Analogia honorum, or, A treatise of honour and nobility, according to the laws and customes of England collected out of the most authentick authors, both ancient and modern : in two parts : the first containing honour military, and relateth to war, the second, honour civil, and relateth

THE SECOND PART OF Honour Civil: CHAP. I. (Book 1)

ALL Chronologers and Antiquaries do agree, that in the Infancy of the Worlds Creation, men had no ha∣bitation other than Woods, Groves, bushy Thickets, Caves, and Concavities in Rocks and Sandy Grounds to shelter themselves from the wind and wea∣ther; which places they fenced about with sticks, heaps of stones, or the like, to pre∣serve them from ravenous Beasts, which other∣wise would annoy them. Then by degrees (as the World increased, and Inconvenience being the Mother of Invention) they made them∣selves small Hutts; from Hutts they came to build Houses, and to cohabit in Hamlets or Vil∣lages, and from thence sprang up Towns, Ci∣ties, Castles, and Fortified Places. Then the Inhabitants of one City or Place waged warr against those of another, and the Victorious enlarged their Territories, and made them their Tributaries; and thus increasing in num∣ber of Inhabitants, formed to themselves a Civil Government, and growing in Riches, some studied one Art, and some another, some addicted themselves to Traffick, whilst others imployed their time in Martial Affairs. And what are Cities in these our days, but the nur∣sery, habitation, and receptacle of worthy, ingenious, wealthy, and munificent brave men; which made Charles the Quint much to glory that he was a Citizen of Ghent. And Henry the Great, in answer to a Letter of the King of Spains, wherein he declared his many Ti∣tles, styled himself only Henry King of France, and Burgess of Paris.

Since then that Cities are of such renown, and the Inhabitants thereof so signal in Coat-Armour, as having such a mixture and affini∣ty with the Gentry, it will be necessary that in this Treatise we take notice of our Cities and chief Towns Corporate (being places of such concern to the Nation) as to their Privi∣ledges, Governments, Courts of Judicature, Magistrates, their Armorial Badges belonging as well to the said Cities and Towns, as to their several Incorporated Companies in London: And first with London.

LONDON the Metropolis, Mistress, and bravery of all England, the King's Chamber and Epitomy of the whole Kingdom, of so great Antiquity and Fame in other Countreys, that it wanteth no mans commendation As to its rise, various are the Opinions of Writers.

Ptolomy, Tacitus, and Antoninus calls her Lon∣dinium, or Longidinium; others, Augusta, Troja nova, or Troynovant; others, Caer-Lud, and others Dinas Belin. It is seated no less pleasantly than commodiously on the Banks of the Thames, which in its hasty (but not rapid) course towards the Sea saluteth its walls, and payeth its duty to her, dividing it into two (but unequal) parts, which are again joyned together by a most stately Stone-Bridge, su∣stained by nineteen great Arches, and so fur∣nished with Houses, that it seemeth rather a Street than a Bridge. And beyond the said Bridge, the Thames with a deep and safe Channel, gives entertainment to Ships of ve∣ry considerable Burthen, which daily bring in their rich Ladings from the known parts of the traded World. And if we consider its great Riches and Traffick with other Nations; its Jurisdiction and Bounds, being about twelve or fifteen miles in Circuit; its populousness and strength in Men and Ammunition both for Sea and Land Service; its well Government, both Civil and Ecclesiastical; the civility, ingenui∣ty, and experience of its Inhabitants in Let∣ters, Arts, Sciences, Manufactures, and Mar∣tial Affairs; its stately Buildings, both publick and private; as the Palaces of his Majesty, Whitehall, St. Iames's, and Somerse••-houses; the several Houses of the Nobility; its Courts of Judicature, and Houses of Parliament; its Collegiate and other Churches for Divine Ser∣vice; its Inns of Court and Chancery; its Roy∣al Exchange, built by Sir Thomas Gresham; its Custome-house; its Tower, which contains a Palace, a Prison, Mint, Armory, Wardrobe, and Artillery; its Guild-hall, where the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen meet about the concerns of the City, and where their Courts of Judicature are kept; its Halls for the seve∣ral Companies; its Colledges and Free-Schools; its Hospitals and Alms-houses; its Theatres, Tennis-Courts, and places of Recreation; and its great plenty of all sorts of Provision which its Shambles and Markets are stored with; it may be deservedly styled the Mistress of the World.

Its Government.

This famous City, when under the Govern∣ment of the Britains, Romans, and Saxons, was destroyed by the Danes: but AElfred, King of the West-Saxons, having reduced the whole Land to one Monarchy, repaired and re-peopled it, and committed the custody thereof to his Son in Law Alhered Earl of Mercia, af∣ter whose decease it returned to King Edward, sirnamed the Elder, who had it governed under him by Port-Graves, or Port-Reves, which in divers Records are styled Vicecomites, Vis∣counties, or Sheriffs. In the first of King Ri∣chard the first, the Citizens obtained to be go∣verned by two Bailiffs or Sheriffs, and after∣wards obtained to have a Mayor for their prin∣cipal Magistrate, the first of which was Henry Fitz-Alwyn a Draper, who was constituted, and so continued four and twenty years.

The City within the Walls and Freedom thereof is divided into six and twenty Wards, and the government thereof committed to the care of as many grave Citizens of good repute and quality, which are Aldermen, each of which having the overseeing of his respective Ward. And besides these Aldermen, there are two Sheriffs which are annually chosen, as also a Lord Mayor, who according to his degree and seigniority of being Alderman after Sheriff, is by the consent of the Citizens (that is the Li∣very-men of each Company) yearly elected; and these are clothed in Scarlet Gowns, and wear Gold Chains; and as Coadjutors, every Alderman hath his Deputy of the Ward, as al∣so Common-Councel-men.

This City by their Charter hath ample and large Priviledges and Immunities granted unto it, which hath been confirmed and enlarged by most of our Kings and Queens; as the ma∣king of Acts and Ordinances for the regulation and better government of the several Incorpo∣rated Companies, and the Members thereof, so as they are not repugnant to the Law of the Nation, and detriment of the King; they have also the power of keeping of Courts, holding Pleas, Assizes, and Goal Delivery; with the punishment of Offenders by Fine, Imprison∣ment, or Death, as occasion requireth. The Citizens are not constrained to go out of the said City to warr, without an emergent oc∣casion to suppress a Foreign Invasion; they may pass Toll-free throughout all England; they have a Common Seal, and Armorial Ensigns of Honour; and for Recreation have Free-warren or Liberty to hunt about the said City; with many other Immunities too tedious to set down.

Courts appropriate to the City.

The Hustings is a Court of great Antiquity and Concern, being to preserve the Rights, Laws, Franchises, Customs, and Dignities of the said City, and is kept by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen every Tuesday.

The Court of Requests or Conscience, the Judges whereof are some of the Common-Councel-men, who are monthly chosen by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and sit twice every week to hear and determine all matters brought before them (betwixt Freemen) where the just Debt or Dammage doth not exceed forty shillings; for the proof of which, the Plaintiffs Oath is sufficient for them to award the Defendant to pay the same, either by pre∣sent (or weekly) payment, as the said Judges shall think fit; which sentence cannot be avoid∣ed, for it is to be presum'd, that no man (espe∣cially of some repute, which is to be considered

of) will forswear himself for so small a sum of money.

The Lord Mayor's Court, being an ancient Court of Record, held every Tuesday and Thursday by the Mayor and Aldermen, and is to redress and correct the errors and defaults which happen in the Government of the City, and indeed taketh cognizance of all matters wich concern the City for Receipts and Pay∣ments of money, the granting Leases, purcha∣sing of Lands, building and repairing of Houses, and the like, and appointing their several Offi∣cers to look after the same.

The two Sheriffs Courts•• one for each Com∣pter, is on Wednesdays and Fridays for Trials for Woodstreet Compter, and on Thursdays and Saturdays for the Poultrey Compter: and each Court hath its Judge, which is a Lawyer of good repute, for the hearing and trial of all A∣ctions brought before them; but if the Action brought be above 5 l. it may be by the Defen∣dant removed to a higher Court. And to these Courts belong four Counsellors, eight Attor∣neys, besides Secondaries, Clerks, Keepers of the Compters, sixteen Sergeants and their Yeo∣men, with other Sub-Officers.

The Court of Orphans, which medleth with the Estates of deceased Citizens, to provide for the Orphans until they come to Age, and to see that an equal division of the Estate be made, the City being their Guardians.

The Court of Common-Councel, much resem∣bling the High Court of Parliament, consisting of the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, which may be termed the Higher House, and the Common-Councel the Lower House: and these make and constitute Laws and Acts as a∣foresaid, which are binding to the Inhabi∣tants.

The Court of the Chamberlain for the binding and making free Apprentices, and for the re∣forming grievances betwixt the Master and the Apprentice: and this is an Office of great Trust, and of such Power, that no Apprentice (if not sworn by him) can set up and open Shop; and those that disobey his Summons, he hath pow∣er to Imprison or Fine. This Office is at pre∣sent committed to the care of Sir Thomas Play∣er Kt. a Person every way fit for so great a Trust.

The Courts of the Coroner and Escheater, which doth belong to the Lord Mayor.

The Court of Policies and Assurances for Merchants.

The Court of Halmote, which is kept by the Master, Wardens, and Court of Assistance of every Company generally every month.

The Court of Wardmote, or Wardmote In∣quest for the whole City, being divided into six and twenty Wards, every Ward having such an Inquest consisting of about twelve or sixteen of the Inhabitants thereof, who meet at every Christmass time, and enquire after the Disor∣ders and Abuses of Tradesmen in their Weights, Measures, and the like; and according to their Misdemeanours they make their Present∣ments.

The Sessions of Oyer and Terminer, and Goal Delivery of Newgate for the City of London and County of Middlesex, holden eve∣ry month at Iustice-hall in the Old Baily for the trial of Felons, the Lord Mayor being cheif Judge, and hath power of Reprieving.

The Court for the conservation of the Wa∣ter, and Rivers of Thames and Medway.

The Court of the Tower, held within the Verge of the City before the Steward by Pre∣scription, of Debt, Trespass, and other Acti∣ons.

There is no Magistrate in Europe that liveth in greater state, and hath more power than the Lord Mayor of this City, which is evident by the noble Entertainment given to Strangers, and by his great attendance both at home and abroad: for besides the abundance of inferiour Officers, he hath his Sword-Bearer, Common Hunt, Common Cryer, and four Water Bai∣liffs, which by their places are Esquires; then the Coroner, three Sergeant-Carvers, three Sergeants of the Chamber, a Sergeant of the Channel, four Yeoman of the Water-side, the Under-water-Bailiff, two Yeoman of the Chamber, with divers others.

The publick Officers belonging to this City are the two Sheriffs, the Recorder, the Cham∣berlain, the Common Sergeant, the Town Clerk, and the Remembrancer, who by their places are Esquires.

The Sheriffs (who are persons of repute and ability) are annually by the Commons (that is the Livery-men of each Company) in formali∣ty chosen on Midsomer-day; and the day after Michaelmass the Lord Mayor and Aldermen go with them to the Exchequer-Chamber at Westminster, where they are presented and sworn, and the two old Sheriffs also sworn to their Accounts.

On Simon and Iudes day the old Lord Mayor being attended with the Aldermen and Sheriffs in their formalities, go to the Hustings Court, where the Lord Mayor elect taketh his Oath, and receiveth from the Chamberlain the Scep∣ter, the Keys of the Common Seal, and the Seal of the Majoralty, and from the Sword-Bearer the Sword, all which according to cu∣stom he delivereth to them again. On the day following in the morning, the old Lord Mayor, with the Aldermen and Sheriffs, attend the Mayor elect from his House to Guild-hall, from whence in their formalities they go to the Vin∣trey, and take Barge to Westminster, being at∣tended by the Livery-men of divers of the Companies in their Barges, which are bedeck∣ed with Banners, Pennons, and Streamers of their Arms, &c. which with their Musick makes a pleasing show. Being come to Westminster-hall, having saluted the Judges, they go up to the Exchequer Barr, where the Lord Mayor

t••keth his Oath, and after some usual Ceremo∣nies in the Hall and at the Abby, in seeing the Tombs, they return to their Barges, and are rowed back to London, & being landed, go to the Guild-hall in great pomp, where a most state∣ly Dinner is prepared, as well for the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and the several Companies, as for the Nobility, Judges, and Gentry that are invited to the said Feast, which oft-times is graced with the Royal Presence of their Majesties the King and Queen, and the Duke of York, &c. The Ceremony of the day being ended, the Lord Mayor is attended to his House, where he liveth in great grandure during his Majoralty, looking after the Affairs of the City, to whose fatherly care the Go∣vernment thereof is committed.

These, with other Ceremonies in the elect∣ing and swearing the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, being largely treated of in Stow's Survey, and Howel's Londinensis, I forbear to speak further of them here, but referr the Reader.

A List of the Names of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs that for this pre∣sent year 1678 have the government of this Honourable City, with the Names of the six and twenty Wards to which the said Aldermen do belong, viz.

THe Right Honourable Sir Iames Edwards Kt. Lord Mayor, and Alderman of Candle∣wick Ward, Sir Richard Chiverton of the Ward of Bridge without, Kt. Sir Thomas Allen of Aldgate Ward, Knight and Baronet, Sir Iohn Frederick of Coleman-street Ward, Kt. Sir Iohn Robinson of Tower-street Ward, Knight, Baro∣net, and Lieutenant of the Tower of London, Sir Iohn Laurence of Queen-hith Ward, Kt. Sir Thomas Bludworth of Aldersgate-street Ward, Kt. Sir William Turner of Castle-Bay∣nards Ward, Kt. Sir George Waterman of Brides Ward within, Kt. Sir Robert Hanson of Basingshaw Ward, Kt. Sir William Hooker of Cornhill Ward, Kt. Sir Robert Vyner of Lang∣born ward, Knight and Baronet, Sir Ioseph Sheldon of Bishops-gate ward, Kt. Sir Thomas Davies of Farendon ward without, Kt. Sir Francis Chaplin of the Vintrey ward, Kt. Sir Robert Clayton of Cheap ward, Kt. Sir Patience Ward of Farendon ward within, Kt. Sir Iohn Moore of Walbrook ward, Kt. Sir William Pri∣chard of Bread-street ward, Kt. Sir Henry Tulse of Bread-street ward, Kt. Sir Iames Smith of Portsoken ward, Kt. Sir Nathaniel Herne of Billingsgate ward, Kt. Sir Robert Ieffreys of Cordwainer ward, Kt. Sir Iohn Shorter of Cripple-gate ward, Kt. Sir Thomas Gold of Dowgate ward, Kt. and Sir William Rawstorne of Limestreet ward, Kt. The Sheriffs for this year are Sir Richard How and Sir Iohn Chapman, Knights.

Having thus in brief treated of the Govern∣ment of the City, with their Immunities, Pri∣viledges, Courts of Judicature, &c. in general, in the next place we will treat of each particu∣lar Incorporated Company, as Stems thereof. And first with the several Companies of Mer∣chants, next with the twelve chief Companies out of which the Lord Mayor is to be Annually chosen, and so end with the other Companies, as Stars of a less magnitude.

The East-India Company, though not the ancientest, yet the most honourable and emi∣nent, was first Incorporated in the year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, and since confirmed, with divers other Priviledges added to their Charter by succeeding Kings, having now power of making Acts and Ordinances, so as not repugnant to the Law of the Land or detriment of the King, for the good and well government of the said Trade and Company; likewise power to hear and decide Causes, and to implead, fine, and punish Offenders as they please; to raise and maintain Souldiers in their Factories, and to man out Ships of warr for their further security, for warr offensive as well as defensive, as occasion requireth; also the using of a Seal, and the bearing of a Coat of Arms, as it is depicted in the Escocheon of Arms of the several Companies of Merchants.

This Company is managed by a joynt stock, which makes them potent, eminent, and rich, and is found several ways to be very advanta∣geous to the Kingdom; as in their building of Ships, in the imploying and maintaining of thousands, not only in their Ships, but in their Plantations and Factories, as at Surat, Cambaya, Bambay, Curwar, Baticale, Calicut, Fort St. George, Pentapoli, Musulipatan, Ougely, Gonro, Bantam in the Indies, Ormus in Per∣sia•• with some other places of less concern. And to their Presidents, Factors, and other Ser∣vants they allow good Salaries, and are raised to higher preferments, with greater Salaries, as their merits deserve. And the great Trade that they drive to these places, exporting such vast quantities of our Manufactures and Com∣modities, and importing so many sundry and rich Commodities, cannot but make them to be very beneficial to the Nation.

This worthy Company, for the better nego∣tiation of their Affairs, is governed by a Go∣vernour, Deputy-Governour, and Committ••e consisting of four and twenty, who about the midst of April are Annually elected by the Ad∣venturers of the said Company, of which there must be eight new ones always chosen, and these meet at their House in Leaden-hall-street London, (called the East-India House) gene∣rally twice a week, and keep Courts ••or the negotiation of their Affairs.

The government of this Company for this present year 1678. is committed to the care of Sir Nathaniel Herne Kt. Governour, Major Robert Thomson, Deputy-Governour, and to the Right Honourable George Lord Berkeley, Sir Samuel Barnadiston, Sir Iohn Banks, Baro∣nets, Sir William Thomson, Sir Stephen White, Sir Iames Edwards, Sir Iohn Moore, Sir Iohn Lethulier, Knights, Iosia Child, Iohn Iolliff, Iohn Bathurst, Col. Iohn Clarke, Iames Houb∣lon, Samuel Moyer, Charles Thorold, Thomas Papillon, Esquires; Mr. Christopher Boone, Mr. Thomas Canham, Mr. Ioseph Herne, Mr. Natha∣niel Letton, Mr. Iohn Page, Mr. Edward Rudge, Mr. Daniel Sheldon, and Mr. Ieremy Sambrook, Assistants.

The Levant or Turky Company of Merchants, which by their Discovery made the first Trade into the Seigniory of Venice, and then into the Dominions of the Grand Seignior, and inclu∣ding the Trade of the East-Indies, which as then was undiscovered to us by Sea, their goods being brought upon Camels and Ass-negroes to Aleppo and other parts of Turky: but since the discovery of the Indies by Sea, the Trade of this Company is something eclipsed for those Commodities which are now brought us by the East-India Company.

The benefit that ariseth to this Nation from this Company, besides the imploying so many Ships and Seamen, is in the Exporting and Im∣porting of so many rich Commodities, and in particular, Clothes both died and drest, at the least thirty thousand pieces yearly, Kersies, Lead, Tinn, Iron, Steel, Wire, Pewter, Furrs, pieces of Eight, Sugar, Hides, Elephants-teeth, Bra∣sill, red and white Lead, Indico, Logwood, Couchaniel, Callicoes, Spices, and several In∣dian Commodities. And for these they Import raw Silks of Persia, Damascus, Tripoli, &c. also Camblets, Grograins, Grograin-yarn, Mohairs of Angor, Woolls, Cottons, Cotton-yarn of Smyrna and Cyprus, Galls of Mosolo and Toc∣cat, the Coralls and Oyls of Zant, Zeffalonia, Morea, &c. the Drugs of Egypt and Arabia, also Turky-Carpets, Cordovants, Box-wood, Rhubarb, Worm-seed, Sena, Cummin-seed, with several other rich Commodities.

This worshipful Company of Merchants was first Incorporated in the Reign of Queen Eli∣zabeth, and since confirmed by her Successors, and have ample Priviledges and Immunities granted unto them; as making of Laws and Orders for the well government of the said Fel∣lowship, power of deciding Controversies which arise in the said Company as to their Trade, giving Oaths, imposing Fines, or im∣prisoning of Offenders according to their dis∣cretion, the using of a Publick Seal, and the bearing of a Coat of Arms, as is set forth in the Escocheon of Arms aforesaid.

And for the better management of the Af∣fairs of this Honourable Company, they are governed by a Governour, Deputy-Governour, and Court of Assistants, consisting of 18, who in the Month of February are Annually chosen by a general Consent, out of the Members of the said Company, and these meet and keep Courts monthly, weekly, or as oft as their oc∣casions require, for the management of the con∣cerns of the said Society; as binding and ma∣king free, electing and sending over Consuls, Vice-Consuls, Factors and Servants to Constan∣tinople, Smyrna, Aleppo, Cyprus, and such pla∣ces where their Factories are kept.

The management of the Affairs of this Ho∣nourable Company, for this present year 1678. is committed to the care and prudent govern∣ment of the Right Honourable George Lord Berkeley of Berkeley, whose worthy parts and great love to Traffick makes him every way so fit for it, that the Company for these seve∣ral years past, have by an unanimous consent elected his Lordship their Governour, Iohn Buckworth Esq Deputy, Mr. Iohn Harvey Treasurer, Mr. Thomas Vernon Husband, Sir Iohn Lethulier Kt. Charles Thorold Esq Iohn Morden Esq Mr. Thomas Pilkington, Mr. Ri∣chard Poulter, Mr. Henry Griffith, Mr. Iohn Mo∣rice, Mr. Richard Onslow, Mr. Thomas Har∣topp, Mr. Walter Conventrey, Mr. William Hedg∣es, Mr. Iasper Clotterbook, Mr. Abraham Wessell, Mr. Richard Nicol, Mr. Bernard Saltonstall, Mr. George Carew.

The Russia or Moscovy Company of Merchant Adventurers for discovery of new Trades, was first Incorporated in the beginning of the Reign of King Philip and Queen Mary, upon the Discoveries of Lands, Territories, Seigniories, and Isles by Seas lying Northwards, North-eastwards, and North-westwards from Eng∣land, and was afterwards confirmed by Act of Parliament in the eighth year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, so that now they enjoy seve∣ral Immunities and Priviledges; as to raise Arms for the subduing of Countreys in the li∣mits aforesaid, and to enter thereon, and set up the English Standards; to make Acts and Ordinances for the good of the said Society, so as they are not repugnant to the Laws of the Kingdom; to punish Offenders by Fine or Im∣prisonment, to use a Common Seal, to bear a Coat of Arms, &c. as is here depicted.

The Commodities that this Company Ex∣porteth are, woollen Clothes both died and dressed of all sorts, Kersies, Bayes, Cottons, Perpetuances, Fustians, Norwich Stuffs, Lace, Thread, Lead, Tinn, Pewter, Allom, Cop∣per, much defective Wines and Fruits, not fit to be spent in this Kingdom, with most sorts of English Goods. And for these and the like they Import Pot-ashes, Tarr, Cordage, Cable-yarn, Tallow, Wax, Isinglass, several sorts of Hides in the Hair, Goat-skins undrest, Cordovants, tan'd Hides, Hogs-brissles, raw Silk, Linseed, Slod, Bever wooll and wombs, several sorts of rich Furrs, Seal-skins, Rhuberb, Castorum, A∣garick,

Train-oyl, Flax, Hemp, Linen, Caviare, Salmon, Stockfish, Codfish, &c.

This worshipful Company of Merchants is governed by a Governour, four Consuls, and Assistants consisting of four and twenty, who on the first of March are Annually chosen out of the Members of the said Society: and for this present Year 1677. the management thereof is committed to the care of Iohn Iolliff Esq Go∣vernour, Sir Benjamin Ayloff Baronet, Samu∣el Moyer Esq Charles Thorold Esq Mr. Charles Carill Consuls, to Mr. Edward Bell Treasurer, and to Iohn Gould Esq Mr. Daniel Edwards, Mr. Benjamin Glanvile, Mr. Iames Young, Mr. Benjamin Colds, Mr. George Grove, Mr. Francis Pargiter, Mr. George Carew, Mr. Heritage Lenten, Captain Gervase Lock, Mr. Edward Grace, Mr. Thomas Thursby, Mr. Thomas Hancox, Mr. Iohn Ashby, Mr. Richard Adams, Mr. Edward Davenport, Mr. Thomas Hawes•• Mr. George Cooks, Mr. Gilbert Ward, Mr. Ioseph Wolfe, Mr. Iohn Porter, Mr. Iohn Osborne, and Mr. Iohn Penning Assistants.

The Eastland Company, first Incorporated in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, and con∣firmed by King Charles the Second, and by their Charter have ample Immunities and Privi∣ledges granted to them, and as large a scope to traffick in, including the Trade of the King∣doms, Dominions, Dukedoms, Countreys, Ci∣ties, and Towns of Norway, Swedeland, and Poland, with the Territories of the said King∣doms, as also in Lettow, Liffland, and Pomer∣land, from the River Odera Eastwards, and likewise in the Isles of Findland, Eoland, and Ber••tholine within the Sound.

The Commodities by this Company Export∣ed are, Woollen Clothes, Perpetuances, Ker∣sies, Serges, Norwich Stuffs, Cottons, Lead, Tinn, Pewter, Stockins, Hats, Gloves, toge∣ther with several Southern and Eastern Com∣modities, as Sattins, Silks, Spices, &c. and the Commodities by them ••mported are, Deals, Masts, Timber, Oars, Balks, Clapboards, Bom-spars, Cant-spars, Pipe-staves, Wainscot, and Quarters, Flax, Hemp, Linen-cloth, Fustians, Cordage, Cable-yarn, Pitch, Tarr, Tallow, Hides, Pot-ashes, Wheat, Rye, Iron, Lattin, Copper, Steel, Wire, Quicksilver, rich Furrs, Buck-skins, Train-oyl, Sturgeon, Stock-fish, Ma∣ther, with several other good Commodi∣ties.

For the management of the Affairs of this worshipful Company, they are governed by a Governour, Deputy-Governour, and Court of Assistants, consisting of four and twenty, who are yearly elected out of the Members of the said Society in the month of October, and keep their Courts for the management of the concerns of the said Company as others do, having also large Immunities granted unto them.

The present Governour for this Year 1678. is Sir Richard Chiverton Kt. Governour, Francis Asty Esq Deputy-Governour, Ran∣dolph Knipe Treasurer, Sir Benjamin Ayloffe, Edward Bilton Senior, Esq Iohn Dogget Esq Nathaniel Tench Esq Peter Rich Esq Mr. Thomas Canham, Mr. Henry Moody, Mr. Edw. Bilton Junior, Mr. Samuel Feake, Mr. William Rivett, Mr. Hugh Vpton, Mr. William Nutt, Mr. William Cooper, Mr. Iohn Mathews, Mr. Oliver Westland, Mr. Edward Harwell, Mr. Abraham Wessel, Mr. Ioseph Martin, Mr. Tho∣mas Philpe, Mr. Thomas Warren, Mr. William Taylor, and Mr. Iohn Sayer Assistants.

The Royal Affrican Company of England was by his Majesties great prudence and care, for the general good of this Nation, and of his Foreign Dominions and Plantations, erected in∣to a Company, and is likely to prove the most beneficial Trade that belongs to his Crown, as well by the Commodities Exported and Impor∣ted, as by the Negro Trade.

The Goods of English growth Exported are, Sayes, Perpetuances, Broad-clothes, Welsh-plains, and other Woollen Manufactures in great abundance, besides quantities of other English Goods and Stuffs; the large consumpti∣on whereof doth not only enable the Tenant the better to pay his Rent, and maintain his Family, but also sets many thousands of poor people at work, in making, dying, and dres∣sing of these Stuffs and Clothes: And together with these Goods of English growth, are also sent vast quantities of Foreign Goods, chiefly imported by our East-India Company, by which his Majesties Customes, the wealth of his People, and the Navigation of this King∣dom are much encreased.

The Foreign Commodities Imported are, Gold, Elephants-teeth, Wax, Hides, and other Commodities almost all as good as gold.

And as to the benefit of the Negro Trade, it is such, that by it all the American Plantati∣ons are yearly furnished with great quantities of Slaves, not elsewhere to be had; by whose labour, and the Planters industry, the King and his People are very much enriched.

The bounds of this Companies Trade are large, viz. from Sally in South-Barbary to Cape Bona Esperanza inclusive.

The Voyage out and home is short, usually within the compass of a year. Many ships and seamen are constantly employed in the Compa∣nies Service; who for the securing their Trade, have at a very great expence erected several Forts and Factories all along the Coast of Gui∣ny, without which the Trade cannot possibly be preserved to this Nation; and for that very reason this Trade cannot be managed but by a Company and a joynt Stock; for no private person will undergo the Charge of Forts and Factories abroad, besides such as Venture one Voyage, and perhaps no more, do usually con∣sult the cheapest way in their Exports, and will

not have that care to send so good and mer∣chantable Commodities as a Company who are constantly to trade thither will, who are ob∣liged so to do, as well for supporting the cre∣dit of their trade, as for bringing our English Manufactures into a better reputation than those of our Neighbours, which this Company hath really effected in several Commodities formerly bought in Holland, as Sayes, Mus∣kets, Knives, &c. being now all Exported of our own make.

And of this difference in and between the Commodities send by the Company, and those sent by private Traders, the Natives of Guiny (who are a sagacious people) are very sensible by the ill-dealings they have met with in that kind from some private Traders, which hath been a thing very disadvantageous to our English Manufactures and Trade: but these mi••chiefs have been removed ever since his Majesties settling the Trade in a Company, with prohibition to all such interloping Tra∣ders.

This Company consisteth of a Governour (who is his Royal Highness Iames Duke of York, the very life of the said Company under his Sacred Majesty) a Sub-Governour, Deputy-Governour, and a generality mixt of divers Noblemen, honourable, Persons and eminent Merchants, to the number of about two hun∣dred, out of which are Annually chosen by Vote at a general Court four and twenty Assi∣stants, of whom any six with the Governour, Sub-Governour, or Deputy-Governour, make a Court, which by their Charter dated Sept. 27. 1672. is called a Court of Assistants, and im∣powered for the well ordering and governing of the Affairs of the said Company, subject nevertheless to a general Court when occasion requireth.

The management of the Affairs of this Ho∣nourable Company for this Year 1678. is com∣mitted to the prudent care and government of his Royal Highness, Governour, Sir Gabriel Roberts, Sub-Governour, Benjamin Newland Esq Deputy-Governour. Twenty four As∣sistants, viz. Sir Iohn Banks Knight and Ba∣ronet, Sir Thomas Bludworth Knight and Al∣derman, Mr. Benjamin Bathurst, William Earl of Craven, Sir Peter Colleton Knight and Baro∣net, Mr. Roger Chappel, Mr. Samuel Dashwood, Thomas Lord Viscount Fauconberg, Edward Hopegood Esq Mr. Peter Ioy, Sir Andrew King, Mr. Iohn Mead, Sir Iohn Mathews, Mr. Nicholas Mead, Mr. Thomas Nichols, Lawrence du Puy, Esq Mr. Peter Proby, William Ro∣berts Esq Mr. Edward Rudge, Col. Iohn Searle, Mr. Benjamin Skutt, Sir William Tur∣ner Knight and Alderman, Mr. Thomas Vernon, Mr. William Warren.

The Coat of Arms and Motto belonging to this Company is also depicted in the Plate of Arms of the Companies of Merchants.

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The Company of Mer∣cers, being the primier Company in London, was Incorporated into a Fraternal Society in the seventeenth of King Richard the Second, and hath ample Priviledges and Immunities granted unto them; as holding of Courts for the negotia∣tion of their Affairs, &c. and have their Hall or place of meeting, a thing accustomary to all other Societies in Lon∣don. They have a common Seal. And the Ar∣morial Ensign of Honour given them to bear and display on their Banners is, Gules, a demy-Virgin, her hair dishevel'd, crowned, issuing out, and within an Orle of Clouds, all proper. To this Company Sir Thomas Gresham, a wor∣thy Member thereof, was a liberal Benefactor, giving them and the City of London the Royal Exchange, with all the Buildings thereto be∣longing, upon trust that they should perform as in his Will and Testament is d••clared, viz. That the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen shall find four to read Lectures of Divinity, Astronomy, Musick, and Geometry within Gresham Colledge (a large Structure also given unto them) and to give to each Reader 50 l. per Annum; and the Company of Mercers to find three Readers in the same place, viz. for the Civil Law, for Physick, and Rhetorick, with the yearly stipend of 50 l. a piece; which gift hath been since confirmed by Act of Par∣liament; where every day (except Sundays) in the Term time the said Lectures are read.

This worshipful Company (as indeed all o∣thers are) is governed by a Master, Wardens, and Court of Assistants.

[illustration]

The Company of Grocers, Incorporated in the twentieth Year of King Edward the third, beareth for their Coat-Armour, Argent, a Che∣veron, Gules, between nine Cloves, Sable.

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The Company of Drapers, incorporared in the seventeenth of King Henry the sixth, beareth Azure, three Clouds radiated, proper, each adorned with a tri∣ple Crown, Or. This Company is not a little dignified by having Sir Henry Fitz-Alwyn Kt. noble by birth, a brother of their Company, who was the first Lord Mayor of this City, in which Dignity he con∣tinued four and twenty years and a half.

[illustration]

The Company of Fish∣mongers were incorpo∣rated in the eight and twentieth of King Henry the Eighth into one bro∣therhood, being before two Campanies, viz. the Stock-fishmongers, and the Salt-fishmongers. They bear for their Coat-Armour, Azure, 3 Dolphins naiant in Pale between two pair of Lucies Saltire-ways, pro∣per, crowned, Or, on a Chief, Gules, three couple of Keys crossed as the Crowns.

[illustration]

The Company of Gold∣smiths, incorporated in the sixteenth of King Richard the Second, beareth quarterly Gules and Azure, in the first and fourth a Leopard's head, Or, in the second and third a Cup cover∣ed between two Buckles of the last.

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The Company of Skin∣ners were incorporated in the first of King ••••∣chard the Second. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Coa••-Armou••••s ••••my••, on a Chi••f, Gules, th••ee Crowns, Or, with Caps thereunto of the first. This Company hath been highly enobled by having of their Society six Kings, five Queens, one Prince, nine Dukes, two Earls, and one Lord.

[illustration]

The Company of Mer∣chant-Taylors, incorpo∣rated in the seventeenth of King Henry the Se∣venth, beareth Argent, a Tent-Royal between two Parliament Robes, Gules, lined, Ermyn, on a Chief, Azure, a Lion passant guardant, Or. This Company hath al∣so been dignified by ha∣ving of their Fraternity eight Kings, eleven Dukes, thirty Earls, and four and forty Lords.

[illustration]

The Company of Ha∣berdashers were incor∣porated into a Brother∣hood of St. Katharine in the six and twentieth of King Henry the Sixth, and were confirmed in the seventeenth of King Henry the Seventh, and named The Merchant Haberdashers. The Coat-Armour belonging to them is, Nebule of six, Ar∣gent and Azure, on a Bend, Gules, a Lion pas∣sant guardant of England.

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The Company of Sal∣ters beareth for their Coat-Armour, per Che∣veron, Azure and Gules, three covered Salts, Or, sprinkled, Argent.

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The Company of Iron∣mongers, incorporated in the third of King Ed∣ward the Fourth, bear∣eth Argent, on a Cheve∣ron, Gules, between 3 Gads or pieces of Steel, Azure, as many pair of Shackles or Manicles, Or.

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The Company of Vint∣ners, incorporated in the Reign of King Edward the Third, beareth Sa∣ble, a Cheveron between three Tuns, Argent.

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The Company of Cloth-workers, incorporated in the 〈…〉〈…〉 beareth Sable, a Cheveron, Ermyn, be∣ween two Habicks in Chief, Argent, and a Tessel in base, Or.

[illustration]

The Company of Dy∣ers, incorporated in the nine and fortieth of King Henry the Sixth, beareth Sable, a Cheve∣ron engrailed, between three Madder-baggs, Argent, banded or cord∣ed, Or.

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The Company of Brewers, incorporated in the sixth of King Henry the Sixth, bear∣eth Gules, on a Cheve∣ron, Argent, between three pair of Garbs Sal∣tire-ways, Or, three Tuns of Barrels, Sable.

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The Company of Leathersellers, incorpo∣rated in the sixth of King Richard the Se∣cond, beareth Argent, three Bucks trippant re∣guardant, Gules.

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The Company of Barber-Chirurgeons, were incorporated in the Reign of King Edward the Fourth. They bear for their Coat-Armour, divided by St. George's Cross, thereon a Lion of Eng∣land, quarterly, the first and fourth, Sable, a Cheveron between three Fleams, Argent; the second and third per Pale, Argent and Vert, a Rose, Gules, crowned and seeded, Or.

[illustration]

The Company of A∣pothecaries beareth A∣zure, Apollo in his glo∣ry, with Bow in one hand and Arrow in the other, bestriding the Serpent Pythom, all Or.

Thus having briefly treated of the City of London the Metropolis of the Kingdom, with some of the chief Incorporated Companies, our next business shall be to treat of the Cities in England, with the principal places or Shire-Towns in every County.