The corporation of Lincoln: Registers, vol. III (1541-64)

Registers, vol. III (1541-64)

1541, 30 July. All who take horses to meet the King shall be in their best apparel, and they shall have horses and no mares. f. 286^b.

—, —. The aldermen to be prepared the Sunday next after Lammas Day with black cloth for their saddles, etc. Ibid.

—, 9 Aug.—"The cummynge of the Kyng to this citie." The King and Queen came about 4 o'cl., and the Mayor, Recorder and his brethren met him at the farthest part of the liberties, with the gentlemen of the parts of Lindsey, "and there they kneeled before the King, and the Recorder made a proposition, and after the proposition so made the Mayor kissed the mace and delivered it to the King, and immediately the King delivered it to him again, and the Mayor on horseback alone did bear the same mace before the King and afore the Lord Hastings then bearing the sword, and other bearing the King's maces, unto such time as the King entered to the Bishop's palace at Lincoln.

To the King our sovereign lord. Please it your most excellent highness, that the mayor, his brethren, and inhabitants of your city of Lincoln, do present your highness towards your grace's welcome into this your city with this present following:—

First, in fat oxen 20, price 20l.

Item, in fat muttons 100, price 30l.

To the Queen's grace. Please it your grace that the mayoress and her sisters, 'aldresses' of your city of Lincoln, do present your grace towards your welcome into this your city with this present following:—

1542, Feb.—Copy of a "Supplication" delivered by William Yattes and Ralph Goodknape, aldermen, to the King at Candlemas time, shewing that the city is in great ruin and decay, and very like to be in a few years clearly desolate, by the charge of the annual payment to the Earl of Rutland of 20 marks, and to the Dean and Chapter of 80l.; and whereas by their charters they were for their relief exonerated from payment of fifteenths and tenths, they are now by a late Act of Parliament passed without the customary proviso for their exoneration, charged with payment of 400l. for four fifteenths and tenths within four years; whereby most part of the citizens will be compelled in short time to forsake the city, to its utter desolation. Wherefore they pray that the said fifteenths and tenths may be remitted, and that the benefice and parsonage of Cottingham in Yorkshire may be appropriated to the Dean and Chapter in lieu of the annual payment of 80l. f. 289^b.

On the cover of this volume is this memorandum of plate delivered into the common chamber by Mr. Knight, late mayor, on 4 Oct., 16 Eliz. [1574]:—

"First, a bason and ewer of silver, parcel gilt.

Item, three goblets of silver with a cover, double gilt.

Item, three silver pots with a cover, double gilt.

Item, one fair salt of silver with a cover, double gilt."

Vol. III. A volume containing 194 leaves of thick paper, foliated in the lower margin of the leaves, slightly mutilated at the beginning and end.

An index of matters, on twelve leaves, is prefixed. This volume, as well as those that follow, has been bound within recent years. It comprises entries from 1541 to 1564.

1541, 14 Sept.—The waits' badges are described as chains with a silver cross. f. 2.

1542, 10 June.—The church of St. Peter at the Plea to be taken down, and the lead, ornaments, and bells sold for the use of the common chamber. f. 3.

—, —. If any other church hereafter decay, or the inhabitants in any parish be assigned or disposed to go to any other parish, then the jewels, plate, ornaments, vestments, lead, bells, and utensils of such church shall be sold in like manner. Ibid.

—, —. St. Anne's guild to be brought forth the Sunday after St. James' day [St. Anne's day in 1539, supra, and in 1547, infra.] f. 3^b.

—, —. The graceman of the great guild to deliver up plate to the value of 10l. for the use of the city; to be re-delivered again, or else the money for which it may be sold. Ibid.

—, 7 Sept.—George Seyntpoll, esq., appointed Recorder by letters from the Duke of Suffolk. f. 4.

1543, 18 Apr.—The archdeacon [George Heneage] to have assurance for the foundation of a chantry over the High Bridge for 5l. yearly after seven years next ensuing. f. 9.

—, 23 Aug.—The Recorder, Geo. Seyntpoll, remits all the burgessmoney due to him for the last Parliament, viz., 8l. 14s. f. 10.

—, 24 Sept.—William Smyth, priest, and William Kempe appointed to go about the country yearly gathering for St. Anne's guild. f. 13 [see also 15^b].

—, 20 Oct.—The constables to bring all the poor people within the city before the justices, and such as shall be limited to beg shall have a sign delivered them. f. 15^b.

—, —. 100l. delivered in, which had been given by archd. George Heneage to the use of the city. f. 16.

—, —. The Recorder and ald. Will. Alanson to sue to the King for a release from the fee-farm rent paid to the cathedral church. Ibid.

—, —. Petition to the King for relief from the said rent, praying for assignment of a benefice instead, but not specifying any particular one as in the petition in 1542. f. 18^b.

1544, 25 Nov.—Enacted that all brewers shall tun their ale to their tipplers in "colles or soes," and in none other vessels. f. 23.

—, —. Every alderman that hath not been mayor to prepare for himself and his wife gowns of crimson, and every one that hath been mayor to prepare for himself and his wife gowns of scarlet and tippets of velvet, to be worn at all principal feasts. Ibid.

—, —. The second sword to have a new "scabot"; and those in whose mayoralty or mayoralties the "cheippe" of the best sword, and certain greyhounds, lions and dragons, of silver and gilt, were lost from the second sword, are to make them again. Ibid. [See under 15 Oct. 1549.]

[1545: see entry of 30 March, infra], 26 March.—Letter from Charles [Brandon] Duke of Suffolk to the mayor and aldermen, written from the Court, relative to their application to the King about the fee farm rent. At this present the King's affairs are so weighty and of such importance that as yet no conclusion can be had in the matter; but when convenient opportunity may serve, we will, according to our former letters, take so good an end as it shall be to your contentation. Yet we not a little marvel that ye will say us nay in a request for John Dyone to be one of your justices of peace, who is a man of good learning, judgement, and right meet for the same; wherefore forthwith proceed to his election, or else certify in writing why you make denial, by this bearer William Alynson, who hath right honestly and diligently applied your matters here very painfully. f. 24.

[1544], 6 June.—A previous letter from the same, "from oure howse besyde Charyng Crosse." At the request of Geo. Sayntpoll and Will. Alenson we have not only spoken with the lords of the Council but have also been a suitor unto the King, who most graciously considereth the decay of the city, and at my petition to him with the Lord Chancellor is pleased to aid the city with certain benefices to be impropriate for the discharge of your fee-farm; and at his grace's return out of France I trust the same shall be assured unto you. f. 25.

—, 36 H. VIII., 19 Aug.—At Hampton Court. Letter from Q. Katherine, appointed Regent during the King's absence, to the mayor and sheriffs, commissioning them to levy the second payment of the subsidy granted in Parliament. f. 25^b.

—, 9 Nov.—At Westm. Letter from the King to the commissioners directing the immediate gathering and payment of the subsidy, with all possible diligence, for sundry great and urgent considerations. f. 26.

1545, 30 March.—An answer to be made by letter to the letters of the Duke of Suffolk touching Mr. Dyone. f. 26^b.

—, 17 Aug.—The plate and money belonging to the great guild to be used for the suits to the King for the release from the fee-farm: but ald. William Yattes, in whose custody it was, utterly and obstinately refused so to do, but being threatened with a fine of 20l. and imprisonment, consented. f. 27^b.

—, —. Yattes to have the money he hath spent at London out of the money that the archdeacon lent to the city. f. 28.

—, 5 Sept.—40l. to be returned to archd. Heneage, at his request, out of the 100l. he gave for the foundation of a chantry, he returning all the writings he hath concerning the same. f. 28^b.

—, —. The mayor certifies that he hath received from ald. Yattes the plate and money of the great guild, and that the plate was sold for 23l. 13s. 4d.; this sum to be given to Yattes for the suits to the King. Ibid.

—, 17 Sept.—Agreed that the late mayor, Will. Smyth, notwithstanding that he and his wife did not use such housekeeping nor wear such apparel as they ought to the worship of the city, shall have the usual allowance, and shall also be discharged of a forfeit of five marks set on him, on condition that he gives the bellman an honest livery, and pays the money, 31s. 4d., remaining due from him. f. 29^b.

—, —. The bill of Will. Yattes of 18l. 4s. for expenses to and at London to be paid. Ibid. (Much more paid to him at several times subsequently.)

—. Lengthy instructions from the King to the commissioners for the last payment of the subsidy, which is cessable at Michaelmas next, desiring them to collect it in anticipation by 1 July at the latest. "And to this small demand we think our subjects will show themselves agreeable, and lovingly and frankly advance, remembering the manifold pains and labour of body, the travail and care of mind, which we have and do daily sustain for their sakes." f. 32^b.

1545, 5 Oct.—William Smyth is, at his petition, discharged from the office of alderman, being aged and bed-ridden, and for a long time impotent and decrepit. f. 34.

—, 14 Nov.—William Yatts, graceman of the guild of our lady St. Mary, called the Great Guild, founded in Wykford, William Hill and William Smyth, clerk, wardens of he said guild, with the consent of the whole fraternity, brethren and sisters, for the relief of the city give to the mayor sheriffs and commonalty and their successors for ever, all the lands tenements and hereditaments belonging to the said guild, with all the evidences, deeds, charters, &c. concerning the same. f. 35.

—, 4 Nov. Lambeth.—Letter from the Duke of Norfolk in behalf of William Hynde, the town clerk, whose removal from his place some of his "backfriends" are endeavouring to procure, desiring that he may be suffered to continue in his office. Ibid.

—, 4 Nov. Windsor.—A letter from Sir Robert Tirwhyt to the same effect. f. 35^b.

—, 29 Dec.—Resolved that Hynde shall continue as town clerk. Ibid.

—, —. That suit be made to the King for relief from the fifteenth and tenth. Ibid.

1546, 20 Jan.—Letter of 10 Jan. from Sir Edw. North, Chancellor of the Augmentation, desiring the Council, in accordance with the King's commandment, to search for such parsonages in the King's gift as may be impropriated to the city for payment of the fee-farm of 80l. f. 36.

—, 5 Feb.—The plate belonging to the great guild is brought in. First, the chalice and the cover, double gilt, weighing 30 ounces. Item, the standing cup with the cover, double gilt, weighing 27 ounces. Item, the brod . . cup with the cover, double gilt, weighing 22 ounces. Item, one standing silver cup, parcel gilt, with the cover, weighing 15¼ ounces. Item, one dozen silver spoons, with gilt knops, weighing 15 ounces. Total value 24l. 13s. 4d. f. 36^b.

—, 6 June.—St. John's church in Newport, now decayed, shall be taken down; the lead, stone, utensils, plate, jewels, ornaments, and bells, to be sold for the use of the common chamber, and the money to be bestowed upon the suit to the King; but the books to be reserved for the church of St. Nicholas in Newport towards the maintenance of the service there. f. 37^b. Further order on 10 Oct. 1547. f. 47^b.

—, —. The church of St. Stephen in Newland, now decayed, with the gutter of lead, the tile, timber and stone, granted to the sheriffs in place of 10l. given to them for the expenses of their office. f. 38.

—, 19 Oct.—Such poor people in every parish as are not able to work and get their living to have signs given them with which to ask alms weekly, and none to give any alms but to such as have these signs. f. 41.

1547, 17 Jan.—Rules for the jurisdiction of each alderman in his ward, with regard to buildings, the paving and cleaning of streets, expelling of vagabonds, punishment of unlicensed beggars, unlawful games (not specified) &c. f. 42, and at f. 68^b.

—. Proclamation of the death of Hen. VIII. and accession of Edw. VI. f. 43.

1547, 21 Feb.—Letter from the Privy Council for levying of a subsidy. f. 43^b.

—, 13 June. The procession and sight upon the Sunday next after St. Anne's day shall be brought forth as hath been in times past, and every occupation shall pay to the same as hath been accustomed. f. 44^b.

—, before Mich. (day omitted.)—At an election for members of Parliament George Seyntpoll, esq., Recorder, received 29 voices, Thomas Grantham, gentleman, 36, John Broxolme, esq., 15, and William Yattes, alderman, 4. Ibid.

—, 14 Sept.—Order for a present to be prepared for the Lord Protector. f. 45^b.

—, 10 Oct.—A chalice lately pertaining to the church of St. John in Newport sold to ald. Fawkener for 49s. at 4s. 8d. the ounce. f. 47^b.

—, 5 Nov.—An inventory to be brought in of the jewels, plate and ornaments lately belonging to the procession of St. Anne's sight, and the same to be sold to the use of the common chamber. f. 48^b.

1548, 21 Jan.—Five shillings to be given yearly to the poor of St. Swithin's parish out of the rent of Gressington house. f. 49.

—, —. The bells now in the churches of the Holy Rood and St. Edward to be forthcoming. Ibid.

—, 25 Feb.—All impotent and poor people, beggars and idle persons, and all children above five years of age, to be viewed, that they may be put to labour or occupation or be otherwise ordered, according to the King's proclamation. f. 49.

—, 15 March.—The Bishop of Lincoln to have a present of two pikes, two tenches, two eels, and two breams, at his coming. f. 50.

—. [Presents were given this year to the Duchess of Suffolk and to the Duke her son of two cranes and four swans, and to the Earl of Rutland of three cygnets, six "bytters," and sixteen "knotts." f. 51.]

—, 20 Aug.—Every chief constable to see a pair of butts made within his ward. f. 51^b.

—, 29 Sept.—Possession was taken of the church and parsonage of Surflett to the use of the corporation, according to the King's letters patent, Robert Margesson, parish priest of the same, and others being present. f. 53.

—, 11 Oct.—"Nota for a swanmerke belongyng to the parsonage of Surflet." f. 55^b.

1549, 13 Feb.—The vicar of St. Mary's and Sir Robert Drewry to be called to make account of the stock and plate lately belonging to the Clerks' guild, and the shoemakers to make account of the stock and rents appertaining to the fellowship of shoemakers, and others to make account of the wood and timber of the church of St. John in Newport. f. 57.

—, 18 Feb.—The shoemakers confess to have 28s. in hand; it was agreed that Shoemakers' Hall be put to the north ward, and the chamberlain thereof to let it for as much as he can. f. 57^b.

—, —. All the evidences and writings concerning the said hall and fellowship to be brought in. Ibid.

—, —. The keepers of the Clerks' guild promise to bring in 26s. 8d. for the profits of the guild, and all the plate, jewels, implements, books, writings, and evidences belonging to the same. Ibid.

1549, 15 Feb.—Presentation of Robert Margesson to the vicarage of Surflett. f. 57^b.

—, 8 Apr.—The bells of the chapel on the High Bridge to be taken down with the "topell"; the chapel to be made a dwelling-house and to be let. f. 59.

—, 4 June.—A survey to be made of all the houses and grounds in every parish, with their yearly rent, and a book to be made thereof; also a book of the lands and tenements belonging to any of the churches and their rents. f. 59.

It was thought convenient by the Council that of every 12d. of yearly rent 2d. should be paid for an honest stipend for a curate of every church that shall remain as a parish church, if it will thereunto extend. Ibid.

—, 27 June.—The mayor having exhibited a bill devised by the Bishop of Lincoln about payment of tithes, it is agreed that they be paid by every parishioner according to the ancient custom of the city and the King's late proclamation, and no otherwise. f. 60^b.

The council do not agree to a proposal by Mr. Burton for his having the chantry lands. Ibid.

—, 3 Aug.—The lead of the chancel of the late church of St. Peter at Plea secured to Vincent Grantham against the King and all other persons. f. 61. 34¾ cwt. sold to him 5 Sept. for 7l. f. 61^b.

—, 9 Aug.—The moiety of the chantry lands which had been purchased for the city by John Broxolme sold to the mayor and others for 20l., which sum was paid 17 March 1554. f. 61. The other half, and 7 marks yearly from the great Guild, sold to the same. f. 69.

—, 15 Oct.—Ald. Will. Alynson to make account of certain dragons, greyhounds and lions of silver and gilt which were taken off the second sword in the time of his mayoralty. f. 65.

—, —. Ald. Will. Dighton to make answer for the "cheipe" of silver of the great sword, which was gone in his mayoralty; a new scabbard to be made for the second sword; enquiry to be made who lost the buckle of silver of the great sword, and when. Ibid. [See 25 Aug. 1550.]

—, —. The stocks, the iron door within the prison called the Kitchen, and the other prisons, to be repaired. f. 65^b.

—, 17 Nov.—Enquiry to be made of the burgesses of the city whether a pension of 4l. yearly claimed out of the parsonage of Surflet as payable to the late monastery of Spalding be discharged or not; and whether the lessee of the parsonage, George Herryson, be chargeable with it or not. f. 66.

—, 9 Dec.—Copy from the Exchequer records of the original license from Hen. III. to Bartholomew Burghersh to assign to the Dean and Chapter the 60l. of fee-farm rent from the city which the King had granted to him. f. 68.

1550, 21 Jan.—Every person to pave in front of his own house or ground. f. 69.

—, 15 Feb.—Where[as] at the present certain poor people are visited with the plague who are not of ability to help themselves, whereby they shall be compelled to go abroad within the city, to the great jeopardy of spreading abroad of the said sickness, for the speedy providing that they may be relieved and kept in, it is agreed in a Secret Council that all people who are or shall be visited with the plague shall keep within their houses and not go forth; and every alderman of the ward where such sick people are shall see that they be kept within their houses and are relieved, for which every alderman is to pay weekly 4d., and every one who hath been sheriff 2d., with other persons of ability. f. 69^b.

1550, 10 March.—The following rents are demanded by the Court of Augmentations from chantries: Tatteshall chantry 2s., Dalderby 4l. 0s. 4d., Fitzmartin 4l. 0s. 4d., Cantilupe, 4s., Flemyng and the guild of St. Anne 4l. 13s. 4d., Burghersh 60l., King Edward's chantry 40s.: answer deferred until the coming of the Recorder. f. 70.

—, —. The following vii. articles are demanded in a bill subscribed by the curate and inhabitants of Surflett, and the answer is deferred until the coming of the Recorder. 1. For a deacon yearly to help to minister and to do other things that belongeth to that office. 2. For two lights to be found in quere in service time. 3. For ten shillings yearly in alms to poor people. 4. For bread and ale to the value of 6s. 8d. to be given to the parishioners upon Maunday Thursday yearly. 5. For the gift of a dinner or twopence in silver upon every offering day to all such persons as do help in the quere to maintain God's service. 6. For finding of strewing in the church four times in the year. 7. For finding of a common bull and a common boar to serve the whole town. f. 70^b.

—, —. A present of two pikes, one bream, two tenches and three great roasting eels to be sent to the earl of Rutland. f. 71.

—, 26 March.—No person within the city, suburbs, or liberties to keep any greyhounds or hounds to hunt withal, except the mayor, the aldermen, and such as are or have been sheriffs, and these only to hunt by their own persons, and not to send the hounds to any other, f. 71^b.

—, —. At the Easter Court leet, ordered that all brewers sell their ale at 2½d. the gallon. f. 72.

—, 28 Apr.—No person to fish with any seins or nets or lay any hopnet or any other kind of net within the common waters, but only to angle, from mid-May to the middle of July next. f. 72^b.

—, 3 June.—All lands, tenements, rents and profits belonging to any church that shall be hereafter defaced or pulled down shall from henceforth belong to the churches that shall stand and be parish churches, towards the living and relief of the curate and his successors of such church whereunto any other church shall be united. f. 73.

—, —. A mansion house to be built for the vicar at Surflett with all speed, and part of the timber taken from defaced churches to go towards it. f. 73^b.

—, 16 June.—Four parishioners of St. Laurence to remain in ward until they have restored a bell lately taken by them out of the steeple of St. Laurence weighing 12 cwt. 30 lbs., or the said weight in bell metal, or else 16l. f. 74.

—, 14 July.—No one to draw with any sein within the common waters unto Michaelmas, except the Mayor to draw his draught for one day, and any fraunchest man to lay three days weekly any hopnets or "leipes," and to stang or angle according to the custom of the city. Ibid.

—, 2 Aug.—The lead of the churches united to be melted and cast in sows; and the bells, jewels, plate and ornaments to be brought to such place and persons as the mayor shall appoint. ff. 74^b, 75.

—, —. A person to go to Boston about the purchase of a house for the vicarage of Surflet. f. 75.

1550, 2 Aug. The chapel of the High Bridge to be mended with lead. f. 75.

—, —. The Duchess and Duke of Suffolk her son to have a present at their coming to the city, the mayor providing such things as he may, by consent, think most expedient. f. 75^b.

—, 25 Aug.—Proof to be given, after searching the cathedral and city records, to Hamond Sutton and — Thorold, esqs., that the church of St. Andrew in Wikford is a parish church, and not a church built by the Suttons of Lincoln, their predecessors, only for their own ease and commodity, and therefore claimed by them as their property. Ibid.

—, —. Mr. York to have part of the timber and stone of the late church of St. Margaret in Wikford, so that he build with the same in the city or suburbs. Ibid.

—, —. Mr. John Pope, chancellor of the cathedral, to be allowed to buy tile of the city, as he is and ever hath been beneficial to the city. Ibid.

—, —. Will. Dighton discharged from making a new "cheipe" for the best sword, which is to be made at the cost of the common chamber. f. 76.

—, 1 Sept.—The bakers having given up the assize because wheat is above the price of 20s., it is ordered that they shall bake their sail bread after the assize of 20s. until new order. Ibid.

—, —. The lead of the churches defaced to be sold at 7l. 3s. 4d. the fother, and the bells for 30s. the cwt. Ibid.

—, 6 Nov.—Orders about the bringing of corn, butter and cheese to market, in accordance with the King's proclamation. f. 79.

1551, 9 Feb.—The clothiers to have the seal for a petition to the King in the name of the city for such things as they shall think necessary for the continuance of their fellowship in the city. f. 80.

—, —. A covenant with the clothiers that they shall have the late church of the Holy Rood with the churchyard and other land, for the making a walk mill, and a dye-house of the church, for so long as twenty broad cloths shall at the least be yearly made, paying 10l. if twenty broad cloths be not made; provided that if any great plague fortune to be within the city, then no advantage be taken against them for not making the cloths. ff. 80^b, 81.

—, —. All such young people or other that live in idleness to be taken by the clothiers for 8 or 9 years, giving them meat, drink, clothes and other necessaries sufficient, and those who will not work to have one month's warning to avoid out of the city. f. 81.

—, —. All persons who come to buy cloth, or who bring any wool, woad, madder, oil, alum, or other necessaries for cloth-making, to be free of toll for seven years. f. 81^b.

—, —. The clothiers to have a seal for sealing their cloths, and such letters as they may desire to noblemen or worshipful men for help. Ibid.

—, —. Any lawful means found by anyone for improving the trade to be sanctioned; Edmund Atkinson, the present mayor to be one of the fellowship. f. 82.

—, 17 Apr.—The churches of St. Margaret and St. Andrew to be taken down and sold to the use of the common chamber. f. 82^b.

1551, 16 May.—Whereas the clothiers cannot have the Shoemakers' Hall as was granted to them, they shall have a house at Butter-Cross, paying 40s. yearly. f. 83.

—, 5 Aug.—The mayor to have the church of Trinity parish at an appraisement. f. 84.

—, 10 Sept.—Every one of the clothiers shall pay to the graceman and fellowship of the mystery of weavers of the city, for their upset to be sworn brethren unto the said fellowship 3s. 4d., and 12d. yearly for their looms' farm, and shall not work or cause to be wrought any other cloths but their own or the work of other clothiers upon pain of the penalties contained in the charter of the weavers. Ibid.

—, 22 Nov.—Five shillings yearly to be paid to Sir Edmund, master of the hospital of Spital-on-the-street, for a piece of ground in Newport which he claims as belonging to the hospital. f. 88^b.

—, —. Bread to be baked after the assize of 22s. 6d. the quarter. Ibid.

—, 23 Nov.—Appraisement of the church of St. Andrew. Ibid.

—, —. Names of thirty persons to whom the parish church of the Trinity in Wikford was sold for forty marks. f. 89.

1551, 8 Dec.—The two waits [to which number they are now reduced], are to have their liveries, and to wear two silver collars. f. 89.

—, —. The arch under the High Bridge, and the "greysse" (gressus, steps) to be repaired. f. 89^b.

—, —. In consideration that there hath been a great "lythe" and no wind for five weeks or more, whereby the bakers and other persons could not get any corn ground at the windmills, and so could not bake any bread for the sustentation of the king's people, and some persons in consequence get their wheat ground at one horse-mill and some at another and upon querns, as hath seldom been seen within the city, and by reason of such scarcity some in the beginning bought horsebread to eat but at length could not get any of the same, to the great famishing and destruction of the whole people of this city and especially of the poor, it is ordered that the bakers shall bake their bread after the assize of 24s. the quarter of wheat, and speedily provide carts or horses to send their wheat and other grain to be ground at water-mills in the countries. Ibid.

1552, 10 March.—The chapel on the High Bridge to be again repaired with lead. f. 90.

—, —. The late parish church of St. John to be repaired, and the ornaments, implements and goods belonging to the same to be sold. f. 90^b.

—, 28 Apr.—The lease of the parsonage of Surflett to John Harrison, clerk, forfeited by his felling of trees. f. 91^b.

—, 9 June.—The Mayor, his brethren, and the Recorder to take order for a present to be given to the Duke of Northumberland at his coming to the city and how he shall be met. f. 92^b.

Agreed that the present be four cranes, six cygnets, six "bytters," twelve "godwyttes," two dozen "knottes," two great pikes, two great breams and two great tenches. Ibid.

—, —. Cecil Waddysworth committed to ward for detaining a chalice that belonged to the church of St. John in Wikford; 20s. to be paid to Mrs. Wright for one that belonged to the church of St. Edward. Ibid.

—, 21 Sept.—The parish church of St. Laurence from the chancel westward with the steeple leased to William Clarke for 41 years, he paying yearly 20s., and keeping it in repair, and at the end of the term re-delivering it, sufficiently covered with tile and the steeple with lead, with all the buildings which he may have set up. f. 95.

—, 3 Nov.—Agreed that although the claim of Thomas Husey, esq., and Ambrose Sutton, esq., to the late parish church of St. Andrew was lately disproved by ancient records, yet because Mr. Sutton's ancestors were beneficial to the city, and also for the obtaining of their good will, it shall be offered to them for 53l. f. 97.

—, 16 Dec.—Agreed at a Secret Council that whereas the Act for the union of churches does not contain words sufficient for the plate, jewels, bells, ornaments and implements to be employed for the use of the city as was meant at the sueing out of the Act, and the King's Commissioners of church goods consequently now require inventories of the aforesaid things, 40s. shall be given as a reward to Will Dalyson, esq., serj. at law, one of the commissioners for the church goods in the city, to set his hand and seal to a certificate made to the Privy Council, in order that they may be had and enjoyed to the use of the city without suit or trouble. f. 98.

1553, 18 Jan.—The Earl of Rutland to have, according to his letters to the mayor, the nomination of one of the burgesses for Parliament, with a present of a tun of claret wine for his goodness heretofore, and hereafter to be showed. f. 98^b.

—, —. Agreed that George Stamp shall have the church of St. John in Wikford for 20l., on condition that he do not take the church down, nor the steeple nor the aisles nor the battlements nor any part thereof, nor take away any tiles or lead; unless he build an able dwelling-house with chambers for an honest man to dwell in against the street, and then to take down the steeple only. Ibid.

—, 18 March.—By reason that there are very many tipplers within the city, and there is not only much idleness and evil rule maintained within such tippling-houses, but also much bribery and petit larceny used and maintained, it is agreed that there shall be only thirty tipplers in the whole city and suburbs, which shall be admitted by the mayor, justices of peace and aldermen. f. 101.

—, —. The Tailors' charter to be renewed. Ibid.

—, —. Brewers to sell their ale at twopence the gallon. Ibid.

1553.—Particulars of the values of the vicarages of the united churches, with the payments reserved out of them, and the assignment of the parishes, as signed by the Bishop, Mayor, and Sheriffs. f. 104^{a, b}.

Form of receipt from the Earl of Rutland for 20 marks in full payment of one year's rent of 100l. from the city. f. 104^b.

—, 7 Oct.—Articles for the weal of the city are to be devised in writing, and sent to the city burgesses at Parliament. f. 106.

—, —. The Recorder to speak to the Lady Elizabeth's council concerning the advowson of Hanslape granted to her by Edw. VI. which had been granted to the city by Hen. VIII. Ibid.

—. —. The swordbearer and macebearer to have two livery coats of one colour yearly. Ibid.

—. 15 Nov.—The waits to have their liveries of red cloth as they had last year. f. 106^b.

—, —. The clothiers to apply to Parliament for the Queen's license to buy and sell their wool through Lincolnshire, shipping at Boston haven; and to sue that the towns and hamlets within four or five miles of the city may be comprised within the liberties and contribute to all charges. Ibid.

1554, 1 Feb.—The Recorder claims 6l. 12s. for 66 days' attendance at Parliament. f. 108.

—, 18 March.—The Earl of Rutland to have 6l. 13s. 4d. towards his costs in the Queen's affairs in setting forth a band of men. Ibid.

—, —. William Rotheram, alderman, elected a burgess for Parliament, and to have the parsonage of Surflet, but not the advowson, for 21 years, for 24l. yearly, paying 11l. yearly to the vicar, and 4l. to the Queen, &c. f. 108^b.

—, 20 June.—Whereas there is a writ of quo warranto procured by one David Brian against the city, it is agreed at a Secret Council that a present shall be sent to the Queen's Attorney with a letter from the Recorder. f. 109.

—, 6 July.—Agreed at a Secret Council that St. Anne's guild with Corpus Christi play shall be brought forth and played this year, and that every craft shall bring forth their pageants as hath been accustomed, and all occupations to be contributories as shall be assessed. f. 110.

1554, 20 July.—Secret Council. The Queen's Attorney to have a present of two cranes and four cygnets, f. 110^b.

—, —. David Brian committed to ward for 14 days without bail for disobedience to the mayor and aldermen, for breaking the stocks, for calling the mayor a false man and a butcherly harlot and the aldermen all false harlots, and for assaulting their officers. Ibid. On 25 July he humbly submits himself, and on 5 Aug. he is discharged of all forfeitures incurred, on promising not to molest or sue any officer for any matter heretofore alleged, and to pay 40s. f. 111.

—, 6 Oct.—William Couper to go to London to answer to the writ of sub pœna brought against him by David Brian. f. 114.

—, 25 Oct.—The yearly rent of the manor of Canwick granted towards the allowance to mayors. f. 114^b. Further grant to the mayor, sheriff, &c. f. 118.

—, —. A chest to be provided with three locks and three keys to remain in the mayor's dwelling-house for the money of the corporation. f. 115.

—, —. Agreed that the city shall be a free city and shall from henceforth be reputed and called the free city of Lincoln, viz. that all persons coming to buy or sell any manner of wares shall be free of all market tolls, &c., except that every fraunchest and unfraunchest man shall pay their yearly pence, and every unfraunchest man the window fines, and every stranger shall pay stallage at every fair. f. 115^b.

—, 29 Nov.—John Stoytt, clerk, appointed vicar of Hanslape. f. 116.

1555, 24 Jan.—The stones of St. Andrew's church to be stayed for 3l. which Mr. Husey denieth to pay. Ibid.

—, 4 Feb.—Three waits again appointed with collars of 28, 27, and 26 links respectively and escocheons. Ibid.

—, 20 March.—Forasmuch as John Stoytt, vicar of Hanslape, is a master of arts and well learned in the laws and gospel of God, and out of the love the mayor and his brethren bear to the Bishop of Lincoln and archd. Pope, and also because the said parish is a very great parish and cure which the vicar is not able to serve alone without the help of other priests under him, it is agreed that he have an annuity of 29l. 6s. 8d., with a sufficient house, orchard and garden. ff. 117^b, 118.

—, 31 March.—The Bishop, in consideration of his writing favourable letters to the Lord Chancellor and others for the renewing of the great charter of the city, to have a present of a great fat pike and two breams. f. 118^b.

—, 3 June.—St. Anne's guild to be brought forth as hath been heretofore accustomed; Sir William Smyth to have 5s. yearly for his pains about the same and to be forgiven 5s. that he oweth. f. 119^b.

—, 3 and 9 Aug.—Thomas Grantham, clerk, appointed to the vicarage of Hanslape upon Stoytt's resigning it to him, upon the condition of his lending 40l. to the city should it be needed for money to be paid to the Earl of Rutland. f. 121.

—, 19 Aug.—Three chalices to be sold to the masters of the Close, the lead of Trinity church to be sold at 11d. the score, and the brass pot of the Great Guild at 33s. 4d. the cwt. (at 112 lbs. to the cwt.), towards money to be paid to the Earl of Rutland towards the redemption of the annual rent payable to him. f. 121^b.

—, 24 Sept.—Robert Ferrour, secretary to the Earl of Rutland, nominated by him to be a burgess at the next Parliament; a present to be given to the earl at his coming to the next assizes. f. 123.

1555, 24 Sept. A present of 5l. or under to be sent to the Queen's Attorney at Stamford. f. 123.

—, —, (and 21 Feb.).—Letters to be sent to Newark and other towns which take toll of the citizens contrary to their charter; if they continue to do so, then toll will be taken at Lincoln. ff. 123^b, 126^b.

—, —. Assessment for a fifteenth and tenth "called the tax," and the assessment of the burgess money. f. 124^{a, b}.

1556, 21 Feb.—No beer-brewers to have their cart-wheels shod with iron. f. 126^b.

1557, 13 Feb.—The vicar of Hanslape to be moved to pay the priest of Castlethorpe his wages quarterly as the priest of Hanslape, and at the vicar's commandment the priest of Castlethorpe is to help the priest of Hanslape (Sir Ralph Sutton) at all times of necessity, to bury, christen, and do all things in Hanslape that appertain to a priest to do. f. 130^b.

—, 5 May.—Ordered that no people visited with the plague go abroad; provision made for collections for relief of poor people visited with it. f. 131^b.

—, 25 June.—Communication to be had with the archdeacon of Bedford for the assignment of the parsonage of Belton to the earl of Rutland in commutation for the fee-farm rent. f. 132.

Arrangement with Thomas Grantham, vicar of Hanslape, for his resigning the vicarage to Sir Ralph Sutton, the curate there. Ibid. and 134^{a, b}.

—, 18 Dec.—Frauncis, mace-bearer to the Lord Chancellor, nominated by the earl of Rutland to be one of the burgesses for Parliament, and the Recorder, George Seyntpoll, elected for the other. f. 135.

1558, 20 Apr.—Order for final settlement with the earl of Rutland either by payment of money or exchange in lands or parsonages. f. 136.

—, —. Further order respecting inspection for the plague. f. 136^b.

—, 30 July.—The parsonage of Surflet and 300l. given to the earl of Rutland in exchange for his rent. Ibid.

—, 22 Oct.—Orders for tipplers; to be bound with two sureties to keep good order, &c. f. 139^b.

—, —. Orders about the aldermen's gowns and tippets. Ibid.

—, 13 Dec.—No tanners or glovers to go into the country on Sunday to buy any hides &c., except in fair times. f. 140^b.

—, —. Mr. Ferrour to be continued as one of the burgesses for Parliament. Ibid.

—, —. No one to tell abroad what has been said or done in the common chamber on pain of losing their franchise and being set in the pillory. Ibid.

1559, 16 Jan.—Anthony Tharold [afterwards called Thorold], esq., "learned in the law," elected Recorder. f. 141.

—, 31 Jan.—If it shall be enacted in this Parliament that the staple shall be within this realm, then the citizens shall sue for the staple to be in this city for the counties of Lincoln, Northampton, Leicester and Nottingham as it was in the time of Edw. I., but if not, then that the corporation may have the "portsayle" and shipping of all the wool in the county of Lincoln, paying the custom thereof to the Queen, and may buy and sell wool to merchants and clothiers within the realm, notwithstanding any Act of Parliament to the contrary. f. 141^b.

1559, 31 Jan. To sue for an Act of Parliament to secure the parsonages of Hanslape, Hemmiswell, Belton and Surflet. Ibid.

—, —. And for a charter annexing all the towns and parishes within three or four miles compass to the city; and specially for a pardon of the tax, and for the Queen's seal for a proviso to be excepted out of the Act of the fifteenths and tenths called the tax, as hath been accustomed, should such tax be granted at this Parliament. Ibid.

—, —. Justinian Crome appointed solicitor to the burgesses at this Parliament, with a weekly allowance of 5s. Ibid.

—, —. Memorandum that the bellman's tipstaff hath three bars of silver with a little ring of silver, to the value of 6s. 8d. f. 142.

—, 22 Feb.—Where[as] Mr. Cecil, the Queen's secretary, hath promised our citizens at Parliament to obtain a pardon under the privy seal of the two fifteenths called the two taxes, and where[as] Mr. Rich desireth a reward for his pains for going through with the pardon for the tax granted in Q. Mary's time, agreed that a letter be sent concerning the premises to the two citizens at Parliament, and that the macebearer ride to London with it, and have with him a pardon of the half of the four taxes under the seal of Hen. VIII. for a precedent. Ibid.

—, 25 Feb.—William Rotheram, alderman and justice of the peace, having contemptuously used himself at sundry times to the Mayor in calling him and rebuking him vilely, and having opprobriously broken out of ward being thither committed for his contempt and offences, it is with one assent agreed that he be expulsed from his office of justice of peace and from the council and aldermanship, that he be disfranchised, and never hereafter to be re-admitted by any mayor under penalty of 100l., and that when he come abroad in the city he shall by any officer be again committed to ward. f. 142^b.

—, —. John Hall shall go to London to solicit the Queen's Council and others concerning the contempts, disobediences, evil doings and sayings, reports and slanders of the foresaid Will. Rotherham against the Mayor, and that the privy seal of the common council be sent to the Lord Chancellor or one of the Council by supplication containing the said misdemeanours, and for discharge of the subpœna brought against the Mayor by Rotherham, and to know what punishment or order shall be appointed him. f. 143.

—, 14 March.—Agreed that no alderman shall in the presence of the Mayor, revile one another with vile words, nor one of them call any other knave, beggar, or use any other undecent talk, upon pain of forfeiting 40s. every time and to be committed to ward until payment; nor any alderman or other officer rail or speak any untrue or vile words of the Mayor or of any alderman behind their backs and in their absence, upon pain of forfeiting for every time 20s., and no person miscall or revile any of the Mayor's officers in doing his commandment upon pain of forfeiting 6s. 8d. Ibid.

—, —. The disfranchisement of Rotheram annulled in obedience to an order made by the Justice of Assize and others by force of special letters from the Lord Keeper; but he is never hereafter to be admitted to any manner of office whatsoever. Ibid.

1559, 18 March.—Rotheram is sworn anew to the franchise, paying the customary fees. f. 143^b. [He deceased before 19 Jan. 1560. f. 151^b.]

—, 6 May.—Where[as] the clothiers in the broad looms covenanted to make yearly at the least twenty broad cloths, or else to pay 10l. for the church of the Holy Rood, and in diverse years now past there hath been made none or few, the executors of Will. Huchynson are to be called on for payment of the 10l. f. 144^a.

—, —. The late chapel on the High Bridge not to be used as a brewhouse. Ibid.

—, —. Ordered that the Common Council and aldermen duly wear their gowns. f. 145 (and 152^b).

—, May-Sept.—Suits preferred at London for relief from the taxes charged on the parsonages of Hanslape and Belton, &c. ff. 145^b, 146^b, 147.

—, 14 Oct.—Every victualler shall "spare inne" (in marg. "For sparrynge of shop wyndowes") their shops upon the Sundays or other holy days when the second peal shall ring to service, and none shall keep any servants or other persons in their house at play or idly there remaining in the time of divine service upon the same days upon pain for every time of 6s. 8d. f. 149.

—, 4 Nov.—A couple of fat oxen to be given to the earl of Rutland that he may be good to acknowledge a recovery and fine of the fee-farm bought of him. Ibid.

—, 14 Nov.—The assurance between the earl of Rutland and the city brought home to the hall from London. f. 149^b.

—, 2 Dec.—20s. yearly for twenty years, granted to Justinian Crome, lately sheriff, being in great poverty, in consideration of the great pains he took for the city. f. 150.

—, —. The bellman to have a livery coat yearly. f. 150^b.

1560, 10 Jan.—John Manning to have 8s. yearly and sufficient livery coat cloth, on condition that he work in his occupation for the mayor and commonalty, and oversee and order the idle and poor people dwelling in and resorting to the city. f. 151.

—, 22 Jan.—A dinner to be given to the commissioners of the subsidy. f. 151^b.

—, —. The Mayor to gather the "bustage (fn. 2) money," or half tax, which is yet behind for Mr. Grantham's time [1557–8], as much as he can get with favour. Ibid.

—, —. Two pair of stocks to be made, one for the south ward and one for the north. f. 152.

—, —. The sheriffs' clerk hereafter shall not be of the Common Council, if the customary of the city appear to the contrary. Ibid.

—, —. A stone wall to be made on the backside nigh Pulter hill, so that the people may go up Bower hill, and not on that other way. Ibid.

—, 14 Feb.—No citizen or fraunchestman to implead or sue another without the liberties of the city without license from the mayor, under pain of forfeiting his fraunchess and 20s., as is contained in the customary book of the city, and, further, to remain in prison for 14 days without bail. f. 152^b.

1560, 24 Feb.—Stones to be taken from Trinity and St. Edward's churches for paving of the streets in Wikford. f. 153.

—, —. A piece of ground mentioned called the Vineyard. f. 153^b. [There have been earlier notices of it.]

—, March:—An agreement made with the town of Nottingham, at the assizes, that from henceforth neither party should take any toll or stallage of the other. Ibid.

—, 13 May.—Musters to be taken, according to the advice of the Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, and every man to provide harness and armour against 13 June, and the armour and harness appertaining to the common chamber to be made ready speedily, for the defence of this city and country. f. 154.

—, 8 June.—Where[as] there is certain money yet unpaid for the setting forth of the soldiers already sent to Scotland, it is agreed that it shall be paid out of the common chamber; and care is to be taken for setting forth of more men to the wars. f. 154^b.

—, —. The parish church of St. John in Wikford to be taken down and sold. Ibid.

—, 6 July.—John Robynson, clerk, to be vicar of Hanslape, and to have the portion appointed by the letters patent of Hen. VIII. f. 155^b.

—, —. Agreement to be made with the Chanter about his claim to the chancel of St. John's in Wikford; and the steeple thereof to stand. Ibid. 3 Sept. The chancel to be sold. Ibid.

—, 3 Sept.—The usher of the Free School to have 10l. for one year out of the rents of the three parsonages, so that the said school be kept in the old school-house within the city, and that the masters of the Close make it an able school-house and keep it in repair. Ibid.

—, —. All the streets to be paved throughout the city, and every man to pave against his own house and ground. f. 156.

—, 10 Oct.—The discharge of the tax last granted to be pleaded this term. f. 158^b.

—, —. The waits to go according to the custom, that is to say, from the feast of All Hallows to Candlemas, and to have livery coats from the common chamber, and such wages of others as have been used. Ibid.

—, 7 Nov.—George Stamp, alderman, sentenced to go to ward, lose his franchise, and pay 20s., for removing a suit out of the city by writ of certiorari; but restored by the mediation of friends. f. 159.

1561, 12 Feb.—A present to be given to the earl of Rutland at his coming to the city in wildfowl, flesh and fish as can be gotten, and one to be sent to Boston to buy the same. f. 160^b.

—, 7 March.—A present to be given to the judges at their next coming of one pike, two breams, and two great eels. Ibid.

—, 5 Sept.—Martin Mason, executor of the testament of his late uncle William Yattes, alderman, to be sued for 100l. which his uncle willed to be lent to craftsmen and occupiers within the city, and to be disfranchised and forfeit 20s. for suing out of the city. f. 162. (He is elected sheriff in Oct. ff. 162^b, 163.)

—, —. The Tailors' and the Shoemakers' charters to be sealed. Ibid.

1561, 2 Oct.—The late sheriffs having been indicted and fined for escape of prisoners, suit to be made in the Exchequer for the fine to be given to the city. f. 163.

—, —. The waits to go yearly from the next morning after the leet court next after Michaelmas to the Annunciation: specified fees to be paid them by aldermen, sheriffs, and chamberlains. Ibid.

—, 4 Nov.—Lease of the late chapel on the High Bridge granted, with covenant not to use it for a brew-house or washing house to hurt or decay the arches. f. 164^b.

1562, 26 Feb.—A present of three fat pikes, three fat breams, three tenches and three great eels to be given to the Duke of Norfolk at his coming, and such presents as the mayor and his brethren shall think necessary to Sir William Cecil, secretary, and the nobles, lords, and men of worship coming with the duke. f. 166^b.

—, —. A present to be given to the judges. Ibid.

—, —. 6s. 8d. to be paid yearly to the parishioners of St. Mary in Wikford for the maintenance of the clock in the church of St. Mary. f. 167.

—, —. The fishers shall in this time of Lent sell six herrings steeped or unsteeped for one penny. Ibid.

—, 16 May.—Appointment of persons in each ward, according to the Queen's proclamation, to see the Statute of apparel executed. f. 168.

—, 26 Feb.—A copy of the Tailors' Charter, or ordinances (in number seventeen) as renewed 1 Nov. 1561 and sealed 26 Feb. 1562. ff. 169–171.

The officers to be a master, two wardens and a dean. The ordinances, which are very lengthy, correspond as regards the regulation of trade in some particulars to those re-established and confirmed in the year 1679, a summary of which will be found under that date, infra. But they also contain other provisions, common to the following charters of other companies, for the prevention of quarrels, the allowance of sixpence weekly to poor members and of the charges for decent burial, &c.

—, —. The Shoemakers' Charter, containing twelve ordinances, sealed the same day. f. 171^b.

The charter begins with reciting that the Company of Cordwainers have frequented and used certain laudable customs for their own good government and the true serving of the commonwealth of those necessaries which appertain to their faculty, as by a charter made in the year 1399, and in the seventh year of the noble prince King Richard II. at large appeareth, in which charter, ratified under the seal of this city 27 Sept. in the 8th year of King Henry VIII, as there is contained matter of abuses and small importance, so is there also mentioned certain necessary articles worthy of continuance. The first ordinance provides that the officers shall be two masters and a dean, instead of, as formerly, a graceman, two wardens and a dean; II, III, V, VI are regulations as to members, foreigners, &c. similar to those in the charters of other companies; IV provides for the decent burial of poor members; VIII. No manner of person being a householder and an open occupier of the said craft shall colourably hire or wage any journeyman from the service of any other, without the license and will of his master, upon pain of forfeiting 13s. 4d.; IX. No man shall keep any markets upon the Sundays, as in carrying their wares to the church doors, or any other places into the country, unless it shall be to any open fair, or to any gentleman or other honest person or persons in time of necessity, upon pain of 13s. 4d.; X. No cobler shall use or occupy the craft of cordwainer in making shoon of new leather or of any horse skin, or other unlawful leather, in deceit of the common people, upon pain of 5s.; coblers to be viewed and searched four times yearly, if need require; XI. No one to keep two shops or more, and all to sell only in their own open shops where they dwell. XII. No one shall bear any manner of weapon defensible, against the peace, and come therewith into the hall of the company at any time of assembly; in such case it shall be lawful for the masters and dean to take any such weapon and the value to be forfeited. Doubts respecting these articles to be referred to the decision of the mayor and the two masters.

1562, 6 Aug.—The usher of the Free School to be paid his half-year's stipend at Michaelmas, and then to have warning not to trust to any more stipend until such time as the masters of the Close and the mayor and his brethren have agreed touching the reparations of the schoolhouse and the continuance of the school there. f. 173.

—, 5 Nov.—Eastbar gate, Clasgate gate, Newland gate, and Westbar gate to be amended and hung, so that they may be shut at night time, and their walls to be mended. f. 175.

—, —. A house to be bought for the mayor to be used during the mayoralty. Ibid.

—, 15 Dec.—Workmen and labourers out of work to stand every morning at Stonebow for one hour at the least, with their things they work withal, that those who lack workmen may find them; on pain of imprisonment. f. 175^b.

—, —. Charter of the painters, gilders, stainers and alabaster men, or gild of St. Luke as founded in 17 Hen. VIII., 1525, in thirteen ordinances; "pro meliori intellectione omnibus fratribus ejusdem gildæ in Anglicanis verbis expressa et scripta." f. 177.

This exhibits the pre-Reformation ordinances, in their original shape. The first ordinance provides that on the Sunday next after the feast of St. Luke every brother and sister shall attend upon the graceman and wardens, and go in procession, having a great candle to be borne from an appointed place to the Cathedral Church, and there "ii of every" [qu. every two ?] of the brethren and sisters to offer one halfpenny or more after their devotion, and then to offer the great candle before an image of St. Luke within the church; and any who are absent without lawful cause to forfeit one pound of wax to the sustentation of the said great candle. The second ordinance provides for the dining together of the fraternity on that Sunday for love and amity and good communication to be had for the weal of the fraternity, every brother paying for himself and his wife there present, 4d.; absentees to forfeit one pound of wax towards the aforesaid candle. And the third ordinance is that four "mornspeches" shall be holden yearly in such place as the graceman shall assign, for ordering and good rule to be had and made amongst them; absentees to be subject to the like penalty as above. Ordinances IV–XI and XIII regulate the taking of apprentices and the setting up in trade, forbid the employing of strangers, provide for the settlement of disputes, the examination of work not sufficiently done after the sample, etc. XII provides for the obits. "When it schall happen any brother or suster of the seid fraternytye to departe and dicease from this world, at his fvrst masse the graceman and wardens for the tyme beyng schall offer of the seid goodes and cattelles of the seid fraternytye iid, and at his viiith day or xxxth day every brother and suster to gyve to a pore creature a signe to be made and delyveryd by the deane of the seid fraternytye for the tyme beyng; for the whiche signe every brother and suster schall gyve to the forseid deane ob., with the which mony so gathered the seid deane to buye whyte breade, and to gyve to every pore man or woman so cummyng with any of the seid signes ob. in breade. And this to be done and devided at ye parisshe churche wher the seid brother or suster diceased or elles last was dwellyng within the cyty of Lincolne." A provision follows that the decision of ambiguities or doubts about the forfeitures prescribed shall be referred to the mayor and four aldermen to be summoned by him.

1563, 2 June.—The letters patent of the union of churches delivered to three inhabitants of the parish of St. Peter at Arches, who say that they have the two paper books of the said union under the hands of the bishop and justices. f. 177^b. [Returned, to remain in the Guildhall amongst the records, on 19 Aug. f. 179^b.]

—, 18 May [June?].—There shall be a common strike according to the standard, which shall be with an iron chain fixed under a pentice to be made above it, under the churchyard wall of St. Mary in Wikford, nigh the conduit there, against the market, that the people may measure their corn and grain of all kinds with the same. f. 178.

—, —. There shall be provided four hooks and clamps of iron and thirty leather cans for the quenching of fire if any casualty of fire happen. Ibid.

—, —. Mr. Ayscugh to be spoken with touching payment of the subsidy for the lands of the corporation, and to have for his goodwill to stay the matter one hogshead of wine. Ibid.

—, —. The sheriffs shall have two axebearers who shall wait on them, and have meat and drink and reasonable wages of them. Ibid.

—, —. The oath of the searchers of leather. f. 178^b.

—, 17 July.—All such artificers and craftsmen dwelling in the city and honest occupiers, who are unfraunchest, shall have the fraunchesse for so much money as the mayor and his brethren shall agree unto, any act, law or ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding. f. 179.

—, —. All occupations and mysteries within the city shall have their charters under the common seal, containing such orders and statutes as by the oversight of the mayor and his brethren shall be thought expedient. Ibid.

—, 18 Sept.—The dyers or lytsters being now of a wealthy and commodious occupation, so that they need not use or trade any other occupation or craft, it is agreed that no dyer or lytster shall after the feast of St. Martin next occupy or trade anything belonging to the occupation of sherman or fuller, neither tentors sheres nor handylls appertaining to shering or fulling, under penalty of five marks. f. 180.

—, 25 Sept.—Every person of the Common Council, either than the Mayor and his brethren sitting on the bench, shall stand upon his feet during such time as he shall speak in any matter, under pain of imprisonment and fine of 40d. f. 180^b.

—, —. A mayor's cook appointed, to have 13s. 4d. and a livery coat yearly. f. 181.

—, —. Rates and taxation of wages as set forth by the justices of peace for the city of Lincoln, in pursuance of the Act of Parliament made in Jan. last. Ibid.

To the table itself is prefixed a statement that the mayor and justices have taken into consideration the scarcity and dearth of all kinds of victual at Lincoln at this time, the quarter of wheat being sold for 40s., the quarter of rye for 36s. 8d, the quarter of malt for 22s., the quarter of beans, pease and barley for 26s. 8d., the quarter of mutton and veal for 20d., the quarter of beef for 16s., five eggs a penny, the butter cake weighing 1¾ lb. five pence, the stone of cheese after 20d. At the end the table is described as "Imprinted at London in Powles Churche yard by Richard Jugge and John Cawood."

1563, 13 Nov.—All resiants of the age of twelve years and above to appear yearly at the two courts leet to be sworn to the Queen her heirs and successors. f. 183^b.

—, —. No bread or ale to be carried on Sunday at no time of the day, nor upon any festival days in the time of divine service, without licence of the mayor, under pain of 12d. Ibid.

—, —. Orders for wearing of gowns and liveries, and maintenance of ancient laws corrected according to the statute laws. f. 184.

—, —. If the masters of the Close of Lincoln will repair and maintain the old school-house, and provide a good schoolmaster and an usher, then the usher shall have 5l. yearly towards his wages. Ibid.

1564, 29 Jan.—The oldest charter or charters from the Queen's progenitors to this city touching the discharge of tolls shall be shewed to the mayor and corporation of Cambridge. f. 184^b.

—, 4 March.—Agreed that a standing play of some story of the Bible shall be played two days this summer time; persons appointed to gather what every one will give to the play. f. 185. [See the last entry in this volume of the Register, infra.]

—, 13 May.—There shall be provided a schoolmaster to keep a free school within the city, and to have yearly out of the parsonages appertaining to the city 13l. 6s. 8d. f. 186.

—, 4 July.—Orders for licensing of brewers, victuallers, tipplers, and beer brewers. f. 186^b.

—, 8 July.—At a Secret Council Martin Hollington, an alderman, is disfranchised for sucing in the Common Pleas at Westminster, and for divers other offences and disobediences. f. 187. This is signed by the Mayor, Recorder, and eleven others, of whom five sign by marks.

—, 13 July.—Further order in a Common Council that the said Hollington be displaced from his aldermanship; signed by the Mayor (not the Recorder) and thirty-six others, of whom seven sign by marks. f. 187^b.

—, —. An usher, whose name is omitted, appointed for the free school, to have yearly 6l. 13s. 4d. f. 188.

—, —. William Grantham, gentleman, disfranchised for sueing at Westminster. Ibid.

—, 21 Aug.—The great charter to be shown at Sturbridge for discharge of tolls there. Ibid.

—, 16 Sept.—Submission of Martin Hollyngworth (sic), draper, late alderman, signed by himself, acknowledging that he "was worthily and justly expulsed and disfraunchesed," and praying for restoration, with consequent decree for the same, with the condition that he is not to bear any office hereafter. f. 189^a, ^b.

—, —. It shall be lawful for the mayor to call Robert Mounson, esq., learned in the law [counsel for the city] at any time to the Secret or Common Council to have his aid. f. 190.

1564. 16 Sept. Remembrances of things done in the mayoralty of Rich. Carter. f. 190^b. Among them are these: Southgate Bridge repaired; the Freemen's Hall new covered and ceiled, which was never before ceiled; the west tower by the water of Brayford repaired; Clasgate prison repaired; certain plate, double gilt, bought to serve the mayor at his table, viz., three standing cups, whereof one with a fair cover, and three goblets, whereof one with a cover, which cost 40l. 5s.; an iron chest within the council chamber, which cost 20s.

1563, 17 July.—Copy, as then examined and approved by the Mayor, &c., of the Smiths' charter, in ten ordinances. f. 191.

The Company is described as that of Smiths, Ironmongers, Armourers, Spurriers, Cutlers, Horsemarshals, and Wiredrawers, established for maintenance of good and cunning workmanship and extirpation of uncunning deceivers of the common people; and the statutes are confirmed by the mayor, &c., as remembering how necessary a thing it is for a craftsman to judge of a mystery, faculty or science, and for the better inhabiting of the city with men expert in the sciences aforesaid. I. The officers of the company are to be a graceman, two wardens and a dean; all admitted into the company to swear to be humble and obedient, and to observe these articles; none to be admitted unless known to be of good and honest conversation; any that are of rebellious, evil and malicious behaviour, after three monitions, to be fined 3s. 4d. II. Disputes to be referred to the decision of the graceman and four others. III. If any fall into poverty, or by reason of infirmity or age shall not be able to relieve himself, sevenpence shall be paid to him weekly from the chattels of the fellowship, and on his death the officers shall cause his body to be decently buried, and at his burial shall dispose to the poor of the city two dozen of bread, towards which charge every one shall pay yearly at every mornspeech day, and four times in the year, fourpence. IV.–IX. provide for the election of the officers, the four mornspeech days and the business then to be done of correcting defaults and settling accounts, for the trade of foreigners, the shoeing of horses, in regard to which no one of the fellowship shall shoe a horse which any brother smith has paired without his license, the levying of fines for defaults, the payments at the upsetting in the trade, and the attendance on the graceman at the guild-day in their best apparel. X. No foreign horsemarshal coming to the city shall occupy the mystery of "horsemarschallsey" above the space of three days unless he agree with the graceman and company. Doubts about these articles to be referred to the mayor and four aldermen.

1563, 17 July.—The charter (somewhat mutilated) of the Glovers, Girdlers, Skinners, Pinners, Pointers, Scriveners and Parchmentmakers, in thirteen ordinances. ff. 192^b, 194.

The objects of the Company are expressed in the same words as in the preceding charter, and the officers are the same. The general character of the regulations also corresponds; but the ninth provides that no master or brother shall rebuke or revile one another before the graceman on pain of 12d.; the tenth that no master or brother shall entice one brother's servant from another until his master be content to part with him; the eleventh that no master shall ride forth into the country for any wares upon the Sunday . . . (torn) of any festival days, upon pain to forfeit for every time so taken or known, 3l. 6s. 8d. The weekly allowance to brethren in poverty is 6d. at the least; and if any die not having wherewith to bury him, then he is to be decently buried at the common charges of the said occupations.

1564, July.—"A note of the perti . . . . the properties of the staige . . . . played in the moneth of July anno sexto regni reginæ Elizabethæ, &c., in the tyme of the mayoralty of Richard Carter, whiche play was then played in Brodgaite in the seid citye, and it was of the storye of Tobias in the Old Testament." f. 193.