An exact abridgement of the records in the Tower of London from the reign of King Edward the Second, unto King Richard the Third, of all the Parliaments holden in each Kings reign, and the several acts in every Parliament : together with the names and titles of all the dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons, summoned to every of the said Parliaments / collected by Sir Robert Cotton ... ; revised, rectified in sundry mistakes, and supplied with a preface, marginal notes, several ommissions, and exact tables ... by William Prynne ...

The Parliament holden at WESTMINSTER the Monday in the Feast of St. VINCENT, in the twentieth year of King RICHARD the 2.

[unspec 1] ON Munday, the feast of St. Vincent, the King being in the Parliament,* 1.1 the Bishop of Exeter being Chancellour,* 1.2 by his commandement declared the cause wherefore the Parliament was called,* 1.3 and alledged by many authorities of the Scriptures, that foure points belonged to every Prince to consult in his Parliament: First, that the Church should enjoy her liberties in peace;* 1.4 Secondly that all the Subjects should be governed with∣out oppression;* 1.5 Thirdly that the good laws should be maintained,* 1.6 the evill amended,* 1.7 and iustice executed; Fourthly that the Realm should be defended against the forrein enemies:* 1.8 all which the King was ready to do by good advice.

[unspec 2] He then declared the danger by the Scotts and Irish men,* 1.9 the hazard of Guienne,* 1.10 and the Marches of Callice,* 1.11 and willeth them to consult of the same to the least charge of the Realm.* 1.12

Receivers of Petitions for England, Ireland, Wales, and Scot∣land.

[unspec 3] [unspec 4] * 1.13Receivers of Petitions for Guienne, and other places beyond the Seas, and of the Isls.

[unspec 5] [unspec 6] Tryars of Petitions for England, &c. as above.

[unspec 7] Tryars of Petitions for Guienne, &c. as above.

* 1.14On Tuseday following, the Commons chose Sir Iohn Bussey to be their Speaker, whereto the King agreed;* 1.15 The said Sir Iohn had

his common Protestation there allowed:* 1.16 At the same time the Duke of Lancaster, required the King to do Justice upon Sir Tho∣mas Talbot:* 1.17 the Chancellor then declared,* 1.18 that the next day, the [unspec 8] cause of the Parliament should be more especially declared.* 1.19

[unspec 9] The Wednesday ensuing, the Chancellor, and others of the King Officers, declared to the Commons the speciall intent of the King; (other mention there is not made;) The same time the Commons require the King,* 1.20 to send for such Bishops and Lords as were ab∣sent:* 1.21 the Chancellor answered, that the same were too long and te∣dious.

[unspec 10] On Thursday ensuing, the Commons before the King and Lords, made their excuse, that where it was said that the Commons upon excitation, meant to move the King, for staying to send the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and the Earl's of Rutland, and Marshall in message to his Father the King of France into the parts of Lumbar∣die, according to his promise, that they never were moved, nor meant the same of the event of the same Voyage, whatsoever it should be, or of any the like. They onely require the King to hold them excused,* 1.22 and refer the same to his own pleasure.* 1.23

Whereunto the King by his own mouth declared certain causes of the same journy;* 1.24 First for appeasing of the Warrs,* 1.25 and the in∣tollerable losses thereby ensuing.* 1.26 The second, for that the said King was his Affinee, and Cosin, and his Ally;* 1.27 and further he thought to aid him. The third, for that in conscience he was bound to help to vanquish the common Tryant. * 1.28

The King declareth further, that he would be at liberty at all the like times to ayd any his Allies.* 1.29

[unspec 13] To the request of the Duke of Lancaster, for justice to be done on Sir Thomas Talbot,* 1.30 the King meant to do justice upon whatsoe∣ver he were;* 1.31 yea, though of his own blood.

The Chancellor declareth to the Commons,* 1.32 that he and others of the Kings Officers,* 1.33 would come the next Parliament and de∣bate with them of weighty affairs.* 1.34

On Friday in Candlemas week, the Chancellor being willed by the King,* 1.35 to declare the Conference with the Commons,* 1.36 answered that they required four points;* 1.37 First, for the continuance of Sheriffs;* 1.38 The Second, for the defence of the North marches;* 1.39 The Third, touching Liveries,* 1.40 and Badges; and the Fourth, for the avoyding the outragious expences of the Kings House,* 1.41 and namely of Bishops and Ladies.

[unspec 15] The King by his own mouth answereth to every Article,* 1.42 and touching the fourth, seemed much offended,* 1.43 saying, that he would be free therein:* 1.44 and that the Commons thereby committed offence against him,* 1.45 his Dignity, and Liberty: the which he willed the Lords to declare the next day to the Commons.* 1.46

And further willed the Duke of Lancaster, to charge Sir Iohn Bussey Speaker to the Parliament,* 1.47 to declare the name of him who exhibited the same Bill.

[unspec 16] After this declaration made by the Lords to the Commons:* 1.48 the Saturday ensuing, they delivered the name of the Exhibiter, which was Sir Thomas Haxey,* 1.49 the which Bill was delivered by the Cleark of the Parliament,* 1.50 to the Cleark of the Crown;* 1.51 After which the Commons forthwith came before the King,* 1.52 shewing themselves heavy of cheare, and declaring that they meant no harm, they sub∣mitted themselves to the King, and most humbly craved par∣don.

[unspec 17] The Chancellor by the Kings Commandment declared,* 1.53 that the King held them excused,* 1.54 and the King by mouth declared, that they were sunderly bound to him,* 1.55 and namely in forbearing to charge them with Desmes,* 1.56 or Fifteens, the which he meant no more to charge them in his own person.

[unspec 18] The Lords and Commons grant to the King for 5. years, as is contained in the 11. R. 2. Tit. 16. for three years, as is there con∣tained, Tit. 17.

* 1.57It is enacted, that every Merchant should bring into the Tower of London,* 1.58 one ounce of Gold,* 1.59 foraign Coin, of every sack of Wooll, for every CC XL. Wooll fells, and for every half Last of Skins, or else 13 s. 4 d. for every of them, over and above the due Customes,* 1.60 and to put in Security therefore,* 1.61 Vide 1. H. 4. Tit. 86

Writs to the Customers and Officers of Ports,* 1.62 to take such Sure∣ties.* 1.63

[unspec 20] The Commons grant to the King,* 1.64 power to moderate the Sta∣tute of Provisors, as in 16. R. 2. Tit. 8. saving the right of the Kings Crown.* 1.65

[unspec 21] After this forthwith the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury and York,* 1.66 for themselves and the Clergie of their Provinces, declared to the King in open Parliament, that forasmuch as they were sworn to the Pope and S••a of Rome, if any thing were in Parliament attempted, in restraint of the same, they would in no wise assent thereunto, but utterly withstand the same: the which their Protestations, they re∣quired to be enrolled.* 1.67

After that, Sir Thomas Haxey by Parliament adjudged to dy as a Traytor:* 1.68 the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and other Bishops, craved of the King, that the said Thomas might have Life,* 1.69 the which the King granted: that done, they for the honestie of the Church required, that he might remain in their keeping, the which the King also granted, and commanded Sir Thomas Sercie, Steward of his Houshold,* 1.70 to deliver the said Thomas Haxey to the Arch-Bishop, Vide the cause of his Judgment before Tit. 16. Vide 1. Hen. 4. Tit. 90.

[unspec 24] The Bishop of Landaffe,* 1.71 prayeth Restitution of the Mannour of Bishippiston in Wales,* 1.72 parcell of his Temporalities, the which Tho∣mas Beauchamp, Earl of Warr. since the death of the last Bishop had kept; The Earl of Warr. being present, was demanded hereof,

and could not deny the same, nor shew any cause, wherefore it was adjudged, that the same Mannour should be ••eized into the Kings hands, and the Issues taken by the Earl to be answered,* 1.73 and that the said Earl should fine with the King for his contempt. * 1.74

Upon the Petition of the begging Fryers there at large is ena∣cted,* 1.75 that none of that order should pass over the Seas without ly∣cense of his Soveraign,* 1.76 nor that he take upon him no order of Master of Divinity, unless he were first apposed in his Chapter Provinciall, on pain to be out of the Kings protection.

[unspec 26] William Mounteacute Earl of Salisbury,* 1.77 prayeth a Scire facias a∣gainst Roger de Mortimer Earl of March,* 1.78 returnable at the next Parliament,* 1.79 for the Castle Town and Honour of Denbeigh and the Cantreds of Roos,* 1.80 Reyvinriocks, and Kardiner: and the Comote of Dimnall in Wales, the which was granted, Vide 21. Rich. 2. Tit. 25.

[unspec 27] The King doth confirm unto the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury this Prerogative:* 1.81 That the same Arch-Bishop and his Successors, shall have the keeping of all Lands holden of him in Chief: and there∣upon caused to be delivered to the said Arch-Bishop, the Castle of Ten∣bridg,* 1.82 holden of him in Chief, during the minoritie of the heir of the Earl of Stafford.* 1.83

[unspec 28] The King as sole Emperour of the Realm of England,* 1.84 for the honour of his bloud wileth, and of his full power inabled and made mulier of his proper authority, Sir Iohn Beauford his Brothers and Sisters, and also published their legitimation,* 1.85 according to the form of his Charter,* 1.86 the which was read in full Parliament, and delive∣red the same to the Duke of Lancaster their Father.

[unspec 29] The like Charter was made to Iohn Knight, Henry Clarke, Tho∣mas de Damosells, and Ioan Beauford the damosel, and dear chil∣dren of Iohn Duke of Lancaster.* 1.87

[unspec 30] The Chancellor then declared, how that the King had created the said Iohn his Cosin Earl of Somerset,* 1.88 to have to him, and to the heirs males of his body lawfully begotten, with 20 l. in the like manner yearly of the profits of the Countie of Somerset.

[unspec 31] Whereupon the same Iohn was brought before the King in Par∣liament between the Earls, viz. of Huntington, and Marshall, ar∣rayed in a robe,* 1.89 as in a Vesture of honour, with a sword carried be∣fore him,* 1.90 the pummell whereof being guilded, And the Charter of his Creation was openly read before the Lords and Commons:* 1.91 af∣ter which the King girded him with a sword aforesaid, took his ho∣mage, and caused him to be set in his place in the Parliament, viz. between the Earls, Marshall and Warr.

[unspec 32] The Charter of the said Creation. The King granteth to the Earl of Nottingham,* 1.92 and to the heirs males of his body lawfully begot∣ten: the Office, Name and Title of Earl Marshall of England,* 1.93 the Office of Marshall in the Kings Bench,* 1.94 and in the Exchecquer,* 1.95 the Office of Proclaimer Marshall: the Steward, and Marshall of the

Kings Houshold: and further that the said Earl and his heirs males Marshalls of England, by vertue thereof may carry before them a certain golden Staff enamelled black at both ends, with the Kings Arms at the upper end, and his own Arms at the nether end: the which Charter was openly read in the Parliament,* 1.96 and delivered to the said Earl.

Petitions of the Commons, with their Answers.

[unspec 34] THe print touching selling of Merchandize,* 1.97 Cap. 4. doth not altogether agree with the Record (which note) but it a∣greeth with tit. 40. in the same Record.

[unspec 35] The print touching taking of horse without authority,* 1.98 Cap. 5. agreeth with the Record in effect, but not in form.

[unspec 36] That the Kings Officers for making Arrests,* 1.99 or Attachments in Church-yards,* 1.100 are therefore excommunicated,* 1.101 whereof remedie is required.

* 1.102Right shall be done to such as be specially grieved.

[unspec 37] The print touching riding armed,* 1.103 Cap. 1. agreeth with the Re∣cord to this point; and moreover, the Kings &c. of which latter point the Record maketh no mention.

[unspec 38] * 1.104The print touching wearing of Liveries, Cap. 2. agreeth with the Record.

[unspec 39] * 1.105The print that no Lords should sit with the Justices of Assize, Cap. 3. agreeth with the Record.

[unspec 40] For this title look before Tit. 34.

* 1.106The print touching the revocation of certain banished Justices, Cap. 6. agreeth with the Record.

Notes

• * 1.1

  King.
• * 1.2

  Chancellor.
• * 1.3

  Causes of Parlia∣ment.
• * 1.4

  Churches Liber∣ties.
• * 1.5

  Government without oppressi∣on.
• * 1.6

  Good Laws.
• * 1.7

  Ill Laws amen∣ded.
• * 1.8

  Realms defence.

  Enemies.
• * 1.9

  Scots.

  Irish.
• * 1.10

  Guienne.
• * 1.11

  Callice marches.
• * 1.12

  Consultation.
• * 1.13

  Petitions.
• * 1.14

  Sir Iohn Bussey chosen Speaker.
• * 1.15

  Kings assent to it.
• * 1.16

  Protestation
• * 1.17

  Sir Thomas Talbot,
• * 1.18

  Chancellor.
• * 1.19

  Causes of Parlia∣ment.
• * 1.20

  Commons desire the Bishops and Lords absent to be sent for.
• * 1.21

  Delay.
• * 1.22

  Commons excuse.

  Misinterpreted.

  Embassadors slayed.
• * 1.23

  Refer themselves to the Kings plea∣sure.
• * 1.24

  Kings speech.

  [unspec 11] [unspec 12] Voyage.
• * 1.25

  Wars appeasing.
• * 1.26

  Losses by War.
• * 1.27

  Allyes.
• * 1.28

  Conscience to Vanquish.

  Common Tyrant.
• * 1.29

  Kings Allyes.

  Ayde.
• * 1.30

  Sir Thom. Talbot.
• * 1.31

  Justice required.
• * 1.32

  Chancellor.
• * 1.33

  Kings Officers.
• * 1.34

  Parliament.
• * 1.35

  Chancellor.
• * 1.36

  Conferrence with the Commons.
• * 1.37

  Commons desire.
• * 1.38

  Sheriffs continu∣ance.
• * 1.39

  North marches.

  [unspec 14] Defence.
• * 1.40

  Liveries.

  Kings enterprizes.
• * 1.41

  Houshold expen∣ces.
• * 1.42

  Kings answer.
• * 1.43

  Offence.
• * 1.44

  Kings freedome.
• * 1.45

  Commons a∣gainst the Kings Dignity and Li∣bertie.
• * 1.46

  Lords to declare it
• * 1.47

  Speaker to de∣clare the parties name delivered the Bill
• * 1.48

  Lords declaration to the Commons.
• * 1.49

  Sir Tho. Haxey.

  Knight.
• * 1.50

  Cleark of the Parliament.
• * 1.51

  Cleark of the Crown.
• * 1.52

  Commons excuse and submission to the King.

  Good meaning.
• * 1.53

  Chancellor.
• * 1.54

  King excuseth them.
• * 1.55

  Commons bound to the King.
• * 1.56

  Desmes and Fif∣teens forborne.
• * 1.57

  Subsidy.

  Tunage. and Poundage granted
• * 1.58

  Merchants.

  [unspec 19] Tower.
• * 1.59

  Gold:
• * 1.60

  Customes:
• * 1.61

  Security:
• * 1.62

  Customes:
• * 1.63

  Sureties:
• * 1.64

  Commons grant moderation of Provisors:
• * 1.65

  Kings Preroga∣tive saved:
• * 1.66

  Arch-Bishop and Clergies Oath to the Pope:
• * 1.67

  Protestation en∣rolled:

  Disassent to any thing against the Pope:
• * 1.68

  Sir Tho. Haxey:

  [unspec 23] Treason:
• * 1.69

  Pardon of Life:

  Clergie:
• * 1.70

  Steward of the Houshold:
• * 1.71

  Bishop of Landaff:
• * 1.72

  Restitution:
• * 1.73

  Judgment.

  [unspec 25] Issues answered.
• * 1.74

  Fine for con∣tempt.
• * 1.75

  Petition.

  Fryers me••di∣cants.

  Transfertation.

  License.
• * 1.76

  Soveraign.

  Pr••mu••••••••.
• * 1.77

  William Earl of Salisbury.
• * 1.78

  Sci••e f••c.
• * 1.79

  Next Parliament.

  Error.
• * 1.80

  Castle and Town of Den••••igh.
• * 1.81

  Arch-Bishop of Canterbury His Prerogative con∣firmed.

  Ward-ship.
• * 1.82

  Tenbridg Castle.
• * 1.83

  Earl of Stafford.
• * 1.84

  King sole Empe∣rour of the Realm Denization.
• * 1.85

  Legitimation.

  Bloud royall.
• * 1.86

  Charter.
• * 1.87

  Endenization.

  Legitimation.

  Duke of Lancaster.
• * 1.88

  Ioh. Beauford cre∣ated Earl of So∣merset.

  Tayle.

  Creation money.
• * 1.89

  Earl created: his Robes.
• * 1.90

  Sword.
• * 1.91

  Charter of Crea∣tion read before the Lords and Commons.

  Enstaulment.
• * 1.92

  Earl of Notting∣ham. Tayle.
• * 1.93

  Earl Marshall of England.
• * 1.94

  Kings Bench.
• * 1.95

  Exchecquer.
• * 1.96

  Charter read in Parliament.
• * 1.97

  Merchandize.

  Variance.
• * 1.98

  Purveyance.

  Horses.
• * 1.99

  Arrests.
• * 1.100

  Church-yards.
• * 1.101

  Excommunicati∣on.
• * 1.102

  Res.
• * 1.103

  Armes.

  Variance.
• * 1.104

  Liveries.
• * 1.105

  Justices of Assize.
• * 1.106

  Justices banished revoked.