c. and the Commodities by them â—mported are Deals Masts Timber Oars Balks Clapboards Bom-spars Cant-spars Pipe-staves Wainscot and Quarters Flax Hemp Linen-cloth Fustians Cordage Cable-yarn Pitch Tarr Tallow Hides Pot-ashes Wheat Rye Iron Lattin Copper Steel Wire Quicksilver rich Furrs Buck-skins Train-oyl Sturgeon Stock-fish Mather with several other good Commodities For the management of the Affairs of this worshipful Company they are governed by a Governour Deputy-Governour and Court of Assistants consisting of four and twenty who are yearly elected out of the Members of the said Society in the month of October and keep their Courts for the management of the concerns of the said Company as others do having also large Immunities granted unto them The present Governour for this Year 1678. is Sir Richard Chiverton Kt. Governour Francis Asty Esq Deputy-Governour Randolph Knipe Treasurer Sir Benjamin Ayloffe Edward Bilton Senior Esq Iohn Dogget Esq Nathaniel Tench Esq Peter Rich Esq Mr. Thomas Canham Mr. Henry Moody Mr. Edw. Bilton Junior Mr. Samuel Feake Mr. William Rivett Mr. Hugh Vpton Mr. William Nutt Mr. William Cooper Mr. Iohn Mathews Mr. Oliver Westland Mr. Edward Harwell Mr. Abraham Wessel Mr. Ioseph Martin Mr. Thomas Philpe Mr. Thomas Warren Mr. William Taylor and Mr. Iohn Sayer Assistants The Royal Affrican Company of England was by his Majesties great prudence and care for the general good of this Nation and of his Foreign Dominions and Plantations erected into a Company and is likely to prove the most beneficial Trade that belongs to his Crown as well by the Commodities Exported and Imported as by the Negro Trade The Goods of English growth Exported are Sayes Perpetuances Broad-clothes Welsh-plains and other Woollen Manufactures in great abundance besides quantities of other English Goods and Stuffs the large consumption whereof doth not only enable the Tenant the better to pay his Rent and maintain his Family but also sets many thousands of poor people at work in making dying and dressing of these Stuffs and Clothes And together with these Goods of English growth are also sent vast quantities of Foreign Goods chiefly imported by our East-India Company by which his Majesties Customes the wealth of his People and the Navigation of this Kingdom are much encreased The Foreign Commodities Imported are Gold Elephants-teeth Wax Hides and other Commodities almost all as good as gold And as to the benefit of the Negro Trade it is such that by it all the American Plantations are yearly furnished with great quantities of Slaves not elsewhere to be had by whose labour and the Planters industry the King and his People are very much enriched The bounds of this Companies Trade are large viz. from Sally in South-Barbary to Cape Bona Esperanza inclusive The Voyage out and home is short usually within the compass of a year Many ships and seamen are constantly employed in the Companies Service who for the securing their Trade have at a very great expence erected several Forts and Factories all along the Coast of Guiny without which the Trade cannot possibly be preserved to this Nation and for that very reason this Trade cannot be managed but by a Company and a joynt Stock for no private person will undergo the Charge of Forts and Factories abroad besides such as Venture one Voyage and perhaps no more do usually consult the cheapest way in their Exports and will not have that care to send so good and merchantable Commodities as a Company who are constantly to trade thither will who are obliged so to do as well for supporting the credit of their trade as for bringing our English Manufactures into a better reputation than those of our Neighbours which this Company hath really effected in several Commodities formerly bought in Holland as Sayes Muskets Knives c. being now all Exported of our own make And of this difference in and between the Commodities send by the Company and those sent by private Traders the Natives of Guiny who are a sagacious people are very sensible by the ill-dealings they have met with in that kind from some private Traders which hath been a thing very disadvantageous to our English Manufactures and Trade but these miâ—chiefs have been removed ever since his Majesties settling the Trade in a Company with prohibition to all such interloping Traders This Company consisteth of a Governour who is his Royal Highness Iames Duke of York the very life of the said Company under his Sacred Majesty a Sub-Governour Deputy-Governour and a generality mixt of divers Noblemen honourable Persons and eminent Merchants to the number of about two hundred out of which are Annually chosen by Vote at a general Court four and twenty Assistants of whom any six with the Governour Sub-Governour or Deputy-Governour make a Court which by their Charter dated Sept. 27. 1672. is called a Court of Assistants and impowered for the well ordering and governing of the Affairs of the said Company subject nevertheless to a general Court when occasion requireth The management of the Affairs of this Honourable Company for this Year 1678. is committed to the prudent care and government of his Royal Highness Governour Sir Gabriel Roberts Sub-Governour Benjamin Newland Esq Deputy-Governour Twenty four Assistants viz. Sir Iohn Banks Knight and Baronet Sir Thomas Bludworth Knight and Alderman Mr. Benjamin Bathurst William Earl of Craven Sir Peter Colleton Knight and Baronet Mr. Roger Chappel Mr. Samuel Dashwood Thomas Lord Viscount Fauconberg Edward Hopegood Esq Mr. Peter Ioy Sir Andrew King Mr. Iohn Mead Sir Iohn Mathews Mr. Nicholas Mead Mr. Thomas Nichols Lawrence du Puy Esq Mr. Peter Proby William Roberts Esq Mr. Edward Rudge Col. Iohn Searle Mr. Benjamin Skutt Sir William Turner Knight and Alderman Mr. Thomas Vernon Mr. William Warren The Coat of Arms and Motto belonging to this Company is also depicted in the Plate of Arms of the Companies of Merchants This worshipful Company as indeed all others are is governed by a Master Wardens and Court of Assistants Thus having briefly treated of the City of London the Metropolis of the Kingdom with some of the chief Incorporated Companies our next business shall be to treat of the Cities in England with the principal places or Shire-Towns in every County CHAP. II. Treats of the Cities of England with the Shire or chief Town Corporate in each County and first with Berkshire ELY a City of more antiquity than beauty being but meanly built nor well inhabited or frequented and would be farr less were it not the See of a Bishop It is a place that enjoyeth ample Immunities for in the Isle of Ely the Bishop hath all the Rights of a County Palatine and beareth chief sway therein and appointeth his Bailiff and other Officers WELLS another City in Somersetshire of no large extent but well inhabited and of good account being the See of a Bishop under whose Jurisdiction is that of Bath Its buildings are fair and good its Cathedral a stately Pile of building adjoyning to which
of Requests to his Majesty 460 April 2. 1652. William Curtius Esq 461 Oct. 19. 1657. Sir Arthur Slingsby of 〈…〉 in Kent 462 〈◊〉 1658. Thomas Orby of 〈…〉 in Lincolnshire Esq 463 Thomas Bond of 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 Esq 464 Aug. Arthur Marigny Carpentier Esq 465 1660. Sir Anthony de Merces Extinct 466 May 29. Sir Iohn Evelyn of 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 Kt. 467 30. Sir Gualter de Read 468 Feb. 11. Iohn Osborn of Chicksands in Bedfordshire Esq 469 Iune 7. Sir Orlando Bridgman of Great Leaver in Lancashire Kt. late Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England 470 Sir Ieffrey Palmer of Carleton in Northamptonshire Kt. his Majesties Attorney General 471 Sir Heneage Finch of Raunston in Bucks Kt. now Lord Daventry and Lord Chancellor of the Great Seal of England 472 Sir Iohn Langham of Catsbrook in Northamptonshire Kt. 473 9. Humphrey Winch of Hanmes in Bedfordshire Esq 474 Sir Robert Abdy of Albins in Essex Kt. 475 Thomas Draper of Sunninghill-Park in Berkshire Esq 476 11. Henry Wright of Dagenham in Essex Esq 477 Iune 12. Ionathan Keate of the Hoo in Hartfordshire Esq 478 Sir Hugh Speake of Hasilbury in VViltshire Esq 479 13. Nicholas Gould of the City of London Esq 480 Sir Thomas Adams Kt. Alderman of London 481 Richard Atkins of Clapham in Surrey Esq 482 14. Thomas Allen of the City of London Esq 483 Henry North of Milden-hall in Suffolk Esq 484 15. Sir William Wiseman of Rivenham in Essex Kt. 485 18. Thomas Cullum of Hastede in Suffolk Esq 486 20. Thomas Darcy of St. Cleres-hall in St. Oliths in Essex Esq 487 George Grubham How of Cold-Barwick in Wiltshire Esq 488 21. Iohn Cutts of Childerley in Cambridgshire Esq Extinct 489 Solomon Swale of Swale-hall in Yorkshire Esq 490 VVilliam Humble of the City of London Esq 491 22. Henry Stapleton of Miton in Yorkshire Esq 492 Gervase Elwes of Stoke near Clare in Suffolk Esq 493 Robert Cordell of Melford in Suffolk Esq 494 Sir Iohn Robinson Kt. Lieutenant of the Tower of London 495 Sir Iohn Abdy of Moores in Essex Kt. 496 25. Sir Robert Hilliard of Patrington in Yorkshire Kt. 497 Iacob Astley of Hill-Morton in VVarwickshire Esq 498 Sir VVilliam Bowyer of Denham in Bucks Kt. 499 Thomas Stanley of Alderley in Cheshire Esq 500 26. Iohn Shuckborough of Shuckborough in Warwickshire Esq 501 27. VVilliam Wray of Ashby in Lincolnshire Esq 502 Nicholas Steward of Hartley Manduit in Hantshire Esq 503 Iune 27. 1660. George Warburton of Areley in Cheshire Esq 504 Sir Francis Holles of Winterburne St. Martin in Dorsetshire Kt. Son and Heir to Denzill Lord Holles 505 28. Oliver St. Iohn of Woodford in Northamptonshire Esq 506 29. Ralph De la Vall of Seyton De la Vall in Northumberland Esq 507 30. Andreas Henley of Henley in Somersetshire Esq 508 Thomas Ellis of Wyham in Lincolnshire Esq 509 Iuly 2. Iohn Covert of Slaugham in Sussex Esq 510 Peter Lear of London Gent. 511 Maurice Berkley of Bruton Esq 512 3. Henry Hudson of Melton-Mowbray in Leicestershire Esq 513 Thomas Herbert of Tinterne in Monmouthshire Esq 514 4. Thomas Middleton of Chirk in Denbighshire Esq 515 6. Verney Noell of Kirkby in Leicestershire Esq 516 7. George Buswell of Clipston in Northamptonshire Esq 517 10. Robert Auâ—ten of Bexley in Kent Esq 518 12. Robert Hales of Bekesburne in Kent Esq 519 13. Sir William Boothby of Bradley-Ash in Derbyshire Kt. 520 14. Wolstan Dixey of Market-Bosworth in Leicestershire Esq 521 16. Iohn Bright of Badsworth in Yorkshire Esq 522 Iohn Warner of Parham in Esq 523 17. Sir Iob Harby of Aldenham in Hartfordshire Kt. 524 18. Samuel Morland of Southamstede-Banester in Berkshire Esq 525 19. Sir Thomas Hewit of Pishobury in Hartfordshire Kt. 526 Edward Honywood of Evington in Kent Esq 527 Basil Dixwell of Bromehouse in Kent Esq 528 22. Richard Brown of London Ald. 529 23. Henry Vernon of Hodnet in Shropshire Esq 530 Sir Iohn Awbrey of Llantrilhed in Glamorganshere Kt. 531 William Thomas of Fowington in Essex Esq 532 25. Thomas Scâ—ater of Cambridge in Cambridgshire Esq 533 Henry Conway of Botritham in Flintshire Esq 534 26. Edward Green of Sonpford in Essex Esq 535 28. Iohn Stapeley of Patcham in Sussex Esq 536 30. Metcalf Robinson of Newby in Yorkshire Esq 537 31. Marmaduke Gresham of Limpsfield in Sussex Esq 538 Aug. 1. William Dudley of Clopton in Northamptonshire Esq 539 2. Hugh Smithson of Stanwick in Yorkshire Esq 540 3. Sir Roger Mostin of Mostiâ— in Flintshire Kt. 541 4. William Willoughby of Willoughby in Nottinghamshire Esq 542 6. Anthony Oldfield of Spalding in Lincolnshire Esq 543 10. Peter Leicester of Tabley in Cheshire Esq 544 11. Sir William Wheeler of the City of Westminster Kt. 545 16. Iohn Newton of Barscote in Glocestershire Esq 546 Thomas Lee of Hartwell in Bucks Esq 547 Thomas Smith of Hatherton in Cheshire Esq 548 17. Sir Ralph Ashton of Middleton in Lancashire Esq 549 Iohn Rous of Henham in Suffolk Esq 550 22. Henry Massingbeard of Bratostshall in Lincolnshire Esq 551 28. Iohn Hales of Coventry in Warwickshire Esq 552 30. Ralph Bovey of Hill-fields in Warwickshire Esq 553 Iohn Knightley of Offchurch in Warwickshire Esq 554 31. Sir Iohn Drake of Ash in Devonshire Kt. 555 Sept. 5. Oliver St. George of Carickermrick in the County of Trim in Ireland Esq 556 11. Sir Iohn Bowyer of Knipersley in Staffordshire Kt. 557 13. Sir William Wild Kt. Recorder of the City of London 558 19. Ioseph Ash of Twittenham in Middlesex Esq 559 22. Iohn How of Compton in Glocestershire Esq 560 26. Iohn Swimburne of Chap-Heton in Northumberland Esq 561 Oct. 12. Iohn Trott of Laverstoke in Hantshire Esq 562 13. Humphrey Miller of Oxenheath in Kent Esq 563 15. Sir Iohn Lewes of Ledston in Yorkshire Kt. 564 16. Iohn Beale of Mâ—idston in Kent Esq 565 Sir Richard Franklin of Moore-Park in Hartfordshire Kt. 566 Nov. 8. William Russel of Langhorne in Caermarthenshire Esq 567 9. Thomas Boothby of Friday-hill in the Parish of Chingford in Essex Esq 568 William Backhouse of London Esq Extinct 569 12. Sir Iohn Cutler of London Kt. 570 16. Giles Mottet of Leigh in Esq 571 21. Henry Gifford of Burstall in Leicestershire Esq 572 Sir Thomas Foot of London Kt. and Alderman 573 22. Thomas Manwaring of Overpever in Cheshire Esq 574 Thomas Benet of Baberham in Cambridgshire Esq 575 29. Iohn Wroth of Blenden-hall in Kent Esq 576 Dec. 3. George Wynne of Nostell in Yorkshire Esq 577 4. Heneage Featherstou of Blakesware in Hartfordshire Esq 578 Humphrey Monnox of Wotton in Bedfordshire Esq 579 10. Iohn Peyton of Dodington in the Isle of Ely in Cambridgshire Esq 580 11. Edmond Anderson of Broughton in Lincolnshire Esq 581 Iohn Fagg of Wiston in Sussex Esq 582 18. Matthew Herbert of Bromfield in Shropshire Esq 583 19. Edward Ward of Bexley in Norfolk Esq 584 22. Iohn Keyt of Ebrington in Glocestershire Esq 585 William Killegrew of Arwynick in Cornwal
again into the Hall where he shall sit at Table with the Knights and being risen and retired into his Chamber his Attire is taken off and again clothed with a blew Robe having on his left Shoulder a Lace of white Silk hanging to be worn upon all his Garments from that day forwards till he have gained some Honour and Renown for some Feats of Arms or some Prince or Lady of Quality cut that Lace from his Shoulder After Dinner the Knights must come to the Knight and conduct him into the King's presence to return him thanks for these Honours and so takes his leave of the King and the Governours craving his pardon for any miscarriage and claiming their Fees according to the Custom of the Court also take their leaves of the Knight I shall conclude this Chapter with giving an Account of the Knights made at the Coronation of his Majesty Knights of the Bath made at the Coronation of his Majesty King CHARLES the Second EDward Lord Clinton now Earl of Lincoln Iohn Egerton Viscount Brackley eldest Son to the Earl of Bridgwater Sir Philip Herbert then second Son to the Earl of Pembroke Sir William Egerton second Son to the Earl of Bridgwater Sir Vere Fane second Son to the Earl of Westmoreland Sir Charles Berkley eldest Son to George Lord Berkley Sir Henry Bellasis eldest Son to the Lord Bellasis Sir Henry Hyde now Earl of Clarendon Sir Rowland Bellasis Brother to Viscount Faulconberg Sir Henry Capell Sir Iohn Vaughan now eldest Son to the Earl of Carbery Sir Charles Stanley Grandchild to the late Earl of Derby Sir Francis Fane Sir Henry Fane Grandchildren to the Earl of Westmoreland Sir William Portman Baronet Sir Richard Temple Baronet Sir William Ducy Baronet Sir Thomas Trevor Baronet Sir Iohn Scudamore Baronet Sir William Gardiner Baronet Sir Charles Cornwallis afterwards Lord Cornwallis Sir Iohn Nicholas Sir Iohn Monson Sir Bourcher VVray Sir Iohn Coventry Sir Edward Hungerford Sir Iohn Knevett Sir Philip Boteler Sir Adrian Scroop Sir Richard Knightley Sir Henry Heron. Sir Iohn Lewkenor Sir George Brown Sir William Tyrringhum Sir Francis Godolphin Sir Edward Baynton Sir Greville Verney Sir Edward Harley Sir Edward VValpool Sir Francis Popham Sir Edward VVise. Sir Christopher Calthrop Sir Richard Edgcombe Sir William Bromley Sir Thomas Bridges Sir Thomas Fanshaw Sir Iohn Denham Sir Nicholas Bacon Sir Iames Altham Sir Thomas VVendy Sir Iohn Bramston Sir George Freeman Sir Nicholas Slaning Sir Richard Ingoldsby Sir Iohn Rolle Sir Edward Heath Sir William Morley Sir Iohn Bennet Sir Hugh Smith Sir Simon Leech Sir Henry Chester Sir Robert Atkyns now one of the Justices of the Common Pleas. Sir Robert Gayre Sir Richard Powle Sir Hugh Ducy Sir Stephen Hales Sir Ralph Bash. Sir Thomas VVhitmore OF Knights Batchelors With what is incident to that Degree of KNIGHTHOOD According to the Laws of England CHAP. XXI THE particular kinds of Services by which Lands of Inheritance are distinguished are two viz. Knights of Service and Knights of Soccage And in ancient time Tenure by Knights Service was called Regale servitiâ—m because it was done to and for the King and Realm and forinsecum servitium as appeareth in the 19 Edw. 2. Avowry 224. 26. Ass. p. 66. 7. Hen. 4. 19. Coke's seventh Part 8. a. Calvin's case because they who hold by Escuage ought to do and perform their Services out of the Realm Litt. 35. ideo forinsecum dici potest sit quia capitur foris hujusmodi servitia persolvuntur ratione Tenementorum non Personarum And as Knights-Service-Land requireth the service of the Tenant in Warfare and Battel abroad so Soccage-Tenure commandeth the attendance at the Plough the one by Manhood defending the King or his Lord's life and person the other by industry maintaining with Rents Corn and Victuals his Estate and Family For Kings did thus order their own Lands and Tenements one part they kept and detained in their own hands and in them stately Houses and Castles were erected and made for their habitations and defence of their Persons and of the Realm also Forests and Parks were there made for their Majesties Recreation One other part thereof was given to the Nobles and others of their Chivalry reserving Tenure by Knights Service The third part was bestowed upon men of meaner condition and quality with reservation of Soccage-Tenure And in this manner the Dukes and Nobles amongst their Menials and Followers dissipated a great part of their Lands viz. to their Gentlemen of quality to hold by Knights Service and to other of meaner condition by Soccage-Tenure The Right Honourable S. Ioseph Williams on of Milbeck hall in Cumberland Knight one of his Majestys principall Secretarys of State c a. The Honourable Sr. Robert Atkins of Totteridge in Hertford shire and of Sapperton in Glocester shire Knight of the Bath and one of his matys Iustices of the ComÌ„on pleas c a. Sr. Iohn Bennet of Dawly in Midd sx Kt. of the honble order of the Bath Leivtenant to his maties Band of Gentlemen Pentioners and eldest brother to the Rt. honble Henry Earle of Arlington who was first maried to Elizabeth Countess of Mulgrave daughter to the Earle of Midd sx and now to Bridget Howe of the Family of Sr. Grubham Howe Sr. Robert Southwell Knight one of the Clerkes attending his Majesty King Charles the Second in his most Honourable privy Councell câ—t Sr. Hugh Wyndham of Silton in Dorsetshire Kt. one of the Iustices of his matys Court of Comon pleas at Westminster eighth sonn of S. Iohn Wyndham of Orchard-Wyndham in Somersetshire Kt who was lineally descended from the antient Family of the Wyndhams of Felbrigg in Norfolk â—ownâ—r therâ—of Sr. Thomas Daniell of Beswick in the East Rideing of Yorkshire Kt. Major to his matys Regiment of Foot Guards and Captaine of his matys Archchiffe Fort in Dover Sr. Thomas Mompessonâ— antiently Montpintsonâ— of Bathampton in Wiltshire Knight a person of eminent Loyalty and suffering in the late trouble whose Family have been of greate antiquity in the said County Sr. Thomas Lynch of Great Sonkey in Lancashire Kt. one of the Gentlemen of his matyâ— privy Chamber in ordinary and late Governour of his Ma â—â—â— Island of Jamaica decended of the Lincâ—â—s of Groves in Kent and is now maried to Vere Herbert 2â— daughter of Sr. Edw Herbert sometyme Lord Keeper of the groâ—t seaâ—e Sr. William Pelham of Brocklesby in Lincolnshire Kt. whose Grandfatâ—er Sr. William Pelham of the said place Kt. who was descended of the antient family of the Pelhams of Langhtoniâ—â— sussex was employed under Queen Eliz in the offices of L d cheife Justice of Ireland Marshall of the English forces sentinto the Low Countrys Mastâ—â— of her ordnanceâ— and one of her privy Councell Sr Thomas Daviâ—s of the Citty of London Knight Ld. Maior thereof Anno 1677. Sr. William Prichard of the Citty of London Kt. and Alderman now maried to Sarah daughter of Francis
House generally twice a week and keep Courts â—or the negotiation of their Affairs The government of this Company for this present year 1678. is committed to the care of Sir Nathaniel Herne Kt. Governour Major Robert Thomson Deputy-Governour and to the Right Honourable George Lord Berkeley Sir Samuel Barnadiston Sir Iohn Banks Baronets Sir William Thomson Sir Stephen White Sir Iames Edwards Sir Iohn Moore Sir Iohn Lethulier Knights Iosia Child Iohn Iolliff Iohn Bathurst Col. Iohn Clarke Iames Houblon Samuel Moyer Charles Thorold Thomas Papillon Esquires Mr. Christopher Boone Mr. Thomas Canham Mr. Ioseph Herne Mr. Nathaniel Letton Mr. Iohn Page Mr. Edward Rudge Mr. Daniel Sheldon and Mr. Ieremy Sambrook Assistants The Levant or Turky Company of Merchants which by their Discovery made the first Trade into the Seigniory of Venice and then into the Dominions of the Grand Seignior and including the Trade of the East-Indies which as then was undiscovered to us by Sea their goods being brought upon Camels and Ass-negroes to Aleppo and other parts of Turky but since the discovery of the Indies by Sea the Trade of this Company is something eclipsed for those Commodities which are now brought us by the East-India Company The benefit that ariseth to this Nation from this Company besides the imploying so many Ships and Seamen is in the Exporting and Importing of so many rich Commodities and in particular Clothes both died and drest at the least thirty thousand pieces yearly Kersies Lead Tinn Iron Steel Wire Pewter Furrs pieces of Eight Sugar Hides Elephants-teeth Brasill red and white Lead Indico Logwood Couchaniel Callicoes Spices and several Indian Commodities And for these they Import raw Silks of Persia Damascus Tripoli c. also Camblets Grograins Grograin-yarn Mohairs of Angor Woolls Cottons Cotton-yarn of Smyrna and Cyprus Galls of Mosolo and Toccat the Coralls and Oyls of Zant Zeffalonia Morea c. the Drugs of Egypt and Arabia also Turky-Carpets Cordovants Box-wood Rhubarb Worm-seed Sena Cummin-seed with several other rich Commodities This worshipful Company of Merchants was first Incorporated in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and since confirmed by her Successors and have ample Priviledges and Immunities granted unto them as making of Laws and Orders for the well government of the said Fellowship power of deciding Controversies which arise in the said Company as to their Trade giving Oaths imposing Fines or imprisoning of Offenders according to their discretion the using of a Publick Seal and the bearing of a Coat of Arms as is set forth in the Escocheon of Arms aforesaid And for the better management of the Affairs of this Honourable Company they are governed by a Governour Deputy-Governour and Court of Assistants consisting of 18 who in the Month of February are Annually chosen by a general Consent out of the Members of the said Company and these meet and keep Courts monthly weekly or as oft as their occasions require for the management of the concerns of the said Society as binding and making free electing and sending over Consuls Vice-Consuls Factors and Servants to Constantinople Smyrna Aleppo Cyprus and such places where their Factories are kept The management of the Affairs of this Honourable Company for this present year 1678. is committed to the care and prudent government of the Right Honourable George Lord Berkeley of Berkeley whose worthy parts and great love to Traffick makes him every way so fit for it that the Company for these several years past have by an unanimous consent elected his Lordship their Governour Iohn Buckworth Esq Deputy Mr. Iohn Harvey Treasurer Mr. Thomas Vernon Husband Sir Iohn Lethulier Kt. Charles Thorold Esq Iohn Morden Esq Mr. Thomas Pilkington Mr. Richard Poulter Mr. Henry Griffith Mr. Iohn Morice Mr. Richard Onslow Mr. Thomas Hartopp Mr. Walter Conventrey Mr. William Hedges Mr. Iasper Clotterbook Mr. Abraham Wessell Mr. Richard Nicol Mr. Bernard Saltonstall Mr. George Carew The Russia or Moscovy Company of Merchant Adventurers for discovery of new Trades was first Incorporated in the beginning of the Reign of King Philip and Queen Mary upon the Discoveries of Lands Territories Seigniories and Isles by Seas lying Northwards North-eastwards and North-westwards from England and was afterwards confirmed by Act of Parliament in the eighth year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth so that now they enjoy several Immunities and Priviledges as to raise Arms for the subduing of Countreys in the limits aforesaid and to enter thereon and set up the English Standards to make Acts and Ordinances for the good of the said Society so as they are not repugnant to the Laws of the Kingdom to punish Offenders by Fine or Imprisonment to use a Common Seal to bear a Coat of Arms c. as is here depicted The Commodities that this Company Exporteth are woollen Clothes both died and dressed of all sorts Kersies Bayes Cottons Perpetuances Fustians Norwich Stuffs Lace Thread Lead Tinn Pewter Allom Copper much defective Wines and Fruits not fit to be spent in this Kingdom with most sorts of English Goods And for these and the like they Import Pot-ashes Tarr Cordage Cable-yarn Tallow Wax Isinglass several sorts of Hides in the Hair Goat-skins undrest Cordovants tan'd Hides Hogs-brissles raw Silk Linseed Slod Bever wooll and wombs several sorts of rich Furrs Seal-skins Rhuberb Castorum Agarick Train-oyl Flax Hemp Linen Caviare Salmon Stockfish Codfish c. This worshipful Company of Merchants is governed by a Governour four Consuls and Assistants consisting of four and twenty who on the first of March are Annually chosen out of the Members of the said Society and for this present Year 1677. the management thereof is committed to the care of Iohn Iolliff Esq Governour Sir Benjamin Ayloff Baronet Samuel Moyer Esq Charles Thorold Esq Mr. Charles Carill Consuls to Mr. Edward Bell Treasurer and to Iohn Gould Esq Mr. Daniel Edwards Mr. Benjamin Glanvile Mr. Iames Young Mr. Benjamin Colds Mr. George Grove Mr. Francis Pargiter Mr. George Carew Mr. Heritage Lenten Captain Gervase Lock Mr. Edward Grace Mr. Thomas Thursby Mr. Thomas Hancox Mr. Iohn Ashby Mr. Richard Adams Mr. Edward Davenport Mr. Thomas Hawes â— Mr. George Cooks Mr. Gilbert Ward Mr. Ioseph Wolfe Mr. Iohn Porter Mr. Iohn Osborne and Mr. Iohn Penning Assistants The Eastland Company first Incorporated in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and confirmed by King Charles the Second and by their Charter have ample Immunities and Priviledges granted to them and as large a scope to traffick in including the Trade of the Kingdoms Dominions Dukedoms Countreys Cities and Towns of Norway Swedeland and Poland with the Territories of the said Kingdoms as also in Lettow Liffland and Pomerland from the River Odera Eastwards and likewise in the Isles of Findland Eoland and Berâ—tholine within the Sound The Commodities by this Company Exported are Woollen Clothes Perpetuances Kersies Serges Norwich Stuffs Cottons Lead Tinn Pewter Stockins Hats Gloves together with several Southern and Eastern Commodities as Sattins Silks Spices
Baron which always stands afterwards for the head place of the Barony whereof the said Baron and his Heirs shall be surnamed and called and shall continue that name of place although he do alien away the same as aforesaid Some others are named with the Title of Lord as Sir Hugh Bramsteed by Writ of the 27 th of Henry the Sixth was styled Lord Veysey Iohan. Beauchamp Domino de Beauchamp Iohanni Domino de Clynton To some others the Writ is directed only by their Name without any addition of place or dignity as William de Lovell Mil. William Devereux Mil. c. But the Nature Quality and Addition of those Barons by Writ is aptly discovered by the debate of a Question moved often amongst men and spoken of concerning the continuance and descent of a Barony by Writ which Question for the more orderly disposition thereof I shall divide into these Heads or Points Question First Whether a Barony by Writ may descend from the Ancestor to the Heir or not Secondly Admit such a Barony may descend then Whether it doth descend to the Heirs although not so near as the Heir Female Thirdly Admit it doth descend to the Heirs Female then Whether may the Husband of such an Heir Female take upon him the Name Style and Dignity of such a Barony in right of his Wife or no Those therefore that maintain the Negative that such a Barony shall not descend do strengthen themselves with these or the like Arguments viz. The first Argument Whether a Barony by Writ may descend Nobility and Honour which are given in respect of Wisdom Connsel and Advise cannot extend to any other person or descend from one man to another for it is a Rule in Law That Privilegium personae personam sequitur extinguitur cum persona But such is the Dignity of a Baron therefore it is reason that it should not descend from the Ancestor to the Heir The second Argument Again If the calling of the Parliament by Writ be the sufficient instrumental cause of such Nobility to the Ancestor the not calling of the Heir is a loss of that Nobility For if the Heir have defects of Nature in him as Idiotsie Frensie Leprosie or the like whereby he is become unfit for Counsels and Conversations for what reason should he enjoy that Dignity whereof he is either unworthy or uncapable for the effect hath no place where the cause faileth and hereof they conclude that such Dignities of Baronies by Writ should not descend If on the contrary part the Affirmation is thus proved Honour which is given in respect of Wisdom and Vertue of him on whom it was first bestowed is not only a due recompence for himself whilst he lived but also a memorable Reward thereof to Posterity The words of Cicero to this effect are most excellent Homines bonos semper nobilitate favimus quia utile republicae est nobiles esse homines dignos majoribus suis quia valere debet apud nos claros hujusmodi senes fuisse è republica moveretur memoria mortucrum Honor. Therefore this kind of Honour is Patrimonial and Hereditary for things which are once granted unto a man by the King for his Honour are not again to be returned to his loss and disgrace or to his Heirs The second Argument Secondly If the Infamy of the Father be a blot to the Posterity as the Wiseman Solomon affirmeth The Children complain for an ungodly Father they are reproved for his sake and for that also the Law of the Realm doth corrupt the blood of the Posterity by and upon the Offence of the Ancestor Reason would also be that the Honour of the Ancestor should be likewise Honour to the Posterity for contraries do also carry their contrary Reason For the determination whereof 't is to be noted that diversity of Reason hath bred diversity of Opinion Some there are that do speak That the Dignity of a Baron by Writ is not discendable from the Ancestor unto the Heir unless the Heir be likewise called by Writ to Parliament and that then it becometh an Inheritance and not before But this Assertion is repugnant to the nature of Descent which for the most part doth carry a Patrimony descendable by act of Law presently upon the death of the Ancestor unto the Heir not at all Wherefore the Custom of the Country and the manifest Presidents do prove that this kind of Baronies doth descend from the Ancestor to the Heir and there needeth not any word of Heir in the Writ of Summons only one President there is in a special Writ sometime directed to Sir Henry Bromfleet in the 27 th of Henry the Sixth wherein he was styled Lord Veysey and wherein there are these words inserted Volumus tamen vos haeredes vestros de corpore vestro ligitime enatos Barones de Veysey existentes Wherefore it is very true that when the Heir of any such Baron by Writ is called to the Parliament that his Descent of Honour is thereby established and approved of by the gracious Judgment of our Sacred Sovereign So it is also true that if it shall stand with his Majesties pleasure that such an Heir shall not be summoned at all then that Nobility is much impaired and in a manner extinguished in the censure of all men for that it hath no other original but by a Writ of Summons from the which by the Judgment of the Supream Sovereign he is excluded As to the second principal point Whether the Barony by Writ may descend to the Heir Female it shall not be amiss likewise to shew the Reasons on either part that by conflict of Argument the truth may the better be discovered Those that maintain the Affirmative part do say That in reason the Sex of the Heir Female ought no more to barr her Dignity than the Nonage of the Heir Male ought to barr him though during his Nonage he be unable to do the Service But as the Service of the one is for time forborn so the Sex of the other may at all times be supplied by the maturity of her Husbands Offices of Honour which do much import the Commonweal being passed by Inheritance do descend to the Heir Female as the Office of the High Constableship of England which descended unto the Daughter of Hum. de Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex Also the Office of the Lord Steward descended to Blanch Daughter of Henry Earl of Lancaster The like may be said of the Office of Earl-Marshal which descended by an Heir Female to the House of Norfolk All which Offices are as unsit to be exercised by a woman as for a Woman to be summoned by Writ to the Parliâ—ment as a Baroness c. Many Noble Houses also in England do support and lawfully bear the Dignity of a Baronage unto them descended by a Woman The first Argument contra They which stand of the Negative part in this Controversie do encounter their
Adversaries in this manner viz. The Writ of Summons to the Parliament whereby the Baron by Writ hath his Original is to call that Honourable and Worthy Person so summoned to the number of that Right High and Honourable Assembly and to be a Judge to sit hear and determine Life and Member Plea and right of Land if there shall come occasion likewise to give Counsel and Advise in the most mighty Affairs of the Realm But these things are convenient for the quality and condition of men unfitting and altogether unbeseeming the Sex of women Ergo having respect unto the scope and final purpose of such Writs such Inheritances should only descend unto the Heir Female The Second Argument contra Secondly If it shall be answered That although the Heir Female to whom such Inheritance is descended be unfit in her own person for the accomplishing of these things yet she may marry with one sufficiently able for her and in her behalf to execute the same This Answer will neither satisfie nor salve the inconveniences For admit that such an Heir Female were at full Age at the death of her Ancestor unmarried for it doth lye in her own choice then whom shall be her Husband The Third Argument contra Thirdly If such Husband shall be called by the right of his Wife the Writ shall make some mention thereof for otherwise it may well be taken that the Husband was chosen in his own person and in behalf of himself and not in regard of his wife or such pretended Dignity descended unto him But there was never such a Writ of Summons seen wherein the wife was mentioned And if the husband of such a wife have been called to the Parliament which is always by General Writ not mentioning his wife he is thereby made a Baron of himself by virtue of the said Writ Having thus heard both sides to dispute place it doth now require to interpose Opinion to compound the Controversie This point in queâ—tion is somewhat perplexed by means of difficult Presidents For first it is observed That some Presidents do prove that Baronies by Writ have descended unto Heirs Female whose husbands have been called to Parliament whether in regard of themselves or in respect of their wives right it maketh no matter but since it is that the marriage of such Ladies gave that occasion to be summoned and such husbands and their Poâ—â—erity have and do lawfully bear the same Title of Dignity which the Ancestors of such a wife did before rightfully bear For by this Controversie theâ—e is no purpose to call the right of such Noble Houses into question Howbeit Secondly this is to be observed out of the Presidents and to be acknowledged of every dutiful Subject That the King's Majesty is nevertheless at liberty to call to his High Council of Parliament whom he shall in his Princely Wisdom think fit which by his Majestie 's Noble Progenitors have in former Ages likewise observed And therefore whereas Ralph Lord Cromwell being a Baron by Writ died without Issue having two Sisters and Coheirs Elizabeth the eldest who married Sir Thomas Nevile Knight and Ioan the younger who married Sir Humphrey Butcher Knight who was called to Parliament as Lord Cromwell and not the said Sir Thomas Thirdly It is to be observed That if a Baron by Writ die without Heir Male having his Daughter Sister or other Collateral Heir Male that can challenge the Land of the said Baron deceased by any ancient entail or otherwise the Title of such an Heir Female hath heretofore been allowed as by the honourable Opinions and Relations of the Right Honourable the late Commissioners in the Office of Earl-Marshal signified unto the late Queen upon Petition of the Sister and Heir of Gregory Lord Dacres deceased may appear Moreover in the same Pedigree of the Lord Dacres it was expressed That Thomas sometimes Lord Dacres had issue Thomas his eldest Son Ralph his Second and Humphrey his third Thomas the eldest died in the life of his Father having issue Ioan Daughter and Heir who was married to Sir Richard Fines Knight and after Thomas Lord Dacres his Grandfather and Father to the said Ralph and Humphrey died after whose death Henry the Sixth by his Letters Patents bearing date at Westminster the Seventh of November in the Seventh year of his Reign reciting the said Pedigree and Marriage doth by his said Letters Patents accept declare and repute the said Richard Fines to be Lord Dacres and one of the Barons of the Realm But afterwards in the time of Edward the Fourth the said Humphrey Dacres after the attainder of the said Ralph and himself by an Act of Parliament which was the first of Edward the Fourth And after the death of the said Ralph and the Reversal of the said Act by another Act in the Twelfth of Edward the Fourth the said Humphrey made challenge unto the said Barony and unto divers Lands of the said Thomas his Father whereupon both parties after their Title had been considered of in Parliament submitted themselves to the Arbitrement of King Edward the Fourth and entred into Bond each to other for the performance thereof whereupon the said King in his Award under his Privy Seal bearing date at Westminster the Eighth of April Anno Regni sui decimo tertio did Award that the said Richard Fines in the right of Ioan his wife and the Heirs of his body by the said Ioan begotten should keep have and use the same Seat and Place in every Parliament as the said Thomas Dacres Knight Lord Dacres had used and kept and that the Heirs of the body of the said Thomas Dacres Knight then late Lord Dacres begotten should have and hold to them and to their Heirs the Mannor of Holbeach And further That the said King Edward did Award on the other part that the said Humphrey Dacres Knight and the Heirs Males of the said Thomas late Lord Dacres should be reputed had named and called the Lord Dacres of Gillesland and that he and the Heirs Males of the body of the said Thomas then late Lord Dacres should have use and keep the place in Parliament next adjoyning beneath the said place which the said Richard Fines Knight Lord Dacres then had and occupied And that the Heirs of the body of the said Ioan his wife shall have and enjoy and that the Heirs Males of the said Thomas Dacres late Lord Dacres should have to them and the Heirs Males of their bodies begotten the Mannor of Iothington c. And so note that the name of the ancient Barony namely Gillesland remained unto the Heir Male to whom the Land was entailed Moreover this is specially observed If any Baron by Writ do die having no other Issue than Female and that by some special entail or other assurance there be an Heir Male which doth enjoy all or great part of the Lands Possessions and Inheritances of such Baron deceased the Kings have used to call to the
Parliament by Writ as Baron such Heir Male omitting the Husband of the Issue of such Heir Female And this also appeareth by a notable Controversie in the time of Henry the Seventh between Sir Robert Willoughby Lord Brook and Richard Lord Lattimer for the Barony of Lattimer which in effect was The said Lord Brook did challenge the Barony of Lattimer as Coâ—in and Heir of Elizabeth his Great-grandmother who was Sister and Heir of Iohn Nevill Lord Lattimer who died without Issue And hereupon exhibited a Petition to Henry the Seventh in Parliament whereunto Richard Lord Lattimer was called to answer because he then enjoyed the said Title and Dignity The said Richard Lord Lattimer did by his Answer shew That after the death of the said Iohn Nevill Lord Lattimer without Issue the said Elizabeth was his Sister and next Heir and married unto Thomas Willoughby Knight second Son of the Lord Willoughby But Henry the Sixth for that the said Iohn Nevill Lord Lattimer was dead without Issue and that the next Heir was Female did therefore call to the Parliament George Nevill Knight second Son of Henry Earl of Westmoreland to be Lord Lattimer as Cosin and next Heir Male of the said Iohn Nevill Lord Lattimer which George was Grandfather of the said Richard Lord Lattimer Father of the said Richard In debate of which cause the Question now in hand namely Whether a Barony by Writ may descend to the Heirs Female was advisedly considered of by the King and his Nobility in Parliament and in the end adjudged with the said Richard Lord Lattimer which President doth afford us two Judgments in this point And in the time of Henry the Sixth when the Writ was directed to the said Sir George Nevill Knight whereby he was summoned as Lord Lattimer to the Parliament and as Heir Male and not the said Thomas Willoughby Knight husband of the said Elizabeth Heir Female And the second Judgment was given in the time of Henry the Seventh whereby the said Barony was adjudged to the said Richard Lord Lattimer coming out of the special Heir Male against the Lord Brook descended of the general Heir Male. But here in this President before remembred of the Barony of Dacres may be objected to encounter this Conclusion for there was an Heir Female married unto Sir Richard Fines who by the Declaration of King Henry the Sixth was Baron of Dacres in right of his wife And there was also Ralph and Humphrey the Heirs Males before whom the Heir Female was preferred by the censure of Henry the Sixth and Edward the Fourth This Objection is easily answered for although Henry the Sixth through the Princely favour which he bore unto Sir Richard Fines had declared him to be Lord Dacres in right of his wife yet notwithstanding did Ralph Dacres being Heir Male then unto the Lord Dacres and by that name was attainted in Parliament Anno primo Hen. 4. Wherefore the reason why the Heir Male could not be regarded was the said Attainder of the said Raâ—ph and Humphrey his brother and therefore when Humphrey in the 12 th of Edward the Fourth laboured to have the said Attainder Reversed he submitted himself to the Arbitrement of the King who to satisfie both Competitors both having deserved of him after he had admitted them to his favour he allowed one to be Lord Dacres and the other to be the Lord Dacres of Gillesland And thus much concerning the second Point Whether a Barony by Writ may descend unto the Heir Female The third Point As concerning the third Point admitting such Descent to be to the Heir Female when there is no Heir Male that may claim the same for then doth this Question take place Whether the husband of such an Heir Female shall enjoy the Dignity in right of his wife or no Wherein we are to rest upon a Resolution had and given to this special Question which was in this manner In the time of Henry the Eighth when Mr. Winby took upon him the style of Lord Talbois in right of his wife having no Issue by her The said King assisted both by Civil and Temporal Lawyers gave Sentence That no husband of a Baroness in her right should use that Style and Dignity until he had by her a Child whereby she should become Tenant by Courtesie unto her Inheritance The special Reasons that occasioned this Sentence were two First It should be convenient for her husband this day to be a Baron and a Peer of the Realm and to morrow by the death of his wife to become none and without the default of the party Secondly If he had Issue by wife and were entituled to be Tenant by the Courtesie of England of his wives Lands if he shall not also bear the Style and Dignity of his Wives Barony then should the Son after the death of his mother dying in the life time of his father be a Baron and Lord without Land for so the father should have the Land as Tenant by Courtesie and the Son the Lordship without Land And thus much said concerning the Nature Quality and Estate of a Baron by Writ and for the Resolution of the several points and Articles of the Question proposed may suffice CHAP. XII Barons by Patent which is the third kind of Barons mentioned in the former Division of Barons THere is also a fourth means of Creation viz. by Act of Parliament but the first two mentioned and this other by Patent is most usual for the Honour of the King for thereby the Donation doth proceed from his Majesty only as from the Fountain of Honour But when the Creation is by Parliament the King ever is one and may be said to be Donor A Baron therefore by Creation by reason of Letters Patents is that noble Person whom the King or any of his Progenitors Kings of this Realm have created Baron by such their Letters Patents began in the Reign of King Richard the Second This kind of Dignity of a Baron shall be of such continuance in Descent or otherwise as shall be limited in the Habendum in such Letters Patents contained for it may be but for the life of him to whom it is given or for term vanter vie as some hold Opinion in the 32 of Hen. 6. for cujus est dare est disponere It may be in special in our general Tayl and this kind of Tayl was usual before the Statute made decimo tertio of Edw. 1. by which Estate Tayl of Lands and Tenements was created as appeareth by the Patent whereby Hubert de Burgo was made Earl of Kent in the time of Henry the Third by these words Habendum sibi haeredibus suis de corpore Margaretae uxoris sui sorors Alexandri Regis Scotiae procreatis pro defectu talis exitus remanere in directis haeredibus dicti Huberti And that Estates intayl are at this Day of Titles of Honour by the said Statute of Westminster the second Question If a
Nobleman and his Progenitors have for a long time been called to Parliament and be a Baron either by Tenure or Writ and have had in regard thereof a place certain in Parliament if afterwards the said Nobleman should be created a Baron of that Barony and by the same name by Letters Patents whether shall he and his Heirs retain his old place in Parliament which he had according to his former Dignity or whether shall he lose his old place and take a new one according to the time of his Creation Answer The Case of the Lord Delaware lately erected a Resolution somewhat answerable to this Question Thomas Delaware in the third of Edward the Sixth being in some displeasure with William West his Heir and Nephew who was Father to Thomas late Lord Delaware and Grandfather to Henry Lord Delaware that Nevis procured by Act of Parliament by which the said William West was during his natural life only clearly disabled to claim demand or have any manner of Right Title or Interest by Descent Remainder or otherwise in or to the Mannors Lands Tenements or Hereditaments Title and Dignity of Thomas Lord Delaware his Uncle c. After the said Thomas Delaware died and the said William West was in the time of Queen Mary attainted of Treason by Verdict but pardoned by the said Queen and afterwards by Parliament in the time of Queen Elixabeth was restored and in the fourth year of her Reign was created Lord Delaware by Patent and took place in Parliament accordingly for that by the said Act of Parliament of Edward the Sixth he was excluded to challenge the former ancient Barony and after he died Now whether Thomas Delaware should take his place according to the ancient Barony by Writ or according to his Father's Creation by Patent was the Question The Opinions of the late Queens Council being his Majestie 's Attorney General and Solicitor were That the acceptance of the new Creation by the said William West could not extinguish the ancient Dignity for that he had not the ancient Dignity in him at that time of his Creation but the Dignity was by the Act of Parliament 3 Edw. 6. in the ballance of suspence or consideration of Law and he thereby utterly disabled to have the same during his life only so as other acceptance could not extinguish that Dignity which he then had not nor could not conclude his Heir who was not disabled by the Parliament 3 Edw. 6. to claim the ancient Barony which Opinion of theirs was seen and allowed by the then Chief Justice of England and Lord Chief Baron and so signified to the Lord Keeper But this to be noted by the Reasons made for the said Resolution though if the said Sir William West had been Baron and entituled and in possession of the ancient Dignity when he accepted the ancient Creation the Law perchance might have been otherwise but that remains as yet unresolved Nevertheless the Rule is Eodem modo quo quid constituitur dissolvitur But by a Grant which is but a matter of Fact a man cannot transfer his Title of Honour And thus much concerning the Degrees of Barons within this Realm upon this occasion for the better understanding and direction of that which followeth to be handled And in this place I think it not impertinent to mention one Case which I met with in our Books of Common Law concerning the Descent of a Title of Honour whereof the Ancestor had Estate in Feesimple there is a Maxim in the Law Possessio fratris in feodo facit sororemesse haeredem But if a man by any of the three means aforesaid be created into a Title of Dignity to him and his Heirs for ever and so have Issue by one wife a Son and a Daughter and hath also a Son by a second wife afterwards the Father dieth and his eldest Son entreth into all his Father's Inheritances and also enjoyeth the Titles and Dignities which his Father had but dieth without Issue In this Case the Dignity shall descend upon the younger Son though he be but of the half blood to him that last enjoyed that Name and Title of descent and shall not descend to his Sister of the whole blood And yet in this case he shall only be her Brother's Heir of all his Feesimple Lands and the reason thereof is because possessio fratris is the name and sole cause which may give Title to her his Sister which faileth in this case of Dignity for it cannot be said that her elder brother was in possession of his Title of Honour no more than of his blood so as neither by his own act nor any act to be done by any other did gain more actual possession if so it may be termed then by the Law did descend to him and therefore the younger brother may well by the Law make himself Heir unto his Father of the Honour that he cannot be heir unto his brother So that this word Possession which is no other than pedis positio extendeth only unto such things of which a man may by hâ—s entry or other act be possessed and doth require actual possession Coke's third part 92. Having thus much treated concerning the Creations and other things incident to the degrees of Nobility I cannot omit some things concerning the sufficiency and ability of Estate which the Law doth require to be in every of them according to their several Dignities The Common Law which always will decorum and conveniency be observed considering the Charges and Dignities appertaining to these Degrees and Dignities being Offices of principal Service to the King and Realm both in War and Peace hath ordered that each of them ought to have a convenient Portion and Inheritance in Land to support the said Dignity which Supplies are as Sinews conjoyned in the same For in Vertue and Riches as Aristotle confesseth all the old Nobility consisted and which two Properties maketh a good Complement for utilior est sapientia cum divitiis conjuncta Therefore a Knight's Fee which he ought to have is Twenty pounds Land by the year a Baron's thirteen Knights Fees and a quarter and an Earl's twenty Knights Fees For always the fourth part of each Revenues which is by the Law held requisite for the Dignity shall be paid to the King for the Relief As for Example the Relief of a Knight is five pounds which is the one fourth of his Revenue according to the Statute of the first of Edward the Second The Relief of a Baron is One hundred Marks which is also the fourth part of his Revenue And the Relief of an Earl is One hundred pounds alâ—o the fourth part of his Revenue And it appears by the Records of the Exchequer that the Relief of a Duke amounteth unto Three hundred pounds And this is the reason in our Books that every of the Nobility is presumed in the Law to have sufficient Freehold ad sustinendum nomen onus And to what value
Heraldry written by Iohn Guillim about fol. 18. That Sisters are allowed no differences of Badges in their Coat-Armour by reason that by them the name of the House cannot be preserved but are admitted to the Inheritance equally and are adjudged but one Heir to all intents and purposes whatsoever And the knowledge of this point in these days is worthy to be enquired into for this is to be observed out of Presidents and to be acknowledged of every dutiful Subject that the King can advance to Honour whom he pleaseth And therefore whereas Radulph Cromwell being a Baron by Writ died without Issue having two Sisters and Coheirs Elizabeth the eldest married unto Sir Thomas Nevill Knight and Ioan the younger married to Sir Humphrey Bowcher who was called to Parliament as Lord Cromwell and not the said Sir Thomas Nevill who married the eldest Sister And Hugh Lupus the first and greatest Earl of Chester Habendum sibi haeredibus adeo libere per gladium sicut iple Rex tenuit Angliam per tenorem Hugh died without Issue and the Inheritance of his Earldom was divided amongst his four Sisters and the eldest had not the Seigniory entire unto herself If a Woman be Noble by Birth or Descent with whomsoever she doth marry although her Husband be under her Degree yet she doth remain Noble for Birth-right est Character indelebilis Other Women are enobled by Marriage and the Text saith thus viz. Women ennobled with the Honour of their Husbands and with the Kindred of their Husbands we worship them in the Court we decree matters to pass in the Names of their Husbands and into the House and Surname of their Husbands do we translate them But if afterwards a Woman do marry with a Man of a baser Degree then she loseth her former Dignity and followeth the condition of her latter Husband And concerning the second disparaged Marriage as aforesaid many other Books of the Law do agree for these be Rules conceived in those Cases Si mulier nobilis nupserit ignobili desinit esse nobilis eodem modo quo quid constituitur dissolvitur It was the Case of Ralph Howard Esq who took to Wife Anne the widow of the Lord Powes they brought an Action against the Duke of Suffolk by the Name of Ralph Howard Esq and the Lady Anne Powes his Wife and exception was taken for mis-naming of her because she ought to have been named of her Husband's Name and not otherwise and the Exception was by the Court allowed For said they by the Law of God she is Sub potestate viri and by our Law her Name of Dignity shall be changed according to the Degrees of her Husband notwithstanding the Courtesie of the Ladies of Honour and Court Dyer 79. And the like is also in Queen Maries Reign when the Dutchess of Suffolk took to her Husband Adrian Brook Title Brief 54. 6. And many other Presidents have been of later times And herewith agreeth the Civil Law Digest lib. 1. title q. lege 1. In this Case of acquired Nobility by marriage if question in Law be whereupon an Issue is taken between the Parties that is to say Dutchesses are not Dutchesses Countesses are not Countesses and Baronesses are not Baronesses the Trial whereof shall not be by Record as in the former Case but by a Jury of Twelve men and the reason of the diversity is because in this Case the Dignity is accrued unto her by her Marriage which the Lawyers term Matter in Fact and not by any Record But a Noble Woman by marriage though she take to her second Husband a man of mean Degree yet she may keep two Chaplains according to the Proviso in the Statute of 11. Hen. 8. Case 13. for and in respect of the Honour which once she had viz. at the time of the Retainer And every such Chaplain may purchase Licence and Dispensation c. And Chaplains may not be Non-residents afterwards And forasmuch as the retaining of Chaplains by Ladies of great Estate is ordinary and nevertheless some questions in Law have been concerning the true understanding of the said Statute Law I think it not impertinent to set down subsequent Resolutions of the Judges touching such matters So long as the Wife of a Duke is called Dutchess or of an Earl a Countess and have the fruition of the Honour appertaining to their Estate with kneeling tasting serving so long shall a Baron's Widow be saluted Lady as is also a Knight's Wife by the courtesie of England quamdiâ— matrimonium aut viduitas uxoris durant except she happen to clope with an Adulterer for as the Laws of this Kingdom do adjudge that a Woman shall lose her Dowry in that as unto Lands Tenements and Justice so doth the Laws of Gentry and Nobleness give Sentence against such a Woman advanced to Titles of Dignity by the Husband to be unworthy to enjoy the same when she putting her Husband out of her mind subjects her self unto another If a Lady which is married come through the Forest she shall not take any thing but a Dutchess Marchioness or Countess shall have advantage of the Statute de Charta Forest. 12 Artic. during the time that she is unmarried This is a Rule in the Civil Law Si filia Regis nubat alicui Duci vel Comiti ducetur tamen semper regalis As amongst Noble Women there is a difference of Degrees so according to their distinct Excellencies the Law doth give special priviledges as followeth By the Statute 25 Edw. 3. cap. 1. it is High Treason to compass or imagine the death of the Queen or to violate the King's Companion The King's Response is a sole person except by the Common Law and she may purchase in Feesimple or make Leases or Grants with the King she may plead and be impleaded which no other married Woman can do without her Husband All Acts of Parliament for any cause which any way may concern the Queen are such Statutes whereof the Judges ought to take Recognizances as of general Statutes though the matter doth only concern the capacity of the Queen yet it doth also concern all the Subjects of the Realm for every Subject hath interest in the King and none of his Subjects within his Laws are divided from the King who is Head and Sovereign so that his business concerns all the Realm and as the Realm hath interest in the King so and for the same Reason is the Queen being his Wife A man seized of divers Lands in Fee holden by Knight's Service some by Priority that is by ancient Feoffment holden of others and some other part holden of the King in posteriority the King granteth his Seigniory to the Queen during her life and afterwards the Tenant dieth his Son within Age in this case he shall have the Wardship of the Body and have the Prerogative even as the King himself should have had The Queen Consort or Dowager shall not be amerced if she be Nonsuited
and Country in process of time obtained the name of Barons and were admitted into the Peerage and had their Titles affixed to them and their Heirs And this was the usuage and custome of the Saxon Kings to consult their Affairs without the election of the Commons as both Ethelred and Edwin did But whether this be a truth or only opinion I leave to others to dispute Certain it is they always retained some Ensigns of Honour equal to the Nobility being allowed to bear their Arms with Supporters which is denied to all others under the Degree of a Baron Also they take place before all Viscounts and Barons younger Sons as also before all Baronets and were of such esteem that divers Knights Batchelors and Esquires have served under them This Order in France was Hereditary but with us only for life to the meritorious person yet esteemed a Glory and Honour to their Family The Ceremony of their Creation is most Noble The King or his General which is very rare at the head of his Army drawn up into Battalia after a Victory under the Royal Standard displayed attended with all the Field Officers and Nobles af the Court receives the Knight led between two renowned Knights or valiant Men at Arms having his Pennon or Guydon of Arms in his Hand and before them the Heralds who proclaim his valiant Atchievements for which he deserves to be made a Knight Banneret and to display his Banner in the Field then the King or General says unto him Advances toy Banneret and causeth the point of his Pennon to be rent of and the new Knight having the Trumpets before him sounding the Nobles and Officers accompanying him is remitted to his Tent where they are nobly entertained To this degree of Knighthood doth belong peculiar Robes and other Ornaments at their Creation A Banneret thus made may bear his Banner displayed in an Army Royal and set his Arms thereon with Supporters as may the Nobles Of this Order there is at present none extant and the last I read of was Sir Iohn Smith made so after Edghill fight for rescuing the King's Standard from the Rebels in that Battel who was afterwards flain in his said Majesties Service at Alresford in Hantshire To this degree of Honour Sir William de la More Ancestor to the present Edward More of More-hall and Bank-hall in Lancashire Esq was advanced by Edward the black Prince for his eminent Service done at the Battel of Poictiers in France The Portrature and Coate Armour of Sr. William de la More Ancestor of ye. present Sr. Edw. More of Moreâ—hall and Bankeâ—hall in Lancashire Baronet wch sd. Sr. Will was made Kt. Banneret by Edw ye. Black Prince at ye. Battle of Poictiers in France The Rt. Honouraâ—le Sr. George Caâ—teret of Nawnes in Bedford shire Kt. Baronet Vice Chamberlaine of his Majestys Household and one of his Majestys most Honourable privy Councell c a. the 45â— Bart. by Creation The honble Sr Hâ—rbotle Grimston of Gore ham bury in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Baronet Speaker of the honble house of Comon 〈◊〉 â—irst Parliament vnder his Majesty King Châ—â—â—eâ—â—he 2d and at present Master of the Rollâ— the 87 Bart. by Creation Sr. Edmund Bacon of Redgrave in Suffolk Primier Bart. of England the first Bart. by Creation Sr Francis Radcliffe of Dilston in Northumberland Bar t of which Familyâ— there haue been six Earleâ— of Sâ—â—râ—x fiue of them were Ktâ— of the Garter besides S â— Iohn Radclyffe Kt. of ye. Garter tâ—mÌ„ps K. Hon 6th â—◠〈◊〉 Rodclyffe alâ—oe Kt. of ye. Garter temÌ„ps K. Rich. 3d. q. 18 Bart. by Creation Sr. Richard Atkins of Much Haddam in the County of Hertford Knight and Baronet The 4 Sâ— Bart. by creation Sr. Francis Gerard of Harrow Hill in Middlesex and of Aston Clinton in the County of Buckingham Knight and Baronet The 126. Bar â— by creation Sr. Tho. Mauleverer of Allerton-Mauleverer in the West rideing of York shire Barnt now maried to Katherine sole daughter heyre of Sr. Miles Stapleton of Wihill in ye. Sd. rideing of Yorkshire Kt. deceased The Barnt by creation Sr. Iohn Wittewronge of Rothamsted in the parish of Harpenden in the County of Hertford K â— and Bart. descended from the Wittewronges in Flanders whose Grandfather Iaques Wittewronge of Gaunt in the sd. province did thence transplant himselfe and family into this Kingdome Anno. 1564. The Bart. by creation Sr. Tho Pâ—yton of Knowlton in the County of Kent Bart. descenâ—d from the Peyton's of Peyton Hallâ— Suffolk who had by his first wife Margaret daughter and heyre of Sr. John Bernard of Jâ—esham in Cambridg shire much land and many children from whom are descended the Peyton's of Suffolk Cambride shire Kent and the Isle of Eley his second wife was Margaret daughter and Coheyre of Sr. Hugh Francie s by whome he had also much land and many Children and from whome are descended the Peyton's of Sr. Edmondsbury Warwick shire Worcester shire and Glocester sh. the 61. Bar. by creation Sr. Anthony Craven of Sparsholt in Berkshire Knight and Baronet of the name and family of the Right Honourable William Earle of Craven ct The 648. Bart. by creation Sr. Henry Puckering alias Newton of the priory near the Borough of Warwick in Warwickshire Bart. now maried to Elizabeth daughter of Tho. Murrey Esq. â— secretary to King Charles the first whâ—â—â—rince of Walâ—â— The â—24 Bart. by creatâ—â—n Sr. Phillip Matheiâ—s of Edmonton in Middx. Bart. Now Maried to Ann eldest doughter of Sr. Tho Wolstonholme of Minsingden in ye. Sd. Parish of Edmonton Bart. the 6â—4 Bart. by Creation Sr. Thomas Tempest of Stelle in the Bishoprick of Durham Bart. the â—99 Bar t by Creation Sr. John Molinevx of Teversaâ—â— in ye. County of Nottingham Bart. the 3â— Bart. by Creation â—r. William Walter of Sarsden in Oxfordshire Bart. â—â—â—ended from ye. antienâ—family of ye. Walters of Warwiâ—â—â—â—â—re whose late wife was ye. Lady Mary Tuston dau◠〈◊〉 ye. Rtâ— honble Nicholas Earle of Thanet deceaâ—eâ— ye. 352 Bart. by Creation Sâ— Iohn Osborn of Chickâ—ands in ye. County of Bedford Baronet the 468 Bart. by Creation Sr. Robert Vyner of ye. Citty of London K â— Baro â— And Lord Major thereof Anno. Domini 1675 ye. 658 Bart. by Creation Sr. Thomas Wolstenholme of Minsingden in ye. Parisâ— of Edmunton in the County of Middlesex Baronet the 747 Bart. by Creation Sr. Peter Gleane of Hardwick in ye. County of Norfolk Baronet ye. 770. Bart. by Creation Sr. Robert Iason of Broadsomerford in Wiltshire Baronet now maried to Ann daughter of George Dacres of Cheston in the County of Hertford Esq. yâ— 672 Bart. by Creation Sr. Thomas Wilbraham of Woodhey in ye. County of Chester Baronett now maried to Elizâ— sole Daugâ—ter heyr of Edward Mitton of Weston vndâ—â— LozzardinÌ„ ye. County of Stafford â— Esq ye. â—4â—8 Bart. by Creation Sr. Thomas Myddelton of Chirk â— Castle in Denbighshir Bart. first Maried to Elizabeth daughter of Sr.
345 Henry Heyman of Somerfield in Kent Esq. 346 Thomas Sandford of Howgill-Castle in Westmoreland Esq. 347 14. Sir Francis Rhodes of Barlbrough in Derbyshire Kt. 348 Richard Sprignell of Coppenthorpe in Yorkshire Esq. 349 Sir Iohn Potts of Mannington in Norfolk Kt. 350 Aug. 14. 1641. Sir Iohn Goodrick of Ribstan in Yorkshire Kt. 351 16. Robert Bindlosse of Borwick in Lancashire Esq. 352 William Walter of Saresden in Oxfordshire Esq. 353 Thomas Lawley of Spoonhill in Shropshire Esq. 354 Sept. 6. William Farmer of Eston-Neston in Northamptonshire Esq. 355 9. Iohn Davye of Creedy in Devonshire Esq. 356 23. Thomas Pettus of Rackheath in Norfolk Esq. 357 Dec. 11. William Andrews of Denton in Northamptonshire Esq. 358 Iohn Meaux of 〈…〉 in the Isle of Wight Esqâ— 359 14. Sir Richard Gurney Kt. Lord Mayor of the City of London 360 15. Thomas Willis of Fen-Ditton in Cambridgshire Esq. 361 Francis Armitage of Kirklees in Yorkshire Esq. 362 18. Richard Halford of Wistow in Leicestershire Esq. 363 24. Sir Humphrey Tufton of the Mote near Maidstone in Kent Kt. 364 30. Edward Coke of Langford in Derbâ—shire Esq. 365 Ian. 21. Isaac Astley of Melton-Constable in Norfolk Esq. 366 Sir David Cunningham of London a Baronet of Scotland 367 22. Sir Iohn Rayney of Wrotham in Kent a Baronet of Scotland 368 29. Revet Eldred of Saxham Magna in Suffolk Esq. 369 Iohn Gell of Hopton in Derbyshire Esq. 370 Sir Vincent Corbet of Morton-Corbet in Shropshire Kt. 371 Feb. 4. Sir Iohn Kay of Woodsome in Yorkshire Kt. 372 5. Thomas Trollop of Casewick in Lincolnshire Esq. 373 Mar. 3. Edward Thomas of Michells-Town in Glamorganshire Esq. 374 4. Sir William Cowper of Ratling-Court in Kent a Baronet of Scotland 375 5. Denner Strut of Little-Worley-Hall in Essex Esq. 376 8. William St. Quintin of Harpham in Yorkshire Esq. 377 14. Sir Robert Kempe of Gissing in Norfolk Esq. 378 16. Iohn Read of Brocket-hall in Hartfordshire Esq. 379 Apr. 9. 1642. Iames Enyan of Flowre in Northamptonshire Esq. 380 19. Sir Edmond Williams of Marnehull in Dorsetshire Kt. 381 22. Iohn Williams of Minster in the Isle of Thanet in Kent Esq. 382 29. George Wintour of Huddington in Worcestershire Esq. 383 May 4. Iohn Borlase of Bockmer in Bucks Esq. 384 6. Henry Knollys of Grove-place in Hantshire Esq. Extinct 385 11. Iohn Hamilton of the City of London Esq 386 12. Edward Morgan of Llanternam in Monmouthshire Esq. 387 13. Sir Nicholas Kemeys of Keven-Mabley in Glamorganshire Kt. 388 14. Trevor Williams of Llangibbye in Monmoutshire Esq 389 16. Iohn Reresby of Thribergh in Yorkshire Esq 390 17. William Ingilby of Ripley in Yorkshire Esq 391 18. Poynings Moore of Loseley in Surrey Esq 392 19. Christopher Dawney of Cowick in Yorkshire Esq 393 Iune 3. Thomas Hampson of Taplow in Bucks Esq 394 Thomas Williamson of East-Markham in Kent Esq 395 William Denney of Gillingham in Norfolk Esq 396 11. Christopher Lowther of Whitehaven in Cumberland Esq 397 13. Sir Thomas Alston of Odell in Bedfordshire Kt. 398 20. Edward Corbet of Leighton in Montgomeryshire Esq 399 21. George Middleton of Leighton in Lancashire Esq 400 28. Edward Payler of Thoralby in Yorkshire Esq. 401 Iuly 9. Sir William Widdrington of Widdrington in Northumberland Kt. 402 20. Matthew Valckenburgh of Middle-Ing in Yorkshire Esq. 403 Philip Constable of Everingham in Yorkshire Esq. 404 30. 1642. Ralph Blackston of Gibside in the Bishoprick of Durham Esq. 405 Aug. 8. Sir Edw. Widdrington of Cartington in Northumberland a Scotch Baronet 406 15. Robert Markham of Sedgbrook in Lincolnshire Esq. 407 Philip Hutgate of Saxton in Yorkshire Esq. 408 Stephen Lennard of West-wickham in Kent Esq. 409 24. Sir William Thorold of Marston in Lincolnshire Kt. 410 29. Walter Rudston of Hayton in Yorkshire Esq. 411 30. Walter Wrotesley of Wrotesley in Staffordshire Esq. 412 Thomas Bland of Kippax-Park in Yorkshire Esq. 413 Sept. 1. Robert Throckmortoâ— of Coughton in Warwickshire Esq. 414 10. William Halton of Samford in Essex Esq. 415 26. Brocket Spencer of Offley in Hertfordshire Esq. 416 27. Edward Golding of Colston-Basset in Nottinghamshire Esq. 417 William Smith of Crantock in Cornwall Esq. 418 Octob. 1. Henry Henn of Wingfield in Berkshire Esq. 419 5. Walter Blount of Sodington in Worcestershire Esq. 420 14. Adam Littleton of Stoke-Milburge in Shropshire Esq. 421 Nov. 2. Thomas Lidell of Ravensholme-Castle in the Bishoprick of Durham Esq. 422 9. Richard Lawday of Exeter in Devonshire Esq. Extinct 423 Feb. 4. Thomas Chamberlaine of Wickham in Oxfordshire Esq. 424 28. Henry Hunloke of Wingarworth in Derbyshire Esq. 425 Thomas Badd of Cames-Oysells in Hantshire Esq. 426 Mar. 20. Richard Crane of Wood-Rising in Norfolk Esq. Extinct 427 21. Samuel Danvers of Culworth in Northamptonshire Esq. 428 Iuly 3. 1643. Henry Anderson of Penley in Hartfordshire Esq. 429 17. William Vavasour of in Yorkshire Esq. Extinct 430 25. Sir Henry Iones of Abermarles in Caernarvanshire Kt. 431 Aug. 1. 1643. Sir Edward Walgrave of Hever-Castle in Kent Kt. 432 Octob. 28. Iohn Pate of Sysonby in Leicestershire Esq. 433 Nov. 9. Iohn Bale of Carleton-Curley in Leicestershire Esq. 434 13. Brian Oneal in the Kingdom of Ireland Esq. 435 16. Willoughby Hickman of Gaynesborough in Lincolnshire Esq. 436 Dec. 7. Iohn Butler of Bramfield in Hertfordshire Esq. 437 Ian. 17. Edward Acton of Aldenham in Shropshire Esq. 438 Mar. 14. Sir Fran. Hawley of Buckland in Somersetshire Kt. now Irish Baron 439 Apr. 1. 1644. Iohn Preston of the Mannour in Furness in Lancashire Esq. 440 2. Iohn Webb of Odstoke in Wiltshire Esq. 441 25. Thomas Prestwick of Holme in Lancashire Esq. 442 May 4. Henry Williams of Guernevet in Brecknockshire Esq. 443 20. Gervase Lucas of Fenton in Lincolnshire Eâ—q 444 Iune 14. Robert Thorold of Hawley in Lincolnshire Esq. 445 Iuly 23. Iohn Scudâ—more of Balingham in Herefordshire Esq. 446 Octob. 8. Sir Henry Bard of Stâ—nes in Middlesex Kt. 447 Feb. 12. Sir Richard Vivian of Trelowren in Cornwall Kt. 448 28. VVilliam Van-Colster of Amsterdam in Holland Esq 449 Mar. 21. VVilliam de Boreel of Amsterdam aforesaid Esq 450 May 4. 1645. Edward Greaves of St. Leonards-Forest in Sussex Esq 451 9. George Carteret of Metesches in the Isle of Iersey Esq 452 Nov. 25. Thomas Windebanke of Haynes in Wiltshire Esq 453 Feb. 7. Benjamin Wright of Dennington in Suffolk Esq whose Patent was Superseded 454 March 6. Edward Charleton of Hesleyside in Northumberland 455 Iuly 11. Richard Willis Esq Brother to Sir Thomas Willis of Fen-Ditton in Cambridgshire Baronets created by King Charles the Second 456. Sept. 1. 1649. Richard Brown of Deptford in Kent Esq created by Letters Patents dated at St. Germans â— in France 457 3. Henry de Vic of the Isle of Garnsey Esq created by Letters Patents at St. Germans aforesaid 458 Sept. 18. Richard Forster of Stokesley in Yorkshire Esq by Letters Patents dated at St. Germans 459 Sept. 2. 1650. Richard Fanshaw Esq afterwards Master
Lord Mayor of this City which is evident by the noble Entertainment given to Strangers and by his great attendance both at home and abroad for besides the abundance of inferiour Officers he hath his Sword-Bearer Common Hunt Common Cryer and four Water Bailiffs which by their places are Esquires then the Coroner three Sergeant-Carvers three Sergeants of the Chamber a Sergeant of the Channel four Yeoman of the Water-side the Under-water-Bailiff two Yeoman of the Chamber with divers others The publick Officers belonging to this City are the two Sheriffs the Recorder the Chamberlain the Common Sergeant the Town Clerk and the Remembrancer who by their places are Esquires The Sheriffs who are persons of repute and ability are annually by the Commons that is the Livery-men of each Company in formality chosen on Midsomer-day and the day after Michaelmass the Lord Mayor and Aldermen go with them to the Exchequer-Chamber at Westminster where they are presented and sworn and the two old Sheriffs also sworn to their Accounts On Simon and Iudes day the old Lord Mayor being attended with the Aldermen and Sheriffs in their formalities go to the Hustings Court where the Lord Mayor elect taketh his Oath and receiveth from the Chamberlain the Scepter the Keys of the Common Seal and the Seal of the Majoralty and from the Sword-Bearer the Sword all which according to custom he delivereth to them again On the day following in the morning the old Lord Mayor with the Aldermen and Sheriffs attend the Mayor elect from his House to Guild-hall from whence in their formalities they go to the Vintrey and take Barge to Westminster being attended by the Livery-men of divers of the Companies in their Barges which are bedecked with Banners Pennons and Streamers of their Arms c. which with their Musick makes a pleasing show Being come to Westminster-hall having saluted the Judges they go up to the Exchequer Barr where the Lord Mayor tâ—keth his Oath and after some usual Ceremonies in the Hall and at the Abby in seeing the Tombs they return to their Barges and are rowed back to London being landed go to the Guild-hall in great pomp where a most stately Dinner is prepared as well for the Lord Mayor Aldermen Sheriffs and the several Companies as for the Nobility Judges and Gentry that are invited to the said Feast which oft-times is graced with the Royal Presence of their Majesties the King and Queen and the Duke of York c. The Ceremony of the day being ended the Lord Mayor is attended to his House where he liveth in great grandure during his Majoralty looking after the Affairs of the City to whose fatherly care the Government thereof is committed These with other Ceremonies in the electing and swearing the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs being largely treated of in Stow's Survey and Howel's Londinensis I forbear to speak further of them here but referr the Reader A List of the Names of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Sheriffs that for this present year 1678 have the government of this Honourable City with the Names of the six and twenty Wards to which the said Aldermen do belong viz. THe Right Honourable Sir Iames Edwards Kt. Lord Mayor and Alderman of Candlewick Ward Sir Richard Chiverton of the Ward of Bridge without Kt. Sir Thomas Allen of Aldgate Ward Knight and Baronet Sir Iohn Frederick of Coleman-street Ward Kt. Sir Iohn Robinson of Tower-street Ward Knight Baronet and Lieutenant of the Tower of London Sir Iohn Laurence of Queen-hith Ward Kt. Sir Thomas Bludworth of Aldersgate-street Ward Kt. Sir William Turner of Castle-Baynards Ward Kt. Sir George Waterman of Brides Ward within Kt. Sir Robert Hanson of Basingshaw Ward Kt. Sir William Hooker of Cornhill Ward Kt. Sir Robert Vyner of Langborn ward Knight and Baronet Sir Ioseph Sheldon of Bishops-gate ward Kt. Sir Thomas Davies of Farendon ward without Kt. Sir Francis Chaplin of the Vintrey ward Kt. Sir Robert Clayton of Cheap ward Kt. Sir Patience Ward of Farendon ward within Kt. Sir Iohn Moore of Walbrook ward Kt. Sir William Prichard of Bread-street ward Kt. Sir Henry Tulse of Bread-street ward Kt. Sir Iames Smith of Portsoken ward Kt. Sir Nathaniel Herne of Billingsgate ward Kt. Sir Robert Ieffreys of Cordwainer ward Kt. Sir Iohn Shorter of Cripple-gate ward Kt. Sir Thomas Gold of Dowgate ward Kt. and Sir William Rawstorne of Limestreet ward Kt. The Sheriffs for this year are Sir Richard How and Sir Iohn Chapman Knights Having thus in brief treated of the Government of the City with their Immunities Priviledges Courts of Judicature c. in general in the next place we will treat of each particular Incorporated Company as Stems thereof And first with the several Companies of Merchants next with the twelve chief Companies out of which the Lord Mayor is to be Annually chosen and so end with the other Companies as Stars of a less magnitude The East-India Company though not the ancientest yet the most honourable and eminent was first Incorporated in the year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and since confirmed with divers other Priviledges added to their Charter by succeeding Kings having now power of making Acts and Ordinances so as not repugnant to the Law of the Land or detriment of the King for the good and well government of the said Trade and Company likewise power to hear and decide Causes and to implead fine and punish Offenders as they please to raise and maintain Souldiers in their Factories and to man out Ships of warr for their further security for warr offensive as well as defensive as occasion requireth also the using of a Seal and the bearing of a Coat of Arms as it is depicted in the Escocheon of Arms of the several Companies of Merchants This Company is managed by a joynt stock which makes them potent eminent and rich and is found several ways to be very advantageous to the Kingdom as in their building of Ships in the imploying and maintaining of thousands not only in their Ships but in their Plantations and Factories as at Surat Cambaya Bambay Curwar Baticale Calicut Fort St. George Pentapoli Musulipatan Ougely Gonro Bantam in the Indies Ormus in Persia â— with some other places of less concern And to their Presidents Factors and other Servants they allow good Salaries and are raised to higher preferments with greater Salaries as their merits deserve And the great Trade that they drive to these places exporting such vast quantities of our Manufactures and Commodities and importing so many sundry and rich Commodities cannot but make them to be very beneficial to the Nation This worthy Company for the better negotiation of their Affairs is governed by a Governour Deputy-Governour and Committâ—e consisting of four and twenty who about the midst of April are Annually elected by the Adventurers of the said Company of which there must be eight new ones always chosen and these meet at their House in Leaden-hall-street London called the East-India