The corporation of Shrewsbury: Bailiffs' accounts

V.—Bailiffs' Accounts

There is a very large series of these, for the most part in good condition, beginning apparently at the fortieth year of Henry III., 1256. In many years, however, the rolls are fragmentary, often containing only the receipts from the bridge tolls, and the dates are often only to be ascertained from internal evidence. The early accounts are made up weekly, on Sunday; the first roll which has a date, that of 40 Henry III., begins, "Recepta die dominica proxima post festum beati Petri ad Avincula (sic), et expense operatoribus in quarrera" (now the town-park, still called the Quarry). The receipts are from the tolls at the gate of St. George, the gate beyond the bridge, the gate towards the abbey, and the castle gate, severally amounting to 9s., 6s., 5s. less one halfpenny, and 12s. 1d. "Alanus Shitle et Eug. le Colier erant custodes muragii recepcionis et deliberacionis hujus rotuli, et Ricardus filius Herberti scripsit recepta et deliberaciones tunc temporis." There is one roll of this king's time which is altogether undated, and may very probably be the earliest. A roll which belongs to an. 44–5 (1260–1) is very long, and is chiefly occupied with work on the fortifications of the town, caused by the barons' war. A new tower is built "sub castro"; much stone is dug in the quarry and carried thence by boat for building the wall at "Garewald" and the wall at "Gatepol"; the gate of St. Rumold, or, as it is also called, at "Romoldsham" is built; and the following entries show the reason for the work and hence determine the date of the record, which otherwise does not appear. "Ad lignandum quarellas subscriptas et corrigendum alblastra ville, xiiij^d, scilicet Willelmo le Alblister. . . . Willelmo Alblastario ad essendum in servicio ville dum contencio durat inter dominum regem et consilium suum et omnes magnates Anglie, xiiij^d in illa septimana, et ad lignandum prædictas quarellas." The roll has a very early endorsement that it, together with two others, is "de tempore Ricardi fil. Herberti," a name not found in the printed list of bailiffs. In those others, together with one more, are found the following entries: "Mem. quod Alanus fil. Gamel accommodavit communitati ville xvii xx^ti lapides liberos de quarrera in septimana prox. post f. S. Barnabe apost. anno r. r. H. xliiij. [1260]. In hac die convencio facta fuit cum magistro Alano et Johanne Gymel, cementariis, de muro apud Gatepol, scilicet pro c pedibus iij l., de quibus denariis primo pacatum est eis x sol." Alan Gamel lent also one mark to the town. (fn. 1) Work was done at the house of the Friars Preachers at the charge of the town, and money was also given them. In the beginning of July 1265 (49 Hen. III.) sixpence is given "cuidam garcioni eunti apud Herford ad ascultandum rumores," which would be shortly after Prince Edward's escape from Hereford. For the reign of Henry there appear to be altogether the accounts for eleven years between 1256, or earlier, and 1271.

For the reign of Edw. I. there are only the accounts for the fifth, seventh, and twenty-ninth to thirty-second years. But there is a very interesting Coroners' Roll, extending from the f. of St. Nicholas, 6 Dec. 1295 to Sept. 1306, and containing 58 inquests of felonies and accidents before John Russel, William Rondulf, and Thomas Colle, the coroners, including many cases of drowning in the Severn. In the following nine cases criminals who had gained sanctuary abjure the realm, Dover being assigned as the port for their departure. John son of Peter for killing Arthur Russel was eight days in sanctuary at St. Chad's. Thomas Ouayn of Ydeshale, escaping while being taken to prison for thefts, was two days at St. Alkmund's. John le Forrier, for killing Adam de Kyderminster, was ten days at St. Chad's. Walter son of John del Zoke for killing John Seys of Chyrk, broke from prison and was ten days at St. Mary's. William Godbert of Wolstaneston escaped while being led to prison for killing Adam de Rokleye, and was ten days at St. Mary's. Zareford Vaghen of Egardeleye for burglary at the house of Thomas de Hyntone, was thirty days at St. Mary's. His chattels consisted of a cart-horse worth half a mark, and a sword worth 12d. with a knife worth a halfpenny, but John de Colushull, the proctor of the dean of St. Mary's, refused to give up to the coroners the sword and knife. Nicholas Cogeweyn of Wemme was led to St. Alchmund's, where he stayed for three days, by John Dun, for killing Henry de Cardestone; Dun was committed to prison. William son of Roger de Stanwordin in le Feld for burglary at the house of Joca of Little Boulewas, was at the church of Moele Bracy. John son of Thomas Baldewin, for killing Roger Wythed, was at St. Mary's for four weeks and two days. Two cases are recorded of the deaths of fugitive felons while being pursued. John Dugyn, a thief, broke prison, "et exivit circa horam ignitegii, et obviavit cuidam garcioni qui vocatur Ricardus de Clone, qui quidem Ricardus statim levavit hutesium . . . ad quod hutesium levatum venit Johannes Lawe, custos prisone predicte, et vidit predictum Johannem a prisona predicta evasum, et fugientem sequebatur post eum cum hutesio, et in fugiendo amputavit capud ejus." In the other case a priest was one of the felons concerned: "Johannes de Lastres, capellanus, et Mauricius de Glovernia indictati fuerunt coram Ricardo de Harleye, tunc vicecomite Salop, et capti fuerunt pro pluribus latrociniis, et ducti ad prisonam castri Salop, et diciam prisonam noctanter fregerunt, et evaserunt extra predictum castrum. Et Nicholaus de Wyhleye, constabularius castri predicti, hoc percipiens, prosecutus est eos usque ad libertatem ville, et in fugiendo occidit predictos Johannem et Mauricium tanquam felones domini Regis. Sepulti per Johannem Russell coronatorem." There are two executions by hanging. John son of Henry Rylot meeting William Gothin Cokabytestret, fought with him and killed him with sword-cuts in the head, and fled through the postern called Seynte Chadde lode; but he was taken and hung, and the inquest as to his goods returns him as owner of several houses with some land. And Nicholas le Keu was hung for extensive robbery of horse, pigs, barley, oats, &c. in the house of the Master of the Knights of the Temple in Shrewsbury. The street now called by the singular name of Mardol appears here under the form Mardefole, and that now called Shoplatch as Schoteplace, and in 1280 as Scheteplache.

For the reign of Edw. II. there are rolls for years 2–5, 10, 12, 14, 15, 18–20, with fragments of six others which probably belong to this reign. The weekly receipt accounts begin now to be made up on Monday instead of Sunday. In an. 2, 3, 1309, entertainments are given to Sir Roger de Mortimer, to the Countess of Cornwall, to Sir Hugh de Croft the sheriff, and to Sir Miles de Rodberewe and Sir Richard de Harley coming as the justices, together with others. Courtesies ("curialitates") of this kind are of constant occurrence in all the rolls. There was a law-suit with the abbey, continued in the following year, to conduct which William le Serjaunt went to London. The roll for 1310– 11 is chiefly occupied with the expenses of building the Gild-Hall. (fn. 2) The coroners are Peter Gerard and Roger Prido, who pay 20s. to the Exchequer for a horse of Sir John Strange ("extranei") which was drowned. The names of the parliamentary burgesses, about which for the year 1311 there has been some doubt, are from the following entries ascertained with certainty. "In allocatione duorum equorum allocatorum ad opus Ricardi Pryde et N. le Spicer apud London. ad parliamentum tentum anno v^to, vii^s. Lib. Nicholao le Spicer et Ricardo Pride ad parliamentum tentum apud Lond. anno v^to., lxviij^s. vij^d."

For the long reign of Edw. III. but few accounts remain; only partially for the years 4–8, 10–13, and 33, with portions of several rolls of uncertain date. In the first of these, for 1330–1, there are payments to the burgesses in parliament; to Roger Pride 30s. and 4s. for a horse, to Richard Russell, "pro parliamento," 10s., and to Richard de Walleford, "pro feoudo suo de anno preterito 1 marc."

Richard II.; years 12, 17, 20. The last one, "de tempore Johannis Geffrei et Jacobi Dyghere, anno xx" (these being the bailiffs in 1396) is an interesting taxation roll, giving apparently the names of all the householders with their assessment, some noted as dead, and some as "insuffic."; it is endorsed with a few entries of payments.

Henry IV.; years 2, 4, 10 and 13. In the roll for 1400–1 there are entertainments twice for the players ("histriones") of the Prince and the earl of Stafford, and once for the "menstralles" of the earls of Worcester and Stafford. One hundred shillings were paid to Roger Atton "pro suo regardo, et pro suo magno labore quem fecit pro communitate ville domino Principi et concilio suo ad exonerandum ccclxxii homines de viagio cum dicto domino Principe in partibus Walliæ." In 1408–9 the players of the countess and earl of Arundel, of lord Powis, lord Talbot, and lord Furnivall are rewarded. Four pounds are paid to John Scryven and Thomas Pryde "pro expensis ad parliamentum de Gloucestre," and one shilling a day to each of them again for eleven days at the same parliament; and 53s. 4d. to them for going "versus Regem pro pardonacione subsidii habenda," a journey which achieved its object. At the marriage of a cousin of David Holbache players were entertained "in honorem ville," at a cost of 40d. A very large quantity of red and white wine was given in various presents. The roll for 1411–12 contains payments of salary and expenses to coroners.

Henry V. Only for his seventh year, 1419, and one that may be for 1421 or 1422. In the former there is an entry of 2s. 9d. paid for two flagons and three quarts of red wine "die amoris inter discordiam existentem inter Johannem Perle et Willelmum Forster." Other examples of reconciliation, "dies amoris," effected over liberal potations, occur in other rolls. There is also an interesting private roll for 1413–4 of Roger Skyle, chaplain, of his receipts and payments as the receiver for William Venables and Isabella his wife, who, it appears, lived in Mardol at Shrewsbury, there being an entry of twelve pence paid "pro reparacione domus magistri sui apud Mardefole." Many sums are paid on account of dame Isabella, mostly described as being for old debts; and Skyle receives 12d., 10s., and 6s. 8d. "pro stipendio suo, divina celebranti."

Henry VI. Years 2, 5, 11, 12, 14–17, 21–26, 28–31, 33, 36–38. In the roll for the 15th year, 1436–7, parliamentary expenses are thus entered: "Sol. Thome Thornes (the mayor in this year) uni burgensium elect. &c. cum Willelmo Boerley de Salop pro parliamento tento apud Westm. xxi die Januarii anno xv regis H. vi^ti, in partem solutionis vad. ejusdem Thome apud parliamentum eundo et redeundo, et ibidem existentis per lxxiii dies, vicesimo primo die Aprilis, iiijl. xii^d. (fn. 3) Sol. Will. Burley de Salop (steward, "seneschallus") uni burgensium Salop. elect. pro parliamento tent. &c. in partem solucionis vad. suorum, &c. lxvj^s viij^d. Item Will. Boerley, uni burgensium ville Salop [&c.] pro expensis suis apud London ad parliamentum, xiij^s iij^d." The minstrels of the Earl of Stafford receive 6s. 8d. and wine. "Pro uno pouderboxe eneo ad pulverizandum libros infra aulam communem ab [Will. Burley] emptum, in scaccario remanente, vjd." In 1437–8 William Boerley and John Falke are the coroners. Livery is given to two town minstrels "voc. waytes" who in 1442 are styled "histriones," a term probably applied to minstrels as mingling some rough acting or dancing with their music. To the roll of 1438–9 is attached a voucher for 10l. given to Richard Boerley, one of the bailiffs, and William Forster, the town-clerk, on their going to London in the matter of a law-suit with the Abbot of Lilleshall. There are two rolls of fines in the court of "Pi-poudre"; a short one in 1435, and a long one, much defaced, in 1436–7. In 1142 William Bastard† and Robert Whytcombe were burgesses in the Parliament held on 25 Jan. Ten shillings were given "histrionibus Regis" and payments to those of the Earl of Shrewsbury and others occur frequently in subsequent years, including one "voc. Trumpet." In 1443–4, "pro vino dato Whitchecote et aliis generosis venientibis ad sepulturam fil. Christophori Talbot, militis, x^d." At the Parliament in Feb. 1446 Richard Stury and William Boerley of Bromcroft were burgesses. In that year the Duke of York visited Shrewsbury. 1447, William Bastard and Thomas Beget are the burgesses in the Parliament at Bury. 1448, "Deliberat. Johanni Water et Ricardo Tunerver (?) pro edificacione gurgitis subtus Coton in plenam solucionem facture ejusdem, xl. Johanni Smethecote, valetto Regis, qui habet aquam Sabrine per literas patentes dicti Regis, vi^s viij^d." In every year at this period the payments for entertainments and gifts "pro honestate ville" are very numerous. An annual payment occurs of two shillings "pro besaundes [bezants] in Scaccario ex consuetudine de antiquo." 1449–50, Thomas Yonge is common, or town, clerk, and John Callerall, in other rolls called Calverall, the crier. A pipe of red wine was given to the Duke of York upon his coming to the town from Ireland cn 12 Sept., and players and minstrels were employed on the occasion; and in 1451 the same present is made him on his coming for the sessions in July. In the latter year he sends venison, and then 24s. are spent "in comedendo carnes ferinas supradictas in presencia ballivorum et aliorum proborum virorum pro honestate ville"; and 16s. 4½d. were in like manner spent upon the eating three does given by the Earl of Shrewsbury, who with his countess came to the town. In this year John Phelyps is town-clerk, 1452, William Bastard and Richard Stury went to the King, the Chancellor, and others, to obtain letters patent and a charter "pro illis qui indictati fuerunt proditores ad sectam domini Regis," receiving a reward for their labour of 6l. 13s., and a like amount was given to Sir John Talbot, Knt., for his good offices in the same cause. These traitors were no doubt those who had marched from Shrewsbury to Blackheath with the Duke of York.

1458–9, Payments of 3s. each were made to the keepers of the clocks striking the hours in the churches of St. Alkmund and St. Chad, including in the latter case "le chyme." Much repairing was done to the Welsh bridge. A pottle of "Tyre" wine (a name met with also in an earlier roll) was given with two flagons of red wine to lord Dudley, and two flagons of red, "voc. Ruynysche wyne," together with one flagon of white, to lord Powys. There was a good deal of trouble in this year about an illegal arrest of one Geoffrey Sotheworthe, for which some persons were indicted at Stafford. The Duke of York sent a letter to Roger Corbet, esq., of Morton, for the arrest of Hugh Cartwright and two others of the county of Lancaster, "qui jacuerunt in incidiis ad interficiendum diversos homines ville," and the capture was effected, and Hugh Cartwright and Henry Moleners were hung at Wenlock. Wine was given to various knights, esquires, and gentlemen of the Duke of York and his son the Earl of March. The following entries, some of which have been printed by Owen and Blakeway, (fn. 4) bear upon the civil war. "Sol. pro expensis Johannis Oliver equitantis ad castrum de Kylyngworth propter certa negocia villam tangencia, v^s. Pro expensis Johannis Phelypps et Johannis Oliver equitantium cum quatuor equis ad villam de Notyngham ad loquendum cum Rege et diversis ibidem pro responc. litere predicte [a letter to the town from the King], xi^s. Duobus hominibus equitantibus ad scrutand. de interfeccione diversorum hominum interfectorum per comitem de Salusbury juxta Drayton, et ad scrutandum de itinere ejusdem comitis, ij s. iiij d. Sex hominibus custodientibus le veyle vocatum le weche, diatim per septem [dies], quilibet eorum cap. iiij d. per diem, apud portam Wallie et castri, xiiij s. Tribus hominibus apud portam lapidcam quinque dies, modo supradicto, ij s. viij d. Tribus hominibus operantibus circa portam vocatam le Bulgerlode per duos dies, ex convencione ingrosso facta, ij s. xd." Many other repairs and additions were made to the fortifications, "pro tuicione ville." "Sol. Johanni Vryen equitanti per octo dies per duas vices propter rumores inter dominum Regem et ducem Ebor. vj s. viij d. Pro expensis Lod. Mychell equitantis modo consimili per sex dies, v s. Pro expensis Thome Bromley et Willelmi ap Rees et aliorum equi- tancium ad dominum Dncem Ebor. cum litera et responcione eidem duci, vj s. viij d. Pro una vexilla empta pro le daye weche in campanile ecclesie beate Marie, ix d. Pro conductione unius equi conducti pro Johanne Cartwright equitante ad Drayton ad scrutandum de prelio inter comitem de Salusbury et dominum de Awdeley. xvj d. Pro expensis Johannis Vrien, Ricardi Upton, Lod. Michel, equitancium [ad] diversa loca propter rumores de domino Rege, et aliorum dominorum existencium apud villam de Worseter tempore insurreccionis, xiiij s. ij d. Pro expensis Roberti Dalton et Johannis Olivere exquitantium (sic) modo consimili, vj s. Pro expensis Johannis Vryen et Willelmi Carpenter modo consimili, iiij s. viij d." 1460. The extant rolls are almost entirely those of receipts, but an endorsement with a few other particulars has one entry relating to the war and one of its decisive battles. "Sol. ballivis pro expensis lxi hominum conductorum pro servicio domini Regis ad villam de Northampton, viij 1. xiij s. iiij d."

Edward IV. For this reign the rolls with some portions of the accounts, chiefly of receipts, are numerous; years 2–3 to 21–2, including a short Chamberlain's (Rich. Marchall's) roll for 5–6. Up to the fifth year inclusive there are, however, only toll and other receipts. 1466–7, "Sol. pro vino dato domino le Ferrers tam in hospicio suo duabus vicibus quam in taberna apud concordiam factam inter Ricardum Stury, Johannem Trentham, et Johannem Hoord in presencia ballivorum et aliorum generosorum cum dicto domino existencium, pro honestate ville, v s. vij d. Sol. diversis soldariis conductis ad equitandum cum comite Wygorn. precepto domini Regis ad castrum de Dynbygh, lxxix s. ij d."; and for their livery vi s. vi d. John Trentham and John Hoord received 3l. 10s. as burgesses in parliament. (fn. 5) "Sol. xl soldariis conductis cum vadiis et gagis illis datis in servicio domini Regis cum comite Wygorn., precepto domini Regis, ad castrum de Harelagh, ut in litera dicti domini Regis plenius apparet, xviij^li. Pro expensis Jevan Lake equitantis propter rumores quando Ricardus Tunstall et alii de castello de Holt apud Wryxham, v s. Pro quodam regardo dato . . . Tylere pro diversis custis et expensis factis per Dan. Williams . . . supervidendum si Ricardus Tonstall, miles, et alii quidam . . . de Harelagh proponebant aliquod malum huic ville an non . . . (mutilated). 1469; "Sol. cuidam nuncio destinato et misso ad civitatem Ebor. ad scrutandum de rumoribus domini Regis, x s." 1479–80, "Sol. pro uno forseto empto ad imponendum cartas et munimenta ville, xij d." 1480–1, Roll of fines imposed in the Great Court, for trespasses, encroachments, obstructing highways, unlicensed selling of beer, &c. In bailiffs' account: "Pro una libra cumini solut. domino de Pymley pro comunia habenda in bruera de Pymley, iiij d." 1482, Six does were sent by the Duke of Buckingham, and to make pasties of these six bushels of flour were bought for 10s., three pounds of pepper for 6s., and two bushels of salt for 1s. 6d.

Richard III. Three rolls for his first year, 1483–4: "Sol. pro uno pixide empto ad imponendum cartam ville pro conduct. ejusdem ad parliamentum, vi d."

Henry VII. Years 9, 10, 13, 17–23, chiefly accounts of receipts from tolls, &c. 1493–4, an. 9, "Pro vino expendito super vencrabiles de concilio domini Principis ad suum reventum de Northwallia, x d." The roll for the tenth year, 1494–5, contains many entries relative to entertainments at the visit of Prince Arthur and the King in that year, which are translated and largely annotated in Owen and Blakeway's Hist. I. 261–7; they are of an ordinary kind, and therefore do not require repetition here, unless it be this one: "Pro vino dato domino Principi ad ludum in quarell, cx s. (not cvi) iiij d." The accounts for the 18th year (and partly those for the 22nd) are on a paper sheet (injured by damp) instead of a parchment roll, and extracts from these relative to the intercourse between the town and the Council of the Marches are printed in Owen and Blakcway, I. 274–5, of which the most interesting entry is the following: "Sol. Henrico Blakemere pro pictura proporcionis ville ostendend. Consilio domini Regis, xij d." In that volume are also printed at pp. 279–282 extracts from a curious diary, in English, of expenses, kept by Richard Lyster on two journeys to London on the business of the town's dispute with the Abbot in May and June an. 22, 1507 (not 1506 as printed). It is written on five small folio leaves of paper, and is greatly injured by damp. Since the time when the heading was copied for the above book it has become almost entirely illegible. The journeys occupied four days each, and places stopped at for lodging or refreshment were Shiffnal, Hampton, Birmingham ("Byrmycham"), Coventry, Dunchurch, Daventry, Stony Stratford, Brickhill, Dunstaple, St. Alban's, and Barnet.

Henry VIII. From the accession of this sovereign the parchment rolls are confined to the accounts of receipts for tolls, stallage, &c., in a very imperfect series, while summaries of these are entered with the expense accounts in paper books, headed "Visus Compoti," which from exposure to damp are in a very mutilated and injured condition, some so tender as to crumble when touched. Of these there are the years 1509–13, 1515–8, 1519–20, 1522–7, 1530–1, 1532–3, 1534–8, 1540–1, 1542–3, and 1546–7. (fn. 6) In 1509–10 the burgesses in Parliament were the two bailiffs Roger Thornes and Thomas Knight, who had £10 for the expenses of 50 days. "In salmone, lampredis et vino datis in exhinnio dato reverendo in Christo patri episcopo Herfordensi, vj s. viij d. Pro pixide ad imponendum supplicacionem deliberandam cancellario domini Regis, 1 d. In diversis personis conductis ad portandum vinum commissionariis domini Regis ad abbathiam, vij d." Two entries in this year (with similar ones in following years) prove that still, as noted before, the term "histriones" was used indiscriminately to designate minstrels, for rewards of 10s. and 20s. are given "histrionibus" of the earl of Shrewsbury and of the King respectively, and then in both instances follow payments for wine given "ballivis et aliis probis hominibus audientibus melodiam eorum." 1510–11. A list of 64 cases of affrays for which fines were inflicted.

1515–6. "In regardo dato nuncio domini Regis portanti et nuncianti eis novos et jocundos rumores de nativitate principisse et filie dicti domini Regis, vj s. viij d. Pro vino dato abbati de Hylton, doctori theologie, predicanti apud Salop quarta dominica XL^me hoc anno ante nonam diei et post nonam ejusdem diei, xx d. (He preached again in the following year.) Pro mundacione de le Tolshop ac ornamento ejusdem cum sirpis et ramis viridibus pro honestate ville ad nundinas, iiij d. (This entry occurs a second time in the same year, and afterwards in the following years.) In vino, pomis, waffers, et aliis novellis datis et expenditis super abbatem Salop et famulos suos ad ludum et demonstracionem martiriorum Feliciane et Sabine martirum in quarera pone muros, iij s. In regardo dato lusoris (sic) ejusdem martirii tunc temporis hoc anno, x s." All the corn-crops of Thomas Burges of Newton were reaped and carried away by order of the bailiffs "eo quod idem Thomas Burges felonice interfecit quendam Irishe apud foriettam monachorum apud Salop, ut dicebatur."

1516–7. "In regardo dato nuncio domini Regis portantis literas domini Regis de insurreccione et correccione apprenticiorum civitatis London., xl d. Pro spintris emptis ad figendum papiros circa capita xj. perjuratorum, ex precepto domini Regis, puplici penitencia in foro Salop. correctorum, 1 d. In vino dato Inceptori fratrum heremitarum ordinis S. Augustini predicanti in ecclesia S. Cedde, viij d. (In 1523 the Provincial preached.) In expensis factis per subballivos et famulos suos euntes ad Acton Reignold ad pacificacionem, cujusdam magne affraie pacis et insurrectionis racione, ij s. iiij d. Pro redditu resoluto cantarie S. Katerine in ecclesia S. Alkmundi pro opellis carnificis, xxiiij s."

1517–8. "In vino expendito super tres reges Colonie equitantibus in interludio, pro solacio ville Salop in festo Pentecost., iiij d. Et in vino dato abbati Salop et famulis suis ad generalem processionem in festo Corporis Christi, pro honestate ville Salop, xviij d. ob." (fn. 7)

1519–20. A reward is given to Ralph Hubard minstrel of lord de "Mountegyle," and he receives it again in 1525–6 together with one Lokkett. A hogshead of claret for the commissioners coming from Ludlow cost 33s. 4d. "In regardo dato iiij^or interlusoribus comitis Arundele ostendentibus ballivis et comparibus suis diversa interludia, vj s. viij d. Et in vino dato eis et aliis extraneis personis intuentibus interludia, ultra denarios collectos, iiij s. iiij d. In denariis solutis et datis sagittatoribus de la Stondart certis diebus dominicis, videlicet, quolibet die meliori sagittario 11 d., et secundo meliori sagittario 1 d., ij s. Pro virgati (sic) panni linei de canabo, necnon pro pictura sex duodenarum capitum leopardorum pro signis utendis per pauperes colligentes elemosinas, xviij d. In expensis factis per ballivos circa correccionem Roberti Wright, famuli Thome Legh, positi super pilloriam pro parvo latrocinio per ipsum facto, eo quod felonice furatus fuit tres denarios argenti de clamide imaginis beate Marie juxta fontem in ecclesia S. Cedde, et fugando dictum Robertum extra villam, xiiij d. In regardo dato nuncio domini Regis portanti commissionem dicti domini Regis pro duplicibus vigiliis observandis dummodo idem dominus Rex fuerit in partibus transmarinis, ij s. In via caritativa et elemosinaria dat. gardiano et conventui fratrum minorum ville Salop. ad reparacionem de novo garnarium (sic) granorum conventus in ruina, x marc." A list of burgesses admitted in 1519 is in a paper book containing also notes of proceedings in the courts in 1519–23.

1522–3. "De finibus quorundam tensariorum pardonatorum racione tam paupertatis quam de essendo suo in servicio domini Regis modo guerrino, ij li. Pro copia litere domini cardinalis misso (sic) commissariis domini Regis circa mutuum habendum, xx d. In vino expendito per communem clericum ville super Lodowicum Hanmere et alios deliberand. ei libros ex mutuo facto domino Regi, vj d. (other entries respecting the loan). Pro una rota pro communi compana pulsanda, xij d. In regardo dato joculatori dom. Regis, vj s. viij d. Et vino dato doctori ordinis Fratrum Prædicatorum predicanti in ecclesia collegiate S. Cedde, ix d." At the end of this year's account is a list of various household goods taken in distraint for fines, which is given also in 1519–20 and in other years.

1523–4. "In regardo dato ij nunciis dom. Regis portantibus literas de pace inter dom. Regem et Regem Francorum, iij s. iiij d. In vino dato domino Powysie ad magnam sagittacionem, inter dictum dominum et ballivos et alias personas honestatis ville, xviij d."

1524–5. (fn. 8) "Sol. pro pulsacione magne campane ecclesie S. Alkmundi pro mane surgentibus, iiij s. Pro custodia Jevan ap Morgan felonis, interfecti apud Horton quando fugam fecit post feloniam per ipsum factam, ultra xij d. habitos pro apparatu suo, viij d. In expensis factis per ballivos ad triumphum post capcionem Regis Francorum, in ignibus, vino, ct pulsacione campanarum, xix s. iij d. In regardo dato nuncio dom. Regis portanti novos rumores, ij s. Pro expensis vigilancium Thomam Jebbessone, fugientem ad domum fratrum August. pro felonia, viij d. (His goods were seized, as being a fugitive.) In regardo dato vigilatoribus capientibus et producentibus illicita recia vocata carthonnes, iiij s."

1525–6. "In regardo dato custodi cameli dom. Regis ostendenti ballivis et comparibus suis joca illius cameli, iij s. iiij d. In galone vini data doctori Duffhill gardiano Fratrum Minorum ville Salop. post sermonem ejus factum, x d. Dat. clerico ecclesie S. Alkmundi pro labore suo in pulsando magnam campanam ibidem ad horam quartam in aurora tempore hiemali pro proficuo ville, iiij s. Dat. interlusoribus domine principisse, x s." (also in the following year and in 1531). There is in this year a diary kept by Adam Mitton and Richard Atkys of their expenses in a four days' journey to London and their stay there and of a second journey, about a law-suit with the city of Worcester. The line of road followed was the same as in the journey made in 1507 supra.

1530–1. "In galone vini dato uxori Rogeri Thomas, unius ballivorum, in adventu suo de patria ad villam, pro honestate ville, xvi d. Pro uno ferro signato cum littera A ad comburendum personas abjurantes regnum in palma manus, iiij d. In novo instrumento posito in parva aula ad recipiendum urinam personarum ibidem mingentium, xii d.": (see Owen and Blakeway, p. 297 n.)

1532–3. "In expensis factis in garniamentis, liberatis, et histrion[ibus] pro dom. abbate de Marham tempore mensis Maii pro honestate ville hoc anno, vj^s. vij d. (fn. 9) Sol. Thome Eton pro factura unius mansionis [in the Quarry] cum duobus stagiis pro dom. Presidente et ballivis tempore ludi septimana Pentacostes, ij^s. In regardo dato lusoribus ad dictum lusum pro reparacione ornamentorum suorum, xx s. [Other notices of the players.] Sol. pursatori [l. pulsatori] de daybell, et stipendio sacerdotis celebrantis missam S. Georgii diatim circa horam quartam in aurora, xiij s. iiij d."

1534–5. "Sol. pro custis et conduccionibus equorum ad conducendum vibrillas et alias ordinaciones guerrinas dom. Regis versus partes Hibernie, per mandatum dom. Regis, ij s. x d. Pro emendacione de la tubbe in magna aula ubi omnes persone mingunt, iiij d. In regardo m[agistro] Brandon, joculatori dom. Regis, vij s. x d. In regardo dato histrionibus extraneis melodiam et cantilenas eorum coram ballivis et comparibus pronunciantibus, viij d."

1535–6. The dukes of Richmond and Norfolk were entertained in great state in this year. (fn. 10) "Pro uno instrumento ad supponendum libros in Scaccario, cum quodam inclusorio pro scriptis vulgariter vocato a dexte cum diversis cophiuis, ij s. ij d. Pro vino dato doctori Wall predicanti et declaranti verba divina coram communitate ville, v d. Sol. moneta data Ricardo equitanti versus commissionarios circa novos rumores de domina Anna nuper regina, xi d. Pro tribus mattis ad subponendum pedes ballivorum et sex sessorum in Scaccario sedencium, iij d."

1536–7. "Dat. in regardo Thome Matheus et Johanni Palmer de Bewdley pro labore et benivolencia suis trahentibus mercimonia de Bristollia ad Salop per rivulum Sabrinæ, v s. [Similar entries later.] Dat. in regardo Provinciali Fratrum Predicatorum predicanti et pronuncianti verbum Dei per totam ebdomadam Rogacionum, x s. Pro tortis et wafurnes [and afterwards vino] datis doctori Legh [visitori (sic) Regis], per ballivos, xviij d. [and xxd]. Sol. Priori fratrum Heremitarum ordinis S. Augustini ville Salop ad reparacionem domus sue ei concesse per communitatem ville, iiij li."

1537–8. "In regardo Humfrido Hulston, nuncio domine regine, portanti literas suas ballivis ville ad nativitatem domini Principis, vj s. viij d. In elemosina ac regardo dato Johanni Marshe de Colham egrotanti de peste, et pro custodia egrotorum ibidem ne infective perambularent villam, xvj d. Duabus mulieribus pro scrutacione egrote puolle per mandatum ballivorum, ij d. Pro vij c. de oystres datis domino Presidenti, ij s. iiij d. Uxori Johannis Jouks pauperis pro scrutacione egrotorum per mandatum ballivorum, ij d. Pro vino expendito ad nativitatem domini Principis, ij li. iij s. Cuidam juveni, ad instanciam Johannis Packynton, unius commissariorum dom. Regis, ad emendum camisiam, xxd. Rogero Philipps, goldsmyth, pro argento et emendacione colarium histrionum ville, xiij s. iiij d."

1540–1. "Pro vino dato suffraganeo domini Presidentis predicantis in ecclesia S. Alkmundi et aliis predicatoribus hoc anno, ij s."

1542–3. "Sol. pro responso exhibito commissionariis dom. Regis querimonie Thome Lee, Thome Sturye, et aliorum circa solucionem stipendii burgensium parliamenti ad ultimam sessionem, ij s. Et sol. pro copia replicationis eorundem, iiij d. Sol. pro una supplicacione per Robertum Broke, jurisperitum, concepta ad exhibendum domino Regi pro ereccione domus nuper monasterii Salop in collegium sive liberam scolam, vij s. vj d. Et sol. Humfredo Dickers clerico dicto R. B. (fn. 11) pro seripcione ejusdem supplicationis bis, ij s. Eidem Humphredo pro scripcione ejusdem supplicacionis in pergameno, xx d. In vino dato capellano dom. Presidentis predicantis apud Cadogans Crosse uno dierum Rogacionum, vj d."

The entries throughout the reign of Henry for amusements and entertainments are very numerous. Minstrels, actors, jugglers, and bear-wards with dancing bears (described as "agitatio ursorum") never failed in gaining rewards and in furnishing occasion for wine-drinkings to the bailiffs and their associates.

Edward VI. The receipt rolls exist for years 1, 3, 4, 6, 7. The expense accounts are in paper books, and in these the fourth and last years are wanting. There is also a small parcel of bills and drafts of accounts.

1546–7 (38 Hen. 1 Edw.) "Sol. iiij^or clericis parochialibus ecclesiarum ville, necnon pro pictura armorum domini Henrici nuper Regis Angliæ, ac pro vasto et factura ciriorum, ac pro aliis sumptibus ad exequias ejusdem nuper Regis, xi s. ij d. (fn. 12) Pro vino dato Ricardo Shurlowe, clerico, post predicacionem suam in ebdomodo (sic) die Rogacionum, v d. ob. Pro vino et tortis datis ballivis et associatis suis in festo Corporis Christi euntibus in processione, xvd. Pro vino dato ballivis et associatis suis post supervisionem virorum armatorum missorum ad partes boreales, ix d. ob. Pro pictura et factura singna (sic) ad similitudinem facie[i] leopardis pro viris armatis assignatis pro villa, xij d. Pro vino dato viris armatis missis versus Scotland per dom. Presidentem, x d. Pro serevisia data viris armatis assignatis et missis pro villa versus Scotland ad eorum exitum, vj d. Pro stipendio equi et in regardo dato Griffino Lyngen conducenti dictos viros armatos assignatos pro villa Salop usque ad le New Castle, xv s. Sol. Stephano Lowe, mason, de veteri debito ville, pro factura pontis lapidei, xl s., and afterwards, pro edificacione pontis lapidei vii li. (the amount struck out.) Sol. Humfredo Onneslow, arm. in plenam solucionem pro edificacione communis aule ville, xx li."

1547–8. "In regardo istrionibus ludentibus ante viros armatos, xij d.— cuidam istrioni ludenti ante viros equiles (sic) equitantes ad Scociam, xij d." Various other entries relative to the despatch of soldiers sent "ad Cociam," (as frequently written) under Richard Lawley as captain and Richard ap Rice; wine and beer given several times, with 17 d. spent upon Richard Lawley at his return. Thirty shillings were paid to Humphrey Onneslowe as rent for the Council House, and in other years. "Sol. Stephano Mason de debito ville pro factura et reparacione pontis lapidei, iij li. xvj d. Sol. pro literis dom. Regis Arthuro Makeworthe et aliis directis circa pecunias per eos concessas ad reedificacionem pontis lapidei, xiiij d."

1548–9. "Sol. Willelmo Newall de veteri debito ville in plenam solucionem pro meremio et lapidibus ab eo emptis ad reedificacionem Gwyalde ville Salop, xl s. Pro duobus vasis positis in Gwyalda [ad] mingendum, xxij d."

1549–50.—"Sol. pro factione ferrei ad comburendum felones vj^d. Reginaldo Corbett pro supplicacione exhibita dom. Cancellario pro Scola libera obtinenda x^s. Et servienti dom. Cancellarii pro favore suo in eadem, xx^d. Sol. pro empcione libere Scole infra villam Salop habenda, xv^li."

1551–2.—"Sol. Johanni do Domo Elymosorum (sic) pro ereccione corpus (sic) Elisabeth Bikerstaffe interfecte et sepulte existentis, xij^d. Pro cordis et circa sepulturam et suspencionem duorum felonum, xvj^d. Pro ferris ad suspendendum Thomam Bikerstaffe felonem, vj^s. Pro cordis et expenditis circa suspensionem Willelmi Thatcher, xiiij^d (and for irons for him 4½d.). Sol. Ricardo Ive pro equo et carta ad flagellandum vacabundum circa forum, iiij^d. Pro vino dato predicatori xx° die Maii per ballivos, vj^d. Sol. Thome Onneslowe, baker, pro expensis suis equitando pro domino Morys, xij^d. In regardo pedagogo libere Scole, videlicet domino Morys, xij^d. Pro diversis custibus expenditis [per Ric. Whitacres] particulariter circa liberam Scolam, lviij^li xviij^s iiij^d. Pro asportacione voluntatis Johannis Fyssher exemplificande, et expendit. circa eandem, ut particulariter apparet, v^li xx^d. Nuncio dom. Regis pro portante commissionem dom. Regis circa bona ecclesiastica, iij^s iiij^d. Stephano Lowe, mason, pro stipendio suo de veteri debito, xxxj^s vij^d. Johanni Prowde, pro domo et aliis terris et tenementis emptis et provisis pro libera Scola, xx^li. In regardo cuidam predicatori, iij^s iiij^d. In regardo, et super convencionem, Johanni Eyton, conducto ad custodiendum liberam Scolam grammaticalem, vj^s viij^d. Expendit. super predicatorem, xvi^d. Expendit. per ballivos super pedagogum nunc conductum, ij^s v^d. Expendit. circa reparaciones domorum provisorum pro libera Scola" (included in a large payment of 80l. 17s. 6d. for other repairs). The customary gifts of wine to preachers begin in this year to be superseded, as noted above, by money payments of greater value.

1552–3.—"In regardo domino Cocks, predicatori, ad emendum duos libros, xxd. Pro capcione uxorem (sic) Johannis Bennett ex terra post sepulacionem (sic !), xij^d. Expendit. per ballivos et assoc. suos die lune in le Whitson wuck (sic) post visum lusum, iij^s viij^d. Pro stipendio le watchemen circa domum Edward Hood, xl^s vj^d. Pro capistro et ferreis ad suspendendum Johannem Bennet et alios felones, v^s iij^d. Expendit. per ballivos et compares suos ad proclamacionem domine Reginæ, xvj^s v^d. Pro tunicis et aliis vestimentis ac pistur' (sic) earundem pro Robyn Hood, lix^s iii^d ob. In vino dato eisdem interlusoribus, xiiij^s. In regardo le tomlers, ij^s. Sol. pedagogo libere Scole in parte stipendii sui, xxij^li. De redditu resolut. Johanni Prowde pro tenemento . . libere Scole, iij^s iiij^d."

Mary I.—For her reign there is only one roll of receipts for 1554–5 and two books of expense accounts for the first and fourth years.

1553–4.—"Pro redditu libere Scole resolut. dom. Regine, debito ad f. S. Mich. Archang. ult. preteritum pro uno anno integro, viij^s. In regardo Thome Staney le jugler, ij^s. Expendit. per ballivos ad processionem quando Rex Philippus intravit in regnum Anglie ad tres (sic) separata loca ville Salop, xxxiiij^s. Sol. pedagogo libere Scole in parte stipendii sui, xxij^li."

1556–7.—"De redditu solut. J. heredi Johannis Prowde resolut. pro domo libere Scole, iij^s iiij^d."

Elizabeth.—Of this reign there are only very tattered and crumbling books for years 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 17, and 19. But parcels of the files of bills and vouchers from which the books were made up exist for years 3, 7, 9, 14, 16, 19–28, 32–36, 38, 41 and 42–5. The receiptaccounts exist for years 3, 5–12, 17, 18, 20–22, and 28–9. The accounts become much shorter than before; fewer entertainments are given to visitors, and there are fewer amusements, but players and bear-wards appear occasionally.

1558–9.—"Pro igne combusta in tempore proclamacionis [reginæ], iij^s ij^d. Pro vino dato sacerdotibus et aliis clericis tempore obitus domine Regine Marie nuper Anglie, v^s viij^d." The Council-House roof was tiled and the windows glazed.

1562–3.—"Pro salario et stipendio magistri et deputati sui libere Scole pro doct. puerorum hoc anno, xlviij^li. Pro redditu soluto pro pomerio libere Scole Johanni Mytton pro redditu pro uno anno integro, in consideracione quod magister Scole separabit ortum a terris alienis polis, vj^s. viij^d. Expand. per Ricardum Hyggons in itinere suo ad Londinum et pro regardo per ipsum dato clericis Concilii ad impetrandum commissionem dom. Regine ballivis ville ad conducendum milites et eos ornandum ad scrvicium Regine in milicia, j^li x^s j^d qu. Sol. subballivis pro vict. prison. custod. in gaola per spacium diversarum septimanarum, ut patet per billas, qui ibidem fuerunt adeo pauperes ut nihil habebant quod comedant vel bibant, xlij^s." A collection was made for the payment of George Leygh, for his salary as a burgess in five Parliaments, for which five writs had been issued to the baiiffs; but the amount is not entered.

1564–5.—Ten shillings and a gown were given to an officer of the town "pro effugacione mendicorum extra villam."

1566–7.—The sum of 9l. 7s. 10d. was gathered for the Free School by a parochial collection in the four parishes within the walls and in the parish of St. Cross in the East "Foriett."

1571–2.—Richard Higgons asks payment for his labour, among other things, in "the plucking downe of the towre towne walle." Wafers and cakes were given to the Earl of Essex.

1573–4.—An annual payment for ringing the bells on the Queen's coronation day appears to be commenced in this year. See under 1574 in Miscellancous Papers, infra.

1574–5.—"Sol. pro diversis equis ad ducendum [Sir] Barnaba Fittz Patrick Londino a villa, xx^s," "at the request of my lord President."

In the English draft of the accounts we find:—"Geven M^r Churchyerd in rewarde, being sente vnto us by my lord President with letters concerninge the coming of the Quene's maiestie to this towne, by the assent of the aldermen and counsellors, iij^li vj^s viij^d. Payd for the inclosinge of Kingsland this yere, as appereth by a bill of particulers xxxvij^s vj^d."

Through the rest of the reign the parcels of accounts seem to have been carefully searched by the laborious historians of Shrewsbury, who have extracted various interesting items, and it has therefore been deemed unnecessary now to examine them in detail. In 1598–9 the name of a town preacher has been met with, which appears to have escaped previous notice: "Pay'd to M^r Bright, our publique precher, for his stipend for this yere, xlvj^li xiij^s iiij^d.

There is also a roll of an assessment for repair of the bridges, walls and towers in 1562–3, which is of interest as giving the names of all the inhabitants of the Castle ward, with the rates at which they were assessed. The ink had so faded that the writing had become illegible, and the document had been supposed to be of a much earlier date, but by the application of hydrosulphuret of ammonia I was able to bring the whole to light.

James I.—The files of vouchers appear to want only years 3, 4, 19, 20, and 22, amongst them being the year of the Powder Plot. But the distinct books of summary account cease, and the general "discharge" statement henceforth appears only on a paper on the files, and is sometimes missing. It was impossible for me in my general survey to do more than to examine the parcels for a few selected years, but these were sufficient to show that the accounts are only of ordinary kind. The historians of Shrewsbury do not appear to have touched these, ceasing their examination with the reign of Elizabeth.

1607.—"To certen Frenchmen who had suffered shipwreck, x^s. To a Scottishe preacher, vj^s viij^d. Spent upon certen Frenche lords and others cominge to this towne, xj^s viij^d. Given to Mr. John Pryce, a precher, whoe made divers sermons in this towne xl^s."

1610.—A rental-book of the houses, &c. belonging to the town, in number 301, with the names of the tenants.

1612, 12 Nov.—"Given to a Gretian 5^s." (fn. 13)

1613, 23 June.—"Bestowed on M^r Robarts, precher, his horse meat and other charges, 6^s 8^d." Other preachers in this year are Atkins, Tompson and Goulborne. 10 Feb. "Bestowed uppon an Irishman, 2^s."

1621.—Strawberries appear in a bill for a corporation banquet on the second fair-day, 22 June. "Strawberies, vj^d. Item, for more strawberrys, xij^d."

Charles I.—The vouchers appear to be perfect except for years, 4, 11, and 14, 1628, 1635, and 1639. In this reign all the parcels have been examined from 1630.

1630, 13 May.—Letter from Peter Studley, the minister of Frankwell, asking for repayment of 53s. 2d. which he had laid out in a suit for recovering the small tithes, which he had by the grant of the Corporation, "from the unjust clayme which in the name of the Schoole is made unto them;" he will endeavour to prevent further charge by a friendly agreement with the School, though to his loss and hindrance.

1631.—Mr. Browne was now public preacher, at a salary of 46l. 13s. 4d. and 5l. were paid to "viccair Lloyd" for reading morning prayers at St. Alkmund's. In subsequent years 6l. 13s. 4d. was also allowed to the preacher for the rent of his house.

1633.—A knitting school had been established, for in this year work was done in tiling the "jersey schoole"

1638.—"The chardge for passinge the newe charter, 521l. 19s. 2d." There is a separate parcel of vouchers containing the particulars of this charge, with the assessment made for defraying it. On 20 March the sergeant was sent to Bridgenorth to the High Sheriff with a letter from the Privy Council, "and a peticion thereinclosed concerninge the cesmente for shipp money."

[Mayor's Accounts.]

1642.—"Bestowed by waye of gratuitys to the King's the Prynce's and Duke's servants at there beinge in Shrewsburye, 19l. 10s. 4d." On 15 Sept. there were payments for nine bundles of proclamations. Payments for guns and gunpowder and to an engineer, and (very numerous) for repairs of the gates and the walls.

1643.—"Paid Sir Francis Ottley, Knight, towards payment of his garrison souldyers, 170l. Capt. Raynesford for disciplyninge of the garrison souldyers by the appoyntement of Sir Francis Ottley and others, 30l. Sir Edward Fitton, Knight, for powder and matche, by the direction of Mr. Maior and Sir Francis Ottley, 14l. 9s. 10d." Four assessments were made for the fortifications, amounting to 1927l. 14s. 1d., while an assessment "for advaunce money to his Majesties' service" brought in 546l. 19s. 4d. One hundred pounds were borrowed from the School money. The vouchers in this year for the work done are of course very numerous.

1644.—"Paid which was spent on Prynce Rupert his highnes, Lord Byron, and other gentlemen of worshipp cominge to this towne 6l. 1s. 4d. Presented to Prynce Rupert his highnes by way of guift from the Corporation, 100l. A bill for gunpowder works, 177l. 7s. 11d. Sir Francis Ottley, Knight, the late governor, for him and his officers at severall times this yeare, 129l. 9s. 0d. Captayne Sandford, towards his paynes for directinge the makinge of fortifications 10l. 0s. 0d. Mr. William Waringe for overseeinge the workemen at the Castle worke, by consent of the howse 5l. 0s. 0d. Sir Thomas Sneeton, Knight, in full of his demaund for 6 iron peeces of ordinance 33l. 18s. 0d. Borrowed of severall persons towards the payinge of workemen's wages for the fortifications, 2l. 0s. 0d." Nothing was paid to the public preacher this year. Of arrears of the four assessments made last year there was received 21l. 10s. 11d., and 5l. of the assessment made for money advanced to the King, while of an assessment made of 1000l. for the fortifications there was received 721l. 19s. 11d. Other receipts were: Borrowed of several persons for payment of workmen at the fortifications, 45l. 8s. 0d.; "Received of the severall inhabitants for sixepenny money," towards paying the same workmen, 49l. 16s. 9d.; gunpowder sold, 40l. 4s. 0d.

Account of the monthly contribution money levied from Sept. 1644 to Feb. 164⁴/5, with the weekly payments made to Major Polden during that time.

Valuations of houses and lands in Shrewsbury and the neighbourhood for the assessments and the monthly contribution. (Tattered.) The name of Richard Baxter's father, who was, as his son tells us, one of the collectors, does not seem to occur in these lists.

1645.—There is nothing but a parcel of bills for ordinary charges remaining of this year.

1646, 1 Oct.—James Betton, the public preacher, gives a receipt for 60l. paid him for arrears. The other accounts are of an ordinary kind.

1647.—The usual payments for the public preacher are in this year made to one Mr. Samuel Fisher. Mr. Thomas Paget was minister of St. Chad's, and Mr. Thomas Blake vicar of St. Alkmund's. Out of the money borrowed from the School in 1642–3, repayment was made of 47l. "Given Mr. Micheali Betton, cannaneere, in regarde of his good service done to this towne and countye, 5l." A bookseller named Thomas Owen paid 6l. for his burgess fee.

Commonwealth.—For the period from 1650 to 1660 the accounts seem to be complete.

1650–1.—Mr. Richard Heath appears as minister of St. Alkmund's receiving 5l. from the Corporation. The payment to the minister of St. Julian's ceases.

1652–3.—Mr. Francis Tallents, the public preacher, receives 65l. as his half-year's salary. The fee-farm rent from the town was redeemed in the Exchequer. One year's rent which had been left due was paid in 1659. But the rent was paid again at the Restoration.

1653–4.—Mr. Tho. Paget, the vicar of St. Chad's, had a gift of 25l. from the Corporation in addition to the usual annual payments, which was continued afterwards. "Paide by order of the Howse to buy twoe peeces of plate whereupon the Townes armes shall be engravened, to bestowe on Mr. Thomas Hayes as an expression of the Corporation's love unto him in regarde of his greate care and paynes he tooke the tyme the laste Plague was in his towne, after hee had ended his office of maioralty, 15l.

1654–5.—"Paid Bartholomew Bowley for an engine to quench fire, in full of xl^li 38l."

1655–6.—"Bestowed on the High Sheriffe in regard hee procured both assises, to buy a peece of plate, 13l. 6s. 8d." On Major General Berry's coming to the town, 1l. 18s. 4d. was spent on an entertainment given him at the Red Lion on 28 Nov. 1655, consisting of four dozen cakes, two pounds of sugar and spice, 3 pottles of sack and one of claret, with music.

1656–7.—A "new way" over the "old heath" was paved, at a cost of 37l. 14s. 3d., towards which the Drapers' Company gave 10l. The Protector was proclaimed on July 18, 1657, when 6l. 16s. 9d. were spent.

1657–8.—On Sept. 10, 1658, the new Protector Richard was proclaimed, with a more economical expenditure of 5l. 12s.

1658–9.—In this year Mr. John Bryan becomes minister of St. Chad's.

1659–60.—The many movements of troops in the neighbourhood consequent upon the royalist attempts just before the Restoration are illustrated by the bills for entertainments given by the Corporation. The modest provision of a quart of canary and a bun was afforded on 9 Nov. 1659 "when Major Waring came to the Exehequer to demand the Chamber of Concord for to be a maine guard for the souldiers." Much the same was spent "on Capt. Inglesbie," 9 March, 1660, and when "several proclamations" were made on 24 March. A more liberal allowance was made, with biscuits, wafers and "fowre bunns" for Col. Redmonde on 27 Feb. One week before, on 20 Feb. Mr. Bromley and Serjeant Pugh went by the Mayor's order "to meet the souldiers at Middle"; one quart of sack was then consumed by "Mr. Maior and other gentlemen, considering about the admitting the souldiers"; and, finally, sack and ale were provided for the officers. But the greatness of the joy evinced at the Restoration may be gauged by comparison of the expense at proclaiming the King on 11 May with that at proclaiming the two Protectors, being 21l. 9s. 7d.

Charles II.—The accounts for 1666–7–1669–70 are wanting.

1661–2.—Francis Tallents ceases to be the public preacher. 10l. were paid towards the repair of St. Mary's steeple. The original warrants for displacing and appointing members of the Corporation and town officers, signed and sealed by the Commissioners for the purpose, are preserved, dated on Aug. 9 and 18. Those displaced are the mayor, nine aldermen, twelve assistants, the two chamberlains, one coroner, the marshal, one sergeant, and thirty-four burgesses. With regard to the town-clerk there is only a certificate signed by seven commissioners and dated 12 Sept. that they "thought fitt to displace and remove Thomas Jones of Shrewsbury, esq. from his late office of town clerk of the said towne, for severall things affirmed by credible testimony to have bin by him acted and done to the great disservice of his late majestie and of his majestie that now is, as well as for that it did appeare unto us hee was unduly elected into the said office." The warrants for appointment of successors relate to the mayor, aldermen, assistants, and officers, but not to the town clerk.

1662–3.—Mr. Robert Fowler is now public preacher, and Mr. Roger Heyward minister of St. Chad's. Twenty-five pounds are paid to Francis Tallents the late preacher, "according to the Visitor's order."

There does not seem to be much that calls for notice in the annual accounts after this date as having more than local interest. In the reign of James II. there are accounts for 1686–8, but they are only of ordinary nature. In that of William III. the years 1698–9 are wanting, and in that of Anne all but four ; while those of George I. and II. are imperfect. From the accession of George III. the series is complete.