The corporation of Southampton: Charters and letters patent

Charters and letters patent

(b.) Charters and Letters Patent.

(1.) 26 June, 1 John. Charter of King John to his Burgesses of Suhampton.—John &c. &c. Salutem. Volumus et firmiter precipimus et hac presenti carta confirmamus quod Burgenses nostri de Suhampton sint quieti de Theloneo et passagio et pontagio, Tam in terris quam in Aquis, Tam in feiris quam in Mercatis et de omni seculari consuetudine per omnes terras nostras, Citra mare et ultra, Et per omnem potestatem nostram, Et prohibemus ne quis eos super hoc disturbet, Aut injuriam vel molestiam aut gravamen faciat, super forisfacturam nostram in hiis que ad nostram pertinent potestatem. Hiis Testibus &c. &c. Datum per manum H. Cant. Archiepiscopi cancellarii nostri apud r[upem] Andel [iaci] &c. . . . .

(2.) 3 May, 11 Henry III. Charter of Henry Third's Grant of the farm of the town of Suhampton with the port of Portesmues to the Burgesses of Suhampton.—Henricus &c. &c. Salutem. Sciatis nos concessisse et presenti carta nostra confirmasse Burgensibus nostris de Suhampton villam de Suhampton ad firmam imperpetuum cum portu de Portesmues cum omnibus pertinenciis, libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus suis et aliis omnibus que ad firmam predicte Ville de Suhamton pertinebant tempore Henrici avi nostri, Tenendam de nobis et heredibus nostris imperpetuum ad firmam, Reddendo inde annuatim ad festum Sancti Michaelis ad scaccarium nostrum Ducentas Libras sterlingorum, Quare volumus et firmiter precipimus quod predicti Burgenses habeant et teneant predictam villam cum predicto portu de Portesmues cum omnibus pertinenciis et libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus ad illam firmam pertinentibus sicut predictum est, Sicut carta domini Johannis Regis patris nostri quam inde habent racionabiliter testatur. Hiis Testibus &c. &c. Datum per manum Venerabilis patris Radulphi Cycestrie Episcopi Cancellarii nostri apud Mortelak &c."

(3.) 15 June, 23 Henry III. Charter of Henry the Third in confirmation of an agreement between the Men of Merleberg and the Men of Suhampton.—Henricus &c. &c. Salutem, Sciatis quod cum contencio mota fuisset in Curia nostra coram nobis inter probos homines nostros de Merleberg querentes et probos homines nostros Suhampton' deforciantes de tellonio quod predicti homines Suhampton' capiebant de hominibus nostris de Merleberg contra libertates suas quas habent per cartam domini Johannis Regis patris nostri et per cartam nostram ut asserebant, tandem de licencia nostra taliter inter eos convenit quod omnes homines de Merleberg qui sunt in Gilda mercand'a de Merleberg et hoc affidare voluerint, quieti sint imperpetuum de omni consuetudine et omnimodo tellonio in villa Suhampton' et in omnibus pertinenciis suis de quibus homines Suhampton infra libertatem suam dictos homines de Merleberg acquietare possint, non obstante eo quod Carta nostrorum hominum Suhampton prior est cartis predictorum hominum de Merleberg, Et similiter homines de Suhampton quieti sint de omni consuetudine et tellonio in villa de Merleberg. Nos igitur volentes quod predicta convencio firma sit et stabilis imperpetuum, ipsam pro nobis concedimus et confirmamus. Hiis Testibus &c. &c. Datum per manum nestram apud Westmonasterium &c.

(4.) 14 May, 36 Henry III. Writ of Precept and Injunction from Henry the Third to the Barons of the Cinque Ports, for the observance of the liberties and rights of the men of Suhampton and Portesmuth in their port of Portesmuth.—Henricus &c. &c. Baronibus suis Quinque Portuum salutem, Ex querela proborum hominum nostrorum de Suhampton et de Portesmuth intelleximus quod eis estis graves et molesti vi capiendo karkas in navibus vestris de hominibus volentibus transfretare in portu suo de Portesmuth quem de nobis tenent ad firmam et faciendo atachiamenta sine licencia ballivorum eiusdem Portus et alias injurias eis inferendo contra libertates et consuetudines eorum usitatas et approbatas, Et ideo de vobis mandamus firmiter injungentes quod decetero nullam karkam in predicto portu suo capiatis aut atachiamenta faciatis, nullam eis injuriam inferentes contra libertates et consuetudines suas eis a nobis concessas super forisfacturam nostram, set permittatis emptores vinorum nostrorum venientes ex parte nostra una cum ballivis nostris de Suhampton et Portesmuth vina mercatorum in navibus vestris contenta in predicto Portu ad opus nostrum emere, Sicut quod si secus egeritis dissimulare non poterimus quin ad vos et bona vestra nos graviter capiamus. Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(5.) 14 July, 40 Henry III. Charter of Henry the Third, granting freedom from arrest of their persons and goods to the Burgesses of Suhampton for debts of which "fidejussores aut principales debitores non extiterint."—Henricus &c. &c. salutem, Sciatis nos concessisse et hac carta nostra confirmasse pro nobis et heredibus nostris Burgensibus nostris de Suhampton quod ipsi et heredes imperpetuum per totam terram et potestatem nostram habeant hanc libertatem, videlicet quod ipsi vel eorum bona quocunque locorum in potestate nostra inventa non arestentur pro aliquo debito de quo fidejussores aut principales debitores non extiterint, Nisi forte ipsi debitores de eorum sint communa et potestate habentes unde de debitis suis in toto vel in parte satisfacere possint, et dicti Burgenses creditoribus eorundem debitorum in justicia defuerint et de hoc racionabiliter constare possit. Quare &c. &c. Hiis testibus &c. &c. Datum per manum nostram apud Bristoll &c.

(6.) 4 April, 14 Edward III. Letters Patent of the Exemplification of the Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation, dated at Westminster, by Edward the Third in the 1st year of his reign to the Burgesses of Suthampton. Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(7.) 10 February, 39 Edward III. Letters Patent of Exemplification of the Letters Patent, dated by Edward the Third on 28th June in the 29th year of his reign to the Burgesses of Suthampton, containing these words, "Nos considerantes villam predictam et partes adjacentes per clausuram dicte ville si perficiatur contra dicta pericula imminencia posse multipliciter assecurari, ac volentes securitati dicte ville et partium adjacencium providere prout decet concessimus eisdem Burgensibus in auxilium clausure ville predicte quod a die confeccionis presencium usque ad finem decem annorum proxime sequentium plenarie completorum capiant et colligant per manus illorum quos ad hoc deputare et pro quibus respondere voluerint de quibuscunque bonis et mercimoniis infra libertatem dicte ville adductis seu ab eadem eductis tam per terram quam per aquam tam videlicet ipsorum Burgensium quam aliorum quorumcunque unum denarium de libra et de decem solidis unum obolum et de quinque solidis unum quadrantem. Ita quod denarii inde provenientes . . . . . . circa clausuram ville predicte ponantur." Teste meipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(8.) 9 November, 5 Richard II. Letters Patent of a grant to John Slegh and his heirs for ever (in enlargement of a previous grant to the same John Slegh for life) of a tenement and certain pieces of vacant ground in the town of Suthampton; the said tenement and pieces of vacant ground having come by way of escheat into the King's hand, on the death of Richard Elmesle de Elmesle co. Worcester, who was a bastard and died "sine herede de se." Testo meipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(9.) 5 November, 7 Richard II. Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation, dated on the 4^th of April in the 14^th year of his reign by Edward the Third to the Burgesses of the town of Suthampton. Teste meipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(10.) 24 January, 9 Henry IV. Letters Patent of the Exemplification of the enrolment in the Exchequer of a certain writ directed by Richard the Second on the 12^th of April in the 14^th year of his reign to the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer, and of the certificate returned into Chancery by the same Treasurer and Barons in obedience to the same writ, which required them to certify "que et cujusmodi antique custume solute fuerunt pro qualibet lasta allecie picis butiminis" (? bituminis) "et cinerum et pro bordis vocatis Esterichebordis unacum nominibus mercatorum dictas mercandisas in regnum Anglie adducencium tempore domini Edwardi filii Regis Henrici quondam Regis Anglie progenitoris nostri et deinceps temporibus aliorum progenitorum nostrorum in portubus Suthampton Sandewyci et Wynchelse et qui et cujusmodi homines de hujusmodi custumis temporibus predictis quieti esse solebant."

(11.) 12 February, 2 Henry V. Letters Patent of a Grant of Licence to the Mayor and Burgesses of the town of Suthampton to purchase lands tenements and rents within the precinct of the said town, and to have and hold the same to them and their successors "in auxilium supportacionis onerum ville predicte incumbencium." Teste meipso apud Westmonasterium &c."

(12.) 13 February, 2 Henry V. Letters Patent of the Exemplification of the enrolment on the roll of the last parliament of the Petition (French) exhibited to the said King in the same parliament, for the diminution of the burdens put upon the burgesses of the town of Suthampton, and also of the enrolment of the King's Answer (French) to the said Petition; the Exemplification being in effect the Letters Patent of a Grant, remitting to the town for ten years 140 marks of the fee-farm of the town, with license to the Mayor and burgesses of the town to acquire and hold lands, &c. for ever, to the yearly value of 100l. Running in the following terms the petition gives a doleful picture of the town's impoverishment and distress:—"Au Roy notre tres souverain Seigneur, Item supplient humblement vos ditz Comunes que come lez Mair e Burgeises de votre ville de Suthampton teignent de vous tres gracious Seigneur la dite ville a fee ferme, Rendant ent annuelement a vous e a vos heirs cc livres ensemblement ovesque xl marez as deux priours aliens en almoigne ordeignez par vos tresnobles progenitours et auxi ils ount autres tresgraundz charges et expenses nomement en quinzismes costages des parlementz taillages murages fossages gaites factz pour la sauf garde reparacion fortificacion et supportacion de mesme la ville de jour en autre, as quelles tresgraundes charges ensi aporters ils nount nulle manere rent profit ne secour sinon tantsoulement les petitz tolunz des marchaundises illeoqes renduz du quelle fee ferme la tresnoble dame Johanne la Roigne Dengleterre est a present endowe et la quelle fee ferme soleit et devoit estre leve des ditz tolunz des marchaundises venauntz et autres petitz perquisitz provenauntz deinz la dite ville et ore tarde pour iij ans passez les marchauntz aliens qe soleient repairer ove lour marchaundises a votre dite ville ount estez et vngore sont sustretz parount les ditz Burgeises ount estez graundement taxes et issuit par plusiours foitz ount appromptes dautres gentz et paiez de lour propres biens au dite ferme cccc. ti. pluis quils ne purroient ent lever ou coiller pur quelles costages taillages et tresgraundz charges feitz graunt partie dez Burgeises et enhabitantz sont departiz hors de dite ville et autre graund partie de eux a present est en purpos a departier de dite ville dein brief temps en desolacion dicelle ville qe dieu defend si vous tresgracious Seigneur ne pluis mettez votre tresgracious socour et eyde damender cest graund mischief en celle partie, Par quoy plese a votre hauteste de votre grace especiale sicome vous estez soveraign fountaigne de secour a toutz embosoignauntz dordaigner solone votre treshaut discrecion par avis de votre tres-sage conseill socourable et gracious remedie en reconciliacion et comfort dez ditz Burgeises et enhahitauntz et supportacion de votre dicte ville &c." Part of the reply to this prayer runs in these terms, "Le Roy . . . . voet et graunte del assent des Sieurs espirituelx et temporelx et des Comunes esteantz en cest parlement qe a la tresreverente Dame Johanne Roigne Dengleterre qe ad ensi a luy assignee en partie de sa dower la fee ferme du dicte ville qe amounte par an a cc. li. soit fait tiele requeste qele face mitigacion et reles a les Mair et Burgeys de la dicte ville et a lour successours de cxl. marcz chescun an durantz x ans proscheins avenir, Issint qils soient de mesmes les cxl. marcz par an mesme le terme durant quitez et deschargez envers mesme la Roigne et envers autres qeconqes en relevacion et mainteignance de mesme la ville, Et sil aveigne qe la dicte tresreverente dame ne porra a ces consentir qadonqes le Roy del assent des Seigneurs et Comunes avaunt diz prendra maintenant toute la suisdicte fee ferme en sa main demesne pur toutdys pur les causes et perils avauntditz, Fesant a la dicte dame la Royne recompense celle partie et auxi fesant as Mair et Burgeys de la dicte ville pur le temps esteantz allowance et acquietance annuelmen^t de les cxl. marcz suisditz pur le terme de x. ans avauntditz."—Teste meipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(13.) 10 April, 3 Henry V. Letters Patent of Exemplification of enrolments on the Rolls of the Exchequer touching the accounts of the town of Suthampton from 7 Henry II. to 1 Henry IV.

(14.) 19 April, 1 Henry VI. Letters Patent of Exemplification of the Charter (dated by Henry the Fifth at Suthampton on the 1st of August in the 3rd year of his reign) of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Charter of Powers, Franchises and Privileges, dated at Westminster by Henry the Fourth, on the 4th of January in the 14th year of his reign, in favour of his Consort, Queen Joan (of Navarre).

(15.) 24 October, 4 Henry VI. Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Charters of divers concessions dated by previous sovereigns to the Burgesses of Suthampton, the three earliest of the said charters being the three charters, dated respectively by Henry II. at Winchester, Richard I. at Warwick on 28th September in the first year of his reign, and John at Auriual on 29 June in his first year; the said Charter of Henry II. granting that his men of Hampton may have and hold their Guild and all their liberties and customs both by land and sea, freely, peacefully, and honourably, even as they held them freely, &c., in the time of his grandfather, King Henry: the charter of Richard I. running in these words:—"Ricardus dei gracia &c. &c. salutem, Volumus et firmiter precipimus et hac presenti carta confirmavimus quod Burgenses nostri de Sudhanton sint quieti de thelonio et passagio et pontagio tam in terris quam in aquis tam in feriis quam in mercatis et de omni seculari consuetudine et per omnes terras nostras citra mare et ultra et per omnem potestatem nostram, Et prohibemus ne quis eos super hoc disturbet aut injuriam vel molestiam aut gravamen faciat super forisfacturam nostram in hiis que ad nostram pertinent potestatem, Testibus &c. &c.—Teste meipso apud Westmonasterium, xxviij. die Septembris anno primo regni nostri": and the Inspeximus of charter, dated by King John to the Burgesses of Suthampton on the third day after the date of the Charter by the same king already described in this catalogue, running thus:—" Inspeximus eciam cartam quam bone memorie dominus Johannes quondam Rex Anglie proavus noster fecit prefatis Burgensibus de Suthampton in hec verba,— Johannes dei gracia &c. &c., salutem. Sciatis nos concessisse et presenti carta confirmasse Burgensibus nostris de Suthampton villam de Suthampton ad firmam imperpetuum cum portu de Portesmues cum omnibus pertinenciis libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus suis et aliis omnibus que ad firmam dicte ville de Suthampton pertinebant tempore Henrici Regis patris nostri tenend' de nobis et nostris heredibus imperpetuum ad firmam, Reddendo inde annuatim ad festum Sancti Michaelis ad Scaccarium nostrum ducentas libras sterlingorum, Quare volumus et firmiter precipimus quod predicti Burgenses habeant et teneant predictam villam cum predicto portu de Portesmues cum omnibus pertinenciis et libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus ad illam firmam pertinentibus sicut predictum est. Testibus &c. &c. Datum &c. &c. apud Auriuall' xxix. die Junii regni nostri anno primo."—Also, a duplicate of the same Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation.

(16.) 8 January, 11 Henry VI. Precept directed by the King to the Sheriff of the Town of Suthampton, for the due Proclamation within his Bailiwick of certain Statutes made in the last parliament at Westminster, for the ordering of Weights and Measures, Labourers, and Artificers, and for the punishment of players of unlawful games.—Teste meipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(17). 19 July, 11 Henry VI. Letters Patent of the licence to the Mayor and community of Southampton and to William Gefferey Heremite to hold Trinity Fair at and about Trinity Chapel near the said town.— Henricus &c. &c. salutem. Sciatis nos propter devocionem quam gerimus ad Sanctam et gloriosam virginem dei matrem ac propter amorem quem habemus et a diu habuimus ad villam nostram de Southampton considerantes quod ex confluencia subditorum nostrorum et aliorum extraneorum dicta Villa in bonis magis ac magis indies prosperari et relevari poterit, Et ut Major in futurum populi confluencia ibidem fieri valeat ex gracia nostra speciali ac ex mero moiu nostro concessisse dilectis nobis in Christo Maiori Aldermannis Vicecomitibus Ballivis Burgensibus et Communitati dicte Ville Southampton ac eorum Successoribus, necnon Willelmo Gefferey Heremite Capelle Sancte Trinitatis et Beate Marie predicte Nundinas sive feriam apud et circa Capellam Sancte et individue Trinitatis predicte juxta dictam Villam Southampton, annuatim tenend[am] in festo Sancte Trinitatis suprascripte et per tres dies immediate post festum illud sequentes in qua quidem Capella dicta gloriosa virgo a Christi fidelibus sepe numero honeratur (sic), Habendum et tendendum dictas Nundinas sive feriam cum liberis ingressu et egressu subditis nostris de et ad Nundinas sive feriam predictam mercandum venientibus prefatis Maiori Aldermannis Vicecomitibus Ballivis Burgensibus et Communitati ville antedicte et eorum successoribus ville ipsius necnon Willelmo Gefferey Heremite in dicto festo et tribus diebus ut premittitur tenend' quamdiu nobis placuerit absque aliquo computo inde reddendo. In cujus rei &c. &c. Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(18.) 10 June, 15 Henry VI. Letters Patent of a General Pardon (with certain peculiar and special clauses) to William Nicolle of Suthampton, merchant.—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(19.) 29 July, 23 Henry VI. Letters Patent of Concessions to the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses of Suthampton, made in consideration of the burdens and impoverishment of the town, and in consideration of the divers serious reasons why measures should be taken for relieving its distress and ensuring prosperity to the same town: Comprising with other matters the following concessions:—(1.) That the town shall be a perpetual corporation consisting of a mayor, two bailiffs, and the burgesses; (2) That the mayor, bailiffs and burgesses of the said town shall be known for ever by the name of the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Southampton; (3) That the same Mayor bailiffs and burgesses and their successors shall be persons empowered to sue and defend themselves in all pleas, &c. of every kind in the courts of the king and his successors; (4) That the said Mayor bailiffs and their successors be persons "habiles et capaces in lege ad perquirend' terras tenementa redditus servicia et possessiones infra villam suburb' et precinctum predicta et alibi habendum et tenendum sibi et successoribus suis imperpetuum statuto de terris et tenementis ad manum mortuam non ponendis aut aliqua alia ordinacione vel statuto ante hec tempora edito non obstante"; (5) That the said Mayor bailiffs and burgesses within the same town on Friday next before the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle shall have power to elect, for the good government of the same town, a mayor and two bailiffs to hold office during the ensuing year, and in case of the death or deposition of the mayor or one or both of the bailiffs during his or their year or years of office to elect from themselves a person or persons to fill the place or places for the remainder of the year of the person or persons, so removed by death or deposed; (6) That the Mayor for the time being of the said town shall henceforth be the Escheator of the King and his successors within the town and its liberties during his year of office, with all the powers pertaining to the office of an Escheator; (7) That the Mayor of the said town and his successors for ever shall henceforth within the said town its suburbs and liberties be the Clerk of the Market of the Household of the king and his successors, with all the powers pertaining to a Clerk of the Market for the King's household; (8) That henceforth no merchant being a foreigner of Suthampton shall have power within the said town to buy of or sell to any merchant, being also a merchant not free of the said town, any merchandises whatsoever; (9) That the said town shall be henceforth and for ever "una stapula tam ad recogniciones debitorum in eadem stapula juxta formam Statuti Stapule in eadem stapula accipiendas, quam ad omnia alia ad hujusmodi stapulam pertinencia ibidem facienda et exercenda," and that on Friday before the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle in each year, the said Burgesses and their successors for ever shall have power to elect from amongst themselves a person to be Mayor, and two persons to be Constables of the said staple for the ensuing year; (10) That on Friday next before the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle the said Mayor bailiffs and burgesses and their successors for ever shall have power in each year to elect for official service during the ensuing year "tam omnimodos brocatores mercandisarum bigarum et batellorum quam omnimodos portatores paccatores et cariatores omnimodarum marcandisarum ad villam et portus predict' applicancium; and (11) That henceforth the said Mayor bailiffs and burgesses and their successors for ever shall have all the goods and chattels of all persons inhabiting within their said town, being outlaws or attainted persons.—Datum per manum nostram apud Westmonasterium &c.

(20.) 20 June, 24 Henry VI. Letters Patent of a General Pardon to Richard Thomas of Suthampton co. Suthampton, merchant, and to his wife Juliana, formerly the wife of William Nicoll late Mayor of the said town of Suthampton (executors of the will of the said William Nicoll).—Teste meipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(21.) 9 March, 25 Henry VI. Letters Patent of Concessions to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of the town of Suthampton: Granting, with other matters, (1) That the said town, together with the port and precinct of the same and the port of Portesmouth, which are now called the town of Suthampton and precinct thereof, "sint unus integer Comitatus corporatus in re ac nomine ac distinctus et separatus a comitatu Suthampton imperpetuum" and be henceforth styled "The County of the Town of Suthampton;" (2) That the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses shall be empowered to yearly elect, in accordance with the directions contained in the letters, from amongst themselves a fit and suitable burgess, to hold office for the year as sheriff of the said town, with all the powers pertaining to the office of a sheriff within the said county of the said town; (3) and That "nullus Senescallus Marescallus nec clericus mercati hospicii nostri nec aliquis Admirallus neque aliquis Eschaetor nec aliquis alius seu aliqui alii quicunque Officiarii nostri &c. &c. &c. ingrediatur seu ingrediantur predictam Villam Suthampton nec portum ejusdem neque portum de Portesmouth nec precinctum eorundem. . . . . neque per terram neque per aquam ad aliquam sessionem sive inquisicionem ibidem faciendam nec ad aliqua officia sua seu officium alicujus eorundem concernencia ibidem facienda, exercenda sive exequenda."— Datum per manum nostram apud Westmonasterium &c.

(22.) 12 September, 30 Henry VI.—Letters Patent of Concessions to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of the town of Suthampton, differing in no important particular from the concessions heretofore made to them in the same reign.—Datum per manum. nostram apud Westmonasterium &c.

(23.) 16 December, 1 Edward IV.—Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation of charters of concessions made by previous sovereigns to the Burgesses of Suthampton, beginning with Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation dated by Richard the Second, confirming (together with other charters) the charter of Henry the Second running in these words, "Precipio quod homines mei de Hampton habeant et teneant gildam suam et omnes libertates et consuetudines suas in terra et in mari ita bene et in pace et juste et libere et quiete et honorifice sicut habuerunt melius et liberius et quietius tempore Regis Henrici avi mei et nullus eis super hoc ullam injuriam vel contumeliam faciat. Testibus Ricardo de Humet constabulario, Joc' de Bailiolo. Apud Winton': With further concessions, whereby (with other things) it is granted, That the Mayor Bailiffs and burgesses of Suthampton henceforth and for ever shall have cognizance of all pleas whatsoever within the said town and the liberty and precinct thereof arising in the king's courts ("in quibuscunque curiis nostris, videlicet &c. &c.), and in reiteration of certain of the concessions of Henry VI., That the same Mayor bailiffs and burgesses shall also have henceforth and for ever "assisam assaiam emendacionem et correccionem panis vini cervisie et omnimodorum aliorum victualium ac mensurarum ponderum et aliorum quorumcunque ad officium Clerici Mercati Hospicii nostri et heredum nostrorum pertinencium sive spectantium infra Villam libertatem et precinctum, &c. &c. &c. Ita quod nullus Clericus Mercati hospicii nostri vel heredum nostrorum nec Admirallus noster vel heredum nostrorum vel ejus locum tenens Commissarii Officiarii vel deputati nec Senescallus sive Marescallus hospicii nostri seu heredum nostrorum seu eorum servientes nec eorum aliquis villam libertatem et precinctum predictum per terram seu per aquam exnunc ad aliquod ad hujusmodi officium suum seu eorum alicujus ibidem pertinet seu pertinere poterit faciendum exercendum seu exequendum ingrediatur quovis modo."— Datum per manum nostram apud Westmonasterium &c.

(24.) 8 March, 2 Edward IV.—Letters Patent of a General Pardon (with special provisions) to John Donne, Mayor, sheriff, bailiff and escheator of the town of Suthampton. — Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(25.) 14 May, 6 Edward IV.—Letters Patent of the Exemplification of the Record, amongst the Records of the Court of Exchequer, of the proceedings in the said court for the recovery to the Mayor and Burgesses of Suthampton of the goods and chattels formerly pertaining to a certain outlaw, namely, John Estfeld of Suthampton merchant, from Walter Fetiplace, a former Mayor of the said town.

(26.) 12 June, 8 Edward IV.—Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Letters Patent, dated by Henry the Sixth at Westminster on the 29th of July in the 23rd year of his reign, to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Suthampton.—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(27.) 5 June, 12 Edward IV.—Letters Patent of a General Pardon to John Burbrigge alias John Purbryk, Gabriel Hawles, and Antony Clement "nuper collectoribus prime quinte-decime et decime duarum quintarum-decimarum et decimarum . . . . in villa Southampton," and to Walter Fetplace and Alice formerly the wife of John James, "executoribus testamenti predicti Johannis James unius collectorum prime quinte-decime et decime predictarum."—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(28.) 1 July, 17 Edward IV. Letters Patent of Licence to the Mayor sheriff bailiffs and burgesses of the town of Suthampton to export twenty sacks of wool, free of customs.—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(29.) 20 August, 20 Edward IV. Charter of the Grant to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Suthampton for ever of all fines "pro licencia concordandi," amercements, forfeitures, goods and chattels of outlaws and felons, &c., &c., to be levied or gathered within the said town. The charter being dated in confirmation of a previous grant of the same fines and amercements, &c., &c. made to the same grantees by Letters Patent dated by the same king on the 16th day of December in the first year of his reign, in terms of insufficient precision, clearness, and efficacy.—Per manum nostram apud Westmonasterium &c.

(30.) 1 June, 1 Richard III. Letters Patent of a General Pardon to John Walker, Mayor of the town of Suthampton, and Sheriff and Bailiff of the same town.—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(31.) 14 July, 2 Richard III.—Letters Patent of a General Pardon to Vincent Tehy of the town of Suthampton merchant, alias Vincent Tehy late Sheriff of the said town, alias Vincent Tehy "nuper uni collectorum de prima quintadecima et decima duarum quintarum decimarum domini Edwardi quarti nuper Regis Anglie," alias Vincent Tehy "nuper de Kynges Clere in comitatu Suthampton chapman."—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(32.) 10 December, 2 Richard III. Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation, with further concessions, dated by Edward the Fourth to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Southampton on the 16th day of December of the 1st year of his reign: With Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Charter dated by the same King Edward the Fourth on the 20th day of August in the 20th year of his reign to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of the same town.—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(33.) 7 October, 2 Henry VII. Letters Patent of Exemplification of the particulars of the account of John Frost and Nicholas Sampson, collectors of the customs of the port of Suthampton, from Michaelmas 15 Edward IV. to Michaelmas of the following year.

(34.) 12 November, 23 Henry VII. Letters Patent of Exemplification of the Record at Westminster of the proceedings before the Justices "de Banco" in Hilary Term of 22 Henry VII., when John Rogers and others of Lemyngton were summoned to answer the Mayor bailiffs and community of the town of Suthampton, in respect to Petty Customs.

(35.) 2 October, 2 Henry VIII. Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation, of Charters and Letters Patent of concessions made to the Burgesses of Suthampton by previous sovereigns, dated by Henry the Seventh to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of the said town on the 8th day of November in the 4^th year of his reign.—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(36.) 7 February, 2 Henry VIII. Letters Patent of Licence to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of the town of Suthampton, to export one hundred sacks of wool, free of customs.—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(37.) 7 February, 6 Henry VIII. Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation, of the Letters Patent dated by Edward the Fourth on the 12th day of June in the 8th year of his reign, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Charter of Concessions, described in a previous entry of this catalogue, dated by Henry the Sixth to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of the town of Suthampton, on the 29th day of July in the 23rd of his reign.—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(38.) 14 July, 14 Henry VIII. Letters Patent of a Commission of Array, addressed to the Mayor and Justices of the town of Southampton, and to William Sandys and Arthur Plantagenet knts., and to Richard Lister, William Pawlet and James Bettys, and to the Sheriff of the said town. Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(39.) 21 April, 7 Edward VI.—Letters Patent of the Commission, addressed to the Mayor of Southampton, Francis Flemyng, knt., Thomas Pacye, Thomas Mylle, Robert Reyneger, and Thomas Godard, to take order for and deal with church goods belonging to "any churche chapelle guilde brotherhed fraternytie or companye within the town of Southampton." Witnes ourselfe, at Windesore, &c.

(40.) 27 April, 7 Edward VI. Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Exemplification of a record entered in the records of the Exchequer in the Michaelmas Term of the 6th year of Edward the Sixth,—Certifying amongst other things that the said King, by his Letters Patent (dated on the 6th of April in the 6th year of his reign, and set forth at large in the present record) of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Charters and Letters Patent dated by previous sovereigns (concluding with the Charter dated by Henry the Eighth, of the Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Charter of Inspeximus and Confirmation dated by Henry the Seventh), together with other Concessions, granted that the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Southampton should have the said town to themselves and their successors at the antient yearly rent of 200l. to be paid yearly at the Feast of St.Michael "cum parva custuma aliquo anno ibidem ad summam ducentarum librarum attinget aut cum alique naves vocate Careckes de Jene aut cum alique naves vocate Galeys de Venece ad portum ville predicte cum mercandisis suis quoquo anno venient ibidemque discarcabunt et eskippabunt seu recarcabunt," and at a yearly rent of 50l. only and no more "cum parva custuma in villa predicta ad dictam summam ducentarum librarum non attinget, et dicte naves vocate Careckes de Jene et dicte naves vocate Galeys de Venece ad portum predictum non venient;" and Certifying that the sum of the petty customs accruing from the said port of Southampton from Michaelmas 5 Edward VI. to Michaelmas 6 Edward VI. amounted only to 53l. 17s. 2d. which sum had been paid into the Exchequer, and that within the same town, from Michaelmas 5 Edward VI. to Michaelmas 6 Edward VI. "nulle naves Jane vocate Carreckes of Jeane aut naves de Venecia vocate le Galeys of Venece, se disoneraverunt de ullis mercimoniis in portu Suthampton nee quod ulle naves ut antea dictum est se oneraverunt aut reportaverunt ullas merces transportandas a predicto portu Suthampton;" and further Certifying that, in accordance with the prayer of the Mayor, bailiffs and burgesses of the said town, and after reference to Edward Gryffyn esq. the king's Attorney General, and with his consent, the Barons of the Exchequer decreed that the said Mayor bailiffs and burgesses and their successors and all future sheriffs of the said town were exonerated from the payment of the 150l., parcel of the 200l. of the fee-farm of the said town for the said year, in respect to which they prayed for an acquittance, and should moreover for the future be exonerated from the payment of the like sum of 150l., parcel of the said fee, in any such future year, in which the petty customs of their port should not amount to 200l., and in which no ships called Carreckes de Jeane and no ships called Galeys de Venece should come to the said port to discharge cargo or take cargo on board.—Teste predilecto consanguineo et Consiliario nostro Willelmo Marchione Wintonie Thesaurario nostro Anglie apud Westmonasterium, &c.

(41.) 9 August, 1 and 2 Philip and Mary. Letters Patent of the grant to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Southampton and their successors "quod omnia vina malvatica anglice dicta Malveseis que a festo Michaelis proxime sequente a partibus transmarinis in hoc regnum nostrum Anglie transportata fuerint in nulla parte regni nostri Anglie ad terram deponentur nisi apud Villam et Portum predict'; . . . . proviso tamen quod si que navis vel vas dictis vinis onust' naufragium fecerit Gubernator navis vel vasis quocunque loco voluerit . . . . possit aliquo premissorum non obstante." With further Grant to the same Mayor bailiffs and burgesses and their successors "quod a dicto festo Sancti Michaelis omnes lane que portabuntur extra hoc regnum versus partes de levent predictas prius ad Villam et Portum de Southampton predict' quam mare trancientur (sic in the present Letters, but spelt otherwise, viz., "traicierentur" in the recital of the same document in Letters Patent of 4 and 5 Philip and Mary, described in the next entry of this catalogue), neque in alio portu sive loco infra hoc regnum nostrum Anglie imponantur navi sive vase versus predictas partes de levent transportand, quam in dicto Portu nostro Suthampton . . . . . . sub pena solvendi nobis heredibus et successoribus nostris triplicem custumam pro eisdem lanis."—Testibus nobis ipsia apud Castrum nostrum Wyndesore, &c.

(42.) 18 June, 4 and 5 Philip and Mary. Letters Patent reciting the words of the previous Letters Patent to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Southampton, touching Malvoisie alias Malmsey wines imported from parts beyond sea into the kingdom of England and wools exported therefrom to the parts of the Levant, dated at Windsor on 9 August of the year 1 and 2 of the said King and Queen, and renewing the concessions of those letters. With further grant of power to the same mayor bailiffs and burgesses, to search for wines, as well in the port of London as in other ports, imported into England in disregard of the said grants; and with further provisions touching penalties for infringing the rights accorded by the aforesaid Letters Patent. By the clause setting forth the new power of searching for wines imported in disobedience of the Letters Patent, it is granted to the said Mayor bailiffs and burgesses "quod bene licebit eis et successoribus et assignatis suis vel eorum deputato sive deputatis de tempore in tempus omnia et omnimoda vina que per aliquam navem vel vasem (sic) sive aliquas naves vel vasas (sic) sive in aliqua nave vel vasa (sic) vel aliquibus navibus vel vasis imposterum ab aliqua parte Insule de Candie in partibus de levent et de cressencia ejusdem insule ad portum nostrum London sive ad aliquos alios portus nostros infra hoc regnum nostrum Anglie transportabuntur ad terram deponenda et vendicioni exponenda modis quibuscunque gustare et assaiare tam infra huiusmodi naves vel vasassie onustas quam superterram cum extra dictas naves vel vasas deponantur ea intencione ut vera noticia generum omnium et singulorum vinorum sic in huiusmodi navibus vel vasis onustis habeantur (sic) pro vera solucione custume et penalitatis eorundem." In the statement of the considerations moving their Majesties to make these concessions to the burgesses reference is made in the following words to Philip's first arrival in this country:— "Ac eciam in consideracione perpetue memorie quod nos prefatus Rex in primo adventu nostro infra hoc regnum Anglie applicavimus ad predictam villam Southampton.—Testibus nobis ipsis apud Westmonasterium &c.

(43.) 12 March, 1 Elizabeth.—Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Letters Patent, dated by Philip and Mary in the 4th and 5th year of their reigns, of the Sweet Wines (Malveseis) and Wools Grant to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Southampton.—Teste me ips' apud Westmonasterium &c.

(44.) 28 June, 5 Elizabeth,—Letters Patent of Exemplification of Inspeximus of a certain Writ de cerciorando directed to Francis Spelman esq. Clerk of Her Majesty's Parliaments, and dated on 23 June in the aforesaid 5th year of Her Majesty's reign with Inspeximus of the tenor of certain Act of Parliament, returned into Chancery in accordance with the aforesaid writ, and running in the following words:—"In parliamento apud Westmonasterium tento xii. die Januarii anno &c. domine nostre Elizabethe dei gracia, &c. &c. fuit sequens peticio, videlicet, 'For the vnladyng of Malmesyes and other Swete Wynes at the Towne of Southampton.' In most humble wise sheweth your most Excellent Majesty the Mayor Bayliffes and Burgeses of your graces Towne and Porte of Southampton, That Wheare the said towne ys[an aunchyent borough and towne scituate upon the sea syde over against the coaste of Normandy and unto Whiche towne alle merchaunt straungers of long tyme weare accustomed to make their common accesse and repayre with alle their shippes and other vessels laden with malmeseys and other Swete Wynes of the groweth of Candye and Rotymoes and in any other place withyn the partyes of levant beyond the streightes of Marrocke, whiche hathe ben transported or broughte by them into this realme, and have discharged and unladen the said Wynes at the said towne and porte of Southampton and at none other place withyn this realme, By reason whereof and duringe alle whiche tyme the said Mayor Bayliffes and Burgesses and alle thinhabytauntes of the saide Towne then beyng Weare well hable not only to paye yearelie unto your most noble progenitours for the tyme beyng a greate fee ferme of the said towne, but also weare hable to maynteyne upholde and repayre at their only costes and chardges the Walles Seabankes and ditches aboute the same towne, and to have in a readynes for defence against the forreyne enemyes great plenty of armor weapons ordenaunce shott powder and other artillory and thinges nedefull, And althoughe the said merchaunt strangers weare ever well used and entretid at the said towne and porte of Southampton, yet nevertheles they of late yeares sekyng to lande the said Wynes at dyvers other places and Creekes withyn this relme did for the moste parte departe from the saide porte of Southampton, and dayly landed their said Wynes at dyvers other Crekes and places Where they myghte best do the same, without paying the iust custom and subsidy due for the saide Wynes, By reason whereof your said Supplyantes aswell for the redresse therof as also for the relyf of the said towne and porte and thinhabytauntes of the same did make their complaynt and humble petycion to your Maiestes most dere Syster the late Quene Mary, Who graciously hearyng and considerynge their humble petycions and sute for the redres of alle the premisses, did by her most gracious letters patentes under the greate seale of Englande graunte unto your said orators by the name of the Maior Bayliffes and Burgesses of the said towne of Southampton and to their successors amongest other thynges that alle manner of Malmesyses and other swete wynes growing in the Handes of Candy and Rotymo withyn the parties of levant beyond the sea or in eny parte of the levant aforesaide whiche from the feaste of Saynt John Baptest next followyng the date of the saide letters patentes shold be transported from the parties beyond the sea into this realme of Englande sholde in no parte of the saide realme of Englande be put to lande but onlye at the saide porte and towne of Southampton. And farther the saide late Quene Mary by her said lettres patentes did prohybytt every merchaunt denyzon and straunger that they nor any of them shold dischardge the saide wynes in any other porte or place of this realme then only in the said towne and porte of Southampton upon payne of forfeiture to the said late Quene her heyres and successors for every butt of the saide wynes, that shold be putt on land contrary to the saide graunte, twenty shillynges of lawfull money of England over and above the subsidy and custom of the same Wynes before that tyme due and accustomed to be paide, And that thone moyty of the said forfeiture should be unto the saide late Quene her heyres and successors and thother moyty therof unto the said Mayor Bayliffes and Burgesses and their successors from tyme to tyme, Whensoever the same shold happen as by the same letters patentes more playnly it doth and may appeare; And forasmoche as somme ambyguytes doubtes and questions have growen upon the said graunte, and Whether the same be good in lawe to chardge the saide straungers with suche penaltes as be theryn conteynid or not, Therefore the said graunt made by the said late Quene to the said late Mayor Bayliffes and Burgesses hathe not hitherto taken suche effecte as by the same was well meant and intendid, and therefore the said straungers that do dayly bryng the same wynes into this relme very contemptuously and against the purporte and effecte of the said graunte do lande their said Wynes at divers rodes and creekes withyn this realme, Wheare they think good them selfes and for the most parte Wheare they may best deceyve Your Highnes of the Custom and Subsydye due for the same, By reason Whereof Your Maiesty dothe not only susteyne greate loss and hynderans, But also your said towne and porte of Southampton is therby like to falle in great ruyn and decaye, Therefore may it please Your Highnes with thassente and consente of the Lordes Sprituall and temporall and the Commons in this present parliament assemblid and by aucthorytie of the same, that it maye be enacted, That alle Wynes called Malmesies and other swete wynes of the growthe of Candye and Rotymo aforesaide in the said partes of levant beyond the streightes of Marrock or any other place withyn the parties of levant aforesaide whiche from the firste daye of Auguste next comyng shalbe brought into this realme by any merchaunt straungers whatsover shall be landen and discharged at the said towne and porte of Southampton and at none other place withyn this relme of England or Wales upon payne of forfeiture of twenty shyllinges of lawfull money of Englande for every butt of the said Wynes that shalbe otherwise or at any other place landen within this realme of Englande or Wales over and besides the subsydy and customs that shalbe due to be payd for the same, and thone moytie of the said forfeiture may be unto your highnes your heyres and successors, and thother moytie therof to the said Mayor Bayliffes and Burgesses and their successors, and that the said Mayor Bayliffes and Burgesses may aske demaunde and sewe for the same by accion of debt bylle playnte or informacioun in any Court of recorde, In whiche sute no essoign protection or wager of lawe shalbe allowed or admitted for the party defendaunt, Provided alwayes and be it further enacted by thaucthorytie aforesaid that it shalle and may be lawfull to and for every naturall borne subiecte of this realme whiche shalle transporte or brynge in any Englyshe shippe vessell or bottom any of the said Wynes called Malmesyes or eny other swete Wynes of the growth of Candy or Rotymo aforesaid or of any other place withyn the parties of levante, or from the said parties of levant into this relme to lande and dischardge the same at any porte or haven within this relme at their willes and pleasures in suche like manner and forme as they sholde or might have done, if this acte never had [been] nor made, any thing conteynid in this acte or in the saide letters patentes to the contrary notwithstanding, Provided also and be it further enacted by thauctoryty aforesaide that from the makyng of this acte it shalbe lawfull for every Burges and inhabitor of the said towne of Southampton and also for every Englyshe Merchaunt dwellyng in any citie or towne within this realme of England to buy any of the said Swete Wynes at the said Towne of Southampton at their willes and pleasures and the same to retayle or otherwise to selle agayne, any acte or statute heretofore made to the contrary in any wise notwithstandinge, this acte to contynewe to thende of the nexte parliamente.—Nos Autem tenorem actus parliamenti predicti ad requisicionem dilectorum nobis Maioris Ballivorum et Burgensium ville Southampton predicte duximus exemplificandum per presentes. In cujus rei &c., &c. Teste me ips' apud Westmonasterium &c.

(45.) 19 November, 12 Elizabeth. Letters Patent of a Commission to Rowlande Haywarde and William Allen, aldermen of London, and to John Cooke and William Staveley, aldermen of Suthampton, To enquire and take order respecting four ships laden with Malveseys and other Sweete Wynes, whose owners, according to information received by Her Majesty, have discharged or intend to discharge the said wines at the port of London, in contravention of the Act of Parliament of 5 Elizabeth, enacting that "alle Wynes called Malveseys and other Swete Wynes of the grouthe of Candy and Rotymo in the parties of levant beyonde the streightes of Marrock or in any other place within the parties of levante whiche from the first daie of Auguste then next ensuyng shoulde be broughte into this Realme by any Merchauntes and Straungers whatsoever shoulde be landed and discharged at the towne and porte of Southampton and at none other place within this Realme of England or Wales."

(46.) 25 June, 13 Elizabeth. Letters Patent of Exemplification of a certain writ "de cerciorando" directed on 21 June of Her Majesty's said 13th year to Francis Spelman, clerk of Her Majesty's Parliaments; Together with Exemplification of the tenor of a certain Act of Parliament (made on the 2nd day of last April) returned into Chancery by the said Francis Spelman in accordance with the said writ. After setting forth the purport of the previous Act of Parliament, touching the importation of Malveseye and other Sweete Wines from the Levant into England, made in the 5th year of Her Majesty's reign, the Act here exemplified provides and ordains "that the said acte" of her Majesty's 5th year "and every article clause and thinge therein conteyned shalle stande be remayne and contynewe in fulle force and effect to alle intentes construccions and purposes forever and dulie be putt in execucion accordinge to the true intent and meaninge thereof, for the better relieff and maintenaunce of the saide Porte and Towne of Southampton, Provided alwaies &c. that alle forfeictures and paymentes coming to the Towne of Southampton at alle tymes from henceforth by vertue of this Acte be imployed only upon the mayntenaunce of the Walles and defence of the said Towne, Wherof a sure booke to be kepte and therein inrolled and ingrossed aswelle alle suche sommes of money as come to the same by reason of this acte from tyme to tyme, as also howe and in what places and to whom it was expended and paide for the mayntenaunce of the Walles and defence of the said Towne."—Teste. me ips' apud Westmonasterium &c.

(47.) 12 May, 25 Elizabeth. Letters Patent of a Commission of Oyer and Terminer and Gaol Delivery, addressed to Edward earl of Lincoln the Lord High Admiral, Henry earl of Pembroke, the Mayor for the time being of the town of Southampton, Henry Radcliffe knt., George Carye knt., John Penruddocke esq., recorder of the said town, and eleven others, nine of them being aldermen of the said town.—Teste me ips' apud Westmonasterium &c.

(48.) 4 September, 1598 [40 Elizabeth]. Letters of a Commission of Reprisals, dated by the Lord High Admiral, Earl of Nottingham and Baron of Effingham knt., to Lawrence Prouse gentleman, To set forth the seas the ship called The Welcome and therewith seize the ships and merchandises of the King of Spain and of any of the said King's subjects. Dated at London in Her Majestes High Courte of Admiraltie &c.

(49.) 22 January, 42 Elizabeth. Letters Patent of a Licence to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of the town of Suthampton and their successors to keep and hold yearly for ever three several fairs: one of the said fairs to be held on the Shrove Sunday and two following days, another of the said fairs to be held on St. Mark's day and the two following days, and the third of the said fairs to be held "in die Martis post festum Sancti Andree Apostoli," and the two following days, of each year for over, "unacum Curia Pedis Pulverizati ibidem tempore earundem feriarum et nundinarum et earum cujuslibet."—Teste me ips' apud Westmonasterium &c.

(50.) 24 July, 5 James I. Letters Patent of Exemplification of a certain writ directed on the 8th day of July in the said 5th year of His Majesty's reign to Sir Thomas Smith knt., Clerk of His said Majesty's Parliaments, Together with Exemplification of the tenor, returned into Chancery in accordance with the said writ's requirements, of a certain Act of Parliament entitled "An Act for the Confirmacion of some parte of a Charter graunted by Kinge Henry the Sixt to the Maior Bailiffes and Burgesses of the Towne of Southampton and for the releife of the said Towne," and made in the 4th year of His aforesaid Majesty's reign, To restrain persons not being free of the said town from buying any merchandises (salt and sea fish only excepted) of, and selling any merchandise (salt and sea fish only excepted) to any person or persons within the said town, not being free of the same.—Teste me ips' apud Westmonasterium &c.

(51.) 6 February, 6 James I. Letters Patent of the grants, whereby the King granted to the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Southampton and their successors for ever "alle and everye those the same suche and soe many our Tounes and other porcions of prisage wynes to be yerelie and from tymo to tyme had and taken out of alle and everye the prise wynes comynge or growinge in the saide Towne of Southampton or in the porte of the same Towne, which were heretofore graunted or payable or used to bee payd or delivered by anie of our Progenitors or predecessors kinges of this our Realme of Englande or by our or theire Butlers of England or any other our or theire Officers or by anie other parsoune or parsounes bodyes pollitique or corporate whatsoever for us or them or anie of them yerelye or every yere unto anye late Abbottes and Coventes of the late severall Monasteries or Abbies of Bewlye Letley" (sic) "Tichfeild and Waverley or anie of them or to anye late Prior and Covent of the late Priorys of Saint Dennis, And which Tonnes and other porcions of prisage Wynes were late parcell of the severall possessions of the said severall Monasteries Abbies and Prioryes and came or ought to have come unto us or some of our progenitors or predecessors by reason of the severall dissolucions of the same Monasteries Abbies and Prioryes and are nowe in our handes and possession."—Witnes Our Selfe at Westmynster &c.

(52.) 15 June, 14 James. Letters Patent of Inspeximus and Confirmation, of the Letters Patent, dated by Queen Elizabeth on the 6th day of May in the 6th year of her reign, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of the Letters Patent, dated by Philip and Mary, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Letters Patent, dated Edward the Sixth, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Letters Patent, dated by Henry the Eighth, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Letters Patent, dated Henry the Seventh, of Inspeximus and Confirmation of Letters Patent, dated by Edward the Fourth, for the confirmation of concessions made by previous sovereigns to the burgesses of Southampton.—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(53.) March 11, Charles I. Letters Patent of a Commission of Oyer and Terminer and Gaol Delivery for the Town and County of Southampton, directed to the Lord High Admiral, and to Lord Keeper Coventry, John Marquis of Winchester, Thomas Earl of Southampton, William Earl of Hertford, Sir Henry Marten knt. Judge of the Admiralty Court, the Mayor of Southampton for the time being, Robert Mason Doctor of Laws and Judge of the Admiralty Court in the county of Southampton and the Isle of Wight, Thomas Levington esq. Recorder of the Town of Southampton and to John Guillam, George Gallopp, Edward Exton, Nicholas Pescod, John Clangeon, Nathaniel Mille, Peter Seale, Thomas Mason and Peter Clangeon of the same town alderman.—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(54.) 27 June, 16 Charles I. Letters Patent dated by Charles the First to the Mayor baliffs and burgesses of the town of Southampton and their successors for ever, for the reconstitution of the said town, with confirmation and more precise declaration of the powers and franchises granted to the same town by previous sovereigns.—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(55.) 19 February, 14 Charles II. Letters Patent of a Commission to the Mayor of Southampton for the time being, William Legg, esq., Richard Ford knt., Richard Goddard, Thomas Knowles, Laurence Hyde, Arthur Bold, Roger Gollop, Thomas Mill, and Edward Hooper of Chilworth, esquires, Thomas Corderoy, Edward Exton, Peter Clungeon (sic), Henry Pitt, William Stanley, James Caplin, William Horne, Joseph Delamote, Thomas Cornelius, James Clungeon (sic), Nicholas Clement, and Edward Downe aldermen of the aforesaid town, and Robert Richbell gentleman; To execute within the said town and county thereof the Act of Parliament "For the well governing and regulatinge of Corporacions."

(56.) 15 September, 4 James II. Letters Patent of Reconstitution and Reincorporation of the Mayor bailiffs and burgesses of Southampton and their successors for ever into a free town and county; With appointment of Richard White esq. to be the first Mayor, of Thomas Cooper esq. to be the first Recorder, of Robert Vernon to be the first Sheriff; of Richard White aforesaid, William Brackstone, Richard Hunt, Adam de Cardinall, William Lyne, Robert Vernon aforesaid, Robert Culliford, Cornelius Macham, John Thornburgh, William Cropp, William Joliffe and John Lee to be the first Aldermen; of Jonathan Ingles and Thomas Barnard to be the first Bailiffs; of the aforesaid Jonathan Ingles, the aforesaid Thomas Barnard, . . . . Piccard, Leonard Cropp, Thomas Bracebridge, John Gilbert, Thomas Bower, John Fassett, James Flower, Edward Fryer, John Greenwood, and William Stokes to be the first Common Councillors; and of William Pocock to be the first Common Clerk, of the said town by virtue of the same Letters Patent:— With dispensation to the afore-appointed Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, Bailiffs, Common Councillors, &c. &c. from the necessity of taking the Oath of Supremacy mentioned in a certain Statute of 1 Elizabeth, and the Oath of Allegiance and Obedience mentioned in a certain Statute of 3 James I., and of the Oaths mentioned in a certain Statute of 13 Charles II. entitled "An Act for the well governing and regulating of Corporacions," and from the necessity of taking the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper according to the rite and use of the Anglican Church, and also of taking and subscribing the Declarations mentioned in the aforesaid Statute 13 Charles II. or in a certain Statute of the same last-mentioned King's 25th year, entitled "An Act for preventing Dangers which may happen from Popish Recusants," &c., &c., &c.: It being also provided, amongst other things, "quod nullus Recordator vel Communis Clericus ville predicte imposterum eligendus vel perficiendus ad execucionem officii sui respective admittatur nisi Approbatio et consensus noster heredum vel successorum nostrorum sub Sigillo vel Signeto Manuali nostro heredum vel sucessorum nostrorum in ea parte prius Significabitur."—Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium &c.

(57.) 6 William IV. Letters Patent of the Grant that "A Separate Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace" shall continue to be holden in and for the Borough of Southampton.—Also, Letters Patent of a Commission of the Peace to the Mayor for the time being and others of the Borough of Southampton.

(58.) 1 Victoria. Letters Patent of a Commission of the Peace to the Mayor for the time being and others of the Borough of Southampton.

(59.) 20 Victoria. Letters Patent of a Commission of the Peace to the mayor for the time being and others of the Borough of Southampton.