This year the Tower of London being delivered to the mayor and his brethren, they delivered King Henry from thence.
1470. The 10th, Sir John Crosbie, John Ward; mayor, Sir John Stockton, mercer.
Thomas the Bastard Fauconbridge, with a riotous company, set upon this city at Aldgate, Bishopsgate, the Bridge, etc., and twelve aldermen, with the recorder, were knighted in the field by Edward IV., to wit, John Stockton, mayor, Raph Verney, late mayor, John Yong, later mayor, William Tayler, late mayor, Richard Lee, late mayor, Matthew Philips, late mayor, George Ireland, William Stoker, William Hampton, since mayor, Thomas Stolbroke, John Crosbie, and Bartlemew James, since mayor, with Thomas Urswike, recorder.
1471. The 11th, John Allin, John Shelley; mayor, William Edward, grocer.
The water-conduit at Aldermanburie, and the standard in Fleet street were finished.
1472. The 12th, John Browne, Thomas Bedlow; mayor, Sir William Hampton, fishmonger.
This Sir William Hampton punished strumpets, and caused stocks to be set in every ward to punish vagabonds.
1473. The 13th, Sir William Sokar, Robert Belisdon; mayor, John Tate, mercer.
This year the sheriffs of London were appointed each of them to have sixteen serjeants, every serjeant to have his yeoman, and six clerks, to wit, a secondary, a clerk of the papers, and four other clerks, besides the under-sheriff’s clerks.
1474. The 14th, Edmond Shaw, Thomas Hill; mayor, Robert Drope, draper.
This Robert Drope increased the water-conduit upon Cornhill, etc.
1475. The 15th, Hugh Brice, Robert Colwich; mayor, Robert Basset, salter.
This Robert Basset corrected the bakers and other victuallers of this city.
1476. The 16th, Richard Rawson, William Horne; mayor, Sir Raph Joceline, draper, knight of the Bath.
By the diligence of this mayor the walls of the city were repaired.
1477. The 17th, Henry Collet, John Stoker; mayor, Humphrey Hayford, goldsmith.
1478. The 18th, Robert Harding, Robert Bifield; mayor, Richard Gardener, mercer.
Robert Bifield, sheriff, was fined by the mayor, and paid fifty pounds toward the water-conduits.
1479. The 19th, Thomas Ilam, John Warde; mayor, Sir Bartholomew James, draper, made knight in the field by Edward IV.
Thomas Ilam newly built the great conduit in West Cheape.
1480. The 20th, Thomas Daniel, William Bacon; mayor, John Browne, mercer.
1481. The 21st, Robert Tate, William Wiking; mayor, William Hariot, draper.
1482. The 22nd, William Whit, John Mathew; mayor, Edmond Sha, goldsmith.
This Edmond Sha caused the postern called Cripplesgate to be newly built, etc.
Edward V. began his reign the 9th of April, in the year 1483.
Richard III. began his reign the 22nd of June, in the year 1483.
1483. The 1st sheriffs, Thomas Norland, William Martin; mayor, Robert Bilisden, haberdasher.
1484. The 2nd, Richard Chester, Thomas Brittaine, Raphe Austrie; mayor, Thomas Hill, grocer, Sir William Stoaker, draper, John Ward, grocer.
Three sheriffs and three mayors this year by means of the sweating sickness, etc. Thomas Hill appointed by his testament the water-conduit in Grasse street to be built.
Henry VII. began his reign the 22nd of August, in the year 1485.
1485. The 1st sheriffs, John Tate, John Swan; mayor, Hugh Brise, goldsmith.
This Hugh Brise was keeper of the king’s mints at London.
1486. The 2nd, John Percivall, Hugh Clopton; mayor, Henry Cellet, mercer.
The cross in Cheap was new built in beautiful manner.
1487. The 3rd, John Fenkell, William Remington; mayor, Sir William Horne, salter.
This William Horne made knight in the field by Henry VII., gave to the repairing of highways betwixt London and Cambridge five hundred marks, and to the preachers at Paul’s cross, etc.
1488. The 4th, W. Isaack, Raph Tilney; mayor, Robert Tate, mercer.
1489. The 5th, William Caple, John Brocke; mayor, W. White, draper.
1490. The 6th, Henry Cote, Robert Revell, Hugh Pemberton; mayor, John Mathew, mercer.
1491. The 7th, Thomas Wood, William Browne; mayor, Hugh Clopton, mercer.
Hugh Clopton built the great stone bridge at Stratford upon Haven in Warwickshire.
1492. The 8th, William Purchase, William Welbecke; mayor, William Martin, skinner.
A riot made upon the Esterlings by the mercers’ servants and other.
1493. The 9th, Robert Fabian, John Winger; mayor, Sir Raph Astrie, fishmonger, made knight by Henry VII.
Robert Fabian, alderman, madeFabian’s Chronicle, a painful labour, to the honour of the city, and the whole realm.
1494. The 10th, Nicholas Alwine, John Warner; mayor, Richard Chawry, salter.
1495. The 11th, Thomas Knesworth, Henry Somer; mayor, Henry Colet, mercer.
1496. The 12th, Sir John Sha, Sir Richard Haddon; mayor, Sir John Tate, the younger, mercer.
The king made this mayor, Robert Shefield, recorder, and both the sheriffs, knights, for their good service against the rebels at Black Hith field.
1497. The 13th, Bartlemew Read, Thomas Windout; mayor, W. Purchase, mercer.
All the gardens in the Morefield were destroyed, and made plain ground.
1498. Thomas Bradbury, Stephen Jeninges; mayor, Sir John Percevall, made knight in the field by King Henry VII.
1499. The 15th, James Wilford, Thomas Brond; mayor, Nicholas Alwin, mercer.
This Nicholas Alwin gave to three thousand poor people in London twelve pence the piece, and to three thousand in the town of Spalding, the like, etc.
1500. The 16th, John Hawes, William Steede; mayor, W. Remington, fishmonger.
1501. The 17th, Lawrence Ailmer, Henry Hede; mayor, Sir John Sha, goldsmith, made knight in the field by Henry VII.
This Sir John Sha caused his brethren the aldermen to ride from the Guildhall unto the water’s side, where he took his barge to Westminster; he was sworn by the king’s council: he commonly in the afternoons kept a court alone, called before him many matters, and redressed them.
1502. The 18th, Henry Kebel, Nicholas Nines; mayor, Bartlemew Reade, goldsmith.
1503. The 19th, Christopher Hawes, Robert Wats, Thomas Granger; mayor, Sir William Capell, draper, made knight by Henry VII.
This Sir William caused a cage in every ward to be set for punishing of vagabonds.
1504. The 20th, Roger Acheley, William Brown; mayor, John Winger, grocer.
1505. The 21st, Richard Shore, Roger Grove; mayor, Thomas Knesworth, fishmonger.
This Thomas Knesworth appointed the water-conduit at Bishopsgate to be built, etc.
1506. The 22nd, William Copenger, Thomas Johnson, William Fitzwilliams, merchant-tailor, after of council to Henry VIII.; mayor, Sir Richard Haddon, mercer.
1507. The 23rd, William Butler, John Kirkby; mayor, William Browne, mercer, for part, Lawrence Ailmer, draper.
1508. The 24th, Thomas Exmew, Richard Smith; mayor, Stephen Jeninges, merchant-tailor.
This Stephen Geninges built the greatest part of St. Andrewes church called Undershaft. He built a free-school at Ulfrunehampton in Staffordshire, etc.
Henry VIII. began his reign the 22nd of April, the year 1509.
1509. The 1st sheriffs, George Monoxe, John Doget; mayor, Thomas Bradbury, mercer, for part, Sir William Caple, draper.
1510. The 2nd, John Milborne, John Rest; mayor, Henry Keble, grocer.
This Henry Keble gave one thousand pounds toward the new building of his parish church of Aldermary.
1511. The 3rd, Nicholas Shelton, Thomas Mirfine; mayor, Roger Achiley, draper.
This Roger Achiley provided corn for service of this city in great plenty. He caused the same to be stowed up in the common garner called Leaden hall.
1512. The 4th, Robert Aldarnes, Robert Fenrother; mayor, Sir William Copinger, fishmonger, for part, Richard Haddon, mercer, for the rest.
Sir W. Copinger gave half his goods to his wife, and the other half to the poor that had most need.
1513. The 5th, John Dawes, John Bridges, Roger Bafford; mayor, W. Browne, mercer, and John Tate, mercer.
This John Tate new built the church of St. Anthonies hospital in London.
1514. The 6th, James Yarford, John Monday; mayor, George Monoux, draper.
1515. The 7th, Henry Warley, Richard Grey, W. Bayly; mayor, Sir William Butler, grocer.
1516. The 8th, Thomas Seimer, John Thurstone; mayor, John Rest, grocer.
1517. The 9th, Thomas Baldrie, Raph Simondes; mayor, Sir Thomas Exmew, goldsmith.
Sir Thomas Exmew made the water-conduit in London wall by Mooregate, etc.
1518. The 10th, John Allen, James Spencer; mayor, Thomas Mirfin, skinner.
1519. The 11th, John Wilkenson, Nicholas Partrich; mayor. Sir James Yarford, mercer.
From this time the mayors of London, for the most part, have been knighted by courtesy of the kings, and not otherwise.
1520. The 12th, Sir John Skevington, John Kyme; mayor, Sir John Bruge, draper.
1521. The 13th, John Breton, Thomas Pargetor; mayor, Sir John Milborne, draper.
This Sir John Milborne founded fourteen alms houses by the Crossed Fryers church, etc.
1522. The 14th, John Rudstone, John Champneis; mayor, Sir John Mundy, goldsmith.
1523. The 15th, Michael English, Nicholas Jenines; mayor, Sir T. Baldry, mercer.
1524. The 16th, Raph Dodmer, William Roch; mayor, Sir W. Bayly, draper.
1525. The 17th, John Caunton, Christopher Askew; mayor, Sir John Allen, mercer.
1526. The 18th, Stephen Peacocke, Nicholas Lambert; mayor, Sir Thomas Seamer, mercer.
1527. The 19th, John Hardy, William Holles; mayor, Sir James Spencer, vintner.
1528. The 20th, Raph Warren, John Long; mayor, Sir John Rudstone, draper.
1529. The 21st, Michael Dormer, Walter Champion; mayor, Sir Raph Dodmer, mercer.
This year it was decreed that no man should be mayor of London more than one year.
1530. The 22nd, William Dauntsey, Richard Champion; mayor, Sir T. Pargitor, salter.
1531. The 23rd, Richard Gresham, Edward Altham; mayor, Sir Nicholas Lambard, grocer.
1532. The 24th, Richard Reynoldes, Nicholas Pinchon, John Martin, John Prist; mayor, Sir Stephen Pecocke, haberdasher.
1533. The 25th, William Forman, Sir T. Kitson; mayor, Sir Christopher Askew, draper.
1534. The 26th, Nicholas Levison, W. Denham; mayor, Sir John Chamneis, skinner.
1535. The 27th, Humfrey Munmoth, John Cootes; mayor, Sir John Allen, mercer. By the king’s appointment he was of his council. A man of great wisdom, and also of great charity.
The forenamed sheriffs, Munmouth and Cootes, put away twelve serjeants and twelve yeomen, but were by a common council forced to take them again.
1536. The 28th, Robert Paget, William Boyer; mayor, Sir Raph Waren, mercer.
1537. The 29th, Sir John Gresham, Thomas Lewen; mayor, Sir Richard Gresham, mercer.
1538. The 30th, William Welkenson, Nicholas Gibson; mayor, William Forman, haberdasher.
1539. The 31st, John Feiry, Thomas Huntlow; mayor, Sir W. Holles, mercer.
1540. The 32nd, Sir William Laxton, Martin Bowes; mayor, Sir William Roch, draper.
1541. The 33rd, Rowland Hill, Henry Suckley; mayor, Sir Michael Dormer, mercer.
1542. The 34th, Henry Habberthorne, Henry Amcotes; mayor, John Cootes, salter.
1543. The 35th, John Toleus, Richard Dobbes; mayor, Sir W. Bowyer, draper, for part, Sir Raph Waren, mercer.
1544. The 36th, John Wilford, Andrew Jude; mayor, Sir W. Laxton, grocer.
1545. The 37th, George Barnes, Ralph Alley; mayor, Sir Martin Bowes, goldsmith.
1546. The 38th, Richard Jarveis, Thomas Curteis; mayor, Sir Henry Hubbathorne, merchant-tailor.
Edward VI. began his reign the 28th of January, in the year 1546.
1547. The 1st sheriffs, Thomas White, Robert Charsey; mayor, Sir John Gresham, mercer.
1548. The 2nd, William Locke, Sir John Ailife; mayor, Sir Henry Amcotes, fishmonger.
1549. The 3rd, Richard Turke, John Yorke; mayor, Rowland Hill, mercer.
1550. The 4th, Augustine Hind, John Lyon; mayor, Sir Andrew Jude, skinner.
1551. The 5th, John Lamberd, John Cowper; mayor, Sir Richard Dobbes, skinner.
1552. The 6th, William Gerard, John Maynard; mayor, Sir George Barnes, haberdasher.
Queen Mary began her reign, the 6th of July, the year 1553.
1553. The 1st sheriffs, Thomas Ofley, William Huet; mayor, Sir Thomas White, merchant-tailor.
This Thomas White founded St. John’s college, in Oxford. He gave to the city of Bristow two thousand pounds.
1554. The 2nd, David Woodrofe, William Chester; mayor, Sir John Lion, grocer.
1555. The 3rd, Thomas Leigh, John Machil; mayor, Sir William Gerard, haberdasher.
1556. The 4th, William Harper, John White; mayor, Sir Thomas Ofley, merchant-tailor.
1557. The 5th, Richard Malorie, James Aitham; mayor, Sir Thomas Curteis, fishmonger.
1558. The 6th, John Halse, Richard Champion; mayor, Sir Thomas Legh, mercer.
Queen Elizabeth began her reign, the 17th of November, in the year of Christ 1558.
1559. The 1st sheriffs, Thomas Lodge, Roger Martin; mayor, Sir William Huet, clothworker.
1560. The 2nd, Christopher Draper, Thomas Row; mayor, Sir William Chester, draper.
This year the merchant-tailors founded their notable free-school for poor men’s children, etc.
1561. The 3rd, Alexander Avenon, Humfrey Baskervile; mayor, Sir William Harper, merchant-tailor.
1562. The 4th, William Alin, Richard Chamberlaine; mayor, Sir Thomas Lodge, grocer.
1563. The 5th, Edward Bankes, Rowland Heyward; mayor, Sir John White, grocer.
1564. The 6th, Edward Jackeman, Lionel Ducket; mayor, Sir Richard Malorie, mercer.
1565. The 7th, John Rivers, James Hawes; mayor, Sir Richard Champion, draper.
1566. The 8th, Richard Lambert, Ambrose Nicholas, John Langley; mayor, Sir Christopher Draper, ironmonger.
1567. The 9th, Thomas Ramsey, William Bond; mayor, Sir Roger Martin, mercer.
1568. The 10th, John Oleph, Robert Harding, James Bacon; mayor, Sir Thomas Row, merchant-tailor.
1569. The 11th, Henry Becher, William Dane; mayor, Alexander Avenon, ironmonger.
1570. The 12th, Francis Bernam, William Box; mayor, Sir Rowland Heyward, clothworker.
1571. The 13th, Henry Miles, John Braunch; mayor, Sir William Allin, mercer.
1572. The 14th, Richard Pipe, Nicholas Woodrofe; mayor, Sir Lionel Ducket, mercer.
1573. The 15th, James Harvy, Thomas Pullison; mayor, Sir J. Rivers, grocer.
1574. The 16th, Thomas Blanke, Anthony Gamage; mayor, James Hawes, clothworker.
1575. The 17th, Edward Osborne, Wolstane Dixie; mayor, Ambrose Nicholas, salter.
1576. The 18th, William Kimpton, George Barne; mayor, Sir John Langley, goldsmith.
1577. The 19th, Nicholas Backhouse, Francis Bowyer; mayor, Sir Thomas Ramsey, grocer.
1578. The 20th, George Bond, Thomas Starkie; mayor, Sir Richard Pipe, draper.
1579. The 21st, Martin Calthrope, John Hart; mayor, Sir Nicholas Woodrofe, haberdasher.
1580. The 22nd, Ralph Woodcock, John Alate; mayor, Sir John Branch, draper.
1581. The 23rd, Richard Martin, William Webbe; mayor, Sir James Harvie, ironmonger.
1582. The 24th, William Roe, John Hayden, Cuthbert Buckle; mayor, Sir Thomas Blancke, haberdasher.
1583. The 25th, William Masham, John Spencer; mayor, Edward Osborne, clothworker.
1584. The 26th, Stephen Slany, Henry Billingsley; mayor, Sir Thomas Pullison, draper.
1585. The 27th, Anthony Radclife, Henry Pranell; mayor, Sir Wolstane Dixie, skinner.
1586. The 28th, Robert House, William Elkin; mayor, Sir George Barne, haberdasher.
1587. The 29th, Thomas Skinner, John Katcher; mayor, Sir George Bond, haberdasher.
1588. The 30th, Hugh Ofley, Richard Saltenstall; mayor, Sir Martin Calthorpe, draper, for part, and Richard Martin, goldsmith, for the rest of that year.
1589. The 31st, Richard Gurney, Stephen Some; mayor, Sir John Hart, grocer.
1590. The 32nd, Nicholas Mosley, Robert Broke; mayor, John Allot, fishmonger, for part, Sir Rowland Heyward, clothworker, for the rest.
1591. The 33rd, William Rider, Benet Barnham; mayor, Sir William Webb, salter.
1592. The 34th, John Garrard, Robert Taylor; mayor, Sir William Roe, ironmonger.
1593. The 35th, Paule Banning, Peter Hauton; mayor, SirCuthbert Buckle, vintner, for part, Sir Richard Martin, goldsmith, for the rest.
1594. The 36th, Robert Lee, Thomas Benet; mayor, Sir John Spencer, clothworker.
1595. The 37th, Thomas Low, Leonard Holiday; mayor, Sir Stephen Slany, skinner.
1596. The 38th, John Wattes, Richard Godard; mayor, Thomas Skinner, clothworker, for part, Sir Henry Billingsley, haberdasher.
1597. The 39th, Henry Roe, John More; mayor, Sir Richard Saltenstall, skinner.
1598. The 40th, Edward Holmeden, Robert Hampson; mayor, Sir Stephen Some, grocer.
1599. The 41st, Humfrey Welde, grocer, Roger Clarke, salter; mayor, Sir Nicholas Mosley, clothworker.
1600. The 42nd, Thomas Cambell, ironmonger, Thomas Smith, haberdasher, William Craven, merchant-tailor; mayor, Sir William Rider, haberdasher.
1601. The 43rd, Henry Anderson, girdler; William Glover, dyer; mayor, Sir John Garrard, haberdasher.
1602. The 44th, James Pemberton, goldsmith, John Swinerton, merchant-tailor; mayor, Robert Lee, merchant-tailor.
Thus much for the chief and principal governors of this famous city; of whose public government, with the assistance of inferior officers, their charges for keeping of the peace, service of the prince, and honour of this city, much might have been said, and I had thought to have touched more at large; but being informed that a learned gentleman (James Dalton, a citizen born), minded such a labour, and promised to perform it, I have forborne and left the same to his good leisure, but he being now lately deceased without finishing any such work (a common fault to promise more than to perform), and I hear not of any other that taketh it in hand, I have been divers times minded to add certain chapters to this book, but being (by the good pleasure of God) visited with sickness, such as my feet (which have borne me many a mile) have of late years refused, once in four or five months, to convey me from my bed to my study, and therefore could not do as I would.
At length, remembering I had long since gathered notes to have chaptered, am now forced to deliver them unperfected, and desire the readers to pardon me, that want not will to pleasure them.
There be in this city, according to the number of wards, twenty-six aldermen; whereof yearly, on the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel, one of them is elected to be mayor for the year following, to begin on the 28th of October: the other aldermen, his brethren, are to him assistants in councils, courts, etc.
More, there is a recorder of London, a grave and learned lawyer, skilful in the customs of this city, also assistant to the lord mayor: he taketh place in councils and in courts before any man that hath not been mayor, and learnedly delivereth the sentences of the whole court.
The sheriffs of London, of old time chosen out of the commonalty, commoners, and oftentimes never came to be aldermen, as many aldermen were never sheriffs, and yet advanced to be mayor, but of late (by occasion) the sheriffs have been made aldermen before or presently after their election.
Nicholas Faringdon was never sheriff, yet four times mayor of this city, and so of other, which reproveth a bye word, such a one will be mayor, or he be sheriff, etc.
Then is there a chamberlain of London. A common clerk, or town clerk. A common sergeant.
Sword-bearer,Common hunt,Common crier,Water bailiff.esquires, four.Coroner of London.Sergeant carvers, three.Sergeants of the chamber, three.Sergeant of the channel.Yeoman of the channel.Yeomen of the water side, four.Under water-bailiff.Yeomen of the chamber, two.Meal weighers, three.Yeomen of the wood wharfs, two.The sword-bearer’s man.Common hunt’s men, two.Common crier’s man.Water-bailiffs’ men, two.The carver’s man.gentlemen’s men, seven.
Whereof nine of these have liveries of the lord mayor, viz., the sword-bearer, and his man, the three carvers, and the four yeomen of the water side; all the rest have their liveries from the chamber of London.
Thus far after my notes delivered by an officer of the lord mayor’s house, but unperfected; for I remember a crowner, an under-chamberlain, and four clerks of the mayor’s court, and others.
The sheriffs of London, in the year 1471, were appointed each of them to have sixteen sergeants, every sergeant to have his yeoman, and six clerks; to wit, a secondary, a clerk of the papers, and four other clerks, besides the under sheriffs’ clerks, their stewards, butlers, porters, and other in household many.
To follow precedent of former time, the clerks of companies were to inquire for them of their companies that would have the mayor’s livery, their money as a benevolence given, which must be twenty shillings at the least put in a purse, with their names that gave it, and the wardens to deliver it to the mayor by the first of December; for the which every man had then sent him four yards of broad cloth, rowed or striped athwart, with a different colour to make him a gown, and these were called ray gowns, which was then the livery of the mayor, and also of the sheriffs, but each differing from others in the colours.
Of older times I read, that the officers of this city wore gowns of party colours, as the right side of one colour and the left side of another; as, for example, I read in books of accounts in the Guildhall, that in the 19th year of Henry VI. there was bought for an officer’s gown two yards of cloth, coloured mustard villars (a colour now out of use), and two yards of cloth, coloured blue, price two shillings the yard, in all eight shillings. More, paid to John Pope, draper, for two gown cloths, eight yards of two colours,eux ombo deux de rouge(or red),medle bune, andporre(or purple) colour, price the yard two shillings. These gowns were for Piers Rider and John Bukles, clerks of the chamber.
More, I read that in the year 1516, in the 7th of Henry VIII., it was agreed by a common council in the Guildhall that the sheriffs of London should (as they had been accustomed) give yearly rayed gowns to the recorder, chamberlain, common sergeant, and common clerk, the sword-bearer, common hunt, water-bailiff, common crier, like as to their own offices, etc.
1525. More, in the 16th of Henry VIII., Sir William Bayly, then being mayor, made a request, for that clothes of ray (as he alleged) were evil wrought, his officers might be permitted (contrary to custom) for that year to wear gowns of one colour; to the which, in a common council, one answered and said, “Yea, it might be permitted,” and no man said, “Nay,” and so it passed. Thus much for party coloured and ray gowns have I read: but for benevolence to the mayor, I find that of later time that each man giving forty shillings towards his charges, received four yards of broad cloth to make him a gown, for Thomas White performed it in the 1st of Queen Mary; but Sir Thomas Lodge gave instead of four yards of broad cloth, three yards of satin to make them doublets, and since that the three yards of satin is turned into a silver spoon, and so it holdeth.
The days of attendance that the fellowships do give to the mayor at his going to Paules were seven, as followeth:—
1. Alhallowen day.2. Christmasse day.3. St. Stephen’s day.4. St. John’s day.5. New Year’s day.6. Twelfth day.7. Candlemasse day.
The 23rd of Henry VIII., these companies had place at the mayor’s feast in the Guildhall, in order as followeth; I speak by precedent, for I was never feast-follower:—
1. Mercers, the wardens, and seventeen persons, five messes.2. Grocers, the wardens, and sixteen persons, four messes.3. Drapers, the wardens, and twelve persons, four messes.4. Fishmongers, the wardens, and twelve persons, four messes.5. Goldsmiths, the wardens, and ten persons, three messes.6. Skinners, the wardens, and eight persons, three messes.7. Merchant-tailors, the wardens, and nine persons, three messes.8. Vintners, the wardens, and six persons, two messes.9. Ironmongers, the wardens, and four persons, four messes and a half.10. Merchant-haberdashers, the wardens, and fourteen persons, four messes and a half.11. Salters, the wardens, and eight persons, two messes and a half.12. Dyers, the wardens, and six persons, two messes.13. Leathersellers, the wardens, and eight persons, three messes.14. Pewterers, the wardens, and five persons, two messes.15. Cutlers, the wardens and five persons, two messes.16. Armourers, the wardens and three persons, one mess.17. Waxchandlers, the wardens and six persons, two messes.18. Tallow-chandlers, the wardens and three persons, two messes.19. Shiremen, the wardens and five persons, two messes.20. Fullers, the wardens and nine persons, two messes.21. Sadlers, the wardens and four persons, two messes.22. Brewers, the wardens and twelve persons, four messes.23. Scriveners, the wardens and six persons, two messes.24. Butchers, the wardens and seven persons, three messes.25. Bakers, the wardens and four persons, two messes.26. Poulterers, the wardens and one person, one mess.27. Stationers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.28. Inholders, the wardens and four persons, two messes.29. Girdlers, the wardens and four persons, two messes.30. Chirurgeons, the wardens and two persons, one mess.31. Founders, the wardens and one person, one mess.32. Barbers, the wardens and four persons, two messes.No Clothing. Upholders, the wardens and two persons, one mess.34. Broiderers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.35. Bowyers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.36. Fletchers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.No Clothing. Turners, the wardens and two persons, one mess.38. Cordwainers, the wardens and four persons, two messes.39. Painters-stainers, the wardens and five persons, two messes.40. Masons, the wardens and one person, one mess.41. Plumbers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.42. Carpenters, the wardens and four persons, two messes.43. Pouch-makers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.44. Joiners, the wardens and two persons, one mess.45. Coopers, the wardens and one person, one mess.No Clothing. Glaziers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.No Clothing. Linendrapers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.No Clothing. Woodmongers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.49. Curriers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.No Clothing. Foystors, the wardens and two persons, one mess.No Clothing. Grey Tanners, the wardens and two persons, one mess.52. Tilers, the wardens and one person, one mess.53. Weavers, the wardens and one person, one mess.54. Blacksmiths, the wardens, and one mess.No Clothing. Lorimars, the wardens and two persons, one mess.56. Spurriers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.57. Wiresellers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.No Clothing. Fruiterers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.No Clothing. Farriers, the wardens and two persons, one mess.60. Bladesmiths, the wardens and two persons, one mess.
These companies severally, at sundry times, purchased the king’s favour and license by his letters patents, to associate themselves in brotherhoods, with master and wardens for their government: many also have procured corporations, with privileges, etc.; but I read not of license by them procured for liveries to be worn, but at their governor’s discretion to appoint, as occasion asketh, some time in triumphant manner, some time more mourning like, and such liveries have they taken upon them, as well before, as since they were by license associated into brotherhoods, or corporations. For the first of these companies that I read of to be a guild, brotherhood, or fraternity, in this city, were the weavers, whose guild was confirmed by Henry II. The next fraternity, which was of St. John Baptist,time out of mind, called of tailors and linen-armourers of London; I find that King Edward I., in the 28th of his reign, confirmed that guild by the name of tailors and linen-armourers, and gave to the brethren there of authority yearly to choose unto them a governor, or master, with wardens, etc. The other companies have since purchased license of societies, brotherhoods, or corporations, in the reigns of Edward III., Richard II., Henry IV., Henry V., Henry VI., and Edward IV., etc.
1236. The 20th of Henry III., the mayor, aldermen, sheriffs, and citizens of London, rode out to meet the king and his new wife, Queen Elianor, daughter to Reymond Beringarius of Aragon, earl of Provence and Narbone. The citizens were clothed in long garments, embroidered about with gold, and silk in divers colours, their horses finely trapped, to the number of three hundred and sixty, every man bearing a golden or silver cup in his hand, the king’s trumpets before them sounding, etc., as ye may read in myAnnales.
1300. The 29th of Edward I., the said king took to wife Margaret, sister to Philip Le Beau, king of France; they were married at Canterbury. The queen was conveyed to London, against whom the citizens to the number of six hundred rode in one livery of red and white, with the cognizances of their mysteries embroidered upon their sleeves, they received her four miles out of London, and so conveyed her to Westminster.
1415. The 3rd of Henry V., the said king arriving at Dover, the mayor of London with the aldermen and crafts-men riding in red, with hoods red and white, met with the king on the Blacke hith, coming from Eltham with his prisoners out of France.
1432. The 10th of Henry VI., he being crowned in France, returning into England, came to Eltham towards London, and the mayor of London, John Welles, the aldermen, with the commonalty, rode against him on horseback, the mayor in crimson velvet, a great velvet hat furred, a girdle of gold about his middle, and a bawdrike of gold about his neck trilling down behind him, his three henxemen, on three great coursers following him, in one suit of red, all spangled in silver, then the aldermen in gowns of scarlet, with sanguine hoods, and all the commonality of the city clothed in white gowns, andscarlet hoods, with divers cognizances embroidered on their sleeves, etc.
1485. The 1st of Henry VII., the mayor, aldermen, sheriffs, and commonality, all clothed in violet (as in a mourning colour), met the king at Shorditch, and conveyed him to Powles church, where he offered his banners.
Thus much for liveries of citizens in ancient times, both in triumphs and otherwise, may suffice, whereby may be observed, that the coverture of men’s heads was then hoods, for neither cap nor hat is spoken of, except that John Welles mayor of London to wear a hat in time of triumph, but differing from the hats lately taken in use, and now commonly worn for noblemen’s liveries. I read that Thomas earl of Lancaster in the reign of Edward II. gave at Christmas in liveries, to such as served him, a hundred and fifty-nine broad cloaths, allowing to every garment furs to fur their hoods: more near our time, there yet remaineth the counterfeits and pictures of aldermen, and others that lived in the reigns of Henry VI. and Edward IV., namely alderman Darby dwelling in Fenchurch street, over against the parish church of St. Diones, left his picture, as of an alderman, in a gown of scarlet on his back, a hood on his head, etc., as is in that house (and elsewhere) to be seen: for a further monument of those late times, men may behold the glass windows of the mayor’s court in the Guildhall above the stairs, the mayor is there pictured sitting in habit, party-coloured, and a hood on his head, his swordbearer before him with a hat or cap of maintenance: the common clerk, and other officers bare-headed, their hoods on their shoulders; and therefore I take it, that the use of square bonnets worn by noblemen, gentlemen, citizens, and others, took beginning in this realm by Henry VII. and in his time, and of further antiquity, I can see no counterfeit or other proof of use. Henry VIII. (towards his latter reign) wore a round flat cap of scarlet or of velvet, with a bruch or jewel, and a feather; divers gentlemen, courtiers, and others, did the like. The youthful citizens also took them to the new fashion of flat caps, knit of woollen yarn black, but so light, that they were obliged to tie them under their chins, for else the wind would be master over them. The use of these flat round caps so far increased (being of less price than the French bonnet) that in short time young aldermen took the wearing of them; Sir John White wore it in his mayoralty, and was the first that left example to his followers; but now the Spanish felt, or the like counterfeit, is most commonly of allmen both spiritual and temporal taken to use, so that the French bonnet or square cap, and also the round or flat cap, have for the most part given place to the Spanish felt; but yet in London amongst the graver sort (I mean the liveries of companies), remaineth a memory of the hoods of old time worn by their predecessors: these hoods were worn, the roundlets upon their heads, the skirts to hang behind in their necks to keep them warm, the tippet to lie on their shoulder, or to wind about their necks, these hoods were of old time made in colours according to their gowns, which were of two colours, as red and blue, or red and purple, murrey, or as it pleased their masters and wardens to appoint to the companies; but now of late time, they have used their gowns to be all of one colour, and those of the saddest, but their hoods being made the one half of the same cloth their gowns be of, the other half remaineth red as of old time. And so I end, as wanting time to travel further in this work.
Now since that I have given you an outward view of this city, it shall not be impertinent to let you take an insight also of the same, such as a Londoner born discoursed about twenty years gone, for answer (as it seemeth) to some objections that then were made against the growing greatness thereof. The author gave it me, and therefore, howsoever I conceal his name (which itself pretendeth not), I think I may without his offence impart it to others, that they may take pleasure in the reading, as I doubt not but he did in the writing. Long may they (that list) envy, and long may we and our posterity enjoy the good estate of this city.
WRITTEN BY WAY OF AN APOLOGY (OR DEFENCE) AGAINST THE OPINION OF SOME MEN, WHICH THINK THAT THE GREATNESS OF THAT CITY STANDETH NOT WITH THE PROFIT AND SECURITY OF THIS REALM
WRITTEN BY WAY OF AN APOLOGY (OR DEFENCE) AGAINST THE OPINION OF SOME MEN, WHICH THINK THAT THE GREATNESS OF THAT CITY STANDETH NOT WITH THE PROFIT AND SECURITY OF THIS REALM
Cities and well-peopled places be calledOppida, in Latin; eitherab ope danda, orab opibus, orab opponendo se hostibus. They be named alsoCivitates a cöeundo, andurbes, either of the wordurbare, because the first inclosure of them was described with the draught of a plough, or elseab orbe, for the round compass that they at the first had.
In the Greek a city is termedπόλις, either of the wordπολὺς,multus, or ofπολεῖνω πολένεον,[306]id est,habitare,alere,gubernare.
In the Saxon (or old English) sometimesTun, which we now call town, derived of the wordTynan, to inclose or tyne, as some yet speak. But forasmuch as that word was proper to every village and inclosed dwelling, therefore our ancestors called their walled townsBurhorByrg, and we now Bury and Borough, of the Greek wordπύργος(as I think), which signifieth a tower or a high building.
The walls of these towns had their name ofvallum, because at the first they were but of that earth which was cast out of the trench, or ditch, wherewith they were environed. But afterward, being made of matter more fit for defence, they were nameda muniendo mœnia. By the etymology of these names, it may appear that common weals, cities, and towns, were at the first invented, to the end that men might lead a civil life amongst themselves, and be saved harmless against theirenemies; whereupon Plato saith, “Civitates ab initio utilitatis causa constitutæ sunt.” Aristotle, 1. Politicorum, 2. saith, “Civitas a natura profecta est: homo enim animal aptum est ad cœtus, et proinde civitatis origo ad viuendum, institutio ad bene viuendum refertur.” And Cicero,lib. primo de Inventione, in the beginning, saith, “Fuit quoddam tempus cum in agris homines passim bestiarum more vagabantur, etc. quo quidem tempore, quidam (magnus, viz. vir et sapiens) dispersos homines in agris, et tectis silvestribus abditos, ratione quadam compulit in unum locum, atque eos in unamquamq; rem induxit utilem et honestam. Urbibus vero constitutis fidem colere, et justitiam retinere discebant, et aliis parere sua voluntate consuescebant,” etc. The same man discourseth notably to the same effect in his OrationPro Sestio, a little after the midst thereof, showing that in the life of men dispersed,vis, beareth all the sway; but in the civil life,arsis better maintained, etc. This thing well saw King William the Conqueror, who in his laws, fol. 125, saith, “Burgi et civitates fundata, et edificata sunt, ad tuitionem gentium et populorum Regni, et idcirco observari debent cum omni libertate, integritate et ratione.” And his predecessors, King Ethelstane and King Canutus, in their laws, fol. 62 and 106, had commanded thus: “Oppida instaurantur,” etc.
Seeing, therefore, that as Cicero, 2.Officior.saith, “Proxime et secundum Deos, homines hominibus maxime utiles esse possunt;” and that men are congregated into cities and commonwealths for honesty and utility’s sake, these shortly be the commodities that do come by cities, commonalties, and corporations. First, men by this nearness of conversation are withdrawn from barbarous feritie and force to a certain mildness of manners, and to humanity and justice; whereby they are contented to give and take right, to and from their equals and inferiors, and to hear and obey their heads and superiors. Also the doctrine of God is more fitly delivered, and the discipline thereof more aptly to be executed, in peopled towns than abroad, by reason of the facility of common and often assembling; and consequently such inhabitants be better managed in order, and better instructed in wisdom: whereof it came to pass, that at the first, they that excelled others this way, were calledastuti, of the Greek wordἄστυ, which signifieth a city, although the term be now declined to the worst part, and do betoken evil, even astyrannus,sophista, and some such other originally good words are fallen; and hereof also good behaviour is yet calledurbanitas, because it is rather found incities than elsewhere. In some, by often hearing men be better persuaded in religion, and for that they live in the eyes of others, they be by example the more easily trained to justice, and by shamefastness restrained from injury.
And whereas commonwealths and kingdoms cannot have, next after God, any surer foundation than the love and goodwill of one man towards another, that also is closely bred and maintained in cities, where men by mutual society and companying together, do grow to alliances, commonalties, and corporations.
The liberal sciences and learnings of all sorts, which belumina reipublicæ, do flourish only in peopled towns; without the which a realm is in no better case than a man that lacketh both his eyes.
Manual arts, or handicrafts, as they have for the most part been invented in towns and cities, so they cannot anywhere else be either maintained or amended. The like is to be said of merchandise, under which name I comprehend all manner of buying, selling, bartering, exchanging, communicating of things that men need to and fro. Wealth and riches, which are truly calledsubsidia belli, et ornamenta pacis, are increased chiefly in towns and cities both to the prince and people.
The necessity of the poor and needy is in such places both sooner to be espied, and hath means to be more charitably relieved.
The places themselves be surer refuges in all extremities of foreign invasion, and the inhabitants be a ready hand and strength of men, with munition to oppress intestine sedition.
Moreover, forasmuch as the force of the wars of our time consisteth chiefly in shot, all other soldiers being either horsemen or footmen, armed on land, or mariners at the sea, it seemeth to me that citizens and townsmen be as fit to be employed in any of these services, that on horseback only excepted, as the inhabitants that be drawn out of the country.
Furthermore, even as these societies and assemblies of men in cities and great towns are a continual bridle against tyranny, which was the cause that Tarquin, Nero, Dionysius, and such others, have always sought to weaken them: so, being well tempered, they are a strong fort and bulwark, not only in the aristocracy, but also in the lawful kingdom or just royalty.
At once the propagation of religion, the execution of good policy, the exercise of charity, and the defence of the country, is best performed by towns and cities; and this civil life approacheth nearest to the shape of that mystical body whereofChrist is the head, and men be the members; whereupon both at the first, that man of God Moses, in the commonwealth of the Israelites, and the governors of all countries, in all ages since, have continually maintained the same; and to change it were nothing else but to metamorphose the world, and to make wild beasts of reasonable men. To stand longer upon this it were,in re non dubia, uti oratione non necessaria; and therefore I will come to London.
Whatsoever is said of cities generally, maketh also for London specially; howbeit, these things are particularly for our purpose to be considered in it. The situation; the former estimation that it hath had; the service that it hath done; the present estate and government of it, and such benefits as do grow to the realm by the maintenance thereof.
This realm hath only three principal rivers, whereon a royal city may well be situated: Trent, in the north, Severn in the south-west, and Thames in the south-east; of the which Thames, both for the straight course in length reacheth furthest into the belly of the land, and for the breadth and stillness of the water is most navigable up and down the stream; by reason whereof London, standing almost in the middle of that course, is more commodiously served with provision of necessaries than any town standing upon the other two rivers can be, and doth also more easily communicate to the rest of the realm the commodities of her own intercourse and traffic.
This river openeth indifferently upon France and Flanders, our mightiest neighbours, to whose doings we ought to have a bent eye and special regard; and this city standeth thereon in such convenient distance from the sea, as it is not only near enough for intelligence of the affairs of those princes, and for the resistance of their attempts, but also sufficiently removed from the fear of any sudden dangers that may be offered by them; whereas for the prince of this realm to dwell upon Trent were to turn his back or blind side to his most dangerous borderers; and for him to rest and dwell upon Severn were to be shut up in a cumbersome corner, which openeth but upon Ireland only, a place of much less importance.
Neither could London be pitched so commodiously upon any other part of the same river of Thames as where it now standeth; for if it were removed more to the west it should lose the benefitof the ebbing and flowing, and if it were seated more towards the east it should be nearer to danger of the enemy, and further both from the good air and from doing good to the inner parts of the realm; neither may I omit that none other place is so plentifully watered with springs as London is.
And whereas, amongst other things, corn and cattle, hay and fuel, be of great necessity; of the which cattle may be driven from afar, and corn may easily be transported. But hay and fuel, being of greater bulk and burthen, must be at hand: only London, by the benefit of this situation and river, may be sufficiently served therewith. In which respect an alderman of London reasonably (as me thought) affirmed, that although London received great nourishment by the residence of the prince, the repair of the parliament and courts of justice, yet it stood principally by the advantage of the situation upon the river; for when, as on a time, it was told him by a courtier that Queen Mary, in her displeasure against London, had appointed to remove with the parliament and term to Oxford, this plain man demanded whether she meant also to divert the river of Thames from London, or no? and when the gentleman had answered “No,” “Then,” quoth the alderman, “by God’s grace, we shall do well enough at London, whatsoever become of the term and parliament.” I myself being then a young scholar at Oxford, did see great preparation made towards that term and parliament, and do well remember that the common opinion and voice was, that they were not holden there, because provision of hay could not be made in all the country to serve for ten whole days together, and yet is that quarter plentifully stored with hay for the proportion of the shire itself.
For proof of the ancient estimation of London, I will not use the authority of the British history, nor of such as follow it (although some hold it credible enough that London was firstTrinobantum civitas, orTroja nova, that famous city in our histories, and then Ludstoune, and by corruption London, as they report), because they be not of sufficient force to draw the gainsayers. Neither will I stand much upon that honourable testimony which Gervas. Tilburiens. giveth to London in his book,De Otiis Imperialibus, saying thus, concerning the blessing of God towards it:—“In Urbe London. exceptione habet divulgatum id per omnes æquè gentes Lucani proverbium: