The liberties, usages, and customes of the city of London confirmed by especiall acts of Parliament, with the time of their confirmation : also divers ample, and most beneficiall charters, granted by King Henry the 6, King Edward the 4, and King Henrie the 7th, not confirmed by Parliament as the other charters were, and where to find every particular grant and confirmation at large / collected by Sir Henry Colthrop, Knight, ...

THE LIBERTIES, Usages, and Customes, of the City of LONDON.

All the Liberties, Usages, and Custome here∣after following, are confined by an especiall Act of Parliament at Westminster, Anno Septimo Regni Regis R. 2. albo libro, 43. a.

Abrokers.

THat the Abrokers of any Mer∣chandize in this City, shall not be, except the same be chosen by Marchants of the mistery; in which the same Ab-brokers, shal have there exercise of their office, and the same Abrokers also to be sworn before the Lord Major of the City of Lon∣don, libro albo, 38. a. 12. H. 3.

Abrokecators, or Brokers.

Abrokecators or Brokers. Brokers are to be chosen by Merchants of their own misteries, and they shall take

their Oath before the Major of London, lib, albo fol, 570. b. 3. E. 3. per Charter & Parliament.

Acquittances of Murder.

The Citizens are acquitted as well for any murder committed within the City, as within the Portsoken. viz they shall not be amerced as they have bin in old time if the murderer did escape, fol. 35. albo lib. 11. H. 3. so that the statutes of English shere, Anno 14. E. 3. Cap 4.

Acquittances.

That the Citizens of London shall be for ever ac∣quitted of pavage, portage, and murrage, through all the Kings Dominions, lib. alb. fol. 36. b, c. Anno 12. H. 3.

Aldermen and their election.

Upon the Feast day of S. Gregorie, yearly shall every Alderman be removed from their place, and new in their place shall be chosen, lib, alb. fol. 42. a. b. 50, E. 3. note that this is changed since by Act of Parliament.

Aldermens goods.

That Aldermens goods shall be taxed in Aids, talla∣ges, or other contributions amongst other mens goods, lib. alb. f. 36, b.

Allowance of Liberties.

It shall suffice that one Writ in one Kings time shall serve in the Kings Exchequer, and in all other places for the allowance of the Liberties, lib. alb. f, 4. b, 1. E, 1. Learn for what cause at every change the City is put to so great charges, as to procure a new Confirmation. I think it be only for the profit of Chancery men.

Amerciaments.

The Sheriffe shall not be amerced for any offence above 20. l. lib. alb. f. 34. Anno 11. H. 3.

That the Sheriffes of London shall not be charged or amerced for escape of any Fellon, but as other Sheriffes have used on this side Trent, lib, alb. f. 39. b. 1. E. 1.

None shall be otherwise amerced, but according to Law used in the time of H. 1. lib. alb. f. 35. 11. H. 3.

Aids and Contributions.

That the Citizens of London in all Aids, Grants, and Contributions to the Kings use, shall be taxed and con∣tribute with the Commonalty of England, as men of the Counties, and not as men of Cities and Burrowes, and that they shall be free from all other tallages, and thereof cleerly acquitted, lib, al. f. 40. 1. E. 1.

Bakers and Millers.

THere is a Statute in French granted by the King for the punishment of Bakers and millers, and tryed by weight, whether the millers do deceive the Owners of the corn, and that ob. to be yeelded for every quarter of corn that is ground, lib. al. f. 42, b, c, 1. E. 1.

Battaile.

A Citizen shall not be enforced to wage Battaile, nor shall in the pleas of Crown be tryed by any other Or∣der, but only according to the ancient Custome of the City lib. al fol. 35, Anno 11, H. 3.

Bean-pleader.

None shall be amerced for mispleading, the which the Book calleth misk••nning, li. al. f. 35, 11, H. 3.

Bridgemasters.

The Bridgmasters shall be chosen by the Commons, ther must be but two, and they must be approved suffi∣cient men of the City, being no Aldermen, lib, al. fol. 38. 12, Hen. 3.

Buttlerage.

And of the Wines of the Citizens, no prizes or ta∣kings shall bee had or made by any of the Kings

Ministers of their heirs, or of any other against their will, that is to wit, of one run before the mast, and of any other tun behind the mast, nor in any other manner, but they shall be therof acquitted for ever, br. alb. fol. 40. lib. 1. E. 3.

Ceritorary or writ of Priviledge.

Note, that the King chargeth his Treasurer, and the Ba∣rons of the Exchequer, and other his Ministers of the same Court, that from hence forth the Kings Writ shall not be granted to remove the body of any imprisoned in the Goal of Newgate, or else-where within the liberties, of the City of London, for debts or damages in any acti∣on adjudged to any Citizen to answer to the King, or o∣ther in the said Court of Exchequer; for the Kings debt, or for the debt of any of the Ministers of the said Exche∣quer, except the said Barons do first find the said Action to be feigned or untrue, lib. alb. fol. 44. Anno 1. R. 2.

Chamberlain, Town-clerk, and common Sergeant.

That these three Offices are eligible and removable by the Commons, and at the will of the Commons, lib. albo fol. 38. b. 12. Hen. 3.

Colouring of strangers goods.

That Citizen which coloureth strangers goods, shall lose his Freedome, lib alb. fol. 37. b. c. 12. Hen. 3.

Confirmation.

All the aforesaid Liberties are confirmed by Act of Parliament, and by Charter, lib. alb. fol. 36. Anno. 5. E. 3.

Corporation of London.

In the 11. year of King Hen. 3. he granted unto the Citizens of London, the Counties of London and Middle∣sex in Fee Farm. Note, that the Grant was made unto the Citizens only, and not to the Major and Citizens and Commonalty of London, as the usage is at this day, but this maketh no doubt, because the Charter is confirmed by Parliament the 21. of November in the 5. year of the King, N. 2. lib. alb. 34. a. b. & fol. 45. a.

Custome paid.

If any sell his ware before the Custome paid, it shal be forfeited lib. alb. fol. 36. b. 50. Hen. 3.

Customes expounded, and new Laws made.

That it shall be lawfull for the Major, and Aldermen with the assent of the Commons to expound obscure Customes, and when need requireth to make new laws, the which shall be consonant to reason, lib. alb. fol. 39. 15. E. 2.

Debts.

All manner of Debts lent in London shall be sued for in London, lib. alb. fol. 35. b. 11. Hen. 3.

Elections.

That the Major of London, and the Sheriffes shall be chosen and elected in such sort, as they were appointed by the ancient Charter, and in no otherwise.

Escheator.

That no Escheator or other Minister of the King, shall exercise their Offices within the City, but that the Major for the time being, shall be Escheator and he shal yeeld unto the King his Oath, that he shall duly exercise and make a true accompt for the same Office, lib. alb. fol. 4. a. 1. E. 1.

Expostion.

If any difficulty or ambiguity do arise upon any Ar∣ticle, within any of the Kings Charters granted unto this City, so that the same Article may be taken to divers meanings: the King granteth that he by the advisement of his Counsell, may make therof such interpretation as shall be best with equity and reason, lib. alb. 44. ab. 10. R. 2.

Fellons goods.

That the Citizens shall have Infangtheff, and Out∣fangtheff, and the goods of all Fellons that shall be ad∣judged before them within their liberties there, lib. alb. fol. 39. b. 1. E, 2.

Fee Farme.

Where the Counties of London and Middlesex were let to Farm for 300. l. and yet notwithstanding the of∣fice of the Exchequer by incrochment, compelled them to pay 400. l. Now it is granted by Parliament, that the City shall pay no more but 300. l. according to their for∣mer Charters, lib. albo fol. 39. b. 1. E. 1.

Fee Farm apportioned.

If the King do grant to any other, any thing that be∣longeth to the Fee Farm, then shall the Fee Farm for so much yearly be apportioned and abated at the Exche∣quer, fol, 34. lib. albo 11. Hen. 3.

Fee Farm of London and Middlesex.

The Fee Farm of London and Middlesex, that is to say, for 300. l. by the year, is granted to the Citizens of London, by 11. Hen. 3. and confirmed by Parliament in the 7. R. 2. lib. albo fol. 34. a. b. and fol. 45. a lib. 4.

Farm bought, and Farm sold.

The Statute of Anno 9. E, 3. cap. 1. Rastall Tile Mer∣chants, No. 2. is for asmuch as concerneth London expoun∣ded and repealed and the liberties of Magna Charta, as touching London are revived, and the intent of the Law∣makers expounded was not to touch London, nor yet in∣fringe the Liberties of the great Charter, lib. alb. 41. a. b. the aforesaid statute Anno 9. E. 3. hath bin very often ob∣jected against the City of London in Parliaments, by such as are ignorant of our Charters and Statutes, vide alib, lib: alb. flo. 43. a. b. a notable Grant by Parliament for the same matter.

Foren bought, and Foren sold.

No stranger shall Foren buy, and Foren sell within this City any Statute, to the contrary notwithstanding, lib. alb. fol. 57. b. and per Parliament.

Foren bought, and Foren sold.

Both by Charter and Parliament it is granted, that from henceforth no Merchant being a stranger to the li∣berties

of this City, shall buy or sell any Merchandize within the liberties of this City, to any like stranger Merchant, upon the pain of Forfeitures of such Merchan∣dizes so bought or sold, lib. alb. f. 43. a, b. 1. R. 2.

Forest of Middlesex dissaforested.

King Henry 3. Anno 11. Regni sui, did by his Char∣ter dissaforest the Warren of Stanes, and the Forrest of Middlesex, the which was a singular benefit both to the Country, and also for the City. Note also in the same place, a man may gather some notable points touching the Forest Law, lib. alb. fol. 35. b, c.

Forfeiture or seisure of the liberties of the City.

That the liberty of the City shall not be seized in the Kings hands, for any personall trespasse, or judgment personall of any minister of the City, or for any such cause, any Warden called Custos shall be by the King De∣puted to rule the City; but every minister shall answer for his own fault, and shall according to the quantity and quality of the same fault, receive condigne punishment, lib. albo fol. 40. b 1. E. 3.

Form of Iustice.

That the Citisens of London in the Eyres before the Justices of the tower shall be measured, guided, and go∣••erned by the laws and customes; by the which, they were guided in the Eires, holden there in the times of King Iohn and King Henry the 3. lib. alb. f. 40. b. 1. E. 3.

Fore-Stallers.

Fore-stallers and Fore-stalments made by the mer∣chants, for or concerning merchandize or victuals, either by land, or by water, shall be punished by forfeiture, or imprisonment, lib. albo 36. b 50. H. 3.

Free-men and making Free-men.

No stranger born shall be made free of this City but in the Court of Hustings, lib. albo fol. 37. b 12. H. 3. How free Denizens and Englishmen that never were Apprenties shall be made free, and how every one

ought to put in for himself sufficient sureties, to be true to the conservation of the city, but this Order is not used at this day; therfore I omit to speak any more of it in this place, and yet is this Form of making Free-men by redemption, appointed by Parliament, lib. al. fol. 37, b, 12 Henry 3.

Hunting.

The Citizens of London may have their sugations, viz. their Hunting in all such places, as they had the same in the time of King Henrie 1. lib. alb. fol. 35, b, 11. Henrie 3.

Hustings.

That aswell Forreiners as others, being either plaintiffs or defendants, may make their Attorneys in the Hu∣stings in London, lib. al, f, 36, b. 60, Henrie 3.

The Hustings shall be holden but once in a week, lib. al, 35, 11. Henrie 3.

Inquisitions.

All Inquisitions to be taken before the Kings Mini∣sters by men of this City, shall bee taken at S. Martins Le-grand, and not else-where, except the Inquisitions of the Eires of the Tower and Goal-delivery of New-gate, lib. al 41, a. 1. E. 3.

All Inquisitions of the Customable payments, Cu∣stomes, Impositions, and Purprestutes, within the City shall be inquired of the Citisens, and not by others; see the words of Record more at large, lib. al. 45, b, c. 7. R. 2. See the Statute of 28. E. 3. Cap. 10.

Iurisdiction of Pleas.

No Citizen shall be impleaded out of the walles of the City of London; but for pleas of the Land, being without the city, alwayes excepted the Moniers, and the Kings Ministers, lib, al. f. 35. a, 11. H. 3.

Inquisitions of the Goal of New-gate.

That the Major of London for the time being shall in

every Commission for the Goale delivery of New-Gate be named one of the Justices, lib. al. f. 39, b. 1. E, 1.

Iustices in London.

The King is restrained by his Charter, confirmed by Parliament, to assign any Justices in London▪ except the Justices of Eire at the Tower of London, and Justices of Goal delivery of New-Gate, and for errors at S. Martins to be corrected: except any things do chance within the same city, that do touch the King or his Heirs, lib. al 37, a. 12. Henry 3.

Kiddles, viz. wares.

It is granted that all the wears of the Thames, and Medway shall be put down. And he that setteth up any hereafter, shall forfeit x. l. libro al folio 35, a.

That the Citizens shall remove and take away all Keddels stops and wears in the waters of Thames, and Medway: And that they shall have all such punishments in that behalf to the King, li. al. fol. 39, b. 1. E. 1.

Liberties and free Customes.

Free Liberties and free Customes used in the time of King Henry 1. are by Charter, and after by Parliament ra∣tified and granted to the city, lib. al. folio 35 b, c. 11. Hen. the third, and 37. Henry 3.

Liberties and Pranchises.

The King granteth, and doth allow that the Citi∣sens of London, their heirs and successors, shall have their Liberties, and free Customes, and may use and enjoy the same, as they have done in ancient time. And also that they may record the same before the Kings Justices, and Ministers, as they have bin wont to do any Statutes or Judgments to the contrary notwithstanding, lib. al. 40, a. b, 1. E. 1.

Liberties confirmed.

All manner of Liberties granted by King Henry 3. are confirmed by E. 1. Anno 12. lib. albo fol. 31. a.

Liberties confirmed.

First, wheras in the great Charter of the Liberties of England, amongst other things it was ordained, that the City of London should have all their ancient Liberties and customes, and that the same Citizens at the time of the making of the same Charter, and in the time of Saint Edmond the King and Confessor, and William the Con∣queror, and of other the Progenirors of King E. 3. had and used divers liberties and customes, as well by Char∣ters as without Charters of ancient custome. Of which liberties in divers Eyres, and in other Courts of the Kings of the Realm, the same Citizens have bin impea∣ched and sundry of them fore-judged, King E. 1. by Char∣ter, confirmat Anno Regni sui primo, hath granted that the Citisens shall have their liberties according to the Form of the great Charter, and that all impediments and usur∣pations to them, in that behalf made, shall be revoked and disanulled, lib. albo fol. 39, a, b. Aano primo E. 1.

Major to be presented.

The Lord Major being chosen must be presented un∣to the Court of Exchequer, and after to the King himself, lib. albo f. 36. a, 37 Henry 3.

Major.

That the Major of London during his majoralty shall have no more Offices belonging to the City, but only the Office of the majoralty, nor hold any plea vicoun∣cell within the chamber of the city, nor any other, but such as by the ancient custome of the city he as Major ought to hold plea of, Fleetwood Recorder doth expound these words, Ʋicounty pleas, to be such pleas as the She∣riffes by the common lawes of this Realm, may hold pleas of in his hundred, the which be actions of debt un∣der 40. l. and of such like causes, lib. alb. fol. 37. b, 12. H. 3.

Marishall.

The marshall shall not within the city, nor the port∣soken by force, nor otherwise, take up any mans house, lib. alb. f. 35, a. 11, Henry 3.

Markets.

No market from henceforth shall be granted by the King, to be kept within 7. miles of this City, lib. alb. f. 41, a. 1. E. 3.

Marshalsee and Clerk of the Houshold.

The Steward of the Marshalsee, and the Clerk of the Market of the Kings House, shall nor sit nor execute their Office within the liberties of this City, nor shall draw into plea any Citizen out of the city, for any cause arising, or growing within the liberties of the same city, lib. albo folio 40, a. 1. E. 1.

Marchants strangers free Hosts.

It is commanded by Charter, and Parliament, that all Merchants strangers comming into England, shall make sale of their merchandizes within 40 dayes after their arrivall; and that they shall abide and be at the ta∣ble of free Hosts, of this city of London, and of all other Cities and Towns of England, without keeping houses of societies by themselves, lib. albo fol. 39, b, c. 1. E. 1.

Mortmain.

That the City and their heirs, and successors, may de∣vise their lands as well in Mortmain, as otherwise, as of ancient time they were accustomed, lib. albo folio 30, b. 1. E. 1.

Non-user.

Although before this time, any of the ancient liber∣ties have not bin put in ure; yet from hence forth it shal•• be lawfull to put them in execution, lib. albo fol. 39, a. 15. E. 3.

Officers of the City.

All lands or tenements without the Freedom of the city, wherof any Citizen is, or shall be owner, now or

hereafter, which are, or shall be Ministers of the city, shal be obliged to the conversation or saving harmlesse, the same city against the King and his Heirs, for matters concerning their offices in like manner, as their tene∣ments within the same city were wont to be, lib, al, folio 40, b, c. 1. E. 1.

Note by this Article, that all the Ministers of this city, ought to be Freemen.

Oasts.

No stranger shall be an Oast, or keep Oasterie for strangers, lib. al. fol. 57, a, b per Charter, 38. E. 3. and per Parliament.

Oasts and free Oasts.

That all that keep common Oastery in the city, or the Suburds, although they be not free, yet shall they be at all manner of charges for the maintenance of the city, as ample, as any other that be free Oasts, lib. al. folio 38, a. b. 12. Henry 3.

Oath.

The Major of London shall not be compelled to take any other Oath at the Exchequer, then hath bin used in the time of King Edward the third, any Law, Statute, or Ordinance notwithstanding, lib. al. folio 44. b, c. 7. R. 2.

Parliament.

All the aforesaid Articles, Charters, Grants, and Or∣dinances, are to this place confirmed by Act of Parlia∣ment, in manner and form as they be before expressed, Anno 7. R. 2.

Pleas in Fairs and Markets.

Because the Citizens of London in all good and great Fairs of England were wont to have Wardens of themselves to hold pleas, concerning such Citizens as shall have conference to the said Fairs: It is granted by Charter, that the same Citizens shall have their Wardens

of their Citizens, for the holding of such pleas as of an∣cient times they have had, excepting pleas of the Land, and of the Crown, lib. al. 40. 1. E. 1.

Precepts to the Citizens.

By Parliament that is allowed to the Citizens of London, not to be subject to the precepts or commande∣ments of the Constable of Eng and, Steward, Marshall, Admirall, Clerk of the Market, or of any other Officer or Minister of the King, but only to the Kings comman∣dements or precepts, which shall be made in the Kings name still, and under the Kings Seals, and Liberty, is al∣lowed by Act of Parliament, soit use Come ad estre devant tempes, lib. albo f. 43, b. 1. R. 2.

Presenting of the Sheriffes.

Such Sheriffes as the Citizens shall make choise of, shall be presented to the King Justices. And the said Sheriffe shall answer to the King, or to his Justices, or his Exchequer, of such things as to his Sheriffedome do appertain, lib. al. fol. 34. a, b. 11 Henry 3.

Processe and serving of Processe.

That no Sommons, Attachment, or Execution, by a∣ny of the Kings Ministers, by writ or without writ, with∣in the Libertie of the city aforesaid, shall be made but by the only Ministers of the city, lib. albo. 40, b. 1. E. 1.

Protections.

The King granteth that all the Protections of him and his Heires, given to and for the service of the KING, either to go forth, or to abide in any places of the Kings service from henceforth,

shall take no place in any plea of debt for any victuals ta∣ken or bought for the voyage or service; wherof any mention is made in any such protection, nor any such protection shall be allowed for any pleas of trespasses, or contracts, made or done after the date of such protecti∣on, in such case as the plaintiffe is, or shall be a Freeman of this city, lib. albo f. 44. Anno primo R. 2.

Purveyors.

That no Purveyor-taker, Officers, or other Ministers, shall make, or take any prise or takings in the City of London, or without, of the goods of any Citizen of the same city, against their wills; except immediatly their indelayed payment be made, or else that respect of pay∣ment be therfore taken with the good will of the party, lib allbo 40 b. 1. E. 3.

Purveyors or Officers of the King.

It is prohibited that no Officer or Purveyor of the King shall merchandize by himself, or by other within the said city or without, of any thing touching, or con∣cerning his office, lib. albo fol. 40, b. 1. E. 3. Remember how the Purveyours of poultry do keep shops in London, and nothing is said against them.

Restitution.

There is a free restitution granted, aswell by Chartèr as by Parliament unto the Citizens of London, of all and singular their Liberties and Franchises, as ever any of their predecessors enjoyed the same, any Non-user, or Abuser, or Statute-judgment, or Charter to the contrary notwithstanding. And that the same Citizens may enjoy the same without impeachment of the King his Justices or Ministers whatsoever, lib. albo 40. 7. R. 2.

Right.

That equall might be done both for lands, and Leases, that be within the City, viz. infraurbem, according to the ancient custome of the city, lib. albo 35, 1 Henry 3.

Right owner.

Every Rightfull owner of Lands, Leases, Gages, pledges, and debts, shall enjoy the same lawfully, lib. albo 35, a. 11. H. 3.

Sanctuaries.

That the Citisens shall not be otherwise charged, then they have bin accustomed, touching the scapes of such as have taken Sanctuary in the Church, or Church∣yards, lib. alb. f. 39. b.

St. Pauls.

There is 8. l. parcell of the Fee-Farme abated to the City, for the liberty of St. Pauls in London, lib. albo f. 36. a 37, H. 3.

Scot and Lot.

That Freemen within the City, as such as dwell with∣out the City, and occupie Merchandize within the city, shall be subject to Scot and Lot with the Commons of the same city, for and touching, &c, lib. alb. fol. 38, a. 11. Henrie the third.

Seals of the King.

There doth appear 11. Hen. 3. that in a Charter made for the putting down of Kiddles or ware s. that the King did set his hand to the Charter, and also his Seal, the which I did never hear nor reade of in any book before this time, the words are these. Quod ut firmum & stabile perseveret imperpuum putis pagine inscriptio. Commun. &c. lib. albo fol. 35, a 11. H. 3.

Seal of the City.

The common Seal of this City shall remain in the custody of two Aldermen, and two Commoners, and the same Seal shal not be denyed neither to the poor nor to the rich Commoner, when need shall require; provided, that such request shall be upon reasonable causes, and that nothing shall be taken for the setting of the same Seal thereto, lib. alb. f. 38, a. 12. H. 3.

Sergeants at the Chamber.

That no Sergeant of the chamber of Guild-hall, shall have any fee of the Commonalty of the city, nor shall make any execution but only by the Commons of the ci∣ty for that purpose to be chosen, lib. alb. fol. b. 12. H. 7.

Sergeants at the Mase.

For the augmentation of the name and honour of t•••• city, it is granted that our Sergeants shall and may bear, and carry maces of gold, of silver, or guilded of silver, with the Kings Arms upon the same, within the city and Middlesex, and all other places belonging to the same ci∣ty; and also when they be sent to the King his mother or children, lib. alb. fol. 42. a. 28. E. 3.

Sheriffes.

The Sheriffes of London shall not be distreined to make an Oath at the Exchequer, but only upon the yeel∣ding up their accompt, lib. alb. fol. 40, a. 1. E. 1.

That none of the Sheriffes shall have but 7. Clerks, and two Sergeants, by reason of his Office.

Sheriffes and their Elections.

It is granted to the Citizens of London to make E∣lections of their Sheriffes, and after to remove them at their pleasures, Anno 11. Hen. 3. lib. al. fol. 34. a. b.

Sherffe.

That the Sheriffe of London shall be amerced in the Kings Court, according to the quantity of their offence, like as all other Sheriffs of England have bin, lib. alb. fol. 31. a, lib. 1. 12. Edw. 3.

Sheriffe.

That the Sheriffe for the time being shall commit

the collection of tolls and customes belonging to the Fee Farm, and all publique offices to them belonging, and by them to be exercised unto sufficient persons, for whom they will answer, and that such Officers as they shall ap∣point shall be removed upon their misbehavior, lib. alb. fol. 30. Anno 12. Hen. 3.

Sheriffes.

That the Sheriffes of this city for the time being shall have towards the Farm of the same city, the full forfei∣ture of victuals, and other things. And also of Merchan∣dizes after the tenor of the Charters to the Citizens granted and made. And that from henceforth the She∣riffes shall not be hindred or molested for the same a∣gainst the tenor of the same Charters, lib. alb. fol. 40. b. 1. E. 1.

Southwarke.

The town of Southwarck is granted for a Fee Farme unto the city, to the intent, to conserve the peace of the same town, and to suppresse Fellons in that place. And this is by Act of Parliament and Charter, lib. alb. 41. a. 1. E. 3.

Subsidies, Tallages, or Aids.

That those that be assessed according to the Custome of the city by men of their wards appointed to bee Ses∣sors by the Major and Aldermen, or by others to pay a∣ny tallage or Aid to the King, shall not be set higher, but by the Major and Commons, lib. alb. fol. 37. b. 12. Hen. 3.

Successors in London.

The habend of the Fee Farm of London and Mid∣dlesex, is to the Citisens and their heirs. And yet it is ta∣ken, that these words heirs, do signifie their successours, lib. alb. fol. 34, a, b: 11. Hen. 3.

Sureties for the Sheriffes.

The whole Citizens of London must answer to the King, and satisfie both the Fee Fatm, and also all the a∣merciaments, if the Sheriffs do make default, lib. al. f. 34. a, b. 11. Henry 3.

Suites against Citizens.

None of the liberty of this city shall be impleaded or occasioned at the King Exchequer, nor else-where by Bill, xcept it be for matter, which belongs to the King or his Heirs. fol. 41. Anno 1. E. 3.

At this day all our Citisens do implead one another out of the city, the which is directly against our liberties, being coufirmed by Parliament.

Taxes and Tallages.

That taxes and tallages for the necessity of the City by common consent or Common-counsell, may be asses∣sed and levied aswell upon Rents, as other things, and as∣well upon misteries, as by any other means, lib. alb. folio 38. b. 12. H. 3.

Toll.

The Citizens of London are discharged of Toll and Lastage, and of all other customes as well by Land, as by Seas, within the Kings Dominions, lib. alb. fol. 35. a, 37. Hen. 3.

Tower of London.

That the Costable of the Tower for the time being shall not either by land or water take or make any pri∣sages of any victuals, or other things whatsoever, of the people of the same city; nor of any others comming or going towards or from the said city, nor by any manner of means, shall arrest or cause to be arrested any ships, vessels, or boats bringing to the said city any victuals or any other such goods, lib. alb. fol. 40. a. 1. E. 1.

The Constable of the Tower of London shall not take any thing for the suffering of wares in the Thames or Medway, lib, albo fol. 35. 11. H. 3.

The Constable of the Tower of London, in the default of the Barons of the Exchequer, being absent from West∣minster, and also of the King at such time as the Major ought to be polluted, must take the Oaths of the Major and of the Sheriffes without the Tower Gates, lib. albo fol. 36, b. Anno 12. H. 3.

Warres.

That the Citizens from henceforth shall not be com∣pelled to go or send to the warres out of the city, lib. alb. f. 40, a. 1. E. 1.

Weights and Measures.

That the weights and ballances amongst Merchants, by the which any profit doth grow, and the correction of the same doth belong to the commonalty of this city. And that they shall be in the custody of approved and sufficient men, expert in the same office, being chosen by the Commons.

Witherman.

If any toll or other custome be taken from any Citi∣zen of the Kings Dominions the Sheriffs of London shall at London take pledge or Witherman, lib. alb. f. 35, b. 11. Henry the third.

Wines sold by retaile.

That no Merchant that is not free of this City shall sell any Wines by retail within the same city, lib. alb. fol. 38. a, 12. Henry the third.

Wines and Ʋictuals.

By Charter and by Parliament, is granted that the Lord Major and Aldermen for the time being, shall have the Rule and Government of the Vintners, viz. of all manner of wines which shall be sold within the same ci∣ty, and of all manner or Victuals, as well sellers of fish, as of all other, dwelling within the same city, and to the same bringing any Victuals there to be sold, lib. alb fol. 44, b. 7. R. 2.

Note, how that the Vintners of this city did exhibit

a Bill to the Counsell at Greenwich, Termino pasche. An. 18, Eliz. Regni, affirming, that they were not under the Government of the Major and Aldermen; the which I learn to be drawn by one Land, an Attorney of the Guild-Hall.

Hereafter do ensue divers ample and most beneficiall Charters, granted by King Hen. 6. E. 4. and King Hen. 7. but these Char∣ters are not confirmed by Parliament, as the other Charters were. Note, that the Charter of Hen. 6 and E. 4. are all one, with little alteration.

Beer-brewers.

THe correction of the Beer-brewers, and of the mea∣surages likewise is granted to the City, lib. albo f. 50 b, e. 23. Hen 6. Note, at this time there was Beer-brewers in England.

Certioraries for Recognisances.

It is granted, that when a Certiorary is sent for any Indictment of Fellony, trespasse, extortion or any other offence, or for any Recognisance for the peace broken, that we shall not send the Record it self, but only the te∣nors of the same, and that shall suffice, lib. albo, 49. b. 23. Henry 6.

Commission of the Peace,

The Commission of the Peace is at large set down, with all the Articles that are to be inquired, lib. albo. 47. 23. H. 6.

Confirmation.

King Henry 7, Anno 20. did grant unto the City of Lond•••• most large and ample ratification of all and sin∣gular their Liberties, Franchises, and Customes, and all such like things expressed in any of their Charters what∣soever they were, lib. albo 58. a.

Confirmation.

King H 5. by Act of Parliament, and a special Char∣ter, dated the 7, ber. Anno 7. hath also confirmed the Li∣berties aforesaid, lib albo folio 47, a.

Confirmation all and singular.

All and singular the aforesaid Liberties are most am∣ply confirmed by a great Charter, made by King H, 4. in the first year of his Reign; but they are not by him con∣firmed by Parliament, but by Charter. And this is the Charter that the Commons of this City do use to call the great Charter of London, lib. alb. fol. 46, a, b. 1. primo H. 4.

Elections of Officers.

That the Cirisens shall have the choice of all under-Sheriffes, Clerks, Bayliffes of Sheriffes, for whom they will answer for aswell in the County of Middlesex, as within the City of London: In which grant, there is a saving or proviso for the Sheriffes of London, for the right, &c. lib. alb. 49, b, c, 23. H. 6.

Exemption for the Aldermen.

It is granted, that the Aldermen of this City shall not be put in Assizes, Juries, Attaints, Recognitions, or Inquisitions, although the King himself be party; nor they shall be without the Liberties of the City, Colle∣ctors, or Assessors of tenths and fifteens, lib. alb. f. 54, a, b.

Fines and amerciaments.

All Fines, Amerciaments, Issues forfeited, Redem∣ptions, Forfeitures, Penalties of all Offences

inquirable by the Commissions of the peace, are granted to the Citizens of London lib. alb. f. 49, a, 23. H. 6. And in the same place the premises are also granted, if they bee forfeited before the Justices in the pleas of the crown, or before any other Justices, or Minister whatsoever, ibid.

Foren bought, and Foren sold.

That the forfeiture of Foren bought, and Foren sold, shall belong to the Major and Commons of this City, without any accompt to be therfore yeelded, lib. alb. fol. 59, b, c. this Article is most largely and beneficially set forth in the Book.

Gates and Posterns.

All the Gates and Posterns of this City, and the cu∣stody of the same are granted unto the city, lib. alb. f. 46. fol. 8. 1. H. 4.

Ganger.

The office of the Ganger-ship is granted to the city of London, with all the Fees, profits, and enrolements to the same belonging, lib. alb. f. 60. b. 20. H. 7.

Iustices of Peace.

That the Major for the time being may nominate to the Chancellor of England, the names of two Aldermen, the one to be a Justice of Peace in Surrey, and the other in Middlesex, lib, al. fol. 60, b. 20. H. 7.

Iustices of the Peace.

That the Major and the Recorder, and all the Al∣dermen that have bin Majors shall be Justices of peace in London, And that the Major and the Recorder shall bee two of the quorum, lib. al. 47, b, c. Henry 6.

Mortmain.

The King granteth license to the Commonalty to purchase lands and tenements, to the value of 200. marks

by the year, the statute of Martmain, or any other thing to the contrary notwithstanding, lib. albo fol. 56, a, b, c. 18. E. 4.

Non-user and abuser.

Non-user and abuser of the liberties are by the King pardoned, lib. alb. 50. Anno 25. H. 6.

Notunda.

All the aforesaid matters expressed in the aforesaid Charter, 23. H 6. lib. alb. 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, and 52, are by like Charter granted again by 2. E. 4. lib. albo fol. 52, 53, 54, 55.

Packer.

The Offices and guift of the same, viz. of the Packer and Survey or, ships of all measures, weights, and of mer∣chandizes, and of the Garblers office, and Wine-drawers, and the collection of all manner of victuals, and all such like Offices do belong to the Lord Major and his dispo∣sing, lib. alb. folio 50, a. b. 23. H. 6.

Recordator.

That the Recorder shall or may ore-tenus, that is to say, by open speech, record and certifie the customs, being traversed. And his Certificate shall be as strong in the Law as the verdict of 22 men, lib. albo fol. 49, a. 23. H. 6.

Recognizances.

The forfeiture of Recognizances for the breach of peace or good abearing, is also granted to the City, lib. alb. f. 49. 23. H. 6.

Seisure of the Liberties.

I find that King R. 2. Anno 16. Regni sui, did by ver∣ture of a statute, 28. E. 3. cap. 10, the which statute in King R. days, was by a bye-word, Flagellum Comit London, that is, the whip and scourge of the City of London, the statute shall be hereafter set down at large.

I say by this statute the King very easily found a quar∣rell against the City, and did by Commission ceize the liberties of the said City. The fault was for that the Ma∣jor

and Aldermen of the City did not correct nor pu∣nish, and this was all. But after in Anno 16. and 20. the same King restored the liberties again to the said City, lib, albo f. 45, a, b, c.

Search.

The generall search of survey government, correction and permission of all people, within this City aswel, De∣nizens and strangers in their sellings cuttings, workings, measurings, weighings, and in all and singular their other doings, done not only by custome, but also by Charter, belong to the Major of London for the time being, lib. al fol. 58, a, b, c, d. 20. H. 7.

This matter especially is most excellently well set down in the said Book. And King H. 7. hath granted for him his Heirs and Successors that neither the Kings of this Realm, nor any other person shall interrupt the Ma∣jor of London in the due execution and exercising of the premises: if this Charter were well looked unto, then enquire of what force all and singular these Charters are of, to whom the King hath granted to be Searcher, not only over their own companies, but also over others. As the Girdlers do attempt to search the Habberdashers, and Clothworkers, the Black-smiths do attempt to search the Iron-mongers, and such like others.

Southwarke.

A large Charter is granted for the liberties of South∣wark, and for correction of offences there, and a view of Franck-pledge with Arrests, and to bring the Offendors to New-gate. And to have as ample Liberties in South∣wark, as the King had, lib. albo fol. 41, b, c, d, e, 23 H. 6.

Toll.

The Offices of the gathering of the Toll, and of the custome in Cheap, Billings-gate, and Smithfield, is granted to the city, lib. alb. 46, b. 1. H. 4.

Treasure trove.

Treasure-trove, wait and Fellons, goods, and for stal∣lers

of victuals, and Regrators, both in London and upon the Thames, are granted to the City, lib. alb. f. 49. a, 23. H. 6.

Tronage.

Tronage, that is to say, the weighing of Lead, waxe, pepper, allom, madder, and of such like merchandize, are granted to the City, lib. albo f. 46, b.

Waste-grounds.

All the waste ground, or common grounds pur-pre∣stures, and approvements, and the Rents reserved of the same are granted to the City, aswell in the Land, as in the Thames, lib. alb. fol. 49, 23. H. 6.

Wools, Leaden-hall.

The tronage or weighing of wools shall be at Leaden Hall, which was wont to be at Westminster, lib. alb. fol. 55. 3. E. 4.

FINIS.