of the said City before these times had and used by which Grievance the Merchants of the said City are greatly impoverished and the Navy impaired and the Privities of the Land by the said strangers discovered to our enemies by Spies and other strangers into these houses received May it therefore please your The prayer of the Petition Majestyand Council to ordain in this Parliament that the Merchants strangers may be restrained in the points aforesaid and the Mayor Aldermen and Commons in the said City may enjoy the said Franchises We for the special affection we bear to the said Citizens willing to provide for the tranquillity and profit of the said Citizens in that behalf with the Assents of our Prelates Nobles c. Have granted for us The King 's Grant to the City in Parliament and our Heirs to the said Mayor and Aldermen and Citizens of the said City and their successors upon condition that they put the said City under good government to our honour and profit of our Realm of England and right govern the same That no strangers from henceforth shall sell any wares in the same City or Suburbs thereof Strangers to keep no house in London nor be Broker by retail nor shall keep any house â—oâ— be any Broker in the said City or the Suburbs thereof any Statute or Ordinance made to the contrary notwithstanding saving always to the Merchants of High Almaine their Liberties to us and our progenitors to them granted and confirmed In witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents Witness my self at Westminster the fourth day of December in the 50th Year of our Reign of England and of our Kingdom of France the 37th WE have seen the Charter of our Lord Henry 4. Henry the fourth late King bearing date the 25th day of May in the first year of his Reign made to the Citizens aforesaid in which Charter is contained amongst other things as followeth And moreover of our ample grace we have granted to us and our heirs as much as in us is to the same Citizens their heirs and successors as aforesaid that they shall have the custody Citizens to have the keeping of the Gates of Newgate Ludgate Gathering Tolls as well of the Gates of Newgate and Ludgate as all other the Gates and Posterns of the same City and also the Office of gathering of the Tolls and Customs in Cheap and Billing sgate and Smithfield there rightfully to be taken and accustomed and also the Tronage that is to say Tronage the weighing of Lead Wax Pepper Allom Madder and other like wares within the said City for ever As by the said Charters amongst other things more plainly may appear WE have seen the Charter of Lord Edw. 4. Char. 1. Edward the 4th late King of England in these words Edward by the Grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland To all Archbishops c. greeting Although as we understand such things alltogether as ought to be holden and determined by Conservators of the peace and Justices assigned for hearing and determining divers Felonies trespasses and misdemeanors in all the Counties of our Realm of England by the Kings Authority by vertue of the Ordinances and Statutes of our Realm aforesaid made for the good of the peace and rule of our people have alwaies time out of mind been used and well affirmed and yet be in our City of London Nevertheless to the end that from henceforth one good certain and undoubted manner may be continually had in our said City for the conservation of the peace and governing our people of the same And that the same may alwaies be and remain a City of peace and quietness We will of our meer motion and by tenor of these presents do grant for us as much as in us is to to the Mayor and Commonalty of the City aforesaid and to the Citizens of the same and to their successors for ever that they may have and hold all and singular their Mayor and Citizens to enjoy their Customs liberties and free Customs as whole and sound as ever they had and held them in all time of our Progenitors And further we grant for us and our heirs aforesaid to the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and to their successors the liberties and Authorities acquittals and franchises under-written that is to say That from henceforth the Mayor and Recorder of the said City who now be and their successors The Mayor Recorder such Aldermen as have been Mayors shal be Justices of the Peace and the Mayors and Recorders which for the time shall be as well those Aldermen which before this time have been Mayors of the same City as other Aldermen who shall hereafter sustain the charge of Mayoralty and shall be thereof dismissed as long as they shall there remain Aldermen for ever shall be conservators of the present peace of our City and the peace of our successors of the said City and liberties thereof as well by Land as by Water And To put all Ordinances for the preservation of the Peace in execution to keep or cause to be kept all Ordinances and Statutes made and to be made for the good of our peace and for the quietness rule and government of our people in all their Articles as well within the City aforesaid as the liberty and Suburbs of the same as well by Land as by Water according to all the force form and effect of the same And to chastise and punish whom they shall find offending contrary to the form and effect of the said Ordinances and Statutes as according to the form of the Ordinances and Statutes aforesaid should be done We will also and grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and The Mayor Aldermen Recorder to be Justices of Oyer and Terminer their successors that the now Mayor and his successors aforesaid and the Recorder of the said City which for the time shall be and such Aldermen as aforesaid or four of the same Mayor Recorder and Aldermen of whom we will that such Mayor for the time being and his successors to Mayor to be of the Quorum be one be Justices and have so assigned them Justices for us and our successors forever To enquire hear and determine as often and at such times as to them shall seem meet of all manner of Felonies Trespasses Forestalling and Regratings Extortions and other Misdemeanours within the said City or the Liberties or Suburbs thereof as well by Land as by Water by whomsoever or after what manner soever done or committed and which from henceforth shall happen to be done And also to hear and determine and execute all and singular other things which shall pertain to our Justices of the Peace within our Realm of England So alwaies that the said Mayor and Citizens and their Successors may have and hold all and singular
Victuals against the form of the Ordinances and Statutes or any of them made for the common profit of our Kingdom and people and also to hear and determine all and singular the same felonies and misdeeds according to the Laws and Statutes of our Realm of England And also to hear and determine do and execute all and singular other thing or things which pertain have pertained or in time to come may pertain to Justices of the Peace within the said City of London So always that the said Mayor Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors may have and hold all and singular their antient priviledges free whole and unhurt And that no other Keeper of the peace or Justice or other No other Justices to intermeddle Officers or Ministers of Us our Heirs or Successors whatsoever shall intermeddle in the same or any of them We will also and by these presents for Us our Sheriffs to be attendant on the said Justices Heirs and Successors charge and command the Sheriffs of the said City of London for the time being that from time to time they be assisting aiding attending and devising as it behoveth to the said Mayor Recorder and Aldermen and every or any of them in execution of the premises and according to our true meaning herein expressed And further We do hereby give and grant for Us our Heirs and Successors to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London and their Successors that the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors for the time being may have and enjoy to their own proper use without any account thereof to be rendered to Us out Heirs or Successors all Treasure found or to be found in the said Franchises and places called Black-Fryers White-Fryers Dukes Place Great S. Bartholomews Little S. Bartholomews Treasure found within the Precincts aforesaid granted to the City and Cold Harbour abovesaid and waved goods and Chattels and Estrays goods and Chattels of Felons and Fugitives for whatsoever Felony done or to be done by them within any the said Franchises or places adjudged or to be adjudged before Us our Heirs or Successors or any the Justices aforesaid And that it shall be lawful for the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors by their Deputy or Minister Deputies or Ministers of the said City Liberties or Suburbs of the same to put themselves in seizen and possession of and in all manner of treasure found goods and Chattels waved and estrayed goods and chattels of Felons and Fugitives from time when they shall happen by vertue of these our Letters Patents without any further Warrant whatsoever We wil also by these presents grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London To have these presents under seal without Fine in the Hamper that they shall have these our Letters Patents under our Great Seal of England in due manner made and sealed without fine or fee great or little to be rendred paid or made to Us in our Hamper or otherwise to us in any wise for the same for that express mention is made of the time yearly value or certainty of the Premises or any of them or of any other gifts or grants made by Us or by our Progenitors or Predecessors to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of London before their time or any Statute Ordinance Provision Proclamation or Restriction to the contrary thereof heretofore made or ordained set forth or provided or any other thing cause or matter whatsoever Whereof these our Letters we have caused to be made Patents Witness our self at our Honor of Hampton Court the 20 day of September in the year of our Reign of England France and Ireland the sixth and of Scotland the two and fortieth We have have moreover seen certain other Jac. Char. â— Letters Patents of our said most dear Father of blessed memory Lord James late King of England c. made in these words James by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland defender of the Faith c. To all to whom these our present Letters shall come greeting So great is the force of our love towards our City of London our Royal Chamber as whatsoever is in us that we shall see necessary or profitable to the Mayor and London the Kings Royal Chamber Commonalty and Citizens of the same our City that we have been ready freely to give from our soul to the said Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of our said City and it pleases Us well that all grants made by our Predecessors in times past to our City of London be not only confirmed but also inlarged Therefore whereas amongst other things it appears that amongst other things the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of London from all time whereof the memory of Man is not to the contrary have had and lawfully exercised the Office of The City to have the measuring of all Coals brought to London upon the Thames measuring all Coals of what kind or sort soever in any Port of the same City coming brought or carried upon the Water of Thames in any ship boat barge or other vessel whatsoever floating or being upon what part soever of the said water of Thames or on what Bank Shore or Wharfe soever of the same Water of Thames from the Bridge in the Town of Stains in the County of Middlesex and to the Bridge of London and from thence to a certain place called Yendal or Yenland or Yenleet toward the Sea and East and also in Medway in the Port of the City of London Nevertheless a Question is risen whether the weighing of Coals brought within the limits aforesaid together with the measuring of Coals doth belong to the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City We therefore to take away all controversies in this part as well for the present as for the time to come and to remove all doubt and to the intent the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City may use have and enjoy as well the weighing as measuring and each as the Wages Rewards Fees and Profits used for the same of our special Grace have given granted and confirmed and by these presents for Us and our Heirs and Successors do give grant and confirm to our beloved the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of our said City The City weigh all coals of London and to their Successors the weighing of all Coals called Stone-coals Pit-coals Earth-coals and all other Coals weighable of what kind or sort soever in or at the said Port of London coming or brought up the said Water 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 wharfe of the same Water of Thames from the said Bridg of Stayns to the said Bridg of
THE Royal Charter OF Confirmation Granted by KING Charles II. To the CITY of LONDON Wherein are Recited Verbatim All the CHARTERS to the said CITY granted by His Majesties Royal Predecessors KINGS and QUEENS of ENGLAND Taken out of the RECORDS And exactly Translated into English By S. G. Gent. TOGETHER With an Index or Alphabetical Table and a Table explaining all the Obsolete and Difficult Words in the said CHARTER LONDON Printed for Samuel Lee and Benjamin Alsop at the Feathers in Lombard-street near the Post-Office and at the Angel in the Poultrey over against the Stocks-market To the Right Honourable Sir ROBERT CLAYTON Knight Lord Mayor Of the CITY of LONDON My Lord THe Principle Inducement to the making your Lordships Name Preliminary to the ensuing Publication proceeds from a Contemplation in me that nothing could be more proper in the prosecuting such an Attempt than to Dedicate that to your Lordship which comprehends not onely the Royal Charter and Priviledges granted by Our Gracious Soveraign King Charles the Second but also those of all his Royal Ancestors and Predecessors to one of the most Ancient and Glorious Cities in Europe in which City your Lordship now attains the Highest and most Eminent Place of Honour and Authority And the main reason of the Publication it self receives its Rise First From a Desire in me to make it appear to my Fellow Subjects how far this Famous and Celebrated Metropolis hath been Esteemed and Honoured by those Great Monarchs of this Isle who have been pleased again and again to illustrate the same by many Eminent Sanctions under the Great Seal of England for I may be bold to aver that no City or Corporation in the Christian World and so consequently in the Universe did ever arrive to a more immense Greatness than this City of London hath derived from the Gracious Inclinations of the Prince which have been validated by so many Acts of Parliament and their Laws and Franchises thereby made as it were unalterable by the unanimous Consent of the King Lords and Commons the Body of the whole Nation for the establishing to them a more lasting Estate and Condition of Wealth and Prosperity in Ages to come And Secondly To the intent that the several Members of this great Body might the better know how to yield an Entire Obedience to those sacred Laws under which they are so strictly bound for the Common-Weal of the City and so live in Peace and Quiet under the Government of an Indulgent and Gracious Prince to whom they owe their Protection and Support For these Reasons my Lord I hope you will vouchsafe to grant me your Pardon for this Presumption and accept the same as the Offering of him who is a hearty Well-wisher to the Prosperity of this Great and Opulent City and who shall ever remain with all respect MY LORD Your Lordships most Humble and Devoted Servant S. G. A TABLE OF Obsolete and Difficult words contained in the Charter AMerciament a pecuniary punishment in Court of an Offender against the King or any other Lord. Avoir-du-pois a French word signifying in our Common Law two things 1. A kind of Weight different from that called Troy-weight which contains but twelve ounces to the pound whereas this contains sixteen 2. It signifies such Merchandizes as are weighed by this Weight Brid-toll or Bridgetoll a Duty or Tax for passing over a Bridge Blank-sterling from the French word Blanch i. e. white a Coin that was coined in the parts of France by King Henry the fifth when they were subject to England the value whereof was 8 d. These were forbidden to be currant within this Realm 2 H. 6. The reason why they were called Blanks was to distinguish this Coin by its colour from a certain piece of Gold which was then coined at 22 s. Childwite an old Saxon word signifying a power to take a Fine of your Bond-woman begotten with child without your consent Corody A sum of money or allowance of meat and drink due to the King out of an Abby or Religious House whereof he is Founder towards the maintenance of such one of his servants as he shall think fit to make a Pentioner there Dane-guilt a Tribute laid upon our Ancestors of 12 d. for every Hide of Land throughout the Realm by the Danes for clearing the Seas as they pretended of Pirates Denizen i. e. an Alien born enabled by the King's Letters Patents to purchase Lands hold Offices c. and his Heirs to inherit But this difference lies That a person naturalized by Act of Parliament may inherit Lands by descent which a Denizen cannot though his Heirs may inherit from him Deodand In Latine signifies a thing given or forfeited to God for the pacification of his wrath for any accident whereby a Christian comes to his death without the default of any reasonable creature As if a Horse kill his Keeper or a Cart run over a man the Creatures and Instruments are forfeited to the King to be distributed to the poor Flackmote or Folkmote a Saxon word signifying a Court holden in London wherein all the people of the City did complain of Irregularities and Mis-governments within the City Frank-pledge a Pledge or Surety for Freemen of fourteen years of age except Clerks and Knights their finding Sureties towards the King and His Subjects or else they were to be sent to prison Guild a Fraternity or Company combined together by Orders and Laws made among themselves by the Prince's Licence Husting a French word signifying the principal or highest Court in London Jeresgive an antient Tax or Toll in the time of the Saxons Infangtheft a Saxon word signifying a Liberty granted to certain Lords of Mannors to judge any Thief taken within their Fee Keddals Wares for Fishing Lastage or Lestage i. e. a Burthen a Custom challenged in Fairs and Markets for carrying of things Whence comes a Last of Herrings a Last of Pitch and Tar c. Miskenning Changing of Speech in Court Murage a Contribution gathered for repairing old Edifices or Walls Outfangtheft a Liberty granted to the Lord to try any Thief taken out of his Fee Passage The Hire a man pays for Transport over the Seas Portsoken The Liberties within the Port of London Pannage or Pawnage or Herbage A Duty given to the King for Pasturage of Cattle as also for Fruits Trees Masts Hedge-rowes c. Pontage Contribution towards the repairing of a Bridge Pypowder In Latine Curia Pedis pulverizati a Court held in Fairs for redressing all Disorders committed therein Soke The Liberty in Court allowed to Tenants Scotale Punishment of an Officer who doth keep an Ale-house causing men to come to his house and spend their money for fear of displeasure Taillage From the French word Taille i. e. a piece cut out of the whole signifying the paying a part or share of a man's substance by way of Tribute Toll or Tax Toke Seems to come from the River Teuke unde Teukesbury Treasure-trove
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.
We have also seen a certain other Charter of the said Lord William our Progenitor made in these words William King greet William Bishop c. We have also seen another Charter of our most dear Father Lord Charles the First late King of England of blessed Will. Conq. ch 1. memory made in these words Charles by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland 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 Progentior in these words William King greet William Bishop and Godfrey Portgreve and all the Burrough-men To enjoy your Laws without London French and English friendly I give you to understand that I will that you enjoy all the Laws that you enjoyed in the daies of King Edward And I will that each child be his Fathers Heir after his Fathers death And I will not suffer that any man do you wrong God give you health We have seen also a certain other Charter Charter 2. of the same VVilliam our Progenitor made in these words VVilliam King greet VVilliam c. We have also seen the Charter of the Henry 1. Lord Henry sometimes King of England our progenitor made in these words Henry by the grace of God King of England to the Bishop of Canterbury and to the Bishops and Abbots Earls and Barons Justices and Sheriffs and to all his faithful Subjects Choose the Sheriffs of Middlesex of England French and English greeting KNOW ye that I have granted to my Citizens of London to hold Middlesex to farm for three hundred pounds upon accompt to them and their Heirs so that the said Citizens 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 Keep Pleas of the Crown the pleading of the same and none other shall be Justice over the same men of London and the Citizens of London shall not None to plead without Lond. Free from Scor c. plead without the walls of London for any Plea And be they free from Scot and Lot and Daneguilt and of all Murther And none of them shall wage Battel And if any Battel of the Citizens shall be impleaded concerning the Pleas of the Crown the man of Discharge of Pleas of Crown London shall discharge himself by his Oath which shall be adjudged within the City And none shall lodge within the walls neither None lodge in the City per force Toll-free throughout England of my houshold nor any other nor Lodging delivered by force And all the men of London shall be quit and free and all their goods throughout England and the Ports of the Sea of and from all Toll and Passage and Lestage and all other Customs Passage Lestage Churches Citizens to enjoy their Cust And the Churches and Barons and Citizens shall and may peaceably and quietly have and hold their Sokes with all their Customs so that the strangers that shall be lodged in the Sokes shall give Custom to none but him to whom the Soke appertain or to his Officer whom he shall there put And a man of London shall not be adjudged in a merciaments of money but of 100 shillings I speak of the How Citizens shal be amerced No Miskenning in the Courts of the City Hustings to sit every Monday Pleas which appertain to money And further there shall be no more miskenning in the Hustings nor in the Flock-mote nor in any other Pleas within the City And the Hustings may sit once in a week that is to say on Monday And I will cause my Citizens to have their Lands Premisses Bonds and Debts within the City and without And I Citizens to enjoy their goods debts c. according to the Law of the City will do them right by the Law of the City of the Lands of which they shall complain to me And if any shall take Toll or Custom of any Citizen of London the Citizens of London in the City shall take of the Borough or Town where Toll or Custom was so taken so much as the man of London gave for Toll and as he received damage thereby And all Debtors which do Debts owing to Citizens to be discharged in London owe debts to the Citizens of London shall pay them in London or else discharge them themselves in London that they owe none But if they will not pay the same neither come to clear themselves that they owe Attachments in Withernam for debts to Citizens none the Citizens of London to whom the debts shall be due may take their goods in the City of London of the Borough or Town or of the County wherein he remains who shall owe the debts And the Citizens of London may have To hunt in Essex Surry and Middlesex their Chases to Hunt as well and fully as their Ancestors have had that is to say in Chiltre and in Middlesex and Surry witness the Bishop of Winchester and Robert Son of Richard and Hugh Pigott and Almer of Totnes and William of Albsprima and Hubert Roger Chamberlaine and William de Mount Fitchett and Hangul Taney and John Ballett and Robert Son of Steward of VVest Furthermore We have seen the Charter Henry 2. of Lord Henry the second sometimes King of England our Progenitor made in these words Henry King of England Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine and Earl of Anjou To all Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Ministers and to all his faithful Subjects French and English of all England greeting Know ye that I have granted to my Citizens Citizens not to plead without the walls except in foreign tenures Except Monyers Acquit of Murther Not wage Battel To discharge themselves of Pleas of the Crown of London that none of them plead without the walls of the City of London upon any Pleas except only of Pleas of foreign tenures my Monyers and Officers excepted Also I grant to them acquittal of Murther within the City and in Portsoken thereof And that none of them shall wage Battel And of the Pleas of the Crown they may discharge themselves according to the old usage of the City No man shall take Lodging by force or by delivery of the Marshal And also I have granted to them That All the Citizens of London shall be quit from Toll and Lestage throughout all England and the Ports of the Sea And that none shall be adjudged for Amerciaments None amerced but according to the Law of the City of mony but according to Law of the City which they had in the time of K. Henry my Grandfather And that there shall be no miskenning in any Plea within No Miskenning Hustings once a week Right to be done Citizens of their Lands this City And that the
sell corn wine powderable wares fish or other victual All Merchant strangers as English should sell and buy in all Cities and Towns wools cloth wares or other vendâ—ble things whatsoever wheresoever they weâ—â— either in Cities Towns Boroughs Porâ—â— of the Sea Fairs Markets or other places in the Realm whether within liberties or without might without Impediment freely sell the same victuals or wares to whom they would as well to foreigners aâ— English born The enemies to us and our Realm only excepted notwithstanding the Charters of liberties to any Cities or places aforesaid granted to the contrary or custom or judgment upon the said Charters as in the foresaid state is more plainly contained yet nevertheless because in the statutes as well in our said Parliament as in other Parliaments of our Progenitors sometimes Ks. of Engl. made by us and our progenitors Citizens enjoy their Customs according to Magna Charta with the common consent of the Prelates Earls Barons and Commonalty of our Realm it was granted and establisht That the great Charter of the liberty of Engl. iâ— in all singular its Articles should be maintained and firmly observed And in the same Charter amongst other things it is contained the City of London may have its antient liberties and free customs unhurt And it hath been the intent and meaning as well of us as our Progenitors yet is that the said great Charter in all the Articles thereof may be still observed and that by pretext of the said Stat. or any other nothing shall be done to the prejudice or infringment of the said Charter or of any Article therein contained or of the antient liberties or customs of the said City may be unjustly burthened touching their said liberties and free Customs contrary to such intent with the consent of the Prelates Earls and Barons assistant with us in this our Parliament Have granted for us and our heirs that the Citizens of the said City their heirs and successors may have all their liberties and free customs unhurt and whole as before these times they more freely had the same The aforesaid statute for the said Merchants made to the hurt of the liberties and Customs of the said City notwithstanding In Witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents Witness my self at Westminster the 26th day of March in the 11th year of our Reign Edw. 3. Char. 4. WE have also seen a certain other statute of the said Lord Edward the 3d. late King of England made in these words Edward by the Grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland To all to whom these our Letters shall come greeting Know ye that we being worthily careful of the conservation and increase of the name and honour of our City of London and at the supplication of the Mayor Sheriffs and Commonalty of the said City to us humbly made will and grant for us and our heirs that the Serjeants of Lond. may bear Maces of Gold or Silver Serjeants appointed to bear the Maces iâ— our said City may lawfully carry theâ— of Gold or Silver or Silvered or Garnished with the sign of our Arms or otheâ—â— every where in the said City and in the Suburb of the same and in the County of Middlesex and other places to the liberties of the said City appertaining And also without the said City to meet with us our Mother Consort or the Children of us or of our heirs or other Royal Persons when we or any of us shall come to the said City and also in going forth with us or any of us when we shall depart from the said City as also in the presence of us our Mother or Consort or our Children when the said Mayor or Sheriffs or Aldermen of the said City or any of them shall come to us or our heirs at or without the command or warning of us or any of us and as often as it shall happen any of the said Serjeants to be sent to foreign places and without the said City to do their Office at the command of us or oâ— the Mayor or Sheriffs aforesaid they may lawfully carry going and coming publickly as our own Serjeant at Arms attending our presence do carry their Maces Any Ordinance or Commandment made to the contrary notwithstanding In witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents witness my self at Westminster the 10th day of June in the 28th Year of our Reign of England and of France the 15th WE have also seen certain Letters Patents Edw. 3. Char. 5. of our Lord Edward late King of England the third in these words Edward King of England and France and Lord of Ireland to all to whom these Letters shall come greeting Know Ye That whereas amongst other Liberties granted to the Citizens of our City of London by the Charters of our progenitors sometimes Kings of England which we have confirmed and by ours it hath been granted unto them that all Merchants strangers coming Merchant strangers to board and not to keep houses into England shall remain at board with the free Hosts of the City aforesaid and of other Cities and Towns in England without keeping any houses or societies by themselves And that there should be no Brokers of any Merchandizes from henceforth unless they were chosen thereunto by the Merchants in the Mysteries Brokers to be chosen by the Merchants of the mystery in which the said Brokers exercise their Offices and thereupon at the least do take their Oaths before the Mayor of the said City And also that the Merchants who were not of the Freedom of the said City should not sell by retail any Wines or other wares within the said City or the Suburbs thereof And now our welbeloved Subjects the Mayor Aldermen and other Citizens of the said City have humbly beseeched us by their Petition exhibited in these words To our Lord the King and his good Council do shew the Liege Mayor Aldermen and Petition of the Mayor and Aldermen to the King Commonalty of the City of London that whereas they have often sued in divers Parliaments to have consideration how that they are impoverished and undone by reason their Liberties by him and his progenitors to them granted are restrained and great part taken away and now at the last Parliament holden at Westminster it was answered to them that they should declare their Griefs specially and they should have good remedy therefore of which Griefs amongst divers others these be That every Stranger might dwell in the said City and keep a house and be a Broker and sell and buy all manner of Merchandizes by retail and one Stranger to sell to another to sell again to the great inhancing the prices of Merchandizes and a cause to make them remain there more than forty daies Whereas in time past no Merchant stranger might use any of these points contrary to the Franchises
the same although express mention of the true yearly value or certainty of the premises or any of them or of any other gift or grants by us or our progenitors to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens or to their predecessors before this time by any means made be not in these presents made or any statute Act Ordinance or provision thereof made published or ordained to the contrary or any other thing whatsoever notwithstanding In witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents Witness my self at Westminster the 20th day of June in the 18th year of our Reign And whereas in and by certain Letters Henry 7. Patents of Lord Henry late King of England the 7th our progenitor made under the great seal of England bearing date the 23d day of July in the 20 year of his Reign amongst other things it is recited that of all time of which the memory of man is not to the contrary for the Common weal of the Realm and City aforesaid it hath been used and by Authority of Parliament approved and confirmed that no stranger from the liberty of the City may Merchanchandize foreign bought and sold forfeit to the City buy or sell from any stranger from the liberties of the same City any merchandize or wares within the liberties of the same City upon forfeiture of the same The said Mayor Commonalty and Citizens and their predecessors by all the time aforesaid have had and received and have been accustomed to receive perceive and have to the use of the same Mayor Commonalty and Citizens all and all manner of Merchandizes and wares bought and sold within the liberties of the same City as aforesaid and forfeitures of the same Merchandizes and wares until of late past time they were troubled or molested The same Lord Henry the 7th by his Letters Patents as aforesaid for pacifying and taking away from henceforth controversies and ambiguities in that behalf and to fortify and by express words to explain and declare the liberty and custom aforesaid to them the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their heirs and successors and willing the said liberties to be peaceably and quietly had possessed and enjoyed to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their successors with the forfeitures aforesaid against the said late Lord K. Henry his heirs and successors granted and by his said Charter confirmed to the same Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their successors that no stranger from the liberties of the same 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 And if any stranger to the liberty of the same City shall sell or buy any merchandizes or wares within the liberty of the same City of any other stranger to the liberty of the same City that the same Mayor Commonalty and Citizens and their successors may have hold and receive all and all manner of such like Merchandizes and wares so bought and to be bought sold or to be sold within the liberty of the said City between whatsoever strangers to the liberty of the same City as forfeited and all the forfeitures of the same and also penalties fines and redemptions whatsoever any waies forfeited lost or to be lost or to be forfeited or due thereon to the use and profit of the same Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their heirs and successors without hindrance of the same late King his heirs or successors and without any account or any other thing to be rendred or paid thereof to the said late King his heirs and successors any statute Act or ordinance of us or our progenitors made to the contrary notwithstanding although the same Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City or their predecessors have before that time used abused or not used those Customs and liberties saving alwaies that the great men Lords and Nobles and Strangers may buy things in the gross for their own use but not to sell again other English and strangers of what condition soever they shall be may freely whatsoever Merchandizes in gross for their families and proper uses within the liberties of the said City without any forfeiture loss or hindrance whatsoever so that they do not sell again the said Merchandizes to any other and further the same late King of his more ample grace by his said Letters Patents amongst other things did give and grant to the Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of the same City of London and their successors the Office of The Office of Gawger Gawger within the said City and the deposing Ordering Surveying and Correction of the same To have hold exercise and occupy the said Office and other premises with all fees profits and emoluments to the same Office in any manner belonging or appertaining to the same Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens by themselves or by their sufficient deputy or deputies from the 22d day of August in the first year of his Reign for ever without any account to be made thereof or any other thing rendring and paying â—o the said Lord Henry 7th his heirs of sucessors as by the said Letters Patents more plainly may appear WE have also seen the Letters Patents Henry 8. Char. 1. â—f Lord Henry the 8th late King of England our progenitor made in these words Henry by the grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland to all to whom these presents shall come greeting Whereas Edward the 3d. sometimes King of England our progenitor by his Letters Patents amongst other things hath granted to the Citizens of the City of London that all Inquisitions from hence to be taken by the Justices and other the Ministers of the men of the said City should be taken at great Saint Martins in London and not elsewhere except inquisitions to be taken in Circuits in the Tower of London and for the Goal-delivery of Newgate Know ye that we for some urgent causes reasonable as moving at the petition of the Mayor and Commonalty aforesaid and of the Citizens of the same City have of our special grace and from our certain knowledg and meer motion granted And by these presents do for us and our heirs as much as in us is grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and unto their successors and unto the same Citizens of the same City that all inquisitions by the Justices or other our Ministers or of our heirs to be from henceforth of the Inquisitions formerly taken in S. Martins to be in London men of our City aforesaid shall be taken at the Guild-Hall within the City aforesaid or at any other place within the same City where it shall from time to time be thought to our Justices for the time being before whom those Inquisitions ought hereafter to be taken most expedient and most convenient and not elsewhere except inquisitions to be taken at the
Citizens we will in no wise be wronged And to the end that from henceforth all Ambiguity in such case might be taken away And that the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their successors may not in time to come be impeached impleaded or grieved by us or our heirs or successors or any of our Justices or Ministers of or for the premises or any of them we will and grant to the now Mayor Commonalty and Citizens and to their successors that the weights and Beams for weighing of Merchandizes Weights Beams to be in the hands of persons chosen by the Commonalty between Merchant and Merchant whereof the profits growing and the knowledg of them to pertain to the Commonalty of the City aforesaid shall remain at the will of the Commonalty of the same City to be kept in the custody of good sufficient men of the same City expert in that Office and to be thereunto chosen by the Commonalty aforesaid and that to others then so to be chosen iâ— no wise they be committed And that they shall have Tronage that is to say Tronage the weighing of Wax Lead Pepper Allom Madder and all other such like wares within the said City for ever Willing also to do the said Mayor and Commonalty a more ample pleasure in this behalf we have of our favourable grace and from our certain knowledg and meer motion given and granted and by these presents do give and grant to the same Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London the aforesaid Office of keeper of the great Beam and common Great Beam commoâ— Ballance Ballance ordained for weighing between Merchant and Merchants and also the Office of the great Beam and weights within the said City for weighing of Merchandizes of Avoir du pois and also of all weights whatsoever within our said City and of all Spices Wares Merchandizes and things in our said City there to be weighed by whatsoever name the said Office is named or known And do by these presents make ordain and constitue the same Mayor Commonalty and Citizens and their successors keepers of the great Beam Ballance and Weights aforesaid and other Weights whatsoever The Mayor Commonalty and Citizens ordained Keepers of the Beams Weights and also the weighing of all Spices Wares Merchandizes and things in the City aforesaid there to be weighed and accustomed to be bought and sold by weight within our said City And also we do give and grant to the Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of our City aforesaid Authority and Power to make name and assign from time to time all and all manner of Clerks Porters Servants and Ministers of the Great Beam and Ballance and of the To assign Clerks of the several Beams Iron Beam and of the Beam of the Still-Yard and Weights aforesaid and also all other Clerks Servants and Ministers to the same Office pertaining and also to remove them or any of them and to make constitute and place other in his or their place as often as to them shall seem expedient To have occupy and exercise the Office aforesaid together with the Authority and Power aforesaid to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors by themselves their Deputy or Deputies for ever to their own proper use and behoof together with all and singular Commodities Houses Advantages Profits Wages Fees and Emoluments in our time or in the times of any of our Progenitors Kings of England due and accustomed pertaining or belonging to the same Office in as ample manner and form as the same Citizens and their Predecessors or any other person or persons having or occupying the same Office before this time had and received or enjoyed the same And also we give and grant by these presents to the said Mayor Commonalty and Citizens and to their Successors the Commodities Houses Advantages Profits Fees and Emoluments and all and singular the Premises for the exercise and occupation of the said Office to the proper use and behoof of the said Mayor Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors without Account or any other thing to us or our Heirs to be delivered made given or paid in this behalf for the Premises or any of them in these Letters Patens specified and contained Although express mention be not in these presents made of the true value or certainty of the Premises or of their Gifts or Grants by us to the said Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of the said City before this time made or any Statute Act Ordinance Provision or Restraint thereof made ordained or provided to the contrary or any other thing cause or matter whatsoever in any wise notwithstanding In witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents Witness my self at Wâ—stminster the 13th day of April in the 22th year of our Reign WE have seen also the Letters Patents Edw. 6. of Lord Edward late King â—f England the 6th our progenitor made in these words Edward the 6th by the grace of God King of England France and Ireland Desender of the Faith and and in Earth Supream Head of the Church of England and Ireland To all to whom these present Letters shall come greeting Know ye that for the summe of 647 l. 2 s. and 1 d. of Lawful The consideration of the Charter mony of England paid to the hands of the Treasurer of our Court of Augmentation and Revenues of our Crown to our use by our welbeloved the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London whereof we acknowledg us to be fully satisfied and paid and the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their successors to be thereof acquitted and discharged by these presents and for other causes and considerations us thereunto especially moving have of our special grace and from our certain knowledge and meer motion and also with the advice of our Council given and granted and by these presents do give and grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens Grant of several Messuages in Southwark To the Mayor c. of the City of London all that our messuage or tenement with the appurtenances now or late in the tenure of Simon Sebatson scituate and being next our Mansion late Charles late Duke of Suffolk in Southwark in the County of Surrey and all that our messuage or tenement with the appurtenances next the broad gate of the same our mansion in Southwark aforesaid And all that our close of ground called Moulters close containing by estimation fifteen acres lying in Newington in our said County of Surrey and all that our close of ground containing by estimation 2 Acres now or late in the tenure of John Parrow lying and being in Saint Georges dunghil in the Parish of Saint George in Southwark aforesaid and also all that one close of ground late in the tenure of John Billington lying in Lambeth-marsh in the parish of Lambeth in the said County of Surrey
To have the said office without accompt hold and enjoy the said Office and all and singular the premises with all and singular wages rewards fees profits and appurtenances whatsoever to the said Offices and every or any of them belonging or appertaining to the aforesaid Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors for ever by the Mayor of the aforesaid City for the time being during the time of his Mayoralty or his sufficient Deputies to be exercised and executed without any account or any other thing to be rendred or made thereof to us our Heirs No other Water Bailiff Conservator or measurer may meddle or Successors So as no other Bailiff or Conservator of the aforesaid water or measurer of Coals Grain Salt Apples Plumbs Roots to be eaten Onyons or other Merchandizes or Commodities or of any thing or things above-mentioned shall be or shall in any ways intermeddle in the premises or any of them And we willing to shew to our said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens more ample favour of our especial grace and from our certain knowledge and meer motion for Us our Grant of the said Offices notwithstanding any non-user or abuser of the same Heirs and Successors grant and by this our present Charter confirm unto the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors hitherto in some case happening have not used or peradventure have abused the offices aforesaid or any or some of the offices or the measurage aforesaid or any thing or things to any or some of them appertaining or belonging Notwithstanding they the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors from henceforth freely and peaceably shall use and enjoy the said offices so not without hinderance used or abused and every of them without the let or impediment of us our Heirs or Successors or of our Justices Escheators Sheriffs or other Bailiffs Officers or Ministers of us our Heirs or Successors any Statute or Ordinance made or Judgment rendered or any Charters of us our Progenitors or Predecessors in times past made or granted notwithstanding Although there be no express mention in these presents of the true yearly value or certainty of the premises or of any of them or of other gifts or grants by us or by any of our Progenitors or Predecessors to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London aforesaid before these times made or any Statute Act Ordinance Provision Proclamation or Restraint to the contrary thereof theretofore had made published ordained or provided or any other thing cause or matter whatsoever notwithstanding In witness whereof these our Letters we have caused to be made Patents Witness my self at Westminster the 20th day of August in the third year of our Reign of England France and Ireland and of Scotland the thirty ninth WEE have seen also certain other Letters King James Charter 2. Patents of our said most dear Father of blessed memory Lord James late King of England made in these words James 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 Whereas very many of our Progenitors sometimes Kings of England of their especial Grace and for free laudable multiplied and continued service done and expended in times past by the Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London and their Predecessors And also for divers other urgent causes and considerations them thereunto especially moving Have given granted and confirmed to the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London and their Successors divers liberties priviledges franchises Immunities authorities jurisdictions ordinances Customs and quittances as by the several Letters Patents of our Progenitors and Predecessors sometimes Kings of England more fully and manifestly is and appeareth WE also for and in consideration of the high fidelity constancy and ready and laudable service by the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of our said City of London to us in the beginning of our Reign and continually ever since maniiested faithfully done and expended We have ratified and allowed and for Us our Heirs and Successors as much as in us is do accept of and approve all and singular the Letters Patents Charters and Confirmations of our most famous Progenitors and Ancestors to the same Mayor and A Confirmation of all former Charters c. to the City Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London and their Predecessors by whatsoever name of incorporation before these times made granted or connrmed and all and singular gifts grants confirmations restitutions customs ordinances explanations and all other things whatsoever in whatsoever Letters Patents or Charters of our Predecessors Progenitors or Ancestors Kings of England and also all and singular things in the said Letters Patents Charters Grants Confirmations or any of them contained recited confirmed or explained and all and singular jurisdictions authorities priviledges quittances aâ—d free customes and hereditaments whatsoever which the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London or their Predecessors by the name of Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of The several names of the corporations of London the City of London or by the name of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London or by the name of the Mayor Citizens and Commonalty of the City of London or by the name of the Mayor and Commonalty of the City of London or by the name of the Citizens of the City of London or by the names of the Barons of London or by the names of the Barons of the City of London or by any other name whatsoever by reason or force of any Letters Patents Charters or Confirmations of any of our Progenitors Kings of England which in any time or times they had reasonably used or exercised and them all and singular to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London and their Successors do ratifie and confirm To have and hold enjoy and exercise all and singular the premisses to the same Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London and their Successors for ever so fully clearly and entirely and in as ample manner and form as if they were or had been severally particularly and by name in these presents expressed and declared And further we will and of our special grace for Us our Heirs and Successors do grant that the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors be restored to all and singular their Authorities Jurisdictions Liberties Franchises Priviledges Acquittances Immunities and free Customes and we do restore the same to them and their Successors by these presents as fully freely and intirely A grant and restitution of all liberties as fully as their Ancestors enjoyed them as they or their Predecessors in any time of our Progenitors or Predecessors Kings of England used or enjoyed or ought to have use and
the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London and their Successors may the better more safely and quietly have hold and enjoy some things in the said Letters Patents of the said late King Henry the 6th herein after expressed Nevertheless with some Provisoes Exceptions Restrictions and Explanations in these presents mentioned It is our good pleasure by Grant of divers things following these our present Letters to grant and confirm to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors the same particular things and others hereafter specified in such manner form as is afterwards metioned Know ye therefore that we for divers good causes and considerations especially moving us thereunto of our special grace and from our certain knowledg and meer motion have given and granted and by these presents for Us our Heirs and Successors do give and grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London and their Successors that the Mayor and Recorder of the said City who now are and for the time shall be as well those Aldermen who formerly have been Mayors of the City as those Aldermen who for the time to come shall sustain and bear the burthen and office of the Mayoralty of the said City although they shall cease from their Mayoralty or are dismissed from it so long as nevertheless they stand Aldermen and the three senior Aldermen of the said City for the time being who have stood longest in the Office of Aldermen and before that time have not yet born the burthen and the Office of Mayoralty of that City for ever Keepers and each of them a Keeper of the peace of Us our Heirs and Successors within the City of London aforesaid and the liberties of the same to be conserved and kept And we do constitute make and ordain by these presents for Us our Heirs and Successors the same Mayor Recorder and Aldermen aforesaid The Mayor Recorder and Aldermen to be Justices our Keepers and Iustices and each of them the Keeper and Iustice of us our Heirs and Successors within the City of London aforesaid and the liberties of the same To keep and cause to be kept all and singular the Statutes and Ordinances made or to be made for the good of the peace of Us our Heirs or Successors for the conservation of the same and for the quiet rule and government of the people of Us our Heirs and Successors in all their Articles as well within the said City as the liberty thereof according to the force form and effect of them And to correct and punish all those whom they shall find offending against the form and effect of the said Ordinances and Statutes and any of them in the City aforesaid and the liberties thereof as should be done according to the form of those Ordinances and Statutes And to cause all such who shall threaten all or any of the people of Us our Heirs or Successors concerning their bodies or burning their houses to find sufficient security for his peace and good behaviour towards Us our Heirs and Successors and if they shall refuse to find such security then to cause them to be safely kept in our goal of Newgate or in any other prison of Us or our Heirs and Successors in the said City of London untill they shall find security and to do and execute all To find Sureties for the Peace such things which the Justices and Keep-of the peace of Us our Heirs and Successors within any County of our Kingdom of England are inabled may or ought by vertue of any Statutes or Ordinances of this our kingdom of England or by vertue of any Commission of Us our Heirs or Successors to execute or do for the keeping of the peace in any the like Counties We will also and by these presents for Us our Heirs and Successors do grant to the said Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London and their Successors That the Mayor and Recorder of the said City for the time being and such like Aldermen as is aforesaid for the time being who have formerly born and exercised the Office or place of Mayoralty of that City and thereof such like as aforesaid senior Aldermen for the time being who have not yet born the place of Mayoralty aforesaid Or Four of the same Mayor Recorder and 4 Justices may hold a Sessions Aldermen whereof we will the said Mayor or Recorder for the time being to be one be the Justices of Us our Heirs and Successors for us our Heirs and Successors for ever To enquire as often and when it shall seem best expedient to them by the Oath of honest and lawful men as well of the City aforesaid as the liberty of the same by whom To enquire of several Offences the truth of the thing may better be known concerning all manner of Murthers Felonies Punishments Witchcarfts Inchantments Sorceries Art-magick Transgressions Forestallings Regrateings Ingrossings and Extortions whatsoever and of all and singular other Misdemeanors and Offences heretofore had or committed or which shall henceforth happen to be done or attempted concerning which the Justices of the peace of Us our Heirs and Successors may or ought lawfully inquire within the City aforesaid or the liberties thereof and as well of all others who have in Companies within the said City and liberties thereof gone or rode or shall from henceforth presume to go or ride armed against Us our Heirs and Successors and also of those who there have layn in wait or shall presume to lie in wait for the time to come to maim or kill the People of Us our Heirs and Successors and also of all Hostlers and other persons who shall offend or attempt in the said City and the liberty of the same in the abuse of measures or weights or in the selling of victuals against Weights Measures the form of the Ordinances and Statutes or any of them made or to be Victuals made for the common profit of our Kingdom of England and the same people of Us our Heirs and Successors and also of all Sheriffs Constables Goalors and other Officers who have behaved themselves unduly about the premises or any of them or shall presume hereafter to behave themselves unduly or shall have been remiss or negligent or shall so be within the City aforesaid and the liberties of the same and of all and singular articles and things whatsoever made and committed or which henceforth shall be made or attempted any way concerning the premises or any of them in the City aforesaid and the liberties of the same And to see into whatsoever Indictments which shall be taken before the Mayor or Recorder of the City aforesaid for the To receive and see into Indictments taken before them time being or such like as is aforesaid Aldermen or four or more of them whereof we will the said Mayor or Recorder for the time being to
be one And to make and continue process against all and singular so indicted or who after shall To make continue process chance to be indicted untill they be taken render themselves or outlawed And to hear and determine all and singular Murthers Felonies Poysonings Witchcrafts Inchantments Sorceries Magick-arts Transgressions False conspiracies and other Misdemeanors Fore stallings Regrateings Ingrossings Extortions Conventicles and Judgments aforesaid and all and singular the premises according to the Laws and Statutes of our Kingdom of England as used and ought to be done in such like Case And to chastise and punish the same offend ers for their faults by Fines Redemptions Amerciaments Forfeitures and otherwise as hath been used and ought to be according to the Law and Custom of our Kingdom To punish Offenders of England and the form of the Ordinances and Statutes of the same And to do exercise hear determine and execute all and singular things within the said City and liberties thereof which Justices of the peace by the Laws and Statutes of our Kingdom may and are inabled to do To execute the Laws as fully as any Justices in any other County may do inquire or execute and in as ample manner and form as any one or other Justices of the peace in any other Counties of this our Kingdom of England may and are inabled lawfully to do inquire punish or execute giving it strictly in command by these presents for Us our Heirs and Successors to our Sheriffs of our said City for the time being and their Successors Sheriffs of the said City and to whatsoever Citizens of the said City who now are and in time to come shall be that they be attending counselling answering and aiding to the said keepers of the peace the aforesaid Mayor and Recorder for the time Sheriffs to attend the Justices when desired being and such Aldermen as are aforesaid in all and singular things which do or may belong to the Office of the Keeper of the peace and such like Justices within the said City and liberties of the same according to the said form as often and when they shall be duly required by them or some or one of them in the behalf of Us our Heirs or Successors Know ye also that we for the consideration aforesaid have given and granted And by these presents for Us our Heirs and Successors A grant of forfeiture of Recognizauces do give and grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City and their Successors all Recognizances taken or to be taken acknowledged or to be acknowledged forfeited or to be forfeited for appearance at any Session or Sessions of the peace holden or to be holden before the Mayor Recorder and Aldermen of the said City as is aforesaid or any other Justices of Us our Heirs or Successors assigned or to be assigned for or concerning the peace in the City of London and the liberties thereof And also all and all manner of Recognizances taken or to be taken acknowledged or to be acknowledged forfeited or to be forfeited before the Justices of Us our Heirs and Successors for and concerning the peace in the same City and liberties of the same assigned or to be assigned or by one or any of them for and concerning the keeping and maintaining of Bastard-Children and the keeping harmless the Parishes of the said City touching such like children or of Inmates dividing of houses in or for several habitations or of suppressing of Alchouses Inmates dividing houses Ale-houses within the said City and liberties thereof And for the observation of such like orders which from time to time by the same Justices of peace or any of them have been made touching any of the late mentioned premises also all manner of Recognizances Recognizances for appearance at the Sessions of Gaol-delivery Fines and Issues of Jurors â—aken or to be taken acknowledged or to â—e acknowledged forfeited or to be forfeiâ—ed for appearance at any Sessio nor Sessions of Goal-delivery of and for prisoners in the â—ame for the time being held or to be held 〈◊〉 and for the said City the liberties there â—f And also Fines and Issues of Jurors and all other Issues Fines and Amerciaments forfeited and to be forfeited of and for all and singular the matters causes and occasions aforesaid and of and for whatsoever transgressions Riots Offences Misprisions Extortions Usurpations Contempts of Laws Violations and other Misdemeanors done or to be committed in the said City or the Liberties of the same before the Mayor Recorder and Aldermen of the said City for the time being or any of them or any of the Justices of Us our Heirs and Successors concerning the peace in the said City or before the Justices of Us our Heirs and Successors assigned or to be assigned to hear and determine Felonies Transgressions and Misdemeanors in the said City and Liberties thereof or before any Justices of Us our Heirs or Successors or any of them in the City aforesaid judged or to be adjudged forfeited or to be forfeited together with the Assessments and Levies of the same as often and when there shall be need Saving and always reserving to Us our Heirs and Successors Except Royal Issues all and all manner of Issues and Amerciaments commonly called Fines or Issues Royal hereafter from time to time to be imposed upon these the Mayor and Aldermen and Sheriffs of London and Middlesex and for the time or any of them respectively or by them to be forfeited and paid And further we by these Grant of forfeited Recognizances presents for Us our Heirs and Successors do give and grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors all all manner of Recognizances taken or to be taken acknoweged or to be acknowledged broken or to be broken not observed or not to be observed before the said Justices of the peace in the said City and the liberties of the same or any of them for the peace and security of the peace and good behaviour and also all manner of Recognizances taken or to be taken acknowledged or to be acknowledged before the Mayor of the said City for the time being in his Court or in the Conservancy of the River of Thames within the limits of the same River or in our said Letters Patents of our said Father as aforesaid is recited and mentioned for due Fishing and observing of good order in taking of Fish or otherwise for the preservation of small Fish in the said River of Thames as for the conservation of the same Water or Shores or Banks of the same River made or to be made broken Fines and Amerciaments imposed by the Mayor or to be broken and also all Fines and Amerciaments Pains and Penalties whatsoever assessed imposed or adjudged or to be assessed or adjudged by or before the Mayor of the said City for the time being in his Courts as
the Common-bench Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer or any other Justices of Us our Heirs or Successors which shall exact or require inquisition search or tryal the Mayor and Aldermen of the same City for the time may record testify and declare by word of mouth by the Recorder of the same City for the time being those customs that by such record testimony and declaration without taking any Jury thereupon or making any further process they may speedily proceed to the caption or determination of the plea deed cause or business We have given also and granted and by these presents for Us our Heirs and Successors do give and grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors Treasure found in the same City or the liberty of the same and also waived and strayed Goods and Chattels of all Felons and Fugitives for Felons Committed or that shall be committed by them in the said City or the liberties of the same judged or to be adjudged before Us our Heirs or Successors Treasure found c. granted to the Mayor or any of our Justices We have granted also and for Us our Heirs and Successors by these presents do grant that the Mayor of the said City and their Successors for the time being may name to the Chancellor of England for the time being two of the Aldermen of the same City of which one at the nomination of the said Mayor The Mayor to name two Aldermen for Justices in Middlesex and London Surrey shall be one of the keepers of the peace in the County of Middlesex and the other in the County of Surrey who shall be inserted with others into all Commissions henceforth to be made for the conservation of the peace in the Counties aforesaid and may henceforth do concern and execute those things which are to be done by the keepers of the peace in the Counties aforesaid according to the force and effect of the Commissions directed or to be directed to them and others And whereas Freemen of London the freedom of the City of London in times past was had in such price and estimation that many Merchants thought themselves happy to enjoy the same and to be reputed members of the same City And whereas divers persons being Sons of certain Freemen of the said City resident in our said City and others who were apprentices of Freemen of the said City resident in our said City in these late times have used and daily do use and exercise Merchandize negotiation and Commerce from the port of the same City to parts beyond the Seas and by reason thereof have and do gain and acquire great prfiots and advantages to themselves refusing or at least delaying to become freemen of the said City and to be admitted into the liberty of the same City although they be capable of the same and so they have priviledges and yet are loose and free from publick Offices Places Charges and Burthens of the said City for our service and honour and for the upholding of the state and profit of that City that the weakning of the Government of the said City and impoverishing the Freemen and disparaging of the liberty thereof We considering these things and intimately desiring as much as in us is to strengthen and enlarge the liberties of the said City our Royal Chamber and to conserve support and protect the rule and Government and good and happy state of that City We will appoint ordain and declare for Us our Heirs and Successors that all they who are or hereafter shall be Sons of Freemen to be made free of London Sons of Freemen of the City or who are or hereafter shall be apprentices or Servants of Freemen of our said City and now do or hereafter shall reside or inhabit in the same City or the liberties of the same or within ten miles distant from any part of the same and do or shall use Merchandize and who do or shall refuse or delay to become Freemen of the said City shall not be permitted at any time hence forth by themselves or by others directly or indirectly to transport any goods wares or Merchandizes by way of Merchandizing in any way from the Port of our City of London to parts foreign or beyond the Seas Willing and for Us our Heirs and Successors we do firmly command the Governors Assistants and Merchant adventurers of England the Governors and Assistants of the English Merchants traffiquing in the Baltick Sea the Society of English Merchants for discovery of new commerce the Governors and Society of Merchants of England trading into the Levant Seas the Governor and Society of Merchants of London trading to France and the Dominions of the same and to all other societies of Merchants trading or Merchandizing into foreign parts beyond the Seas by what name or names soever the said distinct Societies are known or reputed That they nor any of them admit licence or permit any such like person or persons to Merchandize or Traffick or have commerce as Merchants to foreign parts unless such persons first become Freemen of the said City and bring a testimonial from the Chamberlain or Under-Chamberlain of the said City for the time being that they are admitted into the liberty of the said City And further for us our heirs and successors we will and command that no Merchant being or who hereafter shall be a Freeman of the said City shall take henceforth Merchants free of London not to take Apprentices under seven years any Apprentice to serve him in such like Merchandize within the City aforesaid Liberties or Suburbs of the sâ—s of or within ten miles of the same City for less than seven years to be bound and inrolled according to the custom of the said City and not otherwise And whereas by a certain Act of Parliament made in the third year of the Reign of our most dear Father Lord James late King of England It is enacted that every Citizen and Freeman of the City of London and every other person or persons inhabiting or which shall Court of Conscience Requests inhabit in the said City or the Liberties of the same being a Tradesman Victualler or Labourer who then had or from thenceforth should have any debt or debts owing to him or them not amounting to forty shillings by any Citizen or any other person or persons being a Victualler Tradesman or Labourer who doth or shall inhabit within the said City or the Liberties of the same may cause such like Debtor or Debtors to be warned or summoned by Officers of the Court of Request the Beadle or Officer of the Court of Requests in the Guild-Hall London for the time being by writing to be left at the dwelling-house of such Debtor or Debtors or by any reasonable notice or warning to be given to the said Debtor or Debtors to appear before the Commissioners of the said Court of Requests holden in the