The corporation of Lincoln: Registers, vol. V (1599-1638)

Registers, vol. V (1599-1638)

1599, March 28.—The waits or musicians to have 100s. yearly towards the increase of their wages, and also to have four coats yearly at Christmas over and besides the coats they have now, and their chains and cognizances to be repaired. f. 250.

—, June 11.—Edward Hollingworth and Thomas Bishoppe, two freemen, to be disfranchised for ever unless at the next Common Council they appear and purge themselves of evil and untrue reports which they have spread abroad of Mr. Major that now is [Abraham Metcalfe], as the makers of this "law" [resolution], or some of them, have lately heard and known. f. 250^b.

Vol. V.—A folio volume, extending from Oct. 1599 to Aug. 15, 1638; consisting according to a foliation at the foot of the pages of 280 leaves; but of these, two are now wanting at the beginning, fol. 65, and ff. 268– 270, (besides only a fragment remaining of 279); and fol. 78 has been misplaced in binding between ff. 66, 67. Two leaves bear the number 5, and one separate un-numbered leaf is fastened in at f. 275^b. Leaves are wanting at the end, but to what extent cannot be known.

On a fly-leaf at the beginning is this memorandum: "24 Maii, 1605. The three great boules with ther covers were sent to London to be repared wherein ther was eny necessetie of repare, the which were wayed, and conteined in weight fourescore and twoo ounces." (See under date of Dec. 20, 1604, infra.)

[1600 ?]—The lease that Leonard Carre has of St. Laurence's Church and the shops there made up from seven years to twenty-one, at the old rent, he giving a pottle of sack and sugar for a fine, in consideration of his defending at his own proper costs and charges a suit brought against the city for the same, and for his having by his labour and costs in the "Checker Chamber" [Exchequer] taken out copies of the books which will for ever hereafter maintain the city's title, and also hath given the same books to the Common Chamber. f. 3^b.

1600, May 3.—Forasmuch as John Dawson was disfranchised for abuse offered to Mr. Mason, Mr. Wharton and Mr. Radferm, but now has made suit to them for his freedom, they having all become lovers and friends; and forasmuch also as Rolland Lillie was disfranchised for abuse offered to Mr. Metcalf, but they have now grown unto a peace and an unity; it is agreed that they be re-enfranchised, upon condition that they carry themselves lovingly, decently and dutifully unto the aldermen of this city. f. 4.

No minister or preacher who shall have any benefice or charge out of the city of Lincoln to be elected preacher of the city, but such a man to be chosen as shall have no benefice, and lie and be continually amongst the citizens. Ibid.

—, Sept. 27.—Mr. John Smith elected preacher of the city by 8 voices, over Mr. Luddington who had 7. f. 5^{2, b}.

[It may be worth mentioning, once for all, the various officers who, besides the mayor and sheriffs, were at this period annually elected. Four chamberlains, one for each ward; four constables, one for each ward; the common clerk; three mayor's officers, viz. the sword bearer ("lator gladii"), the mace-sergeant ("serviens ad clavam") and the bellman ("campanæ pulsator"); the sheriffs' clerk; three sheriffs' officers; four keepers of the keys of the chest; three keepers of the keys of the pyx; four searchers of tanned leather; two searchers for curried leather; and searchers for not coming to sermons, viz. the churchwardens of every parish, who were to present the offenders every Monday to the mayor. Besides these, there were overseers of the commons, and a pinder, elected at the yearly view of frankpledge.]

The mayor's inventory of plate, &c.: one bason and ewer of silver parcel gilt, three goblets of silver with a cover to them, all double gilt, five silver tuns with a cover to them, parcel gilt, and therein ["all in a nest," 1601] one silver salt all gilt, one case of knives of wood to take up the table withal, one carpet, and one wicker basket to carry the plate in. f. 7.

—, Oct. 21.—Mr. Francis Billingham admitted a freeman, he, having made suit to the mayor and his brethren to be one of the burgesses for the city at the next Parliament, wherewith they are well pleased. Ibid.

—, —. Mr. John Smith, the preacher of the city, to have a yearly stipend of 40l. paid quarterly, with 3l. 6s. 8d. yearly towards house-rent and leave to keep three kine upon the commons. Ibid.

1601, Feb. 28.—Mr. Malton, vicar of Belton, to have a gown-cloth, or 40s. price, given him, so that it be no precedent. f. 7^b.

—, —. The sheriffs to provide livery-cloaks yearly for their bailiffs of 30s. price. Ibid.

—, March 9.—None hereafter to be admitted freemen under the sum of 10l.; all previons laws and uses concerning the same repealed and annulled, f. 8.

—, —. Every alderman coming to sermons, common councils, &c., without his gown, to forfeit 6s. 8d.; every sheriff and one that hath been sheriff, 5s.; every chamberlain and one that hath been chamberlain, 4s.; and the mayor to issue warrants for the immediate levying of the forfeitures. Ibid.

—, Sept. 26.—Whereas one Hugh Atwell, parson of St. Tewe [St. Ewe] in Cornwall, and in time past parson of Calverley in Devonshire, hath given 3l. to the use of the poor for ever, to keep them on work, the stock to remain for ever, and the gain to be disposed of by the mayor to such as he shall think fit for the true disposition thereof, it is ordered that the said money be disposed yearly according to the true meaning of the giver. f. 10.

1601, Oct. 5.—Two persons elected assistants to the Mayor for the pricing of victuals according to the statute, because the Mayor, Edward Dynnys, is himself a victualler. f. 11.

1602, Feb. 20.—The schoolmaster and usher to have, each of them, 40s. for a gown, so as the same be no precedent. f. 12^b.

—, Aug. 18.—For reformation of great abuses in the sheriffs' officers, ordered that if any officer commit any offence contrary to his oath he be immediately displaced. f. 13^b.

—, —. Because the city is very evil spoken of for taking toll excessively, which by a former law should have been reformed and yet nothing has been done therein, a [committee] (fn. 1) is appointed to set down the toll that shall be taken for everything in the city tofore tolled, that the same may be engrossed and set up in a table. Ibid.

—, —. Stones granted out of the Friars to Mr. Ellis. Ibid.

—, —. It is provided that no question shall arise in consequence of the late absence of Abraham Newhouse from the city about his right to enjoy his freedom, his chief departure being but to make money to pay his debts. Ibid.

—, [Sept. 2 ?]—A grant to be engrossed and sealed assuring for life the stipend heretofore paid to Mr. John Smith, the preacher long since elected to preach every Sunday in the afternoon and every Wednesday in the forenoon; provided always that he be not absent from the execution of his place above twenty-one days in a year, except it be through sickness or else suits and troubles in law, and during absence that he find another man to supply his place at his own charge. f. 14.

—, Oct. 13. [On this date several orders are made in a Common Council, which show the existeuce of great dissensions in the Corporation. They are as follows:—]

Two leases granted by the mayor and three others on 2 Sept. annulled because "impunged" and gainsaid by the majority of the aldermen. f. 17^b.

Item, for as much as many men unskilful and not franchest men of this city have heretofore been chosen sheriffs by the magistrates to whom such election did belong, and such magistrates partly by that means have preferred their will and not regarded the common good of this city, contrary to ancient usage heretofore; and, by reason that such unskilful persons have been called to that office of Sheriff without bearing the office of Chamberlain, divers franchest men of our city of good wealth and ability have forborne to take upon them the place of Chamberlain, and that place of late time hath been supplied otherwise than of ancient time hath been used heretofore: For reformation whereof, and that these places may hereafter be furnished with the best sort of people of this city eligible thereunto, it is enacted and agreed by the mayor, sheriffs, citizens and commonalty of this city that from henceforth no magistrate or mayor of this city shall elect or choose any person or persons to be sheriffs of this city except such person so to be elected have formerly been chamberlain, any usage, custom, or liberty to the contrary notwithstanding, upon pain of one hundred marks. f. 18.

Item, whereas by an act of Common Council of 21 Oct. [1600] it was agreed that Mr. John Smith then elected preacher of this city should have [the stipend specified above under that date]; now forasmuch as the said John Smith hath approved himself a factious man in this city by personal preaching, and that untruly, against divers men of good place, and for that he is not licensed to preach, and is at the present inhibited by the L. Bishop of this diocese from the execution of his ministry and preaching; the said mayor, sheriffs [etc.] enact and agree that the said John Smith shall be no longer preacher of this city, and that [all acts granting him his stipend etc.] be utterly repealed and revoked. Ibid.

1602, Oct. 13.—Twenty shillings yearly allowed for three years to Edward Rockadine, son of Edw. Rockadine deceased, if he so long remain a student at the university of Cambridge, for his better proceeding in learning. f. 18^b.

Mr. Luddington elected preacher of the city by nine voices, over Mr. Dalbie for whom none were given. Ibid.

—, Dec. 13.—Agreed, that whereas there is likely to grow many suits prosecuted by the late preacher of this city John Smith against the Mayor [etc.] concerning one yearly annuity which he pretendeth to be granted to him; and whereas also there are certain articles exhibited unto the L. Bishop of this diocese against him in the names of John Becke now mayor and Leo Hollingworth, with consent of this Common Council, for his enormous doctrine and undue teaching of matters of religion, and personal preaching of men of this city; all such sums of money as shall be disbursed about the defence of such suits and the prosecuting of the said articles shall be repaid to the mayor out of the revenues of the corporation. f. 19.

Mr. Browne, parson of Washingborough, to be recompensed for the pains he hath already taken and is to take by preaching for the Corporation. Ibid.

—, Dec. 20.—[Ordered, by 6 to 3 in the inner house, and 21 to 7 in the outer house, that those members of the corporation who made those grants on Sept. 2 against the will of the majority which have been repealed, shall set down under their hands in the Council book that they did so without the consent of the others of the inner house, and that those others against whose will it was done also set down their names], that the same may be here recorded for a testimony thereof for evermore, upon pain of every one refusing to forfeit forty shillings. [The names of the majority are subscribed, but none of the others; a blank is left, marked in the margin, "spaces to put to ther hands."] f. 20.

1603, Jan. 25.—Persons worth 200l. in lands or goods to pay 20l. for the freedom of the city. f. 21.

—, March 14.—Leave given to the Recorder, in regard of some business he hath about London and other places this year, to nominate a deputy. f. 21^b.

—, —. Forasmuch as every one of those [of the minority] who were enjoined to subscribe the act of Dec. 20 has refused so to do, ordered that if they do not subscribe at the next Council, they shall each incur a further penalty of forty shillings in addition to the forty shillings already forfeited. f. 22.

1603, April 18.—An act "to disjustice and disalder Mr. Edw. Dynnys," (carried unanimously by 30 voices) because he, when mayor, on 2 Sept. last broke open the chest containing the corporation seal, and affixed the seal to divers grants, against the will of the greater part of the aldermen, and thereby violated the ancient and laudable custom, and hath prejudiced and hindered the common profit, and hath falsely broken his oaths, and by his disordered proceedings hath caused great disquietness, expenses, many factions and manifold troubles, and hath obstinately refused to come to Council, and also did wrongfully take and enclose in his own grounds parcel of the waste and grounds of the corporation, without any law or order so to do. ff. 22^b–23^b.

—, July 5.—The order for attendance on the mayor at sermons extended to other places besides the Minster, and the penalties for nonattendance increased, for aldermen to one shilling, sheriffs eightpence, chamberlains sixpence, and every other freeman fourpence. f. 25.

—, —. Mr. William Gosse "disaldred" (by 5 voices to 2 in the inner house and 26 to 3 in the outer house) for the offences mentioned in the act for "disaldering" E. Dynnys, and also because he refused to come to the Council and to attend the first proclaiming of King James, and at the second proclamation of his majesty's undoubted right and title did, during the most part of the said proclamation, sit in the presence of the mayor and his brethren and divers other gentlemen of good sort and quality, they all except the said Gosse behaving themselves joyful and dutiful and with great reverence, but the said Gosse then keeping his hat on his head, and not showing that duty nor that willing acceptance of his majesty's due right and authority then proclaimed as a good subject ought, to the evil example of others then present; and also on Apr. 18 did utterly refuse to stay at a Council or to give his advice touching some law and ordinances then to be made. f. 25^b.

—, July 8.—Mr. Dalby elected preacher by twelve voices, over Mr. Luddington, for whom none were given; to have a yearly stipend of 30l. for preaching on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, and further, to visit and give counsel to the sick persons of this city as occasion shall require. f. 26.

—, Aug. 27.—The lease of the tenement on Bower Hill which had been granted to the carpenters for the hall for that fraternity forfeited by them, because they had suffered the building to come to great ruin and decay. f. 26^b. (Re-granted to trustees for the fraternity on Sept. 4. f. 28.)

1604, Jan. 7.—Mr. Dalby's stipend as preacher encreased to 40l. f. 30.

—, Sept. 26.—Mr. Dalby to have his leases of Mary Hall and the bank at the Bargate, in which he hath 15 and 13 years to come, made in his name for 30 years, on condition that if at any time the said tenement shall be converted to a hospital he shall have one year's warning to surrender his lease. f. 34.

—, —. Alexander Lawson to have his freedom for 6l., in consideration that there is none of his occupation (which is not specified) in the city, and that he is unmarried, and hath no children to charge the town withal, and will not marry. Ibid.

—, —. Mr. William Gosse is restored to his aldermanship by arbitration of the Mayor and the Recorder, he having procured from the King the referring of his cause to Lord Sheffield, who had employed his honourable travail to end all variances in the city, and was purposed to come thither about the end of this month for a final hearing, but had consented to the deciding of the matter by the Mayor and Recorder. They declare that the causes for which Gosse was displaced were not wholly untrue or frivolous, and that the Register of the city shows that sundry aldermen had been displaced for less causes; but that, considering how convenient and commendable it is to reduce peace and unity, and having particularly invited divers persons to whom he had given cause of just offence to condescend to Christian amity and concord, they award, firstly, that Gosse attending this Council shall desire those whom he had offended to accept his unfeigned desire to live in peace with them and all others; and then, that he be re-elected as a member of the outward house at first, but they pray that at Christmas next, upon his good carriage in the mean time, he be accepted as a brother of the inward house, not as of mere right of restitution, but as by privilege and grace, upon assured trust of brotherly conformity in all honest courses; not minding by this favour to give any encouragement to expect the like upon like accidents. [Upon this follows a declaration, signed by Gosse with his mark, of his desire to live peaceably with every one; and the record of his election by 23 voices over two given for another.] ff. 34^b–35.

1604, Oct. 20.—Ordered that the mayor, aldermen, and sheriffs shall every year ride the two "fares parly" upon horses and foot-cloths, and that they be provided before Midsummer next, and sooner if the King's majesty come sooner to Lincoln; the mayor's and his brethren's clothes to be very fair and "side," (sic) and the sheriffs' very comely and beseeming their places. f. 37.

—, —. Whereas Mr. Dynnys, late alderman, hath given 60l. to the corporation, the profit thereof to be bestowed upon the poor, 15l. are given to four persons severally for five years they giving good security for the principal and also for the "rent" at 10 per cent. f. 37.

—, Dec. 20.—The great mace and the three great silver bowls with the cover to be sent to London to be repaired. f. 37^b.

—, —. Agreed that no citizen or inhabitant dwelling betwixt Danstall lock and the High Bridge shall pour any soap-suds, chamberlye, suds of "metting" cloths, or any other stinking water, into the chennels or streets, but carry and cast the same into back-lanes and other places where the casting of it may not any way annoy the street-dwellers or any passengers, upon pain of ten shillings for every offence. f. 38.

1605, March 2.—Whereas there be many privileges contained in the charter of this city which are therein meant to pass to this corporation but in law lack words to convey the same, it is agreed that the charter be renewed, and the defects thereof drawn into form of law.

—, Sept. 5.—Whereas Mr. Dynnys, late alderman and twice mayor, did for the affection he did bear to this city, give 20l. to this corporation, and since his death his wife hath made suit that the money might be turned into two silver bowls to the use of this corporation, and whereas her suit is granted, and the money is bestowed upon two gilt bowls with a cover, agreed that the mayor be discharged of the 20l. and be allowed the overplus money which he paid for the bowls. f. 39^b.

—, —. No dust to be cast or swept within six yards of either of the conduits on pain of 6s. 8d. f. 40.

1605, Sept. 26.—Mr. Langley admitted to the curateship of Belton, in succession to Mr. Molton, with a stipend of 20l., in regard of letters from Lord Sheffield and also for that he comes from the Bishop with the fitting allowances and approbations. f. 41^b.

—, Sept. 28.—The provision for preventing danger by "skathe fyre" being not sufficient, it is agreed that each parish shall provide one clump of iron by Christmas next. f. 42^b.

1606, March 8.—None to be common porters of fuel or other burdens but such as are appointed by the Mayor and his brethren; and articles and orders to be made for their wages and good behaviour. f. 45. A further order on Feb. 15, 1608. f. 56.

—, —. Mr. Wilson's four pounds for fuel for the poor to be laid out yearly before midsummer, and the fuel to be housed up for distribution at Christmas according to Mr. Wilson's true meaning. Ibid.

—, —. The schoolmaster and usher to have gowns given them, the cost of each not to pass 40s. f. 45^b.

1607, July 28.—Mr. Mather to be curate of Hemswell, so long as it shall be thought fit and convenient by this corporation. f. 51^b.

—, Sept. 26.—The charter to be pleaded for discharge of sums claimed by the Exchequer from the Sheriffs, which are therein granted to the corporation. f. 53^b.

—, Oct. 22.—Whereas the apprentices and other servants of the citizens and inhabitants do weekly carry the sweepings of their houses and doors into back lanes and not to the places appointed for that purpose, whereby many highways are straitened, and corruption of the air is procured, and annoyances to the passengers that way given and daily increased, it is agreed that the bellman shall keep under him a man or two to play the scavengers of this city, and with carts or carriages to carry away the dust and sweepings of the houses and streets from the doors twice in the week, viz. on Wednesday and Saturday, to such places as the Mayor shall appoint, and for his pains and charges to be paid as the bellman and housekeeper can agree, and if they cannot agree then the Mayor to compound the matter between them; and upon complaint from any churchwarden or overseer of any heap of dust being left at any man's or woman's door who has compounded for the carriage, the bellman shall forfeit fourpence. f. 55^b.

—, —. The penalties for opening shops on Sundays being found "too little for so great an offence," they are increased to 3s. 4d. for the first offence, 6s. 8d. for the second, 10s. for the third, and disfranchisement for the fourth; provided always that butchers, alebrewers and beerbrewers, and bakers, may sell before 7 a.m. in summer and 8 a.m. in winter, and that butchers may also sell after evening prayer. Ibid.

—, —. No musicians or musician of this city or country elsewhere shall at any time hereafter use any music upon instruments either at any marriage or at or in any inn, alehouse or victualling house, or any other place within this city or the suburbs, but only those musicians that wear the city's livery, without the leave and liking of the city's musicians, the assize time only excepted. f. 56.

1608, Feb. 15.—An agreement made upon "much talk" with the millers, and with their consent, that no miller take more than one quarter of one peck of corn for every stock of corn, grinding fetching and carrying, under penalty of five marks; and if any miller put any sand into any meal, or use any other indirect course whatsoever to make the meal ground heavier or seem to be greater, that every such offender shall forfeit 10l. for every offence and suffer three months' imprisonment without bail or mainprize. f. 56^b.

1608, July 24.—Mr. Dalby's place as preacher declared vacant from Lammas next because he hath gotten a great living in the shire out of the city, and dwelleth upon it. f. 57.

1609, March 6.—Whereas Mr. Knysmith is purposed to build at his house, and to set his building forward into the street about the space of one yard, it is agreed that his building be set out at the appointment and bounding of Mr. Ald. Mason, Mr. Hollingworth and Mr. Morcrofte. f. 61.

—, Sept. 12.—Lord Sheffield and the Bishop of Lincoln having moved and entreated the Corporation that Mr. Dalby may have his full stipend for the past year, and may continue as preacher unto Candlemas next and then depart, it is agreed that these entreaties be granted. f. 61^b.

—, —. "Mr. Wharton disaldred." Whereas it pleased the King's Majesty to declare his pleasure to his subjects for the repressing of the multitude of maltsters, and that but a competent number should be allowed in all places within his Majesty's kingdoms, which said command came unto the Mayor and aldermen of this city, whereupon they appointed a meeting at the Guildhall, there to take order to repress the superfluous number of them, and calling before them the said maltsters, one William Wharton, alderman, then and yet a common maltster, came also and earnestly required them that he might still use making of malt, and there affirmed before the Mayor and aldermen then present that unless they would admit him still to be a maltster he could not live, for that he was a very poor man, and could not make by all means he had 10l. yearly for his maintenance and supportation: Now because the said William Wharton hath openly manifested his ability and substance to be very poor, weak, and feeble, and hitherto for the space of three years now last past hath basely lived and behaved himself in this city, continually haunting alehouses, drinking there inordinately, and by means of such his resort many tradesmen of this city have been drawn into his company, and to spend their substance and their time unthriftly, which might better have been bestowed in sustaining of such poor men's families their wives and children; and forasmuch also as he doth still daily continue his disordered course of life, spending almost every day the one half thereof in disordered drinking in the alehouse, playing there at tables, cards, and such unlawful games, with people of mean estate and condition, and by his continual haunting and resorting unto alehouses hath in this late time of dearth and scarceness encouraged some of the said alehouse keepers to which he usually resorteth to brew, sell and utter, strong ale of less quantity for money than by his Majesty's laws and late proclamations in that behalf made they ought, in contempt of his Majesty's said laws and proclamations; and for that he also doth many times distemper himself with excessive drinking of strong ale in common alehouses, insomuch as he is altogether unfit for magistracy and government whereunto his said place of alderman doth require him; and because his said course of life is or may be some touch to the rest of his brethren, and may tend to scandal them if he should continue in his place amongst them; and because also some of his offences are against his Majesty's most godly and wholesome laws, made and established as well for restraining of inordinate haunting and keeping alehouses as also for the repressing of the most odious sin of drunkenness; which tends to the overthrow and subversion of all civil government in this city, if persons of such disordered life should continue there in places of magistracy and rule, and would encourage others of light behaviour by his continuance and place in this city to follow his said base and odious course of life if he should escape unpunished; and forasmuch as he hath openly confessed that his substance estate and ability is so poor feeble and weak as he is no way able to support and maintain the office and place of an alderman in this city in the judgment of his brethren and of the whole common council of this city here assembled; for these and many other faults, offences, and misdemeanours whereof the said William Wharton may justly be censured, it is now agreed enacted and established, by the mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty of this city, and by the whole common council here assembled, that the said William Wharton now is and from henceforth for ever hereafter shall stand and be disaldred to all intents and purposes, and that he shall not any longer be, use, bear, or have the place or office of an alderman of this city, any former election of him or any other matter or thing whatsoever concerning him to the contrary thereof in anywise notwithstanding. ff. 61^b–2.

In the margin this note is added:—"This is one of the lawes mentioned in the Acte agreed on the xxix^th of February a^o R. Jacobi X^o, 1611 in Mr. Dicconson['s] maralty, for Mr. William Wharton's disaldring, which is to bee defaced, for that the prosecutor thereof doth not nor cannot prove what he undertooke to prove and objected against the said Wharton."

1609, Sept. 12—"Mr. Beck disaldred." Whereas John Becke, citizen and alderman, hath encroached upon the king's high street near unto the High Bridge, in such place as the same street there was very narrow and strait, and thereby hath not only straitened the highway, but also hath thereby defaced the shop of Thomas Emmonson, citizen and draper, and for that offence hath been presented at a court late held, and nevertheless, although he hath been moved to redress the same, hath obstinately refused, and as yet the same remains unreformed; and because also the said John Becke hath of long time haunted and used alehouses and common tippling-houses, sorting himself with men of base state and mean condition, and in the same ale-houses and tippling-houses doth daily spend the most part of his time [etc., continuing in nearly the same terms as in the preceding act against Wharton —] the said John Becke, for these and many other his misdemeanours and offences committed and done, is clearly and absolutely disaldered. f. 62.

To this a like marginal note is attached:—"This is the Act for Mr. John Beck's disaldering which is to bee defaced for the unjustnes thereof, by a lawe mentioned hereafter [etc., as above] for want of proofe, etc."

—, Sept. 28.—Agreed that the city's Charter be showed and pleaded, if need be, in the Crown office for deodands and the common place [pleas?] and for outlaws' goods. f. 66.

—, Oct. 9.—The law against procuring of voices at elections of mayors, justices and sheriffs repealed as against all persons other than such as shall give or promise any reward for obtaining of voices; the old penalty of 100s. against such to stand and be of force. f. 68.

—, —. Whereas the Lords of the Privy Council have directed letters to the mayor and his brethren about the disaldering of Mr. Wharton and Mr. Beck, with a commandment to certify the causes and reasons of the proceedings against them, agreed that as the answer will be somewhat chargeable the charges shall be borne by the Corporation. f. 68.

1609, Dec. 12—Mr. Somerscales to be curate at Belton, in succession to Mr. Langley. f. 68^b.

—, —. A confirmation of the charter to be obtained from the King. Ibid.

1610, March 25.—No common victualler hereafter to be admitted but such as shall be free of the city. f. 69.

—, —. The mayor to arrange for supply of the preacher's place pending a new election. f. 69^b.

—, June 7.—Thomas Dawson shall be at liberty to set posts and rails at his door in the street one yard and a half from his porch, paying for them and for his porch yearly to the city two pence. f. 70^b.

—, Sept. 25.—Mr. Wylby elected preacher by ten voices over four for Mr. Hawstead. To have a stipend of 35l. yearly for preaching on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday mornings, and other convenient times when special occasion shall serve, as either by the King's appointment or at the entreating of the mayor; this stipend to continue until some parsonage, curateship, or other living, within this city may be gotten for him towards his maintenance, and then his stipend to be mitigated for the ease of the common chamber as the mayor and the corporation shall think fit, having regard unto a sufficient contribution for Mr. Wilby's living. f. 72^a, ^b.

—, —. Dr. Barber to have and enjoy the standing of his rails and pales at the door of his dwelling-house in Eastgate in such sort as they now be, paying yearly to the city twopence. f. 72^b.

—, —. The chancel of Belton church to be paved with bricks, and 5s. yearly to be paid to John Man to keep the chancel repaired with lead and glass. Ibid.

—, Oct. 1.—Mr. Wharton and Mr. Beck restored to their places as aldermen, and those who had been substituted removed, in pursuance of two writs from the court called the Crown Office. f. 74^b.

—, Dec. 15.—Mr. Wilby's stipend to be raised to 40l., the same that former preachers had. Ibid.

—, —. Whereas there be divers persons shut up in their houses for fear of the sickness, and other poor within this city, and have not wherewithal to relieve themselves, therefore every person of ability and worth to be contributory to that charge shall pay such sums as the mayor and justices shall set upon them. Ibid.

1611, March 21.—Whereas much jars and discord hath many times heretofore risen in this city about the office of Steward or Clerk of the Courts called the Mayor's and Sheriff's Courts, and the same office is from year to year passed on from one to another, and sometimes to such as seldom or never attend the same, and other sometimes to such as cannot execute the same, whereby the sheriffs are many times brought in danger, and the clerks not knowing the customs do much hazard the breach of the same, and through the often change of that officer the country much complains, not knowing where to fetch their warrants of arrest, which hath not heretofore been so used, neither is the like officer so changed in any the like corporation to this; it is therefore enacted [by 21 voices to 10] that Stephen Mason, to whom the now officer is willing to surrender the office, be established in the same . . . . . and be not put from it otherwise than by the Common Council of this city upon just cause . . . . so as he do not practise as an attorney in the said mayor's and sheriff's courts. f. 75.

1611, March 21.—No other persons to be admitted as attorneys to practise in any courts of the city but those now admitted, viz. Mr. Richard Smith, Mr. Thomas Enderby, Mr. Robert Smith, the town-clerk for the time being, and Mr. Thomas Newcombe; future attorneys to be admitted by the Common Council, and the number never to exceed four. Ibid.

—, —. Whereas there hath been some controversy between the Mayor and his brethren and Mr. Edmond Shutleworth about the office of Town Clerk, which controversy was heard and ended on Thursday the last day of Feb. before Sir Peter Warburton, knt., and Sir Thomas Foster, knt., the justices of assize at Lincoln, it is now agreed that the said Edmond Shutleworth shall be accepted and established in the same office, in such sort as Mr. Carr his predecessor held it. f. 75^b.

—, March 23.—Whereas there hath been some questioning about the stone stays lately built at Mr. John Beck's house on the High Bridge, and a leet jury have held it to be an encroachment [see under Sept. 12, 1609, supra], it is now ordered that the same stays shall be permitted to stand as they now be, so that the said John Beck and his heirs and assigns pay such yearly rent to this corporation for the same as shall be thought fit by the view and judgment of the aldermen. Ibid.

—, —. Mr. Fereday of the county of Lincoln to be spoken with by the counsel of the city concerning the finding of offices within the city, because he hath sent word that he will either sit with Mr. Mayor in that service or else he will call him into the Court of Wards. f. 76.

—, —. Richard Somerby, chief constable of the East Ward, having not only neglected to execute the mayor's warrant for levying a cessment in the ward for the relief of the people visited with the plague, but having said to the mayor's face that he might be ashamed to make out such a warrant, and that it was more than the mayor could justify, and that he would not execute the same do what he would, he shall therefore humble himself to the mayor and confess his contempt and fault and pay a fine of 40s., or else be disfranchised for ever. Ibid.

—, June 8.—Ferdinando Gibbyns and [blank] Lockyngton, the city's musicians, to have two liveries. f. 77.

—, —. The freemen that have not paid toward the relief of those affected with the plague to be disfranchised. Ibid.

1612, Feb. 29.—Whereas Mr. William Wharton and Mr. John Becke, two of the aldermen of this city, were heretofore in the mayoralty of Mr. Geoffrey Wilson, now deceased, upon accusation of some offences then and after objected against them, to which they were never admitted to answer, displaced by act of Common Council from their rooms of aldermen and others placed in the same, who notwithstanding, in the mayoralty of Mr. Knifesmith, by the King's writ out of his Majesty's Bench and an act of Common Council were placed in their said rooms and the others again displaced, as by all the same acts may appear; yet because the crimes objected against the said Mr. Wharton and Mr. Beck are still apparent in the book of Common Council, they the said Mr. Wharton and Mr. Beck have desired that the truth of the crimes therein imputed to them might be examined, and either they to be cleared of the said imputations or to receive condign punishment if the same or any of them shall be proved true against them; which request of theirs being reasonable the mayor that now is hath called divers times as well on the said Geoffrey Wilson in his lifetime as also on others who were chief instruments in their displacing, offering them time place and space to make proof of the said objections; but the said Mr. Wilson in his lifetime as well before the reverend father in God William now Bishop of Lincoln as before the mayor of this city affirmed that their displacing proceeded not from him, nor of any matter which he could object against them, but by the procurement of others, who yet will none of them stand to maintain the said imputations or any of them. It is therefore now judged, ordered and decreed that all the said crimes imputations and offences objected against them at the time of their disaldering, and since for the maintenance thereof, are false malicious and slanderous, contrived and informed untruly against them, without any ground or just occasion; and therefore, the more to shield them from such imputations, and to bring into oblivion such undue proceedings in this city, it is further ordered and decreed that the said acts of Common Council against the said Mr. Wharton and Mr. Beck shall be so defaced and blotted out of the book of Common Council that hereafter they shall never be to be understood or read; and for avoiding of all such undue proceedings against men of such place in this city, it is further ordered and agreed that no alderman which now is or hereafter shall be of this city shall at any time hereafter be displaced from the room of an alderman, or from any place privilege or preeminence belonging thereto, before the accusations shall be delivered to him in writing, and he have twenty days' space to answer thereto, and be admitted to his defence before the whole Common Council. f. 81.

1612, Feb. 29.—Whereas this city hath not had for these many years past any help or advice of George Anton, esq., Recorder there, either in keeping their sessions of the peace or otherwise in their courts or affairs, though they have had many great occasions to stand in need thereof and to crave the same, and yet have borne with his not using the said place and office, though the fees of the same have been continually paid to him, and thereby have been enforced to be very troublesome to divers others learned in the law to no small charge of this city; now, for that the said Mr. Anton is clear removed from this city, and hath left to himself no place of dwelling or residence therein, neither is likely to return thither again, it is ordered and agreed that the said Mr. George Anton shall be no more nor longer Recorder of this city; . . . .; and for that William Ellys, esq., counsellor at the law, a man born in our city, hath taken much pains for the mayor, magistrates and officers of this city in the absence of their Recorder, and hath been willing upon every request to advise and assist them, and for that he hath a former grant of the Recordership upon the death, forfeiture or relinquishment of Mr. Anton, it is ordered that he shall from henceforth be and have the office of Recorder, to be executed in his own person, unless special and urgent occasion of the King's service hinder him at some time or times, and then by some sufficient deputy. f. 81^b.

—, —. Agreed that each of the five city's waits have a livery; that the three chains and badges be repaired, and one new badge and two chains be made; and also that the common seal for letters be newly engraven. f. 82.

—, —. None hereafter shall be made free of this city unless he be of some good trade, and will be able in substance to use his trade. Ibid.

1612, Feb. 29.—Whereas William Marrett hath gone at Mr. Mayor's request to Peterborough, and brought with him one to set the poor on work to knit and spin, agreed that their charges be paid. f. 82^b.

—, March 9.—No lease to be granted without reserving, besides the yearly money-rent, rent pigeons, fat turkeys, capons, wardous or other fruit, as shall seem good to the mayor and his brethren, and every lessee shall give on the granting the lease one bucket to the corporation. f. 83.

—, —. Twelve articles of complaint objected against Edmund Shutleworth, the mayor's clerk, for neglect of his duties, absence from Lincoln, carelessness in keeping the rolls of bonds of the statutemerchant and the entries of the acts of the Council, neglecting to attend the mayor except when summoned, and then sometimes sending a young man his servant, who writes very badly and is very young and ignorant, seldom attending on the sword to the Minster sermons nor going into the quire with them, and refusing to issue warrants until first paid a fee. Having been openly examined upon these articles, and being unable to deny most of them to be true, and the rest, and some others not set down, being proved against him, therefore he is now displaced out of the offices of town-clerk, mayor's clerk, or clerk of the statutes. ff. 83^b––84^b.

—, Apr. 18.—Stephen Mason appointed town-clerk or mayor's clerk, and clerk of the statutes. f. 85.

—, June 23.—Ordered that the acts enacted on 29 Feb. 1611(–12) which have not been entered by Mr. Shutleworth, who left two leaves' space with loose papers containing the acts, be entered by Mr. Mason, and the leases which were left not enrolled be enrolled in the book for that purpose. f. 86. [All the entries from Feb. 29 are in a very clear and legible hand, which is thus shown to be Mason's; the marginal note affixed to the act displacing Wharton and Beck is also in his hand. Some previous entries are in a hand which may well be that of Shutleworth's young man who wrote "very badly."]

—, Aug. 15.—The husbandmen and farmers of the land in the fields of Lincoln having complained that they do in every harvest sustain great loss and damage by disordered gleaners, the following agreement was made between the mayor and his brethren and the farmers on Aug. 1. 1. That no children, servants or people of anyone who hath been chamberlain or is cessed to the King's subsidy be permitted to glean. 2. That no one come to glean but betwixt 8 o'cl. a.m. and 5 p.m. 3 That no one glean on any land before the corn be led from the same, nor upon any land where the corn is standing on either side, but shall begin at a furlong where the most corn is cut down, and take the same furlong before them. 4. That no one put any gleanings into sack, poke, or sheet, but make the same up into handfuls and bundles, as hath been anciently done and used; and whosoever shall offend contrary to any of these articles shall not only have their gleanings taken from them but also be imprisoned at the mayor's pleasure. 5. Also, to the end that the poor may have and take the gleanings of the fields as fully as hath in ancient time been used, and as in charity and by the ancient custom of this Christian kingdom they ought to have, it is therefore expressly ordered and agreed, that no swine, sheep, or other cattle shall be put upon any land or willingly permitted to come until the same be gleaned by the poor; and that every person willingly offending against the same shall not only have his sheep, swine, or cattle impounded but shall also suffer imprisonment at the mayor's pleasure. f. 86^b.

1612, Sept. 2.—Mr. Thomas Wilby's (fn. 2) stipend of 40l. as preacher granted to him for life, he continuing to hold the office. f. 87^b.

—, —. Thirteen articles objected against Mr. Leon Hollingworth, alderman, ten of which are noted in the margin as being confessed by him. They are for refusing to attend the mayor when summoned for business, which in consequence could not be done; for bringing false charges against the mayor; for having been the means of procuring the displacing of Wharton and Beck; for imprisoning Mr. Gosse, an ancient alderman, during his mayoralty without the consent of his brethren, and threatening another; for using vile and despiteful speeches which cannot for modesty be recited, and disturbing meetings with outrageous railings; for misappropriating wood to himself; and for refusing to pay taxes for the relief of the poor. He is ordered openly to confess that he has wronged various persons, to pay for the wood, and to pay a fine of 10l., or else to be disaldered and disjusticed. He refuses to do anything, and therefore finally, after Michaelmas, is displaced. ff. 88–90.

—, Sept. 28.—Agreed that whereas there is 50s. left of the 4l. allowed for the charge of fetching Sir Thomas White's money received by the Corporation this last Bartholomew tide, the said Sir T. White's picture shall be procured to be set out in some comely scutcheon at Mr. Mayor's discretion, to be hung up in this house as a memorial of that worthy man; and it it cost more than 50s., the overplus shall be allowed. f. 92.

—. Any person carrying himself tumultnously and intemperately at any court or meeting, or otherwise than mildly, temperately, peaceably, and with respectance to such as he shall justly have occasion to speak to, shall be disfranchised ipso facto. f. 92^b.

—, Oct. 12.—The opinion of the judges of the circuit to be taken about the appointment of the sheriff's clerk. f. 95^b.

—, —. William Broxolme, esq., disfranchised, for animating and countenancing divers lewd persons committing sundry riots in order to disinherit the city of their commons, and for refusing to pay the taxations for the cattle be keepeth on the commons, and for endeavouring to draw the Holmes and other grounds out of the city into the county. f. 93.

—, —. Robert Townson, tailor, disfranchised for being an associate and animator to the said W. Broxolme. f. 93^b.

—, —. Various persons fined 20s., or else to be disfranchised, for a riot at a court leet for the election of justices. f. 93.

—, —. The city's right to the chancel-seats in the church of Belton assigned to the farmer of the parsonage. f. 93^b.

1613, Jan. 21.—Mr. Leon Hollingworth re-accepted as an alderman, as he hath reconciled himself to all the brethren and promiseth to make restitution for the wood and ashes, and submitteth himself as to the fine, which is to be remitted on his paying 26s. 8d. for the wood. f. 97.

—, Feb. 18.—Whereas Mr. Leon Hollingworth . . . . upon his submission, with his promise of love and peaceable carriage, and his entreaty that the writ which out of the King's Bench he had sued forth for his restoring to his place might not be returned but by Mr. Mayor kept in his hand as void and of none effect, and that they would be pleased to censure him themselves, was on Jan. 21 restored to his said place, which by words to Mr. Mayor and Mr. Swift he did kindly accept, and thanked Mr. Mayor for his kindness; and whereas also the said Mr. Hollingworth, against his promise and his own entreaty of love and peace, not only this day rejected the acceptance of the said place, but refused the same, saying to their faces he made no such reckoning of an aldermanship as to accept it upon any terms or conditions, neither would he pay for the wood at all, but hath also since Jan. 21 gone about to procure a new writ, and under hand to procure the mayor or corporation to be fined for not returning the former writ, which Mr. Mayor would have had returned but that Hollingworth himself in the audience of all the brethren did request that it might not be returned, and so took the same into his own custody; it is now therefore agreed that he stand disaldered as he was before, and that the said writs shall be returned at the city's cost, with the causes of his disaldering or of his doings and carriage since, as the counsel the city shall use therein shall think fit. f. 97^b.

1612, Feb. 18.—The charge of mending the mace to be paid. f. 98^b.

—, —. License given to Robert Warde, brickmaker, to build a work-house and to dig earth for making brick and tile, and to have 10l. lent him freely for a year, and all the "tuffall" to be built at the city's cost. f. 98^b. [The commencement of a copy of articles of agreement follows, for the completion of which a page and a half were left blank; the bricks and tiles were only to be sold to the corporation, the dean and chapter, and the freemen.]

—, Apr. 17.—Whereas there hath been divers controversies and variances between Mr. Leon Hollingworth, lately disaldered, and divers of the aldermen, the said Mr. Hollingworth is very sorry for his being cause of the said variances, and promiseth hereafter to live a brotherly and peaceable life, and now desireth the love and favours of Mr. Mayor and his brethren, and that they will be pleased to accept him of their number again; therefore the said mayor, etc., are content freely to pass by all former occasions of breach, and do from henceforth accept of him as a brother and alderman in his former place. f. 101.

—, —. Agreed that the writ Mr. Shutleworth hath sued forth out of the King's Bench against this corporation shall be presently sent up to be returned according to the substance of the return now drawn in paper (and signed) to Mr. Rich. Smyth, the city's attorney of record, by him with advice for the city to be put into court. Ibid.

—, May 5.—Whereas there is a gathering made in the city towards the building of a scaffold for seats in the church of St. Peter at Arches, agreed that if the gathering will not extend to finish the said building it shall be finished at the cost of the corporation. f. 102.

—, May 17.—Agreed that whereas there is an old goblet-cover of silver broken in the chest, and two of the ordinary tuns cracked and of little use, they shall be made into a comely can fit for service, to go from mayor to mayor as is usual, and what they want in weight to make it strong and serviceable to be made up at the cost of the corporation. f. 102^b.

—, —. The brickmaker to have his freedom so long as he continues making brick for the city. Ibid.

1612, May 17.—Richard Tonge, now newlyd elivered out of prison, and out of clothes and in great poverty, to have 40s. given him. f. 102^b.

—, May 19.—The evidences for the title of the city to the commons called the Holmes to be sent up to the counsel of the city for answer to a suit brought to prove them to be in the county of Lincoln. f. 103.

—, —. A taxation agreed on for the cost of procuring a renewing of the charter with what speed may well be. Ibid.

—, —. Further order for the return of the writ in Mr. Shutleworth's case. f. 103^b.

—, —. Thomas Hamond to be free of the city so long as he continues to set the poor on work. f. 104.

—, —. Agreed that John Woodward, hollow-ware man, who is reported to be skilful about conduits, and the city being in want of such a workman, be for his trial set on work about the conduit, and if his workmanship be allowed to be good he shall have his freedom for 100s.; and Will. Dickonson, wheelwright, shall also have his freedom for the same sum. f. 104.

—, Aug. 14.—Mr. Henry Kendall, sheriff, fined for contemptuously and obstinately refusing to attend meetings when summoned. f. 104^b. And on Sept. 4 for continued obstinacy he is further fined 30l., to be disfranchised if the fine be not paid by Oct. 1. f. 106.

—, Sept. 6.—Aldermen who do not pay their cessment for the renewing of the charter to be disaldered, and other citizens to be rendered incapable of any preferment in the city. f. 107.

—, Sept. 15.—Petition from the outer house to the inner house for the repeal of a law made in Mr. Hollingworth's last mayoralty respecting leases of the parsonages, with a proposal that reversion of the leases of Belton and Hemswell, the rents whereof are very easy, shall be given to such citizens as will double the rents and give such fines as shall be thought fit, such fines to be employed for the renewing of the charter, that the cessment of the citizens to that end may be eased. f. 108.

Further request from 21 petitioners that when laws are hereafter made in the inner house they may be written on paper and delivered to the outer house, that the latter may have some reasonable time to consider of the same and not be compelled as heretofore to grant laws so suddenly and unadvisedly. f. 108^b.

—, Oct. 11.—The above petition for the repeal of the law about leases of the parsonages granted, and a lease in reversion of Belton for 31 years at an annual rent of 200l. with 60l. fine granted to Ald. John Beck, and a like lease of Hemswell with an increase of 30l. over the old rent and a fine of 40l. granted to Ald. Hollingworth. f. 112^b. (This latter lease was, with Hollingworth's consent, voided on Jan. 14, 1617. f. 137.)

—, Nov. 7.—Agreed that there shall be a house of correction made, according to the statute, of the house called the Freers under the Free School, and that malt querns and such other provision as shall be fit to set poor on work shall be provided. f. 113^b.

1614, Apr. 14.—Henry Kendall comes and acknowledges himself sorry for the unkind suit he has lately commenced against the Corporation, and wholly refers the matters of difference on his part to the mayor and his brethren; and it is thereupon agreed that 17l. shall be paid him for his allowance for housekeeping while sheriff, which had been forfeited, and that he be restored to his freedom. f. 114^{a, b}.

1614.—Agreement with Thomas Hamond the "gerseyman" about the repair of his house. f. 114^b.

—, May 14.—Decree of arbitration by Mr. Ellis, the Recorder, and Nicholas Cholmeley, esq. in the dispute with Mr. William Broxolme. The latter is to execute a deed withdrawing all his claim to the Holmes, and the city is then to restore his freedom, and to give him a lease of a small piece of ground. f. 115^b.

—, July 6.—A pump to be set up in St. Michael's parish. f. 116.

—, Oct.—In the inventory of plate there is now the "silver can with a cover all white" made out of one of the six tuns. f. 120.

1615, July 15.—Order respecting 20l. left by Mr. John Howe to the corporation to be let forth according to Sir T. White's will. f. 122.

The house under the Free School let for 11s. yearly rent to certain citizens who combine to buy wool and set the poor on work there. f. 122^b.

The townships of Canwick, Branston, Bracebridge and Waddington each to provide two iron hooks with chains and wooden staves "according to the faciou of the hooks for skalefyers (sic) in the citie of Lincoln," and 12 leather buckets, to be kept in the several parish churches, for provision against fire, and the inhabitants to provide buckets to be kept in their houses. f. 123.

—, Sept. 23.—The sheriffs elect if they do not behave themselves well and courteously towards the mayor and aldermen, and be not agreeable and conformable, shall lose their allowances. f. 125.

—, Dec. 14.—A table and seats to be provided in the lower hall for the grand jurors at assizes and sessions. f. 128^b.

John Bracewell fined 3s. 4d. for charging the mayor and his brethren with swaggering dealing when they with mildness were executing their offices, to the use of the poor children at the spinning school. Ibid.

A marshal appointed to go daily from parish to parish, and to bring all wandering and begging persons to the house of correction and spinning school there to be set on work, and to have 12d. weekly for his pains. f. 129.

Brewers to be fined who "tiple" or sell by retail. Ibid.

1616, Feb. 4.—Mr. Thimolby Howdon to have 20l. yearly for preaching on Sunday afternoons. f. 129^b.

1617, Jan. 14.—A law enforcing the due paving of the streets by every inhabitant before his own door. f. 135^b.

—, —. No foreign musicians to present their music for money or gain at any wedding or other meeting if the waits of the city shall be willing to play, unless it be the musicians of some nobleman to their own master only, at his house or lodging only, under pain of 2s. from every housekeeper receiving them and 5s. from the musicians to the use of the waits, who in case of default are empowered to sue for the same under the name of The Masters, fellows and company of waits of the city of Lincoln. f. 136^b.

—, —. A present to be provided towards the King's Majesty's coming to this city if his intended progress hold. Ibid.

—, Feb. 25.—A sum not exceeding 40l. granted to the mayor towards his extraordinary charge of housekeeping at the King's coming to the city and towards the fees of the King's officers. f. 139.

1617, March 17.—It is agreed that Mr. Mayor [Robert Mason] and his brethren, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Sheriffs, the Town Clerk, and every man else which hath been sheriff of this city hereafter named, viz. Mr. Lawson, Mr. John Dawson, Mr. Burgh, Mr. Yates, Mr. Somerby, Mr. Houghton, Mr. Okley, Mr. Rob. Beck, Mr. Ricroft, Mr. Kendall, Mr. Anton, Mr. Cumberland, Mr. Bishop, Mr. Tho. Dawson, Mr. Whitby and Mr. Smith, shall every of them provide himself a horse and foot-cloth of black, with black bridles and all things else suitable and decent, against his Majesty's coming to the city; and shall also provide themselves apparel good and decent for men of their degrees and callings; and so attired and well provided shall all together, decently and in order, everyone observing his degree and keeping the same, meet his majesty at the outskirts of the county of this city or elsewhere, And that Mr. Mayor shall provide to attend upon himself two men, with either of them a livery cloak; and every alderman and every sheriff and town clerk aforesaid shall also have and provide to attend on him there a man in a livery cloak, well, decently, and in good order appointed. Aud that Mr. Mayor and his brethren shall be all in their scarlet gowns, and those which have been mayors in velvet tippets, as they use to wear; the sheriffs in gowns of purple in grain; the town clerk in a gown of some fine stuff, decently trimmed; and all others above-named which have been sheriffs to be in black gowns guarded with velvet or velvet lace, plain on the back, on the citizens' fashion; upon pain that everyone that shall make default shall forfeit lose and pay 10l. to the use of this corporation, and what other penalty this house shall think fit: [to be sued for in any courts.] f. 139^b.

Item, that no beer-brewer or other common seller of beer or ale . . . after the tenth day of April now next ensuing shall send any beer or ale in or upon any cart, carriage, or carts, with wheels shod with iron, upon pain of 5s. f. 140.

The manner of King James' first coming to Lincoln.

Memorandum, that his Majesty being to come to this city, the macebearer was sent to the Lord Chamberlain at Grantham for directions when, where, and in what manner, Mr. Mayor and the citizens should meet his Majesty; who returned answer that his Majesty was intended that night to rest at St. Caterin's, and the day following to come into the city, and that therefore the sheriffs with some number of citizens in gowns should meet his highness at the skirts of the county, and so the day following the mayor and his brethren with convenient company of citizens to meet him at the Bar gate, and then and not before to have some speech to his Majesty, for that his highness did not love long speeches. Whereupon, the 27th day of March 1617, a^o XV. r. R. Jacobi, King James did come from Grantham to Lincoln. But the appointed place for meeting his highness at the skirts of the county was not observed, by reason his Majesty hunted along the heath and came not the highway. And so the sheriffs and citizens removed from that place, and they, with either of them a white staft in his hand, clad in cloth gowns of purple in grain, and on horseback with foot-cloths, together with all of note which had been sheriffs on horseback with foot cloths and black gowns all of the ancientest fashion, and all that had been chamberlains of note on horseback in their gowns of one fashion of violets' colour without foot-cloths, and divers other citizens in cloaks of like colour booted and spurred, on horseback, all which were in cloaks, with new javelins ["jaffelings"] in their hands fringed with red and white, (being set in order by one of his Majesty's officers, who came before his Majesty's coming to that end) two and two in a rank, were appointed to stand in the highway near the Cross of the Cliff, where his Majesty could not miss of them, the sheriffs being hindmost. And when his Majesty drew near them, the two sheriffs only lighted, and way being made for them they both went to his Majesty in his caroch, and, kneeling, the elder sheriff delivered his staff first, and the King delivered it him again, and the other sheriff did the like; and so both took horse again, and rid, both bare-headed, before the caroch. The high sheriff of the county and his men by the King's officers then were put by, and the other citizens in their degrees before the sheriffs rid, all bare-headed, before his Majesty, conducting and attending him to his lodging at St. Catherin's. On the next day his Majesty coming to the Bar gate in his caroch, he there lighted, and took his horse-caparison of state, being most rich, where the mayor, the recorder, and his brethren, the sheriffs, and other citizens aforenamed, attended him on horseback and foot-cloths, the mayor and aldermen in their scarlet robes, with every of them a man to attend him on foot in civil liveries, muchwhat all alike. His Majesty came towards the mayor and recorder, who were both lighted on foot hard under the houses on the west side of the street within the Bar gate, and the mayor readily on his knee kneeling tendered the sword to deliver it unto his Majesty. But his Majesty put the sword back with the back of his hand, [and] with all grace refused to take it from the mayor. Then the King's Majesty asked the mayor if he had any speech to deliver, who answered "No, but this gentleman, who is our Recorder, hath one," and the King willed "Say on." So the Recorder, kneeling all the time on his knees, uttered his speech, which his Majesty heard willingly, and with great commendations; which ended, the mayor delivered his Majesty a goodly "inamelled" and gilt silver cup of a full ell ["elne"] in height, in weight a hundred marks in silver or thereabouts, which the King took with great delight and content, and, moving his hat, thanked them, and delivered it to one of his footmen to carry openly in his hand all the way to the Minster, and thence conveyed it to his lodging. After the cup delivered, the mayor mounted with the sword in his hand, and, placed between the two sergeants at mace, did bear the sword before the King to the Minster, and the Earl of Rutland, being Lieutenant of the country, did bear the king's sword, all the said aldermen, sheriffs, and other citizens in their ranks, youngest first, did ride two and two together up the High Street through the Bale unto the Minster gates at the west end thereof, where the King kneeled down on a cushion ["quishon"] which was there prepared, and prayed a short prayer, and so under a canopy which was held over him by 4 or 5 prebends in surplices went into the quire, the mayor still bearing the sword, aldermen and other citizens in their gowns, going before him into the quire, and there sat by the Bishop's "pue" hanged about with rich hangings in a chair all prayer time, Mr. Dean saying prayers, and the mayor holding up sword before him all prayer time.

After prayers done his Majesty went about the church to see the ancient monuments thereof, and so went into the chapter-house to see it, and from thence to his caroch. and therein went towards his lodging at St. Caterin's down Pottergate head, Mr. Mayor bearing the sword until he took caroch as well through Bale Close as church (sic). When he took caroch his own sword and all ornaments was put up. The mayor, aldermen and citizens in their ranks as aforesaid rid all before the caroch to attend his Majesty on horseback to St. Caterin's house, where his Majesty at the door put off his hat and dismissed them.

On Sunday, being the 30th of March, his Majesty went to the Minster in his caroch, and at the west door met him three bishops and the dean and chapter, who made a short speech. Mr. Mayor and his brethren, sheriffs, and other citizens, in their gowns did there (as was directed by the Lord Chamberlain and his officers, from whom they had directions for all their carriage and doings) go in their degrees before his Majesty, by two and two in a rank, until the foremost came at the quire-door, then they did divide their ranks, and one stood still of one side, and another turned and stood on the other, and so made a fair lane and way for his Majesty, to keep him from the press of the people. And for order sake first the town clerk, then the two sheriffs, and after them the aldermen in their rank by twos went along (betwixt the citizens in the way they made) before his Majesty into the quire, where the Bishop of Lincoln preached. After which sermon ended, the King healed to the number of fifty persons of the King's evil. When he had so done, the citizens went before him in order as aforesaid unto the Bishop's palace, where he dined, and after dinner his Majesty went in his caroch in private unto St. Catherin's again.

On Tuesday, being the 1st of April, Mr. Ealand, one of the masters in the church, preached before his Majesty in his chamber of presence, where after sermon his Majesty did heal liii of the King's evil.

On Wednesday, being the 2nd of April, his Majesty did come in his caroch to the sign of the George by the Stonebow to see a cocking there, where he appointed four cocks to be put on the pit together, which made his Majesty very merry. And from thence he went to the Spread Eagle to see a prize played there by a fencer of the city and a servant to some attendant in the Court who made the challenge, where the fencer and scholars of the city had the better, on which his Majesty called for his porter, who called for the sword and buckler, and gave and received a broken pate, and others had hurts. The King then entered his caroch at the inn gate, where the mayor and aldermen did crave answer to the petition they delivered at the King's coming from the cocking, to whom the King turning gave his hand to Mr. Mayor and Mr. Hollingworth, alderman, who kissed the same, and so rid forewards to St. Katherin's.

On Thursday there was a great horse-race on the heath for a cup, where his Majesty was present, and stood on a scaffold the city had caused to be set up, and withal caused the race a quarter of a mile long to be railed and corded with ropes and stoops on both sides, whereby the people were kept out, and the horses which "ronned" were seen far.

On Friday there was a great hunting, and a race by the horses which rid the scent for a golden snaffle, and a race by three Irishmen and an Englishman, all which his Majesty did behold. The Englishman "roonne" the race.

On Saturday after dinner his Majesty went from St. Katherin's to Newark, at whose departure from St. Caterin's Mr. Mayor and his brethren did give attendance at his coming forth of the presence [-chamber], and when he took his caroch in the inner court at St. Caterin's he gave forth his hand to the mayor all the aldermen and the town clerk, who all kissed the same. Then he thanked them all, saying that if God lent him life he would see them oftener, and so took his caroch, and went forward that night to Newark, Mr. Sheriffs riding before him in his caroch in their gowns with their white staves and foot-cloths, and men with "jafflings," but no citizens, until the hither end of Bracebridge bridge, where they likewise took their leaves, and he moved his hat to them; and then the high sheriff and his men received him at the farther end of the bridge beyond the water, and so conducted him on his journey. ff. 140–142. (fn. 3)

1617, July 14.—John Galland's son now ready to go to Cambridge shall have 40s. per an. until he shall commence bachelor, or have a scholarship or other means to maintain him there. f. 143^b.

1618, Jan. 8.—Mrs. Wilby the late lecturer's wife to have 5l. in regard of her great want and weak means, and a collection to be made of such persons as be charitably minded to bestow their further liberality. f. 149.

—, Feb. 1.—Forty shillings paid for four maces for the four serjeants. f. 150^b.

—, June 6.—The mayor, with a man to attend on him, to ride to London to defend the city's right to the Escheator's office, which is called in question. f. 151^b.

—, Oct. 17.—Whereas there is a pit digged for clay at the top of the hill at Cross of the Cliff, where the Cross stood which was the bounder between Bracebridge and the city, at the corner of the great close hedge on the right hand of the way which turneth to Waddington, viewed at every perambulation, and the Cross removed by some evil disposed persons, it is now agreed that the chamberlain of the south ward shall see that there be a bounder-stone set in the old place where the late Cross stood, and in no other place, to stand as a true bounder and memorial for ever. f. 154.

—, Dec. 3.—Alexander Amcots, esq., appointed deputy recorder, in the absence of Sir Will. Ellis, knt., with the reversion on Ellis' death, on the motion of Francis earl of Rutland, an especial well-willer and friend of this city. f. 159.

1619, Feb. 13.—Mr. Baldwin chosen to the place of vicar or curate of Belton, upon the now departure of the curate there; he shall have liberty to appoint the deacon there, so always as he do it with the consent of the mayor and his brethren, and put in bonds to repair and uphold the vicarage or curate house. f. 160.

—, —. The great mace which is shaken and loosed to be amended. Ibid.

—, Aug. 30.—Thomas Dale, the beadle, for his extraordinary pains in proclaiming lantern and candle-light, and that he should take better pains for suppressing the extraordinary begging of the poor, to have 10s. yearly paid him more than now he hath. f. 161.

1620, Aug. 16.—No stranger or tradesman not being free of this city to set up any stall or sell any wares on the market days. f. 166.

—, —. A table to be made of the stallage, picage, and other fees taken by the sheriffs. Ibid.

—, —. All customs, compositions and writings to be looked up, old men examined, and the ancient stint and usage of the commons to be drawn into form, showed to the dean and chapter, and so set up, and that to that end some of the city do speak with the dean and chapter, that so all controversies and variances which hereafter thereabouts may arise may for ever be prevented. Ibid.

1620, Aug. 16.—All companies of tradesmen to seek up their laws and customs, and confer amongst themselves what particular sum every company will give towards the renewing of the charter of this city, and will yearly pay towards the fee-farm, that so the same companies may have their particular customs ratified and confirmed in the charter, for the strength of their customs and ease of the city. f. 166^b.

—, —. Whereas the city's revenues grow short, no payments, with certain exceptions, to be made until examined by the Council. f. 167.

—, —. All books, bounders, customs, compositions, evidences writings, and records of this city in the custody of any citizen to be brought in. Ibid.

—, —. Whereas by husbandmen or occupiers of husbandry within this city becoming common councillors and men of place in this city, many books, bounders, compositions, evidences and writings have been conveyed out of this city, it is hereby enacted for a law for ever, that no husbandman or other using husbandry within this city or suburbs thereof which is or shall be, shall be ["not be," MS.] admitted to be free of this city unless he have been free-born or served for the same; and if any such shall become free that he or they shall not be admitted to bear any office of degree or become common councillor so long as he shall use husbandry within the city or suburbs. Ibid.

—, Oct. 2—In the inventory of plate "a box and nest of gold weights" is added. f. 171^b.

—, Oct. 9.—Fines for non-attendance on the mayor at sermons in the Minster increased. f. 172.

—, —. Mr. Bartholmew to be summoned to appear at the next council to answer for himself unto such abuses and misdemeanours as he is accused of to have done and committed in the time of his shrievalty; and Mr. Okley, late mayor, is to be ready with his articles and proofs. Ibid.

1621, Jan. 20.—Robert Bartholmew sentenced to lose his allowance as sheriff for housekeeping and also to be fined 20l., and to be disfranchised, for appointing a new crier contrary to the custom of the city, and forbidding the paying of market-dues to the old and lawful crier; for raging against the then mayor, Mr. Okley, when mildly entreated by him and the other sheriff to forbear to offer any such wrong, justling him on the bench, and willing him to get out of the house, threatening to fine the crier, &c.; for allowing country tradesmen, travelling pedlers, &c. to set up stalls; and also for braving and slandering the late mayor this day, in the hearing of himself and the aldermen, saying he could have no justice at his hand. ff. 173^b–4^b.

—, —. Ordered that if any sheriff or bailiff, for favour or money, henceforward permit any prohibited tradesman to set up stalls and sell wares on the market days, as some of late years for their own private gain have done, he shall be fined 10l. f. 174^b.

—. [Order for bearing the charges of the sheriffs in view of troubles that are threatened for the execution of this law, July 8, 1633. f. 255.]

—, Apr. 10.—Whereas Mr. Bartholmew, lately fined, hath surceased his suit, acknowledged his offence, and submitted himself to Mr. Okley, late mayor, it is agreed that the 8l. remainder of his allowance of 18l. be paid him, and that he be accepted to his enfranchisement. f. 176.

1621, Sept. 8.—Agreed that 50l. per an. be deducted for six years from the ordinary allowance of six successive mayors, in order to raise 300l. as the contribution of the city towards the scouring of the Foss, in pursuance of letters from the King for the viewing of the Foss. f. 176^b.

—, Oct. 20.—The chequer in the Town-hall to be enlarged and made more handsome. f. 180^b.

—, —. Whereas there hath been great contention and suit between Mr. Phipps and Mr. Walkwood, late the Free School Masters, about a promise of twenty nobles for Mr. Walkwood's good will to give over the school, it is now agreed for the ending of the controversy that the one half of the said money, viz. five marks, shall be paid to Mr. Phipps. Ibid.

1622, Apr. 30.—A recital of the old custom of the city for taking bonds from executors of wills on behalf of orphans, for the protection of orphans, with an order for the strict enforcement of the custom, in consequence of frequent wrongs by its violation. f. 182^b.

—, July 18.—6s. 8d. to be yearly paid to Gregory Stephenson for his life to provide three forms in the Minster for those who have borne office in the city to sit upon. f. 183^b.

—, Aug. 14.—Any alderman giving over his office because of inability, through decay in substance, to support the place, shall have 3s. 4d. weekly for his maintenance during the remainder of his life. f. 184.

1623, May 21.—The law made on Sept. 8 1621 for the deducting of 50l. from the mayor's allowance repealed, and that sum ordered to be paid to the late mayor. f. 190.

—, —. Anyone who will build a warehouse for wool shall have a convenient spot leased to him in the Freres or sheepmarket, subject to the reversion of the building at the expiry of the lease to the corporation. f. 190^b.

—, —. If any man will plant willows on the commons he shall have the profit of them for 31 years. Ibid.

1624, Apr. 22.—Whereas there be sundry children of poor inhabitants at the Free School who for want of books are much hindered in their learning, it is agreed that the mayor shall deliver to the now schoolmaster, Mr. Clarke, 20s., to provide such books as he shall think most fit, so always as the same books be preserved as the city's books in the said school for ever. f. 196.

—, July 32.—No alderman to have above three leases, no one who hath been sheriff above two, and no other citizen above one, of houses or lands of the corporation at one time. f. 197.

—, Nov. 16.—Whereas the stock of money given to the city for loans to the poor hath been lessened by loss through the taking of slender security, and the use hath been so lessened by statute as that it will do little good amongst the many poor, and whereas Gregory Lawcock, a freeman, is contented, if he can have convenient stock, to take upon him to set all the poor of this city upon work to spin, knit stockings, weave garterings, make stuffs, and other manufactures of wools, and out of the gain to clothe the same poor, and to that end yearly to deliver to the mayor so much cloth as shall be worth (-blank-); it is agreed that the 60l. given by Mr. Dennys be called in, and upon sufficient securities be lent to the said Lawcock; that 20l. be freely given him to provide tools, bring workmen, and establish the manufactories, and that 10l. yearly be paid him towards the charge and loss in teaching young spinners; and that to provide this yearly payment, the 10l. allowed for the four sessions' and mayor's account dinners be abated out of the mayor's allowance. And from Easter every citizen and other inhabitant of ability shall wear at least one suit of apparel and one pair of stockings of such cloth or stuff as shall be made in the city. ff. 203^b.–4.

1624, Nov. 16.—The Town-hall and the partition in St. Peter's church betwixt the mayor's seat and the chancel shall be decently coloured. f. 204.

—, Nov. 29.—Hemswell parsonage not to be leased under double rent of that now paid. f. 204^b. [The reversion to be granted to any freeman that will give the most by way of fine, Feb. 26, 1631. f. 245.]

—, Dec. 6.—Some coals to be allowed out of the common coalhouse to the poor scholars at spinning-school, so it do not exceed one chalder all this winter. Ibid.

—, —. For prevention of clamours and inordinate assembling of beggars, it is agreed that a man shall be appointed to inhibit all beggars from that abuse, and with a strong locked iron box to take the daily charitable devotion of strangers and others, and to have for his pains therein the tenth part of what shall be so gotten, the keys and money to be left every night with the first sheriff, to be disposed of by the mayor and his brethren. f. 205.

1625, Apr. 27.—Attendance enjoined at the publishing of proclamations from the King and at perambulations. f. 206^b.

—, May 16.—A wool-market to be proclaimed to be held in the Friers, where the sheep-market now is. f. 207^b.

—, May 21.—Leave given to William Parker to try his skill for a year or two in serving the city with tile and brick, but Richard Warde not therefore to be released from his agreement to serve with brick at 13s. 4d. the thousand, and tile at 20s. the thousand, good stuff, so long as he shall live. f. 208. [Margaret Warde, widow of Rich. Warde, continued as brickmaker, Apr. 10, 1661; vol. VII. p. 99.]

1627, June 19.—Mr. [Edward] Rayner admitted preacher for the Sunday lecture, in Mr. Holden's place, to have the yearly allowance of £20 and what else Mr. Wilby, some time preacher, had. f. 221 [see under 1635.]

—, Nov. 3.—The King to be petitioned for the renewing of the charter, and for the prosecuting thereof 200l. to be borrowed upon mortgage of divers messuages, &c. f. 224^b.

—, Nov. 8.—The sheriff shall keep the cuckstool in the correctionhouse, and repair and maintain it from time to time. f. 225.

1628, Apr. 26.—No butcher to stuff, blow, or make hollow, or use any deceitful dealing, in setting out of any loin of veal, mutton, or lamb, upon pain of 12d. for every townsman, and 2s. for every foreigner, nor kill any beast in his shop next the street nor kill any calf, mutton or lamb in the open street, upon pain of 12d. f. 226.

1628, May 3.—A law re-enacted [which had been revived Oct. 9, 1620, and repealed Oct. 20, 1621] by 17 voices to 9 that none be admitted to keep a common alehouse or tippling house except he be a freeman, and that upon the expiration of the licenses granted to those who are not freemen, or their dismission, they be not again licensed till they have purchased their freedoms. f. 226^b.

1629, Jan. 30.—The charter lately renewed was read. f. 231.

—, Apr. 27.—Upon further consideration of the law made May 3 last about alehouses, for that it appeareth that divers poor men and widows, not freemen, have no other means of livelihood but by keeping of alehouses, it is agreed that such as shall be approved by the justices may be re-admitted, but that none hereafter be newly admitted until they be first sworn freemen. f. 232.

—, June 8.—Forasmuch as there is a general dislike betwixt all parties about the maintaining of the work set up by agreement with Gregory Lawcock, and the said Lawcock hath, as he pretendeth, sustained great losses by the employment, and hath expended divers sums about looms and tools, which he offereth to leave to the use of the corporation, it is agreed that on payment of the sum of 30l. and delivery of the said looms and utensils, and payment of such rents for the Friers as are due, the said Lawcock shall be freed from the said employment. f. 232^b.

—, —. The fines for non-attendance on the mayor at the riding of the two fairs lessened. f. 533.

—, Sept. 26.—Mention made of "the Queen's Cross." f. 234^b.

—, Oct. 15.—A general assessment to be made for the repair of the common gaol, it being so ruinous and weak that the sheriffs are enforced to keep continual watch to prevent the escaping of the prisoners. f. 238.

[About this time the Register appears to have been very imperfectly kept, and several pages are left blank. Very little is entered beyond leases, elections of officers, admission of freemen, and enrolment of apprentices.]

1632, Jan. 17.—No landlord to let a house to any foreigner without the consent of the mayor and the best part of the inhabitants of the parish where the house is, under penalty of 20s a month. f. 249.

1633, July 8.—No hides to be sold except in open market. f. 255.

—, Sept. 21. —The charge the mayor shall be put to at the entertainment of the lords, commissioners, and gentlemen, at the great meeting of Sewers in this city, by feasting them or otherwise, shall be borne by the corporation. f. 256.

1634, Feb. 5.—An indenture tripartite agreed to and sealed for the employment of one thousand pounds of the money collected upon the King's letters patent for relief of the city. f. 259^b.

—, Feb. 22.—A covering to be made for the pulpit in the church of St. Peter at Arches, and some amendment of the aldermen's and aldresses' seats. Ibid.

—, Feb. 26.—A letter under the King's sign manual of Dec. 7 last, reciting an order of King James for a survey for repair of the Foss, and for raising 300l. in the county and 300l. in the city for the purpose, and the order of the city thereupon for the abating 50l yearly for six years out of the mayor's allowance; also reciting that K. James, to aid the work, granted to the city the making of three baronets, and appointed Robert Morcroft, alderman, to receive the sums of money, and that Morcroft thereupon engaged a skilful workman to carry out the work; but that in consequence of this workman's death, and the sickness and old age of Morcroft, the work hath been neglected, but that Morcroft, having money in his hands and no exact account thereof, paid over to the city 247l. 11s. 3d. Now upon Morcroft's humble suit, examination has been made by divers gentlemen of the county, and it appears there is due to him out of the said sum 88l. 14s. 4d., which is hereby ordered to be paid to him. And whereas the yearly abatement of 50l. hath not been made from the mayor's allowance, it is ordered that it be charged upon the two last mayors, and on the four succeeding mayors, the King being informed with regard to the two last mayors that although they had the full allowance they did not keep and maintain the freemen's feasts according to the ancient and laudable custom. And order is given to proceed to the finishing of the work, the King being informed there are some skilful workmen now employed in that country, who are willing to undertake the same. f. 260.

Order of the Court of Star Chamber, dated 24 Jan., upon the petition of Richard White and Robert Marshall, the two late mayors, appointing commissioners to examine the petition, Morcroft's accounts, &c., and directing that until the return of the commission be received and new directions given there be no further prosecution of the order against White, Marshall, or any others. f. 260^b.

Followed by a memorandum that this order being published as was the former letter at this meeting, no further prosecution is made upon the same letter. [On 29 Aug. 1635 there is an order for a conference with the Earl of Rutland about Morcroft's money. f. 266^b.]

1634, Sept. 10.—Whereas there is great oppression in this city by the multitude of poor therein, which is found to come forth most part by poor people getting some small sums of money to educate poor children which afterwards prove chargeable to the parishes where they live, it is therefore enacted that no inhabitant shall take upon him or her to take to educate any children that are likely to prove chargeable, except their own, without giving notice to and having the approbation of the mayor and one or more of the aldermen, on pain of 5l. for each offence. f. 261.

1635, March 5.—The mayor and aldermen shall have liberty to deal with those gentlemen that desire allowance for a cup to be run for with horses on the scath on the south side of the city, and to agree on such articles as they shall think meet. f. 264.

—, —. A present to be provided for the Bishop of Lincoln, of the value of 7l. or 8l. or thereabouts, against his resorting to this city, as is expected shortly. Ibid. (Again ordered 29 Aug.)

—, —. In regard of the great favour Mr. High Sheriff of Lincolnshire hath showed to this city of late, therefore a present be provided of the value of 4l. or thereabouts against the next assizes. f. 264^b.

—, March 28.—Mr. William Rycroft elected vicar of Hanslope, Bucks, by 19 voices over 9 for Mr. John Kelke. Ibid.

1635, July 11.—The parsonage of Hemswell leased to Henry Scupholme for a fine of 426l. 10s., at the old rent on condition of his paying to the vicar not less than 11l. nor more than 13l. 6s. 8d. f. 266.

—, Aug. 29.—Mr. Edward Reyner (fn. 4) elected lecturer in the room of Mr. Robert Atkinson, who resigns on account of age and painful infirmities. Ibid.

—, Sept. 7.—Mr. Robert Morcroft and Mr. Richard White, aldermen, nominated and deputed to go to London to petition the Privy Council for their honours' pleasure to the sheriff of the county for confirming of an assessment agreed upon for this city and five other corporations in Lincolnshire touching the preparing of a ship of war for his Majesty's service; and the whole charges to be borne by the corporation unless some other course by his Majesty's writ can be taken for the same. f. 266^b.

—, —. Enacted that orders like those of the corporation of Grantham (a copy of which the mayor has procured) touching the poor, for the better government of the city, be prepared by the counsel of the city, and the justices of assize be petitioned to confirm the same. Ibid.

1636, July 28.—Long and minute orders, prepared in pursuance of the above resolution, and confirmed by the judges Sir Richard Hutton and Sir Thomas Trevor, for the restraint of building poor cottages and unlicensed trading. They commence by stating that the continual building of small tenements and poor habitations, the converting of stables and barns, &c. into dwelling-houses, and the dividing of old houses into many separate small habitations for needy and beggarly people, occasions a great confluence and resort of poor people from foreign places; that these are very dangerous in times of pestilence and other contagions, and tend much to the nourishment of idleness, through the disorder of such kind of beggarly people, who are not able to live of themselves but on the charge of the parish. ff. 271–2.

It is noted at the end that "this was publiquely and openly at large read and published at the great court leet and sheriffs' turn," held Oct. 3, 1636.

1637, Sept. 12.—The 53s. expended in entertaining Mr. Serjeant Baune and other chief burgesses of Nottingham to be borne by the corporation. f. 277^b.

—, —. The old silver can to be changed for a new plain silver can, at a charge not exceeding 40s. Ibid.

1638, Jan. 3.—Agreed that the charge the mayor or the sheriffs have been or are to be at about the business of shipping above the charge of 193l. 6s. 8d. imposed be borne by the corporation. f. 279^b.

—, March 10.—The chancel and parsonage house of Hemswell to be repaired, so as the charge be not above 15l. f. 280.

Attached to the leaf inserted at f. 275^b is the following curious entry, on a separate slip, in a hand of the beginning of the 16th century, and probably belonging to the Register that preceded the volume beginning at 1511. "Att this present secrete Counsell it is ordened establisshed and enacted by the said Meier Recorder and Aldermen, and by the assent and consent of their Bredr[en] thatt be absent that from hensforth what so euer Alderman thatt frome hensforth gyffith any obproprious contumelious sidicious or convicious words, callynge hym theff, horsone, knave or fals man, or elles make eny assaute or affray uppon eny of his said Bredr[en], thatt he thatt so mysbehavith hym as abouesaid agaynst eny of his said Bredr[en], and so provid before the said Maier and the residewe of his brederne thatt so shall assemble to here the same prove, shall forfett xx^s for euery tyme, and than the Maier for the tyme beynge shalbe chargied with the same some for the tyme beyng att his accompt.

"Also att the same secrett Counsell it was ordird by thauctoritie aforesaid thatt no maier ner justice of pease frome hensfurth shall commytt eny of the Aldermen of the citie to ward fore no cause except treasone, murdre, felony, or accessarye to murdre or felony, uppone the same forffetour, except thatt he do it by thadvice and consent of vi odre Aldermen of the same citie, and except also thatt itt for suertie of peace [be] demaundid oppynly att the sessions, or elles to award a warrant agaynst the same partie by thadvice of ii justicez of peace att the lest; and yitt if the offre suertie itt [is] to be takyne."