Appendix C: To Memorial III

MEMORIAL III.

APPENDIX C (1).

EXTRACTS FROM THE EARLIER MANUSCRIPT ACCOUNT BOOKS OF THE COMPANY RELATING TO EXPENDITURE (1399 to 1555–6), PRINCIPALLY AT THE HALL PREMISES. (BY C. T. MARTIN, ESQ., F.S.A.)

f. 4.

f. 6.

f. 11 b.

f. 13 b.

f. 16.

Repairs of the Chapel and Kitchen.

8 Henry IV., 1406–7.

f. 35.

Tiles, boards, lime, nails, etc., used. Nothing definite as to locality, except the following:—

Un oken bord al mure pres le fonteigne, vjd. Pour le faisure dun double chymene en le petit rente.

f. 35b.

Reparacion du vieil hostiell.

Le sclature (slating) del sale. 19s. 8d. spent in wages, at 5d. a-day on the average.

9 Henry IV., 1407–8.

f. 39 b.

Pour le peinture del signe de le Sarasin's hed, vs.

f. 39.

Building and repairs of house in Bread Street, 37l. 16s. 5½d.

f. 39 b.

Esclature, rippure and reparacion de la sale—

Working of 3 qr. 10 lb. lead for a gutter at the end of the chapel, 13d.

Mending the hearth of the oven, 3s. 4d.

An oaken board for the serving place.

2 boards for middle benches in the Hall, 3s. 8d.

Making the serving board, crosstrestle and trestle in the "Aumerie," 2s.

3 rafters for the Aumerie, 9d.

Mending the fountain, 4d.

Repairs of 2 "aubes," 8d.; for 3 girdles and washing and repairing the principal "aube," 2d. Total, 6l. 16s. 9½d.

10 Henry IV., 1408–9.

f. 45b.

Expenses at the Kitchen, Lardirhouse and Sotilhouse—

A mason to make 2 windows in the lardirhouse, 10s. 1d. 136 lb. of iron for the window, at 1¾d. Boards for shelves. A grate near the fountain, 11d. A grate in the parlour, 5d. Pins for the image of St. John, 3d.; etc. Total, 59s. 7½d.

11 Henry IV.

f.50.

Repairs of the "Veil hostell en Cornhill," Bread Street, Lyme Street, Wandsworth and Wood Street, 10l. 19s. 11½d.

Chimney in the chamber of Sir John Doyly, 19s. 10½d. Repairs at Cornhill, l'ostell Wenlok, l'ostell Leman, Maison del hosier.

f. 54b.

Breadstreet.—Lime, loam, lath, etc.

Kitchen.—Mending a lock below the stair in the kitchen, etc., 7s. 10½d.

Hall and Petit Rente.

1 Henry V., 1413–4.

f. 65.

Timber for a perch in the pantry. Mending the cupboard, Dresser in the kitchen yard. Lock and key for the "Maison crowle." Mending a gutter in the kitchen, a window in the pantry, and the pavement before the high table. Gutter near the chapel chamber. Chest in the larderhouse. (fn. 2) Total 7s. 7½d.

f. 71.

Mending the sotilhous, 17d. Herthlombe for the ovens. A double chimney in the rente. Carpenter's work in the houses "des pynner et shepster." Total, 35s. 9d.

2 Henry V., 1414.

f. 73 b.

Espenses faitz sur le novelle overage appele Mesondieux. Carpenters, masons, and labourers wages (Wine to the bp. of Norwich, 18d. To the prior of Charterhouse, 10d. Total, 32l. 3s. 7½d.

f. 80b.

Expenses faitz sur le novelle overage appele Almshous, 96l. 16s. 2d.

3 Henry V.

f. 86.

Building expenses for the same, 28s. 4d.

Hall and Petit Rente

3 Henry V., 1415–16.

f. 78.

Cleaning the gutters round the Rente.

Making two chimneys. "Un shide as trestell de la haut table," 12d. 100 pins for the Image of St. John, 3d. 3l. 19s. 1½d.

Veill Hostiell.

Mending the fountain with masonry, 15s., etc. 38s. 1d.

Hall and "Petit Rente."

4 Henry V.

f. 84.

Mending the roof, 40s. Lath and nail for mending 2 houses in the petit Rente, 8d. Total 59s. 0½d.

Hall.

5 Henry V., 1417–18.

f. 90b.

Mending the lock of the chest in the chapel, and a "cliket" at the foot of the stair. Elm boards for "un hoes" (door) in the "solar." Mending trestles forms and stools in the hall. Mending the locks of the said door, and of the postern. Mending the high window with glass, etc., 6s. 5d.

6 Henry V., 1418–19.

f. 95b.

2 lb. solder for the high table, 10d. Lattice in the chamber of Sir John Doly (one of the Chaplains), etc. 9s. 1d.

Hall, Almshouse, and "Petit Rente."

7 Henry V., 1419–20.

f. 100b.

2lb. solder for the cistern in the almshouse, and a gutter round the door of the great parlour, 10d. 2 saplogges en l'aumerie. "Pipes and fatis en la cusyne," 21d. A Mason and his servant "de faire le fundement desouth le post del chapell chambre," 3 days, "et nons'" 3s. 3d. Total, 13s. 7d.

f. 104 b.

To Thos. Wylkyn, for making a window in the chapel chamber, 21s. 8d.

For making the great window, 7l. 4s.

Iron for the two windows, 46s.

Table and trestle in the chapel chamber, 12s.

Glazing the great window, 3l. 15s. Glazing the window in the chapel chamber, 26s.

Hall and "Petit Rente."

9 Henry V., 1421–22.

f. 110 b.

Ceiling the larder house, 9s. A rope for the chamber stair, 8d. A bucket and rope for the well, 18d. Mending the windlass, 2d. Cleansing the yard, and "le maison des taillours," 2 days, 10d. "Herthyng" an oven in the kitchen. Carpenters' work in "un meison pres la port," 3 days at 8d. Elm boards for a stair. Locks for a stair, and for the pantry door. "Un oile tonne, to be set on the ground, pour un privey," 2s. 3d. Cost of binding the tun, a pipe, etc., and of tiling "del meson del dit privey," etc. Total, 3l. 7s. 9d.

117.

Making "un caban et un wyndowe graunt en le meson de Wodrowe," 8d. Lock and cliket for the counting-house door, 6d. An iron grate near the well. A stocklock in Scolemaister Aley, 6d. Key for the cloth chamber, 3d. Crockets to support the arras. 24 fathom of cord for torches, 6d. Wire for torches. A hook to John Schad's door, etc. Total, 30s. 5d.

1 Henry VI., 1422–23.

f. 124.

Timber for a stair in the house near the gate. A carpenter, 1 day "et nons'," 8½d. Elm board and a "ponchon" for a "timberell" for the well. Forms and trestles for the Hall. A counter for the "graund chambre." A door for the coalhouse in the yard. Two tables for the cloth chamber, 3s. 2d. 350 red Flanders tile for a chimney in the house where William Oryon lives, for a kitchen, 8d. a 100. Mending a "glasyn wyndowe" in the Hall, 3s. 4d. Carriage of a great form from St. Martin's to the Hall, 4d. etc. Total, 5l. 11s. 2½d.

2 Henry VI.

f. 130 b.

Making a chimney and grate in Sir John's Chamber, 20s., etc. Total, 4l. 8s. 8d

3 Henry VI.

f. 140.

Boards for the cellar. Boards for beddes sides in the chapel chamber. Mending glass windows in the Hall and Chapel Chamber, etc. Total, 59s. 6d.

4 Henry VI.

f. 147 b.

Scouring the well in the kitchen of Taillour's Hall. Making "del peauterers walle," 4d. Mending the great table in the Hall, and "le graunt stulpe" in the Court. Painting the great table, 2s. Making a "perclos" near the parlour, and an iron grate in "le Lumbardes meson." Lead for a gutter in the buttery. Repairs in "cony hous." Locks to tresans door, and the door next the chapel. A key to the stable, etc. Total, 4l. 10s. 7d.

The Kitchen.

4 Henry VI., 1425–6.

f. 149 b.

To Goldyng, carpenter, "pour portrature del patron del cuzine, et pour son labour," 7s. 4d.

For writing the indenture between the Master and the masons, 10½d.

Taking down the Sotilhous. Making a shed in the kitchen.

3,290 tiles for the hall, at 5s. a 1,000.

Carriage of 2 loads stone from Gracechurch St. and Friday St., left after paving the Hall.

"Pour iij rodde dyggyng pres le Skolemayster wey, ove (with) ij boterasses, le rod a gret, vijs."

For casting up earth that was fallen in, and digging a boterasse near the well.

Total, 15l. 5s. 6d.

Repairs of Hall and "Petit Rente."

f. 147 b.

These are small repairs, such as tables, keys, plastering, gutters, &c.

Total, 4l. 10s. 6d.

f. 150 b.

26 boatsful of chalk, at various prices, 16l. 1s. 6d.

8 boatsful of ragge, each boat 30 to 38 "ton tyght," at 15d. a ton. 6 ton tight of pendantz for the arches, 18s. 2 cartful stones, 4s. 4d.

Total, 17l. 16s. 4d.

f. 151.

335 loads of sand, 5l. 4s. 2d.

6,500 and 4 loads of lime, at 6s. the 100.

f. 151 b.

Carriage of rag and chalk (probably what is before mentioned) from Frescheworf to the Hall, 3d. a load; and to Frescheworf, Dys Keye, and Cambrygg Keye (not stating whence), 8d. a boat.

f. 151 b.

Workmanship of 13 perch of stone wall in the ground, 25s. a perch. For 12 foot upright above the ground, 50s. a foot.

14 yds. of violet and green for the livery of Crumpe the mason and his 3 fellows, at 2s. 10d. a yd.

56 pieces of scaffold timber, 12s. 8d. 5 rafters, 2s. 9 great shores to support the house, 8s. 24 feet of board for the moulds of arches, 21d. 24 felettes for moulds of doors and windows, 2s. Total of all the above, 149l. 18s. 5d.

These all seem to have been for the kitchen, for at the foot of f. 152 is—

"Sume des paiementz del cusine, amounte outre les resseitz, 13l. 19s. 6d."

5 Henry VI., 1426–27.

f. 157 b.

Wages of a tiler, working at the Almshouse 27 days, at 8½d. a-day, and his labourer, 5½d. Mending windows "en le Skolemayster." Flooring divers chambers near the Hall. Pavement before Taillours Hall. A latch to the Gardener's house near the Hall. Work in the Clerk's house of Sir Peter, and in the store house. "Un segestel to the cachpol hosis," 2d. Making the Sotilhouse and the entry near the stair. Shelves in the Sotilhouse. Roof tile for the kitchen, Larder house, Storehouse, conduit and other houses. 8 filettes for the larder house and Aumerie, 12d. Total, 18l. 0s. 11½d.

Repairs of the kitchen.

f. 161.

90 tons of ragge, at 15d. a ton. 3 boats of chalk, at 12s. a boat. One boat of chalk and flint, 14s. Crump and his fellows for workmanship of the walls. A rope to draw up stone. Shipping the windows, and cranage and wharfage for them. Total, 37l. 15s. 10d.

Hall and "Petit Rente."

f. 169 b.

To a carpenter "pour reysing del parlour pour plates and drawyng yn of a reising pece en le graund chambre." 38 ton tyght of ragge at 15d. 16 ton tyght of ragge for the Hall, "Petit rente" and Sterre. Paving 24 "teis" before the Petit Rente. Paving within the hall en the yard and round about the hall near the parlour. Paving the parlour. Daubing a perclos in the larderhouse. A grate in "le meson de peauterer's house." Another grate for the hall. Timber, lattice and poles for perches "pour le coupe." Lead for the pipe under the chapel, and for "hevyng" 2 beams which support the great chamber, etc. Total, 35l. 0s. 6½d.

7 Henry VI.

f. 177 b.

Stopping holes above the beams in the grand chambre to keep out doves. Lime for the shed near the counting house. Mending the window over the "hygh des" in the hall, etc. Total, 37s. 4d.

8 Henry VI.

f. 187 b.

Tile for the clerk's house. Making windows in the great chamber. Tables in the pastry. Locks for the chapel chamber and cellar doors, etc. Total, 36s. 10d.

9 Henry VI., 1430–1.

f.196 b.

Solder for the gutter beside the chapel and the hall. A dauber and his man for washing and whiting the Hall, 3 days at 13d. a day. Bast ropes to hang the torches. A stoklok key to the priest's chamber next the gate, 3d., etc. Total, 24s. 1d.

Repairs of the Kitchen.

f.199.

To a carpenter, in part payment for making the roof of the kitchen, 7l., etc. Total, 64l. 19s. 4d.

Rag stone at 15d. a ton. To Masons of Kent for 14 ft. stone upright, at 50s. a foot.

10 Henry VI.

f.203 b.

Receipts (subscriptions) for the kitchen roof, 8d. to 6s. 8d.

f.210.

Kitchen roof, 29l. 8s. 4d., and other expenses for the kitchen. Total, 36l. 9s.

11 Henry VI., 1432–3.

f.213 b.

Subscriptions for the kitchen roof, 17l. 3s. 10d. Pirs Dyker paid for the vane and the gilding.

Repairs of "la Sale Petit Rente et le Scolemaisters."

f.216.

A board that was nailed to for a broken dabbed wall by the street side, for naill that was for the house next the hall gate, 8d. Sand for the roof of the Hall. To a tiler and his man for 6½ days work on the great hall roof, at 14d. a day. Setting up again of a chamber in the Scolemaister's house and making windows, etc. Total, 4l. 0s. 11d.

Kitchen.

f.218.

To the avewers of the town to avewe the kitchen roof, 10s. Meat, drink and boathire, when men went to see Kenyngton kitchen roof, 18d. A spindle of iron that bears the vane, wt. 22 lbs., 3s. 4d. An iron bar between the Scolemaisters and the larderhouse, etc. Total, 28l. 15s. 3d.

Hall and "Petit Rente."

12 Henry VI., 1433–4.

f.224b.

Taking down the tiles of the old house in the kitchen. To 2 masons, 34½ days, "et nonc'," 21s. 3d. 11 corbels, 11s. 4d. Making the tresaunce door. Window in the pantry. 3 planks for standards (i.e., chests) in the Hall. Benches in the new chamber. Slating the hall end, 3s. Tiling the pastry house, a great part of the store house and other houses that were broke. Doors and windows for the aumerie house, and raising up the house and the stair, etc. Total, 68l. 5s. 2d.

13 Henry VI., 1434–5.

f.235b.

Elm planks. Gravel, etc., for the solar. "Hertlath" for the lodges and the chapel chamber. Carpenter's work about the Master's board. Staple and hasp to Everton's door. Keys to pantry, cellar and kitchen doors. Tiling the lodge and the chapel chamber. Mending a stair and window in Glover's house. Carpenter's work in Thos. Armurer's house, etc. Total, 5l. 7s. 6d.

14 Henry VI., 1435–6.

f.247 b.

A coop in the clerk's yard. Mending glasyn windows in the hall parlour and chapel, 6s. 8d. Stocklock to the winecellar door, etc. Total, 46s. 10½d.

15 Henry VI., 1436–7.

f.258 b.

Board to pentyse the kitchen roof. 700 feet of stone for the gutter in the kitchen, 3l. 17s. 6 loads of rag stone for paving, 13s. Hooks for arras in the chambers, 26l. 4s. 2½d.

16 Henry VI., 1437–8.

f. 271 b

7,500 tile, 37s. 4d. For a post in the parlour, and to hang the nets in the kitchen and the hall. A mason to underpin the post in the parlour. Keys to the tresans and almshouse door, pantry and buttery door. Board for the pentyce in the scalding yard. 2 high stools for the high table. "Trowes" (troughs) for chickens and capons, etc. Total, 12l. 3s. 1d.

17 Henry VI., 1438–9.

f. 282 b

Staining 2 side cloths, altar cloths and frontal, 3l. 11s. Painting the chapel roof with gold stars, and painting and gilding the crest, 4 mks. White glass for the window in the chapel, 26s. 8d. Green buckram and silk fringe for 2 costers and a frontal.

f 283b

A gapier window. Tiling the chapel and the long parlour. Plastering the parlour. A dog of iron for the chapel, 9 lb., 15½d. Key for the warehouse. Cord for the stained costers in the chapel and for arras. To Thos. Armourer for 2 spears standing in the Hall, 4s. Racks and mangers for the stable, etc. Total, 10l. 9s. 8d.

19 [18 ?] Henry VI., 1440–1.

f. 294 b.

A dauber for the gable end of the great chamber, 4½ days, "et nonc'," at 8½d. Keys for the storehouse and counting house door and pantry door. 4 loads of "robus" (rubbish) taken out of the hall before the feast. To the carpenter for making the counting house and the house at garden end. 40 foot of glass for the counting house window, and mending a pane of window at Hall end, 23s. 4d., etc. Total, 7l. 16s. 9d.

"Sale, le House in the Gardyn, et Petit Rente pres le Halle."

19 Henry VI., 1440–1.

f. 306 b.

Rafters for the house in the garden, 2s. 8d. A mantel shide and 2 tassels, 12d. A mason for making the pavement between "boteraces" at the parlour door, and of the parlour. Mending the costers in the Hall. Carriage of stone from the Pultry to the Hall, 6 days, etc. Total, 9l. 6s. 5d.

Sale et le Petitz Rentz.

20 Henry VI., 1441–2.

f. 316 b.

46¼ ft. board for the chapel end, 20d. One tiler, for the chapel, 2 chambers, by the new chamber and the great chamber and the schoolmaster's place, 7 days at 8½d. Paving at the gate, 4½ "teyse," 3s. Making the wall between the Hall and the Schoolhouse. Key to the tresaunce door, etc. Total, 3l. 9s. 10d.

21 Henry VI., 1442–3.

f. 330 b.

Mending the slate in the great chamber. Lock and key to the aumerie door and the sotilhouse. Straw to the great bed, 4d. Rail for the cellar door. A plate and board for the coop. A bar for the buttery, 3d., etc. Total, 47s. 6d.

22 Henry VI., 1443–4.

f. 343 b

Gutter by Sir John's chamber. Tenter hooks, etc., for the larder. Nails, etc., for the Squylerie and sawcerie. Key and staple to the trestle house door. A key for the box, 3d., etc. Total, 43s. 5d.

23 Henry VI., 1444–5.

f. 356 b.

Mending gutters, etc., in the Hall, 27s. 2½d.

Hall.

f. 357.

Bars for the windows. Traunson for the door. Keys for storehouse, sotilhouse, etc., 20s. 10d.

School House. (fn. 3)

f. 357b.

Wages of dauber and labourer, 8½d. and 6½d. a-day. 400 sappe lath, 20d. 3 carts loam, 12d. 1 load sand. 9 sacks lime, 18d. 2000 sprig nail, 16d., etc. Total, 14s. 5d.

33 and 34 Henry VI., 1554–5.

Book II., f. 77.

Repairs in the Hall. Chimney in the Aumery. Mending a stone corner wall in the garden, under the chamber late let to Edmund Lynge, Chaplain.

f.78.

Mending the east window of glass in the chapel, and the window of the chamber near the chapel, 16d. Cutting the vines in the garden and putting sticks under them. Whitewashing the walls for the feast. A lock for the door of the small house for ypocras, etc. Total, 14l. 11s. 2½d.

36 and 37 Henry VI., 1557–8.

f.163.

Railing the vine in the garden of Tailors' Hall, and the vine in the garden late belonging to Jas. Phalome, and 4 days' work in the garden, at 6d. a day, and other small expenses. Total, 3l. 3s. 10d.

Hall.

1546–7.

From the sale of the light that hung before the high table in the Hall, 5s. 8d.

Making and setting up a case of wainscot for the Lord Mayor's sword, at the high desk in the Hall, 2s.

Repairs in the Hall, unimportant.

Painting 8 "faynes" in the garden, and trimming the screen in the Hall, 35s.

Hire of the king's cloths to hang the chapel and other chambers at Midsummer, 8s.

1547–8.

Hanging the hall against the feast day, and taking them down again afore Midsummer, lest they should be hurt by the harvest men, and for hanging them up again after Midsummer, 6s.

Mending the lantern over the great gate, 4d.

Mending the wheel of the well in the great kitchen, 2d.

Repairs:—

Translating and new making the parlour, and the great stone window in the upper end of the hall, over the high table, and for the crests on both sides of the said end of the Hall, 161l. 1s. 1d.

The work lasted from 4th February to 18th June.

Taking down the ceiling of the parlour; wages of carpenters, 10d. a-day; sawyers, 8d.; bricklayers, 9d.; labourers, 6d.; plaisterers, 9d., etc.; 21,000 and 1 load of brick, at 6s. 8d. the load; timber from Lesyng at Kent, taking down the old glass in the stone window in the Hall, carrying away 13 ton of ordure out of the "withdraught going into the Pastry," at 19d. a ton.

The cloth of the King's arms in the parlour, 13s. 4d. 12 arms in the parlour windows, 54s. 160 ft. of glass for the window, at 2½d. 93 ft. of glass for the great stone window in the hall, at 2d. a ft. Two of the king's arms in the said window, 16s.

Setting up forms and trestles in the Hall against the Sheriffs watch should come there, 6s., etc.

1548–9.

For paving stone for the hallpace in the parlour, being of the story of Job, 26s. 8d. To a joiner for making a frame for the hallepace, 3s. 4d.

1549–50.

For a frame in the armoury to put in the artillery, (fn. 4) 9s. 8d.

Making a hallpace of wainscot to cover the stones afore the chimney in the parlour, 5s.

Paving 50 yards of the street before Taillours Hall door, 10s. 3½d.

To Wright, blacksmith, for locks and keys for the Hall, broken by the Frenchmen, 6s. 8d.

Taking down and setting up the glass in the windows in the parlour, when the French lord made his triumph there, 6s.

1550–51.

"For the losse of a face of gowen grayne for a gowne which was stollen oute ot the parlour at soche tyme as the Frenchemen laye here, 13s. 9d."

9 yds. of green say for the curtains in the parlour.

Normandy glass for the Hall windows, at 25s. a case, 3l. 15s.

Whitewashing the Hall, 3s. 4d.

Setting up the lattices before the screen in the Hall, which was taken down by the Frenchmen, 12d.

Paling to enclose the new storeyard at the Hall, 30s. 4d.

Iron work for the great gate on the backside and iron dogs for the gallery, 36s.

Lead for the gutter between the great kitchen and the new gallery.

1552–3.

Painting the end of the table on the north side of the Hall, 20d.

222 ft. of board for the penthouse over the parlour window, 9s. Whiting the roof of the parlour, 12d.

1554–5.

A green chair for the use of the hall, 13s. 4d.

46 ft. of new glass, at 5d. a ft., for the great window in the east end of the Hall.

A lantern to hang over the Hall gate, 12d.

12 lbs. of candle burnt therein in the winter, according to an old custom, 2s.

1555–6.

Mending the "fayne" of one of the election cups, 18d. Mending the racks in the great kitchen, and setting up the middle table in the Hall called the guests table, and for setting up ledges in the gallery to hang cloths of arras on, 3s.

APPENDIX C (2).

Extracts From Court Minutes As To Repairs of The Hall.

(1584–1631).

At a Court held 22nd September 1584, it was ordered, first, that the said Master, Wardens and Assistants, have ordered and agreed, nominated and appointed, and do give full power and authority unto Mr. W. Albany Nicholas Spencer, George Sotherton, and Thomas Pope, loving brethren of this mysterie, concerning the taking down of the roof of our hall, and setting up of the same again according to a pattern drawn for the same purpose, and they to take order and to appoint such workmen as shall be meet, and sufficient persons for such a work, viz., Carpenters, Masons, Bricklayers, Tylers, and others, and they also to make provision for all things needful for the same whatsoever, praying the assistance of the Master and Wardens from time to time as need shall require, and occasion move them thereunto. (fn. 5)

This order appears to have necessitated that of the 21st October 1584, to the effect that the quarter dinners be put down for the present.

The Hall was overhauled in other respects, for on the 25th January 1585, whether the south window in the Hall should be taken down was referred to committee of the Court (called Surveyors) appointed in September 1584.

In June 1586, the Court determined that the new roof should be wholly of lead, but after having made this order they appear to have surveyed the principal mansions in the city, including the halls of the Inns of Court, and they came to the conclusion that it would be more modest and befitting the Company to have only slate, and accordingly, by an assembly on the 10th and a Court on the 29th August, slate was adopted and ordered.

The Hall was not completed till after June 1587 (as in that month the tradesmen are called in for completion), and on the 11th July 1588, the late Master (John Toppe) gave the House 100l. towards the new skreen in the Hall.

"It is resolved at this Courte that William Brentham, Carpenter, dwelling in Houndsditch neere M^r Dowes house, shall be conferred withall by Mr Dawe, To consider of the grounde and space of the situation of the Kinges Chamber, to thend a convenient plott may be conceaved for the new building thereof so that the light at the Weste end of the Hall may be pserved undeminished, and that in the meane tyme the timber linge in the Garden may be sawen forthe to a scantlinge, and to be laid drie untill the said buildinge ys in hand."—[29th August 1593.]

"It was at this Court ordered that the foote pace under the Livery Table in the Hall shalbe boarded throughout, for the more ease and decensie of the Livery sitting there, our M^r to pay, &c."—[14th August 1617.]

"At this Court the Company seeing and fully understanding the inconvenience of the white walles which have beene often mended and still out of repayer, have the rather in regard that some moneys have been given heretofore towards the charge, ordered and agreed that the said walles in y^e hall shalbe wainscoted with good wainscot soe high as the clothes doe usually hange.—[25th September 1619.]

"The Peticon of the Joyners who have lately wainscotted the Hall was at this Court openly read, wherein they show that they have made the wainscotting thicker and the freeze in a more curious and costly manner than they were bound unto, acknowledging that in all other respects they have beene very worthyily dealt withall but craving the benevolence of this Company only for their extraordinary cost and paynes. Whereupon consideration being had, and our M^r Slaney acquainting this Court that the whole charges already payd did amount unto the some of one hundred forescore eight pounds fifteen shillings and fower pence, It is ordered y^t the said (8 in No.) shall have given them in reward 11l. 4s. 8d., upon condition they raise the benches in the Hall and make them even with the wainscott in decent and comely sort, and pay out of the said money such somes as are due to any of the Parish for necessaryes taken of them, our M^r to pay, &c."—[15th August 1620.]

"The Master and Wardens, &c. requested to see that the Comon Hall be substantially boarded with deale boards of the best sort."—[14th March 1631.]

APPENDIX C (3).

Extracts from Court Records Relating to Acquisition of Hall Premises (1577–1648).

The following extracts have reference to the Hall property:—

"Forasmuch as the Well in the greate Kytchen is now in Ruyne & to be repaired, and lyinge open dyvst noysome things have fallen into the same. The sayde well shall forthw^th be converted into a pompe at the coste and charges of this house."—[28th August 1577.]

"At this Courte there is granted to George Southake, Grocer, a lease of the Gate House over the Companies Backe Gate, directly against St. Peter's Church in Cornhill, for 40 years, for the fine of 5l., and the yearly rent of 26s. 8d."—27th June 1590.]

"The M^r & Wardens have authority to build the Gatehouse in Cornhill in such manner and forme as to their wisdomes shall seeme most expediente, and they are entreated to finish it speedily."—[10th August 1597.]

"Whereas there is lately imposed upon our Comon Hall a charge of two shillings weekly towards the relief of the poore, according to a Statue (fn. 6) passed at the last Pliament, and forasmuch as upon enquiry it appeth there is not any other Comon Hall in London charged therewith. It is therefore agreed that o^r M^r and Wardens shall forbear the payment thereof untill it shall appear whether any other hall shall be charged in like manner. Because the Company think there is as great reason to free them as any other."—[3rd March 1598.]

"It is agreed that o^r M^r and Wardens shall confer with the pties that bringeth the Water from London bridg into Cornhill, and conclude with him at such reasonable rate as they cane to convey a pipe into the greate Kitchin belonging to the Comon Hall for the necessary Srvice of the hall and to prevent danger of fyre." —[1st September 1599.]

"The Master and Wardens and Mr. Slaney are requested to treate with the Lady Agar for a lease or other estate to be made to the Company of the juttie, building, and roome, pcell of the great Chamber called the King's Chamber, built and hanging over the wall of the garden belonging to the messuage now or late in the occupation of the said M^r Jn^o Slaney, viz^t thirteen foote or thereabouts in length, and seven foote or thereabouts in breadth at some reasonable rent, &c."—[20th June 1630.]

"Sir Anthonie Archer, Knt., and Dame Hoster his wife, had a life interest in 5 Messuages in Cornhill, the remainder of a moietie thereof to the heirs of the said lady, and the other moietie thereof to Henry Hayman, Esq., in case of his death without issue, then the said moietie to the said ladie and her heirs. Sir Anthonie treated with the Companie for purchasing of the said houses, and he and his ladie were to assure to the Company all the said houses for the Lady's life, and the moietie in fee simple, and covenant That if the other moietie shall come to the said Ladie, then Sir Anthonie and his Ladie shall assure that other moietie to the Company. The Court agree that upon the perfecting of the assurance of the ladie's estate for her life in all the five houses, and the remainder of her moietie, Sir Anthony is to have Two thousand Marks, and for the other moietie when it shall happen, or if the said Sir Anthonie shall sooner procure the purchase thereof for the Comp^y One thousand Marks more, and it was made known unto this Court, that for 5 years from Mich^s next the Company shall receive noe rent or other profit, but to hold and enioye quietlie the Encroachment or Juttie of the King's Chamber being over part of the yard of one of the said 5 tenem^ts, &c."—[18th May 1632.]

"Sir Anthony Archer was informed that this Company did not intend to proceed with the purchase of the tenements in Cornhill. The Court agreed to give Sir Anthony and his Lady ffifty pounds, soe as Sir Anthony doe make or procure a lease of that part of the Companie's Chamber as jutteth over some part of the capital messuage in Cornhill, for soe long tyme as Mr. Norton hath in the same houses, &c." —[20th August 1632.]

"Petition of Richard Mould, Merchaunttailor, for a lease of the Gatehouse coming into Cornhill, in his occupation. Walter Golloser for a lease of the tenement at y^e Backgate, in the tenure of Samuel Ravenscroft."—[24th January 1643.]

" A letter of attorney to William Bailey to enter and seal leases (to raise money in pursuance of an Order of Council of 28th August preceding) on behalf of the Company, commences a recital of a great portion of the Company's property with the mention of 'all y^t messuage or tenement heretofore used for a hall, situate in the Parish of St. Michael, Cornhill, now in the tenure of Newman, adjoining to part of the garden belonging to the said fraternity on y^e south side thereof." —[5th March 1643.]

"For prevencion of many abuses, inconveniences, and dangers, It is ordered y^t noe person or persons whatsoever (who inhabit not w^thin y^e Companie's Hall) shall at any time have libtie to drie clothes or fetch water w^thin the Companie's Hall, garden, or any roomes belonging to y^e same w^ch is according to former orders of this Companie."—[5th June 1644.]

"Ordered that the Wardens shall view the tenement called the Old Hall neere the garden, and consider whether it be fitt to lett the same or otherwise to be disposed of."—[7th May 1645.]

"The tenem^t called the Old Hall being now out of lease and void of a tenant, ordered that our M^r and Wardens, if they see cause by the advise of the workmen, shall cause the wall parting the void place from the garden to be pulled down and the ground to be levelled, and consider how much thereof will serve for the Company's use before they lett the said Hall and cellar, and our M^r and Wardens are hereby authorized to doe therein as they see cause for the better accomodating the Company in enlarging of their garden or otherwise."—[11th February 1645.]

"Ordered that Lawrence Newman, grocer, shall have a lease of the tenem^t called the Old Hall and cellar under the same, neere the Companie's garden, for 21 years from Michas next for the yearly rent of 6l. and for the fine 30l., &c., the ancient passage into Cornhill from the Hall to be reserved unto the Companie, and likewise that he do not annoy or prejudice the Companie's lights, nor make any lights into the Companie's garden. And he is to give our Master a fatt bucke against his election."—[3rd June 1646.]

"This day Walter Golloser, tenant to the Company of a messuage at the Back Gate, late in the occupation of Samuel Ravenscroft, came to this Court and continued his suit for some addition of years, or some other allowance or consideration as the Company pleased, in consideration of his pretended hard bargaine, by reason of the greatness of the fine and badness of the times, the which this Court took into consideration, and first being informed that Mr. Golloser had lately made a doore out of a tenement opening into the Companie's yard, comonly called Redcrosse Yard, at the Back Gate, without licence of the Company, doth order that the said doore shall be shutt up, or else that he pay unto the Company for an acknowledgem^t for suffering the same xij^d per ann., and that sufferance to be during the Company's pleasure and no longer."—[16th August 1648.]

APPENDIX C (4).

Extract From Evidence Book. (1605).

The Hall and estate from Churchman are thus described in 1605:—

Evidence Book, p. 14.

The extent and yearly value of the Hall, and the tenements purchased with the same as they are at this day, Anno Domini 1605.

St. Martin Outwich.

The Marchauntailors' Hall, w^th y^e clerke and beadel's dwellings, yeeldeth in rent nothing.

St. Benet Fink.

A tenement late in the occupation of Hugh Wicksted at the rent of 40s., but now added to the clarcke dwellinge, and so yeeldeth in rent nothing.

Evidence Book, p. 29.

The extent and yearly value of the lande and tenemente given to this Corporacon, by ye composicon of John Churchman, grocer, of London, as the same are at this day 1605.

Broad Street.

Bishopsgate Street.

APPENDIX C (5).

Extracts From Court Minutes As To The Use Of The Hall For Plays.

"Whereas at our Comon Playes and suche lyke Exercises whiche be comonly exposed to be seene for money, everye lew'd persone thinketh himselfe (for his penny) worthye of the chiefe and moste comodious place withoute respecte of any other, either for age or estimacion in the comon weale, whiche bringeth the youthe to suche an impudente famyliaritie with theire betters that often tymes greite contempte of Maisters, Parents, and Magistrats followeth thereof, as experience of late in this our Comon Hall hathe sufficyently declared, whereby reasone of the tumultuous disordered persones repayringe hither to see suche Playes as by our Schollers were here lately played, the Maisters of this Worshipful Companie and theire deare ffrends coulde not have entertaynmente and convenyente place as they oughte to have had, by no provision beinge made, notwithstandinge the spoyle of this howse, the charges of this Mystery and theire juste Authoritie which did reasonably require the contrary.

"Therefore, and ffor the causes ffirst above saide, yt is ordeyned and decreed by the authoritie of this presente Courte, with the assente and consente of all the worshipfull persones afforesaide, that henceforthe theire shall be no more any Playes suffered to be played in this our Comon Hall, any Use or Custome heretofore to the contrary in anywise notwithstandinge."—[16th March 1573.]

APPENDIX C (6).

Extracts From Court Minutes As To The Safe Keeping Of Gunpowder.

"Consideration was had at this Courte where a sufficient place ought to be found for the Company to make room for the safe keeping of their Gunpowder which now lyeth in great danger.

"It was conceived by this Court that the most convenient place for that purpose would be over the Banquetting House in the Garden, and so ordered and agreed that the Master and Wardens taking to them Mr. Streete one of the old Masters, and whom of the Assistants they shall think fit to summon the workmen, and to take present order with them for the making thereof in the said place and such manner and forme as they shall think fitt. And also to have the Counsel Chamber amended as need shall require and as they in their judgments shall think fitt."—[22nd September 1621.]

"Notice is given to this Court that the King and Queen's Majestie attended by divers honourable Lords and Ladies are shortly to be entertayned at supper at the Lord Maior's House in Cornhill neare adjoininge to this Hall and afterwards to come into the Companies Hall to see a Masque prepared by the Gentlemen of the Innes of Court, it is therefore thought fitt and soe ordered, that the Gunpowder now remaining in the Gunpowder House shall be this presente daye removed and disposed of as our Master and Wardens shall think fitt."—[8th February 1633.]

"To this Court came some of the Captaines of the Citty, and others of the Artillery Garden, and requested them to give them and their Companies leave to exercise their armes in the Comen Hall and Garden belonging to this Comp^ie and to keep their supper or general meeting for their Company which this Court lovingly granted unto them, Soe that they tooke such convenient tymes for the same when the Company had noe occasion to use the said Hall and Garden for their own occasions."—[28th August 1638.]

"Whereas it is conceived That the powder house in the Garden stands very inconvenient and dangerous by reason of the neere adjoyning of other houses and of chimneys thereunto, It is thought fitt and so ordered by this Court That our Master and Wardens shall consider of some other more convenient place for the same and dispose of the powder and match therein as they shall think fitt."— [February 1647].

"It is ordered That the Wardens and Mr. Stone shall consider of dispossing the powder and making sale thereof at the best rate they can, and the said committee are also authorized to provide and furnish the Company with fifty good serviceable musketts with their appurtenances at the charge of the Company, forasmuch as those borrowed by the State are not yett restored, and the number in the house remaining very few and inconsiderable for the service of the Company."—[2nd August 1648, p. 296].

APPENDIX C (7).

General Fairfax's Protection To The Hall From Quartering.

"January 2nd, 1648.

"There was this day communicated and redd unto this Assemblie a Warrant or Protection under the hand and seal of the Lord Generall Ffairfax, for the freeing of this Hall from the quartering of souldiers now resident within and neere this Citty.

"Copy of the Warrant.

"'Whereas severall inconveniences have been represented unto me to fall out in case any souldiers be quartered in Merchant Tailors' Hall, and there beinge very many poore belonging to that Companie: These are to require you on sight hereof to forbeare to quarter either Horse or Foote in the said Hall, and hereof you are to be observant as you will answere the contrary. Given under my hand and seale in Queen Streete, the xxviij (28^th) day of December 1648.

"'Tho: Ffairefax.

"'To all Quarter Masters, Constables and other Officers whome these may concerne.'

"Whereupon this Assemblie being purposely called to consider of some gratificacion to M^r. Gravenor, the Quarter Master Generall to the Army, being a member of this Company, and the person that procured the said protection, dothe think fitt and soe order that the sum of Twenty pounds shall be given unto him as a token from the Company for this his respect unto and endeavour for the Company; and likewise Ten shillings to his man that brought the same."

"August 28th, 1650.

"It is thought fitt and ordered that the New Armes for this State and Commonwealth of England and Ireland bee provided for this Company against the next Lord Maior's day, according as the Cittie and other Companies have done."

"December 13th, 1650.

"A Precept For Taking Down And Destroying The Late King's Arms And Picture.

"Whereas the Right Hon^ble. Council of State by their letters to me directed of the 3rd inst., take notice that in severall Churches, Common Halls of Companies, and other publique places of meeting there still remains standing the Arms and Pictures of ye late King w^ch have been ordered to be taken away. In these said letters I am required to give order that the same be forthwith destroyed and to cause a due and strict charge thereof to be made, and to take account and certifie the said Council of my proceedings therein before the 31^st of this instant.

"Theise are therefore in the name of the keepers of the liberties of England, by authority of Parliament to will and require the Churchwardens of the several Churches of this Cittie, and the Master and Wardens and other officers of this Cittie to cause the said Picture and Arms to be removed and destroyed and forthwith to make certificate to me of their doings.

"Fail not, as ye will answer the contrary at your perill.

"Dated December 11th, 1650."

"Tho: Andrewes, Maior."

"A Certificate Of Destroying The Late King's Arms And Picture.

"To the Right Hon^ble. Tho^s. Andrews, Lord Maior of the Citty of London, in obedience to your Lordshipp's precept of the 11th of December last, Wee the Master and Wardens of the Merchant Taylor's Company, whose names are subscribed, doe humbly certifie that we have caused to be taken downe and destroyed the Armes and Picture of the late King, w^ch did remayne standing in the Common Hall of our Company or other publique place thereof.

"Dated xv^th day of Jan. 1650."

"John Stone, M^r. &c."

APPENDIX C (8).

Extracts From Court Minutes As To Rebuilding Hall Premises.

Arrangements for raising Loans from Members of the Company for re-building the Hall after the fire (form of Bond), page 265.—[26th November 1669].

Committee appointed for rebuilding Hall and such other rooms and conveniencies, &c., page 294.—[18th March 1670].

Several Members summoned to the Court to subscribe towards re-building the Hall, pages 323, 326, 329, 336, 338, 340, 343, 344, 346.—[15th July 1670].

Committee to meet at the Hall to receive subscriptions.—[14th October 1670].

Subscriptions for rebuilding of Hall from Frs. Ayscough, pages 377, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 388, 397.—[24th March 1671].

Master fined for Election dinner, page 389.—[20th June 1671].

Ordered that Henry Ashurst, Esq., the last Master, pay 100l. towards the building of the Hall, and for his so doing this order to be his discharge in full for his fine for his Election dinner, according to a former order of Court, page 403, see also 389.—[6th October 1671].

The Officers of this Company to deliver out the printed copies of an order of this Court to ye Assistante Livery and Comalty of this Company for the discovering of all such members of this Company who have been made free by them that they may be sent to contribute towards the re-building of the Hall, page 409.—[3rd November 1671].

It is ordered, and the Master and Wardens and all the Assistants of this Company, or any five or more of them, are desired to meet at the Hall on Friday morning next, by 9 o'clock, to consider of raising money for the building of the Hall, page 410. —[November 3rd, 1671].

Committee meet to consider Masons' Bill, &c., and give such order for going on to finish, &c., page 498.—[1672].

Mr. John Short presented the picture of Charles the 1st to the Company, page 463. —[6th June 1672].

Complaint of annoyance by Mr. Michael, who since the dreadful fire took a lease from this Company of part of the Almshouses in Threadneedle Street, and built a new house thereon (as to a watercourse), page 531.—[1673].

The Master (Mr. Jno. Foster) was requested to pay 100l. towards the rebuilding of the screen in lieu of election dinner.—[4th July 1673].

Mr. Whiting, joyner, shall have 200l. for joyners', carvers', and carpenters' work for the skreene in the hall, to be finished before the next Lord Mayer's day. Ordered that George Lawley, joyner, who drew a design for the said skreene, be paid 3l. for his pains taken therein.—[1st August 1673].

Ordered, that an Iron Chest be bought to lock up all the plate of this Company, and our Master is desired to take it all into his custody.—[4th December 1673.]

Ordered, that our Master is desired to pay the Mason for raising the hall and other petty works done for the Company, being Ten pounds od mony, as soone as the said Mason hath finished the upper end, and pointed and cleansed the marble and purbeck stone in the hall.—[30th April 1675].

APPENDIX C (9). Extracts from court minutes as to rebuilding court rooms (1680)

It is agreed That Joseph Avis, Merchanttaylor, and Joseph Lem, Bricklayre In consideration that they well and substantially build or cause to be builded on the west end of the Comp^es hall and workmanlike, according to the dementions and scantlings, as the Court or Comitte thereof shall agree upon, a Council Chamber, a King's Chamber, a large staircase and rooms over the said King's Chamber, with seiling mouldings and pannells floated, and finding all manner of worke except wainscotting and masons work to be finished by the last day of July next, Shall have Six hundred and Seventie pounds for the dooing thereof if there be one twenty square of building, or else they are to abate pportionally. And for thirtie pounds more it is left to the consideration of this Court after the finishing thereof and pforming such covenants as shall be agreed upon.

Whereupon it is thought fit and so ordered that the said Building be forthwith carried on. And for raising of monies for the paym^t thereof, It is thought fitt and so Ordered that a free guift and contribution be desired of the Assistants and Livery of this Society, and the whole Court or any five of them are desired to p'cure Subscriptions for the same so soone as conveniently may be.—[4th March 1680.]

Upon the request of Mr. Avis and Mr. Lem, It is thought fitt and so Ordered that they have One hundred pounds a piece paid them in part for and toward the building of the Councel Chamber, King's Chamber, and the other rooms over the same by Mr. Warden Kaye, being the monies he owes the Compan^ie by his bond and for his so doing this order to be his discharge.—[18th March 1680.]

This day the report concerning the alteration of the new building was read, the tenor whereof followeth:—

To the Right Wor^ll. the Master Wardens and Assistants of the Wor^ll Company of Merchant Taylors London.

In pursuance of an Order of the Court of Assistants of the 11th of this instant May, We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, have this day met and considered of the building of the new Counsell Chamber, King's Chamber, and roomes over the same. And do find that it will be much better, more commodious and pleasant to build the same on the left hand of the staircase acrosse the garden, and fronting the parlour, and that there be a gallery where the King's Chamber was intended to be built looking into the Hall ffifteen foot broad and fforty ffoure foot long, level with the building on the left hand of the staircase, and the ground beyond and under the said gallery be made into several rooms for larders and other conveniences, and then there will not be any occasion for those lights now made over Mr. Stevenson's warehouse, and the rooms will be 30 foot broad and fforty eight foot long, of the same height as already agreed upon, and four lights on each side in all the rooms, all which is computed to be about twelve square of building more than the former contract, which we are of opinion will cost about ffoure hundred pounds more than formerly agreed for, and for removing the ffloar and taking down the brick wall (as we are informed) will cost twenty pounds, all which nevertheless we haud and submit to the grave wisdom of the Wor^ll Court.

Whereupon the Court doth allow thereof and confirm the same. And it is further Ordered and the whole Court, or any ffive of them, are desired to meet at the Hall on Tuesday next about two of the clock in the afternoon, to agree and conclude with the Companies workmen concerning the same, and to report to this Court theire Agreem^t therein.—[14th May 1681.]

In pursuance of an Order of the Court of Assistants of the 20th of this instant May, Wee, whose names are hereuunto subscribed, have this day met and have agreed with Mr. Avis and Mr. Lem to build a vault on the left hand of the staircase with stone culleims arched, to be three score and three foote long, and thirtie foot broad, finding all manner of work and digging for one hundred and three score pounds, the earth, gravel, or what shall be dug up to be at the Companies disposal.

Agreement to let part of the above named vault to Mr. L. Wilson, at 22l. per annum, to which he is to have excess under ground from his said now dwelling house which he is to make at his own cost.

We have likewise discoursed with Mr. Avis and Mr. Lem concerning the intended new building over the said vault (viz.) a Counsel Chamber fortie-eight foote long and thirtie-ffoure foote broad, ffifteen foote high, with ffoure lights on each side of the Counsel Chamber, a King's Chamber over the said Counsel Chamber of the same dimensons and ffoure lights on each side.

And the said King's Chamber to be twenty foote high, and chambers over the said King's Chamber with
computed to be in all about sixteen square of building, for which to be well and substantially built and workmanlike in everything, and finding all manner of worke whatsoever (except wainscotting and mason's work), and for fineshing the same they doo demand fortee pounds per square, which is the lowest rate wee could bring the said Mr. Avis and Mr. Lem unto. All which, neverthelesse, wee leave and submitt unto the grave wisdom of this Wor^ll. Court.—[30th May 1681.]

This Court, taking into consideration the subscriptions for and towards the rebuilding of the King's Chamber and other rooms, and after debate thereon doth think fitt and so Order—That the youngest Assistant doth first begine and so proceed upwards, and end with the Right Hono^ble. the Lord Maior which is desired may be done with all expedition.—[8th June 1681].

It is thought fitt and so Ordered that in the new building there be a Counsel Chamber, a King's Chamber, over the said Counsel Chamber, and so flatted and covered with lead, and the former Comtt^e. are desired to treat and conclude with the workmen for the Gallery lookeing into the Hall, and to report to this Court their doeings therein.—[3rd August 1681].

A report on several matters connected with re-building, provides "That a stone doore case be made at the south end of the new building, uniform with the other doore, and to worke it up with a brick wall one story high sufficient for further building."—[20th September 1681].

Agreement made with Plasterer about the frett worke in the ceiling of the new building, and the carver about ballisters of the staircase.—[24th March 1682].

Ordered, that Mr. Avis and Mr. Lem do forthwith make all doores fitting suitable, and as is usual to such new building in pursuance of theire Agreements, or else the Companie will give order for the doeing thereof, and the charges thereof to be deducted out of the monies agreed to be paid them.—[19th July 1682.]

Ordered, that Mr. Pat, Plasterer, do forthwith do the moulding of the new parlour.—[9th July 1682.]

In a report of a Committee, they allow for ten square and a half of building, where the late King's Chamber stood, at thirtee-two pounds per square three hundred thertie-six pounds; and for twenty-five square and three-quarters of a square of building of the New Counsel Chamber or Parlor and Kings Chamber, over the same, at 40l. per square, measured by Mr. Browne, one thousand and thirty pounds; they also find due to Mr. Lem, by agreement, for building the vault under the said Counsel Chamber one hundred and sixty pounds; and the said Mr. Lem brought us in a bill for ten rod and thirty-two foote of brick work for arching, cutting the well, digging the well, and cutting the brick work, &c.—one hundred and five pounds in all—amounting to sixteen hundred and thirtie-one pounds, and after abatements, for not building the Chambers over the King's Chamber, according to the agreements, and other abatements we think fitt to allow them, in full payment fifteen hundred and fiftie pounds. One thousand pounds thereof, as they are informed they have already received in part, so that then there will be due to them five hundred and fiftie pounds. All which, &c.—[31st January 1683.]

Ordered, that one hundred pounds of the dividend upon the Irish Estate be employed towards the wainscotting of the Companies New Parlor.—[20th April 1683.]

Ordered, that windows be made on the right of the New Parlor, so low as the transums and doores to the Parlor and King's Chamber.—[27th April 1683.]

Thanks of the Court returned to Mr. Rolls and Mr. Dep^y. Clarke, who of their own free will, wainscott the New Parlor at their own costs and charges; the money ordered at the last Court of Assistants for that purpose be paid to our Master, towards paying the Company's debts.—[27th April 1683.]

Ordered, that Twenty pounds be paid for a chimney piece of morble for the New Court Room or Parlor.—[11th May 1683.]

Geo. Pawley, joyner, shall have Three pounds for his draughts about wainscotting the New Parlor.

The Master did intimate to this Court that Daniel Baker, Esq., George Torriano, Esq., Mr. Peter Proby, and Mr. Jno. Brett, Junr., would, at their own proper costs and charges, erect a marble chimney piece in the King's Chamber.—[31st August 1683.]

Several persons employed to do the works for finishing the Hall kitchen.— [27th April 1687.]

APPENDIX C (10).

Extracts From Court Minutes As To Decoration Of Hall In 1728.

Referred to the Master and Wardens, or any three of them, to agree with the Plaisterer, Mason, and Painter for their respective works necessary to be done in the great room.—[20th February 1728.]

Referred to the Master and Wardens to buy a Dial for the Hall (fn. 9) and a Clock for the Court room.—[20th February 1728.]

Referred to the Master and Wardens to direct what repairs are necessary to be done to the roof of the Hall.—[14th March 1728.]

At this Court, Mr. Taylor, who had viewed the great room with the Master and Wardens, delivered a scheme of the wainscott proposed to be put up, and his proposal at what price he would do the same in ffirr, viz^t. at five shillings pr yard for Wainscott, and two pence p^r inch p^r ffoot running for Moulding and Cornish, and it is thereupon ordered that he do perform the said work, &c.—[5th September 1728.]

Ordered that it be referred to the Master and Wardens to finish the Gallery and the other parts of the Hall and the yard lately let to Mr. Marriott.—[26th February 1729.]

Ordered that the Carpenter's Bill for the work done in the Great room, after the work is measured, be paid.—[12th June 1729.]

Ordered that it be referred to the Master and Wardens to provide two dozen of chairs for the present use of the King's (fn. 10) Chamber and also a convenient stove for the chimney.

Ordered that the Hall be wainscotted according to the proposal read from Mr. Taylor to the Carpenter.—[11th July 1729.]

Ordered that it be left to the Master and Wardens to agree for the Wainscotting the Hall, Kitchen, and rooms adjoining, and wainscotting the passages of the Hall and Great Parlour.—4th September 1729.] (fn. 11)

Ordered that there be sash windows made to the Great Parlour.—[4th March 1730.]

Ordered that the little Court room chairs be carried into the Gallery and new ones provided in the stead thereof.

Ordered that it be left to the Master and Wardens to repair the pavement in and about the Hall yards and passages.—[18th March 1730.]

Ordered that it be left to the Master and Wardens to view the ffloors and other parts of the Clerk's house and to order what repairs they think necessary to be done there.—[25th March 1730.]

Ordered that it be referred to the Master and Wardens and such Members of the Court as shall think fit to be present at the next Court, for binding to agree for the finishing of the great staircase.—[13th May 1731.]

Ordered that Mr. Taylor, the Carpenter, have notice that unless he forthwith brings in his bill he will be no more employed by this Company.—[20th December 1733.]

Sundry Payments to Workmen under the above Resolutions of Court:—

APPENDIX C (11).

Extracts From Court Minutes As To The Fire In 1765.

Committee called on account of Great Fire which this day happened at the East side of the Hall.—Gave orders to watch the fire—the engineers of the Company and Hand in Hand Fire Office to be in readiness in case the fire should break out again.—Applied for a party of soldiers to guard those parts of the wall which lie open to the ruins.—Considered gratuities to persons assisting at the fire.—Dinner on Lord Mayor's Day put off in consequence of the fire.—[7th November 1765.]

Gratuity to Mr. Ellicott's servants and others for taking care of the Company's books and papers.—Advertisements that any goods which are missing by the sufferers by the late fire, to be deposited in the Hall and the owners to have access to claim them.—36 fire bags to be provided and kept in the Company's office.— [11th November 1765.]

5 Guineas given to the foreman of the Bridewell boys, to be divided amongst them—other gratuities to gentlemen's servants, soldiers, &c. Turncocks of the Thames and New River Works called in and examined, why there was no water at the late fire for several hours; it appeared to the Committee that there had been great neglect in the Turncocks of the New River Waterworks, but as the water had been well supplied ever since, ordered 1 Guinea to the turncocks of the Thames and ½ guinea only to those of the New River.—Insurance Office estimated damage at 70l. 14s. 2d., but the Committee considered the amount not sufficient to repair wall of Kitchen, and directed the Surveyor to repair the wall in a proper and substantial manner.—[19th November 1765.]

Mr. Geo. Nail agreed to hold the ground on which his house stood before the fire for the remainder of the unexpired term, at the same rent as reserved by the lease, with a lease of the piece of ground whereon the Company's bakehouse and ovens were built, &c.—[14th February 1766.]

Proposal of Mr. Cleaver to cover the ground occupied by the late White Lion Tavern, &c.

No definite mention of the extent of the Fire.—[7th May 1766.]

APPENDIX C (12).

The Ancient Crypt Under The Hall Premises.

In Allen's History of London (vol. iii., p. 251), published in 1828, the following passage is found:—

"A vestige of the earliest erection of the Hall in the fourteenth century still exists in a crypt, which is situated near the north-east angle of the Hall, partly running under the entrance court; it is now used as a coal cellar. The following is a ground plan taken from actual admeasurement for this work:

"The vaulting is very simple; it is divided by arched ribs crossing from side to side into three divisions, which are again crossed by diagonal ribs issuing from the same impost. The points of intersection are without bosses. The imposts consist of corbels formed of grotesque heads, sustaining octangular capitals. Two of the heads are engraved.

"The materials of which the walls of the crypt are formed, are chalk and rag-stone, and the architecture is distinguished by solidity and plainness rather than by its ornaments.

"The dimensions are as follow:

In 1853, the 3rd division was destroyed.

A writer in the Builder, in 1855, offers these remarks:—

"The kitchen at which we take a peep on the way to the crypt may be older than the time of the Fire of 1866, and probably about the time of Henry VIII. There are some pointed arches and windows, and also two corbels visible. The crypt is at a considerable depth below the kitchen, and has been used for some time past as a coal cellar. The walls and filling in between the groins are of chalk; the proportions may be judged of by the engraving," which is the same as that given at page 42.

Mr. Edwin Nash (a Member of the Court and a highly competent judge on such a subject), writes to me thus:—

"A somewhat short investigation enables me to state that the buildings on the premises in Threadneedle Street do not possess any very high antiquity, nor any great architectural merit. The only pre-Reformation work being the remains of a groined crypt, less than 13 feet wide and 2 bays long, also the walls of the apartment (now used as the kitchen) and possibly the walls of the present great Dining Hall.

"The crypt cannot be earlier than the 15th Century, judging by the style of the corbels and of the ribs, which latter are plain splays of deep projection, one direct and two diagonal, springing from corbels moulded and carved with heads—the spandrils filled in with squared chalk. The present floor of the crypt is nearly 12 feet below the level of Threadneedle Street, and has been lower still.

"The present kitchen, measuring about 37 feet 6 inches, East to West, by 31 feet 9 inches north to south, and being very lofty, has every appearance of having been a hall—and certainly not a kitchen, and it appears that in 1633 an "old hall" did exist, which expression seems to imply that a new hall also existed at that period, and thus the idea is given that the present kitchen may have been the old hall. The architecture is of 16th Century type. The whole of the north side is occupied by an arcade of three openings, with low four centred arches moulded with two sets of double ogees, divided by a hollow; and above these there are three large windows—the south side has had a window-like opening high up—the east side two doorways, and the west side one doorway, and at a considerable height a two light window 6 feet wide, apparently traceried, but now built up.

"The two great fireplaces and chimney stacks are modern, that is to say, they are not 100 years old, but have been built up within the Hall against, but independently of, the walls. There are four large perpendicular or Tudor corbels in the walls at a great height, which without doubt were for a timber roof to spring from, and these may have been more than four originally. The floor of this hall, now the kitchen, is at about the same level as the roadway of Threadneedle Street, but the level of this street has risen considerably (as all streets have) since this part of the premises was constructed.

"In considering the present great Banqueting Hall, much difficulty arises in respect of its date, inasmuch as the windows which are its only architectural feature are four centred like those in the kitchen, and yet they have not the aspect of genuine Tudor work. Sir Christopher Wren was employed by the Company and possibly he put these windows in, they seeming to be in his manner of Gothic work, and further evidence of the work of Wren's time is the use of Portland stone, which he introduced to London. The walls of this Hall are most likely much older than Wren, and probably 16th Century work, but the details, like all post-Reformation work, are enigmatical. Under the wood floor of the Hall there remains a paved floor about 2 feet lower down.

"Further examination might lead to some discoveries of old work."

When the present Hall was built is a point which I have not been able to clear up, either from Appendices A (6 and 7) or C (1). The present did not (I apprehend) stand on the site of the old Hall, (fn. 12) but others, not built by the Company, are referred to as standing on the Threadneedle Street property—as Slaney's "Hall" (p. 32), "The Hall in St. Michael's" parish (p. 576), which are distinguished from the Company's Hall in St. Martin's parish. The dimensions of the Hall, contrasted with other Halls, is shown below by Mr. N. Stephens:—