of Peace in Middlesex London and Surrey 177 To the Barons of the Exchequer 38 At the Tower ibid. To be Justice at Newgate 41 To be Escheator in London 44 To be Justice of Peace and of Oyer and and Terminer 58 To be Justice in Southwark 110 To Measure Coals Corn c. 116 c. To be yearly chosen 17 Magna Charta recited 40 Medway River 15. 23. 45. 115 Maces to be born by the Serjeants of Lond. 52 Market not to be within 7 miles of London 47. 175 In Southwark 110 Not to be in Lighters 144 The Mayor Clerk of the Market in Southwark 107 Marshal of the K. not to meddle in Lond. 43 Merchant strangers not to sell by retail 55 To sell in forty daies and not to keep houses 43. 54 Merchants of Almaine 63 Martins le Grand Inquisit to be there 48. 82 Murage quit thereof 38 Murther free thereof 2. 5. 7. Newgate 56 Non-User of the Customs no forseiture of them 121 Names of the Corporations of London 124 Oath none to be taken by the Sheriffs in the Exchequer except c. 44 To be administred by the Mayor c. For discovering concealed Goods 208 Office of Packing 75. 197 Of Seavage 202 Of Portage 76. 198 Of Outroper or Common Cryer 173 Of Garbling vide Garbling Of Gawging vide Gawging Of Wine-drawer 76 Of Measuring Coals Corn Salt c. 116 Of Conservator of the River vide Conservator Of Common Cryer vide Common Cryer Of Clerk of the Court of Conscience vide Clerk Of Register of Brokers vide Brokers Officers of London to have the same power in Southwark 106 Offenders to be punished by whom 157 Onions and the measuring of them 116 Oil the Survey of it ibid. Outsangthest vide Infangtheft Passage free thereof 3 Pannage vide Murage 38 Packing 75 Package the Office created and granted to the City 197. 199 Pardon of Issues Rents Profits and Intrusions 165. 166 Ileas of the Crown 3. 5. 7. 25. 32 Citizens not to be impleaded out of Lon. 3. 5. 6. 10. 25. 32. 43 In Fairs to be holden by Citizens 44 In Southwark to be tried in Lon. 104 Pauls Mony allowed for the Liberty thereof 31 Promises 4. 6. 7. 25 Prizage of Wines 47 Porcage Office 76 Port of London 119 Poors House in Smithfield 184 Plums the measuring of them 116 Purveyor not to make prize of things in Lon. 47 Not to be a Merchant ibid. Pye-Powder Court in Southwark 68. 102 Peace Recognizance concerning preservation thereof 133. 155. 160 Queen-Hith 29 The Farm thereof made by the Earl of Cornwall ibid. Recorder a Justice of Oyer Terminer 58. 134 Of the Quorum 134 In Southwark 110 Record The Liberties and Customs 60. 175 Return of Writs in Southwark 67. 102 Recogniz forfeited granted to the City 160 Recognizances of Citizens to be inrolled in the Exchequer 36 Recognizances forfeited granted to the City except Royal Issues 159 For preserving of the Peace 133. 155. 160 Concerning Bastards 177 For Appearance at Gaol-delivery vide Gaol-delivery Retail 55 Restitution of Liberties 125. 148 Roots measured 116 Register of Brokers 182 Serjeants of London may use Silver and Gold Maces 52 Southwark granted to the City in Parliament 49 The Fee-Farm thereof 113 Several Messuages granted the City 92 to 100. Treasure found Waifes Estrays c. 101 A Fair. 68 Inhabitants to be under the Government of the Mayor 109 The Mayor c. to be Justices there 110 Markets there ibid. The Mayor to be Clark of the Market and receive Tolls there 107. 108 Marshalsea c. Excepted out of this Grant of Southwark 111 Summons there 68 Salt the measuring thereof 116 Sheriffwick of Middlesex granted to the City 2 Of London and Middlesex granted 13. 14 19 Sheriffs to be removed at pleasure of the Citizens 14. 19 Accomptable in the Exchequer 13. 19 If not Solvent the City to answer their dues to the King 13. 19 Not to be amerced above 20 l. 13. 20 For criminal offences punished ibid. To be allowed upon Account in the Exchequer what shall c. 14. 21 To be presented at the Exchequer 19 To be allowed upon account of Pauls 31 When to be presented to the Tower 38 To be amerced as other Sheriffs 38. 42 Not to be charged with escapes of such as fly to Churches 43 To take no oath in the Exchequer but to Accompt 44 To have the forfeiture of victuals 47 Staynes the Forrest disforrested 27 Subsidies how Citizens are to be taxed 46 Strangers not to sell by retail 55 Soil of the Streets and Thames formerly granted to the City and since made void 150 Strayes in London 176 Signs 183 Sanctuary 44 Summons to be made only by City Officers 43 Steward of the Kings House not to sit in Lon. ibid. Strangers not to keep houses or be Brokers 55 Sidney Sir William's Patent cancelled 85 Streets Lanes Alleys Wastegrounds and Common Soil of the City reserved to the King 164 Sessions of Peace 155 Taxes and Tallages who liable to them 62. 63 Tenures 5. 7. 25 Thames the Mayor conservator thereof 118 The Wares and Keddals to be removed 9. 15. 23 Toll Citizens to be Toll-free 6. 7. 11. 25. 34 Tower Customs taken by the keeper thereof acquitted 15 The Mayor and Sheriff to be presented there 38 Tolls in London to be collected by whom 64 In Southwark 108 Tobacco 169 Tonnage 70 Tronage 5. 6. 86. 88 Treasure Trove in London 176. In Southwark 66. 101 In Dukes Place 136 Thieves taken in Southwark To be carried to Newgate 69. 103 Trial in London of actions in Southwark 106 Victuals No Purveyor or other Officer to set price 47 The Sheriff to have the forfeiture 47 Forestalled forfeited 35 View of Franck-Pledg in Southwark 68. 103 Wares or Keddals to be moved out of the River 9. 15. 23. 24 War no Citizens to be compelled thereto 44 Waifes in London 176. in Southwark 66. 101 White-Friers 128. 129. 133 Weavers 18 Westminster their liberties saved 38 Weighing Wools at Leaden Hall 70 Of Coals 141 At the Kings Beam 36. 88 West-Smithfield 184 The House of Poor there 208 Widows of Freemen 174 Wine-drawers 76 Writs in Southwark 67. 101 Withernam 4. 7. 11. 26. 34. Warren of Staynes unwarrened 27 Wares Forestalled 35 Some Errata and Defects which have escaped the Press PAge 4. l. 8. for Premises read Promises P. 6. l. 9. for Premises read Promises P. 7. l. Uit. for Premises read Promises P. 35. l. 6. for the line drawn read questioned P. 49. l. 1. for the line drawn read City THE CHARTER OF King Charles the Second Granted to the CITY of LONDON Translated into English CHARLES the Second by the Grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith c. To all to whom these present Letters shall come greeting We have seen the Charter of Lord William sometimes King of England our Progenitor made in these words William King greet William Bishop c.
Charter of Lord John Ch. 1. Jo. Sometimes King of England our progenitor in these words John by the Grace of God K. of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain and Earl of Anjou To all Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Ministers and all his Majesties Faithful Subjects French and English greeting Know Ye that No Citizen to plead without the walls we have granted to our Citizens of London that none of them shall plead without the walls of the City of London of no pleas saving the pleas of foreign tenures our Monyers and Ministers excepted also we have granted to them Acquittal of murther within the City and in Portsoken and none Not to wage Battel of them shall wage Battel and of the pleas belonging to the Crown they may discharge themselves according to the Antient custom of the City And that within the walls of the City nor Portsoken no man shall take any Lodging by force or delivery of the Marshal And also we have granted to them that all the Citizens of London shall be quit from Toll or Lestage and every Quit of Toll other Custom throughout all our Lands on this side and beyond the Seas And that none shall be adjudged for Amerciaments Citizens to be amerced by the City Law of money but according to the Law of the City which they had in the time of K. Henry Grandfather to Henry our Father And that there shall be no miskenning in any No Miskenning Hustings once a week Plea in the City And that the Hustings shall be kept once every week and they justly have their Lands and Tenures and Premises and all other their debts whosoever owe them And that right be holden to them of their Lands and Tenures City to have their lands and debts which be within the City according to the Custom of the said City and of all their debts which shall be lent at London And that Pleas of all promises there made be holden at London And if any in any of our Lands on this side or beyond the Seas shall take any Toll or any other Custom from the men of London after that he shall fail of right may take goods therefore at Londoâ— And we do grant unto them that they may have their Huntings wheresoever they had the same in the time of King Henry Grandfather to our Father Furthermore for the advancement of the said City we have granted unto them that they shall be free and quit of all Brid-Toll and Childwite and of Jeresgive and Scotale so as the Sheriff of London nor any other Bailiff may make any Scotale These aforesaid Customes we do grant and all other liberties and Grant of the Customs they had in the Reign of Henry 1. free Customes which they had in the time of K. Henry Grandfather of Henry our Father when as more freely and better they had the same wherefore we will and stedfastly command that they and their heirs may have and hold all these things aforesaid Hold of the King and his Heirs hereditarily and wholly of us our heirs Witness Hubert Archbishop of Canter our Chancellour VVill. of London E. of Ely G. of Glocester G. of VVinchester Bishops Godfrey Son of Peter Earl of Essex VVill. Marshal Earl of Pembrook Homel Earl of VVarren R. Earl of Clarence Earl Roger Lord Bigot VVill. Earl of Arundel VVill. D. Braos Roger Son of Roger Hugh Borg VVill. Bridg VVarren VVill. D. VVarren Stephen D. Truncham Simon de Paffiishil given by the hands of Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury our Chancellor at Torham the 17. day of June in the first year of our Reign WE have seen other Charters of the aforesaid Jo. Ch. 2. Lord John our progenitor made in these words John by the grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain and Earl of Anjou to his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers and to all his Bailiffs and loving Subjects Know Ye that we have granted and by this our present writing confirmed to our Citizens of London the Sheriffwick of London and Confirmation of the Sheriffwick of Lond. and Middlesex for 300 l. per annum Middlesex with all the Customs and things to the sheriffwick belonging within the City and without by land and by water to have and to hold to them and their heirs of us and our heirs paying therefore 300 l. of blank sterling money at two termes in the year that is to say at the Easter Exchequer Paid at Easter and Michaelmas 150l and at Michaelmas Exchequer 150 l. saving to the Citizens of London all their liberties and free Customs And further we Power to make Sheriffs and to remove them have granted to the Citizens of London that they amongst themselves may make Sheriffs whom they will and may amove them when they will and those whom they make Sheriffs they shall present to our Sheriffs to be presentable and accomptable to the Exchequer Sheriffs non solvent the City to make it good Saving Liberties Justices of our Exchequer of these things which to the said Sheriffwick appertain whereof they ought to answer us and unless they shall sufficiently answer satisfy the Citizens may answer and satisfy us the Amerciaments and Farm saving to the said Citizens their liberties as is aforesaid and saving to the said Sheriffs the same liberties which other Citizens have so that they which shall be appointed Sheriffs for the time being shall commit any offence whereby they ought to incur any Amerciament of money they shall not be condemned for any more than to the Amerciament of 20l. and that without the damage of other Citizens if the Sheriffs be not sufficient fo the payment of their Amerciaments but if Sheriffs offending to be tryed by the Citizens they do any offence where they ought to incur the loss of their lives or members they shall be adjudged as they ought to be according to the Law of the Ciâ—â— and of these things which to the said Sheriffs belong the Sheriffs shall answer before our Sheriffs to answer in the Exchequer Inducement of this confirmation Justices at our Exchequer saving to the said Sheriffs the liberties which other Citizens of London have Also this grant and confirmation we have made to the Citizens of London for the amendment of the said City and because it was in antient 300 l. per annum the Antient form times farmed for 300 l. Wherefore we will and stedfastly command that the Citizens of London and their heirs may have and hold Sheriffwick of Lond. and Middlesex at 300 l. per annum the Sheriffwick of London and Middlesex with all the said Sheriffwick belonging of us and our heirs to possess enjoy hereditarily freely and quietly honourably and wholly by fee-farm of 300 l. And we forbid that none presume to do any damage impediment or diminishment to the
Citizens None to harm them of what to the Sheriffwick belong What shall be given away appertaining to the Sheriffwick to be allowed on accompt in the Excheq of London of these things which to the said Sheriffwick do or were accustomed to appertain Also we will and command that if we or our heirs or any of our Justices shall give or grant to any person any of those things which to the form of the Sheriffwick appertain the same shall be accounted to the Citizens of London in the acquittal of the said Farm at our Exchequer Witness Edw. of Ely S. of Bath Bishops Will. Marshal Earl of Pembrook Ralph Earl of Chester Will. Earl of Arundel Robert Son of Walter Will. Son of Albin Given by the hands of H. Archbishop of Canter our Chancellour at the good Town upon Toke the 5th day of July in the first year of our Reign WE have seen one other Charter of the Joh. Ch. 3. aforesaid Lord John our progenitor made in these words John by the Grace of God K. of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain and Earl of Anjou To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Stewards Castle-keepers Constables Bayliffs Ministers and all his Faithful Subjects greeting Know Ye all that we for our Souls health and for the Souls health of Hen. our Father and all our predecessors and also for the Common-weal of our City of London and of all our Realm have granted and stedfastly commanded that all the wares which are in the Thames or in Medway be amoved wheresoever they shall be within the Thames and Remove Wares in Thames and Medway Medway and that no wares from henceforth be put any where in the Thames or Medway upon forfeiture of ten pounds sterling also we have clearly quitclaimed all that which the Keepers of the Tower of London were wont yearly to receive of the said wares Wherefore we will and stedfastly Keeper of the Tower not to exact any thing for wares command that no keeper of the said Tower at any time hereafter exact any thing from any body nor trouble or molest any person by reason of the said wares for it is sufficiently manifest to us and by the Right Reverend Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury and by other our Faithful Subjects it is sufficiently given us to understand that very great detriment and discommodity hath grown to our said City of London and also to our Realm by occasion of these wares which to the intent it may continue both firm and stable for ever we do fortifie the same by inscription of this present page and putting to our seal these being Witnesses VVilliam of Lona Ed. of Ely G. of VVinchester Bishops Jeffery Son of Peter Earl of Essex VVilliam Marshal Earl of Pembroke H. Earl of VVarren Earl Roger Pigott R. Earl of Clare Earl de Braos Robert Son of Roger Hugh Bord VVilliam Brewer Stephen Turnham VVilliam VVarren Simon of Pattishel given by the hands of Hubert Archbishop of Cant. our Chancellour at Shoreham the 17 day of June in the first year of our Reign WE have also seen a certain other Charter John Ch. 4. of the aforesaid Lord John made in these words John by the Grace of God K. of England Duke of Normandy Aquitain and Earl of Anjou To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers and to all his Keeper of Tower not to exact any thing for wares Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we have granted and by this our present writing confirm to our Barons of our City of London that they may choose to themselves every year a Mayor who to us may be faithful discreet and fit for Government of the City so as when he shall be chosen to be presented unto us or our Justice if we shall not be present and he Mayor to be presented to the K. or his Justice At the end of the year to amove the Mayor and chuse another or the same Confirmation of all the Liberties Saving the Chamberlainship to the King shall swear to be faithful to us and that it shall be lawful to them at the end of the year to amove him and substitute another if they will or the same to retain so as he be presented unto us or our justice if we shall not be present We have granted to the same our Barons and by this our present Charter confirmed that they well and in peace freely quietly and wholly have all their liberties which hitherto they they have used as well in the City of London as without and as well by water as by land and in all other places saving to us our Chamberlainship wherefore we will and streightly command that our aforesaid Barons of our aforesaid City of London may chuse unto themselves a Mayor of themselves in manner and form aforesaid and that they may have all the aforesaid liberties well and in peace whole and fully with all things to the same liberties appertaining as is aforesaid VVitness the Lords P. of VVinton VVilliam of VVorcester VVilliam of Ceventry Bishops VVilliam Brigword Peter Son of Herbert Godfrey d'Lucy and John Son of Hugh Given by the hands of Mr. Richard Harrister our Chancellor at the new Temple London the 19th day of May in the 16. year of our Reign Furthermore We have seen a certain other Job Char. 5. Charter of the abovesaid Lord John made in these words John by the Grace of God K. of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Aquitain Earl of Anjou To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs and to all his Bailiffs and Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we at the request of our Mayor and Citizens of London have granted and by this our present writing confirmed that the Guild of Weavers shall not from henceforth be in the City of London neither shall be at all maintained but because we have accustomed yearly to receive 18 marks in mony every year of the said Guild our said Citizens shall pay unto us and our heirs twenty marks in money for a gift at the feast of St. Michael at our Exchequer VVitness Hubert Archbishop of Cant. Earl of Ely VVilliam of Albemarlo Bishop Hugh of Gornar Robert of Harcourt Thomas Basset P. of Stoke R of Remars Given by the hands of Hub Archbishop of Cant. at the Gormer the twentieth day of March in the 3d year of our Reign WE have also seen a Charter of the Henry 3. Ch. 1. Lord Henry the Third sometimes King of England our progenitor made in these Terms Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Aquitain Earl of Anjou to his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers and to all his faithful subjects greeting KNOW ye that we have granted and by these presents do grant and confirm unto the Confirmation of the Sheriffwick of Lond. and Middlesex Citizens of London the
attachments and of all things which belong to Warrens or Forrests wherefore we will and stedfastly command that all they heirs holding Lands and Tenements within the said parts and their heirs and successours for ever have the aforesaid liberties and freedoms and that their Lands and Tenements aforesaid be unwarrened and disforrested for ever and quit from all things which either to warren or Forrest warreners or Forresters pertain as is aforesaid these being witness Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent our Justice of England G. Earl of Glocester and Hereford William Marshal Earl of Pembroke P. d'Albemarco Walter â— Everin Osbert Gifford Richard Argentine John Son of Philip Richard Son of Hugh and others Given by the hand of the Reverend Father Rich. Bishop of Chichester our Chancellor at Woodstock the 18th day of August in the 11th year of our Reign WE have seen a certain other Charter Henry 3. Char. 6. of the said Lord Henry made in these words Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Aquitain and Earl of Anjou To all Archbishops Bishops Priors Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers Ministers and all Bailiffs and his Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we have seen a Covenant between the Earl of Cornwall the Mayor concerning Queen Hith Covenant made between Rich. Earl of Cornwal our Brother on the one part and the Mayor and Commonalty of the City of London on the other part in these words in the 30th year of the Reign of Hen. the Son of King John in the day of the Translation of Saint Edward this Covenant was made at Westmin between the Right Honourable man Richard Earl of Cornwal of the one part and John Gisors then Mayor of the City of London on the Comonalty of the same City of London on the other part for and concerning certain exactions and demands belonging to Queenhithe of the City of London that is to say that the said Earl hath granted for him and his heirs that the said Mayor and all the Mayors after him and all the Comonalty of the said City may have and hold Queen Hith granted to the City the said Queen Hith with all their liberties Customes and other things to the same belonging in Fee-farm paying therefore yearly to the said Earl his heirs and Assigns 50 l. at two terms in the year at Clerkenwel that is to say at the close of Easter 25 l. And in Octabis of St. Michael 25. l. And for the more surety thereof to the part of the Chirography remaining with the Mayor and Commonalty of London the said Earl hath put his Seal and to the writing thereof remaining with the said Earl the foresaid Mayor and Comonalty have The King confirms the grant of Queen Hith to the City set their common Seal We therefore allowing and approving the said Covent do for us and our heirs grant and confirm the same these same being Witnesses Ralph Son of Nicholas Richard d'Grey John and William his Brothers Paul Painr Ralph d'Waunty John Guband Given by our hand at Windsor the 26th day of Feb. in the 31th year of our Reign WE have also seen another Charter of Henry 3. Char. 7. the aforesaid Lord Hen. made in these words Hen. by the Grace of God K. of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Aquitain and Earl of Anjou To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers Ministers and all his Bailiffs and Faithful People greeting Know ye that we have granted for us and our heirs and confirmed it by this our present Charter that our Mayor and Citizens of London may have and hold all their liberties and free customs Citizens to have their free Custom which they had in the time of K. Hen. our Grandfather and which they had by Charters of our Ancestors Kings of England as they more freely and better had the same and they most freely and fully have and use the same for ever Also we have granted to the said Citizens that every Mayor whom they shall chuse in our City of London we being not at Westminster they may yearly present to the Barons of our Exchequer that he may be admitted by them as Mayor so that notwithstanding at the next coming of us or our heirs to Westmin or London he be presented to us or our heirs and so admitted Mayor And we will and command for us and our heirs that out of the farme of our City vij l. per annum allowed the Sheriff upon accompt for the Liberty of Pauls of London there be allowed to our Sheriffs of the said City yearly in his said Accompt 7 l. at our Exchequer for the liberty of Saint Pauls London And that our said Citizens throughout all our dominions as well on this side the Sea as beyond be quit of all Toll and Custom for ever as in the Charter of the aforesaid Kings is granted And we forbid upon our forfeiture that none presume henceforth to vex or disquiet the said Citizens contrary to this liberty and our grant these being Witnesses the Reverend Father P. Bishop of Hereford Richard Earl of Cornwal our Brother Peter de Salund John Mansel Provost of Beverly Mr. William Kelken Archif Coventry Bartino d'Cryel John d'Lassington John d'Grey Hen. d'Wengham Robert Walreand William d'Grey Nicholas d' St. Mauro William Gerumne and others Given by our hand at Windsor the 12th day of June in the 37th year of our Reign MOREOVER we have seen a certain Henry 3. Char. 8. other Charter of the aforesaid Lord Henry bearing date the 11th day of January in the 50th year of his Reign by which certain Charter amongst other things the said Lord King Henry granted to the said Citizens of London that the said Citizens may traffique with their commodities and merchandizes wheresoever they please Citizens Toll-free through England throughout his Kingdom and dominions as well by Sea as by Land without interruption of him or his as they see expedient quit from all Custom Toll and paying and may abide for their trading wheresoever they please in the same his Kingdom as in times past they were accustomed till such time it be more fully ordered by his Councel touching the state of the said City As by the said Letters patents amongst other things more fully appeareth WE have seen a certain other Charter Henry 3. Char. 9. of the aforesaid Lord Hen. made in these words Hen. by the grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Aquitain To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors Earls Barons Sheriffs Justices Rulers Ministers and all Bailiffs and his Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we have granted to our Citizens of London for us and our Heirs whom of late we The Citizens taken into the King's favour again upon submission have received again into our grace and favour after divers trespasses and forfeitures of them their
Circuits of Except Inquisitions in Eyre in the Tower of London the Tower of London and for the Gaol-delivery at Newgate In Witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents Witness my self at Westminster the 16th day of June in the 10th year of our Reign Moreover we have seen other Letters Henry 8. Char. 2. Patents of the same Lord Henry late King of England our progenitor made in these words Henry the 8th by the grace of God King of England and France Deâ—ender of the Faith and Lord of Ireland â—o all to whom these present Letters shall â—ome greeting whereas we by our Letters Patents the date whereof is the 18th â—ay of June in the 13th year of our Reign â—ave of our special grace and from our certain knowledg and meer motion given and granted for us and our heirs forasmuch as in us then was to Sir William Sidney Knight the Office of Keeper of â—he great beam and common ballance or weight within our City of London for â—eighing of all Merchandizes of Avoir â—u pois and also all weights whatsoever within the same City which Office one William Stafford deceased lately exercised and occupied by what name soever the â—â—me Office was named or known And have ordained made and constituted the said Sir William Sidney keeper of the great beam ballance and weight and of all other weights whatsoever and also of the weights of all spices wares commodities Merchandizes and things in the City aforesaid there to be weighed and accustomed and used to be bought and sold by weight And have granted also by our said Letters Patents to the said Sir William Authority and power to make name and assign from time to time all manner of Clerks Porters Servants and Ministen of the great Beam and Ballance and of the Iron Beam and of the Beam of the Stillyard and of the weights aforesaid and also all other Clerks Porters Servants and Ministers to the same Office belonging and also to remove the same or any of them and other or others to make put and constitute in his or their place as often as to him shall seem expedient To have occupy and exercise the Office and Officeâ— aforesaid together with the Authority aforesaid to the said Sir William Sidney by himself or by his deputy or deputies during our pleasure to his proper use and behoof with all and singular commodities houses advantages profits fees and emoluments to the said Office in our time or in the times of any our progenitors Kings of England due and accustomed pertaining or belonging in as ample manner and form as any person having or occupying such Office before this time had received or enjoyed the same And have given and granted the same commodities houses advantages profits fees and emoluments and all and singular the premises for the exercise and occupation of the Office aforesaid in manner and form aforesaid to the said Sir William during our pleasure to the use and behoof of the said Sir William without account or any other thing to us or our heirs in this behalf for the premises to be made given or paid Although express mention be not made of the true yearly value or of any certainty of the premises or any grant or grants by us or any of our progenitors to the said Will. before this time made contained in the said Letters Patents above specified or any Statute Act Ordinance Restraint or Provision before this time made or provided to the contrary or any other thing cause or matter whatsoever in any thing notwithstanding as by the same our Letters Patents fully appeareth Which our pleasure in that behalf we will by these Sir William Sidney's Patent cancelled shall be determined And which Letters Patents the same William Sidney hath surrendred into our Chancery to be cancelled to the intent we would vouchsafe to grant our Letters Patents to the Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of our City of London And because now of late we understand of the grievous complaint of our welbeloved the Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of our said City of London that the said Lord Edward sometime King of England the 2d our progenitor by his charter dated the 18th day of June in the 12th year of his Reign amongst other things granted to the then Citizens of our said City predecessors to the now Mayor Commonalty and Citizens aforesaid that the weights and Beams for the weighing of Merchandizes between Merchants and Merchants of which the profits growing and knowledg of the same pertain to the Commonalty of the said City should remain to be kept at the will of the Commonalty in the custody of two sufficient men of the same City expert in that Office to be thereunto chosen by the Commonalty of the same City And that they should in no wise be committed to any others than to such as should be so chosen as by the same his Letters Patents which we have seen more fully appeareth And because also the Lord Henry sometimes King of England the fourth our progenitor by his Letters Patents dated the 25th day of May in the first year of his Reign of his favourable Grace amongst other things Tronage granted to the City by H. 4. granted to the said Citizens of the said City Tronage that is to say the weighing of Lead Wax Pepper Alloâ— Madder and all other such wares within the said City for ever Which Letters Patents we of our special grace by our charter dated the 12th day of July in the first year of our Reign ratified and confirmed to the same then Citizens and to their successors as by the same our Letters Patents more fully appeareth By which Letters Patents and by the continual keeping of the Office of Beam Ballance Weights and of other the premises time out of mind by the said Citizens and their predecessors and by the exercise and occupation of the same within the said City without any Keeping the Beams Weights pertain to the City by prescription challenging It is manifest and without any difficulty evident and apparent unto us that the said Office of the great Beam and common Ballance ordained for weighing between Merchants and Merchants and the Office of keeping of the great Ballance or weight within our City of London for the weighing of all Merchandizes of Avoir du pois and also of all weights whatsoever within the said City and also of all Spices Wares Merchandizes and things in the City aforesaid there to be weighed and also the Authority and power to make name and assign all and all manner of Clerks Porters Servants and Ministers of the said great Beam and Ballance and of the Iron Beam and of the Beam of the Stillyard and also all other Clerks Porters Servants and Ministers to the said Office pertaining and the Issues and revenues thereof coming and all and singular the premises pertaining and of antient right belonging to the Mayor Commonalty and
Sheriffwick of London and Middlesex with all the Customs and things to the same Sheriffwick belonging within the City and without by Land and by water to have and to hold to them and to their heirs of Paying yearly 300 l. us and our heirs paying therefore yearly to us and our heirs three hundred pound of blank money sterling at two times of the year that is to say at the Easter Exchequer 150 l. and at Michaelmas Exchequer 150 l. saving to the Citizens of London all their Liberties and free Customs And further we have granted Liberty to chuse and remove the Sheriffs of Lond. and Middlesex to the Citizens of London that they among themselves may make Sheriff whom they will and may amove them when they will And those whom they make Sheriffs they shall present to our To present them at the Exchequer Justices who may answer to us and our Justices in our Exchequer of those things which to the Sheriffwick appertain whereof they ought to answer us and unless they shall well answer and satisfie us the Citizens of London shall answer and satisfie the Amerciaments and the farm If the Sheriffs do not answer the Citizens must Saving to the same Citizens their liberties as is aforesaid and saving to the Sheriffs the same liberties which other Citizens have so that if they which shall be appointed Sheriffs for the time being commit any thing whereby they ought to incur any Amerciament in mony they shall not be condemned for any more then to the Amerciament of 20 l. and this without damage of other The Amerciament of Sheriffs not to exceed 20 l. Citizens if the Sheriffs be not sufficient for the payment of their Amerciaments but if they do any offence whereby they ought to incur the loss of their lives or members they shall be judged as they ought to be adjudged according to the law Sheriffs offending to be tryed by the City Law of the City but of these things which to the Sheriffwick belong the Sheriff shall answer before the Justices of the Exchequer Saving to the Sheriffs the liberties which other Citizens have Also the grant and confirmation we have made to our Citizens of London for the amendment of the said City and because it was antiently to be at the farm of 300 l. therefore we will and streightly command that the Citizens of London and Citizens to hold the Sheriffwick of Lond. and Middlesex their heirs aforesaid may have and hold the Sheriffwicks of London and Middlesex with all that to the said Sheriffwicks belongeth of us and our heirs and hereditarily freely and quietly honourably and wholly by the farm of 300 l. per annum At 300 l. per annum as the Charters of Lord John our Father famous King of England which we have seen doth witness and forbid that no person do presume to do any hurt impediment or diminution to our said Citizens of things which to the said Sheriffwick belong or were accustomed to appertain Also we do will and command that if we or our heirs or any of our What the King takes away to be allowed on accompt of the Farm Justices shall give or grant to any person any thing which to the farm of the said Sheriffwick appertain the same shall be accounted to the Citizens of London in the acquittal of the said farm in the Exchequer yearly as the Charter of King John our Father which they have concerning the same doth reasonably testify Witness Lord Eustace of London P. of Winchester Joslin of Bath Robert of Salisbury Bishops Herbert of Burgh Earl of Kent our Justice Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glocester and Hertford Richard Son of Nicholas Richard of Argentine our Steward Given by the hands of the Reverend Ralph Bishop of Chichester the 18 day of February in the 11 year of our Reign WE have also seen a certain other Henry 3. Char. 2. Charter of the same Lord Henry made in these words Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain Earl of Anjou To his Archibishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers Bailiffs and his Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we have granted and by this present Charter confirmed to our Barons in our City of London that they may chuse to themselves a Mayor of themselves every year who To chuse a Mayor yearly may be to us faithful discreet and fit for the Government of the City so as when he is chosen he may be presented To present him to the King or his Justices unto us or our Justices if we be not present and shall swear to be faithful to us And that it shall be lawful for them in the end of the year to amove To amove the Mayor and chuse another him and to substitute or if they will to retain him still so as alwayes that he be presented to us or to our Justices if we be not present Also we have granted to the said Barons and by this present Charter confirmed that they may have well and in peace freely quietly and wholly all their liberties To enjoy their Liberties which hitherto they used as well in the City of London as without and as well on the Water as on the Land and in all other places Saving to us our Chamberlainship wherefore we will and Saving the Chamberlainship streightly command that our Barons of our said City of London may chuse to themselves a Mayor of themselves every year in manner aforesaid and that they have all their liberties well and in peace wholly and fully with all that to the said liberties belongeth as the Charter of the excellent Lord John King of England which we have seen doth reasonably testify Witness the Lord Eustace of London P. of Winton Jo. of Bath Robert of Salisbury Bishops Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent our Justice Gilbert de Clare of Glocester and Hereford Ralph Son of Nicholas R. of Argentine our Steward Given by the hands of the Reverend Father Ralph Bishop of Chichester the 18th day of Feb. in the 11th year of our Reign WE have seen a certain other Charter Henry 3. Char. 3. of the said Lord Henry our progenitor made in these words Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain Earl of Anjou To the Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Stewards Castle-keepers Constables Bailiffs Ministers and all his Faithful Subjects greeting Ye shall know that we for our souls health and for the souls health of King John our Father and for the souls health of all our Ancestors and also for the Commonweal of our Remove Wares out of Thames and Medway City of London and of all our Realm have granted and strictly commanded that all the wares which are in the Thames or in Medway shall be amoved and that no wares from henceforth be