Folios 43r–44v contain documents relevant to property in Wood Street. Folio 43r has a red-ink explanatory heading which translates as “Wood Street on the east side, acquired from the heirs of Simon de Berkyng”. Folio 43v has a red-ink heading “Wode” and the facing folio, 44r, has the heading “strete”. There is no heading on f. 44v.

Grant of John de Reynham to Walter de Fynchyngfeld [30 June 1291 and enrolled 23 July 1291]

May those present and future know that I, John de Reynham, son and heir of Ralph de Reynham, have given, granted, and by this present deed of mine confirmed to Walter de Fynchyngfeld the younger, citizen and goldsmith of London, all that tenement of mine with its houses built above and all its appurtenances which I had in the parish of St Peter, Wood Street, London. Which tenement is between Wood Street on the west and the tenement of Richard de Mounpellers on the east, and the tenement formerly that of John Le Barber on the south and the tenement of Sir Bartholomew de Castello on the north, i.e. everything that I had there in lands, houses, buildings, wood, stone, in length and in breadth, in height and in depth, and in all things without any diminution or retention: to have and to hold by the aforesaid Walter and his heirs or by whomsoever he may at any time wish to give it or sell, demise, bequeath or in any other way assign it, freely, quit, wholly, well and in peace, in inheritance and in fee, from the chief lords of that fee by the services due from it and customary by right in perpetuity, i.e. five shillings annually from it to the Hospital of St Giles in the Fields at the four principal terms of the year current in the city of London, that is 15d. at each term; and also twenty shillings annually to the Hospital of St Bartholomew of London at the same terms, that is five shillings at each term, for all services, secular customs, exactions and demands. And besides, I the aforesaid John have granted for myself and my heirs that I and my heirs shall warrant, acquit and defend in perpetuity the whole of that aforesaid tenement with its houses built above and all its appurtenances to the aforesaid Walter and his heirs or assigns whoever they may be and their heirs or assigns, against all men, for the services to be paid to the aforesaid hospitals.

Folios 111r–112r contain documents concerning property in Fleet Street, misplaced here, and belonging with others on ff. 131r–135r (where there would have been insufficient space left before the start of the next section, already written). These two further documents on this page and the following ones have been added later by a different hand and in very dark ink.

Plea of assize [5 April 1432]

Plea of assize “frisc’” in the Guildhall of the city of London in the parish of St Lawrence Jewry of the aforesaid city, before Stephen Broun and John Haterle, sheriffs of the aforesaid city, in accordance with the liberties and customs of the same city, on the Saturday after the Feast of St Ambrose the bishop in the tenth year of the reign of King Henry VI, in the presence of the provisor since the coroner was summoned and did not appear, etc.

Assize court hearing

The assize was held to determine whether William Dogge and Joanna his wife, Thomas Lucas and Margaret his wife, had unjustly etc. dispossessed Robert Felton, rector of the church of St Vedast, London, Richard Spenser, Thomas Leget, John Cary, and John Sutton the younger, wardens of the mistery of goldsmiths of the city of London, of a free tenement of theirs in the parish of St Bride’s in Fleet Street in a suburb of London, etc. And hence the same Robert Felton, rector of the said church of St Vedast, London, Richard Spenser, Thomas Leget, John Cary, and John Sutton the younger complain through John Stafford their attorney that they have dispossessed them of a messuage with appurtenances etc. And the aforesaid William Dogge and Joanna his wife declare through John Mordon their attorney that they have done them no injury and made no dispossession, and they submit themselves [to the judgement of] the assize. And similarly the aforesaid Robert Felton, Richard Spenser, Thomas Leget, John Cary, and John Sutton the younger.

Folios 201r–202r contain documents relating to John Hiltoft’s legacy of a chantry at St Paul’s.

Hiltoft’s chantry

The composition of John de Hiltoft’s chantry [March 1368/69 and enrolled 26 November 1386]

To all sons of Holy Mother Church who shall inspect these present letters, John, the dean, and the chapter of the church of St Paul in London, greetings in the Lord. May it be known to you all that whereas Sir William de Swinefleet, archdeacon of Norwich, John de Bures, citizen and draper of London, John Coraunt and Henry Markeby, citizens and goldsmiths of London, and Sir William Calseby, chaplain, the executors of the testament of John de Hiltoft, deceased, of good memory and devoted to God and our church, lately a citizen and goldsmith of London, have given and delivered in entirety, counted in full, £520 sterling from the possessions of the said deceased, for the good of his own soul and that of Alice, once his wife, and of the souls of all his relatives and benefactors and of all the faithful departed, to be used to rebuild the whole of the part of our precinct from the door of the bakehouse of our said church as far as the corner of the same bakehouse on the south side, and from the same corner as far as a certain place called Gibbeshawe on the western side, in which place until now useless buildings in a state of ruin have been standing, and this to be for the better and more comfortable support of all our incumbents. With which sum of money we shall build anew the whole of our aforesaid grounds which contain in length from the said corner on the western side 59 yards and from the same corner towards the north 26 yards. From the rents of which buildings all those written below may be properly supported for all future time.

A different hand has written ff. 198v–199v, one that has written a number of dispersed entries (see the section of the “Introduction” on scribal hands, p. xvi)

The red-ink heading at the top of this page reads “The Statutys off Ye cite of London”. Each of the two following paragraphs is given a large red initial three lines deep. A further red-ink heading is then written (see below).

The statutes of the citie of London

Hit is founden of antiquite as for the eldest custome of London that where tenauntez of yeres or terme of lyffe do bield or joyne to their tenementz any thyng or easment wythoute speciall licence of the lord of the soyll that then at þe ende of their termes or yeres thar shall no maner of easment joyned or festned to their howses neyther to no parte of the soyll therof withoute speciall licence of the lorde take a wey neither remeve if it in case be the seid easmentes be joyned or festned wythe nayles or pynnes of tre as pentises glas hokes or lokes or benches or any othir thyng or thei be festned to the soyll wyth morter or lombe as fornes cawdrons ledes chymneys corbelles pavementez & all suche other or elles yf plantes takyng rote as vynes trees greves or busshes. It is not lawfull no suche to take a way neither in the ende of their termes neyther in no tyme neither to put hem away neither pluk hem up but they & all suche shall remayn with the lord of the soyll as parcell of the same tenement or soill whether that hyt be.

Intratur in libro Cn lra Gc fol. Clxxiiij°

Tempore Ade de Bury Maioris A° xxxix° Edwardi tercij

Also it is ordeined that alle the craftes of the citee of London be wele and lawfully ruled & governed everiche in his nature in due maner so that no falshode ne fals werke ne disceit be founde in no maner in the craftez for honour of the good folke of the same. And for commune proffit of the people.

Folios 368r–372v contain documents concerning property from William Howe.

The deedes of purchase of the Lands of William Howe Esqe, to the Companyes use / in Foster Lane, Kerry Lane, & Gutter Lane. [19 May 1631]

This Indenture made the nyneteenth day of May in the seaventh yeare of the raigne of our Soveraigne Lord Charles by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Fayth, &c Betweene William Howe of Southokenden in the countie of Essex Esqr of the one parte and John Hill, Francis Mannynge, John Wollaston, Thomas Vyner, Stephen Langcastle, Edward Vaughan, Francis Ashe, Richard Claye, Thomas Smythes, John Terry, Francis Hall, and Humfrey Bedingfeild, cittizens & gouldsmithes of London, of the other parte, Witnesseth that the said William Howe in consideracion of a competent some of lawfull money to hym in hand paid by the said John Hill, Francis Mannynge, John Wollaston, Thomas Vyner, Stephen Langcastle, Edward Vaughan, Francis Ashe, Richard Claye, Thomas Smythes, John Terry, Francis Hall, and Humfrey Bedingfeild, before th’ensealinge and delivery of these presents, whereof the said William Howe doth by these presents acknowledge the Resceipt and thereof and of every parte thereof doth acquite, exonerate, and discharge the said John Hill, Francis Mannynge, John Wollaston, Thomas Vyner, Stephen Langcastle, Edward Vaughan, Francis Ashe, Richard Claye, Thomas Smythes, John Terry, Francis Hall, and Humfrey Beddingfeild, their heires, executors and administrators forever by these presents, As for diverse other good causes and consideracions him hereunto especiallie movinge Hath graunted, bargained, and sould, enfeoffed and confirmed and by these presents doth fully and absolutely graunt, bargaine, sell, enfeoffe, and confirme unto the said John Hill, Francis Mannynge, John Wollaston, Thomas Vyner, Stephen Langcastle, Edward Vaughan, Francis Ashe, Richard Claye, Thomas Smythes, John Terry, Francis Hall, and Humfrey Beddingfeild all those messuages, tenements, cottages, shoppes, edifices, and curtilages with their and every of their appurtenances sometymes in the tenure or occupacion of Thomas Hargrave and Johan Stapler, widdowe, or of one of them or of their or one of their assignes, scituate and beinge in the parishe of St John Zacharies London, to the late dissolved monasterie of Warden in the County of Bedford sometymes belonginge and apperteyninge and parcell of the possessions thereof beinge.

Folios 201r–202r contain documents relating to John Hiltoft's legacy of a chantry at St Paul’s

Cantaria Hyltoft

Composicio Cantarie Johannis Hyltoft [4 March 1368/69 and enrolled 26 November 1386]

Universis sancte matris ecclesie filiis presentes litteras inspecturis Johannes, decanus, & capitulum ecclesie Sancti Pauli London’ salutem in domino. Noverit universitas vestra quod cum dominus Willelmus de Swynflet, archidiaconus Norwicensis, Johannes de Bures, civis & pannarius London’, Johannes Coraunt & Henricus de Markeby, cives & aurifabri London’, & dominus Willelmus Calseby, capellanus, executores testamenti bone memorie & devoti viri deo & ecclesie nostre Johannis de Hyltoft, nuper civis & aurifabri London’, defuncti, de ipsius defuncti bonis quingentas & viginti libras sterlingorum pro salute anime ipsius et Alicie quondam uxoris sue & animarum omnium parentum & benefactorum suorum & omnium fidelium defunctorum, ad construendum de novo totam aream nostram a porta pistrini dicte ecclesie nostre usque ad cornerium ejusdem pistrini versus austrum & ab eodem cornerio usque ad quendam locum vocatum Gibbeshawe versus occidentem, in quo quidem loco domus ruinose & inutiles dudum existebant, pro omnibus nobis incumbendibus melius & lenius supportandis dederint & integraliter liberaverint numeratas. De qua quidem pecunie summa nos totam aream nostram predictam in longitudine a dicto cornerio versus occidentem quinquaginta & novem virgas ferreas & ab eodem cornerio versus aquilonem viginti & sex virgas ferreas continentem de novo edificari faciemus. De quorum quidem edificiorum redditibus possunt cunctis futuris temporibus omnia subscripta congrue supportari.

Folio 236r–236v contains a deed concerning the Eagle in Cheap.

The red-ink heading at the top of f. 236r is “Chepe the Egle”, and two red-ink notes are written in the right-hand margin by the same hand, as well as some further marginal notes in a later hand.

The testament of Richard Withihale [enrolled 17 November 1427]

Common pleas held at the Husting Court of London on the Monday after the Feast of St Edmund the bishop in the sixth year of the reign of King Henry VI.

In the testament of Richard Wythyhale, citizen and goldsmith of London, is contained thus: Item, I give and bequeath to Alice my wife all that tenement of mine called “The New Tavern”, with shops, upper rooms, and all its other appurtenances, situated in the parish of St Peter in West Cheap aforesaid. To have and to hold all … by the aforesaid Alice my wife and her assigns for the term of the lifetime of the said Alice, from the chief lords … And I bequeath that after the death of the aforesaid Alice, all the aforesaid tenement with … shall remain entirely to my son John and the legitimate heirs of his body, holding it from the chief lords … And if my aforesaid son John should die without a legitimate heir of his body, then I bequeath and wish that all the aforesaid tenement with … shall remain entirely to my son Thomas and the legitimate heirs of his body, holding it from the chief lords … And if my said son Thomas should die without a legitimate heir of his body, then I give and bequeath all the aforesaid tenement with … to the wardens of the mistery of Goldsmiths of London and the community of the same mistery and to their successors, each in their time.

Folios 325r–339v contain documents concerning property from Sir Martin Bowes's donation.

The same hand continues, that of Ralph Robinson, clerk of the company (see f. 400v, where he signs himself). A long heading has been written above the start of the text, but the first line (at least) of this has been cropped off at some stage, no doubt by a binder.

… in the pan/trie, and of an annuall rente of xxxiijs. ij d. goynge out of St Matthues alley in Frydayestrete. Whiche land and annuall rente Sir Martine Bowes knight gave to this companie in anno domini 1557 for the perfourmance of certein godly intentes forever, as in the same evidences playnely dothe appeare.

[10 April 1550]

Omnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos presens scriptum pervenerit, Gardiani et communitas artis sive mistere aurifabrorum London, salutem in domino sempiternam. Noveritis nos, prefatos gardianos et communitatem, remisisse, relaxasse, et omnino de et pro nobis et successoribus nostris imperpetuum quietum clamasse Willelmo Wylson et Reginaldo Payne, aurifabris London, in eorum plena et pacifica possessione et seisina existentibus, heredibus et assignatis eorundem, totum jus, statum, titulum, clameum, usum, possessionem, et interesse nostra que unquam habuimus, habemus, seu quovismodo in futurum habere poterimus aut successores nostri in futurum habere poterint de et in omnibus illis terris et tenementis nostris et gardino, mesuagiis, domibus, edificiis, shopis, cellariis, solariis, commoditatibus, vijs, introitibus, easiamentis, ac hereditamentis nostris quibuscumque situatis, jacentibus, et existentibus in quodam alleia vulgariter nuncupata Scaldynge Alley in parochia Sancte Mildrede in pulletria London. Ac etiam de et in omnibus illis gardinis nostris que quondam fuere [sic] mesuagia ac combusta situatis, jacentibus, et existentibus extra Bysshopesgate London infra parochia Sancti Botulphi ibidem. Ac etiam de et in illis duobus tenementis nostris cum shopis, cellariis, solariis, ac quadam alleia adjacente vulgariter nuncupata Spaldynge Porche Alley, cum omnibus illis domibus, edificiis, shopis, cellariis, solariis in eadem constructis, viis, introitibus ac easiamentis quibuscumque situatis, jacentibus, et existentibus in veteri excambio London vulgariter nuncupato Le Olde Chaunge infra parochiam Sancti Augustini. Ac de omnibus et singulis domibus, edificiis, cameris, shopis, cellariis, solariis, curtilagiis, redditibus, reversionibus, serviciis, ac ceteris hereditamentis quibuscumque premissis seu alicui inde parcelle quoque modo spectantibus sive pertinentibus.

Folios 45r–49v contain deeds relating to property in Friday Street. The red-ink heading at the top of f. 45r translates as “Friday Street: the Horse – acquired from the heirs of Simon de Berkyng”. The verso pages thereafter have a red-ink heading at the top of “Fryday” while the rectos have “strete”, but there is no red-ink heading to f. 49v.

Grant by the chapter of Christ Church Canterbury to Robert de Burewelle [n.d. (mid-13th c., possibly 1239–40)]

To all the faithful in Christ whom this present deed may reach, the chapter of Christ Church Canterbury sends greetings. Know that we have of our common consent granted, demised and by this our present deed confirmed to Robert de Burewelle, citizen of London, all that tenement of ours with all its buildings and appurtenances entirely which we had in London in Friday Street in the parish of St Matthew, on the east side of the same street, next to4 the chancel of the said church, between the land which was that of Peter Helylond on the south side and the land which was that of John Bryd towards the north, i.e. all that we had there in wood and in stone, lengthwise and breadthwise, and in all things without any diminution, to have and to hold by the said Robert and his heirs or assigns, from us and our house in fee and inheritance, freely, quit, well and in peace and forever. Paying annually for it to us and our house sixty shillings sterling at the four principal terms of the year, i.e. within a fortnight of Michaelmas fifteen shillings, and within a fortnight of Christmas fifteen shillings, and within a fortnight of Easter fifteen shillings, and within a fortnight of the Nativity of St John the Baptist fifteen shillings, for every service, exaction and demand, and without any disturbance. And the aforesaid Robert has sworn fealty to us and our house for the aforesaid tenement and the aforesaid rent to be paid to us annually at the aforesaid terms, that it shall be held to also by his posterity.

Folios 244r–249r contain documents concerning property in Cheapside. Each page has the red-ink heading “Chepe”.

The testament of John Orewelle [20 August 1472]

In the name of God, Amen. On 20 August ad 1472 and in the twelfth year of the reign of King Edward IV, I, John Orewelle, citizen and goldsmith of the city of London, of sound mind and having a good healthy memory, praise be to the Highest, draw up, make, and ordain this present testament of mine as an indented document, containing my last will as to the disposal of all that messuage of mine with shops, houses, upper rooms, cellars, and other buildings belonging or pertaining to the same messuage as specified below in this manner: Firstly, I bequeath and commend my soul to almighty God my creator and redeemer, and to the blessed Virgin Mary his mother, and to all the saints. Item, I bequeath an annual quit-rent of 65s. 8d. of the legal money of England to Sir William Austyn and Master Thomas Halden, perpetual chaplains of the perpetual chantry called Sheryngton’s Chantry in the chapel situated near the north door of the cathedral church of St Paul, London, commonly called “Le Northdore”, this same annual quit-rent to be raised and received annually by those same chaplains and their successors as chaplains of the same chantry from all that messuage of mine with shops, houses, upper rooms, cellars, and other buildings belonging or pertaining to the same messuage situated and lying in the parish of St Vedast in West Cheap in the ward of Farringdon Within in the aforesaid city of London, and to be received in perpetuity in equal portions at four of the year terms, i.e. at the Feasts of the Nativity of St John the Baptist, Michaelmas, Christmas, and the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Folios 28v–35v contain documents concerning property in Gutter Lane.

This page had originally been left blank (apart from the standard ruling of all leaves) and has no red-ink heading. A later scribe has written in here a document of 1439 concerning the property in Gutter Lane; the main section for this property starts on the opposite recto and there is space left at the end of the section where it could have been fitted in – but it is here.

The section here below starting “Recuperacio” (Recovery) is written as a (very long) marginal heading in the left-hand margin alongside and below the text itself, which is a very abbreviated account.

A recovery as a result of a complaint of trespass against Henry Sewale by a lawsuit of the wardens of the mistery of goldsmiths of London, over the intrusion over a certain plot of land, i.e. over a certain coal-house with a certain privy there on the north side of the lane called Goderun Lane, in the time when John Wethyhale and his colleagues were wardens of the aforesaid mistery, as follows:

Goderyn Lane

In the Mayors’ rolls [1 March 1439]:

Pleas held before Stephen Broune, Mayor, and the aldermen in the Guildhall Chamber of the city of London on 1 March in the seventeenth year of the reign of King Henry VI [1439], between John Withihale, John Walsh, John Sutton, and Bartholomew Bremsham, wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Mistery, plaintiffs, and Henry Sewale, gentleman, defendant, in a plea of trespass. And the sworn men said that the said defendant was liable to damages against the said plaintiffs of 40s. And they assessed the costs at 26s. 8d. It was decided thus etc. and the said defendant was fined, etc.

Folios 29r–33r contain deeds relating to two properties on the east side of Goderunlane [Gutter Lane], and ff. 34r–35v contain deeds relating to property on the west side of Gutter Lane.

The red-ink heading for each verso on these folios is “Goderun” and for each recto is “lane”. The headings for the first page of each are different and given below here.

The red-ink heading at the top of the page translates as: “Goderunlane – on the east side, bought”.

This is written in the same hand as that writing Robert Fenrother’s will.

The will of Dame Elizabeth Brice [25 September 1498]

In the name of God, Amen. The xxv day of the monyth of September the yere of oure lorde God M CCCClxxxxviij and the xiiijth yere of the reigne of Kynge Henry the vijth, I Dame Elizabeth Brice of London, widow, late the wiff of Sir Hugh Brice, knyȝt and late alderman, citezin, and goldsmyth of London, beynge hole of mynde and in good memory, thanked be almyȝty God, make, ordeigne, and dispose this my present testament and last will in maner and fourme folowynge as to the disposicion of myn annuell quyterent of xx s. of laufull money of Englond whiche I late bought and purchisid of Henry Wodcok, scryvener, yerely goynge oute and to me & myn heires, commynge of & in those thre tenements wherof ij tenements ben sett togeder in Lumberdestrete in the parisshe of Seint Mary Woolnoth of London on the north parte of the same strete and directly forayenst the northeside of the saide churche, in oon of the whiche twoo tenements, that is to sey in the more esterly tenement of the same, Thomas Fermory, scryvener, sumtyme dwelled and after hym the saide Henry Wodecok in hit dwelled and now John Ledar, scryvener, theryn dwellith, and in the other tenement of the same twoo tenements Stephyn Todd, peauterer, sumtyme dwellid. And the thirde tenement is sett in the strete of Cornehill in the parisshe of Seint Mighell uppon Cornhille of London behynde on the north partie of the said tenement wheryn the saide Stephyn Todde dwellid, and whiche same thirde tenement Marion Lardener, widowe, sumtyme helde and occupied. Of and in whiche saide annuell quyterent of xx s.

Folios 185v–188v and ff. 190r–196v contain deeds relating to the “Skaldyng House”. The red-ink headings on ff. 185v and 186v read “Skaldyng” and those on the recto pages “Hous”, but ff. 187v and 188v have the heading “Skaldynghous”. A note in the margin below the end of the last document copied on f. 188v tells readers to “loke at ff. Clxxxx”, where indeed the sequence continues; f. 190r has the red-ink heading “Skaldynghous”, the next five versos have the heading “Skaldyng” and the rectos “hows” or “hous”; f. 195v has no red-ink heading but the opposite page, f. 196r, reads “hous”, and the next verso has no heading. Most initials have not been done, but a space left for them, with just a few in fact done, apparently at random, as one can see no particular reason for doing some and not others.

The intervening page in the sequence, f. 189 contains an English version of the “Prologue” followed by a list of contents starting at f. 201. It is written for the most part in the same hand as the earlier folios of the list starting on f. 1r, with some later additions on f. 189v, and has the red-ink heading on f. 189r of “Kalendare”, showing that it was intended for the list of contents; the hand reveals that it was written earlier than the folios dealing with the Scaldyng House.

Folios 28v–35v contain documents concerning property in Gutter Lane.

This page had originally been left blank (apart from the standard ruling of all leaves) and has no red-ink heading. A later scribe has written in here a document of 1439 concerning the property in Gutter Lane; the main section for this property starts on the opposite recto and there is space left at the end of the section where it could have been fitted in – but it is here.

The section here below starting ‘Recuperacio’ is written as a (very long) marginal heading in the left-hand margin alongside and below the text itself, which is a very abbreviated account.

Recuperacio virtute cujusdam querele transgressionis versus Henricum Sewale ad sett’ custodum artis aurifabrorum London’, de intracionis super quoddam parcella terre, vz. in quodam colehouse cum quodam pryve ibidem ex parte aquilonis venelle vocate Goderunlane, in tempore Johannis Wethyhale & aliorum sociorum suorum custodum artis predicte, ut sequitur:

Placita tenta coram Stephano Broune, Maiore, & aldermannis in camera Gihalde civitatis London’ primo die Marcii anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum Anglie decimo septimo, inter Johannem Withihale, Johannem Walshe, Johannem Suttone & Bartholomeum Bremsham, custodum [sic] mistere aurifabrorum London’, querentes, Et Henricum Sewale, gentilman, defendentem, in placito transgressionis. Et jurati dicunt quod dictus defendens est culpabilis ad dampnum dictorum querencium, xl s. Et taxaverunt costagia ad xxvj s. viij d. Ideo consideratum est &c. dictus defendens in misericordia, &c.

Folios 233r–234v contain a document concerning property in Cornhill.

A gap is left on f. 233r below the end of the will above, and about halfway down the page is written the red-ink heading “Seynt Michall in Cornhill”.

The testament of William Rus [5 July 1433]

In the name of God, Amen. On 5 July ad 1433 and the eleventh year of the reign of King Henry VI, I, William Rus, alderman and citizen and goldsmith of London, of sound mind and with a good memory, and in bodily health but in remembrance of last things, draw up, ordain, and set out this present testament of my last wishes for my lands and tenements in the city of London in this manner: Firstly, I bequeath and recommend 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 Michael on Cornhill in the chapel of the blessed Mary there, if I should happen to die in London or nearby, and if I should die elsewhere then wherever God in his grace may dispose. Item, I, the aforesaid William, give and bequeath by this present testament of mine to God, to the church of St Michael aforesaid, and to Master Thomas Lysours, clerk of the said church of St Michael, and to his successors as rectors of the same church of St Michael, and to the wardens of the goods and works of the said church, each in their appointed time, all my lands and tenements, rents and services, with all their appurtenances which I have and hold jointly with Isabella my wife, for the lifetime of the same Isabella and for my, the said William’s, heirs and assigns, in the parish of St Michael on Cornhill, London.

Folios 288r–289r contain documents concerning property in the parishes of St Alphege and St Stephen.

The hand that wrote f. 281, the will of John Warke, returns here.

The will of William Wodeward [16 December 1490 and enrolled 17 January 1491 n.s.]

[I]n the name of God, Amen. The xvj day of the moneth of Decembre the yere of our lord God A[nno] Ml CCCC lxxxx and the vjth yere of the reigne of Kyng Henry the vijth, I William Wodeward, citezein and goldsmyth of London, beyng hole and perfite of mynde albeit that siknesse and infirmitees have sore wekind me, lovyng and praysyng be to almyghty Jhesu my maker and saviour, ordeyne and make this my present testament conteynyng my last wille as well of alle and singuler my goodes and catalles mevable and unmevable as of alle and singuler my londes and tenementes, rentes and services that I have in the parisshe of Seint Alphegh within Cripulgate and Seint Stephens in Colmanstrete of London, in maner and fourme as hereafter ensuyth, that is to seye: Firste, I bequeth and recommende my soule to almyghty Jhesu my maker and saviour, to the blissed virgyne our lady Seint Marie, and to alle the holy company of hevyn, and my body to be buryed in the parisshe chirche of Seint Mathew in Fridaystrete where the body of my welbeloved wif Alice Wodeward restith buried. And I bequeth to the high auter of the same parisshe chirche of Seint Mathew where I was sumtyme parisshen, for my tithes and offerynges by me neclygently for gotyn and with drawne, in discharge of my sole and to thentent that the parson of the churche the more especially shall pray for my sole – iij s. iiij d. Item, I bequeth to the seid high auter of the seid parisshe churche of Seint Alphegh where I was sumtyme parisshyn for my tithes and offerynges there neclygently for getyn and with drawne, in discharge of my soule – xx d. Item, I bequeth to the olde warkes of the cathederall churche of Seint Poule of London – xx d. Item, I bequeth to Isabelle my doughter my hole bede that I lye in the day of my decesse with alle the apparell and hanging of my chambre therto belongyng.

Folios 45r–49v contain deeds relating to property in Friday Street. The red-ink heading at the top of f. 45r reads: “Frydaystret: þe Hors – perquisita de heredibus Simonis de Berkyng”. The verso pages thereafter have a red-ink heading at the top of “Fryday” while the rectos have “strete”, but there is no red-ink heading to f. 49v.

Carta Roberti Burwelle per capitulum ecclesie Cantuar’. [n.d. (mid-13th c., possibly 1239–40)]

Omnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos presens scriptum pervenerit, capitulum ecclesie Christi Cantuar’ salutem in domino. Noveritis nos de concensu communi concessisse, dimisisse, & presenti carta nostra confirmasse Roberto de Burewelle, civi London’, totum illud tenementum nostrum cum omnibus edificiis & pertinenciis suis integre quod habuimus in London’ in Frydaystrete in parochia Sancti Mathei ex parte orientali ejusdem vici contra cancellum dicte ecclesie, inter terram que fuit Petri Helylond ex parte australi et terram que fuit Johannis Bryd versus aquilonem, scilicet quicquid ibidem habuimus in lignis & lapidibus, in longitudine & latitudine & in rebus cunctis absque aliqua diminucione, habend’ & tenend’ dicto Roberto & heredibus suis sive ejus assignatis de nobis & domo nostra in feodo & hereditate, libere, quiete, bene & in pace & finabiliter. Reddendo inde annuatim nobis & domui nostre sexaginta solidos sterlingorum ad quatuor anni terminos principales, scilicet infra quindenam Sancti Michaelis quindecim solidos, & infra quindenam Natalis domini quindecim solidos, & infra quindenam Pasche quindecim solidos, et infra quindenam Nativitatis Sancti Johannis Baptiste quindecim solidos, pro omni servicio, exaccione et demanda; & sine omni occasione; predictus vero Robertus juravit nobis & domui nostre fidelitatem de predicto tenemento & de predicto redditu nostro ad predictos terminos annuatim solvendo quod & posteri sui facere tenentur. Et nos & successores nostri warantizabimus predictum tenementum cum omnibus pertinenciis suis predicto Roberto & heredibus suis sive ejus assignatis contra omnes homines & feminas, & versus omnes gentes per predictum servicium imperpetuum defendemus & acquietabimus de omnibus serviciis inde annuatim debitis dominis fundi. Pro hac autem nostra concessione, dimissione, warantizacione, defencione, acquietacione & presentis carte nostre confirmacione dedit nobis predictus Robertus tresdecim marcas argenti in gersumam.

Folios 214r–216v contain documents concerning property in Cheapside.

These pages have been written by another hand. Folio 214r has the red-ink heading “Chepe”, f. 215r the red-ink heading “Paddisley . Aldreman”, and ff. 215v and 216r “Paddisle”.

Placita terre tenta in hustengo London’ die lune proxima ante festum Sancti Johannis ante portam latinam anno regni regis Henrici vjti undecimo [4 May 1433]

Dictis die & anno venit hic Johanna que fuit uxor Willelmi Boton, nuper civis & aurifabri London’, una executrix testamenti predicti Willelmi Boton, & probare fecit testamentum ejusdem Willelmi per Johannem Wethiale & Johannem Adys, testes juratos, & diligenter examinat’ quo ad articulos laicum feodum tangentes, qui dixerunt super sacramentum suum quod presentes fuerunt ubi dictus Willelmus Boton suum condidit testamentum in hunc modum: In dei nomine, Amen. Quintodecimo die mensis Augusti anno domini millesimo CCCC° tricesimo primo & anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum nono [15 August 1431], Ego, Willelmus Boton, civis & aurifaber London, sanus mente & in bona memoria existens, condo, facio, & ordino presens testamentum meum ultime mee voluntatis in hunc modum: In primis lego & recommendo animam meam deo omnipotenti, creatori meo, beateque Marie matri ejus, & omnibus sanctis, corpusque meum ad sepeliendum in ecclesia Sancti Vedasti London’ secundum disposicion’ executorum meorum &c. Item, do & lego Johanni [sic] uxori mee omnia tenementa mea cum shopis & ceteris suis pertinenciis que habeo in parochia Sancti Vedasti in Westchepe London’ que nuper perquisivi de executoribus testamenti Willelmi Grantham, civis dum vixit & aurifabri London’, habend’ & tenend’ omnia predicta tenementa cum shopis & ceteris suis pertinenciis eidem Johanne & assignatis suis ad terminum vite sue, de capitalibus dominis …, ita quod ipsa Johanna durante vita sua bene & honeste custodiat & teneat anniversarium meum in dicta ecclesia Sancti Vedasti eodem die quo me ab hac luce migrare contigerit. Item, lego & volo quod post decessum dicte Johanne uxoris mee omnia predicta tenementa cum shopis & suis pertinenciis remaneant Willelmo Boton juniori, consanguineo meo, & heredibus de corpore suo legitime procreatis imperpetuum, tenend’ de capitalibus dominis … Ita quod dictus Willelmus Boton junior & heredes sui de corpore suo legitime procreati bene & honeste custodiant & teneant anniversarium meum in ecclesia predicta die antedicta.

Folios 256r–258r contain documents concerning property in Bread Street.

The red-ink heading on f. 256r is “Bredstrete The Roos”, on f. 256v “The Rose”, on f. 257r and 257v “Bredstrete”, and on f. 258r “the Rose & Countur”. The scribe is the same as for the previous section and the next.

Quitclaim by Thomas Peytevyne to John & Cecily Welborne [28 November 1385]

To all who may see or hear this document, Thomas Peytevyne the elder, knight, sends greetings. Know that I, the said Thomas, have given, granted, remitted, released, and entirely for myself and my heirs in perpetuity quitclaimed John Welborne, citizen and goldsmith of London, and Cecily his wife, and the heirs and assigns of the said John in perpetuity, of all the right and claim, the reversions and rents which I had, have, or in any way could have in a tavern tenement with all its appurtenances situated in the parish of St Peter West Cheap and that of All Hallows Bread Street, London, which Thomas de Kirton now holds from my, the said Thomas’s demise for a term of years, paying for it to me and my heirs and assigns a certain rent annually and this under certain other conditions specified in certain indentures which we had made between us. And also [my rights] in a shop with upper rooms built above in the aforesaid parish of St Peter in which the said John now lives, and also in a shop with appurtenances in Bread Street situated next to the entrance of the said tavern, which William Jurdan holds for a term of years from my demise, paying for it a certain sum annually and also under certain other agreements specified in certain indentures which we had made between us. And also in all the other lands and tenements, rents and reversions with all their appurtenances which had been those of Thomas de Basyngstoke, late citizen and goldsmith of London, in the aforesaid parishes of St Peter and All Hallows. Which lands and tenements, rents and reversions with all their appurtenances the aforesaid John Welborne and Cecily previously had from my, the aforesaid Thomas de Peytevyne’s gift and grant.

These six folios (most probably a separate quire although the binding makes it difficult to check this) are written by the first main scribe who wrote ff. 2r–6v, 8v–11r, 17r–23v, etc.

The red-ink heading at the top of f. 374r reads “Ordinaciones aurifabrorum”. No other page has a heading, only the red-ink folio numbers on the recto pages. These ordinances and the texts that follow concerning the cutlers should be compared with versions in the early Minute Books. For translations, see below, pp. 39–52.

Ordinacio artis aurifabrie

Les prodhomes jurez par les estatutz del orfeaverye de Loundres dyent par lour serementz qe les estatutz soloyent estre tenuz, c’est assavere qe le mistier soleyt estre gardé par quatre prodhommes & lé gardeyns de le mistier jurrez a server; qe l’en overast argent auxi bon come le monoye nostre seignour le Roy est & nul peiour; & ke l’em aseist dreyt pier en or & nul faux; et qe l’em overast or del assay ou meillour.

Et si issi feust qe or feut trové oeveré en mayn de orfevere ou de marchaunt qe ne vausist al assay, en fermeux ou en aneux ou en autres choses, qe ils les feisent debroser & perdisist soun travayll de overaigne et amendast soun or a soun dreyt.

Et si marchaunt estraunge vensist & portast joeaus a vendre, il soloient estre viewes de quatre prodhommes, gardeyns du mistier & des autre du mistier, qe veusent qe la chose fuist bien & loial issi qe les loiaux hommes de la terre ne autres ne feussent deceux. Item, si joiaux d’oor fuissent trovez ou fauce perrey il estoyent debrusez & les piers moluz en un morter issi qe il perdissent le overaigne & lees piers & qe nul homme apres fuist engigné. Item, qe nulle resceut homme en shoppe s’il ne vousist respoundre pur luy auxi bien a privés come a estraunges de chose qe homme luy baillast a overer. Et qe latoun ne quivere ne feust oeveré de orfevere si ne feust a ornement de Seinte Esglise, ne dreit pier ne fuist assis en latoun ne en quivre si n’estoyt auxi a ornement de Seynte Esglise.