the Britains constituted in this Island which was so done Anno Domini 162. 1. Edward Son of Alphred King of the West-Saxons who divided England into Shires Anno Domini 888. held a Parliament or great Committee within this City 2. Athelstan his Son having driven out of this City the Britains and minding to make a full Conquest both of them and this their Countrey fiercely pursued them into Cornwall where he wholly subdued them And having obtained such a Victory returns again to the City which during his abode herein he re-edified and environed the same with a Stone-wall of a mile and half in compass Sir Thomas Smith de Rep. Angl. in a manner circular saving towards the West and beautified with Battlements It being formerly inclosed only with a Ditch and fortified with a few stakes Hovedenâ— whereof an Antiquary maketh mention in these words sc Hanc urbem primus Rex Athelstanus in potestatem Anglorum effugatis Britonibus redactam turribus munivit muro ex quadratis lapidibus cinxit ac Antiquitus vocatant Moncton nunc Exeter vocari voluit ac ibi sedens non tam lacerata ejusdem Civitatis Moenia reparabat quin mansum quoddam dedit ad fundandum Monasterium pro Monachis Deo Sancto Petro famulantibus 3. And I find in another Charter thus That those of this Monastery might sine ulla molestia animi Militare coram Dominu Rege and should be always Free ab omni Regali seculari gravedine tam Majori quam Minori exceptis perpetua oratione pontium constructione sola expeditione the meaning of which last word hath been expounded to be when the King goeth to War in person then those of this Monastery were personally to attend him 4. The Saxons called it Moncton from the multitude of Monasteries in this place Anno Domini 450. which so continued the space of many hundred years even until the Reign of the aforesaid King Athelstan who Anno Domini 932. first called it Exeter 5. This King Athelstan granted Stone fol. 85. and freely gave to this City two Mints for Coynage in token of their Integrity and great trust he reposed in them Anno Domini 930. 6. King Canute to expiate the oppression and cruelty of his Father Swayn made Restitution of their Lands and Privileges lately destroyed And likewise bestowed on the Cathedral Church of St. Peter within the said City the Mannor of Stoke whence his adjunct Canon came 7. King Edward the Confessor for the greater dignity of the place translated hither the Bishop's See from Crediton who with his Queen Edith installed Leofric Lord Chancellour of England and one of the King 's Privy Council to be the first Bishop of this Church Within the Quire adjoyning to the High Altar is a Monument fairly Arched and under the same Arch are three seats with side pillars of Brass erected in memory of the said King Edward Edith his Queen and Leofric the first Bishop of Exeter the middle of them being the Seat of the said Bishop sitting in his Pontisicalibus between the King and the Queen And that it may further appear what great favour and honour this Bishop received both from the King and the Queen at his Instalment which was on the seven and twentyeth day of May in the sixth year of the said King's Reign Annuque Domini 1049. I here recite the very words mentioned in the said King's Charter sc I King Edward taking Bishop Leofric by the right hand and Edith my Queen by the lefe do install him the first and most famous Bishop of Exeter with a great desire of abundance of blessings to all such as should further and encrease the same ☞ but with a fearful and execrable curse upon all such as should diminish or take any thing from it This King was the first that miraculously healed Disease commonly called Struma Stone fol. 96. or the King's-Evil which blessing God hath continued to all his Successors even to this very day Queen Edith remained his Wife for eighteen years space her Epitaph viz. Antiqua fuit orta domo pia vixit inivit Virgo pudica thorum sponsa pudica polum 8. William the Conquerour in the second year of his Reign Annoque Domini 1067. freely bestowed St. Stephen's Church within this City on this Cathedral and made the Bishop Patron thereof And in his general Survey we read thus of this City In Civitate Exonia habet Rex C C C. Domesdâ—â—â— domus XV. minas reddentes Consuetudinem Hac reddit XVIII libras per annum de his habet B. Vicecomes VI. Libras ad pensum arsuram Colliny XII libras ad numerum in Ministerin Edithae Regina In bac Civitate sunt vastaae XLVIII domus postquam Rex venit in Angliam Haec Civitas Tempore Regis Edvardi non geldabiliâ— nisi quando Londoniâ— Ebâ—racum Wintonia gelelabunt haec erat dimidia marca argenti ad oput militum Quando Expeditio that per terram aut per mare serviebat haec Civitas quantum quinque Hidae terrae 10. After King Stephen's Usurpation Maâ—â—d the Empress Anne Domini 1160. Enlarged their Liberties to whose memory for some hundreds of years they kept an Anniversary 11. King Henry the First granted them A Charter to be Free from all Customes in England both by Land and Water with many other large Priviledges and Immunities which have been since confirmed and enlarged by sundry successive Kings and Princes of this Realm namely King Henry the Second King Richard the First King John Richard King of the Romans King Henry the Third Edmond Earl of Cornwall King Edward the First King Edward the Second King Edward the Third King Richard the Second King Henry the Fourth King Henry the Fifth King Henry the Sixth King Edward the Fourth King Henry the Seventh King Henry the Eighth King Edward the Sixth Queen Elizabeth and King Charles the First 12. King Edward the First who with his Queen in this City kept their Christmas by his Letters Patent bearing date the tenth day of March in the third year of His Reign granted to this City a yearly Tribute or Collection to be made of all manner of Wares brought hither to be sold towards the paving of the streets repairing of the Walls and better support and maintenance of the said City which in old English is called Bagavel Bethugavel and Chippingavel 13. King Henry the Sixth in the Thirtyeth year of his Reign came hither and was well entertained lodging in the Bishop's Palace where during his abode his Justices of Oyer and Terminer kept Gaol-delivery before whom Two Men were arraigned for Treason found guilty and had sentence of Death but the Bishop Dean and Chapter being therewithal grieved went to the King and declared to him that the said Justices sate in Commission within their Sanctuary contrary to the privileges thereof and orders of Holy Church wherefore the King to appease them
purchased so much Lands as every of them had yearly four pounds some say three pounds and twelve shillings de claro pro pane sale which afterwards in Bishop Gauden's time was increased to twenty pounds 2 piece scil 12. Caroli Secundi Annoque Domini 1660. The King Confirmed the Charter and Liberties of the City Regna Regum 21. Henry the 3. An. D. 1237. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Roff Jeffry Strange Thomas Pitcher The King marrieth the Lady Elianor Daughter to the Earl of Provence Regna Regum 22. Henry the 3. An. D. 1238. Mayors and Bayliffs Martyn Roff Walter Chanon Philip Palmer All Bishops in England had Palaces in London for their conveniency wherein they resided and kept great hospitality during their attendance in Parliament there A Subsidy of the thirtieth part of every man's goods within this City granted to the King Regna Regum 23. Henry the 3. An. D. 1239. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Gervis John Bushett John Okeston Here happened a continual drowth for three moneths space and then a continual rain for the like time after which followed a great dearth and mortality Regna Regum 24. Henry the 3. An. D. 1240. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Roff Thomas Pitcher Walter Molton The Cell of St. Alexis which was the house afterwards termed St. Buryans being a place of and for two Monks was now removed and united to St John's Hospital within the Eastgate of the said City Regna Regum 25. Henry the 3. An. D. 1241. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Roff Thomas Pitcher Walter Molton Regna Regum 26. Henry the 3. An. D. 1242. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Roff Philip Dyer Thomas le Pointou Regna Regum 27. Henry the 3. An. D. 1243. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Roff Philip Dyer Walter Molton Regna Regum 28. Henry the 3. An. D. 1244. Mayors and Bayliffs Adam Rifford Philip Dyer Walter Okeston A permutation made between the Mayor and Citizens hereof Founders of the Hospital of St. John's within the Eastgate of the said City and the Bishop of this Church Founder of the Lazar-house of St. Mary Magdalen without the Southgate of the said City the cause of which exchange was this the Lazar people did upon every Market day come into the Market with a Clap-dish and went from one person to another to beg Corn and all other Victuals there brought to be sold which liberty they claimed by the grant of Bishop Bartholomew Iscanus who by his Deed dated 13. Februar 1163. granted to the said sick people a Toll of all Corn and Bread sold in the several Markets and Fairs of this City also that they should collect the Citizens Alms on certain days of the week The poor people having received these the Bishops blessings came into the said Markets accordingly with their Clap-dishes demanding the said Toll but the people having not been acquainted with any such Custom and withal not brooking such ugly faces nor the intruding of such sick folk amongst them some gave them rough speeches others shunned their company and the rest forbad them of the said Marker insomuch that the Alms-people found there little relief wherewith the Bishop was much grieved which to allay this permutation was made that the Bishop and his Successors should from thenceforth be Patrons of St. John's Hospital and the Mayor and Citizens should be Patrons of St. Mary Magdalen's Hospital aforesaid which was observed accordingly Bishop Brewer having well governed this Church nineteen years and upwards 24. Julii died and lies buried in the middle of the Quire of his own Church under a very fair Marble-stone thus inscribed Hic jacet Willielmus Brewer quondam hujus Ecclesiae Cathedralis Episcopus Fundator etiam quatuor principalium ejusdem Ecclesiae dignitatum Regna Regum 29. Henry the 3. An. D. 1245. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Roff Robert Molton Robert Spew Richard Blondy was 28. Martii Consecrated Bishop of this Diocess by Boneface Archbishop of Canterbury at Reading Regna Regum 30 Henry the 3. An. D. 1246. Mayors and Bayliffs Adam Rifford John Okeston Philip Dyer Regna Regum 31. Henry the 3. An. D. 1247. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Roff Baldwin Child Walter Okeston The Earl of Cornwal for avoiding to intermeddle with the differences between the King and his Barons leaving the Court and to be out of the way retireth himself into this City Regna Regum 32. Henry the 3. An. D. 1248. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Hastment Walter Good Hilary White A long controversie depending in Suit of Law between the Mayor and Citizens hereof Plaintiffs and the Dean and Chapter Defendants touching the Fee and Liberties of St. Sydwelis without the Eastgate of the said City was now ended by composition made at Lanceston before Richard Earl of Cornwal Richard Bishop of Exeter Roger Tinkelby Gilbert Preston and John Cobham the King's Justices of Assizes as followeth 1. The Tenants of the Dean and Chapter dwelling within the City and Suburbs of the same and who do occupy any Art Trade or Mystery shall at all Taxes and Tallages be taxed and assessed with the Citizens so that the said Taxation be just and indifferent 2. Also that the Bayliff of the said Dean and Chapter shall levy gather and receive the said Tax and pay it over unto the Mayor of the said City or to his Officers but if the said Bayliff be remiss and negligent then the Officers of the Mayor shall and may levy and collect the same 3. Also that an indifferent man shall be chosen by each Party to be the Common Bayliff for them both who on his Oath shall yearly gather and from time to time collect of all the said Dean and Chapter 's Tenants the Customs of Bagavell Bathugaâ—ell and and Chippingavell 4. Also that all Plaints entred against any of the Dean and Chapter 's Tenants within the said City shall be tried and determined before the Mayor and Bayliffs 5. Also that all Plaints entred against any of the Dean and Chapter 's Tenants dwelling within the Fee of St. Sydwells shall be determined before the Bayliff thereof Also if any of the Tenants of the said Dean and Chapter being Bakers or Brewers are to be punished for breach of the Assize in the Pillory or Tumbrel the same on the request to the Mayor to be done within the City 7. Also all Pleas of the Crown to be determined before the Mayor Lastly All Traytors Murderers and Felons that shall be found within the said Fee to be apprehended by the Bayliff and by him to be brought and delivered over to the Mayor Regna Regum 33. Henry the 3. An. D. 1249. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Roff Philip Dyer Walter Okeston At this time flourished one Richard Fishacre a Native of this City and an excellent Scholar who professed Divinity and wrote sundry Books thereof he lived the greatest part of his time died and was buried in the Vniversity of Oxford Regna Regum 34. Henry the 3. An. D. 1250. Mayors and Bayliffs Adam
Rifford John Okeston Robert Taylor Walter Gervis a worthy Citizen hereof Founded Exbridge and Collected say some 3000 l. towards the building it wherewith he purchased much Land and bequeathed also his own for the maintenance of the same a Ferry being here formerly kept On which Bridge a Church was built wherein this Gervis was now interred dedicated to St. Edmond King of the East Angles who being overcome at Hoxon by Pagans under the Command of Swayn King of Denmark having subdued his Army in the Field and taken him prisoner first grievously scourged him and then tied him to a Tree and so shot him with Arrows to death for being a Christian and refusing to deny the Faith of Christ for which he was Canonized a Saint and Martyr Which persecution was thus acted 9. Etheldredi Regis Annoque Domini 872. Regna Regum 35. Henry the 3. An. D. 1251. Mayors and Bayliffs Adam Rifford John Okeston Philip Dyer Regna Regum 36. Henry the 3. An. D. 1252. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Roff Philip Dyer Thomas Pintin An Excommunication pronounced in the Cathedral Church against the Breakers of the Liberties thereof Regna Regum 37. Henry the 3. An. D. 1253. Mayors and Bayliffs Adam Rifford John Okeston John Windsor Regna Regum 38. Henry the 3. An. D. 1254. Mayors and Bayliffs John Okeston Baldwyn Child Rowland Overwilt Regna Regum 39. Henry the 3. An. D. 1255. Mayors and Bayliffs Hilary Blondy Walter Chaw Martin Roff junior Regna Regum 40. Henry the 3. An. D. 1256. Mayors and Bayliffs Philip Dyer Thomas Hughton Richard Ernold Richard Earl of Cornwal being elected King of the Romans was very honourably conducted out of England to Colen where he was Crowned by the Archbishop thereof Regna Regum 41. Henry the 3. An. D. 1257. Mayors and Bayliffs Hilary Blondy Eustice Fitzherbert Richard Poyters Richard Blondy having well governed this Church about twelve years space 24. Martii died and leaving but a small Memorial behind him lies buried in his own Church Walter Bronscomb a Native of this City and Arch-Deacon of Surry was the next elected Bishop of this Church and 10. Aprilis consecrated at Canterbury by Boneface Arch-Bishop thereof Upon Palm-Sunday Walter Lodswell Chancellor to the late Bishop Blondy Richard Sutton his Register John Fitzherbert his Official and William Ermscore the Keeper of his Seal did all of them open penance in St. Peter's Church for false contriving and disposing of sundry Spiritual livings of the said Church under the Bishop's Seal without his privacy or consent even whiles he lay sick on his Death-bed being past all hopes of recovery Regna Regum 42. Henry the 3. An. D. 1258. Mayors and Bayliffs Hillary Blondy Roger Fitzhenry Walter Chaw John Caporn The number of the Officers joyned with the Mayor in Government increased to Three and their names altered being no more called Port-Reevs but Seneschalli or Stewards In the Norman Tongue they were called Provosts and the Court by them kept called the Provosts Court Regna Regum 43. Henry the 3. An. D. 1259. Mayors and Bayliffs Philip Dyer Walter Chaw Geffery Straung Martin Dirling Regna Regum 44. Henry the 3. An. D. 1260. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Okeston Martin Dirling Nicholas Ilchester Thomas Langdon A Controversie now arose which continues a long season between the Mayor and Citizens and the Prior of St. Nicholas touching certain Liberties which at length was referred to the determination of Twelve indifferent Citizens to be returned and sworn for that end Regna Regum 45. Henry the 3. An. D. 1261. Mayors and Bayliffs Hilary White Richard Valtian John Pudding Philip Palmer Regna Regum 46. Henry the 3. An. D. 1262. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Okeston William Jeffery Roger Fitzhugh Walter Minson Regna Regum 47. Henry the 3. An. D. 1263. Mayors and Bayliffs Nicholas Ilchester John Okeston Richard Tantifer John Feniton Martin Dirling An Order made for the electing of Four Seneschals or Stewards whereof one of them to be Receiver general for that year of all the Cities Rents and Revenues and likewise Four Serjeants at Mace named Subballivi to be alwayes in readiness to serve the Mayor and Courts Regna Regum 48. Henry the 3. An. D. 1264. Mayors and Bayliffs Philip Dyer John Okeston Walter Okeston John Windsor Jervis Pintham Regna Regum 49. Henry the 3. An. D. 1265. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Okeston John Okeston Martin Dirling Thomas Gatepath Richard Tantifer Regna Regum 50. Henry the 3. An. D. 1266. Mayors and Bayliffs William Dirling John Feinton Philip Blebuch Richard Tantifer John Pudding This Bishop Bronscomb Founded a Colledge in Perin in Cornwal called Glaseney and endowed the same with fair Possessions and Revenues Also he gave the Bartons of Rokesdon and St. Mary Clist to St. John's Hospital in this City he likewise built a very sumptuous House calling it Bishop's Clist about three miles hence and left the same to his Successors And also instituted in his Church an Annual Festival on St. Gabriel's day and lest people should complain of the dearness of their Devotion he left good Land to defray the cost of that Solemnity Regna Regum 51. Henry the 3. An. D. 1267. Mayors and Bayliffs Nicholas Ilchester Walter Chaw Philip Palmer Thomas Langdon Richard Newton Hugh Langdon Nicholas Ilchester died in the time of his Mayoralty scil 21. Februarii and Walter Chaw was chosen in his place to supply for the residue of the year that Office A composition made between the Abbot and Covent of Sherburn and the Mayor and Commonalty of this City concerning the Passage and Ferry at Exmouth and 't was ordered that the said Abbot should disclaim his title and interest to the same reserving a free passage to from and by the said Ferry unto the said Abbot and Covent and their Families without payment of any thing with a Proviso That if the City's Passenger be not ready nor their Passage Boat in place to set them over that then at their own liberty they may take any other Boat for that season Regna Regum 52. Henry the 3. An. D. 1628. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Okeston Richard Tantifer Hugh Falcon William Pening John Cook An Inhabitant of this City for so the story goes and 't will hardly perswade credit being a very poor man and having many Children thought himself blest too much in that kind wherefore to avoid the charge which was likely to grow upon him that way absents himself seven years together from his Wife and then returning again and accompanying her as formerly she was within the space of a year thereafter delivered of Seven Male Children at one Birth which made the poor man think himself utterly undone and hereby dispairing put them all in a Basket with a full intent to have drowned them but Divine Providence following him occasioned a Lady then within the said City and thought to have been the Countess of Devon coming at this instant of time in his way to demand of him what
Rugemom grew suddenly sad affirming through a Prophecy that his days should not be long thereafter even when he had seen Richmond which howsoever vain proved a prediction true and that not of this Castle as he misinterpreted but rather of Henry Earl of Richmond afterwards King Henry the Seventh who the year ensuing gave him Battle at Bosworth in Leicester-shire and slew him in the open Field such resemblance was there between the names of Richmond and Rugemont Regna Regum 2. Rich. 3. An. D. 1484. Mayors and Bayliffs Matthew Jubb John Weston John Hooker John Whitlock John Starr The fore-part of the Guild-hall and the Council Chamber were new builded The King sent to the Mayor to be supplyed with certain Soldiers for his present service whereupon twenty Men well arrayed were delivered to Sir Ralph Hastings to be conducted to the place appointed and to remain there for twenty days space at the Cities charge and the said Sir Ralph during his abode here was honourable entertained and one Biston the King's Messenger was well rewarded for his journey hither touching the aforesaid expedition Regna Regum 3. Rich. 3. An. D. 1485. Mayors and Bayliffs Robert Russell Henry Hanniford Philip Atwill Mathew Allington Nicholas Hamlyn Bishop Courteney finished the North Tower of his Church and freely bestowed the Clook Bell therein bearing his Christian name Peter Under which Tower in an Isle there purposely erected lies interred one William Sylke sometime Subchaunter of this Church and reported to be the Donor of the Luminaries or Candle-lights yearly burnt in the Quire of the said Church between the Feasts of Alhallontide and Candlemas an effigies of whose Skeleton is there largely pourtrayed in white Alabaster under a fair Arch thus inscribed Sum quod eris fueramque quod es pro me precor ora William Sylke Seven Fairs are here kept viz. Ashwednesday Shere-Thursday Whit-Monday St. Mary Magdalen Lammas St. Nicholas and St. Thomas Regna Regum 1. Henry the 7. An. D. 1486. Mayors and Bayliffs Thomas Calwoodley Thomas Bond George Chapman Walter Champnys John Bonefant The King not forgetting the fidelity of Peter Courteney Bishop of this Church gave him the Bishoprick of Winchester on whose Translation hence Richard Fox the King 's faithful Counsellor 27. January 1488. was consecrated Bishop of this Diocess by Thomas Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and also made Lord Privy Seal and one of the King 's Privy Council and afterwards was so to King Henry the Eighth This noble Prelates Memory shall be eternally blessed for being the cause of the most happy marrying of the Lady Margaret this King's Daughter unto James the Fourth King of Scotland by whose glorious issue Great Brittany now enjoyeth the heighth of splendour and felicity Regna Regum 2. Henry the 7. An. D. 1487. Mayors and Bayliffs Robert Newton Jobn Hooker Henry Faux Richard Turner WIlliam Baker The Barbers of this City were Incorporated under the common Seal hereof Ale-tasters appointed to see that wholesome Beer should be made and sold Consuctudo est Civitatis Exoniensis quod quilibet Inhabitans infra eandem Civitatem ac non existens liber ejusdem Mercimonia vel aliquam artem frequentans debet annuatim reddere redditum donec sit liber Rot. 49. Regna Regum 3. Henry the 7. An. D. 1488. Mayors and Bayliffs Richard Clerk George Chapman John Rudgway John Ector William Eastcott Bishop Fox and Sir Richard Edgecomb were sent hence as Embassadours to James King of Scotland for continuing a peace between the Two Kingdoms Sir Robert Willoughby Lord Brook was sent over to Britain to the aid of the Duke thereof with Eight Thousand Men and for his better accommodation in the service The King sent his Letter to the Mayor of this City who forthwith supplyed him with Two Hundred Soldiers well arrayed Edward Courteney Earl of Devon was made a Free and Franchized man of this City as Son and Heir to Sir Hugh Courteney a Freeman hereof This Edward was of a second House unto Thomas Courteney Earl of Devon who taking part with King Henry the Sixth was slain at Teuksbury-field who dying without Issue male the Earldom descended to this Edward Son to Sir Hugh de Courtney the Son of Sir Hugh de Courteney second Son to Edward Earl of Devon and Ancestor to this Thomas slain at Teuksbury-field aforesaid Regna Regum 4. Henry the 7. An. D. 1489. Mayors and Bayliffs Stephen Rudgway Matthew Allington Robert Bonesant Walter York Simon Davy Order was taken by the Mayor and Common Gouncil of this City by an especial command from the King and his Privy Council that every Inhabitant here should be furnished with sufficient Arms for himself and Family and accordingly was every man assessed to his number in order to his ability This year were delivered to the Mayor the day when he was sworn into the said office a certain Roll called the Black Roll and a Book therein which contained the ancient Orders Priviledges and Customs for the good Government of the said City with other things relating to the state and dignity thereof In which Book the like was contained touching the City of London and order taken that the same should yearly be delivered over from Mayor to Mayor This Roll in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth was by one Griffith Ameridith delivered unto Sir William Cecil Knight Secretary of State to that King and never returned Regna Regum 5. Henry the 7. An. D. 1490. Mayors and Bayliffs John Hooker John Calwcodley Richard Vndy Wymond Austin John Welsh The Weavers and Fullers incorporated under the common Seal of this City Regna Regum 6. Henry the 7. An. D. 1491. Mayors and Bayliffs Robert Chubb Nicholas Hamlyn Robert Bonefant William Nordon John Goscott Roger Holland and Thomas Dennis Esquires were admitted and sworn Freemen of this City but because they did not inhabit within the same 't was ordered that they should not give their voices for the Election of any Mayor or other Officer hereof Bishop Fox and George Lord Dawbney were sent hence in an Embassage to Charles the French King for conclusion of a Peace between the Two Kingdoms which was effectually obtained This Bishop Fox was Godfather to the King 's second Son named Henry who was afterwards King of England by the name of Henry the Eighth Regna Regum 7. Henry the 7. An. D. 1492. Mayors and Bayliffs John Atwill Walter Champnis John Winter Ralph Pudesly Richard Cliff Edward Courteney Earl of Devon made a Freeman of this City Regna Regum 8. Henry the 7. An. D. 1493. Mayors and Bayliffs John Colshill Richard Vndy John Danester Richard Nordon John Merefield The best Wheat in the Market was sold for six pence the Bushel The Cappers Haberdashers and Felt-makers incorporated under the common Seal of this City Regna Regum 9. Henry the 7. An. D. 1494. Mayors and Bayliffs William Obleigh John Slugg Thomas Andrew John Hull Thomans Olliver Bishop Fox having well governed this Church six
years space was removed hence and consecrated Bishop of Bath and from thence translated to Winchester he was a great favourer and furtherer of Learning for the better increase whereof he founded and built Corpus Christi Colledge in the Vniversity of Oxford and also a fair Free Grammar School at Grantham in Lincoln-shire and another at Taunton in Somerset-shire in his latter days he waxed blind and dying in Winchester was there honourably buried in his own Church Oliver King one of the King's Chaplains in Ordinary Dean of Windsor and Register of the Noble Order of the Garter there was consecrated Bishop of this Church 20. Februarii by John Morton Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Regna Regum 10. Henry the 7. An. D. 1495. Mayors and Bayliffs John Calwoodley John Bonefant Philip Bullock John Wilkin Nichâ—las Aburn 'T is Inrolled that the Custom of this City is that every Artificer dwelling here and not Free shall pay every Wednesday and Friday ob for all such Wares as they shall set to sale until such time as they shall be Free of the said City Rot. 19. Also that the liberties of the said City for Cognisance of pleas to be held before the Mayor hereof was allowed in certain Actions had before Thomas Bryan and his fellows Justices of the Common Bench at Westminster in Easter Term. Anno 11. Rot. Ed. 4. c. Regna Regum 11. Henry the 7. An. D. 1496. Mayors and Bayliffs John Atwill Walter York William Frost Thomas Langworthy William Binks A great division happened amongst the Citizens about the Election of the Mayor and for avoiding the like for the future 't was ordered by the Mayor and Common Council hereof that no Man should be Mayor or bear any Office here nor any Election held good unless the same were done according to the Ancient Orders and Customs of the said City and withall that the Mayor and Four and twenty of the said Common Council should elect the Mayor and all other Oficers of the said City Regna Regum 12. Henry the 7. An. D. 1497. Mayors and Bayliffs William Frost John Danester Richard Hewett John Buckenam William Wilkinson Perkin Warbeck that Imaginary and counterfeit Prince besieged this City till Edward Courteney Earl of Devon who in the service as wounded together with the Lord William his Son raised the same and repulsed the Rebels Ordered that the present and all future Mayors shall have their Scarlet Gowns and Cloaks lined with Sarcenet and every Receiver General to have a Gown of Crimson in grain and every one of the Four and twenty to have his Gown of Violet or murry colour in grain There want two Rolls of the Records of the Courts of this year wherein are set down the manner and order of the Election of the Mayor and Officers of this City whereof the King being advertized and desirous to have the Government hereof quiet and peaceable summoned the Mayor and Common Council before him and being informed the manner of their Election and the many troubles incident thereunto directed this method and delivered the same ingrossed in Parchment under his Privy Seal a Copy whereof is hereafter inserted which hath been ever since duly observed And to begin this order the King named one William Frost formerly one of his Servants and one of the Bailiffs of the said City the year next Precedent to be Mayor whom to encourage to persevere in his duty the King took off his Sword from his side and gave it unto the Mayor with a Cap of maintenance to be worn and carried in state before him and his Successors for ever as 't is used in the City of London Henry by the Grace of God King of England and of France and Lord of Ireland To all and every of our Subjects to whom shall appertain these our Letters hearing or seeing greeting Whereas in divers times past great inconveniencies strifes and debates have been had and made within this our City of Exeter for the Election of a Mayor four Bailiffs four and twenty of the Common Council and four Serjeants at the Mace of the same as by the grievous complaints of the Citizens and Inhabitants of our said City unto us thereupon made more plainly it hath been declared And for a peaceable Election of and upon the premises hereafter to be used and had within our said City We of our especial Grace tender Love and Zeal which we have and bear to our said City and for the redress restfulness and Common-weal of the same by the assent and consent of the Common Council of our said City and other sad and discreet Citizens of the same Have ordered provided and established that from henceforth there shall be Four and twenty of the most sufficient and discreet Citizens and Inhabitants of our said City of the Common Council for term of their lives and none of them to be removed except it be for poverty disease great Age or other cause reasonable which causes shall be adjudged and determined by the said Four and twenty or by the more part of them and after decease of any of the Four and twenty or the removing of them as is before rehearsed that then the residue of the said Four and twenty shall elect and choose unto them another Citizen most sufficient and Inhabitant of our said City to fulfill the whole number of the said Four and twenty according as the custom is of the four and twenty Aldermen within our City of London the names of the said four and twenty of the Common Council now named before us in a Schedule hereunto annexed Also we Will that the Monday next before the Feast of St. Michael th' Archangel yearly hereafter the Mayor of the said City of Eâ—eter for the time being with his Brethren and Commons of our said City that then shall be Franchized Men shall assemble themselves in the Guild-hall of our said City and then and there the Four and twenty or the more part of them upon their Oaths by privy scrutiny and by the Report of the Recorder and Town-clerk for the time being upon their Oaths shall Elect and choose Two of the most able Citizens of the said four and twenty for a Mayor of our said City for the year then next ensuing which hath been approved before in the Office of a Mayor or else of a Receiver The Mayor then for the time being always excepted to be elected one of the Two persons so before named to be elected as is before rehearsed Also we Will that the said Four and twenty at the same time shall Elect and choose Four Bailiffs whereof one shall be Receiver and that as well of the Four and twenty as of other the most able Citizens and Inhabitants within our said City so that they be Franchised Men and of good name and Fame Also we Will that the same day the said Four and twenty shall Elect and choose Three Serjeants Franchised Men of our said City who best can
and a little plat of ground for a Garden all enclosed with a Wall and twelve pence a piece weekly for their maintenance with a Gown and a hundred Faggots yearly for ever And a decent Chappel within the said House and a Chaplain to read Prayers daily therein unto them Regna Regum 24. Henry the 8. An. D. 1532. Mayors and Bayliffs William Peryam Thomas Hoig John Tuck field Roger Blackall William Takle A Pale erected in St. Peter's Close between St. Martin's Church and the Sub-Dean's House which was by the Chamber ordered to be taken down and accordingly done by giving notice thereof to the Dean and Chapter of this Church it being a nusance or encroachment Regna Regum 25. Henry the 8. An. D. 1533. Mayors and Bayliffs Richard Martin John Thomas Humphry Andrew Richard Rateliff William Burges The eldest Son of every Member of the Common Council hereof may claim and have his Freedom in the life-time of his Father A pension of four pounds per Annum by Patent granted to Thomas Cromwell Esquire one of the King 's Privy Council during his Life under the Common Seal of the said City Another pension of five Marks per Annum by Patent likewise granted under the said Seal to Sir William Courteney Knight for his Life Regna Regum 26. Henry the 8. An. D. 1534. Mayors and Bayliffs John Britnall Thomas Hunt Richard Colwell John Rixley John Shelder Thomas Carew Son to Baron Carew that was slain with the shot of a Gun at Turwyn as he sate in Council a proper young Gentleman seeking preferment by the Wars fell in favour with my Lord of Surrey Lord High Admiral under this King and served at Floden-field where a Scottish Knight challenging to fight with any English-man prayed the Lord Admirall that he might answer him which granted he soon met his Antagonist in the Field and with great applause vanquished him Afterwards attending the Lord Admiral riding to discover the Country espyed a band of Scots at some distance approaching towards them who fearing a surprize hasined to a Bridge but by the way Mr. Carew intreated the Lord Admirall to exchange Apparel with him whereby if need required he might the better provide for himself which done and he richly Armed with my Lord Admirall's Armour turned his Horse ath'wart the Bridge so that none could well pass by which means the Lord Admirall escaped the Enemy and he the while stoutly defended himself but in fine was taken prisoner and so carried to Dunbar Castle in Scotland where he was well entertained by the Lady of the said Castle who had a Brother Prisoner in England in hope of an exchange which was soon effected on his return home the Lord Admiral made him his Vice-Admiral and shewed him all respect possible This Gentleman being a Native hereof and descended of so worthy a Family I held it necessary to render him in this place thus much of his deserved right Regna Regum 27. Henry the 8. An. D. 1535. Mayors and Bayliffs William Hurst Thomas Spurway Bennet Clubb John Lane Nicholas Walrond The Court Rolls of this year are all wanting Here died a multitude of people through the infection of the Plague Every Freeman that takes an Apprentice ought to Inroll his Indenture with the Town-Clark on pain of five shillings Regna Regum 28. Henry the 8. An. D. 1536. Mayors and Bayliffs John Blackaller John Buller William Burgoyn Peter Stretch John Allen Towards the end of this Man's Mayoralty the King by his Letters Patent under the Great Seal of England dated 3. Augusti 29. Regni constituted this City a County of it self dividing it from the County of Devon and thereby granted them all Liberties and Priveleges belonging to the same A voluntary Benevolence and Contribution made by the Inhabitants of the County of Devon towards the building of Cowley-Bridge Regna Regum 29. Henry the 8. An. D. 1537. Mayors and Bayliffs Thomas Hunt William Buckenam William Smith John Peter William Berryman William Jourden was indicted found guilty and condemned for high Treason before Sir Richard Pollard Knight a Commissioner for that purpose appointed under the Great Seal of England who sate in trial of the said offence in the house of John Croston Register in St. Mary Arches-lane within this City There fell abundance of Rain which made the Waters so high and violent as that one of the peers of Exbridge fell down In the Evening of the day precedent one John Cove who had been at Doncaster under the command of the Marquess of Exeter was returned home to his house beyond the said Bridge and the same night being in his Bed one end of his house next to the water side fell down his Servants in the Chamber over him in bed a sleep fell into the River and were drowned but he and his Wife lying in a low Room were carryed into the River bed and all he commanded his Wife not to stir and he using sometimes his hands and then his Feet instead of Oars kept himself on the West side of the River out of the violent stream there glyding and through God's great mercy got an Hillock where the Waters were shallow and so both recovered the Shore in safety Regna Regum 30. Henry the 8. An. D. 1538. Mayors and Bayliffs Henry Hamlyn Robert Tooker Nicholas Reev John Paramore John Manustephin This Mayor was the first devisor that the weekly Markets for Wool Yarn and Kersies were here Erected for the compassing whereof he waded through difficulties not only with his dissenting Brethren at first but also with the Inhabitants of the Town of Crediton who for a while did much impugn the same Henry Marquess of Exeter and the Lady Gerthrud his Marchioness were both Arraigned found guilty and condemned of High Treason and 12. Decembris was he Executed for the same but the Lady was reprieved John Bonefant one of the Attorneys of this City 10. Augusti then next following was hanged drawn and quartered in Southen-hay for the like offence Regna Regum 31. Henry the 8. An. D. 1539. Mayors and Bayliffs Gilbert Kirk Thomas Prestwood Griffith Amerideth Moris Levermore William Lott About the end of November one of the middle Arches of Exbridge fell down and was again speedily Erected by the Bridge-Warden towards which reparation he bought great stones at the Priory of St. Nicholas Founded by William the Conquerour and lately deceased whereby a Prophecy long before reported was fulfilled sc That the River of Exe should run under St. Nicholas Church An Act of Porliament procured for the raising of a new work or Haven for the better conveyance of Goods in Boats and Barges to and from this City Regna Regum 32. Henry the 8. An. D. 1540. Mayors and Bayliffs Thomas Spurway John Midwinter Richard Sweet Robert Cotton John Thomas Consuctudo Civitatis Exoniensâ—s est quod omnia terrae Tenementa insra eandem suburbia ejusdem sunt divisibilia legabilia John Potell dis-franchised for
3. An. D. 1219. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Turbert John Mintin Stephen Lake This Bishop Symon continued divers good Ordinances instituted by his Primitive Predecessour in this Church Bishop Leofricus amongst others that all his Canons should take their Dyet at one Table for which end a Steward to provide them necessary Victuals was appointed Regna Regum 4. Henry the 3. An. D. 1320. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Turbert Walter Bellamy Robert Field Regna Regum 5. Henry the 3. An. D. 1221. Mayors and Bayliffs Roger Fitz-Henry William Grang William Facy Regna Regum 6. Henry the 3. An. D. 1222. Mayors and Bayliffs Roger Fitz-Henry Henry Fitz-Henry William Hailment The Parish Churches within this City and Suburbs thereof were this year first limited and brought up to the number of nineteen and are in the several Donations of 1. St. Johns in the King 2. St Edmonds in the Mayor Bayliffs and Commonalty of this City 3. St. Stephens 4. St. Mary Arches in the Lord Bishop of the Diocess 5. St. Mary the Moor. 6. St. Petrocks 7. St. Martins 8. St. Pancras 9. St. Keryans 10. St Lawrence 11. St. Georges 12. St. Olaves 13. St. Paul's 14. The Holy Trinity 15. Alhallows on the Walis 16. Alhallows in Goldsmith-street in the Dean and Chapter of this Church 17. St. Mary Stepps in Mr. Southcott 18. St. Sidwell 19. St. Davids are Daughter Churchas to Hevitree Regna Regum 7. Henry the 3. An. D. 1223. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Gervis Walter Tuleston Roger Monk This year did Stephen Langton Arch-Bishop of Canterbury a Native of this City divide the whole Bible into Chapters Regna Regum 8. Henry the 3. An. D. 1224. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Turbert Hillary Blond Mâ—r. in Roff Simon d' Apulia having been eighteen years Bishop of this Dyocess on the sixteenth day of November this year deceased of whom there remaineth no great Memorial of his Acts he was here placed by the Pope in whose Causes he was very diligent he was immediate Successour to Henry Marshall who reduced into Commons again the Vicar's Choral of this Church at Common Hall Successor to John Successor to Bartholomew Iscanus Successor to Robert Warewest Successor to Robert Chichester Successor to William Warewest Founder and Canon of Plympton Successor to Osbertus Successor to Leofricus the first Bishop of Exeter and the last of Crediton before whom were twelve Bishops of this Diocess successively containing in it self the Counties of Devon and Cornwal namely 1. Werstanus 2. Putta 3. Eadulphus 4. Thelgarus 5. Algarus 6. Alfwold 7. Alwolfus 8. Sydemannus 9. Alphredus 10. Alwolfus 11. Alnoldus 12. Levingus Regna Regum 9. Henry the 3. An. D. 1225. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Turbert William Hastment John Turbert William Brewer was this year 30. Decembris Consecrated Bishop of this Church by Stephen Langton Archbishop of Canterbury Richard the King's Brother is created Earl of Cornwal The Pope demandeth a Pension out of this Cathedral Church but 't was denied Regna Regum 10. Henry the 3. An. D. 1126. Mayors and Bayliffs Roger Fitz. Henry Martin Roff William Hastment An Army of forty thousand men appointed to be raised in England and to be transported beyond Sea to fight the Infidels in the Holy Land over whom this Bishop and the Bishop of Winchester were constituted the two general Captains who conducted their charge accordingly and at the City Acon met with the Emperour Frederick Regna Regum 11. Henry the 3. An. D. 1227. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Turbert Martin Roff John Turbert The King gave this City to his Brother Richard Earl of Cornwal to hold to him and his Heirs for ever Great Storms Tempests and Fires whereof ensued great harms Regna Regum 12. Henry the 3. An. D. 1228. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Turbert Hilary Blond William Hastment Regna Regum 13. Henry the 3. An. D. 1229. Mayors and Bayliffs Roger Fitz-Henry John Turbert Walter Gervis The Earl of Cornwal joyneth with the Barons against the King his Brother but is soon reconciled Regna Regum 14. Henry the 3. An. D. 1230. Mayors and Bayliffs Roger Fitz-Henry Hilary Blond Walter Gervis The King resumeth sundry Castles and Forts within this Realm into his own hands amongst which the Castle of Exeter which was then the Inheritance of Robert Courteney Sheriff of Devon by lineal descent he being the Son and Heir of Hawise the Daughter and Heir of Mawd the Daughter and Heir of Alice the Daughter and Heir of Adely the Sister and Heir of Richard de Briono the Son and Heir of Baldwyn of Baldwyn de Briono and of Albreda his Wife Niece of William the Conqueror who gave the said Office unto the said Baldwyn and Albreda and to their Heirs for ever and thus the Courtneys who had enjoyed the same in their own name by three descents were now disseised thereof Regna Regum 15. Henry the 3. An. D. 1231. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Gervis Martin Roff Eustice Fuzherbert Regna Regum 16. Henry the 3. An. D. 1232. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Turbert Walter le Caws Jermin Roff Regna Regum 17. Henry the 3. An. D. 1233. Mayors and Bayliffs Hillary Blondy Martin Roff Walter le Caws The two Bishops of Exeter and Winchester who conducted the Forty thousand English men hence for the recovery of the Holy Land from the Infidels returned home and with very great joy were received Regna Regum 18. Henry the 3. An. D. 1234. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Roff Walter Grang Philip Dyer A great Plague of Pestilence here happened which continued three years together Regna Regum 19. Henry the 3. An. D. 1235. Mayors and Bayliffs Roger Fitzhenry Adam Rifford Walter Grang The Lady Isabella Sister to the King was sent over the Seas to be married to Frederick the Emperour who had sent hither his Ambassadors the Archbishop of Colen and the Duke of Lorain but she was committed to the care and custody of the Bishop of Exeter who conducted her to the Emperour at Worms where they were married and the Bishop very honourably entertained whose work being herein worthily performed took his leave and with great Presents was dismissed and accompanied in his way homewards by the said Archbishop and many other Persons of Honour and on his return having rendred to his Master the King a good accompt of his trust and imployment was well rewarded for his pains and made one of the King 's Privy Council Regna Regum 20. Henry the 3. An. D. 1236. Mayors and Bayliffs Walter Turbert John Caporn Jordan Leyden This Bishop being returned home to his own house and minding as his Predecessors had done to leave some good memorial behind him did erect and constitute a Dean and four and twenty Prebendaries within his Cathedral Church and upon the third Sunday in Advent installed Serlo the Archdeacon of Exeter the first Dean thereof unto whom and his Successors for their maintenance of hospitality he incorporated Brampton and Coliton Rawley and for his Prebendaries he
Wetton Richard Soller Walter Sweinthill William Brewer Thomas Furbor Two Writs of nisi prius were brought down and tried at the Castle of Exeter before John Stoner and Richard Stapledon Knights the King's Justices of Assizes for this Western Circuit In one of them Hugh Courteney the third Earl of Devon was Plaintiff and the Mayor and Commonalty of this City were Defendants touching the Mannor of Exiland and Suburbs there which the said Earl claimed to be ancient demesn and parcel of his Barony of Oakhampton and so exempted from the said City and no part of the Suburbs of the same The other Writ of nisi prius was between the said Earl and the Prior of St. Nicholas within the said City Plaintiffs and the said Mayor and Commonalty Defendants touching the Customs Priviledges and Liberties of a Fair commonly culled Lammas Fair In both which Tryals Verdicts were found and given for the said Mayor and Commonalty Regna Regum 17. Edw. the 2. An. D. 1323. Mayors and Bayliffs Robert Wotton John Lekenn Walter Hughton John Davy Roger Tayler Queen Isabella being attended on by Walter Stapledon Bishop of this See and sundry other Noble men sayled into France to the French King her Brother taking with her the young Prince her Son with an intent to make a Peace between the two Realms Regna Regum 18. Edw. the 2. An. D. 1324. Mayors and Bayliffs Philip Lovecock Martin Lekenn Henry Lovecock Thomas Furbor John Erchdeacon Bishop Stapledon secretly departeth from the Queen without taking any leave and returns into England discovereth all the secrets and actings of the Queen joyneth with the Spencers and makes preparation to prevent the Queens attempts The Custom of Woodhay is that a Logg out of every Seam of Wood which is brought over Exbridge is to be taken for and towards the reparation of the said Bridge Regna Regum 19. Edw. the 2. An. D. 1325. Mayors and Bayliffs Philip Lovecock Nicholas Wallys Richard Soller Martin Lekenn Thomas Oxton Memorandum That out of the great Roll of this year there are cut out and conveyed away the first nine Rolls Regna Regum 20. Edw. the 2. An. D. 1326. Mayors and Bayliffs Philip Lovecock John Birch Thomas Furbor Martin Lekenn Thomas Spicer The King hearing that the Queen is landed in England with an Army setteth his things in order and flyeth towards Bristol leaving Walter Bishop of this Church to be Custos of London whom the Londoners took and beheaded in Cheapside and buried his body in a Sandhill in his own house without Temple-Bar which about six Moneths after was taken up and brought hither to this City where in his own Church very honourably was the same interred in the North side of the Quire having governed the same about twenty years The King is deposed and Edward his Son of the age of fourteen years was proclaimed King and Crowned Regna Regum 1. Edw. the 3. An. D. 1327. Mayors and Bayliffs Richard Soller Thomas Gervis William Kirton Richard Pleigh William Austin James Berkley was elected Bishop of this Diocess and 26. Martii consecrated thereunto and 24. Julii then next following died and was buried in his own Church as some say but others think that he never came hither at all Ballivi Civitatis Exoniensis peticrunt cis allocari habuerunt Curiam suam de uno praelito terrae coram Ada de Stauton sociis suis Justiciariis Domini Regis de Banco Regna Regum 2. Edw. the 3. An. D. 1328. Mayors and Bayliffs Philip Lovecock Thomas Furbor Martin Lekenn Henry Haughton Peter Beynim John Grandison being elected Bishop of this See was accordingly 8. Octobris consecrated thereupon and was also made one of the King 's Privy Council sent often beyond Sea as an Embassador wherein he did always so discreetly demean himself as that thereby he got great reputation and honour Regna Regum 3. Edw. the 3. An. D. 1329. Mayors and Bayliffs Philip Lovecock Thomas Gervis Henry Lovecock John Lekenn Richard Pleigh A Synod held at London before Simon Arch-Bishop of Canterbury who ordered that a diligent inquiry should be made after the death of Bishop Stapledon whose Murderers and all others who were privy or any way consenting to his death were sentenced to die and executed accordingly This King by his Charter granted to this City cognizance of Pleas i. e. that no Freeman hereof should implead another Freeman of the same City out of the Liberties of the said City on pain of losing his Freedom Regna Regum 4. Edw. the 3. An. D. 1330. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Lekenn John Trediners Henry Haughton Henry Gatepath Walter Gervis The Guildhall of this City was new built The Porter of the Westgate put out of his Office and punished for opening of the said gate in the night season without the leave of the Major Regna Regum 5. Edw. the 3. An. D. 1331. Mayors and Bayliffs Philip Lovecock Henry Hughton John Lekenn Robert Pleigh Robert Kirton Symon Mapham Arch-Bishop of Canterbury sent out his Process in order to the Visitation of this Diocess and to begin the same in St. Peter's Church for which purpose upon the Monday next after Ascension day he came hither from whom Bishop Grandison appealed and with force withstood the said Arch-Bishop not suffering him to come within this Church or Cloisters A Writ directed to the Dean and Chapter for the tryal of certain Lands lying within the Fee of St. Sydwell but in regard they had not power there to hold Plea of Land the said Writ was afterwasd renewed and returned before the Mayor and Bayliffs of this City and before them the matter was heard and determined in the King's Court held at the Guildhall here Regna Regum 6. Edw. the 3. An. D. 1332. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Lekenn Thomas Furbor Lawrence Colwell Reynold Noldekin John Sutton Whosoever builds upon his own Land within this City by the ancient Custom thereof may not destroy or in any sort obstruct the accustomed light of the Tenements next adjoyning Regna Regum 7. Edw. the 3. An. D. 1333. Mayors and Bayliffs Thomas Gervis Reynold Noldekin William Brewer John Lakenn John Sutton An Inquisition was had and by a Jury John Mathew a Servant to the Townclark hereof was found guilty for conveying away the Rolls of the Records of eight Courts and had placed others in their stead Regna Regum 8. Edw. the 3. An. D. 1334. Mayors and Bayliffs Martin Lekenn Thomas Lichfield John Sutton Henry Lovecock Alexander Wallis Robert Turner Charta Martini Lekenn Majoris Civitatis Exoniensis in Constituendo legatum locum Majoris tenentem in haec verba scil Noverint universi per praesentes quod egâ— Martinus Lekenn Major Civitatis Exoniensis infirmitate corporis gravi positus adeo ut Curiis Domini Regis dictae Civitatis commodo interesse non valeo dilectum mihi in Christo Thomam Lichfield dictae Civiâ—atis concivem in loco meo posui per praesentes pono ad