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

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

Table of contents

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Title page

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

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

Abrokers.

Abrokecators, or Brokers.

Acquittances of Murder.

Acquittances.

Aldermen and their election.

Aldermens goods.

Allowance of Liberties.

Amerciaments.

Aids and Contributions.

Bakers and Millers.

Battaile.

Bean-pleader.

Bridgemaſters.

Buttlerage.

Ceritorary or writ of Priviledge.

Chamberlain, Town-clerk, and common Sergeant.

Colouring of ſtrangers goods.

Confirmation.

Corporation of London.

Cuſtome paid.

Cuſtomes expounded, and new Laws made.

Debts.

Elections.

Eſcheator.

Expoſtion.

Fellons goods.

Fee Farme.

Fee Farm apportioned.

Fee Farm of London and Middleſex.

Farm bought, and Farm ſold.

Foren bought, and Foren ſold.

Foren bought, and Foren ſold.

Foreſt of Middleſex diſſaforeſted.

Forfeiture or ſeiſure of the liberties of the City.

Form of Iuſtice.

Fore-Stallers.

Free-men and making Free-men.

Hunting.

Huſtings.

Inquiſitions.

Iuriſdiction of Pleas.

Inquiſitions of the Goal of New-gate.

Iuſtices in London.

Kiddles, viz. wares.

Liberties and free Cuſtomes.

Liberties and Pranchiſes.

Liberties confirmed.

Liberties confirmed.

Major to be preſented.

Major.

Mariſhall.

Markets.

Marſhalſee and Clerk of the Houſhold.

Marchants ſtrangers free Hoſts.

Mortmain.

Non-uſer.

Officers of the City.

Oaſts.

Oasts and free Oaſts.

Oath.

Parliament.

Pleas in Fairs and Markets.

Precepts to the Citizens.

Preſenting of the Sheriffes.

Proceſſe and ſerving of Proceſſe.

Protections.

Purveyors.

Purveyors or Officers of the King.

Reſtitution.

Right.

Right owner.

Sanctuaries.

St. Pauls.

Scot and Lot.

Seals of the King.

Seal of the City.

Sergeants at the Chamber.

Sergeants at the Mase.

Sheriffes.

Sheriffes and their Elections.

Sherffe.

Sheriffe.

Sheriffes.

Southwarke.

Subſidies, Tallages, or Aids.

Succeſſors in London.

Sureties for the Sheriffes.

Suites againſt Citizens.

Taxes and Tallages.

Toll.

Tower of London.

Warres.

Weights and Meaſures.

Witherman.

Wines ſold by retaile.

Wines and Ʋictuals.

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

Beer-brewers.

Certioraries for Recogniſances.

Commiſſion of the Peace,

Confirmation.

Confirmation.

Confirmation all and ſingular.

Elections of Officers.

Exemption for the Aldermen.

Fines and amerciaments.

Foren bought, and Foren ſold.

Gates and Poſterns.

Ganger.

Iuſtices of Peace.

Iuſtices of the Peace.

Mortmain.

Non-uſer and abuſer.

Notunda.

Packer.

Recordator.

Recognizances.

Seiſure of the Liberties.

Search.

Southwarke.

Toll.

Treaſure trove.

Tronage.

Waſte-grounds.

Wools, Leaden-hall.

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THE LIBERTIES USAGES, AND CUSTOMES OF THE CITY OF LONDON; CONfirmed by eſpeciall Acts of Parliament, with the time of their Confirmation.

ALSO, Divers ample, and moſt beneficiall Charters, granted by King Henry the 6. King Edward the 4. and King Henrie the 7th. not confirmed by Parliament as the other Charters were, And where to find every particular Grant and Confirmation at large.

Collected by Sir Henry Colthrop, Knight, ſometime Recorder of London, for his private uſe.

And now publiſhed for the good and benefit of this Honourable City.

LONDON: Printed by B. Alſop for Nicholas Ʋavaſour, and are to be ſold at his ſhop in the Inner-Temple, MDCXLII.

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

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

Abrokers.

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

Abrokecators, or Brokers.

Abrokecators or Brokers. Brokers are to be choſen by Merchants of their own miſteries, and they ſhall take [Page] their Oath before the Major of London, lib, albo fol, 570. b. 3. E. 3. per Charter & Parliament.

Acquittances of Murder.

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

Acquittances.

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

Aldermen and their election.

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

Aldermens goods.

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

Allowance of Liberties.

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

Amerciaments.

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

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

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

Aids and Contributions.

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

Bakers and Millers.

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

Battaile.

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

Bean-pleader.

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

Bridgemaſters.

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

Buttlerage.

And of the Wines of the Citizens, no prizes or takings ſhall bee had or made by any of the Kings [Page] Miniſters of their heirs, or of any other againſt their will, that is to wit, of one run before the maſt, and of any other tun behind the maſt, nor in any other manner, but they ſhall be therof acquitted for ever, br. alb. fol. 40. lib. 1. E. 3.

Ceritorary or writ of Priviledge.

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

Chamberlain, Town-clerk, and common Sergeant.

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

Colouring of ſtrangers goods.

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

Confirmation.

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

Corporation of London.

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

Cuſtome paid.

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

Cuſtomes expounded, and new Laws made.

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

Debts.

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

Elections.

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

Eſcheator.

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

Expoſtion.

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

Fellons goods.

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

Fee Farme.

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

Fee Farm apportioned.

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

Fee Farm of London and Middleſex.

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

Farm bought, and Farm ſold.

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

Foren bought, and Foren ſold.

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

Foren bought, and Foren ſold.

Both by Charter and Parliament it is granted, that from henceforth no Merchant being a ſtranger to the liberties [Page] of this City, ſhall buy or ſell any Merchandize within the liberties of this City, to any like ſtranger Merchant, upon the pain of Forfeitures of ſuch Merchandizes ſo bought or ſold, lib. alb. f. 43. a, b. 1. R. 2.

Foreſt of Middleſex diſſaforeſted.

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

Forfeiture or ſeiſure of the liberties of the City.

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

Form of Iuſtice.

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

Fore-Stallers.

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

Free-men and making Free-men.

No ſtranger born ſhall be made free of this City but in the Court of Huſtings, lib. albo fol. 37. b 12. H. 3. How free Denizens and Engliſhmen that never were Apprenties ſhall be made free, and how every one [Page] ought to put in for himſelf ſufficient ſureties, to be true to the conſervation of the city, but this Order is not uſed at this day; therfore I omit to ſpeak any more of it in this place, and yet is this Form of making Free-men by redemption, appointed by Parliament, lib. al. fol. 37, b, 12 Henry 3.

Hunting.

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

Huſtings.

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

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

Inquiſitions.

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

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

Iuriſdiction of Pleas.

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

Inquiſitions of the Goal of New-gate.

That the Major of London for the time being ſhall in [Page] every Commiſſion for the Goale delivery of New-Gate be named one of the Juſtices, lib. al. f. 39, b. 1. E, 1.

Iuſtices in London.

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

Kiddles, viz. wares.

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

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

Liberties and free Cuſtomes.

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

Liberties and Pranchiſes.

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

Liberties confirmed.

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

Liberties confirmed.

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

Major to be preſented.

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

Major.

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

Mariſhall.

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

Markets.

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

Marſhalſee and Clerk of the Houſhold.

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

Marchants ſtrangers free Hoſts.

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

Mortmain.

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

Non-uſer.

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

Officers of the City.

All lands or tenements without the Freedom of the city, wherof any Citizen is, or ſhall be owner, now or [Page] hereafter, which are, or ſhall be Miniſters of the city, ſhal be obliged to the converſation or ſaving harmleſſe, the ſame city againſt the King and his Heirs, for matters concerning their offices in like manner, as their tenements within the ſame city were wont to be, lib, al, folio 40, b, c. 1. E. 1.

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

Oaſts.

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

Oasts and free Oaſts.

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

Oath.

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

Parliament.

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

Pleas in Fairs and Markets.

Becauſe the Citizens of London in all good and great Fairs of England were wont to have Wardens of themſelves to hold pleas, concerning ſuch Citizens as ſhall have conference to the ſaid Fairs: It is granted by Charter, that the ſame Citizens ſhall have their Wardens [Page] of their Citizens, for the holding of ſuch pleas as of ancient times they have had, excepting pleas of the Land, and of the Crown, lib. al. 40. 1. E. 1.

Precepts to the Citizens.

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

Preſenting of the Sheriffes.

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

Proceſſe and ſerving of Proceſſe.

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

Protections.

The King granteth that all the Protections of him and his Heires, given to and for the ſervice of the KING, either to go forth, or to abide in any places of the Kings ſervice from henceforth, [Page] ſhall take no place in any plea of debt for any victuals taken or bought for the voyage or ſervice; wherof any mention is made in any ſuch protection, nor any ſuch protection ſhall be allowed for any pleas of treſpaſſes, or contracts, made or done after the date of ſuch protection, in ſuch caſe as the plaintiffe is, or ſhall be a Freeman of this city, lib. albo f. 44. Anno primo R. 2.

Purveyors.

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

Purveyors or Officers of the King.

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

Reſtitution.

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

Right.

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

Right owner.

[Page]

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

Sanctuaries.

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

St. Pauls.

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

Scot and Lot.

That Freemen within the City, as ſuch as dwell without the City, and occupie Merchandize within the city, ſhall be ſubject to Scot and Lot with the Commons of the ſame city, for and touching, &c, lib. alb. fol. 38, a. 11. Henrie the third.

Seals of the King.

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

Seal of the City.

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

Sergeants at the Chamber.

[Page]

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

Sergeants at the Mase.

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

Sheriffes.

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

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

Sheriffes and their Elections.

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

Sherffe.

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

Sheriffe.

That the Sheriffe for the time being ſhall commit [Page] the collection of tolls and cuſtomes belonging to the Fee Farm, and all publique offices to them belonging, and by them to be exerciſed unto ſufficient perſons, for whom they will anſwer, and that ſuch Officers as they ſhall appoint ſhall be removed upon their misbehavior, lib. alb. fol. 30. Anno 12. Hen. 3.

Sheriffes.

That the Sheriffes of this city for the time being ſhall have towards the Farm of the ſame city, the full forfeiture of victuals, and other things. And alſo of Merchandizes after the tenor of the Charters to the Citizens granted and made. And that from henceforth the Sheriffes ſhall not be hindred or moleſted for the ſame againſt the tenor of the ſame Charters, lib. alb. fol. 40. b. 1. E. 1.

Southwarke.

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

Subſidies, Tallages, or Aids.

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

Succeſſors in London.

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

Sureties for the Sheriffes.

[Page]

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

Suites againſt Citizens.

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

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

Taxes and Tallages.

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

Toll.

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

Tower of London.

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

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

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

Warres.

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

Weights and Meaſures.

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

Witherman.

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

Wines ſold by retaile.

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

Wines and Ʋictuals.

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

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

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

Beer-brewers.

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

Certioraries for Recogniſances.

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

Commiſſion of the Peace,

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

Confirmation.

[Page]

King Henry 7, Anno 20. did grant unto the City of Lond [...] moſt large and ample ratification of all and ſingular their Liberties, Franchiſes, and Cuſtomes, and all ſuch like things expreſſed in any of their Charters whatſoever they were, lib. albo 58. a.

Confirmation.

King H 5. by Act of Parliament, and a ſpecial Charter, dated the 7, ber. Anno 7. hath alſo confirmed the Liberties aforeſaid, lib albo folio 47, a.

Confirmation all and ſingular.

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

Elections of Officers.

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

Exemption for the Aldermen.

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

Fines and amerciaments.

All Fines, Amerciaments, Iſſues forfeited, Redemptions, Forfeitures, Penalties of all Offences [Page] inquirable by the Commiſſions of the peace, are granted to the Citizens of London lib. alb. f. 49, a, 23. H. 6. And in the ſame place the premiſes are alſo granted, if they bee forfeited before the Juſtices in the pleas of the crown, or before any other Juſtices, or Miniſter whatſoever, ibid.

Foren bought, and Foren ſold.

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

Gates and Poſterns.

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

Ganger.

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

Iuſtices of Peace.

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

Iuſtices of the Peace.

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

Mortmain.

The King granteth licenſe to the Commonalty to purchaſe lands and tenements, to the value of 200. marks [Page] by the year, the ſtatute of Martmain, or any other thing to the contrary notwithſtanding, lib. albo fol. 56, a, b, c. 18. E. 4.

Non-uſer and abuſer.

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

Notunda.

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

Packer.

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

Recordator.

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

Recognizances.

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

Seiſure of the Liberties.

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

I ſay by this ſtatute the King very eaſily found a quarrell againſt the City, and did by Commiſſion ceize the liberties of the ſaid City. The fault was for that the Major [Page] and Aldermen of the City did not correct nor puniſh, and this was all. But after in Anno 16. and 20. the ſame King reſtored the liberties again to the ſaid City, lib, albo f. 45, a, b, c.

Search.

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

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

Southwarke.

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

Toll.

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

Treaſure trove.

Treaſure-trove, wait and Fellons, goods, and for ſtallers [Page] of victuals, and Regrators, both in London and upon the Thames, are granted to the City, lib. alb. f. 49. a, 23. H. 6.

Tronage.

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

Waſte-grounds.

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

Wools, Leaden-hall.

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

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

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

Calthrop, Henry, Sir, 1586-1637.

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1642

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Text Creation Partnership,

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2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A69725

ID [STC]

Wing C308

ID [STC]

ESTC R14680

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12005097

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12005097

ID [VID]

52293

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A69725)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 52293)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 85:15 or 251:E141, no 24)

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— The liberties, usages, and customes of the city of London confirmed by especiall acts of Parliament, with the time of their confirmation : also divers ample, and most beneficiall charters, granted by King Henry the 6, King Edward the 4, and King Henrie the 7th, not confirmed by Parliament as the other charters were, and where to find every particular grant and confirmation at large / collected by Sir Henry Colthrop, Knight, ..., Calthrop, Henry, Sir, 1586-1637., Carpenter, John, 1370?-1441?.

Extent

[2], 25 p.

Printed by B. Alsop for Nicholas Vavasour, and are to be sold at his shop ...,. London :: 1642.. (An epitome, arranged alphabetically under subject headings, of the Liber albus, a collection of laws and customs relating to London, compiled by John Carpenter in 1419.) (Reproduction of original in Huntington Library and Thomason Collection, British Library.)

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