The Present State of London, Treatise · Chapter 5 · Section 2

The Present State of London · Treatise · Chapter 5 · Section 2

p. 299SECT. 2.

Of the Merchants of London.

MErchandizing may be ſaid to be an Art or Science, invented by Ingenious Mankind for the Publick Good and Profit of all, ſupplying (as was ſaid,) the Native wants of one Place, by the abundance of others, that do not Conſume their own Growths, Products, or Manufactures. Such as Negotiate and Traffick this way are called Merchants. The things Sold or Exchanged are two. Firſt, Wares or Goods. And Secondly, Moneys or Coyn, which are uſually Contracted or Bargained for, three ways.

Firſt, When Goods are Exchanged for Goods; that is, ſo much of one Sort, for like value of another, and this is called Bartering, uſual here in old times, and in many places of America, Aſia, and Affrica in theſe days: but in Proceſs of time, Men finding it too difficult and troubleſom to carry about them, all things thus Bargained and Truckt for, from place to place, invented a common Standard, or Meaſure that ſhould countervail, and be in Value as all other things, and be Accounted in Payments, Satiſfaction and Equivalency to all others: and this is called Money, of Gold Silver, or other Mettals. This Uſe of Money is as old as Abraham, but it was not then Coyned, but only in Pieces Unſtampt; and ſince by Authority of Princes, it was divided into great and ſmall Pieces, and into ſeveral and Diſtinct parts and Denominations, and Stampt or Coyned with ſeveral Characters, denoting the true Weight and Value of the ſame. This was done firſt by Servius in Rome, of Braſs, whereon was Imprinted the Image of Sheep and Oxen, betokening the Wealth and Riches of thoſe days; ten of thoſe Pieces made a p. 300Denier or Penny, and were called by Latines, Denarii. This was the Original of Money, which afterward came to be Coyned of Silver and Gold.

Secondly, The Second way is of Goods for Money, and this is Termed Bargaining, or Buying and Selling; this Facilitates Merchandizing, and to prevent the Inconvenience and Danger of the Carriage of Money about a Man, another Medium was found, and that was:

Thirdly, Exchanging, which is the giving of ſo much Money in one Place to one, who ſhould cauſe it to be again repay'd in another place by another for him. In all Exchanges there is concluded two Payments, two places, and four diſtinct Perſons, viz. he that Payeth in one place, and Receiveth in another; and he that Receiveth in the one place, and Payeth in the other, and ſo no Man can Remit, except there be another to Draw; nor can any Receive, except there be another Authorized to Pay.

The firſt of theſe ways was taught to Ma…kind by Neceſſity, the ſecond was found out to Facilitate the firſt, and the third to Facilitate the ſecond. Thus was the Original of Exchanges, to Accommodate Commerce, which was firſt Practized without Benefit or Loſs, or any other Conſideration, they uſing to Pay the Value of the very Sum Received: but in time it came to be conſidered, that the Party Paying, loſes time, and runs a hazard, and therefore it was held reaſonable that he ſhould have ſome benefit. Hence Exchanges are converted to an Art or Myſtery, Moneys being remitted for benefit, without ſo much reſpect to the end of its Original Inſtitution.

In the firſt ſort, the Merchant ought to know the Commodities delivered and received, the preſent Value of both the quality, viz. whether laſting or periſhable; the property, viz. whether of Natural growth, or Artificial; and laſtly, the quantity, viz. whether plentiful… or ſcarce, and in few Lands.

p. 301In the ſecond ſort, the ſame things are neceſſary, and alſo a knowledge how the things are bought and ſold, whether by weight, as ponderous Goods; by concave or long meaſures, as Commodities of length; or ſuch as are Solid or Liquid. A knowledge of Weights and Meaſures of the Fineneſs, Goodneſs, and Currant Value of Money, &c. A Merchant is to know what to Bargain for, how to Bargain, when to Bargain, and with whom, which comprehends the knowledge of the Commodity, Weights and Meaſures, proper Seaſons, and credit of the Party Bargained with.

In the third ſort there is neceſſary, a knowledge of the Fineneſs, Goodneſs, and Currant Value, of the Princes Coin, where the Remitter and Party Receiving abide,—a knowledge of the Currant Rate of Exchanging, of the Par, or Value for Value, both according to the Standard of the Country, and according to the Valuation of the Currant Coin there paſſable. Then of the Uſance of the Place,—and a knowledge of the Drawer and Receiver.—As alſo the due Manner, and Form of making of all Legal Intimations, Proteſts, and other ſuch needful Inſtruments, Circumſtances and Obſervations, as are requiſite upon Default of Payment, according to the ſtrict and Solemn Rules required in a Bill of Exchange. Theſe General Heads are not to inſtruct Merchants, but to give a kind of a view of this Noble Calling to others that are ſtrangers to it.

More particularly in this Famous City, is a great Number of Merchants, who for Wealth, for Stately Houſes within the City in Winter; and without, in Summer, for rich Furniture, plentiful Tables, Honorable living, for great Eſtates in Money and Land, excel ſome Princes in ſome of our Neighbour Nations. A great many of whom have frequently born the Dignity of the Chief Magiſtracy in the City, and have been Bountiful and very Liberal Benefactors to the Publick, and other Pious Uſes.

p. 302The Merchants of London have been by divers Princes of this Kingdom Incorporated into Societies and Companies, to incourage their Endeavours, and in reward of the Diſcoveries of the Trade of thoſe Countries, whereof they take their Name, they have Power and Immunities, granted them, do make Acts and Orders for the Benefit of Commerce in General, and of their Companies in particular.

The Antienteſt of theſe, called the Company of Merchant Adventurers, have had their Original and Continuance ſince Edward the Firſt, Grounded at firſt upon the Exportation of Wo…ll only, as the Prime and Staple Commodity of England; but now upon Cloathing, into which the Wooll is converted: that King Removed the Staple out of Flanders, and allured over ſome Flemings which taught the Engliſh to make Cloth, ſo that they are now the beſt Clothiers or Cloth-Workers in the World,—And to Encourage them, he Enacted in the twenty ſeventh of His Reign, by Statute, that it ſhould be Felony to Tranſport Wools unwrought. This Staple was afterwards Removed to Callais, to Inrich it; afterwards to Antwerp, Middleborough, Stoad, Delph, Rotterd…m, and Hamborough.—It now includes all Drapery, and is Govern'd beyond Sea by a Deputy and certain Aſſistants, and in England by a Governour, Deputy, and certain Aſſiſtants. Stow ſays, that the Company of Merchants called the Staple, were Incorporated by Edward III. But the Merchant Adventurers by Edward IV.

p. 303The Company of Merchants of Levant, termed Turky Merchants, were Incorporated by Queen Elizabeth, and had their Charter Confirmed and Enlarged by King James. They firſt made diſcoveries into the Traffick of the Seigniory of Venice, and the Dominions of the great Turk, having then the priviledges of the Eaſt-Indian Traffick,—the Navigation to us then unknown by Sea, but the Portugals knew it.

Now there is a Great and Eminent Company, that Manage the Eaſt-India Trade, and by themſelves Incorporated, in Queen Elizabeths time, Anno 1600. Imploying a Joynt Stock, they have a Great Capital, or Houſe, called the Eaſt-India-Houſe; by the ſaid Trade and Stock they have Built many Warlike Ships, and brought all thoſe Indian Commodities to our homes, which before were brought to us by other Nations; both which Companies, (viz. the Levant and Eaſt-India,) now ſupply our Land, and by their ſecond Tranſportation many other Countries, with thoſe rich Merchandizes which Veneria, Turky, Arabia, Perſia, China, and India yeild; theſe have their reſpective Governors, to which are joyned certain Commiſſioners and Aſſiſtants.

The Company of Merchants of Ruſſia were Incorporated by King Edward VI and their Charter Confirmed and Enlarged by Queen Elizabeth. As alſo the Company of Merchants of Ebbing, the Eaſtland Company,—the Green-Land Company,—the Spaniſh Company,—the French Company of New Adventurers,— the Company of French ….— p. 304There is alſo the Merchants of Virginia, Bermudas or Summer Iſlands, the Affirican or Guiney Company, &c.

Theſe Companies, beſides others not at all Incorporated, being encouraged by ſundry Priviledges, Govern themſelves by ſetled Acts and Orders, under certain choſen Governors, Deputies, and a Selected Number of Aſſiſtants, which have been found to be ſo profitable to theſe Kingdoms, by Exporting the Native Commodities thereof, by ſetting the Poor on Work, by Building of many brave Ships, and by Importing hither of ſundry Neceſſaries, both for Uſe and Ornament, that the Benefit thereof cannot here be certainly expreſſed. But for a taſte, I ſhall Tranſcribe one Inſtance from Mr. Lewis Roberts in his Map of Commerce, Written near Fifty Years ago, about the Levant Company in particular. It was found (ſays he, p. 295.) that in our laſt Voyage to Cales, and to the Iſle of Rhee, they were the owners of Twenty great Sail of Ships, that ſerved in both thoſe Voyages, and it is probable that they are owners of Thirty Sail more, which one with the other, may contain 12 or 13000 Tuns of Burthen, 1200 Guns at leaſt, and about 4 or 5000 Sa…lers Yearly, beſides Porters, Weighers, Bargemen, Lightermen, Carmen, which cannot be leſs than 2 or 3000 more, and they pay above 50000 l. Yearly Cuſtoms to the King, partly by Exportation of Cloth, Tin, and other Goods, and partly Importation of Silks, Cottons, Galls, Grograms, Spices, Drugs, Currans, and other Levantine Commodities. Which ſhews the great Benefit of a well Govern'd Trade. And we may well Eſtimate, if it was ſo then, that 'tis much greater now, and that the Benefit of theſe, and the other Eſtinent Societies, to this City and Kingdom, is mighty conſiderable.

p. 305…. Of the Trade of London into the Country.

OF this we need ſay no more, but what is expreſſed already, it being ſo Univerſally known to the whole Land; The Londoners uſing to ſupply all the Trading places of the Kingdom, eſpecially on great Fairs, to which they reſort in great Numbers, and afford their Goods at the beſt hand; to their own and their Countries great Benefit; and in Requital, the Adjacent Counties ſupply the City with all manner of Neceſſaries for Food, Hay, Fuel, &c. inſomuch that Strangers have admired at the Prodigious plenty of all Sorts that are to be ſeen in the Great and well Furniſhed Markets of Leaden-Hall, Stocks, Milk-ſhreet, Newgate, Clare, South-hampton, St. Albans, Weſtminſter, Hungerford and Brooks, with ſeveral others; ſo that here is a perpetual Mart, where any ſort of Goods may be Purchaſed at a Convenient and Reaſonable Rate. Nor is there any Place in the Kingdom where Poor People (or ſuch as would be very Frugal) may live Cheaper; or the Splendid Liver, Gallanter, &c.

The Laws of the Market. Stow. p. 664.

1. IN all the Markets of this City, no Victual ſhall be Sold, but by the Price ſet by the Mayor of this City.

2. No Man ſhall Foreſtall any Victual coming to the Market; as for to Buy in any Inn or other prlvy place, or yet coming to the Market, whether it be found in the Hands of the Buyer, or of the Seller, under pain of Forfeiture of the ſame: And no Inn-holder ſhall ſuffer any thing to be Sold in his Houſe, upon pain of Forfeiture of Forty Shillings.

p. 3063. No man ſhall regrate any Victuals which is in the Market, or buy any Victual to ingrate in the Market, ſo that the Commons can or may have any part of ſuch Victual, as in eſpecial ſuch as be known for Hucksters, or other people occupying their Living by ſuch Victual as they would ſo ingreſs, under pain of forfeiture of ſuch Victuals ſo regrated: Provided always, that any Steward for any Noble Feaſt, may buy or ingrate ſuch Victual as is convenient for the ſame Feaſt.

4. No Butter ſhall be ſold but according to the Weight, for the time of the year allowed.

5. No Po…lt…rers ſhall deceiveably occupy the Market, to ſell any ſtale Victual, or ſuch as be Poulterers of this City, for to ſtand in ſtrange Cloathing ſo to do, under pain of forty ſhillings, and the forfeiture of ſuch Victual, forty ſhillings.

6. No Huckſters ſhall ſtand or ſit in the Market, but in the lower place, and the ends of the Market, to the intent they may be perfectly known, and the ſtranger-market-people have the preheminence of the Market, under pain of three ſhillings four pence, if the Hucksters diſobey the ſame.

7. No unwholeſom or ſtale Victual ſhall be ſold under pain of forty ſhillings, and forfeiture of the ſame Victuals.

Of the Foreign-Trade of London.

4. AS to the Trade of London into Foreign Parts, we have almoſt prevented our ſelf by what is delivered before; we ſhall therefore only add, that England abounding with many rich and uſeful native Commodities, as Woollen-Cloaths of all ſorts, Broad and Narrow, called by ſeveral Names in ſeveral Shires, alſo Perpetuances, Bays, Says, Serges, Cottons, Kerſies, Buffins, Mocadoes, Grogams, Sattins, p. 307Tabbys, Calimancaes, Camlets, Velvets, Pluſhes, Worſteds, Fuſtians, Durances, Tukes, Crapes, Flannels, and infinite others.—Furrs and Skins, as Coney-skins, Squirrel-skins, Fitches, Calf-skins, Hides, &c.

Mines, as Tin, Lead, Allom, Copper, Iron of all ſorts, Sea-Cole, Salt, &c.

All manner of Grain, as Oats, Peaſe, Bar…y, Rye, and Wheat in great plenty, &c. Alſo Linnen-Cloath, Fl…x, Hemp, &c. All Iron Wares, Tallou…, Leather, Glaſſes of all ſorts, and Glaſs; Venice Gold and Silver, Train-Oyl, Salmons, Pilchards, Herrings, H…ke, Conger, Haberdine, Cod, Ling, Hops, Wood, Butter, Cheeſe, Beer, Cyder, Salt-Peter, Gunpowder, Honey, Wax, Alabaſter, and other Stones, Woolls, Woolfells, Yarn, Fullers-Earth, Saffron, Liquoris, &c. and many other good and rich Commodities, too tedious to be enumerated; the Merchants of London do yearly export great Quanties of ſuch of theſe Goods, as are not prohibited, to Foreign Markets, and make good Returns, and bring to ſupply the Kingdom, a great deal of Treaſure and rich Commodities from all parts of the World, to the enriching of themſelves, unſpeakable benefit of the Nation, and credit of the Engliſh in general, who are generally as fair Dealers as any in the World, and of as active and undertaking Souls; and the Principal Seat or Emporium of this great Trade, is the great and famous City of London.

Of the Corporations of London.

5. THe other Traders in London are divided into Companies or Corporations; who are as ſo many Bodies Politique. Of theſe there are Twelve called the Chief Companies, and he that is choſen Lord Mayor, muſt be free of one of theſe Companies, which are

p. 3081. Mercers, 2. Grocers, 3. Drapers, 4. Fiſhmengers. 5. Goldſmiths, 6. Skinners, 7. Merchant-Taylors, 8. Haberdaſhers, 9. Salters, 10. Ironmongers, 11. Vintners, 12 Clothworkers.

And if it happen that the Lord Mayor Elect, is of any other Company, he preſently removes to one of the Twelve. All theſe Companies have Aſſembly-places, called Halls, which are ſo many Baſilikes, or ſtately and ſumptuous Palaces, worthy to be view'd by all Strangers. It hath been the Cuſtom of our Kings to honour ſome of theſe Companies by taking their Freedom thereof; and the preſent King was pleaſed to be made Free of the Company of Grocers, and the preſent Prince of Orange was not long ago made free of the Company of Drapers.

Each Company or Myſtery hath a Maſter annually choſen, from among themſelves, and other ſubordinate Governours called Wardens, or Aſſiſtants. Theſe do exactly correſpond with the general Government of the City, by a Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Councel; who are ſelected out of theſe ſeveral Companies, ſo excellent a harmony there is in this Government.

p. 309Of the Twelve Chief Companies out of which the Lord Mayor is to be annually Choſen.

1. MERCERS.

The Mercers have been always allowed the firſt place, who were Incorporated into a Society 17 R. 2. Anno 1393. For their Arms, they bear Gules, a Maiden-head proper crown'd, Or, Waſcot purple, iſſuing out of Clouds proper, within a Bordure Nebulee, Or.

2. GROCERS.

The Grocers were at firſt call'd Pepperers, and Incorporated by the name of Grocers, Anno 1345. 20 E. 3. They bear a Chevron, nine Cloves Sable, with this Motto, God grant Grace; Supporters Helm and Creſt, granted by Clarencieux, in the Reign of H. 8. Anno 1562.

p. 3103. DRAPERS.

The Drapers were Incorporated, 17 H. 6. An. 1430. The Arms firſt granted by Garter; Creſt and Supporters by Clarencieux. The Coat Gules, three Triple Crowns, Or, Capt Gules iſſuing out of Clouds reſting upon Sunbeams; their Motto, Ʋnto God only be Honour and Glory.

4. FISH MONGERS.

The Fiſhmongers were at firſt two Companies, to wit, Stock-Fiſhmongers, and Salt-Fiſhmongers; but 28 H. 8. They were imbodied into one Company; Their Arms Azure, three Dolphins in pale paper crown'd, Or, betwixt four lives Salterways Argent, all crown'd Or, on a Chief Gules, three Croſs-keys Salterways Argent, the Motto, All Worſhip be to God only.

5. GOLDSMITHS.

The Goldſmiths were Incorporated 16 R. 2. Their Arms quarterly Gules and Azure, two Leopards heads, Or, two Golden Cups covered 'twixt two Buckles Or, the Motto, To God only be all Glory.

p. 3116. SKINNERS.

The Skinners were Incorporated 1 E. 3. Anno 1327. and made a perfect Fraternity, 18 R. 2. Their Arms Ermin on a Chief, Gules, three Ducal Crowns, Or, ſin'd of the firſt, their Motto the the ſame with the Goldſmiths, To God only be all Glory.

7. MERCHANT-TAYLORS.

The firſt Patent of theſe Arms were granted by Clarencieux, to the Company of Taylors and Linnen Armourers, 21 E. 4. 1480. And Incorporated 17 H. 7. 1501. by the name of Merchant-Taylors. Their Arms Argent a Tent, two Robes Gules on a Chief Azure, a Lyon paſſant, regardant, Or; the Motto, Concordia parvae res creſcunt.

8. HABERDASHERS.

The Haberdaſhers, called of old Hurrers, were Incorporated a Society of St. Katharines 26 H. 6. Anno 1447. Confirmed 17 H. 7. by the name of Merchant-Haberdaſhers. Their Coat Nebulee Argent and Azure, on a Bend Gules, a Lyon paſſant, regardant, Or; the Creſt and Supporters, granted by Clarencieux, Anno 1571. The Motto, Serve and Obey.

p. 3129. SALTERS.

The Salters had the Arms of … Society given them, 22 H. 8. Anno 1530. the Creſt and Supporters by … Clarencieux, 29 Eliz. Anno 1587. The Coat party per Chevron, Azure and Gules, three Salts covered, over-flowing, Argent, with this Motto, Sal ſapit omnia.

10. IRONMONGERS.

The Iron-mongers were Incorporated 3 E. 4. 1462. Their Arms Granted by Lancaſter King at Arms, Marſhal to Clarencieux, An. 1455. 34 H. 6. Their Coat Argent on a Chevron, Gules, three Lockets capted, Or, between three Steel Gads, Azure.

11. VINTERS.

The Vintners were Incorporated by E. 3. by the name of Wine-Tonners, confirmed 15. H. 6. Anno. 1436. Their Arms firſt Granted by Clarencieux, 6 H. 6. 1427. They bear Sable a Chevron, between three Tunns Argent.

p. 31312. CLOATH-WORKERS.

The Cloath-Workers grew to be a Company, 22 H. 8. Anno 1530. Their Arms then Granted by Clarencieux, Sable a Chevron Ermin in Chief, two Crabbets Argent in baſe, a Beazel, Or, Supporters and Creſt granted by Clareucieux, Anno 1587.

The other Corporations, beſides theſe Twelve, enjoy large Privileges by the King's Charter, and they have fair Halls to meet in, moſt of which were conſumed in the great Fire, Anno 1666. but they are ſince rebuilt for the moſt part in a very ſtately and magnificent manner: The Hall belonging to the Company of Dyers was a few weeks ago conſumed by an unhappy Fire that happen'd near, as were alſo ſome Houſes in Thames-street.

Of the other Corporations in London.

1. DYERS.

The Dyers were firſt Incorporated by a ſpecial Charter of H. 6. 16 Feb. in the 49th of his Reign. Their Coat a Chevron Engrail'd between three Woolſacks.

p. 3142. BREWERS.

The Brewers were Incorporated 22d February 6 H. 6. and confirm'd 13 July 2. Eliz. Their Coat is a Chevron Engrailed, Argent, three Tunns Sable, 'twixt 6 Garbes Salterways, Or.

3. LEATHER-SELLERS.

The Company of Leather-Sellers is ancient, for they were firſt Incorporated, 6 R. 2. Their Coat is three Bucks trippant regardant Gules.

4. PEWTERERS.

The Pewterers were Incorporated in the Reign of E. 4. in the 13 of his Reign, Jan. 20. Their Arms Azure, on a Chevron Or, three Roſes Gules between.

p. 3155. BARBER-CHYRƲRGEONS.

The Barber-Chyrurgeons were Incorporated by Edw. 4. but confirmed by every King and Queen ſince, with enlargments. Their Arms are a Croſs quarter'd Gules, a Lyon paſſant gardant, Or, in the firſt quarter a Chevron between three. In the ſecond party, per pale Argent and vert, a Roſe crown'd with an Imperial Crown, the firſt as the fourth, the ſecond as the third.

6. ARMOƲRERS.

The Armourers were Incorporated in the beginning of H. 6. the King himſelf being pleaſed to be Free of their Company. Their Arms Argent on a Chevron Gules, a Gantlet between four Swords in Saltire, on a Chief Sable, a Buckler Argent, charg'd with Croſs Gules, betwixt 2 Helmets of the firſt.

7. WHITE-BAKERS.

This Company are of great Antiquity; they were a Company 1 E. 2. had a new Charter, 1 H. 7. confirm'd by H. 8. E. 6. Queen Ma. Queen Eliz. and King James. Their Arms Gules three Garbs, Or, on a Chief, an arm iſſuing out of the Clouds proper, holding a pair of Scales, Or, between three Anchors of the firſt.

p. 3168. WAX-CHANDLERS.

Theſe are alſo of ancient ſtanding, and much uſed in times of Popery; they became Incorporated, Anno 1484. 2 R. 3. Their Arms Azure on a Chevron between three Lamps Argent, three Roſes Gules.

9. TALLOW-CHANDLERS.

This is a Society of great Antiquity, firſt formally Incorpora…ed 2 E. 4. Their Arms a Pale counterchang'd Argent, and Azure between th…ee Doves Argent volant, with O…ve branches vert▪

10. CƲTLERS.

Incorporated beginning H. 5. Their Arms ſix Swords Salterways proper.

p. 31711. GIRDLERS.

Incorporated 6th Auguſt, 27 H. 6. yet very ancient. Their Arms Azure, Or, and a pale between three Gridirons Azure.

12. BƲTCHERS.

This Company came not to be Incorporated till the third of King James, then they were made a Corporation by the Name of Maſter, Wardens and Commonalty of the Art and Myſtery of Butchers, yet the Fraternity… is ancient; their Arms Azure, two Axes Salterways Argent, between two Roſes Argent, as many Bulls heads Cowped of the ſecond attir'd, Or, a Bores head Gules, 'twixt two Garbs vert.

13. SADLERS.

This Company is very ancient, as ſhewing their beginning in the times of E. 1. have continued in their Livery, and given Livery …ear 400 years; what the ſaid King and R. 2. H. 4. E. 2. E. 3. H. 5. H. 6. E. 4. R. 3. H. 7. H. 8. E. 6. gave, King James confirm'd. Their Arms a Chevron, between three Saddles, Or.

p. 31814. CARPENTERS.

This Ancient Company were Incorporated by Letters Patents of Edw. 4. in his 17th year, the 7th of July, by the Name of the Maſter, Warden, and Commonalty of the Myſtery of Freemen of the Carpentry of the City of London. Their Arms Azure, a Chevron engrailed between three Compaſſes Argent.

15. CORDWAINERS.

This Company of Shoomakers, called Cordwainers of old, were Incorporated 17. H. 6. and confirmed by all Kings ſince. Their Arms Azure a Chevron Or, between three Goats heads, eraſed Argent, attir'd Or.

16. PAINTERS.

This Company having the Addition of Painters-Stainers are of high Antiquity, yet not Incorporated till Anno 1580. 23 of Qu. Eliz.

p. 31917. CƲRRIERS.

Theſe are alſo Ancient, but Incorporated, 12 June, 3 Jacobi. Their Arms Azure, a Croſs ingrailed, Or, between four Saws Salterways Argent.

18. MASONS.

The Company of Maſons, called Free-Maſons, were a loving Brotherhood for many Ages, yet not regulated into a Society till 12 H. 4. Their Arms Sable, on a Chevron between three Caſtles Argent, a pair of Compaſſes of the firſt.

19. PLƲMMERS.

Incorporated 9 Jacobi, yet a a very Ancient Fellowſhip,

p. 32020. INHOLDERS.

Incorporated 6. H. 8. Their Arms a Chevron quarterly Or. and Gules counterchanged between three Garbs Or.

21. FOƲNDERS.

Incorporated 18th Sept. 12 Jacobi; Their Coat, Gules, a Spoon-pot 'twixt two Candleſticks, Or.

22. EMBROIDERERS.

Incorporated 4th Eliz. Their Arms Barry of 8 Argent, and Azure on a Feſſe, Or, a Cup Argent, between as many Lyons paſſant regardant.

p. 32123. POƲLTERS.

Incorporated 19 H. 7. Their Arms are three Swans of the firſt, as many Herons of the ſecond.

24. COOKS.

Incorporated 12 E. 4. Their Arms a Chevron Sable, between three Burray branches proper.

25. COOPERS.

Incorporated 16 H. 7. by the name of Maſter, Wardens, or Keepers of the Commonalty of the Freemen of the Myſtery of Coopers in London, and the Suburbs of the ſame City; Their Arms party per pale Gules, and Or, a Chevron between three Hoops in a Chief Azure.

p. 32226. TYLERS and BRICK-LAYERS,

Though very ancient, yet not Incorporated till the 10th of Qu. Eliz. Their Arms Azure, a Chevron, a Flower-de-luce, Or, in Chief, 'twixt two Gads of Steel of the ſecond.

27. BOWYERS.

This Company though of great Antiquity and Honour to the Engliſh Nation; yet their Incorporation was but 21 of K. James. Their Arms Sable on a Chief, three Mullets on the firſt, between three Saws of the firſt.

28. FLETCHERS.

Theſe are alſo a Corporation; Their Arms Sable, a Chevron Or, between three Arrows Argent.

p. 32329. BLACK-SMITHS.

A very ancient Fraternity, Incorporated 20th of Eliz. Their Arms Sable, a Chevron between three Hammers crowned Or.

30. JOYNERS.

Joyners, or Seelers, were Incorporated by Qu. Eliz. in her 13th Year: Their Arms Gules, a Chevron, 'twixt two Compaſſes, and a Globe Argent, on a Chief pale Gules, charged with an Eſcalop, Or, between two Roſes of the firſt.

31. PLAISTERERS.

Incorporated in the Reign of H. 7. Their Arms Azure, an Eſchutcheon, Or, a Roſe between two Flower-de-luces Gules, two Hammers and a Bruſh Argent.

p. 32432. WEAVERS.

The Company of Weavers were of very ancient Note, as having three ſeveral Societies of themſelves, viz. the Woollen-Weavers, the Arras-Weavers, and the Linnen-Weavers. Their Arms Azure, three Leopards heads, with three Shuttles in their Mouths, Argent, on a Chevron Gules, Or between.

33. FRƲITERERS.

Incorporated 3 Jacobi; Their Arms Argent, the Tree of Paradiſe between Adam and Eve proper.

34. SCRIVENERS.

An ancient Society Incorporated 28 Jan. 14 Jacobi: Their Arms an Eagle volant, holding in his Mouth a Penner and Inkhorn.

p. 32535. BOTTLE-MAKERS and HORNERS.

As for theſe, the precedent times have remembred them to be of Antiquity, and two Diſtinct Companies combined in one: But I find (ſaith Stow, page 638.) no Record that they were at any time Incorporated.

36. STATIONERS.

This Company was of great Antiquity before Printing was invented: Their old Dwelling was in Pater-Noſter-Row, and the parts adjoyning, yet not Incorporated till 3 Ph. and Mary ▪ Their Arms Argent, on a Chevron between three Bibles Or, a Falcon volant between two Roſes, the Holy Ghoſt in Chief.

37. MARBLERS.

The Company call'd the Marblers, or Sculpters, are in one Fraternity with the Maſons, yet they have a different Coat, viz. a Chevron between two, and a Mallet Argent.

p. 32638. WOOL-PACKERS.

There was a Company of Wool-packers in the time of the Hans, when the Staple of Wool flouriſhed, their Coat Azure, a Wool-ſack Argent.

39. FARRIERS.

Had their riſe from Henry de Ferraris, a Norman, who was Maſter of the Horſe to the Conqueror, who gave him the honour of Tutbury, the firſt preferment of the Ferrars. Their Arms three Horſe-ſhoos Azure.

40. PAVIOƲRS.

This is an ancient Company, their Coat Argent, a Chevron between three Rummers Sable.

p. 32741. LORINORS.

Their Arms are Gules on a Chevron Argent, three Horſe-Combs 'twixt three Roſes Argent.

42. BROWN-BAKERS.

Incorporated 19 Jacobi; their Arms Gules, a hand iſſuing out of the Clouds a chief Barry wavie, Or and Azure, on a Chevron Gules.

43. WOOD-MONGERS.

Incorporated 3 Jacobi. Their Coat Argent, a Chevron 'twixt three Faggots Sable.

p. 32844. ƲPHOLSTERS, or ƲPHOLDERS.

Their Arms Sable, three Tents Gules on a Chevron Or, three Tents of the ſecond.

45. TƲRNERS.

Incorporated 2 Jacobi. Their Coat Azure, a Katharine-wheel Argent.

46. GLAZIERS.

Their Arms two Croſiers Salterways Sable, four Sprigs on a Chief Gules, a Lyon paſſant Gardant, Or.

p. 32947. CLARKS.

The Company of Clarks, called Pariſh-Clarks, is ancient, and ſtand Regiſter'd in the Books of Guild-Hall. They were incorporated 17 H. 3. Their Arms Azure, a Flower-de-luce, Or, on a Chief Gules, a Leopards head 'twixt two Books, Or.

48. WATER-MEN

Have for their Arms barry waive of ſix, Azure, and Argent, a Lighter proper on a chief Gules, a pair of Oars Salterways, 'twixt two Cuſhions, Or.

49. APOTHECARYES.

This Company having ſeparated themſelves from the ancient Society of the Grocers, grew ſo much in favour with King James, that he uſed to call them his Company; and therefore gave them a Charter of Incorporation the 15th of his Reign. Amongſt many worthy Members of this Company, I may not forget Dr. Gideon De Laune, Apothecary to p. 330King James, a man noted for many ſingularities in his time, a great Benefactor to to the Publick, and particularly to the Foundation of the Apothecaries-Hall in Black-Fryars, where his Statue, in white Marble, is to be ſeen to this day. And to whom I have the honour to be nearly related, which is not the Reaſon that I mention him, but to perpetuate his Memory as well as others, as his due deſert; he liv'd piouſly to the age of 97 years, and worth (notwithſtanding his many acts of publick and private piety,) near as many thouſand pounds as he was years, having 37 Children by one Wife, and about 60 Grand-children at his Funeral. His famous Pill is in great requeſt to this day, notwithſtanding the Swarms of pretenders to Univerſal Pill-making. This little digreſſion, I hope, will not be offenſive.

50. SILK-THROWERS.

This Company was made a Fellowſhip of this City, 19 Jacobi; and Incorporated by the name of the Maſter, Wardens, Aſſiſtants, and Commonalty of the Trade or Myſtery of Silk-throwers of the City of London, 13 April, 5 Car. 1.

Beſides theſe there are ſeveral other Societies, of which more hereafter.

Theſe Corporations, or Bodies-Politick, have all their ſtately ſpacious Halls (as was ſaid) with Clerks and other Miniſterial Officers, to attend them when they meet to conſult about the regulation of their reſpective Societies, and for promoting publick Good, and advancement of Trade and Wealth, as alſo when they meet at their ſumptuous and ſplendid Feaſts. And in this London ſurpaſſeth all other Cities.

p. 331The Arms of LONDON

To conclude our Heraldry, the Arms of this Illuſtrious City ſhall bring up the Rear, as well as it has been placed in the Front. It is Argent, Croſs Gules, with the Sword of St. Paul, not Sir William Wallworth's Dagger, as ſome have conceited; for this Coat did belong to the City before the ſaid Sir William Walworth, Lord Mayor, ſlew the Rebel Wat Tyler, as learned Antiquaries Affirm.

The Oath of a Freeman.

YE ſhall Swear that ye ſhall be good and true to our Soveraign Lord King Charles the p. 332Second, and to the Heirs of our ſaid Soveraign Lord the King. Obeyſant and Obedient ye ſhall be to the Mayor and Miniſters of this City, the Franchiſes and Cuſtoms thereof, ye ſhall maintain, and this City keep harmleſs in that which in you is. Ye ſhall be contributary to all manner of charges within this City, as Summons, Watches, Contributions, Taxes, Tallages, Lot and Scot, and to all charges, bearing your part as a Freeman ought to do. Ye ſhall colour no Forreigners Goods, under, or in your Name, whereby the King or this City might or may loſe their cuſtoms or advantages. Ye ſhall know no Foreigner to buy or ſell any Merchandize with any Foreigner within this City or Franchiſe thereof, but ye ſhall warn the Chamberlain thereof, or ſome Minister of the Chamber. Ye ſhall implead or ſue no Freeman out of this City, whiles ye may have Right and Law within the ſame City. Ye ſhall take none Apprentice, but if he be Free-born (that is to ſay) no Bondmands Son, nor the Son of any Alien, and for no leſs term than for ſeven Years, without fraud or deceit: and within the firſt Year ye ſhall cauſe him to be inrolled, or elſe pay ſuch Fine as ſhall be reaſonably impoſed upon you for omitting the ſame: And after his terms end, within convenient time (being required) ye ſhall make him Free of this City, if he have well and truly ſerved you. Ye ſhall alſo keep the King's Peace in your own perſon. Ye ſhall know no Gatherings, Conventicles, or Conſpiracies made againſt the Kings Peace, but ye ſhall warn the Mayor thereof, or let it to your power. All theſe points and Articles ye ſhall well and truly keep according to the Laws and Cuſtoms of this City to your power, ſo God you help, &c.

p. 333Of the Guild-Hall.

PAge 160. The Reader was referred to what ſhould be ſpoken about the great Guild-Hall, to the Chapter of Government, where an account has been given of the ſeveral Courts there, therefore there is no need of further addition here as to that, only we ſhall briefly remark its Antiquity.

Fabian ſays, that this Hall was begun to be built New, Anno 1411. 12 H. 4. By Sir Thomas Knolles then Lord Mayor, and his Brethren the Aldermen, and made a large and great Houſe. 1 H. 6. The Executors of Sir Richard Whittington gave towards the paving of this great Hall, 20 l. and next year 15 l. more, to the ſaid pavement with hard ſtone of Purbeck; they alſo Glazed the Windows thereof, and of the Lord Mayors Court, on every of which the Arms of Sir Richard Whittington were placed. The Foundation of the Mayors Court was laid 3. H. 6. and of the Porch on the South-ſide of the Court; Then were built the Lord Mayors Chamber, the Councel-Chamber, and other Rooms above ſtairs. The New Councel-Chamber (a very good and honourable Deed) with a fair Room over it, appointed for a Treaſury for the Books and Records of the City, and another Room underneath for neceſſary uſe and Employment, was begun, Anno 1614. and finiſhed Michaelmas 1615. at the charge of 1740 l. which was well well beſtowed. The Kitchins, &c. were built about Anno 1501. for accommodation of the Lord Mayors Feaſt, by means of Sir John Shaa, Goldſmith, Lord Mayor, who kept the firſt Lord Mayors Feaſt there, which were wont to be kept before in Merchant-Taylors, or Grocers-Hall, &c. The adjoyning Chappel or College of Mary Magdalen, and All-Saints, was called London-College, p. 334built, Anno 1299. which had a Cuſtos, ſeven Chaplains, three Clerks, and four Quiristers. Adjoying to this Chappel was a fair and large Library, pertaining to the Guild-Hall and College; but the Books (to the quantity of three-ſcore Cartloads**Howel. p. 118.) in Edw. 6. time were ſent for by Edw. Duke of Somerſet, with promiſe to reſtore them, but they were never return'd. The Library was built by the Executors of Sir Richard Whittington aforeſaid; and by W. Bury.

This great Guild-Hall was deſtroyed by the great Fire, 1666, but very Magnificently rebuilt; In the great Hall, on the Eaſt-end, it is very Richly hung with the lively Effigies of His Majeſty and the Duke of York, and round about on all ſides, it is adorn'd with the coſtly and lively Pictures of the great Miniſters of State, and Judges of the Land. There are many large and ſpacious Courts and Offices, where the Reſpective Affairs of the City are managed as before in the Section of the Civil-Government of London.

Of Blackwell-Hall.

THis place was purchaſed by the Lord Mayor and Commonalty, for 50 l. 20. R. 2. and employed as a Weekly Market-place for all ſorts of Woollen-Cloaths, broad and narrow, brought from all parts of the Kingdom there to be ſold. 21 R. 2. It was Decreed, that no Foreigner or Stranger ſhould ſell any Woollen-Cloath, but in Blackwell-Hall, upon pain of forfeiture thereof. It was Rebuilt, being decayed, Anno 1558. at the charge of 2500 l. to which Richard May, Merchant-Taylor, gave 300 l. at his Deceaſe.

p. 335It was deſtroyed by the great Fire, 1666, but rebuilt in a very capacious manner, and is the greateſt Market and Store-houſe for all ſorts of Woollen-Cloath, &c.

Of Leaden-Hall.

ANno 1411. This Hall was confirm'd unto the City by Sir Richard Whittington, and others, who purchaſed it. Anno 1443. 21 H. 6. Sir John Hatherly, Lord Mayor, purchaſed Licenſe of the King to take up 200 fodder of Lead, for the building of Water-Conduits, a Common Granary, and the Croſs in Cheap-ſide, more beautifully for the honour of the City. This Granary was built by the honourable and famous Merchant, Simon Eyre, (the words of the Grant be, Cum Nobilis & potens, vir, &c. Whereas the Noble and powerful man, &c.) ſometime an Ʋpholſterer, and then a Draper, Anno 1419. He built it of ſquare Stone, as it now ſheweth, having eſcaped the fury of the great Fire, with a fair and large Chappel on the Eaſt-ſide of the Quadrant, over the Porch he cauſed to be Written, Dextra Domini exaltavit me; The Lords Right hand exalted me. Within the Chappel was written, Honorandus & famoſus Mercator Simon Eyre, hujus operis, &c. In Engliſh thus, The honourable and famous Merchant Simon Eyre Founder of this Work, once Mayor of this City, Citizen and Draper of the ſame, Departed out of this Life 18 Sept. 1459. 38 H. 6. He was buried in the Church of St. Mary Wolnoth, in Lumbard-ſtreet. He gave very many large and bountiful Legacies, to be read in Stow, page 163.

This Hall was Burnt, Anno 1484. but Rebuilt again in a very ſtately and capacious manner. There were kept the Artillery, Guns, and other Armour p. 336of the City.—The Store of Timber for the neceſſary reparations of the Tenements belonging to the Chamber of London. It was a Free Market for Victuallers. There were the Common Beams for weighing of Wools and other Wares, the Scales to weigh Meal, there were made the Pageants for the Midſummer-Watches. In other parts Woolſacks were ſtowed. Aboveſtairs the Painters workt upon the Pageants, the Reſidue were let to Merchants, &c. Now there is kept the greateſt Fleſh-Market about the City; And a great Magazine of Corn.

In ſpeaking of Halls it may not be impertinent to remember the Right honourable Baptiſt Lord Hicks, Viſcount Cambden, who beſides many noble and charitable acts of Piety in King James his time, recorded by Stow, p. 760, 761. built the Seſſions-Houſe for the Juſtices of Middleſex, in St. Johns-ſtreet, at the charge of 600 l. called after his Name Hicks's-Hall, which was a great convenience, they ſitting before in a common Inn, called the Caſtle.

As for the particular Halls of Companies, we have ſpoke of them Generally before, which is all that appears at preſent neceſſary.