The antiquities of Canterbury. Or a survey of that ancient citie, with the suburbs, and cathedrall Containing principally matters of antiquity in them all. Collected chiefly from old manuscripts, lieger-bookes, and other like records, for the most part, never as yet printed. With an appendix here annexed: wherein (for better satisfaction to the learned) the manuscripts, and records of chiefest consequence, are faithfully exhibited. All (for the honour of that ancient metropolis, and his good affection to antiquities) sought out and published by the industry, and goodwill of William Somner.

I have now surrounded the Suburbs, yet having hitherto said nothing of Westgate-street, the Suburbs (I mean) ly∣ing * 1.1 without Westgate, exempt from the libertie and Fran∣chese of the City, give me leave here to give it a place a∣part, and therewith to finish my survey of the Suburbs, and then I shall enter the walls.

I have seen a presentment in Eire, inrolled in the Kings Exchequer of the 21. of Ed. 1. wherein (inter alia) this street (Westgate-street) is presented and avouched, how truly I know not, to have anciently belonged to the Citi∣zens of Canterbury, subject with the City to tax and aid; but in King Iohns time to have been taken from the City by Hubert the Archbishop, to the Cities great damage, in re∣gard merchants and men of worth and estates withdrew

themselves thither, and there hous'd themselves, and were defended of the Archbishop against the Cities impositions. But whether this part of our Cities Suburbs, were not from all Antiquity, as now it is, clearely exempted from the Franchese and Liberty thereof, because part of the Arch∣bishops Mannor (and Hundred) of Westgate, as we now call it, or of Stoursaete, as of old it was named, distinct from the City-Hundred (as it seemes it was no other of old) may deserve inquiry and consideration, and the rather (sith Doomsday Booke Records, that the Archbishop then chal∣lenged to have Forisfacturam in viis extra Civitatem ex utra∣que parte ubi terra sua est) because the Archbishop, in right of his See, is Dominus Fundi (Lord of the Soile) on either side this Street. It makes much for this what Edmerus a 1.2 said upward of 500 yeares agone, that in the Lands of the Arch∣bishopricke throughout the Kingdome, by an ancient cu∣stome and usage, the Archbishop hath the sole mannaging of things aswell humane, as divine. But enough of the street.

Somewhat I have heard of a Ferry sometime at this place, * 1.3 belonging, as I am told, to the Archbishop, who did ar∣rent it out for 16^d. per annum. But I have seene no record to warrant the relation, and therefore no more of that untill I be better instructed.

The Archbishop and the Citizens, both (as bound by oath, if I mistake not) standing in the defence and main∣tenance of their liberties, the one of his See, the other of their City, have anciently much differed about liberties here, but now and of a long time all such matters have been well accorded and settled betweene them; wherefore, and because I much desire they should ever so continue, ex pro∣fesso, I decline the discourse of their quarels, least I may seeme to rub up old sores.

Having now done with Westgate-street, I will take the next way into the City, and that is by Westgate. But ere we passe or enter further then the Gate, I must, according to my purposed method premise and say somewhat of the Wards of the City.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Westgate-street.
• a 1.2

  Hist. Novor. lib. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.3

  Ferry.