Memorials: 1301

Inventories of goods left by will, and delivered in presence of the Mayor and Aldermen.

29 Edward I. A.D. 1301. Letter-Book C. fol. li. (Latin.)

These are the goods left by will to Johanna, daughter of Walter le Blund, now wife of Stephen de Abyndone, and delivered to the same Stephen on Thursday the Eve of St. Andrew the Apostle [30 November], in the 29th year of the reign of King Edward, in presence of Elias Russel, the then Mayor of London, Geoffrey de Nortone, William de Leyre, and other Aldermen, namely:—

One silver cup with a foot; two cups of mazer, (fn. 1) with silver feet; one cup of stone; six silver spoons; one silk purse; three needlepieces of silk; one gilded girdle, trimmed with silver; two crepines of silk; (fn. 2) one garland (fn. 3) with pearls; one gressoir of silk; (fn. 4) two kerchiefs, and three barbettes; (fn. 5) four ear-pillows, (fn. 6) two of which are of silk, and two of pall; (fn. 7) six sheets; three counterpanes of wool; one counterpane of Reyns; (fn. 8) one gilded coverlet; one counterpane of gris; (fn. 9) two woman's chemises; one woman's rochet; (fn. 10) three tablecloths; twelve towels in six pieces; one banker; (fn. 11) three feather beds, and three head-bolsters; one large chest. All the things aforesaid had been in the safe-keeping of Hugh Pourte.

These are the goods left by will to John, son of Walter le Blund the younger, remaining in the custody of Hugh Pourte, and inspected on the Eve of St. Andrew the Apostle in the 29th year of the reign of King Edward, by Elias Russel, Mayor, and certain of the Aldermen, namely.—

One cup plated with silver; one small cup of mazer, with a silver foot; six silver spoons; one table-cloth; two towels; one banker; three sheets; two counterpanes of Reyns; two ear-pillows of pall; one feather bed, and one head-bolster; one coffer, bound with iron.

Loss of a seal, and notice given thereon.

29 Edward I. A.D. 1301. Letter-Book C. fol. lvi. (Latin.)

On Monday next before the Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist [25 April], in the 29th year of the reign of King Edward, in full Husting at London, public cry was made that Richer de Refham, (fn. 12) taverner, had lost his seal, with the impression of a tun thereon, and his name written around it; and that he would no longer be bound by the seal aforesaid, and if any obligation should be made with the same, such obligation would be held as null and void.

Letter of the Mayor and Citizens of London to the Countess of Gloucester.

29 Edward I. A.D. 1301. Letter-Book C. fol. lix. (Norman French.)

"To the most noble lady, and wise, my Lady Johanna, daughter of the noble King of England, Countess of Gloucester and Hertford, her servants, Elias Russel, Mayor of London, and the Citizens of the same city, greeting, with all manner of reverence and honour. Whereas, my Lady, our fellow-citizens, certain merchants, resorting to Henlee, in passing through Merlawe (fn. 13) and elsewhere in your domain, have been grievously distrained, and their merchandize detained, which ought to come to the City of London for their sustenance; through which distresses and grievances, the people dwelling in and repairing to the said city have received, and do still receive, from one day to another, grievous damage; we do pray your goodness, dear lady, and do request, that you will command your bailiff of Merlawe that he cause to be delivered up the distresses made upon our fellow-citizens aforesaid, and that he surcease to make such distresses, until the return of our Lord the King, your [father], to the neighbourhood of London. And if anything be done to him, or to you, my Lady, by any persons of the City, which shall displease you—the which may God forfend—amends shall be made to you, high and low, at your good pleasure. Greeting."

Another letter, signed with the Common Seal, and of the same tenor, was sent to the Earl of Gloucester, on the Saturday next after the Feast of St. Margaret, [20 July] in the 29th year of the reign of King Edward.

Assault upon a serjeant of the Mayor.

29 Edward I. A.D. 1301. Letter-Book C. fol. lxii. (Latin.)

On Wednesday next after the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary [8 September], in the 29th year of King Edward, came Nicholas the baker, of Cornhulle, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and gave surety to Thomas de Kent, serjeant of the Mayor and the Chamber of the Guildhall of London, for a trespass which he had committed upon him, as found by the verdict of the inquisition upon which he had put himself, in one pipe of wine, of the value of 20 shillings; which pipe, or the price thereof, is placed in respite, on the understanding that if the said Nicholas shall be found again to have offended against the aforesaid Thomas, or any other serjeant of the King in the City of London, the same being established by the testimony of two neighbours, trustworthy persons, then the said Nicholas shall pay the said 20 shillings towards the fabric of London Bridge. To make which payment the same Nicholas binds himself and all his chattels.

Insult to William de Leyre, an Alderman.

29 Edward I. A.D. 1301. Letter-Book C. fol. lxii. (Latin.)

On Friday, the morrow of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross [14 September], Walter Swan appeared before Sir Elias Russel, Mayor of London, and other Aldermen then present; and gave surety to William de Leyre, (fn. 14) Alderman, for the despite which he had done him by deed and word, in one tun of wine, of the value of 40 shillings, to be paid at his good pleasure. And he found sureties as to the same; namely, Walter de Wanlok, and Robert de Belleseye, who were present, and entered into the security aforesaid.