23rd April 1624

FRIDAY, 23 APRIL 1624

I. JOURNAL OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, PA, HC/CL/JO/1/14

[CJ 688; f. 7v]

Veneris, 23⁰ Aprilis, 22⁰ Jacobi

L. 1a. An act to enable Sir Richard Burneby, kt., to sell the manor of Watford and divers pastures in Hollesworth in the county of Northampton for payment of debts and raising of portions for younger children.

Moor-burning: Tuesday next, 2 [o']clock, in the Star Chamber.

L. 1a. An act for the settling of the lands of Sir John Rivers, baronet.

L. 1a. An act for establishing/

Monday, 2 of the clock, for the bill for butter and cheese, in the former place.

L. 1a. An act for the naturalizing of Jane Murray, widow, and William Murray, esq.

[CJ 689] L. 1a. An act for the naturalizing of [Dr.] John Young, Dean of Winchester.

L. 1a. [Sir Peter] Vanlore and Sir Charles Caesar's bill.

L. 2a. An act for sheriffs being discharged having a quietus est.

Committed to:

Sir Guy Palmes

Sir Christopher Hildyard

Sir Robert More

Sir Eubule Thelwall

Sir William Cope

All that come to have voice. Tomorrow in the afternoon, Star Chamber. King's officers to be called.

Tomorrow, 2 [o']clock in the afternoon for [Matthias] Fowle's business. The committees to have power to send for any witnesses to inform them.

L. 2a. [Francis] Bonnington's bill.

Committed:

Monday, 2 [o']clock, Court of Wards.

[f. 8] L. 2a. An act to restrain the worsted weavers within the city of Norwich for buying or using any other yarn to be employed to be employed [sic] in the/

Upon the first question, not to be committed.

Upon the second question, not to be engrossed.

SIR THOMAS HOBY moves to bring in the patent of the hanaper, wherein there is an increase of fees.

Ordered, this to be brought in to the committee of grievances this afternoon by Mr. [George] Mynne, the patentee.

The amendments which came from the Lords in the bill for pleading the general issue twice read and committed.

Sir Edward Coke

Mr. [William] Noye

Attorney Wards

Sir H[enry] Poole

Presently, in the Committee Chamber.

L. 3a. Hallamshire knives.

The words "who, by virtue of this act, are authorized to minister the said oath" added by order of the House, which twice read and put into the paper book and then into the engrossed book.

SIR EDWARD COKE reports the bill of pleading the general issue with the amendments which came down from the Lords, and was now recommitted.

The amendments engrossed by the Clerk's man, called in; and then put to the question for the amendments, and passed.

SIR EDWIN SANDYS reports from the committee for trade. For the Merchant Adventurers, their patent being damned as against law in the creation by reason of some exorbitant clauses in it, and a grievance in the execution by reason of impositions .

That the Merchant Adventurers refused to vent all the cloths of the kingdom. Secondly, that they were contented to take in more merchants, they paying as high fines as paid in any other company, and so as this House would confirm their charter by act of Parliament. [f. 8v] That the Merchant Adventurers complain of great grievances in their trade by impeaching their trade in the Archduchess's country and in divers parts of Germany, hindering the passage of their cloths through their dominions and laying an imposition of 24s. upon every cloth, where only by the confederacy 2d. to be paid upon a cloth. Their second grievance against the states of the United Provinces. An imposition of 32s. upon an English cloth, making their own cloth free, by which means they make their cloth cheap and ours dear, and so hinder vent. Then they demand tare, so as the seller knows not what he is to have when he has sold his cloth.

That the committee utterly dislikes the Merchant Adventurers' imposition upon cloths. That the committee has thought fit to name a select committee of a few to treat with some merchants about accommodating of the difference between the Merchant Adventurers and other merchants.

Ordered, the Merchant Adventurers' patent shall be, upon Monday next, 2 [sic] brought to the committee for grievances to be considered of.

Ordered, a select committee of 12 of this House to be attended by a committee of the Merchant Adventurers to accommodate the business between the Merchant Adventurers, etc., concerning white cloths and dyed cloths, kerseys and new draperies.

Tomorrow in the afternoon, 2 [o']clock, Star Chamber. And this committee to have power to send for such merchants in London, being no Merchant Adventurers, as can inform them. And this committee to attend this service, all other set aside. And that this committee shall have power to consider of the grievances complained of by the Merchant Adventurers. And this committee to consider of the petition about the imposition of 10s. per centum upon hops.

SIR EDWIN SANDYS. That great complaint made of the office of alnager, who raises a perpetual rent of the retailers of new drapery and do[es] nothing.

[f. 9] John Carpenter and his son, Robert Carpenter, and his rent-gatherer, Nicholas Bailly, to attend the committee for trade upon Tuesday next in the afternoon.

The committee for trade to have power to send for any witnesses or others whom they shall think fit concerning matter of trade.

That the committee thought fit to transmit to the Lords an imposition of xs. per centum upon hops set by the Lord Treasurer.

A petition about an imposition of 10s. per centum upon hops against the Lord Treasurer read.

L. 3a. An act for establishment of 3 lectures by Mr. [Thomas] Whetenhall.

Upon question, passed.

Privilege for Mr. [William] Coryton in Chancery.

The postmasters to be sent for to attend the committee for grievances.

Mr. [Nicholas] Stoughton to have privilege for his man.

Mr. Attorney Duchy and Mr. Solicitor added to [Robert] Wolverstone's /

[House adjourned]

II. JOURNAL OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, PA, HC/CL/JO/1/13

[CJ 773; f. 158v]

Veneris, 23 Aprilis 1624

L. 1. An act to enable Sir Richard Burneby to sell the manors of Watford.

L. 1. An act for the altering of the tenure and custom of the lands of Thomas Potter and Sir John Rivers, knight.

L. 1. An act for the settling and establishing of the inheritance of Sir William Somerville, knight, deceased.

L. 1. An act for the naturalizing of Jane Murray, widow, and William Murray, esquire.

L. 1. An act for the naturalizing of [Dr.] John Young.

L. 1. An act for the settling of the manor of Little Munden in the county of Hertford.

L. 2. An act that sheriffs, their heirs, executors and administrators, having their quietus est, shall be absolutely discharged of their accounts.

Committed to:

Sir Guy Palmes

Sir Christopher Hildyard

Sir Robert More

Sir Eubule Thelwall

Sir William Cope

All that will come to have voice. Tomorrow in the afternoon, Star Chamber. The King's officers to be called to it.

[f. 159] Committee for [Matthias] Fowle to meet tomorrow afternoon. And the committee have power to send for any witnesses to inform them.

L. 2. Mr. [Francis] Bonnington's bill.

Committed to:

Monday, 2 [o']clock, Court of Wards.

L. 2. An act to restrain the worsted weavers of the county and city of Norwich from using any other wool or yarn than of Norfolk growth.

SIR EDWARD COKE. To have it rejected.

Upon question, not to be committed.

Upon question, not to be engrossed.

SIR THOMAS HOBY. A member of this House that has got a patent that is an increase of fees in the Chancery. Mr. [George] Myn[ne], Clerk of the Hanaper.

Ordered, to be brought into the committee of grievances this afternoon.

[f. 159v] The amendments of the bill to admit the subject to plead the general issue, which came down from the Lords.

The amendments committed to:

Sir Edward Coke

Mr. [William] Noye

Attorney Wards

Presently, Committee Chamber.

L. 3. Hallamshire knives.

Upon question, passed.

SIR EDWARD COKE reports the amendments of the bill for general issue in informations of intrusion.

Passed, with these amendments.

SIR EDWIN SANDYS reports from the committee of trade, first, concerning the great trade of cloth. At their last meeting, made answer to the 3 propositions made unto them. Committee did them that honour as to crave their advice, which yesterday they delivered in writing. First, refuse the buying of all the cloth of the kingdom as a thing unreasonable. Were content that other merchants should come into their company upon 2 conditions: that they might pay a round fine; and their charter confirmed by act of Parliament. 1,800 of their own company trade not. Therefore, they think no need of any new merchants. They presented some grievances on their trade. [f. 160] First, the licence money laid by the Archduchess, 24s. on every cloth, which they say to be against the ancient league with the house of Burgundy, newly revived, and only 2d. Flemish to be paid on every cloth. Exhibited also a negotiation, lately passed, between the merchants and the Archduchess's ambassador. This he has read over. Finds it of very strange strain and language. A great deal of bitterness.

These read.

Second, complaint against the states of the United Provinces for laying an imposition of 32s. sterling upon a fine cloth, and so proportionally, which makes their cloth cheap and ours dear. They think now a fit opportunity offered to redress this, in regard of the great favour this House has done them in subsidies. Another grief [sic] is the matter of tare. By a late order, this made at the merchant buyers' own home, at 28 several places, whereas before but in one. They desire this remedy: the statute of tentering of cloth upon the lower bar; to have this put in execution, and to have 2 or 3 pounds more allowed for length and breadth. A 4th grief [sic]. 33 Hen. 8 transportation of all white cloth forbidden to be transported above £4 a cloth. A dispensation with this statute. A licence to transport 30,000 a year above this value. George, Earl of Cumberland, had this licence to dispense for a greater quantity. For this at first paid 2s. 2d. upon a cloth, after 6d. more. This licence almost out. A reversion granted of this to the late Duke of Lennox for 21 years more. This they are much afraid of. Fifth, pretermitted customs, which they much complain. Lastly, of the officers' fees.

First, for the matter of imposition, the committee thought it not fit to have it any longer continued. Unjust in the very original. This gift either voluntary or not voluntary. If voluntary, why laid on the subject? If involuntary, dangerous in precedent.

[f. 160v] To give them some content, they thought fit to do somewhat. To take off all the other burdens, the Archduchess, the Hollanders, the abolishing of the statutes, the pretermitted customs, the abating of the officers' fees. This will be a good recompense for their loss. The committee not of opinion to admit others into the company of the Merchant Adventurers. First, to have them have the sole trade of white cloths, and other merchants to have trade of dyed cloths, kerseys and new manufactures. This thought a reasonable reconciliation between both. Committee thought fit to have a subcommittee of few to treat with a number of the Merchant Adventurers to reconcile all differences and accommodate this business. He names Mr. Comptroller.

Resolved, upon question, that the patent of the Merchants Adventurers shall be brought to the committee of grievances to be viewed and considered of by them at their next sitting.

[CJ 774] Resolved, there shall be a select committee named to be attended by some of the Merchant Adventurers to accommodate this business. Number, 12.

These are appointed to meet tomorrow afternoon, 2 [o']clock, Star Chamber, and some of the Merchant Adventurers to attend them to accommodate the business concerning their transportation of white cloths, and the other merchants the dyed and dressed cloths, kerseys and the new manufactures. [f. 161] And have power to send for such merchants of London, or any other, to inform them. And this committee to attend this service, all other business set aside. And have power to consider of the grievances complained of by the Merchant Adventurers.

SIR EDWIN SANDYS goes on with his report. A great many petitions preferred to this committee. One against the office of the alnager. 3 petitions from Northampton. The desire of the committee that John Carpenter and Robert, his son, and Nicholas Bailly may attend the committee of trade on Tuesday next. Committee desire[s] the House to enlarge their authority that they may have power to send for any that they shall think fit.

Ordered, that John Carpenter and Robert, his son, and Nicholas Bailly shall attend the committee of trade on Tuesday next.

Ordered, that the committee of trade shall have power to send for any that they shall think fit that may concern matter of trade.

A petition from divers merchants against the new imposts on hops. Referred to the subcommittee for trade tomorrow.

L. 3. An act for establishing of 3 lectures in divinity.

Upon question, passed.

MR. [WILLIAM] CORYTON desires his privilege to stay a suit in Chancery.

Ordered, he shall.

[f. 161v] A warrant to be made for the postmasters of Warwick to attend the committee of grievances.

Mr. Solicitor, Attorney Duchy added to the committee for [Robert] Wolverston's bill.

Mr. [Nicholas] Stoughton to have privilege for his man.

[House adjourned]

III. DIARY OF JOHN HAWARDE, WILTSHIRE AND SWINDON ARCHIVES, 9/34/2

[p. 254]

Vendredis, 23 Aprilis 1624

2. L. Bill pur vicomts accounts et lour discharge.

Sur question, committe.

2. L. Bill pur vend lunatiques terres.

Sur queston, committe.

1. L. Bill pur woolls in Norfolke move deste lie par SIR EDWARD COKE, et par luy move deste rejecte, et, sur 2x questions, rejecte.

Bill pur pleder generall issue in cases of intrusion sente from the Lords ingrosse with amendments. Sur queston, les amendments committe presentment, et reporte. Sur en queston, passe. Puis ceux amendments retorne al nous poiemus requeste conference nient obstante.

3. L. Bill pur fesante knives and sissers in Hallamshire in Yorkshire.

Sur queston, passe pur ley.

SIR EDWIN SANDYS reporte trade. Sur question, subcommittee, et les marchants d'attender.

IV. DIARY OF JOHN LOWTHER, CUMBRIA ARCHIVE CENTRE, CARLISLE, DLONS/L/2/1

[f. 67]

[23 April 1624]

If an addition sent in paper by the Lords dislike[d], we may move a conference. This was upon the general issue of intrusions put into our engrossed bill and passed, after a committee in the chamber passed.

The bill for sheriffs' accounts to be discharged upon quietus est, passed.

7 more private bills read, some passed.

That the old treaty of league between England and Burgundy, 25 [sic] article, that no English cloth pay above 2d. a piece, now that league revived by King James, yet 24s. 8d. now demanded. Prays redress. The merchants' imposition not to be continued if voluntary, nor constrained for no such law, therefore howsoever not to be continued.

• 1. The imposition in Archduchess.
• 2. In Holland.
• 3. The law begetting [the Earl of] Cumberland's dispensation.
• 4. The customers' fees.

[f. 67v] The Merchant Adventurers to have the white cloth, the other merchants all other and stuffs, but not to their staple.

A committee of the House and merchants to agree of this to draw it to an end.

V. ANONYMOUS DIARY, KENNETH SPENCER RESEARCH LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS, MS E237

[23 April 1624]

[f. 111] The petition of the Lords and Commons against popish recusants, the 23rd of April 1624.

[f. 111v] His Majesty's answer to the petition, the 23rd of April 1624.

VI. DIARY OF EDWARD NICHOLAS, TNA, SP 14/166

[f. 171]

Vendredi, 23 Aprilis 1624

SIR E[DWIN] SANDYS makes report from the committee of trade of the businesses handled yesterday in the afternoon. The Merchants [sic] Adventurers desire that we should take hold of this opportunity to abate the 32s. imposed by the Low Countrymen for consumption money. That whereas in the bill of su[b]sidies we provide for the good of the States, that they may show the like respect to us by taking away that [f. 171v] imposition of consumption money. They also desire that the statute against tentering of cloth may be revived, and order taken that there may be by the clothier a pound of wool or 2 allowed more to a cloth to increase the breadth of the cloth, which if the tentering be not allowed will not hold. They desire that the reversion of the Lord of Cumberland's dispensation may be taken away by repealing of the law on which it is grounded. (Other impositions on cloth are complained of by the Merchants [sic] Adventurers as appears by my collections taken yesterday at that committee.)

That the committee [blank] £65,000 [sic] disbursed and received £80,000 [sic], which is £11,000 more than they have disbursed. That the yearly charge of the company of the Merchants [sic] Adventurers is £2,000 per annum. That the committee thought it fit that the imposition which they have laid to raise this money should no longer be continued, for if the payment of the £65,000 were voluntary, then they have no reason to lay an imposition on the commonwealth; if it were constrained, the committee knows no law that compelled them to pay it nor no reason that they should recompense themselves on the commonwealth. [f. 172] That the committee thought fit that the Merchants [sic] Adventurers should have the sole trading in white cloth, and that all the other manufactures should be set at liberty for all men to trade in, but so as the Merchants [sic] Adventurers should also trade in those manufactures. [Blank] And that a select committee of this House should join with an equal number of the Merchants [sic] Adventurers to accommodate and treat hereof.

Ordered, that the Merchants [sic] Adventurers' patent shall be brought to the committee of grievances, and resolved that a select committee of the Merchants [sic] Adventurers shall attend a select committee of twelve of this House to accommodate the business that concerns the matter of impositions and the opening of the restraint of trade by the Merchants of [sic] Adventurers, and this committee has power to send for any merchants to inform themselves and that they consider of the grievances complained of by the Merchants [sic] Adventurers, to sit tomorrow.

Petition against the Lord Treasurer for laying an imposition on hops and exacting of the same; and whereas there was before 1622 but 1s. 6d. on a hundred of hops, the Lord Treasurer did lay 8s. 6d. [sic] more on a hundred of hops.

[f. 172v] Ordered, that the select committee appointed to accommodate trade shall consider of this imposition of hops and that imposition laid by the Archduchess, for that the Archduchess complained against the imposition laid on hop[s].

An act for the establishing of 3 three [sic] lectures in divinity according to the last will and testament of Thomas Whetenhall, esq. 3. L. This bill is now passed this House. r. p.

Ordered, that there shall go a warrant for the postmasters to answer before the committee of grievances their great abuses in their places.

Ordered, that Mr. [Nicholas] Stoughton shall have the privilege of this House for his servant arrested.

VII. DIARY OF SIR THOMAS HOLLAND, BODL., MS RAWL. D1,100

[f. 44v]

23 April

First read. An act to enable Sir Richard Burneby to sell lands for the payment of his debts.

First read. An act to alter the custom of gavelkind of Sir John Rivers in Kent.

First read. An act to settle the estate of Sir William Somerville.

First read. An act for the naturalizing Jane Murray and William Murray.

First read. An act for the naturalizing John Young, doctor of divinity.

Second read, committed. An act for establishing land sold by [Sir] Peter Vanlore to [Sir Edmund] Woodale [sic].

Second read, Star Chamber, tomorrow. An act to discharge the heirs, executors and administrators of shrieves of all accounts upon a show of their quietus est.

Second read. An act for providing for [Francis] Bonnington, a lunatic.

Rejected. An act against the weavers [of Norwich] for restraining bringing in of wool. Rejected [sic].

[f. 45] Third read, passed for a law. An act for the good order and government of cutlers, making them a corporation in Hallamshire in Yorkshire.

Third read [sic], passed for law. An act for pleading the general issue in informations of intrusion.

[SIR EDWIN] SANDYS. For the trade of cloth which the Merchants [sic] Adventurers had a patent, which has been found grievous, 3 questions were proposed; heretofore named, they refused. Upon the second, they brought in by way of advice and delivered resolution. For the second, they were content others might be brought in upon 2 considerations: that they might have round fines, and that their patent may be confirmed by act of Parliament. And for the late imposition they desire reimbursement. 2,000 did trade and now but 200 merchants. Grievances: first, by the Archduchess by prohibiting the English cloth and passage through the country, and have laid upon every cloth of 24s. a new imposition from two pence. [f. 45v] Next, a negotiation between the Archduchess's agent and the merchant; upon a communication with the agent, [Jean-Baptiste] Van Male, gave acerbity of speech. Secondly, against the states of the United Provinces, has laid an impositions [sic] of xxxiis. a fine cloth, and nothing of their own, whereby the [blank]. Thirdly, whereby there is a certain tare in the breadth and length of the cloth, which is by the Netherlanders, for remedy whereof they desire that whereas there is a statute for the tentering of cloths, may be continued. There is a statute for length and breadth, and how much wool there shall be in a cloth. They desire 2 libras more. 33 H. 8, transportation of white cloth forbidden if it be above £4. They had a dispensation for 30,000 cloths [f. 46] in Queen Elizabeth, which is now of small value. A further dispensation for a greater quantity to the Earl of Northumberland [sic], wherein 2s. 8[d.] was granted [sic]; since 6d. has been added. A new dispensation to the Duke of Richmond and his executors; they desire that law may be taken away whereby it does beget dispensations. Next, the pretermitted customs. Lastly, the exaction of fees of the customers beyond former precedents, beyond all measure, which they desire the House to reform. The company has disbursed £62,700 [sic] to the King they have [blank]. £86,000, £11,00[0]. The special grievances: Archduchess, Hollanders, the pretermitted customs, then the exaction of customers and the Duke of Lennox['s] dispensation: this to abate for retribution to the merchants.

[f. 46v] He moves that the Merchant Adventurers may have the total selling of white cloth, without addition of any others. Not to impropriate any of the other but to use it if they will. And the merchants of the outports to have the new drapery. It is further moved that the House should select a choice subcommittee of a few of this House and a few of a committee of the merchants to reconcile and settle that which may be most profitable to the commonwealth, and how they may best continue.

Committee, exportation dyed and dressed cloths and new drapery. A select committee of 12 are appointed to confer with a committee of the Merchant Adventurers to accord the matters of the impositions and new draperies and to consider to the grievance comp/

[f. 47] [SIR EDWIN] SANDYS. A grievance of the alnager, raises a rent upon the retailers by taking xs. a year upon every shop. It is desired that John Carpenter, Robert Carpenter and Nicholas Bailly, who is rent-gatherer, may be appointed to attend on Tuesday.

It is ordered that they shall be commanded to attend the committee on Tuesday, and that the committee may have the like power.

A petition preferred by sundry merchants against the Lord Treasurer and against the imposition of hops, 12d., 15d. That whereas hops being brought in, the Lord Treasurer writ his letters to the customers that they should not receive any in until his pleasure was that he did set xs. more upon every 100 weight.

[f. 47v] Third read, passed this House. An act for establishing 3 lectures by the will of Thomas Whetenhall, esq.

41 [sic] bills passed.

VIII. DIARY OF RICHARD DYOTT, STAFFORDSHIRE RECORD OFFICE, MS D661/11/1/2

[f. 78]

April 23

If a bill be in question to be cast out, [?that] the question must be whether it should be committed. If it be denied commitment, then the question must be whether it should be engrossed. If it be denied engrossing, then it must be cast out. And so the bill [f. 79] for that the stuffs in Norwich should be made only of Norfolk wool was rejected.

Eu un 6 [?que] les cutlers, etc. prendore sereat ove justices de peace fuit adde suer [illegible] justices sont [?2 words illegible] de [?5 words illegible] Lambert fait douvt de ces.

Bill for pleading the general issue, etc. was sent down from Lords with amendments in paper, which amendments, being read by the Clerk twice and allowed by the House, were inserted into the bill, the question being made as many as will have these amendments [?inserted] say "yea" etc.

[f. 80] Report by [SIR EDWIN] SANDYS of trade of cloth concerning the Merchant Adventurers. The committee has adjudged their patent grievous in creation and execution. The reading of the bill of subsidies a summons to make ready bills of consequence. [Illegible] proposed 3 questions to Adventurers. Desired them [2 words illegible] counsel to the House. They delivered us a writing.

• 1. Whether to undertake to vent all the cloth of kingdom.
• 2. Whether drape the wool.
• 3. Whether content that other merchants join with them.

They were content so that those [f. 81] that to be admitted into company [pay] good fines, and their patent confirmed by Parliament. Would have us consider the late impositions and would have [?time] first to reimburse their moneys. They complain of decrease grievances:

• 1. By Archduchess that prohibited the importation of English cloth, the passage [?for] cloth into Germany. And of a new imposition laid upon cloth which against the ancient confederation with house of Burgundy, which lately confirmed by King and her and King of Spain.
• 3. [sic] Have answer from minister of Archduchess, [f. 82] wherein nothing but haughtiness and spirit of language and excuses. The merchants made a modest answer, wherein resent the spirit of language.

The petition of Merchant Adventurers to King. Importation of our cloth inhibited there [illegible] to other places. Calais charged [illegible] to King of France. Dunkirk burdened, and danger of Hollanders there hovering contrary to 2nd article in treaty the second year of his reign.

Answer of Archduchess's agents. She has commanded that no English cloth; not against [illegible] and correspondence, through Holland etc. Did bring to Antwerp etc., now to Middelburg. [f. 83] Not fit that subjects should enrich enemies by bringing their cloth. Petition framed not by general company of Adventurers but by some particulars who more Hollanders in heart than English. Touching imposition, she would have that article put in execution if [?should] have those parts of Holland.

Reply of Merchant Adventurers. This imposition new, but first indeed when war between Queen and Archduchess. The imposition greater than heretofore.

The Lords commanded the company to inform the Parliament, which would take care of trade.

[f. 84] Their 2 grievances against the states of the United Provinces: it is laid only upon our cloth, not their own, whereby our cloth [?is] dearer and theirs [?blank]. And think that now opportunity to right them by reason of our intentions to do for their relief. Desire that statute against tentering of cloth upon the lower bar may be continued. Statute that prescribes the length and breadth of cloth [?prescribes] likewise the weight.

33 H. 8 transportation of white cloth if above £4 prohibited. [f. 85] They had a dispensation, but time has made it of no use for £4 and £6. The Earl [sic] of Richmond['s] patent to dispense: would have law taken away whereupon this dispensation is granted.

The committee thought [blank] imposition no longer to be continued. Dangerous in precedent for company to consent to giving of money, for by that means the commodity grows dear. The imposition wrought as well upon kingdom as merchant[s].

Moved that Merchant Adventurers may have sole exportation of white [f. 86] cloth, not excluding them from the rest, and the merchant[s] of the outports may trade in the rest.

Now whether they may trade in the same port where the Merchant Adventurer trades, because may be dissolution of government if some not within government.

[?Order], that a select committee shall be, and that a committee of the merchants shall attend [illegible] to see whether can come to a reasonable end concerning white cloths and dyed. [Illegible] [?exceeding] the number of 12.

Let us recover the reputation we lost in former Parliaments by grasping at too much and doing too little.

[f. 87] [SIR EDWIN] SANDYS would have the committee to have power to give the Merchant Adventurers retribution for the imposition that we shall put down. For 'tis dangerous to discontent them. Remember Lord of Leicester's case.

IX. DIARY OF JOHN PYM, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE RECORD OFFICE, FH/N/C/0050

[f. 78]

April 23, 1624

Six private bills:

• 1. To enable [blank] to sell land with consent of his son.
• 2. For altering gavelkind in certain lands of Sir John Rivers.
• 3. For settling the inheritance of Sir William Somerville.
• 4. and 5. For naturalizing Jane Murray, wife of John Murray [sic], secretary to the Prince, and of John Young, Dr. in divinity and Dean of Winton [sic].
• 6. To establish a conveyance by [Sir] Peter Vanlore and Sir Charles Caesar to Sir [Edmund] Wood[h]all.

An act that sheriffs, their heirs, etc., having quietus est, shall be absolutely discharged of their accounts. Committed.

An act to enable Ralph Bonnington to sell lands of his elder brother, being a lunatic. Committed.

An act to restrain worsted weavers in the city of Norwich or in the county of Norfolk to employ any yarn but such as is grown in the same county. This bill was rejected without commitment.

Complaint was made against a new patent to the Clerk of the Hanaper.

The bill for general issues upon intrusions came from the Lords with amendment, twice read and committed. Third reading [sic].

[f. 78v] An act for the good order and government of the makers of knives, sickles, shears, scissors and other cutlery wares in Hallamshire in the county of York and the parts adjoining. It contained:

• 1. An incorporation of 1 master, 2 wardens, 6 searchers, 24 assistants and commonalty.
• 2. Power to elect new men to the same places of master, warden or assistants within one month after the death of any one or removal by the greater number of voices.
• 3. The master to be sworn before the warden[s], searchers and any 2 of the assistants; the wardens, searchers and assistants every one before the master and the rest.
• 4. Power to make by-laws, to impose penalties and levy those penalties to the use of the company.
• 5. To keep but an apprentice under 5 years' standing, unless their own sons, and to take no apprentice for less than 7 years, with some other orders for [ap]prentices.
• 6. To make no knives without steel edges, penalty xs.
• 7. To use no mark but such as shall be assigned by the company, penalty 40s.

Only an exception taken by SIR THOMAS STRUDLING [sic] that there was direction to take an oath and no authority to minister the same.

Which was amended at the table and the bill passed.

SIR EDWARD COKE reported from the committee the amendments in the bill for the general issue upon intrusions. The bill was sent from us with a limitation to extend to such cases where the king had not been in possession nor taken the profits in xx years past. That limitation was enlarged by these amendments in 2 respects:

• 1. Of the persons, to all such as claim under the king or under whose title the king did claim.
• 2. Of the time, made [blank] for the future by adding to the word "has or shall be" in possession [sic], etc.

This last amendment was thought very much to abridge the goodness of the bill. Yet because we can have no conference with the Lords after they have passed a bill with amendment, it was ordered the Clerk should engross the amendments into the Roll.

It was moved to avoid the like inconvenience that we might send to the Lords not to make any amendments without conference. But it was not thought fit to alter the course but to leave them as well as ourselves to that liberty which had been used by both Houses.

That bill passed with the amendments.

SIR EDWIN SANDYS made a report from the committee of trade containing a summary recital of the answer of the Merchant Adventurers to the 3 questions formerly propounded to them by this committee; secondly, an information from them of divers grievances lying upon their trade, wherein if they might receive ease they would be the willinger [sic] to give contentment in those things demanded from them. The grievances were these:

• 1. In the Archduchess's country, a prohibition of all importation from the States' dominions; an imposition of 24s. a cloth for licence money for cloths carried into divers territories of Germany, being against the league with the house of Burgundy lately confirmed in the xxth article, by which 2d. Flemish for every cloth is [f. 79] to be paid and no more. The answer of [Jean-Baptiste] Van Male, agent for the Archduchess, to this complaint exhibited to the Council and the merchants' reply were read.
• 2. In the dominions of the States, an imposition of 32s. sterling upon English cloths, their own country cloth left free, whereby that cloth becomes cheap and ours dear. This they call consumption money.
• 3. Whereas the demand of tare, which is an allowing for want of length and breadth, was wont to be satisfied where the cloths were bought, they are never [sic] to send it home to the buyers' houses in 20 [sic] several towns, which draws both charge and trouble; for this they desire the provision against tentering upon the lower bar may be continued and 2 or 5 [sic] libras of wool allowed more to a cloth.
• 4. Whereas by 33 H. 8 all transportation of white cloths above the price of £4 is forbidden, and by a perpetual dispensation 6 Eliz. for 30,000 cloths a year, that limitation extended to six pounds, which being of little effect, another dispensation was granted to G[eorge], Earl of Cumberland, for 21 years upon the payment of 2s. 8d. a cloth, but he was restrained from raising that rent. Now there is a new grant to the Duke of Lennox and they are afraid of a greater rate; therefore desire the law may be taken away.
• 5. The pretermitted customs.
• 6. The exaction of fees by the officers of the Custom House daily increasing without rule and measure.

A subcommittee of xii was appointed to treat with them about the article of contenting themselves with the white cloths and to leave the rest free.

It was informed that of 200 [sic] of that company, 180 [sic] had no trade at all and of the other 20 [sic] six or eight had a third part of the whole trade.

SIR EDWIN SANDYS proceeds to report the complaint made to the committee of trade against the office of alnager, which extending itself to all commodities made of wool does execute nothing but only raise a profit by setting rent upon ships. The desire of the committee was that John Carpenter, Robert Carpenter and Nicholas Bailly, who were employed as rent gatherers, might be enjoined to attend the committee on Tuesday next, and that the committee might have general power to send for such as they thought meet.

Ordered for both.

He reported another complaint of divers merchants concerning hops. In Queen Elizabeth's time, the imposition upon hops was xiid. per hundred. Earl of Salisbury procured 6d. to be added. So it continued until October 1622, when great quantity being in the Thames the Lord Treasurer would suffer them to take up none until they had given bonds to pay xs. per hundred above the old custom; and this extremity was used to the King's subjects when divers strangers took their hops without this charge, by means of which imposition here [f. 79v] great burdens have been laid in Flanders upon English commodities and the 20th part has not been brought in since. Wherefore they desire restitution, reduction to the old rate and delivery of their bonds.

An act for establishing of 3 lectures in divinity by George Whetenhall. Passed.

X. DIARY OF SIR WALTER EARLE, BL, ADD. MS 18,597

[f. 156v]

Friday, the 23th [sic] of April

SIR THOMAS HOBY moved that Mr. [George] Mynne, a member of this House and Clerk of the Hanaper, having gotten a new patent of increase of fees, the patent might be brought in.

Ordered accordingly.

SIR EDWIN SANDYS'S report from the committee of trade. A main difference between the Merchants [sic] Adventurers and other merchants concerning the restraint of trade. [f. 157] The Merchant Adventurers at the committee. To the 2nd question proposed, viz. the taking more into their company, they were content on two conditions:

• 1. That good fines might be given.
• 2. That their grant might be confirmed by act of Parliament.

But they desire the late imposition might not be taken away until they were satisfied of the sum disbursed.

They complain of grievances burdening their trade:

• 1. The Archduchess forbids the passage of their cloth towards Liège, Trier, Cologne, Juliers, etc.
• 2. Besides an imposition called licence money, imposing 20s. [sic] per cloth contrary to the 20th article of the treaty, their due being but 2d.
• 3. A strange answer of Monsieur [Jean-Baptiste] Van Male, agent of the Archduchess, sent over upon the complaint of the merchants. His answer. First, it is true there is such a restraint, no new thing. From the year 1600 to 1612 cloth brought by way of Calais. Besides the merchants setting up their staple at Middelburg among the rebels maliciously and cunningly. He imagines that the complaint came only from some few Hollanders in heart, for the danger of Dunkirk not so great. Many 100 ships come in the ports are not so besieged as the King of England ought to free his subjects. [f. 157v] The 20s. imposition no new thing.

The merchants reply that what was done by way of Calais, etc. was in time of war; they desire the passage may be free. Another complaint against the states of the Low Countries. 32s. per cloth only laid upon English cloth, not on their own. The merchants desire this should be taken off. Also in respect of want of tare, length and breadth. They must send after him that buys the cloth to know the tare. They desire the continuance of the statute. The statute prescribes not only length and breadth, but weight. They desire [£]2 or £3 more to be allowed to a cloth. A 4th grievance: by a statute 33 H. 8, transportation of white cloths above £4 the cloth forbidden. In Queen Elizabeth's time, a licence to transport 30,000 cloths notwithstanding, but limited to £6. Another, a grant to the Earl of Cumberland to licence transportation of a greater number, 2s. 2d. per cloth. This near expired within 2 years. A new dispensation granted to the Duke of Richmond for 20 years more. Lastly, a grievous exaction of fees daily increasing at the Custom House.

Touching the imposition on cloth, the committee of opinion it should be laid down. [f. 158] For other burdens, fit the state should provide. The committee thought fit the Merchant Adventurers for the present shall have the sole trade of white cloths. But for the rest, other merchants to have free liberty. Both sides well contented. But the question whether such merchants should trade to their staple towns.

By order of the House, a select committee appointed to accommodate this business, which committee the Merchant Adventurers were to attend.

At the committee, a grievance complained of concerning the alnager that goes without the compass of his office, which extends only to makers of cloth, and exacts 10s. per annum rent of every shopkeeper.

One John Carpenter, one of these, ordered to be sent for.

Secondly, ordered the committee [for trade] should have power to send for any upon the like occasion.

A petition concerning the imposition upon hops, complaining of 10s. per centum on the hops exacted after the arrival here over and above the imposition of 6s. [sic] per centum, before they could have liberty to sell their hops by the Lord Treasurer.

This petition referred to the committee.

Bill concerning the 3 lectures established by [Thomas] Whetenhall. Third read, passed the House.

[f. 158v] Friday afternoon, the committee of grievances

A petition of the surgeons of London complaining that the physicians, their exorbitant patent enabling them to imprison the surgeons, etc., if they should in any sort administer physic to a wounded patient and to lay fines, etc. to their own use, etc.

A petition in the name of the county of Hertford against Sir Simon Harvey, who, because that shire would not compound for purveyance, laid the burden that Middlesex bare upon them and made other exactions in respect of malt, beer, etc., which is out of former compositions.

Sir Charles Morrison. The composition should have been at £1,500 per annum, the commission defective.

Sir Francis Barrington. When the commissioners were in Essex and the commission ready to break, Sir Simon Harvey said openly, "Now, my masters, is it in your hands to have peace or war."

Sir George More, one of the commissioners, affirmed the same.

Sir Thomas Estcourt and others. A complaint of divers shires of Sir Simon Harvey's detaining the moneys which the King allows back for the provisions, being but 18d. a lamb, 10d. a bushel of wheat, 6s. 8d. a sheep, an ox, etc., [f. 159] whereas they pay these things in kind.

Other complaints of like nature from Huntingdonshire, etc.

Petitions from Essex and Berkshire the like unto that of Hertfordshire, etc.

The business concerning the Lady Boteler's complaint. Her husband dying, left a daughter and heir; by his will desired the custody might be committed to her. She petitioned for the wardship according to the King's instructions. An excessive rate, £800, demanded both for the body and lands. The estate but £180 per annum, the ward had in present but £9. £200 offered at first, next time £400, referred to the Master of the Wards. At the next day, before admittance to, the Lord Treasurer departed the back way. He being solicited again, answered it was granted at the last composition.

Objections against Sir John Boteler. He was next heir in tail, and had a lease of £500 a year, whereof the inheritance was in the ward.

Sir John Boteler being not present, day was given for his counsel to be heard on Friday next.

XI. JOURNAL OF SIR SIMONDS D'EWES, BL, HARL. MS 159

[f. 31v]

[23 April 1624]

[After the King's speech of 23 March, he began to choose members for his Council of War] ... who were established April 23, anno Domini 1624, being these:

[col. 1]

Sir Oliver St. John, Viscount Grandison, late Lord Deputy of Ireland

Lord Carew

Sir Fulke Greville, Lord Brooke

Sir Arthur Chichester, Lord [Chichester of] Belfast, a captain in Queen Elizabeth's time and in his Majesty's Lord Deputy of Ireland

Sir Edward Conway, principal Secretary

[col. 2]

Sir Edward Cecil, colonel

Sir Horatio de Vere, younger brother to Sir Francis Vere, sometimes governor of Brill for his Majesty, a colonel

Sir Robert Mansell

Sir John Ogle, colonel

Sir William [sic] Button

[Blank]

His Majesty, having in all his latter speeches ever protested not to meddle with those 3 subsidies and 3 fifteens the Parliament had given, or any others they should give, but that they should appoint treasurers of their own, April 23, anno Domini 1624, being Friday, these were chosen:

[col. 1]

Sir Thomas Myddelton, alderman of London

Sir Edward Barkham, alderman of London

[Blank] Cambell, alderman of London

[Blank] Whitmore, alderman of London

[col. 2]

Sir Paul Bayning, knight and baronet

Sir Richard Grobham, master of the subpoena office

[Blank] Freeman, sheriff of London

Mr. Martin Bond

[f. 32] The petition of the Houses of Parliament delivered to his Majesty at Whitehall in his bedchamber, April 23, being Friday and Saint George's day in the afternoon, for execution of all the laws now in force against papists of all conditions, anno Domini 1624.

[f. 32v] His Majesty, at the same time, presently returned them a most gracious and unexpected answer, assuring them of the constancy he intended and the sincerity he professed in religion, which howsoever it were not fully performed for the future, yet for the present it gave great satisfaction to both the Houses and made that insolent generation of Romanists a little to stagger; but his Majesty's natural and habituated desire and inclination of mercy, staying the execution of the one, confirmed the diffidence of the other.

[f. 106v] April 23⁰, Friday

An act for the sale of the lands of one [Francis] Bonnington, a lunatic, for the payment of his debts.

A bill preferred to restrain the worsted weavers of Norwich to use only Norfolk wools in their trade. Wholly and unmindfully rejected and cast out of the House as a monopoly.

The Clerk of the Hanaper, Mr. [George] Mynne's patent is called for in.

An act for the good government of the makers of knives, scissors and other cutlery ware in and within 5 miles of Hallamshire in Yorkshire. Passed.

A report from the great committee for trade. The Merchant Adventurers present their grievances and burdens upon trade.

• 1. The Archduchess does prohibit their importation of cloth to her subjects and through her dominions to be sent to Cologne, Trier, Cleveland, Liège, etc. Besides, they have laid in those parts 24s. upon a cloth for licence money, whereas in the ancient treaty between this crown and the Dukes of Burgundy, which was renewed Jacobi anno 2⁰, art. 20, it was but 2d. upon a cloth. This having been complained of by the lords of the Council to the Archduchess's ambassador, they have found no redress. Ergo, they petition that some means may be used to remove that imposition.
• 2. They complain of the States, who lay 32s. upon an English cloth and nothing upon their own, so that necessarily theirs must be cheap and vent when ours is dear and lies on hand. Ergo, they petition that opportunity may now be taken to remove that also.
• 3. The tare allowed them for want of length and breadth is exacted by the buyer, which they complain of as a great burden. Ergo, desire the statute may be continued which forbids the [f. 107] use of a lower bar upon the tenters, because the statute that provides for length and breadth provides also for the weight of cloth.
• 4. By the statut[e] of Henry 8, anno 33⁰, all white cloths are forbidden to be exported, and Eliz. 6⁰ that was dispensed withal and liberty given to export a [sic] 30,000 cloths. Afterwards, a lease of the dispensation was made to George, Earl of Cumberland, who took for it 2s. 8d. upon a cloth. His time is now almost expired, within a year or 2, and a lease in reversion granted to the late Duke of Richmond. They are much afraid of this lease and desire to be freed from the burden of it.
• 5. They complain of their pretermitted customs.
• 6. Of the fees in the Custom House increasing without rate or measure. £65,700 and odd has been laid upon them of late as appears by their books brought in of late, by such a constraining argument imposed that otherwise their trade should fall.

It was thought fit the last patent should be better considered of, but the company should stand and have the sole exportation of whites; others should be permitted to come into the rest of the trade, though not into their company.

A select committee was appointed to accommodate an agreement with the Merchant Adventurers.

A complaint was tendered against the office of the alnager, who raises a rent 10s. upon a shop per annum and exercises his office no further. Yea, and extends that office due unto knit woollen stockings which have no need of alnage.

John Carpenter and Robert, his son, and Nicholas Bailly are summoned to attend the forenamed committee, for these were given in for bailiffs to gather this money.

A petition tendered against the Lord Treasurer about the imposition of hops, whereas formerly they took [1s.] 6d. upon a C, now they take 10s.

MR. SECRETARY CALVERT answered that was done by the lords of the Council in regard the Archduchess had set 5s. upon them they set 10s., and either side complains thereupon that it is a breach of the league.

All referred to the former committee.

An act for the establishing of 3 lectures in divinity, according to the last will and testament of Thomas Whetenhall, esq. Passed.