Catalogue description ff.125-57, 168-221.   John Aldersey, Mayor.   f.125. Pleas of the court of Corwnmote...

ff.125-57, 168-221.

John Aldersey, Mayor.

f.125. Pleas of the court of Corwnmote held before John Aldersey, Mayor, 19th Dec., 1 Jas.[1603].

Heading only.

ff.125v., 126v.,127v., blank.

f.126. Pleas of the court of Crownmote held before John Aldersey, Mayor, Monday, 12th March, 1 Jas. [1604].

Robert Watt to be whipped privately.

John Rece to be whipped privately.

Mawde Johnes to be whipped openly and sent into Flintshire.

Jane Mutchell to be whipped openly and sent into Flintshire.

f.127. Pleas of the court of Crownmote held on 7th Nov., 1 Jas.[1603], before John Aldersey, Mayor.

Note of recognizance taken before the Mayor, 26th Nov., 1603.

Rice ap Rees to appear before the Mayor at the next Crownmote to answer to those things objected against him on behalf of the King, and not to go away without licence, on pain of £40.

f.128. Pleas of the court of Crownmote held before John Aldersey, Mayor, 30th Jan., 1 Jas. [1604].

Morgan ap Richard, Robert Watte, John Rice, prisoners in the Northgate, committed for suspicion of felony.

Morgan ap Richard, released by proclamation.

Robert Watt[?] reimprisoned.

Note of recognizance taken before the Mayor, 1st Feb., 1603[/4].

Richard Cotgreave to keep the peace with regard to Thomas Griffith until the next Crownmote, and to appear there, and not to go away without licence under pain of £40. Pledges: Ralph Cotgreave and Ralph Ryder.

f.128v.-34v. blank.

ff.135-141v. Sessions of the Peace held before John Aldersay, Mayor, Thomas Lawton, esq., Recorder, Edmund Gamull, William Aldersay, Fulk Aldersay, John Fitton, Thomas Fletcher, Richard Rathbone, John Ratcliffe and Hugh Glaseour, esq., Aldermen and Justices of the Peace, Friday, 16th Dec. 1 Jas. [1603], and adjourned until Monday 19th Dec. following.

Order. Complaint was made by John Lord, carpenter, that Richard Griffith, son of Hugh Griffith, yeoman, deceased, a poor boy, destitute of friends, on 11th Oct., 44 Eliz. [1602] was put apprentice by the Mayor to the said John for the following eleven years, upon the agreement that the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor of St. Mary's parish, who were then charged with keeping Richard, should every month for the next three years pay 16d. to John Lord towards Richard's mainteneance (135v.). The churchwardens continued this payment for [blank] months, but had since refused payment. It was therefore ordered by the Mayor and his brethren in this Sessions that the churchwardens should make this payment to Lord, together with all arrears, for the residue of the term of three years.

Mr. John Ratcliffe, Alderman, was appointed Alderman of the Northgate Ward, Mr. Fowlke Aldersay appointed Alderman of St. Michaell's Ward, Mr. Recorder appointed Alderman of St. Oswald's Ward, Mr. Edward Dutton appointed Alderman of St, Thomas's Ward, and Mr. John Litler appointed Alderman of St. Mary's Ward instead of Mr. John Ratclyffe.

(136) Inquest held by Godfrey Wynne, butcher, Richard Pemberton, shoemaker, Ja[mes] Throppe, tailor, John Lea, merchant, David Evans, pewterer, William Glynne, ironmonger, Thomas Throppe, vintner, Robert Bennet, draper, Peter Wiggnall, innholder, Henry Annion, tanner, Richard Franncis, shoemaker, Richard Wright, baker, John Sprowston, hatmaker, James Sa..., shoemaker, and Ralph Barlowe, linen-draper.

Affrays: John Owen, mercer, on John Taylor, ironmonger (6s.8d.); John ...[torn] on [Ri]chard Smith (3s.4d.); Michael Johnes and Edward Kilsh, saddlers, on each other (Johnes, 6s.8d.; Kilsh,3s.4d.); John Doole, butcher, and William Humfrey, tallow-chandler, on each other (6s.8d. each); (136v.) Hugh Evans and Thomas Langley on each other (Evans, 6s.8d.; Langley, 3s.4d.); Edward Kilsh and Robert Booth on each other (Kilsh,6s.8d.; Booth, 3s.4d.); William [ ] on [ ]ard Davies (6s.8d. each); Thomas Johnson, Randle Ledsham and Robert Johnson on each other (Johnson,6s.8d.; Ledsham, and Johnson, 3s.4d. each); Edward Broomley on Henry Turner (3s.4d.).

(137) Not licensed: Elizabeth Eaton, widow, on the last of July, 1 Jas. [1603], and continually afterwards until 17th Dec. of the same year, kept a tippling house and sold ale and beer without the authority of any J. P., contrary to the Act of 5 EdwardVI (20s.).

The following persons each fined 20s. for the like: Alice Grymsditch, widow, Thomas Johnson, Jane Bux[ ], Erasmus P[ ], Richard Yeoman[ ], Thomas Whittle, Alice Mosse, widow, William Hutchins, Richard Gregory, John Battrich, James Broster, Henry Phillipps, Anthony Symcocke, Humfrey Ellis, Richard Stockton, Thomas Witkyne, William Byngley, James Ball, George Combes, Edward Coventry, William Higginson, Griffin Johnes, Gilbert Eaton, (137v.) Hugh Harvy, Kenrick ap Jevan, Thomas Powell, Thomas Harvy, junior, Henry Scarsebricke, Thomas Lowe, William Alcocke, Thomas Tilston, John Fletcher, Richard Dodd, Robert Cowper, Katharine Mercer, widow, Jane Williamson, widow, William Allen, Andrewe, widow, John Twiste, Henry Crosby, John Williams, Johnson, widow, Heath, widow, Richard Ireland, Richard Booth, Edward Lyniall, William Cas[], Richard [ ], William [ ]fe, William [ ]venson, Leche, widow, John Williams, de le Harpe, Thomas Watkyn, Robert Massy, Joan Rabon, widow, Richard Baily, Robert Glover, William Manninge, Bennet, widow, Harrison, widow, Hamnet Moores, Robert Basford, William Hancocke, Ralph Penny, Peter Wiggall, Thomas Milner, Thomas Annion, William Lea, (138) William Congley, stringer, John Almond, Richard Ince, John Ashton, Thomas Kettle, Randle Byngley, Hector Modsley, William Richardson, Richard Foxley, Richard Cowley, Thomas Orton, Thomas Bageley.

Broken assize: William Richardson is a common tipulator of ale and sells it by unlawfull measure, thus breaking the assize (3s.4d.).

The following for the like: Richard Sale (2s.6d.), William Hutchins (2s.6d.), William Lynes (2s.6d.). Roger Ley (2s.6d.), John Ashton, Richard Gregory (2s.6d.), John F[ ]her (2s.6d.), John Battrich (3s.4d.(, Ralph Hynde (2s.6d.), James Broster (3s.4d.), Henry Fletcher (2s.6d.), Anthony Symcocke (2s.6d.), Humfrey Ellis (2s.6d.) Elizabeth Eaton, widow (2s.), Alice Grymbsditch (2s.), David Denevet (2s.6d.), Thomas Johnson, sailor (2s.6d.), Thomas Johnson, shoemaker (2s.6d.), William Scawnce (2s.), Arthur Chauntrell (3s.4d.), Jane Buxy, widow (2s.), Erasmus Price (2s.6d.), Richard Yeomand (2s.6d.), Thomas Whyttle (2s.6d.), Alice Masse, widow (2s.), Thomas Fleminge (2s.6d.) (138v.) Richard Stockton (2s.6d.). William Mercer (3s.4d.), Edward Younge (3s.4d.)., Henry Leene (2s.6d.), Thomas Ince (3s.4d.), John Kinge (2s.), Robert Sevyll (2s.6d.), William Omnfrey (2s.6d.), Cecily Ashmore, widow (2s.6d.), Ralph Mosley (3s.4d.), John Rogerson (3s.4d.), John Deane (2s.6d.), Randle Ince (3s.4d.), John Inglefield (2s.6d.), Richard Bird (3s.4d.), Margaret Frauncis, widow (2s.6d.), Robert Shurlocke (2s.6d.), William Dawson (2s.6d.), Thomas Watkyn (2s.6d.), Richard Bythell (2s.6d.), Randle Kelsawe (2s.6d.), William Byngley (2s.6d.), John P[ ](2s.6d.), Richard S[ ]th (2s.6d.), James Ball (2s.6d.), Peter Bennet (2s.6d.), Richard Cawdacke (2s.6d.), Nicholas Bannester (3s.4d.), Richard Catterowe (2s.6d.), Thomas Coventree (2s.), Anne White, widow (2s.6d.), George Combes (2s.6d.), Edward Coventree (2s.6d.), William Hockenhull (2s.), Warton, widow (3s.4d.), William Higgenson (2s.6d.), Griffin Johnes (2s.6d.), Margery Houghton, widow (2s.6d.), Gilbert Eaton (3s.4d.), Lawton, widow (2s.6d.), Richard Vawes (2s.6d.), Hugh Harvy (2s.6d.), Ralph Dycus (2s.6d.), (139) William Maddocke (2s.6d.), Hugh Croompe (3s.4d.), Dodd, widow (2s.6d.), Kenrick ap Jevan (3s.4d.), Thomas Holmes (2s.6d.), George Salte (2s.6d.), Thomas Powell (2s.6d.) Thomas Harvy, junior (2s.6d.), Henry Scarsebricke (2s.6d.), Thomas Lowe (2s.6d.), William Plombe (2s.6d.), Browne, widow (2s.6d.), William Alcocke (3s.4d.), Thomas Tilston (2s.), George Allen (2s.6d.), John [ ]tcher (2s.6d.), Richard Clarke (2s.6d.), Robert Hilton (2s.6d.), Richard Dodd (2s.6d.), Richard Partington (2s.6d.), Robert Cowper (2s.6d.), Allen, widow (2s.), Edward Younge (2s.6d.) Katharine [ ] (2s.6d.), Jane Williamson, widow (2s.6d.), William Allen (2s.6d.), Andrewe, widow (2s.6d.), John Twiste (2s.6d.), Henry Crosby (3s.4d.), William Fysher (3s.4d.), John Williams, mercer (3s.4d.), Godfrey Wynne (3s.4d.), William Hunte (2s.6d.), Anthony Warminsham (2s.6d.), William Johnes (2s.6d.), Johnson, widow (2s.6d.), Heath, widow (2s.6d.), William Grymbsditch (2s.6d.), Richard Ireland (2s.6d.), Richard Booth (2s.6d.), Edward Lyniall (2s.6d.), William Case (2s.6d.), (139v.) Richard Knee (2s.6d.) John Hutchins (2s.6d.)

Margaret Throppe, widow (2s.6d.), John Burton (2s.6d.), Ralph Davies (2s.4d.), Rathbone, widow (2s.6d.), William Ratclyffe (2s.6d.), William Stevenson (2s.6d.), Hugh Hynde (3s.4d.), John Ashbrooke (3s.4d.), Robert Goodicar (2s.6d.), Lech, widow (2s.6d.), John Williams (2s.6d.), Thomas Watkyn (2s.6d.), Robert Massy (2s.6d.), Joan Rathbone, widow (2s.6d.), Richard Baily (2s.6d.), Robert Glover (2s.6d.), Margery Darwall (2s.6d.), Thomas Watkyn (2s.6d.), William Manninge (3s.4d.), William Bennet (2s.6d.), Bennet, widow (2s.6d.), James Smith (3s.4d.), Richard Cally (2s.6d.), William Bucke (2s.6d.), William Modsley (2s.6d.), Edward Davies (2s.6d.), John Whitby (3s.4d.), Henry Bennet (2s.6d.), Harrison, widow, (2s.6d.), William ap Hugh (2s.6d.), Hamnet Moores (2s.6d.), Robert Basford (2s.6d.), Ralph Johnson (2s.6d.), William Hancocke (2s.6d.), Ralph Penny (2a.6d.), Peter Wiggnall (3s.4d.), Thomas Milner (2s.6d.), (140) Thomas Ashton (3s.4d.), William Lea (3s.4d.), William Congley (2s.6d.), Thomas Holbrocke (3s.4d.), John Almond (2s.6d.), Hugh Motteram (2s.6d.), Richard Ince (2s.6d.), John Ashton (3s.4d.), Thomas Kettle (2s.5d.), Randle Byngley (2s.6d.), Hector Modsley (2s.6d.), William Richardson (2s.6d.), Edward Johnson alias Currier (2s.6d.), Richard Hasselwall (3s.4d.), Richard Foxley (2s.6d.), Richard Cowley (2s.6d.), Thomas Orton (2s.6d.), Thomas Bagaley (2s.6d.).

Not being free nor admitted: John Clarke on the last of July 1 Jas. and many days after until 16th Dec., not having been admitted into the liberties of the City and without the licence of any J.P., took upon himself to keep a common tippling-house and sold ale and beer there to the king's subjects in contempt of the Act of 5 Ed. VI (26s.8d.).

(140v) John Sefton, Richard Bennet and Robert Lloyd for the like (26s.8d. each).

Swinesties. The following each fined 5s.8d. for keeping pigs in their backsides: Hugh Richardson, John Fletcher, John Burton, Edward Dalby, Thomas Watkyn, Hugh Fletcher, Joseph Phasackerley.

Gaming houses: John Fletcher is a common gambler and keeps a gaming house and receives apprentices, servants and other persons for illegal games, viz. "Shoffleboord", by day and by night, (6s.6d.).

John [ ]iste for the like (6s.6d.).

Broken pavement: Part of the highway near Deelane and outside the Northgate is in great decay for lack of repair of the pavement (nothing, because presentment void).

The pavement in Cowlane is in great decay (nothing, because presentment void.)

The pavement outside "les barres" in great decay (nothing, because presentment void.)

The pavement in the highway against St. Martin's Church in great decay (nothing, because presentment void.)

(141) There is a lack of stone in the corn market, on which the men are wont to put their corn.

Annoyances: Ralph Finchett put his cart in the highway in Foregate streete, to the injury of the king's subjects passing there at night time (12d.).

Maltsters: Marmaduke Whitchurch, not being a freeman of the City, made malt within the City (nothing because the presentment is void).

William Hurleston for the like (void).

Thomas Booth for the like (void).

Trespasses: George Manley, late of Netherleigh in the City of Chester, gent., and Thomas Urmeston, late of Netherleigh, labourer, on 6th Sept., 1 Jas. [1603], by force of arms broke and entered into the close of a certain Matthew Ellis of Overleigh, gent., called le Pegg Close and trampled down and consumed his corn and grass growing there to the value of 10s. with certain beasts which were pastured there, and inflicted other outrages (6d. each).

(141v.) George Manley late of Netherleigh, gent., and Thomas Norrys, late of Netherleigh, labourer, on 16th October, 1 Jas. [1603] by force of arms broke and entered le Pegg Close belonging to Matthew Ellis and trampled down and consumed with certain beasts his corn and grass growing there to the value of 10s. (6d. each).

The aforesaid George Manley and Thomas Gilberte on 20th Oct. did likewise in the said close (6d. each).

The aforesaid George Manley and Thomas Manxsman, on 6th Nov. did likewise (6d. each).

The aforesaid George Manley and John Shoone on 16th Nov. did likewise (6d. each).

The aforesaid George Manley and Richard Mitchell on 20th Nov. did likewise (6d. each).

Signatures of Mayor, Recorder and four Justices.

f. 142r., v. Sessions of the Peace held before John Aldersay, Mayor, Thomas Lawton, esq., Recorder, Edmund Gamull, John Fitton, Fulk Aldersay, William Aldersay, Thomas Fletcher, Richard Rathbone and John Ratclyffe, Aldermen and Justices of the Peace, Tuesday, 28th Feb., 1 Jas [1604], and adjourned until Friday, 2nd March.

Inquest in the Common hall of pleas by Richard Broster, tanner, William Throppe, skinner, Robert Fletcher, harmaker, Edward Button, innholder, Henry Annion, tanner, Richard Sponne, tanner, Thomas Parsivall, saddler, William Kinge, baker, Randle Holmes, painter, John Cooke, glover, William Crosse, glover, Thomas Edmonds, joiner, and John Harper, ironmonger.

Affrays: Hector Modsley and John Powffrett on each other (Modsley 3s. 4d., Powffrett 6s.8d.); William Carleile and George Combes on each other (Carleile 3s.4d. Combes 6s.8d.); (142v.) Richard Jemins and William Skellington on each other (Skellington 6s.8d.); Tidder Preece and Robert Smith on each other (Preece 6s.8d., Smith 3s.4d.); John Browne and Edward Dooe on each other (Browne 6s.8d., Dooe 3s.4d.); William Lea on Richard Spurstall (6s.8d.); Robert Basseford on Richard Evans (3s.4d.); Philip Moores and Ralph Allerton on each other (Moores 3s.4d., Allerton 6s.8d.); Thomas Ryder on John Almond (6s.8d.).

Unfinished.

For other presentments at Quarter Sessions for this year, see ZM/B/29/80-90.

f.143r.,v. A fragment. List of executions for debt at the suit of various persons.

ff.144r.,v. Heading of Mayor's book, John Aldersey, Mayor, from 14th Oct., 1 Jas. [1603]. List of officers.

f. 145. Names of the forty.

f. 145v. Names of the Constables.

f. 146. Order by the Mayor, 16th Oct., 1603. Robert Tomlynsonne was arrested in the City that day to answer Frawncis White of London, and for want of sufficient pledge was committed to the Northgate Gaol. As Tomlynsonne, who had lately been at London, was suspected to have been conversant with those who had been infected with the plague, it was ordered that he should be set at liberty and compelled to depart out of town.

f. 146v. List of names of the butchers

Aldermen: Thomas Holbrocke, John Wade Stewards: Richard Roberts, William Hinckes. Oath of the butchers.

f.147. List of names of the bakers

Alderman: William Kinge

Stewards: Hugh Croumpe, William Modsley. Oath of the bakers.

f.147v. Order in the Portmote Court, 24th Oct.,1603.

Such bakers and butchers as had not appeared and taken their oaths at this court were not to kill meat nor bake bread until they should have taken their oaths before the Mayor.

f.148. blank.

f.148v. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 7th, 15th, 22nd Oct.

Notes of persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear.

f.149r.,v. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 24th Oct., 1 Jas [1603]

f.149v. Three orders in court.

f.150. 24th Oct. [1603]. Agreement between (1) George Boyes and Robert Berry, merchants, and Humfrey Jackson and John Annion, drapers and (2) the Mayor and brethren. At an Assembly of 13th Oct., 1603, £200 bequeathed to the City by Hugh Offley was granted to Boyes, Berry Jackson and Annion (viz. £50 each), to use it for the space of three years next following. As £50 of the £200 was not as yet received in, the four young men covenant that they are to content to lose the benefit of the £50 until it should be received.

Signatures: "John Aldersey, Maior, Ed[war]d Gamull, Will[ia]m Aldersey".

"Robert Berry, Humphreaye Jackesonn, John Annion".

f.150v. Notes of persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear at the Portmote.

f.151. 26th Oct.,1603. Order by the Mayor concerning payment of a debt due upon a recovery had in the Pentice Court from Robert Evans to William Congley.

f.151v. blank.

f.152r., v. 27th Oct., 1603. Orders by the Mayor and his brethren.

"A motion in question concerninge the buriall of widowe Davy and others of Upton, deceased, and supposed to have dyed of the plague". Since it was credibly informed that the inhabitants of the township of Upton had always buried their dead in "the Greene Church yarde" of St, Werburges in the City, the Mayor and the Aldermen his brethren now appointed and licensed that all persons who should hereafter die of the plague in Upton might be carried into the Greene Church yard the usual way, until they came unto the nearer end of the brick wall adjoining the house late of Richard Bavand, Alderman, deceased, and by that way should be carried into the churchyard. During this time of sickness, it should be lawful for the inhabitants of Upton to pull down a little stone wall there, for the readier conveying of the dead bodies that way. Persons so dying were to be buried at about six in the evening, and each of the persons burying them should carry in his hand a white rod. After the burial was finished, they were to depart out of the City to Upton, with white rods in their hands, and not converse with the inhabitants of the City or go into any house there.

Complaint had been made to the Mayor and his brethren that the house of Richard Bennett, shoemaker, was infected with the plague, and it was known that divers of that family had removed, without warrant, to a house at Cockfight Hill, to shun that infection, although two of Bennett's children and two of his servants still remained in his house within the City. It was therefore ordered that the persons remaining in the said house (152v.) should be removed to the house at Cockfight Hill by the Constables of the Eastgate Ward. If Richard Bennett or the tenant of the house refused to receive them, he should be punished and compelled to do so. All of them were to be maintained there at the charge of George Harper, who was the first occasion of that infection, and who promised to perform the same by his father-in-law, Mr. Robert Wall, Alderman.

John Ellis, servant and apprentice to Mr. White of London, was lately admitted to the franchises of Chester as son of a freeman and had since, under colour of this freedom, brought to Chester sundry wares of his master from London, which was thought to be a great cause of the infection now dispersed in the City. It was therefore ordered that John Ellis should depart from the City by 6th November, and should not repair to the City or cause wares to be conveyed to it during the time of the sickness, upon pain of disfranchisement.

3rd Nov., 1603. It was ordered that George Okes, his wife and children should "presently" depart from the City. In the mean time, he was committed to the Northgate.

Memo. that on 2nd Nov. Mr. Cotes was contented that Robert Seale should be freed from the Northgate.

f.153r., v. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 7th Nov., 1 Jas. [1603].

f.154., v. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 21st Nov.

f.155r., v. Orders by the Mayor and his brethren. 21st Nov. Complaint was made against William Humfrey, tallowchandler, to whom John Ryder was apprenticed for seven years, that he refused to receive the said Ryder into his further service; and being called before the Mayor, he refused to receive the said apprentice. It was therefore orderd that John Ryder should be at liberty to be otherwise preferred.

(155v.) 9th Dec., 1603. Upon complaint by John Ryder that he was "evell entreated" by his master. William Homfrey, tallowchandler, it was ordered, with the consent of both parties, that Ryder should from henceforth be discharged of his apprenticeship and that Homfrey should deliver the apprenticeship indenture and bond to be cancelled before Christmas.

20th Feb., 1603[/4]. Since his discharge from Homfrey, Ryder had offered to serve other tallowchandlers, but they had refused to receive him, and William Mercer, one of the Aldermen of the Company, had this day affirmed before the Mayor that none of them would receive him.. It was therefore ordered that the said Ryder, being a freeman's son and having already served four years of his apprenticeship, after he should have served his full seven years of tallowchandler in any other place, should be free of the Company of Tallow-Chandlers in Chester.

Margin: 14th June, 1604. Jame Humfrey, widow, late wife of William Humfrey, deceased, and the said John Ryder came before the Mayor, and she accepted Ryder into her service, to serve her during the residue of his term.

f.156r.,v. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 5th Dec., 1 Jas. [1603].

f.157. Notes on pleadings in the Portmote Court, Sept., 1604.

f.157v. blank.

f.168v. 19th May, 1604. Certificate by the Sheriffs, William Aldersey and William Mannynge, that they have enlarged and set at liberty out of the Northgate Gaol John Salusbury, gent., who was prisoner there for various actions of debt. Details of satisfaction of his debts.

f.169. 6th Sept., 1604. Memo. that William Mercer, chandler, does mainprise Richard Taylor for two actions at the suit of John Styles, and has undertaken to bring his body to the Sheriffs the day after the feast of St. Michael following.

Signature: 'William Marser'.

Rough notes.

f.169v. Rough notes.

f.170. Notes of six pleas of debts. Parties and amounts of debts.

f. 170v. Notes of days and dates of courts.

f. 171. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 19th Dec., 1 Jas. 1603 Notes of persons bound over to keep the peace.

f. 171v. blank.

f. 172r.,v. Notes of persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear. Recognizances taken before the Mayor, 27th Dec.-4th Jan.

f. 173. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 9th Jan. 1 Jas. [1604]. Notes of persons bound over to keep the peace.

f. 173v. Orders in the Portmote, in Ralph Cotgreave v. Henry Hamnet.

f. 174r.,v. Notes of persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear.

f. 175. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 23rd Jan., 1 Jas. [1604]

Persons bound over to keep the peace.

f. 176r.,v. Memo. of recognizance dated 26th Jan. 1 Jas. [1604] taken before the Mayor. William Hilton of Chester, shoemaker, acknowledged that he owed the king £10. Condition: the faithful performance of his office of one of the Searchers, Sealers and registers of all tanned le ather and made wares of leather in the County of the City of Chester.

John Birchenhed, Richard Woodcocke, tanner, and Bradford Throppe each likewise bound to the king in £10 under the same condition. All four searchers were separately sworn on the said day.

f.177. Order by the Mayor, 27th Jan., 1603[/4].

William Williams, apprentice with Robert Leene, complained that the said Robert Leehe had entered an action against Anthony Warminsham, his surety, because he (Williams) had left his master. He affirmed that he departed because his master had no employment or work for him. It was therefore ordered that his master should withdraw the action, and that Williams should work abroad in other places in the City where he could obtain work until Michaelmas, when his apprenticeship would end. For such liberty he was to pay his master 12d. weekly. It was further ordered that Williams should endeavour to obtain 20s. from his brother for the use of his master, and that Leene should not hinder him from working with any of the Company of Tailors.

Memo. that on 13th Nov., 1604, before the Mayor, Anthony Warminsham paid to Robert Leene 35s., i.e. 12d. a week from 4th February until Michaelmas, and Leene delivered up Williams's apprenticeship indenture to be cancelled and agreed to discharge all suits against Warminsham and Williams.

f.177v. Note of persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear, 3rd Feb. and earlier.

f.178. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 6th Feb., 1 Jas. [1604].

Persons bound over to keep the peace.

f.178v. 15th Feb., 1603[/4]. Agreement between John Aldersey, Mayor, and Robert Foster of Farley, Scotland, merchant, and owner of the barque the Robert of Farley, then lying at the Parkegate in Wirrall laden with 15 tons of herring. Foster agrees to deliver at Burton to such person appointed by the Mayor ten last of herring and all other herrings which he now has aboard the barque. He shall receive from the Mayor £8.9s. for every last within ten days and shall be freed from all customs for the same, provided they are merchantable and good.

Signatures: "R.F." "John Aldersey, Mayor".

f. 179. Notes of persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear, 6th Feb.-18th Feb.

f.179v. blank.

f.180r.,v. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 20th Feb., 1 Jas. [1604].

Persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear.

f. 181r.,v. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 5th March, 1 Jas.

f. 182.,v. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 19th March, 1 Jas.

f. 182v.-3v. Copy of writ, dated 17th March, 1 Jas. [1604] to the Mayor and Sheriffs of Chester and the Keeper of the Northgate Gaol, to have the body of Robert Gwynne, gent., detained in the Northgate Gaol, appear in the Exchequer at Chester, together with the cause of his taking and detention in the said gaol.

Schedule annexed to writ, from Mayor and Sheriffs. Robert Gwynne was committed to gaol by the Mayor for keeping two separate taverns and selling and retailing by the gallon and by lesser measures white and red wine in them, not being licensed or appointed to sell wine in them by the Mayor, head officers, and major part of the Common Council, as by the Act of 7 Ed. VI he ought to be. On March 17th he was summoned before the Mayor, and being commanded that he should not keep the taverns and sell wine contrary to the said statute, contumaciously replied that he wished to do so. He was therefore committed to gaol.

f. 184. Order by the Mayor, 22nd March, 1603[4].

Henry Clough, tenant to Sir Thomas Smith of a house in the Bridgestreete, in which he lately dwelt, was now a prisoner in the Northgate for arrears of rent of that house, upon an action of £10 debt at the suit of Sir Thomas. Upon Clough's confession of the debt and by his consent, the key of the house is delivered to Mr. Sheriff Manninge to keep until the next midsummer, on condition that if Clough should pay the arrears to Sir Thomas by that date, then he should have his house and key again, in default of such payment, he was to surrender his interest in the messuage to Sir Thomas and it should be lawful for Sir Thomas to take such goods and household implements of Clough's remaining in the house as would satisfy the rent unpaid. The rest of the goods were to be delivered to Clough.

Note that this order was by the consent of Thomas Parsyvall, bailiff to Sir Thomas Smith.

Signatures: "John Aldersey, Maior", "Henry Clough".

f.184v. Notes of persons bound to keep the peace and to appear, 8th March, 1604 - last March, 1604.

f.185r. v. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 2nd April, 1 Jas.

Persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear.

f.186. Depositions taken before the Mayor, 14th Dec. 1603 by John Scons, cooper, Henry Totty and John Eaton concerning security and interest for a debt of £10 which John Eaton owed to Nicholas Webb, deceased.

f.186v., 190v., 194v., 204v. blank.

f.187r.,v. Notes of pleas in the Portmote, 1604.

ff.188-90, 191-3v., 195-9v., 200v.-3v. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 16th April, last of April, 14th May, 4th June, 18th June, 2nd July, 16th July, 30th July, 13th Aug., 27th Aug. (also recognizances before the Mayor at intermediate dates).

f.196. Order in Henry Hamnet plt, v. Ralph Egerton deft. in a plea of debt.

f.194. Order by the Mayor, 12th June, 1604.

Peter David, son of Evan David, apprentice to Richard Shurlocke, shoemaker, had complained that he was "evell intreated" by his master, and the said master being willing to have him discharged of his further service, it was ordered that Shurlocke should deliver up the apprenticeship indenture for cancellation and should discharge David, who should be free to prefer himself in service elsewhere. Shurlocke was to restore to David 10s., part of 20s. paid to him to take him in service.

f.200. Order by the Mayor, dated 8th Aug., 1604, concerning payments to be made to Katharine Braband, widow, by Hugh Hynde for a debt of William Nicholas.

f.204. Arbitration by the Mayor and William Aldersey, Alderman, dated 4th April, 1604, in a controversy between Henry Hamnet and Rauffe Egerton concerning a close of land called the gorsty hey.

f.205. Pleas of the Court of Crownmote held before John Aldersey, Mayor, on 27th Aug. 2 Jas. [1604].

Heading only.

ff.205v., 206v. blank.

f.206. Pleas of the court of Crownmote held 8th Oct., 2 Jas. [1604].

John Shappard, prisoner in the Northgate for burglary and felonies, re-imprisoned.

Notes of recognizances taken before the Mayor, 8th Oct., 1604.

Ellen Harrington alias Walsh, late of Chester, widow, to appear before the Mayor at the next Crownmote to answer etc., and not to go away under pain of £40. Mainpernors: Randle Jewett, Edward Blacon.

Margaret Collins, spinster, to prosecute with effect a bill of felony and burglary against John Shappard and Ellen Harrington alias Walsh, widow, at the next Crownmote, and thence from Crownmote to Crownmote until they are convicted or acquitted.

ff.207-9v, "Actions this year"

List of suits in the Portmote with notes on proceedings.

f.210. Recognizances taken before the Mayor, 17th - 24th Aug.

Persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear.

Order in Peter Marshall plt. v. George Johnes, deft.

Order in Jane Penny plt. v. Robert Leene, deft.

f.210v.-11. Order in Richard Marten plt. v. Fulk Aldersey, Alderman, deft.

Order in Robert Mosse plt. v. Anthony Skynner, deft.

Order in Henry Hamnet plt. v. Henry Spicer, deft.

Order in Richard Marten plt. v. Fulk Aldersey, deft.

ff.211v.-12v. Recognizances taken before the Mayor.

Persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear.

f.213. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 10th Sept., 2 Jas. [1604].

Persons bound over etc.

f.213v. blank.

f.214r., v. Recognizances taken before the Mayor, Sept. 1604.

Persons bound over etc.

f.215r.,v. Pleas of the Court of Portmote, 24th Sept., 2 Jas. [1604].

Persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear.

Orders, in John Rydley plt. v. Robert Whitehead, deft.

Randle Povay plt. v. Robert Wyrrall, deft.

Thomas Walsh plt. v. John Williams, innholder, deft.

George Johnes plt. v. Peter Martiall, deft.

Richard Martin plt. v. Fulk Aldersay, Ald., deft.

Richard Dalbyn plt. v. Edward Button, deft.

f.215v.-16v. Recognizances taken before the Mayor, Sept. and Oct.

Persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear.

f.217. Pleas of the court of Portmote, 8th Oct. 2 Jas. [1604].

Persons bound over to keep the peace.

f.217v. 2nd Oct., 1604. Appointment by the Mayor and Aldermen of Thomas Markes, cooper, to succeed his brother, lately deceased, as one of the porters allowed for this City "beinge one very experte in ladinge, unladinge and rummaginge of wyne".

ff.218-21. Recognizances taken before the Mayor.

Persons bound over to keep the peace and to appear. Last one dated 8th Oct., 1604.

f.221v. blank.