Memorials: 1363

Proclamation as to the prices of Victuals.

37 Edward III. A.D. 1363. Letter-Book G. fol. cvii. (Norman French.)

Common proclamation made in the time of Stephen Cavendisshe, Mayor, in the 37th year.—

(fn. 1) That the best goose shall be sold for 6d. The best suckingpig, for 8d. The best capon, 6d. A hen, 4d. The best rabbit, 4d. A teal, 2½d. A river mallard, (fn. 2) 5d. Four larks, Id. A snyte, (fn. 3) 1½d. A wodcok, 3d. A perdriche, (fn. 4) 5d. A fesaunt, 2d. A spaude (fn. 5) of roast mutton, 2½d. A brusket of roast mutton, 2½d. A capon, baked in a pasty, 7d. A roast goose, 7d. The best carcass of mutton, 2s. The best loigne of beef, 5d. The best pestelle (fn. 6) of pork, 3d. The best loigne of pork, 3d. And so each manner of flesh, at a reasonable price, according to its value.

Also,—that no victualler, of whatsoever condition he be, shall conceal his victuals which he has to sell, on pain of paying, the first time, half a mark to the Chamber; and of being put on the pillory the second time.

Also,—that no victualler, of whatsoever condition he be, shall withhold any manner of victuals until they have become corrupt and stinking; and if any one shall do so, and be convicted thereof, let the same victualler, in whose hands such spoilt and stinking victuals shall be found, be taken and put upon the pillory, and the said stinking and spoilt victuals burnt beneath him.

Sale of Jewels to Master John Caumbrugge, executor of Michael de Northburghe, late Bishop of London.

37 Edward III. A.D. 1363. Letter-Book G. fol. cxxix. (Norman French.)

(fn. 7) "To all who this letter shall see or hear, Agneys Chalke, spicer, of London, greeting in God. Know that I have sold and delivered for a certain sum of silver, by me received on the day of the making hereof, to Master John Caumbrugge, (fn. 8) executor of the will of Master Michael de Northburghe, (fn. 9) late Bishop of London, whom may God assoil, a coronal of gold, (fn. 10) wrought with stones, that is to say, with rubyes, saphirs, emeralds, and pearls; and a noche (fn. 11) of gold, of the fashion of an eagle, wrought with stones, that is to say, with rubyes, saphirs, emeralds, and pearls, with one great ruby in the breast thereof; and two rings of gold, the one with a dyamaunt, and the other enamelled; and one mazer, bound with silver gilt; to have and to hold all the said jewels well and "freely, to him and to his assigns for ever. In witness of the truth whereof, to this letter of true sale I have set my seal. Given at London, on the Eve of St. Michael [29 September], in the 37th year of the reign of King Edward, after the Conquest the Third."

(fn. 12) Be it remembered, that on the 7th day of August, in the 38th year etc., Master John de Caumbrugge delivered unto Henry Fraunceys, of Westminster, and to Parnel, his wife, all the jewels abovewritten. And the same John received from the said Henry 12 pounds, for which the said jewels were in pledge (fn. 13) to Master John aforesaid. And the things aforesaid were done in the Chamber of the Guildhall of London, in presence of Adam Fraunceys, William Holbeche, and John de Bernes, Aldermen, and of John Lucas, Common Clerk of the city aforesaid.

Punishment of the Pillory, for enhancing the price of wheat.

37 Edward III. A.D. 1363. Letter-Book G. fol. cxiii. (Latin.)

On the 9th day of the month of November, in the 37th year, William Cokke, of Heese, (fn. 14) was taken, because that on the same day, he, the same William, carrying a sample of wheat in his hand, in the market within Neugate, in London, followed one William, servant of Robert de la Launde, goldsmith, who wanted to buy wheat, from sack to sack, and said that such wheat as that he would not be able to buy at a lower price than 21 pence; (fn. 15) whereas on the same day, and at that hour, the same servant could have bought such wheat for 18 pence.

Upon which the same William Cokke being questioned, before the Mayor, Recorder, and certain of the Aldermen, he acknowledged that he had done this to enhance the price of wheat, to the prejudice of all the people. It was therefore awarded by the said Mayor and Aldermen, that the said William Cokke should have the punishment of the pillory.

Presents made by the Citizens to the Kings of England and France.

37 Edward III. A.D. 1363. Letter-Book G. fol. cxxxiii. (Latin.)

Be it remembered, that John de Cauntebrugge, Chamberlain, received moneys of divers trades for a present sent to our Lord the King of England, in the 37th year.—

(fn. 16) Of the Tanners without Neugate, 40s. Of the Butchers of St. Nicholas, 9l. Of the Butchers of the Stokkes, 6l. Of the Butchers of Estchepe, 8l. Of four Dieghers, (fn. 17) 2 marks. Of Robert and Richard atte Crouche, (fn. 18) Webbes, (fn. 19) one mark. Of the Wexchaundelers, 40s. Of the Tanners without Crepelgate, 31s. Of the Pouchmakers, 5 marks. Of two Cappers, 13s. 4d. Of the Grossers (fn. 20) in the Roperie, (fn. 21) 100s. Of Thomas the Scrivener in Frydaystret, half a mark. Of Andrew the Pyebakere, half a mark. Of John atte Harpe, (fn. 22) half a mark. Of John Seint Ive and Roger atte (fn. 23) Basket, half a mark.

Presents sent to our Lord the King of France, (fn. 24) in part of his payment. In the first place, received from the Drapers, 10 marks. Also, from the Fishmongers, 10 marks. From the Mercers, 10 marks. From the Grocers, 4l. 6s. 8d. Sum total thereof, 24l. 6s. 8d.