THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES 1AJ SOME ACCOUNT orsfjipful Company of ironmongers^ SOME ACCOUNT ®Eors|)ipful Company of ^i^cinmongers. COMPILED, FROM THEIR OWN RECORDS AND OTHER AUTHENTIC SOURCES OF INFORMATION, BY JOHN NICHOLL, F.S.A. LONDON: JOHN BOWYER NICHOLS AND SON. 1851. THE COURT S2aorsi)ipful OTompattB of ironmongers. LONDON, MDCCCL. Thomas Pickard Warren, Esq. Highbury House, Islington. Edmund Shaw, Esq. Fenchurch Street. William Henry Westwood, Esq. Newgate Street. ENGLISH LOCAL VI MEMBERS OF THE COrRT. Sir Charles Rugge Price, Bart, King William Street. William Thompson, Esq. M.P. Aid. &c. Upper Thames Street. John Fenn Halford, Esq. Navarino Terrace, Dalston. Thomas Freeman, Esq. Sillwood, Brighton. Ralph Price, Esq. Sydenham. Benjamin Chandler, Esq. Sherborne, Dorsetshire. William Slade, Esq. Walcot Place, Lambeth. Daniel Birkett, Esq. Clapton. Paul Kneller Smith, Esq. Kelvedon, Essex. John Bicknell Langton, Esq. Heme HiU. John Graham, Esq. Pearsie, near Kirriemuir. John Unwin, Esq. Stoke Newington. Philip Green, Esq. North Brixton. Joseph Oliver, Esq. Wapping. William Broadhurst, Esq. Mincing Lane. John Birkett, Esq. Clapton Terrace. William Mount, Esq. Daniel Green, Esq. King William Street. Robert Thomas Parnell, Esq. Eastcheap. John Jackson, Esq. Hurworth, Darlington. Thomas Howard, Esq. Rotherhithe. Thomas Langton, Esq. Wandsworth. Henry Unwin, Esq. Great Berkhampstead, Herts. Henry James Combs, Esq. Laurence Pountney Hill. James Birkett, Esq. New Broad Street. George Walker, Esq. Wapping. Henry Pritchard, Esq. Newgate Street. William Howard, Esq. Rotherhithe. .^ William Hawkes, Esq. Kensington. George Wackerbarth, Esq. Sevenoaks. Thomas Southey, Esq. Islington. Thomas Reeve, Esq. Clapham. Apsley Pellatt, Esq. Holland Street, Blackfriars. Frederick Blakesley, Esq. Wells, Somerset. Thomas Southey, Junr. Esq. Coleman Street. James Graham, Esq. Peckham. Edward Palmer, Esq. Change Alley. MEMBEES OF THE COURT. Vll William Wickham Greenhill, Esq. Lewisham. Thomas Alexander, Esq. York Place, Portman Square. Malcolm Orme, Esq. Doctors' Commons. Leapidge Sjiith, Esq. Islington. John Smith, Esq. Stock Exchange. Robert James Hawkes, Esq. Long Acre. Stanley Howard, Esq. Club Chambers, Regent Street. Philip Champion Toker, Esq. Doctors' Commons. George Hanson, Esq. Great Wmchester Sti-eet. John Nicholl, Esq. Islington. Frederick Pellatt, Esq. Holland Street. Richard Birkett, Esq. St. Mary Axe. Robert Graham, Esq. Wapping. Robert Westwood, Esq. Newgate Street. Ralph Charles Price, Esq. William Street. George Oliver, Esq. Wapping. Felix Slade, Esq. Doctors' Commons. Richard Heatley, Esq. TMincing Lane. William Davis Pritchard, Esq. Devonshire Street, Portland Place. John Henry Wackerbarth, Esq. Blackheath. William Cooper, Esq. Leadenhall Street. John Walker Baily, Esq. Gracechurch Street. Henry Plm, Esq. Cambridge Terrace, Hyde Park. Thomas Shutt Atkins, Esq. Somers Place, Hyde Park. Richard Adolph Peeil, Esq. Bloomsbury. Charles Collins Luckombe, Esq. Snow Hill. Charles Deacon, Esq. Walbrook. George Knight, Esq. Foster Lane. Francis William Evans Barron, Esq. West Strand. Alfred Broadhurst, Esq. Rodney Terrace, Mile End. John Dear Best, Esq. Leytonstone, Essex. William Baily, Esq. Standon Ockley, Dorking. Montagu John Tatiiam, Esq. Doctors' Commons. William Kemble Wackerbarth, Esq. Upton, Essex. Elhanan Bicknell, Esq. Sui-biton, Surrey. Thomas Cooper, Esq. Leadenhall Street. Joseph Oliver, Junr. Esq. Wapping. Edward Horner, Esq. Bucklersbury. VIU MEMBERS OF THE COURT. Thomas Hodgkinson, Esq. Lieut. R.N., Wimpole Street. Frederick John Pfeil, Esq. Bloomsbury. William Plincke, Esq. Montagu Square. George Davis Heatley, Esq. IVIincing Lane. John Combs, Esq. St. Mildred's Court. Webster Si3IPSON, Esq. Tower Street. Daniel Langton, Junr. Esq. Wandsworth. James Bramwell, Esq. Bostol Heath, Kent. John Birkett, Junr. Esq. Wellington Street, Southwark. Henry Sanford, Esq. Bishopsgate Street. William Johnston Newall, Esq. Philpot Lane. Andrew Caldecott, Esq. Cheapside. Horatio Austin Smith, Esq. Cheltenham. PREFACE. I HAVE endeavoured iu the following pages to comply with a desire expressed by the Court of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers, by compiling, from their own Records and other authentic sources of information, some account of that ancient fraternity. A very general investigation of the Company's archives between the years 1838 and 1844 had made me familiar with the subject ; but the more onerous task of preparing from these documents a work for the press, with such notes and illustrations as the several matters brought under review might require, seemed to me to demand a degree of literary acquii^ements to which I could make no pretensions : and this circumstance should perhaps have suggested the more prudent course of declining the respon- sibility of such an undertaking. It is only within the last fifty years that this portion of archaeology has been at all explored. Malcolm transcribed from the Ironmongers' books many interesting particulars, which appeared in the second volume of his Londinium Redivivum, published in 1803 ; but the first regular his- tory of a Company was that of the Grocers, by John Benjamin Heath, Esq. P.S.A., which was privately printed in 1829. This was followed by Mr. Herbert's History of the Twelve Great Livery Companies, a w^ork containing a X PREFACE. large amount of information, and which might have been rendered more accurate and complete could he have had constant and unrestricted access to the original documents which it was necessary to consult. In 1844 the fishmon- gers' Pageant of the year 1616 was re-edited at the expense of that Company, with fac-simile copies of the original designs, accompanied by an historical introduction and various illustrative documents by John Gough Nichols, Esq. E.S.A. In 1848 Mr. Pirth of the Toavii Clerk's Office printed a short history of the Coopers' Company, entitled, " Historical Memoranda, Charters, Documents, and Extracts from the Records of the Corporation and the Books of the Company," a very able performance : and in the latter part of the same year Mr. Edward Basil Jupp produced his History of the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, a work containing much curious information, as well as an account of the ancient paintings which had been recently discovered in the repairs of the Carpenters' Hall. The History of the Ironmongers' Company now added to this series, will scarcely, I am afraid, rank with its predecessors either in arrangement or execution. I am therefore anxious to bespeak for it that indulgence which is in charity generally accorded to a first literary attempt. In the introductory portion I have thought it sufficient to notice only very briefly the origin and antiquity of the Guilds of this country, their history being accessible to all in the pages of several of our best writers on the Anglo- Saxon period. My object throughout the work has been to draw as largely as possible from the records of the Company, being of opinion that these civic histories derive their chief interest in their contemporaneous illustrations of former ages, and in the amount of historical transcripts which they present for perusal. PREFACE. XI I have in most instances retained the orthography of the period, rather than lessen the force and originality of the varions extracts hy rendering them in the more flow- ing and easy diction of onr oa\ n times. Whoso shall tell a tale alter a man He must rehearse as nigh as ever he can Everich word, if it be in his charge, All speak he ne'er so rudely and so large, Or elles he must tellen his tale untrue, Or feignen thinoes, or finden Avordes new. Chaucer. My grateful acknoAvledgments are due to several friends from whom I have received assistance in the preparation of this volume. To John Gough Nichols, Esq. F.S.A. I am particularly indebted for allowing me at all times the advantage of his varied acquirements and great experience, and for the contribution of several notes. To the Rev. Dr. Bandinel, the learned keeper of the Bodleian Library, for his politeness in obtaining for me a literal transcript of Taubman's pageant for the mayoralty of Sir Robert Getferys in 1685. To Albert Way, Esq. E.S.A. I am much indebted for several obliging communications ; and to George Bussell Erench, Esq. for some very able and critical remarks on the architecture of the Elizabethan period. I am desirous also to express my acknowledgments to James E. Eirth, Esq. of the Town Clerk's Office, and to BiCHARD Thomson, Esq. of the London Institution, for many civilities, and for the readiness with which at all times they have allowed me to consult the books and documents in their custody. THE IRONMONGERS' COMPANY. I uiLDS, or communities of persons associ- ated together for purposes of mutual protection and support, have probably been common in all ages, and under every form of government. Such com- munities we are certain existed in this country during the times of our Anglo- Saxon ancestors ; and several of the laws and ordinances by which they were re- o-ulated have come down to us in the vernacular language of that period. A cursory review of their laws will enable us at once to perceive that these ancient institations sprang out of the necessities of the age; and, being founded on principles of piety and benevolence, they tended materially to improve the moral and social condition of the people at a time when the framework of society was imperfect, and no remedial provision existed for many of the wants and con- tingencies of life. The close resemblance Ijetween the laws of the Anglo- Saxon guilds and the rules and observances followed by the trading companies of London at a subsequent period B * 2 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. seem to indicate a common origin. By comparing them together we are forcibly led to the conclusion that they were essentially the same institutions ; and that on these friendly brotherhoods were engrafted the interests of com- merce, which in the process of time so grew and expanded that, towards the close of the thirteenth century, the prin- cipal to^^Tis in the kingdom had been enabled to obtain important privileges, and were for the most part consti- tuted bodies corporate. Erom this period the freedom and elevation of the burgher population advanced rapidly. Many events con- duced to this result ; but the confirmation of the guilds by the authority of royal charters gave a degree of protection and stability to the operations of trade, which tended more than any other circumstance to its increase. The example of the monarch * in the latter half of the fifteenth century rendered the pursuits of trade honourable. By becoming himself an extensive merchant he imparted a noble impulse to commercial enterprise, encouraged the industry of his people, and laid the fomidation of the futm'e wealth and power of England. Anglo-Saxon Guilds. — IMention is made in the Domesday survey of the gihalla or guildhall of the burghers of Dover, " In quihus erat gihalla bm-gensium." — Domesday Book, f. i. Guilds are found amongst the classical ancients, and imply fraterni- ties which contributed certain sums for common uses. Societies of this description, called Hetaerias, from e-cupia, a company or fraternity, existed in the Roman empire in the time of Trajan, who endeavoured to suppress them, under the suspicion that they were seminai'ies of faction and disaffection. " There seems to be," observes Sharon Turner, " a tendency of mankind in all civilised nations to form secret * Edward the Fourth, who has been called the Merchant King. See the remarks in p. 34. ANGLO-SAXON GUILDS. 3 societies of the Het;T?ria kind in every age, though under varying appellations, and with popular exterior pretensions suited to tlie feelings of the day." — Sharon Turner's Anglo-Saxons, vol. iii. p. 102; Fos- broke's Encyclopoedia of Antiquities, i. 401. Sir Francis Palgrave, in noticing these ancient communities, says, that religion was at the foundation of the guilds ; and that, however imperfect these institutions may have been, they were much better calculated than our own to ameliorate the condition of the lower orders of the community. In tlie old time the workman was the brother and companion of his employer, poorer in purse, inferior in station, younger in age, but united by the most kind and social bonds. They repeated the same creed, met at the same church, lighted their lamps before the same altar, feasted at the same board, and thus constituted the elements of that burgher aristocracy which equally, without the levelling anarchy of the peasantry, assisted in destroying the abuses that had sprung out of the servitude of the soil. After the scattering of the Roman Empire, and until the thirteenth century, these societies, subsequently so influential, had subsisted Avith very few exceptions by usage and prescription, rarely deriving any protection from the government. Indeed, we find that attempts were occasionally made to suppress the trade societies, whose growing power excited the vigilance, and possibly the jealousy, of the sovereign. These efforts did not succeed. Not only did the guilds baffle all the adverse edicts and denunciations, but they con- tinued steadily to advance, obtaining ultimately not merely the toleration but the favour of the state. — Palgrave's Merchant and Friar, 159, &c. On cjaij'tej" naman ^ 8cs Petjiuf Spoftoluf aiib gilbjxipe If ^e^abepob on Wubebup^-lanbe "^J f e 15 Ofbn ^ ]?a cano- nical innan 8cs petpuj- mmytyie on" Gxcej^tpe, &c. Hickes's Thesaurus, vok iii. p. 18. One of these Anglo-Saxon guilds purports, in the name of Christ and Saint Peter the Apostle, to have been instituted at Exeter. Bishop Osbern and the Canons of St. Peter had joined it in common brotherly charity. The brethren stipulated to pay annually at Easter one penny for each house, and on the death of any member, whether husband or wife, also one penny each ; ^vhich death-peimies were given to the canons who performed the funeral rites. n 2 4 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. The guild consisted of eighteen members whose names are re- corded : — Bjiihcpi. Willie's. Galbpine Leoppic. Bpihtmaep.. Slpjiic. Gbmaep. Gbpine. !Slgap. Gbpi. Wlpojid. !S"lpojib. Gbpine. Erobpi. Opgob !S'Seleoue. Bjiihtmaeji. Irobpic. Deoj' gepainniinj ip gepaiiiiiob on Gxaiiceaj^pe pop jobep liipim. ~] poji uppe paiile J^eappe. eegj^eji ge be iippep lipep gepiiiibpulneppe ge eac he Jjeem cTptepiaii baejuin J?e pe Co gobej' boine pop up pylpe beon piUa]?. J?onne habbap pe gecpeben Jjset upe GQytting pie ppipa on xu inon^uin, &c. Hickes's Thesaurus, vol. iii. p. 21. Another guild at Exeter is stated to have been formed for the sake of God and their own souls. It was arranged that there should be held annually three assemblies : the first at the feast of Saint Michael the .Archangel, the second at the feast of Saint IVIary next following the winter solstice, and the third at the holydays after Easter. At these meetings each member was to bring two sextaria of flour, and each servant (cniht) one, with his share of honey. The priest sang two masses, one for their living friends, and the other for the dead, and every lay brother chanted two psalms, and in their turn provided for the singing of six masses or psalms. When any member went abroad or away from home, the others contributed five pence each ; and when a house was burnt, one penny. If any brother neglected the appointed times of meeting, he was fined the first time in the expense of three masses; the second time, in five masses; and if, being warned, he absented himself a third time, he was not excused unless he was labour- ing under sickness or prevented by the business of the lord. And if any one of the brotherhood accused another harshly or uncivilly, he was to compensate him in a fine of thirty pence. hep ip on ]?ip Lepjiite piu ^eppitelung ]?aepe gejTsebnippe j?e Jjiup gepeppseben gepeeb hsey]) on j^egna Lilbe on Erpanta- bpyc^e. 'f ip )?onne apjiept f selc b]?puni a}? on lialighoine pealSe po]?]ie helbpaeSenne pop Irobe ^ pop populhe, &c. &c. Hickes's Thesaurus, vol. iii. p. 20. A third guild, instituted at Cambridge, enacts, that all the members shall swear, holding the sacred reliques, that they will be faithful to all HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. their associates, as well in those things which pertain nnto God as in those which belong to the world. The guild was to assist at all times him who had the most just claim. When any member died, he was carried bj the brotherhood to the place of sepulture chosen bj himself; any member neglecting to attend the funeral was fined in a sextarium of honey. The guild-scipe con- tributed half the expense of the interment, each of the brethren two pence for alms, and what was meet and proper was given to the church of Saint Etheldrytlia. KTiQUAHiEs have failed in determin- ing' to what extent the aboriginal Britons were acquainted with the art of smelting iron-ore. The words of Caesar are not conclusive on this point ; though, on a careful consideration of them, most persons would be disposed to infer that the inhabitants of this island were to a limited extent in possession of that art at the time of his arrival. " Utuntur aut sere, aut taleis ferreis ad certum pondus examinatis pro nummo. Nascitur ibi plumbum album in mediterraneis regionibus, in maritimis ferrum ; sed ejus exigua est copia : aere utuntur importato . ' ' Strabo, who flomished in the century preceding the christian era, and was contemporary with Caesar,* states in * We are not informed of the date of Strabo's birtli, though it seems to be generally admitted that he flourished under Augustus, and died at an advanced age under Tiberius. According to Clinton, Fasti Hell. ii. 552, he was living B.C. 71, 58, 24, and A.D. 14 ; see Clinton's elaborate discussion, Lempriere's Bibliotheca Classica, Encyclopedia Londinensis, &c. " Strabon, lo premier geographe de rantiqiiite, sous Ic rapport historique et 6 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. liis account of Britaiu, that it produces corn and cattle, gold, silver, and iron, wliicli articles are thence exported. (Ti07}pov TOLora OS Kofxi^erai i^ aurr^s. — Lib. iv. 199, p. 305 ; Strabonis Geog. cum notis Casauboni, Amsterdam, 1708. The following arguments in support of the early know- ledge of the use and manufacture of iron in this coimtry, are advanced by Mr. Scrivener * : — " Herodotus, who died about B.C. 411, tells .us that the Greeks knew the Phoenicians fetched their tint from Britain [from the Cassiterides : the Avords of Herodotus % are, " neither am I certain that there are islands called the litteraire, naquit a Amasee dans la Cappadoce, environ cinquante ans avant I. C; ses ancetres du cotematernel etaient au nombre des personnages les plus distingues de la cour de Mithri dates." — Biographie Universelle, torn. xliv. a Paris, 1826. * Comprehensive History of the Iron Trade, by Harry Scrivenor, 1841, p. 23. t That tin was procured from Britain in a very early age, appears probable from the concurrent testimony of the most ancient historians. The Phoeni- cians are said by Strabo to have passed the Pillars of Hercules, now the Straits of Gibraltar, about twelve hundred years before Christ At what pre- cise period they discovered the Cassiterides or tin islands is unknown, nor is their exact situation determined, but it is generally believed that the Scilly islands, and the western part of Britain, were the places from whence these early navigators procured the tin which they exported to other countries. The Phoenicians were extremely anxious to conceal from the rest of the world the true situation of the Cassiterides. Herodotus, who wrote about four hundred and fifty years B.C. could not learn where these islands were situated. — Rees's Cyclopaedia. Cassiterides, islands in the western ocean where tin was found, supposed to be the Scilly islands, with a part of Cornwall. — Maunert, ii. 238. Lenipriere's Classical Diet. X Ovre vrfCTOvs olba KacraiTepibas eovaas,(iK twv 6 KassiTepos Sj/My (poiroi. — TOVTO be, uvtei'os avro-rew yevofxtvov oh bvvafxai uKovcrai, tovto /jeXeruy, oKojs OaXa(T(7u t(Tri ra tTrtKetja rrjs EupwTrz/s. e^ eff^drijs punish according to their discretion." In every act of parliament for the suppression of liveries, from the 1st E;ic. II. to the 12th Edw. lY.* when any mention is made of the guilds, a special clause of exemption is introduced. No entries appear in the Ironmongers' records for the ohtaining of licence to wear liveries, and we have the testi- mony of Stowe to the same effect ; " But I read not of licence by them (the companies) procured for liveries to be worn, but at their governors' discretion to appoint as occa- sion asketh, some time in triumphant manner, some time more mourning-like, and such liveries have they taken upon them as well before as since they were by licence associated into brotherhoods or corporations." At a common council holden on Wednesday, the 23rd day of September, 7 Edw. IV. (1167,) it was agreed by John Younge, mayor, the recorder, sixteen aldermen, and the commonalty of the city, that no freeman or ofl&cer of the city of London shall take or use the livery of any lord or any other grandee under penalty of losing his freedom and office for ever. Also at the same common council it was agreed by the said mayor and aldermen that from hence- forth the election of mayor and sheriffs shall be only made by the common council, the masters and wardens of each mystery of this city coming in their livery, and by other good men for this purpose specially summoned. At another common council, holden on the 13tli Sept. 15 Edw. IV. (1176,) it was agreed that the masters and war- dens of the mysteries of the city in their halls or other fit and convenient places of the city, associating with them- selves the honest men of their mysteries, being clad in their * The several acts for the suppression of liveries are as follow : — 1 Ric. II. c. 7 ; 13 Ric II. Stat. 3 ; IG Ric II. c. 4 ; 20 Ric. II. c. 2 ; I Hen. IV. c. 7 ; 2 Hen. IV. c. 21 ; 7 Hen. IV. c. 14 ; 13 Ilen. IV. c. 3 ; 8 Hen. VI. c. 4 ; 8 Edw. IV. c. 2 ; 12 Edw. IV. c. 4.— Statutes of the Realm. niSTORICAL EVIDENCES. 49 last lively, shall meet together at the giiilcUiall of the city, for the election of mayor, &c. and in their last livery bnt one for the election of sheriflPs of the city, and that none others except the good-men of the common council of the city he present at the elections aforesaid. The principal notice in the Ironmongers' hooks respect- ing liveries, is found in the ordinances of 1498, which pro- vide that — No warden shall purchase any clothing for the fellowship without the consent of the whole fellowship, or of iiij. persons by them ap- pointed, which iiij. persons so assigned, or iij. of tlieym at the leste, shall goo witli the wardyns whether it be to drapers' shoppe, citizens or straungers at blakewellhalle, and the said persons to have knowledge of the price of every yard of cloth, and to be assistant at the measury of every piece of cloth. And after the price of cloth is known, the iiij. persons shall aloughe to the wardens for every yard after the rate of the the first buying iiijcZ. m recompence for their labour, &c. And in al- lowance of a gown cloth for the bedell, and also in relieving of other charges that happen to fall for the dyner otherwise, above the stynted and payments rated in theis actes comprised. Provided alwey that the payments of every particulere persone assigned to the dyner, is for the man ijs. and for the wyf, if she be at the dyner, xijd Also it is inacted that for as moche as it is convenient and worshipfull, and also used in craftis of worshippe, to have double clothing, therefore" they wille that the wardeyns for the tyme being shall renewe the clothing after y^ courte of every iii*^® yere, so the clothing be renewed every iii'^'' yere, and that to be done agamst the . . . upon which fest the felashippe have enacted to holde their principal assemble, and for their principal flPeeste. Euery person of the fellowship to receve such livery as the wardens with the felowshep do purvey, upon pain of paying to the comon box xls. If the wardens do anything contrary to the aforesaid rules concern- ing the clothing or livery, then each of them to lese and pay to the comon box xli without redemption. It was further enacted on the 8th May, 1512, at a E 50 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. general court "kepte by the hoole body of y ffelyshyppe of Iremongers, that eiiy pson of y^ company of the bachelars that is amytted to com into the clothyng of y'' seyd tfely- shj^Dpe shall pay, as sone as he hath receyvyd his gOA'VTie clothe or ly^ery, to the comyn box, vJ5. viijt/. And lilve- mse euy redempcyonar at hys flfyrst comyng into y'' clothyng shall pay vjs. viijc?. And euy man of y^ ffely- shyppe, be syde yt is of y^ olde clothyng, shall pay at y^ recey\dng of y^'" clothing ijs. a pece." Stowe, in speaking of the Liveries in his time, observes : — " But yet in London amongst the graver sort (I mean the liveries of companies) re- maineth a memory of the hoods of old time worn by their predecessors : these hoods were worn, the roundlets upon their heads, the skirts to hang behind in their necks to keep them warm, the tippet to lie on their shoul- der to wind about their necks ; these hoods were, of old time, made in colours according to their gowns, which were of two colours, as red and blue, red and purple, murrey, or as it pleased their masters and wardens to appoint to the companies ; but now of late time they have used their gowns to be all of one colour, and those of the saddest ; but their hoods being made, the one-half of the same cloth their gowns be of, the other half remaineth red as of old time." A charter granted to the Leathersellers' Company by James the First is also illuminated, and represents the liverymen of that period habited in a dress which differs but little from that Avhich is worn at present.* We ought * The engravings in the margin of pages 47 and 50 are from sketches HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 51 not, perhaps, to close this sketch of the liveries without noticing another example which is preserved in the cele- brated picture by Holbein, representing the members of the Barber-Surgeons' Company recei^dng their charter of incorporation from the hands of Henry the Eighth in 1541. .i:::i2^^::;^^^^^^:ii.iii>>^>^2^^i:^ These dresses, it is true, may have been provided for the occasion, and therefore somewhat better than usual ; they are certainly ])oth costly and elegant. 1497. The yeomanry preferred a petition to the master. taken from these charters by permission of the late Mr. Vines, clerk of the Leathersellers' Company. In the charter of 1444, the liverymen are repre- sented kneeling ; I have placed them here in a standing posture for the purpose of better exhibiting the costume. The engraving on page 5 1 is sketched from Holbein's picture in the Barbers* Hall by permission of the court of that company. E 2 52 THE ironmongers' company. wardens, and conrt of the livery, x-raying that they might he allowed to nominate annually two wardens for the government of their OAvn hody, who should he emj)0wered to collect eight pence a-year from each of their memhers, for the general good, and other regulations to he ohserved at the feast of Corpus Christi. Tliis document is appended at page 74^ to an ancient Book of Orders ; it consists of three leaves only, and is evidently imperfect. We select the following extract as a specimen of the orthography : — Und'" youre su&age and correccion it shall plesse youi- good mais- tersliippes all to graunte unto us the yememy of this yo"" worshipfull felishipe of this craffte of lermongers theis peticcons here after ffolow- inge at oui'e enstaunce and in J?*' weye of chary te : — Firsts, that they may haue licences to chesse ij. newe rulars at seche seasons of the yere as it shall be thought be youre grets wysdomys mosts expedent. The said rewlars alway here after shall mowe gedir of euery broder covenaunte and other viij"^ a yeerre, for the wele and oneste of us yo*" seide yemenry. Also that at suche seasone herre after as it shall falle that the onera- bell masse of the holy ffeste of Corpus Xpi shall be and by youre maister shippes worshipfulh' kepte at any cherche wher so it be, that eny of us, youre yemenry, iff" it shall please you, in the onowre of the aforeseide holie and solempe ffeste to offer j*^ at the seide masse, and he or tliei that wille not so doo but dissabei it, or failethe when he is law- fully warnede, shall mowe pave to the rulers for the tyme beying of us yo*" yememy, to the encresynge of oure porre boxc di. lb. waxe to the valewe of iiij'^ w*oute any redempcion. 1516. Richard Grey, a memher of the Ironmongers' Company, and one of the aldermen of the city, was tliis year elected sheriff of London. He was bui'ied at St. ^lichael's, Queenhithe, arid left five poimds to the master and wardens of the Ironmongers for the purpose of keeping his ohit foi* five years in the said church ; twenty shillings HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 53 to be expended at each obit. To the priest and clerk of the said parish, ringing of bells, ij. tapers of Avax, and bread and drink for the master and Avardens of the said craft, viijs. iiijf/. The master, if present, was to receive iJ5. and either of the wardens xxd. and the residue of the XX5'. to be divided among poor honseholders, iiiyL to each person. Arms : Argent, on a bend cottised dancette gules, three lion's heads erased of the field, all within a bordure azure bezantee.— MS. Harl. No. 6860, and Coll. Arms. 1523. .Kyng Harey the viij"' in the xiij. yere off hys rayn borowd off the site of London xxM". off the Avhyche som off money he comandyd to haue all the money and platt that was belonging to every hawlle or craft in London, to the ententt that the money myght be lentt \y^^ the more esse, at the whyche commandmentt he hade all oure money be- longing to om^e hawlle, that was the sm^ off xxv" xiiij'^; and also was solde at thatt tyme theys passell off platt here aftyr foloyng — Im. p. m° ij. basons off sylu of the gjft off mas? Byfykle late Irmong and shreeve off London, weying le troy ciiij. vnces di at iij' iiij'^ pr. vnc. xvij'^ viij** iiij'i. It a okl stondyng cuppe w**^ a cou, all gyltt, off the gyft off mas? Batte, lat Iromong" of London, and Fyllys hys wyff, weying le troy xlj. vnces q"" at iij** vij"^ pr. vnc. vij^* vij^ x*^. And allso we layd to pleg all the resewdewe off our platt for xxj" xvj* x*^. S'ma, That the kyng liadd owtt off" owre hawlle iij^^'^xj'' xiiij* ij*^ and also euy man oft' our company that was off the valewe namyd oft' xx" and aboue, lentt to the kyng the same tyme as here aftyr foloyth — Mr. Wyifm Denh""m, owre war- Wyftm Ryng, xF' den, xxx'' Thomas ]\Iychell, xxx'* Edmond Cyrtwyn, y'^ oder war- Thomas P'kay, xx" den, iij" Humfrey Barnc, xv" Harry Sturiion, xx" John Arowlew xx'* 5i TJiE ironmongers' company. KycluirJ Dobb\ s, xx* Thomas Gray, xP Helm ByrJ, xx'' Wytfm Farmar, xl'' Wyttm Steuyns, xv'^ Thomas Eton, xl* liobert Downe, v'' Thomas Eyre, xx** ^V"yttm Wliyteyg, xx'' Tliomas Syiigwelle, xx- Robard Lyng, v^' Thomas Lew en, v'* 152 i. Under this date we find the names of fifty -six persons of the yeomanry recorded, also the receipts and expenditure of the yeomanry for one year ending at Mid- simimer, and the particulars of their four quarterly suppers : — Tliys ys the account of us Robt Wenhm, Robt Mannyng, of all souch somes of money as we have resseyued and payde from the fest of mydsom in the yere of owre lord God M vc xxiij. for the space of a hole yere endyde at the sayde flfest of mydsom in the yere M v^ xxiiij. then beyng mast'"^ wardens Humfrey Barnys and Richard Doliliys, of t)wre craft of Iremongers, in pressence of souch as was warned to come to this sayde acount. Fyrst we answer of all and euy souch ^ssells of goods as by us resseyued, as more pleynly apperyeth by an inuytory ther of made in the foote of thys boke, which goods we make delyuy of at this day of owre acounte. And we answer of v}^ iiij'' by us ressyued of owre former acount ........ vj* iiij'' And we answer of viij" by us ressey ved of and for myg- helms q'ter ....... viij'' — And we answer of ix** iiij'* by us resseyued of and for Cry stems q'ter ....... ix** iiij'' And we answer of v^ iiij'' l)y us resseyued of and for owre lady q'ter ....... v** iiij'^ And we answer of vij'' viij*^ by us resseued of and for mydsom q'ter ....... vij*" viij'' And we answer of ij'' viij'' by us resseyued of Rob* Smyth of and i'or his areraygs .... ij'' viij'' HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 55 And we answer of xij'^' by us ressued of Thoins Shjng- well of and for liis arerags . . . . . ' xij'^ And we answer of xv)"^ by us r*^ of Wittm Basset iiij"^, and of Thomas Dykjaison iiij'^, and of Thomas Bolt iiij*^, and of Rob. Farmer iiij*^ . , . . xvi*^ Sm' tot^^ le chargs xl^ vii'^ Where of we aske alowmis of and for dyuse and necessary ex- penses by us done vsed of custom fly, as y* apperyth followyng as tochyng euy q'': — It'm the fyrst q'ter at myghehn^ for brede v'^, ale and beere x^ ob. It. for fy ve shulders of motion, xix'^ It. for iiij copull of conyes, xxii'^ It. for butt and cheese, ii'^ It. for wode and colle, vij*^ ob. It. for oyneons, vdnyg', and salt, i*^ It. payd to a woman to dresse the sopper, ii'^ It. the spytt torner, i"^ . . . . . v* x*^ The second q'ter for brede, v'^ It. for iiij shulders of motton, xv*^ It. for ij. lamys, ij® vj'^ It. for orengs, butter, and cheese, iiij'^ It. for woode and coole, vij*^ It. for ale and beer, x*^ It. for a woman to dresse the sopper, ij*^ And for the spyt torner, i'' . , , • vj^ The thp'd sopper, for b]*ede, v*^ ob. For ale and beere, ix*^ ob. For fy ve shuleders of mutton, xviij'^ It. for ij. dossyn pyggons, xxij'' It. for butter, chese, aud sugar, iij*^ It. for venyg^, pepper, salt, and o}neons, j*^ It, for wode and coole, v*^ For a woman to dresse the sopper, ij'^ And ffor the spytt torner, j'' . . . . v* vij'* 56 THE ironmongers' company. To iij. c|'" at mydsom for brede, vij*^ It. for ale and beere, xiij*^ It. for fyve shulders of motton, xviij*^ • It. for iiij. copull conyes, xxj^ It. for butter and peers, xj*^ It. for venyg'', pepper, salt, and oyneons, j*' It. for a woman labor to dresse the sopper, ij*^ It. for the torner of the spytt, j*^ . . . . \f if It. for wode and coUe . . . vij*^ It'ni payd to the beddyll for his yere waygys vj« viij*^ vij' iij'^ Sma to the alowance xxx* x*^ and so they owe x* ix"^ delyud in the box. Wliich the sayde aconnte alowed by the awdytors lyraytted and as\^led the ffyrst day of Awgvst, in the xvj. yere of kyng Henry the Vlir'', by us, Wiftm AVilni'^son, Henry Warwyke, Raif Bernysby, and Thomas Bolt ; by the Aviche the foresayde Rob* Weham and Rob* Manyng clerly dyscharged. 1532. " The thirde daye off Novemfer, then beynge mast of the craft of Irenionges Mast Denam alderman, Mast Barnes, and Mast Eene, wardens, and a fest made be them ^Y^^ the hoU asent of all ower masters the Iremonges tlier bejmg a sembled at a cortt, consederyng the gudnes of Mystres Gyuer, wlier of latt hath ge^^Ti \Tito vs the pore yemanre of Iremonges one herst clothe, and for the mayn- tenans of the same, OAvre sayde m*" and wardens w**" the holl cort of ower mast' hathe gciyn ATito the masters of the yemenre now beyng or here aft shall be, full atorji:e to chees or take a man of the sayd craft of Iremonges, syche a one as they wyll make an answer for at all tymes to be redy to go forthe w*^ the sayde cloth or clothes to any of the sayd mast'* or yemenry as often as he shall be requyred HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 57 for them, tlier Avyffes, and to no nother, and then the sayd partte to give attendans to see yt in safeguard, and to delyu it vnto the warden or wardens of the yemanry of Ire- monges, and the sayd pson so doyng shall have at eue so caryng yt or thenforthe of the partte y^ so shall requyre yt or them for the hest clothe iiij*^ and for the other clothe ij*^ and for bothe together aj*^ ; and thus God haue nicy on Mystres Gyver sowle, and all crystten soayUs, a men." None of the duties incumbent on the brethren of the guilds Avere more regularly observed than those which respected the Funerals of deceased members. Such obser- vances seem to have been instituted at the foimdation of these societies ; and, as they originated in the rites of the Roman chm-ch, they partook largely of its ceremonial character. State palls, or as they were then called herse- clotlis, were kept by all the principal fraternities for the piu'pose of doing honom- to their departed brethren. Seve- ral of these have been preserved, and, though somewhat faded, are objects of considerable beauty and elegance. The Ironmongers' state pall in its present state is greatly inferior to that belonging to the fishmongers' Company. It consists of a centrepiece six feet five inches and a half long, and twenty-one inches and a half wide, with a deep border of black velvet, and another of white sarsenet. The centrepiece is a rich ornament of flowers and fruit in dark crimson on cloth of gold. On the black border at the head and feet are two pixes or tabernacles, beneath one of wliich is the following inscription : — t ♦ ♦ ♦ Of fofjn- gxjnn- latr Errmongr- of- lontron- anli- liUjatif tf) • t)P!5 • Ujgffr, • Ujptlje • U)f)O0' • gootr • tf)i)0 • rlotl^ • Uja0 • ttmtre • if), ilj, and on each side shields of the Company's arms, and figures of several of the New Testament Saints and of the 58 THE ironmongers' company. blessed Virgin, surrounded with angels in glory, the whole richly Avrought in various coloured silks and gold. There can he no doubt that the Ironmongers' pall con- sisted originally of one entu'e piece of cloth of gold, bma- mented probably throughout like the present centre, and fringed A^dth a deej) border of gold lace, which having become dilapidated, some worthy but injudicious warden of the craft caused the figures to be taken oif and placed upon a border of black velvet, and completed the travesty by adding to this, another border of white sarsnet. It is to be hoped that some fiitui'e warden of the Com- pany vdW think it worth while to restore this ancient rehc as nearly as possible to its original appearance. 1537. A list of the Ironmongers' Company at this period is preserved in a manuscript deposited in the Chapter- house at Westminster, which pm'ports to be " Toucliinge the Parliament, the seuerall companyes of all the mys- teryes, crafts, and occupaciones w*in the citie of London, w* the names of euy freeman beyng householder w*in the same."* Yrenmongers. Will™ Deiiliam, Alderman. Thomas Parker. Tlio^ Lewen, Sheriff of London. Richard Neele. Robert Downe. Robert Lyng. Will"^ Whitryche. Rob^ j\Iann}mg. John Fene. Himafrey Baron. Thomas Eyre. * This list, with several others, was communicated by the late Mr. Caley of the Chapter-house to Mr. Thomas Allen, and was first printed in his History of London in 1828. Mr. Herbert has since printed it in the History of the Livery Companies. I have been enabled by permission of one of the princi- pal officers of the Chapter-house to compare it with the original manuscript. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 59 Richard Hall. John Stocker jekell. John Lawden. Thomas Lawden. John Berman. John Nevill. Robert Fermer. John Stanys. John Haskey. Richard Westmore. Harry IMoptyd. Clement Coi'newell. Will"" Stanes. Richard Horsted. James Kettyll. Richard Slough. Thomas Bartilmewe. Robert Wenham. Richard Barne. Harry Warwike. Richard Benett. George Giles. John Sty 11. Robert Ferrant. Thomas Jaggard. John Palmer. Jasper Save. Alexander Avenon. ■ John Yeoman. John Steward. George Thorneton. Robert Cowche. John Felde. Thomas Parker. Robert Dykynson. Rich*^ Chamberlayn. Humfrey Jeno''. Thomas Barne. Christopher Draper. John Skemier. Will°^ Batt. Robert Corwyn. Will"^ Parker. Raufe Stage. Rob* Chamberlayn. Folk Lynggen. John Haywood. Thomas Bolt. 1540. The Company's accounts of receipts and expendi- ture commence in 1540, and are very neatly and regularly kept in a series of books denominated E-egister-books. The following are some of the entries in the accompte of E/obart Lyng and Itobart Mannyg, wardens of the craft of lermongers, geven the ffirste daye of JuUy, in the xxxij yere of the rayne of owi'e sufferen lorde Ejng Hemy the VIIP'^: — Receuyd fFor the quarterrige of ij. hole yerrs . vi" off oure hoUe company ffor sessyng that was gatherred agaynste the comyng in of the quenne, the sum of . . . vj'' x\\f iiij'' 60 THE lUONMONGERS' COMPANY. off the clothing towards the prests gowne • and the bedell's gowne . . • xlviij^ — off Allexander Avenon and Richard -Chamblayne, at there entrawnse in the levere . . . . . . xiij^ iiij'' off John Bereman, ffor pessenting of his pnts ij' vj^i oft' Robert Farmer, renter, ffbr ij. yerrs rent ending at owre lady day in lente A° 1539 xx» iij'^ x^ Payde ffor oure barge ftbr ij. yers to Westmynster xxxix® — Payde ffor xx. sacks of coll vj^ viij'* Payd ffor iij. bundell of rushes .... j'^ ob. Payd to iiij. men that went in the generall mosster, and ffor mette and di'inke ftbr them ... yj'^ — Payde ffor mending of ij. sallets and a breste platte Payd ffor bred and mette at the cunstabells howse in pater noster rowe at y^ brekyng up of the dore in Ive laene ....... Payd ffor bred and alle, wyne, ffyshe, and bother vyttayells as y* a peres by a byll ftbr a dynner at owre hall at the berrying of M'' Dennam, sma Payd to a glasseer ffor xxviij. quarells of glasse Payd ffor mendyng of the wall be twene y® gatts . Payde ffor c. of faggotts ..... ffor a quartarne of tall wood to the clarke ffor hys wages ffor ij. liolle yers iiij** — ffor keping a dyrge and masse ffor M'" Thorns Dorcheseter at Saynt Marehill ffor ij- jerrs xvj« — to a skreuener to rede owre writings . . ij'' ffor a gardener ffor a daye and a hallffe ffor cvttyng of vynes and dressing of Rosses . xij'' to a gardener for v. dayes worke . . iij'' iiij'' ffor cutting of the knotts of y'^ rosemarie in the garden ...... x'' ffbr bowes and fHowrrs .... ii<' ij'^ viij'i diiij^ iijJ ij^ viij'i \f iij« xv'f HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 61 fFor V. yards of pewke fFor ower chapliiis gowne, and liys at viij^ vj*^ the yarde, sm Payments layde OAvght fFor owre sollem mas the fyrste yere here ffolowyth : — Payde unto the cewrat of the churche . to the ij. deconns .... to the clarke for the ringyng of the bells to the prest and clarks ifor dyrge and masse to the sexton ..... to the dark ffor owr solium masse ffor iij gallons of gaysken wyne . fFor iij'^ of chumfHtts fFor iij. gallons of swete wyne fFor a SufFolke chesse fFor ij. Banbery chesses fFor spyesbrede and all bother thyngs thereto belonng^aig . . . ? . fFor whyght bowns .... fFor rossezes and lavender . fFor swete hally waiter fFor a chyllderkyn of alle . fFor ij. dossen of trenchers fFor h3-mTyng of iiij. garneshe of vessells fFor bowes, fflowrrs, and rosses . &c. &c. &c xlvf xij'i xiiij*^ ij^ - Id nf — xix'i XV ij*^ X1J« iij« iJ^ vj^ xij<^ iij vjd ij^ — xvj'i 02 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. to hys sarvaunte fFor ij. dayes . ftbr a lode of brycks .... to acarpender ffor vj. dayes and a hallffe ffor a loode of tyells .... 1.1' XI' Payments leyde ought at the coing in off the quene to Greneweche: — Payd ffor oure bai'ge to Grenewyclie Payd for brede ...... Payd ffor a kyllderkyn of alle and beryng to y watter syede ...... Payde ffor Mawmese and Claret wyne . Payde ffor a lyng ffyshe .... Payd ffor ij .gnrnerds and a pesse of ffreshe sa- monde ....... Payd ffor grete ells ..... ■ Payd ffor spysce and ffor bakyng of ij. pyes . Payd ffor a chese ..... Payd to owre drowesslow pleyer . Payd to Rychard Decon ffor botte hyere and ffor hys expensses ...... Payd ffor \aij. banner staves Payd ftbr ])aynting of the same staves . Payd for a botte and ffor candells and bother ex- penses when owre in'"* came home from Grene- weche ........ Payd to a porter to here the coysshens and bapik- kers and bother thynggs . . . . . XXV)^ iiij« viij'i xvij'^ xv'i viiij'' iiij'i xvj'i xvj'' The comyng of the quene from Greneweche TO Westemynster. Payde ffor owre barge hyere .... Payde ffor the drowesslowe player Payde to M'" Lyng and me and to Mr. Downe and M"" Fenn ffor a lowanse ffor owre velvat chotts and ffor owre s' vaunts chotts and ffor owre horses ........ xxvj^ vnj'* iij« — vij'' xvij^ nij' HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 63 Payde to a porter fFor carrying of cliusshyiigs and bankkars to the barge and liome agayne when the kyng and the quene went to Westmynster . iiij'^ Payd to Robart Dyckjmgson ftbr hys costs and ffor lokyng ffor a barge ...... vj'^ Payd ffor bred and drynke ..... xxij'^ Payd ffor chese ....... xj^ &c. &c. Sm . . xj^' xviij® x^ A large portion of all the property of families and indi- viduals was at tliis time absorbed in superstitious obser- vances. The following mil of Humphrey Barnes is a specimen of several others in the possession of the Com- pany, and a sample of such documents generally, during the dominance of the Roman church. In the name of God amen. The last will of Humphrey Barnes, toucliinge my lands and ten*^ 'm London. First I bequeath my soul to Almighty God, his mother Saint Mary, and to all the holy company of heaven, and my body to be buried in St. Leonard's, as I am a parisliioner. Item, I beq* to the master, wardens, and commonalty of Ironmongers in London, my iiij. houses, w*'^ their appurtenances, w'^'' two of them Elizabeth my late wife and I purchased together of one Thomas Sem, haberdasher, whereof one house lyeth in Great East- cheap, called the Christopher, in the parish of Saint Leonard's, and the other house lyeth in Wood-street, in the parish of St. Peter's in Cheap, which houses Elizabeth late my wife and I bought together of John Fysher and Agnes his wife, and of Harry Fenning and Gertrude his wj'fe, and two other tenements and void ground, the which I late bought of Thomas Moyar, skinner, of London, the which houses were late burnt, and now of late I have builded them again, and lyeth to- gether in Smythe-lane, in the parish of St. jNIargaret Patens, and part of the void ground lyeth in the parish of Saint Mary at Hill, in this condition followmg. To the master and wardens of the Company of Ironmongers and their successors for ever, once every year, to spend of the profits of the said houses, one obitt in the church of Saint IMary att Hill the 8th February, or within eight days following, the dirge by 64 THE ironmongers' CO:>rPANY. note on the even, and mass of requiem by note on the morrow, for the soul of Thomas Watts, draper, and Elizabeth, late his wife, and for the soul of Humphrey Barnes, Ironmonger, and all his wives souls and childrens' souls, spending thereat, to the parson viij*^, and to eight priests and clerks, if there be so many, ij* viij*^; to the sexton ij'^, but not to no more, for rmging the bells; xx*^ or less for wax to burn on the grave of Thomas Watts, on great candlesticks called standards; xvj*^ to the parish priest to pray for my soul and Thomas Watts soul, and Elizabeth his wifes soul, and all the souls aforesaid, and all xpen souls in the Bede rolle, yearly, if there be any bederolle ; iiij*^ to be given in alms at St. j\Iai'y att Hill at a penny or ob. a peece, xij"^. An other obitt to be kept on the day of his decease in the parish church of St. Leonard, where I am now parish'", spending, to the parson viij"^, to six priests, if so many serve by the year, ij% if there do lack, take the Ironmongers' priest for one; to the clerk and sexton for dirge and mass, and ringing bells, xx*^; for four waxes to bum on my grave on great standards xvj*^; to the churchwar- den of St. Leonards to make the priest and persons of the same parish to drink, for bread, ale and cheese, iij* iiij*^ ; to the chm*chAvardens for their labour ij* — xij*^ each. If the churchwardens will not provide the bread, ale, and cheese for iij* iiij'^ for the priest and persons to drink for the ij^ bequeathed to them, then I will the master and wardens of the Ironmongers shall have all the said v* iiij*^ to bestow and give it among the poor men and women of the craft of Ironmongers at their pleasure as they see best. Item, to the parson or his deputes to pray for my soul and to reherse our names before written in the bederolle every yeare, iiij*^. To thirteen poor men and women of the same parish or near to be at my obitt at St. Leonard's, ij^ ij*^, i. e. \]^ a-peece, to pray for my soul. To be given to poor people at ob. or a penny a-peice, viij*^. — 'f if there be so many people there, or else give it as you please. To the Ironmongers' priest to be at both the obitts xij*^, to pray for my soul. To the beadle and clerk of the Ironmongers to be at both obitts, and to warn the master and wardens and Company to come and pray for my soul, xx"^. To the master of the Ironmongers, or his deputy tliat hath been master, ij^ to be at both obits. To the wardens or their deputies that have been wardens, for their labour to be at both obits, iiij*^. To twenty of the Clothing to come to my obitt at St. Leonard's, x% that is vj"^ each man, if there be so many in the Clothing and in London, if not, the rest of the x* to the poor of the Company at your HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 05 pleasure. To the master and two wardens to offer at both my obitts, vj'i. To the twenty men of the Clothing that come to ray obitt to offer at the mass, x'^. To give in alms the rest that lieth imspent of xliij* iiij"^ in the Company at your pleasure. Item, every quarter day when the rents of the ten*^ come to your hands, by the advice of the master and wardens of the Company, you sliall spend out of the profits, beside the charges that I have bomid you to, every quarter day, or at least once a year, that is, on your solemn mass day, as much money as shall be thought best to ease the charges of the wardens what they are wont to be so charged, and when break- fast or dinner is done for to say for my soul, and all the souls of the Ironmongers, De profundis, or a Pater noster, in the worship of God and all saints. Amen. I will that the poor men and women of the Company have yearly some refi'eshing at your pleasures. Item, I will that Agnes my wife have all the four tenements during her life, doing and keeping my two obitts during her life, and all repairs, &c. And after lier death to the master and wardens of the Ironmongers for ever, doing and keeping all manner of charges aforesaid. Item, I also give to the said Agnes my wife my other tenements w* the appurtenances in Smyth Lane, in the parish of St. Andrew Hubbard, during her life, and after her decease to my heir, and for lack of any heir to remain to the right heir of the Barnes. I "svill that the craft of Ironmongers, neither my wife, be not charged no fui'ther than the land is able to pay ; I mean for casulties, as by fire or otherwise. And if the master and wardens of Ironmongers refuse to do all truly, &:c., then the Company of Drapers shall have all these my tenements and to keep my two obitts, &c. Also it shall be lawful for the master and wardens of the Company to sell or change away any part thereof and buy other lands. And of this my last will of all my lands in London I make my executors John Stor- gyon, haberdasher, and Richard SI0W5, iromnonger, and bequeath to either of them vj^ viij'^ AVritten with my own hand per me Humfre Barn. Ann" dni M v^ xlj. the iij. daye of August, A" xxxiij. Hen. Oct. The setting of the Midsummer AVatch on the Eve of Saint John the Baptist was one of those gorgeous spec- tacles which amused and delighted the citizens of Loudon till towards the latter half of the sixteenth century. The F 6G THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. marching watch, which formed part of this ceremony, consisted of two thousand persons variously appa- reled, who passed through all the principal streets of the city, to wit, from the little conduit hy Paul's gate, through West Cheap, hy the stocks, through Cornliill, by Leaden- hall to Aldgate, then back down Eenchurch- street by Grassechurch, about Grassechurch conduit, and up Grassechurch-street into Cornliill, and through it into West Cheap again. Seven hundred cressets were borne on this occasion : these were supplied partly by the city, and partly by the companies. There were also divers pageants and morris dancers, with the constables, one- half of whom, to the amount of one hundred and twenty, went out on the Eve of Saint John, and the other liaK on the Eve of Saint Peter. The constables were dressed in bright harness, some overgilt, and every one had a jornet of scarlet there- upon, and a chain of gold ; his henchman following him, his minstrels before him, and his cresset-light at his side.* The mayor and sheriffs also formed part of the procession. LU' * The cressets were of various forms and patterns. Mr. Douce, in his Illustrations of Shakespeare, has engraved four specimens of these ancient street-lamps, which are copied by Hone in the " Every' day Book," vol. i. p. 831. The cresset represented in the margin is drawn from one preserved in the Tower of London. HISTOKICAL EVIDENCES. 67 attended by their giants, torch-bearers, and a numerous staff of officers, all calculated by their various dresses and appoint- ments to add to the singularity and splendour of the show. Strutt observes, evidently with a slight error as regards the date,* that the custom of setting the midsummer watch was maintained till the year 1539, the 31st Hen. VIII. when it was discontinued, as stated by some, in con- sequence of the expense, but more probably on account of the great number of citizens who joined the procession, amounting, it is said, on some occasions to fifteen thousand persons. The muster of so many armed men was con- sidered unsafe, and the setting of the watch was conse- sequently prohibited. It was revived again in 1518, the 2nd Edw. VI. but shortly afterwards finally abolished. The first institution of nightly watches in the cities and principal towns of the kingdom was in 1253, Henry III. having commanded the adoption of this measure with a view to preserve the peace, and suppress the disorders which were common at that period, f In the accounts of Mr. Jeckall and John Beryman, wardens of the Pellowship from the 8th of June, 1510, to the 20th of June, 1542, we find the following payments for setting the midsummer watch. Payments for tlie waclie at the myclsomer A° xv^ xl. Payd for vi^ cresset lights at ij^ vj'^ the ^ . . . xv'* — vnto X. cresset berras, and ij. bage bearras, for the labour for beryng and holdyng the cressets botli nyghts . xij" — flfor j. doss, strawe hattys ..... x"* ffor the makyng of xij. skochens .... xij'^ vnto ij. men for gevyng atendaunce vpon the cres- setts, and kepyng of the light, for the labor, for both nyghts ...... ij" — • * See also 1342, and 1544. t See Stowe, Strutt's Sports, 361 ; Hone's Everv-day Book, i. 827. F 2 viij-i 68 THE ironmongers' company. Payd ffor mendyng of iiij. cressets, and for ij. new pynes vj^ ffor the caryage of the cresset lyght ffro Robard AYenhame hows to the halle, at ij tymes . . iiij'^ vnto iiij. bowenien for goyng in the mayor's wache, for the labour for both nyghts ffor iiij. doss, poynts .... ffor bowstrings ..... ffor brede and drynke vnto the cresset bearars, and the wachemen, for both nyghts ftbr the dress}aig and nayllyng, letheryng, and book- lyng of vij. Ahnayn revetts .... ij^ viij^^ Sfna . . xxxviij^ 1544. Hereaff followythe the parcelles of plate that was layd to plege the xxij . day of May, in the xxxvi*"" yere of the reygne of our souraynge lord King Henry the VIII*^ when the Company ffound xiiij. men in harnes to goe over the see w*"" the kyngs army in to Prance, that was iiij. bowmen and x. byll men, w*^ all ther that is to say, howsse, dubletts, cotts, hatts of blew and red, aft'' the Duke of Norfolk's facyon. In pmis to Mr.Robart Down ij. euers p'cellgylt, waying hij. vnces at iij* viij*^ the vnc. sfna ix'^ xiiij^ iiij*^. Itm to M"*. Thomas Gyve, ij. salts, w*** a cou p'cell gylt waying Iiij. vncs. at iij* viij. the vnc. sma ix^' xiiij^ iiij*^. Itm to Thomas Bartylmew, a great standyng gylt cvp w'^ a cou, wayng xlix. vncs. at iij^ the vnc. sma ix^ xvj^ Itm to Alexander Avenon, a standyng gylt cvp, w*^ a cou, wajng XXV. vncs. at iij. the vnc. graven w*^ a rose and peulyo% sma v''. The following are some of the payments which occur be- tween the years 1542 and 1544 : — Payde to iiij. men that went in harnys upon Sent John and Sent Peter nyght in the mayor's watch w'' bowes and arrowes ........ ij* viij'' Payd for the breckefastes made at M'' r)arymas cownte, as followeth: — HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 69 Payd ftbr necke and breste of motton fFor a piece of beoff' fFor a breste of vealle . fFor a goosse .... fFor ij. couppell rabitts ffor brede .... ffor sug and pep, cloves and mac's, and saflFrone ffbr onyons and erbys ftbr mostard and venyg ffbr butter ffbr bere ffbr clarret wyne and reede ffbr the cooke, and to the torne spete and the woma ffbr water ..... Payde ffbr iij. galons of Gaskone wyne ffbr iij. galons of swete wyne ffbr iij*^ of comfitts ffbr whit bonnes . ffbr spyce bred ffbr vij^'^ of sug ffbr hallf a lb. pep"" ffor di. ouz. cloves and mase ffbr a gallon of alle ffbr butt'" ffor sete wat for holly watter ffor st^wyngs and nosegays . ffor ij. Banberry chesys ffbr ij. Soffblke chesys . ffor a kylderkyn alle ffor hire of v. garnyshe vessells ffor di. a q"" of a yard of blew to make pattarns Payde (1543) to Thomas P'ker and W" Drap, stew- ards, towards the dynner at the mayer's feste to Jasper Sabbe for the wreting of M'" Jakes, M*" Beryman, John Askey, and Henry IVIoptyd ac- counte ......•• to M*" Beryman for the armyrar for nalying and bocklyng and dressyng of xiiij. Ahnon ryvetts . vij'i xijd vjd vj-i j'ob. vjd viji uj — iiij^ — xxj'i iij' — vjd iij' j^ xj'^ob. ij'^ob. !^ xij'^ob. vij'i xi}^ xyf ij^ ij' ij' — iij' iiij'^ xy-f xr 70 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. Pajde more to li}'m for a blake byll fFor iiij. bowes ffor iiij. shottyiig gloves ffor xiij. armyng swercls ii'or xiij. gyrdells ffor iiij. bowe strjnggs ffor xiij. daggars . ffor a peysse of reed kersse . ffor xxvij. yards of whit cotton at v*^ ob. ffor mak>nig of xiiij. cotts, at viij'^ the cotte ffor makyng of xiiij. dobletts, at x*^ the doblet ffor ]M'' Ayer for v. payer of barneys ffor iiij. dozen of thred poynts Payd* (1544-6) for a lode of sande for the halle flflowre ........ xvj'^ x^ — xvj-i xxxij^ \f i? — ij'* xviij^ viij*^ xxviij^ — xxij« iiij'^o xj^ viijd \r — iiij'' \}' The Acts passed in the 37th of Henry the Eighth and the 1st of EdAvard the Sixth, for the " dissolucion of colleges, ch*untries, and free chapels, at the King's Majesties plea- sure," and the appointment of Commissioners to examine into all payments made by corporations and mysteries for the maintenance of priests, obits, and other superstitious observances, transferred a large portion of the revenues of the civic companies to the crown ; nor was there any other way for them, as Strype observes, " but to purchase and buy off these rent charges, and get as good a pennyworth as they could of the King, and tliis they did (3 Edw. VI.), by selling other of their lands to enable them to make these purchases."* The following entries seem in part to refer to circmu- stances arising out of these enactments, and furnish us Avith some curious particulars : — * Strype, Book 5, p. 249, Ed. 1720. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 71 1547. 1 Edw. VI. Payd to ]\Iaster Attkpis for cowncell of owr landes and owr corporacion, and for making y® copy of \^ ij. tynies, and y* the writing wolde not be alowyd . . j'^ xij^ A-iij*^ Payd to ]\Iaster Brj'ght, for new wryting owt of o'' landes, consnyng the kjaigs comyssyonars . j'^ x** — to Barby pursevaunte for his paynes at ij. tymes ij* — to my lorde cheflPe bar'nes clarke, for writj-'ge agayne our corporacion .... iij** viij** and gevyne to iij. of my lord chefFe bar'nes svauntes for to come to the speche of my lorde, for to haue o'" corporacion .... vj^ — ffor my dyner and the bedylls, and for bote liyre at WestmjTister ..... ij? iiij*^ to Ric. Deacon and James Ketell, for ther pa^aies day by daye, consnyng om* corporacon . iiij* — Payde for a quarter of a yarde of puke cloth for y'^ sample ....... ffor James Kettell's livery gowne, and his hode ffor di. quartar of crymsson for the hodes to Ric. Deacon m redy monye for his gowne geven to jNIr. Losse to haue liis good will con- cnyng o* corporacon ..... 1549. Anno seciindo et tertio Edwardi sexti. An act was passed in this year against false forging of iron gads, instead of gads of steel. Where divers persons of late have deceitfully forged and made of certain iron called Bilbow ii'on like to the fashion and manner of gadds of steel, and have sold the same so forged to divers of the king's sub- jects for steel, whereby the greatest part of edged tools, weapons, and other necessary things having edges are of little or no value or goodness, to the great hurt of the king's loving subjects; for the reformation whereof, be it enacted by the king's liighness, by the assent of the lords spiritual and temporal and of the commons in this present parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, that if any person after the first of May next commg do forge or make any iij« iiijd ij^ vij^ iiij'i j^ — ij'^ — j'^ 72 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. such gads of iron, or do utter or [)ut to sale any such gads of iron, he siiall forfeit for every gad so forged, or uttered, or put to sale, four pence ; the moiety of which forfeiture shall be to the king, and the other moiety to liim or them that will sue for the same in any of the king's Courts of Record, by action, bill, plaint, or information, on the which action, bill, plaint, or- information no wager of law, protection, or essoin shall be allowed or admitted. Another act of the same year, reciting and confirming a previous one made in the 33 Hen. VIII. prohibits the exportation of brass, copper, latten, bell metal, pan metal, o'lm. metal, or shruff metal, whether it be clean or mired (tin and lead only excepted), into any part beyond the sea, upon pain to forfeit double the value thereof, and £10 for every thousand weight of the same so exported.* 1550. (4 Edw. YI.) In this year the king confirmed the chantry lands to the city and principal companies. The following is so much of the letters patent as relates to the Ironmongers' Company : — The King, to all to whom, &c. health. Know ye, that we for the sum of eighteen thousand seven hundred and forty-four pounds, eleven shil- lings, and two pence, of lawful money of England, paid into the hands of the treasurer of our Court of Augmentations and Reversions of our crown for our use by our beloved Augustine Hinde and Richard Turke, citizens and aldermen of the city of London, and William Black- well, gent, clerk of the said city, by which we confess ourselves fully satisfied and freed, and the said Augustine, Richard, and William, their heirs, executors, and administrators, acquitted and exonerated, of our special grace and certain knowledge and mere motion, also with advice of our council, have given and granted and by these presents give and grant to the said Augustine Hinde, Richard Turke, and Wil- liam Blackwell, all that our aniuial receipts and sum of seven pounds, seven shillings, and eight pence, issuing out of a messuage of the * Statutes of the Realm, 2 nnd 3 Edw. VI. eap. xxvii. xxxvii. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 73 master, wardens, and community of tlie misterj of Ironmongers, London, situate and being in the Poultry, in the parish of St. INIildred, London, and out of tr;o messuages or tennements called the Xomie Head of the said master, &c. situate and being in the parish of St. Leonard, London, and out of a tenement or croft with gardens adjoin- ing of the said master, &c. situate and being in the parish of St. Giles . without Cripplegate, London, which said annual sum, receipt, or an- nuity, the said master, &c. lately paid and were accustomed annually to pay to the supj^ort of a priest officiating in the church of Saint Olave, in the Old Jury, London, according to custom made by Thomas Michell. And all that our annual receipt, annuity, and annual sum of sixteen shillings and six pence per year, issuing out of the said messu- ages, tenements, croft, and gardens, which said annual sum, receipt, "or annuity the said master, &c. lately paid and annually have been accus- tomed to pay for the anniversary of the said Thomas ^Michell to be ob- served in the said church of Saint Olave, in the Old Jury, London. And all that our receipt, annuity, and annual sum of thirty-seven shil- lings and ten pence a-year issuing out of four messuages or tenements of the said master, &c. situate and bemg in the parish of Saint Leonard in Eastcheap, of Saint Peter in Westcheap, of Saint Margaret Patten, and Saint Mary at Hill, within the city of London, which said annual sum, receipt, or amiuity, the said master, &c. lately paid and annually were accustomed to pay for two anniversaries of Humphry Barnes observed in the church of Saint Mary at Hill and St. Leonard's in Eastcheap, London, aforesaid. And all that our receipt, annuity, and annual sum of four shillings and four pence which the said master, &c. lately paid and annually were accustomed to pay for the anniversary of Thomas Dorchester, celebrated in the church of Saint Faith under Saint Paul's, London. And all that our receipt, annuity, and annual sum of thirty-seven shillings and two pence per aimum issuing out of messuages and tenements called Horse-head Alley of the said master, &c. situate and being m the parish of Saint Sepulchre without New- gate, London, which said amiual sum, &c. the said wardens, &c. lately paid and annually were accustomed to pay for the anniversary of Richard Filde, observed in the church of Saint Benedict, Gracechm-ch, London : to have, hold, and enjoy all and singular the said annuities, &c. and all and singular the premises above mentioned and specified, with all and singular their a^jpurtenants, to the said Augustine Hindc, 74 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. Ricliard Turke, and Will™ Blackwell, tlieii- heirs and assigns, for ever, to their own use and the use of the said Augustine, Richard, and Wil- liam, then* heirs and assigns, for ever, without any service, &c. to be paid, &c. to us or our heu's or successors, any laws, &c. to the con- trary, &c. notwithstanding. In witness whereof, &c. at Leighes, the . . . day of July, in the fourth year of the reign of King Edward the Sixth. The following entries occur between the years 1548 and 1554 :— Payd for vj. labourers for the town dyche for the space of one mownth at vij*^ the daye . . iiij^^ iiij* — for iiij. laborars for a notlier rhnthe, by my lord's comaundment . . . . . Ivj* — to lord tressurer, for purchasyng of oner chan- tre lands ....... ij^xlij*' x'' — to Will*" East, for x. paire of Almayne revitts v^ — — to viij. S}Tiging men, that did sing and play at our solempne masse ..... viiij^ — for a pottell of muskadell for the s^aiging men at the churche ...... xij*^ for iiij. gallons of sweate wyne . . . viij^ — for c. faggotts ...... iij^ ij'^ for iij. gallons of Gascon wine . . . iij** — for o^ standing in Chepe side the xviij*^ day of August, a° 1554, at the comyng through the citie of the kmg and queues highenes . viij* ix*^ Some items from the inventory of goods about this period : — The corporacon granted by King Edward y® IIII. The seall of the corporacyon. The armes geven by the harrolds. A comyssyon from Kinge Edward the VI. consnyng chauntry lands and gyld lands w* the com}'ssions hondys. A dyde of y*^ chanti'e lands bought agay'e of Kinge Edward the Syxt. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 75 1555. (1 and 2 Phil, and Mary.) Several entries occur ill the Company's books at this period relating to the unloading of coals, and the rules and regulations laid down for the coabneters, over whom the Company appear to have exercised a considerable control. Inteoductiox of the use of Coal. — We have no conclusive and satisfactory evidence as to the period when pit-coal was first disco- vered and used as fuel in this country. Whitaker, in his History of Manchester, supposes that it was known and used by the aboriginal Britons ; but this opinion has been opposed by other writers. He, however, cites a grant of lands made by the abbey of Peterborough, A.D. 853, which "proves, as it should seem, that this fuel was known and used amongst us while the Saxons were masters of Britain. By tliis grant certain boons and payments in kind were reserved to the monastery, consisting of Welsh ale, wood, and twelve cartloads of fossil or pit-coal: the original words are, tpselp poSuji gpsepan, which Bishop Gibson translates, " duodecem plaustra carbonum fossi- lium." In 1239, Henry the Third is said to have granted a charter to the townsmen of N^ewcastle-upon-Tyne for liberty to dig coals and stones. This licence, which issued on the supplication of the parties interested, is the earliest direct notice of the actual working for coals extant. The strongest and most unequivocal proof, however, that this species of fuel was in use during the reign of Henry the Third, is to be found in an inquisition preserved among the Additions to Matthew Paris's History, of the date of 1245. Here we find it called " carbo maris " — sea-coal, — an appellation retained through succeeding centu- ries, — with express mention of making pits to win, and of the wages of the colliers that wrought in them. We have no distinct notice of the earliest shipment of coal for London. The use of it in the metropolis was prohibited in 1306 by royal proclamation : nevertheless within about twenty years afterwards it appears to have been used in the royal palace. In 1325, a vessel, the property of one Thomas Rente, of Pontoise, a town in the ancient dominions of the kings of England in France, is mentioned as trading to Newcastle-upon-Tyne with corn, and returning with a fi'eiixht of sea-coal. 76 THE ironmongers' company. Harrison, in liis description of England, prefixed to Holinshed's Chronicle, edited in 1577, observes, "of cole-mines we have such plenty m the north and western parts of our island as may sufiice for all the realnie of Englande, and soe must they doe hereafter indeede if wood be not better cherished than it is at this present ; and, to say the truth, notwithstanding that very many of them are carried into other comitryes of the maine, yet theyr greatest trade beginneth to growe from the forge into the kitchen and halle, as may appear ah'eady in most cities and townes that lye about the cost where they have httle other fewel excepte it be turfe or hassocke. I marvayle not a little that there is no trade of these into Susses and Southamptonshire, for want whereof the smiths do work their yron with charrecoal." Towards the end of the prosperous reign of Elizabeth, the coal trade floiu'ished greatly, and it continued to be regarded as an important source not only of local but of government revenue by succeeding monarchs. But the prejudice against the use of sea-coal in London continued long after the trade had become estabhshed, indeed almost until the complaint was transferred from the smell and smoke of pit-coal to the wasteful consumption and decay of the forests. Duties were laid upon sea-borne coal to assist m building St. Paul's church and fifty parish churches in London after the great fire in that city; and in 1677 Charles the Second granted to his natm'al son, Charles Lennox, Duke of Richmond, and his heirs, a duty of one shil- ling a chaldron on coals, which continued in the family till it was pur- chased by government. In 1699 Newcastle had two-thirds of the coal trade, and three hun- dred thousand chaldrons in all went annually to London. The over- sea trade employed nine hundred thousand tons of shipping. Coals, about that time, sold in London for eighteen shillings a chaldron, out of whicli five shillings were paid to the king, one shilling and six pence to St. Paul's, and one shilling and six pence metage. It was then also stated to the House of Commons that six hmidred ships, one with ano- ther of the burden of eighty Newcastle chaldrons, with four thousand five hundred men, were requisite for carrying on this trade. There were also then employed on the Tyne four hmidred keels, and from fifteen to sixteen thousand keelraen. — See History and Description of Fossil Fuel, Lond. 1835. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 77 The othe of the Colemeters. — Ye swere that ye shall indif- ferently niesure al coles that to you belongeth for to mesure, and juste mesure ye shall give to every persone, as well to pore as to riche, without pcyalite shewing or favour ; and if ye be at any contension or stryff with youre felaship for met}Tig of coles, or eny other thing at eny tyme, ye shall alway be obedient to be rewled and juged by the maister and wardyns of the felaship of Ireniongers that now be, and to their successours that be to com, as it hath been acoustomed of olde time for to be. And on this ye shal mete no coles except ye deliu to eche of youre felawes for euy four chalder a peny, soo youre felows passe not the nombre of v. persones beside youreself; and yf ye kepe not these wordes aforesaid ye lese your office ; and al these premisses aforesaid ye shall wele and truely doo, as nye as God wol geve you grace. The ORDi>fAUNCE OF Colemeters. — A meter at any time having meted a ship, shall deliu to eche of his fellowship for every four chal- dron j*^, euery meter to follow op in lott, that is to sey : ffirst, William Alye, John Jakett, William Sylk, Rauf a mor, Richard Taylfor, and so oon to mete a ship; he that happeth to be sike, he that followeth next to mete for him. No one to mete more than j. ship till the lott com to him again ; if any lak sakkes, he shall require them of his fel- lowes, and when don deliu them again. Ye shall not take or occupie no sakks of o'' manns w*out licence of the wardeyns. You shall tak up y'" hole mony of liim y^ setteth you first a-werke.* At a court, or quarter-day, holden quarto die Novemb"" a° 1555 : — " At this same courte it is ordaigned and concluded by the holle bodye of the same Cumpany, that Robert Wennam, one of the iiij. cole- meaters, for certein matters and good cause to this courte showyd, shall give and pay for a fine to theese of this house the somme of three pounds, to be paid by the same Wennam unto the wardens before the , * This is probably an ancient ordinance, as we find, in 1555, that the coal- meters named were John Palmer, Robert Wennam, John Style, and Richard Gyles. How long the supervision of the coal-meters continued in the ] iron- mongers' Company I have not been able to discover. A manuscript volume belonging to the corporation of London, and supposed to be about the time of James the First, contains the oath to be taken by coal- meters, and other regulations ; and it is concluded that their appointment has been by the city since about that period. 78 THE ironmongers' cqmpany. tenth (lav of the same Novembre, upon the paine and penakie of v", to be paid and levied for none-paymente of the iij" accoi'dingly." At the courte or quarter-dav kepte the seconde Tuesday after twelveth day, anno 1555. " At the same courte it was ordened, concluded, and agreed that the iiij. colemeaters, before the xiiij**^ daye of February next commyng, shall come unto an accompte in all their doings and busynes, as towching the meting of shippes of coles, before Wilham Clarke, William Draper, and Robart Cowche, or before twoo of them. And that the same their accompte and reconing be perused and seen by the same William Clarke, Wittm Draper, and Robart Cowche, or by ij. of them, and they the said Wiitm Clarke, Willm. Draper, and Robert Cowche to in- form and certyfie to the wardens and assistants, what they shall par- ceive and finde in and by their accompte. " And where also at this coxu'te, William Clarke, William Draper, and Robert Cowche, were named and appointed at this saide courte, holden the seconde Twesday after the twelveth day 1555, to have the hyring and determinacon of the varyaunces and controversyes that were depending betwene the colemeaters. That is to saye John Palmer, Robert Wemiam, John Style, and Richard Gyles ; Be it knowen, that it is determined, concluded, and agreed, by us the said Wiitm Clarke, Wiffm Draper, and Robert Cowche, w*'^ the mutual assentes and con- sentes of the same colemeaters, as followyth: — that is to say, that xxv. chalder of coles water labo'" shalbe accompted for a tm-ne, and that xx*y chalder of coles land labo^ shall be reconned for a turne, and that they shall alwayes make their accompt from t^Tiie to tyme w^'^in x. dayes, and that by writ\nig. And that immediately shalbe paide the over messurage that either of them ought to pay to his ffellows, w'^'* is a peny upon eny chalder mette upon the water above his torne ; and that upon the penaltye to pay to owr common box for neglecting or slackyng hereof fyve pomids. And farther, that if it chaunce any suche ofFendor hereafter to be founde, and that he be not presented by the others of them to our m*" or wai'dens for the tyme being, within twoo dayes next after the oifence so made, that then he which was re- missc or slack in the none-presentment thereof (and not he or any other that did not make the accompt thereof), shall pay to the comon box of this house, w'^'out redempcon, xx* also in the name of a penaltye or fyne." 1556. (2 and 3 Pliil. and Mary.) An act of common HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 79 council was this year framed for the purpose of preventing early marriages, which at tliis period had become very general in the city, and were supposed to be the cause of much poverty and distress. A copy of this act is preserved in an old book of orders belonging to the Ironmongers' Company, in hsec verba : — " At the comon councell lioklen in y^ iner chamber of the giivhle halle of y^ citte of London the xxvij^'' daye of September, anno 1556, before Sir Wiiim Garate, knyght, being then lorde mayer of London, and v*^ aldermen of the cittie aforesaide, among oder things it was or- denyd and estabhsshed as follo^yith: — Forasmuch as great povertie, penury, and hicke of livyng hath of late years followith by diners and sondry occasions, wayes, and meanes, rysen, growne, and en- creased within this citie of London, not only amongest the poore artificers and handicraftesmen of the same citie, but also amongest other citezens of such companies as in tunes paste hath lived pros- perously and in great wealthe, and one of the chiefest occasions thereof, as it is thought and semethe to all men who by longe tyme hath knowne the same citie, and haye had experience of the state thereof, is by reason of the oyer hastie marriges and over sone setting up of housholdes of and by the youth and young folkes of the sayde citie, which hath comonly used, and yet do, to marry themselves as sone as ever thay come oute of the\T apprentishode, be thaye never so young and unskilful, yea, and often tymes many of them so poore that they scantly have of there proper goodeyes wherewith to buye theire marriage apparel and to furnyshe ther houses with implementes and other thinges necessary for the exercise of ther occupations, whereby they should be able to sustayne themselves and theire family. And forasmuch as the chefest occasion of the sayde inconvenience is, as it is very evydent, by reson that dyvers and sundry apprentises, as well of the sayde arti- ficers as also of other citezens of the saide citie, are commonly boiuiden for so fewe yeres that theire tearmes of apprenticiallitie expireth and endeth oversone, and that tliei are therupon incontinently made fre of the said citie, whatsoever theire ages, disposicions, with discressions or knowledges of their artes or occupations be, to the great hinderaunce, losse, and inestimable slander of the sayde citie, and to the undoyng of a great noumber of such yonth, who other wise might a)id shonlde seme 80 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. very well in the common wcltli ; for remedy, stay, and reformation wherof it is ordained, enacted, and establyshed by the lorde mayor, aldermen, and commons, in this present common counsail assembled, and by authoritie of the same, that no maner of person or persons, from and after the feaste of all Saintes next commynge, shall be by any maner of wayes or meanes made free of the sayde cytie, or shall be receyved or admitted into the liberties and freedom of the same, by reason of apprentishod or redemcion onlye, untill shuche time as he and they shall severallye attayne and come to the age of twenty-four yeares, fully complete ; and further, be itt enacted, by auctoritie afore sayde, that no fre man or fre woman of this citie shall, from and after the said feast of all Saintes, take any apprentis or apprentises for any fewer yeares than for so many that every suche apprentise or apprentises, from and after the sayd feaste of al Sayntes, so to be taken, shall be of the full age of twenty-four yeares at the least before the expiration of the terme of the apprentishod of every shuch apprentise, upon payne that everie person or persons that, from and after the sayde feaste, shall take any apprentice or apprentices into his or tlier service that shall not be of the full age of twenty-four yeares at the least at the end of the term of the same his apprentishode, as is afore said, shall forfaitte or lose £20 to the use of the mayor and commonalti and citezens of the saide city, to be recovered in the name of the chamberlayn of this citie for the tyme being, by byll, playnt, exaction of debt, to be commensed in the Lorde Mayor's Courte within the sayd citie, wherein no essoine or wager of law shall be amited or allowed for the partie defendaunt ; and for the just triall and true knoledge of the very true aege and aeges such person or persons making sute or petition to the lorde mayor and his brethren the aldermen, or to the chambarlain of the sayde citie for the time being, and his successours, to be made free of the saide citie from and after the said feast of al Saintes next comming after the date hereof, be it ordayned and enacted, by the authoritie afore said, that the said chamberlain and his successors for the tyme beyng shall not only do his best diligence, by inspection, to discerne the aege of every such person, but sliall also examine and appose the master and masters of every such person so to him and them brought and presented to be made free of the said citie, and als such of the wardens and as- sittauntes of every company or felowship that shall ioyne Avith the master or masters that shall make any such presentments of any person HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. SI or persons to him or tliem straytely upon tlier otlies made unto the sayde citie when they and every of them did fyrst enter into the fredom of the same citie, to declare to him or tliem as much as in them heth the perfect and true age of every suche person beinge presented to be made free as afore sayde, and be it further ordayned and enacted by autho> ritie afore said, that the chamberlain of the said citie for the time being, and his successors, shall at all tynies hereafter truely, diligently, and effectuallye execute, observe, and kepe, for his or their parte and partes, this preasent acte and ordinaunce in every poynt, upon payne of for- feiture for every his or tlieyr offence in that behalfe, to the use of the mayor and cominaltie and citezeus of the said citie, and of ther suc- cessors, the same alwayes to be recovered and optained by action of debt, to be commensed in the King and Queues Maiesties Court com- monly called the Lorde Mayer's court within the sayde citie, in the name of y^ Lorde Mayer of the said citie for the tyme beinge, in which action no wager of lawe or essoyne shall be admitted or allowed for the defendaunt. Provided always, that this act, or any thjmg therin contained, shal not in any wyse extende, or be hurtfull, or prejudicial, at any time hereafter, to any person or persons nowe bound apprentices, or to any woman or mayden that shall be justly intituled to have or enjoy the liberties and fredom of the sayd citie, by reason of service or other wyse, but that they and every of them shal be receved and admitted into the fredome of the said citie, from tyme to time, in such forme and manner to al intentes and purposes as they or any of them should or oughte to have byn admitted if this act had never byn had or made, anything in this act mencioned or contained to the contrary notwith- standing." — Ancient Book of Orders, fo. 35. ' 1556. The Hall was assessed in the sum of £40 " for setting on work the work-folkes in Bry dwell." 1558. The privileges granted to the Ironmongers' Company by the charter of Edward the Fourth were this year confirmed by an inspeximus charter of Pliilip and Mary, dated at Westminster, on the 20th June, and in the 4th and 5th years of their reign. " Paide more to the Quenes Ma*^^ for a fyne by the iudgement of the Lorde Chauncelor for the allowing of o*' corporacion, graunted Iiy King G 82 THE ironmongers' company. Edward the iiij. vnto this Company, the some of x" iiij^ iiij"^, for which some of moiiy we be confyrmed vnder the Kyng and Quenes great seal, as may appear at h\rge." In the same year the Company advanced the sum of £666 ISs. M. for the service of the crown, being their proportion of the compulsory loan le\ded on the city for the piu'pose of enabling the Queen to prosecute the Prench war, wliicli terminated to the disadvantage of the English, and witli the loss of the town of Calais, after it had been possessed by this country for two hundred and ten years. *' Prom this period," observes Herbert, " the extracting of money from the trading corporations became a regular source of supply to Government, and was prosecuted during Elizabeth's and the succeeding reigns with a greedi- ness and injustice that scarcely left those societies time to breathe." — " Specie in their hands," as Malcolm ob- serves, "had the faculty of attracting clouds of precepts ; and whatever the companies were compelled to lavish the crown was ready to receive."* 1559. (1 Eliz.) The Ironmongers sent forty-two men in armour to the May-game that went before the Queen's Majesty to Greenwich. Fosbroke, in noticing these games, says, "The accounts of the May Games are imperfect, and of such different origins as to require a fresh deduction. The first kind is not so precisely a relic of the Ploralia as of the Maiuma celebrated at Ostia, instituted by Claudius, and grafted upon the Eloralia. Constantine suppressed them through licentiousness. They were revived by Arcadius and Ilono- rius upon condition of good conduct, but again abolished. Evelyn condemns the custom of erecting May-poles, as * Herbert's Livery Comp. i. 119; and Malcolm's Londinium Kediviviuii. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 83 being often destructive oi' fine straight trees, and says tliat Anastasius, the emperor, introduced it in order to abolish the Gentile Maiuma at Ostia, when they were allowed to transfer an oak or other tree of the forest into the town, and erect it before the doors of their mistresses. But the May -pole is also adorned with garlands of flowers. These are the rami coronati of Apuleius. The May-maid, decorated with flowers and ribl)ons, is the undoubted repre- sentative of Flora, the ' Mille venit variis florum Dea nexa eoronis ' of Ovid, and transformed into Maid Marian Avhen mi- micry of Robin Hood was added to the games among ourselves. But that popular robber was certainly not the ancestor of the king or lord of the May, for such an appointment occurs abroad. Indeed, a king or master of the ceremonies was appointed in all festivals, sports, &c. Elephants, kids, rope-dancers, and other buffoons were introduced in the Boman Eloralia, and this accounts for the substitution of the hobby-horse and morris-dance." Stowe says, " In the month of May the citizens of London of all estates generally in every parish, and in some instances two or three parishes joining together, had their several Mayings, and did fetch their May -poles with divers warlike shows, with good archers, morrice-dancers, and other devices for pastime all day long ; and towards evening they had stage-plays and bonfires in the streets. These great Mayings and May-games were made by the governors and masters of the city, together with the tri- umphant setting up of the great shaft or principal May- pole in Cornhill, before the parish church of St. Andrew, which was thence called St. Andrew Under- shaft." * * Survey of London, p. 80. See also Strutt's Sports and Pastimes, 353. g2 84 . THE ironmongers' company. One of the first events in the reign of Elizabeth, as connected with the Ironmongers' Company, is an Act for the preservation of Timber, by limiting the conversion of it into coal or other fnel for the pm-pose of smelting iron : — Anno primo REOiNiE Elizabeths. For the avoiding of destruction and wasting of timber, be it enacted, by our sovereign lady the Queen's Majesty, the lords spiritual and temporal and the commons, in this present parliament assembled, and by the authoritv of the same, that no person or persons hereafter shall convert or employ or cause to be converted or employed to coal or other fuel, for the working of iron, any timber tree or timber trees of oak, beech, or ash, or of any part thereof of the breadth of one foot square at the stub end, growing within fourteen miles of the sea, or of any part of the rivers of Thames, Severn, Wye, Humber, Dee, Tine, Teese, Trent, or any other river or creek or stream by which carriage is commonly used by boat or other vessel to any part of the sea, upon pain of forfeiture for every such tree or any part thereof so employed or converted to coal or other fuel for the making of iron, as is afore- said, forty shillings of lawful money of England ; the one half of all which forfeiture to be to our sovereign lady the Queen's Majesty and her heirs and successors, and the other money to him or them that will sue for the same by original writ, bill, plaint, or information, wherein no essoin, protection, injunction, or wager of law shall be admitted or allowed. Provided always, that this Act shall not extend to the county of Sussex, nor to the weald of Kent, nor to any of the parishes of Charl- wood, Newdigate, and Leigh, in the weald of the county of Surrey. This Act to begin and take effect from and after the feast of the Nati- vity of Saint John Baptist next coming after this session of Parliament. — Statutes of the Realm, 1 Eliz. cap. 15. 1560. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor, requiring the Company to furnish "xxiij. hansom men, well and hansomely armed, and x. whiffelers, to go with them to (feaching) ye Queenes Maigeste." HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 85 The term wliifB.ers, according to the lexicographer Bai- ley, was first given to the players on the whiffle or fife ; but he then adds this definition, — "a young freeman of London that goes before the companies of London in pid:)lic processions." The accession of a Protestant monarch, and the changes consequent on that event, and likely, in time, to arise out of it, induced the Ironmongers, it would seem, to seek a renewal of their privileges ; for we find that on the 12th of November in this year they obtained from Elizabeth an inspeximus, confirming the charter recently granted by Philip and Mary. Some of the items of expense in 1547 would lead us to suppose that they contemplated a similar measure on the accession of Edward the Sixth ; but that King having agreed to treat with the civic companies for the release of their chantry lands, was probably deemed a sufiicient admission and confirmation of their several cor- porate rights and capacities. The Ironmongers' Company at this period exercised an extensive control and supervision over their ovm. trade, and were empowered to fine, and otherwise punish, all persons who sold or set forth for sale any goods or mer- chandise of an inferior or deceptive character. The fol- lowing extract exhibits a charge preferred against Clement CornewaU, one of their own body, in 1561, for having in some way been concerned m an ofience of this description. " At a quarter court holden on the 20th day of June, in this year, Thomas Taper came and comphiyned against Clement Cornwayll, and thare hroughte in John Stubbes and WilHam Kyrkham, for witnesses on his behalf, in the matter in contencon, w'^^ John Stubbs declared howe that about iij. yers past he was at Lewes faire, and thare dyd see a saruant of the said Clement in a standyng in the favre in a trash- maker's boothe, and asked liym whose man he was, and he sayd he was therewith the trashinaker for the faver tyme ; and the said William 86 THE ironmongers' company. Kyrkham declared here, that at the said tyme he was at the sayd fayre, and came to the botlie w*"'* was wont to be the standynge of the said Clement, and asked a young man ther being whose man he was, and he sayd Mayster Cornewall's ; and he asked hym if this were his maysters ware, and he sayd no, but he was there w^^' Etheringe, the trashmaker, to help hym for the faire tyme." At a Court on the 8tli August following was read that " acte of aparell sette owte by my lord mayer ; and apoynted for dcAv execucyon of the same are these psons following, to stond tyll the pewryefycacojais of ou'" Ladye next : — John Bill, A¥illiam Page, William Jackman." This Order of Court refers to a proclamation of the Queen concerning the wearing of apparel contrary to the Act made in the 8th of Henry VIII. and another relating to the same subject passed in 1 and 2 Philip and Mary. September 20. xvij. persons were appointed to be in " redynes on mygellmis yeayn next, in their beste ly every, and being forid with thare hoodes to the same, to wayte upon Mayster Sherj^e, and euery p'son failing to attend to pay into the comon box of the fellowship, xl^ 1562. At a Com-t holden the 27th day of May, toucli- ing the order for the election of Master, it was ordained as follows : — " Fyrste, it is agreed at this Corte that the ij. wardens at the dyn'-^ (at suche tyme as the wafers shall be saruid in), shall rise to goo owte, and then shall come in w*'^ the garlande for the mayster only, in the chef wardens handes, w"^ the mystrell before them, and the bedell, and makyng their obeysance to the mayster, shall delyu'' hym the same gar- lande ; and there shall remayne and attend by the maister, till the mayster hathe assayed the garland vipon the heads of such of the most worshipfuU as he shall thinke mete, and then the mayster to receive it againe, and set it on his owne head, and then the wardens to depte, the garland remayng still on the oldmayster's heade; and immedyately the wardens to come in again, w"' the mynstrolls and bedell before tJiem, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 87 either of them having his garhmde on his head, and on to bare a cup before tlie cheif warden, and to goo ones about the house, and after obejsaunce made, the chief Avarden to take the cup and dclyu"^" yt to the olde mayster, and the: the mayster to take tlie garlande of fronr.. his head, and sit it on the newe mays- ter's head, and then the maister to take tlie cup and drinke to the new mayster ; and after that the wardens, after dew reuence, to depte to say (assay) their garlands as they shall thinke mete, and then to goo oute, and to come in again w*^ the m3'nstrells and bedell before them w*'* tlier garlands on ther heddes, and either of them hauing his cup brought before him, and to goo twice aboute the house ; and then the chef olde warden to goo and sett the garland upon the new chef warden's lied, and to take his cup and drinke to hym, and to deluy*" the same cup to hym, and likewise the younger warden to set his garland upon the other new warden's hed, and to take his cup and drinke to hym, and delyuer hym the same cupe, and then bothe of the olde wardens to syt downe in their places, where thaye came ffrome." It was further ordained at the same Court " that whereas the dyn*" hath heretofore been used to be kept upon the Sondaye next after Trynitye Sondaye, that the dyn'" shall from henceforth be kept upon the Monday seven-night after Trynitye Sonday, that is to saye, the Mondaye next after y^ olde accustomed daye : and that the yemondrye, as well househoulders as others, must be warned to be at the hall upon the sayd Monday, in their best arraye, as they have bene accustomed to be heretofore upon the Sondaye, for to offer at the churche as afore- time eusid." The figure introduced in the margin is a fac-sitnile from a pen-and-ink drawing in the Ironmongers' Register-book of 1578, and probably represents one of the characters which were introduced on festive occasions, for the amusement of the company. 88 THE lEONMONGERS COMPANY. The garlands Avorn by the master and wardens on their entering upon ofl&ce consisted of a fillet of velvet, about three inches wide, padded, and lined with silk, and orna- mented with the arms and crest of the Company, engraved on small silver or iron plates, and enamelled in their proper tinctures. A set of such garlands, one of crimson and the other two of green velvet, evidently of considerable antiquity, is still in the possession of the Company, but the custom of placing them on the heads of the newly-elected master and wardens has been long discontinued. The ceremony, however, of croAAiiing the prime warden and his associates on their accession to office, is still observed by the Pish- mongers' Company, and probably by several of the other city companies, nor is this usage of the olden time by any means devoid of interest. In the History of the Carpenters' Company lately pul3lished,* is engraved a set of these crowns or garlands, Avhich are still used on the. election of master and wardens. They bear the date 1561, and are different from those of the Ironmongers', the fillet having a cap attached to it, quartered Avith a band of stronger material, and a tassel at the top, so as to exhibit somewhat the appearance of an old ducal coronet. * An Historical Account of the Worshipful Company of Carpenters of the city of London, hy Edwnrd liasil Jnpp ; Load. 18-18, p. 21'2. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 89 Aug". 8. "A general sessment was made throughout the whole Company, as well the clothing as the yemanry, for the charge of xix. souldiers, appoynted to be found by them." 1564. The right of the Company to regulate all matters connected with their trade, and before alluded to, is fiu'ther shown by an order which they passed this year, at the instance of the yeomanry, respecting the sale of nails. At a quarter courte, liolden the morrow after Saint Marke's day, being the xxvj*'' day of Aprill, 1564. Imprimis, it is agreed at this courte, that, where the yeomanry of this Company have exhibited a supplication to this Company to take order that such of this Company as sell but v'''' nayles to the c. may as well in this citie as at faires and marketts sell six score to the c, according to concience, and as they ordinarily do buy, as by the same supplication appereth ; and thereupon it is fully agreed by this Company, that if any of this Company do sell any najdes under yj. score to the hundredth, either in this citie or at any faire or market, at any tyrae hereafter, that then eury suche offend'" shall, for the first offence committed contrary to this order, for- feite and pay to the use of this Company iij^ iiij'^, and for the seconde offence contrary to this order vj^ viij^ and for the third offence, and eury tyme after, shall pay to this Company tenne shillings. 1565. A precept was issued by the Lord Mayor, re- quiring the Company of Ironmongers to contribute the sum of £75 10s. towards the building of the new Burse, which sum was assessed in the follo\ying manner.* * Books of the Ironmongers' Company. — See also extracts from the Records of the City of London, printed by the corporation, citing " a booke concernynge the newe Burse intended, which shall declare the charge that the cittie and cittezens thereof sustayned and bare for th'obteynynge of the soyle thereof, and the names of every cittizen that contributed towards that charge, and the somes that every of them haithe contributed, and other necessary matters worthie to be had in memory. Written the xiiij. day of Sc])tomber, anno do- mini 1506, in. the tynic of Sir IJichard Champion, maior." 90 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. Mr. Alderman Draper, x^ Will"' Pen^-father, xx* Mr. Alderman Chamberlyn, x'' Jolm Style, xx'' Mr. Alderman Avenon, x^^ William Plasden, xxx* Olyver Fisher, xx^ Thomas Browne, iiij'' Robert Easte, xx^ John Carre, iiij" Peter Whalley, xx^ Edward Bright, iiij'^ William Chapman, xx® William Dane, v'' Robert Waynman, xx* Anthony Gammage, iij" Jolm Dunne, xx^ Richard Morrys, iij^ William Skidmore, x* William Page, xxx* Robert Gooding xx* Jolm Hill, XXX® John Atkynson, x® Robert Cowche, xx* James Harvy, iiij^ William Roo, xP Richard Vallance, xx* On the iTth February in the same year, a " Precept or Commission," was received from the Lord Mayor for the simi of IxxY^* to be levied for the provision of wheat for the city. No entries are so numerous in the Ironmongers' Books as precepts for this particular purpose. Herbert informs us that the first recorded instance of the com- panies being compelled to assess themselves for the supply of a store of corn was in the mayoralty of Su' Christopher Yerford, 1521, previous to which time the expense was maintained by " loans and contributions from the mayor and aldermen, and sometimes from the citizens."* That this method was in some- degree uncertain there can be no doubt. Hoger Achilly, mayor in 1502, complained in his time that there was not a hundred quarters of grain in all the city garners together, including the public granary at Leadenhall. It was, therefore, we may reasonably con- clude, with a ^dew to obtain a sufficient and more regular supply of corn that the several crafts and mysteries were made chargeable in this business. * Herbert's Livery Companies, vol. i. p. 133. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 91 15G6. A " sessment " was made for a benevolence of xxx" towards building the new Burse, and in the month of July the Company was commanded to equip and prepare three soldiers for the Queen's service in Ireland, whose armour and weapons were to be of the value of " iiij^' x^dj' x'^, and their clothing of Hampshire watched * karsey, garded with yallowe woollen cloth." The Ironmongers' books of this year present us with a long ac- coiuit of the preparations which were made for the mayoralty of Sir Christopher Draper,! who was a member of this Company. These entries are the more inte- resting as recording, in all pro- bability, the first detailed account to be met with of a regular Lord Mayor's show. The origin of these gorgeous exhibitions, in the opinion of Mr. Paii'holt, X is to be sought in the customs and ceremonies of the Low Countries. " The ancient processions of the trades of Antwerp," he observes, "furnished us with the proto- types of much of the pageantry formerly exhibited in the early mayoralty processions of London ; for the suni- larity between them is too striking to be the result of accident." In the middle ages, Flanders might be justly * Watchet, " blue." t Sir Christopher Draper, Lord Mayor 1566, grandson of Thomas Draper, of Flintham, in the county of Nottingham. Arms : Quarterly, 1. Argent, on a fesse between three annulets gules, a mullet between two cups covered or. 2. Argent, on two chevrons between three escallops sable six martlets or. 3. Ermine, on a chief azure three lions rampant or. 4. Ermine, a fesse cheeky argent and sable. — Visitation of London by Robert Cook, Clarenceux, a" 1568. I Lord Mayors' Pageants, by F. W. Fairholt, Esq. F.S.A. (printed for the Percy Society,) p. 14. 92 THE IRONMONGEIIS' COMPANY. considered as the grand emporium of the workl. Its manufacturers and merchantmen, by the steady perse- vering- industry of years, raised themselves to a level in wealth and power mth their lords. The Hanseatic League the splendid palatial hotels-de-ville, and the wealthy and powerful merchant-princes that arose, attest the ultimate importance attained by the guilds of the country. "These merchantmen were not mere money-making spe- culative tradesmen. Possessed of a princely revenue, they indulged a cultivated taste, and cherished no mean love of learning. The Medici family may be cited as noble ex- amples of this feeling. A tjargo of Indian spices and Greek manuscripts frequently formed their importations, and to a member of the body of their fellow traders, the Mercers' Company of London, we are indebted for the introduction of printing to this country — the best importation it ever received. Caxton was a ' conjurye ' or sworn freeman of that company, having served his apprenticeship to one of its members, Robert Large, who was mayor of London in 1439, and it was probably as an agent or factor for the company that he left England for the Low Countries, and there obtained his knowledge of printing. A love of study and taste for books was felt by many others of his com- pany ; for the mercers of those days, being general mer- chants, frequently had commissions for them, and appear to have much encouraged the new art after its introduction. Sir Thomas Gresham was much entrusted also, and Bur- gon's Life of this eminent man will furnish the reader with a full idea of the important position then held by a ' mer- chant adventurer,' and these are not isolated instances." 1566. At a Court the last dale of September, 1566, the following proceedings relative to the approaching pageant took place : — HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 98 At my lorcle elect's liaiid in'^ to enquire liowe we shall liaue o'" aun- cient, and what coUers we shall give in it. Agreed w*^ John Candishe, habberdassher, the xxx^^ dale of Sep- tember, a° 1566, that he shall furnishe the ffoiste in all points as here- after follow eth : — Imprimis, he to paie the charges of xx*^ ores and the men to row them, w* ij. trompeters, a di'om and a flute ; xvj. bases, whereof viij. double and viij. single ; squibbes sufficient for the tjme, w*'' all thino-s well paynted and trymmed accordingly, w* twenty pavases ; and the said John Candisshe to be paide for the same tenne poundes. Item, he must haue ij. ells of sarsnet for his cassock, and tenne shil- lings in mony for his hose, and a night cap of silke, and a skarf. Item, to the m'" of the foist and the gonner, eche of them ij. ells of sarsenet for their cassocks, and eche of them a skarf and a night cappe. Item, to the di'om and the flute, eche of them sarsnet for doubletts and skarfis, and night cappes of satten of Bridges, and the cappes to be drawen out w**^ w^hite and redd ; and John Shingwell to be auncient- bearer in the foist, a flag w* the queen's amies for the mayne toppe, a flag of the red crosse for the foretoppe, two long streamers, one for the mayne toppe and the other for the foretoppe, two auncients for the pope or baste. Item, a pece of buckeram to be provided for pendents, ij. half barrels of gonnepowder for the foist, iiij. dozen of javelins, Cxl, chambres, and twenty-eight yeomen as whifflers. — Court Book, p. 52. Item, it is agreed that Richarde Sharpe, wax chaundelo^', shall deliu'' viiij. dozen staff" torches, euy torche to be of waxe, an elle in lengthe, and att xv^ the dozen. It'm, it is agreed that Robert Dromslade * and his auncient and flute shall haue allowed them xviij* a-pece for their fui'niture of apparell, their doubletts to be blewe, and their scarffs white and redde. Item, it is agreed that Mr. Warden must provide iiij. dozen of I'ed cappes for the torche-bearers. It'm, agreed w* Hugh Watts and Xpofer Beck that they shall * Robert Dromslade. Robert the drummer : vide Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, by .James Orchard Halliwell, Esq. F.K.S. Lend. 1847. 94 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. imini i'f'Jli'' II hi til /I'M 1,1 '/.'!' "'l fynde us two woodmen,* w* clubbes, squibbes, and powder, and all other necessaryes, and that to be done in all respectes as hath byn accustomed, and to be paid for the same xxxiij" iiij*^. October 1st. Richard Baker, painto'" stayno'', in the psence of this courte, was agreed w* all for making of the pageant w*all, and all manner of things incident to the same, as well the carpenter and paynter's worke, except the children and their apparel ; and for his pajmes therein to have the some of sixtene pounds, and if it fortune him to be a loser at that price, it is agreed that he shall have xP more ; and for confirmacon of this his promise the same Richard Baker hath hereunto put his hand. R. B. * Our engraving represents a green-man or woodman, a conspicuous character in all pageants. It is copied from a work entitled " The Mys- teries of Nature and Art, in four several Parts. The first of Water- works : the second of Fier-works (teaching most plainly and withnll most exactly the composing of all manner of fire-works for tryumph and re- creation) : the third of Drawing, Colouring, Limning, Paynting, Engraving, and Etching : the fourth of sundry experiments. By John Bate. London : Printed by Thomas Harper for Ralph Mab, 1(535. Third Edition, with many additions." HISTOEICAL EVIDENCES. 95 At the same p'sent tyme John Tailo'", schoole m'' of the children of Westm'", is also agreed w^all for vj. of his children to serve in the foresaid pageant, as well for the speeches as songs ; and for his paynes in that behalfe to have the some of xP : and for pformance hereof the same John Tailor hath put to his hande the same day and yeare abovesaid. J. Tailee. Agreed with William Gressam, joyner, for the making of v. dozen and two scutchjms, euy of them to be in length xix. ynches, and in bredeth above and beneath xij. inches of assise, and he to have for euy one of them viij*^ a-peece, but for the twoo odde scutch^ms he must have nothino-. And Harrie Dawstes, paynter stayner, is agreed w* us for the paynting of V. doz. and two scutchyns in armes, such as we shall appoint him ; and he to have for euy one of them xij'' a-peece, and euy one of them to be laide in oyle. Harrie Dawstes. There Avere also appointed " to serve for bacliellors sixteen members of the Company, who were habited in gOA\Tis furred mth foynes, and coats or cassocks of satten, and crymssyn satten hoodes. Thirty other bachellors in gowns furred with bonge, and coats or cassocks of satten or damaske, and also crymesyn satten hoodes." And lastly, there were twenty-fiTe persons of those " that be no bachel- lors." These all subscribed various sums towards the expense of the preparations, amounting together to 63/. 11^. 8^. Then follow the names of such as were appointed to wait on the pageant. The stewards for the "bachellors' " breakfasts ; such as were to oversee the " trymming of the foist, and to receive from the lieftenaunt of the ordjninance iiij. dozen javelins, iiij. partizans, one hundreth and thi'ee score chambers, and also to prepare vj. di. barrells of gon- powder, and to see the chambers placed as hath been accustomed." 96 THE ironmongers' company. Also " Mr. Morley to provide a gonner to sliotc of the orclynaunce at the several places, as hath byn accustoinecl." And finally, it was appointed what plate every man should lend " for the maior's feast, and that every man shall bring his plate to Mr. Alderman Chamberlen's house on Sonday, the xxvij. of this month (October), between twoo and three of the clock in the afternoone, upon payne of forforture of v" a-pece for default ; and there is appointed to receive and wey the said plate of every man's, Will™ Plasden, Peter T\^ialley, and W" Chapman." Here followith the payments and charges paid and disbursed by me Will"" Rowe for S'" Xpofer Draper, knight, now Lord INIaior, his maveraltie : — Imprimis paid to Thomas Bullock for pa} nt- ing of sondry banners and streamers, as hereafter folio weth : that is to say, ij. longe streamers of crimesyn taffety scenet . v" — — Item, xxiiij. trompet baners, at iij'' iiij'^ thd pece . . . . . . . iiij" — — Item, one banner of my lord maior's armes . Item, one banner of the queues armes Item, for paynting of iiij. pavasses, at iij** iiij'' a-peece ...... Item, for x. dozen and a half of small pendents painted ....... Item, for paynting iij. longe bamier staves . Item, for mending of oldebann's and streamers Item, for making and sowing of two red crosses, to ij. longe old streamers . Item, V. Avayte banners, at iij^ the pece Item, paid towardes the exhibicon of Bolloks son's scole ...... xx Item, paid to William Gresham Joyn\ for Ixij. skochens, at viij'^ the pece . . xl' xv'' iij^ iiij'' xiij** iiij'' xvij« vj'i uf iiij'' iij** vii)'^ ij^ — xv^ — HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 97 Item, more for iiij. pavtisses at xx*^ the peece vj" viij'^ Item, paide to Richard Baker, for the devise and makinge of the paggion . . . xviij" — — Item, paide to Walter Bro^^^le, for porters w^ carryed the pagent, and hoggeshedes to reste the same uppon, smidrj tymes . xhx'' — Item, paid the target pajaiter by Algate, for pajaiting of the skochings . . . iij'' iiij^ iiij^ Item, paide to Thomas Geyles, in Lomberd streate, for apperrell lent for the children . in the pagent . . . . . v^^ x^ — Item, paide to James Pele, for seven paire of gloves for the children in the pagent, six- pence a paire ..... iij' vj*^ Item, paide to the goodman of the Bell, in Carter-lane, for breckfast on Tuesday morninge, and for fire in the chambre where tlie children were apparelled . xiij'' viij*^ Item, paide to the prjoiter for printing of poses, speches, and songs, that were spoken and songe by the children in j^ pagent . v^ — Item, paide for a dozen of lynkes . . iij^ iiij*^ Item, paide for drinke for the children at the Bell in M}nshing-lane . . . viij*^ Item, paide to a man that went to West- mynsterfor Mr. Tailo'", and set the qnishens from the Bell in Mynshynge-lane . . iiij* Item, paide more to Mr. Pele, for his devise and paynes in the paggent . . . xxx^ — Item, paid to Mr. Hill, Iremonger, for settinge up a frame of tymber to set the pagyent on iij^ iiij"^ Item, paide for two peces of girth webb . xiiij*^ Item, paid for one paire of latten ballence . viij* Item, paide to Goodman Cave, joyner, for the setting upp the pagent in our hall . x' — Item, paid to John Candyshe, capteyne of the foyste, for his paynes, and trymmynge the same foyste, the some of . . . x'^ x' 11 98 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. Item, to John Donne, Iremonger, for ijc lb. of gonne powder, at vj*^ lb. . Item, more ij. hiindredth weight at liij^ y^ C. Item, more one hnndreth weight at Item, more ij^ weight of powder at Item, for canyinge javelyns to the Tower . Item, to a porter for carrying y^ powder Item, paide to Robert Drume, Ricliard Oker Phighte [i. e. the Fife], Thomas Aper, and John Shingwell, both auntient bearers on land and in the foyste, for their wages, after xviij* a-peece .... Item, to . . . Lee, Iremonger, for three short suff clothes, azor bleves, y* in lengthe 23, 231, and 231, at the water at v" x^ the clothe ...... Item, xiij. yardes azure bleve, sufF cloth, redy dreste, at v* iiij*^ yarde . Item, one short clothe, azor Item, paide for one short suff clothe, bought at Blackwell hall, redy dreste, and is in length 25 yardes ..... Item, for dressinge iiij clothes before written Item, paide for seven yardes qr. di. red Briges sattans, to make ix. paire of sieves, for the ix. poore men of the Company, at ij' '-^f } ,"arde Item, paide for the makinge the ix. paire of poore men's sieves, at ij*^ y*^ paire . Item, paide for makinge of xlvj. gownes of bleve cloth for the poore, w*^ the ix. that the poore of the Company had, at x"^ the pece ....... Item, paide to Edmond Chapman, for iij. dozen of white staves for the wyffelers, ij. long pooles for the new stremers, and j. poole for my lord maior's banner of armes, all iij' xvj^ xvj^ XIJ Xlj» x^" XXXV* XV' lUJ iiij' vj'^ob. xvnj' xxxvnj* nij' Viij* vj*^ HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 99 Item, paicle for xviij. staves for the smalest banners in the foyst, iiij. longe and iij. smaler, to hange the stremers in the foyste ....... vj*" j*^ Item, paide for j. pece of boockerham red, and for v. yardes yellowe and blewe boockeram, for all . . . . . xij® ij*^ Item, paide for foure yards iij. qrs. red bookeram for the cross jojaied to the stremers to the foyst .... vj^ vj'^ Item, paid to Mr. Dane for iij. ells iij. qrs. wliite holland clothe for stremers in the foyste ....... V* vj'^ Item, paide Mrs. Fryer, for fruige and cruell for mendmge the stremers for the flaggs and ma^aie top of the foyste . . . iij* iiij*^ Item, paid for black tape to the banners and staves to the foyste, for a taylo'' to do the same, and mende the stockes of the ban- ners xviij'i Item, xij. ounces of silke fringe to the stremers and trumpit banners . . xlij* — Item, paide for vij. dozen of red silke po}aits, and flfive dozen lether poynts for the trumpeters and their targets, for all . xx** Item, for vj. yardes of red silke rybben, for gordylls to the mussissions, at . . xvj Item, paide to a tailo"" for makinge ffive cassocks of say, for the musissions, at . V* — Item, paid to Thomas Hawle, in reward for his V. men, musissions, all . . . xxv* — Item, paid for a kylderkyn stande of ale, sent into Blackewell hall, for suche as tendyd on the pagent .... iiij* — Item, paid for ij. new rowlers for the new stremers to be rowled upon . . . viij' Item, to tlie wayt players before my lorde, h2 100 THE IKONMONGERS' COMPANY. for the p'pairinge of red cappes for them- selves ....... X* — Item, paide to Robert Sadler, for iiij. dozen and vj. red cappes, at xvij* the dozen . iij" xv'f — Item, paide to ]\Ir. Bright, for a quit-rent due to Saint Bartholomew, for the house in the Poltre ..... ij" vj'' Item, to Hewe Watts and Xpofer Beckes, Wadwardes, or Ivemen, in rewarde of their paynes ..... xxxiij^ — Item, to John Mawpas and Thomas Liste, gonners, on the lande, for their wages . iiij'' x^ — Item, to John Whitridge, for his halfe jeres wages, due by the Company . . . xx® — Item, paide to John Atkinson, for the Bach- ellers brekefaste at Powell's wharf . . iiij" — — Item, paid to Mr. Alderman Drap, by the handes of Mr. Anthony Gammage, one of the wardjaies for the Company of Ire- mongers, towardes the trymyng of my lord Mayor's house, the some of . . xx" — — Item, paid to Arthur Skerlet, and Henrye Reve, m*" trumpiters, for the whole com- pany Item, paide to the company of waits, by the handes of Thomas Comen Item, paid to Richard Sherpe, Avaxchandeler, for 22 dozen wax torches, at xv* the dozen . . . . Item, payde to John Tailo'', nV of the qiii- rysters of Westmynster, for his childrene Item, paide for the makinge and lynynge 25 nyght cappes, blewe Bridge sattan Item, paide to Mr. Harvey, for yc chargs at Stokemede house ..... Item, to Ellys Gryifyth, m'" of the Com- pany's barge ...... Item, payde more to him for grene rysses . ^viij'i — — xxvj^ viij8 10. HISTORICA.L EVIDENCES. 117 the Queens Majesties most loving subjects having daily from all parts of the realm to repair unto the same and the places abovesaid. For remedy whereof, be it therefore enacted, by the Queen's most excellent Majesty, the Lords spiritual and temporal and the Commons of this present Parliament here assembled, &c. that no person or persons, from and after the feast day of the Nati^-ity of Saint John the Baptist next coming, shall convert or employ, &c. to coal or other fewell for tlie makuig of iron, or of iron metal, in any iron-mills, furnace, or hammer, any manner of wood or underwood now growing, or which hereafter shall grow, within the compass and precinct of two-and-twenty miles from and about the city of London or the suburbs of the same, or within two-and-twenty miles of the river of Thames from Dorchester, in the county of Oxford, downwards the said river of Thames, nor within four miles of the foot of the hills called the Downs, between Arundel and Pevensey, in the county of Sussex, nor within four miles of any of the towns of Winchelsey and Rye, nor within two miles of the town of Pevensey, nor within three miles of the town of Hastings, in the said county ; upon pain to forfeit for every load of wood so to be employed or converted into coal or other fewell for the making of iron or iron metal as aforesaid, forty shillings of lawful money of England, &c. Provided always, that this act shall not extend to any wood growing, or to grow, in any such parts of the wealds of Surrey, Sussex, or Kent, within the said twenty-two miles of the said city of London and the river Thames, as is distant above eighteen miles from the city of London and eight miles from the said river of Thames. And be it likewise further enacted, that, from hencefortli no new iron works shall be erected within twenty-two miles of the said city of London, nor within fourteen miles of the river of Thames, nor within four miles of the Downs aforesaid, or of the said towns of Pevensey, Winchelsey, Hastings, or Rye, upon pain of one hundred pounds of lawful money of England, &c. Provided also, that this act, nor any thing therein contained, shall not extend to any woods or underwoods now standing or growing, or which hereafter shall stand or grow, in or upon any lands of Christopher Darrell, gentleman, in the parish of Newdigate, within tlie weald of the county of Surrey, which downs of the said Christopher have heretofore been and be by him preserved and coppised for the use of his iron- works in those parts. 118 THE IRONMONGEUS' COMPANY. Another act Avas passed in the 27th of this reigii : — For the preservation of Timber in the wealds of the counties of Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, and for the amendment of Highways decayed by carriages to and from iron-mills there. This act sets forth that, whereas by over great negligence or number of iron works which have been and yet are in the wealds of the counties of Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, it is thought that the great ([uantity of timber which hath grown in those parts hath been greatly spoiled and wasted, and in a short time will be utterly consumed, if some remedy be not provided. And then enacts, that no person, from and after the feast of Easter next, shall erect in any place within the said counties any manner of iron-mills, furnace, finary, or blomary, for the working or making of iron or iron-metal, other than either upon such old and former bayes or pens whereupon hath lately been or at the time of the new erection shall be then standing some iron-mills, furnace, or hammer, or else in or upon such lands as the party so erecting any such intended new works shall continually furnish the same with a sufficient supply of wood standing and growing upon their own proper soil or land, bemg to him or them in fee simple, &c. ; nor shall convert or employ to coals for the making of iron, &c. the bodies of any sound timber-trees apt for making good and sufficient cleft wares, or sawing timber of oak, ash, or elm, of the breadth of one foot square at the stub or any part of the body ; upon pain of forfeiture for every such iron-mill, &c. so erected the sum of three hundred pounds, and for every body of every such tree, &c. forty shillings. Provided always, that the tops and oflFals of all such trees within the Avcalds of Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, the same not being within eighteen miles of London, or eight miles of the river Thames, or four miles of the towns of Rye and Winchelsea, or within three miles of Hastings, or ^\'ithin four miles of the hills called the Downs between Arundel and l*evensey, may be converted into coal for making oi' iron, &c. And for the amendment of the highways it was enacted : I'hat the occupiers of all manner of iron-works, &c. wliicli shall at any time hereafter carry any coals, mine, or iron, between the 12*'' day HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 119 of October and tlie P* day of May yearly, shall likewise carry and lay for every six loads of coals or mine, as well as also for every ton of iron Avhicli shall be carried by wain or cart, by the space of one mile, through any highwaycs under the liills, commonly called the North Downs of Surrey and Kent, to or from any iron-works — one usual cart-load of sinder, gravel, stone, sand, or chalk, meet for repairing the said high- ways, under the du'ection of a justice of the peace ; or to pay for every such load which so ought to have been carried ij^ vj*^, to the hands of the said justice of the peace. — Statutes of the Realm, 27 Eliz. cap. 19. Eveljoi, who characterises iron- works as a national evil, refers to these enactments of Elizabeth, and expresses his clesii-e " That the exorbitance and increase of devouring iron-mills were looked into as to their distance and nmnber near the seas or navigable rivers ; and what if some of them were even remov'd into another world ; 'twere better to purchase all our iron out of America than thus to exhaust our wood at home, although (I doubt not) they might be so order'd as to be rather a means of conserving them. There was a statute made by Queen Elizabeth to prohibite the converting of timber-trees to coal or other fuel for the use of iron-mUls, if the tree were of one foot square and gromng within fourteen miles of the sea or the greater rivers, &c. 'Tis pity some of those places in Kent, Sussex, and Surrey, were excepted in the pro\dso, for the reason express' d in a statute made 23 Eliz. by wliich even the imploying of any underwood as well as great trees was prohibited mthin twenty-two miles of London, and many other navigable rivers, creeks, and other lesser distances from some parts of Sussex downs, Cinque ports, havens, &c. " But yet, to prove what it is to manage woods discreetly, I read of one Mr. Christopher Darell, a Surrey gentleman of IS'udigate, that had a particular indulgence for the cutting of his woods at pleasure, though a great iron-master ; because he so order'd his works that they were a means of 120 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. preserving even his Avoods, notwithstanding those unsa- tiable devourers. Tliis may appear a paradox, but is to he made out ; and I have heard my o^vn father (whose estate was none of the least wooded in England) affirm that a forge and some other mills to "oiiich he fiu'nished much fuel were a means of maintaining and impro\Tng his woods ; I suppose by increasing the industry of planting and care, as what he has now left standing of his own planting, enclosing, and cherisliing, in the possession of my most honoured brother George Evelin, of Wotton, in the same county, does sufficiently evince, a most laudable monimient of his industry and rare example, for without such an example, and such an application, I am no advocate for iron- works, but a declared denouncer." * Again, he remarks, " He that should deeply consider the prodigious waste which these voracious ii-on and glass works have formerly made but in one coimty alone, the county of Sussex, for one hundred and twenty miles in length and thirty in breadth (for so wide and spacious was the ancient Andradswald, of old one entii'e wood, but of which there remains now little or no sign), would be touch'd A^-ith no mean inchgnation. Certainly the goodly rivers and forests of the other world would much better become our iron and saw mills than these exhausted coimtreys, and we prove gamers by the tmiely removal. I have said this already, and I cannot too often inculcate it for the concerns of a nation whose only protection (imder God) are her wooden walls." f Pm-sidng the same subject in the 30th chapter of his Sylva, Evelyn has the follo^Adng passage, sternly ex- * Evelyn's Sylva, p. 209, ed. 1670. t Ibid.' p. 2lV.. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 121 pressive of his abhorrence of iron-works : — " I will close this with an instance which I greatly value because it is transmitted to me from that honourable and noble person Sir Ed. Harley : ' I am ' (says he) ' assured by an inquisi- tion taken al)out 300 years since, that a park of mine, and some adjacent woods, had not then a tree capable to bear acorns ; yet that very park I have seen full of great oaks, and most of them in the extreamest wane of decay : But my own trees are but chips in comparison of a tree in the neighbom-hood, in Avhich every foot forward, one mth another, was half a tun of timber. It bore five foot square forty foot long ; it contain' d twenty tim of timber ; most of it sold for 20' per tun, besides that the boughs afforded twenty-five loads of fuel-wood; this was call'd the Lady Oak. Is't not ^ntty such goodly creatures should be devoted to Yulcane ? ' &c. So far tliis noble gent., to which I would add ' Dirse,' a deep execration of iron-mills, and I had almost sayd iron-masters too — " Qiios ego ; sed motos praestat componere." The earliest entry of the acts and ordinances of the Iron- mongers' Company in a collected form, occm-s in the year 1498, in a small vellum foho, in wliich, at page 24, is the follo^\ing memorandimi : " This boke was bought and or- deyned in the yeare of our Lord M.cccc.lxxxxviii. and the xiii. yeare of the regne of King Harry the VII. to the intent that almaner act and ordinances now made or here- after to be made concerning the craft and ffeloship of Ironmongers of London, and also the last wills of tlieyni that bynde us to eny obites, or furthermore bequeath unto us any jewels or money, all hooly to be herein written." * * Several passages in this book have been carefully erased ; they probably referred to certain Roman Catholic rites and observances, and were obliterated after the Reformation. 122 THE IRONMONGElts' COMPANY. These acts and odinances are as follow : — Ke\ping of the and fcst, wlierin is set forth the )iianer and fourme of holding of this high and excellent fest, at thende of which dvner or fest the wardens shal present a maister and ij. new wardens w'^ tokens of garlonds on their heds, aft'" ye forme and man*" accustomed. The eleccon of the maister and ij. wardens. To charge the new wardeyns, and to chese auditors. Noo wardeyns shall take upon theym to purvey or bye eny clothing or lyvry for the said felaship without agreement of the hole fela- ship, or ells the ousight of iiij. sufficient persones of the said felaship, such as by them shalbe assigned, which iiij. persons so assigned, or iij. of theym at the leste, shall goo w'^ the wardeyns, whether it be to drapers shoppe citezens or strangers at Blakewelhalle ; and if they accorde or condescend to bye any cloth for lyvry, the forsaid iiij. psones so assigned shalbe present and have parfite knowleche of the price of every yerde cloth so bought, and also to be assistent at the mesuring of every pece clothe. And after the price of the cloth is thus knowen and undcrstond the iiij. persons aforesaid shalle aloughe to tlie wardeyens for euy yerde clothe after the rate of the first, beying iiij'i. in recompens for their laboure and coste done about the same, and in alowance of a gowne cloth for the bedell, and also in releving of other charges and costes that happes to falle for the dyner or otherwyse above the styntyd and paymentes rated in these actes comprised ; provided alway, that the paymentes of euy pticular persone assigned to the dyner is for the man ij% and for the wyf, if she be att the dyner, xij''. Also it is enacted, tliat, forasmoclie as it is convenient and worsliep- full, and also used in craftes of worsliippe, to have doubell clothing, therefore they wille that the wardeyns for the tyme being shall renewe the clothmg after y^ course of euy iij. yere, so the clothing be renewed euy iij. yere, and that to be doon agenst the upon which fest the feloshippe have enacted to holde their principal assemble and for their princepal feeste. Every person to receve the clothing provided, or to forfeit xP to the comyn box. Any warden acting contrary to the above regulations concerning the levery or clothing, to forfeit to the connnon box x'' without re- dempcion. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 123 Any member failing to attend at the hall or any other place, being warned by the warden to do so, to be fined iiij*^, and for further neglect viij'* ; but on showing, upon oath, good cause for their absence, to be excused ; notwithstanding if it be found by notarie proof that he or they have forsworn themselves, then each person so offending to forfeit vjs yiijd without pardone. The wardens failing to attend any meeting which they have ap- pointed, to forfeit to the common box ij^ When the fellowship appear in their clothing, if so be that there appear xiij. persons in clothing besides the ij. wardens, then the master and wardens shall raise no fine on them that be lacking, except in the iiij. qtr. courts. Any member refusing to pay such fines and penalties as may be set upon him by the authority of the whole fellowship, shall pay to the comon box xx^, and if he refuse to pay the same the warden to have full power to distress for double that sum ; and if he then refuse to sufter stresse, the master and wardens, with certain of the felashippe, shalle compleyne upon liym unto the ]\Iaire, or ells pute hym utterly oute of the feloshippe. No person of the said feloshippe, maister, covenaunte servaunt, ne prentice, shalle revile, dispise, fallse, ne lye other of the same felashippe in violence, upon suche paynes as the wardeyns wol sett upon him ; and if defaulte be found in any housholder, to pay xx^ at the leest ; and, if default be found in the servaunte, after the discressions of the master and wardens. No member to sue a brother for debt without leave of the wardens for the time being. The whole felaship being warned, though only xiij. members besides the warden be assembled, they shall be competent to make such acts and rules as shall to them seem most expedient. Every apprentice before the end of his terms shall be presented to the wardens, and there be sworn to the feloshippe after the ordinance and custom in this case provided, and shall pay to the comon box xij'' ; any master making his apprentice free at the Guylde halle before so presented shall forfeit to the comon box xx*. Any apprentice having served his time well and truly till the next quarter court afore the end of his indenture, his master shall do hym to be sworn to the felaship^), for every maister is svvorne at the Guylde 124 THE ironmongers' company. hall to make his prentice free without any eost or charge to the prentice. Any straunger or foreyir desiring to be made free of the craft of Ironmongers to pay to the common box as the wardens, with the advice of iiij. creditable persons of the clothing, shall think right. The wardens once in every two years at least to search all manner of weights and measures that be used m the same felashippe, and when they find any default to levy fines at the discression of the master and wardens. Every man of the felashipp to susteyne their comyn officer in executing the commaundmentes of the warden. The whole body of the felashipp, as well out of the clothing as in the clothing, to appear iiij. tynies in the yeare at the foure principal courts, and these iiij. courts ben ordeyned alway to endure to Goddes pleasir principally and to redresse the maters that be not wele used, and to kepe pece and gode rewle among us. And he that hath a cause to compleyne of eny wrong or hurt done unto hym at the same court or courts, to compleyne, and at the same court or the next court to have his ende after the weightyuesse of the mater ; also at the said courts to have all apprentices after they be enrolled, then at the next court to be presented ; at the same courts all acts and ordinances to be redde, that men may the better know them. Pi'ovided always, that the master and wardens shall for needful purposes set other courts, but in no wyse the wardens shall forget these iiij. coiu'ts aforesaid. And at the said courts the members are to pay their arrearage money that of old custom hath been used, the master xij'^, that is or hath been wardyn viij*^, all in the clothing after vj'\ and the yeomanry to pay by theym- self iiij*^ every quarter. And also the wardeyns shall not see the yomenry decay, but every yere to haue one new maister chosen to the olde, according to theire graunte, in pain the wardeyns to lese each of theym xx^, and not to forgete to mynystre rightewseness and mercy togider in al maters pticuler and genl all to Godd's worshippe. Every man of the felashippe shall enroll his appi'entices in the Guild hall within the fii'st yeare, and present them at the first or second court afterwards to be registered in our comon boke. No person in the felashippe shall take noon apprentice excepte he haue sewertie and bonde for him in c'' sterling and he may, and yf he may not he' sliall take a bonde of ('' at least ; and shall take rioon HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 125 apprentice under the age of xiiij. years, and for no lesse terme tliaii X. yeres, except it be his first apprentice taken for necessitee, and for him he shal ax Hcence of the wardeyns. Also, eny man that hath eny apprentice shalle araye him or theym in such wise, that it be no dishoneste to the crafte, but resonable and honest, that is to say, for the hooly dayes shone, hos^m, gowne, doblett, shirtis, with other necessaries, soche as may be conveniently hole and clene, with chaunge, and on the weekday soche as may be honest and profitable to kepe hym from colde and weto, and ye shall not sufFre his here to growe to long." In the 23rd of Elizabeth, the acts and ordinances of 1498 were revised, and certain other rules being added thereto by the master, wardens, and commonalty of the Ironmongers' Company, they were examined and approved by the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice, and the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. In the year 1590, the rules and ordinances of the Yeo- manry were in like manner revised, and afterwards examined and confirmed by the same legal authorities ; but since that period several of these enactments, both of the livery and yeomanry, have fallen into disuse or have been modified to suit the altered condition of the time, and will be again referred to in a subsequent part of the work. 126 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. CTES and ordinances made by the maister, wardens, and co- nijnaltie of the mysterye or arte of Ironmongers of Lon- don, for the better rule and government of the same com- pame in peace, quietness, and good order. Examined and approved by the Right honor- able Sir Thomas Bromleye, knight, Lorde Chancellor of Englande, Sir Xpofer Wraye, knighte, Lorde Chief Justice of Englande, and Sir James Dyer, knighte, Lorde Chief Justice of the Queenes Ma*^ Coin on Pleas, accordinge to the forme and effecte of a certaine sta- tute or ordinance made in the pleament holden at Westm'' the fyve-and-twenteethe daye of Januarje, in the nyneteenthe year of the raigne of oure late soveraigne Lorde KinG;e Henrve the Seventhe. No metinge adjudged a Court unless thirteen per- sons of the lyverye besides the twoe wardens be presente. - '> -^ /^ L Luprimis, it is ordered and agreed that noe callinge, yT- I / j metinge, or assemblie togethers of any of the citizenes ""^ and fremen of the misterye or companye of L'emongers, shalbe denied, adjudged, or taken for a courte, unless at suche assem- blie or metinge togethers there shalbe presente thirtene persons of the lyverye of the said company, besides the twoe wardens of the saidc companye for the time beingc. The nomination of the maister and sixe persons of the lyverye, Avhereof twoe to be elected wardens for the yere following. 2. Item, it is further ordered and agreed that the maister and war- dens of the saide companye for the tyme beinge shall from henceforth yerelyc in the month of April call and warne a courte of the lyverye of the said ffellowship[) for the tyme beinge. At w^'' courte shall be named sixe of the most sufficient psons of the lyverye of the same com- HISTORICAL EVIDENCES, 127 panye as to tlie freemen of the saide lyverye or companye then being- assembled for that purpose, or the more parte of them, shalbe thought most expedient and mete to be maister of the same fellowshipp for the yere followinoe. In w*^^* courte allsoe there shall be named by the said persons soe assembled, or the more parte of them, sixe psons of the lyverye of the said companye, such as shalbe thought by them most meete and liable to beare and sustayne and execute the office of warden of the said fellowshipp of Iremongers for the yere ensuinge ; off which sixe persons so to be named, the wardens yerelie for the time beinge, on the Mondaye next ensuinge the feaste of St. Peter the Apple, shall name, cluise, and electe twoe persons as theye sliall and will awnswere for to be wardens of the said fellowshipp for the yere following ; who, being so named, elected, and chosen as aforesaide, shall from thence- forthe contynewe and execute their said offices of warden for and by the space of one whole yere then next ensuinge, and noe longer. A Courte whereat the newe wardens shall be sworne, and auditors named for the old wardens accompte. 3. It is also ordered, that, within fourtene dayes next after the saide Monda3'e nexte ensuinge the saide ffeaste of St. Peter the Apple, the saide maister, with the wardens that then weare for the next yere be- fore, shall cause a courte to be holden and kept by the lyverye of the saide companye or ffellowshipp, at which courte the said wardens then newly elected as is aforesaide shalbe sworne for the juste and due execu- tion of theire said office ; and at the same courte the said companye, w*'* the more part of the said psons assembled, as is aforesaid, five or sixe with the newe wardens then elected, as js aforesaide, shall be named auditors of the accompte of the wardens for the yere then last passed ; and that, within one monethe nexte after the said courte, the said war- dens for the yere before shall bothe make their accompte and also cause and procure theire dischardge for and concerninge the same, uppon payne to lose and forfeite to the use of the saide companye the some of twentie pomides of curraunte Englishe moneye, " All psons elected wardens refusing the same to pay a fyne of xV\ "4. Allso it is ordered and decreed, that if any person or persons of the saide companye, being, accordinge to the order above saide, elected and chosen to be warden of the saide fellowshipp, refuse to take, have, 128 THE ironmongers' company. and execute the said office, shall forthwithe, upon everye such refusal, give and pave for a fyne, to the use of the saide Compauye, fortie poundes of lawful! moneye of Englande, tenne pounds whereof shall be given to the wardens that then shall be next afterwards elected and chosen, as before is expressed, take yt upon them to serve the year fol- lowino;e, and the residue for and to the use of the saide fellowshipp and compauye, without any pardon or redemption to be had or made for or concerning the same. The fower Quarter Courts. 5. And moreover, it is ordayned and established that the wardens of the saide compauye for the tyme beinge shall, in everye yere wherein they are wardens, duelie warne, or cause to be warned, fower quarter courtes (that is to witt) : — The firste courte to be holden and kepte the next working daye after the daye called Jesus daye. The second courte to be holden the nexte workeing daye next after the daye called Allsoules daye. The thirde courte to be holden the seconde Tewsday next after Twelve daye. And the fourth courte to be holden the next workmg daye after St. jNIark's daye, upon payne, either of the saide wardens to lose and forfiet for every defalt therein had or made, and to be paide at the time of the saide accompte, the some of twentie shillings, unless some greate and especiall cause shall happen to the contrarye, and by a court shall be so adjudged and allowed ; to all and everye of w*^'^ said several courtes the Avliole ffellowshipp and com- pany of the said lyverye shall be duelie and orderlie warned, if they shall be in London, or near thereabouts, and maye come or make their repaier ; at w*^'' saide courtes, to be holden and kepte as aforesaide, each freraan of the said lyverye or fellowshipp shall paye, or cause to be paide, his, their, and every of their quarterage moneye, as shall be accustomed, viz. — every pson that hath ben maister sixteen pence quarterlie, suche as have bin warden t\A'elve pence the pece a quarter, and the rest of the clothenge every of them nyne pence the quarter. Any, having wronge, to complayne and have redress. 6. And yf anie pson or psons shall find himself greved, or have any cause to complaine of anye wronge or injurye to him or them done by anye of the said ffellowshipp, that then, at all and everye the same fower quarter courtes, the same their and everye theire griefes and HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 129 complaints shall and may be preferred, and suclie consideration therein had and used, as the cause shall reasonablie requier ; and that all and everye the same griefes and complaints so preferred shall and maye receive such speedie ende and determination as shall seem to stand and be agreeable w*^ lawe, justice, and equitie, by the said psons so assembled, or the more parte of them. All Acts and Ordinances to be redd. 7. And it is likewise ordered, adjudged, and decreed, by the psons aforesaid, that in all and every the said fower courtes to be holden and kept as is aforesaid, all and singular their pnte ordinances and rules, thought meet and convenient for the better rule and government of the said Companye, shall be openlie and publiquelie redd in the presence of the said psons then assembled, to the end that every pson having or knowing the same may the rather keep, and cause to be kept, the same, to the honor and glory of Almighty God, and the good contmuance of the same mysterye, and the freemen of the same. All persons not commg to the fower Quarter Courts to be fyned. 8. And yf anie pson of the lyverye of the same fPellowshipp, having reasonable warning, shall faile or make defalt in coming to the said fower quarter courtes, or any of them, by the hours to be assigned by the officer, whether m the forenoon or the afternoon of any day here- after to be assigned or appointed as is aforesaid, that then all and every person and persons, having reasonable warninge, makinge de- faulte and havino- not some lawful and reasonable excuse for his absence which shall be by a courte allowed, shall lose and forfeit to the use of y« said companye twoe shillings for every default. The Yeomanry to appear and pay their Quarterage, and War- dens of them to be yerelie chosen. 9. And it is also agreed, that all the persons that are or shall be free of the yeomanry of the said companye shall likewise appear to pay their quarteredge, by fowr pence the pece a quarter, at the fower several times accustomed, upon payne, every of them making defalt, to lose and pay to the use of the said companye, for every such default, twelve pence, and that the wardens of the lyverye of the said com- pany for the time being shall aide and help the wardens of the yeo- K 130 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. manrj, in all causes reasonable, when anie of the saide yeomanry, con- trary to anie ordinance granted, and in their book written, and by a courte allowed, shall happen to be infringed or broken, and also that the A\ardens of the yeonianrye shall and may be yerelie chosen and contynewed in all tilings as before this tyme hath been used and accus- tomed, according to theire graunte, in payne the same wardens to lose each of them twentie shillings, to the use of the said companye. Every person sent for by the Wardens of the Lyverye, for not appearing Avithout lawful excuse, to be fyned. 10. And it is further ordered and decreed, that yf the wardens of the said lyverye for the tyme bemg shall send for anie of the ffellow- sliipp, either in the cloathing or out of the cloathing, to appear at the hawlle, or at anie other place or places w*^in the liberties and pcincts of this citie of London, for anie matter, pticular or generall, that in case he or theye so warned by the common officer come not at or be- fore the hour assigned, that then all and every the same persons so making default shall loose and paye to the use of the saide companie twelve pence ; and if he or they come not at the second t}mie for the which he or they shall be warned, that then he or they so making default shall lose and forfeit to the use of the said companie tlu'ee shillings and four pence ; and not coming at being thrice sent for, to give and pay to the use of the said companie fyve shillings, except some good and reasonable excuse shall be to the contrary thereof; and if he or they so absenting take upon them to excuse themselves, main- taining or affirming, by the oathe they have made tO'the saide ffellow- shipp, that their excuse is not fayned, but true, that then he or they that so shall excuse themselves shall be thereupon pardoned and dis- charged of their said fynes for such offence ; howbeit, it is fm'ther ordered, that if it be found contrary by proof that his or their excuse is not true, that then and from thenceforth he or they that shall so make anie untrue excuse shall loose and forfeit to the use of the said company twentie shillings without pardon. Anie warned to anie Court besides the Quarter Court, and unless he be warned for some special cause, not to' be fyned if it be a full court at the hour appointed. 11. Provided always, and it is ordered and agreed, that when it shall happen the ftellowsliip to be dulie warned to apperc in their HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 131 clothinge for tlie holding or keeping of anie courte, at anie day, time, or place other than the said fower quarter courts before specified, if there appear a competent number at the hour appointed, that is to say, thirteene psons of the lyverye, besides the twoe wardens, that then the maister and wardens shall not set anie fines on them that shall happen to be lackeing, unless they be warned for some cause for the which they shall have some chief or speciall warning to them given, anie order to the contrary thereof in aniewise notwithstanding. Anie noiated to be Steward by the Wardens refusing, to pay xK 12. And it is furtlier ordered and decreed, that it shall and may be lawful to and for the wardens for the time being of the said company, and their successors, from time to time, as need shall require, to name and appoint such pson and psons of the said Company of Iremongers, as to them shall seem expedient, to be steward of and for the said com- pany ; and if it happen anie person so to be named to refuse or deny to take and execute the said office of steward, that then every such person so refusing or denying to take and execute the said office, for such his disobedience shall give and pay to the use of the said companye, for a fyne, the sum of tenne pounds of lawftil money of England. None to revile or abuse anie other of the Companye in miseimlie terms.. 13. Also it is fui-ther ordered and decreed, that noe person of the saide ffellowshipp, that is to say, neither maister, covenant servant, nor apprentice, shall revile or abuse, or in unseamelie woordes or termes, any other of the same fl'ellowshipp, in displeasure or violence, upon such payne and punishment, to be lost and forfeited to the use of the said companye, as the maister and wardens of the said companye for the tyme beinge, or twoe of them, at anie courte to be kept, shall as- seasse and awarde for the same. None to sue or molest anie other of the Companye without lycense. 14. And it is further ordered and enacted, that none of the said companie shall sue, molest, or trouble anie other of the said misterie for any jjrivate thing, matter, or cause whatsoever, without licence of the wardens of the same company for the time being, or one of them, first had and obtained, upon payne to lose and paye to tlic use of the k2 132 THE ironmongers' company. said company, for every detalt and offence contrary to tliis order, twentie shillings of current English money, so as he may have an end of this matter Avithin one moneth next after snch license required, ac- cording to law and justice and by consent of the ^ties. If anie of the Companye owe money to another of the same, upon complaint to have redress, or licence to sue elsewhere. 15. Also it is ordered that, if any of the said fellowshipp owe money to any other of the same fellowsliipp, or committ towards him or them any trespass or offence, that then they and every of them that so shall find him or themselves greved or hurt, shall complayne to the wardens of the ly verye of the said company for the time being ; and then it is ordayned that they Avithin convenient tyme shall either compound and fynish the matter between them or else geve the plaintiff licence to sue elsewhere, as to himself and his learned counsell shall be thought most mete. ■ Liberty at everye Courte to make actes and ordinances for y® government of the Company. 16. Also it is ordered and decreed, that albeit the fellowshipp at anie tyme hereafter shall be fullie warned by their officer to appear, that yet in case the wardens with other thirteen psons of the fellowshipp in the cloathing, whereof six at the least to be of the assistants, viz. those that have been wardens, doe appeare, that then they shall and may from tyme to tyme have full authority to make such acts and ordinances for the onlie rule and government of the said company in peace, quietness, and good order, being not contrary to the laws and statutes of this relm, nor any order or decree herein expressed, as by them shall be thouoht expedient and mete. None to take any apprentice for lesser term than that he shalbe twenty-four years old at the expiration of his term. 17. And, moreover, it is ordered that no pson or psons of the said fellowshipp shall take any apprentice for fewer years than that the same appntice shall and may be of the full age of four-and-twentie yeres at the expiration of his term of apprenticehood, upon payne that every pson or psons making default therein shall lose and forfeit to the use of the said company ffyve })ounds. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 133 Every pson taking an apprentice shall enrole liiui in the Guikl- hawle within the first year, upon payne of lO.s. 18. And it is also ordained and decreed by the fFellowshipp and cor- poracon of Iremongers aforesaid, that every of the said ffellowshipp that taketh any apprentice shall enrole him in the Guildhall w*''in the first year at the furthest, according to his oath ^ and if any man be found guilty, and that he or they enrol not their apprentice as is aforesaid, shall lose and forfeit to the use of the said Company of Ironmongers, for every appntice not enrolled within the first year, 10s. Every appntice to be presented at the second Court after the first year of his enrolment, upon pain of 10s. 1 9. Furthermore it is ordained and decreed, that every of the fellow- shipp aforesaid, although it so be that the master or masters have en- rolled their apprentices wMn the first year according to the said act and old custom, that yet, nevertheless, the saide master or masters, upon pain to lose and pay to the use of the said company ten shillings' shall present their appntices at the next court next after the same first year of his inrolment, or at the second court to be holden at the furthest next after the first year, and there the name or names of the appn- tices to be registered in the common book for that purpose belonging to the company, with their own hands, if they can write, and if they cannot write, he or they to desire some to write for hiin or them that so cannot write, and his master to bring his indenture with him to see when he was enrolled, and the same master or masters to pay for every such apprentice so presented" w*'4n the time aforesaid two shillings and six pence to the use of the Company and Fellowshipp of Iremongers. Every apprentice to be made free shall be first sworn to y^ Company. 20. Also it is ordered and agreed, that every appntice, before the end of his term, or that he have his freedom, shall be presented to the war - dens of the ly verye of the said company for the tyme being, then and there to be sworn to the fellowsliij)p, after the ord'nance and custom in such case pvided and used, and. over that to pay for his oath, to the use of the said company, twelve pence ; and if any man take upon him to make any of his servants free at the Guildhall or he be })resented and sworn to the said fellowshipp, shall lose and pay for every default tlierein, to the use of the Company of Iremongers, twentie shillings. 134 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. Every apprentice w*^** hath truly sei'ved his term to be sworn to the Company and made free, except for some offence mani- fested to the Company by his master before the end of his term. 21. Moreover, if any appnt*'® have served his term well and truly till the next quarter court, his master shall cause him to be sworn to the fellowship, and so to be admitted free into the said fellowship, although he brino- him not to the Guildhall before his term be fully expired, except the master complain and bring in a bill of his faults to the mas- ter and wardens at the aforesaid quarter court next before the end of their indentures and terms. And if all masters after this day bring- not in their bill of complaint before their appntice be sworn and free at the same court before the end of his years, shall lose and pay to the use of the said company twenty shillings. Every stranger or foreigner to be made- free of the Company, to pay a fyne. 22. Also it is ordeyned, that if any stranger or foreigner desire to be made free of the said mystery of Iremongers, that then he shall pay to the use of the said company the sum of twenty poundes, or less if a court shall so think it expedient. Search to be made by the Wardens once a year of all weights, measures, and wares. 23. Also it is ordered and decreed, that the .wardens of the said fel- lowship for the time being shall duly, once in every year at the least, and oftener if occasion shall require, search, see, puse all manner of weights and measures, and all kind and manner of wares, that be and shall be had, occupied, used, and sold by the safne fellowshipp, and every or any of them, that they and every of them be most true and lawful. And whereas they find any default, they to take, seize, break, and carry away the same, and every person so offending to for- feit the sum of forty sliillings, to the use of the said company, or less as the next court shall think the oflFence mete to pay. Every person to be admitted into the lyverye, to pay for his pat- tern 6s. 8f7. 24. Also it is ordered and agreed, that every person of the said com- HISTORICAL . EVIDENCES. 135 pany of the yeomanry, or others that shall be admitted to come to the cloathing of the said fellowshipp, as soon as he has received his pattern of his lyverie, shall pay to the use of the said compsiny six shillings and eight pence. Such decent apparel to be worn as the Wardens shall appoint. 25. And it is further ordered and agreed, that, as often as the ly- verye of the company shall be warned to assemble themselves, either to attend and waite on the mayor, or at the burial of any of the company, or for any other cause whatsoever, in any public place or assemblie, that then every of the livery, such as have been wardens of the same company, appearing yearly between the feasts of St. Michael the Archangel and the feast of the Annunciation of Our Ladie, shall have and wear their gowns faced either with martens or fo3aies ; and every person of the residue of the same lyverj-e so appearing shall have and wear their gowns faced with budge ; and the residue of the year in such manner as by the wardens of the same companv for the tvme being shal be limited and appointed, upon pain that every pson offend- ing contrary to the meaning hereof shall pay to the use of the said company ffortie shilhnges. Every person refusing to pay his fynes, to be committed to prison. 26. And furthermore it is ordeyned and decreed, that if any pson or psons refuse and will not pay such sum and sums of money as shall happen to be set or taxed upon them for any cause, special or general, or for any breach or nonperformance of any order contained in theis puts, that then he or they that so shall deny to pay, shall lose and forfeit to the use of the company (nomine poenas) twenty shiUings ; and if he or they eftsones deny to pay the same some or somes of money so taxed or set upon him or them, contrary to the intent and true meaning of these puts, then it shall and may be lawful to and for the wardens of the lyverye of the said company for the time being, and their successors, to commit such person so offending to prison, until he be found conformable, and shall have fully satisfied for the some or somes of money due, forfeited, or otherwise payable, by virtue of these orders or any of them, to the use of the said company. 136 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. The Wardens to require all somes fforfeited, or to answer the same. 27. And it is lastly further ordered, that if the wardens of the lyverye of the said company for the time being shall happen to be remiss or negligent to require and demand such sum and sums of money as by virtue of any order herein mentioned being broken or not observed shall be due or payable to the use of the company, that then and from thenceforth they the same wardens for the tyme being so negligent or remiss, shall stand and be charged as of their own proper goods to and with the same sum and sums of money so not required, and to be laid against them at the hearing of their account, which, before the clearing of the same their accompte, they themselves for such their remissness or negligence shall truly answer, satisfy, and pay to the use of the same company, any matter or thing to the con- trary hereof in anywise notwithstanding. In w'itness of all which premisses, and of the full examinacon and allowance of the same as before is mentioned, the said Thomas Bromleye, S*" Christopher Wraye, and S*" James Dyer, have subscribed their names and set their seals, this present sixteenth day of February, in the three-and-twentieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth, by the grace of God Queen of England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &e. T. BROMLEY, CANC. CRISTOFER WRAY. JAMES DYER. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 137 ^k:) CTS and ordynances made by the master, wardens, and coiltie of the misterie or arte of Iremongers in London, for the better rule and government of the yeomanry of the same company in peace, quietness, and good order, according to the auctoritie and power to them given in and by certain acts and ordinances exad and approved by the Right hohble S"" Thomas Bromley, knight, late Lorde Chancellor of England, Sir Christopher Wraie, knight, Lo Chief Justice of England, and Sir James Dyer, knight, Lo Chief Justice of the Queenes Ma*^ Common Pleas. First, it is ordered that all and everie pson and psons that are or shall be free and in the yeomanry of the said company, shall personally appear at the counnon hall of this companie, as well on the foure q*" dales for them appointed to be there kept, as also at all and everie other tyme and tymes that shall be assigned by the wai-dens, and knowledge to them thereof given by the officer, upon such paines and penalties as hereafter follows : — L Item, it is ordered and agreed that the foure quarter dales for the yeomanrie of this companie to mete together and appear at the said hall shall be kept, viz. the first quarter dale to be kept the 25th of Julie, being St. James' day, and when it falls upon a Sondaie then to be kept on the Mondaie followinge. 2. The second quarter dale to be kept the eighteenth dale of Oc- tober, bemg St. Luke's dale, and when it falls upon a Sondaie then to be kept the next Mondaie followinge. 3. The third quarter dale to be kept upon newe year's dale, but yf it fall upon Sondaie then to be kept on the IMondaie followinge. 4. The fourthe quarter dale the Wensdaie m Easter weeke; of everie w°'' dales the officer belonging to this company shall before hand geve warninge to all the yeomanrie inhabitinge in the cittie of London, or niglie about the same, and if any man so warned fail and do not come to the hall on everie of the saide foure quarter dales at the houre 138 THE ironmongers' company. that sliall be appointed, viz. tlirce o'clock in the afternoone in the winter tyme, and foure of the clock in the afternoone in the somer tjuie, shall lose and paie to the common box of the misterie of Iremongers 4f/. yf in case the door be shutt, and the residue of the companie set before his comino- ; and everie such pson and psons that shall faile and not come at all unto the said hall at everie the said quarter dales before lymited, shall forfait and paie i2d. w*^out pdon. And yf any soe absent shall refuse to paie the saide fyne, then the wardens of the yeomanrie shall put the name and names of every such pson and psons mito the m"" and waixlcns of the ly verie, to the intent they may be warned to appe before the companie at the next quarter coui-te or courte of assistants, there to be ordered as to them shall be thought mete and convenient. And everie pson of the yeomanry, at each of the saide foui'e quarter dales, shall paye to the wardens of the yeomanrie their quarterage money, that is to say, everie man 4d. together with suche fynes as shall be by them forfeited by vertu of this put acte, upon payne that everie such person as shall refuse eyther to paie their said quarterage money or their saide fynes, shall be by the auctoritie and previtie of the m*" and w^ardens of this companie committed to prison, or otherwise fyned and punished as to their good discretions shall be thought reasonable. And it is also agreed that the elder warden of the yeomanrie for the time beinge, by and with the advice and consent of the m*" and wardens of the lyverye of this companie, or some one of them, shall from hence- forthe yerelie at their quarter dale to be holden upon the Wensday in Easter week electe, name, and choose one of the most mete and able of the saide yeomanrie to beare and execute the office of warden of the saide yeomanrie the space of two yers together from the time of the said election, and the same person that shall so be named and elected warden of the yeomanrie shall at the nexte com*te holden by the m'", wardens, and assistants of the liverie, before them at the same courte take his corporal oathe for y^ due and just execution of his office, and on the same dale of election foure or sixe of the saide psons of y^ yeo- manrie shall, with the newe warden then elected, be named auditors of the accompte of the Avardens of y® ycomaime for the yere past. And foreasmuch as heretofore the wardens of the yeomanrie have not been at any great expence or extraordinarie charges out of their purse about the execution of their office, and therefore have the less cause to refuse the said place, it is agreed that if anie pson of the yeo- HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 139 manrie being, according to the orders above said, elected and chosen to be warden, refuse to take and execute the same office, shall forthwith upon everie such refusal forfait and paie for a f}Tie, to the use of the saide companie, ten poundes. Whereas in tjones paste, as it seameth, partly by the remissness or rather negligence of the wardens which have been from tyme to tyme of the yeomanrie of this companie, in calling for and gathering in such quarterage money, fynes, and other duties as have been due and pay- able by the freemen of the yeomanrie, and partlie for that the said wai'dens of the yeomamne have not yerely brought in and delivered to the maister and wardens of the lyverye of the companie the books of accompte of their receipts, nor yerely paide in the money in such sorte by them received, neither acquainted the said master and Avardens thoroughly with the arrearages that hath been behind unpaid, whereby, and by the want of the money that might have been collected if such slackness had not been used, a great loss hath gTown to the whole body of this companie, and they the more charged in particular on every ne- cessary occasion; wherefore, and for the avoiding of such inconvenience hereafter to ensue, it is orde^aied and enacted, at a courte holden the 27th of Male, 1590, by the m^ and keeps or wardens and coialtie of the said mistery, by and with the assent and consent of the whole body of the same, that from henceforth the wardens of the yeomanrie of this companie shall everie yere yerely, fourteen dales next before the dale appointed for the auditing of the m^' and wardens accompte of the ly verie, bring and deliver up in writings mito the said m'" and wardens of y^ ly verie, or one of them, all such some and somes of money, fjmes, and all other duties as they shall have received, collected, or gathered by vertue of their said office, and also the names or surnames of all such as remaui indebted to the company in any some or somes of money due to have been paid, and by them to have been received, which accompte shall be audited and approved by such psons of the yeomanrie as shall be from tyme to tyme appointed ; and upon every such deliverie of the said books of accompte truly to paie to the m'' and wardens, or one of them, for the time being, all such some or somes of money as shall ap- pear by the fote of every such account due or payable, soe as their ac- compte and payment thereon made may be inserted together with the accompte of the said m'" and wardens, and they therebie the bettor charged with the receipt of the surplusage, upon paine that the said 140 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. wardens of the yeomanrie, or such vi' thein as shall not duly obserxe this order, shall forfeit and pale to the said m'" and keepers or wardens and comltie and their successors, the some of twenty pounds of lawful English money without pdon. Then foUow Nos. 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, of the acts and ordinances confirmed in 1581, and before recited, with such alterations only as render them appli- cable to the yeomanry. And it is also concluded and fully enacted, that yf any ^son or persons of the yeomanry refuse and will not paie such somes of money as shall be taxed and set upon them by the master, wardens, and assistants of the liverie of this company, for any other matter, mulk, or taxe than is before expressed, then he or they that so denieth and will not paie the same shall paie to the common box of this company for a fyne twentie shillings ; and if it fortune that he or they yet denye and will not paye the same fyne, then the master and wardens of this company for the time being shall by their authoritie committ every such person to prison, or set upon them such furder paine, penaltie, and mulke as to the said m'", wardens, and assistants of the Hverie of this companie shall be thought convenient. Item, It is ordered that the wardens of the yeomanrie of this companie for the time being shall not from henceforth kepe at the said hall but two of th*" suppers in a yere, for every of the which suppers the wardens of the yeomanrie shall have allowance yerelie given to them, in every their accounts, after the rate of 33^ and 4*^, and not above. And this allowance to cease, and not to begin until the tyme of the mayoraltie of Alderman Rowe be past, or otherwise tolerated by a court of assistants. The concluding order of this document is the same ver- batim as No. 27 in the acts and ordinances of 1581, sub- stituting icardens of I he yeomcmry^ who stand, in like manner as the wardens of the livery, charged in their own proper goods for any negligence committed by them HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 141 in not demanding and collecting any sum or sums of money due and payable to the use of tlie Company. 1582. In this year the frequenting of theatrical amuse- ments was strictly forbidden to the junior members of the commercial body, by the following authoritative pre- cept : — By the Maior. These slialbe straightlie to charge and command you, that fortli- withe uppon the receit hereof you call before you all the freemen of your said companie, and give to everie one of them straiglithe charge and commandement that they or anie of them do at annye tj^me here- after suffer any of ther sarvants, apprentices, journemen, or children, to repare or goe to annye playes, peices, or enterludes, either w*^in the cittie or suburbs thereof, or to annye place witheout the same, uppon payne of everie Want so oifendinge, or m*' so suflPeringe, to be punyshed at the dyscretion of me and my brethren. Fayle you not hereof, as you will answer the contrarie at your pill. — Geven at the Guildhall, the iij. dale of Aprill, 1582. SEB^tlGHT. 1583. The following entries occur in the expenses of this year : — Paid M*" Robert Est, for burnte wyne and cakes, at the companies goinge to Westmin*" w*^^ my lorde mayor ........ v® — Paid for a kelderkyn of courte beere, and another of courte ale . . . . . . . . vj^ — 1584. April 23. At this court were appointed Hichard Morris and Rowland Lee, "to wear velvett coats and chains of gold to bring the soldiers into the field in the morning and to receive them at night to bring them home, w*" white truncheons in their hands." 142 THE IRONMONGEES COMPANY. 1585, Sept. 23. " At this courte a precepte, directed from the Lord Maior, towching the lotterie, was reade, and the rest of the Comp^ not present are like^dse to give their assent what they are willing to give towards the same." Sept 28. " It was agreed that m'' wardens shall make offer hut onlie of x" to he adventured towards the lotterie of amies out of the stock helonging to the hawle, and not anye one pryvate man to he either ceassed or charged for y^ same." 1586. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor " toucliing 960 Ihs. weight of gonnpowder to he houghte and procured of Henry Dale, when the court were all of one minde not to have or receve the same for seuall good consideracons them movinge." Dec. 1. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor directing that '* six or seven thousand quarters of corn he provided for the relief of the city in this time of extreme dearth, and that there he levied amongst the several com- panies, over and ahove such somes as they have heretofore dishursed for the prov" of corne and graine, two thousand five hundred pounds in ready money," whereof the Iron- mongers' share was two himdred and eighty-seven pounds ten shillings. The following particulars are given in the rules and ordinances respecting the provision of corn under the date of 1583 :— The wardens are to provide corn, and save the Com- pany harmless of all losses, " and, if any gam arise upon corne, they are to have the same w^'^out accompte to he ffiven." HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 143 1587. It was ordered and agreed that " all and euy pson or psons of tlie Company of Ironmongers of the seuall estates and condicos hereafter expressed, as well for the pro^dsion of four hundred q'' of corne, as also of all others to be provided at all tymes hereafter, shalbe taxed, assessed, and paye to the wardens of the Company as here- after folio withe, that is to say : — Euy pson now of the degree of an alderman, or hereafter shalbe, the some of . . . xvj'^ vj^ viij'^ Euy pson that is, hath, or shalbe m"" of thecomp-^", under the degree of an alderman . . . x'' — — Euy pson that is, hath, or shalbe warden of the lyverie . . . . . • . . vj'^ xiij' iiij'' Euy pson of the liuery not having been war- den . . . . . . . v'' — — Euy pson that is and shalbe of the yeoman- rye ........ xl^ — Those promoted to be Aldermen to make up the rate as above. If any plead disability, his imprest to be moderated. If any dye, his im- prest to be repaide, or if any fall into decaye. 1587. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor for three pounds six shillings and eight pence, " towards the satisfaccon of seventy-five pounds disbursed towards the charge of furniture of soldiers igv her Ma^^^* service in the Lowe Countries, more than was heretofore levied and paid by the seuall compa"'\" Nov. 6. A precept for the pro^dsion of four hundred and forty quarters of wheat. 1588, AprO. 19. A precept for five muskets, with good and sufficient rests, flasks, and touch-boxes. June 29. A precept for nine hundred and sixty pounds 144 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. of powder, being the fiill complement heretofore recom- mended to be provided. Whether this was fm-nished by the Company does not appear; but on the 20th of January, 1589, another precept was addressed to the citizens in her Majesty's name, for the supply of "xx. lasts of good 9vice- able gonpowder, of which the Ironmongers were to provide 1,920 lb." In expectation of the Queen's return to London for the winter of 1590, the folloAving precept was issued to the Companies : — By the Malor. These are to Avill and recommende you, that forthw*^ upon the sight hereof you take order that six fitt psons of yo"" said companye, well horsed and fournished w^ faire velvett coats and chains of golde, be in a redynes at Powles churche yarde at one of the cloke in ye after- none upon Satterdaie next to attend uppon me, the Lord Mayor, and Aldermen, to go to mete her Ma*'® att Parke corner, in such sort as heretofore hath been used ; whereof faile ye not, as you shall answer the contrarie at your pill. — Geoven the xij. November, 1590. Sebright. 1591. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor, reciting that at a common council on 16th of June instant it was enacted, at the request of the Queen's most excel- lent Majesty, that six ships and one pinnace should be furnished for the war, and that all the charges for provid- ing and victualling and manning the same for five months at sea, which would amount to seven thousand four hun- dred pounds at least, should be borne by and amongst the several halls of the city; and that the Ironmongers' propor- tion amounted to three hundred and forty-four pounds, which was directed to be paid in the manner set forth in the precept. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 145 1592. Sir William Roe, Ironmon- ger, and sheriff in 1582, was this year chosen Lord Mayor.* Arms : Argent, on a chevron azure, betTreen three trefoils slipped per pale giiles and vert, as many bezants, a cres- cent for difference. Harl. MS. 6860. 1594, May 9. A precept was read " concerninge the yeld}Tig of one third pte out of the gaine that doth growe to the compie by their adventure in the carricke f goodes towarde the buildinge of the peste-house." 1594. It was ordered that "400^', pcell of the moneye due to this company for the pts of the carique goodes, be put out to proffyt upon bondes, at the rate of ^dij^' per c. from sixe monthes to sixe monthes." | 1595. The wardens were directed to pay into the hands of the Chamberlain of London the sum " of xxv^', by waie of lone, towardes the foumishing of x. light horses and men for her Ma*'"^ service." Precepts were also received this * See a pedigree of the family of Row in the Biographical Notices. t This was " the great carrack " named the Madre de Dios, captured at the isle of Flores, on the 3d August, 1592. See a very interesting memoir on this subject by William Richard Drake, esq. F.S.A. in the Archseologia, vol. xxxii. p. 209. :}: " A statute of the thirteenth year of Queen Elizabeth, which was the first that tolerated the receiving of interest in England at all, restrained it to ten pounds per cent. ; a statute of James the First to eight pounds ; of Charles the Second to six pounds ; of Queen Anne to five pounds ; on pain of forfeiture of treble the value of the money lent. The policy of these regulations is to check the power of accumulating wealth without industry ; to give encourage- ment to trade, by enabling adventurers in it to borrow money at a moderate price ; and of late years to enable the state to borrow the subjects' money itself." — Paley's Moral and Political Philosophy, vol, i. p. 160. L 146 THE ironmongers' company. year for the supply of corn, and concerning tlie wearing of caps according to the statute of the 13th Eliz. Orders made by a Court on the 23 day of October, 1595, a° xxxvij" reg. Eliz. to be observed on the election day. Highe Table. — Imprimis, that the wardens for the tyme being- shall place the maister uppermoste at the highe table, next unto the aldermen, yf any be there ; and so manye as have bene maisters, and he that shalbe then chosen maister, and all their wyves (yf rome be for them), upon paine to lose fortie shillings a pece for faylinge in any of theis, w*out pdon. Provided, yf any be there of greate accompte, they shalbe likewise placed at the high table, yf there be rome, and so the companie in their degree till the table be fournished. Second Table. — Item, that at the second table the reste of the companie, w* their wives, that have beene wardens, shalbe placed in their degree. Tliirde Table. — Item, that, at the thirde table all the bidden guests remanyinge unsett shalbe placed at the descretion of the maister and wardens, and that after the firste messe shalbe served at the second table, the thirde table shalbe nexte served throughout, so for as it is furnished w* guests ; and then the second table shalbe last served. But 3^f there be no guests at the thirde table, then the second table to be served in order as formerlie hath bene used. Provided alwaies, that yf the maister and wardens shall bid more guests then maie be well placed in this order, soe as the companye have suifycient rome left them as before, then the maister and wardens to appointe a table in the ^lor, whereat shalbe placed all the women by themselves, and they to be firste served. All theis orders to be observed upon the penaltie before mencioned. 1596, Mar. 27. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor for the loan of £3,500, to he advanced hy all the halls, towards the " setting fortlie xij. shippes, two pynnasses, and xij c. men to serve in them. To he lent for one whole year upon securitie of the cities hond ; " the Ironmongers' proportion heing £172. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 147 Tlie year 1597 produced the usual demands for the supply of com, and a command from the Lord Mayor for enforcing more duly the Queen's proclamation against the inordinate excess of apparel. Tliis year died William Gomersal, a member of the Ironmongers' Company, who was buried in the chancel of Hillingdon chui'ch, Middlesex, where the folloTving in- scription to his memory is still remaining :— Here Iveth buried tlie boclie of William Gom'sall, late cittizen and Ireraonger of London, who changed this mortall lyfe the first day of Julie, in the year of our Lord God 1597, m fidl and pfect hope of a joyful resurrection, and left behinde him one sonne and two daughters. Arms, a chevron engrailed ermine between three dexter gauntlets ; crest, on a helmet and wreath, a hand in armour issuing from a crescent and holding a mace or battleaxe. 1598, Aug. 28. Under this date the following precept occurs : — By the IMayor. Whereas her Ma*'^* most gracious pleasure and requeste was lately signified unto me the Lord jMayor, th'aldermen my brethren, and the com counsell of this cyttie, by ires from the Right Hon. the Lordes and others of her Ma'^^^ Privy Counsell, that for the necessarie defence of this realme and suppressinge of the rebells in Ireland, her highness desire was to borrowe the some of twenty thousand pounds of this cittie, for the space of six monthes, upon her highness' bonde under the greate scale of England. In accomplishment whereof it was agreed, that the said £20,000 shalbe lente unto her Ma*^'' gratis for the sayd tyme required, and to be paid by all the seuerall companies of the cittie. The proportion of the Ironmongers' Company, £880, was accordingly taken up for six months at interest. 1600, April 9. At this Court it was agreed that, according to a precept received from the Lord Mayor, for L 2 148 THE ironmongers' company. the le-v'ying of xxix" vj* ^iij'^ imposed upon this Company towards a composition for the " pattente of the serche of oyle, sope, salt, butter, ^dnegar, hopps, and other tilings, to them w'" are mtercsted in the pattente from y^ Chandlers, and accordinglie it shall goe oute of the stocke of this haU." Monopolies. — " It was in the parliament of 1601 tliat the opposition whicli had during forty years been silently gathering and husbanding strength fought its first great battle and won its first victory. The ground was well chosen. The English Sovereigns had always been entrusted with the supreme direction of commercial police. It Avas their undoubted prerogative to regulate coin, weights, and measures, and to appoint fairs, markets, and ports. The line which bounded their authority over trade had as usual been but loosely drawn. They, therefore, as usual, encroached on the province wdiicli rightfully belonged to the legislature. The encroachment was as usual patiently borne till it became serious. But at length the Queen took upon herself to grant patents of monopoly by scores. There was scarcely a family in the realm which did not feel itself aggrieved by the oppression and ex- tortion which this abuse naturally caused. Iron, oil, vinegar, coal, saltpetre, lead, starch, yarn, skins, leather, glass, could be bought only at exorbitant prices. The House of Commons met in an angry and determined mood .... The Queen however with admirable judgment and temper put herself at the head of the reforming party, redressed the grievance, thanked the Commons in touching and dignified language for their tender care of the general weal, brought back to herself the hearts of the people, and left to her successors a memorable example of the way in which it behoves a ruler to deal with public movements which he has not the means of resisthig." — Macaulay's History cf England, vol. i. 64. See also Herbert's City Companies, vol. i. 157, who ([uotes a very scarce tract on the business of patent hunting. 1603. On the accession of James the Eirst, we find an order of court that there should he a new banner, with the King's Majesty's arms thereon ; and that the rails should HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 149 be made seven yards longer for the accommodation of the livery, who attended in their best apparel when his Majesty passed through the city. The Company were assessed in the sum of £17, being their proportion, for the full accomplishment and finisliing of the pageants prepared by the city on this occasion. James, in the second year of his reign, confirmed the privileges and possessions of the Ironmongers' Company, by letters patent, to the following effect : — ■ lACOBUS Dei gratia, &c. granteth and confirmeth to the master, wardens, &c. of the Ironmongers, London, and their successors, all their manors, messuages, lands, tents, libties, privileges, freedoms, and whatsoever w'^'* they now have or ought to have, and y' they or their pdecessors have heretofore by whatsoever names had ,\S I or ought to have had by ptext of any chres of our pdecesso''* made, confirmed, or graunted, or by any other lawful way, right, or title, heretofore had, used, ''^° and accustomed ; to have and to hold to the said master, &c. and their success'"^ for ever; to hold of such lords, by such rents and services as heretofore they were held. And further, we grant to the said master, &c. and theu' successors, that they have, hold, and enjoy for ever all liberties, free customs, &c. according to these Ires patents and other chres of oin* progenitors made, without o"" hindrance, or of o*" heirs or successors ; and we will y* said master, &c. by reason of these pmises be not molested, vexed, or troubled, by us, o'" heirs, justices, sheriffs, escheato'"^, &c. Comanding o'" threr, chauncello'', and barons of the Excheq'', &c. tliat neither they nor any of them do prosecute or cause to be prosecuted any writ of quo warranto or other writs against the said master, &c. for any cause, matter, offence, claim, by them or any of them claimed, used, &c. before the day of the date of these puts. And that the 150 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. master, &c. be not molested, hindred, or compelled to answer by any of o'" justices, officers, or ministers for y* use, claimCj or abuse of any of the libties, freedomes, or jurisdiccons before the date hereof. And further, we grant to the said master o^' special licence and authority to purchase and enjoy for ever lands, &c. within England or elsewhere in our dominions, as well of us, o'' heirs, &c. as of any other person, &c. which are not held immediately in capite or knight's service, so as the said lands, &c. exceed not the clear yearly value of 150^ per anm. the statute of mortmain notwithstanding. And also we grant to every of our subjects special licence and authority to give, grant, and bequeath lands, &c. not held in capite or knight's service, to the said master, &c. so that the said lands, &c. so given, sold, bequeathed, &c. exceed not the clear yearly value of 150^\ And we grant y* they shall have these ires patent under o'' great seal w*out fine. Teste me ipso apud Westmonasterium vicesimo quinto die Junii, amio regni nostri Anglie, Francie, et Hibernie secundo, et Scotie tricesimo septimo. T. Ravenscrofte. (Per breve de privato sigillo.) 1604, Aug. 25. The Company were taxed by an act of common council in the sum of £660, to be lent to the King's Majesty until the 23d of March follomng. At a Quarter Court at the hall on the 20th Nov^ in this year, the Mayor addressed a letter to the Company to the effect that, " "Wliereas George Chandler and Robert Park- hurst, citizens of London, have at the late parliament taken great pains in pcuring an Acte of Parliam^ touching bank- rupts, a matter verie benefitiall to y^ conlon wealth, and especially of this cittie, wherein they have spente and disbursed, as they alledge, above xlvj", and have been humble suitor^ to me and my brethren the aldermen for repayment of the same ; considering the great benefit that may grow out of the same, we have thought it fit that the said sum should be repaid to them; and that for the HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 151 accomplishment thereof the xij. worf " companies should every of them contribute iij'^ v^ viij*^ a-piece, and the small companies of the Dyers, Leather sellers, and Girdlers, and euy of them, xl^; these slialhe therefore to require you, that fortliw* you take order that the som of iij^ v' viij'^ be collected and paid to them accordingly." Upon consideration had, the Ironmongers were all agreed, " that it is not convenient to levie or paie the same, or any pte thereof; " but upon fm^ther debate, at a subse- quent court, they consented to contribute to the extent of xP. 1604. On the minutes of the January court is entered the following document : — A L're touching concealm*^. After o*" hartie commeiidacons. Wliereas his Ma*^*' fiiidiiige his loving subiects much troubled and grieved w*^ bookes of concealm*, whereby many have bin put oute of possession and loste theire lands, to the greate disquiet of his IMa*^ subiects, wherew*'* we have acquainted his Highnes, who hath graunted his most graciouse commission under the gTeat seal of England, coinanding us thereby to shew to them all convenient fav'" we may, and w'^ speade to dispatche any his Ma*^*'^ sub*^ y* shall seeke a composicon at o'" hands, wherein is any ymprison or other defecte in there tytle or Ires patt* : And for that we understande that daylie div's and sundrie psons are and have bin suito''^ to his Ma^^® to have had grantes and leases of divs yo*" lands, whereof we have made stave untill we might advertise yo" of the same, whereby his Ma^® graciouse meaninge are to have the pferm' for the establishing of yo'' possessions, yf yo" doe not willfully surceese yo" time; ffor w*^*^ purpose we have appointed the thirde daye of Februarie next ensuinge, at Dorset House, in Fleete Streete, London, to sett byfore of that commission, desiringe yo" to come unto us yo"selves, or sende some authorised from yo", who may as there shalbe cause come and compounde w*'' iis for the same to his Ma*'* use, for 152 THE ironmongers' company. reddier dispatche w'' us wlioine his jNIa*"*^ hath appoynted commissioners for such svices, we have appointed \Viniam Tjpper, gent, to attend us daylie for such causes, who, being always resident in London, shall att all tymes be redie to follow this busines, and acquaint us w*^ yo'' cause as occasion shall sve, according to the equitie whereof yo" may be suer to have a speadie composicon, and so be freed from all further troubles, and the arrearages and meane pfitts to be likewise pardoned, w*^'^ is one of the chiefest endes of this his Ma®* most graciouse comission. But 3-f yo" shall not attende at the die above said, then we lett yo" know that yo" doe remain still sub'"* to informacon w*^^ by any pson on the behalfe of the Kinge shall att any tyme hereafter be exhibited against yo", from the w* neyther wee nor any other can free yo", but by the benefitt of this comission only ; and soe bide yo" hartilie farewell. From the Courte at Whitehall, the xx*'' day of January, 1604. These concealments were wilftil omissions made by the companies in the retui'ns of their chantry lands in the reign of Edward the Sixth, wliich subsequently became a source of profit to some of the courtiers of Elizabeth, who obtained patents to enable them to inquire into and search out all such cases of omission. The lands or rents so discovered became the property of the patentees, the Queen reserving only some small fee-farm as her own share. That investigations of this character, prosecuted under the authority of a royal patent, must have Ijecome a source of considerable trouble and vexation to the several companies there can be no doubt, nor are we left to imagine that they were at all times conducted with fairness and consideration. Several of the companies contended with the patentees, or concealers as they were then termed, for the preservation of their estates, and in some instances with success. James put an end to this impleasant state of things by confirming again the chantry lands, wliich had been granted to the city and several companies by Edward the HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 153 Sixth. The Ironmongers' records supply us Avith the outlines of this act. An Act for securing and confirming of the lands, tents, and rents, heretofore granted, devised, or conveyed to the severall companies within the city of London, and to the mayor and citizens of the city of London. Whereas formerly divers messuages, lands, &c. were devised, granted, &c. to divers companies in London, who for divers years past have enjoyed the same, and employed them to charitable uses ; and wheras many of the grants have bin sought to be avoided and evicted as concealed or detayned from his INIa*'^ ; notwithstandinir several composicons in divers Kings' reigns: and for the sum of £18,744 11.^. 2(7. King Edward 6*^ granted by Ires patents, 14 Julv, a° 4°, to Augustine Hinde, Ric. Turke, and W'^ Blackwell, their heirs and assigns for ever, divers rents, &c. issuing out of divers messuages, lands, &c. belonguig to the jNIercers, Goldsmiths, Vintners, Marchant Tailors, Fishmongers, Salters, Drapers, Tallow-chandellers, Fownders, Carpenters, Diers, Grocers, Jo}'ners, Ironmongers, Leather- sellers, Cooks, Fletchers, Wax-chandlers, Cowpers, Skinners, Haber- dashers, Barber Surgeons, Gii'dlers, Grey Tawyers, Cutlers, Coriers, Armorers, Bakers, Brewers, Clothworkers, Sadlers, Cordwayners, Pewterers, the ]Maior and Coalty : since w<^^ time divers doubts have been moved, whether the rents in these ires patents or the lands were concealed from the crown ; Therefore his Majesty, for taking away all doubts that hereafter might be moved concerning the same, mentioned in those tres patents belonging to the said companies, &c. mindino- that the said lands, rents, &c. shall be so established that the same shall remaine and continue to the said companies, &c. for ever, is pleased y' it may be enacted, and be it enacted by authori'® of parliam*, That all such mess% lands, &c. as have been formerly granted and devised to any of the said companies mentioned in the tres patent of the 4*^^ Ed. 6. to have, &c. may for ever hereafter be held and enjoyed by them respectively, to them and their successors for ever, against the Kings Ma*^% his heirs, and successors, and against all persons claiming under him or the said Edw. 6*'', Queen IMary, or Queen Elizabeth, without anv rent, account, &c. to his Ma^'% his heirs or 164 THE ironmongers' company. successors, any defect in the said letters patent to the contrary notwith- standino- ; Saving and reserving to all and every person, other than the King's Ma*^*^, his heirs and successors, and other than such psons as claim under the said Kmg Edw. 6*'', Queen Mary, or Queen Elizabeth, and not claiming from, by, or under any of the said companies, or maior or coalty, all such estate, right, title, as any of them hath in, to, or out of the said lands, in as ample manner as if they had not been made ; Providing, that all persons claiming any lands, &c. mentioned in the patent of Edw 6. under the sevall compan% &c. by any grant, lease, &c. under their cofnon scale, shall for ever hold and enjoy the same against the King, and against all claiming mider him or Edw. 6*, Queen Mary, or Queen Elizabeth, and agamst the sevall compa% and according to such estates as in the said grants, leases, &c. are limited. Provided, that this act shall not extend to any lands, ten*% &c. whereof any pson, &c. hath been in possession by the most part of 20 years last past, or more, other than the said companies, and such as claim under them. Ann 4" Jacobi. 1604. This year King James was visited by his brother- in-law Christian the Eourth, King of Denmark, who arrived on the 17th of July, and on the 31st was taken in proces- sion through the city of London : " All the way as these two famous kinges passed from the Tower hill stood the Companies of London, in theu^ lyverie gownes and hoodes ; for whom there was places double-rayled, which was hanged with blew broad-cloth, and the rayles garnished with aun- cients very richly gilt with the kinges armes of England, the auncients of silke of each hall, with streamers and pendants of their armes, and severall fellowships, the better to be knowen. The windowes and penthouses richly decked mth arrace and other costly hangings."* It was in pre- * See " The most royall and honourable Entertainment of the most famous and renowned King Christiern the Fourth, King of Denmarke ; who, with a Fleete of gallant Ships, arrived on Thursday the 17th day of July, 1606, in Tylbury Hope, neere Gravesend. With a Relation of his Meeting by our HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 155 paration for this solemn ity, which seems to have been at first intended to take place one day earlier, that the follow- ing precept w as directed to the Company of Ironmongers : — By the ]Mayor. For the better bewtifying of the streets and lanes w^'^in this cittee against the passage of the King's most excellent Ma^^ and the King of Denniarke, their nobilitie and tra^nie, from the Tower, these are to command you to have and pvide your rayles for the service of yo*" companie to stand m, and to be sett upp in the streets against Wednes- daie the xxx. daie of this pnt month of Jvily : that your said rayles be hanged w* blewe and seere cloth, and garnished with banners and streamers in the most beautiful manner that may be ; . and that you likewise pvide six whiflers at the least to euy score of your livery, well apparelled, w* white staves in tlieu' hands, to stand w* their back to the coem rayles over against your companies rayles, for the better and quieter ordering of the streets through w'^'^ his jNIa*^^ shall passe. And therfore fayle yo" not at your pill. This xxi. of July. Sebright. Tsov. 18. It was propounded by Su* Thomas Canibell, Knt. "whether tliis Companie wiU consent e to p^ide a sliipp to fetch sea coles from New Castle, as other of the twelve Companies intende ? when the Comp^ were content to pvide a shipp nppon condicon that they shall have such ffryght for so much as shalbe delivered to the poore as other Companies have, and that they may have a place rent Royall King, the Prince, and Nobles of our Realm ; the pleasures sondry times shewed for his gracious welcome, and most famous and admirable Enter- tainment at Theobalds. With the Rovall Passage, on Thursday the 31st of July, through the City of London, and honorable Shewes there presented them, and manner of their passing. By H. R." This curious contemporary tract, of which there is an original copy in the Guildhall Library, has been reprinted in the second volume of Nichols's Progresses, Sec. of King James the First. 156 THE ironmongers' company. free to laye upp the rest w'''' they shall bringe whome from tyme to tyme." 1008. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor, requiring the Company to provide 440 quarters of wheat ; and, in order that the price of corn should not be advanced in tliis country by the sudden purchase of large quantities, they were directed to obtain a supply from foreign parts : whereupon ]\Ir. William Canning was desired to write to Germany, and Mr. HayAvard to the East Country, to ascer- tain the price, and report to a subsequent coiu't. Another precept Avas received setting forth the necessity of erecting new granaries at Bridewell, and assessing the Ironmongers' Company in the sum of 88/. towards the ex- penses thereof. By the Maior. Whereas I and my brethren the aldmen have resolved, as well for the abatinge of prices of corn as for means for the utterance and sale of such quantity of corne and grajnie as the mchants of this citty have at their great adventure and charge, and the good of this cittie and comon wealth, brought into this port of London to be sould, that all the seuall companies of the cittie shall bake certain quarters of wheat every weeke into bread, to be sold to such as will buy the same. In accomphshm* whereof, theise shall be to charge and command you in his Ma**^* name, that you take psent order that from henceforth yo^' companie do cause the quantitie of six qrs. of wheate, ^cell of yo'" owne store and pvision, to be ground into meal and baked into Avliite and wheten bread, and the wlieaten to contayne xj oz. the penny wheten loife, and the three- halfpenny white loves after the same rate, w**^ the advantage of one penny in euy shillinge, and to sell the same in Chcapside or Leadenhall, or ellswhere w^''in this cittie, to such as v>ill buy the same. And that you doe, notw*''standinge this order, still continue you^' servinge of the mketts w*'' such quantities of meale as by order from mee you were formerly required ; whereof see you fayle not at your pill. — Guildhall, the xxvj. of July 1608. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 15? On the reading of the ahove precept it was resolved hy the memhers then present, that the wardens should wait upon the Lord Mayor, " to excuse this Company for their pporcbn, or of so much thereof as they can, in respecte this Company know not how to grind or hake it." On the 20th August in this year, the city companies were again charged with the provision of 10,000 qrs. of foreign wheat. Towards the close of the year a letter was transmitted from the Lords of his Majesty's Council recommending the project of the plantation of Virginia. Whereas the lords of his Mat®^ coimcill, commissioners for the sub- sedie, desirous to ease the cittie and suburbs of a swarme of unneces- sarie inmates as a contmuall cause of dearth and famine, and the verie origenall of all plagues almost that happen in this kingdome, have ad- vised yo'' lordshippe and yo*" brethren, in an ease of state, to make some voluntarie contribucon for their remove into the plantation of Virginia, w*^^ we understand you all seemed to like as an action pleasing to God and happie for this com on wealth ; We the councell and companie of this ho^'® plantation, willing to yelde rmto your lopp and them all good satisfacon, have entered into consultacon w*^^ o'^selves, what may be everie private man's chges, and what of everie private familie, w*^'^ we send lierew*'^ at large, not as a thing w*^'^ we would exact from you, but that you may see, as in a true glasse, the true chge, av*^** we wholly com- mend unto yo^' grave wisdoms, both for the somme and man*" of leavie ; onlie give us leave thus farre to enforme you that we give no bills of adventure for a lesse some than 12^* 10^. psuminge it would be an infinite trouble now, and confusion in the retribucon, but if your lop make any seasment, or raise any voluntarie contribucon out of the best disposed and most able of the companies, we are willing to give o"* bills of adventure to the m'' and wardens, to the general use and behoof of that companie, yf by wards, to the good of that ward, or otherwise as it shall please you and your brethren out of yo'' better experience to direct. And if the inmate called before you and enjoyned to remove shall alledge that he hath no })lace to remove unto, but must lie in the streats, and being ofiferd this journey sliall demand what shalbe their 158 THE ironmongers' company. psent maintenance, what their future hopes, yt may please you to lett them know that for the psent they shall have meat, drink, and clothing, w*"' an house, orchard, and garden for the meanest familie, and a pos- session of lands to them and their posteritie, one hundreth acres for everie man's f son that hath a head or a body able to endure labour, as much for his wife, and as much for liis child that is of yeres to do svice to the colonic, w*^ further pticular reward according to theire pticuler merjtt and desert ; and yf yo'' lordshipp and yo'' brethren shalbe pleased to put in any private adventure for jo^' selves in ^ ticuler, you shalbe sure to receive according to your pjiorcon of the adventure, equall pts w*** us adventurers from the beginning, both of the comodities returned or land to be divided ; and because you shall see (being aldermen of so famous a cittie) we beare you due respect, we are contented, having but one badge of grace and favor from his Ma*''', to participate w*'' you therein, and to make as many of you as will adventure 50" or more, fel- low councellors from the first day w*^ us who have spent double and treble as much as is required, abidden the hazard of three seuall dis- coveries, w*^ much care and dilligence, and many days adventure ; and as yo*' deputies, and yo*' assistants, in yo*' private wards, so shall as many of them as will adventui'e but 25'' present money, be made pi ... s of this companie and assistants of this councell ; and thus, as an action concernmg God and the advancement of religion, the present ease, future hon'', and safety of this kingdome, the strength of o*' navie, the visible hope of a great and rich trade, w*^* many secrete blessings not yet discovered, we commend the cause to the wisdom and zeale of }o'' selfe and yo'' brethren, and you, and it, and us, to the holie ptection of the Almightie. The fii'st adventure of the Ironmongers was limited to fifty pounds, which was suhsequently increased to one hundred; for in 1610 we find, "upon question hadd and a further request of the Uight honourable the Lord Maior to the companies of this cittie for adventures of 18,000'' hy 6,000" per annum, to settle the plantation in Virginia, and the same nowe propounded and questioned whether 50" per ann. for three years should be added more to the 50'' formerly disbursed, or 25'' per ann. for the said three HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 159 years, or 50" solely in a grosse sum, and noe more ; when it was agreed that 50" more should he paid to make upp tlie said former 50" a hundred, and the adventure of the same to he confined unto ye companie, and the stocke to heare it onely."* In 1609, the King made proposals to the city and com- monalty of London for the plantation of the forfeited lands in the Province of Ulster, and issued a printed hook of regulations to he ohserved hy the undertakers. f This has generally heen regarded as one of the wisest measures of the reign of James the Pirst. The Lord Mayor's J Shows, wliicli had heen for some time discontinued, or only partially ohserved, were again revived in 1609 l)y order of the King. The preparations made hy the Iron- mongers in this year, on the occasion of the mayoralty of Sir Thomas Camhell, § a memher of the Company, appear to have heen very imperfect and unsatisfactory. * A list of the adventurers, " alphabetically set down according to a printed booke set out by the treasurer and councell," in 1620, is given in the General History of Virginia, by Capt. John Smithe, p. 131. t See Account of the Irish Estate. :j: Strype says, that the Lord Mayor's shows had been " long left off," vol. ii. b. 5, p. 140; but in 1605 there was a pageant at the expense of the Mer- chant Taylors, entitled, " The Triumphes of re-united Britania," on the occasion of Sir Leonard HoUiday serving the office of mayor, which is reprinted in Nichols's Progresses, &c of King James the First, vol. i. pp. 564 — 576. No intervening pageant, however, is known to exist between this and that of the year 1591, which was written by Peele, and called "Descensus Astraese." — London Pageants, by John Gough Nichols, Esq. 1837, 8vo. p. 100. § Sir Thomas Cambell, Ironmonger, son of Robert Cambell, of Fulsam, in Norfolk, was Lord Mayor in 1609. Arms : Sable, on a fesse between three lion's heads erased or as many ogresses. — Ilarl. MSS. 5810, 5869. 160 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. The follo^vdng entry occurs in the minntes of the 3rd of November : — " At this court IMr. Anthonie Mundaye came into court, and the observations then made were theise, — that the children weare not instructed their speeches, which was a spetiall judgment of the consideration, then that the musick and singinge were wanting, the apparell most of it okl and borrowed, with other defects, and the matter left to Mr. Leafs coming home, w""^ will be by the next courte." Anthony Munday,* who had been before employed in 1605, became the ordinary composer of these entertainments ; but on the present occasion he was not ready in time. On the 18tli of the same month, Mr. Mundaye was " a suitor for 5" of increase over his bargaine, layinge his reason therefor in regard of his speeches made for the water ; and had answere given that, in respect he pformed not his speeches on land, nor the rest of his contracted service, the Companie were not to goe beyond their bar- gaine, and payd 45^\" " Payd by Mr. James Cambell to Mr. Harrison that he layed out for the bringinge of the vnicorne, &c. to the hall, viij'i." The pageantry, after making their parade, were customarily brought to the halls of the companies, and set up as permanent ornaments. " Mr. Raphe Canning (on this occasion) was appointed for foynes, and assessed to paye ffive pounds, and being that he could not pforme the servise in respect of his Maiestie, whose attendaunte he is, the sayd Mr. Canninge is confined onlie to pay his seazement of five pounds and noe more." In the month of November of this year the Lord Mayor * See a Biographical notice of him in Nichols's London Pageants, p. 97. His Pageants of 1(J05, 1611, 1614, 1615, and 1616 were printed. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 101 addressed his precept to tlie Company for the sum of eighty-eight pounds more towards the new granaries at Bridewell. 1610. A warrant was received from the Lord Mayor, dated the 24th of May, as follow^s : — To the Master and Wardens of the Company of Ironmono-ers. I have received h*es from the Lords of his Maiesties most hon'^'*' pvie counsel!, tliat the prince's highnes is to come to Westminster to be created Prince of Wales, ^Y''^' ceremonie is to he pformed w* hon"^" and triumph, and therefore it is to be required that I, w*'' the companies of this cittie, do meet the prince upon the water at Chelsea, accompanied in such sorte as is used when the lord mayor goetli to take his oath att Westminster, when the time appointed is upon Thursdaye mornino- next in Whitsundaye weeke, being the last of this month. These are therefore to require you so to dispose and order all things concerning the companie as shalbe thought fitting both for the creditt and honour of this cittie and your comp'*', and to tlie good satisfiiccon of his ma*''' and the prince ; and that you and your liverie be readie in yo'^' bardge well and richlie sett forthe before vij. of the clocke in the morning, wherein you are not to fayle as you will answer the contrary at yo"" perills. Guildhall, the 24th May, 1610. Sebright. An Order from the Court of Aldermen for the making free of Robert Keyes. Martis, vicesimo quarto die Jxdii, 1610, a° R. Reg. Jacobi, Anglia}, etc. octavo. This daye, upon the nominacon of the right honorable the Lord Ma^'or of this cittie of London, it is ordered by tliis Court that Robert Key shalbe made ffree of this cittie by redemption into the Company of Ironmongers, as the first of the three yearly allowed to the Lord Maior, paymg to Mr. Chamberle^ii, to the citties use, six shillings eight pence. Langley. Jovis, 26° die Julii, 1610, R. Reg. Jacobi, Aiglije, etc. octavo. Upon the humble petition of Mr. Egerton to the right hon'^'° y*^ Lord Chancellor of England, and att his Lordship's request signified to this Court by his honorable letters, it is ordered that, for liis Lordship's M 162 THE ironmongers' company. sake, William Kynsey shalbe made free of this cittie by redemption into the Companye of Ironmongers, paying to Mr. Cliamberleyn, to the citties nse, six shillings eight pence. Langley. Jo vis, 4° die Octob. 1610, aP R. R. Jacobi, Anglian, etc. octavo. This daye, npon the humble suite of Edward Davye, and accordinge to a former graunt unto him made the five-and-twentyeth daye of May last past, att the request of the right honorable the Erie of Huntingdon, it is ordered that the said Edward Davye shalbe made fi'ee of this cittie by redemption into the Company of Ironmongers, paying to Mr. Cham- bei'le^ai, to the citties use, 6$. 8d. Langley. Curia spialis tent die Veneris decimo nono die Octobris, 1610, anno R. Regis Jacobi, Angliae, etc. octavo. This day, at the request of the Lady Maris, it is ordered that Robert Dawks, her ladishipp's coachman, shalbe made free of this cytte by re- demption in the Company of Ironmongers, paying to the Chamberleyne, to the cyttes use, six shillings and eight pence. Laxgley. These persons were severally admitted to the freedom of the Company, and paid each for his fine 3/. 6s. M., except Robert Dawks, whose fine was remitted at the request of Sir Thomas Cambell. The laws for the regulation of apparel continued to be enforced during the reign of James the Pirst with unabated rigour. This is conspicuously manifest from a precept addressed by the Lord Mayor ia 1611 to the several com- panies of the city by his Majesty's command, in wliich his Lordship complains of the " abuse growing by excesse of straunge fashions used by manye apprentices, and by the inordynate pryde of mayde servaunts and women servaunts in their excesse of apparell and foUye in varietie of newe fashions," and admonishes the companies "to have a due and special care to see a spedye reformacon had in everye one of their servaunts." HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 163 This was followed ])y an act of Common Council, setting forth with admirable precision the hahilimcnts to be worn and the rules to be observed by this class of society. The following are the principal heads of this singular document, as preserved in the records of the Grocers' Company, and printed by Mr. Heath in 1829 :— Apprentices to wear during their period of servitude such apparel only as should be provided by their masters, or, if provided by the friends, such only as should be subject to the master's appointment "for the stufFe, fashion, and goodnesse" therein" declared: namely, none to wear any hat lined, faced, or stuffed with velvet, silk, or taffeta but only the breadth of three inches in the head, nor any hat other than such as the hat and band with the trimmms; as shall not exceed in all the value of five shillings. Not to wear in his band either lawn or cambric, but holland or other linen not exceeding five shillings the ell, nor wear any lace, edge, or other work about the same band, but only a plain hem, and one stitch. And if any apprentice shall wear any ruff-band the same not to exceed three inches in length before it be gathered and set into the stock, and not to be more than two inches in depth before the setting in of the same into the stock. No apprentice to wear any piccadilly or other support in, with, or about the collar of his doublet, nor to wear about his collar either point, whalebone, or plaits, but the collar to be made close and comely; nor wear any breeches or doublet of any kind of silk, or stuff mingled with silk, but only cloth, kersey, fustian, sack- cloth, canvass, English leather, or English stuff, which stuff shall not exceed 2s. 6d. n yard ; not to wear in his cloak, coat, jerkin, doublet, or breeches, any broad cloth above 10s. a yard, nor any kersey exceeding 5s., nor wear in the garnishing, lining, facing, setting forth, or drawing out of his apparel either velvet, or any silk or stuff, save only silk buttons and silk m the button-holes to his coat or jerkin ; nor any gloves above l'2d. a pau', and these with- out any fringe or garnishing of gold or silver lace, velvet lace, or silk lace, or ribbon. None to wear any girdle, point, garters, shoestrings, or any kind of silk or ribbon, nor any rose or such like toy at all, either on his garters or on his shoes, nor any silk, worsted, or kersey stockings, but stockings only of woollen yarn or kersey ; nor Spanish shoes, nor shoes made with Polonia heels, nor of any other leather than neat's M 2 loi THE ironmongers' COMPANY. leather or calves' leather ; nor wear his hair with any tuft, or lock, but cut short in decent and comely manner. Breach of these regulations was to subject the apprentice to imprison- ment in "Little Ease" for eighteen liours. The like confinement was to be imposed on any apprentice who should be found in any " dauncing scliole or of fence, or learn or use dancing or masking, or should use dicing or any other play, or haunt any tennis-coiu-t, common bowling- alley, cock-fighting, or brothel houses ; or which should without his master's knowledge have any chest, press, trunk, desk, or other place to lay up or keep any apparel or goods, only in his master's house or with his mastei*'s licence, or should keep any horse, gelding, or mare, dog or bitch, or fighting-cock." With regard to the maid servants and women servants, it was or- dained, that none should wear on her head any lawn, cambric, tiffany, velvet lawn, or white silk Moires, either in any kerchief, coif, crest cloth, or shadow, nor any linen cloth therein, saving such linen cloth only as should not exceed 5s. the ell, nor any lace or edging upon the same or any part thereof; nor any band, neckerchief, gorget, or stoma- cher but only plain ; nor any ruff exceeding four yards in length before the gathering or setting-in thereof, nor three inches in depth Avithm the setting-in thereof; nor any lawn, A'elvet, tiffany, cobweb lawne, nor white silk cipres at all, other than about their neck or otherwise ; nor any linen cloth but of the price of 5s. the ell, or lace or edging wdiatso- ever but plain hem and one stitch ; nor any stomacher wrought with any gold, silver, or silk, or with any kind of stuff made of or mixed Avith silk ; nor wear any gown, kirtle, waistcoat, or petticoat, old or new, of any kind of silk stuff or stuffs mingled with silk ; nor other stuff than of 2s. 6d. a yard, nor any kersey more than Ss. a yard, or broad cloth of 10s. the yard. Nor wear any silk lace or guard upon her gown, kirtle, waistcoat, or petticoat, or any other garments, save only a cape of velvet ; nor any fardingal at all, either little or great, nor any body or sleeves of wire, whalebone, or with any other stiffening saving canvass or buckram only. The restrictions as to shoes, stock- ings, &c. are the same as those of the apprentices.* * " Some Account of the Worshipful Company of Grocers. By J. B. Heath, Esq." ('not published), p. 88. The foregoing precept and act of Com- mon Council do not appear in the Ironmongers' books, no Minutes of Court having been made (that we can discover) between July 1611 and March 1612. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 165 The minutes of 1612 present us with some cmious particulars respecting tlie manufacture of iron at that period, and the \dews which were then entertained by persons who were most competent to form an opinion on the subject. This som'ce of so much subsequent Avealth, and of what is now one of the most important of the staple productions, of the country, was at that time un- popular. The public complaints against iron-works were loud and frequent, and the great consumption of wood by smelting almost exclusively with charcoal, excited, as we have seen by the Acts passed in the reign of Elizabeth, the notice and suspicion of the government. " The manu- factiu'e consequently languished," Macaulay says, "and at the close of the reign of Charles the Second great part of the iron which was used in this coimtry was im- ported from abroad, and the whole quantity made here annually seems not to have exceeded ten thousand tons. At present the trade is thought to be in a depressed state if less than 800,000 are produced in a year."* Some attempts were made in the reign of James and Charles the First to introduce the use of pit-coal in the manufacture of iron, and patents were granted to several persons for that purpose. So early as 1589, Mr. S. Procter attempted to convert iron and lead with pit-coal instead of wood.t In 1619, Edward Lord Dudley invented a process for smelting iron ore with pit-coal, for which he obtained a patent, and the manufacture was successfidly commenced ; but a strong prejudice was excited against it, and the common people who were employed in felling and carting timber, fearing the loss of their occupation, rose m a body and destroyed his works. This accident nearly ruined the * Macaulay's History of England, vol. i. p. 318. f Garner's History of Staffordshire. 166 THE ironmongers' company. inventor ; and, other parties fearing to embark in so dangerous a speculation, the discovery seems for a long time to have been almost forgotten. Sussex was at this period the principal seat of the iron trade in England. In the SmTcyor's Dialogue, by Norden, printed in 1607, the " Bay lie," one of the interlocutors, is made to say, " I have heard there are or lately were in Sussex neare 140 hammers and furnaces for iron, and in it and Surrey adjoining three or four glasse houses ; the hammers and furnaces spend each of them in every 24 hours two, three, or four load of charr-coal, which in a year amounteth to an infinit quantitie." * It is computed that in 1615 there were in England altoo'ether 300 charcoal blast-furnaces, nearlv one-half of which it would appear from the above extract were about that time in the county of Sussex, f Some interesting particulars of the iron trade in the seventeenth century are found in Andrew Yarranton's " England's Improvement by Sea and Land," which, as they are the opinions of a man very conversant with the subject on which he writes, and probably himself engaged in the manufacture of ii'on, I feel the more disposed to notice, although the passage is of some length : — The second manufacture to be encoui'aged to set the poor people to work, being the growth and product of our own kingdom, is that of iron. But now I am sure I shall draw a whole swarm of wasps about my ears, for, say some (and many too who think themselves very wise), it were well if there were no iron-works in England, and it was better when no i]*on was made in England, and the iron-works destroy all the * " The Surveyor's Dialogue, divided into five bookes, very profitable for all men to peruse that have to do with the revenues of land or the nianurance, use, or occupation thereof, &c. By John Norden, printed for Hugh Astley, dwelling at St. Magnus Corner, 1G07." p, 215, I Oxford Encyclopaedia. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 167 woods, and foreign iron from Spain will do better and last longer ; and I have heard many men, both rich and sober, often declare these things ; and it hath been and is the opinion of nine parts of ten of the people of England that it is so, and by no arguments whatever will they be beat from the belief of it, although there is not one word true. As to the first. The iron-works at present in England are of the same value, and I believe much more, to the public than the woollen manufacture is, and is the cause of employing near as many people, and much more lands, for horses and oxen to carry and recarry those heavy commodities of which the iron is made ; therefore I will take the kingdom half round and shew you what the iron-works do contribute to the public and to the whole countries. And first, I will begin in Monmouthshire and go through the Forest of Deane, and then take notice what infinite quantities of raw iron is there made, with bar-iron and wire ; and consider the infinite number of men, horses, and carriages which are to supply these works, and also digging of iron-stone, providing of cinders, carrying to the works, making it into sows and bars, cutting of wood, and converting it into charcoal. Consider also, in all these parts the woods are not w^orth the cutting and bringing home by the owners to burn in their houses ; and it is because in all these places there are pit-coals very cheap : consider also the multitude of cattle and people thereabout employed, that make the lands dear : and what with the benefit made of the woods, and the people making the land dear, it is not inferior in riches to any place in England. And if these advantages were not there it would be little less than a howling wilderness. I believe, if this comes to the hands of Sir Baynom Frogmorton and Sir Duncomb Colchester, they will be on my side. Moreover, there is yet a most great benefit to the kingdom in general by the sow-iron made of the iron-stone and Roman cinders in the Forest of Deane ; for that metal is of a most gentle, pliable, soft nature, easily and quickly to be wrought into manufacture, over what any other iron is, and it is the best in the known world, and the greatest part of this sow-iron is sent up Severn to the forges into ^yorcester- shire, Shropshire, Staftordshire, Warwickshire, and Cheshire, and there it is made into bar-iron ; and, because of its kind and gentle nature to work, it is now at Sturbridge, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Sedgley, Wasall, and Burmingham, and thereabouts wrought and manufoctured into all small connnodities and diffused all England over, and thereby 1(J8 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. a great trade made of it, and wlien manufactured sent into most parts of the Avorld. And I can very easily make it appear that in the Forest of Deane and thereabouts, and about the materials that come from thence, there are employed and have their subsistence therefrom no less than sixty thousand persons. And certainly, if this be true, then it is certain it is better these iron- works were up and in being than that there were none; and it were well if there were an act of parliament for enclosing all commons fit or any way likely to bear wood, in the Forest of Deane and six miles romid the forest ; and that great quantities of timber might by the same law be there preserved for to supply in future ages timber for shipping and building. And I dare say the Forest of Deane is as to the iron to be compared to the sheep's back as to the woollen, nothino- being of more advantaoe to England than these two are ; and if woods are not preserved in and near the forest to supply the w^orks for future ages, that trade will lessen and die as to England, and betake herself into some other nation or country. And now in Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Derbyshire, there are great and numerous quantities of iron-works, and there much iron is made of metal or iron-stone of another nature, quite different from that of the Forest of Deane. This iron is a short soft iron, commonly called cold-shore-iron, of which all the nails are made and infinite other commodities : in which work are employed many more persons, if not double, to what are employed in the Forest of Deane. And in all those countries the gentlemen and others have moneys for their woods at all times when they want it, which is to them a great benefit and advantage ; and the lands in most of these places are double the rate that they would be at if there were not iron-works there ; and in all these countries now named there is an infinite of pit-coals, and the pit-coals being near the iron, and the iron- stone gro^\■ing with the coals, there it is manufactured very cheap, and sent all England over, and to most parts of the world ; and if the iron- works were not there, the woods of all these countries to the owners thereof would not be worth the cutting and carrying home, because of the cheapness of the coals and duration thereof. I could say something as to Nottingham and Yorkshire, and to Kent and Sussex, but I leave that to some other pen that knows the countries better than I do. And in these countries now mentioned there are many and vast commons very natural and fit to bear wood. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 169 which of present are of very little use to the public. And for that in these parts there never will be any want of pit-coals to work and manufacture the iron when once made into bars, but woods do much decay, and this being a thing of such vast benefit to the public, and in the setting of the poor at work, it were well that a law might pass for enclosing all commons fit and apt to bear wood what are and lie within twelve miles of the town of Stonrbridge, in the county of Worcester ; ' and that in such enclosed coppices there be provision made to preserve timber, now much wanting in those parts. The next objection is, that it was better when there was no iron made in England ; but when that was neither I nor the objector knows ; for in the Forest of Deane and thereabouts the iron is made at this day of cinders, being the rough and offal thrown by in the Romans' time,* they then having only foot-blasts to melt the iron-stone, but now, * " Well, Sir, as to make it clear to you that iron was in England a thousand years since, is very evident by those great heaps of cinders formerly made of iron-stone, they being the offal (or waste) thrown out of the foot-blasts by the Romans, they then having no works to go by water to drive bellows, but all by the foot-blast ; and at present great oaks are growing upon the tops of these cinder-heaps, and monies continually is found amongst these cinders; but such as. is found is all of the Roman coin; most of which monies is copper; very little found (of late days) that is silver ; and this offal of the foot-blast (by the Romans then cast by), doth at present make the best and profitablest iron in England, it being raixt with some iron-stone of the Forest of Deane ; and there hath been, and 'still is, vast quantities of this sort of iron cinders in the counties of Monmouth, Hereford, and Gloucester, and about twenty-eight years since Mr. Yarranton found out a vast quantity of Roman cinders near the walls of the city of Worcester, from whence he and others carries away many thousand tons or loads up the river of Severn unto their iron furnaces, to be melted down into iron with a mixture of the Forest of Deane iron-stone. And within one hundred yards of the walls of the city of Worcester there was dug up one of the hearths of the Roman foot-blasts, it being then firm and in order, and was seven foot deep in the earth ; and by the side of the work there was found a pot of Roman coin to the quantity of a peck, some of which was presented to Sir Dugdale, and part thereof is now in the king's closet. By all of which circumstances it clearly appears that the Romans made iron in England, and as far up the river Severn as the city of Worcester, where, as yetr there are vast quantities remaining.— A Dialogue betwixt a Tynn-minor of Cornwall, an Iron-mynor of the Forest of Deane in Glocestershu-e, and a Traveller."— Yarranton's England's Improvement by Sea and Land. Second Part, Loud. 1681, p. 16:2. 170 THE IllONMONGERS' COMPANY. by the force of a great wheel that drives a pair of bellows twenty foot lonfj, all that iron is extracted out of the cinders which could not be forced from it by the Roman foot-blast. And in the Forest of Dean and thereabouts, and as high as Worcester, there are great and infinite quantities of these cmders, some in vast mounts above ground, some under ground, which will supply the iron-works some hundreds of years ; and these cinders are they which make the prime and best iron, and with much less charcoal than doth the iron-stone. And certainly, this being so, it will be great policy for the Government timely to consider and weio"h the great benefit iron-works are to these places, and to the king- dom and people in general; and therefore to begin to countenance them in preserving woods for their continuation and duration. The next thing is, iron-works destroy woods and timber : I affirm the contrary ; and that iron-works are so far from the destroying of woods and timber that they are the occasion of the increase thereof; for in all parts where iron-works are there generally are great quan- tities of pit-coals very cheap, and in these places there are great quan- tities of coppices of wood, which supply the iron-works, and if the iron- works were not in being these coppices w^oukl have been stocked up, and turned into pasture and tillage, as is now daily done in Sussex and Surrey, where the iron-works, or most of them, are laid down ; and in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Warwick, Salop, and SlafFordshire, are vast and infinite quantities of coppices, wherein there are great store of young timber growing; and if it were not that there could be moneys had for these woods by the owners from the iron-masters, all these coppices would be stocked up and turned into tillage and pasture, and so there would be neither woods nor timber in these ^Jaces ; and the reason is, pit-coal in all these places, considering the duration and cheapness thereof, is not so chargeable to the owner of the woods as cutting and carrying the woods home to his house. And as to making charcoal with timber in those parts, so much talked of, it was and is most notoriously false ; for timber in all these parts is worth thirty shillings a ton, and a ton and three quarters of timber will but make one cord of wood ; so let rational men consider whether an iron- master will cut up timber to the value of fifty shillings to make one cord of wood, when he pays for his wood in most of these places but seven shiUings a cord. Now I have shewed you the two manufactures of linen and iron, with the product thereof, and all the materials, are with us growing ; and HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 171 these two manufactures will, if by law countenanced, set all the poor in England at work, and much enrich the country, and thereby fetch people into the kingdom, whereas now they depart ; and thei-eby deprive the Dutch of these two great manufactures of iron and linen : I mean iron wrought into all commodities so vastly brought down the Rhine into Holland, from Liege, Gluke, Soley, and Cologne, and by them diffused and sent all the world over ; and these two trades being well fixed here, will help to beat the Dutch without fighting. I pray con- sider the charge England is now at with the poor, and observe what they now cost the public ; but, if employed in these two manufactures, what advance by their labour might the public receive ? Admit there be in England and Wales a hundred thousand poor people unemployed, and each one costs the public four pence the day in food, and if these were employed they would earn eight pence the day ; and so the public, in what might be gained and saved, will advance twelve pence the day by each poor person unemployed ; so a hundred thousand persons will be to the benefit of the public if employed one million and a half yearly m these two manufactures of iron and linen ; and, as these two maim- factures are now managed in Saxony, they set all their poor at work. I travelling aworter and across Saxony did not see one beggar there ; and these two manufactures bemg prudently and by good laws there supported and encouraged, they are become two parts in three of the revenue and benefit of that Duke, and they are sent into England at this time in great quantities, all payuig customs in ten several places before they come here. And as to the encouragement of the iron and iron manufactures, there should be three pound a ton custom laid on all foreign bar-u'on imported, and six pounds the ton on all manufactured iron imported into England ; and by these two ways, namely, by a tax being laid upon the imported bar-iron, iron wares, and thread, tape, twine, and linen cloth of all sorts, all the trade of these things will be here, and all the poor set at work, the Dutch robbed of one of their greatest flowers, and to the king and people in general at least six millions a-year ad- vantage. — England's Improvement by Sea and Land, by Andi'ew Yarranton, Gent. London, 1677, p. 56 to 63. Whether, in broadly asserting that iron-works tended to the increase rather than the destruction of the woods and 172 THE ironmongers' company. timber of the country, Yarranton had unconsciously al- io Aved his judgment to have gone too much in company with his interest, we cannot say ; but certain it is that, within about sixty years from the date of his book, the quantity of iron made in England had decreased exceed- ingly, and this falling-off is on all hands attributed to the great scarcity of wood and charcoal. So loud and extensive were the complaints of the destruction of timber, that the total suppression of the trade was even contemplated, and men of energy and enterprise began again to turn then* thoughts to the process of smelting iron with pit-coal. In 1740 the quantity of iron manufactured in England altogether only amounted to 17,300 tons, although a short time prcA-iously it is stated to have reached 180,000 tons in the year.* Admitting the accuracy of these statements, and that the depressed state of the trade towards the close of the reign of Charles the Second mentioned by Macaulay is correct in point of time, we discover that the manufac- ture of iron in this country was uncertain and subject to great variation, and that from 1681 to 1710, a period of only 56 years, it had advanced from 10,000 tons a year to 180,000 tons, and again shortly after decUned to 17,300 tons.f * Encyclopedia Britannica, and Scrivenor. f From this period the make is believed to have been as follows: — 1750, 22,000tons; 1788, 68,000 tons, by 85 furnaces ; 1796, 125,000 tons and 121 furnaces; 1806, 250,000 tons and 169 furnaces; 1820, 400,000 tons, but no number of furnaces stated. This last product was made up thus : Wales, 150,000 tons; Shropshire and Staffordshire, 180,000 tons; Yorkshire and Der- byshire, 50,000 tons ; Scotland and other places, 20,000 tons. In 1827 the returns were as follows: South Wales, 90 furnaces, 272,000 tons ; Stafford- shire, 95 furnaces, 216,000 tons ; Shropshire, 31 furnaces, 78,000 tons ; York- shire, 24 furnaces, 43,000 tons; Scotland, 18 furnaces, 36,000 tons; North Wales, 12 furnaces, 24,000 tons; Derbyshire, 14 furnaces, 20,500 tons; making a total for that year of 690,500 tons of iron of various sorts. — Parlia- mentary Returns ; Encyc. Brit. &c. HISTOmCAL EVIDENCES. 173 This last quantity, wliicli Scrivenor says was 17,300 tons of pig-iron, the whole produce of England and "Wales, was the manufacture of 59 furnaces. Ten only of these were in Sussex, six in Gloucestershire, the same numlier in Shrop- shire and Yorkshire, four in Kent and Derbyshire, three in Cheshire and Hereford; in Brecon, Glamorgan, Denbigh, Monmouth, Stafford, Worcester, and Warwickshire, two ; while the counties of Carmarthen, Southampton, and Not- tingham at this time had only one furnace each. The average produce of these works was five tons thir- teen hundred-weight Aveekly. In 1788 Ave find by the parliamentary returns that there Avere only 24 furnaces in England wrought by charcoal, producing annually 13,100 tons of iron ; Avhile the coke- blast furnaces, Avliich had been gradually adopted since about the year 1640, or somewhat earlier, amounted to 53, making in the year 48,200 tons ; to which Ave may add tAvo charcoal and six coke furnaces in Scotland, pro- ducing together 7,000 tons. The whole manufacture of the country in 1788, by the adoption of pit-coal, the im- provements of machinery, and the introduction of the steam-engine, consequently amounted to 68,300 tons. Shropshire contributed towards this quantity 23,100 tons, the produce of 21 furnaces in that county ; and Staff'ord- shire, which at this time gave but small indications of her future capabilities, had only six furnaces, producing 4,500 tons in the year. The coal districts of England, howe\"er, were now rapidly assuming a position in the manufacture of iron which had hitherto been denied them by the exclusive use of charcoal. In 1755 the mines of Merthyr Tydvil, an obscure village in South W^ales, were brought into notice by the skill and enterprise of Mr. Anthony Bacon, a\4io, having obtained a lease of the lands in that neighbourhood for 99 years at 174 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. a rent of 200/. a-year, commenced tlie cstablislimcnt of those immense iron-works which have ever since dis- ting'uished that part of the country. Dm-ing the American war he held the Government contracts for the supply of cast cannon; by which, and the other branches of his lucrative business, he soon acquired an ample fortune, and in 1783, having accepted a seat in parliament, he disposed of his " mineral kingdom " in lots, — the Cyfartha works, the largest portion, to Mr. Uichard Crawshay ; Penydarran to Mr. Homfray ; Dowlais to Messrs. Lewis and Tate ; and a fourth part, the Plymouth works, to Mr. Hill. * In 1796 the manufacture of iron in Kent had become extinct, and very nearly so in Sussex, f which could no longer compete with the coal districts. " In spite, however," observes Mr. Lower, " of the method of charking sea coal, Sussex mantained its position as a seat of the iron-trade long after the estal^lislmient of that process, and many families were enriched by the alchemy of transmuting iron to gold ; even in the days of our grandfathers, cannon continued to be cast in some places, and the great ham- mer's occupation was not wholly gone ; by degrees, however, the glare of the furnace faded, the din of the hammer was hushed, the last blast was blown, and the wood-nymphs, after a long exile, returned in peace to their beloved retreats. Parnhurst in western, and Ashburnham in eastern Sussex, witnessed the total extinction of the manufacture." * The Cyfartha works, which in 1783 were purchased by Mr. Richard Crawshay, are now (1850) the property of his grandson William Crawshay, Esq. who also holds the Hirwain and Tre Forest works. Penydarran and Tredegar belong to Thompson, Forman, and Co. ; Dowlais to Sir John Guest and Co. ; and the Plymouth works to Anthony Hill, Esq. -j- In 1796 there was only one furnace in Sussex. — Lower's Supplement, p. 247, Pari. Returns, &c. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 175 It is difficult, and perhaps impossible, to ascertain pre- cisely tlie amount of ii'on now annually manufactured in the United Kingdom. The latest and most accurate informa- tion which I have been able to obtain on this subject is derived from a set of tables compiled by Mr. Edmund Buckley, u'on-mer chant, of Manchester, for the use of per- sons interested in the trade, and appended by Mr. Seymour Tremenheere to his report relative to the state of the popu- lation in the mining districts, presented to both houses of Parliament in 184^9. Erom these tables, according to the calculation of Mr. Buckley, there were altogether in England, Scotland, and Wales, in 1806, 161 fm-naces in blast, which produced in that year 243,851 tons of iron. This amount approximates very nearly to the parliamentary returns before noticed ; but in 1848, so greatly had the make increased in the space of about forty years in consequence of the alterations in the mode of public conveyance and other improvements, tending to increase the consumption of this metal, that there were at that time in Great Britain 433 furnaces in blast, which Mr. Buckley informs us had produced in the year then terminating no less than 1,998,568 tons of iron.* How incredible these statistics would have appeared to the reverend fathers of the Ironmongers' Company in the * Make of Iron 1848:— Staffordshire, 93 furnaces, 383,840 tons ; Yorkshire, 23 furnaces, 66,560 tons ; Derbyshire, 20 furnaces, 95,160 tons; Shropshire, 28 furnaces, 88,400 tons ; Noi'thumberland, 24 furnaces, 99,840 tons ; Cumberland, . . . ; Lan- cashire, . . . . ; Leicestershire, . . . . ; Monmouthshire, . . . . ; Scotland, 89 furnaces, 539,968 tons; North Wales, 5 furnaces, 16,120 tons; South Wales, 151 furnaces, 706,680 tons. Total, 1,998,568 tons. 1806. — Furnaces in England, Scotland, and Wales, total 216 ; out of blast 55. 1848. — Furnaces in England, Scotland, and Wales, total 623 ; out of blast 190.— Mr. Buckley's Tables. 176 THE ironmongers' company. reign of James the First is evident from the following entry, in which their opinion of the state and prospects of tlie iron trade at that period is deliberately recorded. A Court holden att the Hall the 23 day of March, 1612, a" R. Reg. Jacobi, Anglige 10° et Scotige 46^°, theise psons being psent, Mr. George Chamberljoi, INI''. jNfr. AYalter Cowlev, 1 „^ , T\r mi TT 11 ' 1 r VVardens. JNlr. Ihomas Hailwood, J Mr. Richard Chamberlyn. John Short. Mr. Rowland Heylin. Richard Cabell. Mr. Jolm Hayes. Roger Harbie. William Buckman. Richard Robins. John Parham. Robert Hall. Thomas Carter. Thomas Thorold. Henry Hayward. Job Harbie. Richard Peate. Richard Symmes. Edward Harrison. Hugh Benson. Matters of o'' concern by reason of one Daubney, a petition"" that, upon a lease for 21 yeares for the cutting of iron into rodds, there might bee an inhibition withall of the bringino- in of Flemishe iron. This matter was referred by the King unto committees : viz. Sir Julius Caesar, Sir Thomas Parry, Sir Henry Hubbard the King's At- torney, and Sir Frauncis Bacon the King's Ma*^^^ Solicitor, where the matter comming in conference before the said Commission'"* att the house of Sir Julius Caasar on Saterday the sixt of IMarch, 1612, the wardens of y® ironmongers, the blacksmiths, carpenters, some of the Trinitie house, and farmers of the customs, being there psent, and the busines bemg upon answer, it was thus inferred by Mr. Walter Cowley, our good warden, upon these two points : viz. 1. That o'" woods in England were decaied, and more would, w*^'' by importing of forraine iron are much spared. 2. Secondly, that o*" iron mynes are here also much decaied, and that the inhibition would be a meanes of higher prices and a greater scarcitie. Whereupon it was thought meet by the commission''^, having their HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 177 eye unto the publick good, that the cause should bee referred to the examination of the Lord Maior of the cittie of London, and hee to cer- tifie ; by reason whereof the Lord Maior directeth his warrant in theis words : To the M^' and Wardens of the Company of L'onmongers. By the Maior. Whereas one Clement Dawbeney preferred his petition to the King's most excellent Ma*'*^, thereby desyring to have letters patent graunted unto him from his Ma*'^ for xxj**® yeres for the cutting of iron into small rodds, and w*** such inhibitions as to his Maiestyes councell should bee thought fitt ; wheruppon his Maiestye was pleased to referr the consy- deracon of the sayd peticon unto the comissioners for suits ; and since the same reference two seuall petycons have bine preferred to the said comissioners, the one by the shipp masters and owners and other the shippwrights about London, and the other by the naylemakers and other the smiths in and about the cittye of London, whereby yt appeareth that the iron that is brought from beyond the seas is fyt for noe use nor ser- visable for the common wealth, beinge as bryttle and shorte as glasse, and that they are not able to pforme their busynes eyther to their own creddite or for the good of the common wealth w*^ the same : Now, for- asmuch as yt hathe pleased the sayd comissioners (before such tyme as they make any report concerning the same) to write their letters unto mee, thereby desyring mee to call before mee the m'" and some of the wardens of the blacksmiths, the ironmongers, and carpenters, and also the m'" and some of the brethren of the Trinitie Howse, and such others as I should tliinke fitt, and therby to inform myself of the conveniency of the suite for the inhibicon of the importacon of such rodd iron, and therby to certyfie unto them my opinion concerning the same w*^ as much expedicon as I maye : These are therefore to will and require you that pntlye uppon sight hereof you assemble yo'selves together and take due consyderacon whether the inhibicon of importacon of iron rodds will not tend to bee hurtfull and prejudiciall, or what you shall conceive fitting to bee done therein, and that you appointe some of the descreetest and best experyenced men of yo"" companye to attend mee at my house in Aldermanburye, London, on Saturday' next, at two of the clock in the after noone of the same daye, then and there to deliv»' their opinions unto mee concerning the same, whereby I may bee the N 178 THE ironmongers' company. better informed of the state of the cause, and thereuppon make reporte unto his ]\Ia**^* sayd commissioners, as by the sajd letters is required, and liereof I require you not to fayle. This xvii. March, 1612. By virtue of which said warrant the wardens of the company and the wardens of the other companyes, each duly accompanied, did give their attendance at the lord maior's on Saturday, in the afternoone, the nyneteenth of jNIarch, and preferrid in writing theise reasons following against the inhibition intendid ; whereupon the rest of the companyes were iniojnied the like to give their reasons pro or con in Avriting, as we have done. Reasons conceved that impugne the inhibityon of forraine iron : — 1 . O'' nayles generally till thirty ■ yeares since were brought out of Flanders, and lyttle or noe making thereof m England, w*^^ nowe hath consumed both o^" woods and iron. 2. The making here is of colshire iron, and not tuft^ av'=^^ is worse than the riemishe, and for the tough iron the same will not quite the charge of workino-. 3. Beefore that strong iron was brought over, the strong iron then made in England was att nineteen shillings the hundred, which, since the coming in, is but at fourteen or fifteen shillings the hun- dred at the most. 4. The petitioners themselves confesse that there is as good and as raft' iron made into nayle rodds that cometh owt of Flaunders as any in England. .5. O"" English iron is sometymes as badd as any other, for iron in the myne rysetli not allwayes alike ; and yet, what is badd the same serveth for slight and easie uses, wliich otherwise would bee expended in tough iron. 6. Where iron was formerly sold att eight pounds and eight pounds teime shillings the tonne, the same now, by scarceness of wood and iron, is att fourteen and fyfteen pound the tonne. 7. Tlie winds of late being contrarye for cominge in of forraine iron, the iron then heere of ffbwerteene and ffyfteene pounds the tonne, was sold at nyneteen pound; and after, ujjon coming in, reduced againe the price as before to fourteen and fifteen pound the tonne. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 179 8. The English nacon encreaseth, o'" woods and iron mynes are de- cayed, and now upon an inhibiton o^" commodytyes wilbe the scarcer and the dearer. 9. Wee subniitt to consyderacon the pollicie of other states, whoe, for things of necessitie or defence, eyther refraine their connnerce or make sparing transportacon, and releive themselves besides out of other kingdomes, the better to preserve their owne. 10. The petytioner's course wee conceve to bee a nionopollie, who seeketh an inhibition, and that hee maye cutt only, whereas thousands of poore men in other shires doe live thereby which then will beg, and the prises will also be inhansid. 11. Besides the petition^ seeke a trade in themselves, and to cutt att their own size, price, and scantling, and the owners to receve the losse, eyther by scantling or prices, as we are experyenct hereof allreadye. 12. We desyre to instance their owne beginnings afore the same be firme which now they seek, for of late they have treated w*^ a mar- chant that bringeth in Flemmish iron, and seek to buye a hundrith tomie of him, and offer for the same as much w^'^in five shillings the tonne as for the best English iron. 13. This matter of monopolie, some fortie yeares since and upwards, was likewise sought, and upon the like reasons, as we now inferr, the*same was denied. 14. The smiths, also, and naylers themselves, have formerly petitioned against these courses, though now induced, as we perceive, by pmise or psuasion ; as also the sayd petitioners have sought the like by ironmongers and others. 15. We leave to intimate a threefold benefit (w*^'^) wee know is under- stood, the one unto the king in custume by importing, the other two unto the commonwealth, by drawing down the prices of tilings and sparing our woods and iron. 16. These reasons wee offer, right ho^^®, out of o^' love for o'' country and state, and not of private respect, for yt is well knowne that yff we buy deare we must sell deare, and the hurt is the common wealth's. N 2 180 THE IRONMOXGEIIS' C0:MPANY. The psons that accompanied the wardens in this busnies everie man subscribed thereunto before the giving of the reasons in writing, viz: — Ui\ Walter Cowley | jNIr. Thomas Hallwood / Mr. Rowland Heylin. IMr. Thomas Carter. Mr. Nicholas Leat. Mr. Harrison. Mr. John Hayes. Mr. Deyos. Mr. Ball. Mr. Robins. Upon these reasons conceved, and the naylers also - looking more deeper into the project, the matter was found co venous and not fitt to be grantid unto the generall hurte of a common wealth. The navlers, after better consideration of the busynes, became like- wise petitioners against the pject, and gave in theii' reasons filed to their petition with their hands subscribed : viz. — To the Right hon^'® Sir Julius Caesar, and Sir Thomas Parry, and the Rio-ht hon^'^ Sir Henry Hubbert, and Sir Frauncis Bacon, knights, commiss'"^ for the examination of the patent about the cuttmg of iron into rodds, and the inhibition of forraine iron. The humble petition of the nayle makers about the c^'ttee of London. Humbly shewen yo'' poore petitioners and bis Ma ties lege subjects that, where they have lived these many years in their trade and arte of nayling, and find the hurte of the common wealth by a pcui'ed patent for the cutting of iron only, w'^'* is a means to perish thousands being formerly experyent therein, and their only educacon, besides the falsehoods and deceits that the patentees doe dayley practice for their owne enrichhigj.w'^^^ wee most humbly in these o"" reasons to this peticon filed. Wee therefore most humbly beseach yo*" hon""^ and woPp% as the fathers of o*" common wealth, that you will be pleasid to respect the generall good both of the state and countrye wherem we live, and that not any privat patent may bee to cutt iron into rodds, but that the poore may have the fruite of their trade and labor's, w*^"^ for the further approbacon wee most humbly submitt w*^** o*" reasons to yo"" honn''^ and wor^'^** most grave and respective consideracons, w*^ o'" prayers for the good success herein unto the AUmightie. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 181 Reasons of the naylers in and about the cittie of London agamst the petition^* seeking to cutt iron into nayle rodds only, and the inhibi- tion of foraine iron : — 1. This patent hath bine a meanes to draw a trade into one or two men's hands, and thej at their pleasure to raise the prices and iinrich themselves, where afore the trade was among many. 2. The ptie that had the mill before the now parties did only cutt for other men and not sell, whereas now they cutt and sell for themselves, and before the comniing in of the Fleramish iron ingrossed all the rodd iron into their own hands. 3. What they cutt not for themselves, the same they cutt of an unfitting scantling and into ends, whereby we are inforced to buy of them only and not of others, and at their own prices. 4. We allwaies have in evrie C. weight 11 or 12^'' of ends or refuse iron, and pay for that after 2"^ the lb. whereof Ave make againe even hardly a halfpenny for everie pound. The Flemmish iron wee des}Te may continue the comming from forraine parts as formerly it hath done ; and where it is excepted against, because it is badd, wee answer : — 1. That iron in the myne riseth not allwaies alike but is mixt, and yett what is badd the same serveth for the slighter uses, and m everie barr there is a naturall mixture of good and badd, w*"^ can not bee avoided. 2. Besides, in a generall respect, it is both a saving and relieflf to o"" countrie, and the means that only keepeth down the prices of o'' owne yron. 3. We affirme also, as workmen, that especially it is that the Flemmish iron is as good and serviceable and worketh as well as o'" owne English iron. 4. And for that o*" reasons concerne a genall good, wee cann assure that a great number of poore men have formerly lived by the cutting of iron w'^*' now want ; and o'' desire is, that rather the mills be wholly supprest than one or two only to be enriched by the losses of a great many.— Court Book, 1612 to 1629, fol. 2. 182 THE ironmongers' company. 1613. Anotlier instance of state interference on behalf of a private snitor occurs under this date : — Rec** att this court a 1re from the Right ho^^^ the Earle of Pembrook, on the behalff of INIr. Shute, in theise words ; viz. After my very liarty conimendacons. I am enfonned that, about thyrtie yeares since, the wydow of Alderman Dane, of London, aunte to this gent INIr. Shute, the bearer hereof, gave by hir last will and testam* to the Comepanye of Iremongers (of w*^^ liir husband was a brother) the summe of 2,000'^, w'^'^ hath bine heretofore quietly enioyed w^^out any molestacon or burden of hir kindred. This gent, (of whome I have taken notice for some good 43ts that are in him) is fallen into such wantes, that, unlesse hee bee speedylie in some measm-e releiveds his debts will endaunger his put libertye and futm-e hopes. Where- fore my earnest request imto yee is, that, out of a charytable gratytude to the memorye of his amite, in regai'd hir legacye rema^mes a ppetuall benefett to yo^ ffi-aternytye, yee wilbee contented to helpe him w*'^ ■^^tie Qj, xsx*^® pounds towards the payment of his debts, whoe will neu hereafter trouble yee w*'^ any suite of this nature ; and whatsoeu yee shall doe herein for my sake beeyond the conscience of the cause, I shalbee ready to requite y* unto yee m any of yo"" occasyons. Soe I bid you hartely farwell. Greenewich, this xxix*^ of Jmie (1613). Yor very loving ffreind, Pembroke. 1614. The expedient of raising money by public lot- teries, wliich commenced in the reign of Elizabeth, was adopted by James the Eirst for the purpose of fm-thering or completing the plantation of Virginia. Questionable as we may suppose such a method must at all times have ap- peared to be, it stood in no want on the present occasion of distinguished sponsors, as the following letter will attest : — Receved att this court a tre from the Ryght honorable the Lords of his ]Ma^*^^ Privie Counsell, to intreat o^" adventuringe in the lotterie, w'^'^ foUoweth in theise words : — To o"^ verie loving freinds, the M'", Wai'dens, and Assistants of the Company of Ironmongers. After o"" very hartie conimendacons. Wee send you herewith a true declaration of the present estate of the English colonic planted in HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 183 Virginia, together with a project by help of lotterie to bringe att length that work to the success desired. Wee shall not need to commend mito you that worthy and Christian enterprise, full of honour and pfitt to his ]\Ia*''' and the whole realme, yfF the ends in the said declaration expressed may, in process of tyme, be attained to, whereof the hopes as you perceive are now great, for the advancing and bringing whereof to some good perfection we heartily pray you to imploy yo"" good indeavours amongst the bretheren of yo'^' company to adAcnture in the said lotterie, distined to [forward so] good a purpose, such reasonable sommes of money as each of them may conveniently and cann willmgly spare ; nothing doubtmg but that, excited by yo'' good example and persuasion, they will shew themselves forward to adventiu*e in so faier a lotterie, wherein haply they may be gayners, and whatsoever any shall loose shalbe bestowed on soe good a worke, and soe be useful to the whole realm. You shall also receive herew*^ from the treasurer and comisell of Virginia such bookes as are requisite for the regestermg ot the said sommes adventured, w*='' we pray you, with as much expedition as may be, in regard of then' pnt wants, to sett forth a shipp thither this spring, to retourn w^ the money gathered to the said treasm-er, from whom we will take note of you^" proceeding herein, that we may accordingly give you deserved thanks for the same. And soe wee bidd you heartely farewell. From the Court at Whitehall, this ffirst of Aprill, 1614. Yo*' verie loveing ftreinds, G. Cant. Lenox. T. SuFFOLKE. E. Worcester. Pembroke. Exeter. W. Knowle^. E. Stanhope. Jul. C^sar. The foregoing letter was accompanied by another from the Lord Mayor, but it does not appear what measures the Ironmongers' Company adopted on this occasion. After my verie hartie commendations, theis are to lett you under- stand that I am required by the Lords of his Ma*'''® most honourable Privie Comicill to recommend unto yo"" care the effecting of their Lordshipps desu-es for the furtherance of the Virginia plantation, as by their Lord^^^^ tres herewithall sent may appear. Wherefore I pray and require you forthwith to call a Court and to use yo'' best endeavours to 184 THE ironmongers' company. accomplish their Lord^P* pleasures, in regard it is for soe honourable and Christian a work, and by w*=^ means wee may bee disburdenid of many idle and vagrant persons, w°'' otherwise are and wilbe more and more chargeable, dangerous, and troublesome to the state. And soe I bidd you hartily farewell. 20"^ April, 1614. Yo^' loving ffriend, Thomas Middleton, Maior. The scheme of tins lottery has been preserved and is given by Captain John Sniithe in his General History of Virginia, London, 1632, in which is the following passage : The contents of the declaration of the Lotterey, published by the Counsell. 1615. It is apparent to the world by how many former proclama- tions we manifested our intents to have drawne out the great standing lottery long before this, which not falhng out as we desired and others expected, whose monies are adventured therein, we thought good, therefore, for the avoiding all unjust and sinister constructions, to resolve the doubts of all indifi'erent minded in three speciall points for their better satisfaction. But, ere I goe any farther, let us remember there was a running lottery used a long time in Saint Paul's church- yard, where this stood, that brought into the treasury good summes of money dayly, though the lot was but small. Now for the points ; the first is, for as much as the adventurers came in so slackly for the yeere past without prejudice to the generality in losing the blankes and prises, we were forced to petition to the honourable Lords, who out of their noble care to further this plantation have recommended then' leisenters to the countries, cities, and good townes in England, which, we hope, byding in, their voluntary adventm'cs will sufficiently supply us. The second, for satisfaction to all honest well-affected minds is, that, though this expectation answer not our hopes, yet we have not failed in our Christian care the good of that colony, to whom we have lately sent two sundry supplies, and were they but now supplied with more hands wee should soone resolve the division of the countrey by lot, and so lessen the general charaie. The third is, our constant resolution that, seeing our credits are so farre ingagedto the honourable Lords and the whole State for the drawing HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 185 this great lottery, which we intend shall he without delay the 26 June next, desiring all such as have undertaken with bookes to solicit their friends, that they will not withhold their monies till the last moneth be expired, lest we be unwilhngly forced to proportion a lesse value and number of our blankes and prises, which hereafter followeth : — Welcomes. To him that first shall be cbawne out with a blanke . To the second ....... To the third To him that every day during the drawing of this lottery shall be first drawne out with a blanke Prizes. Crownes. 100 50 25 10 1 great prize of 2 great prizes, each of 4,500 2,000 4 great prizes, each c 6 great prizes, each c 10 prizes, each of 20 prizes, each of f . f . . 1,000 500 300 200 100 prizes, each of 200 prizes, each of 100 50 400 prizes, each of 20 1000 prizes, each of 10 1000 prizes, each of 8 1000 prizes, each of 6 4000 prizes, each of 4 1000 prizes, each of 1000 prizes, each of 3 2 Rewards. To him that shall be last drawne out with a blanke . 25 ■ To him that putteth in the greatest lot under one name 400 To him that putteth in the second greatest number . 300 To him that putteth in the third greatest number . . 200 To him that putteth in the fourth greatest number . 100 Tf divers be of equall number, their rewards are to be divided pro- portionably. 186 THE ironmongers' company. Addition of New Rewards. Crownes. The blanke that shall be drawne out next before the great prize, shall have ......... 25 The blanke that shall be drawne out next after the great prize 25 The blankes that sliall be drawne out immediately before the two next great prizes, shall have each of them ... 20 The severall blankes next after them, each shall have . . 20 The severall blankes next before the foiu' great prizes, each shall have ......... 15 The severall blankes next after them shall have . . . 15 The severall blankes next before the six great j)rizes, each shall have .......... 10 The severall blankes next after them, each shall have . . 10 The prizes, welcomes, and rewardes, shall be payed in ready money, plate, or other goods reasonably rated ; if any dislike of the plate or goods, he shall have money, abating only the tenth part, except in small prizes of ten crownes or under. The money for the adventm-ers is to be paid to Sir Thomas Smith knight, and treasui'er for Virginia, or such officers as he shall appoint in city or country, under the common scale of the Company, for the receit thereof. All prizes, Avelcomes, and rewardes drawne, where ever they dwell, shall of the ti'easurer have present pay, and whosoever under one name or poesie payetli tlu'ee pounde in ready money shall receive six sliilluigs and eight pence, or a silver spoone of that value at liis choice. * The following entry occurs in the minutes of 1621 ; but the books it mentions have long been lost,t nor have I been able to discover any. book of Captain Smithe that has a printed dedication to the Ironmongers' Company : * The Generall Historic of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles, by Captain John Smithe, Lond. 1632, page ] 17. -j- Tlie only printed books now remaining of the Company's former library are the following : — A Breeches Bible, in black letter, ful. printed at Loudon by Christopher Barker, 1578, and dedicated to the Queen : the second volume of the Acts and Monuments of Martyrs, by John Fox, fol. London, 1631 ; Synopsis Papismi, by Dr. Andrew Willet, fol. Lon. 1634. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 187 " At a Com*t of Election July 3rd, Captain John Smithes bookes, dedicated to this Comp^, being 4 in No. were dd to the Court, touching his pject of sliipping and fishino* in New England." Captain John Sjiithe, the author of these books, was born at Willoughby in Lmcohishire, and was descended from the Smithes of Cuerdley, in the county of Lancaster. He is deservedly ranked with the greatest travellers of his age, having visited all the four quarters of the globe, nor was he less conspicuous as a warrior, having greatly distinguished liunself in the wars of Hungary, under Sigismond Duke of Transylvania. He is stated to have engaged with three Tm'ks in single combat and to have cut off their heads, for which exploit and other gallant services Sigismond conferred on him the honour of knighthood with a pension of three hundi'ed ducats, gave him his picture set in gold, and allowed him to bear on liis shield of arms three Turks' heads proper. A copy of tliis gTant is preserved among the Additional MSS. in the British Museum, No. 6,297, fol. 438 ; the document is m Latin, dated Decem. 9°, an" dni 1603, and signed Sio-ismmidus Barthori. Captain Smithe afterwards visited America, where he was taken prisoner by the Indians, from whom he naiTowly escaped. He was engaged in various naval conflicts with pirates and Spanish ships of wax, and had a considerable hand in reducing New England to the government of Great Britam, and m reclaimmg the inhabitants from barbarism. He died June 21, 1631. There is a MS. life of him by Hemy Wharton in the Lambeth Library. See Biographical Dictiomuy, by Alexander Chalmers, F.S.A. vol. xxviii. Captain John Smithe was the author of numerous works, some of which were reprmted. The following list is probably imperfect :^ "A Description of New England: severally dedicated to the high hopeful Charles Prince of Great Britain; To the Right Hon^^^ and worthy Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of his Majesties Counsell for all Plantations and Discoveries, especially of New England ; To the Right worshipfidl Adventurers for the country of New England in the cities of London, Bristow, Exceter, Phmouth, Dartmouth, Bastable, Totneys, &c. and in all other cities and ports in the kingdom of England. By Capt" Jn" Smithe. small 4to, Loud. 1616." 61 pages. 188 THE IRONMOXGEES' COMPANY. " The Seaman's Grammar and Dictionary, by Capt. John Smithe ; " amphfied and reprinted in 1691. " New England's Trials, declai'ing the successe of 26 ships employed thither within these sixe years, with the benefit of that countrey by sea and land, and how to build tlu'ee-score sayle of good ships to make a little Navie" Rovall. Dedicated to the Right Worshipful the Maister, the Wai-dens, and the Companie of Fishmongers, by Cap. Jn° Smithe." Small 4to, Lond. printed by Will"^ Jones, 1620. " Advertisements for the unexperienced Planters of New England or any where, -^nth the yearly proceedings of the countrey in fishing and planting since the year 1614 to the year 1630, and their present state; by Capt. John Smithe, sometimes Governour of Yirginia and Adnurall of New England. Dedicated to George Lord Archbishop of Canter- bury and Saml. Lord Archbishop of York." Small 4to. Lond. 1630. " The Generall Historic of Yirginia, New England, and the Summer Isles, by Capt John Smithe, sometime Govemom* of those Countreys and Admirall of New England. Dedicated to the illustrious and most noble Princess the Lady Frances Dutchess of Richmond and Lenox." Fol. Lond. 1626. Another edition, 1632. " The true Travels, Adventures, and Observations of Capt. John Smithe in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, from anno domini 1593 to 1629." Fol Lond. 1630. At the beginning of this work there is a coat of arms, quarterly, 1 and 4, .... a chevron per pale or and azure between three Turk's heads tm'baned and couped at the neck. 2, . . . per pale, three fleurs- de-Hs, no tinctm-es expressed. 3, On a bend engrailed three garbs. The shield is surmounted with thi'ee crests— first, an ostrich holdmg in his beak a horseshoe ; second, a fleur-de-lis ; third, out of a mural crown a talbot's head collared. Copies of all these works are in the library of the British Museum. YV^enext meet with an entry of the " tre from the King's Ma''" to the eittie of London, for the loan of 100,0001^," ^.^i endorsed thus : — Too o'' trustie and welbeloved Sir Thomas Middleton, knight. Lord Mayor of o'" eittie of London. Trusty and welbeloved, wee greet you well. Whereas the occasion of o'' service doe require pnt use of great somes of money, whereof o'" HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 189 coffers att this tyme are unfurnished, and the expectation of o'" rehef being disapoynted by the sudden dissolution of the late intended parlym*, not knowing where to finde more speedy supplye than in o'' chamber of London, we have thought good to address unto you theise o'" tres, whereby we doe require you upon receipte of them to enter into pnte deliberation w*^ yo'" brethren, and with them to whom such resolucons doe apptayne, to furnishe us by waye of loane w'' the some of one hundi'ed thousand pounds, assuring you that as wee have made you loyall paym* as well for those somes which at o^' coming to this crowne wee found the late Queen indebted unto you, as for those somes which wee o*"selves have since borrowed, soe for the reimbursement of theis somes w^'^ now wee doe require you shall receve such suflfycient securytie as shalbe void of all excepcon. Given att o*" mamiour of East Greenwich, the xxvj*^^ of June, the twelfth yeare of o*" reigne of Greate Brittain, Fraunce, and Ireland. June 29. The Company being moved by Mr. Alderman Harvie about the grant of 179/. towards a benevolence to the King, and sundry debating thereabout, it was lastly resolved to certify that the Company hath not and as yet cannot agree, but are forced to refer it to the next General Court. " Tuesday, 5° Julii. The matter of the former Court about the King's ire being this day questioned, it was thought meet, and soe orderid, that 150^' bee someways taken upp and paid in, and for the remainder, being 29^ more, it is to bee intreated that Mr. Alderman Harvey may pay the same, and to this effect the Lord Maior to bee soe certified." The Lord Mayor's precept to the Company respecting the King's letter does not appear to have been entered on their minutes, and it would seem, from their only being called upon to contribute the sum of £179, that the city were unable to raise a loan of £100,000, and presented the King with a benevolence instead thereof.* The difficulty * Vide Minutes of 1620. 190 THE IRONMOXGERvS' COMPANY. Avliicli the Company experienced at this time in raising money was in consequence of the contributions which they had made towards the plantation in Ireland, and the continual demands of the Government in one shape or other. The wonder is, how the companies continued to exist at all under such a system of perpetual exactions. 1616, Jan. 13. " Wliereas letters are received from the Universitie of Oxford, the Bishoppe of Canterbury, and the Bishoppe of London, in behalf of the Universitie for schooles building, it is ordered, that the matter rest till it is further understood by the contribution of other companies." The coppie of a letter sent from the Lord Bishopp of Canterbury. To the Right "Wor" my very loving freinds the wardens and com- minalty of the Company of Ironmongers, in the cittie of London, theis. After my hartie commendations. I have latelye beene intreated by ires fi'om the Universitie of Oxford (to whom I must ev"" acknowledg a great obhgation) to recomend to yo"" favourable entertainment their suit for some lielpe by waye of contribution towards the building of their publique schooles. Theis are therefore as to lett you understand that 1 hould that worke now in hand to bee of excellent use for their publique lectui'es and disputacons, special means for advancement of all kind of learmng, soe to request you in arnest manner the rather for my sake to ^-ield unto them what you may well spare, either out of j-our common revenues belonging to yo'" company e, or out of your private pm-ses ; 1 meane such whom God hath blessed with plentie and aboundance. Yo"" free and charitable bountie in this their speciall oc- casion, the like wherof is not likely to happen againe, will undoubtedly redound to the beriefitt of the whole church and kingdom. And they shall have just cause to record your pietie, as their maimer is, amongst the rest of their benefactors, to all posteritie. And for my parte I do promise hereby to lay upp yo*" severall benevolences in faithfull remembrance, to the end I may with due respect acknowledge the same to any of you when opportunitie sliaHbee ])resented ; and soe, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 191 recommending this unto your charitable considerations, I leave you to the Allmightie. From Lambeth, 27 November, 1616. Y^" verie loving frend, G. Cant. 1618. Sir Sebastian Harvey, Iron- monger, son of Sir James Harvey, knight, was chosen Lord Mayor. On the 30th September a Court of the Company was summoned, chiefly to consider the preparations necessary for his mayoralty and to appoint per- sons to take the oversight of the pageant. Very few par- ticulars of this pageant have been recorded, and the title of it is not knoT\Ti. We discover from the Ironmongers' books that it was the production of Anthony Munday ; that the principal objects introduced were, an iro]j-mine, an ostrich, and a leopard. This last was probably in allusion to the Lord Mayor's crest, which was, A leopard passant argent, spotted sable, ducally collared and chained or.* So effective a spectacle as a mid animal could not be overlooked by the city poets of that time ; the Emperor of Morocco woidd be placed on his back, and a group of attendant Moors, richly habited, would complete the pageant. t In 1658, at the inauguration of Sir John Ireton, the armorial griffins of the Clothworkers' Company were yoked to a splendid chariot, in which sat Asia and Africa in company with all the cardinal virtues. But not only were the arms of the companies and Lord Mayors * Arms of Sir Sebastian Harvey, Or, a chevron between three leopard's faces gules, a crescent for difference. — Visitation of London, by Robert Cooke, Clarenceux ; and Visitation of Essex. MSS. Harl. Nos. 5810, 5869, and 1463. t Snch a pageant was introduced by Munday in the mayoralty of Alderman Leman in 1616. See pages 221-3. 192 THE IRONMONGEKS' COMPANY. introduced into the detail of these ci"\dc solemnities, but even the surnames of the chief magistrates were sometimes made the vehicle of conveying a compliment : thus in the mayoralty of Mr. Alderman Leman in 1616, who was a member of the Fishmongers' Company, one of the principal pageants was " a leman-tree in full and ample forme, richly laden with the fruit and flowers it beareth ; at its root a pelican in her nest ; and seated round the tree [were] the Five Senses, because (as the poet observes) this tree is an admirable preserver of the senses in man, restoring, com- forting, and relieving any the least decay in them." At the Court held on the 30th September, ]\Ir. Nicholas Leat and the two wardens were appointed to provide " poor men's round redd capps, wight capps, and cassocks of Breidges sattyn for the musetions, wight capps for the drummers, fife, and ancient-bearers, and muckado sleeves for the poor men." Mr. Canning, Mr, Robins, Mr. Buckman, and INIr. Richard Leat were appointed to provide all things requisite for the two galleys and furnish- ing thereof, gunpowder, bases, chambers, watermen, fireworks, javelins, links, greenmen, torches, &c. Mr. Hayes and Mr. Peate were to provide white staves for the whifBers, pendants, and escutcheons, and the w^ardens were directed to provide barges for the Company, musicians, trumpeters, waits, fencers, drummers, fifers, and ancient bearers. At a Committee on the 5th October a considerable number of the Company, amounting to fifty or sixty, were appointed to serve in foins and budge. Mr. William Kinsey Avas excused on paying a fine of ten pounds. It was also agreed to have " 60 poor gownes, with javelins and torches answerable, according to former precedent." And bv " erection of hands it was committed to Mr. Nicholas Leat and Mr. Wm. Canning to deal with Christmas about the devise of a cannon for the show, to shoot of at pleasure, to bestow herein as they shall see good, the whole sum not exceeding xxxvij"." October 6th. The warden and Mr. Cowley went from this meeting to Sir Sebastian Harvey, Lord Mayor elect, and offered unto him, in HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 193 the name and as the gift of the company, thirty jiounds towards the trimming of his liouse, w'^'' kind offer he very honorably accepted, bnt returned the money back again unto the company. October 9th. A note was received from the Lord Mayor elect, de- siring that the wardens of tlie Mercers might be spoken with " for the hangings of the Lord Maior's feast, and some upholster for hangings for the Lord Maior's ' Court ; also to provide a faj^er velvet chaire for the Lord Chancelor, and two dozen of stooles covered w* cloth or leather ; also the King's picture or his amies in a small frame. " Mr. Henry Martin, sergeant trumpeter, appointed at this court, was agreed withall to fm-nish the service of the Lord Maior's show ^^ith 32 trumpets, and all to be performed in as good manner as hatli bin at any time donne in this kind, and is to have for the same xxiiij^' and iiij. ells of sarsnet, whereof there was now payed liim in part forty shillmgs. It was now agreed that Anthony Mundy, with whom the committees have contracted for the pageant, shall have xx^^ payed him, and John Grinkin xx^*, in pte of payment of the worke by them to be done, ac- cordmg to the greement of the sayde committees. Mr, Robins made report that he and the other committees appointed for providing galleys have agreed with Tilbmy Strange for that service, to have 28", and if it be very well pformed then xxx" ; w°^ is w ell al- lowed, and the said Strange to have the somme payd him in hand. The charge of the several committees for the service of the Lord Maior were now read, and warning given to all men to pforme their parte according to order. October 20th. Francis Lownes, head butler to my Lord Maior, pre- sented a note in writing to this Court of the particidars of the plate and napery to be provided for the Lord Maior's pte at the feast at Guildhall, viz. plate as followeth : — 36 nestes of bowles. 52 salts with two covers. 12 nestes of potts. 2 trencher salts. 12 basons and ewers. 6 payre of livery potts. 18 standing cups with covers. 5 dozen of spoones. Naperie as followeth : — 3 sheets for the Lord Maior's 1 long towell of damaske. cupboard. 2 ewer towels of damaske. 1 damaske cloth of 5 yards. 1 cubbord cloth of damaske. 2 dozen of damaske nai)kins. 194 THE mONMONGEHS' COMPANY. All this is now agreed to be provided by the said Maister Lownes at liis OAra charge and venture, and to have for the same eight pounds. One Mr. Bell offered his service to this Court as marshall of the howse and the Companie on the day of the Lord Maior's service, wherein he hath been used now these eight years, and hath been, as he said, allowed 5'' for the charge of himself and vj. attendants for this purpose. And this Court made agreement with 4iim for his service, to have V. mai'kes, it being well performed, and especially the pageant well lodoed at niolit. Mr. Harrison and Mr. Gorte were appointed to provide six horses for the show, and to carry them to Christmas to fit and furnishe them for the service. There were now granted, of the request of Mr. Anthony Mrniday, six coats to six of the porters, directors of the carriages, and one coat to his man ; and Edmond Ballard and John Yate were appointed to pvide the breakfast for the chikben. October 23. At this court Mr. Cornwell, Mr. Bland, Mr. Loane, and Mr. Ralphe Camiing were appointed to welcome the guests at Guildhall and to guide them to their places, and to see the hall cleared and served. Mr. Humphrey Tnckey and Mr. James Hamor to attend the kitchen and at the di'esser. Mr. John Gravenor and Mr. Hem-y Hall as stewards for the batche- lors' breakfasts, and are to be allowed 4" for the breakfasts and a noble, to be paid at Baynard Castle, according to custom. Mr. Hannson and Mr. Hill to provide a place in Carter Lane for the pageant. Mr. Warden Cambell and Mr. Nicholas Leat were appointed to speake to Mv. Corselis for returning of the pageant mito his house, and to speake with the sheriffs for supply of attendance at Guildhall. The keep** of Blackwell Hall appeared at this com't, and demanded forty shillings for the use of the napery and attendance for the children at their dimier at Blackwell Hall Howse ; and Mr. Hall and Mr. Hanson were prayed to enquire what hath been heretofore don in the like case, and to report to the next court how they find this matter. October 26. Edward Atkinson was appointed to attend w^ liis car- penter's tools upon Grinkin to mend the pageant. November 2. At this court Mr. Dyos and ^fr. Hanson were prayed HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 195 to take care for the bringing of the pageant from Mr. Halsie's to the Hall and to set it np there. Mr. Harrison gave notice that he and Mr. Gorte did agree to give xliij* for the hire of six horses to carry the men in armour, and three men to wait uppon them. In consideration of Anthony Mundy's good pformance of his business undertaken, and of the spoyling of liis pageant apparaile by the foule weather, it was agreed to give him tlu'ee pomids as a free guift of the Companie besides and above the contract. The figures introduced into tlie next page are copied from an ancient drawing in the possession of the Fish- mongers' Company, representing the principal objects in the pageant provided for the mayoralty of Mr. Alderman Leman, and before alluded to.* This pageant, entitled " Chrysanaleia, the Golden Pishing ; or, Honour of Pish- mongers," was also the production of Anthony Munday ; f and we may reasonably conclude that some of the cha- racters and costumes which he exhibited in 1616 would again be made use of in the pageant of 1618 without any material alteration. The first of these figures is one of six tributary kings, who rode I on "either side of the King of the Moors, who in full royal costume, crown, and sceptre, is gallantly * A description of this pageant, with some interesting particulars of the Fishmongers' Company, written by John Gough Nichols, Esq., F.S.A., illus- trated with fac-simile engravings of the original drawings, still preserved at Fishmongers' Hall, was printed at the expense of that company in 1 844, and forms a very elegant volume. f Anthony IVIunday was born in 1533, and followed the trade of a draper in Cripplegate, and was also a member of the Drapers' Company. He was a voluminous writer, and, besides his Continuation of Stowc's Survey of London, was the author of various plays and ballads. His first pageant is supposed to have been written in 1605, for the IVIerchant Taylors, and from 1614 he con- tinued for several years to be the favourite city poet. He died the 10th Au- gust, 1633, and was buried at St. Stephen's Coleman Street, where a monu- ment was erected to his memory. J In the drawing they are represented walking. o 2 196 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. mounted on a golden leopard, and scatters gold and silver coin everywhere about him." The tributary kings carry each one a dart and an ingot of gold or silver. The other two figures represent a standard-bearer and a halberdier. No stipulations appear to have been made ^\itli Munday in 1618 for pro^dding the Ironmongers' Company Tvith printed books of the speeches, nor is there any charge of this description in the expenses of the pageants, which are entered considerably at length and contain some curious particulars. 6 6 7 5 2 5 12 1 5 30 34 24 HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 197 li. s. d. Paid for — 9 doz. torches, xiiij. per dozen .... 3 doz. linkes ....... 8 dozen torches ....... 8 dozen do. ....... Loan of 60 javelins ...... Paid Robert Drowdge for a kettle drum with 4 trumpeters on horseback . . . . . . . .400 More paid to IVIr. John Richardson for 6 green men and 4 to attend them, and for a fire work upon the Standard in Cheapside 8 10 More paid to Tilbury Strange, for 2 men of warre (gallyes) furnished compleat with 20 musquetiers and 4 bases in eyther of them, the companie only finding captains More paid for 120 chambers ..... More paid in full for 32 trumpeters More paid to Thomas Lockwood, for 6 drummers and 3 fifes, at 18^ a peece 8 2 More paid John Owens, for 10 fencers to provide themselves scarfes . . . . . . • . . 4 15 More paid the cittie waights, their fee . . . .200 More for 48 yds. of Levant taffety, at IG*^; 4 ells of BoUona sarsnet, at 4^ 8<^ ; 4 ells watchet Bollonia sarsnet, at 5^ 2*^ ; 7 ells of taffety sarsnett, at 7^ per ell ; 3 gro. 3 doz. and 10 yds. of iiij. ribbon, £4 19^ 0*, and to the sergeant trumpeter, for liis cullers . . . . 13 17 4 More paid for 34 oz. payned fringe with crimson in graine, at 2* 8^ per oz. ; 6| ells of taffety; and 1 pair of tassels 6 16 6 More paid Thomas Hinkeman, for 5 doz. and 2 round redd capps with bands . 4i doz. of long redd capps w*^ ribbons 4 long redd capps without ribbons .... More paid Mr. Arthur Hall, clothmaker, 2 Suffolk azures, at 6^ 15' 0'^ per cloth More paid Abraham Cartwright, for 8 blew clothes . More paid Garrett Christmas, for the canon More for 4'' almond comfits put in the bullets of the cannon 6 4 5 8 5 4 13 10 60 35 4 198 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. More paid Anthony Munday and Grinkin, in pt of the pageant ...... More paid them in full payment More paid Anthony Mmiday, for pageant More for the standing of the pageant at the Bell in Carter Lane ....... For removing of the pageant to the Hall . For removing of the iron myne to the Hall For removing the cannon .... For the leopard ...... For the ostridge ...... More paid Thomas Steele, for his gowne . More paid Thos. Susam, for a greene cloth More paid Oliver Geldino'", for his gowne More paid Mr. Bell, for marshalling the showe More paid Francis Lownds, for famishing plate and linen at Geald hall ..... More paid the captains of the gallies and 2 ensign bearers at 18^ 8*^ a pece, is in all .... More paid William Winshell, for painting worke More paid Robert IMunday, for two cettle drum baners For making the Compane's arms in an ensign For a new banner with the Lord Maior's arms For a new banner with the Compane's amies For 3 old banners mended For 2 new streamers of eight yards For 2 new streamers of five yards . For 3 new streamers of 2^ yds. and 2 new do. of 1| yard For 2i doz. of new trumpet banners For 4 pavices paynting .... For 58 scutcheons paynting . For mending a q"" of the banner w^ the King's For painting 19 staves .... For mending 2 cettle drum banners For 2 staves of 22 foot a pece for the standard, and 4 staves of 1 1 f * a pece for the supporters For 4 banner staves of 18 fa pece amies 40 25 28 1 10 3 4 2 8 3 4 1 4 1 4 2 6 10 3 3 6 8 8 3 12 38 13 4 13 4 1 3 10 2 10 2 9 5 2 10 6 15 16 3 17 4 15 1 6 8 10 10 li s. d. 2 5 6 8 3 4 1 5 1 4 1 5 10 15 2 HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 199 For 14 doz. of whiffling staves and 1 doz. of truncheons . For a new ancient staffe w^ a fah-e guilt head . For working and colovu'ing of an old ancient staffe, and a faire new head to the same ...... For y caridge of the hangings of the Mercers to the Guildhall, and recarrjmg of them to the Mercers' Hiill . 10 For brmg the said hangings out of the Mercers' Hall to the cart, and carrying them up again For the clerk of the Mcrs his fee for the same For taynter hooks to hang the cloth on . For hanging them up, taking them down, and folding Llore paid the keeper of BlackweU Hall, liis fee INIore paid the porter of BlackweU Hall . More paid Mr. Leate, for duiner charges, as per bill More for 5 single peces of redd Muccadoes, and 6^ yards do. 19^ . . 5 4 3 INIore paid ]\Ir. Edwards, the cittie carpenter, for takino- down sigiies the Lord Maior's day .... More paid for taking up the sparr at Paul's gate More paid Rich*^ Jemiy, officer, for attendance . More paid to S. Peters, in charge for the waights standino- More paid INIicheU Place, for iron work for the lon^ streamer . . . . . . . . . 12 More paid Mr. Jerma, for a tapestry chaire for the Geald hall show . . . 2 10 More paid John Yate and Edward Ballard, to pvide meate for the cliildren's breakfasts . . . . .220 ]\Iore paid for carrying the whifflers to Westminster and back agam ........ More paid for makmg62 blue gownes, and52 cotes and sieves More paid H^ Hdl, for the batchellors' breakfasts For a barrell of powder, for the cannon for the chambers, and for 4 soldiers on foote ...... For a dinner for the 40 soldiers at Young's in Cornhill For a piece and a half of match for the foot soldiers . For the loan of 12 feathers for six horses and their riders . For a link iiij*^, porter vj"^, and drinking money vj'^ . 5 5 1 3 4 2 6 6 4 8 4 6 8 4 6 2 2 2 6 2 10 1 4 200 THE IRONMONGEES COMPANY. 1618, 12tli November. Isaack AValton, late apprentice to Thomas Griiisell, " was now admitted and sworne a free brother of this Companie, and payd for his admittance xiij*^, and for default of presentm* and em-ollement x'." Nov. 18. " Accordinge to a custome in this and other societies, to honor their worthy friends with the freedome of their corporacon as a present and token of their love and respect unto psons of such qualitie and desert, the free- dome of this fellowship was this day presented unto Mr. Robert Heath, Recorder of London, and Mr. Peter Phea- sant, counselor at law, and penconary of this Companye, who both respectively accepted the same, with kind acknow- ledgement of the love of this Companie, and promise of their readines in all occasions to shcAV theii' good respect unto the general bodie thereof ; and soe are by this entry enrigestred as free brethren of this societie." 1618-19. Feb. 27. " M^ Warden Cambell acquainted this com-t how he had heard that a precept from the Lord Mayor was sent unto the Hall (though miscarried), for the pviding of six barrels of gunpowder for the share of this Company, and it is agreed that if m"" warden heare fm^ther of this matter, he shall forthwith make provision of the said quantity of powder." In 1619 the Company of Ironmongers entertained " the States of the United Pro^^nces, and the rest of the commis- sioners residing here, the lord maior. Sir Thomas Smith, and divers others of place and quality ;" when it was *' thought mete that there be a lane made of the livery on both sides, from the door up into the Hall, beginning with the youngest of the livery below at the dorc ; after the coming up of the States, the livery to dispose of themselves in other rooms, as that the Hall might be left free for the HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 201 entertainment of the States, and the others of the chiefe, and Mr. Ball and Mr. Kaph Canning were intreated to sit with the States gentlemen, to entertain them, the former at the end of the tahle, and Mr. Windham and the clarke among the rest at the same tahle. " The meate for the first tahle to he served up hy the livery, heginning from the youngest, and continuing up- wards according to the numher of dishes. " It was the same year agreed in respect of the kindness of Mr. Recorder of London sheweth to this Company since he received the freedome thereof, that he shalhe psented with twoo hogsheads of Gascoyne wyne and a hut of sack, in token of the Compa* loving acceptance of his favour. " The Hecorder having many psents of wine, this was suhsequently changed into a sum of twenty peices." Septemher 22. By a precept from the Lord Mayor the Company were required to take their " pporcon of powder and match for their store ; to witt, l,2201h. of powder, at xjfZ. per pound, and nine hundles of match, at ixs. vjcl. the hundle." Upon the petition of the " yeomandry of this mistery now read against certain country larymen, cutlers, and nayle- men, that ly at Blossomes and the Maydenhead, and other inns, and retayle their wares within this citty to foreigners, contrary to the privileges of this citty, and to the great hurt of this Company, it is now agreed to make petition to the lord mayor and aldermen in the name of the whole Company for the redressing of this disorder." " An order of Court before the Lord Maior in y^ tyme of Sir Sebastian Harvey, dated ye 5 day of October last, was now read, wherein it was declared that the Lord Maior, by his prerogative of making three psons free of the cittie, had obtained the freedome of Mr. Stapleton as the first of the said three, and y* he should l)e admitted into the freedom 202 THE ironmongers' company. of the Company by redemption ; upon w'''' order the court being ^^aLLing to gratifie Sir Sebast" Harvey, the said Staple- ton being his gardener, are contented to admit him into this Company, soe as he doe once a quarter take care to keep the Company's garden in order and repair, and to trym y« same, w^ he very thankfully accepted of, promising to pforme the same, and therefore took his oath appertayn- ing, and paid for his oath xij'*." " Dec. 3. A precept from the Lord Maior dated this day, and directed to this Company, was read, wherein is signified that the great disorder y* of late years is gro\Yne in the severall companies of this cittie, in not being decently attired in theu' gownes faced with furr, as in ancient tyme hath been used upon the dayes of solemnity in the winter season ; for remedy whereof his Lo''^ and y^ Court of Alder- men have thought fitt that the m'', wardens, assistants, and those of the livery doe in decent and grave manner wear their goT\Ties faced w"' furr, every one according to his degree of precedence in his comp^, and not to have their gownes faced w*'' seuall stuffs disorderly, as of late hath been used ; and this order of wearing their go^^aies faced w* furr to be contjTieued yearly, from Michaelmas till Easter, and to be put in execution before Xmas next." In the l7th year of his reign, James the Eirst granted to the Ironmongers' Company a " perpetuitie " or confir- mation under the great seal of all their lands and tene- ments in and about London, particularly specifying and describing the same : and, in the month of October follow- ing, by other letters patent, still further secured the said lands and tenements to the Company from any doubt, defect, ambiguity, or omission, that might be discoverable in the previous instrument : — HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 203 Peepetuitie gi'anted to the m^ and keepers or \yardens and coialty of the mistery or art of Ironmongers, London. Jacobus Dei gratia Anglie, Scotie, Fran- cie, et Hibeniie Rex, fidei defensor, &c. omnibus ad quos presentes litere pervene- rmt salutem, &c. Whereas the m'" and keepers or wardens and coialty of the mistery or art of Ironmongers, London, have several messuages, lands, and ten*% viz. — The Hall and thi-ee tenements theremito adjacent. A messuage in the Old Jewry, in the occupacon of Tho® CambeU; one m the occupacon of Rob'^ Cham- berlin ; one in Love Lane, in his occupacon. Two ten** in the occupa" of Rich*^ Batenson. One ten^^ m the occup" of Peter Phesant. In Noble Lane, three ten^s i^^ the occup" of Will™ Dmi. In Bread S\ two mess^^ in the occupa" of Tho^ Osborn ; nine mess^* in the occup" of Rob* Este, Francis Austin, Will™ Skidmore, Ehz. Lewis, Rich*^ Vallans, Rob* Boydall, Repiold Hayes, Francis Bates, Will™ Bro^\aie. W^out Newgate, two mess^% and the cottages in Horse-head Alley. The Ship m the Poultry, in the occup*^ of Trinion Shortus. Wood Street, the Flower de Luce and Crown, in the occup" of Will™ iMmdgay. In Old Street, a croft or piece of gromid in a great orchard, and all the ten^s therein, with the gardens and all the ten^s towards the street, in the occupa'* of John Cornwell. An acre and a rood of gromid in his occupacon. In Nics Lane, two tents [y^ the occupa" of W™ Bainbrigge and Rob* Blackerby. In East Cheap, the Xpofer hi the occupa" of Eliza Linton. 204 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. And whereas the m'" and keepers, &:c. liave petitioned us to confirm and ratifie for ever to them all and singular j^ premises, that they and their successors may enjoy the premises quietly, without any claim of us, o'" heirs, or successors ; Know ye that we, for and in consideration of lOOl. paid into oui' ex- chequer by the said mi', keepers, &c. have and do for us and o^" heirs and successors confirm, release, and ratifie to the said nV^ and keepers, and to their successors, all the aforesaid messs% lands, and tenements, and premises, w* the appurtenances, to have and to hold to them and their successors for ever ; viz. — ■ All the premises in London in free burgage and not in capite, nor by knight's service, and all that in Midd'' by the same tenure as formerly, and not by other, yielduig and paying such and like yearly rents as were formerly paid in the space of 30 years. And we do give and grant to the said m"", &c. all and singular the premises and the rever- sion of the premises and the rents and profits thereof, except the quit- rents due to us ; to have and to hold the said messuag% lands, and the reversion and reversions thereof, released and confirmed to the said m^ &c. to their own use and behoof for ever ; to hold of us all the premises in London in free burgage, and not in capite nor by knight's service ; and all the premises in Middlesex by such tenure as they were formerly, and not otherwise ; paying to us such quit-rents as have been paid by the space of 30 years last past. And, moreover, we give and grant to the said m*", &c. that they and their successors from henceforth for ever may hold and enjoy the premises afore granted, and every part thereof, and such rights [in reduccons], fredomes, liberties, customes, &c. as they and their predecessors, or any other, have or ought to have enjoyed by reason of any charter, gift, or grant by us or oi" predecessors. Kings or Queens of England, or by pretext of any Act of Parliament, or prescription, or custom heretofore had, as freely and amply to have had or enjoyed, or ought to have enjoyed the same. And further we give and grant to the said m'", &c. all the aforesaid messs* with their appurtenances, as full and freely as the same came to our hands, or to oui- progenitors, by reason of dissolution or suppres- sion of any monastery, priory, or by ptext of any Act of Parl^, attain- der, or forfeiture, exchange, gift, or by any other lawful means are or ought to be in our hands. And we will and grant to the said m'", &c. and to their successors, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 205 that we will acquit, discharge, and save hai*mless for ever, from time to time, y^ said m'', &c. and the said messuag% lands, &c. and every part thereof, against us, o^" heirs and successors, from all corodies, fees, yearly rents, arrearages, &c. issuing out of the pmises to us, o^ heirs, or successors, except the rents in these psents formerly reserved, com- manding the Ttirez', Cansellor, and Barons of the Excheq^^ and all auditors, receau.''^, and other officers, that they, upon showing of these letters patents, or the enrollment thereof, without any writ or wai'rant of o'"^, shall make due allowance and discharge of all manner of coro- dies, rents, fees, pensions, arrearages, &c. except before excepted ; and tliis oiu' letters patent, or the enrollment thereof, shall be their warrant and discharge in this behalf. And further we give, gi-ant, pdon, release, and exonerate to the said m'', &c. all rents, issues, fines, &c. going out of y® premises payable to us, our heirs or successors, in respect thereof, except before excepted, in any manner before the date hereof due to us, o'' heirs or succes""®. And all entries and intrusions upon the premises heretofore by the said m'", &c. And all acquisicions or alienacons in mortmain concerning y® premises by the said m'", &c. without our licence or our predecessors, the statute of mortmain notwithstanding. Also we will and grant to the said m'", &c. that we, from time to time hereafter, upon petition of any of the tenants of the said m^", &c. their predecessors or successors, will grant o"" letters patents to release all rent, issues, fines, and arrear- ages, &c. of the premises afore mentioned, except before excepted ; and all intrusions into the pmises, or any part thereof, by the tents, at any time heretofore, without right or title ; and y* we nor o^" officers hereafter shall not molest the aforesaid tenants of the said m"*, &c. for the said rent, arrearages, fines, &c. And, moreover, we give licence to the m'', &c. to take and receive and have to themselves, from whatsoever person, the said mess^^, lands, &c. above granted upon trust, or to the use of y® said m'", &c. being seized thereof, whether they be held from us or any other pson for- merly, in capite or knight's service or otherwise, to have and to hold to the said n/, &c. for ever. And also we give power to all persons whatsoever, that they may grant the messuag% lands, &c. of whomso- ever they be held, to the said m*", &c. as aforesaid, the statute of mort- main or other statutes, &c. notwithstanding ; and this without any inquisition thereupon by pretext of any writ "ad quod danun," &c. 206 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. willing tliat the said m^, &c. be not liindred or disquieted for the pmises or any of them. And whereas we and o'' predecessors have formerly licenced the m'', &c. to have and purchase messs% &c. to a yearly value, notwithstand- ing the statute of mortmain, Now we will that these tres patents shall not be required to be any part of such yearly value as they were capable of formerly to purchase. And, moreover, we fm-ther grant and licence the said m'", &c. that they, besides the former messuage &c. may purchase other messuag% &c. other lands, &c. not exceeding the yearly value mentioned in y^ former tres patent, notwithstanding the statute of mortmain. And also we give leave to euy of our subjects to sell, bequeath, or convey to the said mr, &c. mess^% lands, &c. not exceeding the yearly value in the former letters patents mentioned, notwithstanding the sta- tute of mortmain, so as tliey be not held in capite or knight's service. And further we do consent that at the next Par* we will give our royal assent to any bill pferred to the Lords and Cofnons by the said m'', &c. and by them enacted for the confirmacon of the premises. And, more- over, we will that these letters patent, or the enrollment thereof, shall be good in law against us and o'* successors in all o^' courts or elsewhere through England, without any licence to be obtained by the said m^", &c. from us or o"" successors, notwithstanding the ill naming or not rightly naming the messuage &c. or not finding an office or inquisi- tion, or not menconing o'' true title to pmises, or any defect in the ill recital or the ill naming any town, hmidred, &c. or not setting down the true value, or not truly menconing o"" right, title, &c. or the statute of the 18th of Hen. VI. or the 1st Hen. IV. or the statute of mort- main, or any other statute, or not mencioning the kind, nature, &c. of the premises. And we will y* y® said m'', &c. have theis our tres under our great seal without any fine, although express mencon of the true yearly value, or of or gift or grant heretofore made, be not set down ; any act, statute, &c. notwithstanding. Witness ourself at Westminster, the 4th August, in the 17th of o"" reign of England, and the 53rd of Scotland.* * Old Book of Charters, Deeds, &c. fol. 36. The above is a marginal translation ; the original is in Latin, and more at length. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 207 h b 'acobus, Dei gratia Ang. Scotie, Francie, et Hibernie Rex, ficlei defensor, &c. Omnibus ad quos psentes tre pvcn int salutem. Whereas y^ masf and keepers, &c. (^f Ironmongers have petitioned us, &c. Know ye we, consenting to the said petition, do will that the said masf, &c. and the colalty of y'' seval arts, misteries, guilds, and fraterni- ties, viz. the mast^', &c. of the Ironmongers, and their successors, may have, hold, and enjoy the messua% lands, tents, reversions, pfits, comodities, &c. whatso- ever to them granted by these or by any former letters patent, according to the true meaning thereof, notwith- standing any doubt or misprision whatsoever ; and that if hereafter any doubt, defecte, or ambiguity shall be found in these or o^ former letters pat* at any time in respect of the messu^ lands, &c. then upon their peti- tion exhibited to us, and upon examination of oiu* gene- rall attorney, we will grant other letters patents to ex- plain, amend, and supply those doubts, defects, &c. as often as need shall require. And moreover we do give, grant, pdon, and release all somes of money, goods, chatteles, whatsoever given, granted, de\'ised, or be- queathed formerly to superstitious uses, notwithstanding the Act 1 Ed. 6, to have and to hold to their own use w*out account. And moreover, upon the petition of the maior and coialty and cittizens of London, we grant to them and their successors for ever all their manners, messuage lands, tents, rents, amiuities, pencions, yearly profits, somes of money, and hereditam'® whatsoever in London and the subiu'bs thereof, or elsewhere in England, by these or former letters patents granted since the last of April last past. And y* other societies, guilds, or fraternities may in y*= same citty or suburbs, or their assignes, hold and enjoy their lands, &c. as freely as we, o^ heirs or successors, have or ought to have enjoyed the same by y*" 1 Ed. 6, or by virtue of any other title or act of parliam"^ ; To have and to hold to them and their successors, to hold the premises ui London in free burgage, and not in capite or knight's service, and other 208 THE ironmongers' company. y^ premises by the same tenour they formerly lield the same ; paying to us, o"" heii's and successors, such yearly rents, feefai'mes, and somes of money as were formerly paid in y^ space of 30 yeai's last past. And Ave do further grant to y® said m'", &c. and to the maior, &c. that these ires patents or the enrollmen* thereof shall be firme and suf- ficient in law against us, o'' heirs, &c. in all o"" courts in England, Av*out any licence, confirmation, &c. to be procm*ed or obtained, notwithstand- ing the misnaming of the messuages, lands, and tents aforesaid, and not finding any office, &c. of the pmisses, and not men^ o'" true title, and any defect in not reciting any grant of the premisses on record or not on record, and misnammg or not naming any town, hamlet, ^islie, &c. where the pmises are, and any defect in not truly mencon^ the names of the tennants or y^ quantity or quahty of the pmisses, and any defect m y^ certainty, &c. of the yearly rent, and any defect in y® not truly menconing o^ right and title to the premisses, notAvithstanding the Act 18 Hen. 6 and statute 1 Hen. 4, and y'' statute of mortmain, and any other statute of England, and the not tridy mencoing the nature, kind, quantitie, &c. of the premises. And we will and grant that they shall have these Ires patents mider o"' great seal of England without fiLne or fee in o*" Haniper, although ex- press mention be not made of the true value of the pmises or of other grants by us, &c. to them formerly, any statute, &c. to the contrary, &c. Teste me ipo apud Westfn scdo die Octobris anno regni nri Anglic, Francie, et Hibernie xvij°, et Scotie liij". ¥ ipm Regem. 1620, Dec. 20. " The Court being specially called about ye gi^-ing of a benevolence to the King for the pnt relief of the warres in the Palatine's country, Mr. Alderman Cam- bell made known that he and some other of the alderm" were sent for before the L*^, who signified unto them that they, the ]>, had given towards that service 15,000^^., and that it was agreed of the cittie, in respect that they were a great multitude, that they would give the double of that some, 30,000Zi. for furthering of that cause ; whereupon the Maior and Court of Aldermen falling into consideration thereof, doe finde noc means how so great a some can be HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 209 levied or yeelclecl, as in respect of the many charges and burdens lying upon the cittie, yet, to show their willing- dess to gratifie y^ King, they thought fit to make an offer unto the L*^' of 10,000//., to be given as a benevolence from the cittie towards the rehef of those warrs, as had been for- merly done and geven to the King as a benevolence in Sir Thos. Middleton's maioralty, and that the same should be taxed upon every company according to their corn stock, AV=^ is 5,000 upon the chamber of London and 5,000 upon the companies. The Com-t, taking the matter into consi- deration, and finding themselves much indebted and noe way able to undergoe a further charge in respect of their poverty, do desire to be spared from this imposition, yet, that they may not appear singular and the only company standing out, Mr. Cletherow and others are to enquire how other companies conforme themselves, and then deliver ansAver to the Lord Maior and Court of Aldermen as shall seem most convenient." Dec. 15. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor respecting the aforesaid benevolence, and requiring from the Company the smn of 1 70/. The Court, on debating the matter, found that they had no means to collect the same among themselves, " in regard the livery is but small and the yeomanry very poor, and that the stock of the Company is indebted about 2,000//., whereby their poverty is such that they are not able to give to this contribution, therefore they do desire to ])e spared ; but, if this answer do not please, then they will by way of advance procure 100//. to be taken up at interest, so that they may have the same allowed unto them out of the subsidies and fifteens when they come to be levied by the parliam*." Dec. 16. The answer returned to the Mayor and Alder- men not being deemed satisfactory, it was resolved to pay the 170/. out of the common stock ; and " it was then or- p 210 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. dered by erection of hands that there shalbe noe more quarter dinners, search and yie^Y dinners, nor on the 25th March next, nor 5th of November, until further order, and that the wardens for the tyme being, in respect of the easing of their charge, shall paye to the Company for every quarter dinner 20 marks, &c. ; and lastly, that the renter wardens for the tyme being shall alsoe pay to the use of the Company for the search and view dinner xijZi., without any allowance to be made them." 1620. " A Court the 12th March. Whereas the Lady Harvey hath paid to the wardens xxjli. for a dynner for the Companye the 21st of this moneth, being the funerall day of Sir Sebastian Harvey deceased, it is ordered that Mr. Thomas Large and Mr. John Wilson shall joine with the wardens for the provision of that dinner, to husband the same to- the Company's best profit." In 1621 the Lord Mayor issued his precept to the Com- pany, commanding them to proAdde and lay up in granaries before the last day of September 358 quarters of wheat ; on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the month of August to bring to the market at Queenhithe two quarters of red wheat meal ; and on the 10th of January to provide again 358 quarters of wheat before the ensuing Lady Day ; and that " his Lpp. intended to take a straight account of the performance thereof, for that corne is now gro^ATi to a high rate of 41s. the quarter." In Eebruary 1622 the Mayor directed his precept to the Company, requii-mg them to pm'chase from him and the Aldermen 70 quarters of wheat for the use of the city at 4<6s. 4c/. per quarter. An act of Common Council was this year framed to pro- hibit the sale of ironmongery Avares brought into the city by foreigners, except within the precincts of Leadenhall. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 211 Commune Concilium tontuui in Camera Guildhall civit London decimo nono die Julij anno regni doniini nostri Jacobi nunc Regis Anglie, &c. vicesimo et Scotie quinquagesimo quinto, coram Edwardo Bark- ham mihte, Maiore civit London, Haneageo Finche armigero, Recor- datore ejusdera civitat, Thoma Bennet milite, Thoraa Lowe milite, Thoma ^liddleton mihte, Petro Probie, Martino Lumbley, Willielmo Gore, Johanne Gore, Cutberto Hacket, Richardo Heme, Hugone Hamersley, Jacobo Cambell, Edwardo Allen, Roberto Ducie, et Johanne Hodges, Aldermannis, ac Georgio Whitmore et Nichot Rampton, Aldermannis et Yicecofn ejusdem ci^it, necnon INIaiore parte Communariorum ejusdem civit, existent assemblat, &c. Whereas by the anciente customes of this cittie, ratified and con- firmed by sundrie actes of parliament and divers letters of the Kmg's most excellent Ma^ie and his royall progenitors kings and queenes of this reahne of England, no forreiner from the liberties of this cittie ought to buy or sell to another forreiner any wares, goodes, or merchandizes within the liberties of the saide cittie to sell agame, or otherwise to mer- chandize, upon paine of forfeitui'e of the same goodes, wares, and mer- chandizes so bought and sold by and between forreyners as aforesayd, nor by the same custom ought to sell or put to sale any wares, goods, or merchandizes by retaile withui the sayd cittie, but only in grosse to the freemen of the sayd cittie, except victualls, in the mai'kett places and markett tvmes within tliis cittie, and during the tyme onely of Bartholo- mew faire : And whereas by the ancient orders and ordinances of the cittie of London all sortes of nailes, and all other iron and cutleris Avares, and all other wares and merchanchzes usuallie sold by ironmongers and cutlers whatsoever made within this realme, and brought or to be brought to this cittie of London to be sold by foreymiers, were accustomed and ought to be brought to a common and publique markett witliin this sittie, there to be openlie shewed, viewed, searched, sold, and put to . sale to the freemen of this cittie, and to that ende Leaden-hall was an- ciently appointed and held the usuall and fittest place for the 'receipt, stowage, and putting to sale of those several kinds and other like com- modities ; yet notwithstanding divers persons forreiners from the liber- ties of the cittie, ayming at their private lucre and game, have of late years withdrawne themselves from the sayd publique market place, and for the better colouring and readier vending of wares falsly and deceit- fullie made, doe in innes, private warehouses, chambers, comers, and p2 212 THE ironmongers' company. other bye places within the saide cittie and liberties thereof, shew, sell, and put to sale the same wares and commodities, to the gi-eat prejndise and deceit of his jNIa*''^^ subjects, and by that covert and secret dealing and trade great quantities thereof are daily solde to straingers and for- remcrs fi'om the liberties of this cittie, contrary to the custome and liberties of this cittie, to the gTcate damage of the fi-eemen of the same, by meane whereof freemen and strangers privatly and under hand have and doe maintaine a more ample trade then the freemen of the cittie, and yet doe not beare or are tyed or compellable to contribute toAvardes or to undergoe any publike service, charge, or office, or dutie in this cittie for his ISIa*^®, or otherwise for the honor or common good of the cittie ; which covert and secret kinde of trade and dealings by and betweene forremers from the liberties of this cittie hath and will intend much to the manifest infi'uiging of the liberties of this cittie, and to the greate decay and impoverishing of the freemen thereof; Wherefore, to the end that the same abuses may be taken away, and that the like disorders may from the time to come be prevented : Bee it enacted, ordained, and established, by the right honorable the Lord Maior of the cittie of London, and the Aldermen his brethrin and the Commons in this Com- mon Counsell assembled, and by the authoritie of the same, that from and after the feast of St. jNIichael the Archangell now next ensuing the Green Yard, being parcel of Leaden-hall, and such other rooms as shall be heerafter set out and appointed by the Court of Lord Maior and Aldermen for the tyme being for the receiving, harbouring, and stowing of all sortes of wares made of iron and cutlerie wares and com- modities wliich shall be made within this realm of England, and sliall be brought unto the cittie or the liberties and suburbs thereof by any foreiners to be put to sale, shall be from thenceforth employed, used, and continued for a common markett i)lace for that purpose and use, and for none other ; and that Tuesday or Wechiesday and Thursday in every week, weekly and through'^ the yeare (except Chi'istmas Day and other festival dayes by the lawes of this land and cannons of the Church of England appointed to be kept holy), from eight of the clock in the morning till eleven at noone, and from two of the clock in the after- noone till five of the clock in tlie afternoone, shall be usual market dayes and tymes for the shew and putting to sale openly all and everie the fbresayd commodities ; and that all forreiners bringing such wares made of iron, and cutlerie wares and connnodities aforesaid, to this cittie. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 213 liberties, or suburbes thereof, to be sould, are to take notice thereof and to repaire to Leaden-hall, there and not elsewhere to pitch, house, and put to sale the same iron, Steele, and cutlerie wares and other the com- modities aforesa}'d, in the sayd places, on the dajes and t_)nnes aforesaid, and on or at noe other day or time there ; and all freemen of the said cittie buyers of the same wares and commodities are likewise for that cause thither to resort and to buy the same at no other day, tyme, or place within the cittie, liberties, and suburbes tlierof from the dayes and tymes aforesayd appomted. And it is further enacted by the authoritie aforesaid, that, from and after the said feast of St. jNIichael the Archangel now next ensuing, all manner of nailes, knives, and all other wares made of iron or Steele or iron and Steele, and cutlerie wares and other commodities aforesaide whatsoever, made or to be made within this realme, which shall from henceforth be brought by any forriner or forriners from the liberties of the cittie of London unto the sayd cittie, or liberties or suburbs thereof, to be sold, shall, before any sale thereof made, be brought unto Leaden- hall, there to be shewed, viewed, searched, show^ed, housed, and put to sale, and not elsewhere within the saide cittie, liberties and suburbes thereof, upon paine that everle such forriner shall forfeit for everie de- fault therein the fourth parte of the value of suche of the saide wares and commodities so sold as aforesaide contrarie to the true meaning of this act. And it is also enacted by the same authoritie, that, from and after the said feast of St. Michael the Archangell now next coming, no inholder or keeper of pettie hostelries or takers in of lodgers, or other person or per- sons whatsoever inhabiting or w'''^ heerafter shall inhabit within the said cittie, liberties or suburbes thereof, shall witingiy or willingly permit or suffer any forreiner or forreiners from the liberties of this cittie to keepe any shoppe, wharehouse, or other place or places whatsoever within theii" innes or houses for the shewing, selling, or putting to sale of any nailes, knives, wares made of iron or Steele or of iron and Steele, or cut- lerie wares, or other the aforesayd commodities, or otherwise there to show, sell, or put to sale the same as aforesaid, upon paine to forfeit for everie first offence committed against this acte the some of fortie shillings, and for his second offence the some of fouer poundes, and for his third offence to be utterly by the Court of Lord IVIaior and Alder- men of this cittie, disfranchised from the liberties of this cittie, and be 21 i THE ironmongers' COMPANY. held unworthie ever after to be readmitted thereto, unless he shall put in sufficient securitie to the Court of Lord INIaior and Aldermen never to oft'ende soe agame. And it is further enacted and appointed by the authoritie aforesayde, that all former lawes and ordinances heretofore made and established within this cittie against hawkers be from henceforth in all thinos ob- served and put in execuson according to the tennor of the same lawes. All which paines, penalties, forfeitures, and somes of money to be forfeited by vulue of this acte or ordinance shall be recovered by accon of debt, bill, or plaint, to be commenced and prosecuted in the name of the Chamberlaine of the cittie of London for the tyme beinge in the King's Mat'^* court to be holden in the Chamber of the Guildhall of the cittie of London, before the Maior and Aldermen of the said cittie, wherein no essoigne or wager of lawe shall be admitted or allowed for the defendant ; and that the Chamberlin of the said cittie for the tyme being shall in all suits to be prosecuted by virtue of this acte or ordi- nance against anie offender recover the ordinarie costs of suit to be ex- pended in and about the prosecucon thereof. And further, that one moiety of all forfeitures to be recovered by vertue hereof, the costs of suite for recoverie of the same being de- ducted and allowed, shall be, after the recovery and receit thereof, payd and delivered to the Threr of the hospitall of Bridewell, to be emplo}'ed towards the releese of the poore to be brought up and maintained in the sayd hospital ; and the other moyty thereof to him or them w*^'^ shall first give information of the offence for w*^'^ such forfeitures shall grow, and prosecute suite in the name of the Chamberlaine of the sayd cittie for recoverie of the same, anything in this act to the contrary not- withstanding. iSIartis vicesimo septimo die Augusti 1622, annoq regni regis Jacobi Angliaj, &c. vicesimo. Barkhajvi, Maior. — This day, at the humble request of the Company of Ironmongers, it is granted that they shall at all times needfull have the help of the Lord Maior, or any such officers belonging to him, in their searches for unlawful and deceitful wares in shops or otherwise within the cittie, and for the apprehension of hawkers of wares of their trade in a hawking manner contrary to the custom of this citty, to seize all HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 215 such deceitful wares, and apprehend the bodies of such hawkers, to be brought before the Lord Maior, and disposed of as he shall see fit. Weld. 1623. The Company being unprovided mtli their pro- portion of wheat, and it now being upon the rising hand, and reported to be good and cheap in Brittany in France, where plenty is to be had, Mr. Christopher Cletherow and others are to take care for a provision of a convenient pro- portion from that part. 162Jd. It was agreed " y^ Mr. Sheriff HeyUn should be psented with twentie pieces of xxij' the piece, towards the trimming of his house, and the loane of such })late as he may want during his sheureltye." On the 20th of April, 1625, in consequence of the acces- sion of Charles the Eirst, the Lord Mayor addressed his pre- cept to the Company, directing them to have their rails and standing in readiness to be set up in the street against the time of the Bang's coming through the city. June 15. A precept from the Lord Mayor dated the lOtli of this month was now read, requiring the Company not to let out their hall to be used " for any meetings of country- men of the several slieirs and counties of this realme, espe- cially in this time of God's visitacon w^*" the contageo' sick- ness of the plague." July 7. The Lord Mayor again addressed the Company entreating them to " forbear all manner of feasting or pub- lique dinner at the conion hall or elsewhere, during the tyme of this heavy \dsitation of the contageous sickness of the plague ; and that out of theu' pi^ty and charity they would send into the Chamber of London their large and liberal contribucon towards the relief of such poor people whose houses are visited, and are not able to relieve them- 216 THE ironmongers' company. selves ; whereupon the Com-t, out of their charity to soe pious a ^yorke, did order that 20'^ he paid into the Chamber of London, for the use of the poor aforesaid." Jan. 11. The warden was ordered " to pay unto y*^ East India Company v. hundred pounds, for av'^'' he is to take th"" conion seale after y^ rate of vij'' per cent, per annum, according to the order of y^ conmiittees appointed at y last Court for y disposing of monies that lye dead." At the same time it was arranged that nineteen of the yeomamy .in gowns and hoods should attend the livery on the day that the King came through the city, and twelve others with gold chains were to serve as whifliers. 1626. April 3. " Upon y' mocon of Mr. Nicholas Leat, it is ordered that xx. marks be given to Mr. John Wylde, lately chosen one of y*' captains for y« citty, towards y^ making of a tente whereon y« Companies armes are to be sett, and y^ tente to be at y*' Companies dispose, to use when they please." Nov. 18. " The master having signified that xx. musketts and XX. bandelers were bought and provided for the Com- pany's use, it was ordered that xx. corsletts, xx. pikes, and xl. head pieces, be also bought by the wardens, Mr. Carter and Captain Wyld, if they find thein to be liadd at reason- able rates." 1627. April 3. *' The wardens acquainted the Court that they had bene summoned before the Aldermen for the pay- ment of the royall loane to the King's maiestie, whereupon answer was geven by the Courte that enquiry be made what other companies doe in lilvc kinde, and govern themselves thereafter." Dec. 27. " This Court being specially called towelling a precept from the Lord Maior, dated the 11th of this month. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 217 wherein is shewed, by an act of comon covmcell, that the city should lend his Ma«<^ 120,000^ whereof 60,000^ to be paid within ten dales next after his Ma"*" and the lords sp and others of his bigness privy counsell shall sign the articles of as^reement for assurance of his Ma*^"' lands in fee farme to this citty, at twenty-eight years purchase, for the payment of the said 120,000^ as of the citties former debt, w*^ interest for the same, and the other 60,000^* to be paid six months after the signing the said articles, so as in the meane tyme the assurance be fully pfected from his Ma^*" ; and it being agreed by the said act that the said first 60,000" shalbe levied upon the corporacons of this citty according as they are rated to the provision of 10,000 qrs. of corn, and that the monies to be disbursed by the said companies about that matter, w* the interest thereof at vj" per cent, per annum for the tyme that they be out of their said moneys, shalbe paid them out of the first moneys that shalbe receved by the sale of those lands hereafter to be made, before any of the citties former debts be satisfied. Whereupon this Company are commanded, because the contract will be suddenly perfected, to levy forthwith the some of 2,118", being their yMfo pte of the said 60,0001^, and to pay the same unto the Chamberlain of London in the Guildhall, as by the said pcept appth. " Upon the reading of w°^ precept it was long argued and debated whether the Company were liable to the said act of conion counsell, and, if they were not, whether they should consent to the loane ? whereunto it was answered that it was for the supply of his Ma*'® and the good of this cittie, concluded and agreed on by the said act ; it was also intimated that some have already consented thereunto, and therefore it is not for this Company safely to oppose the same, soe that nowe it is conceaved there is noe going back. And because the intent of this Company is declared 218 THE ironmongers' company. not to leyj it by the poll (as Avas feared), but to raise it out of the Companies' coiiion stocke (being very weak), the Court at last gave their consent ; and thereupon falling into consideracon how the same should be levied and raised, it is ordered that the 900^^ owing them by the East India Company, being legacy money, should be forthmth called in, and all such other monies as are due to them by bonds and otherwise ; and for the supplie of the residue of the said 2,148" the m^' and wardens, Alderman Cambell, Alder" Helen, and Alder" Cletherow, are entreated to take upp the same at interest, at the best rates they cann for the Com- panies use, who are contented, and by this order doe agree, to give them their conion scale, binding thereby all their lands, tenements, plate, goods, and chattels, to secure and save them harmless of and from all such bonds or other assurances as they shall enter into for the taking up of the said monies. And for the better support and ayde of the Company in the paying of the interest of the said money, and other pensions, exhibitions, and charitable uses, whereunto they are liable, it is ordered that there be but one quarter dinner kept yearly on the 18th Kov, and the other three quarters advised to be spared, also the feast on the elecon day : and for that the master and wardens will be eased of their charges, &c. that the wardens shall pay to the common stock of the Company xx. marks for every quarter dinner, and the m"" and wardens doe also pay to the Company for not keej^ing the feast on elecon day xxx", and that they also abate the sums usually allowed them by the Comp^ towards those dinners." Jan. 2. The Master reported " that the East India Com- pany were ready to pay the 900^, but for the residue he said that he could not find it to be hadd under viij. p'" cent, per anil, which was thought to be at a high rate, and therefore gave notice to the Court that if any could provide HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 219 tlie same at a more easie price, at 7 or 7^ per cent, they should certifie liim thereof before Monday next, for then he was to conckide and agree for 8 per cent." At the same tnne " the m"" and wardens, Mr. Peat, Mr. Thorokl, ]\Ir. ^ott, and Mr. Wpidham are entreated to puse over the Companies plate, to se what j)ieces may be spared and sonld towards the supply of this money, and certifie their opinion at the next Court." Jan. 7. Two obligations were signed for two several sums of 517/. 10s., borrowed of Sir Symon Burnett, Knt. and Baronet, and Sir Prancis Clerk, of Eltham, in the county of Kent, Knt. at 7 per cent, interest ; and on the 19th Jan. the wardens paid into the Chamber of London thek proportion of 2,148/:, and took a receipt for the same. The misunderstanding between Charles the Pkst and his Parkament led him to adopt tlie fatal expedient of governing by prerogative, and the above appkcation to tke city for tke sum of 120,000/. is a specimen of tke forced loans to wkick lie kad recourse in order to supply tke exigencies of tke state. The position of pubkc affairs at this junctm^e is finely sketched by Sir James Mackintosh : "Variovis circumstances combined to indispose the Commons to grant a supply. But a cause more powerful than all — a principle of hioher order — actuated the Commons of England in the first parliament of Charles the First. That great moral agent public opinion had gi'own strong, fearless, and, if not enlightened, yet independent, during the late reign. It was represented at this period in the House of Commons by men whose public virtue and poHtical genius would have qualified them to figure in the proudest state of anticpaity— tluit noble growth of public men which was perpetuated in full vigour from the accession of Charles I. to the Restoration, and degenerated thence- forward to the Revolution, when it became extinct. It may be proper to name here a few of the leading patriots in the three short parliaments so abruptly and fatally dissolved by Charles, within the compass of the first fom- years of his reign. Among these were Sir Jolm Elliot, Sir 220 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. Edw^ni Sandys, Sir Dudlc}^ Digges, Sir Francis Seymour, Sir Robert Phillips, Sir Robert Cotton, Seklen, Pym, Sir Thomas Wentworth afterwards the apostate and ill-fated Earl of Stafford, Sir Edward Coke, who, being refused an audience by Charles, abandoned the Com*t for ever, and made atonement for his sins against justice and humanity in his previous career by devoting to his country without reserve the energy of his character, his profound knowledge of the laws, and the recjenerate virtue of his old age. These men, thus eminently endowed with the qualities of statesmanship, were further animated by zeal for the Protestant religion, which they identified with intellectual freedom ; and some of them had received from the perusal of the ancient classics a certain antique, if not republican, cast of sentiment and character. They formed themselves into a compact band for the execution of a project so worthy of their virtue, and so obvious in their position, that it would be inferred by the moralist from those premises alone, though every vestige of express evidence were obliterated — that of defining and fixing the uncertain limits of the prerogative, and guaranteeing by clear and strict legislation the precarious liberties of the people. " Thus resolved, they refused to grant supplies without a concurrent redress of grievances, or in other words a concurrent step in their de- sion to reform the government. Charles, who thought only of render- ing his sovereign power more explicitly absolute, spurned all compromise and dissolved the Parliament." — History of England by Sir James Mackintosh, vol. v. p. 14. Lardner's edit. I may be excused, perhaps, for transcribing another passage which refers to this interesting period of our national history, from an author who is in every one's hands, and who has been justly admired for the grace and brilliancy of his style : — "Now began that hazardous game on which were staked the destinies of the English people. It was played on the side of the House of Commons with keenness, but with admirable dexterity, coolness, and perseverance. Great statesmen, who looked far behind them and far before them, were at the head of that assembl}'. They were resolved to place the King in such a situation that he must either conduct the administration in conformity with the wishes of his Parliament, or make outrageous attacks on the most sacred principles of the constitution. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 221 They accordingly doled out supplies to him very sparingly. He found that he must govern either in harmony with the House of Commons or in defiance of all law. His choice was soon made. He dissolved his first Parliament, and levied taxes by his own authority. He convoked a second Parliament, and found it more intractable than the first. He again resorted to the expedient of dissolution, raised fresh taxes without any show of legal right, and threw the chief of the Opposition into prison. At the same time a new grievance, which the peculiar feelings and habits of the English nation made insupportably painful, and which seemed to all discerning men to be of fearful augTirj^, excited general discontent and alarm. Companies of soldiers were billeted on the people, and martial law was in some places substituted for the ancient jurisprudence of the realm. The King called a third Parliament, and soon perceived that the opposition was stronger and fiercer than ever. He now determined on a change of tactics. Instead of opposing an in- flexible resistance to the demands of the Commons, he after much alter- cation and many evasions agreed to a compromise, which, if he had faithfully adhered to it, would have averted a long series of calamities. The Parliament granted an ample supply ; the King ratified in the most solemn manner that celebrated law which is known by the name of the Petition of Right, and which is the second great charter of the liberties of England. By ratifying that law he bound himself never again to raise moneys without the consent of the Houses ; never again to imjmson any person except in due course of law ; and never again to subject his people to the jurisdiction of courts martial. . . . The royal promise was soon broken : a violent contest folloAved ; the Parliament were dis- solved. From March 1629 to April 1640 the Houses were not con- voked. Never in our history had there been an interval of eleven years between parliament and parliament ; only once had there been an inter- val of even half that length. This fact alone is sufficient to refute those who represent Charles as having merely trodden in the foot- steps of the Plantagenets and Tudors." — Macaulay's Hist. Eng. i. 85, 86. 1628. July. 4. Two precepts from the Lord Mayor, one dated tlie 21st June last, and the other on the 2nd of this instant July, were read, requiring the Company to pay their proportion of 20,000/., being the residue of 120,000/. 222 THE ironmongers' company. to be paid to bis Ma**^ for tbe purcbase of certain lands from bim to tbe city in fee-farm ; tbe Ironmongers' pro- portion of tbe said 20,000/. being 1161. for wbieb tbey were to receiye eigbt per cent. 1629. Some account of tbe pageant entitled London's Tempe, Avi'itten by ^^ ^^ Tbomas Dekker,* for tbe mayoralty of \_J_\^J_}^^Jj Sir James Cambell, wbo was a member of tbe Ironmongers' Company, is pre- served in tbe minutes of tbis year. Sir James Cambell was tbe son of Sii- Tbomas Cambell, Lord Mayor in 1610. Arms : Sable, on a fesse between tbree Kon's beads erased or, as many ogresses. — Harl. MS. Accordino- to an order of Coiu't, made the xjth of August last, tlieis psent treated and aareed with M'" Crismas and IM"" Decker concning the making of the pageants for the shew on the next Lord Maior's day ; af^, the said Xpmas and Decker psented them with a plott wherein was conta vned six severall pageants, namely : — A Sea Lyon 1 n ^i •^ y tor the water. 2 Sea Horses J An Estridge. Lemnions Forge. Tempe or, the Field of flapines. 7 Liberall Sciences. For the accomplishing whereof they demanded 200", w*^*^ theis present * Delcker is only known to have written two pageants, one for the mayoralty of Sir John Swinnerton, Knight, in 1612, entitled Troia-Xova Triumphans, and London's Tempe for the mayoralty of Sir James Campbell in 1 629. The former of these productions is the best. Of Dekker's personal history we know but little. He is considered by Mr. Nichols one of the most eminent of the city poets, and was the author of several plays and pamphlets ; but it would seem that he had through life to contend with difficulties, and wrote for a mere subsistence. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 223 conceaved to be an over value, and thereuppon offered them 180^, w^'^ they accepted for the making and finishing of the said pageants, to be furnished with children and speakers, and their apparell and necessaries thereunto belonging ; land carriage by porters, water carriage by boats and watermen as is accustomed ; the green-men with their fireworks ; the musick for the pageant ; and to give the Company 500 bookes of the declaracon for the said shew ; and the comittee demanded that the Sea Lyon, The 2 Sea Horses, and The Estridge, be brought into the Hall after the solemnity, there to be sett upp for the Company's use, Avhereunto M"" Crismas excepted, but was contented to deliver back the sea lyon and the estridge, and desired to retain the sea horses to himself; all the rest he midertook to pforme for the said some of 180" effectually and sufficiently to the Comp^ liking: In witness whereof they have hereunto subscribed. These signatures differ materially from the other writing in the original minutes, and are probably the genuine auto- graphs of Dekker and Christmas. It appears to have been a practice with the Ironmongers' Company to require con- tracting parties to attach their signatures to the minutes made in their court book ; many instances of this kind occur. In 1635 the Company agreed mth Tilbury Strange, waterman, for the furnishing and fitting of the Eoist, to which agreement he has inscribed his initials, T. S. not being able, we may presume, to write his name, as the clerk has added to it " the mark of Tilbmy Strange." 224 THE IRONMONGEKS' COMPANY. " Mr. John Bradsliaw and Mr. Thos. Jones, m^'^ of defence, were agreed w^^'all for tlieir svice to be performed on the next Lord Maior's day by ten fencers, whereof three are to be masters and the rest serviceable men, for w^ they are to have 4" lO^ for their paines, and 10« towards the pro- adding of the colors. M*" warden Leat was appointed to provide broad cloth for sixty poor men's gOAvns and fifty coates. " M''. E-ichd Leat and others were to agree for the cham- bers to be discharged on the Bankside and at Stangate, and to provide linkes and torches for the Compa* use. " These psons of the yeomandry being warned to the Hall, made their appearance and were appointed to doe their s\dce on the next Lord Maior's day as batchellors and whifflers, viz. the batchelors in foins to pro^dde them- selves w*^ a faire livery gown faced w*'' fownes and welted w* velvet, w* crimson satin hoodes ; and those in budge, w**' a faire livery gown, welted w*'' velvet and faced w*^ budge, w* crimson satin hoods, all in decent apparel there- unto belonging ; and the whifflers to pvide themselves of satten dublets, velvet hose, and jerkins of the same, w*^* chains of gould answerable thereunto; according to which order the clearke is to deliver and signe their tickets." There appear to have been thirty members of the yeo- manry on this occasion who served in foins, amongst whom we notice Isaacke Walton, thirty-two in budge, and twenty-four whifflers. Mr. Robert Swayne, keeper of Guildhall, acqviainted the Company respecting the hangings and other necessaries to be provided : — Hangings for the ladies' room ; Hangings for the Lord Maior's Court, where the lords of the councell dyne ; HISTOEICAL EVIDENCES. 225 Hangings for the Orphans' Court, where the wardens wyves dyne ; A fairs crimson velvit chair for the lords table ; The King's picture in a large manner, and to speake w*^ the wardens of the Mercers about the great hangings for the hustings, and one dozen of cushions for the same room. " Mr. Garratt Crismas desired to have theis things follow- ing, as is usually allowed by other companies : — 8 guides for the pageant ; 8 blew coats and redd caps, w*^ ribbin and staves. For the lighting of the shew from Paules, 4lbs. of torches. For the lightmg of the shew to the water side, 2lbs. of linkes. For 24 staves and ribbins for 24 men that mve their attendance that day. For 2 scarfes for himself and his sonne, and the watermen are to have ribbings. To w'^^ the Court assented, and Mr. Garratt Xmas is ap- pointed to take care for the pvision of the children of the pageants, their breakefaste and dinner, as he in liis dis- crecon shall think meete." The original printed copies of this pageant are extremely rare ; one, with two leaves in manuscript m the hand- writing of Mr. Rhodes, was sold with the rest of his library in April 1825 ; this copy is now in the possession of J . Payne Collier, Esq. F.S.A. There is also a perfect copy in the library of the Duke of Devonshire. It was reprinted in 1844 in the publications of the Percy Society,* from whose pages, with due acknowledgements to that learned body, I take the liberty of transcribing it : — * Lord Mayors' Pageants, by F. W. Fairholt, Esq. Q 226 THE lUONMONGEES' COMPANY. LONDON'S TEMPE, or the Feild of Happines. In which Foilcl are planted severall Trees of Magnificence, State, and Bewty, to celebrate the Solemnity of the Right Honorable James Campebell, at his Inauguration into the honorable Office of Prretor- ship or ]\Iaioralty of London, on Thursday the 29th of October, 1629. All the particular Inventions for the Pageants, Showes of Triumph, both by Water and Land, being here fully set downe. At the sole Cost and liberall Charges of the right worshipfull Society of Iron- mongers. WRITTEN BY THOMAS DEKKER. Quando magis dignos licuit spectare triumphos ? To the Right Honorable James Campebell, Lord Maior of the most renomied Citty of London.' Honorable Prsetor, — The triumphes which these few leaves of paper present to your vew (albeit their glories are but short-lived, as glitter- ing onely for a day,) boldly shew their faces unto the eye of the world, as servants attending on your lordship onely to do yotf honor. With much care, cost, and curiosity are they brought forth ; and with exceeding greatness of love, a free-handed bounty of their purse, a noble and generous alacrity of spirit, have your worthy fraternity and much to be honored brotherhood of Ironmongers bestowed them upon you. It much winnes upon them to have svich a cheife, and you cannot but be glad to have such a society. By a free election are you Lon- don's Praetor ; the suffrages of commoners call you to your seate. A succession to the place takes you by the hand ; your industry hath met with blessings, those blessings [have] given you abihty, and that ability makes you fit for a magistrate. Yet there is a musicke in your owne bosome, whose strings being touchd yeilds as harmonius a sound to you as all theise, and that is to see your self heire to that patrician dignity with which your father was invested. It was an honor to him to wear that robe of scarlet ; it is a double glow to you, in so short an age to have liis sword borne before von. HISTOUICAL EVIDENCES. 227 You have tlie voyce of senators breathing out your welcome, a con- fluence of grave citizens, adding state to your state. The acclamations of people ushering you along. Whilst I (the least part of this tri- umphant day) spend such sand as I have to help to fill up the hour glasse, my service ronning. Attending on your Lordship, Thomas Dekker. LONDON'S TEMPE. Were it possible for a man, in the compasse of a day, to behold (as the sunne does) all the citties in the world, as if he went with walking beames about him, that man should never see in any part of the yeare any citty so magnificently adorned with all sorts of tryumphes, variety of musicke, of bravery, of bewty, of feastings, of civill (yet rich) cere- monies, with gallant lords and ladies, and thronges of people, as London is inriched with on the first day that her great lord (or Lord Maior, for 'tis all one) takes that office upon him. In former ages he was not encompast with such glories ; no such firmaments of starres were to be scene in Cheapside ; Thames dranke no such costly healthes to London as hee does now. But as Troynovant spread in fame, so our English kings shined upon her with favours. In those home-spun times, they had no collars of SS, no mace, sword, nor cap of maintenance ; these came by degrees, as additamenta Jionoris, additions or ensignes of more honovir, conferd by severall princes on this citty ; for in the time of Edward Confessor the chiefe ruler of the citty was called Reeve, Greeve, or Portreeve ; the next to him in au- thority Provost. Then in the first of Richard I. two Bayliflfes carried the sway. This continued till the ninth of King John, who by letters patents gave the citizens power yearely to choose themselves a Lord Maior and two SherifFes. Then King Henry III. made the first Aldermen in London (yet the name Ealdorman was knowne in the Saxons' time, for Alwin in the reisne of Ed^ar was alderman of all England, that is to sav, chiefe justice) ; and those aldermen of London had rule then (as now) over the wardes of the citty, but were everie year changed, as the shreiffes are in these dayes. Q2 228 THE ironmongers' company. Then Edward I. ordained that the Lord Maior should, in the king's absence, sit in all places within London as chiefe justice; and that every alderman that had bin Lord Mayor should be a justice of peace for London and Middlesex all his life after. Then in the reio-ne of Henry VIL S"" John Shaw, goldsmith, being Lord INIaior, caused the aldermen to ride fi'om the Guildhall to the water side when he w^ent to take his oath at Westminster (where before they rode by land thither) ; and at his retui'ne to ride againe to the Guild- hall, there to dine ; all the kitchens and other offices there bemg built by him : since which time the feast has there bin kept, for before it was either at Grocers Hall or the IMerchant Taylors. Thus small rootes grow in time to cedars, shallow streames to rivers, and a hand of government to be the strongest arme in a kingdome. Thus you see London in her meane attjTC, then in robes maiesticall ; and, sitting in that pompe, cast your eye upon those alluring objects which she herselfe beholds with admiration. THE FIEST. The first scsene is a -vY^ter-worke, presented by Oceanus, king of the sea (from whose name the universall maine sea is called the ocean) : he, to celebrate the ceremonies and honors due to this great festivall, and to show the world his marine chariot, sits triumphantly in the vast (but queint) shell of a silver scollup, reyning in the heads of two wild sea-horses proportioned to the life, their maynes falling about their neckes, shining with curies of gold. On his head, wliich (as his beard) is knotted, long, carelesly spred, and wdiite, is placed a diadem, whose bottome is a conceited coronet of gold ; the middle over that is a coronet of silver scollops, and on the top a faire spreading branch of corrall, interwoven thickly with pearle. In his right hand a golden trident or three-forked scepter. His habit is antique ; the stuffe watchet and silver, a mantle crossing his body, with silver waves, bases and buskins cut likewise at the top into silver scollups ; and in this language he congratulates liis lordship : OCEANUS HIS SPEECH. Tbus mounted, hither comes the king of waves, Whose voyce charuics roughest billows into slaves, Whose foote treaties downe their necks with as much ease, As in my shelly coach I reyne up these. Lowd ecchoes cald me from my glittering throne To see the noble Thamesis, — a sonne HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 229 To this ray queene and rae (Tethys) whose eare Ne're jeweld up such musick as sounds here : For our unfaddomed world roares out with none But horrid sea-fights, navies overthrowne ; Hands halfe di-owned in bloode, pyrates pell mell, Turkes slavish tugging oares, the Dunkerk's hell, The Dutchman's thunder, and the Spaniard's lightning, To whom the sulphures breath gives heate and heightning, O ! these are the dire tunes my consort sings. But here! old Thames out-shines the beames of kings. This citty addes new glories to Jove's court, And to all you who to this hall resort. This Lactea Via (as a path) is given. Being paved with pearle, as that with starres in heaven. I could (to swell my trayne) beckon the Khine, (But the wilde boare has tusked up his vine); I could swift Volga call, whose curld head lies On seaven rich pillowes (but, in merchandize The Russian him imployes); I could to theis Call Ganges, Nilus, long-haird Euphrates ; Tagus, whose golden hands claspe Lisbone walles. Him could I call too, — but what neede theis calles? Were they all here, they would weepe out their eyes, Madde that New Troy's high towers on tiptoe rise To hit heaven's roofe : madde to see Thames this day (For all his age) in wanton windinges play Before his new grave Praetor, and before Theis senators, best fathers of the poore. That grand canale, where (stately) once a yeare A iieete of bridall gondolets appeai-e, To marry with a golden ring (that's hurld Into the sea) that minion of the world, Venice, to Xeptune, — a poor lantscip is To these full braveries of Thamesis. Goe therefore up to Ctesar's court, and clayme What honours there are left to Campebel's name. As by disent ; whilst we tow up a tyde. Which shall ronne sweating up by your barges side ; That done, Time shall Oceanus' name inroll. For guarding you to London's capitoU. THE SECOND PRESENTATION. The invention is a proud-owelling sea, on whose waves is borne up a sea lyon, as a proper and eminent bod}': to marshall in the following triumphes, in regard it is one of the supporters of the East Indian Com- pany, of which liis lordship is free, and a great adventurer ; and these marine creatures are the more fitly imployed in regard also that his 230 THE ironmongers' company. lordship is Maior of the Staple, Govcrnour of the French Company, and free of the East-land Company. On this lyon (which is cut out of wood to the life) rides Tethys, wife to Oceanus and queene of the sea ; for why should the king of waves be hi such a glorious progresse without his queene, or she -without him ? They both therefore twin themselves together to heighten these solemnities. Her haire is long and dishevelled ; on her head an antique sea-tyre, encompast with a coronall of gold and pearle ; her garments ricli and proper to her quality, with a taffaty mantle fringed with silver crossing her body. Her right hand supporting a large streamer, in which are the Lord Maiors amies. On each side of this lyon attend a mermaid and merman, holding two bamiers, with the armes of the two new shrieves, several fishes swim- ming as it were about the border. And these two having dispatched on the water, hasten to advance themselves on land. THE THIRD. The third show is an estridge, cut out of timber to the life, biting a horse-shoe. On this bird rides an Indian boy, holding in one hand a long- tobacco pipe, in the other a dart. His attire is proper to the country. At the four angles of the square, where the estridg stands, are plac'd a Turke, and a Persian, a pikeman, and a musketeere. THE FOURTH. The fourth presentation is called the Lemnian Forge. In it are Vulcan, the smith of Lemnos, with his servants (the Cyclo})es), whose names are Pyracmon, Brontes, and Sceropes, working at the anvile. Their habite are wastcoates and leather approns : their hair blacke and shaggy, in knotted curies. A fire is scene in the forge, bellowes blowing, some filing, some at other workes ; thunder and lightning on occasion. As the smiths are at worke they sing in praise of iron, the anvile and hannner ; by the concordant stroakes and soundes of which Tuball Cayne became the first inventor of musicke. THK SONG. Brave iron I brave hammer ! tVom your .sfmnd, The art of musicke lias her ground ; On tlie anvile thou keep'st time, Tliy knick-a-knock is a sniitlics best chymo. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 231 Yet thwick-a-thwack, Thwick, thwack-a-thwack, thwack, Make our brawny sinewes crack, Then pit-a-pat pat, pit-a-pat pat, Till thickest barres be beaten flat. We shooe the horses of the sunne, Harnesse the dragons of the moone, Forge Cupid's quiver, bow, and arrowes. And our dame's coach that's drawn with sparrowes. Till thwick-a-thwack, &c. Jove's roaring cannons and his rammers We beat out with our Lemnian hammers ; Mars his gauntlet, helme, and speare. And Gorgon shield, are all made here. Till thwick-a-thwack, &c. The grate which (shut) the day out-barres. Those golden studdes which naile the starres, The globe's case, and the axletree, Who can hammer these but wee? Till thwick-a-thwack, &c. A warming-panne to heate earth's bedde, Lying i' th' frozen zone halfe dead ; Hob-nailes to serve the man i' th' moone. And sparrowbils to cloute Pan's shoone, Whose work but ours ? Till thwick-a-thwack, &c. Venus' kettles, pots, and pannes, We make, or else she brawles and bannes ; Tonges, shovels, andirons have their places, Else she scratches all our faces. Till thwick-a-thwack, &c. Cupid sits in one place of tliis forge, on his head a curld yellow haire, liis eyes hid in lawne, a bow and quiver his armour ; wings at his backe ; his body in light colours, a changeable silke mantle crossmg it ; golden and silver arrowes are ever and anone reached up to liim, which hee shootes upward into the aire, and is still supplied with more from the forge. On the top sits Jove, in a rich antique habite, a long white reverend hayre on his head, a beard long and curld ; a mace of triple fire in his hand burning ; who calling ' to Vidcan, this language passes betweene them: Jove. Ho, Vulcan. Vvl. Stop your hammers : what ayles Jove ? We are making arrowes for my slip-string sonnc. Here, reach him those two dozen : I must now A golden handle make for my wife's fann : Worke, my fine Smugges. 232 THE ironmongers' company. Jooe. First heare : you shall not play, The Fates would scold should you keepe holiday. Vul. What then? Jove. Command thy brawny-fisted slaves to sweate At th' anvile, and to dust their hammers beate, To stuffe with thunder-bolts Jove's armoryes, For vices (mountain-like) in black heapes rise. My sinewes cracke to fell them. Ideot pride Stalkes upon stilts ; Ambition, by her side. Climbing to catch starres, breakes her necke i' th' fall ; The gallant roares ; roarers drinke oathes and gall ; The beggar curses ; Avarice eates gold, Yet ne're is fiU'd ; Learning's a wrangling scold ; Warre has a fatall hand ; Peace, whorish eyes ; Shall not Jove beate downe such impieties ? Is't not high time ? is't not true justice then, Vulcan, for thee and thy tough hammer-men To beate thy anvile, and blow fires to flames. To burne these broodes, who kill even with their names ? Vvl. Yes, Jove, 'tis more than time. Jove. And what helpes this, but iron ! O then, how high Shall this great Troy text up the memory Of you her noble Prajtor, and all those Your worthy brotherhood, through whose care goes That rare rich prize of iron to the whole land. Iron, farre more worth than Tagus' golden sand. Iron ! best of metals ! pride of minerals ! Hart of the earth ! hand of the world ! which fals Heavy when it strikes home. By iron's strong charmes Ryots lye bound. Warre stops her rough allarmes. Iron, earthquakes strikes in foes : knits friends in love ; Iron's that maine hinge on which the world doth move ; No kingdomes globe can turne even, smooth, and round, But that his axletree in iron is found : For armies wanting iron are puffes of wind. And, but for iron, who thrones of peace would mind ? Were thei'e no gold nor silver in the land. Yet navigation (Avhich on iron does stand) Could fetch it in. Gold's darling to the sunne. But iron, his hardy boy, by whom is done More than the t'other dare ; the merchant's gates By iron barre out theevish assassinates : Iron is the shop-keeper's both locke and kay ; What are your courts of guard when iron's away ? How would the corne pricke up her golden eares. But that iron plough-shares all the labour beares In earth's strange midwiflry ? Brave iron ! what praise Deserves it ! more 'tis beate, more it obeyes ; The more it suffers, more it smoothes offence ; In drudgery it shines with patience. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 233 This fellowship was then with judging eyes United to the twelve great companies : It being farre more worthy than to fill A file interiour. Yen's the sunn's guilt hill, On too't, Love guardes you on : Cyclopes, a ring Make with your hammers, to whose musicke sing. THE FIFT. The fift presentation is called London's Tempe, or the Field of Hap - piuesse ; thereby reflecting upon the name of Campe-bell or Le Beu Champe, a fau'e and glorious field. It is an arbor supported by four great termes : on the four angles, or corners over the termes, are placed four pendants with amies in them. It is round about furnished with trees and flowers ; the upper part with severall fruites, intimating that, as London is the best stored garden in the kingdome for plants, herbes, flowers, rootes, and such like, so on this day it is the most glorious citty in the Christian world. And therefore Tytan (one of the names of the sim) in all his splendor, with Flora, Ceres, Pomona, Ver, and Estas, are seated in tliis Tempe ; on the top of all stands a lyon's head, being the Lord Maior's crest. Tytan, being the speaker, does in this language court his lordship to attention : TYTAN HIS SPEECH. Welcome, great Prsetor : now heare Tytan speak. Whose beames, to crowne this day, through clouds thus break. My coach of beaten gold is set aside. My horses to ambrosiall mangers tied ; Why is this done ? why leave I mine own sphere ? But here to circle you for a whole yeare. Embrace then Tytan's counsell : — now so guide The chariot of your sway in a just pace. That all (to come hereafter) may with pride Say, None like you did noblier quit the place ; Lower than now you are in fome, never fall ; Note me (the Sunne) who in my noone careere Renders a shadow short, or none at all ; And so, since Honor's zodiac is your sphere, A shrub to you must be the tallest pine ; On poor and rich you equally must shine. This if you doe, my amies shall ever spread About those roomes you feast in : from her head 234 THE ironmongers' company. Flora her garlands pluck (being queene of flowers), To dress your parlors up like Summer's bowers. Ceres lay golden slieafles on your full boord ; With fruit you from Pomona shall be stoard ; Whilst Ver and Estas (Spring and Summer) drive, From this your Tempe, Winter, till he dive r th' frozen zone, and Tytan's radiant shield Guard Campbel's Beauchampe, London's fairest field. THE SIXTH AND LAST PRESENTATION. Tliis is called Apollo's pallace, because seven persons representing the seven liberal sciences are richly inthroned in this city. Those seven are in loose roabes of several cullors, with mantles according, and hold- ing in their hands escutcheons, with emblems in them proper to every one quahty. The body of this worke is supported by twelve silver columnes ; at the four angles of it four pendants play with the wind ; on the top is erected a square tower supported by four golden columnes ; in every square is presented the embos'd antique head of an emperour, figui'uig the four monarches of the world, and in them pointing at foure king- domes. Apollo is the chiefe person ; on his head a garland of bayes, in his hand a lute. Some hypercriticall censurer perhaps will aske why, havmg Tytan, I should bring in ApoUo, sithence they both are names proper to the sumie. But the youngest novice in poetry can answer for me, that the sunne when he shines in heaven is called Tytan, but being on earth (as he is here) we call him Apollo. Thus therefore Apollo tunes his voyce : APOtXOES SPEECH. Apollo never stucke in admiration till now ; my Delphos is removeu hither, my oracles are spoken here ; here the sages utter their wisdome, here the sybils their divine verses. I see senators this day in scarlet riding to the capitoll, and to morrow the same men riding up and downe the field in armours, gowned citizens and warlike gown- men. The gunne here gives place, and the gowne takes the upper hand; the gowne and the gunne march in one file together. Happy king that has such people, happy land in such a king ! happy pra?tor so graced with honours ! happy senators so obeyed by citizens ! and happy citizens that can connnand such triumphes ! Go on in your full glories, whilst Apollo and these mistresses of the learned sciences waft you to that honorable shore whither Time bids you hasten to arrive. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 235 A Sl'EliCH AT NIGHT, AT TAKING LEAVE OF HIS LORDSHIP AT UIS GATE, BY OCEANLS. After the glorious troubles of this day, Night bids jou welcome home ; Xight, who does lay All pompe, all triumphs by ; state now descends ; Here our officious trayne their service ends ; And yet not all, for see, the golden sunne, Albeit he has his dayes worke fully done. Sits up above his houre, and does his best To keep the starres from lighting you to rest. Him will I take along to lay his head In Tethys lap. Peace therefore guard your bedde ; In your yeares zodiacke may you fiiirely move, Shin'd on by angels, blest with goodness, love. Thus niucli his owne work ciyes up the workman (M. Gerard Chrismas) for his invention, that all the pieces were exact, and set forth lively with much cost. And this yeare gives one remarkable note to after times, that all the barges followed one another (every company in their degree) in a stately and majesticall order ; this being the invention of a noble citizen, one of the captaines of the city. 1629. "A precept from the Lord Mayor of the YJ^^ of this month (October) was now read, wherein the Company are required, according to an act of Coiilon Council of the xiij. of October, 1628, to levy and p\dde within themselves the some of IxxYJ*^ xix' v^, being their rateable p^ of 2,150", which is the half of 4,300" that the Chamber of London hath paid for making of the pageants and shews against the late intended tyme of his Ma"^' passage through the city. Whereupon the Court resolved that, after they are informed how other companies are governed herein, they will take such further orders as may be requisite. On the 6th of November the Lord Mayor renewed his applica- tion, demanding the sum of loSl. 18s. lOcL being the Company's full moiety of 4,300/., to which application the same answer was again returned. This simi hoA^ ever was subsequently paid, as appears by the following miiiutc : — 236 THE ironmongers' company. "Whereas by order of the 2nd of January, 1627, two thousand one hundi'ed and fourty and eight pounds was appointed to be lent unto the Chamber of London, in parte of 60,000/. le^-ied upon the Comp' of London, which was accordingly paid in the ix^^ of the same month, to receive for the consideration thereof after the rate of -vj" per centum p anii for the tyme it should be forborne, Nowe, the Chamberlaine of London having signified to the wardens that the Company may receive the same out of the Chamber, abating thereout 153" 18* lO*^, being their proporcinall parte of 4,300" expended for the pageants in the maioralty of S'" Cuthbert Hackett, K*, as by a precept grounded upon an act of Comon Counsel! bearing date the 28th Ocf, 1629, apjieareth ; It is therefore ordered, that the wardens shall receive and pay the said monies accord- ingly." 1630, May 17. The Lord Mayor again addressed the City Companies, requiring them, in consequence of the \'isitation of the plague, to forbear all manner of feasting and public diimers, and to apply the money so saved to the necessities of the poor. 1631. The Bishop of London liaAdng addi'essed a letter to the Company, requesting their contribution towards the repairs of Samt Paul's, the following answer was re- turned : — To the Right lion^''^ and reverend Father in God the Lord Bishoppe of London. Right hon^'^ It may please your Io^p to take notice that the Companie of Iron- mongers, uppon yo"^ request, and for the furtherance of a pious work in the repayring of St. Paules Church, are contented to pay yeai'ly, for the terme of ffive years next, the some of twentie pounds towards that chardge, soe as the worke goes forward in that tyme. But if the same HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 237 cease during that tjme, then the paym* alsoe to cease. And thus much I humblie certifie to yo'" lordshippe, by order of courte the 17 th of January, 1631. Raphe Handson, clarke. • During the seventeenth centiuy, the principal aisle of St. Paul's Cathedral was used as a public promenade, which is thus noticed by Osborne : — " It was the fashion of those times, and did so continue till these, for the principal gentry, lords, courtiers, and men of all professions not meerly mechanick, to meet in St. Paul's Church by eleven, and walk in the middle isle till twelve; and, after dinner, fi'om three to six; during which time some discoui'sed of business, others of news ; . . . and in regard of the miiversal commerce there happened little that did not first or last arrive here." — Traditional Memoirs on the Reign of King James, by Francis Osborne, Esq. 1673, p. 449. 1632, Jan. 28. The Court was specially summoned to take into consideration a letter from the Lord Mayor, in which he declared that a fieri facias had been issued against the city for not apprehending the murderers of John Lambe, and for the payment of 1,000Z. to the King, by way of fine for this neglect, which, by an order of Common Council, was to be le\ded on the several com- panies according to their rate of assessment for the pro- vision of corn. The Ironmongers' proportion amounted to 35 Z. 16s. which they were directed to pay into the Chamber of London before the expiration of the month.* * Dr. Lamb, a reputed conjuror, a favourite of the King-, and suspected adviser of his arbitrary measures, being discovei'ed in the city on the 18th June, 1628, was attacked by a mob, who loaded him with the most bitter in- vectives, and dragged him about the streets, beating and kicking him, till at length he died under their inhuman treatment. The King, hearing of the tumult, hastened into the city in time to have saved his life, had his authority been sufficiently great, or his body-guard strong enough, to have rescued him from the exasperated citizens. 238 THE ironmongers' company. 1634, July 1. "A book, called the Survey of London, written by Anto. Mundaye, deceased, was presented to the Comp*, for w''*' the coLU't appointed the wardens to pay the presentor xx^" 1635, June 18. The Lord Mayor addressed his precept to the companies, requiring that, " in regard of the scarcity and extreme dearness of yictualls, noe quarter dynners, stewards' dynners, eleccon dynner, or any other dynners or feasting, be made by the companies until further orders ; and that, if any be kept at all, the same be very moderate and sparing. AVhereupon it was ordered that the feast on election day be not kept ; but, instead thereof, a moderate dinner be provided for the livery only, at the chardge of the m*" and wardens, without any allowance out of the common stock, only Mr. Blundell's legacy excepted." 1635. A pageant was this year provided by the Ironmongers' Com- pany for the mayoralty of Sir Chris- topher Clitherow,* one of their members. It was written by Thomas Hey wood, and entitled, " Londini Sinus Salutis, or, London's Harbour of Health and Happiness ; " but no copy of it has been lately seen.f Some slight notice only of this pageant appears in the Company's books. * Arms of Clitherow : — Argent, on a chevron gules between three eagles displayed sable, five annulets or.— Harl. MS. 1096 ; Add. MS. 5533. t The full title vvas, " Londini Sinus Salutis, or London's Harbour of Health and Happiness. Expressed in sundry Triumphs, Pageants, and Showes; at the initiation of the Right Honorable Christopher Clethrowe into the Maioralty of the farre- renowned City London. All the charges and expences of this present Ovation being the sole undertaking of the Right WorshipfuU Company of the Ironmongers. The ''29th of October, anno salutis 1G3.5' Written by Thomas Hey wood." — Nichols's London Pageants, p. 105. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 239 At a Coui-t at the Hall, the 2nd October, 1635, " Robert Norman and John Taylor presented to the Court their project of five pageants for the Lord Maior's shew, for which they demanded 190^^, and under that price they would not undertake it." John Christmas and Thomas Haywood also presented their invencon of five pageants for the said shew, viz. — One of the three celestiall goddesses, Juno, Pallas, and Venus. One of a Sagettary, because y^ sun entreth y* day into the signe of Sagettary : both theise for the water and land. One antique pageant for pleasure. One of the castle of the god Mars. One of the harboiu* of happines. W'^'* pageants they offered to make, furnish well and sufficiently to the Compa^ liking, for 180", w* children and speakers, and their apparell and necessaryes thereunto belonging, land carriage by porters, water carriage by boats and watermen as is accustomed, the green men w* their fire-works, the musick for the pageants, w' linkes and torches for the same, and to give the Company five hundred bookes of the decla- racon of the said shew, w'''^ offer the courte accepted and agreed there- unto; and, for pformance thereof as abovesaid, the said Xpmas and Haywood have hereunto subscribed their names.* John Christmas. Mathias Chkistmas. Amongst other arrangements on this occasion, it was " agreed w^ Tilbury Strange, waterman, for the furnishing and fitting of a galley foist w^ 10 pieces of ordinances, 16 musketeirs, 20 rowers, one m'', one boatswaine, and 3 gunners, w^ powder and match, and all other necessaries ; for w* he is to have 2S'S whereof he desireth the haK in hand, w^ ribbon for the m"", botswaine, and 3 gunners, and y Company are to pro\dde 2 drums, 5 trumpets, 17 * The agreement is signed by John and Mathias Christmas ; and, " for the project and invonc'on of Norman and Taylor, the Courte appointed xx^ to bo )):ud unto theni."' 240 THE ironmongers' company. pendants, 4 flaggs, w*^'' are to be redelivered after the service pformed. It was also ordered, on the mocon of John Xpinas, that if he doe pvide two horses w^ their furniture, and two men in white armour to ride thereon, for the gracing- of tlie shew, then the Company will allow him xl^" At a meeting in the Hall on the 9th of October, " a tre of the T^ of this moneth, from the Lord Privye Scale, was read in the behalf of his servant William Dermer, to excuse him from his service of batchelor in foynes for this tyme ; and the said Dermer being pnte desired to be remitted Ms fine of 5'', and promised to doe his service according to his oth to the Comp'^ w*''' the Court in fav'" of his Lo^P accepted, and remitted his fine." 1636, April 13. A Court was specially called about answering a petition preferred to his Majesty by Phineas Pett, Joshua Leverland, and Thomas Stanhurst, wherein they complain of the " great deceate in the making of bad and slight nails of all sorts, being for the most part of the worst iron, of lesse waight, strength, and goodnes, then in former tyme." The deceits are said to be committed by " whole saile men, who employ poor smiths to make the said nailes deceitfully in waight and substance." The petitioners also complain against the " locke smiths for making falce locks w''out any wards or full wards in them, although the keys doe shew severall wards to be in the locke. The peticoners, in recompence of their travill and discovery, doe pray to have a patent for 31 years to search all ironmongers, smiths, and workmen's fordges, shoppes, warehouses, and other places, for finding out the same abuses, and that it might be published by procla- macon, under a penalty of forfeiture, that noe nails or HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 241 locks shallje hereafter soulde by wholesale untill they he first viewed and sealed or marked l^y them or their deputies, and that they may take one halfpenny upon every 1,000 of 6* nails, and soe of all sorts of nails up- wards, and one farthing upon a thousand of all sorts of nails do\\'nwards, and one penny upon every dozen of saile locks, for w*''' they would pay his Ma*''' 40 markes per anii for 31 years, and will reforme the said abuses." " Of w'^ petition the Lords of his Ma*''^^ Privie Counsell taking notice, appointed the m'" and wardens of tliis Company to appear before them on the 6^^ of this montlie ; but, because the warning was soe sudaine and they out of towne, the counsell on both sides prayed a longer tyme, ^Y°^ the Lords appointed to be the 2T^ of this month, at w°'' tyme the m'' and wardens are enjoyned to appear to answer the said complaints. All w*"^ proceedings being signified to this Court, it is ordered that M'' Heme, formerly of counsell in this matter, and M'" Gardner, now Recorder, be retained for counsell in this cause, and to attend the Lords w'' the ni'' and wardens, to answer for the Company, at the tyme appointed." June 22. A precept from the Lord Mayor of the 9th of May last, was now read, commanding the Company to forbear all feasting and public dinners at the Hall or elsewhere, and not to suffer any meetings there for burials, marriages, or the like, during the time of visitation, and the money so saved to be reserved for the benefit of those whose houses shall be visited, and who have no means of relieving themselves. 1637, October 17. The master and wardens and five of the livery were ordered to attend at the Guildhall, on the Thursday following, " in their black velvett coats and gold chains, and from thence to accompanie the Lord Maior 242 THE ironmongers' company. and alclernien on horseback to the Tower wharf for the more graceful entertainment of the Morocco Embassador, and each horseman to have two footmen mth torches to wait upon them." In this year the Company contributed lOL towards the relief of the inhabitants of Bury St. Edmiuid's in Snifolk, who were grievously yisited A\dth the plague. 1638. " A copy of an act of Comon Counsell of the 30*'' of March last, was read, wherein is related the agreement by the King's Commissioners w*" the City, about y*' pay- ment of 12,000" to his Ma**® to be released of divers misdemeano", and to have divers new priveleges granted in the new charter, and y* all suites and fines in the Star Chamber and Court of Excheq*" shall cease, and be taken off the file."* The foUo^^dng regulation respecting apprentices appears in the Company's books in this year : — Because many young men doe take unto themseh es a liberty in tlieir apprentishippe, by their m'' his conivence, to weare their hayre un- seemely overlono-, more like to ruffians then citizens apprentizes, and after their terme of their service ended, come to demand their freedome of this Company in that disguised manner ; for remedy thereof, it is now ordered, that hereafter, if any master shall make free any of his servants before he have orderly cutt and barbed his hap'e to the likino; of the nf and wardens of the Company for the tyme being, the m'" of the apprentice shall pave to the Comp^ for every suche neglect xx^ for a fine. 1639, April 1. "A letter from the Lord Mayor of the 25th March last, was now read, wherein the Comp-' are ^ prayed to lend unto him the sum of 60" for six months, being pt of 1,000" to be borrowed of the 12 Comp®' towards * This was paid " for the renewing of the City's charter, pardoning divers offences, and in discharge of 7,000/. fine levied in the Star Chamber about the Irish land, besides the loss of the land itself." — Court Book, 1638. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 243 the put payrn' of the own'" of a shippe now to be set forthe by the cittie." Contributions under the express term of ship-money are not of frequent occurrence in the Ironmongers' records, but we know that the tax was generally leaded for several years. Every landliolder and other inhabitant was assessed according to the judgment of the Sheriff, and where pay- ment was refused he had power to distrain.* The impost of ship-money is thus noticed by Mackintosh and Macaulay : — " Monopolies carried to a scandalous and intolerable extent, with the other devices of revenue employed by the Kino's council, proved in- adequate to his wants. Recourse was had to the memorable impost of ship-money . . . Ships according to a prescribed scale were levied, it will be remembered, on the outports, the maritime counties, and the port of London, in 1626. All that remained waste demand the money instead of the sliips. Many resisted the demand as illegal throughout the country, but the merit of their resistance is absorbed in the resistance and renown of Hampden . . . The common reader will a})prehend two great authorities on the side of Hampden, — Magna Charta and the Petition of Rights. It is true that Magna Charta, according to Sir Edward Coke, was confirmed thirty times, but each confirmation im- plies an infraction ; thus far, then, some excuse, at least some pretence, might be set up for Charles ; but he stood in a different relation to the Petition of Rights ; his direct resistance to it in the first instance, his attempt to insinuate a treacherous saving clause by means of the Lords, his ambiguous assent when that failed, shews tliat he was fully aware of the restrictions to which he submitted, when he gave the solemn sanction of his royal assent to that statute. By his assent thus given he renounced all imposts without consent of Parliament ; he did so by his own original act, not by his obligation to observe the statutes of preceding kings ; and he now laid on one of the grossest of those imposts by prerogative, which the Petition of Rights was designed to extinguish for ever." — Sir James INIackintosh, Hist, of Eng. vol. v. 156, 161. " Former princes had raised ship-money only in time of war ; it was * Rushworth, ii. 214 ; Hallam's Constitutional History, vol. ii. 21. R 2 244 THE lEONMONGERS' COMPANY. now exacted in a time of profound peace. Former princes, even in the most perilous wars, had raised ship-money only along the coasts ; it was now exacted from the inland shires. Former princes had raised ship- money only for the maritime defence of the country ; it was now exacted, by the admission of the royalists themselves, with the object, not of mamtaining a navy, but furnishing the Kmg with supplies, which might be increased at his discretion to any amount, and expended at his discretion for any purpose." — ISIacaulay's Hist. Eng. i. 91. "At a Court of Elleccon July 3rcl, appeared Place Bare- bone, exe*" of Kobert Fenn, who surrendered a lease of a certain tenement and a garden in Anchor-alley, granted to the said Fenn." 1640, 12th May. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor under this date to certify the quantity of powder and match which the Companj^ had in store ; to which an answer was returned that they had " twelve barrels of ser- visable gunpowder, and three hundred waiglit of match." In September following, the Company were required by two other precepts, dated 21st August and 4th of this month, " to provide 16 barrels of gunpowder, w^ match and muskett bulletts answerable thereunto, and to certify what number of complete arms they have in store ; whereunto answer was given that they have 20 armors w^^ head peces, pikes, and arming swords, 20 musketts w*" miuTions, swords, bandilers, and rests, 16 barrells of po, 20" muskett buUett, and 8 bundles of match." The Court, considering their supply of musket bullets not sufficient for their proportion of powder, appointed the wardens to buy ten hundred weight more, and to forbear the buying of any more powder than what they have in store already. Martis vicessimo tertio die Junii, 1640, annoque Regis Caroli Angliae, &c. sextodecimo. Garway, INIaior. — This day S"" Nicholas Raynton, Sir IMorris Abbott, Kn*^ and Aldermen, and Mr. Aid™ Gurney, Connnittees for- HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 245 merly appointed to examine the matters of complaint of the m'' and wardens of the Company of Ironmongers, against divers foreigners that sell iron and cutlerie wares, and wares in Leadenhall, and did deli\-er into this Court a report in writing under their hands, how they find the same, and their doeings and opmions, the tenor whereof is as followeth, viz. — To the right hono^^® Sir Henry Garway, Knight, Lord Maior of the citty of London, and to the right wor" his brethren the Aldermen of the same : ]\Iaie it please your Io^p, &c. According to an order of this hono^^*" Court of the oth of ]\Iaye last, we, whose names are subscribed, have taken hearing and exaTacon of the matter of complaint of the m"" and wardens of the Comp^ of Ironmongers against di^■ers forreyners that sell iron and cutlerie wares and nailes in Leadenhall and elswhere withm this citty and libts thereof, and therupon doe find that very many factors, foiTeyners fi-om the hbtes of this hono^'^ citty, using the said trade of an Ironmonger and Naylor, have much abused and wronged the Ironmongers' freemen of this citty, b}^ seUing ii-on and cutlerie wares, and nailes, bolts, in grosse and retale in sundry waies, contrary to the custom of the hono^'*^ citty, and against an act of cofnon comicell of the nineteenth of July, in the twentieth yeare of the raign of the late Soveraigne Lord Kmg James of England, and in that behalfe made ; for reformation wherof we conceive it fitt that the same act of cofnon councill be henceforth truly observed and put in execution, and that noe fbrrejiier keeping a shopp or usmg the trade of an Iron- monger or Naylor m any place within this citty, or adioyning to or neere unto the suberbs or libtes of the citty, bee imployed as a factor to any forraine Ironmonger or Naylor, in the marketts and warehouses at Leadenhall, to sell iron and cutlerie ware and nailes there ; and that no such factors or servants be pmitted to have any warehouse or shopp att Leadenhall ; and that none shall have above one warehouse, and the rest of the houses to be disposed of to such of the forraine cutlers, ironmongers, or naylors, as shall want : and fiu'ther, wee conceive itt meete that the master and wardens of the said Company of Iron- mongers, for the time being, have the noTation of four porters, such as they will answare for, and to be by them presented to and first allowed by this hon^'® Court, to attend at Leadenliall for the carrying of iron and cutlerie wai*es as is used at BlackeweU hall for the carrying of the commodityes there sould, and they to have for carriage upp of a tun weight six pence, and a packe a penny. Wee finde tliat 246 THE ironmongers' company. Henry Partridge, a . forraiue nayle-seller, hath two warehouses at Leadenhall, and that Edward Jackson, dwelHng in Whitechappell and a naylor there, is his factor, w'=^ is not to be pmitted, and Partridge to have but one warehouse. Humfrey Osborne, loryman, dweUing at Peckhatche, and keepeth a shopp there of iron and cutlerie ware, to sell by retain and in grosse, and yet hath a Avarehouse for iron and cutlery wares at Leadenhall, w*^^ wee conceive not fit to be permitted. Robert AYinch hath two Avarehouses in Leadenhall, but he is to hold but one. John Jennings hath two warehouses in Leadenhall, but he is to hold but one. Symon Tunks keepeth a shopp in Whitechappell, and there maketh and selleth nayles, and other iron and cutlery wares, and yet he is employed as a factor for John Simcotts and Acton, whoo have each of them a warehouse at Leadenhall ; but wee think fit that tlie said Tuncks be not permitted a factor there. John Turton hath two warehouses in Leadenhall, but he is to hold but one. And that the m'" and wardens of the Company of Ironmongers may put in a hall keeper, such as they Avill answare for, and first allowed of by this hono^'® Court, to lock the doores ; and wee conceive it fitt that noe loryman, or other that selleth in Leadenhall iron and cvitlerie ware, shall have but one wai'ehouse a peece. And that notice be given to the severall ptyes that they may provide them of other fitt factors, and so cleare the other warehouses that the Chamber of London may dispose of them to such lorymen as want them. All w*^*^ nevertheless we submit to your Lopp* and worPP* more grave judgment. This 20th day of June, anno Dni 1640. Nicholas Rainton. Morris Abbott. RlCH'^ GURNEY. The w*^^ Report being here openly read, was allowed of, and ordered to be entered into the Repertory, and to be accordingly reformed. Ex et concordat in Registro ^ Rob* Michel dep Cticu Civ. London. These regulations however do not appear to have been fully carried out on the part of the Ironmongers' Company until 1645, as appears by the following note appended to the order and signed by their clerk : This order was read and presented to the Comp% and a hall keep"" and porters were noiated accordingly, the first of July, 1645. Raphe Handson, Chu-ke HISTOKICAL EVIDENCES. 247 The following notice of some undue monopoly of cast iron goods sought to be obtained by one John Brown, the King's gun-founder, appears under the date of 164=0 : ^Ir. Robert Haies, ]Mr. Thomas Glover, Mr. Edward Hurd, Mr Raphe Ingram, Mr. Josua Foote, and J\Ir. Robert Brome, were appointed to hearken and enquire of IMr. Attorney, or of some of his followers, what is done by the Lords of the Councell concerning John Brown's pattent for the making and selling of all sortes of cast iron waire, w* is prejudiciall to this Compa and the comon wealth, to the ende that a peticion may be preferred to the Lords of the Comicell in the Comp®^ behalf for redi'esse therein, if it shalbe found convenient. TV^iich was afterwards done, as we find by a subsequent entry, and the patent was " called in and overthrown, the charges whereof amounted to fifteen pounds ten shillings and nine pence." A letter from the Lord Mayor, dated the 28th July, 1640. To the m»' and wardens of the Company of Ironmongers. Your Company's pportion of money allotted to be lent (amongst other the Companies of this cittie) unto his iMa*^% is the some of two thousand pounds ; and if you be not already satisfied herein concerning the security offered for repaym* thereof, or any other matter concering this busines, yo" may be pleased forthwith to repaire unto me, and you shall receave further satisfaction. Henry Garwai, ]Maior. Upon the reading of this letter. Sir Christopher Clitlie- row acquainted the Court " that the King's Ma*'*" desired to borrow of the cittie 200,000^, and that they should have consideration for the same after the rate of 8" per cent, p anil, and his farmo'" of his customes for his security, and therefore the Lo Maior desired him to move the Company effectuaUy for the loan of 2,000", not doubting but the same would be well repaid and give his Ma"'' good satis- faction; but the Company finding themselves to bee in debt, and no way able to lend or pcm-e the loane thereof, 248 THE ironmongers' company. appointed the wardens to give answer to the Lord Maior to y' piu'pose." The foregoing ansAver, setting forth the inability of the Company to advance the loan of 2,000/., not proving satisfactory, they were addressed again by the Lord Mayor in October, and commanded to certify to him the names and surnames of the livery, and were also informed by a letter from his Lordship "that he, with divers of the aldermen and other cittizens of the best rarike and quality, mett in the Guildhall w'' the Earl of Manchester Lord Chamberline, Lord Vicount Campden, Lord Coventry, and Lord Goring, who declared the proceedings of the peers of this land for a treaty w'' those of Scotland for such an acconiodacon as may tende to y^ union of both kingdoms, and also the miserable condcon of the county of Northum- berland, besshoppricke of Durrham, and town of Newcastle, by the rapines and heavy impositions of the Scotts, and that letters were written from the peeres, and also from his Ma*^% unto this cittie, for a pnt supply of 200,000^ viz. 50m." on the 12"' of this month, 100m." on the xv'^ of Novem'" next, and 50m." on the fu'ste of December following. Where- uppon hee, the alderiii, and commons, did apprehend it to be very necessary and behoofull, and soe w" an unanimous consent did resolve, that his Ma*'^ should be supplied for the present with 50m." of the some above said ; and therefore his Lopp did recommend this great and mighty cause to the serious consideracon of the Company, desiring them w^ all convenient expedition to take such effectual course as that the sum of 1,700" may be raised, and be in a redynes to be paid before the xij. of this month. " Alsoe the copie of a tre from the peers, under the hands of about GO earls, viscounts, and barons, dated at York, the 25 of September last, and directed to the Lord Maior, aldreni, cittizens, and coialty of the citty of London ; HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 249 and anotlier tre from his Ma^'* of the 26 of the said month, directed as aforesaid, were both read, intymating y« necessity of the supply of the said 200,000 pounds, as by all the said Ires more at large may appeare." The Scotish Parliament, fully aware of the critical posi- tion of the King, enlarged their demands, and required, amongst other pri\dleges, "that the estates of the kingdom should be convened at least every three years." This demand only served to rouse the jealousy of the King, who immediately prepared for a renewal of hostilities. The Scots were the first to cross the Border ; and in August 1640, attacked and completely routed a detachment of the E-oyal forces at Newburn-upon-Tyne. The whole of the English army fled in dismay from Newcastle to Durham, and shortly afterwards retreated from that town into York- shire ; from whence the King opened a negotiation with his Scotish subjects, and it would seem addressed the preceding letter to the citizens of London.* " The Courte taking the premises into their serious consideracon, being a matter of that great weight, and w^all weighing their own disability, cannot yet resolve how to raise the said 1,700^' imposed upon them for their part of the first 50m.^, but for the other 150m.^', it is altogether impossible for them to raise any part thereof. It is there- fore thought fitt that the wardens doe move the East India Company for the payment of four hundred pounds, to move Sir James Cambell for the loane of 500'' upon the conion scale, and that a valuation be made of the Comp^ plate, what the same may amount unto." At a Court on the 9th of October, Mr. HonyO'Ood declared " that he had rec*^ of the East India Com? £400 owing by them, and that he had weighed over the Comp** * Vide Hume's Hist. Eng. vol. vii. 273, 278, edit. 1818. 250 THE ironmongers' company. plate, w«i» amounted iiuto in valleue 450", w'''' he had offered to pawne for 500", or to give the Comp*^ seale for the same at interest ; both w*"" were refused, unless pticular men become bound for the same ; and forasmuch as there was some scruple made in the tre of y*" Lord Maior about the 50m." requned to be lent by the Compa^ of this citty, as if the same were but the fii-st payment of the 200,000", the Court desii-eth to be informed what security they shall have for their pte, bemg 1,700", that being as much or more than they are able to accomplish, and whether there be any intent further to burthen the companies, w'^'' this Compy for their pte are not able to undergoe. Whereupon Sir Xpofer Clitherow and Mr. Sam. Gott declared unto the Court that yesterday, at a meeting at Gruildhall, it was agreed, that the Lord Maior' s tre should be amended, and sent unto the Compa", and that 50m." should be lent by the Compa' and noe more, for security whereof tenn lords should be bound to six men of the prime companies in the behalf of the rest, as men intrusted for all the companies, and that every comp^ should have a pticular instrument of assurance for the money lent from those six men; and because this Compa^ are not able of themselves to raise the said 1,700", Sir Job Harly, knight, and Mr. Hugh Windham, offered to lend the Comp^ 400^* a piece at 8" per c* upon their com on seale, to be repaid unto them out of y^ legacy money due by the marchant adventurers the 21 Eebuary next, or sooner if the same be received ; and for the other 900" the same is to be supplied out of other moneys, either legacy or otherwise, as they can be received in. And therefore it is ordered by the majory*'% by the erection of hands, the 1,700'' slialbe lent as aforesaid." 10th Oct. At this Court a second letter from the Lord Mayor of the 3rd of this month was read, somewhat dif- fering from the former, wherein the Company are desired HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 251 with all convenient expedition to take such effectual course by their best furtherance " as that the some of one thousand seven hundred pounds, according to the usuall proportion allotted upon the Companies for corn mony, may be raised by their Company towards the some of fifty thousand pounds, to be lent upon such security as is offered by theu' lo''^' tre, and be in a readines to be paid before the said tweKe of this month, being the furthest day assigned." Also another letter from his lordship of the 10th of this month was read, " praying the Company to send into his Ma'" exchequer this morning some mony as is already pro- vided upon his former tres." " Both ^y''^ tres the Courte taking into their consideracon doe not finde that they are freed from a further loane of their pte of 150,000'S the residue of 200,000'4'equired to be lent, nor have they any assurance as yet of the 1,700'' to be raised by them. And therefore they resolve that the same be not paid until further order." On the 19th Oct. " m'' warden Hony^vood informed the Comp^ that he had spoken with the Lord Mayor, and that his lordship did confidently affirm that there was never any intent to impose any more moneys upon the Companies than this 50,000'', w"" most of the Companies had already paid. Whereupon it was ordered that the wardens should pay into the Exchequer the moiety of the 1,700'S and the other moiety when the same shall be called for." xix. October, 1640. — Rec*^ of the Company of Ironmongers of the citty of London, the some of eight hundred pomids, for the which a tally is to be striken upon directions. I say rec'^ the some of eight hundred pounds. Je^. Loup. XX vj. October, 1640. — Rec'^ more of the Company of Ironmongers of the citty of London, the some of nine hundred pounds, for w^'' a tally is to be striken upon directions. I say rec*^ the some of nine hundred pounds. Jo. Loui*. 252 THE ironmongers' company. On the 3d of November, 1610, the Long Parliament was first assembled, " that momentous period in our history which (Hallam observes) no Englishman ever regards without interest, and few without prejudice — the period from which the factions of modern times trace their divergence ; which, after the lapse of almost two centuries, still calls forth the warm emotions of party spirit and affords a test of political principles." 1611, April 29. At this Court was read the declaration of the Trustees dated the 5th of March last, in which are recited two bonds of divers lords for the payment of 54,000/. \dz. 27,000/. on the 22nd of October next £ s. d. whereof the Company's part is . . . 918 And 27,000/. on the 30th of the said month, whereof the Company's part is . . . 918 £1836 July 16. Head a precept from the Lord Mayor and Sir George Whitmore, dated the 13th of this month, " requiring to be certified speedily, in a fair book written, the names and surnames of every person who has been or now is master and warden, or hath fined for the same ; and also the name and surname of every person of the livery and yeomandry ; and also the name and surname of every other pson free of the Comp«^, distinguishing every such degree, rank, and quality in order, and noting in the margent which have fined for aldermen or sheriff of this cittie, and to put down in what parish and ward every of the said persons doe dwell." Afterwards came another precept dated the 21st July, 1641, sul3scril)ed by the Lord Mayor, Sir George Whitmore, and Sir Nicholas Hainton, " requiring the master and wardens to summon before them all the said Company, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 253 accorcliug to the several ranks and degrees, and to collect such monies as are rated upon them respectively by the Act of Parliament according- to their highest rates and degrees, and to pay the said monies into the thrers in the said act named, in the Guildhall of London ; and also to dd the names of whome the said shall be received, and how much every one doth pay ; and lastly to return the names and surnames and dwelling place of such psons as shall refuse or neglect to pay." The tax le\ded according to the Act of Parliament on such as had served or fined for master varied according to their estate and circumstances from 101. to 25/. Alice Helin, widow of Alderman Helin, late master, paid 61. 13s. M. ; Joan Carter, widow of Thos. Carter, a late master, paid 3/. 6s. 8d. Such as had served or fined for wardens paid 61. 13*. 4c/., and then' widows 21. 4iS. 6cl. The livery-men paid bl. each, and then' widows 1/. ISs M. ; and the yeomanry paid 3/.* Another precept followed on the 24th inst. also sub- scribed by the Lord Mayor, " signifying that 40,000^' must be paid on Wednesday next at the furthest for y^ im- portant affairs of the kingdome, and therefore he com- mandeth that his former precept be duly executed, and the money collected to be paid to the commissioners by Monday or Tuesday at the furthest." The sum contributed by the Ironmongers' Company on this occasion was 535/, 17^. 2d. 1641. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor, dated the 17th of November, Avherein the " master and war- dens and eighteen others of the most grave and comliest psons of the Compa^ are comaunded every one of them to be weU horsed and appelled in their best array and furni- ture of velvet, plush, or sattin, and chains of gould, and * Court Book, fol. 331. 254 THE ironmongers' company. every one of them to have one footman w* two staffe torches to wait upon him on foot ; and, being soe fur- neshecl, to be in a redynes in Cornhill by the houre of nine in the morning on Thursday next, there to attend his lord- shippe and the aldermen, to wait upon the King's ma*'*^ from Saint Leonard's church in Shoreditch unto the Guiklhall, London, and from thence in the afternoon to his highnesse pallace, and from thence to the Lord Maior's howse ; and that he be certified in writing on Monday next the names and surnames of all such as shallje soe appointed." Another precept, dated the 19th, directs the persons previously appointed to be in readiness on horseback on Thursday morning, at 8 o'clock in the morning, " in the voyde place under the citty wall in Moore fields, to attend his lo^^ and the alderm" to Bawmes, near Hogsdon, to meet his Ma*^® ; to ride with their swords, and their foot- men to be apparelled in cassocks and drawers of cloth or stuff, garnished w* ribbons of the Compan^ couUars, and each one a truncheon in the morning and two torches in the afternoon. To attend during the tyme his Ma"" is at dynnar in the Guildhall, and stand with their horses in the same order and places where their master did alight ; and also that there be attendant upon the horsemen one horse- man in a decent suite, guarnished also with ribbons, to bear an appendent with the coat of armes of the Company." At a Court on the 23d of November, a precept was read from the Lord Mayor, dated the same day, requiring tlie Company " to cause their rayles and standings, of foure and twenty yards in length, to be in readynes to be set up in such place as they shalbe directed, and that all the livery, except the horsemen, be at the said standings on Thursday next, by two of the clock in y'^ afternoone, in their best apparell, their gowns and houds, w* their banners, stremers, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 255 and cloth for their rayles, and there to attend nntill his Ma*'®, the Qnene, and company be passed by; those in foynes to take their place towards the west. And the Com- pany are reqnired to appoint fom^e handsome, tall, able, and sufficient men to attend his Ma*'® at dynnar in the Guildhall, in their gowns, with foynes and hoods, to be there by the hower of nine in the morning for to attend that service. And thereupon the Company appointed Edw. Honywood, Tho' Glover, Anto. Webster, and Edw. Storey, to attend accordingly." Great preparations were made by the city for the recep- tion of Charles the Eirst on his return from Scotland. He was met at Kingsland by the Mayor, the Recorder, and about five hundred of the heads of the principal compa- nies,* wdth their attendants, who conducted him in triumph to the Guild-hall, where he dined. The readiness with which the Lord Mayor's precepts were obeyed on this occasion, leaves no doubt that a large number of the more wealthy and influential citizens were still warmly attached to the person of the King. Charles was unfortunate in being cast on times in which the intel- ligence of the people had got far in advance of the previous notions of kingly prerogative. Nevertheless, the perti- nacity with which he adhered to former precedents, and the opposition wliich he offered to the views of his Parlia- ment, would not have involved him in utter ruin had he only maintained mth common integrity those alterations which his necessities had compelled him to concede to public opinion. On the 24th January in this year, the Lord Mayor com- municated to the Company the miserable state of the poor Protestants in Ireland, and earnestly recommended the adoption of some measure for their relief. — See this precept more at large in the account of the Irish Estate. * Soe Strypo, vol. i. book i. p. 294, ed. 1720. 256 THE ironmongers' company. 1642, April 26. According to a precept from the Lord Mayor of the 16th of this month, " the warden did certify the seYerall arms and animiinicon that the Company have for the defence of this citty, and the Company will provide an engine for the quenching of fii'e as conveniently as they can." By the Maior. Whereas at a Comon Hall called on Thursday last, in y® afternoone, by order of the lords and comous in parl"^, the livery of the severall companies of tliis citty, there assembled, were moved by divers lords and comons of both houses of parham* for the loane of 100,000/. for a yeare, for and towards the relief and preservacon of y^ kingdome of Ireland, and speedy supply of the great and urgent necessity of this kingdom, intimatuig that the said money, w*^ interest at viij'^ per cent, shalbe secm'ed and repaid upon y^ publique faith of y^ parliam*, and that an ordinance for that purpose should be made by y^ lords and comons in parliament ; and whereas it was thereupon, by y® said Comon Hall, then most freely and w* great alacrity condescended unto and agreed upon y* y^ said 100,000/. should be forthwith lent and furnished, for the use and purposes aforesaid, by the seuall compan® of this citty ; these are therefore to desu'e you w* all convenient expe - dicon to take such effectual course by yo'' best assistance as y* the some of 3,400/., according to y^ usuall pportion allotted upon yo^ Company for corne, may be raised by yo'" Comp^ towards y^ said some of 100,000/., to be lent upon such secm'ity as is offered by an ordinance made as aforesaid, a coppy whereof is hereimto annexed this 5th of June, 1642. Michel. Die Sabbati, 4° June, 1642. An ordinance made by y*^ Lords and Comons in Pai"liament for the securing of y*^ some of 100,000", desired to bee lent to y^ Parlia- ment by severall Compa* and cittezens of London, for y^ use of y^ kingdom : — Whereas amongst many other great and unspeakable blessings of Almighty God upon this parliam*, it hath pleased Him to stirr up y^ heartes of many good and well-affected people to yield their willing and ready helpe and assistance to the supply of this great and pressmg necessity of this kingdom and the kingdom of Ireland, in which pious and charitable worke the cittezens of London, by y**'*' singular forward- nesse and good affection, have bine exemplary to all other pts of this HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 257 kiiigdome, and in tyme of greatest exigence and necessity have lent and advanced great somes of money to y^ publique use, and as well by y^'^'' purse and persons as other memorable services contributed their effectual helpe to y® parliament for y*' support of this state and kingdom from apparent danger of destruccon; and whereas y^ said cittezens, in further manifestation of their constant fidelity and true affeccon to ye publique, have now again, being moved bv and on the behalfe of both houses of parliament, at a Comon Hall held w*in y^ said citty, to lend a further some of 100,000/. for one A-eare, for and towards the reliefe and preservacon of Ireland, did most freely and chearfully ^Y^ an unanimous consent agree forthwith to lend and advance y^ same accordingly, for w'^'^ ye lords and comons and parliament doe in y® name of themselves and the whole kingdome give them very harty thanks ; and, for the security of the said some soe agreed to be lent, doe de- clare and ordaine that y^ same and every pt thereof, together w* consi- deracon for forbearance thereof, after the rate of eight pomid per cent, for a year, shalbe duly paid into y^ chamber of y^ citty of London, to and for the use and uses of all and every such Compaq and compa^% pson and psons, who shall lend or advance y^ same or any pt thereof respectively, y'^'" ex''^ administrators, or assigns, out of the first and next moneye to be granted by Act of Parliament. . Jo. Browne, Cler. Parliamentor. Upon the reading of which letter, &e. and some debate thereupon, " the Court doe conceave the conipa* of London ought not for matter of loane for money to he bound to obeye y® order and direction of y^ C onion Hall, w*"'' hath not bine y® custome of ancient tyme ; nevertheless, for y*' better aid and assistance of the Parliament, as is desired, they are mlling to furnish and lend such money as they can rayse for that pm-pose. Thereupon y Courte doth order that these bonds owing to them be forthw**" paid in : Mr. Thomas Thorold . 400'' Edw-^ Storey . . . 100" ^j Mr. John Wilson . . . 200 Erasmus Snelling 50 M,100'' Mr. Joshua Foote ... 300 John Gibbs .... 50 J And they do appoint a courte to be warned against Wed- nesday next in y^ afternoon, being y 15th of this month, s 258 THE ironmongers' company. then to consider liow and by what means they may raise y^ residue, not^dthstanding they have lent ah^eady 1,700'\" June 15. This meeting not arriving at any definite con- ckision, it was ordered, that " because there is noe money yet provided for y" raysing of y^ 3,400", as is desired, they do appoint a court to be warned on Monday next in the afternoon, being the 20th of this month, and desire that these pnt consider thereof and speak to their friends towards y*" raising of the said some for y^ use of y^ Par- liament ; and for security thereof they shall have the Com^ scale, at 8 per cent, per ann. And, forasmuch as the tymes are trublesome and y^ Company impoA^erished, it is thought fitt and soe ordered that noe feast be kept on y^ eleccon day, but y* y* m'' and wardens doe keep a moderate dynner for y® Compa^ on that daye at y'®"" owne charge, w*out any alloAvance out of y*" conion stocke." June 22. At this meeting, " for want of appearance, there being only ten present, they could not proceed Avith the question of raising money, and appointed a court for the morrow in the afternoon." ' June 23. It was now ordered and concluded that the wardens should take up, at the rate of eight per cent, interest, on the Company's seal, such moneys as they could procure ; namely, of Dame Rebecca Romeny, of London, ■sviclow . . 500'^ William Romeny, of London, gentleman . . . 400 Thomas Cambell, of London, gentleman . . . 500 Sir Huoli Windham, knio;ht and barronett . . * Mr. Thomas Thorold, his friend 1000 June 27. At this Com-t there were sealed with the Com- pany's seal four bonds : viz. " Thomas Cambell, of London, gent, in 1,0001', to pay 540'' y'' 23 June, 1G43, at the Lady Cambell's house in St. Pieter's y'^ Poore, dated 20 June, * 500'' — which was afterwards erased. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 259 1642. Lady Rebecca Romeny, of London, widow, in 1,000", to pay 540'^ y'' 1'* July, 1643, at her house in Iron- monger Lane, dated the 27 June, 1642. William E-omeny, of London, gent, in 800", to pay 432'^ y^ 1^* of July, 1643, at his house in St. Mary Acts, dated the 27 June, 1642. Wm. and Andrew Stilt, of London, iiichants, in 2,000", to pay 1,080" y^ 1'* J^-^lj? 1643, at y*' house of Adam Lawrance in Great St. Helen's, dated 27 June, 1642. These bonds were dd unto Mr. Warden Hunt, to receive the 2,400^' taken up as abovesaid for the relief of Ireland according to the order of the last Courte, being as much as the Compy can raise to be lent for that service ; and is to remapie in his hands till y^ m'' and wardens shall dispose thereof according to their best discretion." The Ironmongers do not appear to have paid the money so raised into the Chamber of London until they were again admonished on the subject. In the minutes of the 29th of July we find the following entry : — " An order from the House of Commons in Parliament, dated on Saturday, the 23rd of this month, was now read hcBC verba -. Whereas there are severall companies in the citty of London w*^^ have not paid in their proportion of the 100,000" promised to be lent unto the Parhament according to a rate agreed on by and amongst themselves, and considering the great occasion of money now in Ireland for the paying and providing necessaries for the great army there in service, w*out and for want of w*^'^ they are hke to be disbanded and the kino-dom indangered : It is therefore this day ordered by the Comons House in Parhament assembled, that the m'^" and wardens of the Com- pany of Ironmongers be hereby required forthwith to make payment of the proportion yet behind and unpaid into the Chamberlane's office, in Guildhall, London, wherby the generall and urgent necessitie of Ireland may be supplied, y*^ rebbells subdued, and the kingdom preserved. H. Elsynge, Cler. Pari. & Com." Whereupon it is ordered " that the wardens doe ibrtli- s 2 260 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. with pay into the Chamberlan's office in Guildhall, London, the sum of 2,400'S according to the said order, for the service of Ireland only, and that they take a receipt to that effect for their discharge, intimating w*all that this 2,400^' is as much as this Comp-^ can raise for their proportion of the said 100,000^^ promised by the Conion Hall to be lent." September 2. "Whereas it is desired by the Lords and Commons in Parliament and by the Lord Mayor that the companies of London doe lend such arms as they can spare for the supply of the expedition now going forth in the army under the Right Hon^'' the Earl of Essex, w'"'' armes are to be vallued by certaine coiiiitees appointed, and returned unto the companies according to the valuation thereof, either in kinde or in money : It is thereupon ordered, that the wardens and Mr. Webster shall deliver out of the compa' armory to the comityes at Guildhall these armes following : 10 russett armours, 10 head pieces. 10 pikes. 10 nmsketts w* bandileres and rests. 10 swords w* belts. 10 inurrions. At a Court the 13tli October the wardens acquainted the meeting that they were specially called together for the payment of 1,000/. into the Guildhall, being the rest of the 3,400/. to be lent for the relief of Ireland, and that the Lord Mayor had sent for them and told them that there was great necessity and want of that 1,000/. and that it must be forthwith raised by the Company. Whereupon several sums were called in, and the amount shortly after paid into the Chamber of London. 1642-3, Jan. 17. Mr. Leonard Cooke, Vicar of Walton- upon-Tliames, in the county of Surrey, whose father was a member of tliis Company, petitioned the Company, " That in regard he hath ben plundred by the King's soulders,* * The Civil War commenced in tho summer of 1642. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 261 whereby he hath lost to the valhie of 200", besyde the lease fromjy® Comp* granted to Alice Cooke his mother for houses and grounds in Old Street, w*''' she had assigned over to him after her decease, w'^*' lease and assignment were lost and burnt by the soulders ; wherefore he prayed that the Comp* would coniiserat his great loss and dis- tressed estate, and that they would grant unto him a new lease wtii some further addition of tyme, Whereunto y^ Courte gave answer, y^ they would grant noe new lease, because y^ old is yet in being, but they are contented he shal have a copy of y^ counterparte, and toAvards his losse they gave him five pounds." Die Martis, 24° Januar. 1642. Att the Comitty of Lords and Comons for the safety of the kingdom. Whereas there are divers tres ptended to be sent by his Ma^'^ to tlie m'" and wardens of the severall halls in y® citty of London, w'' t\vo little bookes there inclosed, the one entitnled y® hnmble peticon of the Maior, Alder", and Comons of the citty of London, to his Ma^'^, and y^ other intituled his Ma*'' tre and declaracon to j^ sherift' and citty of London, dated the 17 January, w'^^ evedently tendeth to sedition and settino- of y** whole citty in a combustion ; Theis are therefore strictly to charge and command y® m"" and wardens of every hall in the citty to whome the said tres and booke inclosed slialbe directed, to forbear to publish or open any of them till both the Houses of Parliament shall give further order therein, and the m^" and wardens of every hall are required to bring the s'^ tres with y® messingers thereof to this comittee, wc'' they will take to be an argum'^ of your good affection to the parliament. Pembroke. Say and Seal. Jo. Pym. MONTGOMORIE. EdAVD. HoWARD. AnTH. NkOLL. Manchester. J. Evelin. BOLINGBROKE. 164^3, June 13. "A messinger from the comitty at Guildhall desired y'^ Compa^ to spare them some roome in the Hall for the laying upp of 50 barrells of gunpowder for 262 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. the use of the citty, to whom answer was given, that the Company had no spare room in or about the Hall, besides the danger in having a tenant next unto the Hall, where is kept an ordinary for the entertaining and lodging of all sorts of strangers, French, Dutch, Spanish, and others." Under the same date. — " AYhereas the hall is assessed for the Parliament at 9" 10' 0*^ per weeke, to be continued for three months from the first of March last ; it is affirmed by the Comission''^ that they ought to pay but 8^ per weeke, being the moiety of 16^, w''^ was the first paym^ on y® great subsidy granted by Act of Parliament." A letter from the Lord Mayor of the 27th of June last was now read, " concerning the languishing estate of the kingdom of Ireland, being in great want of all things necessary, w*"' his Lordshipp recoiii ended to the Comp^ sadd and serious consideracon, and required them to assemble all the members of the Comp'' together, to imite them and efectually to move them, for the promocon of soe chari- table a work, cheirfully to subscribe unto the proposicions w*"** hath bin consented imto l)y the Lords in Parliam^ And for this purpose he hatli sent a booke by order of both Houses, Av^ a preamble therein printed, w'''' booke, after the same be imder written by soe many as will, is to be retm^ned to the Coiiiitty of Adventurers for Irish busyness at Grocers' HaU." August 16. The Court being specially called, upon the receipt of a letter from the Lord Mayor, the contents whereof foUovreth : — After my harty comendacpns. Whereas I and my brethren the aid" and comons in comon counsell this day assembled, being very sensible of the great and eminent danger this citty is in by the near approach of the King's forces, and of y® great and pressinge necessitye of money at pnte for the safety and defence thereof, have resolved and agreed, that the some of fiity HISTORICAL EVIDENCES.. 263 thousand pounds be fortliwith lent by the severall companys of the citty for the purposes aforesaid, to be repaid upon the comon seale of this citty at 6 months time, w*^ interest at 8^^ per cent, per ann, ac- cording to the direccons of the said comon counsell ; I have thought fitt by this my Ire to recomend-this great and mighty cause to yo"" serious care and consideracon, and hereby pray and require you w'' all expedicon to take such effectual course by the corn on seal of yo^' company or otherwise as may best facilitate the business as that the some of one thousand seven hundred pounds, according to the usual pporcon allotted of corne, may be speedely raised by yo^' Comp^ towards the said some of fifty thousand pounds to be lent as aforesaid, and that the same be paid to the Thre'"* for plate and money at Guildhall, before the eighteenth day of this instant August. And soe not doubting of yo'' readines herein, I bid you hartily farewell, and rest Yo"" very loving friend, 11 AugS 1643. IsAACKE Pennington, Maior. " Upon reading* of w*""" tre, the Courte took into their serious consideracon the contents thereof, and withall their owne sadd condition, liaving formerly lent to divers Lords and to the Parliament, for relief in Ireland, the sum of five thousand one hundred pounds, for w'"'" they pay interest, whereby they are disabled and impoverished soe that they cannot finde any means to satisfy his Lo^^* desire." The entire absence of all remarks of a political tendency in the original records of the Ironmongers' Company, clearly shows the extreme caution which they deemed it necessary to observe at this time, and the care with which, in their collective capacity, they abstained from espousing the side of either of the great contending parties of the day. When called upon to receive a precept from the Lord Mayor for a supply of money, whether for the use of the King or the Parliament, they confined themselve solely to the means of meeting the demand or framing the best excuse in their power for evading it. Whatever else 26i THE ironmongers' company. might transpire within their own walls, nothing beyond the simple matter of business was placed upon record. If we turn to other sources of information, we perceive that the greatest excitement and consternation at this time prevailed. Pennington, who was mayor in 1643, in conjunction with the two sheriffs Langham and Andrews and other leading members of the Puritan party, had induced the city to declare in favour of the Parliament. London was surrounded with a formidable earthwork, defended with forts and bastions.* A petition was presented to the Commons, praying in the strongest terms that no oifers of accommodation should be listened to, and every preparation was made which the time would admit for putting the city in a position to sustain the attack of the King's forces. One of the worst elements of this difference between the King and his people was that the quarrel was not only a political but a religious one. Men were separated from each other on higher principles than the mere form of col- lecting the public revenue or the settlement of some point of civil government. The intense hatred which existed * This line of fortification commenced below the Tower, at the junction of the river Lea with the Thames, proceeded northward towards the windmill in Whitechapel Road, then, inclining nnrth-west, crossed the Hackney and King-s- land Roads near Shoreditch, and, turning to the south-west, crossed the end of St. John's Street, (Cray's Inn Lane, Bloomsbury, and Oxford Road near St. Giles's Pound ; then proceeding westward to Hyde Park Corner and Consti- tution Hill, it inclined towards Chelsea Turnpike, Tothill Fields, and the Thames ; commencing again near Vauxhall, it ran north-eastward to St. George's Fields ; then making an angle to the east, crossed.the Borough Road at the end of Blackman Street, proceeded to the end of Kent Street on the Deptford Road, and, inclining to the north-east, joined the Thames nearly opposite to the point where it began. The whole line was defended by twenty- three forts and bulwarks. — Allen's London, vol. i. 364, citing Journal of Common Council ; and Maitland's London, p. 237, ed. 1739, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 265 between the Puritan and the Cavalier stood on the threshold of every amicable arrangement. Charles had collected around his standard most of the ancient nobility and gen- tlemen of the coimtry, who saw or believed they saw in the " Godly, thorough reformation," contemplated by their enemies, not only the destruction of monarchy itself, but the extinction of their owti order, and were therefore pre- pared to defend both the one and the other to the utmost. On the side of the Parliament there was also no mean array of good blood, Avith a preponderating amount of talent, urged on and supported by the chief cities and great masses of the people, who were clamorous for a redress of grievances, and ready to expend their lives and treasure in the acquirement. Gloomy indeed must have been the prospects of the future ; and reflecting men, who could see somewhat into coming events, were no doubt fully con\T[nced that no amelioration of the times could be looked for until the blood of each party had flowed copiously. On the 25th of September the House of Commons and the Assembly of Di\dnes took the solemn Covenant for the reformation and defence of religion, and it was commanded by the authority of both houses of Parliament that, on the first of October following, it _" should be taken in all churches and chapels of London mthin the lines of com- munication, and throughout the kingdom, in convenient time appointed thereunto." By this solemn league and covenant men were called upon to swear that they wovild, " without respect of persons, endeavour the extirpation of Popery and Prelacy (that is, chui*ch government by arch- bishops, bishops, their chancellors and commissaries, deans, deans and chapters, archdeacons, and all other officers de- pending on that hierarchy), superstition, heresy, schism, profaneness, and whatsoever should be found to be con- 266 THE ironmongers' company. trary to sound doctrine and the power of godliness," and that they would, with the same sincerity, reality, and con- stancy, endeavour with their estates and lives mutually to preserve the rights and privileges of the Parliament.* The acceptance of this ordinance established the reign of Puritanism. Henceforth the aspect of society was altered ; the elegances of life were condemned as worldly and vain- glorious, and its innocent recreations "frowned down as sinful." The sentiments of the Pmitans, as represented by Macaulay, — " were regulated on principles resembling those of the Pharisees, who, proud of their waslied hands and broad phylacteries, taunted the Redeemer as a sabbath-breaker and a wine-bibber. It was a sin to hang garlands on a May-pole, to druik a friend's health, to fly a hawk, to hunt a stag, to play at chess, to wear love-locks, to put starch into a ruffj to touch the virginals, to read the Fairy Queen. Rules such as these — rules which would have appeared insupportable to the free and joyous spirit of Luther, and contemptible to the serene and philo- sophical intellect of Zwingle — threw over all life a more than monastic gloom. Some precisians had scruples about teaching the Latin gram- mar, because the names of Mars, Bacchus, and Apollo occurred in it. The fine arts w^ere all but proscribed. The solemn peal of the organ was superstitious. The light music of Ben Jonson's masques was dissolute. Half the fine paintings in England were idolatrous, and the other half indecent. The extr£?me Puritan was at once known from other men by his gait, his garb, his lank hair, the solemn solenmity of his face, the upturned white of his eyes, (and) the nasal twang with which he spoke." — Macaulay's Hist. Eng. vol. i. p. 82. Such were some of the peculiarities of these zealots as sketched by the graphic pen of our latest historian. Still it is not denied that under this general term of opprobrium were comprehended persons who differed widely from each * See Fuller's Church HistorV) vol. iii. book xi. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 267 other in their opinions and sentiments ; many of the so- called Puritans were men whose views of reform were moderate, and whose piety was unquestionable ; who neither desired the destruction of the church or the sub- version of monarchy ; a fact which we have no difficulty in establishing by contemporary CAddence. I subjoin the following passage from a writer who will not be suspected of any friendly leaning towards the side of the Puritans, and who speaks strongly in condemnation of their phari- saical assumption of extreme piety :— The people stiled Puritans, \Yho, meeting no nearer a definition than the riame, all the conscientious men in the nation shared the con- tempt, since under that general term were comprehended not only those brain-sick fools as did oppose the discipline and ceremonies of the church, and made religion an umbrella to impiety, but such as out of mere honesty reframed the vices of the times, were branded by this title ; weaved in such a fashion as it became a covering to the wicked, and no better than a fool's coat to men truly conscientious. — Tradi- tional Memoii's by Francis Osborne, Esq. p. 441. Lond. ed. 1673. August 22. The Court was called this day concerning the Lord Mayor's letter, " but for want of appearance nothing could be determined. And therefore a Court is appointed to be specially warned agst Thursday next, in the morning, at the houre of nine, being the 24th of this month, upon a penalty of a noble apiece for them that appeare not." Also was read at this meeting a note left with the clerk, in Jicec verha : — In reoard of the urgent and present necessity for the relief of the citty of Gloster, you are desired (by the committee sitting at Weevers' Hall appointed by comon counsell) to pay unto the thrers for plate and money at Guildhall, this present IMunday, 21st August, w^out delay, all or soe much as you have in reddines of yo*" comi/* ppor- 268 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. tion of" the 50,000" appointed to be lent by the seuall conipa^ of this citty. W™ Haslopp, Gierke to the said Coniitty. To the wo" the m^ and wardens of the Compy of Ironmongers. August 24. The Court took into their serious consider- ation the contents of the Lord Mayor's letter recorded at the last Court, " and albeit they are willing to lend the said 1,700" required, yet, examining their estate and fully debating y^ matter, they doe finde an impossibility to raise the same, and therefore do appoint the wardens and the clarke to attend the Lord Maior, and acquaint his lo^^ with their estate and paucity, whereby he may perceive the Comp' disability to pforme the said loane. According to w''^ order the two wardens and the clarke attended the Lord Maior on the 26tli of the monthe abovesaid, and dd him an estimate of the Compan^ estate, viz. — They are indebted to severall benefactors for legacy mony bequeathed them to be lent out to young men, for w°" £ they pay the use respectively . . . . .3984 To severall men not of the Comp% and taken upp at interest 2400 To severall men of y® Comp% for their corne mony im- pressed . . . . . . . . . 500 The to tall of their debt is Towards w*^'' they have in wheat 290 qters, is . By divers lords owing by bonds By the parliament, lent for the releefe of Ireland Owing unto them, is So they owe to make upp their debt as abovesaid 6884 435 1700 3400 5535 1349 £6884 September 12. The wardens acquainted the Court that HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 269 they had appeared before the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, and shewed them the poverty of the Company as they had formerly done to the Lord Mayor, but that answer not being satisfactory to the Court, they were com- manded to call the Company together again " for the raising of the 1,700^, or so much thereof as could be pro\dded, to be paid forthwith, as other compa^ had done in this case. And for that cause the wardens caused this Court to be summoned to take the matter into theu' further considera- tion ; who, again examining their owne weakness and the increase of their charges to grow upon them, cannot find any way how to raise the same, either by the pole or otherwise. And therefore they doe appoint the wardens, Mr. Tho. Thorold, Mr. Gravenor, Mr. Chas. Snelling, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Jno. Wyld, Mr. Toomes, to attend the Lord Maior and Court of Aldermen, when they are called to give theu- answer in the behalf of the Comp^ accordingly." The 19th of September, 1643, a note was left at the Hall, of this date, containing as follows : — These are to require you to appear before the Committee of Lords and Cofnons for advance of money at Haberdashers' Hall, London, on this pnt Tuesday, at four of the clock in the afternoone, whereof you are not to fail. ]Martix Dallisox, Gierke of the said Committy. To the m'' and wardens of the Comp^ of Ironmongers, London. " According to w*"^ summons the wardens, Mr. Thorold and Mr. Gravenor, attended the said coiiiitty, where were present the Lord Say, Mr. Pim, Mr. Strode, and others, and declared unto them the Compa^ great ingadgm'^ by their former loane of 5,100'% whereof they have hitherto rec<^ no satisfaction, and that the Compa are but few in number, and those of the middle sort, and that their lande 270 THE ironmongers' company. or rent Avould hardly bear their present charge. Where- unto the coniittee gave answer that they were in the like case w^ other compa^ who had paid in their proporcons according: to the act of conion councill and ordinance of Parliam*, and therefore they inioyned the wardens to call the Compy together once more for the providmg of the 1,700" afore menconed, and to bring in the same or return then* answer on the 28th of this month ; and if any of the Comp*' being warned shall absent himseK or refuse to pay his assessm* layd on him by the Company, they are to return the name of such as are absent or refuse to this Coniittee, who will take course for the le^'ying thereof, or els they are to retm'n the names of the whole Company to this CoiTiitty, that they may assess the same, according to justice." September 25. The meeting at Haberdashers' Hall was reported, " whereupon the Court fell into a debate how to raise the said money or some part thereof ; and first it was appointed that an assessment might be laid upon the pticular members of the Compy, w"^^ was found to he in- convenient, in regard they were pticularly taxed with the loane of 50 subsidies according to their rate in the subsidy booke ; and secondly it was conceaved to be a means to dis- unite the Company, and deter them from coming to theu' coiiion hall ; therefore it is ordered that 500'^ be taken up at interest upon the Compa' seale, and that answer be siven to the coiiiittee at Haberdashers' Hall, that the Company are not able to lend the said sum of 1,700'' for the reason aforesaid, and that their estate being all out of theii" hands to the value of 5,100" they have not left where- with to bear their charges ; nevertheless, to make it appear that the Company are not refractory, they have appointed 500" to be taken up and paid in, so that they may be released of the 1,700" aforesaid." HISTOIIICAL EVIDENCES. 271 " At a meeting at the Hall on the 28th September, there were sealed with the Compa' seale two bonds, viz. : — To Samuel Bazeley, citizen and clothworker of Lon- don, in eOQii to pay 3W' 10^ the 30th March next at Ironmongers' Hall . . . . 310" lO** Jno. Harmer, cittizen and Ironmonger of London, in 200" to pay 103" 10^ tlie same day, and at the same place 103" 10^ " And in the afternoon of the same day the two wardens, Mr. Gravenor and Mr. Willet, attended the comittee at Haberdashers' Hall, where only Mr. Stroud was present, to whome the wardens certified that notw^^standing the Compa^ poverty they were indeavonring to raise 500" if they could, w*"^' is the utmost that can be expected from them ; who gave his answer that they should pay in the money, and appear again before the Comittee on Monday next, being the second of October." The 2nd October, 1643. " The wardens paid unto the thrers at Gruildhall 400", and attended at Haberdashers' Hall, but the Committee met not." The 11th of the said month a note was left at the Hall, contamino" as after : — ■■3 " You are again desired to appear before the Comittee for sub- scriptions, sitting at Weavers' Hall, on Thursday morning next, 12th Oct. by ten of the clock, and give an account why the remainder of your Compa^ proporcon of the 50,000" to be lent upon the citty seale, is not paid into the Treasiuy at Guildhall. William Haslopp, Clarke to the said Comittee. To the master and wardens of the Ironmongers. " Accordincs: to w°" summons Mr. Warden Haves and others appeared before the Coiiiittee at Weavers' Hall, 272 THE ironmongers' company. there being present Mr. Greenel, Mr. Worlington, Mr. Dicer, and others, to whom the wardens related the Com- pany's incapacity to raise any further snm of money, whereunto the Conlittee gave answer that the Compa' part of the last 50,000" was to be raised for the preser^dng- of tlieir libertyes, their lives, and the gospell of Jesus Christ, w''^ was more deare than all y^ rest." October 27. By virtue of a warrant dated the 5th of this month, under the hand of Hugh Powell, auditor, " the wardens appeared at the Castle Tavern, near the Exchange, by well warrant they "were required in his Ma^^' name there to account for and pay to the use of his Ma"*" and common- wealth, all such some or somes of money as shalbe found due and payable by you, by wtue of any grant or lease from the crown, or by virtue of any assignment, warrant, or deputacon, from any pson or psons, whereupon any rent or revenues are due by you to his Ma"% Queen, or Prince, at or before the 29th day of September last past, and you are to bring w*^ you yo"" last acquittance, and all other things concerning the rent or revenue due from you." Also there was produced a warrant from the Committee of the Revenues, the copy whereof followeth, viz. — Whereas the Lords and Comons, upon the 21st day of September last, passed an ordinance for the seizing upon and receiving for the good of his Ma*'®^ cofnonwealth by y^ pson or receiv'" to be appointed by the Comittee for the Revenue, all his Ma*'*^^, the Queen's, and Prince's honnors, mannors, lands, tenem*^, revenues, and profitts wheresoever, \v*in this realme of England, dominion of Wales, and port and town of Barwicke ; together w**^ all arrarages thereof, and debte any ways due to his Ma^'% Queen, and Prmce, w'^^ ordinance we the said comittee send you herewith, and by virtue thereof have and by tliis pnte doe nominate and appoint you recever of all and every the said honnors, mannors, lands, tenem*% revenues, proffits, arreres, and debts whatso- ever, w">in the counteys of Essex, Hartford, Midelsex, and London, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 273 requiring you diligently to attend the said service, and to persue the directions of the said ordinance, and to observe such instructions as are herew''^ or hereafter shalbe sent you by y« comittee for the revenue, and for youi' paines and charge in this service you shall receive such allowance as heretofore have been usually given in the like kinde. Dated at Westminster, the 9th day of October, 1643. H. Pane. Jxo. Pym. Dennis Bond. Jno. Glynn. F- Rous. To o'' loving friend Ric. Abbott, Esq. Receiv'" of his Ma"^^ y^ Queen's, and Prince's Re- venues, w"'in y^ coun*'^* of Essex, Hartf'^, Middx, and London. Nov. 7tli. By virtue of a warrant under the hands of Martin Dallison, clerk to the Committee of Lords and Commons for advance of money, " the wardens appeared before them at Haberdashers' Hall, where were put of the said coiiiittee, Mr. Strod, Mr. Priduaz, Mr. Hill, and some others, who demanded of them why they did not pay in the 1,300" residue of the l,700^ &c. ; whereimto the wardens gave answer that the Compy were poore, and had eno-ao-ed themselves as farr as they could extend their creditt for the raising of the said 1,700", whereof they had lately paid in 400", and desired that they might be excused for the rest. "Whereupon the Coinittee ordered that the m"^ and wardens doe bring into that Comittee, on Satterday next in th(^ afternoon, a list of the names of all the freemen of the said Company, except journeymen, together w'^ the rentall and accoimt of all the lands, estates, and revenue belono-ino" to the said Company, or in their disposal." November 11th. " The wardens, Mr. Honeywood, and others, attended the Committee according to the above order, the Lord Saye, Mr. Strod, Mr. Hill, Mr. Holland, and some others, being present, and delivered, unto them the names of the clothing and yeomandi-y of the Company, T 274 THE IRONMONGEIIS' COMPANY. and also the rental of the Compa' lands, together w'' the imploym^ thereof for eharytahle uses ; hut the Coinittee, after some dispute thereupon, redelivered the said papers, sapng, that they were unwilling to take any extreme coui'se against the Comp* by selecting out of names of the Compy that should satisfie their remaynder of the 1,700'* assessed, wherein they might mistake ; therefore they mlled the warden to call y^ Comp'* together again, and levy the 1,300'' amongst themselves by consent, that they might have the security of the citty scale for the whole 1,700'i, as was at first propounded, and to give their answer on Monday next." On the 18th of Nov. the demands of the Parliamentary Committee were again debated by the Court of Iron- mongers, " but no man was found that could lend, in regard of the heavie taxes laid upon them in particular." No further notice of this subject appears in the Com- pany's books till the February following, when the wardens were summoned to appear before the Lord Mayor, and were directed forthwith to raise the residue of their assess- ment ; whereupon a Court was again called, " but for want of appearance they could resolve nothing ; only those pnt conceaved that the wardens may return the same answer that was sett downe at the Court holden the 18th of November last." On the 19th of January, 1643, the warden Hayes, Mr. John Wilson, and Mr. Richard Wiggmton, attended the Committees at Worcester Hovise, " concerning their assess- ment of ix'', for their lands in Old Street, according to an ordinaunce of the 4th of September last for the raising of moneys, and furnishing of magazines w"' armes, and raising of horse, &c. and other military forces, w'^'in the hamletts and other parts of y® county of Middlesex, &c., w"'in the HISTORICAL EVIDENCES, 275 lines of conimumcation and parishes adjacent mentioned in the weekely bill of mortalitye ; and they do finde by the collector's books that the Comp^ are assessed for their lands in Old Street the sum of 9^ as abovesaid, for the said pm-poses, according to y« ordinance before specified, w"»^ is to be paid accordingly." 1644, July 16. " It is ordered that 61. 6s. Scl. be paid to Mr. Stow, collector, for an assessm* upon the Hall for fom- months, at xxxj^ per month, from the 20th of March last, for y*^ recruiting of y^ Earl of Essex army." At a Quarter Court at the Hall, the 8th of August, 1644, the last meeting and auclett was read and confirmed, and thereujwn a note of the plate to be sould, was read, viz. — 1 guilt cuppe and cover of Mr. Fisher's, q* . . 1 guilt cupp and cover of Mr. Cambell's, q* 1 guilt cupp and cover of Mr. HaUwood's, q* . 2 basons and ewers, guilt, of Mr. Chamberline, q* 1 guilt cupp and cover of Mr. Xpofer Cletherow 1 guilt salte and cover of Mr. Hen. Cletherow . 1 guilt cupp and cover of Mr. Pe. and Wm. Garton 1 guilt cupp and cover of Mrs. Ann Carr . . 1 guilt cupp and cover of Mr. Walter Cowley's 1 guilt cupp and cover of Mrs. Ann Shortus . 1 guilt cupp and cover, without mark . , . 1 small guilt cupp and covei-, w*''out marke. 1 guilt pott that came fro ye Loterar}-.* 2 stopes of silver, of Mr. Parkes, of Wisbitch . 1 small white salt, w*'^ a cover. 1 caudle pott, marked W.L. 16 spoones. W"** plate is psently to be soulde for paym' of y" Compa^ debts by the 21 23 29| 192 50 52 671 491 291 19| 311 141 * The lottery : see before, p. \S'2. T 2 276 THE ironmongers' company. wardens, Mr. Peate, Mr. Wylde, ]Mr. Gravenor, IVIr. Hunt, and Mr. Webster, or any four of them, to y® utmost valine ; avIio at a subsequent meetino- reported, that, after conferrin<2; with several goldsmiths, they had sold the same to Mr. Richard White, cittizen and Ironmonger of London, the guilt plate at 5^ 4*^, the pcell guilt plate at 5% and the white plate at 4^ 11*^; amounting altogether to 153'' 7^ 3*^. The 4th of November, 1644, a warraiit was directed to the Master and Wardens of the Company, to " appeare before the Comittee of the Lords and Commons for advance of money, at Haberdashers' Hall, London, on the 7th of the same month, at four of the clock in the afternoon ; according to W^ warrant M^ Warden Hurd and Mr. John Wylde appeared before the said Comittee, who demanded of them the paym* of 1,300^S being the residue of the 1,700" assessed upon the Company ; and, if they were not provided of the said money, the Coiiiittee ordered that they should call the Comp"" together, to know of them whether they would give the Compa* scale for the said 1,300" to such psons as the said Coiiiittee should find out, and hereof to give their answare the week following, and in the mean tyme to pay in 300" the next weeke." Nov. loth. This meeting was intended for a Court to give " answare to the Comittee of Lords and Coiiions at Haberdashers' Hall, but they, seeing the business to be of great consequence, cannot determine thereof, but doe refer it to the next Court ; neverthelesse, if the wardens shalbe sumoned in the interim, they are of opinion that the answer to be, that the Company are farr ingagcd already upon the seal and otherwise ; that they cannot pay the money al- ready taken iipp w"" interest ; neither have they means, if they should lend the coin scale, any further to pay the money soe borrowed ; and therefore they desire to be spared from engaging themselves on their scale any further in respect of their poverty." HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 277 After which the following notice was received :- - 2nd December, 1644. Att the Comittee of Lords and Comons for advance of money, &c. Whereas the m"" and wardens of the Company of Ironmongers have beene summoned to appear before the Comittee to pay m their arrears of the fifty thousand pounds charged by act of comon counsell, the 11th of Aug. 1643, upon the Compa* of the citty of London; and the said m"" and wardens appearing, were ordered the 7th of November last, to pay in 300^, part of their arrears, within 14 days then following, w'^^' tyme is elapsed. It is therefore ordered that the said Comp^ doe, on or before Munday next, pay in the 300^ to the thrers in Guildhall, accord- ing to the said act of comon counsell, for which they are to have the citty seal ; and in default of payment of the said some, it is ordered that y® mf and wardens of the said Comp^, and the sev'all psons hereunder menconed, doe lend the sevall somes hereunder expressed, and doe pay in the same on or before the 16th day of this instant December, for w°^ they are to have the security menconed in the said act, and by default of paym* by the said persons this Comittee shaU take further and speedy order for the levying thereof; — Mr. Howell, master, xx^ Mr. Ingram, 30^ Mr. Hurd, warden, 10^ Mr. Edw'^ Honywood, 40== Mr. Harmer, warden, xx'' Mr. Wilson, 30^ Mr. Robert Foote, 50^ Mr. Clarke, 30^ Mr. Joshua Foote, 40^ Mr. Gray, 30^ The master and wardens above menconed are forthwith to make y^ contents of this order knowne to the severall persons above named. Martyn Dallison, Clarke to the said Comittee. This appears to have been the last application made to the Ironmongers' Company by the Committee of Lords and Commons for the advance of money. "Upon the reading of which warrant, and due consideracon had of the Companies engagements to divers benefactors, and for moneys taken upp at interest, amounting unto, in the whole, the some of 7,780^', whereas they have lent for the service of the state 5,500'' ; whereby it appeareth that 278 THE ironmongers' company. the Comp- are indebted more than they have means or abilitie to pay 2,280" ; and thereupon it is ordered that the master and wardens, and 20 others named, doe attend the said Coiiiittee at Haberdashers' Hall on Munday next, and acquaint them w^' their poverty and disabilitie, and doe return the same answer that was conceived the 13"' of Novem'" last at a meeting of the Company." It was further ordered, " that, in consequence of the troublesome tymes and heavy taxes, none of y^ livery are to dine with the Lord Maior." 1645, April 29. " Divers young men of the yeomanry, being iron'" by trade, peticoned this court for their assist- ance and furtherance in reforming the great abuse of forreners in bringing tlieii* wares of ironworke, nails, locks, and other iron ware of severall sorts, to London, and the suburbs thereof, where they sell them to other forriners in divers places w*out order or government, contrary to the act of Coiilon Councell, made the 19"' of July in the 20**^ year of King James. To whome y^ Court gave answer, that they are ready to further them the best they may when theis distracted and troublesome tymes are quietly setled and appeased." 1615. A letter of the 17th of November in this year, " from Seirgant Phesant, now called to be one of the Justices of the Conion Pleas, was now read, wherein he prayeth the Company that his son Mr. Stephen Pheasant, being admitted a coiiion pleadar in the city, may be alsoe admitted to be of councell with this Company, with the like regards as he himself formerly had it. Which his request is granted during the Companies pleasure." A precept from the Lord Mayor to the master and wardens, in hcec verba., was also read : — Forasmuch as there is an order of Parliam* for the intertainm* of the HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 279 embassador now coming from the Emperor of Russia, in such manner as is usual to persons of the hke quahty ; theis are therefore to require you, that you appoint six. fitt psons of yo'" Company, w^' velvet cassocks and gold chains, well mounted on horsebacko, to be ready on Thursday next, by one of the clocke in the afternoone, on Tower Wharf, London, from thence (according to the manner in this case usual) to attend upon the said embassador to his place of residence ; and hereof faile not as you tender the honour of this cltty. Dated the 24*'^ day of Nov. 1645. MlCHELL. 1646, Aug. 11. The collectors for Sir Thomas Fairfax demanded 40/. for the remainder of the SOL assessed upon the Hall :— Att the Cofnittee of Lords and Comons for the Army, sitting at Guildhall, London, P* of December, 1646, Ordered, that the master and wardens of Ironmongers' Hall appear before the comittee at Guildhall, London, on Thursday next, at two of the clock in the afternoon, to shew cause unto this Comittee why they have not paid their assessment imposed on their Hall towards payment of the army under the comand of Sir Thomas Fairfiix. Robert Craven. " At w"" tyme the master, warden Leat, Mr. John Wilson, and the clerk, presented themselves before the said Coinittee, and shewed that the Company conceved that they were not liable as a corporation to the said assessment, as they are advised by councill, for that noe corporations are mencioned in the said ordinances, upon w^ the assessm*' are grounded ; but the Comittee did otherwise interpret the said ordinances, and were of opinion that the Company ought to be assessed, and to pay the same ; and, being demanded whether they would submit to the said Cofnittee, they gave their answer affirmatively. Where- upon they ordered the Company to pay the residue of their assessmt for 10 months, being 40's and for six months continuance more . ' ' 280 THE ironmongers' company. 1647;8, March 23. At this Court a petition to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, in the name of the several Companies of the city, was read and approved, and Mr. Warden Honj^'ood, Mr. Antony Webster, and Mr. Hugh Norris, were entreated to be at the Common Council on behalf of the Company to further the same. To the Right lioii^'*' the Lord Maior, Aid", and Comons, of the citty of London, in Comon Conncell assembled. The humble peticon of the sevall Compa* of this citty, Sheweth, That yo"" petit'®, in obedience to severall tres, precepts, and directions from the late Lord INlaior and this hon^'® Court, at the instance of the State, and to sliew their redines to doe the Par™*^, kingdome, and citty service, did lend, in October 1640, 50,000^^; and in June 1642, 100,000"; and in August 1643, 50,000", or there about; besides the peticon*"^ at the like instance, provided and furnished the State w" amies to a great value, w*^" moneys yo'" petit'"® tooke upp and borrowed at interest upon their comon seale, in hope to have been repaid the same w" the interest thereof long ere this, according to severall promises and ingagem*® made in that behalf ; yet hitherto they have not received their said monys, nor the interest thereof, nor their arms or satisfaction for them, wherby yo'" petition'® are become so farr indebted as they are forced from tyme to tyme to take upp newe somes at interest, to pay not only the use of their debte, but also for relieving their poore and other charitable and publique uses. Now, for as much as yo'" petif^ comon stock, both of plate and money, is exhausted and paid out, and the number and cryes of their poore are daily increased, and interest money is called for faster than they are able to procure the same, whereby they are ready to sinke under the burden, they being noe waie able to discharge their debts and ingagements, and shalbe utterly disabled to make such provisions for corne, amies, and other necessaries, for the publique use, hon"", and safety of this citty, as heretoibre they have done, unless a speedy course be taken for the reimbursem' of their monyes ; The premises considered, their humble suit is, that this hon'''® Com't wilbe pleased to conceave and take a fitting and speedy course that the said moneys due and owing to your petit'" may be repaid, that they HISTORICAL EVIDENCES, 281 may subsist and be inabled to pay their debts, relieve their poore, and discharge their trusts and pubhque service, soe well knowne to your hon^'*^ worPP^ And they shall pray, &c. 1648-9. On the 27th Jan. a precept from the Lord Mayor, dated 25th of this month, was now read, wherein the Com- pany are appointed to deliver "to the deputy of Castell Banard ward 4 qters of meale weekely, to he sold hy him and the conion-councellmen of that ward to the poorest people thereof, hy the half-pecke, pecke, and half-bush\ and not above at any one tyme to any pson, at the rate of vj' per bu3 and not above, w'^^' the Company shall receive at the delivery of the said meale weeldy, on Mundayes or Prydayes. The deputy of the said ward, Mr. W"" Antrobuse, and the comon comicell thereof, doe desire that the said meale be brought to the said deputyes house, where the Comp* shall receive their money upon delivery of the said 4 qters of meale." 1649. Md. The 29th of May, 1649, "the m^^ and wardens of this Company, and of divers other companies of this city, appeared before the Lord Maior and Cornet of Aldermen, certifying w'' quantity of corne they have in their grainaries, according to a precept from the Lord Maior of the 24th instant ; and that this Comp'', whose proportion is 340 quarters, have in their granaryes 12 quarters of good wheate remayning ; whereupon the Court desired that this Company's proportion may ])e supplied for the reliefe of the poore, and soe were other companies appointed to doe. But the severall companies, and this amongst others, founde themselves much disabled in their estate for providing of corne or other necessaries, and therefore desired to be excused." 282 THE ironmongers' company. At the same time, a petition from the several companies of the citty, addressed to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, was again drawn up, praying them to take some course for the repayment of the several sums advanced by them at sundry times for the use of the State and Parliament, " so as to prevent then- utter ruine, which (would otherwise) dailie increase and fall upon them." The "peticon was dd unto the Lord Maior and Aid" aforesaid, who approved thereof, and appointed the same to be dd at the next conion councell for theu' approbacon, and in the mean tyme desired the wardens of the companies then pnt to move their own Company to supply then* proportion of corne for the service of the city." September 21. The above petition, with an account of principal and interest due to the Ironmongers' Company to Lady day 164<7, amounting to 7,383Z. 18s. lid., and a further account of two years and six months' additional interest to Michaelmas 1649, was presented to the " Com- mittee of Aid" and Coiiioners appointed for the agitating of that busines." * The Acco* of the Company of Ironmongers, London, for moneys lent mito the State and ParHam*, as hereafter followeth, viz. £ s. d. 1640, Oct. 19. Lent upon divers Lords bonds, pt £ of 1,700^1 800 26. More m fall of 1,700'S being the Comp'^'' nportion of 50,000iMent . . .900 1,700 * At folio 71 of the Company's Court Book for this year there is a copy of" a certificate of such somes of moneys as the Companies of London have lent for the service of State ; " the sum total of principal and interest amounts to 263,80.5/. 15*. 2d. to which is appended the following remark : " This is all I know touching the loanes of y^ Compa'* for the service of the State. 20 July, 1649. Ex'' p. Fran. Phelips, audit. cclxiii'".viii''.v'' xv*' n''." HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 283 £ s. d. 1642, Aug. 1. Lent to the Parliamt for relief of £ Ireland, p* of 3,400'^ .... 2,400 Oct. 6. More m full of 3,400", being the Comp« pportion of 100,000i' lent . . 1,000 3,400 Lent at the Earle of Essex going forth 10 musketts, 10 corsletts w^ their furnitm^e, valued at 15^ a p% vf"^' am^^ to the some of 30 1643, Oct. 20. Lent to the ParhamS p* of 1,700", being the Compa^ pportion of 50,000" . 400 The total sum lent as abovesaid, is 5,530 Whereof rec^^ by the Compy p* of the p° 1,7001s viz. 1644, Oct. 17. Rec*^ out of the Chamber of £ London . . . . . .170 1646, July 31. Rec*^ more out of the same place 170 ■^ 340 Which being deducted out of the above said some, there remaineth principall money . 5,190 The interest of the several! somes abovesaid, at 8 per cent, from the tyme of lending to o'' Ladyday 1647 : — yrs. mo. days. 800^' from 19 Oct. 1640 to 25 March £ s. d. 1647, being . . . . 6 5 6, is 411 14 8 900^^ from 26 Oct. 1640 to 25 March 1647, being . . . . 6 5 0, is 462 2,400ii from 1 Aug. 1642 to 25 March 1647, being . . . . 4 7 25, is 893 6 8 l,000iifrom 6 Oct. 1642 to 25 March 1647, being . . . . 4 5 19, is 357 11 400^ from 2 Oct. 1643 to 25 March 1647, being . . . . 3 5 23, is 111 7 5 The totall of the interest as abovesaid am'^ unto £2,235 19 9 284 THE ironmongers' COilPANY. Whereout deduct iii' of moneys rec*^ out of the Chamber of London, viz. 170'' from 17 Oct. 1644 to jts. mo. days. £ s. d. £ s. d. 25 March 1647, is . .258 in* 33 3 4 170" from 31 July 1646 to 25 March 1647, is , . 7 25 iji* 8 17 6 42 10 W'^^ beinop deducted out of the above said some, there remayneth interest money . . . . 2,193 18 11 And the nett principall as abovesaid, w'^'^ is the some of 5,190 Soe resteth due to this Comp* to o'' Ladyday 1647, principall and interest . . . . £7,3831811 The above ace' was dd unto Mr. INIarsh, dark to y^ Marchant Taylors, y*^ 2 Ap' 1647. 22d October. " This Court being espetially called con- cerning a precept from the Right Hon. Tho. Foote, Lord Mayor elect, dated the 18th of this month, wherein the Comp* are required to attend his lordshipp to Westminster and backe againe in their barge and in their livery go^vnes and huddes, w* streamers and other ceremonies, as hath been anciently accustomed on the 29th of tliis month, when his lor^p is to take his oath at Westminster, and from thence to attend his lorpp to his house in St. Clem'' Lane, and afterwards to dispose of themselves as they shall think fitt. TJppon reading of w'^'^ precept, it is ordered that the Comp'' be warned to meete at Mr. Patteson's house on Bread Street Hill by 8 of the clocke that morning, there to break- fast, and so to take barge for pformance of the said service. And Mr. Robert Dawkes and Mr. Edw*^ Thorneby, formerly chosen stewards for providing the Comp* a dinner that day at their Hall, are appointed to provide the said dinner. HISTORTCAL EVIDENCES. 285 and to have the allowance of nine pounds towards their charges." Mem. Received the 2Mh instant, a precept from the Right hon^^'' Thomas Eoote, Lord Mayor elect, in hcec verba : — To the IMaster and Wardens of the Compy of Ironmong'■^ By the Maior. Whereas you are required by a pcept lately sent unto you to attend on the Rt hon^^^ y® Lord Maior elect, in his going to Westminster on Mondie next ; these are to give you notice, that, according to a late order of Parliam*, you doe remove the arms of the late King out of such things as you are to use in that service ; and that in steed thereof you place the arms of the CoT.onweale; Guildhall, this xxiiii*^ of October 1649. Sadler. The arms of the Commonwealth were, quarterly : 1 and 4, Argent, a cross gules, England ; 2, Azure, a saltire argent, Scotland ; 3, Azure, a harp or, stringed argent, Ireland. To which was added during the Protectorate, over all, on an escutcheon of pretence sable, a lion rampant argent, the arms of Cromwell.* " The whole timbred with a princely helmet of steel burnished with gold and mantled sable, on each side treble-lamberquind and lined with ermine. At top of this helmet a princely crown of gold, &c. on the top of which the royal crest of Great Britain, a lion passant guarclant or, crowned with an imperial crown of gold. Supporters : 1, a lion guardant and imperially crowned, the supporter of England, or ; 2, a dragon in profile with wings raised and indorsed vert, purfled with gold, for ancient Britain or Wales. Motto, Pax qu^eritur Bello, that is. Peace sought by war. All these ensigns of the Commonwealth were environed with a military belt of honour of crimson velvet, ornamented and enriched with letters of gold making this inscription: — OLIVARIUS DEI GRA. REIPUB. ANGLIC, SCOTIA, ET HIBERNI^, ETC. PROTECTOR. * College of Arms. 286 THE ironmongers' company. The Union shield of the Commonwealth was two shields conjoined, the first bearing the cross of St. George for England, and the other bearing the Irish harp for Ireland. These shields were placed on a rundle, and the like shields with these bearings were stamped on the current coin of the Commonwealth." — Display of the Honors and Ensigns of the Commonwealth, by Sir J. Prestwich, Bart. 1787.* 1650, 5th September. At this meeting the remonstrance of the committee of the Companies of London concerning the money lent by them to the State and Parliament, was read, in hcBC verba : — xij° Septembris, 1650. According to an order of this hono^'^ Court of the xxx*'' of July last, we whose names are hereto subscribed have treated and advised touch- ing the reambursement of the moneys due from the State to the Com- panies of this cittie, and we find that in October, 1640, the Companies of London did lend unto the State 50,000", for repayment whereof att the end of one yeare, with 4,000" more for interest, the Earl of Manchester and other lords became bound by two sevall obligacons dated x° Oc- tober, 1640, to Francis Flyer and other cittyzens, trustees for the use of the Companies for the moneys by them so lent ; and that the said bonds, with a declaration of the trust, under the hands and seals of the trustees, remaine in the Chamber of London. We also finde that, by an order of the Comons House of Parliament of the xvth of June, 1642, it was ordered that the said some of 50,000" should be repaid, with interest after the rate of 8" per cent., out of the moneys that shall come in uppon the bill of 400,000" ; and that, in pursuance of the said order, the commissioners authorized by the said Act to give warrants for the yssuing out of the moneys that should come in uppon the same, did by then' warrant of the 27th of September, 1642, appoint the trers of London in the same Act named to pay the said 50,000", together with such further somes as were or should growe due for interest thereof for soe long time as the same had been or should be forborne, out of the moneys that should come in uppon the said Act. And we finde that, notwithstanding the said order and warrants, the Companies have only receaved towards their satisfaction of tlie said 50,000" and interest the * Vide Extinct Baronetcies, article Prestwich. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 287 ers some of 10,000", att two sePall payments, as appears by the said tr accompts remaining in the Chamber of London And we also finde by the said accompts that there hath been paid out by the said trers, by warrants of a later date then that of the 27th of September, for the Companies satisfaction, 21,342" 3^ 9^ unto divers pticular psons, and that there remaynes in cashe in the said trers hands 4,607" 19^ 0<^. And we also finde by the said trers accompts that there is in arrear of such moneys as should have been brought in to them uppon that Act 166,677" 13* llj'^; and that the said arrears have growen by reason that divers collectors and others keepe in their handes sundrie somes of money w'=" shoidd have beene brought in to the said trers; and likewise that in divers counties noe assessment hath been made of such pte of the said 400,000" as was by the said Act laid uppon them. Uppon consideracon of all w'^", our opinion is, that, for the reambursement of the said 50,000", with the interest, the two bonds entered into by the lords be forthwith putt in suite, and likewise that the Lords Commis- sioners for the Great Scale be moved to graunt new commissions for the sessing of such pte of the said 400,000" as is not yet assessed * for w<^^ purpose wee have conceaved a peticon, the coppie whereof is hereto annexed ; and alsoe that some speedie and vigorous course be psecuted in the Excheqi" for' the getting in of such moneys as are remaining in the handes of the collectors or of any other psons, and w°^' ouoht to be brought in to the said trers ; and likewise that the said trers be moved to make pnte pajnuent unto the Companies of the 4,607" 19^^ 0"^ remain- ing in their handes. And as towching such moneys as the Companies did lend for the making upp of the 100,000" borrowed by the State of the cittie in or about the month of June, 1642, we finde by an ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament of the 4th of June, 1 642, that the some was secured by the same ordinance to be repaid, together with interest after the rate of 8" per cent, for a yeare, out of the first and next moneys w^'^ should be graunted by Act of Parhament. And we are of opinion that, for the reambursement of the said some of 100,000", w* interest, that a peticon be presented unto the Parliament w' as moch convenient speede as may be, desiring that they will take some speedie course, such as they in their grave wisdomes shall think most mete, for satisfacon thereof, w* interest ; and to that purpose we have framed a peticon, the coppie whereof is hereunto annexed, praying the advise of this ho'^''^ Court therein. And for the moneys w'^'' the Companies lent in 288 THE ironmongers' company. or about August, 1643, towards 50,000'' then raised by act of Comon Counsell of the 11th of August, 1643, we finde by the said Act that the Companies were to have the comon seale of the citie for their securitie for repayment tiiereof att 6 monthes, w* interest after the rate of 8" per cent., Av*^'" divers Companies that brought in their moneys according to the said x\ct accordingly had. And we also finde, by an ordinance of both Houses of Parliament of the 24th of August, 1643, that all and singular such some and somes of money as should be raised or paide in uppon the oixlinance of bothe houses of Parliament for a weeklie assess- ment uppon the sevall counties and places in that ordinance menconed, to commence from the 3d of AugS 1643, for two monthes, should be a securitie for the repayment of the said 50,000", with interest of 8^^ per cent., and that the trer of the armie should paye to the trer of money and plate all such moneys as should be paid in uppon the weeklie assess- me*® as the same should come in, untill such tyme as the said 50,000'', w* interest, or soe much thereof as should be advanced, should be fullie satisfied ; and that in case the said 50,000", with interest, should not be paid and satisfied out of the moneys to be raised by the said weeklie assessment, then the Lords and Commons did thereby promise and un- dertake to secure the residue that should remain unsatisfied out of the first moneys that should be levied by any ordinance of both Houses, or out of any other moneys that the citty of London should desire. And wee also finde that, acording to the said ordinance, a thirde pte of the money soe lent, w* interest thereof for one year, was paid to the Com- panies lenders thereof, and that the rest remaynes yett misatisfied : and therefore we are of opinion that for the reambursement of the remainder of this 50,000", with interest, the same course be taken w'=" we have hereinbefore ppotinded for the 100,000" and interest: all \\^^ wee humblie submitt to the judgment of this ho'''^ Court. John Olefeild, Fishmonger. Richaed Hutchinsox, Iron''. John Withers, Draper. Thomas Glover. EziAS Churchman, Merchant George Griffith, Vintner. Tayler. Phillip Parker, Clothworker. Thomas Smithies, Gouldsmith. John Saunders, Grocer. John Collyson, Skynner. Francis Kirbie. Mathew Sheppard, Grocer. Arthure Juxon. Lawrance Warkman. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 289 Then follows the petition above referred to, addressed " To the right ho^^^ the Lords Comission'"' for the custodie of the Greate Seale of England," which, after reciting the principal heads of the remonstrance, and that 10,000/. only had been repaid to them ont of the 50,000/. advanced in 1640, concludes in the following words : Nevertheless the peticioners have not in all this tyme, being above eight years, received any satisfaction of the said 100,000^, or for the forbearance thereof, but remaine iinreambursed, not onlie the said 100,000^, but also other great somes by them lent for the publique service of the state : and, althouoh theire necessitie hath been exceedino- great and pressing, they having for the supply e of the monej-s soe lent bene enforced to take upp great somes att interest, and also to borrow moneys (their publique stocks being by theis occasions exhausted) to pay the forbearance of the moneys soe by them taken upp ; yett they, considering the many great and waighty affairs of the State w^^ required daylie supplies of money, have m their gTeat zeale and ardent affeccions to the Parliament hitherto forborne to make any addresse unto you for repayment of the said moneys ; but the Lord having of late (to their great comfort) blest you with many prosperous successes, they humbly conceave the tyme is now very seasonable to present unto you theire sadd and deplorable condition, occasioned through the want of the said moneys soe by them lent for the service of the State, and doe humbly pray you will be pleased to take the premisses into yo*" ho''''^ considera- tion, and to take some such spedie course for satisfaccon of the said 100,000^, with the damages for the forbearance thereof, as also of all such other moneys as are owing unto them by the State, as by your wisdomes shalbe thought meete, whereby they may be inhabled to dis- charge the debtee they owe, w*^^ is soe insupportable a burthen for them any longer to undergoe, and to serve you uppon all occasions wherein their assistance shalbe requh'ed, w*'^ they shall most Avilhnglie and readilie pforme to the uttermost of their abillitie ; and shall ever pray. Tills report, together with the copies of the petitions thereto annexed, was presented to the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen the 12th of September, 1650, which u 290 THE ironmongers' company. being read, and consideration had of the contents thereof, the opinion of that Court was, that the j)utting in suit of the Lords' bonds should be respited, and likemse the jiresenting of the petition to the Parliament for satisfaction of 100,000^. and interest ; and that the best and speediest means that could be used should be put in execution for the getting in of the arrears upon the 400,000/. bill, and that the petition for the issuing out of new commissions for the assessing of such part of the 400,000/. as is yet unassessed should be exhibited to the Lords Commissioners ; and that the Court would give in charge to such aldermen as were of this committee to assist the committee of the twelve Companies in presenting thereof to the Lords Com- missioners. And Mr. Chamberlain had it given in charge that the 4,607/. IQs. remaining in the treasurer's hands of the moneys broiight in upon the 400,000/. bill should (so soon as conveniently it could be done) be paid in to the Companies in further satisfaction of their debt of 50,000/. and interest. October 19th. " The clarke acquainted the Court w^ an assessm* for building the forts and fortificacons in the yeare 1644, whereby is assessed upon this Comp^ 51", being for 6 mo% at 8^' 10* p mo., ffor payme^ whereof Mr. James Whitehall made demands by a late precept, to him directed, for the collecting thereof. To whome the Courte gave answer, that they are to receave a greater some out of the Chamber of London, out of w''^ they will pay the same very shortly." A precept from the Lord Mayor elect (Alderman Thomas Andrews), dated the 16th day of this instant month, was now read, wherein the Company are required, in their barge, with banners and other ornaments, to attend his lordship, according to usual custom, to Westminster and back again, and to take care that the late King's arms be HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 291 not used in any of their banners, but that they set up the arms of the Commonwealth instead thereof. Another precept from the Lord Mayor, dated the 15th of this month, was also read : — Whereas, on the 28 of September last, at ye nolcon and presentacon of the Lord INIayor elect, at the Guildhall, London, Mr. Pecke and Mr. Fonde, accompanied by y^ m"^ and wardens of div^ Compaq in the names of the 12 Comp^ of this citty, did declare yt they had heard that some thin£[s were in agitation in comon councell for altering the ancient course of eleccon of y® Lord Maior and other offices from y® liveryes of this citty, and did desire that they might be heard before any such thing should passe ; Theise are therefore to give you notice that such things are now in debate. Dated at the Guildhall, London, this 15th October, 1650. Sadler. Whereupon the wardens of the twelve Companies met at Grocers' Hall, to consider of a petition to be ex- hibited to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council in behalf of the liveries of the said companies, that they may enjoy tlieii' franchise and liberties in the election of the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, and other officers, as they have had in former times ; and to that purpose a draft of the said petition was agreed upon and read three times to those present, who approved thereof, and the Court desired the wardens to take care of that matter, and to attend at the next common council to solicit the same. The petition was as follows : — To the Right hon^'*' the Lord Maior of the cittie of London, and Right wor^ the Alren his brethi'en, and Cofnons, in Com Councell assembled, Humbly sheweth, That, whereas it appeareth that heretofore, for div^ers years, many gi'eat diflFerences did arise w^^in this cittie, touching the election of the Lord Maior and Sheriffs, to the great distui'bance of the peace thereof, the said eleccon being made divers and severall ways, and w'* con- u 2 292 THE ironmongers' company. tinuall alteraton, and often disturbances of the peace thereof : viz*, in the 7th year of King Edward the 3rd, by the maior and aldren, together w'^ the most sufficient men of every ward : in the 8th year of the said King Edward 3rd, as the King's proclamacon then comanded, w'^^ was by the aldren and most discreet and ablest cittizens in the cittie : in the 20th year of the said King, by the maior and all the aldren, and 12, 8, or 6 of every ward, according as the ward should be great or small, of the richest and wisest of every ward : in the 50th year of the said Kins, by a certam number of the good men of the sevall misteries (their names being certified by the sevall companies) : in the 8th year of King Richard the 2^, by the cornon councill and the most suflficient men of the cittie : in the 9th year of that King, by those w'''^ should be sumoned of the most sufficient men of the cittie or of the comon councell ; in the 7th yeare of King Edward the 4th, by y® comon councell, the master and wardens of every misterie of the cittie coming in their livery, and by other good men especially summoned ; and soe the election continued in an unsettled manner, until the 15th yeare of King Edward the 4th, that the same election was settled by authoritie of this hon^'*^ court of coin comicell by an act then made, that the m"" and wardens of the misteries of the cittie, meeting in their halls or other fit places, and associating with the good men of the companie clothed in their last liveries, should come together to y® Guildhall of this cittie for the eleccon of the maior and sheriffs, and that noe other but y^ good men of the com councell of the cittie should be psent at the said eleccon, w*'^ course and custom hath bine ever since yearly used and continued, to the honor, peace, and happiness of this cittie, and the well settled government of the same. That the said companies have from tyme to tyme, for the honour and safety of this cittie, under- gone the many great services, disturbances, and changes w'^in the same ; and that soe great a p* of the governm* of this cittie is now settled in the sevall companies thereof as that, if a disturbance thereof be made, it may be feared in tyme to bring a ruine upon the whole. And forasmuch as the pet"" are given to understand that there is an endeavouring to deprive and take from them that their ancient right for the eleccon of the lord maior and sheriffs, Avhicli, for near 200 years together, they and their pdecessors, the livery men of the severall companies, have lawfully and quietly enjoyed as belonging to them w^'out any question or disturbance, their humble desire and request HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 293 therefore is, that this hon^''' court will bee pleased to take their just cause into youre serious consideracons, that, as they are for the most p* the ancientest and most able cittizens of this cittie, and doe undergoe, as allways they have done, the greatest part of the charge and service w'^in the same, soe they may not bee put from that their right of eleccon, as they and their predecessors sundry men have, w^out alteracon or disturbance, lovingly and peacefully held and enjoyed ever since the said act of the 15tli of Edward the 4th, being neare 200 years, as abovesaid, or be discouraged from bearing charge, giving attendances, and pforming services, as they always have done and pformed for the honor and good of this cittie. And they shall, according to their duties, pray. In consequence of this petition, and the strong opposi- tion made to the measure, it was at that time abandoned, but being shortly afterwards resumed, the Liverymen of London in 1651 addressed the " Parliament of the Com- monwealth " on the subject, setting forth : — That from the time of settled government w^'^in the citty of London (being many hundred years since), the chief magistrates thereof, and other officers, with the burgesses for parliament, were chosen by a selected number of the severall companies of London, appointed for their worth and estate, gravity, and experience. That about 200 years past the ancient course of election of chief magistrate for the citty was for a time somewhat disturbed, whereby many and dan- gerous differences (some of them to bloud) happened within the citty, until about 180 years past the same election was settled upon masters, wardens, and liverymen, of the severall companies of London, and that noe other but the com on councell be present thereat, and so hath since continued wi*^out any disturbance. That it was lately endeavoured by the cofnon councell of the citty to alter the course of eleccon of the chief magistrate and other officers of the citty ; and that about a year past after the same right and course of elleccon was questioned, and tf., had receved a large and full debate at the then com on counsell, the said matter was ordered to be wholly layde aside ; yet notwithstanding, in Novem'' last, the same was by the now con .on counsell suddenly • reassumed, who without the petitioners' knowledge have not only made an act to deprive yo*" petition"'" of their said ancient right as aforesaid. 294 THE ironmongers' company. but have likewise (as far as in them is) excluded them that ancient course of elections of members for Parliament, and assume to them- selves a power to direct a new way for the choice of them, contrary both to the law and custome that ever hath been, refusing to hear your petitioners' right. Forasmuch as these innovations doe not onlie tend to the great dis- turbance and discouragement of your petitioners (and in them the generality of the city), in the commerce and trade thereof, but also to the totall subversion of the most famous and ancient government of the same, and raising of great discord, and the ill consequence thereof; The petitioners therefore humbly pray that their said rights may be declared and confirmed by your honoures, and if the consequence of this affair shall seem to require a further consideration before you determine the same, that the usage aforesaid, which hath undeniably so long continued, may be established at present, till your occasions give you leave to give an end thereto, and that the adverse party may not prevent your judgment by disturbing the same. And your petitioners with all faithfulness shall be ready with their best endeavours to serve the Parliament and Commonwealth, and shall daily pray December I7th, 1650. This meeting was especially sum- moned concerning a precept received from the Lord Mayor following, in Ikbg verba : — Whereas the Right hon^'^ Councill of State, by their letters to us directed of the 3*^ instant, take notice y^ in sevall churches, coinon halls of the compa% and other publique places of meetings, there still remaynes standing the arms and picture of y*^ late King (w^^ have ben ordered to be taken away in other publique places), and by their said tres require mee to give order that the same be forthwith destroyed, and to cause a due and strict search thereof to be made, and thereof to take account and certifie the said Councell of any pcedings therein, before the last of this instant December; theis are therefore, in the name of the keeps of the libertyes of England, by authority of Par""*, to will and require the churchwardens of the sevall churches of this citty, and the m'' and wardens and other officers of the sevall Compa^ of this citty, upon sight hereof, to cause the s'^ pictures and arms to be accordingly taken away and destroyed, and thereof forthw*'" to make certificate to mee of their doings therein, whereof they or any of y°' are HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 295 not to faile, as they and eviy of them will answer the contrary at their perill. Dated 11th December 1650. Thomas Andrews, Maior. 1652, December 6. The Court was specially summoned to consider a letter received from the Committee of Corpo- rations, in hcBG verba : — The Cofnittee of Corporations having taken into their consideracons an order of Parhament of the 14th of Sept. 1652, touching the alteracon and renewing of the several respective charters of this nacon, and, upon serious debate had thereon, judging it most agreeable with and suit- able to the governm* of a commonwealth that they be held from and under the authority of the same, command me to signify unto you their pleasure herein, viz. — That in pm'suance of the said order of Parlia- ment ye fail not to bring, or cause to be brought, in, upon the 7 th day of December, next sittings in Queens Court in Westminster, the charter or charters by which you are incorporated. This being all I have in command, I remain, Gent", your friend and servant, Danl. Blagrave. Queen's Couj-t, Wesf, 30 November, 1652. To the R* Worp^ y^ IMaster, Wardens, and Assistants of the Compy of Ironmongers, London. " Upon reading whereof it is ordered that the master and wardens doe carry the Comp* charter, granted by Queen Eliz^^, dated 12th November, in the second year of her reigne, unto the said Cofnittee." In the Company's books of this year there is again recorded a statement of the moneys owing to them by the State, calculated up to Michaelmas ; principal 5,062/. lO^., interest 4,473/. 13s. Id., making a total of 9,536/. 3^. Id. ; no part of which at that time appears to have been re-paid. 1653, Feb. 6. " This Court being especially called 296 THE ironmongers' company. about a pcept from the Lord Maior dated the 3rd of this month, requiring this Company to cause their raUes to be sett upp, to continue in length 45 yards, and that all psons of the livery be within their rails, in their best livery gowns and hoods, w*'' the streamers, banners, and cloth of the Company, by tenn of the clocke in the morning, on Wed- nesday next, and there to remaine untill liis highness the Lord Protector and his Counsell be passed by ; whereupon it is ordered that all the livery be summoned accordingly, to meet at Capt" Storyes house, upon the penalty of twenty shillings, and after that ser\dce is pformed to dyne at Mr. Place's house." 1654. *' Mr. John Oglby psented unto this Coiu't the translation of Publius Yirgilius Maro into English, for which the wardens were desired to pay him 20 nobles, and the book to remain for the use of the Company." 1657. " James Howell, Esq. presented to the Court a book w^^ y^ Compa^ armes, beuige an Historicall Dis- course of the Cittie of London, &c. for wch the Coui't doe bestow upon himxxx^" This book was a copy of Howel's Londuiopolis : " Londi- nopolis ; an Historicall Liscoiu'se or Perlustration of the City of London," in small folio, 1657. In this work the Company's arms are briefly noticed, but the blazonry difl^ers from that usually given, the s\vivels being termed "lockets:" "Argent, on a chevron gides three lockets capted or, between three steel gads azure." January 21st. "Notice being given unto this Court that the ex*"'"' of the Lady Cambcll did desire the use of this Hall upon Tuesday next for the said ladyes funerall, answer was returned by the Court that they willingly assented thereunto." HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 297 November 18th. " A peticon was presented unto this Coiu't from the Company of Pinn-makers, and John Richard- son, of this Company, but a pinn-maker by trade; that they, being lately incorporated, wanted a member of another company to be translated unto them, that they might binde their apprentices im.to, and therefore desired this member, who was willing thereunto ; but the Court finding it positive against a clause of the oath that he should not change the coppy of his freedome, but chiefly hold of this fellowshipp, they would not give their assent therein." 1658. It is recited that at a Court of Election on the 3rd of July, 1656, it was ordered that "the choice of m'^and wardens, with the ceremony thereunto belonging, should be performed in future w^^out musicke, by reasone of some unhandsome songs which were sung in the Hall that day, ^ch did give distaste unto several strangers and members of this Company. This Court having taken the same into theu' consideration, and, considering that the musick in itself was not badd, ordered that musick should be pro- vided for this election day, and others that should follow, w^^ a charge unto the present wardens and their successors that they take an espetiall care to give notice unto the musitionars that they sing noe offensive, wicked, unhand- some songs before the Company that day, and if any member of y Compy shall call for any songs w"^ shall be adjudged by the next Court to be unhandsome, he shall pay for a fine to the use of the poor of this Company tenn shillings for every such song called for by him." 1660, May 4. The first intimation in the Ironmongers' books of a change of times, and the dawn of the Restoration, occurs under tliis date, the Company being especially sum- moned to consider a precept received from the Lord Mayor in the following words : — 298 THE ironmongers' company. Whereas, at a com on councel this day held, it is voted that the sevall Compa'^ of this citty shall, according unto the respective pportion of 10,000 qrs. of com, contribute and pay the sum of 12,000", for a p^sent to the King's most excellent ]\Iajestj, as a testimony of the sense this Court and the whole citty have of his gratious letter and declaration to them lately sent, and some necessary charge touching the same ; Theis are, in pursuance of the said vote, and an order thereupon made, to desu'e your Comp-^ to contribute and pay into the Chamber of Lon- don, on. or before three of the clock in y* afternoon of the 4th mstant, the sum of four hundred and eight poimds, being your Comps pportion of the said 12,000^' according to your rate aforesaid ; and hereof fail not as you tender the honour and welfare of the citty. Dated 2nd ^lay, 1660. S.AJDLER. Whereupon an order was made for the above sum, which was paid into the Chamber of London on the 7th of the same month. On the 15th May, Captain Brewer" was summoned be- fore the Court respecting the King's portrait, which it would seem had been committed to his care, when it was removed from the Hall during the Commonwealth, and, having " through his means miscarried," he now proposed to take the old frame, and cause a new drawing to be made at his own expense, rather than give the Company any discontent. At the same meeting the wardens were directed to take the State arms out of the Company's streamers, and in the place thereof to introduce his Majesty's arms. On the l7th of May, the Lord Mayor issued the follow- ing precept, in anticipation of the Kling's retm'n through London : — Forasmuch as it is the intention of myself and my brethren the Aid", that if o"" gratious Soveraigne Lord Charles, upon his retnrn into this kuigdome, shalbe pleased to passe thro'* the citty of London, that he be HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 299 receaved and entertained w*'' the greatest demonstration and mani- festacon of our and all our fellow cittizens most bounden dutjes, harty aifeccons, and joye for his Ma"<^« happy return ; and therefore for the better reception of his Ma"®, myself and my brethren the Alderm have thought meete to desire yo'" Comp^ to be prepared and to have in readi- nesse (as hath been heretofore accustomed), the full number of eighteen psons of the most gracefull, tall, and comely personages of yo"" Comp^, every of them to be well horsed, and in their best array or furniture of velvit (plush or satten), and chaynes of gold, and that both yo'"selves and them may be attended w"^ one footman a p^'' in decent habitt ; and alsoe that you have in rediness yo"^" rayles, standing cloths, banners, streamers, and other ornaments of triumphe belonging unto yo"" Comp^' ; and, y*, as by a former pcept you have intimacon, you take y® Common- wealth's armes out of all things used by yo'' Comp^, and pvide speedily yt his INIa*'''^ armes may be putt in their stead, that soe yo*" Comp^ may be ready when requii'ed to doe their service in reception of his Ma"®, to his greater content and the honour of this citty, and hereof I hope you will not faile. Dated this 17th May, 1660. Sadler. By a subsequent precept, twenty-one members of the Company were ordered to attend on this joyous occasion. Another precept, dated the 5th of June in this year, directs the master and wardens " not to pmit or suffer any pson or psons to be in any office or publique imploym*, or councell, in the service of their Comp^, but such as shall and have duly and solemnly taken the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, and to deliver a full and authentic certi- ficate to that eifect, and to register the same among the public acts of the Company." Another precept, dated the 23rd of June, directs the master and wardens to pay into the Chamber of London by the Wednesday following 102^., being their proportion of 3,000/. which the city propose to borrow for the purpose of defraying the expenses of entertaining his Majesty, the 300 THE ironmongers' company. tAvo Diikes, and tlie two Houses of Parliament, with other great personages, on the 5th of July following ; for which loan the city will give their seal, and interest at the rate of six per cent. On the 2nd of July, the Court were especially summoned to receive a third precept from the Lord Mayor, requiring them to proA-ide 21 persons to ride on horsehack in the same posture as formerly, and also to appoint six persons to attend at dinner-time at Guildhall, and that the Com- pany provide not any feast at their Hall upon Thm-sday next. The six persons appointed by the Company to attend at Guildhall in compliance with this precept were "Mr. George Margetts, Mr. Eob* Geffery, Mr. Nath^ Humfreys, Mr. Thomas Allen, Mr. Xpofer Foster, and Mr. Nath^ Bradshaw." The city was this year called upon to raise a considerable sum of money by way of poll-tax, towards the charge of disbanding the forces, and on the 4th of September the Lord Mayor issued a precept by Avliich the master and wardens of the Ironmongers were reqmred to furnish a certificate of the names and surnames of every member of their Company, particularising such as had served or fined for master or wardens, or were now aldermen or sheriffs, or had fined for those offices, such as were of the livery and yeomanry, and all others whatsoever that were free of the Company, and the names of all widows of freemen, and the hicrhest des^ree their late husbands at anv time held, with the jDarish wards and dwelling-places of all the parties so named, in order that a just and proper assessment might be made, according to the Act of Parliament, for the speedy provision of money for disbanding and paying off the forces of this kuigdom, both by land and sea. Tliis certi- ficate was to comprehend all persons being free of the Company, who could " dispend in land, leases, money, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 301 stockes, or otherwise, of liis own proper estate, above the sum of five pounds per annum, and how much every of them could dispend, or so near as the same could be ascer- tained." The return made on this occasion to the Commissioners for the Poll-money sitting at Guildhall, contains the names of 66 liverymen and 32 yeomen, whose assessment alto- gether amounted to 561/. 6s. Sd, of Avliich sum the master and wardens paid into the Chamber of London, as by receipt appeareth, 404Z. 13s. And there was paid, as appeareth by certificates, By Sir Job Harvy, in HertF . By Sir John Lewes, in Yorkshire . By Mr. Tho. Woodcoatt, at Gravesend, pt IQii By Mr. Edw'i Honywood, at Guildhall . By Mr. Edw^ Hutchingson, at Guildhall By INIr. Edw'' Horseman, in county of RoteF By Mr. Edw^i Storey, at Guildhall . By Mr. Benja Polstead, at Croydon Not having paid, as wee know of: — Sir Hugh Windham, not known where he liveth ..... Mr. Geo. Dains, of Ruislipp, in Midd.* Mr. James Gierke, Billingsgate, London Mr. Benja Wilson, at Edmonton Mr. John Wetherall, in Essex Mr. Edw*^ Stone, in Friday Street . Mr. Rob* Percivall, know not where Mr. Ja Gunter, under keep of King's Bench ...... 20 20 2 10 10 6 13 6 13 5 30 6 13 5 £ s. 404 13 d. 80 6 8 3 * Lately having had great losses. 302 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. ]\rr. Jolin Pufford, in St. INIaiy Axe Mr. John Davis, non resident * Mr. Nic* Tumor, by Criplegate f . Mr. Benja Bui'gis, at "Windsor £ s. d. 3 3 3 3 £ 74 13 4 For collecting of 404^1 13^ at l^^ j/ li. according to the Acte of Parliament for poll-money . . • . .. . 1138 The totall some is . . . 561 6 8 Ant° Webster, Master. W" Walker } T^ , , T I Wardens Kob^ Ingram The Lord Mayor again addressed the Company before the termination of the year, reqmring them to pay into the Guildhall, on or before the 21st of Eebruary, the sum of 204Z. being then* proportion of G,000l, assessed upon the City Companies towards defrajdng the expenses of the Cor- poration to be incm-red at the coronation of his Majesty, which it was intended should take place on the 23rd of April following. 1661. Jacob Blome presented to the Court a book, called "The Display of Heraldrie," whereupon they or- dered the warden to pay unto him three pounds for the same. This book we may conclude was the fifth edition of The Display of Heraldry, by John Gwillim. A fourth edition was printed for Blome in 1660, dedicated to the Marquess of Hertford ; but it had scarcely issued from the press when the Restoration rendered a re\dsion of its con- tents necessary. In order to insure a favourable reception with the public, it was accordingly shortly afterwards re- printed, and the following alteration introduced in the title :— * Insolvent. f Declared poore. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 303 " Since the imprinting of this last edition, many offensive coats (to the royal party) are exploded, with a supply of his Majesties frends ; as also a continuation of the names and coats of arms of the Knights of the Garter, Knights, Baronets, and Knights of the Bath. Together with the atchievements at large of most of the Nobility which have been made by King Charles the Second. London : printed by T. R. for Jacob Blome, and are to be sold by John Williams at the Crown, and Joshua Kirton at the King's Arms, in Saint Paul's Church-yard ; Humphrey Tuckey at the Black Spread Eagle, and Francis Tyton at the Tliree Daggers, in Fleet Street. 1660." Folio. This edition of Gwillim's Heraldry, which is the most rare and valuable of the two issued in 1660, is dedicated to Charles the Second, and has the following addi'ess pre- fixed to it : — To the most concerned, the NobiHty and Gentry. My Lords and Gentlemen, This inestimable piece of heraldry, that has passed four impressions with much approbation, had the unhappy fate in the last to have a blot in its -escocheon; viz. the insertion of Oliver'' s creatures; which, as no merit could enter them in such a regiment, but usurpation, so we have in the fifth impression exploded them, and inserted the persons, titles, and dignities of such as his Majesty (since his blessed Restoration) con- ferred honour upon ; so that the corn may be intire of one sheaf, and the grapes of one vine.* R. B. 1662. The wardens of the Ironmongers were directed to consort with the wardens of the other principal compa- nies, in order to recover the money still remaining due on the bonds of certain lords given in the year 164^1. August 20th. A precept was read from the Lord Mayor, " enjoy ning this Company to attend in their barge with other companies upon the water, on Satterday next, * See the Bibliotheca Heraldica, by Thomas Moule. 304 THE ironmongers' company. w* as much glory as possible they cann, the King's Ma*^ and the Queene being then to passe from Hampton Court to their pallace at Whitehall. Whereupon the Court or- dered that the pageant above in the Hall be new painted and used for that service ; and that none of the livery bring either sonne or servant into the barge that day. And the Court desired the m*", wardens, and supervisors, or any three of them, to consider further what is necessary to be done, vr"^ they leave unto their du*ections." Another precept, dated the 25th November, directs the Company to appoint a competent number of the clothing, not fewer than attended at his Majesty's hajipy restora- tion, with velvet coats and gold chains, well mounted, to attend the Russian Ambassador to his lodgings in the Strand. 1664. The great improvement in the commercial and monetary operations of the city which resulted from the restoration of order and the security of a regular govern- ment, are particularly obvious in the readiness with which the Ironmongers' Company replied to a precept addressed to them by the Lord Mayor in the month of November of this year, and in which he requires the sum of 2,000/. as their part and proportion of a loan of 100,000/. to be advanced to his Majesty for liis "present urgent occa- sions," and to enable him to prosecute the war against the Dutch. Although the Company, in their annual financial statement, continued to take credit for the simi of 4,661/. 6s. Scl. principal money, o^\ing to them by the Long Par- liament, and were still indebted to sundry benefactors and other persons to the extent of between six and seven thou- sand poimds, yet, upon the above question being put to the vote, it was carried unanimously ; and the master and wardens were desired to retm-n their answer accordingly, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 305 and to take up the sum of 1,500/. on tlie Company's seal, at the best rate they could procure the same. This sum of 1,500/. was procured by the clerk of the Company from some of his friends, at the moderate rate of 5 per cent, interest ; and, on the 6th of December follow- ing, Mr. Warden Jeffery reported to the Court, that he had paid the 2,000/. into the Chamber of Loudon, the residue being made up from their own stock. March 15. A precept was read for the usual provision of corn, and another for " some contribution towards the relief of the great necessities of the poor in and about the citty of London." 1665, April 20. Two precepts received from the Lord Mayor, dated the 18tli of the last month and 11th instant, were now read, " concerning the new building of a sliipp for his Ma*^' service, in place of one of his Ma*^^ shipps called the London, w*"'' by a sadd accident was lately blowne upp and destroyed by gunpowder. A^Tiereupon was read unto this Court a pamble for the members psent to sul3scribe what somes they will please to contribute to soe good and necessary a worke, w*=^ was accordingly done by most of the members present ; and, for the rest of the Company w'^^ were not psent at tliis tyme, the master would take some further tyme for compleating this worke." Another precept sets forth that "Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to afflict this nacon, espetially this city of London and liberty thereof, w**" his hea\y hand of the plague and pestilence, and thereupon the Lord Maior and Court of Aldermen have desired that the Comp^ of London would forbear at psent their usuall feastings, and rather contribute part of that charge unto the great necessities of the poore, w'' w*=^ sacrafice God is well pleased, espetially when done w^ a chearfull heart ; It is thereuppon ordered X 306 THE ironmongers' company. by these present, that this day be pformed w'^out any feast to be kept, and that also the next qtrday be respited until further orders." * 1666, July 5. A precept from the Lord Mayor, dated the 17th of May last, was now read, ordering the Company " to pay into the Chamber of London 340", their pporcon towards building and finishing the shipp London, over and above what they paid in formerly. A^liereupon the wardens were dii'ected to pay into the Chamber of London 192", w°^, ^yit\l 148" formerly paid in, makes upp the said sum of three hundred and forty pounds, w*"*" is all that this Compy resolve to pay in at present." On the 16th of January in the same year, another precept was received from the Lord Mayor, requiring the Court to return unto him the names of all persons who had not subscribed to- wards the building of the said ship, and had not paid in then' subscriptions, Avhen the Court, being satisfied that all the members had complied, directed the clerk to certify the same accordingly. It was also ordered, " that all those of the livery w* have not taken the oaths of allegeance and supremacy according to the Lord Mayor's precept dated the 5th of Jime last, do take the same between this and the next qter day, that aU the livery may be in one capacity, and against that tyme produce their certificate accordingly, that their names * The entire number returned in the Bills as having died of the plague within the year was 68,590, yet there can be no doubt that this total was exceeded by many thousands, who fell by the infection, but whose deaths were not officially recorded : " I saw under the hand of one," says De Foe, " that made as strict an examination as he could, that there really died 100,000 people of the plague in that one year ; and, if I may be allowed to give my opinion of what I saw with my eyes and heard from other people that were eye- witnesses, I do verily believe that there died at least 100,000 of the plague only." HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 307 may be regestered w** tlie rest of the livery as in the former Court Book." That most important event, as connected with the health and improvement of the city, the Great Eire of London in 1666, is thus noticed in the records of the Ironmongers' Company : — At a Comi: at the Hall, the 14th of September, 1666. This Court being espetially called to consider of the condicon and losse that they have sustained by the dreadfull fire w^'' happened in this citty of London, the 2^^ instant, upon the Lord's day, and soe continued Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the wind continuing at east, and blew hard all that while, whereby it is conceaved that, including what was burnt w^out the walls, that y*^ quantity of all the citty of London w'^in the walls was burnt down to the ground. And thereupon the clerke psented to the Court this ensuing ace*, viz. An Account of the lande belonging to the wor" Comp^ of Ironmongers, being lost by the late accident of fire, viz. 2 tenem** in St. Nic^ Lane, per annum 1 tenem* in Eastcheape, per annum 1 teneni'^ in the Poultry, per annum 5 tenem*^ in Old Jewry, per annum 14 tenem*^ in Bread S* Hill, per amium 1 tenem* in Wood Streete, per annum 1 tenem* m Noble Lane, per annum The Horse Head and Horse Head Alley w'^out Newgate, per annum .... £ s. d. 12 08 40 36 2 4 140 13 4 04 10 20 The totaU of the rente lost by ye fire ara*^ mito 270 15 08 All w'^^ (with a statement prepared by the clerk of their general estate) the Courte took into their consideracon, and conceaving that their expences did much exceed their incombe, they did desire and appoynte the master and wardens, Chas. Thorold, Esq. George Poyner, Esq. Mr. Wm. Hamond, ]Mr. Robt. Geffery, ]\[r. Joseph King, ]\Ir. George Smith, or any three of them, with any others of the livery that will please to come to assist them, to lett the Hall, vf^ the parlour x2 308 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. and what is over them, that the Company can conveniently spare, for any publique imployment, w^ all els (excepting the clerk's house and kitchen), ^y''^ they are contented to let for 7 years at 100^ per annum rent, and 500" fine. And the comittee are desired to engage all them unto whom they shall lett the same that they doe not deface tlie Hall nor any part thereof The clarke also declared that he had been at a great charge in sending away the Comp^ plate, Avritings, pewter, lynen, and other things, as also in distributing of money to sevall that helped to quinch the fire, and for watching and guarding about the Hall for many nights after, w*^ sevall other expences incident theremito. W'^" the Court took notice of, and would take the same into y"'" consideracon at their next meeting. Nov. 22d. The Court finding some difficulty in pro- curing a sufficient number of members for the despatch of business, ordered that the master, wardens, Chas. Thorold, Esq. and ten others, or any five of them, be a standing com- mittee for ordering all afi'airs, at this present, for the good of the Company. In the minutes of the 6th of March, 1666, notice is taken that " William Christmas, ship-^vi'ight, had done very great ser^dce in assisting to quench the late dreadful fire here about the Hall, and severall other places in London, w*^*" was well knowne to sevall members psent ; and the Com't were therefore pleased to bestow on him fom' pounds, and give him thanks for his care in that business, which he thankfully accepted of." 1668, June 16. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor, directed to the master and Avardens of this Company, with a copy of the late Act of Common Council for pre- venting and suppressing of fire within the city, by which the Company are directed to provide thirty buckets, one engine, six pick axes, . . . sledges, three ladders, and two hand-squirts of brass. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 309 It was further ordered, " that enquiries he made ahout the 8 harrels of gunpowder delivered into the Tower of Lon- don in the late fire tjme, that the same may he retm-ned." Oetoher 15. " This Court, taking notice that severall of the livery had often neglected to make their appearance, and soe liahle to a fine, but A\dthall considering that many were busie ahout building and other lu'gent occasions, and that the new livery were to be summoned to the next qter courte ; upon debate of the whole, it was resolved that all fynes of that kmde should be remitted to this day, but for the future it was determined and ordered, that any of the livery neglecting to make their appearance should pay their fines for the said neglect." " This Court being specially summoned upon the desire of the Lord Maior and Com-t of Aid", that, considering the necessity of the Sheriff to be in London, that they would acconmiodate him with the Hall for this year ; and there- upon Mr. Sheriff Poarth was desired to come into the Court, who declared the same, and that he did not come upon any other account whatsoever but by y" Comp^ leave, and was mlling to pay for the same, offering 100^ for this year, and to satisfie the clerk besydes, and to be bound in l,000ii bond, that if any fire should happen to begin at the Hall (which God forbid,) wliile he or his family were in it, that he woiild make the same good, and that he would leave the Hall in as good repaii' as he foimd it, w"*^ should be adjudged by a committee of their ov.tl choosing. Mr. Sheriffe being w^^dra^^Ti, the Coiu't took his request into their consideracon, and determined that this psent disposi- tion of the Hall should be noe psedent in the future for lettim? the same, and thev desu-ed the m'' and Avardens, w^^ the supervisors, or any five of them, to meet w'^ Mr. Sheriff and put all things in writmg, that there may be noe misunderstanding in the future." 310 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. December 2. " The clerke acquainted the Court that the 1,002/. 10^. clue by the King's Ma^^% w* interest from the 24th November, 1664, both w*='^ is 1,243Z. 2s. to the 24th of last month, will now be paid by Edw*^ Blackwell, Esq., when demanded, or if continued he would allow interest for the same. It was thereupon ordered that the wardens doe attend upon the said Blackwell to deliver up unto liim the King's note, and take his bond for payment of the principal and interest to the Comp^ to the 16th of January next." 1673, October 27. " According unto an order from a cofhittee of Alder", dated the 25th in', as also it being ac- customed when there is a sherilfe of the Company that 16 of the livery should dyne at Guildhall, and 22 of the yeo- mandry should also attend them in livery go^vnes w'^'out hoods, it was ordered that the same number doe attend on the present occasion of Sir Bob* Geffery serving that ofiice, and that one luuidred nobles be also, according to custom, presented to him towards the trimming of his howse." In the month of November following " three score and 4 members of the livery dined with Sir Robert Geffery, and were paid each of them 20 shillings a-piece towards their charges, according unto an order of Court of the lltli of November last ; only John Breeden, Esq. retui'ned his 20s. back unto the Comp^. There did also dine w* the sheriff Mr. John Silverlock and Mr. W"" Pendarins fsicj, two w^ were lately his serv*', as also Mr. Philip Jackson, merchant in Lime Street." The Company lent their plate on this occasion, weighing 1,291 ounces, for which Sir llobert Geffery gave his receipt, dated the 15th of December, 1673. 1675, January 20. " Daniel Nailor and Bichard Paytou, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 311 officers belonging unto the Coiniss'"® for y^ Heartli Revenue, appeared at this Court and demanded 4^^ 16^ for two years chimney money to Mich' last, for the Comp' empty houses upon Bread Street Hill ; unto whom the . Comp'' gave answer, that they conceaved there was not any thing due, by reason the said houses were never inhabited, being the Comp' freehould, and the tenants are to pay that duty. He, not beeing satisfyed w* this answer, did w'^'' his con- sorts and cunstable goe upp into the Hall and took away one of the Compa' salts, and dd the same unto y*" constable's possession, he being Mr. Nath^ Hunt, cunstable of y^ 5 pcinct in Aldgate ward." January 27. "It was resolved to advise w^' counsel what course to take in prosecuting the officers w<^^ putt an affront upon the Comp^ the last quarter day, in taking away a guilt salt for chiemney money ptended to be due for the Comp' houses upon Bread Street Hill never yett lett."* February 23. " The Court taking notice of the severall kindnesses receaved from John Breeden, Esq., a member of this Company, and now High Sheriffe of Barkshire, and Avilling to gratify him in some respect, and by reason of an agreement amongst the gentry of that county not pmitting any strangers to send in any liveryes, they have ordered the master and wardens to psent him in the name of the Company with a pipe of the best Canary they can buy." 1676, September 8. " Mr. Thomas Allen was summoned * Hearth Money. — " The tax on chimneys raised loud murmurs, and was, even among direct imposts, peculiarly odious, for it could be levied only by means of domiciliary visits, and of such visits the English have always been impatient to a degree which the people of other countries can but faintly con- ceive. The tax was farmed, and a farmer of taxes is of all creditors proverbially the most rapacious. The collectors were loudly accused of performing their unpopular duty with harshness and insolence." — Macaulay's History of England, i. 287. //. s. d. 13 4 2 2 5 9 18 14 312 THE ironmongers' company. unto this Court by a ticket in ^\Titing under the clerk's hand, according unto an order of the master and wardens, for to satisfy severall demands due by him unto the Com- pany, as follows : — For not dyning w'^ the Lord Maior in 1651 For not clvnino; w'^ the Lord Maior in 1653 For not dyning w'' the Lord Maior in 1674 For q''tridge of 9 qnarter courts For fyne for absence fi'om those courts . For 14 private coiu'ts, at 12tZ. each, not appearing The totall some demanded of him am** to y® some of 6 19 4 and Mr. Allen not appearing, the Court desired the master and wardens to cause him to be summoned before the Right Hon'^ie Sir Joseph Sheldon, Lord Maior, upon A¥ed- nesday next, m the morning, and the clerk to attend y™ accordingly w* the Comp' bookes concerning the business." Mr. Allen, being summoned as aboTC, appeared before the Lord Mayor, and, being gravely admonished by his lordship, promised to submit himself to the Company, and pay his fines accordingly. 1677. A precept was receiyed from the Lord Mayor, setting forth that — Whereas divers of the livery of the severall Comp^ of this citty doe frequently take the liberty to appear at comon halls held for the pub- lique affairs of this cittie w^out their gownes, contrary to the antient custome : These are therefore streightly to charge and require you that you forthwith give notice to the sevall livery men of yo'" Comp^ that hereafter they appeare at all comon halls in their gowns, as becomes cittizens and the gravity of that assembly ; and that all that shall psume otherwise shalbe expelled the hall and looked on as invaders of the antient and laudable usage of this citty. And hereof faile not. Dated this 31st day of July, 1677. Wagstaffe. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 313 Also another precept, addressed — To the Master and Wardens of the Company of Ironmongers. By the ISIayor. Whereas I have hitely received command from his jNIa*''^ to put in execution the late Act of Parhament against conventicles, and to en- deavom- espetially that no conventicles and private meetings prohibited by the said Act should be held in any of the publique halls w^in this cittie : Theis are therefore m his INIajesties name straightly to charge and require you, that you be very carefuU to hinder and prevent the holding of any such conventicles in the hall belonging to your Company, and not to suffer them for the future, as you will answer the contrary at yor perill. Dated the 20th day of December, 1677. Wagstaffe. 1679. Mr. Thomas Morgan, his Majesty's cosmo- grapher, presented to the Company a complete map of the city of London, when the Com-t were pleased to gratify him AYith five ponnds. 1683. The following precept was received from the Lord Mayor : — To the ^Master, Wardens, and Company of Ironmongers. Whereas his Ma*'^ hathe signified his pleasm-e that Sir Henry Tulse shalbe Lord ]\Iaior of this citty, and that on Monday next, the 29th instant, he shall goe upp to be sworn, and that alsoe the master and wardens and other members of the sevall Comp* doe as formerly attend on that solempnity: These are therefore in his Majesty's name to requu'e you, that on INTunday next, at 8 of the clocke in the morning, you, with the other members of yo*" Comp^, doe attend on the said Sir Henry Tulse in his passage to Westra'', both in your barge on the water and alsoe in y*' streete, as hath been formerly accustomed ; and hereof fayle not. This 24th of October, 1683. Wagstaffe. One of the most arbitrary measures of the reign of Charles the Second, was the issuing of the celebrated Writ of Quo Wavrcnito, by which Sawyer, the Attorney General, 314 THE ironmongers' company. undertook to prove the forfeiture of all the charters of all the corporate bodies in England. The object of the crown in this measure was the extension of its own prerogative, and the unlimited exercise of Court influence, which it sought to effect by an invasion of the rights and liberties of the whole Idngdom. January 22d. This Com-t was especially called about a writ of scire facias, requiring then' attendance at West- minster ; the contents in English being as follows : — Charles the Second, by the Grace of God, King of England, Scot- land, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith. To the master and keepers or wardens of the mistery or art of Iron- nionoers, London, Greetmg. Certain causes being laid before ns in Court, wee com and you and every of you, firmly injo^ming that, laying asyde all other things, and every excuse ceasing, you and every of you bee in your proper persons before us at Westminster, on Wednesday next after 15 dayes of Easter next coming, to answer as, of, and con- cerning those things w'^'^ tlien and there shalbe objected against you and every of you ; and further to doe and receive what the said Court shall then and there consider ccerning them in that behalf; and this yee are by noe meanes, nor any of you are, to omitt upon paine of 100'*, to be leavied on yo^' goods and chatties, if ye or any of you fayle in the premises. Witness Sir G. Jeft'erys. At Westminster, the 12th day of Feb., in the 36th year of our reign. Astry. Sir Robert Sawyer, the King's Attorney Generall, prosecuteth this writ, upon a Quo Warranto. The above being read over to the Court, they took it into their consideration ; and after a long debate referred it to another Court, and in the meanwhile desired their members to inquire what the other twelve Companies intended to do in this affair, whereby this Company might the better manage their course. Quo W^AKitAXio. — "Although many of the ancient boroughs ro- HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 315 ceivecl their first Anglo-Norman charters of Hberty from the successors of those mihtary leaders who had received from tJie Conqueror the largest share of the national spoil, yet the general relaxation of the feudal bonds, at the same time that the relations of the boroughs with the crown became more determinate and regular, brought nearly all of them at an early period into immediate dependence, as the demesne boroughs Avere from the first, upon the validity of royal charters for the maintenance of their most important privileges. When some degree of regularity arose out of the judicial chaos necessarily introduced by such a conquest, the justices itinerant were empowered by the crown to m- quire in their cu'cuit by what warrant all who claimed any franchise in derogation of the crown, fi'om which all local liberties were assumed to emanate, maintained their title. In the 18 th year of Edward I., who laboured strenuously in various ways to infuse order and per- manence into the internal administration of the realm, we find the fol- lowing statute, the terms of which seem directed to an object quite contrary to that which, in the case of the proceeding in question, the crown so eagerly pursued at a later period : — ' Concerning the writ that is called Quo Warranto, our Lord the King, at the feast of Pentecost, in the eighteenth year of his reign, hath established that all those who claim to have quiet possession of any franchise before the time of King Richard without interruption, and can show the same by a lawful in- quest, shall well enjoy their possession ; and in case that possession be demanded for cause reasonable, our Lord the King shall confirm it by title ; and those that have old charters of privileges, shall have the said charters adjudged accordmg to the tenor and form of them ; and those that have lost their liberties since Easter last past by the aforesaid writ, accordmg to the course of pleading in the same writ heretofore used, shall have restitution of their francliise lost, and from henceforth they shall have according to the nature of this present constitution.' " The proceedmgs by Quo Warranto, however, had long been obsolete, when the crown lawyers of Charles IL ventured to revive it on so extensive a scale. The selection of this mode of proceeding seems to have been as injudicious as the purpose of it Avas dishonest. ' The crown lawyers, more violent than learned,' observes JMr. Willcock in the Litroduction to his Law of IMunicipal Corporations, ' instead of first proceeding by scire facias to repeal the charters on pretence of for- 316 THE ironmongers' company. feiture, which would have given the subsequent judgments at least the semblance of being conclusive, mistook their proceeding, and, by filing informations in the nature of quo warrajito against all the obnoxious corporations, proceeded in such a manner that it was impossible to ob- tam even the appearance of a lawful judgment against them, smce it could be sustained only upon two grounds, either that there were no such corporations ever established, and the bodies assuming to act as such w'ere merely self-constituted, to which the charters, and well- known usage throughoiit the land, offered a manifest contradiction ; or that all the corporations had been dissolved for want of officers and members, and the persons assuming to act as such were all mere usm'pers, to which the very form of the information offered a plain mcon- sistency, by admitting that the corporations, of which they were accused of usurping the offices, were still m existence. Ill-chosen and unjust as the measure was, judges were found vile enough for the royal purpose. London, which in latter times had usually taken the lead in asserting the poHtical independence of the more important English municipalities, and the example of which, from this circumstance, as well as from its superior wealth and power, had ever been so influential, was selected as the first object of attack. At this particular time it was in especial disfavour; for the King havmg, with a view to deprive the last Parlia- ment which he held of the encouragement which was derived from the vicinity of that powerful and independent city, summoned it to meet at Oxford, London not only re-elected the members wdiich it had returned to the last Parliament at Westminster, but voted them their thanks for their spirited conduct. Now, therefore, after the most learned advo- cates in the land had been heard on the proceedings against London, judoment was given of the seizure of its franchise to be a corporation into the King's hands as forfeited. The determination of the informa- tion against the metropolis spread consternation through the kingdom, by the assistance of which, and the intrigues of the Court party, almost all the other municipalities were prevailed on either to sutler judgment against them by default, of which the crown made a use as erroneous as of the original proceeding, by treating it as a final and conclusive judg- ment, or to sui'render their charters in hopes of conciliating the monarch's favour." — Cyclopedia of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, and Statutes of the Realm, 18 Ed. I. vol. i. 107. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 317 1684, April 9. At this Court it was resolved to petition the Kiig, which petition was accordingly framed and approved, as follows : — To tlie King's most excellent Majesty. The humble petition of the master and keepers or wardens and cominalty of the mistery or art of Ironmongers of the citty of London, Most humbly sheweth. That yo'" petition'"^ were incorporated in the third yeai* of the reigne of King Edward the Fourth, and confirmed by sevall of yo'" Ma*'^^ royal predecessors, and thereby have enjoyed sevall pvileges and ifnu- nityes to this tyme, and have faithfully performed the sevall trusts comitted unto them by sevall benefactors ; but, for reasons best known unto yo'^' ]\Ia*y, a writt of scire facias, or quo warranto, hath been brought against yo' petit''% by w'^^^ they are deeply sensible of yo"^ Ma*'^® displeasure, and being most ready and earnestly desirous to per- forme all acts of duty and obedience unto yo'' most sacred Ma*-'', IVTost humbly pray that your most excellent Ma'-^' would be gratiously pleased to pardon what hath ben done amisse, and what your Ma'^ dothe expect from your»pet''*, (as in duty bound) they will submitt unto your Ma^ips royall pleasure and command, and shall ever pray for vour jVfj^ties long hfe and prosperous reigne. Memoranct. The abovesd petition was dd into his Ma*'*^^ hand at Windsor, the 13th of this month, by Sir Rob* Jeiferyes, upon his knees, the two wardens being present upon their knees alsoe, and the clerke, who was ordered to read the same unto his Ma*'", w'^^ he did accord- ingly : and then his Ma*'*^ took the same from the clerke, and dd it unto S'" Lionel Jenkins. April 29. " The master and wardens, with Sir Eohert Jeffereys, knt. and alderman, Charles Thorold, Esq. and Eich*^ Young, Esq. are desired to wait upon Sir Eohert Sawyer, the King's Attorney-general, to receive his direc- tions concerning the Comp' petition lately delivered unto his sacred Ma*"' at Windsor, and to meet at the Bull Head, Elect Street, upon Eriday next, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon." 318 THE ironmongers' company. July 17. "The master acquainted the Court that he had attended his Ma*''' Attorney-generall, w^ the two war- dens and clerk, according unto the order of Court, w'' the submission sent to this Company, m^"^ the Attorney-generall owned came from him by order of his Ma"% being the same in effect as all the other Compa' had sent them. The same being now read, w''' followeth, in these words, viz. — To all to whome these presents shall come. The master, wardens, and livery of the Company of Ironmongers, London, send greeting. Know ye that, considering how much it imports the government of this cittv, and the Companyes thereof, to have persons of knowne loyalty and approved integrity to bear offices of trust thereof, the master, war- dens, and livery of the Company of Ironmongers of London have graunted, surrendered, and yielded upp, and by these presents doe graunt, surrender, and yield upp unto om- most gratious sovereigne lord, Charles the Second, by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, &c. all and singular the powers, fPranchises, libertyes, privileges, and authorityes whatsoever and howsoever granted or to be used or exercised by the said master, wardens, and livery of the Comp*' of Ironmongers, by virtue of any right, title, or interest vested in us by tres patents, custome, or pre- scription, in, for, or concerning the electing, nominating, bemg, or appo}aiting of any person or persons into or for the severall and re- spective offices of master, wardens, and livery and clerke of the said Company ; and we, the said master, wardens, and livery, doe hereby most humbly beseach his Ma*^^ to accept of this our surrender, and doe, with all submission to his Mamies good pleasure, implore his grace and favour to re-grant unto us, the said master, wardens, and livery, and our successors, the naming and chusing of a master, wardens, and livery and clerke of the said Company, who shall manage y^ governing part of the said Comp^, under such restriccons, quallifications, and reservations as yo^" Ma^y in yo*" great wisdom shall think fitt. In witness whereof, we have hereunto affixed our comon seale, this 17 th daye of July, and in the 36 th yeare of the raig-ne of our soveraigne lord, Charles the Second, &c. and in the yeare of our Lord Christ, 1684. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 319 " Upon reading of the abovesaid submission, it was or- dered that the cofilon seale should be afl&xed, w'^'' was accordingly done, being engrossed on parchm^ And the Coiu't doe desire y master and wardens, Sir E.. Jefferys, Mr. Nico Wyld, and Mr. B. Skutt, to attend the Attorney- generall w^'' the same this afternoon ; ^Y''^ accordingly they did, and the same was deliA^ered by the master into the Attorney-generall's owne hand." 1684, Dec. 5. "Tliis Court being especially called by virtue of an order from the Court of Aldermen, concerning the setting upp, uppon the Hoyal Exchange, one of the statues of the Kings of England, as was before the late dreadful fire ; and King Edward the Eom'th granting imto this Company their first charter ; it was voted, nemme coiitradicente, that the same should be complyed with ac- cordingly at the Compa' charge ; and that the master and wardens attend, upon Tuesday next, on the Lord Maior and Court of Aldermen, to acquaint them therewith, re- turning Sir Rob. Gefferyes thanks in preventing the Barber Chirurgeons in having the same statue, they being incorpo- rated by that king, and this Compy the like, in the 3d year of his r eigne."* Charles the Second died on the 6th of Eebruary, 1685, in communion with the Church of E/ome ; but the opinion that he was removed by poison seems now to be generally relinquished for want of proof, f It is not, however, oiu' design to discuss this point, which properly belongs to national history, and we only allude to * This statue of Edward the Fourth appears, by an entry in the Court Books in 1685, to have been executed by a Mr. CoUynes, and for which he was paid 50/. It was destroyed when the Royal Exchange was again burnt down, on the 9th of January, 1838. t Vide notes to Burnet's History of his Own Times, vol. ii. p. 476, 477, ed. Oxford, 1833. 320 THE ironmongers' company. the death of this monarch as connected with the city of London and the other corporations of the kingdom, which he left divested of many of theu' ancient rights and pri- Tileges, to he dealt with hy his snccessor, whose notions of pnhlic justice and the liherty of the suhject were even more restricted and arhitrary than his o^vn. The character of Charles the Second, as drawn hy one of his apologists, "though not altogether destitute of vu'tue, was, in the main, dangerous to his people and dishonour- ahle to himself. Neghgent of the interests of the nation, careless of its glory, averse to its rehgion, jealous of its liherty, lavish of its treasure, (and) only sparing of its hlood."* Still, with all these disqualifications in the monarch, we must ever regard the Restoration as one of the happiest events recorded in the annals of our comitry. '' All have agreed, hy common consent," ohserves Sir James Mackintosh, "that the great experiment of the Common- wealth has proved the impracticahiUty of a repuhUcan government in England." "The commerce and riches of England," says Hiune, " did never, during any period, increase so fast as from the Restoration to the Revolu- tion;"! and all suh sequent experience has s1io^\ti the advantasre of a reo:ular and hereditary succession to the throne ; while the history of other states, no less than the example of our coimtry, tend to prove that the excitement of a popular government cannot long accord with the feel- ings of a people who liaA'e groT^Ti into power and opulence under the institutions of a monarchical system. The following Charter was granted to the Ironmongers' Company hy James the Second, in the fii'st year of his reign, in exchange for those which they had surrendered under the operation of the writ of quo icarranto : — * Hume's Hist. Eng. vol. ix. p. 373, ed. 1818. t Vol. ix. p. 531. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 321 m AMES THE Second, by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To all to whom these presents shall come, greetmg. Whereas the master and keepers or wardens and commonaltie of the freemen of the mystery or art of Ironmongers of the citty of London have surrendered all their powers, franchises, liberties, privileges, and authori- ties of and concerning the electing, nominating, con- stituting, being, and appointing of any person or persons in or to the several offices of master, keepers or wardens, assistants, and clerk of the said incorpo- ration (which surrender we have accepted and doe hereby accept): Know yee that wee, thoroughly considering the amendment of the said Company, of our especial grace, certaine knowledge, and meere mocon, have willed, ordained, constituted, declared, and graunted, and by these presents doe, for us, our heirs and successors, will, ordaine, constitute, and grant, that all and smgular the freemen of the mys- tery or art of Ironmongers of our citty of London and suburbs of the same for ever hereafter, for the better order, rule, and government of the men of the aforesaid mystery or art of Ironmongers of the citv of London aforesaid, the workings, merchandizes, or matters whatsoever touchino- and concerning the said mystery or art, for the profit, advantage, and reliefe of the good and honest and the terror and punishment of the bad, deceitful, and unjust persons, may and shall be, by virtue of these presents, one body corporate and politicke in deed and in name, by the name of the Master and Keepers or Wardens of the Company of Freemen of the Mistery or Art of Ironmongers of the Citty of London : and them, by the name of the Master, Keepers or Wardens, and Company of Freemen of the Mistery or Art of Ironmongers of the Cittie of London, one body cor- 322 THE ironmongers' company. porate and politicke in deed and name, really and fully wee doe, for us, our heirs and successors, create, make, ordaine, constitute, confirm, and declare by these presents, and that by the same name tliej shall have perpetual succession, and that they and their successors, by the name of the Master, Keepers or Wardens, and Company of Freemen of the IMisterj and Art of Ironmongers of the Citty of London, may and shall be at all times hereafter persons able and m the law capable to have, acquire, receive, and possesse mannors, messuages, lands, tenements, liberties, priviledges, jurisdictions, franchises, and hereditaments what- soever, of what kind, nature, or quality soever they shall be, to them and their successors, in fee and perpetuity, or for the term of life or lives, yeare or years, or otherwise in any sorte soever ; and also goods and chattels, and whatsoever other matters and things, of what name, natm-e, quahty, or kind soever they shall be ; and also to give, grant, set, ahenate, assign, and dispose tlie same mannors, messuages, lands, tenements, and hereditaments, and to doe and execute all and singular other matters and things by the name aforesaid ; and that by the same name of the ISIaster, Keepers or Wardens, and Company of Freemen of the Mistery or Art of Ironmongers of the Citty of London they may and shall be able to plead and to be impleaded, to answer and to be answered, to defend and to be defended, in any comts and places, and before any judges, justices, and other persons and officers whatso- ever of us, om* heu's and successors, in all and singular actions, plaints, suits, quarrels, causes, matters, and demands whatsoever, of what kind, nature, or quality soever they may or shall be, in the same mamier and form as any other of our Uege people of this our realme of England may or shall be able to have, acquu'e, receive, possess, enjoy, hold, give, grant, sell, alienate, assign, convey, plead and to be impleaded, answer and to be answered, defend and to be defended, doe, pennit, and exe- cute ; and that the same master, keepers or wardens, and Company of freemen of the mystery or art of Ironmongers of the city of London, and their successors for ever, may and shall have a Common Seal to serve for the doing of their causes and business of them and their successors whatsoever; and that it may and shall be lawful to and for the said mastei", and keepers or wardens,, and Company of fi'eemen of the mistery or art of Ironmongers of the citty of London, and their succes- sors, the same seal at their pleasures fi'om time to time to break, change, and new make, as to them shall seem to be best : And further wee will, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 323 and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, doe grant unto the aforesaid master, keepers or wardens, and Company of freemen of the mistery or art of Ironmongers of the city of London, and their suc- cessors, that from henceforth for ever there may and shall be one of the Company of the mistery or art aforesaid, in manner hereafter in these presents mencioned to be chosen, who shall be and be called the Master of the aforesaid mystery or art of Ironmongers of the citty of London ; and that in like manner there may and shall be two of the said mistery or art of Ironmongers in the citty of London, in forme hereafter in these presents mencioned to be chosen and named, who shall be and be called the Keepers or Wardens of the mystery or art of Ironmongers of the city of London aforesaid, and seventeene or more of the freemen of the mys- terie or art in these presents mencioned to be chosen, named, and con- stituted, who shall be and be called the Assistants of the misterie or art aforesaid : And wee will and grant, that it may and shall be lawful to and for the same masters and keepers or wardens of the mistery or art of Ironmongers of the city of London, and their successors, to have, hold, and appoint a certaine Hall or Councill within om* cittv of London and liberties of the same, and the same master, keepers or wardens, and assistants of the aforesaid Company of freemen of the mystery or art of Ironmongers aforesaid for the time being, and their successors, or six of them at least (whereof the aforesaid master and keepers or wardens we will to be three, or the master and one of the keepers or wardens for the time being to be two), from time to time, as often as it shall to them seem' fit and necessary, to assemble and hold within the said house or hall a certain court or convocation of the said master and keepers or wardens and assistants, or nine of them at least (whereof the aforesaid master, keepers or wardens, wee will to be three, or the master and one of the keepers or wardens alvvayes to be two), at all times hereafter? and that they may and shall be able in the same court or convocation to treat, conforme, consult, advise, and determine of statutes, articles, and ordinances touchmg and concerning the aforesaid master, keepers or wardens, and Company, and the good government, trade, and rule of them, according to their sound discretion : And further wee will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, doe grant unto the aforesaid master, keepers or wardens, and Company of freemen of the mistery or art of Ironmongers of the citty of London, and their succes- sors, that the aforesaid master, keepers or wardens, of the Company of y 2 324 THE ironmongers' company. freemen of the mistery or art of Ironmongers aforesaid for the time being, or nine of them at the least (whereof the master and keepers or wardens we will to be three, or the master and one of the keepers or wardens to be ahvaies two), upon a public summons thereof made, hereunto assembled, may and shall have full and absolute power and authoritie of enacting, constituting, ordaining, and making from time to time reasonable laws, statutes, ordinances, decrees, and constitutions in writing, which unto them, or nine of them at least (whereof the afore- said master and keepers or wardens for the time being we will to be three, or the master and one of the keepers or wardens aforesaid to be alwaies two), shall according to their sound descretions seem to be good, wholesome, profitable, honest, and necessary for the good I'ule and government of the aforesaid master, keepers or wardens, and Company of the freemen of the mistery or art of Ironmongers afore- said, and of all other persons for the time being exercising, using, or in any other wise occupying the mistery or art of Ironmongers within our city of London aforesaid, and the suburbs and precincts of the same, and for declaring in what manner and order the same master, keepers or wardens, and Company of the mistery or art aforesaid, and all and singular other persons for the time being exercising, using, and occupying the said mistery or art within the said citty of London, the suburbs and precincts of the same, shall behave, carry, and use themselves in the offices of the mistery or art aforesaid, for the more abundant publicke goode and common utility of the same master, keepers or wardens, and Compan}^ of the misterie or art aforfesaid, and for all other the matters and causes whatsoever touching or in anywise concerning the mistery or art aforesaid ; and that the same master, keepers or wardens, and assistants of the Company aforesaid, and their successors for the time being, or nine of them at least (whereof the master and keepers or wardens of the mystery or art aforesaid for the time being we will to be thi'ee, or the master and one of the keepers or wardens alwaies to be two), as often as they shall make, enact, ordaine, or establish such laws, statutes, ordinances? provisions, decrees, and constitutions, in forme aforesaid, they may and shall be able to make, limit, and provide such and the like pains, punishments, and penalties, by fines and amerciaments, or by both of them, towards and upon all offenders against such laws, statutes, ordinances, provisions, decrees, and constitutions, or any of them, as HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 326 and which unto the same master, keepers or wardens, and assistants of the Company aforesaid, or nine of them (whereof the master and keepers or wardens of the mystery or art aforesaid for the time being wee will to be three, or the master and one of y^ keepers or wardens aforesaid to be alwaies two), shall seeme most necessary, fitt, and requisite for the observance of those laws, statutes, ordinances, provisions, decrees, and constitutions ; and that they, the said master, keepers or wardens, and assistants of the Company aforesaid for the time being, or nine of them at the least (whereof the master and keepers or wardens for the time being wee will alwaies to be three, or the master and one of the keepers or wardens to be two), may and shall be able to have and levy the said fines and amerciaments by action of debt, distraining, or otherwise, or by any other lawful waies and means, to the use of the aforesaid master, keepers or wardens, and Company of the mystery or art aforesaid, and their successors, without the lett of us, our heires or successors, and without any accompt or anything else to be thereof and therefore made, payd to us, our heirs or successors ; all and singular which lawes, statutes, ordinances, provisions, decrees, and constitutions, soe as aforesaid to be made, wee will to be observed under the paines in them contayned, in case that they be reasonable, and not repugnant or contrary to the laws of this our realme of England, or the customes of our city of London : And for the better execution of this our will and grant ui this case, we have assigned, nominated, created, constituted, and made, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, doe assign, nominate, create, constitute, and make our beloved Sir Robert Jeffreys, knt. to be the first and present master of the aforesaid mistery or art of Ironmongers of the citty of London, to continue in the same office of master of the mistery or art aforesaid from the date of these presents unto the first Thursday in the month of July now next ensuing, if the same S'" Robert Jeffreys shall soe long live, and from thenceforth until some one other shall in due manner be elected, made, and sworn into the office of master of the mistery or art aforesaid, according to the ordinances and provisions hereafter in these presents expressed and declared. Wee have alsoe assigned, nominated, created, constituted, and made, and by tliese presents doe for us, our heirs and successors, assign, nominate, create, constitute, and make, our beloved Thomas Nicholas and Edward Spencer, citizens and freemen of the mistery 326 THE ironmongers' company. or art of Ironmongers of London, to be the first and present keepers or wardens of tlie mistery or art of Ironmongers of the citty of London, to continue in the said office of the keepers or wardens of the aforesaid mistery or art from the date of these presents unto the said first Thursday in the month of July now next coming, if the said Thomas Nicholas and Edward Spencer should soe long live, and from thenceforth until two other ffreemen of the mystery or art aforesaid shall be elected, made, and sworn according to the ordinances and provisions in these presents expressed and declared ; and we have assigned, nominated, constituted, and made, and by these presents for us, ovu' heirs and successors, doe assign, nominate, constitute, and make, oiu' beloved John Breedon, Richard Young, John Sampson, Esqs. William Hmton, Nicholas Wyld, John Grice, and Benja" Skutt, Richard Ligram, Henry Mudd, Joseph Staples, Thomas Nicholls, Thomas Pattle, John Forster, Henry Palmer, Thomas Humphreys, Samuel Storey, and William Hiett, to be the first and present assistants of the mystery or art aforesaid, to continue in the same offices during their natural lives respectively, unless in the mean time they or any one or more of them shall, for ill government or misde- meanor in that case, or for any other reasonable causes, bee removed or displaced : And further wee will, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, doe grant unto the aforesaid masters, keepers or wardens, and Company of freemen of the mistery or art aforesaid, and their successors, that they and their successors for ever hereafter may and shall have one honest and discreet man to be clerke to the master, and keepers or wardens, and Company of the mister}" or art aforesaid, and, for the better execution of our will m this respect, wee have assigned, nominated, constituted, and made, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, doe assigne, nominate, constitute, and make, our beloved Thomas Heatly to be clerke to the master, and keepers or wardens, and Company of the mystery and art of Iron- mongers of our citty aforesaid : And further we will, and by these presents doe command and ordaine, that the master and keepers or wardens in these presents before named and constituted, before they or any of them be admitted into the execution of their offices respectively, they and every of them respectively shall take the severall oaths commonly called the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and the oathes prescribed and mentioned in tlie Act of Parliament (for HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 327 the good government and regulating of corporations), made in the thirteenth year of the reigne of Charles the Second, late King of England, together Avith the severall oaths of the master, and keepers or wardens, of the mystery or art aforesaid, for the due execution of their offices respectively; and also they and every of them shall subscribe the declaration prescribed and mentioned in the act aforesaid before the said John Breedon, Richard Young, and John Sampson, or before any one or more of them, unto which said persons or any one or more of them wee doe by these our letters pattents direct and require, and doe to them or any one or more of them give and grant full power and authority to give, administer, and require, the severall oaths and subscriptions aforesaid in the court of assistants of the said Company : And also our will is, and wee strictly charging doe command, that the severall assistants and clerke in these presents named and constituted, before they or any of them be admitted into the execution of then- offices respectively, they and every of them shall take the aforesaid oathes of allegiance and supremacy, and the oathes prescribed and menconed in the act aforesaid, together with the severall oathes of the assistants and clerke of the Company aforesaid respectively, for the due execution of the offices of assistants and clerke of the Company aforesaid respectively ; and they and every of them shall subscribe the declaration aforesaid before the said S'' Robert Jeffrey, Thomas Ni- cholas, and Edward Spencer, or any one or more of them ; mito which persons, or any one or more of them, wee do, by these our letters pat- tents, direct and require, and to them severally and respectively doe 2;ive and wrant full power and authority to give, administer, and re- quire, the several oathes and subscriptions aforesaid in the court of the assistants of the Company aforesaid : And further wee will, and for us, our heires and successors, doe grant unto the aforesaid master, keepers or wardens, and connnonaltye of freemen of the mystery or art of Ironmongers aforesaid, and their successors, that, whensoever it shall happen any master, keeper or warden, or any one or more of the assistants of the Company aforesaid, dye, or be removed, or goe forth from his or theLr office or offices, that then and in such case some other fit person and persons shall be chosen, appointed, and sworne into the place or places of him or them soe dead, removed, or departed, by such persons and in such manner and forme as heretofore for the space of seaven yeares now last past hath been accustomed in the said Com- 328 THE ironmongers' company. pany: Provided alwaies, neverthelesse, and wee will, and by these presents, for us, our lieires and successors, doe charge and command, that noe person or persons, at any time hereafter, shall be chosen, nominated, and appointed unto the office or offices of master, keepers or wardens, assistants, or clerke of the Company aforesaid, or any of them severalh' and respectively, who, before his or their election respectively do not hold communion with the Church of England, and, witliin six months at least before such his or their election, have not received the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper according to the forme prescribed by lawe in the Church of England ; and that every person or persons, after such his or their election, and before his or their ad- mittance into the offices or places aforesaid, they and every of them shall take the severall oathes of allegiance and supremacy prescribed and menconed in the act aforesaid, together with the oathes for the due execution of the offices of master, keepers or wardens, and assistants and clerke of the Company aforesaid respectively ; and also they and every of them shall subscribe the declarations aforesaid before such person or persons before whom the usual oathes for executing their offices respectively have heretofore, within the space of seaven yeares now last past, been taken and made; which said severall oathes and subscriptions wee doe, by these our letters patents, direct and require, and by these presents to them doe, for us, our heirs and successors, give and grant full power and authority to give, administer, and require the same in the Court of Assistants of the Company aforesaid : Wee will also and command that every Clerke of the Company aforesaid hereafter to be nominated and chosen, shall be, for his admittance into such place or office, presented to us, our heires or successors, who shall approve such clerks under our or their privy signet or royal signe manual ; that then he shall (taking the severall oathes aforesaid, and subscribing the declaration and subscription as aforesaid,) be admitted thereunto ; but if wee, our heires or successors, shall refuse to approve such person soe chosen to be clerke, then such election shall be void, and the master, keepers or wardens, and assistants of the Company aforesaid for the time being, or the gi'eater part of them, shall, in a court of assistants, immediately proceed to the election of another person to be the clerke in the manner and form aforesaid, who shall be presented for such approbation as aforesaid, and thus mitil such a person shall be chosen who shall be nppro\cd of by us, our heires and HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 329 successors as aforesaid, and shall take the several oathes as aforesaid, and make the subscription aforesaid : Provided alwaies, and moreover wee will and declare, that every election of any master, keeper or war- den, assistant, or clerk of the Company aforesaid, contrary to the direc- tions and restrictions in these presents in that case mentioned, shall be voyd and of none eftect to all mtents and purposes whatsoever : Pro- vided alwaies, and by these presents wee will and declare, that it may and shall be lawful to and for us, om* heires and successors, from time to time and at all times hereafter, by order in the privy councill of us, our heires and successors, made from time to time, to remove or displace, or declare to be removed and displaced, any master, keeper or warden, assistant, or clerke of the Company aforesaid, now and for the time being, and whereupon the place or office of such person so removed or declared to be removed shall, ipso facto, be void, and some other fit person or persons shall, in due manner, be elected, made, and sworne into the place or places of such person or persons soe removed or de- clared to be removed as aforesaid, according to the ordinances and provisions aforesaid ; which person or persons soe to be chosen, before admittance into such place or office, they and every of them shall take the severall oathes aforesaid, and make the subscriptions as aforesaid, and thus as often as the case shall so happen : And further wee w^ill and command, for us, our heires and successors, imto the master, keepers or wardens, and Company of ft'eemen of the mystery or art aforesaid, that they and their successors from time to time and at all times hereafter, in all affiiirs which belong mito the good rule and government of the city of London aforesaid, and of the said Company, may and shall be subject and obedient unto the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen of the city of London for the time being: Provided alwaies, and wee will, that noe person or persons of the Comjiany aforesaid for the time being who shall not hold communion with the Church of England, or who shall frequent or be present at any con- ventical or unlawfull meetings upon pretext of religious worship at any time hereafter, shall be chosen into the livery of the Company afore- said, to be hereafter granted to the said Company by the Lord INIayor and Coiu't of Aldermen of the citty of London aforesaid; and also every person elected or to be elected mto the livery of the Company afore- said, before he be admitted thereinto, shall be approved of by the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen of the citty of London, and shall take 330 THE ironmongers' company. the said oaths of allegiance and supremacy, and the oathes prescribed and men coned in the said act aforesaid for the Avell governing and regulating of corporations, and shall make the subscriptions aforesaid before the masters and keepers or wardens of the Company aforesaid, in the Court of Assistants, or any tAvo or more of them ; which master and keepers or wardens, or two or more of them, for the time being, wee doe, by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, ordaine, authorize, and require to give and require the same oathes and subscriptions in the Court of Assistants as aforesaid : Provided more- over, and wee doe, for us, our heires and successors, declare, that if any person, being an assistant of the Company aforesaid at the time of the siuTender aforesaid, and shall not, within the space of six months next after the date of these presents, surrender his office or place of assistant of the Company aforesaid to the master and keepers or wardens and Company aforesaid, and their successors, and shall not submit to a 'new election at y® pleasm'e of the Society aforesaid, that then every such person shall or ought to have no power or privilege in or concerning the electing of any of the officers or members of the Company aforesaid, but shall utterly be discharged and excluded therefrom, and the benefits of this our grant : And fm'ther we will, and by these presents for us our heires and successors, of our more abmidant grace, and of our certahie knowledge and meere mocon, doe grant and confii'me unto the master and keepers or wardens and commialty of the mistery or art aforesaid, and their successors, all and sino-ular such and soe many and the like manors, messuages, lands, tenements, hereditaments, liberties, free customes, priviledges, fran- chises, immmiities, exemptions, acquittances, and jurisdictions whatso- ever, which the aforesaid master and keepers or wardens and commalty of the mistery or art aforesaid now have, enjoy, occupy, or possess, or ought to have, enjoy, occupy, or possess, and which they or then' predecessors, or any of them, by what name or names of mcorporation soever, have heretofore of right, and lawfully had, used, or enjoyed, or ought to have liad, holden, used, or enjoyed, by reason or pretence of any charters, or lettei's patents, by any of our progenitors or ancestors, Kino-s or Queens of England, howsoever made, confirmed, or granted, or by any other lawfuU meanes, right, custome, use, prescription, or title, heretofore lawfully used, had, and accustomed, to have and to hold unto tlie said master and keepers or wardens and cominalty of the HISTORICAL evide:nces. 331 misteiy or art of Ironmongers of London aforesaid, and their successors for ever ; to be lioklen of such lord or lords, bj such, the same, and the like rents and services by which and as the same were heretofore held, although express mention of the true yearly value or certainty of the premises, or of any of them, or of any other guifts or graimts by any of our progenitors or predecessors heretofore made unto the afore- said master, keepers or wardens, and cominalty aforesaid in these pre- sents is not made, or any statute, act, ordinance, provision, proclamation or restriction to the contrary thereof heretofore had, made, enacted, ordained, or provided, or any other matter, cause, or thing whatsoever in anywise notwithstanding. In witness whereof, wee have caused these our letters to be made patents. Witness ourself at Westminster, the eighteenth day of March, in the first year of our reigiie. PlGOTT. By Bill from the Privy Scale. For fine in the Hamper . . . . 6'M3* 4\ Guilford, C.S. 1685, April 15, 1st James tlie Second. At this Court the charter from King James the Second, dated the 18th day of March last, was read, and notice taken "that these persons following, being part of the twenty now appointed by this Charter for Assistants, did not appear at this Court, viz. John Breedon, Esq. John Sampson, Esq. they being both out of London at this time, and also Mr. Richard Ingram, Mr. Joseph Stapley, and Mr. Tho* Niccolls ; and by the said charter it is referred unto John Breedon, Esq. Richard Yomig, Esq. and John Sampson, Esq. or any one or more of them, to take the oaths of y® Master and Wardens, w*"^ was accordingly done before Rich*^ Young, Esq. ; (that is to say,) Sir R0I3* Geffrey, knight and aid", as Master ; Mr. Tho' Nicholas and Mr. Edw*^ Spencer as Wardens; viz. these oaths following, of Allegiance and Supremacy, and the oath mencioned in the Act of Parliament for the good government and regulating of corporations, made in the thirteenth yeare of the reigne 332 THE ironmongers' company. of King Charles the Second of blessed memory ; and alsoe they did subscribe the declaration prescribed concerning the nnlawfiilness in taking the Solemn League and Cove- nant ; and they did also take before the said Ricli'^ Young, Esq. the oaths as Master and Wardens of the said Com- pany of Ironmongers, and then the Master and Wardens took their places accordingly ; after which Richard Young, Esq. Mr. W^ Hinton, Mr. Nich^ Wyld, Mr. John Grice, Mr. Benja'" Skutt, Mr. Henry Mudd, Mr. Tho' Pattle, Mr. John Poster, Mr. Heny Palmer, Mr. Thomas Humfreys, Mr. Sami Storey, Mr. W" Hiet, and Thomas Heatley, clerk, did take the afore menconed oaths and subscribed the said declaration ; and there not being any oath in this Company for an Assistant, being before this charter governed by the Master, Wardens, and Livery, this oath following was agreed upon for an Assistant, and the persons afore men- coned did take the same accordingly. You shall swear to be good and true to our Sovereign Lord the Kmg's Majesty that now is, and to his heirs and successors Kings and Queens of this Realme ; and that you shall, according to jour best skill and judgment, w*^ your advice or otherwise, well and truly assist the Master and Wardens of this Company, when there shall be occasion, and the good rules and ordinances of this Company you shall keep, and see to be kept, to the best of your power. So help you God. The Oath of Allegiance. I, A. B. doe utterly testifie and declare in my conceance, that the King's Highnesse is the only supreme governor of this Realme, and of all other his Highnesses dominions and countries, as well in all spiritual or ecclesiastical things or causes as temporal, and that noe foreign prince, person, prelate, state, or potentate, hath or ought to have any jurisdiction, power, superiority, pre-eminence, or authority, ecclesiastical or spiritual, within this Realm ; and therefore I do utterly renounce and forsake all foreign jurisdictions, powers, superiorities, and authorities, and doe promise that from henceforth I shall bear faith and true HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 333 allegiance to the King's Highnesse, his heirs and lawfull successors, and to. my power shall assist and defend all the jurisdictions, privileges, pre-eminences, and authorities, granted or belonging to the King's Hio-hness, his heirs and successors, or united and annexed to the Imperial Crown of this Realm. So help me God. The Oath of Supremacy. I, A. B. doe truly and sincerely acknowledge, profess, testifie, and declare in my concience before God and the world, that our Sovereign Lord Kincv James is lawful and rio;htfull Kme; of this Realme, and of all other his Ma*'®' dominions and countries, and that the Pope, nether of himself nor by any authority of the Church or See of Rome, or by any other means, with any other, hathe any power or authority to depose the King, or to dispose any of his Ma*'®^ kingdoms or dominions, or to authorize any foreign prince to mvade or annoy him or his countries,' or to discharge any of liis subjects of their allegiance or obedience to his IVIa*'®, or to give licence or leave to any of them to bear arms, raise tumults, or to offer any \aolence or hurt to his j\Ia*'^* royal person, state, or govermnent, or to any of his J\Ia"®* subjects within his Ma*'®^ dominions. Also I do swear from my heart, that, notwithstanding any declaration or sentence of excommunication or deprecation made or granted to be made or granted by the Pope, or his successors, or by any authority derived or pretended to be derived from him or his successors, agamst the said King, liis heirs or successors, or any absolution of the said subjects ft'om their obedience, I will bear faithful and true allegiance to liis Ma"% liis heirs and successors, and him and them will defend to the utmost of my power against all conspiracies and attempts whatsoever which shall be made against his or their persons, their cro'wn or dignity, by reason or color of any sentence or declaration or otherwise, and will doe my best endeavour to disclose and make known unto liis Ma*^, his heirs and successors, all treason and traiterous conspiracies which I shall know or hear of to be against him or any of them. And I doe further swear, that I doe from my heart abhor, detest, and abjure, as impious and heretical, this damnable doctrine and position, that prmces may be excommunicated or deprived by the Pope, may be deposed or murthered by their subjects, or any other whatsoever. And I doe believe, and in concience am resolved, that neither the Pope nor any 334 THE ironmongers' company. person whatsoever hath power to absolve me of this oath or any part thereof, which I acknowledge by good and lawful anthority. to be lawfully adniuiistered unto me, and doe renomice all pardon and dispensation to y® contrary ; and all these thmgs I doe plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear according to these express words by me spoken^ according to the plain and common sense and understanding of the same words, without any equivocation or mental evasion or secret reservation whatsoever, and I doe make this recognition and acknow- ledgement heartily, willingly, and truly, upon the faith of a Christian. So help me God. The Oath prescribed and mencioned in the Act of Parliament made in the 13**^ year of King Charles the Second of England. I, A. B. doe declare and believe that it is not lawful upon any pretence whatsoever to take arms against the King, and that I do abhor that traiterous position of taking arms by his authority against his person or against those that are commissioned by him. So help me God. We miderwritten, do declare, that we hold that there lyes no obligation upon us or any other person from the oath commonly called The Solemn League and Covenant, and that the same was in itself an unlawful oath, and imposed upon the subjects of this realme against the known laws and liberties of the kingdom. ■ The follomng letter was on the 23(1 of April addressed to John Breedon, Esq, in pursuance of the directions con- tained in the new charter : — London, 23 April 1685. The Comp** of Ironmongers having lately received their charter, accordino- unto their submission unto his late Ma*'^ (of blessed memory), whereby they are settled as a Coui*t of Assistants instead of a Livery, as the rest of the companies of London are, who have their new charters ; and Sir Rob* Geffery being appoynted by the said charter to be present master, and your worPP being appojnited by the said charter to be one of the assistants, I am comanded by the master and wardens to give yo'' wor^ notice that there will be a Court of Assistants at the Hall upon Tuesday next in y^ forenoon, at which time and place they HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 335 earnestly desire yo"' wor^^ Company. Soe, praying for yo"" worP^ health, remaine. Your worps humble Serv*, Tho. Heatley, Gierke. To Jno Breedon, Esq, to be left at the Shipp in Redding, to be sent unto him at Pangbourne in Barkshire. April 28. At this Court the warden and others were desired to examine the book of freedoms l^elonging to this Company, and make choice of a new livery, to he qualified according to the new charter. " The same day the warden went unto Capt" William Walker the late master, according unto the order of the last Court, and demanded of him the key of the box wherein the Comp'"' seal is putt, there being three kees, one of w"^' being in liis custody as master ; whose answer unto them was, that if the Company had occasion for the use of the seal they might breake the box open as formerly, and that he would take further tyme to consider thereof, and when his year was expired as master then he would deliver upp the key." May 6. Being a Court of Assistants, a precept was read from the Lord Mayor, dated the 5tli instant, enjoining the Company to return unto him and the Court of Alder" a list of liverymen for their approbation, according to the new charter ; which was forthwith done : and the Lord Maior, on the 7th inst. " did puse the same, and approved and returned the same back unto the Company without any alteracon, only the Lord Maior and Court of Alderm" added Thomas Heatley, clerke, to be one of the clothing of y*^ said Comp^, and the master and wardens are to retmm the names of all such of the said livery who omit to take their oathes accordingly." Sept. 4. Notice being taken that the new charter di- rects that all the assistants and the clerke shall hold com- 886 THE ironmongers' company. nmnion with the Church of England, it was ordered, that every assistant have notice given him accordingly, that they may receive the same any Lord's day in the month, at St. Peter's church, in Cornliill, where the present master liveth in that parish, and that they send theu" names to the Hall in due time, that certificates and other things may be prepared for them. 1685. At a meeting at the Hall on the 11th of Septem- ber, " Mr. Richard AYallis, paynter stayner, and Mr. Charles Williams, paynter, appeared about the pageant and flags against the next Lord Mayor's day." On the 18th of the same month they again attended, " producing the charge of several bannors, and other pticulars, as by a paper delivered appeareth more at large." The pageant- maker " also produced several draughts, w'"^' were approved of, and the comittee ordered them to pceed accordingly, not questioning that they would be so moderate in their demands that the Company and they would agree respect- ing prices." In the Minutes of the 25tli of September, it is noticed that Mr. Taubman appeared respecting the songs, and was directed to attend at the next coiu't or committee ; but we find no record of this subse- quent inter^dew. On the 2nd of Oc- tober following, an order was made that " Saint Lawrance be placed on the U LJ La I Company's banner against the ensu- ing Lord Mayor's day, as theu' saint." These arrangements were preparatory to the mayoralty of Sir Robert Gef- FERTS,* who had pre\dously served a a □ * Arms : Argent, six billets sable, 3, 2, and 1 ; on a chief of the second a lion passant or, langued gules. Granted by Sir Edward Bishe, Clarenceux. Add. MS. No. 5533.— Vide Biographical Notices. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 837 the oifice of sheriff iu the 25th of Charles the Second. The Company's records at this period chiefly refer to tlie formation of a new livery, and very little notice is taken of the ceremonial of the Lord Mayor's day. In the entries of the following year we find that Mr. Charles Williams, who made the pageant on this occa- sion, presented his bill, amounting to 215^. ; when, upon a full debate, it was ordered that he should be paid 170^., and six pounds more for painting the barge, accord- ing to an agreement with Captain Mudd, whereof he had already received 150/. ; and the wardens were directed to pay him the remaining 26/. and take his discharge. At the same meeting, Mr. Richard Wallis, " paynter-stayner," who made the streamers, &c. produced an account for 146/. los. 6cl. ; which being carefully examined, the Court agreed that he should be paid 140/., and the wardens were to take a discharge in full of all demands whatsoever. The other expenses inciu'red on this occasion appear in the Company's annual accounts : there was paid for cloth for the old men's gowns, 45/. 10^. ; for ribbons, 11/. 3^. 4f/. ; to the King's trumpeters, 25/. ; to Taubman, the poet, 10/. ; and various other sums, amoimting altogether to 473/. Os. 46/. The descriptions of the pageant of 1685 are extremely rare ; one of the few copies at present knoAvii to be extant is m the Bodleian Library at Oxford, and by the kind permission of Dr. Bandinel I have been enabled to obtain a literal transcript. Taubman,* it is true, takes rather an * Taubman, after wearing the ci^ic laurel for five successive mayoralties, was succeeded, in 1691, by Elkanah Settle, "who contributed the yearly pageants until 1708, when the printed descriptions cease." Very little is known of Taubman's personal history. He was a strong adherent of James the Second, and grossly flattered that monarch in his verses, but found no difficulty in transferring his loyalty to William and Mary, and ushered in the Revolution Z 338 THE ironmongers' company. inferior rank among the city poets ; he is not considered equal to Jordan, whom he succeeded ; but the value which we are disj^osed to set upon these productions is not for their merit, but for the insight which they afford us of ancient customs ; and the great scarcity of the originals is always an apology for reprinting them. LONDON'S ANNUAL TRIUMPH. Performed on Thursday, Octob. 29, 1685, for the Entertainment of the Right Honourable Sir Robert Jeffreys, Kt. Lord Mayor of the City of London ; with a Description of the several Pageants, Speeches, and Songs, made proper for the occasion. All set forth at the proper Costs and Charges of the Worshipful Com- pany of Ironmongers. COMPOSED BY MATT. TAUBMAN. Durius ultima ferrum." — Ovid. Metam. Lib. 1. Printed and Published by Authority. London : Printed for Hen. Playford, near the Temple Church, 1685. To the Right Honourable Sir Robert Jeffii-eys, Lord Mayor of the City of London. My Lord, — Your singular worth and exemplary loyalty, jojming hand with your right of succession, hath entitled you to the triumphs of with a pageant prepared for the mayoralty of Sir Thomas Pilkington, entitled, " London's Great Jubilee." The same song which he composed on the occa- sion of James the Second's dining with the Lord Mayor at Guildhall in 1687, served for a similar entertainment given to King William and Queen Mary in 1689:— " How great are the blessings of government made, By the excellent rule of our prince ! " " a versatility," as Mr. Fairholt has observed, " that would have done honour to the Vicar of Bray himself." HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 339 this day, and to my mean endeavours towards the preparation. I will not in a shallow preface lamiche out into the boundless ocean of your praise, that being a task for the most celebrated pen ; it is sufficient you have had the choice and approbation of the most judicious and most discerning Prince in the world, to whose ro3'al favours your eminent merits have most justly prefer'd you. 'Tis he who m the first year of his reign hath made you his Vicegerent in his imperial city, to bear that sword of justice which is his own immediate right and title. Tho' poets place the Iron-age the last, it had certainly a being and was of use before silver or gold had a value among the ancients. To calculate the original founders, we must go further than Tubal Cain ; nor is it probable the first Cain could build such a vast city without materials and instruments proper for so great a design, in opening the quarries and diving into the stony bowels of the earth. As the mystery of Iron-working is most ancient, so is it most useful to the State, and most profitable to the merchant and artificer. Iron, for the universality of its use, may be called the efficient matter of all other mysteries, being either an ingredient or necessary instrument in all arts and professions. Take away the use of iron, all trading must cease ; thus the butcher camiot subsist without his knife, nor the taylor without his needle ; the carpenter must have his axe, and the joiner his plane ; the cook his cleaver, the smith his hammer, the countryman his plough, the nobleman liis chariot, the souldier his sword, and the prince his helmet. It is the asylum and safeguard of a nation in the prudent management of the sword of justice committed to your trust, to keep the subject in peace and tranquillity during your government ; which that it may be to your present content, and future satisfaction, is the wishes of. My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient, and Most devoted humble Servant, M. Taubman. To the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers. Gentlemen, — When virtue meets with re\vard and encouragement it strives to excell. Rome never had more worthy generals than when they were honoured with triumphs; nor Greece more stout and valiant souldiers than when they were recompenc'd with the esteem and z2 340 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. applause of men, and with crowns of victor}'. The triumphs of tliis day is not the least useful and profitable institution, beoetting a noble emulation in the hearts of the most loyal and eminent citizens. That I am become a mean instrument in the contributing to the design 'd solemnity of this day, requires my grateful acknowledgment for your generous and unanimous election of me. If I have fiilFn short in the discharge of my duty and your expectations, I humbly implore yom- pardon, and favourable constructions of my humble endeavours, it being the first attempt in this kind, besides the shortness of time, and no president for more than fifty years of any such equipage or pageantry. Gentlemen, your favourable acceptance of this will be an encourage- ment in the next, with more early care and mature diligence, to ap- prove myself, Your most obsequious humble Servant, M. Taubman. LONDON'S ANNUAL TRIUMPH. Most worthily, and with pertinent allusion, this epithite of London's Triumph is appropriated to the solemnities of this illustrious day, which for the antiquity of its institution, the grandeur of the prepa- rations, the splendor of the pageantry, and magnificence of the enter- tainment, may properly be stil'd triumphant above all the cities in the imiverse. It is a liberal and unanimous assembly of all the chiefs of the imperial city of the most flourishing kingdom in the w^orld; often adorned with the presence of the King, Queen, Prmces, and Nobility of the Court, his Grace the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and chief prelates of the Church, the jirincipal ministers of state and officers of his Majesties houshold, the judges and chief magistrates of the king- dom ; all foreign ministers, embassadors, envoys, residents, who, having observed the tables of the most puissant princes, and seen the most hospitable preparations of forreign nations, rest here amazed, as the ne plus ultra of all their admiration. Before we aspire to the magnificence of the pageantry, w^e must not omit the statelincss of the morning procession, where the Right Honour- able the Lord INIayor, like Diana in her brightest lustre, surrounded in a firmament of starry deities, disperses the influence of his radiant beams, and exercises his double soveraignty both by land and water ; of whlcli in their proper order. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 341 THE ORDER OF THE MORNING PROCESSION. The most loyal and most eminent citizens selected for the order of this day's Triumph, as I find by the dictates of ancient form and custom, assemble together at seven of the clock in the morning, at Ironmongers' Hall, where i. Three-score poor men, in gowns and caps, march in the front, each of them imploy'd in bearing a standard or a banner. ii. Fifty gentlemen-ushers in velvet coats follow next, each of them in a chain of gold about his shoulders, and in his right hand a white staffe. iii. A numerous train of budg-batchelors, invested in gowns and scarlet hoods. iv. The batchelors in gowns faced with foins, and their hoods. V. The livery in their gowns faced with budg, and their hoods. vi. The master, wardens, and assistance, of the several Companies in gowns faced with foins, and their hoods. vii. Twelve more gentlemen for bearing bamiers and colours ; some in plush coats, and some in buffe, with scarfFs about their shoulders, of the Companies colours. viii. Thirty-six trumpets ; the sergeant trumpet with a scarf of his Lordship's colours about his waste, and a leading-staffe in his hand. ix. Fourteen drums ; the drum-major with a crimson scarf about his waste, his leading-staife in his hand ; and three fifes, with banners. X. Divers drums and fifes, with red and white scarfs, and the colours of the Company. xi. The two city marshals on horseback, with six servants to attend them, with scarfs and colours of the Company. xii. The foot marshal, and six attendants, with the like scarfs and colours. xiii. The master of defence, with scarf and coloui'S of the same ; having persons of the same noble science to attend him. xiv. Divers other pensioners invested in red gowns, white sleeves, and flat white caps, each of them carrying a javelin in one hand and a target in the other, wherein is painted the arms of the first fomiders and benefactors of the Company. Being in this order : — The foot marshall ranks them out two by two, beginning with the ])ensioners in gowns, and in the front of them j)lacoth the Companies 342 THE ironmongers' company. ensigns, four drums, and one fife. In the rear of tliem fall in the several other pensioners in coats, bearing several banners and standards. After them six trumpets. After them the arms and crest of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers and six gentlemen ushers ; and after them follow the budg-batchellors, who ccmclude this division. In the rear of those fall six trumpets ; after them two gentlemen bearino- two bamiers, the one of the Cities, the other of the Companies : after them follow two gentlemen-ushers, and after them the foin-bat- chellors, wdio conclude this division. The next to these fall in the King's drum-major and four other of the Kino's di'ums and fifes ; after them two gentlemen-ushers bearing two bamiers, the one of the Companies, the other of the Cities ; after them ten o-entlemen-ushers habited as before; and after that the livery, which brhigs up that division. In the rear of them fall others of the city trnm])ets ; after them two oentlemen bearing the banners of the City and the Lord INIayor : these are succeeded by twelve gentlemen-ushers equipped and appointed as before ; and after them the Court of Assistants puts a period to that division. In the rear of them fall the serjeant-trumpets, with sixteen other of the King's trumpets and kettle-drums ; after them three other gentlemen bearing the King's, the Prince of Denmark's, and St. George's bamier, attended by fourteen gentleinen-ushers, who are appointed for pages ; and after them the Master and Wardens, which terminate the first and chiefest division. Being placed in this order, they march from the place of meeting to Grocers' Hall, till such time as his lordship and his brethren the alder- men are momited. Which being done, the whole body move towards Guildhall, \\'here the Lord Mayor elect, with his new equipage, joyns with the old Lord Mayor and his retinue, marching all of them through Kmg Street and Cheapside, down to the Three-Crane Wharf, Avhere the Lord Mayor, aldermen, and their attendants take barge. Tlu> Avhole Company of the Ironmongers do likewise embargo, whilst the residue, the gentlemen- ushers, &c., stay behind. His lordship, the aldermen, and Company of Ironmongers, with some other Companies, landing at Westminster, have a lane made from King's Bridge, thorough which they pass through Westminster Hall, HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 343 where having taken the accustoni'd oaths to be true and faithful to his Majesty and government as by hiw estabhshed, before the Lords and Barons of the Exchequer, they return to their barge, a lane being made, as before, to the water-side; which passage by water (the stately barges, ecchoing with the most harmonious wind-musick, flutes, hoboys, and trumpets, adorn'd with streamers, flags, and banners of the respective Companies,) is not the least addition to the lustre of this day ; besides being saluted by his Majesty from Whitehall, coming and going, with several shots from the pleasure-boats which for that purpose are plying all the way upon the river. His lordship, with the Companies attending him, land at Black Fryers Stairs, where, they are saluted with three volleys by the famous Ar- tillery Company, all adorn'd in their martial ornaments, in buff and shining head-pieces, many whereof are massy silver. From Black Fryers they march before my Lord Mayor and aldermen, from Cheap- side to Guildhall. The pensioners and banners being set in order, the foot marshall in the rear of the Artillery Company leads the way through Ludgate Hill into St. Paul's churchyard, and so into Cheap- side, where his lordship is entertained by the first scene or pageant. A DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST PAGEANT. An exalted imperial pyramid, adorned with several banners of the Kino-'s, the Lord Mayor's, and Companies, with the memorable King Edward the Fourth, the principal founder; on the top of which is elevated a o-olden ball, with the crest of the worshipful the Company of Ironmongers, on the pedestal of which is planted Victory in a triumphal posture, with her insepai'able associates Vigilance, Courage, Conduct ; and at the basis of the said magnificent structm-e are placed four beauti- fid virgins, as consequent attendants on the former. Triumph, Honour, Peace, Plenty. Victory, a goddess of a divine princely presence, clad all over in a coat of male of shming gold ; on a bright curl'd toui'e a wreath of lawrel, with a plume of feathers, white, blew, and red ; in the one hand she beareth a bright iron sword, and in the other a banner of the King's, with this inscription, " Vici ferro." Vigilance, a beautiful lady, attir'd in a yellow robe, over which is a sable mantle fring'd with gold, and seeded with waking eyes ; her hair 344 THE ironmongers' company. ty'd behind, with a cliajilet of ivy on the head ; in her right hand a lamp, in her left hand a bell. Com'age, a person of an heroick, bold visage, with a black peruke ty'd in a silken bag behind, a black velvet cap with a plume of blue aiid white feathers, an embroider'd belt, and a Avhite and blue colour'd scarf about his waste; in his left hand holding a lance tip'd with iron, and in his right a standard purchas'd in the field. Conduct, an experienc'd old general in ai'mour, a coat of male seeded with stars ; in the one hand a golden trimcheon, in the other a shield or target sable, of iron, charged with the peacock's tail display'd. The Graces attending on these heroick virtues are — Triumph, a comely majestick person, with a cheerful look, in a cloth- of-silver robe, a purple scarf fring'd with gold and wrought with tro- phies "of canons, drums, and ensigns ; an imperial triple- crown upon a peruke of long fair hair ; in her left hand she holds an ensign, with tliis inscription, " Periit grex," and in the other hand a banner of the King's, with this motto, " Triumphat Rex." Plonour, in a pm'ple robe powder'd with stars of gold, a scarlet mantle fring'd with gold, curl'd black hair, on it a royal diadem, bearing a banner of the King's. Peace, in an olive-green sarsnet robe semin'd with silver stars, a car- nation mantle fi-ing'd Avith gold, bright brown hair, a chaplet of hearts- ease, yellow buskins laced with purple and silver ribon ; in one hand a palm-tree or branch of ivy extended, in the other a banner of the Com- panies. Plenty, in a vest of gold and silver upon Roman bases of carnation, richly adorn'd with silver and gold fringe, a green silk and silver mantle, purple buskins laced up with gold ; on her head a black curl'd toure, about which is a wreath of fruits, leaves, and flowers ; in one hand a cornucopia, in the other a small bar of iron supported by the loadstone. In the front of this pageant is a golden estridge, of a vast, prodigious size, holding a horse-shoe in his beak, upon the back of which is placed a comely youth of a ruddy, fair complexion, sounding a trumpet. His lordship having made a stop, taking a view of the several figures. Victory steps forth, and with a majestick curtesie addresses his lordship in this manner. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 345 The First Speech, spoken by Victory. From heaps of vanquish'd victims, overcome With warlike ir'n, I bring you Conquest home, With Courage arm'd, with happy Conduct crown'd, And Vigilance that does with eyes abound, I, Victory, the first-fruit offering bring, Honour to you, and triumph to tlie King, To shine like gods in your illustrious sphear, And rule with peace and plenty all the year. These are the graces that adorn thy throne. That guard the Guild, and do suppoi't the Crown, That does your town with stronger walls inviron. The great palladium of victorious iron ; And shall reduce a factious land to peace When Clemency and Mercy cease to please. When ir'n met ir'n, and steel did steel oppose, This was the engine that subdu'd your foes. He who no pow'r wou'd own to stoop to it. Decreed by fate, must to this pow'r submit. Against cold ir'n no armour can prevail. There's no resistance in a coat of male. This is the hero that has done the work. And shall in time, we hope, subdue the Turk. THE SECOND PAGEANT is a spacious sea chariot, of cerulean green, the chariot-wheels var- nish'd and sprinkl'd with the froth of tlie sea. In this chariot, elevated above the rest, sit Neptune and Amphitrite, with four other sea-gods and goddesses at each corner of the stage, Proteus and Glaucus, Thetis and Galatea, in their several portraitures. Neptune is depainted with several countenances ; sometimes with a mild and pleasant, other times with a lowring and sad countenance, to distinguish the various flux and reflux, ebbing and flowing, of the sea ; naked, holding in his hand a trident of polish'd iron, standing upright in the cavity of a great sea-shell, drawn by two tritons with the faces of men, which from the middle downward have the proportion and shape of fishes. Amphitrite, in a thin veil, of a cerulean or blewish colour, with long hair hanging down over her shoulders, of a very sad and darkish colour, holding in her arms a globe, which is the emblem of the sea incircling the earth. Proteus, in a long robe of changeable sarsnet, with bhie and green 346 THE ironmongers' company. purple, and red spots for flowers ; in one hand holding a camelion, in the other a banner of the Companies. Glaiicus, in a long Avhite beard and hair, soft, and dropping about his shoulders, his eyes green and glistening, his brows full of wrinkles and green spots, his breast all overgrown with greenish seawood or moss, his belly and from thence downwards fish-like, full of fins and scales. Thetis, a lady of a brown complexion, her hair scatter'd about her shoulders, crown'd with a coronet of periwincle and escallop shells, in a mantle of sea-green, with chains and bracelets of amber about her neck and arms, and a branch of red coral in her hand. Galatea, a most beautiful young virgin, her hair carelessly falling about her shoulders like silver threads, and at each ear a fair pearl, with a double string of them about her neck and left arm ; a mantle of pure, thin, and fine white, bearing in her lap a compass representing the virtues of the steel, iron, and loadstone ; and in her hand a spunge made of sea-froth. THE THIRD PAGEANT is a triumphal arch of Loyalty ; upon the top of which is exalted Fame, with her wings displayed, seeming to proffer a flight, and to mount fi'om the earth and rove abroad. Her garments all over embroidered with eyes, ears, and tongues ; blowing a trumpet. In the four arches are placed three figures, and a spealver, which is Loyalty ; the three appiu'tenant figures. Truth, Union, Concord. Loyalty. Li a purple robe, semined with stars of gold, a golden scarf cross from the right shoulder to the left side ; scarlet-colom-ed silk hose ; silver buskms, laced and surfled with sky-colour and gold ribbon ; a long curl'd bright brown peruge, and on it a shining coro- net of golden hearts. She beareth in her left hand, on a shield. Gules, the rose and crown ; and with this motto. Jacobus Imperator. Truth. In a white sarsenet robe, a cloath of silver mantle, with fair curl'd flaxen hair, a garland of white lillyes, white silk hose, white bus- kms laced with silver ribbon. In one hand a sword of pollished iron illustrated with stars (with which she chaseth away errors) ; in the other hand a banner of my Lord Mayor's. Union. In a robe of green sarsnet, sprinkled with divers annulets of gold. A chain of gold thrice double about her neck. Her legs and HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 347 feet beautified with buskins of gold, surfled with watched silk and silver ribbon. A wreath of green laurel (about a long curl'd peruo-e of bright hair) on her head. Bearing in one hand an escutcheon, Vert, charged with a triangle within a circle or. In the other hand, a ban- ner of the Companies. Concord. A fair virgin in a scarlet-colour'd robe, a sky-colour'd and gold scarf, fair bright hair, and about her head a garland of white and red roses, representing the concord and union of king and people, the court and citv ; white buskins laced with watched and gold ribbon. In her left hand a shining shield of polished iron, charged with a grove of mjrtles ; for such is the nature and harmonious concord of those trees, that, although they be planted a good space one from another, they will meet, and one embrace the other. In the front of this scene is a sea-lyon, fish from the middle down- wards, on the back of which is placed a young black ; with four little Tritons, one at each corner of the stage. The Second Speech, by Loyaety. Protect me (sir), into your arms I fly, The patron of rejected Loyalty ; Within whose loyal heart our phoenix nests, Who suck'd your first allegiance from these breasts. Banish'd with fair Astrtea in a cloud, By violence of the ungrateful crowd ; To shine like her in a serener sky, A constellation to your heaven I fly. With Union, Truth, and Concord to maintain That sovereignty which lower orbs profane. 'Twas here (my lord) I found a second birth, When Loyalty was banish'd from the earth ; Whom loyal senators did re-install. And made me sit triumphant in the Guild-Hall. Advancing now the power of my command, There's not a foe that dare that pow'r withstand ; Nay, such is the late fondness of the town. That every one wou'd court me for his own. But to avoid pretenders, in your brest This halcyon more securely makes her nest; Wishing that happy peace within your reign. Which only Loyalty can best maintain. THE FOURTH PAGEANT. iEtna, or the wonderful Sicilian momitain, u[)on tlie top, casting forth sulphurous matter, fire, and smoak : at the one end whereof is 348 THE ironmongers' company. Vulcan, with a hammer in liis hand, beating upon an anvil, and three Cyclops at another anvil, with three great hammers, answering him methodically in a song, Brontes, Steropes, and Pyracmon, forging and fi'aming of thunderbolts for Jove, and heads of arrows for Cupid. At the other end is Polypheme with three other C3xlops hard at work in a minoral. Polypheme, with a crow of iron, breaking the rocks ; another with an iron bar ; a third witli a pick-axe ; the fourth with a shovel or spade, digging and throwing up iron mine and ore of tin and copper. Apollo playing upon a pipe, with two Cupids, one at each arm, with two small hammers in their hands, beating time upon a dulcimer of iron bars: whilst Vulcan and the other Cyclops are at their forges with a flute and music of keys, tongs, fire-forks, and tlie like proper instruments, keeping the same harmony at the other end. Vidcan. In a scarlet robe studded with spongles or sparks of flaming fire : lame of one leg ; a black and swarthy complexion ; his face smoaking red ; burnt locks, over which a helmet of polish'd iron, with the phoenix rising out of her own flames for the crest. Scarlet buskins, spangled over with spots of gold and sable. In his hand a hammer, beating time upon an anvil. Brontes. In a flesh-colour'd close-bodyed wastecoat, supposed to be naked, of a tawny and brown hue, with drawers and buskins of the same, straiglit and close to the skin ; with a black leather apron (Roman scallop) hanging down before; a swarthy and black com- plexion ; one great eye m the middle of the forehead ; ^vith a peruge of black sing'd hair, over Avhich is an iron helmet, upon the top of which is mounted a salamander in the flames. Steropes. In a close wastecoat, buskins, and di'awers, as tlie former, with a black leather apron semin'd with sparks of fire, black hair thrust up under his helmet, which bears a salamander as the former. PjTacmon. In a wastecoat, buskins, and drawers of the same, semin'd thick with sparkles and spots of fire. One eye in the middle of his forehead, fiery, red, and sparkling, with a yellow burnt peruge, short and frizl'd, under an iron helmet, bearing a salamander on the top, in tlie midst of incircling flames, as his two brethren before accouter'd. Polypheme. A giant of a large size, one great eye in the middle of his forehead, in a robe of deep carnation, discolour'd with the several HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 349 minerals of the earth ; standing at tlie entrance of the cave with a crow of iron in his hand, to break the rocks that hinder the access to the mines, and a sword in the other to prevent all others but the rio-ht worshipful the Company of Ironmongers (whose peculiar prerogatives it is) to enter. The other three Cyclops in close robes, supposed to be naked, as the former, saving that, instead of fiery and light spangles, they are stain'd with the ore of iron, tin, copper, and the tincture of the eartlien minerals; buskins of iron plated with tin, and laced with copper: digging and throwing up the minerals of iron and copper, whilst Apollo descends to make them music with his harmonious pipe. Apollo. A young man in a robe of the sun-beams, pollished with gold, holding in his left hand a thimderbolt, and in his right hand a scepter (which signifies government) ; on the top of which is dexter- ously engraven an eye, wliich signifies the power that oversees and beholds all things. The two Cupids dressed in wings, with the bows and quivers by their wastes, beating time to Apollo's pipe. Vulcan hops out of his cave, and with all humble reverence addresses himself to his lordsliip, in the last speech. The Third Speech, by Vulcan. Here, sir, in iron mines of sulphurous earth, Where smoak and fiery vaiaours take their birth, TVe forge out thunder-bolts for incenc'd Jove, And heads of arrows for the God of Love; "With lightning flames to pierce the stubborn heart, Or win the loyal with a golden dart ; Lame Vulcan's and the swarthy Cyclop's trust. The ill man's terror, the reward o' th' just ; Teaching you such to take to your embrace, And curb with steel the God-contemning race. Semiramis may boast her golden tower?, Carthage her brick, and Thebes her brazen bowers ; A stronger wall your Carthage does inviron, AVhose first foundation is laid in iron. And shall withstand the envy of the Turk, Where heav'n-aspiring Titans are at work. With rods of iron to keep the beast in awe. And make the lawless rebel stoop to law. Where great Apollo, with mysterious art Of niusick, condescends to play a part. 350 THE ironmongers' company. His hand a scepter bears (which does imply Your government) on that disphiy'd an eye, With which you must look down from your high sphere With vigilance, to crown th'ensuing year. His lordship vouchsafing a bow, with a seeming approbation of what was dehvered, rides forward towards King-street; where the foot- marshal, having placed the assistants, liverj, and Companies on both sides the way, the pensioners with their tai'gets hung on the top of their javelms, the ensign-bearers m the rear, drums and fifes in the front, together with the foynes, budge-batchellors, and gentlemen- ushers, his lordship rides to Guild-hall, where again he is saluted by the expert Artillery Company with three volleys more, which concludes their duty for that day. His land-attendants pass through a lane of the Companies so planted to Guild-hall ; after which, the Company re- pair to the Hall to dinner, the several silk-works and triumphs bemg convey 'd mto Grocers'-hall, durmg which time the speakers and chil- dren upon the pageants refresh themselves till his lordship has dined ; whose table, for the greater magnificence of this year's splendour, being the first of his reign, is honoured with the presence of both their Majesties, the Prince and Princess of Denmark, &c. The King's together wdth the Lord INIayor's musick playing all the while at dinner, the following songs, peculiarly appropriated to the design of the day and the mystery of the Company, are sung at the several tables. Song at the Lord Mayor's Tabi^e. The storm is all ovei', a halcyon calm Has smooth'd the rough face of the sea : Crown every glass with a garland of palm, The emblem of victory. Great Jove the proud Titans subdu'd in a trice, That we might for ever, for ever rejoyce. Chonis. — Then a health to that one whom Heav'n to the throne Did in spite of pretenders restore : May the friends of the Crown be install'd with renown, And his enemies hang at the door. H. With courage and conduct our Ca?sar endow'd Did the factious bands overcome, Surpriz'd the great Dagon, the god of tiie crowd, And brought him a captive home. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 351 Great Jove has the Cyclops a sacrifice made, No more on the rights of his throne to invade. Then a health, &c. III. When steel-daring giants made war with the gods, Their thunder the slaves did despise ; But when the ccelestials had gotten the odds Their throne they secur'd in the skies. His friends have exalted our Jove in his sphear, But the fall of the rebels hath settled him there. Then a health, &c. IV. With the wealth and the bounty of air, sea, and land, Shall our plentiful tables be spread ; A brimmer of nectar in every man's hand, Such as gods at their banquets had. From the earth, from the air, we will serve up the best. And drain up the ocean to furnish each guest. With a health, &c. The Companies Song. I. Wou'd you know the comely graces That adorn our earthly dame ? Copper nose and brazen faces Are embelishments of shame. Wou'd you know her comely graces. They more noble virtues claim. II. Praise of iron, weight, and measure. In due numbers to relate. Tops all mines in Nature's treasure That are useful to a state. Praise of iron, weight, and measure. Larger volumes would create. III. Gold and silver in the using Melts like wax before the sun. Fertile ir'n is still producing A new ofF-spring of her own. Gold and silver in the using (While this stays behind) is flown. 352 THE ironmongers' company, IV. City dons may heap up treasure, But shou'd they expose their stock, Wolves and tygers wou'd make seisure, And wou'd socn devour the flock. City dons may heap up treasure, Garamercy trusty lock. V. City arms and the portcullis In our guild the mayor instals, 'Tis a charm against the bullies ; One cold inch his courage palls. City ai-ms and the portcullis Keep us safer than our walls- YI. Iron head-piece, or strong armour, Tho' an horse-shoe (if well plac'd), AYill not only keep us warmer, But more safe in ir'n encas'd. Ir'n head-piece and strong armour Has grim death it self out-fac'd. VII. Woman, crookeder by nature Than the rib of which she came. Iron stales reform her stature. And will rectifie the frame. Woman, cross and crook'd by nature. This will set her right again. VIII. Loadstone does not draw the iron, Homage to the flow'r to own. Whence vast ships the world inviron AVhich upon the floods are drawn. Loadstone does not draw the iron, 'Tis the steel attracts the stone. IX. There's not a mineral in nature So much deserves the diadem. Whence all things move by land and water. And richest ships the ocean stem. There's not a mineral in nature Like our subterranean gem. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 353 X. From the plowshire to the scepter, Spits and forks and keenest blades, Adam in his Eden kept her To stitch fig-leaves in the shades. From the needle to the scepter, She's the ancient'st of all trades. Third Soxg, to the King. Dubba-dubba-dub, stand your gi'ound, Let the drums make a noise, and the cheerful trumpet sound, In conqu'ring laurel each glass be crown'd With a health to our royal James. To your order there, ranks and files. Till the bottles all vanquish'd become your noble spoils ; 'Tis Mars and Bacchus, boys, with their smiles. Victory, victory, proclaims. Tanta-ra-ra-ra, to your arras. The rebels o'th' West the town alarms. The mobile's up, and the country swarms With a pack of rebellious knaves. Sparks who resistance think no crime. Bold speak, with the Polish Prince of Lime, Who would be a king before his time : From a subject to his slaves. IL Charge again, my boys, never spare. It will banish all fear, and will drive away despair ; ' Twill make 's more active and fit for war To oppose the audacious foe. In dull sobriety let 'em pine. And with weaker advice weaker element combine. Whilst we, inspir'd with sprightly wine, Give the slaves a full overthrow. Now, boys, give fire, charge to the right. The slave dares not drink will never fight ; Let the hungry mortal stoop to flight Who has neither coin nor score. We who are arm'd to serve our King, And with our allegiance courage bring. Must fight for his rights, and drink to bring Him wealth to encrease his store. 2 A 354 THE ironmongers' company. III. Bring the cannons up t' tbeir round, Let the cartridges fly, and the pounders tear the ground, Each loyal souldier, with conquests crown'd. Bring a brimful of trophies home. Make the rebels fly, horse and foot, 'Tis a volley of bumpers must end the hot dispute ; Who holds out longest, stands fairest to't, In conclusion must overcome. See, see, they fly, the work is done, The day is our own, the battel's won, The usurper's a captive brought to town, His neck to the block does yield. So may our foes all health disband, Whilst we knock 'em down two in a hand ; Who fights as he drinks whilst he can stand Falls a victim in honour's field. Dinner being ended, and night ajjproaching, his Majesty, attended with a noble guard, returns to White- hall, and his lordsliip, attended by a private retmue of his own Company, takes coach, and is conducted to Grocers'-hall, where, betaking himself to his private recessements, those that attend him depart with decency and order to their respective habitations. Finis. The right reserved by the Crown in the new charters to remove the Masters, Wardens, and Liverymen of the City Companies at pleasure Avas soon put in force, as appears by the following Order in Council : * * " In the new charters a power had been reserved to the Crown of dis- missing magistrates at pleasure. This power v.as now exercised without limit. It was by no means equally clear that James had the power of ap- pointing new magistrates ; but, whether it belonged to him or not, he deter- mined to assume it. Everywhere, from the Tweed to the Land's End, Tory HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 355 At a Court at Windsor, the 25 Sep. 1687. By the King's most excellent Ma*''' and the Lords of his Ma^ most Hono^i^ Piyvy Councell. Whereas hy the late charters granted to the several Companies of London, it is provided, that his Ma*'% his heirs and successors, may by order m councell from tyme to tyme displace or remove the master, wardens, and assistants, of the said several Companies, or any of them, and thereupon the place or places of such pson or psons soe removed shalbe void : And whereas his Ma^^^ hath thought fit that several members of the said several Companies should be removed : His Ma**^ in Councell is pleased to order, and it is hereby ordered accord- mgly, that— John Grice, Master, Tho* Pattle, Rich*^ LigTam, ) John Foster, Ironmonger, Hemy Mudd, Esq. \ ^^^^^'^^ns, ^j^^, Humphreys, Su' Rob. GefFerey, Knt. Geo. Fewtrell, John Sampson, Esq. Cha^ Thorold, jun'", Will'^ Hinton, John Beale, Nicho. Wyld, Edward Morgan, Benia. Skutt, John Godshall, Tho^ Nicholas, Thomas Sands, Edw^ Spencer, Francis Halton, Tho^ Niccolls, Thomas Harper, Assistants of the Company of Ironmongers, be, and they are hereby removed and displaced from being any longer master, wardens, or functionaries were ejected, and the vacant places were filled with Presbyterians, Independents, and Baptists. In the new charter of the Cit) of London the Crown had reserved the power of displacing the Masters, Wardens, and As- sistants of all the Companies. Accordingly more than eight hundred citizens of the first consideration, all of them members of that party which had opposed the Exclusion Bill, were turned oat of ofl[ice by a single edict. In a short time appeared a supplement to this long list.'* But scarcely had the new office- bearers been sworn in when it was discovered that they were as unmanageable as their predecessors." — Macaulay's History of England, ii. 336. ^ Privy Council Book, Sept. 25th, 1687: Feb. 21st, 1087-8. 2 A 2 356 THE ironmongers' company. assistants of the said Company; and his jMa*^ is further pleased to order, that the Lord Maior and Court of Aldermen do forthwith signify his Ma*"^ pleasure herein to the said Company. Wm.* Bridgman. A ti'ue copy of the Order in Councell. Wag STAFF. Peake, Maior. Martis xi° die Octob. 1687, annoq. R. R. Jacobi Scdi, Ang. &c. tertio. Whereas his ]\Ia*y, by letters pattents under the great seale of England, hath granted, ordained, and established, that all the misteries and compa^ of or belonging unto this cittie, and all their members, should be under the government of this Court, and that this Court should appoint and order w*=** of the said Comps should have liveries, and that all members of the said Companies chosen, or to be chosen, into the livery, should before admission to that place bee approved or might be rejected by this Court : And also this Court should or miglit from tyme to tyme, at their discretion, dismisse, remove, and discharge any person or persons now being or hereafter shalbe of the livery of the said Comp^ from the said place : And Avhereas his jNIa*-''' by his letter, under his sign manuall, directed to this Court, hath signified his royal Avill and pleasure, that the several persons hereunder named, should by this Court be forthw*'' removed and discharged from being of the livery or liverymen of their respective Comp^ within this citty ; and his Ma}^ therein taking notice that, at the tyme of the late svirrenders of severall of the charters, powders, or priviledges of divers Comp* w^'in this cittie, in y^ reigne of his Ma^^ or his late dearest brother, many members then of tlie livery or liverymen of their respective Comp* were thereby displaced, and have ever since bin deprived and debarred of their former priviledges of being of the livery of their respective Comp^, and his Ma^^ thereby further signifying that being well persuaded of their loyalty and duty, and fully resolved to encourage and countenance all his subjects of dutiful behaviour towards his IMa*^ and his government, soe long as they continue to act accordingly : His Ma^^ declares his further will and pleasure, that this Court should cause the several persons who at the tyme of the late surrenders of their severall charters were of the livery of their respective Comp% and by the means aforesaid were thereof deprived, to HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 357 bee again restored (except such only as are lierein named) to their said former priviledges of being of the Kvery of their said respective Comp^ as fully and effectually as they were at the tyme of the said late surrenders, anything to the contrary notwithstanding : This Court doe therefore, pursuant to the powers graunted by the letters pattents afore- said, and m obedience unto his M*'^^ command signifyed by his Ma^^' letter aforesaid, remove and discharge the several persons hereunder named from being of the livery or liverymen of the respective Companies of this cittie hereafter menconed. And it is ordered by this Court, that all the members of the said respective Companies (except such as are hereby removed) who, at the times of the late surrenders of their several charters were of the livery of the said respective Companies, and by that means deprived thereof, be again restored and re-admitted to theu* said former priviledges of being of the livery of the said respective Comp* as fully and effectually as they were at the tyme of the said surrenders, and that they hold and enjoy the same place and precedence in tlieir said Comp^ that they held at the tymes of the said surrenders ; and it is ordered by this Court that the names of all such members of the said respective Comp® as are to be restored to the livery in persuance of his Ma*^*^* coinand and this order be psented to this Court in writing m one colume, and that the names of all the other their respective liverymen now remayning and not hereby displaced be psented in another colume at the same tyme. The liverymen removed hj this order were the same persons named in the previous Order of Council, vdth the addition of two others, namely, John Pierce and John Green. Another order from the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen under the same date as the foregoing, and addressed to the Ironmongers' Company, directs that, in obedience to the commands of his Majesty — The master, wardens, or assistants (or such of them as not being removed by liis Ma^^ as aforesaid are now remayning in the said place), of all the Comp^ of this cittie whose charters have been surrendered as aforesaid, doe forthwith summon, restore, and re-admit soe many of the members of their respective Comp^^ as were assistants at the time uf the 358 THE ironmongers' company. surrenders of their said charters, except those removed by his Ma*^ by Oixler of Councill as aforesaid, to their former place of assistants, as will complete and fill up the number of their respective assistants, dii'ected and appointed by their charters ; and all the said persons soe to be restored have and enjoy the same places, precedences, and priviledges, among the assistants of then- respective Comp*, as they held at the tyme of the said sm'renders. And in further pui'suance of his ]^|.^nes pleasure, signified as aforesaid, it is likewise ordered, that in any of the said Comp* where the place or places of master or wardens, or any of them, are vacant by removal aforesaid, the said Comp^ doe forthwith proceed to choose and admitt other persons into the said place for master or wardens soe vacant. And it is further ordered, that the clerks of all the Companies doe bring to this Court in writuig an account of their proceedings herein, together w^ the names of their master or wardens when chosen, and their Court of Assistants when completed as aforesaid. Wagstaff. In obedience to the foregoing order, these persons following were appointed master, wardens, assistants, and livery of this Company, and were accordmgly returned to the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen on the 19th October, 1687. Wilham Walker, Master. } Ambrose Nicholas, , Wardens. Thomas Puckle, • Assistants. Charles Thorold, Esq. Charles Phillips. Richard Young, Esq. Robert Wadsworth. Xpofer Foster. George Carew. Saml Morris. Charles Milson. Thomas Ayres. John Woolfe. Edward INIadox. Hem-y Palmer. William Haies. William Gunston. John Young. Sam^ Foote. William Bradford. Joseph Addams. Nico. Uridge. Peter Walker. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 359 William Brice. Hugh Norris. Samuel Storey. William Hiet. Thomas Hunt. John Foster, Attor^. Daniel Gates. John Livermore. Edward Cozens. Isaac Gregory. Robert Green. Lawrence Stephenson. James Wagstaif. Thomas Smith. Samuel Alford. Samuel Richards. Thomas Humfryes | William Humfryes \ Thomas Dunk. Samuel Wells. James Richards. George Broome. Edward Thompson. Ralph Hartley. Thomas Piggott. Richard Babbington. Liverymen. brothers. Joseph Payne. Thomas Briscoe. Thomas Bar sham. William Chase. Roger Biurrows. Richard Nodes. PhiU. Fincher. Joseph Head. Nath^ Woodman. William Crosse. Thomas Addams. February 23. A Court was specially summoned to con- sider the following communications for the removal of cer- tain members of the Company and the restoration of others: At the Court at Whitehall, the 10th February, 1687. By the King's most excellent Ma*y and the Lords of his Ma«es most hono^^^ Privy Councell. Whereas by the late charters granted to the severall Companies of London it is provided that his Maty, bis heirs and successors, may by order m councell from tyme to tyme displace and remove the master, wardens, and assistants of the said several Companies, or any of them, and thereupon the place or places of such person or persons soe removed shalbe voyd : And whereas his Ma^y has thought fit that several mem- bers of the said several Comp* should be removed ; His Ma^y in councell is pleased this day to order, and it is hereby ordered, that Thomas Piggott and Sam' Wells, assistants to y'' Company of Ironmongers, bee 360 THE ironmongers' company. and they are hereby removed and displaced from being any longer as- sistants of the said Company : And his Ma*y is further pleased to order, that the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen doe forthwith signify his Ma*^'* pleasure herein to the said Comp^. John Nicholas. Shorter, Maior. Martis, xiiij. die Feb'', 168|, annoq^ R. R. Jacobi Scdi, Ang. &c. iiij. His Ma}'" having bin pleased by his royall letter, under his sign manuall directed to this Court, to declare his pleasure that this Court should cause the several persons hereunder named to be restored to their former privileges of being of the assistants and the livery or livery- men of their respective Companies w*''in the cittie; it is therefore ordered by this Court, that the master, wardens, and assistants of the several Comp^ hereafter named doe forthwith (in conformity to his j^lj^ties pleasure) restore the said several persons to their former privi- leges respectively of bemg of the assistants and of the livery of their respective Companies ; that is to say, A List of the Assistants to be restored unto the Ironmongers. Nicholas Wyld. Thomas Sandes. Chas Thorold, Jun"". Francis Hatton. John Beale. Thomas Harper. Edward Morgan. George Fewtrell. John Godshall. And in obedience to his INIa*'^^ further cofhand, signified by another royal letter sent down to this Court, it is ordered that the severall per- sons heremider named be removed and discharged from being of the livery or liverymen of the said Company, and the master, wardens, and assistants of the said Company are required to put the said persons' names out of the list of the livery : that is to say, Thomas Piggott. Thomas Smith. Samuel Wells. Roger Burroughs. John Livermore. Nath^ Woodman. Edward Cozens. Thomas Addams. Tvaurence Stevenson. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 361 And it is further ordered by this Court, that the clerk of the said Company doe forthw*'^ brmg to this Court in writing, subscribed by the master or one of the wardens of the said Company an exact list of the master, wardens, assistants, and livery of the said Company, both such as are now to be restored as those still continuing and not removed. Wagstapfe. In compliance with the foregoing orders, the following list was re- turned to the Lord Mayor and Coiu't of Aldermen on the 10th day of March, 1687 :— William Walker, Master. } Ambrose Nicholas, Thomas Puckle, Charles Thorold, Esqi". Sen^. Richard Young, Esq. Nicholas Wyld. Christ. Foster. Sam^ Morris. Thomas Ayres. Edward Madox. William Haies. John Young. William Bradford. Nicholas Urage. Charles Phelps. Robert Wadsworth. George Carew. Charles Milson. John Woolfe. Henry Palmer. William Gunston. Samuel Foote. Joseph Adams. Peter Walker. In all 44 Assistants. Wardens. William Brice. Hugh Norris. Sam' Storey. William Hiet. Thomas Hunt. John Foster, Attor^. Dan^ Gate. James Richards. George Browne. Edward Thompson. George Fewtrell. Charles Thorold, Jun'". Ralph Hartley. John Beale. Rich'^' Babbington. Edward Morgan. John Godschall. Thomas Sandes. Francis Hutton. Thomas Harper. 362 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. Isaac Gregory. Robert Greene. James WagstafFe. Sam' Alford. James Richards.* Thomas Humfryes. William Humfryes. Thomas Dmike. Thomas Briscoe. Thomas Bamshaw. WilHam Chase. Richard Nodes. Phihp Fincher. Joseph Head. WilHam Crosse. Thomas Addams. Liverymen, 16. (Signed) Thos. Puckle, Wai'den. "WTien James the Second received from his Minister at the Hague, the intelligence that he might with certainty before long expect a powerful invasion from Holland, he seems for the first time to have beheld the brink of the precipice to which his arbitrary and unjust government had led him ; and then, when it was too late, he sought to regain the aUenated affections of his people. Among various other concessions and retractations, he restored the charter of the city of London, and stopped the proceedings of quo war- ranto against the companies and municipal corporations of the country. In the month of October, 1688, the following Precept was received from the Lord Mayor : — To the Master and Wardens of the Compy of Ironmonoers. By the Maior. Whereas his Ma"*^ has lately restored to the cittizens of tliis cittie their antient libertyes and franchises, and directed that the Lord INIaior of this cittie for y^ yeare ensuing shall forthw* be elected in the manner heretofore accustomed before the judgment upon y® quo warranto, and Sir Sam^ Thompson and Sir Humphrey Edwin having by his Ma*^® been nominated for sheriffs untill sheriffs shalbe elected by the Maior and coialty and cittizens of this cittie, for the psent yeare ; these are Qy ? Samuel. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 363 therefore to require you, that you cause all yo'' liverymen of your Com- pany to come together in their livery gownes to Guildhall on Thursday morning next at nine of the clocke, there to make the said elecons in the manner heretofore accustomed witlun theii* cittie ; and also to choose chamberlen and bridg-master, &c. for this present yeare. Given this 9th* day of October, 1688. Wagstaffe. On the 21st of November following, the Court of the Ironmongers' Company was especially summoned to re- ceive a note from the Lord Chancellor, in these words : — I desire the master, wardens, and some of the assistants, to attend mee to morrow at three of the clocke in y^ aftemoone, at my house in Duke Street, Westmmster. Dated 20th November, 1688. Jeffreys, C. To the Master and Wai'dens of the Compy of Ironmongers. At the time appointed the master wardens, Mr. Thomas Nicholas, Mr. Edward Spencer, Mr. Henry Palmer, with the clerk, attended his loPP, who declared that his Ma*^ was pleased to return unto them the ComP* surrender under their seal, uncancelled, dated the 17th day of July, 1684, and that they should be in the same condition as they were in before the quo warranto was brought against the cittie of London ; and his Io^p further declared his Ma*y would grant the Comj^/ siich additions unto their old charter as may be of advantage unto them in their bye-laws, or what else they should reasonably require, or words to that effect ; when the master and other members in attendance re- turned his loPP thanks, m the names of themselves and the Comp^, for liis care of them. * Previous to the alteration of the style in 175:2, Lord Mayor's day was always on the 29th October. 864 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. Letters patent of James the Second, dated the 19th November m the third year of his reign, amending and rej^eahng certain provisions of former charters, and empowering the Lord Major and Akiermen of. London to reinstate the Masters, Wardens, and Assistants of the City Companies, and to act therein as tlieir several circumstances may require. AMES THE Second, by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting. Whereas in the several charters granted by us, or our dearest brother Charles the Second, late King of England, to the several Companies, misteries, y? s and fraternities of our citty of London, or to the said citty belonging, it is provided that our said brother, or wee, his or our heirs or successors respectively, might, by order in Privy Council, remove any master or masters, warden or wardens, assistant or assistants, of the said several companies, misteries, and fraternities : And whereas wee, by order lately made in our Privy Council, did lately remove and discharge certain masters, wardens, :md assistants, of most of the companies, misteries, and fraternities aforesaid; and thereupon by oui* letters under om^ royal signe manuall, and our signet, wee have restored, and given directions for the restoring of other persons who formerly were masters, wardens, or assistants in the severall com- panies, misteries, and fraternities aforesaid, and were removed from those places ; yet neverthelesse it soe falls out that in some of tlie said com- panies, misteries, and fraternities, for want of a master, Avardens, or a sufficient number of assistants, the said companies, misteries, or fraternities, cannot (as we are given to understand) have courts of assistants for dis- patch of their necessary affairs and business, or else the master, war- dens, or assistants, newly chosen or to be chosen, or soe as aforesaid re- stored or to be restored, cannot well take the oaths for performance of their offices respectively, and be thereunto admitted according to their charters, or the ordinances and laws of the said companies, misteries, and fraternities : Therefore to supply tlie said defects, and all others of like HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 365 nature in y*^ companies, misteries, and fraternities aforesaid, and for the better and more easy proceeding and prosecucon of the affairs and busi- ness of the said companies, misteries, and fraternities, Know ye, that, of onr speciall grace, certaine knowledge, and meere mocon, wee have granted, ordained, constituted, and estabhshed, and by these presents for us, our heirs, and successors, wee do grant, ordaine, constitute, and esta- blish, until by us, our heirs, and successors, it shall be otherwise ordered and provided, that in all and every the companies, misteries, and fra- ternities of the citty aforesaid, wherein by the said removal lately made, or hereafter to be made, of any master, warden, or assistant, masters, wardens, or assistants, or any of them, the said companies, misteries, and fraternities respectively, for want of a masf, wardens, or assistants, or any of them, or a sufficient number of them, or any of them, cannot well and properly have and keepe courts of assistants according to the prescription or directions of then* charters respectivelj-, or accordmg to the respective ordinances or customs of the said companies, misteries, or fraternities, or in the said companies, misteries, or fraternities heretofore commonly used ; or the new masters, wardens, or assistants chosen or to be chosen, or any others in manner aforesaid restored or to be restored, or any of them, cannot take the oaths of their offices respectively, and to be admitted thereunto accordmg to the form and effect of the char- ters or ordinances or customs of the said companies, misteries, or frater- nities respectively, or in which companies, misteries, or fraternities, by the removal, as aforesaid, now or hereafter, of any master, wardens, or assistants, or any of them, anything necessary, requisite, or expedient, now is or hereafter shall be wanting for, touchmg or concerning the election or admission of any new master, wardens, or assistants chosen or to be chosen, restored or to be restored, into the place or places of any master, wardens, or assistants so as aforesaid removed or to be re- moved, or for administering the oaths of office to any such new master, wardens, or assistants, or in touching or concerning any other matters or affiairs of the said companies, misteries, or fraternities respectively to be done or dispatched ; in all the aforesaid cases, and in all other such and the like cases in, touching, or concerning anj' of the said compa- nies, misteries, or fraternities, the master, wardens, and assistants of the said companies, misteries, and fraternities respectively, now or here- after remaining and not removed from the said offices, or the greater part of them (althoe noe master or wardens, or a sufficient number of 366 THE ironmongers' company. the master, wardens, or assistants, according to the forme and effect of the aforesaid charters, ordinances, or customs, should not be remaining from time to tune as often as the case shall require), shall and may elect, nominate, restore, and make other masters, wardens, and assist- ants in the place or places of the master, wardens, or assistants soe removed or to be removed, or in anywise void or to be void. And the said master, wai'dens, and assistants of the severall companies aforesaid now or hereafter remaming and not removed, or any two or more of them, shall and may administer to the said other master, wardens, or assistants to be newly chosen, restored, or made, or now chosen or restored, the severall oathes accustomed and prescribed for the good and faithful execution of the said offices respectively. To which said master, wardens, and assistants of tlie several and respective companies, misteries, and fraternities aforesaid soe as aforesaid not removed, or any two or more of them in every company, for us, om- heirs and succes- sors, we give and grant full power, by these presents, to administer the said oathes of office to the master, wardens, and assistants of then' com- panies, misteries, and fraternities respectively soe as aforesaid chosen or to be chosen, or restored or to be restored, as the case shall require. And wee further will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and suc- cessors, wee grant, ordaine, constitute, and establish. That every person and persons soe aforesaid chosen or to be chosen, appointed or to be appointed to the offices of master, warden, or assistant of the companies aforesaid respectively, or any of them, and all other persons restored or to be restored to the said offices, or any of them, or to the hvery in any company, mistery, or fraternity of the city aforesaid, by command from us lately given to the mayor and aldermen of the said city, shall take upon him, performe, and execute in all things the said office respectively, in as large manner and forme as any master, warden, or assistant or liveryman respectively of the said companies, had performed and executed the same in times past ; and that all and every person and persons soe as aforesaid restored, chosen, or appointed to be restored, chosen, or appointed, shall, to all intents and purposes, be good and lawful master and masters, warden and w^ardens, assistant and assist- ants, or liverymen respectively of the said companies wherein they have bin or shall be soe as aforesaid restored or chosen to the said offices respectively. And further, that neither the Oath of Supremacy or Allegiance nor any subscription or making of an^^ dccLiration men- HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 367 coned or expressed in any Act of Parliament or statute, nor any other oath, except only the oath for the good and faithful execution of the offices of master, warden, assistant, or liveryman respectively, nor any receiving the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, or anything else whatso- ever, shall hereafter be required, demanded, or exacted from any per- son or persons chosen or to be chosen, appointed or to be appointed, restored or to be restored into the offices of master, warden, assistant, or liveryman respectively of any of the companies, misteries, or frater- nities of the city aforesaid, but that all and every person and persons now chosen, or hereafter to be chosen, appointed or to be appointed, restored or to be restored to the offices of master, warden, assistant, or livery of the companies of the city aforesaid, or any of tliem, upon takmg only the oath for execon of their offices respectively, may be hereafter admitted into the said office respectively, and take upon them, perform, and execute the same in all things without taking any oath or other thing to bee exacted or required, or any other capacity, qualifica- tion, or thing whatsoever to be necessary or requisite thereunto. And wee fm-ther will and constitute, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, wee grant to y« mayor and aldermen of the city afore- said, for the time being, or any thirteene of them, full power and autho- ritie that, in case any master, wardens, or assistants now being of any of the companies, misteries, or fraternities of the city aforesaid, shall faile or refuse to choose, restore, admit, or swear any person or persons to be chosen, restored, admitted, or sworne, as the case shall require, into the office of master, warden, or assistant of the said companies re- spectively, or to doe and pursue those things which they ought or are required by these our letters patents, or if any person or persons newly chosen or to be chosen as aforesaid, or restored or to be restored to the office of master, warden, or assistant of any of the companies aforesaid, shall refuse to take his oath before the master, warden, or assistants that now or hereafter shall be of the said companies, or any two or more of them, that in every such case the said mayor and aldermen for the time being, or any thirteen of them, shall and may choose, restore, or admit the masters, wardens, or assistants, as the case shall require, of such companies as aforesaid, and administer to them respectively the oathes, and doe and performe all things concerning the election, restitu- tion, or admission of any person or persons into the offices of master, warden, or assistant of any of the companies aforesaid which the 368 THE ironmongers' company. master, wardens, or assistants of the said companies now being, or any of them, by virtue of these letters patents, or according to our com and lately given and signified to the said mayor and aldermen, for restoring of severall masters, wardens, and assistants of the companies of the city of London as aforesaid or otherwise, ought or might do and performe, notwithstanding the charters heretofore granted to the said companies, or any of them, by us or our progenitors, or anything contemed in them or any of them, or any ordinance, lawes, or customes of the said companies, or the statute made in the parliament of Queen Elizabeth, in the first yeare of her reigne, or the statutes made in parliament holden in the tliird yeare of our grandfather, James the First, or the seventh yeare of his reigne, or the statutes made m parliament of our dearest brother, Charles the Second, in the thirteenth and five-and-twentieth years of his reigne, or any of them, or any other statute, ordinance, law, provision, or any other thing, cause, or matter whatsoever to the contrary thereof in anywise notwithstanding. In witness whereof we have caused these our letters to be made patents. Witness Ourself, at Westminster, tlie nineteenth day of November, in the third year ot our reigne. The accession of William and Mary to tlie throne of England was an event which at once brought with it a restoration of tranquillity and public confidence, and reheved the corporate bodies from the difiiculties and unconstitutional exactions to which they had been so long subject. Henceforth the Court Books of the Ironmongers' Com- pany lose much of their historical interest ; for, after the year 1688, their minutes refer, almost exclusively, to the ordinary concerns of the Company, and we find only a few occasional passages that require to be noticed in these pages. On the 4th of December, in the first year of William and Mary, " a Court was espetially called by virtue of ah'e from the Lords of his Majesty's Treasury, dated the 15th of the last month, and a precept from the Lord Maior of the 22d of the HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. a69 said month, and by order of Comon Councell, to desire the members of the Comp^ (the like being sent to other Com- panies) to supply his Majesty with a further loan, upon the Subsidy Act, of 12*^ per pound, when these psons following did promise to pay into the Chamber of London these sums followinsr : £ 500 Clia^ Tliorold, Esq. master Mr. John Young, mider- warden 100 Mr. Henry Palmer, hath paid . 100 £ 100 100 100 100 100 Mr. Cha^ Thorold, jun'' . Mr. Tho^ Hnmfreys, sen Mr. Nico. Urage . . . Mr. George Fewtrell ]\Ir. Tho^ Heatley, clerk Under the date of 1689, we find the foUomnsj list of Turkey and other merchants, who were at that time members of the Ironmongers' Company.* Sir Robert Geftery. Mr. Benjamin Skutt. Mr. George Carew. Mr. Thomas Thorold, jmiior. Mr. Richard Carew. Mr. William Harvey. Mr. William Newbold. Mr. Henry Mudd. Mr. Thomas Puckle. Mr. Alleyne Boyleston. Mr. Thomas Heatley. Charles Thorold, Esq. Mr. Richard Young. Mr. Thomas Hunt. Mr. John Godshall. Mr. Hush Norris. Mr. Francis Hatton. Mr. Augustus Skimier. Mr. Richard Clayton. Mr. Thomas Niccols. Mr. Samuel Storey. Mr. Nicholas Wild. Capt. William Walker. Mr. William Hiet. * Mr. Thomas Sands. Mr. Francis Witchcott. Mr. JefFery Little. Mr. Richard IngTam. Mr. Henry Hastings. Mr. William Pendarris. Mr. Henry Whitchcott. 1690. The following precept was addressed " To the M^ Wardens, and Court of Assistants of the Comp^ of Ironmongers :" — * Medley Book, p. 180. 2 B 370 THE ironmongers' company. By the Maior. Whereas by an order of the Lords of their Ma*^^^ most hon^''^ Privy Councell, I, w*'^ my brethren the Aid™, and a Comittee of the Lieutenancy of this citty, lately attended her Ma*'® in Councell, and her Ma*'® being pleased to desire that the citty of London will at this tyme raise horse and dragoons for the service of their Ma*'®^ on the present occasion, and it being this day unanimously agreed in Comon Councell that this citty will use their utmost endeavours to raise one regiment of horse and one regiment of dragoons, or what more can be raised, to be employed in their Ma**®^ service on the present occasion. These are therefore to require you forthwith to sumon a court of assistants of your Comp^, and to recommend them to raise such number of horse and dragoons, or to make a subscription of money out of the Comp* stock, as they shalbe willing to doe for the better effecting this good worke; and also to cause the severall members of the said Comp^ who dwell and inhabit w*out y^ liberty of this citty to be summoned to appear before you, and that you doe your utmost to procure such number of yo"" Comp^ as shalbe willing to raise for their said Ma*'®* service ; and in defaulte thereof, to take subscriptions of such members of yo"^" Compy as shalbe willing to promote the said service, of all such sums of money as they shalbe willing to advance for the same ; and hereof faile not. Dated this 10 day of July, 1690. By order of the Comon Councell. Another precept from the Lord Mayor, dated the 24th of February of this year, requires the Company to assist in raising the sum of 200,000/. to he lent to his Majesty, and to be repaid out of the present tax of 140,000/. per month; "when the Court, concei^dng that each member would subscribe, intended to doe the same in their respec- tive wards, and those which live without the wards the beadle is ordered to shew them the copy of the pcept, and they to doe therein as they please." 1G91. At a General Court on the 29th of August, it was ordered, that a " Comittee be chosen to fynde out a way and means to gett the Comp^ out of debt, and if HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 371 possible to lessen their expenses, and towards that purpose ,they are desired to dispose of such plate as the Compy have not any occasion to use ; and all the donors which gave the said plate, and all other benefactors unto this Compy, their names to be sett upp in two tables in the great Hall and in the parlour below." In pursuance of this resolution 970 ounces of plate were sold, which produced 252/. 18s. M. The sum of 4,661/. Qs. M., being the balance of principal money advanced by the Ironmongers' Company to the Long Parliament, had always been brought forward in their annual cash account ; but after the year 1692, all hopes of repayment being abandoned, this item no longer appears in the financial statement. 1693. The Lord Mayor addressed a precept to the Compy, requiring them to lend, for the use of her Majesty, such sums as they could spare out of their common stock ; but the Company being in debt, could not comply with his lordship's precept. 1694. " It was ordered that George Attwood, Esq. paying a fyne of 30" and two fatt bucks on next election day, and consenting to pay his quarterage as other members do, shall be excused and discharored from bearino- any oflS.ce in this Company." " Upon the address of Dionissus Congu Babus, of the city of Larissa, a Greek presbeter (for some assistance to carry him into his own country), he having been sometyme resident in the University, and pducing good testimonials from several of the bishopps, the Court ordered him forty shillings."* * Donations of money are very frequent in these records : not only are the City Companies called upon to relieve the necessities of private indigence, but there is scarcely any public charity whatever whose petitions for aid are not laid before them. 2 B 2 372 THE ironmongers' company. 1696, March 27. The Supervisors met at North's Coffee House, "to consider of a pcept lately receved from the Lord Maior, requiring that all the members of the Compy should be summoned together to subscribe the Association entered into by the hon^^^ House of Commons, when it Avas ordered that they be forthwith summoned to the Hall on Tuesday next, for that purpose." April 6. Thursday in Easter week being appointed for a general thanksgiving for the discovery of the late horrid conspu'acy against the King and Idngdom, it was ordered that all the livery be summoned to Bow Church, and after the serA'ice to a dinner to be provided at the Hall. 1697. At a meeting of Supervisors at North's Coffee House, it was resolved "that there should be music to attend the Compy when the King passes through the city, and that Morris and his company be agreed with for the same. The Ironmongers' rails on this occasion were sixty feet in length, the front rail four feet high, the back rail five feet and a half high and five feet wide from out to out, extending from the side of the passage going into Mar- gett's Coffee-house westward." Nov. 16. The Court directed " that the master and wardens, and those whose turn it was, and who were ap- pointed to dine with Sir Thomas Lane, late Lord Mayor (who left off the ancient custom of treating the Companies), doe dine with the psent Lord Mayor, Sir Humphrey Edwyn, if the other senior Companies doe dine with him as heretofore accustomed, and such other members of this Company as may please." 1697-8. The following order occurs under this date : — Clarke, Maior. ]\Iartis 27° die Julii, annoq^ r. r. Will. Ang. &c. nono. This Court being liiglily sensible that several persons free of the HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 373 Companies of tliis city amongst others are called upon the liveries of their respective Companies who have neither estates nor abilities to take the clothing upon them, Avhich proceedings tend not only to the im- poverishment of them and their families, but is also at last a charge and burthen to the Companies to which they belong ; It is now ordered for the future, that no person be called to take upon him the clothing of any of the Twelve Companies, unless he have an estate of a thousand pomids, and that no person be called to take upon him the livery of the inferior Companies unless he have an estate of five hundred pounds. GOODFELLOW. 1698. The Supervisors agreed with Mr. Meeres to pro- vide music for the next Lord Mayor's day; " there to be five persons, and the man that playes on the tongues ; and th€ music to have five pounds as heretofore, but they to Avaite att the lanceing of the barge gratis if required." 1699. At a meeting at North's Cofi'ee House, " it was ordered that the Company be summoned next Lord Mayor's day to the Hall in the morning, from thence to goe to the barge, and that there l^e pro^dded in the barge four gallons of canary, and four dozen bottles of beer and ale, and two dozen of roUs ; and that Mr. Warden Brome provide ribbons necessary, and that the admirall's flagg be used ia the barge, and that the great streamer be carried before the Company." On the 27th April in the same year, the Verger of St Paul's Cathedral appeared before the Court, and " praved some allowance for y pew, when the Court declared their dissatisfacon in their pew allotted, that they could neither see nor heare the minister, and determined to make no allowance till they were l)etter accommodated, and that then they would be as kind as other Companies are in such cases ; and the master and Avardens, Sir E-ob*^ Gefieryes and Cor. Walker, are desired to wait on the persons proper to procui'e better seates." 170-i, the second of Queen Anne. " It was ordered that 374 THE ironmongers' company. 1,500/. be insured on the Comp* Hall, and houses con- tiguous thereto, in possession of Mr. John Ince, Mr. Jno. Willvinson, and Joshua Morris, in the office for insuring houses from fire by mutuall contribucon, kept in St. Martin' s-lane in the Strand ; that the said insurance be made for seven years, and taken in the name of Joshua Morris, clerk of this Company." Sept. 4, " The wardens were directed to have the Com- pany's stands set up previous to the 7th instant, that being the thanksgiving day for the late glorious victory obtained by her Ma*''^^ forces under the Duke of Marlborough over the Erench and Bavarians at Hockstead. It was also or- dered that there be carried before the Company on that day three large flags, "sdz. the Queen's, the Citty's, and the Company's arms ; also the Admiral's flagg, and as many small flaggs as shall be necessary." 1705. " It was ordered that Mr. Warden Hichards and the clerk leave at the Exchequer, as is usual in such cases, the two talleys for one thousand and thirty pounds jn'incipal money on the seaventh four-shillings aid, &c. and buy therewith Bank sealed bills." January 17. Mr. Warden Bichards acquainted the Court that " the Coiiiittee appointed to treate with the citty for Golden-acre, had at length agreed with the citty for the same att 175" for one thousand years, and a pepper- corn annually. The Court recommended to the said Com- mittee to take especial care that the outermost wall be taken away." 1707. A general Court was held on the first of May in this year, being the day on which commenced the Union of Eno-land and Scotland, under the denomination of Great Britain, when there were present the Master, Mr. AYarden Brisco, and about twenty-seven of the livery. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 375 1708, April 6tli. Mr. Warden Barsham acquainted the Committee. that Mr. Walker, hall-keeper, had informed him that all the Twelve Companies (except the Mercers and the Ironmongers) do accept of forty shillings, and several of them less, to encourage persons who purchase their free- dom of the city to come into their respective companies ; and upon consideration the Committee were of opinion that the Ironmongers' Company should offer their freedom on the same terms. April 29. " This Cornet, taking notice that her Majesty had lately conferred the honour of knighthood on George Thorold, Esq. a memher of tliis Company, were of opinion that the said Sir George Thorold should be put in nomina- tion for Master for the ensuing year." 1714. On the accession of George the Eirst, when the King passed through the city, the Company's stands were erected according to ancient custom. They were double, extending ninety feet in length, and terminated at the east corner of Queen Street, Cheapside. The mayoralty of Sir William Humfreys, Bart.* which occurred this year, was observed by the Company of Ironmongers, to which he belonged, with consi- derable ceremony ; but for want of due notice there was no pa- geant prepared, as appears by the following entry: — " On the * Sir William Humfreys, Knt. and Bart, only son of Nathaniel Humfreys, citizen and Ironmonger. Arras, quarterly, 1 and 4, Sable, three nag's heads erased argent ; 2 and 3, Per pale or and gules, two lions rampant endorsed counterchanged ; the badge of Ulster. — M. I, Vide Biographical Notices. 376 THE IRONMONGEKS' COMPANY. 20tli of October, the clerk acquainted the Committee then assembled that Mr. Walker, keeper of Guildhall, had been with him on Saturday last, in the afternoon, and said he was directed by the Committee of Aldermen to let the Company know that it was expected they would provide pageants on the Lord Mayor's day, when the King was to dine in the city. Elkanah Settle was thereupon conferred with ; but Mr. Hayes, who commonly undertook those things, would not intermeddle, and the pageant was relin- quished for want of time." 1716, March 27. At this Court the Company's common seal was affixed to a lease of a parcel of ground, being part of the Golden Acre fronting the pathway leading to Isling- ton, and granted by them to Mr. James Baudouin, for a term of nine hundred and ninety years, at the yearly rent of a peppercorn, for the purpose of building thereon an almshouse for Erench Protestant refugees. *'The premises conteyned in y^ lease were described in a scheame to y® lease annexed." 1718, May 18. At this Court the feoffment or grant from the Company to the Commissioners for building 50 new churches, of ground for a church, churchyard, and minister's house in or near Old Street, and a memorial to be registered, were severally sealed with the Company's seal, and a receipt for the consideration money subscribed by the Master. 1711). Mr. Butler appeared before the Committee of Supervisors, when the proposed decorations of the Com- pany's barge were read over to him, viz. " that itt be all gilt as before ; the frame worke of the inside the pannells to be white marble; the battins greene rock work and figures ; the King's arms to be new painted ; the master's HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 377 and wardens' names to* be writt att length in gold letters ; the pillars, which are now black, to be blew waved with gold, and gilt as before ; on each side the King's armes the Citties and Compan" armes in a shield, hatched with gold ; the backside of y^ doors coming into the barge and two pannells on each side to be painted four figures. Peace, Plenty, Charity, and Justice ; in the front of the said doors a sea-horse ; in the pannells on each side to be Neptune and Amphitrite ; in the pannells under them to be^flowers and fruit ; round the outside under the pillars the King's, Citty's, and Company's armes, between each a lion's face hatched with gold, with ornaments of shells and flowers ; underneath to be foulidge in stone colour, and the ogee under y^ foldage round y^ barge to be gilt, and the oares and other small matters to be done." All which the said Mr. Butler agreed to perform in good and workmanlike manner, with good and proper materials, for the sum of twenty- seven pounds. 1720. Sir George Thorold, Bart, and a member of the Company of Ironmongers, was chosen to serve the office of Lord Mayor. Arms : Sable, three goats salient argent ; the badge of Ulster. — Visitation of Lincolnshire, MS. Harl. 1190 and 1550. At the November Court this year it was related that " Mr. Thomas Holmes, digging on y^ south side of y^ ground let to him, adjoining on the south to gromid formerly used for the Chequer Brewhouse, had found a stone several feet under ground with y^ Comp^ armes on itt, w*''' stone was placed there, beyond controversie, as a boundary or meere stone of y^ Company's ground, and sufficiently demonstrates the fence wall fronting south to y^ ground used for the 378 THE ironmongers' company. Chequer Brewhouse to be y^ Compa^ wall ; whereupon it was ordered — that the stone be either continued where found or raised ux^ above ground exactly over y^ same place, so as to be seen, or that a new stone be placed above ground over y^ old stone, w* a proper inscription thereon mencioning y^ old stone underneath." 1723. Mr. Richard Phillips, Hmner, proposed to exe- cute a portrait of Su^ Hobert Geffreys, eight feet high, for the sum of thii'ty guineas, which the Court agreed to ; and in the month of January following Mr. John Nost was employed to make a statue of Sir Robert Geffreys, six feet high, ill hard metal, which he undertook to do, and put up in front of the chapel of the Company's almshouses at Kingsland, and to present them with a model of the figure in hard metal, for the sum of forty pounds. On the 24tli March it was ordered, that a poor box be provided for persons made free or taking any lease or leases of the Company, to bestow or put therein as they shall be charitably disposed. 1733. The Coiu't voted one hundred pounds towards the organ in Saint Luke's church, conditionally that no encroachment be made on the Company's ground in build- ing the parson's house, and that seats be provided for four ahns-people and the Company's servants who inhabit the said parish. 1740. The master was requested to agree with a carver for a new shield at the stern of the barge, and the figure of Saint Lawrence and two Fames for the bulk-head. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 379 1741. Sir Robert GodschaU, citizen and Ironmonger, Lord Mayor. He was elected alderman of Bishopsgate ward and President of Saint Bartho- lomew's Hospital in 1731-2. In 1735 he served the office of sheriff, when he received the honour of knighthood, and in 1741 was returned as one of the members of Parliament for the city of London. Sir Bobert GodschaU was a Portugal merchant, and had his house of business on College Hill.* He died during his mayoralty on the 26tli June, 1742, aged 50 years, and was buried in the chancel of Albury church, Surrey, where a monument is erected to his memory. Arms : Azure, three bends wavy argent. — M. I.f The order of procession on the occasion of Su' Bobert Godschall's mayoralty was as follows : — Eight sweepers. The city marshal, with his attendants, and knots for his horse, hat, and sword. Two. of the foot marshal's men, with truncheons and knots. The captain of the band of pensioners, with scarf and knots on his hat and sword. Fifty pensioners, in gowns and caps with knots, carrying each a shield and javelin. A lieutenant, to bring np the rear, with a painted staff like a constable's. A long standard with six bearers in gowns and caps, and one. in scarlet at the fly. * Collections of Samuel Gregory, Esq. f Several of the family of GodschaU appear to have been members of the Ironmongers' Company. John GodschaU was admitted to the livery in 1685 ; Nicholas GodschaU, of Mincing Lane, on the 13th of October, 1719; Sir Hobert GodschaU, described in the Ironmongers' books as residing in Saint Thomas the Apostle, August 26th, 1731 ; and John GodschaU, son of John GodschaU, was made free by patrimony in October, 1723. 380 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. Tlie captain of the gentlemen ushers, with his scarf. Thirty gentlemen ushers, in black coats, with gold chains, laced hats, ruffled shirts, tie wigs, and white gloves and wands. The other long standard, supported as before. Twelve whifflers, with belts, knots, and white wands. The barge master, in his gown, sash, and silk cap. Six banners, borne by six watermen. The kettle drums and music with cockades. Tlie master of defence, properly habited. The Company's two staves, borne by two porters. The Company, in the following order : — The Master, in a foyns gown without a hood. The wardens and livery, doAvn to the present renter wardens inclusive, according to seniority, in foyns gowns and hoods. The rest of the livery, in budge gowns and hoods. The clerk, in his tufted gown. 1749. Sir Samuel Pennant, Knt. a member of the Ironmongers' Company, was elected to the office of Lord Mayor, but died on the 20th May, 1750, before the expira- tion of his mayoralty (vide Biogra- phical Notices). Arms, quarterly, 1 and 4, Per bend sinister ermine and ermines, a lion rampant or ; 2 and 3, Argent, three bars wavy azure, on the middle one as many martlets or. — Coll. of Arms. 1750. The Lords Commissioners ,of his Majesty's Trea- sury informed the Company, that the Emperor of Morocco had made a demand for the sum of 17,000/. for the redemp- tion of British captives, and requested to know if the Company were ready to pay that amount from the funds bequeathed by Mr. Betton for that purpose, to such persons as should be appointed by his Majesty's letters of privy seal, or to state if any other mode of payment would be more satisfactory. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 381 On which the Court resolved, that the clerk should wait on Mr. Scrope, and acquaint him with the reasons which induced them to think that they could not pay the moneys arising out of Mr. Betton's bequest for the redemption of slaves, to any person to be appointed by the King's privy seal, but that they were always ready to pay such sums as might remain in their hands for that purpose in such manner as the Court of Chancery should direct. 1752.* Robert Alsop, Esq. Iron- monger, Lord Mayor. He was elected Alderman of Cole- man Street "Ward in 1745 ; Sheriff, 1746; Treasm^er of Bridewell Hospital, 1750 ; and President of Christ's Hos- pital, 1774. On the death of Sir Robert Ladbroke, the 6th Sept. 1773, he became the father of the city, and was translated to Bridge Ward Without. He died 24th May, 1785, in the 78th year of liis age, and was buried at St. Michael's Queenhithe. There is a portrait of Mr. Alsop, painted in 1784, in the the Irish Chamber, Guildliall, of which Society he was for some time Governor, f Arms : Aziu^e, three doves or ; on a canton or a key in pale sable. — Coll. Arms. 1761. 2 George III. A Committee was appointed to consider a recommendation of the Common Council to provide pageants on the ensuing Lord Mayor's day, when the Ironmongers resolved to adopt the course pursued by the other Companies ; and no pageants were provided. * The alteration of the style commenced in the year 1732. f Collections of Samuel Gregory, Esq. 382 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. 1763. William Beckforcl, Esq. citizen and Ironmonger, was cliosen Lord IMayor, which office he again held in 1770, but died before the ex- piration of his second mayoralty. — (Vide Biographical Notices.) Arms : Per pale gules and azure, on a chevron argent, between three mart- lets or, an eagle displayed sable. — College of Arms.* 1764. It was ordered, that a dinner be provided for the livery on the next Lord Mayor's day, and that the usual number of cups, rolls, tongues, and bottles of ale, be sup- plied for the barge. That no guests be admitted, and no smoking allowed on board, and the liverymen who go in the procession to wear gowns. 1768, July 21. The Court determined on an excursion up the river on the following Wednesday, and a dinner at five shillings per head was ordered to be provided for sixty persons at the Swan at Chelsea. In the month of September of the same year, it is re- corded that Mr. Timothy Bevan, of Lombard Street, druggist, being one of the people called Quakers, was ad- mitted free of this Company by redemption, on his solemn affirmation. 1770, Jan. 26. The following letter of thanks from the Common Council was read, and ordered to be entered on the minutes : — * The ancient custom of presenting the Lord Mayor elect with the sum of forty guineas for the beautifying his house is stated in the minutes of this year to have been discontinued by the City Companies, since the Lord Mayors had resided in the Mansion House. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 383 Beckford, Mayor. At a Common Council, held in the Chamber of the Guildhall of the city of London, on Friday the 15th day of December, 1769, it was ordered, that the thanks of this Court be given to the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers for their generosity in giving up part of their gromid on Snow Hill for the benefit of the public highway. Hodges. 1783, Nov. 27. The Right Hon. Samuel Lord Hood was admitted to the freedom and livery of the Ironmongers' Company, the ceremony of nomination being dispensed with. His Lordship, having taken the usual oaths, ad- dressed the Court in the following words : — " Gentlemen, I am extremely sensible of the great honour done me by the freedom of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers ; and the very obliging manner it has been conferred increases the value of it. To know that he stands firm in the good opinion of his fellow subjects is the highest gratification a military officer can receive ; and to find my humble and honest endeavours, not only so generally and kindly accepted, but most distinguishedly noticed, must afford me heart- felt pleasure. " I am happy to become a freeman of your Worshipful Company, and it will ever be my pride and very earnest wish to approve myself true and faithful to its rights and privileges. " To you. Sir, the worthy Master, I stand much indebted, and am unable to express what I feel, for the very polite and flattering mamier in which you have fulfilled the Company's wishes towards me." After the ceremony of admission to the livery, his lord- ship dined with the Company ; at which, Malcolm informs us, there were also present Lord Cranstoun, of the formi- dable ; the Hon. William Cornwallis, of the Canada ; Corn- ish, of the Arrogant ; Goodall, of the Valiant ; E.eynolds, of the Monarch ; Gardner, of the Duke ; Lindsee, of the Magnificent ; Inglefield, of the Centaur ; Sutherland, of the Belliqueux ; "Wniiams, of the Prince George ; Knatcli- 884 THE IRONMONGEES' COMPANY. bull, of the Priucessa ; Carrington, of the Ajax ; Hood, of the Champion; the Hon. Mr. Hood; Captains Dumotte and Maude, and Mr. Hunt, his lordship's secretary.* The loyalty of the city of London was never more con- spicuously evinced than in the year 1792, when the princi- ples of the Erench Revolution were openly advocated, and a society was organized for subverting the govern- ment and institutions of the country. The Ironmongers' Company, feeling on this occasion, in common with the well-disposed portion of the community, the necessity of a powerful public demonstration, assembled at their Hall on the 12th of December, when they adopted the foUoTvdng resolution, which was ordered to be signed by the clerk and published in the Gazette, and such other papers as the master and wardens should direct : — That, at this extraordinary crisis, when all orders and ranks of men seem particularly called upon to declare their sentiments openly as to the constitution and government of the country, it must appear more especially necessary that those whose situation makes them a com- ponent and not the least interested part thereof should step forward. Therefore, we, the master, wardens, and livery of the Company of Ironmongers, do thus publicly avow that we most cordially and sincerely concur with the merchants, bankers, and other inhabitants of this city of London, in the declaration made and carried at the most numerous and respectable meeting that was ever known to have as- sembled together, held at Merchant Taylors' Hall, on the 5 th instant. And we do hereby further declare, that we are resolved individually to co-operate with our fellow citizens in resisting every attempt that has either a tendency to foment sedition or to change the constitution and government of these realms as by law established. 1795, June 24. In consequence of the high price of provisions, it was ordered that there be no entertainment at the Hall before the first of November following. At the * I^ondinium Rediviviim, vol. ii. p. 37. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 385 same time it was resolved, that the Aldermen and Common Council of the ward of Aldgate be requested to distribute 100/. given by this Company amongst the poor of the said ward. 1798. In consequence of the increase of the assessed taxes there was no ball this year. February 9th. It was proposed and carried, that 1,000/. be subscribed at the Bank of England towards the expenses of prosecuting the war, in pursuance of the late Act of Parliament for granting to his Majesty an Aid and Contri- bution. April 17. A letter from Alderman Combe and the Common Council of the ward of Aldgate was read, in which they requested the use of the Hall for a meeting of the inhabitants of the said ward for the purpose of forming a military association, agreeably to the unanimous recom- mendation of the Court of Aldermen ; to which request the Court acceded, and also granted the vesti1)ule, the small room adjoining, and the yard for military purposes, and voted the sum of twenty guineas towards furthering the views of the association. In 1804, a further donation of thirty guineas was given for the same purpose. 1802. The modus of four pence per acre on the Com- pany's estate called the Gallions, was this year established by an action at law. 1803. Charles Price, Esq. a member of the Ironmongers' Company, was elected to the office of Lord Mayor, and in the following year was created a Baronet. — Vide List of Mas- ters. Arms : Gules, a lion rampant argent ; the badge of Ulster. — Coll. of Arms. 2 c 386 THE ironmongers' company. 1805, December 30. A special Committee of the whole Company was sumLmoned to take into consideration a communication from the ToAvn Clerk, as follows : — To the Master and Wardens of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers. Gentlemen, I am directed to transmit to you the annexed resolution of the Court of Aldermen, and to request the favour of you to lay the same before your Company, and communicate to the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor their answer as early as possible, in order that the proper arrangements may be made. I have the honour to be, Your most obedient Servant, H. WOODTHORPE. Town Clerk's Office, Guildhall, Dec. 25, 1805. At an especial Court, held on the vigil of the Nativity of our Lord, that is to say, Tuesday the 24th day of December 1805, and in the 46th yeai' of the reign of George the Third, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King, &c. Shaw, Mayor. Resolved unanimously. That this Court do request the attendance of the several Livery Companies of this city in their barges at Greenwich, on Wednesday the 8th day of January next, to accompany the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor and this Court in the procession by water for the funeral of the late Vice-Admiral Horatio Viscount Nelson. WoODTHORPE. 1806, January 8. The livery of the Ironmongers' Com- pany, in full mourning and livery gowns, assembled at the Hall at eight o'clock in the morning, where brealvfast was provided, and from thence proceeded in their barge to GreenAvich, in compliance with the above precept, accom- panied by a band of music, consisting of two flutes, four clarionets, two horns, two bassoons, one serpent, one trombone, a pair of kettle-drums, and two trumpets. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 387 1808. The Company signified their consent to a Bill in Parliament empowering the Governors of the Erench Hospital to grant certain sites of their land on building leases. 1810. Joshua Jonathan Smith, Esq. citizen and Ironmonger, was chosen to serve the ofiice of Lord Mayor. He was elected Alderman of Castle Baynard ward in 1803, and Sheriff of London and Middlesex in 1808, on which latter occasion he was received into the livery of the Ironmongers' Company, having been admitted to the freedom in 1803 by the nomination of the Lord Mayor, and by translation from the Company of Patten-makers, of which he was previously free. Alderman Smith was by trade a sugar-baker at Be'net's Hill, Doctors' Com- mons, and was, conjointly with Lady Hamilton, executor of the last will and testament of the late Horatio Viscount Nelson. He died 15 July, 1834, aged 69, and was buried in the vaults under the chapel of Saint Mary, Pulham. * Arms : Argent, on a bend azure, between two unicorn's heads erased gules, three lozenges or. (Escucheon in the Hall.) At a Coiu^t at Ironmongers' Hall on the 28th Sept. 1816, " the master, wardens, and rest of the livery of this Company, in common with their fellow citizens, entertain- ing the highest sense of the great achievements of the British squadron lately before Algiers, under the command of Admiral Lord Exmouth, and in particular taking into * Collections of Samuel Grog'ory, Esq. 2 c 2 388 THE ironmongers' company. consideration the frequent occasion which this Company has had to treat with the States of Algiers, as well as other states on the Barbary coast, for the redemption of British subjects held in slavery, resolve, That the freedom and livery of this Company be respectfully offered to Admiral Lord Exmouth, by whose brilliant success in action, and exalted mind in negociation, the abolition for ever of slavery was dictated and obtained as the basis of a treaty with the same States of Algiers." On the 25th of October following, the master and war- dens reported an inter\dew with Lord Exmouth, in which his lordship expressed himself highly gratified with the Besolution of the Court on the 28th of September last. The freedom and livery of the Company were at the same time voted to Rear- Admiral Sir David Milne, K.C.B. the second officer in command at the late action of Algiers ; and it was further ordered that a similar entertainment to that wliich was given on the reception of the late Lord Hood be provided in the month of January next, under the direction of the master and wardens. November 26. A communication was read from Admi- ral Lord Viscount Exmouth, comprising an account of the number of slaves liberated from Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, and also a statement of the squadron at the bombardment of Algiers, with the names of the commanders and captains of each vessel, which was ordered to be entered on the minutes. The squadron under tlie command of Admiral Lord Exmouth in the attack upon Alijiers, 27th August, 1816: — Guns. Queen Charlotte . . 110 Admu-al Lord Exmouth. Capt. Sir James Brisbane. Impregnable . . 98 Rear-Admiral Sir David Milne. Cai)t. C. Brace, C.B. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 389 Guns. Superb 74 Capt. Chas. Ekins, C.B. Minden 74 Capt. Wm. Paterson, C.B. Albion 74 Capt. John Coode, C.B. Severn 40 Capt. the Hon. T. W. Aylmer, C.B. Granicus 36 Capt. W. F. Wise, C.B. Glasgow 40 Capt. the Hon. A. Maitland, C.B. Hebeus 36 Capt. Edw. Palmer, C.B. Leander 50 Capt. E. Chetham, C.B. Heron . 18 Capt. George Bentham, Mutine 18' Capt. John Mould. Britomart 10 Capt. R. Riddle. Prometheus . 18 Capt. W. Dashwood. Cordelia 10 Capt. W. Sargeant. Belzebub Bomb Capt. W. Kempthorne. Fury . Bomb Capt. Chas. Moorsom. Hecla . Bomb Capt. W. Popham. Infernal Bomb Capt. the Hon. G. Perceval. Dutch Squadron. Melampus 36 Baron Vice- Admiral Van de Capellan. Capt. de Man. Frederica 36 Capt. Vanderstatton. Dagerad 36 Capt. Volders. Diana . 36 Capt. Zieroogel. Amstel 36 Capt. Vanderstart. Endracht 22 Capt. Wardenburg. Minute of the number of slaves liberated by Admiral Lord Viscount Exmouth at the regencies of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, in the year 1816:— At Algiers. Neapolitans and Sicilians Sardinians and Genoese Piedmontese 1110 62 6 390 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. Romans . Tuscans . Spaniards Portuguese Greeks Dutch English French Austrians . 174 6 226 1 7 28 18 2 2 1642 At Tunis. Neapolitans and Sicilians . . 524 Sardinians and Genoese . 257 781 At Tripoli. Neapolitans and Sicilians . . 422 Sardinians and Genoese 144 Romans ..... 10 Hambui'ghers 4 580 Recapitulation. At Algiers .... . 1642 At Tunis .... 781 At Tripoli .... . 580 3003 1817, January 31st. A Court was assembled at three o'clock for the purpose of receiving Lord Exmouth and Sir David Milne into the freedom and livery of the Company ; and these gallant officers being introduced by Sir Charles Price, Bart, and Robert Slade, Esq., Sir Charles Price addressed the Court in the following words : — HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 391 Master, It is with most heartfelt pleasure and satisfaction that my brother Slade and myself have the honour to introduce to you and this Company Admiral Lord Viscount Exmouth and Rear- Admiral Sir David Milne. It would be the height of presumption in me to attempt to expatiate upon the high character of these two great commanders, before they receive the encomiums so justly their due through the most eloquent channel of these United Kingdoms — the Houses of Lords and Commons. But I may be permitted to observe, that the noble lord's naval career has placed his name in the first rank of British heroes at this most memorable era of our history, and that of the Rear-Admiral tends to the same result ; and therefore I am sensible that you. Sir, will esteem this the proudest day of your life, that, under your auspices as jMaster of the Ironmongers' Company, the noble Lord and Sir David jMilne will be enrolled as freemen and liverymen of this Company. And here permit me, my Lord and Sir David, to congratulate you both upon becoming members of this fellowship. We hail you as brethren, and receive you with open arms, for it does most fortunately happen, from a peculiar coincidence of circumstances, that we have a right to claim you in preference to any other Company of this great metropolis, from our having been for years the chosen dispensers of a bounty for the redemption of unfortunate British subjects who have fallen into the hands of the Barbary States. We have long contemplated with horror the state of warfare carried on by the Algerines and other powers on the Barbary coasts, to the general degradation of all the powers of Christendom ; and while, under Providence, this splendid achievement has put an end to slavery in the regencies of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, the period is not far distant when this brilliant commencement of the total extirpation of slavery on the frontiers shall appear to have been the signal of its final abolition not only in all Africa but through- out the world. Lord Exmoutli, in replying to this address, took occa- sion to observe, that he solaced himself Avith the reflection that every honourable inducement had been previously used, which persuasion could suggest, to bring the Dey of Algiers to a sense of duty, but tliat every argument had 392 THE IRONMONGEKS' COMPANY. failed except the dernier ressort — that which proceeded from, the cannon's mouth. He lamented over the igno- rance and barharity of the Algerines, but complimented them as a regency, by stating that, in general, so far as they knew their duty they practised it ; and his Lordship had no doubt that they would strictly observe the articles of their treaty with the British Government : for, so far as his experience went, he never knew them to violate any treaty which they had entered into.* The ceremony of admission to the freedom and livery of the Company being completed, the two admirals, accom- panied by several captains of their fleet, and attended by the master, wardens, and members of the Court, proceeded to the Guildhall to receive the freedom of the city and the sword which had been voted by the corporation of London. The address delivered by Richard Clarke, Esq. the Chamberlain, on this memorable occasion, is preserved in the Company's Court Book. * On another occasion, referring to the subject of slavery, his lordship ex- pressed his opinion that Mr. Betton's fund would still be required for such vessels as might be wrecked towards tlie South, whose crews w^ould probably fall into the hands of the wandering tribes of Arabs and Moors which infest the Desert, and are a lawless banditti, acknowledging no power or authority whatever. By a confirmation of the Lord Chancellor's decree for the settle- ment of Mr. Betton's estate, in the House of Lords in 1844, seven thousand pounds are set aside as an accumulating fund to meet any future demands that may be made for the redemption of slaves, according to the limitations of the testator's will. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 393 ROM the destruction of the Carthaginian repubhc by the Romans under Scipio Africanus, the Barbary States have unceasmgly annoyed the European powers, plundered their ships of their valuable freights, and, under the influence of an intole- rant and remorseless religion, carried tlieir cap- tives into slavery, accompanied by circumstances the most cruel and degrading. This state of degradation has at different periods roused the resentment of the great European powers ; but their eflForts had been hitherto inefficient. That truly pious and heroic sovereign St. Louis of France perished under the walls of Tunis, and the Emperor Charles the Fifth, the most powerful monarch of Europe, equipped a fleet of more than 500 vessels, in which embarked the best appointed army that perhaps had ever left the European shores, under his own immediate command, fully deter- mined to chastise and humble these cruel and insolent barbarians ; but this miohty force, which landed near Algiers, was, from causes which no human sagacity could resist, almost anniliilated, and Charles re- turned from the expedition disappointed, mortified, and so thoroughly humbled that it is supposed to have had an influence in determining him to resign his crown and retire in disgust from the toils of royalty and the cares of the world. But among the numberless instances of prowess which have distin- guished this eventful period, the conquest of the almost impregnable fortress of Algiers will form a prominent feature in European annals, and the bringing to reason a ferocious government and destroying for ever the insufferable and horrid system of Christian slavery, was re- served for this highly favoured country; and the rapid and glorious victory obtained umder your lordship's command, and the mild and just conditions demanded and obtained by the firmness and wisdom of 394 THE ironmongers' company. his Majesty's government, will hand clown the name of his Royal High- ness the Prince Regent, and those who advised the measure, with honour to a grateful and admiring posterity. The moderation and forbearance displayed in the moment of victory was no less humane than politic. It was observed by a Carthaginian ambassador to the Roman senate that they had increased their empire full as much by sparing those they conquered as by conquering — " Plus pene parcendo victis quam vincendo imperium auxisse." I have peculiar pleasure in receiving your lordship and your gallant companion m arms from the worshipful Company of Ironmongers. A worthy citizen and member of that body, Mr. Thomas Betton (who it is said was himself a captive on the coast of Barbary), having made that Company his trustees for the application of part of his estate for the redemption of British slaves in Turkey and Barbary, we may now hope that tlie money so beqtieathed may in future be applied to the other objects of the benevolent testator's will. Your lordship wiU excuse me if I advert to a circumstance which attracted the public notice at an early period of the revolutionary war. After vanquishing a brave but unfortunate enemy you did honour to his remains, and gave another illustrious instance to the truth of what w^as said by an excellent author, " that English valour wars not with the dead." This honourable conduct, and the last glorious victory in the cause of humanity, have not passed unnoticed by our late rivals ; the city of Paris, much to their honour, having enrolled your name as a fellow-citizen, your lordship having proved yom'self in an eminent degree " a citizen of the world." The gallant admirals, attended as before, and accom- panied by the Lord Mayor (Matthew Wood, Esq.), the Sheriffs, and the Chamberlain, then returned to Ironmon- gers' Hall to partake of the entertainment provided by the Company, at which the following visitors were present : — Lord Viscount Hood, Lord Bridport, Captain Sir James Brisbane, Sir Edward Brace, the Hon. Captain Aylmer, Captains "Wise, Dashwood, and Kempthorne, Colonel Gosset of the Engineers, and several other characters of rank and distinction. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 395 At the same Court on the 31st of January was read a letter from the ToTvn Clerk, as follows : Guildhall, Utli December, 1816. Sir, — 1 am directed by the Committee of the Corporation of London appointed to conduct the entertainment given at the Guildhall to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent and his illustrious guests, his Impe- rial Majesty Alexander the Emperor of all the Russias and his Ma- jesty Frederick William King of Prussia, and also the entertainment to his Grace the Duke of Wellington, to transmit to you herewith, in the name of the Corporation of London, a copy of their reports upon these entertainments, and at the same time to express their thanks for the loan of the Company's chandeliers and lustres upon that occasion. I am. Sir, Your most obedient servant, Hr. WOODTHORPE. Thos. Pellatt, Esq. Clerk of the Company of Ironmongers. 1820, June 4th. The following letter from the City Re- membrancer was read and ordered to be entered on the Minutes : Guildhall, 16th May, 1820. Sir, — The Court of Aldermen having appointed the present masters of the twelve superior Companies of the City to assist the Chief Butler of England on the day of his Majesty's coronation, request the favour of you to send me in writing, before one o'clock to-morrow, the christian and siu'name of the master of yom' Company, correctly spelt, with his place of residence. I am. Sir, Your most obedient servant, T. Tyerell. Thos. Pellatt, Esq. The name and address of Sir Charles Price, Bart, was returned ; but the coronation, which in the first instance had been appointed for the 7th of August, by a second proclamation was postponed to the 19th of July following. 396 THE ironmongers' company. On that day the masters of the twelve Companies, in full dress court suits, attended at Westminster Hall by eight o'clock in the morning, pursuant to orders transmitted from the Heralds' College and by command of the Deputy Earl Marshal. Owino; to some informality in the tickets of admission, or some neglect or oversight in the general arrangements of the day (for we cannot suppose that any disrespect toAvards the citizens of London was intended), the masters of the twelve Companies were so totally unprovided for tliat they felt themselves imperatively called upon to me- morialise the Lord Mayor on the subject, in order to pre- vent a recurrence of similar inattention at any subsequent period; and the Ironmongers' Company, at theu' next court, directed that all the official documents and commu- nications relative to the coronation of his Majesty George the Fourth be entered on then- Minutes. The memorial addressed to the Lord Mayor was as follows : To the Right Hon. the Lord jNIayor. London. 25th July, 182L My Lord, — The undersigned citizens of London, nominated to do the service of assistants to the Chief Butler at the coronation of his Majesty George the Fourth on Thursday the 19th instant, deem it expedient to represent to your lordship the proceeduig wliich took place upon that occasion, as far as regards them, in order that a protest or re- monstrance may be made in the proper quarter, so as to save the rights and privileges of the City of London, and thereby protect the succes- sors of the undersigned at future coronations from being injm-ed by the precedent that will otherwise be established to their prejudice. Having accompanied your lordship, the Aldermen, Recorder, and Sheriffs in the city barge, the undersigned were permitted with them to proceed to the Faulted Chamber. In this room they waited until the procession to the Abbey had been marshalled, when they applied for admission to the Great Hall with the tickets which had been presented to tliem for that purpose by the City Remembrancer, and Avhich pur- HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 397 ported to be "pass tickets," but were without seal or signature. At the door leading to the hall they were refused admittance, upon the ground of not being provided with proper tickets. The undersigned, thus circiimstanced, had no alternative but that of returning to the pas- sages of the House of Lords. In vain they applied to such official per- sons as were in attendance for advice or assistance, in vain they sought for some room in which they might remain until the period arrived for them to do the service which they had been commanded to execute ; and, while the undersigned had the mortification to observe that the Lords' committee rooms were appropriated for the use of various persons who, like themselves, formed no part of the procession, they were ne- cessarily mixed with the servants and other menials engaged in arrang- ing the dinners. The undersigned were also without any notification whatever of any table having been provided for their accommodation, although upon former coronations the citizens had invariably dined in the Great Hall, and they w^ere consequently without the means of obtaining the refresh- ments necessary during the long attendance required by their summons, excepting what they procured through the attention of those individuals who witnessed their unpleasant situation. Whatever might have been the chagrin and disappointment of the undersigned at this degrading treatment, they assure your lordship that individually it gave them little concern ; but when they reflect that the citizens of London were represented in their persons, that they attended not merely ex gratia, but to perform a service which had been claimed and exercised for ages, it gave them great pain to find the dignity of the ancient City of London thus compromised by a want of attention somewhere to official forms or deficiency in that firmness so essential to the maintenance of presumptive rights and privileges. The undersigned beg to assure yom' lordship of their gi'eat respect and esteem. (Signed) George Palmer, vice Ste- Thomas Day Frampton. VENS DiNELET TOTTON. JaMES RaNDELL. John Butts. John Griffin. Richard Ryland. Robert Harry Sparkes. Thomas Moore. Charles Price. William Seward Hall. Daniel Whalley. John Farley. 398 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. 1828. On the 5tli of May this year His E-oyal Highness Prince George of Cumberland, accompanied by Col. Thorn- ton, Col. Poten, the Rev. Mr. Jelf, and several other gentlemen, ^-isited Ironmongers' Hall on liis retm-n from -sdewing the docks, and partook of an elegant cold collation which had been provided for the occasion. William Thompson, Esq. M.P. and a member of this Company, was this year elected to the office of Lord Mayor. — Vide List of Masters. Arms : Aziu'e, a lion passant guardant or, within a bordm^e argent. (Escucheon in the Hall.) 1830, June 28. It was resolved, " That the dinner appointed for the 30th instant l3e relinquished, in conse- quence of the lamented death of His Majesty George the Fourth, and that the Court do meet for business only." October 14, the first of William the Eoiu'th. This Com- mittee was especially siunmoned to take into consideration a communication from the Hoyal Entertainment Committee at Guildhall, soliciting the loan of the Company's plate on Lord Mayor's day, when his Majesty had signified his gracious intention to dine there. "Resolved, That the Company wiU do everything that is requisite on their part to shewtheu' respect to his Majesty on that occasion." 1832. It was recommended and adopted that Clarke's buildings. Snow-hill, be for the future called Ironmongers' buildings. 1833, Nov. 28. At this Court a communication from Sk Erancis Palgrave, one of the Commissioners of the HISTORICAL EVIDENCES, 399 " Municipal Corporation Commission," was read, and or- dered to be entered on the Minutes. ]\Innicipal Corporation Commission, England and Wales. New Palace Yard, 11 Oct. 1833. Sir, — As one of the Commissioners appointed to inquire as to the state of the several Municipal Corporations in England and Wales, I request the favour of your attendance at the office of the Town Clerk of the City of London, on Wednesday the 23rd instant, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, in order to give any information in your power respectino- the Company of Ironmongers ; and request that you will bring with you any papers or documents in your power, which you think may assist the Commissioners in their investigation. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your very obedient Servant, Francis Palgrave. To Henry Pellatt, Esq. To this communication it was returned for answer, that having no municipal duties to perform, and enjoying no municipal privileges, the Company conceived that they did not come within the scope and meaning of His Majesty's Municipal Corporation Commission, and therefore they re- spectfully excused themselves from attending at the time and place appointed ; but in the month of January follow- ing, Su' Francis Palgrave having by another note requested a conference with the Company, without prejudice, to explain to them more fully the nature and object of the Com- mission, they attended by their clerk, and answered such questions and inquiries as Avere then submitted to them. 1848. At a general Court of the Ironmongers' Com- pany on the 31st of August, 1818, a Committee was appointed " to consider the propriety of collecting and printing information as to the charities, meetings, and bye- 400 THE ironmongers' company. laws of the Company, for the use of the members." In accordance with this resolution, the Committee so appointed, after a careful investigation of the records of the Company, on the 26th of April, 1849, submitted their report, accom- panied with a general statement of the charities then existing, and the rules and bye-laws applicable and neces- sary (with certain proposed alterations) for the present management of the Company's affairs. This report and statement being read, was referred back for revision, and ordered to be taken into consideration at a Court to be specially called for that purpose. On the 22nd of May following, the report Avas again received, when it was approved, and finally settled, and ordered to be printed under the direction and superin- tendence of the Committee. RULES, ORDINANCES, AND BYE-LAWS. Apprentices. Every freeman of the Company is entitled to bind apprentices under the Company, and npon such binding is required to sign the following declaration : — I, A. B. do hereby solemnly declare that the apprenticeship of to me, is not intended to be a mere colourable binding for the purpose of obtaining his freedom without actual service, but that the full and unreserved intention of all parties is, that the said apprentice shall actually and bona fide serve a regular apprenticeship to me, in my business of , for the whole term of seven years, without any reservation or deception whatsoever, but as a faithful apprentice should do, according to the true intent and meaning of his Indentures, and accordino- to the usage and custom of the city of London. Every apprentice so liound is also required to sign a declaration in the following words : — I, A. B. son of , bound apprentice to do promise to be obedient to the master and war- HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 401 dens of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers, London, during my life, and to my said master during my apprenticeship. Witness my hand this day of .* The indentures of all apprentices are to be prepared by the clerk of the Ironmongers' Company, f An apprentice may be bound or turned over to a new master at a General Court, or before the senior warden,! or in his absence before the junior warden. The fees in each instance are 13s. 6d.^ Every master is bound on taking an apprentice to produce the copy of his freedom, if required to do so. Freedom. Persons are eligible to the freedom of this Company by patrimony, servitude, or redemption, but an exception is made to attorneys, who, by an order of Court in 1797, cannot be made free by redemption. Agreeable to a rule established in 1749, notice must be given at a previous Court || of all persons proposed to be made fi'ee by redemption ; and an ancient ordinance, bearing date 1657, directs that no person is to change the copy of his freedom, but chiefly to hold of this Company. The fine for freedom by redemption has varied from time to time, IF but was last settled, by an Order of Court in 1830, at one hundred guineas. Every person on being admitted to the freedom is required to take the following oath : — Freeman's Oath. " You shall swear, that you will be true to om- Sovereign Ladv Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, &c. You shall be obedient to the Master and Wardens of the art or mystery of Ironmongers now being, and to their successors. You shall also become contributary to all manner of summons, contributions, costs, and payments, that ought to be borne and paid by the aforesaid fellowship, as others of the same * Vide Court Books, Sept. 29, 1826. f Ibid. 1556, 1609. :j: Ibid. 1664, 1673. § Ibid. 1744. II Ibid. 1754, 1796. ^ Ibid. 1498, 1570, 1579, 1.581, 1598, 1610, 1674, 1693, 1707, 1708> 1748, 1771, 1776, 1777, 1790, 1800, 1803, 1827. 2d 402 THE ironmongers' company. fellowship, to 3-our power. The lawful council of the fellowship you shall keep ; you shall not change the copy of your freedom, but chiefly hold of this fellowship ; all manner of acts, statutes, rules, and ordi- nances, now made, or hereafter to be made, and standing m force, con- cerning the good government and order of this fellowship, you shall on your part maintain, support, and fulfil to your power and know- ledge, or else shall pay such fines, pains, penalties, and mulcts, being accused, condeuuied, and orderly demanded, as for the offenders and violators of the same are or shall be ordamed, provided, and established to be paid. — So help you God." Yeomanry. Formerly the yeomanry or freemen of the Company, in compliance with an ancient ordinance of 1497, were required to pay a quarterage of Is. 4:d. per annum each person; but this custom has for many years past been allowed to fall into abeyance. By an order of Court in 1830, the two suppers which had been given to the yeomanry in each year * were discontinued, and two dinners ap- pointed m their stead. These dinners are given in the Hall, one on Wednesday in Easter week, and the other on St. Luke's day in the month of October, on both which occasions the senior warden presides,! and a few members of the Court are invited to attend. At the Easter meetings the yeomanry elect their warden for the year ensuing. The fine for not serving that office was in former times 10/. J but by an order of Court in 1723 was reduced to 3/. 6s. 8d. The wai'den of the yeomanry takes the following oath on being in- ducted mto office : — The Warden of the Yeomanry's Oath. " You swear well and truly to exercise and execute the office of Warden of the Yeomanry of this Company to the most profit and benefit of the same Company, for and in your time, to your power. You shall not aiTear any new custom, nor bmd the said Yeomanry to any new charges, other than is set down in the orders in that behalf made ; nor yet discharge any duty to their hurt : nor to your power infringe or break any of the good orders, old customs, or acts made or to be made for the better rule and government of the Yeomam-y. — So help you God.'' * Vide Court Book, 1579. f Ibid. 1827. J Ibid. 1590. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 403 Livery. The number of the liverv has varied from time to time, but has for many years past been limited to 100.* The fine paid by each person on his admission is 42Z.,t except honorary members, who pay no fine. Notice of motion must be given at a Genei'al Com't,J previous to filhng up any vacancies in the Kvery ; and the Court having determined to fill up such vacancies, the list of the freemen, conformably to the practice of the last fifty years, is read over. All persons found elioible are then written to, and requested to state if they desire to be put in nomination. § The election is always by ballot, and no balloting paper can be received which contains a greater number of names than there are vacancies, but each member may insert any less number. Should the number of votes for two or more candidates on summing up the ballot be found equal, the senior freeman is to be elected. By an order of Court m 1790, no servant is eligible for the livery. Any member of the livery becoming an alderman, or any freeman becoming an alderman, if elected on the livery, takes precedence on the list of the hvery upon serving or fining for the offices of INIaster and Wardens. || Every hvery man takes the following oath : — The Oath of a Liveryman. " You shall swear to be good and true to our Sovereign Lady the Queen's Majesty, that now is, and to her heirs and successors, Kmgs or Queens of this Realm : and that you shall, according to your best skill and judgment, with your advice or otherwise, well and truly assist the Master and Wardens of this Company when there shall be occasion ; and the good rules and ordinances of this Company you shall keep and see to be kept, to the best of yom' power. — So help you God." Master and Wardens. The Master and Wardens of the Company are elected annually, in accordance with an ordinance confirmed by the Lord Chancellor and * Which one hundred persons constitute the Court, there being no Court of Assistants in the Ironmongers' Company. t Vide Court Books, 1624, 1640, 1647, 1652, 1663, 1693, 1720, 1726, 1821. X Ibid. 1768, 1821. § Ibid. 1776, 1800, 1813, 1827, 1829 Ibid. 1808. 2 D 2 404 THE ironmongers' company. Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in 1581, and no alteration has been made in the rule since that time. The practice is as follows : — At the General Court in April one member is elected by the Court for the office of Master, and six other members nominated, out of Avhich number the Wardens for the time being, on Monday after St. Peter's day, elect two to serve the offices of Senior and Junior Wardens for the year ensuing. The new Master and Wardens are sworn in, and take their seats at the July Court, immediately after reading the minutes of previous meetuigs. No person having failed in business, or compounded with his creditors by not paying twenty shillings ui the pound, is eligible for Master or Warden.* Any Master or Warden becoming" bankrupt or insolvent, or in any other way incapacitated during his year of office, is thereby disqualified. And in the case of any INIaster or Warden dying during his year of office, or becoming disqualified as aforesaid, the Court is to elect another member to serve for the remainder of the term. By an Order of Court of 1720, it is provided that in the event of the Master being absent the senior past Master then present shall take his place and officiate for him. By an Order of Court of 175 1, in case of the absence of the Wardens or either of them, the Court shall appoint some other members to act for them. No member can serve Senior Warden who has not first served the office of Junior Warden, except in cases of emergency. The fines for not serving the offices £. Of Wardens 40 For not serving the office of Master, having served Senior Warden 40 The fine for not serving either of these offices . . 60 Any member not paying his fines is to relinquish his livery gown. After the July Court, or as it is more generally called the Con- firmation day, in cora})liance with his oath, and in conformity witli * V'ide Court Book, 1732. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. . 405 ancient custom, the late Senior Warden must within one month attend his successor in that office, to examine the Company's plate and effects by the inventory, and hand over the same to his custody. By an Order of Court in 1848, it is directed that a suitable testi- ' monial shall be presented to the Master on his retirement from office, not exceeding in value the sum of 15/., except in such cases where a member has been called upon to serve that office more than once, when the nature and value of the testimonial is left to the discretion of the Court. The Master and Wardens, on taking their seats on Master's day, take the following oaths ; The Master's Oath. " You swear that you shall well and truly exercise and execute the office of Master of the mystery or art of Ironmongers, London, to their most worship and profit, for the year to come. You shall be aiding and assisting to the Wardens of this mystery in and about the execution of all and every the good orders and customs of this mystery. You shall arrear no new custom, nor bind the commonalty to any new charges, nor yet discharge any duty to their hurt : and, at the end of the year, you shall choose a new Master of this Company, such as at a Court shall be elected, according to the old custom. — So help j'ou God." The Wardens' Oath. " Ye shall swear that ye shall well and truly occupy the office of Wardenship for and in the craft of Ironmongers, to their most worship and profit, for and in your time, to your power. Ye shall arrear no new custom, nor bind the Commonalty of the said craft to any new charges, nor yet discharge any duty to their hm-t ; nor ye shall not lay down any of their good old customs or acts written, without the assent of the said Commonalty, or of the certam number of them accustomed ; and at the end of the year ye shall, by the advice of the said Commonalty, choose new Master and Wardens, and discharge yourselves of the said office, upon paui of each of you to lose and pay to the said Commonalty forty shillings, without special dispensation had of the said fellowship. Ye shall also to the new Wardens, and to the Commonalty, or such auditors of the said fellowship as they shall assign, within a month after ye be discharged, make a just and true account of all such goods as shall come to your hands, or of right might come to your hands, in 406 THE ironmongers' company. your time, to the behoof of the said Commonalty ; and all such goods as by the auditors shall be found in you ye shall forthwith deliver them to the new Wardens; all wdiich points ye shall well and truly keep to your power. — So help ye God." Election of Officers. By an Order of Court of the 10th October, 1745, no officer of this Company is to be appomted without the office being first declared ■ vacant, and notice of election inserted in the prmted summons sent to each membei". Any member of the Com-t, on being elected to a salaried office under the Company, must resign his Hvery gown. No member of the Company can be surety to the Company for any officers, or otherwise. Tenants, Leases, etc. By an Order of Com-t dated the 29th of November, 1803, all licences hereafter granted to the tenants or under-tenants of the Company's estates to assign their respective leases to other persons are to be so framed as not to discharge the orioinal lessees or then' executors and administrators ; and no assignment is to be made without the consent of a general Court. By an Order of the 28th of November, 1812, no estate is to be let until the same has been viewed by the surveyor and the committee of supervisors, and their respective reports have been submitted to a general Court. It is the practice of the Company to msure all their premises, and to charge the tenantry with the expenses. The Master and Wardens meet quarterly to receive rents, and notice is sent to each tenant to attend at the Hall on those occasions. Guests. On all days when guests are invited the INIaster has the privilege of mtroducing four friends ; the Wardens two each ; every member who has served as Master or Warden, or fined for those offices, one each ; and the junior members in rotation also one each ; and it is directed by an Order of Court that all such guests shall be personally introduced by the members entitled to tickets. When any such member is prevented attendmg the dinner from cir- HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 407 cumstances occurring subsequent to the invitation, bis li'iend may be introduced by some other member of the Court, the member having the privilege by writing to the INIaster and stating the cause of his absence. PubHc guests are mvited by the joint concurrence of the Master and Wardens, at any meeting held by them. The Master and Warden who retire from office on Confirmation day have the privilege of inviting an extra guest on that occasion. The Clerk has the privilege of mtroducmg a friend on the Master's Day, and on one other day in each year when guests are mvited. The members of the Court and their friends proceed from the drawing-room to the banqueting-hall as their names are called in rotation. And the names of such junior members as have the privilege of in- viting guests are called immediately after the senior members, in the order in which they stand on the list. Miscellaneous. By an Order of Court made in 1841, all fines received on the admis- sion of new members are to be invested for a building fund. On the decease of any member of the livery, the Clerk is to notice the same at the following Com't, in order that it may be recorded on the Minutes. No part of the Company's premises (that is, of the Hall) is to be lent for public purposes except the vestibule, and that only with the consent of the Master and Wardens. By an Order of 1826 no votes of money can be made without previous notice mserted in the summons for a general Court, except grants to poor members, or such sums as the Company are by virtue of any trust bound to pay or distribute, and no money can be given from the poor's box except to poor members. By an Order of 1843 persons not fi'ee of the Company, m order to become eligible as candidates for admission to the almshouses, must have their application signed by six members of the Court, and must have at' least five shillings per week from then' own resources, or that sum guaranteed to the satisfaction of the Master and Wardens. No person can be permitted to occupy a room at the almshouses except as a pensioner, and all non-free married persons are ineligible. When any general repairs or cleansing of the Hall and buildings ex- 408 THE ironmongers' company. ceeding an outlay of fifty pounds are required, estimates of the works are to be obtained from not less than three tradesmen. Minutes of Pkoceedings. At the termination of every Court, the Minutes which have been taken down and refer to the business of the day are read over by the clerk, and, no other motion being made, are considered to be confirmed. The Minutes of one Court are read over at the next Court, not for confirmation, but for the pm-pose of ascertaining that they have been correctly entered, and for the information of such members as were not present at the previous Court, and are then signed by the Master and Wardens for the time being. The Minutes of all committees and other meetings are read at the next following Court, for confirmation or otherwise, as may be requisite. The Minutes of the Irish Committee are only read for the informa- tion of the Court, that body being empowered to carry out their own measures. No Order or Resolution of Court can be rescinded without notice of motion being inserted in the prmted summons for the next Court ; nor can any Order, Resolution, or Bye-law of the Company be suspended without the consent of two-thirds of the Court then present. Courts, Committees, and other Meetings. Auo-ust. — Meeting of the past and present senior Wardens, to examine the inventory of the Company's plate and effects at the Hall. Meeting of the Master and Wardens, to examine tradesmen's bills. Committee of Supervisors, to audit and sign bills and to consider any special business referred to them by the Court. Meeting of the Master and Wardens, to pay bills. Committee of Auditors, to audit the Company's cash-book. Committee of Auditors of Sir Robert Geffery's and Mr. Betton's estates, to audit their cash-books. General Quarterly Coui-t. September. — Committee of Supervisors of Sir Robert Geffery's and Mr. Betton's estates at the almshouses, to pay the pensioners. At this meetuig the Wardens also examine the inventory of goods and effects at the almshouses. Meetins of the Master and Wardens at the Hall, to pay Mr. Betton's out-door pensioiiers. HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. 409 General Court. October. — Yeomamy dinner at the Hall, at which the senior Warden presides. A Meeting of the Supervisors, for the apportiomnent of the funds for Schools in England and Wales. November. — Meeting of the Master and Wardens, to receive rents. Committee of AucUtors of Sir Robert GefPerj's and Mr. Betton's estates, to examine the registers. General Quarterly Court. December. — Committee of Auditors, to examine the Company's register. Committee of Supervisors of Sir Robert Geffery's and Mr. Betton's estates at the almshouses, to pay the pensioners. Meeting of the Master and Wardens at the Hall, to pay Mn Betton's out-door pensioners. January. — IMeeting of the Master and Wardens, to examine the trades- men's bills. Committee of Supervisors, to audit and sign bills and consider any special business submitted to them. Meeting of Master and Wardens, to receive rents. Meeting of Master and Wardens, to pay tradesmen's bills. General Quarterly Court. March. — Committee of Supervisors of Sir Robert Geffery's and Mr. Betton's estates at the almshouses, to pay pensioners. Meeting of the Master and Wardens at the Hall, to pay Mr. Betton's out-door pensioners. April. — Committee of Supervisors, to view the London estates and the Old Street estate. General Quarterly Court. Yeomanry dinner, Wednesday in Easter week, at which the senior Warden presides. May. — Meeting of the Master and Wardens, to receive rents. June. — Committee of Supervisors of Sir Robert Geffery's estate at the almshouses, to pay pensioners. Committee of Supervisors of Mr. Betton's estate, to settle the dis- tribution thereof. General Court. IMeeting of the Master and Wardens at the almshouses, to pay Mr. Betton's in-door pensioners. 410 THE ironmongers' COMPANY. Meeting of the Master and Wardens at the Hall, to pay the schools and out-door pensioners. July. — Meeting of the senior and junior Wardens, to elect Wardens for the year ensuing. Committee of Supervisors, to view Sir Robert Geffery's and Mr. Betton's estates in Essex and INIiddlesex. jMeeting of the ]\Iaster and Wardens, to receive rents. General Coui't, Confirmation or Master's day. Besides the above meetings, there is a committee on the second Satm'day in every month, for the management of the Irish estate, con- sisting of the INIaster for the time being and five other members of the Ironmongers' Company, and one member from each of the Associated Companies. There are also special Courts and meetings as occasion may require. Ten days is the regular notice for a Court and seven for a Com- mittee. Officers of the Company. Clerk. Porter. Chaplain. Butler. Surveyor. Matron of Sir Robert Gef- Agent for the Estate in Ire- fery's Almshouses. land. Apothecary, ditto. Beadle. Chapel Clerk, ditto. Under Beadle. * Ground Keeper, ditto. The duties and emoluments of these offices are entered in a book kept for that purpose. The Agent for the Irish Estate is appointed by the Irish Committee ; all other oflicers are appomted at a General Court, and confirmed or re-appointed at the July Court in each year. END OF HISTORICAL EVIDENCES. Errata. — Page 14 — For " Cxrocers" read " Spicers," for " Weavers" read " Saddlers." — Re- port to the Court of Common Council, 6th March, 1834, p. 53. Page 102 — "To v. men that bare the baggs [badges]." " Baggs" is probal)ly the correct reading ; they were the men who attended the cresset bearei-s, and carried the fuel. THE IRISH ESTATE. THE IRISH ESTATE. HE account of the origin of the Plan- tation in Ireland, given by Malcolm in the second vo- lume of his Londi- nium Redivivum, and which seems to have been chiefly followed in the preliminary remarks to " A Concise View of the Irish Society," printed by that body in 1822, is so clear and explanatory, that I should in vain attempt to construct any statement more suited to my purpose as an introduction to the following brief notice of oiu^ own state in that country. A further inducement for adopting this account is the fact that Malcolm transcribed it from a manuscript compiled by Mr. Summers, who was clerk of the Ironmongers' Company during the latter part of the last century. Of the extent or contents of Mr. Summers's manuscript we have no account. It does not appear at any time to have been in the possession of the Company, nor have I been able to discover in whose han^s it now is. It is several times quoted by Malcolm, and is no doubt a curious and interesting document. 414 THE ironmongers' company. Towards the close of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, several distinguished Roman Catholics of the province of Ulster, in the North of Ireland, and at their head O'Neill Earl of Tir- Owen, broke out into open rebellion against the Crown of England, but were at length, after considerable resistance, overcome ; and, being attainted of high treason, their pos- sessions, consisting of the counties of Armagh, TjTone, Coleraine, Donegal, Eermanagh, and Cavan, were in the reign of James the Eirst escheated to the Crown by Act of Parliament. Whereupon the King, with admirable policy, determined to convert these forfeited lands into a Protestant Settlement, as the most likely means of esta- bhshing his power and authority in a part of Ireland which had always been notorious for giving shelter and protection to the rebellious and disaffected.* With a view to carry out this measure effectually, the King offered to convey a large portion of the escheated territory to the City of London, on condition that they should, at their own expense, and in conformity with cer- tain prescribed rules, send over a sufficient number of English and Scotch families to form the plantation. And in 1609 (it is stated in Mr. Summers's manuscript) "the Mayor and citizens of London erected a company, consisting of a governor, deputy governor, and twenty-four assistants (since called the Irish Society), to treat with the Crown concerning the said new plantation ; and the City ha\dng resolved to accept the said proposal, and having raised by contribution among their principal Companies * " A strong but severely impartial government, without distinction of reli- gious castes or political faction, would be the proper instrument for giving peace, industry, and even liberty to Ireland in the nineteenth no less than in the sixteenth century. How far such a government in Ireland has been a desideratum this is not the place to inquire." — Hist. Eng. by Sir James Mack- intosh, vol. iv. p. 66. Lardner's Edit. THE IRISH ESTATE. 415 sixty thousand pounds for that purpose, King James, by his letters patent dated March 29, in the eleventh year of his reign, incorporated the said society by the name of ' The Governor and Assistants of the New Plantation in Ulster, within the Realm of Ireland,' and granted to them and their successors (upon condition of their building the town, settling the lands, and doing other services,) divers cities, manors, towns, -soLlages, castles, lands, and here- ditaments in the said province of Ulster, with power to create manors of any quantity of lands not exceeding one thousand acres, of such tenants as are in the said letters patent limited ; and to limit to the said several manors so many acres of land distinct and severed for demesne lands as should seem necessary and convenient to the Society. And a new county was thereby erected, and called the. county of Londonderry. "The said settlement having been thus finished, the towns built, and the lands settled, the whole was mapped and di\dded by the said society, as nearly as could be, into twelve equal parts ; and the twelve companies who had equally contributed to- the raising the .said sixty thousand pounds drew lots for theu' several shares. The lot No. vii. (which was a new manor erected by the said society by virtue of the said letters patent, and (afterwards) called the manor of Lizard), fell to the share of the Ironmongers' Company, subject to several grants made by the said so- ciety of the said manor, by \drtue of the said King's licence and letters patent, to certain English or other British per- sons and their heirs, as freeholders in fee simple, to be holden of the said manors by such rents, services, and tenures as were thereby limited. " By deed dated November 7th, 1618, made between the governor and assistants of the New Plantation of Ulster, on the one part, and the master and keepers (or wardens) and 416 THE IROXMOXGEES' COMPANY. commonalty of the mystery or art of Ironmongers of Lon- don on the other part, the said governor and assistants, for the consideration therein mentioned, bargained, sold, alienated, enfeoffed, and confii'med to the said master, &c. and their successors for ever, the manor of Lizard, with the rights, members, &c. there lying, and being witliin the county of Londonderry, in the province of Ulster, and subject to the exceptions therein contained. "The letters patent of Khig James were repealed by Charles the Eirst, and the Cro\\Ti resimied the lands as forfeited upon a suggestion that the covenants of the said grant were not performed. But Charles the Second, by his letters patent in the foui'teenth year of his reign, con- firmed the letters patent of King James the Pu-st, and restored to the said society and twelve companies all their pri^dleges and estates in the pro^dnce of Ulster. And the society, by lease and release, dated in 1663, made a new creation and grant to the Company of the manor of Lizard, and confirmed the grants before made to the freeholders, with the same descriptions, rents, and services as before."* In 1609 the Lord Mayor issued his precept to the several city companies, directing them to levy the sum of 20,000Z. towards setting on foot the Plantation in Ireland, being the first instalment of the 60,000/. before mentioned, and towards which the Ironmongers were to contribute for theu' proportion 880Z. In the following year his lordship again addressed the Ironmongers' Company, desu'ing to be informed whether they would accept a proportionable share of land in the pro^dnce of Ulster, in lieu of the money advanced by them, and build and plant the same at their OAvn cost, according * Mr Summers's MS. cited in Malcolm's Londinium Redivivum, vol. ii. p. 54. THE IRISH ESTATE. 41? to the directions contained in the printed book,* or whether they woukl prefer letting the said lands and submitting the management of the whole business to the Governor and Assistants of the Company for the said Plantation for the time being. To which inquiry the Ironmongers stated in reply that they were willing to accept theii* proportion of land, subject to the prescribed conditions. In 1611 the City Companies Avere again called upon to raise the sum of 10,000Z. for the same pm-pose, or to reKn- quisli their claun to the money abeady advanced. The like sum of 10,000^. was required in 1613, and in the month of January of the same year a further sum of 5,000/. In 1614 the Lord Mayor issued his precept for the sum of 7,500Z.; in 1615 another for 5,000/.: and these sums beine: expended, the Companies were required in the following year to raise the sum of 2,500/., making together a total of 60,000/., being the stipulated amount which they were to subscribe towards the fortification of Londonderry, and other works in the province of Ulster. In 1613 the Governor and Assistants of the Irish Society in London directed an order to Tristram Berisford, at Cole- raine, to deliver and give possession of the Ironmongers' proportion to their agents. Captain Edward Doddmgton and George Hammond, or either of them. A survey of the Estate was then ordered to be made, and measures taken for erecting the castle and "baune." * In 1608 the King issued his printed Book of Regulations for the under- takers of the plantation in Ireland, entitled, " A Collection of such Orders and Conditions as are to be observed by the Undertakers upon the Distribution and Plantation of the Escheated Lands in Ulster. Impiinted att London by Robert Barker, Printer to the King's most excellent Maiestie, 1608." A manuscript copy of this book is preserved in the Company's records, and it has been several times reprinted. 2 E 418 THE mONMONGERS COMPANY. We find by various entries about this period that the associated Companies generally met in committee with the Ironmongers at their Hall, but the chief management of the Estate appears by common consent to have been vested in the latter body. A Brief of the division for lands in Ireland, y® No, 7 p'taining to this Company, and adioyned with other Companys, as followeth, viz. Ironmongers. Brewers. Scriviners. Cowpers. Theis Companies are to AlTHGEUE GeAUNGE. Ba-Reas. Refamon. Glaskarl. Mullamore. Ballenegeve. Colcrou. MuLLA Inch. Dromstable. Skaltree. Knockduffe. Clonback. Ruskey. Clarhiil. Clonkey. Cormuncla. Shalbach. Claggan. Reaske. Mulla Inch. Gort Raddy. Coolcapall. Rinsrasse. Pewterers. Barber Surgons, Carpenters. receave of the Thresurer — Codrum. Mayhulla. Too Cullens f. Kanna Kille. Ba-na-Honta. Ba-Skanlan. Ba-Brack. Ba-Clogh. Colo«. Dro Crum. Ba- William. Killeah. Kilhiaglas. B a-na-Cl untagh . Ba-na-Chan. Ogevenall. Ba-Ohagan. Enishlom. Carrowrea. Tawnymore. Cah. Liskall. Lissabay. THE IRISH ESTATE. 419 Talduffe. Lisnacreog. Ballene Fueigh. Treakre° in. Gort Glagon. ]\Iah-re-mere. Coolban. Slatalearty. Don Manye. Brackerboye. Coleroskan. RORSET MONA. Ba-Moore. Teden Bane. Trean Altena.* * The following list of the names of the townlands, and their modern appellations, has been kindly communicated by Henry Anderson, Esq. of Ballymoney : — In 1613. Ba-Reas Glaskarl MuUamore Colcrow Dromstable KnockdufF Ruskey Cornmuncla . Shalback Claggan Reaske Mulla Inch . Gort Raddy Ba-Clogh Dro-Crum Killeah Killnaglass Ba-na-Clunaght Carrowrea Talduff . Lisnacreog Treakre°in Coolban Slaterlearty or Slat al arty Don Mayne or Don Manye Brackerboye . Coleraskan 2 E 2 Modern names. Ballinrees Glassgort Drumsteeple Cornamuckla Glenback Clugan Mullaghinch Ballyclough Drumcroon Killeague Kinnyglass Ballycahan Altduff Lisnacrehog Tookeran Culibane Slaghtaverty Drunnavenny Brockagboy Coolcoscreaghan 420 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. In the year 1614 it was proposed that a sufficient person should be sent over as agent to undertake the management of the Irish Estate, and Mr. George Canning, a member of the Ironmongers' Company, was appointed to that office. The Commission grantid to George Canning, citizen and Iremonger of London, from the right wor'^ the Master, Wardens, and Committees of the Company of Iremongers, London, and other the wor^^ Com- panyes of London their associates. To all men to whome this o'" pre* warrant shall come, greeting. Theise are to give you to miderstand that wee the M»' and Wardens and Committees of the Company of Iremongers, Brewers, Scriveners, Coupers, Pewterers, Barber Surgions, and Carpinters, being joined assotiates in the 7 th pportion of the citties lands in the pvince of Ulster, within the realme of Ireland, have assigned and authorised the said George Canninge, o'" trustie and well beloved, to bee o'' agent and deputie for us, and to o^' uses to receive the possession of the said lands, and the rents thereof, and arreags of rents, and the said lands to stake and bound out apart by themselves from the lands of other men, church, or companies, and for us and to o'' uses to provide whatsoever materialls the said place or countrie may best afford, to and for o^ intendid buildings (which we hope by God's pmission to pceed with) : In 1613. Trean Altena Ballenegeve Scaltree Clonback CI on key Coolcapall Codrura Too Cullins Ba-na-hontagh Ba- William Enishlom Lissaboy Gort-Glagon Mah-re-mcre Teden Bane Modern names. Trienaltanagh Landagivey Scalty Glenback Glenkeen Coollycaple Culdrum Collins Ballylintagh Ballywilliani Englishtown Lisboy Gortacloghan Magheramore Edenbane THE IRISH ESTATE. 421 And we authorise and give him power for us and to o*' uses to fell and cutt downe tymber for the said buildings, ejther in o'" owne or in the pportions of other company es to us adjoyning, as the same may- best fall out unto our uses, or most convenient and necessarie ; and the said lands to view and survey, and the place and places to sett for o'' erections, which wee intend to bee a castell and baune besids four other buildings: And this o^" authorities we graunt him to doe and execute for us and to o*" uses by himself or other liis deputie or deputies ; requesting in his and their favours the lawfull assistaunce of our citties agents : and the same wee subscribe. Given under o'" hands, att London, this nyneteenth day of September, 1614. Iremongers. Rowland Hetlix. Nichas Leate. Jn° Parham, [ Wardens. W"^ Canning. Jn° Ball, j " '*'^'^^"^- Walter Cowley. James Cambell. Note. — That besides these the Wardens of the Brewers' subscribed. 1615. Some particulars of the condition of the Iron- mongers' proportion occur under this date, in a note delivered to Sir Josias Bodley, from which the iollowing is an extract : — Their chefe house or castell is fiftie (sic) foot in length, and y® bredth thereof thirtie foote, and hathe four flanches, on at each corner. The height of the said walles is xxxi. foote, and foure foote thicke, built of stone and bricke and covered with slates. There is stone, brick, tymber, and l}Tne, readie in place and agreed with, for the making of the baune and other houses next spring. There are also six other dwelling houses, &c. &c. The money expended in building at that period is stated to be — Total for making bricks . Paid workmen, as appereth For materials, as appereth For carrying thereof For subsidies and King's rent £835 £ s. d. . 49 6 284 1 4 358 5 9 73 8 70 10 2 422 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. A PLAN OF THE CASTLE, Delivered to the Committee by Mr. Wm. Brock upon his coming over ; from a copy in the Irish Correspondence Book belonging to the Ironmongers' Company. 1615. Sir Josias BocUey having made an unfavourable report to King* James of the slow progress of the citizens of London in accomplishing the purposes of the intended Plantation, his Majesty addressed a letter to Sir Arthur Chichester, then Lord Deputy of Ireland, signifyng his intention to resume the lands of all parties who had neglected to carry out his instructions, unless by the end of August in the following year such improvements were THE IRISH ESTATE. 423 effected as should appear to Sir Josias Bodley, in tlie survey then to he taken by him, satisfactory, and in full con- formity with the original articles. The coppie of the tre from the King's Ma*^'' to the Lorde Deputie of Ireland about the overview of the Plantation. To our trustie and wel-beloved counsello'" the Lord Chichester, our deputie of o'" realrae of Ireland, or to any other deputie, chief governoi", or keeper of our great scale that hereafter shalbe, or to anie other our ministers and officers whorae it may concerne. Right trusty and welbeloved. Wee greet you well. Wee receaved latelie from you a relaton of the psent estate of the plantacon in Ulster, sett downe with some clear- nes and order by the pen of S"" Josias Bodley, according to the exactnes of the survey thereof taken lately by himself by o'" commandment ; that wee acknowlege his care and industrye in pformance of that service, and do require of you to give him thanckes in our name for it. We have examined, viewed, and reviewed with o'" own eyes everie pte thereof, and finde, greatlie to our discontentment, the si owe pgression of that plantacon ; some fewe of the Brittishe undertakers, svitors, and natives having as yett proceeded eflfectuallie to the accomplishing of such thinges in all points as wee required of them by the articles of the plantacon ; the rest, and by much more the greater pte, having either done nothing at all, or so little, or by reason of the (slightness) thereof to so little purpose, that the work seems rather to us to be forgotten by them, and to pishe under their hands, than any whitt to be advanced by them ; some having begun to build and not to plant, others began to plant and not build, and all of them in geiiall reteyning the Irish still upon their lands, the avoiding of w'^^^ Avas the fundamental reason of that plantacon. Wee have made collection of their names, as wee find their endeav''^ or negligences noted in this svice, w*^'' wee will reteyne as a memoriall with us, and they shalbe sure to feele accordingly the eft'ectes of o"" ffavour as there shalbe occasion. It is well knowne unto you that if wee had intended onlie our psent profitt, as it seemes most of them over greedelie have done, wee might have convted those large territories of o'' escheated lands to the greate impvem^ of the revenewe of o'" crowne there. But wee chose rather, for the safetie of that coun- 424 THE ironmongers' company. trye, and tlie civillizing of that people, to depte with the inheritance of them at extreame under values, and to make a plantacon of them. And since wee were merelie induced hereunto out of reason of state, wee may, wee thincke, without any breache of justice, make bould with their rights whoe have neglected their duties in a svice of so much ym- portance to us ; and by the same lawe and reason of state resume into o'" hands their lands whoe have failed to pforme, according to o^ originall intention, the articles of the plantation, and to bestow them upon some other men more active and worthie of them than them- selves : and though the tyme is long since expired w^'^in w*^^ they were bound to have finished to all purposes their plantation, so that wee want not a just p vocation to proceed pntlie with rigor against them, yet wee are pleased in grace, and that they may be the more inexcusable if they fayle in their duties hereafter, to assigne j^ a fui'ther tyme, w*'^ shalbe till the last of August twelvemonths, w'''^ wilbe in the yeare of our Lord 1616, w*'^ wee are resolved shalbe fmall and peremptorie unto them, and at w'^'* tyme wee are determined to seize into o"" hands the lands of any men whatsoev'', without respecte of persons, whether he be a Brittishe undertaker, servitor, or native, that shalbe found defective in pforming any of the articles of the plantation to w°'* he was enioyned. Our express pleasure therefore is, that, as soone as this lymitted tjme of favo"" shall expire, that S"" Josias Bodley shall psentlie take a pticular survey of the plantation as it then stands : and whosoever he shall then certify to be defycient in anie point to w'^'* he is bound touching the plantacons, that psentlie you seize into o»' hands the proportion or pro- portions of those his lands wherein he hathe made omission ; and that you graunt a custodium of them to any such pson or psons as you shall thincke fitt till wee signify our further pleasure to you touching the disposall of them. And as wee doo let you knowe, so wee require you to give them notice of it, whom it concerns, that wee expect fidl pform- ance in all points of all the articles of the plantacons by the tyme above specified, as well from such as doo nowe lioulde any lands of the planta- cons by purchase or meare conveyance from anie of the originall grants or pattentees, as wee would have done from them whose rights they have required, notw^'^standing anie former conveyance or tollcracon graunted under any pretext unto any of them heretofore : And because wee Avill have no man to ptend ignorance of that w''*' wee expect from liim in pforming of the true meaning of tlic articles of the plantation, THE IRISH ESTATE. 425 wee require S'" Josias Bodley to takfe a reviewe of the relation of his last survey unto us, and thereupon, with as much convenient speed as he may, to signifye to the Londoners, and to every midertaker, servitor, and native, or to their servants or assignees that dwell upon their land, their seuall defectes and omissions, either in matter or in forme, that all thinges accordinglie may be reformed and pformed against the survey w*^*^ wee have apointed to be taken of the plantations there ; and theise o'' tres shalbe as well to you our Deputie that now is, as to anie other Deputie that hereafter for that tyme shalbe, sufficient warrant and dis- chardge in this behalf. Given under o*" signett att our palace of Westminster, the 25 dale of Marche, in the 13th yeare of o^ rayne of Great Brittaine, Fraunce, and Ireland. A postscript of his Ma*^®* own hand, viz. My Lo. in this srvice I expect that zeale and uprightnes from you, that y® will spare no fleshe, Englishe nor Scottishe for no private man's worth is able to countervaile the safetie of a kingedome, w^^ this Planta- con, being well accomplislied, will pcure.* In the month of October 1615, the Irish Society issued a notification to each of the Twelve Companies, that such of them as " desired to have their proportion made a manor, and to have a court leet and a court baron for the ease and good of their tenants, were to consider first, what the name of the manor should be ; secondly, what lands they would appoint for demesnes, and the names of the lands ; thirdly, what lands they would allow for common, for their tenants ; fourthly, they were to name certain persons to be made freeholders by the Society for the plantation of small quantities of land, to hold of that manor, for the general service of the country ; less than five free- holders upon their proportion coidd not well be made, and a balliljoe (about sixty acres) a-piece to every one would be sufiicient."t * Irish Letter Book. + Concise Yiew, p. '25. 42G THE ironmongers' company. In 1617, in conformity with, these suggestions of the Irish Society, the Ironmongers' Company and their asso- ciates agreed that the manor which had heen created should be called the manor of " Lizard ;" at the same time they appointed the folloAving freeholders : George Canning, agent of the Company, to have three halliboes, namely, Ballimore, Brackah-hoy, and Cah ; William Wilkes one ballihoe, called Eiskall ; John Exfull the ballihoe of Cal- duff ; Nathaniel Carrington the ballihoe of Tawnymore ; John Petty the ballihoe of Lisarbony ; and William Canning the balliboe of Colcoskrean. WiUiam Canning, who was Master of the Ironmongers' Company this year, was pro- ably for some time in Ireland, as we find him stating at a Committee that it was his intention to go over, and take his wife and family with him ; but we find him again serving the oiB&ce of Master in 1627, and his family we know were settled at Elsenham, in Essex. In the year 1617 the Bowyers and Eletchers, influenced, we may suppose, by the unsettled state of the country, and the prospect of a continual outlay, disposed of their lands in the province of Ulster to the Ironmongers* Company ; and " on the 8th July, 1618, there were delivered over by Mr. Heylin two pole-deeds for the conveyance of their shares in the Irish lands unto this Company ; also a receipt of Arthur Panther, clerk to Mr. Chamberlin of London, for xl\^j" x^" In 1619 Mr. Stone, Deputy Governor of the Irish So- ciety, informed the ClotliAvorkers' Company (with whom the Eletchers and Bo^^yers were associated), that the Iron- mongers' Company had purchased their interest, as above stated. Omng to some circumstances which cannot now be explained, probably the unproductiveness of the Irish property in the first instance, and the distraction of the times which succeeded, this purchase seems to have l^een THE IRISH ESTATE, 427 altogether overlooked, until the attention of the Iron- mongers' Company was again called to it, by the accidental discovery of the original poll-deeds in 1836. On application being made to the ClothAVorkers' Com- pany, it was found that the transaction had been duly recorded in their books, as well as the notification from Mr. Stone in 1619, relative to the purchase. Negotiations are still pending between the two Companies, which it is presumed vnR terminate in a friendly adjustment of the question, and the restitution of the Bowyers' and Fletchers' shares to the Iroimiongers, whose title is supported by what would seem to be irrefragable e^-idence, the admission of the facts by the party in possession. 1619. The Company having received a confirmation of their lands m Ireland,* granted a lease of the same for forty-one years, from AIlhaUo^\i:ide in the year 1617, to their agent Mr. George Caiming, at a rent of loOl. per annimi ; Mr. Canning undertaking to build bridges at con- venient places, erect a mill, glaze the church windows, provide a pulpit, seats, doors, and a steeple for four bells, and to pay the minister a stipend of twenty poim.ds a-year. 1625. In the commencement of the reign of Charles the Eirst, Sir Thomas Phillips preferred several hea^y complaints against the citizens of London, charging them with a wilful neglect of the conditions imder which they held theu' Irish property, urging the King, at the same time, to "revoke the charter," and seize the territories of * The manor of Lizard, so leased, is said to contain three advowsons ; Ahadowy, Arragal, and Desart-Tohill. The churches are all erected on the freeholds. The existing edifices are all plain modern buildings without ornament. 428 THE ironmongers' company. Ulster into his gayii hands. These representations were further strengthened by a variety of accusations brought against the Irish Society by Dr. Branihall, afterwards Bishop of Derry ; and in 1632, in consequence of these alleged crimes and misdemeanors, the "whole county of Londonderry was sequestrated, and the rents levied for the King's use, and Bishop Bramhall was appointed the chief receiver."* On the 15th of October, 1635, the clerk of the Iron- mongers' Company informed the members then assembled, that a bill in Star Chamber was exhibited by the Attorney General, of about eighty sheets of paper, against the Twelve Companies and their farmers in Ireland, and two persons of every of the said Companies ; f and in 1637 the Lord Chancellor, mth the ad^^dce of the Judges, King's Counsel, &c. gave judgment that the letters patent of the Irish Society for the city and county of Londonderry, and the enrolment thereof, should be revoked, cancelled, and made * Concise View, p. 32. t " The tribunals afforded no protection to the subject against the civil and ecclesiastical tyranny of that period. The judges of the common law, holding their situations during the pleasure of the King, were scandalously obsequious. Yet, obsequious as they were, they were less ready and efficient instruments of arbitrary power than a class of Courts, the memory of which is still, after the lapse of more than two centuries, held in deep abhorrence by the nation. Fore- most among these Courts in power and in infamy, were the Star Chamber and the High Commission ; the former a political, the latter a religious inquisition. Neither was a part of the old constitution of England ; the Star Chamber had been remodelled, and the High Commission created, by the Tudors. The power which these boards had possessed before the accession of Charles, had been extensive and formidable ; but was small indeed when compared with that which they now usurped. Guided chiefly by the violent spirit of the primate, and freed from the control of Parliament, they displayed a rapacity, a violence, a malignant inergv, which had been unknown to any former age. The Government was able, through their instrumentality, to fine, imprison, pillory, and mutilate without restraint." — Macaulay's Flistory of England, i. 89. THE IRISH ESTATE. 429 Yoid, and the said city and county seized into tlie King's hands.* 1638. A precept was received from the Lord Mayor, wherein, according to an act of Common Council of the same year, it is required and enacted that the patent granted by his late Majesty to the late Governor and Assistants of the New Plantation in the county of London- derry, &c. and the surveys, rent-rolls, and counterparts of the several proportions made to the Twelve Companies, shall he T^dth all convenient speed delivered to his Majesty's Attorney General ; and the Ironmongers are thereby re- quired to deliver to the said Attorney General all surveys, rent-rolls, and counterparts of the said proportion, and the counterpart of all leases, with a particular of all arrears due to the lessors, or any other persons, for their use. Another precept from the Lord Mayor in the same year sets forth, " that, by an act of Common Council of the 16th of October last, it was agreed that 12,000^. should be paid to his Majesty, whereof 8,000Z. is to be levied on the several Companies of the City, and the other 4,000^., with the charges for passmg the books and patents, to be paid out of the Chamber of London. Whereupon it was agreed that the wardens shall forthmth pay 272Z. the Ironmongers' * In the month of June 1 638, Dr. Bramhall, Bishop of Derry, apphed, on behalf of himself, the Corporation of Derry, and two others, for licence to grant leases, which licence was granted. — Vide Concise View, p. 34. The Irish Estate being seized into the King's hands, a commission was issued by the Crown, directed to the said Dr. Bramhall, Sir Richard Parsons knight, one of the Privy Council, Sir Ralph Whitfield knight, Sergeant-at-law, and Thomas Fotherley, Esq., for the purpose of entering into contracts for leases with the tenants on the Plantation of Ulster. In pursuance of this commission, Sir Ralph Whitfield and Thomas Fotherley made grants and demises of the manors, lands, and possessions, belonging as well to the twelve chief Companies as to the Society. — Concise View, p. 36. 430 THE ironmongers' company. proportion, accordingly; it being remembered that this money is agreed to be paid for the renewing the city's charter, pardoning divers offences, and in discharge of 7,000/. fine levied in the Star Chamber about the Irish land, besides the loss of the land itself." In 1641, when Charles the Pirst dined at the Guildhall on his return from Scotland, it is stated, on the authority of a MS. ill the CoUege of Arms,* that his Majesty expressed his concern for the decision in the Court of Star Chamber, by Avhich the city of London had been deprived of their lands in Ireland, and that he subsequently issued his com- mands for their restoration ; but the rebellion shortly after- wards breaking out, these intentions were frustrated. This cii'cumstance is alluded to in the re-creation and conveyance of the manor of Lizard to the Ironmongers' Company by the Irish Society in 1663. In the month of August 1641 the Mayor and Commonalty of London, " on behalf of themselves and the Companies, and divers others having lands and tenements in Londonderry, presented a petition to the Parliament, praying a restitution of their rights ; and after mature deliberation and con- sideration had of the judgment issued against the city, the House declared, " that the sentence in Star Chamber was unlawful and unjust ; that the citizens of London, and all those against whom the judgment was so given in the scire facias, should be discharged of that judgment ; and that both the cittizens of London, and those of the New Planta- tion, and all under-tennants, and all those put out of pos- session, should be restored to the same estate which they were in before the said sentence of the Star Chamber was recorded." This decision of the Parliament, however, took no effect * Vide Concise View, p. 36. Edit. 1822. THE IRISH ESTATE. 431 at that time, for in tlie month of January following we find a letter from the Lord Mayor declaring "the miserable calamity of the ^loor Protestants in Ireland, through the inhuman and bloudy cruelty of the rehbells there. That the citties of Dublin and Londonderry w^ere in great dis- tress, and requiring the Company to impart some good proportion in bread, corn, or otherwise, towards their relief and succour." Another letter, dated the 18th of March, requires the Company to provide one or more pieces of artillery, for the purpose of fortifying the city of London- derry. In 1642 the Ironmongers were called upon to raise the sum of 3,400/., being their proportion of 100,000/. levied by the Parliament for the relief of Ireland and the defence of the realm; and in 1645 the Mayor and Corporation of Derry applied to them for a supply of powder, match, shovels, spades, and pick-axes, to enable them more effectually to provide for the defence of their city.* In 1650, these troubles being abated, Mr. Hichard Hutchinson and Mr. Thomas Glover were appointed by the Ironmongers' Company to meet the Committees of the other Companies concerning their lands in Ireland, the Par- liament haidng offered to re-convey the province of Ulster to the Society and the several Companies of the city. — Whether any formal conveyance was at this time executed we do not discover ; but it is stated in th& Ironmongers' books towards the end of the year, that the clerk had re- ceived from Mr. Raworth, of Gray's Inn, the counter- parts concerning the Company's lands in Ireland, which some time belonged unto Sir Ralph Wliitfield, knight, * In ] 642 the Ironmongers contributed towards the supply of the army under the Earl of Essex, 10 russet armors, 10 pikes, 10 swords with belts, 10 hoad-pieces, 10 muskets with bandeliers and rests, and 10 murrions. 432 THE IRONMONCtERS' COMPANY. deceased, consisting of " six counterparts of y six free- holders, one grant from the Governor and Society of London-derry to the Company, one lease from this Com- pany unto Mr. George Canning, and a rent roll in paper." It-is also stated in the *' Concise View " that "after the rebellion the Londoners sent over commissioners to settle their affairs, that they demised their proportions where leases were expired, and received their rents where leases were still subsisting; and the Society's commissioners renewed all the leases in Derry and Coleraine, and at both places left the commons and wastes as before, for general accommodation and advantage." The dreadful consequences of the rebelhon, as regards the Ironmongers' estate, are set forth in a communication made to them bv Mr. Paul Camiins^, under the date of the 29th Nov. 1654, in which the following statem.ent occurs : That the castle and manor house, and all other buildings whatsoever that were upon the said manor, together with the church, the corn-mill, and three bridges, were and are totally demolished and destroyed in the late rebellion. That no tenant will plant upon any part of the said manor miless he be free of rent and taxes for one year, and fi'om thence at a very easy rent for five or six years ; and after that will not exceed four or five pounds the balliboe per ammm for 21 years' lease. That there are not twenty timber-trees fit for building upon the manor, being wasted in the late .... comand, and after by warrant fi'om the Committee of Revenues in Ulster. That the said Paul Canning sold his estate in England- in the year 1630 for above £2,000, which money he laid out m planting and stock upon the said proportion, all which he lost by the said rebellion, with loss of life of many of his dear friends. In the year 1656 Cromwell granted his letters patent to the Irish Society, with a renewal of all the rights and pri\ileges which they enjoyed under the charter of James THE IRISH ESTATE. 433 the First, and on the 2nd July, 1657, Deputy Hutchinson and Captain Storey, on behaK of the Ironmongers' Com- pany, were directed to carry to Mr. Taylor, the clerk of the Irish Society, all such writings as concerned the Com- pany's lands there, whereby they may have a new patent according to the Lord Protector's late grant.* This original grant to the Ironmongers' Company is stated to be preserved among the " records of the Irish Society, and describes all their town lands or balliboes by name." f After the restoration of Charles the Second, however, these acts of the Commonwealth were abrogated, and the Eang, in order to avoid certain legal difficulties and delay, granted to the city of London on the lOtli April, 1662, a new charter ; restoring and confirming all their former possessions and privileges in Ireland, and containing, with the exception of some slight alterations, all the clauses of the previous charter of James the First. On the 30th of May, 1663, the Irish Society re-created the manor of Lizard, and re-conveyed to the Ironmongers' Company their proportion in the province of Ulster. This deed, which is in the possession of the Company, recites as follows : — That " whereas the said letters patent (of James the First) were afterwards repealed and cancelled in the High Court of Chancery, by reason whereof the said Society and Companies of London and their respective assigns and under-tenants were wholly deprived of all and every the lands and tenements and hereditaments, royalties, privileges, franchises, and immunaties in the said letters patents mentioned ; and the said Society of the Governor and Assistants, London, of the New Plantation in Ulster, within the Realm of Ireland, thereby incorporated and created, being dissolved and invalid : And whereas the late King * Court Book, fol. 243. t Concise View, p. 38. 2 r 434 THE ironmongers' company. Charles the Fu'st, of ever blessed memory, in tlie year of om* Lord one thousand six hmidi'ed forty and one, of his princely goodness to the mayor and commonalty and citizens of the city of London, was pleased to declare his royal will and pleasm-e for the restoring back to the said society and companies all and every the lands, royalties, and privileges in the said letters patents mentioned, and gave his royal commands for seeing the same accomplished, but the late wars and troubles in the kingdom of Ireland shortly after breaking forth, liis princely intent took no effect : And whereas oui' now sovereign lord Charles the Second, by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, iipon the humble petition of the several com- panies of the city of London, and taking into his princely consideration the vast sums the said Society and the several Companies of London have laid out and disbursed in their building and planting the city and coimty of Londonderry and town of Colerame, in the province of Ulster and realm of Ireland aforesaid, and to the intent that the said Society, or some other such society to be by his Majesty created, and the said several companies of London, and their respective assigns, &c. might be restored and remstated into all and singular the counties, countries, citties, towns, castles, reversions, lands, tenements, soe vested in them by force and virtue of the foresaid letters patents respectively." And then recites the re-creation of the Irish Society and the appointment of its memhers ; and the Governor and Assistants of the said Society, in conformity with the letters patents aforesaid, recreate the manor of Lizard, and restore the Ironmongers' Company to their former possessions, setting forth theu' several halliboes by name. 1658. The Ironmongers' Company granted a lease of the Irish Estate to Mr. Paul Canning for a term of forty- one years, at the annual rent of 2701. and a fine of 500/. The following letter has probably some reference to this transaction : * — * There are copies of a considerable number of letters from the Cannintj THE IRISH ESTATE. 435 Bro'" Edward Caning, I am (God willing) intended shortly for Ireland, but if it fall soe that the bearer hereof. Coll. Bromfield (who is impowered by the wor" Compy of Ironmongers to view their proportion), doe come to Ahgavey before myselfe, that then I pray and desire you or my wife to cause some of the most knowing men of my tenants to shew and imforme him what he shall desire to see and know concerning the same, w*^out any delay or pretence whatsoever. This being all at present from Your very loving brother, Paul Canning. London, 8th July, 1658. 1703. Mr. Canning, senior, being questioned as to the fines, heriots, &c. which are usually paid by the copy- holders of the manor of Lizard on death or alienation, in- formed the Court " that, on alienations only twenty shil- lings were paid, and on deaths y^ best live beast ; and also said ye Company's lands were known by the old names, though the names are by the English and Scotch refined : and further said that the lands are chiefly distinguished by riyolet boundaries : that, as to Ballenmoyne, one and twenty balliboes, he never could find but fifteen ; the other six he supposed are in the Mercers' proportion ; and aU the fifteen pay a mark a year each by the Berisfords, as a quit rent, and twenty shillings upon an alienation, and the best beast as a heriot upon a death." In 1705 a lease of the Irish Estate was granted to George Canning, jimior, Esq. for a term of twenty-one years, at an annual rent of 250Z., a fine of 1,900^., and a yearly stipend to the minister of Ahgavey of twenty pounds. family in the Ironmongers' books, but they almost entirely refer to matters of business. Mr. Paul Canning subsequently assigned this lease to his nephew, George Canning. 2 1 2 436 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. Francis Stratford, Esq. attended on tliis occasion on be- half of liis nephew, Mr. George Canning, and the prelimi- naries being settled, " drew a bill on his goldsmiths. Mess' Hudson and Co., goldsmiths, Lumber Street, for y'' pay- ment to Sk Charles Thorold, or bearer, 1,023/. 17*. lOcL, w"^, together with the sume of 633/. 6s. M. paid on the 13th May last, and 242/. 15«. M. allowed for discount according to the Company's proposal, made up the fyne of 1,900/." Several notices occm- about this period respecting the right of presentation to Aghavey, which had been claimed by the Bishop of Londonderry. This right was afterwards made the subject of a legal process, and occupied the attention of the Court for several years. (See also several particulars about the miU, fan-, market, &c. on the Com- pany's estate, original Court Books and MS. Records penes me, vol. v. pp. 13 — 24, &c.) 1725. The Irish property was leased to Henry Lecky, Patrick Mackey, James Coningham, and Samuel Craghead, for 41 years, at the previous rent and an increased fine. 1729. The Company concluded a piu'chase of the tithes of Aghavey from Stratford Canning, Esq. for the sum of 1,155/. Mr. Canning agreeing to relinquish all right and pretension to the ferry. 1766. The common seal of the Company was affixed to a lease of the manor of Lizard, granted to Josias du Pre, Esq. for a term of 61 years, and three lives, commencing the 12th Nov. 1767. This lease in 1813 was assigned to Sir William Carr Beresford, Sir George Eitzgerald, Bart, and John Poo Beresford, Esq. M.P. at which time a survey and rent roll of the estate was made by desire of the Company. 1806. A communication was received from the Irish Society, respecting the cause between them and Lord THE IRISH ESTATE. 437 Donegal relative to the Society's right to the fishery of the river Bann, which had recently terminated in a manner satisfactory to the Society. This report was commmiicated in a letter from Robert Slade, Esq. secretary to the Irish Society, in which the following paragraph occurs : " This docimaent is considered to contain so much important in- formation, that the Society are desirous of preventing the possibility of its ever being lost or destroyed, and Avith this view have directed a copy to be sent to each of the twelve Companies, whose interest is so materially concerned in. the Society's right to the fisheries iii question."* 1814^. A map of the adjustment of the meerings of the lands in Derry, belonging to this Company and the Mercers, was presented by the Hev. G. Y. Sampson ; and in 1816 an award under the hands and seals of that gentle- man and James Armstrong, Esq., with a letter from Mr. Sampson, were read, and ordered to be entered on the Minutes, t 1832, Sept. 11. The Company having determined to appoint a resident agent in Ireland pre\dous to the estate falling into their own hands (the Bishop of Meath being the last life mentioned in the lease and now considera]3ly advanced in years), confirmed Mr. Edward Oseland m that ofiice. In November following, Mr. Oseland made his first report, which being read, was ordered by the Court * Besides this report relative to the fishery of the Bann, in 1822 three copies of a " Concise View of the Origin, Constitution, and Proceedings of the Irish Society," were presented to this Company by the Governor and Assistants of that Society. In 1823 William Parnell, Esq., and in 1830 Robert Westwood, Esq., presented to the Company reports of a visit which they had made to the manor of Lizard, both which reports contain much valuable information, and were accordingly printed. f A letter from Geo. Canning, Esq. of Garvagh, on the subject of the boundaries of the Mercers' and Ironmongers' estates, is entered in the Minutes of the Court in 1811. 438 THE ironmongers' company. to be entered in a book to be called " The Agent's Irish Report Book," and in this book all subsequent communica- tions respecting Ireland continue to be entered. On the death of the Bishop of Meath in 1840, the lease held by the Beresford family terminated, and the Irish Estate again reverted to the Company. Measures were immediately taken to obtain the attornment of the tenants ; and after several meetings had been held, and the subject maturely considered, a Committee was appointed, consisting of six members of the Ironmongers' Company, of whom the Master for the time being is always one, and one member from each of the associated Companies, to whom is referred the entire administration of the estate, and the appointment and direction of the resident agent, inde- pendently of the General Court. One of the greatest obstacles that at present retards the improvement of the Irish Estate, is the subdivision of the land into small allotments among a nimaerons and poor tenantry, who possess neither the knowledge or the means to farm it to the most advantage ; but the general introduction of a more perfect system of culti- vation, in an estate computed to contain about thu'teen thousand acres, or any material extension of the present holdings, are evidently measures beyond the reach of imme- diate appliances, and can only be effected by a wise and progressive plan, steadily pursued for an indefinite period, and wliich would probably requu'c the greater part of the next half-century to be fully and satisfactorily developed. THE HALL. THE HALL. ' T would naturally be expected, as none of the books or documents of tbe Ironmongers' Company are known to have been lost or destroyed in the Pire of London, that they would have in their possession some interest- ing particulars respecting their Hall, or rather the series of Halls which have occu- pied the site of the present building ; but the information which they possess on the subject is exceedingly limited ; nor is there a single plan or elevation, with one exception hereafter to ]3e noticed, known to be extant, of any edifice previous to that now standing. There remains, however, among the muni- ments of the Company a large assemblage of deeds relating to the parcel of ground on which their several Halls have been built. These deeds have been carefully scheduled by Mr. Beck, the present Clerk of the Company, and are numbered from 1 to 54. They commence as early as the year 1344. By the first of these documents, dated on the Monday next after the feast of St. Hilary (20 Jan.) 17 Edw. III. Bobert de Kent, citizen and horse merchant of London, and Eelicia his wife, daughter and heiress of John Rosa- mond, formerly citizen of the city aforesaid, grant to Bichard atte Merk, citizen, a vacant plot of ground sur- 442 THE ironmongers' company. rounded by their tenements, with a certain part of a certain great gate, and a solar built thereon, opposite the highway of Aldgate Street, on the south side, being in the parish of All Saints Stanyngchurch, London. These premises, after passing through various hands, were in 1440 conveyed to John Styuard, Knight, and Alice his wife ; and on the 20th Oct. 1457, 36 Hen. VI. Thomas Pounde, AVilliam Beaufitz, and Thomas More, executors of the will of Alice Stiuard widow, and in fulfilment of the said will, sell to Richard Plemmjmg, Nicholas Marshall, John Tentyrden, John Peterisfield, Thomas Dorchester, Richard AYalter, William Rose, Robert Toke, Robert AYylkynson, John Pecke, Richard Holbeche, Peter Draper, John Savery, John Bate, John Lane junior, John Paxman, and Thomas Britayn, citizens and Ironmongers, all the aforesaid lands, tenements, rents, and services in the parish of All Saints Stayning, in the ward of Aldgate and else- where, within the said city of London. In 1494, 9 Hen. VII. Peter Draper, Robert Wylkynson, and John Paxman, citizens and Ironmongers of London, by deed dated the 25th May, demise to Thomas Parker, Henry Hede, Thomas Munde, Robert Byfield, Roger Bar- telot, and other citizens and Ironmongers of London, all those lands and tenements, &c. in the parish of AU Saints Stanyng, in the ward of Aldgate, London, or elsewhere within the same city, which were formerly of Alice Stiuard widow, and appoint William Barnesby and John StjTite, Ironmongers, their lawful attorneys, to deliver seisin of the same. There is very little doubt that the Ironmongers' Hall was partly erected on the land above described, and partly on the site of a tenement belonging to Thomas PattershaU and Nicholas Poole, which is described in another set of deeds, and in which the HaU is distinctly mentioned. THE HALL. 443 In 1394, 18 Hie. II. Thomas Pattersliall and Nicholas Poole, elerks, by deed dated the 11th Sept. grant to Richard Moordon, Ironmonger, and John Boxton, Pew- terer, citizen of London, a certain annnal rent of 40*. sterling, to he received from all that their tenement, with a garden adjacent, and appurtenances, which William Badhy, of London, holds of them, and inhabits, in the parish of All Saints Stanvngchurch, in the ward of Aid- gate, London, situate between the tenement of the Hospital of St. Mary without Bishopgate, of the east and north parts, and the tenement of John Pynden, saddler, and the garden of William Hook, of the west part, and the highway leading from Penchurch Street towards Aldgate, of the south part. In 1493, 8. Hen. VII. Geoffrey Downes, at the instance of John Tyse, of Spaldwick, in the county of Hunts, gentle- man, and by deed dated the 12th of February, grants to John Shaa, citizen and goldsmith of London, Heginald Bray knight, Richard Higham gentleman, Bartholomew Reed, Ralph Latham goldsmith, and Henry Wodecock, those 40*. sterling of annual fee and quit rent, &c. issuing from all that tenement which was formerly of Thomas Pat- tersliall and Nicholas Pool clerks, and now belonging to the mystery of Ironmongers of London, situate in the parish of All Saints of Stanyngchurch, in the ward of Aldgate. On the 4th June in the following year, John Shaa, citizen and goldsmith of London, by deed of the same date, sells to AVilliam Scalder, John Ilalhede, and AVilliam Page, the aforesaid rent charge of 406-. per annum, then described as going out of a tenement called Ironmongers' Hall. We have further e^ddence of the existence of the Hall at this period in the Churchwardens' Accounts of AUhallows Staining, in which the following entry is made under the date of 1494, as cited by Malcolm : — 444 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. " Payd for a kylclierk^m of good ale, Aviche was driinkyn in the Yryiimongers Hall, all chargs born 12s. 2f/." Upon what occasion this ale was "drunken" is not mentioned. The Hall then in being was entirely rebuilt in Queen Elizabeth's time, so that the present building (ob- serves Malcolm) is the third, or perhaps the fom^th, erected since the original charter of incorporation was granted. The subjoined engra\Tiig represents the Ironmongers' Hall as laid down in a copy of Aggas's map, which is the only delineation, after a very careful research, that I have been able to discover of anv edifice of former times. [" Blank C'hepeston " in the above plan is probably a typographical errcr. and should be read Blanch Apleton. " This Blanch Apleton was a manor belonging to Sir Thomas Roos, of Hamelake, Knight, the 7th of Richard II. standing at the north-east corner of Mart-lane, corruptly termed Marke-lane. In the reign of Edward IV. all basket-makers, wire-drawer?, and other foreigners were permitted to have shops in this manor of Blanch Apleton, and not elsewhere within the city, or suburbs thereof." — Vide Stowe, ed. 1842, p. 57.] It is clear from this plan, if we may rely on the accuracy of its detail, that the approach to the Hall at that time was THE HALL. 445 through the garden from the a\ ay now occupied by Leaden- hall Street, and that the principal front then lay towards the north, the part abutting on Penchurch Street present- ing only a blank wall, wdth something which has the ap- pearance of a pent-house, extending to nearly the whole length of the building. This description, however, can only apply to the first erection, as we are led to infer, from some incidental notices, that the Hall, as rebuilt in 1587, was constructed on a different plan, and had its principal entrance towards the south, as the Hall of the present time.* In the Company's accounts for the year 1540-41 there is a charge for certain — Reparacons done of owre Halle and the liowse there by. Itm, payed ffor a loode of tyells . . . . . v^ iiij'^ Payed fFor a c. of harte lathe ..... v*^ Payde ffor di. a m. of spryggs . . . . . iij'^ Payde vj . . . . tyelle . . . . . . iiij*^ Payed ffor vj. lode of lyeme ..... iiij^ — Pajd ffor a lodde of sonde . . . . . . yj*^ Payd to ij. tyellers ffor viij. dayes . . . . x^ viij'^ Payed to the sarvaunts allso ffor viij. dayes . . • yj^ viij*^ Payed ffor reparacons another tyeme ffor a lodde of lyeme viij'^ Payde ffor xx. brycks iiij"^ Payd ffor carryage a weye of a lodde of rubbyshe . ij'^ Sfh xxix* iiij*^ * The following explanatory note is printed with Aggas's map : — " Londinum Antiqua. This plan shews the ancient extent of the famous citie of London and Westminster, as it was near the beginning of the reign of Q. Elizabeth. These plates for their great scarcity are reingraved, to oblige the curious, and to hand to posterity the old prospect, whereby at one view may be seen how much was built of this populous city and parts adjacent at the time Randulphus Aggas, in his ' Oxonia Antiqua,' published A.D. 1578, says, ' near ten years past, the author made a doubt whether to print, or lay this work aside untill he had first London plotted out." 446 THE ironmongers' company. Some notices of the interior arrangements of the Hall are ohtainecl from the Inventories of the Company's goods, which are taken annually on the induction of a new warden into office. In the " Inventory of all the Landes, Platte, Juells, and Goods that belongeth unto the Company or Mystery of the Iremongers, the last daye of Maye, in the yere of o*" Lord God 155G, Master Robert DoAvne being then om' M^ and Alexander Avenon and Xpfer Drap, Wardens at the making hereof," mention is made of the " Cownting Howse," the " Courte Chambar," the "lyteU spence be- hynd the Court Chain," the "ynnard garrat," the "greate garrat," the "parlar joyned rownd a bowght," the "but- try," and the " Hawlle." Amongst the articles of furni- ture described in the inventory are the following : — A shuet of vestemetts of clothe of gold. A herse cloth of clothe of gold, iii a box. Another of black worsted w*'^ a wyght cros of Brygges satten. A supar altar of stone. 6 doss, of wooden trenchers. A boke to give one othe, w* a cryfyx apon yt. A doss, sylver spons, w* lyons, waying xvj. onces ; the gift of Mr. Do■v\^^s. 6 quessyons of green say w* ffethers. 2 great carpetts for the ij. tables of tapestry worke, one of them leyned. ij, pes of tapestry that hang in the one end of the same Cort Chamba} 1 small carpet for the wyndo of tapestry. In 1557 the follomng entries occur for nails and other articles, which were probably required for some repaii's about the Hall : — Paid for j^ of double x*^ nayls ..... xij"* for jc vj*^ nayles ....... iiij'^ob. vjd ij^ vjd iiij' — ? vjd vjd THE HALL. 447 for jc x*^ nayls ....... for ij. paire of henges for the dores, and ij. hokes, price all xij'^ at ij'^ the pounde . for iiij. paire of crosse garnetts for ij. stocke lockes and ij. staples for jc Englishe x!^ nayles At the quarter Courte kept the next Avorking day after Sainte Markes day, being the xxvj* of Aprill, a° 1557, it was concludid and accorded that the bedill of this Cumpany should have and occupie the one of the new sheddys lately set up and buylded w*out the gate of this Halle (that is to wyte, the same of them that is next unto the gate of the same Halle), he yerely to pay therefore unto this Company thirtene shillings and foure pence, and to keepe and occupie the same in his owne handes, and not to lett or g""unt it oute to any other. And that the other of the same ij. sheddys shalbe letten and grauntyd by the wardens mito suche one of this Company as they shall thinke good and mete, at and by the like yerely rent of thirtene sliillings and iiij*^: pvyded alwayes, that the same tenaunt have not any leas made there of, but to occupie it for his yerely rent from yere to yere, nor yet that he doo graunte or let yt oute to any other. In the year 1578, the wardens, with several other members of the Company, were directed to confer with some workmen, carpenters and bricklayers, touching the devising of a "platt " for the Hall, to be built with such rooms as shall be necessary for the same, and were empowered to agree for the finishing thereof " as best they can at ther discretion." Various meetings are recorded in pursuance of this order, but it does not appear that the business was proceeded in till the year 1585, when the Hall being found " ruinous and in. great decay," it was ordered to be forthwith rebuilt, and a committee was ap- pointed for advancing, surveying, and directing the works. In the Company's Hegister or book of accounts of this period, we find an entry of the sums of money expended on this occasion, from an inspection of which we are led Hs THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. to infer that the new Hall was neither very substantial or ornamental. Payments made by us Richard Wright and Robert Cutt, wardens, in the yere 1587, of the moneye received p contra, towards the build- ing of the Hall : — Paid, as neere as wee can gesse, for the chardge of the bricklayer, the some of . lij'^ iiij* ij*^ To the plaisterer, and for all kinde of stuff therefor expended hitherto, the some of . xxx" iij^ ix*^ To the joyner, for cutting of 4 armes and other worke about the plor .... • To the carpenter, by vertue of o^' agremt 120'^, and for other necessaries for carpentarye, 13" 19« 07*^ To the mason, for his work .... To Jo" Eldred, for nayles as p bill . To the smythe, for his bill .... Paid to Mr. Robbe Cambell and Mr. Eve, be- ing wardens, for the foote of this o' accompte Suni''! totalis, cclxxj" xviij^ Entered brieflie, because more charges are to be defrayed about the buildinge aforesaid, but the .... of all the pticulars at lardge to be kepte and entered when all the buildings is fynished. Charges disbursed in and about the buildinge of the Hall tent and kitchen, to the same adjoyninge, as hereafter foUoweth : — Imprimis, paid for wages of workmen as ap- pereth in a booke for that purpose yticulerlie set downe, w*^^ booke remayneth on the file among th'acquittances, and is betwixt the firste and 10*'^ leaves thereof entered, the some of . . . . . . clxxxiij" xiij" — Itm, paid for heare as in folio 14 of the same booke ....... xxiiij* x*^ iiij" x^ viij*^ cxxxiij" xix^ vij^ v» v« yd xiij" v« xd iij" ys vij" xviij^ viij' ij'^ xj" xviij^ Vjd f xij« yd xxiiij^^ x^ vjd v« xv^ yli vj« Vjd xlvij'' xvij* Vjd xiij" xiij^ iij" THE HALL. 449 Itm, paid for slate, as in folio 14 . Itm, paid for lathe, as in folio 15 . Itm, paid for bricke, as in folio 15 . Itm, paid for lyme, as in folio 16 . Itm, paid for sand and loame, as in folio 17 Itm, paid for tyles, as in folio 18 . Itm, paid for boards, tymber, and carrege, as in fol. 18 and 19 Km, paid to the smyth, as in folio 20 I?m, paid to Elias Jerman, in p* of paym* of Ix", pcell of c^^ agreed by composicon he shold have for the frame of the newe tenem* to- wards the streete adioyninge to the Hawle, ^ch i^u jjg ^g^g behinde in o"" tyme and paid in pte thereof, as in folio 20 Itm, paid to the glasyer, as in folio 21 . Itm, paid to the joyner, as in fol. 21 Km, paid to the mason, as in folio 22 Km, for lead as in folio 23, and for casting of lead and soder togeth'', as in folio eodem Itm, paid to the pavier, as in folio 23 Km, paid to the paynter, as m fol. 23 Itm, paid to the upholster, and for div*"^ neces- serye charges, as in fol. 13 Km, delyvered to Elias Jerman iij. loade and 28 foote of tymber accordinge to Whitehands measure, after xxj* viij*^ the loade, w°^^ cometh to 3" 17% so there is paid to him in tymber iij^ to make up his 57^^ abovesaid full Ix^^ and the xvij* overplus he hath wrought out in wages. Km, paid for nailes as in foUo 20 . . . xxvij^* v* — Summ^ — Being the whole charge dis- bursed for building of the Hall tent and kitchen, in or tyme . v*^lxxxvij^ xj* vj* In 1590 hanging's of tapestry were ordered to be pro- vided for the Hall, and the wardens desired to inquire of 2 G lvij» — — xv^^ xv^ — xxxviij" xv^ iiijd xli'i xviij* Xjd xliiij'' VJB j^ ix^ ix^ xij" xix* xlvij* iiijd 450 THE ironmongers' company. some " hanginger " to view tliem and make bargain for tlie same, so they exceed not in value the smn of one hun- dred markes. The next notice of any repairs or alterations which we meet with is in 1610, when it is ordered, " that whereas the Companie is minded to trime the Hall against the feaste daye ensueinge, that Mr. Skinner have warning given him for the trimminge, mending, and plaestering of this howse, and that the yard and all wHn the Courte and the outside of the Hall to the streete be mended, plaistered, oyled, and collered." In 1629 there is also an order in the Court Minutes to treat for enlarging the Hall towards the garden six feet. Notices of the Garden frequently occur in the wardens' accounts : the following entries may be given as speci- mens : — ■ 1541. Paide ffor a gardener ffor a daye and a halfe ffor cvttyng of vynes and dressing of rosses . . xij*^ To a gardener for v. dayes worke . . . iij*' iiij*^ 1556. To Cliycken, the gardyner, for five daies and a halfe worke in the garden . . . v^ vj"^ ffor sedes to sowe the garden ... ix*^ ffor Engieshe lavender to set the mase at sondry tymes . . . . . • xj* vj*^ ffor spike, margerom, and rosemary to set the border withall ...... ij* viij*^ ffor camomyle and pynkes to set the banks w*all ....... viij*^ 1610. For a gardner 2 dayes to trymme up the gar- deyne . . . . . . • iij^ — For mowing the grass and cutting the hedges . x*^ 1634. For cutting the vine j% for nailes ij'^ . . • j^ ij'^ Mowing the grasse plott and cutting the hedges against the feast daye . . . . ij* vj*^ 1656. Tliere is an order of Court, " that whereas the Company hath THE HALL. 451 lately been at a great charge in repairing of their garden, w^'^ lyeth in very good condition, and that the same might soe continue they doe order that noe pson whatsoer be pmitted to drye or whitene any cloths in the said garden, upon penalty of xx^ to be paid by the dark for suffering this order to be broken, or not being careful to see the same pformed. 1686. New sun-dials were set up in the garden. 1701. It was ordered that the wall be built upp at the north-east corner of the Court roome, to pvent persons looking into the Compa'' garden out of the windows of y® new building taken for a tavern, and other mischiefs that may occur thereby. 1707. The gardner was directed to " cutt off the arme of the middle mulberry tree that hangs over the wall." 1719. The Company "agreed with Mr. Longstaffe to plant lyme trees in Sir Rob' Geffrey's almshouses, about 80 in number, at P 6*^ each tree, free of all charges, 10 feet high at least, and in girth about the bigness of Mr. Longstaffs legg in y® small part thereof, any failing within a year to be replaced ; and agreed to sett so many new ones in Ironmongers' Hall garden as shall be appointed at the same terms." In 1592, the following articles of furniture are men- tioned : — One great Bible in fol. of Barker's printe. One other greate Bible restinge in the handes of Mr. Est, of the guifte of Sir James Harvie. Item, two cubbordes with a deske to sett plate on. Item, 8 iointe formes, shorte and longe, 9 ioyned stools and one broken. Item, an yron backe in the chymney. Item, one table w^ a frame, ij. tables w*'^ v. tressells, and one carvinge table made w^ ioints. Item, one old banner w*' the Iremongers' arms, one old bann'' w'' S'" Xpfer Draper's amies. Item, V. pavises, one of the K. armes, one of the Cytties amies, one of S'" Alexander Avenon's armes, one the amies of the Companie, and the other of the M'chant Adventurers. Item, 50 small scuttchions of wood w*^'' did hang on both sides of the old Hall, and 22 then standing thereby. 2 G 2 452 THE ironmongers' company. "At a Courtc on the 8*'' August, 1604, it was ordered for the better keeping in memory of the names of such persons as heretofore have bine good benefact''* to this Companie, that M'" Wardens shall cause to be sett upp in the windows at the Cofno' Hall of this misterie, the pictures of Mr. Alderman Gamage, Mrs. Margaret Dane, and such others, as are not all reddie sett upp there." In 1609, Thomas Halwood had permission to make a " vault under the yard, and a waye out of the gallarie to the Hall leads, and the demise of the same as part of his house, covering the same with a slatt head and leaded ; that he have no dore out of his gallerye unto the leads ; that the gallery shall be part of the demise, and the same not lightened, and the lights as they are." At a Quarter Court at the Hall, xj, August, 1629. Natha. Glover, painter, exhibited a bill concerning the oyling and pajnting of the liouses towardes the street side, and within the Hall, and the clerkes houses, and for painting the wainscott about the fore- yard and stares going upp to the Hall in walnut tree couler, the some of 41", viz. £ s. d. For oylmg and painting the houses towards the street side, w**' the windowes, gates, and posts . . 12 For oyling and paintmg the culhimes, railes, and bal- lasteers in the yard, with the timber worke . . 15 For oyling and painting the cullumes that support the Hall, and counting-house in the garden, and for oyling, &c. the windowes and timber there . . 10 For coulouring the wainscott aboute the yarde and going up the Hall staires in walnut tree coulour , 4 The total chardge by his bill is 41 w'^'^ is considered to be overated, and thereupon the Company offered him xxx" for the performance of the above said worke, w'^'^ he accepted of, and promised to undergoe the same accordingly. In connection with the history of the Hall, we find in the THE HALL. 453 year 1640, " that Edward Cocke, painter, having made two pictures, the one of Mr. Thomas Michaell and the other of Mr. Thomas Lewen, who were good benefactors to the Company, demanded for the same 5'' a piece, hut the Court did not hokl tliem to he so much worth, and subsequently paid for the same vj*' x^" In the same year, there is another payment made to Cocke after the same rate, for the portraits of Sir James Cambell, Sir Wilham Deuham, Thomas Hallwood, Margaret Dane, and Rowland Helin ; and the Court further agreed with him to make two pictures more of the King and Queen's Majesties of the same size at iij^' v' each :* and in 1654, it was further ordered, that the Master and War- dens with Mr. Hunt " doe pvide Mr. Thomas Thorold and Mr. Ralphe Handson's pictures, that they may be sett upp in the Hall with the rest of the good benefactors." We again refer to the inventories, as the only source from which any information relative to the internal ar- rangements and economy of the Hall can be obtained. The following is a copy of the inventory taken in 1643, when William Saracold and Robert Haies were confirmed wardens. In the Linen Chamber. 4 long cushions of cloth of gould. 1 long and 2 short cushions, of Mr. East's guift. 6 tapestry cushions, of INIr. Bright's and Mr. Ganimag's guift. 1 cupboard cloth, with a white crosse linnen of buckrome. 1 barge cloth of blew with the Comp*^ amies in 3 places. 1 old bngge of buckrome. 1 new greene cupbord cloth fringed. * In 1719 the pictures were cleaned and repaired by Mr. Bellwood for lOs. each. In 1782 they were again cleaned, and the frames new gilt, at a charge of .50/. 17*. Gd. 454 TUE ironmongers' company. 1 new greene carpett for y® Coui't-roome. 1 chest Avith silk flaggs, ensigns, &c. In the Chest of L^nmen. 2 clamaske table cloths. 6 diap table clothes. 5 diap towells. 1 plaine carvinge cloth. 1 plaine carvinge cloth for y^ yard. 1 fringed cloth. 1 skreene cloth. 1 1 dozen and 8 diap napkins, 9 wanting. 2 dozen and 1 napkins, whereof 1 doz. and 7 worne. 1 long window cloth. 1 dresser cloth for the chitchen. 1 cupboard clothe. 1 short diap clothe. In the Press of Pewter. 10 seaven-pound dishes, 14 platters of the 2"'^ sort. 45 platters 3** sort, 5 of the 4**^ sort, and 50 of the 5*'' sort. 35 platters of the 6"^ sort, 24 of tlie S^^ sort, 1 9 of the 9"' sort, and 8 pastry plates. 37 round plates, 10 dozen of trencher plates, G flaggon potts. 10 dozen of sawsers, wanting 11. In the Greate Chest. 5 peeces of tapestry hangings for the Hall. 1 peece of tapestry for the upp end of the parlo'', of Sir James Cambell's guift. 3 greene cotton coochers. In the Gallary. 1 1 old crescitts. 3 wooden moulds for the playstering. In the Armory. 10 russett armors, 10 head peeces. 20 long pikes, 40 swords with belts. 40 russett murrions. THE HALL. 455 30 musketts, 30 moulds, 30 bandaliers, and 30 rests. 20^^ muskett bulletts. 19 barrills of 73'^^ of powder. 58 okl dacro-ers. CO 8 bundles of match. 23 flaskes, 6 pickaxes, 3 spades, 3 shovells. 1 halbard, 2 iron crowes. 4 sheaves of arrows, 1 axe. 6 old sacks, a rope for y^ iron hooke. 1 old carpett. 26 old pikes. In the Hall. 2 long tables with frames. 2 long table boards behinde the skreene. 1 bench along the windowe. 3 frames aboute the long table. 1 cupboard with wainscott. 2 foot benches. 1 carving table with a foote. Banner staves. Fire shovell and tonges. 1 paii'e of iron andeirons.* 2 curtain rodds of u'on. 1 old short ladder. * And-irons, or fire-dogs. — Many specimens of these ornamental castings are given in a paper by Mr. M. A. Lower, entitled, " Historical and Archaeo- logical Notices of the Iron-works in the County of Sussex," and printed in the 2nd volume of the Sussex Archaeological Collections, Lond. 1849. " The series of the Sussex andirons ranges from the end of the fifteenth century to that of the seventeenth or later." The devices are various, and sometimes elegant; some terminate with a human head and human bust: most of the andirons are decorated with one or more shields, which, previous to the Reformation, are charged with the sacred monogram, and after that period with the armorial bearings of the families for whom they were cast, and other devices. Fosbroke mentions a pair of andirons at Machen Place, in the county of Monmouth, that weighed 300 lbs., " which were sometimes employed in roast- ing an ox whole, with a large table on which it was served." — Vide Encyc. of Antiq. vol. ii p. 7:^8- 456 THE ironmongers' company. 6 great skutcliius and fiftj small. 2 cai'petts of Mr. Eastes and Mr. Brown's guift. 2 greene silke curtaines for the window. 1 wainscott seate for the wardens. 21 joynte stools, 2 shorte formes of deale. 1 bench cloth fi-inged on both sides. 7 pictures of benefactors. 2 pictures, one of the king and another of the queene. 4 wainscott formes, 4 new hatches. 1 livery cupboard of wainscott. In the Parlor over the Court Roome. 1 long table with a frame and tressell. 1 long settle made foste to the wainscott. 2 old forms covered with new cloth. 12 low stools of blew cloth with buckrome covers. ^ chaires of red Muscovia lether with buckrome covers. 1 new suite of course tapestry hangings, of the guift of Mr. Robert Cambell, aid", deceased, cont. 5 p^ In the little house neere y® Parlor. 1 standard w**" I yard and 1 ell therein. 1 iron beame w* scales, and 1 p*" of scales more. 2 piles of brasse weights compleate. 2 2-q'' and 2 seaven-pomid waights of leade, and 1 q*" of hundred in brass. Wooden mallett, 1 p*' of iron andirons, and 1 p'" of tongs. In the Buttery. 1 bread beame w* 2 pticons and cover. 1 old wamscott table w*^ a board at the bottome. 4 shelvs by the side of the buttery. In the Counting-house. 1 great chest w* 4 locks and keyes. Boxes containing writings, &c. A box w*'^ the supscripcon of Woodstreete, 9*. 16 ps.* * i. e, containing sixteen pieces. THE HALL. 457 A box w^^ theis Writings : A charter from King Henry the 4*^. A charter from King Philhpp and Queene Marye. A charter from Queene EHzabeth. A box with 2 charters fr'om King Henry 8"' of 12 houses of Sir WiU"* Denham. A box concerning St. Giles 9*. 4 p*. A box \v*in where leases in force are. A box wherein is written Allhallows Steyning, Love Lane, Old Jurye, and SUver Streete. 53 evidences concerrdng the Hall. 13 acquittances and pap for rent. A box with 4 bonds. A box with the pattent of the Compa^ armes. A box written upon Sainte Olave, Bread Street, 9^ 55 p^ A box w'^ tliis supscripcon: St. Leonarde, Eastcheape; and it is the will of Mr. Pend, butcher, w* a copy thereof, 9*. 17 p' concern- ing the Xpofer in Eastcheape. An exemplificacon upon a pleading tempore Phil. & Mary. A bundle of controversies by concealment. A little money-box for the poore. A booke of parchment wherem the Compa' ord*"^ are written. Then follows an enumeration of the Company's plate, with the names of the donors, and in most instances the weight attached, amounting altogether to upwards of seven- teen hundred ounces, and consisting of the following articles: 4 hasins and ewers parcel-gilt, 1 white hasin, 2 livery pots, 2 stopes, 12 gilt cups and covers, 6 gilt salts and covers, 1 white salt, 1 gilt tankard, 5 nests white beer bowls, 6 nests white wine bowls, 2 flat bowls, 1 ale- pot which came from the lottery, 1 small white trencher salt and cover, 41 gilt spoons, 11 white spoons with lions' heads, 16 spoons parcel-gilt with heads, 8 spoons parcel, gilt with arms, 2 flat gilt bowls, 1 small gilt cup and cover, 1 caudel pot, 1 spout pot, and 1 white beer bowl. 458 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. The calls made upon the Ironmongers' Company by the government of the country for contributions and loans of money compelled them on several occasions, as we have before noticed, to dispose of almost every article of plate in their possession. The only ancient specimens which have been preserved are represented in the subjoined engraving. One of these is a mounted cocoa-nut fitted as THE HALL. 459 a lianap.* The other has also a wooden bowl, but of broader dimensions, being about six inches in diameter : and is mounted with a silver-gilt rim bearing this inscription : m&iiamfi MM&mm\^^mi\[\mhmfimmmmm which in extenso would read thus : — Ave Maria gratia plena, Dominus tecum, benedicta tu in nuilieribus ; et benedictus frnctus ventris tni. — :In annuciatioe et visitatioe Marie Virg.f Missale ad usum inslgnis ecclesie Sarum. 1527. fol. xvii. xxxii. The Company possess a pair of these flat saucer-shaped bowls or mazers, but one only is inscribed ; in other re- spects they are similar, and in the centre of each is a small enamelled coat of the Ironmongers' arms inserted into an engraved boss. It has been customary for many years past to display these bowls on the sideboard of the Ironmongers' Company by placing them on a pair of reversed hour-glass salt-cellars of the early part of the 16th century — as repre- sented in the engraving ; but the mazer-bowls themselves are without foot or stand of any kind, and exhibit in the opinion of our best antiquaries the most authentic form of that ancient vessel. Bowls of this shape are common in the East, where they are still used as drinking cups. J The term mazer, supposed to be derived from the Elemish maeser,§ maple or a knot of the maple wood, has been * Cups of this shape are generally termed Hanaps, but the term seems apphcable to almost every kind of vessel. Hanapus, hanappus, hanaphus ; vas, patera, crater, ex Saxonico hnaep, hnaeppa ; calix, patera. Glossar. .-^Llfrici, cap. de Vasis, &c — Hanappi argentei superaurati ; Du Cange. See also Lye's Anglo Saxon Dictionary. Mounted cocoa nuts like this belonging to the Ironmongers' Company are frequently called " standing nuts." t Vkle St. Luke, i. 28, 42. I Communication from Albert Way, Esq. F.S.A. § Mazer poculum ligneum, a Belg. maeser, maser tuber ligni aceris ex qua materia praecipue haec pocula confici solebant. — Skinner. 4G0 THE ironmongers' company. generally given to bowls and goblets constructed of Avood, and Dacange cites several authorities to tlie same etfect,* but observes himself that Avith respect to the material there is no settled opinion, and that an ancient gloss has the true notion, which asserts that mazer cups were the same as what the Latins called murrhina, which word by various corruptions became at length converted into mardrinum, masdrinum, mazerinum, &c. This subject, however, has been relieved from much of its obscurity by some admirable notes contributed by Albert Way, Esq. E.S.A., to the author of a paper on Archbishop Scrope's indulgence cup, read at the meeting of the Archaeological Institute at York, in 184^7. " The mazer, the favourite di-inking vessel used by every class of society in former times, was called murrus from a supposed resemblance to the famed myrrhine vases of antiquity. The mazer was however formed of wood, especially the knotty-grained maple, and esteemed in proportion to the quality of the veined and mottled material, but espe- cially the value of the bands and rings of precious metals, enamelled, chased, or graven, with which the wood was mounted." " No slight diversity of opinion has existed amongst antiquaries in regard to the precise nature of the mazer, and the material of which such bowls or cups Avere formed. The terms cyphus miminus and murreus,\ cyphus de murra or murro, frequently used in the descriptions of such vessels in ancient inventories, have led some to consider the medieval mazer as analogous in some respect to the celebrated myrrhine cup of the classical ages. Bishop Kennett in his MS. glossarial collec- tions, remarks that a mazer was ' a drinking cup or bowl, so called from the matter of it, which IVIr. Somner thinks was maple, but most other authors thmk it was of some precious stone or earth, perhaps the same we now call porcellane.' This opinion may have been confirmed by * Somner says the mazer was made of maple ; Dolmer that cups made of maple were in request among the Norwegians ; Bruno asserts that the mazer was a wooden scyphus ; and by Desiderius Casinensis it is called a wooden cup. Vide Du Cange. f Sir Richard de Scrope, lord of Bolton, bequeathed to his son the Arch- bishop " meliorom ciphum de murreo, scihcet maser." THE HALL. *459 the fact that some such vessels appear to have been accounted of so high a value as to render the supposition that they were formed of a material of small intrinsic value, such as wood, highly improbable. This high estimation seems, however, to have been due to the bands and ornaments of precious metals {crustce and circuli), enriched with gems and enamels, employed in the decoration of the mazer ; as also to the quality or rarity of the wood, the beauty of the curious streaks and knotty gram Avherewith it was marked, or as termed in the old French madre, and the medicinal properties attributed to it. It is possible, that some of the cyplii de murro of medieval times may have been formed of other material or even of fictile ware. The precise nature of the myr- rhine cup of the ancients has never been satisfactorily ascertained, and it seems reasonable to conclude that, in the middle ages, vessels of wood highly esteemed at that period were, from some supposed resemblance or analogy to those of a remoter period, designated as murrinV'* Several mazer bowls similar to those in tlie possession of the Ironmongers' Company are known to exist :t they seem to be of various dimensions. Archbishop Scrope's indul- gence cup, preserved in the treasury of York Minster, and before alluded to, is, I believe, the largest specimen which has yet been discovered, but considerable magnitude is sometimes ascribed to them. % • A mighty mazer bowle of wine was sett As if it had to him been sacrifide. Spenser's F. Q. All that Hybla's hives do yield Were into one broad mazer filled. — B. Jonson, v. 217. * Notes by Albert Way, Esq. F.S.A., appended to an account of Arch- bishop Scrope's mazer bowl by Robert Davies, Esq. F.S.A. t There is one in the possession of Mr. Shirley which belonged to Alderman Fletcher, the Oxford Collector ; another is preserved in the institution called Bird's Hospital or Edward the Sixth's hospital at Saffron Waldeu, precisely similar to the specimen belonging to the Ironmongers' Company. — Letters from A. Way, Esq. F.S.A. See also an account of a scyphus formerly belonging to the monastery of Rochester, in the 23rd vol. of the Archaeologia, p. 393. X Vide Nares's Glossary. 4G0* THE IRONMOXGERS' COMPANY. 1662. The following entry occurs in Pepys' Diary under the date of the 28th Nov. 1662 :— " By ten o'clock at Ironmongers' Hall to the funeral of Sir Richard Stayner; here were all the officers of the navy and my Lord Sand- wich, who did discourse with us about the fishery, telling us of his Majesty's resolution to give 200?. to every man that will set out a busse,* and advising about the effects of this encouragement, which will be a very great matter certainly. Here we had good rings." 1666. It is evident from the Minutes of the Court Books of this year that the Ironmongers' Hall, though not destroyed in the Great Eire of London, was neverthe- less exposed to considerable danger ; the Clerk, who resided on the premises, having found it necessary to employ persons to keep watch in the vicinity for several nights afterwards, t and to send away the writings and other valu- ables to a place of safety. | This fact is rendered still clearer by an engraved plan of the city of London taken shortly after the fire, formerly in the possession of Lord Coleraine and now preserved in the library of the Society of Antiquaries. A portion of this plan on an enlarged scale, representing the extent and direction of the fire from the neighbourhood of Mark Lane towards Gracechurch Street is here given, and distinctly shows that all the buildings adjoining and on the west of Ironmongers' Hall were destroyed. The positions of the public buildings are designated by numbers inclosed in shields or squares, which refer to a list at the foot of the * " A small sea-vessel used by the Hollanders for the herring fishery." — Pepys' Diary, vol. i. p. 18'2. ed. 182.5. ■\ Vide Historical Evidences. :{: There is a valuable manuscript in the Library of the City of London, containing the original survey of the ground staked out after the Fire of London, by Messrs. Mills and Oliver, with a complete index of the whole, in five volumes folio. THE HALL. **4i59 map, those which were burnt down being distinguished by an asterisk, t Fenchurch Street. I I 6 ca -J T1 o y rt ^ < - '' In 1677, the Common Council framed an act for pre- venting and suppressing fires within the city of London, some of the provisions of which were as follows : — Each of the four quarters of the city were to provide and have in readiness 800 leathern buckets, 50 ladders from 12 t No. 10 Ironmongers' Hall. 12 Clothworkers' Hall.* 16 Pewterers' Hall. 22 Bennetts Gracechurch.* No. 29 Dionis Backchurch.* 51 Margaret Pattons. 120 Leaden Hall. ] 29 East India House. The East India Company were first permanently located in 1648, in a house belonging to Lord Craven, on the site which they now occupy (and adjoining to the dwelling of Sir Chrisf Cletheron). This house was rebuilt in 1726, and again re-edified, or materially altered, in 1796. 460** THE ironmongers' company. to 42 feet in length, as many hand-squirts of brass as would furnish two to each parish, 24 pickaxe sledges, and 40 shod shovels ; each of the twelve principal companies were to provide 30 buckets, one engine, six pickaxe sledges, three ladders, and two hand-squirts, and the minor companies in proportion, according to theu' abilities ; those least able were to keep portable engines "to carry up stairs into rooms or on the tops of houses." The aldermen and every other principal citizen being of the degree of a subsidy man were also to keep in their houses buckets and hand-squirts. Notice was immediately to be given to the Lord Mayor on the breaking out of a fire, and the several officers of the city were to attend and receive his directions, amongst whom there was always to be one skilful engineer to super- intend the blowing up of houses whenever it was necessary to do so in order to stop the progress of the conflagration. All persons were to remain at home unless called upon to assist, and every householder upon a cry of fire was to place a sufficient man at his door well armed, with a vessel containing water, and in the night time to hang out a light. Several specimens of the hand-squirts mentioned in the foregoing act are still extant ; there are four in the vestry room of St. Dionis Backchurch, in Penchurch Street, and another in the Church of St. Catherine Cree, Leadenhall Street. The hand-squirt which is represented in the en- graving on the opposite page consists of a brass barrel or tube about 9 inches in circumference and 27 J inches in length, including the nozzle, with two strong side handles in the middle of the tube ; the length altogether, with the handle, being 33§ inches. The barrel will contain about an ordinary bucket-full of water, wliich is propelled by a wooden piston or rod, precisely in the manner of a common THE HALL. 461 syringe ; but we are at a loss to comprehend the efficiency of such a machine in a conflagration of any extent. 1672. " Notice being taken that since the rebuilding of severall halls in London there hath not ben many funeralls out of this by reason of the 30^ extraordinary charge layed thereon since the fire ; It is therefore ordered, that from tliis tyme each funerall shall only pay 50^ amongst the officers for their attendance, and the Master and Wardens to be invited to each funerall." A further order respecting funerals appears in the Minutes of April, 1678, which directs, " that in future 40^ shalbe taken for all funeralls of strangers out of the Hall, and of all freemen half that sume that are members of this Company, which is to be distributed amongst the Compa® officers as followeth : unto the clerk 10% the upper beadle and his wife 10% to the carnon* 5% and if he be desired to attend 10% which is five shillings over and above the 40^ ; to the butler, porter, and under beadle 5^ each of them. The Master, Wardens, and Clerk to have the same service as the rest of the guests have, and their successors after them." Prom these regulations respecting funerals we turn somewhat abruptly to the festive enjoyments of the living ; the next entry that claims any notice being two bills of fare which occur in the memoranda of 1687. Sic. 462 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. A Bill of Faire for View and Search Day, being y® 1 P^ of March, 168^. A sirloyne of beef. A breast of veale. A double pole of ling. Five dishes barrell codd. A side of salmon. Twelve dabbs, twelve whitings. 2 quarts of oysters. 1 quai't of shrimps. 4 barrels of oysters. Oranges and lemmons. 2 gallons of Canary. 4 gallons of clarrett. 1 gall, of white wine. Sallads, 1 quart of oyle. Some gudgeons or smelts. Bill of Fare for the Worsliipful Company of Ironmongers on their Election Day, the 7th of July, 1687 :— ' First Course. 4 hammes and 24 chickens. 2 grand salletts. 2 sirloynes of beef, 1 clod. 4 dishes of turkeys, 3 in a dish. 5 venison pattyes, 4 tongues, 4 erdders. 4 dishes puUetts, 2 in a dish. 4 custards. Second Course. 4 dishes ducks, 3 in a dish. 4 Lombard pyes. 4 dishes sturoeon. 4 dishes of cream and sullabubbs. 4 dishes of fruite. 4 dishes of tarts. Wine. 5 gallons Canary. 3 gallons Rhenish. 1 gallon clarrett. 6 gallons wliite wine. 20 lbs. bisketts. 4 lbs. waffers. 4 lbs. double refined sugar. 1 qua^' lamb, 2 rabbetts. for the musick. At a Court on the 6th of March, 169J., Mr. Thomas Hatfield appeared, and desired he might have liberty to draw a lottery in the Company's Hall, entitled " The best and fairest chance att last," and that he would allow such consideration for the use of the said Hall as should be agreed on. On the 20th of May following " Mr. Hatfield again ap- peared befdVe the Court, and offered to pay after the rate of twenty-five shillings a-day for the use of the Hall, which THE HALL. 463 was after tlie rate of a guinea a-day as guineas went on the 6th of March last,* when the members present agreed to accept the said offer, and not to insist on any consideration for y^ tyme of pparacon of y^ Hall and before the begin- ning to draw ; whereupon eight guineas were paid to Mr. Warden Pattle in part, and five tickets for the use of the Company, the numbers whereof were, 13,571, 13,572, 13,573, 13,574, 13,575." In 1699 the Court directed all the " implements of warre in the armorie" to be disposed of, which, according to the inventory of this year, consisted of the following articles : "10 sutes of armour for footmen, all compleate ; 30 head-pieces for the same ; 19 swords with l)elts ; 1 bundle of rests ; 22 match-lock musketts ; 1 fire-lock muskett ; 21 coUers of bandyliers ; 12 black bills ; 14 pikes, most unserviceable ; 3 halberts ; 1 iron crow ; 3 shovels ; 2 pickaxes ; 1 scoope shovell ; about 2° of mus- kett shott ; about 10 bundles of match ; a barrel of powder in small casks ; several old flasks ; and several rusty daggers." At a meeting the 26th Jan. 1699, about selling the armour, " Mr. Thomas Saunders appeared to buy the armour, and agreed to give for the musketts 2s. 6cl. a-piece; for the pykes, black-bills, and halberts, twelve pence each; and for the head-pieces, back-pieces, swords, scabbards, and match, seaven shillings a hundred; and for the shott twelve shillings a hundred; and to meete Mr. Warden Browne on Wednesday next, and weigh and pay for y^ same ; w*^'' was done accordingly, and the said armour and things att the said prices came to eight pounds and eight shillings." * In September of the same year the Clerk was orJered to receive guineas at the rate of thirty shillings each. 464 THE ironmongers' company. Some repairs and alterations in the Hall are noticed under the same date. In the month of May it was ordered, that " y^ assent he levelled, and y^ musick room be made seven foot high ; y^ Company's carA^ed armes to be placed in the middle of y*' front of the musick roome, and that the Comp^ and Citty's armes be placed in the great spaces w*in y^ Hall in the front." In the following year directions were given to dig below the foundation of the Hall on the east side going to be rebuilt, and that " Mr. Thomas Bowcher, carpenter, shoare upp the Hall and building over the Court roome as he shall find convenient, and board the outside between the quarter ; also that a vault four feet square, where a vault much larger is now fallen in, under y^ assent of y^ Court roome, be made." In 1701 it was ordered, " that the Court roome ceiling be made noe higher than so as the passage out of y^ Hall into the back parlour be made even without a stepp upp, as now is. That Mr. Upton do make the Court roome as large for length that it can be made mthout any lobby^ and that he wainscot the whole roome in such manner as y^ front pieres." 1707. " The Court agreed with Mr. Jonathan Mayne, carver, for a lyon and unicorne to be pvitt upp in the Court roome for two guineas, and ordered that the same be gilded and painted at the Company's charge." Extracts from the Inventory of 1707-8. In the Coiu't Room. Three chai'rs with covers, for y*^ Master and Wardens. A leather carpet. The room wainscotted ronnd, and seated w"^ benches all covered with green. Two Spanish tables att y^ upper end of the roome. THE HALL. 4G5 One green carpet. A marble footpace. A fire-hearth and dogges, with shovell and tongues. The Queen's amies carved att y® upper end of the roonie. Three old chaires for y^ Master and Wardens, covered w*^ green say. A table of Mr. Hanson's gift. A particon of railes and bannisters, w* 2 painted pineapples and a lyon and unicorn on y"^. A clock and case. In the Hall. Three long tables with frames. One long table behind j^ hangings, A bench along y® window, and another behind y*^ side table. Two pictures, the one of King Charles the First, y^ other of his Queen. Five pieces of tapestry hangmgs. A pair of andirons. A back to y^ chimney. A pair of tongues, a fire shovell. A wainscott settle for the Wardens. Nine pictures of Benefactors. A picture of Mr. Leat, deceased. Six large wainscott forms, 2 small ones, and 2 cov'^ w*^^ green. A settle at the lower end, A fire-hearth, doggs, &c. Implements belonging to the Barge. 2 large barge cloths, all compleat. 16 blew caps, 16 blew coats, for y^ watermen. The Comps amies carved in wood, and painted, for the stern of the barge. A chest of flaggs and ensigns, and 16 blew cushions. A cupboard wherein the Company's books are, viz. Virgin's BuchoHicks, &c. Stow's Chronicle of England. Book of Martyrs, in 3 vols. Willis's Synopsis.* * The title of this book is as follows : — " Synopsis Papismi ; that is, a generall view of Papistrie, wherein the whole Mysterie of Iniquitie and summe of Antichristian Doctrine is set downe, which 2 TT 466 THE ironmongers' company. Fraud and Oppression detected. An Englisli Bible, in foil". Stow's Survey of London. Guliehnus's Heraldry. A Statute Book, w*^ y^ Company's arms on it. Howell on tlie Citty of London. Y^ Common Places of Peter Martyr's disputes. 1719. The Master acquainted the Cornet that one John Turney, an undertaker for funerals, had lately hurled one Mrs. Mason from the Hall, hut had refused to give the Master, Wardens, and Clerk, each a ring, &c. according to his agreement, the persons invited heing served with gloves, hathands, and rings ; when the Com-t ordered that the said undertaker he compelled to perform his engagement as the Master and Wardens should direct. 1720. It was ordered " that the gentlemen merchants and traders to the Bahamia Islands have liberty to have and continue their meetings and courts in this Company's is maintained this day by the Synagogue of Rome, against the Church of Christ. Together with an Antithesis of the True Christian Faith, and an Antidotum or Counter-poyson, out of Scripture, against the Whore of Babylon's filthy cup of Abominations, confuted by Scripture, Fathers, Councels, Imperial Constitutions, Pontifical Decrees, their own writers and our martyrs, and the consent of all Christian Churches in the world. Divided into five books or centuries, that is to say, so many hundreds of Popish heresies and errours. Now the fifth time published by the authoritie of his Majesties Royal Letters Patent, with addition of a preface, truly relating the life and death of the learned and laborious Doctor Andrew Willet, the author of this and many other worthy works. By Peter Smith, Dr. in Divinity." London, 1634, folio, 1352 pages. On the first leaf of this book is the following memorandum: — "1681. This booke of Doctor Willet's Synopsis was given to the Worship- ful Company of Ironmongers' by Henry Walker of Petersham in the county of Surry, and surrogat to the Lord Bishop of Winchester, and a member and brother of the said Company of Ironmongers, and an antient minister of the Gospcll, and sometime Professor of the Hebrew at the Academy at Whitefryers ; and Ordnary at the Assises in Surry, appointed by the Bishop of Chichester." THE HALL. 467 Hall and back parlor from weeke to weeke only, and att all such tymes as this Company doe not use the said Hall and parlour for their entertainments or otherwise ; and that the said Bohamia Company have also the use of the two new garretts over y^ said back parlour, for their clerks to write in. In consideracon whereof the Bohamia Compy are to pay this Company after the rate of twenty shillings a weeke, to be accompted from the twentieth day of June last, l)eing' the first time of their holding a Court or meeting at this Hall." It was further ordered that if the Company of Russia merchants meet at Ironmongers' Hall any more, that they agree with this Company to pay a certain rent in respect thereof, and that the said Bussia Company have notice to that eifect. 1723. Mr. Elderton requested permission to have the use of the Hall some time before Easter week, for the pur- pose of a ball, which request was allowed, on condition of his paying thirty shillings to be distributed amongst the officers, as in the case of a funeral. In 1731 the use of the Hall was granted to Mr. Topham, dancing master, for the same purpose, and on the same terms.* In 1736, it being put to the vote whether the Clerk's house should be repaired or rebuilt, the Court determined on the latter course, and the Committee of Supervisors were directed to obtain plans and proposals for the same. Directions were also given that the front of the Hall next the street be plastered, painted, and glazed, and the back front of the same next the garden and the side board window new glazed with crown glass. It is very doubtful however whether this resolution of * By a Resolution of Court in 1814, it was settled " that this Company do not in future let their Hall for any purpose whatever." 2h 2 468 THE ironmongers' company. the Court, so far as regards the rebuilding of the Clerk's house, was carried into effect, for in the year 1745 the Company determined with all convenient despatch to pull down the Hall and buildings contiguous thereto, and erect a new Hall and Clerk's house, at an expense of about 5,000/. Plans and estimates were obtained accordingly, and it would seem that the merits of the several designs were so nearly equipoised that the committee had some difficulty in making their choice, for, "the said several plans being balloted for, that submitted by Mr. Holden was fixed upon." Mr. Holden was appointed surveyor, and Spier and Dow- biggen contracted to execute the works for the sum of 5,500/. and the old materials. The new Hall was opened in February, 1750, and a ball given on the occasion. Amongst the items of expense were, a hogshead of port wine, ten dozen of Lisbon, half a chest of oranges, and half a hundred lemons. The following description of the new Hall (being the one now standing) is given by Malcolm : * "The basement is rustic, with a large arched door in the middle and a window on each side. Each wing has two others. The centre of the front is adorned with fom* Ionic pilasters. Over the door a Venetian window, and another, circular, within an arch. The spaces between the outer pilasters have windows with pediments, and others over them, circular. Each wing has two arched windows and two square attic. The cornice, pediment, arms, and carving in the tympanum, the vases, balustrades, and quoins on the extreme lines bi' the building, are all in good proportion, and form a very neat and elegant front, which is of Portland stone. " On ascending the steps we enter a large vestibule divided by six * Londiniuni Redivivimi, vol. ii. p. 34 Lond. 1803. THE HALL. 469 Tuscan columns into avenues, with apartments on the left, an entrance to the Court room on the right, and the stairs of the Dining Hall in the front. On one side [of the vestibule] is a door into a court (or quadrangle), formed of excellent apartments for the Clerk, his offices, and the kitchen. " At the north end of the Court-room, in a small niche, is a statue of Edward the Fourth ; an easy, pleasing little figure, and does credit to the carver.* " An oval, geometrical staircase, at the east end of the Hall, leads to the with drawing-room, in which is an elegant chimney-piece, and at the north end a niche with a small statue of Sir Robert GefFery, Knt, Al- derman and Lord Mayor of London in the year 1686. '• The State-room is entered through a large folding-door adorned with Ionic ornaments, a divided pediment, and very good bust. Against the west wall are the Master's and Wardens' chairs, beliind which the King's arms are placed, amidst some extremely beautiful carvings. On the north side stands a grand beaufet, with Ionic columns and pilasters. The room has a fire-place on the same side, and another under the or- chestra at the east end, which latter is supported by two pillars. " A cornice encompasses the room over the windows, from which a semi-oval ceiling rises, richly stuccoed with the Company's arms, satyrs' heads, cornucopias, palm-branches, flowers, scrolls, and three large panels enclosed by beautiful borders. The ceiHng is of sky- blue, the ornaments white, as are the Avails, but the carvings are gilt. " A window on the north side contains a small whole-length in painted glass of ' Sir Christopher Draper, Mayor.' He holds a roll of paper in one hand and his gloves in the other. ' T. C. hoc fieri fecit anno 1639.' A very tolerable performance, and the colours (except the face) clear and bright, particularly the robe and yellow of the niche." — Malcolm. The statue of Sir Robert Geffery is now placed at the south end of the Court-room. The carvings at the west end of the Banqueting-room, the beaufet, the pillars sup- porting the orchestra, and the portrait of Sir Christopher * 1750, July 26. Paid Mr. Rackstraw for the figure of King Edward, 6^.6*. „ Aug. 20. Paid Mr. Rd. Horton, cook, for the dinner 13 Feb. last, on the opening of the Hall, G5/. \9s. 470 THE ironmongers' company. Draper in stained glass, were removed during the repairs and decorations wMch were made in 1845. Some of the entries in the inventory of 1757 afford ns a glance at the social habits of the members at that period. Among other things are mentioned three velvet garlands, two coffee-pots, two gilt tankards, five tobacco dishes, and a wainscot box for pipes. In 1817, the foundation of the Hall ha^dng been found in some places defective, and the roof much decayed, a con- siderable sum was expended in repairs. In 1827 a light corridor, connecting the grand staircase with the Drawing- room, was constructed for the greater convenience of intro- ducing visitors, the only access to the Drawing-room for visitors previous to this time being by the stone staircase near the Court-room ; and in 1829 the Court and Drawing- rooms were considerably enlarged and improved, and four columns and pilasters of scagliola Sienna put up in the latter. 1833. William Beckford, Esq. of Bath, presented to the Company a marble statue of his father, the late Mr. Alder- man Beckford, who was admitted to the freedom and livery of the Ironmongers in 1752, and served the office of Master in the foUomng year. This elegant specimen of art, exe- cuted by Moore, was originally placed in EonthiU Abbey. On its becoming the property of the Ironmongers' Com- pany, it was put up, rather disadvantageously, at the west end of the Banqueting-room, but has subsequently been removed to a niche on the landing of the principal staircase. 1845. Notwithstanding the extensive repairs of the Hall in 1817, and subsequently in 1827 and 1829, it was found that a considerable outlay was again required; and, the subject being referred to a committee for consideration, they deemed it ad\a sable to recommend to the Court, not only to effect the necessary reparation, but also to alter THE HALL. 471 materially the style and decorations of the interior. This proposition being discussed, the subject was again referred to the committee for the purpose of obtaining plans and estimates ; and a set of designs, executed by Mr. James Caporn, were shortly afterwards submitted to the Court, and generally approved,* but considerations of economy ultimately induced the adoption of a less decorative style. It must however in fairness be remarked, that this modifi- cation of the first design has given great satisfaction, and elicited very general admiration. The Hall was re-opened on the 8th of Jime, 1847, when a ball was given to the friends and families of the Court, at which upwards of four hundred persons were present. The following able remarks on the present style of the banqueting-room have been kindly communicated by my friend, George Russell Prench, Esq. :— "The banqueting-room, wliicli is 70 feet in length and 29 feet wide was, in the year 1845, entu'ely re-decorated in the manner which is usually known as the Ehzabethan, and in which so many of the mansions of England are built. The styles called in England the Elizabethan, in France the Renaissance, and in Italy the Cinque Cento, mark the transition from the Gothic m those respective countries, and therefore there is in such styles that general likeness, although differing from each other in details, which causes the names to be used mdiscrimlnately by casual observers. A practised eye, however, familiar with the Tudor architecture of England, the Flamboyant of France, and the Gotico- Tedesio and Palladian of Italy, the precursors of the Elizabethan, the Renaissance, and the Cinque Cento periods, will easily recognize the peculiar shades of difference. In a word, each of the last-named styles may be briefly described as a mixture of classic and Gothic features, blended also with the arabesques of the middle ages ; and thus it is not uncommon to find in one building columns and entablatures of every order of antiquity, accompanying the mullioned wmdows and tracery of the Gothic styles. * The designs prepared by Mi'. Caporn were retained by the Company. 472 THE IIIONMONGEIIS' COMPANY^ " In the classic orders, more especially in those of the Greeks, severe rules and arbitrary regulations defined the proportions and details of buildings ; but in the Elizabethan and corresponding styles the artist is less restricted, and conventional propriety is not rigidly adhered to ; and if in these styles the purity of classic architecture, and the geometrical synnnetry of the Gothic, are not' attained, yet the richness of embel- lishment, and the variety of ornaments employed, often combine to pro- duce a picturesque effect, Avhich is highly pleasing to most general observers. " For a banqueting-room, such as this of the Ironmongers' Company, the style adopted is perhaps as appropriate as any which could be selected, since it admits of the introduction of heraldic embellishments, otherwise out of place, because out of date, in the purely classic styles. " The principal entrance to the room is from the great staircase through folding-doors, set in a lofty portal, supported by Roman Ionic columns, adorned with arabesques, and above the pediment is the effigy of Saint Lawrence, the patron saint of the Company. " A highly carved panelled dado, eight feet high, is carried entirely round the room, having in the upper compartments the emblazoned arms of the Masters and Benefactors of the Company, so far as they could be found, from the year 1351 to the present time. " At the west or dais end is placed a massive carved frame in three divisions, supported by four male and female colossal caryatid figures, with looking-glass between them. In the pediment is a shield contain- ing the Company's arms, and above are the present royal arms of England. At the east end of the room is the music gallery, richly carved, and supported by four cantilever brackets, beneath which is a chimney-piece designed in the elaborate manner peculiar to the Eliza- bethan period, and supported by four terminal figures. " The ceiling, another feature upon which the artists of the Eliza- bethan times delighted to exhibit their fertile fancy, is a very splendid specimen of that period. It is divided into thirty -five compartments or panels, separated from each other by riclily moulded bands or ribs. Twenty of these panels are filled in with arabesque tracery, and from five of the fifteen pendants are suspended chandcliei's of richly cut glass. In the angles of the coved part of the ceiling are placed the arms of the Company, and above the cornice are arranged shields, sup- ported by lizards, containing the arms of those monarchs who conferred THE HALL. 473 charters on the Ironmongers' Company, and also the arms of the twelve prmcipal Companies of the city. The rich mouldings and elaborate tracery of the ceiling are subdued by the delicacy of the colours in which it is finished, the prevailing tmts being white and gold, judiciously relieved by a partial heightening of blue and red. " The room is lighted by windows on the south side, and the north wall is almost entirely covered with the portraits of benefactors and dis- tinguished members. " The Drawing-room is 57 feet long and 20 feet wide, the semi-cir- cular ends being divided from the rest of the room by scagliola columns of the Grecian Ionic order, supporting an appropriate entablatm'e ; the ceiling is formed into sunk panels, with a deep coving round the room- This room is lighted by five French casement windows towards the imier court." A List of Portraits in the Ironmongers' Hall. In the Court Room. Thomas Michell, a benefactor circiter 1527 ; in a black gown and small ruflp, with chestnut-coloured hair and heavy countenance. Painted by Cocke in 1640 ; probably a copy from some earlier picture. Nicholas Leat, an esteemed member of the Company, and Master in the years 1616, 1626, and part of 1627 ; habited in a black gown richly furred, deep ruif and ruffles, and dark beard and whiskers. This finely executed portrait was presented to the Company by his sons, Mr. Richard and Mr. Huet Leat, in 1631. Rowland Heylin, a benefactor ; Master of the Ironmongers' Com- pany in 1614 and 1625, and Sherift' of London in 1624. Expression pleasing, with white beard and whiskers ; habited in a black gown, cap, and plain white collar ; and a desk and papers before him. A good picture ; painted by Cocke in 1640. Thomas Thorold, a benefactor, Master of the Company in 1634, 1644, and 1645. White beard and grave countenance; habited in a scarlet gown, ruff", and gold chain. A very fine portrait ; supposed to be by Cornelius Janssen. John Child, Master of the Ironmongers' Company in 1786. In a neat white wi^ n < ^ o a) !s o CS S Ih O II e3 •- ' 1- C 'Eb ih- JO o rt « S-S so "-5 H .- '-' O 5 s.S . 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B ffi ^ s ? -* _2 E-( ;z OS SK SS a ^ « c a> ^ "C (D ft -3 C rl X 02 0) rt <1 s -3 552 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. Henry Clitherow.* Heniy Clitherow, merchant of Lon- don, and Master of the Ironmongers' Company in 1592, 1603, and 1606, de- ceased on the 20th of Fehrnary, 1607, leaving issue by his first wife Bridget, daughter of Thomas Hewett, an only son. Catherine,' dau. of Thomas Rowland, Esq. of London. 3 sons. 1 daughter. :Sir Cliristopher Clitherow, of Pinner Hill, Member of Parliament for the City of London 3rd of Charles I. and Lord Mayor in 1636; a Governor of the Eastland Company, President of Christ's Hospital,* and blaster of the Ironmongers' Company in 1618 and 1624, ob. 11 Nov. 1624. He married secondly Mary, daughter of Sir Thomas Cambell, Lord Mayor in 1610, and a member of the Ironmongers' Company. Christo- pher. James Clitherow, of Boston House,-i-ElizaLeth, youngest d.iu. of Brentford, in co. Middx. and a merchant of considerable eminence, born 29 June, 1618. Thomas Barker, of Chis- wick, CO. Middx. ob. 26 April 168S, third wife. Christopher Clitherow, of Boston- House, CO. !Middx. ; born 1666, ob 1727, buried at Brentford. -Rachel, dau. of James Paule, of Bravwick, co. Berks, Esq. ob. 23 Oct. 1714. James Cletherow, of Boston Hoiise.=pPhilippa, eldest dau. and 7 other sons, and bom 1694; married 1731 ; ob. 3 May, 1752, buried at Brentford, coheir of Leonard Gale, of Crabbet, co. Sussex, Esq. 5 daughters. James Clitherow, of=pAnn, dau. and coheir Boston House, LL.D. of Reginald Kemeys, born 1731. | of Bertholly, near I L'ske, CO. iMonmouth. Christopher Clitherow, of Bird's Place in Essenden, co. Herts, Esq. born 1 Sept. 1743, ob. 12 Dec. 1807; married Ann, only sur- viving heir of Gilbert Joddrell. James Clitherow, of Boston House, Colonel of the AVest Middx. Militia, died Oct. 12, 1841 ; married Jane, dau. and heir of George Snow, of Lang- ton, near Blandford, co . Dorset. " 1 6 daugh- ters. Major-Gen. John Cli- therow, born 18 Dec. 1782; married Mary, dau. of Lieut. -Gen. Burton, of North Cave, CO. York.^ -r+-r Robert. James. Willm. Anne. ■Sarah. Emma. James Christie Burton Clitherow, liorn Dec. 1809, an Officer in the Guards, unmarried in 1839. • There is a good portrait of Sir Christopher Clitherow in Christ's Hospital. — Lysons. •• Heralds' Visitations; Clutterbuck's Hertfordshire; Faulkner's History of Brentford, &c. ; and Family Evidences, obligingly communicated by Col. Clitherow in 1839. — See a more extended pedigree in MS. RecorJs, vol. iii. fol. 186. * Arms : Argent, on a chevron gules, between three eagles displayed sable, five annulets or.— Marl. MS. 1096; Add. MS. 5533, fol. 75. This BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 553 ROBEET CUTT.* E/obert Cutt, Master of the Ironmongers' Company in 1599 and 1608, was the son of Uobert Cutt, of Wolver- hampton, and grandson of Uobert Cutt, alias Cutts, of Sheffield, in the county of York. He married Anne, daughter of Halph Heyman, of Sellinge, in Kent, by whom he had issue three sons and two daughters : Edward ; William ; Henry, of Ireland ; Ann ; and Elizabeth. William Cutts, of London, the second son, living in 1633, married Alice, daughter of Halph Houghton, of Derby, and had three children, Robert, William, and Anne ; which Robert married "Erancose," daughter of George Long, Esq., and at the time of the Visitation had issue one son, William, whose age is not stated. Siu Thomas Cambell, Knight. Sir Thomas Cambell, Lord Mayor in 1610, Master of the Ironmongers' Company in 1601, and again in 1613, was the son of Robert Cambell, of Eulsam, in Norfolk, and descended from a Scotch family of that name. He married Alice, daughter of Edward Bright, of London, by whom he had a numerous family. Sir James Cambell, Knight, Lord Mayor in 1629, and Robert Cambell, a merchant of London, two of his sons, were both members of the Ironmongers' Company, and family is supposed by Lvsons to be descended from the " Clitherows or Clederows of Kent, of whom Richard Clederow was several times sheriff and knight of the shire in the reign of Henry IV. and Henry V. ; and in the year 1405 was appointed Admiral of England upon the western station." — Lysons' Environs. * Arms : Ermine, on a bend engrailed sable three plates — Visitation of London, by Sir Richard St. George, Clarenceux, anno 1633. — Harl. MS. 1476, fol. 100. ooo 554 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. served the office of Master — Sir James in 1615, 1623, and 1611, and Robert in 1631. A short pedigree of this family is given in the Harl. MS. 1096, fol. 13. PEDIGREE OF CAMBELL. Robert C'ambell, of Fulsam in Norfolk, branched out=j=. . . , of Scotland from y= Cambells there. I 1 Sir Thomas Cambell, Ironmonger, -r-Alice, his wife, dau. to Edwd. B right, of Lord Mayor 1(510, ob. 1613. London, ob. 5 Jan. 1606. 1 1 1 1 1. James Cambell, 1 His first=^Thomas ^ -His second 1 1 ^ Sarah, wife to 1 1 1 Elizabeth, wife Lord Mayor 1629, wife was Cambell, wife was Nicholas Walms- to George married .... Sarah, of Step- Catherine, ley, illaob. 1608. Scott. 2. Robert Cambell, dau. of ney, 4 th dau. of Hester, wife to Mary, wife to of London, mer- son. Thomas Sir John Gore, Christopher chant, married. . .. Sparkes. Levet, of Knight. Cletherow, of 3. Edward Cam- Ashton, Judith, wife to London, alder- bell, died without nigh Guild- William Meggs. man. issue. ford. Abigail. n 1 n William Cambell. Sarah. John Cambell, ob, s. p Rowland Heylin.* Rowland Heylin, Sheriff of London 1624, Master of the Ironmongers' Company in 1614, and again in 1625, was descended from an ancient family at Pentre Heylyn, in Montgomery- shire, North Wales. He is stated to have cansed the Bihle to he translated into Welsh, also to have promoted the puhlication of a" Welsh Dictionary, and a Welsh translation of the celehrated work of Lewis Bayley, Bishop of Bangor, entitled The Practice of Piety. He died in 1637, leaving an only daughter his sole heir, who was married to " Counseller Nichols," and conveyed to him the family estate of Pentre Heylyn. Dr. Peter Heylyn, son of Henry Heylyn, and nephew of * Arms : Sable, three horse's heads erased argent. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 555 the above Rowland, was an eminent divine, Rector of South Warnhoroug-h in the county of Hants, and Prebendary of Westminster. He was a very learned man and greatly distinguished for his numerous writings, and through life a zealous opponent of the errors of Popery. Anthony Wood observes respecting him, that, " in 164i3, he was voted a delinquent in the House of Commons sitting at West- minster, because of his retirement to the King, and thereupon an order was sent to the Committee at Ports- mouth to sequestrate his estate and seize upon his goods, which order being put in execution his incomparable library was taken away and carried to Portsmouth. In 1644 his singular good lord and patron Dr. Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, being beheaded, his hopes of rising higher in the Church were totally blasted, so that upon the loss of him and his spiritual estate he stuck to his temporal (for which he compounded in Goldsmiths' Hall), and to the earning of money by writing books. In 1647 he removed to Minster Lovell in Oxfordshire, where, taking a farm of his nephew. Colonel Henry Heylyn, in the year following, he lived six years or more exercising his pen." He " afterwards suifered in his estate by decimation ; which trick being brought up by Oliver while Protector, many families thereby (especially such as had before compounded) were undone. In 1660, upon his Majesty's return. Dr. Heylyn was restored to his spiritualities."* He was born 29th Nov. 1599, died in 1662, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, where a monument is erected to his memory. His elder brother, Edward Heylyn, of Minster Lovell, in Oxfordshire, was father of Henry Heylyn, Esq. a justice of the peace for that county. * Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. iii. p. 5(i7. 556 THE ironmongers' company. Dr. John Heylyn, son of John Heylyn, merchant of London, another distrngnished member of this family, but in what degree related to Dr. Peter Heylyn is not stated, was also a Prebendary of Westminster, and first Rector of St. Mary -le- Strand, which rectory he held thirty -five years. He was the author of Lectures addressed to the King's Scholars, and a translation of the New Testament. He died 11th August, 1759, aged 74, and was buried at West- minster Abbey, where there is also an inscription to the memory of his wife Elizabeth, who died 9th June, 1747, aged 49, and another for their daughter Elizabeth, who died 28th March, 1759, in the 37th year of her age.* Dr. John Heylyn had also a son named John, born 30th June, 1712, who afterwards became an eminent merchant at Bristol, and left an only daughter, married to Sir Clement Cottrell Dormer, t Edward Heylyn, brother of the before-named Dr. John Heylyn, Prebendary of Westminster, was the father of Henry Heylyn, Esq., whose son, Henry Heylyn, Esq., of Brixton, in the county of Surrey, is the present repre- sentative of this ancient family, and a member of the Court of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, in which society his ancestors have been enrolled ever since the year 1684. Mr. Henry Heylyn, of Brixton, married Harriet, daughter of Joshua Lockwood, Esq., of Betchworth, in the county of Surrey, by whom he has issue two sons, Henry and Edward. J * History and Antiquities of the Abbey Church of Westminster, by John Preston Neale, 18i23. f "Marybone. — Married Sir Clement Cottrell Dormer and Elizabeth Ileylin, May 12, 1783." — Lysons' Environs. -^ Communications of Henry Heylyn, Esq. 1850. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 557 Nicholas Leat. Nicholas Leat, alderman of London, was an influential and highly-re- spected member of the Company ; he serv^ed the office of Master in 1616, 1626, and again, in consequence of the demise of Mr. Wm. Canning, during a part of the year 1627. But few particulars respecting his life and connexions tave been discovered. His will, dated the 3rd of June, 1631, was proved towards the end of that month in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. By this instru- ment he appoints his two sons, E-ichard and Hewett Leat, his executors, and directs that the residue of his whole estate, of what description soever, on this side or beyond the seas, should be equally divided between them, after the payment of his debts ; such legacies as he had privately acquainted them with, and the sum of 1,000 nobles, to each of his unmarried daughters, Elizabeth, Judith, and Jane ; and further appoints his sons-in-law, John Wyld and Henry Hunt, and his cousin Balpli Handson, overseers of his said will. A grant of the following arms to Mr. Nicholas Leat, dated the 13th December, 1616, is entered in the books of the Heralds' College : Argent, on a fesse gules between three fire-balls sable, from each flames proper, a lion passant or. Crest, On a mural crown or a fire-beacon sable, with fire proper, between two wings azure. This coat, impaling. Argent, a cross voided of the field between four mullets or stars of eight points sable, appears on the portrait of this worthy merchant, which was pre- sented to the Company by his two sons shortly after his decease, and now forms one of the embellishments of their Court-room. 558 THE ironmongers' company. The following petition for setting up tlie effigies of the kings and queens of England in the Royal Exchange was presented to the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen by Mr. Nicholas Leat in 1610, and has been preserved in the records of the Corporation. To the Right Honourable Su' Thomas Cambell, Lord Maior, and the worshipfull th'aldermen his brethren. Right ho. and Avorshipfull. Whereas that worthie citizen Sir Thomas Gresham deceased, of famous memory, did build for the honor of this cittie, and necessarie use of merchants, that royall monmiient called the Royall Exchange, whoe, being cutt off by mitimely death, left a part thereof unperformed, that is, xxx. pictures of kings and queues of this land, and to that purpose the said Sir Thomas Gresham left thirty roomes to place them in ; Wherefore it may please your honour and worships to give way that an act of a common counsell may be made that, because soe worthy a worke may not be left unfynished, it may be enacted that every cittizen that hereafter shalbe elected alderman, and shall agree or compounde to be suspended for a fyne or otherwaies, that before that cittizen soe chosen shalbe cleered of all elections hereafter by the cofhon counsell, that he shalbe enioyned to pay the charge of making and fynishing one of the foresaid kings or queenes theire pictures, to be erected in the places beforesaid in the Exchange, not exceeding 100 nobles; the pictures to be graven on wood, covered with lead, and then gilded and paynted in oyle cullers ; and for modells or patterns, because this honor- able cittie and worshipfull Company of Mercei's doe receve good bene- fitts whereby that they make each of them at theii* charges, Avhich will be a thing both memorable and honorable, and noe man wronged. Nicholas Leat, ire.* Court of Aldermen, 10 May, 8 Jac. 1° 1610. This petition was referred by the Court of Aldermen to the Court of Common Council, that such order might be taken therein as should by them be tliought fitting ; but * Records of the city of London ; and books of the Mercers' Company on Gresham affairs, 1564-1825 ; recently printed. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 559 whether the proposition of Mr. Leat was adopted in all its details, we have not been able to discover. It is never- theless clear that the effigies of the sovereigns of England were set up in the first Exchange, as their destruction in the Eire of London in 1666 is mentioned by Strype and other writers.* A further notice of Mr. Nicholas Leat, equally demonstra- tive of his good taste and public feeling, is foundin two of the principal writers of his own period on the subject of horticul- ture. Gardens were cultivated in England at an early period, and EitzStephen,t who flourished about the time of Henry the Second, informs us that those citizens who dwelt in the suburbs of London had large and beautiful gardens surrounding their \dllas ; but we elsewhere learn that these jmradisi of our ancestors contained scarcely anything besides a few useftil herbs and medicinal plants, or a profusion of trees, frequently cut and tortured into fantastic shapes ; and that gardens approximating to our present ideas, and for the cultivation of rare and beautiful flowers, scarcely existed at all in England before the reign of Elizabeth. About that period the taste for gardening appears to have acquii'cd a fresh impulse, and a number of elegant exotics were brought into the country by merchants and travellers from various parts of the world. Sir Walter E/aleigh introduced a variety of new^ plants from the dif- ferent countries which he visited, particularly from Elan- ders and the south of Erance, also from Virginia and South America ; and many persons of distinction and learning directed their attention to the subject. The most * The series of ifionarchs set up in the first Exchange commenced with Edward the Confessor ; but in the second edifice, erected after the Fire of London, the series commenced with Edward the First, in order to leave room for the successors of Charles the Second. — Vide Strype, book ii. p. 137. + ■ Fitz Stephen's Description of London, ed. 1772, p. 25. 560 THE ironmongers' COMl'ANY. celebrated gardens * of that time were those of the Duke of Somerset at Sion House, under the care of Dr. Turner ; the garden of Edward Lord Zouch, which was under the care of L'Obel ; and those of Hugh Morgan, apothecary to Queen Elizabeth ; of James Cole, of Highgate ; of Gerarde, " in the suburb of Holborn ; " and of Nicholas Leat. The devoted attachment of Mr. Leat to horticultural pursuits, and the desire which he felt to improve the Elora of his o^\Ti country, are clearly e^ddent from the frequent and honourable mention which is made of him in the works of Gerarde and Parkinson, which I prefer transcribing literally, feeling that I should scarcely stand excused to my brethren of the Court of Ironmongers, if I Avere to curtail these curious and interesting passages. Erom Gerard's Herbal, edit. 1597, page 246 : — t Cole Florie, or after some Colie florie, hath many large leaves, sleightly endented about the edges, of a whitish green colour, narrower and sharper pointed than cabbage, in the midst of which leaves riseth up a great \\'hite head of hard flowers closely tlu"ust togither with a root full of strings, in other parts like unto Colewoorts. The sicollen Colewoort — Bvassica Tophosa, of al other is the strangest, which I received ft'o a worshipfuU marchant of London, Master Nicholas Lete, who brought the seeds thereof out of Fraunce ; and who is greatly in love with rare and faire flowers and plants, for which he doth care- fully send into Syria, having a servant there at Alepo, and in many other countries, for the N^-liich myself, and likewise the whole land, are much bound unto him. This goodly coolewoort hath many leaves of a blewish green, or of a colour of woade, bunched or swollen up about the * Cited in a paper on Flowers and Flower Shows, printed in The Topic, No. 15, p. 15. 184G-7. f " The Herball or generall Historie of Plantes, gathered by John Gerarde of London, Master in Chirurgerie. Imprinted at London by John Norton, 1597." 1392 pages, with a handsome engraved title-page of figures and flowers, and a garden of that period. The work contains plates of all the plants and flowers therein described, most of which are very well drawn. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 561 edges, as were a piece of leatiier wet and broiled on a gridiron, in such strange sort that I cannot with words describe it to the full. The flowers grow at the top of the stalkes, of a bleake yellow colour ; the root is thick and strong like the other kinds of colewoorts, Beetes, Beta. There is likewise another sort hereof that was brought unto me from beyond the seas by that courteous merchant Master Lete, before remembred, the which hath leaves very great and red of colom', as is all the rest of the plant, as well roote as stalke, and flowers full of a perfect purple juice, tending to rednesse, the middle ribbe of which leaves are for the most part verie broad and thicke, like the middle part of the cabbage leaf, wliich is equal in goodness with the leaves of cabbage being boiled. It grew with me in 1596 to the height of viij. cubites, and did bring forth his rough and uneeven seede very plentifully, with which plant nature doth seeme to plaie and sport hirself ; for the seedes taken from that plant (which was altogether of one colour), and sowen, doth brmg forth plants of many and variable colours, as the worshipful gentleman Master John Norden can very well testifye, vtnto whom I gave some of the seedes aforesaid, which in his garden brought foorth many other of beautiful coloui's. — Ibid, page 251. Clove Gillojloioers. There are at this day mider the name o^caryophyllus comprehended divers and sundrie sorts of plants, of such varable colours, and also several shapes, that a great and large volume would not suffice to write of every one at large in particular, considering how infinite they are, and how every yeer every climate and country bringeth foorth new sortes, such as have not been heretofore written of; some whereof are called carnations, others clove gilloflowers, some sops in wine, some pagiants or pagion colour, horseflesh, blunket, purple white, double and single gilloflowers, as also a gilloflower with yellow flowers, the which a worshipful merchant of London, Master Nicholas Lete, procured from Poland, and gave me thereof for my garden, which before that time was never seen or heard of in these countries. — Ibid. p. 472. rrom Parkinson's Paradisus,* edit. 1629, page 420 : — Chapter on Roses. Some of these roses had their original, as is thought, in England, as the * " Paradisi in Sole Paradisus Terrestris ; or a Garden of all sorts of pleasant Flowers which our English ayre will permitt to be noursedup, with a Kitchin 2 502 THE ironmongers' company. first and second (Rosa Anglica alba and Rosa incarnata) ; for these dryed red roses that come over to us from beyond the seas are not of the kind of onr red rose, as may well be perceived by them that will compare our English dryed leaves with those. Some in Germany, Spain, and Italy. Some again in Turkie, as the double yellow rose, which first was procured to be brought into England by INIaster Nicholas Lete, a worthy merchant of London, and a great lover of flowers, from Con- stantinople, which (as wee heare) was first brought thither from Syria, but perished quickly both with him and with all other to whom he im- parted it ; yet afterwards it was sent to Master John de Franqueville, a merchant also of London, and a great lover of all rare plants as well Garden of all manner of herbs, rootes, .and fruites, for meate or sause, used with us ; and an Orchard of all sort of fruite-bearing trees, and shrubbes fit for our land ; together with the right ordering, planting, and preserving of them, and their uses and vertues. Collected by John Parkinson, apothecary of London. 1629. Printed by Humfrey Lownes and Robert Young, at the sign of the Starre, on Bread Street Hill." This is an engraved titlepage by Switzer, and represents the Garden of Eden ; pages 612, with 109 woodcuts of flowers and fruit, and a portrait of the author ; dedicated to the Queen. This is the first gardening book worth mentioning, and, considering what had had been done before, must be allowed to have great merit. The state of our gardens at the beginning of the 17th century may be judged of from his list of flowers, fruit-trees, and shrubs then cultivated. It also contains the names of " many respectable persons who introduced curious and useful plants, and con- tributed to improve the cultivation of them, as John Tradescant ; John Goodier, of Maple Durham, in Hampshire ; Guillaume Boel, a very curious and cunning searcher of simples; Mr. WilUam Coys, of Stubbers by North Ockenden, in Essex ; Mrs. Thomasin Tunstall, of Bull Bank, near Hornsby Castle ; Mr. Brian Ball, apothecary at Coventry ; Mr. Nicholas Lete, a worthy merchant ; Mr. John de Franqueville ; Mr. Francis Le Veau, the honestest root-gatherer that ever come over to us ; Mr. Dr. Flud, one of the physicians of the College in London ; Vincent Sion, born in Flanders, dwelling on the Bankside ; Mr. George Wilmer, of Stratford Bow, Esq. ; Richard Barnesley, of Lambeth ; Mr. Humfrey Packington, of Harvington, in Worcestershire, Esq. ; Mr. John More ; Master James Cole, a merchant of London, living at Highgate ; Master Morgan, apothecary to the late Queen Elizabeth, who had a garden at Batter- sea ; Mr. Doctor Mathew Lister, one of the King's physicians ; Master John Miller, of Old Street ; Mr. William Ward, the King's servant, in his granary, who hath a country house at Boram, in Essex." — The Gardener's and Botanist's Dictionary, by the late Philip Miller, F.R.S., with additions by Thomas Martyn, B.D., F.R.S., in 2 vols. Lond. 1807. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES, 563 as flowers, from which is sprung the great store that is now flourishino- in this kingdom. Chapter on Lilies. Lilmm Persicum (the Persian Lily). This was, as is thought, brouglit from Persia unto Constantinople, and from thence sent to us by the means of divers Turkie merchants, and in especiall by the procure- ment of Mr. Nicholas Lete, a worthy merchant, and a lover of all faire flowers.— Ibid. p. 30. IsAAK Walton. No circumstaiice has given me more gratification in the investigation of the Ironmongers' records than the dis- covery that Isaak Walton is enrolled amongst their members. So little was known of his early history that Sir Harris Nicolas, in a memoir of Walton prefixed to his edition of the Complete Angler published in 1837, found himself obliged, after a most diligent research, to record the following passage : — Of his childhood, his guardians, or the means by which he was sup- ported, nothing whatever is known ; not a single fact can be stated respecting him from the time of his baptism until he attained his twentieth year, when he appears to have been a resident in London. Isaak Walton was made free of the Ironmongers' Com- pany by Thomas GrinseU, in 1617-18. He served as a gentleman in foins in the mayoralty of Sir James Cambell in 1629, and performed the like service in 1635 in the pageant provided for Sir Christopher CUtherow. In 1637 he was chosen Warden of the Yeomanry, and in 1639 paid over to his successor the sum of '21. 7s. lOcL, the balance left in liis hands after discharging the duties of that office. He is again mentioned in 1611, the Lord Mayor having addressed three several precepts to the city companies, requiring them, in the first place, to make a return of all their members, with their several places of 2 o 2 564 THE ironmongers' company. abode ; secondly, to collect the moneys rated upon them respectively by the Act of Parliament ; and lastly, to sig- nify that the simi of 40,000/. Avas immediately required for the important affairs of the kingdom, and that the same must be collected and paid to the Commissioners by the fol- lowing Monday or Tuesday at the latest. Whereupon the Ironmongers were severally assessed for this purpose, and Walton appears in the list of Yeomanry, and is there de- scribed as Isaacko Walton, of the parish of Saint Dunstan's in the West, his contribution amounting to the sum of 3/. Beyond this period we find no further mention of him, except in an account of arrears of quarterage, from which it may be inferred that his residence was not then knoTATi to the officers of the Company. It is pretty certain that the distraction of the times hastened Walton's retire- ment from business ; and we may reasonably conclude that a mind so imbued with the spirit of gentleness as that of this amiable man would naturally seek seclusion when men were every where divided in opinion and on the eve of attempting to settle their differences by the experiment of a civil war. The following passage in Walton's life of Dr. Sanderson will afford us some insight of his views and feelings at this period. " Some years before the unhappy Long Parliament, this nation being then happy and in peace (tho^^gh inwardly sick of being well), namelv, in the year 1639, a discontented party of the Scots church were zealously restless for another reformation of their kirk government, and to that end created a new covenant, for the general taking of which they pre- tended to petition the King for his assent, and that he woidd enjovn the taking of it by all that nation. But this petition was not to be preferred to him by a committee of eight or ten men of their fraternity but by so many thousands ; and they so arm'd as seemed to force an assent to what they seem'd to request ; so that, though forbidden by the King, yet they entred England, and in the heat of zeal took and plunder'd Newcasde, BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 565 where the King was forc'd to meet them with an army. But upon a treaty and some concessions he sent them back, though not so rich as they intended, yet for that time without bloodshed. But oh! this peace and this covenant were but the forerunners of war, and the many miseries that followed. For in the year following there were so many chosen into the Long Parliament that were of a conjmict council with these very zealous and as factious reformers, as begot such a confusion by the several desires and designs in many of the members of that parhament, and at last in the very common people of this nation, that they were so lost by contrary designs, fears, and confusions, as to believe the Scots and their covenant would restore them to their former tranquil- lity. And to that end the Presbyterian party of this nation did again, in the year 1643, invite the Scotch covenanters back into England ; and hither they came, marching with it gloriously upon their pikes, and in then' hats, with this motto, " For the Crown and Covenant of both Kino-- doms." This I saw, and sufifer'd by it ; but, when I look back upon the ruine of families, the bloodshed, the decay of common honesty, and how the former piety and plain dealing of this now smful nation is turned into cruelty and cunning, I praise God that he prevented me from beino- of that party wliich help'd to bring in this covenant, and those sad con- fusions that have foUow'd it. And I have been the bolder to say this of myself, because in a sad discourse with Dr. Sanderson I heard him make the like grateful acknowledgment."* — Life of Dr. Sanderson, late Bishop of Lincohi, by Isaak Walton. Lond. 1678. In the opinion of Anthony Wood, Walton continued in Chancery Lane till ahont 1643 ; at which time (finding it dangerous for honest men to be there) he left the city, and lived sometimes at Stafford and elsewhere, but mostly in the families of eminent clergymen of the Chm'ch of * " There was doubtless at this period a republican party, or at least a republican spirit, in the House of Commons ; but no step was taken, no wish was avowed, to revolutionize the State from monarchical to republican. The desire to revolutionise the Church from Episcopal to Presbyterian was avowed and begun. They saw Protestant episcopacy conspiring with the royal pre- rogative against the public liberties, and endeavouring to grasp the same spiritual dominion which was possessed by the papacy over the public mind." — History of England by Sir James Mackintosh, vol. v. p. 269 ; Lardner's edit. 566 THE ironmongers' company. England, by whom he was much beloved. This statement is considered by Sir Harris Nicolas to be erroneous ; he says that Walton " did not leave Chancery Lane until about August, 1641 ; and, as he was certainly in London in January, 1615, and in December, 1617, and was living there in 1650, it is extremely doubtful when, if ever, he retired to Stafford." Before the year 1650, Walton took a house in the parish of Clerkenwell, where his son Isaac was baptized in St. James's church on the 10th [February that year, but lived only a few months, and was buried on the lOtli June fol- loAving, at Clerkenwell. He had also a daughter named after his wife Ann, born on the 11th of March, 1618, and probably in London. In 1651 he had another son born, of whose birth the annexed account was written by his father in the family prayer-book, wliich agrees with the register in Clerkenwell : " My last son Isaac, born the 7th Sept. 1651, at half an hour after 2 o'clock in the afternoon, being Sunday, and so was baptised in the evening by Mr. Thrustos in my house in Clerkenwell ; Mr. Henry Davison and brother Beauchamp were liis godfathers, and Mrs. Row his godmother." On the I7th April, 1662, Walton again became a widower by the death of his second wife Ann Ken, who died at Worcester in the 52nd year of her age, and was buried in the cathedral there.* Everything that could be ascertained of the probable ancestors of Walton is given by Sir Harris Nicolas ; but after great research (and no person could be more com- petent to such an investigation) he has been obliged to leave the question, Who was Walton's grandfather? undetermined, though there is great reason for concluding that George * Sir Harris Nicolas's Life of Walton, prefixed to the Complete Angler, published by Pickering. Loud. 1837. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 567 Walton, bailiff of Yoxall, in the county of Stafford, whose will is dated the 10th of February, 1570-1, stood in that degree of relationship to him. Zouch, in liis life of Walton, published in 1796, observes that his attachment to the Protestant religion as professed in the Church of England was derived from his mother, who was " the daughter of Edmund Cranmer, the pupil and friend of Mr. Ud. Hooker, and neece to that first and brightest ornament of the Reformation, Dr. Thomas Cran- mer, Archbishop of Canterbury." Sir Harris Nicolas also aUudes to Walton's connection with the family of Cranmer : " Itis not milikely," he observes, " that Walton's acquaint- ance with Dr. King was the cause of his being introduced to the family of Eloud of Canterbury, which was closely connected with that of Cranmer, whom King many years afterwards called his ' old friends.' " Susannah, daughter of Thomas Cranmer, of Canterbury (son of Edmund Cranmer, Archdeacon of Canterbury, and grand-nephew of Archbishop Cranmer), was born in August, 1579, and married a gentleman of the name of Eloud, who is presmned to have been Hobert, the son of John Eloud, fifth son of Sir Thomas Eloud, of Milgate, in the parish of Bradsted, in Kent, and the descendant of a family of considerable antiquity in Shropshire.* The following pedigree is chiefly taken from that printed in the last edition of the Complete Angler, with some additions from the books of the Ironmongers' Company, and the wills of Thomas and Ann Grinsell, deposited in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury : — * No coat of arms used by Isaak Walton has yet been discovered. The coat affixed to the pedigree is that which has been introduced into some of the illustrated editions of the Complete Angler ; namely, Walton's mark, I. W., impaling on the dexter side, Vert, on a chevron, between three wolfs heads erased argent, Floud or Floyd, his first wife ; on the sinister side, Ermine, three crescents gulos, Kenn, second wife. i Ambrose Walton, liuried ;it St. Mary's Stafford, 3 Mar. 1595-6. PEDIGREE OF WALTON. Jervis Walton, of Stafford, living Feb. 1570-1; presumed to have been the Jervis Walton of that place who was buried at St. Mary's Stafford, 11 Feb. 1596-7. Rachel, dau. of=pIzaak Walton, born= .... Floud,born about 1605; married at St. Mildred's, Can- terbury, Dec. 27, 1626; died, and buried at St. Dunstan's in the West, London, 25 Aug. 1640, 1st wife. at Stafford, 9 Aug. and bapt, at St. Mary's in that town, 21 Sept. 1593; will dated Aug. 9, 1683; proved February -4, 1683-4; died Dec. 15, and buried at Winchester, Dec. 1683; made fi-ee of the Ironmongers' Com- pany in 1617-18. =Ann, dau. of Tho- mas Ken, Attor- ney of the Com- mon Pleas, born 1610; married about 1646; ob. 17 April, 1662, ret. 52; buried in AV^orcester Cathe- dral 20th same month. — M. I. Ann Walton,' described of St. Dunstan's in the West; will dated 6 April, 1647; proved 17th November following; directs to be buried near her loving husband. -Thomas Grinsell, of Paddington, CO. Middx. Citizen, and Member of the Ironmongers' Company of London ; will, dated 14 Jan. 1640, and proved 13 .Jan. 1645, says he lately lived in the parish of St. Dunstan's in the West, and leaves 2U^. to that parish, and directs a sermon to be preached on the 5th Nov. ; makes his son-in-law Dr. Valen- tine and Isaak Walton his over- lleni7 Walton, bapt. at St. Dun- stan's, London, 12th, and buried mere the 17th Oct. 1632. Henry Walton, bapt. at St. Dun- stan's, 21 Mar. 1633-4; buried there 4 Dec. 1634. Ann Walton, born 10 July, 1640; died 11 May, 1642. rn — — I Izaak Walton, bapt. at Clerk- Ann Wal-^ enwell, 10 Feb. 1649-50; ton, born buried there 10th June fol- 11 March, lowing. 1647, Izaak Walton, bapt. at Clerk- married enwell, 7 Sept. 1651; pro- about ceeded M.A. 13 March, 1676;died 1675; obtained the Rectory 18 April, of Polshot, CO. Wilts, about 1715, 1681, and afterwards was set. 67; a Canon of Salisbury Cathe- buried in dral; will dated 14 July, Winches- 1714; proved IS Nov. 1720; ter Ca- ob. in London unmarried, thedral. 29 Dec. 1719; buried in — M. I. Salisbury Cathedral. ^Dr. Wm. Hawkins, Prebendary of Winches- ter Cathe- dral, Rector of Droxford, com. Hants; born 1633; died 17 July, 1691,jet.58; buried in Winchester Cathedral. — M.L f— rnr-r-r Walter Grin- sell, son and heir, 1640, living 1647. Thomas, living 1640. John, Nathaniel, Humfrey; all under 26 years of age in 1640; the two last men- tioned in their mo- ther's will. 1 Sarah, eldest dau. married in her father's life- time to Henry Valen- tine, D.D. 1 Jane, under 18 years of age, and un- married, 1640, executrix with Isaak Walton to her mother's will, 1647. William Hawkins, only son,=pJane, dau. of John Mere- born about 1678; called to the bar by the Hon. Society of the Middle Temple; ob. 29 Nov. 1748, a-t. 70; buried inSalisbury Cathedral. — M.I. Rev. Wm. Hawkins, only son. Vicar of Boldre, co. Hants; ob. 1776-7, mar- ried widow of .... Tre- herne. wether, of Devizes, M.D., married before July 1714 ; died 11th June, 1761; buried in Salisbury Cathe- dral.— M. I. Ann Hawkins, only dau. died unmar- ried, 27 Nov. 1728; buried in Salisbury Cathedral. — M, I. r— ' Henry Valen- tine, men- tioned in his grandmo- ther's will. Jane Hawkins, eldest dau. born 1716; ob. 12 Apr. 1728;buried in Salisbury Cathedral. — M. I. Henrietta, Rebecca, Mary; all died unmarried. Ann Hawkins, born=pRev. John Hawes, M.A. 1719; ob. 2 June, 1797; buried at Bemerton, co. Wilts. — M. I. Rector of Wilton and Fug- glestone St. Peter, com. Wilts ; ob. 16 Dec. 1787; buried at Bemerton. — M. I. Frances Hawkins, only child, married at St. Tho- mas's, Winchester, to Mr. Thos. Knapp Blagden, of that city, 9 May, 1790; living at St. Maloes in France April 1f*36, s. p. Rev. Henry :=Kliz. dau. Hawes, of Clif- of Wm. ton, born 27 Brown, Oct. 1756; ob. Esq. marr. 17 March, Jan. 1786; ]809, 8. p. livingJune 1836. Rev. Herbert Hawes, D.D. Prebendary of Salisbury; died at Salisbury, 1837. n Margaret-Jane, born 14 May, 1755; ob. unmarried 31 July. 182U; buried at Be- merton M. I. Ann, born 7 May, 1761; ob. .lune following. biographical notices. 569 George Canning. George Canning, fourth son of Kicliard Canning, of Eox- cote, in the county of Warwick, and a member of the Iron- mongers' Company, was appointed agent of their estate in Ireland on the 10th of September, 1614, and subsequently, by grants of land from the Crown and from the Ironmon- gers' Company, obtained himself a good estate in that country, where his posterity remained, several of whom were lessees of the Company for a considerable period of time. In the early part of the present century the family of Canning became ennobled in the persons of George Canning, son of Paul Canning, and Joan, the relict of the Hight Hon. George Canning, Secretary of State, the former being created on the 28th Oct. 1818, Baron Garvagh, of Garvagh, in the county of Londonderry, in the peerage of Ireland, and the latter, in the year 1827, Viscountess Canning, of Kilbrahan, in the county of Kilkenny, in the peerage of the United Kingdom, with remainder to the heirs male of her body by her late husband. The following pedigree is compiled from that printed by John Benjamin Heath, Esq. P. U.S., E.S.A., in his account of the Grocers' Company,* and communicated by the late G. P. Beltz, Esq., Lancaster Herald, from the records of the CoUege of Arms, C. 7, 15. ; G. 19, 66; C. 21, 41. ; Vincent's Warwickshire ; the Harl. MS. 'No. 1167 ; Lodge's and other Peerages ; and the Becords of the Ironmongers' Company. Arms of Canning : Argent, three moor's heads side-faced and couped at the neck proper, wreathed about the temples or and azure. * Some Account of the Worshipful Company of Grocers. London, 1829, not published, p. 291. PEDIGREE OF CANNING. Thomas Canning, of^pAgneta, or Margaret, Foxcote, com. War- wick, jure uxor, temp. Hen. VI. dau. and lieir of John Solman, of Foxcote, com. AVarwick. Richard Canning, of Fox-^Alice, dau. of Hum- cote, son and heir. phrey Compton. Thomas Canning, =f^Johanna, dau. of Willm. of Foxcote, son and Boughton, of Condycote, heir. co. Crloucester. AVilliam, 2d son. Ricliard Canning of Foxcote. ^Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Petty, of Ilmington, eo. Warwick. William Canning, of Bassishaw, Edward near Blackwell Hall, London, Canning, a merchant anno 1619; Master of Eus- of the Ironmongers' Company ton, com. in 1617 and part of 1627, in Oxon, 3d which year he died ; a quo Can- son. ningsofElsenham (seep. 571.) ^ 1 I I Richard. Robert. William. George Canning, Citizen and Ironmonger of Lon- don, 4th son, appointed agent to the Ironmongers' estate in Ireland, 19th. Sept. 1614; ob. 1646, He had 10 children. Richard Canning, of Foxcote, from whom descended Eliza-Minto-Can- ning, m. in 1843 to Philip Henry Howard, Esq. of Corby. Paul Canning, Esq. of Garvagh, living 1619, s. p. Robert Can- William Canning, Eisq. of ning. Garvagh, killed by the Papists 1641. =T= George Canning, of Garvagh, at Dublin bv attainted in the Parliament held James II. 1690. -J George Canning, of Garvagh, Esq. Lieut. -Col. in the-pAbigail, fourth dau. of Robert Derry Militia, only child. ( Stratford. , I Stratford Canning, Esq. of Garvagh, Colonel of- the Derry Militia, ob. 30 Sept. 1775. ^Letitia, dau. and heir of Obadiah New- burgh, of Ballyhaise, co. Cavan. I Stratford Canning, of London, merchant. George Canning, of the Middle Temple, Barrister-at-Law, ob. April 1771; mar- ried Mary- Ann, dau. of Jordan Costello, of Connaught; ob. at Bath 1827. 1 Paul, second son, but heir to his father, ob. 1784; married Jane, second dau. of Conway Spencer, Esq. com. Antrim. =^ Right Hon. Sir Stratford Canning, G.C.B., M. P., for- merly Ambassador to St. Pe- tersburg; married 1st, Har- riet, dau. of Thomas Raikes, Esq. by whom he had no issue ; and secondly, 3 Sept. 1825, Eliza-Charlotte, eldest dau. of James Alexander, Esq. of Somerhill, by whom he has several children. Right Hon. George Canning, only sur- viving son, born 11 April, 1770; Secre- tary of State for Foreign Affairs, 1807, and Chancellor of the Exchequer and First Lord of the Treasury, lb27; ob. same year, 8 August; he married Joan, dau. and coheir of Gen. John Scott, of Balcomie, created Viscountess Canning, of Kilbrahan, co. Kilkenny, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, with remainder to the heirs male of her body by her late husband. George Canning, cre- ated 28 Oct. 1618, Baron Garvagh, of Garvagh, CO. London- derry, in the Peerage of Ireland; married (second wife) Rosa- bella-Charlotte-Isa- bella, eldest dau. of the late Henry Bon- ham, Esq. of Titness Park, com. Berks. George-Charles, born 25 April, ISOl, ob. 31 March, 1820. Harriet, mar- William Pitt Canning, Capt. R.N. ol). 25 Sept. 1828. ried Ulick- Charles-John Viscount Canning, of Kilbrahan, born John, Mar- 15 Dec.1812, married the Hon. Charlotte Stewart, eldest quessofClan- dau. of Lord Stewart de Rothsay ; succeeded his mother ricarde. ^ Viscounte.ss Canning, 15 March, 1837. | I' lick-Canning Lord Dunkcliin, burn 1827. Chas. Henry Spen- cer George, second Lord Garvagh. Hon. Emeline Rosa- bella. Hon. Albert Spen- cer George. biogeaphical notices. 571 William Canning. William Canmng, of Bassishaw, in the city of London, niercliant, son of E;icliard. Canning, of Poxcote, in the county of AVarwick, was Master of the Ironmongers' Com- pany in 1617, and part of 1G27, in which latter year he died. His eldest son, William Canning, Esq. purchased the manor and rectory of Elsenham, in the county of Essex, and married Martha, daughter of George Etheridge, of Maidenhead, Berks, by whom he had four sons, three of whom died A\ithout issue. George Canning, Esq. the eldest son, married Elizabeth, daughter of John Buck, of Ugley, in the county of Essex, and had issue also four sons : John ; George, of Mole Hall in Depden ; William ; and Thomas ; and a daughter Martha, married to Benjamin Guyver, of Prior's Hall, in Widington. John Canning, the eldest son, of Queen's College, Cambridge, was presented to the vicarage of Elsenham in 1678, and after his father's death succeeded to the rectory and manor; he married Mary, daughter of John "Wlieeler, of Gervase Court, Wor- cestershire, by whom he had George, Mary, and Ann, who all died unmarried ; and a second daughter Mary, who be- came sole heiress, and was twice married ; first, to Joseph Eves, and secondly to John Howlet, gentleman, of Elsen- ham aforesaid. — Vide Morant's Essex, vol. ii. p. 571. Thomas Thorold.* Thomas Thorold, of London, mer- chant, Master of the Ironmongers' Company in 1634, 1614, and 1645. Will dated I7th May, 1649, and proved in 1651. The family of Thorold is of con- siderable antiquity in the counties of York and Lincoln, where they were * See a more extended pedigree in MS. Records, vol. iv. f. 286. 572 THE ironmongers' company. chiefly seated. Richard Thorold, of Thorold, com. Ebor. temp. Edw. III. married Alice, alias Joan, daughter and heir of Robert de Hough, of Marston, com. Lincoln, and was the ancestor in a direct line of William Thorold, of Marston and Blanckney, com.=pDorothy dau. of Thomas Line. High Sheritf of that county, temp. Fhil. and I Leake, Esq. of Holham, Mary, ob. 15o9. com. Nots. William Thorold, of Harmeston, co.=f=Margaret, dau. and heir of .... Baldock, of London. Lincoln. | r -■ Thomas Thorold, of London, merchant, Master of the=pRebecca, dau. of Green, of Lon- Ironniongers' Company, 1634, 1644, and 1645. | don: 1st wife. Charles Thorold, Esq. of Harmeston, and of London : Mas-=FAnn, dau. of George Clarke, ter of the Ironmongers' Company in 1654 and 1639. | of London. r -r -^ -1 Sir Chas. Thorold, knighted Sir George Thorold, knighted 10th May, Sir Samuel Tho- 5th April, 1704, Alderman 1708 ; succeeded his brother as Alder- rold, Bart. ; ob. of Cordwainers' ward, and man, Sheriff in 1710, created a Baronet by Jan. 1738, s. p.. Sheriff of London 1706, Queen Anne, 9 Sept. 1709, with remainder when the title be- free of the Ironmongers' to his brother Samuel. He was Lord came extinct. Company 1680, Warden in Mayor in the memorable year 1720, and 1700, and Master in 1703 ; married Elizabeth, dau. of Sir James ob. April ], 1709, s. p., Rushout, Bart, of North wick, com. Wor- and buried at St. Andrew's cester ; free of the Ironmongers' Company Undershaft. in 1702, and Master in 1708 ; ob. 29th Oct. 1722, s. p. Sir Job Harby.* Sir Job Harby, Knt. citizen and merchant of London, son of Thomas Harby, Esq. of Adston or Aveston, in the county of Northampton, and great-grandson of Nicholas Harby, of Cambridgeshire, gentleman. Master of the Iron- mongers' Company in 1635 and 1643, one of the Commis- sioners of the Customs, and created a Baronet in 1660. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Richard Wiche, of Lon- don, by whom he had issue one son, Erasmus, and four daughters — Elizabeth, married in 1638 to Sir Edmund Hoskins, of East Grinsted, in the county of Surrey, ser- geant-at-law ; Ann ; Rebecca ; and Susan, the wife of Roger Pocock, of London, merchant. Sir Erasmus Harby, Bart, succeeded to his father's title * Arms : Gules, a fesse dancette ermine between ton billets argent ; the badge of Ulster.— Harl. MS. 1463, fol. 100. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 573 and estate at Aldenham, in the county of Herts, and married Lady Prances Pane, daughter of Mildmay second Earl of Westmoreland, and died in 1674, when the title became extinct, and the manor of Aldenham was sold to Denzil Holies, Lord Holies of Ifield. Sir Hugh Windham.* Sir Hugh Windham, Knt., of Pilsden Court, in the coiuity of Dorset, Master of the Ironmongers' Company in 163 S and 1612, grandson of Sir John Windham of Orchard Windliam, in the county of Somerset, and lineally de' scended from William de Wymondham, of Whichlewood and Crownthorp, in the county of Norfolk, circiter temp. Edward I.f He was created a Baronet in 1611, and mar- ried Mary, daughter of Christopher Allanson, of London, Esq., by whom he had issue Hugh, oh. vita patris, and six daughters, Mary, Sara, Martha, Percilla, Diana, and Rachell. John Wild. J John Wild, one of the captains of the city in 1633, and Master of the Ironmongers' Company in 1651, son of Edward Wyld, of London. He married Mary, daughter of Nicholas Leate, who was also one of the captains of the city, and a member of this Company; by whom he had issue Nicholas, John, Edward, Simon, Ualph, Uichard, Mary, and Martha. He died in 1651. Simon, his fourth son, was made free of the Company in 1650 ; John in 1656 ; and Nicholas served the office of Master in 1674 and 1686. * Arms : Azure, a chevron between three lion's heads erased or ; the badge of Ulster. — Visitation of Somerset, by Robert Cooke, and William Camden, Clarenceux, Harl. MS. 1539; Sharpe and Lodge's Peerages; see also MS. Records of Ironmongers' Company, vol. iii. fol. 317. t Ancestors of the Earls of Egremont. ij; Arms : Or, a fesse between three buck's heads erased sable. — Harl. MS. 1476, fol. 122 ; see also MS. Records of Ironmongers' Company, vol. iv. fols. 3:3, 65, 192. 574 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. Sir John Lewis.* Sii* John Lewis, of Ledston, great-grandson of Robert Lewis of Marre, and descended from an ancient Welsh family, was Master of the Ironmongers' Company in 1657, and created a Baronet in 1660. He married Sarah, third daughter and co-heir of Sir Thomas Poot, Lord Mayor of London in 1640, and by her (who married secondly Lenzel Onslow, Esq.) had two daughters, his co-heirs : Elizabeth, who became the wife of Theophilus Earl of Huntingdon ; and Mary, married to Robert Lord Deincourt, son and heu' of Nicholas Earl of Scarsdale. Sir John Lewis died in 1671, when the title became extinct. Sir Robert Geffery.! Sir Robert Geffery, sheriff of Lon- don in 1673 ; elected alderman of Cordwainers' ward 22nd June, 1676 ; Lord Mayor in 1686 ; and Master of the Ironmongers' Company in 1667 and 1685-6. He died the 26th Eeb- ruary, 1703, in the ninety-first year of his age, and was buried in St. Dionis Backchm-ch, in which parish he had lived for many years. No particulars are known respecting the family of * Arms: Sable, a chevron between three trefoils or. — Burke's Extinct Baronetcies : MS. Records, vol. iv. t Arms : Argent, six billets sable, on a chief of the second a lion passant or, langued gules : granted by Sir Edward Byshe, Clarenceux. — Add. MS. 5533, in Brit. Mus. Previous to this grant, as appears by a conveyance of land from the Ironmongers' Company, dated 2 Aug. 1658, and signed on be- half of the Company by (Sir) Robert Geffery, and to which his seal is attached, he bore . . . five billets in saltire, a label throughout of three points, im- paling ... on a chief three birds. Crest : Out of a mural coronet a lion's head erased. □ □ □ D a a BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 575 Sii' Robert Geffery beyond what is discoverable in his will, and from which we may infer that he was of Cornish ex- traction. He bequeaths a sum of money for the support of a school at Landrake and St. Erney, in the county of Cornwall, and mentions his cousin, Rebecca Sowton, eldest daughter of his late brother, William Geffery; Abigail and Catherine Geffery, two other daughters of his brother WilKam ; Mary Binny, daughter of his late sister Thomasin Randall ; and his cousin William Geffery, of Trematon, in Cornwall, and some of tlieu' descendants. Sir Robert Geffery received the honour of knighthood from the King, at Guildliall, during liis shrievalty m 1673, and at the time of his decease was president of the hospi- tals of Bridewell and Bethlem. Thomas Nicholls.* Thomas NichoUs, citizen and merchant of London, and Master of the Ironmongers' Company in lC95.t Will proved in the Prerogative Coiu't of Canterbury in the month of December, 1706, in which mention is made of his daughters Katherine and Ami, and his son John, deceased; his residence at Highgate, and real estates at Pentre Heylin, Llandi'egunwin, Trederwen, in the county of Montgomery, and other property in the town and county of Salop. * Arms : Sable, a pheon argent, a crescent for diiFerence. — Seal attached to his will. t He was apprenticed to 'Charles Thorold, Esq.; presented in 1656, and made free in 1669 ; and was probably grandson to Rowland Heylin, whose only daughter married a gentleman of the name of Nicholls, to whom she con- veyed the estate of Pentre Heylin, in Montgomeryshire. 576 THE IllONMONGERS COMPANY Sir William Humfries. Sir William Humfries, Bart., and alderman of the city of Lon- don, only son of Nathaniel Hum- freys, citizen and Ironmonger, of Candlewick Street, and grandson of William ap Humfrey, of Pen- rhin, in the county of Montgo- mery. He served the office of Sheriff in 1704, when Queen Anne con- ferred on him the honour of knighthood. In 1705 he was Master of the Ironmongers' Company, and in 1714 Lord Mayor of London : on which latter occasion he was created a Baronet, having had the honour of entertaining George the First at Guildhall. Sir William married, first, Margaret, daughter of Wil- liam Wiiitom% Esq. of Dymocke, in the county of Glou- cester, and granddaughter of Sir William Maxey, of Bradwell Hall, Essex, and had by her an only son, Orlando, who succeeded to his father's title and estate. By liis second wife, Ellen, relict of Robert Lancashire, merchant of London, he had no issue.* He officiated as chief butler at the coronation of George I., sat in parliament for Marlborough in 1714, and died in October, 1735 ; and his ^vill was proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury in the month of November following, f Sir Orlando Humfries, Bart, married Ellen, daughter and co-heir of the before-named Bobert Lancashire, by whom he left no male issue, and died 14 June, 1737, when * In the notice of her death, April 10, 1734, she is called relict of Colonel Robert Lancashire, second wife of Sir William Humfreys, Bart, alderman of Cheap ward. — Collections of Samuel Gregory, Esq. t 228 Dicic. — Sir William Humfrey was by trade a dry-salter in the Poultry. His country residence was Hever Castle, in the county of Kent, the birthplace of the unfortunate Anne Bolcyne. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 577 the title became extinct.* He was buried at Barking, in Essex, where there is a monument on the south wall of the church to his memory, with a marble bust and arms — Quarterly, 1 and 4, Sable, three nag's. heads erased argent ; 2 and 3, Per pale or and gules, two lions rampant endorsed counterchanged ; with an escucheon of pretence : Ermine, on a bend sable three martlets argent, on a canton sinister or two bends gules. — Lancashire ; Lysons' Environs. The following account of the funeral of Sir William Humfreys is given in the London Journal and Daily Post newspapers of Monday, Nov. 7, 1735 : — Last night y® corpse of Sir W™ Humfreys, Bart, was buried in great state, having all the trophies of honour suitable to his dignity carried before him : the city raarshall preceded the liearse, which was chawn by six horses, followed by a coach-and-six of state (the horses belonging to his son, now Sir Orlando Humfreys, Bart.), and fourteen other coaches-and-six (and near 200 lights), and so passed from his house in Bloomsbury Square tln^ough Holborn, down Chancery-lane, and through Fleet Street, St. Paul's Church-yard, and Cheapside, to St. Mildred's in the Poultry, where he was interred in a vault in the chancel, near his first wife : his pall being supported by Sir Gerrard Conyers, Sir Edward Bellamy, Sir W" Billers, Sir Rich'' Hopkms, Sir Harcourt Masters, and Sir John Thompson, knights and aldermen, in their gowns. Sir Samuel Pennant. Samuel Pennant, an eminent West India merchant on College Hill, in the city of London, and a member of the Ironmongers' Com- pany, was elected alderman of Bishopsgate ward, 1742, served the office of sheriff in 1744, and was knighted at Kensington the 4th * Burke's Extinct Baronetcies, &c. : Repertory Stainer, No. 118, fo. 357, 382, 383. 2 P 578 THE ironmongers' company, Sept. 1745. He died dming his mayoralty, on the 20th May, 1750, in the forty-first year of his age, and was buried at St. Michael E/oyal, College Hill,* where a monument is erected to his memory with, the following inscription : — P. M. S. Juxta requiescit Samuel Pennant miles, de insula Jamaicae, Urbis hujusce perantiquae Praetor vere insignis ; Qui cum multa, non ad tuendam modo, verum etiam ad illustrandam muneris istius dignitatem contulerat, plura moliebatur; febre correptus invida triste sui desiderium amicis, concivibus, egenis, omnibus demum reliquit. Obiit 20° die Maij A.D. 1750, ajtatis 41". Marmor hoc amoris ergo aequ6 ac honoris viro de omnibus tam bene merito Fratres duo moerentes P. P. Arms : Quarterly, 1 and 4, Per bend sinister ermine and ermines, a lion rampant or ; 2 and 3, Argent, three bars wavy azure, on the middle one as many martlets or. The second quarter only is sculptured on the monument ; but, on reference to the pedigree in the College of Arms, this evidently appears to be an omission. * Collections of Samuel Gregory, Esq. : and M. I. biographical notices. 579 William Beckford, Esq.* William Beckford, Esq. was bom in the island of Jamaica, and, on his arrival in England, about the age of fourteen, jvas placed under the care and direction of the Bev. Dr. Eriend, chief master of Westminster School, and was considered by his preceptor one of the best scholars in that seminary. In 1753 he was retm'ned as one of the representatives of the City of London in Parliament. In 1758 he served the office of Sheriff, and was Lord Mayor in 1762, and again in 1770, but died in the month of June of this latter year, at the age of 63, and was buried at Eonthill-Gifford, in the county of Wilts. It is noticed of Mr. Beckford that he wanted the external graces of manner and expression, and that adorned with these accomplishments he would have made a first-rate figure. He possessed a sound understanding, and a very extensive knowledge of British politics, especially that im- portant part which relates to trade. In his own diet Mr. Beclvford was exceedingly moderate, but his public entertainments were of the most elegant description imaginable; four of these given during his mayoralty are stated to have been " perhaps the most mag- nificent since the time of Henry VIII." Mr. Beckford' s conduct in presenting two petitions to the Throne, desiring a dissolution of the parliament, though as chief magistrate he might consider himself bound to act in accordance mth the vicAvs generally expressed by the citizens of London at that period, will ever remain a * William Beckford, Esq. was made free of the Ironmongers' Company in 175-2. 2 p 2 580 THE ironmongers' company. subject on which there will be a considerable difference of opinion. It was upon the latter of these occasions that he is stated to have uttered that celebrated remonstrance which his contemporaries have inscribed on the monument erected to his memory in Guildhall. His Majesty ha\^ng received the petition from the City on the 23d May, 1770, -^-ith evident marks of dissatisfaction, Mr. Beckford, to the great astonishment of the courtiers and every one present, rose and addressed the King in an extemporary speech, in which he deplored the displeasm-e of His Majesty, and humbly sued for a more favourable reception of the prayer of his faithful and loyal citizens of London, concluding his address with this memorable sentence : — " Permit me, Sire, further to observe, that whoever has already dared, or shall hereafter endeavour, by false insinuations and suggestions, to aUenate your Majesty's affections from your loyal subjects in general, and from the City of London in particular, and to withdraw your con- fidence in and regard for your people, is an enemy to yom' JSIajesty's person and family, a violator of the public peace, and a betrayer of our happy constitution, as it was estabHshed at the glorious Revolution.* The foUoAving pedigree was obligingly communicated (through the officers of the College of Ai'ms) by the late William Beckford, Esq. of Bath. 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" .= ffi € O S 5 2 ^=5 r=^ - =3 O rt O .: ^ -^ « ii "« . ca 3 >i 3 -c -^2 J I <>i ■'^ ■^ :r 3 3 '-E H 2 = c--*H ii: J .- — hg ij I— 1 fc, 3 2 --3 ^ q6 ^ 5 - „ <^ 4 IT .2 -i: =- £ := C! i^ Pi ,^ - O -; r- * O rt O O ^ rt _2 ^ --= ^ ~ t: — 3 s j: o .0 "^ S cs o ., - OJ O i^ =3 .2 , p_2^0 §D":= 2^ i; -^ !; £ ii3 e ~ =3 ■,x^^^^ T3 t O >> . ^Q):-tK3 ^3r^ Hm«2W.2ls2!»,-H fc ^-"^ s Ih ■^s t- i2 ^ ° _■ k2 ^ -" -J s^a^ 582 THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. Sir Claude Scott, Bart. Claude Scott, Esq. of Brviton Street, London, banker, and of Lytcliet Minster, in the county of Dorset, born lltli May, 1742, was made free of the Ironmongers' Company by redemption, 11th April, 1764, and created a Baronet in September 1821. He married, Sept. 8th, 1767, Martha, only daughter of John Eyre, Esq. of Stepney, in the county of Middlesex, by whom he had issue an only son Samuel. Su' Samuel Scott, Bart, of Lytchet Minster, in the county of Dorset, born 29th April, 1772, succeeded to the title and family estate on the demise of his father, 27th March, 1830. He married 4th Eeb. 1796, Anne, only sur- viving child of John Ommanney, Esq. of Bloomsbury Square, London, by whom he had issue Claude-Edward, his successor ; Samuel ; Anna Maria, wife of Charles Wil- h'ams, Esq. of London, banker ; and Caroline. Sir Samuel died on the 30th Sept. 1849. Sir Claude Edward Scott, the third and present Baronet, was born in 1804. Arms : Per pale indented argent and pean, a saltu*e counterchanged; the badge of Ulster. — Burke's Baronetage; and Becords of the Company, &c. Samuel first Viscount Hood. Samuel Viscount Hood was received into the freedom and livery of the Ironmongers' Company as an honor- ary member, on the 27th Nov. 1783. He was the son of the Ptev. Samuel Hood, Vicar of Thorncomb, in the county of Devon, and grandson of Alexander Hood, Esq. of Mosterton, in the county of Dorset. Born in 1724 ; advanced Post- BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 583 Captain 1756, and, for his distinguished services, created a Baronet, 19th May, 1778. After his decisive victory over the Erench, under the Count de Grasse, he was created Baron Hood of Catherington, in the peerage of Ireland ; and on the 1st of June, 1796, his lordship was elevated to the peerage of Great Britain, by the title of Viscount Hood of T\^iitley, in the county of Warwick. He married Susanna, daughter of Edward Lindzee, of Portsmouth, Esq., who was created 27tli March, 1795, Baroness Hood of Catherington, in the county of Hants, in the peerage of England, and, dying in 1806, left issue Henry second Baron Hood of Catherington, in right of his mother, and second Viscount Hood, on the demise of his father, 27th January, 1816. He married Jane, daughter and liek of Erancis Wheler of Whitley, in the county of Warwick, by whom he had Erancis Wheler Hood, Lieutenant-Colonel in the army ; Samuel Hood, of Cricket Saint Thomas, who was created Baron Bridport, in the peerage of Ireland; and two daughters, Susannah and Selina, both married. Erancis Wlieler Hood, the eldest son, married Caroline, only daughter of Sir Andrew Snape Hamond, Bart,, by whom he had issue Sir Samuel Hood ; Erancis Grosvenor Hood, Captain in the Guards ; and Caroline, married to Arthur Erancis Gregory, Esq. of Stivichall, in the county of Warwick. Sir Samuel Hood, of Whitley, in the county of Warwick, eldest son, was born the 10th January, 1808, and succeeded his grandfather as third Viscount Hood in 1836, having previously inlierited the other titles of his family. He married June 27th, 1837, Mary-Isabella, daughter of Bichard Tibbits, Esq. of Barton Segrave, Northampton- shire ; and dying May 8, 1846, left issue Erancis- Wheler Hood, born in 1838, the present and fourth Viscount. Arms : Azure, a fret argent, on a chief or three crescents 58J. THE IRONMONGERS COMPANY. sable. Crest, a Cornish cliougli proper, standing in front of an anchor or. Supporters : dexter, a sea-god crowned or, holding in his exterior hand a trident also or, a light scarf thrown over the sinister arm and part of the body vert ; sinister supporter, a Sagittarius proper. — College of Arms. Michael Hoy, Esq. Michael Hoy, Esq. of London, and Midanbury, in the county of Hants, was elected on the livery of the Iron- mongers' Company 22nd April, 1808, and served the office of Sheriff of London in 1812. Arms : Chequy or and gules, a lion rampant argent. Edvtard Viscount Exmouth. The family of Pellew have been settled in the county of Cornwall for several centuries, but came originally from Normandy, where the name is still occasionally met with. Humphrey Pellew, Esq.* of Elushing, near Ealmouth, the grandfather of Lord Exmouth, was a merchant of considerable eminence, possessing a large property in ships, and trading chiefly to America. He married, in 1692, Judith Sparnon, of Sparnon and Pengelly in Breage, 1)y whom he had a family of six sons and five daughters, and died in 1721. Samuel, the youngest son, whose children subsequently became the only male survivors of the family, was com- * Mr. Osier, the biographer of Lord Exmouth, and from whose work this brief sketch is principally derived, states that his lordship's grandfather was named Humphrey. In several of the peerages he is called George. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 585 mander of a post-office packet on the Dover station. He is represented as being a man of great determination, and most exemplary in all the duties of private life. In 1752 he married Constance, daughter of Edward Langford, Esq. a gentleman of good descent, but strongly attached, from his family connexions, to the cause of the Pretender, whose standard he joined, and distinguished himself in the battle of Preston. It should, however, be observed, that Mr. Pellew's political sentiments differed widely from those of his father-in-law ; and, in order probably to prevent any germ of disaffection in the minds of his children, it was his practice to make them drink the King's health on their knees every Sunday. He died in 1765, leaving issue by his wife four sons and two daughters : Samuel Humphrey Pellew, who married Miss Jane Bawden, and had issue a son and a daughter, Samuel and Jane ; Edward, afterwards Viscount Exmouth ; Admiral Sir Israel Pellew, who mar- ried Mary-Ellen, daughter of George Gilmore, Esq. ; John, killed at the battle of Saratoga, in North America ; Cathe- rine, the wife of Charles Louis Count Jerskjold, Vice-Ad- miral of Sweden ; and Jane, the wife of Lieut. Spriddle, of the Uoyal Navy. Edward, the second son, whose brilliant career we pur- pose very briefly to trace, was born at Dover on the 19th April, 1757. He received the rudiments of his education at Penzance, under the care of the Rev. James Parkins, the clergyman of that parish, and was afterwards removed to the grammar school at Truro. About this time his mother imprudently contracted a second marriage, by wliich her children were deprived of her support and thrown upon the world " with scanty re- sources and almost without a friend." This act of parental indiscretion, although it exposed Mr. Pellew at an early age to a severe moral discipline, was no doubt salutary and 586 THE ironmongers' company. beneficiarin its results. It was the first process in the for- mation of his future greatness, and served to strengthen and call into operation that energy and decision of character for which he was afterwards so pre-eminently distinguished. Mr. Pellew entered the navy at the age of fourteen, and proceeded in the Juno, commanded by Captain Stott, to the Palkland ' Islands, which had been forcibly taken pos- session of by the Spaniards : this trifling affair was soon accommodated between the Governments of Great Britain and Spain, and was succeeded by a peace which continued for five years ; but it is remarkable for having given to the British navy two of its most distinguished oflQ.cers — Nelson and Pellew. Passing over several instances of noble and disinterested friendship recorded of Mr. Pellew while on board the Juno, we find him in 1775 on board the Blonde, Captain Pow- noll, in the equipment sent against the American colonies. One of the principal objects of this expedition was to wrest from the enemy the command of Lake Champlain, and to prevent an attack upon Canada. Mr. Pellew was ap- pointed to the Carleton ; and, in the action off the island of Valicour, his two superior officers being dangerously wounded, he succeeded to the command of the vessel. Tlie invincible courage and presence of mind which he displayed on this occasion obtained for him, though only holding the rank of a midshipman, a letter of thanks from the Pirst Lord of the Admiralty ; and, at the close of the campaign, he was selected by Colonel Burgoyne to carry the dispatches to England. In 1779 he was appointed first lieutenant of the Apollo, under the command of his friend and patron. Captain Pow- noll. But this happy re-union was of short duration. Captain Pownoll fell in the action between the Apollo and Stanislaus (Prench frigate) in 1780, and died in his friend's BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 587 arms. Three days after this unfortunate event, Mr. Pellew received a letter from Lord Sandwich, sincerely condoling with, him for the loss which he had sustained, and at the same time complimenting him for his own " gallant and officer-like conduct;" accompanied with an assurance of immediate promotion. On the 25th July following he took the command of the Hazard, an old sloop-of-war, which he shortly after paid off, and in March, 1782, commissioned the Pelican, a French prize. On the 20th of April he put to sea in this " shell of a vessel," and on the next day captured a French privateer and brought her into port. On the 24th he again stood over to the French coast on the look-out, and on the 28th commenced a spirited attack on three priva- teers inside the Isle of Bass, and succeeded in driving them all on shore. This action obtained for him the rank of a post-captain, and placed him in a position in which he would rise by seniority to the grade of a flag-officer. In 1793, being appointed to the command of the Nymphe, of thirty-six guns, he had the honour of striking the first blow in the Hepublican war, by capturing La Cleo- patra, of forty guns, and one of the best ships in the French navy. For this brilliant exploit Captain PeUew received the thanks of the King and the distinction of knighthood. The following letter, admirably characteristic of the British seaman, was addressed by him to his brother on the day after the action : — Dear Sajh, Here we are, thank God ! safe after a glorious action with La Cleo- patra, the crack ship of France; 40 guns, 28 on her main deck and 12 on her quarter deck, some of 36 pounds, and 320 men. We dished her up in fifty minutes, boarded, and struck her colours. We have suffered much, but I was Ions determined to make a short affair of it. We conversed before we fired a shot, and then, God knows, hot enough it 588 THE ironmongers' company. was, as you will see by the enclosed. I might have (written) for a month had I entered on the description of every gallant action, but we were all in it heai't and soul. I owe much to Israel, who undertook with the after-gun to cut off her rudder and wheel. The tiller was shot away, and 4 men killed at her wheel, which I verily believe was owino- to him. I will Avrite again in a day or two, and do all I can for everybody. We must go into harbour. Cleopatra is fifteen feet longer and three feet wider than Nymphe — much larger. Poor dear Pearse is numbered with the slain. Plane and Norway slightly wounded. Old Nicholls safe. God be praised for his mercy to myself and Israel and all of us. Yours ever, E. P. Be kind to Susan ; go over and comfort her. I cannot write to poor Pearse's mother for my life ; do send her a note, I really cannot. I loved him, poor fellow, and he deserved it. June 20, 1793. In 1796 he had the happiness of saving the entire crew of the Dutton East Incliaman, which had grounded in a heavy gale off Plymouth, by allowing himself to be hauled on board through the surf and floating fragments of the wreck, after pecuniary rewards had been offered in vain, and every one had shrunk from an enterprize " which they deemed too hazardous to be attempted." Having with imminent peril, and not without personal injury, reached the deck of the stranded vessel, this gallant man assumed the command, and proceeded with calmness and energy to issue his directions, until every one on board, including an infant only three weeks old, was safely landed. He was himself one of the last to quit the wreck, which presently after went to pieces. The captain of the Dutton had been landed on the prc- ATLOus day in consequence of indisposition ; and, but for this noble act of disinterested humanity on the part of Sir Edward Pcllew, the greater part of the crew, and a portion of the Second or Queen's regiment, in all between five and BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 589 six hundred persons who were on board, must inevitably have perished.* The country expressed its admiration of these services so promptly rendered to the unfortunate in the hour of distress in the warmest and most grateful manner, and on the 5th of March following he was created a Baronet. The subsequent period of his life was employed in a long series of arduous services and successful conflicts, which paved the way to further distraction, and in 1814 he was created Baron Exmouth of Canonteign, in the county of Devon. There was yet reserved for Ms lordship the per- formance of one other action, which has covered his name with imperishable reno^\^l, and entitled him to the grati- tude of every nation in Europe. This was the reduction of the almost impregnable fortress of Algiers in. the year 1816, and the liberation of upwards of three thousand captives, followed by a treaty which ensured the abolition of Christian slavery ui the Barbary states for ever. On this occasion his lordship received the thanks of Par- liament, and was elevated to the dignity of a Viscount, t In 1821 he retired from public service, and passed the re- maiader of his days in the peaceful society of his family at Teignmouth. * " Sir Edward and Lady Pellew were on their way to dine with Dr. Hawker, the excellent Vicar of Charles, when, observing the crowds running to the Hoe, and having learned the cause, he sprang out of the carriage and ran off with the rest." — Vide Life of Admiral Viscount Exmouth, by Edward Osier, Esq. p. 108. f Arms assigned to Lord Exmouth : Gules, a lion passant guardant, in chief two chaplets of laurel or ; on a chief of augmentation wavy a repre- sentation of Algiers with a British man-of-war before it, all proper. Crest : Upon waves of the sea the wreck of the Dutton East Indiaman upon a rocky shore off Plymouth garrison, all proper. Supporters : Dexter, a lion rampant guardant navally crowned azure, resting the dexter paw upon a decrescent argent. Sinister, a male figure representing Slavery, trowsers argent striped azure, the upper part of the body naked, hold- 590 THE ironmongers' COMPANY'. Lord Exmouth was from early life deeply sensible of the vital importance of religion : it may be said to have been the staple of his character, and to have imparted a constant impulse and direction to his other great and splendid talents. " On board the Winchelsea, his first frigate, the duties of Sunday were regularly observed. He always dressed in full uniform on that day ; and, having no chap- lain, read the morning service to his crew whenever the weather permitted them to be assembled. . . It was his practice to have a special and general service of thanksgiving after every signal deliverance or success;" and he never passed over any opportunity that presented itself of ad- vancing the moral and religious instruction of his seamen. He died, after a lingering illness of some months, on the 23rd January, 1833, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, and was buried at the parish church of Christow. It is observed by his biographer . that his death-bed was the scene of his best and noblest triumph : full of hope, he closed a long and brilliant career of usefulness "more happy and not less glorious than if he had faUen in the hour of victory." After endeavoiu'ing to exercise as much brevity as possible, I find that this work has extended far beyond the limits which I at first contemplated ; and, should this circumstance be regarded as adding to its many other defects, I can only plead in extenuation my inexperience and general deficiency in the art and mystery of author- ship. It is therefore with considerable diffidence, but ing in the dexter hand broken chains proper, the sinister arm elevated andholding a cross or. Mottoes : over the crest, " Deo adjuvante;" under the shield, " Algiers." — College of Arms. CONCLUSION. 591 with every sentiment of esteem and regard, that I now submit these pages to the Court of the Ironmongers' Com- pany, at whose instance and request they have been compiled ; and will only add my earnest hope and prayer that this ancient fraternity may ever uphold that high character of honour and integrity, which, in the long retrospect we have taken, it appears in every period of its history to have maintained ; that those feelings of charity and benevolence in which the Guilds originated, and which still constitute then* distinctive character, may never be impaired, and that we may continue to flourish in peace and brotherly love to the end of all time. INDEX OF ARMS. Adderley, or Hatherley, 24 Alsop, 380 Atkins, 491 Avenon, 105, 544 Beckford, 382, 581 Benne, 546 Betton, 515 Birkett, 492 Bromley, 136 Brown, 487, 543 Byfield, 38, 527 Cambell, 159, 222, 507, 553 Canning, 569, 570 Cliamberlin, 545 Champante, 488 Chase, 484 Cletherow, 552 Combs, 492 Commonwealth, 285 Cromwell, 285 Cutts, 553 Dane, 498, 547 Denham, 477, 541 Draper, 91, 543 Dyer, 136 Eure, 15 England, temp. Ed. IV. 31 Exmouth, 584, 589 Foster, 486 French, 490 Gammage, 497, 548 Geffery, 511, 574 Gefferys, 336 Glover, 482, 537 Godschall, 379 Gray, 53 Green, 491 Halford, 492 Hanbey, 486, 524 Hanson, 495 Harby, 572 Harvey, 116, 191, 548 Hatherley, or Adderley, 24 Hawes, 485 Hawkes, 487 Hervey, 28 Heylin, 506, 554 Hillman, 490 Hodgkinson, 491 Hood, 582 Howard, 490 Howell, 486, 488 Hoy, 584 Humfreys, 375 Humfries, 576 Ironmongers' Company, v. 25, 31, 34, 89, 296, 377 Jackson, 489 James, 24 Johnston, 489 Knight, 491 Lancaster, 27 Lane, 539 Langton, 492 Leat, 557 Lewin, 493 Lewis, 491, 574 Marlow, 23 Milne — See General Index. Mount, 489 2Q Nicholas, 482 Nicholl, 591 Nicholls, 575 Oseland, 487 Parnell, 490 Pellatt, 487 Pennant, 380, 577, 578 Price, 385, 486, 488 Reeve, 489 Riggs, 489 Roe, 145 Rowe, 550 Scott, 489, 582 Shakespeare, 486 Silk, 489 Slack, 488 Slade, 488 Smith, 387, 476, 488 Smithe, 187, 188 Stable,. 490 Stansfield, 487 Stratton, 484 Taylor, 490 Thompson, 398 Thorold, 377, 510, 571 Unwin, 487 Walker, 487 Walton, 567, 563 Warren, 487 Westwood, 490 Whitrow, 489 Wild, 491, 525, 573 Windham, 573 Worrall, 486 Wray, 136 INDEX OF NAMES Abbott, Eichard, 273 Achilly, Roger, 90 Adderley, John, and Johanna, 24 Addjrlie, Maister, 527 Alexander, Emperor, 395 Allen, Thomas, 300, 311, 312 Alwin, Fitz, 22 Anderson, Henry, 419 Anderton, Thomas, 540 Anjou, Duke of, 110 Anselmus, Archiepiscopus, 41 Anthony, Mr. 247 Antrobuse, Wm. 281 Aper, Thomas, 98 Arowley, John, 53 Askey, John, 69 Atkinson, John, 100 Atkynson, John, 90 Aubrey, Andrew, 14 Avenon, Alexander, 29, 59, 68, 90, 446 Sir Alexander, 111 Sir Christopher, 544 Aylmer, T. W. Honourable, 389, 394 Babus Congu Dionissus, 371 Bacon, Anthony, 173 Sir Francis, 176 Nathaniel, 13 Badby, William, 442 Baillet, Henry de, 39 Baker, Peter, 105 Richard, 94,97 Ball, John, 421 Mr. 180 Bandinel, Dr. 337 Barebone, Place, 244 Barnard, Capt. Theophilus, 538 Barne, Humfrey, 53, 54, 56 Richard, 59 Barne, Thomas, 59 Barnesby, William, 442 Barns, Humphrey, 529 Baron, Humfrey, 58 Barsham, Mr. 375 Bartelot, Roger, 442 Bartilmew, Thomas, 59, 68 Bate, Felys, 528 John, 442, 528 Batt, William, 59 Baud, Alderman, 115 Baudoin, James, 376 Bazeley, Samuel, 271 Beaufitz, Wilham, 442 Beck, Christopher, 93, 100, 105 Beckford, William, 470, 540, 579 Bell wood, Mr. 453 Benne, Robert, 546 Bennett, Richard, 59 Benolt, Thomas, 27 Benson, Hugh, 176 Bentham, Capt. George, 389 Berelle, Sir Simon, 39 Beremane, Mr. 532 Berisford family, 436 Berman, John, 59 Bernysby, Raff, 56 Beryman, 67, 69 Best, Richard, 13 Betton, Thomas, 475, 515, 516 Bevan, Timothy, 382 Bigland, Ralph, 30 Bill, John, 86 Blackwell, Edward, 310 William, 153 Blagrave, Daniel, 295 Blome, Jacob, 302 Blundel, Peter, 504 Bodley, Sir Josias, 421 Bolingbroke, 261 Bolt, Thomas, 56, 59 INDEX OF NAMES. 595 Bond, Dennis, 273 Boxton, John, 443 Boyleston, AUeyne, 369 Boys, Hugh de, 17 Brace, Capt. C. 388, 394 Bradshaw, John, 224 Nathaniel, 300 Bramhall, Dr. 427, 429 Bray, Reginald, 443 Breedon, John, 310, 311 Bretayn, Thomas, 45 Brewer, Capt. 298 Bright, Edward, 90, 104, 532 Mr. 100 Brisbane, Sir James, 388, 394 Britayn, Thomas, 442 Brokes, William, 24 Brome, Mr. 373 Robert, 247 Bromleye, Thomas, 136 Bromly, Sir Thomas, 126 Brown, John, 247 Thomas, 90, 533, 542 Walter, 97 Browne, Thomas, 29 Bryght, Edward, 28 Buckley, Edmund, 175 Buckman, William, 176 Bullock, Thomas, 96 Burgis, Benjamin, 302 Burnett, Sir Symon, Bart. 219 Butler, Mr. 376 Byfield, Johanne, 37 Robert, 36, 37, 442 Thomas and Johanna, 527 William, 37 Byrd, Helen, 54 Byrde, Hugh, 530 Cabell, Richard, 176 Caesar, Sir Julius, 176, 183 Cambell, James, 421, 534 Sir James, 222, 453, 474, 507 Lady, 296 Robert, 535 Thomas, 258 Sir Thomas, 159 Campden, Viscount, 248 Candishe, John, 93, 97, 101 Canning, Edward, 435 George, 420, 426, 432, 436, 437 note, 569 Canning, Paul, 432, 434, 435 Ralph, 201 Ralphe, 160 William, 192, 421, 426, 571 Canterbury, Archbishop of, 183, 191 Capellan, Admiral, 389 Caporn, James, 471 Cardinge, John, 102 Carew, George, 369 Richard, 369 Carr, John, 90 Mr. 533 Mrs. John, 533 Carrington, Nathaniel, 384, 426 Carter, Joan and Thomas, 253 Thomas, 176, 180, 535 Castor, Anthony, 101 Cauntebrigg, John de, 15 Cave, Goodman, 97 Cavendish, John, 20 Caxton, William, 92 Cawston, Ann, 529 Cecill, Su- William, 103 Chamberlain, Francis, 42 George, 534 Richard, 17 Robert, 42, 534 Chamberlayn, Robert, 59 Chamberlayne, Richard, 59 Chamberlin, Richard, 545 Chamberlyn, Alderman, 90 Mr. 176 Richard, 176 Chandler, George, 150 Chapman, Edmund, 98 William, 90, 96, 502, 534 Charles V. Emperor, 393 Chase, William, 515 Cheetham, Capt. E. 389 Cheney, John, 550 Cheseman, Edward, 42 Robert, 42 Cheyne, John, 21 ChUd, John, 473 Chrismas, Garrett, 223, 225 John, 239 Mathias, note, 237 Christmas, William, 308 Churchman, Ezias, 288 Clark, Mr. 277 Clarke, Richard, 392 William, 78, 532 596 INDEX OP NAMES. Claj-ton, Richard, 369 Clerk, Sir Francis, 219 Gierke, James, 301 Cletherow, Christopher, 534 Sir Christopher, 536 Harry, 111 Henry, 552 Clitherow, Sir Christopher, 238, 250 Cobbham, John de, 39 Cocke, Edward, 453 Coke, Lord, 13 Colchester, Sir Duncomb, 167 Collier, John Payne, 225 Collyns, Mr. 319 Collyson, John, 288 Combe, Alderman, 385 Comen, Thomas, 100 Coningham, James, 436 Coode, Capt. John, 389 Cook, Leonard, 260 Cornwallis, Honourable William, 383 Cornwall, Clement, 29 Cornewall, Clement, 85, 103 Cornewell, Clement, 59, 103 Cornish, 383 Corwyn, Robert, 59 Cote, Henry, 45 Coventry, I^rd, 248 Cowche, Robart, 78 Robert, 59, 90 Cowley, Mrs. 534 Walter, 176, 180, 192, 421 Craighead, Samuel, 436 Cranstoun, Lord, 383 Craste, Thomas, 21 Craven, Robert, 279 Crawshay, Richard, 174 William, 174 Cumberland, Prince George of, 393 Cyrtwyn, Edmund, 53 Dains, George, 301 Dallison, Martin, 269, 273, 277 Dane, Alderman, 182 Margaret, 452, 453, 474, 498 Mr. 99 William, 90, 533, 547 Danes, Mr. 28 Darrell, Christopher, 117, 119 Dashwood, Capt. W. 389, 394 Davers, Richard, 39 Davis, John, 302 Davye, Edward, 162 Dawbeny, Clement, 177 Mr. 176 Dawke, Robert, 162 Dawkes, Robert, 284 Dawster, Harrie, 95 * Dekker, Thomas, 222, 223 Denby, Nicholas, 535 Denham, William, 53, 56, 53 Sir William, 453, 474, 530, 541 Denton, Edward, 551 Dermer, AYilliam, 240 Devonshire, Duke of, 225 Deynes, John, 15 Deyos, Mr. 180 William, 536 Dicer, Mr. 272 Dikeman, William, 16, 17 Dobbys, Richard, 54 Doddington, Capt, Edward, 417 Dode, John, 12 Donegal, Lord, 437 Donne, John, 98 Dorchester, Thomas, 442, 527 Down, Robert, 68 Downe, Robert, 54, 58, 446, 531 Downes, Getfery, 443 Draper, Alderman, 90, 100 Christopher, 59, 446 Sir Christopher, 91, 111, 532, 543 Clement, 111 Peter, 442 Thomas, note, 91 William, 78 Dromslade, Robert, 93 Drume, Robert, 98, 102 Dudley, Lord Edward, 165 Dumotte, Capt. 384 Dunk, Sir Thomas, 539 Dunne, John, 90 Du Pre, Josias, 436 Durward, John, 21 Dyer, James, 136 Sir James, 126 Dykynson, Robert, 59 Easte, Robert, 90 Edwards, Robert, 539 INDEX OF NAMES. 597 Edwyn, Sir Humphry, 372 Egerton, Mr. 161 Ekins, Capt. Charles, 389 Elderton, Mr. 467 Elias, mercator, 39 Elsynge, H. 259 • Est, Robert, 533 Eton, Thomas, 54 Eure, Richard de, 15 Evelin, J. 261 Evelyn, 119 George, 120 Exeter, 183 Exfull, John, 426 Exmouth, Edward Viscount, 475, 584 Lord, 387, 388 Eyre, Thomas, 54, 58 Fairfax, Sir Thomas, 279 Farley, John, 397 Farmar, William, 54 Felde, John, 59 Fene, John, 58, 532 Master, 56 Fenn, Robert, 244 Fenning, Harry, 63 Farmer, Robert, 59 Ferrant, Robert, 59 Firth, James F. 45 Fisher, Ann, 533 John, 63 Oliver, 90 Fitzgerald, Sir George, 436 Fleming, Richard, 442 Flemming, Richard, 25, 31 Foarth, 309 Foote, Joshua, 247, 257, 277 Robert, 277 Forde, Roger, 45 Foster, Christopher, 300, 538 Fotherley, Thomas, 429 Frampton, Thomas Day, 397 Frogmorton, Sir Baynom, 167 Fromond, William, 15 Fryer, Mrs. 99 Fynch, Sir Moyle, 550 Fynden, John, 443 Fynes, Gregory, Lord Daere, 42 Gammage, Akleruian, 452 Gammage, Anthony, 90, 100, 101, 104, 497, 548, 532 William, 533 Gardner, Capt. 383 — Mr. 241 Garton, Giles, 105 Geffery, Robert, 300, 307, 369 Sir Robert, 373, 378, 474, 511, 574 Gerarde, John, 560 Geyles, Thomas, 97 Gibbs, John, 257 Giles, George, 59 Gillingham, Hugh de, 39 Walter de, 39 Gladwin, Robert, 18 Glover, Nathaniel, 452 Thomas, 288, 481, 537 Glynn, John, 273 Godsehall, John, 369, 379 Nicholas, 379 Sir Robert, 379 Gomersal, William, 147 Goodall, 383 Gooding, Robert, 90, 105 Gore, Jarret, 115 Goring, Lord, 248 Gosset, Colonel, 394 Gott, Samuel, 250 Grafton, Thomas, 38 Gravenor, Mr. 269, 276 Gray, Mr. 277 Richard, 52, 528 Thomas, 54 Green, Philip, 526 Greenel, Mr. 272 Gregory, Jonas, 526 Gresham, Sir John, 550 Sir Thomas, 92 Gressam, William, 95, 96 Greye, Thomas, 113 Griffin, John, 397 Griffith, George, 288 Grinsell, Thomas, 200, 563 Grundy, alias Gundry, John, 536 Gryffyth, Ellys, 100, 102 Guiatt, John Baptista, 536 Gunston, Samuel, 540 Gunter, James, 301 Gurney, William, 533 Guyer, Mrs. 56 Guyva, Elizabeth, 529 John, 528 598 INDEX OF NAMES. Gyles, John, 528 Richard, 7' Gyve, Thomas, 68 Hackett, Sir Cuthbert, 236 Haddon, Richard, 37 Hadle, John, 17 Haies, Robert, 247, 453 Halhede, John, 443 Hall, Richard, 59 Robert, 176 William Seward, 397 Hallwood, Thomas, 176, 180, 453, 474, 504 Hamilton, Lady, 387 Hammes, John de, 39 Hammond, George, 417 Hamond, William, 307 Hanbey, Mary, 524 Thomas, 474, 524 Handson, Ralph, 453, 474 Hanson, Ralph, 495 Thomas, 536 Harbie, Job, 176 Roger, 176 Harby, Job, 301, 536 Sir Job, 250, 572 Harding, Alderman, 533 Harley, Sir Edward, 121 Harmer, John, 271, 277, 536 Harrison, Edward, 176, 180 Mr. 160 Hart, Alderman, 115 Haney, Alderman, 111 Sir James, 116, 548 Mr. 100 Mrs. 112 William, 116, 369 Hanie, Sir Sebastian, 191 Harvy, James, 90, 104 Lady, 210, 534 Haskey, John, 59 Haslopp, William, 271 Hastings, Henry, 369 Hatfield, Mr. 462 Hatherley, alias Adderley, Sir John, 24 Hatton, Francis, 369 Haverlock, Robert, 17 Hawle, Thomas, 99 Haydon, Jerome, 534 John, 603 Hayes, John, 176, 180, 192 Hayes, Mr. 271, 274, 376 Hayns, John, 59 Hayward, Henry, 176 Sir John, 551 Haywood, John, 59 Thomas, 239 Heath, Robert, 200 Heatley, Thomas, 369, 538 Hede, Henry, 442 Heed, Mrs. 528 Helin, Alderman, and Alice, 253 Rowland, 453 Henry, janitor, 39 Heme, Mr. 241 Her\7, William, 28 Heylin, Rowland, 176, 180, 421, 473, 506, 554 Alice, 536 Hiet, William, 369, 538 Higham, Richard, 443 Hill, Anthony, 174 John, 90 Mr. 97, 273 William, 36 Hillsborough, Viscount, 551 Hinde, Augustine, 72, 153 Holbeche, Richard, 442 Holden, Mr. 468 Holland, Mr. 273 Holmes, Thomas, 377 Homfray, Mr. 174 Hood, 384 Hood, Lord, 394 Samuel Lord, 383 Samuel Viscount, 475, 582 Honeywood, Mr. 273, 277, 280 Honywood, Edward, 301 Mr. 251 Horn, Andrew, 12 Edward, 549 Horsted, Richard, 59 Horton, Richard, 469 Hoy, Michael, 584 Howard, Edward, 261 Howell, James, 296 Hubbard, Sir Henrj', 176 Humfreys, Nathaniel, 300 Humfries, Sir William, 375, 576 Humphreys, Nathaniel, 538 Hunt, Mr. 269, 276, 384, 453 Nathaniel, 311 Thomas, 369 Hurd, Edward, 247 INDEX OF NAMES. 599 Hurd, Mr. 276, 277 Hutchinson, Deputy, 433 Edward, 301 Richard, 288, 431 Hyckes, Robert, 532 Ince, John, 374 Inglefield, , 383 Ingram, Raphe, 247 Richard, 369 Robert, 302 Jaekman, 86, 532 Jackson, Philip, 310 Jaggard, Thomas, 59 Jakes, Mr. 69 James, Nicholas, 24 Jeckall, Mr, 67 Jeffreys, Lord Chamberlain, 363 Jekell, John Stocker, 59 Jelf, Mr. 398 Jeno'', Humfrey, 59 Julyan, Henry, 21 Juxon, Arthur, 288 Kempthorn, Captain William, 389, 394 Kent, Felicia, 441 Robert de, 441 Kettel, James, 113 Kettyll, James, 59 Key, Robert, 161 King, Joseph, 307, 538 Kirbie, Francis, 288 Knatchbull, , 383 Knowles, William, 183 Knyght, Richard, 45 Kynsey, William, 162 Kyrkham, William, 85 Ladbroke, Robert, 381 Lamb, John, 237 Lancashire, Robert, and Ellen, 576 Lancaster King of Arms, 27 Lane, John, junior, 442 Ralph, 539 Sir Thomas, 372 Large, Robert, 92 Thomas. '536 Latham, Ralph, 443 Lawden, John, 59 Thomas, 59 Lawrance, Adam, 259 Lawrans, John, 528 Lawrence, George, 540 Layngston, Captain, 105 Leat, Nicholas, 180, 192, 473, 557 Richard, 224 Richard and Hewett, 535 Leate, Nicholas, 421 Lecky, Henry, 436 Lee, Rowland, 141, 533 Lenox, , 183 Leverland, Joshua, 240 Lewen, Agnes, 532 Thomas, 54, 58, 453, 474 Lewes, Sir John, 537 Lewin, Thomas, 493 Lewis, Sir John, 301, 574 John, 536 Lewis and Tate, 174 Lewker, Emma, 550 Lindsee, , 383 Liste, Thomas, 100 Little, Jeffery, 369 Loane, Nathaniel, 505 Louis, Saint, 393 Loup, Jo. 251 Lovell, le S'r de, 21 Lownes, Francis, 193 Luddington, Nicholas, 550 Lyng, Robert, 54, 58, 59 Lynggen, Folk, 59 Mackay, Patrick, 436 Maitland, Honourable A. 389 Manchester, , 261 Lord, 248 Manning, Robert, 54, 56, 58, 59 Marchale, Nicholas, 25, 31 Margetts, George, 300, 536 Marlow, Sir Richard, 23 Marshall, John, 39 Nicholas, 442 Thomas, 1 01 Maryner, William, 45 Mast'., John, 112 Maude, Captain, 384, 389 Mawpas, John, 100, 102 Maxey, Sir William, 576 600 INDEX OF NAMES. Mayne, Jonathan, 464 Meath, Bishop of, 438 Meeres, Mr. 373 Merk, Richard atte, 441 Michaell, Thomas, 453 Michel, Thomas, 531 Michell, Thomas, 17, 473 Milne, Sir David, 388 Montgomerie, , 261 Moordon, Richard, 443 Moore, Thomas, 397 Moorsom, Captain Charles, 389 Moptyd, Harry, 59, 69 More, Thomas, 442 Morgan, Thomas, 313 Morley, Mr. 96, 101 Morris, Joshua, 374 ■ ■ Richard, 141 Samuel, 537 Morrys, Richard, 90 Mould, Captain John, 389 Mudd, Captain, 337 Henry, 369 Munday, Anthony, 160, 191, 193, 195 Mundaye, Anthony, 238 Munde, Thomas, 442 Mychell, Thomas, 53, 528 Nailor, Daniel, 310 Neele, Richard, 58 Nelson, Horatio Viscount, 386, 387 Netylton, John, 37 Nevell, John, 59 Newbold, William, 369 Newell, Ann, 530 Newman, W. L. 540 Niccols, Thomas, 369 Nicholl, Mr. 540 Nicholls, Thomas, 575 Nichols, John Gough, 41 Nicolas, Sir Harris, 563 Nicoll, Anthony, 261 Norman, Robert, 239 Norris, Hugh, 280, 369, 536 Norton, Robert, 113 Nost, John, 378 Oglby, John, 296 Olefield, John, 288 Oker, Richard, 98 Ores, Nicholas de, 39 Osborne, Alderman, 11.3 Francis, 267 Oseland, Edward, 437 Ostriche, Thomas, 45 Paddington, Robert de, 12 Page, Harry, 112 William, 86, 90, 443 Palgrave, Sir Francis, 18, 398 Palmer, Captain Edward, 389 George, 397 Henry, 540 > John, 59, 77 Panatar, Richard, 39 Pane, H. 273 Panther, Arthur, 426 Parham, John, 421, 176 Parke, Thomas, 535 Parker, Phillip, 288 Thomas, 58, 59, 442 William, 59 Parkhurst, Robert, 150 Parkinson, John, 562 Parnell, William, 437, note Parry, Sir Thomas, 176 Pasmer, John, 45 Paterson, Captain William, 389 Pattershall, Thomas, 442, 443 Patteson, Mr. 284 Paxman, John, 442 Payton, Richard, 310 Peate, Richard, 176 Pecke, John, 442 Peckham, 32 Peke, John, 38 Pele, James, 97, 105 Pembroke, , 261 Earl of, 182, 183 Pendarins, William, 310 Pendarris, William, 369 Pennant, Sir Samuel, 577 Penyfather, William, 90 Perceval, Honourable G. 389 Percivall, Robert, 301 Peterisfield, John, 442 Pett, Phineas, 240 Petty, John, 426 Pheasant, Peter, 200 Phillips, Richard, 378 P'kay, Thomas, 53 INDEX OF NAMES. 601 Plasden, William, 90, 96 Polstead, Benjamin, 301 Poole, Nicholas, 442, 443 Popham, Capt. W. 389 Poten, Colonel, 398 Potin, Simon, 39 William, 39 Pounde, Thomas, 442 Powell, Hugh, 272 Poyner, George, 307 Prestwich, 9, 286 Price, Charles, 385, 390, 540 Sir Charles, 395, 397 V 4 Priduaz, Mr. 273 ?• " Procter, S. 165 Puckle, Thomas, 369 Pufford, John, 302 Pykworth, Thomas, 21 Pym, John, 261, 269, 273 Rackstraw, Mr. 469 Randall, Justice, 503 Randell, James, 397 Randolph, Mr. 503 Raworth, Mr. 431 Reed, Bartholomew, 443 Reeves, John, 14 Reve, Harry, 100 Reynolds, 383 Rhodes, Mr. 225 fitz-Richard, Sir William, 19 Richards, Mr. 374 Riddle, Capt. R. 389 Robins, Richard, 176, 180 Rob'to fir Mathi, 39 — de Infirmitor', 39 Rochester, John of, 39 Roe, Sir William, 145 Romany, WilUam, 258, 259 Rebecca, 258, 259 Rod, William, 90 Rook, William, 443 Roos, Sir Thomas, 444 Rosamond, John, 441 Rose, William, 442 Rous, F. 273 Rowe, Sir William, 549 William, 96 Rumschedde, William, 17 Russell, Elias, 11 Ryland, Richard, 397 Ryng, William, 53 Sabb, Jasper, 69 Sadler, Robert, 100 Saint George, Sir Henry, 29 Sampson, G. V. 437 Sandes, William, 45 Sands, Thomas, 369 Sandwich, Lord, 460 Sandys, Ann, 537 Saracold, William, 453 Sargeant, Capt. W. 389 Saunders, John, 288 Thomas, 463 Save, Jasper, 59 Savery, John, 442 Sawj-er, 313, 317, 318 Say, Lord, 269, 273 Sir de, 21 Say and Seal, 261 Scalder, William, 443 Scrope, Mr. 381 Scott, Sir Claude, 582 Settle, Elkanah, 337, 376 Sevenoke, William, 17 Shaa, Edmund, 43 John, 443 Shakespeare, Alderman, 540 Sharpe, Richard, 93, 100 Sheppard, Mathew, 288 Shingwell, John, 93 Thomas, 101, 102 Short, John, 176 Shortus, Ann, 534 Shute, Mr. 182 Silverlock, John, 310 Skenner, John, 59 Skerlet, Arthur, 100 Skidmore, William, 90 Skinner, Augustus, 369 Skutt, Benjamin, 319, 369 Slade, Robert, 390, 437 Slough, Richard, 59 Slow, Richard, 65 Smithe, Capt. John, 184, 187 Smith, George, 307 Joshua Jonathan, 387 Leapidge, 475, 476 Sir Thomas, 186 2 R 602 INDEX OF NAMES. Smithies, Thomas, 288 Smj'the, David, 504 note Richard, 111 Robert, 529 Snelling, Charles, 269, 536 Erasmus, 257 Somerset, Duke of, 560 Spark, William, 45 Sparkes, Robert Harn-, 397 Speleman, Stephen, 17 Stage, Rauff, 59 Stanes, AVilliam, 59 Stanhope, E. 183 Stanhurst, Thomas, 240 Stapleton, Mr. 201 Stayner, Sir Richard, 460* Steele, John, 536 Steuyns, William, 54 Steward, John, 59 Stone, Edward, 301 Mr. 426 Storey, Captain, 433 Edward, 301, 257 Samuel, 369 Storgyon, John, 65 Strange, Tilburj', 193, 223, 239 Stratford, Francis, 436 Strode, Mr. 269, 273 Stubbs, Henry, 110 John, 85 Sturgeon, Harre, 528 Sturgon, Harry, 53 Style, John, 77, 90 Sty 11, John, 59 Stynte, John, 442 Styvard, John, 442 Alice, 442 Sutfolke, T. 183 Summers, Mr. 413 Sutherland, 383 Swan, John, 45 Swayne, Robert, 224 Symmes, Richard, 176 Syngwelle, Thomas, 54 Tailor, John, 95, 97, 100 Taper, Thomas, 85 Tate, John, 45 Taubman, M. 336 Taylor, John, 239 Tenterden, John, 442 Thompson, Forman, and Co. 174 William, Alderman, 398, 54u Thomeby, Edward, 284 Thornton, Colonel, 398 George, 59 Thorold, Charles, 307, 317, 369, 538 Sir Charles, 538 Sir George, 377 Sir Samuel, 475 Thomas, 176, 257, 258, 269, 453, 473, 510,571 Junior, 369 Toke, Robert, 31,442 Toomes, Mr. 269 Topham, Mr. 467 Totton, Stevens Dineley, 397 Tremcnhere, Seymour, 175 Tulse, Sir Henry, 313 Turke, Richard, 72, 153 Turney, John, 466 Turner, Nicholas, 302 Tyse, John, 443 Tyssen, J. R. Daniel, 549 Upton, Mr. 464 Vallance, Richard, 90 Vanderstart, Captain, 389 Vanderstatton, Captain, 389 Vines, Mr. 51 Volders, Capt. 389 Wagg, Jonathan, 540 Walbanke, Mathew, 13 Walley, Peter, 90 Wallis, Richard, 336 Walker, Capt. William, 369 Colonel, 373 Mr. 376 William, 302, 537, 538 Walter, Richard, 442 Walton, Isaack, 200, 224, 474, 563 Wardenburg, Capt. 389 Ware, Henry de, 15 Warkman, Lawrance, 288 Warwike, Harry, 59 Warwyke, Henry, 56 INDEX OF NAMES. G03 Watts, Tliomas, 64 Watts, Hewe, 105 Watts, Hugh, 93, 100 Waynman, Robert, 90 Webster, Anto. 302 Webster, Mr. 276, 280 Welbeck, William, 37 Wellington, Duke of, 393 Wenham, Robert, 54, 56, 59 Wennam, Robert, 77 Westmore, Richard, 59 Westwood, Robert, 437 note Whalley. Daniel, 397 Peter, 96 Wheeler, John, 535 AVhitfield, Ralph, 429 Whittington, Richard, 17 Whitridge, John, 100 Whitryphe, AVilliam, 58 Whyteyg, William, 54 Wigginton, Richard, 274 'Wike, Mathew de la, 39, 42 Wild, John, 573 Nicholas, 369 William, 525 Wildeham, Mathew de, 39 — Robert de, 39 William, 39 Wilkinson, John, 374 Wilkes, William, 426 Willet, Mr. 271 Willetts, Thomas, 535 William, filz Alexander, 39 fil. Godwin, 39 King of Prussia, 395 Williams, 383 Charles, 336, 337 Williamson, William, 56 Wilmot, Sir Robert, 22 Wilson, John, 257, 274, 277 Uenjamin, 301 Windever, Sir Michael de, 39 Windham, Hugh, 250 Mr. 201 Sir Hugh, 258, 301, 573 Wise, Capt. W. F. 389, 894 Witchcott, Francis, 360 Henry, 369 Witherall, John, 301 Withers, John, 288 Wintour, William, 576 Wodecock, Henry, 443 Wood, Laurence, 113 Mathew, 394 Woodcoatt, Thomas, 301 AVoodeson, Reginald, 547 Woodward, Mr. 534 Worcester, Count de, 21 Worcester, E. 183 Worlington, iMr. 272 Wray, Christopher, 136 Sir Christopher, 126 Wyld, John, 269, 276 Nicholas, 319, 369 Wylkinson, Robert, 442 Wymondham, John de, 12 Yarranton, Andrew, 166 Yeoman, John, 59 Yerford, Sir Christopher, 90 Young, John, 48, 538 Richard, 317, 369, 53^ Zieroogel, Captain, 389 Zouch, Lord, 560 GENERAL INDEX. Absentees from courts to be fined, 129 Abusive words forbidden, 131 Accession of William and Mary, 368 Acts of Parliament respecting chantry lands, 70; against forging of iron gads, 71; against the exportation of brass, copper, &c. 72; for the preservation of timber, 84 ; conferring chantry lands, 153; against the sale of iron wares by foreigners, &c, 245 Acts of Common Council for the prevention of early marriages, 79 ; for preventing the illegal sale of ironmongery wares, 211 Acts and ordinances of the Ironmongers'" Com- pany confirmed, 121, 125; to be read at the four courts, 129; may be made at every court, 132; of the yeomanry, 137 Address of the City of London to Lord Exmouth, 393 Agent of the Irish estate appointed, 420, 437 Aggression of the king's souldiers during the civil war, 260 Aghavey, the church and tithes of, 436 Aid and contribution granted to the king towards the expense of the war, 1798, 385 Aldermen, first instituted, 227 Alexandrine MS. of Greek Testament, 551 Allhallows Staining, parish of, dispute with the Ironmongers, 36 And-irons, some account of, 455 Apparel, wardens to appoint, 135; acts concern- ing, &c. 86, 162 Apprentices, rules concerning, 123, 124, 400; to be 24 years of age at the expiraration of their term, 132; to be enrolled at Guildhall, 133; to be presented at a court, ib.; to be sworn to the company, il. ; to be made free, 134; regulations respecting, 242 Apprenticeship, antiquity of, 18 Armour and implements of war ordered to be sold, 463 Arms, provision of, 216; the royal, ordered to be taken out of all banners, &c. and the arms of Commonwealth introduced, 285 Arrears to be collected by the wardens, 136 Assessment of the Hall, 262, 275, 279; for the paying of the army, 1646, 279; for building forts and fortifications in 1643-4, 290 Assistants appointed by the charter of James the 2nd, 326, 331 Assistants, masters, and wardens, removed by order of Privy Council, 355, 357, 359 Attendance, fines for neglect of, 123 Auditors, to be appointed, 127 Avenon, family of and pedigree, 545 Azure blue gowns provided for the poor men, 1569,104 Bahamia merchants assemble at the Hall, 466 Bankrupts, act of Parliament touching, 150 Barge, provisions for the, 373; the company's decorations of, 377, 378 Barker's Bible, 109, 451 Bate, John, bis book on the Mysteries of Nature and Art, 94 Beckford, family and pedigree, 579, 581; Wil- liam, Esq. a fine marble statue of presented to the company by his son, 470 Benefactors' names ordered to be put up, 452 Benevolence to the king, 189, 208 Bevan, Mr. Timothy, a Quaker, made free, 382 Bills of fare in 1686-7, 462 Biographical notices of members of the Iron- mongers' Company, 546 Bishop of Meath, death of, 438 Bodley, Sir Jonas, his report al)Out the Irish estate, 422 Bonds of divers lords, 252 Boundary stone of the company discovered, 377 Bridewall Hospital, 81 GENERAL INDEX. 605 Bucks accepted by way of fine, 371 Burial of Lady Mayoris, 1570, 105; Mrs. Har- vey, and stewards appointed for, 112; Thomas Lewen and his wife, 495 Burnt wine, 141 Burse, new contribution towards building, 89, 91 Bye-laws made by the citizens, 19 Cambell, family of and pedigree, 553 Canning, family of and pedigree, 569, 570 Canterbury fair, none to go in consequence of the plague, lOS Castle on the Irish estate, 421, 422 Chantry lands confirmed by James the First, 153 Charitable bequests made to the Company at sundry times, and an account of their adminis- tration, 493 Charles the First and his Parliaments, 219, 221 the Second, his death, 319, 320 Charter of incorporation of Edward the Fourth, 31; of the Bishop of Rochester, 39; of Philip and Mary, 81 ; granted by Elizabeth to the Iron- mongers' Company, 85; of James the Second, 321, 365; of the City restored, 362; of Charles the Second to the Irish Society, 433 Charters, &c. James the First, 149, 202, 207 Chimney tax, 311 Christian the Fourth, King of Denmark, his ar- rival in London, 154 City of London, the state of in 1643, 264; account of presented by James Howell, 296 Claim of the City to attend at the coronation of the sovereign, 43 Clark's Buildings, Snow Hill, to be called Iron- mongers' Buildings, 398 Clitherow, family of and pedigree, 552 Coals, introduction and use of, 75; proposal for the Company to fit a ship to Newcastle for, 155 Cocke, Edward, portrait painter, 453 Colemeters' oath and ordinances, 77 Commercial laws temp. Edward the Fourth, 35 Committee at Weavers' Hall, 271; of Revenues, 272 ; at Worcester House, 274 ; of corporations, communication from, 295: appointed to inves- tigate the Company's affairs, 371 Committees of Lords and Commons at Haber- dashers' Hall, 269, 273, 276 Companies ride to meet Henry the Seventh, 46; petition the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council respecting the loans advanced to the State and Parliament, 280, 282 Company's estate in 1650, 295 Complaints to be redressed, 128 Compulsory loans, 82 Concealments, a letter respecting, 151, 152 Concessions from James the Second, 363, 364 Confirmation of chantry lands, temp. Edward the Sixth, 72 Corn, provisions respecting the supply of, 142, 143; the Company ordered to keep up their proportion, 281 Coronation of George the Fourth, the Master's of the twelve Companies summoned to attend the Lord Mayor as Chief Butler, and other circumstances connected with that ceremony, 395—397 Court interference with the affairs of the Com- pany, 102; what constitutes, 123, 126; the four quarterly, 128; beer and ale, 141 Courts to be attended, 124 ; and other meetings, 408 Cressets, notice of, 66 Cromwell grants letters patent to the Irish So- ciety, 432 Cross in Cheap repaired, 24 Cumberland, Prince George, visit to Iron- mongers' Hall, 398 Cutts, family of, 553 Debt, none to sue a brother for, without leave, 123 Deceptive ironmongery articles prohibited, 22 Defeat of the King's forces at Newburn, 249 Demonstration of loyalty of the Company in 1792, 384 Dinners prohibited by Act of Common Council, 106 Donations of money, 371 East India Company, payments from, 249 Edward the Fourth distinguished as a merchant, 2, 34 ; his statue set up in the Royal Exchange, 319 Election of Master and Wardens, 1 22 day, orders concerning, 146 Entertainments at the Hall suspended in conse- quence of the high price of provisions, 384 Evelyn's opinion of iron mills, 119 606 GENERAL INDEX. Excursions up the river and dinner at Chelsea, 382 Exmouth, Viscount, family of, 584 Expenses of the Lord JIayor's show in 1556, 96 Feronei-s or dealers in iron, early notice of in London, 11 Fieri facias against the City, respecting Dr. Lamb, 237 Fine paid to the King, in 1638, by the City for a new charter, 242 Fines, any refusing to pay, to be committed to prison, 135 ; for non-attendance, 312 Fire of London, notices respecting, 307, 308,460* Fire office in St. Martin's Lane, 374 Fishery of the Bann, 437 Flowers, collectors of, 562 Foreign merchandise prohibited, 45 Freedom of the City, early entries respecting, 18; by redemption, 124, 134; granted on the no- mination of the Lord Mayor and other persons, 161, 162; of the Company, terms for the pur- chase of, 375; and livery of the Company pre- sented to Lord Exmouth and Sir David Milne, 388, 390, 391; of the Company, 401 Freeholders on the Irish estate, 426 Free trade, dangerous effects of, temp. Edward the Fourth, 35 French Hospital apply for power to lease their lands, 387 Funeral dinner of Sir Seliastian Harvey, 210; of Lady Cambell, 296; of Lord Nelson, 386; of Sir Wm. Humfries, 577 Funerall palls or herse cloths, 57 Funerals from the Hall, 466; regulations re- specting, 461 Gardens in the reign of Elizabeth, 559 Gardner charges for his labour, &c. 450 Garlands worn by the Masters and Wardens, 88 ; the custom still obserA"ed by the Fishmongers' and Carpenters' Company, ih. Gate of the Hall, tenement next unto, 447 GefFery,Sir Robert, Sheritl'of London, 310; family of, 575 George the Fourth, death of, and accession of William the Fourth, 398 Gloucester, distress of the city of, 267 Godschall, family of, 379 Golden Acre, purchased from the City, 374; part of leased to the French refugees for 999 years, 376 Gomersal, AVilliam, his epitaph, 147 Government of the guilds, 20 Grant of arms to the Ironmongers' Company, 25 Grey cloakes or aldermen, 498 Guests, regulation for, 406 Guilds, antiquity of, 1 — 3; Anglo-Saxon, 2 — 4 Gunpowder provided by the Company, 111; order from the committee at Guildhall to re- ceive, 261 Hall, and other premises, insured, 374; use of granted for military purposes, 385 ; of the Iron- mongers' Company, some account of, 441; as represented in Aggas's map, 444; proposed to be rebuilt, 447; repairs of, 450; garden be- longing to, ih. ; exposed to great danger in the tire of London, 460; use of granted for a lot- tery, 463; repairs and alterations of, 464; ordered to be repaired, 467; let to Mr. Elder- ton for a ball, and Mr. Topham, dancing mas- ter, ih.; resolution of Court in 1814 that it be not let in future for any purpose whatever, ih. ; rebuilt in 1745, ib.; description of by Malcolm, 468; repairs and alterations, 470; repairs and decorations of in 1843, and description of the architectural embellishments by G. R. French, Esq. 471 Hearth money, 311 Heraldrj', display of, presented to the Company, 302 Heylin, family of, 554 Holbein's picture of Henry the Eighth granting to the Barber Surgeons' Company their charter of incorporatioTi, 51 Hood, Samuel Lord, admitted to the freedom, 383; his speech, ih.; Viscount, family of, 582 Initial letters: — Page 1, a reversed letter from the Durham book; p. 5, fac-simile from the Liber Horn ; p. 28, from the grant of arms by Harvey; p. 31, from the charter granted by Edward the Fourth; pp. 137, 203, from an ancient pontifical circiter 1470. — Lansdowne MSS. 451; pp. 149, 207, 364, ih.; p. 126, after the style of a letter in a MS. of the 13th century in the Museum at Glasgow, printed by H. Shaw, esq. F.S.A., in the Fifth Xumber GENERAL INDEX. 607 of Decorative Arts of the Middle Ages; pp. 321, 393, and 413, fae-similes from Fust and Schoiffher's Bible, circiter 1462 Inventor}' of the Company's goods in 1707-8,464 Ireland, languishing state of, 262 Irish Protestants, miserable state of in 1641, 255; estate, some account of; 413 ; society, com- munication from, 425 Iron, doubtful if smelted by the aboriginal Britons, 5; remarks of Strabo and Csesar re- specting, 5, 6; works of the Romans in Britain, 7,10; trade not encouraged in the reign of F^li- zabeth, 116; mills, Acts of Parliament against, 116, 118; some account of the manufacture of in England from the 16th century to the present time, 165; manufactured in England by the Romans, 169 Ironmongers', earliest notice of the guild of, 14; congregated in Ironmongers' Lane and the Old Jewry, 17; go in procession to meet Richard the Third, 43; attend the Lord Mayor at the Coronation of Richard the Third, 43 ; Company, their control and supervision of their own trade, 85, 89; MS. records of pre- sented by Mr. Nicholl, 540 James the First, his accession, 148; his charter to the Ironmongers' Company, 149; solicits a loan from the city, 188 King's picture and arms removed, 295; restored, 298; book for the regulation of the province of Ulster, 417; effigies of in Royal Exchange, 558 Lane, Sir Thomas, discontinued the practice of inviting the Companies to dine with him, 372 Lease of Irish estate granted to George Canning, 427; to Paul Canning 1658, 434; to George Canning, junior, 435; to Henry Leckey and others, 436; assigned to Sir William Carr Be- resford and others, ib. Leat, family of, 557 Letter from the Archbishop of Canterburj- for contribution towards building schools at Ox- ford, 190; from Sergeant Phesant in favour of his son, 278; addressed to John BreeJon, Esq. 334; of thanks from the Common Coun- cil for surrender of ground at Snow Hill, 3S3; of thanks from the Corporation of London, 395; from the King to the Lord Deputy of Ireland, 423 ; from Paul Canning to his brother Edward, 435; from Leapidge Smith, Esq. to the Master, 476 Letters, seditious, against Queen Elizabeth, 104; patent granted by James the First, 202, 207; patent of James the Second, 365 Lewes fair and trashmakers there, 85 Liber Horn, notice of, 12 Library of Ironmongers' Company, 186, 466 Lion and Unicorn put up in the courtroom, 464 Liveries, introduction of, and laws respecting, 46, 49 Livery forego dining with the Lord Mayor in consequence of the troubles of the times and heavy taxes, 278; new appointed, 335; of the Company, rules respecting, 402 Livery cloth, how purchased, 122; pattern to be paid for 134 Liverymen appointed to attend the sheritf, 86; qualifications for, 373 Loan from the City to Henry the Eighth, 53; to the king 1604, 150, 247; required by the Par- liament, 256; for the State, 370, 371; to the Long Parliament, ih. Long Parliament assembled, 252; Parliament, 564 Lord Mayor appointed by the King, 313 Lord Mayors anciently chosen from the twelve principal Companies, 22; show in 1566, 91; shows and pageants, origin of, 91 ; shows re- vived, 159 Lotteries, public, 1614, 182, 184, 185 Machyn's Diary quoted, 495, 545 Map of London presented to the Company, 312; of the meerings of the lands in Derry, 437 Master and Wardens, nomination of, 126; ap- pointed by charter of James the Second, 325, 326; election of, 402 Masters of the Company, their mode of election, 87; of the Ironmongers' Company, a list of from 1463 to 1850, with biographical re- marks and notices of arms, 477 May games, 1559, 82; poles, 83 ]\Iayors and sheriffs elected by the Mysteries, 1 6 Mayoralty of Sir Alexander Avenon, 105; of Sir William Humfreys, 375; of Sir Rol)ert God- schall, 379; of Sir Samuel Pennant, 380; of Robert Alsop, Esq. 381; of Mr. Beckford, 352; of Sir Charles Price, Bart. 385; of Joshua Jonathan Smith, Esq. 387; of Alderman Thompson, 398 Mazer bowls, 459 608 GENERAL INDEX. Medici family, 92 Members not to be sued without licence, 131, 132 Merchants free of the Company in 16S9, 369 Metals, Anglo-Saxon knowledge of, 9 Method adopted for the collecting of concealed books, 110 Midsummer watch, ceremony of, 65; 1567, 102 Milne, Sir David, arms omitted at page 390, Hrminois, a cross tlory voided of the centre between 3 mullets azure, on a chief wavy the sea and fort of Algiers proper. Minutes of proceedings, 408 Miscellaneous rules,