The Present State of London, Treatise · Chapter 4

The Present State of London · Treatise · Chapter 4

p. 213CHAP. IV.

Of the Government of London.

IN this Chapter we ſhall briefly Treat of the Government of this Renowned City, in Three Sections.

1. The Eccleſiastical Government.

2. The Temporal or Civil Government.

3. The Military Government.

SECT. 1.

Of the Eccleſiaſtical Government.

THe Government of London, conſidering how great and populous it is, is very admirable, and might take up a volume in the Deſcription thereof.

The Eccleſiaſtical Government is by a Biſhop, and I have read that in the Britains time it was an Archbiſhops See, (of which ſee page 57. before) but removed in the Saxons time to Canterbury for the ſake of Auſtin the Monk, who firſt preached the Goſpel to the Heathen Saxons, and lies buried there. To the Cathedral of London belongs a Dean, a Chapter, a Treaſurer, and 30 Prebendaries.

In the ſeveral Pariſhes there are placed many learned and eminent Divines, a Rector or Vicar for every Pariſh, who are reputed the moſt excellent Preachers in Chriſtendom, inſomuch that divers Foreigners have come hither, on purpoſe to learn their way.

There is in every Pariſh a Vicarage, or Parſonage-Houſe for theſe Divines and their Families, with good allowances for their Maintenance, of which▪ and the Union of Pariſhes, take the following account▪

p. 214By an Act of Parliament made in the 19 Car. 2. Cap. 3. Sect. 31. It was Enacted that the Pariſhes to be Rebuilded within the City of London, in lieu of thoſe which were demolliſhed by the late Dreadful Fire, ſhould not exceed the number of 39. But in the 22 Car. 2. Cap. 11. Sect. 62. It was Enacted that for as much as upon an exact Survey taken of the Number of Houſes to be Rebuilded, and of the Extent of the reſpective Pariſhes neceſſary to be continued within the ſaid City, it doth appear that the Pariſhes to be ſetled and continued, and the Pariſh-Churches to be rebuilded within the ſaid City of London, in lieu of thoſe demolliſhed or conſumed by the ſaid late Fire, cannot conveniently by Union, or otherwiſe, be reduced to a leſs Number than fifty one; It was therefore further Enacted, that the Number of Pariſhes to be ſetled, and of Pariſh-Churches to be rebuilded within the ſaid City of London, ſhould be Fifty One, the aforeſaid Act, or any thing therein contained to the contrary, notwithſtanding.

There was alſo Anno, 22. and 23. Car. 2. Cap. 15. An Act of Parliament for the better Settlement of the Maintenance of the Parſons, Vicars, and Curates of the ſaid Pariſhes, to prevent Controverſies of Law that might ariſe about the alteration of Houſes in the Rebuilding of the City; It was therefore reduced to a certainty of Tythes, or a ſum of Money in lieu of Tythes, as in the following Table may be ſeen.

☞ Note that the firſt Seventeen Pariſhes after mentioned, are to remain and continue as heretofore they were: and that the reſpective Pariſh Churches to each of the ſaid Pariſhes belonging, were to be Rebuilded for the uſe of the ſaid Pariſhes.

p. 215☞ Note likewiſe that the reſt that are joined in Order, are the united Pariſhes, and that the firſt Pariſh mentioned in each line, is the Pariſh-Church of the Pariſhes ſo united, and that the ſum annexed to each is the annual payment to be made to the Parſon, Vicar, or Curate of the ſame, in lieu of Tythes.

l.

1. Allhallows Lumbardſtreet 110

2. S. Bartholomew Exchange 100

3. S. Bridget, alias Brides 120

4. S. Bennet-Fink 100

5. S. Michael Crooked-lane 100

6. S. Christopher 120

7. S. Dionys Back-Church 120

8. S. Dunſtans Eaſt 200

9. S. James Garlick-hith 100

10. S. Michael Cornhill 140

11. S. Michael Baſſiſhaw 132 l. 11 s.

12. S. Margaret Lothbury 100

13. S. Mary Aldermanbury 150

14. S. Martin Ludgate 160

15. S. Peter Corn-hill 110

16. S. Stephen Colemanſtreet 110

17. S. Sepulchres 200

Pariſhes United.

18. Alhallows Breadſtreet and S. John Evangeliſt 140

19. Alhallows the Great, and Alhallows the Leſs 200

20. S. Alban Woodſtreet, and S. Olaves Silverſtreet 170

21. S. Ann and Agnes, and S. John Zachary 140

22. S. Auguſtine, and S. Faith. 172

23. S. Andrew Wardrobe, and S. Anne Black-Fryers 140

p. 21624. S. Antholin, and S. John Baptist 120

25. S. Bennet Grace-Church, and S. Leonard Eaſt-cheap 140

26. S. Bennets Pauls-Wharff, and S. Peter Pauls-Wharff 100

27. Chriſt-Church, and S. Leonard Foſter-lane 200

28. S. Edmond the King, and S. Nicholas Acons 180

29. S. George Botolph-lane, and S. Botolph Billings-gate 180

30. S. Laurence Jewry, and S. Magdalen Milk-ſtreet 120

31. S. Magnus, and S. Margaret New Fiſh-ſtreet 170

32. S. Michael Royal, and S. Martin Vintry 140

33. S. Matthew Friday-ſtreet, and S. Peter Cheap 150

34. S. Margaret Pattons, and S. Gabriel Fen-Church 120

35. S. Mary at Hill, and S. Andrew Hubbard 200

36. S. Mary Wolnoth, and S. Mary Wool-Church 160

37. S. Clement Eaſt-Cheap, and S. Martin Orgars 140

38. S. Mary Abchurch, and S. Laurence Pountney 120

39. S. Mary-Aldermary, and S. Thomas Apoſtles 150

40. S. Mary-le-Bow, S. Pancras Soper-lane, and Alhallows Honey-lane 200

41. S. Mildred Poultry, and S. Mary Cole-Church 170

42. S. Michael Woodſtreet, and S. Mary Staining 100

43. S. Mildred Breadſtreet, and S. Margaret Moſes 130

44. S. Michael Qeeen-hith, and Trinity 160

45. S. Magdalen Old Fiſh-ſtreet, and S. Gregory 120

46. S. Mary Sommerſet, and S. Mary Mount…aw 110

47. S. Nicholas Cole-Abby, and S. Nicholas Olaves 130

48. S. Olave Jewry, and S. Martin Ironmonger-lane. 120

49. S. Stephen Walbrook, and S. Bennet Sh…erhog 100

p. 21750. S. Swythin, and S. Mary Bothaw 140

51. S. Vedaſt, alias Foſters, and S. Michael Quern 160

Theſe reſpective ſums, in liue of Tyths, are to be yearly paid over and above Glebes, Perquiſites, and Bequeſts, the Aſſeſſment to be made by the Aldermen of each Ward or his Deputy, the Common-Councel-men, and Church-Wardens, and one or more of the Pariſhioners. Impropriators are by the ſaid Act to make the ſame allowances to the Incumbents, as they did before the Fire. Upon Refuſal of Payment, the Lord Mayor may Grant his Warrant to the Collector, who with a Conſtable in the Daytime, may Levy the ſame by Diſtreſs and ſale of the Goods of the Party ſo refuſing, &c. reſtoring the overplus; but may deduct the reaſonable Charges of making Diſtreſs, &c. Provided that it ſhall and may be lawful to and for the Warden and Minor Canons of S. Pauls Church London, Parſon and Proprietors of the Rectory of the Pariſh of S. Gregory aforeſaid, to receive and enjoy all Tythes, Oblations, and Duties ariſing or growing due within the ſaid Pariſh, in as large and beneficial a manner as formerly, &c.

The Pariſh-Churches were to be Rebuilt according to Models appointed by the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, the Biſhop of London, and the Lord Mayor of London, with the King's Approbation.

The Church-yards of the Demoliſhed Churches were to be incloſed with Brick or Stone-Walls, for Burial for the Pariſhes formerly belonging to the ſame, and the Pariſhes to which they are reſpectively united, and not uſed or employed for any other purpoſe whatſoever, except ſuch parts thereof as the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, with the Conſent of the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, and Lord Biſhop of London, and by his Majeſties Approbation, ſhall be p. 218thought neceſſary to be laid into the Streets and Markets for Enlargement and Accommodation thereof, and for publick Store-places, &c.

This Brief account we hope is not impertinent, and being purſuant to our promiſe, page 27. and for common information, we could not well omit it.

Theſe Pariſh-Churches are for the moſt part Built (or a Building) in a very ſtately and beautiful manner, far excelling their former Conditior.

So much for the Etcleſiaſtical Government. I will only add, That for the ſincere and pure Worſhip of God, and Profeſſion of the Reformed Religion, there is no City or place in the World can compare with London. There being, beſides the Learned Divines of the Eſtabliſhed Church of England, a great Number of very Pious, Learned and Reverend Miniſters of the Goſpel, who are called Diſſenters, (and I wiſh ſome peeviſh perſons would forbear Nicknames) becauſe they diſapprove ſome things, with reſpect to Diſcipline, and ſome Opinions of the Church of England. But it is my hearty wiſh, that ſince they all agree in the Fundamentals of Religion, that there may be no claſhing or diſunion in point of Brotherly Love and Charity betwixt them, for ſo God Commands, and the times call for it, the common Enemy (like the Kite in Eſop) hovering for an opportunity to Devour us all: To prevent which (next the Divine Providence) there cannot be uſed a more certain Medium, then for all Proteſtants to Joyn (with heart and hand) together againſt their combining and united Foes, of whoſe temper they have had inſtruction enough, by Plots, Maſſacres, Fires, and other Barbarous Actions, of which all Proteſtants (but ſuch as are Maſqueraded) are conv…nced by demonſtrations, as clear as any Geometry can afford a Mathematician.

But (though I am no profeſſed Divine yet) I have admired, why men will be ſo angry with others p. 219for not agreeing with them in ſome Point or Opinion in Religion, not Fundamental; that is, not abſolutely neceſſary to ſalvation: yea ſo Barbarous and Inhumane are ſome grown, as to reproach, diſgrace, yea, perſecute each other, becauſe one will not be perſuaded to ſee with the others Eyes▪ Which is certainly a moſt irrational and Unchriſtian, (if not Antichriſtian) practiſe, and I cannot but ſuſpect ſuch a perſons Religion to be no other then humour and fancy, acted by pride and ſpight, to ſuch as perhaps cannot in Conſcience agree with them.

A thing may be clear to one man, that would fain impoſe it, but it may be doubtful to him on whom it is impoſed, which no man can help; Muſt he therefore be perſecuted? If the point be clear in Scripture, what needs any new Article of Faith to impoſe it? If only deduc'd, what one thinks clearly deduced, another, as learned and able as he, may think not to be ſo.

Mens underſtandings are as various as their ſpeech or faces, and is it juſt for one man to quarrel with another, becauſe different from him in either of theſe, or to put him upon a Rack in order to ſtretch him to his own Dimenſions, if not ſo tall as he? certainly that man is defective in charity that thinks all Diſſenters are either maliciouſly or wilfully blind. No man can be forced to believe; he may be compelled to ſay this or that, but not to belive it. His brains may be ſooner knockt out then made clear, and able to ſee or perform an action morally beyond his power. A man may as eaſily make a man ſtark blind to read Greek, or diſtinguiſh Colours, as an unbeliver to believe, for that is God's Gift. Arguments are good inducements, but force has no countenance in the Goſpel, much leſs a Command, John 20. 31.—5. 39. 2 Tim. 3. 15. Deut. 12. 32. Force may make one blind, but p. 220never to ſee clearer; it may make a Hypocrite, but no true Convert.

The Magiſtrate is (and ought) to puniſh evil doers, but not evil believers, God reſerves that to himſelf: And man can never have a right cognizance of evil thoughts in another, for the greateſt Profeſſor may be the greateſt Atheiſt. Nothing is more derogatory to the honour of God, than for men to think that he wants their help to defend him: Nor can any thing more affront him, than for any one to intrude into his Tribunal, and uſurp his Soveraignty. Chriſt conquered his Enemies by Preaching and Suffering. And he that takes up Arms to preſerve himſelf from Perſecution, is either a ſtark Atheiſt, becauſe he believes there is no ſuch Reward, as Mat. 5. 12. or a ſtark fool (or mad-man) to reject the opportunity of gaining it.

In a word, what to me ſeems clear, (which I humbly ſubmit to the conſideration of others) is— 1. That none ought to be perſecuted for Religion, whoſe Principles are conſiſtent with humane Society, and behave themſelves according to the Eſtabliſhed Laws of the Land quietly, and peaceably, but are to be won by the mild ways of the Goſpel.

2. That if under pretence of Religion they diſturb the common peace, or wrong any other, or be ſeditious and unquiet, they ought to be puniſhed by the Magiſtrate; becauſe Religion teaches no ſuch things, but the contrary.

3. That where we agree in Fundamentals we ſhould have mutual Chriſtian Fellowſhip, without wrangling about Circumſtantials, and that for this Reaſon; which to me is inſtar …mnium: I would ask the ſober Reader, whether he thinks his Brother that agrees with him in Fundamental Articles of Faith (which I could wiſh were rightly ſtated) and lives ſoberly, has Communion with God or no? If he ſays No, he has no Charity, and p. 221his own Religion is become as ſounding braſs, or a tinkling Symbal, 1 Cor. 13. 1. If he believe that he hath Communion with God, how dares he deny him his Communion? is he better than God? or where is his Warrant for ſo doing?

4. That when we have done our endeavour to convince ſuch a diſſenting or doubting perſon in a Chriſtian way, by Scripture, we have then clear'd our ſelves, and therefore ought to leave the reſt to God, who only is his Judge, and takes cognizance of ſuch things, yet ſtill to walk in love with him as far as we agree, always provided the erro…s he holds are not expreſly againſt the Faith and Order preſcribed by God, but things dubious and capable of debate.

5. Laſtly we ought to have no Religious Communion with Atheiſts, Infidels, Papiſts, or Idolaters, prophane or ill livers, or Hereticks, who err in Fundamentals; yet not to perſecute any of them meerly for their Principles, but where they tranſgreſs the Temporal Laws, let them, as others ought, ſuffer accordingly; though it is abſolutely neceſſary for the Magiſtrate to reſtrain the ſpreading of ſuch blaſphemies and immoralities, &c. as direly affront the Divine Majeſty.

I beg the Readers pardon for this little digreſſion, which my zeal for the Union of Proteſtants, (though I would not have any to give up or loſe Divine Truths with the purchaſe of outward peace) forced me to inſert, (and perhaps it were more fit for a Divine, and for another Treatiſe) in this Section of the Eccleſiaſtical Government of this Renowned City.

There belong to this Cathedral, beſides thoſe mentioned before, A. Chaunter, a Chancellor, five Arch-Deacons, viz. London, Middleſex, Eſſex, Colcheſter, and S. Albane, a College of 12 Petty Canons, 6 Vicars, Choral and Choriſters, &c. In the Biſhop of London's Dioceſs there is contained the City of p. 222London, all Middleſex, and Eſſex, and a part of Hartfordſhire.

SECT. 2.

Of the Temporal Government of the City of LONDON.

THis great and populous City is governed with that admirable Order and Regularity, that it is even aſtoniſhing: For therein (as in moſt other things) ſhe excells all the Cities in the World. To handle this at large, would make this ſmall Tract ſwell beyond bounds, we ſhall therefore give a brief abſtract of it for Methods ſake under theſe heads.

1. Its Magiſtrates and Publick Officers.

2. Its Charters and Priviledges.

3. Its Particular or By-laws.

4. Its Courts.

5. Its Priſons.

6. Its Watches.

1. Of the Magiſtrates and Publick Officers of London.

This Renowned City, in the time of the Romans was made a Praefectura, and the chief Magiſtrate▪ call'd a Prefect, which continued about 300 years. In the time of the Saxons the name was changed into a Portgreeve, that is, Cuſtos or Guardian, and ſometimes Provoſt of London. After the coming in of the Normans, the chief Magiſtrate was called Bailivus, from the French word Bailler, tradere committere, that is Commiſſarius, or one that hath Commiſſion to govern others, and there were ſometimes two Bayliffs in London, till King Richard the Firſt, in the year 1189. changed the name of Bayliff into Mayor, which hath ſo continued 482 years.

p. 223The firſt Lord Mayor was Henry Fitz-Alwin Draper, who continued in the Mayoralty from the firſt of Richard the Firſt untill the 15th of King John, which was above 24 years. He was interred in the Pariſh Church of S. Mary Bothaw near to London-Stone, where he dwelt, (not S. John Baptiſt, as was by miſtake affirm'd, p. 39. which the Reader is deſired to correct by this,) &c. In this place, before we come to treat more particularly of this great and honourable Magiſtrate, it may not be amiſs to give a Liſt of all the Lord Mayors and Sheriffs from that time to this preſent year, 1681.

Richard the Firſt began his Raign July the 6th. 1189.

p. 224King John began his Reign the 6th of April, 1199.

p. 225King Henry the III. began His Reign the 19th of October 1216.

At this time the KING Granted the Choice of the Mayors and Sheriffs, to the City it Self.

King Edward the Firſt began His Reign the 16th. of November, 1272.

King Edward the II. began His Reign the ſecond of July, Anno Domini. 1307.

p. 232King Edward the III. began His Reign the 25. of January. 1326.

p. 235Richard the II. began His Reighn the 21. of June. 1377.

King Henry the IV. began His Reign the 29. of September. 1399.

King Henry the Fifth began his Reign the 20th of March, 1412.

p. 238King Henry the Sixth began his Reign the 31th of Auguſt, 1422.

Edward the Fourth began his Reign the 4th of March, 1460.

Edward the Fifth began his Reign the 9th of April. 1483. Richard the Third began his Reign the 22d. of June, 1483.

p. 242King Henry the Seventh began his Reign the 22d of Auguſt, 1485.

Henry the VIII. began His Reign the 22d. of April, 1509.

King Edward the VI. began His Reign the 28th, of January, 1546.

Queen Mary began Her Reign July the 6th, 1553.

Queen Elizabeth began Her Reign the 17th of November, 1558.

King James began His Reign the Twenty Fourth of March. 1602.

King CHARLES the I. began His Reign the Twenty Seventh of March, in the Year 1625.

King CHARLES the II. began His Reign the Thirtieth of January. 1648.

Having given a Catalogue of all the Mayors and Sheriffs that have been in London to this preſent year, we ſhall proceed to give a brief Account of this great Magiſtrate; for to give a full and diſtinct Account of all things, relating to that high Place, quadrates not with the intended bulk of this little Memorial.

The Lord Mayor of London, upon the Death of the King, is the prime Perſon of England, and therefore when King James came to take poſſeſſion of the Engliſh Crown, Sir Robert Lee, then Lord Mayor of London, ſubſcribed before all the great Officers of the Crown, and all the Nobility. He is always for his great Dignity Knighted before the Year of His Mayoralty be expired, unleſs Knighted before whilſt Alderman, which of … hath been uſual.

p. 255He keeps a Table ſo richly and plentifully furniſhed, (where all ſtrangers or others that are of any quality are nobly entertained at all times of the year) that it is fit to receive the greateſt Subject of England, or of other Monarchs. Nay, it is Recorded that in the 31. E. 3. Henry Picard, Lord Mayor of London, Feaſted Four Kings, viz. The King of England, the King of France, the King of Cyprus, and the King of Scotland, with other great Eſtates, all in one day; And their Preſent Majesties of Great Britain have been by ſome of the late Lord Mayors, Treated at their Table.

There is alſo for the Grandeur of the Lord Mayor 1000 l. a year allowed for his Sword-bearer's Table in the Lord Mayor's Houſe. His Domeſtick attendance is very honourable; He hath Four Officers that wait on him, who are reputed Eſquires by their places, that is, the Sword-Bearer, the Common-Hunt, the Common-Cryer, and the Water-Bayliff; there is alſo the Coroner, three Sargeants Carvers, three Sergeants of the Chamber, a Sergeant of the Channel, four Yeomen of the Water-ſide, one VnderUnder-WaterBayliff, two Yeomen of the Chamber, three MealWeighers, two Yeomen of the Wood-Wharffs, moſt of which have their Servants allowed them, and have Liveries for themſelves, &c.

His State and Magnificence is remarkable, when he appears abroad, which is uſually on Horſe-back, with rich Capariſons, himſelf always in long Robes, ſometimes of fine Scarlet Cloath richly Furr'd, ſometimes Purple, ſometimes Puke, and over his Robes a Hood of Black Velvet, which is ſaid to be a Badge of a Baron of the Realm, with a great Chain of Gold about his Neck, or Collar of SS's with a great rich Jewel Pendant thereon, with many Officers walking before and on all ſides of him.

He is uſually Choſen on Michaelmas-day, by the Livery-men, or Members of the ſeveral Companies p. 256in London, out of the twenty-ſix Aldermen, all perſons of great Wealth and Wiſdom, in which Election the Senior Alderman hath uſually the precedence; yet in this particular the ſaid Electors are at their liberty.

On the 29th of October there is a moſt Magnificent Cavalcade, when the Lord Mayor (attended with all the Aldermen, all his Officers, all the ſeveral Companies or Corporations) rides to the Water-ſide, where they enter their ſtately Barges, with their Arms, Colours, and Streamers, and go to Westminſter to be ſworn to be true to the King, &c. in the Exchequer Chamber; after which he returns in the ſame manner to Guild-Hall, that is, the great Common-Hall of Guilds, or Incorporated Fraternities, where is prepared for him and his Brethren a moſt ſumptuous Dinner, to which many of the Great Lords and Ladies, and all the Judges of the Land are invited; And the King and Queens Majeſties, the Duke of York, and Prince Rupert, did lately honour that Feaſt with their preſence.

The Lord Mayor on the Day of the King's Coronation is Chief B…tler, and bears the Kings Cup amongſt the higheſt Nobles of the Kingdom, which ſerve on that Day in other Offices; He preſents the King with Wine in a Golden Cup, having a Cover, of which the King Drinks, and the Lord Mayor receives the ſaid Cup for his Fee.

The firſt Lord Mayor that went by Water to Westminſter was Sir John Norman Draper, Anno 1453. the 32. of H. 6. that is 228 years ago.

The two Sheriffs of this City are alſo Sheriffs of the County of Middleſex, and are annually Choſen by the Citizens from among themſelves, in the Guild-Hall, upon Midſummer-day, a high Priviledge among many others anciently granted to this City, by ſeveral Kings and Queens of this Kingdom, but they are not Sworn till Michaelmas-Eve, and then p. 257are alſo preſented at the Exchequer, to be allowed by the Barons, and Sworn, after which they enter upon their Office.

If the Perſons ſo choſen refuſe to hold, they incur a Penalty, unleſs they will take a Solemn Oath that they are not worth 10000 l.

In the Year 1199. (that is 482 years ago) King John granted the Sheriff-Wick of London and Middleſex to the City, as King Henry the Firſt before had done, for the ſum of 300 l. a year, which is paid into the Exchequer to this Day. He gave them alſo Authority to Chuſe and Deprive their Sheriffs at pleaſure.

In the 1. of R. 1. the Citizens obtained to be Governed by two Bayliffs, which Bayliffs are in Divers antient Deeds called Sheriffs, according to the Speech of the Law; which called the Shire Ball…va; &c. which King alſo (as formerly ſaid) gave the City liberty to be governed by a Mayor as their Principal Governour, and their Bayliffs were changed into Sheriffs.

The Sheriffs of London, In the Year 1471. were appointed each of them to have Sixteen Sergeants, every Sergeant to have his Yeoman; and Six Clerks, viz. A Secondary, a Clerk of the Papers, and Four other Clerks, beſides the Under-Sheriffs Clerks, their Stewards, B…tlers, Porters, and other in Houſhold many.

There are Twenty-ſix Aldermen, that preſide over the Twenty-ſix Wards of the City, (of which more, when we ſpeak of Wards) when any of theſe die, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen chuſe another out of the moſt ſubſtantial men of the City; If any ſo choſen refuſe to hold, he is uſually Fined 500 l.

All the Aldermen that have been Lord Mayors, and the Three eldeſt Aldermen that have not yet arrived to that Honourable Eſtate, are by their Charter p. 258Justices of the Peace of this City. In the Year 1555. Seven Aldermen Died in leſs than Ten Months.

The Recorder of London is uſually a Grave and Learned Lawyer, that is skilful in the Cuſtoms of the City, who is to be an Aſſiſtant to the Lord Mayor. He taketh his place in Councels, and in Courts, before any man that hath not been Mayor, and Learnedly Delivers the ſentences of the whole Court. The Preſent Recorder is Sir George Treby, an eminent Gentleman, and a Worthy Member of our laſt Parliaments.

The Chamberlain of London is, at preſent, Sir Thomas Player, a Gentleman that has deſerved very well of this City, and the Proteſtant Intereſt in General, both in that Station, and as a Member for this Honourable City in the laſt Parliaments.

The Chamberlain is Elected by the Commons, upon Midſummer-day, ſo are the Two Bridge-Maſters; The Auditors of the City and Bridge-Houſe Accounts, the Surveyors for BEER and ALE.

There is alſo a Town-Clark, or Common-Clerk, and a Remembrancer, who are Eſquires.

The Chamberlain of London is an Officer very conſiderable in point of power, for without him can no man ſet up Shop, or Occupy his Trade without being Sworn before him; no man can ſet over an Apprentice to another, but by his Licence; he may Impriſon any that diſobeys his Summons, or any Apprentice that miſdemeans himſelf, or puniſh him otherwiſe.

On Munday and Tueſday in E…ſter-week, all the Aldermen and Sheriffs come unto the Lord Mayor's Houſe before Eight of the Clock in the Morning to Break-faſt, wearing their Scarlet Gowns Furr'd and their Cloaks, as alſo their Horſes attending. When Break-faſt is ended, they mount their Horſes, and ride to the Spittle, (which is an ancient Cuſtom, p. 259not changed but once in 300 years, and that upon extraordinary occaſion, till this year, when they went to S. Sepulchres,) the Sword and Mace being born before the Lord Mayor. There they hear a Sermon and then return to Dinner, and ſome of the Aldermen Dine with the Sheriffs, and ſome with the Lord Mayor.

On Wedneſday in Eaſter-week they go thither in the ſame manner, only the Lord Mayor and Aldermen wear their Violet Gownes, and ſutable Cloaks: But the Ladies (on the former Days) wearing Scarlet, on this Day are attired in Black.

On Whitſunday all the Aldermen uſe to meet the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs at the New-Church-yard by Moorfields, wearing their Scarlet Gowns lined, without Cloaks; there they hear a Sermon appointed for that Day, and ſo return to Dinner.

When they chuſe Parliament-men, all the Aldermen meet the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs at the Guild-Hall, by nine of the Clock in the Morning, wearing their Velvet Gowns and their Cloaks, either furred or lined, according as the time of the year requireth when they are to be choſen, and they ſit in the Haſtings-Court untill the Commons do make Choice of them. The laſt Honourable Members that ſerved for this Renowned City, were Sir Robert Clayton Knight, that was Lord Mayor the laſt year, Thomas Pilkinton Alderman, Sir Thomas Player Knight, and William … Eſq of whoſe real worth, courage, fidelity, and wiſdom in the management of that great Truſt, the City is very ſenſible, as appears by the publick demonſtrations deſervedly given of it; and no leſs ſenſible was the laſt Parliament (but one) of the Cities Loyalty, Fidelity, and great care to preſerve his Majesties Royal perſon and the Proteſtant Religion, that the thanks of the Houſe was order'd to be given them, which was accordingly done by the Worthy Members aforeſaid.

p. 260What the Office of the Conſtables in the City of London is, you may gather from their Oath, which is thus.

Ye ſhall Swear, that ye keep the Peace of our Soveraign Lord the King well and lawfully after your power. And ye ſhall Arreſt all them that make Conteſt, Riot, Debate or Affray, in breaking of the ſaid Peace, and lead them to the Houſe or Compter of one of the Sheriffs. And if ye be withſtood by ſtrength of Miſdoers, ye ſhall rear on them an Out-cry, and purſue them from Street to Street, and from Ward to Ward, till they be Arreſted: And ye ſhall ſearch at all times, when ye be required by the Seavengers or Beadles, the Common Noyſance of your Ward. And the Beadle and Raker ye ſhall help to Rear, and gather their Sallary and Quarterage, if ye be thereunto by them required. And if any thing be done within your Ward againſt the Ordinance of this City, ſuch defaults as ye ſhall find there done, ye ſhall them preſent to the Mayor and Miniſters of this City: And if ye be letted by any perſon or perſons, that ye may not due…y do your Office, ye ſhall certifie the Mayor and Councel of the City, of the Name or Names of him or them that ſo let you.

Ye ſhall alſo Swear, that During the time that ye ſhall ſtand in the Office, and occupy the Room of a Conſtable, ye ſhall, once at the leaſt every Month, certifie and ſhew to one of the Clerks of the Mayors Court, and in the ſame Court, as well the Names as Surnames of all Free-men which ye ſhall know to be deceaſed in the Month, in the Pariſh wherein ye be inhabited, as alſo the Names and Sirnames of all Children of the ſaid Freemen ſo deceaſed, being Orphans, of this City. And thus ye ſhall not leave to Do as God you help, &c.

p. 261The Scavengers Oath is thus.

Ye ſhall Swear that ye ſhall Diligently overſee that the Pavements within your Ward, be well and ſufficiently repaired, and not made too high in Noyſance of your Neighbours; and that the Ways, Streets, and Lanes, be cleanſed of Dung, and all manner of filth, for Honeſty of this C… ty. And that all the Chimneys, Furnaces, and Recedoes, be of Stone ſufficiently made againſt Peril of Fire. And if ye find any the Contrary, ye ſhall ſhew it to the Alderman of the Ward, ſo that the Alderman may Ordain for the amendment thereof. And thus ye ſhall do, as God you help, &c.

Before we leave this Head, it may not be amiſs to give an Alphabetical Liſt of the Officers and Rooms in the City of London in the Lord Mayors Gift.

Alvegars, Searchers and Sealers of Woollen-Cloath. —Attorny-ſhip in the Sheriffs Court.—

Baker of the Bridge-Houſe.—Bayliff of the Hundred of Oſalſton.—Bayliwick of Southwark.— Beadle-ſhip of the Court of Requeſt.—Bell-man.

Clerkſhip of the Lord Mayors Court.—Clerkſhip of the Papers.—Clerkſhip of the Chamber.— Clerkſhip of the Compters.—Clerkſhip of the Bridge-Houſe.—Clerkſhip of the Works and Reparation-ſtuff. —Clerkſhip of the Court of Request. —Clerkſhip of the Commiſſioners for the Inlargment of Priſoners in Execution in the Compters. —Clerk of Bridewell.—Clerkſhip of Blackwell-Hall.—Clerkſhip of the Commiſſioners for Inlargment of Priſoners in the Kings-Bench.— Common Sergeant-ſhip.—Common Pleaders.— Common-Hunt.—Common Cryers.—Common Comptroller.—Comptroller of the Chamber. p. 262—Collector of Scavage.—Collectors of Wheeladge on London-Bridge.—Conduit at Dowgate Drawing Water.

Foreigntaker.—Gauger of Wines and Oyl.—

Keeper of Blackwell-Hall.—Keeper of the Store-houſe in Blackwell-Hall.—Keeper of Worſted-Hall. —Keeper of Bay-Hall.—Keeper of the Conduit at Newgate.—Keeper of Ludgate.— Keeperſhip of Newgate.—Keeperſhip of the Compters.—Keeper of the Compters in Southwark. —Keeper of Bethlehem.—Keeper of the Seſſions-Houſe.—Keeper Clean of the Market, and Market-Houſe in Newgate-Market, and Collector of Duties there.—Keeper of the New Burial-place.—Keepers of the Wood and Coals for the poor in ſeveral places.

Meaſurage of Silks, Cloath, and Linen.—Meal-Weighers. —Meaſurage of Cottons.—Meaſurage of Bays.—Packerſhip, Protonariſhip,—Porterſhip of Blackwell-Hall.—Porterſhip of the Bridge-Houſe.—Remembrancer.—Renterſhip of the Bridge-Houſe.—Renterſhip of Finsbury.— Sword-Bearer.—Secondariſhip.—Solicitorſhip.—Three Sergeant Carvers.—Three Sergeants of the Chamber.—Sergeants of the Chaunel.—Stewardſhip of Southwark.—Stewardſhip of Finsbury.—Town-Clerkſhip.—Under-Sheriff-wick.—Under Water-Bayliff.

Weigher of Raw-Silks.—Water-Bayliff.—Two Yeomen of the Chamber.—Four Yeomen of the Water-ſide.—Yeomen of the Channel.—Six Young Men.

p. 263Au Abſtract of the Charters of the Famous City of London.

THe ROYAL CHARTER granted by our Gracious Soveraign King Charles the Second, the 24th of June, in the 15th of his Reign, in confirmation of all the Charters of this City granted by his Royal Predeceſſors, recites them all verbatim, of which (that is the moſt memorable) we can only give a brief Alphabetical Abſtract; the Reader that would read them at large, being referred to larger Tracts.

By Charter of King H. 2. was granted Acquittal of Murder, within the City, and in Portſoken thereof —confirmed by King John, ch. 1. By Hen. 3. ch. 4. & ch. 9.—By Charter of King John, ch. 3. there was granted an Acquittal of Duties in the Thames, claimed at the Tower,—confirmed by King Hen. 3. ch. 3.

By Charter of King H. 1. an Acquittal of Toll, Tollage, Cuſtage, and Cuſtome, that is,—that all the men of London ſhall be quit and free, and all their goods throughout England, and the Ports of the Sea, of all Toll, and Paſſage, and Leſtage, and all other Cuſtoms. And by H. 2. that if any in all England, ſhall take any Cuſtom or Toll of or from the men of London, after he ſhall fail of Right, the Sheriff of London may take Goods thereof at London. Confirm'd by King John, ch. 1. by King H. 3. ch. 4. by the ſame, ch. 8. by E. 3. ch. 1. King John ch. 2. The City Accompts to the King to be paſt in the Exchequer. —See E. 3. ch. by King John. 2. Allowance of Sheriffs is to be in the Exchequer, and confirm'd by H. 3. ch. 7. Aids:—Citizens by Charter of Ed. 2. are not to War out of the City, and the Aids then granted to the King, are not (by that Charter) to be p. 264drawn into Example.—None are to be amerced but according to the Law of the City, by Charter of Hen, 2. confirmed by R. 3. ch. 1.

That the Sheriffs of London be as other Sheriffs by Charter of Ed. 1. and their amerciament is not to exceed 20. l. H. 3. ch. 1.

By Charter of Ed. 4. Char. 1. Aldermen for term of Lives ſhall have this Liberty; that is to ſay, that as long as they ſhall continue Aldermen there, and ſhall bear the Charge of Aldermen proper, and alſo thoſe which before had been Aldermen, and have alſo with their great Coſts and Expences born the Offices of Mayoralty, ſhall not be put in any Aſſizes, Juries, or Attaints, Recognizances or Inquiſitions, out of the ſaid Ci…y, and that they, nor any of them, ſhall be Tryer or Tryers of the ſame. although they touch us (viz. the King) or our Heirs, or Succeſceſſors or other whomſoever.—That Aldermen of London are not to be made Collectors or Taxers out of the City,—nor to ſuffer for Refuſal of ſuch Offices.

By the ſame Charter, Aldermen paſt the Mayoralty are to be Juſtice. of the Peace. The Mayor, Aldermen, and Recorder to be Juſtices of Oyer and Terminer, and the Mayor to be of the Quorum.

By Charter of Hen. 1. All Debtors which do owe Debts to the Citizens of London, ſhall pay them in London, or elſe diſcharge themſelves in London that they owe none: But if they will not pay the ſame, neither come to clear themſelves that they owe none; the Citizens of London to whom the Debts ſhall be due, may take their Goods in the City of London of the Burrough or Town, or of the County wherein be Remains who ſhall owe the Debts. By Charter of E. 4. ch. 1. Attachments are to be made by the City Officers in Southwark. And by Charter of Ed. 6. The Lord Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen, that are Juſtices of the Peace in London, p. 265are to be Juſtices of the Peace in Southwark. All Forfeited Recognizances about Ale-houſes, Inmates, Baſtard Children, Appearance at Seſſions of Goal-Delivery, Fines, and Iſſues of Jurors (except Fines or Iſſues Royal,) &c. Granted to the City by Charter of King Charles 1. Chart. 1. That no Aliens are to keep Houſes in London, nor be Brokers, by Charter of E. 3, ch. 5. That no Citizen ſhall wage Battel, H. 1. H. 2. R. 1. ch. 1. John. ch. 1. H. 3. ch. 4. ch. 9.

No Stranger is to buy Goods before they be weighed by the King's Beam, H. 3. ch. 9. The Inhabitants of Black-Fryers to be exempted from Taxes and Fifteenths, King James, ch. 2.

By Letters Patents of King Henry the VIII. Dated at Weſtminſtor Jan. 13. In the 28th Year of his Reign he did give and grant unto the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London, and their Succeſſors, the Keeping, Ordering, and Governing of the Houſe and Hoſpital called Bethlehem, ſituate without and near Biſhops-gate, and all Mannors, Lands, Tenements, Poſſeſſions, Revenues, and Hereditaments whatſoever, and whereſoever lying and being, belonging or appertaining unto the ſaid Hoſpital or Houſe called Bethlem; and Made and Conſtituted by the ſame his Letters Patents, theſe, the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of London, and their Succeſſors, Maſters, Keepers, and Governours of the ſaid Houſe and Hoſpital called Bethlem, and of the ſaid Mannors, Lands, Tenements, and other premiſſes belonging to the ſame Houſe or Hoſpital, to have, hold and enjoy the ſaid Cuſtody, Order and Government of the ſaid Houſe or Hoſpital, called Bethlem, &c. for ever, &c.

London is by King James, (Char. 3.) ſtiled his Royal Chamber, who not only confirmed the Charters of his Predeceſſors, but did give, grant and confirm p. 266unto the Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of London, and to their Succeſſors, the weighing of all Coals, called Stone-Coals weighable, Earth-Coals, and all other Coals weighable, of what kind ſoever, in or at the ſaid Port of London, coming or brought up the ſaid River of Thames in any Ship, Boat, or Barge, or other Veſſel whatſoever, floating or being in any Port of the ſame Water of Thames, and upon whatſoever Bank, Shore, or Wharf of the ſame Water of Thames, from the Bridge of Stanes, to London-Bridge, and from thence to a place called Yendal or Yenland, towards the Sea.—For which the Duties Payable to the Mayor, Commonalty and Citizens, &c. is Eight pence for every Tunn,—none is to unlade Coals till the Mayor has Notice,—and of the quantity;—becauſe the Mayor, &c. ſhould be capable at any time, when required, to inform His Majeſty, &c. what quantity of Coals of what ſort ſoever, from time to time, is brought into the City, &c. and how the City and Adjacent places are ſupplied.—No Markets of Coals to be in any Boats, Lighters, or other Veſſel whatſoever, except in the Ship that firſt brought in the Coals; no Foreſtalling, Ingroſſing, Regrating, upon pain of incurring ſuch Pains and Puniſhments as the Law provides for contemners, and neglecters of Royal Mandates.

By Charter of Ed. IV. ch. 4. In conſideration of 7000 l. &c. was granted to the Mayor, &c. the Offices or Occupations of Packing all manner of Woollen Cloaths, Sheep-Skins, Calves-Skins, Goat-Skins, Veſſels of Amber, and 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, &c. And alſ… the Office of Carriage and Portage of all Wool… p. 267Sheep-Skins, Tynn-Bails, and other Merchandizes whatſoever, which ſhall be carryed 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 carryed, being in any Houſe for a time.—And alſo the Office, &c. of Garbling of all manner of Spices, and other Merchandizes, coming to the ſaid City at any time, which ought to be Garbled.—Alſo the Office of Gager.—Office of Wine-Drawers, &c. to be exerciſed by them or their Deputies.—The Office of Coroner to beat the Mayors (&c.) diſpoſal.—Severed them from the Office of Chief-Butler, &c. Witneſs the King at Westminſter, the 20th of June, Anno Regni 18.

By Charter of E. III. ch. 1. It is granted thus:— Whereas in the Great Charter of the Liberties of England, it is contained, that the City of London may have all their antient Liberties and Cuſtoms, and the ſame Citizens at the time of the making of the Charter, from the time of Saint Edward, King and Confeſſor, and William the Conqueror, and of other our Progenitors, had divers Liberties and Cuſtomes, as well by the Charters of thoſe our Progenitors, as without Charter by Antient-Cuſtoms, whereupon in divers the Circuits, and other the Courts of our ſaid Progenitors, as well by Judgments as by Statutes, were Invaded and ſome of them Adjudged: We Will and Grant for us and our Heirs, that they may have the Liberties according to the Form of the above-ſaid Great Charter, and that Impediments and Uſurpations to them in that behalf made, ſhall be revoked and Annulled, &c. That the Mayor be one of the Juſtices of Goal-Delivery of Newgate, and to be Named in every Commiſſion thereof to be made.—That the Citizens may have Infangtheft. [This is a Saxon word, ſignifying a Liberty Granted to certain Lords of Mannors, to Judge p. 268any Thief taken within their Fee.] And Outfang-theft, [that is, a Liberty Granted to the Lord to try any Thief taken out of his Fee,] and Chattels of Felons, of all thoſe which ſhall be Adjudged before them, within their Liberties, &c.

Citizens may Deviſe Lands in London, in Mortmain, or otherwiſe,—Merchant Strangers to Sell Goods within Fourty Days,—and may not keep Houſes, but are to be with Hoſts, (that is, Lodgers,) —The KING's Marſhall, Steward, or Clerk of the Market of the King's Houſhold, may not Sit within the City Liberties.—No Citizen is to be drawn to Plead without the Liberties of the City, about any thing that happens within the Liberties thereof.—No Eſcheator may Exerciſe that Office in the City, but the Mayor for the time being is to do it.—Citizens to be Taxed in Subſidies as other Commoners, not as Citizens.—To be quit of all Tallages, [this word is derived from the French word Taille, a piece cut out of the whole, ſignifying the paying a part or ſhare of a Mans ſubſtance by way of Tribute, Tax or Toll,] and that the Liberty of the ſaid City ſhall not be taken into the hands of us, or our Heirs for any Perſonal Treſpaſs or Judgment of any Miniſter of the ſaid City; Neither ſhall a keeper in the ſaid City for that occaſion be Deputed, but the ſame Miniſter ſhall be puniſhed according to the quality of his Offence, &c.—No Purveyor of the Kings, &c. is to make any Prices of the Goods of the Citizens, without the Conſent of the Party,—no Price to be made of the Citizens Wines againſt their Wills, &c. No Purveyor is to be a Merchant of the Goods whereof he is Purveyor. —That no market is to be kept, nor afterterwards to be Granted to any within Seven Miles in Circuit of the ſaid City.—That all Inquiſitions to be taken by the Juſtices of London, &c. ſhall be taken in St. Martins [le Grand] in London; but not p. 269elſewhere, except the Inquiſitions to be taken in the Circuits at the Tower of London, and for the Goal-Delivery at Newgate.—That no Citizen is to be Impleaded in the Exchequer, unleſs it concern the King, &c.

By Charter of Henry the Firſt, the Citizens to be free from Scot and Lot, and Dane-Guilt; [that is, a Tribute laid upon our Anceſtors of Twelve pence, for every Hide of Land throughout the Realm, by the Danes, for clearing the Seas, as they pretended of Pyrates.] H. the II. R. the I. ch. 1. King John ch. 1.

Henry the III. ch. 8. The Citizens may Traffick with their Commodities and Merchandizes whereſoever they pleaſe, throughout His Majeſties Kingdoms and Dominions, as well by Sea as by Land, without Interruption of him or his, as they ſee Expedient, quit from all Cuſtom, Toll, Leſtage; [that is, a Cuſtom challenged in Fairs fer carrying of things,] and Paying, &c. and may abide for their Trading whereſoever they pleaſe, in the ſame His Kingdom, &c. as in times paſt they were Accuſtomed, &c.

Henry the VII. Granted a Charter, That no Stranger from the Liberty of the City, may Buy or Sell from any other Stranger to the Liberty of the ſame City, any Merchandizes or Wares within the Liberties of the ſame City, upon pain of Forfeiture of the ſaid Goods, &c. to the Uſe and Profit of the Mayor, Commonalty, &c. Strangers may Buy things in Groſs for their own Uſe, but not to Sell again, &c.

None is to take Loding in the City by Force, by Charters of H. the I. R. the I. ch. I. H. the III. ch. 4. H. the III. ch. 9.

By Charter of King CHARLES the I. the Offices of Paccage of Cloaths, Wools, Woollfels, &c. Balliage of Goods, &c. Portage of Goods, p. 270Seavage of all Goods, &c. Cuſtomable, granted to the Mayor, Commonalty, &c. with a power to Adminiſter an Oath for the diſcovery of concealed Goods, &c.

The Sergeants of London may bear Maces of Gold or Silver, Ed. III. ch. 4.

By Charter of King Henry I. It was granted to the Citizens of London to hold Middleſex to Farm for 300 l. upon Account, to them and their Heirs; ſo that the ſaid City ſhall place as Sheriff whom they will of themſelves, and ſhall place whomſoever, or ſuch one as they will of themſelves, for keeping of the Pleas of the Crown, and of the Pleading of the ſame, and none other ſhall be Juſtice over the ſame Men of London, &c.

This was confirmed by King John by Charter, dated July 5, Anno Reg. 1. the City paying 300 l. as aforeſaid, of Blank Sterling Money at two Terms in the Year, viz. at the Eaſter-Exchequer 150 l. and at Michaelmas-Exchequer 150 l. ſaving to the Citizens all their Liberties and Free Cuſtoms, &c.

If the Sheriffs offend ſo as to incur the loſs of Life or Member, they ſhall be Adjudged (as they ought to be) according to the Law of the City, &c.—wherefore (ſays the Charter) we Will and Stedfaſtly Command, that the Citizens of London, and Middleſex, with all the ſaid Sheriffwich belonging, of us and our Heirs, to poſſeſs and enjoy Hereditarily, Freely and Quietly, Honorably and Wholly, by Fee Farm of 300 l. &c.

All Fiſh…rs, Vintners, and Victualers, coming to the City, ſhall be in the Rule of the Mayor and Aldermen, 7 R. II. cap. 11. Aldermen ſhall not be Elected Yearly; but remain till they be put out.— Ibidem, Cap. 11.

Merchants may Sell Cloth, Wine, Oyl, Wax, or other Merchandize, as well by Wholeſale as Retail, to all the KING's Subjects, as well as Londoners, p. 271notwithſtanding Franchiſe to the Contra, 7 H. IV. ch. 9. Citizens worth 400 Marks, in Goods or Chattels may be Jurors in Attaint, and the Juſtices to ſit only at the Guild-Hall, or within the City, notwithſtanding 23 H. VIII. cap. 3.

The Mayor, &c. next Court after the firſt of Michaelmas, is to name Watermen Yearly, to be Overſeers of Rowing between Graves-End and Windſor, the 2 and 3 Pbillip and Mary, cap. 16. Sect. 3.

The Mayor, &c. to Aſſeſs the Fare of Watermen, and two Privy-Councellors to ſign it, 2 and 3 Phillip and Mary. chap. 16. Sect. 11.

Citizens of London and other Inhabitants, Tradesmen, &c. for Debts under 40 s. may Summon in to the Court of Conſcience; (that is, the Court of Requeſts,) and the Commiſſioners there to Determine the Difference, and to Regiſter Orders. 3 Jac. cap. 15. Sect. 2.

Theſe brief Memorandums are produced, not as comprehending the full Abſtract (much leſs the words at length) of the ſeveral Charters and Priviledges of thi… Famous City, but as Guides to direct where they may read at large; to be more full, would be inconſiſtent with the deſigned brevity of this ſmall Tract, for it would make a Volume it ſelf: yet what is here pointed at, with what's ſcatterd up and down the Book under particular Heads, (which to avoid repetition are not mentioned here) may inform the Reader of the moſt Memorable, which was the thing only intended. He that would conſult them more largely, is referred to a Book Intituled the Royal Charter of Confirmation, granted by King CHARLES the II. to the City of London by S. G. Gent. And Raſtals Statutes at Large; from whence, with ſome others, theſe Memorials were Collected.

p. 272Some brief Heads of the moſt memorable Cuſtoms or particular Laws of the City of LONDON.

IN this place we ſhall only mention ſome of the moſt remarkable of theſe Laws, referring the Reader to a Book called the City Law, Printed 1658.

The Mayor and Aldermen have always uſed to cauſe to come before them the Malefactors which have been taken and Arreſted within the ſaid City, for carrying of Tales, and ſpreading abroad of News imagined, in diſturbance of the Peace, makers and Counterfeiters of falſe Seals, falſe Charters, and for other notorious Defects, and thoſe which they have found culpable of ſuch miſdeeds by confeſſion of the Parties, or by inqueſt thereof made, ſhall be puniſhed by ſetting in the Pillory, or further Chaſtiſed by Impriſonment, according to their Merit, and according to the Reaſonable Diſcretion of the ſaid Mayor and Aldermen. Men and Women by uſage of the ſaid City may Deviſe their Tenements, Rents, and Reverſions within the ſaid City, and Suburbs thereof, to whom they will, and of what Eſtate they will. And may alſo Deviſe a New Rent to riſe from their Tenements, in manner as they like beſt. And thoſe which are Free-men of the ſaid City may Deviſe their Tenements in Mortmain.

Infants within Age may not make a Deviſe, nor can Women-Covert Deviſe their Tenements by Licenſe of their Husbands, nor in other manner, during the Coverture.—The Husband may not Deviſe his Tenements to his Wife for a higher Eſtate, upon pain to loſe the whole. Neither may the Husband Deviſe the Tenements deſcended to his Wife, nor the Tenements which the Husband and p. 273Wife have jointly purchaſed, but if the Husband and the Wife have Tenements Joyntly to them and to the Heirs of the Husband, the Husband may Deviſe the Reverſion. All Testaments by which any Tenements be Deviſed, may be inrolled in the Huſtings Court of Record, at the ſuit of any which may take advantage by the ſame Teſtaments. And the Teſtament which ought to be inrolled ſhall be brought before the Mayor and Aldermen in full Huſting. And there ſhall the ſaid Teſtaments be Proclaimed by the Sergeant, and the ſame alſo to be proved by two Diſcreet men well known, the which ſhall be ſworn and examined of all the Circumſtances of the ſaid Teſtaments, and of his Seal, and if the proof be found good and loyal, and agreeable, then ſhall the ſaid Teſtament be inrolled in the ſame Huſtings of Record, and the Fee ſhall be paid for the Inrollment, and no Teſtament Noncupative, nor other Teſtaments may be inrolled of Record except that the Seal of the Teſtor be put to the ſame Teſtament. But the Teſtaments that may be found good and loyal are effectual, although they be not inrolled, nor of Record.

The Teſtament within the ſaid City ought by Cuſtome of the ſame City to be adjudged effectual and Executory, having Regard to the Teſtators Wills, although that the Words of ſuch Teſtaments be defective, and not according to the Common-Law, &c.

The Mayor and Aldermen that are for the time, by Cuſtom of the City, ſhall have the Wardſhip and Marriages of all the Orphans of the ſaid City, after the Death of their Anceſtors, although the ſame Anceſtors do hold to them and the City of any other Lord, by what ſervice ſoever. The Mayor and Aldermen ought to inquire of all the Lands and Tenements, Goods and Chattels, within the ſaid City appertaining to ſuch Orphans, and ſafely keep p. 274them to the uſe and profit of ſuch Orphans, or otherwiſe commit the ſame Orphans, together with their Lands and Tenements, Goods and Chattels, to other their Friends, by ſufficient Surety found of Record in the Chamber of Guild-hall, to maintain conveniently the ſaid Orphans, during their Non-age, and their Lands and Tenements to repair, and the ſaid Goods and Chattels ſafely to keep; and thereof to render a good and Loyal Accompt before the ſaid Mayor and Aldermen, to the profit of the ſame Infants, when they ſhall come to their Age, or when they ſhall be put to a Myſtery, or ſhall Marry by the Advice of the ſaid Mayor and Aldermen.

And that in all Caſes, except that it be otherwiſe ordained and diſpoſed for the ſame Orphans, or for their Lands and Tenements, Goods and Chattels by expreſs words, contained in the Teſtaments of their Anceſtors.

No ſuch Orphans ought to be Marryed without the Conſent of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen.— Where Lands and Tenements, Goods and Chattels within the ſaid City are Deviſed to an Infant within age, of one City, or of the ſame City, his Father living, that ſuch an Infant is no Orphan; yet by uſage of the ſaid City, the ſaid Lands and Tenements, Goods and Chattels, ſhall be in the Cuſtody of the Mayor and Aldermen, as well as of the Orphans, to maintain and keep them to the uſe and profit of the ſame Infant. Except that the Father of the Infant, or ſome other of his Friends, will find ſufficient Surety of Record to maintain and keep the ſaid Lands, &c. to the uſe and profit of the ſaid Infant, and thereof to render a good and loyal accompt, &c.

The Magiſtrates and Officers of the ſaid City ought to obey no Commandment, nor no Seal, but only the Commands and Immediate Seal of the King▪ Nor ought any Officer of the King to make p. 275Seizure or any Execution within the ſaid City, nor the Liberties thereof, by Land or by Water, but only the Officers of the ſaid City.

The Sheriffs of London may make Arreſts, and ſerve Executions in the River of Thames, from the Eaſt-part of London-Bridge untill the Return, and from the Weſt-part of the ſaid Bridge unto Stanes-Bridge.

The ſaid Sheriffs ought to have Forfeitures of the Chattels of all kind of Fugitives and Fellons, and of Deodands (that is in Latine, a thing forfeited to God, as if a Horſe kills his Keeper, or a Cart run over a Man, ſuch are forfeited to the King, to be distributed to the poor) within the ſaid City, and the River of Thames, in aid of their Farm, (viz. 300 l. per Annum) which they pay yearly to the King.

If the Goods of a Free-man be Arreſted, or wrongfully detained to pay Toll, &c. elſewhere, and witneſſed by men of credit, the Goods or Merchandize of the party detaining, or of others of the ſame Village where the wrong was done, if found within the City of London, are to be Arreſted by the City Officers, to be detained in the Name of Withernam [which word in the Common-Law, is the taking or driving a Distreſs to a hold, or out of the County where the Sheriff cannot come upon a Replevin to make Deliverance thereof to the party Diſtreined] untill agreement be made with the ſaid Freeman for damages ſuſtained, &c.

The Lord Mayor (as was ſaid before) being chief Buttler on Coronation Days, is to have a Golden Cup at the Coronation of every King,—as was given when his preſent Majeſty was Crowned; Baker's Chron. p. 748. Edit. 1679.

If a Woman that hath a Husband, as a Woman Sole, hire any Houſe or Shop within the City, ſhe ſhall be charged to pay the Rent of the ſaid Houſe and Shop, and ſhall be impleaded and purſued as a p. 276Sole Woman, by way of Debt, if need be, notwithſtanding that ſhe was Marryed at the time of the Leaſe, the Leſſor not knowing thereof.

If a plaint of Treſpaſs be made againſt a Man and his Wife, for a Treſspaſs done by the Wife ſolely, then the Wife ſhall anſwer ſole without her Huſband, if the Husband come not, and ſhall have Plea as a ſole Woman, and if ſhe be attainted of Treſpaſs, ſhe ſhall be condemned, and Committed to Priſon untill ſhe hath made agreement.

If Plaint be made againſt a Freeman reſident within the City, or by the Law of the City hath a Summons, becauſe of the Franchiſe, if the Plaintiff come to the Sheriff, and bring with him ſix or four Freemen, credible perſons, that will teſtifie that the Defendant is going to run away, withdraw, or abſent himſelf, the Sheriff may arreſt the Defendant by his Body or Goods, as a Foreigner, &c. When a Debtor in the ſaid City is bound by Obligation in a certain ſum to be paid at a certain time to come, the which Debtor was held ſufficient at the time when he was bound, and after is become Fugitive, or not ſufficient, then if the Creditor come before the Mayor and Sheriffs of the ſaid City, making ſuch a ſuggeſtion, and hath with him ſix or four credible Freemen of the ſame City, that will truly teſtifie that the Debtor will withdraw, and Convey his Goods out of the City, or that he is not ſufficient to make Payment, then the Mayor or one of the Sheriffs, before whom the Suggeſtion is made, uſeth to Arreſt the Debtor, although the Day contained within the Obligation be not yet come, and to keep the ſame Debtor in Priſon, untill the Day of Payment be come, or otherwiſe that he ſhall find Pledges to attend at the ſame Day, and ſo to Arreſt for Houſe-hire before the Day, if the Tenant be Fugitive.

p. 277If a Free-man of the City find his Debtor ſuddenly within the ſame City, which Debter hath abſented himſelf before, or that he be Fugitive,City-Law. pag. 105. and the which Debtor will Eſcape away, before that the Creditor can have an Officer, the uſage is in ſuch Caſe, that the Free-man himſelf, with aid of his Neighbours, without other Officer, may Arreſt his Debtor and carry him to the Office of one of the Sheriffs, and there make his Suit, as the Law requires.

A Brief Account of the Courts held in this Honourable City.

THe higheſt and moſt ancient Court in this famous City is that called the Huſtings, a Saxon Word, Hus ſignifying a Houſe, and Sthing, or Thing, a Cauſe or Plea, ſo that it is Domus Cauſarum, a Houſe of Cauſes, or Pleas, or Pleadings.

This Court preſerves the Laws, Rights, Franchiſes and Cuſtoms of the City.—There be handled the the Intricateſt Accounts and Pleas of the Crown, and of the whole Kingdom.

It is of great Antiquity, the Laws of Edward the Confeſſour much referring to it, where may be read theſe words,—Debet enim in London, quae caput eſt Regni & Legum, ſemper Curia Domini Regis ſingulis ſeptim…nis die Lunae Huſtingis ſedere & teneri, &c. That is, The Court of our Lord the King ought to ſit, and be held every Week on Monday at the Huſtings in London, which (City) is the head of the Kingdom and Laws, &c. But now it is held on Tueſdays, in the Guild-Hall of London, before the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen; every Week. All the Lands and Tenements; Rents, and Services, within the City and Liberties, are pleaded there, in two Huſtings; one is called Huſting de placito p. 278terrae, Huſting of Plea of Land, the other de Communibus placitis, of Common-Pleas: It is held on Monday to Demand the Demandants, and to award Non-ſuites, to allow Eſſoynes, and on Tueſday to award the Default and Plead. For certain times no Huſtings may be held by Cuſtom of the City, viz. Husting of Plea of Land ought to be held a Week by it ſelf, at the aforeſaid days, but the Inrollments and Titles of the ſaid Hustings make mention of Monday only.

In Huſting of Plea of Land, are Pleaded Writs of Right, Patents Directed to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London, which Writs have this proceſs, by Cuſtom of the City, viz. The Tenant, or Tenants, ſhall firſt have three Summons at the Tenements Demanded at three Huſtings of Plea of Land next enſuing after the Livery of the Writ, and of the Huſtings, without Demanding the Tenements at any aforeſaid. And after the three Summons ended, three Eſſoynes at three other Hustings of Plea of Land then next enſuing; and at the next enſuing after the third Eſſoyne, and the Tenants making Default, Proceſs ſhall be made againſt them by a Grand cape, or petit cape, after the appearance and other Proceſs at the Common-Law. And if the Tenants ſhall appear, the Demandants ſhall Count againſt the Tenants in the Nature of what Writ they will, except certain Writs which are Pleadable in Huſting of Common-Pleas, &c. without making Proteſtation to ſee in the Nature of any Writ. And the Tenants ſhall have the view, and ſhall be Eſſoyned after the view, as at the Common-law. And the Tenant ſhall have an Eſſoyn after every appearance by Cuſtom of the City.

And although that ſuch a Writ be abated after the view, by exception of Joynt-Tenancy, or other exception Dilatory, or other ſuch Writ be …evived, the Tenants, by the Cuſtom of the City, ſhall have the view in the ſecond Writ: Notwithſtanding the p. 279view before had. And if the parties plead to Judgment, the Judgment ſhall be pronounced by the Recorder, and ſix Aldermen at leaſt were wont to be preſent at the giving of every ſuch Judgment.

Every Beadle of the City, by the advice of the Alderman of his Ward againſt every Huſtings or Plea of Land, ſhall Summon Twelve Men Freeholders, being the beſt and moſt ſufficient of his Ward, to come to Guild-Hall for to paſs in an Inqueſt, if there be need, for the reſt of the Free-holders of the ſaid Ward. And if the parties plead and deſcend to an Inqueſt, then ſhall the Inquest be taken of the People Inheritors, having at the leaſt Frank-Tenement of the ſame Ward where the Tenements are, and other three Wards next to the place where the Tenements are; ſo that four ſufficient men of the ſame Ward where the Tenements are, ſhall be ſworn in the ſame Inqueſt, if there be ſo many. No Damages by Cuſtom of the City are recoverable in any ſuch Writ of Right, Patent, and the Inqueſt may paſs the ſame day by ſuch common Summons of the Beadle, if the parties be at Iſſue, and the Jurors come.—Otherwiſe Proceſs ſhall be made to cauſe the Inqueſt to come at another Huſting of Plea of Land enſuing, by Precept of the Mayor directed to the Sheriffs, who ſhall be Miniſters by the Commandment of the Mayor to ſerve the Writs, and to make Execution thereof, notwithſtanding that the Original Writ be directed to the Mayor and Sheriffs Joyntly. And it is to be underſtood, that as well the Tenants as the Demandants may make their Attorneys in ſuch Pleas, &c. See City-Law, p. 46. &c.

In the Huſtings of Common-Pleas are Pleadable Writs, called ex gravi querela, for to have Execution of the Tenements out of the Teſtaments which are Inrolled in the Haſtings. Writs of Dower, unde nihil habet. Writs of Gavelkind, and Cuſtom, and of Service, Inſtead of a Ceſſavit. Writs of Error of p. 280Judgments given before the Sheriffs. Writs of Waſte. Writ de Partitione facienda, between Co-partners. Writs of quid Juris clamat, and per quae …erviti…, and others; which Writs are cloſe, and directed to the Mayor and Sheriffs; and alſo Replegiaries of things taken, and of Diſtreſſes wrongfully taken, are Pleadable before the Mayor and Sheriffs, in the ſame Huſting of Cowmon-Pleas, by Plaint without Writ, &c.

The Aldermen of London are ſummoned to the Huſting, and they ought, by uſage of the ſaid City, to be ſummoned by an Officer of the Sheriffs, ſitting upon an Horſe of 100 s. price at leaſt.

Of the Court of Requeſts, or Conſcience.

THis Court was firſt Erected by an Act of Common-Councel, 9 H. 8. viz. That the Lord Mayor and Aldermen for the time being ſhould Monthly aſſign two Aldermen, and four Diſcreet Commoners to ſit twice a week to hear and Determine all matters brought before them (betwixt Freemen) where the Due Debt or Damage did not exceed 40 s. Afterwards the ſaid Number of Commiſſioners were enlarged to the Number of Twelve, which continued till the end of Queen Elizabeths Reign, and 3 Jacobi cap. 15. confirm'd by Act of Parliament, where it was Enacted, That every poor Citizen and Free-man inhabiting in London, being ſued for Debt under 40 s. may exhibit his ſuit in the Court of London called the Court of Requeſts, where ſhall be nominated Twelve Commiſſioners, three of which may ſend for any Creditor, who is complained of in ſuing ſuch a Debt under 40 s. and if he refuſe to come, or perform not their Orders, they may cauſe him to be Arreſted, by any Sergeant of London, and Commit him to Priſon, there to remain untill he perform the ſaid Order, &c.

p. 281This Court was to continue by the firſt Act of Common-Councel but for two years, but being found Charitable and Profitable for the relief of poor Debtors, unable to make preſent payment, and to reſtrain malicious perſons from proceeding in wilful Suits, and to help poor perſons as had ſmall Debts owing to them, and unable to proſecute Suits in Law elſewhere, it was continued by divers Acts of Common-Councel, as aforeſaid.

Of the Court of the Lord MAYOR and ALDERMEN.

IN this Court the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, as alſo the Recorder and Sheriffs (who are uſually Aldermen, or elſe conſtantly Choſen upon the next vacancy) ſit; this is a Court of Record principally inſtituted (among other cauſes) for the redreſſing and correcting the Errors, Defaults, and miſpriſions, which happen in the Government of the City; It is kept on Tueſdays and Thurſdays.

In this Court are comprehended ſeveral other Courts, as

I. The Court of Orphans; for the Mayor and Alderman (as was ſaid at large before) by Cuſtom have the Cuſtody of the Orphans within the City, &c.—The Chamberlain is a ſole Corporation to himſelf and his Succeſſors for Orphans; and a Recognizance made to him and his Succeſſours touching Orphans, ſhall by Cuſtom go to his Succeſſor. The Government of Orphans is ſo inveſted in the Mayor, that if any Orphans ſue in the Eccleſiaſtical Court, or elſewhere for a Legacy, or Duty due to them, by the Cuſtom, a Prohibition doth lie.

2. The Court of Wardmote, or of the Wardmote Inqueſt, for the whole City being divided into twenty-ſix Wards, every Ward hath ſuch an Inqueſt, p. 282conſiſting of twelve or more, who inquire after Abuſes and Diſorders, and preſent them to be redreſſed inquiry is alſo made into all things that can conduce to the Regulating and well governing the City.

3. The Court of Hall-mote, or Hall-Court, or Aſſembly of every Guild or Fraternity, for Redreſſing what belongs to the ſaid Companies in particular.

4. The Court of the Conſervation of the Water and River of Thames, which belongs to the Lord Mayor, from Stanes-Bridge unto the Water of Yendal, and Medway, of which we have ſpoke largly before, when we Treated of the River of Thames.

5. The Courts of the Coroner and Eſcheater, which both belong to the Lord Mayor; he being Coroner and Eſcheator by vertue of his Authority and Office.

6. The Court of Policies and Aſſurances to Merchants that venture and Traffique on the Seas, where Ships and Goods are Inſured at ſo much per Cent. where there is an Officer of good Quality who Regiſters thoſe Aſſurances.

7. The Court of the Tower of London which is held within the Verge of the City, before the Steward, by preſcription of Debt, Treſpaſs, and other Actions; Now part of the Tower is within the City, and part in Middleſex, (viz the Eaſt part, but the Weſt in London) whereof (as was formerly ſaid when we ſpoke of the Tower, p. 14.) there was a notable Example in the Perſon of Sir Thomas Overbury, who being poyſoned in a Chamber on the Weſt part, the principal Murderers were Tryed before Commiſſioners of Oyer and Terminer in London, and ſo was Sir Gervaſe Elways, the Lieutenant of the Tower at that time.

p. 2838. The Court of Common-Councel, conſiſting (as the Parliament of England) of two Houſes, one for the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and the other for the Commoners; In which Court are made all By-Laws, which bind all the Citizens of London; for every Man, either by himſelf, or by his Repreſentative, gives his aſſent thereunto: wherein conſiſts the great happineſs of the Engliſh Subject, above all the Subjects of any other Prince in the World; that neither in Laws nor By-Laws, neither in Taxes or Impoſts, any man is obliged but by his own Conſent.

The Oath of a Common-Councel-Man.

YE ſhall Swear that ye ſhall be true to our Soveraign Lord the King, that now is, and to his Heirs and Succeſſors, Kings of England, and readily ye ſhall come, when ye be ſummoned, to the Common-Council of this City, but if ye be reaſonably excuſed; and good and true Councel, ye ſhall give in all things, touching the Commonwealth of this City, after your Wit and Cunning: and that for favour of any perſon ye ſhall maintain no ſingular profit againſt the Common profit of this City; and after that ye be come to the Common-Councel, you ſhall not thence depart untill the Common-Councel be ended, without reaſonable cauſe, or elſe by the Lord Mayors Licenſe. And alſo any ſecret things that be ſpoken or ſaid in the Common-Councel, which ought to be kept ſecret, in no wiſe you ſhall diſcloſe, as God you help.

The Common-Councel-Men are choſen at the Wardmote-Inqueſt, for the reſpective Wards, and are to be of the moſt ſufficient, honeſt, and diſcreet p. 284Men of the Ward, to ſerve for the enſuing year, on St. Thomas the Apoſtles day.

9. The Court of the Chamberlain of the City, to whom belongs the Receipts of the Rents and Revenues of the City; And to his Court belongs the buſineſs of Apprentices, over whom he hath great Authority (as was ſaid before.) This Officer is choſen by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, He over-ſees, and keeps, all the Books, Rolls, Records, and other Monuments, and Remembrances that ought to remain of Record, and the City Treaſure —to keep and maintain all the Rents and Tenements pertaining to the Chamber of London— His Office about Orphans we have ſhewed before: as alſo about Apprentices, to which we ſhall add, that he is to cauſe their Indentures to be Inrolled, and make thoſe Apprentices to ſerve out their time. One may be a Freeman of London, 1. By Se…vice, as in caſe of Apprentiſhip.—2. By Birth-right, as being the Son of a Freeman.—3. By Redemption, by Order of the Court of Alderm…n: For ſuch as are made Free this way, the Chamberlain of London is to ſet the Fines of ſuch Redemptions,—He is to take Fines of ſuch as are rebellious to their Maſters or Guardians, and for certain other Defaults, &c.

To ſhew the Piety of the honourable Governours of this great City, in ancient as well as modern times, I ſhall produce the Inſtructions Recorded for the Apprentices of London, out of Stow, p. 668. Edit. 1633. The Obſervation of which is heartily recommended to the Youth concern'd.

It is thus.

YOu ſhall conſtantly and Devoutly on your knees, every day, ſerve God, Morning and Evening, and make Conſcience in the Due hearing p. 285of the Word Preached, and endeavour the right practiſe thereof in your Life and Converſation: You ſhall do diligent and faithful Service to your Maſter, for the time of your Apprentiſhip, and Deal truly in what you ſhall be truſted: You ſhall often read over the Covenants of your Indenture, and ſee and endeavour your ſelf to perform the ſame to the uttermoſt of your power: You ſhall avoid all evil Company, and all occaſions which may tend, or draw you to the ſame, and make ſpeedy Return when you ſhall be ſent of your Maſters or Miſtreſſes Errands: You ſhall avoid Idleneſs, and be ever Employed, either for God's Service, or in your Maſters buſineſs: You ſhall be of fair, gentle, and lowly ſpeech and behaviour to all men, and eſpecially to all your Governours. And according to your Carriage expect your Reward, for Good or Ill, from God and your Friends, &c.

Of the Sheriffs Courts.

THere are two Courts of Sheriffs, one for the Counter in Woodſtreet, and another for the Counter in the Poultry, whereof there are two Lawyers as Judges, well read in the Cuſtoms of the City, as well as the Common-Laws; but if an erroneous Judgment be given before the Sheriffs, the party griev'd may ſue a Writ of Error, and remove it to the Huſtings, before the Mayor and Sheriffs; if they yield no Redreſs, then ſhall certain Juſtices be aſſigned by the King's Commiſſion, to ſit at St. Martins le Grand, by Niſi prius, for to Redreſs the ſaid Judgments, and if there be default found in the the Mayor and Sheriffs, they ſhall be puniſhed for their Miſpriſions, by the form contained in the Statute of 28 E. 3. c. 10.

p. 286One taken in Execution in London upon a Condemnation in the Sheriffs Court, and Removed by Habeas Corpus into the Kings-Bench, ſhall be commited there in Execution for that Debt; and having diſcharged all Cauſes in the Kings-Bench, ſhall be remanded.

Then there is the Court of Seſſions or Goal-Delivery held uſually eight times a year at the Old-Bayly, both for the City and Middleſex, for the Tryal of Criminals, whereof the Lord Mayor is the Chief Judge; and hath the power of Reprieving condemned Perſons.

The Priſons in London.

OF Ludgate we have ſpoken in the Section of Gates, page 9. And of Newgate, page 10. The Counter in the Poultry belongs to one of the Sheriffs of London, and has been kept and continued there time out of mind.

The Counter in Woodſtreet belongs alſo to one of the Sheriffs, prepared to be a Priſon-Houſe, Anno 1555. and on the 28th of September that year, the Priſoners that lay in the Counter in Breadſtreet were removed to this Counter; Both theſe Counters were burnt in the Year 1666, but Rebuilt ſince, much more ſtately and Commodious than they were before.

There is alſo in the late Pariſh of St. Margaret Southwark a Priſon, called the Counter, in Southwark, &c.

The Fleet is alſo a Priſon, ſo called of the Fleet or Water running by it, now made Navigable, and called the Fleet-Dike.

There was alſo in Southwark a Priſon, called the Clink, on the Banks-ſide; alſo a Priſon called the White-Lyon in Southwark, ſo called, becauſe it p. 287was formerly an Inn with that Sign, this being the appointed Goal for the County of Surry, Stow, p. 455.

There are beſides theſe, two Priſons more in Southwark, viz. The Kings-Bench, and the Marſhalſea; which laſt belongs to the Marſhals of England.

Laſtly, there is the Gate-Houſe in Weſtminſter, a Priſon likewiſe for Offenders, &c.

Of the Watches in London.

To ſpeak in general terms, there cannot be found in the World, more Regular, Careful, and Orderly Watches, than are in this great City, which indeed is very needful; for where there is ſuch a vaſt confluence of a… ſorts of People, it is of abſolute neceſſity to keep diligent Watch, to prevent Diſorders and Miſchiefs, which elſe would happen.

William the Conquerour commanded, that in every Town and Village a Bell (call'd Curfew-Bell) ſhould be Nightly rung at Eight of the Clock, and that all People ſhould then put out their Fire and Candle, and take their reſt; which Order was obſerved in his Reign, and the Reign of William Rufus; but Henry the Firſt revoked that Order. But Henry the Third, Anno 1253. Commanded Watches in Cities and Burroughs to be kept, in order to the preſervation of Peace and Quietneſs amongſt his Subjects, &c.

There are in the Reſpective Streets convenient Stations for the Watchmen, who are Citizens, and obliged to perform that Duty in their turns with their Officers, and are to Examine all perſons that walk in unſeaſonable hours, and to Apprehend Suſpitious perſons, or ſuch as are Riotous, or otherwiſe miſ-behave themſelves, and ſecure them. At ſet and convenient times, they appoint a Party to go their p. 288Rounds, and to apprehend ſuch as they find Tippling in Victualing-Houſes at unſeaſonable hours, or in Houſes of ill-name, or Night-walkers, or any other perſons whereſoever that are uncivil, or cannot give a good account of themſelves, and the Reaſon of their being abroad; and when any ſuch are Apprehended they keep them all night in ſafe Cuſtody, on the Guard, or ſend them to one of the Counters, to be forth-coming before a Juſtice of the Peace the next day, who deals with them according to the merit of their Cauſe. By this means an Infinite deal of Evils, as Murders, Roberies, Felonies, Fires, &c. are prevented, which would otherwiſe happen; it being certain, that in ſo great and populous a City, amongſt the many good People, it cannot be avoided but that a great many wicked perſons, capable of the blackeſt Villanies, do creep in, as daily and ſad experience ſhews.

Of the Military Government of London.

HAving Treated of the Eccleſiaſtical and Temporal Government of this Great City, we will give ſome brief touches of its Military Government, Ancient and Modern.

In the 23 of H. VIII. 1532. At a General Muſter in London, were firſt taken the Names of all Men within this City and Liberties only (which reach not far from the Walls) from the Age of 16 to 60. Alſo the Number of all Harneſſes, and all ſorts of Weapons for War; than they drew out of theſe, only ſuch able Men as had White Harneſs, and them all to appear in White Coats, with Breeches, and white Caps and Feathers, and becauſe Notice was given, that the King himſelf would ſee them Muſter, they all prepared to appear as ſplendidly as they could; and to that end, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, p. 289Recorder, and Sheriffs, and all who had been Sheriffs, had all white Harneſs, and over that Coats of black Velvet, with the Arms of the City Embroidered thereon, each one a great Gold Chain, and Mounted on a goodly Horſe, with rich Trappings, on their Heads Velvet Caps, in their Hands Battle-Axes gilt; Each Alderman and the Recorder had four Halberdiers in white Silk, or elſe Buff-Coats, waiting on them with gilt Halberds; and the Lord Mayor and ſixteen tall men, apparrelled in white Sattin Doublets, Caps and Feathers, Chains of Gold, and other Gorgeous Attire, with long gilt Halberds following his Lordſhip at a diſtance: But next to him he had four Footmen in white Sattin, then two Pages cloathed in Crimſon-Velvet, and Cloath of Gold, riding on Gallant Horſes richly furniſht, one of them carrying the Lord Mayors Helmet, and the other his Pole-Ax, both richly gilt and adorn'd.

Moſt of the Citizens of any Quality or Office, were in white Sattin, or white Silk Coats, with Chains of Gold, and ſome with rich Jewels; what the Number of Men in Arms was, is not recorded, but it may be gueſſed at by what follows: They Muſtered in Mile-end-Fields, and before Nine of the Clock in the Morning began to March, entring at Aldgate in excellent order down to Weſtminſter, where the King and Court ſtood to view them, paſſing by; thence they Marched about St. James's-Park, ſo through Holborn up to Leaden-Hall, and there Disbanded immediately, and yet this was not done till five of the Clock in the Evening, which was Eight hours continual March.

At His Majeſties Return to his Government, there were in London and the Liberties, ſix Regiments of Trained-Bands, and ſix Regiments of Auxiliaries, and one Regiment of Horſe; theſe thirteen Regiments, about ſix Weeks before his Majeſties arrival, Muſtered in Hyde-Park, being p. 290then drawn out for promoting and ſecuring his Majeſties Return. Theſe twelve Regiments of Foot were 18000 Men compleat. Eight of theſe Regiments had ſeven Companies in each, and the other four had ſix Companies in each, in all Eighty Companies. The Regiment of Horſe of ſix Troops, and 100 in each Troop, this conſiderable Army drawn together before the 20th of May, was Judged to be highly uſeful for facilitating that great Work. Some Months after the King ſent to the City a Commiſſion of Lieutenancy, appointing ſeveral perſons as his Lieutenants in London, giving them the ſame power that the Lords Lieutenants have in their reſpective Counties, and in purſuance of that Commiſſion, the Regiments were new ſettled. There were ſix Regiments of Train-Bands, commanded by ſix Citizens, Knights, and their Lieutenant-Colonels were all Knights, and there were ſix Regiments of Auxiliaries. In all theſe twelve Regiments were 20000 Men; then were liſted two Regiments of Horſe, each conſiſting of five Troops, in all 800 Horſe; theſe were all Drawn into Hide-Park, where His Majeſty was pleas'd to take a view of them. But in caſe of need, it is certain that in London, and within the Liberty, there may in few days be raiſed 400000 Men; Beſides Southwark one Regiment of Train'd-Bands, 1500 Men; The Hamlets of the Tower, two Regiments, in all 3000 Men; then Holborn Regiment, and Weſtminſter Regiment, 2000 each, and in caſe of neceſſity they can raiſe 20000 more; that is in all 66500 Men; and in caſe of abſolute need, they can double that Number, and yet leave enough to manage Trade, &c.

To demonſtrate this, we ſhall look back into former times, when London was far leſs populous, and of leſs dimenſions then Now, and produce what we find Recorded of its Military power.

p. 291Stow in his Survey, p. 85. ſaith, that Anno, 1539▪ 31. H. VIII. a great Muſter was made of the Citizens on the 8th of May, at Mile-end, all in bright Harneſs, with Coats of white Silk or Cloath, and Chains of Gold, in three great Battels to the Number of 15000, which paſſed through London to Weſtminſter, and round St. James's Park, and ſo home through Holborn. This was for the Midſummer Watch, which cuſtom was diſcontinued till 1548. 2 E. 6. and then revived with an Addition of above 300 Demi-La…ces and light Horſemen, prepared by the City, for Scotland, for the Relief of the Town of Haddington, kept by the Engliſh.

The like Marching Watch hath not been uſed ſince, though ſome attempts have been made in order to its continuation, as Anno, 1585. A Book was written by a grave Citizen, Mr. John M…ntgomery, Dedicated to Sir Thomas Pulliſon, then Lord Mayor, and the Aldermen; containing the Manner and Order of a Marching-Watch on the accuſtomed way, wherein he uſed this Motive; That Artificers of ſundry ſorts were thereupon ſet to Work, none but rich men charged, poor men helped, old Souldiers, Trumpets Drummers, Fifes, and Enſign-be…rers, with ſuch like men meet for the Princes Service kept in ure, wherein the… ſafety and defence of every Common-Wealth conſiſteth. Armor and Weapons being yearly uſed thereby, the Citizens had of their own ready prepared for any need; whereas by intermiſſion hereof, Armourers are out of Work. Souldiers out of ure, Weapons over-grown withfoulneſs. few or none good being provided, &c.

Mr. Howel in his Londinopolis, Printed 1657. Writes thus p. 398. For ſtrength Defenſive and Offenſive, for Arms of all ſorts, for Artillery, Amunition, for Arſenals and Docks on both ſides the River, for Caſtles and Block-houſes, &c. London is not inferiour to any; ſhe hath 12000 Trained-Band p. 292Citizens perpetually in a Readineſs excellently Armed, &c. The City of London hath ſent out ſtrong Fleets in former times, to ſcoure and ſecure the Four Seas from Depredations and Pyracy. Anno 1293 She was able to ſet forth a Fleet of 95 Ships— Another Record ſhews, that in King Stephens Reign, the City raiſed 60000 Foot, and 20000 Horſe, for Land Service, which is about 500 years ago.—No place is better furniſhed with Magazines of Corn and Arms againſt a Famine; for beſides that at Leade…-Hall, and the Bridge-Houſe, How many Halls have Store-Houſes of this kind!

By the Computation of humane Souls in this great City, may be gueſſed what Military force may be raiſed, of which the ſaid Author ſays thus.

In the year 1636. King Charles the Firſt ſending to the Lord Mayor, to make a Scrutiny what Number of Papiſts and Strangers were in the City, the Lord Mayor, Sir Edward Bromfield, took occaſion thereby to make a cenſe (or computation) of all the people, and there were of Men, Women, and Children, above 700000 that lived within the Bars of his Juriſdiction alone; and this being ſo long ago, viz. 45 years, 'tis judged by all probable computation, that London hath more by a third part now than at that time. Then the City of Weſtminſter, and all the Suburbs without the Lord Mayor's Juriſdiction, and the contiguous Buildings that joyn with it, as an Intire piece on all ſides, contain by all likely conjecture at leaſt as many more; ſo that taking all together, the Number of humane Souls may amount to above one Million and an half; this computation was thus delivered by Mr. Howel, 24 years ago, and it is certain that the Number is vaſtly encreſed ſince, as may appear by the great Addition of Buildings even within theſe few years. At that time Mr. Howel Judged the Circumference of the City, &c. to be above twelve Miles, but it is p. 293certain whate'er it was then, it is much more now: ſo that upon the whole, if the Number of Inhabitants be no more then as above, and allowing but the tenth part able to bear Arms, the City and Suburbs may raiſe 150000 Fighting-men, of which a third part is enough for a Brave Army, viz. 50000 Men, according to the Modern manner of War.

Beſides theſe Train'd-Bands and Auxilliary-men, before-mentioned, there is the Artillery Company, which is a Nurſery of Souldiers, and hath been ſo threeſcore and odd years. The preſent King liſted himſelf there, when he was Prince of Wales, and ſo did the Duke of York, who commanded that Company; But lately His Majeſty was pleaſed to honour that Company himſelf ſo highly, as to tell them, when they were laſt February about a New Election, that he would Himself be their Leader, which was reſented with the Univerſal Joy of the Company, it being indeed an extraordinary honour, to be under the Immediate Commands of ſo Royal a Leader.

Under His Majeſty there is a Leader who exerciſes this Company every Tueſday fortnight, in the Artillery-Ground, (a ſpacious and delicate green Field, incloſed with a fair Brick-wall, near Moorfields, for that purpoſe.) And the other Tueſday the Exerciſe is performed by the ſeveral Members of the Company, who are there Trained up to Command.

Of this Society there are many of the Nobility, alſo the Lord Mayor, and moſt of the Aldermen, all the Commanders of the Train-Bands and Auxiliaries here Exerciſe Arms. This Company conſiſts of about ſix hundred men. Their Officers are a Leader, two Lieutenants, two Enſigns, two Serjeants, a Provost-Marſhal, three Gentlemen of Arms, &c. They have alſo a Court-Marſhal, conſiſting of a Preſident, a Vice-Preſident, a Treaſurer, and Twenty four Members of the Company.

p. 294On the ſecond Tueſday in February, at a General Rendezvouz every year, the Officers are Elected.

So much of Government: which I ſhall ſhut with the Words of one of the great Magiſtrates of this famous City, viz. Slingsby Bethel Eſq one of the Sheriffs, in a late Paper of his Juſt Vindication againſt the malicious and lying Invectives of ſome baſe, ill-minded perſons, that were ſo impudent to aſperſe him in his Honour and Reputation, upon occaſion of the late Poll in Southwark, where he was one of the Candidates to ſerve for that Burrough in Parliament; but the well known Worth of that wiſe and eminent Gentleman, is above the reach of ſuch Detractors Tongues; for while they go about to ſully his ſpotleſs Reputation, they render it (though againſt their minds,) ſo much the more illuſtrious; all ſober perſons concluding that he muſt needs be a good man, becauſe bad men hate him: for to be praiſed by ſuch is ever eſteem'd a kind of reproach; and ſo the Philoſopher took it, when he exclaim'd (in ſome heat) for being praiſed by a ſcandalous perſon. Which is but by the by, as the impartial ſenſe of one that has not the happineſs of perſonally knowing that worthy perſon; Yet no ſtranger to his due Character.

This City is indeed, (ſaith he, p. 7.) a great and opulent City, full of People and Trade; a City eminent for the great Charters, Priviledges, and Immunities with which it is inveſted; Renowned for its many Courts, and Councels, Companies and Societies; and for the good Laws therein Inſtituted and Ordained for the better Government of the ſeveral Ranks and Orders of men amongſt them, whereby they are enabled to obtain, their own Juſtice, maintain their own Peace, and purſue all the good and advantagious ends of Trade, with the better ſucceſs, and greater ſecurity.

p. 295And as the happineſs and good estate of this City doth depend upon the right uſe and improvement of theſe advantages, and upon a Due and Righteous Execution of thoſe good Laws, ſo the honour and eſteem which this great City moſt juſtly finds from all men, both at home and abroad, doth principally reſult and ariſe from hence.

I confeſs there is another thing that doth well befit this great City, which we call State and Grandeur, which (though it is far below, and differs in the esteem of wiſe men, as much from that honour which I have before deſcribed, as my Lord Mayors Horſe, accoutred with his richeſt furniture and trappings, doth from that Honourable Perſon that ſits upon him cloathed with eminency of Power and Authority) is found nevertheleſs moſt neceſſary to attract that Reverence from the Vulgar and Common People towards ſo Auguſt a Government; which they (giving Judgment of things more by outward appearance, then by intrinſick worth, and real value) would otherwiſe hardly give to the greateſt Potentates.

To this end the City hath its ſeveral Enſigns of Authority and Power, ſitted to all degrees of Magiſtracy, and ſhewing the place they bear in the Government with a becoming Greatneſs. They have their ſolemn Proceſſions and Cavalcades, ſet forth with Habits, Equipages, Attendants, and other Ornaments, ſutable to the ſeveral Degrees and Orders of Men, for the greater State.

They have alſo their Publick Shews and Triumphs upon ſet times and occaſions, adorn'd with much ſplendor, to Entertain and Divert the People with Gaze and Admiration.—And they have (beſides theſe) their publick Feaſts upon ſet times and ſolemn occaſions of aſſembling and rejoycing together for their refreſhment. And I do agree, that as theſe being practiſed with that moderation, and within thoſe limits which the Laws of the City upon great Reaſon p. 296have wiſely Ordained, may be of good Ʋſe to the ends aforeſaid; ſo I have not been wanting in performing my part therein, &c.