Folios 60r–62v contain deeds relating to Bread Street. The red-ink heading is as follows:

Alle þese dedis þat bene entrid here of Bredestrete bene voyde for þei be entrid aftir foo lxxxvj for þer were afterward moo dedys foundyn in þe Ȝeldhalle

The coloured large initials for the first word of each deed are not done in this section (a blank space is left for them each time), except for the very last one on f. 62v, a “P” for Postquam which heads the note following. There are also no marginal headings to each deed. The red-ink headings have all been done for the revised section later that starts on f. 86r.

[23 April 1341 and enrolled 11 June 1341]

Sciant presentes & futuri quod ego Willelmus Faukes, filius Henrici Faukes quondam civis London’, dedi, concessi & hac presenti carta mea confirmavi Johanni de Walpole, civi & aurifabro London’, totum illud tenementum cum domibus superedificatis & omnibus aliis suis pertinenciis quod michi hereditarie accidebat post decessum dicti Henrici patris mei, in vico & parochia Omnium Sanctorum de Bredestrete London’. Et quod quidem tenementum situm est in latitudine inter tenementum quod quondam fuit Johannis de Beverlee ex parte aquilonari et tenementum Johannis Sprot ex parte australi, et extendit se in longitudine a vico regio de Bredestrete versus orientem usque ad tenementum quondam Willelmi de Segrave & Roberti de Gloucestre ac tenementum Johannis de Makanhaued versus occidentem, scilicet quicquid ibidem habui ut in terris, domibus, edificiis, lignis, lapidibus, longitudine, latitudine, altitudine, profunditate ac rebus cunctis, sine aliqua diminucione vel ullo retenemento.

Folios 266r–267r contain documents concerning Queens’ College, Cambridge, and the Blackfriars.

A different hand has written these pages.

Agreement between Lady Jane Ingaldesthorpe, the President and fellows of Queens’ College, Cambridge, the wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Mistery, and the Prior of the Dominicans in London – 5 November 1491

The quenys college in Cawmbryge

This endenture quadripartyte endented made the vth day off the moneth off Novembre the vijth yere of the reigne of Kyng Henry the vijth [5 November 1491] bytwene Dame Jane, Lady Ingaldesthorpe, oon the on party, and Thomas Wylkynson, clerke, Presydent off the College of Seynt Margarete and Seynt Barnard called the Queenes College in the universite of Cambrigge and the felawes of the same place on the second partye, and Thomas Woode, John Swerder, Edward Harrison, and Thomas Exmew, cytezens and goldsmythes off London, wardeyns and rulers of the mystere off the same craft on the thirde partye, and Richard Wynchelse, doctour of Dyvynyte and Prioure of the hous of the Freres Prechours within Ludgate of London and the Convent of the same place on the fourth partye, wytnesseth that whereas the same Dame Jane and all her feoffees to her use have geven and graunted unto Master James Downes, clerke, the maner off Gret Everesdon wyth thappurtenaunces in the County off Cambrigge, To Have to hym his heires and assignes for evermore, as by dyvers wrytynges thereuppon made more pleynly appereth, under the fourme entent and condicyon ensuying, that is to seye: That the seid President and felawes and theire successours forevermore shall provyde and ordeyne for an honest preest of a felawe of the same College, at the lest a scoler of dyvynitee, to syng and praye for the soule off the same Dame Jane, John late Erle of Worcestre her brother, Edmond Ingaldesthorp, knyght, and Geffrey Downes, and all cristen soules that oure lorde off his mercy wolde that shulde be praied for, and suche other as it shall please her to lymyte and assigne, the same prest to be called My Lady Prest.

Folios 240r–242v contain documents concerning Bishopsgate.

The red-ink heading on f. 240r is “Byschoppis gate”, on ff. 240v and 241v “Byschopp”, on ff. 241r and 242r “isgate”, and there is no heading to f. 242v.

Folios 240r–242r are written by the scribe of ff. 231r–234r above (and much before that), with his usual format manner of the first word or words in spaced-out capitals, and at the lower end of f. 242r the scribe of f. 236 etc. returns and writes the document on f. 242r–242v and then ff. 244r–252v.

Testamentum Ricardi Bradcok [27 October and 15 November 1441, proved 9 December 1441, probate sealed 11 August 1468]

Universis sancte matris ecclesie filiis presentes literas inspecturis, Rogerus Radclyff, legum doctor, decanus ecclesie beate Marie de arcubus London’, jurisdiccionis immediate ecclesie Christi Cant’, salutem in domino sempiternam. Notum facimus universis per presentes quod inspecto registro testamentorum approbatorum decanatus nostre supradicte de anno domini M° quadringentesimo xl° primo bene & fideliter custodito, invenimus in eodem registro copiam testamenti Ricardi Bradcoke, civis & aurifabri London’, defuncti, ac copiam ipsius ultime voluntatis eidem testamento annexam, inter cetera testamenta de anno domini supradicto per reverendum virum magistrum Zanobium Mulakyn, decretorum doctorem adtunc decanum ecclesie beate Marie supradicte legitime approbatum. Cujus quidem copie testamenti & ultime voluntatis dicti Ricardi Bradcok defuncti ac approbacionis eorundem testamenti & ultime voluntatis tenor sequitur in hec verba: In dei nomine Amen. Vicesimo septimo die mensis Octobris anno domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo primo et anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum xxmo, ego, Ricardus Bradcok, civis & aurifaber London’, compos mentis & in bona memoria existens, condo, facio, & ordino presens testamentum meum in hunc modum: In primis, lego & recommendo animam meam deo omnipotenti creatori meo, beateque Marie virgini matri ejus, & omnibus sanctis, corpusque meum ad sepeliendum in ecclesia Sancti Vedasti London’ juxta sepultura Elene nuper uxoris mee. Item, lego summo altare ejusdem ecclesie pro decimis & oblacionibus meis oblitis & retractis vj s. viij d. Item, lego fabrice corporis ejusdem ecclesie pro sepultura mea ibidem habend’ xiij s. iiij d. Item, lego Willelmo Bradcok fratri meo xl s.

Folios 108r–111r contain deeds relating to the Griffin in Cheap. The red-ink heading at the top of f. 108r translates as “John Fraunceys gave us these tenements for the support of poor people”, and the red-ink heading “Gryffyn in Chepe” is written above the red-ink folio number. Thereafter the verso pages have the heading “Gryffon” (f. 108v) or “Gryffyn” (ff. 109v and 110v) and the recto pages “in Chepe”, but ff. 111v (and 112r) have no headings, except the folio number on f. 112r. One notes in addition that the name “John Fraunces” has been added three times in red ink, in the margins of ff. 108v, 109v, and 110r, only the last of these bearing a relation to the text alongside.

Grant by Richard Abel to William de Causton [5 August 1325]

May those present and future know that I, Richard Abel, son of Sir John Abelle, knight, have given, granted, and by this my present deed have confirmed to William de Causton, citizen and mercer of London, all that tenement with two shops and all its other appurtenances which I had in West Cheap market in the parish of St Vedast, London, situated between the tenement of Richard de Shordich on one side towards the east, and the tenement formerly that of John Le Lucier on the other side towards the west, i.e. whatever I had there or could have had as in lands, houses, buildings, wood, stones, in length, in breadth, in height, in depth, and in all things, without any retention by me or any diminution whatsoever. To have and to hold … from the chief lords of that fee freely, quit, wholly, well and in peace, in fee and inheritance, by the services due from it and accustomed by right in perpetuity.

Folios 144r–149v contain deeds relating to Shoe Lane. The red-ink heading on f. 144r is “Scholane” and thereafter the verso pages have the heading “Schoo” or “Sho” and the recto pages “lane”, until f. 149v, whose heading is “Sholane” (and a new section starts at the foot of that page). The same style as above is kept to, no initials have been done but a space is left for each.

Testamentum Johannis Carlere [5 March 1452/53]

In dei nomine, Amen. Quinto die Marcij mensis anno domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo secundo, et anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum Anglie tricesimo primo, ego, Johannes Carlere, civis & aurifaber civitatis London’, compos mentis & in bona mea memoria existens, condo, facio, & ordino presens testamentum meum in hunc modum: In primis lego & commendo animam meam deo omnipotenti creatori meo, beateque Marie virgini [matri] ejus & omnibus sanctis, corpusque meum sepeliend’ prout in alio quodam testamento meo de bonis meis mobilibus facto & incluso plenius declaravi. Item, do & lego Humfrido Hayford, Thome Harryson, Willelmo Prynce, & Johanne Kelke, custodibus sive gardianis mistere aurifabrorum civitatis London’ & ejusdem mistere communitati omnia illa mesuagia mea, terras, tenementa, reversiones, redditus, & servicia cum pertinenciis situat’ in venella vocata Scholane in parochia Sancte Brigide in Fletestrete London’. Habend’ & tenend’ omnia predicta mesuagia, terras, tenementa, reversiones, redditus, & servicia cum pertinenciis prefatis custodibus sive gardianis & communitati & successoribus suis custodibus sive gardianis & communitati mistere predicte aurifabrorum qui pro tempore fuerint imperpetuum, de capitalibus dominis feodi illius per servicia inde debita & de jure consueta, in auxilium, subsidium, & incrementum sustentacionis cecorum, consternatorum, infirmorum & pauperum elemosinariorum communitatis euisdem mistere. Sub condicione quod ipsi post decessum Johanne quondam uxoris Ricardi Paveley, sororis mee, faciant, teneant, & observent annuatim imperpetuum die martis post festum Sancte Trinitatis proximum sequentem anniversarium meum ac dictorum Ricardi Paveley & Johanne uxoris sue, sororis mee, ac Johanne nuper uxoris mee, in ecclesia Sancti Petri in Westchepe London’ cum pleno servicio per notam in exequiis mortuorum usitato & consueto, videlicet cum Placebo & Dirige in vigilia precedente ac cum missa de requiem in crastino, necnon & cum pulsacione campanarum tempore exequiarum predictarum, ac eciam cum lumine, cere, pane, caseo, & cervisia ad easdem exequias per discrecionem custodum sive gardianorum dicte mistere pro tempore existencium ordinand’.

Folios 251r–252v contain documents concerning property in Fenchurch Street.

There is a red-ink heading to f. 251r of “Willelmus Walton” and one to f. 251v of “Fanchirche – Walton”. Folios 252r and 252v both have the heading “Fanchirche”.

Testamentum Willelmi Walton, civis & aurifabri1 London’ [20 November 1458]

[I]n dei nomine Amen. Vicesimo die mensis Novembris anno domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo octavo, regni vero regis Henrici sexti tricesimo septimo, ego, Willelmus Walton, civis & aurifaber civitatis London’, sanus mente & in bona mea memoria existens, condo, facio, & ordino specialiter quo ad tenementa subscripta presens testamentum meum in hunc modum: In primis, lego & comendo animam meam deo omnipotenti creatori meo, beateque Marie virgini matri ejus, & omnibus sanctis, corpusque meum sepeliendum prout in alio testamento meo de bonis meis mobilibus facto plenius declaravi. Item, ego, idem Willelmus Walton, per presens testamentum meum do & lego custodibus artis sive mistere aurifabrorum dicte civitatis London’ & ejusdem artis sive mistere communitati omnia illa terras & tenementa mea cum suis pertinenciis in Wodestrete & Goderonlane in parochia Sancti Petri in Westechepe London’, que simul cum Roberto Seman, clerico, jam defuncto, ac cum Johanne Hampden, armigero, & Ricardo Stace, cive & aurifabro London’, qui totum jus suum & clameum inde per quoddam scriptum suum cujus data est vicesimo die Octobris anno regni dicti regis Henrici sexti post conquestum decimo [20 October 1431], michi, prefato Willelmo Walton, heredibus & assignatis meis remiserunt & relaxaverunt, nuper habui ex dimissione & feoffamento Roberti Walton fratris mei, nuper civis & aurifabri London’, & Thome Peretre, civis & pannarii London’. Item, cum ego, predictus Willelmus Walton, & Alicia uxor mea ut in jure ejusdem Alicie habeamus & teneamus ad terminum vite ejusdem Alicie sine impeticione alicujus vasti ex dimissione & feoffamento Willelmi Porter & Mathei Halle, civium & aurifabrorum London’, duo messuagia cum suis pertinenciis situata in vico de Fanchirchestrete in parochia beate Marie de Fanchirche, London’, inter tenementum rectoris ecclesie de Fanchirche predicte ex parte occidentali & tenementum Reginaldi Reynewelle, nuper Alicie Mallyng, ex parte orientali, & tenementum Johannis Fitz Symond, militis, ex parte boriali & viam regiam de Fanchirchestrete ex parte australi.

Folios 231r–233r contain a document concerning property in St John Zachary and in Newgate.

The red-ink heading to f. 231r reads “Seynt John Zakaries / Seynt Sepulcre at Newgate”. Folio 231v has the heading “Seynt John Zakary” and f. 232r “and Newgate”.

The testament of Bartholomew Seman [25 July 1431, proved and enrolled 20 October 1432]

In the name of God, Amen. I, Bartholomew Seman, citizen and goldbeater of London, of sound mind and good memory, on 25 July ad 1431 and in the ninth year of the reign of King Henry VI, draw up, make, and ordain this present testament of mine concerning certain lands and tenements of mine, and rents, with their appurtenances, in the city of London, in the following manner: Firstly, I bequeath and commend my soul to almighty God, my creator and saviour, and to the blessed Virgin Mary his mother, and to all the saints, and my body to be buried in the church of St Andrew Cornhill, London. Item, whereas I, the aforesaid Bartholomew, together with John Tyse, goldbeater, John Halydey, clerk, and John Bryan, clerk, formerly acquired for myself and my heirs and assigns in perpetuity from Robert de Dale, clerk, and John Leventhorpe, esquire, the various lands, tenements, and rents written here below: i.e. all those lands and tenements with their appurtenances situated within the gate of Newgate in the parish of Holy Sepulchre near Newgate in the city of London, i.e. breadthwise next to the tenement formerly of Sir Robert Bendyn on the east side and Newgate prison and the stone wall of the city of London on the west side, and they extend lengthwise from the king’s road towards the south as far as the said stone wall of the city towards the north. And also a half-mark’s worth of silver of annual free quit-rent coming annually from the said tenement which was formerly that of the said Sir Robert Bendyn. And also all those lands and tenements with their appurtenances in the street called Gutter Lane in the parish of St John Zachary, London, which were formerly those of Drew Barentyne. And also an annual rent of 13s.

Folios 340v–342r contain documents concerning sale of property to George Beale.

Sale of brewhouse and land by Goldsmiths’ Mistery to George Beale [7 May 1613]

Beale

This indenture made the seaventh daye of Maye in the yeare of our Lord God according to the computation of the churche of England one thousand sixe hundred and thirteene and in the yeares of the raigne of our soveraigne lord James, by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, Fraunce, and Ireland, Defender of the Faythe &c, that is to saye of England, Fraunce, and Ireland the eleaventh and of Scotland the sixe and fortieth: Betweene the wardens and commonaltie of the misterie of goldsmithes of the citie of London of the one partie and George Beale, citizen and ale brewer of London of the other partie Witnesseth that the saide wardens and commonaltie for and in consideration of the some of two hundred and fiftie poundes of lawfull English money to them paide before the ensealing and delivery of these presents whereof and wherewith they do hereby acknowledge themselves fullye satisfied and paide, have graunted, bargained, and solde, and by these presents do absolutely graunt, bargaine, and sell unto the saide George Beale all that their parte of the brewhouse and vessell or fatt therein erected and fastened, with the sheddes, yarde, and stable thereunto adioyning togeather with all howses, buildings, stables, and edifices thereuppon erected, builded, fastened, or being with all and everie of theire appurtenances scituate, lyeing, and being in or neare Jewyn Gardein or gardeins in the parrishe of Saint Giles without Creple Gate, London, on the west parte of the messuage late belonging to Charles Langley, late citizen and ale brewer of London, deceased, which saide premisses hathe heretofore bene demysed, occupied, reputed, and taken as an entire garden and of late altered, laide, and occupied part to the saide brewhouse and sheddes, part occupied and used for a yarde, part occupied and used for a stable and a hayloft lately erected and builded thereuppon by the saide Charles Langley, deceased, conteyning by estimation in breadth east and west thirtie and eight foote of assise be it more or lesse, and northe and south foure score and seaventeene foote of assise be it more or lesse, and is now severed and devided

Folios 347v–355r and 360v–363r contain documents relating to the legacy of Philip Strelley.

Will (I) of Phillip Strelley [6 September 1603]

Strelley

In the name of God, Amen. The sixth daye of September in the yeare of our lord God according to the computation of the churche of England one thousand sixe hundred and three and in the yeares of the raigne of our most soveraigne Lord James, by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, Fraunce, and Ireland, Defender of the Faythe, that is to saye of England, Fraunce, and Ireland the first and of Scotland the seaven and thirtieth, I Phillip Strelley, citizen and goldsmith of London, being at the present in perfect memorie, thankes be therefore given to allmightie God, do now for divers respects me moveing make, ordaine, and declare this my present testament and last will in manner and forme following, that is to saye: Firste and principally I commend my soule to Allmightie God my maker, redeemer, and sanctifier, hopeing and assuredly beleiveing by his free mercye and grace throughe the onely merites, deathe and resurrection of the second person in the Trinitie Christe Jesus to have free remission of all my sinnes, and to enjoye eternall happynes in the glorious kingdome of heaven; and my bodye I comytt to the earthe to be buried in Christian buriall where it shall please God to appoint, and that in decent and comely manner, according to my degree, at the discretion of myne executors and overseers herein after named. Item, I will that all suche debtes as I shall happen to owe at the tyme of my decease shalbe well and truly paide or sett in order to be paide within convenient tyme after my decease. And whereas I, the saide Phillip Strelley by an obligation beareing date the fifth daye of this instant moneth of September do stand bound unto the wardens and commonaltie of the art or misterie of goldsmithes within the citie of London in the somme of seaven hundred and twentie poundes of lawfull money of England with condition endorsed that the executors or administrators of me the saide Phillip

Folio 8v is blank after the heading “Carte” in red at the top (indicating that it signals where the “Carte regie” were to start) until halfway down, where the following document is entered. It is badly worn and illegible in part. For a translation, see p. 21, opposite.

Indentura de bonis Johannis Hyltoft pro Cantar’ sua [3 October 1398]

Hec indentura facta inter Thomam [de] Exton, Johannem del Halle, Andream de Stamedene & Willelmum Fitz Hugh, cives & aurifabros, custodes artificii aurifabrorum London’, ex una parte & Willelmum de Lenyngton, capellanum, ex altera parte, testatur quod predicti custodes tradiderunt die confectionis presencium & liberaverunt dicto Willelmo capellano Cantarie in Capella sancti Dunstani in ecclesia sancti Pauli pro anima Johannis Hiltoft, quondam civis & aurifabri London’ fundate, ornamenta subscripta dicte cantarie pro perpetuo pertinencia, videlicet unum calicem argenti deauratum ponderantem xviij unc’ & dj de Troye. Item, unum missale de usu Sarum coopertum in corio rubeo, precii decem marcarum. Item, unum portiforum notatum de usu Sarum precii sex marcarum. Item, unum paxbrede ponderant’ sex unc’ & dj argenti & deauratum. Item, unum par cruettis argenti pond’ iiij unc’ & dj precii ij d. Item unam crucem argenti annilatam & deauratam [cum] pede argenteo & deaurato pond’ xv unc’ precii ij d. Item, j par bedis de aumbre precii iiij s. Item, unum scutum argenti cum armis predicti Johannis Hyltoft pro amisia capellani pond’ dj unc’ precii iij d. Item, unum bonum vestimentum de panno aureo nigri coloris cum alba & amicta & uno tuello cum frontello ejusdem coloris precii quatuor marcarum. Item, unum vestimentum de cerico blueto albi coloris precii ij marcarum. Item, aliud vestimentum de cerico rubeo precii xx s. Item, j tuell’ cum frontello [de panno aureo rubeo] & bluet’ coloris precii x s. & al’ tuell’ cum frontello de cerico diversorum colorum de veteri opere precii ij s. Item, j corperas case de velvet stactat’ cum corporali precii ij s. Item, aliud corperas caas de serico cum corperal’ precii xij d. Item, una alba cum paruris de serico stactato cum fanula et stola precii xl d.

Folios 111r–112r contain documents concerning property in Fleet Street, misplaced here, and belonging with others on ff. 131r–135r. These two further documents on this page and the following ones have been added later by a different hand and in very dark ink.

[5 April 1432]

Placita assis’ frisc’ apud Guyhaldam civitatis London’ in parochia Sancti Laurencii in Judaismo civitatis predicte coram Stephano Broun & Johanne Haterle, vicecomitibus civitatis predicte, juxta libertates & consuetudines ejusdem civitatis die sabbati proximo post festum Sancti Ambrosii episcopi anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum decimo, presencia provisi eo quod idem coronator exactus fuit & non comparuit &c.

Assisa inter Willelmum Dogge & Custodes aurifabrorum

Assisa venit recognoscere si Willelmus Dogge et Johanna uxor ejus, Thomas Lucas et Margareta uxor ejus, injuste &c disseis’ Robertum Felton, rectorem ecclesie Sancti Vedasti London’, Ricardum Spenser, Thomam Leget, Johannem Cary, & Johannem Sutton juniorem, custodes sive gardianos artis seu mistere aurifabrorum civitatis London’, de libero tenemento suo in parochia Sancte Brigide in Fletestrete in suburbio London’, post primam &c Et unde iidem Robertus Felton, rector dicte ecclesie Sancti Vedasti London’, Ricardus Spenser, Thomas Leget, Johannes Cary, & Johannes Sutton junior per Johannem Stafford attornatum suum queruntur quod disseis’ eos de uno mesuagio cum pertinenciis &c. Et predicti Willelmus Dogge & Johanna uxor ejus per Johannem Mordon attornatum suum dicunt quod ipsi nullam injuriam seu disseisinam eis inde fecerunt & de hoc ponunt se super assisam &c. Et predicti Robertus Felton, Ricardus Spenser, Thomas Leget, Johannes Cary, et Johannes Sutton junior similiter &c. Ideo capiatur inde inter eos assisa &c. Et predicti Thomas Lucas et Margareta uxor ejus per predictum Johannem Mordon attornatum suum respondent ut tenentes mesuagium predictum cum pertinenciis in visu positum & dicunt quod assisa inde versus eos fieri non debet quia dicunt quod quidam Johannes Standolf, civis & aurifabri [sic] London’, fuit seisitus de predicto mesuagio cum pertinenciis in visu posito in dominico suo ut de feodo & sic inde seisitus moriebatur, post cujus mortem predictum mesuagium cum pertinenciis descendebat cuidam magistro Johanni Standolf ut filio & herede predicti Johannis Standolf, civis & aurifabri London’.

Folios 17r–21r contain documents relating to Goldsmiths’ Hall, and have red-ink titles at the top of each page, on f. 17r “Goldsmytheshalle – perquisita”, then on each following verso “Goldsmythes” and on each following recto “halle”. Many of the earliest documents were also copied into the Wardens’ Accounts book, see Jefferson, Wardens’ Accounts, pp. 50–63.

Carta domini Willelmi de Clyff per Georgium de Wakerle [May 1323]

Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Frater Georgius de Wakerle, executor testamenti bone memorie domini Nicholai de Segrave, militis jam defuncti, dedi, concessi, vendidi et hac presenti carta mea confirmavi domino Willelmo de Clif, clerico, totum tenementum cum domibus superedificatis, libertatibus et omnibus aliis pertinenciis suis ad dictum tenementum spectantibus, quod quondam fuit dicti domini Nicholai in vico vocato Sancti Vedasti in parochia Sancti Johannis Zacharie London’, quod eciam jacet inter tenementa Thome de Lincolnia, aurifabri London’, et tenementum quondam Walteri de Hendoun et tenementum Abbatis de Wardoun ex parte orientali et dictum vicum Sancti Vedasti ex parte occidentali, et jacet in latitudine inter venellam vocatam Inglane ex parte aquilonari et tenementum dicti domini Abbatis de Wardoun ex parte australi, videlicet quicquid prefatus dominus Nicholas unquam ibidem habuit vel heredes sui aliquo modo seu jure habere poterunt ut in terris, edificiis, lignis, lapidibus, longitudine, latitudine, altitudine, profunditate et rebus cunctis absque aliquo inde retenemento seu diminucione, habendum et tenendum totum predictum tenementum cum domibus superedificatis, libertatibus et omnibus aliis suis pertinenciis predicto domino Willelmo de Clif, heredibus et assignatis suis quibuscumque libere, quiete, integre, bene et in pace, in feodo et hereditate imperpetuum, de capitalibus dominis feodi illius pro servicia inde debita et de jure consueta pro omnibus aliis serviciis secularibus demandis et rebus cunctis. Et ego, predictus frater Georgius, totum predictum tenementum cum domibus superedificatis libertatibus et omnibus aliis pertinenciis prefato domino Willelmo de Clif, heredibus et assignatis suis quibuscumque contra omnes gentes warantizabo imperpetuum. Pro hac autem donacione, concessione, vendicione, warantia et presentis carte mee confirmacione dedit michi predictus dominus Willelmus quandam summam pecunie pre manibus ad ultimam voluntatem dicti testatoris inde complendam. In cujus rei testimonium huic presenti carte sigillum meum apposui.

Folios 100r–102r contain documents relating to Mart Lane. The red-ink heading at the top of f. 100r is “Ista tenementa perquisita fuerunt de Simone Mazerer / Martlane” and thereafter the verso pages have the red-ink heading at the top “Marte” or “Mart” and the recto pages “lane”.

Carta Johannis de Lesen per Willelmum Dirie [n.d. (1299) and enrolled 3 March 1309]

Sciant presentes & futuri quod nos Willelmus Dirie, civis London’, & Johanna uxor ejus unanimi assensu dedimus, concessimus, & hac presenti carta nostra confirmavimus Johanni de Lesene, civi & mazeliner London’, totam illam placeam terre cum domibus superedificatis & omnibus aliis pertinenciis suis quam habuimus in parochia Omnium Sanctorum de Stanyng[c]herche in London’ ex dimissione Willelmi Scot, hurar’, prout in ipsius carta nobis super hoc inde confecta plenius continetur. Que quidem placea predicta cum domibus superedificatis jacet in latitudine inter vicum regium versus austrum & tenementum Galfridi de Meldeburne versus aquilonem, et extendit se in longitudine a vico regio versus occidentem usque ad gardinum Nicholai de Gotham versus orientem. Habend’ & tenend’ … in feodo & hereditate imperpetuum, sine aliqua diminucione vel aliquo retenemento. Reddendo inde annuatim nobis & heredibus vel assignatis nostris unam rosam ad festum Nativitatis Sancti Johannis Baptiste, & parochianis dicte ecclesie de Stanyngcherche ad sustentacionem luminarum & fabrice ejusdem ecclesie decem solidos sterlingorum ad quatuor anni terminos principales & in civitate London’ usuales solvend’, videlicet ad quemlibet terminum duos solidos & sex denarios; et hospitali Sancti Jacobi extra London’ duos solidos ad duos anni terminos, videlicet ad festum Sancti Michaelis duodecim denarios & ad festum Pasche duodecim denarios, pro omnibus secularibus demandis & omni exaccione. Et nos predicti Willelmus Dirie & Johanna uxor ejus & heredes ac assignati nostri totam predictam placeam terre cum domibus superedificatis & omnibus aliis pertinenciis suis predicto Johanni & heredibus ac assignatis suis quibuscumque warantizabimus & per predicta servicia acquietabimus & defendemus contra omnes homines & feminas imperpetuum. Pro hac autem nostra donacione, concessione, & presentis carte nostre confirmacione & warantia dedit nobis predictus Johannes de Lesene duodecim marcas sterlingorum pre manibus in gersumam. Et ut hec omnia predicta robur perpetue firmitatis obtineant huic presenti carte sigilla nostra apposuimus.

Folios 17r–21r contain deeds relating to Goldsmiths’ Hall, and have red-ink titles at the top of each page, on f. 17r “Goldsmytheshalle – perquisita” [purchased], then on each following verso “Goldsmythes” and on each following recto “halle”. Many of the earliest documents were also copied into the Wardens’ Accounts book, see Jefferson, Wardens’ Accounts, pp. 50–63.

Grant by George of Wakerle, executor of Nicholas de Segrave, to William de Clyff [May 1323]

May those present and future know, that I, Friar George de Wakerle, executor of the testament of Sir Nicholas de Segrave of good memory, knight, now deceased, have given, granted, sold, and by this present deed of mine have confirmed to Sir William de Clif, clerk, the whole tenement with its superstructures, its liberties, and all its other appurtenances which pertain to the said tenement which formerly belonged to the said Sir Nicholas in the street called St Vedast’s [Foster Lane] in the parish of St John Zachary, London, which lies between the tenements of Thomas de Lincoln, goldsmith of London, and the tenement previously of Walter de Hendoun and the tenement of the Abbot of Warden on the eastern side, and the said Foster Lane on the western side, and which lies laterally between the lane called Inglane on the northern side and the tenement of the said Lord Abbot of Warden on the southern side, that is to say whatever the aforesaid Sir Nicholas ever had there or his heirs in any manner or by any right might have, that is in lands, buildings, wood, stones, in length, breadth, height, depth and everything, without any retention or diminution, to have and to hold the whole of the aforesaid tenement with its superstructures, its liberties and all its other appurtenances, by the aforesaid Sir William de Clif, his heirs and assigns whoever they may be, freely, quit, wholly, well, and in peace, in fee, and with hereditary rights in perpetuity from the chief lords of that fee for the services owed for it and customary by law, for all other secular services, requests and all things.

Folios 211v–213v contain documents concerning Gutter Lane.

These folios are written in a different hand. Folio 211v has the red-ink heading “Goturlane” and f. 213r has the red-ink heading “Roberti Walton”.

Testament of John Emond [19 May 1429]

In the testament of John Emond is contained as following: In the name of God, Amen. On 19 May ad 1429 and the seventh year of the reign of King Henry VI, I, John Emond, citizen and goldsmith of London, healthy of mind and with good memory, draw up, make, and ordain this my present testament in this manner: Firstly, I bequeath and commend my soul to almighty God my creator and to the blessed Mary his mother, and my body to be buried within the parish church of St Vedast in Foster Lane, London, near the font towards the great door of the same church. Item, I bequeath 3s. 4d. to the high altar of the said church for my forgotten tithes. Item, I give and bequeath to my executors, listed below, all the status which I have in a tenement with an adjacent shop and its appurtenances in West Cheap in the parish of St Matthew Friday Street which I formerly had from the demise and confirmation of John Bulstrode, the son and heir of John Bulstrode, late citizen and goldsmith of London, for them to sell as soon as possible after my death in the best manner they know how and are able to do this. And I bequeath the money received from this sale to be distributed by my same executors for masses to be celebrated for my soul, the soul of my father and the souls of all the faithful departed and in other works of charity as it shall seem to them best to please God and to benefit the salvation of my soul. Item, I give and bequeath to Laura my wife all that tenement of mine in which I am living in Gutter Lane in the parish of St Vedast, London, with shops, houses, upper rooms, and their appurtenances which I formerly acquired from John Flete, citizen and goldsmith of London, the son and heir of John Flete, late citizen and goldbeater of London.

Folios 69v–74r contain deeds relating to Bowyer Row.

Folio 69v is blank for the first three-quarters of the space, and then the following two short documents are copied into the lower part of the page. Both belong to the following section, and must have been added later (or else they would have been included within the pages headed up for that section); they are in the same hand as the other deeds for Bowyer Row, and the first one has been labelled for its correct placing (see below). The second one appears to be an earlier document concerning the property, dating from before the earliest in the main section.

Forisaffidacio [3 March 1309]

Et memorandum quod ad hustengum predictum, videlicet ad hustengum de placitis terre tentum die lune proxima post festum Sancti Mathie apostoli anno regni regis Edwardi filii regis Edwardi secundo, venit predicta Editha, uxor dicti Willelmi Edmond, in propria persona sua gratis in pleno hustengo London’ predicto & forisaffidavit totum jus suum, de se & heredibus suis, quod habuit vel habere potuit vel poterit in mesuagio cum shopis & suis pertinenciis imperpetuum &c.

Istud memorandum debet intrari in proximo folio sequente ad tale signum +

Ordinacio testamenti Michaelis de London [20 January 1269]

Donacio & ordinacio testamenti magistri Michaelis de London’, videlicet predictus Michael concedit quinque marcas annui redditus ad sustentacionem unius capellani imperpetuum. Que quidem quinque marce accipi debent de quadam domo & shopa que site sunt in parochia Sancti Martini parvi &c. quam quidem domum cum omnibus &c. conced’ idem magister Michael Ricardo de Berdefeld & heredibus suis pro quatuor marcis solvendis ad quatuor anni terminos scilicet ad festum Sancti Michaelis, Nativitatem domini, Pasch’, & ad festum Sancti Johannis Baptiste, &c. shopam autem que est ex alia parte vici in eadem parochia concedit prefatus Michael Stephano capellano pro una marca redditus ad quatuor anni terminos sicut superius continetur. Data London’ anno domini M° CCmo sexagesimo nono.

Folios 70r–74r are ruled up and headed to contain deeds relating to Bowyer Row. The red-ink heading at the top of f. 70r reads “Ista tenementa dedit nobis Thomas atte Hay in sustentacione pauperum / Bowyerrowe”, and each following verso has the red-ink heading “Bowyer” and the rectos “rowe”.

Folios 136r–141r contain documents relating to property in Gutter Lane. The red-ink heading on f. 136r reads “Goturlane by Hillys”, and thereafter the verso pages have the heading “Goter” and the recto pages “lane”.

A different hand has taken over here. One must note that not a single one of these documents is accompanied by a note of the date of its enrolment. One also notes that the sequence in which documents are presented is in reverse order to that of the preceding sections: here the most recent document is presented first and the scribe has then worked backwards from that (although not all is in strict chronological order).

One notes also that this scribe does not have nearly as good a command of Latin as the previous scribes. Some words are oddly spelt, some extra “&” are included, some words are in an odd order etc. He is copying but is not fully competent in the language, and abbreviated words in his original, grammatical endings and other, or unclearly written words have caused him problems.

Testamentum Johannis Hilles [6 September 1430]

In dei nomine Amen. Sexto die Septembris anno domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo & anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum nono, ego Johannes Hilles, civis & aurifaber London’, sanus mentis & bone memorie, facio, ordino, & constituo presens testamentum meum de terris & tenementis meis cum omnibus suis pertinenciis in parochia Sancti Vedasti in Goterlane & Kerounlane, ac in parochiis Sancti Michaelis in Wodstrete & Sancti Petri in Shepe, London’, ac Sancti Dunstani in Fletestrete in suburbis London’, in hunc modum: In primis lego animam meam deo omnipotenti creatori meo, beateque Marie virgini, & omnibus sanctis, ac corpus meum ad sepeliendum in ecclesia Sancti Michaelis in Wodestrete predicta. Item, cum Johannes Biernes, Johannes Pake, Stephanus Collee, & Johannes Walshe, junior, cives & aurifabri London’, per quoddam scriptum suum cujus data est London’ ultimo die octobris anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum octavo concesserint & confirmaverint Thome Senecle, civi & aurifabro London’, quinquaginta & duos solidos sterlingorum annuatim & septimanatim percipiendos prefato Thome & assignatis suis ad terminum vite sue ejusdem Thome ad denominacionem Reginaldi Barantyn de Chalgrave in comitatu Oxon’, de illis decem & novem mesuagiis meis cum pertinenciis situatis in parochia Sancti Vedasti London’, que quondam fuerunt Bartholomei Byllyndon, nuper civis & aurifabri London’.

Folios 385r–388r contain documents concerning the Jenner property.

A different hand starts here and continues up to f. 392r.

Mr Jenners Lease of his house in Foster Lane [1 December 1648]

This indenture made the first day of December in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred forty and eight, and in the fower and twentieth yeare of the reigne of our Soveraigne Lord Charles, by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith &c Betweene Robert Jenner, cittizen and goldsmith of London of the one parte, and Sir John Wollaston, knight and alderman of the citty of London, William Gibbs, alderman, Thomas Vyner, alderman, Gilbert Harrison, Chamberlyn of the citty of London, Francis Ashe, Robert Moore, Edward Vaghan, William Daniel, Thomas Smithes, John Peryn, Humfry Bedingfeild, Richard Morrell, Thomas Noell, and Gunter Morrell, cittizens and goldsmithes of London, of the other parte, Witnesseth that the said Robert Jenner aswell for and in consideracion of a certaine competent summe of lawfull money of England by the said Sir John Wollaston, William Gibbs, Thomas Vyner, Gilbert Harrison, Francis Ashe, Robert Moore, Edward Vaghan, William Daniel, Thomas Smithes, John Perryn, Humfry Bedingfeild, Richard Morrell, Thomas Noell, and Gunter Morrell in hand well and truely paid at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipte whereof and himelfe therewith fully satisfyed hee, the said Robert Jenner, doth hereby acknowledge and thereof and of every parte thereof doth cleerely and absolutely acquitt, release, and discharge the said Sir John Wollaston, William Gibbs, Thomas Vyner, Gilbert Harrison, Francis Ashe, Robert Moore, Edward Vaghan, William Daniel, Thomas Smithes, John Perryn, Humfry Bedingfeild, Richard Morrell, Thomas Noell, and Gunter Morrell and every of them, their and every of their heires and assignes by these presents, as alsoe for divers other good causes and consideracions him, the said Robert Jenner, hereunto especially moveing, Hath graunted, bargained, sold, demised, and to farme letten and by these presents doth graunte, bargaine, sell, demise, and to farme lett unto the said Sir John Wollaston, William Gibbs, Thomas Vyner, Gilbert Harrison, Francis Ashe, Robert Moore, Edward Vaghan, William Daniell, Thomas Smithes, John Perryn, Humfry Bedingfeild, Richard Morrell, Thomas Noell, and Gunter Morrell all that capitall messuage or tenement and a yard heretofore a garden plott with the appurtenances and a fayre passage or entry out of the said capitall messuage into Foster Lane under a messuage or tenement late in the tenure or occupacion of Joseph Cunnyngham or his assignes, lyeing and being in Foster Lane in the parish of St Leonards in Foster Lane London, and late in the tenure or occupacion of William Atkinson, esquire, deceased, and Rowland Trapps esquire, deceased, or their or one of their assignes, and abutteth to the lands of the Company of Imbroyderers and sometymes of Gyles Trapps, gent.,