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 Merchants of London.

MErchandizing may be said to be an Art or Sci∣ence, invented by Ingenious Mankind for the Publick Good and Profit of all, supplying (as was said,) the Native wants of one Place, by the abun∣dance of others, that do not Consume their own Growths, Products, or Manufactures. Such as Ne∣gotiate and Traffick this way are called Merchants. The things Sold or Exchanged are two. First, Wares or Goods. And Secondly, Moneys or Coyn, which are usually Contracted or Bargained for, three ways.

First, When Goods are Exchanged for Goods; that is, so much of one Sort, for like value of ano∣ther, and this is called Bartering, usual here in old times, and in many places of America, Asia, and Af∣frica in these days: but in Process of time, Men finding it too difficult and troublesom to carry about them, all things thus Bargained and Truckt for, from place to place, invented a common Standard, or Mea∣sure that should countervail, and be in Value as all other things, and be Accounted in Payments, Satis∣faction and Equivalency to all others: and this is called Money, of Gold Silver, or other Mettals. This Use of Money is as old as Abraham, but it was not then Coyned, but only in Pieces Unstampt; and since by Authority of Princes, it was divided into great and small Pieces, and into several and Distinct parts and Denominations, and Stampt or Coyned with se∣veral Characters, denoting the true Weight and Va∣lue of the same. This was done first by Servius in Rome, of Brass, whereon was Imprinted the Image of Sheep and Oxen, betokening the Wealth and Riches of those days; ten of those Pieces made a

Denier or Penny, and were called by Latines, De∣narii. This was the Original of Money, which after∣ward came to be Coyned of Silver and Gold.

Secondly, The Second way is of Goods for Money, and this is Termed Bargaining, or Buying and Sel∣ling; this Facilitates Merchandizing, and to prevent the Inconvenience and Danger of the Carriage of Money about a Man, another Medium was found, and that was:

Thirdly, Exchanging, which is the giving of so much Money in one Place to one, who should cause it to be again repay'd in another place by another for him. In all Exchanges there is concluded two Payments, two places, and four distinct Persons, viz. he that Payeth in one place, and Receiveth in ano∣ther; and he that Receiveth in the one place, and Payeth in the other, and so no Man can Remit, except there be another to Draw; nor can any Receive, ex∣cept there be another Authorized to Pay.

The first of these ways was taught to Ma••kind by Necessity, the second was found out to Facilitate the first, and the third to Facilitate the second. Thus was the Original of Exchanges, to Accommodate Com∣merce, which was first Practized without Benefit or Loss, or any other Consideration, they using to Pay the Value of the very Sum Received: but in time it came to be considered, that the Party Paying, loses time, and runs a hazard, and therefore it was held reasona∣ble that he should have some benefit. Hence Ex∣changes are converted to an Art or Mystery, Moneys being remitted for benefit, without so much respect to the end of its Original Institution.

In the first sort, the Merchant ought to know the Commodities delivered and received, the present Va∣lue of both the quality, viz. whether lasting or pe∣rishable; the property, viz. whether of Natural growth, or Artificial; and lastly, the quantity, viz. whether plentiful•• or scarce, and in few Lands.

In the second sort, the same things are necessary, and also a knowledge how the things are bought and sold, whether by weight, as ponderous Goods; by con∣cave or long measures, as Commodities of length; or such as are Solid or Liquid. A knowledge of Weights and Measures of the Fineness, Goodness, and Currant Value of Money, &c. A Merchant is to know what to Bargain for, how to Bargain, when to Bargain, and with whom, which comprehends the knowledge of the Commodity, Weights and Measures, proper Seasons, and credit of the Party Bargained with.

In the third sort there is necessary, a knowledge of the Fineness, Goodness, and Currant Value, of the Princes Coin, where the Remitter and Party Receiv∣ing abide,—a knowledge of the Currant Rate of Exchanging, of the Par, or Value for Value, both according to the Standard of the Country, and ac∣cording to the Valuation of the Currant Coin there passable. Then of the Usance of the Place,—and a knowledge of the Drawer and Receiver.—As also the due Manner, and Form of making of all Legal In∣timations, Protests, and other such needful Instru∣ments, Circumstances and Observations, as are requi∣site upon Default of Payment, according to the strict and Solemn Rules required in a Bill of Exchange. These General Heads are not to instruct Merchants, but to give a kind of a view of this Noble Calling to others that are strangers to it.

More particularly in this Famous City, is a great Number of Merchants, who for Wealth, for Stately Houses within the City in Winter; and without, in Summer, for rich Furniture, plentiful Tables, Honora∣ble living, for great Estates in Money and Land, excel some Princes in some of our Neighbour Nations. A great many of whom have frequently born the Dig∣nity of the Chief Magistracy in the City, and have been Bountiful and very Liberal Benefactors to the Publick, and other Pious Uses.

The Merchants of London have been by divers Princes of this Kingdom Incorporated into So∣cieties and Companies, to incourage their En∣deavours, and in reward of the Discoveries of the Trade of those Countries, whereof they take their Name, they have Power and Immunities, granted them, do make Acts and Orders for the Benefit of Commerce in General, and of their Companies in particular.

[illustration]

The Antientest of these, cal∣led the Company of Merchant Adventurers, have had their Original and Continuance since Edward the First, Grounded at first upon the Exportation of Wo••ll only, as the Prime and Staple Commodity of En∣gland; but now upon Cloath∣ing, into which the Wooll is converted: that King Removed the Staple out of Flanders, and allured over some Flemings which taught the English to make Cloth, so that they are now the best Clothiers or Cloth-Workers in the World,—And to Encourage them, he Enacted in the twenty seventh of His Reign, by Statute, that it should be Felony to Transport Wools unwrought. This Staple was afterwards Removed to Callais, to Inrich it; afterwards to Antwerp, Middleborough, Stoad, Delph, Rotterd••m, and Hamborough.—It now includes all Drapery, and is Govern'd be∣yond Sea by a Deputy and certain Assistants, and in England by a Governour, Deputy, and certain Assi∣stants. Stow says, that the Company of Merchants called the Staple, were Incorporated by Edward III. But the Merchant Adventurers by Edward IV.

[illustration]

The Company of Merchants of Levant, termed Turky Mer∣chants, were Incorporated by Queen Elizabeth, and had their Charter Confirmed and Enlarg∣ed by King James. They first made discoveries into the Traf∣fick of the Seigniory of Venice, and the Dominions of the great Turk, having then the priviledges of the East-Indi∣an Traffick,—the Navigation to us then unknown by Sea, but the Portugals knew it.

[illustration]

Now there is a Great and Eminent Company, that Man∣age the East-India Trade, and by themselves Incorporated, in Queen Elizabeths time, Anno 1600. Imploying a Joynt Stock, they have a Great Capital, or House, called the East-India-House; by the said Trade and Stock they have Built many Warlike Ships, and brought all those Indian Commodities to our homes, which before were brought to us by other Nations; both which Companies, (viz. the Levant and East-India,) now supply our Land, and by their second Transportation many other Countries, with those rich Merchandizes which Veneria, Turky, Arabia, Persia, China, and India yeild; these have their respective Governors, to which are joyned certain Commission∣ers and Assistants.

The Company of Merchants of Russia were Incor∣porated by King Edward VI and their Charter Con∣firmed and Enlarged by Queen Elizabeth. As also the Company of Merchants of Ebbing, the Eastland Company,—the Green-Land Company,—the Spa∣nish Company,—the French Company of New Ad∣venturers,— the Company of French 〈◊〉〈◊〉.—

There is also the Merchants of Virginia, Bermudas or Summer Islands, the Affirican or Guiney Company, &c.

These Companies, besides others not at all Incor∣porated, being encouraged by sundry Priviledges, Go∣vern themselves by setled Acts and Orders, under cer∣tain chosen Governors, Deputies, and a Selected Number of Assistants, which have been found to be so profitable to these Kingdoms, by Exporting the Na∣tive Commodities thereof, by setting the Poor on Work, by Building of many brave Ships, and by Im∣porting hither of sundry Necessaries, both for Use and Ornament, that the Benefit thereof cannot here be cer∣tainly expressed. But for a taste, I shall Transcribe one Instance from Mr. Lewis Roberts in his Map of Com∣merce, Written near Fifty Years ago, about the Levant Company in particular. It was found (says he, p. 295.) that in our last Voyage to Cales, and to the Isle of Rhee, they were the owners of Twenty great Sail of Ships, that served in both those Voyages, and it is probable that they are owners of Thirty Sail more, which one with the other, may contain 12 or 13000 Tuns of Burthen, 1200 Guns at least, and about 4 or 5000 Sa••lers Yearly, besides Porters, Weighers, Bargemen, Lightermen, Carmen, which cannot be less than 2 or 3000 more, and they pay above 50000 l. Yearly Cu∣stoms to the King, partly by Exportation of Cloth, Tin, and other Goods, and partly Importation of Silks, Cottons, Galls, Grograms, Spices, Drugs, Currans, and other Levantine Commodities. Which shews the great Benefit of a well Govern'd Trade. And we may well Estimate, if it was so then, that 'tis much greater now, and that the Benefit of these, and the other Estinent Societies, to this City and Kingdom, is mighty considerable.

••. Of the Trade of London into the Country.

OF this we need say no more, but what is expressed already, it being so Universally known to the whole Land; The Londoners using to supply all the Trading places of the Kingdom, especially on great Fairs, to which they resort in great Numbers, and af∣ford their Goods at the best hand; to their own and their Countries great Benefit; and in Requital, the Adjacent Counties supply the City with all manner of Necessaries for Food, Hay, Fuel, &c. insomuch that Strangers have admired at the Prodigious plenty of all Sorts that are to be seen in the Great and well Furnish∣ed Markets of Leaden-Hall, Stocks, Milk-shreet, Newgate, Clare, South-hampton, St. Albans, Westmin∣ster, Hungerford and Brooks, with several others; so that here is a perpetual Mart, where any sort of Goods may be Purchased at a Convenient and Rea∣sonable Rate. Nor is there any Place in the King∣dom where Poor People (or such as would be very Frugal) may live Cheaper; or the Splendid Liver, Gallanter, &c.

The Laws of the Market. Stow. p. 664.

1. IN all the Markets of this City, no Victual shall be Sold, but by the Price set by the Mayor of this City.

2. No Man shall Forestall any Victual coming to the Market; as for to Buy in any Inn or other prlvy place, or yet coming to the Market, whether it be found in the Hands of the Buyer, or of the Sel∣ler, under pain of Forfeiture of the same: And no Inn-holder shall suffer any thing to be Sold in his House, upon pain of Forfeiture of Forty Shillings.

3. No man shall regrate any Victuals which is in the Market, or buy any Victual to ingrate in the Market, so that the Commons can or may have any part of such Victual, as in especial such as be known for Hucksters, or other people occupying their Li∣ving by such Victual as they would so ingress, under pain of forfeiture of such Victuals so regrated: Pro∣vided always, that any Steward for any Noble Feast, may buy or ingrate such Victual as is convenient for the same Feast.

4. No Butter shall be sold but according to the Weight, for the time of the year allowed.

5. No Po••lt••rers shall deceiveably occupy the Market, to sell any stale Victual, or such as be Poul∣terers of this City, for to stand in strange Cloathing so to do, under pain of forty shillings, and the for∣feiture of such Victual, forty shillings.

6. No Hucksters shall stand or sit in the Market, but in the lower place, and the ends of the Market, to the intent they may be perfectly known, and the stranger-market-people have the preheminence of the Market, under pain of three shillings four pence, if the Hucksters disobey the same.

7. No unwholesom or stale Victual shall be sold under pain of forty shillings, and forfeiture of the same Victuals.

Of the Foreign-Trade of London.

4. AS to the Trade of London into Foreign Parts, we have almost prevented our self by what is delivered before; we shall therefore only add, that England abounding with many rich and useful native Commodities, as Woollen-Cloaths of all sorts, Broad and Narrow, called by several Names in several Shires, also Perpetuances, Bays, Says, Serges, Cot∣tons, Kersies, Buffins, Mocadoes, Grogams, Sattins,

Tabbys, Calimancaes, Camlets, Velvets, Plushes, Worsteds, Fustians, Durances, Tukes, Crapes, Flan∣nels, and infinite others.—Furrs and Skins, as Coney-skins, Squirrel-skins, Fitches, Calf-skins, Hides, &c.

Mines, as Tin, Lead, Allom, Copper, Iron of all sorts, Sea-Cole, Salt, &c.

All manner of Grain, as Oats, Pease, Bar••••y, Rye, and Wheat in great plenty, &c. Also Linnen-Cloath, Fl••x, Hemp, &c. All Iron Wares, Tallou••, Leather, Glasses of all sorts, and Glass; Venice Gold and Silver, Train-Oyl, Salmons, Pilchards, Herrings, H••ke, Conger, Haberdine, Cod, Ling, Hops, Wood, Butter, Cheese, Beer, Cyder, Salt-Peter, Gunpowder, Honey, Wax, Alabaster, and other Stones, Woolls, Woolfells, Yarn, Fullers-Earth, Saffron, Liquoris, &c. and many other good and rich Commodities, too tedious to be enumerated; the Merchants of London do yearly export great Quanties of such of these Goods, as are not prohibited, to Foreign Mar∣kets, and make good Returns, and bring to supply the Kingdom, a great deal of Treasure and rich Commodities from all parts of the World, to the enriching of themselves, unspeakable benefit of the Nation, and credit of the English in general, who are generally as fair Dealers as any in the World, and of as active and undertaking Souls; and the Principal Seat or Emporium of this great Trade, is the great and famous City of London.

Of the Corporations of London.

5. THe other Traders in London are divided in∣to Companies or Corporations; who are as so many Bodies Politique. Of these there are Twelve called the Chief Companies, and he that is chosen Lord Mayor, must be free of one of these Companies, which are

1. Mercers, 2. Grocers, 3. Drapers, 4. Fishmen∣gers. 5. Goldsmiths, 6. Skinners, 7. Merchant-Tay∣lors, 8. Haberdashers, 9. Salters, 10. Ironmongers, 11. Vintners, 12 Clothworkers.

And if it happen that the Lord Mayor Elect, is of any other Company, he presently removes to one of the Twelve. All these Companies have Assem∣bly-places, called Halls, which are so many Basilikes, or stately and sumptuous Palaces, worthy to be view'd by all Strangers. It hath been the Custom of our Kings to honour some of these Companies by taking their Freedom thereof; and the present King was pleased to be made Free of the Company of Grocers, and the present Prince of Orange was not long ago made free of the Company of Drapers.

Each Company or Mystery hath a Master annually chosen, from among themselves, and other subor∣dinate Governours called Wardens, or Assistants. These do exactly correspond with the general Go∣vernment of the City, by a Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Councel; who are selected out of these several Companies, so excellent a harmony there is in this Government.

Of the Twelve Chief Companies out of which the Lord Mayor is to be annually Chosen.

1. MERCERS.

[illustration]

The Mercers have been always allowed the first place, who were Incorporated into a Society 17 R. 2. Anno 1393. For their Arms, they bear Gules, a Maiden-head proper crown'd, Or, Wascot pur∣ple, issuing out of Clouds proper, within a Bordure Nebulee, Or.

2. GROCERS.

[illustration]

The Grocers were at first call'd Pepperers, and Incorporated by the name of Grocers, Anno 1345. 20 E. 3. They bear a Chevron, nine Cloves Sable, with this Mot∣to, God grant Grace; Suppor∣ters Helm and Crest, granted by Clarencieux, in the Reign of H. 8. Anno 1562.

3. DRAPERS.

[illustration]

The Drapers were Incorpora∣ted, 17 H. 6. An. 1430. The Arms first granted by Garter; Crest and Supporters by Clarencieux. The Coat Gules, three Triple Crowns, Or, Capt Gules issuing out of Clouds resting upon Sun∣beams; their Motto, Ʋnto God only be Honour and Glory.

4. FISH MONGERS.

[illustration]

The Fishmongers were at first two Companies, to wit, Stock-Fish∣mongers, and Salt-Fishmongers; but 28 H. 8. They were imbodi∣ed into one Company; Their Arms Azure, three Dolphins in pale paper crown'd, Or, betwixt four lives Salterways Argent, all crown'd Or, on a Chief Gules, three Cross-keys Salterways Argent, the Motto, All Wor∣ship be to God only.

5. GOLDSMITHS.

[illustration]

The Goldsmiths were Incorpo∣rated 16 R. 2. Their Arms quarter∣ly Gules and Azure, two Leopards heads, Or, two Golden Cups co∣vered 'twixt two Buckles Or, the Motto, To God only be all Glory.

6. SKINNERS.

[illustration]

The Skinners were Incorpora∣ted 1 E. 3. Anno 1327. and made a perfect Fraternity, 18 R. 2. Their Arms Ermin on a Chief, Gules, three Ducal Crowns, Or, sin'd of the first, their Motto the the same with the Goldsmiths, To God only be all Glory.

7. MERCHANT-TAYLORS.

[illustration]

The first Patent of these Arms were granted by Clarencieux, to the Company of Taylors and Lin∣nen Armourers, 21 E. 4. 1480. And Incorporated 17 H. 7. 1501. by the name of Merchant-Taylors. Their Arms Argent a Tent, two Robes Gules on a Chief Azure, a Lyon passant, regardant, Or; the Motto, Concordia parvae res crescunt.

8. HABERDASHERS.

[illustration]

The Haberdashers, called of old Hurrers, were Incorporated a So∣ciety of St. Katharines 26 H. 6. Anno 1447. Confirmed 17 H. 7. by the name of Merchant-Haber∣dashers. Their Coat Nebulee Ar∣gent and Azure, on a Bend Gules, a Lyon passant, regardant, Or; the Crest and Supporters, grant∣ed by Clarencieux, Anno 1571. The Motto, Serve and Obey.

9. SALTERS.

[illustration]

The Salters had the Arms of •• Society given them, 22 H. 8. Anno 1530. the Crest and Supporters by •• Clarencieux, 29 Eliz. Anno 1587. The Coat party per Chevron, A∣zure and Gules, three Salts covered, over-flowing, Argent, with this Motto, Sal sapit omnia.

10. IRONMONGERS.

[illustration]

The Iron-mongers were Incor∣porated 3 E. 4. 1462. Their Arms Granted by Lancaster King at Arms, Marshal to Clarencieux, An. 1455. 34 H. 6. Their Coat Ar∣gent on a Chevron, Gules, three Lockets capted, Or, between three Steel Gads, Azure.

11. VINTERS.

[illustration]

The Vintners were Incorpo∣rated by E. 3. by the name of Wine-Tonners, confirmed 15. H. 6. Anno. 1436. Their Arms first Granted by Clarencieux, 6 H. 6. 1427. They bear Sable a Chev∣ron, between three Tunns Ar∣gent.

12. CLOATH-WORKERS.

[illustration]

The Cloath-Workers grew to be a Company, 22 H. 8. Anno 1530. Their Arms then Granted by Cla∣rencieux, Sable a Chevron Ermin in Chief, two Crabbets Argent in base, a Beazel, Or, Supporters and Crest granted by Clareucieux, An∣no 1587.

The other Corporations, besides these Twelve, enjoy large Privileges by the King's Charter, and they have fair Halls to meet in, most of which were consumed in the great Fire, Anno 1666. but they are since rebuilt for the most part in a very state∣ly and magnificent manner: The Hall belonging to the Company of Dyers was a few weeks ago con∣sumed by an unhappy Fire that happen'd near, as were also some Houses in Thames-street.

Of the other Corporations in London.

1. DYERS.

[illustration]

The Dyers were first Incorpo∣rated by a special Charter of H. 6. 16 Feb. in the 49th of his Reign. Their Coat a Chevron Engrail'd between three Woolsacks.

2. BREWERS.

[illustration]

The Brewers were Incorpo∣rated 22d February 6 H. 6. and confirm'd 13 July 2. Eliz. Their Coat is a Chevron Engrailed, Ar∣gent, three Tunns Sable, 'twixt 6 Garbes Salterways, Or.

3. LEATHER-SELLERS.

[illustration]

The Company of Leather-Sel∣lers is ancient, for they were first Incorporated, 6 R. 2. Their Coat is three Bucks trippant regardant Gules.

4. PEWTERERS.

[illustration]

The Pewterers were Incorpo∣rated in the Reign of E. 4. in the 13 of his Reign, Jan. 20. Their Arms Azure, on a Chevron Or, three Roses Gules between.

5. BARBER-CHYRƲRGEONS.

[illustration]

The Barber-Chyrurgeons were Incorporated by Edw. 4. but con∣firmed by every King and Queen since, with enlargments. Their Arms are a Cross quarter'd Gules, a Lyon passant gardant, Or, in the first quarter a Chevron between three. In the second party, per pale Argent and vert, a Rose crown'd with an Imperial Crown, the first as the fourth, the second as the third.

6. ARMOƲRERS.

[illustration]

The Armourers were Incorpo∣rated in the beginning of H. 6. the King himself being pleased to be Free of their Company. Their Arms Argent on a Chevron Gules, a Gantlet between four Swords in Saltire, on a Chief Sable, a Buck∣ler Argent, charg'd with Cross Gules, betwixt 2 Helmets of the first.

7. WHITE-BAKERS.

[illustration]

This Company are of great An∣tiquity; they were a Company 1 E. 2. had a new Charter, 1 H. 7. confirm'd by H. 8. E. 6. Queen Ma. Queen Eliz. and King James. Their Arms Gules three Garbs, Or, on a Chief, an arm issuing out of the Clouds proper, holding a pair of Scales, Or, between three Anchors of the first.

8. WAX-CHANDLERS.

[illustration]

These are also of ancient stand∣ing, and much used in times of Popery; they became Incorpora∣ted, Anno 1484. 2 R. 3. Their Arms Azure on a Chevron be∣tween three Lamps Argent, three Roses Gules.

9. TALLOW-CHANDLERS.

[illustration]

This is a Society of great An∣tiquity, first formally Incorpora∣••ed 2 E. 4. Their Arms a Pale counterchang'd Argent, and A¦zure between th••ee Doves Argent volant, with O••ve branches vert▪

10. CƲTLERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated beginning H. 5. Their Arms six Swords Salter∣ways proper.

11. GIRDLERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 6th August, 27 H. 6. yet very ancient. Their Arms Azure, Or, and a pale be∣tween three Gridirons Azure.

12. BƲTCHERS.

[illustration]

This Company came not to be Incorporated till the third of King James, then they were made a Corporation by the Name of Ma∣ster, Wardens and Commonalty of the Art and Mystery of But∣chers, yet the Fraternity•• is anci∣ent; their Arms Azure, two Axes Salterways Argent, between two Roses Argent, as many Bulls heads Cowped of the second attir'd, Or, a Bores head Gules, 'twixt two Garbs vert.

13. SADLERS.

[illustration]

This Company is very ancient, as shewing their beginning in the times of E. 1. have continued in their Livery, and given Livery ••ear 400 years; what the said King and R. 2. H. 4. E. 2. E. 3. H. 5. H. 6. E. 4. R. 3. H. 7. H. 8. E. 6. gave, King James confirm'd. Their Arms a Chevron, between three Saddles, Or.

14. CARPENTERS.

[illustration]

This Ancient Company were Incorporated by Letters Pa∣tents of Edw. 4. in his 17th year, the 7th of July, by the Name of the Master, Warden, and Com∣monalty of the Mystery of Free∣men of the Carpentry of the City of London. Their Arms Azure, a Chevron engrailed between three Compasses Argent.

15. CORDWAINERS.

[illustration]

This Company of Shoomakers, called Cordwainers of old, were Incorporated 17. H. 6. and con∣firmed by all Kings since. Their Arms Azure a Chevron Or, be∣tween three Goats heads, erased Argent, attir'd Or.

16. PAINTERS.

[illustration]

This Company having the Ad∣dition of Painters-Stainers are of high Antiquity, yet not Incorpo∣rated till Anno 1580. 23 of Qu. Eliz.

17. CƲRRIERS.

[illustration]

These are also Ancient, but Incorporated, 12 June, 3 Jaco∣bi. Their Arms Azure, a Cross ingrailed, Or, between four Saws Salterways Argent.

18. MASONS.

[illustration]

The Company of Masons, cal∣led Free-Masons, were a loving Brotherhood for many Ages, yet not regulated into a Society till 12 H. 4. Their Arms Sable, on a Chevron between three Castles Argent, a pair of Compasses of the first.

19. PLƲMMERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 9 Jacobi, yet a a very Ancient Fellowship,

20. INHOLDERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 6. H. 8. Their Arms a Chevron quarterly Or. and Gules counterchanged be∣tween three Garbs Or.

21. FOƲNDERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 18th Sept. 12 Jacobi; Their Coat, Gules, a Spoon-pot 'twixt two Candle∣sticks, Or.

22. EMBROIDERERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 4th Eliz. Their Arms Barry of 8 Argent, and Azure on a Fesse, Or, a Cup Argent, between as many Ly∣ons passant regardant.

23. POƲLTERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 19 H. 7. Their Arms are three Swans of the first, as many Herons of the second.

24. COOKS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 12 E. 4. Their Arms a Chevron Sable, between three Burray branches proper.

25. COOPERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 16 H. 7. by the name of Master, Wardens, or Keepers of the Commonalty of the Freemen of the Mystery of Coop∣ers in London, and the Suburbs of the same City; Their Arms party per pale Gules, and Or, a Chevron between three Hoops in a Chief Azure.

26. TYLERS and BRICK-LAYERS,

[illustration]

Though very ancient, yet not Incorporated till the 10th of Qu. Eliz. Their Arms Azure, a Chev∣ron, a Flower-de-luce, Or, in Chief, 'twixt two Gads of Steel of the second.

27. BOWYERS.

[illustration]

This Company though of great Antiquity and Honour to the English Nation; yet their Incor∣poration was but 21 of K. James. Their Arms Sable on a Chief, three Mullets on the first, be∣tween three Saws of the first.

28. FLETCHERS.

[illustration]

These are also a Corporation; Their Arms Sable, a Chevron Or, between three Arrows Ar∣gent.

29. BLACK-SMITHS.

[illustration]

A very ancient Fraternity, In∣corporated 20th of Eliz. Their Arms Sable, a Chevron between three Hammers crowned Or.

30. JOYNERS.

[illustration]

Joyners, or Seelers, were In∣corporated by Qu. Eliz. in her 13th Year: Their Arms Gules, a Chevron, 'twixt two Compas∣ses, and a Globe Argent, on a Chief pale Gules, charged with an Escalop, Or, between two Roses of the first.

31. PLAISTERERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated in the Reign of H. 7. Their Arms Azure, an Eschutcheon, Or, a Rose between two Flower-de-luces Gules, two Hammers and a Brush Argent.

32. WEAVERS.

[illustration]

The Company of Weavers were of very ancient Note, as having three several Societies of themselves, viz. the Woollen-Weavers, the Arras-Weavers, and the Linnen-Weavers. Their Arms Azure, three Leopards heads, with three Shuttles in their Mouths, Argent, on a Chev∣ron Gules, Or between.

33. FRƲITERERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 3 Jacobi; Their Arms Argent, the Tree of Para∣dise between Adam and Eve pro∣per.

34. SCRIVENERS.

[illustration]

An ancient Society Incorpo∣rated 28 Jan. 14 Jacobi: Their Arms an Eagle volant, holding in his Mouth a Penner and Ink∣horn.

35. BOTTLE-MAKERS and HORNERS.

[illustration]

As for these, the precedent times have remembred them to be of Antiquity, and two Di∣stinct Companies combined in one: But I find (saith Stow, page 638.) no Record that they were at any time Incorporated.

36. STATIONERS.

[illustration]

This Company was of great Antiquity before Printing was invented: Their old Dwelling was in Pater-Noster-Row, and the parts adjoyning, yet not In∣corporated till 3 Ph. and Mary▪ Their Arms Argent, on a Chev∣ron between three Bibles Or, a Falcon volant between two Ro∣ses, the Holy Ghost in Chief.

37. MARBLERS.

[illustration]

The Company call'd the Mar∣blers, or Sculpters, are in one Fraternity with the Masons, yet they have a different Coat, viz. a Chevron between two, and a Mallet Argent.

38. WOOL-PACKERS.

[illustration]

There was a Company of Wool-packers in the time of the Hans, when the Staple of Wool flourished, their Coat Azure, a Wool-sack Argent.

39. FARRIERS.

[illustration]

Had their rise from Henry de Ferraris, a Norman, who was Master of the Horse to the Con∣queror, who gave him the ho∣nour of Tutbury, the first pre∣ferment of the Ferrars. Their Arms three Horse-shoos Azure.

40. PAVIOƲRS.

[illustration]

This is an ancient Company, their Coat Argent, a Chevron between three Rummers Sable.

41. LORINORS.

[illustration]

Their Arms are Gules on a Chevron Argent, three Horse-Combs 'twixt three Roses Ar∣gent.

42. BROWN-BAKERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 19 Jacobi; their Arms Gules, a hand issuing out of the Clouds a chief Barry wa∣vie, Or and Azure, on a Chev∣ron Gules.

43. WOOD-MONGERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 3 Jacobi. Their Coat Argent, a Chevron 'twixt three Faggots Sable.

44. ƲPHOLSTERS, or ƲPHOLDERS.

[illustration]

Their Arms Sable, three Tents Gules on a Chevron Or, three Tents of the second.

45. TƲRNERS.

[illustration]

Incorporated 2 Jacobi. Their Coat Azure, a Katharine-wheel Argent.

46. GLAZIERS.

[illustration]

Their Arms two Crosiers Sal∣terways Sable, four Sprigs on a Chief Gules, a Lyon passant Gar∣dant, Or.

47. CLARKS.

[illustration]

The Company of Clarks, called Parish-Clarks, is ancient, and stand Register'd in the Books of Guild-Hall. They were incorporated 17 H. 3. Their Arms Azure, a Flower-de-luce, Or, on a Chief Gules, a Leopards head 'twixt two Books, Or.

48. WATER-MEN

[illustration]

Have for their Arms barry waive of six, Azure, and Ar∣gent, a Lighter proper on a chief Gules, a pair of Oars Sal∣terways, 'twixt two Cushions, Or.

49. APOTHECARYES.

[illustration]

This Company having separated themselves from the ancient Socie∣ty of the Grocers, grew so much in favour with King James, that he used to call them his Compa∣ny; and therefore gave them a Charter of Incorporation the 15th of his Reign. Amongst many wor∣thy Members of this Company, I may not forget Dr. Gideon De Laune, Apothecary to

King James, a man noted for many singularities in his time, a great Benefactor to to the Publick, and particularly to the Foundation of the Apothecaries-Hall in Black-Fryars, where his Statue, in white Marble, is to be seen to this day. And to whom I have the honour to be nearly related, which is not the Reason that I mention him, but to perpetuate his Memory as well as others, as his due desert; he liv'd piously to the age of 97 years, and worth (notwithstanding his many acts of publick and pri∣vate piety,) near as many thousand pounds as he was years, having 37 Children by one Wife, and about 60 Grand-children at his Funeral. His famous Pill is in great request to this day, notwithstanding the Swarms of pretenders to Universal Pill-making. This little digression, I hope, will not be offensive.

50. SILK-THROWERS.

This Company was made a Fellowship of this Ci∣ty, 19 Jacobi; and Incorporated by the name of the Master, Wardens, Assistants, and Commonalty of the Trade or Mystery of Silk-throwers of the Ci∣ty of London, 13 April, 5 Car. 1.

Besides these there are several other Societies, of which more hereafter.

These Corporations, or Bodies-Politick, have all their stately spacious Halls (as was said) with Clerks and other Ministerial Officers, to attend them when they meet to consult about the regulation of their re∣spective Societies, and for promoting publick Good, and advancement of Trade and Wealth, as also when they meet at their sumptuous and splendid Feasts. And in this London surpasseth all other Cities.

The Arms of LONDON

[illustration]

To conclude our Heraldry, the Arms of this Illu∣strious City shall bring up the Rear, as well as it has been placed in the Front. It is Argent, Cross Gules, with the Sword of St. Paul, not Sir William Wallworth's Dagger, as some have conceited; for this Coat did belong to the City before the said Sir William Walworth, Lord Mayor, slew the Rebel Wat Tyler, as learned Antiquaries Affirm.

The Oath of a Freeman.

YE shall Swear that ye shall be good and true to our Soveraign Lord King Charles the

Second, and to the Heirs of our said Soveraign Lord the King. Obeysant and Obedient ye shall be to the Mayor and Ministers of this City, the Franchises and Customs thereof, ye shall maintain, and this City keep harmless in that which in you is. Ye shall be contributary to all manner of charges within this City, as Summons, Watches, Contri∣butions, Taxes, Tallages, Lot and Scot, and to all charges, bearing your part as a Freeman ought to do. Ye shall colour no Forreigners Goods, under, or in your Name, whereby the King or this City might or may lose their customs or ad∣vantages. Ye shall know no Foreigner to buy or sell any Merchandize with any Foreigner with∣in this City or Franchise thereof, but ye shall warn the Chamberlain thereof, or some Minister of the Chamber. Ye shall implead or sue no Freeman out of this City, whiles ye may have Right and Law within the same City. Ye shall take none Apprentice, but if he be Free-born (that is to say) no Bondmands Son, nor the Son of any Alien, and for no less term than for seven Years, with∣out fraud or deceit: and within the first Year ye shall cause him to be inrolled, or else pay such Fine as shall be reasonably imposed upon you for omitting the same: And after his terms end, within convenient time (being required) ye shall make him Free of this City, if he have well and truly served you. Ye shall also keep the King's Peace in your own person. Ye shall know no Gatherings, Conventicles, or Conspiracies made against the Kings Peace, but ye shall warn the Mayor thereof, or let it to your power. All these points and Articles ye shall well and truly keep according to the Laws and Customs of this City to your power, so God you help, &c.

Of the Guild-Hall.

PAge 160. The Reader was referred to what should be spoken about the great Guild-Hall, to the Chapter of Government, where an account has been given of the several Courts there, therefore there is no need of further addition here as to that, only we shall briefly remark its Antiquity.

Fabian says, that this Hall was begun to be built New, Anno 1411. 12 H. 4. By Sir Thomas Knolles then Lord Mayor, and his Brethren the Aldermen, and made a large and great House. 1 H. 6. The Exe∣cutors of Sir Richard Whittington gave towards the paving of this great Hall, 20 l. and next year 15 l. more, to the said pavement with hard stone of Pur∣beck; they also Glazed the Windows thereof, and of the Lord Mayors Court, on every of which the Arms of Sir Richard Whittington were placed. The Foundation of the Mayors Court was laid 3. H. 6. and of the Porch on the South-side of the Court; Then were built the Lord Mayors Chamber, the Councel-Chamber, and other Rooms above stairs. The New Councel-Chamber (a very good and ho∣nourable Deed) with a fair Room over it, ap∣pointed for a Treasury for the Books and Records of the City, and another Room underneath for necessary use and Employment, was begun, Anno 1614. and finished Michaelmas 1615. at the charge of 1740 l. which was well well bestowed. The Kitchins, &c. were built about Anno 1501. for accommodation of the Lord Mayors Feast, by means of Sir John Shaa, Goldsmith, Lord Mayor, who kept the first Lord Mayors Feast there, which were wont to be kept before in Merchant-Taylors, or Grocers-Hall, &c. The adjoyning Chappel or College of Mary Magdalen, and All-Saints, was called London-Col∣lege,

built, Anno 1299. which had a Custos, seven Chaplains, three Clerks, and four Quiristers. Ad∣joying to this Chappel was a fair and large Library, pertaining to the Guild-Hall and College; but the Books (to the quantity of three-score Cart∣loads* 1.1) in Edw. 6. time were sent for by Edw. Duke of Somerset, with promise to restore them, but they were never re∣turn'd. The Library was built by the Executors of Sir Richard Whittington aforesaid; and by W. Bury.

This great Guild-Hall was destroyed by the great Fire, 1666, but very Magnificently rebuilt; In the great Hall, on the East-end, it is very Richly hung with the lively Effigies of His Majesty and the Duke of York, and round about on all sides, it is adorn'd with the costly and lively Pictures of the great Mi∣nisters of State, and Judges of the Land. There are many large and spacious Courts and Offices, where the Respective Affairs of the City are managed as before in the Section of the Civil-Government of London.

Of Blackwell-Hall.

THis place was purchased by the Lord Mayor and Commonalty, for 50 l. 20. R. 2. and employed as a Weekly Market-place for all sorts of Woollen-Cloaths, broad and narrow, brought from all parts of the Kingdom there to be sold. 21 R. 2. It was Decreed, that no Foreigner or Stranger should sell any Woollen-Cloath, but in Blackwell-Hall, upon pain of forfeiture thereof. It was Rebuilt, being decayed, Anno 1558. at the charge of 2500 l. to which Richard May, Merchant-Taylor, gave 300 l. at his Decease.

It was destroyed by the great Fire, 1666, but re∣built in a very capacious manner, and is the great∣est Market and Store-house for all sorts of Woollen-Cloath, &c.

Of Leaden-Hall.

ANno 1411. This Hall was confirm'd unto the City by Sir Richard Whittington, and others, who purchased it. Anno 1443. 21 H. 6. Sir John Hatherly, Lord Mayor, purchased License of the King to take up 200 fodder of Lead, for the build∣ing of Water-Conduits, a Common Granary, and the Cross in Cheap-side, more beautifully for the ho∣nour of the City. This Granary was built by the honourable and famous Merchant, Simon Eyre, (the words of the Grant be, Cum Nobilis & potens, vir, &c. Whereas the Noble and powerful man, &c.) sometime an Ʋpholsterer, and then a Draper, Anno 1419. He built it of square Stone, as it now shew∣eth, having escaped the fury of the great Fire, with a fair and large Chappel on the East-side of the Quadrant, over the Porch he caused to be Written, Dextra Domini exaltavit me; The Lords Right hand exalted me. Within the Chappel was written, Honorandus & famosus Mercator Simon Eyre, hu∣jus operis, &c. In English thus, The honourable and famous Merchant Simon Eyre Founder of this Work, once Mayor of this City, Citizen and Draper of the same, Departed out of this Life 18 Sept. 1459. 38 H. 6. He was buried in the Church of St. Mary Wolnoth, in Lumbard-street. He gave very many large and bountiful Legacies, to be read in Stow, page 163.

This Hall was Burnt, Anno 1484. but Rebuilt again in a very stately and capacious manner. There were kept the Artillery, Guns, and other Armour

of the City.—The Store of Timber for the neces∣sary reparations of the Tenements belonging to the Chamber of London. It was a Free Market for Vi∣ctuallers. There were the Common Beams for weighing of Wools and other Wares, the Scales to weigh Meal, there were made the Pageants for the Midsummer-Watches. In other parts Woolsacks were stowed. Abovestairs the Painters workt upon the Pageants, the Residue were let to Merchants, &c. Now there is kept the greatest Flesh-Market about the City; And a great Magazine of Corn.

In speaking of Halls it may not be impertinent to remember the Right honourable Baptist Lord Hicks, Viscount Cambden, who besides many noble and charitable acts of Piety in King James his time, re∣corded by Stow, p. 760, 761. built the Sessions-House for the Justices of Middlesex, in St. Johns-street, at the charge of 600 l. called after his Name Hicks's-Hall, which was a great convenience, they sitting before in a common Inn, called the Castle.

As for the particular Halls of Companies, we have spoke of them Generally before, which is all that appears at present necessary.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Howel. p. 118.