The Gilds.
THE next thing that I am to take notice of, is the severall Gilds or Fraternities founded in this City, wherewith I will now go on in their order; observing by the way, that Gild proceedeth from the Saxon word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifyeth money; because that such, as were either for chari∣ty, religion or merchandize sake associated, did cast their moneys, goods, yea, and sometimes lands to∣gether, for the publique support of their own com∣mon charge. These had their annuall Feasts and neighbourlike meetings: which custome as Sir H. Spelman observes, was very antiently used by the Franks, Longobards, and other Nations; and is still continued by the Germans, who call the fre∣quent yearly banquets of the country people, made at their common charge, Gilden. As to the direct time when these had first a beginning in England, there is nothing of certainty to be found, for as much as they were in use long before any formall Licenses were granted unto them for such mee∣tings, or for conferring lands or Rent towards the support of their publique expences in what sort so∣ever, as by what I have observ'd in Stratford su∣per Avon will appear.
The first and most antient of these Gilds, here in Coventre, was founded in 14. E. 3. at which time the King granted license o to the Coventre-men, that they should have a Merchants-Gild p, and a Fraternity of Brethren and Sisters of the same, in this town; with a Master or Warden thereof to be chosen out of the same Fraternity: and that they might make Chantryes, bestow Almes, do o∣ther works of piety, and constitute Ordinances touching the same, with all apperteining thereto. And in 17. E. 3. by another Pat. q dated 25. Maii, did give leave unto Iohn Holland Priest, Iohn Lem∣man, Thomas Porter, Ric. de Stoke, Peter de Stoke, and Will. Welnesburgh, that they should enter into a Fraternity, and make a Gild, consisting of them∣selves, and such others who were content to joyn with them, to the honour of S. Iohn Baptist. As also to purchase certain lands tenements and Rents, to the value of xx. l. per annum, lying within the liberties of Coventre, for the founding of a Chan∣try of six Priests to sing Mass every day in the Churches of the holy Trinity, and S. Michael in Coventre aforesaid, for the soules of the Kings Progenitors; and for the good estate of the King; Q. Isabell his mother, Q. Philippa his consort, and their children: As also of Walter de Chesthunt, and Will. de Belgrave during their lives here on earth; and for their soules after their departure hence; and for the good estate of the said Iohn, Iohn, Thomas, Rich. Peter, and Will. and the rest of the said Gild, with their benefactors; And likewise for their souls, and for the Soul of Iohn of Eltham late E. of Cornwall, and of all the faithfull de∣ceased.
Which Gild, being so founded as aforesaid•• within two years after the same K. Edward, at the request of Q. Isabell his mother, granted license r unto her, to give and assigne thereunto, a parcell of land with the appurtenances situat in Coventre, and called by the name of Babbelake, containing cxvii. foot in length, and xl. foot in breadth, to build thereupon a certain Chappell, to the honour of our blessed Saviour and S. Iohn Baptist, for two Priests, to sing Mass daily for the good estate of the said K. Edward, Q. Isabell his mother, Q. Philippa his consort, Edward Prince of Wales, and of the Bre∣thren and benefactors of the same Gild, whil'st they lived in this world; and for their soules after their departure hence: As also for the souls of Iohn of Eltham E. of Cornwall, and the souls of the said Brethren and benefactors, with all the faith∣full deceased. Which Chappell was s finish't with∣in the compass of 5. years, as it seems by the De∣dication thereof 6. Non. Maii An. 1350. 24. E. 3.