The present state of London: or, Memorials comprehending a full and succinct account of the ancient and modern state thereof. By Tho. De-Laune, Gent

SECT. 2.

Of the Temporal Government of the City of LONDON.

THis great and populous City is governed with that admirable Order and Regularity, that it is even astonishing: For therein (as in most other things) she excells all the Cities in the World. To handle this at large, would make this small Tract swell be∣yond bounds, we shall therefore give a brief abstract of it for Methods sake under these heads.

• 1. Its Magistrates and Publick Officers.
• 2. Its Charters and Priviledges.
• 3. Its Particular or By-laws.
• 4. Its Courts.
• 5. Its Prisons.
• 6. Its Watches.

1. Of the Magistrates and Publick Officers of London.

This Renowned City, in the time of the Romans was made a Praefectura, and the chief Magistrate▪ call'd a Prefect, which continued about 300 years. In the time of the Saxons the name was changed into a Portgreeve, that is, Custos or Guardian, and some∣times Provost of London. After the coming in of the Normans, the chief Magistrate was called Bailivus, from the French word Bailler, tradere committere, that is Commissarius, or one that hath Commission to govern others, and there were sometimes two Bay∣liffs in London, till King Richard the First, in the year 1189. changed the name of Bayliff into Mayor, which hath so continued 482 years.

The first Lord Mayor was Henry Fitz-Alwin Dra∣per, who continued in the Mayoralty from the first of Richard the First untill the 15th of King John, which was above 24 years. He was interred in the Parish Church of S. Mary Bothaw near to London-Stone, where he dwelt, (not S. John Baptist, as was by mis∣take affirm'd, p. 39. which the Reader is desired to correct by this,) &c. In this place, before we come to treat more particularly of this great and honoura∣ble Magistrate, it may not be amiss to give a List of all the Lord Mayors and Sheriffs from that time to this present year, 1681.

Richard the First began his Raign July the 6th. 1189.

A. D. A. R.	Lord MAYORS.	SHERIFFS.
1189	1 Henry Fitz-Alwin.	Henry Cornhil. Richard Reynere.
1190	2 The same.	John Herlion. Roger Du••e.
1191	3 The same.	William Haverel. John Buckmote.
1192	4 The same.	Nicholas Duke. Peter Newly.
1193	5 The same.	R••ger Duke. Richard Fitz-Alwin.
1194	6 The same.	William Fitz-Isabel. William Fitz-Arnold
1195	7 The same.	Robert Besaunt. Joke de Josne.
1196	8 The same.	Gerard de Antiloche. Robert Durant.
1197	9 The same.	Roger Blunt. Nicholas Ducket.
1198	10 The same.	Const. Fitz-Arnold. Robert le Bean.
1199	11 The same.	Arnold Fitz-Arnold. Ri. Fitz Bartholomew

King John began his Reign the 6th of April, 1199.

A. D. A. R.	Lord MAYORS.	SHERRIFFS.
1199	1 Henry Fitz-Alwin.	Arnold Fitz-Arnold. Ri. Fitz Bartholomew
1200	2 The same.	Roger Dorset. James Bartholomew.
1201	3 The same.	Walter Fitz-Allice. Sim. de Aldermanbury
1202	4 The same.	Norman Blondel John de Ely.
1203	5 The same.	Walter Browne. W. Chamberlaine.
1204	6 The same.	Thomas Haverel. Hamond Brond.
1205	7 The same.	John Walgrave. Rich. de Winchester
1206	8 The same.	John Holy-land Edm. Fitz-Gerard.
1207	9 The same.	Roger Winchester. Edmund Hardle.
1208	10 The same.	Peter Duke. Thomas Neal.
1209	11 The same.	Peter le Josue. William Blound.
1210	12 The same.	Adam Whitbey. Stephen le Grass.
1211	13 The same.	John Fitz-Peter. John Garland.
1212	14 The same.	Randolph Eyland. Constantine Josue.
1213	15 Roger Fitz-Alwin.	Martin Fitz-Allice. Peter Bate.
1214	16 The same.	Solomon Basing. Hugh Basing.
1215	17 William Hardel.	John Travers. Andrew Newland.

King Henry the III. began His Reign the 19th of October 1216.

A. D. A. R.	Lord MAYORS.	SHERIFFS.
1216	1 William Hardel.	John Travers. Andrew Newland.
1217	2 Robert Serl.	Thomas Bokerel. Ralph Holyland.
1218	3 The same.	Bennet Senturer. William Blundivers.
1219	4 The same.	John Wail, or Veil, Josue le Spicer.
1220	5 The same.	Richard Wimbledon. John Wail, or Veil.
1221	6 The same.	Richard Renger. John Veil.
1222	7 The same.	Richard Joyner. Thomas Lambert.
1223	8 Richard Benger.	William Joyner. Thomas Lambert.
1224	9 The same.	John Travers. Andrew Bokerel.
1225	10 The same.	The same. The same.
1226	11 The same.	Roger Duke. Mar. Fitz-Williams.
1227	12 Roger Duke.	Stephen Bokere••. Henry Cocham.
1228	13 The same.	The same. The same.
1229	14 The same.	William Winchester. Robert Fitz-John.
1230	15 The same.	Richard Walter. John de Woborn.
1231	16 Andrew Bokerel.	Michael of St. Helen. Walter de Enfield.

1232	17 Andrew Bokerel.	Henry de Edmonton. Gerard Bat.
1233	18 The same.	Roger Fitz-Mary. Roger Blunt.
1234	19 The same.	Ralph Ashwray. John Norman.
1235	20 The same.	Gerard Bat. Rich. or Rob. Hardel.
1236	21 The same.	Henry Cobham. Jordan Conventry.
1237	22 The same.	John Tolason. Gerv. the Cordwainer.
1238	23 Richard Benger.	John Codras. John Wilhall.
1239	24 William Joyner.	Reymond Bongy. Ralph Ashwy.
1240	25 Gerard Bat.	John Gisors. Michael Tony.
1241	26 Reymond Bongy.	Thomas Duresm. John Voyl.
1242	27 The same.	John Fitz-John. Ralph Ashwy.
1243	28 Ralph Ashwy.	Hugh Blunt. Adam Basing.
1244	29 Michael Tony.	Ralph Eoster. Nicholas Bat.
1245	30 John Gisors.	Robert Cornhil. Adam of Bewly.
1246	31 The same.	Simon Fitz-Mary. Lawrence Frowick.
1247	32 Peter Fitz-Alwin.	John Voil. Nicholas Bat.
1248	33 Michael Tony.	Nicholas Fitz-Josue. Geoffry Winchester.
1249	34 Roger Fitz-Roger.	Richard Hardel. John Tolason.

1250	35 John Gisors.	Humphrey Bat. Will. Fitz. Richard.
1251	36 Adam Basing.	Lawrence Frowick. Nicholas Bat.
1252	37 John Tolason.	William Durham. Thomas Wimborn.
1253	38 Richard Hardel.	John Northampton. Richard Richard.
1254	39 The same.	Ralph Ashury. Robert of Lim••n.
1255	40 The same.	Stephen Doe. Henry Walmond.
1256	41 The same.	Michael Bokerel. John the Minor.
1257	42 The same.	Richard Otwell. William Ashwy.
1258	43 The same.	Robert Cornhill. John Adrian.
1259	44 John Gisors.	John Adrian. Robert Cornhill.
1260	45 Will. Fitz-Richard.	Adam Browning. Henry Coventry.
1261	46 The same.	John Northampton. Richard Pichard.
1262	47 Thom. Fitz-Richard.	John Taylor. Richard Wallbroke.
1263	48 The same.	Rob. de Mountpeter. Osbert de Suffolk.
1264	49 Thomas Fitz, Thomas Fitz-Richard.	George R••kestey. Thomas de Detford.
1265	50 The same.	Edward Bl••nt. Peter Anger.
1265	51 William Richards.	John Hind. John Walraven.
1266	52 Allen de-la-Zouch.	John Adrian. Lucas de Batencourt.

1267	53 T. Wimborn Custos. Sir Stephen Edward.	Walter Harvey. William Duresm.
1268	54 Hugh Fitz-Ottonis, Custos of London, and Constable of the Tower.	Thomas Basing. Robert Cornhill.

At this time the KING Granted the Choice of the Mayors and Sheriffs, to the City it Self.

1269	55 John Adrian.	Walter Potter. Philip Taylor.
1270	56 The same.	Gregory Rochesly. Henry Walleis.
1271	57 Sir Walter Harvey.	Richard Harris. John de Wodeley.

King Edward the First began His Reign the 16th. of November, 1272.

1272	1 Sir Walter Harvey.	John Horn. Walter Potter.
1273	2 Henry Walleis.	Nicholas Winchester. Henry Coventry.
1274	3 Gregory Rokesley.	Lucas Batencourt. Henry Frowick.
1275	3 The same.	John Horn. Ralph Blount.
1276	5 The same.	Robert de Arar. Ralph L. Fewre.
1277	6 The same.	John Adrian. Walter Largley.
1278	7 The same.	Robert B••sing. William le Meyre.

1279	8 Gregory Rokesley.	Thomas Box. Ralph Moore.
1280	9 The same.	Willliam Farrendon. Nicholas Winchester.
1281	10 Henry Walleis.	William le Meyre. Richard Chigwell.
1282	11 The same.	Ralph Blunt. Hawkin Betuel.
1283	12 The same.	Jordan Goodcheap. Martin Box.
1284	13 Gregory Rokesley.	Stephen Cornhill. Robert Rokesley.
1285	14 Ralph Sandwich.	Walter Blunt. John Made.
1286	15 The same.	Thomas Cross. Walter Hawteyne.
1287	16 The same.	William Hereford. Thomas Stanes.
1288	17 The same.	William Betaine. John of Canterbury.
1289	18 The same.	Fulk of St. Edmund. Solomon Langford.
1290	19 The same.	Thomas Romain. William de Lyre.
1291	20 The same.	Ralph Blunt. Hamond Box.
1292	21 The same.	Elias Russel. Henry Bole.
2293	22 The same.	Robert Rokesley. Martin Awbery.
1294	23 The same.	Henry Box. Richard Gloucester.
1295	24 Sir John Briton.	John Dunstable. Adam de Halingbury.
1296	25 The same.	Thomas of Suffolk. Adam of Ful••••m.

1297	26 Henry Walleis.	Richard Refham. Thomas Sely.
1298	27 Elias Russel.	John Armentor. Henry Fingene.
1299	28 The same.	Lucas de Havering. Richard Champnes.
1300	29 Sir John Blunt.	Robert Collor. Peter de Bessenho.
1301	30 The same.	Hugh Pourte. Simon Paris.
1302	31 The same.	Will. Combmartin. John de Burford.
1303	32 The same.	Roger Paris. John de Lincoln.
1304	33 The same.	William Causon. Reginald Thunderley.
1305	34 The same.	Geoffry, at the Con∣duit. Simon Billet.

King Edward the II. began His Reign the second of July, Anno Domini. 1307.

1307	1 Sir John Blunt.	Nicholas Pigol. Nigellus Drury.
1308	2 Nicholas Faringdon.	William Basing. James Butler.
1309	3 Thomas Romaine.	Roger le Palmer. James of St. Edmond.
1310	4 Richard Reffam.	Simon Cooper. Peter Blacney.
1311	5 Sir John Gysors.	Simon Metw••••••. Richard W••••ford.

1312	6 Sir John Gysors.	John Lambin. Adam Lutkin.
1313	7 Nicholas Faringdon.	Robert Garden. Hugh Garton.
1314	8 Sir John Gysors.	Stephen Abingdon. Hammond Chickwell.
1315	9 Stephen de Abington.	Hammond Goodcheap William Bodeleigh.
1316	10 John Wingrave.	William Caston. Ralph Balancer.
1317	11 The same.	John Prior. William Furneaux.
1318	12 The same.	John Pointel. John Dalling.
1319	13 Hammond Chickwell.	Simon de Abington. John Preston.
1320	14 Nicholas Faringdon.	Reinald at the Con∣duit. William Prodham.
1321	15 Hammond Chickwell.	R••chard Constantine. Richard de Hackney.
1322	16 The same.	John Grantham. Richard de Ely.
1323	17 Nicholas Farindon.	Adam of Salisbury. John of Oxford.
1324	18 Hammond Chickwell.	Bennet of Fulham. John Cawston.
1325	19 The same.	Gilbert Mordon. John Causton.
3126	20 Richard Britain.	Richard Rothing. Roger Chauntclere.

King Edward the III. began His Reign the 25. of January. 1326.

A. D. A. R.	Lord MAYORS.	SHERRIFFS.
1327	1 Hammond Chickwell.	Henry Darcy. John Hawton.
1328	2 John Grantham.	Simon Francis. Henry Cobmartin.
1329	3 Richard Swanland.	Richard Lazer. William Gysors.
1330	4 Sir John Pountney.	Robert of Ely. Thomas of Worwode.
1331	5 The same.	John Mocking. Andrew Aubery.
1332	6 John Preston.	Nicholas Pike. John Husband.
1333	7 Sir John Pountney.	John Hammond. William Hauford.
1334	8 Reginald at the Con∣duit.	John Kingstone. Walter Turk.
1335	9 The same.	Walter Mordon. Richard Vpton.
1336	10 Sir John Pountney.	John Clark: W. Curtes.
1337	11 Henry Darcy.	Walter Neal. Nicholas Crane.
1338	12 The same.	William de Pomfret. Hugh Marbler.
1339	13 Andrew Aubery.	William Thorney. Roger Fr••sham.
1340	14 The same.	Adam Lucas. Bartholomew Morris.
1341	15 John of Oxenford.	Richard de Barking. John de Rokesly.
1342	16 Simon Francis.	John L••ufkin. Richard Killingbury.

1343	17 John Hammond.	John Steward. John Aylesham.
1344	18 The same.	Geoffry Witchingham Thomas Leg.
1345	19 Richard Lazer.	Edmund Hemenhall. John of Glocester.
1346	20 Geoff. Witchingham.	John of Croydon. William Clopton.
1347	21 Thomas Leggy.	Adam Brampston. Richard Fas, or Bas.
1448	22 John Loufkin.	Henry Bicard. Simon Doleby.
1349	23 Walter Turk.	Adam of Bury. Ralph of Lynne.
1350	24 Richard Killingbury.	John Notte. Will. of Worcester.
1351	25 Andrew Aubery.	Iohn Wroth. Gilb. of Stenineshorpe
1352	26 Adam Francis.	John Peace. John Stotly.
1353	27 The same.	William Wood. John Little.
1354	28 Thomas Leggy.	Will. Nottingham. Roger Smelt.
1355	29 Simon Francis.	Thomas Foster. Thomas Brandon.
1356	30 Henry Picard.	Richard Nottingham Thomas Dolsel.
1357	31 Sir John Stody.	Stephen Candish. Bartholom. Frostling.
1358	32 John Loufkin.	John Barns. John Buris.
1359	33 Simon Doulseby.	Simon of Bemington. John of Chichester.
1360	34 John Wroth.	Walter Borny. John Dennis.

1361	35 John Peche.	William Holbech. James Tame.
1362	36 Stephen Candish.	John of St. Albans. James Andrew.
1363	37 John Not.	Richard of Croyden. John Hiltoft.
1364	38 Adam of Bury.	John de Metford. Simon de Morden.
1365	39 John Loufkin.	John Bukilsworth. John Ireland.
1366	40 The same.	John Ward. Thomas of Lee.
1367	41 James Andrew.	John Tarngold. William Dickman.
1368	42 Simon Mordan.	Robert Goideler. Adam Wimondham.
1369	43 John Chichester.	John Piel. Hugh Holdich.
1370	44 John Barns.	William Walworth. Robert Gayton.
1371	45 The same.	Adam Staple. Robert Hatfield.
1372	46 John Piel.	John Philpot. Nicholas Brembar.
1373	47 Adam of Bury.	John Aubery. John Fished.
1374	48 William Walworth.	Richard Lyons. William Woodhouse.
1375	49 John Ward.	John Hadley. William Newport.
1376	50 Adam Staple.	John Northampton. Robert Laund.

Richard the II. began His Reighn the 21. of June. 1377.

A. D. A. R.	Lord MAYORS.	SHERIFFS.
1377	1 Sir Nicholas Brember	Nicholas Twiford. Andrew Pikeman.
1378	2 John Philpot.	John Boseham. Thomas Cornwallis.
1379	3 John Hadley.	John Helisdon. William Barra.
1380	4 William Walworth.	Walter Doget. William Knighthode.
1381	5 John Northampton.	John Rotu. John Hynde.
1382	6 The same.	Adam Bramme. John Sely.
1383	7 Sir Nicholas Brember.	Simon Winchcomb. John More.
1384	8 The same.	Nicholas Exton. John French.
1385	9 The same.	John Organ. John Churchman.
1386	10 Nicholas Exton.	William Stondon. William More.
1387	11 The same.	William Venor. Hugh Falstalfe.
1388	12 Nicholas Twiford.	Thomas Austin. Adam Carlehul.
1389	13 William Venor.	John Walcot. John Love.
1390	14 Adam Bamme.	John Francis. Thomas Vivent.
1391	15 John Hinde.	John Shadworth. Henry Vamere.
1392	16 William Stondon.	Gilbert Mafield. Thomas Newington.

1393	17 John Hardley.	Drew Barintin. Richard Whittington
1394	18 Sir John Froyshe.	William Bramston. Thomas Knolls.
1395	19 William More.	Roger Ellis. William Sevenoke.
1396	20 Adam Brown.	Thomas Wilford. William Parker.
1397	21 Sir Rich. Whittington	John Wodcock. William Ascham.
1398	22 Sir Drew Barintin.	John Wade. John Warner.

King Henry the IV. began His Reign the 29. of September. 1399.

1399	1 Sir Thomas Knolls.	William Waldren. William Hende.
1400	2 Sir John Francis.	John Wakel. William Ebot.
1401	3 Sir John Shadworth.	William Venor. John Fremingham.
1402	4 John Walcot.	Richard Marlow. Robert Chichely.
1403	5 Sir William Ascham.	Thomas Falconer. Thomas Pool.
1404	6 John Hinde.	William Louth. Stephen Spilman.
1405	7 Sir John Woodcock.	Henry Barton. William Cromer.
1406	8 Sir Ric. Whittington.	Nicholas Watton. Geoffry Brooke.
1407	9 Sir William Stondon.	Henry Pontfract. Henry Halton.
1408	10 Sir Drew Barentine.	Thomas Buck. William Norton.

1409	11 Richard Marlow.	John Law. William Chicheley.
1410	12 Sir Thomas Knolls.	John Penne. Thomas Pike.
1411	13 Sir Robert Chicheley.	John Rainwell. William Cotton.
1412	14 William Waldren.	Ralph Lovenham. William Sevenoke.

King Henry the Fifth began his Reign the 20th of March, 1412.

1413	1 Sir William Cromar.	John Sutton. John Michael.
1414	2 Sir Thomas Falconer.	John Michael. Thomas Allen.
1415	3 Sir Nicholas Wotton.	William Cambridge. Alan Everard.
1416	4 Sir Henry Barton.	Richard Whittington John Coventry.
1417	5 Richard Marlow.	Henry Read. John Gedney.
1418	6 William Sevenoke.	Jo. Bryan, Jo. Barton, John Parvess.
1419	7 Sir Rich. Whittington	Robert Whittington. John Butler.
1420	8 William Cambridge.	John Butler. John Well.
1421	9 Sir Robert Chicheley.	Richard Gosseline. William Meston.

King Henry the Sixth began his Reign the 31th of August, 1422.

A.D.A.R.	Lord MAYORS.	SHERIFFS.
1422	1 Sir William Waldren.	William Eastfield. Robert Tatarsal.
1423	2 William Cromar.	Nicholas James. Thomas Watford.
1424	3 John Michael.	Simon Seaman. John Bywater.
1425	4 John Coventry.	William Milled. John Brokle.
1426	5 Sir John Rainwell.	John Arnal. John Higham.
1427	6 Sir John Gedney.	Henry Frowick. Robert Otely.
1428	7 Sir Henry Barton.	Thomas Duffhouse. John Abbot
1429	8 Sir William Eastfield.	William Russe. Ralph Holland.
1430	9 Nicholas Wotton	Walter Cherssey. Robert Large.
1431	10 Sir John de Welles.	John Aderley. Stephen Brown.
1432	11 Sir John Parveis.	John Olney. John Paddeslye.
1433	12 Sir John Brokle.	Thomas Chalton. John King.
1434	13 Sir Roger Oteley.	Thomas Barnewell. Simon Eyre.
1435	14 Sir Henry Frowick.	Thomas Catworth. Robert Clopton.
1436	15 Sir John Michael.	Thomas Moriseed. William Gregory.
1437	16 Sir William Eastfield.	William Hales. William Chapman.

1438	17 Sir Stephen Brown.	Hugh Dyker. Nicholas Towe.
1439	18 Robert Large.	Philip Malphas. Robert Marshal.
1440	19 Sir John Paddesley.	John Sutton. William Wilinhale.
1441	20 Robert Clopton.	William Combis Richard Rich.
1442	21 John Aderley.	Thomas Beaumont. Richard Nordon.
1443	22 Thomas Catworth.	Nicholas Wyford. John Norman.
1444	23 Sir Henry Frowick.	Stephen Foster. Hugh Witch.
1445	24 Sir Simon Eyre.	John Darby. Godfrey Fielding.
1446	25 John Olney.	Robert Horne. Godfrey Bullen.
1447	26 Sir John Gedney.	William Abraham. Thomas Scot.
1448	27 Sir Stephen Brown.	William Cotlow. William Narrow.
1449	28 Sir Thomas Chalton.	William Hulin. Thomas Canning.
1450	29 Nicholas Wilford.	John Middleton. William Dear.
1451	30 Sir William Gregory.	Matthew Philip Christopher Wharton.
1452	31 Sir Geoffry Fielding.	Richard Lee Richard Alley▪
1453	32 Sir John Norman.	John Walden. Thomas Cook.
1454	33 Sir Stephen Foster	John Field. William Taylor.
1455	34 Sir William Marrow.	John Young. Thomas O••dgnav••.

1456	35 Sir Thomas Canning.	John Styward. Ralph Verney.
1457	36 Sir Godfrey Bullen.	William Edward. Thomas Reynor.
1458	37 Sir Thomas Scot.	Ralph Joceline. Richard Medham.
1459	38 Sir William Hulin.	John Plummer. John Stocker.
1460	39 Sir Richard Lee.	Richard Flemming. John Lambert.

Edward the Fourth began his Reign the 4th of March, 1460.

1461	1 Sir Hugh Witch.	George Ireland. John Lock.
1462	2 Sir Thomas Cook.	William Hampton. Bartholomew James.
1463	3 Sir Matthew Philip.	Robert Basset. Thomas Muschamp.
1464	4 Sir Ralph Joceline.	John Tate. John Stones.
1465	5 Sir Ralph Verney.	Henry weaver. William Constantine.
1466	6 Sir John Young.	Jo. Brown, Hen. Brice, John Darby.
1467	7 Sir Thomas Oldgrave.	Thomas Stalbrook. Humphrey Heyford.
1468	8 Sir William Taylor.	Simon Smith. William Herriot.
1469	9 Sir Richard a Lee.	Richard Gardner. Robert Drope.
1470	10 Sir John Stackton.	John Crosby. John Ward.

1471	11 Sir William Edwards	John Allen. John Shelley.
1472	12 Sir Will. Hampton.	John Brown. Thomas Bledlow.
1473	13 Sir John Tate.	Sir William Stocker. Robert Belisdon.
1474	14 Sir Robert Drope.	Edmund Shaa. Thomas Hill.
1475	15 Sir Robert Basse.	Hugh Brice. Robert Colwich.
1476	16 Sir Ralph Joceline.	Richard Rawson. William Horn.
1477	17 Sir Humph. Heyford.	Henry Collet. John Stocker.
1478	18 Sir Richard Gardner.	Robert Harding: Robert Bifield.
1479	19 Sir Bartholom. James.	Thomas Ilam. John Ward.
1480	20 Sir John Brown.	Thomas Daniel. William Bacon.
1481	21 Sir William Herrot.	Robert Tate, Richard Charey, Will. Wiking.
1482	22 Sir Edmund Shaa.	William White. John Matthew.

Edward the Fifth began his Reign the 9th of April. 1483. Richard the Third began his Reign the 22d. of June, 1483.

1483	1 Sir Robert Billesdon.	Thomas Newland. William Martin.
1484	2 Sir Thomas Hill.	Richard Chester, Tho. Brittain, Ralph Astry

King Henry the Seventh began his Reign the 22d of August, 1485.

A.D.A.R.	Lord MAYORS.	SHERIFFS.
1485	1 Sir Hugh Brice.	John Tate. John Swan.
1486	2 Sir Henry Collet.	John Percival. Hugh Clopton.
1487	3 Sir William Horne.	John Fenket. William Remington.
1488	4 Sir Robert Tate.	William Isaac. Ralph Tilney.
1489	5 Sir William White.	William Capel. John Brook.
1490	6 John Matthew.	Henry Cote, or Coote. R. Revell, Hugh Pem∣berton.
1491	7 Sir Hugh Clopton.	Tho. Wood. William Brown.
1492	8 Sir William Martin.	William Purchase. William Walbeck.
1493	9 Sir Ralph Austry.	Robert Fabian. John Winger.
1494	10 Sir Richard Chawril.	Nicholas Alwin. John Warner.
1495	11 Sir Henry Collet.	Thomas Kneesworth. Henry Sommer.
1496	12 Sir John Tate.	John Shaa. Richard Hedon.
1497	13 Sir William Purchase.	Barth. Rede. Thomas Windew, or Windout.
1498	14 Sir John Percival.	Thomas Bradbury. Stephen Gennings
1499	15 Sir Nicholas Aldwine.	James Wilford. Tho. or Rich. Brond.
1500	16 William Remington.	John Haws. William Steed.

1501	17 Sir John Shaa.	Lawrence Aylmer. Henry Hede.
1502	18 Sir Bartholomew Rede	Henry Keble. Nicholas Nives.
1503	19 Sir William Capel.	Christopher Haws. Robert Wats.
1504	20 Sir John Winger.	Roger Acheley. William Browne.
1505	21 Sir Tho. Kneisworth.	Richard Shoare. Roger Grove.
1506	22 Sir Richard Haddon.	William Coppinger▪ T. Johnson. Will. Fitz-Williams.
1507	23 Sir William Brown.	W. Butler. John Kerby.
1508	24 Sir Stephen Jennings.	Thomas Exmuel. Richard Smith.

Henry the VIII. began His Reign the 22d. of April, 1509.

1509	1 Tho. Bradbury. Sir William Capel.	George Monox. John Doget.
1510	2 Sir Henry Kebble.	John Milborne. John Rest.
1511	3 Sir Roger Acheley.	Nicholas Shelton. Thomas Merfine.
1512	4 Sir Will. Coppinger. Sir Rich. Haddon.	Robert Holdernes. Robert Fenrother.
1513	5 Sir William Brown.	Joh. Daws, Jo. Bruges. Roger Bosford.
1514	6 Sir George Monox.	James Yarford. John Mundy.
1515	7 Sir William Butler.	Henry Warley, Ri. Gray. Will. Bayly.
1516	8 Sir John Rest.	Thomas Seymour. John or Ri. Thurstone.

1517	9 Sir Thomas Exmewe.	Thomas Baldrie. Ralph, or Ri. Symons.
1518	10 Sir Thomas Merfine,	John Allen. James Spencer.
1519	11 Sir James Yarford.	John Wilkinson. Nicholas Patrich.
1520	12 Sir John Burgh.	John Skevington. John Kyme, ali. Keble.
1521	13 Sir John Milbourn.	J. Breton, or Brittain▪ Thomas Pargiter.
1522	14 Sir John Mundy.	John Rudston, John Champnies.
1523	15 Sir Thomas Baldrie.	Michael English. Nicholas Jennings.
1524	16 Sir William Bayly.	Ralph Dodmere. William Roche.
1525	17 Sir John Allen.	J. Caunton, or Calton. Christopher Askew.
1526	18 Sir Thomas Seymour.	Stephen Peacock. Nicholas Lambert.
1527	19 Sir James Spencer.	John Hardy. William Hollys.
1528	20 Sir John Rudstone.	Ralph Warren. John Long.
1529	21 Sir Ralph Dodmere.	Michael Dormer. Walter Champion.
1530	22 Sir Thomas Pargiter.	W. Dawsey, or Dancy. Richard Champion.
1531	23 Sir Nicholas Lambert	Richard Gresham. Edward Altham.
1532	24 Sir Stephen Peacock.	R. Reynolds, J. Martin N. Pinc••on. J. Priest.
1533	25 Sir Christoph. Askew.	William Foreman. Thomas Kitson.

A.D.A.R. Lord MAYORS.	SHERIFFS.
1534	26 Sir John Champneis.	Nicholas Levison. William Derham.
1535	27 Sir John Allen.	Humphr. Monmouth. John Cotes.
1536	28 Sir Ralph Warren.	Robert, or Rich. Paget William Bowyer.
1537	29 Sir Richard Gresham.	John Gresham. Thomas Lewin.
1538	30 Sir Will. Foreman.	Will. Wilkinson. Nicholas Gibson.
1539	31 Sir William Hollys.	Thomas Ferrer. Thomas Huntlow.
1540	32 Sir William Roch.	William Laxton. Martin Bows.
1541	33 Sir Michael Dormer.	Rowland Hill. Henry Suckley.
1542	34 Sir John Cotes.	Henry Hobblethorn. Henry Amcoats.
1543	35 Sir William Bowyer.	John Tholouse. Richard Dobbes.
1544	36 Sir William Laxton.	John Wilford. Andrew Jud••.
1545	37 Sir Martin Bows.	George Barne. Ralph Allen, or Alley.
1546	38 Sir Hen. Hobblethorn.	Richard Jarveis. Thomas Curteis.

King Edward the VI. began His Reign the 28th, of January, 1546.

1547	1 Sir John Gresham.	Thomas White. Robert Chertsey.
1548	2 Sir Henry Amcoats.	William Lock. Sir John Ayleph.
1549	3 Sir Rowland Hill.	John York. Richard Turk.

1550	4 Sir Andrew Jud.	Augustine Hind. John Lion.
1551	5 Sir Richard Dobbs.	John Lambert. John Cowper.
1552	6 Sir George Barne.	Wi. Garret, or Gerard. John Maynard.

Queen Mary began Her Reign July the 6th, 1553.

1553	1 Sir Thomas White.	Thomas Offley. William Hewet.
1554	2 Sir John Lion.	David Woodroffe. William Chester.
1555	3 Sir William Garret, or Gerard.	Tho. Lee, or Leigh▪ John Machel.
1556	4 Sir Thomas Offley.	William Harper. John White.
1557	5 Sir Thomas Curteis.	Richard Mallory. James Altham.
1558	6 Sir Tho. Lee, or Leigh.	John Halsey. Richard Champion.

Queen Elizabeth began Her Reign the 17th of November, 1558.

1559	1 Sir William Hewel.	Thomas Lodge. Roger Martin.
1560	2 Sir William Chester.	Christopher Draper. Thomas Roe.
1561	3 Sir William Harper.	Alexand. Avenon. Humphry Baskervile.
1562	4 Sir Thomas Lodge.	William Allen. Rich. Chamberlain.

1563	5 Sir John White.	Edward Banks. Rowland Heyward.
1564	6 Sir Richard Mallory.	Edward Jackman. Lionel Ducket.
1565	7 Sir Rich. Champion.	John Rivers. James Hawes.
1566	8 Sir Christoph. Draper.	Richard Lambert, Ambrose Nicholas, Jo-Langley
1567	9 Sir Roger Martin.	Tho. Ramsey. John Bond.
1568	10 Sir Thomas Roe.	Jo. Oliph. Ro. Harding. James Bacon.
1569	11 Sir Alexand. Avenan.	Henry Beecher. William Dane.
1570	12 Sir Rowland Heyward.	Francis Barneham. William Box.
1571	13 Sir William Allen.	Henry Mills. John Branch.
1572	14 Sir Lionel Duckes.	Richard Pipe. Nicholas Woodroffe.
1573	15 Sir John Rivers,	James Harvey. T. Pulloccel of Pullison
1574	16 Sir James Haws.	Thomas Blanke. Anthony Gamage.
1575	17 Sir Ambrose Nicholas.	Edward Osborne. Wolstane Dixie.
1576	18 Sir John Langley.	William Kempton. George Barne.
1577	19 Sir Tho. Ramsey.	Nicholas Blackhouse. Francis Bowyer.
1578	20 Sir Richard Pipe.	George Bond. Thomas Starkie.
1579	21 Sir Nich. Woodroffe.	Martin Calthrop. John Hart.
1580	22 Sir John Branch.	Ralph Woodcock. John Allot.

1581	23 Sir James Harvey.	Richard Martin. William Webb.
1582	24 Sir Thomas Blanke.	Will. Roe. Jo. Haydon. Cuthbert Buckle.
1583	25 Sir Edward Osborne.	William Mashaw. John Spencer.
1584	26 Sir Thomas Pulloccell.	Stephen Slaney. Henry Billingsley.
1585	27 Sir Wolstane Dixie.	Anthony Ratcliff. Henry Pranel.
1586	28 Sir George Barne.	George House. William Elkin.
1587	29 Sir George Bond.	Thomas Skinner. John Catcher.
1588	30 Sir Martin Calthrop. Sir Richard Martin.	Hugh Offley. Richard Saltonstall.
1589	31 Sir John Hart.	Richard Gurney. Stephen Some.
1590	32 Sir John Allot.	Sir Howland Heyward	Nicholas Mosely. Robert Brook.
1591	33 Sir William Webb.	Will. Rider. Bennet, or Benedict Barnham.
1592	34 Sir William Roe.	Jo. Garret, or Gerard. Robert Taylor.
1593	35 Sir Cuthbert Buckle. Sir Richard Martin.	Paul Banning. Peter Haughton.
1594	36 Sir John Spencer.	Robert Lee. Thomas Bennet.
1595	37 Sir Stephen Slaney.	Thomas Roe. Leonard Hallyday.
1596	38 Sir Thomas Skinner. Sir Henry Billingsley.	John Walls. Richard Goddard.
1597	39 Sir Rioh. Saltonstal.	Henry Roe. John More.

1598	40 Sir Stephen Some.	Edward Holmdon. Robert Hampson.
1599	41 Sir Nicholas Mosely.	Humphrey Walde. Roger Clark.
1600	42 Sir William Rider.	Th. Smith. Th. Cambel William Craven.
1601	43 Sir John Garret, or Gerrard.	Henry Anderson. William Glover.
1602	44 Sir Robert Lee.	James Pemberton. John Swinnerton.

King James began His Reign the Twenty Fourth of March. 1602.

1603	1 Sir Thomas Bennet.	Sir William Rumney. Sir Tho. Middleton.
1604	2 Sir Thomas Low.	Sir Tho. Hayes. Sir Roger Jones.
1605	3 Sir Leonard Holyday.	Sir Clem. Scudamore. Sir John J••lles.
1606	4 Sir John Wats.	William Walthal. John Leman.
1607	5 Sir Henry Row.	Geoffry Elves. Nicholas Style.
1608	6 Sir Humphrey Weld.	George Bolls. Richard Farrington.
1609	7 Sir Thomas Cambel.	Sebastian Harvey. William Cockaine.
1610	8 Sir William Craven.	Richard Pyal. Francis Jones.
1611	9 Sir James Pemberton.	Edward Barkham. John Smiths.
1612	10 Sir John Swinnerton.	Edward Rotheram. Alexander Prescot.
1613	11 Sir Tho. Middleton.	Thomas Bennet, Henry Jay.

1614	12 Sir Thomas Hayes.	Peter Proby. Martin Lumley.
1615	13 Sir John Jolles.	William Goare. John Goare.
1616	14 Sir John Leman.	Allen Cotton. Cuthbert Hacket.
1617	15 Sir George Bolles.	William Holyday. Robert Johnson.
1618	16 Sir Sebastian Harvey.	Richard Hearn. Hugh Hammersley.
1619	17 Sir William Cockain.	Richard Dean. James Cambel.
1620	18 Sir Francis Jones.	Edward Allen. Robert Ducie.
1621	19 Sir Edw. Barkham.	George Whitmore. Nicholas Raynton.
1622	20 Sir Peter Proby.	John Hodges. Sir Hump. Hantford.
1623	21 Sir Martin Lumley.	Ralph Freeman. Thomas Mounson.
1624	22 Sir John Goare.	Rowland Heilin. Robert Parkhurst.

King CHARLES the I. began His Reign the Twenty Seventh of March, in the Year 1625.

1625	1 Sir Allen Cotten,	Thomas Westraw. Elias Crisp, died. Jo. Pool. Chr. Cletherow. after.
1626	2 Sir Cuthbert Hacket.	Edward Bromfield. Richard Fen.

1627	3 Sir Hugh Hamersly.	Maurice Abbot. Henry Garraway.
1628	4 Sir Richard Dean.	Rowland Backhouse. Sir William Acton, Knight and Bar.
1629	5 Sir James Cambel.	Humphry Smith. Edmund Wright.
1630	6 Sir Robert Ducie Bar.	Arthur Abdy. Robert Cambel.
1631	7 Sir George Whitmore.	Samuel Cranmore. Henry Prat.
1632	8 Sir Nicholas Raynton.	Hugh Perry. Henry Andrews.
1633	9 Sir R••lph Freeman. Sir Thomas Mouldston	Gilbert Harrison. Richard Gurney.
1634	10 Sir Robert Parkhurst.	John Heylord. John Cordel.
1635	11 Sir Christ. Cletherow.	Thomas Soame. John Gayer.
1636	12 Sir Edw. Bromfield.	William Abel. John Garret.
1637	13 Sir Richard Fen.	Thomas Atkin. Edward Rudge.
1638	14 Sir Maurice Abot.	Isaac Pennington, John Wollaston.
1639	15 Sir Henry Garraway.	Thomas Adams. John Warner.
1640	16 Sir Edmund Wright.	John Towse. Abrah. Reynardson.
1641	17 Sir Richard Gurney.	George Garret. George Clarke.
1642	18 Isaac Pennington.	John Langham. Thomas Andrews.
1643	19 Sir John Wolaston.	John Fowke. James Bunce.

1644	20 Thomas Atkin.	William Gibbs. Richard Chambly.
1645	21 Thomas Adams.	John Kendrick. Thomas Foot.
1646	22 Sir John Gayer.	Thomas Cullam. Simon Edmonds.
1647	23 Sir John Warner.	Samuel Avery. John Bide.
1648	24 Sir Abra▪ Reinardson. Thomas Andrews, in his Room.	Thomas Viner. Richard Brown.

King CHARLES the II. began His Reign the Thirtieth of January. 1648.

1649	1 Thomas Foot.	Christopher Pack. Rowland Wilsen. John Dethick.
1650	2 Thomas Andrews.	Robert Tichborn. Richard Chiverton.
1651	3 John Kendrick.	Andrew Richards. John Ireton.
1652	4 John Fowke.	Stephen Eastwick. William Ʋnderwood.
1653	5 Thomas Viner.	James Philips. Walter Bigge.
1654	6 Christopher Pack.	Edmund Sleigh. Thomas Aleyn.
1655	7 John Dethick.	William Thompson. John Detherick.
1656	8 Robert Tichborn.	Tempest Milner. Nathaniel Temms.

1657	9 Richard Chiverton.	John Robinson. Tho. Chandler, died. Richard King.
1658	10 John Ireton.	Anthony Bateman. John Lawrence.
1659/60	11/12 Sir Thomas Aleyn, Knight and Bar.	Francis Warner. William Love, Esq
1660/61	12/••3 Sir Richard Brown, Baronet.	Sir Will. Bolton, Knt. Sir William Pe••k, Kt.
1661/2	13/14 Sir John Frederick.	Francis Menil Esq Samuel Starling, Esq
1662/3	14/15 Sir Joh. Robinson, Bar.	Sir Thom. Bludworth. Sir Wil••iam Turner.
1663/4	15/•• Sir Anthon. Bateman	Sir Richard Food. Sir Richard Rives.
1664/••	16/17 Sir John Lawrence.	Sir George Waterman Sir Charles Doe.
1665/6	17/•• Sir Thom. Bludworth.	Sir Robert Hanson. Sir William Hooker.
1666/7	18/••9 Sir William Boulton.	Sir Robert Viner. Sir Joseph Sheldon.
1667/••	19/20 Sir William Peake.	Sir Dennis Gauden. Sir Thomas Davies.
1668/9	20/21 Sir William Turner.	John Forth Esq Sir Francis Chaplain.
1669/70	21/22 Sir Samuel Starling.	Sir John Smith. Sir James Edwards.
1670/71	22/23 Sir Richard Ford.	Samuel Forth, Esq Patience Ward, Esq
1671/2	23/24 Sir George Waterman	Sir Jonat. Daws, died. Sir Robert Clayton. Sir John Moore.
1672/3	24/25 Sir Robert Hanson.	Sir Will. Pritchard. Sir James Smith.
1673/4	25/••6 Sir William Hooker.	Sir Henry Tulse. Sir Robert Jeffry.

1674/5	26/7 Sir Robert Viner, Knt. and Barronet.	Sir Nathan. Herne. Sir John le Thuil••er.
1675/6	27/•• Sir Joseph Sheldon.	Sir Thomas Gold. Sir John Shorter.
1676/7	28/9 Sir Thomas Davies.	Sir John Peak. Sir Thomas Stamp.
1677/8	29/30 Sir Francis Chaplain	Sir William Royston. Sir Thomas Bec••ford.
1678/9	30/31 Sir James Edwards.	Sir Richard How. Sir John Chapman.
1679/80	31/2 Sir Robert Clayton.	Sir Jonath. Raymond. Sir Simon Lewis
1680/1	32/3 Sir Patience Ward.	Slingsby Bethel, Esq Henry Cornish, Esq

Having given a Catalogue of all the Mayors and Sheriffs that have been in London to this present year, we shall proceed to give a brief Account of this great Magistrate; for to give a full and distinct Account of all things, relating to that high Place, quadrates not with the intended bulk of this little Memorial.

The Lord Mayor of London, upon the Death of the King, is the prime Person of England, and therefore when King James came to take possessi∣on of the English Crown, Sir Robert Lee, then Lord Mayor of London, subscribed before all the great Officers of the Crown, and all the Nobility. He is always for his great Dignity Knighted before the Year of His Mayoralty be expired, unless Knight∣ed before whilst Alderman, which of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath been usual.

He keeps a Table so richly and plentifully furnish∣ed, (where all strangers or others that are of any quality are nobly entertained at all times of the year) that it is fit to receive the greatest Subject of Eng∣land, or of other Monarchs. Nay, it is Recorded that in the 31. E. 3. Henry Picard, Lord Mayor of London, Feasted Four Kings, viz. The King of England, the King of France, the King of Cyprus, and the King of Scotland, with other great Estates, all in one day; And their Present Majesties of Great Britain have been by some of the late Lord Mayors, Treated at their Table.

There is also for the Grandeur of the Lord Mayor 1000 l. a year allowed for his Sword-bearer's Table in the Lord Mayor's House. His Domestick atten∣dance is very honourable; He hath Four Officers that wait on him, who are reputed Esquires by their places, that is, the Sword-Bearer, the Common-Hunt, the Common-Cryer, and the Water-Bayliff; there is also the Coroner, three Sargeants Carvers, three Ser∣geants of the Chamber, a Sergeant of the Channel, four Yeomen of the Water-side, one Vnder-Water∣Bayliff, two Yeomen of the Chamber, three Meal∣Weighers, two Yeomen of the Wood-Wharffs, most of which have their Servants allowed them, and have Liveries for themselves, &c.

His State and Magnificence is remarkable, when he appears abroad, which is usually on Horse-back, with rich Caparisons, himself always in long Robes, sometimes of fine Scarlet Cloath richly Furr'd, some∣times Purple, sometimes Puke, and over his Robes a Hood of Black Velvet, which is said to be a Badge of a Baron of the Realm, with a great Chain of Gold about his Neck, or Collar of SS's with a great rich Jewel Pendant thereon, with many Officers walking before and on all sides of him.

He is usually Chosen on Michaelmas-day, by the Livery-men, or Members of the several Companies

in London, out of the twenty-six Aldermen, all per∣sons of great Wealth and Wisdom, in which Electi∣on the Senior Alderman hath usually the precedence; yet in this particular the said Electors are at their li∣berty.

On the 29th of October there is a most Magnifi∣cent Cavalcade, when the Lord Mayor (attended with all the Aldermen, all his Officers, all the several Companies or Corporations) rides to the Water-side, where they enter their stately Barges, with their Arms, Colours, and Streamers, and go to Westmin∣ster to be sworn to be true to the King, &c. in the Exchequer Chamber; after which he returns in the same manner to Guild-Hall, that is, the great Com∣mon-Hall of Guilds, or Incorporated Fraternities, where is prepared for him and his Brethren a most sumptuous Dinner, to which many of the Great Lords and Ladies, and all the Judges of the Land are invited; And the King and Queens Majesties, the Duke of York, and Prince Rupert, did lately honour that Feast with their presence.

The Lord Mayor on the Day of the King's Coro∣nation is Chief B••tler, and bears the Kings Cup amongst the highest Nobles of the Kingdom, which serve on that Day in other Offices; He presents the King with Wine in a Golden Cup, having a Cover, of which the King Drinks, and the Lord Mayor re∣ceives the said Cup for his Fee.

The first Lord Mayor that went by Water to Westminster was Sir John Norman Draper, Anno 1453. the 32. of H. 6. that is 228 years ago.

The two Sheriffs of this City are also Sheriffs of the County of Middlesex, and are annually Chosen by the Citizens from among themselves, in the Guild-Hall, upon Midsummer-day, a high Priviledge among many others anciently granted to this City, by several Kings and Queens of this Kingdom, but they are not Sworn till Michaelmas-Eve, and then

are also presented at the Exchequer, to be allowed by the Barons, and Sworn, after which they enter upon their Office.

If the Persons so chosen refuse to hold, they in∣cur a Penalty, unless they will take a Solemn Oath that they are not worth 10000 l.

In the Year 1199. (that is 482 years ago) King John granted the Sheriff-Wick of London and Mid∣dlesex to the City, as King Henry the First before had done, for the sum of 300 l. a year, which is paid into the Exchequer to this Day. He gave them also Authority to Chuse and Deprive their Sheriffs at pleasure.

In the 1. of R. 1. the Citizens obtained to be Go∣verned by two Bayliffs, which Bayliffs are in Di∣vers antient Deeds called Sheriffs, according to the Speech of the Law; which called the Shire Ball••va; &c. which King also (as formerly said) gave the Ci∣ty liberty to be governed by a Mayor as their Prin∣cipal Governour, and their Bayliffs were changed into Sheriffs.

The Sheriffs of London, In the Year 1471. were appointed each of them to have Sixteen Sergeants, every Sergeant to have his Yeoman; and Six Clerks, viz. A Secondary, a Clerk of the Papers, and Four other Clerks, besides the Under-Sheriffs Clerks, their Stewards, B••tlers, Porters, and other in Houshold many.

There are Twenty-six Aldermen, that preside o∣ver the Twenty-six Wards of the City, (of which more, when we speak of Wards) when any of these die, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen chuse ano∣ther out of the most substantial men of the City; If any so chosen refuse to hold, he is usually Fined 500 l.

All the Aldermen that have been Lord Mayors, and the Three eldest Aldermen that have not yet arrived to that Honourable Estate, are by their Char∣ter

Justices of the Peace of this City. In the Year 1555. Seven Aldermen Died in less than Ten Months.

The Recorder of London is usually a Grave and Learned Lawyer, that is skilful in the Customs of the City, who is to be an Assistant to the Lord Mayor. He taketh his place in Councels, and in Courts, before any man that hath not been Mayor, and Learnedly Delivers the sentences of the whole Court. The Present Recorder is Sir George Treby, an eminent Gentleman, and a Worthy Mem∣ber of our last Parliaments.

The Chamberlain of London is, at present, Sir Thomas Player, a Gentleman that has deserved very well of this City, and the Protestant Interest in Ge∣neral, both in that Station, and as a Member for this Honourable City in the last Parliaments.

The Chamberlain is Elected by the Commons, upon Midsummer-day, so are the Two Bridge-Ma∣sters; The Auditors of the City and Bridge-House Accounts, the Surveyors for BEER and ALE.

There is also a Town-Clark, or Common-Clerk, and a Remembrancer, who are Esquires.

The Chamberlain of London is an Officer very considerable in point of power, for without him can no man set up Shop, or Occupy his Trade without being Sworn before him; no man can set over an Apprentice to another, but by his Licence; he may Imprison any that disobeys his Summons, or any Apprentice that misdemeans himself, or punish him otherwise.

On Munday and Tuesday in E••ster-week, all the Aldermen and Sheriffs come unto the Lord Mayor's House before Eight of the Clock in the Morning to Break-fast, wearing their Scarlet Gowns Furr'd and their Cloaks, as also their Horses attending. When Break-fast is ended, they mount their Horses, and ride to the Spittle, (which is an ancient Custom,

not changed but once in 300 years, and that up∣on extraordinary occasion, till this year, when they went to S. Sepulchres,) the Sword and Mace being born before the Lord Mayor. There they hear a Sermon and then return to Dinner, and some of the Aldermen Dine with the Sheriffs, and some with the Lord Mayor.

On Wednesday in Easter-week they go thither in the same manner, only the Lord Mayor and Aldermen wear their Violet Gownes, and sutable Cloaks: But the Ladies (on the former Days) wearing Scarlet, on this Day are attired in Black.

On Whitsunday all the Aldermen use to meet the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs at the New-Church-yard by Moorfields, wearing their Scarlet Gowns lined, without Cloaks; there they hear a Sermon appoint∣ed for that Day, and so return to Dinner.

When they chuse Parliament-men, all the Alder∣men meet the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs at the Guild-Hall, by nine of the Clock in the Morning, wearing their Velvet Gowns and their Cloaks, either furred or lined, according as the time of the year requi∣reth when they are to be chosen, and they sit in the Hastings-Court untill the Commons do make Choice of them. The last Honourable Members that ser∣ved for this Renowned City, were Sir Robert Clay∣ton Knight, that was Lord Mayor the last year, Thomas Pilkinton Alderman, Sir Thomas Player Knight, and William 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Esq of whose real worth, courage, fidelity, and wisdom in the management of that great Trust, the City is very sensible, as ap∣pears by the publick demonstrations deservedly gi∣ven of it; and no less sensible was the last Parlia∣ment (but one) of the Cities Loyalty, Fidelity, and great care to preserve his Majesties Royal person and the Protestant Religion, that the thanks of the House was order'd to be given them, which was ac∣cordingly done by the Worthy Members aforesaid.

What the Office of the Constables in the City of London is, you may gather from their Oath, which is thus.

Ye shall Swear, that ye keep the Peace of our Soveraign Lord the King well and lawfully after your power. And ye shall Arrest all them that make Contest, Riot, Debate or Affray, in break∣ing of the said Peace, and lead them to the House or Compter of one of the Sheriffs. And if ye be withstood by strength of Misdoers, ye shall rear on them an Out-cry, and pursue them from Street to Street, and from Ward to Ward, till they be Arrested: And ye shall search at all times, when ye be required by the Seavengers or Beadles, the Common Noysance of your Ward. And the Beadle and Raker ye shall help to Rear, and ga∣ther their Sallary and Quarterage, if ye be there∣unto by them required. And if any thing be done within your Ward against the Ordinance of this City, such defaults as ye shall find there done, ye shall them present to the Mayor and Ministers of this City: And if ye be letted by any person or persons, that ye may not due••y do your Office, ye shall certifie the Mayor and Coun∣cel of the City, of the Name or Names of him or them that so let you.

Ye shall also Swear, that During the time that ye shall stand in the Office, and occupy the Room of a Constable, ye shall, once at the least every Month, certifie and shew to one of the Clerks of the Mayors Court, and in the same Court, as well the Names as Surnames of all Free-men which ye shall know to be deceased in the Month, in the Parish wherein ye be inhabited, as also the Names and Sirnames of all Children of the said Freemen so deceased, being Orphans, of this Ci∣ty. And thus ye shall not leave to Do as God you help, &c.

The Scavengers Oath is thus.

Ye shall Swear that ye shall Diligently oversee that the Pavements within your Ward, be well and sufficiently repaired, and not made too high in Noysance of your Neighbours; and that the Ways, Streets, and Lanes, be cleansed of Dung, and all manner of filth, for Honesty of this C••∣ty. And that all the Chimneys, Furnaces, and Recedoes, be of Stone sufficiently made against Peril of Fire. And if ye find any the Contrary, ye shall shew it to the Alderman of the Ward, so that the Alderman may Ordain for the amendment thereof. And thus ye shall do, as God you help, &c.

Before we leave this Head, it may not be amiss to give an Alphabetical List of the Officers and Rooms in the City of London in the Lord Mayors Gift.

Alvegars, Searchers and Sealers of Woollen-Cloath. —Attorny-ship in the Sheriffs Court.—

Baker of the Bridge-House.—Bayliff of the Hundred of Osalston.—Bayliwick of Southwark.— Beadle-ship of the Court of Request.—Bell-man.

Clerkship of the Lord Mayors Court.—Clerk∣ship of the Papers.—Clerkship of the Chamber.— Clerkship of the Compters.—Clerkship of the Bridge-House.—Clerkship of the Works and Re∣paration-stuff. —Clerkship of the Court of Re∣quest. —Clerkship of the Commissioners for the Inlargment of Prisoners in Execution in the Com∣pters. —Clerk of Bridewell.—Clerkship of Blackwell-Hall.—Clerkship of the Commission∣ers for Inlargment of Prisoners in the Kings-Bench.— Common Sergeant-ship.—Common Pleaders.— Common-Hunt.—Common Cryers.—Com¦mon Comptroller.—Comptroller of the Cham∣ber.

—Collector of Scavage.—Collectors of Wheeladge on London-Bridge.—Conduit at Dow∣gate Drawing Water.

Foreigntaker.—Gauger of Wines and Oyl.—

Keeper of Blackwell-Hall.—Keeper of the Store-house in Blackwell-Hall.—Keeper of Worst∣ed-Hall. —Keeper of Bay-Hall.—Keeper of the Conduit at Newgate.—Keeper of Ludgate.— Keepership of Newgate.—Keepership of the Compters.—Keeper of the Compters in South∣wark. —Keeper of Bethlehem.—Keeper of the Sessions-House.—Keeper Clean of the Mar∣ket, and Market-House in Newgate-Market, and Collector of Duties there.—Keeper of the New Burial-place.—Keepers of the Wood and Coals for the poor in several places.

Measurage of Silks, Cloath, and Linen.—Meal-Weighers. —Measurage of Cottons.—Measu∣rage of Bays.—Packership, Protonariship,—Portership of Blackwell-Hall.—Portership of the Bridge-House.—Remembrancer.—Rentership of the Bridge-House.—Rentership of Finsbury.— Sword-Bearer.—Secondariship.—Solicitorship.—Three Sergeant Carvers.—Three Sergeants of the Chamber.—Sergeants of the Chaunel.—Stewardship of Southwark.—Stewardship of Finsbury.—Town-Clerkship.—Under-Sheriff-wick.—Under Water-Bayliff.

Weigher of Raw-Silks.—Water-Bayliff.—Two Yeomen of the Chamber.—Four Yeomen of the Water-side.—Yeomen of the Channel.—Six Young Men.

Au Abstract of the Charters of the Famous City of London.

THe ROYAL CHARTER granted by our Gra∣cious Soveraign King Charles the Second, the 24th of June, in the 15th of his Reign, in confir∣mation of all the Charters of this City granted by his Royal Predecessors, recites them all verbatim, of which (that is the most memorable) we can only give a brief Alphabetical Abstract; the Reader that would read them at large, being referred to larger Tracts.

By Charter of King H. 2. was granted Acquittal of Murder, within the City, and in Portsoken there∣of —confirmed by King John, ch. 1. By Hen. 3. ch. 4. & ch. 9.—By Charter of King John, ch. 3. there was granted an Acquittal of Duties in the Thames, claimed at the Tower,—confirmed by King Hen. 3. ch. 3.

By Charter of King H. 1. an Acquittal of Toll, Tol∣lage, Custage, and Custome, that is,—that all the men of London shall be quit and free, and all their goods throughout England, and the Ports of the Sea, of all Toll, and Passage, and Lestage, and all other Customs. And by H. 2. that if any in all England, shall take any Custom or Toll of or from the men of London, after he shall fail of Right, the Sheriff of London may take Goods thereof at London. Con∣firm'd by King John, ch. 1. by King H. 3. ch. 4. by the same, ch. 8. by E. 3. ch. 1. King John ch. 2. The City Accompts to the King to be past in the Ex∣chequer. —See E. 3. ch. by King John. 2. Allowance of Sheriffs is to be in the Exchequer, and confirm'd by H. 3. ch. 7. Aids:—Citizens by Charter of Ed. 2. are not to War out of the City, and the Aids then granted to the King, are not (by that Charter) to be

drawn into Example.—None are to be amerced but according to the Law of the City, by Charter of Hen, 2. confirmed by R. 3. ch. 1.

That the Sheriffs of London be as other Sheriffs by Charter of Ed. 1. and their amerciament is not to exceed 20. l. H. 3. ch. 1.

By Charter of Ed. 4. Char. 1. Aldermen for term of Lives shall have this Liberty; that is to say, that as long as they shall continue Aldermen there, and shall bear the Charge of Aldermen proper, and also those which before had been Aldermen, and have al∣so with their great Costs and Expences born the Offices of Mayoralty, shall not be put in any Assizes, Juries, or Attaints, Recognizances or Inquisitions, out of the said Ci••y, and that they, nor any of them, shall be Tryer or Tryers of the same. although they touch us (viz. the King) or our Heirs, or Succes∣cessors or other whomsoever.—That Aldermen of London are not to be made Collectors or Tax∣ers out of the City,—nor to suffer for Refusal of such Offices.

By the same Charter, Aldermen past the Mayor∣alty are to be Justice. of the Peace. The Mayor, Aldermen, and Recorder to be Justices of Oyer and Terminer, and the Mayor to be of the Quorum.

By Charter of Hen. 1. All Debtors which do owe Debts to the Citizens of London, shall pay them in London, or else discharge themselves in London that they owe none: But if they will not pay the same, neither come to clear themselves that they owe none; the Citizens of London to whom the Debts shall be due, may take their Goods in the City of London of the Burrough or Town, or of the County wherein be Remains who shall owe the Debts. By Charter of E. 4. ch. 1. Attachments are to be made by the City Officers in Southwark. And by Charter of Ed. 6. The Lord Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen, that are Justices of the Peace in Lon∣don,

are to be Justices of the Peace in Southwark. All Forfeited Recognizances about Ale-houses, In∣mates, Bastard Children, Appearance at Sessions of Goal-Delivery, Fines, and Issues of Jurors (except Fines or Issues Royal,) &c. Granted to the City by Charter of King Charles 1. Chart. 1. That no Aliens are to keep Houses in London, nor be Brokers, by Charter of E. 3, ch. 5. That no Citizen shall wage Battel, H. 1. H. 2. R. 1. ch. 1. John. ch. 1. H. 3. ch. 4. ch. 9.

No Stranger is to buy Goods before they be weighed by the King's Beam, H. 3. ch. 9. The In∣habitants of Black-Fryers to be exempted from Taxes and Fifteenths, King James, ch. 2.

By Letters Patents of King Henry the VIII. Da∣ted at Westminstor Jan. 13. In the 28th Year of his Reign he did give and grant unto the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London, and their Successors, the Keeping, Ordering, and Governing of the House and Hospital called Beth∣lehem, situate without and near Bishops-gate, and all Mannors, Lands, Tenements, Possessions, Reve∣nues, and Hereditaments whatsoever, and whereso∣ever lying and being, belonging or appertaining unto the said Hospital or House called Bethlem; and Made and Constituted by the same his Letters Pa∣tents, these, the Mayor and Commonalty and Citi∣zens of the City of London, and their Successors, Masters, Keepers, and Governours of the said House and Hospital called Bethlem, and of the said Man∣nors, Lands, Tenements, and other premisses be∣longing to the same House or Hospital, to have, hold and enjoy the said Custody, Order and Govern∣ment of the said House or Hospital, called Beth∣lem, &c. for ever, &c.

London is by King James, (Char. 3.) stiled his Royal Chamber, who not only confirmed the Char∣ters of his Predecessors, but did give, grant and con∣firm

unto the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of London, and to their Successors, the weighing of all Coals, called Stone-Coals weighable, Earth-Coals, and all other Coals weighable, of what kind soever, in or at the said Port of London, coming or brought up the said River of Thames in any Ship, Boat, or Barge, or other Vessel whatsoever, floating or being in any Port of the same Water of Thames, and upon what∣soever Bank, Shore, or Wharf of the same Water of Thames, from the Bridge of Stanes, to London-Bridge, and from thence to a place called Yendal or Yenland, towards the Sea.—For which the Du∣ties Payable to the Mayor, Commonalty and Citi∣zens, &c. is Eight pence for every Tunn,—none is to unlade Coals till the Mayor has Notice,—and of the quantity;—because the Mayor, &c. should be capable at any time, when required, to inform His Majesty, &c. what quantity of Coals of what sort soever, from time to time, is brought into the City, &c. and how the City and Adjacent places are sup∣plied.—No Markets of Coals to be in any Boats, Lighters, or other Vessel whatsoever, except in the Ship that first brought in the Coals; no Forestalling, Ingrossing, Regrating, upon pain of incurring such Pains and Punishments as the Law provides for con∣temners, and neglecters of Royal Mandates.

By Charter of Ed. IV. ch. 4. In consideration of 7000 l. &c. was granted to the Mayor, &c. the Offices or Occupations of Packing all manner of Woollen Cloaths, Sheep-Skins, Calves-Skins, Goat-Skins, Vessels of Amber, and all other Merchan∣dizes whatsoever, to be Packed, Tunned, Piped Barrelled, or any wise to be included, with the over∣sight of opening all manner of Customable Mer∣chandizes, arriving at the Port of Safety, as well by Land, as by Water, within the Liberties and Fran∣chises of the said City and Suburbs, &c. And als•• the Office of Carriage and Portage of all Wool••

Sheep-Skins, Tynn-Bails, and other Merchandizes whatsoever, which shall be carryed in London, from the Water of Thames, unto the Houses of Strangers; and contrariwise from the said Houses to the same Water, or of other Merchandizes which ought to be carryed, being in any House for a time.—And also the Office, &c. of Garbling of all manner of Spices, and other Merchandizes, coming to the said City at any time, which ought to be Garbled.—Also the Office of Gager.—Office of Wine-Drawers, &c. to be exercised by them or their Deputies.—The Office of Coroner to beat the Mayors (&c.) dispo∣sal.—Severed them from the Office of Chief-Butler, &c. Witness the King at Westminster, the 20th of June, Anno Regni 18.

By Charter of E. III. ch. 1. It is granted thus:— Whereas in the Great Charter of the Liberties of England, it is contained, that the City of London may have all their antient Liberties and Customs, and the same Citizens at the time of the making of the Charter, from the time of Saint Edward, King and Confessor, and William the Conqueror, and of other our Progenitors, had divers Liberties and Cu∣stomes, as well by the Charters of those our Proge∣nitors, as without Charter by Antient-Customs, where∣upon in divers the Circuits, and other the Courts of our said Progenitors, as well by Judgments as by Statutes, were Invaded and some of them Adjudged: We Will and Grant for us and our Heirs, that they may have the Liberties according to the Form of the above-said Great Charter, and that Impediments and Usurpations to them in that behalf made, shall be revoked and Annulled, &c. That the May∣or be one of the Justices of Goal-Delivery of New∣gate, and to be Named in every Commission there∣of to be made.—That the Citizens may have Infangtheft. [This is a Saxon word, signifying a Li∣berty Granted to certain Lords of Mannors, to Judge

any Thief taken within their Fee.] And Outfang-theft, [that is, a Liberty Granted to the Lord to try any Thief taken out of his Fee,] and Chattels of Felons, of all those which shall be Adjudged before them, within their Liberties, &c.

Citizens may Devise Lands in London, in Mort∣main, or otherwise,—Merchant Strangers to Sell Goods within Fourty Days,—and may not keep Houses, but are to be with Hosts, (that is, Lodg∣ers,) —The KING's Marshall, Steward, or Clerk of the Market of the King's Houshold, may not Sit within the City Liberties.—No Citizen is to be drawn to Plead without the Liberties of the City, about any thing that happens within the Liberties thereof.—No Escheator may Exercise that Office in the City, but the Mayor for the time being is to do it.—Citizens to be Taxed in Subsidies as other Commoners, not as Citizens.—To be quit of all Tallages, [this word is derived from the French word Taille, a piece cut out of the whole, signifying the paying a part or share of a Mans sub∣stance by way of Tribute, Tax or Toll,] and that the Liberty of the said City shall not be taken into the hands of us, or our Heirs for any Personal Trespass or Judgment of any Minister of the said City; Nei∣ther shall a keeper in the said City for that occasion be Deputed, but the same Minister shall be punished according to the quality of his Offence, &c.—No Purveyor of the Kings, &c. is to make any Prices of the Goods of the Citizens, without the Consent of the Party,—no Price to be made of the Citizens Wines against their Wills, &c. No Purveyor is to be a Merchant of the Goods whereof he is Pur∣veyor. —That no market is to be kept, nor after∣terwards to be Granted to any within Seven Miles in Circuit of the said City.—That all Inquisitions to be taken by the Justices of London, &c. shall be taken in St. Martins [le Grand] in London; but not

elsewhere, except the Inquisitions to be taken in the Circuits at the Tower of London, and for the Goal-Delivery at Newgate.—That no Citizen is to be Impleaded in the Exchequer, unless it concern the King, &c.

By Charter of Henry the First, the Citizens to be free from Scot and Lot, and Dane-Guilt; [that is, a Tribute laid upon our Ancestors of Twelve pence, for every Hide of Land throughout the Realm, by the Danes, for clearing the Seas, as they pretended of Pyrates.] H. the II. R. the I. ch. 1. King John ch. 1.

Henry the III. ch. 8. The Citizens may Traf∣fick with their Commodities and Merchandizes wheresoever they please, throughout His Majesties Kingdoms and Dominions, as well by Sea as by Land, without Interruption of him or his, as they see Expedient, quit from all Custom, Toll, Lestage; [that is, a Custom challenged in Fairs fer carrying of things,] and Paying, &c. and may abide for their Trading wheresoever they please, in the same His Kingdom, &c. as in times past they were Ac∣customed, &c.

Henry the VII. Granted a Charter, That no Stranger from the Liberty of the City, may Buy or Sell from any other Stranger to the Liberty of the same City, any Merchandizes or Wares within the Li∣berties of the same City, upon pain of Forfeiture of the said Goods, &c. to the Use and Profit of the Mayor, Commonalty, &c. Strangers may Buy things in Gross for their own Use, but not to Sell again, &c.

None is to take Loding in the City by Force, by Charters of H. the I. R. the I. ch. I. H. the III. ch. 4. H. the III. ch. 9.

By Charter of King CHARLES the I. the Offices of Paccage of Cloaths, Wools, Woollfels, &c. Balliage of Goods, &c. Portage of Goods,

Seavage of all Goods, &c. Customable, granted to the Mayor, Commonalty, &c. with a power to Ad∣minister an Oath for the discovery of concealed Goods, &c.

The Sergeants of London may bear Maces of Gold or Silver, Ed. III. ch. 4.

By Charter of King Henry I. It was granted to the Citizens of London to hold Middlesex to Farm for 300 l. upon Account, to them and their Heirs; so that the said City shall place as Sheriff whom they will of themselves, and shall place whomsoever, or such one as they will of themselves, for keeping of the Pleas of the Crown, and of the Pleading of the same, and none other shall be Justice over the same Men of London, &c.

This was confirmed by King John by Charter, da∣ted July 5, Anno Reg. 1. the City paying 300 l. as aforesaid, of Blank Sterling Money at two Terms in the Year, viz. at the Easter-Exchequer 150 l. and at Michaelmas-Exchequer 150 l. saving to the Citi∣zens all their Liberties and Free Customs, &c.

If the Sheriffs offend so as to incur the loss of Life or Member, they shall be Adjudged (as they ought to be) according to the Law of the City, &c.—wherefore (says the Charter) we Will and Stedfastly Command, that the Citizens of London, and Middlesex, with all the said Sheriffwich belong∣ing, of us and our Heirs, to possess and enjoy He∣reditarily, Freely and Quietly, Honorably and Whol∣ly, by Fee Farm of 300 l. &c.

All Fish••rs, Vintners, and Victualers, coming to the City, shall be in the Rule of the Mayor and Al∣dermen, 7 R. II. cap. 11. Aldermen shall not be Elected Yearly; but remain till they be put out.— Ibidem, Cap. 11.

Merchants may Sell Cloth, Wine, Oyl, Wax, or other Merchandize, as well by Wholesale as Retail, to all the KING's Subjects, as well as Londoners,

notwithstanding Franchise to the Contra, 7 H. IV. ch. 9. Citizens worth 400 Marks, in Goods or Chat∣tels may be Jurors in Attaint, and the Justices to sit only at the Guild-Hall, or within the City, not∣withstanding 23 H. VIII. cap. 3.

The Mayor, &c. next Court after the first of Michaelmas, is to name Watermen Yearly, to be Overseers of Rowing between Graves-End and Windsor, the 2 and 3 Pbillip and Mary, cap. 16. Sect. 3.

The Mayor, &c. to Assess the Fare of Watermen, and two Privy-Councellors to sign it, 2 and 3 Phil∣lip and Mary. chap. 16. Sect. 11.

Citizens of London and other Inhabitants, Trades∣men, &c. for Debts under 40 s. may Summon in to the Court of Conscience; (that is, the Court of Requests,) and the Commissioners there to Deter∣mine the Difference, and to Register Orders. 3 Jac. cap. 15. Sect. 2.

These brief Memorandums are produced, not as comprehending the full Abstract (much less the words at length) of the several Charters and Priviledges of thi•• Famous City, but as Guides to direct where they may read at large; to be more full, would be in∣consistent with the designed brevity of this small Tract, for it would make a Volume it self: yet what is here pointed at, with what's scatterd up and down the Book under particular Heads, (which to avoid repetition are not mentioned here) may inform the Reader of the most Memorable, which was the thing only intended. He that would consult them more largely, is referred to a Book Intituled the Roy∣al Charter of Confirmation, granted by King CHARLES the II. to the City of London by S. G. Gent. And Rastals Statutes at Large; from whence, with some others, these Memorials were Col∣lected.

Some brief Heads of the most memorable Customs or particular Laws of the City of LONDON.

IN this place we shall only mention some of the most remarkable of these Laws, referring the Reader to a Book called the City Law, Printed 1658.

The Mayor and Aldermen have always used to cause to come before them the Malefactors which have been taken and Arrested within the said City, for carry∣ing of Tales, and spreading abroad of News ima∣gined, in disturbance of the Peace, makers and Counterfeiters of false Seals, false Charters, and for other notorious Defects, and those which they have found culpable of such misdeeds by confession of the Parties, or by inquest thereof made, shall be punish∣ed by setting in the Pillory, or further Chastised by Imprisonment, according to their Merit, and ac∣cording to the Reasonable Discretion of the said Mayor and Aldermen. Men and Women by usage of the said City may Devise their Tenements, Rents, and Reversions within the said City, and Suburbs thereof, to whom they will, and of what Estate they will. And may also Devise a New Rent to rise from their Tenements, in manner as they like best. And those which are Free-men of the said City may Devise their Tenements in Mortmain.

Infants within Age may not make a Devise, nor can Women-Covert Devise their Tenements by Li∣cense of their Husbands, nor in other manner, du∣ring the Coverture.—The Husband may not De∣vise his Tenements to his Wife for a higher Estate, upon pain to lose the whole. Neither may the Husband Devise the Tenements descended to his Wife, nor the Tenements which the Husband and

Wife have jointly purchased, but if the Husband and the Wife have Tenements Joyntly to them and to the Heirs of the Husband, the Husband may De∣vise the Reversion. All Testaments by which any Tenements be Devised, may be inrolled in the Hu∣stings Court of Record, at the suit of any which may take advantage by the same Testaments. And the Testament which ought to be inrolled shall be brought before the Mayor and Aldermen in full Hu∣sting. And there shall the said Testaments be Pro∣claimed by the Sergeant, and the same also to be proved by two Discreet men well known, the which shall be sworn and examined of all the Circum∣stances of the said Testaments, and of his Seal, and if the proof be found good and loyal, and agreeable, then shall the said Testament be inrolled in the same Hustings of Record, and the Fee shall be paid for the Inrollment, and no Testament Noncupative, nor other Testaments may be inrolled of Record except that the Seal of the Testor be put to the same Te∣stament. But the Testaments that may be found good and loyal are effectual, although they be not inrolled, nor of Record.

The Testament within the said City ought by Cu∣stome of the same City to be adjudged effectual and Executory, having Regard to the Testators Wills, although that the Words of such Testaments be defective, and not according to the Common-Law, &c.

The Mayor and Aldermen that are for the time, by Custom of the City, shall have the Wardship and Marriages of all the Orphans of the said City, after the Death of their Ancestors, although the same Ancestors do hold to them and the City of any o∣ther Lord, by what service soever. The Mayor and Aldermen ought to inquire of all the Lands and Tenements, Goods and Chattels, within the said Ci∣ty appertaining to such Orphans, and safely keep

them to the use and profit of such Orphans, or o∣therwise commit the same Orphans, together with their Lands and Tenements, Goods and Chattels, to other their Friends, by sufficient Surety found of Record in the Chamber of Guild-hall, to maintain conveniently the said Orphans, during their Non-age, and their Lands and Tenements to repair, and the said Goods and Chattels safely to keep; and there∣of to render a good and Loyal Accompt before the said Mayor and Aldermen, to the profit of the same Infants, when they shall come to their Age, or when they shall be put to a Mystery, or shall Mar∣ry by the Advice of the said Mayor and Aldermen.

And that in all Cases, except that it be otherwise ordained and disposed for the same Orphans, or for their Lands and Tenements, Goods and Chattels by express words, contained in the Testaments of their Ancestors.

No such Orphans ought to be Marryed without the Consent of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen.— Where Lands and Tenements, Goods and Chattels within the said City are Devised to an Infant with∣in age, of one City, or of the same City, his Father living, that such an Infant is no Orphan; yet by usage of the said City, the said Lands and Tene∣ments, Goods and Chattels, shall be in the Custo∣dy of the Mayor and Aldermen, as well as of the Or∣phans, to maintain and keep them to the use and profit of the same Infant. Except that the Father of the Infant, or some other of his Friends, will find sufficient Surety of Record to maintain and keep the said Lands, &c. to the use and profit of the said Infant, and thereof to render a good and loy∣al accompt, &c.

The Magistrates and Officers of the said City ought to obey no Commandment, nor no Seal, but only the Commands and Immediate Seal of the King▪ Nor ought any Officer of the King to make

Seizure or any Execution within the said City, nor the Liberties thereof, by Land or by Water, but only the Officers of the said City.

The Sheriffs of London may make Arrests, and serve Executions in the River of Thames, from the East-part of London-Bridge untill the Return, and from the West-part of the said Bridge unto Stanes-Bridge.

The said Sheriffs ought to have Forfeitures of the Chattels of all kind of Fugitives and Fellons, and of Deodands (that is in Latine, a thing forfeited to God, as if a Horse kills his Keeper, or a Cart run over a Man, such are forfeited to the King, to be di∣stributed to the poor) within the said City, and the River of Thames, in aid of their Farm, (viz. 300 l. per Annum) which they pay yearly to the King.

If the Goods of a Free-man be Arrested, or wrong∣fully detained to pay Toll, &c. elsewhere, and wit∣nessed by men of credit, the Goods or Merchan∣dize of the party detaining, or of others of the same Village where the wrong was done, if found within the City of London, are to be Arrested by the City Officers, to be detained in the Name of Withernam [which word in the Common-Law, is the taking or driving a Distress to a hold, or out of the County where the Sheriff cannot come upon a Replevin to make Deliverance thereof to the party Distreined] untill agreement be made with the said Freeman for damages sustained, &c.

The Lord Mayor (as was said before) being chief Buttler on Coronation Days, is to have a Golden Cup at the Coronation of every King,—as was gi∣ven when his present Majesty was Crowned; Baker's Chron. p. 748. Edit. 1679.

If a Woman that hath a Husband, as a Woman Sole, hire any House or Shop within the City, she shall be charged to pay the Rent of the said House and Shop, and shall be impleaded and pursued as a

Sole Woman, by way of Debt, if need be, not∣withstanding that she was Marryed at the time of the Lease, the Lessor not knowing thereof.

If a plaint of Trespass be made against a Man and his Wife, for a Tresspass done by the Wife solely, then the Wife shall answer sole without her Hus∣band, if the Husband come not, and shall have Plea as a sole Woman, and if she be attainted of Trespass, she shall be condemned, and Committed to Prison untill she hath made agreement.

If Plaint be made against a Freeman resident with∣in the City, or by the Law of the City hath a Sum∣mons, because of the Franchise, if the Plaintiff come to the Sheriff, and bring with him six or four Freemen, credible persons, that will testifie that the Defendant is going to run away, withdraw, or ab∣sent himself, the Sheriff may arrest the Defendant by his Body or Goods, as a Foreigner, &c. When a Debtor in the said City is bound by Obligation in a certain sum to be paid at a certain time to come, the which Debtor was held sufficient at the time when he was bound, and after is become Fugitive, or not sufficient, then if the Creditor come before the Mayor and Sheriffs of the said City, making such a suggestion, and hath with him six or four credible Freemen of the same City, that will truly testifie that the Debtor will withdraw, and Convey his Goods out of the City, or that he is not sufficient to make Payment, then the Mayor or one of the Sheriffs, before whom the Suggestion is made, useth to Arrest the Debtor, although the Day contained within the Obligation be not yet come, and to keep the same Debtor in Prison, untill the Day of Pay∣ment be come, or otherwise that he shall find Pledges to attend at the same Day, and so to Ar∣rest for House-hire before the Day, if the Tenant be Fugitive.

If a Free-man of the City find his Debtor sud∣denly within the same City, which Deb∣ter hath absented himself before, or that he be Fugitive,* 1.1 and the which Debtor will Escape away, before that the Cre∣ditor can have an Officer, the usage is in such Case, that the Free-man himself, with aid of his Neigh∣bours, without other Officer, may Arrest his Deb∣tor and carry him to the Office of one of the Sheriffs, and there make his Suit, as the Law requires.

A Brief Account of the Courts held in this Honourable City.

THe highest and most ancient Court in this fa∣mous City is that called the Hustings, a Sax∣on Word, Hus signifying a House, and Sthing, or Thing, a Cause or Plea, so that it is Domus Causa∣rum, a House of Causes, or Pleas, or Pleadings.

This Court preserves the Laws, Rights, Franchi∣ses and Customs of the City.—There be handled the the Intricatest Accounts and Pleas of the Crown, and of the whole Kingdom.

It is of great Antiquity, the Laws of Edward the Confessour much referring to it, where may be read these words,—Debet enim in London, quae caput est Regni & Legum, semper Curia Domini Regis singulis septim••nis die Lunae Hustingis sedere & teneri, &c. That is, The Court of our Lord the King ought to sit, and be held every Week on Monday at the Hustings in London, which (City) is the head of the Kingdom and Laws, &c. But now it is held on Tuesdays, in the Guild-Hall of London, before the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen; every Week. All the Lands and Tenements; Rents, and Services, within the City and Liberties, are pleaded there, in two Hustings; one is called Husting de pla∣cito

terrae, Husting of Plea of Land, the other de Communibus placitis, of Common-Pleas: It is held on Monday to Demand the Demandants, and to a∣ward Non-suites, to allow Essoynes, and on Tues∣day to award the Default and Plead. For certain times no Hustings may be held by Custom of the City, viz. Husting of Plea of Land ought to be held a Week by it self, at the aforesaid days, but the Inrollments and Titles of the said Hustings make mention of Monday only.

In Husting of Plea of Land, are Pleaded Writs of Right, Patents Directed to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London, which Writs have this process, by Custom of the City, viz. The Tenant, or Tenants, shall first have three Summons at the Tenements Demanded at three Hustings of Plea of Land next ensuing after the Livery of the Writ, and of the Hustings, without Demanding the Tenements at any aforesaid. And after the three Summons ended, three Essoynes at three other Hustings of Plea of Land then next en∣suing; and at the next ensuing after the third Essoyne, and the Tenants making Default, Process shall be made against them by a Grand cape, or petit cape, after the appearance and other Process at the Com∣mon-Law. And if the Tenants shall appear, the Demandants shall Count against the Tenants in the Nature of what Writ they will, except certain Writs which are Pleadable in Husting of Common-Pleas, &c. without making Protestation to see in the Na∣ture of any Writ. And the Tenants shall have the view, and shall be Essoyned after the view, as at the Common-law. And the Tenant shall have an Es∣soyn after every appearance by Custom of the City.

And although that such a Writ be abated after the view, by exception of Joynt-Tenancy, or other exception Dilatory, or other such Writ be ••evived, the Tenants, by the Custom of the City, shall have the view in the second Writ: Notwithstanding the

view before had. And if the parties plead to Judg∣ment, the Judgment shall be pronounced by the Re∣corder, and six Aldermen at least were wont to be present at the giving of every such Judgment.

Every Beadle of the City, by the advice of the Alderman of his Ward against every Hustings or Plea of Land, shall Summon Twelve Men Free∣holders, being the best and most sufficient of his Ward, to come to Guild-Hall for to pass in an Inquest, if there be need, for the rest of the Free-hold∣ers of the said Ward. And if the parties plead and descend to an Inquest, then shall the Inquest be taken of the People Inheritors, having at the least Frank-Tenement of the same Ward where the Tenements are, and other three Wards next to the place where the Tenements are; so that four sufficient men of the same Ward where the Tenements are, shall be sworn in the same Inquest, if there be so many. No Dam∣ages by Custom of the City are recoverable in any such Writ of Right, Patent, and the Inquest may pass the same day by such common Summons of the Beadle, if the parties be at Issue, and the Jurors come.—Otherwise Process shall be made to cause the Inquest to come at another Husting of Plea of Land ensuing, by Precept of the Mayor directed to the Sheriffs, who shall be Ministers by the Com∣mandment of the Mayor to serve the Writs, and to make Execution thereof, notwithstanding that the Original Writ be directed to the Mayor and Sheriffs Joyntly. And it is to be understood, that as well the Tenants as the Demandants may make their At∣torneys in such Pleas, &c. See City-Law, p. 46. &c.

In the Hustings of Common-Pleas are Pleadable Writs, called ex gravi querela, for to have Execu∣tion of the Tenements out of the Testaments which are Inrolled in the Hastings. Writs of Dower, unde nihil habet. Writs of Gavelkind, and Custom, and of Service, Instead of a Cessavit. Writs of Error of

Judgments given before the Sheriffs. Writs of Waste. Writ de Partitione facienda, between Co-partners. Writs of quid Juris clamat, and per quae ••erviti••, and others; which Writs are close, and directed to the Mayor and Sheriffs; and also Replegiaries of things taken, and of Distresses wrongfully taken, are Pleadable before the Mayor and Sheriffs, in the same Husting of Cowmon-Pleas, by Plaint without Writ, &c.

The Aldermen of London are summoned to the Husting, and they ought, by usage of the said City, to be summoned by an Officer of the Sheriffs, sitting upon an Horse of 100 s. price at least.

Of the Court of Requests, or Conscience.

THis Court was first Erected by an Act of Common-Councel, 9 H. 8. viz. That the Lord Mayor and Aldermen for the time being should Monthly assign two Aldermen, and four Discreet Commoners to sit twice a week to hear and Deter∣mine all matters brought before them (betwixt Freemen) where the Due Debt or Damage did not exceed 40 s. Afterwards the said Number of Com∣missioners were enlarged to the Number of Twelve, which continued till the end of Queen Elizabeths Reign, and 3 Jacobi cap. 15. confirm'd by Act of Parliament, where it was Enacted, That every poor Citizen and Free-man inhabiting in London, being sued for Debt under 40 s. may exhibit his suit in the Court of London called the Court of Requests, where shall be nominated Twelve Commissioners, three of which may send for any Creditor, who is complained of in suing such a Debt under 40 s. and if he refuse to come, or perform not their Orders, they may cause him to be Arrested, by any Sergeant of London, and Commit him to Prison, there to re∣main untill he perform the said Order, &c.

This Court was to continue by the first Act of Common-Councel but for two years, but being found Charitable and Profitable for the relief of poor Debtors, unable to make present payment, and to restrain malicious persons from proceeding in wilful Suits, and to help poor persons as had small Debts owing to them, and unable to prosecute Suits in Law elsewhere, it was continued by divers Acts of Com∣mon-Councel, as aforesaid.

Of the Court of the Lord MAYOR and ALDERMEN.

IN this Court the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, as also the Recorder and Sheriffs (who are usually Aldermen, or else constantly Chosen upon the next vacancy) sit; this is a Court of Record principally in∣stituted (among other causes) for the redressing and correcting the Errors, Defaults, and misprisions, which happen in the Government of the City; It is kept on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In this Court are comprehended several other Courts, as

I. The Court of Orphans; for the Mayor and Alderman (as was said at large before) by Custom have the Custody of the Orphans within the City, &c.—The Chamberlain is a sole Corporation to himself and his Successors for Orphans; and a Re∣cognizance made to him and his Successours touch∣ing Orphans, shall by Custom go to his Successor. The Government of Orphans is so invested in the Mayor, that if any Orphans sue in the Ecclesiastical Court, or elsewhere for a Legacy, or Duty due to them, by the Custom, a Prohibition doth lie.

2. The Court of Wardmote, or of the Wardmote Inquest, for the whole City being divided into twen∣ty-six Wards, every Ward hath such an Inquest,

consisting of twelve or more, who inquire after A∣buses and Disorders, and present them to be re∣dressed inquiry is also made into all things that can conduce to the Regulating and well governing the City.

3. The Court of Hall-mote, or Hall-Court, or Assembly of every Guild or Fraternity, for Re∣dressing what belongs to the said Companies in par∣ticular.

4. The Court of the Conservation of the Water and River of Thames, which belongs to the Lord Mayor, from Stanes-Bridge unto the Water of Yendal, and Medway, of which we have spoke larg∣ly before, when we Treated of the River of Thames.

5. The Courts of the Coroner and Escheater, which both belong to the Lord Mayor; he being Coroner and Escheator by vertue of his Authority and Office.

6. The Court of Policies and Assurances to Mer∣chants that venture and Traffique on the Seas, where Ships and Goods are Insured at so much per Cent. where there is an Officer of good Quality who Re∣gisters those Assurances.

7. The Court of the Tower of London which is held within the Verge of the City, before the Stew∣ard, by prescription of Debt, Trespass, and other Actions; Now part of the Tower is within the City, and part in Middlesex, (viz the East part, but the West in London) whereof (as was formerly said when we spoke of the Tower, p. 14.) there was a notable Example in the Person of Sir Thomas Overbury, who being poysoned in a Chamber on the West part, the principal Murderers were Tryed before Commissi∣oners of Oyer and Terminer in London, and so was Sir Gervase Elways, the Lieutenant of the Tower at that time.

8. The Court of Common-Councel, consisting (as the Parliament of England) of two Houses, one for the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and the other for the Commoners; In which Court are made all By-Laws, which bind all the Citizens of London; for every Man, either by himself, or by his Represen∣tative, gives his assent thereunto: wherein consists the great happiness of the English Subject, above all the Subjects of any other Prince in the World; that neither in Laws nor By-Laws, neither in Taxes or Imposts, any man is obliged but by his own Consent.

The Oath of a Common-Councel-Man.

YE shall Swear that ye shall be true to our Soveraign Lord the King, that now is, and to his Heirs and Successors, Kings of England, and readily ye shall come, when ye be summon∣ed, to the Common-Council of this City, but if ye be reasonably excused; and good and true Councel, ye shall give in all things, touching the Commonwealth of this City, after your Wit and Cunning: and that for favour of any person ye shall maintain no singular profit against the Com∣mon profit of this City; and after that ye be come to the Common-Councel, you shall not thence depart untill the Common-Councel be ended, without reasonable cause, or else by the Lord Mayors License. And also any secret things that be spoken or said in the Common-Councel, which ought to be kept secret, in no wise you shall disclose, as God you help.

The Common-Councel-Men are chosen at the Wardmote-Inquest, for the respective Wards, and are to be of the most sufficient, honest, and discreet

Men of the Ward, to serve for the ensuing year, on St. Thomas the Apostles day.

9. The Court of the Chamberlain of the City, to whom belongs the Receipts of the Rents and Re∣venues of the City; And to his Court belongs the business of Apprentices, over whom he hath great Authority (as was said before.) This Officer is cho∣sen by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, He over-sees, and keeps, all the Books, Rolls, Re∣cords, and other Monuments, and Remembrances that ought to remain of Record, and the City Trea∣sure —to keep and maintain all the Rents and Te∣nements pertaining to the Chamber of London— His Office about Orphans we have shewed before: as also about Apprentices, to which we shall add, that he is to cause their Indentures to be Inrolled, and make those Apprentices to serve out their time. One may be a Freeman of London, 1. By Se••vice, as in case of Apprentiship.—2. By Birth-right, as being the Son of a Freeman.—3. By Redemption, by Order of the Court of Alderm••n: For such as are made Free this way, the Chamberlain of Lon∣don is to set the Fines of such Redemptions,—He is to take Fines of such as are rebellious to their Masters or Guardians, and for certain other De∣faults, &c.

To shew the Piety of the honourable Governours of this great City, in ancient as well as modern times, I shall produce the Instructions Recorded for the Apprentices of London, out of Stow, p. 668. Edit. 1633. The Observation of which is heartily recom∣mended to the Youth concern'd.

It is thus.

YOu shall constantly and Devoutly on your knees, every day, serve God, Morning and Evening, and make Conscience in the Due hear∣ing

of the Word Preached, and endeavour the right practise thereof in your Life and Conver∣sation: You shall do diligent and faithful Ser∣vice to your Master, for the time of your Appren∣tiship, and Deal truly in what you shall be trust∣ed: You shall often read over the Covenants of your Indenture, and see and endeavour your self to perform the same to the uttermost of your power: You shall avoid all evil Company, and all occasions which may tend, or draw you to the same, and make speedy Return when you shall be sent of your Masters or Mistresses Errands: You shall avoid Idleness, and be ever Employed, either for God's Service, or in your Masters busi∣ness: You shall be of fair, gentle, and lowly speech and behaviour to all men, and especially to all your Governours. And according to your Car∣riage expect your Reward, for Good or Ill, from God and your Friends, &c.

Of the Sheriffs Courts.

THere are two Courts of Sheriffs, one for the Counter in Woodstreet, and another for the Counter in the Poultry, whereof there are two Law∣yers as Judges, well read in the Customs of the Ci∣ty, as well as the Common-Laws; but if an errone∣ous Judgment be given before the Sheriffs, the par∣ty griev'd may sue a Writ of Error, and remove it to the Hustings, before the Mayor and Sheriffs; if they yield no Redress, then shall certain Justices be assigned by the King's Commission, to sit at St. Mar∣tins le Grand, by Nisi prius, for to Redress the said Judgments, and if there be default found in the the Mayor and Sheriffs, they shall be punished for their Misprisions, by the form contained in the Sta∣tute of 28 E. 3. c. 10.

One taken in Execution in London upon a Con∣demnation in the Sheriffs Court, and Removed by Habeas Corpus into the Kings-Bench, shall be com∣mited there in Execution for that Debt; and having discharged all Causes in the Kings-Bench, shall be remanded.

Then there is the Court of Sessions or Goal-Deli∣very held usually eight times a year at the Old-Bay∣ly, both for the City and Middlesex, for the Tryal of Criminals, whereof the Lord Mayor is the Chief Judge; and hath the power of Reprieving condemn∣ed Persons.

The Prisons in London.

OF Ludgate we have spoken in the Section of Gates, page 9. And of Newgate, page 10. The Counter in the Poultry belongs to one of the Sheriffs of London, and has been kept and con∣tinued there time out of mind.

The Counter in Woodstreet belongs also to one of the Sheriffs, prepared to be a Prison-House, Anno 1555. and on the 28th of September that year, the Prisoners that lay in the Counter in Breadstreet were removed to this Counter; Both these Counters were burnt in the Year 1666, but Rebuilt since, much more stately and Commodious than they were be∣fore.

There is also in the late Parish of St. Margaret Southwark a Prison, called the Counter, in South∣wark, &c.

The Fleet is also a Prison, so called of the Fleet or Water running by it, now made Navigable, and called the Fleet-Dike.

There was also in Southwark a Prison, called the Clink, on the Banks-side; also a Prison called the White-Lyon in Southwark, so called, because it

was formerly an Inn with that Sign, this being the appointed Goal for the County of Surry, Stow, p. 455.

There are besides these, two Prisons more in South∣wark, viz. The Kings-Bench, and the Marshalsea; which last belongs to the Marshals of England.

Lastly, there is the Gate-House in Westminster, a Prison likewise for Offenders, &c.

Of the Watches in London.

To speak in general terms, there cannot be found in the World, more Regular, Careful, and Orderly Watches, than are in this great City, which indeed is very needful; for where there is such a vast confluence of a•••• sorts of People, it is of abso∣lute necessity to keep diligent Watch, to prevent Disorders and Mischiefs, which else would happen.

William the Conquerour commanded, that in eve∣ry Town and Village a Bell (call'd Curfew-Bell) should be Nightly rung at Eight of the Clock, and that all People should then put out their Fire and Candle, and take their rest; which Order was ob∣served in his Reign, and the Reign of William Ru∣fus; but Henry the First revoked that Order. But Henry the Third, Anno 1253. Commanded Wat∣ches in Cities and Burroughs to be kept, in order to the preservation of Peace and Quietness amongst his Subjects, &c.

There are in the Respective Streets convenient Stations for the Watchmen, who are Citizens, and obliged to perform that Duty in their turns with their Officers, and are to Examine all persons that walk in unseasonable hours, and to Apprehend Su∣spitious persons, or such as are Riotous, or otherwise mis-behave themselves, and secure them. At set and convenient times, they appoint a Party to go their

Rounds, and to apprehend such as they find Tip∣pling in Victualing-Houses at unseasonable hours, or in Houses of ill-name, or Night-walkers, or any o∣ther persons wheresoever that are uncivil, or cannot give a good account of themselves, and the Reason of their being abroad; and when any such are Ap∣prehended they keep them all night in safe Custo∣dy, on the Guard, or send them to one of the Coun∣ters, to be forth-coming before a Justice of the Peace the next day, who deals with them accord∣ing to the merit of their Cause. By this means an Infinite deal of Evils, as Murders, Roberies, Felo∣nies, Fires, &c. are prevented, which would other∣wise happen; it being certain, that in so great and populous a City, amongst the many good People, it cannot be avoided but that a great many wicked persons, capable of the blackest Villanies, do creep in, as daily and sad experience shews.

Of the Military Government of London.

HAving Treated of the Ecclesiastical and Tem∣poral Government of this Great City, we will give some brief touches of its Military Government, Ancient and Modern.

In the 23 of H. VIII. 1532. At a General Mu∣ster in London, were first taken the Names of all Men within this City and Liberties only (which reach not far from the Walls) from the Age of 16 to 60. Also the Number of all Harnesses, and all sorts of Weapons for War; than they drew out of these, only such able Men as had White Harness, and them all to appear in White Coats, with Bree∣ches, and white Caps and Feathers, and because Notice was given, that the King himself would see them Muster, they all prepared to appear as splendidly as they could; and to that end, the Lord Mayor, Alder∣men,

Recorder, and Sheriffs, and all who had been Sheriffs, had all white Harness, and over that Coats of black Velvet, with the Arms of the City Em∣broidered thereon, each one a great Gold Chain, and Mounted on a goodly Horse, with rich Trap∣pings, on their Heads Velvet Caps, in their Hands Battle-Axes gilt; Each Alderman and the Recorder had four Halberdiers in white Silk, or else Buff-Coats, waiting on them with gilt Halberds; and the Lord Mayor and sixteen tall men, apparrelled in white Sattin Doublets, Caps and Feathers, Chains of Gold, and other Gorgeous Attire, with long gilt Halberds following his Lordship at a distance: But next to him he had four Footmen in white Sattin, then two Pages cloathed in Crimson-Velvet, and Cloath of Gold, riding on Gallant Horses richly furnisht, one of them carrying the Lord Mayors Helmet, and the other his Pole-Ax, both richly gilt and adorn'd.

Most of the Citizens of any Quality or Office, were in white Sattin, or white Silk Coats, with Chains of Gold, and some with rich Jewels; what the Number of Men in Arms was, is not recorded, but it may be guessed at by what follows: They Mustered in Mile-end-Fields, and before Nine of the Clock in the Morning began to March, entring at Aldgate in excellent order down to Westminster, where the King and Court stood to view them, pas∣sing by; thence they Marched about St. James's-Park, so through Holborn up to Leaden-Hall, and there Disbanded immediately, and yet this was not done till five of the Clock in the Evening, which was Eight hours continual March.

At His Majesties Return to his Government, there were in London and the Liberties, six Regi∣ments of Trained-Bands, and six Regiments of Auxiliaries, and one Regiment of Horse; these thirteen Regiments, about six Weeks before his Majesties arrival, Mustered in Hyde-Park, being

then drawn out for promoting and securing his Ma∣jesties Return. These twelve Regiments of Foot were 18000 Men compleat. Eight of these Regi∣ments had seven Companies in each, and the other four had six Companies in each, in all Eighty Com∣panies. The Regiment of Horse of six Troops, and 100 in each Troop, this considerable Army drawn together before the 20th of May, was Judged to be highly useful for facilitating that great Work. Some Months after the King sent to the City a Commis∣sion of Lieutenancy, appointing several persons as his Lieutenants in London, giving them the same pow∣er that the Lords Lieutenants have in their respe∣ctive Counties, and in pursuance of that Commis∣sion, the Regiments were new settled. There were six Regiments of Train-Bands, commanded by six Citizens, Knights, and their Lieutenant-Colonels were all Knights, and there were six Regiments of Auxiliaries. In all these twelve Regiments were 20000 Men; then were listed two Regiments of Horse, each consisting of five Troops, in all 800 Horse; these were all Drawn into Hide-Park, where His Majesty was pleas'd to take a view of them. But in case of need, it is certain that in London, and within the Liberty, there may in few days be raised 400000 Men; Besides Southwark one Regiment of Train'd-Bands, 1500 Men; The Hamlets of the Tower, two Regiments, in all 3000 Men; then Hol∣born Regiment, and Westminster Regiment, 2000 each, and in case of necessity they can raise 20000 more; that is in all 66500 Men; and in case of absolute need, they can double that Number, and yet leave enough to manage Trade, &c.

To demonstrate this, we shall look back into former times, when London was far less populous, and of less dimensions then Now, and produce what we find Recorded of its Military power.

Stow in his Survey, p. 85. saith, that Anno, 1539▪ 31. H. VIII. a great Muster was made of the Citi∣zens on the 8th of May, at Mile-end, all in bright Harness, with Coats of white Silk or Cloath, and Chains of Gold, in three great Battels to the Num∣ber of 15000, which passed through London to Westminster, and round St. James's Park, and so home through Holborn. This was for the Midsum∣mer Watch, which custom was discontinued till 1548. 2 E. 6. and then revived with an Addition of above 300 Demi-La••ces and light Horsemen, prepared by the City, for Scotland, for the Relief of the Town of Haddington, kept by the English.

The like Marching Watch hath not been used since, though some attempts have been made in order to its continuation, as Anno, 1585. A Book was written by a grave Citizen, Mr. John M••ntgo∣mery, Dedicated to Sir Thomas Pullison, then Lord Mayor, and the Aldermen; containing the Manner and Order of a Marching-Watch on the accustom∣ed way, wherein he used this Motive; That Artifi∣cers of sundry sorts were thereupon set to Work, none but rich men charged, poor men helped, old Souldiers, Trumpets Drummers, Fifes, and Ensign-be••rers, with such like men meet for the Princes Service kept in ure, wherein the•• safety and defence of every Common-Wealth consisteth. Armor and Weapons being yearly used thereby, the Citizens had of their own ready prepared for any need; where∣as by intermission hereof, Armourers are out of Work. Souldiers out of ure, Weapons over-grown withfoul∣ness. few or none good being provided, &c.

Mr. Howel in his Londinopolis, Printed 1657. Writes thus p. 398. For strength Defensive and Of∣fensive, for Arms of all sorts, for Artillery, Amu∣nition, for Arsenals and Docks on both sides the River, for Castles and Block-houses, &c. London is not inferiour to any; she hath 12000 Trained-Band

Citizens perpetually in a Readiness excellent∣ly Armed, &c. The City of London hath sent out strong Fleets in former times, to scoure and secure the Four Seas from Depredations and Pyracy. Anno 1293 She was able to set forth a Fleet of 95 Ships— Another Record shews, that in King Stephens Reign, the City raised 60000 Foot, and 20000 Horse, for Land Service, which is about 500 years ago.—No place is better furnished with Magazines of Corn and Arms against a Famine; for besides that at Leade••-Hall, and the Bridge-House, How many Halls have Store-Houses of this kind!

By the Computation of humane Souls in this great City, may be guessed what Military force may be raised, of which the said Author says thus.

In the year 1636. King Charles the First sending to the Lord Mayor, to make a Scrutiny what Num∣ber of Papists and Strangers were in the City, the Lord Mayor, Sir Edward Bromfield, took occasion thereby to make a cense (or computation) of all the people, and there were of Men, Women, and Chil∣dren, above 700000 that lived within the Bars of his Jurisdiction alone; and this being so long ago, viz. 45 years, 'tis judged by all probable compu∣tation, that London hath more by a third part now than at that time. Then the City of Westminster, and all the Suburbs without the Lord Mayor's Jurisdiction, and the contiguous Buildings that joyn with it, as an Intire piece on all sides, contain by all likely conjecture at least as many more; so that taking all together, the Number of humane Souls may amount to above one Million and an half; this computation was thus delivered by Mr. Howel, 24 years ago, and it is certain that the Number is vast∣ly encresed since, as may appear by the great Ad∣dition of Buildings even within these few years. At that time Mr. Howel Judged the Circumference of the City, &c. to be above twelve Miles, but it is

certain whate'er it was then, it is much more now: so that upon the whole, if the Number of Inhabitants be no more then as above, and allowing but the tenth part able to bear Arms, the City and Suburbs may raise 150000 Fighting-men, of which a third part is enough for a Brave Army, viz. 50000 Men, according to the Modern manner of War.

Besides these Train'd-Bands and Auxilliary-men, before-mentioned, there is the Artillery Company, which is a Nursery of Souldiers, and hath been so threescore and odd years. The present King listed himself there, when he was Prince of Wales, and so did the Duke of York, who commanded that Com∣pany; But lately His Majesty was pleased to honour that Company himself so highly, as to tell them, when they were last February about a New Electi∣on, that he would Himself be their Leader, which was resented with the Universal Joy of the Compa∣ny, it being indeed an extraordinary honour, to be under the Immediate Commands of so Royal a Leader.

Under His Majesty there is a Leader who exerci∣ses this Company every Tuesday fortnight, in the Artillery-Ground, (a spacious and delicate green Field, inclosed with a fair Brick-wall, near Moor∣fields, for that purpose.) And the other Tuesday the Exercise is performed by the several Members of the Company, who are there Trained up to Command.

Of this Society there are many of the Nobility, also the Lord Mayor, and most of the Aldermen, all the Commanders of the Train-Bands and Auxilia∣ries here Exercise Arms. This Company consists of about six hundred men. Their Officers are a Leader, two Lieutenants, two Ensigns, two Ser∣jeants, a Provost-Marshal, three Gentlemen of Arms, &c. They have also a Court-Marshal, con∣sisting of a President, a Vice-President, a Treasurer, and Twenty four Members of the Company.

On the second Tuesday in February, at a Gene∣ral Rendezvouz every year, the Officers are Elect∣ed.

So much of Government: which I shall shut with the Words of one of the great Magistrates of this famous City, viz. Slingsby Bethel Esq one of the Sheriffs, in a late Paper of his Just Vindication a∣gainst the malicious and lying Invectives of some base, ill-minded persons, that were so impudent to asperse him in his Honour and Reputation, upon occasion of the late Poll in Southwark, where he was one of the Candidates to serve for that Bur∣rough in Parliament; but the well known Worth of that wise and eminent Gentleman, is above the reach of such Detractors Tongues; for while they go a∣bout to sully his spotless Reputation, they render it (though against their minds,) so much the more il∣lustrious; all sober persons concluding that he must needs be a good man, because bad men hate him: for to be praised by such is ever esteem'd a kind of reproach; and so the Philosopher took it, when he exclaim'd (in some heat) for being praised by a scandalous person. Which is but by the by, as the impartial sense of one that has not the happiness of personally knowing that worthy person; Yet no stran∣ger to his due Character.

This City is indeed, (saith he, p. 7.) a great and opulent City, full of People and Trade; a City emi∣nent for the great Charters, Priviledges, and Im∣munities with which it is invested; Renowned for its many Courts, and Councels, Companies and So∣cieties; and for the good Laws therein Instituted and Ordained for the better Government of the several Ranks and Orders of men amongst them, whereby they are enabled to obtain, their own Ju∣stice, maintain their own Peace, and pursue all the good and advantagious ends of Trade, with the bet∣ter success, and greater security.

And as the happiness and good estate of this City doth depend upon the right use and improvement of these advantages, and upon a Due and Righteous Execution of those good Laws, so the honour and esteem which this great City most justly finds from all men, both at home and abroad, doth principally result and arise from hence.

I confess there is another thing that doth well be∣fit this great City, which we call State and Grandeur, which (though it is far below, and differs in the e∣steem of wise men, as much from that honour which I have before described, as my Lord Mayors Horse, accoutred with his richest furniture and trappings, doth from that Honourable Person that sits upon him cloathed with eminency of Power and Authority) is found nevertheless most necessary to attract that Reverence from the Vulgar and Common People to∣wards so August a Government; which they (giving Judgment of things more by outward appearance, then by intrinsick worth, and real value) would o∣therwise hardly give to the greatest Potentates.

To this end the City hath its several Ensigns of Authority and Power, sitted to all degrees of Magi∣stracy, and shewing the place they bear in the Go∣vernment with a becoming Greatness. They have their solemn Processions and Cavalcades, set forth with Habits, Equipages, Attendants, and other Orna∣ments, sutable to the several Degrees and Orders of Men, for the greater State.

They have also their Publick Shews and Triumphs upon set times and occasions, adorn'd with much splen∣dor, to Entertain and Divert the People with Gaze and Admiration.—And they have (besides these) their publick Feasts upon set times and solemn occa∣sions of assembling and rejoycing together for their refreshment. And I do agree, that as these being practised with that moderation, and within those limits which the Laws of the City upon great Rea∣son

have wisely Ordained, may be of good Ʋse to the ends aforesaid; so I have not been wanting in per∣forming my part therein, &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  City-Law. pag. 105.