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
Hustings shall be kept once a week and they justly have their lands and tenures and premises and all their debts whosoever do owe them that right be done them according to the Custom of of the City of all their lands and tenures which be in the City and of all their debts which were lent at London and of premises there made Pleas to be holden in London Also I do grant to them that they may have Hunting their Huntings wheresoever they had the same in the time of K. Henry my Grandfather And if any in all England shall take any Citizens Toll-free Custom or Toll of or from the men of London after he shall fail of right the Sheriff of London may take goods thereof at London Furthermore also for the advancement of Citizens free of Bridtoll Childwit Jeresgive and Scotal Confirmation of all Customs the said City I have granted to them that they shall be free and quit of Bridtol Child wite and Jeresgive Scotale so as the Sheriff of London or any other Bayliff may take no Scotale These aforesaid Customs I do grant unto them and all their Liberties and free Customs which they had in the time of K. Hen. my Grandfather whensoever they had To hold of the K. and his heirs them more better and free wherefore I will and stedfastly command that they and their Heirs may have and hold all these things aforesaid by inheritance of me and my heirs witness the Archbishop of Canterbury Rob. Bishop of Lond. Ph. Bishop of Bath Edward Bishop of Lexon Th. Chancellour Rich. of Newberry R. of Warron Rich. of St. Wal Wash Mamot Rich. of Lucy Conar Son of Garold Mannell Bissett Loc Baillolio at Westm WE have also seen the Charter of Lord Rich. 1. Ch. 1. Rich. the first sometimes K. of England D. of Normandy and Earl of Anjou to his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Ministers and all others his faithful French and English people greet KNOW Citizens not to plead without the walls except foreign Tenures ye that we have granted to our Citizens of London that none of them may plead without the walls of the City of London for any Pleas saving Pleas of foreign tenures except Monyers our Monyers and Ministers Also we have granted to them Acquittal of Murther Acquit of Murther within the City and in Portsoken and that none of them may wage Battel and that they may discharge themselves of the Pleas belonging to the Crown according to the Antient Custom of the City and that none may take any Lodgings within the None take Lodgings by force walls of the City by force or by delivery of the Marshal This also we have granted unto them that all the Citizens of London be free from Toll and Lestage throughout all England and the Sea-ports that none be adjudged of Amerciaments Amerced according to the Law of the City of money but according to the Law of the City which they had in the time of K. Henry Grandfather to Henry our Father and that there be no miskenning in any Plea No Miskenning Hustings once a week within the City and that the Hustings be kept only once a week and they justly have all their Lands and Tenures and Premises and all other their debts whosoever do owe Right to be done the City them to them And that right be done to them according to the Custom of the City of all their Lands and Tenures which they have within the City and of all their debts which shall be lent at London and of promises there made the Pleas shall be holden at London and if any in all England shall take Toll or Custom of the men of London after that he shall fail of right the Sheriff of London may take goods therefore at London Also we have granted unto them that they may have their Huntings wheresoever they had the same in the time of King Henry Grandfather to Henry our Father Furthermore Also for the Advancement of the City we have granted to them that they all be acquit of all Brid-Toll Childwite and Jeresgive and Scotale so that no Sheriff of London or any other Bailiff shall make any Scotale The said Customes we do grant to them and all other liberties and free Customes which they had in the time of King Henry Grandfather unto Henry our Father when as they more better and freely had the same Wherefore we will and stedfastly command that they and their heirs have and hold all their things aforesaid of us and our heires Witness Hub. Archbishop of Cant. R. Bishop of Lincoln Ralph Earl of Chester R. Earl of Clarence William Marshal Roger Bigott Jeophery Son of Peter Hugh Bardolph William Brewer William Warren Given by the hand of William Bishop of Ely our Chancellor at Winchester 23 Apr. 5th Year of our Reign WE have also seen a certain other Charter Rich. 1. Ch. 2. of the said Lord Rich. By the Grace of God K. of Engl. Duke of Normandy and Earl of Anjou To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Stewards Castle-keepers Justices Constables Bailiffs Ministers and all his Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye all that we for the health of our soul and for the souls health of K. Henry our Father and all our Ancestors souls and also for the common weal of our City of London and of all our Realm Have granted and stedfastly commanded that all wares that are in the Thames be moved wheresoever they shall be within the Thames And that no wares be put any way within the Thames Also we have clearly quit claimed all that which the To remove all Wares in the Thames Keepers of our Tower of London was wont yearly to receive of the said wares Wherfore we will and stedfastly command that no Keeper of the said Tower at any time hereafter shall exact any thing of any one neither molest or burthen or any demand make of any person by reason of the said wares for it is manifest to us and by our Right Reverend Father Hubert Archbishop of Canter and other our Faithful Subjects it is sufficiently given us to understand that great detriment and discommodity hath grown to our said City of London and also to the whole Realm by occasion of the said wares which thing to the intent it may continue for ever firm and stable we do fortifie by the Inscription of this present page and the putting to our Seal These being witnesses John of Worcester Hugh of Coventry Bishops John Earl of Morton Ralph Barl of Chester Robert Earl of Leicester VVill. Earl of Arundel VVill. of St. Maries Church Peter Son of Hereb Matthew his Brother Simon of Ryma Scherio de quincero Given by the hand of Mr. Eustace Dean of Salisbury Vicechancellor then Agent at the Isle of Audlyer the fourteenth day of July in the eighth year of our Reign WE have also seen the
Charter of Lord John Ch. 1. Jo. Sometimes King of England our progenitor in these words John by the Grace of God K. of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain and Earl of Anjou To all Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Ministers and all his Majesties Faithful Subjects French and English greeting Know Ye that No Citizen to plead without the walls we have granted to our Citizens of London that none of them shall plead without the walls of the City of London of no pleas saving the pleas of foreign tenures our Monyers and Ministers excepted also we have granted to them Acquittal of murther within the City and in Portsoken and none Not to wage Battel of them shall wage Battel and of the pleas belonging to the Crown they may discharge themselves according to the Antient custom of the City And that within the walls of the City nor Portsoken no man shall take any Lodging by force or delivery of the Marshal And also we have granted to them that all the Citizens of London shall be quit from Toll or Lestage and every Quit of Toll other Custom throughout all our Lands on this side and beyond the Seas And that none shall be adjudged for Amerciaments Citizens to be amerced by the City Law of money but according to the Law of the City which they had in the time of K. Henry Grandfather to Henry our Father And that there shall be no miskenning in any No Miskenning Hustings once a week Plea in the City And that the Hustings shall be kept once every week and they justly have their Lands and Tenures and Premises and all other their debts whosoever owe them And that right be holden to them of their Lands and Tenures City to have their lands and debts which be within the City according to the Custom of the said City and of all their debts which shall be lent at London And that Pleas of all promises there made be holden at London And if any in any of our Lands on this side or beyond the Seas shall take any Toll or any other Custom from the men of London after that he shall fail of right may take goods therefore at Londoâ— And we do grant unto them that they may have their Huntings wheresoever they had the same in the time of King Henry Grandfather to our Father Furthermore for the advancement of the said City we have granted unto them that they shall be free and quit of all Brid-Toll and Childwite and of Jeresgive and Scotale so as the Sheriff of London nor any other Bailiff may make any Scotale These aforesaid Customes we do grant and all other liberties and Grant of the Customs they had in the Reign of Henry 1. free Customes which they had in the time of K. Henry Grandfather of Henry our Father when as more freely and better they had the same wherefore we will and stedfastly command that they and their heirs may have and hold all these things aforesaid Hold of the King and his Heirs hereditarily and wholly of us our heirs Witness Hubert Archbishop of Canter our Chancellour VVill. of London E. of Ely G. of Glocester G. of VVinchester Bishops Godfrey Son of Peter Earl of Essex VVill. Marshal Earl of Pembrook Homel Earl of VVarren R. Earl of Clarence Earl Roger Lord Bigot VVill. Earl of Arundel VVill. D. Braos Roger Son of Roger Hugh Borg VVill. Bridg VVarren VVill. D. VVarren Stephen D. Truncham Simon de Paffiishil given by the hands of Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury our Chancellor at Torham the 17. day of June in the first year of our Reign WE have seen other Charters of the aforesaid Jo. Ch. 2. Lord John our progenitor made in these words John by the grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain and Earl of Anjou to his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers and to all his Bailiffs and loving Subjects Know Ye that we have granted and by this our present writing confirmed to our Citizens of London the Sheriffwick of London and Confirmation of the Sheriffwick of Lond. and Middlesex for 300 l. per annum Middlesex with all the Customs and things to the sheriffwick belonging within the City and without by land and by water to have and to hold to them and their heirs of us and our heirs paying therefore 300 l. of blank sterling money at two termes in the year that is to say at the Easter Exchequer Paid at Easter and Michaelmas 150l and at Michaelmas Exchequer 150 l. saving to the Citizens of London all their liberties and free Customs And further we Power to make Sheriffs and to remove them have granted to the Citizens of London that they amongst themselves may make Sheriffs whom they will and may amove them when they will and those whom they make Sheriffs they shall present to our Sheriffs to be presentable and accomptable to the Exchequer Sheriffs non solvent the City to make it good Saving Liberties Justices of our Exchequer of these things which to the said Sheriffwick appertain whereof they ought to answer us and unless they shall sufficiently answer satisfy the Citizens may answer and satisfy us the Amerciaments and Farm saving to the said Citizens their liberties as is aforesaid and saving to the said Sheriffs the same liberties which other Citizens have so that they which shall be appointed Sheriffs for the time being shall commit any offence whereby they ought to incur any Amerciament of money they shall not be condemned for any more than to the Amerciament of 20l. and that without the damage of other Citizens if the Sheriffs be not sufficient fo the payment of their Amerciaments but if Sheriffs offending to be tryed by the Citizens they do any offence where they ought to incur the loss of their lives or members they shall be adjudged as they ought to be according to the Law of the Ciâ—â— and of these things which to the said Sheriffs belong the Sheriffs shall answer before our Sheriffs to answer in the Exchequer Inducement of this confirmation Justices at our Exchequer saving to the said Sheriffs the liberties which other Citizens of London have Also this grant and confirmation we have made to the Citizens of London for the amendment of the said City and because it was in antient 300 l. per annum the Antient form times farmed for 300 l. Wherefore we will and stedfastly command that the Citizens of London and their heirs may have and hold Sheriffwick of Lond. and Middlesex at 300 l. per annum the Sheriffwick of London and Middlesex with all the said Sheriffwick belonging of us and our heirs to possess enjoy hereditarily freely and quietly honourably and wholly by fee-farm of 300 l. And we forbid that none presume to do any damage impediment or diminishment to the
Citizens None to harm them of what to the Sheriffwick belong What shall be given away appertaining to the Sheriffwick to be allowed on accompt in the Excheq of London of these things which to the said Sheriffwick do or were accustomed to appertain Also we will and command that if we or our heirs or any of our Justices shall give or grant to any person any of those things which to the form of the Sheriffwick appertain the same shall be accounted to the Citizens of London in the acquittal of the said Farm at our Exchequer Witness Edw. of Ely S. of Bath Bishops Will. Marshal Earl of Pembrook Ralph Earl of Chester Will. Earl of Arundel Robert Son of Walter Will. Son of Albin Given by the hands of H. Archbishop of Canter our Chancellour at the good Town upon Toke the 5th day of July in the first year of our Reign WE have seen one other Charter of the Joh. Ch. 3. aforesaid Lord John our progenitor made in these words John by the Grace of God K. of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain and Earl of Anjou To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Stewards Castle-keepers Constables Bayliffs Ministers and all his Faithful Subjects greeting Know Ye all that we for our Souls health and for the Souls health of Hen. our Father and all our predecessors and also for the Common-weal of our City of London and of all our Realm have granted and stedfastly commanded that all the wares which are in the Thames or in Medway be amoved wheresoever they shall be within the Thames and Remove Wares in Thames and Medway Medway and that no wares from henceforth be put any where in the Thames or Medway upon forfeiture of ten pounds sterling also we have clearly quitclaimed all that which the Keepers of the Tower of London were wont yearly to receive of the said wares Wherefore we will and stedfastly Keeper of the Tower not to exact any thing for wares command that no keeper of the said Tower at any time hereafter exact any thing from any body nor trouble or molest any person by reason of the said wares for it is sufficiently manifest to us and by the Right Reverend Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury and by other our Faithful Subjects it is sufficiently given us to understand that very great detriment and discommodity hath grown to our said City of London and also to our Realm by occasion of these wares which to the intent it may continue both firm and stable for ever we do fortifie the same by inscription of this present page and putting to our seal these being Witnesses VVilliam of Lona Ed. of Ely G. of VVinchester Bishops Jeffery Son of Peter Earl of Essex VVilliam Marshal Earl of Pembroke H. Earl of VVarren Earl Roger Pigott R. Earl of Clare Earl de Braos Robert Son of Roger Hugh Bord VVilliam Brewer Stephen Turnham VVilliam VVarren Simon of Pattishel given by the hands of Hubert Archbishop of Cant. our Chancellour at Shoreham the 17 day of June in the first year of our Reign WE have also seen a certain other Charter John Ch. 4. of the aforesaid Lord John made in these words John by the Grace of God K. of England Duke of Normandy Aquitain and Earl of Anjou To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers and to all his Keeper of Tower not to exact any thing for wares Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we have granted and by this our present writing confirm to our Barons of our City of London that they may choose to themselves every year a Mayor who to us may be faithful discreet and fit for Government of the City so as when he shall be chosen to be presented unto us or our Justice if we shall not be present and he Mayor to be presented to the K. or his Justice At the end of the year to amove the Mayor and chuse another or the same Confirmation of all the Liberties Saving the Chamberlainship to the King shall swear to be faithful to us and that it shall be lawful to them at the end of the year to amove him and substitute another if they will or the same to retain so as he be presented unto us or our justice if we shall not be present We have granted to the same our Barons and by this our present Charter confirmed that they well and in peace freely quietly and wholly have all their liberties which hitherto they they have used as well in the City of London as without and as well by water as by land and in all other places saving to us our Chamberlainship wherefore we will and streightly command that our aforesaid Barons of our aforesaid City of London may chuse unto themselves a Mayor of themselves in manner and form aforesaid and that they may have all the aforesaid liberties well and in peace whole and fully with all things to the same liberties appertaining as is aforesaid VVitness the Lords P. of VVinton VVilliam of VVorcester VVilliam of Ceventry Bishops VVilliam Brigword Peter Son of Herbert Godfrey d'Lucy and John Son of Hugh Given by the hands of Mr. Richard Harrister our Chancellor at the new Temple London the 19th day of May in the 16. year of our Reign Furthermore We have seen a certain other Job Char. 5. Charter of the abovesaid Lord John made in these words John by the Grace of God K. of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Aquitain Earl of Anjou To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs and to all his Bailiffs and Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we at the request of our Mayor and Citizens of London have granted and by this our present writing confirmed that the Guild of Weavers shall not from henceforth be in the City of London neither shall be at all maintained but because we have accustomed yearly to receive 18 marks in mony every year of the said Guild our said Citizens shall pay unto us and our heirs twenty marks in money for a gift at the feast of St. Michael at our Exchequer VVitness Hubert Archbishop of Cant. Earl of Ely VVilliam of Albemarlo Bishop Hugh of Gornar Robert of Harcourt Thomas Basset P. of Stoke R of Remars Given by the hands of Hub Archbishop of Cant. at the Gormer the twentieth day of March in the 3d year of our Reign WE have also seen a Charter of the Henry 3. Ch. 1. Lord Henry the Third sometimes King of England our progenitor made in these Terms Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Aquitain Earl of Anjou to his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers and to all his faithful subjects greeting KNOW ye that we have granted and by these presents do grant and confirm unto the Confirmation of the Sheriffwick of Lond. and Middlesex Citizens of London the
Sheriffwick of London and Middlesex with all the Customs and things to the same Sheriffwick belonging within the City and without by Land and by water to have and to hold to them and to their heirs of Paying yearly 300 l. us and our heirs paying therefore yearly to us and our heirs three hundred pound of blank money sterling at two times of the year that is to say at the Easter Exchequer 150 l. and at Michaelmas Exchequer 150 l. saving to the Citizens of London all their Liberties and free Customs And further we have granted Liberty to chuse and remove the Sheriffs of Lond. and Middlesex to the Citizens of London that they among themselves may make Sheriff whom they will and may amove them when they will And those whom they make Sheriffs they shall present to our To present them at the Exchequer Justices who may answer to us and our Justices in our Exchequer of those things which to the Sheriffwick appertain whereof they ought to answer us and unless they shall well answer and satisfie us the Citizens of London shall answer and satisfie the Amerciaments and the farm If the Sheriffs do not answer the Citizens must Saving to the same Citizens their liberties as is aforesaid and saving to the Sheriffs the same liberties which other Citizens have so that if they which shall be appointed Sheriffs for the time being commit any thing whereby they ought to incur any Amerciament in mony they shall not be condemned for any more then to the Amerciament of 20 l. and this without damage of other The Amerciament of Sheriffs not to exceed 20 l. Citizens if the Sheriffs be not sufficient for the payment of their Amerciaments but if they do any offence whereby they ought to incur the loss of their lives or members they shall be judged as they ought to be adjudged according to the law Sheriffs offending to be tryed by the City Law of the City but of these things which to the Sheriffwick belong the Sheriff shall answer before the Justices of the Exchequer Saving to the Sheriffs the liberties which other Citizens have Also the grant and confirmation we have made to our Citizens of London for the amendment of the said City and because it was antiently to be at the farm of 300 l. therefore we will and streightly command that the Citizens of London and Citizens to hold the Sheriffwick of Lond. and Middlesex their heirs aforesaid may have and hold the Sheriffwicks of London and Middlesex with all that to the said Sheriffwicks belongeth of us and our heirs and hereditarily freely and quietly honourably and wholly by the farm of 300 l. per annum At 300 l. per annum as the Charters of Lord John our Father famous King of England which we have seen doth witness and forbid that no person do presume to do any hurt impediment or diminution to our said Citizens of things which to the said Sheriffwick belong or were accustomed to appertain Also we do will and command that if we or our heirs or any of our What the King takes away to be allowed on accompt of the Farm Justices shall give or grant to any person any thing which to the farm of the said Sheriffwick appertain the same shall be accounted to the Citizens of London in the acquittal of the said farm in the Exchequer yearly as the Charter of King John our Father which they have concerning the same doth reasonably testify Witness Lord Eustace of London P. of Winchester Joslin of Bath Robert of Salisbury Bishops Herbert of Burgh Earl of Kent our Justice Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glocester and Hertford Richard Son of Nicholas Richard of Argentine our Steward Given by the hands of the Reverend Ralph Bishop of Chichester the 18 day of February in the 11 year of our Reign WE have also seen a certain other Henry 3. Char. 2. Charter of the same Lord Henry made in these words Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain Earl of Anjou To his Archibishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers Bailiffs and his Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we have granted and by this present Charter confirmed to our Barons in our City of London that they may chuse to themselves a Mayor of themselves every year who To chuse a Mayor yearly may be to us faithful discreet and fit for the Government of the City so as when he is chosen he may be presented To present him to the King or his Justices unto us or our Justices if we be not present and shall swear to be faithful to us And that it shall be lawful for them in the end of the year to amove To amove the Mayor and chuse another him and to substitute or if they will to retain him still so as alwayes that he be presented to us or to our Justices if we be not present Also we have granted to the said Barons and by this present Charter confirmed that they may have well and in peace freely quietly and wholly all their liberties To enjoy their Liberties which hitherto they used as well in the City of London as without and as well on the Water as on the Land and in all other places Saving to us our Chamberlainship wherefore we will and Saving the Chamberlainship streightly command that our Barons of our said City of London may chuse to themselves a Mayor of themselves every year in manner aforesaid and that they have all their liberties well and in peace wholly and fully with all that to the said liberties belongeth as the Charter of the excellent Lord John King of England which we have seen doth reasonably testify Witness the Lord Eustace of London P. of Winton Jo. of Bath Robert of Salisbury Bishops Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent our Justice Gilbert de Clare of Glocester and Hereford Ralph Son of Nicholas R. of Argentine our Steward Given by the hands of the Reverend Father Ralph Bishop of Chichester the 18th day of Feb. in the 11th year of our Reign WE have seen a certain other Charter Henry 3. Char. 3. of the said Lord Henry our progenitor made in these words Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain Earl of Anjou To the Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Stewards Castle-keepers Constables Bailiffs Ministers and all his Faithful Subjects greeting Ye shall know that we for our souls health and for the souls health of King John our Father and for the souls health of all our Ancestors and also for the Commonweal of our Remove Wares out of Thames and Medway City of London and of all our Realm have granted and strictly commanded that all the wares which are in the Thames or in Medway shall be amoved and that no wares from henceforth be
put any where in the Thames or Medway upon forfeiture of ten pounds sterling We have also quit-claimed all that which the Keepers of our Tower Keepers of the Tower not to exact any thing for Wares of London was wont yearly to receive of the aforesaid wares wherefore we will and stedfastly command that no Keeper of the said Tower at any time hereafter exact any thing from any or bring any demand burthen or trouble to any person by reason of the aforesaid wares for it fully appears to us and it is sufficiently given us to understand by the Right Reverend Father Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury and by others our Faithful Subjects that very Wares in Thames hurt the City Realm great hurt and discomodity hath grown to the aforesaid City and also to our said whole Realm by occasion of the aforesaid wares which thing that it may continue firm and stable for ever we have fortified the same by the inscription of the page and putting to our seal as that Charter of the Lord King John our Father which the Barons of London have from thence doth reasonably testify Witness the Lord Eustace of London Peter of Winton Joslin of Bath R. of Salisbury Bishops Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent and our Justice Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glecester and Hereford John Son of Nicholas R. D. Argentine our Steward given by the hands of the Reverend Father Ralph Bishop of Chichester our Chancellor at Westminster the 18th day of February in the 11th year of our Reign We have also seen a certain other Charter Henry 3. Char. 4. of the abovesaid Lord Henry made in these words Hen. by the Grace of God K. of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Aquitain Earl of Anjou To all Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors Earls Barons Justices Ministers and all our Faithful Subjects French and English greeting Know ye that we have granted to our Citizens of London that none of them No Citizen to plead without the Walls Except Monyers Acquittal of Murther Not to wage Battel shall plead without the walls of the City of London saving the Pleas of foreign tenures our monyers and Ministers excepted And we have granted to them acquittal of all murther within the City and Portsoken and that none of them shall wage Battel and that they may discharge themselves of the Pleas belonging to the Crown according to the antient custom of the City and that within the walls of the City and Portsoken no man may take any lodging No lodging to be taken by force by force or by delivery of the Marshal This also we have granted to them that all the Citizens of London be quit of Toll and Quit of Toll throughout England Lestage and of all other Customs throughout all our Lands on this side or beyond the Seas And that none be condemned of To be amerced according to the Law of the City No Miskenning any Amerciaments of money but according to the Law of the City which they had in the time of King Henry Grandfather to King Henry our Grandfather And that no miskenning be in any pleading in the City and that the Hustings be kept once only a week And that they may justly Hustings once a week have all their Lands and Promises and debts whosoever owe them to them and that right be holden to them of all their Lands and Tenures which be in the City according to the Custom of the City And that Pleas be there holden of all debts which be lent at London and of all promises Pleas of debt lent in London there made And if any shall take any Toll or any other Custom of our men of London in any our Lands on this side or beyond the Seas or in the Ports of the Seas on this side or beyond the Seas after that he shall fail of right the Sheriffs of London may take goods for the same Also we do grant for Hunting free them that they may have Hunting wheresoever they had in the time of King Henry Grandfather to King Henry our Grandfather Furthermore also for the amendment of the said City we have granted to them Quit of Bridtoll c. that they be all quit from Bridtoll Childwite Jeresgive and of all Scotale so that our Sheriff of London or any other Bailiff shall not make any Scotale These Customs aforesaid we do grant to them and all other liberties and free Customs which they had in time of King Henry Grandfather to King Henry our Grandfather when as they had the same better and more freely as the Charter of the Lord John our Father which they have of the same Hold their Liberties of the King his Heirs doth reasonably testify Wherefore we will and stedfastly command that they and their heirs may have and hold all these things aforesaid hereditarily of us and our heirs these being witness the Lord Eustace of London Joslin of Bath Rich. of Salisbury Peter of Winton Bishops Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent our Justice Gilbert of Clare Earl of Glocester and Hereford Ralph Son of Nicholas and Richard Argentine our Steward Henry de Capel and others Given by the hands of the Reverend Father Ralph Bishop of Chichester our Chancellor at Westminster the 16th day of March in the 11th year of our Reign WE have also seen a certain other Charter of the aforesaid Lord Henry made in Henry 3. Char. 5. these words Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Aquitain Earl of Anjou To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priâ—rs Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers Ministers Forresters and all Bailiffs and Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we have granted and by this present Charter confirmed for us and our heirs unto our Archbishops Bishops Priors Earls Barons Knights Freeholders and to all of Stayns Warren diswarrened and disforrested the County of Middlesex that all the warren of Stayns with the appurtenances be unwarrenned and disforrested for ever so that all they aforesaid and their heirs or successors may have all liberties and benefit of warren and forrest in the aforesaid warren wherein they may till or plough all their lands and cut all their woods and dispose the same at their will without the view or contradiction of his warreners or Forresters and all their Ministers and within the which no warrener or Forrester or Justice of our Forrest shall or may any thing meddle with their lands or woods neither with their herbage or hunting or Corn neither by any summons or distress shall cause them their heirs or successors to come before our Justices of the Forrest or warreners by occasion of the Lands and Tenements situate in those parts where the said warren was wont to be but that they and their heirs and successours and their Lands and Tenements contained in the parts be quit and free of all exactions occasions demands and
attachments and of all things which belong to Warrens or Forrests wherefore we will and stedfastly command that all they heirs holding Lands and Tenements within the said parts and their heirs and successours for ever have the aforesaid liberties and freedoms and that their Lands and Tenements aforesaid be unwarrened and disforrested for ever and quit from all things which either to warren or Forrest warreners or Forresters pertain as is aforesaid these being witness Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent our Justice of England G. Earl of Glocester and Hereford William Marshal Earl of Pembroke P. d'Albemarco Walter â— Everin Osbert Gifford Richard Argentine John Son of Philip Richard Son of Hugh and others Given by the hand of the Reverend Father Rich. Bishop of Chichester our Chancellor at Woodstock the 18th day of August in the 11th year of our Reign WE have seen a certain other Charter Henry 3. Char. 6. of the said Lord Henry made in these words Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Aquitain and Earl of Anjou To all Archbishops Bishops Priors Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers Ministers and all Bailiffs and his Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we have seen a Covenant between the Earl of Cornwall the Mayor concerning Queen Hith Covenant made between Rich. Earl of Cornwal our Brother on the one part and the Mayor and Commonalty of the City of London on the other part in these words in the 30th year of the Reign of Hen. the Son of King John in the day of the Translation of Saint Edward this Covenant was made at Westmin between the Right Honourable man Richard Earl of Cornwal of the one part and John Gisors then Mayor of the City of London on the Comonalty of the same City of London on the other part for and concerning certain exactions and demands belonging to Queenhithe of the City of London that is to say that the said Earl hath granted for him and his heirs that the said Mayor and all the Mayors after him and all the Comonalty of the said City may have and hold Queen Hith granted to the City the said Queen Hith with all their liberties Customes and other things to the same belonging in Fee-farm paying therefore yearly to the said Earl his heirs and Assigns 50 l. at two terms in the year at Clerkenwel that is to say at the close of Easter 25 l. And in Octabis of St. Michael 25. l. And for the more surety thereof to the part of the Chirography remaining with the Mayor and Commonalty of London the said Earl hath put his Seal and to the writing thereof remaining with the said Earl the foresaid Mayor and Comonalty have The King confirms the grant of Queen Hith to the City set their common Seal We therefore allowing and approving the said Covent do for us and our heirs grant and confirm the same these same being Witnesses Ralph Son of Nicholas Richard d'Grey John and William his Brothers Paul Painr Ralph d'Waunty John Guband Given by our hand at Windsor the 26th day of Feb. in the 31th year of our Reign WE have also seen another Charter of Henry 3. Char. 7. the aforesaid Lord Hen. made in these words Hen. by the Grace of God K. of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Aquitain and Earl of Anjou To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers Ministers and all his Bailiffs and Faithful People greeting Know ye that we have granted for us and our heirs and confirmed it by this our present Charter that our Mayor and Citizens of London may have and hold all their liberties and free customs Citizens to have their free Custom which they had in the time of K. Hen. our Grandfather and which they had by Charters of our Ancestors Kings of England as they more freely and better had the same and they most freely and fully have and use the same for ever Also we have granted to the said Citizens that every Mayor whom they shall chuse in our City of London we being not at Westminster they may yearly present to the Barons of our Exchequer that he may be admitted by them as Mayor so that notwithstanding at the next coming of us or our heirs to Westmin or London he be presented to us or our heirs and so admitted Mayor And we will and command for us and our heirs that out of the farme of our City vij l. per annum allowed the Sheriff upon accompt for the Liberty of Pauls of London there be allowed to our Sheriffs of the said City yearly in his said Accompt 7 l. at our Exchequer for the liberty of Saint Pauls London And that our said Citizens throughout all our dominions as well on this side the Sea as beyond be quit of all Toll and Custom for ever as in the Charter of the aforesaid Kings is granted And we forbid upon our forfeiture that none presume henceforth to vex or disquiet the said Citizens contrary to this liberty and our grant these being Witnesses the Reverend Father P. Bishop of Hereford Richard Earl of Cornwal our Brother Peter de Salund John Mansel Provost of Beverly Mr. William Kelken Archif Coventry Bartino d'Cryel John d'Lassington John d'Grey Hen. d'Wengham Robert Walreand William d'Grey Nicholas d' St. Mauro William Gerumne and others Given by our hand at Windsor the 12th day of June in the 37th year of our Reign MOREOVER we have seen a certain Henry 3. Char. 8. other Charter of the aforesaid Lord Henry bearing date the 11th day of January in the 50th year of his Reign by which certain Charter amongst other things the said Lord King Henry granted to the said Citizens of London that the said Citizens may traffique with their commodities and merchandizes wheresoever they please Citizens Toll-free through England throughout his Kingdom and dominions as well by Sea as by Land without interruption of him or his as they see expedient quit from all Custom Toll and paying and may abide for their trading wheresoever they please in the same his Kingdom as in times past they were accustomed till such time it be more fully ordered by his Councel touching the state of the said City As by the said Letters patents amongst other things more fully appeareth WE have seen a certain other Charter Henry 3. Char. 9. of the aforesaid Lord Hen. made in these words Hen. by the grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Aquitain To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors Earls Barons Sheriffs Justices Rulers Ministers and all Bailiffs and his Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we have granted to our Citizens of London for us and our Heirs whom of late we The Citizens taken into the King's favour again upon submission have received again into our grace and favour after divers trespasses and forfeitures of them their
both them and the same City So long as the Customs be not contrary to right law and Justice Their Customs not to be against Law saving in all things the liberty of the Church of Westminster to the Abbots and Monks of the fame place to them granted by the Charters of us and our predecessors Kings of England But as touching our Jews and Merchant strangers Jews and strangers and other things out of our foresaid grant touching us or our said City we and our heirs shall provide as to us shall seem expedient These being witness R. King of Almain our Brother Edward our first Son Roger of Mortimer Roger de Clifford Roger Leybourn Robert Watrand Robert Aquiln Mi. Godfrey Gifford our Chancellor Walter de Merton Mr. John Cheshil Archdeacon of London John de la lind William de Aette and others Given by our hand at Westminster the 26th day of March in the 52th year of our Reign WE have seen a certain Charter which the Lord Edward the first sometimes Edw. 1. King of England made to the aforesaid Citizens of London bearing date the 18th day of April in the 26th year of his Reign in which Charter amongst other things it is contained That whereas our said Citizens by the Charters of our said progenitors have been accustomed hitherto to present every Mayor whom they have chosen in the said City yearly before the Barons of the Exchequer our progenitor or we not being To present â—he Mayor to the Barons of the Exchequer at Westminster that he may be admitted by the said Barons as Mayor for us notwithstanding that at the next coming of our Progenitor or of us unto Westminster or London he may be presented to our progenitors or to us and so admitted Mayor We willing to shew more ample favour to the said Citizens in that behalf do grant to them for us and our heirs The Mayor of the said City when he shall be chosen by the said Citizens and also the Sheriffs of the said City when they likewise at the accustomed time shall be chosen by the said Citizens we and our The Mayor and Sheriffs in the absence of the King and Barons to be presented to the Constable of the Tower heirs and our Barons not being at Westm or at Lond. they may or shall be presented and admitted to and by the Constable of our Tower of London yearly in such sort as they before were wont to be presented and admitted so as nevertheless that at the next coming of us or our heirs to Westminster or London the said Mayor be presented to us or our heirs and admitted for Mayor And also we have granted for us and our heirs to our said Citizens Citizens quit of Pannage Murage c. that they and their successors Citizens of the said City be for ever quit and free of Pannage Pontage and Murage throughout all the Realm and all our dominions Sheriffs of Lond. to be amerced as the Sheriffs of other Counties And that the Sheriffs of the said City as often as it shall happen them to be amerced in our Court for any offence they shall be amerced according to the measure and quantity of the offence as other the Sheriffs of our said Realm have been amerced for the like offence Wherefore we will and streightly charge and Command for us and our heirs that the said Citizens and their successors have all the liberties Citizens to enjoy their Customs freedoms Quittals and free Customs aforesaid and them may and shall use according to our confirmation renovation and grants aforesaid for ever as by the aforesaid Charter amongst other things more fully appeareth WE have also seen certain Letters Patents Edw. 2. of Lord Edward Son of Edward sometimes King of England our progenitor made in these words Edward by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitain To all to whom these present Letters shall come greeting Know ye that whereas the Mayor and the good men of the City of London have of late thankfully done us aid of armed footmen at our Castle of Leeds in our County of Kent and also aid of like armed The Aids granted to the King shall not be prejudicial to the City nor drawn into example men now going with us through divers parts of our Realm for divers causes We willing to provide for the indemnity of the said Mayor and men of our City of London in this behalf have granted to them for us and our heirs that the said aids to us so thankfully done shall not be prejudicial to the said Mayor and good men their heirs and successours nor shall they be drawn into consequent for time to come In Witness whereof we have caused those our Letters to be made Patents Witness my self at Aldermanston the 12th day of December in the 15th year of our Reign WE have also seen the Charter of Edw. 3. Char. 1. Lord Edward the third sometimes King of England our progenitor made in these words Edward by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitain To his Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers Ministers and other his Bailiffs and faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we for the bettering of our City of London and for the good and laudable service which our welbeloved Mayor Aldermen and Commonalty of the said City heretofore have often done to us and our progenitors with the assent of the aforesaid Earls Barons and all the Commonalty of our Realm being called to this our present Parliament at Westminster have granted and by this our Charter for us and our heirs confirmed to the Citizens of the aforesaid City the liberties hereunder written to have and to hold to them and their heirs and successors for ever First Magna Charta recited whereas in the great Charter of the liberties of England it is contained that the City of London may have all their Antient liberties and Customs And the same Citizens at the time of the making of the Charter from the time of Saint Edward King and Confessor and William the Conqueror and of other our progenitors had divers liberties and Customs as well by the Charters of those our progenitors as without Charter by Antient Custom whereupon in divers the Circuits and other the Courts of our said progenitors as well by Judgments as by statutes were invaded and of some of them adjudged We will and grant for us and our heirs that they may have the liberties according to the Usurpations of their Liberties revoked form of the abovesaid great Charter And that Impediments and usurpations to them in that behalf made shall be revoked and Annulled We have further granted for us and our heirs to the said Citizens their heirs and successors aforesaid that the Mayor of the aforesaid City which for time shall be shall be one of the Justices to be assigned
of the Goal-delivery of Newgate be named in every Commission thereof to be made And that the said Citizens may have Infangtheft and outfangtheft Infangtheft and Chattels of Felons of all those which shall be adjudged before them within the liberties of the same City and of all being of the liberty aforesaid at the aforesaid Goal to be adjudged And whereas also by the Charters of our progenitors it was granted to the same Citizens that they should hold the Sheriffwick of London and Middlesex for 300 l. yearly to be paid at our Exchequer and they are charged with the payment of 400 l. yearly every year to be paid at our Exchequer for the Sheriffwicks contrary to the form of the said Charters We will and grant for us and our heirs that the said Citizens their heirs and successors may henceforth the aforesaid Sheriffwicks hold for 300 l. yearly to be yearly paid at our Exchequer according to the tenor of the aforesaid Charters and that they be from henceforth acquitted of the said 100 l. Furthermore we have granted for us and our Citizens may devize in Mortmain or otherwise Lands in London heirs to the said Citizens that they their heirs and successors may bequeath their tenements within the liberties of the aforesaid City as well in Mortmain as in other manner as of Antient time they have been accustomed to do And whereas in a certain Charter of the Lord Edward late King of England our Father to the said Citizens made amongst other things it is conteined that the Sheriffs of the said City as often as they shall happen to be amerced for any offence in the Court should be a merced according to the measure and quantity of their offence as other the Sheriffs of our Realm were wont to be amerced for like offences and the Sheriffs of the aforesaid City after the Sheriffs of Lond. shall not be amerced in other manner for escapes then other Sheriffs are wont to be making of that Charter were otherwise amerced for the escape of thieves then othr Sheriffs were on this side Trent for such like escapes are amerced only as it is said 100 s. we will and grant for us and our heirs that the Sheriffs of the same City which for the time shall be in no wise be amerced or charged for the escape of Thieves in any other wise then as other the Sheriffs on this side Trent And that the aforesaid Citizens shall not be charged for the Custody of those that fly Sanctuary to the Churches within the aforesaid liberty for to have immunities otherwise then of old hath been accustomed to be charged any thing in the last circuit at the Tower of London made or adjudged notwithstanding And that the said Citizens may remove and take away all the Wares in th Waters of Thames and Medway and may have the punishments thereof to us belonging Also we will and command Merchant strangers to sell their commodities within 40 daies Not to keep houses but be with Hosts The King's Marshal Sâ—e ward or Clerk not to sit in London No Citizen to plead out of the City No Escheator to meddle within Lon. streightly that all Merchant Straggers coming to England shall sell there Wares and Merchandizes within 40 days after their coming thither And shall continue and board with free hosts of the said City and other the Cities and Towns in England without any households or societies by them to be kept And also we will and grant for us and our heirs that the Marshal Steward or Clark of the Market of our household may not sit from henceforth within the liberty of the aforesaid City nor Exercise any offence there nor any way draw any Citizen of the said City to plead without the liberties of the said City of any thing to happen within the liberties of the same And that no Escheater or other Officers may The Mayor made Escheator of London from henceforth Exercise the Office of the Escheator within the liberties of the said City But that the Mayor of the said City for the time being may do the Office of the Escheator within the said liberty so as alwaies that he take his Oath that he Take an Oath and Account Exercise the said Office and that the answer thereof to us and our heirs as he ought to do And that the said Citizens from henceforth Citizens not to be compelled to war out of the City shall not be compelled to go or send to war out of the said City And that the Constable of the Tower of London for the time being shall not make any prizes by land or by water of victual or other thing whatsoever of the men of the said City nor of any other coming towards the said City or going thence neither shall or may arrest or cause to be arrested the Ships or Boats bringing victuals or other such like goods to or from the said City And forasmuch as the Citizens in all good Fairs of England were wont to have Fairs among themselves keepers to hold the Pleas touching the Citizens of the said City Assembling at the said Fairs We will and grant as much as in us is that the same Citizens may have such like keepers to hold such like Pleas of their Covenants Sheriffs of Lond. not to take any Oath in the Exchequer but upon their Accompts as of Antient time they had except the Pleas of Land and of the Crown Furthermore we grant for us and our heirs that the Sheriffs of the said City for the time being shall not be compelled to take any Oath at our Excheq but upon the yielding up of their accompts Also whereas the said Citizens in the Circuit of Henry Stanton and his fellow Justices of the Lord Edward late King of England our Father last Circuit at the Tower of London were compelled contrary to their Antient Customs to claim their liberties and free Customs and thereupon did claim divers liberties by the Charters of our said progenitors and of other their liberties and free Customs of old use and custom which said claims do as yet hang before us undecided We will and grant for us and our heirs that Claims of Liberties undecided the same Citizens their heirs and successors may have the liberties and free Customs and may use them as of old time they were wont And that they may record their said liberties and free Customs before us our Justices and other Ministers whatsoever in such sort as they were wont to do before the said Circuit Notwithstanding that the said Citizens in the said Circuit were impeached upon some like record and liberties and free Customs aforesaid and also notwithstanding any statutes or judgments made or published to the contrary And that to the allowance of their Charters to be had before us in One writ of Allowance of their Charters to be sufficient for one Kings time our Exchequer and
other Pleas whatsoever one writ shall suffice in all Pleas for every Kings time And that no summons Attachments or Executions be made by any the Officers whatsoever of us or our heirs by writ or without writ within the liberty of the said City but only by Ministers of the said City And that the Sheriffs of the same City which shall be towards the aid of the fame of that City may lawfully have the forfeitures of victuals and other things and Merchandizes according to the tenor of the Charter thereof made to the said Citizens and shall not be debarred thereof hereafter contrary to the tenor of the same Charters And that the same Citizens in the Circuits of the Justices from henceforth sitting at the Tower of London shall be guided by the same Laws and Customs whereby they were guided in the Circuits holden in the time of Lord John and Henry sometimes Kings of England and other our progenitors and if any thing in the last circuit was done or attempted contrary to their liberties and free Customs we will not they be prejudicial unto them but that they may be guided as of old time they were We have also granted for us and our heirs that the same Citizens from Citizens to be taxed in Subsidies as other Commoners and not as Citizens henceforth in and toward subsidies grants and contributions whatsoever to be made to the use of us or our heirs shall be taxed and contributory with the commonalty of our Realm as common persons and not as men of the City And that they be quit of all other Tallages and that the liberty of the said City shall not be taken into the hands of us or our heirs for any personal Trespass or judgment of any Minister of the said City Neither shall a keeper in the said City for that occasion be deputed but the same Minister shall be punished according to the quality of his offence And that no purveyor and taker Officer and other Minister of us or our heirs or of any other shall make any prices in the said No Purveyor of the Kings to make any price in Lond. without the consent of the party No prices of wines of Citizens City or without of the goods of the Citizens of the same City contrary to their will and pleasure unless immediately they make due payment for the same or else may have respit thereof with the good will of the seller And that no price be made of the wines of those Citizens by any the Citizens of us or our heirs or otherwise against their wills that is to say of one Tun before the Mast and another behind it nor by any other means but shall be quit thereof for ever Furthermore we forbid No Purveyor to be a Merchant of the same goods whereof he is Purveyer that any officer of us or our heirs shall Merchandize by himself or others within the said or without of any thing touching their Offices Also we grant that the Lands and Tenements lying without of the said Citizens which have been or hereafter shall be Ministers of the said City be bound to keep the said City harmless against us and our heirs of those things which concern their Offices as their tenements be within the said City and that no Market from henceforth shall be granted by us or our heirs to any within 7 miles in Circuit No Market within seven miles of London of the said City And that all inquisitions from henceforth to be taken by our Justices St. Martins Le grand or Ministers of the said City shall be taken in Saint Martins in London and not elsewhere Except the Inquisitions to be taken in the Circuits at the Tower of London and for the Goal-delivery at Newgate And that none of the freemen of the said City shall be impleaded or troubled at our Exchequer or elsewhere by bill except it be by those things which touch us or our heirs Wherefore we will and streightly No Citizen to be impleaded in the Exchequer unless it concern the King command for us and our heirs that the said Citizens their heirs and successors have all their liberties and free Customs and the same may use and enjoy for ever in form aforesaid These being witness W. Archbishop of Cant. J. Bishop of Ely our Chancellor and others Given at Westminster the 6th day of March in the 1st year of our Reign WE have seen also certain other Letters Edw. 3. Char. 2. Patents of Lord Edward the 3d. King of England made in these words Edward by the grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Aquitain To all to whom these present Letters shall come greeting Know ye that whereas our well beloved the Citizens of the City of London by their Petition exhibited before us and our Councel in our present Parliament at Westminster assembled have given us to understand that Felons Thieves and other Malefactors and disturbers of the peace who in the said and elsewhere have committed man-slaughters Robberies and divers other Felonies privily departing from the said City after those Felonies committed into the village of Southwark where they cannot be Attached by the Ministers of the said City and there are openly received and so for default of due punishment are more bold to commit such Felonies and they have beseeched us that for the confirmation of our peace within the said City bridling the naughtiness of the said Malefactors we would grant unto them the said village to have to them their heirs and successors for ever for the farm and rent therefore yearly due to us to be yearly paid at our Exchequer We having consideration to the Premises with the assent of the Prelates Earls Barons and Commonalty being in our present Parliament Southwark granted to the Citizens in Parliament aforesaid have granted for us and our heirs to the said Citizens the said village of Southwark with the appurtenances to have and to hold to them and their heirs and successors Citizens of the said City of us and our heirs for ever to pay to us by the year at the Exchequer of us and our heirs at the accustomed times the farms therefore due and accustomed In Witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents Witness my self at Westminster the 6th day of March in the first year of our Reign WE have also seen a certain other Charter of the same Lord Edward the 3d. in these words Edward by the Grace of Edw 3. Char. 3. God King of England Lord of Ireland and Duke of Aquitain To all to whom these present Letters shall come greeting Know ye whereas in our Parliament at York holden the morrow after the ascensioâ— of our Lord in the ninth year of our York Statute recited Reign It was ordained and enacted that all Merchant Strangers and English born and every of them of what estate or condition soever who would buy or
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.
their Antient Liberties and Customs whole free and sound the Premises in any thing notwithstanding Given to our Sheriffs of the City aforesaid for the time being and to their Successors and to all whatsoever Citizens of the said City which now be The Sheriffs to attend the Justices and which hereafter for the time shall be by tenor of these presents streightly in commandment that they be attendant counselling answering and aiding the said Keepers of the Peace aforesaid the now Mayor Recorder and to their Successors and to such Aldermen as aforesaid in all things they do or may pertain to the Office of conservator of the Peace and â—â— such Justices within the said City and the Liberties thereof according to the form aforesaid as often and at such times as shall be by them or any of them on our behalf duly required Saving alwaies to the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens Saving to the City their Customs of the same City and to their Successors their Customs Liberties and Franchises which we will and streightly command inviolably be observed in all things as they and their predecessors before the making of these presents have observed the same And because we understand that by the most antient Custom of the said City it is there had and in the Circuits of the Justices of our Progenitors sometimes Kings of England it is allowed to the said Citizens The Custom of the City to be certified recorded by word of mouth that the Mayor and Aldermen of the said City for the time being ought to record all their antient customs by word of mouth as often and at such time as any thing shall be moved in Act or question before any Judges or Justices touching their Customs aforesaid as in their claims in the last circuit of Justices holden at our Tower of London it is more fully contained We considering the same thing being willing rather to enlarge then diminish the Custom of the said City of our special grace have granted for us and our heirs and successors unto the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their successors that whensoever any issue shall be taken in any Plea of or upon the Custom of the City of London between any parties in pleading yea though themselves be parties or if any thing in plea act and question touching the said Customs be moved or happen before us or our heirs to be holden the Justices of the Common Bench the Treasurer and Barons of our Exchequer or of our heirs or before the Barons of such like Exchequer or any other the Justices of us or of our heirs which shall exact or require Inquisition Recognizance certificate or tryal The same Mayor and Aldermen of the said City for the time being and their successors shall Record Testify and declare whether such be a Custom or not by the Recorder of the same City for the time being by word of mouth And that there may be speedy process by that Record certificate and declaration such custom so alledged shall be allowed for a custom or accounted not for a custom without any Jury therefore to be taken or further process thereupon to be made and furthermore we have granted to them the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens that though they and their successors or the said Mayor and Aldermen and their predecessors in times past or their successors hereafter have for some cause perchance fully not used or abused any of the liberties acquittals grants ordinances articles or free customs or other thing contained in these our writings or in other our writings or of our Progenitors sometimes Kings of England to No forfeiture of the premises for non-user or abuser the same Mayor and Commonalty granted notwithstanding we will not that the same Mayor and Commonalty Aldermen and Citizens or their Successors shall therefore incur the forfeiture of any of the Premises but that they and their Successors may from henceforth fully enjoy and use all and singular the Liberties Grants Acquittals Ordinances Articles Free Customs and other things whatsoever so not used or abused in the Charters aforesaid contained and every of them without Impeachment or Let of us or our Heirs Justices Escheators Sheriffs or other our Bailiffs and Ministers or of any other whatsoever Ally Statutes or Ordinances made or Judgments given or any other Charters or any the Charters of our Progenitors whatsoever in times past granted to the contrary notwithstanding And we being willing further to do the same Mayor and Commonalty a greater pleasure and also for the bettering and common profit of our said City will and grant to the same Mayor and Commonalty and their Successors All abiding within the City to be contributary to Taxes That from henceforth all and singular Merchants as well Denizens as Aliens abiding within the said City and the Liberties and Suburbs of the same and exercising Merchandizing or Occupations there by any means by themselves or others though they be not of the Liberty of the same City shall be partakers shall be taxed and contribute according to their faculties in Subsidies Tallages Grants and other Contributions whatsoever by any means to be Assessed for the need of us or of our Heirs or of the said City for the maintenance of the state and profit of the same with the Citizens of the sameCity Yet notwithstanding that this our present Grant be not in prejudice or derogation of any Grants by us or any Merchants of Almaine excepted not to be grieved by this Grant of our Progenitors made or granted to those Merchants of Almaine which have an house in the City of London which is commonly called the Guild-Hall of the Almaines or their Successors And further because it is well known and manifest that those of the said City which are called elected and taken to the degree of Aldermen proper for the conditions and merits requiring the same have sustained and supported great charges cost and pains for the time they make their abode and residence in the same City being vigilant for the common good Rule and Government of the same and for that cause oftentimes do leave their possessions and places in the Counties there that therefore they and every of them may without all fear of unquietness or molestation peaceably abide tarry in such their houses places and possessions when they shall return thither for comfort and Aldermen not to be put upon Assizes Attaints or Juries recreation sake We have of our special grace granted to the said Mayor and Commonalty and to their Successors aforesaid that all and every of these which be Aldermen of the said City and their Successors which for the time shall be Aldermen there for the term of their lives shall have this Liberty that is to say That as long as they shall continue Aldermen there and shall bear the charge of Aldermen proper and also those which before had been Aldermen and have also with
Frankpledg together with all Summons Attachments Arrests Issues Amerciaments Fines Redemptions Profits Commodities and other things whatsoever which there may or ought therefore pertain to us our heirs or successors And furthermore the aforesaid Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their successors may by themselves or by their Minister or deputy in the said Town appointed take and arrest all manner To carry to Newgate Thieves taken in Southwark of Felons Thieves and other Malefactors found within the said Town and may lead them to our goal of Newgate safely to be kept until they shall be by process of Law delivered And further the said Mayor A Grant of what Liberties the King had or should have in Southwark and Commonalty and Citizens their successors may for ever have in the Town aforesaid all manner of liberties Priviledges Franchises Acquittals Customs and Rights which we should or might there have if the said Town were and remain'd in our hands without any thing to be by any means given or paid to us or our heirs beside only ten pounds for the antient farm therefore due and without Impeachment Let molestation or disturbance of us or our heirs or successors Justices Escheators Sheriffs Officers or Ministers of ours or of our heirs or successors whatsoever The The right of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury excepted rights liberties and Franchises of right belonging to the most Reverend Father and Lord in Christ Lord Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury and of other persons there always saved although express mention be not here made of the true yearly value of the premises or of any other gifts or grants to the Mayor or Aldermen Sheriffs and Citizens or to their Successors or any of them made according to the form of the statute there of had made and provided or any other statute Ordinance Act thing cause or matter whatsoever not withstanding These being witness The Reverend Father Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury William Archbishop of York George of Exon Chancellor and William Bishop of Ely and our dear Brother George of Clarence and Richard of Glocester Dukes and others Given by our hand at Westminster the 9th day of November in the 2d year of our Reign WE have also seen certain other Letters Edw. 4. Char. 2. Patents of the same Lord Edward laâ—e King of England the 4th made in these words Edward by the Grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland To all to whom these present Letters shall come greeting Know ye that for certain and notable causes us specially moving of our special grace and certain knowledg we have granted to the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of our said City Tonnage granted to the City of London That the Tonnage and weigning and measuring laying up placing and housing of whatsoever woolls by whomsoever from whatsoever parts brought or to be be brought to the City aforesaid or which have before time been accustomed to be Weighing pf Woolls to be at Leaden-Hall and in no other place within 3 miles brought to the staple of Westminster shall from hence be and be made in the place called Leaden-Hall within our City aforesaid and in no other place within three miles of the said City To have the laying up placing and housing aforesaid together with all sees profits and emoluments to the same laying up placing and housing or any of them due used or accustomed to the aforesaid Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the same City and their successors for ever without any account to be made or any other thing therefoe to us to be paid although express mention be not in these presents made of the clear yearly value or certainty of the premises or of any other gifts or grants by us or our progenitors to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their successors by any means made or any other statute Act ordinance or any other thing whatsoever made to the contrary notwithstanding In witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents Witness our self at Westminster the 27th day of August in the third year of our Reign Edw. Char. 3. Moreover we have seen certain other Letters Patents of the aforesaid Lord Edward late King of England the 4th made in these words Edward by the grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland to all to whom these present Letters shall come greeting Know ye that whereas the sum of twelve thousand nine hundred twenty three pounds nine shillings eight pence is by us amongst other things due to our beloved and Faithful Subjects the Mayor Commonalty Citizens of our City of London as in the receipt of our Exchequer more plainly appeareth of which sum the said Mayor Commonalty are willing to remit and release unto us 1923 l. 9 s. and 8. p. To the intent we should vouchsafe to grant them license that they and their successors might purchase Lands Rents and Services and other possessions whatsoever to the value of 200 marks by the year over all charges and reprizes although they should be holden of us of others by any manner of service of whatsoever person or persons willing to give bequeath or assign the same to them to have and to hold to the same Mayor and Commonalty and their successors aforesaid for ever in form following We inwardly pondering not only the premises but also the manifold pleasures to us by the Mayor and Commonalty of the said City before this time acceptably done and willing as we are bound before all other things wholly to pay and recompence our debts have of our special grace and for that the Licence to purchase 200 Marks per annum in Mortmaine Licence to any to grant to the City 200 Marks per annum in Mortmaine said Mayor and Commonalty for them and their successors have remitted and altogether released unto us the said sum of 1923 l. 9 s. 8 d. granted and given licence and by these presents do grant and give licence for us and our heirs as much as in us is to the said Mayor and Commonalty that they and their successors may purchase Lands Revenues Rents Services and other possessions whatsoever to the value of 200 marks by the year over all charges and reprizes of any person or persons willing to give grant bequeath or assign the same unto them although they be holden of us or others by any manner of service in full satisfaction and contentation of the said sum of 1923 l. 9 s. 8 p. to them by us due without any fine or fee to be paid to the use of us or our heirs to have and to hold to the same Mayor and Commonalty and their successors for ever and we have by tenor of these presents given special licence to the same person and persons that he or she may give grant bequeath or assign Lands Tenements Rents Possessions and services to the yearly value aforesaid over and
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