In another parcel (No. VIII.) are "Summaries of Chamberlains' Accounts.' These begin in the reign of Edward 4, the next Account belonging to that of Henry 8; and the last bears the date of 1698.

A large collection of "Placita Rolls," or Rolls of the Mayor's Court, on parchment. Rolls 1-4, probably of the time of Edward 1, are rendered almost wholly illegible by damp. The first Roll that is comparatively perfect belongs to the 1st year of Edward 2, being followed by the Rolls for the 3rd year of that reign, 4th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 16th, and 18th; 1st of Edward 3, 4th, 9th, 25th, 26th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd, 34th, 35th, 36th, 37th, 38th, 39th, 41st, 45th, 47th, and 49th; 2nd of Richard 2, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, and 22nd; thence down to the 7th of Henry 8; from which date the Rolls are wanting down to the 21st of Charles 2; from which time they go down to 13 George 1. In the earlier of these Rolls there is evidently much curious matter in reference to the localities of the town, the inhabitants, their trades and callings, and their manners and customs, in the 14th and 15th centuries. It is my own impression that they deserve a thorough examination of their details.

Bundle II. of deeds contains six or seven small deeds of conveyance from private persons to private persons, without date, but probably of the time of Edward 1 or 2. In one of them "Andrew Luterel," of Nottingham, and Johanna, his wife, are named as grantees, and in another as grantors. Of ascertained dates, the deeds, many hundreds in number, begin at the 28th of Edward 1, to which reign five deeds belong; 33 to that of Edward 2, and 92 to that of Edward 3. In general, they are in excellent preservation.

A charter of Sir John Babington and Ralph Savage, Esquire, creating a perpetual_chantry in the parish church of St. Heleyn at North Wingfield, in the county of Derby, in the 4th year of King Henry 7., the secular priest doing such service to be paid by the Priory of Lenton, near Nottingham. This deed is in Latin, with two large seals appended, and is kept in a wooden box with a sliding lid, of apparently the same date, the title of the indenture being painted thereon in illuminated letters of modern Gothic, on a white ground. In the same box there is a deed in English, in book shape, and written on vellum, with fine illuminations, reciting verbatim the contents of the former deed, and containing an exemplification thereof, by way of further grant. The Corporation of Nottingham probably came into possession of these deeds on some exchange of property with the Priory of Lenton.

Indenture of agreement, A.D. 1517, between the Corporation of Nottingham and the Priory of Lenton, as to the freedom of the burgesses and tolls during the fair at Lenton.

Commission under seal, 15 Elizabeth (A.D. 1573), to raise and muster militia in Nottingham, with papers of instructions annexed.

Chamberlains' Accounts.-A long strip of parchment, 10 Edward 4 (A.D. 1470), containing apparently only a summary of such accounts.

A long strip of parchment, containing the finding by a jury of a true bill of indictment against Thomas White, butcher, and others, for riot in the town, in the 11th year of Edward 4 (A.D. 1471), attended with murder. A lengthy document, and apparently of considerable interest.

Chamberlains' Accounts.-A long slip of paper, 16th Henry 7 (A.D. 1501), in a mutilated state.

A little paper account for articles of dress, supplied in the 10th of Henry 8 (A.D. 1519); among them, doublets, kirtles, and hose.

Papers, Edward 6 (A.D. 1547), of the expenses of a journey made by the Mayor and others to London. The following are samples of the spelling,-"hyar," "fyar," 'fyar,"

"whomword."

Rolls of Papers, 17 Elizabeth (A.D. 1575), with the parchment panels of jurors inserted, setting forth their presentments as to regrating, scolding, tippling, usury, and other offences. These papers contain some almost bewildering samples of the loose mode of spelling prevalent among the less educated part of the middle classes in those days.

Several papers of the Mayor's expenses to and from London, and his expenditure while there, 3 & 4 Elizabeth (A.D. 1561, 2). Some of the items in these papers are of interest.

Sessions Minute Book, 1 Edward 6 (a.d. 1547); a thin paper folio.

Inquisition ordered, on plaint made that Richard Biron impedes the passage of ships and boats, by draw

ing off the waters of the Trent at Colwick, near Nottingham, to supply his mill-dam; without date.

The earliest Charter in the possession of the Corporation is of the time of Henry 2. There is some evidence, I am told, in the earliest deeds, that the town was once divided into "the French town' and "the English "town;" a distinction adopted, in all probability, about the time of the Conquest.

It is perhaps not undeserving of remark that, unlike many other of our Corporations, the town of Nottingham does not possess, to all appearance, anything among its ancient archives that can be called a volume. All of

its old documents are in a detached form; but, for the most part, they have been well and carefully preserved, and their excellent arrangement does great credit alike to those who have been and now are entrusted with the care of them.

In conclusion,-I must express my obligations to Mr. John Barber, his Worship the Mayor of Nottingham, and to Mr. Alderman Oldknowe, for the very courteous manner in which they personally proffered me every facility that might lie in their power, in aid of my examination of their archives; and my thanks too are no less due to Mr. W. Enfield, the Town Clerk, for the kind and unremitting attention which he bestowed upon having those wishes complied with.

I must not also leave unnoticed the great interest evidently taken by Mr. Rothera, a member of the Town Council, in my examination of these documents, and the earnest wish expressed by him that their contents may ere long become better known to the many who, I am pleased to say, take an interest in the past history of the town of Nottingham.

HENRY THOMAS RILEY.

THE CORPORATION OF WELLS, SOMERSET.

The books and documents are described in the order in which they were shown to me by Mr. T. Serel, of the Town Clerk's office.

The Convocation Books, First Volume.-An earlier volume or volumes than the earliest one now surviving probably existed in former times, as reference is made in its earliest pages to entries of a still earlier date. The First Volume is a large paper folio, containing 340 pages, according to a pagination of the earlier part of last century. The entries begin at page 3, and the earliest date is the 5th year of Richard 2. The Convocation Books contain the acts of the principal authorities of the city under the rule of the Seneschal, by which title the head of the Corporation was formerly known. Soon after the reign of Richard 2 the chief men of the place came to be styled "the Master and Commonalty." Among these acts may be found pleas of debt, trials for trespass and for breaches of the peace, enrolments of deeds, and admissions to the freedom. For such admissions, the fees received by the Master and Commonalty, formerly 24 in number, consisted of money, drink, and gloves; a practice which continued down to the Municipal Corporation Reform Act; wax also used to be given as a part of the admission fee, but the practice ceased about the time of the Reformation. The Corporation in those times had exclusive jurisdiction over St. Cuthbert's, the Parish Church, with the exception of naming the vicars, who were appointed by the Dean and Chapter, the Corporation on the other hand appointing the Churchwardens and the Wardens of the 13 Altars. All appointments of this nature are entered in these books, with the elections of members of Parliament and various other officials; among them, the keepers of the archery butts, in the Butt Close, a piece of ground some years ago sold by the Corporation. In page 325, 28th Henry 6, the election of William Edmunds and William Thomas Mundi as burgesses to Parliament is entered, a singularly early instance of a double Christian name. The First Volume, which is of a wire wove paper of singular stoutness, ends in the year 1451, 29th Henry 5.

The Convocation Books, Second Volume.-A paper folio volume, in a somewhat tattered condition, but in a better state than the preceding one; it is styled "Papi"rium Evidentium," and begins at the year 1450, having been commenced, as there stated, under the auspices of William Vouell, several times Master of the Corpora tion, and a noted worthy of those days. The family of the Vouells, it may be here remarked, were long resident in Wells, until, becoming extinct in the male line,

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in the female line they became merged in the family of Rodney.

In page

This volume touches upon matters of general interest much more extensively than the preceding one. It, perhaps, deserves remark, that, in the first year of Henry 7, 1486, there is an entry of eleven lines in blue ink, a remarkably early instance, probably, of the use of it. Under the 2nd Henry 7, an entry is made of a loan being granted to the King, at his request, of 801. by 16 of the chief men of the place. Richard Vouell, the Master, heads the list with 4l. 38. 4d., and John Attwater the same, a member of a very wealthy family, which, afterwards becoming extinct in the male line, merged into the Herveys of Brockley. It is a rather significant fact that no entry is to be found, shewing that this loan was ever repaid. In the 8th of Henry 7 the particulars are entered of a dispute between the Corporation and Bishop Fox, as to whether the townsmen were the King's burgesses or the Bishop's burgesses. In page 159 an award by arbitration is entered, in reference to a dispute about party walls; one of the parties being Richard Swan, Provost of the Cathedral, and one of Bishop Beckinton's executors. 181, 9th Henry 7, mention of Sir Reginald Bray occurs, as mediator in a dispute between Bishop Fox and the town. His name is historically known in connexion with Westminster Abbey. Under the 13th Henry 7, Nicholas Trappe being Master, there is the following curious entry, relative, apparently, to a play of Robin Hood, exhibitions of dancing girls, and church ales, provided for at the public expense :-" Et insuper in "eadem Convocatione omnes et singuli burgenses "unanimi assensu ad tunc et ibidem dederunt Magistro Nicolao Trappe potestatem generalem ad inquirendum in quorum manibus pecuniæ ecclesiæ ac "Communitatis Welliæ sunt injuste detentæ; videlicet, provenientes ante hoc tempus de Robynhode, puellis tripudiantibus, communi cervisia ecclesiæ, et hujusmodi. Atque de bonis et pecuniis dictæ com"munitati qualitercunque detentis, et in quorumcunque manibus existentibus. Et desuper, eorum nomina scribere, qui habent hujusmodi bona, cum "summis, etc." In page 200 a Letter is entered, in English, issued by order of King Henry 7 against any person wearing livery, badge, or cognizance, other than those of the sovereign. In pages 201-2, 13th Henry 7, on the Feast of St. Jerome (30th September), a day which has long been set apart at Wells for the election of its public officers, a description is given of the reception of Bishop Oliver King (builder of the present Abbey Church at Bath) and King Henry the 7th. This was the first visit of Bishop King to Wells, although he had been appointed to the Bishopric nearly three years before. It is traditionally said that the King was lodged in the Deanery on this occasion, being entertained as the guest of Dean Gunthorp. The Bishop's Palace had gone comparatively to decay by reason of the prelate's non-residence; a fact accounted for by the circumstance that Bishop King was Chief Secretary of State, and consequently had been unable to reside:-"Item, eodem die dictus Magister Nicho"laus Trappe, cum aliis burgensibus, recepit Reve"rendum in Christo Patrem et Dominum, Dominum Oliverum, Episcopum Bathoniensem et Wellensem, "in suo primo adventu ad Civitatem suam Wellensem. Item, eodem die, infra horam post receptionem dicti "Domini Episcopi, præfatus Magister Nicolaus Trappe, cum burgensibus, recepit Serenissimum Principem et "Dominum nostrum Henricum Septimum, Dei gratia, Angliæ et Franciæ, etc., equitantem cum x. millter (30,000) armatorum versus quemdam Perkyn Warbek, "rebellantem, et alios rebellantes dicti Domini Regis, "de Comitatibus Cornubiæ et Devoniæ, et alios, apud "Tauntone ad tunc existentes." In page 244, 22nd Henry 7, a contemporary entry in blue ink occurs again. At page 416, 32nd Henry 8, a complaint is entered against the exactions of the Bishop. Among other things it is stated:- Item, that no inholder can sett up any syne, but that he paith yerely a certeyn summe of money. Item, that no burgeys shalbe "suffered to selle any ale, or sett up any ale stake, but "that the baily do take of them yerely a certeyne summe of money." In page 89 of this volume, date 1470, there is a contract, in English, by John Stowell, of Wells, "free-mason," for building a Jesse altar in St. Cuthbert's Church, an entry of great interest, from the extreme minuteness of the description. In the iconoclastic spirit which afterwards prevailed, this elaborate altar, with its canopy, was almost entirely destroyed, and it is only recently, during the restorations in St. Cuthbert's Church, that some fragments of

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the canopy have been disclosed, just sufficient to shew the singular beauty of the original work. (This contract, Mr. Serel tells me, has been printed by him, but not published.) The Second Volume of the Convocation Books contains 558 pages.

The Convocation Books, Third Volume.-This folio volume is bound in three vellum leaves of a Romish Service-book, of probably the 14th century, containing illuminations and musical notation, elaborately executed, and well deserving further examination. Covers, in some instances, evidently forming part of the same work, with the fragments now under notice, have been mentioned in this Report, under "Bridgwater," page 1. As inner covers, there are also four leaves inserted of a folio manuscript, containing decretals of Popes Urban, Eleutherius, Telesphorus, and Zephyrinus. The volume begins at the Feast of St. Jerome, in the 1st year of Queen Mary, 1553, and ends at the 21st year of James 1, 1623; it contains 460 pages, and is in fair condition, the paper being but slightly tattered. In folios 73, 74 are entered the accounts of the Chamberlain of the Corporation, an officer then recently first appointed. Among the items are the following:- Item, payde for the

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felynge of tymber in the Bushopes Parke, and the makynge of a payre of gallows of the same, 4s. 6d. Item, payd for a pottell of sacke and a pottell of "clarrett wyne to give to Judge Walshe, 17d.

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Item, payde the dromme playr at the fyrst day of "his playe before the mustre, and at the mustre, 8d. Item, payde for beare to make ye soldiers drynke, when they came home from musteringe at "divers tymes, 12s." On the 11th of July, 17th Elizabeth (A.D. 1575), ordinances (in English) begin to be entered for taking measures to avoid the plague, which had then broken out at Bristol. They were unavailing, however, and so great was the mortality that 200 persons were buried, tradition says, in the "plague-pit," dug in the grave-yard a short distance from the North-western end of the Cathedral, while many others were buried in the fields. In July 11th, James 1 (A.D. 1613), Queen Anne of Denmark came to Wells from Bath, where she had been staying for the benefit of the waters; going from whence, she proceeded to Sir Edward Rodney's, at Rodney, Stoke. At page 376 entry is made of an order, dated the 11th of July, in reference to the pageants displayed before her. The following is an extract:The Third Companie.-The Tanners, Chaundlers, and "Butchers; and they presented a carte of olde Virgines, the carte covered with hides and hornes, and "the Virgines with their attires made of cow tayles, "and braceletts for their necks of hornes, sawed, and hanged about their necks for rich jewels. Their "chariott was drawne by men and boyes in oxe skines "and calves skines, and other skines. Saint Clement, "their Saint, rode allsoe with his booke, and his frier "rode allsoe, who dealt his almes out of his master's bagge, which he carried verie full of greynes, verie plentifullie. Acteon with his huntsmen." The whole account of this pageant, as executed by the different Trades, is curious in the extreme.

The Convocation Books, Fourth Volume.-A smaller book, in folio, but smaller than those of preceding dates, in good condition. It begins in 1615, in the form of rough notes, but is afterwards more full, and ends in 1625.

The Convocation Books, Fifth Volume.-This is a similar volume to the preceding one, but smaller. It embraces from 1625 to 1629. There are many notices in it of the plague, then (A.D. 1625) raging at London and elsewhere. Wells did not escape the visitation, and many people were carried off by the sickness.

The Convocation Books, Sixth Volume.—A similar volume to the preceding one, but not in such good condition. It embraces from 1629 to 1635.

The Convocation Books, Seventh Volume.-A similar volume, embracing from 1635 to 1644. In the latter part of it there are a great number of entries relative to the Civil War. In folio 253 an order from Prince Maurice for levying 1001. upon the city and parish of Wells. In folio 259, date 18th of July 1644, the King asks the town for a loan of 500l., he then holding his court at Sir John Horner's, at Mells. The people, being unable to advance the whole sum, sent him 1007. and 200 pairs of shoes. There are also entered copies of letters from Sir Edmund Wyndham, Sir Ralph Hopton, Prince Rupert, and Sir Edward Rodney, all acting in support of the royal cause.

There are no Convocation Books for the period between 1644 and 1662; very probably the authorities did not care to keep any, having lost heart under the change of rule. The Eighth Volume embraces from 1662 to 1665; a thick book, with a paper cover, all the

previous volumes having been bound in parchment. After this there is again an hiatus, the Ninth Volume commencing in 1687, and coming down to 1709; a thin paper folio volume, covered with parchment. From this date the series is continued down to the present day.

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The Receivers' Books, First Volume.-These books begin in 1652, and are continued down to the present day. The first volume is a thin paper folio, in parchment. It contains some curious entries. Among other facts recorded, some of the Canons' houses were pulled down by order of the Parliamentary Commissioners, and the authorities of the town had to account for the proceeds. One Cornelius Burgess (commonly called Dr. Burgess") was established here as the Preacher” in the late Cathedral Church." He would not inhabit the Bishop's Palace, but resided in the Deanery. Despite, however, the authority of the Parliament, he was greatly opposed by the townspeople. In 1662 an action was brought against him for the sale of certain property to the Corporation, which contract, in consequence of the restoration, he was unable to complete. He was consequently thrown into prison, and there died. Particulars relative to him are to be found in the present volume, which ends in the year 1681.

The Receivers' Books, Second Volume, 1684-1755.Under the date of September 1685 is an account of the town's expenditure for the entertainment of Jeffreys and the other four Judges at the Special Assize for the trial of the Duke of Monmouth's adherents. Among them is the item :--" Paid to Johnson 4 days and nights "attendance on my Lord Jeffries his coach horses "00-96-00."

There are many Charters, about 40 in number, granted to the place both by Kings and Bishops, in the possession of the Corporation. Among them is one from Reginald Fitz-Jocelyn, Bishop from 1174 to 1192. One of its attesting witnesses is Walerand de Welleslege, who then dwelt at, and owned, the hamlet of Welleslege, in the close vicinity, and parish, of Wells. In a deed of 1298, belonging to Mr. Serel, a grant by Walter de Flemyng of a croft and tenement in the Manor of Dyndre, Thomas de Welleslege and Robert de Welleslege are named as witnesses. In deeds of the close of the 13th and early part of the 14th centuries, the name of Edmund de Welleslege occurs as a witness probably a hundred times. There was a Mass founded by the same family in Wells Cathedral. From this source the present noble family of Wellesley is generally considered to have sprung.

The great Charter of Liberties of Wells is one granted by King John at Chinon, in the third year of his reign, making it a free burgh; a small, but handsome, and wellpreserved document. Bishop Fitz-Jocelyn executed two deeds in favour of the town; and after him Savaric, who was Bishop from the year 1192 to 1205, executed a third; all three of them for the purpose of relieving the inhabitants from various local burdens, and, among other things, enabling them to convey their own houses. In Savaric's deed, he put them on terms to hold their fairs in the high street, and not immediately opposite to the Church, to the annoyance of the congregation. On their compliance with such request, he agreed to reduce their tolls by one half. The whole of these Charters are preserved by the Corporation with great care.

My best thanks are due to Mr. W. J. S. Foster, the Town Clerk of Wells, for the readiness with which he gave me access to the City Records, and his kindness in providing me with every facility for the examination of them. To Mr. Thomas Serel also I must express my great obligations, as I feel myself to have greatly profited by the abundant information which his extensive acquaintance with the past history of Wells and its vicinity enabled him to afford me.

HENRY THOMAS RILEY.

THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF YORK. The various books are described in the order in which they were shown to me by the Town Clerk, or his assistants.

A collection of what were originally called "House "Books," but now known as " Corporation Minute Books," numbering 32 volumes down to 1605, and 62 volumes in all, down to 1835; from which date they are continued to the present time. The date of the earliest volume is the 15th of Edward 4, or A.D. 1476. The earlier volumes are small folios, written on paper; several of them are much mutilated, apparently through the action of damp.

Speaking in general terms, the collection is intended as a Register of the proceedings of the Court of the Mayor, Aldermen, the Twenty-four, and the two Sheriffs; but incidentally they contain much that throws light upon the social history of their respective dates. The later volumes are of course written in English; and the same as to those of an earlier date, though in these the entries are in Latin occasionally. Speaking more particularly in reference to the first six volumes, their general contents seem to be,-meetings for the discussion of city matters, licences, discharges from office, arrest for debt, surety ship, awards of arbitration, proclamations, recognizances, obligations, and deliveries of Mass-books and vestments to the priests of the various Chantries that were in the patronage of the Corporation.

On opening vol. 5 at random (1 Richard 3, A.D. 1483-4), fol. 24, I met with a contract in behalf of the Innholders of the City of York, "to bryng forth yerly duryng the "term of viii. yere then next following the pagent of the "Coronation of our Lady perteyning to the said inn"holders." At fol. 3 of vol. 6 (1 Henry 7, A.D. 1486), we find a petition of the Prior and Convent of the Holy Trinity in York, as to certain hardships inflicted on them, and as to their right of possession of the Hospital of St. Nicholas, in the suburbs of York. Vol. 32 (A.D. 1599-1605) contains voluminous correspondence relating to city matters, orders for the repair of various localities, admissions to the freedom and apprenticeships. Under the date of " York, "15 October 1599," there is a letter " from my Lorde "President and Counsell for recusants,. . . . against the great declynyngge of her Majesties subjects from the religion established, and from the due allegiance, partly by not repairinge to the church, and partly by the "seditious persuasion of Jesuits and Popish priests sent "from foreign countries." On the first page of the first volume, Alan Wilberfosse" is named as one of the Sheriffs of York.

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The earlier volumes of this collection appear to have been used to some extent, but not largely, by Drake in his 'Eboracum," folio, 1736. There is also a work of considerable value, by Robert Davies (Nichols, London, 1843, one vol., 8vo.), a former Town Clerk of York, who is still living, intituled "Extracts from the Municipal Records of "the City of York, in the reigns of Edward 4, Edward 5, and Richard 3," pp. 204. It is a very interesting volume, and the author appears to have drawn largely upon what may be termed the curiosities" of the earlier House Books; but from a cursory examination of these volumes, I came to the conclusion that he had by no means exhausted them. Still, however, though they might possibly yield a fair amount of now forgotten material in reference to our past social, and, to some extent, political history, it is very doubtful whether they would repay the costliness of a thorough examination.

About ten volumes of Admissions to the Freedom. The first volume (in folio) is composed of several old volumes bound up in one. The first 32 pages are occupied with miscellaneous matters, the oaths of various officials, and the elections of the Mayors of York from A.D. 1272. page 32 begins a list of the Freemen from A.D. 1272. At page 286 is given a list of the names of the Bailiffs of York from the 12th of Edward 3, A.D. 1338-9.

At

Registers of Apprenticeship Indentures, in several folio volumes, from A.D. 1724 to the present time.

Book of Enrolments, 2 vols. folio, beginning at the 45th of Elizabeth and ending in the reign of Charles 2, and consisting of enrolments of deeds of conveyance of property situate within the jurisdiction of the City, and Inquisitions post mortem. The first conveyance is between William Titherington, tailor, and Annie, his wife, of the one part, and "Henry Lyonesse, tyler," of the other.

An earlier Book of Enrolments, 1 vol. folio, beginning at A.D. 1310, and coming down to the close of Elizabeth. It is merely marked B, and no other title is given to it. In addition to enrolments of deeds, it contains some ordinances of the Trades and Companies of York, in English, temp. Edward 6 and Elizabeth.

A folio book of Enrolments of deeds and Inquisitions, between 26 and 32 Elizabeth, A.D. 1584-90.

A book of St. Thomas' Hospital without Micklegate Bar, in the City of York, consisting of a Register of endowments and proceedings of the Governors, from the 7th of Edward 6 to about the 11th of Elizabeth. There is also a detached paper of accounts in it “audited 5 December 1576.”

A quantity of mutilated leaves, tacked together, and bound in paper, and containing, among other things, a Calendar, or Index, to the "Ordinances and Statutes beyng " in the Chambre of the said Cite of York, the xith day of "the month of June in the xxii. yere (A.D. 1482-3) of the reing of King Edward the Foure." I could gain no information in the office as to the volume or collection to

which this Calendar, written in a faded ink, tattered and soiled, might bear reference. It was not very long, however, before I found that it was an Index to the volume next mentioned, the most valuable, in all probability, that is to be found in the possession of the Corporation of the City of York.

A book of divers "Memoranda touching the City of "York, made in the time of John de Santone, Mayor, “50 Edward 3, A.D. 1376." A very thick folio volume, written on parchment, and commencing at that date. There are contained in it several contemporary copies of Acts of Parliament, and a large number of memoranda relative to passing events within the City of York. The volume is in every way so highly interesting, as throwing a light upon the usages of the 14th and 15th centuries, and the early history of our trades and guilds, that no apology will be needed for a somewhat lengthened description of its con

tents.

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Fol. 15 b., 28th April, 17 Richard 2 (A.D. 1394), an ordinance made that no nativus," or born bondman, shall be admitted to the freedom of the city. The Ordinances of the Glovers are given in fol. 17 a; Glaziers, fol. 17 b; Bowyers, fol. 18 a; Chandlers, fol. 20 b; Parchment-makers, fol. 21 a ; Coopers, fol. 21 a; Fullers, fol. 22 a ; Sawyers, fol. 22 b; Goldsmiths, fol. 23 a; Capmakers, fol. 23 a; Cardmakers, fol. 24 b; Glovers and Parchment-makers, fol. 25 a; Butchers, fol. 25b; Millers, fol. 25 b; General Ordinances of the Crafts, fol. 26 a; Saddlers, fol. 27 a; Founders, fol. 28 a, 31 b; Tailors, fol. 28 b; Spurriers and Lorimers, fol. 30b; Smiths, fol. 32 b; Tapicers (or carpetmakers), fol. 32 b; Fletchers, fol. 33 a; Litsters (or dyers,) fol. 34 a; Plasterers, fol. 35 a; Butchers, fol. 37 a; Cutlers, fol. 40b; Joiners, fol. 46 a; Potters, fol. 46 b; complaint of the Salse-makers, or sauce-makers ("salsarii," sellers of mustard and other" salsamenta"), fol. 48 a; ordinances of the "Payntours, Steynours, and Goldbeters," fol. 52 a; Bakers, fol. 53 a; Brewers, fol. 54 a; Girdlers, fols. 58, 59 a (English, A.D. 1417); Cordwainers, fol. 60 b; Fishmongers of fresh-water fish, fol. 61 b; Bowyers, fol. 62 a,b; Ironmongers, fol. 63 a; Barbers and Surgeons, fol. 72 a; Pewterers, fol. 73 a; Fishmongers, fol. 109 a (English); Weavers, fol. 123 a; Goldsmiths, fol. 128 a; Porters of York, fol. 154 b. Incidentally also, there are numerous entries in this volume in reference to the pageants of the various trades of York, at the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which was celebrated there with great pomp; and upon which, remarkable no doubt for their number and gorgeousness, large sums of money were expended.

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A few quotations from the volume, in a translated form, are annexed:-" As to Millers (fol. 25 b), it is ordained that all artificers of this city, who by themselves or by their wives follow the craft called 'melemakers,' shall pay and "be contributory to the pageant of the millers, supported by them on the holiday of the Feast of Corpus Christi, "in such manner as with the masters of the pageant afore"said, for the year being, they shall be able reasonably to agree." (Fol. 48 b). "Here follows a constitution as to "Salsemakers, and those who sell Paris candles. And "whereas there was grievous complaint made here in the

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Council-Chamber by the craftsmen of the city, the "salsarii' to wit, whom we commonly call 'salsemakers,' "that, although by usage hitherto followed, all the folks of "the salsemakercrafte, and also of the candel crafte, with" out the Flesshchameles [Flesh shambles], who in their houses and windows sold and exposed Paris candles, did "at their own costs and charges together maintain, upon "the feast and holiday of Corpus Christi in that city, the pageant in which it is represented that Judas Scaricth hanged himself, and burst asunder in the middle, yet now the Pellipers [Skinners] and other craftsmen of this city as well, by themselves and their wives, in great "numbers, themselves not being salesmakers, do make " and do presume to sell and expose Paris candles in their "houses and windows; yet, upon being asked, they do "refuse to contribute to the maintenance of the pageant aforesaid; therefore, unless some speedy remedy shall "be applied thereto, and they be made to contribute from "henceforth jointly with the Salsemakers, these same Salsemakers will no longer be able to support such pageant."

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(Fol. 52 b). There being a dispute between the Mariners and the Fishermen of Usegate (Ousegate), having boats, as to the mode of paying for the" pageant of the Ship of Noe," it was settled, "to the end that the Chamber of Council "might be no more disturbed in that behalf," that the fishermen should from thenceforth pay yearly 12 pence to the mariners, also taking upon themselves one-third of the expenses of the pageant.

(Fol. 121 b). Description of the ornaments of the Chantry of Alan Hamerton, in the Chapel of St. Anne.

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(Fol. 129 b). 8th May, 4th Henry 4 (A.D. 1403), Agreed before the Mayor, between the folks of drapercraft in York and the folks of hosyercraft, that all hosyers who shall sell hose [chaunces] or make hose to "sell, together with the uphaldres who before have sold "woollen cloths, shall have charge of the pageant of "Moses and Pharoah at the holiday of Corpus Christi, as well as the dubbers [cleaners and repairers of old clothes] and those assigned to them."

A folio volume, inscribed "Copyes of Lettters, etc., about the Corp" affaires, from the year 1664; "the first being from Edward Elwicke, Mayor in 1664, to the Duke of Buckingham, in reference to the restoration of the Courts of Justice to the city of York. The last Letter in the volume bears date the 25th of August 1718, being from the Mayor and Town Council of Beverley (a "Thomas Wilberforce" appearing among the latter), imposing a fine of 20 guineas upon Mr. Thomas Riby, macebearer of the Corporation of York, who had been chosen Alderman of Beverley, but had refused to serve the office. The same person had also been lately presented by the Town Council of York to the Lord Mayor of that city, as a fit and proper person to serve as Sheriff; but the Mayor had found his estate not sufficient to enable him to serve the office; and upon his representation of this fact to the Corporation of Beverley, they reduce the fine from the sum of 50 pounds to 20 guineas, as above mentioned.

Two very thick folio volumes of papers, some printed, some written, relative to the Corporation of York; apparently belonging to the early part of last century, and probably a sort of Common-place Book of some former officer of the city, all remembrance of whom and of his labours has now perished.

Book of Ordinances of the Pewterers of the City of York. A small folio, written A.D. 1705, the Ordinances however bearing date A.D. 1419.

A large square folio volume, written upon parchment, formed probably at the beginning of the 17th century, and filled with writing of various dates down to the beginning of this century. It contains a miscellaneous collection of charters, documents, and memoranda, relative to the city of York.

Books of Estreats, or levies for subsidies, from 32 Henry 8 (A.D. 1540), down to the 17th century. Several small folio volumes, written upon paper.

A similar collection of Estreats, from the reign of Edward 4 down to that of Henry 7; a number of thin volumes fastened together, and forming one.

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A book of Expenditure by the Corporation of York in the reign of Henry 6; a paper quarto, the outside labelled 25 Henry VI." Among them are to be found payments to priests, lawyers, minstrels, and persons of various other professions and callings. This is an interesting volume, and contains many entries that are very curious.

Another quarto volume of like character, in continuation, apparently, of the preceding one, and coming down to A.D. 1477.

Wardmote Court Book, of the time of Queen Elizabeth, but of no apparent interest.

A folio paper volume, beginning at the Association of the Northern Counties, in July and August 1645, for the safety and defence of the same; and opening with the submission made by the Mayor and certain of the Aldermen and Town Council of York to the ordinance of Parliament, and

solemn declaration made by them thereon. The weekly political proceedings of the civic authorities of York are entered from the above date down to January 1652, with numerous entries as to procedure by sequestration or other