The city of Exeter: Miscellaneous rolls

Miscellaneous Rolls.

[These Rolls are not arranged in a chronological order.]

• 1. The Account of the Executors of Thomas Bitton, Bishop of Exeter, Sept. 21, 1307, (Ellacombe, 4, 25). This curious document has been printed in Camden Society, vol. x, N.S. A.D. 1874.
• 2. A parchment roll consisting of three membranes. It contains entries of divers matters written in hands of various dates between the times of Henry III and Henry VI. The Roll is endorsed by Hooker, "An Auncient Court roll of E. primi of dyverse good Costoms and Usages worth the weying." The following is a description of its contents; each article is numbered in the margin of the roll in pencil.

The first membrane is entitled:-"Rotulus Recogniciorum factorum in Curia Civititas Exonie de placitis terre tempore Regis Edwardi filii Regis Henrici annis et subsequentibus."

Nos. 1 to 21.—Entries of Agreements and final concords between party and party as to houses, lands &c. in Exeter.

Nos. 22 to 26 (on a rider in hand of the time of (?) Henry IV).

Four orders of the Mayor and Council.

(22) —Whereas divers late Receivers of the City have taken pledges and sureties for the payment of the Customs due from divers ships coming to Topsham, "ubi portus salutis Civitatis predicte existit," and the said pledges have refused to pay the said Customs whereby the City is at great loss; it is ordered by the Mayor and Commonalty that in future the Receivers shall take no one for surety except those for whom they themselves will answer, and that they shall not be allowed for any customs lost in their account.

(23) —Also whereas divers late Mayors and Bailiffs have been negligent in Auditing the accounts of the Receivers and the Wardens of Exbridge; it is agreed that the Mayor and Bailiffs shall audit the accounts on the day of the election of the new Mayor on pain of losing their pensions.

(24)—Also whereas the late Serjeants of the Court of the City have been negligent in levying the amercements of the Estreats of the said Court and the Receivers have not audited their accounts of the same; it is agreed that the Receiver shall take account of the said Amercements at the end of every quarter.

(25)—Also whereas the servants of men of divers arts dwelling in Exeter "de eorum arte alterum sprevissent," whereby many envyings, riots, contentions and debates have arisen between them and their masters to the great disturbance of the peace; it is ordered that offenders in this behalf shall be imprisoned for 40 days,in no wise to be liberated, "nec prece nec pretio," without the King's special mandate, and that if any master of any art shall presume to maintain such servant against the orders and statutes aforesaid, he shall be fined 100s. and in default 40 days imprisonment.

(26)— Also whereas divers fishermen frequenting the market sell many loads of their best fish in gross before the hour due and accustomed to divers fishermen (who are strangers)[i.e. dwelling out of ye City], contrary to the custom of the City, and expose the residue of the said fish for sale and sell it at a great price, "to the no small shame of the said Mayor and Bailiffs, who are bound to govern and oversee the said market; it is ordered that the Bailiffs shall in future arrest all such offenders, and put them and their fish in the Gildhall [in Gihuldam Civitatis predicte ponent], there to remain until they shall be delivered by the Mayor and the Common Council.

No. 27.— Copy of a Decree in favour of a Citizen of Exeter, who had been charged toll and passage on the River Tamer, and who claims to be free by virtue of his freedom of the City of Exeter.

No. 28.—Rental of the City of Exeter made in Michaelmas Term, 31 Edward I A.D. (1303). One item is:- "De una shopa juxta pretorium, Gialde, xiiis.(i.e. the Provosts Court held in the Guildhall–Freeman, 153), in parte occidentali, xijs."

Nos. 29 to 31.—Copy and Transcript of the Titles and Compositions between Peter (Peter Quivil, 1280–1291), formerly Bishop of Exeter and the Chapter on the one part and the Mayor and Commonalty concerning the enclosure of the Cemetery.

(29)—No date. The Commonalty to the Bishop &C. Licence to enclose the Cemetery and to erect gates to be closed at Curfew &C.See p.575.

(30)—Monday after Annunciation, A.D. 1286. The Bishop to the City. Agreement respecting the gates and posterns of the Close. (?) Printed by Izaacke,p.23. SeeDeeds, No. 696,p.282.

(31)— Friday after Saint Hillary, 15 Edward II, A.D. 1322. Further Agreement respecting the said gates and posterns.

No. 32—Divers Ordinances relating to the City made on Monday after Saint Denis (=Oct.9th), 19 Edward III, A.D. 1346, which seem to show the origin and first institution of the Common Council and the curtailing of the Mayor's authority.

(I) On the day of the election of the Mayor, Twelve Citizens, "de melioribus et discretioribus," shall be elected without whose consent no fines or amercements shall be pardoned.

(II) Whereas divers late Mayors and "Senescalli" have admitted persons to the liberty of the City "pro vili pretio," it is ordered that no one be admitted to the said liberty without the consent of the majority of the said Twelve men, and that no obligations, letters of pensions, acquittances &c. touching the City be sealed, nor any "ardua negotia" settled, without their assent and consent.

(III) The Mayor to stay in office only one year, and not to be re-elected "ut eo celerius ejusdem civitatis incolis justitia fiet"; and on the day of election the electors shall be charged on oath to return the more fit man ("idioneorem hominem") of the said City to be Mayor.

(IV) The Mayor's pension to be 608. The Chief Bailiff 608., the Receiver 208., and the three other "senescalli" each a mark.

(V) In Inquisitions, pleas of land &c., thirty-six jurors to be returned on the panel.

(VI) The increment of rent of Duryurd above 25l. 128. 6d., together with the arrears of the account of Exbridge and of other ministers to be put in a box under the care of four citizens, each of whom is to have a key: the money to be disposed of according to the will of the Commonalty.

(VII) The Wardens of Exbridge and the Receiver to render their final accounts within three months after the day of the election of the Mayor.

(VIII) All purprestures made in the City and suburbs to be removed—especially those made within the last twelve years.

(IX) Whosoever does anything against these ordinances shall be accounted a rebel and an enemy of the City—shall be expelled the liberty—and shall never hold office in the said City again.

At the foot occur the names of the twelve men of the Common Council by whom these orders were made.

No. 33. —Easter, 33 Henry III A.D. (1249). Copy of a Composition between the Dean and Chapter and the Mayor and Citizens of Exeter concerning the taxing of the tenants of the church's fees and tenements.

No. 34. —50 Henry III A.D. (1265–66). Composition between John (=John de Saunde, Oct. 28, A.D. 1261—1281—Dugd. Mon., i, 334) the Abbot and the Convent of Sherborne and the Mayor and Commonalty of Exeter concerning the passage of the Water of Checkston (? Chickstowe—Lysons, vi, 820) and the selling of sea-fish there. The Abbot releases all claim in the said Passage; and the Mayor grants that the said Abbot and his successors, the monks of Sherborne and all men of their "familia" with their horses and harness loads, carriages, goods and things shall pass free. The said Abbot and Convent and their successors and their men may sell and buy fish at the shore of the Manor of Littleham (? Exmouth), and may fish and take fish as well within the port of Checston as without and sell or give it at the shore of the said Manor. And the said Mayor and Commonalty claim nothing in the said Manor except the said passage. And the said Abbot and Convent give up their part of a cirograph of a fine levied in 47 Henry III A.D. (1262–63) concerning the said passage and the selling of sea-fish and also the toll which the same Mayor and Commonalty levy on goods and merchandize coming into the Manor of Litelham, and agree that the said fine shall be annulled.

No. 35. —Directions as to the order of making up the Receivers Accounts. The Accountant is to render account of—I. Rent of Assize. II. Sale of pasture in the City and Suburbs. III. Of Baggabel and Brithingavel. IV. Of Custom of fish. V. Custom of flesh. VI. Customs of cloth and other small customs. VII. Issues of the box. VIII. Customs arising from the toll of ships (Town duties). IX. Perquisites of Courts. X. Issues of murage, when murage is granted. XI. Fines for entering the liberty of the City. XII. "Custuma Ollarum." XIII. Custom of measuring corn and flour. XIV. Chattells of felons and fugitives. XV. Rent of the common well. XVI. Increment of rents.

No. 37. —Michaelmas, 4 Edward I A.D. (1276). Memoranda of a lease of the Manor of Duryurd, Couelegh (Cowley) and Goseford to Alured de la Porte for 10 years. Rent 20l.

No. 38. —Memoranda of payment of 1008. by Edward le Mercer to Walter de Balkheye for the purchase money of a house in Paul Street.

No. 39 (on a rider).—49 Edward III 1375). Coroner's Inquisition on the death of Cecilia Sampford.(See I. 87.)

No.40.—Memoranda of admissions of three persons to the liberty of the City.

No.41.—Monday after Michaelmas, 24 Edward I (1296). Claricia daughter of John de Fenton, who was the wife of William le Engleys, to Stephen de London, Citizen of Exeter. Grant of a tenement in High Street next the entrance to the Church of Saint Nicholas on the east.

No.42.—Monday after Saint Luke, 8 Edward II (1314). Robert de Bodman, son and heir of Stephen de Bodman to Thomas Soor and Alice, mother of said Robert. Grant of a cellar in High Street opposite the Pillory.

No. 43.—14 April, 15 Edward III (1341). Copy of Charter of Liberties to the men of Dartmouth.

No. 44.—10 Edward I (1381–82). Extract from the Iter of Salmon de Roffa—concerning the fee-farm.

No. 45.—Fragment of a table of rates of Customs levied in the Fair (?). It is written in a hand of the time of Henry III.

No.46.—Names of towns which are custom free.[See Book 51,f. 223,page 86.]

No.47.—Verdict that it is lawful for foreigners to sell "alea(sic) et cepe" in houses and outside.

No. 48.—Order that free butchers being partners with foreign butchers are to pay custom.

No.49.—Memoranda of divers rents due from divers houses.

No.50.—10 Edward I (1282).—Memoranda of a recovery by the Wardens of Exbridge of three houses in Northgate Street.

No. 51.—Laws and Customs of the City written in Norman French in a hand of the time of Henry III. The first is that no stranger shall make cloth in the Town.Inter alia occurs:—

"Cheskune Chapele ou paroche ad deit aver de la provoste un dener a la Saint Martin e un autre a la Hoke-day."

N. B.—Called an Early French Custumal for Exeter (M. Bateson,Borough Customs I, xxvi),when it is said that "its interest as a record of borough customs appears to have been overlooked." Miss Bateson gives a note(p.xxvii) of the contents under 47 paragraphs, together with several extracts in the original French.

No.52.—"Compositio articulorum quorundam inter priorem beati Nicholai Exonie et Majorem et communitatem ejusdem, libertatem civitatis tangentium."

It consists of a number of Articles of complaints and the answers thereto.

It appears to be of the time of Edward I.

No. 53.—Monday after the Assumption, 13 Edward I A.D. (1285). John le Ken and Sarra his wife to William de Cridyton, Citizen of Exeter.

Grant of a house in Smythen Street in exchange for a tenement and curtilage in the prebend of Hayes.

No. 54.—Orders of the Mayor made on Monday after Michaelmas, 14 Edward III A.D. (1340).

I. Order of the Mayor that no one is to be admitted to the freedom of the City on the day of the election of the Mayor, because on that day in the absence of the 36 "per impetuosum clamorem plurimorum hominum utilitatem et honorem dicte civitatis minime considerantes," a "multitudo hominum onerosa" had been admitted and sworn.

II. Also the Mayor and his "locum tenens" are not to meddle with the administration of the goods of the City but the Receiver only.

III. Also whereas divers liberties have been granted to the City by King Edward III and his predecessors that the Citizens may the better pursue their business and sustain the burdens incumbent on the City and as the Merchants and Workmen of the City do sustain the said burdens; it is but reasonable that the said City should be governed by them and not by others, as is the custom in London and other Cities; it is therefore ordered by the Mayor and Commonalty of the said City that no Clerk of the Consistory (nullus clericus de Consistorio) shall in future be elected Mayor or Seneschal of the said City nor shall in anywise meddle with the election of the Mayor and Bailiffs "quia no (sic) officium eorum minime pertinet," nor shall any other person who is not continually resident in the said City be elected Mayor.

IV. Also it is ordered that no one shall be elected Mayor unless he shall previously have served the office of Seneschal for one year, "et gradatim ad officium Majoratus attingerit," as was formerly accustomed; and no person who shall have served the said office of Seneschal for a year, and who have been continually resident in the City, and have a 1008. worth of lands, tenements and rents there, and are fit persons, shall in anywise be excluded from the said office except the Clerks of the Consistory aforesaid.

V. Also the Receiver is bound to render account immediately after his year is ended.

N.B.—All these Orders are noted as affirmed in the morrow of the Election of the Mayor,3 Richard II A.D. (1379).

No. 56.—Saint John Ante portam Latinam, 14 Edward I (May 6th, A.D. 1286). Ralph Slegh to William Meylclonde and Aumeye his wife.

Grant of a piece of land within the Northgate adjoining the said gate. To hold of the Chief Lords of the fee by the service of finding a brass horn and blowing it yearly on Monday after the feast of Saint Michael at the election of the Mayor, Seneschal and Bailiffs of the City and whenever their election happens.

3. A Roll of thirteen membranes containing documents of various dates relating to disputes between the City and the Earls of Devon respecting the River Exe &c.

I. Tuesday (not Thursday, as inCal., p. A.D. 1158;dic martis in festo Inventionis Sancte concis —Book 51,f 46) after the Invention, 10 Edward II (?), 5 May, A.D. 1317. Inquisition taken at Exeter before Matthew de Clivedon, Sheriff of Devon, concerning the rights of the King infringed &c. The Jurors say that the City of Exeter from time out of mind was wholly seized of all pleas and gelds [guldis] which arise in the City of Exeter beyond the Westgate as in bloodshed, hue and cry, amends of ale and bread, and other pleas whatsoever, in aid of paying the King his fee-farm, and ought to assess the tallage on that suburb by the Mayor and Bailiffs, and not otherwise, as appears by records of the Exchequer. Now of late Lord Hugh de Courtenay interferes with these rights by force and usurps them to himself as part of his Barony of Oakhampton. And they say also that "whereas the Water of Exe was and ought to be common to any fishing or wishing to fish the said Hugh puts it in defense and rents it on hard terms to the hurt of the King and the City. And they say that the Island of Exe was common and served the City, and the sand there deposited by overflowing of the water was and ought to be common to any of the Citizens and others of the City for the repair of their houses and other buildings. The said Lord Hugh has now newly put it in defense, reserving and appropriating to himself the Lordship thereof."

II. 20 March, 10 Edward II (A.D. 1317). Contemporary copy of the Writ to the Sheriff of Devon commanding the foregoing Inquisition to be taken and returned into the Chancery in Trinity Term.

III. Rough Draft of part of an Inquisition relating to the weir raised by the Countess de Aumerle called Countess Wear in which there was a lock of 30 feet for the passage of Ships to Exeter, which same lock was stopped up by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon,temp. Henry III, maintained by his son Hugh, and by his heir, Edward de Courtenay, now Earl of Devon, and that by the stopping of the said wear the sea comes not to Exeter as it used and the lands are overflowed by the freshwater and the salmon cannot come up the river &c., &c.

IV. A fair copy of No. 3 in a hand of (say) A.D. 1550.

V. No date, handwritingtemp Edward II(?) "Hec sunt gravamina et injurie que et quas Dominus Hugo de Courtenay et ballivi sui Majori et Communitati Civitatis Exonie continue faciunt et facere non desistunt."

Fifteen Articles setting out injuries done to the City by the Earl of Devon. They are copied by Hooker in his MS.(p. A.D. 1096). They relate to the same subjects as are spoken of by the Inquisition last mentioned.

VI. Henry VI. Petition of John Shillingford, Mayor of Exeter, to John Kemp, Archbishop of York, (from April 8, A.D. 1426 to April 10, A.D. 1451) Executor of Cardinal Beaufort, (d. April II, A.D. 1447) praying for assistance towards the rebuilding of Exbridge, which had fallen down.

VII. (?) 1–2 Edward IV, A.D. 1461–2. Petition of the Mayor, Bailiffs and Commonalty of Exeter to the King praying for restitution of their rights and jurisdiction in the suburb without the Westgate which had been withheld from them by the Earls of Devon, "And whereas the Water of the Exe from Exmouth to Cowley Bridge ought to be common to the inhabitants of the said City to fish in and to have course and recourse with their boates, vessells, shyppes and marchandisez," the said Earls have raised wears and impediments in the said river and compel all ships to unlade their goods at Topsham and have put the fishing of the river in defence. "Wherefore, most dred Soveraigne lord, inasmuch as all the Erledome of Devonshire is now comyn to and in your hands and your supplyants have pleyn mater evidens and dyvers records to prove their right and petition in the premisses, please it your highness to cause your discreet counsel tenderly and diligently to examen and overse the evidences writynges and records towching and provyng the ryght and title of your supliants in the premisses, and therupon to order and direct thaym accordyng to thair ryght and your lawez with good conscience."

VIII. (?) 10 Edward II A.D. (1316–17). Contemporary Draft of an Inquisition concerning the encroachments of Hugh de Courtenay upon the liberties of the City without Westgate—of his preventing the Citizens from taking sand in Exe Island and raising a market in the suburb without Westgate.

IX. 12 June, 10 Edward II A.D. (1317). Contemporary Copy of a Writ close addressed to the Sheriff of Devon, reminding him of his Oath, which binds him to make inquisition concerning injuries to the rights of the Crown &c., and stating that he had not made any return to the King's writ addressed to him thereupon:—that on behalf of the Mayor and Commonalty of Exeter it is shewn that although the inquisitions were taken in pursuance of the writ they have not been returned, and commanding him to return them forthwith. Witnessed by the King—Westminster, 12 June, 10 Edward II.

X. A Copy of No. V, in a hand of the time of Richard II.

XI, XII, XIII.Temp. Richard II. Copies of proceedings in a Case Exeteru. Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon, concerning the raising of wears and stopping of the Water-course of Exe. They are written in a hand of the time of Richard II(?), and are much torn.

XIV. 20 March, 10 Edward II A.D. (1317). A Copy(temp. Elizabeth) of the Writ of inquiry referred to in No. IX above.

XV. A similar copy of the Inquisition of 10 Edward II referred to as No. VIII above.

XVI. A similar copy of No. IX.

XVII.(?) 1 Henry VI, A.D. 1422. Copy of a Petition of the Mayor, Bailiffs and Commonalty of Exeter to the King—setting forth that Whereas the Mayor, Bailiffs and Commonalty hold and have held time out of mind the City and suburbs of Exeter and the Water of Exe in fee farm by a fee farm rent of 45l. 128. 6d. and "over that sustaine, repaire and maintaine a brigge called Exbrigge a commune way for all your liege pepell without Westgate containyng xij arches, which cost to your suppliants yerely xxli. and more, and your suppliants have no aiede ne succour towardes the reparacion of the same which in tymes past the revenuz of the Water of Exe and of Westgate hulpe towardes— And so the predecessors of your suppliants were seased in to tyme a Maire of your said Citie offendid in kyllyng of a percevaunt for the which the liberteez of Citie were seasid in the Kynges hondes, and so continued into that tyme on quene Maute, on whos saule God take mercy, instantly labored the Kynge's grace and gate the libertez of your citie to the Maire, balifs and Communaltie agayne: for that goode dede your suppliants kepe a obbite yerely for the said quene. In the meane tyme, or the libertez were graunted agayne, on Hugh Courtenay, then Earl of Devonscher, entred into Westgate and the Water of Exe and take hit to his owne use by reason of iij or iiij tenements and certaine rentes sek that he had without the said gate and so kept hit with force for the which hath ben grete variance by twext." the said Mayor &c. and the said Hugh, as appears by records remaining at Westminster and elsewhere. And the said Earl turned the Water of Exe out of its course and made wears and put grete tymber into the water of Exe of his malicious mynd that no barges or boats should come to a gate called Boatgate—"Which Water your said suppliants and their predecessors had used and injoied fro a ston called Orcheston now named Chikston anon to Cowley Brigg." And also he took from your suppliants a fair called Cruldich fair and made a wharf at Topsham "into the myddes of the streme, where by he stopped the water from your cite, and caused all schippes, barges and botes there to abide, to the gret hurt of your cite and derogation of your Duchie." And he caused merchants to put their dry goods in cellars at Topsham instead of Exeter. And your father the late King, "the last year save one," made proclamation that merchants were not to put their goods in cellars at Topsham, but this is disregarded. Your suppliants pray you to appoint counsel to examine their records and writings shewing their title to the premisses.

4. A roll of eight membranes, two of which are paper, containing:—

M. 1. Easter, 26 Henry VI (A.D. 1448). Copy in a proceeding for a malicious prosecution for rape.

M. 2. Easter, 25 Henry VI (A.D. 1447). William Bustard of Netherexv. William Summayster:–Copy of proceedings in a suit as to the title of a house in Netherex.

M. 3. Hillary, 14 Henry IV (1413). Copy of Common Pleas Roll:-Proceedings in a case Edward Courtenay, Knight, son and heir of Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon, against William Bray, Vicar of the Church of Saint Kieran, Exeter, on a plea of debt.

M. 3. Michaelmas, A.D. 1433. A curious list of the goods, ornaments and relicts of the Church of Saint Giles of Sidmouth and of the rents of old pertaining to the same Church.

M. 4. 47 (?) Henry VI (A.D. 1468). Copy of part of the pleadings in the suit about the Bishop's fee.

M. 5. The Master of Saint John's Hospitalv. John Whityng and others:—Draft proceedings in the Mayor's Court by the custom of Gavelak and Shortford to recover a house "in vico fratrum praedicatorum."

M. 6. 8 Henry V. (A.D. 1420–21). John Prior of Plimtonv John Hull. Similar proceeding as to a toft next Saint Mary Arches Church.

M. 7. Robert Prior of Plymtonv John Bloyon. Assize of novel disseizin.

M. 8. Hillary, 14 Richard II (A.D. 1391). Proceedings upon a writ of right respecting a piece of land in the City.

5. A Parchment Roll of 68 membranes, slightly torn on the left-hand edges, containing:—

"Placita de Juratis et Assisis apud Exoniam in Comitatu Devonie coram Salomone de Roffa et sociis suis Justiciariis ibidem Itinerantibus in Octabis Sancti Martini, anno regni Regis Edwardi nono, incipiente decimo (1281).—Rotulus Regis. Rex, Rex."

It contains the Pleas of "Quo Warranto," printed by the Record Commission,folio 18. There seems to be more in this Roll than in the printed text. The Roll is an original Public Record. How it came into the possession of the City does not appear, but a label on it shows that it has been among the Archives for at least two Centuries.

6. A Roll of 34 membranes containing divers accounts of expenses of the City as follows:—

M. 1,2,3. The account of the making of a weir. I Richard II (1377–78).

M.4,5. Expenses of building the Northgate.

M.6. The Account of a boat for the Manor of Duryurd.

M.7. Account of the repairs of Cowley Bridge.

M. 9, 10, 12. The Account for turning a water course at Duryurd.

M.11. Account of the rebuilding of Durvurd Mill. I Richard II (1377–78).

M.13,14,15,16,20. Accounts of the Murage of the City, 15–34, 41–44 and 46 Edward III.

M.17. Account of the City barge, 49 Edward III (1375–76).

M.18. Expenses of the Justices of Assizes, 39 Edward III (1365–66).

M. 19,20,21. The Mayor's Expenses to and from London.

M. 23,24. Account of the repair of roads.

M. 25,26,27,28. Account of the new wall next the Westgate, 11–12 Richard II (1387–89).

M.32,33. Expenses of rebuilding Exbridge, "de novo, de maeremio fact in occidentali parte ejusdem pontis," 12 Richard II (1388–89).

M.34. Expenses of the ditches and gates of the City, 8 Richard II (1384–5).

7.19–20 Henry VI. The Account of the making of the new Water Conduit.

8. 30 Henry VIII (1538–39). A Bundle of papers relating to a dispute between the City and one John Norbroke, (fn. 2) "a lawyer and a crafty man," concerning his dishonest and evil dealings.See also Hooker's MS.,folio 344b.

9. 12 November, 14 Edward II (1320). Copy of the Royal Charter of this date.See Charters No. XVIII.

It is rolled in a wooden roller with a piece of silk, and has a fragment of the great seal attached to it. Inside it a Copy of the Disgavelling Act of the City of Exeter has been stiched.

10. Henry VI. Fragment of a Provost Court Roll—much decayed by damp.

11. 16–19 Henry VI A.D. (1437–1441). A roll of 7 small membranes containing proceedings headed: "Exon. Curia Legalis ibidem tenta," &c.

12. 1–7 Henry V A.D. (1413–1420). A similar roll.

13. 28–31 Henry VI A.D. (1449–1453). "Rotulus Curiæ Stapuli Civitatis Exonie."

14. 34 Henry VI A.D. (1455) to 2 Edward IV A.D. (1462). Similar roll.

15. 12 Henry VIII to 11 Elizabeth. A decayed paper book of entries of Recognizances of the staple. (Incomplete in regard to the later years.)

16. 12–20 Henry VIII. A roll of similar entries.

17. 5 Charles I—27 Charles II. A roll of entries of Recognizances taken under the Statute Merchants.

18. 3 Charles I. A coll of Recognizances of Ale Sellers.

19. Elizabeth and James I. Miscellaneous Rolls of Recognizances taken at the Sessions &c.

20. 3–44 Elizabeth. Rolls of the Sessions of the Peace and Goal Delivery—proceedings at full.

21. 1–15 James I. Similar roll.

22. 28 Henry VIII to 3 Edward VI. Large roll of Inrolments of Deeds of Bargain and Sale.

23. 30 Elizabeth—21 James I. Similar roll.

24. 1 Charles I—33 Charles II. Similar roll.

25. 31–32 Henry VIII, 3 James I, 34 Charles II, 36 Charles II, 4 James II, 11 William III. Roll of Estreats and forfeited Recognizances.

26. 2–4 Anne. Similar roll.

27. George I. Similar roll.

28. 20 May, 3 Edward VI A.D. (1549). Paper Roll containing a copy of the Indenture described in Deeds No. A.D. 1464.

29. 35 Henry VIII, A.D. 1544, to 25 Nov., 1 Mary, A.D. 1553. Papers in suit in the Court of Requests between Richard Wainell, Clerk, parson of St Keran's, and the Chamber. Concerning the possession of a house next Saint Keran's Church commonly called the Parsonage or Parson's house.

• Petition of Richard Wannel, Plaintiff.
• Replication of same.
• 1 October, 35 Henry VIII A.D. (1543). Depositions of witnesses on behalf of Plaintiff.
• 21 January, 35 Henry VIII A.D. (1544). Depositions on behalf of Defendant.
• Two papers relating to the Depositions.
• 14 February, 36 Henry VIII A.D. (1545). Two Copies of Decree.
• Articles between the parties.

• 25 November, 1 Mary A.D. (1553). Michaelmas Term. Copy Order of the Court for the Mayor to bring in evidence in discharge of said Decree: the parson meanwhile quietly to enjoy the house.
• 15 November, 1 Mary A.D. (1553). Privy Seal. Confirming the Decree in favour of the parson.

30. 19 October, 26 Elizabeth, 1584. The Articles of an Association for the preservation of her Majesty's person. A very interesting document. Appended to it are the signatures and seals of 160 Exeter men. This document sadly needs repair. (fn. 3)

31. A.D. 1602. Acts, Orders, tables of rates &c., &c., respecting the Merchants' Cloth Hall.

32. May, A.D. 1724. Papers relating to a murder committed on the Honiton Road.

33. A.D. 1755. Rental of the Lands of Nicholas Smyth, Esquire.

34. 37 Elizabeth A.D. (1594–5). A large sheet of vellum, on which is written a full statement of the table relating to Assize of bread—specifying what the weight of the penny loaf ought to be according to the current price of wheat. Rolled up with it is a mutilated printed copy of a similar table.

35. 19 December, 3 Charles I A.D. (1627). Commission for the Execution of Martial Law in his Majesty's Army; with printed Instructions. This is contained in a round box, and has the great seal attached to it.

36. A.D. 1433. A Paper Roll containing a copy of a curious History of Totness and a collection of papers relating to it and the Water of Dartmouth. It is rolled up in two leaves of a fine 14th Century copy of Higden's "Polichronicon."

37. 11–14 Edward III A.D. (1337–41). Court Roll of Saint Sidwell's Fee.

38. 15 Edward III A.D. (1341–42). Similar Roll.

39. 10–11 Anne A.D. (1711–13). Saint Nicholas, Account of the Manor.

40. 3 Henry V A.D. (1415–16). Cruldych Court Roll of the Fair.

41. Henry VIII(?). Rough copy of a receiver's Account,entitled "A rental of the City of Exeter."

42. Henry VIII(?). A Draft rental of the Manor of Duryurd. Paper.

43. 12–13 Edward IV A.D. (1472–74). Court Roll of the Manor of "Ferdell."

44. 10 James I. Court Roll of the Manor of Clyst Saint Lawrence.

45. 12–13 Elizabeth. Court Roll of the Hundred of Staryge.

46. 32 Henry VIII, 3–4 Edward VI, 31–31 Elizabeth. Court Rolls of the Manor of Kenne.

47. 10 Henry VII A.D. (1494–5). Chalvelegh, Westbudlegh, Vyelston, and Newton Popilford– Ministers Accounts.

48. A roll of one membrane containing:–

• I. 9–10 Henry VII A.D. (1493–4). The Account of Lawrence Drewe, Reeve of the Manor of Sampford Courtenay, from Michaelmas, 9 Henry VII, to the Michaelmas following.
• II. Same date. Account of John Bearde, Bailiff of the Manor of Exilond.
• III. Same date. Account of John Cole, Bailiff of the Hundred of Est Budlegh.

49. 1 January, 2 Henry V A.D. (1415). Rental of the Priory of Saint Nicholas. Rolled up with it is a paper List of tenements belonging to the Priory, without date, but which appear to be of the time of Henry VIII.

50. 22–30 Henry VIII A.D.(1530–39). Long paper roll containing:–

• I. Extract of Fines and amercements of the tenants of Saint Nicholas before the Mayor of Exeter, 22–30 Henry VIII.
• II. The replication of John Lewys, A.D. (1499–1522: Oliver, 115), Priour of Saint Nicholas, to the answer of Wat. Yorke, late Mayor of Exeter A.D. (1501: Oliver,231); with two papers containing memoranda relating thereto.

51. 20 June, 20 Henry VI A.D. (1442). The King Henry VI to Saint Nicholas Priory.

A Copy of the "Inspeximus" Charter of earlier Charters and privileges.

A small paper book, eight leaves, 4to.

52. Saint Barnabas, 16 Edward IV, II June, A.D. 1476. Book of receipts of John Underdon, Receiver of the House or Priory of Saint Nicholas, Exeter, from Saint Barnabas, 16 Edward IV, to the same day next following.

53. Mutilated Roll containing copies of Charters and Grants to the Church of Saint Nicholas, principally relating to their property in Ireland. The Grantors are King Henry II, Prince John, Robert fitz Stephen, Milo de Cogan, Richard de Cogan, Philip de Barry, Walter de Barry, William Not, Geoffrey de Argenton, Stephen fitz Robert, Thomas Landry, Roger de Caunceton, Walter fitz Robert, John fitz William, John fitz Roger, Roger fitz Christopher, Robert Smyth, Robert fitz Richard, Adam de Rupe. The handwriting is of the time of Edward I.

54. Roll containing copies of ordinations by various Bishops.

19 December, A.D. 1349. John Bishop of Exeter—Ordination of Henry de Lodeswill Sub-Deacon.

20 February, A.D. 1349. John Bishop of Exeter—Ordination of Henry de Lodeswill Deacon.

13 March, A.D. 1349. John Bishop of Exeter—Ordinatio of Henry de Lodeswill Priest.

9 March, A.D. 1380. John Bishop of Bath and Wells— Ordination of John Gryndell Sub-Deacon.

30 March, A.D. 1381. Thomas Bishop of Exeter—Ordination of John Gryndell Deacon.

8 June, A.D. 1381. The same—Ordination of John Gryndel, Priest.

M. 2 contains Copies of Deeds relating to Frerenhay.

3 March, 16 Edward I (A.D.1288). Copy of a Writ of Edward I for the Friars Minors.See Deeds No. 702 (p 361).

2 March, 16 Edward I (A.D. 1288). Copy of another writ for the same.See Deeds No. 701 (p. 161).

8 March, 22 Richard II (A.D. 1399). Copy of Richard II's writ for the same.See Deeds No. 1023 (p. 107).

Saint Luke (October 18), A.D. 1336. Prior &c. of Saint Nicholas to Warden of the Friars Minors. Copy of Deed relating to Frerenhay.See Deeds No. 201 (p. 99).

55. Paper Roll of nine membranes, containing copies of documents relatin to the Lammas Fair and the liberties of the Priory of Saint Nicholas.

• I. Henry V (?). Articles and Answers between the Prior and the Mayor &c. concerning infractions of the liberties of Saint Nicholas Fee.
• II. Translation of the agreement to stand to an Award, 46 Henry III (A.D. 1261–62).
• III. (Top of roll.) Copy of Record, Common Pleas Roll, York, before William de Bereford, Easter, 16 Edward II (A.D. 1322–23), concerning Lammas Fair. Hugh de Courtenay and the Prior of Saint Nicholas Robert de Wotton, Mayor of Exeter. (A.D. 1323–24, Oliver, 229.)
• IV. Same case, Easter, 16 Edward II, roll 23.
• V. Decollation of Saint John, 45 Henry III (Aug. 29th, A.D. 1261). "Here folowyth the Grement be twext the Mayre, Bayleffys and Commons and the pryour off Seynt Nycholas."

VI. Composition of certain articles between the Prior of Saint Nicholas, Exeter, and the Mayor &c. of the same City.

• — Injuries done to the Prior of Saint Nicholas.
• Twenty-one articles and answers.
• On the back—
• VII. 10 May, 32 Edward I (A.D. 1304). Charter of King Edward I granting to the Citizens of Exeter similar liberties to those of London. ()
• VIII. A.D. 1189. Copy of Composition between the Prior of Saint Nicholas and the City.
• IX. "Here folowyth the Charters off the Pryour of Seynt Nicholas."
• 8 May, 18 Edward I (A.D. 1290). Copy of Inspeximus Charter to the Priory.

• . Tuesday after Holy Trinity, 26 Edward III, June 5 A .D. (1352). "Here folowyth the later composicion betwyne the Priour of Seynt Nicholas of Exeter and the Maier baillyves and Comynalte of the same."

56. Tuesday before Exaltation, 7 Henry V, 12 September, A.D. 1419. Rough paper draft of a rental of the Magdalen, drawn up by Peter Sturte, Warden. In very bad condition. (Not mentioned in Oliver, Mon.,197).

57. Saint Michael, 4 Edward VI, 29 September, A.D. 1550. "The Rentall of Mary Mawdelyn withowte the Southgate of the Cetye of Exeter, made by Mr. John Blackaller, Warden any generall Recever of the Hospitall of Mary Mawdelen aforesaid"; begun in the feast of Saint Michael, 4 Edward VI.

A roll of parchment: inclosed in it is a sheet of paper containing rough notes of former receivers' Accounts.

58. 14 Henry VIII, A.D. 1522. A roll of one membrane, containing:–

"The Rentall of Synt Marye Maudelyn made by Master Geffere Lewys (not in Oliver, Mon.,197), Wardy of the same place, the reigne of Kyng Henry the VIIIth, the xiiij yere" A.D. (1522).

59. 18–19 Henry VIII A.D. (1526–7). Small paper book of 9 leaves, 8°, containing:–

The Account of Geoffrey Lewis, Warden of the Magdalene, 18–19 Henry VIII A.D. (1526, 1527).

It has been bound up in a leaf from a copy of an old English life of Saint Edmund the King of East Anglia (? Lydgate's). It contains the end ofBook I, and commencement ofBook II, which is "sometyme in Denmark there was a paynym Kyng."

"As I fynd Lothebrotus was his name."

60. A paper book containing a rental of the Magdalen Hospital, dated 12–15 Henry VIII A.D. (1520–1524). It contains also entries of expenses of the Hospital, and belonged to Mr. Geffere Lewys.

61. A Roll of seven membranes containing Collectors' Accounts of the Magdalen Hospital, viz., the Accounts of:—

• . Richard Moulis, A.D. 1370–1371.
• . John Durrant, A.D. 39–40 Edward A.D. (1365–6>.
• . John Durrant, A.D. 1378–1379.
• . Richard Moulis, A.D. 1371–2.
• . John Durrant, A.D. 37–38 Edward, A.D. 1363–4.
• . Richard Moulis, A.D. 1370–1371.
• . John Durrant, A.D. 30–31 Edward, A.D. 1356–7.

62. ?circa A.D. 1500. Paper Roll Containing:–

"The answer of Geffrey Lewys, Wardyn of the Mawdeleyn, to the complaynte layde ageyn him to Master Mayre of the Citie of Exeter and his brederne of the poure people broder and systers of the same."

It relates of alledged misappropriation of the revenue.

Attached to it are:–

I. Memoranda of the rents withdrawn from the Hospital.

II. "The Costes payde for the sute of Sir John Bele"; to which bill other items are added as below.

In primis payd to Mr. Faux for seynge of the Evydens of Saynt Mary Mawdelyn ..vjd.

Item payd to Antony Peynter for payntyng of Seynt Mary Mowdlyn and the hey auter ..viijs.

Item payd the same Antony for mendyng of Synt Kateryn .. .. .. ..xvjd.

Item payd the same Antony for payntyng of Synt Luke yn our lady chappylliiijs. vjd.

III. A remembrance of the wrong done to the poor people of Saint Mary Magdalene by the Warden, etc.

IV. A rental of the Magdalen, ?circa. 1500.

V. A slip of parchment and two pieces of paper containing rough notes of deeds &c. relating to the Hospital property.

63. Small roll of the time of Henry VI, containing copies of deeds relating to tenements in South Street.

I. No date. John de Gery, Prior of Saint James to Alexander de Wydecumb and his heirs. Grant of a house and garden in South Street (bounds set out). Adam de Rifford, Mayor.

II. Thursday after Saint Nicholas (December 12, A.D. 1258). Convention between William de Syden and the Prior of Saint James—That said William will pay said Prior 308. in three following years for the house in South Street, which Alexander, who was "Serviens de Durerde" held of the said Prior. Nicholas de Ivelchestre Mayor [i.e. 1259].

III. No date. Thomas de Sanda to Henry Smith (Faber). Grant in free marriage with Matilda his wife of the house in South Street in which Maugerus Agnus dwelt. Hillary, Mayor [? Hilary Blund (Mayor, A.D. 1227, A.D. 1233) or White A.D. (1261)].

IV. Memorandum, that it is contained in the "Charta puerorum" (Charter of the chorister boys ?) that William Baghel, son of Walter Baghel, gave (to the Hospital ?) two cellars (duas celdas cum solario super-edificato) in South Street, next the tenement of Alexander de Durerde.

V. Memorandum that it is contained in the Charter of the Dean and Chapter, that they released to the Hospital of Saint Mary Magdalene a yearly rent of 2d. which they received from the house belonging to the choir boys, which Nicholas Blakeenave formerly held in South Street.

64. Monday after Circumcision, 8 Henry V A.D. (1421). A roll of six membranes put together in 1869 by Mr. Moore.

M. 1contains Memoranda out of the Records of Saint John's Hospital relating to an action in the Mayor's Court— "The Hospitalversus the Archdeacon of.

Totness"—to recover a tenement which the said Archdeacon holds of the Hospital in Saint Martin's Street, the rent of 408. reserved thereon being in arrear. The tenement is described as being in Saint Martin's Street between the tenement of the Archdeacon of Barnstaple and the tenement of the Abbot of Bucfast and the garden of the Archdeacon of Cornwall on the East, the tenement of the Dean and Chapter on the west; and it extends in length from the said street on the South to the lane lying between the dwellings of the Canons and the Friars Preachers on the North. The result of the trial does not appear.

M. 2contains Copies of deeds relating to the house of the Archdeacon of Barnstaple in Saint Martin's Street, which was held of Saint John's Hospital.

I. No date. Ralph Archdeacon of Barnstaple to The Brethren of the Hospital of Saint John. Bond to pay them a yearly rent of 168. for the tenement he holds of them in Saint Martin's Street. Witnesses: Hillary Blund or White (Albus), "Prepositus Exonie," and others.

II. No date. William Produm to The Hospital of Saint John. Grant in frank almoign of the houses in which he lived in Saint Martin's Street.

III. 24 May, 1357. Inspeximus by John Bishop of Exeter of three deeds brought to him to be perpetuated by his inspeximus by John de Bolehulle 1349–1384, Oliver,Mon., 301), Prior or Master of the Hospital of Saint John, viz.:

• Grant by the Brethren and Sisters of Saint John's by assent of W. Bishop of Exeter and B. Arch-deacon of Exeter, their Warden, and the Dean and Chapter, and the Mayor and Commonalty, to John Archdeacon of Cornwall, of their house in Saint Martin's Street, in which Lord Roger de Lymesy, Canon of Exeter, formerly dwelt. To hold to the said Archdeacon for his life or as long as he shall remain Archdeacon, and to his successors Archdeacons of Cornwall for ever, at a yearly rent of 408., and a relief to the said Hospital at the death or resignation of each Archdeacon.
• Saint Margaret, 1284. Composition between Master Henry de Bolleg, Archdeacon of Cornwall, and Master Thomas de Bodeham, Archdeacon of Totnes. The said Henry grants to said Thomas his house in Saint Martin's Street, appropriated to the Archdeaconry of Cornwall to hold so long as he pleases personally to dwell therein, paying rent of 408. to Saint John's Hospital and giving up the same to said Henry when he wishes to return.
• Copy of Deed No, I on this roll.

IV. 16 April, 12 Henry VI A.D. (1434). Award of William Wonard in a dispute between John Master of Saint John's Hospital and Master John Waryn, Archdeacon of Barnstaple, concerning the title to a yearly rent of 168. arising from the tenement in Saint Martin's Street, now within the close of the cemetery of Saint Peter's, of which the said Archdeacon is seized by reason of his Archdeaconry. The said William Wonard states that the said house was formerly two houses and is held of the said Hospital by the yearly rent of 168.; and awards that the said Archdeacon is to pay the same, and reliefs when they shall happen.

On the back of the roll is a memorandum in later hands of the payments by several Archdeacons. Master Robert Barforth, who died 8 October, A.D. 1485, William Elyott, John Voysy, Richard Norton, John Yonge (Master of the Rolls), John Tyack, Richard Tollette, 14 May, A.D. 1518, and Thomas Brerewod.

The other membranes contain copies of deeds, all relating to the Hospital.

65. Monday after Saint George, 25 Edward III. Extracts from the City Court Rolls, showing the steps taken by the Prior of the Hospital of Saint John to recover, by the custom of "Gavelak and Shortford," a piece of land which Henry dela Pomeray, Senior, held of him in High Street near the East-gate, and another piece of land held by Philip Durneford in Pacie Stret.

66. Small roll containing copies of deeds relating to the Friars Preachers as follows:–

• I. Monday after Corpus Christi, 36 Edward III. The Mayor and Commonalty of Exeter to The Prior and Convent of Friars Preachers. Licence to make a gate in the north part of the lane opposite the lane called Saint Stephen's Bow; which same lane lies on the west part of the close of the said Brethren.
• II. Monday after Saint Peter ad Vincula, 25 Edward I.4 August, A.D. 1297. Edmund Earl of Cornwall to The Friars Preachers of Exeter. Inspeximus and Confirmation of an agreement between Robert de Ottery, Prior of the Friars Preachers and William Tauntefer, Mayor of Exeter, concerning a gate in "Stykestret."
• III. No date. The Mayor &c. to The Friars Preachers. Licence to make a drain through the City wall to carry away the rain water from their buildings.

67. 29–30 Edward I. A Roll containing Articles of a controversy between the Dean and Chapter of Exeter and the Friars Preachers of Exeter respecting the right of burial in the Church of the Friars, and the contention with respect to the bodies of Sir Henry de Ralegh and Henry de la Pomeray.See also Mayor's Court Roll, 29–30 Edward I,roll I.

68. 4 May, 15 Henry VI (?) A.D. 1437. Roll containing 2 Copies of Act of Parliament settling the disputes concerning the bounds of Saint Sidwell's fee, which are set out very fully, and sundry liberties of the Dean and Chapter.

69. 12 December, 27 Henry VI A.D. (1448). Copy of the Composition between the Bishop, Dean and Chapter and the City respecting their liberties.See Deeds No. 1198. This is rolled on a piece of wood.

70. A.D. 1599. A large paper roll containing Copies of Charters, Compositions and other documents relating to disputes between the City and the Bishop, Dean and Chapter, collected together and noted in the margins in Hooker's handwriting.

There is also a large quantity of papers of this description among the Law papers on Shelf C.6.See page 1401 of theCalendar.

71. A mutilated paper roll containing Extracts from the Mayor's Court Rolls.

72. (?) Edward III. Roll containing the Returns of the Collectors of the first Taxation for the Murage of the City:– "Taxation prima levata pro reparatione portarum, murorumet fossatorum." It contains the names of all the citizens in each quarter who were taxed, with the amount of their taxing.

• The East Quarter, paid 4. 17 7.

The South Quarter,7 12 0.

• The West Quarter,3 18 2
• The North Quarter, 6 2 0

73. A Roll of 2 membranes containing:–

M. 1. A.D. 1569. A roll of presentments of men and their weapons in the City of Exeter.

M. 2. 30 Elizabeth A.D. (1587–88). A roll of the names of 120 men furnished to her Majesty by the City.

74. A.D. 1673–4. Three Lists of Hearths and Stoves in the City of Exeter. Two are in paper books and the third on a parchment roll.

75. A.D.1626–7. "A liste of the several persons and sums of money within the Cittie and Countie of Exon that have advanced monies to his Majestie by way of Loan,"&C.

76. 5 September, 28 Elizabeth, A.D. 1586. Subsidy Roll. Particulars of the subsidy granted in the 27 Elizabeth.Signed: "John Exon, Nycholas Martyn, Maior, Thomas Brereton." Three membranes.

77. 20 April, 7 James I, A.D. 1609. Subsidy Roll: Assessment of aid towards making Prince Henry a Knight.

Two membranes.

Signatures and seals with crests of the Commissioners:-John Prouse, Mayor, George Smyth, Geoffrey Waltham, William Martyn, Recorder, Thomas Walker, and Nicholas Ducke.

78. Monday after Assumption, 10 Edward III,19 August, A.D. 1336. Roll containing Copy of Plea concerning the disturbance of Crulledych Fair and the rescue of certain thieves at Ayschpertone.

79. Easter, 16 Edward II, A.D.1323. Hugh Courtenayv. The Mayor, Bailiffs and Commonalty of Exeter.

Copy of Plea concerning Crulledych Fair.

80. Henry VII. A large sheet of vellum intitled: "Syon.— Here below follow the Articles of the liberties and privileges specified in the Letters Patent granted and confirmed by king Henry VII to the Monastery of Syon." The articles set out are as follows :–

• I. Discharge of all Tenths, fifteenths and other Subsidies.
• II. Discharge of all manner Tolls and Customs.
• III. Discharge of all manner Aids &c.
• IV. Grant of View of Frankpledge, Assize of bread and ale, wreck of the sea &c.
• V. Fines, issues and forfeitures of their tenants.
• VI. Free Warren.
• VII. To hold court in all places from three weeks to three weeks, by plaint of all manner actions to what sums soever they attain.
• VIII. Conizance of all pleas.
• IX. Ward and Custody of all lands held by Knight's service.
• X. Correction of all trespasses except "Mayhem."
• XI. Return of writs &c.
• XII. No Sheriff or other Officer to arrest any tenants of said Monastery.
• XIII. The King's purveyors to take no cattle of the Abbess or her tenants.
• XIV. No Escheator, Sheriff &c. to enter the Lordship &c.
• XV. Power to collect fines, amercements &c. "per sevel per ballivos."
• XVI. Licence to resist King's Officers acting contrary to this Charter.
• XVII. Power to hold all their lands &c. freely and in peace.

The Clauses of the Charter are copied in each Article.

81.Temp. Henry VI. Copy of an Exemplification ofDomesday Book for the City of Exeter—the Charter of Richard King of the Romans, 7 November, A.D. 1259, (Charter XII) and that of 21 Henry III (Charter X) &c.

82. 18 Henry VII (A.D. 1502–3). A Roll entitled: "Here folowyth the title and grounde whereby the Mayor and Sherovys of London clayme to have the custome and scavagealias sanevage of the Inhabitants of Exeter."French.

83. Easter, 21 Edward III (A.D. 1347). A Copy of the enrolment on the Memoranda Roll of the Exchequer, Easter, 21 Edward III, roll 9, respecting the Lastage and Stallage of the Fair of Exeter.

Printed in Madox's Firma Burgi.

84. Michaelmas, 18 Richard II (A.D. 1394). Copy of a further proceeding in the same matter. Memoranda Roll Exchequer, Michaelmas, 18 Richard II,rot. 35, Madox's Firma Burgi, pp. 263–269.

85. Another Copy.

86. Michaelmas, 12 Henry IV (1410). Copy of a further proceeding in the same case. Memoranda Roll Exchequer, Michaelmas, 12 Henry IV.

87. Another Copy. Imperfect.

88. A Roll of paper, fragments of copies and drafts of the same proceedings.

89. 20 Henry III to 14 Edward III. Extracts from the Pipe Rolls relating to the same.

90.A curious Memorandum in French respecting the same suit, with a copy on paper attached to it.

91. A Roll of paper containing:—

4 November, 24 Henry 6 (1445). Copy Grant of the Conservancy of the River Exe to Thomas, Earl of Devon: with a note at the end setting forth the attainders of the Courtenays, and showing the grant to be void.

18 December, 6 Edward VI, 1552. Copy Grant to Peter Smyth of an Annuity out of the Manor of Topsham.

1 May, Petition of Edward Courtenay, Knight, for restoration in blood.

3 February, 3 Henry VIII (1512). Grant to Katharine wife of William Courtenay, Earl of Devon(inter alia) of a free fishery "in aqua et rivulo de Exe" and three mills in Exilond.

11 October, 3 Henry VIII (1511). Inquisition after the death of the Earl of Devon. He had a Water Court from Exmouth to Exbridge.

92. A somewhat decayed paper book written in a hand of Henry VIII's time, entitled:—

A Remembrance of certayne maters consernyng the Porte of Exeter, the stoppyn of the Rever of Exe that shipps and vessells coyd not resort to the Cetie.

93. 23 July, 20 Elizabeth (1578). A paper roll containing a contemporary copy of the Charter of the City of London of this date.

94. Another similar paper roll containing a copy of the same Charter.

95. A Bundle of odd leaves of ancient books, illuminated missals &c. These were originally covers of some of the Rolls. They shew the terrible destruction that was made of old MSS. in the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward, VI and Elizabeth. There are fragments of six or seven very fine missals, a leaf of a copy of the Gospels of the early part of the XIIIth Century—a leaf from an early copy of Higen'sPolichronicon, &c.

96. 42–46 Edward III (1368–1373). Copy of the entries on the Mayor's Court Roll of the custom of "Gavelak and Shortford" for the recovery of a house and a piece of land near the Castle of Exeter by the Master of Saint John's Hospital from Isabella de Hugheton—at the end there is a full recitation of the nature of the custom.

97. 16–17 Henry VI A.D. (1437–39). Copy of similar entries respecting a tenement "in Vico Fratrum Praedicatorum" recovered by the Master of Saint John's Hospital from John Whityng and others.

98. Parchment Roll of five membranes, containing copies of portions of the proceedings relating to the Lastage and Stallage of the Fair of Exeter, above described under Nos. 83 to 89 (pp A.D. 1196–7) ; and also an early copy of the document No. 90 above.

99. Imperfect drafts of some of the City's Charters—of no use; with a small fragment of a Mayor's Court Roll.

100 and 101. Two card-board boxes containing the originals of theShillingford Letters and Papers printed for the Camden Society. The letters proper are in a bundle by themselves; the paper in the suit to which the letters refer are the residue. Some of the papers are confused and are drafts and portions of drafts of the documents printed. The whole have been carefully examined and all the matter which could be recovered from the MSS. will be found in the printed volume.

102. A roll of five membranes containing the Articles of disputes between the Dean and Chapter and the City in 33 Henry III A.D. (1248–49), and later concerning their respective jurisdictions, with copies of Charters &c.

103. A bundle of papers formerly rolls relating to disputes between the City and the Bishop, Dean and Chapter from A.D. 1599 to A.D. 1709.

104. Monday after S. Dunstan, 13 Edward II, 19 May, A.D. 1320. Extract from the City Court Roll setting forth the Customs of "Gavelak" and "Shortford."

It appears that if any Lord has a free tenant who ought to pay Rent to the Chief Lord for his tenement and does not do so and has nothing in the said tenement which can be distrained, the Lord shall carry away a stone or any other distress, "nullius quasi manentis existentis," for the arrears of Rent, and so shall continue to do for seven terms following, and shall carry away seven stones as is aforesaid, which seven are called "Glebe." In which seventh term by the consideration of the Court he shall have the said Tenement for a year and a day by delivery of the Bailiff of the City, which is commonly called "Gavalak". This is publicly proclaimed, so that any claimant of the tenement may put in his claim or answer for the rent and arrears within the year. And if no one comes or will not or cannot satisfy for the Rent &c. within that time the Lord goes to the Court and claims according to the Custom of the City to be adjudged in fee and demesne. And this custom is commonly called in our mother tongue "Shortford," which in French is called "Forclot." By this Custom the Prior of S. Nicholas recovers a Tenement without Northgate which formerly belonged to William le Mol, Glover.

Fragment of the Mayoralty Seal attached.