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.

Folios 282r–283r contain documents relating to the Star in Cheapside.

The scribe who wrote f. 275v etc. above returns to write this section.

A heading in black ink above the text is written by the same scribe as writes the pages: “The Testament of John Barret, goldesmythe, for the Sterr in Chepe”. Above that in another, somewhat later, hand is written: “The Starre in Chepe with ij tenements on either syde and their iiij shoppes”. The high tops to a few of these letters have been slightly cropped.

The testament of John Barret, goldesmythe, for the Sterr in Chepe [2 August 1506]

[I]n the name of our lorde God and savyour Jhesu Cryste, Amen. Where as I, John Barret, citezein and goldsmyth of the citee of London and freman of the same citee and also merchaunt of the Staple of the towne of Caleys, nowe at this present tyme and date hereunderwriten am and stonde sole seised and laufully possessed in my demeane as fee simple of and in three mesuages, four shoppes, and oone gardyn with thappurtenauncez, wherof oone or the chief and capitall mesuage is called “The Sterre”, sette, beyng, and lying in Westchepe in the parisshe of Seynt Fayster in the warde of Faryngdon withynne of London. The whiche seide three mesuagez, foure shoppes and gardyn with their appurtenauncez I, the foreseide John Barrett, by the name of John Barrett, citezein and goldsmyth of the citee of London, late hadde and nowe have in myne hole and peasible possession as is aforeseide, of gyfte, graunte, and confirmacion of dede of Roger Rede, cosyn and heire of Sir Bartilmewe Reed, knyght, dececed, late alderman of the citee of London, that is to wete son and heire of John Reed, deceased, late of Crowmer in the countie of Norff’, thelder brother of the foreseide Sir Bartilmewe Reed, as by a dede therof to me, the foreseide John Barrett, by the seide Roger Reed lately made whereof the date is at London the xiiij day of the moneth of Julye the xxjst yere of the reigne of Kyng Henry the vijth [1506] more pleynly it doth appere. And the whiche seide three mesuagez, shoppes, and gardyn with thappurtenauncez conteyne in bredith by the kinges strete of Westchepe aforeseide, that is to wete from the est unto the west six and thurty foot tenne ynches and half oone ynche of assise.

Folios 206r–207v contain documents concerning Goderunlane & Dyse wharf.

The red-ink heading on f. 206r reads “Ista tenementa dedit nobis Thomas Polle ad inveniend’ unum capellanum in ecclesia Sancti Mathei ad percipiend’ pro salario suo ix marcas”. The heading on f. 206v is “Goderunlane ”, that on f. 207r is “Dyswharf”, and that on f. 207v is “Dyswharf – Polle”.

Carta Gilberti atte Mersshe & Katerine uxoris sue per Gilbertum de Hoo [6 June 1379 and enrolled 22 July 1387]

Sciant presentes & futuri quod nos, Gilbertus de Hoo, civis London’, & Elena uxor ejus, unanimi assensu et voluntate dedimus, concessimus, & hac presenti carta nostra confirmavimus Gilberto atte Mersshe, civi & candellario London’, & Katerine uxori sue, filie nostre, totum illud tenementum cum domibus superedificatis & omnibus suis pertinenciis quod nuper habuimus et perquisivimus de Willelmo Haveryng & Alicia uxore ejus in parochia Sancti Vedasti in Goderunlane London’, prout in quodam scripto predictorum Willelmi & Alicie nobis, prefatis Gilberto de Hoo & Elene inde confecto & in Guyhalda London’ irrotulato manifeste poterit apparere. Quod quidem tenementum cum pertinenciis situatum est inter tenementum Ricardi Betele, mercer, et Margarete uxoris sue ex parte australi & tenementum Willelmi Stameldene, aurifabri, ex parte boriali. Habend’ & tenend’ totum predictum tenementum cum domibus superedificatis & omnibus suis pertinenciis prefatis Gilberto atte Mersshe & Katerine uxori sue ac heredibus & assignatis ipsius Gilberti atte Mersshe, de capitalibus dominis feodi illius per servicia inde debita & de jure consueta imperpetuum. Et nos, predicti Gilbertus de Hoo & Elena ac heredes mei predicti Gilberti de Hoo totum predictum tenementum cum domibus superedificatis & omnibus suis pertinenciis prefatis Gilberto atte Mersshe & Katerine uxori sue ac heredibus & assignatis ipsius Gilberti atte Mersshe contra omnes gentes warantizabimus imperpetuum. In cujus …, Johanne Philippot tunc Maiore civitatis London’, Thoma Cornwaleys & Johanne Bosham tunc vicecomitibus ejusdem civitatis, & Roberto de Boxford tunc illius warde aldermanno. Hiis testibus Johanne Fairhare, Willelmo Stameldene, Adam Bam, Willelmo de Louthe, Johanne Copersmythe, Johanne Walsshe, Willelmo Boyvile, clerico, & aliis multis. Data London’ sexto die Junii anno regni regis Ricardi secundi post conquestum secundo.

Folios 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 red-ink heading at the top of this page translates as: “Gutter Lane – on the west side; which was given to us by John Maplesdene and William Stamyldene by the assignment of the testament of John Carbonelle for funding a chaplain in the church of St Vedast”.

Grant by Alberic the goldbeater to Bartholomew and Isabelle de Crek [1255–56]

May those present and future know that I, Alberic the goldbeater, have granted, demised and by this present deed of mine have confirmed to Bartholomew de Crek and his wife Isabella the whole of my land with houses built upon it and with appurtenances which I had in London, in Goderon Lane in the parish of St Vedast, between the land and houses which used to be those of Master Henry the surgeon towards the south, and the land and houses which used to be those of Andrew the painter towards the north, and it extends lengthwise from the “royal street” as far as the land which used to be that of William Juvenal towards the west, i.e. everything that I had there or could or should have had in lands, and buildings, in wood and in stone, lengthwise and breadthwise, and in all other things without any diminution: to have and to hold by the said Bartholomew and Isabelle and their heirs, or by whomsoever they may wish at any time to give, demise, sell, bequeath or in any other way assign it, and their heirs, from me and my heirs in fee and hereditary right, freely, quit, wholly, well and in peace in perpetuity. Paying annually to me and my heirs one penny at the Feast of St Michael, and twelve pence annually to the nuns of the Convent of St Mary de la Pré also at the Feast of St Michael, and four shillings annually to the nuns of Kilburn Priory at the four terms of the year, twelve pence at the Feast of St Michael, twelve pence at Christmas, twelve pence at Easter, and twelve pence at the Feast of St John the Baptist;

Folios 38v–42v contain documents relating to properties in the parishes of Colchirche and St Vedast. The red-ink headings at the top of the pages are “Colchirche” on the versos and “Vedasti” or “& Vedasti” on the rectos, except that f. 38v has a heading in blue ink at the top of the page “Colcherche &”. Below is first the continuation of the copy of the indenture that started on f. 38r. There is then, in a space left before further documents, a heading in red of “Colchirche & Vedasti”. Folio 39r has a blue-ink heading “Vedasti”.

Carta Johannis Clyftone per Robertum de Caytone [24 February 1364]

Sciant presentes & futuri quod ego Robertus de Caytone de London’ concessi, dimisi & hac presenti carta mea confirmavi domino Johanni de Clyftone, rectori ecclesie Omnium Sanctorum in Bredestrete London’, & domino Willelmo Howe, capellano, omnia tenementa mea et redditus cum suis pertinenciis que habui in parochiis beate Marie de Colchiche & Sancti Vedasti in civitate London’. Concessi eciam & dimisi predictis dominis Johanni & Willelmo omnia terras & tenementa cum pratis, pascuis, pasturis, boscis, redditibus, serviciis & aliis pertinenciis suis quibuscumque que habui in parochia & marisco de Stebenhithe predict’, que terras, tenementa, redditus & servicia tam in civitate London’ quam in parochia & marisco de Stebenhithe predict’ habui & perquisivi de Ricardo Lambe, cive & mercero London’: habend’ & tenend’ omnia predicta terras, tenementa, redditus & servicia & suis pertinenciis quibuscumque prefatis dominis Johanni & Willelmo, heredibus & assignatis suis imperpetuum. De capitalibus dominis feodorum illorum per servicia inde debita & de jure consueta. In cujus rei testimonium huic presenti carte sigillum meum apposui, Johanne Not tunc Maiore civitatis London’, Johanne Hiltoft & Ricardo de Croydone vicecomitibus ejusdem civitatis, Willelmo de Holbeche & Simone de Worstede aldermannis, hiis testibus Johanne Deynes, Henrico de Ware, Johanne de Walsyngham, Thoma de Renham, Willelmo de Burtone, Hugone Lambyn, Johanne de Shordiche & aliis. Data London’ die sabbati proximo post festum Sancti Petri in Cathedra anno regni regis Edwardi tercii post conquestum tricesimo octavo.

Folios 93r–98v contain deeds relating to “Borehede”.

The red-ink heading at the top of f. 93r translates as “These tenements were bought from John de Welbourne / Borehede”. Thereafter the verso pages have the red-ink heading “Bore” and the recto pages “heed”. One may note that the red-ink page numbers of ff. 93–95 write the “90” part as “LXXXX” whereas after that it is written as “IIIIXX”, i.e. four score, plus the relevant numerals.

Grant by Nicholas & Isabelle de Basynges to Deodatus de Bedford [ November, n.d. (before 1274)]

On the Monday before the Feast of St Andrew [30 November], there appeared Nicholas de Basynges, in the person of an attorney as he was ill, and Isabelle his wife, through whom the right and the inheritance originated, in the full Husting Court of London, and they had a certain deed read out in which, read and fully understood, they acknowledged that they had given, granted, and confirmed by that same deed to Deodatus de Bedeford, goldsmith of London, a seld with appurtenances which he had in the parish of St Peter Wood Street, London, which seld is situated between the tenement of John de Gysorc’ on the east and a vacant plot of land of the same Nicholas and Isabelle to the west, and it extends from the tenement of William de Beverley to the south towards West Cheap on the north. To have and to hold by the said Deodatus and his heirs or assigns, whoever they may be, and their heirs, freely etc. as is contained more fully and better in the deed of feoffment and warranty of the aforesaid Nicholas and Isabelle. And it is to be known that the aforesaid Isabelle, coming unasked and of her own free will to the said Husting Court, foreswore all the right and claim which she had or in any way could have had in the said seld for herself and her heirs, and quitclaimed it in perpetuity. And John de Cowe came and put forward a claim in the said seld, saying that he had this on behalf of his wife who had a right in it.