Londinopolis, an historicall discourse or perlustration of the city of London, the imperial chamber, and chief emporium of Great Britain whereunto is added another of the city of Westminster, with the courts of justice, antiquities, and new buildings thereunto belonging / by Jam Howel, Esq.

The Perambulation of LONDON, OR, A Progress made through the six and twenty particular Wards, Precincts, or Aldermanries, whereinto the whole City is divided.

GReat Cities have commonly their Divisions: And I could heartily wish, that the Noble City of London, had not so many in one sense, I mean so many Rents, factions, and feuds in the practice of Holy Du∣ties, proceeding from such extravagant, heterodoxal, and fanatical o∣pinions, or rather Chymeras of unsetled brains; But these are not the Divi∣sions that are here meant. Those which I intend in this place, are only topical distributions, or Districts, shewing the several position of parts, and differences of their locality, whereby the Reader may have a kind of Anatomy presented unto him, of all the members of this great populous City thus dissected.

This general Division consists of six and twenty parts, or precincts, which in the English Dialect, are called Wards, and are these that follow.

The names of all the Wards of the City of LONDON.

• Ward. 1. Tower-street.
• Ward. 2. Port-soken.
• Ward. 3. Algate.
• Ward. 4. Limestreet.
• Ward. 5. Bishops-gate.
• Ward. 6. Broad-street.
• Ward. 7. Cornhill.
• Ward. 8. Langhorn.
• Ward. 9. Billingsgate.
• Ward. 10. Bridge-ward within.
• Ward. 11. Candlewick.
• Ward. 12. Wallbrook.
• Ward. 13. Dowgate.
• Ward. 14. Vixtry.
• Ward. 15. Cordwainer.
• Ward. 16. Cheape.
• Ward. 17. Colemanstreet.
• Ward. 18. Basings Hall.
• Ward. 19. Cripplegate.
• Ward. 20. Aldersgate.
• Ward. 21. Faringdon intra.
• Ward. 22. Faringdon extra.
• Ward. 23. Breadstreet.
• Ward. 24. Queen Hith.
• Ward. 25. Castle Bainard.
• Ward. 26. Bridgewater without viz. the Borough of Southwark.

Whereof the greatest is the last, and Bassings-Hall the least.

Of the first Ward or, Aldermanry, called Tower-street Ward.

OUt of an honour which is due to the Tower of London, it being the prime Fortresse and propugnacle of the City, both by water and Land, the chief Armory and Archive of the whole Island, &c. we will begin with Tower-street Ward, it being the first Ward East-ward within the Wall, extending it self along the River from the Tower al∣most to Billinsgate; One half of the Tower, the ditch on the West side, and Bulwarks adjoyning, do stand within that part where the wall of the City of old time went streight from the Postern gate South to the River of Thames, before that the Tower was perfectly built. Then was Tower hill sometimes a clear large plot of ground. but now pester'd with encroachments of houses, built upon the banks of the ditch, much to the prejudice, and choaking up of the said ditch.

This Hill hath alwaies a Scaffold, and Gallowes erected for execution of Traytors and others, which the City opposed at first.

Many clashings have been also 'twixt the Lord Mayor and the Lieutenant of the Tower about the extent of their Liberties, and some Priviledges touching prisoners the Lievtenant claim'd, which were reconciled 1585; in Queen Elizabeths time at Nonsuch.

On the Northside of Tower-hill, there is Lumly house; then is Tower-street, stretching from Tower-hill to Saint Margaret Pattens. At the end of this is the Parish Church called Alhallows Barking; on the North side whereof was sometimes a fair Chappel, built by Richard the first; and some say that his Heart (which is call'd Coeur de lion) was buried there under the high Altar; it became afterward a little Colledge of Priests, and stood till Edward the sixth. Henry Howard Earl of Surrey, being beheaded, was buried in Barking Church; John Fisher Bishop of Rochester, having layen naked upon the Scaffold a long time, was at last carried thither, and buried in the Churchyard; There were divers other men of note buried there: and lately Doctor Laud Archbishop of Canter∣bury, who was beheaded by the long Parliament.

By the West side of Barking, Church lyeth Sydon Lane, commonly call'd Sithing Lane, wherein among other large Buildings, there is Walsingham House.

Then is there the Parish Church of Saint Olave, hard by Hart-street, where there are some Monuments of the noble Family of the Radcliffs Earls of Sussex.

Then is there Mart-lane, part whereof lies in Algate Ward, where there are many fair Houses, & rich Marchants. Then is there Mincheon Lane, so call'd, because of Tenements there, sometimes pertaining to the Minchuns, or Nuns of St. Helens in Bishopsgate-street; There dwelt in this Lane divers strangers in times pass'd, and they were commonly call'd Gallimen, because they brought up Wines, and other commodities in Gallies, which they landed in the Thames street, in a place call'd Galley Key; They brought also a Coin with them call'd Gally half pence, which was a Ligurian Coin; But in the Reign of Henry the fourth, and Henry the fifth, it was inordred, that whosoever should import that Coin with Suskins or Dodkins, should be punished as a Felon; The Clothwor∣kers Hall is in this Lane.

Then have you the Parish Church of St. Mary Pattens, and Bear Lane hard by, reaching to Thames street; The next is Spurrier lane, call'd so in times pass'd, but now named Water lane; then is there Hart lane, call'd at first Harp-lane, which likewise reaches to Thames street. In this Lane is the Bakers Hall.

In Tower street 'twixt Hart-lane and Church-lane, was in times pass'd a qua∣drant call'd Galley-row, because Galley men dwelt there: whence may be in∣ferr'd, that Galleys was a kind of shipping, not unknown to England in times pass'd.

Then have you two Lanes out of Tower street, both call'd Church lanes, then hard by, is there another call'd Fowl-lane.

Afterwards you come to the Parish Church of S. Dunstans in the East: it is a fair large Church of an ancient building, with a spacious Church-yard; the chiefest Salters & Ironmongers were us'd to be thick there. There are many Monuments of Knights, and other persons of ranke in this Church; among others, that of Sir John Hawkins the great Seaman.

There are many Keys in this Parish, among others VVooll Key, where was used to be the Trouage of Woolls; Then Custome-house Key, which part of the Town was used to be call'd in times passd Petty VVales. And some are of opinion, that the Princes of Wales, when they repair'd to the City, had a Pallace there, the ruines whereof remain to this day of firm stone.

There was in former times an Hospital in the Parish of Barking, for the susten∣tation of poor Priests, with other both men and women that were Lunatick. And so much in brief for what concerns Tower-street Ward.

Of the second Ward of London called Portsoken Ward.

VVE will now make a salley out of Algate, and visit Port-soken VVard; This Portsoken signifieth Franchise, where there was sometimes a very ancient Guild or particular Society, which had its beginning in the Reign of King Edgar; There were then 13 Knights, who desir'd to have a portion of Land on the East part of the City, which for some signal services done in the wars, was granted them with the Liberty of a Guild; The King condescended here∣unto, provided that each of them should victoriously perform three combats, one above ground, and another under ground, and the third in the water. They were to run in East Smithfield with Spears against all comers, which was us'd to be gloriously performed; So that the King namd that place Knighten Guild, and so prescribed its bounds, which extended from Algate to the place where now the Barrs are Eastward, on both sides of the street, and Northward as far as Bishopsgate; and Southward as far as the Ihames, and so far into the River that a hor••eman might ride at low water, and throw his Spear; These Knights continued their Charter in the daies of Edgar, Ethelred, and Canutus, which Ed∣ward the Coxfessor did not only ratifie but enlarge, which deed remain'd a long time fairly written in the Saxon Letter & Tongue, in the Book of the late House of the holy Trinity; after that VVilliam Rufus confirm'd the said Charter unto the Heirs of those Knights, as followeth;

William King of England, to Maurice Bishop, and Godefroy de Ma∣gun, and Richard de Parre, and to his faithful people of London, Gree∣ting. Know ye me to have granted to the men of Knighten Guild, that be∣long'd to them, and the Land that belong'd thereunto, with all Customes as they were used to have the same in the time of my Predecessors, &c.

Henry the first after him confirm'd the same; But afterwards the Church of the Holy Trinity, being founded by Queen Mutilda within Aldgate, such was the piety of those times, that this Knighten Guild, which was of such large extent that it reach'd unto the Thames, was voluntarily given to the Canons of that Church; And for better ratification of the Grant they offer'd upon the Altar, Saint Ed∣wards Charter with the rest which they had, and put the Prior of the Holy Trini∣ty, in possession and saisin thereof; by the Church of Saint Butolph, which was built thereon, being the head of the Land; All which, King Henry confirm'd by that famous Charter which runs thus.

Henry King of England to R. Bishop of London, to the Sheriffs, and Provost, and all his Barons, and faithful people, French and English of London and Middlesex, Greeting; Know ye me to have granted and confirm'd to the Church & Canons of the holy Church of the Trinity of London the Soke of the English Knighten Guild, and the Land which pertaineth thereunto; and to the Church of Saint Buttolph, as the men of the same Guild have given, and granted unto them; And I will & streightly command, that they hold the same well, and honourably and freely with Sack and Soke, Toll and Thea, Infang∣thefe, and all Customs belonging to it as the men of the same Guild in the best sort had it in the time of King Edward; and as King William my Fa∣ther and Brother did grant it to them by their Writs, Witnesse A. the Queen, &c.

The Prior and Canons of the Holy Trinity beind thus seiz'd of the said Land, and Soke of Knighten Guild, being not only a part of the Suburbe without the Wall, but also within the City the Prior was for him and his Successors ad∣mitted as one of the Aldermen of London; And according to the Customs of the City, he did sit in Court, and rode with the Mayor and his brethren the Aldermen, as one of them, in Scarlet, or other Livery as they then us'd: until the year 1531, at which time, the said Priory was surrendred to Henry the eighth by Act of Parliament, who gave it to Sir Thomas Audley Lord Chance∣lour of England, and he pull'd down the Church, and dissolv'd the Pri∣ory; since which dissolution, the said Ward of Portsoken hath been govern'd by Temporal men, one of the Aldermen of London. Thus much for the out∣bound Portsoken Ward, or Knighten Guild, touching the antiquity and Go∣vernment thereof.

Now touching the Parts thereof, it is to be observed, that the East part of the Tower stands therein, then an Hospital of Saint Katherine founded by the foresaid Queen Matilda, wife to King Stephen, by Licence of the Prior, and Convent of the Holy Trinity in London, on whose ground she built it; Queen Elianor Wife to Edward the first, was a second Foundresse there, and appointed one Master, three Brethren Chaplains, and three Sisters, ten poor women, with six poor Clerks; for the maintenance of whom, she gave the Mannor of Clarton in VViltshiere, and Upchurch in Kent, &c.

Queen Philippa Wife to Edward the third, founded a Chantry there, and contributed to that Hospital ten pounds Land a year; The Quiere there, was not much inferior to that of Pauls, which by one Doctor Wilson being Master there, was afterwards dissolv'd.

On the East and by North of the Tower lieth East Smithfield and Tower hill, two Plots of ground so call'd without the Walls of the City, where sometimes stood a Monastery call'd New Abbey, founded by Edward the 3d. upon the occa∣sion following; That having escaped a great danger in a tempest at Sea he made a vow to build a Monastery, in sign of gratitude to heaven, to the honor of God and our Lady of Grace, which he perform'd accordingly. But the said Monastery, being afterwards pull'd down by Sir Arthur Darcy of late time, in place thereof is built a large store-house for victual, with convenient Ovens, for baking of Bisket to serve the Navy Royal; the rest of the ground is become into smal Tenements.

The Company of Marchant-Taylors, have built thereabouts, hard by Hog∣street, divers fair Alms-houses for 14 poor women, and endow'd it with main∣tenance accordingly.

Westward hence from Tower hill towards Algate, there was a Monastery of Nunns of the Order of Santa Clara, call'd the Minories, founded by Edmund Earl of Lancaster, brother to Edward the first, Anno 1293, which was demo∣lished in Henry the eighths time, Dame Elizabeth Savage being then Abbesse: In the room of this Nunnery, there are now store-houses for Armour, and ha∣billaments for war, with divers Work-houses to that purpose; and hard by, there is is a small Church, called Saint Trinity for the Inhabitants therea∣bouts.

We come now to the Church of Saint Buttolph, which the Priors of the Holy Trinity did build, being Patrons thereof; In this Church a∣mong others there lies buried, Thomas Lord Darcy of the North, Knight of the Garter, who was beheaded Anno 1537. And also Sir Nicholas Carew, of Beddington in Surrey, beheaded also Anno 1538.

East from this Parish Church is Hog-lane, that stretcheth towards St. Mary Spittle, which within these sixty years, had fair rows of Elm-trees all along, which are turn'd now to Houses on both sides, from Hounds-ditch to VVhite-Chappel.

Of the Third Ward, or Aldermanry, called Aldgate Ward.

WE will still look Eastward yet a good while, and go to the third Ward within the Walls, which is called Ealdgate Ward, or Aldgate, as taking name of the same gate; The principal street of this Ward beginneth at Ealdgate stretching West to sometime a fair Well, where now a Pump is placed; From thence (the way being divided into twain) the first and princi∣pal street, (called Aldgute) runneth on the South side to Lime-street corner, and half that street down on the left hand is also of that Ward.

In the mid way on that South side, betwixt Ealdgate and Lime-street, is Hart∣horn Alley a way that goeth thorow into Fen-Church street, over against Nor∣thumberland house; Then have ye Brioklayers Hall, and another Alley called Sprinkle Alley, now named Suger-loaf-alley, of the like Sign.

Then is there a fair House with divers Tenements near adjoyning sometimes belonging to a late dissolved Priory, but since possessed by Mr. Cornwallies wid∣dow, and her Heirs by the gift of King Henry the eighth, in reward of fine pud∣dings (as it was commonly said) by her made, wherewith she had presented him; such was the Princely liberality of those times. Of later time, Sir Ni∣cholas Thragmorton Knight, was log'd there.

Then somewhat more West is Bahettars Lane, so called of the first Builder and owner thereof: now corruptly called Billiter lane; betwixt this Belzet∣tens lane and Lime-street, was (of later time) a frame of three fair Houses, set up in the year 1590, in place where before was a large Garden-plot, enclosed from the High-street with a Brick Wall, which Wall being taken down, and the ground digged deep for cellerage, there was found right under the said Brick Wall, another Wall of stone with a Gate arch'd of stone, and Gates of Timber, closed in the middest towards the street; the Timber of the Gates was consu∣med, but the Hinges of Iron still remained on, and their Staples on both the sides.

Moreover in that Wall were square Windowes, with Bars of Iron on ei∣ther side the Gate; this Wall was under ground above two fathoms deep, as it was esteemed, and seemed to be the ruines of some House burned in the Reign of King Steven, when the fire began in the House of one Aleward, neer Londons stone, and consumed East to Ealdgate, whereby it appeareth, how greatly the ground of this City hath been in that place raised.

On the North side, this principal street stretcheth to the West corner of Saint Andrews Church, and then the Ward turneth towards the North, by S. Mary street; on the East side, to St. Augustines Church in the Wall, and so by Bur∣ryes Markes again, or about by the Wall to Ealdgate.

The second way from Ealdgate, more towards the South from the Pump afore∣said, is called Fen-Church-street, and is of Ealdgate Ward, till ye come to Cull∣ver Alley, on the West side of Ironmongers Hall; where sometimes was a Lane, which went out of Fen-Church-street, to the middest of Lime-street, but this Lane was stopped up, for suspicion of Thieves that lurked there by night.

Again, to Aldgate, (out of the principal street, even by the Gate and Wall of the City,) runneth a Lane South to Crossed or Crouched-Fryers, and then

Woodroof Lane, to the Tower Hill; and out of this Lane West, a street called Hart-street, which of that Ward stretcheth to Sydon-lane, by St. Olaves Church; one other Lane more West from Algate, goeth by Northumberland. House towards the Crossed Fryars; then have you on the same side, the North end of Mars-lane, and Blanch-axelton or Chappleton, where that Ward en∣deth.

Thus much for bounds. Now for Monuments, or places most ancient and notable; I am first to begin with the late dissolved Priory of the holy Trinity, call'd Christs-Church on the right hand within Aldgate; This Priory was foun∣ded by Matilda, Queen and Wife to Henry the first, in the same place where Siredus somtime began to erect a Church in honour of that Crosse, and of Saint Mary Magdalen, of which the Dean and Chapter of Waltham, were wont to receive thirty shillings, the Queen was to acquit her Church thereof; and in exchange gave unto them a Mill; King Henry her husband confirmed her gift; This Church was given to Norman, the first Canon regular in all England.

The said Queen gave also unto the same Church, and those that served God therein, the plot of Aldgate, and the Soke or Tenements thereunto belonging, with all Customs, so free as she had held the same, and 25 l. Blanks, which she had of the City of Exeter, as appeareth by her Deed, wherein she nameth the House of Christs-Church, and reporteth Aldgate to be of her Demains, which she granteth, with two parts of the rent of the City of Excester. Norman took on him to be Prior of Christs-Church in the year of Christ 1108, in the Pa∣rishes of St. Mary Magdalen, St. Michael St. Katherine, and the blessed Trini∣ty, and was (in old time) of the holy Crosse, or holy Road Parish.

The Priory was builded on a piece of ground in the Parish of St. Katherine, towards Aldgate, which lyeth in length, betwixt the Kings-street, by the which men go towards Algate near to the Chappel of St. Michael towards the North, and containeth in length eighty three ells, half quarter, and half quartern of the Kings Iron eln, and lieth in breadth, &c. The Soke and Ward of Aldgate was then bounded, as I have before shewn. The Queen was a mean also, that the Land and English Knighten-Guild was given unto the Prior Norman, and the hono∣rable man Geffrey de Clinton, was a great helper therein, and obtained, that the Canons might enclose the way betwixt their Church and the Wall of the City, &c. This Priory in processe of time, became a very fair and large Church, rich in Lands and Ornaments, and passed all the Priories in the City of London, or Shire of Middlesex. The Prior whereof was an Alderman of London, to wit, of Portsoken Ward.

It is Recorded, that Eustacius the eighth Prior, about the year 1264, because he would not deal with temporal Matters, instituted Theobald Fitz Ivonas Al∣derman of the said Portsoken Ward under him; and that VVilliam Ri∣sing Prior of Christs Church, was sworne Alderman of the said Portso∣ken Ward, in the first of Richard the second. These Priors have fitten and ridden amongst the Aldermen of London, in Livery like unto them, saving that his habit was in shape of a spirituall person, at which time the Prior kept a most bountiful house of meat and drink, both for rich and poor, as well within the House as at the Gates, to all comers according to their estates and qualities.

But to take leave of this Priory: King Henry the eighth minding to reward Sir Thomas Audley Speaker of the Parliament against Cardinal Woolsey, as ye may read in the Chronicle, sent for the Prior, commending him for his Hospitality, promised him preferment as a man worthy of a far greater dignity, (which promise surely he performed) and compounded with him, though in what sort I never heard; so that the Priory, with the appurtenances, was sur∣rendred

to the King, in the month of July 1531, the 23 of the said Kings Reign, the Canons were sent to other houses of the same Order: and the Priory with the appurtenances, King Henry gave to Sir Tho. Audley newly knighted, and afterwards made Lord Chancelour.

Sir Thomas Audley offered the great Church of this Priory, with a ring of nine Bells well tuned (whereof four of the greatest were since sold to the Parish of Stebunbith, and the five lesser to the Parish of St. Katherine Christs-Church, in exchange for their small Parish Church, minding to have pulled it down, and to have builded there towards the steeet; But the Parishioners, having doubts in their heads of after-claps, refused the offer.

Then was the Priory Church and Steeple, proffered to whomsoever would take it down, and carry it from the ground, but no man would undertake the offer; whereupon, Sir Thomas Audley was fain to be at more charges than could be made of the Stones, Timber, Lead, Iron, &c. For the Workmen, with great labour, beginning at the top, loosed stone from stone, and threw them down, whereby the most part of them were broken, and few remained whole, & those were sold very cheap; for all the buildings then made about the City, were of Brick & Timber; At that time any man in the City might have a Cart-load of stone for paving brought to his door for 6d. or 7d. with the carriage.

The said Thomas, Lord Audley, builded and dwelt on this Priory during his life, and dyed there in the year 1544, since which time, the said Priory came (by Marriage of the Lord Audley's Daughter and Heir) unto Thomas Duke of Nor∣folk, and was then called the Dukes-place. At this time the Inhabitants dwelling & abiding in the said Dukes-place became utterly destitute of any Pa∣rish Church, for resorting to Gods Divine service, and the administration of the blessed Sacraments; which in the time of their former zeal, the demolished Priory, not only serv'd their use, but infinite numbers besides, resorted thither. In which respect, the Parish Church of St. Katherine being so near, and standing in the Coemitery or Church-yard of the late dissolved Priory of the Holy Trini∣ty, whereby it was called Saint Katherine Christs-Church, they resorted thither at the hours of Divine Service, and for the benefit of the blessed Sacraments, whereby they became a burthen to the said Parish, yet well enough borne withal, in regard of the benefit ensuing by them, so that they carried the re∣spect of equal parishioners, exercising and accomplishing all duties there, even as if it had been their own proper Parish.

The long continuance of them in this kind, although some much misliked, and gladly would have compassed means for remedy thereof; yet their pow∣er not stretching so far, nor the way (as yet) fitting for their purpose, they re∣mained contented against their Wills, till time would fit them with more con∣venient opportunity; Ground they wanted not, for raising a sufficient Parish Church to themselves, neither did any good will fail in them for the effecting their purpose; but only were curbed by the lack of strength, how and which way to bring it about. At length perceiving their ground (intended for so good a use to themselves) aimed at for buildings to private mens benefits, that so they might be frustrate of any such help, when occasion should in better man∣ner shine on them, some of the best advised among them, by Petition solicited the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, to make their desire and intention known to the King, which he did. And the King, finding the case so truly honest and religious, for new erecting a Church where such necessity required, and where Superstition had so long time formerly been harboured, not only gave the Lord Archbishop and the Suitors, both thanks and commendation, but also under his Hand and broad Seal, authorizable Warrant for their proceeding. The Lord Mayor and Senate of Aldermen, having intelligence in the case, and perceiving what an honour would redound thereby, first to God who inspired them there∣to; next to the King, for so Royally granting the suite; and then to the City,

for furthering it to Effect, notwithstanding that divers oppositions were made by them, who would have things still continue, as formerly they did, without bene∣fit of a Parish Church of their own. It proceeded on with good & prosperous suc∣cess, to the no mean Honour, and commendation of the Lord Maior then being, Sir Ed. Barkham by name, the Court of Aldermen, and state of this famous City by whose good meanes it is made a very beautiful and comely Parish Church, it being called in the time of re-edifying, Trinity Christs Church, raised out of the long decayed ruines, of Trinity Priory in the Dukes place.

By this time, the work is grown to such fulness and perfection, as now no∣thing wanteth, but the windows glazing, which was performed in this manner,

The main and great East light in the Chancel, Sir Edward Barkham himself undertook, and effected it at his own Charge, as the expression testifieth in the same Window. The other sideling by it; but inclining more Southerly. Mr. George Whitmore, and Mr. Nicholas Rainton, performed. And the third, standing Northerly in the same Chancel, Mr. Walter Leigh, who had bin a Ser∣jeant at Arms, to the Kings Majesty, and then Sword-bearer of London, did likewise at his own Charge perform, The two Western lights in the bottom of the Church, being (indeed) very fair lights; the Company of Drapers effected the one, and the Wood-mongers Society finished the other. Beside, the two Sou∣therly Windows, the one done at the charge of Mr. Cornelius Fish, Chamberlain of London; and the other by Mr. Waldron, then Marshal: so now ye have the Church of St. James compleat.

The Parish Church of St. Katherine, standeth in the Caemitery of the dis∣solved Priory of the holy Trinity, and is therefore called St. Katherine Christs Church. The Church seemeth to be very old, since the building whereof, the High street hath bin so often raised by Pavements, that now men are fain to de∣scend into the said Church, by divers steps, seven in number; but the Steeple, or Bell Tower thereof, hath bin lately builded, to wit, about the year 1504.

For Sir John Perceival Marchant-Tailor, then deceasing, gave money towards the building thereof.

Now concerning this Parish Church of St. Katherine Christs Church, com∣monly Cree-Church, as formerly hath bin said, it had a descent down into it by seven steps or stayers; but being now newly built, and made a very fair Church: the ascent into the Church, is by four or five degrees.

At the North-West corner of this Ward, in the said High street, standeth the fair and beautiful Parish Church of St. Andrew the Apostle, with an Addition, to be known from other Churches of that Name, of the Knape, or Undershaft and so called St. Andrew Undershaft: because that of old time, every year (on May-day in the morning) it was used, that an high or long shaft, or May-pole, was set up there, in the midst of the street, before the South door of the said Church, which Shaft or Pole, when it was set on end, and fixed in the ground, was higher then the Church Steeple. Jeffrey Chawcer, writing of a vain boaster, hath these words, meaning of the said Shaft.

Right well aloft, and high ye bear your head, The Weather-Cock, with flying, as ye would kill, When ye be stuffed, bet of Wine, than bread, Then look ye, when your wombe doth sill, As ye would bear the great Shaft of Corn-hill. Lord so merrily, crowdeth then your Croke, That all the Street may bear your Body Cloke.

This Shaft was not raised any time since evil May-day (so called of an in∣surrection made by Prentices, and other young persons against Ali••ns, in the

year 1517.) but the said Shaft was laid along over the doors, and under the Pentiles of one rowe of Houses, and Alley-gate, called of the Shaft, Shaft-Al∣ley, (being of the possessions of Rochester-bridge) in the Ward of Limestreet.

It was there I say, hanged on Iron hooks many years, till the third of King Edward the sixth. That one Sir Steven, Curate of St. Katherine Christs Church, preaching at Pauls Crosse, said there, that this Shaft was made an Idoll, by naming the Church of St. Andrew, with the addition of Under-shaft; he perswa∣ded therefore, that the names of Churches might be altered: Also, that the names of the dayes in the week, might be changed, the Fish dayes to be kept any dayes, except Friday and Saturday; and the Lent any time, save only be∣twixt Shrovetide and Easter: This man forsaking the Pulpit of his said Parish Church, would preach out of an high Elm Tree, in the midst of the Church-yard. And then entring the Church, forsaking the Altar, to have sung his High Masse in English, upon a Tomb of the Dead, towards the North; But his Ser∣mon at Pauls Crosse, took such effect, that in the Afternoon of that present Sunday, the Neighbors and Tenants to the said Bridge, over whose doors, the said Shaft had lain, after they had dined (to make themselves strong) gathered more help, and with great labor, raising the Shaft from the Hooks (whereon it had rested two and thirty years) they sawed it in pieces, every man taking for his share, so much as had lain over his door and shall, the length of his house; and they of the Alley, divided amongst them, so much as had lain over their Alley gate. Thus was his Idoll (as he termed it) mangled, and after bur∣ned.

Soon after, was there a commotion of the Commons in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and other Shires, by means whereof, streight Orders being taken for the suppression of rumors, divers persons were apprehended, and executed by Marshal Law; amongst the which, the Bayliffe of Rumford in Essex, was one, a man very well beloved: he was early in the morning of Mary Magdalens day (then kept Holy-day) brought by the Sheriffs of London, and the Knight-Mar∣shall, to the Well within Aldgate, there to be executed upon a Gibbit, set up that morning, where being on the Ladder, he had words to this effect;

Good People, I am come hither to die, but know not for what offence, ex∣cept for words by me spoken yester night to Sir Stephen, Curate and Preacher of this Parish, which were these, He asked me what newes in the Country, I answered, Hea••y newes; why quoth he? It is said, quoth I, that many men be up in Essex; But thanks be to God, all is in good quiet about us; and this was all, as God be my Judge, &c. Thus much, by the By.

Now again, to the Parish Church of St. Andrew Under Shaft, for it still retain∣eth the name, which hath bin new builded by the Parishioners, since the year 1520. every man putting to his helping hand, some with their purses, others with their Bodies. Stephen Jennings Marchant-Taylor, sometimes Mayor of London, caused (at his charges) to be builded the whole North side of the great middle Ile, both of the Body and Quire, as appeareth by his Arms, over every Pillar graven; and also the North Ile, which he roofed with Timber, and see∣led. Also the whole South side of the Church, was glazed, and the Pewes in the South Chappel made of his Costs, as appeareth in every Window, and upon the said Pewes. He deceased in the year 1524. and was buried in the Grey Fryers Church. John Kirby Marchant-Taylor, sometimes one of the Sheriffs, John Garland Marchant-Taylor, and Nicholas Levison Mercer. Executor to Gar∣land, were great Benefactors to this work, which was finished (to the gla••ing) in the year 1529. and fully finished 1532.

Now in the second way from Aldgate, more toward the South, from the Well or Pump aforesaid, lieth Fenne-Church street; on the right hand where∣of, somewhat West from the South end of Belzetters lane, is Ironmongers-Hall, which Company was incorporated in the third of Edward the fourth, Richard Flemming was their first Master, Nicholas Marshall, and Richard Cox, were Custodes or Wardens. And on the left hand, or South side, (even by the Gate and Wall of the City) runneth down a Lane to the Tower-Hill: the South part whereof, is called Woodroof-Lane; and out of this Lane toward the West, a street called Hart-street. In this street, at the South-East Corner thereof, sometime stood one house of Crowched or (Crossed) Fryers, founded by Ralph Hosier, and William Sabernes, about the year 1298. Stephen the tenth Prior of the Holy Trinity in London, granted three Tenements for 13 s. 8 d. by the year, unto the said Ralph Hosiar, and William Saburnes, who afterwards became Fryers of S. Crosse. Adam was the first Prior of that house: These Fryers foun∣ded their house in the place of certain Tenements, purchased of Rich. Wim∣blush, the 12th Prior of the Holy Trinity, in the year 1319. which was confirm∣ed by Edward the third, the seventeenth of his Raign, valued at 52 l. 13 s. 4 d. surrendred the 12th of Novemb. the 30. of Henry the 8th.

In place of this Church, is now a Carpenters yard, a Tennis-Court, and such like: the Fryers Hall was made a Glasse-house, or house, wherein was made Glasse of divers sorts to drink in: which house, in the year 1575. on the fourth of September, burst out into a terrible fire, where all meanes possible being practised to quench it, notwithstanding, as the same house in a small time be∣fore, had consumed a great quantity of Wood, by making of Glasses; Now it self, having within it about 40 000 Billets of Wood, was also consumed to the stone walls, which nevertheless, greatly hindred the fire from spreading any further.

Adjoyning unto this Fryers Church, by the East end thereof in Woodroffe Lane, towards the Tower-Hill, are certain Almes-houses, 14. in number, buil∣ded of Brick and Timber, founded by Sir John Milburn, Draper, sometime Maior, 1521. wherein be placed 13. aged poor men, and their Wives: these have their dwellings rent-free, and 2 s. 4 d. a peece, the first day of every Moneth for ever.

Next to these Alms-houses is the Lord Lumleys house, builded in the time of King Henry the 8th, by Sir Thomas Wiat the Father, upon one plot of ground, of late pertaining to the aforesaid Crossed Fryers, where part of their house stood. And this is the farthest of Aldgate VVard toward the South, and joyneth to the Tower-Hill; the other side of that Lane, over against the Lord Lumleys house, on the wall side of the City, is now for the most part (or altogether) builded, even to Aldgate.

Then have ye on the South side of Fenne-Church-street, over against the wall or Pump, amongst other fair and large builded houses, one that sometime belonged to the Prior of Monte Joves, or Monastarie Cornute, a Cell to Monte Joves beyond the Seas; in Essex it was the Priors Inne, when he repaired to this City; Then a Lane that leadeth down by Northumberland House, to∣wards the Crossed Fryers, as is afore shewed.

This Northumberland House in the Parish of St. Katherine Coleman, belong∣ing to Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, in the 33. of Henrie the sixth; but of late being lest by the Earls, the Gardens thereof were made into Bowling Alleys, and other parts into Dicing-houses, common to all commers, for their money, there to bowl & recreate themselves. But now of late, so many Bowling Alleys, and other houses for unlawful gaming, have been raised in other parts of the City and Subburbs, that this which was used to be the ancientest, and only Rendezvonz of sport, is left and forsaken of the Gamesters, and therefore

turned into a number of great Rents, small Cottages, for strangers and others.

At the East end of this Lane, in the way from Aldgate, toward the Crossed Friers, of old time, were certain Tenements, called the Poor Jurie, of Jewes dwelling there.

Next unto this Northumberland house, is the Parish Church of St. Katherine, called Coleman; which addition of Coleman, was taken of a great Haw-yard, or Garden, of old time called Coleman Haw, in the Parish of the Trinity, now called Christs Church. And in the Parish of St. Katherine, and All-saints, called Coleman Church. There are some handsome Tombs in this Church, and parti∣cularly of Sir Henry Billingley Knight, and Lord Mayor of London, who was a Benefactor or thereunto.

Then have ye Blanch Appleton, whereof we read in the 13th of Edw. the first, that a Lane behind the same Blanch Appleton, was granted by the King to be in∣closed, and shut up; This Blanch Appleton was a Mannor belonging to Sir Tho∣mas Roos of Hamelake, Knight, the 7th of Rich. the 2d, standing at the North-East corner of Mart Lane, so called, of a priviledge sometime enjoyed to keep a Mart there, long since discontinued, and therefore forgotten: so as nothing remaineth for memory, but the name of Mart Lane, and now corruptly ter∣med Mark Lane.

Of the fourth Ward, or Aldermanry of London, called Limestreet Ward.

WE will now give a visit to Limestreet Ward, which takes its denomi∣nation from the street, and the street from making Lime there, in times passed.

In Limestreet are divers fair Houses; for Marchants and others, there was sometime a Mansion house of the Kings, called the Kings Attirce, as it stands upon Record, in the 14th of Edward the first; but now grown out of know∣ledge: We read also of another great House, in the West side of Limestreet, ha∣ving a Chappel on the South, and a Garden on the West, belonging to the Lord Nevill, which Garden is now called Green Yard, of the Leaden Hall.

This House in the 9th of Rich. 2. pertained to Sir Simon Burley, and Sir John Burley his Brother; and of late, the said House was taken down, and the fore-front thereof new builded of Timber, by Hugh Offley, Alderman.

At the North-west Corner of Limestreet, was (of old time) one great Me∣suage, called Benbridges Inne; Raph Holland, Draper, about the year 1452. gave it to John Gill, Master, and to the VVardens and Fraternity of Taylors, and Linnen Armourers of St. John Baptist in London, and to their successors for ever, They did set up in places thereof, a fair large frame of Timber, contain∣ing in the high street, one great house; and before it, to the corner of Limestreet three other Tenements, the corner house being the largest; and then down Limestreet, divers handsome Tenements: All which, the Marchant-Taylors, in the Raign of Edw. 6. sold to Stephen Kirton, Marchant-Taylor, and Alder∣man, who gave with his Daughter Grisild, to Nicholas Woedroffe, the said great House, with two Tenements before it, in lieu of an hundred pounds, and made it up in money, three hundred sixty six pounds, thirteen shillings four pence:

This worthy man, and the Gentlewoman his Widow, after him, kept those houses down Limestreet, in good reparations, never put out but one Tenant, took no fines, nor raised rents for them, which was ten shillings the piece year∣ly; But whether that favour did over-live her Funeral, the Tenants now can best declare the contrary.

The next is Leaden-Hall, of which we read, that in the year 1309. it belong∣ed to Sir Hugh Nevil, Knight, and that the Lady Alice his Wife, made a Feoft∣ment thereof, by the name of Leaden Hall, with the Advousions of S. Peter on Cornhill, and other Churches, to Richard Earl of Arrundel, and Surrey, 1362.

Moreover, in the year 1380. Alice Nevil, Widow to Sir John Nevil, Knight of Essex, confirmed to Thomas Cogshall, and others, the said Mannor of Leaden-Hall, and the advousions, &c.

In the year 1384. Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, had the said Mannor, And in the year 1408. Robert Rikeden of Essex, and Margaret his Wife, con∣firmed to Richard Whittington, and other Citizens of London, the said Mannor of Leaden Hall, with the Appurtenances, the Advousion of St. Peters Church, S. Margaret Pattens, &c.

And in the year 1411. the said Whitington, and other, confirmed the same to the Maior, and Comminalty of London, whereby it came to the possession of the City.

Then in the year 1443. the one and twenty of Henry the sixth, John Hatheyr ley, Maior, purchased Licence of the said King, to take up 200. fodder of Lead, for the building of Water Conduits, a common Granary, and the Crosse in West Cheape, more richly, for the honour of the City.

In the year next following, the Parson and Parish of St. Dunstane, in the East of London, seeing the Noble and mighty Man (for the words be in the Grant; Cum Nobilis & Potens v. r.) Simon Eyre, Citizen of London, among other his works of piety, effectually determined to erect & build a certain Granary, upon the soil of the same City at Leaden Hall, of his own charges, for the common utility of the said City, to the amplifying and inlarging of the said Granary, granted to Henry Frowick, then Maior, the Aldermen and Commonalty, and their Successors for ever, all their Tenements, with the appurtenances, sometime called the Horse Mill in Grasse-street, for the annual Rent of four pounds, &c.

Also, certain evidences of an Alley, and Tenements pertaining to the Horse Mill, adjoyning to the said Leaden Hall in Grasse-street, given by VVilliam Kingstone, Fishmonger, unto the Parish Church of St. Peter upon Cornhill, do specifie the said Granary, to be builded by the said Honourable and famous Marchant, Simon Eyre, sometime an Upholster, and then a Draper, in the year 1419. He builded it of squared stone, in form as now it sheweth, with a fair and large Chappel in the East side of the Quadrant; over the Porch of which, he caused to be written, Dextra Domini exaltavit me, The Lords right hand exalted me.

Within the said Church, on the North wall, was written, Honorandus famo∣sus Mercator Simon Eyre, hujus operis, &c. In English thus, The honourable and famous Marchant Simon Eyre, founder of this work, once Maior of this City, Citizen and Draper of the same, departed out of this life, the 18th day of Septemb. the year from the Incarnation of Christ, 1459. and the 38. year of the Raign of King Henry the sixth: he was buried in the Parish Church of St. Mary Wolnoth, in Lumbard street; he gave by his Testamont, to be distribu∣ted to all Prisons in London, or within a mile of that City, somewhat, to relieve them.

More, he gave 2000 Marks upon a condition, which not performed, was then to be distributed to Maids Marriages, and other deeds of Charity: he also gave 3000 Marks to the Drapers, upon condition, that they should within one year after his decease, establish perpetually a Master or Warden, five secular Priests, six Clerks, and two Queristers, to sing daily Divine Service, by note for ever, in this Chappel of the Leaden-hall; Also, one Master with an Usher for Grammar, one Master for Writing, and the third for Song, with Houses there newly builded for them for ever; the Master to have for his salary, ten pounds, and every other Priest, eight pounds; every other Clarke, five pounds six shil∣lings eight pence; and every other Chorister, five Marks; and if the Drapers refused this to do, within one year after his decease, then the three thousand Marks to remain to the Prior and Covent of Christs-Church in London, with con∣dition to establish things as aforesaid, within two years after his decease; And if they refused, then the three thousand Marks to be disposed by his Executors, as they best could devise in works of Charity.

Thus much for his Testament, not performed by establishing of Divine Service in his Chappel or Free-School, and Scholars; neither was it known how the stock of three thousand Marks (or rather five thousand Marks) was employ∣ed by his Executors, he left issue Thomas, who had issue Thomas, &c. True it is, that in the year 1464, the third of Edward the fourth, it was agreed by the May∣or, Aldermen, and Commonalty of London, that notwithstanding the Kings Letters Pattents, lately before granted unto them, touching the Trouage or weighing of Wares, to be held at Leaden-hall; yet Suite should be made to the King, for new Letters Pattents, to be granted to the Mayor of the Staple, for the Trouage of Wools, to be holden there, and order to be taken by the discretion of Thomas Cooke, then Mayor; The Councel of the City, Geffrey filding, then May∣or of the Staple at Westminster, and of the Kings Councel what should be paid to the Mayor, and Aldermen of the City, for the laying and housing of the Wools there, that so they might be brought forth and weighed, &c.

Touching the Chappel there, we find that in the year 1466, by Licence ob∣tained of King Edward the fourth, in the sixth of his Reign, a Fraternity of the Trinity of 60 Priests (besides other brethren and sisters) in the same Chappel, was founded by Rouse, John Risby, and Thomas Ashby Priests: some of the which six∣ty Priests, every Market-day, in the fore-noon, did celebrate Divine service there, to such Market people as repaired to prayer, and once every year, they met altogether, and had solemn Service, with procession of all the Brethren, and Sisters; this foundation was in the year 1512, by a Common-Councel con∣firmed to the sixty Trinity Priests, and to their Successors, at the will of the Mayor and Commonalty.

In the year 1484 a great fire happened upon Leaden-hall, by what casualty it was not known, but much housing was there destroyed, with all the Stocks for Guns, and other provision belonging to the City, which was a great losse, and no lesse charge to be repaired by them.

In the year 1503. the eighteenth of Henry the seventh, a request was made by the Commons of the City, concerning the usage of the said Leaden-Hall, in form as followeth;

Please it the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Councel, to enact, that all Frenchmen bringing Canvas, Linnen cloth, and other Wares to be sold, and all Forreins bringing Woolsteads, Sayes, Stamins, Kiverings, Nayles, Iron work, or any other Wares, and also all Forreins, bringing Lead to the City to be sold, shall bring all such their Wares aforesaid, to the open Market of the Leaden-Hall, and no where else to be shewed, sold and uttered, like as of old time it hath been used, upon pain of forfeiture of all the said Wares, shewed or sold in any other place than aforesaid; And the shew of the said

Wares to be made three daies in a week, that is to say Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; It is also thought reasonable, that the common Beam be kept from henceforth in the Leaden-hall, & the Farmer to pay therefore reasonable rent to the Chamber, for better it is, that the Chamber have advantage thereby, than a Forreign person; And also the said Leaden-hall, which is more chargeable now by half than profitable, shall better bear out the charges thereof; Also the common Beam for Wool at Leaden-hall may pay yearly a rent to the Chamber of London, toward the supportation and charges of the same place: for reason it is, that a common Office occupied upon a common ground, bear a charge to the use of the Communalty; Also that Forrains bringing Wools, Felts, or any other Marchandizes or Wares to Leaden-hall, to be kept there for the sale and market, may pay more largely for keeping of their goods than Freemen. Thus much for the request of the Commons at that time.

Now to set down some proof, that the said Hall hath been employed and used as a Granary for Corn and grain (as the same was first appointed) lea∣ving all former examples, this one may suffice, Roger Achley Mayor of London in the year 1512, the third of Henry the eight, when the said Mayor entred the Majoralty, there was not found one hundred quarters of Wheat in all the Garners of this City, either within the Liberties or near adjoyning, through the which scarcity, when the Carts of Stratford came laden with Bread to the City (as they had been accustomed) there was such press about them, that one man was ready to destroy another, in striving to be served for their money; but this scarcity lasted not long, for the Mayor (in short time) made such provisi∣on for Wheat that the Bakers, both of London, and of Stratford, were weary of taking it up, and were forced to take much more than they would, and for the rest the Mayor laid out the money, and stored it up in Leaden-hall, and other Garners of the City; This Mayor also kept the Market so well, that he would be at the Leaden-Hall, by four a clock in the Summer mornings, and from thence he went to other Markets to the great comfort of the Citi∣zens.

We read also, that in the year 1528, the twentieth of Henry the eighth, Sur∣veyers were appointed to view the Garners of the City, namely, the Bridge-house and the Leaden-hall, how they were stored of Grain for the service of the City; And because we have here before spoken of the Bread-carts coming from Strat∣ford at the Bow, ye shall understand, that of old time the Bakers of Bread at Stratford, were allowed to bring daily (except the Sabbath and principal Feasts) divers long Carts laden with bread, the same being two ounces in the penny wheaten loaf heavier than the penny wheaten loaf baked in the City, the same to be sold in Cheap, three or four Carts standing there 'tween Gutherans Lane, and Fausters Lane end, one Cart on Cornhil by the Conduit, and one other in Grasse-street; And we may read, that in the fourth year of Edward the second, Richard Reffeham, being Mayor, a Baker named John of Stratford, for making Bread lesser than the Assize, was with a fools hood on his Head, and loaves of Bread about his Neck, drawn on a hurdle through the streets of the City. Moreover, in the four and fortieth of Edward the third, John Chichester being Mayor of London, as we may read in the visions of Pierce Plowman, a Book so cal∣led as followeth;

There was a careful commune, when no Cart came to Town with Basket Bread from Stratford tho gan beggars weep, and workmen were agast, a little this will be thought long in the date of our dirte, in a dry Averel, a thousand and three hundred, twice thirty and ten, &c.

We read also in the twentieth of Henry the eighth, Sir James Spencer being Mayor, six Bakers of Stratford, were amerced in the Guild-hall of London, for ba∣king

under the size appointed; But these Bakers of Stratford left serving this City, I know not upon what occasion, above forty years since.

In the year 1519 a Petition was exhibited by the Commons to the Com∣mon-Councel, and was by them allowed, concerning the Leaden-hall, how they would have it used, viz.

Meekly beseeching, sheweth unto your good Lordship, and Masterships, divers Citizens of this City, which (under correction) think, that the great place called the Leaden hall, should, nor ought not to be letten out to Farme, to any person or persons and in special, to any fellowship or Company incor∣porate, to have and hold the same Hall for term of years; for such convenien∣ces as thereby may ensue, and come to the hurt of the Common-weale of the said City in time to come, as somewhat more largely may appear in the Articles following.

First, if any assembly or hasty gathering of the Commons of the said City, for suppressing or subduing of misruled people within the said City, hereafter shall happen to be called or commanded by the Mayor, Aldermen, and other Governours and Councellors of the said City for the time being; there is none so convenient, meet and necessary a place to assemble them in, within the said City, as the said Leadon-hall, both for largenesse of room, and for their sure defence in time of their counselling together about the premises. Also, in that place hath been used the Artillery, Guns, and other Armors of the said City, to be safely kept in a readinesse, for the safegard, wealth, and defence of the said City to be had and occupied at times when need required. As also the store of Timber, for the necessary reparations of the Tenements be∣longing to the Chamber of the said City, there commonly hath been kept.

Item, If any Triumph or Noblenesse were to be done, or shewed by the Commonalty of the City, for the honour of our Soveraign Lord the King and Realm, and for the worship of the said City, the said Leaden-hall is the most meet and convenient place, to prepare and order the said Triumph therein, and from thence to issue forth to the places thereof appointed.

Item, at any Largesse or dole of any money, made unto the poore people of this City; it hath been used to be done and given in the said Leaden-hall, for that the said place is most meet therefore.

Item, the honourable Father, that was maker of the said Hall, had a speci∣all will, intent, and mind, that (as it is commonly said) the Market men and women, that came to the City with victuals and other things, should have their free standing within the said Leaden-Hall in wet weather, to keep themselves & their Wares dry, and thereby to encourage them, and all other, to have the better will and desire, the more plentiously to resort to the said City, to victual the same; And if the said Hall should be letten to Farme, the will of the said honourable Father, should never be fullfilled, nor take effect.

Item, if the said place, which is the chief Fortresse, and most necessary place within all the City, for the tuition and safegard of the same, should be letten out to Farme, out of the hands of the chief Heads of the same City, and espe∣cially to any other Body politick, it might at length (by likelihood) be an occasion of discord and debate, between the said Bodies politick, which God defend.

For these, and many other great and reasonable causes, which hereafter shall be shewed to this honourable Court, your said Beseechers think it much necessary, that the said Hall be still in the hands of this City; and to be surely kept by sad and discreet Officers in such wise, that it might alwaies be ready to be used and occupied, for the Common-weale of the said City, when

need shall require, and in no wise to be letten to any Body politick. Thus much for the Petition.

About the year one thousand five hundred thirty four, great means was made about the Leaden-hall, to have the same made a Burse for the Assembly of Marchants, as they had been accustomed in Lumbard-street; many Common-Councels were called to that end, but in the year 1535, John Champneys being Mayor, it was fully concluded, that the Burse should remain in Lumbard street, as afore, and Leaden-hall no more to be spoken of concerning that matter.

The use of Leaden-hall was us'd to be thus; In a part of the North Quadrant, on the East side of the North Gate, were the common Beams, for weigh∣ing of Wooll and other Wares, as had been accustomed; On the West side of the Gate was the Scales to weigh Meal: the other three sides were reserved (for the most part) to the making and resting of the Pageants shewed at Mid-Sum∣mer in the watch: the remnant of the sides and Quadrants, were employed for the stowage of Wool-sacks, but not closed up: the lofts above were partly used by the Painters, in working for the decking of Pageants and other devices, for beautifying of the Watch and Watch-men: the residue of the Lofts were letten out to Marchants, the Wooll-winders and Packers therein, to winde and pack their Wools. And thus much for Leaden-hall may suffice.

Now on the North of Limestreet Ward, in the Highstreet are divers fair hou∣ses for Marchants, and proper Tenements for Artificers, with an Alley also cal∣led Shaft Alley, of the Shaft or May-pole, sometime resting over the Gate thereof, as I have declared in Aldgate Ward.

In the year 1576. partly at the charges of the Parish of St. Andrew, and part∣ly at the charges of the Chamber of London, a water-pump, was raised in the high street of Lime-street Ward, neer unto Lime-street corner, for the placing of the which Pump, having broken up the ground, they were forced to dig more than two fadome deep, before they came to any main ground, where they found a Hearth made of Britaine, or rather Romane Tyle, every Tyle half yard square, and about two inches thick, they found coal lying there also (for that lying whole will never consume) then digging one fadome in the main, they found water sufficient, made their Prall, and set up the Pump, which Pump, with oft repairing and great charges to the Parish, continued not four and twenty years, but being rotted, was taken up, and a new one set in the place, in the year 1600. Thus much for the High-street.

In Saint Mary street had ye (of old time) a Parish Church of Saint Mary a Virgin, Saint Ursula, and the 11000 Virgins, which Church was commonly called Saint Mary at the Axe; of the Signe of an Axe, over against the East end thereof, or Saint Mary Pellipar, of a plot of ground lying on the North side thereof pertaining to the Skinners in London; This Parish about the year 1565. was united to the Parish Church of Saint Andrew Under Shaft, and so was Saint Mary at the Axe suppressed, and letten out to be a Ware-house for a Mar∣chant; Against the East end of this Church, was sometime a sair Well, now turned to a Pump; Also against the North end of this Saint Mary street, was sometime one other Parish Church of Saint Augustine, called Saint Augustine in the Wall, for that it stood adjoyning to the Wall of the City, and other∣wise called Saint Augustines Papey, or the poor, as I have read, in the Reign of Edward the third. About the year 1430, in the Reign of Henry the sixth, the same Church was allowed to the Brethren of the Papey, the House of poor Priests, whereof I have spoken in Aldgate Ward, the Parishioners of this Church were appointed to the Parish Church of Alhallowes in the Wall, which is in Broad street Ward, and this Brotherhood called Papey, being suppressed, the Church of Saint Augustine was pulled down, and in place thereof one Grey Apothecary, builded a Stable, a Hay-loft, &c. It is now a

dwelling house, those two Parish Churches, both lying in the Ward of Lime-street; being thus suppressed, there is not any one Parish Church or place for Divine Service in that Ward, but the Inhabitants thereof repair to Saint Peters in Cornhill Ward, Saint Andrew in Aldgate Ward, Alhallows in the Wall in Broad-street Ward, and some to Saint Denys in Langbourne Ward.

Now, because there hath been some question, to what Ward this Church of Saint Augustine Papey should of right belong, for the same hath been chal∣lenged by them of Aldgate Ward, and (without reason) taken into Bishops-gate Ward, from Lime-street Ward, I am somewhat to touch it.

About 70 years since, the Chamber of London, granted a Lease of groundly∣ing near London Wall, in the Ward of Lime-street, from the West of the said Church or Chappel of Saint Augustine Papey, towards Bishops-gate &c. on the which plot of ground, the Leasee builded three fair Tenements, and placed Te∣nants there, these were charged to bear Scot and Lot, and some of them to bear Office in Lime screet Ward, all which they did willingly without grudging; And when any suspected or disordered persons were by the Landlord placed there, the Officers of Lime street Ward, fetched them out of their Houses, committed them to Ward, procured their due punishments, and banished them from thence; whereby in short time that place was reformed, and brought into good order, which thing being noted by them of Aldgate Ward, they moved their Alderman, Sir Thomas Offley, to call in those Houses to be of his Ward; But Mr. Stow producing a fair Ledgier Book, sometime pertain∣ing to the late dissolved Priory of the Holy Trinity within Aldgate, wherein were set down the just bounds of Aldgate Ward, before Sir Thomas Offley, Sir Rowland Hayward, the Common-Councel, and Ward-Mote Inquest, of the said Lime street Ward, Sir Thomas Offley gave over his Challenge, and so that matter rested in good quiet, until the year 1579. that Sir Richard Pype (being Mayor, and Alderman of Bishops-gate Ward) challenged those Houses to be of his Ward, whereunto (without reason shewed) Sir Rowland Hayward yeil∣ded; and thus is that side of the street from the North corner of Saint Mary street, almost to Bishopsgate, (wherein is one plot of ground, letten by the Chamberlaine of London, to the Parish of Saint Martins Oteswich, to be a Church-yard, or burying-place for the dead of that Parish, &c.) un∣justly drawn and with-holden from the Ward of Lime-street, as Master Stow avoucheth.

Of the Fifth Ward, or Aldermanry of London, called Bishopsgate-Ward.

THe Ward next in order is Bishopsgate-Ward, whereof a part is without the Gate; and of the Subburbs, from the Barres by St. Mary Spittle, to Bi∣shopsgate, and a part of Hounds-ditch, almost half thereof; also without the Wall of the same Ward.

Then within the Gate is Bishopsgate-street, so called, of the Gate, to a Pump, were sometime was a fair Well, with two Buckets, by the East end of the Pa∣rish Church of St. Martin Oteswich, and then winding by the West corner of Leaden-Hall, down Grasse-street, to the corner over against Grasse-Church; and these are the bounds of that Ward.

Monuments most to be noted, are these, The Parish-Church of St. Battolph without Bishopsgate, in a fair Church-yard, adjoyning to the Town-Ditch, upon the very Bank thereof; but of old time, inclosed with a comely Wall of Brick, lately repaired by Sir William Allen, Mayor, in the year 1571. because he was born in that Parish, where also he was buried.

An Anchoresse (by Bishopsgate) received forty shillings the year, of the She∣riffs of London.

Next unto the Parish Church of St. Buttolph, was a fair Inne, for receipt of Travellers, then an Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlem, founded by Simon Fitz Mary, one of the Sheriffs of London, in the year 1246. He founded it to have been a Priory of Canons, with Brethren and Sisters; and King Edward the 3d, granted a Protection, for the Brethren called Milites beatae Mariae de Bethlem, within the City of London, the 14th year of his Raign. It was an Hospital for distracted people.

Stephen Gennings, Marchant-Taylor, gave forty pounds toward purchase of the Patronage, by his Testament, 1523. The Mayor and Commonalty pur∣chased the Patronage thereof, with all the Lands and Tenements thereunto belonging, in the year 1546.

Now it shall not be amisse, to insert here that memorable ancient deed of gift, given to Bethelem, or Bedlam, by the foresaid Simon, the Son of Mary, as fol∣loweth.

To all the Children of our Mother holy Church, to whom this present wri∣ting shall come, Simon the Sonne of Mary, sendeth greeting in our Lord, where among other things, and before other Lands, the high Altitude of the Heaven∣ly Councels, marvellously wrought by some readier devotion, it ought to be more worshipped; of which things the mortal sickness (after the fall of our first Father Adam) hath taken the beginning of this new repairing: there∣fore forsooth, it beseemeth worthy, that the place, in which the Son of God is become Man, and hath proceeded from the Virgins Womb, which is in∣creaser, and beginning of Mans Redemption; namely, ought to be with Re∣verence worshipped, and with beneficial Portions to be increased: therefore it is, that the said Simon, Son of Mary, having special and singular Devotion to the Church, of the glorious Virgin at Bethelem, where the same Virgin of Her, brought forth our Saviour incarnate, and lying in the Cratch, and with her own milk nourished; and where the same Child to us there born, the Chivalry of the heavenly Company, sang the new Hymne, Gloria in Excelsi•• Deo. The same time the increaser of our health, (as a King, and his Mother a Queen) willed to be worshipped of Kings, a new Starre going before them, as the Honour and Reverence of the same Child, and his most meek Mother: And

to the exaltation of my most Noble Lord, Henry King of England, whose Wife and Child the foresaid Mother of God, and her only Son, have in their keep∣ing, and protections; And to the manifold increase of this City of London, in which I was born. And also for the health of my soul, and the souls of my Predecessors, and Successors, my Father, Mother, and my Friends. And spe∣cially for the souls of Guy of Marlow, John Durant, Ralph Ashwye, Maud, Mar∣garet, and Dennis, Women: Have given, granted, and by this my present Charter, here, have confirmed to God, and to the Church of St. Mary of Be∣thelem, all my Lands which I have in the Parish of St. Battolph, without Bi∣shopsgate of London, that is to say, whatsoever I there now have, or had, or in time to come may have, in Houses, Gardens, Pools, Ponds, Ditches and Pits, and all their appurtenances, as they be closed in by their bounds; which now extend in length, from the Kings high street, East, to the great Ditch in the West; the which is called deep Ditch; and in breadth, to the Lands of Ralph Downing, in the North; and to the Land of the Church of St. Battolph in the South; To have and to hold the aforesaid Church of Bethelem, in free and perpetual Alms; And also to make there a Priory, and to ordain a Prior, and Canons; Brothers, and also Sisters, when Jesus Christ shall enlarge his grace upon it. And in the same place, the Rule and order of the said Church of Bethelem solemnly prosessing, which shall bear the Token of a Starre open∣ly in their Coapes and Mantles of profession; and for to say Divine Service there, for the souls a foresaid, and all Christian souls; and specially to receive there, the Bishop of Bethelem, Canons, Brothers, and Messengers of the Church of Bethelem for evermore, as often as they shall come thither. And that a Church or Oratory there shall be builded, as soon as our Lord shall en∣large his grace, under such form, that the Order, Institution of Priors, Ca∣nons, Brothers, Sisters, of the visitation, correction, and reformation of the said place, to the Bishop of Bethelem, and his Successors, and to the Charter of his Church, and of his Messengers, as often as they shall come thither, as shall seem them expedient; no mans contradiction notwithstanding; shall pertain for evermore: saving alway the Services of the chief Lords, as much as per∣taineth to the said Land. And to the more surety of this thing, I have put my self out of this Land, and all mine. And Lord Godfrey, then chosen of the Nobles of the City of Rome, Bishop of Bethelem, and of the Pope, confirmed then by his name in England, in his name, and of his Successors, and of his Chapter of his Church of Bethelem, into bodily possession, I have indented and given to his possession all the foresaid Lands; which possession he hath re∣ceived, and entred in form abovesaid.

And in token of subjection, and reverence, the said place in London, without Bishopsgate, shall pay yearly in the said City, a mark sterling at Easter, to the Bi∣shop of Bethelem, his Successors, or his Messengers, in the name of a Pension; and if the faculties or goods of the said place (our Lord granting) happen to grow more, the said place shall pay more, in the name of Pension, at the said terme, to the Mother Church of Bethelem.

This (forsooth) gift and confirma∣tion of my Deed, and the putting to of my Seal for me, and mine Heires, I have steadfastly made strong, the year of our Lord God, A thousand, two hun∣dred, forty seven, the VVednesday after the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, &c.

King Henry the 8th, gave this Hospital unto the City, The Church and Chap∣pel were taken down in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, and houses builded there, by the Governours of Christs Hospital in London. In this place, people that be distraught in their wits, are now (by the luir of their friends) received and kept as before, but not without charges to their bringers in.

Then is there a fair House of late, builded by John Powlet. Next to that, a far more large and beautiful House, with Gardens of pleasure, Bowling Al∣lies, and such like, builded by Jasper Fisher, free of the Goldsmiths, late one

of the six Clarks of the Chancery, and a Justice of Peace. It hath since (for a time) been the Earl of Oxfords place. The late Queen Elizabeth hath lodged there, it now belongeth to the Earl of Devenshire. This House being so large, and sumptuously builded, by a man of no great Calling, Possessions, or VVealth; (for he was indebted to many) was mockingly called Fishers folly, and a Rithme was made of it, and other the like, in this manner.

Kirbyes Castle, and Fishers Folly, Spinola's pleasure, and Megses glory.

And so of other like Buildings about the City, by Citizens, men have not forborn to speak their pleasure.

From Fishers Folly, up to the West end of Berwards Lane, of old time so called; but now Hogge-Lane, because it meeteth with Hogge-Lane, which commeth from the Barres without Ealdgate, as is afore shewed, is a continual building of Tenements, with Allies of Cottages, pestered, &c. Then is there a large close, called Fazel Close, sometime, for that there were Zazels planted for the use of Cloth-workers, since letten to the Crosse-bow Makers, wherein they used to shoot for Games at the Popingey. Now the same being inclosed with a Brick-wall, serveth to be an Artillery-yard, or Garden, whereunto the Gun∣ners of the Tower, weekly do repair; namely, every Thursday, and their le∣velling certain Brasse-Pieces of great Artillery against a But of Earth, made for that purpose; they discharged them for their exercise, present use is made thereof by divers worthy Citizens, Gentlemen, and Captains, using Marshal Discipline, and where they meet (well-neere) weekly, to their great commen∣dation, in so worthy an Exercise, whereof hereafter, I will speak more at large.

Then have ye the late dissolved Priory and Hospital, commonly called, Saint Mary Spittle, founded by Walter Brune, and Rosia his Wife, for Canons regu∣lar, VValter, Arch Deacon of London, laid the first stone in the year 1197. VVil∣liam of St. Mary Church, then Bishop of London, dedicated it to the honour of Jesus Christ, and his Mother, the perpetual Virgin Mary, by the name of Domus Des, and Beatae Mariae, Extra Bishopsgate, in the Parish of St. Buttolph, the bounds whereof, as appeareth by composition between the Parson, and Prior of the said Hospital; concerning Tithes, beginning at Berwards Lane, towards the South, and extendeth in breadth to the Parish of St. Leonard of Sores-ditch, towards the North; and in length, from the Kings street on the West, to the Bishops of Londons field, called Lollesworth on the East.

The Prior of this St. Mary Spittle, for the immortising and propriation of the Priory of Bikenacar in Essex, to his said house of St. Mary Spittle, gave to Henry the 7th, four hundred pounds, in the two and twentieth of his Raign.

This Hospital surrendred to Henry the 8th, was valued to dispend four hun∣dred seventy eight pounds per annum, wherein was found, besides Ornaments of the Church, and other goods pertaining to the Hospital, one hundred eighty beds well furnished, for receipt of the poor; for it was an Hospital of great relief. Sir Henry Plesington Knight, was buried there, one thousand four hundred fifty and two.

And here is to be noted, that time out of minde, it hath been a laudable Cu∣stome, that on good Friday in the After-noon, some especial learned man, by appointment of the Prelates, should preach a Sermon at Pauls Crosse, treating of Christs passion, and upon the three next Easter Holydayes, Munday, Tues∣day, and Wednesday, the like learned men, by the like appointment, have u∣sed to preach on the forenoons at the said Spittle, to perswade the Article of Christs Resurrection; and then on Low Sunday, one other learned man at

Pauls Crosse, to make rehearsal of those four former Sermons, either commen∣ding, or reproving them, as to him (by judgement of the learned Divines) was thought convenient; And that done, he was to make a studied Sermon of his own, which in all, were five Sermons in one; At these Sermons so severally preached, the Maior with his Brethren the Aldermen, were accustomed to be present in their Violets at Pauls, on good Friday, and in their Scarlets at the Spittle, in the Holydayes (except VVednesday, in Violet) and the Maior with his Brethren on Low Sunday in Scarlet, at Pauls Crosse.

Touching the Antiquity of this Custom, I finde, that in the year one thou∣sand three hundred ninety eight, King Richard having procured from Rome, confirmation of such Statutes, and Ordinances, as were made in the Parliament begun at VVestminster, and ended at Shrewsbury; he caused the same confirma∣tion to be read, and pronounced at Pauls Crosse, and at St. Mary Spittle, in a Sermon before all the People.

Philip Malpas, one of the Sheriffs, in the year, one thousand four hundred thirty nine, gave twenty shillings by the year, to the three Preachers at the Spittle.

Stephen Foster Maior, in the year, 1594. gave 40 l. to the Preachers of Pauls Crosse and Spittle. We find also, that the aforesaid House, wherein the Maior and Aldermen do sit at the Spittle, was builded (for that purpose) of the goods, and by the Executors of Richard Rawson, Alderman, and Isabel his Wife, in the year 1488.

In the year 1594. this Pulpit being old, was taken down, and a new one set up: the Preachers face turned towards the South, which was before towards the West. Also a large House (on the East side of the said Pulpit) was then builded, for the Governours and Children of Christs Hospital to sit in; and this was done of the goods of William Elkin, Alderman before deceased; But with∣in the first year, the same House decaying, and like to have fallen, was again (with great cost) repaired at the Cities Charge.

On the East side of this Church-yard, lyeth a large field, of old time called Lolesworth, now Spittle-field, which about the year, 1576. was broken up, for Clay to make Brick: in the digging thereof, many Earthen Pots called Urnae, were found full of Ashes, with burnt bones of men, to wit, of the Romans that inhabited here; for it was the Custom of the Romans, to burn their dead, to put their Ashes in an Urn, and then bury the same with certain Ceremonies, in some field appointed for that purpose near unto their City; and commonly, there was another Urn of fresh water, laid by the other, denoting the teares of their friends.

Every of these Pots had in them (with the Ashes of the Dead) one piece of Copper money, with the Inscription of the Emperor then reigning, some of them were of Claudius, some of Vespasian, some of Nero, of Antoninus Pius, of Trajanus, and others; Besides those Urns, many other Pots were found in the same place, made of a white Earth, with long necks, and handles, like to our stone Jugs: these were empty, but seemed to be buried full of some liquid mat∣ter, long since consumed, and soked through; For there were found divers Vi∣als, and other fashioned Glasses; some most cunningly wrought, and some of Crystal, all which had water in them (which it seems were the teare-Bottles) nothing differing in clearness, tast, or savour from common Spring water, what∣soever it was at the first; Some of these Glasses had Oyl in them very thick, and earthy in savour; some were supposed to have balm in them, but had lost the vertue; many of these Pots and Glasses were broken in cutting of the Clay, so that few were taken up whole.

There were also found divers Dishes and Cups, of a fine red coloured Earth, which shewed outwardly such a shining smoothness, as if they had been of Curral; Those had (in the bottoms) Roman letters printed: There were also

Lamps of white Earth and red, artificially wrought with divers Antiques about them, some three or four Images, made of white Earth, about a span long each of them; one was of Pallas. Amongst divers of those Antiquities, there was found one Urn, with Ashes and Bones, and one pot of white Earth, very small, not exceeding the quantity of a quartern of a Wine pint, made in shape of a Hare squatted upon her leggs, and between her Eares is the mouth of the Pot.

There hath also bin found (in the same field) divers Coffins of stone, con∣taining the bones of men; these I suppose to be the Burials of some special per∣sons, in time of the Britons, or Saxons, after that the Romans had left to govern here.

Moreover, there were also found the sculls and bones of men, without Coffins; or rather, whose Coffins (being of Timber) were consumed; divers great Nails of Iron were there sound, such as are used in the Wheels of shod Carts; being each of them as big as a mans finger, and a quarter of a yard long; the heads two inches over: Those nayles were more wondred at, then the rest of the things there found; and many Opinions of men were there passed upon them; namely, that the men there buried, were murthered by driving those nayles into their heads.

But to set down what was observed, concerning this matter; there were there, the bones of a man lying, the head North, the feet South, and round a∣bout him (athwart his head) along both his sides, and thwart his feet such nails were found; wherefore it may be conjectured, they were the nayls of his Coffin, which had bin a trough cut out of some great Tree; and the same co∣vered with a Plank of that thickness, fastened with such nayls, and found under the broad heads of some of those nayls, the old Wood was found scant turned into Earth; but still retaining both the grain and proper colour. And thus much for that part of Bishopsgate-Ward; now we will proceed to that part which lyeth within the Gate.

And first, to begin on the left hand of Bishopsgate; from the Gate ye have certain Tenements of old time, pertaining to a Brother-hood of St. Nicholas, granted to the Parish Clarks of London, for two Chaplains to be kept in the Chappel of St. Mary Magdalen, near unto the Guild-Hall of London, in the 27. of Henry the sixth. The first of these Houses towards the North, and against the Wall of the City, was sometime a large Inne or Court, called the Wrastlers of such a signe; And the last in the high street, towards the South, was some∣time also a fair Inne, called the Angel, of such a signe. Amongst these said Tenements was (on the same street side) a fair Entry or Court, to the common Hall of the said Parish-Clarks, with proper Alms-houses, seven in number ad∣joyning; for Parish-Clarks, and their Wives, and their Widows, such as were in great years, not able to labour; one of these by the said Brother-hood of Parish-Clarks, was allowed sixteen pence the week: the other six had each of them nine pence the week, according to the Patent granted to that effect.

This Brother-hood (amongst other) being suppressed, in the Raign of Ed∣ward the sixth: the said Hall, with the other Buildings there, was given to Sir Robert Chester, a Knight of Cambridge-shire, against whom the Parish-Clarks commencing suit, in the Raign of Queen Mary; and being like to have pre∣vailed, the said Sir Robert Chester pulled down the Hall, sold the Timber, stone, and Lead; and thereupon the suit was ended. The Alms-houses remained in the Queens hands, and people were there placed, such as could make best friends, some of them taking the pension appointed, and letting forth their houses at great Rent, have given occasion to the Parson of the Parish, to chal∣lenge Tithes of them, &c.

Next unto this is the small Parish Church of Saint Ethelburgh, Virgin; and from thence, some small distance is a large Court, called Little St. Helens, be∣cause it pertained to the Nuns of St. Helens, and was their House: there were there seven Alms-Rooms, or Houses for the poor, belonging to the Company of Leather sellers; Then somewhat more West, is another Court, with a winding Lane, which commeth on•• against the West end of St. Andrew Undershafts Church. In this Court standeth the fair Church of St. Helen, sometime a Pri∣ory of black Nuns; and in the same the Parish Church of St. Helen.

This Priory was founded before the Raign of Henry the third; William Ba∣sing Dean of Pauls, was the first founder, and was there buried; and William Basing, one of the Sheriffs of London, in the second year of Edward the second, was holden also to be a Founder, or rather an helper thereof: This Priory be∣ing valued at 1314 l. 2 s. 6 d. was surrendred the five and twentieth of No∣vember, the thirtieth of Henry the eighth: the whole Church, the partition be∣twixt the Nuns Church; and the Parish Church being taken down, remaineth now to the Parish, and is a fair Church, but wanteth such a Steeple, as Sir Thomas Gresham promised to have builded, in recompence of ground in that Church, filled up with his Monument.

The Nuns Hall, and other Housing thereto pertaining, was since purchased by the Company of Leather-sellers, and is their common Hall; which Com∣pany, was incorporate, the one and twentieth year of Richard the second.

A young new born Child was taken up, between the great Ware-house, and Sir John Spencers back-gate, being (by a most unnatural Mother) there buried in a great Dung-hill of Sea-coal Ashes, with the face upward; yet found alive by Richard Atkinson, who used to make cl••••n the passage there of the soyle, carrying it thence with his Wheel-Barrow. The Child had not any ragg, or Cloth about it, but was all bloodied, by reason that the Navil string was unty∣ed, and the Body meerly crusted over with the Seacoal-dust; yet being made clean by the poor mans Wife, it was found to be a most goodly Man-Child, strong and well-featured, without any blemish or harm upon it; but strangled inwardly, by sucking in the noysome filth and Ashes.

He was Christned, and named Job cinere extractus, Job taken out of the A∣shes, He lived three dayes, and lies buried in the Church-yard, the fifth of September, 1612.

Of the Sixth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of LONDON, called Broad-street Ward.

WE will now proceed to make a Perambulation in Broad street Ward, whereof part lies, contiguous to Bishopsgate Ward: for it beginneth from the water Conduit, Westward on both sides of the street, by Athallows Church, to an Iron Grate on the Channel, which runneth into the water-course of Wall∣brook, before ye come to the Postern called Moregate, and this is the farthest West part of that Ward; Then have ye Broad street, where of the Ward taketh name, which stretcheth out of the former street, from the East Corner of Alhallowes Church-yard, somewhat South, to the Parish Church of Saint Peter the poor on both sides, and then by the South Gate of the Augustine Fryars, West, down Throgmorton street by the Drapers Hall, into Loathbury, to another Grate of Iron on the Channel there, whence the water runneth into the course of Wallbrook, under the East end of St. Margarets Church; certain posts of Timbe•• are there set up; and this is also the furthest West part of this Ward, in the said street, out of the which street it runneth up Bartholomew Lane, South, to the North side of the Exchange, then more East out of the for∣mer street; From over against the Fryars Augustines Church South gate, run∣neth up another part of Broad streete, South, to a Pump, over against St. Ben∣nets Church.

Then have ye one other street, called Threed-needle street, beginning at the Well with two Buckets, by St. Martins Oteswich Church Wall; This street runneth down on both sides to Finkes-Lane, now called Finch Lane, and half way up that Lane, to a Gate of a Marchants house on the West side, but not so far on the East; Then the aforesaid street, from this Finkes Lane now Finch Lane, runneth down by the Royal Exchange to the Stocks, and to a place commonly called, the Scalding-house, or Scalding wicke, but now Scalding Al∣ley, by the West side whereof, under the Parish Church of St. Mildred, runneth the course of VVallbrooke, and these be the bounds of this Ward.

Here stands the Parish Church of Alhallowes in the Wall, so called of standing close to the Wall of the City near Moorfields, and over against Winchester house, which was so vast and spacious a Mansion, that it has been many years since cut into divers habitations; For the Glasse-house stood in part of it, the Spanish Ambassadour had another part; And now of late, the Excise Office hath bin kept in another part.

On the other side of the street, among many proper Houses (possessed for the most part by Curriers) is the Carpenters Hall, which Company was Incorporated in the seventeenth year of Edward the fourth.

Then East from the Curriers row, is a long and high Wall of stone in the foresaid Winchester house, enclosing the North side of a large Garden, adioy∣ning to as large an house, builded in the Reigns of King Henry the eighth, and of Edward the sixth, by Sir William Powlet, Lord Treasurer of England, thorow his Garden, which (of old time) consisted of divers parts, now united, was sometimes a fair foot way, leading by the West end of the Augustine Fryars Church straight North, and opened somewhat West from Alhallowes Church against London Wall, towards Mooregate, which foot-way had Gates at either

end, locked up every night, but now the same way (being taken into those Gar∣dens) the Gates are closed up with Stone, whereby the people are enforced to go about by Saint Peters Church, and the East end of the said Fryers Church, and all the said great place and Garden of Sir William Pawlet, to London Wall, and so to Moorgate.

This great House adjoyning to the Garden aforesaid, stretcheth to the North corner of Broad-street, and then turneth up Broad-street all that side, to and be∣yond the East end of the said Friers Church; It was builded by the said Lord Treasurer, in place of Augustine Fryers House, Cloyster, and Gardens, &c. The Fryars Church he pulled not down, but the West end thereof, enclosed from the Steeple and Quire, was in the year 1550, granted to the Dutch Na∣tion in London, to be their preaching place; The other part, namely, the Stee∣ple, Quire, and side Iles to the Quire adjoyning, he reserved to household uses, as for Stowage of Corn, Coal, and other thing: his Son and Heir, Marquiss of VVinchester, ••old the Monuments of Noble men (there buried) in great number, Paving stone, and whatsoever, (which cost many thousand pounds) for one hundred pounds, and in place thereof; made fair ••abling for horses; He caused the Lead to be taken from the roofs, and laid Tyle in place, which exchange proved not so profitable as he looked for, but rather to his disadvan∣tage, for there have been some remarkable judgements upon that Family since.

On the East side of this Broad street amongst other buildings, on the back part of Gresham House, which is in Bishopsgate street, there are placed eight Alms-houses, builded of Brick and Timber, by Sir Thomas Gresham Knight, for eight Almes-men, which be now there placed rent-free, and receive each of them by his gift, six pound thirteen shillings four pence yearly for ever.

Next unto Pawlet House, is the Parish Church of Saint Peter the poor, so called for a difference from other of that name, sometime (peradventure) a poor Parish, but at this present there be many fair Houses, possessed by rich Marchants, and others. In this little Church there be some fair Monuments, one of Sir Thomas Lowe, and another of Sir VVilliam Garaway, with John Lucas Esquire of Colchester.

Then next have ye the Augustine Fryers Church, and Church-yard, the en∣tring thereunto by a South gate to the West Porch, a large Church having a most fine spired Steeple, small, high, and streight, that there are few the like, founded by Humphrey Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex, in the year one thou∣sand two hundred fifty three Riegnald Cobham gave this Messuage in London, to the enlarging thereof, in the year one thousand three hundred fourty four. Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex, re-edified this Church in the year 1354, whose Body was there buried in the Quire.

The small spired Steeple of this Church was overthrown by tempest of wind, in the year one thousand three hundred sixty two, but was raised of new, as still it might have stood, had not private benefit (the only devourer of Antiquity) pull'd it down.

Both that goodly Steeple, and all that East part of the Church, hath lately been taken down, and Houses (for one mans commodity) raised in the place, whereby London hath lost so goodly an ornament, and times hereafter may more talk of it.

This House was valued at fifty seven pounds, and was surrendred the twelfth of November, the 13 of Henry the 8. There were many great Monuments in this Fryers Church, one of Edmond first son to Joan mother to Richard the se∣cond, Guy de Meryke Earl of Saint Paul, Lucie Countesse of Kent, Richard the great Earl of Arundel, Surrey, & VVarren, Sir Francis Atcourt Earl of Pembrooke,

John Uere Earle of Oxford, with Aubery de Uere his son, the Lady of Bed∣ford, with Edward Duke of Buckingham, and very many more persons of quality.

On the South side, and at West end of this Church, many fair houses are builded; namely in Throgmorton street, one very large and spacious, builded in the place of old and small Tenements, by Thomas Cromwel, Master of the Kings Jewel-house, after that, Master of the Rolls, then Lord Cromwell Knight, Lord Privie Seal, Vicar General, Earl of Essex, high Chamberlain of England, &c. This house being finished, and having some reasonable plot of ground left for a Garden, he caused the ••ales of the Gardens adjoyning to the North part thereof, on a sudden to be taken down, two and twen∣ty foot to be measured forth-right into the North of every mans ground, a Line there to be drawn, a Trench to be cast, a foundation laid and an high Brick Wall to be builded; and this was suddenly and no warning given, nor other answer, but (when any spake to the Surveyers of that work) they said their Master Sir Thomas commanded them so to do; so that no man durst go to argue the matter, but each man lost his Land; Thus the sudden rising of some men, causeth them to forget themselves.

The Company of Drapers in London bought this House, and now the same is their Common Hall. This Company obtained of King Henry the sixth, in the seventeenth of his Reign, to be incorporate. John Gedney was chosen to be their first Master, and the four Wardens were, John VP otton, J. Darby, Robert Breton, and T. Cooke; The Armes granted to the said Company by Sir VVilliam Bridges Knight, first Garter King at Arms, in Blazon are thus. Three Sun Beams, issuing out of three Clouds of flame, crowned with three Crowns, Imperials of Gold, upon a Shield Azure.

From this Hall, on the same side, down to the Grates and course of VVall∣brooke, have ye divers fair houses for Marchants and other, from the which Grates back again on the other side in Lotisbury (so called in Record of Edward the third, the thirty eighth year, and now corruptly called Lothbury) are Can∣dlestick founders placed, till ye come to Bartholmew Lane, so called of Saint Bartholmew's Church, at the South-east corner thereof. In this Lane also are di∣vers fair builded Houses on both sides, and so likewise have ye in the other street, which stretcheth from the Fryers Augustines South gate, to the corner over against Saint Bennets Church. In this street, amongst other fair buildings the most ancient was (of old time) an house pertaining to the Abbot of Saint Al∣bans; John Catcher Alderman (after) dwelled there; Then is the free School, pertaining to the late dissolved Hospital of Saint Anthony, whereof more shall be shewed in another place, and so up to Thred-needle-street.

On the South part of which street, beginning at the East, by the Well with two Buckets, now turned to a Pump, is the Parish Church of Saint Martin cal∣led Oteswitch, of Martin de Oteswitch, Nicholas de Oteswich, William Oteswich, and John Oteswich Founders thereof, and all buried there, as appeareth by their Monuments.

There is also there a fair engraven Stone, with a Latine Epitaph upon the Lord James Fulkes Treasurer of Holland and Ambassador for the States of the united Provinces here in England. Sir Thomas Row gave 5 l. to perpetuity to this Parish, to buy Bread and Coals for the poor.

Some small distance from thence is the Merchant-Taylors Hall, pertaining to the Guild and Fraternity of Saint John Baptist, time out of mind called of Taylors and Linnen Armorers of London; For we find that King Edward the first, in the eight and twentieth of his Reign, confirmed this Guild by the name of Taylors and Linnen Armorers, and also gave to the Brethren thereof, autho∣rity every year at Mid-summer to hold a feast and to choose unto them a Go∣vernour

or Master, with Wardens; whereupon, the same year, one thou∣sand three hundred, on the Feast day of the Nativity of Saint John Baptist, they chose Henry de Ryall to be their Pilgrim; For the Master of this Mystery (as one that travelled for the whole Company) was then so called, untill the eleventh year of Richard the second, and the four Wardens were then called Purveyers of Alms, (now called Quartredge) of the said Fraternity.

This Merchant-Taylors Hall, sometime perteining to a worthy Gentleman, named Edmund Crepin, Dominus Creeping after some Record; he, in the year of Christ 1331, the sixth of Edward the third, for a certain sum of money to him paid, made this grant thereof, by the name of his principal Messuage, in the Wards of Cornhill and Broad-street, which Sir Oliver Ingham Knight, did then hold, to John of Yakeley the Kings Pavilion-maker; This was called the New Hall, or Taylors Inne, for a difference from their old Hall, which was a∣bout the back side of the Red Lion in Basing Lane, and in the Ward of Cord∣wayner street.

The one and twentieth of Edward the fourth, Thomas Holm, aliàs Clarentiaux King of Armes for the South part of England, granted by his Patents to the said Fraternity and Guild of Saint John Baptist of Taylors and Linnen Armorers, to bear in a field Silver, a Pavilion between two Mantles Imperial, Purple, garnished with Gold, in a chief Azure, a holy Lamb, set within a Sun, the Crest upon the Helm; a Pavilion purple, garnished with Gold, &c.

After this King Henry the seventh, was himself a Brother of this Fraternity, or Guild of S. John Baptist, of Taylors or Linnen Armorers, (as divers others of his Predecessors Kings had been) to wit Richard the third, Edward the fourth, Henry the sixth, Henry the fifth, Henry the fourth, and Richard the second. And for that divers of that Fraternity had (time out of mine) been great Merchants, and had frequented all sorts of Merchandizes into most parts of the world, to the honour of the Kings Realm, and to the great profit of his Subjects, and of his Progenitors, and the men of the said Mystery, (during the time aforesaid) had exercised the buying and selling of all Wares and Merchandi∣zes, especially, of Woollen Cloth, as well in grosse, as by retaile, through∣out all this Realm of England, and chiefly within the said City; therefore he of his especial grace, did change, transfer, and translate, the Guild aforesaid, and did incorporate them into the name of the Master and Wardens of the Merchant-Taylors, of the Fraternity of S. John Baptist in the City of London.

Some distance West from this Merchant-Taylors Hall, is Finkes Lane, so called of Robert Finke, and Robert Finke his son, James Finke and Rosamond Finke; Robert Finke the elder, new builded the Parish Church of Saint Bennet commonly called Finke of the Founder; his Tenements were both of St. Ben∣nets parish, and Saint Martins Oteswich Parish, the one half of this Finke Lane is of Broad-street ward, to wit, on the West side, up to the great and principal house, wherein the said Finke dwelled; But on the other side, namely the East, not so much towards Cornhil.

Then without this Lane, in the aforesaid Threed-Needle street, is the said Parish Church of Saint Bennet a handsome Church in which are sun∣dry old Monuments.

There happened lately a great fire in Threed-Needle street, over against Merchant-Taylors Hall, which rag'd as far as Saint Bennets Church Walls, and there the fury was stopped, otherwise it might have destroyed all this City. The French Reformers have their Sermons in this Church, and the exercise of Calvins Religion.

On the North side of this street, from over against the East corner, of St. Martins Osteswich Church, have ye divers fair and large houses, till you come to the Hospital of St. Anthony, sometime a Cell of St. Anthonies of Vienna; For we read, that King Henry the third, granted to the Brother-hood of St. An∣thony of Vienna, a place amongst the Jewes, which was sometime their Synagogue, and had been builded by them, about the year 1231. But the Christians ob∣tained of the King, that it should be dedicated to our blessed Lady; and since, an Hospital being there builded, was called St. Anthonies in London. It was founded in the Parish of St. Bennet Finke, for a Master, two Priests, one School-master, and twelve poor men; after which foundation, amongst other things, was given to this Hospital, one Messuage and Garden, whereon was builded the fair large Free-School, and one other parcel of ground, containing thirty seven foot in length, and eighteen foot in breadth, whereon were builded the Alms-Houses of hard Stone and Timber, in the Reign of Henry the sixth. Which said Henry the sixth, in the twentieth of his Reign, gave unto John Carpenter, Dr. of Divinity, and Master of St. Anthonies Hospital, and to his Brethren, and their Successors for ever, his Mannor of Pomington, with the appurtenances, with certain Pensions, and Portions of Milburn, Burneworth, Charleton, and Up-Wimburn, in the County of Southhampton, towards the maintenance of five Scholars in the University of Oxford, to be brought up in the faculty of Arts, af∣ter the rate of ten pence the week for every Scholar; so that the said Scholars be first instructed in the rudiments of Grammar, at the Colledge of Eaton, foun∣ded by the said King.

In the year 1474. Edward the 4th granted to William Say, Batchelor of Di∣vinity, Master of the said Hospital, to have Priests, Clerks, Scholars, poor men, and Brethren of the same, Clerks, or Laymen, Queristers, Procters, Messengers, Servants in Houshold, and other things whatsoever, like as the Prior, and Co∣vent of St. Anthonies of Vienna, &c. He also annexed, united, and appropriated the said Hospital, unto the Collegiate of St. George in Windsor.

The Protectors of this House, were to collect the benevolence of charitable Persons, towards the building and supporting thereof.

In the year 1499. Sir John Tate, sometime Alebrewer, then a Mercer, caused his Brewhouse, called the Swan, near adjoyning to the said Free Chap∣pel, College, or Hospital of St. Anthony, to be taken for the enlarging of the Church, which was then newly builded; toward the building whereof, the said Tate gave great sums of money, and finished it in the year 1501, Sir John Tate, deceased 1514. and was there buried, under a fair Monument by him prepared, Dr. Taylor Master of the Rolls, and other.

Walter Champion, Draper, one of the Sheriffs of London, 1529. was buried there, and gave to the Beadmen twenty pounds, The Lands by year of this Hospital, were valued in the 37. of King Henry the eighth, to be 55 l. 6 s. and 8. pence.

One Johnson (a Schoolmaster of the famous Free-School there) became a prebend of Windsor, and then (by little and little) followed the spoil of this Hospital: he first dissolved the Quire, conveyed away the Plate and Ornaments, then the Bels; and lastly, put out the Alms men from their houses, appoin∣ting them portions of twelve pence the week to each; but now I hear of no such matter performed; for their houses, with other, be letten out for rent, and the Church is a preaching place for the French Nation, as was touched before.

This School was commended in the Reign of Henry the sixth, and sithence commended above other; but now decayed, and come to nothing, by taking that from it, which thereunto belonged.

Next is the Parish Church of St. Bartholmew, at the end of Bartholmew Lane, Thomas Pike Alderman, with the assistance of Nicholas Yoo, one of the Sheriffs

of London, about the year 1438. new builded this Church.

West from this Church, have ye Scalding Alley, of old time called Scalding House, or Scalding wick, because that ground (for the most part) was then im∣ployed by Poulterers, that dwelled in the high street, from the Stocks Market, to the great Conduit. Their Poultry which they sold at their stalls, were scal∣ded there: the street doth yet bear the name of the Poultry, and the Poulte∣rers are but lately departed from thence, into other streets, as into Grasse-street, and the ends of St. Nicholas Flesh-shambles.

This Scalding wick, is the farthest part of Broadstreet-Ward, and is (by the water called Wallbrook) parted from Cheap-Ward.

Of the Seventh Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of London, called Corn-hill Ward.

NOw Cornhil Ward comes to consideration, corruptly called Cornwel by the vulgar; It was called Corn-hill of a Corn-Market, time out of mind there holden, and is a part of the principal high street, begin∣ning at the West end of Leaden-Hall, stretching down West, on both the sides, by the South end of Finkes Lane, on the right hand, and by the North end of Birchoven Lane, on the left part: of which Lanes, to wit, to the middle of them, is of this Ward, and so down to the Stocks Market; and this is the bounds. The upper or East part of this Ward, and also a part of Limestreet Ward, hath been (as I said) a Market-place, especially for Corn, and since for all kind of Victuals, as is partly shewed in Limestreet Ward.

It appeareth by Record, that in the year 1522. the Rippiers of Rie and other places, sold their fresh Fish in Leaden-hall Market upon Cornhill; but forraign Butchers were not admitted there to sell Flesh, till the year 1533.

And it was enacted, that Butchers should sell their Bief, not above a half peny the pound; and Mutton, half peny, half farthing: which Act being de∣vised, for the great Commodity of the Realm, (as it was then thought) hath since proved far otherwise; for, before that time, a fat Oxe was sold at London, for six and twenty shillings eight pence, at the most; a fat Weather, for three shillings four pence; a fat Calf at the same price; a fat Lamb for twelve pence; pieces of Bief weighing, 2. pounds and a half at the least, yea, 3. pound or better for a peny, on every Butchers Stall in this City; and of those pieces of Bief, 13, or fourteen for twelve pence; fat Mutton for eight pence the quarter; and one hundred weight of Bief, for four shillings eight pence, at the dearest.

What the price is now, I need not set down; many men thought the same Act to raise the price, by reason that Grasiers knew, or supposed what weight every their Beasts contained; and so raising their price thereafter, the Butcher could be no gainer, but by likewise raising his price: the number of Butchers then in the City and Suburbs, was accounted sixscore, of which every one killed six Oxen a peece weekly, which is in forty six weeks, 33120. Oxen, or seven hun∣dred and twenty Oxen weekly.

The forraign Butchers (for a long time) stood in the high street of Limestreet-Ward, on the North side, twice every week, viz, Wednesdayes and Saturdayes, and were some gain to the Tenants, before whose doors they stood, and into

whose houses they set their blocks and stalls; but that advantage being espied, they were taken into Leaden-Hall, there to pay for their standing to the Cham∣ber of London.

Thus much for the Market upon Cornhill.

The chief Ornaments in Cornhill-VVard, are these;

First, at the East end thereof, in the middle of the high street, and at the parting of four wayes, have ye a Water-Standard, placed in the year 1582. in manner following; A certain German, named Peter Morris, having made an ar∣tificial Forcier for that purpose, conveyed Thames-water in Pipes of Lead, over the Steeple of St. Magnus Church, at the North end of London-Bridge; and from thence into divers mens Houses in Thames-street, New Fish-street, and Grasse-street, (now Gracious-street) up to the North West corner of Leaden-hall, the highest ground of all the City; where the waste of the main Pipe rising into this Standard (provided at the charges of the City) with four spouts, did at every Tyde run (according to Covenant) four wayes, plentifully serving to the Commodity of the Inhabitants, near adjoyning in their houses; and also clean∣sed the Channels of the street, toward Bishops-gate, Aldgate, the Bridge, and the Stocks Market; but now no such matter, by what default I know not.

Then have ye a fair Conduit, of sweet water, castellated in the midst of that Ward; This Conduit was first builded of stone, in the year 1282. by Henry VVallis, Maior of London, to be a Prison for Night-walkers, and other suspicious persons, and was called the Tunne upon Cornhill; because the same was builded somewhat in fashion of a Tunne, standing on the one end.

To this Prison, the Night-watchers to this City, committed not only Night-walkers, but also other persons, as well spiritual as temporal, whom they sus∣pected of incontinency, and punished them according to the customs of this City; but complaint therefore being made, about the year of Christ, 1297. King Edward the first, writeth to the Citizens thus.

Edward by the Grace of God, &c.

VVhereas Richard Gravesend Bishop of London, hath shewed unto us, that by the great Charter of England, the Church hath a priviledge, that no Clark should be imprisoned by a Lay-man, without our Commandment, and breach of peace: Which notwithstanding, some Ci∣tizens of London, upon meer spight, do enter in their vvatches, into Clarks Chambers, and then (like Felons) carry them to the Tunne, which Henry le Wallis, sometime Maior, built for Night-walkers; wherefore we will, that this our Commandment, be proclaimed in a full Hustings, and that no vvatch hereafter enter into any Clarks Chamber, under the forfeit of thirty pounds.

Dated at Carlile, the 18th of March, the 25. of our Reign.

More we read, that about the year of Christ 1299. the seven and twentieth of Edward the first, certain principal Citizens of London, to wit, T. Romane, Rich: Gloucester, Nicholas Faringdon Adam Helingbury, T. Saly, John Dun∣stable, Richard Ashwy, John Wade, and William Stortforde, brake up this Prison, called the Tunne, and took out certain Prisoners; for the which they were sharply punished, by long Imprisonment, and great fines; It cost the Citizens (as some have written) more than 20000 Marks, which they were amerced in, before William de March, Treasurer of the Kings Exchequer, to purchase the Kings favour, and the confirmation of their Liberties.

By the West side of the aforesaid Prison, then called the Tunne, was a fair Well of Spring water, curbed round with hard stone, but in the year 1401. the said Prison house called the Tunne, was made a Cestern for sweet water, con∣veyed by Pipes of Lead, from Tyburne, and was from thenceforth called the Conduit upon Cornhil; Then was the Well planked over, and a strong Prison made of Timber, called a Cage, with a pair of Stocks therein, set upon it; and this was for Night-walkers: on the top of which Cage, was placed a Pillory, for the punishment of Bakers, offending in the assize of Bread, for Millers

stealing of Corn at the Mill; for Bawds, Scholds, and other offen∣ders.

As in the year 1468. the seventh of Edward the fourth, divers persons, be∣ing common Jurors, such as at Assizes, were forsworn for rewards, or favour of parties, were judged to ride from Newgate, to the Pillory in Corn-hill, with / Miters of Paper on their heads, there to stand, and from thence again to New∣gate, and this judgement was given by the Maior of London.

On the North side of this street, from the East unto the West, have ye divers fair houses, for Marchants and others; amongst the which, one large House is called the Wey-house, where Marchandizes brought from beyond the Seas, are to be weighed at the Kings Beame: this House hath a Master, and under him four Master-Porters, with Porters under them, they have a strong Cart, and four great Horses, to draw and carry the Wares from the Marchants Houses to the Beam, and back again; Sir Thomas Lovel, Knight, builded this House, with a fair front of Tenements, toward the street, all which he gave to the Grocers of London, himself being free of the City, and a Brother of that Com∣pany.

Then have ye the said Finks Lane, the South end of which Lane, on both sides, is in Corn-hill Ward.

Then next is the Royal Exchange, erected in the year 1566. after this Order, viz. certain Houses upon Corn-hill, and the like upon the part thereof, in the Ward of Broadstreet, with three Allies; the first called Swan Alley, opening into Corn-hill; the second, New Alley, passing through out of Corn-hill, into Broadstreet Ward, over against St. Bartholomew-Lane; the third, St. Christo∣phers Alley, opening into Broadstreet-Ward, and into St. Christophers Parish, containing many thick Housholds, were first purchased by the Citizens of Lon∣don, for more than 3532. pounds, and were sold for 478. pounds, to such per∣sons as should take them down, and carry them thence; Also the ground, or plot was made plain, at the Charges of the City, and then possession thereof was by certain Aldermen (in name of the whole Citizens) given to Sir Tho∣mas Gresham Knight, sometimes Agent to the Queens Highness, thereupon to build a Burse, or place for Marchants to assemble in, at his own proper charges; And he, on the seventh of June, laying the first stone of the Foundation, being Brick, accompanied with some Aldermen, every of them laid a piece of Gold, which the Workmen took up; and forthwith followed upon the same, such di∣ligence, that by the Moneth of November, in the year 1567. the same was co∣vered with slate, and shortly after fully finished.

In the year 1570. on the 23. of January, the Queens Majesty, attended with her Nobility, came from her House at the Strand, called Sommerset-House, and entred the City by Temple-Barre, through Fleet-street, Cheape, and so by the North side of the Burse, through Thredneedle-street, to Sir Thomas Greshams House in Bishop gate-street, where she dined: After dinner, her Majesty returning through Corn-hill, entred the Burse on the South side; and after she had viewed every part thereof above the ground, especially the Pawne, which was richly fur∣nished with all sorts of the finest Wares in the City, she caused the same Burse, by an Haurald and a Trumpet, to be proclaimed at the Royal Exchange, and so to to be called from thenceforth, and not otherwise.

Next adjoyning to this Royal Exchange, remaineth one part of a large stone House, and is now called the Castle, of such a sign at a Tavern door; there is a passage thorough out of Cornhill, into Threed-needle street; The other part of the said stone House was taken down, for enlarging the Royal Exchange; This stone House was said of some to have been a Church, whereof it had no propor∣tion; of others, a Jewes House, as though none but Jewes had dwelt in stone houses, but that opinion is without warrant.

For beside the strong building of stone houses, against invasion of thieves in the night when no watches were kept, In the first year of Rich∣ard the first, (to prevent casualties of fire, which often had hapned in the City, when the Houses were builded of Timber, and covered with Reed and Straw, Henry Fitz Allwine being Mayor) it was Decreed, That from thenceforth, no man should build within the City but of stone unto a certain height, and to cover the same building with Slate, or burnt Tyle; This was the very cause of such stone Buildings, whereof many have remained until our time that for gaining of ground, they have been taken down, and in place of some of them being low, (as but two Stories above the ground) many Houses of four or five Stories high are placed.

From this Stone House down to the Stocks, are divers large Houses, especial∣ly for height, for Merchants and Artificers.

On the South side of this High-street, is the Parish Church of Saint Peter upon Cornhill, which seemeth to be of an ancient building, but not so ancient as fame reporteth; for it hath been lately repaired, if not all new builded, ex∣cept the Steeple which is ancient.

The Roof of this Church and Glazing, was finished in the Reign of King Ed∣ward the fourth, as appeareth by Armes of Noble men, and Aldermen of Lon∣don then living. There remaineth in this Church a Table, wherein it is written I know not by what Authority, but of no late hand, that King Lucius founded the same Church, to be an Archbishops See, Metropolitane, and chief Church of his Kingdom, and that it so continued the space of four hundred years, unto the coming of Augustine the Monk.

Now, because many may be curious to be further acquainted therewith, I have here inserted the same Verbatim, as it is there recorded in the Table.

BE it known unto all men, that the year of our Lord God 179, Lucius the first Christian King of this Land, then called Britaine, founded the first Church in London, that is to say, the Church of St. Peter upon Cornhill; and he founded there an Archbishops See, and made that Church the Metropolitan and chief Church of this Kingdom, and so endured the space of four hundred years, unto the coming of St. Austin, the Apostle of the English, the which was sent into this Land by St. Gregory the Doctor of the Church, in the time of King Ethilbert; And then was the Archbishops See, and Pall, removed from the foresaid Church of St. Peter upon Cornhill, unto Doreburniam that now is called Canterbury, and there remaineth to this day. And Millet the Monk, which came into the Land with S. Austin, was made this first Bishop of London, and his See was made in Pauls Church, And this King Lucius was the first Founder of St. Peters Church upon Cornhill; and he reigned in this Land after Brute, a thousand two hundred fourty five years, and the year of our Lord God, a hun∣dred twenty four, Lucius was Crowned King; and the years of his Reign were seventy seven years, and he was (after some Chronicle) buried at London; and (after some Chronicle) he was buried at Glocester, in that place where the Or∣der of St. Francis standeth now.

Joceline of Furncis writeth, that Thean or Theon, the first Arch bishop of Lon∣don in the Reign of Lucius builded the said Church, by the aid of Ciran chief Butler to King Lucius: and also that Elvanus the second Archbishop buil∣ded a Library to the same adjoyning, and converted many of the Druydes lear∣ned men in the Pagan Law, to Christianity.

William Harrison, discoursing hereon more at large, hath these very words,

There is a Controversy (saith he) moved among our Historiographers, whe∣ther the Church that Lucins built at London, stood at Westminster or in Cornhill;

For, there is some cause, why the Metropolitane Church should be thought to stand where St. Peters now doth, by the space of four hundred and od years, be∣fore it was removed to Canterbury by Austin the Monk, if a man would lean to one side without any conference of the asseverations of the other; But herein there may lurk some scruple; for, besides that St. Peters Church stood in the East end of the City, and that of Apollo in the West; the word Cornhil, a deno∣mination given of late (to speak of) to one street, may easily be mistaken for Thorney.

For as the word Thorney, proceedeth from the Saxons, who called the West end of the City by that ••ame where Westminster now standeth, because of the wildernesse and bushinesse of the soile, so we do not read of any street in London, called Cornhill, before the Conquest of the Normans: wherefore, I hold with them, which make Westminster to be the place, where Lucius builded his Church, upon the ruines of that Fane, 264 years (as Malmsbury saith) be∣fore the coming of the Saxons, and four hundred and eleven before the arrival of Augustine.

Read also his Appendix in Lib. fourth Pontif. where he noteth the time of the Saxons, in the 444 of Grace, and of Augustine in 596 of Christ, which is a manifest account, though some Copies have 499 for the one, but not without∣manifest corruption and error.

And now to return where we left; True it is, that a Library there was, per∣taining to this Parish Church, of old time builded of Stone, and of late repaired with Brick, by the Executors of Sir John Crosby Alderman, as his Arms on the South end do witnesse.

This Library hath been (of late time) to wit within this seventy years, well furnished of Books, John Leyland viewed and commended them: but now those Books are gone, and this place is occupied by a School-master, and his Usher, for a number of Scholers learning their Grammer Rules, &c. Notwithstanding before that time, a Grammar School had been kept in this Parish, as appeareth in the year a thousand four hundred twenty five.

We read, that John Whitby was Rector, and John Steward School-master there; and in the five and twentieth of Henry the sixth, it was Enacted by Par∣liament, that four Grammer Schools in London, should be maintained, viz In the Parishes of Alhallowes in Thames street, Saint Andrew in Oldburn, Saint Peters upon Cornhill, and Saint Thomas of Acres.

Then have ye the Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel: for the antiquity thereof, we find that Alnothus the Priest, gave it to the Abbot and Covent of Covesham; Raynold the Abbot and the Covent there, did grant the same to Sparling the Priest, in all measures, as he and his Predecessors before had held it: to the which Sparling also, they granted all their Lands which they there had, except certain Lands which Orgar le proud held of them, and paid two shillings yearly; For the which grant, the said Sparling should yearly pay one mark of Rent to the said Abbot of Covesham, and find him his lodging, Salt, Water, and Fire, when he came to London; This was granted, a thousand one hundred thirty three, about the thirty four of Henry the first.

The fair new Steeple or Bell-Tower of this Church, was begun to be builded in the year 1421, which being finished, and a fair ring of five Bells therein placed, a sixth Bell was added, and given by John VVhitwell, Isabel his Wife, and William Rus, or Rous Alderman, and Goldsmith, about the year 1430, which Bell named Rus, (nightly at eight of the clock, and otherwise for Knels, and in Peals, rung by one man by the space of 160 years) of late over-haled by four or five at once, hath been thrice broken, and new cast, within the space of ten years, to the charges of that Parish more than 100 marks.

And here note of this Steeple: Upon St. James night, certain men in the loft next under the Bells, ringing of a peal, a tempest of Lightning and Thunder did

arise, and an ugly-shapen sight appeared to them, coming in at the South Win∣dow, and lighted on the North, for fear whereof, they all fell down, and lay as dead for the time, letting the Bells ring and cease of their own accord; When the Ringers came to themselves, they found certain stones o•• the North Win∣dow to be raised, and scratched, as if they had been so much Butter printed with a Lions claw. The same stones were fastned there again, and so remain till this day; they may be seen to this day, together with the holes where the claws had entred, three or four inches deep.

At the same time, certain main Timber posts at Queen-Hith, were scratched and cleft from the top to the bottome; and the Pulpit-crosse in Pauls Church-yard, was likewise scratcht, cleft, and overturned; One of the Ringers lived in Queen Elizabeths time, who would verifie the same to be true to his know∣ledge.

Robert Fabian Alderman, and Chronicler of England, lieth buried in this Church, with divers others persons of note.

This Parish Church hath on the South side thereof a hansome Cloyster, and a fair Church-yard, with a Pulpit-cross, not much unlike to that in Pauls Church-yard; Sir John Rudstone Mayor, caused the same Pulpit-crosse in his life time to be builded, the Church-yard to be enlarged, by ground purchased of the next Parish; and also hansome Houses to be raised, for lodging of Quire men, such as at that time were assistants to Divine Service, then daily sung by note in that Church.

Then have ye Burchover Lane, so called of Burchover the first builder, and owner thereof, now corruptly called Birchin Lane; the North half whereof, is the said Cornhill Ward, the other half is of Langborn Ward.

This Lane and the High-street neer adjoyning, hath been of old inhabited (for the most part) with wealthy Drapers, in whose room now Mercers and Silk∣men are come; from Birchover Lane, on that side the street down to the Stocks, in the Reign of Henry the sixth, had ye (for the most part) dwelling there, Frippers or Upholders, that sold Apparrel and old houshold stuff.

The Popes-head Taverne, with other Houses adjoyning, strongly buil∣ded of Stone, hath of old time been all in one, appertaining to some great Estate, or rather to the King of this Realm, as may be supposed, both by largenesse thereof, and by the Armes, to wit, three Leopards passant gar∣dant, which was the whole Arms of England, before the Reign of Edward the Third, that quartered them with the Armes of France, the three Flower de Luces.

Of the Eighth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of LONDON, called Langborn Ward.

VVE are now by discourse, and degrees of observation, come to Langbourn Ward, so called of a long Bourn of sweet water, which (of old time) breaking out into Fenne Church-street, ran down the same street, and Lombard street to the West end of St. Mary Woolnoths Church, where turning South, and breaking into small sloares, rills, or streams, it gave the name of Share-borne Lane, or South-borne Lane, (as we read) because it ran South to the River of of Thames; This Ward beginneth at the West end of Ealdgate Ward in Fen-Church street, by the Ironmongers Hall, which is on the North side of that street, at a place called Culver Alley, where sometime was a Lane, through which men went into Lime-street, but that being long since stopped up, for suspition of Theeves that lurked there by night, as is shewed in Lime-street Ward; there is now in this said Alley a Tennis-Court, &c.

Fen-Church-street, took that name of Fenny or Moorish ground, so made by means of this Bourne, which passed through it; And therefore (until this day) in the Guild-Hall of this City, that Ward is called by the name of Langbourne, and Fenny about, and not otherwise; yet others be of opinion, that it took that name of Faenum, that is, Hay sold there, as Grass-street took the name of Grasse or Herbs there sold.

In the midst of this street standeth a small Parish Church called, S. Gabriel Fen-Church, corruptly Fan-Church.

Helming Legget Esquire, by Licence of Edward the third, in the fourty ninth of his Reign, gave one Tenement, with a currelarge thereto belonging, and a Garden with an entrey thereto leading, unto Sir John Hariot, Parson of Fen-Church, and to his Successors for ever, the House to be a Parsonage House, the Garden to be a Church-yard or burying place for the Parish.

Then have ye Lombard street, so called of the Longobards, and other Mer∣chants strangers of divers Nations, assembling there twice every day: of what original, or continuance it hath been, ther's no Record, more than that Ed∣ward the second, in the twelfth of his Reign, confirmed a Messuage sometime belonging to Robert Turk abutting on Lombard street toward the South, and to∣ward Cornhill on the North, for the Marchants of Florence, which proveth that street to have had the name of of Lombard street before the Reign of Edward the second; The meeting of which Merchants, and others there, continued until the 22th of December in the year 1568, on the which day, the said Mer∣chants began to make their Meetings at the Burse, a place then new builded for that purpose, in the Ward of Cornhill; and was since by her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, named the Royal Exchange.

On the North side of this Ward, is Lime street, one half whereof (on both sides) is of this Langbourne Ward, and therein on the West side, is the Pewterers Hall, which Company were admitted to be a Brotherhood in the thirteenth of Edward the fourth.

At the South West corner of Limestreet, standeth a fair Parish Church of St. Dionys, called Back-Church, new builded in the Reign of Henry the sixth. John Bugge Esquire, was a great Benefactor to that work, as appeareth by his Arms, three water-Budgets, and his Crest a Morions head, graven in the stone-work of the Quire, at the upper end on the North side, where he was buried.

Also John Darby, Alderman, added thereunto, a fair Ile or Chappel on the South side, and was there buried, about the year 1466. He gave (besides sundry Ornaments) his dwelling House, and others unto the said Church; The Lady Wich, Sir Edward Osborn, Sir James Harvey, with divers other persons, and Benefactors to that Church, lie interred there.

Then by the four Corners (so called of Fen-Church-street in the East, Bridge-street on the South, Grasse-street on the North, and Lumbard-street on the West) in Lumbard-street is one fair Parish Church, called Alhallowes Grasse-Church in Lumbard-street; for so 'tis read in Evidences of Record; for that the Grasse-Market, went down that way, when that street was farre broa∣der then now it is, being straightned by incroachments now.

This Church was new builded: John Warner, Armorer, and then Grocer, Sheriff 1494. builded the South Ile, his Sonne Robert Warner, Esquire, finish∣ed it, in the year 1516. The Pewterers were benefactors towards the North Ile, &c. The Steeple, or Bel-Tower thereof, was finished in the year 1554. a∣bout the 36. of Henry the 8th, The fair Stone-Porch of this Church, was brought from the late dissolved Priory of St. John of Jerusalem, by Smithfield, so was the frame of their Bells; but the Bells being bought, were never brought thither, by reason that one old VVarner, Draper of that Parish deceasing, his Sonne Mark VVarner, would not perform what his Father had begun and ap∣pointed, so that fair Steeple hath but one Bell, as Fryers were wont to use, &c.

Next is a common Ostery for Travellers, called the George, of such a signe. This is said to have pertained to the Earl Ferrers, and was his London Lodging in Lumbardstreet. And that in the year 1175. a Brother of the said Earl, be∣ing there privilyslain in the night, was there thrown down into the dirty street.

Next is the Parish Church of St. Edmond, the King and Martyr, in Lumbard-street, by the South corner of Birchover Lane.

This Church is also called St. Edmond Grasse-Church, because the said Grasse-Market came down so low; Sir John M••lburn, and Sir VVilliam Chester, both Lord Maiors, with others, have Monuments in this Church.

From this Church down Lombard-street, by Birchovers Lane, (the one half of which Lane is of this Ward) and so down, be divers fair Houses; namely, one with a fair fore-front towards the street, builded by Sir Martin Bowes, Gold∣smith, since Maior of London. And then one other, sometime belonging to William de la pole, Earl of Suffolk in the 24. of Richard the second, and was his Marchants House, and so down towards the Stocks Market, lacking but some three houses thereof.

The South side of this Ward beginneth in the East, at the Chain to be drawn thwart Mart-Lane, up into Fenchurch-street, and so West, by the North end of Mincheon-Lane, to St. Margaret Pattens street, or Rood Lane, and down that street to the mid-way, towards St. Margarets Church, then by Philpot-Lane, (so called of Sir John Philpot that dwelled there, and was owner thereof) and down that Lane, some six or eight houses, on each side, is all of this Ward.

Then by Grasse-Church corner, into Lumbard-street, to St. Clements Lane, and down the same to St. Clements Church, then down St. Nicholas Lane, and down the same to St. Nicholas Church, and the same Church is of this Ward.

Then to Abchurch Lane, and down some small portion thereof; then down Sherborn-Lane, a part thereof, and a part of Bearbinder-Lane, be of this Ward, and then down Lumbard-street, to the sign of the Angel, almost to the corner over against the Stocks Market.

On the South side of this Ward, somewhat within Mart-lane, have ye the Parish Church of Alhallowes, commonly called Stane-Church, (as may be sup∣posed) for a difference from other Churches of that name in this City, which (of old time) were builded of Timber, and since were builded of stone; Sir John Test, Knight of the holy Sepulcher, hath here a Monument with others.

Then is the Parish Church of St. Nicholas Acon, or Hacon (for so it is read in the Records) in Lombardstreet. Sir John Bridges Draper, Maior 1520. newly repaired this Church, and imbattelled it, and was there buried.

Then is there (in the high street) a comely Parish Church of St. Mary Wol∣noth, of the Nativity; the reason of which name, the Annals make no mention; This Church is lately new builded, Sir Hugh Price Goldsmith, Mayor in the first year of Henry the 7th, Keeper of the Kings Exchange at London, and one of the Governours of the Kings Mint in the Tower of London, under William Lord Hastings, the fifth of Edward the fourth deceased, 1496. He builded in this Church a Chappel, called the Charnel; as also part of the Body of the Church, and of the Steeple, and gave money toward the finishing thereof, be∣sides the stone that he had prepared; he was buried in the Body of the Church, and Guy Brice or Boys, was also buried there, with some other of note.

Simon Eyre, 1459. He gave the Tavern, called the Cardinals Hat in Lum∣bard-street, with a Tenement annexed on the East part of the Tavern, and a Mansion behind the East Tenement; together, with an Ally from Lumbard-street to Corn-hill, with the appurtenances; all which were by him new buil∣ded, toward a Brother-hood of our Lady in St. Mary Wolnoths Church: A∣mong others Sir Martin Bowes hath a Monument there, who Anno 1569. gave certain Lands for discharging Langborn Ward, of all fifteens granted by Parliament.

Of the Ninth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of London, called Billings∣gate Ward.

WE will now go South-East, and take a Survey of Billingsgate-Ward, which beginneth at the West end of Tower-street Ward in Thames-street, about Smarts Key, and runneth down along that street, on the South side, to St. Magnus Church, at the Bridge foot, and on the North side of the said Thames-street, from over against Smarts Key till over against the North-West Corner of St. Magnus Church aforesaid.

On this North side of Thames-street, is St. Mary Hill Lane, up to St. Mar∣garets Church, and then part of St. Margarets Pattens street, at the end of St. Mary Hills Lane; next out of Thames-street, is Lucas Lane; and then Buttolph Lane; and at the North end thereof Philpot Lane, Then is there Rother Lane, of old time so called; and thwart the same Lane is little East-Cheape, And these be the bounds of Billingsgate Ward.

Touching the principal Ornaments within this Ward, on the South side of Thamesstreet, beginning at the East end thereof; there is first the said Smarts Key, so called, of one Smart, sometime owner thereof.

The next is Billingsgate, whereof the whole Ward taketh name, the which (leaving out of the Roman's faining it to be builded by King Belinus, a Britain, long before the Incarnation of Christ) is at this present, a large Water-gate, Port, or Harbor for Ships and Boats, commonly arriving there with Fish, both fresh and salt, Shell-fishes, Salt, Oranges, Onions, and other Fruits and Roots, Wheat, Rie, and Grain of divers sorts, for service of the City, and the parts of this Realm adjoyning. This Gate is now more frequented, then of old time, when the Queens Hith was used, as being appointed by the Kings of this Realm, to be the special or only Port, for taking up of all such kind of Mar∣chandizes, brought to this City by strangers and Forraigners, because the Draw-Bridge of Timber at London Bridge, was then to be raised, and drawn up for passage of Ships, with tops to the said Queen Hith.

Touching the ancient Customs of Billingsgate, in the Reign of Edward the third; every great Ship landing there, paid for standage, two pence, every little Ship with orelocks, a peny: the lesser Boat, called a Battle, a half-peny; or two quarters of Corn measured, the King was to have one farthing; of a Combe of Corn, a peny, of every weight going out of the City, a half peny, of two quar∣ters of Sea-Coals measured, a farthing; and of every Tun of Ale, going out of England, beyond the Seas, by Marchants strangers, four pence; of every thou∣sand Herrings, a farthing, except the Franchises, &c.

Next to this is, Sommers Key, which likewise took that name, of one Som∣mer, dwelling there, as did Lyon Key, of one Lyon, owner thereof, and since of the Signe of the Lyon.

Then is there a fair Wharf or Key, called Buttolphs-gate, by that name so called, in the time of William the Conqueror, and before him, of Edward the Confessor.

Next is the Parish of St. Buttolph, a comely Church, and hath had many fair Monuments therein, now much defaced and gone; Among others, there is William Rainwel and his Sonne, who gave a Stone-House to be a Vestry to that Church; with Lands and Tenements to discharge Billingsgate, Dowgate, and Algate, of fifteens granted to the King, and other Tolls: this was about the year 1426.

This Parish of St. Buttolph, is no great thing; notwithstanding, divers stran∣gers are there harboured, as may appear by a presentment, not many years since made, of strangers Inhabitants in the Ward of Billingsgate, in these words.

In Billingsgate Ward, were one and fifty Housholds of strangers, whereof thirty of these Housholders, inhabited in the Parish of St. Buttolph, in the chief and principal Houses, where they give twenty pounds a year, for an house let∣ten, used to be let before for four marks: the nearer they dwell to the Water side, the more they give for Houses; and within 30. years before, there was not in the whole Ward above three Nether landers; at which time, there was within the said Parish, levied for the help of the poor, seven and twenty pounds by the year; but since they came so plentifully thither, there cannot be ga∣thered above eleven pounds; the strangers being exempted, to contribute to such charges as other Citizens do, in regard they much advance the Trade of the City.

On the North side is Bosse Alley, so called of a Bosse of Spring-water, conti∣nually running, which standeth by Billingsgate, against this Alley; and was sometimes made by the Executors of Richard Whittington.

Then is St. Mary Hill lane which runneth up North from Billingsgare, to the end of St. Margaret Pattens, commonly called Rood-lane; and the greatest half of that Lane, is also of Billingsgate Ward. In this St. Mary Hill lane, is the fair Parish Church of St. Mary on the Hill, called so, because of the ascent from Billingsgate.

In the year 1497. in the Moneth of April, as labourers digged for the foun∣dation of a Wall, within the Church of St. Mary Hill, near unto Billingsgate, they found a Coffin of rotten Timber, and therein the Corps of a Woman, whole of skin, and of bones undissevered, with the joynts of her Arms, ply∣able, without breaking of the skin, upon whose Sepulcher this was en∣graven.

Here lie the Bodies of Richard Hackney, Fishmonger, and Alice his Wife; The which. Richard, was Sheriff, in the fifteenth of Ed∣ward the second.

Her Body was kept above ground three or four dayes, without noyance; but then it waxed unfavory, and was again buried.

This Lane on both sides, is furnished with fair Houses for Marchants, and hath at the North end thereof, one other Lane, called St. Margaret Pattens, because of old time, Pattens were usually there made and sold; but of latter time, this is called Rood Lane, of a Rood there placed, in the Church-yard of St. Margaret, whilest the old Church was taken down, and again new builded; during which time, the oblations made to this Rood, were imployed towards building of the Church; But in the year 1538. about the 23. of May in the morning, the said Rood was found to have been in the night preceding (by people unknown) broken all to pieces; together, with the Tabernacle, where∣in it had bin placed.

Then have ye another Lane, called Rother Lane, or Red Rose Lane, of such a signe there, now commonly called Pudding Lane, because the Butchers of East-Cheape, have their Scalding-house for Hoggs there, & their Puddings, with other filth of Beasts, are voided down that way to their Dung-boats on the Thames: In this Church you have the Sepulchers of sundry worthy men, among other of Mr. Vandepute, a very worthy Marchant, whose Son Mr. Giles Vandepute, was lately buried also there.

Then on the West side of St. Mary Hill Church, is a Lane called Rope-lane of old, and after Lucas-lane, but now Love lane; Then have you the Parish of St. Andrew Hubbart in East-Cheape; Then is there Buttolph-lane, and afterwards the Church of St. George Buttolph-lane, which though small, hath divers Monu∣ments.

Of the Tenth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of London, called Bridg-Ward within.

WE will direct our pace downward now, and take a Survey of Bridge Ward within, so called of London Bridge, which Bridge is a principal part of that Ward, and beginning at the Stulps on the South end by Southwark, runneth along the Bridge, and North up Bridge-street, commonly called (of the Fish Market) New Fish-street, from Fish-street Hill up Grass-street, to the North corner of Grass-Church. All the Bridge is replenished on both the sides, with large, fair, and beautiful buildings, Inhabitants for the most part Rich Marchants, and other wealthy Cittizens, Mercers, and Haberdashers.

In New Fish-street, be Fishmongers and fair Taverns; on Fish-street Hill, and Grasse-street, men of divers Trades, Grocers, and Haberdashers.

In Grass-street, have ye one fair Conduit of sweet water, castellated with crest and vent, made by the appointment of Thomas Hill Mayor, 1484, who gave by his Testament a hundred Marks towards the conveyance of water to this place; it was begun by his Executors in the year 1491, and finished of his goods, what∣soever it cost.

On the East side of this Bridge Ward, have ye the fair Parish Church of Saint Magnus, in the which Church have been buried many men of good repute, whose Monuments are now for the most part defaced. Among others Sir Rich∣ard Morgan chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, and Morris Griffith, Bishop of Rochester, both born in Wales about the year 1556.

Then is the Parish Church of St. Margarets Fish-shreet Hill; a proper Church, but Monument it hath none of any note.

Up higher on this Hill, is the Parish Church of St. Leonard Milk-Church, so termed of one VVilliam Melker, an especial builder thereof, but common∣ly called Saint Leonards East-cheap, because it standeth at East-cheap cor∣ner.

This Church, and from thence into little East-cheap, to the East end of the said Church, is of the Bridge Ward.

Then higher in Grasse-street, is the Parish Church of St. Bennet called Grass-Church, of the Herbe Market there kept; this Church also is of the Bridge Ward, and the farthest North-end thereof.

The Customes of Grasse-Church Market, in the Reign of Edward the third, as appears in a Book of Customes, were these: every forreign Cart laden with Corn, or Malt, coming thither to be sold, was to pay one half penny; every Forreign Cart bringing Cheese, two pence; every Cart of Corn and Cheese together, (if the Cheese be more worth than the Corn) two pence; and if the Corn be more worth than the Cheese, it was to pay a half-penny; of two Horses laden with Corn or Malt, the Bayliff had one farthing; The Carts of the Fran∣chise of the Temple, and of Saint Mary Le Grand, paid a farthing; the Cart of the Hospitall of St. John of Jerusalem, paid nothing of their proper goods, and if the Corn were brought by Merchants to sell again, the load paid a half penny, &c.

On the West side of this Ward, at the North end of London Bridge, is a part of Thames street, which is also of this Ward, to wit, so much as of old time was called Stock-Fishmonger Row, of the Stock-Fish-mongers dwelling there; down West to a Water-gate, of old time called Ebgate, since Ebgate Lane, and

now the Old Swan, which is a common stair on the Thames, but the passage is very narrow, by means of encroachments.

On the South side of Thames street, about the Mid-way betwixt the Bridge foot and Ebgate Lane, standeth the Fishmongers Hall, and divers other fair Hou∣ses for Merchants.

These Fishmongers were sometimes of two several Companies, to wit, Stock-Fishmongers and Salt Fishmongers. Of whole antiquity we read that by the name of Fishmongers of London, they were for fore-stalling, &c. contrary to the Laws and constitutions of the City, fined to the King at 500 Marks, the eighteenth of King Edward the first; Moreover, that the said Fishmongers hearing of the great victory obtained by the same King against the Scots, in the six & twentieth of his Reign, made a Triumphant and solemn Shew through the City, with divers Pa∣geants, and more than a thousand Horsemen, &c.

These two Companies of Stock-Fishmongers and Salt-Fishmongers, of old time had their severall Halls, to wit, in Thames street twain, in New Fish-street twain, in Old Fish-street twain, in each place one for either Company, in all six several Halls; the Company was so great, that it lies upon Records, that these Fishmongers have been jolly Citizens, and six Mayors have been of their Company in the space of four and twenty years, to wit, Walter Turk 1350, John Lofkin 1359, John Wroth, 1361, John Pechie 1362, Simon Morden 1369 and William Wallworth 1374.

It followed, that in the year 1382, through the Counsel of John North∣hampton Draper, then being Mayor, VVilliam Essex, John More Mercer, and Richard Northbury, the said Fishmongers were greatly troubled, hindred of their Liberties, and almost destroyed by combinations made against them, so that in a Parliament at London, the controversie depending between the Mayor and Aldermen of London, and the Fishmonger, Nic. Exton Speaker for the Fish∣mongers, prayeth the King to receive him and his Company into his protecti∣on for fear of corporal hurt, whereupon it was commanded, either part to keep the peace, upon pain of losing all they had; Hereupon, a Fishmonger starting up, replyed, that the complaint brought against them by the movers, &c. was but matter of malice, for that the Fishmongers, in the Reign of Edward the 3d. being chief Officers of the City, had for their misdemeanors then done, com∣mitted the chief exhibitors of those Petitions to prison. In this Parliament the Fishmongers (by the Kings Charter Patents) were restored to their Liberties; Notwithstanding, in the year next following 1383, John Cavendish Fishmon∣g••r, craveth the peace against the Chancellour of England, which was gran∣ted, and he put in Sureties, the Earls of Stafford and Salisbury, and challengeth the Chancellour for taking a bribe of ten pounds, for favour of Cavendish Case, which the Chancellour by Oath upon the Sacrament avoideth. In further triall, it was found, that the Chancellours man (without his Masters privity) had taken it; whereupon Cavendish was Judged to prison, and to pay the Chan∣cellour 1000 Marks for slandering him.

After this, many of the Nobles assembled at Reading, to suppresse the sedi∣tious Sheirs of the said John Northampton, or Combarton, late Mayor, that had attempted great and hainous enterprises, of the which he was convict; and when he stood mute nor would utter one word, it was Decreed, that he should be committed to perpetual prison, his goods confiscate to the Kings use, and that he should not come within a hundred miles of London, during his life; He was therefore sent to the Castle of Fintegall in the Confines of Cornwall; and in the mean space the Kings Servants spoiled his goods: John Moore, Richard Northbury, and others were likewise there Convict, and con∣demned to perpetual prison, and their goods confiscate, for certain Congregati∣ons by them made against the Fishmongers in the City of London, as is aforesaid,

but they obtained and had the Kings pardon in the fourteenth of his Reign, as appeareth upon Record and thus were all these troubles ap∣pealed.

Those Stock-Fishmongers and Salt-Fishmongers were united in the year 1536, the eight and twentieth of Henry the eighth, their Hall to be but one, in the House given unto them by Sir John Cornwall, Lord Fanhope, and of Ampthull, in the Parish of Saint Michael in Crooked Lane, in the Reign of Henry the sixth.

Thus much was thought remarkable to be spoken of the Fishmongers, men ignorant of their Antiquities, and not able to shew a reason why, or when they were in a mity with the Goldsmiths, do give part of their Arms, &c. Neither to say ought of Sir William Walworth (the Glory of their Company) more than that he slew Jack Straw, which some do question: for the said Straw was after the overthrow of the Rebels, taken, and by judgement of the Mayor beheaded, whose confession at the Gallows is extant in Mr. Stows Annales, where also is set down the most valiant and praise-worthy act of Sir William Walworth, a∣gainst the principal Rebel Wat Tyler.

On that South side of Thames street, have ye Drink-water Wharf, and Fish Wharf, in the Parish of Saint Magnus.

On the North side of Thames street is Saint Martins Lane, a part of which Lane is also of this Ward, to wit, on the one side to a Well of water, and on the other side as far up as against the said Well. Then is St. Michaels Lane part whereof is also of this Ward, up to a Well there &c.

Then at the upper end of New Fish-street, is a Lane turning towards St. Mi∣chaels Lane, and is called Crooked-Lane, of the crooked windings thereof; Above this Lanes end, upon Fish-street Hill, is one great House for the most part builded with stone, which pertained sometime to Edward the black Prince, snne to Edward the third, who was in his life time lodged there; and 'twas cal∣led the Prince of VVales his Court, which was afterward for a long time a com∣mon Hostry, having the sign of the Black Bell.

Of the Eleventh Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of London, called Candle-wick Ward.

WE will now see what light Antiquity can give us of Candle-wick street, or Candle-wright street Ward. It beginneth at the East end of great East-cheap, it passeth West through East-cheap to Candle-wright street, and thorough the same down to the North end of Suffolk Lane: on the South side, and down that Lane by the West end of St. Lawrence Church-yard, which is the farthest West part of that Ward; the street of Great East-cheap, is so called of the Market there kept, in the East part of the City, as VVest-cheap is a Market so called, being in the West.

This East-Cheap is now a Flesh-market of Butchers, there dwelling on both sides of the street: it had sometime also Cooks mixed amongst the Butchers, and such other as sold Victuals ready dressed of all sorts; For of old time, when friends did meet, and were disposed to be merry, they never went to dine and Sup in Taverns, but to the Cooks, where they called for meat what them liked,

which they alwayes sound ready dressed, and at a reasonable rate; for V••ntners then sold only Wine.

In the year 1410, the eleventh of Henry the fourth, upon the Even of Saint John Baptist, the Kings Sonnes, Thomas and John, being in East-Cheape at Sup∣per, (or rather at break-fast; for it was after the Watch was broken up, betwixt two and three a Clock after mid-night) a great debate happened between their men, and other of the Court, which lasted one houre, till the Maior and Sheriffs, with other Citizens appeased the same; For the which, afterwards, the said Maior, Aldermen and Sheriffs, were called to answer before the King, his Sons, and divers Lords, being highly moved against the City; At which time, Wil∣liam Gascoigne, chief Justice, required the Maior and Aldermen, for the Citi∣zens to put them in the Kings Grace; whereunto they answered, that they had not offended, but (according to the Law) had done their best, in stinting de∣bate, and maintaining of the peace; upon which answer, the King remitted all his Ire, and dismissed them.

And to prove this East-Cheape to be a place replenished with Cooks, it may appear by a Song, called London lick-penny, made by Lidgate, a Monk of Bury, in the Reign of Henry the fifth, in the person of a Country-man, comming to London, and travelling thorough the same. In West-Cheape (saith the Song) he was called on to buy fine Lawn, Paris Thred, Cotton Umble, and other linnen Clothes, and such like, (he speaketh of no silk.) In Corn-hill, to buy old Ap∣parel, and Houshold-stuffe, where he was forced to buy his own Hood, which he had lost in Westminster-hall. In Candlewright-street, Drapers profered him Cheap Cloth. In East-Cheape, the Cooks cryed hot Ribs of Beef rosted, Pies well baked, and other Victuals. There was clattering of Pewter-Pots, Harp, Pipe and Sawtry; yea by cock, nay by cock, for greater Oaths were spared, some sang of Jenkin, and Julian, &c. All which Melody liked well the Passenger, but he wanted money to abide by it; and therefore gat him into Gravesend-Barge, and home into Kent.

Candlewright (so called in old Records, of the Guild-hall of St. Mary Overies, and other) or Candlewick-street, took that name (as may be supposed) either of Chaundlers, or Makers of Candles, both of Wax and Tallow, for Candle-wright is a Maker of Candles, and of Wick, which is the Cotton, or yarn thereof, or otherwise which is the place where they used to work them, as scalding wick by the Stocks-Market, was called of the Poulterers dressing and scalding their Poultry there. And in divers Countries, Dairy-houses, or Cottages, wherein they make Butter and Cheese, are usually called Wickes. There dwelled also of old time, divers Weavers of Woollen Clothes, brought in by Edward the 3d; for I read that in the four and twentieth of his Reign, the Weavers, brought out of Flanders, were appointed their meetings to be in the Church-yard of St. Lawrence Poultney; and the Weavers of Brabant, in the Church-yard of St. Mary Sommerset: There were then in this City, Weavers of divers sorts, to wit, of Drapery or Tapery, and Nappery: these Weavers of Candlewicke street, being in short time worn out, their place is now possessed by rich Drapers, Sellers of Woollen Cloth, &c.

On the North side of this Ward, at the West end of East-Cheape, have ye St. Clements Lane; a part whereof, (on both sides) is of Candlewicke street Ward, to wit, somewhat North, beyond the Parish Church of St. Clement in East-cheape. Though this Church be small, yet there are some comely Monuments in it, a∣mong others of William Chartney, and William Overy, who founded a Chantry there.

Next is St. Nicholas Lane, for the most part on both sides, of this Ward, al∣most to St. Nicholas Church.

Then is Abchurch Lane, which is on both sides, almost wholly of this Ward: the Parish Church there (called of St. Mary Abchurch, Apechurch, or Upchurch, as I have read it) standeth somewhat near unto the South end thereof, on a ri∣sing ground. It is a fair Church, Simon de Winchcombe, founded a Chauntery there, the 19th of Richard the 2d, John Littleton founded another, and Thomas Hondon another.

Here are likewise some remarkable Monuments, particularly of Sir James, and Sir John Branch, both Lord Mayors of London, about the year 1570.

On the South side of this Ward, beginning again at the East, is St. Michaels lane; which lane is almost wholly of this Ward, on both sides down towards Thames street, to a Well or Pump there; on the East side of this Lane is Crooked Lane aforesaid, by St. Michaels Church, towards New Fishstreet. One of the most ancient Houses in this Lane, is called the Leaden Porch, and be∣longed sometime to Sir John Merston, Knight, the first of Edward the 4th; It is now called the Swan in Crooked Lane, possessed of strangers, and retailing of Rhenish Wine. The Parish Church of this St. Michaels, was sometime but a small and homely thing, standing upon part of that ground, wherein now standeth the Parsonage House, and the ground thereabout was a filthy plot, by reason of the Butchers in East-Cheape, who made the same their Lay-stall.

VV. de Burgo, gave two Messuages to that Church in Candlewick street, 1317. John Loveken, Stock-fish monger, four times Maior, builded (in the same ground) this fair Church of St. Michael, and was there buried in the Quire, un∣der a fair Tombe, with the Images of him and his Wife in Alabaster: the said Church hath bin since increased, with a new Quire, and side Chappels by Sir W. Walworth, Stock-fishmonger, Maior, sometime Servant to the said John Loveken; Also the Tombe of Loveken was removed, and a flat stone of gray marble, garnished with Plates of Copper, laid on him, as it yet remaineth in the Body of the Church.

This William Walworth is reported by some, to have slain Jack Straw; but Jack Straw being afterward taken, was first adjudged by the said Mayor, and then executed by the losse of his head in Smithfield: True it is, that this Wil∣liam Walworth, being a man wise, learned, and of an incomparable Manhood, arrested Wat Tyler, a presumptuous Rebel, upon whom no man durst lay hand, whereby he delivered the King and Kingdom, from most wicked Tyranny of Traytors: the Mayor arrested him on the head with a sound blow; whereupon, Wat Tylar furiously stroke the Mayor with his Dagger, but hurt him not, by reason he was well armed, The Maior having received his stroke, drew his Ba∣••••iliard, and grievously wounded Wat in the Neck; and withall, gave him a great blow on the Head; in the which Conflict, an Esquire of the Kings House, called John Cavendish, drew his Sword, and wounded Wat twice or thrice, even to the death, and Wat spurring his Horse, cryed to the Commons to revenge him: the Horse bears him about eighty foot from the place, and there he fell down half dead, and by and by, they which attended on the King, environed him about, so as he was not seen of his Company; many of them thrust him in, in divers places of his Body, and drew him into the Hospital of St. Bartho∣lomew; from whence again the Maior caused him to be drawn into Smithfield, and there to be beheaded: In reward of his Service, (the people being dis∣persed) the King commanded the Maior to put a Basenet on his Head; and the Mayor requesting why he should so do, the King answered, he being much bound unto him, would make him Knight; The Mayor answered, that he was neither worthy, nor able to take such an Estate upon him; for he was but a Marchant, and had to live by his Marchandize only: Notwithstanding, the King made him to put on his Basenet, and then with a Sword in both his hands,

he strongly struck him on the Neck•• as the manner was then, and the same day he made three other Citizens Knights (for his sake) to wit, John Philpot, Ni∣cholas Brember, and Robert Launde, Aldermen. The King gave to the Maior, a hundred pound Land by year, and to each of the other forty pound Land, year∣ly, to them and their Heires for ever.

After this, in the same year, the said Sir William Walworth, founded in the said Parish Church of St. Michael, a Colledge, of a Master and nine Priests, or Chaplains, and deceasing 1385. was there buried in the North Chappel by the Quire; but his Monument being (amongst other by bad people) defaced in the Reign of Edward the sixth; and again, since renewed by the Fishmongers, for lack of knowledge, whatsoever before had been written in this Epitaph, they followed a fabulous Book, and wrote Jack Straw, instead of Wat Tylar.

It hath also been, and is now grown to a common opinion, that in reward of this service done by the said William Wallworth, against the Rebel, that King Richard added to the Arms of this City (which was Argent, a plane Crosse Gules) a Sword, or Dagger, (for so they terme it) whereof Mr. John Stow makes a doubt; but to the contrary, he alledgeth, that in the fourth year of Richard the second, in a full Assembly made in the upper. Chamber of the Guild-hall, summoned by this William Walworth, then Mayor, as well of Alder∣men, as of the Common Councel, in every Ward, for certain affaires concer∣ning the King, it was there by common consent agreed and ordained, that the old Seal of the Office of the Majoralty of the City, being very small, old, un∣apt, and un••omely for the Honour of the City, should be broken, and one other new should be had, which the said Mayor commanded to be made arti∣ficially, and honourably for the exercise of the said Office thereafter, in place of the other. In which new Seal, besides the Images of Peter and Paul, which of old were rudely engraven, there should be under the feet of the said Ima∣ges, a Shield of the Arms of the said City, perfectly graven with two Lyons supporting the same, and two Serjeants of Arms; in the other part, one, and two Tabernacles; in which, above, should stand two Angels, between whom (above the said Images of Peter and Paul) should be set the Glorious Pirgan. This being done, the old Seal of the Office was delivered to Richard Odi••am, Cham∣berlain, who brake it, and in place thereof, was delivered the new Seal to the said Mayor, to use in his Office of Majoralty, as occasion should require.

This new Seal seemeth to be made before William Walworth was Knighted; for he is not there intituled Sir, as afterwards he was; and certain it is, that the same new Seal then made, is now in use, and none other in that Office of the Majoralty, which may suffice to answer the former supposition, without shewing of any evidence sealed with the old Seal, which was the Crosse, and Sword of St. Paul, and not the Dagger of William Walworth. In this Church are sundry ancient Monuments, of Mayors and Sheriffs of London.

West from this St. Michaels Lane, is St. Martins Orgar Lane, by Candlewick-street, which lane is, on both sides down to a Well, replenished with fair and large Houses for Marchants; and it is of this Ward. One of which Houses was sometime called Beauchamps Inne, as pertaining unto them of that Family. Thomas Arundel, Arch Bishop of Canterbury commonly, for his time was lodged there.

The Parish Church of St. Martin Orgar, is a small thing. William Crowmer, Maior, builded a proper Chappel on the South side thereof, and was buried there in an ancient Tombe 1533. where are some others, of Maiors and Aldermen.

Then is there one other Lane, called St. Lawrence, of the Parish Church there. This Lane, down to the South side of the Church-yard, is of Candlewick street VVard.

The Parish Church of St. Laurence, was increased with a Chappel of Jesus, by Thomas Cole, for a Master and Chaplain; the which Chappel and Parish Church, was made a Colledge of Jesus, and of Corpus Christi, for a Master and seven Chaplains, by John Poultney Maior, and was confirmed by Edward the third, the twentieth of his Raign; of him was this Church called St. Laurence Poultney in Candlewick street; which Colledge was valued at seventy nine pounds, se∣venteen shillings eleven pence, and was surrendred in the Reign of Edward the sixth.

In this Church, Robert and Henry Radcliffe, Earls of Sussex, lie buried.

Of the Twelfth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of LONDON, called Wallbrook Ward.

WE will now proceed, and make a Perambulation of Walbrook VVard, which beginneth at the vvest end of Candlewick street VVard, It run∣neth down Candlewick street, vvest toward Budge Rowe; It hath on the North side thereof, St. Swithens Lane, so called of St. Swithens, a Parish Church by London-stone; This Lane is replenished (on both the sides) with fair builded Houses, and is vvholly of VVallbrook VVard. The said Parish Church of St. Sw••then, standeth at the South vvest corner of this Lane; Licence vvas procu∣red, to new build and increase the said Church and Steeple, in the year 1420. Sir John Hend Draper, and Maior, was an especial Benefactor thereunto, as ap∣peareth by his Arms in the Glasse vvindows, even in the tops of them, which is in a Field Argent, a Chief Azure, a Lyon passant Argent, a Cheueron Azure, three Escalops Argent; Ralph Jo••eline, Maior of London, among others, hath a Monument in this Church, having bin a benefactor to it.

On the South side of this high street, near unto the Channel, is pitched up∣right a great stone, called London stone, fixed in the ground very deep, fastned with Barres of Iron, and otherwise so strongly set, that if Carts do run against it, through negligence, the VVheels be broken, and the Stone it self unshaken.

The cause vvhy this Stone was there set, the time when, or other memory there∣of is none, but that the same hath long continued there, is manifest, namely since (or rather before) the Conquest; for in the end of a fair written Gospel Book, given to Christs Church in Canterbury, by Ethelstane, King of the vvest Saxons, mention is made of Lands and Rents in London, belonging to the said Church, whereof one parcel is described to lie near unto London Stone. Of latter time we read, that in the year of Christ 1135. the first of King Stephen, a fire, which began in the house of one Ailward, near unto London-stone, consumed all East to Ealdgate, in which fire the Priory of the Holy Trinity was burnt, and vvest to St. Erkenwalds shrine in Pauls Church, and these be the Eldest Notes that I read thereof.

Some have said, this stone to be set there, as a Mark in the middle of the Ci∣ty within the Wall, but in truth it standeth far nearer to the River of Thames, than to the Wall of the City.

Some others have said, the same to be set, for the tendering and making of payment by Debtors to their Creditors, at their appointed dayes and times, till of latter time, payments were more usually made at the Font in Ponts Church, and now most commonly at the Royal Exchange; Some again have imagined, the same to be set up by John or Thomas London-stone dwelling there against it; but more likely it is, that such men have taken name of the Stone, than the Stone of them: as did John at Noke, and Thomas at Stile, William at W••ll or at Well &c. But the most probable opinion, is, that it was placed there by the Ro••ans for a Milliare, as was observed elswhere in this Discourse.

Down West from this Parish Church, and ••rom London-stone, have ye Wall∣brooke corner, ••rom whence runneth up a street North to the Stocks called Wal∣brook; because it standeth on the East side of the same Brook by the Bank thereof, and the whole Ward ••aketh name of that street. On the East side of this stree••, and at the North corner thereof, is the Stocks Market, which had this b••ginning. About the year of Christ 1282, Henry Wallis Mayor, caused divers houses in this City to be builded towards the maintenance of London-Bridge, namely, in one void place neare unto the Parish Church called Wooll-Church; On the North side thereof, where sometime (the way being very large and broad) had stood a pair of Stocks for punishment of offenders; This building took name of tho••e Stooks, and was appointed (by him) to be a Market-place for Fish & Flesh, in the mid••t of the City: other Houses be builded in other pla∣ces, as by Patent of Edward the first it doth appear, dated the ••enth of his Reign.

After this, in the year 1322, the seventeenth of Edward the second, a Decree was made by Hamond Chickwell Mayor, that none should sell fish or flesh, out of the Markets appointed, to wit, ••ridge-street, East-cheap, Old Fish-street, St. Nicholas Shambles, and the said Stocks, on pain to forfeit such fish or flesh as were there sold, for the first time; and the second time to lose their Freedom: Which Act was made by co••mandment of the King, under his Letters Patents, dated at the Tower the 17th of his Reign, & then was this Stocks let to Farm for forty six pounds thirteen shillings four pence by year: this Stocks Market was again be∣gun to be builded, in the year 1410, in the eleaventh of Henry the fourth, and was finished in the year next following. In the year 1507, the same was rented fifty six pounds nineteen shillings ten pence; And in the year 1543, John Cotes being Mayor, there was in this Stocks Market, for Fishmongers five and twenty Boards or Stalls, rented yearly to 34 pounds, 13 shillings. 4 pence. There was for Butchers 18 Boards or Stalls rented at 41 pounds, 16 shillings 4 pence, and there were also Chambers above sixteen, ••ented at five pounds, thir∣teen shillings four pence, in all, eighty two pounds three shillings.

Next unto this Stocks is the Parish Church of St. Mary VVool-Church, so cal∣led of a Beam placed in the Church-yard▪ which was thereof called Wool-Church Haw, of the Tronage or weig••ing of Wooll there used, and to verifie this, we find amongst the Customs of London written in French, in the Reign of Edward the second, a Chapter intituled, Les Customes de VVooll-Church Haw, wherein is set down, what was there to be paid for every parcel of Wooll weighed▪ this Tronage, or weighing of Wooll, till the sixth of Richard the second, was there continued: John Church-man then builded the Custome-house upon VVooll Key, to serve for the said Tonnage as is before shewed in Tower-street Ward.

This Church is reasonable fair and large, and was afterwards new builded, by Licence granted in the twentieth of Henry the sixth, with condition to be builded fifteen foot from the Stocks Market, for sparing of light to the said Stocks, the Pa••son of this Parish is to have four Marks the year, for Tyth of the said Stocks, paid him by the Masters of the Bridge-house, by a special Decree, made the second of Henry the seventh. In the year about 1500, John VVingar Lord M••yor, gave two Basons of ••ilver to this Church; And Richard Shore Sheriff of London made the Porch at the West end: they lye both there entombed.

From the Stocks Market, and this Parish Church East, up into Lombard-street, some four or five houses on a side, and also on the South side of VVooll-Church have ye Bear-Binder Lane, a part whereof is of this VVallbrook Ward.

Then down ••ower in the street called▪ Wallbrook, is one other fair Church of St. Stephen, builded new on the Ea•••• side thereof; for the old Church stood on the West side, in place where now standeth the Parsonage Ho••••e, and there∣fore so much nearer to the Brook, even on the Bank.

This Church was finished in the year 1439. The breadth thereof is sixty se∣ven foot, and length one hundred twenty five foot, the Church-yard ninty foot in length, and thirty seven in breadth, and more. Rob••rt VVhittingham (made Knight of the Bath) in the yeer 1432, purchased the Patronage of this Church, from John Duke of Bedford, Unkle to Henry the sixth; and Edward the fourth, in the second of his Reign, gave it to Sir Richard Lee then Mayor, who il∣eth there hansomely entomb'd, having bin twice Lord Maior, with divers others.

Lower down from this Parish Church, be ••ivers fair houses, namely one, wherein of late Sir Richard Baker, a Knight of Kent was lodged; and wherein also dwelled Mr. Thomas Gore, a Mercha••t famous for Hospita••ity.

On the West side of this VValbrook street, over against the Stocks Market, is a part of the High street, called the Po••ltry; On the South side West, till over against Saint Mildred•• Church, and the S••alding wike, is of this Ward.

Then down again Wallbrook street, some small distance, in Buckles Bury, a street so called of Buckle, that ••ometime was owner thereof; part of which street on both sides, three or four Houses, to the course of the Brook, is of this Ward, and so down VValb••ook street, to the South corner, from whence West, down Budge row, some small distance, to an Alley, and thorow that Alley South, by the West end of St. Johns Church upon VValbrook, by the South side and East end of the same, again to VValbrook corner. This Parish Church is called, St John upon VValbrook, because ••he West end thereof is on the very bank of Walbrook by Horshooe Bridge, in Horshooe-Bridge street.

This C••urch was also lately new builded: for about th•• year 1412, Licence was granted by the Mayor and Communalty, to the Parson and Parish, for the inlarging thereof, with a piece of ground on the North part of the Qu••re, one and twenty foot in length, seventeen foot in breadth, and three inches; and on the South side of the Quire, one foot of the common soyle.

On the South side of Walbrook Ward, from Candle-wick street, in the mid-way between London-stone and Walbrook corner, is a little Lane with a Turn-Pike in the middest thereof, and in the same a hansome Parish Church, called S. Mary Bothaw, or B••at-Haw, by the Erbar. This Church being near unto Downgate, on the River of Thames, hath the addition of Botha•• or Boat-haw, of near adjoyning to an Haw or Yard▪ wherein (of old time) Boats were made and landed from Downgate to be mended, as may be suppo••ed; for other reason I find none, why it should be so called. This Church hath one remarkable thing in it, viz. The Monument of the first Lord Mayor of London, Sir Henry Fitz Alwin; His dwelling House remains yet in the Parish, but divided to di∣vers Tenements; Mr. S••ow relates, that he was buried in the holy Trinity with∣in Algate, but it is far more probable that he was buried here, because his Arms are both upon the Gravestone and the Windows.

Of the Thirteenth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of London, called Dowgate Ward.

WE will now, following the thred of our Discourse, descend to Down-gate Ward, which beginneth at the South end of Wallbrook Ward, over against the East corner of St. Johns Church upon Walbrook, and descen∣deth on both the sides to Downgate or Dowgate, on the Thames, and is so called of that down going or descending thereunto, and of this Downgate the Ward taketh name; This Ward turneth into Thames street Westward, some ten Hou••es on a side, to the course of Walbrooke, but East in Thames street (on both sides) to ••••gate Lane, or Old Swan, the Land-side whereof hath many Lanes turning up, as shall be shewed when we come to them.

But first to begin with the High street called Dowgate: at the upper end there∣of, is a fair Conduit of Thames Water, castellated, and made in the year 1568, at the charges of the Citizens, and is called▪ the Conduit upon Dowgate. The de∣scent of this street is such, that in the year 1574, on the fourth of September in the afternoon, there fell a storm of rain, where-through the Channels suddenly arose and ran with such a swift course towards the Common-shores, that a Lad of eighteen years old, minding to have leapt over the Channel near unto the said Conduit, was taken with the stream, and carried from thence towards the Thames, with such a violence, that no man, with staves, or otherwise, could slay him till he came against a Cart-wheele, that stood in the said Water-gate; before which time he was drowned and stark dead.

On the West side of this street is Tallow-Chandlers Hall, a hansome house, which Company was incorporated in the second year of Edward the fourth.

Somewhat lower standeth the Skinners Hall, a fair house, which was some∣times called Copped Hall by Downgate, in the Parish of St. John upon Wall∣brook. In the nineteenth year of Edward the second, Ralph Cobham possessed it, with five shops, &c.

This Company of Skinners in London, was incorporate by Edward the third, in the first of his Reign; they had two Brotherhoods of Corpus Christi viz. one at St. Mary Spittle, the other at St. Mary Bethlem without Bishopsgate. Richard the second▪ in the eighteenth of his Reign, granted them to make their two Bro∣therhoods one, by the name of the Fraternity of Corpus Christi of Skinners; divers Royal persons were named to be Founders, and Brethren of this Frater∣nity, to wit, Kings six, Dukes nine, Earls two, Lords one▪ Kings, Edward the third, Richard the second, Henry the fifth, Henry the sixth, and Edward the fourth.

This Fraternity had also once every year on Corpus Christi day afternoon a a procession, which passed through the principal streets of the City, wherein was borne more than one hundred Torches of Wax, (costly garnished) burning light, and above two hundred Clerks and Priests in Surplesses and Coaps, sing∣ing; After the which, were the Sheriffs servants, the Clarks of the Compters, Chaplains for the Sheriffs, the Mayors Sergeants, the Councel of the City, the Mayor and Aldermen in Scarlet and then the Skinners in their best Liveries.

Then lower, was a Colledge of Priests, called Jesus Commons, a House well furnished with Brasse, Pewter, Napery, Plate, &c. besides a fair Library well stored with Books; all which of old time were given to a number of Priests

that should keep Commons there; and as one left his place (by death or o∣therwise) another should be admitted into his room; but this Order within these 70. years, being discontinued, the said House was dissolved, and turned into Tenements.

Down lower have ye Elbowe Lane, and at the corner thereof, was one great Stone-house, called Old-hall; it is now taken down, and divers fair Houses of Timber placed there: This was sometime pertaining to William de pont le Arch▪ and by him given the Priory of St. Mary Overy in Southwark, in the Reign of Henry the first. In this Elbow-lane, is the Inholders Hall, and other fair Houses: this Lane runneth West, and suddenly turneth South into Thames-street, and therefore (of that bending) is called Elbow-lane▪ on the East side of this Downgate-street, is the great old House before spoken of, called the Erbar, neere to the Church of St. Mary Bothaw; Geffery Sc••••••p held it by the gift of Edward the third, in the fourteenth of his Reign: It belonged since, to John Nevel, Lord of Raby; then to Richard Nevel, Earl of Warwick; Nevel, Earl of Salisbury, was lodged there, 1457. Then it came to George Duke of Clarence, and his Heires Males, by the gift of Edward the fourth, in the fourteenth year of his Reign. It was lately builded by Sir Thomas Pullison Maior, and was af∣terward Inhabited by Sir Francis Drake, that famous Navigator; Next to this great House, is a Lane turning to Bush-lane, (of old time called Carter-lane, of Carts, and Carmen having Stables there) and now called Chequer-lane, or Chequer-Alley, of an Inne called the Chequer.

In Thamesstreet, on the Thames side West from Downgate, is Greenwitch lane, of old time so called, and now Fryer lane, of such a signe there set up.

In this Lane is the Joyners Hall, and other fair Houses.

Then is Granthams Lane, so called of John Grantham, sometime Maior, and owner thereof, whose house was very large and strong, builded of stone, as ap∣peareth by Gates Arched yet remaining; Ralph Dodmer, first a Brewer, then a Mercer, Maior 1529. dwelled there, and kept his Majoralty in that house: it is now a Brew-house, as it was before.

Then is Down-gate, whereof is spoken in another place; East from this Downgate, is Cosin lane, named of one VVilliam Cosin, that dwelled there in the fourth of Richard the second, as divers his Predecessors, Father, Granfa∣ther, &c. had done before him; VVilliam Cosin was one of the Sheriffs, in the year 1306.

That House standeth at the South end of the Lane, having an old and Arti∣ficial conveyance, of Thames water into it; And is now a Dye-house, called Lambards Messuage; Adjoyning to that House, there was lately erected an Engine, to convey Thames water unto Downgate Conduit aforesaid.

Next to this Lane, on the East, is the Steel-yard (as they terme it) a place for Marchants of Almain, that used to bring hither, as well Wheat, Rie, and o∣ther ••rain, as Cables, Ropes, Masts, Pitch, Tarre, Flax, Hemp, Linnen Cloth, Wainscots, Wax, Steel, and other profitable Marchandizes; unto these Mar∣chan••s in the year 1259. Henry the third, at the Request of his Brother Richard, Earl of Cornwall, King of Almain, granted, that all and singular the Marchants, having a House in the City of London, commonly called Guilda Aula Theuto∣nicorum, should be maintained and upholden through the whole Realm, by all such freedoms, and free usages or Liberties, as by the King and his Noble Pro∣genitors time they had, and enjoyed, &c. Edward the first renewed and con∣firmed that Charter o•• Liberties granted by his Father; And in the tenth year of the same Edward, Henry Wallis being Mayor, a great Controversie did arise be∣tween the said Mayor, and the Marchants of the Haunce of Almaine, about the reparations of Bishops-gate, then likely to fall; for that the said Marchants enjoyed divers priviledges, in respect of maintaining the said Gate, which they now denyed to repair; for the appeasing of which controversie, the King sent

his Writ to the Treasurer, and Baron of his Exchequer commanding that they should make Inquisition thereof; Before whom the Marchants being called, when they were not able to discharge themselves, sith they enjoyed the Liber∣ties to them granted for the same, a precept was sent to the Maior and She∣riffs, to distrain the said Marchants to make reparations; namely, Gerard Mar∣bod, Alderman of the Haunce, Ralph de Cussarde a Citizen of Colen, Ludero de Denauar, a Burgesse of Trivon, John of Aras a Burgesse of Trivon, Bartram of Hamburgh, Godestalk of Hundondale, a Burgesse of Trivon, John de Deal a Burgesse of Munster, then remaining in the said City of London, for themselves, and all other Merchants of the Haunce, and so they granted 210 Marks sterling, to the Maior and Citizens; and undertook, that they and their Successors, should (from time to time) repair the said Gate, and bear the third part of the Charges in money, and men to defend it, when need were.

And for this Agreement, the said Maior and Citizens, granted to the said Marchants their liberties, which till of late they have enjoyed; as namely, a∣mongst other, that they might lay up their Grain, which they brought into this Realm, in Inns, and sell it in their Garners, by the space of forty dayes, after they had laid it up; except by the Mayor and Citizens they were expresly for∣bidden, because of Dearth, or other reasonable occasions. Also they might have their Aldermen, as they had bin accustomed; provided alwayes, that he were of the City, and presented to the Maior and Aldermen of the City, so oft as any should be chosen, and should take an Oath before them, to maintain Justice in their Courts, and to behave themselves in their Office, according to Law, and as it stood with the Customs of the City.

Thus much for their priviledges, whereby it appeareth, that they were great Marchants of Corne, brought out of the East parts hither; insomuch, that the Occupiers of Husbandry in this Land, were enforced to complain of them, for bringing in such abundance, when the Corn of this Realm was at an easie price; whereupon it was ordained by Parliament, That no person should bring into any part of this Realm, by way of Marchandize, Wheat, Rie, or Barley, grow∣ing out of the said Realm, when the Quarter of Wheat exceeded not the price of six shillings eight pence, Rie four shillings the Quarter, and Barley three shillings the Quarter, upon forfeiture one half to the King, the other half to the seisor thereof: These Marchants of the Hawnce, had their Guild-Hall in Thames-street, in the place aforesaid, by the said Cosin-lane: Their Hall is large, buil∣ded of Stone, with three Arched Gates towards the street; the middlemost whereof, is far bigger than the other, and is seldom opened, the other two be mured up, the same is now called the Old Hall.

In the 6th of Richard the 2d, they hired one House next adjoyning to their Old Hall, which sometime belonged to Richard Lions, a famous Lapidary, one of the Sheriffs of London in the 49 of Edward the 3d; and in the 4th of Richard the 2d, by the Rebels of Kent, drawn out of that House, and beheaded in West-Cheape: This also was a great House, with a large Wharf on the Thames; and the way thereunto was called Windgoose, or Wildgoose-lane, which is now called Windgoose-Alley; for that the same Alley is (for the most part) builded on by the Styliard Marchants. The Abbat of St. Albans, had a Messuage here, with a key given to him, in the 34. of Henry the 6th.

Then is one other great House, which sometime pertained to John Rainwel, Stock-Fishmonger, Maior, and it was by him given to the Maior and Commo∣nalty, to the end, that the profits thereof, should be disposed in deeds of piety; which House, in the 15th of Edward the 4th, was confirmed unto the said Mar∣chants, in manner following, viz.

It is ordered by our Soveraign Lord, and his Parliament, that the said Mar∣chants of Almain, being of the Company, called the Guild-hall Theutonicorum, (or the Flemish Geld) that now be, or hereafter shall be, shall have, hold, and enjoy to

them and their Successors for ever, the said place, called the Steel-house, yiel∣ding to the Maior and Commonalty, an annual Rent of threescore and ten pounds, three shillings, foure pence, &c.

In the year 1551, the 5th of Edward the 6th, through complaint of the Eng∣lish Marchants, the liberty of the Steel-yard Marchants, was seized into the Kings hands, and so it resteth.

Then is Church-lane, at the West end of Alhollowes Church, called Alhollowes the more in Thames-street, for a difference from Alhollowes the lesse, in the same street; It is also called Alhollowes ad faenum in the Ropery, because Hay was sold near thereunto, at Hay-Wharf, and Ropes of old time made and sold in the high street: This is a fair Church, with a large Cloyster on the South side thereof, a∣bout their Church-yard, but fouly defaced and ruinated. Dr. Lichfield, a learned man, and an Authour, who died 1447. lieth here buried, with other Bene∣factors.

At the East end of this Church goeth down a Lane called Hay Wharf-lane, now lately a great Brew-house, builded there by one Pot; Hen. Campion, Esq; a Beere-Brewer, used it, & Abraham his Son, since possessed it: Then was there one other Lane, sometime called Woolseys Gate, now out of use, for the lower part thereof, upon the Bank of Thames, is builded by the late Earl of Shrewsbury; & the other end is builded on, & stopped up by the Chamberlain of London. J. Butler, Draper, one of the Sheriffs, in the year 1420. dwelled there; He appointed his house to be sold, and the price thereof to be given to the poor; it was of Alhollowes Parish the lesse.

Then is there the said Parish-Church of Alhollowes called the Lesse, and by some Alhollowes on the Cellars; for it standeth on Vaults, it is said to be builded by Sir John Poultney, sometimes Mayor: The Steeple and Quire of this Church, stand on an Arched Gate, being the entry to a great House, called Cold Harborough, the Quire of late being fallen down, is now again at length, in the year 1594. by the Parishioners new builded.

Touching this Cold Harborough, I finde, that in thirteenth of Edward the second, Sir John Abel, Knight, demised, or let unto Henry Stow, Draper, ill that his Capital Messuage, called the Cold Harborough, in the Parish of All Saints ad faenum, & all the purtenances within the Gate, with the Key which Rob. Hart∣ford Citizen, Son to W. Hartford, had, & ought, & the foresaid Rob. paid for it Rent, 33s. the year. This Ro. Hartford being owner thereof, as also of other Lands in Sarrey, deceasing without issue Male, left two Daughters his Co-heires, to wit, Idonia, married to Sir Ralph Biggot, and Maude married to Sir Stephen Cosenton Knights, between whom the said House & Lands were parted. After the which Jo. Bigot Sonne to the said Sir Ralph, & Sir John Cosenton, did sell their Moyeties of Cold Harborough unto John Poultney, Sonne of Adam Poultney, the 8th of Edward the 3d. This Sir John Poultney dwelling in this House, and being four times Mayor, the said House took the name of Poultneys Inne; notwithstanding this, Sir John Poultney, the 21. of Edward the 3d, by his Charter gave and con∣firmed to Humphrey de Bohune, Earl of Hereford, and Essex, his whole Tene∣ment, called Cold Harborough, with all the Tenements and Key adjoyning, and appurtenances sometime pertaining to Robert de Hereford, on the way called Hay-wharf Lane, &c. for one Rose at Midsommer, to him and his Heires, for all services, if the same were demanded, This Sir John Poultney deceased 1349. and left issue, by Margaret his Wife, William Poultney, who dyed without is∣sue; and Margaret his Mother was married to Sir Nicholas Lovel Knight, &c. Philip St. Cleare, gave two Messuages, pertaining to this Cold Harbrough, in the Ropery, towards the enlarging of the Parish Church, and Church-yard of Al-Saints, called the lesse, in the 20. of Richard the second.

In the year 1397. the 21. of Richard the 2d. John Holland, Earl of Huntington, was lodged there, and Richard the second his Brother, dined with him, it was

then counted a right fair and stately house; But in the next year following, I finde, that Edmund, Earl of Cambridge, was there lodged, notwithstanding, the said house still retained the name of Poultneys Inne, in the Reign of Henry the sixth, the 26 of his Reign. It belonged since to H. Holland, Duke of Excester, and he was lodged there, in the year 1472. In the year 1485. Richard the third, by his Letters Patents, granted and gave to John VVrith, alias Garter, principal King of Arms of English men, and to the rest of the Kings Heralds, and Purse∣vants of Arms, all that Messuage, with the appurtenances called Cold Harber, in the Parish of Al-Saints the little in London, and their Successors for ever, Dated at VVestminster, the second of March, Anno regni sui primo, without fine or fee. How the said Heraulds departed therewith, I have not read; but in the Reign of Henry the eighth, the Bishop of Durhams house, neer Charing Crosse, being ta∣ken into the Kings hand, Cuthbert Tunstall, Bishop of Durham, was lodged in this Cold Harber; since the which time it hath belonged to the Earls of Shrews∣bury, by composition, (as is supposed) from the said Cuthbert Tunstall. The last decea ed Earl took it down, and in place thereof, builded a great number of small Tenements, now letten out for great Rents, to people of all sorts.

Then is the Dyers-hall, which Company was made a Brother-hood and a Guild, in the fourth of Henry the sixth, and appointed to consist of a Gardian, or Warden, and a Communalty, the twelvth of Edward the fourth. Then be there divers large Brew-houses, and others, till you come to Ebgate Lane, where that Ward endeth in the East; On the North side of Thames-street, be divers Lanes also, the first is at the South end of Elbow Lane, before spoken of, West from Downgate, over against Greenwich-lane, then be divers fair Houses for Mar∣chants, and others all along that side; The next Lane East from Down-gate, is called Bush-lane, which turneth up to Candlewick-street, and is of Down-gate Ward. Next is Suffolk lane, likewise turning up to Candlewick-street, in this Lane is one notable Grammar School, founded in the year 1561. by the Ma∣ster, Wardens, and Assistants of the Marchant-Taylors, in the Parish of St. Law∣rence Poultney, Richard Hills, sometimes Master of that Company, having be∣fore given 500 l. toward the purchase of an House, called the Mannor of the Rose, sometime belonging to the Duke of Buckingham, wherein the said School is kept.

Then is there one other Lane, which turneth up to St. Lawrence-hill, and to the South vvest Corner of St. Lawrence Church-yard, then another Lane, called Poultney-lane, that goeth up of this Ward to the South-East corner of St. Law∣rence Church-yard, and so down again, and to the West corner of St. Martin Orgar lane, and over against Ebgate-lane; and this is all of Downgate-vvard, the thirteenth in number, lying East from the Water-course of VVallbrooke, and hat hnot any one House on the West side of the said Brook.

This Dowgate vvard is more considerable then others, in divers things; for it hath more Halls then any other; it hath also the Great Hans, or the Teutonique Guild, call'd now the Stil-yard. Mr. John Robinson, who hath his House in Milk∣street, is lately made the Alderman of this VVard, a generous, discreet, and wor∣thy Gentleman, being of the Company of the Turkie, or Levantine Marchants.

Of the Fourteenth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of London, called Vintry Ward.

THe Wards spoken of hitherto may besaid to lye on the East. Now I am to treat of the other Wards, twelve in number, all lying on the West side of the course of Wallbrook, and first of the Vintry Ward, so cal∣led of Vintners, and of the Vintry, a part of the Bank of the River of Thames, where the Merchants of Bourdeaux craned their Wines out of Lighters, and other Vessels, and there landed and made sale of them, within forty daies after; until the twenty eighth of Edward the first, at which time the said Mer∣chants complained, that they could not sell their Wines, paying poundage, nei∣ther hire Houses or Cellars to lay them in: and it was redressed by virtue of the Kings Writ, directed to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London, dated at Carlaveroke or Carlile, since the which time, many fair and large houses (with Vaults and Cellars for stowage of Wines and lodging of Burdeaux Merchants) have been builded, in place where before time were Cooks houses:, for Fitz Stephen, in the Reign of Henry the second, writeth, that upon the Rivers side, between the Wine in Ships, and the Wine to be sold in Taverns, was a common Cooks row, &c. as in another place I have set down. Whereby it appears, that in those daies, (and till of late times) every man lived according to his own professed Trade, not any one interrupting another; The Cooks dressed meat, and sold no Wine; and the Taverner sold Wine, but dressed no meat for sale, &c.

This Ward beginneth in the East, at the West end of Downgate Ward, at the Water-course of Walbrook, which parteth them, to wit, at Granthams Lane on the Thames side, and at Elbow-Lane on the Lands side, it runneth along in Thames street West, some three houses beyond the Old Swana Brew-house; and on the Land side, some three Houses West, beyond Saint James at Garlick Hithe.

In breadth, this Ward stretcheth from the Vintry North, to the Wall of the West gate of the Tower Royal, the other North part is of Cordwainer-street Ward. Out of this Royal-street by the South gate of Tower Royal, runneth a small street East to St. Johns upon Walbrook, which street is called Horseshooe-Bridge, of such a Bridge sometime over the Brook there, which is now vaulted over, and pav'd.

Then from the South gate West, runneth one other street, called Knight-riders street, by Saint Thomas Apostles Church, on the North side, and Wringwren Lane, by the said Church, at the West end thereof, and to the East end of Trinity Church in the said Knight-riders street, where this Ward endeth, on that South side the street; but on the North side it runneth no farther than the corner a∣gainst the new builded Taverne, and other Houses, in a plot of ground where sometime stood Ormond place; yet have ye one other Lane, lower down in Roy∣all-street, stretching forth from over against Saint Michaels Church, to and by the North side of Saint James Church by Garlick Hithe, this is called, Kerion Lane; and thus much for the bounds of the Vintry Ward. Now on the Thames side, West from Granthams Lane, have ye Herbert Lane, or Brickles Lane, so cal∣led of John Brickles, sometimes owner thereof.

Then is Simpsons Lane, of one Simpson; or Emperours head Lane, of such a Sign: then the Three Cranes Lane, so called, not only of a Sign of three Cranes at a Ta∣verne door, but rather of three strong Cranes of Timber placed on the Vintry Wharf, by the Thames side, to Crane up Wines there as is aforesaid; this Lane was of old time, to wit, the ninth of Richard the second, called the Painted Ta∣vern Lane, of the Tavern being painted.

Then next over against St. Martins Church, is a large House builded of Stone and Timber, with Vaults for the stowage of Wines, and is called the Uin∣try; There dwelled John Gisers Vintner, Mayor of London, and Constable of the Tower; and then was Henry Picard, Vintner, Mayor; In this house Henry Pi∣card feasted four Kings in one day, as is shewed before.

Then next is Uanners Lane, so called of Uanner that was owner thereof; it is now called Church Lane, of the coming up from St. Martins Church.

Next is Broad-Lane, for that the same is broader for the passage of Carts from the Uintry Wharf, than be the other Lanes. At the Northwest corner of this Lane, is the Parish Clarkes Hall, by them purchased, since they lost their old Hall in Bishopsgate-street. Next is Spittle-Lane, of old time so called, since Sto∣dies-Lane, of the owner thereof named Stodie; Sir John Stodie, Vintner and Mayor in the year 1357 gave it, with all the Quadrant wherein Uintners Hall now standeth, with the Tenements round about, unto the Uintners.

The Uintners builded for themselves a fair Hall, and also thirteen Alms-houses there, for thirteen poor people, which are kept of Charity Rent-free.

The Uintners in London, were (of old time) called Marchant Uintners of Gascoyne, and so I read them in the Records of Edward the second, the eleventh year, and Edward the third the ninth year; they were as well English-men as strangers born beyond the Seas, but then subjects to the King of England, great Burdeaux Merchants of Gascoyne & French Wines, divers of them were Mayors of this City; namely, John Adrian Vintner, Reignold at Conduit, John Oxen∣ford, Henry Picard that feasted the Kings of England, France, Scotland, and Cy∣pres; John Stodie, that gave Stodies Lane to the Vintners, which four last named, were Mayors in the Reign of Edward the third, and yet Gascoyne Wines were then to be sold at London, not above fourpence, nor Rhenish Wines above six pence the Gallon.

I read of Sweet Wines, that in the fiftieth of Edward the third, John Peachie, Fishmonger was accused of, for that he procured a License for the only sale of them in London, which he endeavoured to justifie by Law, yet he was impriso∣ned and fined.

More I read, that in the sixth of Henry the sixth, the Lombards corrupted their Sweet Wines; when knowledge thereof came to John Raynwel Mayor of London, he (in divers places of the City) commanded the heads of the Buts and other Vessells in the open streets, to be broken, to the number of a hundred and fifty, so that the liquour running forth, passed through the City like a stream of rain water, in the sight of all the people, from whence there issued a most loathsome savour.

I read in the Reign of Henry the seventh, that no Sweet VVines were brought into this Realm but Malmsyes, by the Longobards, paying to the King for his Licence, six shillings eight pence of every Butt, besides twelve pence for Bottel∣lage.

In those daies Malmsey was not to be sold above three half-pence the pint; For proof whereof, it appeareth in the Church of St. Andrew Under-shaft, that in the year 1547, J. G. and S. K. then Church-Wardens, for eighty pints of Malmsey spent in the Church, after one penny half penny the pint, paid at the years end for the same ten shillings.

Moreover, no Sacks were sold, but Rumney, & that for Medicine more than for drink; but now many kinds of Sacks are known and used. And so much for Wines.

I read further that in the Reign of Henry the fourth, the young Prince Hen∣ry, T. Duke of Clarence, J. Duke of Bedford, and Humphrey Duke of Glocester the Kings sons, came to Supper amongst the Merchants of London, in the Vintry, in the House of Lewes John a Briton.

The successors of those Vintners and Wine-drawers, that retailed by the Gal∣lons, Pottel, quart, and pint, were all incorporated by the name of Wine-tunners, in the Raign of Edward the third, and confirmed the fifteenth of Henry the sixth.

Next is Palmers Lane, now called, Anchors Lane, the Plummers have their Hall there, but are Tenants to the Vintners.

Then is Worcester House, sometimes belonging to the Earls of Worce∣ster, now divided into many Tenaments; The Fruiterers have there Hall there.

On the Land side, is the Royal street, and Pater noster Lane, I think of old time called the Arches, for I read, that Robert de Suffolk, gave to Walter Darford, his Tenement with the apurtenance, in the Lane called Les Arches, in the Pa∣rish of Saint Michael de Pater noster Church, between the Wall of the field called Winchester field on the East, and the same Lane on the West, &c.

More, there was a stone House called Stoda de Winton, juxta Stodum Bridge, which in that Lane was over Walbrook water.

Then is the fair Parish Church of Saint Michael, called Pater noster Church, in the Royal street; This Church was new builded, and made a Colledge of S. Spirit, and S. Mary, founded by Richard VVhittington, Mercer, four times Mayor, for a Master, four Fellows, Masters of Art, Clerks, Conducts, Chorists, &c. and an Alms-house, called Gods house or Hospital, for thirteen poor men, one of them to be Tutor, and to have sixteen pence the week, the other twelve, each of them to have fourteen pence the week for ever, with other necessary provision, an Hutch with three Locks, with a common Seal, &c.

The Licence for this foundation was granted by King Henry the fourth, the eleventh of his Reign, and in the twelfth of the same Kings reign, the Mayor and the Communalty of London, granted to Richard VVhittington, a vacant piece of ground thereon, to build his Colledge in the Royall; all which was confirmed by Henry the sixth the third of his Reign, to John Coventry, Jenkin Carpenter, and VVilliam Grove, Executors to to Richard Whittington.

This foundation was again confirmed by Parliament, the tenth of Henry the sixth, and was suppressed by the Statute of Edward the sixth. The Alms-Houses, with the poor men, do remain, and are paid by the Mercers.

This Richard VVhittington was (in this Church) three times buried, first, by his Executors, under a fair Monument; then, in the Reign of Edward the sixth, the Parson of that Church, thinking some great riches (as he said) to be buried with him, caused his Monument to be broken, his Body to be spoiled of his Leaden sheet, and again the second time to be buried; And in the Reign of Queen Mary, the Parishioners were forced to take him up, and lap him in Lead, as afore, to bury him the third time, and to place his Monuments, or the like, over him again, which remaineth still and so he rested.

Among others, Sir Thomas Tanke Knight of the Garter born in Almain, a great Martial man, lieth buried there.

At the upper end of this street, is the Tower Royall, whereof that street ta∣keth name; This Tower & great place was so called, of pertaining to the Kings of this Realm, but by whom the same was first builded, or of what Antiquity continued, it doth not appear, more than that in the Reign of King Edward the

first, the second, fourth, and seventh year, it was the Tenement of Simon Beawmes; Also that in the thirty sixt of Edward the third the same was called the Royal, in the Parish of St. Michael de Pater noster, and that in the three and fortieth of his Reign, he gave it by the name of his Inne, called the Royall, in his City of London, in value twenty pounds by year, unto his Colledge of Saint Stephen at Westminster; Notwithstanding, in the Reign of Richard the second, it was called the Queens Wardrobe, as appeareth by this that followeth.

King Richard, having in Smithfield overcome and dispersed the Rebels, He, his Lords, and all his Company, entred the City of London with great joy, and went to the Lady Princesse his Mother, who was then lodged in the Tower called the Queens Wardrobe, where she had remained three daies and two nights much affrighted; But when she saw the King her Son, she was greatly rejoyced, Ah Son, What great sorrow have I suffered for you this day? The King answered and said, Certainly, Madam, I know it well, but now re∣joyce, and thank God, for I have this day recovered mine Heritage, and the Realm of England, which I had near-hand last.

This Tower seemeth to have been (at that time) of good defence; for when the Rebels had beset the Tower of London, and got possession thereof, taking from thence whom they listed, the Princesse being forced to fly, came to this Tower-Royall, where she was lodged, and remained safe, as ye have heard, and it may be also supposed, that the King himself was at that time lodged there.

I read, that in the year 1386, Lyon King of Armony, being chased out of his Realm, by the Tartarians, received innumerable gifts of the King and of his Nobles, the King then lying in the Royall, where he also granted to the said King of Armony, a Charter of a thousand pounds by year during his Life; This for proof may suffice, that Kings of England have been lodged in this Tower, though the same (afterwards) hath been neglected, and turned into stabling for the Kings Horses, and now letten out to divers men and divided into Tene∣ments.

In Horse-Bridge-street, is the Cutlers Hall, Richard de Wilehale, 1295, confirmed to Paul Butelar this House, and Edifices, in the Parish of Saint Mi∣chael Pater noster Church, and Saint John upon Walbrook, which sometime Lawrence Gisers, and his son Peter Gisers did possesse, and afterward Hugonis de Hingham, and lyeth between the Tenement of the said Richard towards the South; and the Lane called Horse-shoe-Bridge, towards the North, and be∣tween the way called Pater noster Church on the West, and the course of Wal∣brooke on the East, paying yearly one Clove of Gilliflowers at Easter, and to the poor and Convent of Saint Mary Overy, six shillings. This House sometime belonged to Simon Dolesly Grocer, and Mayor 1359, They of this Company had (of old time) three Arts, or sorts of Workmen, to wit, the first were Smiths, Forgers of Blades, and therefore called Bladers, and divers of them proved wealthy men, as namely, Walter Nele Blader; one of the Sheriffs, the twelfth of Edward the third, Deceased 1352, and was buried in Saint James Garlicke Hithe, He lest Lands to the mending of High-wayes about London, be∣twixt Newgate and Wicombe, Ealdgate and Chelmesford, Bishopsgate and Ware, Southwark and Rochester, &c. The second were Makers of Hafts, and other∣wise Garnishers of Blades. The third sor•• were Sheath-makers for Swords, Dag∣gers, and Knives. In the tenth of Henry the fourth, certain Ordinances were made betwixt the Bladers, and the other Cutlers, and in the fourth of Henry the sixth, they were all three Companies drawn into one Fraternity, or Brotherhood, by the name of Curlers.

Then is Knight-riders street, so called (as is supposed) of Knights well armed' and mounted at the Tower-Royall, riding from thence through the street West to Creed-Lane, and so out at Ludgate, towards Smithfield, when they were there to Turney, Just, or otherwise to shew activities before the King and States of the Realm.

In this street is the Parish Church of Saint Thomas Apostles, by Wring-wren Lane a hansome Church, and in the year 1629, well repaired and finely garni∣shed; but Monuments of antiquity, there are none beyond the Reign of Henry the eighth, except some Arms in the Windows, as also in the Stone-work, which some suppose to be of John Barnes Mercer, Mayor of London, in the year 1371, a great builder thereof. H. Causton Merchant, was a Benefactor and had a Chantry there about, 1396. T. Roman Mayor 1310, had also a Chantry there 1319. Fitz Williams also a Benefactor, had a Chantry there. More, Sir William Littlesbury, aliàs Horne, (for King Edward the fourth so named him) because he was a most excellent Winder of an Horne; he was a Salter, and Mer∣chant of the Staple, Mayor of London in the year 1487, and was buried in this Church, having appointed (by his Testament) the Bells to be changed for four new Bells of good tune and sound; but that was not performed: he gave five hundred Marks towards the repairing of High-waies, between London and Cam∣bridge; his dwelling House, with a Garden and appurtenances in the said Pa∣rish, to be sold, and bestowed in charitable actions.

His House called the George in Bread-street he gave to the Salters, they to find a Priest in the said Parish, to have six pounds, thirteen shillings, four pence the year; to every Preacher at Pauls-Crosse, and at the Spittle, four pence for ever; to the Prisoners of Newgate, Ludgate, Marshalsey, and Kings-Bench, in Victuals, ten shillings at Christmas, and ten shillings at Easter for ever, which Legacies were not performed.

Among others, ther's one Epitaph in Greek in this Church on the Lady Katherine Killegree.

Then West from the said Church on the same side, was one great Messuage, sometime called Ipres Inne of William of Ipres a Flemming, the first Builder thereof; This William was called out of Flanders, with a number of Flemmings to the aid of King Stephen, against Maude the Empress, in the the year 1138, and grew in favour with the said King for his service, so far, that he builded this House near unto Tower-Royall, in the which Tower it seemeth the King was then lodged, as in the heart of the City, for his more safe∣ty.

Robert Earl of Glocester, Brother to the Empresse, being taken, was com∣mitted to the Custody of this VVilliam, to be kept in the Castle of Rochester, till King Stephen was also taken, and then the one was delivered in exchange for the other, and both set free.

This William of Ipres gave Edredes Hith, now called Queens Hith, to the Prior and Canons of the Holy Trinity in London, he founded the Abbey of Bor∣ley in Kent, &c.

In the first of Henry the second, the said William, withall the other Flem∣mings (fearing the indignation of the new King) departed the Land, but it seemeth that the said William was shortly called back again, and restored both to the Kings favour, and to his old possessions here, so that the name and Fa∣mily continued long after in this Realm.

On the other side, I read of a Messuage, called Kinged Hall: King Henry the eighth, the thirty two of his Reign, gave the same (with four Te∣nements adjoyning) unto Morgan Phillip, aliàs Wolfe, in the Parish of Saint Thomas Apostles in London, &c.

Over against Ipres Inne in Knight-Riders street, at the corner towards Saint James Garlick Hith, was sometime a great House builded with Stone, and called Ormond place, for that it sometime belonged to the Earls of Or∣mond.

King Edward the Fourth in the fifrh of his Reign, gave to Elizabeth his Wife, the Mannor of Greenwich with the Tower and Park, in the Coun∣ty of Kent.

He also gave this Tenement called Ormond place, with all the appurte∣nances to the same, scituate in the Parish of Saint Trinity in Knight-Rider street in London. This House is now taken down, and divers fair Tenements are builded there.

Then lower down in Royall-street, is Kerion Lane, of one Kerion sometime dwelling there. In this Lane be divers fair Houses for Merchants, and amongst others is the Glasiers Hall.

At the South corner of Royall-street, is the fair Parish Church of Saint Mar∣tin, called, in the Vintry, sometimes called St. Martin de Beremand Church; This Church was new builded about the year 1399, by the Executors of Mat∣thew Columbars, a stranger born, a Burdeaux Marchant of Gascoine and French Wines: His Armes remain yet in the East Window, and is a Cheveron, be∣tween three Colombins.

Sir John Gisors Mayor, with his Brother, and his Son, lye there buried; He had a great Mansion House called Gisors Hall, in St. Mildreds Parish in Bread-street. There are sundry Latin Epitaphs in this Church.

Then is the Parish Church of St. James, called, at Garlick Hith, or Garlick Hive, for that (of old time) on the River of Thames, near to this Church Gar∣lick was usually sold; This is a comely Church, whereof Richard Rothing one of the Sheriffs 1326, is said to be the new builder, and lyeth buried in the same: so was Walter Nele Blader, one of the Sheriffs 1337, John of Oxenford, Vintner, Mayor 1341.

I read in the first of Edward the third, that this John of Oxenford gave to the Priory of the Holy Trinity in London, two Tofts of Land, one Mill, fifty Acres of Land, two Acres of Wood, with the appurtenances in Kentish Town, in va∣lue twenty shillings and three pence by year.

The Lady Stanley, the Countesse of Huntington, and the Lady Harbert, lye buried in this Church.

Of the Fifteenth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of London, called Cordwayner Ward.

VVE will passe now from the Uintry to Cordwainer-street Ward, taking that name of Cordwayners or Shoomakers; Curriours, and Workers of Leather dwelling there; for it appeareth in the Records of Henry the sixth, the ninth of his Reign, that an Order was taken then for Cordwayners and Curriours, in Corney-street and Sopers Lane. This Ward beginneth in the East, one the West side of Walbrooke, and runneth West thorow Budge-row, (a street so called of Budge Furre, and of Skinners dwelling there) then up by Saint Anthon••es Church, thorow Atheling (or Noble-street) as Leyland termeth it, commonly called Wathling-street, to the Red-Lion, a place so called, of a great Lion of Timber placed there, at a Gate entring a large Court, wherein are divers fair and large Shops, well furnished with Broad-cloths, and other Draperies of all sorts to be sold, and this is the farthest West part of this Ward.

On the South side of this street from Budge-row, lyeth a Lane turning down by the West-gate of the Tower Royal, and to the South end of the Stone Wall beyond the said Gate, which is of this Ward, and is accounted a part of the Roy∣all-street.

Against this West gate of the Tower-Royall, is one other Lane, that run∣neth West to Cordwainer-street, and this is called Turnbase Lane; on the South side whereof is a piece of Wring-wren-Lane, to the North-west corner of Saint Thomas Church the Apostle. Then again out of the High-street called Wath∣ling, is one other street, which runneth thwart the same, and this is Cordwayner street, whereof the whole Ward taketh name.

This street beginneth by West-cheap, and Saint Mary Bow Church is the head thereof on the West side, and it runneth down South, thorow that part which of latter time was called Hosier Lane, now Bow Lane; and then by the West end of Aldermary Church to the new builded Houses, in place of Ormond House, and so to Garlick hill, or Hith, to St. James Church.

The upper part of this street towards Cheap, was called Hosier Lane, of Hosi∣ers dwelling there in place of Shoomakers; but now those Hosiers being worn out by men of other Trades, (as the Hosiers had worn out the Shoomakers) the same is called Bow-Lane, of Bow Church.

On the West side of Cordwainer-street, is Basing-lane, right over against Turn∣base-lane, This Basing-lane, West to the back gate of the Red Lyon, in Wathling-street, is of this Cordwainer-street Ward.

Now again on the North side of this high street, is Budge-row: by the East end of St. Anthonies Church, have ye St. Sithes Lane, so called of St. Sithes Church, (which standeth against the North end of that Lane) and this is wholly of Cordwainer-street Ward; also the South side of Needlers lane, which reacheth from the North end of St. Sithes lane, vvest to Soper lane; then vvest from St. Anthonies Church, is the South end of Sopers lane, which lane took that name, not of Sope-making, as some have supposed, but of Alen le Sopar, in the ninth of

Edward the second; nor can we read of Sope-making in this City, till within this hundred and fifty years, that John Lambe, dwelling in Grasse-street, set up a boyling house; for this City (in former time) was served of white Sope in hard Cakes (called Castle-Soap, and other) from beyond the Seas, and of gray Sope, speckled with white, very sweet and good, from Bristow, sold here for a peny the pound, and never above peny farthing; and black Sope for an half-peny the pound.

Then in Bow-lane (as they now call it) is Goose-lane, by Bow-Church; William Essex, Mercer, had Tenements there, in the six and twentieth of Edward the third.

Then from the South end of Bow-lane, up Wathling-street, till over against the Red Lyon, are the bounds of Cordwainer-street Ward.

Then is there a fair Parish in Budge-row, called St. Anthonies at first, and now St. Antlins. Sir Thomas Knowles Lord Mayor of London, lyeth buried there, who repaired, and was a great Benefactor to that Church, upon whom is this Epitaph,

Here lyeth graven under this Stone, Thomas Knowles, both flesh and bone, &c.

Next on the South side of Budge-row, by the West corner thereof, and on the East side of Cordwainer-street, is one other fair Church, called Aldermary Church, because the same was very old, and elder then any Church of St. Mary in the City; till of late years, the foundation of a very fair new Church, was laid there by Henry Keeble, Grocer, and Mayor, who deceased 1518, and was ther buried in a Vault, by him prepared, with a fair Monument raised over him, on the North side of the Quire, now destroyed and gone: he gave by his Testament, a thousand pound toward the building up of that Church; and yet was not permitted a resting place for his bones there afterwards. Richard Chawcer Vintner, thought to be the Father of Jeffrey Chawcer the Poet, was a great Be∣nefactor to this Church.

At the upper end of Hosier-lane, toward VVest-Cheape, is the fair Parish Church of St. Mary Bow; this Church in the Reign of VVilliam the Conqueror, being the first in this City, builded on Arches of Stone, was therefore called New Mary Church, of St. Mary de Areubus, or le Bow, in VVest Cheaping; As Stratford Bridge, being the first builded (by Matilda, the Queen, VVife to Henry the first) with Arches of Stone was called Stratford le Bow; which names, to the said Church and Bridge, remain till this day; the Court of the Arches is kept in this Church, and taketh name of the place, not the place of the Court; but of what Antiquity, or continuation that Court hath there continued, 'tis uncertain.

This Church is of Cordwainer-street, and for divers accidents happening there, hath bin made more famous than any other Parish Church of the whole City, or Suburbs.

First we read, that in the year 1090, and the third of VVilliam Rufus, by tempest of vvind, the roof of the Church of St. Mary Bow in Cheape, was over∣turned, wherewith some persons were flain, and four of the Rafters of six and twenty foot in length, with such violence were pitched in the ground of the high street, that scantly four foot of them remained above ground, which were fain to be cut even with the ground, because they could not be plucked out; for the City of London was not then paved, but a Moorish ground.

In the year 1196. VVilliam Fitz Osbert, a seditious Traytor, took the Steeple of Bow, and fortified it with Munitions and victuals, but it was assaulted, and VVilliam with his Complices, were taken (though without blood-shed) for he was forced by fire and smoak to forsake the Church, and then being by the Judges condemned, he was by the heels drawn to the Elmes in Smithfield,

and there hanged with nine of his fellowes, where because his favourers came not to deliver him, he forsook Maries Son, (as he termed Christ our Saviour) and called upon the Devil to help and deliver him: such was the end of this de∣ceiver, a man of an evil life, a secret murtherer, a filthy fornicator, a keeper of Concubines, and (amongst other his detestable facts) a false accuser of his elder Brother, who had (in his youth) brought him up in learning, and done many things for his preferment.

In the year 1271. a great part of the Church of Bow fell down, and slew ma∣ny people, men and women.

In the year 1284, the thirteenth of Edward the first, Lawrence Ducket, Gold∣smith, having grievously wounded one Ralph Crepin in West Cheap, fled into Bow-Church, into the which (in the night time) entred certain evil persons, friends unto the said Ralph, and slew the said Laurence, lying in the Steeple, and then hanged him up, placing him so by the Window, as if he had hanged him∣self, and so was it found by Inquisition; for the which fact, Lawrence Ducket being drawn by the feet, was buried in a ditch without the City; but shortly after (by relation of a Boy, who lay with the said Lawrence, at the time of his death, and had hid him there for fear) the truth of the matter was disclosed; for the which cause, Jordan Good-Cheape, Ralph Crepin, Gilbert Clarke, and Jof∣frey Clarke, were attainted, and a certain Woman named Alice, that was chief causer of the said mischief, was burned, and to the number of sixteen men, were drawn and hanged, besides others that, being richer, after long imprisonment, were hanged by the purse.

The Church was interdicted, the Doors and Windows were stopped up with Thorns for a while, but Lawrence was taken up, and honestly buried in the Church-yard afterwards.

The Parish-Church of St. Mary Bow, by meanes of incroachment, and buil∣ding of Houses, wanting room in their Church-yard, for burial of the Dead, John Rotham, or Rodham, Citizen and Taylor, by his Testament dated the year 1465. gave to the Parson and Church-wardens, a certain Garden in Hosier-lane, to be a Church-yard, which so continued near a hundred years, but now is buil∣ded on, and is a private mans house. The old Steeple of this Church, was by little and little re-edified, and new builded up, at the least so much as was fal∣len down, many men giving sums of money to the furtherance thereof, so that at length, to wit, in the year 1469, it was ordained by a Common Councel, that the Bow Bell should be nightly rung at nine of the Clock.

Shortly after, John Donne Mercer, by his Testament dated 1472, according to the trust of Reginald Longdon, gave to the Parson and Church-wardens of St. Mary Bow two Tenements, with the appurtenances, since made into one, in Hosierlane, then so called, to the maintenance of Bow Bell, the same to be rung as aforesaid, and other things to be observed, as by the Will ap∣peareth.

The Arches or Bowes thereupon with the Lanthorns five in number, to wit, one at each Corner, and one on the top in the middle upon the Arches, were also afterward finished of Stone, brought from Cane in Normandy, delivered at the Customers Key, for four shillings eight pence the Tun 1515, and 1516, William Copland being Church-warden. It is said that this Copland gave the great Bell, which made the fifth in the Ring, to be rung nightly at nine of the Clock: This Bell was first rung (as a Knell) at the Burial of the same Copland; It appeareth, that the Lanthorns on the top of this Steeple, were meant to have bin glazed, and lights in them placed nightly in the Winter, whereby Travel∣lers to the City might have the better sight thereof, and not to misse of their wayes.

In this Parish also was a Grammar-School, by commandment of King Henry the sixth, which School was (of old time) kept in an house for that purpose pre∣pared in the Church-yard; But that School being decayed, as others about this City, the School-house was let out for Rent, in the Reign of Henry the 8th, for four shillings the year, a Cellar for two shillings the year, and two Vaults under the Church, for 15 s. both.

There are Monuments of divers Citizens of note in this Church, but most of them much defac'd, and mouldred away.

Without the North side of this Church of St. Mary Bow, towards West-Cheape, standeth one fair building of Stone, called in Record Sildam, a shed which greatly darkneth the said Church; for by meanes thereof, all the Win∣dows and doors on that side, are stopped up; King Edward the third, upon occasion, as shall be shewed in the Ward of Cheap, caused this side or shed to be made, and strongly to be builded of Stone for himself, the Queen, and other States, to stand there to behold the Justings, and other shewes at their plea∣sures; And this House (for long time after) served to that use, namely, in the Reign of Edward the third, and Richard the second; but in the year 1410. Henry the fourth, in the twelfth of his Reign, confirmed the said shed or building, to Stephen Spilman, William Marchford, and John Wattle, Mercers, by the name of one new Sildain, Shed or Building, with Shops, Cellars, and Edifices, what∣soever appertaining, called Crounsild, or Tamersild, scituate in the Mercery of West-Cheape, and in the Parish of St. Mary de Arcubus in London, &c.

Notwithstanding which grant, the Kings of England, and other great Estates, as well of forraign Countries repairing to this Realm, as Inhabitants of the same, have usually repaired to this place, therein to behold the shewes of this City, passing through West-Cheape; namely, the great Watches accustomed in the night, on the Even of St. John Baptist, and St. Peter at Midsommer; the Examples whereof were over-long to recite, wherefore let it suffice briefly to touch one.

In the year 1510, on St. Johns Eve at night, King Henry the eighth, came to this place, then called the Kings-Head in Cheape, in the Livery of a Yeoman of the Gard, with an Halberd on his shoulder, and there beholding the Watch, departed privily, when the Watch was done; and was not known to any, but whom it pleased him; But on Saint Peters night next following, He and the Queen came Royally riding to the said place, and there with their Nobles, beheld the Watch of the City, and return'd in the morning.

Of the Sixteenth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of LONDON, called Cheape-Ward.

WE enter now into the Center of the City, which is Cheap-Ward, ta∣king name of the Market there kept, called West Cheaping; which Ward, as a River, as Mr. Stow saith, that hath three heads, and running along to the uttermost of his bounds, issueth out on the sides into little streams: so this Ward, beginning on the Course of Wallbrook, and is not the meanest of the Wards, (if for no other cause, yet because it is nearest to the heart of the City) hath his beginning on the East from three places. The High street of the Poultrey, the lower end of Buckles bury, and the nether part of the Venell, or entry into Scalding Alley, & so running along, as far as unto the North-East corner of Bow-lane on the South side, and from thence into Bow-lane on the East side, until ye come to the Channel over against the Cellardoor under the Church; & then, on the North side of Cheap, up to the Standard, stretching it self into divers Lanes and peeces, onthe right hand, and on the left hand, as it commeth along.

First, for the High street of the Poultrey (which is the main body of this Ward:) on the South side thereof toward the East, this Ward beginneth in the way going down to St. Mary Wooll-Church.

Now for Antiquities, and things worthy of memory in Cheap-Ward.

First, in the main Body of this Ward, that is, the Poultry, standeth the hansome little Church, that beareth the name of St. Mildred in the Poultry the Virgin, which name was given surely for distinction not for superstition; for so was the Custom of the Kingdom (& yet is) in building their things for the service of God, thatthe Founders called them by the name of some Apostle, Saint, Martyr, or Confessor, as best liked their own conceit, at the present time, to di∣stinguish them from others.

Who this Mildred was, whether she was the Eldest Daughter of Merwaldus, King of the VVest-Mercians, as some think, or that she was Daughter of Ethel∣bert, King of Kent, one of the founders of Pauls Church, it is incertain: nei∣ther is it much material, but it is probable, that she was some holy and devout Maid, which the People of that Age held to be a Saint afterward in Heaven.

In what years this Church was first erected, or who was the first Founder of it, we find not; but it appeareth by some ancient Evidences of the said Church, that from the beginning it had not so much spare ground about it, as to make a Church-yard of, until in the year of our Lord God 1420, and the 8th of King Henry the fifth, Thomas Morsted Esquire, and Chirurgion to the Kings, Henry the fourth, Henry the fifth, and Henry the sixth. (And afterward, in Anno Dom. 1436. was Sheriff and Alderman of London) gave unto the Church a parcel of ground, lying between his dwelling-house and the said Church (and adjoyning unto the said Church toward the North) to make a Church-yard of, for the burial of their Dead, containing in length, from the Course of VVall∣brook, toward the West, forty five foot, and in breadth, from the Church to∣ward the North, thirty five foot.

Within short time after, some body, of Religious and Charitable disposition, erected upon the sides of the said Church-yard, but upon Posts and Pillars, with Cloysters underneath, toward the West, a Parsonage House, or Mansion, and free dwelling of the Ministers and Rectors of the said Church, and toward

the East four Chambers, then called the Priests Chambers, now converted into a Tenement or dwelling House, & demised for yearly Rent, but the Church-yard is much abridged, and of late fouly defaced; and the lights of the said Parso∣nage hindered by additions of pieces, to the said ancient Chambers, which ought not to be: In this ancient Church, some Citizens of note lie buried.

Some few Houses West from this Parish Church of St. Mildred, is a Prison-house, pertaining to one of the Sheriffs of London, and is called the Counter in the Poultry: This hath bin there kept, and continued time out of minde; for I have not read of the Original thereof: West from this Counter, was a proper Chappel, called of Corpus Christi, and St. Mary, at Cony-hope lane end, in the Pa∣rish of the said Mildred, founded by one named Jorivirunnes, a Citizen of Lon∣don, in the Raign of Edward the third; in which Chappel was a Guild or Frater∣nity, that might dispend in Lands better then twenty pounds by year; it was suppressed by Henry the eighth, and purchased by one Thomas Hobson, Haber∣dasher: he turned this Chappel into a fair Ware-house, and Shops towards the street, with fair Lodgings over them.

Then is Cony-hope lane, of old time so called, of a signe of three Coneys, which hung over a Poulterers Stall at the Lanes end; within this Lane standeth the Grocers Hall, which Company being of old time called Pepperers, were first incorporated by the name of Grocers, in the year 1345, at which time, they e∣lected for Custos, or Gardian of their Fraternity, Richard Oswin, and Lawrence Hallwell, and twenty Brethren were then taken in, to be of their Society.

In the year 1411, the Custos or Gardian, and the Brethren of this Company, purchased of the Lord Robert Fitzwaters, one Plot of ground, with the buil∣ding thereupon, in the said Cony-hope lane, for three hundred twenty Marks, and then laid their foundation of their new Common-Hall.

About the year 1429, the Grocers had Licence to purchase five hundred Marks Land; since the which time, near adjoyning unto the Grocers Hall; the said Company have builded seven proper Houses, for seven aged poor Alms∣people; Thomas Knowles Grocer and Maior, gave his Tenement in St. Antho∣nies Church-yard to the Grocers, towards the relief of the poor Brethren in that Company: Also Henry Keeble, Grocer and Maior, gave to the seven Alms∣people, six pence weekly for ever; which Pension is now increased by the Ma∣sters, to some of them two shillings a peece weekly, and to some of them lesse, &c.

Henry Ady Grocer, 1563, gave a thousand Marks to the Grocers to purchase Lands, and Sir Henry Pechy, Knight Banneret, free of that Company, gave them five hundred pounds to certain uses: he builded Alms-houses at Luding stone in Kent, and was there buried.

West from this Cony hope Lane, is the Old Jury, whereof some portion is of Cheape Ward; at the South end of this Lane, is the Parish-Church of St. Mary Cole-Church, named of one Cole, that builded it: this Church is builded upon a Vault above ground, so that men are forced to go to ascend up thereunto, by certain steps, I finde no Monuments of this Church more, than that Henry the fourth granted Licence to William Marshal, and others, to found a Brother-hood of Saint Katherine therein, because Thomas Becket and St. Edmond, the Arch Bishop were baptized there.

The Old Jury hath had alwayes Citizens of quality, and fair large Houses, as there is now Gurney-house, where Alderman Friderique lives, a very worthy Gentleman.

There is also another ancient fair House of Thomas Bowyer, and another of Mr. Bonnel, worthy and wealthy brave Marchants.

We read of Bordhangli-lane, to be of that Parish; and thus much for the North side of the Poultry. The South side of the said Poultry, beginning on the

Bank of the said Brook, over against the Parish-Church of St. Mildred, passing up to the great Conduit, hath divers fair Houses, which were sometimes inha∣bited by the Poulterers, but now by Grocers, Haberdashers, and Upholsters.

Concerning other Antiquities there, first is Bucklesbury, so called of a Man∣nor, and Tenements pertaining to one Buckle, who there dwelled, and kept his Courts; this Mannor is supposed to be the great Stone-Building, yet in part remaining on the South side of the street, which of late time hath been called the Old Barge, of such a signe hanged out, near the Gate thereof; This Mannor, or great House, hath of long time bin divided, and letten out into many Tene∣ments; and it hath bin a common Speech, that when Wallbrook did lie open, Barges were rowed out of the Thames, or towed up so far; and therefore the place hath ever since bin called the Old Barge.

Also, on the North side of this street, directly over against the said Buckles∣bury, was one ancient and strong Tower of Stone; the which Tower, King Ed∣ward the third, in the eighteenth of his Reign, called by the name of the Kings House, and Cornet Stoure in London, and did appoint his Exchange of mo∣ney, there to be kept: In the nine and twentieth, he granted it to Frydus Guy∣nysane, and Landus Bardaile, Marchants of Luke, for twenty pound the year; And in the three and twentieth, he gave the same Tower to his Colledge, or Free Chappel of St. Stephen at VVestminster, by the name of Cornet Stoure, at Bucklesbury in London.

This whole street, called Buckles bury, on both the sides throughout, is pos∣sessed of Grocers, and Apothecaries; toward the West end thereof, on the South side, breaketh out one other short lane, called in Records, Peneritch-street, it reacheth but to St. Sythes lane; and St. Sythes Church, is the farthest part there∣of; for by the West end of the said Church, beginneth Needles Lane, which reacheth to Sopers Lane, as is aforesaid.

This small Parish Church of St. Syth, hath also an addition of Bennet Shorne, (or Shrog, or Shorehog) for by all these names it hath bin called; but the anci∣ent is Shorne, wherefore it seemeth to take that name of one Benedict Shorne; sometime a Citizen and Stock-fishmonger of London, a new Builder, repairer, or Benefactor thereof, in the year of Edward the second, so that Shorne is but cor∣ruptly called Shrog, and more corruptly Shorehog, Here are divers Monu∣ments, and among other the Tomb of Sir Raph VVarren, Knight, Alderman, twice Lord Maior of London, and Marchant of the Staple at Callis; with his two Wives, Anno 1553.

Then in Needlers Lane, have ye the Parish Church of St. Pancrase, a proper small Church, but divers rich Parishioners therein, and hath had of old time, many liberal Benefactors; But of late, such as (not regarding the Order ta∣ken by Queen Elizabeth,) the least Bell in their Church being broken, have ra∣ther sold the same for half the value, then put the Parish to charge with new casting: late experience hath proved this to be true, besides the spoil of Monu∣ments there; This little Church hath also some handsome Monu∣ments.

Then is a part of Sopers-lane, turning up to Cheap.

By the assent of Stephen Abunden, Maior, the Pepperers in Sopers lane, were admitted to sell all such Spices, and other Wares, as Grocers now use to sell, re∣taining the old name of Pepperers in Sopers lane, till at length, in the Reign of Henry the sixth, the same Sopers lane was inhabited by Cordwayners and Curriers, after that the Pepperers or Grocers had seated themselves in a more open street, to wit, in Buckles bury, where they now remain: Thus much for the South Wing of Cheap-Ward.

At the West end of this Poultry, and also of Bucklers bury, beginneth the large street of West Cheaping, a Market place so called, which street stretcheth West, till ye come to the little Conduit by Pauls Gate, but not all of Cheap

Ward. In the East part of this street standeth the Great Conduit, of Sweet∣water, conveyed by Pipes of Lead, under ground from Paddington, for ser∣vice of this City, castellated with stone, and Cisterned in Lead, about the year 1285, and again new builded and enlarged by Thomas Ilam one of the Sheriffs, 1479.

About the middest of this street is the Standard in Cheape: of what Anti∣quity, the first foundation is, I have not read. But Henry the sixth by his Patent, dated at Windsor, the one and twentieth of his Reign (which Patent, was con∣firmed by Parliament, 1442) granted Licence to Thomas Knolles, John Chichle, and other Executers to John Wells, Grocer, sometime Maior of London, with his Goods to make new the high-way, which leadeth from the City of London, to∣wards the place of Westminster, before and nigh the Mannor of Savoy, parcel of the Dutchey of Lancaster, a way then very ruinous, and the Pavement broken, to the hurt and mischief of the Subjects, which old Pavement, then remaining in that way, within the length of five hundred foot, and all the breadth of the same, before and nigh the site of the Manner aforesaid, they were to break up, and with Stone, Gravel, and other stuffe, make one other good and sufficient way for the Commodity of the Subjects; And further, that the Standard in Cheape, where divers Executions of the Law before time had bin performed; which Standard at that present was very ruinous with age; in which there was a Conduit, should be taken down, and another competent Standard of Stone; to∣gether with a Conduit in the same, of new, strongly to be builded, for the Commodity and honour of the City, with the goods of their Testator, without interruption, &c.

Of Executions at the Standard in Cheape, we read, that in the year 1293. three men had their right hands smitten off there, for rescuing of a Prisoner, ar∣rested by an Officer of the City.

In the year 1326, the Burgesses of London, caused Walter Stapleton, Bishop of Exceter, Treasurer to Edward the second, and others, to be beheaded at the Standard in Cheap (but this was by Pauls Gate.)

In the year 1351, the six and twentieth of Edward the third, two Fishmon∣gers were beheaded at the Standard in Cheape. 1381, Wat Tylar beheaded, Rich∣ard Lyons, and others, there.

In the year 1399, Henry the fourth, caused the Blank Charters, made by Rich∣ard the second, to be burnt there.

In the year 1450, Jack Cade, Captain of the Kentish Rebels, beheaded the Lord Say there.

In the year 1461, John Davy had his hand stricken off there, because he had stricken a man before the Judges at Westminster, &c.

Then next is the great Crosse in VVest Cheap, which Crosse was there erected in the year 1290, by Edward the first; upon occasion thus, Queen Elianor his Wife, dyed at Hardeby (a Town near unto the City of Lincoln) her Body was brought from thence to VVestminster, and the King in memory of her, caused in every place, where her Body rested by the way, a stately Crosse of Stone to be e∣rected, with the Queens Image, and Arms upon it, as at Grantham, VVoborn, Northampton, Stony-stratford Dunstable, St. Albones, VValtham, VVest-Cheape, and at Charing, from whence she was conveyed to VVestminster, and there bu∣ried.

This Crosse in VVest-Cheape, being like to those other which remain to this day; and being by length of time decayed, John Hatherley, Mayor of London, procured in the year 1441, Licence of King Henry the sixth, to re-edifie the same in more beautiful manner, for the honour of the City; and had Licence also to take up two hundred Fodder of Lead, for the building thereof, & of cer∣tain Conduits, and a common Granary. This Crosse was then curiously wrought, at the Charges of divers Citizens: John Fisher Mercer, gave six hun∣dred

Marks towards it, the same was begun to be set up 1484, and finished 1486, the second of Henry the seventh: It was, after, gilt over, in the year 1522, against the comming in of Charles the fifth, Emperor. In the year 1553, against the Coronation of Queen Anne. New burnished against the Coronation of Edward the sixth; And again new guilt 1554, against the comming in of King Philip. Since which time, the said Crosse having bin pre∣sented by divers Juries, (or Quests of Wardmote) to stand in the high-way, to the let of carriages (as they alledged) but could not have it removed; it fol∣lowed, that in the year 1581, the twenty one of June, in the night, the lowest Images round about the said Crosse (being of Christ his Resurrection, of the Virgin Mary, King Edward the Confessor, and such like) were broken, and de∣faced: Proclamation was made, that who so would discover the doers, should have forty Crowns, but nothing came to light: the Image of the blessed Vir∣gin, at that time was robbed of her Son, and her Arms broken, by which she stayed him on her knees; her whole body was also haled with Ropes, and lest likely to fall; but in the year 1595. was again fastened and repaired; and in the year next following, a new mis-shapen Son, as born out of time, all naked, was laid in her Arms; the other Images remaining, broke as afore. But on the East side of the same Crosse, the steps being taken thence; under the Image of Christs Resurrection defaced, was set up a curious wrought Tabernacle of gray Marble, and in the same an Alabaster Image of Diana, and water conveyed from the Thames, prilling from her naked Brest for a time, but now de∣cayed.

In the year 1599, the Timber of the Crosse at the top, being rotted within the Lead, the Arms thereof bending, were feared to have fallen, to the harming of some people; and therefore the whole Body of the Crosse, was scaffolded about, and the top thereof taken down, meaning in place thereof, to have set up a Pyramis: but some of her Majesties honourable Councellors, directed their Letters to Sir Nicholas Mosley, then Maior, by her Highnesse express Com∣mandment concerning the Crosse, forthwith to be repaired, and placed again as it formerly stood, &c. Notwithstanding, the said Crosse stood headless more then a year after, whereupon the said Councellors in great number, meaning not any longer to permit the continuance of such a contempt, wrote to Wil∣liam Rider, then Maior, requiring him, by vertue of her Highness said former direction and Commandement, without any further delay, to accomplish her Majesties most princely care therein, respecting especially, the Antiquity and continuance of that Monument, and ancient Ensign of Christianity, &c. dated the four and twentieth of December, 1600. After this, a Crosse of Timber was framed, set up, covered with Lead, and gilded, the Body of the Crosse down∣ward, cleansed of dust, the Scaffold carryed thence. About twelve nights fol∣lowing, the Image of our Lady was again defaced, by plucking off her Crown, and almost her head, taking from her, her naked Child, and stabbing her in the Brest.

But in the year 1644, during the Reign of the long Parliament, the said Crosse, by an Ordinance thereof, was utterly demolished; and while the thing was doing, there was a noyse of Trumpets blew all the while. Upon the utter demolition of this so ancient and visible a Monument, or Ornament of the City of London as all Forrainers esteemed it, it fortuned, that there was another new one, popp'd up in Cheap-side, hard by the Standard, viz. a high square Ta∣ble of Stone, left in Legacy by one Russel a Porter, and well-minded man, with this Distichengraven,

God blesse the Porter who great pains doth take, Rest here, and welcome when thy back doth ake.

Thus much for the Crosse in West-cheape. Then at the West end of West-Cheap-street,

was sometimes a Crosse of Stone called the Old Crosse. Ralph Higden in his Polychronicon saith, that Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exceter, Trea∣surer to Edward the second, was by the Burgesles of London beheaded at this Crosse, then called the Standard, without the North door of St. Pauls Church; and so it is noted in other Writers that then lived. This old Crosse stood and remained at the East end of the Parish Church called St. Michael in the corner by Pauls Gate, near to the North end of the old Exchange, till the year 1390, the thirteenth of Richard the second, in place of which old Crosse then taken down, the said Church of St. Michael was enlarged, and also a fair Water-Con∣duit builded, about the ninth of Henry the sixth.

In the Reign of Edward the third, divers Justings were made in this street, betwixt Sopers Lane and the great Crosse, namely, one in the year 1331, about the one and twentieth of September, as 'tis observed by divers Writers of that time. In the middle of the City of London, (say they) in a Street called Cheap, the Stone pavement, being covered with sand, that the Horses might not slide, when they strongly set their feet to the ground, the King held a Tournement three daies together with the Nobility, valiant men of the Realm, and others, some strange Knights; And to the end the beholders might with the better ease see the same, there was a wooden Scaffold erected crosse the street, like unto a Tower, wherein Queen Philip and many other Ladies, richly attired, and assembled from all parts of the Realm, did stand to behold the Justs, but the higher frame in which the Ladies were placed, brake in sunder, whereby they were (with some shame) forced to fall down, by reason whereof the Knights, and such as were underneath, were grievously hurt; wherefore the Queen took great care to save the Carpenters from punishment, and through her prayers (which she made upon her Knees) pacified the King and Councel, and thereby purchased great love of the people. After which time, the King caused a shed to be strongly made of Stone for himself, the Queen, and other States to stand on, and there to behold the Justings, and other shewes, at their pleasure, by the Church of St. Mary Bow, as is shewed in Cordwayner-street Ward. Thus much for the High street of Cheap.

Now of the North side of Cheap street and Ward, beginning at the great Conduit, and by St. Mary Cole Church, where we left; Next thereunto West-ward, is the Mercers Chappel, sometime an Hospital, entituled of St. Thomas of Acon, or Acars, for a Master and Brethren. Militia Hospitalis &c, saith the Re∣cord of Edward the third, the fourteenth year, it was founded by Thomas Fitz Theohald de Heili, and Agnes his Wife, sister to Thomas Becket, in the Reign of Henry the second: they gave to the Master and Brethren the Lands with the ap∣purtenances, that sometimes were Gilbert Beckets, Father to the said Thomas, in the which he was born, there to make a Church; There was a Charnel, and a Chappel over it of St. Nicholas and St. Stephen; This Hospital was valued to dispend two hundred seventy seven pounds, three shillings four pence, surrendred the thirtieth of Henry the eighth, the one and twentieth of October, and was since purchased by the Mercers, by means of Sir Richard Gresham, and was again set open on the Eve of Saint Michael 1541, the three and thirtieth of Henry the eighth; It is now called the Mercers Chappel, therein is kept a free Grammar School, as of old time had been accustomed, commanded by Parliament.

In this Chappel there is every Sunday morning throughout the year a Sermon in the Italian Tongue, beginning about ten a clock.

Here be many Monuments remaining, but more have been defaced; among others, there is James Butler Earl of Ormond, and Dame Joane his Countesse, 1428.

Before this Hospital towards the street, was builded a fair and beautiful Chap∣pel arched over with stone, and thereupon the Mercers Hall, a most curious

pieceor work, Sir John Allen Mercer, being sounder of that Chappel, was there buried, but since his Tombe is removed thence into the Body of the Hospitall Church, and his Body-room divided into Shops, are letten out for Rent; These Mercers were enabled to be a Company, and to purchase Lands to the value of twenty pound the year, the seventeenth of Richard the second; they had three Messuages and Shops in the Parish of Saint Martins Oteswich, in the Ward of Bishopsgate, for the sustentation of the poor, and a Chantry, the two and twen∣tieth of Richard the second. Henry the fourth in the twelfth of his Reign, con∣firmed to Stephen Spilman, W. Marchford and John Watild Mercers by the name of one new Sildam, shed, or building, with Shops, Cellars, and Edifices what∣soever appertaining, called Crownsildes Scituate in the Mercery in West-cheap, in the Parish of St. Mary de Arcubus in London, &c. to be holden in Burgage, as all the City of London is.

Next beyond the Mercers Chappel, and their Hall, is Ironmonger Lane, so cal∣led of Ironmongers dwelling there.

In this Lane, is the small Parish Church of St. Martin, called Pomary, upon what occasion I certainly know not; it is supposed to be of Apples growing, where now Houses are lately builded.

Farther West, is St. Lawrence Lane, so called of St. Lawrence Church, which standeth directly over against the North end thereof. Antiquities in this Lane I finde none other, then that among many fair Houses, there is one large Inne for receipt of travellers, called Blossomes Inne, but corruptly Bosomos Inne, and hath to Sign St. Lawrence the Deacon, in a Border of Blossoms or Flowers.

Then near to the standard in Cheap, is Hony-lane, being very narrow, and somewhat dark.

In this Lane, is the small Parish Church called Alhallowes in Hony-Lane; There be no Monuments in this Church worth the noting. I find that John Norman, Draper, Mayor 1453, was buried there. He gave to the Drapers his Tenements on the North side the said Church; they to allow for the Beam light and Lamp, thirteen shillings four pence yearly, from this Lane to the Standard. And thus much for Cheap Ward, in the High-street of Cheap, for it stretcheth no farther.

Now, for the North wing of Cheap Ward, have ye Catte-street, corruptly called Catteaten-street, which beginneth at the North end of Ironmonger Lane, and runneth to the West end of Saint Lawrence-Church, as is afore-shewed.

On the North side of this street is the Guild-hall, wherein the Courts for the City are kept, namely, first the Court of Common-Councel, second the Court of the Lord Mayor and his Brethren the Aldermen, third the Court of Hustings, fourth the Court of Orphanes, fifth the two Courts of the Sheriffs, sixt the Court of the Wardmote, seventh the Court of Hallmote, eight the Court of Requests, com∣monly called the Court of Conscience, nine the Chamberlains Court for Prentices, & making them free; This Guild-hall, saith Robert F••••ian, was began to be builded new in the year 1411, the twelfth of Henry the fourth by Thomas Knowles, then Mayor, and his Brethren the Aldermen; The same was made, of a little Cottage, a large and great House, as now it standeth, towards the charges where∣of, the Companies gave large benevolences; Also offences of men were pardo∣ned for sums of money towards this work, extraordinary Fees were raised, Fines, Amercements, and other things imployed, during seven years, with a Continu∣ation thereof, three years more, all to be employed to this building.

The first year of Henry the sixth, John Coventry & John Carpenter Executors to Richard Whittington, gave towards the paving of this great Hall twenty pounds and the next year fifteen pounds more to the said pavement, with hard Stone of Purbeck; They also glaz'd some VVindows thereof, and of the Mayors Court,

on every which Window, the Arms of Richard Whittington are placed. The foun∣dation of the Mayors Court was laid in the third year of the Reign of Henry the sixth, and of the Porch on the South side of the Mayors Court, in the fourth of the said King. Then was builded the Mayors Chamber, and the Councel Chamber, with other Roomes above the staires.

Having here so just occasion, speaking of that former ancient Councel Cham∣ber, which hath continued so ever since, I cannot but account it expedient (as in no place better fitting) to remember the fair and goodly new Councel Cham∣ber, a worthy Act, and an Honour to the City. The said new Councel Cham∣ber, with a fair Room over the same, appointed for a Treasury, wherein to pre∣serve the Books and Records belonging to the City, and another Room also un∣derneath the same Chamber, reserved for necessary use and employment, began to be builded the first week after Easter, in the time of the Majoralty of Sir Tho∣mas Middleton. Knight, and Alderman, in the year of our Lord 1614, it was fully finished shortly after Michaelmas 1615, at the latter end of the Majoralty of Sir Thomas Hayes, Knight and Alderman; But the Lord Mayor, and the Al∣dermen his Brethren, kept their first Court in the said new Councel Chamber, on the seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord 1615, Sir John Jolles Knight and Alderman, being then Lord Mayor; by whose order and direction, the said building was performed, from the first beginning thereof, to the finall finishing of the same, amounting to the charge of 1740 l. than which, no mo∣ney could be better bestowed, nor more to the Cities credit and renown.

Last of all, a stately Porch entring the great Hall, was erected; the front there∣of towards the Stouth, being beautified with Images of Srone.

Now for the Chappel or Colledge of our Lady Mary Magdalene, and of All Saints by Guild-Hall, called London Colledge, we read, that the same was buil∣ded about the year 1299, and that Peter Fanelore, Adam Francis, and Henry Frowick Citizen, gave one Messuage with the appurtenances, in the Parish of St. Foster, to William Brampton Custos of the Chauntry, by them founded in the said Chappel, with four Chaplains; and one other House in the Parish of St. Giles without Creplegate, in the seven and twentieth of Edward the third, was given to them.

Adjoyning to this Chappel on the South side, was sometime a fair and large Library, furnished with Books pertaining to the Guild-Hall and Colledge.

These Books (as it is said) were in the Reign of Edward the sixth, sent for by Edward Duke of Somerset, Lord Protector, with promise to be restored short∣ly; Men laded from thence threescore Carts with them, but they were never returned; This Library was builded by the Executors of R. Whittington, and by W. Bury; on the other side, it is now lofted through, and made a Store-house for Cloaths,

South-west from this Guild-Hall, is the fair Parish Church of St. Lawrence, called, in the Jury, because (of old time) many Jewes inhabited there about; This Church is fair and large, and hath divers Monuments.

In this Church there was the Shank-bone of a man, and also a Tooth of a ve∣ry great bigness, hanged up for shew, in Chains of Iron, upon a Pillar of Stone: the Tooth (being about the bigness of a mans fist) is long since conveyed from thence; the Thigh or Shank-bone, of five and twenty inches in length by the Rule, remaineth yet fastned to a post of Timber, and is not so much to be noted for the length, as for the thickness, hardness, and strength thereof; for when it was hanged on the Stone Pillar, it fretted (with moving) the said Pillar, and was not it self fretted, nor (as seemeth) is not yet lightned by remaining dry: but where or when this Bone was first found or discovered, I have not heard.

Of the Seventeenth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of London, called Coleman∣street Ward.

VVE will now stear our course Northward, and look towards London Walls to find out another Ward, and next to Cheap Ward on the North side thereof, is Coleman∣street Ward, and beginneth also in the East, on the course of Wallbrook, in Lothbury, and runneth West, (on the South side to the end of Ironmongers Lane, and on the North side, to the West corner of Basing-Hall street; On the South side of Lothbury, is the street called the Old Jewry; the one half, and better, on both sides towards Cheap, is of this Ward.

Antiquities therein to be noted, are these, First, the street of Lothbury, Lathbery, or Loadbay; This street is possessed (for the most part) by Founders, that cast Candlesticks, Chafing-dishes, Spice-Mortars, and such like Copper or Latin workes, and do after turn them with the Foot, and not with the Wheel, to make them smoth and bright, with turning and scrating, (as some do term it) making a loathsome noise to the by-passers, that have not been used to the like, and therefore by them disdainedly called Lothbury. On the South side of this street amongst the Founders be some fair Houses and large, for Merchants; namely, one that of old time was the Jews Synagogue, which was defaced by the Citizens of London, after that they had slain seven hundred Jewes, and spoi∣led the residue of their goods, in the year 1262, the forty seventh of Henry the third. And not long after, in the year 1291, King Edward the first banished the remnant of the Jewes out of England, as is afore shewed.

The Synagogue being so suppressed, certain Fryars got possession thereof; For in the year 1257, (saith Matthew Paris) there were seen in London a new Order of Fryars, called De poenitentia Jesu, or Fratres de sacco, because they were apparrelled in sackcloth, who had their House in London, near unto Aldersgate, without the gate, and had Licence of Henry the third, in the four and twentieth of his Reign, to remove from thence to any other place; and in the fifty sixt, she gave unto them this Jews Synagogue. After which time Elianor the Queen, wife to Edward the first, took into her protection, and warranted unto the Prior and Brethren De poenitentia Jesu Christi, of London, the said Land and building in Cole-Church street, in the Parish of Saint Olave in the Jury and St. Margaret in Loathbury, by her granted, with consent of Stephen de Fulborn, under-Warden of the Bridge-house, and other Brethren of that House, for threescore Marks of Silver, which they had received of the said Prior and Brethren of repentance, towards the building of the said Bridge. This Order of Friers gathered many good Schollars, and multiplyed in number exceedingly, untill the Councel of Lyons; by the which it was Decreed, that (from that time forth) there should no more Orders of Begging Fryers, be permitted, but only the four Orders, to wit, the Dominick or Preachers, the Minorites or Gray Fryers, and the Augustines: and so from that time the Begging Fryers decreated and fell to nothing.

Now it followed, that in the year 1305, Robert Fitzwalter, requested and obtained of the said King Edward the first, that the same Fryers of the Sack, might assigne to the said Robert, their Chappel or Church, of old time, called the Synagogue of the Jewes, near adjoyning to the then Mansion house of the same Robert, which was in place where now standeth the Grocers Hall, and the said Synagogue was at the North Corner of the old Jury, Robert Large, Mercer, Mayor, in the year 1439, kept his Majoralty in this House, and dwelled there until his dying day.

This House standeth, and is of two Parishes, as opening into Lothbury, of St. Margarets Parish, and opening into the Old Jewry, of St. Olaves Parish, The said Robert Large, gave liberally to both these Parishes, but was buried at St. Olaves.

Hugh Clopton, Mercer, Maior 1492, dwelled in this House, and kept his Ma∣joralty there: it is now a Tavern, and hath to signe a Wind-Mill.

And thus much for this House, sometimes the Jews Synagogue, since an house of Fryers, then a Noble mans House, after that, a Marchants House, wherein Majoralities have bin kept, and now a Wine-Tavern.

Then is the Old Jewry a street so called of Jews, sometime dwelling there, and near adjoyning in the Parishes of St. Olave, St. Michael Basing Hall, St. Martin Ironmonger-lane, St. Lawrence, called the Jewry, and so West to Wood-street. William Duke of Normandy, first brought them from Roane to inhabit here.

William Rusus favoured them so far, that he sware by Lukes face, his com∣mon Oath, if they could overcome the Christians, he would be one of their Sect.

Henry the second, grievously punished them for corrupting his Coyne. Richard the first forbad Jewes, and Women to be present at his Coronation, for fear of Inchantments; for breaking of which Commandment, many Jews were slain, who being assembled, to present the King with some gift, one of them was stricken by a Christian, which some unruly people perceiving, fell upon them, beat them to their houses, and brent them therein, or slew them at their comming out.

Also the Jewes at Norwich, St. Edmonds bury, Lincoln, Stanford, and Lyn, were robbed and spoyled; and at York, to the number of five hundred, besides Women and Children entred a Tower of the Castle, profered money to be in surety of their lives; but the Christians would not take it; whereupon, they cut the throats of their own Wives and Children, and cast them over the Walls on the Christians heads; and then, entring the Kings Lodging, they burned both the House and themselves.

King John, in the 11th of his Reign, commanded all the Jews, both Men and Women, to be imprisoned, and grievously punished, because he would have all their Money; some of them gave all they had, and promised more, to es∣cape so many kinds of torments; for every one of them, had one of their eyes at the least plucked out. Amongst whom there was one, which being tormen∣ted many wayes, would not ransome himself, till the King had caused (every day) one of his great teeth to be plucked out, by the space of seven dayes, and then he gave the King ten thousand Marks of silver: to the end, they should pull out no more, the said King at that time, spoyl'd the Jews of sixty six thou∣sand Marks.

The 17th of this King, the Barons brake into the Jews Houses, rifled their Coffers, and with the Stone of their Houses, repaired the Gates and Walls of London.

King Henry the third, in the 11th of his Reign, granted to Semaine, or Ballaster, the house of Benomie Mittun the Jew, in the Parish of St. Michael Bassing-Langhe, in which the said Benemy dwelt, with the fourth part of all his

Land in that Parish, which VVilliam Elie held of the Fee of Hugh Nevel, and all the Land in Colemanstreet, belonging to the said Benomy; and the fourth part of the Land, in the Parish of St. Lawrence, which was the Fee of Thomas Buckerel, and were excheted to the King, for the murther which the said Beno∣my committed in the City of London, to hold to the said Semaine, and his Heires, of the King, paying at Easter, a pair of gilt Spurs, and to do the service thereof due unto the Lords Court.

In the like manner, and for like services, the King granted to Guso for his Homage, the other part of the Lands of the said Benomye in St. Michaels Parish; which Law, the Painter held, and was the Kings Excheter, and the Lands of the said Benomye, in the said Parish, which VValter Turner held, and fifteen foot of Land, which Hugh Harman held, with fifteen Iron Ells of Land, and an half, in the front of Iron-monger-lane, in the Parish of St. Martin, which were the said Benomyes, of the Fee of the Hospital of St. Giles, and which Adam the Smith held, with two Stone-Houses, which were Moses the Jew of Canterbury, in the Parish of St. Olave; and which a••e of the Fee of Arnold de Reus, and are the Kings Exchetes, as aforesaid.

The 16th of the said Henry, the Jews in London, builded a Synagogue, but the King commanded, it should be dedicated to our blessed Lady, and after gave it to the Brethren of St. Anthonies of Vienna, and so was it called St. An∣thonies Hospital.

This King Henry founded a Church and House for converted Jews, in a new street by the Temple, whereby it came to passe, that (in short time) there was gathered a great number of Converts.

The twentieth of this King Henry, seven Jews were brought from Norwich, vvhich had stolen a christened Child, had circumcised, and minded to have cru∣cified him at Easter, vvherefore their Bodies and Goods vvere at the Kings plea∣sure: The six and twentieth, the Jews vvere constrained to pay to the King, twenty thousand Marks, at two Termes in the year, or else to be kept in per∣petual Prison.

The five and thirtieth, He taketh inestimable sums of money, of all rich men, namely, of Aaron, a Jew born at York, fourteen thousand Marks for himself, and ten thousand Marks for the Queen; and before, he had taken of the same Jew as much, as in all, amounted to thirty thousand Marks of Silver, and two hundred Marks of Gold to the Queen.

In the sortieth year, vvere brought up to VVestminster, two hundred Jews from Lincoln, for crucifying a Child, named Hugh; eighteen of them were hang'd.

The forty third, a Jew at Tewksbury fell into a Privie on the Saturday, and would not that day be taken out, for reverence of his Sabbath; wherefore Richard Clare, Earl of Gloucester, kept him there till Monday, that he was dead.

The forty seven, the Barons slew of the Jews at London, seven hundred; the rest were spoiled, and their Synagogue defaced, because one Jew would have forced a Christian to have payd more than two shillings, for the lone of twenty shillings a week.

The third of Edward the first, in a Parliament at London, usury was forbidden to the Jews; and that all Usurers might be known, the King commanded that every Usurer should weare a Table on his brest, the breadth of a Paveline, or else to avoid the Realm.

The sixth of the said King Edward, a Reformation was made for clipping of the Kings Coyn; for which offence, two hundred sixty seven Jews were drawn and hanged; three were English Christians, and other were English Jews.

The same year the Jews crucified a child at Northampton; for the which fact, many Jews at London were drawn at Horses Tayls, and hanged.

The 11th of Edward the first, John Perkham, Arch Bishop of Canterbury, com∣manded the Bishop of London, to destroy all the Jewes Synagogues in his Diocese.

The 16th of the said Edward, all the Jews in England, were (in one day) ap∣prehended by precept from the King but they redeemed themselves for twelve thousand pounds of silver; notwithstanding, in the nineteenth of his Reign, he banished them all out of England, giving them only to bear their Charge, till they were out of this Realm, the number of Jews then expulsed, were fifteen thousand and sixty persons: the King made a mighty masse of money of their Houses, which he sold, and yet the Commons of England had granted, and gave him a fifteenth of all their Goods, to banish them; and thus much for the Jewes.

In this street called the Old Jewry, is a proper Parish-Church of St. Olave Up∣well, so called in Record, 1320, John Brian, Parson of St. Olave Upwell, in the Jewry, founded there a Chauntery, and gave two Messuages to that Parish, the sixteenth of Edward the second, and was by the said King confirmed. In this Church to the commendations of the Parsons and Parishioners, the Monu∣ments, of the dead, remain lesse defaced than in many other.

From this Parish Church of St. Olave, to the North end of the Old Jewry, and from thence West to the North end of Ironmonger-lane, almost to the Parish Church of St. Martin, (was of old time) one large building of stone, very ancient, made in place of Jews Houses; but of what antiquity, or by whom the same was builded, or for what use, is not known: more than that King Henry the sixth, in the sixteenth of his Reign, gave the Office of being Porter, or Keeper thereof, unto John Stent, for terme of his life, by the name of his principal Pallace in the Old Jewry. This was called the Old Wardrobe, but of latter time, the outward Stone-Wall hath bin by little and little taken down, and divers fair Houses builded thereupon, even round about.

Now or the North side of this Lothbury, beginning again at the East end thereof, upon the Water-Course of Wallbrook, have ye a proper Parish Church, called St. Margaret, which was newly re-edified and builded, about the year 1440.

By the West end of this Parish-Church, have ye a fair Water-Conduit, buil∣ded at the Charges of the City, in the year, 1546.

Next is the Founders Hall, a hansom House, and so to the South-West cor∣ner of Basings-hall-street, have ye fair and large Houses for Marchants, name∣ly, the Corner-house, at the end of Basings-Hall-street, an old peece of work, builded of Stone, sometime belonging to a certain Jew, named Mansere, the Sonne of Aaron, the Sonne of Coke the Jew, the seventh of Edward the first, since, to Rahere Sopers-Lane, then, to Simon Francis. Thomas Bradbury, Mer∣cer, kept his Majoralty there, deceased 1509. part of this House hath bin late∣ly imployed as a Market-house for the sale of Woollen Bayes, Watmoles, Fla∣nels, and such like.

On this North side, against the Old Jewry, is Colemanstreet, so called of Cole∣man, the first builder and owner thereof; as also of Cole-Church, or Coleman-Church, against the great Conduit in Cheape: This is a fair and large street, on both sides builded with divers fair Houses, besides Allies with small Tene∣ments in great number, on the East side of this street, almost at the North end thereof, is the Armorers-Hall, which Company of Armorers, were made a Fra∣ternity of Guild of St. George, with a Chantry in the Chappel of St. Thomas, in Pauls Church, in the first of Henry the sixth; also on the same side is Kings Al∣loy, and Love-lane, both containing many Tenements, And on the West side, towards the South end, is the Parish Church of St. Stephen, wherein the Mo∣numents are defaced.

This Church was sometime a Synagogue of the Jews, then a Parish Church, then a Chappel to Saint Olaves in the Jewry, until the seventh of Edward the fourth, and was then incorporated, a Parish Church.

Of the Eighteenth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of London, called Basings-Hall-Ward.

THe next adjoyning to Coleman-street-Ward, on the West side thereof, is Rassings-Hall-VVard, a small thing, and consisteth of one street, called Basings-Hall-street, of Basings-Hall, the most principal House, whereof the Ward taketh name: it beginneth in the South, by the late spoken Market House, called the Bay Hall, which is the last of Coleman-street-VVard. This street runneth from thence North, down to London-Wall, and some distance both East and West, against the said Hall, And this is the bounds of Ba∣sings-Hall-VVard.

Amongst divers fair Houses for Marchants, have ye three Halls of Compa∣nies, namely, the Masons Hall for the first; but of what Antiquity that Com∣pany is, I have not read. The next is the Weavers Hall, which Company hath bin of great Antiquity in this City, as appeareth by a Charter of Henry the se∣cond, in these words, Rex omnibus ad Quos, &c. to be englished thus.

Henry King of England, Duke of Normandy, and of Guyan, Earl of Anjou, to the Bishop, Justices, Sheriffs, Barons, Ministers, and all his true Lieges of Lon∣don, sendeth greeting: Know ye, that we have granted to the Weavers in London their Guuld, with all the Freedoms, and Customs that they had in the time of King Henry my Grandfather, so that they intermit none but within the City, of their Craft, but he be of their Guild; neither in Southwark, or other places pertaining to London, otherwise than it was done in the time of King Henry my Grand-father; wherefore I will and straightly command, that over all law∣fully they may treat, and have all aforesaid, as well in peace, free, worshipful, and wholly, as they had it freer, better, worshipfuller, and whollier than in the time of King Henry my Grand-father, so that they yield yearly to me, two Marks of Gold, at the feast of St. Michael. And I forbid, that any man to them do any Unright, or Disease, upon pain of ten pound, &c.

Lower down, is the Girdlers Hall, and this is all touching the East side of this Ward.

On the West side, almost at the South end thereof, is Bakewell-Hall, corrupt∣ly called Blackwell-Hall, concerning the Original whereof, I have heard divers Opinions, which I over-passe as Fables, without colour of truth; for though the same seemed a Building of great Antiquity, yet (in mine Opinion) the Foundation thereof was first laid, since the Conquest of VVilliam, Duke of Nor∣mandy; for the same was builded upon Vaults of Stone; which Stone was brought from Cane in Normandy: The like of that in Pauls Church, builded by Mauritius and his Successors, Bishops of London; but that this House hath bin a Temple, or Jewish Synagogue (as some have fantisied) I allow not, seeing that it had no such form of roundness, or other likeness; neither had it the form of a Church, for the Assembly of Christians, which are builded East

and West; but contrariwise, the same was builded North and South, and in the form of a Noblemans House, and therefore the best Opinion (in my judgement) is, that it was (of old time) belonging to the Family of the Bassings, which was in this Realm, a name of great Antiquity and Renown; and that it beares al∣so the name of that Family, and was called therefore Bassings-Haugh, or Hall.

Now how Bakewell-hall took that name, is another Question, For which I read, That Thomas Bakewel dwelled in this House, in the 36. of Edward the 3d, and that in the 20. of Richard the 2d, the said King for the sum of 50. pounds, which the Mayor and the Communalty, had paid into the Hanapar, granted Li∣cence, so much as was in him, to John Frosh, William Parker, and Stephen Spil∣man, (Citizens and Mercers) that they, the said Messuage, called Bakewell-hall, and one Garden, with the appurtenances, in the Parish of St. Michael of Bas∣sings-Haugh, and of St. Lawrence, in the Jewry of London, and one Messuage, two Shops, and one Garden, in the said Parish of St. Michael, which they held of the King in Burgage, might give and assign to the Mayor and Communalty for ever.

This Bakewell-Hall thus established, hath bin long since imployed, as a week∣ly Market-place for all sorts of Woollen Clothes, broad and narrow, brought from all parts of this Realm, there to be sold. In the 21. of Richard the second, Richard Whittington Mayor; and in the 22. Drew Barringtine being Mayor, it was decreed, that no Forraign or stranger, should sell any Woollen-Cloth; but in Bakewell-hall, upon pain of forfeiture thereof.

This House (of late years) growing ruinous, and in danger of falling, Rich∣ard May, Merchant-Taylor, at his decease, gave towards the new building of the outward part thereof, 300l. upon condition, that the same should be per∣formed, within three years after his Decease; whereupon, the old Bakewell-Hall, was taken down, and in the Moneth of February next following, the foun∣dation of a new, strong, and beautiful Store-house being laid, the work thereof was so diligently applyed, that within the space of ten moneths after, to the charges of two thousand five hundred pounds, the same was finished, in the year 1588.

Next beyond this House, are placed divers fair Houses for Marchants, and o∣thers, till ye come to the back Gate of Guild-hall; which Gate, and part of the building within the same, is of this Ward: some small distance beyond this Gate, the Coopers have their common Hall.

Then is the Parish Church of St. Michael, called St. Michael at Bassings-hall, a proper Church, lately re-edified or new builded.

The Nineteenth Ward, or Aldermanry of the City of LONDON, called Cripple-gate Ward.

THe Next Ward is called of Cripplegate, and consisteth of divers Streets and Lanes, lying as well without the Gate and Wall of the City, as within. First, within the Wall on the East part thereof, towards the North; it runneth to the West-side of Bassing Hall's Ward, and towards the South, it joyneth to the Ward of Cheap; It beginneth at the West end of the St. Laurence Church in the Jury, on the North-side, and run∣eth West to a Pumpe, where sometimes was a well with Buckets, at the South Corner of Alderman-Bury-Street, which Street runneth down North to Gayspur Lane, and to London Wall, which Street and Lane are wholly (on both sides) of this Ward, and so be some few houses (on both sides) from Gayspur Lane, by and against the Wall of the City, East to the Grates, made for the water-course of the Channels, and West to the Creple∣gate.

Now on the South side, from over against the West End of Saint Laurence Church, to the Pumpe, and up Milke-Street South unto Cheap, which Milke-Street is wholly (on both the sides) of Cripplegate Ward, as also without the South end of Milke-Street, a part of West Cheap, to wit, from the Standard to the Crosse, is all of Cripplegate Ward. Then down great Wood-Street, which is wholly of this Ward on both the sides thereof, so is little Wood-Street, which runneth down to Creplegate.

Out of this Wood-Street be diver Lanes, namely on the East side is Lad lane, which runneth East to Milke-Street Corner, down lower in WoodStreet is Love lane, which lieth by the South side of St. Albans Church in Wood-Street, and runneth down to the Conduit in Aldermanbury-Street; Lower down in Wood-Street, is Addle-Street, out of the which runneth Philip-lane, down to London Wall. These be the Lanes on the East-side.

On the West side of Wood-Street, in Huggon lane, by the South side of St. Michaels Church & goeth thorow to Gutherons lane; Then lower is Maiden-lane, which runneth West to the North End of Gutherons lane, and up the said lane on the East side thereof, till against Kery lane, and back again, then the said Maiden-lane, on the North side, goeth up to Staining lane, & up a part thereof on the East side, to the farthest North part of Haberdashers Hall, and back again to Wood-Street, and there lower down is Silver Street, which is of this Ward, till ye come to the East End of St. Olaves Church on the South side, and to Monkes-well Street, on the North side, then down the said Monkes-well Street on the East side thereof, and so to Cripplegate, do make the bonds of this Ward within the Walls.

Of these More-Fields, you have formerly read, what a Moorish rotten ground they were, unpassable, but for Cawsways; purposely made to that intent; what they were also in our own nearer times of Memory, even till Sir Leonard Halliday was Lord Major of London, Iam very well assured many do perfectly remember. And what they are now at this instant by the honour∣able cost and care of this City, and the industrious pains and diligence of that worthy Cittizen Mr. Nicolas Leate, we all (to our continuall comfort) do evidently behold.

Then to turn back again, through the said Posternlane to More-lane, which

More-lane, with all the Allies and buildings there, is of this Ward. After that is Grub-Street more then half thereof to the Streightning of the Street, Next is White-Crosse-Street, up to the End of Beech-lane, and then Red-Crosse-Street, wholly with a part of Golding-lane, even to the posts there placed, as a bounder.

Then is Beech lane before spoken of; the East side of the Red-Crosse, and the Barbican-Street, more than halfe thereof toward Aldersgate-Street.

Touching the Antiquitie of this Old Aldermans-Bury or Court, I have not read other, then that Richard Kenery, one of the Sheriffs of London; in the first of Richard the first, which was in the year of Christ 1189. gave to the Church of Saint Mary at Osney by Oxford, certain grounds and rents in Alderman-Bury, of London, as appeareth by the Register of that Church, as is also entered into the Hustings of the Guild-Hall in London.

This Old Bery, Court, or Hall continued, and the courts of the Major and Aldermen were continually holden there, untill the New Bery-Court, or Guild-Hall that now is, was builded and finished, which Hall was first begun to be founded in the year 1411, and was not fully finished in twenty years after, The ruines of the Old Court Hall in Alderman-Bury-Street yet appear which of late hath bin imployed as a Carpenters yard, &c.

Then is the parish Church of St. Mary Aldermanbury, a fair Church, with a Church-yard and Cloyster adjoyning. In the which Cloyster is hanged and fast∣ned a Shanke-bone of a man (as is said) very great, and larger by three inches and a half, than that which hangeth in St. Laurence Church in the Jury, for it is in length twenty Eight inches and a half of assise, but not so hard and Steely, like as the other; for the same is Leight, and somewhat pory and spongy. This bone is said to be found amongst the bones of men removed from the Charnell house of Pauls, or rather from the Cloyster of Pauls Church.

Beneath this Church have ye Gayspur-lane, which runneth down to London Wall, as is afore shewed. In this lane, at the North end thereof, was (of old time) a house of Nuns, which house being in great decay William Elsing, Mercer, in the year of Christ 1329. the third of Edward of the third, began in place thereof the foundation of an Hospitall, for sustentation of one hundred blind men: Towards the erection whereof, he gave his two houses in the Parish∣es of St. Alphage and our Blessed Lady in Aldermanbury Near Cripplegate.

This house was after called a Priory or Hospitall of St. Mary the Virgin, found∣ed in the year 1332. by W. Elsing for Canons Regular, the which W. became the first Prior there.

In the same place where the aforesaid Elsing Spittle and priory, were formerly scituated, there is now newly erected a Colledge for the Clergy of London, and Liberties thereof, called by the name of Sion-Colledge: And Almes-houses for twenty poor people, ten men and ten women.

This was done by the especiall care and paines of Mr. John Simson, Rector of St. Olaves Hart-Street London, one of the Executors of the last Will and Testa∣ment of Mr. Thomas White, Doctor in Divinity, Vicar of S. Dunstans in the West, and one of the Canons Residentiary of S. Pauls Church London: which ••o••e-named Thomas White, (besides sundry sums of money, and great yearly Revenues given by him to pious and Charitable uses in divers places) gave three thousand pound to purchase and build the aforesaid Colledge for the use of the Clergy, and Almes-houses for the twenty poor people aforesaid.

He gave also unto the said Colledge, and Almes-houses, a hundred sixty pound, per annum for ever; whereof there is a hundred twenty pound yearly allowed for the maintenance of the poor Almes-men and women: And forty pound yearly for four dinners for the Clergy, who are to have four Latine Sermons in the year one every quarter, and upon these dayes are to dine together in the Col∣ledge.

In the same Colledge the forenamed John Simson did in his life time, at his own proper Costs and Charges, build a very faire and spacious Library, con∣taining, a hundred twenty one foot in length, within the Walls, and above twenty five foot in breadth. And hath furnished it with Wainscot, Stalls, Desks, Seats, and other Necessary and usefull Ornaments befitting the place.

To this Library there have been already divers bountifull, and well disposed Benefactors, who have given large sums of money towards the furnishing of it with Books.

Then is there the Parish Church of Saint Alphage; The principall Ile of this Church towards the North, was pulled down, and a frame of four houses set up in the place: the other part, from the Steeple upward, was converted into a Parish Church of S. Alphage; and the Parish Church which stood near unto the Wall of the City by Cripplegate, was pulled down; the plot thereof made a Carpenters Yard, with Saw-pits.

The Hospitall it self, the Prior, and Canons house, with other Lodgings were made a dwelling house, the Church-Yard is a Garden plot, and a faire Gallery on the Cloyster; the Lodgins for the poor are translated into stabling for horses.

Now we will return to Milk-Street so call'd of Milke sold there at the be∣ginning. In this Milk-Street, is a small Parish Church of Saint Mary Mag∣delen, which hath of late years been repaired. William Brown, Mayor 1513. gave to this Church fourty pounds, and was buried there.

Then Next is Wood-Street, by what reason so called, I know not. True it is, that (of old time) according to a Decree made in the reign of Richard the first, the houses of London were builded of Stone, for defence of fire, which kind of building was used for two hundred years or more, but of latter time, for the winning of ground, taken down; and houses of Timber were set up in their place. It seemeth therefore that this Street hath been of the latter build∣ing, all of timber, (for scarce one house of stone hath been known there) and therefore called Wood-Street: otherwise it might take the name of some buil∣der or owner thereof.

On the East side of this Street is one of the Prison-houses, pertaining to the Sheriffs of London, and is called the Compter in Wood-Street, which was pre∣pared to be a prison-house in the year 1555. And on the Eve of S. Michael the Archangell, the prisoners that lay in the Compter in Bread-Street, were remo∣ved to this Compter in Wood-Street. Beneath this Compter in Lad-lane, or Ladle Hall, for so I find it of Record, in the parish of Saint Michaell Wood-Street; and Beneath that is Love lane, so called of wantons.

By this lane is the Ancient parish Church of S. Albans. One note of the great Antiquity of it, is the name, by which it was at first dedicated to St. Albanus, the first Martyr of England. Another Character of the Antiquity of it, is to be seen in the manner of the turning of the Arches in the windows, and heads of the Pillars. A third Note, appears in the Roman Bricks, here and there inlayed amongst the stones of the building. Very probable it is, that this Church is at least of as ancient a standing as King Aldelstane the Saxon, who, as the Tradition sayes, had his house at the East end of this Church. This Kings house, having adoor al∣so into Adel-Street in this Parish, gave name, as 'tis thought, unto the said Adel-Street, which in all Evidences to this day, is written King Adel-Street. One great square Tower of this Kings house seems yet remaining, to be seen at the North corner of Love lane, as you come from Alderman-bury; which Tower is of the very same stone and manner of building with S. Albans Church.

There is also (but without any outward Monument) the head of James the Fourth King of Scots of that name, slain at Flodden field, and buried here by this occasion: After the Battell, the body of the said King being found, was closed

in lead, and conveyed from thence to London, and so to the Monastery of Sheine in Surrey, where it remained for a time, in what order I am not certain: But since the dissolution of that house, in the reign of Edward the Sixth, Henry Gray Duke of Suffolk, being lodged and keeping house there, the same body was to be shew'd, so lapped in lead, close to the head and body, thrown into a waste room amongst the old timber, lead, & other rubble; since which time, the work∣men there (for their foolish pleasure) hewed off his head; and Launcelot Young, Master Glasier to Queen Elizabeth, feeling a sweet savour to come from thence, and seeing the same dried from all moisture, and yet the form remaining, with the hair of the head and beard red, brought it into London, to his house in Wood-street, where (for a time) he kept it for the sweetnesse; but in the end, caused the Sexton of that Church, to bury it amongst other bones, taken out of their Charnell, &c.

There are divers Records of a house in Wood-street, then called Black Hall, but no man at this day can tell thereof. On the North side of this Saint Mi∣chaels Church is Maiden-lane, now so called, but (of old time) Ingene-lane, or Inglane. In this Lane the Wax-Chaundlers have their Common Hall, on the the South side thereof; and the Haberdashers have their Hall on the North side, at Stayning-lane end. This Company of the Haberdashers, or Hurrers, of old time so called, were incorporated a Brotherhood of St. Katherines, the twenty sixth of Henry the Sixth, and so confirmed by Henry the Seventh, the se∣venteenth of his Reign; the Cappers and Hat-Merchants, or Hurrers, being one Company of Haberdashers.

Down lower in VVood-street is Silver-street (I think, of Silver-Smiths dwel∣ling there) in which be divers fair houses.

And on the North side thereof is Monks-well street, so called, of a well, at the North end thereof, where the Abbot of Garendon had an home or Cell, called Saint James in the wall by Cripple-gate, and certain Monks of their house were Chaplains there; wherefore the Well (belonging to that Cell or Hermitage) was called Monks-well, and the street of the well, Monks-well street. The East side of this street down against London wall, and the South side thereof to Crip∣ple-gate, be of Cripple-gate Ward, as is afore-shewed.

In this street, by the corner of Monks-well street, is the Bowyers Hall. On the East side of Monks-well street, be convenient Alms-houses, twelve in num∣ber, founded by Sir Ambrose Nicholas, Salter, Maior, 1575. wherein he placed twelve poor and aged people rent-free, having each of them seven pence the week, and once the yeer each of them five sacks of Charcoals, and one quartern of one hundred of Faggots, of his gift for ever.

On the North side of the way, turning towards Cripple-gate, and even upon, or close to London wall, (as it were) are certain new erected Almes-houses, six in number, of the cost and gift of Mr. Robert Rogers, Leather-Seller, and very good maintenance allowed (for ever) to such people as are appointed to dwell in them.

Then, in little VVood-street, be seven proper Chambers in an Alley on the West side, founded for seven poor people, therein to dwell rent-free, by Henry Barton, Skinner, Maior, 1516.

Now without the Postern of Cripple-gate, first is the Parish Church of Saint Giles, a very fair and large Church, lately repaired, after that the same was burn∣ed, in the yeer 1545, the thirty seventh of Henry the Eighth, by which mis∣chance, the Monuments of the dead in this Church are very few.

In VVhite Crosse-street King Henry the Fifth builded a fair house, and founded there a Brotherhood of S. Giles to be kept, which house had sometime been an Hospitall of the French Order, by the name of Saint Giles without Cripple-gate. In the reign of Edward the First, the King having the Jurisdiction, and pointing a Custos thereof, for the Precinct of the Parish of Saint Giles, &c. which Hospi∣tall

being suppressed, the lands were given to the Brotherhood for relief of the poor.

One Alley, of divers Tenements, over against the North wall of Saint Giles Church-yard, was appointed to be Alms-houses, for the poor, wherein they dwelled rent-free, and otherwise were releeved; but the said Brotherhood was suppressed by Henry the Eighth, since which time, Sir John Gresham, Maior, pur∣chased the lands, and gave part thereof to the maintenance of a Free School, which he had founded at Holt, a Market-town in Norfolk.

In Red Crosse-street, on the West side from S. Giles Church-yard, up to the said Crosse, be many fair houses builded outward, with divers Alleys, turning into a large plot of ground, of old time called the Jews Garden, as being the only place appointed them in England, wherein to bury their dead, till the year 1177, the twenty fourth of Henry the Second, that it was permitted them (after long suit to the King and Parliament at Oxford) to have a speciall place assigned them in every quarter where they dwelled.

On the East side of this Red Crosse-street, be also divers fair houses, up to the Crosse, and there is Beech-lane, peradventure so called of Nicholas de la Beech, Lievtenant of the Tower of London, put out of that office in the thirteenth of Edward the Third. This Lane stretcheth from Red Crosse-street to VVhite Crosse-street, replenished not with Beech trees, but with beautifull houses of Stone, Brick, and Timber: Amongst the which was (of old time) a great house per∣taining to the Abbot of Ramsey, for his lodging, when he repaired to the City; it is now called Drewry House, of Sir Drew Drewry, who dwelt there.

On the North side of this Beech-lane, towards VVhite Crosse street, the Dra∣pers of London have lately builded eight Alms-houses of Brick and Timber, for eight poor widows of their own Company, whom they placed there rent-free.

Then is Golding-lane: Richard Gallard of Islington Esquire, Citizen and Painter-Stainer of London, founded thirteen Alms-houses, for so many poor peo∣ple placed in them rent-free. He gave to the poor of the same Alms-houses, two pence the peece weekly, and a load of Charcoals among them yeerly for ever: He left fair lands about Islington, to maintain his Foundation. T. Hayes, sometime Chamberlain of London, in the latter time of Henry the Eighth, mar∣ried Elizabeth his daughter and heir, which Hayes and Elizabeth had a daughter named Elizabeth, married to John Ironmonger, of London Mercer, who had the ordering of the Alms-people.

On the West side of Red Crosse-street, is a street called the Barbican, because sometime there stood on the North side thereof a Burghkenning or VVatch-tower of the City, called in some language a Barbican, as a Bikening is called Beacon. This Burgh-kenning, by the name of the Mannour of Base Court, was given by Edward the Third, to Robert Ufford Earl of Suffolk, and was afterward pertaining to Peregrine Barty, Lord VVilloughby of Ersby.

Next adjoyning to this, is one other great house, called Garter Place, some∣time builded by Sir Thomas VVirthe, or VVrithesly, Knight, aliàs Garter, princi∣pall King of Arms, second son of Sir John VVrithe, Knight, aliàs Garter, and was Uncle to the first Thomas, Earl of Southampton, Knight of the Garter, and Chancellor of England: He built this house, and in the top thereof a Chappell, which he dedicated by the name of S. Trinitatis in Alto.

Of the Twentieth Ward, or Aldermanry, of the City of LONDON, call'd Alders∣gate Ward.

THe Next is Aldersgate Ward, taking name of that North Gate of the City: this Ward also consisteth of divers Streets and Lanes, lying as well within the Gate and Wall, as without. And first, to speak of that part within the Gate, thus it is, the East part thereof joyneth unto the West part of Cripplegate Ward, in Engain lane, or Maiden lane; It beginneth on the North side of that Lane, at Staining lane End runneth up from the Haberdashers Hall, to St. Mary Staining Church, and by the Church East, winding almost to WoodStreet; and West through Oate lane; and then by the South side of Bacon house in Noble-Street, back again by Lilipot lane, which is also of that ward, to Maiden lane; and so on that North side West to Saint John Zacharies Church, and to Foster lane. Now on the south side of Engain or Maiden lane, is the West side of Gutherons lane, to Kery lane and Kery lane it self (which is of this ward) and back again into Engain lane, by the North side of the Goldsmiths Hall, to Foster lane are almost wholly of this Ward: which beginneth in the South toward Cheap on the East side by the North side of Saint Fosters Church, and runneth down North West by the East end of Engain lane by Lilipot lane, and Oate lane, to Noble-Street, and through that by Shelly house, (of old time so called, as belonging to the Shellies) Sir Thomas Shelley Knight, was owner thereof in the first of Henry the fourth. It is now called Bacon-House, because the same was new builded by Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord-Keeper of the Great Seal; Down on that side by Serjeant Fleet-Woods house, Recorder of London, who also new builded it to Saint Olaves Church in Silver-Street, which is by the North-West End of this Noble-Street.

Then have ye Maine Street of this Ward, which is called Saint Martins lane, in cluding Saint Martin, on the East side thereof; and so down on both the sides to Aldersgate. And these be the bounds of this Ward, within the Wall and Gate.

Without the Gate, the main Street called Aldersgate-Street, runneth up North on the East side, to the West end of Hounds-ditch or Barbican-Street; a part of which Street, is also of this Ward; And on the West side to Long-Lane, a part whereof is likewise of this Ward. Beyond the which Aldersgate, is Goswell Street up to the Barrs.

And on the West side of Hldersgate Street, by Saint Buttolphs Church, is Briton-Street which runneth West to a Pumpe, and then North to the Gate, which en∣treth the Church-Yard, sometimes pertaining to the Priory of Saint Bartholo∣mews on the east side & on the west side towards St. Bartholomews Spittle, to a paire of posts there fixed. And these be the bounds of this Aldersgate Ward without.

The antiquities be these, first in Staining lane, of old time so called, as may be supposed of Painter-stainers dwelling there.

On the East side thereof, adjoyning to the Aaberdashers Hall, be ten Almes-houses, pertaining to the Haberdashers; wherein be placed ten Almes people of that Company, every of them having Eight pence the peece every Friday for ever, by the gift of Thomas Huntlow, Haberdasher, one of the Sheriffs, in the year, 1539.

Then is the small Parish Church of Saint Mary, called Staining, because it standeth, at the North end of Staining lane.

Then is Engain lane, or Maiden lane; and, at the North-West Corner thereof,

the Parish Church of St. John Zachary, a fair Church, with the Monuments well preserved, of Thomas Lichfield who founded a Chantery there, in the fourteenth of Edward the second.

On the East side of this Foster Lane, at Engane Lane end, is Goldsmiths Hall, a proper House, but not large; and therefore to say, that Bartholmew Read Gold∣smith, Mayor in the year 1502 kept such a feast in this Hall, as some have fabu∣led, is far incredible, and altogether unpossible, considering the smallnesse of the Hall, & number of the Guests, which as they say, were more than one hun∣dred persons of great estate; But of late years the said Goldsmiths Hall is much enlarged and in a stately and sumptuous manner, in so much that it may compare with any other Hall in London.

Then at the North end of Noble-street, is the Parish Church of St. Olave in Silver-street, a small thing.

On the West side of Foster-Lane, is the small Parish Church of St. Leonards, for them of St. Martins le Grand. A number of Tenements being lately builded in place of the great Collegiate Church of St. Martin: that Parish is mightily encreased.

Then in Pope-lane, so called of one Pope that was owner thereof; On the North side is the Parish Church of Saint Anne in the Willowes, so called, I know not upon what occasion, but some say, of Willowes growing there abouts, but now there is no such void place for Willowes to grow, more than the Church-yard, wherein do grow some high Ash-trees to this day.

Then in St. Martins Lane was (of old time) a fair and large Colledge, of a Dean and Secular Canons or Priests, and was called Saint Martins le grand, foun∣ded by Ingelricus, and Edwardus his Brother, in the year of Christ 1056, and confirmed by William the Conqueror, as appeareth by his Charter, dated 1068. This Colledge claimed great Priviledges of Sanctuary, and otherwise, as appea∣reth in a Book written by a Notary of that House, about the year 1442 the nineteenth of Henry the sixth: wherein, amongst other things, is set down and declared that on the first of September, in the year aforesaid, a Souldier, priso∣ner in Newgate, as he was led by an Officer towards the Guild-Hall of London, there came out of Panyer Alley five of his fellowship, and took him from the Officer, brought him into Sanctuary, at the West door of St. Martins Church, and took Grithe of that place; But the same day Philip Malpas, & Robert Mar∣shall, then Sheriffs of London, with many other entred the said Church, and for∣cibly took out with them the said five men thither fled, led them fettered to the Counter, and from thence chained by the Necks to Newgate: of which violent taking, the Dean and Chapter in large manner complained to the King, and re∣quired him as their Patron, to defend their Priviledges, like as his Predecessors had done, &c. All which complaint and suite, the Citizens by their Counsel Markham Serjeant at the Law, John Carpenter common Clerk of the City, and others, learnedly answered, offering to prove, that the said place of St. Martin had no such Immunity or Liberty, as was pretended. Notwithstanding, after long debating of this Controversie, by the Kings commandment, & assent of his Councel in the Starr-Chamber, the Chancellour and Treasurer, sent a Writ unto the Sheriffs of London, charging them to bring the said five persons, with the cause of their taking and withholding, afore the King in his Chancery on the Vigil of Alhallowes: on which day, the said Sheriffs, with the Recorder and Counsel of the City, brought and delivered them accordingly, afore the said Lords; where the Chancellour, after he had declared the Kings Commandement, sent them to St. Martins, there to abide freely, as in a place having Franchises, whiles them liked, &c.

Without Aldersgate on the East side of Aldersgate-street, is the Cookes Hall, which Cooks (or Pastlers) were admitted to be a Company, and to have a Ma∣ster and Wardens, in the two and twentieth of Edward the fourth; From

thence, along unto Houndsditch, or Barbican street, be many fair Houses; on the West side also, be the like fair buildings, till ye come to Long-Lane, and so to Goswell street.

In Britaine street, which took that name of the Duke of Britain Lodging there, is one proper Parish Church of St. Buttolph; In which Church was sometime a Brotherhood of St. Fabian and Sebastian, founded in the year 1377, the fifty one of Edward the third; and confirmed by Henry the fourth in the sixth of his Reign. Then Henry the sixth in the twenty fourth of his Reign, to the honour of the Trinity, gave Licence to Dame Joane Astley, sometime his Nurse, to R. Cawood and T. Smith, to found the same a Fraternity perpetually, to have a Master and two Custos with Brethren and Sisters; This Brotherhood was en∣dowed with Lands, more than thirty pounds by the year, and was suppressed by Edward the sixth.

Of the One and Twentieth Ward, or Alder∣manry of the City of London, called Faringdon Ward Intra.

ON the South side of Aldersgate Ward, lyeth Faringdon Ward, called Intra, or within, for a difference from another Ward of that name, which lyeth without the Walls of the City, and is therefore called Farringdon Extra. These two Wards (of old time) were but one, and had also but one Alderman; The whole great Ward of Faringdon, both Intra and Extra, took name of W. Farrendon Goldsmith, Alderman of that Ward, and one of the Sheriffs of London, in the year 1281, the ninth of Edward the first; He purchased the Aldermanry of this Ward, as by the Abstract of Deeds which are yet extant, may appear.

At the South-West corner of Wood-street, is the Parish Church of St, Peter the Apostle, by the said Crosse: a proper Church. John Sha Goldsmith, Mayor, de∣ceased 1503, appointed by his Testament, the said Church and Steeple to be new builded of his goods, with a flat roof. Notwithstanding, Tho. Wood Gold∣smith, one of the Sheriffs 1491, is accounted a principal Benefactor, because the roof of the middle Isle is supported by Images of Woodmen, thought to be at his charge.

The long Shop, or Shed encroaching on the High-street before this Church Wall, was licenced to be made in the year 1401, yielding to the Chamber of London three shillings four pence yearly for the time. Also the same Shop was letten by the Parish, for three pounds at the most, many years since.

Then is Guthuruns Lane, so called of Guthurun, sometime owner thereof, the Inhabitants of this Lane (of old time) were Gold-beaters, as doth appear by Re∣cords in the Exchequer. For, the Easterling money, was appointed to be made of fine Silver, such as men made into foyle, and was commonly called Silver

of Guthrons Lane, &c. The Imbroyderers Hall is in this Lane, John Throwstone Imbroyderer, then Goldsmith, Sheriff, deceasing 1519. gave forty pound to∣wards the purchase of this Hall; Hugon Lane on the East side, and Kery Lane called of one Kery on the West.

Then in the High street on the same North side, is the Sadlers Hall, and then Foster-Lane, so called, of Saint Fosters, a fair Church, lately new builded. Henry Coote Goldsmith, one of the Sheriffs, deceased 1509, builded St. Dunstans Chappel there. John Throwstone, one of the Sheriffs, gave to the building there∣of one hundred pounds by his Testament. John Brown Sergeant-painter Alder∣man, deceased 1532, was a great Benefactor, and was there buried. William Thrist Selerar to the King 1425, John Standelf Goldsmiths, lye buried there. Richard Galder 1544, Agnes Wise to William Milborne, Chamberlain of Lon∣don, 1500.

In this West side is the Barber Chirurgions Hall; This Company was Incorpo∣rated by means of Thomas Morestead, Esquire, one of the Sheriffs of London, a thousand four hundred thirty six; Chirurgion to the Kings of England, Henry the fourth, fifth, and sixth, He deceased 1450. Then Jaques Fries, Physitian to Edward the fourth, and William Hobbs, Physician and Chirurgion to the same Kings Body, continuing the Suite the full terme of twenty years. Edward the fourth in the second of his Reign, and Richard Duke of Glocester became Foun∣ders of the same Corporation, in the Parish of Saint Cosme and Damiane. The first assembling of that Mystery was by Roger Strippe, William Hobbs, Thomas Goddard, and Richard Kent, since the which time they builded their Hall in that street, &c.

At the North corner of this street, on the same side, was sometime an Hermi∣tage, or Chappel of Saint James called in the Wall, near Creplegate, it belonged to the Abbey and Covent of Garadon, as appeareth by a Record the seven and twentieth of Edward the first, and also the fiftieth of Edward the third, William de Lions was Hermit there, and the Abbot and Convent of Garadon found two Chaplains Cestercian Monkes of their House, in this Hermitage one of them, for Aymor de Valence Earl of Pembrooke, and Mary de Saint Paul his Countesse.

Of these Monks, and of a Well pertaining to them, the street took that name, and is called Monkes-Well street. This Hermitage with the appurtenances, was in the Reign of Edward the sixth, purchased from the said King by W. Lambe, one of the Gentlemen of the Kings Chappel, Citizen, and Cloth-worker of Lon∣don; He deceased in the year 1577, and then gave it to the Cloth-workers of Lon∣don, with other Tenements, to the value of fifty pounds the year, to the intent they shall hire a Minister, to say Divine Service there.

Again, to the High street of Cheap, from Foster Lane end, to St Martins, and by that Lane to the Shambles or Flesh-market, on the North side whereof is Pen∣tecost Lane, containing divers Slaughter-houses for the Butchers.

Then was there of old time, a hansome Parish Church of Saint Nicholas, whereof the said Flesh-market took the name, and was called Saint Nicholas Shambles.

This Church with the Tenements and Ornaments, was by Henry the eighth given to the Mayor and Communalty of the City, towards the maintenance of the New Parish Church, then to be erected in the late dissolved Church of the Gray Fryers, so was this Church dissolved and pulled down, in place whereof, and of the Church-yard; many fair Houses are now builded, in a Court with a Well, in the middest whereof the Church stood.

Then is Stinking Lane, formerly so called, or Chick Lane, at the East end of the Gray Fryers Church, it is now kept clean, and free from annoyance, and cal∣led by the name of Butchers Hall Lane, for there is the Butchers Hall.

In the third of Richard the second, motion was made, that no Butcher should kill any flesh within London, but at Knightsbridge, or such like distant place from the Walls of the City.

Then is there the late dissolved Church of Gray Fryars, the Originall where∣of was thus;

In the year 1224, being the 8th year of the Reign of King Henry the 3d, there came out of Italy nine Fryers of the order of the Franciscans, or Frior Minors; five whereof were Priests, and the other four Lay-men; the Priests placed themselves at Canterbury in Kent, but the other four came to London, and were lodged (for some short while) among the preaching Fryers, who lived then in Oldburn, now Holborne. Afterwards, they obtained to be placed in Cornhil London, in an House belonging to one John Travers, who was then one of the Sheriffs of Lon∣don, in the same year 1224, in which House they made themselves Cells, and inhabited there for a certain time, till their number so encreased, and the Citi∣zens devotion grew to be so great, that (within few years after) they were thence removed, by the means of one John Ewin Mercer, who purchased a void plot of ground, near to St. Nicholas Shambles, where to erect an House for the said Fry∣ers.

Divers Citizens seemed herein to joyn with the said John Ewin, and erected there very beautiful Buildings, upon the same ground so formerly purchased by John Ewin, and a great part builded at his own Charge, which he appropriated to the Communalty of London, and then entred into the same Order of Friers, as a Lay-Brother himself.

This whole Church contained in length three hundred foot, of the feet of St. Paul, in breadth eighty nine foot, and in heighth from the ground to the roof, sixty four foot, and two inches, &c. It was Consecrated 1325, and at the Ge∣nerall suppression, was valued at thirty two pound, nineteen shillings; and sur∣rendred the twelfth of November 1538, the thirty of Henry the eighth: the Or∣naments and goods being taken to the Kings use, the Church was shut up for a time, and used as a Store-house of goods taken prizes from the French, but in the year 1546, on the third of January, it was again set open, on the which day preached at Pauls Crosse the Bishop of Rochester, where he declared the Kings gift thereof to the City, for the relieving of the poor; which gift was inroll'd by Patents.

St. Bartholmews Spittle in Smithfield, lately valued at three hundred five pounds, six shillings, seven pence, and surrendred to the King, was of the said Church of the Gray Fryars, and of two Parish Churches the one of St. Nicholas in the Shambles, and the other of St. Ewins in Newgate-Market; they were to be made one Parish Church, in the said Fryers Church: In Lands he gave for maintenance of the said Church, with Divine Service, reparations, &c. five hun∣dred Marks by year for ever.

The thirteenth of Jannary, the thirty eighth of Henry the eighth, an agree∣ment was made betwixt the King and the Mayor, and Communalty of London, dated the twenty seven of December, by which the said gift of the Gary Fryers Church, with all the Edifices and ground, the Fratrie, the Library, the Portar, and Chapter House, the great Cloistry and the lesser, Tenements, Gardens, and vacant grounds, Lead, Stone, Iron, &c. The Hospitall of St. Bartholmew in West Smithfield, the Church of the same, the Lead, Bells, and Ornaments of the same Hospitall, with all the Messuages Tenements and appurtenan∣ces.

The Parishes of Saint Nicholas and of Saint Ewin, and so much of Saint Sepul∣chres Parish as is within Newgate, were made one Parish Church in the Grey Fryers Church, and called Christs Church, founded by King Henry the eighth.

In the year 1552, began the repairing of the Gray Fryars House, for the poor fatherlesse Children; and in the Month of November, the children were taken into the same, to the number of almost four hundred. On Christmas day in the afternoon, while the Lord Mayor and Aldermen rod to Pauls, the Children of Christs Hospital stood, from Saint Lawrence Lane end in Cheap towards Pauls, all in one Livery of Russer Cotton, three hundred and forty in Number, and in the Easter next they were in Blue at the Spittle, and so have continued ever since.

For these sorts of poor, three several Houses were provided. First, for the innocent and fatherlesse, which is the Beggars Child, they provided the House that was the late Gray Fryers in London, and called it by the name of Christs Ho∣spitall, where poor Children are trained up in the Knowledge of God, and some vertuous exercises, to the overthrow of beggary.

For the second degree, was provided, the Hospitals of Saint Thomas in Southwark, and Saint Bartholmew in West Smithfield, where are continually, (at least) two hundred diseased persons, which are not only there lodged and cured, but also fed and nourished.

For the third degree, they provided Bridewell, where the Vagabond and idle Strumpet is chastised, and compelled to labour, to the overthrow of the vicious life of idlenesse.

They provided also for the honest decayed housholder, that he should be re∣lieved at home at his House, and in the Parish where he dwelled, by weekly re∣lief and Pension; And in like manner they provided for the Lazer, to keep him out of the City, from clapping of dishes and ringing of Bells, to the great trouble of the Citizens, & also to the dangerous infection of many, that they should be relieved at home at their Houses by several Pensions. St. Bartholmewes Hospital is incorporated by the name of Mayor, Communalty, and Citizens of the City of London, Governours of the Hospital for the poor, called little St. Bartholmews, near to West Smithfield, of the Foundation of King Henry the eighth.

Christs Hospitall, Bridewell, and Saint Thomas the Apostle in Southwarke, are incorporated, by the names of the Mayor, Communalty, and Citizens of London, Governours of the Possessions, Revenues, and Goods of the Hospitals of Edward King of England the sixth, of Christ, Bridewell, and Saint Thomas the Apo∣stle, &c.

This Church was full of many great Monuments, as of the Lady Mar∣garet Daughter to Philip of France, and Wife to Edward the first.

Of Queen Isabel Wife to Edward the second.

Of Joane Queen of the Scots, Wife to David Bruce.

Of Isabel, Daughter to Edward the third.

Of Eleanor Dutchesse of Britain.

Of the Lady Beatrix, Dutchesse of Britain, Daughter to Henry the third.

Of Roger Mortimer, Earl of March.

Of John Hastings Earl of Pembrook.

Of John Duke of Bourton, who had been taken Prisoner at Agencourt, with di∣vers other great Personages.

There is lately erected there in the South end of the Chancel and extraor∣dinary hansome Monument to the Lady Venetia Stanley, Wise to the noble Knight Sir Kenelme Digby.

Now for the South side of this Ward, beginning again at the Crosse in Cheap, from thence to Fryday-street, and down that street on the West side, till over against the North-west corner of Saint Matthewes Church; And on the West side, to the South corner of the said Church, is wholly in the Ward of Faringdon.

From this Fryday-street West, to the old Exchange, a street so called of Kings Exchange there kept, which was for the receipt of Bullion, to be coyned. For Henry the third, in the sixth year of his Reign, wrote to the Scabines, and men of Ipre, that he and his Councel had given prohibition, that no Englishmen, or other should make change of Plate, or other Masse of Silver, but only in his Ex∣change at London, or at Canterbury; Andrew Bukerel, then had to farm the Ex∣change of England & was Maior of London; in the Reign of Henry the third, John Somercote, had the keeping of the Kings Exchange over all England.

In the eighth of Edward the first, Gregory Rocksley, was Keeper of the said Exchange for the King, in the fifth of Edward the second, William Hausted was Keeper thereof; And in the eighteenth, Roger de Frowick, &c.

These received the old stamps, or Coyning-Irons, from time to time, as the same were worn, and delivered new to all the Mints in England.

This street beginneth by VVest-Cheap in the North, and runneth down South, to Knight-rider-street, that part thereof which is called Old Fish-street: But the very Housing and Office of the Exchange and Coynage, was about the midst thereof, South from the East Gate, that entreth Pauls Church-yard, and on the West side, in Baynards-Castle Ward.

On the East side of this Lane, betwixt West-Cheap, and the Church of St. Au∣gustine, Henry VValleis Mayor, (by Licence of Edward the first) builded one row of Houses, the profits rising of them to be imployed on London Bridge.

The Parish-Church of St. Augustine, and one House next adjoyning, in VVathing-street, is of this Ward called Faringdon.

Then is the North Church-yard of Pauls, in the which standeth the Cathedral Church first founded by Ethelbert, King of Kent, about the year of Christ 610. He gave Lands thereunto, as appeareth, Ethelbertus, Rex, Deo inspirante, pro animae suae remedio, dedit Episcopo Melito terram quae appellatur Tillingeham, ad Monasterii sui solatium scilicet, S. Pauli, &c. Ego Rex Ethelbertus ita firmiter concedo tibi praesuli Melito potestatem ejus habendi & possidendi ut in perpetuum in Monasterii utilitate permaneas, &c. Athelstan, Edgar, Edward the Con∣fessor, and others also, gave Lands thereunto. William the Conqueror, gave to the Church of St. Paul, and to Mauricius, then Bishop, and his Suc∣cessors, the Castle of Stortford, with the appurtenances, &c. He also confirmed the gifts of his Predecessors, in these words, ut habeant quiet as in perpetuum, 24. Hidas quas Rex Athelbert dedit S. Paulo juxta Murum London, &c. The Charter of King William the Conqueror, exemplified in the Tower, englished thus.

William, By the Grace of God, King of Englishmen, to all his well-beloved French and English People greeting: Know ye, that I do give unto God, and the Church of St. Paul of London, and to the Rectors and Servitors of the same, in all other Lands which the Church hath, or shall have, within Borough, and without, Sack and Sock, Thole and The, Infangtheef, and Grithbirche, and all free Ships by Sea and by Land, on Tide, and off-Tide, and all the Rights that unto them Chri∣stendom by rad and more speak, and on Buright hamed, and on Buright work, afore all the Bishopricks in mine Land, and on each other mans Land. For I will, that the Church in all things, be as free, as I would my soul to be in the day of Judgement.

In the year 1087. this Church of St. Paul, was burnt with fire, and there∣with the most part of the City; which fire began at the entry of the West Gate, and consumed the East Gate. Mauricius then Bishop, began therefore the Foundation of a new Church of St. Paul, a work, that men (of that time) judg∣ed, would never have bin finished, it was to them so wonderful for length and breadth; and also the same was builded upon Arches (or Vaults) of stone, for defence of fire, which was a manner of work (before that time) unknown to

the people of this Nation, and then brought in by the French, and the Stone was fetch'd from Cane in Normandy.

The Steeple of this Church was builded and finished in the year 1222. The Crosse on the said Steeple fell down, and a new was set up in the year 1314.

The new work of Pauls (so called) at the East end above the Quire, was be∣gun in the year 1251. Henry Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, Constable of Chester, and Custos of England, in his time was a great Benefactor to this work, and was there buried, in the year 1310.

The first of February, in the year 1444. about two of the Clock in the After-noon, the Steeple of Pauls was fired by Lightning, in the midst of the Shaft, or Spire, both on the West side, and on the South; but by labour of many well dis∣posed people, the same was (to appearance) quenched with Vineger.

This Steeple was repaired in the year 1462. and the Weather-Cock again erected. Robert Goodwin winding it up, the Rope brake, and he was destroyed on the Pinacles, and the Cock was sore bruised; but Birchwood (the Kings Plummer) set it up again; since the which time, needing reparation, it was both taken down and set up in the year 1553. At which time it was found to be of Copper, gilt over, and the length from the Bill to the Tail, be∣ing four foot, and the breadth over the Wings, three foot and a half, it weighed forty pounds, the Crosse from the Bole, to the Eagle (or Cock) was fifteen foot and six inches of assize; the length thereof, overthwart, was five foot and ten Inches, and the Compass of the Bole was nine foot and one inch. The inner Body of this Crosse was Oak, the next Cover was lead, and the outermost was of Copper red varnished. The Bole and Eagle, or Cock, were of Copper, and gilt also. The height of the Steeple was 520 Foot, whereof the Stone-work was 260 Foot, and the Spire was likewise 260 Foot. The length of the whole Church is 240 Taylors yards, which make 720 Foot. The breadth thereof is 130 Foot, and the heighth of the Body of that Church, is 150 Foot.

The Colledge of petty Cannons there, was founded by King Richard the second, in honour of Queen Anne his Wife, and of her Progenitors, in the se∣venteenth of his Reign. Their Hall and Lands was then given unto them, as appeareth by the Patent, Robert Dokesworth, then being Master thereof.

In the year 1408. the petty Canons then building their Colledge, the Maior and Communalty granted them their Water-Courses, and other Ease∣ments.

There was also one great Cloyster, on the North side of this Church, invi∣roning a Plot of ground of old time called Pardon Church-yard, whereof Tho∣mas Moore, Dean of Pauls, was either the first builder, or a most special Bene∣factor, and was buried there.

About this Cloyster, was artificially, and richly painted the Dance of Mo∣chabray, or Dance of Death, commonly called the Dance of Pauls, the like whereof was painted about S. Innocents Cloyster, at Paris in France; the Meeters or Poesie of this Dance, were translated out of French into English, by John Lidgate, Monk of Berry, the Picture of Death leading all estates.

In the midst of this Pardon Church-yard, was also a fair Chappel, first foun∣ded by Gilbert Becket, Portgrave, and principal Magistrate of this City, in the Reign of King Stephen, who was there buried.

There was also a Chappel at the North door of Pauls, founded by Walter Sherington, by Licence of Henry the sixth.

There was furthermore, a fair Chappel of the Holy Ghost, in Pauls Church, on the North side, founded in the year 1400, by Roger Holmes, Chancellor, and Prebendary of Pauls.

Then under the Quire of Pauls, is a large Chappel, first dedicated to the name of Jesu, founded, or rather confirmed the 37. of Henry the sixth, as ap∣peareth by his Patent thereof, dated at Crowdown to this effect.

Many Liege-Men and Christian People, having begun a Fraternity and Guild, to the honour of the most glorious name of Jesu Christ, our Saviour, in a place call∣ed the Crowds of the Cathedral Church of Pauls in London, which hath continued long time peaceably, till now of late; whereupon they have made request, and we have taken upon us, the name and charge of the Foundation, to the laud of Almigh∣ty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and especially, to the honour of Jesu, in whose honour the Fraternity was begun, &c.

At the West end of this Jesus Chappel, under the Quire of Pauls, also was, and is, a Parish-Church of St. Faith, commonly called St. Faith under Pauls, which served (as still it doth) for the Stationers and others, dwelling in Pauls Church-yard, Pater Noster Rowe, and the places near adjoyning.

The said Chappel of Jesus, being suppressed in the Reign of Edward the sixth, the Parishioners of St. Faiths Church were removed into the same, as to a place more sufficient for largeness and lightsomness, in the year 1551. and so it remaineth.

In the East part of this Church-yard standeth Pauls School, lately new buil∣ded, and endowed in the year 1512. by John Collet, Doctor of Divinity, and Dean of Pauls, for a hundred fifty three poor mens Children, to be taught free in the same School; for which he appointed a Master, a Sub-master or Usher, and a Chaplain, with large stipends for ever, committing the over-sight thereof, to the Masters, Wardens, and Assistants of the Mercers in London, because he was Son to Henry Collet. Mercer, sometime Maior.

Near unto this School, on the North side thereof, was (of old time) a great and high Clochier, or Bell-house, foure square, builded of stone, and in the same, a most strong frame of Timber, with four Bells, the greatest of England: these were called Jesus Bells, and belonging to Jesus Chappel: The same had a great spire of Timber, covered with Lead, with the Image of St. Paul, on the top, but was pulled down by Sir Miles Partridge Knight, in the Reign of Henry the eighth: the common speech then was, that he did set one hundred pounds, upon a cast at Dice against it, & so won the said Clochier and Bells of the King, & then causing the Bells to be broken as they hung, the rest was pulled down: This man was afterward executed on the Tower-Hill, for matters concerning the Duke of Summerset, the fifth of Edward the sixth.

In the year 1561. the fourth of June, betwixt the houres of three and four of the Clock in the Afternoon, the great Spire of the Steeple of St. Pauls Church, was fired by lightening, which brake forth (as it seemed) two or three yards beneath the foot of the Crosse, and from thence it burnt downward the spire to the Battlements, Stone-work, and Bells, so furiously, that within the space of four houres, the same Steeple, with all the roofs of the Church, were consu∣med, to the great sorrow, and perpetual remembrance of the beholders; After this mischance, the Queen Elizabeth directed her Letters to the Maior, willing him to take order for speedy repairing of the same; And she, of her gracious disposition, for the furtherance thereof, did presently give, and deliver in gold, one thousand Marks, with a Warrant for a thousand Loads of Timber, to be ta∣ken out of her Woods, or else-where.

The Citizens also gave first a great Benevolence, and after that three fifteens to be speedily paid.

The Clergy of England, within the Province of Canterbury, granted the for∣tieth part of the value of their Benefices, charged with first fruits, the thirtieth part of such as were not so charged; but the Clergy of London Dioces, granted the thirtieth part of all that payd first fruits, and the twentieth part of such as had paid their fruits.

Six Citizens of London, and two Petty Canons of Pauls Church, had charge to further and oversee the work, wherein such expedition was used, that within one Moneth next following the burning thereof, the Church was covered with boards and Lead, in manner of a false roof, against the Weather, and before the end of the said year, all the said Iles of the Church were framed out of new Timber, covered with Lead, and fully fi∣nished.

Pauls Church was full of great Monuments, the ancientest are of King Sibha, and King Ethelred, two Saxon Kings: There are two ancient Bishops of Lon∣don, viz. Erkenvald, and William Norman, who being of the privy Councel to William the Conqueror, not only preserved, by his Mediation, the old pri••i∣ledges of London, but got them inlarged; whereupon, it was the Custom of the Lord Maior and Aldermen, upon solemn dayes, when they came to Pauls to walk to the Graves stone, where this Bishop lay; and Sir Edward Barkham, caused a Table to be hung up there with Verses thereupon, called the Monument of Gratitude.

Touching other remarkable peeces of Antiquity, which belong to St. Pauls Church, I leave them to such a Person of knowledge and industry, who may haply make it his sole task to preserve the memory of so stately a Temple from the injury of time.

Without the North Gate of Pauls Church, from the end of the old Ex∣change, West up Pater Noster Rowe, by the two Lanes out of Pauls Church, the first out of the Crosse Isle of Pauls, the other out of the body of the Church, about the midst thereof, and so West to the Golden Lyon, be all of this Ward, as is aforesaid: The Houses in this street from the first North Gate of Pauls Church-yard, unto the next Gate, were first builded without the Wall of the Church-yard, by Henry Walleis Mayor, in the year 1282. the rest of those Hou∣ses go to the maintenance of London-Bridge.

This street is now called Pater Noster Rowe, because of Stationers, or Text-Writers, that dwelled there, who wrore, and sold all sorts of Books then in use, namely, A. B. C. with the Pater Noster, Ave, Creed, Graces, &c.

There dwelled also Turners of Beads, and they were called Pater Noster makers.

At the end of this Pater Noster Rowe, is Ave-mary lane, so called upon the like occasion, of Text-writers, and Bead-makers then dwelling there.

And at the end of that Lane, is likewise Creed-lane, lately so called, but some∣time Spurrier Rowe, of Spurriers dwelling there; And Awen-lane is added there∣unto, betwixt the South end of Warwick-lane, and the North end of Ave Mary Lane.

At the North end of Ave Mary Lane, is one great House, builded of Stone and Timber, of old time pertaining to John Duke of Britain, Earl of Richmond, as appeareth by the Records of Edward the second; since that, it was called Pem∣brooks Inne, near unto Ludgate, as belonging to the Earls of Pembrook••, in the times of Richard the second, the eighteenth year, and of Henry the sixth, in the fourteenth year: it was after called Aburgaveny House, and belonged to Hen∣ry, late Lord of Aburgaveny; but the Company of Stationers have since pur∣chased it, and made it the Hall for the Meeting of their Society, converting the Stone-work into a new fair Frame of Timber, and applying it to such serviceable use, as themselves have thought convenient.

Betwixt the South end of Ave Mary Lane, and the North end of Creed-lane, is the comming out of Pauls Church-yard, on the East, and the high street on the West, towards Ludgate, and this was called Bowyer Rowe, of Bowyers dwel∣ling there in old time, now worn out by Mercers and others.

In this street, on the North side, is the Parish Church of St. Martin, wherein there are divers hansom Monuments, and Epitaphs.

On the South side of this street, is the turning into the Black Fryers, which Order (sometime) had their Houses in Old-born, where they remained for the space of five and fifty years, and then, in the year 1276. Gregory Rocksley, Mayor, and the Barons of this City, granted and gave to Robert Kilwarby, Arch Bishop of Canterbury, two Lanes or wayes next the street of Baynards Castle; and also the Tower of Mount fitchet, to be destroyed; in place of which, the said Robert, builded the late new Church of the Black-Fryers, and placed them therein; King Edward the first, and Eleanor his Wife, were great Benefactors thereunto: this was a large Church, and richly furnished with Ornaments, wherein divers Parliaments, and other great Meetings have been holden; namely, in the year 1450. the twenty eighth of Henry the sixth, a Parliament was begun at VVestminster, and adjourned to the Black Fryers in London, and from thence to Leicester.

In the year one thousand five hundred twenty two, the Emperor Charls the fifth, was lodged there.

In the year one thousand five hundred twenty foure, the fifteenth of April, a Parliament was begun at the Black Fryers, wherein was demanded a Subsidy of 800000. pounds, to be raised of Goods and Lands, four shillings in every pound; and in the end, was granted two shillings of the pound, of their Goods and Lands, that were worth twenty pound, or might dispend twenty pounds by the year, and so upward, to be paid in two years.

This Parliament was adjourned to VVestminster, amongst the black Monks, and ended in the Kings Palace there, the 14th of August, at nine of the Clock in the night, and was therefore called the Black Parliament.

The same year, in the moneth of October, began a Parliament in the Black Fryers; in the which, Cardinal VVoolsey was condemned in the premunire: this House, valued at a hundred and four pound, fifteen shillings five pence, was surrendred the 12th of November, the 30th of Henry the 8th.

Now to turn again to the Black Fryers, through Bowyer Rowe, Ave Mary Lane, and Pater Noster Rowe, to the Church of St. Michael ad Bladum, or at the Corn, (corruptly, at the Querne) so called, because in place thereof, was sometime a Corn-Market, stretching up West to the Shambles; It seemeth, that this Church was new builded, about the Reign of Edward the third, Tho∣mas Newton, first Parson there, was buried in the Quire, in the year 1461. At the East end of this Church stood a Crosse, called the old Crosse, in West Cheap, which was taken down in the year 1390. since the which time, the said Parish Church was also taken down, but new builded, and enlarged in the year 1430. the eighth of Henry the sixth, VVilliam Eastfield Mayor, and the Communalty, granted of the common ground of the City, three foot and an half in breadth, on the North part, and four foot in breadth toward the East, for the inlarging thereof.

At the West end of this Parish Church, is a small passage for people on foot, thorow the same Church, and West from the said Church, some distance, is an∣other passage out of Pater Noster Rowe, and is called (of such a signe) Panyer Alley, which commeth out into the North, over against Saint Martins Lane.

Next is Ivy Lane, so called of Ivy, growing on the Walls of the Prebends Houses; but now the Lane is replenished on both the sides, with fair Houses, and divers Offices have bin there kept, by Registers, narnely, for the Prerogative Court of the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, the Probate of Wills, which is now re∣moved into Warwick lane; and also for the Lord Treasurers Remembrance of the Exchequer, &c.

This Lane runneth North, to the West end of St. Nicholas Shambles: of old time there was one great House, sometimes belonging to the Earls of Britain; since that to the Lovels, and was called Loveis Inne.

Then is Eldesse L••••••, which stretcheth North to the high street of Newgate Market, the same is now called Warwick Lane, of an ancient House there buil∣ded by an Earl of Warmick, and was since called Warwick Inne: It is in Re∣cord, called a Messuage in Eldenesse lane, in the Parish of St. Sepulchre: the twenty eighth of Henry the sixth, Cicilio, Dutchesse of VVarwick possessed it.

Now again, from the Conduit by Pauls Gate, on the North side, is a large street, running West to Newgate; the first part whereof, from the Conduit to the Shambles, (of selling Bladders there) called Bladder-street: then behind the Butchers Shops, be now divers Slaughter-houses inward, and Tipling-houses outward: This is called Mount Goddard-street, of the Tipling-houses there, and the Goddards mounting from the Tap to the Table, from the Table to the Mouth, and sometimes over the Head.

This street goeth up to the North end of Ivy lane; before this Mount-god∣dard street, Stall-boards were of old time set up by the Butchers, to shew, and to sell their Flesh meat upon; over the which Stall-Boards, they first builded sheds, to keep off the Weather; but since that, (incroaching by little and little) they have made their Stall-boards and sheds, fair Houses, meet for the principal Shambles.

Next is Newgate Market, first of Corn and Meale, and then of other vict∣tuals, which stretcheth almost to Eldenese-Lane, a fair new and strong Frame of Timber, covered with Lead, was therefore set up at the Charges of the City: near to the West Corner of St. Nicholas Shambles, for the meal to be weighed, in the first of Edward the sixth, Sir John Gresham being then Mayor.

On this side the North Corner of Eldenese Lane, stood sometime a proper Parish-Church of St. Ewine, as is before said, given by Henry the eighth to∣wards the erecting of Christs Church. It was taken down, and in place there∣of, a fair strong Frame of Timber erected, wherein dwell men of divers Trades, And from this Frame to Newgate, is all of this Ward, and so an end thereof.

Of the two and Twentieth Ward, or Alder∣manry of the City of London, called Bread-street Ward.

THen is Bread-street it self, so called, of Bread in old time there sold, for it appeareth by Records, that in the year 1302, which was the thirty of Edward the first the Bakers of London were bounden to sell no Bread in their Shops or Houses, but in the Market, and that they should have four Hall-motes in the year, at four several Terms, to determine of enormities belonging to the said Company.

This street, giving the name to the whole Ward, beginneth in West Cheap, almost by the Standard; and runneth down South, through or thwart Wath∣ling-street, to Knight Riders-street aforesaid, where it endeth; This Bread-street is wholly on both sides of this Ward, out of the which street, on the East side is Basing Lane, a piece whereof, to wit, to, and over against the back gate of the Red Lion in Wathling-street, is of this Bread-street Ward.

Then is Fryday-street beginning also in West Cheap, and runneth down South through Wathling-street, to Knight-Riders street, or old Fishstreet. This Fryday-street is of Bread-street Ward, on the East side, from over against the North-East corner of Saint Matthews Church, and on the West side, from the South corner of the said Church, down as aforesaid.

In this Fryday-street, on the West side thereof, is a Lane, commouly called Mayden Lane, or Distaffe Lane, corruptly for Distar Lane, which runneth West into the old Exchange, and in this Lane is also one other Lane, on the South side thereof; likewise called Distar Lane, which runneth down to Knight-Ri∣der street, or Old Fish-street And so be the bounds of this whole Ward.

Monuments to be noted here, first at Bread-street corner, the North-East end, 1595, of Thomas Tmolioson, causing in the High street of Cheap, a Vault to be digged and made; there was so und at fifteen foot deep, a fair pavement, like unto that above ground, and at the further end, at the Channel, was found a Tree, sawed into five steps, which was to step over some Brook, running out of the West, towards Walbrooke, and upon the edge of the said Brook as it seemeth, there were found lying along, the bodies of two great Trees, the ends whereof were then sawed off, and firm Timber, as at the first when they fell, part of the said Trees remain yet in the ground undigged; It was all forced ground, untill they went past the Trees aforesaid, which was about seventeen foot deep, or better; Thus much hath the ground of this City (in that place) been raised from the main.

Next to be noted, the most beautiful Frame of fair Houses and Shops, that be within the Walls of London, or else wherein England, commonly called Gold∣smiths Row, betwixt Bread-street end, and the Crosse in Cheap, but is within this Bread-street Ward.

Then for Watheling-street, which Leyland calleth Atheling, or Noble-street, but since he sheweth no reason why, I rather take it to be so named, of the great High-way of the same calling. True it is, that at this present the Inhabi∣tants thereof are wealthy Drapers, Retailers of Wollen Cloths, both Broad and Narrow, of all sorts, more than in any one street of this City.

Of the Old Exchange, I have noted in Faringdon Ward, wherefore I passe down to Knight-Riders street, whereof I have also spoken in Cordwayner street Ward; But in this part of the said Knight-Riders street, is a Fish-market kept, and therefore called Old Fish-street, for a difference from New Fish-street.

In this Old Fishstreet, is one Row of small Houses, placed along in the mid∣dest of Knight-Riders-street, which Row is also of Bread-street Ward. These Houses, now possessed by Fishmongers, were at the first but moveable Boards, or Stalls, set out on Market-daies, to shew their fish there to be sold, but procu∣ring Licence to set up Sheds, they grew to shops, and by little and little, to tall Houses of three or four Stories in height, and now is called Fish-street.

Walter Turke, Fishmonger, Mayor, 1349, had two Shops in Old Fish-street, over against Saint Nicholas Church, the one rented at five shillings the year, the other four shillings.

Bread-street, so called of Bread sold there (as I said) is now wholly inhabited by rich Marchants, and divers fair Inns be there, for good receit of Carriers, and other Travellers to the City.

On the East side of this street, at the corner of Watheling street, is the come∣ly Church of Alhallowes in Bread-street.

On the same side is Salters Hall, with six Alms-houses in number, builded for poor decayed Brethren of that Company; This Hall was burned in the year 1539, and again re-edified.

Lower down, on the same side, is the Parish Church of Saint Mildred the Virgin.

Out of this Bread-street, on the same side, is Basing Lane, a part whereof (as is afore shewed) is of this Ward, but how it took the name of Basing, I have not read; In the twentieth year of Richard the second, the same was called the Bake-house, whether meant of the Kings Bake-house, or of Bakers dwel∣ling there, and baking Bread to serve the Market in Bread-street, where the Bread was sold, I know not, but sure I am, I have not read of Basing, or of Ger∣rard the Gyant, to have any thing there to do.

On the South side of this Lane, is one great House, of old time builded upon arched Vaults, and with arched Gates, of Stone brought from Cane in Nor∣mandy, the same is now a common Ostrey for receit of Travellers, commonly and corruptly called Gerrards Hall, of a Giant said to have dwelled there. In the high roofed Hall of this House, sometime stood a large Firr-pole, which reached to the roof thereof, and was said to be one of the staves that Gerrard the Gyant used in the Wars to run withal, there stood also a Ladder of the same length, which (as they said) served to ascend to the top of the staff. Of later years this Hall is altered in building, and divers rooms are made in it; Not∣withstanding, the Pole is removed to one corner of the Hall, and the Ladder hanged broken, upon a Wall in the yard.

Now on the West side of Breadstreet, amongst divers fair and large Houses for Marchants, and fair Inns for Passengers, had ye one Prison-house pertaining to the Sheriffs of London, called the Compter in Bread-street, but in the year 1555, the Prisoners were removed from thence, to one other new Compter in Wood-street, provided by the Cities purchase, and builded for that purpose, the cause of which remove was this; Richard Husband Pasteler, Keeper of this Compter in Breadstreet, being a willful and head-strong man, dealt (for his own advantage) hard with the prisoners under his charge, having also servants such as himself liked best for their bad usage, and would not for any complaint be re∣formed; whereupon, in the year 1550, Sir Rowland Hill being Mayor, by the assent of a Court of Aldermen, he was sent to the Goal of Newgate, for the cruel handling of his prisoners, and it was commanded to the Keeper, to set those Irons on his leggs which are called the Widdows Alms; These he ware

from Thursday, till Sunday in the afternoon, and being by a Court of Aldermen released on the Tuesday, was bound in an hundred Marks, to observe from thence forth an Act made by the Common Councel, for the ordering of priso∣ners in the Compters; all which notwithstanding, he continued as afore: For being on a Jury, to enquire against a Sessions of Goal delivery, in the year 1552, it was found that the Prisoners were still hardly dealt with all for their achates, and otherwise, as also that Thieves and Strumpets were there lodged for four pence the night, whereby they might be safe from searches that were made abroad, for the which enormities, and other not needfull to be recited, he was indicted at that Session, but did rub it out, and could not be reformed, till this remove of the prisoners, for the House in Bread-street was his own by Lease, or otherwise, so that he could not be put from it.

Now in Friday-street, so called of Fishmongers dwelling there, and serving Frydays Market, on the East side is a small Parish Church commonly called Saint John Evangelist. The Monuments therein be, of John Dogget, Merchant-Taylor, one of the Sheriffs in the year 1509.

Then lower down, is another Church of Saint Margaret Moyses, so called (as seemeth) of one Moyses, that was Founder, or new Builder thereof.

In this Distar Lane, on the North side thereof is the Cordwayners or Shooma∣kers Hall, which Company were made a Brotherhood or Fraternity, in the ele∣venth of Henry the fourth.

Of the Twentie third Ward, or Alder∣manry of the City of London, called Queen-hithe Ward.

NExt unto Bread-street Ward, on the South side thereof, is Queen-Hith Ward, so called of a Water-gate, or Harborow for Boats, Lighters, and Barges, and was (of old time) for Ships: at what time, the Timber Bridge at London, was drawn up, for the passage of them to the said Hith, as to a principal Strand for landing and unlading a∣gainst the middest and heart of the City; this Ward beginneth in the East, in Knight-Riders-street; on the South side thereof, at the East end of the Parish Church called the Holy Trinity, and runneth West on the South side, to a Lane called Lambert Hill, which is the length of the Ward in Knight-Riders street, out of the which street are divers Lanes, running South to Thames street, and are of this Ward; the first is Trinity Lane, which runneth down by the West end of Trinity Church; Then is Spuren Lane, or Spooners Lane, now called Huggen Lane; Then Bread-street Hill, Then Saint Mary Mounthaunt, out of the which Lane, on the East side thereof, is one other Lane, turning East through St. Nicho∣las Olave; Church-yard, to Bread-street Hill; This Lane is called Finimore Lane, or Five foot Lane, because it is but five foot in breadth; at the West end, in the middest of this Lane, runneth down one other Lane broader, South to Thames street, I think the same to be called Desborne Lane; for we read of such a Lane

to have been in the Parish of Saint Mary Summerset in the twenty two of Ed∣ward the third, where there is said to ly between the Tenement of Edward de Mountacute Knight, on the East part, and the Tenement sometime pertaining to William Gladwine, on the West, one plot of ground, containing in length to∣wards Thames street, twenty five foot, &c. Last of all have ye Lambart Hill, so called of one Lambart owner thereof, and this is the farthest West part of this Ward.

First in Knight-Riders street is the small Parish Church of the Holy Trinity, lately very old, and in danger of down falling, Collections were made for the repairing thereof; but they would not stretch so far, until a general means was made, as appeareth by a publick notice thereof, declared in the said Church.

Towards the West end of Knight-Riders street, is the Parish Church of Saint Nicholas Cold Abbey, a proper Church somewhat ancient, as appeateth by the waies raysed there about, so that men are forced to descend into the body of the Church, it hath been called of many Colden Abbey, of some Cold Abbey or Cold Bay, and so have the most ancient Writings; as standing in a cold place, as Cold Harbor, and such like, the Steeple or tall Tower of this Church, with the South Ile, hath been of later building, to wit, the first of Richard the second, when it was meant, that the whole old Church should have been new buil∣ded, as appeareth by the Arching begun on the East side the Steeple, under the which, in the Stone work, the Armes of one Buckland, Esquire, and his Wife, Daughter to Beaupere, are cut in Stone, and also are in the Glasse Win∣dows, whereby it appeareth, he was the Builder thereof, and Repairer of the residue.

In Trinity Lane, on the West side thereof, is the Painter Stainers Hall, for so of old time were they called, but now that workmanship of Staining is depar∣ted and out of use in England. Lower down in Trinity Lane, on the East side thereof, was sometime a great-Messuage pertaining unto John Earl of Cornwall, in the fourteenth of Edward the third.

On Bread-street Hill, down to the Thames, on both sides, be divers fair Houses, inhabited by Fishmongers, Cheesemongers, and Merchants of divers Trades; on the West side whereof is the Parish Church of St. Nicholas Olave, a convenient Church.

The next is Old Fish-street Hill, a passage so called, which also runneth down to Thames street; In this Lane, on the East side thereof, is the one end of Fini∣more or Five foot Lane.

On the West side of this Old Fish-street Hill, is the Bishop of Hereford's Inne, or lodging, an ancient House, and large rooms, builded of Stone and Timber, which sometime belonged to the Mounthaunts in Norfolke. Radul∣phus de Mayden-stone, Bishop of Hereford about the year, one thousand two hundred thirty four, bought it of the Mounthaunts, and gave it to the Bi∣shops of Hereford his Successors. Charles, both Bishop of Hereford, and Chan∣cellour of the Marches, about the year 1517 repaired it, since the which time, the same is greatly ruined, and is now divided into many small Tenements; The Hall, and principall Rooms, are an House to make Sugar-Loaves, &c.

Next adjoyning is the Parish Church of Saint Mary de Monte also, or Mounthaunt; this is a very small Church, and at the first builded to be a Chappel for the said House of the Mounthaunts, and for Tenements there un∣to belonging.

On the East side of this Old Fish-street Hill, is one great House, now letten out for Rent, which House sometime was one of the Halls pertai∣ning to the Company of Fishmongers, at such time as they had six Hall-Motes

or Meeting places, namely, twain in Bridge-street, or New Fish-street, twain in Old Fish-street, whereof this was one, and twain in Stock-Fish∣monger Row, or Thames street, as appeareth by a Record the twenty two of Richard the second.

Next Westward is one other Lane, called Lambart Hill, the East side whereof is wholly of this Ward, and but half the West side, to wit, from the North end of the Black-smiths Hall.

Then in Thames street, of this Ward, and on the North side over against the Queens Hith, is the Parish Church of Saint Michael a con∣venient Church, but all the Monuments therein are defaced.

At the West end of that Church, goeth up a Lane, called Pyel-lane; on the same North side, at the South end of Saint Mary Mounthaunt Lane, is the Parish Church of Saint Summerset, over against the Broken-Wharfe.

Then is a small Parish Church of St. Peter, called parva, or little, near unto Pauls Wharf. In this Church no Monuments do remain.

At the West end thereof is a Lane called Saint Peters Hill; but two Houses up that Lane, on the East side, is of this Ward, and the rest is of Ca∣stle Baynards Ward.

On the South side of Thames street, beginning again in the East a∣mong the Cooks, the first in this Ward, is the Signe of David the King.

Then is Towns-end Lane, turning down to the Thames.

Then is Queen-hithe, a large receptacle for Ships, Lighters, Barges, and such other Vessels. Touching the Antiquity and use of this Gate and Hithe, first I find, that the same belonged to one named Edred, and was then called Edreds Hith, which since falling into the hands of King Stephen, it was by his Charter confirmed to William de Ypre, the Farm thereof in Fee and in He∣ritage; William de Ypre, gave i•• unto the Prior and Covent of the Holy Trinity within Ealdgate.

This Edreds Hith, after the foresaid Grant, came again to the Kings hands, by what means I have not read, but it pertained unto the Queen, and therefore was called Ripa Reginae, the Queens Bank, or Queens-Hith, and great profit thereof was made to her use, as may appear by this which fol∣loweth.

King Henry the third, in the ninth of his Reign, commanded the Con∣stables of the Tower of London, to arrest the Ships of the Cinque-Ports on the River of Thames, and to compell them to bring their Corn to no other place, but to the Queens Hith only. In the eleaventh of his Reign, he charged the said Constable, to distrain all Fish offered to be sold in any place of this City, but at the Queens Hith. Moreover, in the eight and twentieth of his Reign, an Inquisition was made before William of Yorke, and the Provost of Beverley, Henry of Bath, and Hierome of Caxton, Ju∣stices Itinerantes, sitting in the Tower of London, touching the Customs of Queen-hith, observed in the year last before the Wars between the King and his Father, and the Barons of England, and of old Customs of other times, and what Customs had been changed, at what time the Tax and Payment of all things coming thither, and between VVoore-path, and A∣nede Hith, were found and seized, according to the old Order, as well Corne and Fish, as of other things; All which Customes were as well to be observed in the part of Down-gate, as in Queen-Hith, for the Kings use, when also it was found, that the Corn arriving between the Gate of Guild Hall, of the Merchants of Colleyne, and the Soke of the Arch-Bi∣shop of Canterbury, (for he had a House near unto the Black-Fryers) was

not to be measured by any other quarter, than by that of the Queens Soke.

Next adjoyning to this Queen-hith, on the West side thereof, is Sult-Wharf, named of Salt taken up, measured, and sold there.

The next is Stew Lane, of a Stew, or Hot-house there kept.

After that is Timber-Hith, or Timber street, so called, of Timber, or Boards, there taken up, and wharfed; it is in the Parish of Saint Mary Som∣mers Hith, as we read in the fifty six of Henry the third, and in the ninth of Edward the second.

Then is Brookes Wharfe, and Broken Wharfe, a Water-gate or Key, so called of being broken and fallen down into the Thames.

By this Broken-VVharfe remaineth one large old building of Stone, with Arched Gates; which Messuage, as we finde, in the Reign of Henry the third, the forty three year, pertained unto Hugh de Bigot, and in the eleaventh of Edward the third, to Thomas Brotherton, the Kings Brother, Earle of Norfolke, Marshall of England, in the eleaventh of Henry the sixth, to John Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, &c.

Within the Gate of this House (now belonging to the City of Lon∣don) is lately, to wit, in the year 1594. and 1595, builded one large House, of great height, called an Engine, made by Bevis Bulmar, Gentleman, for the conveying and forcing of Thames water, to serve in the middle and West parts of the City; the ancient great Hall of this Messuage, is yet standing, and pertaining to a great Brew-House for Beere.

West from this is Trigge Lane, going down to the Thames. Next is called Bosse-Lane of a Bosse of water, like unto that of Belingsgate, there placed by the Executors of Richard Whittington.

Then is one great Messuage, sometime belonging to the Abbots of Chartsey, in Surrey, and was their Inne, wherein they were lodged when they repaired to the City: it is now called Sandle House, by what reason we have not heard; some think the Lord Sands hath been lodged there.

Of the Twentie fourth Ward, or Alder∣manry of the City of London, called Castle-Baynard Ward.

THen next is Castle Baynard Ward, so named of an old Castle there; This Ward beginneth in the East on the Thames side, at an House called, Huntington House, and runneth West by Pauls Wharfe, by Baynards Castle, Puddle Wharfe, and by the South side of Black-Fry∣ers; Then turning by the East Wall of the said Fryers to the South-West end of Creed Lane; then on the North side of Thames street, over against Huntington House, by St. Peters Church and Lane, called Peter Hill, along till over against Puddle Wharfe, and then North up by the great Wardrobe, to the West end of Carter Lane; Then up Creed Lane, Ave Mary Lane, and a piece of Pater noster Row, to the Sign of the Golden Lion, and back again up Warwick Lane, all the East side thereof, to the Sign of the Crown by Newgate-Market; and this is the farthest North part of this Ward.

Then out of Thames street be Lanes ascending North to Knight-Riders street; The first is Peters Hill Lane, all of that Ward, (two Houses excepted, adjoy∣ning to St. Peters Church) The next is Pauls Wharfe Hill, which thwarting Knight-Riders street, and Carter Lane, goeth up to the South Chain of Pauls Church-yard.

Then is Adle-street, over against the West part of Baynards Castle, going up by the West end of Knight-Riders street, and to Carter Lane.

Thus much for Lanes out of Thames street. The one half of the West side of Lambert Hill Lane being of this Ward, at the North-west end thereof, on the South side, and at the West end of St. Mary Magdalens Church; on the North side, beginneth Knight-Riders street to be of this Ward, and runneth West on both sides, to the Parish Church of St. Andrew by the Wardrobe.

Then at the said East end of St. Mary Magdalens Church, goeth up the Old Exchange, all the West side whereof, up to the South-East gate of Pauls Church-yard, and by St. Austins Church, is of this Ward.

About the midst of this Old Exchange, on the West side thereof, is Carter Lane, which runneth West to the East entry of the Black-Fryers, and the South end of Creed-Lane, out of the which Carter Lane descendeth a Lane, called Do∣little Lane, and commeth into Knight-Riders street, by the Boar-head Tavern, and more West is Sermon Lane, by an Inne called the Powl-head. Then out of Carter Lane, on the North side thereof, the South Chain of Pauls Church-yard, and the Church-yard it self, on that South side of Pauls Church, and the Church of St. Gregory, the Bishops Palace, and the Deans Lodging, be all of this Ward and such be the bounds thereof.

The Ornaments in this Ward, be Parish Churches four, of old time a Castle' divers Noble-mens Houses, Halls of Companies twain, and such others as shall be shewed.

In Thames street at the South-East end, is an ancient Messuage, of old time called Beaumonts Inne, as belonging to that Family of Noble-men of this Realm, in the fourth of Edward the third. Edward the fourth in the fifth of his Reign, gave it to W. Hastings, Lord Chamberlaine, Master of his Mints; It is now called Huntington House, as belonging to the Earls of Huntington.

Next is Pauls Wharfe a large landing place, with a common Stayre upon the River of Thames, at the end of a street called Pauls Wharf Hill, which runneth down from Pauls Chain.

Next is a great Messuage, called Scroopes Inne, sometime belonging to the Scroopes, in the thirty one of Henry the sixth.

Then is one other great Messuage, sometime belonging to the Abbey of Fis∣campe, beyond the Sea, and by reason of the Wars, it coming to the hands of King Edward the third, the same was given to Sir Simon Burley, Knight of the Garter, and therefore called Burley House in Thames street, between Baynards Castle and Pauls Wharfe.

Then have you Baynards Castle, whereof this whole Ward taketh name; This Castle banketh on the River Thames, and was callest Baynards Castle, of Baynard a Nobleman, that came in with William the Conquerour, of the which Ca∣stle and of Baynard himself, we have spoken in another place. There was also a∣nother Tower by Baynards Castle, builded by King Edward the second. Edward the third, in the second of his Reign, gave it to William Duke of Hamelake, in the County of Yorke, and his Heirs, for one Rose yearly to be paid for all ser∣vice; the same place (as seemeth) was since called Legates Inne, in the seventh of Edward the fourth, where be now divers Wood-Wharfes in the place.

Then is there a great Brew-house, and Puddle-Wharfe, a Water-gate into the Thames, where Houses use to be watered, and therefore being filled with their trampling, & made puddle-like, as also of one Puddle dwelling there, it is call'd Puddle Wharfe. Then is there a Lane between the Black Fryars and the Thames, called in the twenty six of Edward the third, Castle-lane. This Ward ascendeth up by the East VVall of the Black-Fryers, to the South VVest end of Creed Lane where it endeth on that side. Then to begin again on the North side of Thames-street, over against Huntington House, by St. Peters Church and Lane, called Pe∣ter Hill, and so to St. Bennet Hude, (or Hithe) over against Pauls VVharfe, is a convenient Parish Church, which hath the Monuments of Sir VVilliam Cheny Knight, and Margaret his VVife 1442 buried there.

VVest from this Church, by the South end of Addle street, almost against Puddle VVharfe, there is one ancient building of Stone and Timber, builded by the Lords of Barkley, and therefore called Barkleys Inne. This House is now all in ruine, and letten out in several Tenements, yet the Arms of the Lord Barkley remain in the Stone-work of an arched Gate, and is between a Cheve∣ron Crosses ten, three, three, and four.

Richard Beauchampe, Earl of VVarwick, was lodged in this House, then cal∣led Barkleys Inne, in the Parish of St. Andrew, in the Reign of Henry the sixth: Then turning up towards the North, is the Parish Church of St. Andrew in the VVardrobe, a proper Church, but few Monuments hath it. John Parnt hath founded a Chauntrey there.

Then is the Kings great VVardrobe, Sir John Beauchamp Knight of the Gartet, Constable of Dover, Warden of the Cinqueports, (son to Guido de Beauchamp Earl of VVarwick) builded this House, was lodged there, deceased in the year 1359, and was buried on the South side of the middle Ile of Pauls Church. His Executors sold the House to King Edward the third. Touching Lanes ascen∣ding out of Thames street, to Knight-Riders, the first is Peter Hill, wherein I find no matter of note more than certain Alms-houses, lately founded on the West side thereof, by David Smith Embroyderer, for six poor Widdows, whereof each to have twenty shillings by the year. At the upper end of this Lane towards the North, the corner Houses there, be called Peter Key, but the reason thereof we have not heard. Then is Pauls VVharfe, on the East side whereof is VVoodmongers Hall. And next adjoyning is Darby-house, sometime belonging to the Stanleys, for Thomas Stanley: first Earl of Darby, of that name, who mar∣ried

the Lady Margaret, Countesse of Richmond, Mother to Henry the seventh, in his time builded it. Queen Mary gave it to Gilbert Dethick, then Garter, principal King of Arms of English men; Thomas Hauley, Clarentieux, King of Arms of the South parts; VVilliam Harvey alias Norrey, King of Armes of the North parts, and the other Heralds and Pursevants of Arms, and their Succes∣sors, all the Capital Messuage or House called Darby house, with the appurte∣nances, situate in the Parish of Saint Bennet, and Saint Peter, and then being in the tenure of Sir Richard Sackvile Knight, and lately parcel of the Lands of Edward Earl of Darby, &c. To the end, that the said Kings of Arms, Heraulds, and Pursevants of Arms, and their Successors might (at their liking) dwell to∣gether, and at meet times congregate, speak, confer, and agree among them∣selves, for the good Government of their Faculty, and their Records might be more safely kept, &c.

On the West side of this street is one other great House builded of Stone, which belongeth to Pauls Church, and was sometime letten to the Blunts, Lord Mountjoy; but of later time to a Colledge in Cambridge, and from them to the Doctors of the Civil Law, and Arches, who keep a Commons there; and many of them being lodged there, it is called the Doctors Commons.

In Lambard Hill Lane, on the West side thereof, is the Black-smiths Hall. Over-against the North-west end of this Lambard Hill Lane in Knight-Riders street, is the Parish Church of St. Mary Magdalen, a small Church, having but few Monuments.

By the East end of St. Mary Magdalene Church, runneth up the Old Exchange Lane, by the West end of Carter Lane, to the South-East Gate or Chaine of Pauls Church-yard, as is before shewed; And in this part was the Exchange kept, and Bullion was received for Coynage, as is noted in Faringdon Ward Within.

In this Parish Church of St. Mary Magdalen, out of Knight-Riders street, up to Carter Lane, be two small Lanes, the one of them called Doo-little Lane, as a place not inhabited by Artificers, or open Shop-keepers, but serving for a near passage from Knight-Riders street to Carter-Lane. The other corruptly called Sermon Lane, for Sheremoniers Lane; For we find it by that name recor∣ded in the fourteenth of Edward the first; And in that Lane, a place to be cal∣led the Black Loft, (of melting Silver) with four Shops adjoyning. It may there∣fore be well supposed, that Lane to take its name of Shermoniers, such as cut and rounded the Plates, to be Coyned or stamped into Estarling pence; for the place of Coyning was the Old Exchange.

In Knight-Riders street, was the Colledge of Physicians, wherein was foun∣ded in the year 1582, a publick Lecture in Surgery, to be read twice every week, &c. as is shewed else-where.

Towards the South, is called the Lollards Tower, and hath been used as the Bishops prison, for such as were detected for opinions in Religion, contrary to the Faith of the Church.

Adjoyning to this Lowlards Tower, is the Parish Church of St. Gregory, ap∣pointed to the Petty Chanons of Pauls.

Of the Twentie fifth Ward, or Alder∣manry of the City of London, called Farringdon Ward without, or Extra.

THe farthest West-ward of this City, being the twenty fifth Ward of London, but without the Walls, is called Farringdon without, and was of old time, part of the other Faringdon within, until the seven∣teenth of Richard the second, that it was devided and made twain, by the names of Faringdon Intra, and Faringdon Extra, as is afore shewed.

Touching Ornaments and Antiquities in this Ward; First, betwixt the said Newgate, and the Parish of St. Sepulchres, is a way towards Smithfield, called Gilt-Spur, or Knight-Riders street, of the Knights and other riding that way into Smithfield, replenished with buildings on both sides up to Pye-corner, a place so called of such a Sign, sometimes a fair Inne, for receipt of Travellers, but now divided into Tenements, and over against the said Pye-corner, lyeth Cock-lane, which runneth down to Oldburn Conduit. Beyond this Pye-corner, lyeth VVest Smithfield, compassed about with buildings: at first on the South side, following the right hand standeth the large Hospital of St. Bartholmews, founded by Rahere, the first Prior of Saint Bartholmewes thereto near adjoyning, in the year, 1102.

Alfune, that had not long before builded the Parish Church of Saint Giles, without Creplegate, became first Hospitelar, or Proctor for the poor of this House and went himself daily to the Shambles and other Markets, where he Begged the Charity of devout people for their relief, promising to the liberall givers, (and that by alledging Testimonies of the holy Scripture) reward at the hands of God. Henry the third, granted to Katherine late Wife to VVilliam Hardell, twenty foot of Land in length and breadth in Smithfield, next to the Chappel of St. Bartholomew, to build a Recluse or Ankorage, commanding the Mayor and Sheriffs of London, to assign the said twenty foot to the said Katherine, the eleventh of Henry the third, the foundation of this Hospital for the poor and diseased, and their special sustentation, was confirmed by Edward the third, the twenty sixth of his Reign; It was governed by a Master, and eight Brethren be∣ing Priests, for the Church, and four Sisters to see the poor served.

This Hospitall was valued at the suppression, in the year 1539, the thirty one of Henry the eighth, to five and thirty pounds, six shillings, seven, pence yearly. The Church remaineth a Parish Church to the Tenents dwelling in the Precinct of the Hospital; But in the year 1546, on the thirteenth of Janua∣ry, the Bishop of Rochester, preaching at Pauls Crosse, declared the gift of the said King to the Citizens, for relieving of the poor, which contained the Church of the Grey Fryers, the Church of Saint Bartholomew, with the Hospital, the Messuages, and appurtenances in Gilt-Spur, aliàs Knight-Riders street, Briton street, Peter Key, in the Parish of Saint Mary Magdalen, in old Fish-street, and in the Parish of Saint Bennet Huda, Lime-hurst, or Limehost, in the Parish of Stebunheth, &c.

Then also were Orders devised for relief of the poor, the Inhabitants were all called to their Parish Churches, where, by Sir Richard Dobbs, then Mayor, their several Aldermen, or other grave Citizens, they were by eloquent Orati∣ons perswaded, how great, and how many Commodities would ensue unto them, and their City, if the poor of divers sorts, which they named, were taken from out their streets, Lanes, and Alleys, and were bestowed and provided for in Hospitals abroad, &c. Therefore was every man moved, liberally to grant (what they would impart) towards the preparing and furnishing of such Hos∣pitals; and also, what they would contribute weekly towards their mainte∣nance for a time, which (they said) should not be past one year, or twain, until they were better furnished of endowment; To make short, every man granted liberally, according to his ability. Books were drawn of the Relief in every Ward of the City, towards the new Hospitals, and were delivered by the Major to the Kings Commissioners, on the seventeenth of February; and order was taken therein, at the six and twenty of July. In the year 1552. the repairing of the Gray Fryers House for poor Fatherless Children, was taken in hand; and also in the latter end of the same Moneth, began the repairing of this Hospi∣tall of St. Bartholmew, and was of new endowed, and furnished at the charges of the Citizens.

On the East side of this Hospital lyeth Duck-lane, which runneth out of Smithfield South, to the North end of Little Britain street.

On the East side of this Duck-lane, and also of Smithfield, lyeth the late dis∣solved Priory of St. Bartholmew, founded also by Rahere, a pleasant witted Gentleman, and therefore in his time called the Kings Minstrel, about the year of Christ, 1102. He founded it in a part of the before named Moorish ground, which was therefore a common Lay-stall of all filth, that was to be voided out of the City: He placed Canons there, himself became their first Prior, and so continued till his dying day, and was there buried in a fair Monument, renewed afterwards by Prior Bolton.

To this Priory, King Henry the second, granted the priviledge of a Faire, to be kept yearly at Bartholomew-tyde, for three dayes, to wit, the Eve, the Day, and the next Morrow; to the which, the Clothiers of England, and Drapers of Lon∣don repaired, and had their Boothes and standings within the Church-yard of this Priory, closed in with Walls and Gates locked every night, and watched, for safety of Mens Goods and Wares, a Court of Pipepowders was daily, during the Faire holden, for debts and Contracts.

On the North side of this Priory, is the lane truly called Long, which reacheth from Smithfield to Aldersgate-street.

This Lane is now lately builded on both the sides, with Tenements for Bro∣kers, Tiplers, and such like; the rest of Smithfield, from Long lane end, to the Barres, is inclosed with Inns, Brew-houses, and large Tenements.

On the West side is Chicken-lane, down to Cow-bridge; then be the Pens or Folds, so called of Sheep there parted, and penned up to be sold on the Market dayes.

Then is Smithfield Pond, which of (old time) in Records, was called Horse-Poole, for that men watered Horses there, and was a great water.

In the sixth of Henry the fifth, a new Building was made in the West part of Smithfield, betwixt the said Pool and the River of the Wells, or Turnmill-brook, in a place then called the Elmes, for that there grew many Elm-Trees, and this had bin the place of Execution for offenders; since the which time, the buil∣ding there hath bin so increased, that now remaineth not one Tree growing.

Amongst these new buildings is Cow-bridge street, or Cow-lane, which turn∣eth toward Holdbourn; in vvhich Lane, the Prior of Semperingham had his Inne, or London Lodging.

The rest of that West side of Smithfield, hath divers fair Inns, and other comely Buildings, up to Hosier-lane, which also turneth down to Houldbourn, till it meet with Cowbridge-street, from this Lane to Cock-lane, over against Pie-Corner.

In the year 1362. the thirty sixth of Edward the third, on the first five dayes of May, in Smithfield, were Justs holden, the King and Queen being present, with the most part of the Chivalry of England, and of France, and of other Nation, to the which came Spaniards, Cyprians, and Armenians, Knightly requesting aid of the King of England, against the Pagans that invaded their Con∣fines.

The 48. of Edward the third, Dame Alice Perrers, or Pierce, (the Kings Con∣cubine) as Lady of the Sun, rode from the Tower of London, through Cheape, accompanied by many Lords and Ladies, every Lady leading a Lord by his Horse Bridle, till they came into West Smithfield, and then began a great Just, vvhich endured seven dayes after.

In the year 1393. the 17th of Richard the second, certain Lords of Scotland, came into England, to get vvorship, by force of Arms, the Earl of Marre cha∣lenged the Earl of Nottingham, to Just vvith him, and so they rode together certain Courses, but not the full Challenge, for the Earl of Marre was cast both Horse and Man, and two of his Ribs broken vvith the fall, so that he vvas con∣veighed out of Smithfield, and so towards Scotland, but dyed by the vvay at York.

Sir VVilliam Darel Knight, the Kings Banner-bearer of Scotland, challenged Sir Percey Courtney Knight, the Kings Banner-bearer of England, and vvhen they had run certain Courses, gave over vvithout conclusion of Victory: Then Cookborne, Esquire of Scotland, challenged Sir Nicholas Hawberke Knight, and rode five Courses; but Cookborne vvas born over Horse and Man.

Now to return through Gilt-spur-street by Newgate, vvhere I first began, there standeth the fair Parish Church called St. Sepulchers in the Bayly, or by Chamberlain Gate, in a fair Church-yard, though not so large••s of old time; for the same is letten out for buildings, and a Garden plot.

This Church vvas newly re-edified, or builded, about the Reign of Henry the sixth, or of Edward the fourth, one of the Popham's, vvas a great builder there, and 'tis lately also vvashed over, and furbish'd.

Next to this Church, is a fair and large Inne, for the receipt of Travellers, and hath to signe the Sarasens Head, vvhere Oxford men resort.

There lyeth a street from Newgate, West, to the end of Turn again-lane, and winding North to Oldbourne Conduit; but of late, a new Conduit vvas there builded in place of the old, namely, in the year 1577. by VVilliam Lambe, sometime a Gentleman of the Chappel to King Henry the eighth, and after∣ward a Citizen and Clothworker of London.

From the West side of this Conduit, is the high way, there called Snow-hill, stretching out by Oldbourne-bridge, over the oft-named Water of Turn-mill-Brook, and so up to Old-bourn-hill, all replenished with fair Buildings.

Without Ould-bourn-bridge, on the right hand, is Gold-lane, as is before shew∣ed, up higher on the Hill, be certain Inns, and other fair Buildings; amongst the which, (of old time) was a Messuage called Scroops Inne, for so we finde the same recorded in the 37. of Henry the sixth.

This House was sometime letten out to Sergeants at the Law, as appeareth, and was found by Inquisition taken in the Guild-hall of London, before William Purchase Mayor, and Escheater for King Henry the 7th, in the 14th of his Reign.

Then is the Bishop of Elies Inne, so called of, belonging and pertaining to the Bishops of Ely, Will. de Luda, Bishop of Ely, deceased 1297. and gave this House, by the name of his Mannor, with the Appurtenances in Holdbourne, to his Suc∣cessors,

with condition, that his next Successor should pay a thousand Marks, to∣wards the finding of three Chaplains, in the Chappel there.

The first in the year 1464. the fourth of Edward the fourth, in Michaelmas Terme, the Sergeants at Law, held their Feast in this House; to the which, a∣mongst other Estates, Matthew Phillip, Mayor of London, with the Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Commons of divers Crafts, being invited, did repair; but when the Mayor looked to keep the state in the Hall, as it had bin used in all places within the City and Liberties (out of the Kings presence) the Lord Gray of Ruthen, then Lord Treasurer of England, unwitting the Sergeants, and against their wills (as they said) was first placed, whereupon, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, departed home, and the Mayor made the Aldermen to dine with him; howbeit, he and all the Citizens were wonderfully displeased that he was so dealt with, and the new Sergeants and others, were right sorry there∣fore, and had rather then much good (as they said) it had not so hap∣pened.

Next beyond this Mannor of Ely-house, is Lither-lane, turning into the Fields. Then is Furnivals Inne, now an Inne of Chancery, but sometime be∣longing to Sir William Furnival Knight, and Thomasin his Wife, who had in Holdbourne two Messuages, and thirteen Shops, as appeareth by Record of Richard the second, in the sixth of his Reign.

Now again from Newgate, on the left hand, or South side, lyeth the Old Bay∣lay, which runneth down by the Wall, upon the Ditch of the City, called Houndsditch, to Ludgate: we have not read how this street took that name; but it is like to have risen of some Court of old time there kept; and we finde that in the year 1356. the thirty four of Edward the third, the Tenement and ground upon Houndsditch, between Ludgate on the South, and Newgate on the North, was appointed to John Cambridge, Fishmonger, Chamberlain of London, whereby it seemeth, that the Chamberlains of London, have there kept their Courts, as now they do in the Guild-hall: and till this day, the Mayor and Justi∣ces of this City, keep their Sessions in a part thereof, now called the Sessions Hall, both for the City of London, and Shire of Middlesex; over against the which House, on the right hand, turneth down St. Georges Lane, towards Fleet Lane.

In this St. Georges Lane, on the North side thereof, remaineth yet an old wall of stone, inclosing a peece of ground up Sea-cole-Lane, wherein (by report) sometime stood an Inne of Chancery; which House being greatly decayed, and standing remote from other Houses of that Profession, the Company removed to a Common Hostery, called of the signe, our Lady Inne, not far from Cle∣ments Inne, which they procured from Sir John Fincox, Lord chief Justice of the Kings Bench; and since, have held it of the owners, by the name of the New Inne, paying therefore six pounds Rent, by the year, as Tenants at their own will, for more (as is said) cannot be gotten of them, and much lesse, will they be put from it.

Beneath this Saint Georges Lane, is the Lane called Fleet-lane, winding South by the Prison of the Fleet, into Fleet-street, by Fleet-bridge.

Next out of the high street, turneth down a Lane, called the Little Bayly, which runneth down to the East end of St. Georges Lane.

The next is Sea-cole-lane, I think, called Limeburners Lane, of burning Lime there with Sea-cole; For we read in Record of such a Lane, to have bin in the Parish of St. Sepulchre, and there yet remaineth in this Lane, an Alley, called Lime-burners Alley.

Near unto this Sea-cole-lane, in the turning towards Oldbourne-Conduit, is Turn-again-lane, or rather, as in a Record of the fifth of Edward the third, Wind-again-lane, for that it goeth down West to Fleet Dike, from whence, men must turn again the same way they came, for there it is stopped.

Then the high street turneth down Snow-hill, to Holdbourne Conduit, and from thence, to Ouldbourn-bridge; beyond the which Bridge, on the left hand, is Shooe-lane, by the which, men passe from Ouldbourne to Fleetstreet, by the Conduit there.

In this Shooe-lane, on the left hand, is one old House, called Oldbourn-Hall, it is now letten out into divers Tenements.

On the other side, at the very corner, standeth the Parish Church of Saint Andrew.

From this Church to St. Andrew, up Oldbourn-hill, be divers fair builded Houses; amongst the which, on the left hand, there standeth three Inns of Chancery, whereof the first, adjoyning unto Crook-horn-Alley, is called Thavies Inne, and standeth opposite to Ely House.

Then is Fewter-lane, which stretcheth South into Fleet-street, by the East end of St. Dunstances Church, and is so called of Fewters (or idle people) lying there, as in a way leading to Gardens; but the same is now of later years, on both sides builded thorow with many fair Houses: and in the wast grounds and Gardens, betwixt Shooe-lane and Fewter-lane; there are now many fair convenient Houses, built by the Company of the Goldsmiths; as also a street called New∣street, betwixt Aldersgate and Redcrosse-street.

Beyond this Fewters Lane, is Baynards Inne, aliàs Mackworths Inne, which is of the Chancery.

Then is Staple-Inne also of the Chancery, but whereof so named, I am igno∣rant; the same of late, is (for a great part thereof) fair builded, and not a little augmented; And then at the Barres endeth this Ward, without Newgate.

Without Ludgate, on the right hand, or North side, from the said Gate, lyeth the Old Bayley, as I said, then the high street, called Ludgate-hill, down to Fleet-Lane; in which Lane standeth the Fleet, a Prison-house, so called of the Fleet, or water running by it, and sometime flowing about it, but now vaulted over.

Then also, against the South end of Shooe-lane, standeth a fair Water-Conduit, whereof William Eastfield, sometime Mayor, was Founder; for the Mayor and Commonalty of London, being possessed of a Conduit Head, with di∣vers Springs of water gathered thereunto, in the Parish of Padington, and the water conveyed from thence, by Pipes of Lead, towards London unto Teyborn, where it had lain by the space of six years, and more: the Executors of Sir Wil∣liam Eastfield, obtained Licence of the Mayor and Communalty, for them, in the year 1453. with the Goods of Sir William, to convey the said Water, first, in Pipes of Lead, into a Pipe, begun to be laid besides the great Conduit Head at Maribone, which stretcheth from thence unto a separall, late before made a∣gainst the Chappel of Rounseval, by Charing-Crosse, and no further; and then from thence, to convey the said water into the City, and there to make Receit, or Receits for the same, unto the Common-weale of the Commonalty; to wir, the poor to drink, the rich to dresse their Meats, which water was by them brought thus into Fleet-street, to a Standard which they had made and finished 1471.

From this Conduit up to Fewters Lane, and further, is the Parish Church of St. Dunstane, called in the West, (for difference from Saint Dunstane in the East.)

Next beyond this Church, is Cliffords Inne, sometime belonging to Robert Clifford, by gift of Edward the second.

Somewhat beyond this Cliffords Inne, is the South end of Newstreet, (or Chancelor lane) on the right hand whereof, is Sergeants Inne, called, in Chan∣cery lane.

And then next was sometime the House of the converted Jews, founded by King Henry the third, in place of a Jews House to him forfeited, in the year 1233. and the seventeenth of his Reign; who builded there for them, a fair Church, now used, and called the Chappel; for the Custody of Rolles and Re∣cords of Chancery, it standeth not far from the old Temple and the new; in thee which House, all such Jews and Infidels, as were converted to the Christian Faith, were ordained and appointed (under an honest rule of life) sufficient maintenance: whereby it came to passe, that in short time, there were gather∣ed a great number of Converts which were baptized, instructed in the Do∣ctrine of Christ, and there lived under a learned Christian, appointed to go∣vern them; since the which time, to wit, in the year 1290. all the Jews in England, were banished out of the Realm, whereby the number of Converts in this place was decayed, and therefore in the year 1377. this House was annexed by Patent, to William Burstall Clark, Custos Rotulorum, or Keeper of the Rolls of the Chancery, by Edward the third, in the fifty one year of his Reign; and this first Master of the Rolls was sworn in Westminster-Hall, at the Table of Marble-stone; since the which time, that House hath bin commonly called the Rolls in Chancery-Lane.

On the West side, sometime was an House, pertaining to the Prior of Necton Park, a House of Canons in Lincolnshire: this was commonly called Hereflete Inne and was a Brew-house; but now fair builded for the six Clerks of the Chan∣cery, and standeth over against the said House, called the Rolls, and near unto the Lane, which now entreth Fickets Croft, or Fickets field. Then is Shere-lane, opening also into Fickets field, hard by the Barres.

Next is Bride-lane, and therein Bridewell, of old time the Kings House; for the Kings of this Realm have bin there lodged, and till the ninth of Henry the third, the Courts were kept in the Kings House, wheresoever he was lodged, as may appear by ancient Records, whereof there are many; and for example, have set forth one in the Chapter, or Towers and Castles.

King Henry the eighth, builded there a stately and beautiful House of new, for receit of the Emperor, Charles the fifth, who in the year of Christ 1522. was lodged himself at the Black-Fryers; but his Nobles, in this new builded Bridewell, a Gallery being made out of the House over the Water, and thorow the Wall of the City, into the Emperors Lodging at the Black-Fryers: King Henry himself often times lodged there also; as namely, in the year 1525. a Parliament being then holden in the Black-Fryers, he created States of Nobi∣lity there.

In the year 1553. the seventh of Edward the sixth, the tenth of April, Sir George Barne, being Mayor of this City, was sent for to the Court at White-hall, and there at that time the King gave unto him, for the Communalty and Citi∣zens, to be a Work-house, for the poor and idle persons of the City, his house of Bridewell: and seven hundred Marks Land, late of the possessions of the house of Savoy, and all the Bedding and other Furniture of the said Hospital of the Savoy, towards the maintenance of the said Work-house of Bridewel, and the Hospital of St. Thomas in Southwark.

This gift, King Edward confirmed by his Charter, dated the 26. of June, next following. And in the year 1555. in the moneth of February, Sir William Ger∣rard Mayor, and the Aldermen, entred Bridewel, and took possession thereof, ac∣cording to the gift of the said King Edward, the same being confirmed by Queen Mary.

The Bishop of St. Davids had his Inne over against the North side of this Bridewell, as I have said.

Then is the Parish Church of St. Bridget, or Bride, of old time a small thing, which now remaineth to be the Quire; but since, increased with a large Body,

and side Iles, towards the West, at the charges of William Vinor Esquire, War∣den of the Fleet, about the year 1480. all which he caused to be wrought about in the stone, in the figure of a Vine, with Grapes and Leaves, &c.

The partition betwixt the old work and the new, sometime prepared as a Screne, to be set up in the Hall of the Duke of Summersets House at the Strand, was bought for eightscore pounds, and set up in the year, one thousand five hundred fifty seven.

The next is Salisbury Court, a place so called, for that it belonged to the Bi∣shops of Salisbury, and was their Inne, or London House, at such time as they were summoned to come to the Parliament, or came for other business: It hath of late time bin the dwelling, first of Sir Richard Sackvile, and after, of Sir Thomas Sackvile his Sonne, Baron of Buckhurst, Lord Treasurer, who very greatly inlarged it with stately Buildings.

Then is Water-lane, running down by the West side of a House, called the Hanging Sword, to the Thames.

Then was the White Fryers Church, called Fratres beatae Mariae de monte Car∣meli, first founded (saith John Bale) by Sir Richard Gray, Knight, Ancestor to the Lord Gray of Codner, in the year 1241.

King Edward the first, gave to the Prior and Brethren of that house, a plot of ground in Fleet-street; whereupon to build their House, which was since re-edified, or new builded, by Hugh Courtney, Earl of Devonshire, about the year one thousand three hundred and fifty, the four and twentieth of Edward the third.

John Lufken, Mayor of London, and the Commonalty of the City, granted a Lane, called Crockers-lane, reaching from Fleetstreet to the Thames, to build in the West end of that Church.

Then is the Sergeants Inne, so called, for that divers Judges and Sergeants at the Law keep a Commons, and are lodged there in Terme time.

Next is the New Temple, so called, because the Templers, before the building of this House, had their Temple in Oldbourn: This house was founded by the Knights Templers in England, in the Reign of Henry the second: and the same was dedicated to God, and our Blessed Lady, by Heraclius, Patriark of the Church, called the Holy Resurrection in Jerusalem, in the year of Christ, 1185.

Many Parliaments and great Councels have been there kept, as may appear by our Histories.

In the year 1308. all the Templers in England, as also in other parts of Chri∣stendom, were apprehended, and committed to divers Prisons.

Anno 1310. a Provincial Councel was holden at London, against the Tem∣plers in England, upon Heresie, and other Articles, whereof they were accused; but denyed all, except one or two of them; notwithstanding, they all did con∣fesse, that they could not purge themselves fully, as faultless, and so they were condemned to perpetual penance, in several Monasteries, where they behaved themselves modestly.

Philip King of France, procured their over-throw throughout the whole World, and caused them to be condemned by a general Councel to his advan∣tage as he thought; for he believed to have had all their Lands in France, and therefore seizing the same in his hands, caused the Templers, to the number of 54. or after Fabian, threescore, to be burnt at Paris.

Edward the second, in the year 1313. gave unto Aimer de la Valence, Earl of Pembrook the whole place & house, called the new Temple at London, with the ground called Fiquetes Croft, and all the Tenements and Rents, with the ap∣purtenances that belonged to the Templers in the City of London, and Suburbs thereof.

After Aimer de Valence (saith some) Hugh Spencer (usurping the same) held it during his life; by whose death, it fell again to the hands of Edward the third; but in the mean time, to wit, 1324. by a Councel holden at Vienna, all the Lands of the Templers (lest the same should be put to prophane uses) were given to the Knights Hospitalers, of the Order of St. John Baptist, called Saint John of Jerusalem; which Knights had put the Turks out of the Ile of Rhodes, and after, wan upon the said Turk, daily for a long time.

In the Reign of the same Edward the third, was granted (for a certain Rent of ten pounds by the year) the said Temple, with the Appurtenances thereunto ad∣joyning, to the Students of the Common Lawes of England, in whose possession, the same hath ever fithence remained, and is now divided into two Houses of several Students, by the name of Inns of Court, to wit, the Inner Temple, and the Middle Temple, who keep two several Halls; but they resort all to the said Temple-Church, in the round walk whereof, (which is the West part, without the Quire) there remain Monuments of Noblemen, buried to the number of eleven, eight of them are Images of Armed Knights, five lying Crosse-legged, as men vowed to the Holy Land, against the Infidels, and unbelieving Jews, the other three straight-legged. The rest are coaped stones, all of Gray Marble: the first of the Crosse-legged, was William Marshal the elder, Earl of Pembrooke, who died 1219. William Marshall his Sonne, Earl of Pem∣brooke, was the second, he dyed 1231. And Gilbert Marshall, his Brother, Earl of Pembrooke, slain in a Turnament at Hartford, besides Ware, in the year 1241.

Of the Twenty sixth, or the last Ward of the City of LONDON, called the Bridge-Ward without, containing the Bourough of Southwark.

WE have now almost finished the Perambulation; for having treated of Wards in London, on the North side of the Thames, (in number five and twenty) we are now to crosse over the said River, into the Burough of Southwark, which is also a Ward of London without the Walls, on the South side thereof, as is Portsoken on the East, and Faringdon Extra on the West.

But before we come to the particular Description of this Ward, it will not be impertinent to declare, when, and by what meanes the Burough of South∣wark, now called Bridge-Ward without, was made one of the six and twenty Wards, belonging to the City of London, which was in this manner.

After the dissolution of the Monasteries, Abbeys, Priories, and other Reli∣gious Houses, in this Realm of England, The Mayor, Commonalty, and Citi∣zens of this City of London, taking into their Considerations, how commodi∣ous, and convenient it would be unto the City, to have the Burough of South∣wark annexed thereunto; and that the same Burough was in the Kings hands wholly, they became humble suiters unto King Henry the eighth, and unto the Lords of his Highness Privy Councel, for the obtaining of the same. Which suit not being granted unto them; after the Decease of King Henry the eighth, they

renewed their Suit unto his Sonne and next Successour, King Edward the sixth, and to the Lords of his Privie Councel for the obtaining of the same Bo∣rough.

At the length, after long suit, and much labour, it pleased King Edward the sixth, by his Letters Patents, sealed with the great Seal of England, bearing date at ••Vestminster the three and twentieth day of April, in the fourth year of his Reign, as well in consideration of the sum of six hundred forty seven pounds, two shillings and a penny, of lawful money of England, paid to his Highnesses use, by the Mayor, Communalty, and Citizens of London, as for divers o∣ther considerations him thereunto moving, To give and grant unto the said Mayor, and Communalty, and Citizens of London, divers Messuages, Lands and Tenements, lying near the Borough of Southwark, in the said Letters Patents, particularly expressed, which were sometimes the Lands of Charles late Duke of Suffolk, and of whom King Henry the eighth did buy and purchase the same. But there was excepted out of the said grant, and reserved unto the said King Edward the sixth; his Heirs and Successors, all that his Capitall Messuage, or Mansion Honse, called Southwark place, late of the said Duke of Suffolke, and all Gardens and Land to the same adjoyning; and all that his Park in South∣warke, and all that his Messuage, and all Edifices and ground, called the Ante∣lope there.

And the said King Edward the 6th, did by his said Letters Patents, give & grant to the said Mayor, Communalty, and Citizens, and their Successors, all that his Lordship, and Mannor of Southwarke, with all and singular the Rights, Mem∣bers, and Appurtenances thereof, in the said County of Surrey, then late be∣longing to the late Monastery of Bermondsey in the same County; And also all that his Mannor and Borough of Southwarke, with all, and singular the Rights Members, and Appurtenances thereof, in the said County of Surrey, then late parcel of the Possessions of the Arch-Bishop and Bishoprick of Canterbury, toge∣ther with divers yearly Rents, issuing out of the divers Messuages or Tene∣ments, in the said Letters Patents particularly expressed.

But there was excepted and reserved out of the said Grant, to the said King Edward the sixth, his Heirs, and Successors, all his Rights, Jurisdictions, Liber∣ties, and Franchises whatsoever, within the Walk, Circuit, and Precinct of his Capital Messuage, Gardens, and Park in Southwarke; and in all Gardens, Curti∣lages, and Lands, to the said Mansion House, Gardens, and Park belong∣ing.

Also, there was excepted and reserved out of the said Grant, the House, Messu∣age, or lodging there, called the Kings-Bench, and the Gardens to the same be∣longing so long as it should be used as a Prison for prisoners, as it was then used.

Also, there was excepted and reserved out of the said Grant, the House, Mes∣suage, or Lodging there called, the Marshalsey, and the Gardens to the same belonging, so long as it should be used as a Prison for prisoners, as it was then used.

Also, it was provided, that the said Letters Patents, should not be prejudicial to the Offices of the great Master or Steward of the Kings Houshold, within the Borough and Precincts aforesaid, to be executed while the same Borough and Precincts should be within the Verge; Nor to John Gates Knight, one of the Gentlemen of the Kings Privy Chamber, concerning any Lands, Tenements, Offices, Profits, Franchises, or Liberties to him granted during his life, by the said King Edward the sixth, or by his Father King Henry the eighth.

About the space of a Month after the said Borough of Southwark was so granted by King Edward the sixth, to the Mayor Communalty and Citizens of London, and that they by force of the said Letters Patents, stood charged with the Ordering, Survey, and Government of the same Borough, and of all the

Kings Subjects, iuhabiting therein, and repairing thither. At a Court holden before Sir Rowland Hill Knight, then Lord Mayor of London, and the Aldermen of the same City, in the Guild-Hall of London, on Tuesday the eight and twenti∣eth of May, in the said fourth year of the Reign of King Edward the sixth, the said Town or Borough was named and called the Ward, or Bridge VVard without.

Not long after, it was enacted, that besides the then ancient accustomed num∣ber of five and twenty Aldermen, there should be one Alderman more elected, to have the Rule, Charge, and Governance of the said Borough and Town. And that four discreet persons, or more, being Freemen of London, and dwelling within the said City, or the Borough of Southwarke, or in other the Liberties of the said City, should from thenceforth, as often as the Case shall require, be from time to time nominated, appointed, and chosen by the Inhabitants of the said Borough for the time being, before the Lord Mayor of London for the time being; And that the said Lord Mayor for the time being, should (at the next Court of Aldermen, to be holden at the Guild-Hall of the said City, next after such election) present the Names and Sirnames of all such persons, as so should be named before him, and put in the said Election; And that the said Lord Mayor and Aldermen, for the time being, should of those four persons, or mo, so presented, Elect and Chuse one, by way of Scrutinie, to be an Alderman of the said City, and to have the peculiar Ordering, Rule, and Governance of the said Borough and Town of Southwarke, and of the Inhabitants thereof, and of all other the Kings liege people, repairing to the same.

This Borough being in the County of Surrey, consisteth of divers streets, waies, and winding Lanes, all full of Buildings inhabited; And first, to begin at the West part thereof, over against the West Suburbe of the City, on the Bank of the River Thames, there is now a continual building of Tenements, about half a mile in length to the Bridge.

Then South a continual street called Long Southwark, builded on both sides with divers Lanes, and Alleys up to St. Georges Church, and beyond it through Blackman street, towards New Town, (or Newington) the Liberties of which Bo∣rough, extend almost to the Parish Church of New Town aforesaid, distant one mile from London Bridge, and also South-west a continual building, almost to Lambeth, more than one mile from the said Bridge.

Then from the Bridge along by the Thames East-ward, is St. Olaves street, having continual building on both the sides, with Lanes and Alleys up to Bat∣tle-Bridge: to Horse-down, and towards Rother-Hith also, some good half mile in length from London Bridge, so that I account the whole continual buildings, on the Bank of the said River, from the West towards the East to be more than a large mile in length.

Then have ye from the entring towards the said Horse-down, one other con∣tinual street, called Barmonds eye street, which stretcheth South, likewise furni∣shed with Buildings on both the sides, almost half a mile in length up to the late dissolved Monastery of St. Saviours, called Bermondsey.

And from thence is one Long Lane (so called of the length) turning West to St. Georges Church aforenamed, out of the which Lane, mentioned Long-lane, breaketh one other street towards the South and by East, and this is called Ken∣tish-street, for that it is the way leading into that County; and so have ye the bounds of this Borough.

The Antiquities most notable in this Borough are these; First, for Ecclesia∣stical, there was Bermondsey, an Abbey of Black Monks; St. Mary Overies, a Priory of Canons Regular; St. Thomas, a Colledge or Hospital for the poor; and the Loke, a Lazar-house in Kent-street. Parish Churches there have been six, whereof five do remain, (viz.) St. Mary Magdalen, in the Priory of Saint Mary Overy; Now the same St. Mary Overy is the Parish Church for the said

Mary Magdalen, and for Saint Margaret on the Hill, and is called Saint Sa∣viour.

Saint Margaret on the Hill, being put down is now a Court for Justice; St. Thomas in the Hospital serveth for a Parish Church as afore; St George a Parish Church, as before it did; so doth St, Olave, and St. Mary Magdalen, by the Abby of Bermondsey.

There be also these five Prisons, or Goals, the Clink on the Bank, the Compter in the late Parish Church of St. Margaret, the Marshalsey, the Kings-Bench, and the White-Lyon, all in Long Southwarke.

Now to return to the West Bank, there were two Bear-Gardens, the old and new, places wherein were kept Bears, Bulls, and other Beasts, to be bated; As also Mastives, in several Kenels, nourished to baite them. These Bears and other Beasts are there baited in plots of ground, Scaffolded about, for the be∣holders to stand safe; but this kind of sport is now prohibited. Next, on this Bank, was sometime the Bordello or Stewes, a place so called of certain Stew-houses, pri∣viledged there, for the repair of incontinent men, to the like women, of the which Privileage we read thus.

In a Parliament holden at Westminster, the eight of Henry the second, it was ordained by the Commons, and confirmed by the King and Lords, That divers constitutions for ever should he kept in that Lordship or Franchise, according to the old Customs, that had been there used time out of mind; Amongst the which, these following were some, viz.

That no Stew-holder, or his Wife should let or stay any single Woman to go and come freely at all times, when they listed.

No Stew-holder to keep any Woman to board, but she to board abroad at her pleasure. To take no more for the Womans Chamber in the week than four∣teen pence.

Not to keep open his doors upon the Holy-daies.

Not to keep any single Woman in his House on the Holy-dayes; but the Bay∣liff to see them voided out of the Lordship.

No single Woman to be kept against her will that would leave her sin.

No Stew-holder to receive any Woman of Religion, or any Mans Wife.

No single Woman to take mony to lye with any man, except she lie with him all night till the morrow. No man to be drawn or enticed into any Stew-house.

The Constables, Bayliffe, and others, every week to search every Stew-house.

No Stew-holder to keep any Woman, that hath the perilous Infirmity of burning: not to sell Bread, Ale, Flesh, Fish, Wood, Coale, or any Victu∣als, &c.

These allowed Stew-houses had Signs on their Fronts, towards the Thames, not hanged out, but painted on the Walls, as a Boars head, the Crosse-Keys, the Gun, the Castle, the Crane, the Cardinals Hat, the Bell, the Swan, &c. Ancient men of good credit do report, that these single Women were forbidden the Rights of the Church so long as they continued that finful life, and were exclu∣ded from Christian burial, if they were not reconciled, before their death: And therefore there was a plot of ground called the Single Womans Church-yard, ap∣pointed for them, far from the Parish Church.

In the year of Christ, one thousand five hundred forty six, the seven and thir∣tieth of Henry the eighth, this Row of Stews in Southwarke, was put down by the Kings commandement, which was proclaimed by sound of Trumpet, no more to be priviledg'd and used as a common Brothel.

Then next is the Clinke, a Goale or Prison for the Trespassers in those parts, namely, in old time for such as should brabble, fray, or break the peace on the said Bank, or in the Brothel Houses; they were by the Inhabitants thereabout, apprehended and committed to this Gaole, where they were streightly im∣prisoned.

Next is the Bishop of Winchesters House, or Lodging when he com∣meth to this City.

Adioyning to this on the South side thereof, is the Bishop of Rochesters Inne, or lodging, by whom first erected, it is not upon Record; but 'tis known well, the same of longtime hath not been frequented by any Bishop, and lieth rui∣nous for lack of reparations. The Abbot of Naverly had a House there.

East from the Bishop of Winchesters House, directly over against it standeth a fair Church, called St. Mary, over the Rit, or Overy, that is, over the water; This Church, or some other in place thereof was (of old time long before the Con∣quest) an House of Sisters, founded by a Maiden, named Mary, unto the which House and Sisters they left (as was left to her by her Parents) the over-sight and profits of a Crosse-Ferry or Traverse-Ferry over the Thames, there kept before that any Bridge was builded; This House of Sisters was after by Swithin, a No∣ble Lady, converted unto a Colledge of Priests, who in place of the Ferry, buil∣ded a Bridge of Timber, and from time to time kept the same in good repara∣tions; But lastly the same Bridge was builded of Stone, and then in the year 1106, was this Church again founded for Canons Regular, by VVilliam Pom del l' Arch, and VVilliam Daunly Knights Normans. This Peter de Rupibus or de la Roch, founded a large Chappel of St. Mary Magdalen, in the Church of St Ma∣ry Overy, which Chappel was afterward appointed to be the Parish Church for the Inhabitants near adjoyning. This Church was again new builded in the Reign of Richard the second, and King Henry the fourth.

John Gower Esquire, a famous Poet, was then an especial Benefactor to that work, and was there buried on the North side of the said Church, in the Chap∣pel of St. John, where he founded a Chantry; He lyeth under a Tombe of Stone, with his Image also of Stone over him; The Hair of his Head auburne, long to his Shoulders, but curling up and a small forked Beard: on his Head a Chaplet, like a Coronet of four Roses, an habit of Purple damasked down to his feet, a Collar of Esses of Gold about his Neck, under his Feet the likenesse of three Books, which he compiled. The first named Speculum Meditantis, writ∣ten in French; The second, Vox clamantis, penned in Latine; The third, Con∣fessio Amantis, written in English, and this last is printed; Vox Clamantis, with his Chronica Tripartita, & other both in Latine and French, were never printed. Besides on the Wall where he lyeth, there was painted three Virgins Crowned, one of the which was named Charity, holding this Device,

En Toy qui es Fitz de Dieu le pere Savue soit, qui gist soubs cest pierre. In Thee who art the Son of God Be sav'd who lyes under this clod.

Now passing through St. Mary Overies Close (once in possession of the Lord Montacute) & Pepper Alley into Long Southwark; on the right hand thereof the Market Hill, where the Leather is sold, there stood the late named Parish Church of Saint Margaret, given to St. Mary Overies by Henry the first, put down and joyned with the Parish Church of St. Mary Magdalen, and united to the late dissolved Priory Church of St. Mary Overy.

A part of this Parish Church of St. Margaret is now a Court wherein the Assizes and Sessions be kept, and the Court of Admiralty is also there kept; one other part of the same Church is now a prison, called the Compter in South∣warke, &c.

Farther up on that side, almost directly over against St. Georges Church, was sometime a large and most sumptuous house, builded by Charles Brandon, Duke

of Suffolke, in the Reign of Henry the eighth, which was called Suffolk House, but coming afterwards into the Kings hands, the same was called Southwark place, and a Mint of Coynage was there kept for the King. Queen Mary gave this House to Nicholas Heth, Archbishop of York, and to his Successors for ever, to be their Inne or Lodging for their repair to London, in recompence of York House near to Westminster, which King Henry her Father had taken from Cardinal Woolsey, and from the See of York.

Then is the White Lion, a Goal so called, for that the same was a common Ho∣stery for the receit of Travellers by that Sign. This House was first used as a Goal within these hundred years last, since the which time the prisoners were once removed thence to an House in New-town, where they remained for a short time, and were returned again to the aforesaid White Lion, there to remain as the appointed Goal for the Countey of Surrey.

Next is the Goal or Prison of the Kings-Bench, but of what antiquity the same is, it appears not. We read, that the Courts of the Kings-Bench and Chan∣cery, have oft times been removed from London to other places, and so hath likewise the other Goals that serve those Courts, as in the year 1304, Edward the first commanded the Courts of Kings-Bench & the Exchequer, which had remai∣ned seven years at York, to be removed to their old places at London. And in the year 1387, the eleaventh of Richard the second, Robert Trisilian chief Justice, came to the City of Coventry, and there sat by the space of a Month, as Justice of the Kings Bench, and caused to be Indicted in that Court about the number of 2000 persons of that Country, &c. It seemeth therefore, that for that time the Prison or Goale of that Court was not far off. Also, in the year 1392, the six∣teenth of the same Richard, the Archbishop of York, being Lord Chancellor, for good will that he bare to his City, caused the Kings Bench and Chancery to be removed from London to York, but ere long they were returned to London.

Then is the Marshalsey another Goal or Prison, so called, as pertaining to the Marshalls of England, of what continuance kept in Southwark, it appears not; but likely it is, that the same hath been removeable, at the pleasure of the Mar∣shalls. And then Thieves Lane by St. Thomas Hospital, first found by Richard, Prior of Bermondsey, in the Cellerers grounded, against the Wall of the Mona∣stery, in the year 1213, He named it the Almery, or house of Alms, for Converts and poor Children.

In the year 1552, the Citizens of London, having the void suppressed Hospital of St. Thomas in Southwark, in the Month of July, began the reparations there∣of, for poor, impotent, lame, and diseased people, so that in the Month of No∣vember next following, the sick and poor people were taken in,; And in the year 1553, on the tenth of April, King Edward the sixth in the seventh of his Reign, gave to the Mayor, Communalty and Citizens of London, to be a Work-House for the poor, and idle persons of the City, his House of Bridewell, and seven hundred Marks Lands of the Savoy Rents, which Hospital he had suppres∣sed, with all the Beds, bedding, and other furniture belonging to the same, to∣wards the maintenance of the said Work-house of Bridewell, and of this Hospital of Saint Thomas in Southwark. This gift, the King confirmed by his Charter. The Church of this Hospital, which of old time served for the Tenements neer adjoyning and pertaining to the said Hospital, remaineth as a Parish Church.

But now to come to St. Olaves street: on the Bank of the River of Thames, is the Parish Church of St. Olave, a fair and meetly large Church, but a far larger Parish, especially of Aliens or strangers, and poor people.

Next is the Bridge-House, so called, as being a Store-house for Stone, Tim∣ber, or whatsoever pertaining to the building or repairing of London Bridge.

This House seemeth to have taken beginning with the first founding of the Bridge, either of Stone or Timber; it is a large plot of ground on the Bank of the River of Thames, containing divers large buildings, for stowage of things ne∣cessary,

towards reparation of the said Bridge. There are also divers Garners, for laying up of Wheat, and other Granaries for service of the City, as need re∣quireth. Moreover, there be certain Ovens builded, in number ten, of which six be very large the other four being but half so big: these were purposely made to bake out the Bread Corn of the said Grayners, to the best advantage, for relief of the poor Cittizens, when need should require.

Then is Battaile Bridge, so called of Battaile Abbey, for that it standeth on the ground & over a Water-course, (flowing out of Thames) pertaining to that Abbey, and was therefore both builded and repaired by the Abbots of that House, as being hard adjoyning to the Abbots Lodging.

Beyond this Bridge is Bermondsey street, turning South, in the South end whereof was sometime a Priory or Abby, of St. Saviour, called Bermonds Eye in Southwarke, founded by Ailwin, a Citizen of London, in the year 1081.

In the year 1094, deceased Alwin, founder of this House. Then William Rufus gave to the Monks, his Mannor of Bermondsey, with the appurtenances, and builded there for them a new great Church.

In the year 1539. this Abbey was valued to dispend by the year, 474 l. four∣teen shillings four pence half penny, and was surrendred to Henry the eighth, the one and thirtieth of his Reign, the Abbey Church was then pulled down by Sir Thomas Pope Knight, and in place thereof, a goodly House builded of Stone and Timber, since pertaining to the Earls of Sussex. Next unto this Abbey Church standeth a proper Church of St. Mary Magdalen, builded by the Priory of Bermondsey, serving for resort of the Inhabitants (Tenants to the Priors or Abbots near adjoyning) there to have their Divine Service; this Church re∣maineth and serveth as afore, and is called a Parish Church. Then in Kent street, is a Lazar House for Leprous people, called the Loke in Southwark, the foundation whereof is incertain.

This Borough at a subsidy to the King, was used to yield about a thousand Marks, or eight hundred pounds, which is more than any one City in England payeth except London; And also, the Muster of men in this Borough doth like∣wise in number surpasse all other Cities, except London. And thus much for the Borough of Southwarke, one of the six and twenty Wards of London.

Having thus tra••ers'd the whole Body of this great City, and her severall Wards, from the Center to the Circumference; it is now to be observed, that every Ward hath its particular Alderman as an Overseer, or Guardian assign'd thereunto, who hath a greater latitude of power, than an ordinary Justice of the Peace. This Alderman hath one Deputy, and in some Wards more. There are likewise a number of Common-Councel men, Constables, men of the Wardmote Inquest, Scavengers, some more, some lesse, with Beadles in every Ward. The last Ward which is the Borough of Southwark, differs from the rest in this, that the Alderman appointed there, hath three Deputies and a Bayliff, but no Com∣mon Councel men.