And whereas divers ill disposed persons more affecting their own private gain and profit than the general and pubâ—ick good and benefit of our said City little weighing the conservation of the said River of â—ate and at the present do daily and usually sell Coals and other things by Retail in less quantity in Boats commonly called Lighters and other vessels floating and being on the water of Thames aforesaid after such Coals have been unladen from the Ships and other vessels Selling coals by Retail in Lighters which first brought them within the limits aforesaid which persons make the same Boats or Lighters as their common Shops and Ware-houses and in them do daily hold upon the said water of Thames a common Market for selling of such Coals and other things having one two three and sometimes more Boats or Lighters lying together and fastened one to the other in the River of Thames aforesaid by which Market on the Thames for selling coals forestalling ingrossing and regrating aforesaid to the great cosinage damage and oppression as well of the poor as the rich daily encreases and augments and the price of Coals and other things is made dearer And for that by the frequent importation unlading and measuring of such Coals and such like things in and from the said Boats or Lighters very many of the same Coals and other dirt often fall and are cast into the River of Thames to the great harm and choaking up the stream of the same River and the said Boats so placed do greatly hinder the stream of the said River and the passage of Passengers upon the water of the same River We therefore thinking it fit that No Markets to be in Lighters such an Evil ought not to be permitted to continue we â—ommand and for Us our Heirs and Successors prohibit all persons whatsoever that they nor any of them from henceforth sell or presume to sell any Coals of what kind soever upon the water of Thames in any Boat Lighter or other vessel whatsoever excepâ— only in such Ships or other vessels which at first brought the same Coals within the Port of the said City and the limits abovesaid unless upon some Port Key or Wharf near the said River upon pain of contempt of our Royal Mandate and incurring such pains and punishments which may be inflicted by the Laws and Statutes of this our Kingdom upon such contemners and neglecters And because it is our intent that the same Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City aforesaid and their Successors shall fully enjoy the Premises we therefore by these presents declare and signifie and for us our heirs and successors do grant and covenant to and with the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City and their Successors That they may safely freely and quietly have use and enjoy all and singular the Premises for ever without the hindrance of Us our heirs or successors or any Officers or Ministers of Us our heirs or successors And if any doubt in time to come shall be found in these presents or any default scruple or question concerning the Premises shall happen to arise we our heirs and successors If any defects be in these presents others more effectual to be granted shall vouchsafe to make and grant other Letters Patents under the Great Seal of England of our Heirs or Successors to the same Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City and their Successors for the better giving granting and confirming and for the safer enioying of the Premises when it shall be desired by the same Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City and their Successors for that the express mention of the true yearly value or of the certainty of the Premises or of other gifts and grants by us or by any of our Ancestors made in times past to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City is not made or being in these presents or any other Statute Act Ordinance Proclamation or Restriction to the contrary heretofore made ordained or published or any other matter or thing whatsoever in any wise notwithstanding In witness whereof we have caused these ouâ— Letters to be made Patents Witness my self at Westminster the 15th of September in the 12th year of our Reign of England France and Ireland and of Scotland 48th Know ye now that we deeply considering K. Charles Char. 1. and calling to memory the good and laudable services performed by our beloved and faithful Subjects the said Mayor Good service of the City remembred and accepted and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London which we graciously accept And from our soul affecting the good and happy estate of our said City To encrease and enlarge with the greatest favour and grace we can and to establish with all care and diligence we can the Rule and Government of our said City of our especial grace and from our certain knowledge and meer motion and for divers other good causes and considerations especially moving us at present we do accept and approve of for us and our heirs and Successors as much as in us lies all and singular the Letters Patents Charters and Confirmaiâ—ons Confirmation of all the Letters Patents except as hereafter is excepted aforesaid and all and singular Gifts Grants Confirmations Restitutions Customs Ordinances Explanations Articles and all other things whatsoever in the same Letters Patents or Charters except as are herein after excepted and all and singular Lands Tenements Offices Jurisdictions Authorities Priviledges Liberties Franchises Quittals Immunities Free Customs and Hereditaments whatsoever which he said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens The names of the Corporations of London of the City of London or their Predecessors by the name of Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London or by the name of Mayor and Aldermen Citizens or Commonalty of London or by the name of Mayor or Citizens of the City of London or by the name of Mayor and Commonalty of the City of London or by the name of Citizens of the City of London or by the name of Barons of London or by any other name whatsoever by reason and force of the said Letters Patents Charters or Confirmations or by use or Prescription or any other lawful means at any time or times heretofore they have had ratified and bestowed and all those we ratifie and confirm by these presents to the said Mayor and Commonalty Restitution of all their Liberties except as herein is excepted and Citizens of the said City of London and their Successors We will also and for the considerations aforesaid for us our heirs and successors do grant that the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors be fully and wholly restored to all and singular their Authorities Jurisdictions Liberties Franchises Priviledges Quittals and Free Customs whatsoever abovesaid except such as are herein after excepted and all and singular the
Sheriffwick of London and Middlesex with all the Customs and things to the same Sheriffwick belonging within the City and without by Land and by water to have and to hold to them and to their heirs of Paying yearly 300 l. us and our heirs paying therefore yearly to us and our heirs three hundred pound of blank money sterling at two times of the year that is to say at the Easter Exchequer 150 l. and at Michaelmas Exchequer 150 l. saving to the Citizens of London all their Liberties and free Customs And further we have granted Liberty to chuse and remove the Sheriffs of Lond. and Middlesex to the Citizens of London that they among themselves may make Sheriff whom they will and may amove them when they will And those whom they make Sheriffs they shall present to our To present them at the Exchequer Justices who may answer to us and our Justices in our Exchequer of those things which to the Sheriffwick appertain whereof they ought to answer us and unless they shall well answer and satisfie us the Citizens of London shall answer and satisfie the Amerciaments and the farm If the Sheriffs do not answer the Citizens must Saving to the same Citizens their liberties as is aforesaid and saving to the Sheriffs the same liberties which other Citizens have so that if they which shall be appointed Sheriffs for the time being commit any thing whereby they ought to incur any Amerciament in mony they shall not be condemned for any more then to the Amerciament of 20 l. and this without damage of other The Amerciament of Sheriffs not to exceed 20 l. Citizens if the Sheriffs be not sufficient for the payment of their Amerciaments but if they do any offence whereby they ought to incur the loss of their lives or members they shall be judged as they ought to be adjudged according to the law Sheriffs offending to be tryed by the City Law of the City but of these things which to the Sheriffwick belong the Sheriff shall answer before the Justices of the Exchequer Saving to the Sheriffs the liberties which other Citizens have Also the grant and confirmation we have made to our Citizens of London for the amendment of the said City and because it was antiently to be at the farm of 300 l. therefore we will and streightly command that the Citizens of London and Citizens to hold the Sheriffwick of Lond. and Middlesex their heirs aforesaid may have and hold the Sheriffwicks of London and Middlesex with all that to the said Sheriffwicks belongeth of us and our heirs and hereditarily freely and quietly honourably and wholly by the farm of 300 l. per annum At 300 l. per annum as the Charters of Lord John our Father famous King of England which we have seen doth witness and forbid that no person do presume to do any hurt impediment or diminution to our said Citizens of things which to the said Sheriffwick belong or were accustomed to appertain Also we do will and command that if we or our heirs or any of our What the King takes away to be allowed on accompt of the Farm Justices shall give or grant to any person any thing which to the farm of the said Sheriffwick appertain the same shall be accounted to the Citizens of London in the acquittal of the said farm in the Exchequer yearly as the Charter of King John our Father which they have concerning the same doth reasonably testify Witness Lord Eustace of London P. of Winchester Joslin of Bath Robert of Salisbury Bishops Herbert of Burgh Earl of Kent our Justice Gilbert de Clare Earl of Glocester and Hertford Richard Son of Nicholas Richard of Argentine our Steward Given by the hands of the Reverend Ralph Bishop of Chichester the 18 day of February in the 11 year of our Reign WE have also seen a certain other Henry 3. Char. 2. Charter of the same Lord Henry made in these words Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain Earl of Anjou To his Archibishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Rulers Bailiffs and his Faithful Subjects greeting Know ye that we have granted and by this present Charter confirmed to our Barons in our City of London that they may chuse to themselves a Mayor of themselves every year who To chuse a Mayor yearly may be to us faithful discreet and fit for the Government of the City so as when he is chosen he may be presented To present him to the King or his Justices unto us or our Justices if we be not present and shall swear to be faithful to us And that it shall be lawful for them in the end of the year to amove To amove the Mayor and chuse another him and to substitute or if they will to retain him still so as alwayes that he be presented to us or to our Justices if we be not present Also we have granted to the said Barons and by this present Charter confirmed that they may have well and in peace freely quietly and wholly all their liberties To enjoy their Liberties which hitherto they used as well in the City of London as without and as well on the Water as on the Land and in all other places Saving to us our Chamberlainship wherefore we will and Saving the Chamberlainship streightly command that our Barons of our said City of London may chuse to themselves a Mayor of themselves every year in manner aforesaid and that they have all their liberties well and in peace wholly and fully with all that to the said liberties belongeth as the Charter of the excellent Lord John King of England which we have seen doth reasonably testify Witness the Lord Eustace of London P. of Winton Jo. of Bath Robert of Salisbury Bishops Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent our Justice Gilbert de Clare of Glocester and Hereford Ralph Son of Nicholas R. of Argentine our Steward Given by the hands of the Reverend Father Ralph Bishop of Chichester the 18th day of Feb. in the 11th year of our Reign WE have seen a certain other Charter Henry 3. Char. 3. of the said Lord Henry our progenitor made in these words Henry by the Grace of God King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy Aquitain Earl of Anjou To the Archbishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons Justices Sheriffs Stewards Castle-keepers Constables Bailiffs Ministers and all his Faithful Subjects greeting Ye shall know that we for our souls health and for the souls health of King John our Father and for the souls health of all our Ancestors and also for the Commonweal of our Remove Wares out of Thames and Medway City of London and of all our Realm have granted and strictly commanded that all the wares which are in the Thames or in Medway shall be amoved and that no wares from henceforth be
above all reprizes and charges as aforesaid unto the said Mayor Commonalty and to their successors as aforesaid for ever without hindrance of us or our heirs our Justices Escheators Sheriffs Coroners Bailiffs or other the Ministers of us or our heirs whatsoever And this without any other the Kings Letters Patents or any inquisitions upon any writ of ad quod damnum Without other Writ of Ad quod damnum c. or any other the Kings commandments in this behalf by any means to be had prosecuted and taken The statute concerning Lands and Tenements not to be put in Mortmain or any other statute act or ordinance made to the contrary notwithstanding To have as many writs ad quod damnum c. And we also will and grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty that they and their successors may have so many and such writs ad quod damnum and other Royal Letters Patents Executory from time to time upon the licence aforesaid in full satisfaction and contentation of the said sum of 1923 l. 9 s. 8 d. In Witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents Witness my self at Westminster the 20th day of June in the 18th year of our Reign We have seen also other Letters Patents Edw. 4. Char. 4. of Lord Edward late King of England the 4th in these words Edward by the grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland to all to whom these present Letters Patents shall come greeting Know ye that whereas the sum of 12923 l. 9 s. 8 d. is amongst other things due by us to our welbeloved the Mayor Commonalty of our City of London as in the receipt of our Exchequer more fully appeareth This Charter confirmed by Parliament in the third year of Henry 8. of which said sum the Mayor and Commonalty are willing to remit and release unto us the sum of 7000 l. to the intent that we should vouchsafe to grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and their Successors the Offices and Occupations 7000 l. the consideration of this Charter under-written to be had in form following We inwardly pondering not only the Premises but also the manifold pleasures to us by the Mayor and Commonalty of the said City before time acceptably done and willing as we are bound before all other things to pay or recompence our debts have of our special grace and for that the said Mayor and Commonalty have for them and their successors remitted and released unto us 7000 l. parcel of the said 12923 l. 9 s. 8 d. granted and by these presents do grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and their successors in full satisfaction and contentation of the said sum of 7000 l. to them by us due the Offices or Occupations of packing all Grant of the Office of Packing to the City manner of Wollen-Cloaths Sheep-skins Calves-skins Goat-skins Vessels of Amber and of all other Merchandizes whatsoever to be packed tunned piped barrelled or any wise to be included with the oversight of opening all manner of Customable Merchandizes arriving at the Port of Safety as well by Land as by Water within the Liberties and Franchises of the said City and Suburbs of the same as well of the goods of Denizens as of Aliens wheresoever they shall be accustomed And also the Office of packing all Woollen-cloaths Sheep-skins Lamb-skins Goat-skins and Calves-skins with kipping and poundring of the same and all Ambervessels and of all other Merchandizes to be packed picked and poundered in London or the Suburbs of the sume or to be carried by Land or to be Customed as well concerning the goods of Merchants Denizens as of Aliens and also of the The Office of Portage Office of Carriage and Portage of all Woolls Sheep-skins Tynn-bails and other Merchandizes whatsoever which shall be carried in London from the Water of Thames unto the houses of strangers and contrariwise from the said houses to the same Water or of other Merchandizes which ought to be carried being in any house for a time And also the Office on Occupation of Garbling of all manner of Office of Garbling Spices and other Merchandizes coming to the said City at any time which ought Gawging to be Garbled And the Office of Gawger within the said City And also the Office of Wine-drawers to provide for the carrying Wine drawer of Wines brought to the Port of the said City and laid on Land wheresoever it be and elsewhere to be carried to have the Occupations and Offices aforesaid and every of them and the Dispositions Ordinances Oversights and Corrections of the same Together with all fees profits and emoluments to the same Offices or occupations and other the premises and every of them due used and accustomed to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the same City and to their successors for ever And â—o be exercised by them or their Depuries also the exercising of the same Offices by themselves or by their sufficient deputies without any account or any other thing to us or our heirs therefore to be given or made in full satisfaction and contentation of the said sum of 7000 l. And further whereas our most dear Cozen Anthony The Coroners place of London pretended to belong to the chief Butler of England Earl Rivers hath of our grant by our Letters Patents the Office of our chief Butler of England under a certain form in the said Letters Patents specified by reason of which Office the Earl hath granted and pretendeth to grant the Office of Coroner within the said City and suburbs of the same We likewise in satisfaction and contentation of the said sum of 7000 l. Grant of the Coroners place to the City to the said Mayor and Commonalty as is aforesaid due Have of our special grace granted to the same Mayor and Commonalty and their successors may lawfully and safely grant the said Office of Coroner to any person who shall please the said Mayor and Commonalty and their successors and may make a Coroner there whom shall please them immediately and as soon as the said Office of chief Butler of England of the Office of Coroner aforesaid shall happen to be void or to come to our gife by the surrender of the said Earl or by any other Cause whatsoever And we will by these presents that the same Office of The Offices of Chief Butler and Coroner severed Coroner be from henceforth severally and distinctly and altogether separated from the Coroner so made by the said Mayor and Commonalty or their successors may have full power and Authority to exercise and do all and singular things which to the Office of Coroner within the said City and the suburbs of the same do pertain to be exercised and done so that none other ouâ— Coroner nor of our heirs or successors shall by any means intermeddle within the said City or the suburbs of
Commons Woods Under-woods Rents Services Reversions Court-Leets Views of Franck-pledge Chattels waved Strays free Warrens and all and singular the said premises with the Appurtenances except before excepted to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London and to their Successors for ever To be holden of us and our Heirs and Successors as of our Mannour of East-Greenwick in our County of Kent by fealty only in Fee-Soccage and not in Chief for all services and demands whatsoever We give also and for the consideration aforesaid do by these Presents grant to the said A Grant of all the Rents c. of the Premises from Michael was without accompt Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London all the Issues Rents Revenues and profits of the said Mannour Messuages Lands Tenements and all other the premises with their Appurtenances coming and growing from the Feast of S. Michael the Archangel last past hitherto to have the same to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of our gift without accompt or any other thing to us our Heirs or Successors by any means therefore to be given paid or made And furthermore of our ample Grace we will and for us our Heirs and Successors do by these Presents grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and to their Successors that we our Heirs and Successors will yearly for ever discharge acquit and save harmless as well the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors as the said Mannours Messuages Lands Tenements and all other the premises with their Appurtenances and every part thereof against us our Heirs and Successors and against whatsoever The King to save the City harmless against Corodies c. persons concerning all and all manner of Corodies Rents Fees Annuities sums of Money and charges whatsoever by any means giving out or to be paid out of the premises or to be charged thereupon Saving the services hereby reserved Saving the services above by these presents reserved and the demises and grants by any means made for terms of life or years of the premises or any parcel whereupon the old Rent and more is reserved and shall be due yearly during the terms aforesaid and besides the Covenants in those Demises and And the yearly Fee-farm Grants being And saving 10 l. by the year of the Antient Farm for the Town of Southwark aforesaid by the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens due in our Exchequer yearly to be paid and payable willing and by these presents by streight Injunction commanding as well our Chancellor and General Overseers and Councel of our said Court of Augmentations and Revenues of our Crown and all Receivers Auditors and others our Officers of ours or of our Heirs whatsoever for the time being That they and every of them upon the only shewing of these our Letters Patents or of the Inrolments of the same without any other Writ or Warrant from Us or our Heirs by any means to be obtained and prosecuted shall make and cause to be made unto the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London and their Successors full power and due allowance and manifest discharge of all such Corodies Rents Fees Annuities and sums of Money whatsoever going out or to be paid out of the premises or thereupon charged or to be charged except before excepted And these our Letters Patents and the Inrolment of the same shall be yearly and from time to time a sufficient Warrant and discharge as well to the said Chancellour and General Overseers and to our Councel of our said Court of Augmentations and Revenues of our Crown as to all Receivers Auditors and other Officers and Ministers of ours our Heirs and Successors whatsoever for the time being in this behalf We will also and by these presents do grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London that they may and shall have these our Letters Patents in due manner made and sealed under our Great Seal of England without fine or Fee great or small to Us in our Hamper or elsewhere to our use to be by any means given paid or made although express mention be not in these presents made of the true yearly value or of the certainty of the premises or of other gifts or grants of Us or by any our Progenitors to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens before this time made any Statute Act or Ordinance provision or restraint thereof made ordained or provided to the contrary or any thing cause or matter whatsoever in any thing notwithstanding In witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents witness my self at Westminster the 23. day of April in the fourth year of our Reign We have also seen the Letters Patents of our most dear Father Lord James late King of England c. made in these words James by the Grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith c. To all to whom our present Letters Patents shall come greeting Whereas our beloved the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of our City of London time out of mind have had exercised and ought and have accustomed themselves to have and exercise the Office Conservation of the Thames of Bailiff and conservation of the water of Thames to be exercised and occupied by the Mayor of the same City for the time being during the time of his Mayoralty or by his sufficient Deputies in upon and about the water of Thames that is to say from the Bridge of the Town of Staynes in the County of Middlesex and toward the Extent of the Mayors Jurisdiction on the Thames â—ast unto London-Bridge and from thence â— a certain place called Kendall otherwise â—nland otherwise Yeenleet towards the Sea and East and in Medway and in the Port of Medway â—e City of London aforesaid and upon whatsoever Bank and upon every Shore â—d upon every Wharf of the same water â— Thames within the limits and bounds aâ—resaid and in upon and about all and â—ery of them And also for all the time Fees and profits â—resaid have had and taken and ought â—d have accustomed to have and take to â—eir own proper use by the Mayor of the â—e City for the time being during the time of his Mayoralty or his sufficient Deputies all wages rewards fees and profits belonging to the same Office of Bailiff And whereas the said Mayor and Commonalty The Mayor c. to have the Office of measuring Coals and grain and Citizens from all the time aforesaid have had and exercised the Office of measurer and measuring of all Coals and grain of whatsoever kind And also of all kind of Salt and all kind of Apples Pears Plums and other Fruit whatsoever and also all kind of roots eatable of what kind Salt Apples c. soever and of Onyons and of
all other Merchandizes Warcs and things whatksoever measurable and the measuring of every of them in or unto the said Poiâ—â— London coming carried or brought upon the said water in whatsoever Ship Bâ—â— Barge or Vessel floating laden and being on whatsoever part of the said water â— Thames or upon whatsoever bank shoâ— or whart of the same water of Thamâ— which shall come to arrive abide be 〈◊〉 vered or laid down from the said bridâ— of the said Town of Stains Westward the said bridge of London and from them to the said place called Yendale otherwâ— Yâ—nlett towards the Sea and East and Medway and in the said Port of the â— of London aforesaid to exercise and 〈◊〉 the same Office by the Mayor of â— said City for the time during the â— of his Mayoralty or by his sufficient â— puties And also for all the said time â— have had and taken and ought to 〈◊〉 and take to their proper use by the Mayor of the said City for the time being during his Mayoralty or by his sufficient Deputies all wages rewards Fees and Profits to the same Office belonging And To take Fees â— and profits of the Office of measuring of coals notwithstanding they the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of late times thereof have been disquieted and in some measuring aforesaid unjustly hindered and especially in the said Office or measuring Coals supposing that Office to the Mayor Commonalty and Citizens anciently not to appertain neither by any lawful grant or prescription as yet to appertain or belong whereas in truth it doth manifestly and plainly appear that the same Offices and all other premisses to them of old time appertaining and do now of right appertain and that they lawfully received Measuring of coals pertain to the City and enjoyed and ought to have take and enjoy the wages and rewards Fees and perquisits thereof We therefore to take away all controversies and remove all doubt in this behalf and to the intent that the said Mayor and Commonalty and Cititizens may securely freely and quietly use have exercise and enjoy the Offices aforesaid and every of them and the measuring aforesaid and the Fees Wages Rewards and Profits to the said Office and Measuring belonging and all and singular other the premisses to them and their successors for ever without the contradiction molestation or hindrance any way of us our Heirs or Successors Admiral of England Justices Escheators Sheriffs Bayliffs or other our Officers or Ministers whatsoever And because it is well pleasing to us to shew favour in this behalf to the same Mayor Commonalty and Citizens and rather encrease strengthen and enlarge then diminish the Liberties Franchises Jurisdictions Priviledges and free Customes of the City of London aforesaid of our special grace and from our certain knowledge and meer motion we do by those presents approve allow ratifie and Confirmation of the premisses with the Fees to the Mayor and Commonalty confirm for Us our Heirs and Successors all and singular the Offices and Measuring aforesaid and other recited premises and the Wages Rewards Fees and Profits belonging or appertaining thereto and the uses and Customes aforesaid to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City aforesaid and their Successors And further of our special grace and certain knowledg and meer motion we have granted and by these presents for Us our Heirs and Successors do grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors that they may exercise and execute the Power granted to the 〈◊〉 Mayor c. to conâ—erve the Thames said Office of Bayliff and conservation of the water of Thames by the Mayor of the same City for the time being during the time of his Mayoralty or his sufficient Deputies from time to time for ever in upon or about the same water of Thames that is to say from the Bridge of Staynes to the Bridge of London and from thence to a certain place called Yenland otherwise Yeenleet towards the Sea and towards Extent of the mayors power on the Thames the East and Medway and in the Port of the City of London aforesaid and upon whatsoever Bank Shore and Wharf of the same water of Thames within the limits and bounds aforesaid in upon and about every one of the same and to have receive and collect and enjoy all and singular wages rewards fees and profits to the same Office of Bailiff pertaining Fees and profits of the Offices to the use of the Mayor and Commonalty to the proper use of the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens by the Mayor of the same City for the time being during the time of his Mayoralty or by his sufficient Deputies and also of our more ample grace and from our certain knowledge and meer motion we have given and by these presents for us our Heirs and Successors do grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens and their Successors that they may peaceably and quietly The Mayor c to enjoy the Office of measuring coals grain c. from time to time for ever execute and exercise the aforesaid Office of Measurer of all and singular Coals and Grain of what sort soever and all kind of Apples Pears Plumbs and other Fruit whatsoever and all Roots to be eaten of whatsoever sort And also of Onyons and other Merchandizes Wares and things measurable and the measuring of them whatsoever in or to the Port of the City of London coming carried or brought in whatsoever Ships Boat Barge or other Vessel floating laden remaining or being in any part of the same River of Thames and upon any Bank or Shore or Wharf of the same water of Thames happening to unlade stay remain be delivered or laid down from the said Bridge of the Town of Staynes in the County of Middlesex and towards the West unto London-bridge aforesaid and from thence to the said place called Yendall alias Yeenfleet towards the Sea and East and in Medway and in the said Port of the City of London by the Mayor of the aforesaid City for the time being during the time of his Mayoralty or by his sufficient Deputies And to have receive collect and enjoy all and singular To receive the fees and profiâ—s to the use of the Mayor c. the wages rewards fees and profits whatsoever to the same office of measuring belonging or appertaining to the use of the said Mayor and Commonalty and Ci tizens and their Successors to be received and taken up by the Mayor of the aforesaid City for the time being during the time of his Mayoralty or his sufficient Deputies Without the lâ—t oâ— the King or any other without the hindrance of Us our Heirs or Successors or any of our Officers Bailiffs or Ministers or of our Admiral of England or of our Successors or any others of our Subjects or of our Heirs or Successors to be made to the contrary To have
London and from thence to the said place called Yendal towards the Sea And also in Medway and in the Port of London aforesaid to be sold or put to sale and also all Fees Wages Rewards Profits and advantages used or to that time belonging or any wise appertaining To be exercised by the Mayor of the said City for the time being and by the Deputies Officers and Ministers of the said Mayor And further To be executed by the Mayor and Deputies we do hereby for Us our Heirs and Successors give grant and confirm to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City and their Successors that they for ever have and enjoy the Office of weighing all Coals called Stone Coals Pit-coals Earth-coals and all other Coals weighable of what kind or sort soever at the Port of the said City of London coming or brought upon the said water of Thames in any Ships Boat Barge or other Vessel whatsoever floating or being in any part of the said water of Thames or upon any Bank Shore or Wharf of the same from the said Bridge of Staynes to the said Bridge of London from thence to the said place called Yendall towards the Sea And also in Medway and in the Port of London aforesaid to be sold or set to sale and also all fees wages profits rewards and advantages whatsoever used or to the same Office belonging or any way appertaining to be exercised by the Mayor of the same City for the time being and by the Deputies Officers and Ministers of the same Mayor And we have also constituted and by these presents for Us our Heirs and Successors do constitute ordain create and make the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London and their Successors by the Mayor of the same City for the time being during the time of his Mayoralty or by his Deputies Officers or Ministers to be weigher of all and singular Coals called Stone-Coals Pit-Coals Earth-Coals and all other Coals weighable of what kind soever in or at the Port of the said City of London coming carried or brought upon the same water of Thames in any Ship Boat or Barge or other vessel whatsoever floating or being in any part of the same water of Thames and upon any Bank Shore or Wharf of the same water of Thames which shall happen to stay be delivered or laid down from the said Bridg of Staynes to the aforesaid place called Yendall towards the Sea and also in Medway and in the Port of London aforesaid to be sold or put to sale And whereas there is a question risen of the quantity of the Fee demanded and received by the Mayor of the said City for the time being and by their Fees for weighing coals uncertain Deputies Ministers and Officers for the weighing of every Tun-weight of Coals containing five score and twelve pounds weight to every Tun-weight brought within the limits aforesaid We wholly to take away every the said question and the like question do declare establish and for Us our Heirs and Successors do grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City and their Successors Fees setled that it shall be lawful for the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City for the time being by the Mayor of the same City and by the Deputy Minister and Officers of such Mayor for the time being Eight pence a Tun to the use of the City to ask demand take and receive a fee of 8 d. of lawful Money of England to the use of the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City and their Successors for the weighing of every such like Tun of Coals aforesaid and all other Coals weighable of what kind soever and so according to the same rate for a smaller or greater quantity of the person bringing such like Coals for and in respect of the charge and costs of them the said Mayor Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London their Successors in the Beam and Weights and for and in respect of their attendance labour and necessary costs and expences to be had and expended in and about the premises which fee of 8 d. aforesaid the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City had and received formerly And also we command and by these presents for Us our Heirs and Successors firmly enjoyn and charge all Merchants and other persons whatsoever who shall bring Coals called Sea-coals Pit-coals The Merchant not to unlade his coals till the Mayor hath notice of what kind or sort soever the same shall be within the limits aforesaid upon the water of Thames aforesaid in any Ship Boat or Vessel whatsoever That none of them henceforth shall unlade deliver or lay down nor cause or permit such like Coals to be unladen delivered or laid down out of such Ships Boats or other Vessels being within the limits and bounds aforesaid upon any Wharf Bank or Shore upon either part of the same water of Thames or to be discharged or laid down before the Mayor of our said City for the time being shall take certain notice of the quantity of such Coals and shall give direction for the unlading of the same and for the weighing of measuring of such Coals to the intent that the same Mayor of the said City for the The intent why the Mayor should have notice of the quanti ty of coals time being may be able to render a better and more ready reason and accompt to Us our Heirs and Successors what quantity of Coals of what sort soever from time to time have been brought within the Port of our said City and limits aforesaid and how the said City and the parts and places next adjoyning are from time provided and when we our Heirs or Successors shall require the same from the Mayor of our said City for the time being and also to the intent that-the sums and other profits due to Us our Heirs and Successors for such Coals so to be brought within the limits aforesaid if there shall be any due may be better answered and paid unto the Officers and Ministers of Us our Heirs and Successors to the use of Us our Heirs and Successors under pain of contempt of our Royal Mandate and incurring all such pains and punishments which by the Laws and Statutes of this Realm of England may be inflicted upon such neglecters and contemners And whereas it is notoriously known that the River of Thames is so necessary commodious and profitable to the said City of London and without the said River our said City would not long subsist flourish and continue And for that by forestalling ingrossing Forestalling and regrating of coals and regrating of Coals in and at the Port of the said City brought from the water of Thames aforesaid such Coals are made more â—ear to the great loss and prejudice as well of Us as of our Subjects
part or parcel of it by which our title in and to the said premises ought to be found before the making of these our Letters Patents And notwithstanding any defect in not reciting or ill reciting of any Lease or Leases Grant or Grants heretofore made for term of life or lives or years or otherwise of the premises or of any part or parcel of them being upon Record or not upon Record or otherwise however And notwithstanding the ill naming or not right or certain naming any Village or Hamlet Parish Ward Place Precinct or Country in which the premises or any part of them is or are And notwithstanding any defect in not mentioning or not fully rightly or certainly mentioning the name or names of all or any Tenements These Letters Parents to be sealed without paying any Fine in the Hamper Forms Possessions or Occupations aforesaid and all and singular other the premises or any parcel thereof or of the Annual rent reserved in and upon the premises or any part thereof And notwithstanding any defect uncertainty or Computation or declaration or omission of the true value of the premises or any part of them in these present Letters Patents expressed And notwithstanding any defect in not mentioning our true right state or title of or to the same premises or any part or parcel of them And notwithstanding the statute of Lord Henry the 6th late King of England our Ancestor made and published in the year of his Reign and notwithstanding the statute of Lord Henry the 4th late King of England our Ancestor made and published in the first year of his Reign And notwithstanding the statute aforesaid of not putting Lands and Tenements in Mortmain And notwithstanding the statute made in the Parliament of Edward the first in the third year of his Reign And the statute made in the Parliament of Edward the third in the twenty eight year of his Reign concerning choosing of the Coroners And notwithstanding any other statute or statutes of this our Kingdom of England or any other defects whatsoever and notwithstanding the not mentioning the natures kinds species quantities of the premises or any of them or any part or parcel of them We will also and by these presents grant to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the said City of London that they shall and may have these our Letters Patents made and sealed under the great Seal of England without â—endring paying or making Fine or Fee great or little to us in our hamper or otherwise to our use any way for that express mention is not made of the true yearly value or of the certainty of the premises or any of them or of other gifts or grants heretofore made by Us or by any of our Progenitors or Ancestors to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of of the City of London or any other statute Act Ordinance Proclamation Provision or Restriction made Published Ordained or provided to the contrary or any other cause or matter whatsoever in any thing notwithstanding In Witness whereof we have made these our Letters Patents Witness my self at Westminster the 18th day of October in the 14th year of our Reign Fees taken by the Common Outroper FOr selling of all Goods ¼ in ever Shilling For writing and keeping the Books 1 Penny per l. To the Cryer for crying the Goods 1 s. Fees taken by the Register for Broakers FOr the Bond to be entered into by every Broaker Brogger and Huckster to the Chamber 8 d. For every Bargain Contract Pawn for or upon which there shall be lent or given 1 s. or above and under 5 s. ¼ For every the like for which shall be lent 5 s. or more and under 20 s. ½ For every the like on which shall be lent 20 s. or more and under 40 s. 1 d. For every the like on which shall be lent 40 s. or more 2 d. Court of Conscience in London Clerks Fees FOr every Plaint 2 d. For every Appearance 2 d. For every Order 4 d. For every Remittance to the Common Law 4 d. For every Precept or VVarrant to Committo Prison 6 d. For every Search 2 d. For every Satisfaction acknowledged on an Order 6 d. For VVarning every Person within the Liberties 4 d. For VVarning every Person without the Liberties 6 d. For serving every Precept or VVarrant 4 d. VVE have also seen a certain other Charter of our said most dear Father Charles the First late King of England of Blessed Memory made in these words CHARLES by the Grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith c. To all to whom these present Letters shall come greeting WHEREAS Out Well-beloved the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London and their Predecessors within the Port of London within the Liberties and Franchices of our City of London and Suburbs thereof have had exercised and enjoyed or claimed to have exercise and enjoy the Paccage of Cloths c. Office of Paccage of all Cloths Woolls Woollfells Calves skins Goat-skins Bales of Tinne and of all other Merchandizes whatsoever to be packed casked piped barrelled or otherwise vesselled out of the said Port to be transported to any the parts beyond the Seas of the Goods and Merchandizes as well of Aliens and Persons born under any Forreign Allegiance in any parts beyond the Seas wheresoever they should be Customed and also the Office as well for Surveying or Scavage of all Goods or Wares of any Merchant either Alien or Denizen whose Father was or should be an Alien born without our Allegiance and from the parts beyond the Seas to be brought to the said Port by way of Merchandize as also for the surveying delivering or balliage of Balliage of Goods all Goods and Wares of any such Merchants aforesaid to be exported from the said Port into the parts beyond the Seas or otherwise on the account of Merchandizes upon and through the River Thames within the said Port in any Ship Boat Barge or Vessel whatsoever floating laden remaining or being off of any Shore of the said River of Thames and upon any Wharffe or Shore of the same River which should happen there to remain and be delivered or unladen as well by Water as by Land within the Port aforesaid within the Franchices and Liberties of the said City and Suburbs thereof all which they have enjoyed time out of mind and by vertue of several Charters or Letters Patents of Edward the Fourth late King of England in the First and Eighteenth years of his Reign to them granted and also by vertue of a certain other Charter or Letters Patents of Henry the Eighth late King of England to the said Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens aforesaid granted in the Third year of his Reign â—y whatsoever Name or Names the same are called in the said Letters Patents by Authority of Parliament confirmed or by colour of the same Letters