1639–40. Paid 2 fifteens towardꝭ Midletonswater265vjsGiven to the Recorders Clerke that the ffrenchmen might not take the body from Tyborneijsvjd
1640–1. Paid to the Tellers of the Exchequer in 8ber1640 for yeKings use40000Paid and given to MrDavies man ijsand the water men and Porters to bring King Charles figure in Brasse to the hall046
This Bust of the King was set up in the Theatre.
1641–2. There were seventy-three liverymen on the roll this year, and the Court numbered thirty-three in addition.
Paid to Edward Cock Painter for mending the pictures & frames of Queene Eliʒ. SrPeter Probye Sarjeant Balthrop and blacking Gilding Apollo120
Disbursedat the Kings enterteynemtin London the 25thof November 1641.Paid for a peece of rich Taffitae to make a pendant0180Pdfor Greene Perpetuana for the 18 ffootemen940Pdfor white lace to sett on those suites1114Pdfor white and greene ribaning as by bill3160Pdin the morning for buttred sack 8sbuns 3sbutter 3liijsbeere & bread 4s0170Pdfor the Companies dinner at the Castle that daye680Pdto MrBerisford taylor for making 6 suites tape & thread120Paid to MrBall taylor for making 12 suites240Pdto MrTreswell the Harrould Painter2120Pdfor the Pendaunt Staffe and 18 trunchions090Pdto a porter to watch the standings and candles036to workemen to drink006ffor making 18 greene flatt capps0180ffor 3 dozen of torches that night280for hier of three blewe clothes and porteridge0166To Richardson a porter020Paid by consent towards the 18 ffootmens suppers100Paid for John Perkins his scarfe that beare our Pendant with our Coate of armes100Paid MrDorebare Carpinter for boards and setting upp and taking downe and cariage of our standings480Sumeis391710
1642–3. Paid into the Chamber of London for Ireland40000Paid into the Committees at Grocers Hall for releife of Ireland5000Paid the Companies viijliweakly assessment for 12 weekes9600Paid the 9thAugust 1642 for one Silver Canne given to DoctorChamberlaine for his anatomye Lecture vjliand to the Porter that brought things from thence js& to DoctorMeverells man jswhen he sent Cafferius Placentius his booke of Anatomye wchhe gave to the Librarye620Paid for 60 yards of Chaine for bookes in the Librarye at 4dp. yard100Pdto the Copper Smith for 60 brasses0100To the Claspmaker for setting on 32 brasses0801644–5. Wee charge ourselves with foure hundred and five pounds received of SrIohn Wollaston and the rest of the Thrẽrs at warres by order of the Comittee of Parliamtfor the Army for furnishing xxvij Chyrurgians Chests & Instrumtsfor SrThomas ffairfax his ArmieCCCCvli
The Company were bound under precepts directed to them, to press Surgeons for the Army and to provide them each with a Medicine chest and Instruments value £15. It is a remarkable circumstance that the Parliament should havepaidthe money to the Company for this service, a proceeding contrary to the practice then in vogue.
At this time it appears that the indebtedness of the Company to various creditors for monies lent to enable them to meet the demands of the authorities amounted to no less a sum than £2,633 4s.This was borrowed at 6, 7 and 8 per cent. interest upon the seal of the house; the Company had pawned the best of their ancient plate to satisfy the rapacity of the King and the army, and the following pitiful entry speaksvolumes—
Paid for the hyre of 4 Cupps for the elecc͠on020
1645–6. Money was raised by granting annuitiesthus—
Wee charge ourselves with Twoe hundred pounds rec̃d of MrNichãs Heath for an Annuitye of xxvjlifor tenn yearesCCliPaid for one newe black Jack050Paid for amending two old black Jacks026Paid for two douzen of sawcers0120Paid for 15 dozen of Trenchers067Pdthe Lord Maiors Officers as a fine for the Rubbish lyeing in the Streete020
The indebtedness of the Company this year amounted to £2,847 18s.10d.
1646–7. ffor mending the Corrector twice030
The apprentices must have been especially troublesome this year.
1647–8. Given to Richard Greenburye Workeman to this house towards his inlargement out of prison200
Mr. Greenbury had often been employed by the Company as a portrait painter, and it is delightful to notice their kindly regard for him in both his and their evil days.
1648–9. In 1644 the Company had pawned their plate, but seem to have redeemed it within the next year or two, for under this year we read that plate to the value of £297 11s.8d.wasabsolutelysold to Mr. Thomas Madox, Goldsmith, and other plate was pledged with Mr. John Browne for £250.
Paid for our seates in StPaulls Church on Thancksgiving day for the Northerne Victorye070Paid for the same on a day of humiliac͠on for a blessing on the treatie wthhis then Matie0701649–50. Paid for orSeates at Christchurch the Thancsgiving day for the Irish Victorye030Paid for cakes and ale for the Livery on that day at yehall044
The expenses ofLord Mayor’sday were asfollows:—
Paid for Ribbon for the Whifflers Officers & Bargemen144ffor eight staves020Paid to Edward Soare Barge Mr3150Paid to the Trumpetts that came to the hall voluntarilye0100Given to the Clarke & sexton of StJames Church Garlick hith026Given to the Porter at Baynards castle016Paid to the Drum̃e & Phiffe0120Given to the Watermen to drinck026More for beare for the Watermen006ffor 8 dozen of cakes & 3 dozen of other bread0110Paid for foure pounds of butter034Paid the Grocers bill and Vinteners bill for a potac͠on for the Liverye in yemorning136Given to the Servants of the Taverne026ffor washing linnen & making cleane the hall0116Paid the Butler for his attendance0100Paid for hyre for 3 dozen of Napkins040ffor hier of Pewter0100Given to the Stewards by order of Court800Paid for cords004
It was the custom for the Stewards to provide the Livery dinner, and the £8 was an allowance made by the Company towards the cost of the dinner.
Paid in exchange of clip̃d & counterfitt money0166Given by order of Court to widᵭ Morgan towards the apparelling her sonne to bee placed an Appñtice1100
On the 1st November, 1649, the Company attended a Thanksgiving service at Christchurch, and later on they were present at the same place for a “Humilation day for Ireland.”
1650–1. Paid for a large Banner of the Armes of England and Ireland and mending the old Banners6176
This “mending the old banners” was really taking out the Royal arms and inserting those of the Commonwealth, and was done under compulsion by order of Oliver Cromwell.
Paid to Greenburye for painting the Picture of MrEdward Arris and Doctor Charles Scarborough & Anathomye9100
This fine picture is preserved at Barbers’ Hall.
On October 8th, 1650, the Company attended a Thanksgiving at Christchurch, for a victory at Dunbar.
1652–3. On Lord Mayor’s day the ribbons for the whifflers were 30 yards of white 6d.ribbon, and 30 yards of green 8d.ribbon.
The Company were present at one Humiliation and two Thanksgiving Services this year.
1653–4. Paid for hire of a greene cloth to lay over the Rayle of our standing in Paulls Churchyard when the Lord Protector was enterteined by the Citie at Grocers hall0126To the Butler for his attendance then0100ffor the hire of a Case of Knives then010Paid for Cakes and wine 7sand for attendance ijs090Paid to MrDorebarre Carpinter for fitting the standing and doeing other worke as by twoe bills appeare7100Paid for washing the Table Lynnen and making cleane the Hall on ytday0116Paid to MrDorebarre Carpinter for the newe building next the newe gate of the hall according to agreement12000
The liabilities of the Company to Creditors for money borrowed amounted to£2,386 13s.101⁄2d.
1655–6. ffor a large Mapp of the World on the Chymney in the long Parlour21001657–8. Payd for thinges to prserve the Robes and Carpettꝭ from mothes050Paid for a paire of Gloves prsented to MrSecondary Trottman by order of Court11001658–9. To the Herauld Painter for severall Armes in the new Booke of Charters and ordinances200Paid the Clerke for Velome bindinge and other charges about that Booke0130
This book, very handsomely illuminated, is preserved at the Hall.
The Great Account Book ends here, and the next one embraces the years 1659 to 1674.
1659–60. Payd by order of a Court of Assistantꝭ into the Chamber of London orproporc͠on of 10000lito be raysed by the Companies of London to be sent as a Guift to theKinge2669600Payd MrPhinees Bill for Cloathes for the ffootemen att the Kinges Entertainemtin the Cittie when hee came first into the Kingdome2000ffor 4 peices of Greene & white Ribbon for the Horsemen and footemen that day3120ffor 24 Staves for the ffootemen080Payd to the Herauld Painter for a new Pendent and the Kingꝭ Armes11150ffor payntinge the ffootemens staves088Payd for a Dynner for the Horsemen that day316Payd ffor 4 peeces of Greene & white Ribbon the 5thof July for the ffootemen &c. when the Kinge dyned at Guildhall3120ffor a breakefast for the Livery that day0104ffor three Staves for the Attendantꝭ that day010ffor a Dynner for the horsemen that day467ffor a Dynner for the Livery that day532ffor the Trompeterꝭ that day1120Payd the Cookes Bill upon a Thancksgivinge day the 10thof May487The Vintnerꝭ Bill that day170Spent att the Miter on choyce of my Lord Maior0126Expended in Attendance on the Duke of Yorkes Secretary att severall tymes to frustrate the designe of the Apothecaries01341660–1. Payd by order of a Cortof Assistantꝭ into the Chamber of London orproporc͠on towards makeinge of pageantꝭ4800
This refers most probably to the rejoicings in June, 1660, when the City entertained Charles II, the Dukes of York and Gloucester, and other persons of quality.
ffor strowingꝭ on the Elecc͠on day018
These were herbs, etc., spread over the floor of the Hall, and flowers strewed by the maids in the street in front of the Company as they went to church.
1661–2. This year there were 158 Liverymen, of whom 29 were on the Court.
To a Couple of Serjantꝭ to Arrest severall pˀsons that used the Art of Shaveinge in this Citty and not beinge ffreemen of this Company0150To SrWmWylde for his advice upon a Declarac͠oon agtthose pˀsons100Payd the Attorneys Bill in that Businesse31361662–3.August26th1662 att the Kinge & Queenes cominge by water to London (from Hampton Court to Whitehall)Spent lookeinge after a barge016The Bargemans Bill800To the Trompeters300ffor 74 yards of white & Greene Ribbon att 6dpˀ yard1170The Vintners Bill att the 3 Tunnes att Breakefast3160Butlers Bill that day212Beadles Bill that day for expenses0121Cookes Bill that day487Vinteners Bill at the Sunne that day338ffor 4 douzen Bottles of Ale that day01410To the Clerke at Garlicke Hithe Church that day026
Lord Mayors Day.The Bargemans breakefast026To the Bargeman & 11 men480ffor 84 yards of Ribbon att 6dpˀ yard220Michells bill for Cordage, &c.022ffor washinge the Table Lynnen & makeinge cleane the hall then0116The Butlers ffee then0134The Vintners Bill for Breakefast380The Beadles Bill for Tabaccoe that day038To the Sexton of Garlicke hithe Church that day026To the porter att Baynards Castle016To the Trompeters then250ffor 8 douzen of cakes then080ffor 6 Staves for the Whiflers then020
This year also the Company rode to “meete the Russia Embassadour” and the charges for this are set out in the accounts.
The Company employed counsel and presented a petition against the granting of a Charter to the Physicians; this business involved several meetings at taverns and some presents to the Duke of York’s Secretary, who seems to have espoused the cause of the Barber-Surgeons.
ffor makeinge presipientia to be præscientia in the Bason and Tankerd016
This would be the correction of an engraver’s mistake in the Company’s motto on some silver plate.
ffor paintinge the staves for the Companyes Colorsand 4 windowes of the Granary1100ffor makeinge cleane of severall pictures0170ffor two Silver Salts220ffor mendinge Erasmus statute030ffor a large Chamber pott0561663–4. Received of the Governours Assistants and Livery towards the Building of a Barge with other necessaryes thereunto belonging17800
A considerable sum was again spent in opposing the Physician’s Charter, Sir Wm. Scroggs, Mr. Pollexfen, Mr. Serjeant Glyn, Mr. Phillips, and Sir Orlando Bridgeman being the Company’s counsel.
ffor mẽding King Henry the 8thscupp020To a Serjeant to arrest MrArnold for refusing to take a fine for the Cloathing and entring the Acc͠on054To MrBanes the Attorney his ffee026To Peter Smith [the Beadle] for his expences to ketch MrArnold026
The Company spent a large sum on their Barge and Barge house; all the details are in the accounts, but the following extracts willsuffice:—
To Henry fforty for makeing the Barge11500ffor Calicoe for the Watermens Suites350ffor Staining the Coates2150ffor makeing 20 Suites and Capps at 4s6deach4100To Henry fforty for triming the Barge Curting Rods &c. vtpˀ Bill200ffor Bayes and Curtaines01810ffor Oares1140To MrBlackmore the Herrald Painter for fflags to the Barge29100ffor Boards to house the Barge last Winter1756Boathire and given to a Carpenter to view the Duke of Richmonds Bargehouse026To the Archbishop of Canterburyes Counsell ffor his perusall of the Draught of a Lease for ground to build a Barge house on [at Lambeth]100To his Clarke for drawing it0100To MrSnowe and MrTurney 2 of the Archbishops Servants upon sealing the Lease 10liin Gold and the change of Silver for Gold at 2s4da peice 1li3s4din all1134To MrTurneyes man for ingrossing the Lease0100To the Archbishops Porter050Given to other Servants of the House when the Governours attended his Lordship0120To MrMatthewes the Bricklayer in part of payment for his Brickworke about the Bargehouse10000
1664–5. The Company subscribed £94 15s.6d.as a Contribution towards the ship “The Loyal London,” to be presented to the King by the City. They also “lent” the King £500 for which 6 per cent. interest waspromised.
Coach hire for the Governours to the Navy Office on Audit day020Given to MrPepis267his man that day010To the Hoboyes [on Lord Mayor’s day]250To Peter Smith for Tobaccoe and pipes0210ffor Rosemary and Bayes for the Barge020ffor mending a Skelliton050
An entertainment was given to the Duke of Monmouth (who was free of the Company) and among other items of expense incurredwere:—
Comfitt makers Bill that day426ffor a quarter of a Pound of Spanish tobaccoe that day026Given to the Officers of the Navy according to custome yearely200
Perhaps Samuel Pepys came in for some of this.
There was a grand dinner at our Hall on 20th June, 1655, being Thanksgiving day for the Victory over the Dutch.268
ffor bringing the Woodden Griffen from Wapping to the Guilders026
This would be the Opinicus for the bow of the barge.
ffor Imbroydering the Barge Cloath1500Payd MrRolls his Bill for the Barge Cloath1100To MrGoodwyn for paynting the Barge3500
The next refers to the Great Plague.
Given to the poore visited persons the Third part of the Companyes usuall allowance at an Election Dinner500Given to Thomas Vere in his visitac͠on100To Chamberlaines Widdow her house being visited100To Peter Smith in his sicknes3001665–6. Expended by myself yeClerke & Beadles in sevˀall Journeys to Greenwchto attend yeofficers of yeNavy in yelate time of Visitac͠on1166
The Company made very many grants of money to the poor stricken people about this time; and further contributed £69 9s.6d.towards the Ship “The Loyal London.”
1666–7. The following interesting entries relate to theGreat Fireand the providential preservation of theHolbeinpainting.
To a souldier two dayes & two nights on the trained bands when the great fier was & for powder080ffor carrying of the Companyes goods by Porters to Moorefeildꝭ, howse roome there & carrying thence to Holborne bridge300To a seaman that quenched the top of the theater when fired040To other labourers at that time100To one hurt in that service0100ffor drinke for the labourers then016To a poore fellow that found a skelliton010To the City Marshall for getting of labourers and laders & an engine to save the Theater100ffor the use of timber & other things at that time026To Major Brookes for his expences aboutHye8th picture0130Given him as the Companyes gift100To six porters wthexpences of bringing home ytpicture089To CaptCarroll his expenses about that picture0160Given him as the Companyes gift100Expended on him026ffor a Cipres chest to put the plate in200ffor foure locks 2 handles & 8 plates for that chest1100ffor a trunke for the linnin0100To Jonas Wills for Workemen to Carry in leade & iron out of the ruines0130To a Carpenter & his man that assisted960To Peter Smith for Workemen at the hall 22thSeptemb. 1666474More to him for workemen ye25 of 7ber667118ffor 7 large boxes wthLocks & keys to put the Companyes writings in180To Peter Smith his charges in getting home sevˀall flaggs & pictures & a skelliton0140To Jonas Wills for the Skelliton the Cobler had050ffor a Warrant for sevˀall pˀsons suspected to have some of the Companyes goods & Expended about it0261667–8. Received of severall Members of the Company and fforreynrstowards the Building of the Hall and other offices38380
These contributions were voluntary and are accounted for every year for a considerable period. At the end of the book is a long and detailed list of the contributors, commencing 23rd April, 1668, and extending to March, 1681. There seem to have been 398 subscribers, and the sum collected from them was £1,850; this amount, however, was wholly inadequate for the rebuilding of the hall, which appears by entries extending over 1668 to 1674, to have cost the Company no less than £4,292. The deficit was made up by sales of freehold property in the City, for what to us, in these days, would seem absurdly low prices, and by loans, etc.
BARBER-SURGEONS’ HALL, 1674–1864.
BARBER-SURGEONS’ HALL, 1674–1864.
BARBER-SURGEONS’ HALL, 1674–1864.
1668–9. The Company received from the Chamber of London £620 6s.6d., being the return of £500 lent to the King in November,1664, and the interest thereon £120 6s.6d.This is theonlyinstance recorded of any forced loan having been refunded.