers to be exempted from Taxes and Fifteenths King James ch 2. By Letters Patents of King Henry the VIII Dated at Westminstor Jan. 13. In the 28 th Year of his Reign he did give and grant unto the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London and their Successors the Keeping Ordering and Governing of the House and Hospital called Bethlehem situate without and near Bishops-gate and all Mannors Lands Tenements Possessions Revenues and Hereditaments whatsoever and wheresoever lying and being belonging or appertaining unto the said Hospital or House called Bethlem and Made and Constituted by the same his Letters Patents these the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London and their Successors Masters Keepers and Governours of the said House and Hospital called Bethlem and of the said Mannors Lands Tenements and other premisses belonging to the same House or Hospital to have hold and enjoy the said Custody Order and Government of the said House or Hospital called Bethlem c. for ever c. London is by King James Char. 3. stiled his Royal Chamber who not only confirmed the Charters of his Predecessors but did give grant and confirm unto the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of London and to their Successors the weighing of all Coals called Stone-Coals weighable Earth-Coals and all other Coals weighable of what kind soever in or at the said Port of London coming or brought up the said River of Thames in any Ship Boat or Barge or other Vessel whatsoever floating or being in any Port of the same Water of Thames and upon whatsoever Bank Shore or Wharf of the same Water of Thames from the Bridge of Stanes to London-Bridge and from thence to a place called Yendal or Yenland towards the Sea For which the Duties Payable to the Mayor Commonalty and Citizens c. is Eight pence for every Tunn none is to unlade Coals till the Mayor has Notice and of the quantity because the Mayor c. should be capable at any time when required to inform His Majesty c. what quantity of Coals of what sort soever from time to time is brought into the City c. and how the City and Adjacent places are supplied No Markets of Coals to be in any Boats Lighters or other Vessel whatsoever except in the Ship that first brought in the Coals no Forestalling Ingrossing Regrating upon pain of incurring such Pains and Punishments as the Law provides for contemners and neglecters of Royal Mandates By Charter of Ed. IV. ch 4. In consideration of 7000 l. c. was granted to the Mayor c. the Offices or Occupations of Packing all manner of Woollen Cloaths Sheep-Skins Calves-Skins Goat-Skins Vessels of Amber and all other Merchandizes whatsoever to be Packed Tunned Piped Barrelled or any wise to be included with the oversight of opening all manner of Customable Merchandizes arriving at the Port of Safety as well by Land as by Water within the Liberties and Franchises of the said City and Suburbs c. And alsâ— the Office of Carriage and Portage of all Woolâ— Sheep-Skins Tynn-Bails and other Merchandizes whatsoever which shall be carryed in London from the Water of Thames unto the Houses of Strangers and contrariwise from the said Houses to the same Water or of other Merchandizes which ought to be carryed being in any House for a time And also the Office c. of Garbling of all manner of Spices and other Merchandizes coming to the said City at any time which ought to be Garbled Also the Office of Gager Office of Wine-Drawers c. to be exercised by them or their Deputies The Office of Coroner to beat the Mayors c. disposal Severed them from the Office of Chief-Butler c. Witness the King at Westminster the 20 th of June Anno Regni 18. By Charter of E. III. ch 1. It is granted thus Whereas in the Great Charter of the Liberties of England it is contained that the City of London may have all their antient Liberties and Customs and the same Citizens at the time of the making of the Charter from the time of Saint Edward King and Confessor and William the Conqueror and of other our Progenitors had divers Liberties and Customes as well by the Charters of those our Progenitors as without Charter by Antient-Customs whereupon in divers the Circuits and other the Courts of our said Progenitors as well by Judgments as by Statutes were Invaded and some of them Adjudged We Will and Grant for us and our Heirs that they may have the Liberties according to the Form of the above-said Great Charter and that Impediments and Usurpations to them in that behalf made shall be revoked and Annulled c. That the Mayor be one of the Justices of Goal-Delivery of Newgate and to be Named in every Commission thereof to be made That the Citizens may have Infangtheft This is a Saxon word signifying a Liberty Granted to certain Lords of Mannors to Judge any Thief taken within their Fee And Outfang-theft that is a Liberty Granted to the Lord to try any Thief taken out of his Fee and Chattels of Felons of all those which shall be Adjudged before them within their Liberties c. Citizens may Devise Lands in London in Mortmain or otherwise Merchant Strangers to Sell Goods within Fourty Days and may not keep Houses but are to be with Hosts that is Lodgers The KING 's Marshall Steward or Clerk of the Market of the King's Houshold may not Sit within the City Liberties No Citizen is to be drawn to Plead without the Liberties of the City about any thing that happens within the Liberties thereof No Escheator may Exercise that Office in the City but the Mayor for the time being is to do it Citizens to be Taxed in Subsidies as other Commoners not as Citizens To be quit of all Tallages this word is derived from the French word Taille a piece cut out of the whole signifying the paying a part or share of a Mans substance by way of Tribute Tax or Toll and that the Liberty of the said City shall not be taken into the hands of us or our Heirs for any Personal Trespass or Judgment of any Minister of the said City Neither shall a keeper in the said
their time One may be a Freeman of London 1. By Seâ—vice as in case of Apprentiship 2. By Birth-right as being the Son of a Freeman 3. By Redemption by Order of the Court of Aldermâ—n For such as are made Free this way the Chamberlain of London is to set the Fines of such Redemptions He is to take Fines of such as are rebellious to their Masters or Guardians and for certain other Defaults c. To shew the Piety of the honourable Governours of this great City in ancient as well as modern times I shall produce the Instructions Recorded for the Apprentices of London out of Stow p. 668. Edit 1633. The Observation of which is heartily recommended to the Youth concern'd It is thus YOu shall constantly and Devoutly on your knees every day serve God Morning and Evening and make Conscience in the Due hearing of the Word Preached and endeavour the right practise thereof in your Life and Conversation You shall do diligent and faithful Service to your Master for the time of your Apprentiship and Deal truly in what you shall be trusted You shall often read over the Covenants of your Indenture and see and endeavour your self to perform the same to the uttermost of your power You shall avoid all evil Company and all occasions which may tend or draw you to the same and make speedy Return when you shall be sent of your Masters or Mistresses Errands You shall avoid Idleness and be ever Employed either for God's Service or in your Masters business You shall be of fair gentle and lowly speech and behaviour to all men and especially to all your Governours And according to your Carriage expect your Reward for Good or Ill from God and your Friends c. Of the Sheriffs Courts THere are two Courts of Sheriffs one for the Counter in Woodstreet and another for the Counter in the Poultry whereof there are two Lawyers as Judges well read in the Customs of the City as well as the Common-Laws but if an erroneous Judgment be given before the Sheriffs the party griev'd may sue a Writ of Error and remove it to the Hustings before the Mayor and Sheriffs if they yield no Redress then shall certain Justices be assigned by the King's Commission to sit at St. Martins le Grand by Nisi prius for to Redress the said Judgments and if there be default found in the the Mayor and Sheriffs they shall be punished for their Misprisions by the form contained in the Statute of 28 E. 3. c. 10. One taken in Execution in London upon a Condemnation in the Sheriffs Court and Removed by Habeas Corpus into the Kings-Bench shall be commited there in Execution for that Debt and having discharged all Causes in the Kings-Bench shall be remanded Then there is the Court of Sessions or Goal-Delivery held usually eight times a year at the Old-Bayly both for the City and Middlesex for the Tryal of Criminals whereof the Lord Mayor is the Chief Judge and hath the power of Reprieving condemned Persons The Prisons in London OF Ludgate we have spoken in the Section of Gates page 9. And of Newgate page 10. The Counter in the Poultry belongs to one of the Sheriffs of London and has been kept and continued there time out of mind The Counter in Woodstreet belongs also to one of the Sheriffs prepared to be a Prison-House Anno 1555. and on the 28 th of September that year the Prisoners that lay in the Counter in Breadstreet were removed to this Counter Both these Counters were burnt in the Year 1666 but Rebuilt since much more stately and Commodious than they were before There is also in the late Parish of St. Margaret Southwark a Prison called the Counter in Southwark c. The Fleet is also a Prison so called of the Fleet or Water running by it now made Navigable and called the Fleet-Dike There was also in Southwark a Prison called the Clink on the Banks-side also a Prison called the White-Lyon in Southwark so called because it was formerly an Inn with that Sign this being the appointed Goal for the County of Surry Stow p. 455. There are besides these two Prisons more in Southwark viz. The Kings-Bench and the Marshalsea which last belongs to the Marshals of England Lastly there is the Gate-House in Westminster a Prison likewise for Offenders c. Of the Watches in London To speak in general terms there cannot be found in the World more Regular Careful and Orderly Watches than are in this great City which indeed is very needful for where there is such a vast confluence of aâ—â— sorts of People it is of absolute necessity to keep diligent Watch to prevent Disorders and Mischiefs which else would happen William the Conquerour commanded that in every Town and Village a Bell call'd Curfew-Bell should be Nightly rung at Eight of the Clock and that all People should then put out their Fire and Candle and take their rest which Order was observed in his Reign and the Reign of William Rufus but Henry the First revoked that Order But Henry the Third Anno 1253. Commanded Watches in Cities and Burroughs to be kept in order to the preservation of Peace and Quietness amongst his Subjects c. There are in the Respective Streets convenient Stations for the Watchmen who are Citizens and obliged to perform that Duty in their turns with their Officers and are to Examine all persons that walk in unseasonable hours and to Apprehend Suspitious persons or such as are Riotous or otherwise mis-behave themselves and secure them At set and convenient times they appoint a Party to go their Rounds and to apprehend such as they find Tippling in Victualing-Houses at unseasonable hours or in Houses of ill-name or Night-walkers or any other persons wheresoever that are uncivil or cannot give a good account of themselves and the Reason of their being abroad and when any such are Apprehended they keep them all night in safe Custody on the Guard or send them to one of the Counters to be forth-coming before a Justice of the Peace the next day who deals with them according to the merit of their Cause By this means an Infinite deal of Evils as Murders Roberies Felonies Fires c. are prevented which would otherwise happen it being certain that in so great and populous a City amongst the many good People it cannot be avoided but that a great many wicked persons capable of the blackest Villanies do creep in as daily and sad experience shews Of the Military Government of London HAving Treated of the Ecclesiastical and Temporal Government of this Great City we will give some brief touches of its Military Government Ancient and Modern In the 23 of H. VIII 1532. At a General Muster in London were first taken the Names of all Men within this City and Liberties only which reach not far from the Walls from the Age of 16 to 60. Also the Number of all Harnesses and all
Chief 37. MARBLERS The Company call'd the Marblers or Sculpters are in one Fraternity with the Masons yet they have a different Coat viz. a Chevron between two and a Mallet Argent 38. WOOL-PACKERS There was a Company of Wool-packers in the time of the Hans when the Staple of Wool flourished their Coat Azure a Wool-sack Argent 39. FARRIERS Had their rise from Henry de Ferraris a Norman who was Master of the Horse to the Conqueror who gave him the honour of Tutbury the first preferment of the Ferrars Their Arms three Horse-shoos Azure 40. PAVIOVRS This is an ancient Company their Coat Argent a Chevron between three Rummers Sable 41. LORINORS Their Arms are Gules on a Chevron Argent three Horse-Combs 'twixt three Roses Argent 42. BROWN-BAKERS Incorporated 19 Jacobi their Arms Gules a hand issuing out of the Clouds a chief Barry wavie Or and Azure on a Chevron Gules 43. WOOD-MONGERS Incorporated 3 Jacobi Their Coat Argent a Chevron 'twixt three Faggots Sable 44. VPHOLSTERS or VPHOLDERS Their Arms Sable three Tents Gules on a Chevron Or three Tents of the second 45. TVRNERS Incorporated 2 Jacobi Their Coat Azure a Katharine-wheel Argent 46. GLAZIERS Their Arms two Crosiers Salterways Sable four Sprigs on a Chief Gules a Lyon passant Gardant Or. 47. CLARKS The Company of Clarks called Parish-Clarks is ancient and stand Register'd in the Books of Guild-Hall They were incorporated 17 H. 3. Their Arms Azure a Flower-de-luce Or on a Chief Gules a Leopards head 'twixt two Books Or. 48. WATER-MEN Have for their Arms barry waive of six Azure and Argent a Lighter proper on a chief Gules a pair of Oars Salterways 'twixt two Cushions Or. 49. APOTHECARYES This Company having separated themselves from the ancient Society of the Grocers grew so much in favour with King James that he used to call them his Company and therefore gave them a Charter of Incorporation the 15 th of his Reign Amongst many worthy Members of this Company I may not forget Dr. Gideon De Laune Apothecary to King James a man noted for many singularities in his time a great Benefactor to to the Publick and particularly to the Foundation of the Apothecaries-Hall in Black-Fryars where his Statue in white Marble is to be seen to this day And to whom I have the honour to be nearly related which is not the Reason that I mention him but to perpetuate his Memory as well as others as his due desert he liv'd piously to the age of 97 years and worth notwithstanding his many acts of publick and private piety near as many thousand pounds as he was years having 37 Children by one Wife and about 60 Grand-children at his Funeral His famous Pill is in great request to this day notwithstanding the Swarms of pretenders to Universal Pill-making This little digression I hope will not be offensive 50. SILK-THROWERS This Company was made a Fellowship of this City 19 Jacobi and Incorporated by the name of the Master Wardens Assistants and Commonalty of the Trade or Mystery of Silk-throwers of the City of London 13 April 5 Car. 1. Besides these there are several other Societies of which more hereafter These Corporations or Bodies-Politick have all their stately spacious Halls as was said with Clerks and other Ministerial Officers to attend them when they meet to consult about the regulation of their respective Societies and for promoting publick Good and advancement of Trade and Wealth as also when they meet at their sumptuous and splendid Feasts And in this London surpasseth all other Cities The Arms of LONDON To conclude our Heraldry the Arms of this Illustrious City shall bring up the Rear as well as it has been placed in the Front It is Argent Cross Gules with the Sword of St. Paul not Sir William Wallworth's Dagger as some have conceited for this Coat did belong to the City before the said Sir William Walworth Lord Mayor slew the Rebel Wat Tyler as learned Antiquaries Affirm The Oath of a Freeman YE shall Swear that ye shall be good and true to our Soveraign Lord King Charles the Second and to the Heirs of our said Soveraign Lord the King Obeysant and Obedient ye shall be to the Mayor and Ministers of this City the Franchises and Customs thereof ye shall maintain and this City keep harmless in that which in you is Ye shall be contributary to all manner of charges within this City as Summons Watches Contributions Taxes Tallages Lot and Scot and to all charges bearing your part as a Freeman ought to do Ye shall colour no Forreigners Goods under or in your Name whereby the King or this City might or may lose their customs or advantages Ye shall know no Foreigner to buy or sell any Merchandize with any Foreigner within this City or Franchise thereof but ye shall warn the Chamberlain thereof or some Minister of the Chamber Ye shall implead or sue no Freeman out of this City whiles ye may have Right and Law within the same City Ye shall take none Apprentice but if he be Free-born that is to say no Bondmands Son nor the Son of any Alien and for no less term than for seven Years without fraud or deceit and within the first Year ye shall cause him to be inrolled or else pay such Fine as shall be reasonably imposed upon you for omitting the same And after his terms end within convenient time being required ye shall make him Free of this City if he have well and truly served you Ye shall also keep the King's Peace in your own person Ye shall know no Gatherings Conventicles or Conspiracies made against the Kings Peace but ye shall warn the Mayor thereof or let it to your power All these points and Articles ye shall well and truly keep according to the Laws and Customs of this City to your power so God you help c. Of the Guild-Hall PAge 160. The Reader was referred to what should be spoken about the great Guild-Hall to the Chapter of Government where an account has been given of the several Courts there therefore there is no need of further addition here as to that only we shall briefly remark its Antiquity Fabian says that this Hall was begun to be built New Anno 1411. 12 H. 4. By Sir Thomas Knolles then Lord Mayor and his Brethren the Aldermen and made a large and great House 1 H. 6. The Executors of Sir Richard Whittington gave towards the paving of this great Hall 20 l. and next year 15 l. more to the said pavement with hard stone of Purbeck they also Glazed the Windows thereof and of the Lord Mayors Court on every of which the Arms of Sir Richard Whittington were placed The Foundation of the Mayors Court was laid 3. H. 6. and of the Porch on the South-side of the Court Then were built the Lord Mayors Chamber the Councel-Chamber and other Rooms above stairs The New Councel-Chamber a very good and honourable Deed with
much offended at the Uproar and immediately sent for the Lord Chief-Justice by whose advice a special Commission of Oyer and Terminer was issued out and about a Fortnight after the Malefactors were Arraigned at the Guildhall of London and Ashhurst and Stamford being found guilty of Murder were Condemned and Executed at Tyburn Much more may be said of these Tumults but for necessary Reasons it is reserved to another place In the Relation of FIRES we shall only give a brief account of the most remarkable In the time of King H. 1. All the Buildings from Cheapside to Aldgate which was a large Tract was consumed by a dreadful Fire Some of the Fires on London-Bridge we have already mentioned In the Year 1212 on the 10 th of July at night there hapning a great Fire in Southwark a great Multitude of People going over the Bridge to see it or help to quench it on a sudden by blowing of the South Wind the North part of the Bridge was set on fire upon which the People on the Bridge would have returned but could not and it hapned that while they lingred too long the South end of the Bridge took sire also so that the People thronging between the two Fires expected nothing but present Death Then there came to aid them several Ships and Vesâ—els into which the Multitude so un advisedly rushed that the Vessels were thereby sunk or were overset 〈◊〉 that by Fire and Water there perished above 3000 persons In the Year 1633 about Midnight 〈◊〉 third part of the Houses on the Bridge were consumed by a great Fire to the Number of 42 Houses with a great part of the Wares Goods and rich Furniture in them before eight a Clock next Morning and the Fire remained glowing and burning for a Week after in their Vaults and Cellars Many Fires there were that damaged St. Pauls-Church In the Conquerors time Anno 1087 it was quite consumed together with the greatest part of the City This Fire is recorded to begin at the entry of the West-gate and consumed the East-gate June the 4 th 1561 between three and four in the afternoon the great Spire of the Steeple of St. Paul's was fired by Lightning which broke forth two or three yards beneath the foot of the Cross and from thence it burnt downward so that in four hours the Steeple with all the Roof of the Church was destroyed To repair which Queen Elizabeth immediately gave 1000 Marks and a Warrant for 1000 Loads of Timber to be taken out of her Woods or elsewhere c. In the 27 E. 1. The Palace at Westminster and the Monastery adjoyning were consumed with fire It would be endless to give a particular account of all the Fires by which this famous City suffered from time to time especially of late years which being so fresh in Memory and so fully set forth in Narratives I shall at present for bear to transcribe as the Fires at Waping Limehouse Shadwell the Temple the great Fire that lately hapned in Southwark Wednesday night the 8 th of this instant June the former great Fire that consumed several 100 Houses in the said Borough but are now very gallantly rebuilt c. And for an Instance of all we will give a brief and particular account of that Dreadful FIRE in Anno 1666 which laid the City in Ashes and did almost incredible mischief The City of LONDON within the Walls is seated upon abont 460 Acres of Ground whereon was bilt about 15000 Houses the Fire destroyed 373 Acres within the Walls of the City and 63 Acres 3 Roods without the Walls There were burnt 13200 Houses 87 Parish-Churches six Chappels most of the principal publick Edifices as the great Cathedral the great Guild-Hall the Royal-Exchange the Custom-House most of the stately Halls of Companies whereof the whole Damage is almost incredible It was observed as judicious Stationers computed that in that one Commodity of Books was lost 150000 l. and the loss in other cumbersome Goods as Wines Tobacco Sugars Plumbs c. was extra ordinary insomuch that one Person Sir Robert Jeffery Alderman now living lost of Tobacco to the value of 20000 l. It hath been computed by an Ingenious person that the 13200 Houses burnt valued one with another at no more than 25 l. yearly Rent and at the low rate of 12 years purchase will amount to 3900000 l. Sterlin The 87 Churches the spacious Cathedral of St. Pauls the 6 Chappels the Exchange Custom-House Guild-Hall the magnificent Halls of Companies the several principal City Gates with other publick Edifices and Colledges may be well valued above 2000000 l. The Wares Houshold-Goods Moneys lost and spoiled by the Fire or pilfered away by those wicked wretches that made their gain of the Common Calamity may modestly be computed above 2000000 l. The Money spent on a General removing of Goods during the Fire and bringing them back afterwards in the hire of Boats Carts and Porters may be reckoned at least 2000000 l. the Total whereof 9900000 l. Sterlin This Dreadful FIRE began upon the Second of September at two of the Clock in the Morning being the Lords-Day and lasted till Thursday following being the sixth of the same Month it brokâ—out in Pudding-lane near London-Bridge at one Fariner a Baker's House and spread it self besides breadth from almost Tower-hill to St. Dunstans-Church near Temple-Bar in Fleet-street The Consternation of all persons was extraordinary and no Wonder for that Raging and Masterless Element did more mischief in a matter of four days â—ime than three or four Armies unresisted could haâ—â— easily done in twice the time Some Men were forced to pay 5 l. 10 l. 20 l. 30 l. for a Cart to carry away into the Field some choice Goods and certainly they had little Conscience that exacted so much He that would more largely peruse every Days progress let him peruse Mr. Vincent's excellent Book Intituled Gods terrible Voice to the City Printed 1671 page 46. Who were the Authors Contrivers and Promoters of this prodigious Conflagration may be read at large in Capt. William Bedloes Narrative of it Printed Anno 1679. to which I am forced to refer my Reader only shall transcribe a few things which he particularly advertises the Citizens to take notice of First The Ways taken by Papists to begin and promote FIRES 1. BY Fire-Balls put in with Poles or otherwise through holes or open places into Houses as at Mr. Fariner's House which began the great Fire 2. By hard Fire-Balls thrown through Glass-Windows as at the Smiths in Black-Fryars 3. By flinging the said Balls or other Combustible matter fired into Cellars through the Bars on Grates where they are left without Shutters as aâ— the Oly-mans in Southwark 4. By firing their own Lodgings as the Frenchman did in Shoo-lane in the time of the great Fire and likewise the two Peters near Saffron-hill 5. By hiring Cellars in dangerous places â—illing them with Combustibles and then firing them
of the Tower of London fell asleep and could not be awaked with Pâ—â—ching or Burning till the first Day of the next Term which was full Fourten Days and when he Awaked was found in all points as if he had Slept but one Night and lived forty Years after In the Second of King James a strange accident happened to the terrour of all Bloody Murderers A Woman called Ann Waters inticed by a Lewd Persou she was wont to keep Company with consented to have her Husband strangled and then Buried him secretly under the Dunghil in a Cowhouse whereupon the Man being mist by his Neighbours and the Wife making an extraordinary shew of wondring with much counterfeit Sorrow for his Absence she past on unsuspected for a time But it pleased God that one of the Inhabitants of that Street Dream't That his Neighbour Waters was Strangled and Buried under the Dunghil in a Cowhouse and upon Declaring his Dream search being made by the Constable the dead Body was found as he had Dreamed whereupon the Wife was Apprehended and upon Examination confessing the Fact was burned What hope therefore of Concealment can any Murderers have when they are subject to be Discovered by any mans Dream In the Fifth of Queen Mary there fell Hail-stones that were fifteen Inches about I my self saw Hail-stones that fell in London in May last was Twelve Month some of which were Six some Nine Inches about and others say they saw some that were more About the Sixth of Edward the Fourth one Walter Walker a wealthy Citizen dwelling at the Crown in Cheapside one day when his Child cryed did bid him be quiet and he would make him Heir of the Crown which words being subject to Interpretation he was call'd in question about them Arraigned Condemned and put to Death which was an Act of great Severity for the Man had no other meaning than that he would make his Child Heir of his own House with that Sign Anno One thousand five hundred ninety five upon Digging for a Vault to be made in Cheapside there was found at Seventeen Foot deep a fair Pavement like unto that above ground and at the further end of the Channel was found a Tree sawed into five steps which was to step over some Brook running towards Walbrook upon the edge of which there lay the bodies of two great Trees the ends wereof were then sawed off and were firm Timber so that the Ground of the City had been raised to that time above Seventeen Foot In the Third of William the Second anno 1090. On St. Lukes day Six hundred Houses in London were thrown down by a terrible Tempest and then it was that the Roof of Bow-Church in Cheapside fell with that violence mentioned page 46 before In the time of Henry the First the Thames so failed of Water that between the Tower of London and the Bridge men waded over on Foot for the space of two days In the Seventh year of Henry the Sixth November Eight The Duke of Norfolk was like to have been Drowned passing through London-Bridge his Barge being set upon the Pâ—les was over-whelmed so that Thirty Persons were Drowned and the Duke with others that escaped were fain to be drawn up with Ropes The same year the Postern Gates of London by East Smithfield against the Tower of London did sink by Night more than Seven Foot into the Earth In his Eighteenth year all the Lyons in the Tower Dyed And in this present year three of the Lions in the Tower died In the year 1623 Octob. 26. A Popish Priest Preached in the Afternoon at Hunsdon-house in Black-fryers London in an upper Chamber where there were Assembled above Three hundred Men and Women when about the middle of the Sermon a great part of the Floor fell with such violence that it brake down the next Floor under it In the Fall whereof the Preacher and almost a Hundred of his Auditors were Killed besides as many more hurt About the Year One thousand two hundred eighty two through a great Frost and deep Snow five Arches of London-Bridge were born down and carried away Anno One thousand three hundred ninety six November 30. The young Queen Isabel of about Eight years old being to be conveyed to the Tower such a Multitude went to see her that Nine persons were crowded to Death on London-Bridge In the time of Richard the First for three or four years together there was so great a Dearth that Wheat was sold for Eighteen Shillings six pence a Quarter and then followed so great a Mortality of Men that the Living could scarce Bury the Dead In the Seventeenth Year of Henry the Third were seen five Suns at one time together after which followed so great a Dearth that People did eat Horses and Barks of Trees and in London 20000 were starved for want of Food Anno 1313. 7 Edward 2. The price set on Victuals was for a fat stalled Ox twenty four shillings A fat Mutton twenty pence a fat Goose two pence half penny A fat Capon two pence A fat Hen one penny Two Chickens one penny Three Pigeons one penny Twenty four Eggs a penny Yet the next year there was such a Famine and Mortality of People that the Living were scarce sufficient to Inter their Dead Friends And the next year again there was so early a Harvest that a Bushel of Wheat which had been sold for Ten shillings was now sold for Ten pence In the Fifteenth of King Stephen Horses and Carts passed over the Thames upon the Ice Anno 1609. 6 King James A Frost began in December which continued till April following with such violence that not only the Thames was so Frozen that Carts Loaden were driven over it as on dry Land but also many Fowls and Birds perished and also much Herbage in Gardens especially Hartichoaks and Rosemary were destroyed The like violent Frost happened in the Seventh of Eliz. That Men perform'd all kinds of Exercises upon the Thames In her 35th year the River so fail'd that a Horseman might Ride over near London-Bridge In 5 Q. Mary There fell so great a Rain in September that Westminster-hall was full of Water and Boats were Rowed over Westminster-Bridge to Kingstreet In the 9 th of Hen. 4. There was so sharp a Winter and such a bundance of Snow continued December January February March that almost all small Birds dyed through Hunger In the time of Edw. 3 d. A Frost lasted from the midst of September to the Month of April In his Eleventh Year there was so great Plenty That a Quarter of Wheat was sold at London for two Shillings A fat Oxe for a Noble A fat Sheep for six pence Five Pigeons for a penny and other things after that Rate But in his 27 th Year there was great Scarcity by reason there fell little or no Rain from March to July and it was therefore called the dry Summer In June Anno 1603 There was one Whipped
Jurisdiction and power to Reform Annoyances and Offences there and to inflict due punishments upon the Offendors nor of the Nature of the Service to be by them performed in the Course of their Inquiry therefore he thought it convenient to make both the one and the other known unto them Hereupon he shewed them that the Jurisdiction of the Court of London in the River of Thames from Stanes Bridge Westward unto the points of the River next unto the Sea Eastward appeared to belong to the City in manner and form following I. First in point of Right by prescription as appears by an ancient Book called Dunâ—horp That Civitatis fundationis aedificationis constructionis causa erat Thamesis Flâ—vâ—us quorum vero Civitatis fluminis gubernationem tam duces Majores Custodes Vicecomites Aldr. Magnates Civitatis Memoratae hucusque obtinuerunt habuerunt Whence he inferr'd that the Government of the River hath belonged to the City time out of mind In 21. H. 3. Jorden Coventry one of the Sheriffs of the City was sent by the Mayor and Aldermen to remove certain Kiddles that Annoyed the Rivers of Thames and Medway who ultra Yenland versus mare did take divers persons that were Offenders and imprisoned them Whereupon complaint being made to the King he took the matter ill at the first and sent for the Lord Mayor and Citizens to Kennington Where upon hearing of the Matter before the said King the Cities Jurisdiction over the said River was set forth and allowed and the Complainants convinced and every one of them Amerced at 10 l. and the Amercements adjudged to the City And afterward their Nets were burnt by Judgment given by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen in the Hustings 1. R. 2. Writs were directed to the Sheriffs of Essex and Kent Reciting the Cities Title with Command not to suffer the Citizens of London to be molested contrary to the Liberties formerly granted and allowed unto them II. Secondly In point of Right by Allowance in Eire the Conservation of the Thames belongs to the City For it was produced that 1 R. 2. before Hugh Bigot Justice Iâ—enerant the Sheriffs and Citizens of London were called in Question for their Jurisdiction exercis'd on the Thames before whom it was found by a Jury in Southwark Quod nullus habet aliquid Juris in Thamisia usque ad Novum Gurgitem nisi Civis London In the 14 E. 2. The Constable of the Tower was Indicted by Divers Wards of London before the Justices in Eire at the Tower De muneris recep Cove pro Kedellis in Thamisiis Constabularius ad Kidellas respondet quod Justic non habent Jurisdictionem extra London prolitum inde cognoscere cum praedict Kidelli sunt in aliis Comitatibus Justic. dixerunt aqua Thamisiae pertinet ad Civitatem London usque Mare si velit respondeat Who then Pleaded Not Guilty III. He went further in point of Right that this Jurisdiction belonged to the City by antient Charters 8 R. 1. that is 480 and odd Years ago Dominus Richardus Rex Filius Regis Henrici secundi concessit firmiter praecepit ut omnes Kidelli qui sunt in Thamisia amoveantur ubicunque fuerint in Thamisia 1. Joh. Rex concessit firmiter praecepit ut omnes Kidelli qui sunt in Thamisia vel in Medway amoveantur ne caeteri Kidelli alicubi ponantur in Thamisia vel in Medway super forf 10 1. sterlingorum Then he urged the Famous Charter of King Henry the III. which ran thus Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Aquitain and Earl of Anjou unto all Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Stewards Ministers and to all Bayliffs and to all his True Men Greeting wotteth well that we for the health of our Soul and the health of the Soul of King John our Fader and the Souls of our Ancestors and also for the Common profit of our City of London and of all our Realms have Granted and stedfastly Commanded That all the Weares that be in Thames or in Medway be done away and that from henceforth no Weares be set in Thames or Medway upon the forfeiture of 10 1. Also we claim quit to our Citizens of London all that that our Constable of our Tower of London was wont to take of the said Weares Wherefore we will and stedfastly Command that no Constable of the aforesaid Tower at any time from henceforth forward any thing ask nor any Grievance do to any of the same City by Eâ—cheson of the same Weares it is to us known enough and by our true Men do us to understand that most privacy and least profit might fall unto the same City and to the whole Realm by Enchesen of the same Weares which we make for ever firm and stable unto the same City as the Charter of our Lord King John our Fader which our Barons of London thereof have reasonably Witnessed Witnesses Eustace of London Peter of Westminster c. at Westminster the 18th of February in the Year of our Reign Eleven Besides these he produced divers others in this King ' s Reign to the purpose aforesaid and the 7th of E. III. IV. This Jurisdiction belongs to the City of London by Acts of Parliament W. 2. cap. 47. an 13. No Salmons to be taken from the Nativity of our Lady unto St. Martins Day in all points nor none to be taken in Mill-Pools from the midst of April until Midsummer under penalty for the first Offence of burning of Nets and Engines the second Offence Imprisonment for a Quarter of a Year the third Offence for a whole Year 13. R. II. confirms the restraint of taking Salmons in many Waters from the midst of April until Midsummer upon the same pain nor within that time to use any Nets called Stalkers nor any other Engine whereby the Fry may be destroyed He urged likewise 17 R. II. cap. 9. and the 11. H. VII cap. 15. 1 Eliz. cap. 17. Against Nets Wheeles and other Engines for destroying the Fish against killing of Salmon and Trouts out of season against killing Pike or Pickerel not ten Inches long or Salmon not 16 Inches long or Trout not 8 Inches long or Barbel 12 Inches and more nor to Fish with any Nets but such whereof every Meash or Mash shall be two Inches and a half broad Angling excepted This not to extend to Smelts Roches Minoes Bullhead Gudgeons or Eâ—les in place where the same have been used to be taken The Offender to lose for every Offence 20 â—s and the Fish also the unlawful Nets Engines and Instruments The Mayor of London Inter alia hath full Power and Authority by this Act to Inquire of all Offences Committed contrary thereunto by the Oaths of 12 Men or more and to Hear and Determine all and every the same and inflict Punishments and impose Fines accordingly V. He proceeds to assert the Cities
Right to the Conservation of the Thames and the Waters of Medway by way of Inquisition whereof there were two the one taken at Raynam in Essex the other at Gravesend in Kent before Sir William Cambridge Grocer then Lord Mayor of London 9 Henry V. where it was presented that whereas by the antient Ordinances of London the Meshes of Nets should be two Inches in the fore part and one Inch in the hinder part and it being found that the Offences according to the said Inquisitions are Contra libertates consuetudines Civitatis it was adjudged that the Nets should be burnt according to the antient Custom in that behalf provided VI. He goes on after to prove that this Right belongs to the City by Decrees In 8 Henry IV. the Mayor and Aldermen did exhibit their humble Petition to the King's Councel reciting that time out of mind they had the Conservation and Correction of the River of Thames of all Trincks Nets and other Engines whatsoever in the River of Thames and Medway placed and have used to make a Sub-Conservator under them and complaining that Alexander Bonner then Sub-Conservator having discharged his Duty in removing Kiddles he was ill intreated by the owners dwelling in Erith Bratriferry Barking Woolwich and other places in the Counties of Kent and Essex and upon hearing of the matter in Camera Stellata they were found Guilty and Constrained to submit themselves to the Lord Mayor and ordered to bring always their Nets unto him before they should use them and that the Kiddles then taken should be at the disposition of the Lord Mayor so the Offenders made their submission accordingly VII He proceeds This Right appertains to the City of London by Letters Patents which he proved by a Grant made by Edward IV. to the Earl of Pembroke for setting up a Wear in the River of Thames which Grant was Revoked and Cancelled at the Request of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen upon shewing their Right therefore alleaged it was contrary to their antient Liberties At which time the Cities Title to the Conservancy of the Thames and Medway was at large set forth and recited to have been shewn to the Lord Chancellor and to the said Earl and his Counsel which accordingly was also read VIII He reinforceth the Right of the City by Proclamations whereof one was made by H. VIII in the 34 of His Reign wherein it is affirmed that the Lord Mayor and his Predecessors have had by divers Grants of the Kings of England and by Acts of Parliaments enjoyed always the Conservacy of the Thames without Impediments or Interruption By which Proclamation it was Commanded that none should resist deny or impugne the Lord Mayor or his Deputy in doing or executing any thing that might conduce to the Conservacy of the River and of the Fish and Fry within the same IX He produceth Report for in a Controversie betwixt the Lord Admiral and the Lord Mayor for the Measuring of Coals and other things upon the Thames it then fell into Debate to whom the Conservacy of the Thames did belong which cause was referred by Queen ELIZABETH's Councel of State 1597 to the Attorney-General and Solicitor who joyntly Certified amongst other things that the Conservancy and care of the said River did and ought to belong to the City of London X. By quo Warranto it was proved that the Conservacy of the Thames belongs to the City for 3 Jac. a quo Warranto was brought against the City in the Exchequer to know by what Title She claimed the Conservacy of the River of Thames and the Waters of Medway whereupon the City made Her Title Good thereunto by antient prescription and otherwise so Judgment was given in Her Favour XI He goes on afterwards to confirm the Right of the City by Proof of Vsage in regard the Lord Mayor and Aldermen have time out of mind made Ordinances concerning the Good Government of the River of Thames as well for the Seasons and Manner of Fishing beneath London-bridge Eastward upon pain of certain Penalties as appears from time to time from the Reign of Henry III. and so downward The Lord Mayor hath removed Kiddles Wears Trinks and other unlawful Engines and reformed the disorders of such as have offended besides in the River of Thames and inflicted punishment upon Offenders accordingly The Right of the City appears also by the Writs and Preceps under the Teste of the Lord Mayor to the Sheriffs of Kent and Essex for the Returning of Juries before him to inquire of Offences done in the River The same Right of the City appears also by Commissions whereof divers have been directed to the Lord Mayor to put in Execution the Acts of Parliament made for Conservance of the Thames and Medway and to inquire of all Offences made or done in the said Waters and to punish the Deliaquents accordingly Lastly He makes good the Right and Title of the City by the Continual Claim She has made thereunto as appears in those various Contests She had with the Lord Admiral of England wherein after divers Debates and Disputes She still came off well and made Her Title good Which moved King Jamts in the third Year of His Reign to put a Final Determination to the Business by the Letters Patents he passed unto the City wherein he saith That ad omnem Controversiam in hac parte Temporibus tam presentibus quam futuris tollendam omne Dubium amo vendam that to cut off all Controversies as well of the present times as of Future and to remove all Doubts he did Confirm and Ratifie the said Right unto the City of London c. I. This Office of Conservator of so Noble a River is of great Extent for he is to preserve the Currency of the stream on the Banks on both sides II. To preserve the Fish and Fry within the same that no Fishermen use unlawful Nets or Engines or fish at Prohibited Seasons III. To hinder the erection of any Weares Kiddles or Engines and the knocking in of any Posts Piles or Stake which may in any sort hinder the Stream or Navigation and to pull them up if already done and punish the Offenders also to prevent all incroachments upon the Rivers and the Banks thereof likewise to inquire of all Bridges Flood-Gates Mill-dams and such like Annoyances and whether any do hurl in any Soyl Dust or Rubbish or other Filth whatsoever to choak her But for the strength and safety of the River against the Invasion of an Enemy by Block-Houses Forts Bastions or Castles and the securing of the Merchant and Navigation to and fro that Charge belongs to the Soveraign Prince The former Charge Care and Circumspection belongs properly to the City of London which is Seated in a fit place to be watchful over her for which Vigilance the Thames Rewards the City abundantly by bringing her in the Spices of the South the Jewels of the East and the Treasures of the