WILLIAM Conq. Chart. 1.

THAT every one enjoy all the Laws that they enjoyed in King Edward's dayes, and that each Child be his Father's Heir after his Fa­ther's Death, and none to do Wrong.

Chart. 2. HENRY 1.

Grants to the Citizens of London, to hold Middlesex to Farm for 300 l. on Account that they place whom they will themselves Sheriffs, for keeping the Pleas of the Crown, and none other to be Justice over them.

None of the Citizens to plead without the Walls of London, and to be free from Scot and Lot.

If a Citizen be Impleaded, he shall discharge himself by Oath.

None to lodge within the Walls of the City by Force.

A Citizen to be Toll-free throughout England, and to hold their Sokes and Customes; and a Stranger to give Custome to none but to whom the Soke appertaineth.

He is not to be adjudged in Amerciaments of Money, but of 100 l. (meaning the Pleas which appertain to Money.)

No Miskenning to be in the Courts of the City, and the Hustings to sit every Munday.

Every Citizen shall enjoy his Goods, according to the Law of the City.

Debts owing in London, to be discharged in London, or else the Citizen to whom the Debt is due may take their Goods.

The Citizens may Hunt in Chiltrey, Surrey, and Middle­sex.

HENRY 2.

That none of the Citizens plead without the Walls, except in Foreign Tenures, except Monyers.

To be acquit of Murther, and not to wage Battail, and to discharge themselves of the Pleas of the Crown.

None to lodge by Force.

To be free from Toll throughout England.

No Amerciament but according to the Law of the City.

To be no Miskenning.

The Hustings to be kept once a Week.

Right is to be done to the Citizens of their Lands and Debts.

To have their Hustings kept wheresoever they had the same formerly.

The Citizens are to be Toll-free.

Also, for the Advancement of the said City, they are to be free of Bristol.

And confirms to them their Customes: to hold from him and his Heirs.

RICHARD 1. Chart. 1.

None to plead without the Walls (except Monyers.)

To be acquit of Murther, and none to wage Battail.

That they may discharge themselves of the Pleas be­longing to the Crown.

None to take Lodgings by force.

To be free from Toll and Bestage throughout England, and all Sea-Ports.

None to be adjudged of Amerciaments of Money, but according to the Law of the City.

That there be no Miskenning in any Plea within the City.

The Hustings to be kept once a Week.

That Right be done according to the Custome of the City, of all their Lands and Tenements, and of their Debts.

If any in all England shall take Toll of the men of Lon­don, after that, he shall fail of Right; and the Sheriff of London may take his Goods therefore at London.

To have their Hustings where they formerly had the same.

And confirms to them their Liberties and Free Cu­stoms, as they had the same formerly. To hold of him and his Heirs.

RICHARD 1. Chart. 2.

That all Weares be removed in the Thames, and that none be put any way within the Thames; and Quit-claims the Keepers of the Tower of London, who was wont to receive of the said Weares; and they are not to exact any thing for the future. And confirms the same.

JOHN, Chart. 1.

None to plead without the Walls, (his Monyers and Ministers excepted.)

Grants an Acquittal of Murther within the City, and in Portsoken, and none shall wage Battail.

That they may discharge themselves of the Pleas of the Crown.

No man shall take any Lodgings by Force, or delive­ry of the Marshal.

Citizens of London to be quit from Toll and Bestage throughout all his Lands, on this side, and beyond the Seas.

That none be judged for Amerciaments of Money, but according to the Law of the City.

That there be no Miskenning in any Plea.

The Hustings to be kept once every Week.

Justly to have their Lands and Tenures, and Premisses, and all other their Debts, whosoever owe them; and that Right be holden according to the Custom of the said City, of all their Debts due at London.

If any take Toll of the men of London, after that he shall fail of Right, may take Goods therefore at London.

That they may have their Huntings as formerly.

To be free of Bristol, and Childwite, and of Teresgite, and Scotale, so as the Sheriff, nor any other Bailiff may make any Scotale.

And grants the Customs they had in the Reign of Henry the First. To hold of him and his Heirs.

JOHN, Chart. 2.

Confirms to the Citizens of London the Sherifwick of London and Middlesex, To hold to them and their Heirs, of him and his Heirs, paying 300 l. at Easter and Michael­mas, saving to them their Liberties and Free Customs.

A Grant to the Citizens of London.

That they make Sheriffs whom they will, and to present to the Justices of his Exchequer, of those things (to whom the same belongs) whereof they ought to Answer, and satisfie the Amerciament.

That the Sheriffs for the time being shall not be amer­ced above 20 l. for any Offence they shall commit, but if they do any Offence that they ought to lose their Lives, they shall be adjudged as they ought, according to the Law of the City, and the Sheriffs to answer to the Justices of the Exchequer.

Because the Sherifwick of the City of London was in Ancient Times farmed at 300 l. he Confirms the same, To hold of him and his Heirs.

Forbids, that none do any damage to the Citizens of London; of those things which to the Sherifwick do, or were accustomed to appertain, the same shall be acquit­ted to the Citizens of London out of the Exchequer.

JOHN, Chart. 3.

The Weares in the Thames and Medway to be removed, and none to be put in the Thames.

That no Keeper of the Tower Exact any thing for the Weares. And Confirms the same.

JOHN, Chart. 4.

The Barons of London to choose a Major, who is to be presented to him or his Justices, and the said Major to swear to be faithful to him; and at the end of the year to amove him, and substitute another, or the same to re­turn to Us or our Justices. And Confirms the Liberties of the said City. Saving the Chamberlainship to the King.

JOHN, Chart. 5.

Confirms, That the Guild of Weavers be no more in the City, nor shall be at all maintained; but because it was a Custom yearly for them to pay 18 Marks, they shall pay the King 20 Marks at Michaelmas into the Ex­chequer.

HENR. 3. Chart. 1.

Confirms the Sherifwick of London and Middlesex, they paying yearly 300 l.

That the Citizens of London may make, and amove Sheriffs when they will, and to present them to his Ju­stices, and if the Sheriff do not Answer the Amerciaments, the Citizens of London shall; and if the Sheriffs commit any thing whereby they ought to be amerced, they shall not be condemned to be amerced to any more than 20 l.

If they do any Offence whereby to incur the loss of their Lives, they shall be adjudged according to Law.

The Citizens to hold the said Sherifwicks at 300 l. per Annum.

That none presume to do any hurt to the said Sherif­wick.

What the said King takes away, to be allowed on Ac­count of the Farm.

HENR. 3. Chart. 2.

That the Barons choose a Major, who is to be presented to the said King, or his Justices; and at the end of the year to amove him, and substitute another, or to retain him still, so as he be presented.

To enjoy their Liberties, saving the Chamberlainship.

HENR. 3. Chart. 3.

Commands all Weares to be removed out of the Thames, or Medway.

And that the Keepers of the Tower do not exact any thing for Weares.

That great hurt hath grown to the City and Realm by Weares. Confirms the same.

HENR. 3. Chart. 4.

No Citizen to plead without the Walls (except Mo­nyers and Ministers.)

Acquits Murther within the City and Portsoken, and none shall wage Battail.

That they may discharge themselves of Pleas belong­ing to the Crown.

That no man may take a Lodging by Force, or by de­livery of the Marshal.

The Citizens of London to be quit of Toll and Be­stage.

None to be condemned of Amerciaments, but accord­ing to the Law of the City.

That there be no Miskenning in any Pleading.

That the Hustings be kept once a Week.

That Right be holden to them of their Lands and Te­nures, according to the Custom of the City.

That Pleas be there holden of all Debts which be lent at London, and Promises there made.

If any take Toll he shall fail of Right; the Sheriffs of London, may take Goods.

To have Hunting as formerly.

To be quit from Bristol, Childwite, and Teresgite, and of all Scotals, so that the Shriff of London or any of the Bayliffs shall not make any Scotale. To hold of him and his Heirs.

HENR. 3. Chart. 5.

That all the Warren of Staines shall be unwarrened, so that they and their Heirs may have Liberty of Warren and Forrest in the said Warren, without the Contradiction of the Warrenner or Forester, and to be free of Exactions and Commands. The same to be unwarrened.

HENR. 3. Chart. 6.

There is another Charter of the same King, concerning Queen Hythe, reciting a Covenant made between the Earl of Cornwall, and the City of London, for certain Exacti­ons belonging to Queen Hythe; the said Earl granting for him and his Heirs, that the said Major, and all the Maj­ors after him, and Commonalty of the said City, may hold the said Queen Hythe with all their Liberties, Customs, &c. in Fee-Farm, paying yearly to the said Earl, his Heirs and Assigns 50. l. (viz.) at Easter 25. l. and St. Michael Th'archangel. The King, allowing of the said Covenant for him and his Heirs, Grants and Allows the same the 6th. of February, in the 31th. Year of his Reign.

HENR. 3. Chart. 7.

There is another Charter of the said King, wherein he grants for him and his Heirs, and confirmed it by Charter; That the Major and Citizens of London should hold all their Liberties and Free Customs (which they had in the time of King Henry his Grand-father, and his Ancestors Kings of England) for ever. The said King granted to the Citizens, that every Major they should choose (he not being at Westminster) they should present him to the Ba­rons of his Exchequer, that he may be admitted by them as Major; so that at the next coming of the King or his Heirs to Westminster, he may be presented, and so admit­ted Major. And the King Wills and Commands for him and his Heirs, that out of the Farm of the said City, there be allowed to the Sheriffs of the said City yearly in his said Accompt 7. l. at his Exchequer, for the Liber [...]y of St. Pauls; and that his Citizens throughout all his Do­minions, as well on this side, as beyond the Sea, be quit of all Toll and Custom for ever.

HENR. 3. Chart. 8.

There is another Charter of the aforesaid King, bear­ing Date the 11th. day of January, in the 50th. Year of his Reign; wherein he granted to the said Citizens, that they might traffick with their Merchandizes when they please, throughout his Dominions, as well by Sea as by Land, without Interruption of him or his, as they see ex­pedient, quit from Custom, Toll, &c. And may abide for their Trading wheresoever they please, till such time it shall be more fully ordered by his Councel, touching the State of the said City, Pro ut Letters Patents.

HENR. 3. Chart. 9.

There is another Charter of the said King, wherein he granted to his Citizens of London (for him his Heirs and Successors) whom of late has been received into his Grace and Favour, after divers Trespasses and Forfeitures of them and their Commonalty to him, for the which, both for Life and Member, and all other things belonging to the said City, they have submitted themselves to his Will. That none of them be compelled to plead out of the Walls of the said City, for any thing except forreign Te­nures. And except his Monyers and Officers. And except those things which shall happen to be done against his Peace, which according to the Common Law of the Realm, were wont to be determined in the parts where the Trespasses were done. And except Pleas concerning Merchandizing, which were wont to be determined ac­cording to the Law-Merchant in Burrough and Fairs. So yet notwithstanding that those Plaints be determined in Burroughs and Fairs by four or five of the said Citizens of London that shall be there present, saving to him the Amerciaments upon Pain of Forfeitures. He also grants to the said Citizens acquittal of Murther in the said City and in Portsoken, and that none of the Citizens may wage Battail. And that for the Pleas belonging to the Crown, chiefly those that may chance within the said City to discharge themselves of Pleas of the Crown, according to ancient Custom of the City; except that upon the Graves of the Dead, for that which they should have said if they had lived. It shall not be lawful to swear, but instead of those deceased, which before their Deaths to discharge those which concerning the things belonging to the Crown were called and received. There may other free and law­ful [Page 11] Men be chosen, which may accomplish that which by the deceased should have been done if they had lived. And within the Walls of the said City, none may take Lodgings forceably. He hath also granted the Citizens throughout all his Dominions wheresoever they come, to dwell with their Merchandizes. And also throughout all the Sea Ports, as well on this side as beyond the Seas, which shall be free of all Toll and Customs, &c. except every where his ancient Custom and Prices of Wines; That is to say, one Tun before and another behind the Mast, at 20. s. the Tun, to be paid in such Form, as he and his Ancestors have been accustom'd to have the said Prices. And if Toll or Custom shall be taken of the Ci­tizens of London, the Sheriff may take Goods therefore at London.

He also granted to them, that the Hustings be kept once a Week, and that only by one Day, so as those things within the same day that cannot be determined may continue till next Morning and no longer; and that Right be holden to them for their Rights and Tenures within the same City, according to the Custom of the said City; and Forreigners and Citizens may make their Attorneys as well in Pleading, as Defending; and that there may not be Miskening in any other Pleas; that is to say, if they have not declared altogether well, and of all their Debts which were lent at London, and Promises there made, Pleas be there Held according to the ancient Custom.

Further he granted to the City, that all be quit of Childwit and Jeresgive, and from Scotale; so that our She­riffs of London, nor any other Bayliff shall not make any Scotale. And also that the said Citizens may justly have and hold their Lands Tenures or Promises, and also their Debts whosoever shall owe them, and that no Merchant [Page 12] or other forestall any Goods coming to London to be sold upon Forfeiture of Imprisonment and the things bought. And that none put their Goods to Sale before Custom be paid, upon Pain of Forfeiture. And that no Merchant-Stranger, or other, do buy any Goods before they be weighed at the King's Beam, upon Forfeiture of the said Wares.

And also that those Debts which of Contracts or Loan shall be due unto them, shall be inrolled in the Ex­chequer, upon the Recognizance of those who shall stand bound. Nevertheless, no Debt to be inrolled, but testified by six or four Witnesses, who may be sufficient to answer as well for the Debt as for the Damages, which any may have of such Recognizances, if the same happen to be falsly done under their Names: And for every pound so inrolled, one penny to be paid towards the sustentation of those who at­tend; To hold to them and their Heirs, so long as they shall behave themselves well to the King and his Heirs; together with their just and reasonable Customs hereto­fore had, so as the Customs be not contrary to Law; saving in all things the Liberty of the Church of West­minster. But, as touching Jews and Merchant-Strangers he will provide as he sees expedient. Dated the 26th day of March, 1268.

EDWARD 1.

A Charter made by Edward the First to the City of London, dated April 18. Anno Domini 1298. In which Charter is contained, That the Citizens of London have been accustomed to present every Major before the Ba­rons of the Exchequer, the King not being at Westminster, that he may be admitted Major; The King, willing to shew more ample Favour to the said Citizens, Doth [Page 13] Grant to them, for him and his Heirs, the Major and Sheriffs, in absence of the King and Barons, to be pre­sented to the Constable of the Tower of London, yearly. Nevertheless, that at the next coming of the King or his Heirs to Westminster or London, the Major be presented and admitted, &c. And the King also Granted for him and his Heirs, to the Citizens and their Successors for ever, quit and free of Pannage, Pontage, and Murrage, throughout the Realm and Dominions. And that the Sheriffs amerced for any Offence, shall be amerced ac­cording to the measure of the Offence, as other the She­riffs of our Realm have been amerced for the like offence. And the Citizens to enjoy their Customes.

EDW. 2.

Letters Patents of Edward Son of Edw. King, &c. re­citing, Whereas the Major and good men of the City of London, have of late done the King Service with Armed men, &c. going with the King through divers parts of the Realm; The King, willing to indempnifie the said Major and Citizens, Hath granted to them, for him and his Heirs, That the Aids so done, shall not be prejudicial to the said Major and Citizens, and Successors, nor be drawn into Consequence or Example. Teste 12 Dec. 1322.

EDW. 3.

A Charter of Edw. the Third, by consent of Parlia­ment, hath Granted and Confirmed to the Citizens of London, the Liberties underwritten, To have and to hold to them, their Heirs, and Successors for ever: First, Whereas in the Great Charter of the Liberties of England is contained, that the City of London may have [Page 14] all the Ancient Liberties and Customs. And the said Ci­tizens at the time of making the Charter, from the time of St. Edward and William the Conquerour, had divers Liberties and Customs, as well by Charters as without Charter, by Ancient Custom, whereby, in divers the Circuits, and other the Courts of his Progenitors, as well by Judgments as by Statutes were invaded: He grants for him and his Heirs, that they may have their Liberties according to the Form of the aforesaid Great Charter: And that Impediments and Usurpations to them in that behalf made, shall be revoked and annulled. He further grants for him and his Heirs, to the Citizens, &c. That the Major of the aforesaid City, which for time, shall be one of the Justices to be assigned for the Goal delivery at Newgate, and be named in every Commission thereof to be made. And that the said Citizens may have Infa­my, Theft, and Chattels of Fellons, of all those who shall be adjudged before them within the Liberties of the same City, at the aforesaid Goal to be adjudged. And whereas also by the Charters of his Progenitors, it was granted to the same Citizens, that they should hold the Sherifwick of London and Middlesex for 300 l. year­ly to be paid at the Exchequer. And they are now charged with 400 l. yearly, contrary to the Form of the said Charters; He grants for him, &c. That the Citizens, their Heirs, and Successors, hold the aforesaid Sherif­wicks for 300 l. yearly, and that they be acquitted the said 100 l.

Further grants for him and his Heirs, to the Citizens, their Heirs and Successors, to bequeath their Tenements within the Liberties of the aforesaid City, as well in Mortmaine, as in other Manner, as in ancient time they have been accustomed to do. And whereas in a Charter of King Edw. his Father, made to the said Citizens, is [Page 15] contained, that the Sheriffs of the said City, as often as they shall be amerced for any Offence in the Court, should not be amerced in other manner for Escapes than other Sheriffs wont to be in other Counties on this side Trent. He grants that the Sheriffs of the said City shall in no wise be amerced or charged for the Escape of Thieves in any otherwise, than as the Thieves on this Side Trent; And that the Citizens shall not be charged for the Custo­dy of those that fly to the Churches within the aforesaid Liberty; and that the Citizens may take away all the Wears in the water of Thames, and Medway. The King Wills and Commands, that all Merchant-Strangers coming to England, shall sell their Wares and Merchandizes with­in 40 days after their coming thither, and shall continue and board with free Hosts of London, and other the Ci­ties and Towns of England.

And also Wills and Grants for him and his Heirs, that the Marshal-Steward or Clerk of the Market, of his Hous­hold or of his Heirs, shall not sit from thenceforth within the Liberty of the said City, nor exercise any Office there, nor any way draw any Citizen to plead without the Li­berties of the said City, of any thing to happen within the Liberties of the same. And that no Escheator from henceforth exercise the Office, but that the Major for the time being, do the Office of Escheator within the said Li­berty; so that he take his Oath, that he exercise the Of­fice, and answer to the King and his Heirs, as he ought to do; and that the Citizens be not compelled to go or send to War out of the said City; and that the Consta­ble of the Tower shall not make any Prizes of any thing belonging to the Citizens, nor arrest Ships or Boats bring­ing Victuals, &c. to or from the said City. And forasmuch as the Citizens in Fairs of England, were wont to have amongst themselves Keepers, to hold the Pleas touching [Page 16] the Citizens of the said City, and assembling at the Fairs, grants as much as in him is, that the Citizens may have such like Keepers to hold such like Pleas of their Cove­nants as of ancient time they had. Except the Pleas of Land, and of the Crown.

He further Grants for Him and his Heirs, That the She­riffs of London shall not be compelled to take any Oath at the Exchequer, but upon the yielding up of their Ac­counts. And Grants the Citizens all their Liberties and free Customs, as of old time they were wont. And that they may record their said Liberties: And that to the allowance of their Charters to be had in the Exchequer, and other his Pleas whatsoever, one Writ shall suffice in all Pleas for every Kings time. And that no Summons, Attachments, or Executions be made by any the Officers whatsoever of him or his Heirs, by Writ or without Writ, within the Liberty of the said City, but onely by the Of­ficers of the said City. And that the Sheriffs may law­fully have the Forfeitures of Victuals, and other things, and Merchandizes, according to the Charter, and shall not be debarred thereof hereafter. And that the Citizens shall be guided by the same Laws and Customs as in the time of King John and King Henry. And if any thing was attempted contrary to their Liberties and free Cu­stoms; He Wills, that they be not prejudicial to them, but that they be guided as of old time they were. The King Grants for him and his Heirs, that the said Citizens be taxed in Subsidies and Contributions as other Com­moners. And that they be quit of all other Tallages. And that the Liberty of the said City shall not be taken into his hands, or his Heirs, for any Personal Trespass of any Minister of the City. And that no Purveyor, Taker, Of­ficer, and other Minister of him or his Heirs, or of any other, shall make any prices in the City or without, of the [Page 17] Goods of any Citizen contrary to their Will. And that no Prices be made of Citizens Wines against their Wills, but shall be quit thereof for ever. Also no Officer of the King or his Heirs shall merchandize within or without the said City, of any thing touching their Offices. Also grants that the Lands and Tenements lying without of the Citizens, which have or shall be Ministers of the City, be bound to keep the City harmless against him and his Heirs, of things which concern their Offices. And that no Market shall be granted within seven Miles round the City. And that all Inquisitions from henceforth, shall be taken by our Justices or Ministers of the said City, in St. Martins le Grand; except the Inquisitions in the Cir­cincts at the Tower, and for the Goal Delivery at Newgate, and no Citizen to be impleaded in the Exchequer, unless it concern the King. And Grants the City all their anci­ent Liberties and free Customs. Dat. 6. Martii, in the first year of his Reign. Anno 1327.

EDW. 3. Chart. 2.

Also other Letters Patents of King Edward 3. upon the Citizens Petition to the King in Parliament concerning Robberies, Fellonies, &c. where the Robbers, Fellons, &c. fly into Southwark, and cannot be attached by the Mi­nisters of the City, for Prevention of which, the King with the Parliament grants to the City the said Village of Southwark to hold to them and their Successors for ever, for a Farm and Rent to be paid yearly at the Exchequer, at the accustomed times due and accustomed. Teste 6. Martii, 1327.

EDW. 3. Chart. 3.

Another Charter of Edw. 3. in the Parliament at York, holden the ninth Year of his Reign, wherein all Merchant-Strangers as well as English, should sell and buy in all Ci­ties and Towns in the Realm, except to the Enemies of the King and Realm; yet nevertheless, because the Sta­tutes as well in this as in other Parliaments, it was grant­ed and established, that the great Charter of the Liberty of England in all and singular the Articles should be main­tained. And in the same Charter is contained, that the City of London may have it's ancient Liberties, the King grants to the Citizens for him and his Heirs, that the Ci­tizens, their Heirs, and Successors, shall have all their Liberties and free Customs, Teste 26 die Martii, 1337.

EDW. 3. Chart. 4.

Another Stat. of Edw. 3. wherein he granted to the City, that the Serjeants of London may bear Maces of Gold or Silver, or Silvered or garnished with the Sign of his Arms in the City and Liberties; and also without the City to meet with the King, his Mother, his Consort, or his Children, &c. And as often as any of the Serjeants be sent to Foreign places without the City, to do their Office at the Command of the King, or the Major, or Sheriffs, they may carry their Maces, Teste 10 Junii, 1355.

EDW. 3. Chart. 5.

Letters Pattents from King Edward 3. confirmed, that all Merchant-Strangers coming into England, shall remain at Board with free Hosts, and not to keep Houses. And [Page 19] that there be no Brokers of any Merchant, unless they be chosen by the Merchants of the Mystery in which the Brokers exercise their Offices, and to take their Oath be­fore the Major of the City: And that Merchants who are not free of the City, do not sell by Retail any Wares within the said City or Suburbs thereof.

The Major and Aldermen, and Commonalty petition the King, that they have often sued in Parliament, that they are impoverished by reason their Liberties formerly grant­ed are restrained; Therefore prayes the King and Coun­cel to ordain in Parliament, that the Merchants-Strangers may be restrained. The King, with consent of Parliament, granted for him and his Heirs, that the Major, Aldermen, and Citizens of the said City, and their Successors, upon condition they put the said City under good Govern­ment, That no Stranger from henceforth shall sell any Wares in the City or Suburbs by Retail, nor keep House, or be Broker in the City or Suburbs; saving to the Mer­chants of High Almain their Liberties. Teste 4 Dec. in the fiftieth year of his Reign of England, and of France the 37th.

HENR. 4.

A Charter of Henry the 4th. Dat. 25 Maii, 1399. Granting to the Citizens the keeping of the Gates of Newgate and Ludgate, and all other the Gates and Posterns of the City. And also the Office of gathering the Tolls and Customs in Cheap, Billingsgate, Smithfield; and also the Tonnage, viz. the weighing of Lead, Wax, Pepper, &c.

EDW. 4. Chart. 1.

A Charter of Edward the 4th for Preservation of the Peace and Governing of the City, that they may have and [Page 20] hold all their Liberties and Customs as whole and sound as ever they had.

And further Grants for him and his Heirs, That the Major, Recorder, and such Aldermen as have been Majors, shall be Justices of the Peace, and keep, or cause to be kept all Ordinances and Statutes made and to be made for the quiet Rule and Government of the People, and for the good of the Peace by Land and Water within the Liber­ty of the said City, and to chastize and punish according to the Form of the Statutes. And also grants to the said Major and Citizens, and their Successors, and the Re­corder of the said City, and such Aldermen, or four of the same, the Major, Recorder, and Aldermen, of whom such Major for the time being, and his Successors to be one, be Justices for ever; To enquire, hear, and determine of all manner of Felonies, Trespasses, &c. And also to hear and determine, and execute all other things which shall per­tain to other Justices of the Peace within the Realm: Giv­ing in command to the Sheriffs of the said City, that they attend, counsel, answer, and aid the Justices, Major, Recor­der, and their Successors, as required, for conserving the Peace; Saving to the City their Customs, &c. And the King being willing rather to enlarge than diminish the Custom of the said City, hath Granted to them and their Successors, That when any Issue shall be taken in any Plea of or upon the Custom of the City, between any Parties in pleading, or if any thing touching the said Customs be moved before the Judges or Barons, &c. the same Major and Aldermen by word of Mouth, and then there may be speedy Process by that Record and Decla­ration, such Custom so alledged shall be allowed for a Custom. And though the Major, &c. make not Use, or abuse the Customs and Liberties, no Forfeiture to be ta­ken therefore. As well Denizens as Aliens, and all abi­ding within the City, to be contributary to Taxes, ac­cording [Page 21] to their Faculties, as well as the Citizens.

Merchants of Almaine excepted.

Aldermen not to be put upon Assizes, Attaints, or Ju­ries; Nor Collectors, or Taxers, out of the City.

Southwark granted to the City of London, and Waifs and Estraies, Treasure, &c. Assize of Bread, Execution, and Return of Writs by the City Officers.

The King's Clerk of the Market, nor the Sheriff of Surrey, to intermeddle. Also a Fair for three days.

To carry to Newgate Thieves taken in Southwark.

Grants them all Liberties he had or should have in Southwark; the Right of the Arch-bishop of Canterbury excepted.

EDW. 4. Chart. 2.

Tonnage and Weighing granted to the City; Weigh­ing of Wool to be at Leaden-Hall, and no other place with­in three Miles.

EDW. 4. Chart. 3.

Liberty to purchase 200 Marks per Annum, in Mortmain, upon consideration of remitting the King 1923. formerly lent.

Also Liberty to any to grant such Lands to the City in Mortmain, without any other Writ ad quod damnum.

EDW. 4. Chart. 4.

A Grant of the Office of Packing (to the City) of all Woollen Cloths, and all other Merchandizes, for and in consideration of remitting the King 7000 l. formerly lent.

This Charter was confirmed by Parliament, in the Third year of the Reign of King Hen. 8.

Also the Grant of the Office of Portage of the Goods and Merchandizes of all Denizens and Aliens.

Also the Grant of the Office of Garbling of all Spices, and other Merchandizes coming to the City, which ought to be Garbled.

And also the Office of Gauging and Wine-drawing, for the carrying off of Wines brought to the Port of the City, to be exercised by them and their Deputies.

And also the Grant of the Office of Coroner.

HENRY 7. Part of the Charter.

A Grant for the Merchandize of Foreigners bought and sold, forfeited to the City.

Also a Confirmation to the City of the Customs of Fo­reign Goods bought and sold.

Yet Strangers may buy things in the Gross for their own Use, but not to Sell again.

HENR. 8. Chart. 1.

A Charter of Henry the 8th, Dated the 16th day of June in the 10th year of his Reign, for all Inquisitions formerly taken in St. Martins, to be taken at Guild-Hall, or at any other place within the said City.

Except Inquisitions in Eyers, to be taken at the Cir­cuits of the Tower of London, and for the Goal Delivery at Newgate.

HENR. 8. Chart. 2.

Another Charter to the City, of the Office of Keeper of the Great Beam and common Ballance of Weight, for weighing of all Merchandizes of A vou du pois, and also all Weights whatsoever. And also Tronage, that is to say, the weighing of Lead, Wax, Pepper, Dome, Madder, [Page 23] and all other such Wares, (confirmed to the City) for­merly granted them by King Henry the 4th.

The keeping of the Weights and Beams to be and re­main at the Will of the Commonalty of the City, to be kept in the custody of good sufficient men expert in the same.

The Major, Commonalty, and Citizens ordained Keepers of the great Beam, Ballance, and Weights afore­said.

And also to Make, Name, and Assign from time to time all and all manner of Clerks, Porters, Servants and Mi­nisters of the great Beam, and Ballance, and of the Iron Beam, and of the Beam of the Styll-yard, and the Weights aforesaid, and also to remove any Officer or Minister, and to make, constitute and place others in his or their Place, as often as to them shall seem expedient.

The same to be to the Use of the Major and Commo­nalty of the City, without any Accompt to be delivered, made, given, or paid in this Behalf for the Premises, or any of them.

EDW. 6.

For the Consideration of 647 l. 2. s. 1 d. paid to the Treasurer of the Court of Augmentation by the Major and Commonalty of London, hath granted to the said Major, &c. several Messuages, Tenements, Closes, and Parcels of Ground in Southwark in Com' Surrey; except the Capi­tal House called Southwark Place, and the Park, and the Buildings and Ground called the Antelope there.

And further grants to them the Lordship and Manner of Southwark, with the Appurtenances in Com' Surrey, ap­pertaining to the late dissolved Monastry of Bermondsey, except before therein excepted.

And further grants to them the Manor and Burrough of Southwark in the said County, parcel of the Possessions of the Arch-bishop and Arch-bishoprick of Canterbury, and certain Rents thereout coming.

And further, Grants all Woods, Underwoods, and Trees, and the Soil and Ground of the same, and the Re­version and yearly Profits thereof.

And also grants the Premises in as large manner as the Duke of Suffolk, or any Abbot of Bermondsey, or Arch­bishop of Canterbury did enjoy the same, and as largely as it came to Edward the Sixth, or Henry the Eighth.

And for the Consideration of 500 Marks, Hath grant­ed to the said Major and Commonalty, in and through the Burrough of Southwark, and the Parishes, St. Savi­ours, St. Olives, St. Georges, and St. Thomas Hospital, Kent-street, Blackman-street, and Newington, all Waifes, Strays, Treasure, found Goods of Traitors, Fel­lons, Fugitives, outlawed Persons, Deodans. And that they shall have the Assize and Assay of Bread, Wine, Beer and Ale, and all Victuals, and things whatsoever set to Sale in the said Town, and what pertains to the Clerk of the Market.

And the Punishment of all Persons selling Wine, Beer, Ale, and others exercising Arts howsoever.

And all Forfeitures, Fines, and Amerciaments, and all other things whatsoever, belonging to the said King and his Heirs.

And the Execution of Writs and all Warrants, and the Returns of the same.

And shall have there, and through all the said Town, Burrough, and Precincts one Fair to endure three days, (viz. the seventh, eighth, ninth days of September, toge­ther with a Pye-powder Court, to hear all Actions, Plaints and Pleas; together with all Summons, Attach­ments, [Page 25] Arrests, Issues, Fines, Redemptions, and Commo­dities, and other Rights thereto belonging, without any Let or Disturbance. And may have throughout the aforesaid Precincts Views of Frank-pledge.

And may take and Arrest all Felons, Thieves, and other Malefactors within the same Precincts, and bring them to the Goal of Newgate, there to be kept till by Law deli­vered.

And that they may have the same Liberties as the King should have, if it were in his hands.

And also to hold all Pleas, Actions, and Personal Suits, and all Contracts, and demands within the said Burrough, before the said Major, Aldermen, and Sheriffs, in the Guild-Hall, and Hustings to be holden in like Actions, Bills, Plaints, Process, Arrests, Judgments, Ex­ecutions, and in such manner as the same hath been exe­cuted in the Court before the said Major, Aldermen, and Sheriffs of the said City.

And that the Serjeants at Mace of the said City, may Execute any manner of Process about such Pleas and Execution of the same, as it hath been used in the said City.

And the Jurors making Default before the Major and Sheriffs of London, Then such men Impannelled and Summoned shall be amerced, and shall forfeit such Issues upon them returned, and such Forfeitures to be le­vied by the Ministers of the said City.

And also the Major, &c. to have cognizance of Per­sonal Actions arising within the Precincts of Southwark, and the Issues of such Suits shall be Tryed in the same Courts, before the Major, Aldermen, and Sheriffs, by the men in Southwark.

That the Major, &c. may choose two Coroners in Southwark, and the said Coroners so elected, may have [Page 26] full power to Execute the Office of Coroner, and no other Coroner to intermeddle in the said Burrough, or Precincts thereof.

The Major for the time being to be Escheator in South­wark, and shall have full Power to make his Precept to the Sheriff of Surrey, to execute such things there as be­longs to the Office of Escheator, and no other Eschea­tor to intermeddle.

The said Major to be Clerk of the Market in South­wark, and the King's Clerk of the Market not to inter­meddle.

The Major, Commonalty and Citizens, shall for ever enjoy within the said Burrough all Franchises, Tolls, Stal­lages, Pickages, and other Privileges whatsoever, which the Arch-bishop of Canterbury, &c. enjoyed, and none of our Sheriffs or Officers to intermeddle there.

All the Inhabitants of Southwark to be under Go­vernment and Correction of the Major and Officers of London, as the Citizens and Inhabitants of the said City ought to be.

The Major and Commonalty to have the like Jurisdi­ction as in the said City of London.

The Major, Recorder, and such Aldermen as have been Majors, to be Justices of the Peace in the said Bur­rough and County of Surry.

The said Major, &c. to have Markets in Southwark, on Munday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and all things which to a Market appertaineth for ever.

Except the Jurisdictions, Liberties and Franchises over the Capital Messuage and Park in Southwark.

And except the King's Bench, with the Appurtenan­ces, so long as it shall be used for a Prison, as it then was.

This grants not to the Prejudice of the Steward or Marshal of the said King's House.

Nor to John Gate Knight, one of the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber, during Life; which Premisses are of 35 l. 14. s. 4. d. yearly Value.

To hold and enjoy the said Manors, Messuages, and Premisses, with the Appurtenances (except before ex­cepted) to the said Major and Commonalty of the said City for ever; to be holden as of the Manors of East Greenwich in the County of Kent, by Fealty only in free Soccage.

And grants the Rents and Profits thereof from Michael­mas then last past, of the said King's Gift without Ac­compt.

The said King to save harmless the said Major and Commonalty against all Rents, Corodies and Sums of Money whatsoever, to be paid or charged on the Pre­misses.

Saving the Services thereby reserved, and the ancient Fee-Farm of 10. l. for the said Burrough, paid by the Major and Commonalty into the said King's Exche­quer.

Jacob. Chart. 1.

That the Major and Commonalty of London have ever had the Office of Bayliff, and Conservation of the River of Thames, to be occupied by the said Major, during his Majoralty or his Deputy (that is to say) from Stanes Bridge in Com' Middlesex, to a place called Kendall, alias Yeuland, alias Yeuleete, towards the Sea and East, and Medway, and on every Shore and Wharf of the same.

And to take the Fees and Profits belonging to the same.

And to measure Coals and Grain, Salt and Apples, and other Fruits, Roots, Onyons and all other Wares and Merchandizes, brought into the Port of London by any Vessel, and to take the Profits and Fees thereof.

And they being hindred, supposing the same not anciently by any lawful Grant to belong to them, whereas it plainly appears, that they lawfully and right­fully ought to receive the same.

The said King confirms the Fees and Profits to the said Major, that they may execute the Office of Bayliff, to conserve the said River of Thames, from Stanes Bridge to Yeeuleet, and in Medway, and the Port of London, and every Bank of Shore there­of.

And to receive the Fees and Profits thereof as Bayliff, to the the use of the Major and Commonalty.

And to enjoy the Office of measuring of Coals, Grain, Fruits, Roots, Onyons, and other Merchandizes to be brought to any Port of London.

To receive the Profits thereof, to the use of the said Major and Commonalty, without the Kings hindrance or any other, without Accompt to be made for the same.

No other Water Bayliff to intermeddle.

And grants the said Offices notwithstanding any Non-User or Abuser of the same, and without the Hinde­rance of any of his Officers any Charter past to the con­trary.

JAC. Chart. 2.

He thereby confirms all former Charters and Customs to the City of London.

And grants a Restitution of all Liberties as fully as all their Predecessors enjoyed them, or ought to enjoy them.

That although the said Major and Commonalty have not used or abused their Liberties and Customs, they may use the same for time to come, without Lett or Hinde­rance.

To hold the same by the like Services, Fee-Farm Rents and Sums of Money, as the same were for­merly held of the said King, or of any of his Prede­cessors.

And thouugh the Search and Surveying of Oyl, Hops, Sope, Salt, Butter, Cheese, and other such like things, brought to the Port of the same City of London to be sold, and the Measuring of Corn of any kind, Ony­ons, Salt, Sea-cole, Fruit, and Shell-fish measurable, and used to be measured, and brought to the City of Lon­don to be measured, hath appertained to the Major and Commonalty of the said City, and their Predecessors, to be executed by the said Major, according to the Statutes made concerning the same.

He doth Ratifie and Confirm the same Search, Sur­veying and Measuring, in and by all things as the said Major, and Commonalty, and Citizens, or their Succes­sors, lawfully had or enjoyed the same before, and to the said Major and Commonalty by the said Charter.

Grants, That the said City and Liberties do extend through the Circuits of St. Trinity Parish near Aldgate, [Page 30] or the Dukes-Place, Great St. Bartholomews, and Little St. Bartholomews, near Smithfield, Black-Friars, White-Friars, and the Liberty of Cold Harbourough.

That the Inhabitants be under the Government of the said City; Provided the Inhabitants of Black and White-Friars be exempted from all Taxes, &c. except setting out Souldiers, and cleansing of Lanes, &c.

The Inhabitants to be quit from the Offices of Consta­ble, Scavenger, &c. within the City.

The Free-men of the City inhabiting in Black and White Friars, are Eligible into all Offices, as Major, She­riffs, &c. as other Free-men are.

Grants, That all Persons who dwell within the Ci­ty, although not Free-men, (except the Inhabitants of Black and White-Friars) be Taxed for the Houses in which they dwell, according to the Custom of the City, and the Officers levy the same, (except before excepted) by Distress, &c. to the Use aforesaid; Provided any such who are not Free-men, are unjustly grieved, the Chancel­lor to moderate such Taxes, &c.

Grants, That the Major, Recorder, and Aldermen who have been Majors, be Justices of Oyer and Termi­ner, the Major and Recorder to be of the Quorum, with power to take Security for the Peace, and to com­mit the Refusers.

That no other Justices of the Peace shall intermed­dle.

That the Sheriffs shall be attendant to the aforesaid Justices.

Grants, That the Major, &c. may enjoy all Trea­sure found within the Precincts before granted to the City. And to have these Patents under Seal, without Fine in the Hamper or other Fees, &c.

Dated at Hampton-Court, the 20th of September, of his Reign over England, &c. the 5th. and of Scotland the 42^d.

JAC. Chart. 3.

Grants the Major, &c. to have the Measuring and Weighing of all Coals at the Port of London.

And to receive as a Fee 8 d. per Ton, to the Use of the City.

The Merchant enjoyned not to unload his Coals till the Major have notice, and shall give direction for the unlading and weighing, or measuring thereof, that the Major may be able to render a ready Account, that so the Profits arising thereby may be paid to the Kings Officers.

The selling of Coals by Retail in Lighters prohi­bited.

No Coals to be sold in any other Vessel, than such, which first brought them into the said Port, unless up­on some Key, Port, or Wharf, near the River of Thames.

Covenants, the said City may enjoy the Premisses for ever.

If any Defect be in the said Charter, or any Doubt or Scruple arise, the City upon Request may have other Letters Patents.

Dated25 Septemb. the 12th of England, of Scotland the 48th.

CHARLES 1. Chart. 1.

Grants to the Major and Commonalty of the City of London, in consideration of their good Services, All and singular the Letters Patents, Charters, and Confirmati­ons of all and singular the Grants of his Predecessors, ex­cept, as hereafter is excepted.) And grants all and singular Lands, Tenements, Offices, Jurisdictions, Franches, Quittals, Immunities, &c. which the said Major, &c. or their Prede­cessors, &c. and Ratifies and Confirms the said former Charters.

And also grants to the said Major, &c. and their Suc­cessors, that they be fully and wholly restored to all and singular their Authorities, Jurisdictions, Liberties, &c. in as ample manner and Form as they or their Predecessors had used or enjoyed the same heretofore. And for the intent that no Ambiguity, Controversie, doubtful Con­struction, or Question of or about the Premises, from thenceforth might arise, but be altogether taken away, for the Considerations aforesaid, Confirms the said Grant to the Major, &c. and their Successors, To hold the same for the like Services, Fees, Fee-farm Rent, Sums of Money and Demands, by which or what the same were former­ly held. And recites that which Henr. 6. by his Letters Patents bearing date at Westminster the 26th of October, in the 23d year of his Reign, granted to the Citizens of the City, &c. That the said Citizens and their Successors for ever, should have all Soiles, Commons, Purpressures and Improvements in all Wastes, Commons, Streets, Ways, and other places in the City and Suburbs, and in the Wa­ter of Thames, with the Profits of the same, and that they may improve. And whereas by an Act of Parliament made at Westminster in the 28th year of the said Henr. 6. [Page 33] it was Enacted, That the said King should take, resume, and seize into his hands and possession, all what he had granted, to hold and retain the same in the like State he had them. And that all Letters Patents granted by the said King should be void. And recites, that H. 7. by his Letters Patents bearing date the 23d of July in the 20th year of his Reign, Confirms to the Major, &c. all former Grants; And questions the Validity of both the Patents of H. 6. and H. 7. by reason of the Act of Parliament concerning the Resumption, and by the same takes away the Doubt. And grants to the said Major, Commonalty, and Citizens, and their Successors, the same things in the said Patents mentioned. And grants to the Major, &c. That the Major and Recorder of the City for the time be­ing, and the Aldermen who have been Majors, although they shall de dismissed of their Majoralty, shall stand Al­dermen, and that the three Senior Aldermen be Justices of the Peace, although they have not been Majors. The Major, Recorder, and Aldermen to be Justices of the Peace within the City of London, and Liberties thereof.

And also grants to the Mayor, &c. That the Major and Recorder, and such Aldermen, as aforesaid, or four of them, but the said Major, or Recorder to be one, may hold Sessions of the Peace, to inquire after all manner of Murthers, Felonies, &c. And also to inquire after all un­just Weights and Measures, and grants them full Power to Do and Execute all such things which the Justices and Keepers of the Peace in any other County of England may or ought, by virtue of any Statute or Ordinance, by virtue of any Commission to Execute or Do for the keep­ing of the Peace. And that the Sheriffs of the said City and their Successors be attending and aiding to the said Keepers of the Peace of the said City, when they shall be duely required to do the same.

And also grants to the said Major all Recognizances to be taken and forfeited, for not appearing at the Sessions. And also all manner of Recognizances taken by Justices of the Peace, concerning the keeping and maintaining of Bastard Children, and keeping the City from Inmates, sup­pressing of Ale-houses, and also the Forfeitures of Recog­nizances taken for the Appearances of Prisoners. And also Fines and Issues of Jurors, and all other Fines, Issues, and Amerciaments, together with Assessments, and Levies of the same, when, and as often as need shall require. And then excepts all manner of Issues and Amerciaments, called Fines and Issues Royal. And further grants the said Major, &c. all Recognizances that are forfeited or to be forfeited, taken for the Preservation of the River of Thames, without any Account to be made for the same. And also grants them the Fines and Amerciaments that shall be imposed by the Commissioners of Sewers, without any Account to be rendred for the same.

And also grants to the Major, &c. all those Fields cal­led Inward Moor, and Outward Moor, in the Parish of St. Giles without Cripplegate, St. Stephen in Colemanstreet, and St. Botolph without Bishopsgate, or in some, or any of them. And also West Smithfield, That they hold in the Field called Smithfield, Fairs and Markets, and to receive and have Package, Stallage, Tolls and Profits thereunto belonging, Waste Grounds and Streets reserved out of the Grant, to hold the same in Common Burgage, and not in Capite, or Knights Service, and by the same pardons all Issues from the Major, &c. And that no Writ of Ad quod dampnum, to be procured, Issued, or prosecuted. And also pardons all manner of Entries, Intrusions and Ingresses of the Major, Commonalty, and Citizens. That this grant shall not lessen any Proclamation concerning Buildings in the said City. What Incroachments that have been made [Page 35] upon any of the Church Walls within the City of London, shall be subject to such Reformation as He or his Privy Council shall appoint.

And also grants to the Major, &c. the Office of Garb­ling of Merchandizes, and also grants them Garblers, To hold the said Office, together with all the Fees, Profits, and Emoluments belonging to the same, without rendring any Account for the same. And for such Goods and Spi­ces that heretofore have not paid any Fee, and hath not heretofore been Imported, such Fees to be settled by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Treasurer, Lord Privy Seal, Stew­ard of the Houshold, two of the Justices of the King's Bench, or Common Bench, for the time being, or any four of them at least, Except and reserving all such like Grants of the Garbling of Tobacco. And grants to the said Mayor, &c. the Office of Gauging of Wines, Oyles, and other Merchandizes, To have and to hold the said Office of Gauger, with all and singular the Fees, Profits, and Emo­luments, without rendring any Account for the same.

And also grants to the said Major, &c. the great Stan­dard, and Common Ballance, ordained to weigh between Merchant and Merchant, and also the Office of Keeper of the great Ballance, for the weighing of all Merchandize of Avoir du pois, To have and to hold the said Office, with the Fees, Profits, Wages, Rewards, and Emoluments there­unto belonging, without rendring any Account for the same.

And also by the said Grant doth Erect and Create through the said City and Liberties thereof, and in and through the Burrough of Southwark, a certain Office cal­led Outroper, or Common-Cryer, to and for the selling of Houshold-stuff, &c. that such Goods may be sold by Out-cry, which said Office he grants to the Major, &c. to have and exercise the said Office by such Officer as shall [Page 36] be admitted by the Major and Commonalty for the time being, they being assembled in Common Councel, or the major part of them, and that it shall and may be lawful to and for the Major, Commonalty, or their Deputy, to demand and take for the Use of the Major and Common­alty, the Wares and Fees expressed in a certain Schedule hereunto annexed. And thereby charges and commands, that no other Person do sell any Goods, Chattels, Houshold­stuff, &c. or other things in publick claim, called Out-cry, in the said City, or Liberties of the same, and Bur­rough of Southwark, under pain of his Royal Displea­sure.

And also grants to the Major, &c. and doth thereby declare, the Relicts and Widows of Free-men using Ma­nual Arts and Occupations, as long as they shall continue Widows, may be licensed to use and exercise the same Arts and Manual Occupations in the said City, al­though they were not educated, by the space of seven years as Apprentices, notwithstanding the Statute of the 5th of Queen Elizabeth, or any other Statute whatsoever. And also, that no Market be kept within seven Miles of the City.

And also grants to the Major and Commonalty, the Major, &c. by the mouth of the Recorder, to record their Customs: and if at any time it shall happen that the Cu­stom of the City lye pleaded in any of his Majesties Courts, that then such Custom to be certified to the Court by the Mouth of the Recorder, and no Jury or Enquiry thereon to be had, and thereupon they may proceed to the Cap­tion and Determination of the Plea.

And also grants to the Major, &c. Treasure found in the said City, or Liberties of the same: and also waived and strayed Goods and Chattels of all Felons and Fu­gitives, for Felonies committed in the City or Liber­ties [Page 37] thereof. And also grants that the Major of the City may name to the Chancellor of England two of the Al­dermen of the City, one to be Justice of the Peace in Middlesex, and the other in Surry, and shall be incerted with others in the Commission.

And in the said Charter recites, that whereas several the Sons of Freemen of the said City and others, who have served seven years Apprentiship, doth refuse to take their Freedom, but notwithstanding use the Trade of Merchandizing, whereby they obtain great Estates, and by not taking their Freedom, free themselves from the Burthen of publick Office, for such Persons who do so trade, or are Sons of Freemen, or served seven years as an Apprentice, is prohibited to Merchandize before he hath taken his Freedom, and is to bring a Testimonial from the Chamberlain or under Chamberlain, that they are admitted into the Liberty of the said City. And al­so commands, that no Merchant being a Free-man of the City, shall take any Apprentice to serve him for less than seven years, to be bound and inrolled according to the Custom of the said City, and not otherwise. And recites an Act of Parliament, made in the third of King James, that every Citizen and Free-man of the City of London, and every other Person and Persons inhabiting, or which should inhabit in the said City of London, or the Liberties of the same, being a Tradesman, Victualer, Labourer, who then had or from thenceforth shall have any Debt or Debts owing to him or them not amounting to 40 s. by any Citizen, or any other Person or Persons, being a Victualer, Tradesman or Labourer, who doth or shall in­habit within the City or the Liberties of the same, may cause such like Debtor or Debtors, to be warned or sum­moned by the Beadle or Officer of the Court of Requests at Guildhal, London, for the time being, to be left at the [Page 38] Dwelling-house of such Debtor or Debtors, or by any reasonable Warning to be given to appear before the Com­missioners of the said Court of Request, as by the said Act appears. By the same he constitutes, that there shall be a certain Office of a Clerk of the said Court, and that he shall be appointed by the Major, Commonalty, and Ci­tizens assembled in Common Councel, or the greater part thereof, to be Clerk, there to write, enter, and register Warrants, Precepts, Processes, Acts, Orders, and Exe­cutions of the Court; and for his Labour and Attentance to have and receive the Fees and Wages expressed in a Schedule, or Table hereafter mentioned or set down. And also grants them the Office of a Beadle of the said Court, to be named and appointed by the Major, Com­monalty and Citizens assembled in Common Councel or the greater Part of them. To summon all such Persons to appear to answer such Persons appointed in the said Act, and to serve and execute Warrats, Precepts and Pro­cesses of the said Court, and to receive for their Wages and Labour the Fees expressed in a certaine Schedule or Table hereafter mentioned or set down.

And whereas divers Burglaries, Felonies, Robberies, Clan­destine Stealings, and Thefts of Goods &c. was daily committed in the said City and Liberties, to the grievous Damage of the People, for the better Discovery of such Offenders, and of things lost, it is granted and consti­tuted, that from thenceforth, there shall be a certain Of­fice of Register to be made to retailing Brokers for any Goods &c. And grants to the Major, Commonalty, &c. to execute the said Office by them or their Deputies; first to be admitted by the Major, and Commonalty, and Ci­tizens assembled in Common Councel, or the greater Part of them. And that it shall and may be lawful for them or their Deputy, to take and receive such Fees as [Page 39] are in a Table hereafter mentioned, without any Account to be given for the same

And also grants to the Major, Commonalty, &c. to expose and hang over the Streets, Ways, and Allies of the said City, Signs and Posts of Signs, affixed to their Houses and Shops, for the better finding out such Citizens Dwellings, without Impediment, Molestati­on, or Interruption of the King or his Succes­sors.

And also recites a Patent of Hen. 8th, dated the 13th of Jan. in the 28th year of his Reign, of a Grant to the Major and Commnalty, &c. for the keeping, ordering, and govern­ing of an Hospital called Bethlem, and all the Mannors, &c. made and constituted by the said Letters Patents, to the said Major and Commonalty for ever. And also for the better enabling and supporting of the house of the Poor in West-Smithfield, confirms the Indenture made between the said King Henry the Eighth, and the Major, Commo­nalty, and Citizens, and grants them the Ordering and Government of the House or Hospital, called Bethlem, with Manors, Lands, &c. thereunto belonging. To have and to hold the Custody and Government of the said Ho­spital, and the Manors, Lands, &c. for ever, to the Uses, Intents, and Purposes in the Charter of Henry the Eighth, But that the Revenues, of the said Hospital be employed to no other Use, than charitable Uses in the said Ho­spital.

And also doth charge and command, that the said Major, Commonalty &c. do not grant any of the said Ma­nors, Lands, &c. not for above the Term, of 21 years, to commence from the time of the making of it, reser­ving half of the yearly Value, at least of such Manors, Lands &c. so Leases to be paid during the said Term, to the Major, Commonalty, &c. to the Uses above menti­oned.

And also grants to the Major, Commonalty, &c. That it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Major, Com­monalty, &c. to purchase to them and their Successors, of any Person whatsoever five Acres of Land, lying and being in St. Giles in the Fields in the County of Middle­sex, being then in the occupation of Margaret Pennel, al­though the same be held of the King in Capite, To have and to hold to the said Major and Commonalty, &c. for ever. And also gives License to all Persons that are con­cerned in the same, to sell, notwithstanding they are held in Capite by Knights Service, and notwithstanding the Statute of putting of Lands and Tenements in Mortmain. And also grants them full power to build upon the said five Acres without License, notwithstanding any Statute to the contrary.

And also doth further grant to the Major, Commonal­ty, &c. That the recited Letters Patents and the Inrol­ment, shall be in all things found valid, good, sufficient, and effectual in Law, without further Confirmation, Li­cense or Toleration to be procured or obtained, notwith­standing any Writ or Writs of Ad quod dampnum being not issued out, returning before the making of the said Patent, notwithstanding any Misnomer in any part of the said Grant.

And also grants to the said Major, Commonalty, &c. That they shall have the Letters Patents made and sealed under the Great Seal of England, without paying any Fine or Fee great or little, to the Hamper or otherwise.

Dated at Westminster the 18th day of October, in the 14th year of our Reign.

CHARLES 1. Chart. 2.

There is another Charter of the said King, wherein he grants to the Major and Commonalty of the City of Lon­don, the Office and Paccage of all Cloths, Wools, Wool­fells, Calves Skins, Goats Skins, Bales of Tin, and all other Merchandizes whatsoever to be packed, piped, barrelled or otherwise, out of the said Port, to be transported be­yond the Seas, as the Goods and Merchandizes as well of Aliens, and Persons born under Foreign Allegiance, where­soever they should be customed. And also the Office, as well for Surveying of Goods and Wares, of any Merchant Alien, or Denizen, whose Father was or should be an Alien born beyond the Seas to be brought in by the way of Merchandizes, and also grants the Billage of Goods and Wares of such Merchants aforesaid, within the Port of Lon­don, in any Ship, Boat, Barge or Vessel whatsoever, all which was granted for the several Charters of Edw. 4. in the first and 18 year of his Reign, and also by a Charter of Hen. 8. in the third year of his Reign, and was confirmed by Au­thority of Parliament. And also he confirms the said Grant to the Major, Commonalty &c. for the Consideration of the Sum of 4200 l. and so confirms the said Office to the Major, Commonalty, &c. And grants them the Fees an­nexed in a certain Table hereafter. And furthermore grants them the Office of Paccage, with all and singular the Fees Profits and Emoluments to the said Office belonging or ap­pertaining, annexed in a certain Table hereafter. And al­so to exercise the said Office by their Deputy or Deputies without rendring any Account for the same, and without incurring any Penalty or Forfeiture of the said Office.

And that no Porter or Carrier, or any Person or Persons whatsoever, shall presume or intermit, or intrude themselves [Page 43] to carry or lade any of the said Goods or Merchandize from any Wharf without the special Approvement or by [...]nce of the Major, Commonalty, &c. or their Officer [...] [...] Deputies. And that such Porter or Carrier that shall carry, shall be appointed by the Major, Commonalty, &c. or their sufficient Deputies, and the said Porters to be paid for their Wages, as the Table hereafter mentioneth, and no Account to be rendred for the same, except the Rent hereafter re­served, and so confirms the said Grant of Scavage, Paccage and Billage to the Major, Commonalty, and Citizens of the said City for ever, without incurring any Penalty of the said Offices of Imployments, or either of them. And also that all Aliens and Denizens shall from time to time, make and deliver to the Major, Commonalty, &c. or their Depu­ties, or Collectors, Bills of Entry of all and every the Goods Merchandizes and Wares that shall from time to time be brought within the Liberties and Franchises of the City and Suburbs thereof, upon Pain of further Punishment, yielding and paying by the said Major, Commonalty, &c. at the Exchequer at Westminster, 3 l. 6. s. 8 d. at the Feast of St. Michael the Arch-angel, and the Annunciation of the Blessed Lady, the Virgin Mary, by equal Portions every year to be paid. And further, that if any Merchant-Alien or Denizen, shall at any time by any sinister way or false Practice, conceal such Goods and Merchandizes, whereby to defraud the said Major, Commonalty, &c. of their Just Fees to them appointed and confirmed; That then it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Major, and to and for the lawful Deputy or Deputies of the said Major and Commonalty of the said City, to administer an Oath to such Person or Persons, as he or they shall suspect to conceal such Goods and Merchandizes.

Dated at Westminster the 5th of September, in the 16th Year of our Reign.