The charters of London: or, The second part of Londons liberty in chaines discovered.: In which by the ancient, rationall, and fundamentall charters of the famous City of London, is proved and declared, that it is the true and undeniable right of all and every the barons, burgesses, free-men, or commoners of London, to have their free vote in chusing out, annually from amongst themselves, a lord major, two sheriffes, and all their alder-men; ... with divers other things worth the knowledg of all the free-men, not only of London, but of all England. For whose good this is published by Lieut. Col: John Lilburn, prisoner in the Tower of London, for the common liberties of the kingdome against the usurpations of the House of Lords.

The Charter of the second yeare of King Henry the fifth, Part. 2. No. 11.

THE King to them before said Greeting. We have under∣stood and seene a Charter of Lord Henry our father late King of England L: Henry made in these words, Henry, &c. We have seen also the Tenour of a Charter of Lord Henry somtimes King of England our Progenitor.

Henry by the grace of God, King of England.

To our Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and Bishops, and Abbots, and Earles, and Barrons, and Iustices, and Sheriffes, and all o∣ther his faithfull French and English of all England,

Know ye That we have granted to my CITIZENS of LONDON, to hould Middlesex by Farme for 300. l. upon accompt, to them and their heires of me and my heires; So as the said CITI∣ZENS shall appoint a Sheriffe whom there they please of them∣selves, and a Iustice whomsoever and what person soever of them∣selves they please, to keepe the Pleas of my Crowne, which are to be pleaded for the same; And none other shall be Justice o∣ver the men of London, and the CITIZENS shall not pleade without the walles of London in any plea, and they shall be discharged and free of scot and lot of daneget and of murther, and none of them shall make warre. And if any Citizen bee

impleaded upon pleas of the Crowne, (by oath that he was adjudged in the City) a man of London may discharge himselfe and within the Walles of the City, none may be lodged, either of my Houshold, neither by other force delivered to any, and all men of London shall be discharged and free (and all their goods) throughout all England and Seaports of Toll, and pas∣sage and Lastage and all other Customes, and the Churches and every the BARRONS and CITIZENS may have and hould well and in peace their Sokes with all Customes, so that stran∣gers that do lodge in the Sokes, shall pay no Custome but to him whose Soke it is, or to his Servant whom he hath there placed, & a man of London shall not be Iudged in the amercements of mony, but according to custome (to wit) in 100. s. I say the pleas which concerne Amerciaments and miskenning or false Iudgement shall not be any more in hustings nor in folke∣mote, nor in other pleas within the City, and the hustings shall sit once in a week (to wit) on Monday. And I will cause the CITIZENS to have their Lands and Pledges, and what is due unto them within the City, and without, And I will do right to them by the Law of the City for the Lands which they clayme of me, and if any shall take Tole or Custome of my CI∣TIZENS of LONDON,

The CITIZENS of London in the City may take of the Burrough or of the Towne where the Tole or Custome was taken so much as the man of London for Tole gave;

And moreover, for his dammage which he shall receive, and all debtors, who owe debts to the CITI∣ZENS of LONDON shall pay them in London, or shall discharge themselves in London that they owe not, but if they will not pay the same, nor discharge themselves; Then the CITIZENS of LONDON of those that owed them debts, may take their Pledges or Distresses in the City of London, of that Burrough or village, or of that County in which he a∣bideth who oweth the debt. And the CITIZENS of LONDON may have their Chases to Chase, as well and fully as their pre∣decessors had (to wit) In Chiltre and Middlesex, and Surrey.

Witnesss, Bishop of Winton, and Robert the Son of Rich∣ard, and Hugh Bigot, and Allvero of Totnes, and William of White-thorne, and Hubard the Kings Chamberlaine, and William of Mount-Fitcher, and Hangulfe of Taney, and

Iohn Bellet, and Robert the Sonne of Syward

at West∣minster.

Moreover we have seen a Charter of our progenitor Lord Henry the second, somtime King of England, made in these words.

Henry King of England, and Duke of Normandy and Aqui∣taine, and Earle of Anjou.

To our Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earles, Barrons, Iustices, Sheriffes, Ministers, and al-our faithfull Subjects of all England, French, or English, Gree∣ting

Know ye, that I have granted to my Citizens of Lon∣don, that none of them pleade another without the walles of London, besides pleas of forraigne tenures, except my mony Coyners and Servants And we have also granted them a¦quittance of murther within the Citty, and in Porte Soke, and that none of them be inforced to make Duell, and that they may discharge themselves of pleas belonging to the Crowne, according to the ancient Custome of the said City, and that within the walles of London none take up lodging by force, or appointment of the Marshall. And this also I have granted to them, That all Citizens of London be free of Toll, and Lastage throughout all England, and Sea-ports, and that none of them be judged in mercy of mony or amerced, but according to the Law of the City of London, which it had in the time of King Henry, my Grand-father; and that in the City miskenning or false Iudgement be in no plea, and that hustings be houlden but weekly, onely once in the week, and that they may justly hould their Lands and Tenures and pledges and all debts, who∣ever he be that is indebted to them, and that right be done un∣to them of their Lands and Tenures, which be within the Ci∣ty, of all their debts which were borrowed at London, according to the Custome of the City, and pleas held at London, and of Pledges there made

And if any in all England take toll or Custome of the men of London,

after such shall fayle to do right

The Sheriffe of London may take distresse thereupon at London, Also I grant to them that they have their Chases, wheresoever they had them in the time of my Grandfather King Henry.

Moreover also, for the amend∣ment of the City of London, I have granted to them, That all of them be free and discharged of Bridge-toll, and Childewite, and of Ieresgreene, and of Scotale, so that my Shrieffe of London or

any other Bailiffe make no Scotale. These said Customs I grant,

and all other liberties and free Customs which they had in the time of King H••nry my Grand-father; when they had them better and more free.

Wherefore I will and firmly command that they and their heires may have and hold of me and mine heires, all the things aforesaid for Inheritance.

Wit∣nesses Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury, Richard Bishop of London, Phillip Bishop of Bath, Edward Bishop of Exeter, Thomas the Chancelor, R••bert of Newburgh of St. Wal∣leries, Roger of Warren, Walter Munmouth, Richard of Lu∣cy, Gerold Son of Gerold Marm Biset, Longe of Ballioll,

at Westminster.

We have understood and seene a Charter of our Progenitor Lord Richard the first, somtime King of England, made in these words.

Richard, by the grace of God, King of England, Duke of Nor∣mandy, Aquintaine, Earle of Anjou.

To our Arch-Bishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earles, Barrons, Justices, Sheriffes, Ministers, and all our faithfull Subjects of all England, French, and English, greeting.

Know ye, that we have granted to our Citizens of London, that none of them (except our Coyners and Servants) plead or sue without the walles of London, of any pleas, besides forraign Tenures. Also we have granted to them a discharge of Murther within the City of London, and in Portesoke, and that none of them be enforced to wage Combat, and that they may acquit themselves of the pleas belonging to the Crowne, according to the ancient custome of the City, and that none take up any lodg∣ing within the walles of the City by force, or appointment of the Marshall, These we have also granted to them.

That all Citizens of London be acquitted and free of Toll, and La∣stage, throughout England, and all Seaports,

And that none be adjudged in mercy of mony, but according to the Law of the Ci∣ty, which they had in the time of Henry, Grandfather to Hen∣ry our Father, and that miskenning our false Judgment in the City be in no pleas, and that Hustings be houlden but once in the week. And that they may justly have their Lands and Tenures, and Pawnes, and Pledges, and debts, whosoever he be indebt∣ed

unto them and right be done to them for their Lands and Tenures which are within the City according to the Custome of the City, and pleas be houlden at London for all debts which became due and contracted for at London, and for pawnes or weds there made.

And if any in all England shall take Tole or Custome of the men of London; after that such a one fail to do right, The Sheriffe of London may take a distresse thereupon at London.

We grant also to them, that they may have their Chases, where∣soever they had them in the time of King Henry, Grandfather unto Henry Our Father.

Moreover also, for the amendment of the City, we have grant∣ed to them; That all of them be acquit of Bridtoll, and of Child∣wite, and of Jerrisgreen, and of Scotale. So as our Sheriffe of Lon∣don, or any other Bayliffe do not make Scotale.

These aforesaid Customes we grant to them, and all other Li∣berties and free Customes, which they had in the time of King Henry, Grandfather unto Henry our Father, when they had them better and more free.

Wherefore we will, and firmly command; that they and their Heires, all these aforesaid, may have and hold as their Inheritance, and hold of us and our heires:

Witnesses, Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, Richard Bishop of London, Hugh Bishop of Dur∣ham, Gilbert Bishop of Rochester, Hugh Bishop of Lincoln, Ralph Earl of Chester, Richard Earl of Clare, William Marshal, Roger Bygot, Galfride Son of Peter, Hugh Bardolfe, Wil. Brewer, William of Warren,

Given by the hand of William Bishop of Ely, our Chan∣cellor at Winton, the 23. day of April, in the fifth yeare of Our Reign.

We have viewed also another Charter of Our Progenitor the said Lord the King, made in these words;

Richard by the grace of God, King of England, Duke of Norman∣dy, Aquitane, and Earl of Anjou;

To Our Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earles, Barrons, Justices, Sherieffes, Stewards, Castle-Keepers, Constables, Bailiffes, Ministers, and all his faithfull subjects greeting.

Be it known unto you all, that we for the health of our Soule, and for the health of the Soule of King Henry our Father, and the Soules of our Predecessors, and also for the common profit of our City of London, and our whole Realme of England have granted and firmly commanded that all the Weeres which be in the Thames; be removed, wheresoever in Thames they be, and from henceforth Weeres be not set any where in Thames, we have also quite claymed all that which the Keepers of our Tower of London do use yeerly to take of the aforesaid Weeres, wherefore we will and firmly command

that not any Keeper of our Tower aforesaid at any time hereafter take any thing of any man, neither bring any demand, or burthen, or trouble upon any, by reason of the said Weeres, for it is fully made appeare unto us,

and by our Reverend Father Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, and other our faithfull Ministers; we fully understand, that great losse and disprofit did come unto our said City of London, and also to our whole Realme, by reason of those weeres, which that it may continue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sure for ever, we have confirmed these pre∣sents by hand writing and putting to our seale thereto

Wit∣nesse Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, Iohn Bishop of Worcester, Hugh Bishop of Coventry, Iohn Earle of Morton, (who was afterward King Iohn) Ralph Earle of Chester, Robert Earle of Leicester, William Earle of Arun∣del, Earle William Marshall, William of St. Maries Church, Peter Son of Herbert, Mathew his brother, Symon of Ky∣mascheir of Rumsay.

Given by the hand of Mr. Eustace, Deane of Sarum, Vice-Chancellour, then being at the Isle of Andelazio 14. of Iuly 8. yeare of our Raigne.

We have seen also another Charter of our Progenitour Lord Iohn late King of England, made in these words.

King Iohn. First Charter,

Iohn by the grace of God King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy, and Aquaintaine, and Earle of Anjou.

To his Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earles, Barrons, Ju∣stices, Sheriffes, Ministers, and all our faithfull subjects French and English, Greeting.

Know ye that we have grantes! to our CITIZENS of LON∣DON

that none of THEM (except our Coyners and Servants) be impleaded without the walles of the City of any pleas, be∣sides pleas of forraigne Tenures out of the liberties. We have granted also to THEM acquittance of murther within the Ci∣ty and Suburbs, and that none of THEM be compelled to wage battayle, and that they may discharge THEMSELVES of the pleas belonging to our Crowne, according to the anci∣ent Custome of the City, and that within the walles of the City, nor Subburbs no man take up lodging by force or ap∣pointment of the Marshall.

This we have also granted to THEM, that ALL THE CI∣TIZENS of LONDON be aquit of Tole, and Lastage, and of all other Customes through all our dominions on this side of the Sea and beyond. And that none in mercy of money be judged or amerced, but according to the Law of the City which they had in the time of King Henry, Grandfather of Henry our Father. And that misk••nning or false Iudgment, be not in any pleas in the City, and that Hustings be holden onely but once in a week: And that they justly have all their Lands, and Tenures, and Pawnes, and debts of him, who ever he be that is indebted to them, and that right be holden to them of their Lands and Tenures which are within the City, according to the customes of the City, and of all their debts which were borrowed at London, and of Pawnes there made unto them, the pleas thereof shall be houlden at London, and if any within any of our Domini∣ons on this side of the Sea, or beyond, or in any parts of the Sea, shall take any Toll, or any other Custome of the men of Lon∣don, after that he shall faile to do right. The Sheriffe of Lon∣don may take therefore a distresse at London. We grant also to them, that they have their Chases wheresoever they had them in the time of King Henry Grandfather to Henry our Father. Moreover also for the amendment of THE CITY, we have granted to THEM that they be ALL acquit and discharged of Bridg-toll, and Childwite, and of Ieresgreene, and of Scotale, so that our Sheriffe of London, or any other Bayliffe, do not make Scotale. These aforesaid Customs we have granted to THEM, and all other liberties and free Customs which THEY had in the time of King Henry, Grandfather to Henry our Father, when they

had them better, or more free. Wherefore we will and strictly command, that THEY and THEIR Heires, have fully and for inheritance, wholly, all these aforesaid, and hold of us and our Heirs.

WITNESSES H. Archbishop of Canterbury our Chan∣cellor, W. Bishop of London, E. Bishop of Ely, G. Bishop of Winton; G. Bishop of Rochester, Geffrey sonne of Peter Earle of Essex, Willi∣am Marshall Earle of Pembroke, Hamel Earle of Warren, Richard Earle of Clare, Roger le Bigot, William Earle of Arundell, William of Braus, Robert sonne of Roger, Hugh Bard, W. Bridgwarren, W. of Warren, Stephen of Turnham, Simon of Pateshill.

Given by the hand of the aforesaid H. Archbishop of Canterbury our Chan∣cellor, at Sorham, the seveneteenth of June, in the first yeare of our reigne.

We have also viewed another certain Charter of the said Lord John, made in these words,

K. Iohns second Charter.

John by the grace of God King of Eng∣land, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy, Aquitain, and Earle of Anjou.

To his Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earles, Barons, Justices, Sheriffes, Stewards, and all our Bailiffes and faithful sub∣jects, greeting.

Know yee, that we have granted, and by this present Charter con∣firmed to the CITIZENS OF LONDON, the She∣riffwick of Middlesex, with all things and customes which apper∣tain to the said Sheriffwick, within the Citie and without, by land and by water, to have and hold to THEM and THEIR HEIRES for ever, of us and our heires; paying there for year∣ly to us and our heires, 300. l. Sterling Blankes, at two tearmes of the yeare, To wit, at the Exchequer at Easter, 150. l. and at the Exchequer 150. l. at Michaelmas; saving to the CITIZENS OF LONDON all their Liberties and free Customes. Fur∣thermore, we have granted to the CITIZENS OF LON∣DON, That they OF THEMSELVES may make She∣riffes whom THEY will, and remove them when they please; and that they present these whom they make Sheriffes, to our Justi∣stices, who may answer to us; as our Barons of the Exchequer, for these things belonging to the said Sheriffwicks, of which they ought to answer to us: And if they do not fully answer and satisfie the CITIZENS OF LONDON are to answer and satisfie of the Amercement of the Farm; saving to our said CITIZENS

their liberties as aforesaid, and saving to the said Sheriffes the same liberties which other the said Citizens of London have, yet so that if those which for the time being shall be appointed Sheriffes, shall commit any offence; wherefore they ought to incurr the mercy of mony, or be amerced, shall be adjudged or condemned in no more but in forfeiture of 20. l. (AND THAT WITHOVT LOSSE OR PREJVDICE OF OTHER Citizens.) If the Sheriffs be not able to pay the forfeiture, But if they commit any offence for which they ought to undergoe the tryall of life or member, they are to be judged as they ought by the Law of the Ci∣ty; But of that which belongs to the Sheriffwick, the Sheriffes shall answer in our Exchequer, before our Barons, Saving to the said Sheriffes the liberties which other Citizens of London have.

This grant and confirmation we have made to our Citizens of London, for the amendment of the said Citie. And because an∣ciently it hath been accustomed to be let to farm for 300 pounds, Wherefore we will and firmly command, that our citizens of London and their heires have and hold of us and our heirs for ever, and by inheritance freely and quietly, honorably and fully, the said She∣riffwick of London and Middlesex by the aforesaid Farme of 300. pound. And we forbid that not any presume to make any let or hin∣drance to the citizens of London of that which belongs or was accu∣stomed to belong to the said Sheriffwick. Also Wee will and com∣mand, that if We, our heires, or any of our Justices, have given or granted to any, ought of that which belongs to the Farme of the foresaid Sheriffwick; the same shall be yearly allowed upon ac∣count in the Exchequer to the citizens of London, in discharge of their Farme.

WITNESSES. E. Bishop of Ely, S, Bishop of Bath, Willam Marshall Earle of Pembroke, Rand Earle of Che∣ster, Wil. Earle of Arundel, Robert sonne of Walt. Will. of Albans,

Given by the hand of H. Archbishop of Canterbury our Chancel∣lor, at Bona villa upon Toke. the fifth of July, in the first yeare of our reigne.

Moreover wee have seen another certaine Charter of the said Lord Iohn our Progenitor made in these words.

K. Johns third charter.

Iohn by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy, Aquitaine, and Earle of Anjou.

To our Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earles, Barrons, Justices,

Sheriffes, Stuards, Castle-Keepers, Constables, Bayliffes, Mi∣nisters, and other his faithfull subjects, greeting.

Be it knowne unto you all, that we for the health of our Soule, and for the health of the Soule of King Henry our Father, and the Soules of our Progenitors, and also for the common profit of our City of London, and our whole Realm, have granted and firmly commanded that all the Weeres which are in Thames or Medewayes, wheresoever they be in Thames or Medeways, be removed thence and from henceforth no Weeres be set any where in Thames or Medeway, upon for∣feiture of ten pounds starling; We have also quite claimed all that which our Keepers of our Tower of London were wont yearly to take of the said Weeres; Wherefore we will and firmly command, that not any Keeper of the aforesaid Tower; at any time hereafter exact any thing of any, nor bring upon any, demand, burthen, or trouble by reason of the afore∣said Weeres; for it is clearly made known unto us, by our re∣verend Father Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, and by other our faithfull subject, •…•… it is fully given us to understand, that very great losse and disprofit did come to our said City, and also to our whole Realme, by reason of the said Weeres, which that it may continue firme and sure for ever; we have confirm∣ed by our inscription of this present Charter, and by putting thereto our Seal,

Witnesses, W. B. of London, E. Bishop of Ely. W. Bishop of Winton, Galfride Son to Peter, Earle of Essex, William Mariscall Earle of Pambroke, Henry Earle of Warwick Earle Roger of Bigot, R. Earle of Clare, William of Bruce, Ro∣bert Son of Roger, Hugh Bard, William Brewer, Stephen of Turneham. William of Warren, Simon de Pateshill.

Given by the hand of Hub: Archbishop of Canterbury, our Chancellor at Sorham the 17. day of June, in the first year of our Raigne.

We have also seen another certain Charter of the foresaid Lord John, in these words:

4. K. Iohns fourth charter.

John by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy, and Aquitane, and Earle of Anjou:

To his Arch∣bishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earles, Barons, Justices, Sheriffes, Stewards, and his Bailiffes, and faithful subjects, Greeting.

Know yee, that we have granted, and by these present Charters confirmed to our BARONS OF OVR CITY OF LON∣DON, that THEY May of THEMSELVES chuse yearly a MAJOR, who is to us faithfull, discreet, and fit for the Government of the Citie; so that when he shall bee chosen, he shall be presented to us, or to our Iustice, if we be not present, and to sweare to us fidelity; And that they may at the end of the yeare remove him, and appoint another, or continue him, if they please. Notwithstanding so, that he be shewed to us, or to our Iustice, if we be not present. We have also granted to our said BARONS, and by this Charter confirmed, That they may well, peaceably, qui∣etly, and fully have all their liberties which heretofore they have u∣sed, as well in the Citie of London, as without, as well by water as by land, and in all other places, saving to us our Chamberlengarie. Wherefore wee will and firmly command, that our said BA∣RONS OF OVR SAID CITY OF LONDON, may chuse yearly to themselves, a Major of themselves, after the aforesaid manner: and that they may well and in peace, whol∣ly and fully have the aforesaid liberties with all things ap∣••ertaining unto the said liberty, as is aforesaid.

WITNESSE the Lords, P. Bishop of Winton, W. Bishop of Wigorn, W. Bishop of Coventry, William Brigwer, Peter, son of Herbert, Galfride of Lu∣cy, and John son of Hugh.

Given by the hand of Mr. Rich. de Ha∣riscis our Chancellor, at the new Temple London, 9. day of May, in the 16. yeare of our reigne.

Moreover, we have seen another certain Charter of the fore∣said Lord John, made in these words:

K. Iohns fifth Charter.

John by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy, and Aquitane, and Earle of Anjou

To his Arch∣bishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earles, Barons, Iustices, Sheriffes, and all our Bailiffes, and faithfull subjects, Greeting,

Know yee, that we at the Petition of our Major and CITI∣ZENS of London, have granted, and by this present Charter confirmed, that the Weavers Guild from henceforth be no more in the citie of London, nor any more revived, &c.

We have also seen another certain Charter of the said Lord Henry, made in these words:

Henry by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy and Aquitane, Earle of Anjou;

To his Archbi∣shops, Bishops, Abbots, Earles, Barons, Iustices, Sheriffes, Ste∣wards, and all our Bailiffes and faithfull subjects, greeting.

Know yee, that we have granted, and by this our present Charter confirmed to our BARONS OF OUR CITY OF LONDON, That THEY may of THEMSELVES chuse every yeare a MAJOR, who is to us to bee faithfull, discreet, and fit for the government of the Citie: So that when he shall be chosen, he be presented to us, or our Iustices, if we be not present, and sweare to us fidelity. And that it may be lawfull for them at the end of the yeare to remove him, and appoint ano∣ther, or continue him if they please; yet so as that the be shewed to us or our Iustices, if we be not present. We have also granted to our said BARONS, and by this our Charter confirmed, That they well and in peace, freely, quietly, and wholly, may have and enioy all their liberties, which heretofore they have u∣sed, as well in the citie as without; as well by water as by land and in all other places; saving to us our Chamberidge. Where∣fore we will and firmly command, THAT OUR SAID BARONS OF LONDON MAY OF THEM∣SELVES every year chuse for THEMSELVES a Ma∣ior after the aforesaid manner; and that they may well and in peace wholly and fully have and enioy all the said liberties, with all things belonging to the same liberties, as the Charter of our Father, Lord John, Noble King of the English (which we have seen) doth rationably testifie.

Hitherto this agreeth with the Record.

W. COLET.

7. Octob. 1646.

We have also seen a charter of Lord Edward, sonne of King Edward, late King of England, our progenitor, made in these words:

Edward by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitane:

To all to whom these present letters shall come, greeting.

Know yee, that whereas our beloved and trusty, the Major, Aldermen, and the rest of the Citizens of our Citie of London, for the betterment of the said City, and for the common profit of the Inhabitants in the same Citie, and of such as repaire and come to the same, did among themselves ordaine and enact cer∣taine things to be for ever observed in the said City, and ear∣nestly supplicated us, that we would take care to accept and con∣firme the same, we having seene certaine letters pattents touch∣ing the premises, signed with the common Seale of the said City, and with the Seale of the office of the Majoralty of the same City concerning the premises being open and presented to us; we have caused certaine Articles to be drawne out of the said letters pa∣tents, and the same in some things to be corrected as here follow∣ing they are set down, that is to say, [article 1] That the Major, and Sheriffs of the said City be chosen by the Citizens of the same City ac∣cording to the Tenure of the Charters of our Progenitors for∣merly Kings of England therefore made unto them, and not o∣therwise. [article 2] And the Major of the citie aforesaid shall not abide in the office of his Majoralty, at one time, above one year. [article 3] And that none of the Sheriffes of the citie for the time being, have but two Clerks, and two servants, in regard of that office. [article 4] And that they take such Clerks and serjeants at their own peril, for whom they will answer. [article 5] And that the Major of the citie aforesaid, while he is Major, hold no other office belonging to the citie then the office of the Majoralty of the same citie. [article 6] Neither draw unto him, or hold before him in the chamber of the said citie, any Vicecountill plea, nor any other pleas then those which accor∣ding to the ancient custome of the said citie, as Major, he ought to hold. [article 7] And that the Aldermen of the said citie from yeare to yeare, and especially upon the day of St. Gregory the Pope, by the said Comonalty be removeble; and being removed, may not be chosen again for the ensuing yeare. But in stead of those that bee remo∣ved,

others be chosen by the same Wards of which the Alder∣men so removed were: [article 8] And that Tallages or Aids for the use of us, our heires, or for the State or profit of the said citie from henceforth in the same, to be assessed, after they be assessed by men of the Wards chosen or deputed for that end, may not be increa∣sed, or raised by the Major, Aldermen, or others, but by the com∣mon consent of the Major and Commonalty of the citie afore∣said. [article 9] And that the monies arising from such Tallages, or aids, be delivered in to the custody of foure honest commoners of the citie aforesaid for that end, to be chosen by the commonalty of the said citie, to be paid over by the testimony of the same 4. men; so that the said foure men may be able to inform the said Commo∣nalty, for what profit and what uses the said monies went. [article 10] And that no stranger or or alien be admitted into the freedome of the said citie, but in the Hustings. [article 11] And that a Native, and especial∣ly an English Merchant of any trade or calling, be not admitted into the liberty of the said citie, but by the manucaption of six honest and able men of the trade or c••lling of which he shall be who is so to be made free; which said six men shal becom bound for him to be made free, for keeping the citie harmlesse on that behalfe. [article 12] And the same manner or form of manucaption shall be observed of the strangers or aliens aforesaid, who are to bee made free of the said citie in the Hustings, if they be of any cer∣tain trade or office. And if they be of no trade, then they may not be made free of the said Citie, without the assent of the Com∣monalty of the said citie. [article 13] And they that were made free of the ci∣tie, since we took upon us the government of our Realm, contrary to the formes prescribed, and who against their oathes in this be∣halfe taken, or against the State of the citie have acted and been lawfully thereof convicted, shall forfeit their freedome of the citie; Provided alwayes, that the ancient manner and form of the city aforesaid of Apprentices in the same citie, be observed. [article 14] And that every yeare in the said citie, so often as need shall require, inqui∣sition be made, if any free-man of the said citie, shall sell in the citie the goods of others, who are not free of the citie, by calling those goods their own, contrary to their oath, and the freedome of the said Citie: those that shall be thereof lawfully convicted, doe forfeit their freedome of the citie. [article 15] And that all and every of

those which are free of the City aforesaid, and willing to enjoy the liberties and free Customes of the said City, be in Lot and Scot, and partakers of all charges for the State of the said City aforesaid, and for maintaining the freedome thereof, according to the Oath which they did take, when they were made free, [article 16] And he that will not this do, doth forfeit the freedome of the City; And that all and every who be free of the said City, and dwell with∣out the same, and do exercise marchandize by themselves or A∣gents within the City, Be in Lot and Scot with the Commons of the City for the said Merchandize, or otherwise, they shall forfeit their Freedome; [article 17] And that main common Seale of the City aforesaid, re∣in the custody of two Aldermen, and two other Commoners to bee chosen for it by the COMMONS of the City; And that the said Seal be not denyed to the poor; nay, rich Commoners of the City aforesaid, whensoever they stand in need of it, while they can reasonably prove the cause or demand. [article 18] And that nothing be taken for the setting to of the said Seal. [article 19] And that Redditions of Judg∣ments in the Courts of the City, and especially after verdict of Inquisitions taken in cases where Inquisitions are taken, shall not be hindered or retarded, unlesse some difficulty fall out; And if difficulty fall out, yet for this they shall not remain beyond the third Court to be holden after. [article 20] And that weights and measures of Merchandize, to be measured betwixt Merchant and Merchant of which the profits arising, and the Cognizance of the same, be∣long to the COMMONALTY of the said City, remain in the keeping of honest and able men of the City, skilfull in that Cal∣ling, and to be chosen for this by the COMMONALTY of the City to be kept at the pleasure of the said COMMONALTY, and it to be intrusted by no meanes to any other, but to such so to be chosen. [article 21] And that the Sheriffs of the City aforesaid for the time being, may set the Toll and other Customes belonging to their Farm, and other publike offices belonging to them (and to be ex∣ercised by others) to able Citizens (if they will set them) for whom the Sheriffes themselves will answer, and to none other. [article 22] And if any Deputed to any of the premises, undue customs, or shall otherwise behave himself, in that office then he ought, and at the Sute of the Complainant be thereof convicted, Be put out of that Office, and punished according to his demerits. [article 23] And that

Marchants who are not of the Freedome of the City aforesaid may not sell any wines, or other wares within the City or the Suburbs thereof by Retaile. And that B••okers of any Marchan∣dize in the City aforesaid may not be, except they be chosen by Marchants of those Trades; in which these Brokers have had their Callings to exercise; and upon this at the least take oath be∣fore the Major of the said City. [article 25] And that all common Inkeepers in the said City and Suburbs thereof; though they be not of the Freedome of the City, but partakers of the charges belonging to the said City, for maintaining the State of the City, so long as they be common Inkeepers; as other the like Inkeepers in that City and Suburbs shall partake, by reason of the Inkeepers; pro∣vided alwayes, that Marchants of Gascoign, and other strangers al∣wayes may dwell and lodge together in the said City, as former∣ly they were accustomed to do. [article 26] And that the keeping of the Bridg of the City aforesaid, and the Rents and Profits belonging to the said Bridge, be committed to two honest and able men of the ci∣ty aforesaid, others then Aldermen, to be chosen for that purpose, by the Commonalty of the said City, to bee kept at the pleasure of the Commonalty of the said City, & who are able to answer to the cōmonalty of the said ity for the same and not to any others. [article 27] And that no Sergeant of the chamber of Guildhal of the city aforesaid, take fee of the cōmonalty of the said City, or make execution, un∣lesse he be thereunto chosen by the Cōmonalty of the city for that end. [article 28] And that the Chamberlain, Common-Clark, and Common-Serjeant of the City aforesaid, be chosen by the Commonalty of the said City; and removed at the pleasure of the said Commo∣nalty. [article 29] And that the Major and Recorder of the said City, and the said Chamberlain and Common-Clark, be content with their Fees appointed, & paid of old, by reason of their office: And other fees they may not take for their offices abovesaid. [article 30] And that the Goods of Aldermen of the said city, be taxed as the Goods of o∣ther Citizens, in Aydes, Tallages, and other Contributions hap∣pening in the city, by men of the Wards, where these Aldermen abide:

Which Articles as they are before expressed, and contained in the same; we accept and ratifie; And the same for us, and our Heires, as much as in us be, Doe grant and confirme to the said

Citizens, and their Successors in the City and Suburbs aforesaid; for the common profits of those that therein dwell, and of those that come thither, and the same to keep, and for ever to be obser∣ved.

Moreover, we being willing upon their Petition, to con∣fer more ample favour upon the Major, Aldermen, and Citizens; have granted to them for us and our Heires, That the Major, Aldermen, Citizens, and Commonalty of the Commons of the City aforesaid, and their Heires and Successors; for the necessities and pro∣fits of our said City, by THEIR COMMON CONSENT AMONG THEMSELVES, may assesse Tollage upon the goods within the City, as well upon Rents, as other goods and as well upon Trades as any other way, which they shall see expedi∣ent, and the same to levy without let of us, or our Heires, or our Ministers whomsoever; And that the monies arising out of such Tallages, remain in the custody of foure honest and lawfull men of the City, to be chosen for it by the COMMONALTY of the City, and expended out of their custody, for the necessities and profits of the said City, and not otherwise. In Testimony whereof, we have caused to be made these our Letters Pattents.

Witnesse our self

at Yorke, the 8. Day of June, the 12. Yeare of Our Raign.

We also, as much as in Us is, have accepted, approved, and by the Tenor of these presents, do grant and confirme unto the said Citizens, and their Heires and Successors. Citizens of the said Ci∣ty; the said Gifts, Grants, Confirmations, Restitutions, Innova∣tion and Ordinances aforesaid; And also, all other things in the Charters, Letters, and Tenor aforesaid contained; To have the same firme, and sure for us, and our heires, as the Charters, ••etters, and Tenor aforesaid, do fully testifie.

Moreover, we are willing to extend more ample favour unto the full to our said Citizens, which their lawfull merits and services deserve; have for Us, and our Heires (as much as in Us is) granted unto them; That although they, or their Predeces∣sors by some chance falling out, haue not fully hitherto used any, or some of the Liberties, Quittances, Grants, Ordinances, Free-Customes, and other things in the said Charters, Letters, and

Tenors contained; Neverthelesse, the said Citizens, and their Heires and Successors, Citizens of the said City; hereafter, may fully and freely for ever enjoy, and use all and every the Liber∣ties, Quittances, Grants, Ordinances, Free-customes, and all other things in the Charters, Letters, and Tenors aforesaid contained, of any of them, without let or hinderance of us and our Heires, Justices of Exchequer, Sheriffes, or other Bayliffes, or our Mini∣sters, or of the Heires of any of us▪

These WITNESSES, H. Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of all England, R. Bishop of London, H. Bishop of Winton our deal Vncle and Chancellour, N. Bishop of Bath & Wells; our most dear Brethren Tho: Duke of Clare, Iohn Duke of Bedford, Humphrey Duke of Gloueester, and our cozen Edward Duke of Yorke, Edmond the Marquis, Thomas Earle of Arundel our Treasurer, Richard Earl of Warwicke; Sir Henry Le-Scroope, Sir Henry Fitz-Hugh our Chamberlain, Sir Tho: Eriping∣ham Steward of our Houshold, Knights; Iohn Prophet Keeper of our Privie-Seal, and others.

Given by the hand of the King at Westminster, the 12. Day of July.

BY THE KING.

This agrees with the Record,

William Colet.

8. day of October, 1646.

A Clause of the 11. of King HENRY the Sixth.

The King

to the Major and Sheriffes of London, greeting.

WHereas, by the Charters of Our Progenitors, formerly Kings of England, WHICH WE HAVE CON∣FIRMED. It is granted to Our Citizens of Our City afore∣said; That they may choose Major, and Aldermen of themselves, when they please, and present them to Our Treasurer and Ba∣rons of the Exchequer, if we be not there, That they may be al∣lowed there, as the manner is; And now wee have understood, that although is hath been accustomed in times by-past, such E∣lections to be made by the Major and Aldermen and more dis∣creet men of the said City, for the same purpose specially summo∣ned and warned;

Neverthelesse, some who have no Interest in such Elections, nor ought to have Interest in those Elections, but with a rash boldnesse behaved themselves, do mixe themselves in, and many wayes hinder and trouble those Elections (which should be or∣derly and peaceably made) with their strong and importunate clamours: to the end, that such may be chosen, who afterwards may favour their wickednesse and errours; to that intent, the same be passed unpunished: Which if it should be suffered to be done, would manifestly tend to the dishonour of Our Crown and Dignity: as also, the subversion of the state of the City, and

to the trouble and commotion of our Citizens there; We therefore willing (as we are bound) to provide for the quiet and tranquility of the people, which are subject unto us, and apply a sitting remedy in this behalf,

We therefore command, and firmly injoyn you; that before the Elections to be made of the Major of the said city; you cause in our Name, through the whole City and the Liberties thereof, to be proclaimed, and staictly inhibited, that not any be at such Ele∣ction; but he that ought of right by the custome of the city to be present at it, by any means, nor by colour, or shift, do get him∣self in upon the Election, nor hinder or disturbe the same; But that the Election be made, and had of the Aldermen, and other more understanding and able Citizens of the said city (for it spe∣cially so warned and summoned, as by the custome of the said ci∣ty is to be made) Giving you for sure to understand, that when you shall present to us, or to our Treasurer, being chosen other∣wise, then as beforesaid, We will in no wise allow him. And all those whom you shall find acting contrary to the prohibition & inhibi∣tion aforesaid;

We will and command, and strictly injoyn you, that you arrest them, and them commit to our Prison, there to abide, untill wee shall give Directions for their Deliverance.

Witnesse the King

at Westminster the 7. day of October.

BY THE COUNCELL. This agrees with the Record.

William Colet.

8. Octob. 1646.

Notes

• Of the Cō∣firmation of Lon∣don.
• Hen. 1.
• Note this 1.
• Hen: 2.
• Rich: 1.
• Note this Mr. Lieute∣nant of the Tow∣er, and give o∣ver your unjust towling of fish & other bootes, sackbuts, and French Wine, Hogs∣heads, &c.
• By which is meant every free man of London. See Lon∣dons li∣berty in chaines discove∣red, p. 11. 12.
• Pat. 22. E 2. part 2. n. 3.
• Memorand. thot these Articles are confir∣med in the Rolls of the charters of the 15. year. of Ed. 3. nu 12. by the King & his Councell in Parliament.