London And The Kingdom - - free ebook by Reginald R. (Reginald Robinson) Sharpe

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London And The Kingdom -

Reginald R. (Reginald Robinson) Sharpe

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128 chapters

PREFACE.

PREFACE.

Of the numerous works that have been written on London, by which I mean more especially the City of London, few have been devoted to an adequate, if indeed any, consideration of its political importance in the history of the Kingdom. The history of the City is so many-sided that writers have to be content with the study of some particular phase or some special epoch. Thus we have those who have concentrated their efforts to evolving out of the remote past the municipal organization of the City.

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

But if London's prosperity were solely due to its geographical position, we should look for the same unrivalled pre-eminence in commerce in towns like Liverpool or Bristol, which possess similar local advantages; whilst, if royal favour or court gaieties could make cities great, we should have surely expected Winchester, Warwick, York, or Stafford to have outstripped London in political and commercial greatness, for these were the residences of the rulers of Mercia, Northumbria, and Wessex, and

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

After waiting awhile at Hastings for the country to make voluntary submission, and finding that homagers did not come in, William proceeded to make a further display of force. In this he betrayed no haste, but made his way through Kent in leisurely fashion, receiving on his way the submission of Winchester and Canterbury, using no more force than was absolutely necessary, and endeavouring to allay all fears, until at length he reached the suburbs of London. 78 He had been astute enough to give o

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

It was through the mediation of an intimate friend and fellow citizen of Fitz-Stephen that Archbishop Theobald had invited Henry of Anjou over from France in 1153. Thomas of London, better known as Thomas Becket, although of foreign descent, was born in the heart of the city, having first seen the light in the house of Gilbert, his father, some time Portreeve of London, situate in Cheapside on a site now occupied by the hall and chapel of the Mercers' Chapel. Having been ordained a deacon of the

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CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

After his defeat at Lincoln (20th May, 1217), by William the Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, one of Henry's guardians, Louis beat a hasty retreat to London and wrote to his father, the French king, to send him military assistance, for without it he could neither fight nor get out of the country. Among the prisoners taken at Lincoln were Robert Fitz-Walter, and a neighbour of his in the ward of Castle Baynard, Richard de Muntfichet, who, like Fitz-Walter, had also suffered banishment in 1213. The towe

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CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

Hervy was a worthy successor to Fitz-Thomas, and, under his government, the craft guilds improved their position. Fresh ordinances for the regulation of various crafts were drawn up, and to these the mayor, on his own responsibility, attached the city seal. 283 When Hervy's year of office expired—these so-called "charters" were called in question as having been unauthorised by the aldermen of the city and as tending to favour the richer members of the guilds to the prejudice of the poorer. After

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CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

But even thus early in Edward of Carnarvon's reign the presence of foreigners—to whom the king was even more addicted than his father—was likely to prove a source of trouble; and it was necessary to make special proclamations forbidding the carrying of arms on the day of the coronation and enjoining respect for foreigners attending the ceremony. 343 The king's foreign favourites proved his ruin, and contributed in no small degree to the eventual defection of the city. They were for ever desiring

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CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

Scarcely was he knighted and crowned king before necessity compelled him to take the field against the Scots. The Londoners were, as usual, called upon to supply a contingent towards the forces which had been ordered to assemble at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 430 They responded to the king's appeal by sending 100 horsemen fully equipped, each one supplied with the sum of 100 shillings at least for expenses, and a further contingent of 100 foot-men. They made their rendezvous at West Smithfield, whence

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CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

The king attributed the failure of the war to the remissness of his ministers in sending money and supplies. Scarcely had he landed before he sent for the chancellor, the treasurer, and other ministers who were in London, and not only dismissed them from office, but ordered them each into separate confinement. John de Pulteney was one of those made to feel the king's anger, and he was relegated to the castle of Somerton, but as soon as Edward's irritability had passed off he and others obtained

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CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

At the express wish of the citizens, Richard—the "Londoners' king," as the nobles were in the habit of cynically styling the new sovereign, for the reason that he had ascended the throne more by the assistance of the bourgeois Londoner than of the nobility 619 —took up his quarters at the Tower, whence he proceeded in state to Westminster for his coronation. Great preparations were made in the city to tender his progress through the streets one of exceptional splendour. The claim of the mayor an

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CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

Sixteen years later (1416), a certain Thomas Warde, called "Trumpyngtone," personated the late king, and a scheme was laid for placing him on the throne with the aid of Sigismund, king of the Romans Sigismund, however, refused to have anything to do with the plot, which was hatched within the city's liberties by Benedict Wolman and Thomas Bekering. The conspiracy having been discovered, its authors were thrown into prison. One died before trial, the other paid the penalty for his rashness with h

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CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

On the 8th February of the new year (1423), the sheriffs of London received orders to make proclamation for all soldiers who were in the king's pay to assemble at Winchelsea by the 1st day of March, as an expedition was to set sail from that port for the purpose of defending the town and castle of Crotoye. The business was pressing and necessitated a repetition of the order to the sheriffs a fortnight later (22 Feb.). 805 On the 23rd February William Crowmere, the mayor, William Sevenoke, Willia

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CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

If the young and handsome prince who now ascended the throne occasionally carried his familiarity with the wives of city burgesses beyond the limits of strict propriety, much could be forgotten and forgiven for the readiness he showed to confirm and enlarge the City's privileges and to foster the trade of the country. Before he had been on the throne many months he granted the citizens, by charter, the right of package and scavage, as well as the office of gauger of wines. 912 In the following M

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CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

Although Wolsey was no more, his works followed him. He it was, and not Henry, who first conceived the idea of church reform, towards which some steps had been taken in Wolsey's lifetime. It was left for Henry to carry out the design of his great minister. When the king laid his hand on the monasteries, he only followed the example set by the cardinal in 1525, when some of the smaller religious houses in Kent, Sussex and Essex were suppressed for his great foundation of Oxford. To assist him in

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CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

In the city the question of tithes payable to the clergy had been always more or less a vexed question. Before the commencement of the thirteenth century the city clergy had been supported by casual dues in addition to their glebe land. These casual payments were originally personal, but subsequently became regulated by the amount of rent paid by parishioners for their houses. A question arose as to whether the citizens were also liable to pay personal tithes on their gains, and it was eventuall

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CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

The work of reformation was now about to be taken seriously in hand. Something, it is true, had been done in this direction under Henry, but in dilettante fashion. The ceremony connected with the boy-bishop, which even Colet had thought worthy to be perpetuated in his school, 1269 had been abolished by order of the mayor in 1538. 1270 The ruthless destruction of the shrine of St. Thomas at Canterbury, and the erasure of his name from service-books, had been followed in the city by an order (1539

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CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

On the 10th July the Lady Jane was brought from Richmond and lodged in the Tower, and that same evening was proclaimed queen at the Cross in Chepe. The mayor took no part in the ceremony, and only one of the sheriffs (William Gerard or Garrard) attended the heralds. If Northumberland thought that the citizens would favour Lady Jane merely because she was a Protestant he was mistaken. The proclamation was received with undisguised coldness, and "few or none said God save her." 1364 Nor was it bet

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London and the Kingdom

London and the Kingdom

A HISTORY DERIVED MAINLY FROM THE ARCHIVES AT GUILDHALL IN THE CUSTODY OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF LONDON. By Reginald R. Sharpe, D.C.L., RECORDS CLERK IN THE OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK OF THE CITY OF LONDON; EDITOR OF "CALENDAR OF WILLS ENROLLED IN THE COURT OF HUSTING," ETC. IN THREE VOLUMES. Vol II PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE CORPORATION UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE. LONDON LONGMANS, GREEN &amp; Co. and New York: 15 East 16th Street. 1894. LONDON LONGMANS, GREEN &amp;

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CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.

Meeting of the Long Parliament, 3 Nov., 1640. Speaker Lenthall. Parliament—the Long Parliament—met as promised on the 3rd November, 1640. Charles had intended to nominate Sir Thomas Gardiner, the Recorder, a devoted adherent of the Crown, as Speaker of the Commons; but since the days of Heneage Finch the City had failed to return its Recorder to parliament. 424 Charles was therefore obliged to look elsewhere. His choice fell upon William Lenthall, who was the first to realise the position of a S

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CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXII.

The City and the Earl of Strafford. As soon as parliament met, Strafford, who was only too conscious of his impending fate, determined to take the bull by the horns, and to use every means to induce the king to anticipate the blow by boldly accusing the parliamentary leaders of treasonable designs. His efforts were futile. Rightly or wrongly, it was generally believed that he intended to establish a military despotism in England, and that London was to be brought into subjection. The way in whic

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CHAPTER XXX.

CHAPTER XXX.

The Accession of James II, 6 Feb., 1685. "They will never kill me, James, to make you king," the late king is said to have cynically remarked to his brother; and, indeed, the accession of the Duke of York was accepted by the nation in general, as well as by the City of London in particular, with considerable foreboding. The new king for a short while was content to feel his way before plunging into the headstrong course of action which eventually lost him the crown. Although suspected of being a

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CHAPTER XXXI.

CHAPTER XXXI.

The question of continuation of customs and excise. James had not been many days on the throne before the question of supply had to be settled. More than one-half of the whole revenue of the crown was derived from the customs, and these had been settled on Charles for life only, and could not therefore be exacted by his successor without the assent of parliament. No parliament had been summoned since the dissolution of the parliament at Oxford four years since (28 March, 1681). As time was press

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CHAPTER XXXII.

CHAPTER XXXII.

Further Report of Committee of Grievances, 29 May, 1689. A special committee appointed (5 March) to investigate the nature of the city's grievances, and to discover who were the authors and advisers of them, presented, on the 29th May, a long report to the House, 1657 giving the whole story of the election of sheriffs in June, 1682, and of Pritchard's election to the mayoralty in the following September; of the fines that had been imposed on Pilkington, Shute, Bethell, Cornish and others for so-

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CHAPTER XXXIII.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

A New Company formed, 1689. There was but one remedy for the existing evil in the opinion of the majority, and that was to form a new company from which Child should be excluded. Without waiting for an Act of Parliament many traders in the city formed themselves into an association which, although unrecognised by law, acquired the designation of the New Company, and commenced to carry on its business at the hall of the Skinners' Company in Dowgate. For years the city was kept in a ferment by the

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London and the Kingdom A HISTORY DERIVED MAINLY FROM THE ARCHIVES AT GUILDHALL IN THE CUSTODY OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF LONDON.

London and the Kingdom A HISTORY DERIVED MAINLY FROM THE ARCHIVES AT GUILDHALL IN THE CUSTODY OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF LONDON.

BY REGINALD R. SHARPE, D.C.L., RECORDS CLERK IN THE OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK OF THE CITY OF LONDON; EDITOR OF "CALENDAR OF WILLS ENROLLED IN THE COURT OF HUSTING," ETC. IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. III. PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE CORPORATION UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE. LONDON LONGMANS, GREEN &amp; Co. AND NEW YORK: 15 EAST 16TH STREET. 1895. All rights reserved. LONDON LONGMANS, GREEN &amp; Co. AND NEW YORK: 15 EAST 16TH STREET. 1895. All rights reserved. London: Printed by Blad

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CHAPTER XXXV.

CHAPTER XXXV.

Accession of George I.—The Old Pretender.—Impeachment of Ministers.—Tory re-action.—End of Jacobite Rebellion.—The King's Picture and Statue.—The Septennial Act.—Trial of the Earl of Oxford.—Disputed Elections.—The right of the City to discharge law costs incurred in Elections over the Chamber, questioned.—Paying "Scot" defined.—An Alderman insulted by the Military.—The South Sea Company.—Supremacy of Walpole.—Fears of another Jacobite rising.—The Election Act, II George I, c. 18.—Death of the K

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CHAPTER XXXVI.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Accession of George II.—Walpole and the Queen.—Dissenters and the Corporation and Test Acts.—Walpole's Excise Bill.—Unpopularity of Billers, Mayor.—Disputes with Spain.—Jenkin's ear.—The Spanish Convention.—"Leonidas" Glover.—War with Spain declared.—Capture of Porto Bello.—George Heathcote.—The Aldermanic Veto again.—Resignation of Walpole.—War declared with France.—The Young Pretender.—"Black Friday."—The Victory of Culloden.—City Address.—Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.—The Newcastle Administratio

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CHAPTER XXXVII.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Accession of George III.—The fall of Pitt.—Alderman Beckford.—Unpopularity of Bute.—The King and Queen at the Guildhall.—John Wilkes.—War with Spain.—The Peace of Paris.—Resignation of Bute.—Wilkes and the "North Briton."—No. 45 burnt at the Royal Exchange.—Conduct of the Lord Mayor.—Wilkes's "Essay on Woman."—Wilkes Expelled the House.—Is outlawed.—Pitt created Earl of Chatham, proposes to bring in an East India Bill.—Wilkes's letters to the Duke of Grafton, is elected M.P. for Middlesex.—Commi

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CHAPTER XXXVIII.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Brass Crosby, Mayor.—The legality of Press Warrants.—The Freedom of the Press.—The Messenger of the House of Commons arrested in the City.—His recognizance ordered to be expunged.—Crosby and Oliver before the House.—Committed to the Tower.—Chatham's opinion as to the conduct of the civic magistrates.— Bitter feeling against the Ministry.—Crosby and Oliver regain their liberty.—Another remonstrance of the Livery.—Received on the Throne.—Wilkes and Bull, Sheriffs.—Wilkes and Junius join forces.— P

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CHAPTER XXXIX.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Wilkes and his brother Aldermen.—Chatham and the City deprecate England's policy towards America.—The King notifies his intention of receiving no more Addresses of the Livery on the Throne.—Wilkes and the Lord Chamberlain.—New York appeals to London.—An Address of the Livery not received.—Address of the Common Council received in usual manner.—Address of the Livery to the Electors of Great Britain.—Ex-Sheriff Sayre committed to the Tower.—Expenses of Wilkes's Mayoralty.—Wilkes and the Chamberlai

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CHAPTER XL.

CHAPTER XL.

Court Martial of Admiral Keppel.—The Freedom of the City conferred on Keppel.—Spain declares war.—Economical Reform.—Committees of Association.—Dunning's Motion.—The City accepts a Form of Association.—Sir George Savile's Act.—The Gordon Riots.—The City's petition for repeal of Savile's Act.—Dispute between Civic and Military Authorities.—Wilkes attacks the Lord Mayor in a violent speech in the House.—The City's claim for damages arising out of the Riots.—A New Parliament.—Alderman Bull and the

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CHAPTER XLI.

CHAPTER XLI.

Fox's East India Bill.—Pitt and the Coalition.—The City and Pitt.—Pitt's East India Bill.—The Reform Bill.—The City and the Shop Tax.—The Convention with France.—The City and the Slave trade.—Pitt's Regency Bill.—Thanksgiving service at St. Paul's for the King's recovery.—Pitt's Excise Bill for duty on tobacco.—The Military Guard of the Bank of England.—The French Revolution.—France declares war.—The Battle of the first of June.—Riots in the City.—Great scarcity of wheat.—Standard wheaten bread.

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CHAPTER XLII.

CHAPTER XLII.

Resumption of hostilities.—Pitt recommends the fortifying of London.—Renewal of the Income Tax.—Nelson takes offence at the City.—Addington gives place to Pitt.—Volunteer review at Blackheath.—Pitt's Additional Force Bill.—The City claims to be treated in a separate Bill.—Artillery practice in Finsbury Fields.—The French camp at Boulogne.—Disgrace of Lord Melville.—The Battle of Trafalgar.—Nelson's funeral.—His monument in the Guildhall.—Death of Pitt.—The Ministry of all the Talents.—The fall o

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CHAPTER XLIII.

CHAPTER XLIII.

The City opposes renewal of Income Tax.—Agricultural depression.—The First Corn Law.—Another address of the Livery not received.—Vagrants in the City.—The Spa Fields Riot.—Matthew Wood, Mayor.—City address to Regent on state of affairs.—Outrage on the Regent.—The City urges Parliamentary Reform.—The trial of Hone.—Parliamentary Elections.—The Manchester Massacre or "Peterloo."—The Six Acts.—Tumultuous proceedings in Common Hall.—Conduct of Sheriff Parkins.—Accession of George IV.—Addresses of sy

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CHAPTER XLIV.

CHAPTER XLIV.

The Repeal of Corporation and Test Acts.—The Catholic Emancipation Bill.—Accession of William IV.—The King's visit to the City postponed for fear of riot.—Resolutions respecting Reform.—Introduction of the first Reform Bill.—The Bill approved by the City.— The Bill withdrawn and Parliament dissolved.—The Bill re-introduced.—Passes the Commons, rejected by the Lords.—City address and King's reply.—Political Unions formed.—Sir John Key re-elected Mayor.—The Freedom of the City voted to lords Grey

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APPENDIX A. No. 1.

APPENDIX A. No. 1.

Reply from the City to a letter from King Henry V [Printed in Memorials ] asking for wine and provisions for the army at Rouen. Dated the Feast of Nativ. of B.V.M. (8 Sept., 1418). Letter Book I, fo. 216. Our most dred most soveraign lord and noblest kyng to the soveragn highnesse of your kyngly mageste with all maner of lowenesse and reverence mekly we recomende us Nat oonly as we oughte and shulde but as we best can and may with alle our hertes thankynge your soveraign excellence of your graci

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No. 2.

No. 2.

Proclamation for speeding men to the English army in Normandy. 6 Henry V, A.D. 1418. Letter Book I, fo. 217. Be ther a proclamacõn made that al maner men þe which wil toward the Cite of Roan or any other place in the coste of Normandie þere to bein service sould or wages wiþ þe kyng our soveraign lord whom god save and kepe or wiþ ony other persone of his host or retenu make and apparale hem redy in alle haste betuen this and souneday þat next comith atte ferthest for to be wiþ inne shipbord in

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No. 3.

No. 3.

Letter from King Henry V to the City notifying the capture of Pontoise. Dated Mantes, 5 Aug. [1419]. Letter Book I. fo. 236 By þe kyng. Trusti and welbeloved we grete yow wel and late you wete to your comfort that we been in good heele and prosperite of our persone blessed be god which graunte you always soo to bee Ferthermore as touching tithing we signifie unto yow þat god of his grace worshiped be he hath sent in to our handes our toun of Pontoyse and hough profitable þe havyng of it is unto

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No. 4.

No. 4.

Reply to the above. Dated 6 Sept. [1419.] Id. Ibid. Our most dred and most souveraign ertly lord we recomande us unto þe souveraign excellence of your kyngly mageste in þe most humble and lowely wyse þ t any pouere or simple lieges can best imagine or devise lowely thankyng your souveraign excellence and noble grace of þe right gracious and right confortable lettres which ye liked late to sende us fro your town of Maunt be Johan Palyng. The which lettres with al maner of honour and lowely revere

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No. 5.

No. 5.

Letter from the Duke of Clarence to the Mayor and Aldermen of London notifying the capture of Pontoise. Dated Mantes, 5 Aug. [1419] Letter Book I, fo. 236b. Right trusty and Welbeloved We grete you well often tymes with al our herte. And forasmoche as it is confortable and likyng to you to here of þe tithinges in this parties. We do you to understonde þat the morwe after þat the werre began at this tyme by twene my lord þe kyng and his adversaire of Fraunce by cause þat he wolde naught applie no

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No. 6.

No. 6.

Reply to the above. Dated 6 Sept. [1419] Id. ibid. Right High right mighty Prince and excellent lord We recomaunde us unto þe high lordship of your gracious excellence in as humble Wyse as any poure men best can or may ymagine and devise Thakyng your lordly excellence in as lowely maner as office of writing may conteyne for þe high and favorable remembraunce which your gracious Lordship hath to þe Citee of London in signifieng to us be your gracious lettres writen at Maunt the v day of Augst of

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No. 7.

No. 7.

Letter from Henry V to the City informing the citizens of his movements in France. Dated Mantes, 12 July [1421]. Letter Book I, fo. 263. Trusty and welbeloved we grete yow wel And for asmuch as we be certein that ye wol be joyful to here good tiding of oure estat and welfare we signiffie unto yow that we be in good heele and prosperite of oure personne and so been oure brother of Gloucestre oure beluncle of Excestre and al the Remenant of lordes and other personnes of oure oost blessed be oure l

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No. 8.

No. 8.

Reply to the above. Dated 2 August [1421]. Our most dred and most soveraign erthly lord we recomaunde us un to your kyngly power and soveraign highnesse in as meke wyse and lowly maner as eny simple officers or pouere lieges most hertly can ymagine or divise Thankyng with al our hool myght and konnyng your soveraign excellence and noble grace of þe right confortable and joyfull lettres which ye liked late to sende us from your town of Mante þe which lettres with al maner of humble reverence we h

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No. 9.

No. 9.

Letter from the Duke of Bedford to the City claiming the government of the realm at the death of Henry V. Dated Rouen 26 Oct, [1422]. Letter Book K, fo. 2. Right trusty and welbeloved we grete yow wel with al oure herte And for asmuche as hit liked our lord but late a goo to calle the kyng our souverain lord that was from this present world un to his pardurable blisse as we truste fermely by whos deces during the tendre age of the king oure souverain lord that is nowe the gouvernance of the Reau

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No. 10.

No. 10.

Letter from the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London to the Duke of Bedford. No date [A.D. 1424.] Letter Book K, fo. 18b. Right high right myghty and right honourable Prince we recomaunde us un to your Lordly excellens in þe most humble and servisable maner that we can best ymagine and devise Thankyng lowly your noble grace of þo gracious lettres in makyng gladsom in undyrstandyng and passyng comfortable in favoring of our pouer degrees Whyche you liked late to sende us from Craille upon cas

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No. 11.

No. 11.

Another letter from the same to the same. No date [ A.D. 1424.] Letter Book K, fo. 21. Right high right mighty And right honurable Prince we recomaunde us to þestate of your lordly excellence in as humble maner as eny ordyr of writing can expresse for bountees &amp; bienfaites innumerable which þe liberal grace of your high and gracious lordship without our meryt or desert hath ever shewed us heretofore but at þis tyme in especial for þo passing gladsom and confortable letters of credens þat

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No. 12.

No. 12.

Letter from the Earl of Salisbury and of Perche to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London announcing the success of the war in France. Dated 5 Sept. [1428] Letter Book K, fo. 55b. Right trusty &amp; entierly welbeloved frendes we grete you hertely wel And for asmuche as we trust fully that ye desire to here of þe good tydinges of þat which vureth wel to oure sovereing lord in the conquest of his enemys here in þis lande We do yow to witte þat þe vure &amp; spede seth our last comyn

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No. 13.

No. 13.

Reply to the above. Dated 12 Oct. [1428] Right worshipful &amp; ryght mighti lord we recomaunde us to your gret lordsship &amp; noble grace in as humble maner as we can or ought Thankyng it fro þe deppest of our hertis of þe gentill lettres writene at Yenvile þe v day of Septembre last þ t ye liked to sende us be your herauld.... Which lettres after the resceit of hem whith dhue reverence And after þat thei were publisshed and redde to fore þe Commens of þis Cite putte us all in singler

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No. 14.

No. 14.

Letter from King Henry VI to the City asking for a loan of 10,000 marks. Dated Rouen, 10 Nov. [1430]. Letter Book K, fo. 84. Trusty and welbeloved we grete yow wel and signiffie un to yow þat amonge alle þevident tokens of trewe affeccioun and of kyndenesse þat our sugettes of oure Roy me of England hav shewed and shewen un to us for þavantyng forward of oure present voiage þe tender love and kynde acquitail of oure goode and trew cite of London bothe un to our progenitours of noble memoire in l

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No. 15.

No. 15.

Letter from Cardinal Beaufort to Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen of the City informing them of his intention of returning to England. Dated Ghent, 13 April [1432]. Letter Book K, fo. 105. My ryght trusty and with al myn herte entierly welbeloved frendis I grete yow wel as hertily as I can. Desiring evermore to knowe of the welfare and prosperite of yowe alle and of ech of yow and of al þ e good commune of þe noble citee of þ e which ye bee for my singuler joye and gladnesse. Biseching oure blessed

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No. 16.

No. 16.

Letter from the Mayor and Aldermen of Calais to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London asking for assistance. Dated 27 June [1436]. Letter Book K, fo. 148. Ful worshipfull wise &amp; discrete sires we recommaunde us un to you in as goodli wise as caan be þought and in as mochell as we fynde of olde governaunce of þis toun that oure predecessours hadde in cours to wryte to your worshipfull estate to be mene and movers toward þe kyng our souveraigne lord and þe gracious lordes of is coun

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No. 17.

No. 17.

Letter from Henry VI to the Mayor, Aldermen and Sheriffs of London touching the prevention of disturbance within the City. Dated Lichfield, 3 Sept., 35 Hen. VI [1456]. Letter Book K, fo. 287. By the king. Right trusty and trusty and welbeloved we doubt not but that it is in yo r remembraunce what inconvenience have late fallen and more were likly to have falle if it had not myghtly have be resisted not oonly by suche as with multitude of people otherwise then that their power &amp; degree wo

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No. 18.

No. 18.

Letter from King Henry VI to the City ordering the seizure of foreign ships of war in the Thames. Dated Coventry, 10 March [1456-7]. Letter Book K, fo. 288b. Trusty and welbeloved We be enfourmed by a full grevous and a lamentable complainte made unto us and our counseill by marchantz estraungiers of Italie beyng heere within þis that where as they nowe late by vertue of our lettres patentz have shipped certeyn wolles wollencloth and other marchandises in diverse shippes of Zeland and paied true

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No. 19.

No. 19.

The same to the same touching the peace of the City. Dated Kenilworth, 22 March [1456-7]. Id., ibid. By þe king. Trusty and welbeloved we grete you wele and late you wite that certeyn of yo r breþeren aldermen of our cite of London hath shewed unto us by þe declaracõn of your Recorder of þe good diligence that ye entended to have put you in to þe performyng of our commandement yeoven unto you by our lettres of prive seal in case our said lettres had come unto you in convenable tyme as for tharre

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No. 20.

No. 20.

Letter from the City to Henry VI, touching the capture of Sandwich by the French. Dated 3 Sept. [1457]. Letter Book K, fo. 292. Of al erthely princes our moste high moste redoubted sovereyn lord and moste Christian kyng. We youre symple officers and feithfull humble lieges Mair and Aldermen of yo r true citee and chambre of London recomande us unto yo r most souvereyn excellence &amp; noble grace in als humble and lowly wise as we moste hertly canne ymagine and devise humblely beseching yo r

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No. 21.

No. 21.

Reply to the above. Dated Northampton, 5 Sept [1457]. Id. Ibid. Trusty and welbeloved we grete you oftentymes wele. And lete you wite þat this same daie o r welbeloved Thomas Cook oon of your brethren hath in yo r behalve presented yo r lettres and also declared full notablie yo r credence unto us by the which we have understande the fervent desire and true ligeaunce þat ye tendirly and humbly here unto o r royal estate, the whiche hath gretely renoveled and recomforted us Whereof aswele as of t

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No. 22.

No. 22.

A letter similar to No. 20 ( supra ) was sent to Bishop Waynfleete the Chancellor, to which was made the following reply. Dated Waltham, 5 Sept. [1457]. Letter Book K, fo. 292b. Right Worshipfull and right entierly welbeloved sirres I recommende me unto you in þe moste herty wise. Puttyng you in knowliche þat I have receved yo r lettres direct unto me by Roger Tonge yo r comon clerc in þe whiche I have understande not onely yo r grete trouth to þe king our aller sovereigne lord and to this his R

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No. 23.

No. 23.

Letter from the Earl of Kendal, Lord Scales &amp; others in the Tower to the Mayor asking why war was being made upon them. No date [ circ. July 1460]. Journal 6, fo. 250b. Sirs it is yo r saying that ye be the kinges trew liegemen and soo be we wherfore we wul desire of you to wite the cause why ye make us werre. And that we may understande how ye may joyne your sayinges and youre dedes togiders, And also what shuld bee the cause that ye take prisouners and we shuld nat defende us ayenst yo

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No. 24.

No. 24.

Reply to the above. No date. Id. ibid. Like it your lordshipps to understande and with for certain that according to oure sayn ... we have ever bee, nowe we bee, and ever will bee the kinges treu subgettes and hum ... liegemen. And where ye by youre bill desire of us to wite þe cause why we mak ... you werre, &amp;c. Therto we answer and seye that ye and your ffelesship have began and made no werre by diverse assault shetyng of gonnez and otherwise by the which the kinges treu liege people a

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No. 25.

No. 25.

Agreement touching the surrender of the Tower by the besieged Lords. Dated 16 July 38 Hen. VI. [1460]. Id. fo. 256. Be it remembred that we William Hulyn maire of the citee of London and the aldermen and þe comunes of the same agree us by thise presentz to holde ferme and stable and to performe in every pointe in that that in us shall bee alle suche appoyntementz touchyng the gyvyng over of the Toure of London by therle of Kendale the lord Scales, the lord Lovell, the lord Hungerford and Sir Edm

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No. 26.

No. 26.

Minutes of proceedings of the Common Council upon the return of the Earl of Warwick to England and the flight of King Edward IV. Oct., 1470. Journal 7, fos. 223b-224. Translation. Be it remembered that on the 1 st day of October it was noised abroad throughout the city that Edward the Fourth King of England had fled, for which cause the Queen Elizabeth who had fortified the Tower of London quitted the same Tower and fled to the sanctuary at Westminster and sent the Abbot of Westminster to Richar

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No. 27.

No. 27.

Letter from Thomas Faucomberge, captain of Kent, to the City of London. Dated "Sydyngbourne," 8 May [1471]. Letter Book L, fo. 78. To the worshipfull my feithfull trusty and welbeloved frendes the Comminaltie of the Citee of London youre feithfull trewe lover Thomas Faucomberge Capteyn and leder of oure liege lorde king Henrys people in Kent at this tyme sendith hertly recommendacioun lettyng witte that I am enfourmed howe the partie of the usurper of our saide liege lordes Crownne hath made you

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No. 28.

No. 28.

Reply to the above. Dated 9 May [1471]. Id. ibid. Worshipfull sir we receyved your lettres writen at Sydyngborn the viij th day of the present month of Maij by the whiche we understande that it is comyn unto youre knoulege that if ye and youre ffeleaship w t the which ye be accompanyed shulde come unto the Citee of London like as ye write ye entende to doo that thanne ye wolde rifell and dispoile the saide citee ye desire us by the saide lettre that we shulde yeve no credence to noon suche surmy

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No. 29.

No. 29.

Account of the invasion of the City by the Kentish rebels on Sunday the 12th May 1471. Journal 8, fo. 7. Translation. Be it remembered that the Mayor and Aldermen with the assent of the Common Council fortified the banks of the river Thames from Castle Baynard as far as the Tower of London with men at arms, bombards, and other implements of war to prevent an attack by the seamen who had brought a large fleet of ships near the Tower, and the said bank was held by the Aldermen and the rest of the

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No. 30.

No. 30.

Letter from King Henry VII to the City announcing the betrothal of his daughter the Princess Mary to Prince Charles of Castile. Dated Richmond, 28 Dec. [1507]. Letter Book M, fo. 138. By the king Trusty and welbeloved we grete you well. And forasmoche as wee doubt not but yt is and shalbe to you and to all other our true subiectes right joyfull and confortable to here and understande from tyme to tyme specially of suche causes and matiers as redounde to the grete honour exaltacioun universall we

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No. 31.

No. 31.

Petition of Dean Colet to the Common Council that he might be allowed to purchase certain lands and tenements for the purpose of enlarging his School; 15 Jan. 3 Henry VIII. [1511-12]. Journal 11, fo. 147b. To the hono r able Comon Counsell of the Citie of London. Shewith unto you the Hono r able Comyn Counsell of the Citie of London yo r lover and Bedman John Colet Deane of poules. That where he hath made sute unto you afore this tyme for certeyn mesuage or tenement in the olde Chaunge and ye ha

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No. 32.

No. 32.

Letter from King Henry VIII to the City desiring 300 men for the service of the Navy against a threatened invasion of England by the King of France. Dated Greenwich, 30 Jan. [1512-13]. Journal II, fo. I. Trusty and welbeloved we grete youe well. And forasmoche as we have perfite knowleage that o r enemye the Frenche kyng hathe prepared a strong navye furnysshed w t men of warre to entre and lande in diverse parties of this o r realme in this nexist moneth of Februarij for to brenne slee robbe an

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No. 33.

No. 33.

Letter from Cardinal Wolsey to the City, touching a loan of 4000 marks. Dated Westminster, 3 Sept. [1522]. Journal 12, fo. 196b. Right honorable and my welbelovid frendes I parceyve by the relacõn of Sir John Dauncy howe towardly and benevolently ye at this present tyme of necessite, do use applye and endevo r yo r selfes to shewe gratuite hono r and pleasure unto the kynges grace, and that the rather at my contemplacõn and desire, ye be mynded and contentid nowe to avaunce unto his highnes by w

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No. 34.

No. 34.

Letter from Henry VIII to the City requesting a benevolence. Dated Greenwich, 25 April [1525]. Letter Book N, fo. 278. Trusty and right welbiloved we grete you well. Lattyng you wytte that by the reaporte and relacioun of the moost reverende fadre in God our most trusty and mooste enterly welbiloved counsaillor the lorde legate Cardynall Archebisshope of Yorke Primate of Englande and Chauncellor of the same Whom we appoynted to practyse w t you for an amyable graunte to be made unto us towards t

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No. 35.

No. 35.

Order for Obsequies to be celebrated in the City on the death of the lady Jane Seymour, 10 November 1537. Letter Book P, fo. 135b. At thys courte yt ys agreed that a Solempn herse shalbe made in poules wyth iiij great Candlestickes w th iiij great Tapers and the herse to be garnysshed w th xxx other great Tapers w th ij Braunches of vyrgyn waxe and the same to be garnysshed w th blacke clothe and w th the Quenes armys and upon Monday next at after noone the great belles in Every churche at one o

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No. 36.

No. 36.

Extract from letter from Sir Richard Gresham to Thomas Cromwell, lord Privy Seal, touching the purchase of certain houses in Lombard Street belonging to Sir George Monoux, Alderman of the City of London, for the purpose of a site for an Exchange. Dated 25 July [1538]. Brit. Mus. MS. Cotton, Otho E x, fo. 45. * * * The Last yere I shewyd yo r goode lordeshipe a Platte that was drawen howte for to make a goodely Bursse In Lombert strete for merchaunts to Repayer unto I doo suppose yt wyll coste ij

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No. 37.

No. 37.

Letter from King Henry VIII to Alderman Monoux desiring him to part with certain property whereon to erect an Exchange. Dated Chichester, 13 August [1538]. Journal 14, fo. 124. By the Kynge Trusty and welbelovyd we grete you well. And where as we under stande that ye have certeyn howsyng and tenementes abowt lombard strete in our Citye of london whiche ar veray mete and expedyent for certeyn intended purposes to the weale and commen furtherance of merchauntes and entrecours of the same w t yn th

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No. 38.

No. 38.

Another letter from King Henry VIII to the same urging him to part with property required for an Exchange, on reasonable terms. No Date [1538]. Id. ibid. By the Kyng Trusty and welbelovyd we grete you well And where as we have lately dyrected to you o r letters hartely desyeryng you at o r request frankely and frely to gyve certeyn yo r howses that ye have in lombardstrete yn that o r Cytye of London for a burse or place apte for merchauntes to resorte to orelles upon suche a reasonable agreamen

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No. 39.

No. 39.

Letter of thanks from Henry VIII to Alderman Monoux for acceding to the King's former request. Dated Westminster, 25 Nov. [1538]. Journal 14, fo. 124b. By the Kynge Trusty and welbeloved we grete you well And perceyvyng by the relacõn of o r Ryght trusty and Right welbelovyd counsailo r the lorde privie seale howe at the contemplacõn of o r lettres lately dyrected unto you for yo r lovyng graunte to be made unto the merchauntes of o r citye of London for theyre reasonable money to have of you su

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No. 40.

No. 40.

Proclamation by Henry VIII forbidding public hunting and hawking in the suburbs of London. Dated 7 July, 1545. Journal 14, fo. 240b. Forasmoche as the Kynges moste Royall Maistey is moche desyrous to have the Games of hare partriche ffesaunte and heron preserved in and abowte his hono r at his paleys of Westmynster for his owne disporte and pastyme That is to save from his said paleys at Westmynster to saint Gyles in the feelde and from thens to Islyngton to o r ladye of the Oke to Hyghegate to

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No. 41.

No. 41.

Letter from King Edward VI and the Protector Somerset to the City asking for a force of 1000 men as a protection against conspirators. Dated Hampton Court, 6 Oct. [1549]. Letter Book R, fo. 39b. Trustye and welbeloved we greate yowe well we charge and commaunde yowe moste ernestlye to gyve order w th all spede for the defence &amp; preservacõn of that o r Cytie of London for us. And to levye owte of hande &amp; to putt in order as menye as convenyentlye yowe maye well weaperred &amp;

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No. 42.

No. 42.

Letter from Lords of the Council to the City touching the conduct of the Duke of Somerset. Dated 6 Oct. [1549]. Letter Book R, fo. 40. After o r right hartye comendacõns unto yo r good lordship knowyng yo r hartye loves &amp; earnest zeales to the preservacõn of the person of the kynges maiestie &amp; of this realme: and other his maiesties realmes &amp; domynyons we have thought good to advertyse yowe that notw th standing all the good advyse &amp; counseyll that we cowde geve t

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No. 43.

No. 43.

Letter from Queen Mary to the City, desiring a contingent of 1,000 men to be held ready for active service at a day's notice. Dated Richmond, 31 July, 1557. Journal 17, fo. 54b. By the Quene Trustie &amp; welbeloved we grete yow well and lett yow wete y t the warres beinge open betwixte us and Fraunce and the Kynge our deerest Lorde &amp; husband passed the seas in persone to pursue the enemye we have gyven order as mete is (o r hono r and suertie so requiering) to have a convenyent forc

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No. 44.

No. 44.

Letter from Queen Mary to the City asking for 500 men to be immediately dispatched for the relief of Calais. Dated Greenwich, 2 Jan. [1557-8]. Journal 17, fo. 55. Trustie and welbeloved we greate you well and where ye did this last Sommer put in a readynes the nomeber of one thowsande men to attend upon o r person at all tymes whan we shuld calle for the same Havinge receyved certein advertisementes from o r Towne of Callice that the Frenche hathe approched theither and myndeth to attempte sum e

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No. 45.

No. 45.

Letter from Queen Elizabeth to the City desiring 250 soldiers for service at sea under the High Admiral, Lord Clinton, against the French. Dated Greenwich, 17 May, 2 Eliz. [1560]. Journal 17, fol. 238b. ELIZABETH R. Right Trustie and welbeloved we grete you well. Because we certaynly understand that notw th standinge our desire and good contentacõn at diverse tymes declared to have a treatie w th the frenche for the redresse and staye of the notable Iniuries and attemptes commytted agaynst us an

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No. 46.

No. 46.

Letter from Queen Elizabeth to the City, desiring that Sir Thomas Gresham might be discharged from serving the offices of Mayor, Alderman and Sheriff. Dated Westminster, 7 March, 5 Eliz. [1562-3]. Journal 18, fo. 137. Trustie and welbeloved we gret you well; And wheras our faythfull servante S r Thomas Gresham knighte is one of the citizens and fredome of o r citie of London, and by reason therof maye perchance hereafter be called upon or elected to serve in the office of maio r alderman or shre

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No. 47.

No. 47.

Proclamation against the Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland for their rebellion against the Queen's Majesty. Dated Windsor Castle, 24 Nov., 1569. Journal 19, fo. 202b. By the Queene. The Queenes maiestie was sundry wise aboute the latter ende of this sommer infourmed of some secrete whisperinges in certaine places of Yorkshire, and the Bishopricke of Durham that there was lyke to be shortly some assemblies of Lewde people in those partes tendinge to a rebellyon: Whereof, because at the fir

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No. 48.

No. 48.

Letter from Queen Elizabeth to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London on the occasion of the discovery of the Babington conspiracy. Dated Windsor Castle, 18 August 1586. Journal 22, fo. 52. Right trustie and welbeloved we grete you well being given tunderstand howe greatlie our good and most Loving subiectes of that Cittie did reioyce at the apprehension of certayne develish and wicked mynded subiectes of ours that through the greate and singuler goodnes of god have of late ben detected to

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No. 49.

No. 49.

Speech made by a member of the Common Council 22 Aug., 1586, upon the occasion of the discovery of the Babington conspiracy. Right worshipfull my good countreymen &amp; citezens of this most noble cittie of London. Since the late brute and report of a most wicked and tray terouse conspiracie, not onelie to take awaie the leif of our most gracious soveraigne whom god graunt longe to lyve &amp; raigne over us but also to stuer upp a generall rebellion throughout the whole realme; the great

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No. 50.

No. 50.

List of ships furnished and victualled by the City to meet the Armada, 1588. State Papers Dom. Vol. ccxii. No. 68. At Plymmowthe xix no Julij 1588. A note of all the shipps nowe at sea under the chardge of the Lorde Admerall w th their nombers of men and tyme of victuallinge w ch is reduced nowe to ende in them all together the x th of Auguste....

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No. 51.

No. 51.

Government order to victual ships furnished by the City; 24 July, 1588. State Papers Dom. Vol. ccxiii. No. 15. Mr. Quarleis theis are to praie you presentlie to victuall theis shippes hereunder written nowe at the seas w th my Lo: Admirall w th one moneths victuall of xxviij daies to begyn the x th of August 1588 and to end the vij th of September followinge both daies included Of w ch monnethes victualls you are to victuall the said Flete for the fyrst xiiij daies at Portesmouth The other xiiij

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No. 52.

No. 52.

List of all the ships furnished by the City against Spain in 1588. State Papers Dom. Vol. ccxxxvii, fos. 15b-16b. The whole flete sett out in 88 against the Spaniards and w ch were payed by Q. Eliz: and how many were payed by London and the Porte Townes? Queene Eliz: whole armye at Sea against y e Spanish forces in anno 1588. Shippes set forth and payde upon y e charge of y e City of London anno 1588...

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No. 53.

No. 53.

Letter from King James I to the City upon his accession to the throne. Dated Holyrood House, 28 March 1603. Journal 26 fo. 75b. Trustie and welbeloved we greit you hartelly well beinge informed of youre great forduartnes in that iuste and honorable action of proclaminge ws youre Souverane lord and King immediatlye after the deceas oure late darrest Sister the quene, wherin yo u have gevin a singulare good proufe of your ancient fidelitie, a reputation hereditarie to that oure Citie of Lundon, be

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No. 54.

No. 54.

Reply to the above. Dated 29 March, 1603. Id. , fo. 76. To the most high &amp; mighty Prince our most dread &amp; gracious Soveraigne Lord King James y e First King of England, Scotland, France &amp; Ireland. Most mighty prince &amp; our most dread &amp; gracious Soveraigne Wee cannot expresse the great comfort and exceeding ioy conceived here for this great blessing of Almighty God in preserving yo r sacred Ma tie for this yo r right and yo r right for y u and y u for us yo

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No. 55.

No. 55.

Letter from King James I to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London, in reply to the foregoing. Dated Newcastle, 11 April 1603. Journal 26, fo. 80. JAMES R. Right trustie and welbeloved wee greet you well Althoughe before the Comeynge of yo r Lettres and this gentleman sente unto us wee had w th greate Contentment by Comon reporte understood of your forwardnes in Joyninge w th y e nobillitie of this our Realme in the publishinge of oure righte to the succession of this Crowne. Yet weare wee

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No. 56.

No. 56.

Letter from the Lords of the Council to Sir Arthur Chichester, Deputy in Ireland, as to the course to be pursued with the City's Commissioners, appointed to view the Irish Estate. Dated Whitehall, 3 Aug., 1609. Transcripts, &amp;c., Irish Government (Public Record Office), Vol. I, fo. 500. After o r very harty comendacõns to yo r Lp. we have written unto yo ur Lp. and the Counsell there a letter wherein we have in generall recommended certaine cittizens appointed by the Citty of London to vi

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No. 57.

No. 57.

Letter from Speaker Lenthall to the Lord Mayor asking, on behalf of Parliament, for a City loan of £60,000. Dated Covent Garden, 15 Jan., 1640-1. Journal 39, fo. 167. My Lord, The greate necessetie of supplyinge the Kinges Army and providinge for the Northen Counties without which the peace of the Kingdome wilbe much endangered is such that the Howse of Commons is inforced to thinke upon a more present way of raysinge moneyes then can bee effected in the Course of Subsidies. Whereupon they have

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No. 58.

No. 58.

Another letter from Speaker Lenthall on the same matter. Dated Covent Garden, 6 Feb., 1640-1. Id. ibid. My Lord, The present necessity requiringe the sũme of £60000 for the good of the Kingdome to be advanced sooner then by way of subsidies it can be levied as hath bin formerly signified vnto yo r Lo r pp. by Ald̃ran Pennington. The house hath commaunded me this day againe to intimate unto you their desire that w th the help of such Citizens as are willing to lend particuler sumes you will take

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No. 59.

No. 59.

A third letter from Speaker Lenthall on the same matter. Dated Charing Cross, 19 Feb., 1640-1. Journal 39, fo. 180. My very good Lord and Gentlemen, I have formerly by my lrēs directed by order of the house of Cõmons vnto yo r Lo r pp signified their desire to borrow of the City sixty thousand pounds for the presente supply of the Kings Army and releif of the Northern partes conceived to tend principally to the gen'all safety of the whole kingdome. We could not but take notice of the forwardnes

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No. 60.

No. 60.

Letter from the Earl of Essex to the City desiring a loan of £100,000 for the maintenance of the Parliamentary army. Dated Northampton, 13 Sept. 1642. Journal 40, fo. 38. My lord and gentlemen I receaved so great expressions of affeccõn both to y e cause, and to myselfe from y e cittye of London at my departure from you, that I cannot dispaire but to obtayne any suite from you that shalbee an advantage to y e Comon wealth Upon a true judgment of y e condicõn of our affaires and of that of y e en

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No. 61.

No. 61.

Letter from the Earl of Essex to the City on the appointment of Skippon to the rank of Sergeant-Major-General in the Parliamentary army. Dated Hammersmith, 16 Nov. [1642]. Journal 40, fo. 41b. My lord and gentlemen. Havinge a due regarde both to the publique trust and to the good and wellfare of the cittye of London I have made choice of Serjeant Major Skippon to bee Serjeant Major Generall of the army under my comaund beinge well assured of his fidellïtye and abillity to discharge that trust. A

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No. 62.

No. 62.

Resolution of the Common Council for putting the City and Suburbs into a posture of defence, 23 Feb. 1643. Journal 40, fo. 52. That a small fort conteyning one bulwark and halfe and a battery in the reare of the flanck be made at Gravell lane end. A horne worke w th two flanckers be placed at Whitechapell windmills. One redoubt w th two flanckers betwixt Whitechapell church and Shoreditch. Two redoubts with flanckers neere Shoreditch church w th a battery. At the windmill in Islington way, a bat

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No. 63.

No. 63.

Letter from the Mayor, &amp;c., of Gloucester to the City of London, touching the removal of Colonel Massey. Dated 29 May 1645. Journal 40, fo. 132. When we were in suche distresse by a close seige, that our freindes held our condicõn desperate, and our enimies did assure themselves of prevailing over us; by Gods providence we had reasonable releif from your famous and ever renowned citie w ch doth now embolden us to present unto you our present estate, which is in breife. That our heartes w

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No. 64.

No. 64.

Letter from the Mayor, &amp;c., of Plymouth to the City of London, enclosing copy of petition to Parliament for relief against the depredations of the Royalists. Dated 5 Sept. 1645. Journal 40, fo. 144b. The greate zeale you have ever manifested for the good of the kingdome, and the forwardnes you shewed to contribute your assistance to us upon all occacõns doth imbolden us at this tyme of our extremity to beseech you to stretch out yo r helping hand to us you know we have bin long beseiged,

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No. 65.

No. 65.

The City's petition to King Charles I in reply to His Majesty's letter of the 19 t h May 1646. Id. , fo. 187. Most humbly acknowledging the speciall grace and favour of yo r ma tie in condescending soe particulerly to communicate unto this city yo r royall and pious resolucons to comply w th your Houses of Parliament for setling of truth and peace in this distracted kingdome signified by yo r late gratious lettre of the 19 th of May last to the representative body thereof. In w ch as the pet rs

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No. 66.

No. 66.

Letter from Fairfax and the Council of War to the Commissioners of the City of London forbidding further enlistments. Dated 14 June, 1647. Journal 40, fo. 222. Being informed that divers souldiers are daily listed under offic rs , in and about the cities of London and Westm r , and parts thereto adiacent, besids the trayned bands and usuall auxiliaries. We strongly apprehend that (notwithstanding all your desires and labour of peace) the kingdome is like to be precipitate by some persons into a

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No. 67.

No. 67.

Letter from the same to the Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council of the City, touching the removal of the army and the safety of the King's person. Dated St. Albans, 15 June, 1647. Journal 40, fo. 222b. We are very glad our lettre from Royston of the tenth of this instant June had soe good a recepcõn w th you: whereof you have given us assurance by yo r lettre of the twelfth of this instant, [852] and by those worthy aldermen and others the members of yo r citie whome you sent unto us, to whose ha

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No. 68.

No. 68.

The City's reply to the two preceding letters. Dated 18 June 1647. Journal 40, fo. 224b. Yo r answere of the 14 th and lettre dated the 15 th of this instant June, w th copies of the papers given into the Parliam t we the maior aldermen and commons in common councell assembled have received and perused, and by our committee we have ben further informed of them, and of yo r many seasonable expressions of the reallity of yo r intencõns to promote the peace and welfare of the Parliam t and kingdome

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No. 69.

No. 69.

Letter from Fairfax to the City acknowledging receipt of letter of the 18 th June. Dated St. Albans, 21 and 22 June, 1647. Journal 40, fo. 225b. Wee received yo rs of the eighteenth of this instant, whereof though all passages were not soe answearable to our expectacõn as wee hoped yet we apprehend the same good affeccõn in you towards this armie as was expressed in yo r former letter. And that not onelie from the assureance of the worthy gentlemen, (yo r comissioners) againe sent to us, But als

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No. 70.

No. 70.

Letter from the City to Fairfax in reply to recent letters and informing him that Commissioners had been despatched to remain with the army at head-quarters. Dated 25 June, 1647. Journal 40, fo. 229b. We the maior aldermen and commons in common councell assembled having received yo rs to us of the 21 th and 22 th and yo r excellencies to our committee of the 23 th instant w th a coppie of a Remonstrance directed to the Parliam t , did send three of that nomber yesterday to acquaint you w th our

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No. 71.

No. 71.

Letter from Fairfax to the City notifying the removal of the army to Uxbridge. Dated Berkhamstead, 25 June, 1647. Journal 40, fo. 230. Wee have in all things dealt cleerly and plainely w th you, and hope wee shall still continue to doe so. As soone as the worthy alderman and the other two gent s yo r cõm rs came the last night to us, we acquainted them w t h our purpose to draw the head quarter to Uxbridg That soe we might contract our quarters w c h have hitherto lyen scattered. At which place

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No. 72.

No. 72.

Letter from Fairfax to the City enclosing copy of proposals forwarded to Parliament from the army. Dated Reading, 8 July, 1647. Journal 40, fo. 234. My Lord and Gentlemen To the end we may contynue a right understanding betweene you and us all along in the manadgm t of this great busines, w t h the Parliam t (the happie proceeding whereof so much concernes the safety and peace of this Kingdome.) We have given yo r Commission r s this day, the copie of a paper w c h we presented to the Commission

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No. 73.

No. 73.

Letter from the City to Fairfax, deprecating any attempt to intermeddle with the liberties or privileges of the City. Dated 28 July, 1647. Journal 40, fo. 242b. Our Committee being all returned from the Army contrary to o r expectacõn we are yet well satisfied therew t h, because, that it was at your request. They have communicated unto us severall papers from you dated on and betweene the 17 t h and 23 t h present, by one whereof, being a lettre to this Court, we take notice of the sence the ar

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No. 74.

No. 74.

Minutes of Common Council touching a recent disturbance of soldiers in the City; 11 April, 1648. Journal 40, fo. 267. Att this common Councell Mr. Ald̄ran Fowkes and Mr. Ald̄ran Gibbs (by direccons of the comitte of the milicia for London) did make a large relacõn of the greate tumult insurreccõn and mutinie which happened in this Citty on the last Lords day and on Monday last by many evill disposed persons w c h first began on the Lords day in the afternoone in the Countie of Middlesex. Where t

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No. 75.

No. 75.

Letter from Fairfax to Skippon upon his re-appointment to the command of the City's forces. Dated Windsor, 10 May, 1648. Journal 40, fo. 275. I received yours and understand by severall gentlemen of the millitia of London how much you are desired and importuned to accepte of the comand of the forces in and aboute the cittie of London. I must needs say I cannot but be sorrey to parte with one who hath upon all occasions doun such good service for the Parliament and Kingdome. But my private respec

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No. 76.

No. 76.

A narrative of the proceedings of the Court of Common Council held in Guildhall, London, the 13th of January, 1648-9, presented by order of the Court to the House of Commons. Journal 40, fo. 314. A common councell beinge lawfully summoned to meete at eight of the clocke in the morneinge upon the day above written, Wee commoners of the citty of London members of the said courte in obedience to the said summons and for discharge of the trust reposed in us made our appearance att the vsuall place o

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No. 77.

No. 77.

Letter from the Council of State to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City for defacing statues of James I and Charles I. Dated Whitehall, 31 July, 1650. Repertory 60, fo. 213. My Lord and Gentlemen. In pursuance of an Order of Parliament wee desire you forthwith to give order that y e two Statues that Stand at y e west end of Paules above y e worke borne up by y e Columnes sett upp to represent King James and the late King may forthwith bee throwne downe. Alsoe y t y e head of that Statue at y e Ex

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No. 78.

No. 78.

Another letter from the same ordering the entire removal of the statue of Charles I at the Royal Exchange. Dated Whitehall, 14 Aug., 1650. Id. , fo. 220b. My Lord and Gentlemen By a lre from y e Councell beareing Date y e 31 th of July last order was given for y e throwing downe of the two Statues at ye west end of Paules &amp; likewise for y e takeing of y e head &amp; Septer out of y e hand of y t w ch stood at y e Exchainge in Lond w ch according to y e desire of the Councell Wee unde

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No. 79.

No. 79.

Letter from the Council of State to the City for removal of ordnance to the Tower. Dated Whitehall, 19 Nov., 1653. Journal 41, fo. 90b. The Councell of State have considered that there are severall great guns belonging to the Citie of London which are now remayning at Leadenhall, and severall other partes of the Cittie, and for the better secureinge thereof have thought fitt that the L t of the Tower should draw them in thither on Tuesday next, wherein yo r Lordship is desired to give yo r assis

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No. 80.

No. 80.

The City's humble Petition and Representation to the Lord Protector promising to stand by him against the enemies of the Nation; 16 March, 1657-8. Id. , fo. 170b. Sheweth That the peticoners are deepely sensible of the manie mercies &amp; signall providences that these three nations have received from Almightie God in subduing his and their Enemyes in the times of our late warres, in which it pleased our wise and Gratious God to vse your highnes as the most speciall &amp; eminent Instrum

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No. 81.

No. 81.

Letter from Sir John Langham to the Court of Aldermen, declining to resume the Aldermanry from which he had been deposed by Parliament, on the score of ill-health. Dated Crosby House, 18 Sept., 1660. Remembrancia ix, 8. My Lord &amp; Gentlemen, By a copy of a vote of Common Councill held y e 4 th of September present (w ch was left at my house) I find my selfe declared to bee an Ald̃ran of London, &amp; invited to y e execucõn of that place. The knowledge of my vnfitness for y t imploym

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No. 82.

No. 82.

Letter from the Earl of Manchester to the Court of Aldermen, desiring that the Butchers of the City might continue to supply offal to the King's "Game of Beares" as formerly. Dated Whitehall, 29 Sept., 1664. Original Letter. My very good Lord and the rest of my very good ffreinds the Court of Aldermen. Being informed by the Master of his Ma ties Game of Beares and Bulls and of others that very well remember that the Company of Butchers did formerly cause all their Offall in Eastcheape and Newgat

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No. 83.

No. 83.

The City's address to King Charles II congratulating him upon his escape after the Rye House Plot; 2 July, 1683. Journal 50, fo. 83b. To the Kings most Excellent Ma tie The humble Addresse of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common Councell assembled Sheweth. That wee your most Loyall and dutifull subjects haveing with astonishment received y e discovery of a most traterous and horrid Conspiracy of diverse ill affected and desperate persons to compasse y e death and

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No. 84.

No. 84.

Letter from the Duke of Newcastle to the Lord Mayor informing him of the Pretender having set up his Standard in Scotland. Dated Whitehall, 4 Sept., 1745. Journal 58, fo. 377. His Majesty having received an Account, That the Eldest Son of the Pretender after having been some time in Scotland, has traiterously assembled a considerable Number of Persons in Arms, who have Set up a Standard in the Name of the Pretender, resisted and attacked some of His Majesty's Forces, and are now Advancing toward

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No. 85.

No. 85.

Letter from the Duke of Newcastle to the Lord Mayor informing him of the Pretender having entered Derby, and desiring him to put the City into a posture of defence. Dated Whitehall, 6 Dec., 1745. Repertory 150, fo. 40. I am commanded by the King to Acquaint Your Lordship; That His Majesty has, this day, received certain Advice, that the Rebels, with the Pretender's Son, Arrived, on Wednesday last, at Derby, in their way, as they give out towards London; That His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumber

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No. 86.

No. 86.

Proceedings relative to the expunging of the recognizance entered into by William Witham, Messenger of the House of Commons—as narrated by James Morgan, Clerk to the Lord Mayor, to the Committee appointed to assist in defending Crosby, Wilkes and Oliver; 22 March, 1771. Committee Book. Mr. James Morgan Clerk to the Lord Mayor acquainted the Committee that he was served on Wednesday Morning last the twentieth instant with an order of the House of Commons dated the nineteenth March 1771 to attend

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No. 87.

No. 87.

Letter from Charles Fox, Chairman of the Westminster Committee, to the Town Clerk of London suggesting a general meeting of the Committees of Association. Dated St. James's Street, 20 Feb., 1780. Minutes of City Committee of Correspondence. Sir, The Westminster Committee observing that the London Committee are instructed "to meet such Members of the Committees of the several petitioning Counties, Cities and Boroughs as are now in London, or who may be deputed for the purpose of presenting, or su

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No. 88.

No. 88.

Letter of thanks from Edmund Burke to the same for the City's approval of his Bill for Economical Reform. Dated St. James's Square, 6 March 1780. Ibid. I receive with great satisfaction and very humble acknowledgement, the honour which the Committee of the Common Council of London have been pleased to confer on me, by their Resolution of the 3 d Inst., which you have been so obliging as to transmit to me. Their approbation of the plan which I submitted to Parliament;—the effects which they expec

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No. 89.

No. 89.

Letter from Charles Fox to the Town Clerk of London forwarding copy of proceedings of the Westminster Committee of Association, and giving particulars of the proceedings of the House of Commons upon Dunning's motion. Dated St. James's Street, 13 April, 1780. I have the honour of transmitting to you a copy of the proceedings in Westminster Hall on the 6th inst. in which you will observe that the form of Association adopted by the City of Westminster, is nearly similar to that of the County of Yor

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Knights and Burgesses of the City of London.

Knights and Burgesses of the City of London.

The list of members representing the City of London in Parliament from 1284 down to the present day, here given, has been compiled mainly from the Blue Books of Parliamentary returns (printed in 1878 and 1879), but with large additions gathered from the City's own Records. It may fairly claim to be a more perfect list of City members than has hitherto been published. The number of representatives of the City in Parliament has varied from time to time. In a treatise known as Modus tenendi Parliam

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Members of Parliament for the City of London,

Members of Parliament for the City of London,

1284—1895. 1284. [881] Henry le Waleys. Gregory de Rokesle. Philip Cissor. Ralf Crepyn. Joce le Acatour. John de Gisors. 1296. [882] Stephen Eswy. William de Hereford. 1298. Walter de Fynchyngfeld. Adam de Foleham. 1300. [883] (March) Geoffrey de Norton. William de Betoyne. John le Bancker. William de Red. [the first two returned.] 1305. William de Combemartin. Walter de Fynchyngfeld. 1307. William de Combemartin. Henry de Durham. 1309. Henry de Durham. William Servat. 1312. [884] Nicholas de Fa

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Vol. I.

Vol. I.

Page 48, last line, for them read him . ---- 107, line 4, for Fitz-Thomas read Fitz-Thedmar . ---- 170, line 12, for 1339 read 1330 . ---- 183, line 4, for Winchester read Winchelsea . ---- 223, lines 9 and 22, for Aldermancy read Aldermanry . ---- 228, line 10, for Roby read Raby . ---- 249, line 12, for 1401 read 1414 . ---- 264, line 13, for 25,000 read 2,500 . ---- —— line 20, for Pointoise read Pontoise . ---- —— note 3, for fo. 1,222 read fo. 122 . ---- 293, note 3, for fo. 288b read fo. 2

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Vol. II.

Vol. II.

Page 220, marginal note, for arms read army . ---- 312, line 9, for resolved read was moved . ---- 398, line 21, for begining read beginning . ---- 401, line 25, for latter read later . ---- 485, note 1, for 27 read 87 . ---- 528 and 532, marginal notes, for Charles read James ....

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