Antiquities of the city of Exeter collected by Richard Izacke ...

Regna Regum 26. Henry. the 6. An. D. 1447.

Mayors and Bayliffs

• John Shilling ford
  • John Germin
  • John Hamond
  • Nicholas Hamlyn
  • John Spine

This Mayor was a very wise Man, and well learned in the Laws of the Realm, bold, and sturdy, and in his Government very just and upright, and so well directed he the same, to the great benefit of the Common-Wealth, of this City as few of his Predecessors had done better: In his time was the long and troublesome suit be∣tween Bishop Lacy and the Dean and Chap∣ter of this Church, against the Mayor and Commonalty of this City, touching their li∣berties, which suit this Mayor did follow with all care and diligence, which was re∣ferred to Thomas Courteney Earl of Devon, and Sir William Bonvill Knight, who deter∣mined the said differences by their Award, one branch whereof was, That the Mayors and Bailiffs, their Successors and Officers, should for ever thereafter carry their Maces within the said. Church of St. Peter's, Ceme∣tary and Fee, without disturbance of the Bishop, Dean, and Chapter, and their Suc∣cessors, or any of their Officers, which the rather I here insert, for that of late some opposition hath been hereunto made.

Exbridge was now in great decay, the stone work thereof being much foundred, and the higher part being all of Timber was consumed and worn away; And this Mayor being of good credit, and acquainted with John Kemp then Arch-Bishop of York, and Cardinal, and one of the Executors of Henry Beauford, Cardinal and Bishop of Winchester (who for his Wealth was called the rich Cardinal:) This Mayor requested the said Arch-Bishop Kemp to contribute some relief towards the new building of the said Bridge, which he promised, but the Mayors sudden death thereafter frustrated both the promise and expectation.