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 〈◊〉 the City of London Governors of the Hospital 〈◊〉 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 Wâ—itehall where the King gave him 〈◊〉 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 buâ—lt 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— Castellâ—r 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 â—bundantly that he purchased Lands and Tenements â—n 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 Lâ—â—ds 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 â—â—ade 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
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 â—eorge Goodsâ—n 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 â—â—nes 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 Alâ—ms 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 Loâ—d 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-Baâ—s Holborn-Bâ—â—s 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 Colâ—man-strâ—et 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 Wâ—arfs aforesaid to Tower-â—treet 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 Buâ—s 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 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
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
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 Thamâ—sis 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 Exteâ—â— and as the Verdict given by the Jury makes it appear so they proceed to the punishment of the 〈◊〉 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 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
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 Bâ—câ—ford 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 Seâ—â—eants 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 â—ohn Prigmore â—ohn East â—ohn Boyer â—no Brown â—ohn Hill Wells â—ohn 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 Sâ—nds Edward Cole Robert Cole George Benson Henry Linnet James Witham Edward Tudor Richard Ashby James Smith Thomas Bond Abraham New 〈…〉 Tricâ—â— Samuel Mabbs Archibald Sparks Yeomen Fletcher Edward Hen Sheldon John Lâ—â—son John Wesâ—â—â—cut Will. Trickle Tim. Cotterel Will â—â—therston Mabâ— John 〈◊〉 William Philâ—ps William Parker Zach Gardner Edward Barber 〈…〉 〈…〉 Joseph 〈◊〉 John 〈◊〉 Note That though the several Attornies Serjeanâ—â—â— 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-Coachâ—â— it is really the fault of such Persons to whom 〈◊〉 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 〈◊〉 â—â—uld be wished Therefore if any Carriers Waggâ—â—â— or Stage-Coachmen will send their Names 〈…〉 Days to the Booksellers for whom this 〈…〉 Care shall be taken for Common Benefit 〈…〉 them in due place
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—-lauâ—â— 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
and a Navigable River for the Conveyance of heavy Commodities as Fuel c. So that it may be called the Grand Mart of England And for Navigation and Forâ—eign Commerce in which no Emporium in the World can Challenge precedence and by which a considerable share of the Riches of other Nations is imported the Reader is referred to the Chapters where we shall Treat of Trade The River Thames upon wâ—iâ—h it is seated and by it in the form of a Crescent each part of the City enjoying the benefit of the River and yet not far distant from each other This City is so far from the Sea that it needs not fear a Forreign Surprize and yet in 12 hours by the help of the Tide it is capable to receive the greatest Ships that Traverse the Ocean CHAP. III. Of its Increase Magnitude Inhabitants Publick Structures c. AS it was said of the People of Rome that e parva origine from a small beginning they grew to a vast greatness so we may truly say of this Famous City the Metropolis of our Monarchy which even in Neroes days was Renowned for Concourse of Merchants and provision of all things as Speed informs us and must Consequently be Great and Populous That it has received an accession and increase in the Respective Ages is certain and in our Memory we have seen it to multiply exceedingly in beautiful Structures and number of Inhabitants So that it is at present of vast extent being from Lime-House to the end of Tuttle-steet from East to West above 7500 Geometrical paces that is above seven Miles and ahalf And from the further end of Blackman-street in Southwark to the end of St. Leonard-Shore-Ditch is 2500 paces that is two Miles and a half The Principal Streets Lanes and Alleys in this great City are above 500 in number and yet some of them above half a measured Mile in length Before the dreadful Conflagration in 1666 there were computed within the Walls above 15000 Houses which is but one fifth of the whole City as appears by the Weekly Bills of Mortality so that the Total of Houses may be 75000 which are mightily increased since the Rebuilding of the City enlarging it self every way especially about St. James's and Sohoe-Fields where it has received such Additions of beautiful Buildings as by themselves would make a brave City So that now London for fair and stately Edifices uniform and Regular buildings and other publick Structures does not only excel its former State but all things considered may outvie the most Magnificent Cities of the Universe as shall be Demonstrated more particularly As to the number of Inhabitants when London was by more than a fourth part less than it is now there were computed to be eaten 67500 Beefs yearly there ten times as many Sheep that is 675000 besides abundance of Calves Lamb Swine all sorts of Poultry Foul Fish Roots Milk c. And that every year to supply the City with Coals there is brought into the River about 300000 Chaldrons every Chaldron being 36 Bushels The Bills of Mortality in times of no Infection do yearly amount to 20000 and odd which is three times more than Amsterdam and equal to if not beyond Paris as by the Bills themselves may be seen In the year 1667. when the greatest part of the City lay in Ashes within the Walls and much without and consequently many of the Inhabitants forced to retire into the Countrey for Habitation according to exact computation there were brewed that year in London 452563 Barrels of Beer 580421 Barrels of Ale and 489797 Barrels of Table-Beer or Small Beer The Strong Beer 36 gallons to the Barrel sold at 12 s. 6 d. the Small Beer also 36 gallons to the Barrel sold at 6 s. 6 d. the Ale 32 gallons to the Barrel sold at 16 s. But now there is a vast greater quantity besides abundance of Spanish French and Rhenish Wines Cyder and other Liquors consumed The Excise of Beer and Ale though very moderate is or has lately been Farmed of the King at above 120000 l. a year Parish Churches besides Chappels there are in all 132 which is twice more then any City in Christendom hath which leads us to take a View of the Publick Structures which for methods sake shall be described in this order NEW-GATE LUD-GATE CRIPPLE-GATE ALDERS-GATE WESTMINSTER ABBY 25 PARLAMENT HOVSâ— THE MON VMENT St MARY OVERIEâ—S CHVRCH BOW STEEPLE BISHOPS-GATE MOORE-GATE THE TOWER ALD-GATE 1. The Walls Towers Gates c. 2. Churches and Monuments 3. Hospitals and Work-Houses 4. Palaces and the Houses of the Nobility 5. Exchanges and Publick Halls 6. Colledge and Inns of Court 7. Bridges and the New River 8. Markets SECT I. Of its Walls Gates Towers c. SImâ—on of Durham the Ancient Writer tells us That London was first encompassed with Walls by Constantine the Great at the Request of his Mother Helena about the year 399. or according to Stow 306. Which Wall being of rough Stone and Brittish Brick was in compass three miles inclosing the Model of the City almost in the form of a Bow on the Land-side except Denting in betwixt Cripplegate and Aldersgate but on the South-side it was as the String of a Bow furnished with Towers and Bulwarks at due distances The City is of greater length from East to West then from North to South That part of the Wall which stood on the Thames side is by the continual flowing and washing of the River fallen down and decayed yet there appeared some remains thereof in Henry the Second's time Fitz-Stephens who then lived says That London was ab Austro-muraâ—aâ— Turrita that is Walled and Towered on the South but that in Tract of Time the River Thames destroyed it Mr. Stow in his Survey tells us That the City being destroyed by the Danes Anno 839. was repaired by Alfred King of the West Saxons Anno 886. after it had lain waste 47 years Anno 1215. the sixth of King John the Barons entred the City by Aldgate plundered the Jews repaired the Walls with the Stones of their Houses Anno 1257. Henry the Third caused the decayed Walls to be repaired at the common charge of the City Anno 1282. Edward the First giving Licence to enlarge the Black Fryars Church and to break down a part of the Wall between Ludgate and the River Thames he gave certain Customs to the Mayor and Citizens to build a Wall from Ludgate West to Fleet-Bridge and so behind the Houses by the Fleet-Water now the New-Channel to the River In the year 1310. Edward the Second commanded the Citizens to finish the Wall already begun and the Tower at the end of it within the Water of the River Thames near Black-Fryars Anno 1322. being the second of Edward the Third the Walls were again repaired It was also granted by King Richard the Second in the tenth year of his Reign That a Toll should be taken of the Wares sold by Land or
Chamberlain of His Maiesties Houshold or by the Clerk of the Check In this Tower is kept the Office of His Majesties Ordnance the standing and grand Magazine of the principal Preparatives Habiliments Utensils and Instruments of War by Sea and Land It is under the Government in chief of the Master of the Ordnance by whom it is committed to principal Officers as a Lieutenant who in the absence of the Master of the Ordnance imparts all Orders and Warrants directed to the Office and is to see them duely executed and to give Order for the discharging great Ordnance when required at Triumphs Festivals c. As also to see the Train of Artillery and all its Equipage fitted for motion upon any occasion The Surveyor is to survey all the Stores and Ordnance to allow Bills of Debt and see that all Provision be good c. The Clerk of the Ordnance Records all Orders and Instructions for the Government of the Office and Patents Grants Names of Officers c. Draw Estimates of Provision and supplys Letters Contracts c. Make all Bills of Imprest and Debentures Keep Journals and Liegers of Receipts and Returns of Stores The Store-keeper takes into his charge the Munitions and Stores and is to look that the Store-houses be kept in due Repair The Clerk of the Deliveries is to draw all Proportions for Deliveries of any Stores or Provisions and to be present at the Delivery There are other Patent Officers as the Master-Gunner of England the Keeper of the small Guns a principal Engineer with divers inferior Attendants and Artificers which for brevity we omit In the Tower is also the Office of Warden of the Mint where is Coined all the Bullion that is minted in England The chief Officer is the Warder of the Mint who receives all the Silver and Gold brought in by Merchants Goldsmiths or others and pays them for it Then the Master-Worker who causes the Bullion to be melted delivers it to the Moneyers and when minted receives it again from them The Comptroller who is to see that all the Money be made according to the just Assize c. The Assay-Master weighs the Bullion and is to see that it be according to the Standard The Auditor passes all Accompts The Surveyor of the Melting is to see the Bullion cast out and not to be altered after it is delivered to the Melter There are several other inferior Officers c. As for the Money c. See the Present State of England p. 10. The first Gold that was Coined in the Tower was in the Reign of Edward III. and the Pieces were called Florences of the value of 6 s. 8 d. All great Sums before were used to be paid by the Weight as so many Pounds or Marks of Silver or Gold but not stampt Lesser Payments in Starlings probably because there was a Star stamped upon them and were called Pence nor can we read of them before the Reign of Henry II. In this Tower only is the Brake or Rack usually called The Duke of Exeter ' s Daughter because he was the first Inventer of it So much of the Tower of London Besides the Towers on the Bridge which have suffered by the Accidents of Fire Antiquaries speak of two Castles that were on the West-part of London one the Castle of Monfiquet built by a Baron of that Name that came over with the Conqueror but since demolished and the Black-Fryars risen out of the Ruines of it The second is Baynard's Castle by Paul's Wharf built by one Baynard who came hither likewise with the Conqueror who being Ennobled the Honour succeeded from Father to Son a long time till it came to Robert Fitz-water a brave and valiant Knight who falling into the displeasure of King John was banished and the Castle ruined but recovering his favor by a notable Combat he perform'd in France against an English Knight Fitz-water being on the French side he was re-invested in his Possessions and so repaired the Castle again He was made chief Bannerer or Banner-bearer of London what his Office was and the Solemnity about it is to be seen in Stowes Survey of London in the Chapter of Towers and Castles When thiâ— Honour fell from the Fitz-Waters or Baynard Castle is uncertain Henry VII repaired this Castle and Queen Mary was proclaimed there We reaâ— of a Tower that stood where Bridewell now stands and a Royal Palace where our Kings kept theâ— Courts and summon'd Parliaments A great parâ— of this on the West-side was given to the Bishop 〈◊〉 Salisbury and thence is derived the Name of Salisbury-Court The Eastern-part was waste till Hen. 〈◊〉 built a stately Palace there and call'd it Bridewelâ— where the Emperor Charles V. was most magnificently entertained Anno 1522. There was a Tower call'd the Royal Tower iâ— the Parish of St. Michael de Pater Noster wherâ— King Stephen kept his Court afterwards call'd Thâ— Queens Wardrobe There was another at Bucklerâ—bury called Serns Tower where King Edward II kept his Court and his Exchange of Money Barbican was likewise another Tower where thâ— City Centinels were wont to Watch but demolisheâ— by King Henry III. Anno 1227. after he was râ—â—conciled to the Barons Sect. 2. Of its Churches and Monuments THE Number of Parish-Churches besides Chapels within the Weekly Bills of Mortality is 132 twice more than any City in Christendom can shew The Cathedral of which is dedicated to the Apostle St. PAVL and the onely Cathedral of that Name in Europe It was founded by Aethelbert King of Kent Anno 610. under whom Segbert a Saxon Reigned in this Tract of Ground in a place where stood a Temple of Diana and afterwards did endow it with Lands and Privileges so did afterwards Athelstan Edgar and Eward the Confessor It was much enlarged by Erkenwald the Fourth Saxon Bishop thereof And being almost destroyed by Fire Anno 1078. Mauritius another of its Bishops began the Foundation of this magnificent Pile and went on about 20 years but the Quire and Tower were not finished till Anno 1221. As to other Casualties we refer you to the Chapter that treats of Fires As to its Dimensions the length of it according to Stow was 240 Taylors Yards or 720 Foot the Breadth 130 Foot the Heighth of the Steeple 520 Foot whereof the Stone Work was 260 and the Spire 260 Foot The Length of it according to others was 690 Foot that is 20 Foot more than St. Peters at Rome It stood upon so much Ground as contained above three Acres and an half Upon the Spire of Timber was a Bowl of Copper Gilt 9 Foot and 1 Inch in compass whereon stood the Cross 15 Foot and an half high and very near 6 Foot across made of Oak covered with Lead and another Cover of Copper over the Lead Above all stood the Eagle or Cock of Copper Gilt 4 Foot long and the Breadth of the Wings 3 Foot and an half It was built in Form of a Cross
the very greatest and most bountiful Gift that ever was given in England no Abbey at the first Foundation thereof excepted or therewith to be compared being the Gift of one man only He gave to the Poor in Barwick 100 Marks To the Poor of Stoke-Newington 10 l. To the Poor Fishermen of Ostend in Flanders 100 l. To the mending of the High-Ways between Islington and Newington in the County of Middlesex 40 Marks or 26 l. 13 s. 4 d. To the mending the High-Ways between Ashden and Walden called Walden-lane in Essex 100 l. To the mending the High-Ways between Great Lynton in the County of Cambridge and the said Town of Walden 60 l. 13 s. 4 d. Towards the mending of Horseth-lane 60 l. To the mending of the Bridges and ordinary High-Ways between South-Minster and Malden in Essex 100 l. To the Chamber of London 1000 l. to be Yearly lent to Ten young Merchants not having any great Stocks of their own and those Ten to be appointed by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City for the time being and the Dean of Pauls they are 〈◊〉 to pay any Interest for it nor any to enjoy it but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Poor People of Hadstock 20 l. To the Poor of Littlebury and Balsham 40 l. To the Parson and Church-Wardens of Balsham for the time being towards the buying a Bell to be hanged up in the Steeple to amend the Ring there 20 l. To the Poor of South-minster 20 l. To the Poor of little Halâ—enbury 20 l. To the Poor of Dunsby in the County of Lincoln 20. l. To the Poor Priâ—â—ers in the Prisons of Ludgate Newgate the two â—ompters in London the King 's Bench the 〈◊〉 2000 l. to be paid and divided among the same Prisoners by even and equal portions To the Master Fellows and Scholars of the Corporation of Jesus College in Cambridge 500 Marks To the Master Fellows and Scholars of the Corporation of Magdalen Colledge in Cambridge 500 l. To every one of his Feâ—ffees put in trust about his 〈◊〉 26 l. 13 s. 4 d. To the Poor of Beverly a 〈◊〉 in Cottingham To the Poor of Lincoln a Remainder of Years in the Rectory of Glentham in the County of Lincoln To Mr. Hutton Vicar of Littlebury 20 l. To the Poor of â—â—mps Castle 10 l. To the Poor of Elcomb 10. l. To Mr. Floud Parson of Newington 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. To the Poor of the Parish of Hacknâ—y 10 l. with several others c. And so much for Famous SVTTON and his Hospital which deserves an Eternal MEMORIAL III. The Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlem vulgarly called Bedlam was Founded by Simon Fitz-Mary one of the Sheriffs of London Anno 1246. He Founded it to have been a Priory of Câ—â—ons with Brethren and Sisters and King Edward the III. granted a Protection for the Brethren Militiae Beatae Mariae de Bethlem within the City of London in the Fourteenth of his Reign But it was 〈◊〉 an Hospital for Distracted People Stephenâ—â—â—â—â—nings Merchant-Taylor gave 40 l. towards 〈◊〉 chase of the Patronage by his Testament Anno 1523. The Mayor and Commonalty purchased it with all the Lands and Tenements thereunto belonging in the Year 1546. The same Year King Henry the VIII gave this Hospital unto the City The Church and Chappel thereof were taken down in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and Houses built there by the Governors of Christ's Hospital in London In this Place People that be Distracted of their Wits were received and kept at the Suit of their Friends but not without Charges to their bringers in This Place being old narrow and not very pleasant the City of London resolved to build a New Hospital which in April 1675 was begun and to the great Glory and Ornament of the City and the great benefit of the Poor Lunaticks was finished July 1676 in so Stately and Beautiful a manner that the whole World can hardly Parallel it It is of a great Length reaching from Moor-gate to the Little-Postern leading out of the North-East part of Moor-Fields into the City near the City Walls with a most Glorious Front towards those Delicate Walks of Moor-Fields the Architecture is very Regular Exquisite and Rich with a Stately Turret in the midst of a Curious Form and Fair green Courts part of which are Paved with broad Stone for walks Environ'd with a very hansom Brick-Wall there are two Stately Galleries reaching from one end to the other on the sides of which are the Lodgings of the Distracted People which are very neat and convenient they are carefully and very decently served with plenty of good wholsom Dyet and very well attended by Persons appointed to that purpose This Work cost above 18000 l. to which many Noble Citizens c. were Benefactors 〈◊〉 is indeed a Work very well becoming the Magâ—â—â—nce of this Renowned City who in all their undertakings and in all Publick Acts of Ornament to the City or Charity to the Poor have demonstrated themselves to be Peerless WESTMINSTER HALL THE ROYALL EXCHANGE CLARENDON HOVSE COVENT GARDEN There was of old an Hospital of St. Mary Rouncival by Charing-Cross but suppressed and turned to Tenements So much for the Hospitals SECT 4. Palaces and Houses of the Nobility WE will begin with the Royal Palaces as White-Hall where the Court is kept when the King is in the City In antient times Westminster-Palace was the habitation of the Kings of England from the time of Edward the Confessor which was by casual Fire burnt down in the time of Henry the VIII This was a very large and stately Palace and for the building in that Age incomparable In the Remains of which the High Court of Parliament Sits but more of that hereafter King Henry the VIII translated his Seat to a House not far of built by Cardinal Wolsey and is called White-Hall This Place formerly belonged to Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent by whom it was given to the Gray-Friers and of them bought by Walter Gray Archbishop of York and called York-place but Anno. 1529 the King took it from Wolsey and the Archbishop and named it White-Hall this King built there a Sumptuous Gallery and a very Beautiful Gate-House thwart the High-street to St. James's Park In this Gallery the Princes with their Nobility used to stand or sit to behold all Triumphant or Military Exercises To Describe all particularities relating to this Royall-Seat would be too tedious Take a few short Remarks There is a most Magnificent and Stately Banquetting-House built by King James And the Delicate Privy-Garden was lately enlarged towards the South with a Pond of an Oval form supplied with Water from Hide-Park where you may see the Water shot or forced up to a great height from the surface of the Pond and by its winding-fall delights the Eye and the Ear with its pretty murmur Although this Palace of White Hall makes not so Glorious a shew on the out-side as some other stately
well furnished with choice Books of all sorts but chiefly such as are useful for Divines and that by the bounty of several Benefactors This Colledge felt the Rage of the great Fire anno 1666. but it is very handsomly repaired and the damage of the Library which was very great made up It receives increase every year by the Legacies or Gifts of worthy Persons and the Piety of good Authors who commonly bestow one Book of what they publish especially of Subjects that are Voluminously handled upon this Colledge where they are Chain'd up and kept very well which is a very good work much tending to the advancement of Learning Here any Student may repair at seasonable hours morning and afternoon and may study six hours in a day without interruption and may enter himself a Member if he pleases paying Half a Crown to the Library-Keeper and Twelve-pence to the Person that sweeps and keeps it clean To conclude it is extraordinary useful especially for the poorer sort of Students who cannot purchase a necessary store of Books for their own use And I could heartily wish that some of our learned men who are of brave publick and generous minds would examine wherein it is deficient and set on foot some Medium to furnish it better especially with Mathematical Physical Common and Civil Law-Books of all which there are many of our Modern Writers have Treated more Exquisitely than any of their Predecessors Of the Colledge of Physicians In this Renowned City there is a Colledge or Corporation of Physicians who by Charters and Acts of Parliament of Henry VIII and since his Reign have certain Priviledges whereby no man though a Graduate in Physick of Oxford and Cambridge may without Licence under the said Colledge Seal practise Physick in London or within seven Miles of the said City nor in any other part of England in case he hath not taken any Degree in Oxford or Cambridge whereby also they can administer an Oath Fine and Imprison any Offenders in that and divers other Particulars can make By-Laws purchase Lands c. whereby they have Authority to search all the Shops of Apothecaries in and about London to see if their Drugs and Compositions be wholsom and well made whereby they are freed from all troublesom Offices as to serve upon Juries to be Constables to keep Watch and Ward to bear Arms or provide Arms or Ammunition c. Any Member of this Colledge may practise Chyrurgery if he please not only in London but in any part of England This Society had anciently a Colledge in Knight-rider-street the Gift of Dr. Linacre Physician to King Henry VIII since which a House and Ground was purchased by the Society of Physicians at the end of Amen-Corner whereon the Famous Dr. Harvey anno 1562 at his own proper charge did erect a magnificent Structure both for Library and a Publick Hall and for the meeting of the several Members of this Society endowed the same with his whole Inheritance which he resigned up while he was living and in health part of which he Assigned for an Anniversary Harangue to commemorate all their Benefactors and exhort others to follow their good Example and to provide a plentiful Dinner for the Worthy Company This Goodly Edifice was burnt Anno 1666 and the Ground being but a Lease the present Fellows of the College have purchased with their own Moneys a Fair piece of Ground in Warwick-Lane whereon they have raised a very Magnificent Edifice Of this Colledge there is a President four Censors aud eight Elects who are all Principal Members of the Society and out of whom the President is Yearly chosen The four Censors have by their Charter Authority to Survey Correct and Govern all Physitians or others that shall Practice in London or within Seven Miles of the same to Fine Amerce and Imprison any of them as they shall see Cause The usual Fee of a Doctor in antient times was 20 s. and one that had not taken that Degree 10 s. But now there is no certain Rule but some that are Eminent have received in Fees Yearly 2000 or 3000 l. and purchased great Estates which in other Countries because the Fees are exceedingly less is very rare Besides the Members of this Colledge there are divers able Physitians in London that have great Practice although they never had any License which is conniv'd at by the Colledge and so is the too much practice of Empericks Mountebanks Apothecaries Chirurgeons c. with other pretenders to Cure by things which they call Vniversal Medicines or Panpharmâ—câ— And certainly it is a very Perillous and Destructive abuse to suffer unskilful Persons that know not the Nature of Diseases nor are able from the Constitution of the Patient and requisite Symptoms to infer a Rational Conclusion or make a true discovery of Causes or give probable Prognosticks of the event to take up this profession because they neither understand the Nature of Simples nor the proper and fit mixture of Compounds and consequently cannot apply sutable Medicaments to the languishing Patient but where by meer chance they Cure one they destroy hundreds such being as great Murtherers of the Body as some Audacious Graceless Heretical and unskilful Pretenders to Preach the Sacred Mysteries of the Gospel are instruments to pervert their too too Credulous Disciples and consequently to destroy their Souls which is hinted not to cast any disparagement upon those Honorable Functions but only such as abuse them and are not fitly qualified to practice them And it could be wished that there were a Reformation of the abuses in each their errors having a direct tendency to destroy both Body and Soul Indeed the Law of England has provided that if one who is no Physitian or Chirurgeon or is not expresly allowed to practice shall undertake a Cure and the Patient die under his hand it shall be Felony in the Person presuming so to do And the Law of God is as expresly against the other who must give a strict account to the Physitian of Souls for infecting instead of Spiritually healing as far as instruments may do his Flock But this by the way Of the College of Civilians called Doctors Commons The Civil Law is most practised in London though Degrees therein are taken only in Oxford and Cambridge and the Theory there best acquired The College called Doctors Commons was first purchased by Doctor Henry Harvey Dean of the Arches for the Professors of the Civil Law where commonly did reside the Judge of the Arches the Judge of the Admiralty and the Judge of the Prerogative Court with divers Eminent Civilians who living in a Collegiate manner and Commoning together it was called Doctors Commons It stood near St. Pauls in the Parish of St. Bennets Pauls-Wharf in Farringdon-Ward-within The Buildings were utterly consumed by the Dreadful Fire in 1666 and then they resided at Exeter-House in the Strand but it has been since Re-built at the proper Cost and Charges
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
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
City for that occasion be Deputed but the same Minister shall be punished according to the quality of his Offence c. No Purveyor of the Kings c. is to make any Prices of the Goods of the Citizens without the Consent of the Party no Price to be made of the Citizens Wines against their Wills c. No Purveyor is to be a Merchant of the Goods whereof he is Purveyor That no market is to be kept nor afterterwards to be Granted to any within Seven Miles in Circuit of the said City That all Inquisitions to be taken by the Justices of London c. shall be taken in St. Martins le Grand in London but not elsewhere except the Inquisitions to be taken in the Circuits at the Tower of London and for the Goal-Delivery at Newgate That no Citizen is to be Impleaded in the Exchequer unless it concern the King c. By Charter of Henry the First the Citizens to be free from Scot and Lot and Dane-Guilt that is a Tribute laid upon our Ancestors of Twelve pence for every Hide of Land throughout the Realm by the Danes for clearing the Seas as they pretended of Pyrates H. the II. R. the I. ch 1. King John ch 1. Henry the III. ch 8. The Citizens may Traffick with their Commodities and Merchandizes wheresoever they please throughout His Majesties Kingdoms and Dominions as well by Sea as by Land without Interruption of him or his as they see Expedient quit from all Custom Toll Lestage that is a Custom challenged in Fairs fer carrying of things and Paying c. and may abide for their Trading wheresoever they please in the same His Kingdom c. as in times past they were Accustomed c. Henry the VII Granted a Charter That no Stranger from the Liberty of the City may Buy or Sell from any other Stranger to the Liberty of the same City any Merchandizes or Wares within the Liberties of the same City upon pain of Forfeiture of the said Goods c. to the Use and Profit of the Mayor Commonalty c. Strangers may Buy things in Gross for their own Use but not to Sell again c. None is to take Loding in the City by Force by Charters of H. the I. R. the I. ch I. H. the III. ch 4. H. the III. ch 9. By Charter of King CHARLES the I. the Offices of Paccage of Cloaths Wools Woollfels c. Balliage of Goods c. Portage of Goods Seavage of all Goods c. Customable granted to the Mayor Commonalty c. with a power to Administer an Oath for the discovery of concealed Goods c. The Sergeants of London may bear Maces of Gold or Silver Ed. III. ch 4. By Charter of King Henry I. It was granted to the Citizens of London to hold Middlesex to Farm for 300 l. upon Account to them and their Heirs so that the said City shall place as Sheriff whom they will of themselves and shall place whomsoever or such one as they will of themselves for keeping of the Pleas of the Crown and of the Pleading of the same and none other shall be Justice over the same Men of London c. This was confirmed by King John by Charter dated July 5 Anno Reg. 1. the City paying 300 l. as aforesaid of Blank Sterling Money at two Terms in the Year viz. at the Easter-Exchequer 150 l. and at Michaelmas-Exchequer 150 l. saving to the Citizens all their Liberties and Free Customs c. If the Sheriffs offend so as to incur the loss of Life or Member they shall be Adjudged as they ought to be according to the Law of the City c. wherefore says the Charter we Will and Stedfastly Command that the Citizens of London and Middlesex with all the said Sheriffwich belonging of us and our Heirs to possess and enjoy Hereditarily Freely and Quietly Honorably and Wholly by Fee Farm of 300 l. c. All Fishâ—rs Vintners and Victualers coming to the City shall be in the Rule of the Mayor and Aldermen 7 R. II. cap. 11. Aldermen shall not be Elected Yearly but remain till they be put out Ibidem Cap. 11. Merchants may Sell Cloth Wine Oyl Wax or other Merchandize as well by Wholesale as Retail to all the KING's Subjects as well as Londoners notwithstanding Franchise to the Contra 7 H. IV. ch 9. Citizens worth 400 Marks in Goods or Chattels may be Jurors in Attaint and the Justices to sit only at the Guild-Hall or within the City notwithstanding 23 H. VIII cap. 3. The Mayor c. next Court after the first of Michaelmas is to name Watermen Yearly to be Overseers of Rowing between Graves-End and Windsor the 2 and 3 Pbillip and Mary cap. 16. Sect. 3. The Mayor c. to Assess the Fare of Watermen and two Privy-Councellors to sign it 2 and 3 Phillip and Mary chap. 16. Sect. 11. Citizens of London and other Inhabitants Tradesmen c. for Debts under 40 s. may Summon in to the Court of Conscience that is the Court of Requests and the Commissioners there to Determine the Difference and to Register Orders 3 Jac. cap. 15. Sect. 2. These brief Memorandums are produced not as comprehending the full Abstract much less the words at length of the several Charters and Priviledges of thiâ— Famous City but as Guides to direct where they may read at large to be more full would be inconsistent with the designed brevity of this small Tract for it would make a Volume it self yet what is here pointed at with what 's scatterd up and down the Book under particular Heads which to avoid repetition are not mentioned here may inform the Reader of the most Memorable which was the thing only intended He that would consult them more largely is referred to a Book Intituled the Royal Charter of Confirmation granted by King CHARLES the II. to the City of London by S. G. Gent. And Rastals Statutes at Large from whence with some others these Memorials were Collected Some brief Heads of the most memorable Customs or particular Laws of the City of LONDON IN this place we shall only mention some of the most remarkable of these Laws referring the Reader to a Book called the City Law Printed 1658. The Mayor and Aldermen have always used to cause to come before them the Malefactors which have been taken and Arrested within the said City for carrying of Tales and spreading abroad of News imagined in disturbance of the Peace makers and Counterfeiters of false Seals false Charters and for other notorious Defects and those which they have found culpable of such misdeeds by confession of the Parties or by inquest thereof made shall be punished by setting in the Pillory or further Chastised by Imprisonment according to their Merit and according to the Reasonable Discretion of the said Mayor and Aldermen Men and Women by usage of the said City may Devise their Tenements Rents and Reversions within the said City and Suburbs thereof
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
sense of Honour in persons of Birth and Fortune engages them to preserve their Reputation These Colleges are called Inns which was the old English Word for the Houses of Noblemen or Bishops or men of great Note as the French word Hostel at Paris There are Two Inns of Sergeants Four Inns of Courts and Eight Inns of Chancery of which there are Nine within the Liberty of the City and five in the Suburbs Those within the City Liberties are Sergeants Inn Fleetstreet Sergeants Inn Chancery-lane For Judges and Sergeants only The Inner The Middle Temple in Fleet-street are Inns of Court Cliffords Inn Fleetstreet Thavies Inn Furnivals Inn Bernards Inn Staple Inn Holborn Are Inns of Chancery Without the Liberties are Grays Inn Holborn Lincolns Inn Chancery-lane Inns of Court Clements Inn New Inn Lyons Inn Inns of Chancery Of these we shall briefly speak in this Oâ—deras 1. The Sergeants Inns are so called because Divers Judges and Serjeants at Law keep their Commons and Lodge there in Term-time In these Inns or Colleges the Students of the Common-Law when they are arrived to the highest Degree have Lodging and Dyet They are called Servientes ad legem Sergeants at Law These are bred two or three years in the University and there chiefly versed in Logick and Rhetorick which are expedient for a Lawyer as also in the Theory of the Civil-Law and some knowledge in the French Tongue as well as Latine then the Student is admitted to be one of the Four Inns of Court where he is first called a Moot-man and after about seven years Study is chosen an Vtter Barrister and having then spent twelve years more and performed his Exercises of which more hereafter he is chosen a Bencher and sometime after a Reader During the Reading which heretofore was three Weeks and three Days as afore-mentioned the Reader keeps a Constant and sumptuous Feasting Inviting the Chief Nobles Judges Bishops Great Officers of the Kingdom and sometimes the King himself that it costs them sometimes 800 l. or 1000 l. Afterwards he wears a long Robe different from other Barristers and is then in a capacity to be made a Sergeant at Law when his Majesty shall be pleased to call him which is in this Manner When the Number of Sergeants is small the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas by the advice and consent of the other Judges makes choice of six or eight more or less of the most grave and learned of the Inns of Court and presents their Names to the Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper who sends by the Kings Writ to each of them to appear on such a Day before the King to receive the State and Degree of a Serjeant at Law at the appointed time they being habited in Robes of two Colours viz. Brown and Blew come accompanied with the Students of the Inns of Courts and attended by a Train of Servants and Retainers in peculiar Cloath-Liveries to Westminster-Hall and there in publick take a Solemn Oath and are Cloathed with certain Robes and Coifs without which they may be seen no more in publick After this they Feast the great Persons of the Nation in a very Magnificent and Princely manner give Gold Rings to the Princes of the Royal Family the Archbishops Chancellor and Treasurer to the value of 40 s. each Ring and to Earls and Bishops Rings of 20 s. To other Great Officers to Barons c. Rings of less value Out of these are chosen all the Judges of the King's Bench and Common-Pleas Wherefore all those Judges do always wear the white Linnen Coif which is the principal Badge of a Sergeant and which he has had the priviledge to wear at all times even in the King's presence and whilst he spake to the King though antiently no Subject may be so much as capped in the King's presence When any of the Judges are wanting the King by advice of the Council makes choice of one of those Sergeants at Law to supply his place and by Letters Patents Sealed by the Lord Chancellor who Constitutes him sitting in the middle of the rest of the Judges by a set Speech Declaring to the Serjeant that upon this occasion he is called to do Justice with Expedition and Impartiality to His Majesties Subjects causing the Letters Patents to be read and then Departs after which the Lord Chief Justice places the said Sergeant on the Bench Junior to all the rest and having taken an Oath well and truly to Serve the King and his People in his Office to take no Bribâ— to do equal and speedy Justice to all c. He sets himself to the Execution of his Charge Being thus advanced he hath great honour and a considerable Salary besides perquisites for each one hath 1000 l. a year from the King His habit of a Sergeant is somewhat altered his long Robe and Cap his Hood and Coif are the same but there is besides a Cloak put over him and closed on his Right Shoulder and instead of a Caputium lined with Minever or de minuto vario divers small pieces of white rich Fur only the two Lord Chief-Justices and the Lord Chief-Baron have their Hoods Sleeves and Collars turned up with Ermine ☞ Note that the two Sergeants Inns belong to the twelve Judges and about twenty-six Sergeants The Fees in old times from a Client to a Sergeant at Law for advice in his Chamber or for pleading in any Court of Judicature was but 20 s. and the Fee of a Barrister 10 s. which is now more then is given in our Neighbour Nations but at present it is usual to give some some Sergeants 10 l. and some 20 l. and to a Barrister half as much at the pleading of any Considerable Cause so that some Lawyers gain 3000 or 4000 l. yearly in Fees and purchase great Estates in a few years and are sometimes advanced to be Peers of the Realm as late times especially have shewn When there was a call of Serjeants at Law it was almost incredible to hear of their preparations in old times they have often kept their Feasts in Ely House which was the Bishop of Ely's Palace in Holborn There was a call of Seven Sergeants in the year 1464. 4. E. 4. in Michaelmas Term who kept their Feast in this Palace to which Sir Matthew Philip Lord Mayor of London with the Aldermen Sheriffs and the most eminent Commoners were invited to which they came but the Lord Gray of Ruthen then Lord Treasurer of England was placed against the minds of the Serjeants as they said before the Lord Mayor who thereupon took such Distaste that he went away with the Aldermen Sheriffs and Commons without partaking of the Feast to the great trouble of the New Sergeants as well as the dissatisfaction of the City There was another Feast kept there for Five days by the Sergeants in the Year 1531. 23 Henry VIII where the King Queen and Foreign Ambassadors Dined as also the Lord Mayor the
Judges the Barons of the Exchequer the Aldermen of the City and several Eminent Persons Merchants and Publick Officers and many Gentlemen of Quality There were brought to the Slaughter-House 24 great Beefs at 26 s. 8 d. a piece from the Shambles one Carkass of an Oxe at 24 s. One hundred Fat Muttons at 2 s. 10 d. a piece 51 great Veals at 4 s. 8 d. a piece 34 Porks at 3 s. 8 d. a piece 91 Piggs at 6 d. each 10 Dozen of Capons of one Poulterer for they had three at 20 d. a piece Capons of Kent 9 Dozen and a half at 12 d. a piece Capons Course Nineteen Dozen at 6 d. a piece Cocks of Gross 7 Dozen and 9 at 8 d. a piece Cocks Course 14 Dozen and 8 at 3 d. a piece Pullets the best 2 d half penny other Pullets two pence Pigeons 37 Dozen at 10 d. the Dozen Swans 14 Dozen Larks 340 Dozen at 5 d. the Dozen c. with all other Appurtenances needful for a Splendid and Magnificent Entertainment Which is mentioned the rather to shew the Change of Prices this being but 150 Years ago The two Temples near Temple-Bar were formerly the dwelling of the Knights Templers who founded them in the Reign of Henry the II. These Templers took beginning about the Year 1118. Their first profession was for safeguard of Pilgrims coming to visit the Sepulchre at Jerusalem and increased mightily They bare Crosses of red Cloth on their uppermost Garments to be known from others they were called Templers or Knights of the Temple because their first Mansion was near the Temple in Jerusalem granted to them by King Baldwin Many Noblemen afterwards in all parts of Christendom became Brethren of this Order and built themselves Dwellings in every great Town but this at London was their chief Dwelling in England Matthew Paris Reports that they were first so Poor that they had but one Horse to Serve two of them but they became very Rich and Pompous afterwards and entertained the Nobility and Foreign Ambassadors and the Prince Himself frequently their Seal for the reason aforesaid was two Men riding upon one Horse Many Parliaments and Great Councels have been there kept as appears in our Historys In the Year 1308. all the Templers in England and all Christendom were apprehended and committed to divers Prisons for Heresie and other Articles by means of Philip King of France who procured them to be Condemned by a General Councel whose Lands were given by a Councel at Vienna Anno 1324 to the Knights Hospitallers called the Order of St. John of Jerusalem who took the Island of Rhodes from the Turk and bravely maintained it till the time of Solyman the Magnificent who after a most sharp and tedious Siege of six Months took it when they had Valorously kept it about 200 Years and made a dismal slaughter in Solymans great Army consisting of about 200000 Men and 300 Gallies c. These Knights have since Inhabited Malta another Island in the Mediterranean Sea given them by the King of Spain In the Reign of Edward the III. this Temple was purchased by the Students of the Common Law which is above 300 Years ago they are called the Inner and Middle Temple in Relation to Essex-House which was part of the Knights Templers and called the Outer-Temple because Sealed without Temple-Bar As to the Casualties of Fire and Tumults by which this Temple suffered but now restored in a Beautiful and Stately manner we refer to the Chapter that particularly Treats of such things The Inns of CHANCERY are Cliffords-Inn in Fleet-street somtimes belonging to the Lord Clifford but afterwards let to Students of Law Thavies-Inn in Holborn begun in the Reign of Edward the III and since purchased by Lincolns-Inn as was also Furnivals-Inn in Holborn Bernards-Inn and Staple-Inn belonging to the Merchants of the Staple These Five Inns of Chancery are within the Liberties of the City And Clements-Inn so called because it stands near St. Clements Church without Temple-Bar New-Inn so called because of a Newer Foundation than the others and Lyons-Inn antiently a Common-Inn with the Sign of the Lyon which three last are without the City Liberties These were heretofore Preparatory Colledges for Younger Students and many were entred here before Admitted to the Inns of Courts But now they are for the most part taken up by Attornies Solicitors and Clerks who have here their Chambers apart and their Diet at a very easie rate in a Hall together where they are obliged to appear in Grave long Robes and Black round knit Caps These Colledges belong all to some Inns of Court who send Yearly some of their Barristers to Read to these In each of which one with another there are about 60 or 70 Persons There are two Inns of Court without the City Liberties called Lincolns-Inn which antiently belonged to the Earls of Lincoln and Greys Inn belonging to the Noble Family of the Greys These two Inns are very Capacious and Stately Colleges with very lovely Walks and Gardens Greys-Inn especially being Seated upon the very Edge or Skirt of the Subâ—rbs in Holborn yeilds a most Gallant Prospect into the Country and in its Beautiful Walks one may partake of the fresh Country Ayr as well as if in the Country In these two Inns and in the two Temples which are our four Inns of Court as was said the Gentlemen that are Studious of the Common Law reside in a Collegiate manner And in the Reign of Henry the VI they florished so that there were in each about 200 Students each expending Yearly about 20 l. which was as much as 200 l. now and were as Fortescue saith Vltra Studium legum quasi Gymnasia omnium morum that is Besides the Studies of the Law as it were Schools of all sorts of Civility and Good breeding or manners These Societies are no Corporations nor have any Judicial Power over their Members but have certain Orders among themselves which have by consent the Force of Laws For lighter offences they are Excommoned or put out of Commons not to eat with the rest and for greater Offences they lose their Chambers and are expelled the College and being once expelled they are never received by any of the three other Societies Which deprivation of Honour to Young generous Spirits is more grievous than perhaps Deprivation of life They wear a Grave black Robe and Cap when they meet at Chappel at the Hall or at Courts of Justice and at other times walk with Cloak and Sword or what they please These Colleges have no Lands nor Revenues because being no Corporations they cannot purchase but the charges of the House are defray'd by what is paid at Admittances and Quit-Rents for their Chambers The whole Company of Gentlemen in each Society may be divided into 4 parts Benchers Vtter-Barristers Inner-Barristers and Students Benchers are the Seniors to whom is Committed the Government and ordering of the whole House and out of these