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 ...

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Title
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 ...
Author
England and Wales. Parliament.
Publication
London :: Printed for William Leake ...,
1657.
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Subject terms
Tower of London (London, England)
Constitutional history -- Great Britain -- Sources.
Archives -- Great Britain.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A34712.0001.001
Cite this Item
"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 ..." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A34712.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 6, 2024.

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The Parliament holden at WESTMINSTER, the Monday next before the Feast of All-Saints in the seventh year of King RICHARD the 2.

[unspec 1] * 1.1THe same Monday being the 25. of October, sundrie of the Bishops and Lords being assembled, looked for the coming of the others, but for that sundrie of them were not come, and the Sheriffs had not returned their Writs,* 1.2 the Parliament was adjourned untill the next day ensuing.

* 1.3The Thursday after being the next day, the Bishops, Lords, and others of the upper-House came into the Parliament, in the Cham∣ber de-pinct at Westminst. whereunto all the Knights and Burgesses were in the presence of the King called by name,* 1.4 at which time Sir Michaell de la Poole Knight, being Chancellor,* 1.5 began first to

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excuse his unworthiness to that place,* 1.6 and declared that he was forced thereto, which done he sheweth the cause of the Parliament to be as followeth.* 1.7

[unspec 3] For that the great Truce with the Scots was to end at Candlemas ensuing,* 1.8 for which cause the Duke of Lancaster being sent into Scotland, was returned with answer, that the Scots would send to London certain that should intreate therein, as well for such Peace,* 1.9 if it might succeed, as for preparation of War;* 1.10 which more was doubted, was the first cause of consultation.

[unspec 4] Another cause was, for that the King was to prepare also against three mighty and mortall enemies,* 1.11 Spain,* 1.12 France,* 1.13 and lately Flanders.* 1.14

[unspec 5] Here then he proved by many reasons, that it was better for us to assail,* 1.15 then to be assailed; to seek them at home, than to suffer them to come to us, and that it would so be manifestly shewed: fur∣ther proving, that they must not lay the cause of these wars to the King, considering that with the Crown the Wars descended to the King also.* 1.16

[unspec 6] Lastly he sheweth another cause to be, for the maintenance of good Laws,* 1.17 and preservation of the Peace,* 1.18 and also in his former matter he remembreth them for giving ayd to the King,* 1.19 for the supportation of these his great charges.

[unspec 7] Receivers of Petitions for England,* 1.20 Ireland, Wales, and Scot∣land.

[unspec 8] Receivors of Petitions for Gascoygn, and other places beyond the Seas, and of the Isls.

[unspec 9] Tryars of Petitions for England, &c. as above.

[unspec 10] Tryars of Petitions for Gascoyne, &c. as above.

[unspec 11] After this the Chancellor declared, the King charged the Lords by their selves,* 1.21 and the Commons by themselves to consult about these weighty matters, and for mony to serve his necessity,* 1.22 laying in the mean time all other matters apart.

[unspec 12] The Lords and Commons granted unto the King, one fifteen to be levyed according to a Schedule enrolled.* 1.23

[unspec 13] The Schedule conteineth the grant of the fifteen, and of the payment, and of the grant of vi d. of every pound of Merchan∣dize, and ii. s. of every Tun of Wine on these conditions,* 1.24 viz. That the Clergy shall grant the like for their parts,* 1.25 and that all estates whatsoever be contributary thereto.* 1.26 And that the service of the Bishop of Norwich,* 1.27 and of his Captains with the treasure by them received, not of them deserved, nor well imployed, may one∣ly be examined,* 1.28 and imployed to the use of the King.

[unspec 14] The Earl of Northumberland promised for himself, and the Earl of Devonshire, Admirall of the West, safely to keep the Seas,* 1.29 so far as the charge granted by the Commons therefore would serve, viz. of vi. d. of every pound of Merchandize,* 1.30 and ii. s. of every Tun of Wine.

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[unspec 15] The Bishop of Norwich being accused for not doing his service according to promise,* 1.31 and for receiving of severall summes,* 1.32 as well on this side the Seas, as beyond, requireth respit to answer,* 1.33 prote∣sting earnestly therein to shew his innocency,* 1.34 and being charged particularly of the receipt of 10000. Francks of gold, for giving up the Castle of Graveling to the French,* 1.35 he fully purgeth him∣self thereof, And in repeating the matter it fell out, that 5000. Francks of Gold given for the said Castle, were in the hands of Sir Robert Farmers man,* 1.36 who, charged in Parliament, confesseth the having thereof, but maketh a fair excuse for the secret taking: wherefore he was committed to prison untill he made payment thereof,* 1.37 and untill further order for his enlargement were taken.

[unspec 16] At that time Proclamation was made,* 1.38 that all such as had re∣ceived any mony beyond the Seas of the enemy,* 1.39 or of any other, for any cause other than for due wages,* 1.40 should the next day bring the same into the Chancery,* 1.41 or else to be taken as Traytors; this Pro∣clamation was made the sixteenth of November.

[unspec 17] Bryars Crossingham, and Iohn Spickworth Esquires, were accu∣sed for surrendring the Castle of Drinckham in Flanders to the Kings enemies for money,* 1.42 without the assent of the Kings Lieute∣nant; There Spickworth proveth that the same was not in his keep∣ing, and thereby was discharged. Crossingham answered, that he yeilded the same upon necessity without money,* 1.43 and submitteth himself to their order: this was thought no good cause, and there∣fore he was committed to prison.* 1.44

[unspec 18] The Chancellor in open Parliament charged the Bishop of Nor∣wich with four chief points,* 1.45 viz. First, where he promised the King to serve him with a certain number for one whole year, he had served but half a year,* 1.46 and yet returned with his host spoyled. The second, he promised to muster and shew his Armie at Callice,* 1.47 which also was not done, and failed of his number.* 1.48 The third, for that in the last Parliament it was agreed, that the King of Castile, or some of the Kings Uncles, should have gone as Generall for the honour of the Realm,* 1.49 the same was not done, and thereupon the voyage was lost, for that upon the Bishops promise as good a Generall was promised. The fourth, for that the King appointed to have chosen some other temporall Lords,* 1.50 or a sufficient Generall, the which was not done, because the Bishop took upon him the same, whereby great villanies, and other displeasures came.

[unspec 19] * 1.51The Bishop answered, that albeit in this case he ought to have Counsell,* 1.52 yet making his Protestation,* 1.53 that he might all times avoid his answer, he answered in person as followeth.

* 1.54To the first, his Commission was to go speedily to the res∣cue of Gaunt,* 1.55 the which he did, and this done as well the Gran∣toys, as his own Captains, thought it best to besiege the town of Ipre,* 1.56 about which he losing many of his men by dint of Sword, and Diseases,* 1.57 he could not any longer do any good, and therefore upon advice he removed.

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To the second, the speed which he made towards Gaunt,* 1.58 caused him to make no muster at Callice.* 1.59

To the third, he had good Captains,* 1.60 though not of the best, and the Lord Nevill might have had by his own offer, but that the King denyed him License the last Parliament.

To the fourth, he refused no Lieutenant at the Kings hands,* 1.61 onely the King writing to the Bishop beyond the Seas touching a Generall,* 1.62 he therefore gave great thanks to the King for his great care of him, and his, and that otherwise he refused none, as by his Letters may appear.

[unspec 20] The Chancellor replyed,* 1.63 taking advantage of the Bishops an∣swer in the end, and said, that the Bishops answer seemed to the King and Lords no sufficient excuse,* 1.64 for without his Imprisonment,* 1.65 for what is contained in these four Articles, he ought to make Fine,* 1.66 and ransome at the Kings pleasure, by seizing of the Tempo∣ralities of his Bishoprick when the King should please.* 1.67

[unspec 21] The Bishop after this, was willed to declare such as were waged to serve him one year,* 1.68 to the end they might serve the King in o∣ther places,* 1.69 to accomplish their promise. Thereto the Bishop an∣swered, that upon the delivery of Sir Robert Hulmer his Clarke and Treasurer,* 1.70 he would do so: Sir Robert was delivered, and two severall dayes at the Bishops intreaty appointed for the case.

[unspec 22] At the last the Bishop began to answer to the four Articles in manner aforesaid,* 1.71 with somewhat adjoyned for his Purgation.* 1.72

[unspec 23] The Chancellor by replication disproveth the Bishop,* 1.73 and con∣cludeth, although the King might pass on the Bishop,* 1.74 as on a tem∣porall Lord, by reason that he took upon him, to serve him as a Souldier, and had the Sword carried before him, contrary to his profession: yet for that time the King would spare to lay hands on his person, for his Imprisonment, but for his other defaults, and villanies, the Lords by assent of the Parliament had adjudged him to make Fine,* 1.75 and ransome at the Kings pleasure, whereto he should be compelled by the seizure of his temporalities:* 1.76 and it was commanded him from thenceforth no longer to have the sword carried before him.

[unspec 24] Sir William Elinsham, Sir Thomas Trevit, Sir Henry de Ferrers, and Sir William de Hurnedon Knights,* 1.77 were openly accused in Par∣liament before the Lords, for receiving divers severall summes, for giving up of Holds and Fortresses without the assent of the King, or his Generall,* 1.78 together with one Robert Fitz-Raph; the summes particularly layed to their charge, amounted in the whole to 20000. Francks of Gold. They all made certain fained excu∣ses,* 1.79 and submitted themselves to the Kings mercy.* 1.80

[unspec 25] The said Chancellor replyed,* 1.81 and gave judgement that they all should pay to the King of what they had received, and remain in prison untill they had made Fine and ransome with the King,

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and with them Sir William Harnedon was committed to prison, his body and goods to be at the Kings pleasure.

* 1.82Petitions of the Commons with their Answers.

[unspec 26] * 1.83THe print touching the Liberties of the Church, the great Charter,* 1.84 and the Charter of the Forrest,* 1.85 Cap. 1. and 2. a∣greeth with the Record in effect, but not in forme.

[unspec 27] That the Justices of both Benches, and Barons of the Exchecquer may be sworn before the King,* 1.86 Lords and Commons to do with∣out consideration.

* 1.87They be already sworn, and if need be shall be again.

[unspec 28] It is enacted that Writs shall be sent to the Justices of Peace to charge them that Vagabonds,* 1.88 and Saylors do put in suretie for their good behaviour,* 1.89 or else to remain in Prison,* 1.90 untill the com∣ing of the Justices of Assize, which far swerveth from the Print Cap. 5. quod nota.

[unspec 29] The print touching the execution of the Statute of Winchester Cap. 6. agreeth with the Record in effect,* 1.91 but not in forme.

[unspec 30] The print touching the false making of Wollen Cloaths Cap. 9. far swerveth from the Record,* 1.92 for that in the print is much more matter than in the Record,* 1.93 quod nota.

[unspec 32] The print touching Purveyors Cap. 8. agrees with the Record in effect,* 1.94 but not in forme.

[unspec 33] * 1.95The print touching Writs of Premunire Cap. 14. far swerveth from the Record, as having sometimes more; and sometimes less than in the Record.

[unspec 34] * 1.96It is enacted, that if Commission, or Patent be granted to any Sheriff, or Escheator for longer space than for one year,* 1.97 that the same be void, saving the Kings Prerogative.* 1.98

[unspec 35] It is enacted that all Denizens passing Wools shall be dischar∣ged of 20. d. Custome,* 1.99 of every Sack newly demanded by the Customers.

[unspec 36] That the Seas may be safely kept for the grant of the Merchants made therefore.* 1.100

* 1.101The King by advice of his Counsell,* 1.102 and Admirals will pro∣vide sufficiently therefore.* 1.103

[unspec 37] It is enacted that the Citizens of London,* 1.104 shall enjoy all their whole Liberties whatsoever,* 1.105 with this Clause, licet usi non fuerunt, vel abusi fuerunt, notwithstanding any Statute to the contrary. That the Fishmongers,* 1.106 and other Victuallers should be under the rule of the Mayor,* 1.107 and Aldermen, and that the Mayor, and Al∣dermen should take no other Oath in the Exchecquer, than they did in the time of K. E. 3.

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[unspec 38] The print touching the discharge of Jurors in Writs of Nisi prius Cap. 7. agreeth with the Record in effect,* 1.108 but not in forme.

[unspec 39] It is enacted, that no Man, or Officer being from henceforth at∣tainted, * 1.109 or Convicted for any Falshood about the said Office,* 1.110 be restored thereto again without especiall grace therefore had.* 1.111

That no Forrester do take any Chymmage of,* 1.112 or for any Wood, Coale, or Fewell, but where the same is carried to be sold.

[unspec 41] The Statute of the Forrests,* 1.113 and other Statutes shall be kept, and who will especially complaine shall be heard.

[unspec 42] It is enacted, that all such as have any Castles,* 1.114 or Fortresses nigh the Marches of Scotland,* 1.115 shal sufficiently furnish the same with Men, and Victuals, and so keep the same, and that the Warden of those parts may be there in his own person.

[unspec 43] That no Writs of Oyer,* 1.116 and Terminer be granted without assent of the Kings Counsell and good proof.* 1.117

The Statutes therefore made shall be kept saving the Kings Pre∣rogative.* 1.118

[unspec 44] Upon the complaints of Sheriffs,* 1.119 for being charged with di∣vers sums, parcell of their Fee-Farmes,* 1.120 and granted forth in Li∣berties. * 1.121

[unspec 45] It is enacted, that the Chancellor,* 1.122 and Treasurer shall from time to time make such allowance to the Sheriffs as they shall thinke good. * 1.123

The print touching Fishmongers,* 1.124 Victuallers, and Vintners,* 1.125 Cap. 10. far swerveth from the Record,* 1.126 for that the Record ma∣keth no mention of Victuallers, besides that there is much more in the print than in the Record. quod nota.

[unspec 46] The Burgesses of Scarborough being much afflicted by the French,* 1.127 Scots, and Flemmings, provide at their own charge for their Defence a Bark of Dullinger,* 1.128 the which they being unable to furnish and maintaine, do require of the King certain Contribu∣tions of such as pass with Fish,* 1.129 or other things.

The King by the advice of his Counsell and Admirall,* 1.130 will pro∣vide the best remedy.

[unspec 47] It is enacted that these Burgesses shall enjoy all their Liberties according to their Charters.* 1.131

The print touching Mainpernors in Writs of Debt Cap. 17. a∣greeth with the Record in effect but not in forme.* 1.132

[unspec 49] The print touching Provision from Rome,* 1.133 Cap. 12. far swarveth from the Record,* 1.134 for that the Record maketh two Statutes of the same, besides the swerving in forme. quod nota.

[unspec 50] That no mans possessions be disturbed by any Commission out of the Chancery,* 1.135 or Writ of Privy Seal,* 1.136 without due answer, and that all Bills exhibited in this Parliament be answered.* 1.137

To the first, the Counsell upon grief shewed they may provide remedy.* 1.138 To the second let such Bills as cannot be ended by the Counsell be exhibited to the King.

Page [unnumbered]

[unspec 51] That such Nobles or other Captains which serve the King,* 1.139 and receive wages therefore may at their return be received to accompt in the Exchecquer without delay,* 1.140 and that all debts upon so much service in the time of King E. 3. extended out of the Exchecquer, may be pardoned.

[unspec 52] * 1.141 Who will complain, may shew his griefs and be heard.

* 1.142That the Irish-men which are bailed by the laws of England, may be partakers of the pardon granted by King E. 3. in his thir∣tieth year touching Presentments to any Benefices,* 1.143 by voidance of the temporaltie of any Archbishop,* 1.144 or other Bishops.

* 1.145The King will therefore be advised.

[unspec 53] That remedy may be had against the extortions of the Ordina∣ries by undue extortions.* 1.146

* 1.147The King will charge the Clergie to amend the same.

[unspec 54] The end of the twelfth Chapter in the print beginning, and to the intent, agrees with this part of the Record,* 1.148 Compare the 49. tit. before, quod nota.

[unspec 55] That the like provision may be made against all such Beneficed Clarks,* 1.149 and not keeping upon the same within England, as late was made against such Clarks in Ireland.* 1.150

* 1.151The King will be thereof advised.

[unspec 56] * 1.152The print touching the observation of the Statute of Nor∣thampton Cap. 13. agrees with the Record.

[unspec 57] The complaint of Elizabeth, wife of Edward, late Lord of Deldofepence, for that upon a Quare impedit brought by the King,* 1.153 against her for a Parsonage in Glamorgan in Wales, her plea thereto was rased.* 1.154 It is enacted that such plea as the Justices should re∣cord that she pleaded should be newly entered,* 1.155 and the Cleark pu∣nshied for the razing.* 1.156

[unspec 58] * 1.157That remedy may be had against Protections.

* 1.158The Chancellor, upon cause, may redress the same.

[unspec 59] * 1.159The print touching the carrying of Armour, or Victualls into Scotland Cap. 16. far swerveth from the Record,* 1.160 as having much more; which note.

[unspec 60] The print touching Forrests by Forresters,* 1.161 Cap. 3. far swerveth from the Record; for in the beginning the Record would that all the Statutes of the Forrests should be kept, and to the print thus much ought to be added, and so it is to be enacted: That no man shall be taken, or imprison'd against the assises of the Forrest,* 1.162 nor be compelled thereof to make any obligation, nor other thing against his will. And if any may be attainted to the contrary of these, he shall pay double dammages to the party greived,* 1.163 and notwithstanding, shall make Fine and Ransome at the Kings pleasure.* 1.164

Note that in comparing the fourth Chapter of the print touching Forrests, the said third and fourth Chapters in print agreeth with the Record, containing but one Chapter.

[unspec 61] That no summe of mony called Queen Gold,* 1.165 should be levied of any that hath ward in marriage of the King.* 1.166

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It shall be as it was in the time of Queen Philippa late Queen,* 1.167 and of other Queens before.

[unspec 62] That the town of Guilford (by the Kings Grant) which in the late Insurrection lost their Charters,* 1.168 should have them renewed for the little Fee of twenty two shillings fonr pence.

[unspec 63] The King, by assent of Parliament, confirmeth his Pardon made to Sr. Robert de Pleasington,* 1.169 so as the same be no derogation to the Kings Prerogative.* 1.170

Of the fifteenth Chapter in the print touching Maintainers,* 1.171 is no mention made in the Record. quod nota.

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