IjJx-l'SCUtl'il tc yf~f. C. a //a I y///r A tlibc C^ulbsmitlis' (lliunpantj. KJIO DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 'A'- *'■ i Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from Duke University Libraries https://archive.org/details/memorialsofgolds02prid n-RF R aPOTTISWOOOF. • UTH ■ LONDON /Iftemoriale OF THE GOLDSMITHS’ COMPANY BEING GLEANINGS FROM THEIR RECORDS Between the Years 1335 and 1815 WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES ( To which is how added a Concluding Chapter) WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY Sir WALTER SHERBURNE PRIDEAUX Clerk of the Company VOL. II. PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION BY EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE, Her Majesty’s Printers \All rights reserved^ (? i2ii U \h 2 TO Zbc ipdme Mar^en, Marbcns, ant) Court of Booiotanto OF THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF GOLDSMITHS, These Volumes, which have been in Truth a Labour of Love, ARE Respectfully and Gratefully DEDICATED. SEgOSO THE G^ourt of Assistants OF THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF GOLDSMTIHS, 189 6 . f AUGUSTUS WILLIAM GADESDEN, Esq. JOHN GARRATT CATTLEY, Esq. CORNELIUS LEA WILSON, Esq. GEORGE MATTHEY, Esq., F.R.S. STEWART PIXLEY, Esq. Sir FREDERICK JOSEPH BRAMWELL, Bart, F.R.S. WILLIAM FOWLER MOUNTFORD COPELAND, Esq. JOHN NORBURY, Esq. JOHN FLEMING, Esq. FRANCIS BOONE THOMAS, Esq. WILLIAM TROTTER, Esq. GEORGE LAMBERT, Esq., F.S.A. CHARLES HOARE, Esq. JAMES WIGAN, Esq. ROBERT WILLIAMS, Esq., M.P. Sir RICHARD EVERARD WEBSTER, G.C.M.G., O.C., M.P. Sir FREDERICK AUGUSTUS ABEL, Bart, K.C.B., F.R.S. JAMES MORTIMER GARRARD, Esq. HARRY HANKEY DOBREE, Esq. ROBERT GRAY CORNISH MOWBRAY, Esq. Alderman Sir STUART KNILL, Bart THOMAS TILLYER WHIPHAM, Esq., M.D. Sir ALFRED DENT, K.C.M.G. ROBERT MONTAGU TABOR, Esq. JOHN BODMAN CARRINGTON, Esq. INTRODUCTION. LTHOUGH the period covered by the following pages — viz., from 1651 to 1815 — is not perhaps so historically important as that dealt with in the first volume, the records are, nevertheless, replete with interest. The early poverty of the Company, and its gradual growth of prosperity, may be clearly traced. It will be seen that in 1651 the Court appointed “ a Committee of Surveyors ” to value the Company’s property, and that upon receipt of the Com- mittee’s report various expedients for raising money were dis- cussed. It is stated that “the great engagements of the Company” were “ chiefly occasioned by borrowing money for the service of the State, and continuing the same at interest, and not re- ceiving it again ” ; and in the following year (1652) a detailed account of “ Money lent to the State ” and “ Moneys receaved of the State ” is given. This is followed in 1654 by further entries respecting the “Public Faith debts,” as they were then called. Again in 1667, after the havoc wrought by the Great Fire, “ consideration is taken of the many urgent and pressing occa- sions of the Company for the payment of money for their present service, and more especially for that of repairing their Hall,” and the Court are compelled to sell much of the Com- pany’s plate, and also “ certain of their houses not subject to charges for Charitable purposes”; while in 1670 the usual searches for defective wares were omitted “ in regard to the great charge that doth attend the same.” It will_ be noted that at this time various members df the Court voluntarily offered loans of money for the Company’s public services. VI INTRODUCTION. The position, however, did not improve, for in 1708 a Com- mittee “ appointed to consider of the present state of the Company” reported that for nine years then last past the ex- penditure of the Company had exceeded its income, and they made sundry suggestions for retrenchment. Another Committee in 1 71 1 made additional proposals with the same object, and the Wardens were ordered to put a further portion of the Com- pany’s plate into a lottery. In 1712 the Court became apprehensive that the claims of the Company’s creditors were likely to become so pressing as to endanger the payment of those Charities “ for which no par- ticular estate is yet settled,” and they resolved to make a Settle- ment of all their “proper” lands in Trustees to safeguard the interests of those Charities. The entries relating to that business will be read with much interest. The Income of the Company in 1715 from all sources — Trust as well as Corporate — only amounted to ^^2,283, while the expenditure exceeded that sum by ;^295 ; but the measures for reducing expenses, of which mention has been already made, and which were confirmed and renewed in 1722, began gradually to bear fruit, and at length in 1729, after the Company “ have made a good contract for the disposal of their Irish Estates,” the Court were able to congratulate themselves that they “ are already in possession of a much better estate than some years ago they were, and will in a few years come into a still better estate.” The sale of the Irish property was a wise act on the part of the Company, for their possessions in Ireland had always been a source of trouble and expense, and the money realised by the sale enabled them to pay off some of their most pressing debts. The Company, however, were still far from being in affluent circumstances, and as late as 1797 further retrenchments were carried into effect, it being found that “from Lady Day 1790 to Lady Day 1797 inclusive, the receipts and payments being ad- justed, the balance averaged in favour of the Company only ^261 in each year.” INTRODUCTION. vii The Company had always made provision for their own poor, but about the year 1743 they became able, for the first time, to make occasional grants to funds raised by public subscription. In this connection mention may be made of the disasters by Fire at Crediton, Stoney Stratford, Montreal, and Bridge Town Barbadoes ; “The Veteran Scheme”; and the hurricane in the Islands of St. Vincent and Dominica ; while, still later in the century, handsome subscriptions were made on several occasions “ to the books now open at the Bank for receiving voluntary contributions in aid of the exigencies of the State ” ; and again (in 1803 and 1815 respectively) “The Patriotic Fund,” and that “ for the Relief of the Sufferers in the late glorious battles at Waterloo,” received liberal grants. There are many entries relating to the Assay Office which will well repay perusal, e.g.., the examination of the Wardens before “the Committee for Trade and Navigation ” in 1656; the miscarriage in connection with the Trial of the Pyx in 1657 ; the manufacture of new Trial Pieces of gold and silver in 1660; ' the petition of the working goldsmiths in 1711 ; the suggested ex- clusion of foreigners from “ the privilege of the touch ” in 1737 ; and, particularly, the entries leading up to the passing of that important Act of Parliament, the 12 Geo. II. c. 26. in 1739. The report upon the Assay Office in 1777 should not be overlooked, nor the imposition of a Duty upon Plate in 1784; while the communications between Pitt and the Company, at the time when that statesman was contemplating an increase of the Plate Duty and an alteration in the standard of gold wares, are deeply interesting, and show the high estimation in which the judgment and assistance of the Company were then held. Reference may also be made to the “ ill-affection ” of some of the “generality” of the Company in 1652; the quaint cere- mony of swearing in the new Lord Mayor (Sir Thomas Vyner) on St. Simon’s and St. Jude’s Day and Lord Mayor’s Day (1653) ; the application from the Judges for accommoda- tion in Goldsmiths’ Hall (1653) ; the settlement by the Company INTRODUCTION. viri of the dispute between the Parishes of St. Giles, Cripplegate, and St. Botolph, Aldersgate (1655) ; the order relating to Chambers in Bachelors’ Court (1655) ; the misbehaviour of the Almsmen (1656) ; and the complaint about Strangers (1664). The notices of the Plague and the Great Fire will not escape attention, and the account of the sale of the Company’s Irish Estate to the Earl of Shelburne in 1728 will be found to give a graphic picture of the manner in which business was conducted at that time. The Company’s refusal to obey certain precepts of the Lord Mayor, and the unsuccessful Informations against the Wardens in 1770-3 which followed such refusal, are of importance — particularly in connection with the evidence that was given before the Livery Companies’ Commission in 1880. The dinner given in 1660 to the Lord General Monk and the Chief Officers of his Army ; that to the Duke of Marl- borough in 1704; and the entertainment to Pitt in 1784, are the most noteworthy events of this nature in the last centuiy' ; and it is not without interest to compare the cost of these enter- tainments with those of both earlier and later times. The addition of a concluding chapter, not originally con- templated, will, it is hoped, make these “ Memorials ” more complete than would otherwise have been the case. It only remains for me to thank my brother Goldsmiths and other friends for their indulgent reception of the first volume, and to express the hope that that now offered for their accep- tance will meet with a similar welcome. It is a pleasing duty to acknowledge valuable suggestions and assistance from my son Walter T. Prideaux in preparing this work for the Press. jip.1* 6),w^n owl. :.‘3lp«jiR,tAG •^tt vt .ftl [ls>"^^y >V14SJ1 vliftvw- THE FIRST PAGE OF THE EARLIEST COURT BOOK, 1334. - As A"' .. .. >&i- MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS’ COMPANY. Court of Assistants, i8th June 1651. — At this Court, according to custom, the almsmen appear, and Alderman Noell admonishes them to perform their duty and service to God, to be diligent in such employment as is required of them in the Company’s service, and to live lovingly and brotherly one with another. If any almsman shall be drunk, or shall swear, he shall be dismissed from his place and pension. A letter is received from Mr. Hanbury thanking the Company for consenting to omit from his lease the usual clause providing for a fine on alienation. He desires that the wainscot in his house in Jewin Gardens, which he caused to be set up, but not fastened to the principals, may now be nailed thereto, and so remain for the Company’s use. Mr. Ashe says that he has had 78 feet of ground in Shoe Lane measured out and allotted to him, upon which he is to build 5 houses in the new way there. The Company refer his rent to him, and he offers a yearly rent of £4, if the Company will grant the houses to him in fee farm for ever reserving that rent. Mr. Ashe adds that he intends to give to the Company all the improved rents of the said houses, to be distributed to the poor of the Company and for other charitable uses. The offer is accepted with thanks. It is ordered that money shall be borrowed to repay to Dr. Worth, in Ireland, his loan of £200, which has now been called in. The newly-elected Viewers, or Surveyors, are to attend on Friday morning at, 9 a.m., “ to put the business into a method.” Mr. Perryn is again chosen, with Mr. Edward Vaghan, to join the Committee of the 12 principal Companies about the lands in Ireland and the debts due from the State. In the absence of either, Mr. Smythes is desired to assist. Court of Assistants, 20th June 1651. — It is agreed that the Committee for the survey of the Company’s lands shall meet on the 25th inst. at 7 a.m. Tues- days and Thursdays are to be the days for the surveys, and the Committee shall begin first at St. Nicholas Shambles, and view the lands westward. Court of Wardens, 37th June 1651. — At this Court is defaced a silver gorget, which belongs to William Corye, a merchant in Lumberde Street, and was long since taken from Thomas Berisford, in Lumberde Street. The gorget S 4021. A 2 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. was made by Richard Blackwell, and was found to be 4 dwts. worse than standard. Mr. Corye has often been for it, though Blackwell will not appear. The silver is delivered to Corye, and Blackwell is to make him satisfaction for his loss. Corye produces a note in Blackwell’s handwriting showing that he paid him a price sufficient for the gorget to be made of silver agreeable to standard. A of Committee for the Parliament business, 2nd July 1651. — Much discussion takes place about the proposed Bill, and particularly about the clauses relating to additions to plate, and putting in too much solder. Other clauses under discussion are those relating to counterfeit pearls, “gold end men,” pedlars, and petty chapmen. At another Committee, held shortly afterwards, further debate takes place about the clauses relating to wiredrawers. loth July 1651. — Warden Bishop receives £175 from Mr. Harrison, the Chamberlain, and one of the Treasurers for the £400,000, in further part payment of the principal money of £3,500 lent by this Company upon the Lords’ Bonds, being their proportion of the £50,000 advanced by the several Companies of the City, and paid into the Exchequer, for the use of the late King, about the month of October 1640. Out of this sum is allowed for charges laid out by the Committee of the 12 Companies for regaining the money, and about the Irish business, £2 i8^. \d., and 5^. to the Chamberlain’s clerks. Court of Wardens, 8th August 1651. — Leonard Fletcher, one of the almsmen, is reproved for misbehaviour and disorderly living, and is forbidden to come to the Hall upon any business until further order. At a subsequent Court (22nd October 1651) Fletcher is absolutely dismissed. Court of Committee for Parliament business, 8th August 1651. — The proposed clauses relating to additions to plate and adding excessive solder are again debated, upon the request of divers workmen, who desire that the same shall be referred to the Court of Assistants when the whole Bill is read. As the several clauses in the Bill have now been read and adopted several times, it is ordered that the Clerk shall draw up the Bill with the several amendments and alterations lately agreed upon. Court of Wardens, 23rd August 1651. — The Wardens and divers Assistants proceed on a search in Bishopsgate, Aldgate, Fenchurch Street, Lumbarde Street, and Cheapside. “ They went in cloakes by reason of the stormy and tempestuous weather.” The wares seized comprise rings, thimbles, silver medals, bodkins, tobacco stoppers, tooth and ear picks, seals, an open picture in an oval and crown, Turkey and garnet rings, a ring with a picture, and copper picture-cases part gilt and enamelled. The search is renewed in Bartholomew Fair on the 25th of August, Bartho- lomew Day being Sunday. An account of the assay of the various articles seized follows, and various fines are inflicted. The “ring with the picture” is stated to have had the King’s picture, and the “ open picture ” was also the late King’s portrait. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 3 Court of Assistants, loth September 1651. — ^John Alman, a working goldsmith jeweller, is admitted to the freedom by redemption, giving 40J. to the poor of the Company. The substance of the customary oath is read to him, and he is taken to Guildhall, there to take the freeman’s oath according to the Act of Parliament in that behalf lately made and provided. Alderman Noell mentions that the Committee appointed to view the Company’s lands have made their survey, and that the account thereof is in the Clerk’s custody. Alderman Vyner and others are appointed to meet on Friday morning to peruse these surveys, “ and prepare a method as they think fit, in order to a preparation of a rule for Contractors to proceed in letting leases.” At this meeting it is resolved that Mr. Rea shall not be warned to any Court of Assistants, or other meeting of the Company, until it shall be otherwise ordered by another Court of Assistants. The reason for this step does not appear. It is agreed that the pension payable to Antony Barrett, one of the almsmen (who lives in the country), shall be suspended until further order, and that he be informed that the Company expects his personal attendance, or else they will dispose of his place and pension. At a later Court (22nd October 1651) Barrett is dismissed, “ having means by his wife to live in the country, and he is constantly resident there.” Court of Assistants, 24th September 1651. — £1,000 is borrowed from the Right Hon. Thomas Andrews, Lord Mayor, in order to pay the debts due to Sir Thomas Whitmore and others. The report of the Surveyors of the Company’s property is read containing their valuation of all the lands, and the Court taking into consideration the great engagements of the Company chiefly occasioned by borrowing money for the service of the State, and continuing the same at interest, and not receiving it again, it is conceived that the Company must be, and are, constrained to let long leases of their lands towards the disengaging of the Company, which is referred to be taken into debate in the afternoon.” In the Afternoon. It is ordered that 9 persons (named), who have passed the Office of Renter, shall be admitted Assistants. The report of the Committee for Surveys is considered. The recommen- dations are as follows : — “I. It is fit to raise £20,000, or so much thereof as the letting of leases to make up the term in being of any lease to 60 years will produce. “2. It is fitting to see what leases within 12 years of expiring will produce, and so to raise to 16 years and 20 years. “ 3. To know how many years’ purchase a lease of 60 years is worth in present possession. In pursuance whereof it is considered that A 2 4 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. leases of 6o years shall not be let under io| years’ purchase, but for more as the Contractors shall be able to improve it. “For 12 years in being, to make them 6o years, not to rebate above 5^ years’ purchase ; and to rebate for 9 years in being 4| years ; and for 6 years in being 4 years ; and so proportionally for all years under 12. “For a lease of 16 years, to make them up to 60 years, not to rebate above years’ purchase; and for 20 years in being not above 7 years’ purchase. “ The said Committee, in further pursuance of their order of Committee, cast up, and set down in writing, the improved yearly rents within 12, 16, or 20 years, to make them up to 60 years.” Upon debate of the above report it is proposed that leases of 99 years may be granted, but, the Court being divided in opinion, it is referred to the next Court of Assistants, and in the meantime members are desired to consider the matter, and prepare themselves for the debate, “ which may most conduce to the good of the Company and the effecting of the intended work.” At a subsequent Court, on the 17th October, it is resolved by ballot, 10 against 9, that the Company shall grant leases for 99 years at 1 3 years’ purchase, and shall allow by way of rebate for any term in being after the same rate, but not more. It is also ordered that the covenant restraining tenants in Cheape from letting to persons other than goldsmiths shall be omitted in future leases. Court of Assistants,. 22nd October 1651. — Trial of the dyett of plate brought to be touched since the 12th June 1651. Weight of plate 5,560 lbs. I oz. 10 dwts. 12 grs. The dyett weighed to the fire 23 oz. 4dwts., and from the fire 22 oz. 15 dwts. Plate broken during the same period 35 lbs. 4 oz. 12 divts. The proceedings of the last Court of Assistants are approved, except the order concerning the granting of leases for 99 years, and that relating to the nomination of the Contractors. These matters are to be taken into consideration again “when there shall be a fuller Court, and before dinner, if time will permit; otherwise in the afternoon.” The new Renters are elected, their dinner is to be on November 5th, “a day never to be forgotten for God’s deliverance of this nation from the gunpowder Treason.” One of those elected pays a fine of £40 for being excused from service. The Renters subsequently promise the Court to give the usual dinners. It being Quarter-day the Livery appear, and are called into the parlour, where the names of the newly-elected Renters are published to them ; which being done, the Wardens, Assistants, and Livery are served with small cakes and burnt wine “ in memory of a Quarter-day.” Court of Assistants, 31st October 1651. — The business concerning the granting of leases is again debated. It is agreed that leases for 99 years shall not be granted under 12 years’ purchase; that the Committee of Contractors MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 5 for granting leases shall consist of 17 Assistants, or any 5 of them, with the 4 Wardens, or any one of them; that the said 17 Assistants shall be partly lease- holders ; and that the Committee shall summon all the tenants who have leases for terms less than 2 1 years, and, upon renewal of their leases, shall allow them pro rata for their terms according to the above rates. The names of the Com- mittee chosen are given. Court of Assistants, 8th November 1651. — Alderman Noell tells the Court that the Common Council on Tuesday last made an Act to exclude the Liveries of the Companies from the election of Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, and other chief officers of the City; that there is no way of redress but by petitioning Parlia- ment; and that certain Companies have appointed persons to join in petitioning on behalf of the Liveries. As it is the Liveries who are excluded by the above Act, it is determined to summon all the Assistants and the Livery to meet on Monday next at 8 a.m. At this meeting the Wardens, 13 Assistants, and 8 of the Livery are present. The case is explained by Alderman Noell, and Mr. Ashe and 3 others are chosen as a Committee to join those appointed by the other Companies. The Clerk is ordered to attend the Committee, and asks that his son-in-law, John Sprakeling, may act with him, or for him. His request is granted. The Committee are to meet at Grocers’ Hall. Mention is made of money borrowed at 6 per cent, interest. One sum is obtained from Henry Isaacson, Treasurer of Bridewell Hospital. Court of Assistants, 21st November 1651. — It is ordered that the true dimensions of every house, shop, or garden shall be taken and mentioned in the lease thereof. It is mentioned that Mr. Ashe has now finished 5 houses in the new way, or street, in Shoe Lane, and it is ordered that he shall have his assurance perfected. It is resolved that the Wardens, Assistants, and Livery, or so many as shall be willing to go, shall be asked to accompany the Fishmongers to the Lord Mayor’s dinner at the Fishmongers’ request. Committee, 2sth November 1651. — The Committee formerly appointed to consider the remembrance of the Company’s Benefactors is to meet on Tuesday. It is ordered that Mr. Allen, the herald painter, and Edward Jarman, the car- penter, shall be consulted in order that Benefactors’ Arms may be set up in con- venient places in the Parlour, Great Chamber, and Gallery. The half-year’s dividend of the New River Water amounts now to £18 14^. Court of Assistants, 12th December 1651. — The Committee of Contractors for Letting Leases desire the instructions of the Court on the following points : — 1. Whether or not to continue the alienation fine at (od. in the £ for the sums paid. It is resolved that the amount be reduced to 'x,d. in the £. 2. Where the immediate tenant and present occupier refuses to contract, what is to be done } Resolved to admit anybody to treat, and to take the best chapman. 6 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 3. What is to be done about the houses belonging to Mr. Kendall and others which are conceived to be overvalued in the survey ? Resolved to respite the treaty, and refer the proceedings to further consideration. 4. Widow Preston, in Wood Street, not being able to contract for a long term, has twice brought £30, and desires a lease for any term that the Company will please to grant ; but she can give no more than £30, being a poor Goldsmith’s widow. What is to be done in this and similar cases } Resolved that the Contractors report to the Court from time to time before any contract be concluded. Paid the expense of 6 dinners at the Hall, when the Committee of Con- tractors met — £5 17^. lid. Court of Committee for the Parliament business, 8th January 1652. — The Clerk reads the proposals for amendments in the Act, and reads the Bill throughout. He is directed to speak with some of the clerks of the Lord Mayor’s Court as to the last clause in the Act touching Apprentices; and also to insert in the Act that the Wardens may be empowered to size at the Hall according to the standard of the Troy weight, and to mark with the Lyon, all weights which shall be used in buying and selling “ purle oes,” etc., as in the Act ; and that the Wardens and 4 persons, or any two of them, as named in the Act, be empowered to search for all weights used in buying and selling “purle oes,” etc., and if they find any not sized at Goldsmiths’ Hall, nor marked with the Lyon, then to break and deface the same. 15th January 1652. — The Wardens and 3 Assistants go with the workmen to the new passage in Shoe Lane, and measure out the ground to be let there, reserving the ways as required, for building are as follows : — The names of the persons taking the ground Urnestone, Bayley, Norcott, Pawley, Warton, East, Rasing, Gander, Lake, Chaplyn, Ashe, The ground is accurately described in each case, and precise measurements are given. Court of Assistants, 29th January 1652. — “ At this Courte was read the brance of the will of Mr. Robert Moore for soe much thereof as concernes the Company to undertake a trust thereby appointed in consideracion of 40//. by him bequeathed unto the Company, which business beeing by a Courte of Assist- antes referred to a Committee to consider of and to reporte their opinions concerning the same, theis reporte was now read and well approved of ; and thereupon it is ordered by this Courte that the Company shall not undertake the trust mencioned in the will, but referr the same unto the executors, and that if the executors desire the Companyes answere therein, the Wardens are desired to let them know that the Company, upon due consideracion and debate thereof, doe conceave that it may not bee safe for the Company to undertake the same. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 7 “ The Queres and Reporte are as followeth : — “ The first quere : Whether the Company by receaving of their legacye and accepting of the trust are any wayes liable to the performance thereof untill such time as the lands are sold, and the moneys thereon raysed, togeather with the moneys remayneing of the personall estate, are by the executors payd unto them ? “ Secondly : In case the executors will not sell the lands, nor pay in the moneys remayneing of the personall estate unto the Company (there beeing noe time lymitted in the will for the doeing thereof), whether they may bee compelled thereunto by lawe or equity, and by whome ? If the Company may, and they neglect to doe it, whether then they bee not liable to pay the grandchildren their severall legacyes, in case the landes should bee otherwise disposed of, and the personall estate become lost ? “ Thirdly: What is meant or intended by those words— that the Company shall call his executors to an accompt once in every year for all such moneys as they, or either of them, shall receave — and how the same is to bee donne, and where ? ” “THE COMMITTEE’S REPORTE. “ Friday the second of January 1652. Mr. Ashe. Mr. Vaghan. Mr. Smithes. Mr. Terry. Mr. Morrell. Mr. Pressick. “ According to an order at the last Courte of Assistantes, the Committee abovenamed considered of the severall branches in Mr. Moore his will as relateing to the trust reposed in the Company, as alsoe upon the severall queres thereupon raysed. And forasmuch as it appeareth that the said trust may for many yeares remayne in the Company, and that, if any difference should arise and the Company be troubled, it is not in the will provided that the Company (in case of expence) should either defend themselves, or prosecute any suite for the good of the legataryes upon the accompte of the estate remayning in their handes ; for which and divers other reasons it is generally conceaved that it is not safe for the Com- pany to accept of the trust aforesaid. All which, nevertheles, they referr unto the further consideracion of a Courte of Assistantes.’’ Sth May 1653. — “At this Courte the Clerke read the coppyof the answere in Chancery which was put in by Mr. Peryn, Mr. Morrell, and Mr. Scarborough, 3 of the Wardens nominated with Mr. John Offley and Thomas Webb in the Bill of Complaint against them, at the suit of William Chevall and his wife, concerninge something aboute the will of Mr. Robert Moore, and the trust therein mencioned, and alsoe touching the summe of 4,000//., which the said Company stand bounde to the said Mr. Offley and Mr. Webb as parte of Mr. Morris’s estate; and there beeing an inclination of peace on both sides, there was alsoe read the draught of 8 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. an order prepared to bee entred by consent with referrence to an arbitration of 4 persons nominated and chosen by the plaintiffs and defendants, Mr. Offfey and Mr. Webb ; which order beeing considered of, it is conceaved by the Clerk that it is not full enough as to the Company relating to the refusall of the trust in the will mencioned, and therefore the Clerke is ordered to amend the draught of the order as hee thinkes fitt, with a provisoe therein that neither the Wardens nor Company bee involved in the arbitracion to take upon them the trust which they have already refused.” Court of Wardens, 31st January 1652. — £500 borrowed from Mr. Drax at 6 per cent, interest in order to repay loans now due. £330 is received as a fine for a lease in reversion of the Maydenhead tene- ment in Gutter Lane. Paid for 5 dinners for the Committee of Contractors, and for 4 meetings with drinkings, but without dinners, £6 16s. id. Mr. Pawley is to pay £20 for the time he has held the Cockpit garden, and part of two tenements built at the east end thereof, since his last lease expired at Michaelmas 1650. He will be admitted tenant-at-will for all that is left of these premises, after what is wanted for the street is taken away, at a rent of £16 per annum. Court of Assistants, 27th February 1652. — The Committee of Contractors make known that they are much obstructed in their intended work of granting leases because they are tied up to a rule from which they cannot swerve. The tenants allege that most of the houses are overvalued, and that they cannot contract according to that valuation. Many of them, therefore, have desired reviews, or abatements in the yearly value, according to a true improved rent, and then they will be encouraged to contract. It is ordered that if, on request, there be a review granted by the Committee, the said review shall be made by the Committee of Surveyors formerly appointed. If any tenement shall be reviewed and revalued, it is ordered that the tenant, or other purchaser upon the contract, shall pay according to the prescribed rule and after the yearly value fixed in the review; but if the Committee, on treaty with the tenant, or other pur- chaser, are induced to believe that the tenement then in treaty to be contracted for was overvalued at the first survey, and proceed to contract without any review, then the Committee are empowered to abate from the purchase money what they shall think fit, not exceeding £io per cent. Court of Assistants, 19th March 1652. — Mr. Smythes and Mr. Perrjn are desired to meet at Grocers’ Hall to-morrow, by 2 p.m., about the petition for the Companies’ debts. Court of Committee, 8th April 1652. — Account and statement of a dispute between John Walter, plasterer, and Wm. Britten, joiner, both living in Flower de Luce Court, Foster Lane, concerning their respective premises. Court of Assistants, 14th April 1652. — It is ordered that the Clerk shall search the Book of Statutes and see what penal statutes are in force MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 9 concerning the Company, and deliver the same to Alderman Noell, who, with Alderman Vyner, shall deliver them to the Recorder, and confer with him thereon. A lease of a small tenement in Shovell Alley, formerly belonging to Ralph Robinson, is granted without fine to John Sprakeling, son-in-law of William Haselfoote, the Clerk, in consideration of his services to the Company. Court of Assistants, 28th April 1652. — Mr. Perryn is to have a lease of the ruinous house in Gutter Lane, late belonging to John East, for 51 years, in consideration of rebuilding. Mr. Perryn’s building, however, is not to prejudice the lights of Mr. Ashe’s house. Court of Assistants, 14th May 1652. — It is ordered that Mr. Jarman, the carpenter, and Mr. Burridge, the bricklayer, shall proceed to make the common streets, or passages, out of Shoe Lane towards Fetter Lane, and out of Redcross Street into Aldersgate Street, and pull down such houses, and lay open such gardens, as they shall think fit, according to the designs formerly approved; and, if obstructed by any tenant or otherwise, they are to acquaint the Committee forthwith. The street “ out of Redcross Street into Aldersgate Street ” is now known as Jewin Street. Howell’s Londinopolts, 1657, P^-g'^ 342, thus mentions this street: “Then is there from about the middle of Aldersgate a handsome new street (Jewin Street) butted out, and fairly built by the Company of Goldsmiths, which reacheth athwart as far as Redcross Street.” Court of Assistants, 19th May 1652. — On this day (Quarter-day) the account of Edward East and Clement Stoner, the last Renters, is read. The total of the charge is £744 2s., and of the discharge £760 4^. "whereof £127 15J. 5 ( 7 . was for assessments allowed to divers of the tenants being rated upon the landlord.” The Company is therefore indebted to the said accountants £16 2s. 5 j( 7 ., “besides the sum of £18 4s. 6d. with which they are charged in the account, but have not nor cannot receive any of it, the particulars whereof was now delivered in a note of arrears which was now read, and subscribed with the name, and by the hand, of Edward East.” The Company therefore owes the Renters £34 6 j . i i^d. Exception is taken to the payment of 23J. to Humphrey Rayne for warning the tenants to pay their rents at the Hall, for which payment there is no prece- dent, nor was any sum demanded by Edwards and Gellibrand, who were the first to have printed tickets provided to warn the tenants to pay their rents in the Hall. It is ordered that the 23J. be not allowed. On the motion of Sir John Wollaston it is decided that enquiry shall be made by Mr. Bedingfield, Mr. Browne, and Mr. Corbett, who sometimes live near Cromer, whether the Free Grammar School there is carried on according to the intentions of the founder. Mr. Talbot, the schoolmaster, and the inhabitants are to be examined, and meanwhile the sum of £10 which the Company pay towards the Master’s salary is to be stopped. 10 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Election of Wardens. — ^James Reeve is elected Touch Warden, but not being of the Mystery, and being therefore unable to execute the Office, he pays a fine of £io. William Haselfoote is elected Clerk; Alexander Jackson, Assayer; and John Hastings, Beadle. In the Afternoon. “ The Wardens and Assistants being again set in Court, it was taken into consideration that the last year some of the Generality in the Hall moved that the Company’s Charter might be read unto them, and it is generally agreed and ordered by the Court that the Charter shall be read this afternoon in the Hall, but first the new elected Wardens’ names are to be published. And because the Charter is very long, and will take up a great time in reading, it is resolved that the Wardens and Assistants will go into the Hall to read the Charter before the Renters go to serve the Generality in the Hall, though, heretofore, the Generality were used to be served before the Wardens and Assistants went into the Hall. And thereupon Messrs. Wardens and Assistants with their gownes and hoods went into the Hall, and after Mr. Alderman Noell had spoken a few words in order to the business in hand, he commanded the Clerk to publish the names of the new-elected Wardens for the year ensuing. And then the Clerk did publish and declare that Mr. William Daniell, Mr. John Perryn, Mr. Richard Morrell, and Mr. William Scarborough were chosen Wardens for the year ensuing. After which the Clerk was commanded to read the Charter throughout, which was done accordingly ; after which was read the draft of a Petition to be presented to the Parliament in the name of this Corporation, which Petition was agreed upon by a Committee of this Company in that behalf appointed, and is now read for the con- currence therein of this assembly, but nothing is concluded on, and so for the present it is laid aside. “ At the same time some of the Generality said that the Petition was not the work of this day, but the choice of Wardens. And it being demanded of them if they could object anything against any of the Wardens that were chosen, whose names were published as aforesaid, they should be heard ; but on that they were all silent, and notwithstanding the former election, insisted upon election of Wardens among themselves. And then the Wardens, Assistants, and Livery rose up, and so departed out of the Hall, leaving the Renters to serve the Generality with buns, cakes, and cheese, and so the Court dissolved.” Court of Assistants, 22nd May 1652. — Alderman Noell declares that the occasion of this meeting is to take into consideration what is fit to be done in opposition to the “ pretended ” election of the “ pretended ” Wardens, which were “ pretended ” to be chosen upon Quarter-day in this Hall, after the departure of the Wardens, Assistants, and Livery, and the Court had dissolved ; which was done by a few turbulent spirits, some being members of this Company and others free of other Companies, but ill-affected to the good government of this Company. And after some relation made of their proceedings that even in the Hall, and of MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 1 1 the next day’s proceedings in reference to the Clerk and Assayer, both sworn Officers of Trust in this Company, and after mention also of the great trust reposed by the State in the Wardens of this Company for the time being, in order to the keeping of the pounsons of the Leopard's Head and the Lyon committed unto them in reference to the touching of all the plate of this nation for the service of the State; upon debate of these proceedings it is generally thought fit, agreed, and ordered by the Court that, during the time of this disturbance of the govern- ment of the Company, the pounson of the Lyon (which usually remaineth in the custody of the Deputy Assayer to the Wardens of this Company) shall now be removed from his custody, and be kept by the Wardens ; and that the pounson of the Leopard’s Head (usually kept by the Touch Warden), together with that of the Lyon, shall be locked in the Company’s Treasury, and be fetched from thence when plate is to be touched. And in pursuance hereof the Assayer is sent for, and required to deliver unto the Wardens the pounson of the Lyon, which he accord- ingly does forthwith ; after which the Assayer informs the Court that Edward Wade, the Graver of the Pounsons of the Company, has the counter pounsons of the Leopard’s Head and Lyon, whereupon it is ordered that he be sent for, and required to deliver these pounsons to the present Wardens. Edward Wade, the Graver of the Pounsons, is sent for, and Alderman Noell requires him to deliver to the Wardens the counter pounsons of the Leopard’s Head and the Lyon ; but he says that he made these pounsons, and that they are his own, and he may dispose of them as he pleases. The Wardens then charge him not to deliver either of them to any person, nor to make use of them unless required by the Wardens, to which Wade answers that he will not use the pounsons but by command of the Wardens. “ At this Court Mr. Cresswell, with Mr. Portman, Mr. Doe, and Mr. Cary, four of the Livery of the Company, with divers other members thereof to the number of 28, came into the Hall, and sent word unto the Court that they desired to be admitted and heard ; who being called in, Mr. Cresswell for and in behalf of himself and the rest now present, and of divers other members of this Company well-affected to the good government thereof, did make complaint of the undue and irregular proceedings of divers members of this Company, and some free of other Companies, being assembled in the Common Hall upon Quarter-day last in the evening, after the Wardens and Assistants were risen and the Court dissolved, pretending the election of the Wardens for the year ensuing, notwithstanding the former election of Wardens, and the names of them published by the Clerk before the reading of the Charter, which they humbly conceive to be against the rules of the good government of the Corporation, and, if not timely prevented, may tend to the utter ruin and subversion thereof, or words to that effect. And, therefore, they all unanimously desired and prayed this Court that they would proceed, and go on, in the Company’s business, and government thereof, according to their ancient usage and custom in that behalf. And that the Wardens lately elected by the Court of Assistants may take their places and charge of Wardens 12 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. as Other their predecessors had used to do ; which the parties now present affirm will be approved of, and confirmed by, the major part of the Commonalty, if need require, notwithstanding the undue “pretended” election of the “pretended” Wardens, who would not admit unto the now complainants a negative voice in such their “pretended” election; which, if they had, it is confidently affirmed by all the complainants now present, their “pretended” election had been null and void; or words to the like effect. And therefore prayed again that the opponents might not receive any countenance or encouragement in such their undue and “ pretended ” election, for they are resolved, and so are many more, to protest and declare against all their proceedings; or words to that effect. For which expressions this Court desire the present Wardens, in the name of the Company, to return thanks unto them, which was done accordingly. “ The complainants which were now present were those whose names do here follow. (28 names.) “ This Court being informed that some of the pretended Wardens, and others their adherents, were sitting in the Hall, this Court dissolved, and then Messrs. Wardens and Assistants went into the Hall, where, finding them sitting, jMr. Aider- man Noell required them to avoid and clear the Hall, who, after some speeches passed on both parties, they did depart accordingly.” Court of Assistants, 28th May 1652. — A precept from the Lord Mayor to certify what powder there is in the Hall, in accordance with an Order of the Council of State of the 24th May. A certificate in reply states that there are 21 barrels. Mr. Ashe and others are appointed a Committee to advise with Counsel “ what is fit to be done concerning the present disturbance of the Company in opposition to the government thereof, and they are to send for such members of the Company as they think fit to obtain information from them concerning the miscarriages of some ill-affected members of the Company in their late undue proceedings.” The present Wardens may attend the Committee, who are at liberty to advise with Mr. Serjeant Glyn, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Maynard, and Mr. Walker, and give them such fees as they think fit. The above Committee meet on Tuesday the ist of June 1652, and divers members of the Company and others appear before them “ to testify their know- ledge of the passages and undue proceedings of two of the pretended new-elected Wardens of this Company upon last Quarter-day in the evening, and what they did now declare the substance thereof was taken by the Clerk from their own mouths, and set down in writing.” (12 names follow.) Court of Assistants, nth June 1652. — Trial of the dyett. Plate brought to be touched since the 22nd October 1651, 12,669 lbs. looz. 6dwts. The dyett weighed to the fire 5202. 12^ dwts., from the fire 51 oz. i2|^dwts. The plate broken during the same period weighed 20 lbs. 4 oz. 10 dwts. The new Wardens are sworn “ in such manner as is set forth in an Act of Parliament of 5th September 1649, but because in that oath mention is not made MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 13 of the particular duties of the said place, it is ordered that the substance of the oath heretofore taken by the Wardens of this Company shall be now read unto them.” I2th June 1652. — Give-upp daye. The ready money is £154 yj. 3^/. At the same time is paid to Mr. Symmons, for graving the pounsons, 20J. Court of Wardens, 25th June 1652. — Samuel Scott, an apprentice, is admitted to the freedom. The substance of the oath formerly taken is read to him, which he promises to keep, and he is told that when the Company are empowered to administer an oath he must come and take it. “Memorandum. — William Daniell, Esquire, now Upper Warden of this Company, departed this life the tenth day of this instant July, and on the 1 5th day of the same month was buried at St. Foster’s Church, his corpse being accompanied from the Hall by the Livery and the Governors of Christ’s Hospital (whereof he was a member), the velvet pall being held up by 6 Assistants of the Company, 3 of the degree in which he died, and 3 next beneath him.” Subsequently a sum of £6, given by the executors, was distributed amongst almsmen, who were in black gowns at Daniell’s funeral. Gratuities of lOj-. and 3^. \d. were also given to the porter and to Widow Littler, who cleaned the Hall and other rooms used on the occasion. Court of Assistants, 12th August 1652. — It is ordered that the Clerk, by the advice of Counsel, do prepare a draft of a letter of attorney to enter into and take possession of ground in Gunpowder Alley, upon which there has been an encroachment. 23rd August 1652. — This day Mr. Perryn and two other Wardens proceed upon a search in Bishopsgate, Aldgate, and Tower Hill, returning through Tower Streete, Fenchurch Streete, Lumberd Streete, Cheapside, and Foster Lane. (An account of the wares seized follows.) “ And it is to be remembered that the Wardens coming to the shops of John Marlowe, goldsmith, in Cheapside, and Edward Wade, goldsmith, in Foster Lane, where the Wardens demanded a search to trye their wares, which were locked up in their glasses, but they obstinately refused to allow their wares to be touched or tried, although they were exposed to sale.” 28th August 1652. — This day the Wardens proceed with the workmen to Jewin Gardens to set out the proportion of 10 houses to be erected on the north side of the new street. Lawrence is to have 35 ft. for 2 houses at 4s. 6d. a foot, £7 lyj. 6d. rent. (“This is better to be £8.”) Mr. Perryn is to have 34 ft. i in. for 2 houses ; Mr. Harden to have 34 ft. 4 in. for 2 houses ; and Mr. Silverton to have 69 ft. 4 in. ; all at 4^. a foot. There will be room on the south side next to Mrs. Rawlins’s house for 8 houses with a frontage of 16 ft. 6 in. each. Court of Wardens, loth September 1652. — Sundry small wares taken on Saint Bartholomew’s Day are broken. Mr. Marsh, to whom some of the articles 14 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANr. belong, falls into a passion and will not submit, accusing the Wardens of taking his rings through malice. The Wardens order Marsh to appear at the next Court. 2 1st September 1652. — On this day the sum of £1,030, owing to Alderman Thomas Andrews, for principal debt and interest, is repaid to him, and imme- diately afterwards a fine of £700 is received from him on the renewal of the lease of the Harpe tenements without Bishopsgate. Court of Assistants, 15th October 1652. — There are 8 suitors for the Weigher’s place void by the death of Richard Cooke. This number is subse- quently increased to 10, and John Aynge is ultimately elected, during good behaviour, at a yearly fee of £ 1 3 6^. Zd. Court of Assistants, 20th October 1652. — Trial of the dyett of plate brought to be touched from the i ith June last. Weight of plate 7,471 lbs. 3 oz. 7 dwts. 12 grs. The dyett weighed to the fire 32 oz. 8 dwts. ; from the fire 31 oz. 1 6 dwts. Plate broken during the same period 17 lbs. 3 oz. 8 dwts. Colonel Barkstead is to be invited to dinner, considering how useful he may be for the good of the Company, as occasion shall offer. The State hath lately cast an especial eye of favour upon Colonel Barkstead, and placed him in the Lieutenancy of the Tower of London, and it is, therefore, also moved and agreed that he be chosen an Assistant of the Company, and that he take his seat “next unto the Wardens on their left hand on the bench side”; the Court being informed by the Beadle that Colonel Barkstead is then without, and hath gone up to the Great Chamber, desire that he be called in, and he is at once admitted. The Churchwardens of Saint Mary Woolnoth asks that Sir Martin Bowes’s Banners may be renewed before the day of his commemoration in November, and it is ordered accordingly. A later entry shows that the cost of the new banners was £16. Being Quarter-day, the Ordinances are read as usual ; but although the whole of the Livery have been summoned for this purpose, only one member appears, and he leaves before the reading. Court of Wardens, nth November 1652. — Amongst the usual items of receipts and expenditure there is an account of sums spent in the purchase of articles for the discovery of sellers of coarse gold and silver wares. A sum of 29^. is paid to the Pewterer for the hire of pewter for 3 dinners. Court of Wardens, 19th November 1652. — Paid to Thomas Trotter, linen draper : — £ s. d. 10 doz. of Napkins, 13I yds. to the dozen 12 iS 9 33 yds. Tabling Diaper 7 14 0 8 yds. Towelling ... 0 IS 4 8 ells “Lock” at \Qd. 0 15 5 3 6 22 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS'' COMPANY. IS A writing is read directed to the Master and Wardens, dated the 9th instant, subscribed by Edward Taylor, intimating the desire of the Committee of the 12 Companies for getting in the State’s debt to them that an account of the monies lent to the State by this Company, and what has been repaid, with a calculation of the interest due thereon, may be furnished to them when they sit in the Irish Court in the Guildhall on Tuesday the i6th instant. It is ordered accordingly. “ Tewsdaye the xxiijrd of November 1652. " This day Mr. Wardens perfected an Accompt concerning the moneys oweing to this Company from the State, and the said accompt was subscribed by 3 of the Wardens, namely, Mr. Bedingfeild, Mr. Peryn, and Mr. Scarborough, and the same was delivered to Mr. Vaghan to bee retorned in answere to the writing from Mr. Edward Taylor sent to this Company, and the contents thereof entred, the xijth of this instant, the tenor of which accompt followeth in theis wordes “ MONEY LENT TO THE STATE BY THE COMPANY OF GOLDSMITHES, LONDON. H Paid and lent to the peerage the 17th of October £ d. I 640 . - . - . Paid and lent the i8th of June 1642, in parte of 7000/2'., beeing their proporcionable parte of 3500 00 00 100,000/2'. for Ireland - . . Paid and lent more the 27th June 1642, in parte as 3000 00 00 last aforesaid . _ _ _ Paid and lent more in full of the said 7000/2'. the 2700 00 00 22nd of July 1642 . . - . Paid and lent upon the Citty seale the 5th of Sep- 1300 00 00 tember 1643 - . _ . Furnished and lent the State fowerscore muskettes, with restes, bandeleers, swordes, and beltes. 3500 00 00 and apprised at - 120 00 00 Summe totall of the money and armes - 141 20 00 00 “MONEYS RECEAVED OF THE STATE. “ I. Receaved of the Chamberlyn of London the £ s. d. 26th of September 1644, the first tenth part of 3500/f. lent to the peerage, beeing their proporcionable parte of 3500/2'., the summe of 350 00 00 2. Receaved the second tenth parte of 3500/2., lent to the peerage as aforesaid, from the Cham- berlyn of London the 20th of July 1646, the summe of - - - - . 350 00 00 i6 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 3. Receaved of the Chamberlyn of London, in further parte of the principall money of 3500/f, for the peerage money, their proporcionable parte beeing receaved the 1 6th of July 1651, the summe of . . . . 4. Receaved more of him, the lOth of November 1652, in further parte of the peerage money, for their proporcionable parte of 962//. ioj. od., beeing the summe of- . . . 5. Receaved of the Commissioners of Excise, for one third parte of 3500//. lent upon the Citty seale, charged upon the Excise for a yeare ending the 15th of Aprill 1645, the summe of £ s. d. 175 00 00 87 10 00 1166 13 04 2129 03 04 “ INTEREST MONEY DUE FROM THE STATE TO THE COMPANY OF GOLDSMITHES, LONDON. “I. For the interest of 3500//., lent to the peerage from the 17th October 1640 to the 26th of September 1644, beeing 3 yeares, 1 1 monethes, 9 dayes, is - 2. For the interest of 3150//., parte of the said 3500//., from the 26th of September 1644 to the 20th of July 1646, beeing i yeare, 9 monethes, 24 days, is - - - 3. For the interest of 2800//., the remainder of the said 3500/f., from the 20th of July 1646 to the 25th of March 1647, beeing 8 monethes, 5 dayes, is - 4. For the interest of the said 2800//., from the 25th March 1647 ^^e i6th July 1651, beeing 4 yeares, 3 monethes, and 21 days 5. For the interest of 2625//., remainder of the said 3500//., from the i6th of July 1651 to the 9th of November 1652, beeing i yeare, 3 monethes, and 24 dayes, is - - 6. For the interest of 3000//., beeing parte of 7000//. lent for Ireland, from the i8th of June 1642 to the 25th of March 1647, beeing 4 yeares, 9 monethes, 7 dayes, is - - - 7. For the interest of 2700/2'., beeing another parte of the 7000/2’. lent for Ireland, from the 27th of £ j. d. 1102 10 00 0456 13 00 0151 IS 04 0966 00 00 027s 12 06 1 14s 00 00 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS'' COMPANY. 17 £ s. d. June 1642 to the 25th of March 1647, beeing 4 yeares, 9 monethes, less 2 dayes, is- 1024 10 00 For the interest of 1300/2’., in full of the 7000/2'. lent for Ireland, from the 22nd of July 1642 to the 25th of March 1647, beeing 4 yeares, 8 monethes, 3 dayes, is - - - 0485 06 08 For the interest of the said 7000/2’. from the 25th of March 1647 to the 9th of November 1652, beeing 5 yeares, 7 monethes, 14 dayes, is 3150 00 00 For the interest of 3500/2'., lent upon the Citty seale, from the 5th of September 1643 to the 15th of Aprill 1644, beeing 7 monethes, 10 dayes, is - 0172 00 00 For the interest of 2333/2’. obj'. c&d., beeing two third partes of the said 3500/2’., from the 15th of Aprill 164410 the 25th of March 1647, beeing 2 yeares, 1 1 monethes, and 10 dayes, is 0550 05 06 For the interest of the said 2333/2’. o6j. oZd., beeing the residue of the 3500/2’. lent upon the Citty seale, from the 25th of March 1647 to the 9th of November 1652, beeing 5 yeares, 7 monethes, and 14 dayes, is - - 1050 00 00 Summe totall 10529 13 00 £ s. d. The totall lent is - - - - 14120 00 00 Whereof received - _ _ - 02129 03 04 Reste of principall debt ... 1 1990 16 8 Interest money ----- 10529 13 00 Principall money - - - - 1 1990 16 08 Totall 22520 09 08 “ This accompt was subscribed the 23rd day of November, 1652, by Mr. Humfry Bedingfeilde, Mr. John Perryn, Mr. William Scarborough. “ The last accompt was made up the 30th of March, 1647, ^^d subscribed with the handes of Edward Vaghan, Humfry Bedingfielde, and Richard Morrell. As appeareth in the booke X., foleo 135 and 136.” Court of Wardens, ist December 1652. — The following report is received from the carpenter and bricklayer of a view of the defects in all the buildings in Bachelors’ Court, with an estimate of the charges for repairing the same : — “ At this Courte Mr. Wardens made knowne the decayes of the chambers S 4021. B l8 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. in Bachelors’ Courte, and that they had appointed the workemen to view the same, and reporte the defectes of repaire, which reporte was read, the tenor whereof followeth in theis wordes : — “ ‘ November the 25th, 1652. To the worshipfull the Wardens of the Company of Goldsmiths ; “ ' Shewing that, in pursuance of your direction, we, John Burridge, brick- layer, and Edward Jarman, carpenter, haveing viewed the severall roomes situate lyeing and beeing in Batchellors’ Court, in Gutter Lane,' doe finde theis decayes followeing in and about the same : — “ ‘ Imprimis that the ground plates next the yard are much decayed, and for the greatest parte thereof ought to have new plates put in and the foundations repayred. “ ‘ Item that most parte of the ground flowers want new boarding and joysting. “ ‘ Item that the chimneys are much decayed in the foundations, insoemuch that the whole 3 pyles are in dainger of falling. “ ‘ Item that the roofes of all the buildings are soe extreamly decayed that there is necessitye of takeing them all off, and new framing and tyling the same ; alsoe that through the insufficiency of the said roofe the outward story is thrust out, and garrett flower decayed, which, if not repayred, may indainger the building. “ ‘ Item that the staires leading up into fower upper chamberes are very inconvenient and daingerous, and are necessary to bee amended, and that some of the upper staires want mending. “ ‘ Item that most of the glasse windowes are decayed, the glasse broken, caismentes decayed, and some dores, lockes, and hinges out of order. " ‘ Which said workes beeing repaired in good and substanshall manner, for that in reason the Company may not in the space of 20 yeares bee put to little or noe trouble aboute further repayre or support of the same, wee, after dew examination and consideracion of each parti- culer, are ferfull they will not cost less than the summe of 70 or 80/., in testimony whereof we have sett our handes, the day and yeare first above written. “ ‘ John Burridge. “ ‘ Edward Jarjian.’ “ Which beeing read and taken into consideracion, it is generally agreed, and soe ordered, that the same bee repayred at the Companyes charge, and that the Wardens, or any one of them, with Mr. Ashe, Mr. Hall, Mr. Symondes, and Mr. Preswick, or any 2 of them, shalbee and are by this Courte appointed to bee a Committee to see it done, and to agree with the workemen for the doeing MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 19 of it, as in their discresions shalbee thought fitt ; and it is alsoe ordered that, when the said buildings shalbee repayred and made fitt for tennantes according to the donor’s will, before any tennantes shalbee admitted into any of the said chambers, either the present or future tennantes, they shall enter into bonde with a sufficient suertie, such as the Wardens of this Company for the time beeing shall approve of, and not beeing a member of this Com- pany, to pay the rente and keepe the premisses in good repaire, and upon avoidance by death, marriage, or otherwise leaveing off to inhabite the same chamber, shall upon such avoidance deliver the key and quiet possession of the chamber which they or any of them hold unto the Wardens for the time beeing, and not to suffer the possession to come to the handes of any person before the delivery of the said key as aforesaid ; and the Clerke is ordered to search for a coppy of the will by which they were given unto the Company, if itt may anywhere bee founde. And this Committee are desired to minde the Clerke thereof accordingly.” A report is also received concerning a cellar made by Mr. Agg under a tenement in Scalding Alley and the gateway and yard there. Mr. Joseph Vaghan objects to pay £10 as a fine for being discharged from the office of Touch Warden, as he is disabled by an Act of Parlia- ment from holding any office. His refusal is to be made known to a Court of Assistants. At this Court Mr. Warden Bedingfield relates his proceedings at Cromer, in Norfolk, this last summer, in pursuance of an Order of a Court of Assistants made the 19th of May last. The entry is as follows : — “ At this Courte Mr. Warden Bedingfeild made reporte of his proceedings at Cromer, in Norffblk, this last summer, in pursuance of an order of a Courte of Assistantes made heere the 19th of May last, by which relacion it appeareth that the schoole at Cromer is not at present a grammer schoole, because there hath not bin for some yeares past any presented unto the schoole master for grammer schollers ; but, when there shalbee, it is affirmed by the said Mr. Warden Bedingfeild that Mr. Talbot, the scholle master admitted by this Company to that place, will bee ready and willing to teach them accordingly. In the meane time, by the consent and approbacion of almost all the inhabitantes of the towne, Mr. Talbot hath deputed one Thompson to teach the youth to reade and write, and alsoe to instruct them in arethmatick, which, as it is reported, is more con- sistent with people of their condicion than teaching the grammer; and many other passages were related by the said Mr. Warden Bedingfeild of his proceed- ings at Cromer in pursuance to continue the yearely payment of x/. to the afore- said Mr. Talbott; and forasmuch as it is conceaved by this Courte that the first donacion of the xA to a grammer schoole-master mencioned in the will of the donor was by him intended for the good education of the youth then in beeing, to make them grammer schollers for their well beeing and advancement in their severall callings, and that the revolucion of time haveing reduced that towne, and B 2 20 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. the inhabitantes thereof, to such a condicion that the education of their youth, as now it is practized and taught, is more consistent with their callings, and soe desired by almost all the inhabitantes of the towne then of learning the grammer; the Company not willing that the educacion of the youth of the towne should bee totally neglected, but to bee taught according to their parentes’ desires and the children’s capacities, untill it please God that some may bee capeable of learning grammer. It is ordered by this Courte that the summe of v/. due for \ a yeares sallary ending at Michaelmas last shalbee paid to the said Mr. Talbott, and that the yearely payment of the said sallary shalbee continued unto him untill it shalbee otherwise ordered by a Courte of Assistantes, any former order to the contrary notwithstanding.” A precept is received from the Lord Mayor for the provision of 700 quarters of wheat to be laid in the granaries before the 20th December, and that a certificate may be furnished to him of the provision made. It is agreed that the Company shall buy what is required. The death of William Danyell, the Trustee for the Company of their share in the New River Water, is reported, and Mr. Ashe is appointed to sit for the said share in the Court of the New River Company in Danyell’s place. It is agreed that 4 dozen spoons shall be made out of 5 ingots of dyett silver, weighing 16^ oz., and that the rest of the silver shall be sold. At this Court is read a letter to The Right Worshipful the Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the Company of Goldsmiths of the City of London, subscribed by Daniel Blagrave, dated 29th November last, the tenor whereof followeth in these words : — “ Gentlemen, — The Committee for Corporations having taken into their consideration an Order of Parliament of the 17th September 1652 touching the alteration and renewing of the several and respective charters of this nation, and, upon serious debate had thereon, considering it most agreeable with, and suitable to, the government of the Commonwealth that they be held from and under the authority of the same, commanded me to signify unto you their pleasure therein ; namely, that in pursuance of the said Order of Parliament you fail not to bring, or cause to be brought, unto the said Committee, upon the 2nd day of December next, sitting in the Queen’s Court in Westminster, any Charter or Charters whereby you are incorporated. “ This being all I have in command, “ I remain. Gentlemen, “ Your friend and servant, “ Daniel Blagrave. “Westminster, Novr. 29th 1652.” It is ordered that the Wardens and some Assistants, with the Clerk, shall have a true copy of the Charter made and attested to tender to this Committee, so that MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 2 I the Charter itself may be broug-ht back, in regard to the great trust reposed in the Company for the trial of plate and other works of goldsmithery, without which it is conceived that the Company may not safely act. It is reported that the Wardens have been summoned to appear before the Committee of Petitions, sitting in the Inner Court of Wards at Westminster, to answer the complaint mentioned in a petition presented to the Parliament by some of the Generality of the Company. The Court appoint the present Wardens and certain other members to attend. Lent to Richard Whalley, the almsman, £3 to “supple” him in his journey to Lancashire. Court of Assistants, 15th December 1652. — The Court direct the Wardens, when they meet to distribute Sir Hugh Myddelton’s gift, to enquire whether any of the suitors for the gift have subscribed the petition lately presented to Parlia- ment complaining of the Wardens and Assistants. An order is received, signed Daniel Blagrave, made by the Committee of Corporations on the 2nd December 1652, that the Charter of the Company be referred to counsel, who is desired to present it, and report to the Committee, and, after he has taken a true copy of it, to return the Charter to the Company. “ At this Courte was read an order made by the Committee for Tryall of Peticions, and alsoe the copye of the peticion mencioned in the said order, with the coppy of the subscribers’ names, which said order and peticion are as followeth : — “ ‘ AT THE COMMITTEE OF PARLIAMENT FOR TRIALL OF PETICIONS. “‘Thursday, 9th of December 1652. “ ‘ The Wardens and Assistantes of the Company of Goldsmithes, &c., som- moned to attend this Committee by order of the 25th November 1652, did this day accordingly attend. “ ‘ The humble peticion of divers cittizens of London, freemen of the Society and Company of Goldsmiths, was this day againe read. It is thereupon Ordered, That the said Wardens and Assistantes of the Company of Goldsmiths, and other the persons complayned of in the said peticion, shall and may have a copie of the said peticion, and time to answere untill the 13th day of January next, beeing the first Thursday after twelfth tide, at which tyme they are to bring in their said answere unto the aforesaid peticion in writing unto this Committee. “ ‘ Wm. Symon, “ ‘ Clerk attending the Committee,’ 22 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “‘TO THE SUPREME AUTHORITEY OF THIS NATION, THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF ENGLAND. “‘THE HUMBLE PETICION of divers cittizens of London, freemen of the Society and Company of Goldsmithes, “ ‘ SHEWETH that by their Charter those of the Mistery of Goldsmithes are incorporated and made a Commonalty, and that the said Commonalty by the said Charter have power to chuse fower Wardens yearely of the men of the Com- monalty aforesaid, to oversee, rule, and duely governe the said Mistery and Commonalty aforesaid, and all and singular the men of the same, for evermore, as by the wordes of the said Charter doth plainly appeare. “ ‘ That for above 40 yeares past the Wardens (by reason of some bylaw made, as is alleadged), together with a small number of the said Company, commonly called Assistantes, onely, and without the body of the said Company, have, contrary to the said Charter, chosen Wardens from yeare to yeare with all other the officers of the said Company, by reason whereof their priviledges are infringed; the common good of the said Company hath thereby bene much neglected ; the revenues thereof not manadged to the best advantage of the said Company ; and much of the rentes belonging to the said Company is disposed of for sixty and ninety-nine yeares upon great fines, without the privity or consent of the said Commonalty, under pretence of paying the debtes of the said Company, although the Commonaltye doe owe (sic) yet understood the state of the accomptes of the said Company. “ ‘ That your peticioners the last yeare having attained to the knowledge of their Charter (beeing until then kept from them), out of a sincere desire of common good to the said Society, being summoned to appeare at the usuall tyme for eleccion of their officers, claymed their rightes and liberties of the Com- monaltye, to chuse Wardens (beeing their undoubted right according to their Charter), were denied the same by the present Wardens and their associates, whereupon the Commonaltye at that time protested against their undue pro- ceedings. “ ‘ That this present yeare a great body of the said Commonaltye, beeing then likewise mett in the Common Hall according to the said summons at the said usuall tyme of eleccion, did by vote send to the said Wardens, beeing then in a private roome, to come forth into the Common Hall of the said Company, that the w'hole company then present might have their votes in the choice of Wardens for the yeare ensuing, w'ho then came forth, but told the Commonaltye they had chosen Wardens already. The Commonaltye then denied that to be a legall eleccion, insisting much upon their right of eleccion as their owne persons according to their Charter ; upon the same the auncientes of the said Company rose up to be gone, thereby to dissolve the Courte ; the Commonaltye desired them to stay, otherwise they should bee necessitated to goe onto eleccion without them, w'hich accordingly they did, having first declared null all bylawes and MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 23 votes made contrary to their Charter as to eleccion of officers, and then chose 4 Wardens and other officers in the Common Hall of the said Company. That in regard severall men of the said Company under the name of Wardens and other officers doe keepe the possession of the Hall, and all bookes of recordes and other evidences belonging to the said Company, soe that the persons duely chosen to bee Wardens cannot execute their office for the good government of the said Company, your peticioners, desireing onely the common good in a peaceable and reguler way, to avoid the scandalles and calamnies of tumultiousnes or faction which some of your peticioners’ opposers would cast upon them, to prevent the effect of your peticioners’ good intencions ; and for that your peticioners may recover their just rightes and priviledges, for the which they have cheerefully with the hazard of their lives and fortunes ingaged, for the preservacion of this Common Wealth, and are still ready to doe the same upon all occasions, your peticioners humbly crave for the preventing of contestes and differences which dayly arise, and are frmented {sic) by the said undue eleccions, that this honorable Parliament would be pleased to grant and order for the more speedy obteyning of such remedy to these your peticioners’ great grievances by a direccion of an equall triall at law in that behalfe, to the end the said Company may be restored to their former auncient and laudable government, and that the disposing of the revenues of the said Company may bee suspended untill the cause shall bee by law determined, or otherwise as shall seem best unto your grave wisedomes, if in case your honours thinke it not fitt by your order to redress your peticioners’ grievances heerein complayned of; “ ‘And your Peticioners shall dayly pray. ‘ Wm. Rason. Hen. Noyes. Wm. Bankes. James Noell. Tho. Wormelaighton. Marma. Johnson. Chr. Birkhead. Tho. Sanderson. Jo. Shawe. Jo. Marlow. Wm. Bright. Gabrieli Marriott. Tho. Best. Jo. Winterton. Tho. Barker. Cha. Cokayne. Jo. Hancock. Wm. Wade. Tho. Mundy. R. Quintyne. Edw. Sallowes. Edw. Wade. Geo. Hatton. Daniel Rutty. Evodias Inman. Ro. Reeve. Wm. Cooke. Geo. Ward. Tho. Herbert. Wm. Symmons. Hen. Peat. Tho. Oldnott. Tho. Venables. Roger Stevens. Jo. Wraxhall. Tho. Kimberley. Stephen Venable. Geo. Clarke. Josias Archer. Tho. Greene. Hen. Weare. Phillip Pakenham. Wm. {sic) Wm. Quintyn. Ro. Wausley. James Baites. Jo. Gilbert. Humfry Bach. Josias Inman. Andrew Decayne. Abr. Smyth. Wm. Lympany. Eden. Decayne. Jo. Adderton. Wm. Mantell. Wm. Raffian. Ro. Lympany. 24 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. \ Jo. Skachar. Rich. Maresh. Edw. Warren. Wm. Bresseill. Wm. Bridgeman. Jo. Tomkins. Jo. Yate. Wm. Sanders. Barth. Pitman. James Pate. Wm. Hall. James Yeat. Leo. Collard. Augustin Dudley. Wm. Walker. Wm. Sundy. Edw. Pemberton. Tho. Prince. Hugh Lewis. Wm. Hoskins. Fra. Eystone. Wm. Borne. Tho. Barker. Barth. Pitman. Wm. Atmare. Jo. Walcott. Rich. Clay. Wm. Lowe. Tho. Dodson. Jo. Fell. Jo. Gray. Jo. Kendall. And. Ozey. Rich. Atkin. Jas. Inman. Michael Birkhead. Jo. Lawes. Jo. Crooke. Geo. Strong. Lawrence Tanyer. “ ‘ Wm. Symon, “ ‘ Clerke attending the Committee.’ “ After the reading of which order and peticion, and a mature debate con- cerning the same, it was thought fitt, agreed, and soe ordered, that a Committee consisting of a certen number of Wardens and Assistantes should bee appointed by this Courte to prepare answere to the said peticion. and accordingly this Courte doth nominate and appointe : — “ Sir John Wollaston, Knight and Alderman. “ Mr. Alderman Vyner. Mr. Ja. Sherley. Mr. Parker. Mr. Ashe. Mr. Ed. Vaghan. Mr. Bishop. Mr. Noell. Mr. Smythes. Mr. Moore, and Coll. Barkestead. Mr. Hall. Mr. Snell, or any 4 of them, with the Wardens, or any one of them, to bee a Com- mittee to that purpose ; and in order thereunto it is ordered by this Courte that they bee summoned to meete heere upon Munday nexte, by 8 of the clock in the morning-e, to prepare the draught of an answere to the said peticion in the behalfe of the said Wardens and Assistantes of this Company (beeing the persons complayned of by the said peticion), and to advise with such councell concerninge the said answeare as the said Committee shall thinke fitt ; to whose judgement and discretion this Courte referreth the same, and to give such fees therein as they shall see cause ; and it is alsoe ordered that they shall have sight of the Companyes charters and booke of ordinances, or any other bookes, papers, or writings conducing to the said worke in preparacion of an answere as aforesaid. And when the said Committee and councell shall conceave that they have pre- pared such an answeare to the said peticion as is required by the aforesaid order, then the Committee of this Company are desired by this Courte to comunicate the said answeare to a Courte of Assistantes for their consent therein, and appro- bacion thereof; and this Court alsoe desires the Wardens to call another Courte MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 25 of Assistantes soe soon as the Committee shall bee ready to present their proceed- ings concerninge the saide answeare, and it is alsoe ordered that the said Com- mittee at the end of their first meeting shall adiorne to a second meeting, appointing a certen day and hower, and soe from time to time untill the business bee perfected, which this Courte desires may bee in a convenient time, and not deferred to neere the time wherein the answeare is to bee delivered to the Committee of Parliament.” Court of Wardens, 17th December 1652. — Sundry small wares purchased from Joshua Riccardes, in the Exchange, are broken. Riccardes repays the Wardens the cost of the wares, and is fined ^s. \d. Other wares bought from John Hampton, of the Old Exchange, are brought to the Hall to be assayed, and are found to be coarse. Hampton says that he allowed William Porter, the goldsmith, 2d. besides the fashion; he will send the rest of his wares for examination, and his fine is respited until this be done. Jenner, a like offender, is dealt with in a similar manner. His workman is Harman Marshall, in Whitecross Street, “at upper end, in an alley, near the Black Raven and Crow.” Court of Assistants, 3rd January 1653. — The draft of the Company’s Peti- tion to Parliament is read, with the preamble referring to the great trust reposed in the Company by the State. The Petition is well approved, and is to be presented after the advice of counsel thereon has been taken. Court of Assistants, 7th January 1653. — ^John Noell petitions for an addition to the term of his lease because his tenement in Redcross Street fell down when he began to repair it, and he had therefore to rebuild it entirely. A sum of 20^. is to be paid to Richard Rowndes, who is very sick. Hastings (the Beadle) is to pay him at the rate of 2s. 6 d. a week. Warden Perryn reports the proceedings of the Committee in preparing an Answer to the Petition before Parliament against the Wardens and Assistants. The Committee met on the 20th December, and again almost every day since that date, and the Answer must be delivered on the 13th January. The Answer is read, amended, and ordered to be fair written, and signed by the Clerk. A list of the Wardens and Assistants is to be delivered therewith. Sir John Wollaston, Colonel Barkstead, and others are requested to accompany the Wardens to Westminster to deliver the Answer. At a Court shortly afterwards Warden Perryn makes relation of the pro- ceedings at Westminster before the Committee for the trial of Petitions, and a copy of the order of the Committee dismissing the Petition follows. The Wardens are diretted to thank Alderman Allen for having “ showed himself a cordial member to the Company by his expressions before the honour- able Committee.” 26 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Tewsday the xxvth of January 1653. Mr. Ashe. Mr. Stanley. Mr. Terrey. Mr. Parker. Mr. Symondes. Mr. Chauncery. Mr. Preswick. Mr. Gibbon. “ This daye the Committee above named mett on the ground in Shoe Lane Gardens, with their workemen, where they spent most parte thereof for the better understanding of such thinges as are there necessarily to bee donne in order to the severall streetes or passages now lately made, and their further pro- gress in those which are there intended, as likewise for the disposall of such materialls as are remayneing of such houses as are there lately pulled downe ; and after due and serious consideracion had of the severall particulers hereafter mencioned, it was agreed and ordered As followeth : — a “ First. That course be taken by way of indictment against one Winter, undertennant to one Hickes, for an incroachment made over the passage adioyne- ing to Mr. Wharton’s yard and building there on the east, for that he refuseth to to take aw’ay the same, which obstructeth the way and passage there; and Mr. Wharton beeing required to sett in his pale, that soe the encroachment might better appeare in order to the said indictment, hee likewise refuseth soe to doe ; whereupon it is ordered that the graunte lately made to Mrs. Hickes, who is the Companyes tennant, bee perused, that soe the passage and building there may bee made according to the agreement. “ That the paveing of Three Legg Alley from Shoe Lane to Mrs. Williams’s tenementes bee taken up and sunck deeper, that soe the water falling from the tenementes late Mr. Fisher’s may have a passage that way into Shoe Lane. “ That a lease of eiectment bee forthwith sealed to recover the possession of 2 foote of ground incroached upon by building of 3 tenementes which is deteyned from the Company by Thomas Mason, and that the same bee prosecuted with effect. “ That Mr. Baldwyn bee forthwith required to carry away the earth, according to his contract and agreement, which is layd by him upon the ground betweene the Cockpit Garden and his buildings ; and likewise all others who have layd any there, as shalbee thought fitt. “ That the workemen proceed noe farther in the makeing of the brick wall lately erected on the east side of the ground by the Cockpitt Garden untill they have further order. “ That the ground betweene Mr. Parrette’s and Mr. Ormeston’s houses bee sunck one foote lower than now the paveing lyeth, that soe the water may have the better current, and the ascent up into Nevill’s Alley and likewise the descent from Norcotte’s houses north to Mrs. Williams’s houses south may bee the more convenient. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 27 “ That parte of the garden plott next to Mr. Phillipps his house west, conteyning 26 foote north and south, and 23 east and west, bee lett as a garden plott, and likewise that 2 houses of easement bee made for 2 of the tenementes late Mr. Fisher’s, and now in the possession of Mr. Newman and Widow Strickland, in such parte of the ground now remayneing as shalbee most convenient. “ That the ground which now remayneth to the Cockpitt Garden is 57 foote east and west, and 78 north and south, whereupon standeth a brick building and parte of a timber building northward of that ; the brick building conteyns 6 roomes and the timber 4, for incloseing whereof a substantial! brick wall is to bee erected at the west end of the said ground by those who take itt, and for the remayning parte of the said ground which is to bee built the same conteyneth 28 foote east and west, and 48 foote north and south. “ That the farther house, late Bayley's, shalbee repayred and the Widdow Woodroffe put therein gratis, and soe soone as the other tenement next unto it shalbee repayred, to place Widdow Gurney there at such rent as shalbee agreed unto. “ That the materialls of these houses which are lately pulled downe to bee employed for the rebuilding of two or three tenementes on that peece of ground betweene Bayley’s and Norcotte’s brick tenementes, and if there shall not bee sufficient then to acquainte the Committee, who will give order for the provideing of such materialls as shalbee wanteing ; in the meane time the workemen are desired to take a care of those materialls which are now remayneing, that soe they bee not diminished. “ That noe yardes nor houses of easements bee made before Norcotte’s buildings, and that whoever shall take a lease of the 4 timber houses now in old Norcotte’s possession shalbee enioyned to erect a brickwall, for the makeing of shopps or sheddes, from young Norcotte’s brick buildings to the south end of the shoe maker’s shop. “ Upon treaty had with Tho. Bakewell, the Companyes tennant, as alsoe with Ensoby Meadowes, his sonne in law (beeing his undertennant), touching a peece of ground lyeing betweene two of Mr. Bakewell’s houses westward, used as a yard to those two tenementes, and leadeing into the ground late Fisher’s, wherein the said Bakewell hath about 18 yeares to come ; it is by their consent from henceforth to bee imployed as a common passage, and for satisfaccion therein they refer themselves to the Committee, provided the pump now standing in that passage may bee either secured there, or sett up in any other place convenient for the said Meadowes his use ; as alsoe to set up a poste in the middle of the passage betweene Mr. Parrotte’s and the said Mr. Bakewell’s buildings with a lock and key thereto, that soe cartes and coaches may not passe that way to the preiudice of the said Bakewell’s houses but in case of necessitye ; all which was now promised unto them, and order given for the doeing thereof accord- ingly. 28 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “ That the earth which lyeth betweene Mr. Parrotte’s, Mr. Ormeston’s, and Mr. Bakewell’s brick houses shalbee carryed and layd betweene the west end of Mr. Parrotte’s houses and Nevill’s Alley for the heighting of that ground. “ Upon treaty with Mr. Garford, hee is contented that the sheddes formerly erected by him shalbee taken away at any time upon two dayes warneing, but desires they may stand untill this terme bee ended ; whose request is granted. “Upon treaty likewise with Mr. Barker and Mr. Towes, on the behalfe of one Bagnall, concerning two severall garden plottes they now hold, who have time given them untill Thursday next come sennight to give their answeres whether they will, with those gardens, take ground to build, or not. “ Mr. Curtis, who hath lately built two tenementes adioyneing to Mr. Mason’s houses, did now as formerly desire some ground for the makeing of a house of easement insteed of that which is kept from him by Mr. Mason. Whereupon it is appointed, by advice of Mr. Jarman, that hee have i6 foote of the ground lyeing westward of his said building inclosed, because it is a iust quantity of ground to build a tenement upon wherein he may make a house of easement, but soe as that, if he built not there himself, it may not bee preiudiciall to any other that will ; which he now promised, but it is desired that hee would forebeare the doeing thereof for six months, within which time it is conceaved the business may bee settled betweene Mr. Mason and the Company. “ Afem . — The Committee to appointe two or three to take Mr. Phillipps’s pro- posicions touching their passage through Plough Yard.” Three Legg Alley, mentioned in the above report, leading from Great New Street to Gough Square, is now called Pemberton Row. It is in the Parish of St. Bride, and in the time of Charles II. is said to have contained some of the best houses in the parish. Shoe Lane runs north from Fleet Street into Holborn by St. Andrew’s Church. It is first mentioned in the City Records in 4 Edw. II. (1310), when a writ is sent from the King on the 8th of July commanding that “ you cause to come before us, or the person holding our place, at the Church of St. Brigit without Ludgate, on the Saturday next after the Feast of the Translation of Saint Thomas the Martyr, eighteen good and lawful men of the venue of ‘ Scolane ’ in the Ward without Ludgate ; to make inquisition on oath as to a certain tenement with its appurtenances in ‘ Scholane,’ which the Abbot of Rievaulx is said to have appropriated without leave of our Lord the King.” This writ was not in accordance with custom, and was evaded by the City authorities. A similiar writ was sent on the loth October, but the result is not recorded. The next notice is in the 19th of Edward III. (1345), when Thomas de Donyngtone is condemned to be hanged for stealing a furred coat and two double hoods, value 41., and two linen sheets, value 40d. in “ Sholane,” near Holbourne. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 29 In the 17th century the cockpit mentioned in the above entry was a noted piace of resort. It is mentioned by Sir Henry Wotton, and also by Pepys, who says, '‘21st De- cember 1663. To Shoe Lane to see a cocke-fighting- at a new pit there, a spot I was never at in my life ; but. Lord I to see the strange variety of people, from Parliament man, by name Wildes, that was Deputy Governor of the Tow'er when Robinson was Lord Mayor, to the poorest ’prentices, bakers, brewers, butchers, draymen, and what-not; and all these fellows one with another cursing and betting. I soon had enough of it.” Court of Assistants, 28th January 1653. — “ At this Courte Mr. Wardens stated that there was a young man, a member of this Company, that had slandered the Wardens and Assistantes with these wordes, viz., that they did lett leases for great fines, or summes of money, and that they did share it among themselves, and put it into their owne purses. Whereupon it is ordered that the Wardens, calling unto them 2 or 3 of the Assistantes, shall send for the party before them, and examine the business, and to take such course therein as they shall thinke fitt.” The offender appears by a subsequent entry to have been named Evodias Inman. The widow of William Daniell sends, as her husband’s gift to the Company, a large silver salt with 3 scrolls, weighing 70 oz. 3 dwts., with the Company’s Arms and those of Daniell engraven thereon, “ and these words, namely ” (words not given), and also £10 for a dinner for the Livery; but this sum, being far short of the expense of such entertainment in a very moderate way, is to be reserved. A Court of Assistants is to be summoned within a month to consider the Petition to Parliament, for better regulating the affairs of the Company, prepared by the Committee. Mr. Adams, a member of the Company well experienced in buying corn, is to be employed by the Company for this purpose. The Wardens make known that certain wiredrawers, members of the Com- pany, have offered to have more apprentices bound to them than is now the case. That the Wardens being informed that these parties have a sufficient number, and that the multitude of apprentices both with wiredrawers and other members of the Company is much complained of, have desired the parties to forbear taking more apprentices until the Wardens have had the advice and resolution of a Court of Assistants, and that they have, as the Wardens think, been prevailed upon to take this course ; but that they allege that persons using the same trade, but free of other Companies, take as many apprentices as they please. After some debate the Company resolve that, if the wiredrawers who are members of this Company will agree among themselves to reform and limit the number of apprentices, and will then address other Companies, of which wire- drawers are free, and desire them to limit their numbers in the same manner, it will be the best means of reforming the abuse. The free paviors act thus with other paviors, members of this Company, who by agreement conform themselves 30 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. to the rules of the free paviors in taking apprentices; and so did the combmakers, which were members of this Company, as long as they stood incorporated therein, and until their translation into their own Corporation. The Master and Wardens of the said Company of Combmakers often, it is stated, write to the Wardens of this Company desiring that, when any members of this Company using their trade desire to bind an apprentice, the binding may be forborne till the master of such apprentice shall bring a certificate from the Wardens of the Combmakers that he may take such apprentice according to the prescribed rules of the Company. If this course be taken a beginning of reformation may be made till an Act can be obtained for the better regulation of apprentices. In the meantime it is left to the Wardens to do as they shall think fit, so that every member may have equal liberty, and there be no cause of complaint against the rules of this Company, until it shall be otherwise ordered, or shall be reformed by law. 40J. paid to Thomas Nettles for his pains in getting persons to take the Company’s ground in Shoe Lane, and for seeing that no old materials are carried away. Court of Assistants, 3rd February 1653 — Roger Knowle agrees to bear half the charges for so much of the brick wall, begun to be built in Shoe Lane, as lies northward against the Cockpit, which is on the east side of the wall, and to make the latter 6 feet higher and about 20 feet long. There are to be no repairs, pulling down, setting up, or building done in Shoe Lane, or Jewin Gardens, unless by special order of the Committee. About this date there are many entries about the land in and about Shoe Lane, the development of which seems to have received much thought and attention. Court of Wardens, pth February 1653. — Mr. Presson’s daughter, in Wood Street, is questioned about “ courseales” (coarse seals) 3 oz. 14 dwts. worse than standard. She is let off on account of her poverty, but is threatened with severe punishment if the offence be repeated. Gold rings lined with “amel,” bought from Ursula Booty, are broken. A gentlewoman who purchased them brought them to the Hall to be assayed. The Wardens make Mrs. Booty repay Sj'. 6^50 is but I2s., and that of the Painter- Stainers’ but 13^. 2 (/.” These sums are paid on the 19th June. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 77 Court of Assistants, 13th June 1655. — “At this Court relation is made of the great entertainment and respect which the Aldermen and Wardens, and others of this Company, had at Fishmongers’ Hall at a dinner; it being a reviving of the ancient amity between the two Companies having for many years (by breach therein made by the Fishmongers’ Company) been omitted ; which being taken into consideration, for as much as it may tend to the uniting of the two Companies together again in such manner as was anciently accustomed, it was proposed to this Court that the Aldermen of the Fishmongers’ Company, and eight others of the Wardens and Assistants thereof, may be invited to the Wardens’ dinner here upon Wednesday next. It is ordered accordingly, and the two youngest Wardens are desired to invite them, according to the ancient custom in that behalf ; also the two youngest Wardens, personally, are to invite the Aldermen of this Company, and such as have been Aldermen, and their wives, and the two Upper Wardens and their wives, and the Lieutenant of the Tower and his wife ; and the Beadle in the Wardens’ names is to invite all the Assistants, and the present Renters.’’ Court of Wardens, 15th June 1655. — The Wardens hold conference with the Cook and Butler, and agree upon a bill of fare for the dinner on Wednesday next : — “ Roast geese. Grand sailed. Venison pasty. Turkey chickens. Lumber pyes. Salmon. Made dish. Caponettes. Custardes. Lobsters. Tonge and Udder. “ For the second course : — “ Pyke, or Turbutt, or butter’d Salmon. Chicken roste. Hartichoke pye. Rost Rabbittes. 5 gallons of Cream. Cherryes. Dry’d Tongues. Sturgeon. Tartes, and Marchpane.” A surloyne of beefe for the second table. And another on the side board. Rost Beefe for the Break- fast. And a large leg of Mutton for the Musique.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 7S “ For Wine : — “ 7 Gallons of Canary. 5 „ „ Clarett. 3 gallons of White wine. 3 „ „ Rhenish Wine. ’ 10 lbs. „ loafe sugar. 3 dozen of Civil! Orrensres, I 1 „ and ^ of Lemons, J 2 dozen of Lemons, ■) _ ^ . [ For the Cooke Table.” I „ „ Cringes, J “ Marchpane ” was “ a cooked compound of flour, various fruits, and sugar, made into fancy shapes.” (Stormonth’s History of the Unglish Laiiguagei) George Watkins is admitted to the freedom of the Company in consideration of service with his master for 6^ years, part of 9 years mentioned in his inden- ture, the remainder of the term having been spent in the service of the State, in the regiment of Colonel Barkstead, Lieutenant of the Tower. Watkins declares that he is heartily sorry for all his misdemeanours to his master and mistress, “ and in particular for calling his Mrs. ‘ whore,’ and desires his Mr. and Mrs. forgiveness, which is so remitted by his master now present ; and the said George did remit and release all occasions and suits which he might in any way have against his Mr. and Mrs., by reason of any assault by his mistress upon him at any time, or otherwise howsoever.” 19th June 1655. — Received from the Chamberlyn of London £43 i 5j., a proportion of £625, in repayment of the money which this Company lent upon the Lords’ Bonds. Paid to Powell, the Chamberlyn’s clerk, a gratuity of 5 j., and to his man ^d. Court of Assistants, 20th June 1655. — Trial of the dyett of plate brought in since the 25th October last. Weight of plate 20,600 lbs. o oz. I2grs. The dyett weighed to the fire 85 oz. 14 dwts. 3 grs., and from the fire 84 oz. 10 dwts. Plate broken during the same period 50 lbs. Court of Wardens, loth August 1655. — A letter is received from Mr. Taylor, clerk to the Committee of the 12 Companies, desiring this Company to pay to Major Thomas Chamberlyn, at his house in Leadenhall Street, £25, in part of the £50 formerly demanded towards the charges of regaining the Company’s lands in Ireland. The Wardens order this sum to be paid, and shortly afterwards a receipt for the money is given. Court of Assistants, 31st August 1655. — At this Court the inhabitants of the two parishes of St. Gyles, Cripplegate, and St. Botolph, Aldersgate, appear to state their several cases. Deputy Mynn, for St. Gyles’s, claims that the bounds of his parish extend from Redcross Street to the furthest house westwards of the 7 new tenements on the south side of the new street ; and on the north side of such street to the west part, or brick wall of Mr. Lawrence’s buildings. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 79 Mr, Blomley, for St. Botolph’s Parish, alleges that the bounds of his parish extend from Aldersgate Street, eastward, to the west side of the alley leading into Mrs. Arden’s tenement, on the north side of the new street ; and to the west part of Mrs. Rawlins’s tenement on the south side of such street ; and that their Parish and Ward extends in a straight line from the posts in Barbican southward to the new tenements behind the Cockpit in Horne Alley. The Wardens and Committee, and some members of each parish, are to meet on Wednesday to view the ground. The parties meet accordingly, and the representatives of St. Botolph’s Parish desire the Committee to take notice of a door made through the wall out of Home Alley into Captain Williams’s garden ; and of another door out of the garden belonging to the house sometime the property of Richard Taylor, in Aldersgate Street, into the garden formerly belonging to Edward Nicoll, but which has now been built upon by Mr. Lawrence. Court of Assistants, 29th September 1655. — It is proposed to demolish the Company’s bowling alley and the house thereto belonging, adjoining the new street, and to let the ground for building purposes. The question is first put whether the above proposal shall be resolved by show of hands, or by the ballot box. It is decided that it shall be put to the vote by show of hands, and the proposal is carried with only three or four dissentients. Court of Wardens, 19th October 1655. — Heskins complains of Archer, a finer, for selling him silver, whereof he made 6 beakers, which were broken at the Hall, being 5 dwts. worse than standard. He requires satisfaction from Archer for his loss in the fashion. The Wardens order Archer to give Heskins 12s. Mr. Carlile, the Trumpeter, is to furnish “ a noyse of seven sufficient trumpettes for the Lord Mayor’s Day ” for 40J. Mr. Waddington, the Drummer, is to have 6s. Sd., and to provide a fife for 4J. 4d. Court of Assistants, 24th October 1655. — Trial of the dyett of plate brought in since 20th June last, weight of plate 1 18,01 5 lbs. 8 oz. 12 dwts. 12 grs. The dyett weighed to the fire 49 oz. 3 dwts., and from the fire 48 oz. 5 dwts. Plate broken during the same period 20 lbs. Mr. Robert Lawrence, the brewer, is to have all the ground of the bowling alley to build on, except that which is reserved for the street, and except 27 feet in front from east to west, which has been granted to Mrs. Harding. The street is to be 27 or 24 feet wide. Mr. Lawrence is not to build less than 4 double houses, and he is to bear half the charge of the party wall separating Mr. Mar- myan’s buildings from the bowling alley, and to pave half the street. The term is to be 41 years, and the annual rent £17. The lease is not to be sealed until Lawrence has finished the buildings, and he is to be prohibited from causing any greater annoyance from his brewhouse than at present exists. 8o MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Mr. Urlyn, one of the Clothing- of the Company, is accused of saying “that those which voted the demolishing of the Company’s bowding alley were a company of knaves.” He replies that something of the kind had passed, but that the words did not refer to the Company, or the Court of Assistants, but to others who were upon the ground with intent to purchase it for building. It is decided that Urlyn has wronged the Court, but upon his affirming that he does not remember having spoken the words, but that, if he had, he was sorry, he is received again into favour. It is decided that John Pemberton, and 5 other almsmen, shall attend the fire engine at the call of Hastings (the Beadle), and clean it after use. They are to be paid for their services. Court of Wardens, 30th October 1655. — It is stated that it was an ancient custom for the Renters to give, of their goodwill, beefe to the officers and almsmen, but that some late Renters (not the last) have omitted this, and that some gave money instead of the beefe. It is therefore left to the Renters’ discretion whether they will give beefe or not. Dannett is willing to do so, but Urlyn refuses. A fine of £230 is received for a lease in reversion of the “ Ship” tenement, in the Shambles. Court of Committee, 31st October 1655. — Mr. Gibbon, one of the Com- mittee for determining the dispute between the Parishes of St. Gyles and St. Bo- tolph, states that he accidently met with a person belonging to one of the parishes, who said that there could be no expectation of a good result in this business “ when such as are parties must come to be judges.” Mr. Gibbon, therefore, proposes that he, and others who have some connection with the parishes, may be excused from acting on the Committee, and this is agreed to. 5th November 1655.- — Mr. Gunter Morrell presents a silver salt, wdth scrolls, weighing 30 oz., with this inscription about the bottom : “ The guift of Mr. Richard Morrell, citizen and goldsmith of London, 1654.” On this day the Wardens, Assistants, and Livery go to Paul’s Church, being the day of public thanksgiving for the great deliverance from the Gunpowder treason. After the sermon, they return to the Hall to dinner, at which the Lord Chief Justice of the Upper Bench, Glyn, and the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, Steele, are guests. The following entries relating to the admission of tenants to the chambers in Bachelors’ Court are of much interest ; — “ Court of Assistants, 7th November 1655. — Whereas by an order at the last Courte of Assistantes, the xxiiijth of October last, for reasons therein men- cioned, the present Wardens, or any two of them, with Mr. Ashe, Mr. Smythes, Mr. Hall, Mr. Preswick, and Mr. Scarborough, or any three of them, were appointed a Committee to consider upon what condicions the partyes which from hence- forth shalbee admitted tennantes into any of the chambers in Batchelors’ Courte shall be soe admitted, and to reporte their proceedings and opinions to a Courte MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Si of Assistantes for approbacion, if they shall concurr in judgement with the Com- mittee ; or, otherwise, to order and direct herein as they shall thinck fitt, as by the said order appeareth. In pursuance of which order the 4 Wardens, with Mr. Smythes, Mr. Preswick, and Mr. Scarborough, beeing now mett togeather, and beeing a full Courte of Committee according to the order, they did take the business into consideracion and debate, and forasmuch as it is manifest unto the Committee that the Company hath for many late years suffered much wrong and losse by the non-payment of all, or most parte of, the rents of the chambers in Batchelors’ Courte, and alsoe by the tennantes neglect in repaire of the said chambers suffering them to fall into extreame decaye, and not away {sic) ten- nantable, insoemuch that the Company, to make them tennantable againe, have soe well repayred them as it were almost new built them from the foundation ; which hath cost a farr greater summe of money then could be imagined by the Company, or estimated by the workemen upon an exact view taken before they began to repayre the same. Therefore, for prevencion of the like decaye for want of timely reparacions to bee donne by the tennantes in the future, the rentes beeing but small, and that they may bee duely and better payd heereafter than of late yeares they have byn, the Committee doe thinck fitt, and are of opinion, that noe person bee admitted a tennant in any of the cliambers in Batchelors’ Courte but Batchelors free of this Company, and such as bee of sober life, and good conversation, and conformeable to the good govern- ment of the Company; and that such admittance bee by the Wardens of the Company for the time beeing, and every respective tennant to finde a sufficient person (not beeing free of this Company), whose sufficiency is to bee inquired of, and approved of, by the Wardens of this Company for the time beeing, who is to bee bound as a surety with every tennant in a bond of the penalty of xx/f. with such condicion as is heereunder written, vizt. : — “ The condicion of this obligacion is such that whereas the above-bounden John Aynge is (upon the day of the date above-written) by the now Wardens of the said Mistery admitted tennant at will unto the above-named Wardens and Commonaltye, and to their successors, of one of the ten severall chambers, or lodgings, with th’appurtinances, that is to saye : — “ In a certen place called Batchelors’ Alley, or Batchelors’ Courte, in Gutter Lane, otherwise called Godron Lane, in the parish of St. Vedast, otherwise St. Foster’s, in Foster Lane, London, at the yearely rent of of lawfull money of England, to bee payd quarterly at the fower usuall feast dayes for payment of rentes in London, by even and equall porcions, and for and under such other condicions and qualificacions as is heereafter mencioned. If there- fore the above-bounden John Aynge, soe long as hee is tennant to the said chamber, shall make use thereof for his lodgeing therein, and sleeping chamber onely, and not for a workeshop, and shall not directly or indirectly worke in the said chamber any manufacture whatsoever, or suffer any other person or persons to worke therein, or in any parte thereof ; and alsoe if the said John Aynge and , or either of them, their or either of their executors S 4021, F 82 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. or administrators, or any of them, doe from time to time and at all times heere- after, within the space of ten dayes next ensewing the departure and removeing of the said John Aynge from lodgeing in the said chamber, his death or marriage, which shall respectively first happen, deliver or cause to bee delivered unto the Wardens of the said Mistery for the time beeing, or to one of them, the key and quiet and peaceable possession of the said chamber with th’appur- tinances undefaced ; and not to transfer, or permitt and suffer the possession of, the said chamber, or any parte or parcell thereof, to come, bee, or remayne in any other person or persons whatsoever, before the delivery of the key and quiet possession of the chamber wdth th’appurtinances as aforesaid ; neither shall he the said John Aynge at any time receave, or take, any other person or persons whatsoever (except his ovvne apprentice) to lodge and inhabite in the same chamber, or any parte thereof, besides himselfe. And alsoe if the said John Aynge and , or either of them, their or either of their executors or administrators, or any of them, doe or shall, for all the time that the said John Aynge shall continue tennant of the said chamber as aforesaid, paye or cause to bee payd unto the aforesaid Wardens and Commonaltye, their successors or assigns, at or in Goldsmithes’ Hall, in Foster Lane, in London, the aforesaid yearely rent of , at the fewer termes or feastes of the yeare, namely, at the feastes of the Annunciacion of the blessed Virgin Mary, the Nativity of St. John Baptist, St. Michael th’Archangell, and the birth of our Lord God, by even and equall porcions, the first quarterly payment to bee made at the first of the fewer last-mencioned feastes as shall next happen to be after his admission of his beeing tennant unto the said Wardens and Commonaltye of the said chamber. And that the said John Aynge and , or either of them, their or either of their executors and administrators, or some of them, shall and will at their or some of their proper costes and charges sufficiently repayre, amend, maintayne, and keep the said chamber with th’appurtinances in, by, and with, all necessarye and needfull reparacions from time to time, and at all times, as often as and when need shall require, dureing the time that the said John Aynge shall continue tennant to the said chamber, and soe leave the same sufficiently repayred at the departure, and removeing from lodgeing therein, death, marriage, or otherwise, which shall respectively first happen. And alsoe beare and paye a proporcionable parte with the rest of the tennants of the charges for emptyeing of the common vault, or privye, belonging to the said chambers, as often as need shall require to empty the same. And alsoe if hee, the said John Aynge, soe long as hee shall continue tennant in the said chamber, doe and shall from time to time well and orderly demeane and behave himselfe to the well-likeing and contentment of the Wardens of the aforesaid Mistery for the time beeing, and bee conformeable to the good governement of the Company, that then this present obligacion to bee voyd, and of none effect. But in defaulte of performance of any of the clauses or condicions above- mencioned, then it to stand, remayne, and abide, in full force, strength, and virtue." MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 83 “ Alsoe the said Committee doe thinck fitt, and are of opinion, that if any of the former tennantes which did enioy any of the chambers in Batchelors’ Courte before the repaire thereof, and are in arreare for the rent of any of the said chambers, that such tennant shall not bee readmitted tennant againe into any of the chambers, untill hee have first payd such rent as shall appeare to bee due and oweing to the Company. And if any former tennant have in words or deeds abused any of the Wardens or Assistantes by ill language, or otherwise, that such tennant is not fitt to bee re-admitted, untill hee confesse his offence, and bee sorry for itt, and alsoe seale a bond with a surety in manner and form as is above- mencioned. All which nevertheles the said Committee doe referr, and submitt, unto the further judgement and consideration of a Courte of Assistantes. And it is ordered that theis proceedings bee read unto the next Courte of Assistantes.” Court of Assistants, 12th December 1655. — “At this Courte the Com- mittee’s proceedings for the business of Batchelors’ Courte, as it is entred in this booke, the vjth of November last, was now taken into consideracion and debated, and by vote amended in this particular, that whereas it was the opinion of the Committee that the admission of every tennant into any of the chambers in Batchelors’ Courte should bee by the Wardens and Assistantes at a Courte of Assistantes, and after amendment the Committee’s proceedings were confirmed ; it was now ordered to bee by the Wardens of this Company for the time beeing, sealeing such a bond with condicion as is entred in the Committee’s proceedings ; and with referrence to certen orders to bee made and agreed upon by a Courte of Assistantes, which orders beeing prepared by the Committee they were now read unto this Courte, and were approved of and confirmed. And it is ordered that they bee entred into the proceedings of this dayes Courte as an Acte of this Courte. And it is further ordered that a coppy of them shalbee fairely written, and hanged up in the parlor, that every tennant may see upon what terms hee is to bee admitted a tennant into any of those chambers. The tenors of which orders are as followeth : — “ ‘ ORDERS, made and agreed upon by a Courte of Assistantes, the xijth day of December 1655, concerning Batchelors’ Courte. “ ‘ Imprimis : That noe person bee admitted tennant of any of the chambers in Batchelors’ Courte but by the Wardens of the Company for the time beeing. “ ‘ Item : That every person admitted tennant bee a batchelor, and a freeman of the Company of Goldsmithes, and of sober life and good conversacion, and conformeable to the good governement of the Company. “ ‘ Item : That every tennant within ten dayes next enseweing his departure, and removeing from lodgeing in his chamber, by death, marriage, or otherwise, shall deliver up the key and quiett and peaceable possession of his chamber, with th’appurtinances, undefaced unto the Wardens of the Company for the time beeing, or one of them;. and if any shall obtayne possession contrary to this order then such his possession shalbee null and voyd. Ite 7 )i ; That noe tennant shall transfer, or permict and suffer the possession r 2 84 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. of his chamber, or any parte thereof, to come or remayne in any other person whatsoever, before the delivery of the key and quiett possession to the Wardens as aforesaid. “ ‘ Item : That noe tennant doe at any time receave, or take, any other person whatsoever (except his owne apprentice) to lodge and inhabite in his chamber, or any parte thereof, besides himselfe. “ ‘ Item ; That every tennant shall pay the rent agreed upon every quarter unto the Renters at Goldsmithes’ Hall. “ ‘ Item : That every tennant, at his owne costes and charges, shall keepe and maintaine his chamber with th’appurtinances in good and sufficient repayre, from time to time, as often as and when need shall require, and leave the same well repayred at his departure. “ ‘ Item : That every tennant shall beare and pay a proporcionable parte, with the rest of the tennants, of the charges for emptyeing of the common vault, or privey, belonging to all the chambers, as often as need shall require to empty the same. “ ‘ Item : That every tennant shall from time to time well and orderly demeane, and behave, himselfe to the well-likeing and contentment of the Wardens of the Company for the time beeing, and, if otherwise, then to bee removed from their chamber by the said Wardens. “ ‘ Ite?n : That every tennant upon his admission shall seale a bond unto the Company, with a sufficient surety that is noe member of this Company, of the penalty of xx//., with condicion to performe the contentes of the aforesaid orders.’ ” Court of Assistants, loth January 1656 — “At this Courte was read and approved the entry of the proceedings at the last Courte of Assistantes. “ At this Courte Mr. Alderman Peryn made knowne that whereas the Courte of Assistantes had referred the admission of the tennants into the chambers in Batchelors’ Courte unto the Wardens for the time beeing, with respect unto the persons admitted under such qualificacions and orders as were made by a Courte of Assistantes, the 12th of December last, and ordered to bee put into a table to bee hanged up in the parlor, that every tennant may see upon what condicions hee is to bee admitted ; and Mr. Wardens takeing the business into consideracion, and remembring that in former times, within some of their memoryes, the said chambers were used for sleeping chambers for shop-keepers in Cheapside, who had noe houses to their shopps, and not for chambers to worke in, as of late yeares they have bin, which without question was a great cause of the decaye and ruyne of those chambers, which have cost the Company an extraordinary charge to repaire againe, even to the new building of them ; and because there is noe provision in the orders lately made to restrayne the tennants from workeing in their chambers, Mr. Wardens did think fitt before they proceed to the admitting of any tennant, to offer this last particular unto the consideracion of this Courte, that if this Courte shall thinck fitt to add anything unto the former orders relateing to restrayne the tennants from makeing MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 8S work-shopps of their chambers, and incert the same into the said orders, or permitt the tennants to bee admitted without any restraynte, the Wardens will pursue the dirreccions of this Courte. Which busines beeing- taken into con- sideracion and maturely debated, after the debate it was put to question whether this Courte did thinke fitt to make an order to restrayne the tennants from workeing in their chambers, or to leave them at liberty. And it was resolved, and agreed upon by this Courte, to make an order to restrayne the tennantes from workeing in their chambers, whereupon it is by this Courte ordered as followeth : — “ ‘ Item : Forasmuch as it is evident to the Company that the severall chambers in Batchelors’ Courte have bin lately used for workeshopps, contrary to former ancient usage, to the great annoyance and disturbance of each other tennant there, and of the neighbors adioyneing, and to the great impayreing and ruinyng of the said chambers, the repayre whereof hath bin to the extraordinary great costes and charges of the Company. For prevencion whereof for time to come, it is ordered that every person that shalbee admitted tennant into any of the chambers there, shall make use thereof for his lodgeing therein, and sleeping chamber, onely, and not for a workeshop; and shall not directly or indirectly worke in the said chamber any manufacture whatsoever, or suffer any other person or persons to worke therein, or in any parte thereof. And it is alsoe ordered that this order of restrainte shalbee incerted into the table of orders, and to bee placed as the third article, and that the clause of restrainte bee alsoe incerted into the condicion of the bond, which every tennant is to seale upon his admission into any of the said chambers.’ ” Court of Assistants, 14th November 1655 — It is reported that Strelley owes one year’s rent-charge. The Wardens are to write “ to quicken him.” A copy of the letter which is subscribed by the four Wardens of the Company is given, and concludes as follows : “ Your loving friends, if you give not cause to the contrary.” It is decided that Sir Martin Bowes’s Day shall be celebrated on the 21st of November, when there shall be a sermon at the Church of Saint Mary Woolnoth, and afterwards a dinner at the Hall. The Bill of Fare is settled as follows ; — 5 Messe and Amendes. “ Capon and Whitebroth. Roste Beefe. Mince Pyes. Roast Goose. And for secondes. Partridges, Larks, and Marchpanes.” Tonge and Udder. Warden Pyes. Rost Capons, and Custardes. Subsequently Mr. Ashe, minister, is paid 20^. for his sermon. 86 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Court of Assistants, 21st November 1655 — At this Court is presented the following order : — " Dethick, Mayor. “ Tuesday the 20th day of November 1655. “ This day the three Serjeants of the Chamber presented unto this Court Francis Lucas to be made free of this City, as the first of three granted unto them by order of this Court in the time of the Mayoralty of Sir C, Pack, knight. It is thereupon ordered that the said Francis Lucas shall be admitted unto the freedom of this City, by redemption in the Company of Goldsmiths, paying to Mr, Chamberlyn, to the City’s use, the sum of 46s. Sd. “ (Signed) Sadler.” It is thereupon debated whether Lucas shall be admitted, and, the question being put to the vote, it is resolved in the affirmative, and the amount of the fine is left to him. A Court of Committee for the two Parishes of Cripplegate and Alders- gate, 23rd November 1655. — “At this Courte are read unto the Committee the severall claymes and reasons which the two parishes sent hether in writeing, the tenors whereof are as followeth ; — “ ‘ Wee the severall persons whose names are subscribed, beeing parish- ioners of the parish of St. Giles without Cripplegate, London, doe, for and on the behalfe of our parish, lay clayme unto, and declare our right to, our buttings and boundaryes upon the parish of St. Buttolph without Aldersgate, now in question in regard of severall buildings lately erected upon certen landes in our parish belonging to the worshipful Company of Goldsmithes, London. “ ‘ Wee doe clayme to bee within our parish the houses which were lately built by Mr. Laurence neere the upper end of the new street westward, and all other the houses built upon the ground, and late garden plottes, belonging to the said worshipful Company of Goldsmithes, beeing parte of a peece of ground, or garden plott, beeing formerly and of auncient time called the Jewes’ Garden, and of latter years called the Phesant Garden, which did run along from the upper side of the house or place called the Cockpit westward unto a brick wall adioyne- ing to a garden belonging to a messuage belonging to, or in th’occupacion of, the Lady Southcott, and ran downe eastward unto the messuage late in Mr. Farnabye’s possession, and soe all along by the brick wall belonging to the late Capten Williams his garden ; which ground was formerly in the occu- pacion of Roger Taylor, gentleman, who transfer’d his estate therein to one Mr. Niccholls, a poulterer, and, togeather with the houses which are now built on a rowe on the south side of the new street to the upper side of the Cockpit westward, wee, the parishioners aforesaid, doe declare and make clayme to bee in, and belonging to, the precincts of our parish and ward of St. Giles without Cripplegate, London. “ ‘ Wee doe likewise clayme to bee within our said parish all that ground or garden which the said Company did formerly lett unto Judge Yelverton, now in MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 87 the occupacion of the right honorable the Earle of Thanett, leading along from the back parte of Mr. Newman’s house to a brick wall at the south end of the garden. “ ‘ As for and touching our clayme to our right in the house and ground which formerly belonged to Captaine Williams, and since was in the possession of one Mr. Rawlins, wee conceave and hope that there can, or wilbee, noe question made. “ ‘ Wee doe further clayme as our right of beeing in our parish the encroachment made upon the ground belonging to the said Company by one Mr. Westwood, or some others. “ ‘ Wee doe alsoe clayme as beeing within the bounds of our parish all other the ground, or gardens, or garden plottes, and all houses built thereupon, or upon any parte thereof, which appertaine unto, or are the inheritance of, the said worshipfull Company of Goldsmithes, and of old time were called, or knowne, by the name or names of the Jewes’, or Jewen, Garden. “ ‘ The Severall Reasons of our Severall Claymes. “ ‘ I. In regard there was never any way into this ground of right belonging to the said Company but out of Cripplegate parish, by dore in the parlor belong- ing to Mr. Farnabye’s late house, which dore remaynes there at this daye. And that when Mr. Roger Taylor had that ground hee came to itt through his owne grounde, but when hee had lett it to Mr. Nicholls, then his passage was shutt up by the Company, and Mr. Nicholls had noe way but through Mr. Farnabye’s house, which beeing very inconvenient for him, and a great way for him to goe in regard of his abode in St. Nicholas Shambles, hee procured a way through Horne Alley into Aldersgate Street, for which hee payd xxy. a yeare, untill hee graunted the master of the Cockpit some ground out of the garden, for enlargeing the seates of the Cockpit, which hee accepted in lieu of the xxy. a yeare. “ ‘ Witnes heereunto Mrs. Nicholls, at the “ Ball ” in St. Nicholas Shambles. “ ‘ 2. Our reason of clayme to the Earle of Thanettes ground is in regard the auncient dore-way to itt was always knowne to bee into, and out of, the place called Gouldsmithes’ Alley, and itt remaynes there at this time ; although it is now shutt up in respect that ground is layd unto other ground for enlargeing the Earles garden. “ ‘ Witnes Mr. John Hewett, liveing in Goldsmithes’ Alley. “ ‘ 3. Our reason why noe question can bee made to our parish right in the house and ground of Captaine Williams, and since of Mr. Rawlins, is in respect it hath alwaies payd us dutyes, and the dore-way of the house, and a great dore in the brick wall, unto all the ground or gardens was ever into Goldsmithes’ Alley, and noe other way to itt, untill, aboute xx‘^ yeares since, Mr. Rawlins made a dore-way through his brick wall into Horne Alley for his conveniency to goe to the Cockpitt. And itt was never knowne that the inhabitantes of St. Buttolph’s parish came within those walls on their procession dayes, except MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. of late when the dore was open ; or, since the wall was pulled downe, the boyes would run in, but have byn turned back by Mrs. Rawlins wishing them to keep their owne parish boundes. “ ‘ Witnes Mrs. Rawlins, who will make oath of the same. “ ‘ Againe wee cannot learne, or finde, that any deed or lease was ever made by the said Company but what declared, and express the said groundes, to the full boundes thereof, to bee in our parish, which wee humbly hope and pray may bee continued, except it clearely appeares unto the worshipfull Company of Goldsmithes aforesaid that it was a mistake to name the land in our parish. “ ‘ Stowes Survey sayth in page 318, that the Jewes’ Garden is in the parish and ward of St. Giles without Cripplegate. It further sayth that in Redcrosse Street, on the west side from St. Gyles’s Churchyard up to the Crosse, bee many faire houses built outward, with divers alleys turneing into a large plott of ground of old time called the Jews’ Garden, as beeing the onely place appointed them in England wherein to bury their dead till the yeare 1177, and the 24th yeare of Henry the Second, when it was permitted them, after long suite to the King and Parliament at Oxford, to have a speciall place assigned them in every quarter where they dwelt. This plott of ground remayned to the Jewes till the time of their finall banishment Out of England, and is now turned into faire garden plottes and summer of houses {sic) for pleasure. “ ‘ We humbly conceave, and hope, that it cannot bee otherwise proved but that this Jewes’ Garden, or burying place, sett downe by Stowe as aforesaid, is the very ground whereon the houses now stand, and that the Companyes leases and deeds agree with Stowes Survey all along. “ ‘ Wee doe further humbly desire the said worshipful Company that what other ground they finde by their deeds exprest in the Parish of St. Giles, Cripple- gate, they would be pleased to declare, whereby it may prevent future differences between our parish and Buttolph’s, Aldersgate. Charles Mynne, deputy. Ralphe Tasker, C.C. William Comber, C.C. Thomas Whittle.’ ” In connection with this dispute the following " president ” is quoted : — “ A house standing between the parishes of St. Mary le Bow and Alhollowes, Bread Street, the inhabitantes dwelling therein for about 80 yeares buryed and cristened in, and payd all dutyes to, Alhollowes parish ; but, after soe many yeares, the inhabitantes of Bowe parish, understanding that the auncient deed exprest the house to bee in Bowe parish, comenc’d a suite against Alhollowes parish, and, after the expence of above xl//. on each side, it came to a triall before the then Lord Chief Justice, and witnes was produced to prove payment of Subscribed : — Yate Brackstone, Simon Pilbee, Churchwardens. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 89 dutyes time out of minde to Alhollowes, but the deed beeing produced which declared it to bee in Bowe parish, the Judge and jury gave it to Bowe parish. “ This suite was prosecuted and followed by Alderman Milner, an inhabitant of Alhollowes parish, who is very ready and willing to satisfy the said Company of Goldsmithes, if they please to send for or goe to him. “ ‘ The Clayme of the Parishioners of Botolph without Aldersgate, London. “ ‘ First we clayme all the buildings on the south side to Rawlins’s house. “ ‘ The Reason of this Our Clayme. “ ‘ First wee can prove that Mr. Robert Treswell, aboute 44 yeares since, lived in the house wherein Doctor Duck lately dwelt, and had then Rawlins’s house in his possession for many yeares, and was then a parishioner in this parish, and that then there was noe dore, or passage, into Gyles’s parish, nor in all that time any clayme made by them to that house or garden, or dutyes payd for house or garden to Gyles’s Parish. “ ‘ Secondly that, for the space of 30 yeares last past, our parishioners have annually gonne in procession into Rawlins’s garden, and sett our markes on Rawlins’s house wall, which had then noe way in itt leading into Gyles’s parish, nor in all that time interrupted by them of Gyles’s parish in our procession. “ ‘ That there was an auncient brick w'all betwixt Mr. Rawlins’s garden and a garden in the tenure of Mr. Taylor, afterwardes called the Phesant Garden, which remayned till the now buildings were erected on itt, which cleerely demon- strates that the parish of Gyles could not come thither, beeing hindred by two brick walls. “ ‘ Secondly wee clayme on the north side all the buildings to the house wherein one Dauzie liveth. “ ‘ The Reason of this Our Clayme. “ ‘ First because that there was a large orchard, or garden, that was in the tenure of Mr. Roger Taylor, an auncient parishioner in this parish for many yeares, whereon those five tenementes are now erected which wee clayme. “ ‘ Nor was there any passage at all forth of that orchard garden into Gyles’s parish for all that time, but parted from that parish with an auncient brick wall, and onely had a passage from Mr. Taylor’s house and garden. “ ‘ But of late, Mr. Taylor letting that orchard or garden to one Mr. Nicholls, a poulterer, to prevent troubling his own house, there was a way graunted to Nicholls out of Horne Alley into that garden upon agreement with Mr. Cockyn, who graunted a way into Horne Alley, haveing a small peece of ground added to the Cockpitt to make itt round. “ ‘ And wee humbly conceave that bare recitalls in writeings are not such evidence as to lead you to judge upon them against reason and usage, for it would prove to the preiudice of many if recitalls in writeings, or recordes, should bee bindeing evidence. 90 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “ ‘ And wee pray that you wilbee pleased to take notice what extent the Jewes’ Garden was; wee are confident it was of a farr larger extent then the parcell of ground now lately built on, and if it were parte in Gyles’s and parte in Botolph’s (as it is very clear it was) then wee clayme that parte now built on as fitt to bee ours as theirs. “ ‘ And, moreover, wee pray you to consider of the ward right which is undoubtedly ours, runnyng by a direct lyne from the post in Barbican up to the house of Mr. Dauzie, beeing never soe much as yet questioned, nor claymed, by the parishioners of Gyles. “ ‘ And wee further pray you to call to minde that the parishioners of Gyles did often declare that they never intended to clayme any of the now buildings beyond the turning of the water into our parish and ward to bee in their parish.’ “ After which there was alsoe read an old lease made to John Williams, and another to one Edward Nicholls, and the m.emorandum indorsed on the back of Mr. Nicholls’s lease. Alsoe the Clerke read unto them the abstractes of severall deeds and writeings concerneing Jewen Garden, and alsoe a clause of a will of Hugh Wetherly, who by his said will did give a certen garden called Jewen Garden, and houses as in the will is mencioned, unto the Company of the Gold- smithes for ever. All which writeings the Committee will hear read againe at their next meeting, and then take it into consideracion ; which meeting is now appoynted to bee upon Wednesday next, in the forenoone by 9 of the clock, against which time all the Committee are to bee summoned. And the Committee now present were desired to bee heare at the time prefixed, but Mr. Scarborough excused his beeing heere in respect of his then beeing out of towne.” A Court of Committee for the two Parishes, 28th November 1655. — “ At this Courte was read an abstract of severall auntient writeings in order to the busines of the difference in question betweene the 2 parishes, and most of them compared with the originalls, by which it appeareth that there are but 2 writeings which mencioned any ground in the parish of St. Buttolph without Aldersgate, and one other mencioning a certen messuage in a street of London by the gate of Aldersgate, but noe mencion of any parish, and all the rest mencion the ground specified in them to bee in the parish of St. Giles without Cripplegate; and, for further satisfaccion to the Committee, it is ordered by this Courte that the Wardens, or any of them, with Mr. Ashe, Mr. Smythes, Mr. Scarborough, and Mr. Snell, or any 3 of them, doe meete heere tomorrowe morneing, by 8 of the clock, to goe into the new street in Jewen Garden, to take a view of such ground as they shall think good, and to measure what they please. And Mr. Jarman is desired to meete heere to goe with them to assist them in the measuring, as occasion may bee offred.” 29th November 1655. — “ This daye a sub -committee, in pursuance of an order made yesterday by the Committee for the 2 parishes above-mencioned, met heere at the Hall, and went into Aldersgate Street, takeing Mr. Jarman with MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 91 them. And they tooke a view of the 2 gardens formerly demised unto Sir Henry Yelverton, and, upon measure thereof, it appeareth to bee in length, north and south, thirty ells, which is 112 foote ; and in breadth east and west, at the south wall, 2 1 ells and 3 quarters, which is 82 foote 6 inches ; and at the north wall 28 ells, which is 103 foote. “ And upon a view taken of the ground in the new street, abutting upon the groundes formerly Roger Taylor’s and others’ westward, it appeareth upon the measureing of the same from the south side of the wall of the 7 new tenementes, on the south side the new street built by the Company, to the wall separateing Mr. Clagettes garden, late the Earle of Manchester’s, from the Companyes landes — ells, which is 1 30 foote in length ; and in breadth from east to west at the north end of the ground lett to Mr. Laurence and Mr. Clagett 16 ells, which is 60 foote ; and at the south end, east and west to the wall lately demolished separating Mr. Williams’s garden from Mr. Nicholls’s garden, 14 ells, which is 52 foote and halfe a foote ; which viewes and measures are to be reported to the next Courte of Committee for this busines, which Mr. Wardens doe appointe to bee upon Friday the 7th of December next. And the Committee of Con- tractors to meete heere on Wednesday next in the forenoone.” A Court of Committee for the two Parishes, 7th December 1655. — “ At this Courte was read the reporte of the sub-committee for the 2 parishes as itt is entred in this booke the xxixth of November last. “ At this Courte was againe perused and read the reasons of bothe parishes formerly presented to the Committee’s consideracion. “ And now was compared the measures of the ground mencioned in the sub- committee’s reporte with the deeds of the ground which make mencion of St. Buttolph’s parish, whereby it may bee conceaved that some parte of a garden may bee in the parish of St. Buttolph’s, Aldersgate, but how much is referred to further consideracion, after the witnesses on both sides are heard before the Com- mittee. And to that end it is ordered that the witnesses whose names are presented by bothe parishes bee summoned to appeare heere upon Monday next at 2 of the clock in the afternoone, at which time it is ordered that all the Com- mittee bee summoned to appeare heere accordingly. “ Memorandum that the severall persons mencioned in the claymes did accordingly appeare, and did declare unto the Committee their knowledge in the premisses, as appeares by the papers wrapped up in the Indented Articles remayning in the Treasury.” Court of Assistants, 14th December 1655 — “ This Courte beeing purposely called to conferr with the parishioners of the severall parishes of St. Buttolph, Aldersgate, and St. Giles, Cripplegate, there appeared heere in the Hall Mr. Deputy Allen onely for his parish, and Mr. Deputy Mynn and fower others which subscribed the articles for their parish. All which persons beeing desired to come into the parlor, Mr. Alderman Peryn told them that this Courte was called to conferr with them of some things in relacion to their Indented Articles, 92 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. and if they had mett heere of equall number hee would have imparted it to them. To which Deputy Mynn answered that hee would undertake for his parish for whatsoever should bee proposed in relacion to the Articles, and Mr. Deputy Allen said hee would doe the like for his, but added that, in regard hee had none of the rest of the neighborhood with him, hee moved that all of St. Giles’s parish (except the Deputy) might bee desired to withdrawe, and then the two Deputyes were of equall number to receave the proposalls from this Courte, and give their severall answers. Whereupon they were all desired to withdrawe, which they did, and then Deputye Allen’s mocion beeing put to question, it was resolved to call in the Deputyes againe without any other, which was donne. “ And then Mr. Alderman Peryn told them that the Committee of this Company, which was by order of a Courte of Assistantes appointed to take into consideracion the differences in question betweene them mencioned in the said order, and at large sett downe in their Indented Articles, had often mett aboute itt, and taken extraordinary great care and paynes to reconcile the same ; and were even ready to make reporte unto this Courte of their proceedings and opinions concerning the same, but they were obstructed upon perusall of the Articles in one particuler, which is that there is an agreement concluded of in the last Article, that when the Companyes order and award therein mencioned should bee made, and delivered to the respective partyes named in the Articles, in such manner and forme as is therein directed, the same should bee entred in the Vestrye booke belonging to each parishe, and then the Indented Articles should bee delivered up to bee cancelled ; which beeing considered of by the Committee, and this Courte concurring with them in opinion as to that particuler Article, it is thought fitt that, as bothe partes of the Indented Articles have byn brought in to the Wardens, to induce the Company to arbitrate the difference betweene them according to the order in that behalfe made, soe bothe partes of the said Articles should remayne in Goldsmithes’ Hall, to bee kept there by the Company, safe and uncancelled, untill bothe parishes doe agree to leave the Articles in Goldsmithes’ Hall uncancelled, and to make such an indorsement upon them to that purpose as this Courte shall thincke fitt, the Committee cannott in prudence reporte their proceedings unto this Courte, nor the Courte of Assistantes make any award or determinate order therein. Which beeing thus declared to both the Deputyes, and understood by them, they did remember there was such an agreement mutually concluded of by them in the Articles ; yet, notwithstanding, they doe concurr in opinion with the Committee and this Courte as to that particuler, and for their partes did now agree that the said Articles shall remayne in Gold- smithes’ Hall uncancelled, notwithstanding that clause mencioned in the Articles to the contrary, and are ready and willing to subscribe such indorsement upon them to that purpose as this Courte shall thinke fitt. And bothe the Deputyes did severally promise and undertake for the rest of the severall and respective partyes of both parishes, who with them had subscribed and sealed the Articles, that they shall doe the like, with which answere and undertaking this Courte Was MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 93 satisfyed. After which Mr. Alderman Peryn did further acquaint them that in the Companyes apprehension, although they had inserted into the Articles of reference the arbitracion of the bounds of their severall and respective wards, as well as of the parishes, relateing to the Companyes landes in Jewen Garden it was conceaved that they had acted in the busines as authorized by their severall parishes, and not by their severall wardes, and this Courte desired some satisfaccion in that particuler. Whereunto Mr. Deputy Allen affirmed that, for his ward, he had summoned all the inhabitantes of the ward of Aldersgate without, which are assessed to pay to the poore ; and had the consent of the ward as well as of the parishe to act in the busines with the rest of the partyes who sealed the Articles with him, as in the said Articles is conteyned. But Mr. Deputy Mynn did confesse that hee had not proceeded soe farr as to the consent of the ward of Cripplegate without, as Mr. Deputy Allen had donne in his ward, but hee did now undertake that hee will have the ward’s consent in that particuler, as well as the parishes, within two or three dayes, and give an accounte thereof accordingly ; which answere at present was satisfactory to this Courte, and soe the two Deputyes departed. Whereupon the question beeing put it was agreed and ordered that the reporte agreed upon by the Committee yesterday in the afternoone should now bee presented to this Courte, which was donne accordingly, it beeing sub- scribed by the fower Wardens and seaven of the Committee now present. And then, it beeing put to question whether the said reporte should bee now read, or not, it was resolved in the affirmative. The tenor whereof is as followeth : — “ ‘ THE REPORTE of the COMMITTEE for reconcileing the differences in question betweene the two parishes of St. Buttolphe without Alders- gate and St. Giles without Cripplegate, to bee presented to a Courte of Assistantes of the Company of Goldsmithes, London. “ ‘ WHEREAS by an order of a Courte of Assistantes the 25th day of Aprill last past, 1655, for the reasons therein mencioned, that Courte did nominate and appoynte us whose names are heereunto subscribed, amongst others, to bee a Committee for to reconcile the differences mencioned in that order then depending betweene the parishioners of St. Giles, Cripplegate, and the parishioners of St. Buttolphe, Aldersgate, concerning the bounds of their severall and respective parishes and wardes, relateing to the landes belonging to the Company of Gold- smithes ; and that the said Committee, or any 5 of them, with the present Wardens for the time beeing, or any 2 of them, should take the busines into consideracion, and reporte their proceedings and opinions unto a Courte of Assistantes, when they should thinke fitt to reporte the same, as by the said order may more at large appeare. And whereas a certen number of the severall and respective parishioners of the aforesaid severall and respective parishes, in that behalfe authorized, have by their severall and respective articles of agreement indented, and made betweene them and by them interchangeably, subscribed and sealed, wholly referred and submitted the aforesaid differences in controversye unto the 94 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. judgement and finall determinacion of a Courte of Assistantes of the Company of Goldsmithes, London, to bee declared by an order at a Courte of Assistantes ; and each parish respectively would stand to and abyde such order soe made, and willingly fulfill and performe the same, as in and by the said Indented Articles, beareing date the 27th day of June last past, 1655, may more at large appeare ; both partes of which Articles by consent of partyes are left with the Wardens of the said Company, and are to remayne in Goldsmithes’ Hall forever uncancelled. In pursuance of which order and Articles aforesaid wee, the Committee in that behalfe appoynted, whose names are heereunto subscribed, have often mett and taken the busines into serious consideracion and debate, togeather with the severall and respective reasons of the claymes of the severall and respective parishioners presented unto us in writeing, and have alsoe conferred with some of the severall and respective parishioners upon the ground to which both parishioners pretend their clayme. Also wee have perused severall leases, and divers other auncient evidences, deeds, and writeings, in referrence to the differ- ences in question relateing to the landes and tenementes belonging to the Com- pany of Goldsmithes, London, in Jewen Gardens without Cripplegate, in which wee finde that all the landes mencioned in those severall deeds are expressed to bee in the parish of St. Giles without Cripplegate, excepting one deed which mencioneth a certen parte of one garden graunted to one Naron, a Jew, of London, from one William le Hazelmer, cittizen of London, to bee in the parish of St. Buttolphe without the gate of Aldrichgate, in the suburbs of London. Alsoe wee have taken a view and measure of the severall partes of the ground in differ- ence, and have heard severall witnesses (whose names were presented unto us by the severall parishioners of the said respective parishes in the papers of their several claymes) what they could say in behalfe of the said severall parishes, and alsoe have informed ourselves by all the wayes and meanes the best wee can, according to our best judgement and understanding, for to compose and settle the aforesaid differences in question betweene the said severall and respective parishioners, to prevent any future dispute concerning the same. And forasmuch as the Company of Goldsmithes have lately built and erected upon the south side of the new street between Redcrosse Street and Aldersgate Street, beeing parte of the said Companyes landes heeretofore and yet called or knowne by the name of Jewen Gardens, seaven new tenementes, and a little shop westward of those seaven tenementes, which extend from the west side of the house formerly built by John Williams, goldsmith, deceased, now in the holding of Ann Rawlins, widdowe, or her assignes ; and alsoe Mr. John Lawrence and Mr. Clagett haveing built on the north side of the said new street six houses in front of the street, and one tenement backward, with a passage leading from the street to a garden plott belonging to the Company of Goldsmithes, lately inclosed with a brick wall by the said Mr. Clagett, and alsoe unto the said back tenement; which buildings of Mr. Lawrence his two houses extend eastward from the west side of the west wall of Mr. Lawrence his house, which is adioyning eastward of MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 95 the lands and tenementes severally belonging to Roger Wilford, John Tivell, and William Wymondsold, their tennants or assignes, in Aldersgate Street. All which beeing seriously considered of by us and maturely debated, wee are of opinion that the Company may allott, and permitt, and suffer, the parishioners of the parish of St. Buttolph, Aldersgate, and their successors, parishioners of the same for time to come, to take and repute the two first houses, but noe more, of the seaven new built or erected tenementes on the south side the aforesaid new street, and the shop lately erected westward of the aforesaid two houses, accompting eastward from the west side of the wall late separateing the garden belonging to the messuage or tenement now in the occupacion of William Turpin, conteyning in front from east to west, fifty-eight foote and halfe a foote of assize, little more or lesse ; and on the north side of the said new street, Mr. Lawrence his two houses, and the next house, beeing one of Mr. Clagettes houses, adioyneing eastward of Mr. Lawrence his said two houses, togeather with the ground or soyle of the passage to the west side of the timber wall standing eastward of that passage, and noe further; which passage leadeth from the aforesaid new street to a garden plott belonging to the Company of Goldsmithes, lately inclosed with a brick wall made by the said Mr. Clagett, and alsoe unto the said back tenement belonging to the said Mr. Clagett, which is at the north-east corner of the said Mr. Clagettes ground, which hee holds of the said Company of Goldsmithes. Which said three houses next the street, and the aforesaid passage leading into the aforesaid garden plott and back tenement, conteyn in front from east to west along the street, fifty-fower foote and one quarter of a foote of assize, little more or lesse ; and at the north end eastward from the west side of the wall sepa- rateing Mr. Lawrence his ground from the landes and tenements severally belonging to Roger Wilford, John Tivell, and William Wymondsold, their tennants or assignes, in Aldersgate Street, next adioyneing on the west from east to west fifty-eight foote and halfe a foote of assize, little more or lesse, to bee within the bounds of the parish of St. Buttolph, Aldersgate, and within the ward cf Aldersgate without ; which said two houses (parcell of the aforesaid seaven tenements) and the new-erected shop adioyneing to Mr. Turpin’s garden on the south side of the new street, and Mr. Lawrence his two houses, and Mr. Clagett’s house next adioyneing eastward of Mr. Lawrence his houses, with the passage leading from the street as aforesaid on the north side the street, wee do unanimously conceave to bee the ground which is mencioned in that auncient deed which maketh mencion of a certen parte of one garden to bee in the parish of St. Buttolphe, Aldersgate. Saveing alwayes unto the Company of Goldsmithes and their successors, from time to time and at all times heereafter, their right and title of inheritance to the said lands in the bounds of the said parish and ward, if, by misbounding or misnameing the same, any other difference shall heereafter happen to arise, and come to bee disputed. And for all other houses, gardens, landes, and tenementes, belonging to the Company of Goldsmithes, extending 96 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. eastward from the afore-mencioned measures of fifty-eight foote and a halfe on the south side the street, and of fifty-fower foote and one quarter of a foote on the north side the street, and of fifty-eight foote and a halfe on the north wall separating the Companyes landes from the south side of Mr. Clagettes great garden, for time to come, from time to time, and at all times heereafter, to bee taken, accompted, and reputed to bee within the boundes of the parish of St. Gyles, Cripplegate, and within the ward of Cripplegate without. “ ‘ And whereas parte of the first house eastward of the aforesaid passage doth in the second, third, and fowerth story thereof extend westward over the said passage two foote of assize, little more or lesse ; which although it lyeth within the aforesaid measure of fifty-fower foote and a quarter of the ground, or soyle, which in our opinion may bee allotted to bee within the parish or ward of Aldersgate ; yet, in respect the frame of the said house cannot with conveniency at present be altered, our opinion is, notwithstanding our former opinion as to that particuler measure of fifty-fower foote and one quarter on the ground to bee allotted to the parish and ward of Aldersgate, nevertheles that it is necessary the said two foote in every of the aforesaid storyes, all the depth of the said house, should bee allotted, continue, and remayne to bee within the boundes of the parish of St. Giles, Cripplegate, and in the ward of Cripplegate without ; unles or untill such time as the aforesaid Mr. Clagett, or his assignes, dureing the terms of yeares graunted, or to bee graunted, unto him by the Company of Gold- smithes, shall thinke fitt to laye that two foote to the next house westward; or untill such time after his terme expired that the said Company shall thinck fitt, for other conveniences, to lay the same two foote in all the aforesaid storyes unto the other house of Mr. Clagett westward of the aforesaid passage. Alsoe wee are of opinion that the two gardens formerly leased by the Company of Goldsmithes unto Sir Henry Yelverton, deceased, which are now used by the Earle ofThannett as parte of his great garden lyeing behinde his house in Aldersgate, with the tenementes and sheddes thereon erected ; and the gardens formerly graunted unto Julius Westwood, southward of that parte of the Earle of Thannettes garden, which belong to the said Company, with an incroachment made thereinto by Mr. Westwood adioyneing to his freehold, as is mencioned in his lease; and all the rest of the said Companyes houses, gardens, landes, or tenementes knowne, or reputed, to bee parte of Jewen Gardens without Cripplegate are (as they have byn without any question hetherto soe of right) to bee, belong, and from hence- forth, from time to time and at all times heereafter, to bee alsoe taken, accompted, and reputed to bee, in the parish of St. Gyles without Cripplegate, and in the ward of Cripplegate without ; and not any parte of them to bee within the boundes of the parish, or ward, of Aldersgate without. And wee doe conceave itt fitt, and our opinions are, that when the difference in question shalbee determined, then the boundes of each parish, and ward, may bee fixed at the extent of each parish, and ward, by direccion and appointment of the Committee of this MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 97 Company, or any three of them. All which nevertheles wee referr and submit to the further judgement, order, and determinacion of a Courte of Assistantes. “ ‘ Signed by the said Committee the 14th day of December 1655. " ‘ Subscribed : — Francis Ashe, Wm. Scarborough, Thomas Smythes, Willm. Sankey, William Symondes, George Snell.’ Peter Preswick, “ ‘ John Perin, Walter Chauncy, Thomas Death, John Gellibrand, , “ Which reporte beeing now read twice over, it is well approved of, and this Courte doth concurr in opinion and judgement with the said Committee, and the reporte is by this Courte confirmed accordingly. And it is alsoe ordered that it bee entred into the Courte Booke, and alsoe the Indented Articles which are mencioned in the said reporte, and the Indorsement upon them. The tenors of which said Articles and Indorsement are as followeth : — • “ ‘ Articles of Agreement, indented, made, concluded, and agreed upon the xxvij*'' day of June, in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred fifty and five ; by and betweene Charles Mynn, Cittizen and Salter of London, and Deputy of the Ward of Cripplegate without. Raphe Tasker, Cittizen and Black- smith of London, Thomas Whittle, Cittizen and Draper of London, William Cumber, Cittizen and Farryer of London, Yate Brackstone, Cittizen and Draper of London, and Symmon Filbee, Cittizen and Baker of London, for and on the behalfe of themselves and the rest of the parishioners of the parish of St. Gyles without Cripplegate, and their successors, parishioners of the same parish, of th’one parte; and John Allen, Cittizen and Paynter-steyner of London, and Deputy of the Ward of Aldersgate without, John Mynn, Cittizen and Grocer of London, James Acton, Cittizen and Vintner of London, Lawrence Blomeley, Cittizen and Draper of London, Raphe Hutchinson, Cittizen and Vintner of London, and Nathaniel Stirrup of London, gentleman, for and on the behalfe of themselves, and the rest of the parishioners of the parish of St. Buttolph, Aldersgate, and their successors, parishioners of the same parish, of th’other parte. As followeth : — “ ‘ Inprimis : Whereas the Company of Gouldsmithes, London, have lately layd open partes of severall gardens, or garden plottes, beeing parcell of a certen ground, or place, heeretofore called Jewen Gardens, without Cripplegate, London, and as wee conceave, and are credibly informed, the undoubted right and inherit- ance of the Wardens and Commonaltye of the Mistery of Gouldsmithes of the Citty of London ; and therein have made a new street, or passage, leading from Redcrosse Street towardes Aldersgate Street, through parte of the landes or tenementes which were lately belonging to Henry Fryer, deceased, his heires or assignes. And there beeing lately built new houses upon parte of the said ground, or gardens, belonging to the said Company of Gouldsmithes, and more are likely to bee built thereon, by reason whereof there hath lately byn raysed S 4021. G 98 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. a difference and controversye betweene the partyes to theis present Articles, and the rest of the severall and respective parishioners of the aforesaid several! and respective parishes, for and on the behalfe of the aforesaid severall and respec- tive parishes, and their several and respective successors of the same, for and concerning the boundes of their severall and respective parishes and wards, in referrence to the said grounds, and the new buildings thereon erected and to bee erected ; and thereby much strife, debate, and contencion is like to bee betweene the said severall and respective parishioners, for and on the behalfe of the said severall and respective parishes, concerning the same, and, if not timely prevented, many suites may arise, and much money may bee therein unnecessarily expended, untill the said differences can bee reconciled. For remedy whereof, and for a composure of the said differences for the present, and for the prevencion of the like for the future, concerning the difference in question, and alsoe as well for the satisfaccion of the succeeding parishioners of the said severall and respective parishes in time to come as for the present parishioners, that posterity may heereafter see the care and diligence of their predecessors for the good and benefitt of their severall and respective parishes ; the aforesaid severall and respective parishioners, for and on the behalfe of themselves and their successors, parishioners of the said severall and respective parishes, did on the five and twentieth day of April last past before the date heereof make their ioynt addresses, and applicacions, unto the Wardens and Assistantes of the said Company of Goldsmithes, at a Courte of Assistantes in Goldsmithes’ Hall, London ; and then and there, of their free and voluntarly {sic) consent and agreement made betweene themselves, did (after relacion made of the difference in controversye betweene them) unanimously make it their ioynt request unto the then Wardens and Assistantes then sitting in Courte that they would bee pleased to take upon them the arbitracion, judgement, and finall determinacion of the said difference betweene them, and soe to settle the same, as in justice and equitye they should see cause. And that if that Courte of Assistantes would bee pleased to take itt into consideracion, and accept of that their free tender, they would, by Articles to bee made betweene them in write- ing, wholy referr and submitt the said differences unto the judgement, and finall determinacion, of a Courte of Assistantes, to bee declared by an order at a Courte of Assistantes, and each parish respectively would stand to and abyde such order soe made, and willingly fulfill and performe the same. Whereupon the Wardens and Assistantes then sitting in Courte, takeing the premisses into consideracion and debate as it was proposed, did resolve, and agree, to accept of the said arbitracion and referrence accordingly, as in and by the entry of their order in the proceedings of that dayes Courte in that behalfe made may more at large appeare. “ ‘ Itejii : In consideracion of the premisses the aforesaid Charles Mjmn, Raphe Tasker, Thomas Whittle, William Cumber, Yate Brackstone, and Symon Filbee, as well for themselves as for and on behalfe of the rest of the parishioners MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 99 of the parish of St. Gyles without Crippleg’ate (who have desired and constituted the said Charles Mynn, Raphe Tasker, Thomas Whittle, William Cumber, Yate Brackstone, and Symon Filbee, to undertake the manageing and settling of the premisses), and for their successors, parishioners of the same, doe covenaunte, promise, graunte, and agree to and with the aforesaid John Allen, John Mynn, James Acton, Lawrence Blomeley, Raphe Hutchinson and Nathaniel Stirrup, on the behalfe of themselves and the rest of the parishioners of the parish of St. Buttolph, Aldersgate, and their successors, parishioners of the same, that from and after the sealeing and delivery' of theis present Articles, they, the said Charles Mynn, Raphe Tasker, Thomas Whittle, William Cumber, Yate Brackstone and Symon Filbee, and every of them, and the rest of the parishioners of the parish of St. Gyles without Cripplegate, shall and will, from time to time and at all times then after, wholly referr and submitt the aforesaid differences in controversye unto the judgement, finall determinacion, and order of the Wardens and Assistantes of the Company of Goldsmithes, London, to bee declared by an order of a Courte of Assistantes, haveing a coppy of the said order signed by the Clerke to the said Company, and delivered unto the aforesaid Charles Mynn, or any other of the parishioners of the parish of St. Gyles, Cripplegate, beeing party to theis presents, and named in the title of theis Articles. And that the said Charles Mynn, and the rest of the parishioners of the said parish of St. Gyles, Cripplegate, and their successors, parishioners of the same, shall and will stand to, abyde, performe, fulfill, and keep the judgement and order of the aforesaid Wardens and Assistantes to bee made and declared as afore- said. And that from thenceforth, from time to time and at all times then after, the said judgement and order shalbee bindeing unto the said Charles Mynn, and the rest of the parishioners of the said parish of St. Gyles, Cripplegate, and their successors, parishioners of the same ; and they be thereby concluded, and debarred, from any further clayme in or to the premisses, and shall for ever heereafter acquiesse in the said order, judgement, and finall determinacion of the Wardens and Assistantes of the said Company of Goldsmithes, to bee made and declared as aforesaid. “ ‘ Item: In further consideracion of the premisses the aforesaid John Allen, John Mynn, James Acton, Lawrence Blomeley, Raphe Hutchinson, and Nathaniel Stirrup, as well for themselves as for and on the behalfe of the rest of the parishioners of the parish of .St. Buttolph without Aldersgate (who have desired and constituted the said John Allen, John Mynn, James Acton, Lawrence Blomeley, Raphe Hutchinson, and Nathaniel Stirrup to undertake the manageing and settling of the premisses), and for their successors, parishioners of the same, doe covenaunte, promise, graunte, and agree to and with the aforesaid Charles Mynn, Raphe Tasker, Thomas Whittle, William Cumber, Yate Brackstone, and Symon Filbee, on the behalfe of themselves and the rest of the parishioners of the parish of St. Gyles without Cripplegate, and their successors, parishioners of the same, that from and'after the sealeing and delivery of theis present Articles, they the said John Allen, John Mynn, James Acton, Lawrence Blomeley, Raphe Hutchinson, G 2 100 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. and Nathaniel Stirrup, and every of them, and the rest of the parishioners of the parish of St. Buttolph without Aldersgate, shall and will, from time to time and at all times then after, wholly referr and submitt the aforesaid differences in con- troversye unto the judgement, finall determinacion, and order of the Wardens and Assistantes of the Company of Goldsmithes, London, to bee declared by an order of a Courte of Assistantes, haveing a coppy of the said order signed by the Clerke to the said Company, and delivered to the aforesaid John Allen, or any other of the parishioners of the parish of St. Buttolph, Aldersgate, beeing party to theis presents, and named in the title of theis Articles. And that the said John Allen, and the rest of the parishioners of the said parish of St. Buttolph, Alders- gate, and their successors, parishioners of the same, shall and will stand to, abyde, performe, fulfill, and keep the judgement and order of the aforesaid Wardens and Assistantes to bee made and declared as aforesaid. And that from thenceforth, from time to time and at all times then after, the said judgement and order shalbee bindeing unto the said John Allen, and the rest of the parishioners of the said parish of St. Buttolph, Aldersgate, and their successors, parishioners of the same ; and they be thereby concluded, and debarred, from any further clajane in or to the premisses, and shall for ever heereafter acquiesse in the said order, judgement, and finall determinacion of the Wardens and Assistantes of the said Company of Goldsmithes, to bee made and declared as aforesaid. “ ‘ And lastly it is concluded and agreed by and betweepe the partyes to theis presentes, that when the said award is made as abovesaid, and delivered to the respective partyes to theis presentes in manner and forme as aforesaid, the same shalbee entred in the Vestrey Booke belonging to each parish ; and then the Articles mutually sealed betweene the respective partyes to theis presentes shalbee delivered up to bee cancelled. “ ‘ In witnes whereof the aforenamed partyes to theis present Articles have interchangeably sett their handes, and seales, the day and yeare first above-written, ‘ Subscribed : — “ ‘John Allen. Lau. Blomeley. Jon. Mynn. Raph. Hutchinson. Ja. Acton. Nath. Stirrup. ?? ‘ Sealed and delivered by the within-named John Allen, John Mynn, and Laurence Blomeley, in the presence of us — ‘ Wm. Hazelfoote. Alex. Jackson. John Hastings, Jo. Sprakeling. f Sealed and delivered by the within-named Raphe Hutchinson and I^Iathaniel Stirrup, in the presence of — “ ‘ Alex. Jackson. Jo. Sprakeling. Wm. Gardner. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. lOI “ ‘ The xiiijth day of December, Anno Domini i655< “ ‘ Memorandum. — That whereas by the last Article within-written it was concluded and agreed betweene the partyes to the within-written Articles, that when the award within-mencioned should bee made and delivered to the respective partyes within-named in manner and forme as is within-directed, the same shalbee entred in the Vestry Booke belonging to each parish, and then theis Indented Articles should bee delivered up to bee cancelled ; but now, upon further and better consideracion, wee the within-named John Allen, John Mynn, James Acton, Laurence Blomeley, Raphe Hutchinson, and Nathaniel Stirrup, who have signed and sealed this parte of theis Indented Articles doe heereby declare, and are contented and agreed, that this parte of the said Indented Articles, which hath byn lately delivered unto the Wardens of the Company of Goldsmithes to induce the Company to arbitrate and determine the differences in question according to the order in that behalfe made, shall remayne in Goldsmithes’ Hall, and bee kept there by the Wardens of the said Company for the time beeing, for ever, uncancelled, notwithstanding the Article of Agreement within-written made to the contrary. “ ‘ In testimony whereof wee have heereunto put our handes, and seales, the day and yeare above-written. “ ‘ Subscribed : — Lau. Blomeley. Raphe Hutchinson. Nath. Stirrup. “ ‘ John Allen. Jon. Mynn. Ja. Acton. “ ‘ Memorandum.— The reporte subscribed by the Committee, and both parts of the Indented Articles, are put up togeather in the treasury in a box men- cioning both parishes.’ “ This Courte did take into consideracion the reporte of the Committee appoynted by a Courte of Assistantes the xxvth day of Aprill last past, 1655, consider of the differences in question then depending betweene the parishioners of the parish of St. Gyles without Cripplegate and the parishioners of the parish of St. Buttolph without Aldersgate, concerning the boundes of their severall and respective parishes and wardes, relateing to the landes belonging to this Com- pany in the new street in Jewen Gardens, without Cripplegate ; which reporte beeing presented to this Courte, and twice read throughout, the same was well 102 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. approved of, and, this Courte concurring in judgement and opinion with the said Committee, it is ratified and confirmed by this Courte. And beeing well satisfyed therewith, and seriously considering the whole matter therein conteyned, this Courte, for a full composure, settlement, and finall determinacion of the said differences for the present, and for prevencion of any future dispute concerning the premisses for time to come, doth heereby adiudge, order, determyne, and award in manner and forme followeing, that is to say.” The order then repeats the report of the Committee ipsissimis verbis. Court of Assistants, i8th December 1655. — “At this Courte it is ordered that the Clerke shall make and signe two coppyes of the order and award concerning the boundes of the two parishes of St. Giles, Cripplegate, and St. Buttolph, Aldersgate, as it is entred at the last Courte of Assistantes, and that the said coppyes bee ready to bee delivered to the Deputyes of the said wardes, and the rest of the respective parishioners (who sealed the Articles) upon Satterday next, by 9 of the clock in the morneing, at which time Mr. Wardens have appointed a Courte of Assistantes to bee summoned, and the partyes mencioned in the respective Indented Articles to bee desired to bee heere then present.” Court of Assistants, 22nd December 1655. — ‘-At this Courte the two coppyes of the order and award made by a Courte of Assistantes the xiiijth of this instant December, concerning the two parishes of Aldersgate and Cripplegate, were now read and examined, and signed by the Clerke to bee true coppyes. And the 2 Deputyes, and others of each parish and ward, beeing summoned to this Courte, appeared accordingly, unto whome the order and award of the Courte of Assistantes made the xiiijth of this instant December was now read. After which Mr. Alderman Peryn did deliver to the severall Deputyes of the said wardes to each of them one coppy of the said order and award, signed by the Clerke as aforesaid, and they severally gave thankes unto this Courte, and the Company, for their great paynes and care in setting the said differences betweene them.” Court of Assistants, 23rd January 1656. — A model of the Company’s Arms cast in brass is shown, and approved. Three plates are to be set up in the new street to mark the bounds of the parishes and wards of Aldersgate and Cripplegate, with this inscription above the Arms: “The Company of Gold- smiths’ lands in which do meet the bounds of the parishes and wards of Alders- gate and Cripplegate without.” The fourth plate is to remain in the Hall without an inscription. At a later Court, Alderman Perryn relates that the Company’s Arms on brass plates have been set up in three places in Jewin Street, viz., one on the north side, one on the south side, and one on the north side backward, in the south side of the wall belonging to Mr. Clagett’s great garden. The parishes are well satisfied, and have invited the Committee of this Company, and others concerned in the work to a dinner. The parishes have also made presents to the Clerk and MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 103 Beadle, but as they have given nothing to Jarman, the Company’s bricklayer, the Company give him £4 for his pains. The new street between Aldersgate Street and Redcross Street is to be called Jewin Street, and an inscription with the name is to be set up at each end thereof. Renter Urlyn refuses to make the Renters’ usual possession dinner, but his fellow Renter (Dannett) is willing. Urlyn’s refusal is to be made known to the next Court of Assistants. The following amusing account is given : — “ At this Courte Mr. Alderman Peryn made knowne that the Wardens at a late private (sic) had called the present Renters before them severally (their occasions not permitting them to come togeather at one and the same time), and that they did (according to the custome of this Company) require them to make a dynner heere some time this moneth for the Wardens and Assistantes, called the Renters’ possession dynner; and Mr. Dannettes answere was that, for his parte, hee was very willing soe to doe, but Mr. Urlyn did utterly refuse to make any, and would by noe meanes bee persuaded by the Wardens thereunto ; with which severall answeres the Wardens did tell them that they would acquainte this Courte. Which beeing taken into consideracion and debate, it was resolved upon the question that both the Renters should bee now sent for. And there- upon the Beadle of this Company was sent by this Courte to desire the Renters to come unto the Wardens and Assistantes then sitting in Courte. And hee leaveing his message at Mr. Dannettes house for him (hee beeing then abroad), after a little time hee came home, and appeared heere according to his summons, and, beeing called into the Courte, hee did very freely and willingly declare his consent that, for soe much as concerned his parte, hee is willing and ready to make the posse.ssion dynner when the Company please. “ And the Beadle goeing to Mr. Urlyn’s house, hee met with him at home, to whome hee delivered his message in theis or the like wordes, that the Wardens did desire him to come and speak with them at a Courte of Assistantes. And the Beadle did informe this Courte that his answere was that hee had busines of his owne the which hee must looke after, and that hee could not come to them ; to which the Beadle replyed hee should not need to stay, for hee should bee called in as soone as he came. And hee further answered that hee heard him in a word, but could not come. “ After which the Beadle beeing sent unto him the second time, and com- maunded to tell him that the Wardens did not expect such an answere from him, and that Mr. Alderman Peryn commaunded him to tell that hee thought that hee had remembred his oath better that hee had taken formerly to bee obedient to the summons of the Wardens. To which Mr. Urlyn answered that hee was bound both by the lawes of God and man to looke after his owne occasions, and that hee was worse than an infidell that did not provide for his wife and family. And then the Beadle giveing him to understand that his partner was at the Hall, and hee should not need to stay long, Mr. Urlyn answered that his partner could 104 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. take dirreccions for any busines as well as if hee were there, and, if it were" for to feast them, hee understood it not, and would doe nothing in itt. And the Beadle did now affirme that what hee had delivered as Mr. Urlyn’s answeres, they were his very owne wordes, to the best of his remembrance, but sure hee is they were to the same effect. All which beeing considered of, it is ordered by this Courte that the Renters shall make a possession dynner at such time as the Wardens shall thinck fitt to appoynte the same.” Rushes are provided for the Great Parlour at a cost of 2\s. Hastings, the Beadle, petitions for the repayment of £20 which he formerly gave as a fine to be discharged from the office of Renter. Court of Wardens, 25th January 1656. — Several persons come as suitors for chambers in Bachelors’ Court. It is decided that every tenant shall make for himself a key to the outer door, that, on going in or out, he may lock it, so as to keep the Court sweet and clean from annoyance, which might happen if the doors were left open. Court of Wardens, 22nd February 1656. — Peter Sturdy, who uses the trade of a goldsmith, brings an order of the Court of Aldermen for his admission to the freedom of this Company by redemption. The matter is referred to the next Court of Assistants. The order states that Sturdy is “ the first of four granted by the late Act of Common Council for maintenance of preaching and praying Ministers in the prisons of this City.” The Wardens are directed to present Sturdy to “Mr. Chamberlyn ” to take the oath of a freeman according to the late Act of Parliament, and the substance of the ancient oath of the Company is read to him, which he promises to observe, and also to come and take the oath when he shall be required. He pays 46^. id. to “ Mr. Chamberlyn,” and 40J. to the Company. The Wardens appoint Thursday, the 6th of March, for a View Day and the possession dinner. Alderman Perryn reports that Urlyn, being required to make such dinner, said that he would be out of town for a fortnight, but that if the Company would have a dinner, and give him a bill of fare, a dinner should be provided for them ; but that he utterly refused to make any dinner at the charges of himself and his partner. It is ordered that Dannett, the other Renter, shall attend the Court. Stafford, a stainer, complains of Henry Stanford, a goldsmith, in Kerrj' Lane, for selling to him silver which was i oz. 10 dwts. worse than standard. The Wardens order Stanford to pay to Stafford 2s. Court of Wardens, 7th March 1656. — “Consideration is had of the Wardens’ perusal of some old stresses in a tray in the treasur}'. There are two small Testaments, one bound up in sea-green velvet, plain, with a small pair of clasps, and the other bound up in crimson velvet, garnished wfith cast silver at the corners, and wdth one clasp and a half, the other being cut to make trial thereof ; both which books were long since taken in a search in Bartho- lomew Fair many years past, and have remained here to this day without any FRONTISPIECE TO “A TOUCHSTONE FOR GOLD AND SILVER WARES,” 1677. 'iAnufJ. -r •!* r*' MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. lOS demand of them. It was desired by Mr. Alderman (Perryn) that he might have the Testament with the sea-green velvet, for which he will pay to the Company the value thereof, as it shall be indifferently appraised ; and the Clerk desired to have the other upon the same terms ; which is ordered accordingly, and at the rising of this Court the books were delivered unto them respectively, and they are to be paid for at the next Court.” Court of Assistants, 19th March 1656. — It is reported that the barge used by the Company on Lord Mayor’s Day has often proved unserviceable, by reason whereof the Court cannot attend upon his Lordship unto Westminster Hall, as they were formerly used to do, the barge being in that condition that the Com- pany cannot get up in time. A Committee is appointed to provide a barge fit and convenient to hold the Clothing, and to agree for the acquisition of a bargehouse. John Hancock, the sweeper about the Hall, petitions for an increase of his wages (js. 6 d. a quarter), because the new carts “ make cleaning the streets his daily task.” He is to have ioj. a quarter. A lease of the “Ship” in the Shambles is granted to John Churchman, of the Inner Temple. Court of Assistants, i6th April 1656. — Renter Dannett informs the Court that he has disbursed £15 12s. ‘jd. without any assistance from Urlyn, and he asks the Court what the Company will allow him, if he pay the rest of the Renters’ expenses. He has tried to persuade Urlyn to bear his share, but he has refused, saying that “ he would not be trepanned to make a dinner.” It is ordered that Dannett shall have an allowance of £9. Drawings of the City barge and the Merchant Taylors’ barge are shown by the shipwright, who says that the cost of making a barge for this Company will be £ 1 1 8 I j., in addition to the painter’s work. Shortly afterwards Edmund Tue, shipwright, agrees to do the work about the barge for £100. The dimensions of the barge “which is to bear the Company’s Arms, Crest, and Supporters,” are to be as follows : — The length aloft 62 feet ; the breadth in the midship 9 feet 10 inches; the depth in the midship 2 feet 1 1 inches ; the breadth abaft 8 feet 6 inches ; the depth abaft 3 feet 10 inches; the length of the house 26 feet, with a rising of about 9 feet abaft; with benches round the house, and double benches the whole length in the middle thereof, with wainscot doors at the entrance into the said house. The barge is to carry 14 oars, and is to be built of sound and well- seasoned timber of heart of oak, and is to be finished, all but the painting, by the I Sth of July. Shortly afterwards Edmund Tue and his father enter into a bond in the following terms : — •“ Knowe all men by theis presentes that wee Edmund Tue, of the parish of St. Savyor’s in Southwark, in the County of Surrey, shipwright, and Abraham Tue, of the same parish, shipwright, are holden and firmely bound unto John io6 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Peryn, Alderman of London, Walter Chauncy, Thomas Death, and John Gellibrand, Wardens of the Mistery of Goldsmithes of the Citty of London, in cell, of good and lawfull money of England to bee payd to the said John Peryn, Walter Chauncy, Thomas Death, and John Gellibrand, or any of them, or to their certen attorney, executors, administrators, or assignes ; for the which payment well and faythfully to bee made wee bynde us, and either of us, our heires, executors, and administrators, and every of them, firmely by theis presentes. “ Sealed with our seales, dated this tenth day of May, in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred fifty and six. “ The condicion of this obligacion is such that whereas it is agreed betweene the above-named John Peryn, Walter Chauncy, Thomas Death, and John Gellibrand, for and on the behalfe of the Company of Goldsmithes, London, and the above-bound Edmund Tue on his owne behalfe, that hee, the said Edmund, is to make and build one strong and well built, able, and substantial! barge, of the length, breadth, and depth, in such manner in all particulers as is heereafter mencioned, and to be made of sound and well-seasoned timber of harte of oke free from sapp therein, and to carry 14 oares, with all things there- unto belonging, workemanlike, at his owne proper costes and charges, for all the timber and wainscott, shipwright’s worke, smithes worke, Joyner’s worke, and carver’s worke, with the Company of Goldsmithes Armes, carved with crest, mantle, supporters, and motto thereto belonging, and all other materialls to bee used in and aboute the said barge, ready for the paynter, on or before the xvth day of July next ensewing the date above-written; for the doeing whereof hee is to have and receave of the Wardens of the Company of Goldsmithes, London, which for the time beeing shalbee, or of one of them, the summe of one hundred poundes of lawfull money of England, to bee payd unto him in manner followeing, that is to saye, the summe of thirty poundes, in parte of the said cli., in or upon the day of the date above-written, and twenty poundes more thereof upon the seaventh day of June next comeing, and fifty poundes residue thereof at the finishing of the said barge. If therefore the above-bounden Edmund Tue, his executors, administrators, or assignes, or any of them, at his and their owne proper costes and charges, doe and shall make or cause to bee made workemanlike in all things one strong, well-built, able, and substantial! barge, of sound, good, and well-seasoned timber and wainscott of harte of oke, free from any sapp in any parte thereof, of the dimencions therein-mencioned, that is to saye : the length of the said barge alofte to bee threescore and two foote of assize ; the breadth in the midship to bee nyne foote and ten ynches of assize ; the depth in the midship to bee two foote eleaven ynches of assize ; the breadth abafte to bee eight foote six ynches of assize ; the depth abafte to bee three foote and ten ynches of assize ; and the length of the house to bee twenty and six foote, with a riseing to bee aboute nyne foote abafte ; with benches round the said house, and double benches in the middle thereof, with wainscott dores MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 107 at the entrance thereinto. And alsoe if hee, the said Edmund Tue, his executors, administrators, or assignes, or some of them, shall make and finish the said barge, and provide and fitt fowerteene good and substantial! oares to bee used therein, soe that all the shipwright’s, smithes, joyner’s, and carver’s workes, with the fowerteene oares and Armes as aforesaid, and all other the materialls and appurtinances thereunto belonging, bee finished and perfected substantially and workemanlike in all things, fitt and ready for the paynting, on or before the aforesaid fifteenth day of July next comeing, and that without any fraude, deceipt, or further delay, according to the true intent and meaneing of the afore-men- cioned agreement, that then this present obligacion to bee voyd and of none effect, otherwise itt to stand, remayne, and abyde in full force, strength, and virtue. “ Edmund Tue. Abraham Tue. “ Which beeing now read itt was well approved of, and the Clerke is ordered to write itt fayre, and the partyes are to seale itt on Saturday next, and the Clerke is ordered to deliver unto the said Edmund Tue a coppy of the condicion.” There are three suitors for the Bargemaster’s place, namely, John Purser, waterman, who has acted as Bargemaster for about 20 years; Jacob Jessard, a member of the Company, who has been master and part-owner of a ship at sea ; and Nicholas Goldstone, waterman, of “ Foxall.” Vauxhall, Faukeshall, or Foxhall, so called from a manor in Surrey, was properly Fulkeshall, and was so named from Fulke de Breaut^, who lived in the time of King John. Here were situate the Vauxhall Gardens (originally called the New Spring Gardens to distinguish them from the Old Spring Gardens at Charing Cross), well known as a place of public resort from the reign of King Charles II. to quite recent years. There are numerous allusions to this locality in Pepys’s Diary, two of which may be given : — June 20th, 1665. “ Thanksgiving Day for the victory over the Dutch. . . . By water to Fox Hall, and there walked an hour alone, observing the several humours of the citizens that were there this holiday, pulling off cherries, and God knows what.” “ I by water to Foxhall, and there walked in Spring Garden. A great deal of company, and the weather and garden pleasant, and it is very pleasant and cheap going thither, for a man may go to spend what he will, or nothing ; all is one. But to hear the nightingale and other birds, and here fiddles and there a harp, and here a Jew’s trump, and here laughing and there fine people walking, is mighty diverting.” The adornment of the Great Staircase in the Hall is referred to the Barge Committee, who are requested to set the Arms of the Fishmongers' io8 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Company “in the gallery over the door which leadeth into the gallery.” This is to be done as fairly as the space will permit, and before the change of Wardens. Court of Wardens, i6th May 1656. — An agreement is made with Richard Horne and Leonard Knight for paving the new street in Shoe Lane ; that is to say, for sinking the ground to the most convenient level used in the common paved streets of the City, and carting away the earth at i 2 d. a load, and for paving “ artificially, well and workmanlike, with hard ring stone of convenient bodies, and to spread the same with gravel both before and after the paving there oV’ fof every yard square 12 pence. Court of Assistants, 21st May 1656 — Mr. Francis Bishop and Mr. Samuel Moore are to be passed over in the election of Wardens “ for reasons well known to the Court.” Richard Pemberton, who has been denied his freedom by service for having married about a quarter of a year before the expiration of his apprenticeship, is admitted to the freedom by redemption, paying to the Company 20s., and to the Chamberlyn 46^. 8 d. It is ordered that in future no freeman by redemption shall be capable of receiving a pension, or other charity. Peter Hodges seeks to be admitted into the freedom of the Company in order that he may be made capable of following his employment of a porter; but, as this Company have not any porters as some other Companies have, it is resolved that Hodges shall not be admitted. A voluntary pension of 12 pence a w'eek is given to Widow Wildblood, who lyeth lame and weak of the dead palsy. The Wardens are also to give her other relief. Committee, loth June 1656. — The Committee treat with Thomas Scott, esquire, for a piece of ground near Lambeth House for a bargehouse. The dimensions of the ground are given, and the lease is to be for 45 years, at a rent of £4, and with a fine of £40. It is subsequently agreed by the Court that the Company of Skinners shall have part of the above ground for their bargehouse, if they please, subject to certain terms which are discussed. By ballot, 10 against 9, Purser is chosen Bargemaster, which place he is to hold during the Company’s pleasure and his good behaviour. Jessard is dis- contented, and says that though Purser hath got the place by setafice, it was his due by birthright, and that he could have had the place for over 20 years past if he had cared to look after it. Deputy Allen’s bill for the Benefactors’ Arms and painters’ work in the gallery amounts to £109 lys. The bill is paid, less a deduction of £3 ys. 6 d. Court of Assistants, 26th June 1656. — Trial of the dyett of plate brought in since 24th of October last. Weight of plate 20,787 lbs. 3 oz. 8 dwts. The MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 109 dyett weig'hed to the fire 86| oz., and from the fire 86 oz. Plate broken during the same period 158 lbs. It is decided that the new street in Shoe Lane Gardens shall be called Harding Street, the Clerk informing the Company that the ground was the gift of Mrs. Agas Harding, widow. It is also decided that no gates or chains shall be placed at the ends of Jewin Street to preserve the Company’s royalty. Dixon, a workman, is fined ioj. for putting his private mark upon another man’s work. “ Some well-wisher to the making of gold and silver wire to be agree- able to standard ” informs the Wardens that there is a parcel of silver wire “ disgrosseing ” at the office in St. Helens that seemed to be very coarse. Warden Gellibrand and the Assayer go to the office, and the Warden takes a small quantity of the gold wire, and also of the silver wire, which is brought to the Hall to be assayed. The gold wire proves to be 2 dwts. better than standard, and the silver 1 3 dwts. worse. It is decided that as soon as the new Wardens are sworn, they must obtain possession of the coarse wire. Accordingly, on the 27th June, the new Wardens go to St. Helens and seize the wire, which weighs 9 lbs. i oz. 5 dwts., and belongs to James Noell. Court of Committee, 4th July 1656. — Some members of the Skinners' Company meet the Committee upon the business of the new bargehouse, the negotiations with reference to which they are willing to leave to this Company. As some of the ground “ may relate to the interest of the City under the regula- tion of the Lord Mayor as Conservator of the River Thames,” it is resolved to move the Court of Aldermen. A petition is accordingly presented to John Dethick, Lord Mayor, and his brethren Aldermen, stating that the Company are going to build a bargehouse near Lambeth Marsh, north of the State bargehouse, and asking leave to take in ground within the verge of the river. Court of Wardens, 15th July 1656. — It is reported that Wardens Terry and Prestwick have attended the Committee for Trade and Navigation, sitting in “ the Dutchey Courte at Westminster,” for examination. The first question put to them was relating to the proportion of Crown gold to fine silver and standard silver, but Warden Terry replied that he had discontinued his trade for 20 years, and could not give an immediate answer. The proposals will therefore be sent in writing, and a written reply will be made. The questions propounded are : — “ I. What proportion Crown gold bears to fine silver, and also to the standard silver of England ? “ 2. What proportion Crown gold bears in France and Holland to the standard silver of England ? I 10 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “ 3. Whether it will be to the prejudice, or to the advantage, of the Commonwealth to alter the denomination of the current gold coin of England, and what ? ” A Committee is appointed to consider the above and prepare an answer, and the following replies are subsequently drafted, and submitted to the next Court of Assistants: — £ s. d. “ I. That the ounce of Crown gold maketh in the Mint (coinage being paid) - - * 3 7 i That 12 oz. 8 dwts. 5 grs. of fine silver maketh like- wise in the Mint (coinage being paid) - "371 That 1 3 oz. 8 dwts. 8 grs. of standard silver (coin- age being paid) maketh - - "371 That the ounce of Crown gold maketh in the Mint (coinage not paid) - - - - 3 8 4 And coinage paid - - - "371 That the ounce of standard silver maketh in the Mint (coinage not paid) - - -052 And coinage paid - - - -050 So there is u. 3«/. the ounce paid for coining gold, and 2d. the ounce for coining silver. “ 2. That the gold coin in France called the ‘ Lewis,’ weighing 4 dwts. 7 grs., they have heard that it goeth current there equal with 1 ‘livers,’ which maketh about i6j. 8(/. in the standard silver of England, which produceth upon the ounce of Crown gold about - - - - 3 14 9 That 14 oz. 9 dwts. of standard silver of London answereth the like value of - - - 3 14 9 Also that the gold ‘ Rider ’ of Holland weighing 16 dwts. 10 grs., they have also heard that it goeth current there equal with 1 3 gilders, which maketh about 23^. 2d. in standard silver of Eng- land, which produceth upon the ounce of Crown gold - - - - - - 3 12 3 And that 140Z. 9 dwts. of standard silver of Eng- land answereth the like value of - - 3 12 3 “ 3. What prejudice or advantage it will be to the Commonwealth to alter the denomination of current gold coins of England ? They are not able to foresee the effect of it, and, therefore, cannot give their opinions in a busi- ness of so great a consequence.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 1 1 1 The above answers are approved, and are to be fairly written, and presented by the Wardens to the Committee for Trade. Committee, ist August 1656. — The Committee ask Deputy Allen for an estimate for painting and beautifying the barge in the same manner as the Clothmakers’ barge is done. He says that he cannot give an exact amount, but that the cost shall not exceed £30. The Committee then ask what it will cost to have the barge done in the same way as the gallery. Deputy Allen says that that will ensure a saving of £5, but that, if they will leave the business to him, he will act for the honour of the Company, who shall know what everything costs ; and he will be a gainer on the whole business no more than £5. He is ordered to decorate the barge as the Clothmakers’ barge is done, and to have it finished in time for the journey to Woolwich at the end of this month. The Bargemaster says that the cost of going to Woolwich in the new barge will be 4J. an oar, for 14 oars, and 8^. for the master, in all £3 4s. Court of Wardens, 15th August 1656. — The Wardens appoint a Court of Assistants for Wednesday morning next “ before the Company go to Guildhall to choose the burgesses for the next Parliament.” Court of Assistants, 20th August 1656. — It is decided that all the Assistants shall be summoned by the Beadle to go with the Wardens to Woolwich in the new barge, but this is not to be drawn into a “ president ” for any future year. A gratuity is to be given to Mr. Nutt “ for his civil respects upon all occasions about the barge ground.” Court of Wardens, 23rd August 1656. — The Wardens search on Bartho- lomew Eve in Bishopsgate, Aldgate, Fanchurch Street, Lombard Street, Cornhill, and Cheapside, and take a variety of small articles, including hand-in-hand rings, true-lovers’-knot rings, death’s-heads, ink horns, stone rings, fan handles, maze rings, and hooks for gowns. Again the Wardens make search on the 25th August in Bartholomew Fair, and seize numerous articles including wrist whistles. Court of Wardens, 28th August 1656. — Jarman informs the Wardens that in setting up chambers in Bachelors’ Court, the chimnies belonging thereto were fastened to some part of the Imbrotherers’ Hall, and that the Wardens of that Company desire to set the corners of their Hall covered with lead, so as to hang over the buildings in Bachelors’ Court, which he considers will in no way prejudice this Company’s property. This note is valuable as identifying the site of Bachelors’ Court, which must have been situated between Foster Lane and Gutter Lane, a few yards south of Goldsmiths’ Hall. It is agreed to make both bargehouses with outside walls two brick lengths in thickness, and at every 10 feet a buttress of 4 inches, and to work the founda- tions “to a high-water marke of Tarris” ; to house it all with pantiles with lime and hair for one roof, and the partition wall to be of timber. To make two I 12 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. tenements at the ends of the bargehouses, with two cottages on the ground, and 4 rooms, whereof two will be for kitchens, and two over part of the barges, with two garrets. An Agreement with Burridge, the bricklayer, as to the cost of the various portions of the work follows. An estimate is also received from the carpenter of the Skinners’ Company • for his work about the bargehouse, but the particulars so much exceed the expectations of the Committee that they refer it to Jarman to treat with other carpenters. nth September 1656. — The Clerk reads three exceptions taken by Burridge to the Agreement made by him with the Committee. He says ; — “ I. That the year is far spent, and he desires therefore that the work may be put off till next spring. “ 2. That to construct brick work, or walls, water-table high, within and without, with Tarris will be very chargeable, and therefore he will find no Tarris at all as provided by the former Agreement. “ 3. He asks that the back of the chimnies may be measured as part of the cross wall.” Being called before the Committee, Burridge insists upon the above excep- tions. He alleges that he has laid in bricks, and other materials, which were spoiled by the last spring tide. The foundation is like a quagmire, and the work is so foul that he cannot get labourers to proceed in it at any reasonable rate. He will not continue in the business at the prices formerly agreed. The Committee reply that they cannot alter the Agreement without the consent of the Skinners’ Company, and they desire Burridge to go on with the work, and refer himself to the two Companies ; but this he refuses. Adams, the Skinners’ carpenter, next appears, and a difference between his estimate and that of Jarman is reconciled. He says that his partner has deserted him, but the Committee ask him to take all the work upon himself, and to make the foundation with planks and piles, and to keep a note of that particular charge by itself “ being an uncertain work.” Shortly afterwards further treaty is held with Burridge, who agrees to go on with the work. Court of Wardens, 12th September 1656. — The Wardens settle a bill of fare for the dinner at Woolwich on Tuesday next, on which special occasion all the Assistants have been summoned for the purpose of trying the Company’s new barge. The bill of fare is as follows : — “ Bill of Fare for all the Assistants. “ For 5 Messe of Meat. “ 5 leg'g's of mutton. A boyling piece of beefe for the watermen. 6 pieces of roste beefe, 3 surloynes, and 3 fewer ribbs. 5 pidgeon pyes. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. II3 5 rost goose. 10 pullettes, 2 in a dish — 12 lemons. 10 rabbittes, 2 in a dish. 10 bottels of sack. 14 French wine, whereof 5 white. iij li. of loafe sugar. Tobacco — I a pound. Burnt wine at the Salutacion.” Court of Assistants, 22nd October 1656. — Trial of the dyett of plate brought in since 26th June last. Weight of plate 10,959 lbs. 5 oz. 1 1 dwts. The dyett weighed to the fire 45 oz. 8 dwts. (no weight from the fire is given). Plate broken during the same period no lbs. The Lord Mayor elect (Robert Tichborne) asks for the loan of some of the Company’s plate, as part of his Company’s plate has been lent to one of the Sheriffs, who also belongs to that Company. This Company’s butler is also, he says, his butler, and will make a list of what is required. The application is granted, but the plate is to be lent by indenture as usual. A list of the plate is given in a subsequent entry as follows : — I basin and ewer gilt - - - - 128^ 2 silver voyders - - - i88| 2 silver spout pots - - - 73 5 gilt standard cups and covers - - •• 223^ 3 great gilt salts and large cover - - - 156 2 silver salts with scrolls - - 100 6 silver trencher salts - - - - 20^ 3 gilt wine cups - - - 26i 3 small beer bowls - - - 35 ^ In the above entry, as in many previous entries, mention is made of silver “ voyders.” These were baskets to contain broken meat. Thomas Bonney, servant and coachman of Sir Thomas Vyner, is admitted to the freedom of the Company by redemption, without any fine, giving loj. to the poor box. Francis Hall is elected Upper Warden vice John Terrey, deceased. Such elections have usually been deferred until after the funeral of the deceased Warden, but an Upper Warden is now required for various purposes. It is ordered that the Wardens shall try to reduce all the interest money upon the Company’s debts to £5 per cent. A sum of £6 is given to the Clerk in consideration of the extraordinary length of the Wardens’ accounts, which used to cover 9 or 10 sheets of paper only, but now run to 34 sheets. He has already had yj. 6 d. for the four abstracts of every particular sum of the account prepared for the Auditors, but the Court consider this too little. S 4021. n 114 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. The new Renters are chosen, and promise to keep the Renters’ dinner on the 5th of November; but when the Wardens mention the Possession and Audit Dinners “ in answer thereto they silently passed it over.” Court of Wardens, 24th October 1656. — Paid to the Bargemaster of the Drapers’ Company for relieving this Company’s barge from a “lyter” which fell foul of her, 2 s. 6d. Court of Assistants, 17th November 1656. — It is agreed that 10 past Renters (named) shall be admitted Assistants, and go to church to-morrow to Sir Martin Bowes’s sermon, after which they shall return here to dine. Court of Assistants, 26th November 1656. — “At this Courte the two new Renters made complaint of the misbehaviour of the almsmen in generall on Sir Martyn Bowes’s last day, and in perticuler of the uncivill language of John Pemberton and John Marryott, who by their speeches did affronte the Renters to the great discouragement of them in their proceedings in the Companyes service. And Mr. Renter Bright did informe this Courte that hee, seeing a gentleman (who was a stranger) at the table cutt severall peeces of meat, and give away upon trenchers unto some of the almsmen, wayters at the table, he did take upon him the boldnes to tell him that hee did not that which was fitting, and desired him to forbeare soe doing; who replyed it was the donor’s will for them to have itt (or wordes to that effect), and that Marryott, the almsman then standing by, did say that hee gave them but that which was their due. And Marryott, beeing charged with this in perticuler, did seem to excuse himselfe in waiveing some parte of that which was alleaged to have byn spoken by him, but that did not give this Courte satisfaccion. And the Renters did now desire that, forasmuch as the almsmen did pretend a clayme and title to the disposeing of all the meate that is left upon Sir Martyn Bowes his daye, and for that their carriage and behaviour upon that daye, and severall other dayes, hath often byn complayned of by severall precedent Renters of the Company, and in regard there is noe mencion made of any such thing in Sir Martyn Bowes his will relateing to that they pretend, the Company would bee pleased by order of a Courte of Assistantes to regulate the busines for the future, as in their wisdomes shalbee thought fitt, not onely in that perticuler dynner, but for all other dj-nners or suppers to bee made by the Wardens or the Renters for the time beeing. ^Vhich beeing taken into consideracion, it is by this Courte referred unto the further consideracion of the nexte Courte of Assistantes. “ And it is ordered by this Courte that the said Pemberton and Marrj'Ott shalbee suspended both from their almes places and pensions, untill the Courte of Assistantes shall further consider of this busines. And for the rest of them, if they shall not mend their miscarriages, they shall alsoe finde the Companyes displeasure towards them. “ And, in the interim, Mr. Renters are desired by this Courte to goe on cheer- fully in the Companyes business, and to paye such other paymentes and pencions (Pemberton’s and Marryott’s excepted) as shall come in course to bee payd by MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. IIS them, resting assured that the miscarriages, or misdemeanors, of the almesmen, or any other officers of this Company, shall never bee countenanced by the Company in the affronting of them in their places, or otherwise in anything which concernes the Company to reforme.” Court of Assistants, 17th December 1656. — “At this Courte was read the entry of the proceedings of Mr. Wardens, in presence of divers of the Assistantes of this Company, upon the complaynte of the new Renters of this Company, against John Pemberton and John Marryott, two of the almesmen of this Company, touching their misbehaviour upon Sir Martyn Bowes’s day last, as it is entred in the Courte Booke the 26th of November last; upon which com- playnte the said two almsmen were suspended from their almes places and pencions, and referred them to the consideracion of this Courte ; which pro- ceedings are by this Courte well approved of and confirmed. “ After which the aforesaid Pemberton and Marryott presented their humble peticions in a very submissive way, severally confessing their faultes and their harty sorrowe for the same, with their severall premisses never to offend in the like any at time heereafter, and humbly craved to bee receaved into the Com- panyes favor, and restored to their almes places and pencions. Which beeing taken into consideracion and debated, forasmuch as they had severally submitted themselves to the Renters who complayned of them, and alsoe made their submissive peticions to this Courte ; and in regard the Renters did mediate in their behalfe that they might bee restored to their places and pencions, itt is by this Courte thought fitt for this time to passe by their offence. And it is alsoe agreed and ordered that they shalbee restored to their almes places and pencions, and they are by this Courte restored accordingly; which favor beeing made knowne unto them, they were very thankfull for the same. “ This Courte takeing into consideracion the pretended clayme of the almsmen in generall to have the disposeing of all the meate that is left heere after the Wardens, Assistantes, and others have dyned upon the day yearely kept and observed for the commemoracion of Sir Martyn Bowes, a worthy benefactor to this Company, alleageing the same to bee their due by the will of the donor and their ancient custome, which many times they have enioyed by the permission of the Wardens, or Renters, for the time beeing ; which custome hath not bin constantly kept because some former Wardens, and Renters, have made knowne unto them that there was noe such direccions by the donor’s will, for by the will it appeareth that the dynner is provided for the Wardens and Assistantes, Renters, Clerke, and Beadle. For provideing of which dynner there is appoynted the summe of iij/f., but noe mencion made of the almsemen, onely their a peece to bee payd them if present at the sermon. But they haveing often enioyed itt by permission, as aforesaid, hath imboldened them to clayme the disposeing of all the meate left at the said dynner, though by the will of the donor they have noe right to any parte of itt, which boldnes did appeare upon Sir Martyn Bowes’s day last, and occasioned the Renters to make their H 2 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 1 16 complainte, as is before mencioned, and related in the last precedent order. And forasmuch as it is evident to this Courte that many or most of the almesmen, not onely at Sir Martyn Bowes’s dayes dynner, but alsoe at other dynners heere, doe frequently crave meate from severall persons at the tables to bee given them upon trenchers, which persons inclineable thereto and soe doeing, the dishes are more cleared of meate than otherwise they would bee, and the almesmen and others cannot liave soe much to bee given unto them as they might, if such craveing and giveing were omitted (some small peece of meate, if any, lefte as to the changeing of a trencher onely excepted), for prevencion whereof for the future, it is ordered by this Courte that, if any of the almesmen shall at any dynner or supper heere crave, or take, any meate to be given them from the table upon trenchers, or otherwise, contrary to this order, then they to bee suspended from their place and pencion. And it is desired by this Courte that the Assistantes and Liverye of this Company would not heereafter at any dynner or supper heere give unto the almesmen such meate from the table upon trenchers, as formerly some have used to doe,- whereby the more may remayne in the dishes to bee afterwards given unto them by such as shall have the disposeing thereof. And it is thought fitt and ordered by this Courte that the Beadle of this Company, at convenient time, shall acquaint the Livery with the contentes of this order; and it is alsoe ordered by this Courte that the meate which shall bee left at any time heereafter upon Sir Martyn Bowes’s dayes dynner, or at any other dynner or supper made by the Wardens or Renters of this Company for the time beeing at the Companyes charges, shalbee disposed of by such Wardens or Renters which for the time shalbee makeing and pro- videing such dynners or suppers as they in their discretions shall thinke fitt for the honor, creditt, and reputacion of the Company, any former order or usage to the contrary heereof in any wise notwithstanding. And it is thought fitt by this Courte that, after this order is read and confirmed, the present Wardens shall acquaint the almesmen with the contentes thereof.” Court of Assistants, 30th November 1656. — The Court hear and deter- mine a difference between Mr. Browne and Mrs. Lake. Both parties appear before the Court with their witnesses and counsel, and, after these have been heard and divers writings have been perused, the Court give their decision at considerable length. Browne and Lake subsequently acquiesce in the order, and ask for copies thereof. Court of Assistants, 17th December 1656. — It is decided “ that John Richardson, a member of this Company who lately fined for Alderman, shall be summoned to appear here at the next Court of Assistants, but not as Assistant to the Company.” At the next Court (21st January 1657), when Mr. Richardson is present, it is stated that he had lately fined for the office of Alderman, but has never been admitted into the Clothing of this Company, and the Court think that, as he has passed by such a degree in the City, they should treat with him to take the MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. II7 Clothing-, that he may be capable of election to the chief degree or place in the Company. The Wardens tell Richardson that if he will accept the Clothing, and do as others in like condition have done before, he will be eligible to be Upper Warden. After some debate, both in his absence and in his presence, Richardson, although he hath, as it were, referred himself to the Court, yet, upon second consideration, conceiving that the Company have endeavoured to induce him to accept the Clothing, and then to require from him a fine for passing such offices as may make him capable of taking the chief place in the Company, wholly refuses to pay anything to such end, but seems inclinable to give some small sum to be quit for ever from further trouble, charge, or service in the Company. It is then declared to Richardson that the Company do not tender him this respect only to have his money, but that they desire his company and personal presence as an Assistant of this Court ; he still, however, wholly declines the offer. Notwithstanding this, if on further con- sideration Richardson accept the Company’s love and respect, and refer himself to the judgement of a Court of Assistants, it is ordered that the debate shall be resunied. It is reported that David Bourne, who has been in receipt of a pension of £5, is dead. His widow asks for something to pay the expense of his funeral, as she has not one penny in the house. The Clerk states that, while Bourne was bed- ridden, he was always obliged to advance the pension, and to repay himself when the money was received; and that he had given Bourne 30^., being 5J. more than would have been payable to him at this quarter, “ but, he dying before the day, he could not require any of it from the Renters, because it was usually paid quarterly upon a receipt, and not by tally as weekly pensions.” If Bourne had lived he would have been capable of receiving Sir Hugh Myddelton’s gift, which is to be distributed to-day. It is ordered that 50^. shall be sent to Mrs. Bourne, and that the Clerk shall be repaid what he has advanced. A petition is received from Thomas Moneley, a member of the Company, now a prisoner in Ludgate, and it is agreed to give him 40J., if that sum will release him out of prison. Court of Wardens, 4th January iSsy. — Received from Mrs. Aylsworth for 8 years’ rent (at \^d. a year) for an encroachment of a staircase into the Cockpit Garden in Shoe Lane, lOf. "id. Paid to the Collectors for the Army, for 6 months’ taxes rated upon the Company ending 24th June 1657, £14. Court of Assistants, 21st January 1657. — Mrs. Bereblock’s lease amended. “In taking the dimensions of the entry ‘ihe’ principal post was written instead of ‘ her ’ principal post. In her late husband’s lease it had been written ‘ his ’ principal post.” Court of Wardens, 24th January 1657. — Thirteen cups of Christopher Shawe’s manufacture are broken. The bodies and bottom wires are worse than standard, but the ears of wreathed wire are better. This appears to be done ii8 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. with a fraudulent intent, so the Wardens go into Cheapside to look for similar cups of Shawe’s workmanship. They find three at Mr. Tempest’s, Mr. Knight’s, and Nathaniel Potter’s shops, which are all worse than standard in parts, and are broken. Shawe is fined ioj., but this is subsequently mitigated to 2s. 6d. Court of Committee, 25th February 1657 — Deputy Allen brings in his bill for painting the barge, total £32, of which £22 has already been paid. Allen is to have £7 more, provided that he add in such several places as is fitting the Buckles as well as the Leopards’ Heads and Cups, which are part of the Company’s Coat of Arms. A piece of plate of the value of £5, fashion included, is to be given to Mr. Nutt, the City’s Bargemaster, for his civility. Memorandum that John Perryn, Esq., late Alderman of London, and a worthy member of this Company, departed this life on Thursday, 26th February 1657, his house in East Acton, in the County of Middlesex. Court of Wardens, 7th March 1657. — Thomas, son of William Haslefoote, Citizen and Goldsmith of London, and Merchant Adventurer, being the present Clerk of this Company, is admitted to the freedom by patrimony, and out of respect to his father, now present, the fees of his freedom are remitted. A master is fined ioj. for selling part of his apprentice’s term. Mention is made of a lease of “ The Three Pidgeons,” in Birchin Lane. A sum of £20 is received from Alice, widow of Alderman Perrjm, for distri- bution among the poor of the Company. Court of Assistants, 13th April 1657 — A copy of the last Will and Testa- ment, with a codicil thereunto annexed, of Alderman Perryn is read, and a Committee (named) are appointed to advise with counsel about the charitable trusts reposed in the Company thereby, and the gift to be distributed by the Wardens. Warden Hall and others go shortly afterwards to Mr. Palmer, “ the councellor of the Temple,” about Perryn’s Will, and Mr. Palmer’s opinion, which is very technical, is given at length. Subsequently Mr. Broom, and afterwards Sir Orlando Bridgman, are also consulted. Court of Assistants, 29th April 1657. — At this Court Mr. Warden Hall makes known that Kimberley, one of the tenants in Bachelors’ Court, works in his chamber, contrary to the condition of the bond which he entered into when he was admitted tenant. After seme debate, it is determined to put the bond in force against Kimberley’s surety. Charity (30J.) given to Ann, widow of Henry Hubbert, who is destitute, and is forced to return to her own country “ near 100 miles oflf.” Court of Assistants, 22nd May 1657. — ^John Parker is excused from serving as Upper Warden on account of his remote dwelling, and because he has lost his voice. He gives a piece of plate worth £10. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. I 19 The cost of the dinner to the Court and Livery on Thanksgiving- Day (5th June 1657) is £6 2s. ^d. Court of Assistants, 12th June 1657. — On the death of Reynolds, one of Sir Hugh Myddelton’s pensioners, William Mantle was elected to the vacant pension ; but the Clerk now informs the Court that Mantle obtained his freedom by redemption, and as none who do so are eligible for any charity, or pension, the vote in Mantle’s favour is rescinded. A gratuity of 40f. is given to Mr. James Howell for presenting to the Court a book entitled Londinopolis : an Historical Discourse or Perlustracion of the Citty of London. The Clerk reads various documents entered in the Company’s book touching the several transactions with reference to the lands in Ireland, and also the abstract of the Survey showing that the Company possessed 6,282 acres of arable, pasture, wood, bog, and mountain, and that the freehold lands which are excepted out of their grant amounted to 529 acres, so that the Company’s clear proportion of land is 4,753 acres. As the original deed of the creation of the Manor of Goldsmiths’ Hall cannot be found, the Clerk is to make a copy thereof from the Company’s book for the use of the new society incorporated for the Irish lands, and so to pursue the settlement of the lands upon the Company by the new Charter. Court of Wardens, 19th June 1657. — Mr. Parker presents a standing cup of silver, white, without a cover, weight 31 oz. 1 1 dwts., with the Company’s and his own Arms engraven thereon, and with these words about the brim, “ Mr. John Parker’s cupp, as his fine for the place of Upper Warden.” Court of Assistants, 22nd June 1657. — There is read an order made by “the Society of Governor and Assistants, London, of the New Plantation in Ulster within the realm of Ireland,” signed by Taylor, their secretary, desiring this Company to send their deeds to him, that like deeds may be prepared in order to a new settlement of the Company’s proportion of lands. The Clerk produces the deeds lately obtained by him from Mr. Roweth, councellor, which are examined with the Abstract taken when they were delivered by the Company to Sir John Banks, then Attorney-General, ist March 1638. Taylor being now present, he is asked what deeds he desires to have, to which he replies the Deed of Creation of the Manor of Goldsmiths’ Hall, the Deed of Assurance of all the Company’s proportion of lands, and also the counterparts of the Freeholders' Deeds, by means of which he will make the like deeds anew for the purpose of the new settlement of the said lands. The request is referred to the next Court of Assistants, who decide that two members of the Company (Sprakeling and Hall) shall be sent to Ireland to survey the lands, and report to the Court. Trial of the dyett of plate brought since 22nd October last. Weight of plate 22 ,ii 61 bs. looz. i8dwts. 12 grs. The dyett weighed to the fire 92 oz. i dwt. 3 grs., and from the fire 90 oz. 5 dwts. Plate broken during the same period 60 lbs. 120 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Mrs. Vaghan, of Cornhill, “ a free sister” of this Company by patrimony, and executrix of her father Joseph Vaghan, deceased, desires to pay the Company £20 for the use of James Batty, such sum to remain in the Company’s hands until he shall attain the age of 21. The Committee decide not to receive the money, and, in turn, demand of Mrs. Vaghan £10, the amount of a fine owed by her father for being excused the office of Touch Warden, but she refuses to pay. The expression “ free sister ” has not been met with before. Court of Assistants, 5th July 1657. — At this Court there is much discussion about the Company’s Plantation in Ireland. It is decided to send Mr. Hall and Mr. Sprakeling to Ireland about the business. Full instructions for their guidance are given, and the Common Seal of the Company is affixed to a letter of attorney which is set out in full. 8th July 1657. — On this date two of the Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company meet three of the Wardens of the Skinners’ Company, at Bishopsgate, to decide a disputed question of a wall between the properties of the respective Companies. The measurements and details are set out minutely, and it is ultimately agreed that in the middle of the wall a stone shall be fixed with the Goldsmiths’ Arms on their side of the ground and the Skinners’ Arms towards their ground, with an inscription thus : — . " This is a Party Wall, “ The one half in thickness on each Company's Ground.” The stone is to be provided at the equal charge of the two Companies. 6th August 1657. — On this day is paid £7 to the Collectors for the Army and Navy for 3 months ending the 24th June last, rated upon the Company for their real and personal estate. 24th August 1657. — On this day the Wardens accompanied by a certain number of their Assistants, according to custom and to the power granted by Charter, go to search in Bartholomew Fair, and, trying divers wares of the several goldsmiths there by the touchstone, they all appear good, and returning to the Hall the Wardens, etc., have a small banquet of fruit “according to the custom of this day.” Court of Assistants, 2nd September 1657. — A petition is read from Mr. Robert Hooke, sometime Upper Warden of this Company, and now a poor member thereof, showing that he was formerly employed by the Company about the new building of the Hall, wherein he spent his time daily for the space of about 4 years both faithfully and carefully, but never received any recompense for that employment ; and that he hath, though with much difficulty, ever since subsisted without trouble to the Company, or assistance from them ; but that not being able to live any longer without some relief, and being aged 79 years and upwards, he doth humbly implore the charitable consideration of this Court to compassionate his distressed condition, and to confer upon him such annuity and relief for the short remainder of his days as in the judgement of the Court shall be MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. I2I thought fit ; which petition being taken into consideration, it admits of some debate, and therein relation is made by several ancient members of this Court, who well know Mr. Hooke, for the information of the rest who are strangers unto him ; and the Clerk, being thereunto required, relates his knowledge concerning him, Hooke having personally served in all the places of the government of the Company ; and in particular of his diligent care and pains in the searches in the West Country as far as Launceston, in Cornwall, which is also testified by Sir John Wollaston, who was also present in the said searches, as being the Touch Warden of this Company (whose care and pains in that particular ought not to be forgotten, the Company’s books manifesting that service at large) ; and the question being put to the vote, an annuity of £4 a quarter is granted to Mr. Hooke, but the grant is not to be drawn into a precedent, and the money is not to be paid to any person other than Mr. Hooke himself. Court of Assistants, 25th September 1657 — Mr. Hall and Mr. Sprakeling make their report to the Court of the business transacted by them in Ireland. The report is set out at great length, and with much minuteness. Court of Assistants, 21st October 1657. — At this Court the dyett of all the plate brought to the Hall to be touched from the 25th June last to this present 2ist day of October 1657, which plate weighs 10,779 lbs. ooz. i dwt. I2grs., the dyett thereof weighing to the fire 45 oz. i6dwts., is tried with the Trial Pieces. The results follow. The amount of plate broken within the time aforesaid is 45 lbs. At this Court a copy of the new Patent of Incorporation relating to the lands in Ireland is received. Discussion then takes place as to what satisfaction or reward shall be given unto Mr. Hall and Mr. Sprakeling for their care, travail, and pains in the transactions in Ireland, and for their return, over and above the sum of £25 advanced to them when they started on their journey; and, amongst other things, relation is made that Mr. Sprakeling, having a wife and children, and an office at the Poultry Compter of a considerable value depending on his life, had thought it prudent, before undertaking the mission, to insure his life, which had cost him £10; and the Court, much commending Mr. Sprakeling’s prudence, decide to repay him this amount without reference to any further satisfaction. A letter from the Court is read from their “ affectionate friend and ser- vant, H. Cromwell” in favour of Colonel Gorges, the Governor of London- derry, who desires to become tenant of the Company’s lands there. Henry Cromwell was the Protector’s second surviving son, and was now “ Deputy of Ireland.” Paid to Thomas Brothwell, and 5 other almsmen, for their pains with the fire engine at the late fire in Noble Street, i5j., and paid to William Hillier, brotherer, for his work for the barge cloth, £5 ioj. Court of Wardens, 13th November 1657. — A letter from the Lords Com- missioners of the Great Seal requiring the Company, by 2 o’clock in the afternoon of the next day, at the Parliament Chamber in the Temple, to return the names 122 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. and surnames of i6 of the "ablest and skilflillest " Goldsmiths of the Company for the purpose of a trial of the Pyx, The names of 1 8 freemen are returned, Sir Thomas Vyner being one. 14th November 1657. — This day, according to summons by the Se^eant-at- Arms attending the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal, the Pyx jury appear before their Lordships at Westminster, at the usual place near to the Star Chamber, the officers of the Mint being also present with the Pyx monies. There are also present (by order of His Highness the Lord Protector) the Commissioners of the Treasury, with the Judges of either Bench and the Barons of the Exchequer; but, because there are not produced the two indented standard pieces of gold and silver to try the monies by, which were made and delivered to the Council of State the 22nd November 1649, and which have not yet been brought into the Treasury of the Exchequer, the jury are called and dismissed without any trial, and are required to appear again this day fortnight, and the Wardens are desired to bring with them the two indented standard pieces which were delivered unto the Company by the Council of State ; and in the meantime the Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal is to enquire at the Council of State what has become of the standard pieces which were left there. Court of Wardens, 26th November 1657. — Two members of the Company are translated to the Needle Makers’ Company. Court of Assistants, 15th December 1657. — At this Court is read the “ branch ’’ of Mr. George Courthopp’s Will for so much thereof as concerns this Company, and the trusts to be reposed in them for the good of his children, Mrs. Courthopp being present, and desiring the Company to undertake the same according to the Will. The matter is referred to further consideration, and Mrs. Courthopp in the meantime is to supply the Company with an inventory of her late husband’s estate from the Orphans’ Court, whereby it may appear what portions are ascertained unto the several children, either by legacies, or their customary parts. At a subsequent Court it is resolved by a majority of those present to undertake the trust. Order that Mr, Snell shall have the £50 of Spanish money, or pieces of Eight, which Mr. Hall and Mr. Sprakeling brought out of Ireland, paying for the same the sum of £45 in lawful money of England. 5th January 1658. — Paid to the Receivers at Salisbury Court the sum of £71 3J., being the moiety of £142 6 j. for several fines set upon the Company by the Commissioners for new buildings in respect of houses in the parish of St. Giles, Cripplegate. This is followed by another payment of £145 i6j. \od., and during the several years following there are frequent payments in respect of new buildings. 2 1st January 1658. — An account of the Company’s corn and implements in the Bell Granary at the Bridge House, in the Sluice Granaiy, and at Bridewell. The total corn is 360 quarters 4 bushels. Court of Wardens, 22nd January 1658. — The Wardens hear and decide MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 123 various complaints by and against tenants, with reference to encroachments, and other matters. 39th January 1658. — This day the Wardens have conference with Mr. Tutt about providing the buck which he promised to give to the Company against the last Wardens’ dinner, as a fine for being discharged from the execution of the place of third Warden of the Company; and in discourse Mr. Tutt affirms that he has taken care to perform his promise to the utmost of his power, but that he has been deceived by those who promised to provide the buck for him, for which he is very sorry; but now he requests the Wardens that they will be pleased at the next Court of Assistants to inform the Company that, as he hath withdrawn himself totally from any employment in London, and settled himself and family in the country, he trusts that the Company will be pleased to accept a piece of silver plate of the weight of 32 oz. at least, as his free gift, to be discharged from all service for the Company in relation to the place of Warden for the future. At the next Court Mr. Tutt’s offer is accepted. i8th March 1658. — This day the Wardens and Assistants meet at the Hall, and, according to custom, they divide themselves, and go eastwards and west- wards to view the Company’s lands and tenements, and the defects of reparation of divers of the said tenements. A long list follows. 22nd March 1658. — Paid to Mrs. E. Courthopp, widow, executrix of the last Will and Testament of George Courthopp, Goldsmith, deceased, the sum of £639 in full satisfaction and discharge of three obligations under the Com- pany’s Common Seal made unto Ann Young, Joan Wraxall, and Ann Cunnell, whose names were used in trust for the use of the said George, being his proper money ; and at the same time is received and borrowed from Mrs. Courthopp the sum of £1,400, which by the directions of her husband’s last Will is to be brought in, and lent unto the Company at the rate of £5 per cent., for the use and benefit of his four daughters. Many more entries with reference to Mr. Courthopp’s Will, and the trusts thereof, follow. Court of Wardens, 4th April 1658. — At this Court is received, and taken out of the poor box, to distribute to the poor, the sum of £15. 30th April 1658.— Paid to Samuel Hele, collector for the poor of the parish of St. John Zacharie, 16^., for a year’s payment due at Christmas last, rated upon Goldsmiths’ Hall “ for payment of the Wardens with orange tawney coats, according to an Act of Common Council.” Court of Assistants, i8th May 1658. — Mr. Tutt’s cup is received. The cup has two handles, but no cover, and weighs 32 oz. i dwt. A petition is received from William Rowens, a poor aged member of the Company, showing that by the Company’s favour he hath a gift, or voluntary pension, of 25^. a quarter, which with all humble thankfulness he acknowledgeth to have received ; but that in respect of his great age, being above 80 years old, 124 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. and his extreme poverty and inability to get anything towards his subsistence, and for divers other reasons, he humbly prays that his pension may be increased. The pension is enlarged to 40J. a quarter during the Company’s pleasure. Subsequently several small weekly pensions are granted to poor members. Mention is made that after the reading of the ordinances of the Company, and the publication of the names of the new Wardens, according to custom, some of the “ Generality ” were very unruly, and would not depart, so that it was past 10 o’clock before the Hall was cleared; which disorder being made known to the Wardens, they think fit to have it remembered at a Court of Assistants, so that at the next Quarter-day some better order of rule may be kept. Court of Assistants, 4th June 1658. — The Court take into consideration the disorder of some of the Commonalty of the Company (not being of the Livery) upon last Quarter-day, and they make certain rules, and establish a system of ticketts, to be observed for the future. Payment for cleaning the Company’s pewter, and for “refreshing” theirpictures. A discussion and order with reference to the new letter to be used for marking plate, “ the Company having run through the alphabet of the character of the Courte hand letter.” Court of Assistants, 24th June 1658. — Mr. Courthopp’s legacy to the poor of the Company is distributed ; the names of the recipients are given. Court of Assistants, loth July 1658. — At this Court the dyett of all the plate brought to the Hall to be tried from the 21st October last (1657) until the present ist July 1658, which plate weighs 18,826 lbs. 8 oz. i dwt. 12 grs,, the dyett thereof weighing to the fire 78 oz., is commenced to be tried ; but a mis- carriage takes place owing to the breaking of the melting pot. The trial is, notwithstanding, ultimately completed. 22nd July 1658. — More fines for new buildings in the parish of St. Botolph, Bishopsgate, and St. Bride, Fleet Street; and on the 24th September 1658 a further list of similar fines, principally in respect of buildings in Harding Street, near Shoe Lane, and in Jewin Street. Court of Assistants, 20th October 1658. — Andrew Miller, a poor member of this Company, a prisoner in Ludgate, petitions for such a sum of money as the Company shall think fit to bestow upon him to release him out of prison, he having compounded for his debts, and lying in prison only for his food and what he oweth for lodging there. Agreed to give a sum of money not exceeding £3 for Miller’s release. A similar entry shortly afterwards with reference to Robert Scott, one of Mr. Brandon’s grandchildren, but in this case Mr. Haslefoote and Mr. Sprakeling are asked to negotiate for Scott’s discharge at a cost not exceeding £5, which is to be /en/ to Scott, he giving his bond for the same. Court of Wardens, 12th November 1658. — Received of Mr. Thomas Smythes, for an alienation fine upon the sale of his lease of part of a tenement in Cheape, the sum of £3 — to be put into the poor box. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 125 Court of Assistants, 17th November 1658. — At this Court is read the report of Mr. Robert Cowley, who was employed by the Wardens to journey into Derbyshire to Mr. Strelley for a year’s rent, being £55, due at Michaelmas last for the Manor of Okerthorpe, and to survey the Manor to see the condition of the same. The report is set out at length. After this the Wardens inform the Court that they had agreed with Mr. Cowley, when he undertook the business, to give him £10 for himself, his man, and two horses, and had promised that if upon his return that sum did not content him, it might be they would add something more to it; and that they had given him £5 upon his going out of the town, and £5 upon his return, upon the payment by him of £55 for the year’s rent which he brought with him ; at which time he delivered to the Wardens a note of the expenses of his journey as follows : — For 2 horses, 12 days at 5 j. a day For travelling charges for 2 men and 2 horses for 1 2 days at i oj. a day . . . For I man hired for 12 days at 2 s. 6 d. a day £ d. 300 600 I 10 o In all 10 10 o That Mr. Cowley had stated that there were several other small charges in reference to the journey which he had omitted, and that, for the honour of the Company, who sent him on their business, he had given Mr. Strelley’s children and servants ioj. ; all which being taken into consideration it is resolved, by a majority of those present, that Mr. Cowley shall have 50^. more given to him. 19th November 1658. — A payment of £6 for the hire of pewter for the Company’s service. Court of Assistants, 2nd December 1658. — A long entry with reference to negotiations between the Goldsmiths’ and Skinners’ Companies about the barge- house at Lambeth used jointly by those Companies, and with reference to arrangements about the same for the future. Court of Assistants, 9th December 1658. — Order that in the case of loans upon personal security enquiry be made once every 6 months as to the condition and solvency of the sureties. 5th January 1659. — The Committee meet the Deputy and others of the parishioners of the parish of St. Giles, Cripplegate, and view the passage on the ground which belongs to the Company leading southward from Jewin Street towards the well called Crowder’s Well, and also that part of the alley called Churchyard Alley belonging to the parish of St. Giles, Cripplegate ; and dis- cuss certain proposals for building. 29th January 1659. — Received of the Chamberlain of London, in further part of £3,500 lent by this Company towards the £50,000 advanced to the late 126 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. King by the several Companies of London in the year 1640, £87 ioj. Then follows a Memorandum that certain other payments had been made between 1644 and 1658, amounting in all to £875, leaving still owing to the Company £2,625. Given in charity to Edward Maudsley, a poor member of the Company, “ who lyeth lame of his thigh which was broken,” the sum of 20 j., which is sent him by the hand of Mr. John Tyms, a member of the Company. Court of Assistants, 17th February 1659. — A paper is read wherein Mr. Chas. Hilliard, a member of this Company, proposes to put into the Com- pany’s hands £2,000 in money, to remain to the Company’s use for ever, upon condition that the Company allow unto him £300 yearly for his own life, and the lives of Joan his wife and Frances his daughter, his age being 44, his wife’s age 33, and his daughter’s age 7 years; and in case any one of them die then to allow but £200 per annum, and if two die but £100 per annum, from their deaths ; and if all die, then the Company to enjoy the whole £2,000 without any other charge thereupon. , The matter is adjourned, and in the meantime Mr. Hilliard is desired to think and consider of a more reasonable demand than is now proposed, that he may incline the Company to accept thereof. Consideration is held of a long communication from the Cordwainers’ Com- pany, and it is agreed that the said Company “ shall be admitted to stand with this Company, and the other Companies which are associated with them, in the same state and condition as at first they were, concerning their right, title, and interest to the lands in Ireland re-invested in this Company by new Letters Patent, or Graunte, of the late Lord Protector, or otherwise howsoever.” Court of Wardens, 25th February 1659. — Paid to Mr. Starkey £i i 4J. 6(/. in respect of the bowl weighing 30 oz. 9 dwts. ordered to be made with the legacy of £10 bequeathed to the Company by Mr. Symonds for this purpose. Another alienation fine is received, and put into the poor box. Court of Wardens, 4th March 1659. — Entries of considerable length with reference to the sequestration of the Benefice of St. John Zacharie, of which John Heardman was lately minister. The Commissioners for ejecting scandalous, ignorant, and insufficient ministers and schoolmasters within the City of London represent unto the Wardens the sequestration of the Benefice, and that upon the occurrence of such sequestration the Commissioners did lately order that the said John Heardman should be allowed and paid from the time of his ejection, out of the profit of the said Benefice, the sum of £8 per annum, and did direct that the Company and all the parishioners should pay their tithes to the Commissioners, who should make provision for such payment of £8, and hand over the balance to the incumbent for the time being. Court of Wardens, 2sth March 1659. — Paid to the Lord Mayor’s collectors for monies for the new Corporation for the poor rate upon this Company, according to an Act of Parliament of 7th May 1649, Common Council of the 21st July 1657, the sum of £3 I2J. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 127 Court of Wardens, 15th April 1659. — Mr. Strettell, minister of St. John Zacharie in the place of John Heardman, petitions the Sequestrators with refer- ence to the £8 allowed to Heardman out of the income of the Benefice, and the petition is forwarded to the Company, and debated, Mr. Strettell and his counsel being also heard touching the matters alleged in the same. The Company, how- ever, decide to continue paying their tithes to the Sequestrators. Court of Assistants, 23rd April 1659. — License is given to Widow Rawlins, a tenant, to sub-let her house for her life. The Clerk of the Company is directed to go with the Clerk of the Skinners’ Company to Mr. Brown, counsellor, who prepared the draft of the lease to the Skinners’ Company of their bargehouse, and which had been left with him for his advice and amendments, and to join with the Clerk of the Skinners’ Company in the payment of Mr. Brown’s fee. Court of Wardens, 6th May 1659. — Another fine for the alienation of a lease is put into the poor box. A precept is received from the Lord Mayor, directed to the Master and Wardens of this Company, requiring the Company to cause to be brought to the market at Leadenhall 10 quarters of wheatmeal, that the same may be sold at 5^. \d. the bushel to the poor, and at no greater rate. The churchwardens of St. John Zacharie’s parish come and make known that, in respect of the poor of the parish, there is a necessity either to raise the poor rate, or to make a greater rate, or a half rate, as need should require ; and the parish inclining to increase this Company’s payment accordingly, it is thought fit first to acquaint the Company therewith, and to desire their consent, in order that there may be no trouble if at any time the parish be constrained to make the additional assessment. At a subsequent Court it is agreed to consent to an additional rate not exceeding ^d. a week, the same to be continued no longer than there be cause. Court of Assistants, 9th May 1659. — Mr. Hilliard, who formerly offered to pay to the Company £2,000 upon condition that he might receive for the same an annuity of £300 per annum during the joint lives of himself, his wife, and his daughter, and who had been desired to propose a more reasonable bargain, now offers to add £100 more to the sum first mentioned, but his proposal is declined with a civil expression of thanks to him for his goodwill to the Company. Court of Assistants, 30th June 1659. — “Whereas at a former Court of Assistants the new street in Shoe Lane, which was first laid open by the Com- pany, was named Harding Street, it being conceived fit to be so named because the land lying between Shoe Lane and Fetter Lane was given unto this Company by Mrs. Agas Harding ; now, forasmuch as by the increase of building in Shoe Lane ground there are more streets made, and several buildings thereon, it is thought fit, agreed, and ordered by this Court, that the street next Shoe Lane, formerly named Harding Street, be for ever hereafter called or known by 128 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. the name of East Harding Street ; and the street which extends from the tenements adjoining upon part of Plough Court in Fetter Lane unto the Widow Bakewell’s houses, be called or known by the name of North Harding Street ; and the street which extends from the Widow Bakewell’s houses southward to the corner tenement on the west side be called or known by the name of South Harding Street ; and the street which extends from that corner tenement west- wards towards Fetter Lane be called or known by the name of West Harding Street; and it is ordered that their denominations shall be set up in several places of the said several streets at the Company’s proper costs and charges as soon as conveniently may be.” Mr. Bancks, formerly a member of the Court, but who hath for some time past withdrawn himself from the business of the Company, and in consequence thereof hath not for some years past been warned to the several meetings, either as an Assistant or as one of the Livery, comes to the Court and desires to be heard ; ultimately he is re-admitted an Assistant. Court of Assistants, 17th July 1659 — A long entry with reference to Mr. Scarborough, who hath been elected a Warden, but hath been unable to take upon himself that office owing to continued sickness. Inasmuch as the Charter of the Company requires that there be four Wardens for the good government of the Corporation, it is decided to elect another Warden in Mr. Scarborough’s place, but he is not to be released from his obligation to serve in the future. Court of Wardens, loth August 1659. — A petition of Paul Savage is received, setting forth that he hath served as an apprentice to a goldsmith for 7 years, but that some few months passed before the actual binding took place, so that he cannot be made free by service ; and requesting, therefore, that he may be made free by redemption. It is ordered that (as Savage’s case differs from some others formerly admitted free by redemption) - he be admitted to the freedom, without any fine, on payment of 20J. — to be put into the poor box. This entry is important as showing that from the earliest times colourable apprenticeship was not allowed by the Company. 13th August 1659. — This day the Wardens resolve to go to Woolwich on the 1 7th of August, and (knowing that divers of the Assistants intend to be present, there being sufficient room in the Company’s barge) appoint the fare for the dinner to be as follows 3 leggs of mutton. 2 surloynes and 4 large ribbs of beefe, boyling beefe for the watermen. A loyne and brest of veal. 6 good pulletts and 3 couple of rabbetts. 8 quarts of canary. 4 quarts of clarrett, 4 quarts of white wine, 2 pounds of best lump sugar. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 129 burned. For the morning at Belinsgate : — A pottell of clarrett, A pottell of white wine, I lb. of sugar and spice for the burned wine, to be ready by 8 of the clock in the morning. Court of Wardens, i8th November 1659. — Mr. Strettell comes and de- mands the tithes for the Hall for three quarters now past, being 45J. a quarter, who is told by the Wardens that the money has been already paid, and that there is a receipt for it by the Sequestrators for the parish (authorised by the Commissioners who sequestrated Mr. Heardman, the late minister) ; where- upon Mr. Strettell shows an order of the Committee for Plundered Ministers, which is read ; after which Mr. Strettell desires the Wardens that he may receive the future tithes as they shall fall due, but the Wardens tell him that the matter must be considered by the full Court. Subsequently, at a Court held on the 19th of December, Mr. Strettell is informed that what the Company have to pay for the tithes on the Hall they are resolved to keep in their own hands, until the controversy which is depending between him and Mr. Heardman shall be settled. 29th November 1659. — On this day the Company keep Sir Martin Bowes’s Day, and repair to the Church of St. Mary Woolnoth, in Lombard Street, where they hear a sermon preached by Mr. Shute, the minister of St. Foster’s Parish, unto whom the Wardens give 20J. for his pains. After the sermon they return to the Hall to dinner, there being present 8 members of the Fish- mongers’ Company, and other guests, the chief being Mr. Lenthall, the late Speaker of Parliament, and the Master of the Rolls, the latter of whom has been invited to this dinner because when the Wardens and others of this Company dined at Fishmongers’ Hall they met him there ; and he then, drinking to Sir Thomas Vyner and the rest of the Goldsmiths present, did take occasion to say that he had often met with some Goldsmiths at Fishmongers’ Hall, but had never met any of the Fishmongers’ Company at Goldsmiths’ Hall ; which remark being taken into consideration by Sir Thomas Vyner and the rest, it was con- sidered that he desired an invitation, which was accordingly given to him by the two youngest Wardens, and is the only cause of his dining here this day. Paid to John Gamble for music used in the Hall upon Sir Martin Bowes’s Day, 40J. 30th January 1660. — The Wardens, having received a complaint against John Bressey, who has sold a brass thimble silvered over with good silver, go with the Assayer to Bressey’s house and shop at Ratcliffe, and seize divers small wares, including rings, thimbles, hooks, buttons for breeches, bodkins, and a “ boatson’s ” whistle, all which are found upon assay to be worse than standard, and are broken. A detailed account of the assay of each article is given, and Bressey, making humble submission, and pleading poverty and the loss which he will sustain in S 4021, 1 130 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. the fashion of the wares, is ordered to make satisfaction to the maid who bought the thimble of him, and to all other persons who have made similar purchases, and to pay a fine of 30^. in addition to 5^. to the Assayer for his trouble in the matter. Court of Assistants, 15th February 1660. — The Fishmongers’, Gold- smiths’, and Skinners’ Companies join in the purchase of certain quit rents (that payable by this Company being £3 per annum for the “ Pheasant ” in Friday Street), and the purchase is made by one deed in the names of 3 several persons, not being members of any of the said three Companies, but whose names are used in trust for such Companies, though no mention thereof is made in the deed ; which deed at present remaineth with the Clerk of the Fishmongers’ Company, he having had the last occasion to make use thereof; and the Clerks of the said three Companies having had a conference and dispute where the said deed of purchase shall constantly remain, the Fishmongers propose that two of the Wardens of each Company shall meet and cast lots which Company shall keep the deed, and where it shall be kept ; the other Companies to have copies thereof attested by the Clerk of the Company where it is to be constantly kept. This proposal is well approved of. Clarke is to be discharged and freed out of prison at the Company’s expense not exceeding £3. Court of Wardens, 24th February 1660. — The Wardens appoint a dinner upon Thanksgiving Day, when there are two sermons appointed to be preached in Paul’s, at which the Liveries of all the Companies are to be present. The bill of fare is as follows : — A piece of 4 ribbes of beefe for breakfast. Pulletts and bacon, 2 in a dish. Salmon buttered. Roste beefe. Lamb pastyes, 6 sides to make 8 pastyes. Roste pullett with eggs. Tarte of pippins. 19th March 1660. — The Fishmongers’, Goldsmiths’, and Skinners’ Com- panies meet and discuss the rate imposed upon them for the poor of Lambeth Parish, in respect of their bargehouses there; with which rate they are dis- satisfied. It is reported that several oars belonging to each of the Companies have been distrained, and it is agreed that the Clerks of the several Companies shall attend the sessions of gaole delivery', in Southwark, and inform the justices of the state of the case, so as to have the rates fi.xed at a reasonable sum. Afterwards the Companies in question draw lots for the custody of the purchase deed of the quit rents before mentioned. It is agreed to make three lots, by writing the three names of Fishmongers, Goldsmiths, and Skinners on three several pieces of paper, which is done ; and the papers are by' consent put into the hat of a stranger, a youth standing by, and, being shaken together. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 13I it is generally agreed by the Wardens of all the three Companies then present that the youth shall draw out of the hat one of the lots only, and that the Com- pany whose name shall be so drawn out shall have the constant keeping of the deed of purchase. Whereupon the youth, being directed to take out one lot, and leave the other two in the hat, does so, and the paper being opened and read contains the name of the Company of Fishmongers, whereupon it is resolved that that Company shall keep the said original deed. Court of Assistants, 21st March i66o. — A petition from Henry Smith for the allowance of 46^. 8^/. to be paid to him as a “ petty ” canon of St. Paul’s Church, which was formerly paid to John Townsend a late “petty” canon, now deceased. At this Court Mr. Smythes is chosen to sit at the Court of the New River Water Company, as Trustee for the Company, in the place of Mr. Francis Ashe, deceased, the Company being interested therein in respect of the share given unto them by Sir Hugh Myddelton, deceased. Court of Assistants, 26th March 1660. — It is decided to invite to dinner the Lord General Monk, and also his lady, the Council of State, and the chief officers of his Army ; and the Wardens, with Sir Thomas Vyner and others, are requested to go personally, and give the invitation, and to leave the time of dining to the Lord General’s appointment. The further progress of the business is referred to the consideration of a Court of Assistants to be held the next day, before the Company go to the election of members for the new Parliament, by which time it is conceived the inviters will know the Lord General’s answer. This entry is followed by numerous others which give the preparations for, and the whole management of, the entertainment at great length. A brief sum- mary can only be given. A Committee is appointed to manage the business, consisting of the 4 Wardens, 8 Assistants, and 8 of the Livery, with power to add to their number. The names of the persons chosen follow. The Committee take into their consideration the number of guests to be invited, and decide as follows : — The Council of State - - - - -31 The persons brought as guests by the General, his lady, and the Council - - - - - - 20 The Field Officers - - - - - - 60 The 4 Citizens elected for the next Parliament - - 4 The Lady Vyner (Sir Thomas Vyner’s wife) - - i In all - - 1 16 It is thought that the Hall will be the fittest place for all the chief guests, with, if need be, a table at the upper end of the Parlour, and an additional table along the south side thereof ; that the Assistants and Livery can be accommodated in 132 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. the Court Room and Armoury ; and that the Great Chamber and the Gallery be provided with 6 Spanish tables. Various repairs are ordered, amongst which the chimneys in the Parlour and Great Chamber are “ to be done with galley tiles.” Conference is held with Mr. Ffitz, “one of the City Musique,” and it is agreed to have 24 vyolins, and to perform the entertainment with wynde instruments, and others, and with songs. The musicians are to attend at 1 1 o’clock, and to remain until they be licensed by the Master and Wardens to depart, for which service they are to be paid £20. Twenty-six officers of the Mayor and Sheriffs are to perform the carving and waiting upon all the tables, for which they are to receive satisfaction, and their dinners. A form of tickett of invitation is considered, and there are to be different ticketts for the Field Officers, the Assistants, and the Livery. The former is as follows : — “ You are desired to dine at Goldsmiths’ Hall upon Tuesday, the loth of this instant April, and to be there by 12 of the clock, and to bring this tickett with you for your admittance. “ Dated 5th April 1660.” And the latter reads thus : — “ You are desired to appear at Goldsmiths’ Hall upon Tuesday, the loth day of this instant, by 10 of the clock at farthest, in your Livery gown and hood, and to dine there, but not to bring any person with you. “ Dated 5th April 1660.” Conference is held with Mr. Jordan, a “poet,” brought by Mr. Ffitz, musician, and he is directed to prepare a speech to be made at dinner suitable to the entertainment, without offence to any. The bill of fare is given with much minuteness. Order that 10 persons shall act as stewards, and that they shall have white gloves and gilt staves ; and provision for a separate dinner for them and for the musicians, servants, and lifeguards, is also made. It is also ordered that the Wardens shall provide tobacco and pypes, and white wax candles, to be in readiness, if it be desired. Also ordered that no wine be delivered unless one of the stewards come for it. The manner in which the Lord General and the other gaiests are to be received by the Company at the Hall gate, and conducted into the Great Chamber, where they are to stay “ until the tables in the Hall be furnished with meat,” is set out with much detail. Before the Lord General rises from table a song with four parts is to be sung, and the speech made by Jordan, the “ poet,” is then to be delivered. The so-called speech, which is in rhyme, is but a poor production. The entire cost of this dinner was £462 3^. 9^/. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 133 At this date Monk was cautiously feeling- his way to achieve the Restoration, upon which he had resolved. The Long- Parliament extinguished itself on March i6th, and the 6th April was set apart as a day of public fasting- and humiliation. With the dissolution of the Long Parliament is practically involved the end of the Commonwealth, although a brief interregnum ensued before the Restoration. The Long Parliament, whatever its later failures and defects, achieved at least two great reforms, viz., the abolition of the Extraordinary Courts, including the Star Chamber, and the overthrow of the King’s claim, to levy taxes without the authority of Parliament. Court of Wardens, 20th April 1660. — Two Common Councilmen of the Ward come, and produce an order of the Commissioners for the Militia of London, requiring that the several Companies, Wards, and Parishes shall send all arms they have in store for the use of the Militia forces of the City. Court of Assistants, 5th May 1660. — A precept from the Lord Mayor is received, which precept states that the Common Council have voted that the several Companies of the City shall contribute and pay the sum of £12,000 for a present to the King’s Majesty, as a testimony of the appreciation which this Court and the whole City entertain of his gracious letter and declaration to them lately sent, and for some necessary charges concerning the same ; and that, in pursuance of the said vote and order thereupon made, this Company are desired to contribute unto the Chamber of London the sum of £840. The Court agree, after debate, to comply with this request, but the Wardens making known that they have not in the treasury above £100, it is ordered that the Wardens shall borrow so much as may be necessary under the Common Seal of the Com-* pany. The money is subsequently paid, and the certificate, or receipt, given to the Company shows that £10,000 has been paid to the King, and £1,000 each to- the Dukes of York and Gloucester, his brothers. The manifesto known as the Declaration of Breda was sent by the King to both the Houses of the Convention Parliament on the 14th April. Court of Assistairts, 21st May 1660. — At the election of Wardens held! this day Mr. Tutt is “ spared ” in pursuance of a former order of the Court. Agreed that the King’s Arms shall be made, and provided, to be set up in the Hall or Parlour, as the Wardens shall think fit ; and also that the Company’s banner with the King’s Arms shall be reviewed, and a new banner made if the old will not serve. A precept from the Lord Mayor is read stating that it is thought fit by himself and his brethren that if our gracious Sovereign Lord Charles, upon his return into his Kingdom, shall be pleased to pass through this his City of London, he be received and entertained with the greatest demonstration and manifestation of one and all our fellow-citizens’ most bounden duty, and hearty affection, and joy for His Majesty’s happy return ; and desiring the Company to prepare, and have in readiness, 24 persons of the most tall and comely members of the Company, every one of them to be well horsed, and in best array or furniture of velvet, 134 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANy. plush, or satin, with chains of gold ; and that everyone be attended by a footman in decent habit ; and that all the banners and other ornaments of triumph belonging to the Company be in readiness. This precept is followed by others upon the same subject, and elaborate preparations are made for the King’s reception, in all of which this Company take willing part. Having regard to the smallness of the Livery at the present time, and to the King’s coming, a new Livery of 40 persons are chosen, and ranked “ according to the antiquity of their several freedoms.” Jeremy Snowe, a goldsmith in Lombard Street, is particularly invited by the Wardens to take upon himself the Clothing of the Company. An agreement is made with trumpeters, and the Wardens then certify eveiy’thing, including the names of those who have been chosen to ride, to the Lord Mayor. 24th May 1660. — This being the day of the King’s Majesty passing through the City, the persons of the Company appointed to ride meet here, and, being attended by the Clerk in the rear, with 3 trumpeters in the front, ride by two and two into the artillery ground ; and there being ranked, and put in order, according to this Company’s place and degree in the 12 chief Companies of this City, they ride from thence by two and two (the pendant bearer riding in front) unto the Lord Mayor’s tent, set up in St. George’s Fields ; and after some stay thereabout, they, with some other Companies, ride into the fields beyond Newington, towards Deptford, and there attend until His Majesty has passed by them ; and, after- wards, they ride into London in like manner, the pendant bearer then leading them, and the younger of the Companies following foremost. The Wardens and Mr. Hall ride in the rear of this Company’s horsemen, being the chief place as nearest to His Majesty’s person ; and so all along through the City into Whitehall, where they attend in their place until His Majesty has safely entered into his ro)’al palace ; after which they return back from Whitehall through St. Martin’s Lane, the pendant bearer and Mr. Wardens and Mr. Hall leading the way to Goldsmiths’ Hall to lodge the pendant of the Company ; which being done, they all depart to their several habitations. Court of Wardens, 8th June 1660. — A precept from the Lord Mayor desiring members of the Company to take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, according to the duty they owe to His Majesty and the laws of the land ; and not to admit or suffer any person or persons to be in any office, or public employ- ment, in the said Company, until they shall have taken the said oaths. Mention is subsequently made of the names of such persons as take the oaths. Court of Assistants, 28th June 1660.^ — A precept from the Lord Mayor informing the Company that the King and the two Dukes, his brethren, with the two Houses of Parliament, and other great personages, have accepted an invita- tion to an entertainment within the City on the 5th July next, and that it is thought fit by the Common Council that £3,000 be borrowed of all the Companies of the City, upon the City’s Seal, to defray the charge of the entertainment, such sum to MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 135 be repaid at the end of 6 months, with interest at the rate of 6 per cent., and desiring- the Company to lend their proportion of the above amount, viz., £210. Upon debate being held, exception is taken to the form of the precept, the wording of which is “ will and require ” instead of “ desire ” ; notwithstanding which word, the Company resolve to take their share in the entertainment ; but, because it is conceived that the precept in the form complained of may be pre- judicial to the Company, in drawing it into precedent to “ require ” any sum of money from the Company, it is ordered that the Wardens, with others, shall repair unto the Lord Mayor when they receive the City Seal for the money lent, and desire the precept to be amended accordingly. This day being the first public dinner in the Hall after the election and placing of the new Livery, the dinner being ready to be served, Mr. Wardens convene before them all the new Livery which appear this day, and tell them that it is, and hath been, the ancient custom of this Company for the new Livery to carry in all the meat to furnish the upper table (but no other), and they are desired to do the same as their predecessors have done ; which they severally promise to do, and afterwards very willingly perform the same. Court of Wardens, 30th June 1660. — A further precept from the Lord Mayor with reference to the entertainment to the King, the two Dukes, and both Houses of Parliament, requiring the Company to furnish him with information as to the full number of the Livery who are likely to attend the ceremony, and detailing the arrangements which are contemplated. This is followed by a summons issued by the Wardens to those persons who have been appointed to ride. Six members of the Company are also appointed to attend at Guildhall to help carry the meat to the table. The Lord Mayor issues another precept to the effect that, as large quantities of provisions will be necessary for this entertainment, the Companies are enjoined to make no solemn feasts at their Halls on that day, for the better accommodation of the entertainment both in respect of provisions and cooks. Court of Assistants, 6th July 1660. — A letter from the Lords Com- missioners of the Treasury is received requiring the Company to bring to them, in the Council Chamber at Whitehall, the Trial pieces of gold and silver in their custody, and what else they have belonging to the Mint. The 5 trial pieces, the weights and particulars of which are given, are taken out of the treasury, and carried by the 4 Wardens and the Clerk to Whitehall. iSth August 1660. — A warrant is brought from the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury stating that they are informed that the indented standard pieces of gold and silver, heretofore made for the trial of coin and plate of the King, are most necessary to be changed, in regard to the impressions and prints which are fixed and engraven thereon ; and likewise that those standard pieces of gold and silver which were made in the reign of King James are wrought out, so that there is an absolute necessity of making others; and requiring the Company to return to them the names of such a number of the most able and best 136 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. experienced persons in works of that nature, as have been heretofore usual in like cases. In obedience to this precept the names of i8 persons, of whom Sir Thomas Vyner, Knight and Alderman, is one, is returned. 1 8th August 1660. — On this day the persons whose names have been returned to the Commissioners of the Treasury (except two who are out of town) appear before their Lordships at the Council Chamber in Whitehall, and are then and there sworn by Mr. Paine, one of the attorneys in the Exchequer, for the making of 3 standard trial pieces of gold and silver, according to an Order made this day, which, after the entry thereof made by the Secretary, Sir Philip Warwick, is to be sent to the Jury to proceed accordingly. 17th September 1660. — The Jury meet with reference to the manufacture of the three standard pieces, and the Mint Indenture made between the King and Sir Philip Freeman, master worker of the Mint, under the Great Seal of England, is produced, and shown to the Jury by the Comptroller. Court of Assistants, 21st September 1660. — At this Court the three standard pieces are shown by the Jury, who make known to the Court that the Secretary of the Treasury, Sir Philip Warwick, has promised to pay unto them £100 towards the making of the said pieces, in addition to which there remains in the Company’s hands £70 3^. 7(/. from the time when the last pieces were made; and the question is raised whether or not the Jury shall hand over the pieces, which are likely to cost more than £170 3^. "jd., before they have received the balance from the Treasury. It is agreed to hand over the pieces at once. 19th October 1660. — The Jury meet again, and settle their verdict with reference to the standard pieces, which verdict is set out in full. Then follows a detailed account of the cost of the trial pieces, amounting to £173 2J. i^d. Court of Assistants, 24th August 1660. — Much about the Company’s land in Ireland ; and the Wardens of the Cordwainers’, Armourers’, and Painter Stainers’ Companies are summoned to appear before the Wardens of this Company to hear an account of their proceedings in Ireland, and to give their consent both to what has been done, and to certain other proceedings in the future. Court of Wardens, 31st August 1660. — Peter Downham resig^ns his chamber in Bachelors’ Court, and his bond is returned to him. James Harrison petitions to be admitted to the chamber vacated by Down- ham, and offers Mr. Dafferne “ the smith in Gutter Lane ” to be his security, and to seal a bond with him for the performance of the usual conditions. The petition is granted. Court of Assistants, 21st September i66o. — Mr. Bishop being present, and being informed by the Wardens that they have to certify to the Commissioners for the “ Acte of pole mony ” the names and degrees of the sev'eral members of this Company, he desires to be heard before any return is made, and proposes MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 137 that inasmuch as he hath not been summoned for many years past to any meeting’ of the Assistants, or Livery, of the Company (although he served in place of one of the Wardens thereof), he hopes the Wardens will not in their return rank him either as having been a Warden, or of the Livery, whereby to make him pay the sum mentioned in the Act for such degree. The Wardens answer that they must make return according to the tenour of the precept directed to them by the Commissioners in pursuance of the Act, but Bishop is desired to appear at a future Court. Subsequently the precept, and the Return of the Wardens to the Com- missioners, are read, and the latter approved. Court of Assistants, loth October 1660. — At this Court the late Wardens’ account is approved, by which it appears that there was left in the accountants’ hands £33 8j. \\d., which the new Wardens are to receive; but it is also made known that there is some small quantity of counterfeits, and some dipt money, part of which hath been received during the past year, and part at an earlier date, and it is decided to melt this down, and sell the metal. A motion is made at this Court that the Company “take into consideration the renewing of their Charter, and wherein it is short or defective in power to reform abuses in the trade to have it enlarged ; and also to have such things as shall be agreed on to be inserted in an Acte of Parliament ; it being now a favourable time wherein the King’s Majesty upon all occasions is willing to graunte the Citizens of London anything that can in reason be desired, and that he may lawfully graunte.” Court of Assistants, 24th October 1660. — Maximilian Grindon desires to be made free by redemption in pursuance of a precept from the Lord Mayor, and he is asked what fine he will pay to the Company for the privilege. He leaves himself entirely in the hands of the Court, and is ordered to pay £5. A “Treaty” with Mr. Alderman Meynell with reference to his admission to the Court is given at considerable length ; in this case the fine imposed is only £3, but it is evidently considered that Mr. Meynell will be a source of strength to the Court, and will be able to render them service. The parson of St. John Zacharye’s Parish comes before the Court, and petitions them to bestow something towards the new “ tryming up” of the church, and for the “refreshing” of the two monuments therein of Sir Bartholomew Reade and his Lady, and Sir James Pemberton ; in regard that the Lord Mayor elect intends to keep his Mayoralty in the parish, in the house which belongs to the Company late in the occupation of Sir James Drax as tenant thereof: £3 is given. Court of Assistants, 31st October 1660. — Four new Assistants are chosen, but one, Mr. Sherley, is not to be summoned to any Court until he shall have paid the debt which he owes to the Company by his bill for his fine of Renter; and Mr. Paine is, in like manner, not to be summoned until he shall acknowledge his offence to the Wardens, and be sorry for the affront which he offered to a MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 138 member of the Court upon the day that the Lord General dined at this Hall ; the affront having been committed in the presence of some of the Wardens, and having reflected upon the good government of the Company. Court of Assistants, 9th November 1660. — Mr. Paine is summoned to this Court, and before the Court meets has an interview with the Wardens, and is informed of the order of the preceding Court with reference to his admission as an Assistant, and he is told that if he will acknowledge his miscarriage, and be sorry for it, he will be admitted an Assistant; otherwise his admission will be postponed. Mr. Paine at first will not acknowledge that he has done wrong to any person, but when the Wardens mention the names of Mr. Hall and Mr. Smith he says that some ill language had been given him by Mr. Hall, and that he returned ill language again ; and he confesses that he said that Mr. Hall was a rich almsman, but he will not confess that he hath done any wrong, or offered offence to any ; and so he departs. The Wardens report to the Court, who consider that Paine has aggravated his offence, and order that he shall not be summoned to any Court of Assistants. Court of Assistants, 12th November 1660. — A long account of the elec- tion of a Committee “about the Parliament business” with reference to the renewal of the Charter. The Committee appears to have been chosen with great care, and ultimately consisted of 6 Assistants, 6 Liverymen, and 6 Freemen ; and a general meeting or Common Hall is summoned. Many entries about this business follow, every step taken by the Committee being set out with great minuteness. 12th January 1661. — On this day a Committee appointed to take into consideration 8 questions proposed by the Council of Trade meet, and agree upon their answers, which are given verbatim. Unfortunately, however, the questions (although said to be entered at the last Court of Assistants) are not given, and it is only possible, therefore, to state that- they had reference to gold and silver, and the several values thereof, and to the coinage of the Kingdom. These answers are presented to a Court of Assistants, who approve thereof. A subsequent Order of the Council for Trade is received declaring that the title to the said answers shall be in the words following, namely : “ To the Right Honorable His Majesty’s Council for Trade. The Answers of the Wardens and Assistants of the Company of Goldsmiths, London, unto the eight several questions concerning the gold and silver, propounded and sent unto them in a paper annexed to an Order of His Majesty’s said Council of the i ith of December 1659.” Court of Assistants, i6th January 1661. — Another Order of the Council for Trade is received requesting to be allowed to borrow a pile of standard weights, which is usually kept by the Wardens in the Company’s treasurj*, for the purpose of trying the standard weights in the Tower and also in the Exchequer. The request is granted by the Court upon condition that the Assayer goes, and returns, with the weights, and that he be present at the MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 139 use thereof, and do not suffer them to be changed, or used out of his sight. 1 8th January 1661.— The Committee attend the Council of Trade at the Star Chamber at Westminster, and present the Company’s answers to the 8 questions concerning gold and silver. The answers are read, and the Council return thanks unto the Company for their care and pains in the matter. 2ist January 1661. — An Order of the Council of Trade made at the Star Chamber is given providing that Mr. Jackson (the Assay er) shall have notice in writing that the Council will be at the office of His Majesty’s Mint in the Tower of London on Monday next, the 21st instant, at 9 of the clock in the morning. Mr. Jackson goes to the Tower accordingly, and takes with him the standard weights. Court of Assistants, 19th February 1661 — It is made known to the Court that the Committee about the Parliament business have taken the opinion of Mr. Serjeant Brome upon certain questions, as follows: — “ I. What laws are in force for suppressing aliens and strangers from working in the goldsmiths’ trade, and whether the Statute of the 5th of Elizabeth will restrain them, or not ? “ 2. Whether they may be prosecuted in the name of the Corporation, or not f If yea, then in what manner ? “3. If in the name of a private person, whether the Company may con- tract with him to give him a reward for everyone that he shall prosecute, and recover against ; and whether it will be safe for the Company to pay the charges of the suit f ” The answer of Serjeant Brome to the above questions is as follows : — “ I. I am of opinion that the Statute of the 5th Elizabeth doth restrain both aliens and subjects to work in any manufactory not having been apprenticed by the space of 7 years, upon penalty of 40J. a month. “ 2. I think it not fit the Corporation should bring the action, but employ an informer. “ 3. Such contract is not safe, nor will it be lawful or honourable either to give a reward, or to pay the charges of a suit, by way of contract ; for the Statute and the penalty thereby given is to be his reward. But if the informer do behave himself honestly and diligently in his employment, so as the Corporation do receive benefit by it, I think they may safely reward him freely, but not by w'ay of contract or agreement.” Court of Assistants, 3ist February i66i.- — A precept from the Lord Mayor requesting the Company to pay £420, being their proportion of a sum of £6,000 required for the expenses of receiving the King, when he passes from his Tower of London through the City into his palace at Whitehall, on the day before his Coronation. 140 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. I st March i66i — Payment is made of the above-mentioned sum of £420, and on the same day two of the Wardens take the three last indented standard pieces of gold and silver into the Assay Office, where some of His Majesty’s Council of Trade attend to see the assays made “ of the Crowne gold and silver with the assays of foreign coins of gold and silver.” Court of Assistants, 8th March 1661 — Certain workmen in the trade present a complaint to the Company, and ask : — “ I. That they may have assay and touch every working day. 2. That there may be an Assistant Assayer. 3. That the dyett being taken of all plate is burdensome, and contrary to their liberty.” A Committee is appointed to search the Company’s old books for the original ground for the taking of 4 grains upon every pound weight brough to the Hall to be assayed and marked for the dyett. It is also ordered that the Assayer shall make fire every working day, provided that all the plate shall be brought to the Hall by 9 o’clock in the morning at latest. It is also, subsequently, decided that the Assayer’s son, who has been in the habit of helping in the Assay Office, shall be regularly sworn an Assayer, so as to give the workmen more confidence. Jacob Blome, sometime a bookseller in Paul’s Churchyard, presents a Book of Heraldry to this Company, in the first page whereof is depicted their Arms and Crest, but with a motto underneath which is not their proper motto. The Company decline the gift, but give Blome 20^. by way of gratuity “ for his civil respects to the Company.” Court of Wardens, 7th January 1661. — Paid to Mr. Warden Snell for moneys by him disbursed to Mr. Recorder for his advice upon the Bill for Parlia- ment “the sum of £10 in gold, and for the change thereof 20s., in all £11.” Court of Assistants, 17th January 1661. — The Wardens make known to the Court that they have lately received from counsel the Bill for Parliament with some amendments in it, and that it is the opinion of counsel that the Company’s desires therein are very just and reasonable; yet they conceive that if something be added to the Bill as to the prohibiting the melting of the current coins of the Kingdom for manufacture, it wall be a great inducement for the King and Parliament to pass the Bill. The matter is further debated at a subsequent Court, and the Bill is ordered to be engrossed for presentation to Parliament ; but before this takes place much objection is taken to certain particulars in the Bill relating to the compulsory marking of all wares of gold and silver, as well small as great, and of the for- feiture incumbent upon those who shall offend therein; it being alleged by divers members of the Court that there are many small wares of gold which will not receive a stamp or mark without injury. The objectionable clause is struck out. It is also ordered that “ Reasons” in favour of the Bill shall be prepared, and 200 or 300 copies thereof be got ready as soon as possible. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. I4I Court of Assistants, 12th February i66i. — At this Court is read a copy of an Act already prepared by some persons to be passed in Parliament touching" the prohibiting of melting any of the current coins of the Kingdom for manufac- ture, upon the reading whereof it is moved that a clause to that purpose may be inserted in the Company’s Bill, it being the opinion that, coming from the Com- pany, it would be very much to the furthering of the Bill in reference to other particulars therein mentioned. The proposal is however negatived. Subsequently the Committee attend at the Speaker’s Chambers with reference to the Bill, having retained counsel to go with them, and “ to make good the Bill in case of opposition.” Notice is given of the appointment to various working goldsmiths and jewellers in different parts of the town. Court of Assistants, 17th March 1661. — Copy of an Order made by the Committee of Parliament appointed to consider the Bill, requiring the Company to attend in the Exchequer Chamber with the view to satisfy the Committee whether the Company can regulate the abuses in making the gold and silver plate, and other the abuses complained of in the said Bill, and to give their further Reasons why the said Bill should pass as desired. Much of this Bill appears from subsequent entries to have related to various irregularities practised by wire-drawers. The proceedings are set out with much minuteness, and it is only possible to indicate generally the course that was pur- sued. Ultimately the Committee make known to the Court that the Parliamentary Committee have adjourned until the first Tuesday after the next meeting of the Parliament after Easter, and desire the resolution of the Court whether they shall proceed then, or leave the business to the next Session of Parliament, for that it is conceived that the Parliament may be adjourned within 3 weeks. The Com- mittee are entreated to inform themselves whether to proceed or to forbear at present will be most for the Company’s advantage, and if they find encouragement to proceed, then to go on; otherwise not. The Wardens are further directed to disburse the moneys which have been spent in prosecuting the Bill. Court of Assistants, 8th April 1661. — Another precept from the Lord Mayor requesting the Company to pay an additional sum of £210 towards the expense of receiving the King prior to his Coronation ; the former sum of £6,000 having proved insufficient. This precept gives rise to great complaint with reference to the inequality of the proportions rated upon the several Companies ; but, after a long debate, it is decided to pay the money (which, as well as the former amount, must be borrowed) conditionally upon the prior payment of their proportions by the Companies which precede this Company. Several enquiries are subsequently made whether these Companies have paid their several proportions, and ultimately the £210 is paid in two sums. About this date the time of the Court is frequently taken up in hearing and deciding disputes between tenants with reference to encroachments, or other matters concerning their premises. 142 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Court of Wardens, 8th June i66i. — Paid to Thomas Brothwell, Carter, and Wadeson, for their pains in working the engine at Whitehall upon the occasion of the fire there, is. 6 d. each, in all ys. 6 d. Court of Assistants, 3rd July 1661. — At this Court is read a proclamation by the King concerning the buying and selling of gold and silver at a higher rate than the price of the Mint, and the Wardens, with certain others, are appointed a Committee to prepare a petition to His Majesty with reasons against the proclamation. 7th July 1661. — The Committee attend the Council of Trade “before the King came to Council ” with the petition, and are directed to withdraw. After- wards “ His Majesty being set in Council, they are called in again, and after some conference His Majesty directs the Council to advise with the officers of the Mint, and to make some proposal on the subject.’’ Subsequently the King sitting in Council makes another order prescribing that the Company shall as soon as possible consider and prepare such proposals upon the matter of their desire as, with the advice of the officers of the Mint, shall appear most for the advantage of trade in His Majesty’s Dominions, and may best conduce to the bringing in of bullion into the Mint, and the increasing and preserving the treasure of His Majesty’s Kingdom. A Committee of twelve persons are appointed to deal with the matter. Court of Assistants, 23rd August 1661. — Mr. Alderman Meynell, who is the Alderman of their Ward, asks the Court what they will give unto His Majesty in the name of the Company as a present, according to the Act of Parliament in that behalf lately made, for as much as he and the rest of the Aldermen are required by the Lord Chancellor, and others the Lords of the Council, to take as well the subscriptions of the several Companies within their respective Wards as of the inhabitants within the same. It is decided to give £200. At the same Court it is agreed to give £50 to Mr. Alderman Meynell, who is about to be Sheriff, towards the charges of “ tryming ’’ his house, and other his expenses, in the year of his Shrievalty. At a later Court it is moved that “ (for divers reasons which are not declared) the further sum of £50 be made to Mr. Alderman Meynell, and ordered in the affirmative.’’ 9th September 1661. — The Wardens make search for deceitful wares in Foster Lane, Cheapside, Southwark, Lombard Street, and the Old Exchange, and seize a large quantity, the particulars of which are given in detail. Certain goldsmiths in Lombard Street refuse to let the Wardens make trial of any of their wares ; and, in one case, Mr. Warden Cresswell having tried by the touch an ink-horn belonging to a goldsmith named Cloberrj^ which he finds bad, and weighing it with intent to bring it to the Hall to be assayed, Cloberry snatches the ink-horn from Mr. Warden, telling him that he shall take none of his wares, for he is not a member of the Goldsmiths’ Company, and so not liable to their search. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 143 One Martin Gale, a working goldsmith (but free of the Carpenters’), appears upon summons about a parcel of spoons, which were taken from him by Mr. Cordell last year, when he was Touch Warden, and brought by him to the Hall to be tried. Gale is stated to work privately above stairs, and to have made and disposed of divers quantities of spoons, none of which he had brought to the Hall to be tried. Gale is now informed that trial of his spoons has been made, and that they are found to be worse than standard i oz. 5 dwts. He informs the Wardens that he has made the spoons for a man named Knight, in Cheapside, who gave the silver to him for that purpose, and he confesses that he has previously made divers dozens of like spoons without bringing them to the Hall to be tried, alleging for his excuse that he did not know it to be his duty so to do, being free of another Company. It is thought fit that, as Gale pleads ignorance, the oath of a freeman of this Company shall be tendered unto him, and he is required to take the same, to which he willingly consents. He is told that his spoons must remain at the Hall until Mr. Knight, from whom he bought the silver, can be seen. i8th September 1661. — At a meeting of “the Committee about the Parlia- ment business” are read two petitions — the one to His Majesty for renewing the Company’s Charter, with some additional power of search ; and the other to His Majesty and Parliament, in order to the passing of an Act of Parliament for the redress of sundry grievances in the goldsmiths’ trade. 26th September 1661. — A deed is set out at length concerning the loan to Alderman Meynell, and the re-delivery by him, of a quantity of plate to be used during his year of office as Sheriff. Court of Wardens, 4th October 1661. — Payment of £200 as the free gift of this Company unto His Majesty. Court of Assistants, 9th October 1661. — A detailed account of moneys paid by the Company for the lease of the barge ground, the building of the bargehouses, and other necessary expenses occasioned thereby, commencing in 1656. The total amounts to £463 Sj. id., of which the Skinners’ Company, who are jointly interested in the bargehouses, pay half. The lease is granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the ground is described as “ next Stangate in the parish of Lambeth.” Stangate extended from the west foot of Westminster Bridge to Lambeth Marsh. It formed part of the Roman road to the south coast. A large tract of ground was here reclaimed from the river, upon which the present St. Thomas’s Hospital was built, 1868-1871. i8th October 1661. — The Committee appointed to view the premises occupied by Mr. Cawnes, in respect of which he has made a complaint, view the premises which are described as “ lying northward of the Cockpit ground.” The damage of which complaint is made is reported to be occasioned by the troughs of wood and pipes of lead which convey the water falling from 7 adjoining tenements. 144 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Court of Assistants, 23rd October 1661. — At this Court is read a letter addressed to the Wardens of the Company by Samuel White, one of the Lord Mayor’s clerks, touching some services which are to be performed by the Com- pany with reference to Mr. Sheriff Meynell (who is a member thereof) in regard to the public feast which is to be held this year at the Guildhall on Lord Mayor’s Day next. Sixteen of the Livery of the Company are appointed to dine as guests, and the Company are to nominate four fit persons to be “ Surveyors ” and “ Welcomers,” and 2 other persons to attend at the dresser for delivery of the “Dyett ” ; and also 16 able and comely persons, well apparelled in their gowns, to wait at the dresser to carry meat. These arrangements are duly made by the Wardens. ist November 1661. — This day the Wardens repair to several cutlers’ shops in Fleet Street to search for hilts and other furniture for swords wrought and made of silver, and exposed to sale. Divers wares are seized, the particulars of which, with the names of the vendors, are given. At a subsequent Court of Wardens divers cutlers, as well shopkeepers as working cutlers, from whom the Wardens in their late search took divers hilts and furniture for swords, appear before the Wardens upon summons, and make their submission, paying fines of various amounts. At this Court Richard Hudson is appointed Bargemaster during the Company’s pleasure and his good behaviour, and for his pains in looking to the barge he is to have, by way of salary, his dwelling gratis in the tenement next adjoining to the bargehouse. A pension of is. a week is granted to the widow of a Goldsmith, who repre- sents that she has been left much in debt with five small children, and with nothing upon which to maintain them. Court of Assistants, i8th November 1661. — Election of John Sprakeling to the office of Clerk vice William Haselfoote, his father-in-law, deceased. It is stated that Sprakeling some time since received a grant of the said office in reversion, but nevertheless it is thought fit that the election shall be held in due form. Sprakeling subsequently takes the accustomed oath belonging to the office of Clerk, and is admitted to the Livery. Court of Assistants, 4th December 1661. — The Court approve of the Bill to be presented to Parliament, but direct the Committee to attend Mr. Re- corder with the said Bill for his advice and counsel ; and likewise to be informed by him whether it be not necessary for the Company to wait upon Mr. Solicitor and Mr. Attorney-General for their approbation thereof, before the Bill be presented to Parliament. Court of Wardens, 6th December 1661. — Payment of lu. 6 d. for coach hire for the Wardens’ wives and other gentlewomen, being eight in number, who attended on Mrs. Sheriff at the Guildhall feast on Lord Mayor’s Day. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 145 Court of Wardens, 25th April 1662. — The Wardens agree with the cook that he shall make 1 10 dozen of cakes 12 inches over and 12 oz. in weight, and 77 dozen of buns, accounting 18 to the dozen, of 8 oz. weight, for which he is to have 6j. a dozen. The Wardens also arrange for the provision of “ 500J lbs. of old thin cheese.” Court of Assistants, 7th May 1662. — Captain Wallis and other parishioners of St. John Zachary acquaint the Court that Sir James Drax has lately given to them for their poor £100, which they desire may be paid to the Company, to the end that the parishioners may receive from them a certain yearly payment for ever, in like manner as they do in respect of the gifts of several other benefactors ; and they demand for the £100 £6 per annum to be paid unto them half yearly. The Company decline this proposal, but offer to pay £5 per annum in respect of the £100. This offer is ultimately accepted. Widow Boulton, a pensioner, refusing to deliver the key of another widow pensioner’s room is to be required by the Clerk to deliver the key by Friday sennight, and in the meantime her pension is to be suspended. If she refuse, she is to be ejected in due course of law, and if she puts the Company to this trouble her pension is to be wholly taken away from her, and she is to be for ever after rendered incapable of receiving any charity. Court of Assistants, 2nd July 1662 — Buck, an almsman, complains that Payne, another almsman, has in such a violent manner beaten him, and broken his head, that for some time after he was not able to go abroad, all which he affirms the said Payne hath done unto him without any provocation. The Court, after hearing Payne, adjudge that he be forthwith suspended from his almsman’s place and pension, and that Buck (in satisfaction of the hurt and damage he hath sustained) shall from henceforth receive the said Payne’s weekly pension, and that payment thereof shall be continued to him until further order. Court of Wardens, ist August 1662. — A precept is brought from the Lord Mayor intimating that the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, with our Gracious Queen and other great personages, intends shortly to pass by water from Hampton Court to his Palace of Whitehall, and that he expects such demon- stration of affection from the City as hath been usually given upon such great and solemn occasions. The usual preparations are accordingly made. Amongst other things, the Wardens hold a conference with Mr. Farmer, the trumpeter, about providing trumpets for the day ; but finding from him that trumpets “ will be hard to gitt,” they agree with him to have 8 persons besides himself to attend that day’s service “with lowd and still music,” for which Mr. Farmer demands £3 lOj. ; but the Wardens for the present agree to give him but £3, and for the other ioj. he refers himself unto them. Much more follows about the pageant which is prepared. It is agreed that a “ staye ” shall be made of 1 1 or 12 feet in length and about 8 feet in breadth, to be fixed on a boat appointed for that purpose, which is to be set at the head of S 4021. 146 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. the Company’s barge, on which staye there are to be several seats or places erected, namely : — “ I. A place for Justice to sett upon, with a canopy over her head, who is to hold in her right hand a balance, and in her left a touchstone. “ 2. At the feet of Justice her two attendants setting, each of them holding in their right hands cups of gold, and in their left golden \word illegible^ “ 3. An open place wherein is to be set a forge, with 3 persons forging at it, and a furnace with other persons, who are to be filing and raising a piece of plate, and one other person who is to be chasing ; and for the habits of the several persons they are to be such as the poet shall direct.” Court of Wardens, 21st August 1662. — The Wardens agree upon a form of tickett to be delivered for the Livery to attend Their Majesties coming to Whitehall on Saturday next ; and, because it is uncertain how long the Company may be upon the water, it is appointed that there be provided for breakfast 4 fore-ribbs of beefe, to be eaten at the Hall before the Company take barge, and that they likewise carry with them in their barge 1 2 neets’ tongs, 5 dozen bottles of Canary wine, 3 dozen bottles of claret and white, 4 dozen bottles of ale, and 12 dozen of peney rolls, some white, some brown, and all to be had from Mr. Proctor, vintner. The cost of the pageant amounted to £24. Court of Assistants, 20th November 1662. — “Whereas in ancient times by a union of amity and brotherhood, which then was made, and for many years observed, between this Company and the Company of Fishmongers, they did yearly accompany each other to dinner to the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, unless such Mayor or Sheriffs were members of their respective Companies, and then the usage and custom thereof had been that each Company went by them- selves without the other, and not otherwise ; which custom continued until about 18 years since, and then the Fishmongers declined this Company, and left them to go by themselves unto the Sheriffs. Now at this Court it is moved that consideration be taken of the premisses, and that the Court will resolve what is now fitting for this Company to do concerning the same.” The business occa- sions a long debate, and ultimately it is agreed that the Company shall go to the Lord Mayor without the Fishmongers, and the Clerk of the Fishmongers’ Com- pany is to be informed of this resolution. Court of Wardens, 26th November 1662. — Precept from the Lord Mayor to the effect that he had received information from the Lord Chamberlain that the Russian Ambassador, being a person of great quality, is expected to land at Tower Wharf on Thursday next about noon, and that His Majesty’s pleasure and commandment is that the Ambassador be there met, and then conducted through the City to Temple Bar by the Aldermen and 500 Citizens on horseback, as hath MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 147 been heretofore accustomed. The Wardens nominate 3 1 persons, in addition to themselves, to ride in the procession, and settle a form of “ ticquitt ” to be sent to those appointed. Court of Assistants, i6th December 1662. — The Court is suddenly sum- moned by the Wardens, one of whom relates that he hath yesterday received from the hands of Sir Thos. Vyner certain papers touching the office of an Exchanger, which is endeavoured to be granted to the Right Honorable the Earl of Bristol ; which papers are subscribed by Lord Southampton and Lord Ashley, Chancellor of the Exchequer (being two of the Lords’ Committee appointed to consider of that business), directing the Wardens of the Company to attend their Lordships with their observations and objections against the same. The papers above referred to are set out at length, and a Committee is at once appointed to prepare Reasons and Objections against the contemplated measure. 13 principal Reasons, with various minor Objections, are given. Court of Wardens, 15th February 1663. — At this Court the Clerk produces under the Common Seal of the Society for the City’s Plantation in Ireland the several conveyances made by them unto this Company of their portion of land lying near Londonderry, called by the name of the Manor House of Goldsmiths' Hall, and with them he also produces the counterparts to be sealed by the Company. 3rd March 1663. — The Common Seal of the Company is affixed to a tripartite indenture with the parish of St. John Zachary for securing the payment of £5 to the poor of the parish under the Will of Sir James Drax. The deed is set out at length. It is reported that an alien plate-worker named Bowers has been admitted to the freedom of the City notwithstanding the petition of native workmen. It turns out that Bowers was specially recommended to the City by His Majesty, and that the Aldermen, “though very ready and willing to assist their fellow-citizens in anything that concerned either this or any other Company of London as to their privileges,” felt that they could not do otherwise than act on His Majesty’s recommendation. The Wardens make known that the Company have attended His Majesty and Council about the business of gold and silver wire, for the sole preparing whereof one John Carrill is endeavouring to obtain a patent; and that after a long hearing of the matter it had pleased His Majesty present in Council to refuse the patent. The decision of the Council is preceded by a list of those present as follows : — “At a Court at Whitehall the 25th February 1663, present: The King’s Most Excellent Majesty, His Royal Highness the Duke of York, His Highness Prince Rupert, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Duke of Albemarle, the Marquis of Dorchester, Lord Great Chamberlain, Lord Chamberlain, Earl of Barkshire, Earl of St. Albans, Earl of Anglesey, Earl of Lauderdaill, Earl of Carbery, Lord Bishop of London, Lord Berkeley, Lord Ashley, Mr. K 2 148 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Treasurer, Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Secretary Morris, Mr. Secretary Bennett, Sir Howard Nicholas.” 22nd March 1663. — Sir Thomas Vyner, Mr. Alderman Meynell, and others are appointed a Committee to prepare a Bill for presentation to Parliament “containing- only a further power of search to the Wardens, and to such others as they shall nominate and appoint.” Subsequently the “ Parliament Bill ” is prepared and considered by the Com- mittee, who agree to show the same to counsel, and, if approved by him, to submit the same to a Court of Assistants. Court of Wardens, 8th May 1663. — At this Court is broken and defaced one silver hilt of a rapier belonging to Thomas Templer, a hosier in the New Exchange, which he had exposed to sale, and which, being assayed, was found worse than standard i oz. 14 dwts. ; but inasmuch as Templer affirmed that he had formerly bought the same for his own use, but had at present no further occasion for it, and that he did not deal in such commodities, his fine is remitted, and the rapier hilt and scabbard are returned to him. The Wardens also return to Templer another rapier which they had taken from his servant, and which he affirmed was none of his, but belonged to a gentleman who left it in his shop until he should call for it again. This rapier is not defaced. Court of Assistants, 14th May 1663. — It is agreed that the plate which was heretofore given unto this Company by divers worthy members thereof, and hath (for some especial reasons) been molten down for the use and service of the Company, may be again restored, and made according to its former weight and fashion ; and that the dyett silver taken yearly by the Company may be employed for that purpose. At the next Court a note is presented by the Clerk as well of the names of the benefactors, who had formerly given plate to the Company, as of the time when the same was given, and the Wardens are entreated to take especial care that each particular piece of plate which shall be made shall be in all respects agreeable to the donor’s gift; and that in the making thereof such order is to be observed as that the plate which was first given be first made. Court of Wardens, 26th June 1663. — A precept is received from the Lord Chancellor (Lord Clarendon) about a trial of the Pyx. A jury of 20 persons, including the Assayer and the Assistant Assayer, are summoned. Court of Assistants, 2nd July 1663. — Order that the Arms of such benefactors of the Company as are lately deceased shall be provided, and put into frames at the Company’s charge, and be set up in the galleiy^ amongst other the worthy benefactors of the Company. At this Court complaint is made that the spoons which have of late years been made, and brought to the Hall to be assayed, have not been wrought for length and wideness of the boule as they ought to be, but much shorter in the handle, and lesser in the boule than heretofore; for remedy whereof it is thought fit, and MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 149 ordered, that the form and pattern of a spoon shall be made and hung up in the Assay Office for the workmen to work thereby, and if any workman (after St. James’s Tide next) shall bring, or cause to be brought, to the Hall to be assayed any spoons of 2 ,\ oz. or 3 oz. weight otherwise made, the Deputy Assayer shall not receive the same, but shall return them to be new wrought again ; which rule and order the Assayer is enjoined to observe and keep ; and it is also ordered that a copy thereof be written, and set up in the Assay Office, to the end that workmen concerned may take notice thereof accordingly. Court of Wardens, 15th July 1663^ — The Wardens make and agree uport a bill of fare for their first private Court dinner, according to ancient custom, and (the state and condition of the Company considered) the Wardens decide that only such members of the Court as have served the office of Warden shall be invited. The bill of fare includes two “ hartichake pyes” and two “ codlin tarts.” Court of Wardens, 31st July r663. — Payment to the Collectors for the Army of the 5th and 6th instalments of the Company’s assessment for this purpose, £20 2^. 8(f. Court of Assistants, 7th August 1663. — The lanthorne on the top of the Hall is to be repaired. Money is borrowed from the Cloth Workers’ Com- pany under the Common Seal. Court of Wardens, 22nd August 1663. — An account of a search for deceitful wares on Bartholomew Eve. The Wardens report that they found much opposition, and were denied the search by sundry persons. The names of those who denied the search are given. Court of Wardens, 4th September 1663. — A precept from the Lord Mayor is received and read in the following terms : — “ To the Master and Wardens By the Mayor,., of the Company of Goldsmiths. “ These are to will and require you that you in your own persons be upon Wednesday next, at 6 of the clock in the morning, at my house at the Cloth Workers’ Hall, in Mincing Lane, well horsed and arrayed irt velvet coats or jerkins, and in comely apparel without chaines, to attend, me and my brethren, the Aldermen, to the Conduitt Heads, as in formes- times hath been accustomed. “Dated 3rd September 1663.” Which precept is observed and performed by all the Wardens, except Mr. Stone, who is at Sturbridge Fair. Court of Assistants, 23rd September 1663. — At this Court appears upon summons Thomas Seymor, a goldsmith in Lombard Street, te answer his con- tempt in refusing to permit the Wardens to try his wares when they were in their search on Bartholomew Eve last. Seymor makes his humble submission, and is fined 5 marks, which sum is subsequently mitigated to 5 j. There are numerous entries about this time concerning the Company’s Mills and other property in Ireland. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. ISO At this Court it is ordered that the Wardens do repair unto the Recorder with a copy of the Company’s Charter, and advise with him what is fitting for them to do in the matter of search, and of the imposition of fines on such as are delinquents ; and whether the bye-law imposing a penalty of 5 marks on such as refuse to let the Wardens search be agreeable to law. Court of Wardens, 24th September 1663. — Precept from the Lord Mayor intimating His Majesty’s return to Whitehall from his progress, and that he, with the Aldermen, his brethren, has agreed to meet His Majesty, at his approach to the Royal Palace, with 500 horsemen in velvet coats and gold chains, which horsemen are to be raised out of the several Companies. The precept is set out at length, and the Wardens nominate 24 persons, in addition to themselves, to take part in the procession. The names of the persons selected are given ; amongst them is Mr. Robert Vyner. Then follows a copy of the summons by the Wardens to those who are to ride, in which they are admonished to be very careful to come “ so well appointed that you be not returned with disgrace to the Company.” Court of Wardens, 4th October 1663.— Payment of £ii 8 j. 6(/. for three pieces of Manchester “ bayes ” ; and of 33^. for the chimney money for 33 fire- hearths belonging to Goldsmiths’ Hall and the Officers’ houses in the same. Also numerous payments for interest on debts due by the Company. Court of Assistants, 30th November 1663. — Account of a view taken of Captain Wallis’s house in Foster Lane, late belonging to Sir John Wollaston, in which note is taken of the several rooms in the house, and of the dilapidations. Note is also taken that Captain Wallis must be prohibited from raising the fore part of his house any higher, in order to prevent damage to the lights of the Company’s parlour. Subsequently Captain Wallis is a suitor for a new lease of the house for 99 years, at the present rent of £26, and without payment of any fine. He is told that a lease can only be granted for 2 1 years, and on payment of a fine of £50. Captain Wallis refuses to accept a lease on these terms, and he is then required to put the house into good and sufficient repair according to the cove- nants of his lease, which he promises to do forthwith. Court of Assistants, 12th December 1663. — Edmund Dixon, a goldsmith of Lombard Street, is to be prosecuted for selling plate w'orse than standard, bearing counterfeit stamps. The Ordinances and Bye-laws of the Company are to be considered and amended. At this Court relation is made that two workmen, strangers, have made a complaint to the Lord High Chamberlain against some workmen, members of the Company. His Lordship decides against the complaint, and in favour of the members of the Company; whereupon certain members, including Mr. Robert Vyner, are requested to attend his Lordship, and present unto hirn the Company’s humble thanks for his declared favour and good opinion of them, and to entreat the continuance thereof. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPAHY. ISI About this time there are numerous petitions, counter petitions, answers, etc., relating- to foreign and native workmen, wire-drawers, refiners, and others, which are set out at tedious length. Court of Assistants, 21st January 1664 — The Court takes into consider- ation petitions from the refiners and shop-keeping goldsmiths, the first of which sets forth that the refiners are informed against in the Exchequer upon the Statute of 4 Heniy VII., for allayeing fine silver; and the latter that shop- keeping goldsmiths are harassed upon the Statute of 5 Edward VI. for selling gold at a higher rate than is appointed by His Majesty’s proclamation. In both cases the petitioners crave the aid of the Company. Court of Assistants, 6th April 1664 — ^James Hill, a member of the Com- pany, petitions the Court to translate him to the Company of Glaziers, whose trade he uses, without a fine, “ he being a poor man and having a great charge.” The petition is granted. Court of Assistants, 15th April 1664. — The Parliament Bill is considered, and the Committee are directed to repair to Mr. Ayliffe, the counsellor who drew the Bill, and to put the question to him whether the Wardens (by the Bill or Act to be passed) may of themselves (without the searcher’s assistants) make search, and fine delinquents, or not ; and to report to the next Court. Court of Assistants, 21st April 1664. — The Bill is amended, and ordered to be forthwith engrossed and presented to Parliament, and the Committee are entreated to attend the Parliament, and endeavour to get the Bill passed into an Act this present session. Court of Assistants, 2nd May 1664. — A letter comes from Sir Henry Bennett, one of the Secretaries of State, requiring the Company to make a return of the quantity and value of plate made and assayed during the past ten, years. The return is set out at length, and gives the total weight of silver plate as- 309,728 lbs. 6 oz. 6 dwts., the value whereof was £929, 185 i u. ^d. {^s. per ounce). “ And as concerning gold plate it is so seldom that any is made, that it hath never been the usage and custom of the Company, as we can find, to make any entry thereof in any of their books ; and for the quantity of gilt plate, it is included in that of the silver plate, and, therefore, the quantity thereof cannot be set down, for it is gilded after the workman receiveth it from the Hall.” Court of Assistants, i8th May 1664. — Order of His Majesty and Council about the assay and touch of two Dutchmen’s plate, in reply to a petition, which stated (amongst other things) that “ there are in this City many hundred families of natives of the trade who have not one-third day’s work, not for want of ability to work well, but from the multitude of strangers artificers, who not only work publicly, contrary to Your Majesty’s known laws, but set very many strangers and some natives on work, whose want makes them comply with what they complain against.” The Order prescribes that the two strangers in question be not molested, or 152 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. disquieted with any vexatious suits in law, by any members of the Company ; but His Majesty promises to be very sparing in recommending foreigners to any like privileges and franchises, properly belonging to the natives of this Kingdom. Court of Wardens, 20th May 1664 — Agreed that 4 pieces of plate, being the gifts of ancient benefactors, which were formerly demolished, shall be new made out of the 4 ingots of dyett silver remaining in the treasury, the weight of which is 256^02, The names of the four “ancient” benefactors are Clarke, Feeke, Strelley, and Prynn. Court of Assistants, 5th June 1664. — Further order about the wire-drawers, “ touching the better regulating of them in the manufactory.” Court of Wardens, 17th June 1664. — A sum of 393-. (which is taken out of the poor box) is distributed to divers poor persons. Court of Wardens, 2sth June 1664, — A letter is brought from the Lord Chancellor (Edward, Earl of Clarendon) about a trial of the Pyx to be held in the usual place in the Starr Chamber. A jury of 21 persons, whose names are given, is at once summoned. Sir Thomas Vyner, Knight and Baronet, heads the list. Court of Assistants, i6th August 1664. — A petition to be sent to the King against Carill’s patent for the sole casting of gold and silver wire for the making of gold and silver lace. Court of Assistants, 8th September 1664. — Agreed that 21 barrels of old powder, which now lie in the garret about to be used by Mr. Alderman Doe for the lodging of his servants, may be forthwith sold to prevent danger. The Alderman states that he has advised with skilful persons about the powder, and that the most he is offered for it is 42^. the barrel. 30th September 1664. — An interesting account is given of the part taken by the Company at the inauguration of the Sheriffs. Court of Assistants, 8th October 1664. — A long report of a certain mis- carriage in the Assay Office, caused principally by a plate-worker named Fabian conspiring with the Deputy Assayer to procure deceitful wares to be touched. Ultimately the Deputy Assayer is removed from his office, and Fabian is prosecuted. A list of fresh regulations for the management of the Assay Office follows, and it is ordered that a Court of Assistants shall be called together, “ and that those of the Company, and all others from all other Companies exercising the goldsmiths’ trade, as well shopkeepers as workmen, be summoned to appear before the Court to receive information with reference to what has taken place. Court of Assistants, 7th November 1664. — A precept from the Lord Mayor for a loan of £2,000 by the Company to His Majesty. Debate takes place whether the precept shall be obeyed or not; but it is unanimously resolved in the affirmative, and the Wardens are requested to borrow the said sum of £2,000 under the Company’s Common Seal forthwith. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 153 Court of Assistants, i6th December 1664. — The indictment and other proceedings against Fabian, in Latin, are set out at great length. The graver of the pounsons applies for a further allowance to be given to him yearly, alleging that he makes many more pounsons than formerly, " by reason there is very much thin plate brought to the Hall to be touched, the marking whereof occasioneth the frequent breaking of the pounsons.” His fee is raised from £20 to £40. Court of Assistants, 2nd March 1665. — Election takes place of a third Warden in the place of Symon Birkett, lately deceased, whereby to complete the number of four Wardens according to the Charter. Mr. Orme is elected, and excused from the service of that and of the second Warden’s place. Payment of tax for 33 fire-hearths for Goldsmiths’ Hall and the houses within the same. This old and obnoxious tax, first imposed by the Norman kings, obliged every household, rich and poor, to pay 2s. per hearth to the King. The tax was revived in 1662, upon the King’s complaint of money difficulties. Court of Assistants, 2 1st April 1665, — The Committee appointed to con- sider the business of letting leases of the Company’s lands make their report, which is entered in full. Court of Assistants, 30th April 1665. — A precept from the Lord Mayor touching a voluntary subscription to be made by the Wardens, Assistants, Livery, and others of this Company, towards the charge of building a frigate for His Majesty’s service is considered, and it is agreed that steps shall be taken to obtain a liberal contribution for this purpose. At this date war with the Dutch was about to break out, and news came to hand that a man-of-war named “The London” was suddenly blown up at the Nore with the loss of all hands. It is related that, within a week of this catastrophe, the King, at Whitehall, received from the Lord Mayor and Aldermen an offer “ to build him a ship instead of ‘ The London,’ and that such ship was to be called ‘ The Loyal London.’ ” In the meantime the Lord Mayor and Aldermen undertook to support three ships in the fleet at their own charge. “ The Loyal London ” was at once begun at Deptford as an 80-gun three- decker ; and the details of how the money subscribed for this purpose came in are noted in a small MS. book preserved in the Guildhall Library. The Drapers’ Company gave £1,120, the Goldsmiths’ £700, the Fishmongers’ £620, the Merchant Taylors’ £530, the Mercers’ £500, the Skinners’ £420, the Clothworkers’ £400, the Grocers’ £300, and so on. The City Corporation gave £4,039 3J. \od., while there were numerous smaller sub- scriptions from private persons connected with the City, including “Merchant Strangers.” The balance of the cost the City borrowed on mortgage. “The Loyal London” was launched on the loth June 1666, and at once joined the fleet then being assembled at the Nore. She was appointed flagship MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. IS4 to the Admiral of the Blue Squadron, and for her imposing appearance won universal praise. In the battle that shortly afterwards ensued (25th July 1666) “The Loyal London ” took prominent part, and gave a good account of herself on subsequent occasions. She was, however, after but one year’s service, burnt by the Dutch in their raid up the Medway, when she was lying out of commission at her moorings off Chatham Dockyard. There have been no less than seven “ Londons ’’ in the British navy. The first fought with Monk and Blake, and was in the great battle off Camperdown, when Tromp met his death ; and another fought in several battles with the Dutch in 1672 and 1673, and finally was at La Hague as flagship of Sir Cloudesley Shovel. Another “ London ’’ fought all through the American War, and the wars with the French under Howe, St. Vincent, and Nelson. “ Memorandum that on Thursday in the forenoon of the 6th daye of this instant Maye, the Right Worshipful and Worthy Member of this Company, Sir Thomas Vyner, Knight and Baronet, departed this transitory life, and on Thursday the ist June, his corpse being carried from the Hall, hee was buried at St. Marye Woolnoth’s, in Lombarde Streete.” Court of Wardens, 24th May 1665. — The Wardens agree upon a bill of fare for the Company’s dinner on Monday the 29th daye of this instant Maye, being a daye of public thanksgiving for His Majesty’s birthdaye and happy return to his people (May 29th, 1660), the particulars whereof are as follows : — “ 8 mess — “ Westfalia hams with pidgeons and chickens boyled. Rost beefe, and one piece for breakfast. Lamb pastie. Green geese, three in a dish. Rost capons, two in a dish. Rost chickens. Tarts. Sparagrasse.” Court of Assistants, 25th May 1665 — A lease for 18 years is granted to Mr. Boys, gratis, in consideration of rebuilding. Money is borrowed from the Countess of Chesterfield for the use of the Company. “ Memorandum. — Mr. Robert Vyner, His Majesty’s goldsmith, and one of the Livery of this Company, was knighted by the King’s Majesty at Whitehall, the 26th daye of June 1665.” A fee of £10 in gold is paid to the Solicitor-General for preparing a Bill to be passed into an Act of Parliament for regulating the goldsmiths’ trade, and for an additional power of search. A gratuity is given to the Clerk for his extraordinary pains in the affairs of the Company during the year past; and he is directed to gather, for the Wardens’ MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. ISS account and use of the Company, all the rents called “ the new rents ” in Gutter Lane, Foster Lane, &c. Court of Wardens, 31st July 1665. — Payment is made in respect of an assessment upon the Company towards the relief of such persons as are visited by the Plague. The Great Plague made its first appearance in the City in June of this year. The weather had been very oppressive, — the 7th of June being recorded by Pepys as the hottest day he had ever felt in his life, — and the heat caused the infection to spread with marvellous rapidity. Many followed the example set by the King and Court, and fled to the country. The Lord Mayor, however, remained at his post, and the Aldermen were forbidden to leave the City without some reasonable cause; those who had already absented themselves being ordered to return. The first Wednesday of every month was appointed to be kept as a solemn fast day of humiliation. Schools were closed, and taverns kept open only for citizens. The death rate rapidly increased ; pest houses or hospitals were opened ; whilst subscriptions were set on foot for the benefit of the poor. In the week ending the 19th of September no less than 1,189 persons (the highest number recorded) perished within the City walls. The number of deaths that occurred outside the City, but within its Liberties, was often three or four times larger than those within the City walls. Thus for the week last mentioned the number of deaths from the Plague alone in parishes outside the City, but within its Liberties, is returned in the bills of mortality as having exceeded 3,000. From the middle of September the number of deaths in the City began to decrease almost as rapidly as it had risen. The total number of victims in the City proper during the twelve months ending the 19th December 1665 is officially given as 9,887. When we consider that the entire population within the City walls, comprising an area of one square mile, more or less, could scarcely have reached 100,000, the extent of the calamity becomes appalling. The City was literally decimated. {London and the Kingdom. 1894.) Court of Assistants, 5th August 1665. — Symons, the graver, dies, and it being ascertained that the stock of punsons used by the Company in marking plate is in the possession of his wife, or servant, the Wardens are desired to use all possible care to get the punsons into their custody without delay. A precept from the Lord Mayor is received whereby the Company (according to an Act of Common Council lately made) are required to provide, and lay by, 525 chaldrons of seacoles, being their allotment, between this and Michaelmas next to be in readiness for the poor of the City. A donation given to Widow Atkinson, who is very poor, and at present visited with the pestilence. Court of Assistants, 26th October 1665. — Renters are chosen for the year ensuing, who, being present, are sworn according to custom ; after which it is declared to them that they are to make two dinners to the Company at their own 156 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. charge, namely one for the Wardens, Assistants, and Livery, which of late years hath been kept on the 5th of November ; but in regard to the present visitation it is thought fit that this dinner be suspended and be made at such time as the Wardens shall appoint; and the other for the Wardens and Assistants only, called the possession dinner, which is to be about the middle of March next ; and that they are to give beefe to the officers and almsmen, as hath been anciently used ; to all which they readily comply, and promise to do as their predecessors have done before them. Edward Green, the almsman, is appointed to go, with Wadeson, to all the Company’s tenants, when he shall deliver ticquetts to them to pay their rents ; and it is ordered for time to come that two persons be constantly employed in that work, who shall by an interchangeable course walk the east and west parts of the City, where any of the Company’s tenants shall be residing, to deliver the said ticquetts to them. Court of Assistants, 31st October 1665. — Election takes place of an Upper Warden in the place of Charles Everard, deceased, who died while holding that office, to complete the number of four Wardens according to the Charter. Court of Wardens, 6th April 1666 . — Payment is made to the Collectors for the 3rd and 4th quarterly payments of the Royal Aid for the Company’s real and personal estate. The amount paid is £19 lOx. Martyn Hale, plate-worker, appears to answer for several misdemeanours; that is to say, for putting to sale four silver gilt forks untouched, which upon trial are found to be worse than standard 4 dwts. ; and also for causing John Smith, plate-worker, to strike his mark upon a silver chafing dish made by the said Hale ; for which offences he is fined, and the forks, being defaced, are returned to Mr. Alderman Knight, who brought them in ; and the chafing dish, being also defaced, is delivered to Hale himself. Other fines for similar offences. Court of Assistants, 13th May 1666 . — Sir Robert Vyner, one of the Livery, and a worthy member thereof, is admitted an Assistant, although it is objected that. Sir Robert not having yet passed the place or office of Renter of the Com- pany either by fine nor service, nor having been elected one of the Aldermen of the City, it is contrary to the usage and custom of the Company to call in any member thereof to be an Assistant before he is in that capacity ; nevertheless the Court, out of the great respect and good esteem they have and bear to the said Sir Robert, and remembering his willingness and constant readiness hereto- fore to serve the Company, as occasion hath been offered, agree that he is to be of the number of the Assistants, and is to take his place in the Court next to those persons who have been fined for Alderman. Sir Robert pays a fine to be excused from all places except that of Upper Warden. Court of Assistants, 23rd May 1666 . — A precept from the Lord Mayor about the ship “ Loyal London,” which recites an earlier precept, grounded MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. IS7 upon an Act of Common Council, wherein it is signified that the Committee appointed to manage the business touching the ship “ Loyal London ” had reported that although all possible means had been used to raise moneys by subscription from the several Companies, and otherwise, to carry on that work, yet £4,200 was all that was raised and paid into the Chamber, and that there was an utter unlikelihood that way to raise moneys sufficient to effect that service ; and that therefore the Common Council had ordered and enacted that, for the speedy paying the charges of building the said ship, certain further moneys over and above what had been already paid should be forthwith raised and paid by the several Companies in certain proportions. 30th May 1666 . — This day Mr. Warden Mason, in pursuance of the last- mentioned precept, and of an order of the Court made thereon, did pay to the Chamberlain, in part of £700 imposed on the Company, £300. Again, on the 8th of June 1666, the further sum of £200 was paid, and the balance of £200 was paid on the 30th of June following. Court of Wardens, igth June 1666. — Paid for 33 “fire-hearths for Gold- smiths’ Hall for half a year ending at Lady Day last, thirty-three shillings.” Court of Wardens, loth July 1666. — At this Court is paid to Mr. Dyer, pewterer, for the loan of several parcels of pewter at several dinners of this Company, £3 6 s. Court of Assistants, 12th July 1666 . — At this Court is read a precept from the Lord Mayor, dated the 9th inst., directed to the Master and Wardens of this Company, wherein they are required to take speedy and effectual order to provide their Common Hall with such store of arms as their Company heretofore usually have had, and that the same be carefully kept and maintained, in readi- ness to be used upon any occasion that may happen for His Majesty’s service, and the peace and safety of the City. The Wardens are directed to take a view what arms the Company have in readiness in their Armoury, and how much thereof is fit for service, and thereof to make a report to the Court. Court of Wardens, 6th August 1666. — This day Mr. Wardens agree upon the bill of fare which is to be on Tuesday next for the Thanksgiving Dinner for the whole Livery. The bill includes legs of veal and bacon, three sirloins of roast beef, three ribs of beef, pigeon pies, &c., and for wine six gallons and a half of Canary, four gallons of Clarrett, and two gallons of White. Court of Wardens, 23 nd August 1666 . — At this Court Mr. Wardens admit Thomas Mullineuse, who was a Major in the late King’s Army under the com- mand of the Marquess of Worcester, to be one of the pensioners of Mr. Strelley, deceased, to partake of that gift as a maimed soldier. At this Court it is ordered that the Clerk be re-imbursed certain payments made by him, one of which is to the Vergers of St. Paul’s Church for the Company’s seats on the 14th inst., it being a Public Thanksgiving for the victory over the Dutch. j 158 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Court of Assistants, 24th August 1666 — At this Court consideration being- taken that the number of the Livery of the Company is very small, and that on all public meetings there are but few of them that make their appearance, it is therefore thought fit, and so ordered, that a new Livery be forthwith called of such able persons of the Company as the Wardens, by the advice of the Assistants, shall think fit, provided that they do not exceed the number of 36 persons; and that those who accept of the Company’s love, and take the Clothing upon them, shall respectively pay the accustomed fine of £10, and also the sum of 35J. for their hoods and for the officers’ fees, according as the same hath been anciently used. Court of Assistants, 15th September 1666. — This being the first meeting of the Wardens and Assistants since the late lamentable fire. Sir Charles Doe makes known that, having obtained the keys of the Company’s treasury, he hath thence taken out all their plate, writings, and other their concerns for the present preservation of them, and that he hath caused the same to be removed to a house at Edmonton well known to the Deputy Assayer, who affirmeth that all is there well secured ; for which careful and prudent act of the said Sir Charles Doe the thanks of the Wardens and Assistants present are returned to him. At this Court it is also moved that some convenient house in or about London may be taken for the Company’s public meetings, wherein their Clerk and Beadle may inhabit, and wherein their writings and other the concerns of the Company may be placed and secured ; and Sir Charles Doe is requested to view and examine certain tenements named, and to make any necessary agreement for not less than two years, nor for more than three years. Two houses in Jewin Street are inspected, but ultimately a house in Grub Street is taken on lease. Grub Street, Cripplegate, in early times called “ Grobbe Strete,” ran from Fore Street to Chiswell Street. The name was in 1830 changed to Milton Street. In Johnson’s Dictionary will be found the following: — “ Grub Street, the name of a street in London, much inhabited by writers of small histories, dictionaries, and temporary poems ; whence any mean production is called ‘ Grub Street.’ ” Stowe writes : “ In the east end of Fore Street is More Lane ; then next is Grub Street, of late years inhabited for the most part by bowyers, fletchers, bow- string makers, and such like occupations ; now little occupied, archery giving place to a number of bowling alleys and dicing houses, which in all places are increased and too much frequented.” Later still Strype writes : “ Grub Street, very long, coming out of Fore Street, and running, northwards, into Chiswell Street ; but some small part of it, to wit, from Sun Alley to Chiswell Street, is not in the Ward (Cripplegate), but in the Liberty of Finsbury. This street, taken in the whole, is but indifferent as to its houses and inhabitants, and sufficiently pestered with courts and alleys.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. IS9 The occupation of the street by bowyers and the like is explained by its proximity to the Artillery Ground and Finsbury Fields, which were the chief places for the practice of archery. The Great Fire broke out on the night of Saturday, the ist September 1666, or early on Sunday morning, at a baker’s shop in Pudding Lane, and in five days reduced the greater part of the City to ashes. The King had long ago anti- cipated such a calamity, arising from the narrowness of the streets and the over- hanging houses built for the most part of wood. More than a year before (iith April 1665) he had written to the Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen of the City, recommending a more diligent execution of the Act for the Repair of Highways and Sewers. He authorised them to imprison such persons as, after due warning, should continue to erect buildings in contravention of the Act, and to pull such buildings down. He further desired them to open Temple Bar, and the passage and gate-house of Cheapside in St. Paul’s Churchyard, as men- tioned in the Act, and he would himself inspect what progress was being made in carrying out these improvements. He concluded by declaring that he had made the City his royal residence, and had received from it such marks of loyalty and affection as would ever make him concerned for its wealth, trade, reputation, beauty, and convenience. Charles II. is said to have been the last English sovereign to occupy rooms in the Tower of London, as he did on the night previous to his Coronation. At least four-fifths of the whole of the buildings situated within the City walls perished. The official report was that no fewer than 13,200 houses, and 89 parish churches, besides St. Paul’s, and divers chapels, were destroyed ; and that only 75 acres, out of a total of 373 acres of ground within the walls, escaped the conflagration. These 75 acres chiefly lay in the vicinity of Aldgate and Tower Hill, and probably owed their immunity from the fire to the free use of gunpowder, for it was in Tower Street, Pepys tells us, that the practice of blowing up houses began. {London and the Kingdom. 1 894.) Court of Assistants, sth October 1666. — A Committee are appointed to. examine benefactors’ Wills, and also the debts owing by the Company, and what the Company’s yearly revenue does amount unto, as well of the houses demolished as of those remaining, and to report with all convenient speed, to the end that such effectual care may be taken for the discharge of the respective payments as may most conduce to the honour and reputation of the Company and the great trust reposed in them. 20th October 1666. — This day was lent and delivered to Sir Robert Vyner, one of the present Sheriffs, according to an order of the Wardens and Assistants, by inventory indented, the several parcels of plate hereafter mencioned. A list follows of gilt plate and white plate. i “ Memo. — That Francis Meynell, Alderman, a member of this Company, departed this life the 7th day of October 1666, and his funeral was at Iron- mongers’ Hall in Fenchurch Street the 23rd of the same month, from whence his i6o MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. corpse was carried to be interred in Derbyshire, the Wardens, Assistants, and Officers being- thereunto invited.” Court of Assistants, 31st October 1666 . — A report by the Committee with reference to benefactors’ gifts. After giving these gifts in detail, together with the several payments which must be paid thereout, the Committee declare their opinion that the yearly salaries to the officers of the Company should be con- tinued. These salaries are given as follows: — To the Clerk of the Com- pany, £42; to the Deputy Assayer, £70; to the Beadle, £16 13J. 4d.; and to the Weigher, £16. The Committee likewise report that the yearly interest upon the debts owing by the Company amounts to £715. That the yearly rents of the Company’s houses, as they existed before the late fire, were £1,271 6 s., and that the rents of all the houses belonging to the Company which were not demolished, amount to no more than £231 15^. Court of Assistants, 2nd November 1666. — Quarter-day is omitted in regard to the present unsettled condition of the Company occasioned by the late fire, they having no place convenient for such an assembly. This entry is followed by another appointing a Committee to consider some expedient for raising money to lessen the great debt owing by the Company. Court of Wardens, i6th November 1666. — Paid to Mr. Broadbank, of Edmonton, for house room for the Company’s plate, writings, and other things taken out of the treasury, and for carriage to London, and to the servants of the house, £8 loj. About this time there are many entries giving the proceedings of the Com- mittee appointed to consider concerning the Company’s debts, and also men- tioning various sums of money borrowed at rates of interest varjdng from £4 ioj. to £6 per cent. Court of Wardens, 25th January 1667. — The Wardens receive from Mr. Martin Johnson, engraver, the Company’s new Common Seal, and small Seal, both of them weighing 5 oz. 3 dwts., for which Mr. Johnson receives £7. Court of Assistants, 20th March 1667. — A Committee appointed to pre- pare rules to be observed for the encouragement of building. The Committee subsequently report that tenants shall have extensions of their leases for terms varying from 40 to 99 years, according to circumstances, in consideration of rebuilding. Subsequently there are many negotiations with tenants set out at great length. Court of Assistants, 5th June 1667. — It is reported that part of the south wall belonging to the Company’s gallery and the Clerk’s house have fallen down, and the Building Committee are requested to consider and report with reference to the repair of the Hall. There are many subsequent entries relating to this business. Court of Assistants, 5th July 1667. — Tryal of the dyett of plate brought to the Hall to be touched, from the 25th October 1666 to lOth July 1667, MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. i6i which plate weighed 17,526 lbs. 90Z. I2dwts. 6 grs., the dyett weighing 7202. •I 9 dwts. 8 grs. The plate broken during the above period weighed 106 lbs. i oz. 12 dwts. 12 grs. At this Court consideration is taken of the many urgent and pressing occasions of the Company for the payment of money for their present service, and more especially for that of repairing the Hall ; and as the Company have no occasion to make use of their plate, nor place convenient where the same may be secured, it is decided that all, or at least such part thereof as is not serviceable, shall be sold, but a list thereof is to be taken with the Coats of Arms and other particulars of the benefactors, to the end that such plate may be restored, and made again, when the Company shall be thereunto enabled. Sir Robert Vyner gives to the Company, for their use and service, a silver bell with the Company’s Arms and his own chased thereon, and on the handle his Crest, weighing 17 oz., with these words engraven at the bottom thereof “Ex dono Robert Vyner Mil and Baronet 1667.” He gives also, at the same time, an ivory hammer with the Company’s Arms and his own depicted in black, and on the handle thereof R.V. The above bell and hammer are still used by the Prime Warden at all business meetings of the Company, Court of Assistants, 7th July 1667. — A full account of the plate which is to be sold, with copies of the Arms of the several benefactors, is given. The “gold” plate (silver gilt) weighed altogether 725 oz. 10 dwts., which came in money to £205 lu. id.', and the white plate weighed 728 oz., which came in money to £157. Court of Assistants, 25th October 1667. — The Court consider sundry abuses committed by divers goldsmiths and others, inhabiting about London, in the false and deceitful working of small wares, to the great dishonour of the Company ; and persons are to be employed to buy small wares with a view to prosecutions. Court of Assistants, 8th November 1667. — New Livery to the number of 40 are chosen, each of whom pays a fine of £10. The new Livery are placed in order according to the dates of their freedoms. Court of Assistants, 13th December 1667. — A Committee is appointed to view the remainder of the Company’s plate, and the ingots of dyett silver, and all other parcels of silver in the Company’s treasury, and to sell the same for the present service of the Company. A list of this plate, with copies of the Arms of the benefactors, is also given. The gilt plate weighed 317! oz., and the white plate 823 oz. 10 dwts. Court of Assistants, pth February 1668. — Mr. Sturges is to have 3 “ Ginney ” pieces of gold given to him as a retaining fee to be of counsel for the Company as occasion shall be offered. The chimneys over the Hall gate are to be taken down to prevent damage, which it is feared may ensue by the fall of them. S 4021. L MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 162 14th February 1668.— The sum of £600, part of the £2,000 formerly lent to His Majesty, is received from the Chamberlain of London. Court of Assistants, 14th March 1668,— Further receipt from the Chamber- lain on account of the former loan to His Majesty. It is here stated to have been made “upon the credit of the hearth money.” A little later the balance of the debt is paid, and a release, which is set out in full, is g-iven by the Compan3^ The Company give g-ratuities to the clerks in the Chamberlain’s Office, and to a clerk in the Hearth Office. Court of Assistants, 22nd April 1668.— Ag-reed that the Company’s book of Wills shall be produced at a trial before the Lord Chief Justice, touching the Company’s interest in the wall adjoining to St. Leonard’s church, on which Sir John Wollaston’s house formerly stood. Court of Assistants, ist July 1668.— Consideration is taken of the great disbursements that are daily made by the Company in rebuilding their Hall, the completion whereof, it is conceived, cannot be speedily effected without a volun- tary contribution, to be made by the particular members of the same. A Committee are therefore appointed to consider of some expedient for the raising of money for the purpose aforesaid. 19th September 1668. — This day is received of Sir Robert Vyner towards the charge of repairing and beautifying the Parlour, according to his free and voluntary subscription in that behalf in particular, £200. About this date there are many negotiations with tenants, some of whom receive leases without fines, in consideration of rebuilding. Court of Assistants, 7th October 1668. — Certain working goldsmiths present a petition to the Lords of the Council, who accordingly summon the Wardens to attend the Council at W^'hitehall. The petition seems to have related mainly to the old grievance against aliens. A long report follows with reference to the management, and the expense, of the Assay Office. Court of Assistants, 27th October 1668. — “And now those of the Liver}', being about 30 persons, were called into Court, unto whom Mr. W’’arden Sankey made known that great complaint had been made to His Majesty and Council touching the putting to sale plate untouched, and of the great badness of the snail works, both of gold and silver, which were daily sold, to the great discredit of the Company ; and, therefore, did admonish them to have their plate forthwith touched, and to melt down their adulterate small works.” Then follows a long list of suggested remedies for reforming abuses in gold- smiths’ work. Court of Assistants, 8th January 1669. — Sundry plate-workers and jewellers appear before the Court requesting money for the prosecution of such aliens as work in the goldsmiths’ trade. A sum of £30 is subsequently given. Court of Assistants, 14th January 1669.— A letter is brought from the Lords of the Treasury wherein the Company are informed that His Majesty has MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 163 been pleased to bestow the place of Assay Master of his Mint in the Tower of London upon Mr. Brattle, and has commanded him to lay down his place as Assay Master at their Hall, by reason the Pyx cannot be tried while those two places are in one hand ; and therefore their Lordships desire that some other fit person may be chosen in his stead with all convenient speed. An answer is sent in which the Company endeavour to show that no harm will result if Mr. Brattle continues to hold both offices ; but if His Majesty shall still require them to choose another person to perform the office of Assay Master for them, they crave to be allowed a reasonable time for this purpose. A long" entry with reference to the election of a schoolmaster of the free school at Deane, in Cumberland, together with rules and orders for the scholars. Memorandum that Evodias Inman, in the Round in Smithfield; Christopher Birkhead, of Holborn ; and John Marlow, in Fleet Street; all of them keeping goldsmith’s shops, refuse to permit the Wardens to make trial of any of their wares. These offenders are to be summoned before the Court, and if they still refuse to submit, and to pay such fines as shall be imposed on them, they are to be prosecuted in such manner as counsel shall advise. Much follows about the workmen of the Assay and Weigh Office, and the abuses in the trade which require reformation. The following is a copy of the bill for making an Exemplification of the Company’s Charter : — “ X Xemplificato pro Aurifabris, London. £ S, d. “ For a Vellom Skinn with the King’s Picture florished - - - - / 01 00 00 For the second Skinn and ruling both 00 06 00 To the Clark for writing them sett hand 02 05 00 Examination by two Masters of Chancery 02 00 00 Dorquett signeing and Clark 00 05 00 For Drawing and ingrossing Peticon to the J Lord Keeper - - - - j 00 05 00 Answering it . . . _ 00 12 06 Cerciorare made - . _ . 00 07 06 For the record on the Cerciorare 02 02 09 To the Master of the Rolls for 2 Skinns 00 13 04 To his Secretary - . . . 00 02 06 Paid to Mr. Snell to pass itt at the Lord Keeper’s 00 10 00 For the Great Seal - - . . 01 04 08 Chafe Wax 00 02 06 To the six Clarks for 2 Skinns 02 18 08 To the hanap and fees for the 3 inspeximus - 02 13 06 For Gold Strings .... 00 10 00 For a Red Box .... 00 10 00 Total - 18 08 I I L 2 Total 164 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. For my paynes and xpence in waterige, coach, and attendance for 2 weeks every day (what you please) _ . . To Mr. Prynn paid — £ s. d. For the Coppy 27 Sheets - 01 07 00 For the signeing the Coppy . 00 02 00 His Fee for the Exemplification - 01 00 00 For carrying down the Record - 01 00 00 Total - 03 09 00 £ s. d. I ith Mtij 1668-9, Received . 02 10 00 Received then of Mr. John Sprackling the full sum of) twenty pounds payment for an Exemplification for the Gold- ; 30 smiths. In full of this bill I say received the sum of - - J By me Wm. Ryley.” Court of Assistants, 23rd February 1669. — It is ordered “that several informations shall be exhibited in His Majesty’s Court of Exchequer upon the Statute of the i8th of Queen Elizabeth against the goldsmiths of Bristol, of whom Mr. Warden Potter, by direction of the Company, bought several wares both of gold and silver found worse than standard ; and the Clerk is to advise with Mr. Ayliffe and Mr. Pemberton, councillors at law, on the subject.” There are subsequently similar proceedings against goldsmiths of Bath and of York. On Saturday 28th day of April 1669 is received of Sir Robert Vyner, “in full payment of his free and voluntary subscription towards the repairing and beau- tifying the Great Parlour,” the sum of £100. Court of Assistants, 30th April 1669. — “The Wardens making known that there was a great want of moneys for carrying on the affairs of the Company, there being £13 called for which must be forthwith paid, as also other moneys for defraying the charge of rebuilding the Hall, they proposed as an expedient for the supply of these occasions the sale of the Company’s ground, the leasing out the vaults under the Hall, and the sale of certain houses ; all w’hich being taken into consideration, the same w’as well weighed and debated, and it was agreed and ordered that as to the disposal of the aforesaid vaults, and the afore- said messuages, according to the proposals above mentioned, the same is referred to the Committee of Contractors, who are hereby empow'ered to dispose thereof to such person or persons as they shall think fit for the best advantage of the Company, but the tenants of the aforesaid messuages to have the pre- emption ; and, for selling the same, it is by this Court left to the Wardens only to dispose and make sale thereof to such as will give the best price.” This entry is follow^ed at intervals by numerous other entries wdth reference to the affairs of the Company, which at that time w^ere evidently at a very low ebb. A Committee was appointed to consider “the present state and IV oodbury-Gravure . SIR ROBERT VYNER, KNT. & BART. 1688. From the Painting at Goldsmiths' Hall. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 165 condition of the Company whereby their credit may be continued, and the public debts thereof satisfied ” ; it being stated that “ there was at present £1,500 called for, and what was in cash was far short of that sum.” The Committee make various proposals for raising money and reducing expenses, and they decide to offer for sale certain of the Company’s houses not subject to charges for charitable purposes, but no house is to be sold under 30 years’ purchase of the existing rent. The Committee subsequently report that they are unable to make any progress, as the terms fixed are too onerous, and the Committee are then authorised to sell at 25 years’ purchase. Various members of the Court also voluntarily offer loans of money for the Company’s public services. Court of Assistants, 28th June 1669. — It is ordered that the trial of the dyett shall always take place on the day before the change of Wardens. Court of Assistants, 17th July 1669. — A summons is read under the hand of John Duncomb, Clerk of His Majesty’s Council, to the Wardens of the Company desiring them to attend a Committee of that Council, and to give their opinions touching some proposals made in relation to the gold and silver manufactory. These proposals emanated from the wyre-drawers and refiners, and there are several entries relating to the suggestions, and the advice which the Company gave thereon. A Committee was appointed for the purpose, of which Sir Robert Vyner was a member. Court of Assistants, 4th May 1670. — The thanks of the Court are re- turned to Sir Robert Vyner “ for his exemplary bounty and love expressed to the Company in that he had paid and given towards the repairs and beautifying of their Great Parlour the sum of £300.” At this Court consideration is taken of the long leases the Company have within these 20 years last past granted unto divers of their tenants, and also of the Committee’s late granting of additional years to such as have rebuilt their houses, many of the leases being for 99 years, which is considered to be very detrimental to the well-being of this Company ; and, therefore, it is moved that no lease henceforth to be granted shall exceed the number of 60 years, inasmuch as the Act of Parliament empowering the Judges to grant additional terms doth prohibit them from giving any further time ; which being by this Court debated pro and con, it is put to the question whether any of the Company’s tenants, having leases of 60 years in being of any houses demolished by the late fire, shall have any addition of years granted to encourage them to rebuild the same, and it is resolved in the negative, and ordered accordingly. At this Court the street which had been recently constructed between Wood Street and Godron (Gutter) Lane is named “ Goldsmiths’ Street.” Court of Assistants, 12th August 1670. — It is ordered that the customary searches which have been made by the Wardens and Assistants in their gowns on Bartholomew Eve and on Bartholomew Day in the fair be omitted for this MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 1 66 year, in regard to the great charge that doth attend the same ; nevertheless the Wardens are entreated to make frequent searches by themselves both in the fair and elsewhere amongst the goldsmiths in and about London. Court of Wardens, 24th May 1671. — The Wardens give directions to the Renters “ to provide a dynner for the whole Livery to bee heere on Munday next, being the 29th of May instant, and set apart for a day of publique thanksgiving for His Majesty’s happy restauration ; the dyett to be as followeth : — “ Veale and bacon, Rost beefe, Greene goose, 8 messes.” Lumber pye, Salmon or lobsters, This year there is a call to the Livery, and there appears to have been considerable difficulty in getting sufficient freemen to accept the Livery. The summons to the new Liverymen is as follows : — “ You are desired by Mr. Wardens and the Assistants to provide a Livery gowne, and appeare therein at Goldsmiths’ Hall upon Friday the 30th of this instant June, by ten of the clock in the forenoon, then and there to receive your Livery whood according to custom ; paying your fine of ten pounds, and the ordinary charges thereto belonging, being forty shillings. “ Sprakling. “ Dated this 21st day of June 1671.” Court of Assistants, 30th June 1671. — It is agreed, and so ordered, that from henceforth no tobacco be taken by any Assistants of this Company in the Parlour or Great Room, so long as the Court of Assistants shall be sitting, upon pain of paying twelve pence for every time any of them shall so offend, the fine to be put in the poor box. About this date the entries with reference to the rebuilding and repairing of the Hall are very numerous. The work was spread over a considerable time, and was executed little by little as funds permitted. 5th October 1671. — This day Sir Robert Vyner, Knight and Baronet, sends unto the Company the picture of their worthy benefactor Sir Thomas Vyner, Knight and Baronet, late Lord Mayor of this City, being the gift of Mr. James Temple, also one of the Livery and a benefactor of the Company; which picture, by the appointment of Mr. Wardens, is hung up in the Great Parlour according as Sir Robert desired. 30th October 1671. — This day Mr. Wardens receive from Sir Robert Vyner, by the hands of Mr. Lewis, one silver basin weighing as the gift of Sir Thomas Vyner, with his Arms engraven on the bottom in the inside thereof, with these words about the Arms: “The gift of Sir Thomas Vyner, Knight and Baronet, Lord Mayor, Anno Domini 1653.” At the same time is received of Mr. Warden Portman, as his free gift unto this Company, one silver ewer weighing 30 oz. 17 dwts., with his Arms engraven MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 167 on the one side and the Company’s Arms on the other, and these words engraven about the same: “The gift of Mr. John Portman, Goldsmith, October 30, 1671.” Also at the same time is received of Mr. Renter Cuthbert one silver cup without a cover, as the gift of Mr. Cardinall Orme, weighing 36 oz. 3 dwts., with his Arms engraven on the one side of the cup and the Company’s Arms on the other, and these words engraven on the brim of the cup : “ The gift of Cardinall Orme, Citizen and Goldsmith of London, Anno Domini, 1671.” Court of Assistants, 20th December 1671. — It is ordered that inasmuch as Esquire Doe’s father, Sir Charles Doe, did a very good service in preserving the Company’s plate, etc., in the time of the late fire, and received in his lifetime no other than the verbal thanks of this Company, Mr. Wardens provide a tankard of silver of the value of 20 marks with the Company’s Arms engraven thereon, which they are entreated to present unto Esquire Doe, as the free gift of the Company, in remembrance and the Company’s acknowledgment of his father’s aforesaid services. Court of Assistants, 23rd August 1672. — The Wardens make known that in pursuance of an order of the last Court of Assistants they had attended the King’s Attorney, and shewed to him the counterfeit plate, desiring his advice as to what was requisite for the Company to do thereon ; who gave directions that the Wardens should forthwith acquaint His Majesty with the said frauds, which (with the assistance of Sir Robert Vyner) they did the next day (Prince Rupert and Lord Arlington then present), for the suppressing whereof His Majesty, at the humble request of Sir Robert Vyner and the Wardens then present, was graciously pleased to give his royal commands for a Warrant to be forthwith made and directed to the Wardens of this Company to empower them to search for such counterfeit plate, and the persons as well as the plate to seize, when they or the place should be found, as by the said Warrant more at large appears. The Warrant, signed by Lord Arlington by His Majesty’s command, is then set out at length ; after which it is further made known unto this Court that Sir Robert Vyner had acquainted His Majesty that the Wardens intended by a “ticquett”to give notice to all goldsmiths and brokers what counterfeit plate they had taken, whereby to prevent the further growth of so great a fraud, and to give a reward to such as should discover the practisers thereof, with which His Majesty seemed to be well pleased ; whereupon this Court, taking into their serious consideration His Majesty’s great grace and favour conferred on the Wardens of this Company by granting to them his royal Warrant under his signature and Sign Manual, as is above mentioned, it is therefore agreed, and so ordered, that the Wardens for the time being shall show their readiness to observe His Majesty’s commands by putting the same in execution. A list of rewards is then settled, and the “ ticquett ” is set out at length. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 1 68 Court of Wardens, 29th November 1672. — Mr. Warden Gray complains of one Edward JefFeryes, apprentice to Francis Rumney, for speaking reproach- fully of him on the occasion, as he alleges, of his refusing to touch a saltcellar of his master’s make, which was brought to the Hall to be touched before the same was fully finished, contrary to the order of the Company in that behalf ; who (Jefferyes) now appearing, the words he spake are evidenced to him by John Aynge, the weigher ; and the words being a second time repeated, the said Jefferyes acknowledges himself so far guilty that he is very sorrowful for what he had spoken of Mr. Warden Gray ; for which, upon his knees, he craves his pardon ; and although it is tending exceedingly much to the slight of the govern- ment of the Company to have any Warden by any wise in his office so to be reproached, yet, his submission so as aforesaid performed, Mr. Warden Gray as to his particular, together with the other Wardens now present, doth accept thereof upon his, the said Jefferyes, further promising that he will never offend in the like again. 6th April 1673. — This day is received of Mr. Symon Middleton the picture of his deceased father, and worthy benefactor of this Company, Sir Hugh Middleton, Barronett, the same being donne at the charge of the said Mr. Middleton, and by him given to this Company, for that the Court of Assistants did excuse him from the small service of the 3rd and 2nd Warden’s places without paying anything for the same ; on the bottom of which picture in the frame thereof are these words : — In gratam memoriam viri pr^clarissimi Hugonis Middleton, Barronett, hujus SOCIETATIS MEJIBRI ET BENEFACTORIS DIGNISSIMI, AnNO DoMINI 1 644. Court of Assistants, 3rd June 1673. — At this Court Mr. Dickson, one of the churchwardens of St. Mary Woolnoth’s parish, in Lombard Street, makes request that this Company will be pleased to provide Sir Martyn Bowes his banners to be hung up in that Church, it being newly rebuilt, and the old banners burnt and destroyed in the late dismal fire ; which request the Court take into consideration, and being satisfied that the said banners are by Sir Martyn Bowes’s Will to be renewed by this Company once in every seven or eight years, and that none have been there put up or renewed since the year 1662, it is agreed and ordered by this Court that the request be granted, and that Mr. Wardens be entreated to take care to provide the said banners widi all things thereto belonging accordingly. Court of Assistants, 2nd July 1673. — A precept is received from the Lord Mayor directed to the Wardens of this Company thereby acquainting them that his Lordship and the rest of His Majesty’s Justices have appointed to hold, as on this day, the Quarter Sessions at the Guildhall, and from thence to adjourn the same from day to day to the ist of August, as his Lordship and the rest of His Majesty's Justices shall see occasion, to the end that the Wardens and Assistants, and such other members of the said Company as shall think them- MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 169 selves comprised within the late Act of Parliament intituled “ An Act for pre- venting dangers which may happen from Popish Recusants,” may do and perform what is thereby required at the Quarter Sessions ; and being taken into consideration it is thought fit and agreed to leave the same to Mr. Wardens’ directions, who are to do therein as they shall see expedient. Court of Wardens, 4th July 1673. — Mr. Wardens receive another precept from the Lord Mayor, dated the 2nd of this instant, intimating that some of the Judges have declared their opinions that all persons under any degree of trust in any Company or Corporation whatsoever are within the Act intituled “An Act for preventing dangers which may happen from Popish Recusants,” and are obliged to perform what is thereby required ; whereupon Mr. Wardens agree upon a ticquett or note to be printed forthwith and to be delivered by the Beadle to the Assistants and Livery of the Company. Extract from “The London Gazette” dated from Thursday, December 17TH, TO Monday, December 2Ist, 1674. “ Whitehall, December 19th. — His Majesty (Charles 11 .) having been pleased at His Entertainment at Guildhall the 29th of October last, the day when the Right Honourable Sir Robert Viner, Knight and Baronet, took his Oath as Lord Mayor of the City of London, most graciously and freely to condescend to the acceptance of the Freedom of London in the Chamberlain’s Office from the hands of Sir Thomas Player, Chamberlain ; the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons in Common Council unanimously agreed to testify their deepest sense of so unparalleled a Favour and Honour done to the City, beyond the Example of all His Progenitors : And accordingly the Lord Mayor having first obtained His Majesty’s leave, did with the Aldermen and Common Council attend His Majesty yesterday morning in the Banquetting-house, where the said Lord Mayor, Sir Robert Viner, with the Chamberlain kneeling by him, in the name of the City of London did present His Majesty with the Copy of the Freedom of the City, curiously written on vellum and adorned with gilding after the best manner, in a large square box of massy gold, the seal of the said Freedom hanging at it encircled in a box of gold set all over with large diamonds to a considerable value; which His Majesty w'as pleased graciously to accept, with many expres- sions of great kindness to the City ; at which time also the following Address in writing was presented to His Majesty : — “ ‘ To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. “ ‘ We, Your Majesty’s most Loyal and Obedient Subjects, the Mayor, Aider- men, and Commons of the City of London, in Common Council assembled, being truly sensible of the many transcendent favours we have received from Your Majesty, especially in Your late most obliging voluntary condescension in taking upon You the Freedom of Your Royal City of London, by which Your Majesty hath raised up this ancient Corporation to that height of credit which it never yet received from any of Your Majesty’s Royal Ancestors; 170 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “ ‘ Do in the most humble manner prostrate ourselves at Your Majesty’s Royal feet, and there offer up our most dutiful and grateful acknowledgments of that and all other Your Majesty’s Signal and Eminent Acts of Grace and Favour, and this our Solemn Profession, That we shall never be wanting with our Lives and Estates to pay Your Majesty that Love, Honour, Duty, and Service which the most obliged of Subjects ought, and we are possibly able to Evidence.’ ” Court of Assistants, 19th July 1678. — The Court are acquainted that there is a Bill depending in Parliament for the license of Protestant strangers to come from parts beyond the seas, and here to exercise manual occupations without any let or molestation, which, if granted, will very much tend to the prejudice of the natives of the Kingdom, and especial to the artificers of this Company, and it is agreed to oppose the Bill. In 1679 the Company grant the Lord Mayor the use of the Hall during his year of office— he submitting himself to them as to the rent he shall pay for the same — he is charged £250. Subsequently he expresses himself dissatis- fied, and applies for an abatement, but the Company adhere to their former decision. Ultimately, the Lord Mayor (Sir James Edwards) having neglected to pay the rent, a Committee are appointed to wait upon him and demand the same, and they eventually compromise the debt for £145. Court of Assistants, 23rd January 1679. — Mr. Warden Loveday makes known that, the Company being destitute of a lanthorne to hang out at the Hall gate, he himself, without the rest of the Wardens, hath sent the Beadle to Sir Robert Vyner to borrow the glass lanthorne, for the Company’s present service, which he had lent to the late Lord Mayor ; whereunto he (Sir Robert) hath given free consent ; and, withal, if they please to accept of it, he will give it to the Company; which the Court receive kindly from him, and order that Mr. Wardens be entreated to wait upon Sir Robert, and present him with the thanks of the Court. At this Court it is agreed that no use shall be made of the Hall without the leave of the Wardens, and then only upon payment of certain prescribed sums for the poor box. Court of Assistants, i6th July 1680.— The Alderman of this Ward (Aldersgate), his deputy, together with the minister and others of this parish, make known that the church of St. Anne which is by Act of Parliament to be rebuilt, and whereunto this parish is united, is now nearly finished, and that, according to an Order from the Ecclesiastical Court, the Vestry have made a rate upon each inhabitant towards the pewing and beautifying thereof, accord- ing as they are rated to the poor ; of which, according to that rule, this Company’s part or allotment comes to five and forty pounds, to be paid in three years. This demand the Company dispute, and it is ultimately withdrawn, the applicants declaring themselves ready to accept what the Company, in their generosity, will MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 171 give towards so good and pious a work ; whereupon it is agreed that the sum of £20 be given as a free and voluntary gift of the Company. Court of Wardens, 3rd December i68o. — The Beadle of the Company of Fishmongers presents, as from the Wardens of that Company, four yards of scarlet and four yards of black cloth, according to ancient custom, that Company having lately taken in a new Livery (see entry 24//^ May 1682, which shows that this custom was mutual). Court of Assistants, 19th July 1681. — -Valentine Duncomb, having obtained his freedom of the City of London, presents an order from the Court of Aider- men that he be admitted into the freedom of the Company by redemption — after reading which order, the Company summon Mr. Duncomb to their presence, and inform him that, should they think fit to grant him the freedom of the Company, he must pay a fine for his admission, to which he submits ; and it is agreed that he shall present to the Company a piece of plate “such as might be useful and reputable for their service.” He afterwards gives a silver salt weighing 29 oz. 17 dwts., whereon is engraved these words: “The guift of Valentine Duncomb to y Company of Goldsmiths.” Court of Assistants, 30th November 1681. — “ Consideration is had and several persons are examined about the late fire, which demolished the premises belonging to the Deputy Assayer, wherein the fire began, and also those appertaining to the Clerk.” The fire occurred on the 23rd No- vember, and is said elsewhere to have been caused by the carelessness of a servant. There are numerous subsequent entries on the same subject, the damage having been apparently serious. Court of Wardens, 24th May 1682. — The Wardens send Ralph Mannsell, the Beadle, with four yards of scarlet and four yards of black cloth for him to present to the Wardens of the Company of Fishmongers, as of custom upon this Company taking in a new Livery ; upon receipt whereof the Beadle returned the thanks of the Wardens of that Company. Court of Assistants, i6th June 1682. — It is ordered that Lewis Borchere shall be admitted into the freedom of the Company, paying to the Chamberlain of the Corporation for the City’s use, for the provision of coats and badges for the City Watermen, 46^. 8 yy yy 00 18 1 1 1700 >> yy yy 320 1 1 04 1701 yy yy 343 03 06 1702 yy yy yy 352 02 08 1703 yy yy yy 486 1 1 09 1704 yy yy yy 647 10 10 1 70s yy yy yy 783 00 00 1706 yy yy yy 668 16 10 “ ‘ And after serious debate and consideration had how the Companies debts may be reduced, and for the future this annual increase prevented, wee are unanimously of the opinion : — “ ‘ First. That the ffee ffarm rents, whereof there are near 20 years in arrear, computed in the whole at £200, due from the tennants of this Company in Ireland be speedily called for and collected. “‘2ndly. That such tennants of the Company whose leases are within 7 years of expiring may be summoned to renew upon such ffines as shall be agreed on ; the present rents to be reserved. “‘3rdly. That an order of Court be made for the speedy collecting of all quarterage due from the severall members of this Company (the poor only excepted), and that it be from time to time collected, and a particular list of arrears be annually laid before a Court of Assistants, at such time as the auditt of the Wardens’ accompt is reported. “ ‘ 4thly. That an order of Court be made for the Wardens of the Company to put in execution their power and authority in making frequent, impartial, and strict searches and inquiries into the working part of the Mistery of Goldsmiths, which will not only be advantagious to the Company, but also a publick service to the Citizens of London, and others. “ ‘ 5thly. That not above 40^-. be expended at a Court of Wardens, and if, upon any emergency, a greater expence shall be requisite, that such exceeding shall be saved from some subsequent Courts. “ ‘ 6thly. That there be a retrenchment of the charges at the annual visitation of the Company’s almshouses at Woolwich, and no more than twenty pounds allowed to defray both the payments and expenses thereof. 7thly. That it may be earnestly recommended, from time to time, to the Wardens of the Company that they would avoid all unnecessary expenses, and, by a frugal and prudent management of the affairs of the Company, retrench MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 184 those that are necessary, as far as it is consistent with maintaining the honour of the Company, and the discharge of the trust reposed in them. “ ‘ All which wee submit to the consideration of this Court. “ ‘James Hallett, John Eggleton, John Cartlitch, John Sutton, Job Harris, John Rusten, Edward Harrison, Robert Cooper. “ ‘ Dated at Goldsmiths’ Hall, the 29th day of April, Anno Domini 1 708.’ “ Ordered that the said Report bee. confirmed.” On the nth of May 171 1 there is found the Report of another Committee appointed to propose a method for lessening the expenses of the Company, only a short summary of which can be given. The Committee recommend : — 1. That there be no dinners but such as are made at the proper costs and charges of the Renters, one of which is to be on Lord Mayor’s Day, and the other on the 29th of May, on which last day new Wardens are to be chosen, and the dyett is to be tried. 2. That no Wardens, Clerk, Beadle, or member of the Company expend any money belonging to the Company at any meeting whatso- ever. 3. That no more shall be expended at the visitation of Sir Martin Bowes’s almshouses at Woolwich than 1 3J. 4d., and £3 on Sir Martin Bowes’s Day. 4. That the cakes to be provided on the 29th of May shall not exceed 50 dozen, a,nd the wine 16 gallons. Every Assistant to have 6 cakes, and every Liveryman 4 cakes. 5. That the cakes to be provided on the 29th of October shall not exceed twenty pounds in weight, and the wine 6 gallons. That no cakes be given on that day but to those who go in the barge ; that the charge of music for that day shall not exceed £3 4^. 6d. ; and that the allowance for ribbons, staves, and cupps shall not exceed £7 los. and loj'. respectively. 6. That on the 5th of November, or any other thanksgiving- day that shall happen, “ it will be taken kind of those that will appear and club for their dinner.” 7. That sorne advantage ought to be taken by letting the Hall, and that the Assay Office should bear its own charge. 8. That no Lord Mayor shall have pageants at the public charge of the Company, “ On the same date it is ordered that the Wardens put as much of the Com- pany’s plate into the Classis Lottery as they shall think fitt.” PLATEAU MANUFACTURED (1834) TO RECEIVE THE ANTIQUE SALTS BELONGING TO THE COMPANY. ;* ■ r - u-v;:;'-;;: -::-i V 'i V']; ;•■■■ " -V '■ '' • , MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 185 Court of Wardens, 26th May 1711. — “At this time Mr. Harrison delivered to Mr. Grammer the following- peices of plate, vizt. : — oz. dwts. “ One bason and ewer of the guift of Francis Allen Esqre., weighing- . _ . _ . One bason of the guift of Sir Thomas Viner, Knt. and Bart. One ewer of the guift of Mr. John Portman One cup matted without a cover of the guift of Cardinall Orme ------ One dozen ^ spoons - - - - - One silver tankard of the guift of Mr. Stephen Vennables , - - - - One silver tankard of the guift of Mr. Jno. Sealy One cup and cover of the guift of Mr. Samll. Tookey - One scroll salt of the guift of Stephen Thornly, Esquire One silver flaggon of the guift of Wm. Hall One paire of silver flaggons of the guift of Sir Jeremy Snow, Knt. and Barronett - - - One silver flagon of the guift of Robt. Blanchard, Esqre. One scroll salt of the guift of Valentine Duncomb One salver of the guift of Mr. John Cully One pipe pan of the guift of Mr. Nathaniel Stone One scroll salt of the guift of Mounsier Louis Berchere One paire of flaggons of the guift of Sir Hugh Middleton, Bart. - - - - - One tankard of the guift of the Company of Clock- makers ------ One bason and ewer of the guift of John Smith, Esq. - Three candlesticks of the guift of Mrs. Tempest Two menteths of the guift of Sir Thomas Cook, Knt. and Alderman - - - - - Two salvers of his guift - - - . Thirty-one forks of his guift - - - - Two snuffer panns of his guift - - - - Two pair of snuffers of his guift - - - One dozen of trencher salts of his guift One candlestick of the guift of Mr. Robt. Fowle, senr. - Three chased bowles guilt - - - - “ Which plate had the following inscriptions, vizt. : — “ ‘ Ex dono Gulielmi Hall hujus societatis membri & benigni benefactoris. Anno Domini 1680.’ “ ‘ Ex dono Jeremie Snow miles (sic) & Barronetti, Anno Domini 1680.’ loS 01 71 oo| 30 17 36 03 38 02 36 01 30 01 30 01 35 05 99 18 103 07 107, 05 29 17 39 15 31 09^ 36 01 229 12 35 05 139 12 103 00 119 02 71 01 52 01 36 02 9 12 24 06 34 10 59 i 00 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 1 86 “ ‘ Ex dono Roberti Blanchard Armiger {sic) Primarij Custodis sive Guardian! hujus societatis & benign! benefactoris, Anno Domini i68i.’ “ ‘ Ex dono Johannis Sealy, 1676.’ “ ‘ Ex dono Johannis Tookie.’ “ ‘ The guift of Cardinall Orme, Citizen and Goldsmith of London, Anno Domini 1671.’ “ ‘ The guift of Stephen Vennables the 15th September 1674.’ “ ‘ The guift of Thos. Chambers to the Worpll. Company of Goldsmiths.’ “ ‘ The guift of Sir Thomas Viner, Knt. and Barrt., Lord Mayor, Anno Domini 1653.’ “ ‘ The guift of Louis Berchere for his admittance into the freedom of this Company by redemption.’ “ ‘ The guift of Valentine Duncomb to the Company of Goldsmiths the 7th October 1681.’ “ ‘ The guift of Stephen Thornly, Esqre.’ “ ‘ The guift of Mr. John Portman, Goldsmith, October 30th 1671.’ “ ‘ The guift of Mrs. Mary Tempest, relict of Mr. Robt. Tempest, Citizen and Goldsmith of London.’ “ ‘ The guift of Mr. Nathll. Stone for his admittance into the freedom of this Company by redemption.’ “ ‘ The guift of Sir Thomas Cook, Knt. and Alderman, 1692.’ “ ‘ The guift of Mr. John Cully to the Worpll. Company of Goldsmiths, 26th Octr. 1681, wt. 40 oz.’ “ ‘ The guift of Mr. Robt. Fowle, senr., for being excused Prime Warden of the said Company for the year 1690.’ ” Court of Assistants, 19th July 1711. — “ Mr. Grammer acquainted this Court that he had paid into the Mint for this Company’s use the sum of £482 lys. lod., for which he had received twenty tickets in the Classis Lottery, and desired this Court w’ould dispose of them as they thought fitting ; whereupon they took the numbers of the ticketts, being No. 8,71 1 to 8,730 inclusive, which, being sealed up, were delivered to Mr. Grammer by Mr. Warden Harris, and this Court returned him their hearty thanks for his prudent management thereof. Ordered that none of the tickets be disposed of till the Lottery be drawn.” Court of Assistants, nth December 1711. — “ Severall working goldsmiths delivered the following Petition, vizt. : — “ ‘ TO THE WORSHIPFULL THE MASTER, WARDENS, and ASSISTANTS, of the WORSHIPFULL COMPANY OF GOLDSMITHS, LONDON. “ ‘ The Case of the Members of the said Company, whose names are hereunto subscribed, humbly represented; — “ ‘ THAT partly by the generall decay of trade, and other ways by the' intrusion of forreigners, severall of the workmen of the said Company have for MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 187 the supporte of their familys been put under the force of underworking' each other, to the perfect beggary of the trade, and at length under the necessity of loading their worke with unnecessary quantitys of sother, to the wrong and pre- judice of the buyer, and the great discreditt of the English workmen. “ ‘ That they at present labour under other difFicultys, that is the excessive advance upon the price of the respective commodities used in the trade as coals, borax, argill (potter’s clay), salt peter, sandiford (glass-gall), iron wire, potts, files, etc. “ ‘ That by the admittance of the necessitous strangers, whose desperate fortunes obliged them to worke at miserable rates, the representing members have been forced to bestow much more time and labour in working up their plate than hath been the practice of former times, when prices of workmanship were much greater. “ ‘ That the said members will cheerfully obey your Worshipps’ latest direc- tions relating to the reforming abuses committed in charging plate with excessive quantitys of sother, and in all other matters and things which may tend to the reputation and creditt of the plate trade. “ ‘ And that they may be enabled to support their familys in a moderate way, and not become burthensome to the Company, they humbly pray, that under favour and countenance of your Worshipps, they may be permitted to convene, and meet together at proper seasons, to concert and enter upon such methods and measures for the advancing the price and fashion of plate, and reforming some irregular abuses committed among themselves, as your Worshipps shall think expedient.’ ” The following entries relative to the proposed settlement by the Company of all their property in London for the benefit of their Charities and Creditors are of much interest. Committee, pth January 1712. — “ This day the Committee proeeeded to consider of their former resolution of making a Deed of Settlement of the Com- pany’s estate in Trustees. “ ‘ Resolved that the same be made of all their lands and tenements in London (excepting such as are already settled in Trustees for distinct and sepa- rate Charities). “ ‘ Resolved that such settlement be in trust in the first place for payment of all such Charities payable by the Company for which no particular estate is yet settled. “ ‘ 2ndly. For payments of all Annuities which shall become due and payable by Bonds under ye Comon Seale at £10 per cent, per ann. during the lives of the severall obligees, or their nominees, pursuant to the conditions of such Bonds. “ ‘ 3rdly. For payment of all interest moneys which shall become due by virtue of any other Bonds under the Comon Seale at ye rate of £5 per cent, per ann.’ “ Ordered yt Humfry Hetherington prepare the draught of the said Deed against the next Court of Assistants (if possible), which is now ordered to be i88 MEMORIALS OF TILE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. summoned for next Tuesday, and that in the meantime he endeavour to get a copy of the Deed of Settlement made by the Haberdashers’ Company ; and the said H. H. being now sent for by ye Lord Mayor, ordered yt the said H. Hetherington do inform himself if his Lordshipp be at leisure, yt the Committee may acquaint his Lordshipp with the said resolutions ; after which the said H. H., returneing, acquainted the Committee yt his Lordshipp would not be at leisure this evening. “ Ordered yt the said H. H. do wait on his Lordshipp and inform him of the said resolutions, and desire his Lordshipp’s opinion therein. “ Ordered that Mr. Foxall make out a list of the names of this Company’s creditors, the penal sumes, and the dates of the several Bonds. “ That an account be made out of the number of the Company’s houses in London, the parishes they lie in, and what charities and quit-rents are payable out of the same, in order to their being incerted in the said Deed of Settlement, if needful. “ Ordered yt the counterpart of the Company’s Settlement of their Hall, and all other writings and books relating to ye Company, be brought into the closett up the back stairs within ye old Court Room. “ Ordered that Humfry Hetherington, the Clerke attending this Committee, do advise with Mr. Major and the Comon Sergeant about the Deed of Settle- ment which he hath drawn of this Company’s estate in London. “ After which the said H. H. acquainted the Committee yt he had waited upon the Right Honble. Sir Richard Hoare, Knt., Lord Mayor of this City, and a member of this Company, and had made known to his Lordshipp the resolutions of this Committee in relation to the settlement to be made in Trustees of the Com- pany’s estate, and that his Lordshipp declared that he did intirely agree with the Committee therein, and was of opinion that it should be forthwith set about, and be settled with the advice of able councell.” Court of Assistants, 13th January 1712 — “ On a report made by the Com- mittee for Accompts that they were of opinion that it would be necessary for the Company to make a settlement on Trustees of all their lands and tenements in London (except such as are already settled) for payment of Charities, Annuities, and interest, and yt the Lord Mayor did agree with them in the said opinion, ordered (nemine contradicente) yt the said Committee do by advice of counsel prepare the same.” 19th January 1712. — “This day Mr. Warden Ruslen, Mr. Deputy Eggleton, and Mr. Timbrell met and waited on Mr. Comon Sergt. to know his opinion of the draught of the Settlement of the Company’s estate, which H. Hetherington left with him last Saturday by order of the Committee ; and having heard Mr. Comon Sergt.’s opinion thereon, and asked him severall questions relating to this Company, and their present circumstances, resolved yt Mr. Wardens be desired to summon a Court of Assistants to meet next Wednes- day in order to communicate the same to them, and to desire their further directions in so weighty and difficult an affair.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 189 Court of Assistants, 21st January i7!2. — “On a report of the Committee for Accompts that they had advised with the Common Sergeant, Mr. Dee, about the Deed of Settlement of this Company’s estates, and yt he was somewhat doubtful whether such Settlement would secure the same from their hasty creditors, ordered that it be intirely left to the care of the said Committee, and that they advise with other councell about the same.” Committee, 2nd February 1712. — “ After the departure of Mr. Secondary, Mr. Eggleton and Mr. Hosier acquainted the Committee that they had waited on the Recorder with the draught of the Settlement, and had had an opportunity of discoursing with him above an hour, who several times commended the honest intention of the Company, and told them that he could not say positively that the Deed would be valid, but that he could see no reason why any jury should call it fraudulent, it being a conveyance of their whole estate for ye payment of their just debts. But that he could not advise ye Company wholly to divest themselves, and part with their estate into ye hands of Trustees, who would likewise meet with great difficulties in performing the trusts; nor could he advise them to any other method but only to send for all their creditors ; yet after several questions asked, and methods proposed, he advised them to mortgage their estate for £500, which sume any creditor that now sues them would be obliged to pay off before he could levy his own debt. Then Mr. Hosier and Mr. Eggleton asking him why they might not mortgage for a greater sume ; and, if a mortgage would do, why they might not mortgage to such obligees as had annuities payable to them, and who had given ye Company valuable considerations for ye same, he seemed unwilling to declare his opinion therein for some time, but at last did tell them they might charge their estate with the payment of the said annuities^ and yt the same might be done by way of mortgage for a term of years, and would for that time, or untill the said annuities were paid off, secure the estate against any judgements, saving only yt the overplus of the profitts (if any such there were) would be liable to such judgements. But that the only objection yt he could think of was that it would be dealing unfairly with ye rest of their creditors; but Mr. Hosier and Mr. Eggleton satisfied him of the contrary, by acquainting him what reserves would be made for the other creditors ; he then discoursed with them more freely and directed what methods the same should be done in, and it was now ordered that H. Hetherington do forthwith make such alterations in ye draught, and leave out ye Irish estate, and that he then wait upon the Recorder again with the same.” Court of Assistants, 20th February 1712. — “A Deed of Mortgage of all this Company’s lands and tenements in London in trust for payment of Charities and Annuities was read, and approved of by this Court ; and it being moved what term of years the same should be made for, 3 terms were nominated, vizt., 10, 15, 20 years. Ordered that the same be made for the term of fifteen years from this day, and that Joseph Major, Edw^ard Hulse, Joseph Dovee, John Partington, Wm. Andrews, Thomas Rivet, and John Meakins bee named Trustees therein ; MEAIORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 190 which being done (sitting this Court) the Common Seal was then affixed to the said Deed in the presence of the whole Court.” Committee, 39th April S713.— “Mr. Secondary Turton appeared and acquainted the Committee that he had received a fieri facias against the Company at the suit of Mr. Pestell, and desired the Committee to give him security to return nulla hona thereon. The Committee acquainted him that the Company had sometime since settled their Hall and lands for payment of Charities and Annuities, and mortgaged all their goods for the full value, and that they did not think it proper for the Company to give any bond or security, as desired ; but thanked him for his kindness and trouble which he had already shewn and undergone on the account of the Company, and that they would represent it to a Court of Assistants, and gratifie himself, and also Mr. Se- condary Benson, for the same; and that he should hear further thereof by H. Hetherington.” Court of Assistants, 21st May 1713. — The report of the Committee which had been sometime previously appointed for “ examining the accounts and inspecting and regulating all affairs of the Company ” is read. The Committee report that the affairs of the Company began to decline about the year 1683, at which date the Company had a sufficient fund to satisfy all their debts ; but that, since that date, the principal debt of the Company had been advanced to £18,120 — the considerations for Annuities amounting to £9,460, and that there was a further sum of £800 for book debts, while several of the Charities were in arrear to a considerable sum. The Committee also find that the yearly receipts of the Company are about £2,206 i2j., and that they pay yearly for interest and Annuities £1,852, for Salaries £150 1 3^. 4^/., and for Charities, etc., £1, 199 i ']s. 2d. ; so that the total of their payments is about £3,202 ioj. 6 d., which exceeds their receipts by about £995 i8j. (>d. The greatest part of the Company’s debts con- sists of moneys borrowed upon Bonds under the Common Seal of the Company. The Committee conclude their report in these words : — “ We conclude all with acquainting this Court that these matters being of the highest importance to this Company it is our opinion that they have now an opportunity offered of redressing the evils and preventing the entire mine and destruction of the Company, which, if neglected or delayed, wee have just reason to fear will hereafter prove irretreivable. All this we humbly submit to the con- sideration and wisdom of this Court. “ Dated the 20th day of May 1713.” Committee, 7th April 1714. — “ It appearing to the Committee yt the servants of the Lord Mayor have indangered the Hall by sticking candles with clay against the wainscott in ye Company’s present Court Room up one pair of stairs backwards, wffien they had the use of the same ye last Easter hollidays, it is ordered yt his Lordshipp be acquainted therewith, and that so soon as the Clerk have any moneys in his hands, he do insure £1,000, or £1,500, on the same, for ye use of ye Company.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. I91 Committee, 30th June 1714. — “Mr. Chairman acquainted the Committee that he had received £100 of the present Lord Mayor in part for rent of the Hall. Whereupon Mr. Wardens were desired by the Committee to pay the same in discharge of the Charities for which the Hall is settled, so far as the same will extend at 15^. per pound.” Committee, i8th August 1714. — “ Mr. Mathew Cuthbert, Mr. Wm. Keate, Mr. Sami. Hood, Mr. Joseph Ward, senr., and Mr. Joshua Redshaw severally appeared, and were made acquainted by the Committee that, by virtue of a late order of a Court of Assistants, they might now be excused from the office of Renter on payment of £25 each, if paid before Michaelmas Day next. But they refused to accept thereof, making frivolous e.xcuses, and at last every one of them promised to serve the said office when it came to their turns ; and it appeared to ye Committee yt they were in a confederacy together, having been some time at the Fountain Tavern, and did not come till after candle light, and when the Committee had twice sent for them.” Court of Assistants, 27th August 1714. — After which is read a precept from the Lord Mayor requiring this Company (amongst the rest) to make preparations for the reception of His Majesty (George L), if he shall pass through the City ; which being taken into consideration, and it being put to the vote, it is ordered that stands be set up at the proper charge of the Company ; that the streamers and fflags be carried out pursuant to ye precept on this extra- ordinary occasion, and that a summons be printed ; but yt this order shall not be drawn into precedent for the future. And it is further ordered that there shall not be any wine or cakes provided by the Company, but that the Beadle shall wait on the members, and take 2s. 6 d. from each of them to clubb for a dinner ; and that none but members be admitted into the stands, and such only as have their gowns on, except by the special licence of Mr. Wardens. And it is referred to the Committee for Accompts to agree for the stands. Court of Assistants, 30th May 1715. — After which is read the General State of this Company for the present year, pursuant to the directions of the said Committee, vizt. : — “ RECEIPTS. Total of the rents yearly (taxes deducted at 2 s. £ s. d. per £) amount to about . . - 1,000 00 00 Of apprentices and freemen ... 35 00 00 Ffor quarteridge .... 50 00 00 Goldsmiths’ Hall in Ireland ... 200 00 00 The ffishery there .... 200 00 00 The fifee ffarmes .... 8 00 00 Diet silver ..... SO 00 00 Mr. Ashe’s estate (taxes deducted) 25 04 00 Sir Thomas Ffowle’s (taxes deducted) 9 00 00 192 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. £ s. d. Mr. Fenner’s (taxes deducted) - - 22 18 04 Sir Hugh Middleton’s . - - - 200 00 00 Mr. Morrell’s estate at East Ham - 45 00 00 At Mark Lane - - - - - 36 00 00 In Threadneedle Street - - - - 85 10 00 In Mugwell Street ... - 10 16 00 In the Postern - - - - - 48 04 00 Esquire Perrin’s estate (taxes deducted) - - 162 00 00 Mr. Strelley’s - - . - - 55 00 00 Sir John Wollaston’s - . _ - 15 00 04 Mr. Cheney’s - - - - - 4 00 00 By the new duty laid on gold work brou ight to the Hall to be assayed and touch’t this yeare about ... - 22 00 00 Totall - 2,283 12 08 Md. Course Wares. Interest of Classis Tickets. “ PAYMENTS. £ s. d. “ For interest of £17,420 at £5 per 1 centum per annum ... - 871 00 00 Annuities for the sume of £8,960 at £10 per cent. per annum ... - 896 00 00 Quit-rents as in the last year’s Accompt - - 17 17 08 Salaries, and to almsmen, and for Sir Martin Bowes’s gifts as in the last year - 281 07 03 Charities ot Mr. Ash, Sir Thomas Ffowle, Mr. Fenner, Sir Hugh Middleton, Mr. Morrell, Esquire Perrin, Mr. Strelley, Sir John Wollaston ; as also payments to the Armorers’ Company, to the printer, and for cakes and wine on Quarter-day as in last year’s Accompt - - . - Allowance to the Beadle for collecting quarteridge, being about £16 13J. \d., is by order of the Committee not to be allowed. But £6 1 3r. 4d. is to be added to make his salary £20 per annum . - _ Totall of Payments Totall of Receipts - Payments exceed the Receipts about - 506 09 o 7 i 6 13 04 2,579 07 10] 1 ro 00 12 08 0,295 15 02J- MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 193 Besides small charities charged on Goldsmiths’ Hall and repairs of houses and salary to the Clerks — £ j. d. Payments exceed the Receipts in the year 1714 - - - 393 14 08 Payments exceed the Receipts in the year 1713 - - - 995 18 06 Committee, 22nd January 1717. — “The Committee afterwards discourst about the letting of the Hall for funeralls, and ordered yt for the future the Clerk do let the same at least at the several rates or prices following, vizt. : £10, £7 lOJ., or £5, in proportion to the time and trouble; the said moneys to be brought to accompt for the money Charities, for payment whereof the Hall is settled in Trustees ; and it is further ordered yt noe member of this Company whatsoever shall have, or receive, any proffit or advantage whatsoever by letting of the said Hall for any ffunerall.’’ Court of Assistants, loth February 1717. — “After which was read the Order following, vizt. : — “ ‘Die Mercurij quinto Ffebruarij 1717. “ ‘ Ordered by the Lords’ Committee appointed to consider of proper heads for a Bill to be brought into this House for the more effectual! preventing the melting down of the coins of this Kingdom, and to prepare a Bill for making the silver plate of the same finenesse with the current coin of this Kingdom, that the Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company do attend the said Committee on Ffryday morning next. “ ‘ Wm. Cowpek, Clk. Pari.' “The officer, who carries the Order for the Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company to attend, is to intimate to them yt if they have any persons who can give the Committee any information touching the matter to them referred they may bring them to be in a readiness to be heard, if the Committee thinks proper.’’ After reading whereof, it is ordered that so soon as any Bill shall be brought into either House relating to the coine or plate, Mr. Wardens be desired to take a copy thereof for this Company. Committee, i6th September 1717. — Mr. Long appearing before ye Com- mittee, and desiring to be called on the Livery, excused Renter, and admitted into the Court of Assistants, offers only £33 6 j. ^d. for ye same, he being told by Mr. Gramer yt there hath been a person admitted for yt money ; and yt he would accept on no other terms, but yt if the Company would have him come on the Livery they must force him thereto. Resolved (nemine contradicente) yt his offer be entirely rejected, and yt as to calling on the Livery him, and some others who insist on the like terms, this Committee will take a proper time to consider thereof. S 4021. N 194 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Court of Wardens, 28th October 1717. — Then this Court agree to go to St. Mary Woolnoth’s church, in Lombard Street, on Tuesday, 12th November next, pursuant to Sir Martin Bowes’s Will, and order the following members to be invited to go with them to church, and after to dine with them at the Hall, vizL : Mr. Egleton, Mr. Westfield, Mr. John Cooper, Mr. Hudson, Mr. Arton, Mr. Snell, Mr. Coler, Mr. Bach, Mr. Atwill, Mr. Lemunas, Mr. Thos. White, Mr. Marlow, Mr. Pine, and Mr. Renters. “ Sir Martin Bowes’s Gifts to St. Mary Woolnoth’s. To the Minister for a Sermon (6j. 8(/. £ s. d. per Will), but is paid To the Poor there 02 00 00 Ffor Wood and Coals 03 00 00 To ye Churchwardens for a Pota- tion ... 00 09 00 Tolling the Bell ... 00 00 08 To 12 Almesmen at Goldsmiths’ Hall 4J. To 4 Wardens present - 00 05 04 To 12 Assistants - 00 12 00 To the 2 Renters - 00 04 00 To the Clerk and Beadle - 00 01 04 01 02 08 Ffor three Messes of Meat - 03 00 00 £ s. d. 00 10 09 05 09 08 06 00 05 00 04 00 04 02 08 Totall - 10 07 01 “ The Bill of Fare. £ j. d. “ 3 Dishes of boyld Ffowles and Bacon, with Oyster Sauce (2 in a dish) - - - 01 00 00 Two Turkeys and Chines - - - 01 00 00 Two Marrow Puddings - - - 00 10 00 02 10 00 01 12 08 04 02 oS MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 19s £ s. . d. 3 Galls. Red and one Gall, white wine - 01 04 00 And more a pint _ . . . 00 01 00 Beer, Linen, Knives, Forks, Plates . 00 00 00 Bread and Apples ... - 00 02 06 Almesmen more ... . 00 02 00 Lemons and Sugar, &c. - 00 02 06 Servants and Dish-washers - 00 02 00 01 14 00 Committee, 7th January 1718. — Ordered yt the Clerk deliver Mr. Shales an accompt of all plate markt at Goldsmiths’ Hall for five years, which he accordingly sends forthwith to Mr. Shales, vizt. : — Lbs. oz. dwts. grs, “From 29th May 1713 to 29th May 1714 50,197 10 0 12 >> jf yy 171S 51,537 I 9 12 yy yy yy 1716 51,649 0 15 0 yy yy yy 1717 50,898 3 6 0 yy yy yy 1718 52,84s 10 2 12 29th May 1718. — “ RECEIPTS YEARLY. £ s. d. “ The Totall of the Rentall (including ye advanced rents of Mrs. Freeman and Mr. Crouch at about £80 and taxes deducted at 3^. per £) 1,128 03 04 For 78 Apprentices at 4.S. each - - - 15 12 00 For 44 Freemen at 8^. each - - 17 12 00 For Quarteridge collected, about - - 80 00 00 Goldsmiths’ Hall, Ireland - - 200 00 00 The ffishery there - - 125 00 00 Fee Farmes ... - - 9 00 00 Mr. Ashe’s estate (taxes deducted at 3J. per £) - 23 16 00 Sir Thomas Ffowle’s - - 8 10 00 Mr. Jenner’s ... - - 22 03 04 Sir Hugh Middleton’s - - 200 00 00 Mr. Morrell’s lands at East Ham - - 42 10 00 Do., in Mark Lane . - - - 34 00 00 Do., in Threadneedle Street - - 46 15 00 Do., in Monckwell Street - - 10 04 00 Do., in Ffore Street - - 45 00 00 Esquire Perrin’s estate at Acton - - - 153 00 00 Mr. Strelley’s lands - - 55 00 00 N 2 196 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. £ s. d. Sir John Woollaston’s - - - . 14 03 04 Mr. Cheney’s ----- 3 15 00 2,234 04 00 Receipts from ye Assay Office, as per other side leafe - . - . _ 470 12 03 For coarse wares . - . . 82 06 00 Subscribed Annuities at ye Bank yearly, about - 36 10 09 Total of Receipts yearly 2,823 12 00 “ PAYMENTS YEARLY. £ j. d. “ Paid interest for £i 5,720 on Bonds at £5 per cent. per annum - . - - 786 00 00 Annuities for £7,810 at £10 per cent, per annum 781 00 00 Salary to the Clerk, £100; to the Beadle, £20 - 120 00 00 Payments on account of the Assay Office, as per last leafe - - - . 450 00 00 Schoolmasters’ Wages, Almesdeeds, St. Mary Woolnoth’s Woolwich expenses, Pensions to Almesmen and Almeswomen (taxes being deducted thereout at 3^. per pound) 102 00 00 Assessments on Goldsmiths’ Hall, at about IIS 00 00 Mr. Ashe’s Gift, £17 ; Sir Thomas Ffowle’s, £8 lox. 25 10 00 Mr. Jenner’s Gift, £16 ioj-.; Sir Hugh Middleton’s, £200 ----- 216 10 00 Mr. Morrell’s Gift, £75 ; Mr. Perryn’s, £95 170 00 00 Mr. Strelley’s, £55 ; and Sir JohnWoollaston’s, £14 69 00 00 Armorers' Company, £4 ; Printer’s Bill, £6 10 00 00 Cakes and brewed Wine - - - 9 00 00 Totall of Payments 2,854 00 00 Totall of Receipts 2,823 12 00 Payments exceed Receipts 0,030 08 00 Besides moneys Charities charged on Goldsmiths’ Hall and repairs of houses, &c. — £ S. d. Payments exceed Receipts in the year 1717 273 08 10 M „ „ 1716 188 IS 06 » ,, » 171S 295 IS 0 10 » ,, 1714 393 14 08 » M 17^3 995 iS 06 ” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 197 Committee, iith January 1720. — "Mr. Deputy Egelton acquainted the Committee yt Mr. Hudson, Mr. Cartlitch, and himself went on Thursday last, in the evening, to Garroway’s coffee-house (being a 2nd appointment) to meet with the Committee of the Skinners' Company, but that, only Mr. Myers and the Clerk of the Skinners’ appearing, they could not come to a final agreement about the accompt betwixt the two Companys. They did, however, read over the accompt, and former objections made by the Skinners’ Company and this Company’s answers thereto, and the balance due to the Goldsmiths’ being upwards of £100, for which the Skinners' had formerly offer’d about £80, and the Goldsmiths’ demanded £100; which being a year since, Mr. Egelton insisted that the Goldsmiths’ ought now to abate nothing of £105 ; Mr. Myers did on behalf of the Skinners’ promise yt he would endeavour to prevail with them to give £90, and at last Mr. Hudson, being desired to mediate, there being but one Skinner and three Goldsmiths present, he proposed that the Goldsmiths’ should accept £95, to which Mr. Cartlitch agreed (only Mr. Egelton disagreed, and insisted upon £100 at least to be paid to ye Goldsmiths’). Mr. Myers and the Clerk of the Skinners’ seemed well satisfied with the proposal of £95, but said they must get the approbation of the Company, which Mr. Myers again promist to do, and that then the money should be paid without giving the Committees the trouble of any further meetings.” Committee, ist March 1720. — "The Clerk acquainted the Committee yt he had seen Mr. Myers, a member of the Skinners' Committee, who ac- quainted him yt there had lately been a Court of Assistants at Skinners’ Hall, and that it was then agreed to pay this Company ninety-five pounds, in full of their account, on sealing Releases betwixt the two Companies, and on the sealing of a Declaration of Trust from this Company to the Skin- ners’ as to a moiety of the house and bargehouse at Lambeth, and the term and interest therein ; to which this Committee agreed, and ordered the Clerk forthwith to draw the same, and settle ym with the Clerk of the Skinners’ Company.” Court of Assistants, i6th April 1720. — “The Bill brought into the House of Commons for laying a duty on plate, and reducing the standard, was read, and it being moved that the entry and proceedings of the Court of Assistants of the 9th of February last might be read, the same was also read. Ordered that Mr. Joseph Marlowe and Mr. Reynolds be added to the Committee then appointed, and that the said Committee may advise with and call to their assist- ance such persons as they may think proper, in order to draw up Reasons against the said Bill, and may likewise consult with council thereon, and that the charge and expence thereof be borne by this Company. And it is further ordered that a Court of Assistants be summoned again on Friday morning next. The Clerk also read a draught of a Petition from the Company to the House of Commons, which is to be considered of.” Court of Assistants, 19th May 1720. — It being" moved that the Court may have some account of the present posture of their affairs, and how the same hath improved, and been amended, for the last seven years, the Clerk acquaints the Court that he hath already prepared and drawn out the same against the 29th instant; which account he now reads, and is -ordered to enter in the Company’s Court Book, being as follows ; — 198 MEMORIALS OL THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. o Q ON •a a, St o ON O ■XJ § o n 52 C CJ .0 o, ’« & ^ Q -S a a ■ o U St S " u c 3 o •s| © crt o >> ^ Q- T3 O 3 & S ^ fl .2 G § u c3 a £ O to U S o w >> *0 fl o o CJ p ^3 O :r o o to - E « (-1 3 3 C-^-O ^ t— I 1) CO t- On H 00 Tt- MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 199 With which accompt the Court being well satisfied, and having likewise seen the new rentall settled to Lady Day last, and an account of the Company’s bond debts and annuities, it is ordered that the Clerk withdraw ; after which it is moved that, in consideration of his labour and industry, he shall have a yearly salary settled on him, as the other officers of this Company have. It is thereupon put to the vote, and unanimously agreed, that Humfrey Hetherington, this Companies present Clerk, have paid unto him one hundred pounds for a year’s salary ending at Lady Day last, and that he have the like salary for the future, to be paid him quarterly, as the other officers’ salaries are. “ After which the Court take into consideration ye extraordinary service of the Clerk in the year last past, in fixing marks on all the Companies houses, and drawing Reasons against the Plate Bill, and attending thereon ; and several sumes being nominated, it is ordered that the Clerk have paid unto him the sume of fforty pounds, as this Companies free gift, or gratuity, for the year last past ; who, being called into Court and acquainted therewith, returns his humble thanks to the Court for their many favours and kindness towards him, both now and heretofore.” Court of Assistants, ist June 1720. — The following account is pre- sented : — ” RECEIPTS YEARLY. £ s. d. ” Total of ye Rentall, taxes ded'^ at 3^. per £ - 1,509 01 10 Fifty-four Apprentices at 4^. each - - 10 16 00 Ffifty-five freemen at 8 j. each - - 22 00 00 Quarteridge collected - - 60 00 00 Ireland lands ... - - 200 00 00 Ffee ffarmes, clear - - 9 00 00 Ffishery there - - - - - ISO 00 00 Mr. Ashe’s estate (taxes deducted at 3^. per £) - 23 13 04 Sir Thomas Ffowle’s Gift - - 8 10 00 Mr. Fenner’s Gift - - 22 03 04 Sir Hugh Middleton’s Gift - - 200 00 00 Mr. Morrell’s at East Ham - - 42 10 00 Do., in Mark Lane - - 34 00 00 Do., in Threadneedle Street - - 46 15 00 Do., in Basing Hall Postern (expired at Lady Day) - - 00 00 00 Do., in Mugwell Street - - - 10 04 00 Esqre. Perrin’s estate at Acton - - - 153 00 00 Mr. Strelley’s estate in Derbyshire - - 55 00 00 Sir John Woollaston’s - - 14 03 04 Mr. Cheney’s - - . - - 3 IS 00 2,574 1 1 10 200 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Proffitts by coarse wares, &c., from ye Assay £ s. d. Office this year, as per fol. 65 - - IIS 12 02 The total of Receipts 2,690 04 00 Total of Payments - 2,356 09 00 Receipts exceed Payments (see the other side) - 333 IS 00 “ PAYMENTS. £ s. d. “ Interest of £15,970 at £5 per cent, per ann. 798 10 00 Annuities for £7,310 at £10 per cent, per ann. - 731 00 00 Sallaries and Schoolmasters’ Wages 145 10 00 Quit-rents, taxes deducted (as last year) - 17 01 06 Sir Martin Bowes’s Gifts, Lady Reade 31 09 00 Almesmen’s Pensions - - . - Assessments on the Hall (but now let to ye 57 04 00 Lord Mayor) .... 53 IS 06 Mr. Ashe’s Gift (taxes deducted) 17 00 00 Mr. Cheyne’s Gift .... 3 15 00 Sir Thomas Ffowle’s ... - 8 10 00 Mr. Fenner’s - . - - . 16 10 00 Sir Hugh Middleton’s . - - . 200 00 00 Mr. Morrell’s Legacies - - - - 72 18 00 Mr. Perrin’s . - . . . 99 00 00 Mr. Strelley’s ----- 55 00 00 Sir John Woollaston’s - - - - 14 00 00 Armorers’ Company, £4 ; Beadle, Grat., £6 6s. - 10 06 00 Printer’s Bills, £16; Cakes and Wine, £9 15 00 00 Cakes and Wine - - - - 10 00 00 2,356 09 00 “ Note. — In the above account for payments are not included money Charities which are charged on Goldsmiths’ Hall ; and also workmen’s bills for repairs, which this year came to above seven hundred pounds.” Court of Assistants, 4th October 1721. — “Then this Court proceeded to the election of one other person to serve the said office of Renter in the room of the said Mr. Read; and, Mr. Wm. Ffawdrey and Mr. Maurice Boheme being in nomination, it being put to the vote which of them should be elected to hold the said office of Renter, it appeared that the said Mr. Wm. Ffawdrey was thereunto duly elected ; and Mr. Thomas Taylor, who was elected at the last Court, as also the said Mr. Ffawdrey being now present, took and had administered unto them the Renter’s oath for the due execution of that office. After which Mr. Wardens acquainted them yt it was expected that they should, as usual, provide at their MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY, 201 own chargfe two dynners ; one for the Assistants and Liveiy on or about Lord Mayor’s Day, but, it being uncertain whether the Company would have the use of Goldsmiths’ Hall on that day, or not, for that the present Lord Mayor inhabits the same, and for that Sir Wm. Stewart, Lord Mayor elect, and a member of this Company, is to have the same for the year ensuing, Mr. Wardens directed the said dinner to be at the ‘ Horn ’ Tavern, in Ffleet Street (the present occupyer whereof is immediate tennant to this Company), but promist to give them more particular directions in a day or two ; and the other of the said dynners to be about May next for the Court of Assistants ; as also that they were to make the usual allowances to the officers of this Company. With which matters they not seeming fully satisfied, ye Court ordered the Clerk to read a president of the 26th day of October 1665, and offered to show them several other presidents, both before and since, but they then seemed satisfied therewith.” “ The Master received a letter from Sir Wm. Stewart, Lord Mayor elect, desiring him to acquaint the Court that he was content to pay sixty pounds, as a moiety of the charges for the show on the Lord Mayor’s Day, of which the Court accepted, and ordered Mr. Hosier to be added to the Gents desired to assist Mr. Wardens on that occasion.” Court of Assistants, 23rd October 1721. — “ The Court discourst again with Mr. Renters about the dinner to be provided by them on the 30th instant, at the ‘ Horne ' Tavern, in Ffleet Street, and gave them a bill of ffare, and desired them to provide good port wine, and that each person might have one quart bottle thereof, it being computed that there would be about two hundred persons present. And on their alledging that it would be some extraordinary charge to them to provide the said dinner at the said tavern, and not in Goldsmiths’ Hall, this Court (in consideration thereof, and on condition that the said dinner be to the good liking and approbation of Mr. Wardens), agreed that they should be paid ten guineas by this Company.” “Monday, ye xxxth October 1721. — This being Lord Mayor’s Day the Ffoot Marshall drew up the Arm Bearers and Banner Bearers in their blew gowns and capps, being 52 in number, who were followed by the Companies almesmen ; and then came the Gent. Ushers in velvet (or black) coats and gilt chains, the Budge Bachelors in {blank in MS.) gowns, and the Rich Bachelors in (blank in MSi) gowns ; after whom came the New Livery, and the rest of the Company, the youngest going foremost ; and so waited on Sir Wm. Stewart, Knight, Lord Mayor, at Drapers’ Hall (the Drapers’ Company dining at Gold- smiths’ Hall, which could not be got ready for his Lordshipp), and from Drapers’ Hall this Company preceded his Lordshipp to the ‘ Three Cranes,’ where they took barge, went to Westminster, relanded at Blackfriars, returned to Drapers’ Hall, and from thence went to the ‘ Horne ’ Tavern, in Ffleet Street, to dinner; at which place the Rich Bachelors, Budge Bachelors, and Gent. Ushers, were before treated while the Company were on the water.” Court of Assistants, loth October 1722. — The Court being acquainted that 202 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Sir Gerard Conyers, Knight, Lord Mayor elect, desired the use of this Company’s Hall for the year ensuing, and the resolution of the Committee of ye 5th of July, 1721, for not letting ye same under ye rent of £200 by lease (except only to members of this Company), being now read, it is put to the vote, and ordered yt Sir Gerard may have the use of the said Hall for the rent of £200, and that the Company will pay and discharge all tennant’s rates to be charged thereon, being betwixt £30 and £40; and the Clerk is ordered to acquaint him therewith. Court of Assistants, 25th October 1722. — The following resolution of the Committee for Accompts, dated 24th instant, is read, vizt. : — “ This Committee having examined and considered of the Instructions gfiven to the Clerk of this Company on his going to Ireland for to view and inquire into the value of their lands there, and of his respective answers, and all matters relating thereto, pursuant to an order of the Court of Assistants of the 25th of September last — “ ‘ Do find the said answers to be very much to their satisfaction, and (as they doubt not but) to the satisfaction of the whole Company, and to their common benefit and advantage. “ ‘ That he hath behaved himself in ye whole affair with great prudence, labour, and diligence ; and that it is necessary that he forthwith write to his correspondents in Ireland about ye woods, and other improvements of the said Manner. “ ‘ That having also perused a particular accompt of his charges for horses, and other expences, for himself and his servant, amounting to about seventy and seven pounds, including some gratuities given by him in Ireland to get informa- tion in the said business, and he being desired to withdraw, it was thereupon put to the vote, and resolved (nemine contradicente) that he be reimbursed the sum of £77, and that he have also paid to him for his pains, industry, and hazard, therein the further sum of thirty guineas.’ ” After reading whereof it is put to the vote whether the Court shall approve of, and agree with, the aforesaid resolution of the Committee, and it is carried in the affirmative, and ordered that the Clerk have the said several sumes of seventy-seven pounds, and thirty guineas, paid unto him accordingly, ffor which he returns his humble thanks to the Court. It being moved at this Court that all former orders at any time here- tofore made for preventing expenses, and reducing the yearly charge of the Company, bearing dates the loth April 17 1 1, the 29th May 1713, and the 22nd January 1718, may be now read, the same are accordingly read; and, some amendments being made thereto, they are now again ratified. and con- firmed, and are hereby ordered to be fair entered in the Companies Court Book, and to be signed as hereafter is appointed. “ Whereas it is apparent that the good orders heretofore made for reducing expences, and other charges of this Company, have been found by experience to have very much contributed to the good and wellfare of this Company, and are MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 203 yet necessary to be continued, and observed ; it is, therefore, resolved and ordered by this Court as follows, vizt. : — “ ‘ That henceforwards no publick dinner whatsoever shall be provided at the charge of this Company, but that Mr. Renters, as hath been anciently accustomed, do at their own proper charge and expence provide two publick dinners in the year, the one to be on the fifth day of November yearly for the entertainment of the Court of Assistants and Livery (unless it happen to be on a Sunday and then to be kept the day following), and the other to be on or about St. Dunstan's Day (being the usual time for the election of Wardens of this Company), and to be for the entertainment of the Court of Assistants ; and that the said dinners be always provided at Goldsmiths’ Hall, and not elsewhere ; and yt if the said Hall be let, yet care be taken to reserve the use thereof for the said days. “ ‘ 2ndly, That such dinners or other expenses as are appointed by the Will of any Benefactor shall not exceed the sumes appointed by such Will ; and that, therefore, on going to hear a sermon at St. Mary Woolnoth’s church, in Lombard Street, no more be paid than by the Will of Sir Martin Bowes is appointed ; and that for the dinner that day no more be expended than three pounds. That only twelve Assistants be invited in their turn, and that no more be spent at the visitation of his almeshouses at Woolwich than thirteen shillings and four pence ; save only that five shillings be allowed for a boat, and that the minister at each place be paid half a guinea for the sermon, as by former orders of Court hath been appointed.’ ” September loth, 1723. — “Mr. Warden Ernes and Mr. Shadwell, with the Clerk and Beadle, went to view the repairs of Sir Martin Bowes’s almeshouses at Woolwich, and afterwards returned to Woolwich Church to hear a sermon, pursuant to his Will ; and there paid the moneys appointed to be paid to the poor ; and tendered half a guinea for a sermon ; but the parish clerk acquainted them yt Mr. Spencer, the curate, bid him tell the Wardens that he would not preach a sermon unless they would give him a guinea ; although the Will appoints but six shillings and 8(/.” Court of Wardens, 4th February 1724. — “ To the Honourable House of Commons. “ In humble obedience to an Order made by this Honourable House, 3rd of February instant, whereby the Clerks of the several Companies of the City of London are required to lay before the said Honble. House the particular grants and constitutions by which they were made Livery Companies, together with the present number of their Liveries respectively — “ Humfrey Hetherington, Clerk to the Company of Goldsmiths, London, humbly certifieth. That he hath carefully perused the grants and constitutions relating to this Company, and cannot find any grant or constitution whatsoever whereby the said Company was made a Livery Company ; and further humbly certifieth to the said Honourable House yt the present number of Liverymen of 204 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. the said Company is, to the best of his knowledge and beliefe, two hundred fforty and fFour. “ H. H., Clk. “ Dated the sixth {sic) day of Ffebruary 1724.” Court of Wardens, 4th March 1724. — “ Mercur, 3rd Martij 1724. " Ordered that the Clerks of the several Livery Companies of the City of London do forthwith lay before this House an account of the Liverymen in each respective Livery Company, as they were returned to the Lord Mayor of London in the year 1700. “ Ordered that the Clerks of the several Livery Companies do lay before this House an account of the fhnes payable by any Freeman called upon the Livery of the said Companies respectively. “ Paul Jodrell, “ Cler. Dom. Com.” “To the Honourable the Commons of Great Brittain in Parliament assembled. “ In obedience to the Orders of this Honble. House, bearing date the third day of this instant March, I humbly certifie that the number of the Liverymen of the Company of Goldsmiths, London, as returned to the Lord Mayor of London in the year 1700 by the then Clerk of the said Company, was two hundred ninety and four. “ And I further humbly certifie yt the ffine payable to the said Company by any Ffreeman called upon the Livery thereof is twenty pounds. “ Humy. Hetherington, “ Clk. to the Company of Goldsmiths, London. “ Dated the fifth {sic) day of March 1724." Committee, 23rd February 1725. — “The Workmens’ Remonstrance is read complaining, first, against the practice of plateing of brass, iron, copper, and other metalls with silver. “ Secondly, against admitting any but freemen of the Company to have the benefit of the assay and touch, and saying that there is an Act of ye 3rd King William to forbid it. “ Thirdly, complaining of the number of apprentices. “ The Committee order the first paragraph to be read again, and then resolve to give for answer thereto that the Company have already applied to the Govern- ment against the evil complained of, and have bought several pieces of the said brass wares to lay before them ; and will use their further endeavours to prevent the same. “ The second paragraph is read a second time, and it is resolved yt the Act of King William 3rd enacts yt no plate shall be wrought or sold before it be markt at Goldsmiths’ Hall ; and that the Attorney-General, in his report for the Treasury’, MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 20S says that the Company cannot refuse to mark plate wrought by unfreemen ; as has been also the opinion of all the councell the Company have consulted there- upon, as particularly the late Common Sergeant Mr. Dee, Mr. Sergeant Darnell, and Mr. Fazakerly, and hath not been contradicted by the counsell of the late prosecutors Sergeant Cheshire, Knot, and Probyn. “ The third paragraph is read a second time, and it is resolved (on seeing the account made out by the Clerk of ye number of apprentices bound at ye Hall for seven years, being but 433) that the Company cannot prevent goldsmiths ffree of other Companies from binding many apprentices, but will consider of the best method they can to remedy it, and will recommend it to the consideration of the next Court of Assistants.” Court of Assistants, 6th August 1725. — The following entry appears : — ” Oxford University. In a book of contributions towards building the University Library at Oxford is entered as follows, vizt. : 1619. Spectatissima Societas Aurifirum Londini Donarunt Viginti Libras.” Court of Assistants, 3rd September 1725. — The report made by the Gentlemen Trustees of Mr. Strelly who went to Ogarthorpe in Derbyshire is read, being as follows, vizt. : — “ It being resolved at a Court of Assistants of the 29th of May last, that it was very necessary that Mr. Strelly's Trustees should choose three or four persons to visit the Manor of Ogarthorpe, in Derbyshire, pursuant to the Will of Mr. Philip Strelly, the donor ; and that the Company would allow twenty pounds towards the charge thereof; we, the underwritten, did pursuant to the said resolution visit the said Manor, and demanded of Mr. George Strelly the rent in arrear, and an account of what moneys he had paid to apprentices and scholars since Lady Day, 1723 (at which time an account was stated by Mr. Renter Gardner and the Clerk, who went down for that purpose), and we found that Mr. Strelly kept no regular accounts thereof, but alledged that his father-in-law, Mr. Morley, had paid the greatest part of the rent, and had the acquittances, and was then gone into Wales. We show’d him an account from the Company’s books whereby he was debtor forty-five pounds, but he alledged, as before, that he had paid the greatest part thereof, and desired time till his father, Mcrley’s, return to produce the acquittances, and make up the account, which we agreed to on his complying to pay part of the charges of our journey. We found he had not paid Mr. Horn, a poor scholar, the five pounds that w’as due to him at Lady Day, 1723 ; and, as to the payment of moneys to apprentices, we found he had generally stopt part, and had paid other part in corn, and by notes under his hand ; and though he gave us the names of several apprentices as paid, he could produce but one acquittance, from John Webster. After which he sent for one Mathew Topham, a baker, to whom he had charged ten pounds as paid Lady Day, 1723, who gave him an acquittance before us ; and, on further examination, we found he w'as not wholly paid as yet, and that what he had received was in corn ; and we were in- formed that Mr. Strelly sometimes procures ancient persons to bind themselves 206 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. apprentices to each other, who will agree to take five or six pounds a piece, and let him have the remainder. We found by the Company’s books that there had been paid to the Company since Lady Day, 1 723, only four payments of seventeen pounds and ten shillings each, which was remitted by Thomas Smith, of Nottingham, Esq., to Mr. Sami. Smith, a member of this Company; but the said Mr. Strelly alleged he had once paid twenty-seven pounds and ten shillings, which does no way appear to us; for since our coming to London we find that Mr. Smith’s books agree with the Clerk’s account. “ We ordered Mr. Strelly that sometime before Michaelmas next, he should clear the said arrears, and send loyall discharges for what rent remains in his hands, and unpaid to apprentices. “We then informed ourselves of the condition of the said Manor, which we find to be about three hundred acres of good land lying contiguous to, and within a mile and half of Alfreton, a market towne ; and about fifteen miles beyond Derby ; and that the same lets at about one hundred and fifty pounds a year, clear of taxes, but the housing being somewhat out of repair, we ordered the tenants to repair the same ; and though Mr. Strelly is generally in arrear of rent, we find he takes aforehand rent of all his tenants, and has an exception in their leases of timber trees, stone, coal, and ironstone, to himself. “ For preventing further trouble and charge, and future accounts with Mr. Strelly, we are of opinion that the Company ought to oblige him to pay the full rent of fifty-five pounds per annum, for the future, by half-yearly payments at Lady Day and Michaelmas ; which we told him we should propose to this Court, and that he might not be suffered to pay any part of the Charity (for that his unjust and illegal dedduccons and proceedings therein are contrary to the Will of the donor, and very much reflect on the justice and honour of this Company ; it being reported that such dedduccons had been made by the Company, or their Clerk), and if he fail in payment thereof, that then the Company should deliver ejectments, and turn him out of possession. “ We are also of opinion that Mr. Strelly ought to send up his map of the Manor, that a copy may be taken and kept at Goldsmiths’ Hall. All which we submitt to the further consideracon of this Court. “Jere. Marlow, Warden. C. Hosier. Nath. Wollfryes. “ Dated the thirty-first day of August, Anno Domini 1725.” It being moved that the thanks of this Court may be returned to the said gentlemen for their care therein, it is put to the vote, and carried in the affirmative (nem. con.), and the Prime Warden returns them the thanks of this Court accordingly. Resolved yt the Company will proceed against Mr. Strelly, pursuant to the method proposed therein. Court of Assistants, 14th October 1725.— It being moved that the reso- lution of ye Committee in relation to letting the Hall for the future for not less MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 207 than £200 per annum clear, and by lease, may be read again, the same is read ; and it is thereupon put to the vote, and ordered by this Court (nem. con.), that for the future the apartments in the Hall now used by the Lord Mayor, with ye several goods therein, shall not be lett to any person whatsoever but by Indenture of Lease, and not for less than the yearly rent, or sume, of two hundred pounds, clear of all taxes, parish rates, and other assessments, and charges whatsoever, that shall be imposed on any part of the premises demised, or any other part of the Company’s Common Hall, Committee, 21st February 1727. — The Clerk is ordered to renew the lease with the New River Company for providing the Hall with water at 50J. rent per annum, and on the usual terms as per last lease. Court of Assistants, 13th October 1727. — It being moved that the order of the Court of Assistants of the 14th of October 1725 for not letting the Hall for less than £200 per annum, clear of all taxes, may be read, the same is read ; after which Mr. Wardens acquaint the Court that they have waited on the Lord Mayor elect, who is desirous to have the use of the Hall for the year ensuing, but hopes that, as the land tax has, since the making of that order, unexpectedly risen to 4s. per annum, and that former Mayors have usually had the Hall at more reasonable terms, he may receive some consideration. He is willing to pay the Company £200 rent for the year, and to discharge all tenant’s rates, provided the Company will pay the land tax ; and Mr. Harris, one of the Assessors, being present, and acquainting the Court that the Hall is assessed this year but at £100 per annum, it is then moved that the said order of the 14th of October 1725 may be revoked, which being carried in the affirmative, it is then put to the vote, and carried also in the affirmative, that Mr. Wardens, or any two of them, may wait on his Lordship and acquaint him that he may have the Company’s Hall for the year ensuing at £200 per annum rent, his Lordship paying all tenant’s rates, and taking a lease thereof, and that the Company would pay the land tax. The following entries relating to the sale of the Company’s Irish Estate afford a good example of the manner in which business was transacted at this period. Court of Assistants, 7th March 1728. — “ Then Mr. Prime Warden was pleased to acquaint the Court that they were called together in order to dispose of their Irish Estate, and that, in case the proposals then to be made for the same should not be acceptable to the Company, the divulging any part of the proceedings, or transactions, of this Court might be of evil consequence to the Company. Whereupon, after debating thereon, this Court resolved (nemine contradicente) that in case none of the proposals now to be made shall be accepted of, then, if any member of the Court of Assistants, or any servant of the Company, shall communicate any part of the proceedings of this Court of Assistants relating to the Irish Estates to any person or persons whatsoever, not present as a member or members in this Court, he shall incurr the utmost displeasure and resentment of the future Courts of Assistants of this Company; and then Mr. Prime Warden 208 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. repeated what he declared in the last Court that, if any member present intended to bidd, or be any ways concerned in the purchase of the said Estate, he would please to withdraw. “ Then, according' to the resolution of the last Court of Assistants, the doors were locked, and the keys laid upon the table. “ After which it was moved that the date and contents of this Company’s lease to Wm. Warren, Esq., of their Estate in Ireland might be read, and it was read accordingly. “ Then it was moved that Mr. Hetherington’s, the late Clerk’s answer to the instructions given him in the year 1722, upon his going into Ireland to view the said Estate, might be read, and the same was read accordingly. “ And after the Court had debated about the value of the said Estate, they enquired what proposals were left for the same, and the Clerk (Thomas Banks) acquainted them that he had received two sealed up, and which he then laid down upon the table so sealed up ; then a messenger was sent down for a list of the gentlemen’s names that intended to propose for the said Estate (to the Clerk’s parlour where they were desired to wait), w'hich he presently brought up ; and thereupon it was moved that George Tomkins, Esqr., and the Reverend Mr. John Strong might be called in first (as well in regard they were the representatives of the present lessee, as also that this Court might be better informed as to the quantity and value of the said Estate by a survey and rentall, which it was expected the said Tomkins and Strong would deliver on demand, according to the lessee’s covenant to this Company), and they were called in first accordingly, and they delivered a proposal, as also Mr. Warren’s letter of attorney to impower them to treat with this Company about the purchase of the said Estate, as well on behalf of him as themselves ; and the said letter of attorney and proposal were read in their presence, and the letter of attorney was immediately returned to them again. “ It appearing to the Court that Mr. Tomkins and Mr. Strong acted as well on behalf of Mr. Warren, this Company’s lessee, as for themselves, they were desired to deliver a survey and rentall of the said Estate, as Mr. Warren had often been required to do by letters, but had refused or neglected the doing thereof. And Mr. Tomkins and Mr. Strong answered they were not ready to deliver the same ; whereupon they were desired to withdraw, and they with- drew accordingly. “ Then Captain James McCullock was sent for up, and his proposal was opened and read in his presence ; after which he withdrew. “ Then Mr. John Gordon was sent for up, and his proposal w'as opened and read in his presence ; and then he withdrew. “ And after w'hich all the bidders were severally called up again, and each of them was acquainted that, unless he should amend his proposal, he could not be the purchaser of the said Estate. Whereupon Mr. Tomkins and Mr. Strong amended their proposal, but Mr. McCullock and Mr. Gordon did not. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 209 “ And, after some debate, it was moved, and put to the question, whether this Court should now resolve this to be the last day of bidding, or not ; and that the best bidder should be preferred, and that the bidders jointly should be acquainted therewith ; and it was carried in the affirmative, and resolved, that this day shall be the last day of bidding, and the best bidder shall be preferred, and that all the bidders be acquainted herewith. Then all the bidders were called up together, and acquainted therewith accordingly ; and then withdrew. “ And after calling all the bidders over again separately to amend their proposals, if they thought fitt, it was moved, and put to the question, whether Capt. McCullock (who bid £14,100, which was the highest bidding) should be allowed, and declared to be, the purchaser of the said Estate, or not ; and it was carried in the affirmative, and he is declared to be the purchaser of the said Estate, on his paying down the 3rd part of the purchase money, according to the conditions publickly fixed up in the Hall ; and he was called up and acquainted therewith, and then he declared that what he had bid was only on behalf of the Earle of Shelburne, and withdrew ; and he soon after returned with the Earle into this Court, who agreed to the proposals given in by Mr. McCullock. Where- upon a draught of the Earle’s Agreement was drawn in the waste Court Book, which the Earle signed, and Mr. McCullock’s proposal was delivered up to him, and cancelled ; and the Earle thereupon paid to the Clerk of this Company, for the Company’s use, the sum of £4,700, being one third part of the purchase money mentioned in his Agreement, which Agreement was made in the words following, vizt. : — “ ‘ I, Henry, Earle of Shelburne, do hereby agree with the Wardens and Commonalty of the Mistery of Goldsmiths of the City of London to pay to them the sum of fourteen thousand and one hundred pounds, of lawfull money of Great Britain, for the inheritance of their Estate in Ireland, subject to a rent charge of two hundred pounds per annum of like money, according to the conditions for the di'sposall thereof publickly fixt up in their Hall, as witness my hand the 7th of March 1728. “ ‘ Shelburne.’ “ Then this Court resolved that the Clerk do sign minutes of the Agreement for the Earle in the words following, vizt. : — “ ‘ Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, 7th March 1728. “ ‘ At a Court of Assistants of the Company of Goldsmiths, London, the Right Honble. Henry, Earle of Shelburne, appeared, and agreed to pay to them the sum of fourteen thousand and one hundred pounds, of lawfull money of Great Britain, for the purchase of the inheritance of the Manner of Goldsmiths’ Hall, in the County of Londonderry, in the Kingdom of Ireland, subject to a rent charge of two hundred pounds per annum of like money, according to the conditions for the disposall of the said Estate publickly fixt up in the said Company’s Hall. Whereupon the said Court resolved, upon his Lordship’s paying down the sum S 4021. ° 210 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. of ffour thousand seven hundred pounds (being one third part of the purchase money above-mentioned), that his Lordship was the best bidder for the said Estate, and that he should be the purchaser thereof. “ ‘ By order of the Court of Assistants, “ ‘ T. B., Clerk.’ “ And upon the back side of the paper whereon the said minute was written the Clerk signed a receipt for the said £4,700 in the words following, vizt. : — “ ‘ Received 7th March 1728 of the Right Honble. '' Henry, Earle of Shelburne, the sum of ffour thousand and seven hundred pounds, being the purchase money within- mentioned to be paid down. I say received for the use of the Company of Goldsmiths, London. “ ‘ T. B., Clerk.’ ' £4,700. “ Then the Clerk by the order of this Court delivered to the Earle a copy of the conditions for the disposall of the said Estate publickly fixed up in the Hall, and signed the same. “ The Earle of Shelburne making some doubt what time his purchase should take effect, and insisting that the Estate should be conveyed to him free from all incumbrances, it was ordered (nem. con.) that the Earle of Shelburne’s purchase of this Company’s Estate in Ireland shall take effect on the ist day of November 1730, on his payment of the residue of the purchase money; and that the Company will covenant they have done no act to incumber ; with all which his Lordship seemed well satisfied, and departed. “ Then the Court considered in what manner the said £4,700 should be disposed of, and it was moved that the same should be laid out in the purchasing of South Sea Annuity Stock at a markett price, and transferred to this Company, by their proper name or title of incorporation ; and, the question being thereon put, it was carried in the affirmative unanimously for the disposing thereof accordingly.” Court of Assistants, i6th April 1729. — At this Court is read an entry of the Committee made on the 19th of March last, in the words following, vizt.: — “ The Committee taking into their consideration that the members of the Com- pany seem very unwilling to come upon the Livery, and Court of Assistants, partly on account of a seemly too much frugality in not making any shew on the Lord Mayor’s Day, or treating, as other Companies do, which this Company, on account of their heavy debts, have for severall years past been unable to do ; and now, as the Company have made a good contract for the disposall of their Irish Estate, and are already in possession of a much better estate than some years ago they were, and will in a few years come into a still better estate ; therefore (partly in compliance with the usages and customs of other Companies, and to encourage members of this Company to come upon the Livery, and on the Court of Assistants) the Committee are of opinion, and do think fitt to MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 21 I recommend it to the Court of Assistants, that this Company should purchase the. barge and appurtenances of the proprietors at £75, the price she was sold to them at ; and that the Company afterwards repair the same ; and that the Company do fitt her out every Lord Mayor’s Day for the future, and do entertain the whole Livery that day, as usuall heretofore (the whole charge of fitting out the barge with the dinner not exceeding £70), instead of the £40 dinner sometime ago ordered for the Lord Mayor’s Day, or the 5th of November. And as the Court of Assistants have at present but one dinner in the year for them- selves alone, therefore, and for the reasons above-mentioned, the Committee are of opinion that they should have two others in the year ; and that the same should be provided the one on the 2nd of February, and the other on the 25th of July, and that the dinner usually made on the election of Wardens be changed, and altered, to the 29th of May, and that the said three dinners do not exceed £20 each.” And it is thereupon put to the question whether the Company shall buy the barge with the appurtenances of the proprietors thereof, and pay the sum of £75 for the same ; and shall afterwards repair her at the Company’s charge ; and shall on every Lord Mayor’s Day, for the future, fitt out the barge, and treat the Livery, as usuall heretofore, at the charge of the Company, not exceeding £70 each time for the dinner and fitting out the barge ; and it was carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly; the same to be instead of the said £40 dinner appointed for the Lord Mayor’s Day, or 5th of November. And it is likewise put to question whether the Court of Assistants shall for the future have annually two other dinners, to be provided at the charge of tho Company, upon the 25th July and the 2nd of February ; and whether the dinner usually made on the election of the Wardens shall be changed, and altered, to the 29th of May ; the said three dinners not exceeding £20 each ; and it is carried in the affirmative and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, 15th May 1729. — “The business of the Court being over, and the gentlemen of the Livery attending without according to their summons, they were called in, and the ordinances of the Company were read, and then they were acquainted with the names of Mr. Wardens elect, after which they received a serious admonition from the Chair to observe and keep the said ordinances, and were treated with biskett cakes and brewed white wine, in remembrance of a Quarter-day, “ Memorandum. — The ordinances which were read were in the words fol- lowing, vizt. : — “ ‘ Be it ordained that no man of the Craft of Goldsmiths unlawfully maintain in favour any man against the Wardens for the time being for doing of correction of any of the Company for their defaults, upon pain to pay at every time so doing 40J. “ ‘ Also be it ordained that no manner of man of the said Craft revile nor slander his Wardens, nor any of them four, for doing of their offices or lawfull punishment, upon pain to pay 40J. 0 2 212 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “ ‘ Also that no man of the Livery, or out of the Livery, revile, slander or smite any of his Fellowship, upon pain to pay at every time so doing- 20s. “ ‘ Also that if any man, being a Goldsmith, be disobedient to his Wardens, and will not be to them in all good and lawfull manners conformable to obey the good ordinances made for the common weal of the Craft ; then it be ordained, that no Goldsmith shall with him neither buy nor sell, or sett him on work, nor aid him with money nor councell, till he reform himself to obey the correction, and judgement, of his Wardens, upon pain to him that doth the contrary, at every time, to pay 40^-. And also he that is so disobedient shall pay at the first time 20i-., at the second time 40J., at the third time £5, and at the fourth time £10 ; or else to be dismissed from the Company, and all the benefits belonging to the same, for ever ; and to be discharged from the assay and touch. “ ‘ Also if any Goldsmith, English or Stranger, make any rescue to the Wardens at any time that they make search, and will not suffer their stuff of gold or silver to be assayed, or will not suffer them to take a distress to cause them to come to the Goldsmiths’ Hall at Generali Assemblys, or at any other time, to answer to such things as shall be laid to their charges touching the same occupation, then he or they that so doth, for every time so found faulty, shall pay 5 marks. “ ‘ Also forasmuch as ofttimes herebefore, when the Wardens of the said Craft for the time being have lawfully punished and corrected certain persons for their defaults — as untrue working, or other trespass by them done against the ordinances and constitutions in the said Craft made and used — certain such persons, after the time that the said Wardens have been discharged from their said offices have sued and grievously vexed the said Wardens, in diverse country's and places, for the said lawfull punishments and corrections ; and have caused them to spend great sums of their own proper goods ; wherefore be it ordained and assented by the Wardens now being, and by all the Company of the said Craft, that if any such Warden be sued for such lawfull punishment and correction duely done, all the costs for the defence of the said suite shall be borne and done by and with the common goods of the same Craft ; and he that so sueth, being a Goldsmith, shall loose all the benefitts of the said Craft for evermore. “ ‘ Also be it ordained that all men use true ballances and weights after troy weight ; and no man use pile nor weights without they be admitted afore the Wardens, and the marke of the Hall upon them ; and he that useth the contrary, as oft as it may be proved, shall pay 40J. “ ‘ Also be it ordained that no Goldsmiths work, nor do to be wrote, no worse gold than the allay of 2 caracts, or si.x caracts ; nor sett no glass in gold but good stones ; nor work no silver worse than 2 dwts. of allay, or 10 dwts. of allay, in the pound weight troy, or better ; and upon the offence proved the party grieved to have a reasonable and sufficient recompence by the oversight of the Wardens of this Fellowship ; and the party offending to pay' to the said Wardens, to the use of the Fello-.vship aforesaid, at the first default 2 s., at the second default 6j. %d.. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 213 at the third default 20J. and at the fourth default his body to be committed to prison, untill the time he agree with his Wardens, or avoid the City for ever; and to be dismissed from the benefitts of the Craft or Mistery of the Goldsmiths. “ ‘ Also, forasmuch as it is enacted by authority of the High Court of Parlia- ment that no Goldsmith shall put to sale any manner of plate, nor other stuff of silver, but if it be touched with the Leopard’s Head crowned, the Lyon, and the letter for the year ; or with the Lyon’s Head erased, the Britannia, and the letter for the year ; on pain of forfeiture of the same thing ; therefore be it ordained that no Goldsmith put to sale no manner of plate, nor other stuff of silver, untill the time he hath sett thereon his own mark ; and then the same stuff so marked to be brought to the Assay House at Goldsmiths’ Hall there to be assayed and marked with the marks aforesaid ; and that no Goldsmith presume to bring, or send, no manner of works of gold or silver to the Goldsmiths’ Hall to be touched, but if it be truely made without deceipt or colour in the assay, taking as well in all manner of garnishings in the said works as in the plain plate of the same ; and the stuff of the said works to be all like sufficient in finess, and to be made with as little soder as is necessary, and with no more than is necessary, to the same works ; upon pain at every time so doing to be punished after the discretion of the Wardens for the time being by fine, imprisonment, or otherwise. “ ‘ Also be it ordained that no man of the said Fellowship shall absent himself after due warning had from any Assembly, or at any other time that he is warned to be at Goldsmiths’ Hall before the Wardens, without reasonable cause; upon pain at every time so absenting him to pay \2d. “ ‘ Also that no Goldsmith take no child to be his apprentice, nor to set him in his shop, nor in none other place, to know or occupy the same Craft, neither to buy or sell, untill he be first presented at Goldsmiths’ Hall before the Wardens, and be proved able in reading and writing, and the Clerk of the Goldsmiths to make the indentures, and the apprentice to be inrolled within the first year ; and that no Goldsmith make his apprentice freeman till he first come to the Gold- smiths’ Hall, and there before the Wardens to take his oath ; upon pain to pay at every of those defaults 40^. ; and if the two youngest Wardens endeavour not themselves in executing the said ordinance, but leave it undone, in their default they to pay 40 j. " ‘ Whereas divers Goldsmiths, as well Strangers as English, have before this time wrought, and yet daily doth, much deceiptfull stuff of gold and silver in garretts, chambers, and other secret places, with doors locked upon them, so that the Wardens for the time being can’t have reasonable recourse to make search and assay of and upon such stuff as they have wrought : in consideration whereof, be it ordained that no man of the said Craft, English or Stranger, shall work in chambers, garretts, nor in no other privy places, but in high streets, and open shops, that men may see they work truely, and that the Wardens may have MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 214 their recourse to make searches and assays upon such gold and silver as they work ; upon pain every man doing the contrary to pay the sum of iooj.’ ” Committee, 22nd October 1729. — “After which appeared Mr. Bowler Miller, by the direction of Sir Ri. Brocas, Knt., Lord Mayor elect, and desired to know if the Company would let their Hall to his Lordship for the year of his Mayoralty, and if they would make any, and what, abatement of what the present and late Mayors paid for the same, in regard he had already a grant of Vintners’ Hall, and if he took this Hall he should not make use of it on next Lord Mayor’s Day, having already determined to dine that day in Guild Hall. And the Committee told Mr. Miller the Company had no thoughts of letting their Hall this year, but to oblige and accommodate his Lordship they would lett him the Hall at £200 rent, and he to pay the severall rates and dutys following, vizt. : — The minister’s tythes, watch and scavage, poor’s rate, water rent, window lights, lamplights, trophey money, militia, workhouse, and the orphans’ money, which should be particularly mentioned in his lease ; and the lease should comence 30th of October instant, and expire ye 28th of October 1730, and therein the use of the Hall for the day of November next should be excepted; and in all other respects the lease should be like that to Sir Robt. Baylis. And the Committee desired Mr. Warden Harris and Mr. Wollfryes would be pleased to wait on his Lordship, and acquaint him therewith, and know his resolution therein ; which they did, and soon after returned with his Lordship’s reply that he would pay £230 in rent, if he might be excused from all the taxes, but he desired the Grt. Hall might be inclosed with ffolding doors to the two arches at the lower end, and the upper parts thereof to be sashed. And the Committee agreed to lett the Hall on his Lordship’s terms, and immediately ordered Mr. Hoult to go about making the ffolding doors for that purpose ; and Mr. Warden Harris and Mr. Wollfryes were desired once more to attend his Lordship, and acquaint him the Committee have agreed to his own terms ; which they did.” Court of Wardens, 8th January 1730. — “Then Mr. Wardens took into consideration how to remedy an antient evil practice, amongst ill-disposed gold- smiths, of cutting out the Company’s marks from old pieces of plate, and soldering the same into new pieces, which have never been trj-ed at the Hall, and may possibly be very coarse, and the fraud equal to the counterfeiting of the Company’s marks, for which there is a penalty of £500 set by Act of Parliament. Now in order to prevent the said evil practice of cutting out the marks from one piece of plate, and sodering the same into another piece, Mr. Wardens ordered that the officers in the Assay Office, who usually strike the marks on plate, do strike the marks on every piece of plate as farr distant from each other as the same conveniently may be struck, so that they may not be cutt out together.” Court of Assistants, i6th March 1730. — “A motion was made that, in regard the Company’s circumstances do improve, the members should themselves reap some benefitt thereof, and therefore that they should be eased of the burthen and trouble of paying quartridge ; and the question was put whether MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 2IS the receiving' any more quartridge should be suspended during the pleasure of this Court, or not, and it was carried in the affirmative, and is suspended accordingly.” It is referred to the Committee “to consider how to ease the youngest Warden of the burden of attending and officiating in the Assay Office for the future, either by appointing a person to act in the stead of such Warden, or otherwise ; and if the Committee should be of opinion that a person should be appointed, then they are to consider the manner of appointment, and how he should be paid.” It may be mentioned here that, shortly afterwards, the Committee reported that all the Wardens should for the future be excused from the burden of attend- ing and officiating in the Assay Office, and that a proper person should be, from time to time, appointed by the Wardens within three weeks after their election, as their deputy, to attend and officiate in the said Office in their stead. That such deputy should be subject to the orders and directions of the Court of Assistants relating to the said Office, and should take such oath voluntarily before a Master in Chancery as the Court should prescribe. The Committee also reported that, in their opinion, as the circumstances of the Company were improving, the members should not be further burdened by paying fines to be excused from the office of youngest Warden, but that the said deputy should be paid by the Company. At a Court held on the 6th May 1731 the recommendations of the Committee were confirmed, and on the 26th May 1731 the Wardens elect nominated and proposed their first deputy, who was approved by the Court. Committee, 22nd April 1730. — “ Mr. Wardens being summoned to attend the Commissioners of the Lieutenancy for not appearing in armes last muster, this Committee ordered the Clerk to attend the Comrs. to-morrow, pursuant to the summons, and to then show the counterpart of the lease to Sir Robt, Baylis, whereby the Committee apprehend the Company are exempted from all services and expenses relating to the Militia.” Committee, 29th April 1730. — At this Committee the Clerk reports that he hath attended the Comrs. of the Lieutenancy, pursuant to the order of last Committee, and that the Commissioners have excused the Company from any ffine for not sending out men last muster, on account the Company had agreed with Sir Robt. Baylis, the late Lord Mayor, to exempt them from all dutys except the land tax. Committee, 17th December 1730. — “Now the Committee, taking into con- sideration the great trouble which has been given to the gentlemen of the Irish Society, by reason of the numerous objections and disputes which have been raised by the Earl of Shelburne’s counsel in Chancery to the title, and to the conveyance of the said estate to him, and occasioned severall Courts to be called and holden by the Society, in order to assist the Company therein ; and that the Society not only agreed to every request made oh the part of the Company, but als'o MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 216 with the greatest expedition and willingness; the Committee were of opinion this Company should return the Society thanks for their good assistance in this affair and they resolved that an entertainment be provided for the gentlemen of the Society on Saturday next, not exceeding twenty-five pounds, and Mr. Wardens are desired to provide the same at the Company’s charges, this Committee relying on the approbation of the next Court as to this resolution, which they desire shall not be drawn into president, ye occasion being extraordinary, on account of an Order made by the Lord Chancellor yesterday for the executing of the said Deed of Ffeoffment by all partys on Saturday next, when the Earl of Shelburne is to pay the residue of his purchase money into the Bank, 'till livery and seizin be made in Ireland ; and, for the executing thereof, there must be Courts holden for both the Company and the Society on Saturday morning, so that there is no opportunity of a prior Court of Assistants to be consulted about this resolution.” Court of Assistants, 19th December 1730. — “Then was read a Deed of Covenant, dated this day, made by the Company for the Indempnity of the Irish Society, on account of their joining in the Deed of the Feoffment hereinafter mentioned, which Deed of Covenant was now approved, and, it having been read and examined by the Committee on Thursday last, and before that approved by Mr. Pigot of councel for the Company, was now ordered to be sealed with the Common Seal of the Company. “After which the Court adjourned to the new Council Chamber in Guild Hall, where the Irish Society were sitting in a Court, and the Earl of Shelburne appeared, and there was read in their presence an Order of the Court of Chancery, dated the i6th instant, made in a cause between the Company, plaintiffs, and the Earl of Shelburne, defendant, touching the sale of the Company’s Estate in Ireland to the Earl ; by which Order all partys are now required this day to execute the conveyance of the said Estate, and the Earl was, with the privity of the Accomptant General, to pay into the Bank of England the residue of his purchase money, being £9,400 ; to be placed to account in the said cause. And, by consent of all parties, possession and seizin is to be delivered in Ireland as soon as possible, for which purpose the original Deed of Conveyance is to be delivered to the Earl. And when the possession and seizin shall be delivered, the partys are, by the said Order, at liberty to apply to the Court of Chancery to have the money paid out of the Bank, to whom ye same shall belong ; and the Company is to allow the Earl £10 towards the charge of a copy of the Letters Patent granted by the Crown to the Society concerning (among others) this Estate. “Then was read and examined an Indenture tripartite, dated the 31st day of October last, made between the Company and the Society of the first part, the Earl of Shelburne of the second part, and George Tomkins, Esqr., and Robert McCousland, Gent., of the third part, whereby the Company, in consideration of fourteen thousand and one hundred pounds, and (by their direction) the Society, MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 217 in consideration of ten shilling's, have granted, bargained, sold, aliened, enfeoffed, remised, released, and confirmed to the Earl and his heirs the Manner, or reputed Manner, of Goldsmiths’ Hall, -with the lands and hereditaments thereto belonging, in the County of Londonderry at Colrain, within the province of Ulster, and realm of Ireland, in the said Indenture particularly mentioned (except as therein is excepted), subject to a yearly rent or sum of two hundred pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain, clear of all parliamentary and other taxes, deductions, and abatements whatsoever, payable half yearly to the Company, their successors and assigns, for ever at Goldsmiths’ Hall, in London, with powers of distress and entry in default of payment. And the said Indenture, having been read, examined, and approved by the Committee on Thursday last, as settled by the Court of Chancery, was now approved by the Company, and also by the Society, and sealed with the Common Seals of the Company and the Society ; and the Earl duly executed a counterpart thereof, which was witnessed by Mr. Jenkins, his Lordship’s sollicitor, Mr. Brace, Secretary to the Society, and by Thos. Bankes, this Company’s Clerk. “ Now the Earl of Shelburne desired a duplicate of the said Indenture to be made (at his own charge), in regard the original may be lost by sending over into Ireland to be perfected by livery and seizin, or by returning, or otherwise ; and the Company, as well as the Society, agreed to oblige his Lordship therein, but the Company likewise desired a duplicate of ye counterpart of the said con^ veyance, as the same danger may attend their counterpart, on its being sent into Ireland at any time for the recovery of their rent charge, and his Lordship agreed to execute a duplicate at the charge of the Company. “ After which the Common Seal of the Company was set to the said Deed of Covenant, and the Deed delivered to the Society. “ Ordered that the Clerk write to Mr. Tomkins that he is nominated and impowered by the Company (with Mr. Robert McCousland, or alone) to deliver possession and seizin of the said Estate to the Earl of Shelburne, or whom he shall appoint ; and that the Clerk acquaint Captain John Ash, of Muff, near Derry, that he is nominated by the Company (with Mr. John Harvey, or alone) to accept the possession and seizin for the Earl ; and further that Mr. Tomkins and Captain Ash are desired to execute the respective powers given to them so soon as the same shall come to hand, and that the Company will not only pay all their costs and charges, but also gratefully recompence their care and trouble in this affair, “And it is further ordered that this Company’s Clerk attend the Earl of Shelburne at the Bank, and see the nine thousand ffour hundred pounds paid in according to the Order of the Court of Chancery, and take the receipt to be carryed to the Accomptant General, and deliver to his Lordship the said Deed of Conveyance under the Seals of the Company and the Society, and the Deeds of Creation and Ffeoffment of the Mannor made by the Antient Irish Society, together with the Deeds of Creation and lease and release made of the said 2i8 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Mannor by the present Society to this Company, and the plan or survey made thereof in the year 1619; and that the Clerk receive of the Earl the said counterpart of the said conveyance for the use of the Company at the same time. “And the Clerk afterwards attended the Earl at the Bank, and saw him pay in £9,400, pursuant to the Order for that purpose, and he took the receipt for the same, in order to be carried to the Accomptant General, and then delivered to the Earl the Deeds and Surveys above ordered to be delivered to him ; and at the same time the Clerk received of the Earl the said counterpart of the said Deed of Conveyance so executed by the Earl of Shelburne, and witnessed as aforesaid, which counterpart is to be laid by, and kept among the rest of the writings of the Company.” Committee, 17th February 1731. — “Mr. Le Gendre, Clerk to the Court of Requests (commonly called Court of Conscience), appeared and produced a list of diverse prisoners in Ludgate, in Wood Street Compter, and in the Poultry Compter, on executions out of the said Court for small debts, and said they were unable to redeem themselves, either by their own industry or assistance of ffriends, and were objects worthy of compassion ; he informed the Committee that some of the list had been discharged by the Charitys of the Companyes of Mercers, Drapers, and Clothworkers, and said he hoped this Company would lend a small assistance towards the discharge of the rest of the said prisoners. Now the Committee, being of opinion this is a good sort of Charity, and that the laudable example of the said other Companyes herein ought to be imitated, ventured to order that John Christmas, Eliz. Hollingworth, and John Fuller, prisoners in Wood Street Compter; and Richd. Brown, a prisoner in the Poultry Compter, be discharged; and, upon their being produced to the Clerk, he is to pay the sum of four pounds fifteen shillings and one penny, of the free gift of this Company, in full of their respective debts and gaol ffees ; but this order of the Committee is not to be drawn into president without particular leave or direction of a Court of Assistants, nor would have been now made but that it may be a considerable time ere a Court meet, and the poor people must continue prisoners, and that at an additional expence to be paid in case the Court should be of opinion to relieve them.” Court of Assistants, 26th May 1731.— “Mr. Henry Jenkins, sollicitor for the Right Honble. the Earle of Shelburne, applyed to this Court, and signified that his Lordship desired to made an admirable end of all differences between this Company and him, or to that effect ; and that his Lordship had impowered him, the said Jenkins, to settle the same; in pursuance whereof Mr. Jenkins pro- posed diverse sums, the lowest of which was £300, to be abated to his Lordship out of the purchase money on account of his not being put into possession of a balliboe of land, called Shraghecall ; and that, upon such abatement, his Lord- ship would consent that the residue of the purchase money due to the Company should be paid to them out of the Bank. And this Court returned the said MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 219 Mr. Jenkins for answer that they think his Lordship hath no right to any allow- ance or abatement on account of the said balliboe of land ; but, if he will consent that ye £9,054 yj. i \ d. due to ye Company be paid to them out of the Bank, and leave himself to ye Court of Assistants, ye Court will undoubtedly consider the same in such manner as well becomes them. With which answer Mr. Jenkins seeming unwilling to comply, Mr. Thos. Martin told him that if it was his case he would leave it to ye generosity of the Court, and the rather for that it was very inconvenient for them to offer, or accept, any termes, whereby to bind themselves previous to an absolute conclusion ; but that he did not doubt ye Court of Assistants would order £300 to be returned to his Lordship immediately after they should have received their money; and Mr. Jenkins, thereupon, consented to leave it to ye Court, and after his being withdrawn a motion was made and seconded, and the question was put, whether this Court should indempnify Mr. Martin from any seeming promise or engagement on account of the dis- pute between the Earl and the Company, or not; and it was carried in the affirmative.” Court of Assistants, sth June 1731. — “It being made known to this Court that the Lord Shelburne had consented that nine thousand fifty-four pounds seven shillings and eleven pence, being the residue of his purchase money due to the Company, should be paid to them out of the Bank, and that the Company’s Bill in Chancery against him should stand dismisst without costs, and the said money was received by the Clerk for the Company’s use, and the Bill was dismisst : the Court now took into consideration the Lord Shelburne’s demand of an abatement out of his purchase money, on account of his not being put into possession of a balliboe of land called Shraghecall, and what passed concerning the same at a Court of Assistants holden here the 26th day of May last past, and the compromising all disputes between the Company and his Lordship concerning his purchase of the Manner of Goldsmiths’ Hall, and lands thereto belonging, in Ireland ; and it is resolved that the Lord Shelburne be paid the sum of three hundred pounds, in consideracion of his not being put into possession of the said balliboe of land, and of his consenting to the dismission of the Company’s Bill in Chancery, and thereby ending all disputes between the Company and his Lordship, touching the said purchase; and the Clerk is hereby ordered to pay the said three hundred pounds accordingly. “Then this Court was moved that £12,700 of the Company’s bond debts should be paid off, notice having been long since given to pay off £200, other part thereof, and the same now lyes in the hands of the Company without interest; and the residue of the said bond debts, being £i,ooo, due to Thomas Bankes, the Clerk, is to remain, and continue as the same now stands, for a deposit for his care and fidelity to the Company ; and the said motion being seconded, the question was put, and carried in the affirmative. “ After which, and some debate about the time and manner of paying off the said twelve thousand seven hundred pounds, considering the Company may run 220 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. some risque in the fall of publick funds, in case they should lay out the rest of the said purchase money in such funds for six or nine months, it was moved, and the question was put, whether the Company should immediately pay off the said twelve thousand seven hundred pounds, with interest for the same after the rate of five pounds per cent, per annum, to Michaelmas next, or Christmas next; and it was carried for immediately paying off the same, with interest to Michaelmas next, and is ordered accordingly; and, for the better enabling the Company to pay the same, ordered that £3,500 of this Company’s South Sea Annuitys be sold.” Committee, 17th June 1731 — “Then the Committee examined and cast up a bill of law charges on account of the two suits late pending in Chancery about the sale of the Irish Estate amounting to £310 i6x. \id., which the Committee unanimously approved, and ordered the Clerk to be paid the same.” Committee, 22nd June 1732. — “At this Committee is read a case with Mr. Ward’s opinion, taken pursuant to a resolution of a Committee held the 1 6th of March last, concerning the death of Trustees for several estates of the Company, and the survivors in each Trust unknown ; and the loss of the Com- pany’s title deeds and counterparts of leases in the fire of 1666, or in a ffire which happened to the Hall about 1680. And the Committee are of opinion to pursue Mr. Ward’s advice to summon the tenants to pay their rents due to the Company, and not due to the Trustees for the Company; and to give receipts for the rents for the use of the Company, and not for the use of the Trustees for the Company ; and in due time to levy a ffine, in order to bar all titles in the representatives of the Trustees — but submitt the same to the consideration of this Court.” Court of Assistants, nth February 1735 — “Sir Francis Child pro- duced a letter from Sir John Williams, Knight, one of the Aldermen of this City, and next in nomination for Lord Mayor; which letter Sir Francis desired might be read, and the same was read setting forth that Sir John desires to be accomodated with this Hall, and that he is willing to pay as others have done, as well as to conform to such rules as others have used to do; and in debate hereon the Court expressed their great regard for Sir John Williams, but it was alledged that the Company are in much better circumstances than they formerly were, when they used to lett their Hall, they having now paid off their debts, and being in possession of a personal estate of five thousand pounds in South Sea Annuities, and have moreover laid out diverse great sums of money in repairing and beautifying the Hall, the Parlour, and other apartments. For their own better accomodation, therefore, and that the members of this Court may not be incomoded at Courts of Assistants, or Committees, it was moved, and seconded, that this Court do resolve that this Hall be not let for the service of a Mayoralty, other than for that of some member of this Company; and the question being put affirmatively and negatively, it was carried in the affirmative. “ After which Mr. Hosier acquainted this Court that whereas in or about the month of May 1711 the Company, being in very necessitous circumstances, sold MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 22 r their plate, being of the gifts of diverse benefactors, towards paying off and dis- charging their debts, he therefore moved that, in order to the restoring of the same, it be referred to the Committee to enquire into particulars thereof, and to report the name of each benefactor, and the weight of the plate given by him ; and being seconded, and the question put, it was carried in the affirmative, and they are in like manner to report what benefactors’ plate was sold in or about the year 1667, soon after the dreadfull fire of London.” Court of Assistants, 5th August 1736 — “ At this Court was recorded and read the petition of James Pearce, a poor member of this Company, setting forth that in the year 1698 he paid the Company £ii 5 j. for his Livery fine, deduct- ing 13^. for his Livery hood, being then a silver-flatter in good business; and that the petitioner is now 67 years of age, and by great misfortunes is indeed incapable of carrying on his said trade, or maintaining himself ; and praying, therefore, for a return of £10 12s. for his said Livery fine; and now a motion being made, the question was put that the Company do return the said £10 12s. to the said James Pearce as his Livery fine, and it was carried in the affirmative, and ordered that he be paid the said £10 I2J., on his executing a release of all his right of voting as a Liveryman of this Company in future.” Court of Assistants, 2sth November 1736. — “A motion being made and seconded, the question was put that the General Committee do order what plate is necessary for the Company to be made from time to time with the approbation of this Court, and it was carried in the affirmative ; and a debate arising about the plate given by several benefactors to the Company, sold in the years 1667 and 171 1 to raise money to supply the Company’s then necessities, the report thereof made by the General Committee was called for, and read as entered in their proceedings of the 13th March 1735, the total weight being 3,406 oz. 9 dwts. ; and, the better to perpetuate the names and memories of those kind benefactors to the Company, a motion was made, and seconded, and the question being put that 3,406 oz. 9 dwts. of plate be made for the Company, it was carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly; and this Court resolved that it be referred to the General Committee to consider of what species such new plate may best consist, and report their opinion therein to the next, or some future. Court of Assistants.” Court of Assistants, 17th February 1737. — A motion is made, and seconded, that, in regard the Livery of this Company is reduced very low in number, even lower than many of the inferior Companies of this City, and there is not any prospect at present of any Mayor to be chosen in a few years out of this Company to occasion a public call, therefore there may be a private call, as hath been usual ; and that the present Wardens be empowered to admit some proper persons into the Clothing of this Company, not exceeding fifty in number, at the usual fine of £20 ; and the question being put, it is carried in the affirmative. Then it is moved that Mr. Wardens be empowered to take in ready money 222 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. the whole fines; or, if any person shall happen to desire liberty to pay down £io in part of the said fine, and that his note may be taken for the residue payable at the end of twelve months from the date thereof, then Mr. Wardens to accept such money and note, if they see fit ; and the motion being- seconded, the question is put, and carried in the affirmative. And another motion is made and seconded that, as Mr. Wardens will in all likelihood have occasion to hold some extraordinary private Courts on their calling- the said Livery, therefore they may be allowed for such extraordinary Courts, not exceeding six in number, 30J. each Court for a dinner; and the question is put, and carried in the affirmative, and it is ordered accordingly, any other order to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. A motion is also made "that the General Committee do consider, and draw up a case, concerning the privilege of the touch of this Company of late years granted to foreigners, and concerning the diet, and money taken by the Company marking the plate and small wares of freemen of the Company equal to foreigners, to the great hardship and prejudice of the members of the Company who bear the expensive offices in the Company, and seem to have the only natural right to the touch ; and that the Committee consider if foreigners may be excluded from the touch ; and, if not, how they may be further charged in diet, or money, for the touching their plate or small wares ; and how the members of the Company may be eased in the expense of touching their plate and small wares ; and that they take the advice of counsel thereon, and report their proceedings to the next, or some future. Court of Assistants ” ; and the motion being seconded the question is put, and passed in the affirmative. Court of Assistants, 10th March 1737. — Mr. Wardens take into con- sideration the orders of the last Court of Assistants relating to the call of a new Liver}^, and they resolve that in case any gentleman, who shall be summoned to take upon him the Clothing of the Company, do desire that his note may be taken for £10, part of his Livery fine, payable at 12 months, and that he may be at liberty to pay down £10, or only so much as will make up £10 w'ith the fines he hath already paid for the offices of Rich Bachelor, Budge Bachelor, and Gentleman Usher, or any of them, then such desire shall be complied with ; and they order that such notes be made payable to Thos. Bankes, or order, within twelve months after date, for value received. At this Court appear Mr. Thos. Long, Mr. Francis Spilsbury, Mr. John Robins, Mr. John Ruffin, and Mr. William Hart, pursuant to their summonses, and they are severally admitted into the Clothing of the Company, and Mr. Long and Mr. Robins having heretofore paid £3 each, as a fine for the office of Budge Bachelor, Mr. Long now pays down £7, and gives his note for £10; and Mr. Robins pays down £17; and Mr. Spilsbury and Mr. Ruffin pay down £10 each, and give their notes for £10 each more ; and Mr. Hart pays down £20 ; making £20 each for their Livery fines. And several other gentlemen appear according to their summonses, some of MEMORIALS OF TILE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 223 whom, at their own particular desire, are excused from the Clothing at present, and some refuse the favour of the Company offered to them. And Mr. Wardens are pleased to order the Beadle to deliver a second summons for this day se’nnight to two gentlemen who now take time to consider, and to several who do not appear this day to their first summons; and to summon twenty other freemen on the list to take the Clothing of the Company this day se’nnight. Court of Wardens, 17th March 1737. — At this Court appear Mr. John Lloyd, Mr. Edmund Bodington, Mr. Bryan Marriott, Mr. James Wilkes, and Mr. John Kemp, pursuant to their summonses, and they are severally admitted into the Clothing of the Company ; and Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Marriott, and Mr. Kemp now pay down £7 each, and give their notes for £10 more each ; and Mr. Marriott pays down £17 ; and Mr. Bodington pays down £10, and gives his note for £10 more ; and then Mr. Wilkes pays down £20 ; making £20 each for their Livery fines. And several other gentlemen appear according to their summonses, some of whom at their own particular desire are excused from the Clothing at present, and others refuse the favour of the Company offered to them. And some gentlemen not having appeared, or sent any excuse, though sum- moned twice, are ordered to be summoned a third time for this day se’nnight to take the Clothing, and the Beadle is to deliver therewith a copy of the oath taken when they were admitted into the freedom of the Company, to put them in mind of their duty ; and it is ordered that this be a rule to be observed in like cases for the future. Then Mr. Wardens are pleased to order the Beadle to summon several gentlemen a second time, and about ten others, being the seniors in the Beadle’s list, a first time for this day se’nnight, likewise to take the Clothing of the Company. Court of Wardens, 12th May 1737. — “ Now this private call of a new Livery, consisting of fifty persons, being full and complete, this Court ordered that the gentlemen be placed in the Livery Roll, and take precedence in the Company with respect to each other, according to their standing in the Book of Freedoms, agreeable to the ancient custom of this Company.” Court of Assistants, 19th May 1737. — At this Court it is alleged that the Livery of the Company are only entertained twice a year, which is seldomer than other Companies entertain their Livery ; therefore, a motion being made and seconded, the question is put that Mr. Wardens for the time being be allowed a yearly sum not exceeding £80 for the entertaining the gentlemen in the Clothing of the Company twice more yearly, one of which times is to be the first week in February, instead of an Assistants’ dinner, and the other time is to be the first week in April ; and the allowance for the same is to be £50 ; and it is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. After which a motion is made, and the question put, that Mr. Wardens for the 224 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. time being be allowed yearly a sum, not exceeding £8o, to entertain the gentle- men of the Court of Assistants and their ladies sometime in or about the month of July, and it is carried in the affirmative ; and the gentlemen and ladies are to have the use of the Company’s barge, if Mr. Wardens think fit — the whole charge not to exceed £8o. Court of Assistants, ist December I 737 -— “ After which was read a very long case prepared and drawn up by the General Committee, pursuant to an order of reference made by this Court the 17th day of February last, concerning the privilege of the touch of this Company, and concerning the diet, and money taken for marking plate and small wares in the Assay Office, with the opinion of Mr. Fazakerly, the counsel, thereon. “ And after debate of the matters in the said case stated, it being alleged that very great frauds are committed in the goldsmiths’ trade by evil-disposed persons, who by sundry illegal and indirect ways and means impose wrought silver, not worth three shillings an ounce, upon His Majesty’s subjects for standard silver, which is now sold for ^d., it was proposed that application be made to Parliament to redress the said grievances, and to ascertain the fees or prices to be taken by the Company for marking plate and small wares in the Assay Office, in order to prevent disputes between the Company’s officers and the workmen. “ And as the opinion of the present Lord Chancellor, by his report made when Attorney-General, appears to be that all fees and prices taken for marking plate, or small wares, above 4 grains per pound troy were extortion, and Mr. Fazakerly’s opinion being to the same effect; it was moved and seconded that all the fees or prices taken in the Assay Office be reduced to 4 grains diet per pound troy ; and sundry debates arising hereon, and the Court having sat late, the previous question was moved and put that the principal question should not be now put, and it was carried in the affirmative. “ And it was moved and seconded that this Court do now adjourn to this day se’nnight at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, and the question being put it was carried in the affirmative.” Court of Assistants, 19th January 1738. — “Then Mr. Hoare, from the Committee for the Parliament business, reported that they had prepared and drawn up a Petition and Bill to be offered to Parliament, and had come to a resolution touching the same, which they were ready to lay before the Court ; and the same being received, the draft of the Petition was read, and after the alter- ation of the value of a pound of silver therein set at £3 4J., and now at £3 2 s., the said Petition was agreed to and approved, subject nevertheless to such other alterations as counsel, or Mr. Hamlyn, the solicitor, should advise ; and three of Mr. Wardens were by the Court desired to sign the same — Mr. Brassey, the 4th Warden, being a member of the House of Commons, to whom the Petition is to be preferred. “ After which was read the draft of the Bill, and after altering the time for the commencement thereof by obliterating the First of June next and inserting MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 22S the 29th of September next for the commencement of the law proposed by the Bill, this Court approved of and agreed to the said draft, subject likewise to such other alterations as Mr. Hamlyn, the solicitor, shall advise. “ And now was read the resolutions of the Committee touching the said Petition and Bill to this purpose, viz. : that it was their opinion it might be proper for this Court to appoint a Committee of 6 or 7 gentlemen, who have the best acquaintance with the members of the Houses of Parliament, to manage the prosecution of the Petition and Bill, with power to order the Clerk out of the Company’s cash to disburse all the necessary charges and expenses touching the same ; which resolution this Court agreed to, and it being moved, the question was put that Sami. Smith, Esq., Thomas Martin, Esq., Joseph Bell, Esq., Sami. Child, Esq., Mr. Geo. Vincent, Captain Paul De Lamerie, and Richard Hoare, Esq., be the said Committee, and it was carried in the affirmative ; and they are empowered and desired by this Court to manage and prosecute the said Petition and Bill, and to endeavour to get the latter passed into a law, subject nevertheless to such alterations as Parliament shall think fit to make therein, and for what the said Committee shall do therein they are to be indemnified by the . order of this Court.” Court of Assistants, and February 1738. — At this Court is presented and read an equal list of rates and prices to be paid by freemen of this Company, and others, for the assaying, trying, and marking large plate and small wares, drawn up and agreed to by the late Committee appointed to draw up a Petition and Bill to be offered to Parliament, the same having been omitted to be laid before the last Court of Assistants ; and, the question being put that this Court do agree to the said list of rates and prices to be paid in the Assay Office, it is carried in the affirmative ; and the Committee appointed for managing the prosecution of the Petition and Bill to be offered to Parliament are to offer the said equal list of rates or prices to Parliament, in case the unequal lists or prices now inserted in the draft of the Bill shall not be received by Parliament, but not otherwise. A motion being made and seconded, the question is put that, in case any member of this Court for the time being shall at any time hereafter petition to be Clerk, Common Assayer, Weigher, Common Assayer’s Assistant, Surveyor, Tackle Porter, Beadle, or Drawer to this Company, such member shall first agree, or offer to the Court, that, in case he shall be elected into such office, he shall surrender and quit his seat in this Court, and discontinue to sit here during his holding such office ; and it is carried in the affirmative. Court of Wardens, 7th February 1738. — The Company’s Petition to the Honourable House of Commons being read and approved, three of Mr. Wardens are pleased to sign the same ; “ but Mr. Brassey, the fourth Warden, being a member of that House, therefore did not sign.” Court of Assistants, 2ist April 1738. — “It being observed that there is an entry made by the last Committee setting forth that Thomas Bankes, the S 4021. p 226 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Clerk, had laid before them a Bookhe hadmade of Extracts from Leases granted by this Company of their several estates, from about the year 1650 to about the year 1675 ; and that he acquainted them that the Company’s loss of their writings, and the counterparts of their leases, in the fires of 1666 and 1681 was of unhappy consequence, not only as to the Company’s titles to their several estates, but also as to the knowledge of their respective houses ; and the rather for that the plans drawn at a large expense in 1692 are very imperfect, and, in particular, do not shew six houses standing in a court in Great New Street demised in 1668 to Ferdinando Gorges ; besides, the Clerk (as he says upon inquiry) was told those houses were not the Company’s, but were freehold, whereas the contrary (as he alleged) now appears ; and that the Company were put to great expense about two houses in Scalding Alley, for want of the proper deeds and counterparts of leases. And further setting forth that the Committee on perusal of the said Book of Extracts from Leases, considered the same to be a work of great labour, as well as time, and innumerable attendances to get sight of the original leases, and extracting the same, besides the digesting and methodising thereof, and several times transcribing the same ; and that it may be of very great use and service to the Company to have such a memorial of their estates; and that the Committee were, therefore, of opinion the Clerk deserved to have a handsome recompense for that extraordinary work and service ; with which opinion of the Committee this Court hath just now agreed. And the said Book being called for and produced, the title and several extracts therein entered were read, and, the Clerk being withdrawn, the Court took into consideration what recompense ought to be made to him for his extraordinary pains and trouble about the said extracts; and it was proposed in different views ; some, as to the time, that it appears to be the produce of nine years service; others, as to the number of extracts, which amount to near 270, and do describe the ground plots of near 600 houses, and the difficulties he must in all probability meet with in getting sight of many of the original leases ; and in conclusion it w'as moved and seconded that this Court do order the sum of £300 to be paid to Thomas Bankes, the Clerk, for his extra- ordinary care and pains in making the said extracts, being of very great use and service to this Company ; and the question being put it was carried in the affirmative ; and the Clerk being called in, and acquainted herewith, he returned his most humble thanks to this Court for this their very liberal and generous present, and said he should endeavour all in his power to serve the Corporation, and deserve the continuance of their favour. “ Ordered that the Clerk make a duplicate of the said Book of Extracts from Leases, to be kept by the Prime Warden of this Company for the time being, in order to avoid the danger of fire, and the better to secure and preserve this useful Register for the benefit of the Company and their successors.” Court of Assistants, i8th August 1738. — “ Then was read the petition of William Westbrooke, Esquire, Citizen and Goldsmith of London, setting forth MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 227 that he had been many years a freeman of this Company, and had served the office of Budge Bachelor twice, viz., in the Mayoralties of the late Sir Francis Child and Sir Richard Hoare, in the years 1698 and 1712, which cost him £3 each ; and that he did not take upon him the Clothing of the Company for fear of the inconveniences that might attend his right of voting at elections ; and that he did not refuse the same out of any disobedience, or disrespect, to the Company, or to any of the good ordinances thereof, but more for the reason aforesaid ; and that he had the honour to be elected into the high office of one of the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex ; and that he was advised that there would be occasion for the attendance of this Company at the times of his being sworn in at Guildhall and at Westminster, and that he might want some use of a Barge and Hall ; and likewise that it might be expected he should stand in some higher rank in the Company ; therefore praying to be admitted into the Clothing, and to be an Assistant of this Company, and to be excused from all offices, save that of Prime Warden, on payment of such fine as the Court should think fit ; and also that he might have the use of the Company’s Barge and Hall, as he should have occasion, and as former Sheriffs free of the Company usually have had. And, Mr. Westbrooke being withdrawn, it was alleged that he had refused, or at least neglected, to serve the offices of the Company very many years, and would probably never have served, or fined for any of them, if he had not been elected Sheriff; so that the Company has gone long without his services, and run the hazard of losing a good member ; wherefor two sums, viz., two hundred marks and one hundred pounds were proposed, in order to a fine for the Company’s compliance with the prayer of the said petition, and each of them being put up, it was carried for two hundred marks ; and Mr. Westbrooke, being called in, refused to pay the same, alleging that he had been ill-advised in giving a bond to serve the office of Sheriff, when he should have sworn off ; and he complained of the hardship of paying more than others had usually paid, and desired the Court to take his petition into their further consideration, and he offered to pay one hundred pounds ; wherefore the question was now put that the said Mr. Westbrooke be excused all offices of this Company, save that of Prime Warden, and be admitted a Liveryman and an Assistant, on his payment of £100 fine on or before the 4th day of September next in the forenoon, and it was carried in the affirmative, and ordered that he have the use of the Hall for — days’ entertainments, and have the use of the Barge to Westminster, on his being sworn in, as former Sheriffs free of the Company have usually had ; he paying the master and the men, and making good all damage which shall be done to the Hall and to the Barge.” Court of Assistants, 2nd February 1739. — “The Clerk presented to Mr. Prime Warden, in open Court, a duplicate of the Book of Extracts from Leases, made by him pursuant to an order of the Court of Assistants holden the 2 1 St day of April last, in a box made for that purpose.” p 2 228 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “ And then Mr. Smith, from the Committee for the Parliament Business, presented to the Court a report of their proceedings, which was received and read, a copy whereof followeth, viz. ; — “‘Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, 31st January 1739. “ ‘ Report of the Parliament Business. “ ‘ In pursuance of an order of the Court of Assistants, holden the 19th day of January 1738, we caused the Petition of this Company, and also the Bill approved by the said Court, to be presented to the Honourable House of Commons; both which were received by the House, and well approved by a great many of the members ; but on account of Mr. Speaker’s illness, and the multiplicity of business before the House, the Bill was only twice read, and, being committed to a Committee of the whole House, they could not be prevailed on to go into that Committee in due course before the Prorogation, notwithstanding all the kind solicitations of Sir Francis Child, Mr. Brassey, Mr. Hoare, and others; therefore your Committee on the 3rd of May last, by the advice of Sir Francis Child and sundry other members, resolved to cease the further prosecution of the Bill for that Session. “ ‘ Thos. Martin, Samuel Smith, Jos. Bell, Sam. Child, Geo. Vincent.’ “ And it being moved that the application to Parliament be repeated this Session it was carried in the affirmative ; and likewise that the former Committee of seven appointed for that purpose be revived, and the same Committee was revived accordingly ; and they are to have full power to manage, solicit, and pro- secute the Petition and Bill in Parliament, and to endeavour to get the latter passed into a law, subject to such amendments or alterations as Parliament shall think fit to make ; and the Committee may order the Clerk out of the Company’s cash to disburse all the necessary charges and expenses touching the same; and for what the said Committee shall do therein they are to be indemnified by the order of this Court.” Court of Assistants, 13th April 1739. — Then are read eight several Deeds Poll, dated the 1 2th day of this present month of April, being Surrenders and Releases, under the respective hands and seals of Thomas Long, John Cooper, Giles Gardner, James Wethered, Josiah Daniel, Obadiah Wolsted, William Bulstrode, and Richard Vincent, whereby they respectively surrender and yield up to this Company, and do likewise release to the Company, all their right, title, and interest in and to all liberties, privileges, and advantages by virtue of their freedom, and also all their right, title, and interest of in and to the lands, pos- sessions, and estates of this Company. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 229 And, it being alleged that the Company have been advised to disfranchise such members of the Company as will be witnesses on the part of the Company before the Right Honourable the House of Lords, touching the Company’s Bill depending before their Lordships, the question is put that this Company do accept of the said several Surrenders and Releases, and it is passed in the affirma- tive. And this Court doth order that the said Thomas Long, John Cooper, Giles Gardner, James Wethered, Josiah Daniel, Obadiah Wolsted, Wm. Bulstrode, and Richard Vincent be disfranchised from the freedom of this Company, and all the liberties, privileges, and advantages thereof. Court of Assistants, i8th May 1739. — At this Court a motion is made that Mr. Thom.as Long, John Cooper, Giles Gardner, James Wethered, Josiah Daniel, Obadiah Wolsted, Wra. Bulstrode, and Richard Vincent be readmitted to their several freedoms of this Company, they having surrendered the same at the last Court of Assistants, in order to be evidences touching the Company’s Bill then depending before the Right Honourable the House of Lords ; and the question being put it is carried in the affirmative, and ordered that the said Thos. Long, John Cooper, Giles Gardner, James Wethered, Josiah Daniel, Obadiah Wolsted, Wm. Bulstrode, and Richard Vincent be restored to their several freedoms of this Company, according to their respective seniorities before the surrenders of the same ; and that the said Thos. Long be also admitted on the Livery ; without any expense or charge to them, or any of them, whatsoever ; and they are respec- tively sworn and admitted accordingly, and they are to have and enjoy all privileges, benefits, and advantages whatsoever that they had, or ought to have enjoyed, before the making of the said respective surrenders. Court of Assistants, 29th May 1739- — The Court take into consideration part of the matter of the Bill, now depending in Parliament, concerning gold and silver wares, which hath passed both Houses, and now lies ready for the Royal Assent, but is intended to commence and take place from and after the 28th of May 1739; and as that Bill, when it becomes a law (as it probably soon may), will require some alterations of the methods now used in the Assay Office ; and as the marks or puncheons must be new on the change of Wardens, according to ancient custom ; therefore, that the business of the Assay Office may be carried on in the same manner as hath of late been accustomed, the Court resolve that the swearing in of the new Wardens and Officers be adjourned till the next Court of Assistants, and that the same be summoned to meet within ten days next after this day. Court of Assistants, 8th June 1739- — Mr. Ward, the Common Assayer, at the time of his being sworn in, complains that the business of his office is at present, and is likely to continue, too much for him to do, by reason of the Bill now depending in Parliament and lying ready for the Royal Assent ; wherefore it is moved and seconded that it be referred to the Standing Committee to take an account of the state of the affairs of the Assay Office in general, and to consider 230 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. what alterations ought to be made therein, and what new officers ought to be appointed to do the business there, and the salaries of such new officers ; and also what amendments ought to be made in the printed orders of the 2nd June, 1726, for the better regulating the Assay Office; and the question being put it is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly ; and the Committee are to report their opinions to the next Court of Assistants, which is to be called speedily on that account. Court of Assistants, 22nd June 1739 — The resolutions of the Standing Committee are reported to the Court as follows : — “ Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that there ought to be two Common Assayers appointed for the dispatch of the business of this Company’s Assay Office, for the good and safety of the public, and the honour and reputa- tion of the Company ; and that the first, or senior, Assayer do make all the assays of large silver plate, gold work, and paper or by assays of gold ; and that all gold and parting assays should be made in a fire by themselves, and not in a fire with any silver assays, by reason that silver will not bear so strong a fire as gold can ; and it is the opinion of this Committee that such first, or senior, Assayer, may deserve a salary of one hundred and fifty pounds a year, with a house to live in ; and that the latter, or younger, Assayer should make all the assays of small wares of silver, and paper or by assays of silver; and that he may deserve a salary of one hundred pounds a year for the same. “ Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that all the marks, or puncheons, of the Company ought to be kept by one of the Wardens for the time being, and not by the Common Assayers, or either of them ; and that no Warden, or Deputy Warden, ought to suffer any piece or parcel of plate whatsoever to be marked with any of the marks of the Company, until one of the Common Assayers shall himself have acquainted him that he hath assayed the same, and found such piece or parcel to be standard ; and that no Warden, or Deputy Warden, ought to suffer any of the marks of the Company to be struck on any plate whatsoever, but only in his presence ; and that, as soon as the work is done, he ought immediately to lock all the marks up again ; and that no plate be broken but by the order, and in the presence, of a Warden, or the Deputy Warden, according to the directions of the Act of Parliament ; and further that there ought to be two diet boxes, one for a check upon either Assayer, and that two grains diet per pound troy ought to be taken from small wares of silver, and put into one of the said boxes, and so much ought to be taken from the diet of large plate, to be given to the small workers in lieu of the two grains.” • All which resolutions, contracts, and entries of the Committee this Court agree to and confirm. After which Stephen Child, Esquire, fourth Warden elect, has administered unto him the Warden’s Oath for the due execution of the said office, and takes his place accordingly. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 231 And then Mr. Smith, from the Committee of the Parliament Business, presents to the Court a report of their proceedings which is received and read, being in the words following, that is to say : — Goldsmiths Hall, London, "I Concerning the Parliament Business. 20th June 1739. J “ In pursuance of an order of a Court of Assistants, holden here the second day of February last past, we caused the Company’s Petition, and also the Bill approved by a Court of Assistants holden the nineteenth day of January one thou- sand seven hundred and thirty-eight, to be presented to Parliament, and, by the indefatigable pains of Sir Francis Child and Mr. Brassey, the Bill is since passed into a law, and your Committee hope that the same is in a shape agreeable to the sentiments of this Court. But your Comm.ittee are forced to take notice it was no inconsiderable charge and expense (during the course of two Sessions of Parlia- ment) the Company was put to in getting the said Bill passed into a law, being strenuously opposed by a great number of gentlemen of the goldsmiths’ trade, who manifestly appeared to be against any reformation whatsoever in that trade, and consequently against any new law affecting the same ; and that (notwith- standing the utmost care of your Committee to avoid as much as possible all unnecessary expenses) the whole charge thereof amounts to the sum of five hun- dred and four pounds, five shillings, and sixpence, which your Committee have ordered the Clerk to disburse out of the Company’s cash, and hath been paid by him, in pursuance of the said orders of the nineteenth of January one thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight, and the second of February one thousand seven hundred and thirty-nine, according to our directions. “ Samuel Smith, Paul de Lamerie, Jos. Bell, Rich. Hoare, Sam, Child, Geo. Vincent.” Resolved that the thanks of this Court be given to Sir Francis Child, Knight and Alderman, and to Nathl. Brassey, Esquire, for their very great trouble and indefatigable pains in the Parliament Business ; and the Wardens are desired to attend those gentlemen to give the thanks of this Court accordingly. Resolved that thanks be now given to the Committee for the Parliament Business for their care and trouble in the managing, and attending, the Com- pany’s Bill in Parliament. The foregoing entries relate to the Act 12 Geo. II. cap. 26., which is still one of the principle statutes under which this Company exercise their powers. Court of Assistants, 14th February 1740. — And now a motion is made and seconded that, in regard the Livery of this Company is reduced very low in number — even lower than many of the inferior Companies — and there is not a probability of any Mayor to be chosen in a few years out of this Company to occasion a public call, therefore there may be a private call, as hath been usual ; and that the present Wardens be empowered to admit some proper 232 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. persons into the Clothing of the Company, not exceeding 50 in number, at the usual fine of £20 each; and the question being put, it is carried in the affirmative. Then it is moved and seconded that the Wardens be empowered to order the whole fines to be paid in ready money, or, if any person should happen to desire liberty to pay down one half of the said fine, and that his note may be taken for the remaining £10, payable at the end of twelve months from the date thereof, then the Wardens may order such sum and note to be taken, if they see fit; and the question being put, it is carried in the affirmative. And another motion being made and seconded that, as the Wardens will in all likelihood have occasion to hold some extraordinary Private Courts on their calling the said Livery, therefore they may be allowed for each of such extra- ordinary Courts, not exceeding six in number, 30J. for a dinner, the question is put and carried in the affirmative, and it is ordered accordingly, any other order to the contrary thereof in anywise notwithstanding. Court of Wardens, 6th March 1740. — At this Court is read and taken into consideration the orders of the Court of Assistants holden the 14th of February last relating to the call of a new Livery; and the Wardens resolve that, in case any gentleman who shall be summoned to take upon him the Clothing of the Company do request, or desire, that his note may be taken for £10, part of his Livery fine, payable at twelve months, and that he may be at liberty to pay down £10, or only so much as will make up £10 with the fines he hath already paid for the offices of Rich Bachelor, Budge Bachelor, and Gentleman Usher, or any of them, then such request, or desire, shall be complied with ; and they order that such notes be made payable to Thomas Bankes or order, within twelve months after date, for value received. Court of Wardens, 23rd May 1740. — This Court observing that many trifling excuses have been made, during this call on the Livery, by sundry gentlemen of fit abilities to take the Clothing of the Company, are of opinion that the same hath been made too cheap by the frequent calls that have been made of late years ; therefore, and in order to make the Clothing of the Compan)^ more valuable and desirable for the future, they resolve that there be no more summoned, or admitted, into the Clothing of the Company, until further notice be made for that purpose by the Court of Assistants, Court of Assistants, 30th July 1740. — Mr. Alderman Hoare, one of the Sheriffs elect, desires the favour of this Court to grant him the use of their Hall, to make public entertainments during his Shrievalty; and the use of the wine vault in Gutter Lnne, now empty; and also the liberty to use the Company’s Barge on the Sheriffs being presented at the Exchequer Bar, at Westminster ; he being willing to defray all charges attending the same, and offering to make good all damages ; and the Court unanimously resolved that Mr. Alderman Jioare’s request be fully complied with ; and he returns thanks for the same. ^ourt of Assistants, 6th November 1740. — It is observed that very few MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 233 of the Standing Committee of this Company, which consists of twenty-three in number, do of late years attend the business thereof, to the great delay and hindrance, as well as prejudice, of the Company’s affairs ; and “ the said Committee having been, heretofore, the very preservers of the Company from ruin, by their frequent attendance, great care, and prudent management,” the Court take into consideration how to get the future Committees better attended, and resolve that, in order to remedy the inconveniences aforesaid, there be paid, and allowed, a sum of twenty shillings to be equally divided between the Wardens and other members of the Committee and the Clerk, attending each meeting of the Standing Committee before the next hour after the hour mentioned in the summons, and staying till the business be done ; provided such meetings never exceed the number of 2 1 meetings in a year. Court of Assistants, *2th February 1741. — An account of the produce and expense of the Assay Office, from the 24th June 1739 exclusive to the 25th December 1740 inclusive (with the extraordinary expenses of obtaining an Act of Parliament for preventing frauds and abuses in gold and silver wares, and also the expenses of repairing and altering the said Assay Office), is laid before the Court by the Clerk, pursuant to an order of the last Court of Assistants and to the resolution of the Standing Committee of the 5th inst. ; the produce amounting to £i,S 93 4^-) the expenses (including rent for the Office, and the senior Assayer’s house after the rate of £50 a year) being £2,237 lod, the balance due to the Company is £644 ys. 6d. And the Clerk likewise lays before the Court, pursuant to the resolution of the Standing Committee, an estimate of one year’s produce and expense of the said Office, the produce amounting to £1,051 ys. gd., and the expense to £858 15X. 4d. (exclusive of any salary or gratuity to the Accountant) ; and, according to that estimate, the profit or savings of the said Office, after payment of the said debt of £644 7^. 6d., may be computed at £192 12s. $d. ; and the titles, contents, and sum total of the said account and estimate being read, the same are ordered to lie on the table to be perused by the members of the Court. And then is received and read the petition of Drew Drury, setting forth that the petitioner hath been inadvertently concerned in causing an impression of a stamp to be made resembling the “ Lion Passant,” and thereby incurred the dis- pleasure of the Company, and the penalty of £100; but that he hath never made any use of the stamp, and hath now caused the same to be broken ; and, being sensible of his guilt, he is willing to submit himself to the Court, praying that the penalty may be moderated as the Court shall think fit, and offering to pay the same, with the charges incurred. In debate hereupon it is alleged that the petitioner, rather than be exposed at a public trial, is willing to pay the whole penalty with costs; but it is observed, and taken notice of, that the Company, by the late Act of Parliament, seem to be entrusted with the care and direction of suits against persons committing frauds and abuses in gold or silver wares; and th at should the Company upon application of any offenders (and more especially 234 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. of members of the Company) accept the penalty with costs in a private way by consent, although the same may be as much or more than can be recovered by law, they may thereby incur the displeasure of the Legislature, because it is probable a great part of the punishment of offenders, in such good circumstances as the petitioner is reputed to be, may be the exposing their characters at public trials, and be a greater concern to them than the charge of the penalty with costs. It is, besides, hoped that no prosecution of this kind will be set on foot for the sake of the penalty, or any other motive than to redress the fraud and abuse of counterfeit marks on wrought plate, especially as the standard of plate has always been deemed an honour to the nation, and the great quantity of plate has now become a considerable part of the riches of the Kingdom ; therefore it is moved and seconded that the said petition be rejected ; and the question being put, it is carried in the affirmative ; and the Clerk is ordered to proceed against the peti- tioner in such manner as counsel shall advise. Court of Wardens, nth March 1741. — A letter is read from the Right Honourable Sir Robert Goodschall, Knight, Lord Mayor, directed to the Wardens of this Company, and dated the 19th day of February last, desiring the use of Goldsmiths’ Hall to make his entertainment in on Easter Monday next ; and the Wardens are pleased to order that the Lord Mayor be obliged in his request, and be at liberty to make use of the Company’s Common Hall, the Parlour, the Gown Room, the Dancing Room, the Gallery, the Council Chamber, and the two Kitchens and Pantries, on Easter Monday next, if his Lordship thinks fit; he making good all damages, and leaving the Hall and apartments clean, and also paying the officers’ fees. Court of Wardens, 3rd December 1741. — The Wardens, having this day seen the new plate made for the Company weighed in the Assay Office, receive the same, and order the Clerk to lock the whole up safe in the cases in the strong closet made for that purpose, and to make and enter a true Inventory of all the new and old plate of the Company as followeth, that is to say : — “ AN INVENTORY of PLATE belonging to the WORSHIPFUL COMPANY of GOLDSMITHS, LONDON, taken the Third day of December 1741. “ New Gilt Plate. “ A large basin with the Arms, Supporters, Crest, and other curious ornaments chased thereon - An Ewer, with the like chasing . . . No. I. A Cup and Cover, the like . - . No. 2. A Cup and Cover, the like _ . . No. 3. A Cup and Cover, the like _ - - No. 4. A Cup and Cover, the like . . - oz. dwts. 383 IS 186 10 99 6 99 8 99 iS 99 12 968 9 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 23s “ New White Plate. “ No. I. A large Tea Table with a curious chased border and four double feet, the Arms, Supporters, and Crest engraved thereon - - - - No. 2. Another Tea Table with the like chasing and engraving . _ - - - No. I. A large Tea Waiter with a chased swage and three feet, the Arms, Supporters, and Crest engraved thereon _ . _ _ No. 2. Another large Tea Waiter with the like chasing and engraving - - - - - No. I . A Hand Waiter with a chased swage and three feet, the Arms, Supporters, and Crest engraved thereon ------ No. 2. The like - - - - - No. 3. The like . - - . - No. 4. The like - . _ _ - No. 5. The like - . _ - - No. 6. The like _____ No. I. A Cruet Frame or Stand, the Arms, Supporters, and Crest chased thereon ; with three Silver Castors, the Arms and Supporters engraved thereon; and 2 Cruet tops with the Crest engraved thereon ; and a Mustard spoon (two glass Cruets oz. dwts. 128 10 129 2 29 15 29 1 1 12 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 o 19 14 18 16 15 and a Mustard glass) - - 99 IS No. 2. Another Cruet Frame or Stand, the like - 99 IS No. 1. A half-pint Mug, with the Arms, Supporters, and Crest engraved thereon _ _ _ 1 1 10 No. 2. The like _ _ _ - - 1 1 9 No. 3. The like _ _ _ - _ 10 18 No. 4. The like _ _ _ - _ 1 1 IS No. 5. The like . - _ _ _ 1 1 12 No. 6. The like _ - - - - 12 I No. 7. The like _ - _ - - 1 1 9 No. 8. The like _ _ _ - _ 12 3 No. 9. The like _ _ _ _ _ 1 1 17 No. 10. The like _ _ _ - _ 1 1 2 No. 1 1. The like _ _ . _ _ 1 1 12 No. I. A Salt Cellar with three feet and at top, the Arms engraved thereon a scollop null 8 IS No. 2. The like . _ _ - - 8 9 236 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. oz. dwts. No. 4. The like - - - - - 8 6 No. 5. The like - - - . _ g 7 No. 6. The like - - - - - 8 8 No. 7. The like - - - - - 8 S No. 8. The like - - - . - 8 8 No. 9. The like - - - - - 8 10 No. 10. The like - - - - - 8 10 No. II. The like - - - . - 8 7 No, 12. The like - - - . - 8 8 No. I. A Candlestick with the Arms and Supporters, and a Branch with 2 pans, 2 nosells, and 2 sockets, with the Crest engraved upon each of the said seven pieces - - - 76 5 No. 2. Another Candlestick, the like - - - 71 12 No. 3, Another Candlestick, the like - - - 71 8 No. 4, Another Candlestick, the like - - -714 No. 5. Another Candlestick, the like - - - 71 5 No. 6. Another Candlestick, the like - - - 70 12 An Inkstand with 4 feet, the Arms, Crest, and other Ornaments being chased thereon - - iio 4 An Ink dish with the like chasing - - - 8 18 A Sand dish with the like chasing - - - 9 3 1,387 II “ Old Gilt Plate. oz. dwts. “ A Cup and Cover (the body chiefly crystal) given by Sir Martin Bowes, Knight, deceased - - 95 8 A Cup and Cover, with the Company’s Arms engraved thereon, given by Mr. Richard Hanbury - " 65 3 The like, with single and double Coats of Arms engraved thereon, given by Mr. Foake - 66 o A Salt Cellar standing on eight Lions, with four Eagles at top and a crystal body, given by Mr. Thos. Seymour - - - - - 1 1 1 8 A Salt Cellar and Cover, with 4 fluted columns and Neptune enclosed in crystal, with a Lion ram- pant engraved in the top, given by Mr. Simon Gibbon - - - - - - 570 A Salt Cellar and Cover standing on balls, with a crystal body, given by Mr. Richard Rogers, Comptroller of the Mint - - - - 124 iS 519 17 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 237 “ Old White Plate. oz. dwts. “ A Bell with the Company’s Arms and the Arms of Sir Robert Vyner, Baronet, chased thereon, given by Sir Robert, 1 7 oz. 6 dwts. ; silver added. I oz. 17 dwts. - - 19 3 A Coffee Pot with the Arms, Supporters, and Crest engraved thereon - - 38 12 Six dozen of Spoons with the Arms engraved thereon - 171 IS Six taper Candlesticks with the Arms engraved thereon - - - - - 20 0 A Porringer - - - - - 8 13 5 Knives and 5 Forks with very thin handles (since worn out) . _ _ _ (4 silver Trowells, given by Mr. Jas. Pugh in 1751) 258 3 oz. dwts. grs. “ Total of the New Gilt Plate - 968 09 00 Total of the New White Plate (including I oz. 17 dwts. added to the bell) - 1,389 08 00 “ New Plate - 2,357 17 00 “ Total of the Old Gilt Plate - 519 17 00 Total of the Old White Plate (excluding I oz. 1 7 dwts. added to the bell) - 256 06 00 “ Old Plate - 776 03 00 “ New and Old Plate - 3,134 00 00 Court of Assistants, 29th April 1742. — At this Court a complaint is made that there is great reason to suspect that large quantities of plate and small wares are sold with counterfeit marks struck thereon, because the work marked at the Company’s Assay Office continually decreases ; and it is to be feared that the King’s subjects may suffer considerably by the alloy of the silver, as well as the public by the decrease of the Revenue, besides the inexpressible injury to the fair trader ; and it is alleged that a counterfeit puncheon has been procured, and that it has become a common report that sets of counterfeit puncheons may be bought at any time. It is therefore moved and seconded that the consideration how to remedy this evil be referred to the Standing Committee, and that they be desired to prepare and settle a case, and proceed therein as counsel shall advise ; and the question being put, it is carried in the affirmative. Court of Wardens, 8th July 1742. — “At this Court are read four several Deeds Poll, dated the 28th of June last, being Surrenders and Releases under 238 ^MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY the respective hands and seals of Amey Vedeau, William Peach, Charles Ffletcher, and Peter Castle, whereby they respectively surrender and yield up to this Company their several freedoms, and all libertys, privileges, and advantages by virtue thereof, and release all right to the lands, possessions, and estates of the Company ; and the said Amey Vedeau, William Peach, Charles Ffletcher, and Peter Castle, being all present, voluntarily resigned their freedoms in manner aforesaid, and offered to be witnesses for the Company against the counterfeiter of the Hall marks ; and this Company readily accepted of the said several surrenders, and ordered that the said Amey Vedeau, William Peach, Charles Ffletcher, and Peter Castle be respectively disfranchised, and absolutely dis- charged from the freedom of this Company ; and they are hereby disfranchised accordingly.” Court of Assistants, sth August 1742. — “This Company being informed by the Clerk that, pursuant to the directions of the Standing Committee, he had prosecuted, tryed, and convicted Richard Gosling and Lewis Larothe for counter- feiting the marks of the Company used in the Assay Office ; that he had prosecuted Edward Aldridge for the like offence, but the jury had, contrary to the opinion of the Court, acquitted him ; that he had commenced the like prosecutions against David Mowden, Matthias Standfast, and James Smith, and that he had proceeded to judgment against Mowden, who is now in the King’s Bench prison, surrendered in discharge of his bail, as is likewise the said Lewis Larothe ; that the tryall of Standfast was put off by the Court to the next term, although the cause had been at issue some time ; and that the said James Smith went to prison directly upon his arrest, but has been charged with a declaration, and a rule is given for him to plead as soon as ye course of the King’s Bench will admit. And the Clerk likewise informed this Court that £100 penalty having been recovered against Mr. Gosling, and costs being taxed thereon at £23, he had received of Gosling £50 for the prosecutor’s moiety of the penalty, with the £23 costs; and thereupon it was proposed that the £50 received should be given to the witnesses, but that proposal being opposed, it was ordered that the £50 received be placed to the account of the Assay Office. Thereupon several motions were made and seconded ; first, that some reward be given to the witnesses for their trouble and pains in and about the said prosecutions, and for attending the tryalls from day to day ; and it was carryed in the affirmative. Secondly, that a sum not exceeding £50 of ye proper cash of this Company be given to and amongst ye said witnesses ; and it was carried in the affirmative. Thirdly, that it be referred to the Standing Committee to settle and distribute the said sums pursuant to the last resolution, and the same was carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. “ After which appeared the said Richard Gosling, complaining that the Clerk had been very importunate with him for the remaining £50 ffine, and desired six weeks’ time for payment ; but the Court told him it was the publick’s money, with which they had nothing to do, nor could they intermeddle therein. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 239 SO that unless he should pay the money immediately he might blame himself for any bad consequences attending his default. “ Then was presented a petition of James Seabrooke, one of the ten new almesmen of the Company, and, he being called in, the same was read setting forth that the petitioner had served the said Richard Gosling near ten years, and that, his master being lately under a prosecution for using counterfeit marks, the petitioner apprehended he might be obliged to give evidence against him ; and ye said Gosling having been a good master, whom the petitioner knew to work nothing but true sterling, the petitioner being the melter, and the petitioner fear- ing, if he gave evidence, he might be turned out of his place, and lose the greatest part of his subsistence, did not appear against his master, whereby he has incurred the Company’s displeasure, as he is informed; therefore he prayed the Court to consider his case, and restore him to favour. And the petitioner, being asked if he had any more to say than was contained in his petition, answered ‘ no ’ ; and he being withdrawn, it was observed that great pains had been taken to serve the petitioner with a subpoena before his master’s tryall, as he had been the oldest servant, and one who had done and seen many unlawful practices in his master’s workshop, but the petitioner absconded on that account ; and the Court ordered that the petition be rejected. Then, a motion being made and seconded, the question was put that the said James Seabrooke, for his said offence, be discharged from the pension granted to him by this Court (during pleasure), and that he be rendred incapable to partake of any almes or charity whatsoever of this Company for the future ; and it was carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly (nemine contradicente).” Court of Assistants, 20th October 1743. — At this Court is taken into con- sideration the deplorable case of the poor unhappy sufferers by the dreadful fire, which happened on the 14th of August last at Crediton, in the County of Devon, which, in about the space of ten hours, consumed about 460 dwellings, besides other buildings, with multitudes of goods and chattels; whereby 2,000 persons were reduced to the most melancholy circumstances, the damage being computed at nearly £40,000; and, a motion being made and seconded, and the question put, that this Company do relieve the said sufferers, it is passed in the affirmative. After which three sums are proposed, vizt. : — £20, £25, and £30 ; which sums being severally put up to the vote, it is carryed for £30, and the Clerk is ordered to pay the same forthwith, as the free and charitable gift of this Company, into the hands of Mr. William Hart, a worthy member of this Court, who is appointed treasurer for the said sufferers, for and towards their speedy relief, without any further confirmation, notwithstanding any order of this Court to the contrary. And then is taken into consideration the miserable case of the poor sufferers by the last great fire at Stoney Stratford, in Buckinghamshire and Northampton- shire ; and a motion being made and seconded, and the question put, that some relief be given to those sufferers, it is passed in the affirmative. 240 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. And three sums are proposed, vizt. £io, £15, and £20; which sums being severally put up to the vote it is carryed for £ 1 5 ; and the Clerk is ordered to pay the same forthwith, as the free and charitable gift of this Company, into the hands of Charles Hosier, Esq., a worthy member of this Court (whose country house is situated near Stoney Stratford aforesaid), towards the immediate relief of the poor sufferers there ; and Mr. Hosier is desired to distribute the same as he shall see most need, or to assist therein ; and this payment is to be made without any further confirmation, notwithstanding any order of this Court to the contrary. Court of Assistants, 4th July 1744. — This Court being specially summoned to consider about letting the Hall, and Mr. Alderman Marshall attending at the door on that account, he is called in, and acquaints the Court that it is probable he may at Michaelmas next have the honour to be chosen into the office of Prime Magistrate of this City for the year ensuing, and that he is under great difficulty to procure a Hall for his Mansion House; so he entreats the favour of this Com- pany to let him their Hall, subject to such reservations as they shall think proper. And, he being withdrawn, the standing order made the i ith day of February 1734 against letting the Hall is called for and read, setting forth that Sir John Williams (then one of the Aldermen and next in nomination for Lord Mayor of this City) by letter desired to be accommodated with this Hall, offering to pay, and to conform to such rules as others had done ; and that in debate thereon it was alleged the Company were then in much better circumstances than they formerly were, when they used to let their Hall, having paid their debts, and being in possession of a personal estate of five thousand pounds South Sea Annuities, and that they had laid out divers great sums of money in repairing and beautifying the Hall and apartments for their own better accommodation. Therefore, and that the members might not be incommoded at Courts and Committees, it was resolved that this Hall be not let for the service of a Mayoralty, other than that of a member of the Company. And a motion being made, and seconded, that the said resolution be suspended for one year from the 29th day of October next, another motion is made, and seconded, that the principal question be determined by ballotting; and this question being put, it passes in the negative. Then the principal question for suspending the said resolution being put passes in the affirmative. After which it is moved and seconded that Mr. Alderman Marshall be ac- commodated with this Company’s Hall during the time of his Mayoralty, on the same terms as other former Mayors, submitting to such future reserv'ations as shall be approved of by this Court ; and this question being put, it passes in the affirmative. Ordered that it be referred to the Standing Committee to consider what reser- vations will be necessary to be made, and to state the contract between the Company and Mr. Marshall, and report the same to the next Court of Assistants. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 241 And Mr. Alderman Marshall, being called in and acquainted herewith, returns thanks to the Court for their favour. Court of Assistants, 18th October 1744. — The entries of the last Court of Assistants are read, wherein are contained several orders or resolutions con- cerning the suspension of the standing order against letting the Hall; and also the agreement for letting the same to Mr. Alderman Marshall, the Lord Mayor elect ; but, before the question is put for agreeing to the said entries, Mr. Aider- man Hoare delivers his Lordship’s compliments to the Court, and this message, that there being sundry inconveniences in the Hall, as well as many necessary wantings, in order to the reception of a Mayor (which he was at first unapprised of), his Lordship desires to be excused from his contract made at the last Court ; and hereupon the question is put that the said entries relating to the suspen- sion of the said standing order, and to the letting of the Hall, be confirmed ; and, in order to oblige his Lordship in this second request, it passes in the negative. Then Mr. Alderman Hoare delivers another message from his Lordship, that he is ready to defray all extraordinary charges and expenses to which the Company may have been put in beautifying, or altering, the Hall in order to his reception ; and the question being put that his Lordship be excused from the said charges and expenses, it passes in the affirmative. Court of Assistants, 21st February 1745. — The Standing Committee having the 7th instant minuted an account of the bad condition of the Company’s barge, and likewise a report made by the Surveyor of some beautifying and repairing necessary to be done at the Hall ; and it being highly probable that Mr. Alderman Hoare, a worthy member of the Company, will be elected Lord Mayor of the City at Michaelmas next ; therefore the question is put that a new barge be made for the Company before the next Lord Mayor’s Day; and it is unanimously resolved in the affirmative. Ordered that it be referred to the Standing Committee to contract on behalf of the Company for the building of the said new barge, with proper ornaments suitable to the Company, as handsome as the barges of the other Companies of this City. Then the question is put that it be referred to the Standing Committee to order such beautifying and repairs in and about the Hall as they shall think necessary before the next Lord Mayor’s Day ; and the same is carried in the affirmative. Court of Assistants, 25th April 1745. — And now is presented and read the petition of Edward Williamson, setting forth that he hath served the Company above forty years as Bargemaster with great care and strict integrity, and that it hath been usual, when Companies build new barges, for them to bestow the old barges on their Bargemasters, as this Company did to their now thankful peti- tioner nearly forty years ago ; and therefore praying the Company, as they are now building a new barge, to bestow the old barge on him ; and it being moved S 4021. Q 242 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS’ COMPANY. and seconded that the consideration of his petition be adjourned, the question is put and carried in the affirmative. Court of Assistants, i6th October 1745. — An entry made at a Court of Assistants the 25th day of April last is now called for, and read, setting forth that Edward Williamson has served the Company as Bargemaster above 40 years, and that it hath been usual, when Companies build new barges, for them to bestow the old barges on their Bargemasters, as the Company did to him near 40 years ago ; and that by his petition he prays the Company that, as they are now building a new barge, they will bestow their old barge on him ; but the consideration thereof was then adjourned. A motion is now hereupon made, and seconded, and the question put, that the prayer of the said petition be granted ; and it is carried in the affirmative, and ordered, that Williamson have the old barge, except the Company’s Arms, figures, and other carved work, which the Standing Committee shall direct to be otherwise disposed of. Court of Assistants, 19th December 1745. — At this Court is taken into consideration the deplorable state and condition of the poor soldiers in His Majesty’s service this winter campaign, occasioned by the present unnatural rebellion, and it is observed that divers other Companies of the City, as well as multitudes of His Majesty’s good subjects, have subscribed large sums of money to a scheme commonly called “The Veteran Scheme,” for the better relief, support, and encouragement of the soldiers ; wherefore it is moved and seconded that this Company do contribute to the said scheme, and, the question being put, it passes in the affirmative (nemine contradicente). Then, three sums being proposed to be contributed by the Company, vizt, £500, £400, and £300, these several sums are respectively put up to the, vote, and by the majority of hands it is carried for the sum of £500 ; and it is pro- posed, and the question is put, that the Clerk do immediately out of the cash of this Company pay the said sum of £500 to the Chamberlain of London, and that he subscribe the said sum for the Company to the scheme aforesaid, without any further order of this Court for confirmation hereof ; and it passes in the affirmative, and is ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, 20th December 1750. — At this Court is received and read a representation addressed to the Court, and signed by 39 persons of the Mistery of Goldsmiths, complaining of sundr}" abuses committed in the trade, and particularly the avoiding payment of the duty of sixpence per ounce on wrought silver plate, the counterfeiting the marks of the Company, and the selling of wrought gold and silver of uncertain value ; and desiring the Company to lay those complaints before the Legislature ; but, as no method for redressing the grievances is proposed, the Court adjourn the consideration of the matters of the said representation. Court of Assistants, 24th January 1751- — At this Court is received and read a letter concerning sundry abuses in the goldsmiths’ trade, signed by several persons of the Mystery, proposing that the duty of (id, per ounce on wrought plate MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 243 be taken off, and that, instead thereof, every worker or dealer in gold or silver wares do pay annually for a licence; and that the present penalty on offenders in the craft be increased, and made recoverable in a summary way before one or two Justices of the Peace ; and desiring the Company to apply to the Legislature for a law to this purpose. After debate whereon the Court order that the repre- sentation delivered to the last Court, and this proposal, be referred to the Standing Committee, who are to take the same into consideration, and report their opinion to the next Court of Assistants. Ordered also that the Clerk attend Mr. Brassey with the said proposal, and acquaint him that the Court desire his advice and assistance herein. Court of Assistants, 28th February 1751. — Now is produced and read a letter, dated at Limmington the 12th instant, and signed “Robert Windsor,” desiring Mr. Nash, the Company’s junior Weigher, to provide him (if he can) with a stamp (meaning a stamp to counterfeit the Hall mark), and saying “ 'twill save him (the writer) expense and trouble.” And, after debate on the sundry frauds and abuses in the Mystery of Gold- smiths, it is proposed that it be referred to the Standing Committee to consider how the laws in being concerning gold and silver wares may be altered and amended, so as to enforce the payment of the duty on wrought silver plate, secure the standards, and prevent the counterfeiting of the Hall marks ; and to advise with counsel thereon, and report their opinion to the next, or some future. Court of Assistants; and that in the meantime the Committee prepare and publish a proper advertisement pointing out the frauds and the penalties thereby incurred, and how the same are to be recovered and applied ; and the question being put, it is carried in the affirmative (nemine contradicente). And then appears Mr. Watson, a general surveyor of the duty on wrought plate, and produces a written information against Mr. Swift, a knife-haft maker in Wood Street, for counterfeiting the Hall marks ; and, he being withdrawn, it is moved and seconded that the Clerk inquire into the evidence against Thomas Swift for counterfeiting the Hall marks, and, if he find it sufficient to convict the offender, that he bring an action, and proceed against him to that effect; and the question being put, it is carried in the affirmative (nemine contradicente),- and ordered accordingly; and the Clerk is to acquaint the Standing Committee with his proceedings against the said Swift from time to time. Court of Assistants, I2th December sysi. — Then are read divers pro- posals for reforming abuses in the Mystery of Goldsmiths, as also some heads for a Bill prepared by the Standing Committee for the purposes aforesaid; alt which are referred back again to the said Committee for their further consideration, with power to call to their assistance such persons as they shall think fit ; and they are to report their proceedings therein to this Court before any application be made to Parliament. Court of Assistants, 20th February 1752. — Mr. Alderman Blachford acquaints the Court that he has caused his picture, together with those of 244 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Mr. Alderman Ironside, Sir Henry Marshall, Mr. Alderman Benn, Mr. Alderman Alsop, and Mr. Alderman Rawlinson, to be drawn as a Conversation Piece, which he desires the Company to accept; whereupon it is moved and seconded that the thanks of this Court be given to Mr. Alderman Blachford, as well for the many favours by him heretofore shown to the Company, as for this very agreeable present ; and, the question being put, the thanks of the Court are unanimously voted to him for the same ; and the Standing Committee, with the advice of Mr. Thomas Hudson, the painter, are desired to appoint the most convenient place in the Hall for placing the picture. Alderman Blachford served the office of Prime Warden in 1 744, and was Lord Mayor in 1 7 50. Court of Wardens, 4th June 1752.— Mr. Hudson, the painter, desires liberty to take down the Conversation Piece, in order to put a proper cloth painted in “oyl” at the back side to presence the same from damp ; to paint the si.x Aldermen’s Coats of Arms on the sides of the frame, the City Arms at the top, and an inscription “ Ex dono,” etc., at the bottom ; and to stop the openings in the joints of the frame ; and also liberty to permit Mr. Faber to engrave a copper plate from the picture, in order to make a “Massetinto” print of the same. The Wardens are pleased to order that Mr. Hudson have leave to do as he desires, provided he assumes the sole care of taking down, preserving, and putting the picture up again, without any damage whatsoever to the same, and without any expense to the Company, on or before the 24th day of July next ; and the Clerk is to signify this to him in writing. Court of Assistants, 12th August 1752. — At this Court it is observed that Charles Hosier, Esq., lately deceased, hath been a very worthy member, and most eminently serviceable to this Corporation when in its utmost distress ; and hath, by his good advice and assistance, contributed largely as well to the extricating the Company out of its difficulties, as to the improving of its circum- stances. Wherefore it is moved and seconded that Mr. Hosier’s picture be procured at the expense of the Company, to be put up amongst the benefactors in the Company’s Parlour; and, the question being put, it is carried in the affimative (nemine contradicente). And the Standing Committee are desired to apply to Mr. Hosier’s family for liberty to take a copy from an original in their custody, and to give all proper directions concerning the same ; and the inscription, or label, is to be underwritten. Court of Assistants, 26th October 1752. — At this meeting is revived the complaint of the great frauds and abuses in the Mysterj', and, after debate, it is moved and seconded that the forwardness of the workmanship of plate before it be marked, and the manner of marking it the better to prevent counterfeits, be referred to the consideration of the Standing Committee ; and the question being put it is carried in the affirmative, and the Committee are to report their opinion to the next Court of Assistants, or so soon thereafter as conveniently may be. CHARLES HOSIER, ESQ. 1750. From the Painting at GoldsinltJis Hall. m r'T MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 245 Court of Assistants, 14th December 1752. — “After which was read a letter from Thomas Prowse, Esq., concerning a copy of Mr. Hosier’s picture, wherein he signifies that he and his lady have a very sensible pleasure in the great honor that is shown to the memory of Mr. Hosier by so considerable and worthy a body as the Goldsmiths’ Company, and he is so kind as to make an offer to the Company of the original picture itself; but . the Court being of their first opinion to desire a copy only, and to have a fframe suitable to the other pictures near whereto the copy is to be put up, they unanimously voted thanks to Mr. Prowse for his said kind offer.” Court of Assistants, 23rd February 1758. — The Clerk being withdrawn pursuant to order, the Court take into consideration his long and faithful service ; and it is alleged that, at the time of his first election, the Company were burthened with a heavy debt, but through the good management of the Standing Committee, well assisted by him, the Company have since not only paid off the aforesaid debt, but have also been enabled to invest a large sum of money in the public funds. And it is also said that the Clerk’s perquisites are lessened, but that no additional salary, or gratuity, hath yet been given to him by the Com- pany; and that it is hoped the Court will be of opinion that he is worthy of a more ample reward than the ancient salary ; and therefore it is moved : “ That to encourage Thomas Bankes, the Clerk of this Company, to continue and per- severe in his faithful and diligent attendance on the business of the Company, he be paid the yearly sum of one hundred pounds, as an additional salary, during the pleasure of this Court ; and that such additional salary do commence at Lady Day one thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight, if the next Court of Assistants for election of Wardens doth approve of, and agree to, the same.” And the question being put it is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly (nemine contradicente). After which it is moved “ That in acknowledgment of the sense this Court hath of thirty years’ diligent and faithful service of the Company by Thomas Bankes, the Clerk, there be paid to him the sum of five hundred pounds, as a gratuity for the same, if the next Court for election of Wardens doth approve thereof.” And the question being put it is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly (nemine contradicente). Court of Assistants, 28th August 1759 — It is observed that the City, in Common Council, hath ordered a subscription to be taken in the Chamber for bounties, or rewards, to able-bodied landsmen enlisting to serve His Majesty as soldiers, and that they had resolved to subscribe one thousand pounds ; also that one, if not more, of the Companies, besides many private gentlemen, have sub- scribed ; and that this Company, being in flourishing circumstances, would do well to contribute to this necessary and laudable undertaking. And it is alleged that such subscription may be doubly serviceable if the same be a generous sum, and paid immediately, as it may both tend to encourage the subscription, and also be a good precedent to be followed, and perhaps will excite the 246 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. emulation of others ; and therefore it is moved and seconded that this Company do contribute the sum of five hundred pounds to the subscription for the purpose aforesaid, and the question being" put it passes in the affirmative (nemine contradicente). It is therefore ordered that the Clerk do, out of the Company’s cash in his hands, forthwith pay into the Chamber of London five hundred pounds, as this Company’s subscription, and do sign the subscription book there, without any further order for that purpose. Court of Assistants, 30th October 1760. — Now, pursuant to an entry of the Standing" Committee, is produced the printed sheet of eight orders made by the Court of Assistants 12th May 1748 concerning the Assay Office, as proposed to be altered and amended by the said Committee ; and the same, with the amendments, being read are agreed to by the Court, and ordered to be new printed accordingly; the said orders being in the words following, that is to say ; — “ Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, “ 30 October 1760. “ Orders to be observed in this Company’s Assay Office. “ First. It is ordered that every day in the year shall be a Hall day or working day, and be observed as such in the said Office, except as hereinafter is mentioned (that is to say), all Sundays, and the ist and 30th days of January, Ash- Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Tuesday, the days of trj-ing the diet and swearing in the Wardens and Officers, the days of His Majesty’s Birth, Inauguration, and Coronation, Ascension Day, Whit Monday and Tuesday, the Lady’s Feast, the day of the trial of the Fix, the 2nd of September, the 5th of November, Lord Mayor’s Day, the 25th day of December, and the three days following ; all which excepted days are to be holydays in the said Office ; and as to such of the said holydays as shall happen to be on days not fixed nor certain, notice shall be stuck up at the Office door for the space of seven days before such holyday ; but all the Officers are nevertheless to attend the duty of their offices on the trial of the diet yearly, as usual. “ II. It is ordered that the Weighers do weigh in, duly enter, and weigh out, all plate or work of gold or silver whatsoever which shall be brought to be assayed or marked (being first marked with the mark of the worker or maker), and that they weigh in every workman’s plate by itself, and that in manner following, viz. : — silver plate that is to pay diet by itself ; small silver wares that are to pay by the pieces by themselves; and gold work by itself; and the junior Weigher shall carefully tell the number of each species of small silver wares and gold work, paying by the piece, pair, or other number ; and every workman shall divide his plate before it be weighed in, if it be of different sorts of silver, and not afterwards; and that the Weighers take in work from seven ’till nine of the clock in the morning during the whole year, according to the antient custom of the Office," and not after nine o’clock in delay of the business. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 247 “ III. That no parcel of plate, or small work, of gold or silver, shall be taken in to be weighed, tried, or assayed without a note or ticket, containing the day of the month and year, the Christian and surname, and place of abode of the worker or maker, with the number of pieces in each parcel, and the total weight ; and likewise the number of each species of small wares required to be paid for in money. “ IV. That no cast work shall be assayed or tried unless the same shall have been well boiled or filed, so that the barb be taken clean off from every piece ; and that no spoons be assayed or tried unless they be swaged and dopt, nor no forks unless they be sawed down. “ V. That all sword hilts, snuff boxes, and other species of plate brought in to be assayed and marked shall (as near as may be) have all the pieces sodered, or otherwise joined together ; and no plate whatsoever shall hold or bear more soder than is necessary. “ VI. That when any piece or parcel of plate shall be brought in doubt, then it shall be re-tried the next Hall day or working day. “ VII. That all paper or by-assays which shall be brought to the Office before ten of the clock in the forenoon shall be ready to be delivered at, or before, six in the evening ; and all the paper or by-assays shall be delivered out, and the money received for the same, only by the senior Weigher. “ VIII. That no officer or servant belonging to the said Office shall take any box money, fee, perquisite, or reward to himself, or to or for the use of any other officer, or servant, belonging to the said Office, of or from any person whomsoever, upon any pretence in relation to his office, duty, or service.” Court of Assistants, 9th December 1763. — Mr. Prime Warden acquaints the Court of the death of Mr. Thomas Bankes, the late Clerk, and also Accomp- tant in the Assay Office, whereby the said offices have become vacant, and he is pleased to order the summonses for the next Court of Assistants to be under- written “To elect a Clerk, and also an Accomptant in the Assay Office, and afterwards to dine.” After which it is observed that the Court did in the year 1758, in consideration of the long and faithful service of the said Mr. Bankes, their then Clerk, and to encourage him to continue and persevere in his faithful and diligent attendance on the business of the Company, grant him an additional salary of £100 a year during the pleasure of this Court; and that as he is now dead it is proper to ascertain the salary to be paid to his successor; and there- upon it is moved and seconded that the salary to be paid to the person who shall be elected, and chosen. Clerk of this Company, in the room of the said Thomas Bankes, shall be the ancient or usual salary of two hundred pounds a year; and the question being put it is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, 14th December 1763.— The Court proceed to the election of a Clerk in the room of Mr. Thomas Bankes, their late Clerk, deceased, pursuant to the summonses ; but, previous to the said election, it is moved and 248 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. seconded that the salary which would have become due to the said Mr. Bankes on Christmas Day next, as Clerk of the Company, had he lived till that time, be paid to his executors ; and the question being' put, it is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. After which are received the several petitions of Richard Bristow and George Fair, each of them praying for the said office of Clerk ; and they being severally called in by their names alphabetically, and their petitions read, and each of them being asked if he is prepared to give one thousand pounds security to the satisfaction of the Standing Committee, they afterwards withdraw. Whereupon, after the names of the said candidates have been written on paper in alphabetical order, and a red line ruled against each name to score on, all the Wardens and Assistants now present score accordingly in the presence of the Prime Warden ; and it appears that the said George Fair is duly and unanimously elected into the said office of Clerk of the Company, in the room of Mr. Bankes, deceased, his late father-in-law and partner ; which office he is to hold and enjoy with the usual salary of two hundred pounds a year, to commence from Christmas next, during the remainder of this present year; and the said George Fair, being called in and acquainted therewith, returns his most humble thanks to the Court for this signal favour and kindness conferred upon him. Then the Court also proceed to the election of an Accomptant in the Assay Office, in the room of the said Mr. Bankes, deceased, and George Fair is unani- mously elected to this office also, at the annual salary of fifty pounds. Court of Assistants, 21st May 1765. — It is observed that by an order of this Court, made the 22nd day of February 1764, the Wardens are allowed the sum of one hundred pounds for entertaining the gentlemen of the Court of Assistants and their ladies, to answer the expense both by land and w’ater ; and it is alleg'ed that it is too great a fatigue, and also inconvenient, for the ladies to go by water, breakfast, and then return to Goldsmiths’ Hall to dinner, and afterwards attend the ball here the same evening ; and, therefore, it is proposed that the said entertainment shall be for the future discontinued ; and the question being put, it is answered in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. After which it is proposed that the gentlemen of the Court of Assistants and their ladies do, some time in the months of June or July yearly, go up the river in the barge, and dine, and spend the day at a convenient house to be provided by the Wardens for that purpose, and then return home in the barge in the evening ; and that the Wardens for the time to come be allowed a sum not exceeding seventy pounds to answer the expence of such entertainment both by land and water; and the question being put, it is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Then it is also proposed that the Wardens for the time to come be allowed a sum not exceeding eighty pounds for providing a genteel entertainment here for the gentlemen of the Court of Assistants and their ladies, with a ball in the evening (but no supper), some time in the months of November or December MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 249 yearly ; and the question being put, it is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Wardens, 6th November 1765. — It being observed that, on the occasion of the death of His Royal Highness William, Duke of Cumberland, it has been ordered by the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen that the Livery Companies shall not \valk in the streets, or pass in their barges on the river, on the next Lord Mayor’s Day, and that the Lord Mayor elect shall be sworn in privately at Westminster ; therefore the Wardens are pleased to direct the Assistants and Livery to be summoned only to dine here on Saturday next (being Lord Mayor’s Day) at two of the clock. The above-named Duke of Cumberland was son of George 11 , and uncle of George III. Court of Assistants, 19th December 1765. — At this Court is received and read the petition of John Jones, a convict in Newgate, under sentence of death for forgery, whereby he obtained Lydia Bell’s plate from the Company’s Assay Office, stating that he hath been fifteen months a prisoner in Newgate; and that he was unadvisedly prevailed upon by Alexander Bourk, Mrs. Bell’s late apprentice, to commit this crime ; and that Bourk hath been acquitted, while he is left a victim to receive punishment for the same ; and humbly imploring that the Company will be pleased, out of compassion for his youth and sufferings, and his ignorance of the heinousness of his crime, to recommend him to His Majesty’s mercy. And the Court, having taken the said petition, and the petitioner’s case, into consideration, are pleased to desire the Wardens most humbly to recommend the said convict to His Majesty’s mercy, which the Wardens do accordingly at the foot of the said petition. Court of Assistants, 24th June 1766. — Now is taken into consideration (pursuant to a resolution of the last Court of Assistants) the unhappy case of the sufferers by fire in the trading City of Montreal, in Canada, in America, His Majesty’s new subjects; and it appearing that His Majesty hath extended his benevolence to them, as also hath the City of London, by generous donations ; and that the said sufferers are worthy of commiseration ; therefore it is moved and seconded that the Company do subscribe one hundred pounds towards the relief of the said poor sufferers ; and the question being put, it passes in the affirmative ; and it is ordered that the said sum of one hundred pounds be paid by the Clerk into the hands of Messrs. Backwell, Darell, Croft, and Hart, bankers in Pall Mall, as this Company’s benefaction to the Committee for the said sufferers, without waiting any order of confirmation. The Conquest of Canada was ensured by the capture of Quebec (1759); and was acknowledged by France, Spain, and Portugal by the Peace of Paris (1763). Court of Assistants, 21st August 1766. — A letter is received from Mr. John Ryland, merchant on Dowgate Hill, dated the 15th instant, mentioning the case of the unfortunate inhabitants of Bridge Town, Barbadoes, reduced to the 250 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPAHY. severest distress by a late dreadful fire, which demolished about i,ooo houses and and stores there, the loss being- moderately computed at three hundred thousand pounds sterling- ; and submitting the benevolent consideration thereof to this Court. And the said case being read, and it appearing that the said sufferers are worthy of compassion, it is moved and seconded that the Company do subscribe one hundred pounds towards the relief of the said poor sufferers ; and the question being put, it passes in the affirmative ; and it is ordered that the said sum of one hundred pounds be paid by the Clerk into the hands of Messrs. Backwell, Darell, Croft, and Hart, bankers in Pall Mall, as the Company’s benefaction to the Committee for the said sufferers, without waiting any order of confir- mation. Court of Wardens, 3rd December 1766. — The Clerk lays before the Wardens a letter directed to him, just now received by the penny post, signed “ W. J.,” but without any date, desiring by an open advertisement to be informed what penalty a silversmith is liable to for sending one half of his work to the Hall to be marked, and running the other half of worse silver; and offering to make known the particulars in every shape. And the Wardens are pleased to direct the Clerk to cause an advertisement to be inserted in the Daily Advertiser desiring the said “ W. J.” to call on him at Goldsmiths’ Hall any evening this week, at 5 o’clock, to explain the particulars hinted at, and stating that he will receive the information he desires. Court of Wardens, 26th February 1767. — This day the Wardens (agree- ably to the desire of the last Committee) meet and examine one Thomas Grant, late a journeyman to John Innocent, of Little Newport Street, silversmith, as to the information by him lately given to the Clerk charging the said John Innocent with felony, for casting the Company’s Hall marks to buckles moulded in sand from others marked at the Hall. And the Wardens thereupon desire Mr. Alderman Crosby and Mr. Alderman Hallifax to take the examination of the said Thomas Grant upon oath, which they accordingly do, and then Mr. Alderman Crosby grants a warrant for the apprehension of the said John Innocent. Court of Assistants, 26th February 1767. — At this Court certain standing orders, dated respectively the 25th of October 1722, and the 13th of October 1727, concerning the method of electing new Assistants, are called over and read, and, it being alleged that these orders require some explanation, it is, therefore, moved and seconded “ That no member of this Company, whether dignified or not dignified, shall at any time hereafter be admitted a m.ember of this Court, unless by the free choice and consent of the majority of two Courts of Assistants, as hath been usual, no law, order, custom, or ordinance of this Company to the contrary in anywise notwithstanding.” The question being put, it passes in the affirmative unanimously, and it is ordered that this order and resolution be, and be deemed and taken to be, one of the standing orders of this Company, and be observed as such accordingly. (&e entry \ 6 th June 1786.) MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 251 Court of Wardens, nth March 1767.— The Clerk acquaints the Wardens that on Thursday evening, the twenty-sixth of February last, John Innocent was apprehended upon Mr. Alderman Crosby’s warrant, and lodged in the Compter that night ; and was next day, by order of the Lord Mayor, carried before Mr. Kelynge, one of the Justices for Westminster, who, upon Thomas Grant’s re-swearing his evidence, committed the said John Innocent to Clerkenwell Bridewell for further examination. And the Clerk also acquaints the Wardens that he, with Mr. Edward Aldridge, went the same day, by the advice of Mr. Kelynge, and examined the show glasses and workshop of the said John Innocent, but could find no buckles with cast marks thereon ; and that the said John Innocent was on Wednesday, the fourth instant, brought before Sir John Fielding, Peter Planck, Esquire, and other Justices for Westminster, for further examination, but that the said Thomas Grant absconded, and did not appear; and, as no buckles or other silver wares with cast marks thereon could be produced, the Justices discharged the said John Innocent out of custody. Court of Assistants, 23rd December 1767. — It is alleged that the number of men and women petitioning for the settled pensions and charities of the Com- pany has of late greatly increased, and that many of them do omit to call at the Clerk’s Office to have their names set down as petitioners until the evening before, and sometimes the morning of, the Court day of Election ; so that there is not sufficient time to prepare regular and proper lists of such petitioners for the Court. Now, therefore, to remedy that inconvenience, it is moved and seconded that, for the time to come, all men and women petitioning for any of the settled pensions or charities of this Company do call at the Clerk’s Office, and have their names set down as petitioners at least two days before the Court Day of Election ; and, in default thereof, that they be excluded from being petitioners at such Court ; and the question being put it passes in the affirmative, and it is ordered that notice hereof be stuck up at the outward gates of the Company’s Hall. Court of Wardens, 3rd February 1768. — The Wardens (pursuant to the reference to them made for that purpose by a Court of Assistants held here the fifth day of November last) examine and consider what sums of money are proper and necessary to be allowed for the Company’s several entertainments ; and the Wardens find that they have already expended in the Company’s several enter- tainments, since the twenty-sixth day of May last, the sum of fifty-two pounds ten shillings and eightpence more than the several sums allowed them for those purposes; and they are of opinion that, for the time to come, the several sums of money hereinafter mentioned are proper, and necessary to be allowed, for the Company’s several entertainments following, that is to say, for the Ladies’ entertainment up the river in summer, one hundred pounds ; for the Ladies’ enter- tainment here in winter, one hundred pounds ; for the Livery entertainment on Lord Mayor’s Day, with a show, ninety pounds; for every other Livery enter- tainment, seventy pounds ; for the venison entertainment for the Assistants, fifty pounds ; for every other Assistants’ entertainment, forty pounds ; for the expenses 252 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. on visiting- Sir Martin Bo-wes’s almswomen and houses at Woolwich, thirty- pounds ; and on the visitation at St. Mary Woolnoth’s church, in Lombard Street, forty pounds. All which the Wardens submit to the consideration of the next Court of Assistants. Court of Assistants, 28th April 1768. — Now are received and read two letters, one from William Cozens, master of the free school at Cromer, in Norfolk, dated the 28th of March last, in which he confesses that he left the school on the 26th of December, when the Christmas vacation commenced, and returned on the 9th February, from which time he had continued to discharge his duty as usual. And he alleges that he was forced to be absent much against his inclination, on account of his own private affairs, which he hopes will in some degree plead his excuse ; and he relies entirely on the goodness of the Company, promising his utmost application and industry to deserve their favours. And the other of the said letters is from Robert Plumbly and Anthony Ditchell, the churchwardens, and Mrs. Elizabeth Wyndham, of Cromer, dated the iith instant, intimating that the parishioners at their Easter meeting were much divided in opinion ; for that some were for having Mr. Cozens continued as master, and others were desirous of having a clergyman, but doubted whether one could be got, as the school salary and the vicarage could not be computed at more than £36 per annum. The writers, with the view to further benefit the master, propose that, if the Company will allow them to take the school salary for five years, they will raise among the parishioners as much more money as will build a house for the schoolmaster to reside and keep the school, in ; which they compute will cost about one hundred and forty pounds, and, when completed, will make the school worth twenty pounds, or more, per annum certain, besides the benefit of scholars not taught upon the Foundation. And the Court, having considered the said two letters, are pleased to direct the Clerk to acquaint Mr. Cozens that they think him very blameable for being so long absent from the school, and expect that he will, for the future, constantly attend to his duty as schoolmaster of Cromer, and endeavour to give satisfaction to all the inhabitants, so that the Company may not hear of any further com- plaints, as the same will not be overlooked. And the Court also direct the Clerk to acquaint the said churchwardens that their request of having the school- master’s salary paid to them for five years towards building a school house cannot be complied with, as the money is appropriated by the donor’s Will for a salary to the schoolmaster for teaching and instructing children, and cannot be applied for any other purpose. Court of Assistants, 12th October 1768, — The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, one of His Majesty’s most Honble. Privy Council, by a mes- sage delivered to the Company’s Clerk, acquaints the Court that His Majesty Christian the Seventh, King of Denmark (brother-in-law of George III.), hath been elected into the freedom of the City by the unanimous resolution of the Court of Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, in Common Council assembled. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANt. 2S3 on Monday the seventh day of October instant ; and that His Majesty hath been pleased to honour the City by accepting the freedom, and hath signified his pleasure to take up his freedom in this Company. Whereupon a motion is made and the question put “ That the freedom of this Company be most humbly presented to the King of Denmark,” and the same is unanimously resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Another motion is then made and the question put that the copy of the said freedom be presented to the King of Denmark in a gold box of the value of one hundred and fifty guineas, and the same is unanimously resolved in the affirma- tive, and ordered accordingly. The Court desire the Prime Warden (Alderman and Sheriff Hallifax) to provide the gold box on this occasion. The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, by a like message, further acquaints the Court that he has waited upon the King of Denmark to learn His Majesty’s pleasure, in what manner he will have the freedom of the City transmitted to him, as it will not be possible to prepare the same in proper order during His Majesty’s stay in this Kingdom; and that His Danish Majesty has been pleased to desire that the freedom may be delivered to Baron Dieden, his Ambassador here, who will carefully transmit it to His Majesty. Whereupon a motion is made and the question put “ That the freedom of this Company to His Danish Majesty be respectfully delivered to Baron Dieden, his Ambassador here, by the Standing Committee (attended by the Company’s Clerk), and that they, or any five of them (whereof two are to be Wardens), be impowered to frame the said Admission, and to take all necessary steps relating thereto, in such manner as they shall think fit ” ; and the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And it is ordered that the Clerk (with the City Remembrancer) do wait on Baron Dieden to know his pleasure, when he will be attended by the Committee with a copy of the said Admission. Court of Assistants, ist February 1769. — At this Court Mr. Payne produces the gold box made by him on the instructions of the Prime Warden to contain the copy of the freedom of this Company to be presented to the King of Denmark, which gold box the Court carefully inspect, and find to be executed “ in a very judicious and masterly manner.” Court of Assistants, 21st March 1769. — Now is shown the copy of the freedom of this Company to His Danish Majesty, curiously written on vellum by Mr. William Chinery, and embellished with the Company’s Arms, and Patron, and other decorations by Mr. Morris, the herald painter. Court of Assistants, 23rd May 1769. — The Prime Warden acquaints the Court that he, Mr. Warden Floyer, and Mr. Warden Pope, accompanied by Mr. Payne and the Clerk, did on Friday the 21st day of April last deliver to His Excellency Baron Dieden, Envoy Extraordinary to His Danish Majesty, at his house in Harley Street, Cavendish Square, the copy of the freedom of this 254 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Company in a g-old box, directed to be presented to His Danish Majesty; and that the Chamberlain and Comptroller, attended by the Clerk of the Chamber and the Remembrancer, also delivered to His Excellency the copy of the freedom of the City; and that His Excellency received the said freedoms in a very polite manner, and promised carefully to transmit them to His Danish Majesty, and thanked the Wardens for waiting- upon him, and afterwards entertained all the gentlemen at a very genteel breakfast. And the Prime Warden further acquaints the Court that, with the approbation of Mr. Warden Floyer and Mr. Warden Pope, and out of respect to His Danish Majesty, he had requested His Excellency to dine here with the Wardens and Assistants on Thursday last the 1 8th instant, and had provided a very genteel entertainment accordingly, which he apprehended was for the honour of the Company ; and that His Excellency promised to inform His Danish Majesty of the respect shown to him by the Company. And then the Prime Warden desires the Court to take the expense of the said entertainment into consideration, and to act therein as they see fit ; whereupon a motion is made and the question put that the expense of the said entertainment be forthwith paid by the Clerk out of the Company’s cash in his hands, without any order of confirmation, and the same is unanimously resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, 20th December 1769. — A letter is received from Samuel Turner, Esquire and Alderman, Chairman of the Committee of West India Merchants appointed for receiving and remitting contributions for the sufferers by the late fire at St. John’s, in Antigua, dated Lloyd’s Coffee House, Lombard Street, 29th Novr. last, stating that as the public Companies of this City have on many occasions given generous proofs of their benevolence by relieving the distressed, therefore he solicits the good offices of this Company on behalf of the distressed inhabitants of the said island, where many worthy families, who before that dreadful calamity procured by their industry a comfortable support, are now reduced to the most extreme misery ; and, being from their situation deprived of the means of guarding against such losses by insurance, they have now no other hopes left but from the charitable aid of their fellow-subjects in these Kingdoms ; and giving his assurance that whatever assistance this Company may please to give will be most thankfully received, and ever gratefully remembered by the said Committee. And it appearing that the said sufferers are worthy of charit}', therefore it is moved and seconded that this Company do contribute one hundred pounds towards the relief of the said poor sufferers, and the question being put it is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered that the said sum of one hundred pounds be paid by the Clerk into the hands of Sir Richard Glyn, Baronet, and Thomas Hallifax, Esquire and Alderman, bankers in Birchin Lane, as this Com- pany’s benefaction to the Committee for the said sufferers, without waiting any order of confirmation. At this Court a motion is made and seconded “ That for the time to come no sum or sums of money be accepted from any member of this Company, whether MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 2SS dignified or not dignified, to excuse him from the services of the several offices of Fourth, Third, or Second, Warden of this Company, any law, order, custom, or ordinance of this Company to the contrary thereof in anywise notwithstanding ” ; and the question being put it is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. After which a motion is made and seconded " That for the time to come no member of this Company, whether dignified or not dignified, shall be put in nomination for the office of any of the four Wardenships of this Company, until he shall be entitled to such nomination in a course of rotation, according to his seniority in the list of Assistants of this Company, any law, order, custom, or ordinance of this Company to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding ” ; and the question being put it is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, 22nd March 1770. — A precept lately issued by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor directed to the Wardens of this Company is called for and read, being in the words following, to wit : — “ To the Master and Wardens of the Company of Goldsmiths. “ The Common Council having joined with the Committee of the Livery of London in an application to the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor for a Common Hall to consider of a further application for redress of grievances: “ These are therefore to require you to cause all the Livery of your Company to be summoned to meet at Guildhall on Tuesday next, the 6th instant, at eleven of the clock in the forenoon, to take that matter into consideration ; hereof you are not to fail. By the Mayor. “ Hodges. “ Dated the ist March 1770. “ (Indorsed) Beach. “ N.B. — His Lordship recommends to every Liveryman that if he discovers any person in the Guildhall who is not of the Livery, he immediately mention it to any constable, every one of whom has orders to take the intruder into custody.” And then the summons lately issued by the direction of the Wardens to the several Liverymen of this Company is called for and read, being in the words following, to wit : — “ Sir, — By virtue of a precept from the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, you are desired to meet at Guildhall, on Tuesday the 6th day of March 1770, at eleven of the clock in the forenoon, at a Common Hall to be then and there held on special affairs. “ Samuel Cawthorn, Beadle.” After which it is alleged that at the said meeting of the Livery a most indecent remonstrance was ordered to be presented to His Majesty, and that it is unusual for the Lord Mayor of this City to summon any meeting of the Livery 256 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. save only for the purpose of elections ; and then the following motion is made and seconded, to wit : — “ The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor having issued precepts for sum- moning the Livery of this City to meet at Guildhall on Tuesday the 6th instant to consider of a further application for redress of grievances, at which meeting a most indecent remonstrance was ordered to be presented to His Majesty; resolved and ordered that, for the future, the Wardens of this Company do not summon the Livery thereof to attend at any meeting in the Guildhall (except for the pur- pose of elections), without the express approbation or consent of this Court.” And the question being put it is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, nth April 1770.— The Clerk acquaints the Court that on Monday night last, the 9th instant, about 8 o’clock, two precepts from the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor were delivered to him, and that the next day he waited on the Wardens therewith, who directed this Court to be sum- moned, to consider thereof ; after which one of the said precepts is read, being in the words following, to wit : — “To the Wardens of the Company I t> ht r Mayor, of Goldsmiths. J “ Having received information that certain orders and resolutions have been lately made in your Company which affect the rights and dignity of the Citizens of London : “These are therefore to require that you forthwith transmit to me authentic copies of all orders and resolutions made by your Company, and every part thereof, during the month of March last past, together with the names of the members present, distinguishing the offices they discharged ; hereof fail not, as you will answer the contrary. “ Hodges. “ Dated this ninth day of April 1770. “ (Indorsed) Beach.” And upon consideration thereof it is resolved (nemine contradicente) that this Court cannot comply with the said precept; and the Clerk is directed to wait on the Lord Mayor with a copy of the said precept, and with a letter, written under- neath the same, signifying this Court’s determination thereon, which letter is in the words following, to wit : — “ Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, “ April nth, 1 770. “ My Lord Mayor, — I am directed by the Wardens and Assistants of this Com- pany to acquaint your Lordship that they have read and considered your Lordship’s precept (of which the above is a copy), and that they cannot comply therewith. “ I have the honour to be “ Your Lordship’s most obt. and most hble. Ser\1;., “ Geo. Fair, Clk. “ To the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 257 After which the other of the said precepts is read, being in the words fol- lowing, to wit : — “ To the Wardens of the Company of Goldsmiths. “ These are to require you to cause all the Livery of your Company to be summoned to meet at Guildhall on Thursday the twelfth instant, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon, to receive the report of His Majesty’s answer to their humble Address, Remonstrance, and Petition ; and to take into consideration some late resolutions and orders of the Courts of Assistants of the Companies of Goldsmiths, Weavers, and Grocers. Hereof you are not to fail. “ Hodges. By the Mayor. “ Dated the ninth day of April 1770. “ (Indorsed) Beach.'’ The Court take the same into consideration, and, inasmuch as the said precept requires the Livery of this Company to be summoned to consider some late resolutions and orders of this Court, therefore, it is resolved not to summon the Livery of this Company on the said precept. And then a motion is made, and the question put, “ That Mr. Dunning, Mr. Serjeant Glynn, and Mr. Mansfield be retained as counsel for this Company, to defend any actions or suits that may be brought for non-compliance with the said two precepts, or either of them ; and that the Clerk do advise with them thereon ” ; and the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, 25th October 1771. — A motion is made, and the question put, “ That the freedom of this Company be humbly tendered to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, as soon as His Majesty shall be graciously pleased to permit His Royal Highness to accept the same ” ; and the same is unanimously resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Another motion is then made, and the question put, “ That an humble address from this Court for such permission be prepared and presented to His Majesty”; and the same is unanimously resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And then another motion is made, and the question put, “ That Mr. Warden Wickenden, Mr. Warden Smith, Mr. Warden Parr, Mr. Alderman Hallifax, Mr. Alderman Plumbe, Mr. Flower, Mr. Floyer, Mr. Vere, Mr. Thomas Thorne, and Mr. Hart be a Committee for drawing up the said address, and that they do withdraw immediately, and prepare the same ” ; and this proposal is also resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Mr. Warden Wickenden subsequently announces that the Committee have drawn up an address, which they have directed him to report to the Court, and he delivers the same to the Prime Warden. And then the said address is read, being in these words, vizt. : — “ TO THE KING’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY, “ Most Gracious Sovereign, “We, Your Majesty’s ever dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Wardens and Assistants of the Company of Goldsmiths of the City of London, highly sensible of S 4021. R 258 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. the happiness of these King-doms under Your Majesty’s mild and auspicious Government, and desirous to give Your Majesty and the World a testimony of our gratitude and affection to Your Royal Person and family, humbly beg Your Majesty’s permission to enroll amongst the members of this antient Company the illustrious name of Your Majesty’s eldest Son, the Prince of Wales. “ A wish thus to form a more intimate connection between His Royal High- ness and the Capital of Your Majesty’s Dominions, as it must give the highest satisfaction to your faithful Citizens of London, will, we doubt not, meet with Your Majesty’s approbation ; and, therefore, we presume to hope that Your Majesty will graciously condescend to our request, and permit His Royal Highness to honour this antient Company with his acceptance of their Freedom. “ That Your Majesty may long live to cultivate the rising virtues of this amiable Prince by Your Royal care, instruction, and example, till they shall answer Your Majesty’s expectations and the wishes of your people, is the earnest prayer of “ Your Majesty’s Most Humble and “ Most Devoted Subjects and Servants.” Then a motion is made, and the question put, “ That the address now read be the address of this Court to His Majesty, and that the same be signed by the Wardens and Assistants,” and the same is unanimously resolved in the affirma- tive, and ordered accordingly. And then the said address is signed by all the Wardens and Assistants now present. After which a motion is made, and the question put, “That it be referred to the Committee who drew up the said address to make the proper application for knowing when, and in what manner, it will be agreeable to His Majesty to receive the same ” ; and it is unanimously resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Mr. Warden Smith acquaints the Court that Mr. Common Serjeant, on behalf of the City, has lately filed Informations of Disfranchisement against Mr. Alderman Plumbe, Francis Wilson, Esquire, and himself, as three of the late Wardens of the Company, for disobeying a precept issued by direction of William Beckford, Esquire, late Lord Mayor, dated the 9th day of April 1770, requiring the Wardens to cause all the Livery of this Company to be summoned to meet at Guildhall on Thursday the twelfth of that month, at eleven o’clock in the fore- noon, to receive the report of His Majesty’s answer to their humble Address, Remonstrance, and Petition, and to take into consideration some late resolutions and orders of the Courts of Assistants of the Companies of Goldsmiths, Weavers, and Grocers. And Mr. Warden Smith further acquaints the Court that in the said Informations no mention is made of the other precept issued by direction of the said late Lord Mayor, and dated the said 9th day of April 1770, requiring the Wardens forthwith to transmit to him authentic copies of all orders and resolu- tions made by this Company, and every part thereof, during the month of March MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 259 then last past, together with the names of the members present, distinguishing the offices they discharged. And then the said two precepts, and a copy of the Information filed against Mr. Warden Smith, are read ; after which a motion is made, and the question put, “ That the said three Informations be defended at the expence of this Company”; and the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Another motion is then made, and the question put, “ That Mr. Prime Warden Whipham, Mr. Warden Wickenden, Mr. Warden Smith, Mr. Warden Parr, Mr. Alderman Plumbe, John Pope, Esqr., and Francis Wilson, Esqr., or any three of them, be a Committee for conducting the defence of the said Informations ; and that they have power to call into the said Committee such other of the Assistants of this Company as they shall think fit ; and that the Clerk do attend the said Committee ; and that the said Committee do report their proceedings therein to this Court, from time to time, as they shall see occasion ” ; and the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, 5th December 1771. — The Clerk (by direction of Mr. Prime Warden) acquaints the Court that the Committee appointed by the Court of Assistants, held here the 25th day of October last, did that day desire Mr. Floyer to make inquiry how, and in what manner, it would be agree- able to His Majesty to receive the address of that Court for His Majesty’s permission to enroll amongst the members of this ancient Company the illustrious name of His Majesty’s eldest Son, the Prince of Wales. That on Saturday evening, the 26th of October last, Mr. Floyer, with a friend of his, attended at Richmond Lodge, when his said friend went in and delivered a copy of the Address to His Majesty. That on Wednesday evening, the 30th of October last, Mr. Floyer received for answer “ That, as it was a public affair, it must go through the usual channel,” viz., by application (with another copy of the said address) to one of the Lords of His Majesty’s Bedchamber. That at the Committee held here on Thursday the 31st day of October last, after receiving such answer by a letter from Mr. Floyer, it was resolved that Mr. Prime Warden Whipham and Mr. Warden Wickenden (attended by the Clerk) should accordingly wait upon one of the Lords of His Majesty’s Bed- chamber the next day at the Lev^e at St. James’s. That pursuant to the said resolution Mr. Prime Warden Whipham and Mr. Warden Wickenden (accompanied by the Clerk) attended at St. James’s on Friday the ist day of November last, and in the King’s Bedchamber delivered a copy of the said address to Lord Masham, one of the Lords of the Bedchamber, together with a request in writing in the words following, vizt. : — “ The Wardens of the Company of Goldsmiths of the City of London humbly beg to know His Majesty’s pleasure, when and in what manner it will be agreeable to His Majesty to receive the address of the Court of Assistants of the said Com- pany, and whether by the Wardens, by a Committee, or by the Court of Assistants.” R 2 26 o MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. That Lord Masham immediately carried in and delivered the copy of the said address and request to His Majesty, and soon afterwards returned and acquainted the Wardens that His Majesty would take the same into consideration, and would send an answer to the Company soon. That on Wednesday the 6th of November last the Wardens received a letter from the Earl of Suffolk, one of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, in these words : — “ To the Wardens of the Company of Goldsmiths. “ St. James’s, Wednesday, November 6th, 1771. “ Lord Suffolk presents his compliments to the Wardens of the Company of Goldsmiths, and desires to have the pleasure of seeing them at his office to- morrow at twelve o’clock. “ Suffolk.” That immediately on receiving the said letter the Wardens returned an answer to Lord Suffolk in these words : — “ To the Right Honble. the Earl of Suffolk, one of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State. “Goldsmiths’ Hall, November 6th, 1771. “ The Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company present their most respectful compliments to Lord Suffolk, and will do themselves the honour of waiting on his Lordship at his office to-morrow at twelve o’clock, agreeably to his Lordship’s appointment.” And that on Thursday the 7th of November last Mr. Prime Warden Whipham, Mr. Warden Wickenden, and Mr. Warden Smith (accompanied by Mr. Floyer) waited on Lord Suffolk accordingly, at his office in Cleveland Row, St. James’s, when his Lordship said : — “ You gentlemen waited on His Majesty last Friday at St. James’s, to know whether His Majesty would be pleased to permit the Prince of Wales to be put at your head. I have it in command from His Majesty to acquaint you that His Majesty is fully satisfied of the loyalty and affection of the Goldsmiths’ Company, but, on account of the tender years of the Prince of Wales, would choose to defer it for some time.” This Prince of Wales (afterwards George IV.) was born in 1 762, and was, therefore, only nine years old at this date. Court of Assistants, loth March 1773. — The Clerk acquaints the Court that a precept purporting to have been issued by the direction of the Right Honourable James Townsend, now Lord Mayor, for summoning an Extra- ordinary Common Hall, was left at this Hall on Monday evening last, the 8th instant, with his servant, in his own absence, and that he waited on the Wardens therewith the next morning, who directed this Court to be summoned to take the same into consideration. And then the said precept is read (accord- ing to order) being in these words : — MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 261 By the Mayor. “To the Master and Wardens of the ") Company of Goldsmiths. J “ Two different applications having been lately made to me by many of the Livery of this City, the one to call a Common Hall for the purpose of considering a Petition and Remonstrance to the Throne for a redress of the various griev- ances under which the subjects of this Kingdom have so long laboured ; the other to insert in the precept to be issued for such Common Hall, as one subject of consideration, the necessity of short Parliaments, and the means of obtaining them ; these are, therefore, to require you to cause all the Livery of your Com- pany to be summoned to meet at Guildhall on Thursday next, the eleventh instant, at eleven of the clock in the forenoon, to take those matters into consideration. Hereof you are not to faiL “ Hodges. “ Dated the 6th day of March 1773. “ (Indorsed) Beach.” And after the Court has taken the said precept into consideration a motion is made, and the question being put, “ That the Wardens of this Company do not summon the Livery of this Company on the said precept ” ; the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly (nemine contradicente). Court of Assistants, 30th July 1773. — Mr. Prime Warden acquaints the Court that the Information of Disfranchisement filed in the Lord Mayor’s Court by the Common Serjeant of London against Samuel Plumbe, Esquire and Aider- man, heretofore Prime Warden of this Company, for refusing to obey a precept issued by William Beckford, Esquire; then Lord Mayor, for summoning the Livery of this Company to meet at an Extraordinary Common Hall, and not for any Election, was tried at Guildhall before the Recorder on Wednesday the 14th instant, and that the jury found a verdict for the informant, whereupon the counsel for Mr. Alderman Plumbe moved in Arrest of Judgment. Mr. Prime Warden further states that at a Joint Committee of the Grocers’ Company and this Company, held at Grocers’ Hall on Tuesday the 20th instant, the said Committee resolved that Mr. Alexander and Mr. Fair do consult such counsel as they shall think fit, whether it is adviseable for the said two Companies to proceed further in the defence of the Informations of Dis- franchisement, or not ; and what steps ought to be taken in the said causes. And that the said Committee further resolved that a Commission of Error, and a Writ of Error, be applied for (in case the same shall appear necessary) to remove any judgment that may be given on the verdict against Mr. Alderman Plumbe before the judges’ delegates. Mr. Prime Warden also announces that the counsel for Mr. Alderman Plumbe shewed cause before the Recorder at Guildhall, on Saturday the 24th instant, why no judgment ought to be given on the said verdict, and that as the counsel for the prosecutor prayed time to answer those objections, the Recorder appointed Thursday the 4th day of November next for that purpose. 262 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. After which a motion is made, and the question put, “ That the Wardens for the time being- be added to the Committee appointed for conducting- the defence of the said Informations of Disfranchisement,” and the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. It may be mentioned here that, after a long argument by counsel on both sides, the judgment was affirmed by the Recorder. Upon this a Writ of Error was immediately brought, and, after the same had been argued on several occa- sions before the five judges assigned for that purpose, the judgment was reversed by four of the judges, viz. : Sir William de Grey, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas ; Sir Sidney Stafford Smythe, Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer; and Sir Richard Aston, and Sir William Ashurst, two of the Justices of the Court of King’s Bench ; the fifth judge (Mr. Baron Perrott) ha-ving then lately resigned. Two similar Informations were filed against the Grocers’ and Weavers’ Companies, but that against Mr. Alderman Plumbe only was tried, “ the others waiting the event and issue of that.” The above entries relative to Alderman Plumbe’s case are of great interest and importance. At the time of the Livery Companies’ Commission, 1880, the attacks made on the Companies by a certain cldss of witnesses were not directed to the adminis- tration by the Companies of property held by them upon special trusts, but rested on the assumption, entirely without foundation, that all the corporate property of the Companies was public, whether it was acquired by them for charitable pur- poses ; or for purposes connected with trade ; or by gift, or purchase, expressly for the benefit of the Companies themselves. In a work intituled Municipal London by a Member of the Commission who was unfriendly to the Companies, the writer summed up his case against the Livery Companies in nine propositions, the first being that “ the Livery Companies are an integral part of the Corporation ” ; and this Commissioner called a witness in support of his contention. This witness’s evidence was shown to be entirely untrustworthy, but here I am only concerned to deal with the manner in which he treated the case of Alderman Plumbe. The witness was asked by the Commissioner above mentioned, “ Have you read the decision in the case of the Refractory Companies in 1773, when between the Corporation and the Goldsmiths’ Company this question was contested ? ” To which he answered “ Yes.” He was then asked, “ What was the effect of that decision ? ” To which he replied, “ The Companies were found to be in the wrong, and that they were an integral part of the Corporation, and it is fully set out in your own book Municipal London." On referring to Mtmicipal Londo 7 t, it will be found stated in a note that in the case of the trial of the Refractory Companies in 1773, “The W^arden of the Goldsmiths’ Company was successfully prosecuted in the Mayor’s Court for inattention to a summons to Common Hall on other than election business.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 263 The truth is, as will be seen from the entries above set out, that the decision in the Mayor’s Court was unanimously reversed by a Court of Error, and that both the book Municipal London, and the witness’s evidence, might have entirely misled the Commissioners if the above statements had passed unnoticed and uncorrected by this Company’s then Clerk. The judgment of Lord Chief Justice de Grey will well repay perusal. Court of Assistants, 4th April 1775. — The Clerk acquaints the Court that a precept purporting to have been issued by the direction of the Right Honourable John Wilkes, now Lord Mayor, for summoning an Extraordinary Common Hall, was left at this Hall on Saturday last, the first instant, about eight o’clock in the morning, with James Jones, the Porter, who soon afterwards delivered the same to him ; and that he thereupon waited on the Wardens therewith, who directed this Court to be summoned to take the same into con- sideration ; and then the said precept is read (according to order), being in these words : — “ To the Master and Wardens of the Company of Goldsmiths. “ Whereas an application has been lately made to me by many of the Livery to call a Common Hall ‘ to consider a Petition to the Throne against the measures adopted with respect to America ’ ; these are therefore to require you to cause all the Livery of your Company to be summoned to meet at Guildhall, on Wednesday the fifth day of April next, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon, to take the same into consideration. Hereof you are not to fail. By the Mayor. “ Rix. “Dated the thirtieth day of March 1775. “ (Indorsed) Beach.’’ And then sundry resolutions and orders made at three several Courts of Assistants, held here the twenty-second day of March 1770; the eleventh day of April 1770 ; and the tenth day of March 1775 ; relative to extraordinary precepts issued by the Lord Mayor, are called for and read. And then an order and resolution made at a Court of Assistants held here the twenty-fifth day of October 1771, to defend the Information of Disfranchisement against the Wardens of this Company for omitting to summon the Livery on one of these precepts, is also called for and read. After which the Court take into consideration the present precept for sum- moning the Livery of this Company to meet at Guildhall on Wednesday the fifth day of April instant ; and then a motion is made, and the question being put, “ That the Wardens of this Company do not summon the Livery of this Company on the said precept,” the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly (nemine contradicente). Court of Assistants, 15th November 1775. — At this Court is received and read a letter from Mr. Robert Smith, Secretary to the Committee for the relief 264 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. of Soldiers’ Widows and Orphans, stating that when this nation was involved in a most extensive war a subscription was opened, in 1759 and 1760, for the relief of the British troops in His Majesty’s service in America and Germany, during a hard winter campaign, and for the use of the widows and orphans of soldiers who died in that service; and that it appeared that a judicious application of the money arising from such subscription had been of the most essential service. And further stating that the troops now engaged in His Majesty’s service in America are, from their situation and circumstances, unavoidably subject to incon- veniences, which it is wished by many benevolent persons in London, and else- where, in some degree to remove by means of private munificence ; as also to succour the distressed widows and orphans of those brave men who have fallen, or may fall, in the defence of the constitutional Government of this country; that a Committee has been appointed to conduct this good work, the design of wLich His Majesty in the most gracious manner hath been pleased to approve ; and that the Committee think it their duty to inform the Company that an ample contribution will be necessary to carry into execution this humane and benevolent undertaking, in the hope that this will appear to the Company an object worthy their patriotism and munificence ; and they assure them that no zeal nor attention will be w'anting in the disposal of the subscription in the most useful manner. And then the Court take the said letter into consideration, after which a motion is made, and the question put, “ That this Company do give one hundred and five pounds towards the relief of His Majesty’s soldiers in America, and their widows ” ; and the same is resolved in the affirmative (nemine contradicente), and ordered accordingly. And then a motion is made, and the question put, “ That the said sum of one hundred and five pounds be paid to Samuel Smith, Esquire, of Aldermanbury, Treasurer to the said Committee, for the use and relief of the said soldiers and widow's, wnthout any order of confirmation ” ; and the same is resolved in the affirmative (nemine contradicente), and ordered accordingly. Committee, 6th February 1777.— The Clerk acquaints the Committee that several persons have been taken into custody for forging the Company’s stamps, and for marking buckles made of base metal, silvered to resemble silver buckles, with stamps counterfeited to resemble the Company’s stamps ; and that they have been committed by Sir John Fielding to take their trial at the next session for the City of London ; and he requests the direction of the Committee w'hether he shall indict and prosecute the offenders on the Assay Office account. Whereupon a motion is made, and the question put, “ That the Clerk do prosecute on behalf of this Company all persons now committed, or who shall be committed, for having stamps in their custody resembling the Com- pany’s stamps ; or who shall stamp, or cause to be stamped, on plate, or base metal silvered over, any mark or stamp counterfeited to resemble the Company’s marks or stamps, against the form of the Statute ” ; and the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 265 Committee, istMay 1777. — The following report is received and read, viz. : — “To the Worshipful the Standing Committee of the Company of Goldsmiths, London. “We, the Wardens whose names are hereunder written, having with the greatest attention enquired into the state of the Assay Office, find that by an Act of Parliament passed in the 12th year of the reign of His late Majesty King George the Second, intituled ‘An Act for the Better Preventing Frauds and Abuses in Gold and Silver Wares,’ the Goldsmiths’ Company, London, were empowered to take certain prices, sums of money, and rewards, therein limited and expressed, for assaying, trying, and marking gold and silver plate ; and that in case the said prices, sums of money, or rewards, should raise more money than should be sufficient to defray the necessary expences of the Assay Office, then the overplus money should be applied in the prosecuting offenders against the said Act. “ We also find that the Company, in faithful and honourable discharge of the high trust in them, and their duty to the public, have from time to time reduced the prices for assaying, trying, and marking gold and silver plate to two-fifths of the prices allowed by the said Act to be by them taken, in order that, after the necessary expences of the Office were paid, as small an overplus of money as possible might remain in the Company’s hands, to be applied from time to time in the prosecuting offenders against the said Act. “ We further find, upon examination of the Assay Office accompts, that when the expences of building the new Assay Office and law bills are paid, instead of an overplus of money remaining, the Assay Office will be indebted to the Com- pany in a considerable sum, and that the Assay Office receipts do not, on account of the reduced prices now taken, amount to a sufficient sum to defray the neces- sary expences of the Office. “We also find that various new invented articles of small plate, not par- ticularly named in the said Act, or named in the Assay Office list of prices, have been daily assayed, tried, and marked in the Assay Office, and inadequate sums have been taken for the same. “ We, therefore, having taken the above into serious consideration, are unanimously of opinion that the prices specified in the paper hereunto annexed for assaying, trying, and marking the several articles of gold and silver wares in the same paper also named ought to be received and taken, in the Company’s Assay Office, from and after the 29th day of May next, until further order to the contrary ; and with great deference we submit the same to the judgment of this Worshipful Committee. “ Samuel Smith, Hen. Boldero, Samuel Freeman, Thos. Thorne. “Goldsmiths’ Hall, 30th April 1777. 266 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “ ‘ Gold Work. ‘ Each Watch Case, or Hook, or Cane Head, or Frame for Picture, or Tooth Pick Case, or Corral Socket, or Spectacle Frame. Each Buckle, or "i Piece of Chain. j Each Snuff Box, or other Box. } Each Pair of Sleeve Buttons. } Each Thimble, or Ring, or | Coat or Breast Button. J Other Gold work weighing 30 oz. or under. } i j. Above 30 to SO oz., and so in proportion. }2s. Least Parcel of Gold. }ij. “ ‘ Silver Work. ‘ Diet on large plate weighing above 4 lb., per lb. troy. } Each Sword Hilt. } Each Corral Socket, or Snuff Box, or Tobacco Box, or Dressing Box, or Soap Box, or Patch Box, or Wax Box, or Frame for Cruets, or Dish Stand, or Dish Cross, or Argyle, or Pair of Spurrs, or Dozen of Tea Spoons, or Seals, or Buttons, or Salt Shovels, or Strainers, or Salt Ladles, or Pieces to Garnish Cabinets, or Knife Cases, or Tea Chests, or Bridles. 6d. 2d. gd. 2d. 6d. 2d. od. 10 grains. Id. 2d. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 267 Each Watch Case, or Belt Buckle, or Lock, or Runner and Pendant, or Pieces for Guns or Pistols, or Small Wire Basket, or Small Pierced Basket, or Mustard Can, or Funnel, or Trowell, or Fish Knife, or Cheese Knife, or Pair of Snuffers. Each Orang-e Strainer, or Salt Cellar, or Nutmeg- Grater, or Pair of Tea Tongs, or Pap Boat, or Escallop Shell, or Punch Ladle, or Bason, or Bracelet, or Crosslet, or Milk Ewer, or Pepper Box, or Bottle Stand, or Castor, or Urn, or Boat, or Pail, or Cow, or Medal, or Tip, or Small Mug, or Cup, or Snuffer Tray. Each Haft, or Bottle Ticket, or Wrist Band, or Cruet Top, or Spout. \ id. / % \d. 268 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Pairs of Buckles and Pairs of Clasps per Dozen. Least Parcel of Silver. } 4 ^. } ^d: It is resolved that the prices named in the Wardens’ report be taken from and after the 29th day of May instant, and that the resolution of this Committee be recommended to the next Court of Assistants to be by them ordered to be established. Committee, 8th May 1777. — The following report is received and read, viz. : — “ To the Worshipful the Standing Committee of the Company of Goldsmiths, London. “ We, the Wardens whose names are hereunder written, having received information that various articles of gold and silver wares are daily made and sold much worse than the respective standards of the plate of this Kingdom ; and also that divers other articles of gold and silver wares are daily sold, exchanged, and exposed to sale without being properly marked, in contempt of the laws now in fforce, and to the great detriment of the fair trader. And we, duly sensible that the standards of the plate of this Kingdom are both for the honour and riches of the realm, and so highly concern His Majesty’s subjects that the same ought to be most carefully observed, and all deceits therein prevented as much as possible, have made a very strict inquiry into the premises; and in con- sequence thereof have caused various gold and silver wares to be promiscuously bought in the Cities of London and Westminster, and elsewhere, without favour or ill-will to any person, that if, upon assay or tryal thereof made, frauds should appear, the offenders might be brought to punishment in example to others. And we find, upon assay and tryal, that most of the articles are worse than standard, and many of them most shamefully so. “ We, therefore, in discharge of our duty, have in the paper hereunto annexed caused the several articles so bought, assayed, and tried to be par- ticularly set forth, with the Company’s Assay Master’s report upon each article, for the examination and serious attention of this Worshipful Com- mittee, not doubting that they, in justice to the fair trader, and in order to put a stop to the growing evil, will order prosecutions forthwith to be commenced against the offenders. “ Samuel Smith, Hen. Boldero, Samuel Freeman, Thos. Thorne.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 269 GOLD. Gold Wares. Worse than Standard. Weight. oz. dwts. grs. car. grs. No. I. A Watch Chain - 14 7 The Chain part - - - if Middle part - - - If Rings - - - 3 Of No. 2. A Watch Chain - 19 9 The Chain part - - - 3 I Middle part - - Standard Swivel - - li No. 3- A Watch Chain - 17 21 The Chain part - - 2 3 Middle part - - Standard Swivel - - - \ No. 4. A Watch Chain - 19 20 The Chain part - - li Middle part - - - Swivel - - - f No. S- A Watch Chain - 16 12 The Chain part - - - Middle part - - Standard Swivel - - 1 No. 6. A Watch Chain - 9 8 The Chain part - Standard Middle part - - - I li Rings - - - 2 if No. 7- A Watch Chain - IS The Chain part - - Standard Middle part - Standard Rings - - - I No. 8. A Cane Head - 10 22 The Head - - Standard Swivel - - s No. 9 - A Watch Chain - I 0 16 The Chain part'l Middle part > Swivel ) - Standard No. 10. A Tooth-pick Case - 2 3 . 2 No. I !. A Pencil Case - 8 I li No. 12. A pair of Sleeve Buttons - 4 18 * 3 No. 13- A Watch Chain - 14 9 The Chain part - I I Middle part - - I I Swivel - - « 2 if No. 14. A Hoop Ring - I S - I 3 No. IS- A Cane Head - 4 21 - 2 li 270 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Gold Wares. Worse than Standard. Weight. oz. dwts. gi-s. car. grs. No. i6. A Watch Chain 18 19 The Chain part - - - \ Middle part - - - I Swivel - - Standard No. 17. A Hoop Ring - I 23 1 4 : No. 18. A Watch Chain - I 0 18 The Chain part - - - i^ Middle part - - - i Swivel - - - li No. 19. A Watch Chain - I I s The Chain part - . . \ Middle part - - Standard Swivel - . • No. 20. A Watch Chain - I I s The Chain part - - - If Middle part - - Standard Swivel - - - I No. 21. A Watch Chain - 18 20 The Chain part - — — Middle part - . Standard Swivel - - - 1 No. 22. A Watch Chain - I 3 7 The Chain part - Standard Middle part - - I Swivel . - I I| Beads . . 3 3 No. 23. A Watch Chain . IS S The Chain part - \ Middle part - - If Swivel - - If No. 24. A Watch Chain - IS 12 The Chain part - I Middle part - - 1 Swivel - - 2 2 No. 25. Two pairs of Button s 1 1 3 If No. 26. A pair of Buttons - 6 6 3 No. 27. Four Hoop Rings - 3 10 I 1 No. 28. Six Hoop Rings - 8 2 I 3 No. 29. Four Rings - 2 10 3 No. 30. Six Rings - 4 16 3 2f N.B. — One of these Rings is metal. No. 31. Five Rings - - - - 3 f No. 32. Five Shirt Buckles - - - s D No. 33. Six Rings - - - 2f No. 34. Six Rings - - - - I 2f No. 35. A Pump Seal - - - 1 2 o| No. 36. Two Rings - - - - 2 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 271 SILVER. Silver Wares. Worse than Standard. Weight, lb. oz. dwts. OZ. dwts. No. I. Three Pencil Cases - I 14 I 2 No. 2. Three Tooth -pick Cases I4i - 7 No. 3- Six pairs of Buttons - I - I No. 4- Six pairs of Buttons - I 61 - 6 ^ No. 5- Six pairs of Buttons - I 3i - 8 No. 6 . Four pairs of Buttons 14 - I 6 No. 7 - Two Pencil Cases 71 72 - I 10 No. 8 . A Pencil Case 10 - I 2 No. 9 - Three pairs of Clasps T - 4i No. 10. A slight Punch Ladle - - 10 No. II. Three Feet and one Handle to a Soy Frame . 4 N.B. — This Frame is marked. No. 12. A Muffinger - - - 6 No. 13- Two Mustard Tips and Covers - - 4 No. 14. A Castor Head - - 9 No. 15- Five Castor Heads - - - 6 No. 16. Five Castor Heads - - - 7 No. 17 - Five Soy Heads - - 1 1 No. 18. Five Pillars and Five Rims to an Ebony Frame IS No. 19. Two Scissor Sheaths - - 10 No. 20. Two Pencil Cases - - 16 No. 21. Twelve pairs Shoe Clasps - Standard No. 22. Twelve pairs of But- tons 2 12 Ordered that the several persons •who sold the several articles of gold wares contained in Nos. i, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 1 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29) 30, 31 and 34 ; and silver wares contained in Nos. i, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 22, have forthwith proper notices sent them under the Act that prosecutions will be commenced against them. Committee, 19th March 1778.- — The Clerk informs the Committee that, in pursuance of information received at the Assay Office that William Dawson, of Oxford Arms Passage, Warwick Lane, watch-case maker, had used forged 272 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. and counterfeited stamps, in stamping and marking watch-cases, resembling the stamps used by this Company, he has by virtue of a search warrant searched the house of the said William Dawson, and in his presence found such counterfeit stamps with a watch-case stamped therewith; and that he has caused him to be committed to Wood Street Compter, to take his trial for such offence ; and he requests the further direction of the Committee. Whereupon a motion is made, and question put, “ That the Clerk of this Company do at the next session of Oyer and Terminer to be holden for the City of London prosecute the said William Dawson for having in his custody such counterfeit stamps, and also for stamping and marking a watch-case with such stamps against the form of the Statute, and place the charges of such prosecution to the Assay Office account ” ; and the same is resolved in the affirmative unanimously, and ordered accordingly. Committee, loth August 1780 — The Clerk informs the Committee that Mr. Thomas Daniel, a tenant of the Company of a house in Carey Lane adjoining to the Assay Office, has agreed to let to him, for the benefit of the Assay Office, the said house upon lease for 42 years, wanting one day, from Michaelmas next, at £36 a year clear of all taxes except the Land Tax, provided the Committee approve of the same. And the Committee having taken the same into consider- ation, a motion is made, and the question put, “ That the Clerk be empowered to take a lease of the said house from the said Thomas Daniel upon the said terms, on the Assay Office account, for the purpose of laying such part of the said house as shall be thought necessary to the Assay Office, to enlarge the same, and appropriating the remainder for a dwelling for the junior Assayer.” Committee, 19th October 1780. — The Clerk informs the Committee that at the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace holden for the City of London at Guildhall, London, on Monday the i6th instant, William Brockwell was tried and convicted upon the indictment against him for a fraud in making silver tea tongs of silver worse than standard, and was sentenced to pay a fine of forty shillings, and to be imprisoned in Wood Street Compter for the space of one week ; the Court at the same time informing him that the mildness of the sentence was on account only of his offence being the first of the kind punished by indictment; but that it was, under the circumstances of the case, clearly an offence within the meaning of the Act of Parliament, and that every person in future who should be convicted of a like offence would receive a much heavier punishment. Court of Assistants, nth January 1781. — Several members of the Court take notice of the present deplorable state of their fellow-subjects in the West Indies, occasioned by the late dreadful hurricanes, and submit to the Court whether it will not be proper, at this time of general distress, to omit the ladies' customary dinner and ball, and thereby prevent an improper appearance of festivity. And the Court having taken the same into their serious consideration, a motion is made, and the question put, “That the ladies’ dinner and ball be omitted this year ” ; and the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 273 Court of Assistants, 29th May 1781. — At this Court is received and read the following letter, viz. : — “Gentlemen, — The Committee of West India Planters and Merchants in London, appointed to receive and remit the charitable contributions of the public for relieving the sufferers by the late dreadful hurricane in the Islands of St. Vincent and Dominica, take the liberty to solicit your friendly assistance in behalf of the distressed inhabitants of these Islands, where many worthy families, who, before that dreadful calamity, procured by their industry a comfortable sup- port, are now reduced to the most extreme misery, and have no other hopes but from the charitable aid of their late fellow subjects in these Kingdoms. “ The Committee, therefore, presume to recommend this case of affliction and distress to your commiseration, and flatter themselves that you will be pleased to join in the subscription for the relief of these unhappy people ; and whatever sum is contributed you will be so good as to remit to either of us, the Chairman and Treasurers, who will transmit the same to the Committee in order to be immediately forwarded to the unhappy sufferers. “ We are, Gentn., “ Your most obedt. Servt., “ Robert Melvill. Richd. Neave. Wm. Manning. “ To the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.” And the Court having taken the same into consideration, a motion is made, and the question put, “That this Company do contribute one hundred pounds towards the relief of the said poor sufferers ” ; and the same is resolved in the affirmative unanimously, and ordered accordingly. After which it is moved, and the question put, “ That the said sum of one hundred pounds be paid without any order of confirmation”; and the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. The Annual Register for 1781 gives a long account of this calamity, which laid desolate all the Islands, but especially Barbadoes, and occasioned an appal- ling loss of life. Committee, loth April 1783. — Now appear Thomas Fitter, Deputy Patent Searcher, and Robert Hodgson, Deputed Searcher, belonging to the Custom House, who acquaint the Committee that one William Stevenson, of Lombard Street, London, Silversmith, one of the people called Quakers, has entered a box of silver plate at the Custom House for exportation, and has made his affir- mation before the proper officer that all the plate contained in that box is of the proper standard, and has been tried and marked at Goldsmiths’ Hall ; but that, upon some suspicious circumstances arising, the box has been stopped, and opened by the said Thomas Fitter, and upon examination several of the silver wares therein contained appear to be worse than standard, and to have never been assayed or marked at Goldsmiths’ Hall ; and that His Majesty’s Commissioners S 4021. s 274 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. of the Customs have directed them to attend the Committee for their advice and assistance. And Mr. Rushforth, the Senior Assayer, also attending, acquaints the Committee that he has assayed several of the articles, which have no Hall Mark upon them, and has found them to be worse than standard. And the Committee having taken the premises into consideration, a motion is made, and the question put, “That this Company will give every assistance in their power to His Majesty’s Commissioners of the Customs in their prosecution of William Stevenson for peijury and fraud ” ; and the same is resolved in the affirmative unanimously, and ordered accordingly. It is ordered that the Senior Assayer do make the necessary assays of the several articles of plate contained in the said box, which shall be sent to him from the Custom House, and which have not the Hall Mark upon them, and report the same to the Standing Committee. Ordered that the Clerk do forthwith send to the said William Stevenson the proper notice of prosecution, as directed by the Act of Parliament. Committee, 24th April 1783. — Now appears William Stevenson, of Lom- bard Street, London, silversmith, who acquaints the Committee that he has received notice from the Clerk, as directed by the Act of Parliament, and that he accordingly attends the Committee to express his great sorrow for having sent divers silver wares to the Custom House for exportation w'ithout having duly examined them ; that he had bought most of those which were worse than standard at public sales ; and that he would take the greatest care in future to avoid offending against the laws ; and he humbly prays that the Company will pass over this his first offence upon his consenting to have the wares broken. The Committee, being informed by Mr. Fitter that the Commissioners of the Customs do not mean to prosecute the said William Stevenson, order the several wares which are worse than standard, and unmarked, to be broken, and delivered back to the said William Stevenson ; and at the same time they severely reprimand him for his misconduct. Court of Assistants, ist December 1783. — After which the W^ardens inform the Court that the following precept purporting to have been issued by the Right Honourable Robert Peckham, now Lord Mayor, has been left at the Company’s Hall, and that as the Wardens by a resolution of a Court of Assistants, held the 22nd day of March 1770, were ordered not to summon the Livery of this Company in future to attend at any meeting in the Guildhall (except for the purpose of Elections), without the express approbation or consent of this Court, they have directed this Court to be summoned to take the same into consideration ; and then the said precept is read, being in these words, vizt : — By the Mayor. “ His Lordship having received a requisition in waiting, signed by a number of respectable Liverymen, for summoning a Common Hall for the purpose of taking MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 27S into consideration the expediency of petitioning the House of Commons against the Bill intended to be brought into Parliament for “ Vesting the affairs of the East India Company in the hands of certain Commissioners for the benefit of the proprietors and the public ” ; these are therefore to require you to cause all the Livery of your Company to be summoned to meet at Guildhall, on Tuesday the second day of December next, at Eleven of the clock in the forenoon, to take that matter into consideration. Hereof you are not to fail. “ Rix. “ (Indorsed) Beach. “Dated the 26th day of November 1783.” And after the Court have taken the said precept into consideration, a motion is made, and the question put, “ That the Wardens be desired to summon the Livery of this Company to attend a Common Hall on Tuesday, the second instant, agreeable to the Lord Mayor’s precept for that purpose.” The same passed in the negative. 27th January 1784. — On this day the Company gave a ladies’ entertainment and ball. There were 100 persons present, and 21 1 bottles of wine were con- sumed. The entire cost of this entertainment was £234. Court of Assistants, 14th February 1784. — Resolved unanimously that the Wardens may admit the Right Honourable William Pitt, first Lord Com- missioner of His Majesty’s Treasury, and Chancellor of the Exchequer, into the freedom of this Company, Ordered that the Wardens, Brass Crosby, Esquire, and Alderman, and Sir Thomas Hallifax, Knight and Alderman, be requested, attended by the Clerk, to wait upon Mr. Pitt with a copy of the above resolution. Pitt became Prime Minister for the first time on December 23rd, 1783. Court of Assistants, 24th February 1784. — The Court is informed that, in pursuance of the resolution of the last Court, the Wardens, Mr. Alderman Crosby, and Sir Thomas Hallifax, with the Clerk, had called at the Treasury, and at Mr. Pitt’s house in Berkeley Square, to acquaint him with the resolution of the Court ; but that as they had not met with him they had left a copy of the resolution at his house, to which he had sent the following polite answer, addressed to Brass Crosby, Esq., Chatham Square, Blackfriars Bridge, viz. : — “ Berkeley Square, “Feb. 1 6th, 1784. “ Sir, — I beg leave to express to you how sensible I am of the honor done me by the resolution of the Court of Assistants at Goldsmiths’ Hall on the fourteenth instant. I was greatly concerned that I was not apprised in time of your in- tention to communicate it to me personally on that evening, and that I, by that means, lost the honor of seeing you and the other gentlemen who had the good- ness to call here. Nothing but the variety of business would have prevented my returning sooner my acknowledgments to them and to the Court, s 2 276 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “ Permit me now to assure you that I should feel highly honored in becoming a member of your respectable Company, but, before I received the copy of your resolution, I had received a similar intimation from the Company of Grocers, and had expressed that the circumstance of my father’s having been one of that body necessarily added to the satisfaction which I should feel in accepting the freedom from them, “ If I was not thus precluded, nothing could have been more acceptable to me than the honor you have so obligingly intended me. “ I have the honor to be. Sir, “ Your most faithful and obedient Servant, “ W. Pitt.” Whereupon a motion is made, and the question put, “ That, as this Company is deprived of having the honour of enrolling the name of the Right Honourable William Pitt amongst the members of the Company, by the pre-engagement ex- pressed in his letter, he be requested, with such friends as shall be agreeable to him, to do the Wardens and Assistants of this Company the honour of dining with them at their Hall as soon as convenient to him.” The same is resolved in the affirmative unanimously, and ordered accordingly. It is also resolved unanimously that the Wardens, the Aldermen who are of this Court, and the members of Parliament who are also of this Court, be a Com- mittee, assisted by the Clerk, to give the necessary invitation to Mr. Pitt and his friends, and to provide and direct an entertainment upon this occasion suitable to the dignity of the visitors and this Company. This dinner took place on the 13th May, 1784, and covers were laid for 50 persons. The expense of the entertainment (including illuminating the Hall with 902 glass lamps) was £259 ys. There were drunk 193 bottles of wine, and, as the wine only cost in all £39 51'. 4d., the price per bottle (41'.) cannot be considered extravagant, whatever may be thought of the quantity drunk. In ancient times it was the custom for every member of a Company to keep to his own first-chosen Company, and not to accept similar membership else- where. The writer cannot but regret that this rule has fallen into disuse. Extract from The London Packet, or New Lloyd’ s Evenmg Post, from Friday, March 12 to Monday, March 15, 1784; — “ Saturday afternoon, when the Hon. Mr. Pitt arrived at Goldsmiths’ Hall, he was introduced at the great door, and proceeded up a temporary staircase lead- ing to the principal one of the great ball-room, where he was received by the Grand Warden and Court of Assistants of the Company, until the tables in the great hall were covered, W'hen he and his friends were ushered to dinner, preceded by a numerous band of music. “The Hall and avenues to it w’ere most beautifully illuminated with variegated lamps, displayed with uncommon taste, representing different devices. “ On the table opposite Mr. Pitt w^ere placed large triumphal gothic arches of curious gauze and open work, supported by pillars of the same order in burnished MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 277 gold, while festoons of artificial flowers elegantly hung from the springs of the arches. The frizes and other parts were most brilliantly decorated with variegated foil. “ On the base of the centre column on each side were painted the Arms of Pitt, and on the top a blazing star of crystal glass, in constant motion, the body of the column ornamented with groups of emblematical figures, and a whole length of ‘ Hope ’ opposite the same. “ On the centre of the principal arch the Arms of England, and on the top of the side columns those of the City of London and Goldsmiths’ Company ; various other suitable designs were placed in different parts, and the whole on a ground of beautiful frosting. “ Much praise is due to Mr. Hoffman, to whose management the whole of the above was entrusted. The eatables, viands, and wines were excellent, the tables being covered wdth everything the season afforded, or that art and ingenuity could contrive. After dinner the Company retired into the court-room for the amusement of cards, etc. “ The Hall was finely illuminated with wax candles, and 700 lamps of various colours curiously placed. After dinner the following toasts were drank : — “ The King. The Queen. The Prince of Wales and all the Royal Family. The Majority of the House of Lords. The present Ministry — that they may never want supporters. Success to the Goldsmiths’ Company. The Lord Mayor, and prosperity to the trade and commerce of this City, etc., etc. “ Between eleven and twelve the company left the Hall greatly pleased with the noble entertainment they had received ; the whole being conducted with the greatest order and regularity.” Committee, 13th August 1784 — The Clerk acquaints the Committee that the clerks of the House of Commons have very obligingly furnished him with a copy of the Bill before the House for Raising the Duty on Gold and Silver Plate, which the Committee order to be read, and the same is read to them accordingly; soon after which several gentlemen of the goldsm.iths’ trade, who were deputed by a meeting of the trade, attend the Committee to request the Company to join with them, or give them their assistance, in opposing the said Bill ; to whom the Company communicate the heads of the Bill, and, after a very long conference, the gentlemen of the trade, having received the advice of the Committee, request that the Company will be pleased to permit Mr. Reynolds, their Clerk, to go with them immediately to the Treasury to state the objections of the trade to the Bill, and to entreat of the Chancellor of the Exchequer that, if a Bill for Raising the Duty on Gold and Silver Plate must be passed, some clauses may be altered, amended, and added, to give relief to the makers and 278 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. vendors of gold and silver manufactures ; and the Committee accordingly give permission for the Clerk to attend them, accompanied by Sir Thomas Hallifax, who offers his services. Court of Assistants, 25th November, 1784. — The following report is received from the Standing Committee, and read, vizt. : — “ To the Worshipful the Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, London. “ In pursuance of the order of reference of the Court of Assistants, held on Thursday the 28th day of October last, we the Standing Committee of the said Company have taken into our consideration the Act passed in the last Session of Parliament, intituled ‘An Act for granting to His Majesty certain Duties on all Gold and Silver Plate imported, and also certain Duties on all Gold and Silver Wrought Plate made in Great Britain, &c.,’ and also the memorial of the trade presented to the Court ; and are unanimously of opinion that the Wardens should be requested by the Court of Assistants of this Company to comply with, and carry the said Act into execution, according to the best of their judgement and power. “ The Committee submit to the Court their opinion that it is not advisable for this Company in their Corporate capacity to come to any resolution to apply for the repeal of the said Act, as requested by the trade in the said memorial, until the Company are acquainted with the operation of the said Act. “ By order of the Committee, “ E. Reynolds, Clerk. “ Dated at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, the 23rd day of November 1784.” And the Court having taken the same into their consideration, a motion is made and the question put, “ That this Court do agree with the Standing Com- mittee in their report ” ; and the same is resolved in the affirmative unanimously. The following gruesome account of an execution at Newgate reminds us of the extreme severity of the laws down to comparatively modern times : — Extract from The Leeds Mercury, Tuesday, January i ith, 1785. “ Yesterday morning Owen, convicted of forging and publishing an order upon the Assay Office, at Goldsmiths’ Hall, with intent to obtain several pairs of silver buckles sent there to be assayed and marked, who was ordered for execution last Wednesday, but respited the preceding day, was executed on the scaffold erected before the debtors’ door of Newgate. “ The convict came out of the prison about half-past seven o’clock, and prayed with every appearance of the most fervent devotion. After taking leave of him, in consequence of a signal from the unhappy young man, the Ordinary again went upon the scaffold, and continued with him about ten minutes in prayer. Mr. Villette having a second time retired, the cap was drawn over the face of the malefactor, who continued half-an hour, within a minute or two, MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 279 appealing to Heaven for mercy in an audible tone of voice, and with the most impassioned gestures, all the while holding a white handkerchief in his hands, and making eight or ten motions, as if he intended to drop it by way of signal for the platform to fall ; but at nine the platform sunk, and he still kept grasping the handkerchief while any signs of life were perceptible. His frequently raising his head while in the act of supplicating for mercy occasioned the noose to slip to the back of his neck, in consequence of which he appeared for several minutes to be in great agony. “ This victim to the offended laws was but about twenty years of age ; he had served part of an apprenticeship, about three years, to the trade of a silver- smith. He was executed in a new suit of mourning.” Court of Assistants, 25th January 1785. — The Wardens acquaint the Court that the following precept, purporting to have been issued by the Right Honourable Richard Clark, now Lord Mayor, had been left at the Company’s Hall, and that as the Wardens, by a resolution of the Court of Assistants held the 22nd day of March 1770, were ordered not to summon the Livery of this Company in future to attend any meeting in the Guildhall (except for the purpose of Elections), without the express approbation or consent of this Court, they desire the Court- to take the same into their consideration ; and then the said precept is read, being in these words, vizt. : — “ To the Master and Wardens of the Company of Goldsmiths. } By the Mayor, “ His Lordship having received a requisition in writing, signed by a great number of respectable Liverymen, to call a Common Hall ‘ To consider of instructions to be given to their Representatives in Parliament, for the purpose of obtaining a more equal representation of the people ’ ; these are to require you to cause all the Livery of your Company to be summoned to meet at Guildhall, on Friday next, the twenty-eighth instant, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon, for the purpose above mentioned. Hereof you are not to fail. “Dated the 21st day of January 1785.” “ Rix. “ (Indorsed) Beach. And after the Court have taken the said precept into consideration a motion is made “ That the Wardens be desired to summon the Livery of this Company to attend a Common Hall on Friday next, the twenty-eighth instant, agreeably to the Lord Mayor’s precept for that purpose ” ; but the previous question being moved and seconded “ That the said motion be not put,” the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. It is resolved that no member of this Court shall be capable of being elected into any office, or place of profit, in this Company, unless he previously engage to relinquish his place, or office, as Assistant, in case he is elected. 28 o MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Court of Assistants, i6th June 1786. — Now is received and read a letter signed “ William Pickett ” as follows, vizt. : — “ To the Worshipful the Prime Warden, and others the Wardens, and Court of Assistants, of the Company of Goldsmiths. “ Gentlemen,^ — In every society of which I have had the honour to be a member it has been customary to send written answers to requests, when made in respectful terms. As I have not been favor’d with any to my letter of the fifth of last month addressed to the late Wardens, I feel so much due to the office I have the honor to fill, and likewise to my own character, as to contend for the propriety of that request. I became an Alderman of London with a view, faith- fully and disinterestedly, to serve my fellow-citizens, and have sacrificed much that I might not be confined to a partial discharge of the duties of that station. Not being able to reconcile the conduct of the Court at large with the general observations and private professions of many of the members, whatever may be the event, I should be extremely glad to know your real sentiments ; I have substantial reasons to wish for an early, plain, and decisive answer. “ Gentlemen, — I have herewith enclosed a copy of the former letter, and have only to hope you will advert to that universal good maxim — of doing to others as you would be done unto. “ I am. Gentlemen, “ Your most obedient humble Servant, “ WiLLLui Pickett. “ Harpur Street, June 2nd, 1786.” The copy of the letter above alluded to and inclosed is as follows, vizt. : — “ To the Prime Warden, and others the Wardens of the Company of Goldsmiths. “ Gentlemen, — I understand it has been the invariable usage in your Company to elect persons immediately upon the Court of Assistants who have taken upon them the troublesome and expensive offices in the City of London. Four years since, when I was chose an Alderman of the Ward of Cornhill, I was given to expect, when the number of the Court was reduced under forty, I should have the accustomed respect ; I have to request you will do me the justice to take the sense of a full Court upon the subject, and favour me with an answer. “ I am. Gentlemen, “ Your most obedient humble Servant, “ WiLLLUi Pickett. “ Harpur Street, May 5th, 1786.” No order is made thereon. {See entry 26th February lyGy.) A similar controversy occurred in February 1802, when Mr. Robert Albion Cox, who was at that time one of the Sheriffs, and a Liverjonan of the Company, asserted his claim to be elected an Assistant by reason of his holding the im- MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 281 portant office of Sheriff. Ultimately, a motion was made “ That Robert Albion Cox, Esquire, be now ballotted for, to be chosen into the Court of Assistants of this Company, pursuant to the Standing Orders of the 25th October 1722, the 13th October 1727, and the 22nd February 1771 ” ; and the question being put, the same was resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. The ballot- box was then brought in, and the Wardens and Assistants present ballotted, pursuant to the last-mentioned order, in the presence of the Prime Warden ; and upon casting up the ballot it appeared that the said Robert Albion Cox was rejected. Ultimately, vizt., in 1813, Mr. Cox was elected an Assistant; but great care was evidently taken on that occasion that the above Standing Orders of the Company were duly observed. Court of Wardens, 5th August 1789. — A paper is presented to the Court, purporting to be an order of the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen of the City of London for the admission of Thomas Willis into the freedom of the City of London, by redemption in the Company of Goldsmiths ; and it is ordered that the paper do lie on the table, but afterwards it is returned to Mr. Willis, who is at the same time informed that no notice can be taken thereof. Court of Assistants, 21st June 1794. — Mr. Alderman Harley having in- formed the Court that, at the last Court of Common Council, the freedom of the City had been voted to the Right Honourable Earl Howe, for the signal service he rendered to his King and country on the first of June last ; it is moved that Earl Howe be requested to accept the freedom “ of this Company ” ; and the motion being seconded, and the question put, the same is unanimously carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Mr. Harley then moves “ That the above resolution be communicated to Earl Howe by the Wardens, and that they be empowered to admit his Lordship to the freedom of this Company without payment of any fine or fees.” And that motion being also seconded, and the question put thereon, the same is also unanimously carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, sth July 1794. — This Court having been called for the express purpose of receiving a letter which Admiral Earl Howe has written to the Clerk, in answer to the communication made to his Lordship of the resolution come to by the Court at their last meeting, that letter is now read as follows, viz. : — “ Portsmouth, 24th June 1 794. “ Sir, — I am favoured with your letter of the 23rd, and the communication from the Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company, expressed in the most flattering terms, of their indulgent admission of me as a member of their respectable body ; and I entreat you to assure the gentlemen that I have a most sensible pleasure in the acceptance of their very honorable proposal. I am not yet informed when the duties of my station in the Fleet will allow me to wait upon the Wardens, or take the other steps requisite in consequence of their notification ; but I beg leave 282 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. to correspond further with you on the subject, when I am more fully apprised in respect to the circumstances which must regulate my future conduct on this occasion. “ I am, Sir, “ Your most obedient Servant, “ Howe.” And thereupon a motion is made and seconded, “ That the sum of one hundred guineas be paid into the hands of Mr. Taylor, at Lloyd’s Coffee House, to aid the subscription towards the relief of the widows and children of the warrant and petty officers, seamen, soldiers, and marines, who fell in the service of their country, and also to such as were maimed, in the Fleet under the command of Admiral Earl Howe, from the 28th of May to the ist of June last inclusive”; and upon the question being put thereon the same is unanimously resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And the Court are also pleased to dispense with the standing order of the Company, and to direct that this money be paid without further confirmation ; and that Earl Howe be made acquainted with the proceedings of this Court. Court of Assistants, 16th July 1795. — This Court having been called for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of giving something to- wards the immediate relief of the poor, on account of the present very great price of all sorts of provisions, a motion is made and seconded that the sum of 100 guineas be paid into the Chamber of the City of London, in aid of the public subscription now set on foot for the above-mentioned purpose. And upon the question being put thereon the same is unanimously carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And the Court are pleased to dispense with the standing order of the Company, and to direct this money to be paid without further confirmation. The Prime Warden informs the Court that he and the rest of the Wardens had met at the Hall half an hour before dinner on the 8th instant, and that Sir Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis having arrived soon afterwards the Wardens had presented to each of them the freedom of the Company, in pursuance of former resolutions and orders of the Court ; and that these gentlemen had there- upon delivered to him a letter expressing their thanks on the occasion, which letter the Prime Warden desires may now be read ; and the same is accordingly read as follows, vizt. “ To the Wardens and Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. “ Gentlemen, — We are infinitely obliged by the honor of being admitted free- men in the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths; and feel highly gratified in the assurance that the motive which induced your antient and loyal Company to confer such a distinguished testimony of approbation upon us was the faithful and MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 283 zealous discharge of duty to our King and country, as Commanders-in-Chief in the West Indies. “ With sentiments of great esteem, “We are. Gentlemen, “ Your most obedient and most humble Servants, “Charles Grey. J. Jervis. “London, July the 8th, 1795.” Sir Charles Grey afterwards became Lord Grey, and Sir John Jervis was raised to the Peerage by the title of Lord St. Vincent. Court of Assistants, 8th December 1796. — Letters are laid before the Court, which have been sent under cover from the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, addressed to the Clerk, and accompanied by a letter from his Lordship addressed to the Wardens of this Company in the following terms : — “Mansion House, 3rd December 1796. “ Gentlemen, — Having received a letter from the Right Honourable the Chancellor of the Exchequer, dated the ist instant, the contents of which it is necessary I should communicate to your Worshipful Company, I herewith send you a copy of it, with copies of the papers to which it has reference. With due consideration, “ I remain. Gentlemen, “ Your most humble Servant, “ Brook Watson, Mayor.” The letters and papers accompanying, and referred to in his Lordship’s letter, are also read as follows : — “Downing Street, Deer, ist, 1796. “ My Lord, — I take the liberty of transmitting to your Lordship a copy of a letter which I have thought it my duty to write to the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Bank, and of the memorandum therein referred to, which it is their intention to lay before a Court of Proprietors this day. I have the satis- faction of thinking that the plan therein suggested is likely to receive the greatest countenance from many great mercantile bodies and respectable houses in the Metropolis. The repeated proofs which the Citizens of London have given of their real and public spirit leave me no doubt that, if it appears likely to promote the interests of the country at this important crisis, it will receive their cheerful support in their individual capacity, as well as that of the corporate body, and of the different public Companies ; it is unnecessary for me to state the effect which such an example would produce throughout the Kingdom. With this view I would request your Lordship, if you see no impropriety in the measure, to take as speedily as possible such steps as you may think most advisable for bringing the subject under the consideration of the Common Council, and of the different 284 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. public Companies, and for ascertaining- to what extent they may be inclined to contribute to the success of the plan, in the event of its receiving the approbation of Parliament. “ I have the honor to be, my Lord, &c., “ (Signed) W. Pitt.” “ Downing Street, “Wednesday, Novr. 30th, 1796. “ Gentlemen, — Under the present circumstances it seems of peculiar im- portance that a mode should be adopted for providing for the service of the ensuing year without incurring so heavy an annual charge, and so great an increase of capital, as would attend a loan made in the accustomed manner, at the present price of the funds. With this view it is in contemplation to propose to Parliament that all persons possessed of a certain income should be required to lend a given proportion of it, say one fourth, to be repaid at the period and on the terms stated in the enclosed memorandums. There is great reason to hope that many persons possessed of considerable income, both in the Capital and in the Country, will be induced, without waiting for this measure being enforced, voluntarily to contribute in a larger proportion than would be required of them ; but the extent of such a contribution will in a great degree depend upon the effect of examples, and particularly on the degree of countenance which the measure may receive from the Bank. I will request of you to lay these considera- tions before the Court of Directors in the first instance, and after, if they think fit, before the Court of Proprietors, and to express my earnest hope that from their zeal for the public service, and their sense of the importance of the present crisis, they will not be disinclined to take the lead in a measure which must have the most beneficial effect on public credit, and the most evident tendency to accelerate the restoration of peace on secure and honourable terms. “ I have the honour to be, &c., “ (Signed) W. Pitt.” The plan of the loan accompanying these letters is also read, but being in print and having been already published, and so very generally known, it is not entered in this book. It being then stated to the Court that the loan is full, they are pleased to come to a resolution expressing their readiness to lend their assistance and support to Government on all occasions where the good of the country requires it; and that, the loan being actually filled before the Lord Mayor’s letter and the other papers could be laid before them, they have only to lament that they are thereby pre- cluded from taking any further notice of the business; and they direct the Clerk to write to the Lord Mayor to that effect. The following series of entries will be of especial interest to those members of the Company who are connected with the trade. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 28s Court of Assistants, 9th May 1797. — The following petition and ac- companying paper are received and read, vizt. : — “ To the PRIME WARDEN, WARDENS, and COURT OF ASSIST- ANTS of the WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF GOLDSMITHS. “ The PETITION of the manufacturers of wrought gold and silver plate “ SHEWETH that your petitioners look up with great respect and satisfaction to the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, as guardians and protectors of their trade, and repose the firmest hope and confidence in their liberal attention to any matter materially interesting so important a manufactory. Your petitioners are constrained to apply to your Worshipful Court by reason of their having recog- nised, in a scheme of public finance, a proposal for laying an additional duty on wrought plate ; a circumstance which cannot be lightly considered as to its effects and consequence to your petitioners, who have for many years been subjected to the necessity of taking out a license, besides the more recent duty with which they have been for a considerable time inconvenienced. Your petitioners, being so circumstanced, cannot but anticipate serious and grievous hardships to arise from an additional duty on wrought plate, particularly on account of the intended rivalship that will thereby be given to the articles in the plated (s/c) manufacture, as the proposed duty, should it take place, will, with the former one, amount to an average of twenty per cent, on gold and silver in its unwrought state. “ Your petitioners beg leave further to represent that the advantage and encouragement derived by plated manufacturers have animated them to exer- tions and improvements, by which they have been enabled to produce articles of the highest elegance and fashion, many of which are now made with solid silver — borders, shields, and ornaments, finished in exact resemblance of real plate — and which do material injury to your petitioners by curtailing the sale of wrought plate, and consequently by withholding a very considerable quantity of work from Goldsmiths’ Hall, depriving the Revenue of a vast duty, and being the means of waisting (sic) a great quantity of silver, which is thereby lost to the public. Your petitioners are not inclined to discourage the progress and im- provements of arts and mechanism, nor to withhold the just reward of industry and merit ; they are solicitous only for such modifications as are essential to fair and honourable competition, which your petitioners conceive cannot be attained, even if the proposed duty should be relinquished ; and if the same be adopted, they are persuaded the manufacture of wrought plate will have to contend with a formidable and uncontrollable opposition, unless an equivalent impost be laid upon plated goods. “ Your petitioners beg leave further to state that they have estimated that a duty of threepence per ounce on plated goods would form an equitable taxation, as the amount upon each article of plated goods would be nearly the average of one fourth of the duty which attaches to similar articles of wrought plate. Your petitioners are, nevertheless, of opinion that those plated articles described to be particularly ornamented, and to consume and waste so considerable a quantity of 286 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. silver, ought to be either prohibited from being made, or confined solely to the export trade, unless made subject to a duty double the amount of any that it may be thought right to lay upon other articles in the plated manufacture. “Your petitioners therefore pray that your Worshipful Court will take their case into deliberate consideration, and grant such assistance, advice, and relief as to your wisdom shall seem meet ; that, if the said duty on plate should not be relinquished by the Minister, your Worshipful Court will cause the progress of the Bill imposing the same to be watched in Parliament, for the security and protection of your petitioners, for the continuance of the customary allowance of one sixth at the Hall, and for the drawback upon exportation. “ And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. “John Blake, William Sumner, G. Smith & Son, Rd. Crossley, Chas. Smith, Soln. Hougham, Henry Chawner, Sami. Goodbehere, Chas. Aldridge, Robt. Sharp, William Dawson, John Steward, Joshua Jackson, William Bennett, William Savory, Abraham Taylor, John Edwards, Samuel Glover, Michl. Gamon, Joseph Glenny, John Clarke, John Wills, Edward Deeming, Geo. Burrows, Peter Bateman, Moses Brent, Joseph Dodds, Barthw. Need, Thos. Hobbs.” The accompanying paper is as follows : — “TO PREVENT THE TOTAL SUPPRESSION OF THE MANU- FACTURE OF GOLD AND SILVER, BY PLACING THE SILVER AND PLATED MANUFACTORIES ON A MORE EQUAL FOOTING. “ That a duty of 3«/. per ounce be laid on all plated goods weighing 4 dwts. and upwards, and a duty of 6 d. per ounce on all plated goods that have silver edges, bands, shields, or any other parts of silver, either for use or ornament. “ That a drawback of the whole duty be allowed on exportation. That the manufacturer shall pay a small sum for marking the different articles (which for convenience may be divided into classes) sufficient to defray the expenses of the Hall, or Office, to be established for the purposes of inspecting and marking the articles and receiving the duty. That every plated manufacturer shall strike the initials of his name on every separate piece. That the marks to be used at the Hall, or Office, shall be (the word) ‘ Plated,’ and the Sheffield Arms. “ That the word ‘ Plated ’ shall be struck adjoining the mark of the manufacturer, and at the end of the aforesaid mark the Sheffield Arms shall be struck. And, to prevent fraud, all articles intended to be filled, or loaded, with lead or cement, shall have the weight in figures (stamped at Sheffield Hall) under the word ‘Plated.’ That any person counterfeiting or removing any of the said marks, or making additions to the weight, with intent to defraud the Revenue, shall be subject to the penalties instituted for the regulation of the manufacture of gold and silver. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 287 “That the articles shall be sent to the Hall with all the different parts compleat, and the amount of duty sent with them.” And several of the persons who had signed the said petition having been called in while the papers were read, and having been afterwards heard upon the subject matter thereof, and being then withdrawn, the Court are pleased to resolve — 1st. That this Court will co-operate with the manufacturers of wrought gold and silver in an application to the Minister for the protection of the trade by an imposition of some duty on plated wares. 2ndly. That Mr. Rose, Mr. Whipham, Mr. Gurden, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Make- peace, Mr. Moore, Mr. Ritherdon, and Mr. Henderson, with any other gentleman of the Court who is of the mystery, be deputed, in company with any two or three of the persons who have signed the above petition, to wait upon Mr. Pitt to confer with him on the subject matter thereof. And that the Clerk do also attend. Court of Assistants, 17th May 1797. — The Clerk informs the Court that, in consequence of the resolutions of the last Court, he had on the following day gone down to the Treasury in hopes of seeing Mr. Rose, and getting an appoint- ment for the deputation to wait on Mr. Pitt. That not seeing Mr. Rose he had left a letter for him, explaining the wish of the Goldsmiths’ Company in this respect, and had waited till the Saturday without having heard from the Treasury thereon. That on that day he had gone down to the Treasury again, and (not being then able to see Mr. Rose) he had by a second letter to him renewed his application. That on the Tuesday following he had received a letter from Mr. Rose informing him that the application must be made to Mr. Pitt’s private secretary, which was done accordingly on that same day ; and an answer had been returned that Mr. Pitt would certainly appoint a time to receive the deputa- tion before the Bill should pass, but that, on account of the great pressure of public business, he must beg to postpone the interview for a few days. Court of Assistants, 29th May 1797. — Mr. Hunter informs the Court that the gentlemen deputed to wait on Mr. Pitt, concerning the intended additional duty on plate, had had an audience of him, and had represented to him every- thing which they conceived to be favourable to their wishes on the subject. All of which Mr. Pitt had heard, and had said he would pay attention to. And he had further said that he thought plated goods were a fair object of taxation, but that he, nevertheless, was of opinion that plate would bear some additional tax. Court of Assistants, iith July 1797. — This Court having been called for the purpose of considering the propriety of a proposition for an alteration of the standard of g’old used in manufactories, the Prime Warden informs the Court that he had on Saturday waited on Mr. Pitt, in company with Mr. Perchard and the Clerk, in consequence of the desire expressed by Mr. Rose, as mentioned in the entries of the new Duty Committee of that day ; and he states to the Court what had passed at that interview, and that Mr. Pitt had informed him that he 288 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. wished the Company would let him know their opinion how far it might be proper to make any alteration in the standard of gold used in manufactories, if such a proposition should be brought forward ; but that Mr. Pitt was to see a deputation from the manufacturers of gold as yesterday, and that he would afterwards send in writing the proposition which he should wish this Company to consider. The Clerk then lays before the Court two letters which he had received, the one from Mr. Rose and the other from Mr. Pitt, since the interview with Mr. Pitt ; and the same are read as follows, vizt. : — “ Mr. Rose presents his compliments to Mr. Lane, and sends him a copy of the Bill of 1781 respecting the standard of gold to be used in the manufacture of that metal. If it should be thought right, on consideration, to propose a Bill for any alteration in the standard now, it may be useful to mark which of the pro- visions in that Bill it may be thought right to adopt. Mr. Rose finds no other Bill or Act except those in 1784 and 1785, the first for imposing the duty, and the second for some new regulations respecting it. “ Old Palace Yard, Saturday night, July 8th.” “ Mr. Pitt presents his compliments to Mr. Lane, and will be obliged to him if he will take the trouble of furnishing him to-morrow morning with an account of the quantity of gold which has been stamped for the duty since the year 1784, distinguishing, if possible, the quantity manufactured into watch cases. “ Downing Street, lOth July 1797.” The Bill mentioned in Mr. Rose’s letter, and which accompanied it, is also laid before the Court ; but inasmuch as no proposition has been received agree- ably to the promise made by Mr. Pitt to the Prime Warden, and there is not therefore any room for the Company to deliberate, the Court are under the necessity of breaking up, having' previously, however, directed the Clerk to express to Mr. Pitt their concern on the occasion. The letter written by the Clerk is read to the Court, and approved ; and it is ordered to be forthwith sent to Mr. Pitt with the total accounts therein referred to : — “ Sir, — I have been directed by the Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Com- pany to inform you that, in compliance with your wishes and with his promise, he called a Court of Assistants of that Company to meet this morning, to take into consideration the proposition of some alteration in the standard of gold to be used in manufactories, which the Prime Warden was taught to expect he should have had the honour of receiving from you prior to this Court, in consequence of the interview which you on Saturday informed him you were to have with some of the manufacturers of gold as yesterday. The Court have directed me to express their extreme concern that no proposition had been received upon which they might deliberate ; and they have in consequence been under the necessity of adjourning, without having had an opportunity of affording any information, or giving any opinion, upon the subject which they conceive to be of very great MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 289 importance to the country, and to require mature deliberation, and which shall have their best attention whenever you may think proper to do them the honor of consulting them thereon. “ In answer to the letter, which I had the honor to receive from you yesterday, I enclose a statement of the total account of gold which has been stamped at Goldsmiths’ Hall during the period inquired after ; from which, however, some little deduction must be made for work that has been broken for being below the standard. This would not be to any considerable amount, but it could not be ascertained in the short time allowed me to make out the total account. And in respect to the total weight of the gold used in watch-cases during the same period, it has not yet been possible to make it out, inasmuch as, the weight of all gold wares being blended together, it is necessary to inspect the books of daily entries in order to select out of each day’s manufactures the weights of the cases. This will necessarily require much time, but I am in hopes it will be completed by to-morrow evening, and I shall have the honor to transmit it to you the moment it shall be finished. “ I have the honor to be, &c. &c., “ T. Lane, Clerk.” Court of Assistants, 13th July 1797. — This Court having been called for the purpose of proceeding further in the consideration of the propriety of a proposition for an alteration of the standard of gold used in manufactures the Clerk lays before the Court several letters, addressed to himself, which he had received from Mr. Secretary Rose since the last Court, and the same are read as follows : — “ Old Palace Yard, July i ith, 1797. “ Sir, — Mr. Pitt expected to have seen the gentlemen of the Goldsmiths’ Company to-day at one o’clock, in consequence of what passed last Saturday. The gentlemen of the Bank do not object to the Trade being permitted to work gold of 14 carrats — and the statement from the Mint does not appear to Mr. Pitt to be such as should prevent a measure conceived to be likely to be of great public utility ; unless, therefore, the Goldsmiths’ Company see any ground to prevent a Bill being proposed to Parliament Mr. Pitt seems inclined to encourage it, even in the short remainder of this Session. Under these circumstances I am induced to hope you will take the trouble to call on Mr. Lowndes, No. 4, Paper Buildings, in the Temple, to-morrow morning at 9 o’clock, and if you have any Collections of the Laws respecting the assaying of gold I shall consider it as a favour if you will carry it with you ; if you have no such Collection you will probably be able to refer Mr. Lowndes to all the Laws which relate to the subject. “ I am. Sir, “ Your most obedient Servant, “ George Rose.” S 4021. T 290 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “ Old Palace Yard, July nth, ^ past lO. “ Sir, — Since writing to you just now I have seen Mr. Pitt, who has received your letter and enclosure ; he desires me to express his sincere concern that he omitted to send to the Prime Warden and the gentlemen of the Goldsmiths’ Company the proposal of the working goldsmiths respecting the alteration they wish in the standard of gold to be used in the manufactures thereof, which they wish to have 14 carrats fine, as I have already stated to you. “ I am. Sir, “ Your most obedient servant, “ George Rose.” “ Wednesday morning, July 12th. “ Mr. Rose presents his compliments to Mr. Lane; he omitted in his second letter last night to say that Mr. Pitt would take it as a great favour if the gentle- men of the Goldsmiths’ Company would be at the trouble of meeting again to-day, or as soon after as possible, to consider of the proposal made by the working goldsmiths for being allowed to manufacture gold at 14 carrats. The quantity of gold used by the manufacturers appears to bear but a small propor- tion to the amount of light guineas melted annually.” “ Old Palace Yard, July 12th, 1797. “ Mr. Rose presents his compliments to Mr. Lane, and will take it as a favour if he will acquaint him whether he can mention him a time when he thinks the Goldsmiths’ Company are likely to meet to consider the subject on which they have lately had some communication with Mr. Pitt.” “ Old Palace Yard, July 12th, 1797. “ Mr. Rose presents his compliments to Mr. Lane, and acquaints him that, in consequence of a note he has just received from the Prime Warden of the Gold- smiths’ Company, he has sent him the information he desired, and a copy of the Bill presented to the House of Commons this day.” And the Clerk also reads to the Court the several letters which he had sent to Mr. Rose in answer. And then the Prime Warden informs the Court that he had this morning received a letter from Mr. Rose, which is read as follows : — “ Old Palace Yard, July 12th, Wednesday evening. “ Mr. Rose presents his compliments to the Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company ; the application of the working goldsmiths and others to Mr. Pitt is confined to their being allowed to use gold in the articles they manufacture, both for home consumption and for exportation, of 14 carrats; but parties will of course be left at liberty to use gold of 22 carrats, if they shall choose it. The information Mr. Pitt wished to have was whether any injury would be likely to arise from a compliance with that application, either to the manufacturers of gold or to the coin of the country^ ; on the latter it may be worthy of attention that the whole quantity of gold used by the Trade is infinitely short of the produce of light guineas melted. Mr. Rose encloses, for the information of the Prime Warden and the gentlemen of the Company, a copy of the Bill presented by Mr. Pitt MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 291 to-day to the House of Commons. Mr. Rose desires again to express Mr. Pitt’s concern that any unintentional omission should have deprived him of an earlier knowledge of the sentiments of the Goldsmiths’ Company in the business.” And the copy of the Bill mentioned in Mr. Rose’s letter to the Prime Warden is also read. And then the several proceedings respecting 'the proposed altera- tion of the standard in the respective years 1781 and 1789, as entered in the Court Books of the Company, are all read. After which a memorial or statement signed “John Jackson” and “Charles Smith” addressed to this Court is also read as follows : — “ To the Prime Warden, Wardens, and Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. “ 1 2th July 1797. “ In a former statement, delivered to Mr. Pitt on Friday last, we showed the comparison there mentioned of 18 carrats fine and our present one of 22, but since then various arguments have been advanced to show the superior advantage of one of 14 carrats fine, for the reasons under mentioned. “ Although we admit the Paris standard to be 20 carrat fine, and that of Geneva to be 18, yet in various and most instances we find by experience that neither one nor the other is adopted in practice ; and that both countries above mentioned for the most part work the gold made into watch-cases at 14 carrat fine, and in many instances much under. To enable us to meet them in competi- tion, and at the same time to hold up the credit of the British article, we have thought it expedient to propose 14 carrat as being most advantageous to the Trade in general. “ We are the more anxious to establish the standard of 14 carrat, it having, particularly on many late trials, been found that at 16 carrat it is difficult to work. “ In the statement laid before Mr. Pitt on Friday was contained a compara- tive view of the two standards of 18 and 22 carrats as below : — “ ‘ A gold watch made in Switzerland at 1 8 carrats fine. I oz. lodwts. of gold at 66^ £4 19J. \\d. “ ‘ An English gold watch at 22 carrats. Two oz. gold at 81 - -£820 “ ‘ Duty at ibi-. per oz. - - 1120 £9 14 o’ “ The comparative statement at 14 carat will stand as under: — “ I oz. 10 dwts. when made into a pair of cases at 14 carrats, will be stronger, bear a higher polish, and be far more serviceable, thus £ J. d. “ I oz. 10 dwts. at 5IJ. 6 d. is - - “ 3 i 7 3 Proportion of duty at lu. per oz. - - - o 16 6 4139 T 2 292 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “ Two oz. will be necessary at the present standard of 22 carrat and will stand thus : — £ s. d. “ 2 oz. at Sij'. is - - - - - 8 2 o Duty at I 6j. per oz. - - - -1120 9 14 o “ Making a difference of £5 OJ. on a single pair of cases. “ Signed in behalf of the Trade at large, “ John Jackson, Master of the Clockmakers’ Company. “ Chas. Smith, Chairman of the Committee of the Trade.” And Messrs. Jackson and Smith, being in waiting, are called in and heard upon the matters contained in their memorial, and then being withdrawn the whole subject is debated and considered by the Court, who at length come to several resolutions thereon which are reduced into writing, and read as follows : — “The Court having been called for the especial purpose of taking into their con- sideration the letter of Mr. Secretary Rose to the Prime Warden of yesterday’s date, containing the proposition upon which Mr. Pitt was desirous of having the opinion of this Company, this Court, after having given the subject their serious consideration, resolved it to be their opinion that no injury is likely to arise either to the manufacturers of gold, or to the coin of the country, from the manufacturers being allowed to use in their manufactures gold of a quality inferior to the present standard allowed by law. But this Court conceives an alteration of the standard to be a subject of such moment as to require much time for cool deliberation, and therefore they are not at present prepared to say what inferior standard would be most conducive to the general interests of the country.” It is resolved also “ That it is the opinion of this Court that, before any Bill should be permitted to pass for any alteration of the present standard, the clauses of the Bill should be looked over with great care and attention, and that it is therefore highly expedient that a sufficient time should be allowed for such purpose.” Ordered that a copy of the preceding resolutions be fairly transcribed, and signed by the Clerk, and sent to Mr. Pitt forthwith — which is accordingly done. Court of Assistants, 15th December 1797.^ — The Clerk lays before the Court a letter which he had lately received from the Solicitor to the Stamp Office, together with two letters written by him in reply, which by leave of the Court are read as follows : — “ Stamp Office, 7th December 1797. “ Sir, — I am directed by Mr. Rose to apply to you as to the intended altera- tion in the metal used for making gold and silver watch-cases, and to request you will inform me whether the Goldsmiths’ Company have considered and determined what the proper alteration will be. It is in contemplation to exempt these articles from the duty on plate, and by his desire I have prepared a clause for that purpose, whieh I understand is to be introduced into the Bill for making MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 293 the alteration which I have before mentioned. I shall be much obliged to you to send me your answer as soon as possible, that I may communicate the same to Mr. Rose. “ I am, Sir, “ Your most obedient Servant, “ Edmund Estcourt, Solicitor.” “ Sessions House, Old Bailey, Friday, 3 o’clock, 8th December 1797. Sir, — I have this moment received here your letter to me of yesterday’s date, which I cannot help observing to you has very much surprised me. Since the close of the last Session of Parliament no communication whatever has been made to the Goldsmiths’ Company on the subject of your letter to me, nor have they felt themselves in any measure called upon to deliberate thereon ; I have not therefore the power of giving you any answer to the question which you have asked of me. A few days ago I was desired by the Goldsmiths’ Company, in consequence of an application to them from Mr. Rose, to make out for Mr. Rose an account of the number of gold and silver watch-cases stamped at Goldsmiths’ Hall within the last seven years. This is a work of prodigious magnitude and labour, and will be sent to Mr. Rose as soon as finished ; which I have informed him. I shall take an early opportunity of laying your letter before the Wardens. “ I am. Sir, “ Your most obedient Servant, “ Thomas Lane. “ Edmund Estcourt, Esq., Stamp Office.” “ 9th December 1797. “ Sir, — I have this morning laid before the Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company your letter to me of the 7th inst. received yesterday, and my answer thereto ; and, inasmuch as there never has been any suggestion made to the Goldsmiths’ Company of the intention alluded to in your letter, the Wardens have not directed me to add anything to the letter which I addressed to you, excepting that they will be ready at any time to take into consideration any pro- position upon which Government may desire their opinion. “ I am. Sir, “ Yours, &c., “ T. Lane. “ Edmund Estcourt, Esq.” Court of Assistants, 6th March 1798. — The following Petition is received, and some of the Petitioners are called in while the Petition is read, vizt. : — » TO THE PRIME WARDEN, WARDENS, and COURT OF ASSIST- ANTS of the WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF GOLDSMITHS. “ THE HUMBLE PETITION of the undersigned manufacturers of watches, &c. “ We, your Petitioners, do humbly conceive it to be our indispensable duty to lay before your Court the copy of a letter received by us on the 14th July from Mr. Secretary Rose, in reply to the resolutions of your Court of the 1 3th of said 294 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANy. month, as we apprehend that we remain deprived of the benefits that would arise to the Trade from the adoption of an additional standard in the working of gold for watch-cases, for which a Bill was brought into Parliament the last Session by Mr. Pitt, and which, your Petitioners humbly conceive, would have passed into law had there been sufficient time for your deliberation, and giving your opinion thereon. “ Your Petitioners beg leave further to observe that, in conversation very lately with Mr. Rose, it appeared that no objection in principle existed, and that only your advice was wanting as to the most proper standard to be adopted, which your Court only with propriety can give. “ We therefore humbly pray that your Worships will take the same into your serious consideration, and recommend the adoption of such other standard in addition to the present as your Worships may think most conducive to the general interest of the country. “ And your Petitioners as in duty bound, &c. “ Isaac Rogers, Jno. and Myles Brockbank, P. P. Barraud, James McCabe. “London, 6th March 1798.” The copy of the letter referred to in the Petition is also read as follows, vizt. : — • “Treasury Chambers, July 14th, 1797. “ Sir, — Mr. Pitt desires me to transmit to you the enclosed paper which he has received from the Goldsmiths’ Company, with a request that you will com- municate the same to the gentlemen concerned in the manufacture of gold, and acquaint them that it is quite impossible for him, against the opinion of the Com- pany, to press forward (without an opportunity for full deliberation) the Bill now depending in the House of Commons; or to propose that Parliament should continue sitting for the purpose of the consideration which the subject now appears to require. Any delay in a measure which appears to Mr. Pitt to be likely to be useful to an important branch of the manufactures of the country gives him sincere concern, but at the same time it affords him much satisfaction to find that no objection arises from any quarter to the principle of the intended measure, as that affords a reasonable certainty of a law being passed for the pur- pose very early in the next Session of Parliament, with such provisions as will render it satisfactory to all. “ I am. Sir, “Your obedient Servant, “ George Rose.” And the Petitioners having been further heard, and being afterwards with- drawn, the Court are pleased to resolve it to be their opinion “ That, from the nature of the correspondence which has been heretofore carried on with the Lords of His Majesty’s Treasury, this Company do not think themselves at liberty MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 29s to take up the subject-matter of the Petition in any manner whatever, until it shall have been renewed by their Lordships.” And the Petitioners are called in again, and informed thereof. The Clerk then lays before the Court a letter which he had lately received from the Committee of Privy Council, together with an answer which by order of the Wardens he had sent thereto, and the same are read as follows, vizt. ; — “ Council Office, Whitehall, 24th February 1798. “ Sir, — I am directed by the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council appointed by His Majesty to take into consideration the state of the coins of this Kingdom, and the present establishment and constitution of His Majesty’s Mint, to request that you will lay before the Goldsmiths' Company their desire that they will obtain, and report to their Lordships, what quantity of gold and silver has been made use of in the various manufactures of this country, in which gold and silver have been employed, for the last 10 years, distinguishing each year. “ If the members of the Goldsmiths’ Company should not have it in their power to give such an account in this extent, or even to form a reasonable con- jecture concerning it, it is their Lordships’ desire that they will at least answer these questions as far as they relate to the manufactures of this country in which gold and silver are used, and which require a stamp to ascertain their being gold or silver of any standard prescribed by law. “ Their Lordships presume that a register is kept of all the gold and silver manufactures that are so stamped. “ I am, Sir, “ Your most obedient humble Servant, " W. Fawkener.” “ Sir, — In obedience to the request of the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council, as communicated to me by your letter of the 24th instant, I have sub- mitted to the Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company their Lordships’ desire (as expressed in your letter) that the Wardens would report to their Lordships what quantity of gold and silver has been made use of in the various manufactures of this country, in which gold and silver have been employed, for the last 10 years ; or, if it might not be in their power to give such account, or to form a reasonable conjecture concerning it, that the Wardens would at least answer these questions as far as they relate to the manufactures of this country in which gold and silver are used, and which require a stamp to ascertain their being gold or silver of any standard required by law. “ I am now directed by the Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company to beg you will assure their Lordships that the Wardens would have much satisfaction in affording their Lordships the information they desire to have, were it in their power ; but that the Wardens have not any means by which they can ascertain what quantity of gold or silver has been made use of in the various manufactures of this country in which gold and silver have been employed, for any given space of time whatever; nor have they any grounds whereon to form any conjecture whatever concerning it. Nor can the Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company 296 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. answer these questions as far as they relate to the manufactures of this country in which gold and silver are used, and which require a stamp to ascertain their being gold or silver of any standard required by law, excepting only so far as such manufactures of gold and silver may have been brought to their own Hall to be assayed and touched. This quantity only can the Wardens ascertain of the gold and silver which has been manufactured in this country. I have by their direction made out an account of such quantity within the last 10 years, and I have now the honour to enclose it for their Lordships’ information. “ I am directed to observe to you that there are other towns, besides London, which have an Assay Office and Touch, over which Offices the Goldsmiths’ Com- pany in London have no control, and with whose proceedings they are almost wholly unacquainted ; wholly so, as to the quantities of gold or silver which are assayed and touched therein ; besides which, it is to be feared that considerable quantities of gold and silver (but particularly the former) are manufactured below the legal standards, are never sent to any Assay Office, and their respective weights are of course unknown. From these considerations it will readily occur to their Lordships that the Goldsmiths’ Company of London cannot possibly give them any other information than that which I have the honour to enclose. " I am. Sir, “ Your most obedient humble Servant, “ ThOS. L.'UfE.” The Clerk then states that he had just received a letter in reply, which is read as follows, vizt. : — “ Office of Committee of Privy Council for Trade, “ Whitehall, 5th March 1 798. “ Sir, — I have received, and laid before the Lords of the Committee of Council appointed to take into consideration the state of the coins of this realm, your letter of the ist instant, in which you state that there are other towns, besides London, which have an Assay Office and Touch, over which Offices the Goldsmiths’ Company in London have no control ; and I am to desire that you will be pleased to acquaint me, for the information of their Lordships, with the names of the said towns, and whether the officers belonging to the Assay Offices in such towns are authorised by law to put their marks on any gold and silver wares that are different from the legal standard. “ I am. Sir, “ Your most obedient humble Ser\'ant, “ Steph. Cottrell.” And then the Clerk represents to the Court his intention in answer to this last letter to send to their Lordships the names of the towns having an Assay Office, as they are mentioned in the several Acts of Parliament. Court of Assistants, 25th April 1798. — The Clerk lays before the Court a letter which he had lately received from Mr. Secretary Rose, enclosing a MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 297 Memorial to Mr. Pitt from the Clockmakers’ Company, which letter and memorial by leave of the Court are read as follows : — “Treasury Chambers, i6th April 1798. “ Sir, — Before any suggestion is submitted to the consideration of Parliament respecting the accompanying Memorial, the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury are desirous of knowing the sentiments of the Wardens and Court of Assistants of the Company of Goldsmiths thereupon ; I am therefore directed by their Lordships to request you will take the trouble of submitting the same to the Court accordingly, and that you will transmit to me their opinion on the proposal for the information of their Lordships. “ I am. Sir, “ Your most humble Servant, “ George Rose. “ Mr. Lane, Clerk to the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.” The Memorial enclosed is as follows : — “ To the Right Honourable the Chancellor of the Exchequer. “ The Memorial and representation of the Master, Wardens, and Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers of London on behalf of themselves and the other members of the said Company. “ Your Memorialists beg leave humbly to refer you to your communication to this Company in the month of July last of the resolution of the Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, of the thirteenth day of that month, intimating that their Court were not then pleased to submit to their consideration respecting the allowance of one other standard in gold for watch-cases. “ Your Memorialists now beg leave respectfully to represent to you that it has been stated to them by several members of their Company that, upon an inter- view lately had by them with the Prime Warden and Court of Assistants of the Goldsmiths’ Company, they were pleased to say that they were now ready to give their answer to such questions, whenever you should think proper to call upon them for the same. “ Your Memorialists, therefore, deeply impressed with the importance of the subject both to themselves and the Trade in general, and its beneficial tendency to the country at large, most earnestly requests you will have the goodness to call upon the before-mentioned Court of Assistants of the Goldsmiths’ Company, as soon as convenient, for their answer to such enquiries as you were then pleased to submit to them ; and your Memorialists are the rather induced to hope for your compliance with their request from the declaration you were at that time pleased to make of your satisfaction that there was no particular objection to the measure ; and your Memorialists also beg leave to impress you with the usefulness and importance of such measure at the present moment, and which will be further shewn from the former documents of your Memorialists relative to the vast number of gold watch-cases melted down. Your Memorialists also beg leave humbly to state that the adoption of such measure would be a great assistance to the reintroduction of gold watches, which have been disused in consequence of 298 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. the personal tax now about to be repealed, and which will be thereby purchased at a much easier expense, w'ill wear as well, or better, and be equally useful. Your Memorialists beg leave further to observe that, if it should be found necessary, the opinion of Mr. Alchorn, the Assay Master of the Mint, they are well informed, would not at all impede the speedy adoption of the regulation in question. From your ready attention shewn at all times to the several necessary regulations of our trade heretofore submitted to your consideration by this Company, your Memoria- lists are induced to hope their present application will claim your speedy assistance, so that a law may be passed permitting one other standard in gold for watch-cases such as may appear to the legislature in their wisdom best fitted for that purpose. “ Signed and sealed by order of the Court, “ Frans. Atkins, Clerk. “ Paul’s Head Tavern, Cateaton Street, 23rd March 1798.” The Clerk then states that he had waited upon the Wardens, and had com- municated to them these papers, and that with their approbation he had wTitten the following to Mr. Rose in answ^er, vizt. : — “Goldsmiths’ Hall, 19th April 1798. “ I beg to acknowledge the receipt of the letter which you did me the honor to write to me on the i6th instant, accompanied with the Memorial of the Clock- makers’ Company, which I lost no time in submitting to the Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company, agreeably to your request ; and I am directed by the Wardens to acquaint you that they have called a Court of Assistants of the Gold- smiths’ Company for Wednesday next to take those papers into consideration. From the statement made in the second paragraph of the Clockmakers’ Com- pany's Memorial, you. Sir, may probably be surprised that the Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company should not be prepared at the moment to transmit to you their opinions, and the opinion of the Court of Assistants of their Company, on the proposal of the Clockmakers' Company. I am, therefore, directed by the Wardens to acquaint you that at the interview therein stated to have taken place (and there was only one interview between the parties) the Goldsmiths’ Company informed the Clockmakers’ that, from the nature of the correspondence which had been theretofore carried on with the Lords of His Majesty’s Treasury, this Com- pany did not think themselves at liberty to take up the subject-matter of the Petition in any manner whatever, until it should have been renewed by their Lordships. The Goldsmiths’ Company could not have said anything more at the interview alluded to, for, since the month of July when I had the honor to transmit to Mr. Pitt some resolutions of the Goldsmiths’ Company on the subject in question, that Company have not for obvious reasons ever taken the subject into their consideration. “ I have the honor to be. Sir, “ Your most obedient humble Serr^ant, “ Thos. L.\ne. “ To George Rose, Esq., &c., &c.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 299 And then pursuant to the summonses the Court proceed to take these papers, and the subject-matter thereof, into consideration ; and, having adverted to the resolution ■which they came to on the 13th of last July as transmitted to Mr. Pitt, vizt. : — “ That in the opinion of this Company no injury is likely to arise either to the manufacturers of gold, or to the coin of the country, from the manufacturers being allowed to use in their manufactures gold of a quantity inferior to the pre- sent standard allowed by law,” the Court are pleased to resolve that they do not see any reason to alter the opinion expressed in the above resolution ; and that the adoption of another standard of 18 carats is that which would, in their opinion, be most conducive to the benefit of the watch-case makers, and of the several other manufacturers of gold, as ■well as to the general interests of the country at large ; that, however, the present legal standard ought not, in their opinion, to be done away, but that all manufacturers should be left at liberty to use gold of the present standard, if they think fit. The Court order a copy of the preceding resolution to be fairly transcribed, and signed by the Clerk, and sent to Mr. Rose forthwith, which is accordingly done. Committee, 26th May 1798. — This Committee is summoned, by the direc- tion of the Wardens, for the express purpose of considering the draft of a Bill for allowing another standard in gold wares, which has been sent by Mr. Secretary Rose to the Clerk, with a letter desiring him to lay the draft before the Master and Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company for their inspection. The letter and draft of the Bill are read over, and then the Bill is read over a second time clause by clause, and fully considered, and some alterations are suggested, and made therein ; and being thus gone through in the Committee, the Clerk is ordered to lay the Bill, with those alterations in it, before the next Court of Assistants for their perusal and consideration ; and immediately to acquaint Mr. Secretary Rose with these proceedings. Court of Assistants, 29th May 1798. — The Court proceed to take into consideration the Bill for allowing another standard in gold wares, and the same is read over clause by clause, and some alterations are made therein ; and being gone through, the Court order the Clerk to return it to Mr. Rose, with the alter- ations made therein, and to submit the same to his consideration. The Court also resolve and order that the Clerk, in his letter to Mr. Rose returning the Bill, shall submit to the consideration of the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the duty of i 6 j. per ounce on gold of 22 carats fine, should attach upon gold that shall be worked of the inferior standard of 1 8 carats. The Act was passed on the 21st June 1798 (38 Geo. III., cap. Ixix.), and is intituled “An Act for allowing gold wares to be manufactured at a standard lower than is now allowed by law.” Court of Assistairts, 15th December 1797. — Now, pursuant to the order of the 20th of October last, the Clerk lays before the Court the state of the finances of the Company, so far as relates to their receipts and disbursements in each year commencing from Lady Day 1 790 to Lady Day 1 797 inclusive ; which statement 300 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITILS' COMPANY. is read, and afterwards Mr. Whipham rising in his place observes to the Court that the Standing Committee, aware of the importance of this subject, had at their last meeting called for this statement, and had maturely considered the same, and had formed their ideas into writing, which he desires may be now read ; and by order of the Court the document is read as follows : — “ From the Statement now before you the following observations may be drawn : — “‘That from Lady Day .i 790 to Lady Day 1797 inclusive, the receipts and payments being adjusted, the balance averaged in favour of this Company appears to have been £261 in each year. “ ‘ This balance being so small arises, first, from the great expenses that have been incurred during this period by purchases and buildings in and near Jewin Street, and which will ultimately increase the Company’s income ; next, by the moneys expended in the repairs which the Hall and Barge have undergone — the former to the amount of £3,000, and the latter of £800. Again, by two extra- ordinary entertainments, a sum little short of £600 has been expended more than is provided for in the Wardens’ allowances ; which, together with a vote of the Court last October of £1,400, was then granted to reimburse the Wardens for their exceedings in the four preceding years. “ ‘ These remarks are intended, and go, no further than to call forth the serious attention of the members which compose this Court to its real expenditure, and to suggest the consideration “ whether it be not prudent at this period to suspend every Court and Livery Dinner (Lord Mayor’s Day excepted) from Christmas next for the term of one year.” “ ‘ Any other matter which the Wardens may point out to the advantage of this Company will meet from this Court its most cordial support.’ ” And then the Court having entered fully into the consideration of the subject, and debated thereon some time, a motion is made and seconded “That the Wardens be requested to summon an early extra Court to take into consideration the propriety of making a retrenchment in the expenses of the Company ” ; and upon the question being put thereon, the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, 29th December 1797. — Now, pursuant to the sum- monses, the Court proceed to take into consideration the propriety of making a retrenchment in the expenses of the Company, and the subject is very much considered and debated. And after some time the following resolutions are read over : — “ That this Court do recommend to the Wardens the following retrenchments in the expenses of the Company, vizt. : — ist. That there be only three Court or Parlour Dinners during the year, exclusive of any observance of the sort directed by the Will of any benefactor to this Company. 2nd. That there be only four Livery Dinners during the year. 3rd. That the annual entertainments to the ladies be suspended for the ensuing year.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS'- COMPANY. 301 And the question on the first resolution being put and seconded, namely, “ That there be only three Court or Parlour Dinners during the year, exclusive of any observance of the sort directed by the Will of any benefactor to this Company,” the same is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Then the question on the second resolution is put and seconded, namely, “ That there be only four Livery Dinners during the year,” and this question also is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And then the question on the third resolution is put and seconded, namely, “ That the annual entertainments to the ladies be suspended for the ensuing year,” and upon this an amendment is moved and seconded, “ That the entertainment given to the ladies in the summer be discontinued, but that the dinner, ball, and supper given to the ladies in the winter may be given as usual ” ; and the question being put hereon, the same is carried in the negative ; and then the original question is put and carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Comniittee, 8th February 1798. — Mr. Prime Warden Taddy states to the Committee that the Wardens had ordered a Court of Assistants to be called for Monday next, to take into consideration, amongst other purposes, the propriety of subscribing to the books at the Bank for receiving voluntary contributions, and he hopes the Court will be unanimous in voting some sum of money to that sub- scription. He also states to the Committee that he hopes they will consider the propriety of making a further retrenchment in their expenses, even to a tota| suspension of every public dinner, during the continuance of the war. And the Committee, feeling the propriety of both these measures, are unanimously of opinion to recommend it to the next Court of Assistants to forbear giving any public dinner during the continuance of the war, excepting only on the Lord Mayor’s Day; and also that the Company should subscribe the sum of £1,000 per annum during the same time to aid the exigencies of the State. And they do recommend the same accordingly. It may be mentioned that in 1797 the Bank of England stopped cash payments. On the 14th February of this year was fought the Battle of Cape St. Vincent. Court of Assistants, 12th February 1798. — ^The Court, having been sum- moned for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of subscribing to the books now open at the Bank for receiving voluntary contributions, a motion is made and seconded “That this Company do subscribe the sum of £1,000 to the books now open at the Bank for receiving voluntary contributions in aid of the exigencies of the State, and that the same be continued annually during the war.” And the question being put thereon, the same is unanimously resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And the Court are pleased to dispense with the standing order of the Company, and to direct this money to be paid without further confirmation ; and likewise to order that this resolution be fairly transcribed, and signed by the Clerk, and inserted once in six of the morn- ing newspapers. 302 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. The Clerk then lays before the Court a letter which he had received from Mr. Dru Drury, with a request to lay it before the Court; and the letter, with their permission, is read as follows, vizt. : — “Turnham Green, February 4th, 1798. “ Dear Sir, — I by no means intend to avail myself of the circumstance of being- the oldest Liveryman but one of the Goldsmiths’ Company in order to excite the attention of the Court of Assistants, to whom I wish particularly to address this ; nor do I desire to form or make any claim to its merits, if I should be so fortunate as to have it meet their approbation ; but when I reflect on that extreme distress that the present times, arising from the unhappy circumstances of the war, have imposed on every rank of men, and also the necessity (as it appears to me) that every man is under to exert himself to the very utmost of his abilities in the defence, and for the benefit, of his country, I should not think myself justifiable in withholding the present hint from their notice, whatever may happen to be its fate ; and I shall have the heartfelt satisfaction, in offering this mite, of knowing that it is given with a sincere and good design, and that it likewise strikes me as being of no little importance. I do not design to be guilty of any garrulity, unless the few short observations I propose cursorily to make may be deemed so, but hasten to communicate my thoughts to the Court, which are — whether the money which is annually expended by the Company in dinners for the Livery would not be considered as more honourable and properly bestowed, be more agreeable and conformable to the general sentiments of the Company, and bespeak a more affectionate and loyal attachment to Government, if given in a mass, or bulk, at such a very distressful exigence as the present is ? And I can- not pay so bad a compliment to the generality of the Livery as not to suppose but that every one would cheerfully give his consent, so long as the present distress reigns, to an action so replete with loyalty, honour, and reputation, as in the eye of Government, and the face of the whole world, this would unquestion- ably be considered. I do not mean here to enter into its merits, or paint to the Court the circumstance, that no person on the Livery, or indeed any other, could conceive himself the least injured by thus being restrained from the wing of a fowl and a few glasses of wine, as not to rejoice at having an opportunity of thus testifying their wishes by such a trifle, and shewing their attachment and desires of assisting Government. “ This and many more circumstances the Court can more readily conceive than I can explain ; I shall, therefore, no longer engage their and your attention, but only to observe that, if the hint should not be thought of sufficient consequence to meet their consideration, they would, as well as yourself, excuse the trouble I have given, and impute it solely to the desire I have, as far as my poor abilities will permit, of contributing (though it is secondarily) to the service of my country. “ I am. Sir, with great truth, “ Your and the Honourable Court’s most obedient humble Servant, “ D. Drury.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 303 A motion is then made and seconded “That the entries of the last Court of Assistants relating to the retrenchments proposed to be adopted by this Company be now confirmed,” and the question being debated, and at length put thereon, the same is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, loth August 1798. — The following letter addressed to this Court is read, vizt. : — “Batson’s Coffee House, 7 th July 1798. “ Gentlemen, — In transmitting to you the enclosed paper, by desire of the Committee, it will be unnecessary for me to take your time in explaining the object of the subscription. Independent of the relief which may be afforded to individuals who have so nobly stood forward in the defence of the Constitution of their country, and the lives and properties of their fellow-subjects, this measure will be productive of the best possible effects in evincing to Ireland the great interest the people of England take in her welfare. “ I am. Gentlemen, “ Your most obedient humble Servant, “John Puget, Chairman.” The paper enclosed was a printed statement of the subscriptions of sundry persons for the relief of such individuals, or of their wives and children, as have suffered, or might thereafter suffer, in suppressing the unfortunate rebellion in Ireland, and was dated from Batson’s Coffee House, the 29th June 1798. And the paper having been read and considered, a motion is made and seconded “That the sum of 100 guineas be given by this Company in aid of the above-mentioned subscription ” ; and upon the question being put thereon, the same is resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And the Court are pleased to dispense with the standing order of the Company, and to direct this money to be paid without further confirmation. On 2 1 St June 1798 the rebels were defeated by General Lake at Vinegar Hill. This, too, was the year of the Battle of the Nile. Committee, 13th December 1798. — The Chairman (Mr. Prime Warden Collett) calls for the resolutions, made at the Court of Assistants on the 29th of December last, respecting the retrenchments in the expenses of the Company, and they are read ; and the Chairman then takes the opinion of the Committee whether those retrenchments were, or were not, intended by the Court to be con- tinued beyond the year. And the Committee being of opinion that they were not intended to be continued beyond the year, the Chairman states that the savings made by the Company within the present year, by curtailing the number of their entertainments, would amount to about £1,230, to which being added the average saving of one year, as stated in the accounts produced to the Court last December, amounting to £260, the total savings would be about £1,490. That the extra- ordinary outgoings during the year had been as follows: — £1,000, the amount of a voluntary contribution to Government, £389 for the Assessed Taxes for the Hall, £355 for the wine laid in by the Wardens, £150 given as a gratuity to the 304 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Surveyor, and two sums of lOO guineas each given to the sufferers in Ireland and to the seamen under Lord Nelson — amounting together to about £2,100; so that the extraordinary payments had exceeded the savings by about £610. And then the Chairman submits to the Committee the propriety of the Company not only continuing the retrenchments for another year, or during the pleasure of the Court, but even of making still further retrenchments ; and the Committee, having taken the matter into consideration, unanimously order the preceding statement to be submitted to the next Court, in order that they may take into consideration the propriety of continuing their retrenchments, or of even making still greater retrenchments during the ensuing year, or during their pleasure. Court of Assistants, 19th December 1798. — The Court, having taken into consideration the proceedings of the last Standing Committee in relation to the finances and expenses of the Company, resolve and order that the retrenchments which have taken place during the last year in the expenditure of the Company, by curtailing the number of their public entertainments, shall be continued during the year ensuing. Committee, 28th March 1799. — The Committee meet specially “for the purpose of taking into consideration the Act of Parliament imposing a Tax upon Income ” ; and the Clerk lays before the Committee the Act of Parliament, and the Schedules of Income arisen between Michaelmas 1797 and Michaelmas 1798 from the 3 several concerns under the Company’s management, vizt. : The General Income arising from the Company’s own account of property; the Assay Office Account ; and the Plate Duty Account ; and the Committee examine and approve the same. The statement of the General Income of the Company shows gross receipts amounting to £8,208 i \s. 4;/. ; the gross receipts on account of the Assay Office amount to £2,094 6^. lo^d.; and the Government allowance on account of Plate Duty amounts to £936 18^. gd. N.B. — The management of the Assay Office resulted in a loss to the Company, in this year, of £49 13J. 8 ^d. In recent years the loss has been frequently much larger. The Act of Parliament above-mentioned imposed a Tax of £10 per cent, on all Income exceeding £200. Court of Assistants, 29th May 1801. — A motion is made and seconded “ That the sum of 50 guineas be sent to the Master of Lloyd’s Coffee House in aid of the subscription for the relief of widows and children of those sailors who were killed, and for such as were wounded, in the late Battle of Copenhagen ” ; and upon the question being put thereon, the same is unanimously resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Another motion is then made and seconded “ That the sum of 50 guineas be likewise sent to the Master of Lloyd’s Coffee House in aid of the subscription for the relief of the widows, wives, and orphans of the soldiers, sailors, and marines killed or wounded in Egypt ” ; and upon the question being put thereon, MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 305 the same is likewise unanimously resolved in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And the Court dispense with the standing order of the Company, and direct these three several donations to be paid without further confirmation. In March of this year Abercromby defeated the French at Alexandria. The battle of Copenhagen was fought in April. Court of Wardens, 28th July 1803. — The Prime Warden lays before the Court a letter which he had that morning received, and which is read as follows, vizt. : — “ To the Prime Warden and Wardens of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. “ We, the undersigned, do request you will as early as possible convene an especial Court of Assistants, for the purpose of taking into consideration the pro- priety of giving aid to Government at this most momentous crisis, to repel the enemies of our King and Country, and to secure to us our invaluable Con- stitution. “ James Taddy, Wm. Hunter, Robt. Collett, W. T. Brown." Whereupon Messrs. Wardens are of opinion immediately to accede to the request so made to them, and to call a special Court of Assistants, to be held here on Monday next at ii for 12 of the clock at noon; and they give directions accordingly. Court of Assistants, ist August 1803. — This Court is summoned for the special purpose of taking into, consideration the propriety of giving aid to the Government at this most momentous crisis. After some time spent in delibera- tion, a motion is made and seconded “ That this Company do subscribe the sum of one thousand pounds in aid of the patriotic fund at Lloyd's, for the relief and reward of the defenders of their country at this important crisis ” ; and the ques- tion having been put thereon, the same is unanimously carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And the Court then dispense with the standing order of the Company in respect to the payment of money, and direct this sum to be paid without further confirmation. The following letter addressed to the Court is then received, and a deputation of the Association being in waiting are called in whilst the letter is read as follows, vizt. : — “ To the Prime Warden, Wardens, and Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. “ At a Committee of the Military Association of the Ward of Aldersgate, held at Trinity Hall the 30th July 1803, it was resolved unanimously ‘That S 4021. u 3o6 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. application be made to the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths requesting" their assistance towards defraying" the general expenses of this Association, and that for their information the following resolutions be subjoined, vizt. : “That the expense of clothing this Association be defrayed out of the monies arising from the subscription entered into for that purpose — “That Sir Richard Welsh, Knt. and Sheriff, Mr. Dodds, and Mr. George King be requested to wait on the gentle- men of the Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths with the above resolutions.” ’ “ John Rowlatt, Chairman.” And the gentlemen having then withdrawn, and their application being taken into consideration, a motion is made and seconded “ That this Company do subscribe the sum of one hundred guineas in aid of the fund for the general expenses of the Association,” and the question having been put thereon, the same is unanimously carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And the Court then dispense with the standing order of the Company in respect to the payment of money, and direct this sum to be also paid without further confirmation ; and the deputation are then called in and informed hereof, and return their sincere thanks to the Company for the same. Court of Assistants, 14th August 1804, — The following Memorial is received, and some of the gentlemen of the Committee being in waiting are called in whilst the petition is read, vizt. : — • “ TO THE PRIME WARDEN, WARDENS, and COURT OF ASSISTANTS of the WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF GOLD- SMITHS. “ The MEMORIAL of the Captains, Officers, and Committee of the Corps of River Fencibles most humbly sheweth : — “ That your Memorialists, with other owners of craft on the River Thames, formed the present Corps of River Fencibles, now consisting of about 600 men, the chief part of whom are the working lightermen and watermen on the Thames. “ That, from the situation in life of the men composing the privates in the Corps, they have not been able to contribute towards the expenses of forming and establishing the same, so that the clothing and drilling, with the various incidental charges, have fallen on your Memorialists and the owners of craft, in number about fifty persons. “ That in the autumn of last year the Corps were called on to assist the Corps formed by the Elder Brethren of the Trinity House in unmooring and navigating the frigates from Deptford to the mouth of the Thames, for the defence of the same. That a great part of the labour attending that service was performed by MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 307 the men supplied from the River Fencibles, and the expense attending this aid to the public service — am,ounting to near £200 — has been entirely paid by your Memorialists, and from the funds of the Corps. “ That in every instance of the River Fencibles being called on to embark any of the Volunteer Corps of the Metropolis, they have always performed that duty free of expense to the said volunteers ; and although the commandants have in every instance desired to reimburse the River Fencibles any expenses attending the embarkation of their respective regiments, the officers of the Fencibles have always been unanimous in the determination never to subject the volunteers of the country to any expense for the services they may have an opportunity of rendering them on the water. “ That, independently of the want of ability on the part of the men who com- pose the strength of the River Fencibles to contribute to the funds of the Corps, in the same proportion as the privates of the Volunteer Corps in general do, your Memorialists found the districts adjoining the river preoccupied — the inhabi- tants having in general subscribed to the funds of the volunteer regiments on shore, so that the whole of the expense hitherto incurred for the equipment of boats, and the clothing of near 600 men, with various other incidental expenses, has fallen on your Memorialists and other owners of craft, in number not exceeding fifty persons, without any public aid or private subscription what- ever. “ That from the circumstances herein stated your Memorialists are not ashamed to say they stand in need of assistance. “ Your Memorialists, therefore, with great respect submit their case for the consideration of this worshipful Court, trusting they shall experience such coun- tenance and support as from the public utility of the Corps they represent they may be deemed deserving of. “ And your Memorialists, impressed with the highest sense of gratitude to your worshipful Court, remain “ Respectfully, &c., “ Matthias Lucas, Capt. Command!. “ Henry Grey, Capt., James Betts, Capt., W. Chapman, Capt., John Clarkson, Capt., Edmd. Jacklyn, John Tubby, John Little, James Beclutt, John Cooper, William Easton, Thos. Fossett, Jno. Drinkald, John Bryant.” And the gentlemen having then withdrawn, a motion is made (pursuant to the notice given at the last Court) “That the sum of 100 gnineas be sub- scribed by this Company towards the support of the River Fencibles,” and the same having been seconded, and the question put thereon, it is carried in the u 2 3o8 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And the Court dispense with the stand- ing order of the Company, and direct this money to be paid without further confirmation. The following notice of the part which the Company took in Lord Mayor’s Show this year is curious: — “ The Goldsmiths’ Company took precedence of the others in consequence of the Lord Mayor belonging to it. This Company put themselves to an addi- tional expense on the occasion by introducing about twenty men in the procession termed ‘ Batchelors,’ men dressed in full bottomed wigs and black cloaks, with cocked hats, and wearing around their necks gilt chains. The novelty of this exhibition, which was formerly a usual appendage to the Company, but long since discontinued, attracted general notice.” — Bell’s Weekly Messenger, Sunday, iith November, 1804. Court of Assistants, 22nd November 1805. — Mr. Prime Warden takes notice that His Majesty has been pleased to appoint Thursday, the 5th of next month, for a general thanksgiving for the late signal victory obtained by His Majesty’s fleet, under the command of the late Lord Viscount Nelson, over the combined fleets of France and Spain; and that as it will be a day of great rejoicing, if it meets with the approbation of the Court,' he and his brother Wardens propose to entertain the Court of Assistants on that day with a dinner at their Hall ; and then the sense of the Court upon such proposition is taken, and it appears to meet with their entire approbation ; whereupon Mr. Prime Warden undertakes that he and his brother Wardens will give directions for the entertainment accordingly. The battle of Trafalgar took place on the 21st October of this year. Court of Assistants, loth December 1805. — This Court having been called specially for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of offering the freedom of the Company to Vice-Admiral Lord Collingwood, and to Rear-Admiral the Earl of Northesk, and Rear-Admiral Sir Richard John Strachan, Bart, (to each of whom the freedom of the City of London had been lately voted), the Prime Warden states that several members of the Court have conferred with him on the subject of the above measure under an idea that, as the Lord Mayor is not a member of one of the Twelve Companies, it would be a proper mark of respect to these Admirals, who have deserved so well of their country, that one of the superior Companies should present them with their freedoms ; and that as the victories in which these gallant Admirals so greatly distinguished themselves had actually been won during the time of the late worthy Chief Magistrate (Mr. Alderman Perchard), although not known until after he had quitted the chair, there might be a degree of propriety in this Company stepping forward to present them with their freedoms ; and that he had therefore thought it proper to submit the matter thus early to the Court. Whereupon the Court take the same into consideration, and, after some time, a motion is made and seconded “ That the Right Honourable Cuthbert, Lord Collingwood, Vice- MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 309 Admiral of the Red, be requested to accept the freedom of this Company, as a mark of their respect and of the high sense entertained by them of the great and important services rendered by his Lordship to this country, in the completion of the glorious and unparallelled victory obtained by the fleet under his Lordship’s command over the combined fleets of France and Spain on the 21st of October last ” ; and the question having been put thereon, the same is unanimously carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And then another motion is made and seconded “ That the Right Hon- ourable the Earl of Northesk, Rear-Admiral of the Red, be also requested to accept the freedom of this Company for his gallant services in the glorious and unparallelled victory obtained over the combined fleets of France and Spain on the 2 1 St of October last” ; and the question having been put thereon, the same is also carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And then another motion is made and seconded “ That Sir Richard John Strachan, Bart., Rear-Admiral of the Blue, be also requested to accept the freedom of this Company for the decisive victory obtained over a squadron of the enemy off Ferroll, on the 4th of November last ” ; and the question having been put thereon, the same is also carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And the Wardens are desired to communicate these resolutions to the Lord Mayor forthwith, and to confer with his Lordship thereon ; and the late Lord Mayor and Mr. Taddy are desired to accompany the Wardens to this con- ference. And then another motion is made and seconded that, after the proposed conference with the Lord Mayor, if it shall appear that there be no difficulty in the way of admitting these officers to the freedom of the Company, the above resolutions be communicated to them by the Wardens ; and that the Wardens be empowered to admit them to the freedom of the Company without payment of any fine or fees ; and the question being also put on this motion, the same is likewise unanimously carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, 28th December 1805. — This Court having been summoned for the especial purpose of taking into consideration a request from the Court of Aldermen that the Company will attend in the procession by water at the funeral of the late Lord Nelson, the Prime Warden informs the Court that last Thursday afternoon he had received by the hands of the Clerk the following paper, which had then shortly before been left at the Clerk’s office, and which, by leave of the Court, is now read, vizt. : — “ To the Master and Wardens of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. “ Gentlemen, — I am directed to transmit to you the annexed resolution of the Court of Aldermen, and to request the favour of you to lay the same before your Company, and communicate to the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor their 310 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. answer as early as possible, in order that the proper arrangements may be made. “ I have the honour to be, “ Your most obedient servant, “ H. WOODTHORPE. “ Town Clerk’s Office, Guildhall, “ December 25th, 1805.” “ Shaw, Mayor, “ An especial Court held on the vigil of the Nativity of our Lord, that is to say, Tuesday the 24th day of December, 1805, and in the forty- sixth year of the reign of George the Third, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King, &c. “ Resolved unanimously that this Court do request the attendance of the several Livery Companies of this City in their barges at Greenwich, on Wednes- day the eighth day of January next, to accompany the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor and this Court in the procession by water for the funeral of the late Vice- Admiral Horatio, Viscount Nelson. “ WoODTHORPE.” And the Company’s Bargemaster, being in waiting, is then called in and questioned about the state of the Company’s barge, and her capability to navigate below bridge with safety ; and he having answered satisfactorily in this respect, and being withdrawn, the Court proceed to consider the request of the Court of Aldermen, and, after deliberation thereon, a motion is made and seconded “ That the Company’s barge be taken out prior to the 8th of next month, with a view to the Company attending therein at Greenwich on that day, to accompany the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor and the Court of Aldermen in the procession by water for the funeral of the late Vice-Admiral Horatio, Viscount Nelson ” ; and the question being put thereon, the same is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And then another motion is made and seconded “That 30 gentlemen of this Company be the number to attend on the above occasion (exclusive of this Company’s several officers and usual attendants), beginning with the members of the Court, and completing the numbers from the gentlemen of the Livery’’ ; and upon the question being put thereon the same is also carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. The Court then commit the further and complete arrangement of the remainder of the business to the care of the Wardens, with a request that they will act therein as circumstances may require. And the Clerk is ordered to communicate to the Lord Mayor the Company’s intention to accompany his Lord- ship and the Court of Aldermen in the procession above-mentioned, agreeably to the request of that Court. MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 311 The Clerk then lays before the Court a letter received from Rear-Admiral Sir Richard John Strachan, which is read as follows : — “ ‘ Caesar,’ Cawsand Bay, “ i8th December 1805. “ Sir, — Upon my arrival here I had the honour to receive your letter of the 1 2th inst., with its enclosure — a copy of the resolution of a Special Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths requesting me to accept the freedom of their Company. “ I beg you will please to assure the Court of Assistants that I feel myself highly gratified and honoured by the handsome manner in which they have been pleased to offer me the honour of the freedom of their Company, which I joyfully accept, and am much pleased to have this proof of my services being approved of by the Worshipful and very respectable Company of Goldsmiths. “I cannot conclude without assuring you that I am fully sensible of the polite manner in which you have expressed the wishes of the Company. “ I have the honor to be. Sir, “Your very humble Servant, “ R. J. Strachan. “ To Mr. Thomas Lane, Clerk to the Worshipful the Goldsmiths’ Company.” Court of Assistants, i8th April 1806. — The Clerk lays before the Court a letter he has received from Vice-Admiral Lord Collingwood, which is read as follows, vizt. ; — “ ‘ Queen,’ at Sea, “21st February 1806. “ Sir, — I have just received the honour of your letter communicating to me the resolution of the Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Gold- smiths of the City of London, in which they do me the honour to present me with the freedom of their Company. “ Nothing can be more gratifying to me than such testimonies of the appro- bation of my countrymen, and I beg. Sir, to return my hearty thanks for this honourable mark the Court of Assistants of Goldsmiths have given me of theirs. “ A faithful service to my country has ever been the great object of my life — the respect of my countrymen is the ample reward of them. “Whenever I return to England I will not fail to make the communication you desire ; “ And have the honour to be. Sir, “Your most obedient humble Servant, “ Collingwood. “ To Mr. Thomas Lane, Goldsmiths’ Hall.” 312- MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. The Clerk then lays before the Court another letter, received from Rear- Admiral the Earl of Northesk, which is likewise read as follows, vizt. : — “ ‘ Dreadnought,’ off Cadiz, Feby. 21st, 1806. “ Sir, — Your letter of the 12th of December last, enclosing the resolution of a Special Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, was received this day. The approval of my conduct by so very respectable a Body cannot but be highly gratifying to my feelings, and I shall with much pleasure accept the proposed honour of the freedom of their Corporation. “ On my arrival in town I wilt name an early day for meeting the Wardens of the Company, and in the meantime I have to thank you. Sir, for the obliging terms in which you have communicated their intentions. “ I have the honour to be, Sir, “ Your obedient and very humble Servant, “ Northesk. “To Mr. Thomas Lane, “Goldsmiths’ Hall, London.’’ Committee, 2nd October 1806. — The Surveyor reports that, in obedience to the directions he had received from the Committee at their last meeting, he had entered into a treaty with the Apothecaries’ Company for the lease of a barge- house belonging to them, and adjoining to their physic garden at Chelsea, and that they had agreed to grant a lease thereof to this Company for twenty-one years, with immediate possession, at an annual rent of £10, this Company re- pairing the same and keeping it in repair. And he further states that the Apothecaries’ Company are possessed of two barge-houses, adjoining each other and under one roof (the above barge-house being one of them), and that they have offered to let this Company have the other barge-house also, upon the like terms, if this Company should think fit. Whereupon the Committee, taking into consideration that the Skinners’ Company (wLo have for many years past been equally concerned wfith this Company in the lease of the barge-house from the Archbishop of Canterbury) might be glad to be accommodated with one of the above-mentioned barge-houses at Chelsea, are pleased to give directions to the Clerk to wait upon the Clerk of the Apothecaries’ Company, and close an agreement with that Company for a lease of both their barge-houses on the terms above mentioned, with a view to accommodate the Skinners’ Company with one of them as their under-tenants, which (as both barge-houses are under one roof) they think will be more eligible than for each Company to have a separate lease. Committee, 27th November 1806. — The Clerk states to the Committee that, in obedience to their orders, he had called upon Mr. Gregg (the Clerk of the Skinners’ Company) to ask him whether it would be agreeable to that Company, and a thing they w'ould desire, that this Company should accommodate them with one of the barge-houses which they have lately agreed to take on lease from the Apothecaries’ Company; and that Mr. Gregg had immediately MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 313 replied that it would be a great accommodation to the Skinners’ Company, and that they would gladly embrace the offer, as they had not been able to suit themselves with a barge-house in any situation whatever ; whereupon the Com- mittee give orders to their Surveyor forthwith to put both the barge-houses in repair, that they may be ready for the reception of the barges by Lady-day next, when the two Companies must give up the possession of their present barge- houses at Lambeth ; the Committee reserving to some future period the con- sideration of the terms on which the Skinners’ Company shall be accommodated. And then relation is made that the Company have been led, by the opinions of eminent surveyors, to expect that in the course of a few years they must be under the necessity of rebuilding their Hall, which will occasion a very heavy expense to them ; and, unless timely provided for, may greatly embarrass their circumstances, and interrupt their ordinary proceedings ; and also that the Com- mittee have occasionally expressed their opinion that it would be highly expedient to establish some fund, that might be set apart for the express purpose of meeting this extraordinary expense ; after which the Clerk lays before the Committee a plan drawn up by him for the establishment of a fund for the purpose, with a view that the expenses of such a work may not interfere with the ordinary expenditure of the Company, and may yet be amply provided for. Court of Wardens, 4th October 1809. — The Wardens, observing that there seems to be a very general intention throughout the kingdom to mark the 25th instant with some extraordinary expression of rejoicing (it being the day when His Majesty George III. will enter into the 50th year of his reign), and con- ceiving that this Company would choose to express its concurrence in the general sentiment, and that it cannot be done better than by giving an entertainment to the Livery on the occasion, are pleased to resolve that there shall be a dinner given on that day to the Livery of the Company at the Hall ; and they give proper directions for the entertainment accordingly, and order that all the Livery be invited to partake of it by a special invitation which shall mark the occasion. Court of Wardens, ist May 181 1. — The Wardens having observed in the public papers of the day an intention, signified on the part of the Corporation of the City of London, to tender the freedom of the City to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent (afterwards George the IV.), in testimony of the deep and grateful sense entertained by them of His Royal Highness’s public virtues and amiable and endearing qualities; and believing this Company to participate in the same sentiments, and that it would be highly gratifying to the feelings of the Company were His Royal Highness to condescend to become a member of them, in the event of his accepting the freedom of the City ; and the Wardens also conceiving that the wishes of the Company in this respect might be frustrated were they to delay expressing their sentiments to His Royal Highness until they could take the sense of a Court of Assistants thereon, direct the Clerk to write a letter forthwith to Colonel McMahon (His Royal Highness’s private Secretary) stating these their 354 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. wishes to him, as being the proper mode of having them immediately laid before His Royal Highness. Court of Assistants, 17th May 1814.— It is observed by a member of the Court that the Emperor of Russia and the King of Prussia are shortly expected to visit this country, and that the City of London have it in contemplation to offer them the freedom of the City, and that it would be to the honour of this Company that they should take up their freedom of the City in this Company ; and he, therefore, moves, and the motion is seconded “ That the Wardens be desired to take immediate steps to invite the illustrious strangers who are expected in this country to accept the freedom of this Company ; and that Mr. Hallifax and Mr. Williams be desired to assist the Wardens on the occasion ; ” and the question being put thereon, the same is unanimously carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. Court of Assistants, 30th May 1814 — The Clerk informs the Court that, in obedience to the orders of the Wardens, he had waited on the Ambassadors to the Emperor of Russia and the King of Prussia on the 21st of this month, at the hours they had respectively appointed, accompanied by the Prime Warden, and had communicated to them verbally the wishes of this Company in the form expressed by the Wardens; which communications had been favourably received, and were (as they severally informed the Clerk) the first of the kind with which they had been honoured. That the Russian Ambassador having given the Clerk to understand that all the movements of the Emperor were to be re- gulated by His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and through the medium of Lord Sidmouth, the Clerk immediately on his return home had sent to Lord Sidmouth a minute in writing of the verbal communications made to the two Ambassadors, for the expressed purpose of their being submitted to the Prince Regent, and that at the same time he had also sent to each of the Ambassadors personally a written minute of the verbal communication made to each of them ; which minutes were in the following words, vizt. : — “ It being in the contemplation of the Corporation of the City of London, on the arrival of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias in London, to offer to His Imperial Majesty the freedom of their City, should His Imperial Majesty condescend to accept the same, as has been done heretofore by Sovereign Princes on similar occasions, the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths beg leave most humbly to offer themselves on such occasion to his Imperial Majesty, and most respectfully to solicit that His Imperial Majesty will be graciously pleased to accept of the freedom of this Company. “ By order. “ Thos. Lane, “ Clerk to the Goldsmiths’ Co. “Goldsmiths’ Hall, 21st May 1814.” A motion is then made and seconded that, under the peculiar circumstances stated, the standing order of the Company which directs that no motion shall be MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 315 made in this Court unless previous notice thereof shall have been given be sus- pended, for the purpose of admitting motions to be now made to present the freedom and Livery of this Company to Sir Philip Bowes Broke, Bart. ; and upon the question being put thereon, the same is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And then a motion is made and seconded “ That the Wardens may have leave to admit Sir Philip Bowes Broke, Bart., Captain in His Majesty’s Navy, to the freedom of this Company, for his gallant conduct when commanding His Majesty’s frigate ‘ The Shannon ’ ” ; and upon the question being put thereon, the same is unanimously carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. And then another motion is made and seconded “That the Wardens be desired to give the Clothing of this Company to the above-named Sir Philip Bowes Broke, as soon as he shall have received the freedom of the Company (he having already received the freedom of the City of London) ” ; and upon the question being put thereon, the same is also unanimously carried in the affirma- tive, and ordered accordingly. And the Court resolve that the last mentioned orders be carried into effect without waiting for the confirmation of a subsequent Court. The memorable capture of the “ Chesapeake ” by the “ Shannon ” off Boston took place on the ist June 1813. For this glorious feat Captain Broke was made a Baronet. He was also presented with the freedom of the City of London, and with a sword of the value of one hundred guineas. Court of Wardens, ist June 1814. — Sir Philip Bowes Vere Broke, Bart., a Captain in His Majesty’s Navy, is sworn and made free, pursuant to a resolution of a Court of Assistants held on the 30th of last month, and his name is entered in the books kept for that purpose. And immediately afterwards he is admitted into the Clothing of this Com- pany, pursuant to another resolution of the same Court of Assistants, without payment of any fine or fees. Court of Assistants, 8th June 1814. — A motion is made and seconded “ That the Wardens be empowered to invite the Court and Livery to a dinner, whenever they may think fit, to celebrate the glorious and memorable peace rati- fied and confirmed on the 30th of May last ” ; and upon the question being put thereon, the same is carried in the affirmative, and ordered accordingly. This refers to the first Peace of Paris. Napoleon had abdicated the Empire and retired to Elba in April. In February 1815 he escaped from Elba, and the hostilities recommenced which ended on i8th June at Waterloo. Special Court of Wardens, 28th June 1814. — The Wardens meet to take into consideration the resolution of the last Court of Assistants respecting a dinner to be given to the Court and Livery to celebrate the Peace, and they fix on Wednesday the 13th of next month for that entertainment. And, being of opinion that it will be proper to invite some of the nobility and great public characters to dine here on that day, the Wardens fix on the names of such as 3i6 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. shall be accordingly invited, and make arrangements for waiting on them per- sonally to invite them, prior to sending them cards of invitation ; and then they give the necessary orders for the entertainment and about the summonses to be sent out to the Court and Livery on the occasion. Court of Assistants, nth August 1814. — The Clerk and Assistant Clerk (the Clerk’s son) are ordered to withdraw, and, having been absent some time, the Clerk is called in again, and informed by the Prime Warden that, during his absence, the Court have been pleased unanimously to resolve that his portrait shall be painted by Sir Wm. Beechey, and hung up in some appropriate situation, in testimony of their approbation of his conduct as their Clerk during a period of nearly 30 years. Whereupon the Clerk begs leave to return his most humble thanks to the Court for so signal a mark of their kindness and favour towards him, assuring them that it has ever been, and always will be, his greatest plea- sure to exert his best abilities in a faithful discharge of the duties of his office. On the 1 6th of December 1814 it is ordered that an engraving of Mr. Thomas Lane’s portrait be executed, and a copy sent to each member of the Court. A similar compliment was paid to the late Clerk of the Company, Mr. Walter Prideaux, whose bust, executed in marble by Mr. Hamo Thorneycroft, A.R.A., in the year 1884, stands in the Court Room. Court of Assistants, i8th July 1815. — The Court taking notice that a very general subscription is being raised for the relief of the sufferers in the late glorious battles at Waterloo, a motion is made and seconded “ That this Com- pany do subscribe the sum of two hundred guineas, in aid of that subscription ” ; and, upon the question being put thereon, the same is unanimously carried in the affirmative and ordered accordingly; and thereupon the Court dispense with the late order of Court, which affects their proceedings in this matter, and direct this sum to be paid without further confirmation. THE STAIRCASE, GOLDSMITHS' HALL. 1896. ( 317 ) CONCLUSION. HE task which it was my original purpose to fulfil has now X been completed, but at the request of many friends, whose wishes cannot be disregarded, I am induced to add a concluding chapter, with a brief resume of some of the more important occurrences of recent times. For many years after the peace of 1815 the history of the Company was marked by no very important events, but there were several matters in connection with the Assay Office which are worthy of notice. In 1816 the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury ordered a trial of the pyx of French gold monies coined in the Mint, and requested the Company to make the necessary arrange- ments for that purpose. The trial took place at Goldsmiths’ Hall, and the Company entertained the Commissioners at dinner afterwards. The gold monies here referred to consisted of louis d’or which it was thought expedient to coin in 1815 “for the greater facility of paying the British troops under his Grace the Duke of Wellington.” At the commencement of the next year the Company lent their Hall to the Government for the purpose of making it one of the stations for the exchange of the old silver coins. The operation, which seems to have been one of some magnitude, lasted for a fortnight, and the services of the Company and of their officers were handsomely acknowledged. In 1818 the Master of the Mint sought the help of the Com- pany in ascertaining the trade prices of gold and silver. In his letter of application he stated that the gold refined at the Mint from April to December 1817 amounted to 130,000 oz., while the estimate for 1818 was 260,000 oz. ; and that the silver re- fined from August 1816 to December 1817 weighed 3,396,060 oz. 3i8 CONCLUSION. The Wardens replied that the Company were not in the habit of refining either gold or silver, and that they could not, therefore, give any official information, but that they had made inquiries of the chief refiners in the City, and found that the usual prices for refining gold and silver in quantities were respec- tively IS. and \\d. per ounce. They added that the more common practice of manufacturers of gold and silver plate was either to sell to the refiners such gold and silver as they might have below the legal standard, and also old broken wares, and to purchase their requirements in gold and silver from the re- finers ; or else to exchange their coarse, or old, gold or silver for fine gold or silver at a price agreed upon with the refiners. In the same year the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Nicholas Vansittart) was made an honorary member of the Company, and in 1824 the late Master of the Mint (Lord Maryborough) received a similar honour. It was in this year that the Com- pany first instituted the annual trial of certain of their Assay Officers — a practice which is still continued. Mr. Thomas Lane resigned his office of Clerk in 1820, after a service of 35 years, and was succeeded by his son, Mr. John Lane, who had for some years acted as his assistant. During this year the first Commission of Inquiry into Charities was appointed, and an investigation of all the Company’s Chari- ties, in common with those belonging to other Corporations and similar Bodies, took place. In August 1822 the King embarked at Greenwich en route for Edinburgh, and the Company joined the procession in their barge. This barge was shortly afterwards found to be not worth repair, and was sold for ^50. A new barge was built at a cost of ;^i,575, and this, which was used for the last time in 1845, was in turn sold for £^00. On the 14th July 1831 the Company joined the procession on the river upon the occasion of the opening of New London Bridge by the King; and again on the 29th July 1835, when His Majesty visited Greenwich Hospital, the Company’s barge was in attendance. On the 29th October 1845 it was resolved CONCLUSION. 319 “ That the Company do not join the procession on Lord Mayor’s day by land or water,” and the barge was not used again. In May 1827 H.R.H. the Duke of Clarence, “next brother of His Most Excellent Majesty George IV.” (and afterwards William IV.) was admitted to the honorary Freedom and Livery of the Company, and in October of the same year the Duke was present at a trial of the pyx, subsequently dining at Gold- smiths’ Hall. This was the last trial of the pyx that took place prior to the re-building of the Hall, which important event must now be mentioned. For many years the Company had been aware that they would be compelled at no distant date to undertake the serious operation of re-building their Hall, parts of which had become so dilapidated as to be scarcely safe, and they had been, slowly and with difficulty, accumulating a fund for this purpose. The finances of the Company had for long been at a low ebb, and in 1816 the total gross income from the Company’s trust and corporate property together barely exceeded ;^io,ooo. The improvement which took place in the Company’s affairs at the commencement of this century was very gradual, and the annual additions to the Building Fund were but small. In 1829 it became apparent that the necessity for carrying out the work was becoming urgent, but a postponement for one year took place, with a view to ascertain what course the Government proposed to adopt with regard to the extension of the Post Office. In May 1830, however, it was decided to re-build without further delay. Plans were approved, and temporary premises were taken at No. 17, Aldermanbury. The Architect’s estimate of the cost of the new Hall was ;^6o,ooo, but this amount was exceeded. The materials of the old Hall sold for ;^2,52i 155. 2d, It may be mentioned here that a fire took place in the temporary Assay Office on the 31st July 1830, which occasioned considerable damage to the building, but no presses nor punches were injured, and business was resumed as usual next morning. The present Hall was opened on the 15th July 1835, with a 320 CONCLUSION. dinner to the Court and Livery, at which the Duke of Wellington, Sir Robert Peel, and many other guests of distinction were present. An account of the opening entertainment, prepared at the time by the Wardens at the request of the Court, will be found in the Appendix. For many years the Company had been compelled to prac- tice a rigid economy, but, notwithstanding the large outlay upon their new Hall, they were able to complete the work without in any way curtailing their gifts for charitable purposes. In the words of the Prime Warden at the opening ceremony, “Not one pension has been abridged ; no charity has been diminished ; not one single petition for the relief of our poorer brethren has been rejected.” In 1833 the Municipal Corporations Commission applied for information under several heads, and the Company complied with the request under protest, on the ground that they were not a Municipal Corporation, but a Corporation by .prescrip- tion dating from the earliest times. In July 1832 an address of congratulation to the King on His Majesty’s escape from an attack on his person was pre- sented by the Wardens at a Levee, in accordance with the custom which then obtained ; and this was followed (in 1837) by ad- dresses of condolence to the Queen Dowager (Adelaide) on the death of the King, and of congratulation to Queen Victoria on her accession, and (in 1840) by a similar address on Her Majesty’s marriage. Later in the same year the Company again approached the Queen with a loyal address to Her Majesty and Prince Albert on their late escape from assassination by Edward Oxford, and other addresses followed after the birth of the Princess Royal, the birth of the Prince of Wales, the second escape of the Queen and Prince Albert from assassination in 1842, and the death of the Prince Consort in December 1861. It may be noted here that the Prince Consort became an honorary member of the Company on the 5th March 1840, on which occasion he was entertained at luncheon in the present Hall. CONCLUSION. 321 The Company took a prominent part in connection with the 1851 Exhibition, awarding ^1,000 in prizes as a “special en- couragement to manufacturers of plate in this country ” ; and they also expended ^^5,000 in the purchase of ornamental plate of British manufacture in commemoration of the Exhibition. This plate was exhibited in the Paris Exhibition of 1855, and again at the Exhibition of 1862. Mr. John Lane, who had been Clerk since 1820, died on the i6th January 1852, and Mr. Walter Prideaux, father of the author, who had been for many years associated in partnership with Mr. Lane in his private practice as a Solicitor, was appointed his successor. Mr. Prideaux was made a Freeman and admitted to the Clothing of the Company, by special grant, in 1857. It will be convenient here to notice the Company’s connec- tion with Stockport School, an institution upon which, for a period of 30 years, the Court spent large sums of money, besides devoting to its interests much time and attention. Under the Will of Sir Edmund Shaa, dated the 20th March 1487, the Company were constituted Trustees of an annual rent charge of ^10, which was directed to be applied to the support of “ a priest cunning in grammar and able to teach it,” in Stopford-cum-Chester, otherwise Stockport, and this sum had been regularly paid to the master of the school at Stockport down to the year 1830. About this date, however, when their circumstances were improving, the Company entertained the idea of supplementing the foundation out of their general cor- porate funds ; and, with this view, they acquired some adjoining land, extended the schoolhouse and buildings at a cost of ^5,000, and added to the stipends of the masters — making the school free. Some further alterations were made about the year 1848, involving the further expenditure of £^, 000 . The new school was opened in April 1832, and so continued under the management of the Company, with the aid of a local committee, until 1859, at which date ^ the sum spent upon the school, exclusive of the endowment, exceeded ^30,000. For reasons which it is not necessary here to mention the S 4021. X 322 CONCLUSION. school proved an unsatisfactory institution, and in 1859 the Company, being disappointed with the results obtained from their large outlay, determined to sever their connection with the school, and to relinquish its management to the local authorities, offering at the same time to endow it out of their corporate funds with the sum of ^^290 a year, in addition to the £\o payable under Sir Edmund Shaa’s Will. This resolution was carried into effect with the concurrence and assistance of the Charity Commissioners and the Corpora- tion of Stockport, and in i860 a scheme for the future manage- ment of the school was prepared by the Company, approved by the Judge of the County Court of Cheshire, and confirmed by the Charity Commissioners. The school buildings, gardens, and play-grounds were conveyed to Trustees appointed by the Corporation, and the endowment of per annum was secured, and regularly paid until 1894, when it was redeemed by the Company transferring to the Official Trustees of Chari- table Funds a capital sum of Government Stock sufficient to answer the annual amount in perpetuity. The connection of the Company with Stockport School then finally ceased. In 1862 the Charity Commissioners appointed Mr. Hare, one of their inspectors, to inquire into and report upon the whole of the Company’s Charities, in number 56. Mr. Hare spent many weeks at Goldsmiths’ Hall, and made a most exhaustive report. He concluded his general remarks as follows ; — “ The Charity expenditure of the Company in the year 1861-2 preceding that of my inquiry was — “ Pursuant to Wills of Donors and £ s. d. Benefactions of Founders - 6,525 6 4 “ Additional sums disbursed by the Goldsmiths’ Company, from their proper funds, for chari- table objects - - - 9,326 13 9 ^15.852 o I CONCLUSION. 323 “ I am informed that there is nothing extraordinary in this year in point of amount. The gifts of the Company exceed rather than fall short of this amount. The voluntary portion is supposed to average ^10,500 a year.” In 1871 the Company, with a view to encourage education in the arts of design and execution of works in the precious metals, offered prizes and established an annual competition for the same. A master of drawing and modelling, whom they found in Clerkenwell teaching apprentices and young artisans engaged in goldsmiths’ and silversmiths’ work, was also ap- pointed by them to teach a free class of students nominated by the Wardens. A brief account of Bromyard Grammar School must not be omitted. This School was one of the ancient Grammar Schools, dating back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and, previously to the death of John Perryn, was dependent entirely upon the original foundation grant of £ 1 ^ per annum. John Perryn, by his Will dated the i8th December 1656, constituted the Company Trustees of the sum of £20 a year, which he directed to be paid to the master for the time being of the Grammar School. These two sums of £ 1 ^ and £20 formed the sole revenue of the School down to the year 1831, but in that year the Company voluntarily increased their contribution to the School, which they entirely remodelled. The fortunes of the School fluctuated very much at different periods, but, owing to the peculiar circumstances of the town, it was never, from the point of view of numbers, a great success. Bromyard was then much shut off from the rest of the world, being 14 miles from a railway station, and the population of 3,000 had not increased for, certainly, thirty years. The School, moreover, in past years had never been able to acquire the prestige which usually attaches to an ancient Grammar School. It was, however, until the year 1865 the only public elemen- tary School at Bromyard, but in that year a National School and a British School were built. X 2 324 CONCLUSION. In 1878 the Company made further improvements in the School buildings, and appointed an assistant master to take the junior classes, in order that the head master might be able to devote more time and attention to the higher subjects of instruction. The position remained unchanged until 1887, when the Charity Commissioners informed the Company that they had recently considered the circumstances of the School, and “had come to the conclusion that a Grammar School on the ancient lines, teaching Latin and Greek, was no longer suitable to the requirements of the place, and could not with benefit be made the subject of permanent endowment at Bromyard ” ; they added that, in their opinion, “ the want of success of the School was due to changes in the condition of society, improved facilities of locomotion, and a deficiency of local interest in the institu- tion.” Protracted communications took place between the Company and the Commissioners, who, ultimately, informed the Company that, while not very sanguine of success, they were “anxious to make trial of the capability of Bromyard for profiting by the establishment of a secondary school with special provisions for agricultural training.” The Company did not feel that they could, with advantage, continue the management of the School under the altered circumstances, but they expressed their willingness to assign a capital sum of j^io,ooo by way of en- dowment, to enable the scheme to be fairly tried, and this arrangement was, in 1890, carried into effect. In that year a new governing body was formed, and the connection of the Company with the School ceased. The new scheme has not as yet resulted in any increase of students attending the School. In 1863 the Company took part in the reception and welcome accorded by the City to Princess Alexandra of Den- mark ; nine years later an address was presented to the Queen on the recovery of the Prince of Wales from his dangerous illness; and in March 1873 the Prince took up his Freedom by patrimony and was admitted to the Honorary Livery of CONCLUSION. 325 the Company, upon which occasion His Royal Highness and a party of distinguished guests were entertained at dinner in the Livery Hall. Later in the same year the Prince and Princess of Wales were present at a ball at Goldsmiths’ Hall. Mention must now be made of an important work which the Goldsmiths’ Company combined with other Companies to promote. It will have been seen that in 1871 this Company first arranged a scheme for improving the technical education of artisans in the craft with which they are immediately and intimately associated ; but in 1877 it was resolved to unite with other Livery Companies in the endeavour to establish an organisation for the advancement of technical education not only in the Metropolis but throughout the Country. In the early part of the year 1877 a conference took place between representatives of the Mercers’, Drapers’, Goldsmiths’, and Clothworkers’ Companies, and, subsequently, a Provisional Committee of representatives of the Corporation and the Guilds of London was formed, to consider the best mode of applying the funds which those Bodies were willing to contribute towards the improvement of the technical knowledge of persons engaged in the manufactures of the Country. The Provisional Committee recommended (i) the establish- ment of a Central Institution, or College, for the higher education of those who had already acquired a knowledge of science or the arts sufficient to enable them to profit by instruction in the industrial applications of those subjects ; (2) the organisation of a system of Technological Examinations ; and (3) the en- couragement of local Schools for artisans and workmen. Down to that time no serious effort had been made in this Country to provide systematic and comprehensive instruction in the application of science and the arts to the development of industries, while both on the Continent and in America well organised and equipped Colleges, having aims and functions similar to those of the proposed Central College, had been in active operation for several years. It remained for the Livery Companies of the City of 326 CONCLUSION. London to initiate and carry forward, by means of voluntary contributions from their general corporate funds, a work of national importance, which in other countries is undertaken at the cost of the State. The proposals of the Provisional Committee were approved by the Corporation and the Livery Companies, and “ the City and Guilds of London Institute for the advancement of Technical Education” was founded in 1878, and incorporated in 1880. In 1881 H.R.H. the Prince of Wales consented to become President of the Institute, and laid the foundation stone of the Central Technical College upon a plot of land leased to the Institute by the Commissioners of the Exhibition of 1851 at a peppercorn rent. The Institute also established the Technical College at Finsbury, and the South London Technical Art School, while the Technological Examinations, which had previously been con- ducted by the Society of Arts, were taken over and at once considerably expanded. The several Colleges of the Institute have achieved already in a few years a large measure of success, and the Technological Examinations have become a powerful agency in encouraging the establishment of technical schools and classes throughout the Country ; in assisting County Councils and other Bodies in the organisation of local schools and classes ; and in securing the useful expenditure of the grants placed at the disposal of those Councils under the Local Taxation Act, i8go. This brief survey gives but a slight indication of the position which the City and Guilds of London Institute has gained for the Livery Companies of London in connection with the organi- sation and development of technical education in the hletro- polis and in the Provinces, at the cost, during the past 18 years, of ^480,000. In the year 1878 the Company built and endowed out of their corporate funds a Church at Acton, where they possess an estate which was devised to them by John Periym, of whom mention has been so often made, and a suitable Vicarage house CONCLUSION. 327 was not forgotten. The foundation stone of the Church, which is named after St. Dunstan, the Company’s patron Saint in ancient times, bears the following inscription : — “ And between the going- up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and merchants .” — Nehemiah Hi. 32. The Livery Companies Commission of 1880 now claims attention, but as the author is desirous of excluding from these pages, as far as possible, topics of a controversial nature, a brief notice only of this most important event must suffice. The preparation of the Returns required by the Commissioners was a work of great labour extending over many months. This Company, as well as some others, gave in addition oral evidence with the view to correct the mis-statements of not too scrupulous opponents. The inquiry came to an end in 1884, when a minority re- port, as well as a majority report, was presented. It would not have been difficult to predict this result as soon as the compo- sition of the Commission was made known. The reports were useful in at least two respects — first, they showed that the prevailing ideas of the wealth of the Companies had been much exaggerated, and that comparatively few had large funds at their disposal ; and, in the next place, it was made clear that those Companies which had large means were in the habit of liberally supplementing their charities out of their corporate funds, and also of employing those funds in the promotion of many works “of acknowledged public utility.’’ Towards the close of 1882 Mr. Prideaux, in consequence of advancing years and failing sight, resigned his office of Clerk, and the author, who had been Assistant Clerk since October 1871, was appointed his successor. It is not for the author to estimate the value to the Com- pany of their late Clerk’s services, but he may be pardoned for recording that, on the 2gth May 1875, a vote of thanks to Mr. Prideaux was passed by the Court “ in recognition of his services as Clerk of the Company for nearly 24 years, by which the high 328 CONCLUSION. standing and wealth of the Goldsmiths’ Company have been greatly promoted ” ; and that, upon his resignation, the follow- ing resolution was adopted ; — “ That, in accepting the resignation by Mr. Prideaux of his office of Clerk of the Goldsmiths’ Com- pany, the Court desire to record their appreciation of the great services which he has rendered to the Company during the period of nearly 31 years for which he has held the office, and to express their desire that he will continue to give to the Courts and Committees the assistance of his experience and advice, which have so greatly tended to defend and promote the honour, privileges, and interests of the Company.” A copy of this resolution under the Company’s Common Seal was given to Mr. Prideaux, who also received much-valued tokens of regard from both the Court and the Livery of the Company. In 1883 the Government determined to make certain altera- tions in the Hall-marking laws relating to foreign plate, and, by their request, the Company prepared clauses for that purpose, which were inserted in the Customs and Inland Revenue Act of that Session. Two years later the Government adopted a suggestion made by some of the Companies in their Returns to the Royal Com- mission, and passed a Revenue Act which imposed upon Cor- porations a Duty in lieu of Probate and Succession Duty. According to the preamble of the Act all Bodies, corporate and unincorporate, are primd facie liable to this Duty in respect of the annual value, income, or profits derived from real and personal estate ; but so many, and so far reaching, are the exemptions introduced into the Act, presumably from considera- tions of policy, that comparatively little has been received by the Government from Corporations other than the Livery Com- panies. The Duty, which was imposed as an equivalent for the Death Duties, is, in its annual operation and general mode of assessment, an additional per cent, income tax, and, though right and fair in principle, is heavy in amount. It is levied upon the private or corporate property of the Companies only. CONCLUSION. 329 that which is held in trust for charitable purposes being exempt from taxation. It should not be lost sight of that Parliament, by passing the Act in question, has recognised to the full the distinction between the corporate and the trust property of the Companies for which those Bodies have always rightly contended. About the year 1880 the Company found that the income of their Charity Estates was increasing in amount, while the poor of the Company were diminishing in number ; and they applied to the Charity Commissioners to establish a scheme for con- solidating and extending the usefulness of 56 charities, of which the income of 31 was given by the founders solely for the benefit of the poor of the Company, that of 12 of the remainder being partly applicable to the same purpose. Some of these charities were regulated by schemes settled by the Court of Chancery many years ago, the provisions of which were observed with difficulty owing to the increase in the amount of income derived from them, and to other altered circumstances. The Charity Commissioners were, however, unwilling to move in the matter, owing to the Royal Commission which was then sitting ; but, as soon as the report was published, the Company again approached the Commissioners, and in 1886 a very satisfactory scheme, and one which has been productive of the best results, was established, and remains in operation. Reference must here be made to the foundation of the Company’s Technical and Recreative Institute at New Cross. Early in the year 1888 the author first made the suggestion to the Court of Assistants that the Company should identify themselves in a prominent manner with an Institute where young men and women of the industrial and artisan classes might receive elementary instruction in scientific, technical, and art subjects, and also find opportunities for recreation and bodily exercise. Information was given to the Court as to the policy which the Charity Commissioners were likely to adopt with reference to the application of the large sum of money 330 CONCLUSION. placed at their disposal out of the surplus funds of the City of London Parochial Charities ; and it was proposed that the Commissioners should be approached with the view to ascertain whether that Body would be likely to entertain favourably a scheme for the establishment of a technical and recreative Institute in the South of London, the contributing parties to be the Company on the one hand out of their general corporate property, and the Commissioners on the other hand out of the surplus funds of the City of London Parochial Charities. The suggestion was received with favour, and, as a result of the negotiations which ensued, the heads of an arrangement were settled by which the Charity Commissioners were to acquire and adapt, for the sum of ^^30,000, the ground and buildings at New Cross, in the Parish of Deptford, belonging to the Royal Naval School, which were then found to be avail- able for purchase, the arrangement to include the guarantee by the Commissioners of an endowment of £2^^oo a year, which was to be met by the Company with a guarantee of a similar amount. This provisional agreement was adopted by the Com- pany in the autumn of the same year, and, in order to facilitate the completion of the arrangement, the Company entered at once into a contract for the purchase of the property at New Cross, it being found difficult to carry this into effect through the agency of the Charity Commissioners. The purchase was completed, and possession of the property obtained, in June 1889 ; but, in the meantime, the Company found that they were in a position to undertake a greater share of pecuniary responsibility in connection with the scheme, and they thereupon informed the Charity Commissioners that they were prepared to release them from their engagement as to the capital sum of ^30,000 and the provision of an annual endow- ment of ;^2,50o, and that the Company would themselves bear the entire cost of founding and endowing the Institute. The Commissioners gratefully accepted this offer, which, by setting free a capital sum of not less than £go,ooo, enabled them to render assistance to other projects. The Company at once CONCLUSION. 331 proceeded to settle a scheme for the management of the Insti- tute, and in the early part of i8go the Governing Body of the Institute, appointed by the Company, were able to approach the question of the adaptation of the existing buildings, and the provision of such new buildings as might be found necessary. This work, which was one of considerable magnitude and difficulty, steadily progressed ; and at length, on the 22nd of July 1891, the Institute was formally opened by their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales. The object of the Institution, which is entirely unsectarian and undenominational in character, is the promotion of technical skill, knowledge, health, and general well-being among young men and women of the industrial, working, and artisan classes, and this project has been kept steadily in view, equal promi- nence being given to the educational and the recreative branches of the work. Classes in Engineering, Chemistry, Electricity, Carpentering, Plumbing, Art, Music, Commercial Education, Dressmaking, Cookery, and many other branches of industry and general knowledge, have been established ; an excellent Gymnasium, and a fine Swimming Bath have also been provided ; and there is a good Library, in addition to Reading, Social, and Refresh- ment Rooms ; while a large plot of ground at the back of the buildings has been utilised for sports and other bodily exercises of various kinds. An organ has been added to the Central Hall, which is capable of holding upwards of 2,000 persons, and here frequent lectures and musical and other entertainments are given. The capital expenditure upon the site and buildings now exceeds ;^90,ooo, which sum, together with the endowment of ^6,000 per annum, has been provided by the Company solely out of their general corporate funds, over which they have free and complete control. The work carried on at the Company’s Institute has been increasingly successful, and has, indeed, effected a revolution 332 CONCLUSION. in the facilities afforded for education and recreation in the large and densely populated district of which New Cross is the centre. It may be mentioned here that, while the gifts to the Com- pany by donors for charitable uses which are applicable to education do not exceed per annum, a careful examination of the Company’s accounts for the last ten years shows that during this period 30 per cent, of the gross corporate income of the Company has, on an average, been devoted to educa- tional purposes. In i8go the Duties upon gold and silver plate, which had always been collected by the Company for the Government, were abolished. It is not proposed to deal here at any length with this highly technical subject. It will be sufficient to state that successive Chancellors of the Exchequer had been desirous of repealing these Duties, but that they had hesitated to take such a course owing to difficulties, which were thought to be well nigh insuperable, in connection with the re-payment to manufacturers and dealers throughout the country of the allow- ance of drawback on new and unused silver plate ; which rebate, it was conceded must, in fairness, be granted whenever the Duties should be repealed. At length, however, the attempt was to be made, and the Government sought the assistance of the Company, which it is needless to say was then, as on so many former occasions, both in ancient and modern times, readily accorded. The operation, which involved the examination of the stocks of all the silversmiths and plate dealers in London and the Provinces, proved one of great delicacy and difficult}", but was successfully accomplished. The services of the Company were handsomely acknowledged by the Government in an official memorandum on the subject, and were further recognised in the person of their Clerk, who shortly aftenvards received the honour of Knighthood. A copy of the letter to the Company from the Treasury and of a report by the Board of Inland Revenue will be found in the Appendix. CONCLUSION. 333 In 1892 the Company appropriated £ 2^,000 for the provision (through the agency of the Guinness Trustees) of a block of workmen’s dwellings in Clerkenwell, a district where many workers in the precious metals exercise their trade ; and liberal contributions have been made during recent years towards the acquisition of open spaces and playing fields in various parts of the Metropolis. More recently, grants have been made for the prosecution of important experimental and research work conducted (i) by the Royal Institution, (2) by the Scientific Staff of the Imperial Institute, and (3) by the combined Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons in connection with the Anti-toxin treatment of diphtheria. The Company have also undertaken the decoration in mosaic of one of the half-domes under the great dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, that selected being adjacent to the spot upon which, in old St. Paul’s, stood the Company’s private Chapel dedicated to St. Dunstan. In addition to those whose names have been already given the following Honorary Members of the Company have been enrolled during recent years : — Lord Lyndhurst (1833). Earl de Grey (1838). Lord Stanley (1838). H.R.H. The Duke of Cambridge (1840). Sir James Graham (1840). Major-Genl. Sir Harry Smith (1846). The Rajah of Sarawak (Sir James Brooke) (1847). Viscount Gough (1850). The late Duke of Richmond (1853). Viscount Stratford de Redcliffe (1853). Lord Feversham (1853). Major-Genl. Sir W. Fenwick Williams (of Kars) (1856). Major-Genl. Sir Henry Havelock (1857). Major-Genl. Sir Archdale Wilson (1858). Sir John Lawrence (1859). Sir Harry S. Parkes (1872). The present Duke of Richmond (1873). 334 CONCLUSION. The Marquis of Salisbury (1874). The late Earl of Derby (1874). Earl Cairns (Lord Chancellor) (1874). Earl Spencer (1880). Lord Playfair (1880). H.R.H. Prince Albert Victor (1886). Mr. W. H. Smith (1889). Mr. A. J. Balfour (1889). H.R.H. The Duke of York (1893). The admission, however, of Sir Henry Havelock was never actually completed. The letter, which was intended to convey to him, in India, the information of the honour which had been conferred upon him, did not reach its destination until after Sir Henry had passed away, and was returned to Goldsmiths’ Hall unopened, the envelope marked with the single pathetic word “ Dead.” I conclude with this pious hope — Floreant Aurifahri, et h<^c nostra Societas esto perpetua." APPENDIX DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATION TAKEN FROM “A TOUCHSTONE FOR GOLD AND SILVER WARES.” SIR ROBERT VYNER. BENN’S CLUB. THE ALTAR OF DIANA. ACCOUNT OF THE OPENING OF THE PRESENT HALL, 1835, ACCOUNT OF THE TRIAL OF THE PYX, 1845, REPEAL OF THE PLATE DUTIES, 1890. LETTER FROM THE TREASURY, AND REPORT FROM THE BOARD OF INLAND REVENUE. THE CLERKS OF THE COMPANY, 1381-1896. ACCOUNT OF WILLIAM CHIPSTEDE SLANDERING THE WARDENS AND OTHERS BEFORE RICHARD WHITYNGTON, MAYOR OF LONDON— HIS ARREST— AND SUBSEQUENT RELEASE, 1403. EXPULSION OF JOHN CORBYN FOR MALICIOUSLY IMPLEADING AT WESTMINSTER RICHARD GEORGE AND PIERS THOROLD, LATE WARDENS OF THE COMPANY, 1419. JOHN CHESTER ORDERED NOT TO WEAR THE LIVERY FOR A MONTH FOR SAYING THAT CORBYN HAD BEEN BADLY TREATED— WILLIAM SHERBOURNE PUNISHED FOR THE LIKE OFFENCE, 1419. 336 APPENDIX. CASE OF A REBELLIOUS APPRENTICE THREATENING TO KILL HIS MASTER— HIS ARREST— EXAMINATION BY THE WARDENS— AND PUNISHMENT, 1419. A DEBATE BETWENE GOLDSMYTHES AND BOCHERS FOR THEIR STONDYNG IN CHEPE, 1426. ROBERT BOSON (OR BOSOM) REVILES THE WARDENS— HIS PUNISHMENT, 1434. ACCOUNT OF SEARCHES AT WESTMINSTER AND SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S, 1435. THE OFFENCES OF WALTER PRATA, APPRENTICE OF JOHN LINCOLN, 1438. EXPERIENS OF AN INCONVENIENS THAT FELL IN THE CITE OF PARYS, xxiiij YERE PASSED AND MORE, 1444. THE ASSAY MASTER— QUESTIONS AS TO HIS FITNESS, HE HOLDING A SIMILAR OFFICE AT THE MINT IN THE TOWER, 1566. THE ORDER FOR THE MASTERPIECE, 1607. RESIGNATION OF HENRY CARTER, THE CLERK, AND APPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM HASELFOOTE TO THAT OFFICE— THE CLERK’S DUTIES AND EMOLUMENTS, 1629. COMPLAINT OF THE SHOPKEEPERS IN CHEPE AGAINST THE ST. MARTIN’S MEN, OR WORKING GOLDSMITHS IN ST. MARTIN’S- LE-GRAND, 1632. APPENDIX. DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATION TAKEN FROM “ A • TOUCH-STONE FOR GOLD AND SILVER WARES; OR A MANUAL FOR GOLDSMITHS” (a.d. 1677). “The Intent of the Frontispiece. 1. St. Dunstan, the Patron of the Goldsmiths’ Company. 2. The refining furnace. 3. The test with silver refining on it. 4. The fineing bellows. 5. The man blowing or working them. 6. The test mould. 7. A wind-hole to melt silver in without bellows. 8. A pair of organ bellows. 9. A man melting or boyling or nealing silver at them. 10. A block, with a large anvil placed thereon. 11. Three men forging plate. 12. The fineing and other goldsmiths’ tools. 13. The assay furnace. 14. The Assay Master making assays. 15. His man putting the assays into the fire. 16. The Warden marking the plate on the anvil. 17. His officer holding the plate for the marks. 18. Three goldsmiths, small workers, at work. 19. A goldsmith’s shop furnished with plate. 20. A goldsmith weighing plate.” SIR ROBERT VYNER. Sir Robert Vyner, or Viner, whose name has appeared so frequently in the preceding pages, was born in 1631, the second son of William Vyner, of War- wick, and his (second) wife, Susanna, daughter of Francis Fulwood. He was at an early age adopted by his uncle, Thomas Vyner, a noted goldsmith and banker, of whom mention has also been often made, and who, subsequently, was made a Baronet, and filled the office of Lord Mayor in 1653. After a while Robert Vyner became his uncle’s partner, and was eminent himself also as a goldsmith and banker. He was a staunch Royalist, and, like many others of his time, suffered much from his devotion to the royal cause. On June 14th, 1665, he married Mary, daughter of John Whitchurch, the widow of S 4021. Y 338 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Sir Thomas Hyde, Bart. With this lady he is said to have had the large fortune of £ 100,000, with a portion of which he purchased during the same year Swakely House, in the parish of Ickenham, Middlesex. Sir Robert was Lord Mayor in 1674-5, and died in September 1688, when the Baronetcy became extinct. In Burke’s Extinct Baronets there is the follow- ing entry : — “ Sir Robert Vyner, Lord Mayor of London in 1675, was created a Baronet lOth May 1666; died without issue in 1688, when the title became extinct.” In Le Neve’s Knights (Harleian Society, vol. 8), there is the following note : — “ London. Sir Robt. Viner, Alderman and Goldsmith, Lond., Kted. at W. 24 June 1665, a Baronet after. See my Book of Baronets. He died without issue.” The will of Sir Robert, which was made 20th August 1688, shows the financial ruin into which he had been brought by his intimacy with the King, for by it the manor of Swakely and other properties are directed to be sold for the benefit of his creditors. His remains were interred in the church of St. Mary Woolnoth, in Lombard Street. The following quotation from Pepys’s Diary, under date September 7th 1665, will be of interest : — “To Swakeley, to Sir R. Viner’s. A very pleasant place, bought by him of Sir James Harrington’s lady. He took us up and down with great respect, and showed us all his house and grounds, and it is a place not very moderne in the garden nor house, but the most uniform in all that ever I saw ; and some things to excess. “ Pretty to see over the screen of the hall (put up by Sir James Harrington, a Long Parliament man) the King’s head and my Lord of Essex (the Parliament General) on one side, and Fairfax on the other; and upon the other side of the screen the parson of the parish, and the lord of the manor and his sisters. The window cases, door cases, and chimneys of all the house are marble. He showed me a black boy that he had, that died of consumption, and being dead he caused him to be dried in an oven, and he lies there entire in a box. By-and-bye to dinner, where his lady I find yet handsome, but hath been a very handsome woman, now is old. Hath brought him near £100,000, and lives no man in England in greater plenty, and commands both King and Council with the credit he gives them. After dinner Sir Robert led us up to his long gallery, very fine, above stairs, and better or such furniture I never did see. A most pleasant journey we had back.” BENN’S CLUB. The following description of this interesting picture may be found in Malcolm’s Lofidon, vol. 2, page 412 : — “This painting is in the possession of the Goldsmiths’ Company. It was painted by Hudson in the year 1752, and presented by Mr. Alderman Blachford, ALTAR OF DIANA \Discovered ditring the Re-building- of Goldsmiths Hall^ 1831 .) t ! A APPENDIX. 339 who is represented with Aldermen Benn, Marshall, Alsop, Ironside, and Rawlinson, seated at a table and probably on the point of giving success to the House of Stuart at Mr. Alderman Blachford’s residence, Bowcombe, in the Isle of Wight. “The latter Alderman presides on the right hand, Benn, Ironside, and Rawlinson look at the spectator, Marshall and Alsop at Blachford ; perhaps no other six men could have been grouped in a more congenial set of jolly and good humoured features ; their persons appear as if cast in one mould, and any other expression than that of treason and rebellion may be discovered in their faces.” THE ALTAR OF DIANA. The late Rev. R. H. Barham, Rector of the City parishes of St. Mary Magdalene and St. Gregory by St. Paul, and also one of the Minor Canons of St. Paul’s Cathedral, used to be a frequent visitor at Goldsmiths’ Hall, and he thus mentions this interesting object at the end of his “Lay of St. Dunstan,” in the Ingoldshy Legends : — “ In Goldsmitlis’ Hall there’s a handsome glass case. And in it a stone figure, found on the place. When, thinking the old Hall no longer a pleasant one, They pulled it all down, and erected the present one. If you look you’ll perceive that this stone figure twists A thing like a broomstick in one of its fists j Its so injured by Time, you can’t make out a feature, But it is flot St. Dunstan — so doubtless it’s Peter. ” THE WARDENS’ ACCOUNT OF THE OPENING OF THE PRESENT HALL ON THE isth JULY 1835. In conformity with the Minute of the Court of Assistants of the 31st July last, the Wardens have drawn up the following account of the opening dinner in the new Hall, which they now present to the Court, confident that the pro- ceedings of that day will ever prove of deep interest to them and to the Livery at large, J. B. Smith, Prime Warden. W. Bateman. Goldsmiths’ Hall, W. T, Copeland. October 29th, 1835. Geo. Twining. The Court of Assistants having determined to open the new Hall (the erec- tion of which commenced in the year 1830) with a public dinner to the Court and the Livery of the Company, Wednesday the 15th of July last was fixed upon to celebrate the event ; previous to which an invitation had been sent through Sir y 2 340 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Herbert Taylor to His Majesty, as Master and Honorary Member of the Com- pany, most respectfully to solicit His Majesty’s presence on the occasion ; to which invitation the following reply was received : — “ Windsor Castle, June 6th, 1835. “ Sir, — I have taken the earliest opportunity of submitting to the King the communication which you desired me to make to His Majesty, on the part of the Court of Assistants of the Goldsmiths’ Company, and I am honoured with his Majesty’s commands to assure you and them that he is truly sensible of their attention in desiring to ascertain his wishes with reference to the opening of their new Hall, and that His Majesty would have felt great satisfaction in manifesting by his personal presence upon that occasion his regard for the highly respectable and loyal Company of which he is himself a Member. “The King trusts, therefore, that his declining the invitation of the Gold- smiths’ Company will not be ascribed to any change in his friendly feeling towards them, nor to any diminution of the interest he has ever taken, and will not cease to take, in the welfare and prosperity of the Company. “ I have the honour to be. Sir, “Your most obedient and humble servant, “ H. Taylor. “ To J. B. Smith, Esq.” On this occasion the undermentioned distinguished visitors were present, viz. : — Duke of Wellington, K.G., G.C.B., &c. Marquis Camden, K.G. Lord Maryborough, I Honorary Members of the Company, the others Lord Bexley, J being unable to attend. Lord Abinger, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. The Right Hon. Sir Robert Peel, Bart., M.P. The Right Hon. The Vice-Chancellor (Sir L. Shadwell). Major-General The Right Hon. Sir Henry Hardinge, K.C.B. and M.P. Hon. Sir Edward Cust, K.C.H. Sir Thomas Fremantle, Bart., M.P. Vice-Admiral Sir Pulteney Malcolm, G.C.B. Capt. Sir George F. Seymour, R.N., G.C.H. Sir Frederick Pollock, M.P. and K.C. With whom the following Members of the Court of Assistants, and their friends, were seated at the upper table : — Jas. Bogle Smith, Esq., Prime Capt. T. Smith, R.N. Warden, in the Chair. Wm. Bateman, Esq. Wm. Taylor Copeland, Esq., M.P., and Alderman. Geo. Twining, Esq. Thomas Brind, Esq. Rev. G. B. Twining. c 0) Sir Felix Booth, Bart. ) u r 3 David Davies, Esq. B. Brown, Esq. APPENDIX. 341 R. H. Payne, Esq, J. Barnaby, Esq., M.P. J. Guillemard, Esq. C. H. Turner, Esq. Sir Wm. Knighton, Bart., G.C.H, Richard Twining, Esq. William Thompson, Esq., M.P., and Alderman, R. Blanshard, Esq. Benjamin Cole, Esq. Sir R. A. Ferguson, Bart., M.P, Henry Chawner, Esq. Thos. Hallifax, Esq. John Griffin, Esq. Chas. Newbery, Esq. E. W. Rundell, Esq. Samuel Haynes, Esq. Richard Brook, Esq. H. Blanshard, Esq. William Cox, Esq. L. Alexander, Esq. J. G. Bridge, Esq. William Hodges, Esq. Somers Cocks, Esq. Walter Smith, Esq. Ralph Addison, Esq. R. W. Buttemer, Esq. Rich. Durrant, Esq. Three tables were placed down the hall, which were occupied by the Livery j Mr. John Lane, the Clerk, and Mr. Philip Hardwick, the Architect of the Com. pany, being seated at that on the right, and the Rev. W. Durham, the Chaplain, at the one on the left of the Chair. The number of persons at the upper table was 50, at the other tables 143, making a grand total of 193 at the entertainment of the day. During the dinner the Prime Warden and the Wardens drank, a^ usual, “ Health to the Livery of the Company,” bidding them heartily welcome to their new Hall. Dinner being concluded, “Non Nobis ” was sung by the professional gentle- men present, when the Prime Warden rose and proposed the health of “the King, Master of the Goldsmiths’ Company,” and, in so doing, referred to His Majesty’s gracious condescension in enrolling himself a member of their body, an honour not enjoyed by any other Company in London. The toast was received with acclamation. The Prime Warden, in proposing the health of the Queen, observed that no Queen ever sat upon the Throne who had more ingratiated herself with the people of this country by her virtues than her present Majesty, and, such being the case, the toast would, no doubt, be received as it deserved. The next toast was “The Princess Victoria and the rest of the Royal Family,” which was received in the same manner as those which preceded it. The Prime Warden said that the toast which he had now the honour to pro- pose was one which required no recommendation on his part in order to insure its cordial reception ; it was only requisite for him to name to the Company the illustrious individual who was the subject of it. Fie begged to propose the health of “ His Grace the Duke of Wellington.” Every Englishman must be proud of the glory which the noble Duke had added to the British Arms, and grateful for the obligations which he had conferred upon the nation at large, not only by his brilliant achievements in the field, but by his successful exertions in the Cabinet. In times like the present, Englishmen might well be proud of so able and influential a champion of their rights and properties, who, although 342 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. anxious to correct abuses, would never willingly consent to the spoliation of the Church, or the destruction of our other valuable Institutions. He concluded by giving the health of “ The Duke of Wellington,” an individual distinguished by “ loyalty to his King, fidelity to his Country, and unshaken valour against the enemies of both.” The toast was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm. The Duke of Wellington rose and said : — “ I beg leave to return you my thanks for the honour you have done me in drinking my health. I feel deeply obliged to your worthy Chairman, the Prime Warden, for the manner in which he has been pleased to mention the services in which I have been engaged, and I am greatly flattered by the honour which you did me in inviting me to be present this day, on the occasion of opening your magnificent Hall. It falls to my lot to be the first to congratulate you on meeting in this Hall. I do so most sincerely, and I anxiously hope that you may long be permitted to enjoy your valuable rights and privileges, and that you still may be enabled to entertain at your hospitable table the friends of good govern- ment. I beg leave to thank you for the very cordial manner in which you have received the toast, and to drink all your healths.” The Prime Warden said that the toast which he had now the honour to offer to the Company was the health of a nobleman who stood deservedly high in the estimation of the public — the Marquis Camden. It deserved to be borne in mind that the noble marquis, having received one of the most lucrative appoint- ments in the gift of the Crown, had for many years abstained from availing him- self of its emoluments ; the noble lord disinterestedly abandoned his claim for the public benefit, thereby entitling himself to the love and esteem of the com- munity. Within a short period the noble marquis had been installed Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, an honour which conferred equal lustre upon the University and himself. It was not to be doubted that the noble lord would unite cordially with the noble Chancellor of Oxford to protect the interests of the Universities and the Church. The toast having been drunk with warm testimonials of approbation, the Marquis Camden rose to return thanks. The noble lord said he hardly knew how to thank the Prime Warden properly for the honour done him in proposing his health ; but to the Warden who presided, and to the gentlemen who had drunk the toast with so much cordiality, he begged to offer his warmest thanks. He was obliged to the Company for doing him the honour to invite him to witness the magnificence of their Hall, and to partake of their splendid hospi- tality. If by a consistent course of conduct, pursued for many years with a view to the public benefit, he had the good fortune to receive the approbation of that Company, and of his countrymen generally, he felt amply rewarded, and this reward had been recently augmented by a further honour to which the Prime Warden had referred. He thanked the Company for doing him the honour to drink his health at so early a period in the evening ; he was, perhaps, the only man present who had participated as a guest in the hospitality exhibited by the Company not in this, but in their old Hall, a Hall inferior in magnificence, but equal in hospitality to the present. In the year 1784, when Mr. Pitt was engaged APPENDIX. 343 in a most important political struggle, it would be remembered that Mr. Pitt successfully resisted the attacks of a desperate faction, and the Goldsmiths’ Com- pany were then desirous of showing their attachment to principles which he apprehended still possessed their support. Much the same kind of attacks were made on the Constitution now as in 1 784, and he trusted they would meet with an equally effectual resistance ; for his part, he was sorry to see that principles such as he had alluded to were but too much encouraged ; at the same time he pledged himself to resist to the utmost all inroads on the Constitution. The Prime Warden said that it gave him peculiar satisfaction to see at their board a Right Honourable Baronet who not only well deserved the esteem and regard of every citizen of London, but also of every one who had at heart the well-being of his Country — he meant Sir Robert Peel. Whether as Chief Secre- tary for Ireland, as Secretary of State for the Home Department, or as Prime Minister of this Country, the Right Honourable Baronet had ever shown an anxious desire to perform the duties assigned him, with honour to himself and advantage to his Country. His successful exertions to amend our Criminal Code, and to es- tablish the effective Police Force at present in operation in the Metropolis, were suf- ficient to entitle the Right Honourable Baronet to the gratitude of his Country ; but when we coupled with former services his recent endeavours to remove all real abuses, to introduce an effective system of economy in the management of public affairs, and to pass laws calculated to promote the happiness and well-being of his fellow subjects, it was impossible not to rejoice that his Majesty possessed so valuable a subject as the Right Honourable Gentleman, and equally impossible to abstain from praying that the Right Honourable Baronet might long live to exer- cise his talents for the protection of our rights and privileges, and to promote the best interests of the community at large. The health of Sir Robert Peel was then proposed and drunk amidst the most enthusiastic demonstrations of applause, which lasted several minutes. Sir Robert Peel then rose and said : “ Mr. Prime Warden and Gentlemen, I do assure you that I am fully sensible of the difficulty of doing justice to my own feelings on this occasion, and acknowledging in adequate terms the partial and much too flattering estimate which has been made by our worthy Chairman of any powers I possess, or any services I may have rendered. I am afraid, how- ever, that I cannot make the excuse for that inadequacy which is sometimes offered on similar occasions. I am afraid I cannot say that I have little ex- perience in addressing public assemblies, for, during the last five or six months, I have been kept so much employed in that way that the excuse could not avail; but I may say that I am unaccustomed in a great measure to such a reception as I have to-night encountered ; that I am inexperienced in the sweets of popularity, and that of late it has been much more my duty to meet in hostile collision the statements and arguments of uncompromising and angry antagonists, than to enjoy the applause and approbation of partial friends. I am deeply indebted to you for the kindness I have experienced from this Company on the present occa- sion. It is not the first time I have had the honour of meeting the Goldsmiths’ Company. I was not, indeed, present on the occasion to which my noble friend has alluded ; and, as to have been then present would necessarily have added 344 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. many years to my age, I can hardly regret that I was not in the old Hall at so distant a period, however memorable may have been the occasion ; but I was present in that Hall on another occasion of some interest, and I can testify that the principles, a display of which was witnessed by my noble friend in 1784, were also firmly maintained on the occasion when the Goldsmiths’ Company enter- tained at their hospitable board an illustrious statesman — the Earl of Liverpool. We now meet, not indeed within the same walls, or under the same roof as then, but I rejoice to find that you have considered the genius of the place, and that, while you have repaired the ravages of time, you have been wise enough to build on the ancient foundations. It is my ardent hope and desire that you may long remain in possession of those privileges, and that wealth, of which you have made so noble a use — that you may long exhibit to the world the splendid use you have made of the privileges you enjoy, and the possessions which you have inherited through a long succession of ages. Ardently do I desire that you may continue to show that your wealth and your possessions have been used to call into active employment the architectural skill of a native artist, who has repaired ; or, more properly speaking, resuscitated your old Hall with consummate talent; that you have maintained the ancient and distinguished character of British mer- chants, by proving to the world that palaces such as this are their fit residences ; and by showing that, by means of your well-employed wealth, you have given to this Metropolis an ornament of which it may be justly proud — a structure which does credit to those by whose wise economy and liberal expenditure it has been raised, and at the same time elevates the character of the British tradesman, and renders it more respectable and illustrious. In the hope that such practices and principles as I have now adverted to may long remain firmly established, I again repeat my warmest and most sincere acknowledgments for the opportunity which I have enjoyed of being present in your Hall this day; and I at least claim credit for the assurance which I now offer you that it was my fixed determination that no avocation of public duty, much less any private engagements, should deprive me of the honour and satisfaction which I derive from being present on such an occasion.” The Duke of Wellington said he had obtained permission from the Chairman to propose the health of their Prime Warden, and prosperity to the Goldsmiths’ Company. The merits of their Prime Warden must be much better known to the Company than to himself, who was only a stranger ; still he was aware that the Prime Warden must have been engaged for three years in the administra- tion of their affairs, and that those affairs must have been conducted by him during the completion of this most magnificent structure. He had that day witnessed the Prime Warden entertaining their guests at their hospitable board, with all the politeness and urbanity required of him. In doing this, the Prime Warden had complied with the wishes of the Company, who would, doubtless, avail themselves of the present opportunity of acknowledging his merits. The Prime Warden returned thanks for the honour done him, and observed that the Right Honourable Baronet had been pleased to compliment the Com- pany on the erection of their Hall; he, therefore, hoped it would not be thought ill-timed if he said, in justice to those who had preceded him in the charge he APPENDIX. 34S now held, that the creation of a building fund had been long since contemplated and carried into effect by their exertions. By means of that fund they had been enabled to complete this great structure without trenching on the charitable funds of the Company. Not one pension had been abridged; no charity was dimini- shed; not one single petition for the relief of their poorer brethren was rejected; notwithstanding the great outlay which took place, no difference was made in the munificent donations and charities of the Goldsmiths’ Company. Sir Robert Peel thoug'ht the Company would feel with him that no toast could more appropriately follow the health of the Prime Warden than that which he was about to give, and he was satisfied, however sincerely flattered the Prime Warden might feel by the just compliment they had paid him, that the compliment would be enhanced in value if they took the earliest opportunity of acknowledging the services of those associated with him in authority, and who, by a display of the utmost confidence and cordiality, had promoted the great un- dertaking, and maintained the interests of the Company. He, therefore, proposed the health of the three Wardens — Messrs. Bateman, Copeland, and Twining. Mr. Bateman, in returning thanks for himself and his brother Wardens, said: “It would. Sir, be unpardonable in me to trespass on that time which will be so much better occupied in listening to those distinguished individuals who have favoured us with their presence on this occasion. I owe it, however, to my colleagues to state that not any exertion has been wanting on their part to pro- mote the comfort and convenience of their brethren of the Livery.” The Prime Warden said the toast which he now had the honour to offer referred to a gentleman who deserved the warmest thanks of the Company. He was about to propose the health of Mr. Hardwick, their Surveyor and Archi- tect. If he were simply addressing the Court of Assistants, he should think it quite unnecessary to say a word as to Mr. Hardwick’s merits; but, as their worthy friend and brother Liveryman might not be so well known to some of the guests at the table, it was right to say that it was impossible for any man to be more attentive to the interests of the Company, not forgetting the just claims of their tenantry, than himself. For him to speak of Mr. Hardwick’s talents as an Architect would be an insult, after all had witnessed the splendid edifice in which they then sat ; no tablet would be necessary to hand down Mr. Hardwick’s name to posterity ; to him might be applied the honourable tribute bestowed on the greatest Architect in this country, as recorded in our Metropolitan Church, “ Si monumentum requiris, circumspice.” Mr. Hardwick rose to offer his sincere acknowledgments for the kindness done him, in thus noticing him on the present occasion. To be brought forward at any time as deserving the thanks of the Goldsmiths’ Company would indeed be most pleasing to his feelings, but when he found himself noticed in the pre- sence of their distinguished visitors, he could find no words to express his grati- fication. The Company had been pleased to express their satisfaction at the building; but, whatever might be its merits, it was in a great measure attribu- table to the Court of Assistants, whose liberality towards all persons who had the happiness to be employed by them caused the work to be as well effected as it was. The Court of Assistants desired to build the Hall in a manner worthy of 346 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. the Company and the City of London, and he was only the humble instrument of effecting their purpose, and if he had satisfactorily accomplished this, he felt sufficiently rewarded. If the Livery found within these walls more comfort than in the old Hall, it emanated from the Court of Assistants, who had desired every attention to be paid to their convenience. He hoped the building would be found to answer its purpose, and if, as had been said, it should prove an orna- ment to England, then would the edifice be a proud monument of the good taste and good feeling of the gentlemen who now composed the Court of Assistants. At half-past 1 1 o’clock the Duke of Wellington and the other distinguished visitors retired, expressing themselves highly gratified with their reception, and testifying their admiration of the taste that had been displayed in the erection and furnishing of the new Hall. ACCOUNT OF THE TRIAL OF THE FIX, AND SUBSEQUENT BANQUET AT GOLDSMITHS’ HALL {PICTORIAL TIMES, SATURDAY, 2^th MAY, 1845). A Privy Council was held on Saturday morning at the office of the Comp- troller of the Exchequer, Whitehall Yard, when a jury of members of the Goldsmiths’ Company, consisting of the following gentlemen, were impanelled to make an assay of the gold and silver monies now in circulation, viz. : — Mr, William Bateman (foreman), Mr. John Gawler Bridge, Mr, Walter Smith, Mr. Jonathan Hayne, Mr. Samuel Thomas, Mr. George Smith Hayter, Mr. Edward Barnard, jun., Mr. George Frederick Bult, Mr. J. Wilson Thomas, Mr. Benjamin Smith, Mr. Robert Hennell, and Mr, Jeremiah Fuller. The Privy Councillors present were : — The Lord Chancellor, the Duke of Buccleuch, the Earl of Lincoln, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir George Clerk, and Sir Thomas Fremantle. The precept summoning the Pix Jury is directed to Mr. Blanshard, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, and that gentleman attended the ceremony of their being sworn. The following is the form of the oath administered : — “You shall, well and truly, after your knowledge and discretion, make the assays of these monies of gold and silver, and truly report if the said monies be in weight and fineness according to the Queen’s standard in the Treasury for coins, and also if the said monies be sufficient in alloy, and according to the covenants comprised in an indenture thereof, bearing date the 6th day of February 1817, and made between his late Majesty King George III. and the Right Hon. William Wellesley Pole. So help you God.” The above oath having been administered, the Lord Chancellor briefly addressed the jury. His Lordship said the gentlemen who constituted what was termed a “ Pix Jury,” -were so well acquainted with the duties they were called upon to per- form, that it would only be necessary for him to detain them a few minutes in any observations he had to make. They, no doubt, were aware that the Master of the Mint, on his appointment, was bound by indentures for the due performance of the duties of his office. Those indentures set out the standard APPENDIX. 347 value and required weight of the gold and silver coins of the realm ; they also minutely described the exact fineness of which it was to be composed ; but the jury must be aware that in cases of this kind exact correctness could not always be expected, and, therefore, the Crown allowed of a minute deviation, but so small that it did not aifect the actual value of the coins. If there was any excess in the coinage, the Master of the Mint was allowed to claim for it. If, on the other hand, there was a deficiency, the Master of the Mint was liable to be fined to any amount, at the discretion of the Crown ; but as far back as the records of these proceedings were in existence, to the honour of gentlemen who had held the important office of Master of the Mint, there had never been a deviation from the appointed standard of value. And never, he believed, had the duties of that office been better or more satisfactorily performed than by the recent and present Master. His Lordship then said that no coin whatever was issued from the Mint until a portion of it had been assayed by the Queen’s Assayer ; when that process had been gone through, one coin of each value was placed in what was called “ The Fix,” meaning box, chest, or casket ; when so deposited this box was sealed with three seals, and secured with three locks, the keys being separately kept by the Master of the Mint, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Queen’s Assayer. The pieces of coin so secured would be given to the jury to assay and compare with the trial plates, which were kept in Westminster Abbey in a strong box, the keys of which were in the custody of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Lords of the Treasury. Those trial plates would be placed before them, and they would be required to take off pieces and compare them with the value of the present coinage. After they had made their assay they would report to him (the Lord Chancellor) the results ; they would say whether the current coin of the realm corresponded in weight and value with the standard, or whether it deviated from it. The gentle- men he addressed, he was aware (having met them on former occasions), were so well acquainted with the duty they had to perform that it required no further observations from him, but he wished to state that, on the last occasion, one of the jury suggested that it was not quite consistent that the Master of the Mint, who was put upon his trial, should provide the weights and scales. That was a happy suggestion, and it had been acted upon, for other weights and scales would be at their service besides those produced by the Master of the Mint. The jury would at once proceed with the inquiry, but it was most important, for the satisfaction of the Crown and in the interests of the public, that they should be accurate. In conclusion, the noble and learned lord said he had that morning been looking over some of the papers relating to this cere- mony in order to refresh his memory, and he found amongst them a remark of one of his learned predecessors, who, in addressing the jury, shortly after the termination of post paper currency, and the country had returned to a metallic currency, said he was certain the jury would be much pleased at again seeing the face of their Sovereign in the circulating coin of the realm. He (The Lord Chancellor) need not repeat that expression, for the present coin presented a view of that amiable and illustrious personage, who was never looked upon but with delight, loyalty, and affection.. ^ 348 MEMORIALS OP THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Mr. Bateman asked when his Lordship would be pleased to receive the report of the jury ? The Lord Chancellor said he would receive it at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the evening. The total value of the gold coinage on the 12th of February 1845 was £4,404,999 6 d. The- total value of the silver coinage at the same date was £669,834. In the evening the Goldsmiths’ Company entertained his Royal Highness Prince Albert and a distinguished party of guests at Goldsmiths’ Hall. The entertainment was given on the occasion of a trial of the “ Pix,” or assay of the current coin of the realm, which takes place, as we have stated, periodically, by a jury appointed by the Goldsmiths’ Company. The Company began to sit down at half-past six, and a few minutes to seven o’clock His Royal Highness Prince Albert and the noblemen and gentlemen of his suite arrived, and were received by the Prime Warden, H. Blanshard, Esq., and the other officers of the Company, by whom they were conducted to the grand saloon, where the whole of the guests had been previously assembled. Shortly afterwards the distinguished company proceeded to the banqueting hall, the band of the Coldstream Guards, which were stationed in the gallery, playing “ The Roast Beef of Old England.” The table was loaded with a profusion of gold and silver plate, and behind the Chairman was arranged a buffet of plate, displaying a number of large and valuable shields, vases, tankards, &c. The table, which was constructed expressly for the occasion, extended the whole length of the hall, widened out at the upper end in the form of a pear, so that the principal guests were brought more immediately together. In front of the Chairman were several vases filled with exotic plants, and there was a profusion of flowers in vases distributed over the table, the centre ornament being a richly chased massive silver stand, representing the fight between St. George and the Dragon. The large glass chandelier, usually suspended from the centre of the hall, was removed, as it was supposed to interrupt and mar the effect of the coup (T cbH from either end, and in its stead were four chandeliers of smaller size, two on either side of the hall. A very novel and pleasing effect was produced by placing jets of gas outside the stained glass windows, which were thus made to throw a flood of warm and brilliant light into the body of the hall. Between the pillars opposite the windows were two very splendid paintings of her Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Albert in their state robes, the former painted by Sir George Hayter, and the latter by Mr. Melville. They had been only hung up the previous day, and attracted much notice during the evening. The gallery was filled with ladies, and the large mirrors at either end of the hall multiplied and reflected back the gay and brilliant scene, producing the effect of an endless succession of stately halls, glittering decorations, and crowded tables, and realising the oriental splendour of “Aladdin,” or the “Arabian Nights.” The chair was occupied by H. Blanshard, Esq., Prime Warden of the Company. On his right were seated His Royal Highness Prince Albert, who wore the ribbon and George {sic) of the Garter, and the Lord Chancellor ; and on his left His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge, and the Duke of APPENDIX. 349 Buccleuch. Among- the company, which consisted of about seventy, we observed Lord Wharncliffe, Lord Stanley, Lord de Grey, . Sir Robert Peel, Sir James Graham, the Earl of Liverpool, Earl De La Warr, the Duke of Buckingham, Lord Lincoln, Sir George Clerk, the Marquis of Exeter, the Marquis of Granby, Sir Thomas Fremantle, Sir George Cockburn, Lord Villiers, the Earl of Cawdor, Sir H. Wheatley, Lord Feversham, the Duke of Cleveland, Colonel Wylde, Captain Seymour, Hon. Dawson Darner, Mr. Anson, and Colonel McDonnell. The following members of the Court of the Gold- smiths’ Company were also present Wardens Ashlin, Griffin, and Garrard ; and Messrs. Chawner, Hallifax, Newbery, Haynes, Brook, Cox, Alexander, Alderman Copeland, J. B. Smith, Bateman, Twining, Bridge, Smith, Buttemer, Hayne, Brind, and Morrison ; the Deputy Master of the Mint, Bingley, the foreman and members of the Pix Jury, &c. The Chancellor of the Exchequer was prevented by indisposition from being present. REPEAL OF THE DUTIES ON GOLD AND SILVER PLATE, 1890. Communications received by the Company from the Treasury AND THE Board of Inland Revenue. “ Sir, — The Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Treasury have received from the Board of Inland Revenue a report of the arrangement made, by which the allowance of drawback on silver plate consequent upon the repeal of the duties on gold and silver plate has been carried into effect. “ My Lords are aware of the difficulties which had to be encountered in dealing with a matter requiring great judgment and delicacy of treatment, and they have read with much pleasure the testimony borne by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to the valuable assistance which they have received from leading representatives of the trade, both in devising suitable arrangements and in conducting them to a successful issue. “ The acknowledgments of their Lordships are specially due to your Court for your liberal and zealous co-operation throughout the matter, and they wish particularly to express their obligations to Mr. Prideaux for his indefatigable services, which have so materially assisted the satisfactory solution of a difficult question. “The Prime Warden of “ I am. Sir, your obedient servant, the Goldsmiths’ Company.” “ R. E. Welby.” “ Sir, — I am directed by the Board of Inland Revenue to send herewith for the information of the Prime Warden and Court of the Goldsmiths’ Company an extract from a report made by the Board to the Lords of the Treasury on the subject of the great assistance given by the Company and yourself in connection with the settlement of drawback on the repeal of the Gold and Silver Plate Duties. “ I am. Sir, “ Your obedient servant, “ W. H. Cousins, “ Secretary. “Walter S. Prideaux, Esq.” MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. 3SQ “As beforementioned the heaviest work and greatest pressure was at the Goldsmiths’ Hall in London. Had the arrangements at the Goldsmiths’ Hall been defective there would have been a very serious breakdown, and the com- plaints would have been both numerous and loud. “ The arrangements made at the Goldsmiths’ Hall by Mr. Walter S. Prideaux, the Clerk of the Company, were admirably effective, and it is impos- sible to speak too highly of the services rendered by Mr. Prideaux throughout the entire transaction. The advice given by him prior to the issue of the regu- lations, and in connection therewith, as well as his unceasing watchfulness during the operations at the Goldsmiths’ Hall was of the greatest value, and we can only express our regret that the abolition of the Plate Duty imports also a cessation of the agreeable official relations which have so long existed between Mr. Prideaux and this Department. “To Mr. Robinson, the Touch Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, a special acknowledgment is due for the great assistance he, as an expert of the highest class, so willingly and cheerfully rendered. “ The Court of the Goldsmiths’ Company were good enough to place the whole of their mechanical resources and staff at the service of the Department without any charge whatever, and also to provide gratuitously luncheons and teas for 17 of our officers who attended at the Goldsmiths’ Hall for the three days during which the plate was received and examined.” THE NAMES OF ALL THE KNOWN CLERKS OF THE COMPANY. Thomas Yokes - - - - - - 1381 Peter Goldisburgh ... - - 1412 Henry Mayour - . - - - - 148s Miles Adys . - - . - - 1491 Bromborgh - - ? William Hayes . - - - - - ? John Lamkyn . - . - - - 1531 Roger Munday - - - - - - i 55 t Ralph Robynson - - - - - - 1557 Rogers _ . - . - - 1569 Ralph Robynson (again) - - ? Richard Reade - - - - - - 1576 William Dyos . - - - - - 1598 Henry Carter .... - - 161 1 William Haselfoote . - - - 1628 John Sprakeling - - - - - - 1661 Charles Sprakeling ... - - 1683 Samuel Skinner . - - - - - 16S7 Matthew Foxall - - - - - - 1689 Humphrey Hetherington - - 1713 Thomas Banks (Assistant Clerk, 1727) - - - 1728 APPENDIX. 351 George Fair 1763 Edward Reynolds (Assistant Clerk, 1774) - - 1775 Thomas Lane 1785 John Lane (Assistant Clerk, 1812) ... 1820 Walter Prideaux 1852 Walter Sherburne Prideaux (Assistant Clerk, 1871) - 1882 ACCOUNT OF WILLIAM CHIPSTEDE SLANDERING THE WARDENS AND OTHERS BEFORE RICHARD WHITYNGTON, MAYOR OF LONDON— HIS ARREST— AND SUBSEQUENT RELEASE (a.d. 1403). Translation, Be it remembered that William Chipstede, late goldsmith of London, falsely and disloyally slandered the Wardens of the Mystery of Goldsmithery of the same City, and all the honourable Folk and the Commonalty thereof, accusing them before Richard de Whityngton, then Mayor of London, the Sheriffs and Aldermen of London, and other honourable Commoners of the said City, that all the profits and rents accruing from the tenements and rents belonging to the said Mystery, containing in the whole, as he said before the said Mayor and others aforesaid, £160 or £180 (which is false, as was openly proved before the said Mayor and Aldermen), were by the same Wardens spent in maintaining disputes, common malefactors, and false quarrels, to the hindrance and destruc- tion of the young Folk of the same Mystery, who wish to work to gain their living, and to employ Folk of other Mysteries. And afterwards the same William Chipstede, with others of his acquaintance allied with him, that is to say, Roger Osborne, William Markeby, William Litherpoole, Thomas Wylde, and Harry Burneye, arranged to have slain their Wardens of the same Mystery of Goldsmithery in their Common Hall in Fastens Lane, London, because the said Wardens treated between the honourable Folk of the Mystery of the Pelterers of the said City and the aforesaid Roger and his aforenamed companions, whereby certain of the same rebels, together with the said William Chipstede, were arrested for their rebellion. And the said Roger Osborne, contrary to the Freedom of the said City, and contrary to his oath made to the said Mystery, sued the Chancellor of England to have the said William Chipstede before the said Chancellor by a writ called Corpus cum causa. And the said Chancellor, seeing the cause, remitted it to the Sheriffs of London to be tried, according to the ordinance of the said City. And afterwards the said William Chipstede slandered his said Wardens in the Courts of the King and of the Queen concerning the aforesaid matter, on which account the Queen sent her honourable letter to the Mayor and to the Wardens aforesaid for the deliverance of the said William, as plainly appears by the copy of the said letter written below. * Pelters, Pelterers, or Skinners. 352 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Whereupon the said Richard de Whityngton then delivered the said William Chipstede, without the assent of the Wardens of the said Mystery of Gold- smithery. And moreover the said William Chipstede has renounced the said Mystery of Goldsmithery, and says openly that he does not choose to be under the govern- ment of his Wardens, nor ever to claim to be a Goldsmith, for £1000. The Copy of the Writ obtained by Roger Osborne. Henry, by the Grace of God King of England and France, and Lord of Ireland, to the Sheriffs of London, Greeting : We order you to have before us in our Chancery, on Saturday next coming, William Chipstede, arrested by you and, as it is said, detained in our prison of the aforesaid City, wherever he may then be, together with the cause of his arrest and his detention. And this by no means omit. And have there this writ. Witness myself, at Westminster, 21 April in the 8th year of our reign. The Copy of the Queen’s Letter. Very dear and well beloved : Because we have heretofore written to you, to our very dear and very entirely well beloved the Mayor of London, for the deliverance of one William Chipstede, who was imprisoned in the abovesaid City on account of a certain word that he had said in truth, as we were then informed ; Nevertheless, because we are informed at present how the said William has by no means behaved himself graciously towards you nor the masters of his art of goldsmith, whereat we are displeased because of his pride and negligence in this behalf; Nevertheless, we, desiring the good of the said William, for whom we pray you ; and for the affection which we bear to his person, we very dearly pray you that, because he is of the lineage of my very dear and very beloved chaplain. Sir John Cleseby, you will do him what pleasure and ease you can thus at all times, because of this our prayer and for love of us, that he may be delivered from prison without fine or ransom for his pride and negligence abovesaid within the abovesaid City. And therefore we shall be much obliged to you, and be more inclined at another time to do anything for your pleasure. Our Lord have you always in his most holy keeping, and give you very good and long life. Written at the Manor of Benyngton,* 28th April. EXPULSION OF JOHN CORBYN FOR MALICIOUSLY IMPLEADING AT WESTMINSTER RICHARD GEORGE AND PIERS THOROLD, LATE WARDENS OF THE COMPANY (a.d. 1419). Translation. Be it remembered that the first day of February in the 7th year of the reign of King Henry the Fifth, who now is, it was ordained and established with the assent of John Standelf, Alderman of the Ward of Farringdon Within, and * Probably a mistake for Kenyagton. APPENDIX. 353 Warden of the honourable Mystery and Company of Goldsmithery in London ; John Water, John Mabelyan, and Richard Spencer, then Wardens ; with the assent, wish, and grant of the aforesaid honourable Company, that is to say, William Fitzhugh, John Blakene, Salamon Oxney, Bartholomew Seman, John Palynge, John Wyssyngsete, John Tewkisbury, John Paake, John Hall, Robert Broune, John Walsche, John Hill, Richard Wedyall, Richard George, Piers Thorold, John Wynne, Robert Walton, William Hope, John Emond, William Walton, John Pattysle, John Martyn, William Botoun, John Hall the elder, Robert Cryngilford, John Stackenden, William Garton, John Cresbien, John Orwell, John Parker, John Colley, John Werkes, Henry Goldsmyth, Roger Warburghe, Robert Downe, Roger Aleyne, Thomas South, Thomas Brynkele, Richard Sage, Thomas Leget, William Gilbert, Thomas Hunte, Maykyn Rudlee, Roger Barneston, John Wards, John Waterle, Thomas Remy, William Ketyll, William Letherpole, William Couper, John Biernys, John Martyn, and all others belonging to the honourable Company. That John Corbyn, late Goldsmith in Chepe, shall be expelled, put out, and removed from the aforesaid Company for ever, so that the said John Corbyn shall never have the Livery, nor St. Dunstan’s alms, nor any other benefit belonging to the aforesaid Company. And that no one of the aforesaid honourable Company shall sell or buy, nor deal in any manner, private or open, with the said John Corbyn. And the brokers of the aforesaid Company shall not show to him or sell any manner of thing belonging to the said Mystery, on pain of losing their office for ever. And if any of the aforesaid Company do the contrary, and it be proved, let him incur the penalty aforenamed. And, further, let all men know and hear the cause of the aforewritten ordi- nance. First, the aforesaid John Corbyn, with the assent of William Sherbourne, John Carlell, and others of their Company, maliciously and falsely prosecuted and impleaded Richard George and Piers Thorold at Westminster before my Lord of Bedford, then Lieutenant of England, for divers matters and trespasses which the aforesaid Richard and Piers were alleged to have committed against the aforesaid John Corbyn during the past year; in which year the said Richard and Piers were Wardens, with their companions Bartholomew Seman and Robert Walton Wardens in the same year ; so that the matter was pleaded to an issue called nisi prtus at St. Martin’s Church. At which time and place the aforesaid parties pleaded by their counsel ; and, at the suit of the aforesaid John Corbyn, before William Cheyne, Justice of our Lord the King’s Bench, there being present Richard Whetyngton, then Mayor of London, with Barton, the Recorder of London, William Waldern, Henry Barton, Robert Chechely, John Standelf, Aldermen of London, William Botiller, Sheriff of London, and many others, the inquest was called to decide between the parties ; at which time the aforesaid Corbyn was nonsuited of his plea, and would not wait for the verdict. And before this time the aforesaid John Corbyn was found to be false before g 4021. ^ 3S4 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. William Sevenokes, Mayor of London the year before, as appears in the Guild- hall of London by a recognisance by which the aforesaid John Corbyn is bound. The said John Corbyn, like a false and attainted man, brought a Writ from Westminster to take the matter out of the hand of the aforesaid Mayor, to the great reproof and slander of the aforesaid honourable Company. For which trespasses, falsenesses, and wrongs, the aforesaid honourable Company have ordered and established the before-written points. And the aforesaid Mayor and his Aldermen, for the falseness committed by the aforesaid John Corbyn, which is proved, have deprived him by judgement of his freedom. JOHN CHESTER ORDERED NOT TO WEAR THE LIVERY FOR A MONTH FOR SAYING THAT CORBYN HAD BEEN BADLY TREATED— WILLIAM SHERBOURNE PUNISHED FOR THE LIKE OFFENCE (a.d. 1419). Translation. Also a remembrance made that the same day and year aforesaid John Chester, Goldsmith in Cheap, being at the same assembly in Goldsmiths’ Hall with all the honourable Company afore rehearsed, there said how that Corbyn and' his fellows were falsely done unto, and falsely and untruly they were prisoned ; for which words and saying he made means unto the Wardens and unto the Company for to make amends for his trespass, the which Wardens made an assembly for the same cause. And then the Monday after the vth day of February in year aforesaid he came unto the Hall afore the Wardens and afore all the Worshipful Company, and there he put him in award openly of the aforesaid Wardens. The which Wardens at that time, by assent of all the Company, made an award that he should kneel amidst the Hall on both his knees and ask them and all the Company forgiveness of that he had mis-said and done. The which John Chester prayed them that he might so do, and there openly he cried them mercy and openly beknevv that he had mis-said. For which trespass and mis-saying the Wardens, by assent of all the Company, judged that the aforesaid John Chester should not wear, nor use, nor have upon him no wise, the last Livery of Goldsmiths from that day unto that day a month next suing. And thereto he agreed him, and thanked them all. And then within three days suing the same John Chester, as a rebel and an untrue man, did the contrary, and brake their award which that he had agreed him to, and within the same iij or iiij days went openly in Cheap in the same Clothing. For which doing he was openly reproved and attaint, though he made new means unto the Wardens for to make amends for his trespass, for which trespass he is judged to cry mercy and to put him in award. Which award was that he should not wear his Livery of the Craft from that day unto Easter Day next suing. Whereupon he swore on a book to keep well and truly. And also the same John Chester took the Wardens by the hands, and after them Richard George and Piers Thorold, and swore on a book openly afore all the Company that he from APPENDIX. 3 SS that day forth should never sue, avex, nor in no wise grieve the aforesaid Richard and Piers, nor none of their fellows, of thing’s that had been done before. Nor that he should never maintain nor help John Corbyn, nor with him in no wise deal nor maintain. Also William Sherbourne, the Friday suing’ the ixth day of February, came unto the Hall afore these Wardens and afore all the Worshipful Company, and there he put him in award of the Wardens and of all the Company of that he had vexed Richard George and Piers Thorold, and also maintained John Corbyn against the Company. The which Wardens, with assent of all the Com- pany there being present, judged that he from that day forth should never sue nor vex the aforesaid Richard nor Piers, nor none of ther fellow Wardens, openly nor privily; nor in no wise maintain nor favour John Corbyn, which that is fore- judged of his franchise by the Mayor and his Aldermen, and, by as sent of all the Worshipful Company, demised and put out of all good fellowship and fore- judged from all the benefits of the Craft. And thereupon the aforesaid William Sherbourne hath by his own good will swore on a book, in so far forth, that if the same William Sherbourne be found or proved doing the contrarye, that then the same William Sherbourne shall never have no benefit of the Craft, but for evermore be put out of the Company without any grace. And thereupon he took the aforesaid Richard George and Piers Thorold by the hands, and kissed them thrice in full record of peace. CASE OF A REBELLIOUS APPRENTICE THREATENING TO KILL HIS MASTER— HIS ARREST— EXAMINATION BY THE WAR- DENS— AND PUNISHMENT (a.d. 1419). Hit is to remembre how that in the begynnyng of Aprill, the thrid yeer of Kyng Harry the Sixt, John Hilles, Citezein and Goldsmyth of London, had on John Richard to his apprentis ; the which apprentis, for divers grete offences and trespaces that he had done to his mayster, the same John Hilles wold have chas- tised hym, as reson and the comone usage is of apprentis to be chastised by her maystres whan they trespace. The which apprentis, seying that his maister wold have chastised hym and rewlid hym as reson wold, of verrey malice and cursidnes as an obstinat apprentis to his maister went up forthwith on a staire out of the shoppe, beryng with hym a short spere, the whiche he hid in the kychyn, imagy- nyng to kille his maister; the which spere servyd to opene and to shutte the windowys of the shoppe. And whan he had so do he come doun a yen, and in the myddes of the stayre he reviled his maister fyl dispitously andungoodly, and seid to hym “ come on now, for it is hy tyme, and I have ordeyned for the ; and as I mote be saved thou shalt never come in to this chambre.” And his maister, consideryng that tyme his cursidnesse and how he was proposed to kille hym, for to eschewe all maner perill of bothe sides fair and wele, went out of his hous, and ordeyned so that the same apprentis was anone arestid and brought in to the Countour, wher as h[e was] unto the tyme that the Wardeyns of the Craft of Goldsmythes sent for hym to knowe the mater and rewle it to an ... . ende, as z 2 3S6 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. hit falleth for hem to do by her priveleges and custumes, to correcte the trespaces and defautes done within the same Craft; for the seyd John Hilles had playnyd unto hem on his apprentis, and told hem all the matere abovesaid. And after about the last ende of May the seid apprentis was sent fore to apere byfor John Palyng, Richard Whithihale, William Rus, and Piers Brendewode, the Wardeyns of the same Craft, in presence of his seid maister and of John Pake, Piers Thorold, John Edmond, John Walssh, William Walton, John Cryngilford, John Boton, John Teukesbury, Richard Spencer, John Wissyngsete, and John Leget, Goldsmythes; and there the seid John Hilles was examyned, and he playned hym there openly on his apprentis, rehersyng his untrouth and unbuximnesse and how he wold have killed hym, as hit is byfor rehersid. And the apprentis was also examyned in the same matere, what he seid therto, and how he wold excuse hym ; and, in presence of the seid Wardeyns and all the Worshipful Folke above seid, the apprentis cowde notwithsey that his mayster put uppon hym, but openly knowlechid that he bere the seid wepyn in to the kychyn redy to defende him with ayens his maister as wele as he cowde. Upon whiche knowlech the seid Wardeyns and Felawship seyd yn that the same apprentis was foul defectif, and askid hym how he wold acquyte hym and make amendys to his maister ; and he seid he had no good, ne he wyst never how to make amendis, but he desired to have servyd another man of the same craft. And the Wardeyns cowde none finde that hym wolde have, and so he was remytted ayen to the Countour at that tyme, to be better avysed ayens the next day that he were sent fore. And, after, the seid Wardeyns examyned his maister in presence of worshipfull men of the same Craft, askying hym whethir he wold have his service ayen or not. And he answerd “ Nay.” And at the next day that the apprentis come bifore the seid Wardeins thei asked hym how he was avised, and what he wold do, and if he had founde any wey how he myght make his pees with his maister; and he said he wist not howe; and tho the seid Wardeyns (consideryng the grete falsnesse, rebellyng, and cursidnesse of the seid apprentis, the whiche myght turne to un- doyng and evill ensample of many another apprentis ayens her maistres in the same craft, and in other also, but if it had be dewly remedied) askid the seid apprentis, by the desire and askynge of his maister, whethir he wold forswere the craft and the toun but if it w'ere agest wyse, or abide stil in prison til he had ordeyned such wey and such frenship that myght fynde sufhciaunt seurtes and make sufficiant amendes to his maister for the trespas aboveseid ; and bad hym chese which he wold do of this at his own perill, and not another day to acuse ne defame the Wardeyns ne the goodmen of the Craft what ever fill of hym, seyng that thei constreyned hym ther to, but that at his owne choys he shold chese and advise hym wele what he wold do. And at the last by his owne will and propre assent he chas to foreswere the craft and the toun. And moreover John Walssh and John Fynk the yonger, Citezeins and Goldsmythes of the same Citee, re- corded openly with the maister that it was trewe that the maister seid ayens the apprentis. And there the seid John Hilles delyverid to his apprentis xxr. that he had in kepyng to his use, and all his clothes and aray, and also delivered unto the seid Wardeyns the endenture of his apprentishood. And therupon the seid Wardeyns, by good deliberacion and assent of the worthi men afore nempned, APPENDIX. 357 and also the chois of the seid apprentis, ordeyneden, and awarded, and yaf for jug^gement that the seid apprentis shold forswere the seid craft and the toun, not for to dwelle theryn ; upon peyne that, if ever he used the seid craft and dwelled in London, his endenture of apprentishode shold be delivered ayen to his maister, he for to take his axion and clayme ayens hym without any allegance or con- dicion, in all maner wise as hole and eflfectuely as he had, and myght have had, the day that he did the trespas to hym, notwithstondyng anythyng afterward done by the Wardeyns. A DEBATE BETWENE GOLDSMYTHES AND BOCHERS FOR THEIR STONDYNG IN CHEPE, UT PATET TEMPORE JOHANNIS GEDNEY, MAIORIS, ANNO HENRICI Vltu vjto. (a.d. 1426). Remembraunce made the thir day of November, the yere of Oure Lorde God M'CCCCxvij, and the sixte yere of the regne of Kyng Harry the sixte, that how of holde custume of the Worshipfull Cite of London the Craftes of the saide Citee hav used to ride withe the Maires of the same Citee to the paleys of West- minster atte Othe Takyng of the Maires, and fro thens to the Citee ridyng ayen, and the Craftes ridyng afore the Maire, when they come in Chepe every Crafte, eche be other hovyng, a hors bak abidyng tille the Maire ride thurgh hem. And of olde tyme the Goldsmythes of the saide Citee, whan of ther Craft is no Mayr, they have used to hove and to stonde above the Cros of Chepe afore the Gold- smythe Row, withoute eny forstallyng or stondyng afore of eny other Craftes ; tille nowe late hit fill that in the moneth of the Apostels Symond and Jude last past (John Gedney, Draper, than beyng Mayer) as the saide Goldsmythes rode afore hym comyng in to Chepe for to ha hoved and stonde in the place afore- saide, as they have used tyme oute of a mynde, kam the Bochers of the same Citee and hoved in the place there, as the saide Goldsmythes were wonyd to stonde, and for no prayer of the Wardeyns of the saide Goldsmythes the saide Bochers wolde not voide ; were thurgh hit happyd that ther fill chaunce medle and stryfe amonge hem, for the whiche stryfe the seade Bochers compleynyd hem to the saide John Gedney, Mayr; and submytted hem high and lowe to stonde atte hys jugement and award. And the Mayr sente for the Wardeyns of Goldsmythes and tolde hem of the complaynt of the Bochers, and how they had submytted hem to stonde to his award, and axed the Goldsmythes yf they wolde do the same. And the Wardeyns of the Goldsmythes answerid the Mayr and seyd that they wolde be rewled highe and lowe atte hys award, knowyng well hys discrecion substanciall, wyse, and rightful!. Whereon the saide Mayer, the day of the Comemoracion of all Sowles, in hys parisshe Cherche of Seynt Cristofores next the Stokkys (as well the Wardeyns of Goldsmythes as the Wardeyns of the Bochers beyng present afore hym), the mater of every partye herde and consideryd, the saide Mayer awardyd that the Craft of Goldsmythes fro hens foward shulde rajoyse here stondyng in the same place as they have usyd of olde tyme, and chargyd the Wardeyns of bothe Craftes aforesaide to 358 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. take eche other be the handys in signe of love and pees ; and so they dede, and charged hem that alle thynges afore doo shulde be no more spoke of, but every Craft to love and cherisse other as they owyd to doo. ROBERT BOSON (OR BOSOM) REVILES THE WARDENS— HIS PUNISHMENT (a.d. 1434). Be it to remembre pat where Robert Boson, Citecein and Goldsmyth of London, vilenously and with malicious, sclaundrous, and heynous wurdis revylid and lyed John Pattyslee, on off the Wardeynis of pe Craft of Gold- smythis of London, and also on of the Aldermen of sayd Cite ; as it was en- fourmyd to John Sutton, John Waryn, Robert Boteler, pre of pe remnaunt of pe Wardeynis of pe said Craft, and to manye opere worpy men of pe same Craft there, pe xiij day of March, pe xiiij yeer of pe regne of Kyng Henry pe syxte after pe Conquest, in the parysch of Seynt John Zakarye of London, in pe Goldsmythis Halle pere ; pe seyde Wardeynys did do come afore hem pe seyde Robert Boson, and pere examnyd hym in presense of many worpy and goode men of pe same Craft of pe said malicious, sclaundrus, and haynous wordis, with revylyng and lying ; pe whiche pe said Robert agen seid not pe said wordis revylyng and lying ; wher uppon, panne and pere, it was axid by pe seyd pre Wardeynys, John Sutton, John Waryn, and Robert Boteler, and oper worpy men of pe said Craft, if he wolde submitte hym and putte him in awarde, ordinaunse, and determinacion and doom of pe saide John Sutton, John Waryn, and Robert Boteler, with pe assent and pe avyce of oper goode men of pe Cumpani afore seid, for pe seide offense doon ; pe same Robert Boson panne and pere submyttid, and putte hym to stonde and obeye to pe warde, ordinaunse, determinacion, and dome of pe said John Sutton, John Waryn, Robert Boteler, with pe assent and good avyce of pe good men of pe seid Cumpanye, for pe offense afforeseid; panne afterward pe same day affore seid, atte said Goldsmythis Halle, first considerid pe said vilounous, malicious, sclaundrus, and haynous wordis, with revylyng and lying afforesaid, don to pe said John Pattyslee of pe Wardeynis aforesaid, souninge in to gret vilonye of pe said John Pattyslee and of all pe said Cumpanye, and moche pe more pat he was stondynge Alderman at pe same tyme and is yit, and also for pe same Robert Boson, nouper non oper of pe same Craft, scholde her- after be so presoumtuous and so bold for to do such maner offense aforesaid, the said John Sutton, John Waryn, Robert Boteler, by assent and good avj'ce of many goode men of pe Cumpanye aforesaid, warde, ordeyne, determine, and deme pat pe saide Robert Boson from hens forward schal nought have, ne were, pe clopyng of pe Craft affore said; nor were pe clopying of pe same Craft last passid, nor pat no brocour of pe said Craft schal beie nor selle with hym as with a fre man of pe same Craft, nor he schal have pe benafactis of pe same Craft; and more over pat pe same Robert Boson schal paie to pe APPENDIX. 359 almes of Seynt Dunston, in reffreschyng’ and relevyng of ]>e pore almes men of )>e Broj^erhed of Seynt Donston, xx'*, sauyng grace of hys good amendyng and beryng. xix die Apprilis, anno Henrici sexti xiiij°, per donata ad v'' . ACCOUNT OF SEARCHES AT WESTMINSTER AND SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S (a.d. 1435). De Executione per 'j It is to remember that the xvjth day of August, the year of ^0 I Henry the vjth after the Conquest the xiiijth, John Pake, xiiijo Henf. yjti. j Richard Spenser, Thomas Long, and William Mowbray, being Wardens for the same year, went to Westminster for to search false workers there; and there they found a false boy that was sometime apprentice with Richard Wynter in Southwark, and there they found him working laten bonds and copper bonds for masers, for notes, and for horns, to the number of ix or X at once. And they, by the will and assent of the Abbot, had with them the Archdeacon and the Searcher to his shop, and there they clipped them in gobetts every one, and there the party was put out of his house, and his tool forfeited and borne away forthwith to the Searcher’s house, and his door locked and sealed in, and himself judged to sit in the stocks by judgement of the Archdeacon of the same place. Also it is to remember that the xxth day of April, the xvth year of King Henry above written, the said Wardens went to Saint Bartholomew’s, and there they spake with the Prior of the same place, of such untrue workers that they were inhabited in the same place, the which the Priour knew not. And while the Priour and the Wardens stood together came on John Trimlias, that was sometime a good workman of gold- smiths’ craft, and there the Priour commanded him to come with him and with the Wardens for to bring them to his chamber. And when they came there he would not let them in, and the Priour made him to deliver his key to him, and then they went in ; and there they found divers bonds of laten, the which were cut in gobettes forthwith, and also there was found a piece in the bed- straw the which was copper and silvered above, the which was likely for to have been sold for good silver. And while that this was adoing the said false harlot stole away out of the place, and else he had been set in the stocks. De Executione per ' Guardianos apud Sanctum Bartho- lomeum, anno xvo Henr. vjti. THE OFFENCES OF WALTER PRATA, APPRENTICE OF JOHN LINCOLN (a.d. 1438). These be the points which that Walter Prata, apprentice of John Lincoln, Goldsmith, hath done to his master, wherefore the same Walter was by his own knowledge convict, and foreswore the City, and if he were ever found in the City to be justified after the law of the City : — First, he acknowledged that no man should take him an ounce of silver to weigh that he would not take iij or iiij penny-weight thereof. 360 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Also, thereas the same John Lincoln took him thing’ wrought of gold to the turner’s, when he came home therewith there failed of the weight iiij^. Also, thereas the same John Lincoln sent him with a noble to change, when he came home there failed vij'*. Also, the same John sent the same Walter to Tyse with gilt silver, when he came home there failed the weight of x**. Also, thereas the same John took William Faunt, his servant, a pair basins gilt for to lete them up in colouring, and he bad the aforesaid Walter make a fire ; and for unlust and evil will he would no fire make, but took away the basins while the same William was at his dinner, and the same Walter lit them up himself till the gold went away. Also, the same Walter took a swage of gold weighing iij ounces out of the tye of the foresaid William Faunt, and kept it three days that no man wist were it was, till at last that servants in the shop had suspicion uppon the same Walter; and then the same Walter came to Henry Goldsmith, servant of the same John, and said, “ Henry, lo ! I have hid this swage sithin Saturday, and I pray you, Henry, say ye that ye found it, for to excuse me, that ye might make the aforesaid William pay a pennyworth ale for the finding and in this wise he made much disease among the men, and then thereupon the said Henry came and told it to his master, and to the foresaid William, all this matter. Also, the same Walter went to Hert, jeweller, upon the Bridge, and borrowed a cup of silver on his master’s name, without witting of his master, and what he did therewith his master cannot say. Also, he took away his master’s sal armoniak and saltpetre for to make a water of, and proferred to a man xj. for to learn to make it. Also, he counterfeited the key of his master’s counter chamber and of his chest, of which he confessed him that his intent was to have taken cups of gold and of silver gilt, and gone away into Flanders with John Susse, Fleming; and there openly he confessed him to his master, to Richard Francis, and to all the men. Also, he counterfeited the key of William Faunt’s chamber, and went in and did all that him lust, the which key after was found in the bedstraw of the same Walter. Also, when the men of the same John Lincoln be at their meat, the same Walter went into the shop and wash the ashes of the hearth, and picked out the grains both of gold and silver. Also, many other things there be that the men of the house know that he hath done, and they be examined thereof they can tell wherefore that he is not worthy to be no Goldsmith. APPENDIX. 361 EXPERIENS OF AN INCONVENIENS THAT FELL IN THE CITE OF PARYS, XXIIIJ YERE PASSED AND MORE (a.d. 1444). For Aliant Straungers and Duchemen and others. The Kyng of Fraunce and all the Lordes of that Realme for the moste partie resorted dayly to the Cite of Parys, wherefore straungers which were notable werkmen resorted and cam thider, and were gretely cherisshed with the Kyng and the Lordes ; whereuppon all maner of straungers resortid thidir gretely to have connyng of the said werkmen straungers, and thei served theym a yere or ij for noght, to have their connyng. And so ther resorted thidir so many that thei hadde connyng to sette up shopes and chaumbres to serve the Lordes so grete in nombre that the Citezins Parisians, which been called here Frensshmen, toke grete displesure, because that the said straungers hadd the dominacion of the grete werkes. And the said straungers thought that the Rialte of the Kynges Highnes was so grete and so fre that they myght quietly have enjoyed their dwellyng and libertees withoute eny interupcions of the said Parisians ; whereuppon the Parisians ensembled togiders and seid they hadde lyver dye than suffre it. Than were there vj straungers, the notablest werkemen called at that tyme that were in any Cristyn londe ; and they undirstondyng the mischeves lykly to fall, and dredyng the murdre and manslawther that be the common langage and presumpcion wold have hapned amongest theym (of which vj ther were iij brethern, called the Sharpe Swerdys Reynkyn van Harlom, Graunt Gosson, and Arnold van Dommel) — they counselled togiders howe they myght eschewe this murdre and manslaughter that was lyke to have fall, and drewe theym togiders with the Parisians to make a rule and an ordinaunce as hereaftir followith. And so the Parisians and the straungers condicended upon these poyntes and ordinaunces all in one from that day forthward, that is to witte : — That no maner man straunger, what soever he were, shuld sette uppe hows or chambre within the seid cite but if he were passed the age of xxiiij yere; and more ovir they shulde serve a maister Parisian or Duchman within the same cite by the space of iiij yere, of what age soever he were, or (before) that he shulde sette up any hows or chambre. And that don he shuld com to the Maisters of the Craft and gyve theym knowlege therof, and shewe with whom he had served ; and the maister shulde be send for to knowe if he hadde doon trewly his servys, or no. And ovir this if he hadde don so, and were amytted by the Maisters, and wolde intende or presume to take a shop or chambyr, he shuld forthwith bryng inn ij sufficiant suertees to be bounde for ij yere for his trought, that the parties shulde be answerd of theyr golde and sylver, and pay to the Craft at the tyme of his admission a marke weight of silver. And theruppon theise ordinaunces and constitucions made and ingrosed, they durst not stablissh theym to tyme they had licence and graunt of the Kyng and Lordes of his Counseill inn wrytyng undir sealle. Inasmoche as they were aggreed hereyn the Kyng and his Lordes graunted theym theyr lettyr and sealle, and so it contynewed and was kepte aftir the same maner and forme many yeres. 362 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. And straung-ers ag-ed resorted to the cite, seyng- these rules and ordinaunces, and undirstondyng that they moste serve iiij yeres with othir charges, as is afore- seid, departed thens, and said they hadde lever lese it and go their wey, and so they dyd ; and thus within the space of iij yeres they voydid so sore that ther was scant one man straunger that durst take uppon hym to take up hous or chambir; so they minisshed awey within a short tyme that when they had grete werkes to make for lordes or estates they sent into othir londes for werkemen. THE ASSAY MASTER— QUESTIONS AS TO HIS FITNESS, HE HOLDING A SIMILAR OFFICE AT THE MINT IN THE TOWER. Tuesdaye the ixth daye of Julie 1566. ' Mr. Clerke, ) Mr. Langley. Mr. Harryson. Mr. Muschampe. Also the same tyme Richard Rogers, j^e Comen Assayer, and Thomas Tuttie, his deputie, were sworne for the just execucion of their office. But for-as-muche as ])e said Comen Assayer at this present serveth the Queenes Majestie, by commission in Her Graces Mynte within )ie Tower of London ; which office, as well at thassayes makyng before fe Queenes Majesties most honourable Counsell in pe Star Chamber at Westminster, or elsewhere, as also in all other controversies arysyng within fe same office concernyng assayes makyng, hathe alwayes from tyme to tyme bene tryed and judged by fe Assayemaister of this Companie ; and, if occasion of any suche tryall should nowe aryse, for j)at he beynge Asayemaister in bothe offices should in executynge pe said tryall of necessitie be his owne judge, not without greate suspicion of partialitie; and further for fat fe Queenes Majestie and her most honorable Counsell, under- standynge fe unadvised circumspeccion and uncircumspect advisement of this Companie in reteynynge suche a unmeete and suspect officer, might justly (to fe greate reproche of this Companie, and hasard of fe corporacion of fe same), charge this fellowshippe with lacke of due consyderacion in this behalf; therefore, before fe said Comen Assayer was admitted to his othe, this case, beynge propounded by Mr. Warden Fyssher, was by him and ]>e rest above writen largely and pitthely debated. And in fe ende it was thought good by them all fat this case should be opened to Sir Martine Bow'es, and his good advice requiered therein for fe indempnitie of this Companie; to fe intent fat on fe next quarter daye Mr. Wardens and thassistentes of this Companie maye fully determine whether he, servynge in fe Mynte as aforesaid, maye be thought a fytt and an indifferent man to continue Assayemaister to this Companie or not, and there opon by them further order to be taken accordyngly. APPENDIX. 363 THE ORDER FOR THE MASTERPIECE (November 4th, 1607). At this Court was read openly in the Hall to all the Company the order for the masterpiece ; and thereupon it was ordered that the same should be entered in the Court book in form following : — “Whereas of late times, through the negligence and want of industrie in most of the workmen of this Company, the true practise of the art and mystery of goldsmithy is not only grown into great decaye, but also dispersed into many parts ; so as now very few workmen are able to finish and perfect a piece of plate singularly, with all the garnishings and parts thereof, without the help of many and several hands. Which inconvenience is grown in this Company by reason that many of the idler sort betake themselves to the sole practice and exercise of one slighte and easy part of the said mystery; that is to say, some to be only hammermen, who for the most part do also fail in the general manage and use thereof, and make it their whole practise to work nothing but only bell saltes, or only belles, or only casting bottles, or some such only thing and nothing else ; others, some to planish, some to grave and chase, some others to be spoon- makers, and some to be badge makers. And by such their own unskilfulness and wilful ignorance is also of late required and crept in the use and help of sun- dry inferior handy crafts, and pewterers, founders, and turners for the perfecting of divers works, to the great scandal and disgrace of this Mystery; whereas in truth every perfect workman ought to be skilful in all, and able to begin and end his own work himself, as in times past it hath been. Forasmuch, therefore, as the suffrance of this negligence to grow on will in time not only decay all good workmanship, and be a means to bring aliens’ and strangers’ workmanship in better reputation and request than that of our own nation, but also will in the end disolve or mightily decay the whole mystery ; it is, therefore, at this Court ordered and agreed that from henceforth no workman, foreigner, nor son of any freeman of this City, nor other goldsmith that shall betake himself to be a work- man, nor no workman’s apprentice of this Mystery, either of gold or silver, after he shall be admitted to the freedom or sworne to the ordinances of this Com- pany, shall be allowed to have Assay and Touche within Goldsmiths’ Hall, or shall be suffered to keep open shop wherein to work for himself as a workmaster, before such time as, by the nomination and appointment of the four Wardens of this Mystery for the time being, he have made and wrought within the workhouse newly erected in Goldsmiths’ Hall aforesaid such a complete piece of work, commonly called a masterpiece, to be begun and finished by himself without the help and instruction of any other, as that for the workmanship of such piece he shall be by the view and judgement of the four Wardens for the time being and two skilful workmen of the same Mystery, to be by the said Wardens yearly nominated and chosen for that purpose, adjudged and declared to be a perfect and skilful workman, and so recorded. And it is further ordered that all work- masters of this Company who at this time do keep any apprentices shall instruct them, or cause them with the help of others so to be instructed, as that they may be able to obtain the commendation of good workmanship, as also deserve to have the Assay and Touch and all other benefits of this Company.” 364 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. RESIGNATION OF HENRY CARTER, THE CLERK, AND APPOINT- MENT OF WILLIAM HASELFOOTE TO THAT OFFICE— THE CLERK’S DUTIES AND EMOLUMENTS. Wednesday the xxijnd of April 1629. Sir Hugh Middleton, Bart. Mr. Gravett, Mr. Ledam, Mr. Hooke, Mr. E. Rolfe, > Wardens. Cf O Mr. Morrell. Mr. Williams. Mr. Croshawe. Mr. Hawes. Mr. Haynes. Mr. Cooper. Mr. W. Terrey. o o Mr. Sympson. Mr. Gibbon. Mr. Wheeler. Mr. Acton. Mr. Cutt. Mr. Dodson. Mr. W. Rolfe. At this Court, according to an order of the last Court of Assistants, it is ordered that the passages and the proceedings in the surrender of the Clerk’s place by Mr. Carter, and the electing of William Haselfoote into the said Clerk- ship, be here entered, together with the note of directions for the Clerk, and the rates of the fees, according as the same are now read, which are as followeth, vizt. : — Thursday, the 19th day of February 1628, there was a Court of Assistants held, and there amongst other things Mr. Henry Carter, then Clerk of the Company, did move concerning himself and his office of Clerkship, alleging his good service past to the Company and his then present weakness, how that for want of his health he was not able to supply his office of Clerkship any longer; he then entreating the Court that they would be pleased that he might nominate unto them 2 sufficient, able men to be put in election for his office of Clerkship ; for whom he affirmed that he would undertake for the sufficiency and ability of either of them to supply the said office. Which his motion and request the Court took into their consideration, and they resolved amongst themselves that before they would accept of any to be nominated or preferred by him or any other, or proceed to any new election, Mr. Carter should first freely resign up his Clerkship unto the Court. These things being thus considered of by the Court of Assistants, Mr. Carter was called in, and then Mr. Wardens delivered the determination and pleasure of the Court concerning his resignation of his office, which first by him was to be done before they would enter into the nomination of any for that office ; which Mr. Carter did freely yield unto, and surrendered up the place. Then, after his surrender, the Company did bethink them of 2 fit men which they would nominate to bee in election, and Mr. Carter was admitted to nominate 2 others. So the parties nominated by the Company was Mr. Thomas Smyth and Mr. Thomas Clarke, and Mr. Carter nominated Mr. William Haselfoote and Mr. Edward Mabb, which had formerly been petitioners unto the Company. Then the parties in nomination were called in before the Court, and three of them presented themselves before them, the other being absent. And then APPENDIX. 36s Mr. Wardens in the behalfe of the Court declared unto them the pleasure of the Court; that, upon whomsoever of them the office of Clerkship should fall by election, they must not expect it to be unto them for term of life or years, but that they would make a new election yearly of a new Clerk, as of new Wardens, and so from year to year at the Company’s good will and pleasure, and upon their good liking of him to retain him, or upon their dislike of him to remove him. And, further, that all they which were to be put in nomination must likewise take notice that, concerning the fees and rates formerly had and taken by any other Clerks, the new Clerk to be elected must not grounde himself upon any former precedents touching the rates of them upon the information of any man, but must be content to stand to the fees and rates in all things pertaining to his office as they shall be set down and allowed by a Court of Assistants. All which cautions they did particularly take notice of, and were all willing to submit them- selves unto, and also to performe all such duties and services as appertained to that office as by a Courte of Assistants at any time should be thought fit to be done. Then the Court proceeded to the election of a new Clerk by writing down the names of the 4 parties aforesaid, and in conclusion the choice and election fell upon Mr. William Haselfoote (15 hands to 7 amongst them all). It was also further agreed by the Court of Assistants, by way of balloting, that the new elected Clerk should not have his oath ministered unto him until the Company had agreed upon the fees and the rates to be by him taken in his office, according to a table to be agreed upon by a Court of Assistants. After this, the i8th day of March 1628, there did meet 10 of the 14 Com- mittees appointed by a Court of Assistants, to take into consideration, according to their discretions, the rating of the fees and duties of all things con- cerning the office of the new Clerk lately elected, to be set downe ; and also such personal duties for him to observe and perform in his service to the Company as were mentioned in a paper written by Mr. Carter’s direction, which was read before the Court of Assistants and presented by them both, and is as followeth, vizt. : — “Directions for the Clerk. “ First, he shall with all carefulness observe the oath by him taken to the Company. “When the new Wardens take place yearly he shall make a little book con- taining these several titles: — ‘Presentments,’ ‘Freemen,’ ‘Fynes,’ ‘Receipts,’ ‘ Payments ’ ; which book he shall then deliver to the youngest Warden, and therein make entries at the several Courts under the several titles aforesaid, and therein enter the receipts and payments at those Courts ; and the Clerk to keep the like book of entries. “When the new Wardens are sworne he is then to minister the oathes to the Assayer, the Beadle, and himselfe in the new Wardens’ presence. “ He is to call to the Graver of the punchions for the new letter of the year ensuing, and for the old punchions and letter of the year past from the Assayer, which are then to be delivered unto the new Wardens. 366 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. “ Within few days after, he is to have ready written in parchment an inventory of all the Company’s plate, and such other things of the Company’s, and dis- tresses, as remain in the custody of the present Wardens, to which new inventory the then new youngest Warden is to put his hand. “ In August he is to attend the Wardens and Assistants in his gown and hood to search in Lombard Street, Cheapside, and Foster Lane. Upon Bartholomew Day he is to attend them likewise to search in Bartholomew Fair. “And in September to search the Lady Fair in Southwark. “ In September the 2 youngest Wardens, the 2 Renters, the Clerk, and Beadle are to go to Woolwich, with a preacher to make a sermon there, according to the Will of Sir Martyn Bowes, Knight. “ In November, 3 days before or after St. Martin’s Day, he is to attend the Wardens and Assistants to St. Mary Wolnothes Church in Lombard Street, there to have another sermon for Sir Martyn Bowes ; and there the Renters to pay money to the churchwardens, and also to pay the Wardens and Assistants, the Clerk, and Beadle, and Almsmen present at the said sermon, according to the Renters’ book ; and Mr. Thomas Bowes to be invited to dinner against that day. “ In the same month of November, called the Quarter Day, all the Company is to be warned to the Hall by the Beadle, in which day the Wardens and Assis- tants are to choose Renters for the year ensuing, and to read some few ordi- nances to the Company in the Hall ; and on the same day they are to choose 2 Auditors for the accounts of the Wardens and Renters, and 2 of the former Auditors for the year past to be spared, and the number of 4 Auditors to be always complete. “ In the end of the year of the precedent Renters he is to call to them for their books of receipts and payments, tallys, and acquittances of the Company’s rents, and thereupon make their account, which is to be audited before Christmas ; but sometimes it is deferred till Candlemas term. And he is to make the like books and deliver to the succeeding Renters. “ On the Renters’ feast day, in his other gown, he is to attend the Renters’ wives in the great chamber to welcome the ladies and other their women guests. And, when dinner is upon the table, the Clerk with the carver are to go into the great chamber to entreat the ladies and gentlewomen to come to dinner, and to have a special care that they be duly placed. And, about the middle of dinner, he is to usher the Renters’ wives to the 3 tables in the Hall to bid the guests welcome. “ On the day that the new Wardens take their oathes and places, at which time the Wardens and Assistants are to be here with the Aldermen and 8 Fish- mongers, the Clerk to have a special care that all the Fishmongers be placed at the upper table. And about a week before the 2 youngest Wardens to be at- tended to invite the Fishmongers to that dinner. “The Clerk is to attend the Wardens, Assistants, and Livery to all funerals ; the Mayor and Sheriffs on the Lord Mayor’s Day to Westminster and St. Paul’s Church ; and the Wardens at Christmas and Easter to the Mayor and Sheriffs. “ In March he is to put the Wardens in mind of the View Day, and to attend them in his cloak. APPENDIX. 367 “ Shortly after the new Wardens take their places he is to call to the youngest old Warden for his book of entries, and all bills and acquittances, and thereby make the Wardens’ account. “One month before Saint Dunstanes Day, which is about the 19th of May, the Wardens and Assistants are to choose new Wardens for the year ensuing. “ Between Christmas and Candlemas the old Renters are to go with the new Renters to show them the Company’s lands, which is called the Renters’ Posses- sion Day. “ He is every month to acquaint the Wardens what moneys are due upon bonds ; and if either the principal or any of the sureties die, or decay, or dwell out of London, then the money is to be paid in within a month ; and no sureties are to be accepted but such as are freemen, and dwelling in London, and no Goldsmiths. “ He is often to put the Wardens in mind that they search, and also that ac- cording to the ordinance they search in the country. “ He is to make several inventories of all such goods of the Company’s as are remaining in the several custodies of the Assayer, the Beadle, the Weigher, and himself, whereby they may be severally charged. “ At every Court of Assistants the ballot box and hammer are to be brought in, and he is to read the Court of Assistants before. “ At Christmas, Our Lady Day, Midsummer, and Michaelmas, there is to be distributed by the Wardens to 5 poore Goldsmiths and 5 poore widows, of the Lady Ramsey’s gift, 50J. “ At the same feasts is to be distributed to 4 poor Goldsmiths, dwelling in or near Lombard Street, of Mr. Richard Cheyney his gift, 20j. “On Good Friday and at the end of the half year following is to be distributed to 5 poore Goldsmiths, of the gift of Mr. Robert Brocklesby, 20 j. “When the diet of the plate is tried the Clerk is to enter it into the book ac- cording to the precedent. “Upon Quarter Days he is to make the bills for the distribution of the cakes and buns to the Wardens, and Assistants, and Livery, and Officers. “At dinners and suppers he is to usher the Renters’ wives into the parlour and great chamber. “The Renters are to pay none of the Company’s moneys upon bills or acquit- tances without the Wardens’ or Clerk’s subscription. “Lastly, he is to behave and demean himself to the Company with all due respect.” The 1 8th of March 1628 and the 30th of March 1629.** Rates taxed by the Committees for the Clerk, William Haselfoote. The Clerk’s salary to be paid him per annum - - xxiiij 77 . For drawing up the Renters’ account - - - xxj. For ink and paper yearly ----- xxj. For counters and purses upon audits of accounts - - vs. * These dates are, of course, according to the old style. 368 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. F or making a pair of indentures of lease for a brother of the Company xj. vn]d., and for the seal of the house (which is to be received by him to the Company’s use) ijj. viij(/., in all xiijV. iiijV. — his due therein - - - xj. v\\]d. For making a pair of indentures of lease for a stranger xvijj. u'ljd., and for the seal of the house (to be received to the Company’s use) ijj. vu]d., in all xxj. — his due therein ...... xvijj. iiijV. For presenting of every apprentice there is to be received 2s. 6 d., whereof the Clerk is to have out of it xijV. for making the pair of indentures — his due - - xijV. For making of every freeman iijj'. injd., whereof he is to have out of it xijV., and the Company to their use ijj. iiijV. — his due ..... xijV. For making a bond for an apprentice’s truth, if the master and apprentice be willing to have such bond made - xijV. For turning over every apprentice ... xijV. For a certificate out of the book if an apprentice’s indenture be lost ....... xijV. For making a bond for benefactors’ moneys lent to Gold- smiths ...... ijj. vj(/. For making of 2 bonds between parties in controversy, if they be bound to each other to stand to an award to be made ...... ij^'. For any award to be made and drawne up by him between the parties in controversy, for the 2 drafts of such award iijj. iiijV. The Committees on the i8th of March 1628. Sir H. Middleton, Bart. Mr. Gravett, -j Mr. Hawes. Mr. Gibbon. Mr. Ledam, > Wardens. Mr. W. Terrey. Mr. Wheeler. Mr. E. Rolfe, J Mr. Sympson. Mr. W. Rolfe. The Committees on the 30th of March 1629. Mr. Gravett, 1 Mr. Williams. Mr. Gibbon. Mr. Ledam, i j Hawes. Mr. Cutt. Mr. Hooke, ( ^ Wardens. Terrey. Mr. W. Rolfe. Mr. E. Rolfe J Mr. Sympson. APPENDIX. 369 COMPLAINT OF THE SHOPKEEPERS IN CHEPE AGAINST THE ST. MARTIN’S MEN, OR WORKING GOLDSMITHS IN ST. MARTIN’S-LE-GRAND (January 22nd, 1632). At this Court divers shopkeepers, namely, Mr. Clay, Mr. Hastings, and others, in Chepe, came and informed Mr. Wardens and the Assistants of the great wrong and injury offered to the members of this Mystery by certain shopkeepers in St. Martin’s and other places ; and for instance produced 3 or 4 small silver turning seals, which by trial of the touchstone did not appear to be half so good as His Majesty’s standard for silver work. They also complained of the great abuse used by divers other tradesmen, and some women, in the sale of jewels and divers other goldsmiths’ wares unto divers honourable personages and others in secret, by running to their chambers and houses, and thereby interloping into the goldsmiths’ trade, and demanding 500//. or 6oo/z’. for those jewels which in the goldsmith’s shop have been offered to sale for I 20 //'. ; to the great scandal of the trade and abuse of the subject. Which last complaint this Company hath been long sensible of, and have endeavoured as much as in them lieth for a reforma- tion, but it is generally conceived that it must be remedied by an Act of Parlia- ment, and not otherwise. And as touching the first thing informed, it is advised that there be 3 several assays made of 3 several seals, bought at 3 several places ; and upon the report of the assays, as need shall require, Mr. Wardens are desired to repair to the Dean of Westminster (to whom the liberty of St. Martin’s belongeth), or to the Sub-Dean, and to take the Charter with them, and, according to the contents and power therein granted to the Company, to require his aid for the punishing of the said offenders according to their deserts. S 4021. A A ? INDEX A Abercromby, defeat of the French at Alexan- dria by, 305. Abiuger, Lord, Chief Baron of the Exchequer. See Hall, the present, 340. Abuses in the Mystery of Goldsmiths, proposals for reforming, 243. in the trade, 39 persons of the Mistery of Goldsmiths complain of, particularly the avoiding the duty of (id. per ounce on wrought silver plate, the counterfeiting the marks, and the selling of wrought gold and silver of uncertain value, 242. , a letter signed by several persons of the Mystery proposing that in lieu of the duty of 6 d. per oz. on wrought plate, every worker or dealer in gold or silver wares do annually pay for a licence, 242. , the complaint against revived, 244 ; the forwardness of the workmanship of plate before it be marked and the manner of marking it to prevent counterfeits is re- ferred to the Standing Committee, ib. Accompt, an, of moneys owing to the Com- pany from the State, 15 ; moneys received of the State, ib.-, interest money due from the State, 16. Account, an, of the affairs of the Company (1720), 198. Accounts, the Wardens’, exti-aordinary length of, 1 1 3. Acorne Alley, 74. “ Act (an) for preventing dangers which may happen from Popish recusants,” 169. , the, 12 Geo. II. cap. 26, “for Better Preventing Frauds and Abuses in Gold and Silver Wares,” 231, 265. Acton, a church built and endowed by the Company at, 326 ; named after St. Dunstan, the Company’s patron saint, 327 ; the in- scription on the foundation stone, ib. Address, an humble, to the King’s (Jas. II.) Most Excellent Majesty is sealed, 176. Aid for the Government at the crisis of 1803, the Court consider the propriety of giving, 305 ; ;^i, 000 voted for the patriotic fund for the relief and reward of the defenders of their country, ib. Alchorn, Mr. , Assay Master of the Mint, 298. Aldersgate Street, 9, 87. , a view of Mrs. Fryer’s house in, 56; Aldrichgate, in the suburbs of London, 94. Alexandra, Princess, of Denmark ; the Com- pany take part in her reception and welcome by the City, 324. Alhollowes (or Allhallows), Bread Street, 88. parish, “a suite comeuc’d against,” by Bowe parish, 88. Alienation fine of 6 d. in the £ to be reduced to 30'. in the £, 5. Allen, Mr. Deputy, the .herald painter, to provide banners, a streamer, and shields, 45. Almsmen, Aldermen Noel admonishes the, i. tender their service to the new Wardens, 67. , the Renters complain of their misbehaviour on Sir Martin Bowes’s day, 114; two of them, Pemberton and Marryat, charged with using uncivil language, ib. ; they are suspended from their alms places and pen- sions, ib . ; on acknowledging their faults they are reinstated, 115. , ^ the, claim to have the disposing of the meat left after the Wardens, etc. have dined on Sir Martin Bowes’s day, 115 ; it is ordered by the Court that if any almsmen at any dinner or supper crave or take any meat they shall be suspended from their place and pension, 1 1 6 ; the meat which shall be left at any dinner or supper to be disposed of by the Wardens and Renters as they shall think best for the honour of the Company, ib. Altar of Diana, the, 339 ; mentioned by the Rev. R. H. Barham in the “Lay of St. Dunstan,” in the Ingoldsby Legends, ib. A A 2 372 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Andrews, Thomas, Lord Mayor, 3 ; repaid a debt and interest, 14 ; the lease of the Harpe tenements without Bishopsgate is renewed to him, ib. Anson, Mr. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Answer and Disclaimer, the, of the Company to the Bill of complaint of Margaret Webb, 66 . Apprentices : the number of, with wdredrawers and other members of the Company complained of, 29 ; means suggested for reforming the abuse, in accordance with the cus- toms of the free paviours and the comb- makers, 29, 30. John Slycer, an apprentice, in a difference with his master, claims the benefit of the Lord Protector’s Ordinances, 74. Edward Jefferyes, apprentice to Francis Rumney, speaks reproachfully of Mr. Warden Gray, 168 ; Jefferyes, on his knees, craves pardon, ib. a rebellious, threatens to kill his master — his arrest, examination by the Wardens, and punishment, 355. Arlington, Lord, 167. Arms of the Company, a model of the, cast in brass, ro2. Artillery Ground, the, and Finsbury Fields. See Grub Street, 1 59. Ashe, Mr., builds five houses in Shoe Lane, i; he gives the rent thereof to the Company for their poor and other charitable purposes, i ; his death, 131. Ashley, Lord, Chancellor of the Exchequer. See Exchanger, office of, 147. Ashurst, Sir William, Justice of the Court of King’s Bench. See Disagreement, a, 262. Assay Master of the Mint conferred by the King (Chas. 11.) upon Mr. Brattle, who has to resign his place of Assay Master at Gold- smiths’ Hall, 163. , the, questions as to his fitness, he holding a similar office at the Mint, 362. Office, a miscarriage in the, 152. , regulations for the management of the, 152. , a committee consider how the youngest Warden may be eased from attend- ing and officiating at the, 215 ; the com- mittee report that all the Wardens be excused from attending the Assay Office and that a deputy be appointed, ib. ; Oie first deputy nominated and proposed, ib. , the Standing Committee to take Assay Office — cont. into account the state of affairs in the, 229 ; the printed orders for regulating the oflace, 230 ; resolutions of the Committee, ib. , an account of the produce and ex- pense of the, with the extraordinary expenses of obtaining an Act of Parliament for pre- venting frauds, etc. in gold and silver wares, also the expenses of altering, etc. the said office, 233. , orders made by the Court of Assistants 12th May 1748, as amended by the Standing Committee, agreed to by the Court and ordered to be printed, 246 ; (i) every day in the year to be a Hall day or working day except all Sundays and certain days named, ib. ; (ii) the Weighers to weigh in, duly enter, and w’eigh out all plate or work of gold or silver wliich shall be brought to be assayed or marked (being first marked with the mark of the worker or maker), the work to be taken in from 7 untU 9 o’clock in the morning, ib. ; (iii) no plate or small work to be taken in without a note or ticket, 247 ; (iv) no cast work to be assayed or tried unless the same shall have been well boiled or filed, ib. ; (v) all plate brought in to have all the pieces sodered or other- wise joined together, no plate to bear more soder than is necessary, ib. ; (vi) when any plate is brought in doubt it is to be tried the next Hall or working day, ib. ; (vii) paper or by-assays, ib. ; (viii) no officer or servant to take any box money, fee, perquisite or re- ward to himself, ib. , the, a house in Carey Lane adjoin- ing the office leased for the purpose of enlarging the latter, and for a dwelling for the junior Assayer, 272. , the management of the, from Michaelmas 1797 to Michaelmas 1798, re- sulted in a loss of jl4g 1 3r. 8 ^ 1 . ; in recent years the loss often much larger, 304. , the temporary, a fire there on the 31st July 1S30, 319. , a report of the Wardens on the state of the, 265 ; the Act 12 Geo. II. c. 26, “ for better Preventing Frauds and Abuses in Gold and Silver Wares, ” ib. ; the office indebted to the Company in a considerable sum, ib. ; the receipts do not cover the ex- penses, ib. ; inadequate sums paid on articles not mentioned in 12 Geo. II. c. 26, ib. ; suggested prices for assa)ing, etc., 266- 268. Officers, the annual trial of certain of the, instituted, 318. INDEX. 373 “ Assaye and touch of the plate of the Nation, the busines in refferrence to the, dayly increases,” 54. Assistants, new : Mr. Sherley not to be sum- moned to any Court until he shall have paid the debt he owes the Company, 137 ; also Mr. Paine must acknowledge his offence to the Wardens, ib . ; he has an interview with the Wardens, but the Court consider that he has aggravated his offence, and order that he be not summoned to any Court of Assis- tants, 138. , a standing order on the election of : “That no member of this Company, whether dignified or not dignified, shall at any time hereafter be admitted a member of this' Court, unless by the free choice and consent of the majority of two Courts of Assistants, as hath been usual, no law, order, custom or ordinance of this Company to the contrary in anywise notwithstanding,” 250. Aston, Sir Richard, Justice of the Court of King’s Bench. See Disagreement, a, 262. B Bachelors’ Alley, or Bachelors’ Court, in Gutter Lane, 81. , report of defects in, 17 ; tenants to enter into a bond to pay the rent and to keep the premises in good repair, 19. , entries relating to the admission of tenants to the chambers in, 80-85. , no person to be admitted a tenant but Bachelors free of the Company, 81. , a surety to be bound for every tenant, 81. ■ , orders concerning, 83. , tenants to be restrained from work- ing in their chambers in, 84. , suitors for chambers in, 104. , the site of, 1 1 1. , chambers in, in. , Kimberley, a tenant, works in his chamber contrary to his bond, 118; the bond to be enforced against his surety, ib. “Ball,” the, in St. Nicholas Shambles, 87. Bancks, John, a testimonial from Oliver Cromwell to his good service and affection to the Parliament and the Army, 75. , William, 46. , Mr., who had not been warned for some Bancks, Mr. — coni. years to the meetings either as an Assistant or as one of the Livery, is re-admitted an Assistant, 128. Bank of England, the, stopped cash payments, 301. Bankes, Thomas, the Clerk ; the Court take into consideration his long and faithful ser- vice ; he is presented with a gratuity of ;^'Soo, 245. , , Clerk, and Accomptant in the Assay Office, his death, 247. Banks, Sir John, Attorney-General (1638), 1 19. Barbican, 90. Barge, the Company’s, used on Lord Mayor’s day, reported unserviceable, 105; a committee appointed to provide another and for the ac- quisition of a bargehouse {see under Barge- house), ib. ; drawings of the City barge and the Merchant Taylors’ barge are shown by Ed. Tue, the shipwright, ib. ; dimensions of the new barge, ib. ; Ed. Tue and his father enter into a bond ‘ ‘ to make and build one strong and well built, able, and substantial barge, of the length,” etc., io6 ; the Assistants summoned to try the new barge, H2 ; Deputy Allen’s bill for paint- ing, 1 1 8. , (1745)) being in bad condition, it is resolved that a new one be made, 241 ; the Standing Committee to contract for the buUding thereof, ib. ; Edward Williamson, the Bargemaster, petitions for the old barge to be bestowed on him, ib.\ the petition granted, 242. , a new, built (1822), 318; not used again after 1845, 319. Bargehouse, a committee appointed for the' ac- quisition of, 105 ; they treat for a piece of ground near Lambeth house for a barge- house, 108 ; the Skinners’ Company to have part of the ground, ib. ; a petition to John Dethick, the Lord Mayor, relative thereto, 109; a gratuity to Mr. Nutt “ for his civil respects upon all occasions about the barge ground,” in ; an agreement between Bur- ridge the bricklayer and the Company, 112; negotiations about, between the Goldsmiths’ and Skinners’ Companies, 125 ; particulars of the lease of the barge ground and the building of the bargehouse, in which the Skinners’ Company are jointly interested, 143 ; the lease granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, ib. ; the ground described as “next Stangate in the parish of Lambeth,” ib.. 374 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Bargehouse — cont. , the old, and ground at Lambeth to be let, 182. , a treaty with the Apothecaries’ Company for the lease of a, adjoining their physic garden at Chelsea, 312 ; the Skinners’ Com- pany equally concerned with the Goldsmiths in the lease of the present bargehouse from the Archbishop of Canterbury, ib. ; the two Companies must give up their present barge- houses at Lambeth, 313. , the State. See Bai'ge, the Company’s. Bargemaster, suitors for the place of, 107. , the City’s, Mr. Nutt, in, 118. , Richard Hudson is appointed, 144. Barkstead, Barkestead, Colonel, Lieutenant of the Tower, 24, 51, 64, 78. , , chosen an Assistant of the Com- pany, 14. , , acknowledges the favour of the Company in electing him Upper Warden, 36 ; he advises to have a service in com- memoration of Sir Martin Bowes, 38. , Michael, the Wardens treat with, about prosecuting strangers for working contrary to law, 38. Barrett, Antony, almsman, dismissed, “hav- ing means by his wife to live in the coun- try, and he is constantly resident there,” 3- Bartholomew day, a search on, 40. Bartholomew Fair, the Wardens and Assis- tants make a search at, I20. , the four Wardens make a search at, 173- Barton, Recorder of London. See Corbyn, John, 353. Batson’s Coffee House. See Ireland, the re- bellion in (1798), a subscription, 303. Baylis, Sir Robt. , 214. Baynardes Castle, 50. Beckford, William, Lord Mayor. See Dis- agreement, a, 258. “ Bellcouyes,” the, 36. Benefactors’ Arms to be set up in the Parlour, Great Chamber, and Gallery, 5. Wills. See Committee, a, to examine benefactors’ Wills, 159. Bennett, Sir Henry, one of the Secretaries of State, 151. ■ , . See Plate, a, return, &c. ■ Benn’s Club (portraits of Aldermen Blachford, Benn, Marshall, Alsop, Ironside, and Rawlinson), a description of the picture, 338-9- Berchere, Mouusier Louis, 185. Berkeley Square, Pitt’s house in, 275. Best, George, and Thomas Nevett, a difference between, is heard, 36 ; the award of the Wardens, ib. Bexley, Lord. See Hall, the present, 340. Bill, a, for preventing the melting down of coins of the kingdom, and one for making the silver plate of the same fineness with the current coin, 193 ; the Wardens to attend a Committee of the House of Lords, ib. Blachford, Alderman (Prime Warden, 1 744 ; Lord Mayor, 1750), presents a Conversa- tion Piece to the Company having the por- traits of himself, Alderman Ironside, Sir Henry Marshall, Alderman Benn, Aider- man Alsop, and Alderman Rawlinson (Thomas Hudson, painter), 243, 244. “Black Raven and Crow,” the, 25. Blackburrow, Thomas, complains of Martin Johnson, 72 ; the differences referred to two of the Clothing of the Company, ib. Blanchard, Robt., Esquire, 185. Blome, Jacob, presents a Book of Heraldry on the first page of which are the Arms and Crest of the Company, but with an incor- rect motto ; the Company decline the gift, 140. Bonney, servant and coachman of Sir Thomas Vyner, admitted to the freedom, 113. Boson (or Bosom), Robert, reviles the War- dens — his punishment, 358. Bowes, Sir Martin, his banners renewed, 14. , , the Wardens resolve to go to Woolwich to have a service in commemora- tion of, 38. , , “decayes” in his almshouses at Woolwich, 68. , , a sermon in commemoration of, at Woolwich, 68. , , the bill of fare on his day, 85. , , his commemoration day, 129 ; the sermon preached at St. Mary Wool- noth, ib. ; Mr. LenthaU, the late Speaker of Parliament, and the Master of the Rolls present at the dinner, ib. , , his banners to be replaced in St Mary Woolnoth’s, newly rebuilt, 16S. , , the Wardens go to Woolwich to visit his almshouses and to hear a sermon, 173- , , the Court agree to go to St Mary Woolnoth, pursuant to his Will, 194. , , £3 to be expended on his com- memoration dinner, 131-. qrf. for the visita- tion of his almshouses at Woolwich, with 51-. for a boat, and half a guinea each for the sermons at St. Maiy- Woolnoth and at Wool- wich, respectively, 203. INDEX. 375 Bowes, Sir Martin — cont. , , his almshouses visited by Mr. Warden Ernes and Mr. Shadwell, with the Clerk and Beadle, 203 ; they afterwards go to Woolwich church to hear a sermon, ib . ; on tendering half a guinea, the parish clerk informed them that Mr. Spencer, the curate, refused to preach a sermon unless they gave him a guinea, although the Will appointed but dr. 8(f. , ib. , . See Assay Master, the, questions as to his fitness, 362. , , Mr. Thomas Bowes to be invited to dinner on commemoration day, 366. Bowling alley, the Company’s, to be demo- lished, 79 ; Mr. Robt. Lawrence, the brewer, to have all the ground to build on, ib. Bowyer Rowe, 74. Brassey, Mr., 231. Breaute, Fulke de, 107. Bridge Town, Barbadoes, the inhabitants reduced to the severest distress by a dreadful fire, 249-250. Bridgman, Sir Orlando, 118. Bristol, the Earl of. See Exchanger, the office of, 147. Brocas, Sir Ri., Lord Mayor, desires the use of the Hall, and to know what abatement the Company will make in the rent thereof, 214. Brockwell, William, convicted of making silver tea tongs worse than standard, 272. Broke, Captain Sir Philip Bowes Vere, his gallant conduct when commanding “The Shannon,” 315; he is sworn and made free and admitted to the Clothing of the Com- pany, ib. Bromfeild, Sir Edward, 63. Bromyard Grammar School, an ancient Gram- mar School dating back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth, 323 ; communications be- tween the Company and the Charity Com- missioners, 324 ; the Commissioners desire to make it “ a secondary school with special provisions for agricultural training,” zA ; the Company are unwilling to continue the management of the school, but endow it with ;^io,ooo, ib.-, a new governing body formed, when the connection of the Company with the school ceases, ib. Buccleuch, the Duke of. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Buck, an almsman, complains of Payne, another almsman, 145 ; the Court, after hearing Payne, adjudge him guilty, ib. Buckingham, the Duke of. See Pyx, an ac- count of the trial of the, 349. Budge Bachelors. See Lord Mayor’s Day, 1721, 201. Building Committee, the, to consider and report with refence to the repair of the Hall, 1 60. Burgesses for Parliament, a Court “before the Company go to Guildhall to choose the,’’ III. Burrowes, Mr., the City’s founder, 71, 75. Buying and selling gold and silver at a higher rate than the price of the Mint, a proclama- tion concerning, 142 ; a Committee to pre- pare a petition to His Majesty (Chas.II.) with reasons against the proclamation, ib . ; the Committee attend the Council of Trade, ib . ; the King in Council makes an order prescribing that the Company shall consider and prepare proposals upon the matter, ib. c Cambridge, H. R.H. Prince George of. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 24th May 1845, 348. Camden, Marquis. See Hall, the present, 340 - Canada, the conquest of, ensured by the cap- ture of Quebec (1759), and acknowledged by France, Spain, and Portugal by the Peace of Paris (i 763), 249. Cannon, Captain, Purveyor General, 62. Cape St. Vincent, the battle of, fought on Feb. 14th 1797, 301. Carpenter, Mr., the dyer and cockpitman, 32 - Carter, Henry, the Clerk, resignation of, and appointment of William Haselfoote to that office — the Clerk’s duties and emoluments, 364- Cawdor, the Earl of. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Charities, the first Commission of enquiry into, 318. , a scheme for consolidating and extend- ing 56 of the Company’s, 329 ; the Charity Commissioners unwilling to move while the Livery Companies’ Commission sitting, ib . , after its report a satisfactory scheme ar- ranged, ib. Charity to the poor, the Wardens distribute the Company’s, 71. 376 memorials of the GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Charles 11 . , his restoration : a present to, 133 ; the Wardens have to borrow under the Common Seal of the Company, ib. ; ^10,000 paid to His Majesty, and ;i^i,ooo each to the Dukes of York and Gloucester, his brothers, ib. ; the Declaration of Breda, ib. ; a precept from the Lord Mayor on the return of “ our gracious Sovereign Lord Charles, into his kingdom,” ib.; elaborate preparations for the King’s reception, 134 ; his passage through the City, ib. ; he and the Dukes of York and Gloucester accept an invitation to an entertainment in the City, ib. ; precepts from the Lord Mayor in reference thereto, 134, 135. , expenses of receiving, on his passing through the City from the Tower to White- hall on the day before his Coronation, 1 39 ; an additional sum of £210 required from the Company, 141 ; the precept for this last amount gives rise to great complaint of the inequality of the proportions rated upon the several Companies, ib. , preparations to meet him and his Queen on their passing by water from Hampton Court to Whitehall, 145 ; a conference with Mr. Farmer, the trumpeter, ib. ; an account of the pageant, ib. ; the cost of it, 146. , his return to Whitehall from his pro- gress, 1 50 ; 500 horsemen in velvet coats and gold chains to be raised out of the several Companies, ib. ; the summons to those who are appointed to ride, ib. , a dinner on his birthday and the anni- versary of his restoration, 154. , he occupies rooms in the Tower of London on the night previous to his Coro- nation, 159. . — the Renters to provide a dinner for the whole Livery on the “day of publique thanksgiving for His Majesty’s happy re- Stauration,” 166. , accepts the Freedom of the City, 169 ; a copy of the Freedom, with an Address from the City, is presented to him by Sir Robert Vyner, Lord Mayor, ib. Charter, the Company’s, the Clerk com- manded to read it, 10. — , , a motion “to take into con- sideration the renewing of,” “the King’s Majesty on all occasions being willing to graunte the citizens of London anything that can in reason be deshed,” 137. • , , a petition to his Majesty (Chas. II.) for renewing, 143. , , a bill for an Exemplification of, 163. Charter — , the new, brought to the HaU by Aider- man Duncombe and publicly read, 175 ; the Company thank him for his services in obtaining it, and order his picture to be drawn and placed in the Great Parlour, ib. ; a bill of charges relating to the new Charter, ib. ; reserved to the Crowm a right of control over the appointment of the Wardens and Clerk, 176 ; it is read to the Livery “ in English,” fA Chatham Square, Blackfriars Bridge, 275. Cheshire, Sergeant. See Workmen’s remon- strance, 205. Chester, John, not to wear the livery for a month for saying that Corbyn (which see) had been badly treated — William Sherbourne punished for the like offence, 354. Chesterfield, the Countess of, money borrowed from, 154. Cheyne, William, Justice of our Lord the King’s Bench. See Corbyn, John, 353. Child, Sir Francis, 179, 220, 228, 231. Chimney money, payment for 33 fire-hearths belonging to Goldsmiths’ Hall, 150, 153. , first imposed by the Norman kings ; revived in 1662, 153. Chimneys, the, in the Parlour and Great Cham- ber are “to be done with galley tiles,” 132. Chipstede, William, an account of his slander- ing the Wardens, 351. Chiswell Street. See Grub Street, 158. Christian VIE, King of Denmark, 252 ; he signifies his pleasure to take up his Freedom in the Goldsmiths’ Company, 253 ; it is proposed “That the Freedom of this Com- pany be most humbly presented to the King of Denmark ” in a gold box of the value of one hundred and fifty guineas, ib. ; His Majesty desires that the Freedom may be delivered to his Ambassador, Baron Dieden, for transmission to himself, ib. ; it is ordered that the Freedom be delivered to Baron Dieden by the Standing Committee, and that the Clerk and City Remembrancer do wait on him to know' his pleasure, ib. ; the gold box is inspected by the Court, ib. ; the copy of the Freedom is curiously written on vellum by William Chinery, and embel- lished with the Company’s Arms, Patron, &c, , by Mr, Morris, the herald painter, ib. ; it is delivered to Baron Dieden at his house in Harley Street, Cavendish Square, ib. ; his Excellency dines with the Wardens and Assistants, 254 ; he promises to inform His Danish Majesty of the respect shown to him by the Company, ib. INDEX. 377 Churchyard Alley, in St. Giles, Cripplegate, 125. City watermen, coats and badges for the, 171. of London, by an order of the Privy Council, required to raise horse and dragoons for the service of Their Majes- ties (Wm. and Mary), 178; the Company provide six troopers, 1 79. Clarence, the Duke of (afterwards Wil- liam IV.), admitted to the honorary Freedom and Livery of the Company, 319 ; he is present at a trial of the pyx, subsequently dining at the Hall, ib. Classis Lottery, the, 186. , the Wardens ordered to put as much of the Company’s plate in as they see fit, 184. Clementes Lane, 52. Clerk, Sir George. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Clerk, the (Humfrey Hetherington), to have a yearly salary as the other officers of the Company have, to be ;^ioo per year, 199; his extraordinary service in fixing marks on the Company’s houses, and for drawing reasons against the Plate Bill, ib. ; visits Ireland to view and inquire into the value of the Company’s lands, and other matters relating thereto, 203 ; he receives 30 guineas for his pains, industry, and hazard, ib. , the election of, in the room of Mr. Thomas Bankes, deceased, 248 ; Richard Bristow and George Fair petition for the office, ib. ; the Wardens and Assistants score in the presence of the Prime Warden, ib. ; George Fair, son-in-law and partner of the late Clerk, chosen, ib. ; he is also elected to the office of Accomptant in the Assay Office, ib. , directions for the, 365-367; a book con- taining these several titles: “Presentments,” “ Freemen,” “Fynes,” “ Receipts,” “Pay- ments,” 365 ; in August he is to attend the Wardens and Assistants to search in Lom- bard Street, Cheapside, and Foster Lane, and on Bartholomew Day at Bartholomew Fair, 366 ; likewise, in September, to search the Lady Fair, Southwark, ib.-, in the same mouth he is to accompany the 2 youngest Wardens, the 2 Renters, and the Beadle, with a preacher to make a sermon, to Wool- wich according to Sir Martin Bowes’s Will, ib . ; in November, 3 days before or after St. Martin’s Day, he is to go with the War- dens and Assistants to hear another sermon for Sir Marlin Bowes, ib . ; on the Renters’ Clerk — cofit. Feast Day he is to go with the Carver to entreat the ladies and gentlewomen to come to dinner, and see that they are duly placed, and to usher the Renters’ wives to the 3 tables in the Hall to bid the guests wel- come, ib . ; he is to attend the Wardens, Assistants, and Livery to all funerals, ib . ; at dinners and suppers he is to usher the Renters’ wives into the Parlour and Great Chamber, 367. in Chancery, the Company’s, 66. Clerks of the Company, names of all the known, 350. Cleveland, the Duke of. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Clockmakers, the Company of, a gift of, 185. “ Clockworkers, ” the Company of, 174. Cloth Workers’ Company, money borrowed from the, 149. Clothing, persons chosen into the, 47 ; an account of placing the whoodes on their shoulders and admitting them, ib. Coat of Arms, the Company’s, 118. Cockburn, Sir George. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Cockpit, the, 86, 87, 89 ; visited by Pepys, 29 ; in Horne Alley, 79. Garden, the 26. , in Shoe Lane, 117. Collectors for the Army, 117, 149. , a payment to the, 40. and Navy, 120. of the Royal Aid, 156. Collingwood, Vice-Admiral Lord, a motion that the Freedom of the Company be pre- sented to him, 308 ; a letter from him ac- cepting the honour, 31 1. Combmakers, the Company of, 30. , , a petition from, 70. Commissioners for ejecting scandalous, igno- rant, and insufficient ministers and school- masters within the City of London, 126. Committee for Compounding with Delin- quents, 54. for Plundered Ministers, 129. for Accompts, a Resolution of the, 202. for Corporations, a letter from, requiring any Charter or Charters whereby the Com- pany is incorporated, 20 ; a true copy of the Charter made and attested to tender to this Committee, ib. ; an order that the Charter be referred to counsel, 21. for trial of Petitions, the Wardens sum- moned before the, to answer a petition presented to Parliament by some of the 378 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Committee — co 7 it. Generality of the Company, 21 ; on the dis- tribution of Sir Hugh Myddelton’s gift, the Wardens are to enquire if any of the suitors for it subscribed to the petition, ib . ; an order made by the Committee for Petitions, ib. ; the petition presented to Parliament by divers freemen of the Goldsmiths’ Company, 22 ; a Committee to prepare an answer to the petition, 24 ; the answer is read, amended, and ordered to be fair written, and signed by the Clerk, 25 ; Sir John Wollaston and Colonel Barkstead to accompany the War- dens to Westminster to deliver the answer, ib. ; the petition is dismissed, ib. ; Alderman Allen thanked “ for having showed himself a cordial member of the Company ” before the Committee, ib. for Trade and Navigation, questions propounded to the Company by the, with the Company’s answers, 109, no. , a, appointed to investigate matters per- taining to the Company’s property meet on the ground in Shoe Lane, 26 ; their report, 26-28. , a, to examined Benefactors’ Wills, and debts owing to the Company, &c., to the end that such care be taken for the dis- charge of payments as may be most condu- cive to the honour of the Company, 159 ; the report of the Committee, which includes a statement of the interest upon debts owing by the Company, the rents of the Company’s houses as they existed before the Great Fire, and the rents of houses not so demolished, 160. , a, report of, for “examining the ac- counts and inspecting and regulating all affairs of the Company,” 190 ; the affairs of the Company began to decline in 1683, ib.-, the yearly receipts, and payments for in- terest, annuities, salaries, and charities, which latter exceed the former by ^995 I Sr. (>d., ib.-, the conclusion of the Report, ib. Commissioners for New Buildings, fines set upon the Company by the, in respect of houses in the parish of St. Giles, Cripple- gate, 122. See also New buildings. for the “Acte of pole money,” 136; Return of the Wardens to the Commis- sioners, 137. for the Militia of London, an order of the, requiring arms for the use of the Militia forces of the City, 133. Common Council, an Act of the, for the trans- lation of members of any Company who use the trade of a cook to the Cooks’ Company, 33 ; the Cooks’ Company desire the trans- lation to them of Mr. Dannett, 34. Hall, a, summoned by the Lord Mayor (Robert Beckham) to consider a petition to the House of Commons against a Bill for “Vesting the affairs of the East India Com- pany in the hands of certain Commissioners for the benefit of the proprietors and the public ” ; the Court decide that the Wardens shall not summon the Livery, 274, 275. , a summoned by the Lord Mayor (Richard Clark) “to consider of instructions to be given to their Representatives in Parliament, for the purpose of obtaining a more equal representation of the people,” 279 ; it is decided that the Livery be not summoned to attend, ib. Seal, the Company’s, and a small seal, 160. Commonwealth, the end of the, 133. Companies, the Twelve principal. Committee of, about lands in Ireland and the debts due from the State, i. , , an order from, relative to ^^2,000, part of Mr. Carye’s money, 71. , , the Lord Protector and his Council restore the lands in Ireland, 76. , , a letter from the Clerk of the, to the Goldsmiths’, 78. proceedings of the twelve, for selling the lands lately allotted to them in Ireland, 64- Company, the great engagements of the, through borrowing money for the service of the State, continuing the same at interest, and not receiving it again, 3. , the, great trust reposed in, by the State, 55. “ of Goldsmithes, noe Company in London tyed to meete and attend at their HaU soe often as the,” 55. , their affairs at a very low ebb, 1 64 ; the sale of thefr ground and certain houses and the leasing of the vaults under the Hall are proposed, ib. -, various members of the Court offer loans of money, 165. , the state and position of the, report of a Committee appointed to inquire into, 175. , report of a Committee (1708) to con- sider the state of the, 1S2. , the, their payments and disbursements exceed their revenues and income. See Company, report of a Committee (i 708). , the, report of a Committee to propose means for lessening their expenses, 1S4. INDEX. 379 Company — cont. , the general state of the, for the present year (1715), 191. the orders for reducing their charges and expenses having proved very satisfac- tory, are to be continued, 203. , members of the, being unvpilling to come upon the Livery and Court of Assistants owing to the fnigality exercised on Lord Mayor’s Day by reason of the heavy debts, it is decided, the Company being in a better position through the sale of their Irish Estate, that they conform to the customs and usages of other Com- panies, 210 ; the Company recommended to purchase the barge, and that it be fitted out every Lord Mayor’s day, and that the Livery be entertained, ifi. ; the Court of Assistants, having but one dinner in the year for themselves alone, it is recommended that they have two others in the year, and that the one usually made on the election of , Wardens be changed to the 29th of May, the three dinners not to exceed ^£20 each, 21 1. , retrenchments in the expenses of the, the Court consider the propriety of making, 300 ; resolutions for effecting them, ; they are to be continued, 304. , the improvement in the affairs of the, at the beginning of this centuiy very gradual, 319. , the, not a Municipal Corporation, but a Corporation by prescription dating from the earliest times, 320. , the, offer prizes and establish an annual competition for design and execu- tion of works in the precious metals, 323- Company’s, the, banner with the King’s Arms, 133. , the, property in London, a proposed Settlement for the benefit of their charities and creditors. See Deed of Settlement, 187. Charities, the, 322 j Mr. Hare ap- pointed by the Charity Commissioners to inquire into and report upon, ib. ; he makes an exhaustive report, ib. j his concluding remarks, ib. Complaint is made that there is reason to believe that large quantities of plate, &c., are sold with counterfeit marks thereon, because the work marked at the Assay Office continually decreases, 237. of the Shopkeepers in Chepe against the St. Martin’s Men, or working goldsmiths in St. Martin’s-le-Grand, 369. Conclusion of the Memorials, 317-334. Conduitt Heads, 149. Conference, a, the Cordwainers’, Armourers’, and Painter Stainers’ Companies sum- moned to, 64. “ Consideration had of some old stresses in a tray in the treasury,” 104. Contractors, Alderman Vyner and others “to prepare a method as they think fit, in order to a preparation of a rule for, to proceed in letting leases,” 3. , Committee of, for granting leases, 4 ; desire the instructions of the Court, 5 ; much obstructed in granting leases, 8. Conyers, Sir Gerard, Lord Mayor, 202. Cook, Sir Thomas, knt., 185. Cooke, Richard, weigher, 14. , Sir Thomas, 1 79. Copenhagen, the battle of, a subscription for the relief of widows and children of those who were killed, and for such as were wounded, 304. Corbyn, John, his expulsion for maliciously impleading two of the Wardens of the Com- pany, 352. Come Dayes, 63. Corporate and Trust property of the Com- panies, the distinction between, recognised by Parliament. See Revenue Act, 329. Council of Trade, a Committee appointed to consider eight questions relating to gold and silver, &c. , and to the coinage, proposed by the, 138 ; an order of the Council de- claring the title to the said answers, ib . ; the committee attend the Council at the Star Chamber, Westminster, with the an- swers, 139; the Council thank the Com- pany for their care and pains in the matter, ib. , the, request the loan of a pile of standard weights to try the standard weights in the Tower and in the Ex- chequer, 138 ; the request is granted with a condition, ib. ; Mr. Jackson, the Assayer, takes the standard weights to the Mint in the Tower, 139. , the, attend to see the assays made “of Crowne gold and silver with the assays of foreign coins of gold and silver,” 140. , those present at a, at Whitehall : — The King’s most Excellent Majesty (Chas. IL), H. R. H. the Duke of York, H.H. Prince Rupert, Archbp. of Canterbury, the Duke of Albemarle, the Marquis of Dorchester, Lord Great Chamberlain, Lord Chamberlain, Earl of Barkshire, Earl of St. Albans, Earl of Anglesey, Earl of Lauderdaill, 38 o MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Council — coyit. Earl of Carbery, Bp. of London, Lord Berkeley, Lord Ashley, Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Secretary Morris, Mr. Secretary Bennett, Sir Howard Nicholas, 147. Counterfeited stamps found with William Dawson, 272 ; he is committed to Wood StreetCompter,zA ; the Clerk to prosecute, zA “Courseales” worse than standard, 30. Court of Assistants, an order for entertaining the gentlemen of the, and their ladies, by land and water, 248 5 a ball also to be given but no supper, ib. , at every, the ballot-box and hammer to be brought in, 367. of Conscience. See Le Gendre, 218. Courthopp, Mr. George, his Will, 122, 123. , his legacy to the poor of the Company distributed, 124. Cox, Mr. Robert Albion, a controversy on his claim to be elected an Assistant, 280 ; on a ballot he is rejected, 281 ; he is ultimately elected, but great care is taken that the Standing Orders of the Company are ob- served, ib. Crediton, co. Devon, a dreadful fire at, 239 ; a gift of ^£'30 from the Company to the sufferers, ib. Creditors and poor prisoners. Judges for the relief of, a letter from, deshing the use of Goldsmiths’ Hall, as there is not suffi- cient room at Salters’ Hall, 53 ; the Com- pany’s answer, 54. Cressey, Mr. Symon, one of the Commis- sioners at Worcester House, 63. Cromer Free Grammar school, 9 ; Mr. War- den Bedingfield relates his proceedings in relation thereto, 19. , Norfolk, a letter from William Cozens, master of the free school at, 252. Cromwell, Henry, the Protector’s 2nd sur- viving son, Deputy of Ireland, 121. Crosby, Brass, 275. Crowder’s Well, 125. Cully, Mr. John, 185. Cumberland, William, Duke of (son of George II., and uncle of George III.), 249 ; on his death the Livery Companies shall not walk in the streets or pass in their barges along the river on Lord Mayor’s Day, ib. ; the Lord Mayor to be sworn in privately at Westminster, ib. Cups of Christopher Shawe’s manufacture are broken, 1 1 7. Cust, Sir Edward. See Hall, the present, 340. Cuthbert, Mr. Renter, presents a silver cup, the gift of Mr. Cardinal! Orme, 167. D Darner, the Hon. Dawson. See Pyx, an ac- count of the trial of the, 349. Daniell, WLUiam, gives a large silver salt to the Company, 29. , , Upper Warden, buried at St. Fos- ter’s Church, 13 ; his corpse accompanied from the Hall by the Livery and the Governors of Christ’s Hospital, ib. Deane, in Cumberland, the Free School at, 163. Debate, a, “ betwene Goldsmythes and Bochers for their stondyng in Chepe, ” 357. Debt, the great, owing by the Company, a committee appointed to consider means for raising money to lessen, 160 ; proceedings of the Committee, ib. Debts owing to the Company by the State, 57 - ■ , Public Faith, an account of the several. See Public Faith Debts, 57. , the Company’s, the Wardens to reduce all the interest money upon, to ;^5 per cent. , 113 - Declaration of Breda. See Charles II., his restoration, 133. Deed of Mortgage of the Company’s lands and tenements in London in trust for payment of charities and annuities is read and approved, 1 89 ; ordered that it be made for a term of 15 years, ib.-, the Common Seal -affixed to the Deed, 190. of Settlement, a proposed, of the Com- pany’s property in London, for the benefit of their charities and creditors, 187 ; Humfry Hetherington to prepare the draught of the Deed, ib. ; he is to advise with Mr. Major and the Common Sergeant about it, 188; the Lord Mayor agrees with the proceed- ings of the Committee, ib. ; Mr. Warden Ruslen, Mr. Deputy Eggleton, and Mr. Timbrell wait on the Common Serjeant to know his opinion, ib. ; Mr. Eggleton and Mr. Hosier wait on the Recorder, who com- mends the honest intention of the Company, but could not advise them to wholly divest themselves, and part with their estate into the hands of trustees, ib. ; he advises them to mortgage their estate, 189; H. Hetherington to make alterations in the draught, leaving out the Irish estate, and again wait upon the Recorder, ib. INDEX. 381 De Grey, Lord. See P5rx, an account of the trial of the, 349. De Lamerie, Captain Paul, 225. De LaWarr, Earl. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Demistre, barony ol, in Westmeath, 64. Difference, a, between Mr. Pickett and his apprentice John Slycer, 74. , a, between Mr. Browne and Mrs. Lake heard and determined by the Court of Assistants, n 6 ; both parties ap pear with their witnesses and cotmsel, ib. Dinner, no public, to be provided at the charge of the Company, 203. Dinners, the Renters’ two, always to be pro- vided at Goldsmiths’ HaU, of which if let care is to be taken to reserve the use for the usual days, 203. or other expenses appointed by the Will of any benefactor not to exceed the sums appointed by such Will, 203. Disagreement, a, between the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Lord Mayor (Alderman Beckford), 255-262 ; the Common Council join the Committee of the Livery of London in an application to the Lord Mayor for a Common Hall to consider the redress of grievances, 255 ; the Livery of the Company summoned to meet at Guildhall, ib. ; the Lord Mayor recommends every Livery- man to name any person in the Guildhall not of the Livery to any constable, all of whom have orders to take such intruder into cus- tody, ib . ; it is alleged that at the meeting a most indecent remonstrance was ordered to be presented to the King, and that it is un- usual for the Lord Mayor to summon any meeting of the Livery, save for the purposes of elections, ib . ; it is resolved that the War- dens do not summon the Livery of the Com- pany, except for elections, without the consent of the Court, 256 ; two precepts from the Lord Mayor, one of which is read, requiring copies of orders, etc. , made by the Company, and other matters, ib . ; the Court send a letter declining to comply with the precept, ib.\ the second precept read, on which the Court resolve not to summon the Livery of the Company, 257 ; counsel re- tained to defend any action that may arise from non-compliance with the precepts, ib. ; the Common Serjeant on behalf of the City files Informations of Disfranchisement against three of the late Wardens for dis- obeying a precept issued by the late Lord Mayor, 258 ; the three Informations to be defended at the expense of the Company, Disagreement, a — eoui. 259 ; a committee for conducting the de- fence, ib. ; the Information of Disfranchise- ment against Alderman Plumbe is tried before the Recorder, when the jury find a a verdict for the informant ; counsel move in Arrest of Judgment, 261 ; the Joint Com- mittee of the Goldsmiths’ and the Grocers’ Companies resolve to consult counsel whether it is advisable to proceed in the defence of the Informations or not, and that a Commis- sion of Error and a Writ of Error be applied for to remove any judgment that maybe given on the verdict against Alderman Plumbe before the judges’ delegates, ib. ; the judg- ment affirmed by the Recorder, 262 ; a Writ of Error brought and argued before the five judges assigned for the purpose, four of whom reverse the judgment, the fifth having resigned, ib. Dispute, a between Whittingham, a workman, and Archer, a finer, 56. Doe, Sir Charles. See Fire, the Great, 158. , Esquire. See Fire, the Great, 167. Donyngtone, Thomas de, 28. Drapers’ Hall. See Lord Mayor’s Day, 1721, 201. Drax, Sir James, 137. , , he gives ;^ioo for the poor of St. John Zachary, 145 ; a tripartite indenture with the parish of St. John Zachary accord- ing to his Will, 147. Drury, Drew, the petition of, who was inad- vertently concerned in causing an impression of a stamp to be made resembling the “Lion Passant,” 233 ; the petition rejected and the Clerk ordered to proceed against the peti- tioner as counsel shall advise, 234. , Mr. Dru, a letter from, 302. Duncomb, Valentine, 185. , , gives a silver salt, 1 71. Duncombe, Alderman. See Charter, the new, 175. Dunning, Mr. See Disagreement, a, 257. “ Dutchey Courte at Westminster,” the, 109. Duty on gold and silver plate, a BOl for raising the, 277 ; objections of the trade thereto, ib. , report of the Standing Committee on an Act passed “for granting to His Majesty certain Duties on all Gold and Silver Plate imported, and also certain Duties on all Gold and Silver Wrought Plate made in Great Britain, &c. ” and on the memorial of the trade, that the Court request the Wardens to comply with and carry the Act into execution, 278 ; it is agreed to by the Court, ib. 382 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Dyett, tlie, is tried with the trial pieces, 121. , commenced to be tried, but a miscarriage takes place through the breaking of the melting pot, 124 ; the trial ultimately com- pleted, ib. is tried with the standard piece, 1 72. , trial of, 4, 12, 14, 37, 46, 64, 70, 78, 79, 109, 1 13, 1 19, i6o. , , ordered always to take place on the day before the change of Wardens, 165. E East Harding Street, 128. Edmonton, a payment to Mr. Broadbank for houseroom for the Company’s plate, &c. See Fire, the Great, 160. Egypt, a subscription for the relief of “the widows, wives, and orphans of the soldiers, sailors, and marines killed or wounded in,” 304 - Election of a third Warden in the place of Symon Birkett, deceased, 153. Entertainments, the Company’s, the Wardens consider what sums of money are proper and necessary for the ladies’ entertainment up the river in summer, that to the ladies in winter, and that to the Livery on Lord Mayor’s Day, 251 ; for visiting Sir Martin Bowes’s almshouses at Woolwich and the visitation at St. Mary Woolnoth’s, 252. Entries having special interest to members of the Company engaged in the trade, 284-299. See also Gold and silver plate, proposals for putting an additional duty on ; Gold and silver, the quantity used from 1788-1798 ; and Standard of gold used in manu- factures, a proposal for an alteration in. Essex, the Earl of, the Parliament General, 338- Evance, Sir Stephen, 1 79. Exception taken to a payment to Humphrey Rayne for warning tenants to pay their rents at the Hall, 9. Exchange, the New, 148. Exchanger, the office of, endeavoured to be granted to the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Bristol, 147 ; a Committee appointed to prepare reasons and objections against the measure, ib. Exeter, the Marquis of. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Exhibition of 1851, the Company took a prominent part in, 321 ; they purchased ornamental plate of British manufac- ture in commemoration of the Exhibition, ib. “Experiens of an Inconveniens that feU in the Cite of Paris,” 361. Extraordinary Common Hall, an, summon- ed by the Lord Mayor (James Townsend) to consider a petition and remonstrance to the Throne for the redress of grievances of subjects of the Kingdom and the necessity of short Parliaments, 260, 261 ; the Court re- solve that the Wardens do not summon the Livery, ib. , , an, summoned by the Lord Mayor (John Wilkes) “to consider a petition to the Throne against the measures adopted with respect to America,” 263 ; the Court decide that the Wardens shall not summon the Livery on the precept, ib. F Fairfax (Thomas, Lord, the Parliamentary General), 338. Feversham, Lord. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Ffitz, Mr., one of the City Musique. See Monk, the Lord General, 132. “Ffoot Marshall,” the. See Lord Mayor’s Day, 1721, 201. Fieri facias, a, against the Company at the suit of Mr. Pestell, 190. Fire, the Great, long anticipated by the King, who had written to the Mayor, Re- corder, and Aldermen, 1 59 ; Sir Charles Doe causes the Company’s plate, writings, &c., to be removed to a house at Edmonton, 158; he receives the thanks of the Wardens and Assistants, ib . ; his son, Esquire Doe, is subsequently presented with a tankard in acknowledgment of his father’s services, 167; quarter-day omitted through the unsettled condition of the Company, they having no convenient place for such an Assembly, 1 60 ; a payment to Mr. Broadbank for the use of his house at Edmonton, ib. , a, destroys the premises of the Deputy- Assay er and those of the Clerk, 171 ; the INDEX. 383 Fire — cont. consideration given thereto and several per- sons examined, ib . ; the tables wherein the workmen’s marks were struck, and the books containing their names and places of abode, being destroyed, they refuse to use the marks and books provided, 1 74; the Deputy -Assayer is warned to deny to them the benefit of the assay and touch unless they comply, ib. Fire-engine, a, to be provided, 71 ; Mr. Burrowes, the “ City’s founder ” to be con- sulted, ib . ; he receives £14. for a new engine, 75 ; the almsmen to attend it, and clean it after use, 80. Fishmongers, the, request the Wardens, Assis- tants, and Livery to accompany them to the Lord Mayor’s dinner, 5. , Goldsmiths’, and Skinners’ Companies, the, join in the purchase of certain quit rents, which is made by one deed, and cast lots which Company shall keep the deed, and where it shall be kept, 130 ; the lot falls to the Fishmongers’, 131. Hall, an entertainment at, a reviving of the ancient amity between the Goldsmiths’ and Fishmongers’ Companies, 77. Finances, the, of the Company so far as relates to their receipts and disbursements in each year from Lady Day 1790 to Lady Day 1797 inclusive, 299. , of the Company long at a low ebb, the improvement in their affairs at the com- mencement of this century being very gradual, 3 1 9. Finsbury, Liberty of. See Grub Street, 158. Flower de Luce Court, Foster Lane, 8. Forging the Company’s stamps, several persons taken into custody for, 264 ; they are com- mitted by Sir John Fielding to take their trial, ib. ; the Clerk ordered to prosecute on behalf of the Company, ib. “Fountain” Tavern, the, 191. Fowle, Mr. Robt., senr. , 185. Foxall, Mr., 188. Frauds and abuses in the Mystery of Gold- smiths, a debate on, 243. Freedom, none who obtain their, by redemp- tion eligible for any charity or pension, 119. Freedom, the, of the Company, 308 ; it is proposed that it be offered to Lord Colling- wood, the Earl of Northesk, and Sir Richard John Strachan, ib. See also under the respective names. Freeman, no, by redemption to be capable of receiving a pension or other charity, 108. Fremantle, Sir Thomas, 340, 346, 349. French gold monies, consisting of louis d’or, coined at the Mint, a trial of the pyx of, 317 ; coined “ for greater facility in paying the British troops under the Duke of Welling- ton,” ib. Friday Street, the great messuage called the “ Phesaunt ” in, 56. Frigate, a, voluntary subscription towards building a, for His Majesty’s (Charles 11 .) service. See “ London,” the, 153. G Gale, Martin, 143 ; liis spoons found worse than standard, ib . ; he pleads ignorance, and is required to take the oath of a freeman of the Company, ib. Garroway’s coffee-house, 197. Generality, the, 10. (or Commonalty), some of the, very un- ruly, 124 ; the disorder taken into considera- tion, ib. Gentlemen Ushers. See Lord Mayor’s Day, 1721, 201. George I., preparations for his reception on passing through the City, 19 1 ; ordered that stands be set up at the charge of the Com- pany, and streamers and flags be carried out pursuant to the Lord Mayor’s precept, ib . ; the order not to be drawn into precedent, ; members to club for a dinner, ib. ; the Com- mittee for Accompts to agree for the stands, ib. HI., his Jubilee to be kept, 313; a dinner to the Livery of the Company at the Hall, ib. IV. embarked at Greenwich, 318 ; the Company joined the procession in their barge, ib. Give-upp daye, 13, 37, 65. Glaziers, the Company of, 151. “ Glove and Dogg,” the, in the Old Exchange, 36. Glyn, Lord Chief Justice of the Upper Bench. 80. • , Mr. Serjeant, 12. Glynn, Mr. Serjeant, 257. Gold and silver manufactory, the Company attend a Committee of His Majesty’s Coun- cil to give their opinions on proposals touch- ing the, 165. 384 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Gold and silver — cont. plate, proposals for placing an addi- tional duty on : a petition from the manufacturers of wrought gold and silver plate, 285. a proposal for laying an additional duty on plate, ib. a licence to be taken out besides the pay- ment of duty, ib. manufacturers of wrought plate will have to contend with great opposition unless an equivalent impost be laid on plated goods, ib. scheme for preventing the suppression of the manufacture of gold and silver, by placing the silver and plated manufac- tories on a more equal footing, 286. the Court promise to co-operate with manufacturers of wrought gold and silver in an application to the Minister for an imposition of duty on plated goods, 287 ; a deputation to wait upon Mr. Pitt to confer on the subject of the above petition, ib. ; he replies that he considers plated goods a fair object of taxation, but is also of opinion that plate would bear an additional tax, ib. plate, the duties on abolished, 332 ; the Company’s assistance sought by, and readily accorded to, the Government, ib . ; the operation one of great delicacy and diffi- culty, but successfully accomplished, ib. ; the services of the Company handsomely ac- knowledged by the Government, and their Clerk receives the honour of knighthood, ib. See also in the Appendix, 349. , the quantity used in manufactures, from 1788-1798 : a letter from the- Committee of Privy Council appointed to take into con- sideration the Coins of the Kingdom, etc. , requesting the Company to report what quantity of gold and silver has been made use of in manufactures during the last 10 years (1798), 295. the Wardens reply that they have no means to ascertain what quantity of gold and silver has been used, nor have they any grounds for forming any con- jecture concerning it, ib. as to articles requiring a stamp they can only give a return of such as have been brought to their own Hall, 296. other towns than London have an assay office and touch, over wluch the Gold- smiths’ Company have no control, ib. Gold and silver — co 7 it. wares made worse than standard or not properly marked, a report of the Wardens on, 268 ; a list of faulty articles, 269-271. -wire, the Company attend the King (Chas. II.) and Council about the business of, 147 ; a petition against CariU’s patent for the sole casting thereof, and for making gold and silver lace, 152. work, the duty on, brought to the Hall to be assayed and touched, 192. Goldsmithry, parcels of small work of, broken, 43 - Goldsmiths in Lombard Street refuse to let the Wardens make trial of their wares, 142. of Bristol, Bath, and York, informations against, 164. and Fishmongers’ Companies, the union of amity and brotherhood between, 146 ; the Clerk of the Fishmongers to be informed that the Goldsmiths will accompany the Lord Mayor without them, ib. send to each other (according to ancient custom) four yards of scarlet and four yai'ds of black cloth when they respectively take in a new Livery (2 entries), 171. and Skinners’ Companies, an accompt betwixt them, 197 ; also Releases, and a declaration of Trust from the former Com- pany to the latter as to a moiety of the house and bargehouse at Lambeth, ib. , Weavers’, and Grocers’ Companies. See Disagreement, a, 257. Alley, 87. Company, two Wardens of the, meet three Wardens of the Skinners’ at Bishops- gate to decide a dispute, 120. Hall, powder in, 52. , the deed of the creation of the Manor of (Ireland), 119. , Manor House of (Ireland), 147. Row, in Cheapside, 63. Street, between Wood Street and Godron (Gutter) Lane, 165. trade, a petition to His Majesty (Chas. H.) and Parliament for the passing of an Act of Parliament for the redressing of sundry grievances in, 143. , a thorough reformation of, 174, 175 ; subscriptions towards carrj-ing it out, ib. work, remedies for reforming abuses in, 162. , working, a petition from, desiring the Company to use their endeavours to prevent certain Frenchmen becoming free of the City, i8t. INDEX. Goldsmiths, workiog — cont. , , a petition from, complaining of the decay of trade by the intrusion of foreigners, i86. ‘ ‘ Goldsmythes and Bochers. ” See Debate, a, 357 - Goodschall, Sir Robert, Lord Mayor, desires the use of the Hall, 234 ; the request granted, ib. Gorges, Colonel, Governor of Londonderry, 121. Gorget, a silver, belonging to William Corye, is defaced, i. Gough Square, 28. Graham, Sir James, 349. Granby, the Marquis of. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Graver of the Pounsons, the, applies for a fur- ther allowance, 153. Great New Street, 28. Grey, Sir Charles, and Sir John Jervis pre- sented with the freedom of the Company, 282 ; their letter of thanks, ib . ; the former is raised to the peerage as Lord Grey, the latter as Lord St. Vincent, 283. , Sir William de. Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, his judgment in the case of the Refractory Companies (1773) will repay perusal. See also Disagreement, a, 262, 263. Grigg, William, the cockpitman in Aldersgate Street, 33. Grocers’ and Weavers’ Companies, Informa- tions filed against the, 262. See also Disagreement, a. Grub Street, Cripplegate, formerly Grobbe Strete, now Milton Street, 158. Gunpowder Alley, 13. Gunpowder Plot, the Company go to St. Paul’s to commemorate the deliverance from, 70. Treason, the Wardens, Assistants, and Livery go to St. Paul’s to public thanksgiving for the deliverance from the, 80. Gutter (Godron) Lane, 9, 165. H Haberdashers’ HaU, 54. Hall, Wm., 185. Hall, the Company rebuild their, 162 ; Sir Robert Vyner contributes towards the charge of repairing and beautifying the Parlour, ib . ; he makes a further contribution to the same object, 164; the thanks of the Court are given him therefor, 165. S 4021. 38s Hall — cont. , not to be used without leave of the Wardens, and then only upon payment of certain prescribed sums for the poor box, 1 70. , endangered by the servants of the Lord Mayor sticking candles with clay against the wainscot of the Court Room, 190 ; his Lord- ship is to be acquainted therewith,' and the Clerk directed to insure ;^i,ooo or ;^i,5oo on the same, ib. , £\oo received of the Lord Mayor (1714) ' as part of the rent, which is directed to be paid “ in discharge of charities for which the Hall is settled so far as the same will extend at 15J. per pound,” 191. , letting the, for funerals, 193 ; no mem- ber to have any profit or advantage there- from, ib. , apartments in, now used by the Lord Mayor (1725), not to be let but by indenture of lease, and for not less than .^200 yearly rent, 207. , Sir John Williams, next iu nomination for Lord Mayor, applies for its use, 220 ; but the Company, being in a better position than they were formerly, decline to let it for the service of the Mayoralty other than to a member, ib. , the Company are led by the opinions of surveyors to expect that in the course of a few years it wilt be necessary to rebuild their, 313 ; the expense will be very great, ib. ; the Clerk proposes a plan for the establish- ment of a fund for the purpose, ib. — , lent to the Government for the exchange of the old silver coins (1817), 317. , the present, a fund for building, raised slowly and with difficulty, the annual addi- tions thereto being but small, 319 ; it is de- cided to build without delay (1830), ib. ; tem- porary premises taken at No. 17, Alderman- bury, ib.; the Hall opened on the 15th July, 1835, with a dinner to the Court and Livery, ib. ; the Company compelled to practise a rigid economy, yet were able to complete the work without curtailing their gifts for charitable purposes, 320; the Wardens’ ac- count of the opening, 339 ; an invitation sent through Sir Herbert Taylor to King William IV. as Master and Honorary Mem- ber of the Company, ib. ; the reply thereto, 340 - Hall-mark, a notice to the public against the purchase of plate not bearing the, 1 75. Hall-marking laws relating to foreign plate, alterations in, 328 ; the Company prepare clauses for that purpose, ib. B B 386 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Hall marks, counterfeiting the, 243 ; Mr. Wat- son, a general surveyor of the Duty on wrought plate, produces a written informa- tion against Mr. Swift, a knife-haft maker in Wood Street, ib. ; the Clerk to prosecute if there be sufficient evidence, ib. Hallifax, Sir Thomas, 275, 278. Hallyott, Stephen, wares of silver taken from him on Bartholomew day, 41. Haraske, Peter, admitted to the Freedom of the Company, 172 ; he receives a certificate of denizenship, ib. Harding, Mrs. Agas. See Shoe Lane, 127. Harding Street, the new street in Shoe Lane Gardens, named after Mrs. Agas Harding, 109. Hardinge, Major-General Sir Henry. See Hall, the present, 340. Harrington, Sir James, a Long Parliament man, 338. Haselfoote, Thomas, son of the Clerk, is ad- mitted to the Freedom by patrimony, the fees thereof being remitted, 118. , William, Clerk, 57, 63 ; rates taxed by the Committees for him, 367. Heardman, John, minister of St. John Zachary, 126. Hearth Office, the, 162. Hesse, the Prince of. See Marlborough, the Duke of, 1 82. Hetherington, Humphrey, Clerk, 187, 188. “High-water marke of Tarris. ” See Barge house, a committee, &c.. III. Flilliard, Mr. Chas., conditions upon which he proposes to place in the Company’s hands £'1,000, for their use for ever, 126 ; he is desired to consider a more reasonable demand than that proposed, ib. ; he offers to add £\oo more to the sum first men- tioned, 127; his proposal is declined with a civil expression of thanks for his goodwill to the Company, ib. Hoare, Richard (afterwards Sir), 225, 228, 231. , , one of the Sheriffs elect, desires the use of the HaU during his Shrievalty, and liberty to use the Company’s barge, 232 ; the request is complied with, ib. , , Lord Mayor, 188. Honorary Members of the Company enrolled in recent years, 333-4 : Lord Lyndhurst. Earl de Grey. Lord Stanley. H. R. H. The Duke of Cambridge, Sir James Graham. Major-Genl. Sir Hariy Smith. Honorary Members of the Company enrolled in recent years — coni. The Rajah of Sarawak, Sir James Brooke. Viscount Gough. The late Duke of Richmond. Viscount Stratford de Redchffe. Lord Feversham. Major-GenL Sir W. Fenwick Williams (of Kars). Major-Genl. Sir Henry Havelock. Major-Genl. Sir Archdale Wilson. Sir John Lawrence. Sir Harry S. Parkes. The present Duke of Richmond. The Marquis of Salisbury. The late Earl of Derby. Earl Cairns (Lord Chancellor). Earl Spencer. Lord Playfair. H. R. H. Prince Albert Victor. Mr. W. H. Smith. Mr. A. J. Balfour. H.R.H. The Duke of York. Hooke, Robert, sometime Upper Warden, a petition from, 120; formerly engaged in searches in the West Country, as far as Launceston, in Cornwall, I2l ; an annuity granted to him, but it is not to be drawn into a precedent, ib. “ Horn ” Tavern, the, 36. Horne Alley, 87, 89. “ Horne ” Tavern, Fleet Street, 201. Hosier, Charles, a member of the Court, 240 ; his country house at Stoney Stratford, ib. , , lately deceased : for his eminent services to the Company in extricating them from their difficulties, &c., his picture is to placed amongst the benefactors in the Par- lour, 244 ; the Standing Committee to apply to his family for liberty to take a copy from an original portrait in their possession, ib. ; Thomas Prowse, Esq. , offers the original to the Company, who thank him, but desire to have a copy only, 245. “ Hospitall land,” 64. House, a, to be built where “the old Assay Office now stands, ” for which money is to be taken up at interest on the Company’s Common Seal, 182. House of Commons, an order of the, requiring the Clerks of the City Companies to state the particular grants and constitutions by W'hich they were made Livery Companies, with the number of their respective Liveries, 203 ; the certificate of Humfrey Hethering- ton thereupon, ib. ; another order requiring INDEX. 387 House of Commons— an account of the Liverymen in each respec- tive Company as they were returned to the Lord Mayor in 1700, with the fines payable by Freemen called upon the respective Liveries, 204 ; the Clerk’s Certificate, ib. Howe, Earl, requested to accept the Freedom of the Company, 281 ; his letter in reply, ib. , , a subscription for the relief of the widows and children of the warrant and petty officers, &c., who fell in the service of their country, in the Fleet under the com- mand of, 282 ; he is made acquainted with the proceedings of the Court, ib. , St. Vincent, Nelson. See “Londons.” Hudson, Mr., the painter, desires liberty to take down the Conversation Piece to take measures to secure it from damp, 244 ; also for Mr. Faber to engrave a copper plate from the picture to make a “Massetinto” print, ib. ; permission is granted, ib. I Imbrotherers’ Hall, the, ill. Imperial Institute, grants for experimental and research work conducted by the Scientific Staff of the, 333. Income, the general, arising from the Com- pany’s own account of property, from the Assay Office, and from the Plate Duty Account. See Income Tax. Tax, the Committee meet to take into consideration the Act imposing an, 304 ; the Clerk lays before them the Act and the schedules of income arisen between Michael- mas 1797 and Michaelmas 1798 from the three several concerns under the Com- pany’s management, ib. ; the Act Imposed ;^io per cent, on all income exceeding ;,^200, ib. Inman, Evodias, slanders the Wardens and Assistants, 29 ; he is summoned before the Court of Wardens, 30; “Mr. Wardens’ proceeding with Inman well approved ” by the Court of Assistants, 31 ; summoned with others for refusing to let the Wardens make trial of their wares, 163. Innocent, John, is charged by Thomas Grant, his late journeyman, with casting the Com- pany’s marks to buckles moulded in sand Innocent, John — cokI from others marked at the Hall, 250 ; Aldermen Crosby and Hallifax examine Grant on oath, and a warrant is granted for the apprehension of Innocent, ib. ; he is apprehended and lodged in the Compter, carried before Mr. Kelynge, a Justice for Westminster, and committed to Clerkenwell Bridewell forTurther examination, 251 ; he is then brought before Sir John Fielding and Peter Planck, Esq., who discharge him, ib. Ireland, Committee of the twelve Companies about, 69. , fit persons to be sent into, for settling the possession of lands and their manage- ment, pursuant to an order by the Protector and Council, 69. , lauds in, 71. , Abstract of the Survey of the Company’s lands in, 1 19. , the Society of Governor and Assistants, London, of the new Plantation in Ulster, 1 19. , Sprakeling and Hall sent to, to survey the lands, and report to the Court, 119 ; they make their report, 121. , the Company’s Plantation in, 120. , the new Patent of Incorporation relating to lands in, is received, 121. , the Company’s land in, 136. , the Company’s Mills, 149. , Instructions to the Clerk on his going to, to view and inquire into the value of the Company’s lands there, and all matters re- lating thereto, 202. , the rebellion in (1798), 303; a sub- scription for the relief of sufferers engaged in suppressing, or for their wives and chil- dren, ib. ; the Company give 100 guineas, ib. , the rebellion in (1798), 303 ; the rebels defeated by General Lake at Vinegar Hill, ib. Irish Adventurers, the Treasurers for, 52. Estate, the sale of the Company’s, an example of the manner in which business was transacted at the period (1728), 207. of the Company bid for by Capt. McCullock on behalf of the Earl of Shel- burne, 209 ; the Earl’s agreement drawn in the waste Court Book and signed, ib. ; great trouble given to the Irish Society by objec- tions to the title raised by the Earl’s counsel in Chancery, 215 ; an order of the Lord Chancellor for executing the Deed of Feoff- ment, 216 ; the order read in the Council Chamber, Guildhall, in the presence of the B B 2 388 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Irish Estate — cont. Irish Society and the Earl, by which order all parties are required to execute the con- veyance of the said estate, ib. ; the Clerk to attend the Earl at the Bank and see that ;f^'9,40o be paid in according to the above order, 217 j the Earl desires to make “an admirable end of all differences,” 218 ; all disputes touching the purchase between his Lordship and the Company ended, 219. , the law charges of the two suits in Chancery about the sale of, 219. lands in Londonderry and Coleraine, the patent for, 64 ; Sir John Wollaston to be Governor, ib. ; Francis Ashe and Francis Hall to be named in the patent of Incor- poration, lb. , the Cordwainers’, Armourers’, and Painter-Siainers’ Companies formerly joined with the Goldsmiths’ in the, 76 ; the Cord- wainers disclaim any interest in. the lands, but subsequently deny the disclaimer, I'b. ; if they acknowledge their error, they are to stand in their former condition with the Goldsmiths’ Company, bb. — — , the settlement of, upon the Com- pany, by new Deeds, 119. Isaacson, Henry, Treasurer of Bridewell Hospital, 5. J Jackson, Alexander, the Assay Master, his son admitted to the freedom, 33. , John, Master of the Clockmakers’ Com- pany. See U 7 ide 7 - Standard of gold, &c., 292. , the Assayer, a petition from, 73. Jewin, or Jewes’ Garden, 56, 86, 87, 88, 90. , “ the onely place appointed to the Jews in England wherein to bury then" dead, till the yeare 1177,” 88. , a view of a house and garden in, 31 ; “an inventory of such things as of right doe belonge unto the Company,” 32. , a difference between the parishes of St. Buttolph, Aldersgate, and St. Gyles without Cripplegate, concerning the Com- pany’s property in, 72 ; the parishes refer the matter to the Company, and the Court of Assistants accept the reference, 75. Jewin— Street, 9, 125. , the Company’s Arms on brass set up in three places in, 102. — , the new street between Aldersgate Street and Redcross Street, 103 ; an inscrip- tion with the name to be set up at each end thereof, ib. Jewkes, the “ Councellor,” 44. Johnson’s Dictionary, a quotation from. See Grub Street, 158. Jones, John, a petition from, a convict in Newgate under sentence of death for forgery, having obtained Lydia Bell’s plate from the Assay Office, 249 ; the Wardens recommend him to His Majesty’s mercy, ib. K Kerry Lane, 104. King’s, the (Chas. II.), Arms to be made and set up in the Hall or Parlour, 133. L Lambeth Marsh. See Barge house, a commit- tee, &c. , 109. Lamerie, Paul de, 231. Lane, Mr. John, the Clerk, died on i6th ■January, 1852, 321 ; Mr. Walter Piideaux, father of the author of the Mc 77 iorials, ap- pointed his successor, ib. , Mr. Thomas, Clerk, it is resolved by the Court that his portrait be painted by Sir Wm. Beechey, and hung in an appropriate situation, in approbation of his conduct during nearly 30 years, 316 ; an engraving of the portrait to be made, and a copy sent to each member of the Court, ib. , , resigns his office of Clerk, and is succeeded by his son, Mr. John Lane, 31S. Lanthorne, the, on the top of the Hall to be repaired, 149. Lease, a, granted gratis in consideration of re- building, 154. Leases, the covenant restraining tenants in Cheape from letting to persons other than goldsmiths to be omitted in future, 4. INDEX. 389 Leases — coni. , a Book of Extracts from, made by- Thomas Bankes, the Clerk, 226 ; the Com- pany’s loss of their writings and the counter- parts of leases in the fires of 1666 and 1681, ib. ; a duplicate of the Book of Extracts presented to the Prime Warden, 227. Le Gendre, Mr., Clerk to the Court of Re- quests, produces a list of prisoners in Lud- gate, in Wood Street Compter, and in the Poultry Compter, 218. Letter, a, signed “Robert Windsor,” desiring the Company’s junior weigher (Mr. Nash) to pro-vide the writer with a stamp to coun- terfeit the Hall mark, 243. , directed to the Clerk, the writer whereof desires to be informed by an open advertise- ment what penalty a silversmith is liable to for sending one half of his work to the Hall to be marked, and running the other half of worse silvfer, 250 ; and offering to make known the particulars, ib. of attorney, a, to deal with an encroach- ment, 57. Letters Patent from the King are received and read, 176. Lillipot Lane, the Company’s house in, 72. Lincoln, Lord. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Liverpool, the Earl of. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Livery, a new (1653), 44. , the smallness of the, 134 ; a new Livery of 40 persons to be chosen, and “ ranked according to the antiquity of their several Freedoms,” ib. , the new, to carry in all the meat to furnish the upper table, 135. of the Company, the number of the, very small, 158 ; a new Livery to be called, ib. , anew, chosen (1667), 161.' , a new, called into the Parlour, when the Court proceed to the setting of them in their several ranks and places, and they are admitted to the Clothing of the Company, , the, attend and are called in, the ordi- nances of the Company are read, and they are acquainted with the names of the War- dens elect, 2 1 1. the, reduced lower in number than many of the inferior Companies, 221 ; a pri- vate Call to be made, ib. ; any gentleman summoned may have his note taken for ;^io, part of his Livery fine, payable at 12 months, and he may be at liberty to pay Livery — co7it. down ;^io, or so much as wiU make up ;^io with the fines he has already paid for the offices of Rich Bachelor, Budge Bachelor, and Gentleman Usher, 222 ; some are ex- cused from the Clothing at present, and others refuse the favour, 223 ; certain, who have been twice summoned but have not appeared, are to be summoned a third time, and reminded of their oath when admitted to the Freedom, which rule is to be observed in future in like cases, ib. ; the new Livery to be placed according to their standing in the Book of Freedoms, ib. , the, reduced very low in number, 231. , the, trifling excuses ha-ving been made during a call on, the Court are of opinion that the same hath been made too cheap by the frequent calls of late years, 232. Companies’ Commission, i88o : the case of the author of Municipal London summed up in 9 propositions, the first being that “ the Livery Companies are an integral part of the Corporation ” 262 ; a witness sum- moned to support the contention, ib. ; his treatment of the case of Alderman Plumbe, ib. ; he is asked as to the decision in the case of the Refractory Companies in 1773, ib. ; his reply and the book Mimicipal Lojidon might have misled the Commis- sioners but for the correction of the Com- pany’s late Clerk, 263.* , 327 ; a minority report and a majority report presented, ib. ; the reports useful in two respects, ib'. ; prevailing ideas of the wealth of the Companies much exag- gerated, ib. ; the Companies liberally supple- ment their charities out of their corporate funds, and employ those funds on works “of acknowledged public utility,” ib. fine, a, is returned to James Pearce, on his executing a release of all right of voting as a Liveryman, 221. Liverymen, removed or displaced, an order for their restoration as they were before the Quo Warranto brought against the Com- pany’s Charter, 1 76. Lloyd’s. See Aid for the Government, 305. Loan of ;,C2,ooo to Charles IL, 152 ; the Wardens are requested to borrow the sum, ib. ; £600 received from the Chamberlain of London as part repayment, 162 ; a fur- ther receipt on account of the loan, which is stated to have been ‘ ‘ upon the credit of the hearth money,” ib. Loans, an order in the case of, upon personal security, 125. 390 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Londinopolis, Howell’s, 9. , Mr. James Howell presents to the Court his book entitled, 119. “London,” the, man-of-war, blown up at the Nore, 153. London Bridge, the Company joined the pro- cession on the river at the opening of new (1831), 318. Londonderry, a petition of about 70 officers who served at the siege of, 1 79. “Londons,” seven, in the British Navy, 154. Long Parliament, the, abolished the extraordi- nary Courts, including the Star- Chamber, and overthrew the King’s claim to levy taxes without the authority of Parliament, 133 - Lord Chancellor, the, presented with a piece of plate, 1 76. Mayor, the, plate lent by the Company to, 50. , the, as Conservator of the River Thames, 109. (Sir James Edwards), the, is allowed the use of the Hall during his year of office, for which he is charged £2.'^o, 170; he is dissatisfied with the rent, and neglects to pay, a compromise effected ib. , the, and Court of Aldermen, an order from, for the admission of Thomas Willis into the Freedom of the City by re- demption in the Goldsmiths’ Company, 281 ; it is ordered to lie on the table, but after- w^ards returned to Mr. Willis, when he is informed that no notice can be taken there- of, ib. , the, not a member of one of the Twelve Companies. See Freedom, the, of the Company to Lord Collingwood, &c. , 308. Mayor’s Day, short guns to be used in- stead of the usual chambers, 46. , an account of the ceremony on, 48 ; the Wardens, Assistants, and Livery go to the Lord Mayor’s house to wait upon him to the Guildhall to meet the old Lord Mayor, 49. , the trumpeter to furnish “a noyse of seven sufficient trumpettes for,” 79. , 1721, 201. • , resolved “that the Company do not join the procession by land or water, ” 319- ■ Show, a curious notice of the part the Company took in the (1804), 308. Protector, the, dines at Grocers’ Hall, 63- “ Loyal London,” the, man-of-war, subscribed for by the Corporation and the several Com- panies of the City, &c., 153 ; took part in the battle of the 25th July 1666, 154 ; she is burnt by the Dutch in the Medway, ib. , the, a precept from the Lord Mayor about, 156. Malcolm, Vice-.\dmiral Sir Pulteney. See Hall, the present, 340. Manchester, the Earl of, 91. Mansfield, Mr. See Disagreement, a, 257. Marchpane, 78. Marks, the Company’s, the practice of cutting them from old pieces of plate and soldering them into new pieces which had not been tried at the Hall, 214; means adopted to prevent the practice, ib. , , counterfeiting the, 238 ; Richard Gosling and Lewis Larothe convicted thereof, ib. ; Edward Aldridge prosecuted, but acquitted, ib. ; and prosecutions com- menced against David Mowden, Matthias Standfast, and James Smith, judgment being against Mowden, ib. Marlborough, the Duke of, with many persons of quality, splendidly entertained at Gold- smiths’ Hall, 182. Marryott, Gabrieli, and Elinor his wife, pre- sent Elizabeth Love and Elizabeth Allen for seven years, to learn the art which the wife useth in making coats, &c., for children, 75 - Marshall, Alderman, requests the Company to let him their Hall, 240; the standing order that the Hall be not let for the service of the Mayoralty, other than that of a member of the Company, is suspended, and the request granted, ib. ; later he desires to be released from his contract, and offers to defray all expenses the Company may have incurred on his account, 241 ; the Court decide to excuse him from such charges, ib. Maryborough, Lord, Master of the hlint, 318 ; a guest at the opening of the present Hall, 340. Master of the Mint, the, sought the help of the Company in ascertaining the trade prices of gold and silver, 317. Masterpiece, the order for the, 363. INDEX. 391 Matters to be taken into consideration “ when there shall be a fuller Court, and before dinner,” 4. Maydenhead tenement in Gutter (Godron) Lane, 8. Mayoralties of Sir Francis Child and Sir Richard Hoare. See Westbrook e, William, 227. McCullock, Capt., declared to be the pur- chaser of the Company’s Irish Estate ; he states that he had bid on behalf of the Earl of Shelburne, whose agreement was drawn in the waste Court Book and signed. See Irish Estate of the Company, 209. McDonnell, Colonel. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Member, a, of the Court, who shall be ap- pointed Clerk, Common Assayer, Weigher, Common Assayer’s Assistant, Surveyor, Tackle Porter, Beadle, or Drawer, shall resign his seat, 225. — of a Company, a custom from ancient times for such to keep to his own first-chosen Company and not to accept membership elsewhere. See Pitt, William, 276. Members of the Company appointed to ride at the “King’s Majesty passing through the City.” See Charles II., his restoration, 134. , certain, of the Company voluntarily be- come disfranchised in order to become wit- nesses before the House of Lords touching a Bill of the Company, 229; they are restored to their several Freedoms, ib. , , voluntarily become disfranchised in order to become witnesses against a counterfeiter of the Hall marks, 238. Meynell, Mr. Alderman, a “treaty” with reference to his admission to the Court, 137; a loan of plate to him for use during his year of office as Sheriff, 143 ; Sheriff, ser- vices which are to be performed by the Company with reference to, on Lord Mayor’s Day — “Surveyors” and “ Welcomers” and other persons to attend at the dresser for the delivery of the “dyett, ” 144; his death, and funeral at Ironmongers’ Hall, Fenchurch Street, 159. Middleton, or Myddelton, Sir Hugh, 174, 185. , , elected Upper Warden, 172; styled “Prime Warden,” 173. • , Mr. Symon, presents the picture of his father. Sir Hugh Middleton, Bart, 168. Military Association of the Ward of Alders- gate, 305 ; the Company subscribe 100 guineas towards the fund for the general ex- penses of the Association, 306. Money lent by the Company upon the Lords’ Bonds, for the use of the late King (Chas. I. ), 2. Monk, the Lord General, and his lady, with the Council of State and the chief officers of his Army, are invited to a dinner, 131; preparations for the entertainment, ib. ; forms of tickets of invitation, 132 ; Mr. Jordan, a “poet,” brought by Mr. Ffitz, musician, is to prepare a speech, ib. ; he makes the speech, ib. ; the cost of the din- ner, ib. and Blake. See “ Londons,” 154. Montreal, Canada, relief given to the sufferers by a fire at, 249. Moore, Mr. Robert, the Will of, 6 ; the Com- mittee’s report thereon, 7 ; “ several branches of the Will,” ib. ; “ a Bill of com- plaint aboute it,” ib. ; the Company advised to put in a disclaimer to accept of the trust, and to “refuse the receipt of any moneys lymitted,” 65 ; the answer and disclaimer of the Company to the Bill of complaint of Margaret Webb, 66. More Lane. See Grub Street, 158. Morrell, Mr. Richard, 10, 73 ; gives a silver salt with scrolls, 80. Mullineuse, Thomas, a Major in the late King’s (Chas. I.) Army, to partake of the Strelley pension as a maimed soldier, 157. Municipal Corporations Commission, 320. Mu 7 iicipal London. See Livery Companies Commission — the case of the author of Municipal London refuted, 262. N “ Nagg’s Head,” the, 73. Napoleon abdicated the Empire and retired to Elba in April, 1814; in February 1815 he escaped, when hostilities recommenced which ended on June i8th at Waterloo. See Paris, the first Peace of, 315. Needle Makers’ Company, 122. Nelson, Lord, 100 guineas given to seamen under, 304. , , his victory at the battle of Tra- falgar, 308 ; the Court consider a request from the Court of Aldermen to attend his funeral, 309 ; the resolution of the Court of Aldermen, 310; the Company’s BargemastCj. 392 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Nelson, Lord — cont. questioned about the barge and her capa- bility to navigate belovr "bridge with safety, ib. ; it is to be taken out prior to the day of the funeral vrith a view to the Company attending therein at Greenwich with the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, ib. Nevill’s Alley, 26, 28. New buildings, fines for, in the parish of St. Botolph, Bishopsgate ; St. Bride, Fleet Street ; Harding Street, near Shoe Lane 5 , and in Jewin Street, 124. River Company, the lease from the, for providing the Hall with water at 5or. rent per annum, to be renewed, 207. Water, a deed for the conveyance of the Company’s share in, to Esquire Soames, 179. Spring Gardens, 107. Newgate, a gruesome account of an execution at, 278. Newington, fields beyond, towards Deptford. Se^ Charles II., his restoration, 134. Nile, the battle of the, 303. Nimwegen, the Treaty of. William III. , preparations for his reception, 181. “ No manner of man of the craft shall revile or slander his Wardens, upon pain of a fine of40J'. ” Pute, Mr. Warden, 175. Noble Street, a fire in, I2i. Noell, Alderman, 9. North Harding Street, 128. Northesk, Rear-Admiral the Earl of, a motion that the Freedom of the Company be pre- sented to him, 309 ; his letter in reply ac- cepting the honour, 312. o Office or place of profit in the Company, no member of the Court to be elected to any, unless he engage to relinquish his place as Assistant if elected, 279. Ogarthorpe (or Okerthorpe), condition of the manor. St’e Strelley, Mr. , the report of the gentlemen trustees of, 206. Ogilvye, Mr. John, presents to the Company a very fair, large book, 68. Okerthorpe, the Manor of, Derbyshire, report of Mr. Robert Cowley, who was employed by the Wardens to visit Mr. Strelley there, 125. Old Spring Gardens, at Charing Cross, 107. Open spaces and playing fields, liberal contri- butions of the Company towards, 333. Ordinances of the Company, 211-214. Orme, Cardinall, 185. Orphans’ Court, the, 122. Owen, — , convicted of forging and publishing an order on the Assay Office to obtain silver buckles left to be assayed and marked, executed on the scaffold erected before the debtors’ door of Newgate. See Newgate, 278. Oxford University Library, contributions to- wards building the, 205. P Paine, Mr., one of the attorneys in the Ex- chequer. Standard pieces, 136. Paris, the first Peace of, 315 ; the Court and Livery invited to a dinner to celebrate it, ib. ; it is also resolved to invute some of the nobility and great public characters, ib. Parker, John, excused from serving as Upper Warden, 118 ; he gives a piece of plate bearing the inscription “Mr. John Parker’s cupp, as his fine for the place of Upper Warden,” 119. Parliament, a Bill in(i); clauses relating to ad- ditions to plate, and putting in too much solder, 2 ; to counterfeit pearls, “gold end men,” pedlars, and petty chapmen, ib. ; to wiredrawers, ib. ; the Clerk to draw up the Bill with the several amendments and alterations lately agreed upon, ib. , (2), moneys disbursed to Mr. Re- corder for his advice upon, 140 ; an order made by the Committee of Parliament ap- pointed to consider the Bill, 141; much re- lates to irregularities practised by -wire- drawers, ib. “Parliament BUI,” a; Sir Thomas Vyner, Mr. Alderman Meynell, and others ap- pointed a Committee to prepare it, 148. , the, is considered, 151. business, the Committee about the, take the opinion of Mr. Serjeant Brome on certain questions, 139; the answers of Ser- jeant Brome, ib. , the Committee for the, report then- proceedings, 228 ; a further report, 231. , the thanks of the Court given to Sir Francis ChUd and Mr. Brassey for then- great assistance in the, 231 ; the Committee for the business also thanked, ib. INDEX. 393 Parliament — cont. Chamber, in the Temple, 121. , the Company go to the election of mem- bers for the new, 131. Partridge, Mr. John, an Assistant, having re- fused to let the Wardens, when engaged on a search, take any of his goods, it is ordered that he be not put in nomination for Warden, 182. Patent, a, for ‘ ‘ the restoring of all Privileges, Liberties, and Ffranchises to the severall Companyes of London,” 177. Paul’s Chaine, 50. “Paul’s Head” Tavern, Cateaton Street, 298. Payments, yearly (1718), 196. , (1720), 199. Peckham, Robert, Lord Mayor. See Common Hall, 274. Peel, Sir Robert, his speech at the opening of the present Hall, 343 ; present at a banquet after a trial of the Pyx, 349. “ Peerage Money,” the, 64. Pemberton, Sir James. See SL John Zachary, 137 - Pensions, weekly, paid by tally, 1 1 7. and charities, a great increase in the number of applicants for, 251. Perrott, Mr. Baron. See Disagreement, a, 262. Perryn, Mr. John, Alderman, 10, 73, 102, 323; a “ worthy member of this Company,” departed this life at his house in East Acton, 1 18. , , his last Will and Testament, ib. ; the opinion thereon of Mr. Palmer, “the councellor of the Temple,” ib. , , his widow sends £ 20 for distribu- tion among the poor of the Company, ib. Petition, a, of the Company to Parliament, the preamble referring to the great trust reposed in the Company by the State, 25. to Parliament for better regulating the affairs of the Company, 29. Phesant Garden, the, 86, 89. “Pheasant,” the, in Friday Street, 130. “ Pheasaunt,” the, and the “Red Bull,” in Friday Street, 64. Pickett, William, two letters from, requesting to be elected on the Court of Assistants, 280; no order made thereon, ib. Pitt, William, First Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer : it is resolved to present him with the Freedom of the Com- pany, 275 ; the Wardens, attended by the Clerk, wait on him at his house in Berkeley Square with a copy of the resolution, ib. ; his polite answer, ib. ; a motion that he be invited, with such friends as shall be agree- Pitt, William — cont. able to him, to dine with the Wardens and Assistants at the Hall, 276 ; a committee ap- pointed to give the invitation and to provide and direct the entertainment, ib. ; the dinner held on the 13th May 1784, covers being laid for 50 persons, ib. ; the expenses of the entertainment, ib. ; the cost of the wine and the price per bottle, tb. ; an account of the occasion from T/ie London Packet, or New Lloyd's Evening Post, from Friday, March 12, to Monday, March 15, 1784, ib.-, the- toasts drank on the occasion, 277. > , two letters from, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, relative to a loan for the public service, 283 ; the Court express their readiness to lend their assistance and support to Government whenever the good of the country requires it, 284. Plague, the Great, an assessment on the Com- pany for relief of persons visited by, 155 ; many, following the example of the King and Court, fled to the country, ib. ; the Lord Mayor remained at his post, and the Aider- men were forbidden to leave the City without reasonable cause, tb. ; the first Wednesday of each month kept as a solemn fast day, ib. Plantation, the Company’s, in Ireland. See Ireland, the Company’s Plantation in, 120. Plate lent by the Company to Thomas Vyner, “Lord Maior of the Citty,” 51. formerly given to the Company by divers members thereof, but molten down for special reasons, to be again restored, 148. > a return of the quantity and value of, made and assayed from 1654-1664, 151. ) such part of the Company’s as is not serviceable, to be sold, owing to the many pressing claims for the payment of money, especially for the repairing of the Hall, i6l. — — , counterfeit, shown by the Wardens to the King’s Attorney, who directs them to acquaint His Majesty (Chas. H.) with the frauds, 167 ; the King gives his commands for a Warrant to search for such plate, ib. ; the Wardens to show their readiness to ob- serve His Majesty’s commands, ib. marked at Goldsmiths’ Hall, an accompt of, for five years (1718), 195. , Mr. Hosier moves for a committee to inquire into the particulars of the sale of, the gifts of benefactors, when the Company were in necessitous circumstances, 220 ; the committee’s report read, in which it is stated that the plate sold in 1667 and 1 71 1 weighed 3406 oz. 9 dwts. , 221. , an inventory of (1741), 234. 394 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Plate — cont. given to the Company : Old gilt : A cup and cover (the body chiefly crystal), by Sir Martin Bowes, 236. A cup and cover, with the Company’s Arms engraved thereon, by Mr. Rich. H anbury, ib . The like given by Mr. Foake, ib. A salt cellar standing on eight lions, with 4 eagles at top and a crystal body, by Mr. Thos. Seymour, ib. A salt cellar and cover, with 4 fluted columns and Neptune enclosed in crystal, with a lion rampant engraved on the top, by Mr. Simon Gibbon, ib. A salt cellar and cover standing on balls, with a crystal body, by Mr. Rich. Rogers, Comptroller of the Mint, ib. Old white : A bell with the Company’s Arms and the Arms of Sir Robt. Vyner, 237. Duty, repeal of the. See Gold and silver plate, the Duties on abolished, 332, 349. Plate-worker, an alien, admitted to the Free- dom of the City notwithstanding the petition of native workmen, being specially re- commended by the King (Chas. II.), 147 - Player, Sir Thomas, Chamberlain. See Charles II., accepts the Freedom of the City, 169. Plough Court, in Fetter Lane, 128. Yard, 28. Plumbe, Alderman, his case of gi'eat interest and importance, 262. See also Disagreement, a, 255-262. Pole, the Rt. Hon. William Wellesley, 346. Pollock, Sir Frederick, 340. Poor, increase of the, 71. , the, 100 guineas paid into the Chamber of the City of London for the relief of, on account of the present high price of pro- visions (1795), 282. rate, the new Corporation for the, col- lectors of monies for, 126. , the, imposed upon the Fishmon- gers’, Goldsmiths’, and Skinners’ Companies, for Lambeth parish, in respect of their bargehouses there, 130 ; several oars belong- ing to each of the Companies distrained, ib. Portman, Mr. Warden, presents a silver ewer, 166. , Mr. John, 185, “Preaching and praying Ministers in the prisons of the City,” 104. Prata, Walter, apprentice of John Lincoln, the offences of, 359. Precepts : from the Lord Chancellor (Lord Claren- don) about a trial of the Pyx, 1 48. from the Lord Mayor to certify what pow- der there is in the Hall, in accordance with an Order of the Council of State, 12. for the provision of 700 quarters of wheat, 20. on the return of Charles II. “into his Klingdom,” 133. desiring members of the Company to take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, 134. that the King and his brothers and other great personages have accepted an invitation to the City ; ;(^3,ooo to be borrowed of all the Companies to defray the expenses ; exception taken to the form of the precept ; the Wardens and others to repair to the Lord Mayor and desire it to be amended. See Charles IL, his restoration, 134, 135. with reference to the entertainment to the King, the two Dukes, and both Houses of Parliament, ib. for the Companies to make no solemn feasts at their Halls on that day, ib. requiring the Company to provide 525 chaldrons of “ seacoles ” for the poor, 155. to the Master and Wardens of the Company requiring them to provide a store of arms at their common Hall for the King’s (Chas. II.) service and the peace and safety of the City, 157. that his Lordship and the rest of His Majesty’s Justices have appointed to hold the Quarter Sessions at Guildhall, so that the Wardens and Assistants may fulfil what is required under an Act dealing with Popish Recusants, 168, 169. declaring the Judges’ opinions as to the persons comprised under the above Act, 169. concerning the reception of Wil- liam HL on passing through the City, 180. requiring the Company to make preparations for the reception of Geoige I. on his passing through the City, 191. Prices of commodities used in the goldsmiths’ trade, a complaint of the advance upon, 1S7. See Goldsmiths, working, a petition from. INDEX 395 Prideaux, Mr., his bust executed by Mr. Hamo Thorneycroft, A. R.A. , and placed in the Court Room, 316. , , resigns his office of Clerk, 327 ; the author of The Memorials, the assistant clerk, appointed his successor, ib . ; a vote of thanks in 1875, ib.\ a resolution on his resignation adopted, and a copy under the Common Seal, with many other tokens of esteem, presented to him, 328. Primrose Alley over against the Spittle, 74. Prince Consort, the, became an honorary member of the Company, March 5th, 1840; entertained at luncheon on the occasion, 320. Prince of Wales (afterwards George IV.), a motion that the Freedom of the Company be presented to the, so soon as the King would permit the same (1771), 257 ; an Address to the King, praying for such permission, to be prepared, ib . ; a committee to draw it up, ib. ; the Address, which is read before the Court, ib . ; it is signed by the Wardens and Assis- tants present, 258 ; Mr. Floyer with a friend attends at Richmond Lodge, his friend de- livering the Address to the King, 259 ; Mr. Floyer is informed that as it is a public affair it must come through an application to one of the Lords of the Bedchamber, ib . ; which course is followed, a request in writing also being presented, ib . ; the King replies that he will take the Address and request into consideration and send an answer, 260 ; a letter from the Earl of Suffolk, ib . ; the Wardens’ answer thereto, ib . ; they wait upon the Earl at his office in Cleveland Row, St. James’s, when he in- forms them that the King is fully satisfied of their loyalty and affection, but, on account of the tender years (he being but nine years old at this date) of the Prince, would defer the acceptance of the Freedom for some time, ib. , the present, his recovery from his dangerous illness, 324 ; took up his Freedom by patrimony and admitted to the honorary Livery of the Company, ib . ; he and a party of distinguished guests are entertained at dinner, 325 ; he and the Princess present at a ball in Goldsmiths’ Hall, ib . ; he becomes President of the City and Guilds of London Institute and lays the foundation stone of the Central Technical College, 326 ; he and the Princess open the Company’s Technical and Recreative Institute at New Cross, 331. Regent, the (afterwards George IV.), the Clerk directed to write to his Private Secretary asking his Royal Highness to be- Priuce Regent — cont. come a member of the Company on his ac- cepting the Freedom of the City, 313. “ Prime Warden,” the term first used, 173. Protestant strangers, a Bill before Parliament for the license of, to exercise their manual occupations here, 1 70. Public Faith Debts, 57; an account of the several, ib., 57-63. fasting and humiliation, a day of, 133. “Publius Virgilius Maro, the Works of,” dedicated by the translator to the Company, 69 ; it is commended by John Barkstead, Lieutenant of the Tower, ib. Pute, Mr. Warden, a complaint against, by Sir Hugh Middleton and Mr. Warden Dawes for reflective words spoken at the Renters’ dinner, 175; he is fined 40r. , ib. Pyx, trial of the, the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal require the names of 16 of the “ablest and skilfullest ’ ’ goldsmiths of the Company for a, 121 ; a Pyx jury appear before their Lordships at Westminster, near the Star Chamber, the officers of the Mint are present with the Pyx monies, but because the two indented standard pieces of gold and silver are not produced, the jury are dismissed without any trial, 122. , , a letter from the Lord Chancellor (Lord Clarendon), about a, at the Star Chamber, 152. , , the last that took place prior to the re-building of the Hall, 319. , an account of the trial of the, and sub- sequent banquet at Goldsmiths’ Hall, 24th May 1845, 346 ; H.R. H. Prince Albert and other distinguished guests entertained at the banquet, 348. Q Quarterage money, 67. , the payment of, to be discontinued as the circumstances of the Company improve, 214. Quarter-day, the Wardens, Assistants, and Livery are served with small cakes and burnt wine “in memory of a,” 4. , only one member appears, 14; the Ordi- nances are read as usual, ib. Queen Dowager (Adelaide), the, an address of condolence to, on the death of the King, 320. Quo Warranto, a Writ of, from the King (Chas. 11 . ), 175 ; judgment given against the City upon the, 1 76. 396 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. R Rea, Mr., not to be warned to any Court of Assistants or other meeting of the Company, 3- Reade, Sir Bartholomew. See St. John Zachary, the parson of, 137. Receipts, yearly (1718), 195. , (1720), 200. “Red Bull,” the, 56. Redcross Street, 9, 56. Reeve, James, elected Touch Warden, 10; not being of the Mystery he is unable to serve, and pays a fine of ;^io, ib. Refiners and shop-keeping goldsmiths, peti- tions from, 151 ; the petitioners crave the aid of the Company, ib. Renters’ Account, the, 37. dinner to be on November 5th, “a day never to be forgotten for God’s deliverance of this nation from the Gunpowder Treason,” 4. , names of the newly-elected, are pub- lished, 4. possession dinner. Renter Urlyn refuses to make the, 103, 104; an amusing account thereof, 103. , Mr. Dannett is willing to make it, 103 ; he asks for an allowance towards the expenses, 105. , ten past, admitted Assistants, and go to church to Sir Martin Bowes’s sermon, 1 14. , the, make complaint of the behaviour of the almsmen on Sir Martin Bowes’s day, 114 ; they are desired by the Court “ to goe on cheerfully in the Companyes business,” ib. , the, to provide two dinners at their own charges, 200, 203. , the, to provide a dinner at the ‘ ‘ Horn ” Tavern, Fleet Street, 201 ; the Court give them a bill of fare, and direct them to pro- vide good port wine, and that each person may have a quart bottle thereof, ib. possession day, 367. Revenue Act, a, imposes upon Corporations a Duty in lieu of Probate and Succession Duly, 328 ; adopted at the suggestion made by some of the Companies, ib . ; little re- ceived therefrom by Government from Cor- porations other than the Livery Companies, ib . ; the Duty in effect an additional ^^5 per cent, income tax, ib. Reynolds, Mr., the Clerk, 277. Richardson, Mr., the Court of Assistants treat with him to take the Clothing, 116; he declines the offer, 1 1 7. Rievaulx, the Abbot of, 28. River Fencibles, the Corps of, a memorial from, 306 ; they assist the corps formed by the Elder Brethren of the Trinity House, ib.\ the Company subscribe 100 guineas towards their support, 307. Robert, Earl of Essex, Lord General, 62. Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, grant to the, in connection with the anti- toxin treatment of diphtheria, 333. Institution, grants for experimental and research work by the, 333. Rules to be observed for the encouragement of building, 160. Rupert, Prince. See Plate, counterfeit, 167. Rushes provided for the Great Parlour, 104. Russia, the Emperor of, and the King of Prussia, 314 ; the Wardens desired to invite them to accept the Freedom of the Com- pany, ib. Russian Ambassador, the, is expected to land at Tower Wharf, 146 ; the King (Chas. H.) desires him to be met and conducted through the City to Temple Bar by the Aldermen and 500 Citizens on horseback, ib. Ryswick, Peace of. See William HI., pre- parations for his reception, 181. s “ Sad silver,” 73. SL Andrew’s Church, Holborn, 28. St. Anne, the church of, rebuilt, 1 70. St. Bartholomew eve, a search on, 39. St. Bartholomew’s, a search at, 359. SL Brigit without Ludgate, church of, 28. St. Dunstan’s day, the usual time for the election of Wardens, 203. , about the 19th of May, 367. St. George’s Fields. See Charles 11., his re- storation, 1 34. St. Giles, Cripplegate and St. Botolph, Alders- gate, differences between the parishes of, 75 ; a Committee nominated to consider the case, and report to the Court, ib. ; the in- habitants state their case, 78 ; certain in- terested parties excused from acting on the INDEX. 397 St Giles — co 7 it. Committee, 8o ; the several claims and reasons of the respective parishes, 86 ; witnesses declare “their knowledge in the premisses,” 91 j the Report of the Com- mittee, 93-97 ; Articles of Agreement be- tween the respective parishes, 97-roi ; the parishes declare themselves satisfied with the decision of the Committee, and invite them and others to a dinner, I02. , three plates to be set up in the new street to mark the bounds of the parishes and wards of, with an inscription above the Arms of the Company, ib. St. Lawrence Lane, 50. St. Martin’s Lane. See Charles II., 134. St. Mary le Bow, 88. St. Nicholas Shambles, i, 87. St. Simon’s and St. Jude’s day, an account of the ceremony on, 47. St. Thomas’s hospital built near the site of the Company’s bargehouse, 1868-71 ; 143. St. John Zachary, sequestration of the bene- fice of, 126. , the parson of, petitions the Com- pany to bestow something towards the new “tryming up” of the church, and for “refreshing” the Monuments of Sir Bart. Reade and his Lady, and Sir James Pemberton, as the Lord Mayor intends to keep his Mayoralty in the parish, 137. St. John’s, Antigua, 254 ; the Company con- , tribute ;iCioo towards the relief of the sufferers by the fire at, ib. ; the money is paid into the hands of Sir Richard Glyn and Alderman Hallifax, bankers in Birchin Lane, ib. St. Paul’s Cathedral, 333 ; the Company decorate a half-dome adjacent to the spot where their private chapel stood in old St. Paul’s, ib. Church, a payment to the vergers of, for the Company’s seats at a Public Thanks- giving for the victory over the Dutch, 157. “ Salutacion, ” the, 113. Savage, Paul, a petition of, requesting that he may be made free by redemption — an evi- dence that colourable apprenticeship was not from the earliest times allowed by the Company, 128. Saye House, the annual charge of the, 73. Scalding Alley, 74. , a “jetty” in, 37. Scarborough, Mr., elected a Warden, is unable to take upon himself that office owing to sickness, 128 ; he is not to be released from his obligation to serve in the future, ib. “ Scolane ” (Shoe Lane) in the ward without Ludgate, 28. Seabrooke, James, a petition of, he having avoided giving evidence against Richard Gosling for counterfeiting the marks, 239 ; the petition rejected and he rendered incap- able of partaking of any alms or charity of the Company, ib. Sealy, Mr. Jno. , 185. Search, a, by the Wardens and divers Assistants “in cloakes, by reason of the stormy and tempestuous weather,” 2 ; among the wares seized are an open picture in an oval and crown, and a ring with a picture, both being portraits of the late King (Chas. I.), ib. , an account of wares seized in a, 13 ; John Marlowe and Edward Wade refuse to allow their wares to be touched or tried, ib. , in several places by the Wardens, 42, 43. , a, by the Wardens at cutlers’ shops, 144. , an account of a, on Bartholomew Eve, 149. , a, at Bartholomew Fair by the four Wardens, 173. Searches on Bartholomew eve and on Bartho- lomew day to be omitted “this year” (1670) on account of the great charges attending the same, 165. in the West Country, as far as Laun- ceston, in Cornwall. See Hooke, Robert, I2I. , an account of, at Westminster and Saint Bartholomew’s, 359. Sevenokes, WiUiam, Mayor of London. See Corbyn, John, 354. Seymor, Thomas, appears to answer his con- tempt, 149 ; he makes his humble sub- mission, ib. Seymour, Captain Sir George F., R.N., 340, 349 - Seynt Cristofores next the Stokkys, the parisshe Cherche of. See Debate, a, 357. Shaa, Sir Edmund, his Will, 321. Shadwell, Vice-Chancellor Sir L. See Hall, the present, 340. Shambles, the, 73. “Shannon,” the, captures the “Chesa- peake” off Boston. See Broke, Captain Sir Philip, 315. Shelburne, the Earl of. See Irish Estate of the Company bid for, 209. Sherbourne, William. See ChCiSter, John, 354. “Ship” tenement, the, in the Shambles, 80, 105. Shoe Lane (Scolane), 26, 28. 398 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Shoe Lane — coni. , an encroachment on the Com- pany’s ground in, 34 ; the Wardens autho- rised to carry the Common Seal to seal “the letter of attorney and the lease and ejectment ” upon some part of the pre- mises, ib. , the new street in — Harding Street, 127. “Sholane, ” near Holbourne, 28. Shovel, Sir Cloudesley. See “Londons,” 154. Shovell Alley, 9. Sidmouth, Lord. See Russia, the Emperor of, 314- Skreene, barony of, in Eastmeath, 64. Smith, Charles, Chairman of the Committee of the trade. See under Standard of gold, &c. , 292. , Henry, a petition from, for an allow- ance as a “petty” canon of St. Paul’s Church, 131. , John, Esq., 185. Smythe, Sir Sidney Stafford, Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer. See Disagreement, a, 262. , Theodosia, “an infirm innocent child,” 72. Smythes, Thomas, is chosen Upper Warden in the place of Edward Vaghan, “to com- plete the number of four Wardens according to the Charter,” 67. Snell, Mr. Warden, acquaints the Court that one Fennings refused to let him see any of his goods, and threatened to shoot him if he sent for a constable, 181 ; Fennings to be prosecuted, ib. Snow, Sir Jeremy, kt. andbart, 185. Snowe, Jeremy, a goldsmith in Lombard Street, is particularly invited to take upon himself the Clothing of the Company, 134 - Soldiers, the deplorable state of the, en- gaged in quelling the rebellion of 1745 taken into consideration, 242 ; the Com- pany subscribe to “ The Veteran Scheme,” ib. , a subscription for bounties or rewards to able-bodied landsmen enlisting in His Majesty’s service (1759), 245. Soldiers’ widows and orphans, a letter from the Secretary to the Committee for the relief of, 263 ; the Company give ;^I05 for the re- lief of His Majesty’s soldiers in America, and for the widows of those who have been killed, 264. Solicitor-General, the, a fee of ;Cio in gold paid to, 154. Somerset, the Duke of. See Marlborough, the Duke of, 182. South Harding Street, 128. Sea Annuity Stock purchased, 210; Southampton, Lord. See Exchanger, office of, 147. Spanish money, or pieces of eight, brought out of Ireland, 122. Spoons made out of five ingots of dyett silver, 20. , a complaint about, 148 ; the form and pattern of a spoon to be made and hung up in the Assay Office for the workmen to work thereby, also a rule and order relating thereto, 149. Sprackling (or Sprakeling), Charles, the Clerk, dismissed, and Samuel Skinner appointed in his place, 1 76 ; the appointment is sub- mitted to the King for his approval, which is signified by his Privy Seal, ib. Sprakeling, John, son-in-law of William Haselfoote, Clerk, 5, 9 ; the reversion of the Clerk’s office granted to him, 75 ; before undertaking the mission in connection with the Company’s lands in Ireland, insures his life, and is commended for so doing by the Court, 121 ; elected Clerk vice William Haselfoote, his father-in-law, deceased, 144 ; he is admitted to the Livery, ib. “Spread Eagle,” the, in Lombard Street, 70. Standard of gold used in manufactures, a proposal for an alteration in : A proposition for an alteration of the standard of gold used in manufactories, 287 ; Mr. Pitt desires the Company’s opinions how far it might be proper to make any alteration, 288 ; he pro- mises to send in writing the proposition he wishes the Company to consider, ib. Two letters, one from Mr. Rose and the other from Mr. Pitt, ib. A Bill (referred to in Mr. Rose’s letter) is laid before the Court, but the propo- sition promised by Mr. Pitt not being received, they break up after the Clerk has read a letter written to Mr. Pitt expressing their concern on the occa- sion, ib. The Court consider further the question of the alteration of the standard of gold, 289. Letters from Mr. Secretary Rose on the subject, 289-290. The Bank does not object to the trade being permitted to work gold of 14 carats, 289. INDEX. 399 Standard of gold — cont. The statement from the Mint does not appear to Mr. Pitt to be such as should prevent a measure conceived to be likely to be of great public utility, ib. He is inclined to encourage a Bill, ib. He expresses regret that he omitted to send the proposal of the working gold- smiths respecting the alteration of the standard of gold, which they wish to be 14 carats, 290 ; he desires the Company to consider the proposal, ib. Mr. Rose sends information desired by the Prime Warden and a copy of the Bill presented to the House of Com- mon, ib. ; the application of the work- ing goldsmiths confined to the use of gold of 14 carats, ib. ; liberty to use gold of 22 carats to such as choose, ib. Mr. Pitt desires to know whether any injury is likely to arise by compliance with the application either to the manu- facturers or to the coin, ib. The whole quantity of gold used by the trade infinitely short of the produce of light guineas melted, ib. The Bill presented by Mr. Pitt to the House of Commons, ib. The proposed alteration of the standard in the years 1781 and 1789 respectively, 291. A memorial to the Court signed “John Jackson ” and “ Charles Smith,” ib. The Paris standard, ib. A comparative view of the two standards of 18 and 22 carats, ib. The Court are of opinion that no injury is likely to arise from the manufacturers using gold of a lower standard than that allowed by law, 292. They require time to consider what in- ferior standard will be most conducive to the interests of the country, ib. They are of opinion that before any Bill for the alteration of the standard be- come law it should receive great care and attention, and therefore time should be allowed for such purpose, ib. The resolutions of the Court signed by the Clerk and sent to Mr. Pitt, ib. A petition from manufacturers of watches desiring the Company to recommend the adoption of a standard, 293, 294 - Standard of gold — cont. Mr. Pitt says that he cannot press forward the Bill against the opinion of the Com- pany, 294. The Company cannot take up the subject- matter of the petition until it has been re- newed by the Lords of the Treasury, ib. A memorial to Mr. Pitt from the Clock- makers’ Company, on which the Lords of the Treasury desire the opinion of the Goldsmiths’ Company, 2975 a vast num- ber of gold watch-cases melted down, ib. The adoption of a measure for the lower- ing of the standard of gold would be a great assistance to the re-introduction of gold watches, ib. A letter from the Clerk to Mr. Secretary Rose on the Memorial of the Clock- makers, 298. A copy of the resolution of the Court to be transcribed and signed by the' Clerk and sent to Mr. Rose, 299. The Court suggest that the new standard for gold used in manufactures should be 1 8 carats, with liberty for such as choose to use gold of the present standard (22 carats), ib. The Standing Committee consider the draft of a Bill for allowing another standard in gold wares, ib. The Court consider the Bill and make alterations therein, and order the Clerk to return it to Mr. Rose, ib. They submit to the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the duty of ifir. per oz. on gold of 22 carats fine should attach to that of 18 carats, ib. The Act 38 Geo. HI. c. Ixix., “for allowing gold wares to be manufactured at a standard lower than is now allowed by law,” passed, ib. pieces of gold and silver for the trial 01 coin, &c., a warrant from the Lords Com- missioners of the Treasury stating that it is necessary they should be changed, 135 ; the Company required to furnish the names of able and experienced persons, ib. ; the names of 18 persons, including Sir Thomas Vyner, returned to the Lords Commis- sioners, 136 ; they appear before their Lordships at 'Whitehall, and are sworn for the making of three standard trial pieces, ib. ; they meet with reference to the manu- facture thereof, and are shown the Mint Indenture made between the King and Sir Philip Freeman, master worker of the Mint, ib. ; their verdict, ib. 400 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Standing Committee (the), “the very pre- servers of the Company from ruin, by their frequent attendance, great care, and pru- dent management,” 233. Orders of the Company. See Cox, Mr. Robert Albion, 281. Stangate. See Barge house, a committee, &c., 143. Steele, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, 80. Stevenson, William, a Quaker, of Lombard Street, enters a box of silver plate at the Custom House for exportation, making an affirmation that the plate is of the proper standard, 273 ; upon examination the wares are found worse than standard and not assayed or marked, ib. ; the Company offer to assist the Commissioners of Customs in prosecuting Stevenson, 274 ; he appears before the Standing Committee, and ex- presses his sorrow, and prays that his first offence may be passed over on his consent- ing to have the wares broken, /b. ; the wares that are worse than standard and unmarked are broken and Stevenson is severely repri- manded, ib. Stewart, Sir Wm., Lord Mayor, 201. Stockport School, the Company’s connection with, 321 ; the new school opened in 1832, lb. ; they determine to relinquish their con- nection with the school, and to endow it out of their corporate funds, 322 ; it is handed over to Trustees of the Towm Corporation, with an endowment of ^300 per annum, ib. ; the connection of the Company with the school finally ceases, ib. Stone, Mr. Nathaniel, 185. Stoney Stratford, cos. Bucks and Northants, a great fire at, 239; ^15 paid to Charles Llosier, Esq. , for the relief of the sufferers, 240. Stowe, a quotation from. See Grub Street, 158. Stowe’s Survey, quoted relative to the Jewes’ Garden, 88. Strachan, Rear Admiral Sir Richard John, a motion that he be presented with the Free- dom of the Company for the victory obtained over a squadron of the enemy off Ferrol, 309 ; his letter accepting the honour, 31 1. Strangers, the Wai'dens advise with the Recorder and other counsel concerning the suppression of, 35. , a petition against, from divers gold- smiths, who allege that they are almost ruined by them, and desire the Court to join with them in expelling the aliens, 46. , persons ordered to suppress the free working of aliens and, 56. Strangers — co 7 it. , an order about the business of sup- pressing the, from the manufactures of this nation, 68. , an order of His Majesty and Council about the assay and touch of two Dutch- men’s plate, 1 5 1. , a petition complaining that divers aliens and foreigners, some of whom have been m.ade free of the Goldsmiths, have come into this kingdom, and praying the Com- pany to espouse their prosecution, 1 73 ; the answer thereto, ib. Strelley, the Wardens are to write “ to quicken him,” 85. Strelley’s rent, the Company can make no allowance for taxes out of what they have to spend for charitable uses, 38. Strelley, Mr., the report of the gentlemen trustees of, who went to Ogarthorpe, Derby- shire, 205, 206. , , his unjust and illegal deductions, contrary to the will of the donor, reflect on the justice and honour of the Company. See Strelley, Mr. , the report of the gentlemen trustees of, ib. , , the Company resolve to proceed against him, 206. Strettell, Mr., 129. , , minister of SL John Zachary, 127. , , and Mr. Heardman, a contro- versy between them about the tithes on Goldsmiths’ Hall, 129. Strype, a quotation from. See Grub Street. Sturges, Mr., to have three “ginney” pieces of gold as a retaining fee, 161. Surveys, Committee for, report of, 3. Swakely House, Ickenham, Middlesex. See Vyner, Sir Robert, 338. T Taddy, Mr. Prime Warden, 301. Technical and Recreative Institute at New Cross, the Company’s, 329 j the ground and buildings belonging to the Royal Naval School secured at a cost of ;^30,ooo, 330 ; the purchase completed, ib. ; the Governing Body of the Institute, appointed by the Company, 331 ; the existing buildings adapted and new buildings provided, ib. ; the Institute opened INDEX. 401 Technical and Recreative Institute at New Cross — coni. by the Prince and Princess of Wales, ib. ; the capital expenditure (exceeding £()o,ooo), with the endowment of £(>,000 per annum, provided by the Company out of their cor- porate funds, ib. Education ; in 1871 the Company arranged a scheme for the, of artisans in their craft, 325 ; a committee of the Corpora- tion and Guilds of London to consider means for the improvement of the technical know- ledge of persons engaged in manufactures, ib. ; “The City and Guilds of London Institute for the Advancement of Technical Education,” 326 ; the Prince of Wales be- comes president, and lays the foundation stone of the Central Technical College, ib. ; the Technical College at Finsbury, and the South London School of Art, ib. ; the position gained for the Livery Companies of London by the Institute, ib. Tempest, Mr. Robt., 186. -, Mrs., 185. Tenants, the Court frequently hear and decide disputes between, 141. receive leases without fines in considera- tion of rebuilding, 162. Thanet, the Earl of, 87, 96. Thanksgiving Day (5th June 1657), the cost of the dinner to the Court and Livery on, 1 19. , two sermons appointed to be preached at Paul’s, at which the Liveries of all the Companies are to be present, 130. Dinner on the 2Sth August 1653, the cost of the, 40. Thornly, Stephen, Esquire, 185. “Three Cranes,” the, 201. “ Craynes,” the, 49. Legg Alley (now called Pemberton Row), 26, 28. “ Pidgeons,” the, in Birchin Lane, n8. Tichborne, Robert, Lord Mayor, a list of plate lent to, 1 13. Tobacco, no, to “be taken by any Assistants of this Company in the Parlour or Great Room so long as the Court shall be sitting, ” 1 66. Tookey, Mr. Samll., 185. Touch, the, of the Company : the General Committee to consider the privilege of, granted to foreigners, and other matters, to the prejudice of members, 222 ; whether foreigners may be excluded therefrom, or, if not, how they may be further charged in diet or money for touching their plate, &c., S 4021, Touch, the, of the Company — cont. ib . ; and by what means members may be eased in the expense of touching their plate, &c. , ib. ; a long case prepared and drawn up by the General Committee thereon, 224. “Touch-stone (a) for Gold and Silver Wares,” description of the illustration taken from, 337 - Tower Street, 159. Townsend, James, Lord Mayor. ■ See Extra- ordinary Common Hall on Grievances, 260. Trafalgar, the battle of, 308 ; a general thanks- giving appointed for the victory, ib. “Treaty,” a. See Meynell, Mr. Alderman, 137 - Trial pieces or other things belonging to the Mint in the custody of the Company to be brought to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury at the Council Chamber, White- hall, 135 ; five Trial pieces are taken there by the four Wardens and the Clerk, ib. Tromp, Dutch Admiral. See “Londons,” 154. Turton, Mr. Secondary, the Committee of Accompts acquaint him that the Company have settled their Hall, &c. , for the pay- ment of their Charities and Annuities, and have mortgaged their goods, and that they do not think it proper for the Company to give any bond. See Fieri facias, 190. Tutt, Mr., asks the Court to accept a piece of silver plate to be discharged from all service for the Company as Warden, 123 ; the offer is accepted, ib. u Upper Warden, election of an, in the place of Charles Everard, deceased, 1 56, V Vaghan, Mr. Edward, Upper Warden, his burial at St. Foster’s Church, 67 ; his corpse is carried out of the Hall attended by the Livery and by the Governors of Christ’s Hospital, ib. , , bequeaths a large silver tankard to the Company, 75. , Mr. Joseph, objects to pay a fine of £10 for being discharged from the office of Touch Warden, 19. , Mrs. , “a free sister ’ ’ of the Company by patrimony, 120. C C 402 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY. Vansittart, Nicholas, Chancellor of the Exche- quer, 318. Vauxhall, Faukeshall, Foxhall, Foxall {red. Fulkeshall), named after Fulke de Breaute, 107 ; allusions to, from Pepys’s Diary, ib. Venables, David ; the Court nominate Sir Robert Vyner, Sir John Shorter, Sir Jeremy Snow, and others, a Committee to advise with counsel on the indictment to be ex- hibited against, 1 74. Vennables, Mr. Stephen, 185. “ Veteran Scheme,” the. See Soldiers, 242. Victoria, Queen, Addresses of con^-atulation on her accession and on her marriage, 320 ; Addresses to the Queen and Prince Albert on their escape from assassination by Edwaid Oxford, and on a similar escape in 1842, ib . ; on the birth of the Princess Royal and of the Prince of Wales, ib. ; an Address to the Queen on the death of the Prince Consort, ib. ; and on the recovery of the Prince of | Wales from his dangerous illness, 324. View day, a report after a, 73. Viewers or Surveyors to attend ‘ ‘ to put the business into a method,” i. Villette, Mr., the Ordinary of Newgate. See Newgate, 278. Villiers, Lord. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. “Voyders,” baskets to contain broken meat, II 3 - Vyner, Alderman (afterwards Sir Thomas), 9, 24, 122, 129, 131, 147, 152, 185, 337. , , Lord Mayor elect, a gift of .j^’ioo to, 44. , Thomas, Lord Mayor, plate lent to him by the Company, 50-52. , , he returns the plate which was lent him for the purpose of his Mayoralty, 70. , , his death, and burial in St. Mary Woolnoth’s Church, 154. , Mr. Robert (afterwai'ds Sir Robert), 150, 165, 167, 337. — ■ — , , His Majesty’s goldsmith, knighted by Charles II. at Whitehall, 154 , , admitted an Assistant, 156. , , plate lent to, 159. , — ■ — , gives the Company a silver bell and an ivory hammer, both articles bearing their Arms, 161. , , sends to the Company the picture of Sir Thomas Vyner, 166 ; it is hung in the Great Parlour, ib. , , presents to the Company a silver basin, the gift of Sir Thomas Vyner, 166. Vyner, Robert — coni. , , gives a glass lanthorne to hang out at the Hall gate, 1 70. , , his residence at Swakely House, Ickenham, Middlesex, 338. , , his remains inten-ed in St. Maty Wooluoth’s Church, Lombard Street, 33S. , Lady, 131. W Wade, Edward, the Graver of the Pounsons, II ; he is charged not to deliver them to any person, nor make use of them unless required by the Wardens, ib. “ Waiters of the day,” the, 67. Waits, the City, 50. Wallis, Captain, 145. , , his house in Foster Lane, late belonging to Sir John Wollaston, 150. War, the (1798) : the Court of Assistants called to take into consideration the propriety of subscribing to the books at the Bank for receiving voluntary contributions, 301 ; it is unanimously resolved that ;^i, 000 per annum be subscribed during the war for the exigen- cies of the State, ib.; no public dinners to be given except on Lord Mayor’s Day, ib. Ward, Mr. a case with his opinion concerning the deaths of Trustees of the Company’s estates, the survivors in each Trust being un- known, with the toss of the Company’s title deeds, &c., in the Great Fire or in a fire at the Hall in 1 680, 220. Warden, the youngest, members of the Com- pany not be burdened by paying fines to be excused from the office of, 215. , the office of Fourth, Third, or Second, no sum or sums of money to be accepted from any member of the Company to excuse him from, 254, 255. Wardens, the, swora “asset forth in an Act of Parliament of 5th September 1649,” 12. , the, are authorised to carry the Common Seal to Shoe Lane to seal “the letter of attorney and the lease and ejectment” upon some part of the premises, 34. meet the Wardens of the Grocers’ and Vintners’ Companies at Bridewell to take order for the repair of the granaries, 35. , in the election of, Mr. Francis Bishop and Mr. Samuel Moore are to be passed over “ for reasons well knomi to the Court,” loS. INDEX. 403 Wardens, the — coni. go with the Assayer to the house and shop of John Bressey, at Ratcliffe, and seize divers small wares, including a “ boatson’s ” whistle, 129. and Mr. Hall ride in the rear of the Company’s horsemen, being the chief place, as nearest His Majesty’s person. See Charles II., his restoration, 134. agree upon a bill of fare for their first private Court dinner, and decide (the condi- tion of the Company being considered) that only those members of the Court who have served as Wardens be invited, 149. “ summoned to attend the Commissioners of the Lieutenancy for not appearing in arms last muster,” 215 ; the Company excused from any fine on account of an agreement with the late Lord Mayor, Sir Robt. Baylis, ib. to be allowed yearly a sum not exceeding £,%o to entertain the Assistants and their ladies sometime about the month of July, who are to have the use of the Company’s barge, 223, 224. , “pretended,” election of, on Quarter-day after the Court had dissolved, by turbulent spirits ill-affected toward the Company, 10 ; debate of these proceedings, 1 1 ; well affected members make complaint thereof, ib. ; the pretended Wardens and others required to avoid and clear the Hall, 12 ; a Committee to advise with counsel ‘ ‘ what is fit to be done concerning the present disturbance of the Company,” ib. Wardenships, no member of the Company to be put in nomination for the office of any of the four, until he be entitled to such nomination in a course of rotation accord- ing to his seniority in the list of Assistants, 255. Wares taken on St. Bartholomew’s day are broken, 13 ; Mr. Marsh, the owner, will not submit, accusing the Wardens of taking his rings through malice, ib. Waring, Robert, a Freeman of the Company, desires to be translated to the Saddlers’ Com- pany, 46. Warrant, a, to search for counterfeit plate granted to the Wardens, under the King’s (Chas. H.) signature and Sign Manual. See Plate, counterfeit, 167. ‘ ‘ Water engine for quenching ffier, ” the old, 35. Warwick, Sir Philip, Secretary of the Trea- sury. See Standard Pieces, 136. Waterloo, a subscription for the relief of sufferers in the late glorious battles at, 316. Watkins, George, admitted to the Freedom of the Company, 78 ; he expresses sorrow for his misdemeanours to his master and mis- tress, ib. Weigher’s place, suitors for the, 14 ; John Aynge elected, ib. Wellington, the Duke of, his speech at the opening of the present Hall, 342. Welsh, Sir Richard, Sheriff, 306. West Harding Street, 128. West Indies, the distress in the, through the late dreadful hurricanes, 272 ; the ladies’ din- ner and ball omitted in consequence, ib . ; the Committee of West India Planters and Mer- chants for relieving the sufferers commend the case to the Company, 273 ; who contri- bute £100, ib. ; an account of the calamity, which was greatest in Barbadoes, in the Annnal Register for 1781, ib. Westbrooke, William, the petition of, praying to be admitted to the Clothing and to be an Assistant, to be excused from all offices save that of Prime Warden on payment of such fine as the Court see fit, and requesting the use of the Company’s Barge and Hall, he having been elected one of the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, 226. Wetherly, Hugh, by his Will, did give Jewin Garden to the Goldsmiths’ Company, 90. Wharncliffe, Lord. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Wheatley, Sir H. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Whetyngton, Richard, Mayor of London. See Corbyn, John, 353. Whitecross Street, 25. Whitmore, Sir Thomas, 3. Wildes, Deputy- Governor of the Tower, 29. Wilkes, John, Lord Mayor. Extraordinary Common Council on America, 363. William HI. ; a letter from the Lords of the Treasury to the Lord Mayor, desiring the City to assist the King by making loans of money into his Exchequer, 177 ; the order of the Lord Mayor thereupon, 178 ; the Clerk and Beadle ordered to attend upon the members of the Company to get their subscriptions, ib . ; preparations for his recep- tion on his passing through the City on his return from Flanders (1697), 180 ; the Com- pany’s standards and ensigns to be refreshed, 181. IV. visited Greenwich Hospital, when the Company’s barge was in attendance, 318 ; an address of congratulation to him on his escape from an attack on his person, 320. 404 MEMORIALS OF THE GOLDSMIIHS' COMPANY. Williams, Sir John, next in nomination for Lord Mayor, applies for the use of the Hall, 220 . Williamson, Edward, the Company’s Barge- master, 182. Wire-drawers, irregularities practised by. See Parliament, a Bill in (2), 141. Wollaston, Sir John, 9. , , Knight and Alderman, 24. Woolwich, cost of going there in the new barge, ill. , a bill of fare for a dinner at, n 2. , the Wardens resolve to go to, 128 ; the bill of fare for the dinner, ib. Worcester, Marquess of. See Mulliueuse, Thomas, 157. House, 63. Workmen engaged in the goldsmiths’ trade complain that they are forced to underwork each other, and to load their work with unnecessary quantities of “sother,” through the intrusion of foreigners. See Goldsmiths, working, a petition from, 186, 187. in the trade present a complaint, 140. make a complaint to the Lord High Chamberlain against other workmen, mem- bers of the Company, 150. Workmen’s dwellings in Clerkenwell, the Com- pany appropriate ;^25,ooo for the provision of. 333- Workmen’s — coni. — ; — remonstrance against the practice of plateing brass, &c. with silver, against admitting any but freemen of the Company to the benefit of the assay and ■ touch, and complaining of the number of apprentices, 204, 205 ; the answer thereto, with the opinions of Mr. Dee the late Common Serjeant, Mr. Serjeant Darnell, and Mr. Fazakerly, and the number of apprentices bound at the Hall for seven years, ib. Worth, Dr. , in Ireland, money to be borrowed to repay, i. Wotton, Sir Henry, 29. Wyer Office, in Great St. Helen’s, a search at the, 42. Wylde, Colonel. See Pyx, an account of the trial of the, 349. Yelverton, Judge, 86. , Sir Henry, 91, 96. York and Gloucester, the Dukes of. Sec under Charles II., 133. Eyre & Spottiswoode, Her Majesty s Printers, Downs P.ork Road, Hackney, N.E. 338,64 Q624M V.2 582030 of the G-old - smiths’ company. DATE j ISSUED TO UlAL-ifi^ inC-A 338.64 G6241-I 582030