The corporation of Shrewsbury: Miscellaneous papers

IX.—Miscellaneous Papers.

Several boxes are filled with miscellaneous documents and papers, and petitions to the bailiffs, sorted and labelled, extending from the 13th century to the 19th. I subjoin a chronological list of those which seem the most noteworthy among the older papers, and of a few selected from the large bundles of petitions, most of which deserve for their local interest the careful examination which is being gradually given to them. Some of these papers have been printed in the Transactions of the Shropshire Archæological Society.

1. A copy, apparently written in the fourteenth century, but in a hand which, except in the initial line, has evidently attempted (very successfully) to imitate a twelfth-century original, of an account of the foundation of the abbey by earl Roger de Montgomery. It is endorsed: "Carta qualiter domus Sancti Petri fuerat primo fundata."

An abstract of its contents is given in Owen's and Blakeway's History, II. 19–23, where it is said that the "writing is of very remote antiquity, scarcely later than the middle of the twelfth century." The doubtful place-name there printed as Meiluil Hermer appears rather to be Meiliul Hermer.

2. 1249–50.—Assays of the mint at Shrewsbury. "Rotulus de assays, factus per custodes cuneorum Salopp., incipient. die Jovis prox. ante festum Purificacionis Beate Marie a^o r. r. H. xxxiij^o"; ending "Die Cinerum anno r. r. H. xxxiiij." The returns for forty weeks, the assayers being Alan le Prude, William le Bor, and towards the end, in the place of the former, Thomas Gherard.

Owen and Blakeway, I. 135, where for Pride read Prude.

1267.—Copy made in 1421, 9. Hen. V., from an exemplification in the Records of 35 Edw. I., 1307, of the agreement between the Abbey and town of Shrewsbury respecting the mills, entered on the Plea Roll of 51 Hen. III. Owen and Blakeway, I. 130.

1270.—Receipt-roll of the tolls, and of their expenditure upon the paving of the town, 54 Hen. III. This should be among the rolls of bailiffs' accounts. It is noticed in Owen and Blakeway, I. 131–2.

1306–7.—Placita between the town and the abbey about the mills.

Printed in Trans. of Shropsh. Archæol. Soc., 2nd Series, VI. 341–357, with translation and notes by Rev. C. H. Drinkwater.

1340.—Roll of felonies committed in the year 14 [Edward III.], with notes in the margin of the fines inflicted, and with two or three entries carrying on cases to 22 [Edw. III.]. In French. "Les. Jurors de Salopeburs dient par lur serements de felonyes fetes del an xiiij."

1351, 13 Jan.—Acknowledgment (in French) by Richard earl of Arundel of the receipt of 20l. in part payment of 300l. due to him from the bailiffs and commonalty of "Salopbirs"; at Arundel Castle, f. of St. Hilary, 24 Edw. III.

1374, 26 June, "die lune prox. post f. Nat. S. Joh. Bapt." 48 Edw. III.—Indenture of grant by John Stury and Reginald Mutton, bailiffs of Salop, with the consent of the whole community, to James le Dyere, of leave to raise the pavement and turn the channel in length and breadth between his tenement near the bailiffs' gate, so that the supervening water may have its course to the Severn near the tenement formerly John Colle's, with guarantee to him and his heirs of the said pavement and channel. Witnesses, Richard de Pontusbury, John de Schettone, William de Longenolre, Richard de Beortone, Richard Russell, John Perle. Round red seal; a figure kneeling before a figure holding a key (the "Noli me tangere"?): "Sigillum . . bert' de Northaatone" (?).

1397–8.—"Constabularii ville Salop. tempore Willelmi Willyley et Nicholai Jerard, ballivorum ville Salop." A sheet of parchment is thus headed, which gives the names of the burgesses of all the merchant gilds, beginning with the "Corveysers," and marking the first two, three, or four names in the lists of several of the companies as being the Constables. The names of the journeymen ("servientes eorum") are also given, and the inhabitants of the liberties.

1447, 2 Apr.—Letter from the bailiffs and burgesses of the town of Osewestre to Thomas Forstere and Adam Goldsmythe, the bailiffs, and to the burgesses, &c. of Shrewsbury. They certify that their cousin and countryman Gruff of Kalcote and his son were never guilty of the matter for which they are indicted, viz., for the "resset" of one Guttyn ap Madwyn Lloit with his sons and other misdoers. "The said Gruff hathe dwellet wit youe of a child, of whom we truste to God ye herd never none untrouthe unto this tyme, nother of his sone."

1462, 31 Dec.—Letter to William Oteley, bailiff, from David Lloyd ap Ser^e Gruffuth, asking for the release of a servant of his, arrested in Shrewsbury, and he will do his law "as ye will awarde hym, for I wot well that ye woll nott put hym under no strayte jugement but as law and right will."

[1476–90.]—Two letters, one from the bailiffs of Oswestry to the bailiffs of Shrewsbury, 5 Feb., the other from Thomas ap Meredith ap Ric. to "Master M. Thornes, bailiff of Shalop," 4 Feb., respecting the case of one Edward Sayre, whom the vicar of Oswestry is sueing at Shrewsbury at the same time that he is proceeding against him at Oswestry. The latter writer mentions "my cosyn John Davys yor sone ye law," and returns a book Thornes had lent him.

1491, 23 Jan.—Grant by Thomas, abbott of St. Peter's, Salop, and the convent, of the next presentation to the vicarage of All Saints, "Welyngtone sub le Wrekyn," to Humphrey Kynaston, gent., Robert Thornes, gent., Richard Egge, literate, and Robert Corbet, chaplain. Seal entirely cut off.

n.y. 30 June, at Llansanfrait.—Letter from John ap Meredith, parson of Llansantfrait, to the bailiffs of Shrewsbury, "in all hast possibill," giving a list of successive purchasers of a horse, which he himself had bought at Ludlow, and which is now attached at Shrewsbury on suspicion of having been stolen.

n.y. 30 Aug. "From thabbey of Wigmore."—Letter from John Arundell to the bailiffs, desiring them to give to the bearer such money and goods as were taken with Thomas Elmbough when the writer laid his action for trespass against him.

1511–12. A parcel of orders from the Council of the Marches to the bailiffs of Shrewsbury; 3, 4 [Hen. VIII.]. There is also a report to the Council, at a later date when it was the Prince's Council, from the Shrewsbury justices appointed for surveying the Severn and its tributaries, respecting defaults not amended; an order in May, 1567; &c.

1511, 10 Sept.—Letter (indented) to the bailiffs of Shrewsbury from John Wosewall, of St. Chad's Almshouse, claiming fulfilment of their promise to make an end of a dispute between him and his father-in-law Robert Colle, respecting his mother's property, of which he claims to be wrongfully deprived, and hence has "lyffyd longe in catyvite and in wrechednes."

1515, 27 Oct.—Draft of the return of a commission of enquiry as to the districts comprised in the liberties of the town; dated Sat. before the f. of All SS., 7 Hen. VIII.

[c. 1520], 3 March. London.—Letter from George Cowper to his father, Thomas Cowper, town clerk of Shrewsbury. "If hit please youe to here of my pore welfare, I was in good helthe at the makyng of this bill, lawde to God. Also thankyng youe of your gret cost, wiche I putt youe unto." Cannot as yet return his sword, for he can find no carrier to take it. Mentions his sister, his uncle Ottley, and his cousin Mary, who marvelleth greatly that she heareth no word from [her father] Ottley; and master Done and his wife, whose tokens he hath delivered to her son and daughter. "Ser, as for newes ther ys none, but of late ther was herytyks here, which dyd take Luters openyons."

c. 1523.—Application from Thomas Hosier for reimbursement of 5s. 4d. which he paid during his being bailiff [in 1521–2] with Roger Thornes, for his appearance in Chancery to certify the number of Frenchmen that were within the franchise of Salop.

1524, 29 Jan., 15 Hen. VIII., at London.—Letter from William Toft to the bailiffs of Shrewsbury, desiring them to discharge one of his farmers, Evan ap Tyther bach, who is troubled by the writer's cousin Hugh Philipps, whereas he has given his farmers day till Midsummer next for all debt and duties. "My cosyn Hugh Philipps shall medell no more with my benefice and with my fermers from hensforth."

n.y. 8 June. London.—Letter from Hew Phelipis to the bailiffs, about the return of some writs "by Thomas Abromley is counsell" "Delyver Jevan Aptydyr a baghe for anye mater of myne, for I have don therewith, I will medyll no more therein."

[1526], 31 Oct. "Alhalow Evyn." London.—Letter to the bailiffs from Adam Mytton, employed in a suit with the city of Worcester. Worcester has a charter of 11 Hen. III., the same year as the charter of Shrewsbury, but the charter of John in his eleventh year to Shrewsbury has been delivered by Mr. Couper, and mention has been found of one granted in his seventeenth year, for which Couper is going to search.

c. 1530.—Copy of a petition to the Commissioners of the Marches from the inhabitants of the townships called the New Franchise of Shrewsbury, claiming exemption from taxes, general and local, by the charter granted by Hen. VII. forty years past and above.

[1528.]—Petition from Dr. Duffylde, the Warden, and the Brethren of the Grey Friars, to the bailiffs and burgesses for further contributions towards the repair of their house; with notes subjoined of money granted. Owen and Blakeway, II., 463.

Temp. Hen. VIII.—Petition to the bailiffs from the Bowyers and Fletchers of Shrewsbury, complaining that the statutes for encouragement of archery, which enjoin that children and servants above 12 years of age shall have one bow and two shafts, are neglected, as also the statute that forbids the unlawful games of bowls and tables, dice and cards, the art of shooting in the long bows being a pastime very commodious for man's health, and in time of war the greatest defence against the enemy, so that our nation has not only been had in great terror by enemies but also in veneration by others as the country of valiant victories gotten thereby. Consequently the most number of people give themselves to unlawful games; so, although it may be tolerable for the eminent inhabitants for their recreations to use sometime bowling or the like, yet it is not tolerable to suffer the common sort of people to run into the fields with the bowls, and bowl all day long in the open face of all the passers by. Apprentices and servants not having bows and arrows found them by their parents and masters, not so few as a hundred persons are betting, and playing by way of bets their masters' goods, contrary to all good order, by means whereof the strength of the town, if necessary against rebellion (which God forbid), is weakened, and the living of the petitioners utterly taken away. (This paper is amongst those relating to the Trained Bands.)

Temp. Hen. VIII.—Minute description of two men and their dress, largely of velvet, an old man of 60 with a white beard, and a young man called Robert Jones, both shoemakers. "If that you do take them, send worde to Mr. Maior of Oxfforde, or to Mr. Alexander Miller, taylor to the Kings Majestye in Breadstreite in London."

Temp. Hen. VIII., 13 March. Beaudley.—Letter to Thomas Couper, "recorder of the towne of Shrewsbury" from Lewes Hanmer, about some suit with the bailiffs, for which one Cook is appointed to appear on 26 March. Send some one with the words of the charter concerning the matter, and the circumstance of the matter, "and also the exclamation of the lewd body," considering Mr. Port, Mr. Salter, Mr. Bromley, and other of the Council will be here.

1548/9, 19 Feb. London.—Letter to the bailiffs from Reignald Corbett, the recorder, respecting some law proceedings.

1550.—Regulations by Thomas Leigh and Adam Otteley, Richard Lawley and Richard Leighton, as to the quantities of corn to be brought weekly on the market-days by the farmers, severally named, from the places round Shrewsbury, from November to Christmas, in pursuance of the King's proclamation on account of dearth; with a letter to the bailiffs from Sir Richard Brereton and Sir Robert Nedeham.

[1551] 29 July.—Letter to the bailiffs Purssell and Ireland from William Heynes about his exchanging a horse with Thomas Harries, of Terbyn, Cheshire, gent.

[1567 ? after Nov. 1566.]—Petition from a journeyman tailor to the Council of the Marches against his employer for non-payment of wages, with the reply of the latter alleging that the amount being under 40s. the case cannot be tried by that court, and enclosing the list of garments made by the plaintiff with the prices charged.

[1567] 11 March. Haughmond.—Letter from James "Berker" [Barker] to bailiff Alen, desiring that a suit against one Rondell Lee may be deferred on account of his being out of the realm on the Queen's service in Ireland, having been pressed and set forward at the last voyage of Sir Andrew Corbet and the writer.

1568, 24 Apr. "At my howse at Newetowne."—Letter from A. Vavasor to the bailiffs, desiring them to enforce some bonds against Mr. Price, or he will have to show their default to the Commissioners. [See next article.]

1568, 6 May. London.—Letter to the bailiffs from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, Edm. [Grindal bishop of] London, Thomas Yale, and T[homas] Huycke. Whereas it is thought that they have permitted Richard Price, clerk, vicar of Kerry, whom they were ordered to apprehend, to escape, and such manifest contempt and negligence in the execution of the Queen's orders should be looked into and not silently passed over, they are to cause the said Price to appear in the Consistory Court at London on the tenth day after receipt hereof, or else themselves to appear on the sixteenth day.

1568, 9 Aug.—Letter from the Council of the Marches, ordering the pressing of four brickmakers and two tilers to be set forward for Ireland, whither the Lord Deputy of Ireland and the Lord President of the Marches are going, who require them for the setting forward of certain works.

1568, 25 Sept. Eccleshall Castle.—Letter to the bailiffs from Thomas [Bentham] bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. Whereas there has been a controversy between Mr. Powell and Mr. Payne about serving the cure of Ness, which was settled by friends about Candlemas with the condition that Mr. Payne should then depart thence, but who by remaining a certain space after has come into great misliking with many as having neither meant nor done honestly or faithfully, the writer desires it to be understood that that doing was wholly his and his officers', and that Payne's longer abode was in no point through his seeking or procurement, but wholly and only by the bishop's authority and charge, who found himself prejudiced in that the discharge was without his knowledge and consent.—Printed in Trans. of Shropsh. Archæol. Soc., 2nd S., IV. 64.

1569.—Petition from Robert Ireland, the younger, to the Council of the Marches, complaining of the non-payment to him by the bailiffs of Shrewsbury of arrears due to him at the time of his ceasing to be bailiff in the preceding year; with an order thereupon dated 2 Dec. 12 Eliz.

1570, 13 Aug. Ludlow Castle.—Letter from the Council of the Marches ordering strict search for, and the arrest of, certain lewd and seditious spreaders of false and slanderous bruits and rumours that it is intended to call down money to a lesser value, a thing utterly untrue and false.

1570, 26 Oct. Ludlow Castle.—Order from the Council of the Marches for the arrest of John Blease as a rebel, and to send him to appear before the Council on 8 Nov., and also to sequester all his lands and goods.

[1570], 3 Nov.—Petition to the bailiffs from Richard Higgons, that the town will bear his charges in a suit in which he has to appear before the Council of the Marches this day, which he has brought against Thomas Poope and others for defacing and pulling down a tower or bulwark at Creple Loode and for other injuries done against the town.

1570/1, 15 Jan. Ludlow.—Letter from David Lloid to Humphrey Onslow and Hugh Beynes, the bailiffs, about a suit brought against the town by Thomas Pope, in which they have to appear on 6 March.

1570/1, 3 March.—Letter to the same from Sir Andrew Corbett, appointing Monday next for the election of burgesses (for Parliament) in pursuance of letters from the Queen.

1570/1, 5 March.—Writ signed by Rowland Lacon, esq., sheriff, for the election.

1570/1, 24 March. Watlesburghe.—Letter to the bailiffs from E. Leighton and Edward Onslow, two justices, to whom an action respecting the seizure of a gelding had been referred by the Council of the Marches.

1571, 30 July, Hampton Court.—Copy of an order from the Queen for strict search in every parish by constables appointed for the purpose on 20 Aug. from 7 p.m. until 3 p.m. next day and on 12 Sept. and Oct., on account of disorders which have risen since the last winter, for all rogues, vagabonds, sturdy beggars, masterless men and all persons otherwise suspected, and to punish them by stocking and sharp and severe whipping, and then to convey them from constable to constable until they come to the place of their birth or last place of abode within three years; and this search to be repeated afterwards every fifteen or twenty days; "for ther is no greater disorder nor no greater roote of theftes, murders, pickinge, stealinge, debate and sedicion then ys in those vagabonds and that riseth of them." Endorsed with lists of names of persons appointed to make search in the several wards.

1571, 7 Sept.—Letter from Sir Andrew Corbett to the bailiffs, respecting his being ordered by the Privy Council to send up Lawrence Bannester, esq., of Wem, to the Court, with certain packs and packets of letters, which will hinder him from assisting them in the executing the subsidy; makes request also in behalf of Thomas Beech, late common serjeant of the town, who by that service is in danger, and who they well know is no wasteful person, riotous, or such like.

1571, 13 Sept.—Letter to the same from Charles Bouthe, Jevan Moris, and Richard Draper, three Commissioners appointed by the Court of Star-Chamber to examine witnesses in a certain case, and who have come to Shrewsbury for the purpose, complaining of the arrest of William Stringer, clerk to Charles Bouthe, for small debts, he being a privileged person in his attendance.

1571, 29 Sept., Walford.—Letter from Raphe Clive to the same, respecting a case of the passing of a counterfeit gold ten-shilling piece.

[1571], 18 Oct. From the Poole.—Letter to Humphrey Onslowe, esq., bailiff, from John Hewer [?] condoling on "the great losse and discomfort that happened unto you by the deathe of your bedfelow"; thanking him heartily "for my good cheere"; and asking his favour for a friend, the bearer, who is sued in the bailiffs' court by one David ap David Bobythen, but who has pleaded a foreign parley, "by reson the wordes were spoken at Poole out of the jurisdiccion of your court of Salop."

[1571 ?]—Letter to the bailiffs, from London, unsigned, about a grant of the fee farm rent paid to the Crown, which is being prepared for the Great Seal. "The suite I confesse doth not countervaile the chardges, yet in so hard a world we must be content with that wylbe had."

[1571 ?]—Petition to the same, for release from prison, from Nicholas Lont, glover, committed for misdemeanours in the church of St. Julian during divine service; after drink he cannot otherwise do, whereof he was full at the time; he has a great many of children, and a wife, who live only upon his hands.

1574 (?) Jan.—Petition to the same from the clerks of the four parishes praying "for God's love" that whereas at their worships' commandment they "did rynge in their severall churches upon Friday last past, being the daie of the monethe of the crowenacion" of Q. Elizabeth, they will see to their orators' pains, and those of other poor men ringers who not only left their work and business, but also spent money out of their purses. [Jan. 15, the coronation day, fell on Friday in 1574, and also in 1563 and 1580.]

1576, 21 Dec.—Certificate by Sir Pirce ap Richard, vicar of Northope, Flint, of his having this day buried Harry ap Richard, alias Harry Andrew, glover, who died in his parish.

1576, 28 Dec.—Certified copy of a letter from the Privy Council, enjoining the observance of abstinence and fish days, the neglect of which has led to most excessive and extreme prices of victuals, and also to the great decay of mariners and fishermen, a matter very prejudicial to the strength of the navy.

The Plague: Papers of various dates.

1537–8.—See under Bailiffs' Accounts, supra.

1563.—See under Municipal Registers, supra.

1576.—Letters to the bailiffs from Richard Prince and Andrew Corbett. These are printed in Owen and Blakeway I., 369–70.

Orders issued by the bailiffs: all swine and dogs to be avoided out of the town, upon pain of the forfeiture of the swine and killing of the dogs; all cats to be killed: streets to be cleansed every Wednesday and Saturday. and all other places and back-lanes once weekly; all mixens ("mixsones") and "waterloades" to be made and avoided, on pain of imprisonment: fires to be made every other night in divers places in every street, on pain of imprisonment. [See also 1576 supra.]

List of infected houses.

1593. Nov.—Letter from Edward Owen and Hum. Hughes, the bailiffs, to Mr. Thomas Brabant, pastor of Astley, and Robert Pawmer, urging that a collection be made for the relief of the people of Bishop's Castle, visited with the plague; with a similar letter subjoined from Thomas Laughton; and at the foot the reply of Brabant, who is sending about six strikes of corn, collected only from his people of Astley.

1631, Nov.—Petition from John Meighen, "corviser," to the bailiffs, &c., praying that in return for his viewing the sick at Kingsland and applying medicines and salves according to the directions oftentimes received from Mr. Boraston, and distributing such victuals as were sent, he may be forgiven such blood and affrays as he and his wife are in. (At first the petition was for "some reasonable satisfaction," but this was struck out, and the prayer for escape from punishment substituted !) Noted as being agreed to, 4 Nov.

1632.—See infra, under that year.

1578.—Representations to the bailiffs Thomas Sherar and Thomas Chorlton, signed by 18 burgesses, following up a former petition, calling for inquiry into the government of the town, and complaining specially of the illegal election of Roger Hayward and John of Gryffyth, alias. Wynen, as common councillors, and of the misemployment of Robert Allen's bequest.

1578, 20 July. Pitchford.—Letter to the bailiffs from Adam Ottley, upon an alleged case of stealing a hedge-bill which had been brought before him.

[1580], 11 Nov. 22 Eliz.—Inventory of papers and money which Robert Ireland, esq., and John Perche, gent., delivered over in a chest in the Exchequer to the new bailiffs.

[1580?]—Petition to the bailiffs from Richard Hamond, tailor, who has been amerced in 3s. 4d. for taking stones out of the town-wall under the house where he dwells, which was done without his knowledge, and he has put others in their stead. Endorsed, "To be considered when we talke of felons' goodes."

[1581 ?]—Petition from Roger ap Loyde (?), a poor creature, now impotent by reason of having served seven times in the wars, who is now derided and mocked, calling him Colepytt, and he, for avoiding of their foolish derision, avoideth them, but now he is presented for affraying.

[1581 ?]—Letter to Adam Mytton from Edward Pue, praying him to stand his friend, and not to let him be committed to prison for revenging himself upon one who greatly abused him in his own house.

1581, 4 Dec.—Letter to the bailiffs from Edward Hussey. He has, according to their precept, called together the parishioners of Battlefield, who are, as is well known, very poor, and unable to yield any weekly contribution for relief of others. There are two widows who have relief at the writer's hands, and will be glad to have some further allowance from the bailiffs. Richard Sandbrooke's wife came to ask for fourpence more weekly; this the writer refers to the bailiffs' consideration, as the man has fourpence weekly from Mr. Poncebury, and has of his own one cow and a heifer, and seven sheep, besides geese and hens and good store of household stuff. There is also one John Richards that requires relief, but he has only been in the parish since Christmas last, and belongs to Upton Magna, whither he should be sent back again.

1581, 22 Dec.—Letter to the same from Edward Bulkeley, asking for relief for two persons.

158½ March.—Petition from John Smith, to whom the care of an orphan Richard Davies had been committed, against Thomas Studley for not paying a sum due; with an order of the bailiffs dated 10 March, "for that it dothe belonge to the dewtie of the majestrate to have care of the fatherles, the widow and the oppressed," providing that the payment shall be made, and for the boy's apprenticeship.

1583, 31 May.—Letter from the bailiffs to the wardens of the company of bakers, commending to them, as to all the brotherhoods, the case of John ap Rees, in behalf of whom Mr. Secretary Foxe, a burgess and one of the Council of the Marches, has written, and to whom a license has been granted to receive charitable gifts, he having by sudden rage of fire had his dwelling-house and all that he had consumed. Subjoined is a note that the bakers gave 3s. 8d.

1582, Aug.—Two bills for expenses connected with a journey to Hereford to secure a house for the judges at the last assizes, and for keep for the judges' horses and servants.

1582, 18 Sept. Plaishe.—Letter to the bailiffs from William Leighton desiring that certain suits against his cook, John Hassald, now in attendance upon him, may be stayed until the said cook's return to Shrewsbury.

1582, 29 Dec. Langley.—Letter to the same from Richard Lee, calling upon them to correct misdemeanours and great abuses perpetrated in an alehouse in Great Barwick, a former monition from him having had no effect. He is continually troubled with complaints that prentices and servants and other unthrifts do not only wilfully consume there in unlawful games all that they have themselves but also neglect their masters' business.

[1582.]—Petition to the same from Frances Andre, now in ward at the Cage, whose husband John Andre, to whom she was married in "Dyvelyn" (Dublin) three years ago, appears to repudiate her as not being his wife.

[1582.]—Petition to the same from Roger Phillips, baker, desiring that he may be satisfied for a diaper napkin and a box, which were sent with fine cakes to their worships, and which though often demanded cannot be obtained.

[1582.]—Letter from Samuel Wisbecke, an apprentice, to his uncle Robert Harding, praying him to get the bailiffs to cancel his indentures, that he may serve the rest of his years with some honest man who is able to keep him and teach him his occupation, for he is evil used; "I am so simpull in aparell that my master will not suffer me to goe any further then they nedes must . . . . . When I goe out they picke quarels on me, and report behind my bake in the stret that I spend ther goods and that I stele ther tymber." Endorsed with a report of the hearing of the case before the bailiffs; the master, Thomas Mynors, and his wife are enjoined to bear no malice towards the apprentice for his complaint; it appears that he is abused as well by his master for not having apparel as by the rudeness of the wife of the master; he is to have all manner of things which an apprentice ought to have for the wholesomeness of his body; any further complaint to be heard and remedied.

[1582.]—Petition to the same from Ellis Beddo, committed to ward, "for that he, contrary to your worshipes proclamation, did goe to sing at undue time of night."

There are several petitions from other persons committed for walking about at undue times at night.

[1582.]—Petition to the same from Thomas Jonson 17 years of age, an apprentice, who has been fined 10s. for fighting, for which he was grievously corrected by his master, praying to have the fine remitted, for that he is a very poor boy, in worse estate than any prentice in town, not having anything wherewith to satisfy the fine more than the clothes upon his back, which are not worth ten shillings.

[1582.]—Petition to the same from Thomas Baccus, "translator, alias cobler," praying that his misdemeanours may be forgiven, for which he lieth in ward with a mighty pair of bolts, and he will never offend them or any of their men.

[1582.]—Letter from John Parr to his father John Parr at Shrewsbury, begging that he and the writer's brother will become security for his appearance at the quarter sessions, to which he is committed by Sir Arthur Mainwaring, or else he will be sent to gaol (which will utterly discredit him for ever) upon a pretended charge of attempting to steal a horse. "This misfortune shall be a sufficient warninge for me hereafter to beware of evill companie."

1583, 27 June. Salop.—Letter to the Council of the Marches from William Tenche and Edward Owen, reporting their examination, as ordered, into an affray between one Richard Dryhurst and the watchmen on 22 June. The complaint of Dryhurst and a letter from the Council are with the letter.

1583, 6 Aug. Apley.—Letter from Rowland "Berker" to the bailiffs, William Tench and Eward Owen, thanking them for their willingness to let him have the Council House; whatever any other man will do for the same, he will do the like, and has appointed his brother Chambers and his brother James "Barker" to conclude with them. (The signature alone is autograph.)

1584, 1587–90.—Lists of prisoners, and of prison-fetters, &c. in the custody of the sergeants. There are also lists for 1610, 1618, 1630–95.

1584, 26 March. "From my howse nere Charing Crosse."—Letter to the bailiffs and schoolmaster from Sir T. Bromley, asking them to grant a lease of the tithes of Whitchurch to his servant Thomas Mytton.

1584, 7 Sept.—Copy of a letter from the bailiffs to the Council of the Marches, reporting that they have, as ordered, made diligent search for Thomas Sturry, esq., but that he is not to be found, and that although his dwelling is at Rosse hall in the liberty, where his wife and children now are, and he has lands and tenements, &c., yet these cannot be sequestered, as Richard Lea, esq., holds them as feoffee of trust. Further particulars with regard to the property follow on another paper.

1584, 27 Sept. Ludlow Castle.—Order from the Council of the Marches to Richard Lea, esq., to sequester all the property of Thomas Sturry, gent., which he holds in trust, the said Sturry having disobeyed all the orders made by the Council at the suit of Thomas Sherer, gent.

1584, 3 Oct.—"An inventory of suche things which remayne in the new little chest;" a short list of bonds and other documents. The last item refers to charitable collections made in the town: "ij acquittances for the collecc[i]on of Hastings and Geneva."

1584, 8 Oct.—Copy of a further letter from the bailiffs to the Council of the Marches in the case of Thomas Sturry, reporting that all the lands, &c. were conveyed by Sturry's father, Thomas, to Rich. Lea and others for their own use, and not as feoffees of trust, and that Lea, as survivor, now holds them as his own.

1584, 4 Nov.—"Articles to be inquired of for the profit of the towne," respecting the making and selling of candles by various persons.

1584, 8, 20 Nov. London.—Two letters to the bailiffs from W. Weale and John Perche about their proccedings with reference to proposals for a new charter and obtaining a grant of the office of alnager.

[1584?]—Petition to the bailiffs, &c. from two constables of the "Monks Forrett" (Abbey Foregate) for some allowance for their pains, mentioning also that one of them spent twopence for candles "that night when the childe was fownde in St. Chadds churche portche."

158⁴/5, March. London.—Letter to Adam Mytton from W. Weale and John Perche; are about to return home, being wearied with the little progress made in their "endles sute"; all the great personages with whom they have to deal are so busied in parliament matters, and, partly, their minds are so altered by the cross travail so earnestly made against the suit, that the writers are discouraged.

1585, 30 June. Harnege.—Letter to Adam Mytton from William Fouler; desires to know the state of the sickness in the town, that he may signify the same to the judges.

[1585 ?]—Things which the bailiffs and burgesses desire the Queen should be petitioned to grant to the town: i. the uniting to the town of the parish of the Cross wherein the Moncke Forriat is situated; ii. the site of the old decayed castle for a town gaol; iii. the confirmation of existing charters, the erection of a weekly court instead of a fortnightly one, and the providing endowment for a preacher. [These particulars were granted in the charter of 1586.]

1586/7, 6 March. Sarum.—Letter to the Sheriff of Salop, &c., from Henry, earl of Pembroke, appointed President of the Council of the Marches, ordering a muster of all men able to bear arms, and provision to be made for weapons, &c.

Printed in Trans. of Shropsh. Archæol. Soc., 2nd S., I. 432.

1588, 13 Aug.—Copy of a letter from the Privy Council to the Lord President of the Marches. Whereas advertisement has been received that the Spanish fleet, having taken their course northward, is come to a place called Mor[a]y Frith, and has landed some men, and it is not yet known whether their purpose is to join with the evil affected of that realm, or only to stay and take in fresh water and other necessaries, therefore the 600 footmen and 32 lances, directed to be ready for northern service in the county of Salop, are to be prepared to be sent to any place that may be appointed upon any warning.

1589, 7 Nov.; 1590, 15 Apr.—Two letters to the bailiffs of Shrewsbury from Richard Paule and Hugh Savage, the bailiffs of Bridgnorth, complaining of the illegal taking of toll at Shrewsbury from burgesses of that town.

1590, 2 June.—Letter to the bailiffs from William Gryffith and Robert Brownesword, bailiffs of a town not named, complaining of like illegal taking of toll from burgesses of "this poore towne."

1591, 7 Aug. At Sheffield Lodge.—Letter from Gilbert [earl of] Shrewsbury to the justices of peace in the county, urging collections in each township for the relief of Shiffnal, where both the town and church have been almost entirely consumed by fire, and suggesting the giving a license to the inhabitants to gather benevolence in two shires.

1592.—There is a file of the bailiffs' papers for this year in a very tattered condition, containing coroner's inquisitions, petitions, warrants, &c. Amongst them is a fragment of a copy of a letter from the Council of the Marches to the bailiffs, respecting a suit brought by Francis Englefield to recover some lands granted by the Queen to the Earl of Essex as forfeited by the attainder of Sir Francis Englefield, Knt., for high treason. With the coroner's inquisitions there are inventories and valuations of the goods of two persons who drowned themselves.

1592, July. Cause Castle.—Letter from John Thynne to the bailiffs, offering himself for election as burgess in parliament, to which he has been moved by his good friends in the incorporation, and which he the rather desires "for that my aunsetors weare neare inhabitauntes to Shrewsburye, and for that I conceave a speciall good likynge of your towne and the good governmente thereof." [He was not elected.]

1592, Oct.—Order for return of names of all ale and beer sellers, who are to be charged not to use any manner of game, as tables, cards, dice, "slydethrist" otherwise called "shuffelbord," upon pain of being put down; until further order be taken for the suppressing the great number of ale-houses, being one of the great sores of this commonwealth.

1592, 28 Dec., at Hampton Court.—Letter from the Earl of Essex to the bailiffs, &c., recommending his servant Robert Wright, who is thoroughly known to them, for election as a burgess in parliament.

[1592.]—Letter, written from the Court but not dated, to the bailiffs, signed "W. Burghley," desiring that out of the bequest of 100l. now coming to the town by the bequest of Sir Thomas White, a portion may be granted to Thomas Browne of Shrewsbury. "What the man is, how he hath and doth behave himself, what service he hath done to her maiestie and the whole state . . . . is well knowne unto you."

The bequest referred to is the tenth share of money for charitable loans, left to 24 corporate towns, to be taken in turn, and the first occasion for Shrewsbury's receiving it was in 1593. This letter therefore belongs probably to 1592 or 1593. Browne's service in discovery of a supposed plot was in 1571, and he was again busy in 1574. See Vol. V. of Trans. of Shropsh. Archæol. Soc.

159²/3, 11 March. From the Court.—Letter to the bailiffs from the Earl of Essex, thanking them for the election of his servant Wright as burgess in Parliament.

Owen and Blakeway, I., 550, where for Eynes read Eyres.

1593, 15 June. Beawdley.—Letter to the same from M. Sherer, advising them as to steps to be taken to solicit the resort to Shrewsbury of the Council of the Marches.

1593, 8 Oct.—Letter to the same from Richard Herbert and another, certifying that John Mytton, gent., is assessed in Montgomeryshire for the subsidy granted in the last parliament.

1593, 31 Oct. "From my house at Coton in Wemes parish."—Letter to the same from Richard Harrison, expressing his readiness to cease sueing (being bidden by Christ to forgive those that trespass) Robert Kempe upon a bond for money due from his deceased brother John Kempe; will send an attorney to pay what is due from himself to some in Shrewsbury for Mr. John Newport, of Wellington, deceased.

1593, 19 Nov. Grinshill.—Letter to Mr. Laughton, "chiefe precher of the towne of Salop," from John Lawrence, minister of Grinshill, with a list of contributions of rye received for relief of the poor people of Bishop's Castle. "To amplifie it myselfe I am not able, for my stipend for servinge the cure beinge but iiij^li is verie litle (you know) for me to live upon, and not sufficient but that I take paynes in teachinge of children, and thereby gett something although not much."

1593, 21 Nov. Ludlow Castle.—Letter to the same from the Council of the Marches, signed by W. Leyghton and H. Touneshead, desiring that a collection may be made on behalf of the inhabitants of Church Stretton who have had their dwelling-houses and goods consumed by fire. On 20 March following, in reply to a letter from Fr. Phillipps, 46s. 10d. were paid over as the amount of the collection.

[159¾.] At Mr. Norton's, at the Blue Boar in Bookbinder Lane, London.—Letter from Thomas Holand, apothecary, to Mr. Fouler at Harnege Grange, asking his advice as to proceedings, for some alleged wrong, against the bailiffs of Shrewsbury, whose disobedience he had showed to Sir George Carey and Sir Thomas Heneage, being at dinner with one of the sheriffs of London. "I will set them out in print, as you shall se very shortly, that all England may singe and laugh at ther knavery."

159¾, 19 Jan. Salop.—Letter from Adam Mitton to William Fowler, esq., in answer to the preceding letter, which refers to a quarrel in the streets on a Sunday night when Holland was "very farre overseene with drinke."

159¾, 17 Jan. "From Bu[shop's] Castle."—Letter to the bailiffs, signed by eight persons (bailiff and aldermen) with hearty thanks for the contribution of 20l. 0s. 2d., for the relief of their poor people, specially acknowledging the help given by the preachers, Mr. Laughton and Mr. Prise.

159¾, 11 Feb. Park Hall.—Letter to the bailiffs from Ro. Poucl, the High Sheriff, about his endeavours to procure the holding the assizes at Shrewsbury.

Trans. of Shropsh. Archæol. Soc., 2nd S., V. 294.

1594, 9 Oct.—Letter from the bailiffs to William Fowler, one of the Council of the Marches and steward of the town; about the murder of one Thomas Lacon in a street-quarrel; with a letter from Jo. Croke and Fowler, at Ludlow, 11 Oct., and another from Fowler alone, 13 Oct., relating to the enquiry.

1594, 2 Nov. Haughmond.—Letter to the bailiffs from Rowland Barker, complaining of the assessment of a servant for the subsidy, who is not liable.

1594, 19 Nov. Cond[over].—Letter to the same from H. Touneshend, desiring postponement of the hearing of a case on account of the absence of witnesses.

1594, 28 Nov. Cudington.—Letter to the bailiffs from Rondulphe Brereton, George Bostocke, and Roundale Dod, respecting the due care of certain assignments of trust kept in the exchequer at Shrewsbury for the benefit of the four daughters of John Heath, their kinsman, deceased.

1594, 22 Dec.—Letter to the same from a poor minister, John Parker, thanking them earnestly for the collection, at the motion of Mr. Thomas Laughton, of 2l. 5s. 2d. for his relief: "being left and forsaken of this people, and not above x or xii persons of 500 families performinge the payment of my promised stipend, and all by reason I cannot accomplish the servyce requyred at my hands."

1594.—Papers relating to the weekly assessment for relief of the poor, with a list of defaulters in St. Chad's parish.

1594.—Pleadings before the Council of the Marches in a case of Pigeon v. Owen and Hughes, 36 Eliz.

159⁴/5, March.—Copies of three orders from the Privy Council for the providing horses for the conveyance from place to place of Captains Jenkin Conway, John Goring, and William Mustion, or Mastion, who are appointed to conduct companies of footmen for service in Ireland; with an order in the case of the last-named to the lord mayor of London and others for the impressing of a chirurgion and a drum for his company. 1 Apr.—Copy of letter from Will. Chandos and Henry Poole at Gloucester, requiring the providing of post-horses for Capt. Mastian (sic), and lodging and diet for his company of 94 footmen, who are to embark at West Chester for Ireland.

159⁴/5, 19 March. Dublin Castle.—Pass for William Mynors, gent., to repair to the Court in England.

1595, 7 Apr.—Letter to the bailiffs from Thomas Leighton; understands that one has come to Shrewsbury with commission to press a drum for service in Ireland, and is desirous to take Roger Moynes, who has been always employed by the writer as a drum for the training of his soldiers; and whereas he is charged to be ready with all his soldiers at an hour's warning for the Queen's service, he desires that the bailiffs will take care that the said Roger Moynes be not pressed.

1595, 11 Apr.—Letter to the bailiffs from Richard Prynce, asking that a collection may be made at the next sermon at St. Chad's for the relief of a very poor man, Thomas Shaw, aged 91, who is not able to work.

[1595.]—Letter to the same from Richard Anderton, a sherman, desiring that a general watch may be kept this night for John Raban, a carrier dwelling in "Bernyngam"; he and the whole crew went to Tong on Wednesday, yesternight to Bruton in Cheshire; this night they are appointed to be at Chester, whither the writer will ride presently, for so he has sent word to Mr. Waadde the secretary of her Majesty's Council. [This was found among the papers of 1571, but must relate to the business of the following letter.]

1595 [Apr.].—Letter to the same (very roughly and indistinctly written) from Richard Anderton, a prisoner in ward, demanding to know the cause of his commitment, and that he may be released forthwith to go to London to attend upon his master lord Hunsdon upon St. George's day. He came post with his commission concerning certain traitors that John Raban conveyed from London. Two of the said traitors he followed on foot to Hampton; on Wednesday night last they all lay at Tunge; on Thursday they separated, but the writer brought two, one being the chief traitor, Mr. Jonson, Master of Arts, brought up at Oxford, well known to Mr. Jordan, preacher and minister of Wyllynton parish, and the other unknown, to Shrewsbury on Thursday at 11 o'cl. at night, but could at that time find no bailiffs or sergeants, and the traitors "went over thys brygge to what place I know not" [and escaped].

The description of Jonson, the Oxford M.A., follows on a separate scrap of paper: about 30 years of age, a proper fine man with a yellow beard, a "toppynge" hat, a doublet of black lye grogram laid on with black lace, a pair of old (?) boots, and a gold ring on his fourth finger: Mr. Jurdan of Welyngton knoweth the traitor: "nowe rydden towards the Poole, as I understand; therefore let the sheroffe rid after."

1595, 19 Apr. Whitehall.—Copy of an order for the supply of posthorses to William Rowland, gent., employed in her Majesty's affairs to the town of Carnarvon.

1595, 30 Apr. Greenwich.—Similar order with regard to William Wyne, esq, going to the county of Carnarvon.

1595, 18 May. Ludlow Castle.—Letter to the bailiffs from W. Leyghton and Thomas Cornwaill, two members of the Council of the Marches, desiring the stay of a suit respecting the title of the ground called Kingsland and the right of common there, until the time previously fixed, viz. 18 June, by the Council for the ordering of the matter by Richard Corbet, esq. and Francis Newport, esq.

1595, 25 May. Okes.—Letter to the same from W. Sherer respecting some letters sent by him to the Council of the Marches.

1595, 3 June. Harnege.—Letter to the same from William Fouler, on behalf of his friend John Shelvocke, who having had his house and barn, with all his goods to the value of 60l., besides his books, utterly consumed by fire, has obtained letters placards from the Council in the Marches to take the charitable benevolence of well-disposed people. Desires that Mr. Lawton and the rest of the ministers may be asked to cause his letters to be read in their several parishes, that he may receive some relief, and that the magistrates will show him what favour they can.

1595, 8 July. Mariton.—Letter to the same from Rychard Lloyd, John Hockleton and George Harries. Forasmuch as it hath pleased God to visit their vicar with sickness, so that he cannot do the requisite duties, such as he usually did accomplish, they have thought it very necessary to procure some other minister to supply his place, sufficient for learning, honest for behaviour, and sound and zealous for religion, and finding their neighbour, the bearer hereof, Mr. Jervis Thomas, a graduate of the university of Oxford, and a qualified preacher, they request that he may be approved to supply the necessity, not in any sort to dispossess the Vicar, neither to diminish his living, being but poor and having no other means; but if it should please the Almighty to call the poor man away, that then this bearer should succeed him, according to the desire of the parish. [The name of Jervis Thomas is not found in Foster's Alumni Oxonienses.]

1595, 11 Nov. High Ercall.—Letter to the same from Sir Francis Newport.—Hearing that they intend to build a new market-house he commends to them a mason of approved skill and honesty, Walter Hancocke. It is not unknown to them that the writer has had great cause to make trial of workmen, and therefore can well write of his own knowledge and experience that they cannot match the man in these parts in science and judgment of workmanship, or in plainness and honesty to deal withal; prays that he may undertake the work more in good will to the town than to him, although he loves the man well; knows that if Mr. Justice Owen were in the country, he would say as much on Hancock's behalf.

[1595.]—Petition to the same from Evan Davyes, curate of St. Mary's, who had long served under Mr. John Tompkys the late minister, and was appointed by the preceding bailiffs to serve in the same place after his decease, for one quarter, which expired at Michaelmas day last; but the bailiff of the school, the usual payer of the minister's stipend, refuses to pay him.

[1595.]—Petition to the same from Adam Bradshaw for the yearly allowance of 26s. 8d. for keeping the clock in the Booth Hall.

[1595 ?]—Twelve minute "Interrogatories to be ministered to Marie Modlicot alias Higgons," as to her attendance upon her brother Richard Modlicott during an illness, tending to show that she had been bribed to poison him, by some "herb, powder, root, confection, oil, ointment or other thing." A letter from Richard Modlicott to Adam Mytton about some law proceedings, dated 19 Apr., is written by him as "a languishing patient."

[1595 ?]—Petition to the bailiffs from five persons who, having a special care and love towards the maintenance of artillery, as a game not only allowed by the laws of the realm of England but also most laudable to be exercised by all men, did of their own proper costs and charges erect for the parish of St. Julian's in the common lane near to the Hermitage, in the liberties, a pair of butts, complaining that one Thomas Griffiths (son of Griffith Lewis, the common apparitor or somner for the diocese of Coventry and Lichfield, whose house called the Hermitage is accompted a house to retain people of bad behaviour) did pull down and subvert the said butts, to the only intent to suppress that good exercise and to maintain bowling; they pray that he may not only receive condign punishment, but may erect the butts again.

159⁵/6, 24 Feb.—Letter to the bailiffs from William Fouler, recommending two persons to be licensed to sell ale; will not write on the behalf of any but such as he takes to be honest and of a good conversation and behaviour in their house.

1596, 12 Sept. Greenwich.—Copy of an order for post-horses for Capt. Henry Tolliet going to Chester to embark for Ireland.

1596, 26 Oct. Serjeants' Inn, Fleet Street.—Copy of a letter to the justices of peace in the county of Salop from William Peryam and Matthew Ewens, respecting the Queen's instructions for the providing for the due bringing of corn to market and mitigating the great price thereof.

[1596–7?]—[Ten] "Articles injoyned by the Q. Majesty uppon her subjects for thavoidinge of God's wrathe against this realme," in a time of dearth and scarcity. Prayers on Wednesdays and Fridays; fast days to be observed, and that which is saved by sparing to be given to the poor; collections to be made; persons not to break up house and leave their habitations, nor discharge servants for [the sake of] sparing; &c.

1597, 14 Apr. Whitehall.—Copy of an order for post horses for Capt. Crofts appointed to go into Ireland with 100 men levied in the counties of Montgomery and Radnor.

1597, 30 July.—Similar order for John Welsore.

1597, 25 Apr.—Copy of a letter to the justices in the county from Will. Peryam and Matth. Ewens, for a return of the number of alehouses, in pursuance of commandment from the Lord Keeper for utterly suppressing their unnecessary number, and that none be henceforth suffered to continue but such as shall be very needful and well ordered.

1597.—Two letters, from London, to Mr. Webb and Mr. Gibbons, the bailiffs, the one signed by Edw. Bulkeley and Th. Laughton, dated 10 May, the other from Laughton alone (Bulkeley's son-in-law) "from my house in Great St. Bartholomew's," dated 2 July. Having been asked to find a preacher for the town, they have endeavoured to do so but those whom they thought qualified decline the place on account of the stipend being too slender for these hard times. They proposed the uniting of St. Mary's to the preachership, but have had no reply to their proposal. Langhton is now so infirm and ill that he desires to be eased of the burden of finding a preacher and that the bailiffs will take it upon themselves; but he recommends Mr. Thomas Higgons who is near them and well known to them.

159⁷/8, March.—Papers relating to the purchase of 600 quarters of wheat, "manckcorn," rye (200 quarters) and barley by the Corporation of Shrewsbury from one Thomas Oxwick of Walsingham, Norfolk, for transportation by sea to Bristol, and thence by the Severn, for the relief of the poor people of Shrewsbury, in a time of scarcity. Petition from the Corporation to the Council of the Marches for warrants from the Privy Council for free transportation. Letter from Thomas Browne, an agent employed in procuring the corn; in consequence of 4,000 quarters of rye being sent to Ireland, the price of rye has risen from 30s. to 34s. a quarter, to be had of the merchants at Bristol by Bristol measure (which is better than London or Winchester) at 40s. Copies of other letters and instructions.

1598.—Proceedings in a long suit concerning tolls levied in Shrewsbury, 40 Eliz.

1599, 16 Apr.—Letter from the bailiffs of Shrewsbury, John Perche and Richard Dawes, to Thomas Brabant, the minister of Astley, notifying the appointment of overseers with the churchwardens, for relief of the poor in St. Mary's parish (of which Astley is a member) according to the Act of Parliament, and desiring a return of the poor persons to be relieved in Astley; with his answer subjoined, giving a list of seven people relieved by the churchwardens and overseers in the preceding year.

1600, 2 June. Clifford's Inn.—Letter from Nicholas Gibbons to the bailiffs, respecting a case as to the staying of some corn from crossing the bridge until the pontage-toll was paid, whereas it was not due until the bridge was crossed.

1601, 31 May. Greenwich.—Copy of a letter from the Privy Council to the High Sheriff and Justices of Salop. A great part of the Welsh cloths which are taken to London are bought by French merchants, and of late years fault has been found with them after their being transported into France, whereby the cloth of this realm that heretofore had reputation to be the truest and best made, hath not only been discredited, but the French King hath taken occasion to confiscate all those English cloths that have been found, upon trial by water or otherwise, to shrink, cockle, or be in any wise defective; therefore if the abuses in making of false cloth be not corrected, the trade will be in peril to be overthrown. And the chief abuse being in colouring defects by stretching defective cloths upon tenters, a thing forbidden by Act of Parliament, therefore not only the use of tenters in stretching cloths or cottons shall not be suffered, but all ropes, rings and wrenches to stretch cloths, with the heads and lower bars of the tenters and all other engines and means for straining of cloth either in length or breadth, shall be abolished and quite taken away.

temp. Eliz.—A petition to the bailiffs signed by 17 persons prays that they will without delay see that the arrears of the fee-farm rent to the Crown and the proffers in the Exchequer are paid, as otherwise the charter of the town may be forfeited.

temp. Eliz.—Letter from H. Touneshend, the steward of Shrewsbury, to the bailiffs, bidding them to come prepared with their charters to justify before the Council of the Marches their imprisoning of a person who has petitioned against them; the Castle at Ludlow, 24 Feb.

temp. Eliz.—Copy of an order from the Council of the Marches to the bailiffs of Gloucester, to appear at Ludlow Wednesday after Midlent Sunday to answer to a complaint of the burgesses of Shrewsbury for arresting merchandise passing by the Severn for toll, contrary to their privileges.

temp. Eliz.—Petition from John Gyttyns the younger, for discharge from imprisonment, having been committed "for playing at the foot balle upon Shroftusdaie, and for throwinge the balle from hime whene the serigent Hardinge demaunded the same."

temp. Eliz.—Petition from Margaret Freman for release "oute of this misserable prison" of the Burgess Gate, where she lies upon the bare boards, overpressed with irons, and ready to starve with hungers, justly punished for speaking certain idle words of Mr. Tonks [Tomkys] the public preacher.

temp. Eliz.—Petition in the name of the burgesses: 1. that the pasture called Behind the Walls may be enclosed this winter season from rooting with swine, and that the inhabitants may have their cattle there: 2. that the pastures be not let to any private person, but kept for the use of the poor burgesses, after the rate of 10s. a beast summering: 3. for that some think it more beneficial to set it to such as will give most for it, "for answere therto I say . . . . so many of you as be of that mynde have small regard to the due consederacion of the comon welthe, for ys yt a comon welthe to opprese ourselffs with our owne, and not to be comforted and cherished by the same?" 4. That the poor may have the benefit and partiality be avoided, let the names of the most needful, who have kine to be relieved, be put in a bag to the number of 100 more or less, and so many be taken out for the first year as the pasture will well bear, and the rest remain for the next year.

[1605 ?]—Petition to the bailiffs from William Gylson, milner, imprisoned for profaning the Sabbath-day, in carrying of meal and travelling with his ware, contrary to their proclamation.

1608, 23 Nov. York House.—Letter to the bailiffs from Lord Ellesmere, the Chancellor, recommending a petition from Thomas Higgons, gent., "whoes father I knew long, and loved for the good I knew in him; and I hear no lesse good report of this his sonne."

1614.—Petition to Richard Hunt and Thomas Gardner, the bailiffs, from Thomas Stubbe, complaining of the noisome condition of the lane leading from St. Alkmund's vicarage to the Hey Street, one end of which was granted to the parishioners of St. Julian's, and by that means stopped, and made a mixen place and worse, and offering to take the place at a yearly rent, and he will pave it and drain it, "and withall will plante that odious place with odoriferous herbes and flowers." An order to view and report is subjoined, but apparently nothing was done, for in 1622–3 there is a petition from George Hunt complaining of the same lane as being most vilely and unseemly polluted, and that there is a noisome mixen continually haunted with swine.

1615, 28 Aug.—Pardon under the great seal to John Davies, miller, for knowingly receiving and harbouring one William Dennys who on 28 Nov. 1613, broke into the Exchequer of Salop, and stole 29l. 7s. 6d.

162²/3, Feb.—Returns, in pursuance of an order from the High Commission, to the bailiffs of the quantities of overplus-corn remaining in the liberties and in the parish of St. Julian which can be brought to market.

1623, 1 Sept. Shiffnal manor.—Letter to the bailiffs from Edward Bromley, complaining that they have not punished one Walter Grynsell, tanner, for shameful speeches offered by him in open court to the writer's cousin Thomas Owen, the town clerk, and desiring that they will bind Grynsell over to appear at the next gaol delivery, and meanwhile to be of good behaviour.

1628, 9 June. Chirbury.—Letter to the bailiffs from George Bray and Hugh Whalley, churchwardens of Chirbury, informing them that on last Sabbath day, 8 June, an instrument was fixed on the church door by the apparitor of the Bishop of Hereford, intimating to the patrons that Mr. Davies, late vicar, had resigned the vicarage; which they therefore notify, as the advowson has been conferred under the Great Seal on the bailiffs and burgesses.

1629.—Petition to the bailiffs, Rich. Gibbons and Will. Rowley, from Peter Studley, curate of St. Chad's, desiring that in consideration of his, for peace sake, giving up his claim to some small tithes in Frankwell which the Free School has deprived him of, by his consent, because he has not leisure nor liking to attend upon troublesome suits, they will grant him 44s. yearly to make up the rent of 7l. 4s. which he has to pay yearly to the Crown for his Easter book and for some pastures belonging to the town, and towards which they have for the last three years given him 5l. yearly. In this they will settle peace between the Church and the School, and gratify the request of the Bishop and the Chancellor. He also asks that they will pay 53s. 2d. which Mr. Typton hath caused to be spent in a needless suit, for which he will forego the two last years' rents of tithes, for which he has not recovered one penny.

1632, March.—Petition from Thomas Lloyd, vicar of St. Alkmond's, to be admitted a burgess without fine, he being a widower, and not likely to have any issue, in consideration of his having ever since the plague began read morning prayer daily within his parish, where the people of the town daily resort in a greater number than they formerly did, to his great danger. Agreed to, 30 March.

163⁴/5, March.—Petition from Richard Davyes, a "trowman" (or boatman), praying that he may have his burgesship freely, in consideration of his assisting to break the ice in the river when the last great frost went away that it might have passage through the Stone Bridge, bringing timber, &c., when part of the bridge fell, and his saving a woman from drowning. Granted, 23 March.

1639, 3 July, Ludlow.—Letter from Tym. Tourneur (the Recorder) to Thomas Jones, Esq., mayor. "The assises nowe drawe neare. You know how you were blamed the last assises that you had not done fitting observances to my lords the judges of our circuite in producing to them our new charter, and presenting them with velvet coates, or to make them coates; the things to be done are neither chargeable nor trowblesome. The displeasure that may encrease by the neglect may be verie prejudiciall to our towne, and confirme our censure of pride. It is unsaffe and indiscreete for us to contend with judges. I pray you consult with the company about it, and resolve on a course to recover that we have lost."

1641.—Petition from the fraternity or company of corvisours, representing that in other cities and corporations, market-places and certain days are assigned for the open searching, sealing, and selling of leather, in accordance with the law, but that for want of such in Shrewsbury, tanners sell leather there in private, some half-tanned and some halfdried, and the searchers and sealers visit and seal privately, by which covert dealing much ill-tanned and bad-conditioned leather is vented, and the petitioners and others defrauded and deceived. They pray therefore that a fitting market-place and a certain weekly market-day be appointed for the public searching, sealing and selling of all leather. Endorsed with an order on 12 Nov. 1641 for consideration and report.

1644, March-Oct.—Warrants and orders respecting the collection of assessments for Prince Rupert's forces, with depositions of many persons respecting their income, including one William Boraston, gentleman and practitioner in physic.

1660.—A roll of eighty-six declarations, on parchment, chiefly by tradesmen of Shrewsbury, of their laying hold of the King's pardon as promised in the Breda Declaration. Among the signatures are those of Capt. Edward Turner and of several soldiers in his company, Richard Bagot, esq., Daniel Jenks, gent., Robert Lathropp, gent., Humphrey Mackworth, esq., John Evanson, gent., Richard Smith of Great Ness, gent., Edward Baudewin of Diddlebury, esq., Gabriel Lloyd of Poole, gent., Francis Tallents, clerk, Richard Heath, vicar of St. Alkmond's, Moses Leigh, clerk, and Creswell Tayleur of Rodington, esq.

The list of names is printed, with notes by Rev. N. Auden, in Trans. of Shropsh. Archæol. Soc., 2nd S. II. 144–158.

1661, 15 Nov.—Copy of a petition from the Corporation to the House of Commons, praying that nothing may be done to hinder the working of the coal mines at Madeley, Broseley, and Bentall, which have been erroneously represented as being in danger of being wholly exhausted, by the introduction of coal from other places, which is being endeavoured by the making the brook Stower in Staffordshire and Worcestershire navigable, for private interests upon pretence of public good.

1688, 8 Dec.—Copy of a letter [from the Mayor] to a peer, informing him that the town is open and ungarrisoned, and that he can enter without any opposition.

Owen and Blakeway, I., 499.

1798, 6 Nov.—Printed form of license for aliens, filled up with the name of John Juison, licensed to reside in Shrewsbury for one month; in pursuance of the proclamation for registering of aliens.

A bundle of tattered and imperfect market accounts of sales of cattle and horses, extending from 1525 to 1668 in occasional years, possesses interest, not merely from their being probably unique in point of date, but from their giving descriptions of the animals, with prices, and names of buyers and sellers.

W. D. MACRAY.