Catalogue description CORPORATION LEASE BOOK

This book consists mainly of copies of grants, leases, bonds and documents setting up various charities in the city. The first entry on f.6 states that it was started on 4 Aug. 1574, but the volume contains copies of a number of documents of an earlier date, the earliest being dated 4 Feb. 1507/8 see f. 56v.-7.

At the beginning of the volume the documents are copied out in full, in the language of the original, but towards the end of the book these are replaced by shortened entries in English. There is an index to the documents relating to charities see f.263v., followed by one covering all the documents in foliation order see f.264-266 at the back of the book. The foliation is original and the book starts on f.6.

For the sake of brevity this list is based on the following assumptions:

1. The grantor is always the mayor and citizens of Chester unless otherwise stated.

2. The grantee is 'of Chester' unless otherwise stated.

3. The original spelling of surnames is given.

4. The property is within the liberties of Chester unless otherwise stated.

5. The position of property is indicated only by place and street names and the river Dee, and these have been given in their modern spelling. Descriptions of dimensions and the ownership of adjacent property, which is usally very full, have not been given.

6. Towards the end of the book, the period of ninety nine years covers three lives usually named in the original.

7. Rent is expressed in the equivalent pounds and shillings e.g. 12d. is given as 1s.

8. In charitable grants and bequests only the substance of the more important clauses is indicated.

9. There are marginal notes from time to time concerning changes of lessees etc., which have not been noted in this list.

The volume starts with f.6

f.6. 4 Aug. 1574.

Note that the volume was begun on that date.

f.6. 1 Feb. 1555/6.

Lease to Nicholas Newhowse, ironmonger, of a shop under the Pentice, for 38 years at 12s. p.a.

f.6v. 7 Oct. ?1551.

Demise to William Brownshanke, glover, of a house near the town walls and a workhouse outside the Shipgate, at 2s 8d p.a.

f.7. 2 Sept. 1551.

Demise to Ranulph Hewson, glover, of a house standing on the muck hill near Dee side, at 8d. p.a.

f.7. Note that John Harvy paid 13s 4d for his two 'shoverings' adjoining the above to have a demise of them.

f.7v. 12 Aug. 1574.

Demise to Ranulph Ince, shoemaker, of a close in the Gorse stacks near the Kaleyard wall, at 1s. p.a.

f.8. 12 Aug. 1574.

Lease to Randall Ince, shoemaker, of a shop on the east side of Northgate Street near the Common Hall, for 40 years at 8s. p.a.

f.8v. 10 Aug. 1574.

Demise to Robert Hill, tailor, of the 'Tailores Caryadg house' in Fleshmongers Lane near the Wolfgate, at 2s 6d p.a.

f.9-9v. 12 Aug. 1574.

Lease to Randall Leeche, merchant, of a close called the 'quarell' outside the Northgate next to the city pinfold called the Northgate ditch, and of a garden adjoining, for 60 years at 2s 8d p.a., with a covenant to enclose it.

Note in margin: that on 24 Oct. 1577 the lease was assigned to the overseers of the poor for the erection of a house of correction.

f.9v. 12 Aug. 1574.

Lease to Margery Jones, widow, of a close called the quarrell outside the walls near the New tower, for 60 years at 3s. p.a.

f.10. 20 July 1574.

Demise to John Williamson. alias Staples ?Stables of Boughton, tailor, of a vacant plot south of Spital field on the Tarvin road, at 2s. p.a.

f.10v. - 11 10 aug. 1574.

Lease to Richard Wright, draper of a shop adjoining the East gate, two towers below it and four towers above it, for 60 years at £1 1s 8d p.a. Note at end that on 13 July 1582 the four towers above the gate were resumed by the city and the rent reduced by 5s p.a.

f.11v - 12 4 Aug. 1574

Lease to Robert Brerewode, glover, and William Stiles, mercer, of the Roodee pasture from the New tower to the 'lowse' tower, for 31 years at £10 p.a.

f.12.-12v. 12 Aug. 1574.

Demise to Robert Brerewod, glover, of 2 houses called the Mustard houses, one house called a 'shoveringe' and another house outside the walls on the banks of the Dee, and a workhouse near the Shipgate, at 3s p.a.

f.13-13v. 12 Aug. 1574.

Demise to Richard Bavand, ironmonger, of a messuage near the Water gate a vacant plot in Northgate Street reaching to the highway to St. Oswald's cemetry on the north and another vacant plot at Cow lane end and lying to the north of the Gorse Stacks as far as the road to Flookersbrook at 2s 6d p.a.

f.13v. 9 July 1574.

Bond from Alexander Haryson, surgeon, to the city treasurers for the payment of £20 for the performance of his appointment as surgeon to the poor of the city.

f.14. 23 Aug. 1574.

Demise to Richard Mutchell of Handbridge, yeoman, of a vacant plot called the 'Barrygate' on the west side of the road to Pulford in the manor of Handbridge, at 1s 4d p.a.

f.14v. 12 Aug. 1574.

Demise to Richard Griffith, glover, of a messuage outside the walls on the banks of the Dee, at 2s p.a.

f.15. 5 Oct. 1574.

Demise to Thomas Finlow, glover, of a vacant plot inside the walls at a place called 'Trewerus' hole near 'Cleton' lane Duke Street, at 1s p.a.

f.15v. 12 Aug. 1574.

Demise to Thomas Finlow, glover, of a messuage outside the walls on the banks of the Dee near the Mustard houses, at 1s 4d. p.a.

f.16. 14 Sept. 1574.

Demise to Thomas Barker, embroiderer, of a vacant plot near the Gorse Stacks adjoining a close called the Quarell on the south, at 2s p.a.

f.16v. 30 Aug. 1574.

Lease to Robert Bridge, ironmonger, of a shop in Northgate Street under the Pentice, for 60 years at 16s. p.a.

f.17. 23 Aug. 1574.

Demise to Nicholas White, merchant, of a vacant plot lying on Grey Friars lane near the walls on the west and White Friars lane on the east, and the Drapers Carriage House on the south, at 3s. 4d. p.a.

f.17v. 24 Aug. 1574.

Lease to James Betteriche, ironmonger, of a shop in Northgate Street under the Pentice, for 40 years at £1. p.a.

f.18. 9 Sept. 1574.

Demise to Robert Barrow, glover, of a vacant plot outside the walls on the south side of the Dee bridge, at 1s p.a.

f.18v. 2 Sept. 1574.

Lease to Robert Croket, girdler, of the corner shop at the north end of the east side of Bridge Street near the High Cross, for 30 years at 8s p.a.

f.19. 8 Oct. 1574.

Lease to Richard Bavand, ironmonger, of 3 shops on the east side of Northgate Street belonging to the Common Hall, for 40 years at 16s. 6d. p.a.

f.19v. 20 Aug. 1574.

Lease to Richard Bavand, ironmonger, of one shop under the Pentice next to the High Cross, for 60 years at £1. 8s. p.a.

f.20; 2 Aug. 1574.

Lease to Alexander Haryson, surgeon, of a messuage in Northgate Street, for 20 years at 7s 4d p.a.

f.20v. 16 Aug. 1574.

Lease to William Goodman, merchant, of two towers at the Bridge gate, for 60 years at 3s. 8d. p.a.

f.21. 16 Aug. 1574.

Lease to William Leche, the younger, vintner, of property as in lease to Nicholas Newhouse see f.6, for 24 years at 12s. p.a., and another shop next door for 43 years at £1. p.a.

f.21.v. 23 Aug. 1574.

Lease to Ralph Janian Janyan, draper, of a shop in Northgate Street under the Pentice, for 40 years at 18s. p.a.

f.22. 30 Sept. 1574.

Lease to John Cowper, alderman, of a messuage in Northgate Street for 40 years at 12s. 6d. p.a.

f.22v. 16 Sept. 1574.

Lease to Robert Brerewodd, glover, of a garden within the walls near the Ship gate, for 60 years at 2s. p.a.

f.23. 10 Sept. 1574.

Demise to Edward Trever, draper, of a vacant plot at the Crofts being a dungheap, at 1s p.a.

f.23v. 13 Sept 1574.

Demise to William Aldersey, the younger, merchant, of a vacant plot formerly called Godstall Lane leading from Eastgate Street to the former monastery of St. Werburgh, at 4d. p.a.

f.24. 8 Oct. 1574.

Release from William Leeche, junior, vintner, to the city of a shop and house on the west side of Northgate Street near St. Peter's Church.

f.24-24v. 12 Aug. 1574.

Lease to William Johns?on, merchant, of a shop in Northgate Street between St. Peter's Church and the pathway leading to the churchyard, for 50 years at £1.0s 6d. p.a.

f.24v.-25. 15 Oct. 1574.

Demise to Edward Marten, draper, of a vacant plot with two houses built on it lying to the south of Watergate Street near Grey Friars wall and which was called the Drapers' Carriage House, at 1s. p.a.

f.25-25v. 15 Sept. 1574.

Grant in trust to William Leeche and others, of an annuity of £1. p.a. arising from 3 shops under the Pentice on Northgate Street to the use of the repair of St. Peter's Church.

f.26. 4 Aug. 1574.

Bond from Richard Bavand and William Wall to the City Treasurers for 100 marks.

On condition that Robert Brerewodd and William Stiles, lesees of the Roodee see f.11v.-12 do not plough the land but allow free access to all citizens for all sports.

f.26v. 20 April 1565

Quitclaim to Richard Dutton, alderman, of all debts and arrears on his accounts.

f.26v. 29 May 1575.

Letter of attorney for Richard Dutton, alderman, on behalf of the city, to sue for certain debts due to the city such as customs dues and court payments unpaid during the previous year.

f.27-27v. 29 Sept. 1575.

Indenture of agreement with Thomas Powell and Thomas Tuchett, gents., executors of the will of Ralph Wursley, esq., that they would pay the city 100 marks by Michaelmas next for the provisio of a perpetual stock of wool for setting the poor to work according to the terms of Ralph Wurseley's will and the order thereon made by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury.

f.28. 9 Nov. 1575

Letter from Sir John Savage asking for a letter for the information of the Privy Council stating that the ?mystery plays were put on in accordance with a decision of the assembly and not solely on his authority.

f.41v. 9 Oct. 1578.

Demise to William Giell, mariner, of a vacant plot outside the walls near the Dee and to the north of the New Tower and adjoining Porters Hey on the east, at 1s. p.a. with the proviso as above.

f.42-43v. 31 May 1579.

Lease to John Bles of Shrewsbury, innkeeper, of the House of Correction with implements and the sum of £106 13s 4d, for 7 years at £6 13s 4d p.a. upon the condition among others that use the same in the production of a set minimum of cloth and in the employment of no more than 40 poor persons at any one time.

f.44. 10 Oct. 1582.

Demise to John Robinson, dyer, of a vacant plot on which he had built a barn of 3 bays near Spitle Boughton and adjoining Spitle Field ditch, at 2s 8d. p.a. with the proviso that if he enclosed or built upon it for other purposes than a barn, except in times of pestilence, the lessor to have the right of re-entry.

f.44v. 10 Oct. 1582.

Demise to Robert Brerewood, alderman of a vacant plot with a barn in Handbridge on the east of Eccleston Lane at 1s 4d. p.a. with permission to build thereon.

f.45. 10 Oct. 1582.

Demise to Thomas Tilston, hatmaker, of a barn in Eccleston Lane, at 1s 4d. p.a. with a proviso that if he enclosed or built upon it for purposes other than a barn, except in times of pestilence, the lessors to have the right of re-entry.

f.45v. 10 Oct. 1582.

Demise to William Cotgreave, innkeeper, of a vacant plot with a barn outside the Barrs, between the highway on the north and a close called 'Weram Slacke' on the south, at 2s 8d p.a. with a proviso about not enclosing or building as above see f.44.

f.46. 10 Oct. 1582.

Demise to John Warton, mariner, of a vacant plot outside the city walls upon Dee Banks, north of the New Tower, at the end of Narrow Lane end and adjoining Chester field, at 1s 4d. p.a. with a proviso as above.

f.46v. 10 Oct. 1582.

Demise to John Hankie, of a vacant plot near The Cross without the Barrs on the lane to Boughton, at 2s. p.a.

f.47-47v. 10 Oct. 1582.

Demise to John Hankie, alderman, of a piece of land lying between the road to Boughton and the river Dee and from a mill eastwards toward the gallows at Boughton, at a peppercorn rent on condition that he maintain that land which was subject to flooding after rain upon the highway causing damage to the mill as described in his petition to the Assembly.

f.48.-48v. 12 Oct. 1523,

Assignment of a lease from Sir Ralph Egerton, Kt., to the mayor and citizens of the right to levy a duty on coal and fuel entering the city as granted to him by Henry VIII in 1511 for a term of 40 years, for 29 years being the residue of the term, at 53s 4d. p.a. to be paid into the Exchequer at Chester.

ff.48v. 13 Oct. 1584.

Demise to William Wall, alderman, of a vacant plot on the west side of Bridge Street under the town house of James Grymesdiche, for enlarging his shop at a peppercorn rent.

f.48v.-49. 13 Oct. 1584.

Demise to Richard Boydell of Lache, husbandman, of a piece of land with a barn in 'Bromfield Lane' at 1s 4d p.a. with a proviso that if he enclosed or built upon it for any purpose other than a barn, except in times of pestilence, the lessors to have the right of re-entry.

f.49v.-50. 13 Oct. 1584.

Demise to Robert Brerewood, alderman, of a vacant plot in Handbridge outside the Pinfold and opposite the 'Crosse Flat' and on the west of Handbridge Lane leading to Eccleston at 1s. 4d. p.a. with the proviso as above.

f.50-50v. 13 Oct. 1584.

Lease to Arthur Chauntrell, sherman, of a garden place outside the Northgate between the Quarell near the Northgate and the lane leading to the Gorse Stacks, for 21 years at 6d. p.a.

f.50v.-51. 13 Oct. 1584.

Demise to William Knight, gent., of a piece of land towards Hoole Rake, near Cockfight Hill, having the Jousting Croft on the south, at 2s. p.a.

f.51v.-53. No date. ?1583-4 or 1587-8 Robert Brerewood, mayor

Charter for the Wrights, carpenters, slaters and sawyers to have their own craft company and setting out their constitution and rules.

Note: See C.A.S., volume 39. p. 103. for reference to another copy of this charter dated 1587 in Harleian manuscript 2054.

f.53-54v. No date 24 Aug. 1585 see C/CL/151 and CHB/2/103

Copy of part of the agreement between the Mayor and citizens of Bristol and the Mayor and citizens of Chester concerning the will of Sir Thomas White, Kt., establishing a charity for the city of Chester, whereby the city of Bristol was to pay the city of Chester in 1585 the sum of £104 to be distributed to 4 freemen, preferably clothiers, as £25 interest free loans, for the term of 10 years, and with various other conditions set out.

f.54v. 24 Aug. 1585.

Receipt for the above sum and a note in margin of the years when payments under the will were made, 1585-1753.

f.55. 29 Oct. 1586.

Demise to John Williamson, alias Stables, of Boughton, tailor, for a piece of land in Boughton on the north of the Tarvin Road, between the road and a gate leading into Spitle Field, at 1s. p.a.

f.55v. 29 Oct. 1586.

Demise to John Tasker, joiner, of a vacant plot at the Watering Place Commons at Cowlane end and on the east of a pavement leading to Flookersbrook, at 2s 8d. p.a. with a proviso that if he enclosed or built upon the land for any other purpose other than a barn, stable or burningtip except in times of pestilence, the lessor to have the right of re-entry.

f.56. 29 Oct. 1586.

Demise to Ralph Bromley, linen draper, of a piece of land at the Gorse Stacks at Cowlane end, at 1s. 4d. p.a. with the proviso as above.

7 Oct. 1587.

Note in margin of endorsement of above date granting an extension of land at 1s p.a.

f.56v.- 57. 4 Feb. 1507/8.

Demise to Thomas Smith, alderman, of land with shops and other buildings lying between Bridge Street and Watergate Street near the High Cross, to be held of the chief lord of the fee for the customary service due and the payment of 6s 8d p.a. to the city treasurers and 8d. p.a. to the city sheriffs.

f.57. 12 Oct. 1587.

Memorandum that in pursuance of an Assembly order of the 9 May 1587, to demise the Roodee to Thomas Lyndall, merchant, for the construction of a quay, the quay had that day been marked out and the terms of its construction agreed upon details given.

f.57v. 29 Sept. 1587.

Note that by several indentures of that date loans of £25 for 10 years under the terms of Sir Thomas White's will had been made to Jeffrey Smith, Richard Goose, William Rogerson and Adam Johnson.

f.57v. 18 Jan. 1586/87.

Note of the lease to John Delesay, merchant, of the House of Correction with implements and £100 stock for 5 years at £4 13s 4d p.a.

f.57v. 1 Oct. 1588.

Note of the transfer to William Fletcher, cloth-worker of the £25 lent under Sir Thomas White's will to Adam Johnson, decd., for the residue of the term of 10 years.

f.58-58v. 26 Mar. 1589.

Demise to Thurston Hollinshed, gent., of a decayed messuage and piece of land in Foregate Street called the Old Town Ditch near the Eastgate, at 30s. p.a. for the messuages and 1s 4d. for the land.

f.58v-59v. 20 April 1592.

Lease to Edward Batho, clothier, of the house of correction in the Quarrell outside the Northgate and £100 stock, for 7 years at 40s. p.a. with clauses setting out in detail the conditions of the lease.

f.59v.-60 4 Oct. 1591.

Demise to Robert Brerewood, alderman, of a piece of land with a barn of 3 bays at the Pinfold on the lane to Eccleston together with his house and land at the end of 'Cleton lane', at 3s 4d. p.a. with the proviso that if he enclosed or used the land for purposes other than a barn, house, stable or ?bakehouse ?ustrum except in times of pestilence, then the lessors to have the right of re-entry.

f.60-60v. 24 July 1593.

Demise to John Ratcliff, beer brewer, of a piece of land with a barn of 3 bays at the Gorse Stacks near the Kaleyard ditch on the west, at 2s p.a. with a proviso as above but only for the uses of a barn.

f.60v-61. 24 July 1593.

Lease to John Fowkes, of London, gent., of a new barn with 5 bays built in Chester field which lay next to Newton field and the highway leading to Bache, for 100 years at the request of the Dean and Chapter of Chester Cathedral, at 1s. 8d. p.a.

f.61. 31 July 1593.

Appointment of Robert Hitchmough, B.A., to be schoolmaster of the free school at Farnworth, Lancs., at a salary of £10 p.a., upon the death of John Leigh.

f.61-61v. 5 Jan. 1592/3

Letter from Richard Bold on behalf of the inhabitants of Farnworth requesting the appointment of Robert Hitchmough as schoolmaster.

f.61v. 9 Jan. 1592/3.

Reply to the above appointing Robert Hitchmough for a probationary period.

f.61v. 15 April 1593.

Certificate of competency from the leading inhabitants of Farnworth.

f.62. 1 July 1593.

Demise to Henry Becke, clerk, of a piece of land with a barn at the end of a lane called the Hollow Butts, at 1s. 8d. p.a.

f.62v. 11 April 1594.

Demise to Thomas Lynyall, alderman, of the tower and arches at the south end of Dee bridge, at a peppercorn rent for 3 years and thereafter at 10s p.a., upon condition that he erect houses and buildings there within 3 years and keep the tower in good repair.

f.63. 29 Sept. 1595.

Loans under the will of Sir Thomas White of four several sums of £25 for ten years to Owen Johns, mercer, Randall Ince, draper, Ralph Dodd, draper, and Peter Tilston, draper, upon sureties.

f.63. 23. Dec. ? Eliz.

Loans under the will of Sir Thomas White of four several sums of £25 for ten years to Ralph Barlowe, linen draper.

f.63v. 14 May 1594.

Extract from the will of Hugh Offley of London, alderman, bequeathing £10. to the poor of the city, 40s. to the prisoners, an annuity of £5., being the joint rent from two houses, to be distributed as laid down in a separate indenture of similar date, and £200 to be lent every 3 years to four separate persons being two merchants and two retailers of Chester, who were to pay 30s. each p.a. making £6. p.a. to be distributed to various city officers, the poor and the prisoners the distribution being tabulated in the margin.

Probate granted 29 Nov. 1594.

f.64. 10 Oct. 1594.

Demise to Richard Bavand, alderman, of a piece of land between Watergate Street and Gray Friars Lane, at 2s 6d p.a.

f.64.-64v. 10 Oct. 1594.

Demise to John Fraunces, tanner, of a piece of land in Cow lane alongside the Kaleyard wall and reaching to the Kaleyard-gate, at 2s. p.a., which land was formerly demised on the 10 Oct. 1542 to William Bekkingham, shoemaker, but had been lately re-entered upon non-payment of the rent.

f.65. 20 Dec. 1596.

Demise to Thomas Darnold, glover of a vacant plot at the Glovers houses formerly called the Mustard houses outside the walls and on the banks of the Dee at 1s 8d. p.a. with a proviso that it was not to be enclosed or built upon for any other purpose but a work house, except in time of pestilence.

f.65v. 10 Oct. 1596.

Demise to Thomas Thropp, serjeant of the Keys, of a vacant plot in Eccleston Lane for building a barn, at 2s. p.a. with a proviso that it was not to be enclosed or built upon for any other purpose but a work house, except in time of pestilence.

f.66. 20 Nov. 1596.

Demise to John Poole, hatmaker, of a vacant plot and barn near the Kaleyard, at 2s. p.a. with a proviso that it was not to be enclosed or built upon for any other purpose but a work house, except in time of pestilence.

f.66v. 20 Nov. 1596.

Demise to Ralph Modesley, sherman, of a vacant plot and barn near the Kaleyards at 3a 4d. p.a. with a proviso that it was not to be enclosed or built upon for any other purpose but a work house, except in time of pestilence.

f.67. 29 Sept.1595.

Demise to Thomas Danolde, glover, of a vacant plot and work- house at the Glovers houses on the banks of the Dee, at 1s 8d p.a. with a proviso that it was not to be enclosed or built upon for any other purpose but a work house, except in time of pestilence.

f.67v.-68. 21 Feb. 1597/8.

Loan to Thomas Johnes, clothworker and sherman, of £33 6s 8d. being one quarter of the 200 marks bequeathed by Ralph Worsley, esq., to the maintenance of poor people by employment in the clothing trade, for 5 years, at 10s. p.a. to be paid to the wardens of the stock for the poor, upon condition that he employ in the clothing trade 6 poor people chosen by the Mayor.

f.68. Note of a bond for the performance of the covenants in the above deed.

f.68. 21 Feb. 1597/8

Note of a loan and bond as above to Randal Walker, clothworker and sherman.

f.68-69v. 14 June 1600.

Lease to Edward Bathowe, clothier, of the house of correction and quarrell, with minor exceptions, and of the stock of £100, for 7 years at £6 13s 4d. p.a., to the uses of the poor as set out in detail.

f.69v. Schedule listing the goods and implements of the house of correction.

f.70-70v. 16 Dec. 1600.

Demise licensing John Tyrer, yeoman, th carry out all necessary works involved in bringing a water supply to the city from the Bee, at 5s. p.a.

f.70v. 31 May 1601.

Demise to Edward Button, innholder, of a vacant plot, part of Pudding Hill at Cow Lane end, having a dilapidated causeway leading to Hoole Rake on the south, for building a barn, at 3s 4d. p.a. with provisos limiting its use to that of a barn and agreeing to keep in repair a section of the above mentioned causeway.

1 July year illegible ? 1601 see AB/1/266v.

Demise to Robert wall, alderman, of a vacant plot with a barn adjoining the Rake having the land of St. Anne on the east side and Cockfight Hill on the west, and of a piece of land with a barn and stable near the Kaleyard between Cow Lane end, on the north and the Gorse Stacks on the south, at 3s. p.a. with a proviso limiting their use to that of a dwelling house except for the barns and stable.

f.71v.-72v. 9 Jan. 1601/2.

Demise upon trust from Thomas Greene, alderman, to trustees on behalf of the city of a messuage in Eastgate Street, to the uses that after his death the rent should be distributed to 20 poor persons at 6s 8d per head yearly on Good Friday; a feast worth £1. to be given for the Mayor, aldermen and common councilmen in the Inner Pentice upon Easter Monday, 5s. a piece yearly to be given to the Mayor, Sheriffs and Clerk of the Pentice, 15s. to the Northgate prisoners, 10s. to Thomas Marbury, esq., and 1s. to the Mayor and citizens.

f.72v.-73. 2 June 1587.

Certificate under the common seal of London stating that their citizens were to be free to trade without payment of any charges throughout the country.

f.73-74. 19 April 1602.

Bond to the mayor and citizens of London in £50 to perform the conditions of the will of William Offley of London, merchant taylor, by which he bequeathed £300 to be loaned at £25. a piece to 12 young freemen of Chester for five years and there-after to be re-allocated every five years. The recipients to pay 14s. every first of May which money was to be distributed to the poor as set out with further conditions.

f.74-74v. 1 April 1602.

Bond from William Johnson, merchant, Robert Brocke of Upton, gent., and William Barneston of Churton, gent., to Elizabeth Newall, spinster in 1,000 marks to perform the conditions of the will of Peter Newall, alderman, namely that Jahe mother of Elizabeth Newall, then wife of William Johnson, was to have control of Elizabeth's third portion of her father's estate until she married or came of age, upon condition that she educate and maintain her daughter, finally rendering account of her portion. The bond to be enrolled among the city records.

f.74-74v. 5 June 1602.

Certificate of the disposition with names of grantees 23 of the greater part of the £610 bequeathed to the city of Chester for loans of £25 a piece for 5 years, by Robert Offley of London, haberdasher.

f.75. 26 May 1602.

Letter from the Privy Council giving instructions about the payment and transportation of troops and requiring Chester to send a man to London to put their case for insisting that Liverpool embark troops at Hilbre instead of at their own port, as Liverpool would also put their case at the same time.

f.75. Undated: 1602

Petition of Robert Whitby, gent., as instructed by the mayor in reply to the above stating among other reasons that it was cheaper to send Liverpool ships to Hilbre than the troops to Liverpool, that Chester was better able to control the behaviour and desertions of the soldiers, and that Liverpool had always been considered only a creek of the port of Chester.

f.75-75v. 15 June 1602.

Copy of the order of the Court of Star Chamber in the above case stating that in default of an appearance by a representative of Liverpool the transportation of troops to Ireland from Hilbre was to continue as before.

f.75v. 1 July 1602.

Order from J. Stanhope concerning the Queen's post, stating that in order to improve the service only mail to and from the principal officers of state was to be carried for the time being and that with proper parchment labels attached.

ORDER FROM J STANHOPE CONCERNING THE QUEENS POST

1 JULY 1602 CHB/3 f.75v

The negligence in carienge her Majesty's packetts is of late growen soe intollerable as hath given causes of highe displeasure and complainte againste the postes in generall. For Reformacion whereof it is houlden expedient by their honorable Lordshipps to commaund that for the tyme cominge noe Letters be taken to Runne in Post but such Packetts as shall evidently appeare to concerne the Queenes immediat service only.

It is therefore determined that from the court as noe packetts shalbe holden to be for the Queene but such as are subscribed either by the Lord Treasurer of England The Lord Admirall of England the principall Secretary of State or the Master of the Postes Soe all Packetts written from what partes soever specially directed either unto the of her Majesty's privy Counsaile in generall or in particular to the Lord highe Treasurer The Lord highe Admirall. The principall Secretary of the State or the maister of the postes shalbe houlden for packetts concerninge the Queenes affaires and such to Runne in post with expedicion onely and none other

Hereof yowe and every of yow are hereby to take speciall notice and warning And to thend it maie hereafter be seene in which of the posts the default shall rest that punishment maie be laied on the immediat offenders It is lykewyse commaunded that unto every such packet directed to anie the Personnes abovesaied The sender be warned by the post to whose hands it shall first come that a Labell of parchment or papper be added for the postes to sett downe the severall dates and tymes when it came first unto their handes in such forme as is herewithall sent for a patterne amonge yowe hereof for the amendement of the Queenes service the Satisfaccion of their Lordshipps and my owne dischardge in tyme to come I require yowe and every of yowe to be severally myndefull at your perills anie former directions heretofore notwithstandinge And this to continewe till yow Receave order and direction to the Contrary At the court of Greenewich this I first day of July 1602

J Stanope

f.76-77. Undated: ? 1601 see AB/1/271

Part of the will of William Offley of London, merchant taylor, setting out the details of his bequest to the city of Chester.

f.77-79v. 9 April 1596.

Part of the will of Robert Offley of London, haberdasher, setting out the details of his bequests.

f.80. 30 Sept. 1602.

Demise to Thomas Lyniall, alderman, of a vacant plot with a barn at Cow Lane end near a dilapidated causeway leading to Hoole Rake, at 2s p.a. with a proviso limiting its use to the purposes of a dwelling house, and including the maintenance of part of the above mentioned causeway.

Consideration: £1.

f.80v. 14 Oct. ?1602 last line missing

Demise to Robert Werden, gent., of a vacant plot with a cowhouse at Cow Lane end near the dilapidated causeway leading to Hoole Rake, at 2s. p.a. with provisoes limiting its use to the purposes of a dwelling house, barn or stable and including the maintenance of part of the above mentioned causeway. Consideration: £1.

f.81-81v. 22 Feb. 1602/3.

Loan to Randall Walker, clothworker according to the will of Ralph Worsley, esq., of £33 6s 8d for 10 years upon trust to clothe and set poor people to work in the clothing trade.

f.81v. Note of a similar grant with bond to Thomas Johnes, sherman.

f.82. 27 June 1603.

Ruling of the Court of Wards and Liveries that the feodary of the county of Chester should sit with the mayor as escheator of the city and other commissioners to inquire into the estate of Robert Brerewood, formerly mayor, deceased.

f.82v.-83. 13 Jan. 1603/4.

Demise to Thomas Holbrocke, butcher, of a piece of land with a barn of 2 bays at the Gorse Stacks lying next to the Justing Croft on the south at 2s. p.a. with a proviso limiting its use to the purpose of a dwelling house, barn or stable.

Consideration: £1.

f.83-83v. 12 Oct. 1603.

Grant from Thomas Giamull, alderman, as directed by the will of Richard Bavand, alderman, of a messuage in Northgate Street with its rent of £1. p.a., upon trust to distribute the rent to 20 poor persons each year.

f.83v. 12 Oct. 1603.

Letter of attorney for John Littler and William Leicester, alderman, treasurers of the city, to take seisin of the above with endorsements of livery and seisin dated 9 Dec. 1603.

f.84-84v. 10 Dec. 1598.

Lease from Richard Bavand, alderman, to Thomas Bunbury of Stanney, esq., of the above messuage, for 60 years at £1.a p.a.

f.84v.-85. 3 Oct. 1606.

Bond with sureties from James Smith, innholder, in the sum of £200 for proper performance of his duties as Keeper and Clerk of the Common Hall.

f.85-85v. 2 Oct. 1606.

Loan to Thomas Goose, draper, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White.

f.85v. Note of the bond of Thomas Goose for the same.

f.86. Notes of similar loans and bonds to John Styles, draper, Thomas Massie, draper, and John Tyrer, yeoman.

f.86-87v. 10 Oct. 1606.

Mortgage from John Tyrer, of the Water Tower upon the Bridge gate together with all watercourses and ancillary works, to secure fulfilment of his indenture of 2 Oct. 1605.

f.87v. 29 April 1606.

Bond with sureties from Richard Fythion of Calveley, paver, in £40, for the full performance of his duties as paver of the Wakefield pavement during which term of office he would occupy a house in Calveley rent free.

f.88-88v. 3 June 1597.

Bargain and sale being a conveyance from Thomas Crosse, shoemaker, to Robert Crosse, glover, his brother, of a messuage in Fleshmonger's Lane, having the city wall on the east.

Consideration: £10.

Note in margin that the above had been copied because the original deed had been defaced and the seal torn off.

f.88v. n.d. first reference in AB/1/367 is 8 April 1623

Note of the bequest from Hugh Atwyll, parson of ?St. Ives in Cornwall, of £3 6s 8d. to form a permanent stock to keep the poor at work and the profit therefrom to be given to the poor at the magistrates' discretion.

f.89. 4 Nov. 1606.

Award of arbitrators concerning the execution of writs and the collection of fees in dispute between the sheriffs and the Clerk of the Pentice.

f.89v.-90v 9 Mar. 1606/7.

Charter granted to the beerbrewers' company.

f.90-90v. 17 April 1607.

Order from the Lord Chancellor concerning the dispute between the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral and the Mayor and Corporation whereby the custom of carrying the city sword upright before the mayor in the Cathedral was to continue.

f.90v. Note that the original was filed in the Mayor's file for 1607.

f.91. 1 June 1607.

Note that a certificate naming the 24 beneficiaries under the will of Robert Offley had been sent to the Haberdashers' Company of London.

f.91. 22 Aug. 1607.

Note that Thomas Carr, esq., of Ford, co. Northumberland, appeared before the Mayor with a letter from William Selby, Kt., and Edward Grey, esq., Commissioners for the ?middle shires, ordering that he be detained in Chester or within 4 miles of the city during His Majesty's pleasure.

f.91. n.d.

Mayor's reply to the above.

f.91v.-92. 3 March 1603A.

Letter from King James concerning the licensing and regulation of alehouses, and orders concerning the same.

f.92v-95. 10 Mar. 1605/6.

Deed of feoffment from John Fitton, gent., son of John Fitton, decd., last executor of the will of Valentine Broughton, alderman, to several citizens of Chester as trustees of property at Dutton y Braine, co. Denbigh, to receive the rents therefrom and apply them to the uses set out, according to the will of Valentine Broughton.

f.95v-96. 2 Oct. 1609.

Loan to Richard Weaver, draper of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White.

f.96. Note of Richard Weaver's bond for the same.

f.96. Note of similar indenture and bond of Roger Wilkinson, ironmonger.

f.96v. Notes as above of Richard Tailor, clothier and Foulke Salisburie, ironmonger.

f.96v. 7 July 1609.

Countermanding of an assembly order for the fining of Robert Berrie, alderman, for buying wine without its being first offerred for sale to the Mayor. Witnesses having established that it was so offered, it was ordered that the wine be restored to Robert Berrie.

f.97. 15 Dec. 1609.

Writ of diem clausit extremum to the Mayor as escheator to enquire into the estate of Roger Hurleston, tenant-in-chief.

f.97. 23 Dec. 1609.

Warrant to the Sheriffs to empanel a jury.

f.97. n.d.

Sheriffs' reply with names of jurors.

f.97v.-98. 9 Jan. 1608/9.

f.98. Inquisition upon the property of Roger Hurleston taken before the Mayor as escheator, including fishing rights in the Dee.

f.98. 17 Jan. 1611/12.

Receipt to - Streate, citizen of London, for £10 being six years' arrears of the annual payment of £1 13s 4d. under the will of Simon Hardinge, of London, salter.

Note in margin that this was not received.

f.98. 21 Jan. 1612/13.

Receipt to - Streate, citizen of London, for £11 13s 4d. for seven years' arrears.

f.98v. 20 Jan. 1602/5.

Charter of incorporation for the company of mercers and ironmongers.

f.99. 16 May 1611.

Demise to Thomas Dannold, glover, of a vacant plot at the Glovers Houses, at 1s p.a.

f.99v. 20 May 1611.

Lease to Arthur Chauntrell, sherman, of a barn of 3 bays near the Gorse Stacks, together with a small building outside the Northgate next to the Northgate quarrel, for three lives at 2s 6d. p.a.

Consideration: £1.

f.100-101 19 May 1612.

Lease to Richard Taylor, clothier, of the house of correction, for seven years at £2. p.a. upon condition he set poor people to work.

f.101v.-102v. 22 April 1612.

Record of a case in the earl's court at Chester brought by the city against William Hedges, the defendant not being a freeman of the city, for the payment of certain tolls and customs.

f.103. n.d. ?1612 see AB/1/318

Articles of agreement setting out rules for running a horse race for two bells and a cup for running 'at the Ringe' on the Roodee on St. George's Day.

f.103v. 12 Aug. 1612.

Extract from the will of Robert Singleton of London, esq., leaving half of his house and barn in Chester to his cousin William Singleton and half to the city for the use of the poor.

f.103v.-104. 26 Mar. 1613.

Loan to Handle Smith, clothworker, under the will of Ralph Worsley of £33 6s 8d for 10 years at 10s. p.a. upon condition he employ 6 poor people with note of sureties.

f.104. Note of loan and sureties as above to Hugh Leighe, clothier.

f.104v.-105. 24 Dec. 1605.

Letters patent granting to the city the prise and customs of sweet wine in the port and creeks of Chester at £40. p.a.

f.105. 25 May 1614.

Receipt from John Blanchard to the Exchequer for one standard brass bushell measure for the city of Chester, the previous one having been broken.

f.105. 24 May 1614.

Note of entry in the Black Book of the Exchequer of the stamping of the bushell.

f.105v. 3 Oct. 1614.

Lease to William Fletcher, draper, of a shop in Northgate Street under the Pentice, for 99 years at £1. p.a.

f.106. 10 Oct. 1614.

Lease to William Aldersey, the elder, alderman, of a shop in Northgate Street under the Pentice, for three lives, at 18s. p.a.

f.106v. 12 Oct. 1614.

Demise to William Glegge, servant of William Aldersey, alderman, of a piece of land with a barn of 3 bays outside the Barrs near the Gorse Stacks between the road to Tarvin on the south and Spittlefield on the north, at 1s. p.a. with a proviso limiting its use to the purposes of a barn.

f.107. 10 Oct. 1614.

Demise to Godfrey Wynne, alderman, of property similar to that above, at 2s p.a.

f.107v. 12 Oct. 1614.

Demise to Richard Johnsonne, innholder, of a piece of land with a barn of 2 bays outside the Barrs with the Tarvin Road on the south, at 2s 8d. p.a. with a proviso limiting its use to the purposes of a dwelling house.

f.108-108v. 13 Jan. 1613/14.

Loan to James Fletcher, glover, under the will of Ralph Worsley, of £33 6s 8d. for 10 years at 10s. p.a. upon condition that he employ 6 poor people, with note of sureties.

f.108v. Note of loan and sureties as above to John Whitbie, sherman.

f.109-109v. 14 Oct. 1615.

Loan to Gabriel Weaver, draper, of £25 for ten years under the will of Sir Thomas White, with note of his bond.

f.109v. Note of similar loans and bonds to Edward Griffith, clothier, Thomas Johnes, clothworker, and John Bathoe.

f.110. n.d.

Memorandum that Ramdall Finchet then seised of a messuage in Foregate Street, had paid £50 to Robert Bennet and William Fernall, whereof they had paid £20 to the Company of Sherman, who were to lend £6 13s 4d at 1s 8d in the £ p.a. to three of their members for 5 years at a time, according to the will of his brother Ralph Finchet dated 10 May 1612.

f.110. 26 July 1616.

Letter from the inhabitants of Farnworth recommending the appointment of Hammett Webster, then schoolmaster in Liverpool, as schoolmaster there.

f.110v. 30 July 1616.

Reply to the above appointing Mr. Webster for a trial period of three months.

f.110v. 10 Aug. 1616.

Letter from the inhabitants of Farnworth stating that Mr. Webster was unwilling to leave his present post in order to to take up one for three months only, and assuring the city fathers or his suitability as he was in employment sufficiently nearby to be well known.

f.111. 2 July 1616.

Letter under the signet from King James on behalf of Hugh Dod seeking him a place of preferment in the courts held at Chester in return for services rendered on behalf of an aid for the Princess Elizabeth.

f.111. 20 Aug. 1616.

Letter from Thomas Meade, vicar of Prescot, in support of Hammett Webster to be schoolmaster of Farnworth.

f.111-111v. 28 Aug. 1616.

Reply from the city appointing Hammett Webster to the post of schoolmaster of Farnworth at £10 p.a.

f.111v. 30 Mar. 1670.

List of names of the John Vernon almsmen.

List of names of the Richard King almsmen.

List of names of the Richard Byrd almsmen.

f.112-113. 10 Oct. 1615.

Will of John Vernon, merchant tailor and merchant of the Staple, of London, establishing a charity for the city of Chester.

f.113v.-114. 20 Feb. 1615/6.

Lease to Peter Bennet, innholder, of a messuage in Northgate Street, for 43 years, at £1. p.a.

Consideration: £12.

f.114-114v. 12 Aug. 1617.

Demise to Richard Bridges, dyer, of a vacant plot on which he had built a building of 9 bays, near the Walke Mills on the east, Tentry Heys on the south and adjacent to the Dee Bridge, at 5s. p.a. with a proviso limiting its use to the purposes of a dwelling house.

f.115-115v. 11 Aug. 1617.

Lease to Richard Wall, mercer, of a shop under the Pentice on the north side of Easgate Street, for 21 years, at £2. p.a. Consideration: £5.

f.115v. 15 May 1620.

Grant to John Cotton of Shocklach, clerk, of Huntington Lane from Boat Hill to Butterbache Bridge, to repair the highway in return for pasturing 5 cattle in the lane.

f.116. 'This indenture made'. rest blank.

f.116v. blank.

f.117: 13 Oct. 1619.

Demise to William Gamull, alderman, of the Newgate, one ancient tower to the north of it on the walls, and a cellar on the south side of Foregate Street under the Crown, at £1 13s 4d.p.a.

f.117v-118. 16 June 1603.

Memorandum that by the will of Valentine Broughton of the above date, it appeared that property had been granted to the city for charitable uses other than that mentioned in the conveyance copied on f.92. The relevant parts of the will are then quoted in full.

f.118v. 2 July 1623.

Note that the post of schoolmaster of Farnworth was unfilled as John Roberts, who had been duly appointed, had not taken up his appointment.

f.118v. n.d.

Letter from Francis Hawarden, B.A. petitioning for the post.

f.118v. n.d.

Letter from Sir Richard Brooke recommending him.

f.119-119v. 10 June 1624.

Demise to William Aldersey, alderman, of a piece of land in Eccleston Lane with a barn of 2 bays built by Fulk Aldersey and another one with a barn of 3 bays built by the said William, at 3s 4d. p.a. with a proviso limiting its use to the purposes of a barn or stable.

f.120. blank.

f.120v. blank.

f.121-121v. 13 July 1624.

Lease to Mary Kirkman, widow of Robert Kirkman, linen draper, of a piece of land behind a shop in Foregate Street extending to near the Kaleyard, being land leased to her husband by John Wade, upholsterer, on 10 Aug. 1619 for the life of Ursula Johnes at 16s p.a., for 21 years after the death of the said Ursula at £1. p.a.

f.122. 16 May 1625

Lease to Edward Fitton, gent., of two shops under the Pentice in Northgate Street, for 21 years at £1. 0s. 6d. p.a.

f.122v. blank.

f.123-123v. 4 Jan. 1624/5.

Loan to Richard Taylor, clothworker, of £33 6s 8d for ten years under the will of Ralph Worsley.

f.124. blank.

f.124v. blank.

f.125-125v. 22 Sept. 1626.

Demise to William, Earl of Derby, of a vacant plot then fenced and ditched, in the parish of St. John the Baptist near the River Dee, at £1. p.a.

f.126. blank.

f.126v. 1 May 1626.

Order of the Star Chamber that William Dutton gent., be allowed to construct an artillery yard in Chester and be captain of it, according to his petition supported by the Earl of Derby.

f.126v. 20 April 1629.

Letter from the members of the Court of Star Chamber appointing Capt. Edward Holmwood to succeed Capt. Dutton as requested by the mayor and corporation.

f.127-127v. 15 May 1629.

Demise to William Edwards, merchant, of a double fronted messuage in Foregate Street near the Eastgate, at £12 p.a. Consideration: £12.

f.127v. 1 Dec. 1628.

Part of the will of Lady Anne Bromley of Holt Castle, co. Worcester, granting items of silverware to the city in memory of the birthplace of her late husband William Offley, merchant tailor of London.

f.127v. 30 June 1629.

Note that the silverware was delivered by William Gamull with itemised description, weight and markings.

f.128. 29 May 1629.

Letter from the ? Privy Council upon a petition from Robert Brerewod, esq., late clerk of the Pentice, instructing that he be paid a proportion of the fees of the office during a period when he was prevented from exercising his office by the mayor, otherwise he had leave to sue in the courts.

f.128. 29 July 1629.

Letter to the parishioners of Farnworth appointing Mr. Robert Williams to the post of schoolmaster as requested by them.

f.128v. n.d. 1629-30. The assessment was ordered in 1629 and these opinions were read to the Assembly on 30 April 1630 AB/2/18d.,20.

Two counsel's opinions upon the question whether it was lawful for non-free citizens to be assessed for the upkeep of walls and highways. Both opinions in the affirmative.

f.128v. 20 April ?5 Chas I. 1629.

Letter of attorney appointing several citizens to petition the King on behalf of the citizens for a licence to export calf skins from the port of Chester.

f.128v-129. 25 Jan. 1629/30.

Letter to accompany the above setting out the reasons for the petition namely that upon the expiration of the former licence granted to the whole merchant company certain citizens procured a new one applying only to themselves whereby much controversy had arisen between them and those excluded.

f.129. 25 Feb. 1629/30.

Certificate from the lord mayor and citizens of London that the custom of the city of London was to assess all inhabitants for the repair of walls and highways and for the payment of any Crown subsidies.

f.129-130. 15 Oct. 1629.

Loan to Peter Snead, draper, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White with a note of his bond.

f.130. Note of similar loan and bond of Robert Dannold, feltmaker.

f.130v. n.d. ?1631

Letter from the parishioners of Farnworth petitioning for the appointment of Robert Meadowcrofte, B.A. to be schoolmaster there.

f.130v. 30 Sept. 1631.

Letter appointing Robert Meadowcrofte schoolmaster of Farnworth.

f.131. 13 Dec. 1630.

Demise to William, Earl of Derby, of parts of waste land on the banks of the River Dee in the parish of St. John, the Baptist, called severally the bowling alley, the fish pond, the new inclosure and the plot for osiers, at £1 16s p.a.

f.131v.-132. 31 March 1632.

Lease by trustees of Alderman Thomas Greene to Daniel Butler, yeoman, of a tenement in Eastgate Street, for 31 years at £11 p.a.

f.132v-133v. 20 April 1632.

A feofment from Thomas Stanley of Alderley, esq., heir of Sir Peter Warburton, last surviving feofee of Peter Warburton, to the mayor and other trustees of property as above for the application of the rents to the charitable purposes of Alderman Thomas Greene, deceased, as set out in the schedule.

f.133v. 31 Aug. 1633.

Letter to the Archbishop of York requesting the restoration of a Mr. Ley, a preacher with a vicarage near Chester and a prebendary of the cathedral, who had been inhibited by the archbishop's visitors.

f.134. 31 Aug. 1633.

Letter on the same subject as above to the visitors.

f.134v. 30 Oct. 1633.

Receipt to the city of Bristol for the payment of £104 under the terms of the will of Sir Thomas White.

f.134v. 30 Oct. 1633.

Letter of attorney for Francis Gamul, alderman, to receive the above sum on behalf of the city of Chester.

f.135. n.d. 1633 see ML/6/174.

Letter of resignation from Robert Meadowcroft, schoolmaster of Farnworth, recommending Mr. Shepheard as his successor.

f.135. n.d. 1633 see ML/6/175.

Letter from the parishioners of Farnworth supporting the appointment of Mr. Shepheard.

f.135v. 12 April 1633.

Letter appointing Ralph Shepheard to be schoolmaster of Farnworth.

f.136-136v. 22 April 1634.

Lease to Thomas Bavand, esq., of a shop under the Pentice near the High Cross, for 3 lives at £1 8s p.a.

f.137-137v. 23 Dec. 1633.

Loan to Richard Taylor, draper, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White and note of his bond.

f.137v. Note of similar loan and bond to John Lowe, feltmaker.

f.138. Notes of similar loans and bonds to Theodore Hughes, clothworker, and John Leckonby, ironmonger.

f.138. 8 Oct. 1634.

Writ of diem clausit extremum to certain persons named and the mayor as escheator, to hold an inquiry into the property of Roger Hurleston, decd., tenant in chief.

f.138v.-139. 9 Oct. 1634.

Lease to John Aldersey, ironmonger, of a shop under the Pentice in Northgate Street, for 21 years, at 16s. p.a. Consideration £2

f.139-139v. 9 Oct. 1634.

Lease to Ellen Jones of Iscoed, co. Denbigh, widow, and daughter of Hugh Boswell, decd., of a messuage in Iscoed, for 21 years at £4. p.a. Consideration: £4.

f.140-141. 1634.

A list of the sums levied and collected by wards for the repair of St. Paul's in the mayoralty of Randle Holme.

f.141v.-142. 15 Oct. 1635.

Loan to Samuel Ince, draper, of £25. for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White with a note of his bond.

f.142v. Notes of similar loans and bonds to Thomas Prenton ?clothier, Robert Parkes, clothier, and William Crofts, clothworker.

f.142v. 2 July 1636.

Warrant from the Court of Admiralty to John Tilston, marshall for the counties of Chester and Lancaster and the sea ports adjoining, to summon a jury of 24 men.

f.142v.-143. 7 July 1636.

Memorandum that the above writ was redelivered to Mr. Mathew Anderton, commisary of the Court of Admiralty, as the Assembly had decided that to execute it would be a breach of the liberties of the city.

f.143-143v. 20 July 1636.

Lease to Edward Reynolds, draper, of a pasture called the quarrell lying outside the walls near The New Tower between the walls on the east and Dee Lane leading to the tower, for 3 lives at 3s. p.a. Consideration: £2. with the proviso that in time of plague the city should have the right as formerly to erect cabins thereon and send the sick there.

f.143v-144. 15 Oct. 1635.

Lease to Richard Hough, ?milner, of a cottage on the Green Way in Handbridge, for 3 lives, at 1s. p.a.

f.144v-145. 15 Oct. 1635.

Lease to Richard Whitby, yeoman, of a cottage and enclosure under St. John's church near the River Dee, for 3 lives, at 5s. p.a.

f.145v. blank.

f.146-146v. 20 Oct. 1639.

Lease to Elizabeth Walton of Guilden Sutton, spinster, of a messuage in Guilden Sutton, for 21 years, at £20 p.a. Consideration: £30.

f.147. 'This Indenture made' - blank.

f.147v. blank.

f.148-149. 10 Oct. 1639.

Loan to Hugh Hughes, clothier, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White.

f.149v.-150v. Oct. 1640.

Charter of incorporation of the Curriers with the Sadlers Company.

f.151, 151v. blank.

f.152. 'This Indenture made the seventh day of Aprill'. - blank.

f.152v. blank.

f.153-154. 17 April 1644.

Lease to John Skellerne, ironmonger and Margery, his wife, of a shop in Eastgate Street under the Pentice, for three lives at £1. p.a. Consideration: £5.

f.154-155v. f.154v. blank. 17 April 1644.

Lease to John Aldersey, ironmonger, of a shop under the Pentice in Northgate Street, for three lives, at 18s. p.a. Consideration: £5.

f.155v. 5 Dec. 1645.

Receipt from the mayor for £20 paid by Richard Byrd for the garrison upon order of the Assembly and stating that the city would reimburse them when he produced receipts to the satisfaction of the Assembly to show that he had paid the sum of £30 to Thomas Bavand and £20 to Prince Maurice as instructed out of an aid raised under the authority of an Act of Parliament of 17 Chas. I. 1641-42.

f.156-156v. 15 Sept. 1648.

Lease to John Poole, haberdasher, of a shop, formerly two shops, under the Pentice in Northgate Street for 21 years £1. 0s. 6d. Consideration: £3.

f.157, 157v. blank.

f.158. 25 Jan. 1649/50.

An order from a committee of Parliament 'for removing obstruccons in the Sale of Dea: and Chapters landes', confirming the payment of a rent of £113 11s 6d. annually from lands in Prestbury, formerly part of the estate of the Dean and Chapter, to the mayor and citizens for the continued maintenance of a master, usher and 24 scholars at the free school of Chester.

f.158v. blank.

f.159-159v. 13 Oct. 1653.

Demise to William Bristowe, tanner, of a piece of land with a barn of 3 bays at the end of Cow Lane being part of Pudding Hill and adjoining a pavement leading to Hoole Rake at 3s 4d. p.a. Consideration: Surrender of former lease.

f.159. 18 Oct. 1653.

Note that seisin of the above was delivered to attorneys.

f.159v. n.d.

Note that £25 for 10 years under the terms of Sir Thomas White's will was loaned to Randle Richardson, beerbrewer, Hugh Mowson, the elder, tanner, John Knowles, ironmonger, and William Wright, merchant, ending at Michaelmas 1664.

f.159v. 19 Dec. 1665.

Note that the above security was discharged and the £25 was loaned to Thomas Bird, tanner, as on f.187.

f.160. 31 July 1657

Order from the trustees for the maintenance of Ministers, arranging for the sum of £36 annually to be paid from various sources detailed for the maintenance of William Liptrott appointed by the Assembly Master of the free school of Chester in the place of Richard Vaughan on 13 March 1656/7.

f.160-160v. 31 July 1657.

A similar order for the payment of £19 annually to Thomas Wyrrall elected usher of the free school in place of Ralph Heath.

f.161-162. 24 Sept. 1657.

Demise to William Edwards, alderman, of a messuage with two fronts in Foregate Street, formerly demised to him on which he had built 'a faire house' called the Globe etc, This house had been used as a garrison for the King during the War and had been burnt to the ground. Annual rent: £2. Consideration: surrender of the former demise and £3.

f.162; 14 Nov. 1628.

Part of the will of Edward Bathoe, alderman, dated as above, leaving to Hugh Leigh for his life a piece of land in Foregate Street, £40 to build a house on it, and £100 to set up a clothing business and train 4 of the said Edward's Kinsmen as apprentices with other provisions. The premises were to be given on Hugh Leigh's death to the most deserving of Bathoe's kinsmen as decided by his executors.

f.162. 6 Jan. 1702/3.

Note that Katherine Bristow, widow, owner of the above premises paid to the mayor and citizens such legacies as appeared in Bathoe's will, except that she was instructed that under the terms of the will the 20s. for the poor was to be distributed by the mayor and not by herself.

f.162v. blank.

f.163-163v. 9 Oct. 1658.

Lease to Thomas Jones, husbandman, of a cottage and land in Cockpit Hill, for 3 lives at £1 6s 8d p.a.

f.164-164v. 13 July 1659.

Lease to William Lea, ironmonger, of a shop under the Pentice in Eastgate Street, for 21 years at £2. p.a. Consideration: £5.

f.165-165v. 13 Aug. 1660.

Demise to Charles Farrington, beerbrewer, of a cottage and garden on the west side of Northgate Street having the White Bull on the north, at £1. p.a. Consideration: £20.

f.166. 25 Dec. 1660.

Letter from the parishioners of Farnworth saying that Henry Ridgeway, the schoolmaster, left the previous midsummer and asking for John Weston to be appointed in his place.

f.166. 13 Feb. 1660/1.

Letter of recommendation on behalf of John Weston from William Liptrott.

f.166v. 13 Feb. 1660/1.

Letter of appointment of John Weston as schoolmaster of Farnworth.

f.167-168. 25 Feb. 1660/1

Loan to Timothy Davies, draper, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White.

f.168. Bonds for the performance of the covenants in the loan from Timothy Davies, draper, John Partington, mercer, John Smith, baker, Robert Dentith, merchant.

f.168. 3 July 1661.

Note that the money loaned to Timothy Davies was repaid to Daniel Greatbach, alderman and treasurer, and that on 30 Aug. 1661 the same sum of £25 was granted to Thomas Walker, the younger.

f.168. Note that the £25 lent to Robert Denteth was paid in and reloaned to Benjamin Willcock as on f.195.

f.168. 30 Aug. 1661.

Note that the £25 lent to Timothy Davies was called in and relent to Thomas Walker, the younger, by indenture of the above date.

f.168. 25 Feb. 1660/1.

Note that the £25 formerly lent to Robert Parks had not been repaid because of 'the late troubles' so it was reloaned to him by an indenture of the above date. There follows a note of his bond.

f.168. 13 Jan. 1671/2.

Note that the £25 lent to Robert Parks was repaid to Henry Lloyd, alderman and treasurer.

f.168v. 25 Feb. 1660/1.

Note that the £25 loaned to John Whitbie and to be repaid on 29 Sept. 1649 remained unpaid because of 'the late troubles', was to be lent to Richard Mercer, clothworker, by indenture, of the above date. There follows a note of his bond.

f.169. 18 Sept. 1656.

Bond for £200 from several persons named on behalf of John Whittle upon his appointment as Keeper of the Common Hall, which post included the collection of customs and dues.

f.169v. 11 May 1657.

Articles of agreement with John Barker, clothier, concerning the new house of correction including clauses that he would only sell by wholesale, he could vary the length of the cloth after a minimum of 7 yards, and that he was to employ 60 people in the house of correction.

Note that this agreement was read and approved in open assembly 20 May 1657.

f.170-170v. 20 Sept. 1656.

Lease to John Barlow, mason, of a piece of waste formerly a garden outside the walls near The Newgate for 3 lives at 5s. p.a. with permission to build a dwelling house of brick or stone.

f.170v.-171 12 Sept. 1656.

Bond from John Barlow for £40 for the performance of covenants in the above lease.

f.171-171v. 7 Jan. 1656/7.

Lease to George Chamberlayne, yeoman, and Sarah, his wife, of a cottage and a building of 4 bays in Handbridge, for 99 years at 8s p.a. Consideration; £2.

f.171v-172. Bond in £20 for the performance of the above lease.

f.172. 1 Jan. 1653/4.

Demise to Richard Bridge, dyer, of an empty piece of land lying to the south and south west of the new Kitchen of the Bridge House.

No rent stated as copy is incomplete.

f.172v. n.d.

Letter from the parishioners of Farnworth stating that the post of schoolmaster was being temporarily filled by John Holland and asking for his permanent appointment to the post.

f.172v. 16 Aug. 1662.

Letter of recommendation on behalf of John Holland from Thomas Chaloner.

f.173. 18 Aug. 1662.

Letter appointing John Holland as schoolmaster of Farnworth.

f.173-174. 11 June 1662.

Demise to Thomas Ashton, innholder, of a piece of land on which he had built a barn at Cow Lane end, at 5s p.a.

Consideration: £5.

f.174-174v. 30 May 1663.

Lease to Thomas Ley, innholder, of a piece of land in Foregate Street, adjoining the Eastgate, for 3 lives, at £1 12s. p.a.

f.175-175v. 30 May 1663.

Lease to Ann Newport of Barrow, Cheshire, widow, of a close called Duntfords Meadow near Stamford Bridge in the township of Sutton, for 21 years at £5 p.a. Consideration: £5.

f.176-178. 14 Feb. 1658/9.

The will of Owen Jones of Soughton, pa. Northop, co. Flint, detailing numerous bequests of money to individuals and the rents of certain lands to the schooling and apprenticing of successive 7 boys in the parish of Northop and the maintenance of poor families. However, if the legacy was not properly applied by the minister and churchwardens the bequest was to be given to the parishes of Holy Trinity and St. Peters in Chester. He also bequeathed the rents from his lands in Minera and Gresford detailed, co. Denbigh, and from 'Cheveley on the Dee' Cheaveley in Huntington in Cheshire, to be used for the maintenance of poor members of the city companies treated in strict rotation according to their order of precedence in the midsummer show, but no innholders or unfree citizens were to benefit, with small grants to the Mayor and Sheriffs for their trouble as executors of this bequest.

f.178v.-179. 5 Oct. 1663.

Lease to Edward Hincks, gent., of two pastures called the New Fields in Guilden Sutton, for 21 years at £5. p.a.

Consideration: £5.

f.179v-181. 30 May 1663.

Grant to new Trustees of a messuage in Eastgate Street, formerly granted in trust by Thomas Greene, alderman, to charitable uses as set out in the schedule annexed.

f.181-182. 10 Aug. 1663.

Lease by the trustees to Margery Butler, widow, of the above messuage, for 21 years, at £11. p.a.

f.182-183. 2 Feb. 1658/9.

Lease to Thomas Pulford of Guilden Sutton, yeoman, of a messuage in Sutton, occupied by him together with land described in detail with field names, for 21 years at £22 p.a. Consideration: 5s.

f.183. Note of Thomas Pulford's bond in £200 for the performance of covenants.

f.183-184. 29 July 1664.

Lease to John Caddick, feltmaker, of a building he had erected at the end of St. Olave's Lane off Bridge Street, for 99 years at 3s 4d. p.a. Consideration: 5s.

f.184. Note of John Caddick's bond in £50 for the performance of covenants.

f.184-185. 21 Feb. 1664/5.

Lease to Philip Walley of Great Boughton? yeoman, of a tenement in Sutton with land described in detail with field names for 99 years at £17 13s 4d. p.a. Consideration: £20.

f.185. Note of Philip Walley's bond in £200 for the performance of covenants.

f.185-185v. 23 Feb. 1664/5.

Lease to George Smith of Handbridge, husbandman, of a cottage in Greenway Street, Handbridge, for 21 years at 2s 6d p.a.

f.186-186v. 11 Aug. 1665.

Lease to Thomas Yong, beerbrewer, of £25. for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White.

f.186v. Note of Thomas Yong's bond.

f.187. 19 Dec. 1665.

Note of a loan as above to Thomas Bird, tanner with his bond.

f.187. 25 Dec. 1674.

Note that Thomas Bird repaid the £25. which was then lent to William Bristowe, the younger.

f.187-187v. 19 Dec. 1665.

Lease to Richard Bavand of Handbridge, blacksmith, of a piece of waste ground in Hough Green, Handbridge, on which to erect a dwelling and smithy, for 21 years at 10s. p.a. With a note of his bond.

f.188-189v. 19 Oct. 1666.

Grant by Robert Harvie, alderman, to trustees, of six almshouses newly erected in Claverton Lane together with a fourth and sixteenth part interest in the Chester waterworks whose proceeds were to be expended in the upkeep of the almshouses and to further charitable uses.

f.189v. 20 Jan. 1666/7

Letter of attorney from Robert Harvie appointing Richard Wright and William Harvey, innholders, to deliver seisin of the above.

f.190. 8 June 1666.

Lease to Henry Johnson, joiner, of a piece of waste ground in Northgate Street opposite the house of John Anderson, merchant, and next to the garden wall of the bishop, for 3 lives at 5s. p.a. Consideration: £8.

f.190v. 5 Oct. 1667

Letter appointing John Urmston, an undergraduate of Cambridge University to succeed John Holland, as schoolmaster of Farnworth at the salary of £10. p.a.

f.191. 28 Dec. 1666

The will of Richard King, baker, bequeathing his house outisde the Northgate in Northgate Street to the mayor and citizens so that the rent thereof should be used to clothe 2 poor tradesmen according to the provisions of Mr. Vernon's charity.

f.191. Note of almsmen, last one dated 25 Feb. 1683/4.

f.191v.-192. 20 May 1542.

Exemplification of an enrolment in the Court of Augmentations reciting a grant dated 20 July 1507 whereby the prior and convent of Launde, co. Leics., granted to the Bishop and Mayor and citizens of Chester an annuity of £10 to be paid as a salary to the schoolmaster of Farnworth free grammar school in exchange for the appropriation of the parish of Rostherne, co. Cheshire; and reciting also a deed dated 20 July 1560 confirming the grant of the above annuity, upon which evidence the receiver of the monastery lands had arranged the continued payment of the annuity out of the monastery's estate.

f.192v. 20 Aug. 1668.

Confirmation of sale by trustees to Edward Bradshaw of Farraw's tenement in Tattenhall with lands described formerly purchased by the city with money bequeathed by Owen Jones, butcher, and granted to trustees to execute the charitable provisions of his will.

f.193. 20 Aug. 1668.

Lease to John Amderson, merchant, of a piece of waste ground in Northgate Street opposite to his house and the gardenhouse of the bishop, for the erection of a building not to exceed the height of the bishop's wall or to block the windows of his garden house, for 21 years at 1s p.a. Consideration: £5.

f.193; Note of bond to the above.

f.193. 20 Aug. 1668.

Lease to Richard Minshull, alderman, of Wolfe's Tower or Thimbleby's Tower, for 3 lives at 1s p.a.

f.193. 27 June 1667.

Lease to Jonathan Crosse, ironmonger, of the New Buildings near the milk stoopes on the north side of Eastgate Street, for 3 lives at £10 10s p.a.

f.193v.-194. 9 March 1669/70.

Lease to Richard Tomlinson of Calveley, gunsmith, of house in Calveley near Watfield pavement, for 21 years at £6 13s 4d p.a. which he was to spend upon the repair of Watfield pavement.

f.194. 9 Mar. 1669/70.

Bond in £200 from Richard Tomlinson to maintain the Watfield pavement in proper repair.

f.194v. 26 Nov. 1670.

Certificate issued by the Exchequer to Thomas Taylor of London, founder, on behalf of the mayor and citizens of Chester, to authenticate quart and pint measures for the city as required by statute.

f.195-195v. 29 Oct. 1670.

Loan to Benjamin Willcocke, beerbrewer, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White.

f.195v. Benjamin Willcocke's bond.

f.296. 29 Oct. 1670.

Notes of bonds and indentures as above for Nicholas Knowles, shoemaker, John Taylor, draper, and Randle Foulkes, clothworker.

f.196. 11 Nov. 1671.

Note of bond and indenture as above for Thomas Trollock clothworker.

f.196. 29 Oct. 1670.

Note of bond and indenture as above for Thomas Dannold, ironmonger.

f.196. 25 Dec. 1674.

Note of bond and indenture as above for William Bristow, the younger, tanner.

f.196v-197. 22 Sept. 1671.

Lease to William Wilson, alderman, of part of Pig Lane without the Barrs adjoining his land, for 3 years at 2s 6d p.a.

f.197-f.197v. 13 Jan. 1670/1.

Lease to William Ince, alderman, of a cottage upon the waste ground in Handbridge, for 3 years at 8s p.a. Consideration: surrender of a former lease and 10s.

f.198-198v. 13 Jan. 1670/1.

Lease to Alice Calcott, widow, and John Calcott, turner, of a cottage divided into two in Clayton Lane near the walls, for 3 lives at 2s p.a. Consideration: £1.

f.199. Bond of Alice and John Calcott.

f.199-199v. 15 Jan. 1670/1.

Lease to George Mainwaring, merchant, of the New Tower between the Watergate and the Northgate abd lying on a way leading from the walls to the Starting Stone and a piece of sandy ground nearby, for 3 lives at £1. p.a. Consideration: £5.

f.199. Bond of George Mainwaring for £100.

f.200. 24 June 1674.

Lease to George Mainwaring, merchant, of a piece of land near the New Tower between the Watergate and the Northgate in exchange for a similar piece nearby granted by a former lease dated 15 Jan. 1671/2 for 3 lives.

f.200. 24 Dec. 1672.

Lease to Hugh Barkley, innholder, of a cottage and garden in Northgate Street near to the Abbey Gate, for 21 years at 6s. p.a. Consideration: 5s.

Note of bond for the above.

f.200v. 21 Aug. 1672.

Lease to James Gualter, joiner, of a piece of wasteground in Cow Lane, for 3 lives at £1. p.a.

f.200v. 15 July 1673.

Lease to Thomas Evans, gent., of a piece of waste ground next to his waterworks near the Bridge Gate for the erection of an engine to be operated by horses to draw up water to the waterworks from the river during the summer, for 99 years, at 3s 4d. p.a. Consideration: 5s.

f.200v. 15 July 1673.

Lease to Thomas Barnes, labourer, of a piece of waste ground at the side of the causeway leading from Cow Lane to Flookersbrook to build a dwelling house, for 3 lives at 1s. p.a.

f.200v. 21 Dec. 1674.

Lease to William Robinson, plasterer, of two pieces of land near The Newgate, for 3 lives, at 3s 4d. p.a. Consideration: erection of a building. Not of bond for the above.

f.201. 21 Jan. 1674/5,

Lease to Henry Pemberton, baker of a piece of land outside the Watergate near Pudding Hill to erect a building as a storehouse for cables and ropes, for 3 lives at 5s p.a.

Note of bond for the above.

f.201. 21 Jan. 1674/5.

Lease to Ralph Bingley, tallow chandler, of rooms over the Eastgate, for 21 years at £1. p.a.

Note of bond for the above.

f.201. 16 Mar. 1674/5.

Demise to John Poole, alderman, of a piece of waste land with a barn of two bays near the Kaleyard, at 2s. p.a.

Note of bond for the above.

f.201. 16 Mar. 1674/5.

Lease to John Poole, of a shop under the Pentice and another shop next to the 'Sun Tavern' stairs both in Northgate Street, for 21 years, at £1 10s 6d. Consideration: £3.

Note of bond for the above.

f.201v. 17 Mar. 1674/5.

Lease of Ralph Bingley, tallow chandler, of a piece of land called the Salt Grass lying between the Port Pool and the Starting Stone, for 21 years, at £1. p.a. Consideration: £1.

Note of bond for the above.

f.201v. 24 Sept. 1675.

Lease to Robert Gregge, milner, a piece of enclosed ground near the Clay Pits and reaching to Horn Lane, for 21 years at 5s. p.a. Consideration: £2.

Note of bond for the above.

f.202. 16 Oct. 1675.

Demise to Alice Birkhened, widow, of the ground and row in front of her house in Bridge Street for building at 3s 6d p.a. Consideration: 10s.

f.202. 29 April 1675.

Lease to Thomas Wright, ironmonger, of a part of the street enclosed and made part of his shop and part of the row above incorporated in an extra room added to his dwelling house in Bridge Street, at 3s. p.a. Consideration: 10s.

Note of bond for the above.

f.202. 28 April 1675.

Demise to Thomas Gibbons, feltmaker, of a part of the row incorporated into his dwelling house with a part of the street below included in his shop, in Bridge Street at 5s. p.a. Consideration £2. Note of bond for the above.

f.202v. 3 April 1675.

Lease to John Anderson, merchant, and Nathaniel Basnett, apothecary, executors of Margaret Crosse, decd., of a shop under the Pentice for 99 years at £2. p.a. in trust for the children of Margaret Crosse. Consideration: surrender of a former lease and £10. Note of bond for the above.

f.202v. 3 April 1675.

Lease to Henry Leckonby, ironmonger, of a shop under the Pentice called the Corner Shop, for 99 years at £3. p.a. Consideration: £5.

Note of bond for the above.

f.202v. 3 April 1675.

Lease to Thomas Whittle, shoemaker, of a little shop adjoining the 'Sun Tavern' in Shoemakers' Row, for 21 years, at 8s. p.a. Consideration: 10s.

Note of bond for the above.

f.203. 3 April 1675.

Lease to John Maddock, tanner and crier of the city, of a vacant plot outside Cow Lane gate, for 21 years at 1s p.a. Consideration: to erect a building.

Note of bond for the above.

f.203. 20 April 1656.

Part of the will of the same date of Robert Whitby, esq., bequeathing £100 the profits from which were to be used to aid a poor Christian minister in the city or Christian poor at the discretion of his executors.

Note that the executors were William Crompton and James Gartside.

f.203. 15 Mar. 1675.

Lease to Henry Johnson, joiner, of a vacant plot in Northgate Street adjoining the Abbey Gate for 21 years at 5s p.a.

Consideration: 10s.

Note of bond for the above.

f.203v. 21 July 1675.

Lease to Thomas Higgins of Calveley, yeoman, of a house with land in Calveley near the Watfield Pavement, for 21 years at £6 13s 4d to be used for the repair of Watfield Pavement.

Note of bond for the above.

f.203v. 5 Oct. 1677.

Lease to Thomas Wright, ironmonger, of a messuage with lands names detailed in Guilden Sutton, for 21 years, at £22. p.a. Consideration: £30.

Note of bond for the above.

f.203v. 27 April 1677.

Lease to Hugh Barkeley of a piece of waste ground in front of his cottage near the Abbey Gate for 21 years at 1s. p.a.

Consideration: 5s.

12 June 1696.

Note in margin of a new lease to Mary Sharp, widow.

f.204. 11 May 1677.

Demise to Lady Mary Calveley, widow, of part of the row in front of her house in Bridge Street to build upon, not coming further forward than other people have lately done in the same street, at no rent. Consideration: £20.

f.204v-205. 12 Nov. 1677.

Lease to Thomas Simpson, alderman, a cottage with enclosure beneath St. John's Church near the River Dee, together with a piece of land reaching down to the waterside for 3 lives, at 5s. p.a. Consideration: £20, part of a larger loan to the Corporation.

f.205. Bond for the above.

f.205v. 9 Dec. 1678.

Lease to Robert Sproston, gent., of two shops with chambers above in Northgate Street next to the way leading to St. Peter's Church, for 99 years at £2. p.a.

f.205v. 15 Mar. 1678/9.

Assignment of the above lease to Ann Burroughes, widow, for 21 years. Consideration: £5.

Note of bond for the above.

f.205v. 20 June 1679.

Lease to Alban Gray of the Cockpit Hill adjoining Horn Lane on the south and the city waste ground on the north, for 3 lives at 5s. p.a.

Note of bond for the above.

f.206. 8 Oct. 1679.

Demise to Thomas Simpson, alderman, of a piece of land with a barn on the left side of Eccleston Lane near the Pinfold, at 4s. p.a.

f.206. 8 Oct. 1679.

Lease to Katherine Niccholls, widow, of a piece of land with a house in the lane leading from the Northgate to the Gorse Stacks for 99 years, at 5s. p.a.

f.206v. 29 Oct. 1679.

Demise to John Maddock, alderman, of a piece of land on the right side of the causeway leading to Boughton, at 5s p.a.

Note of bond for the above.

f.206v. 14 Oct. 1680.

Demise to Robert Werden, esq., of part of the row and street below in front of his house and 4 other houses adjoining in Foregate Street to build on. Consideration: £5.

f.206v. 24 Nov. 1680.

Loan to Edward Streete, brewer, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White, with note of bond.

f.206v. 24 Nov. 1680.

Loan and bond as above to Thomas Chritchley, draper.

f.206v. 15 Dec. 1680.

Appointment of new trustees according to the deed of Alderman Greene concerning a messuage in Eastgate Street.

f.207. 1 April 1681.

Lease by the above trustees to Henry Hall, tanner, of the messuage in Eastgate Street as above, for 21 years from 10 Aug. 1684, at £11. p.a. Consideration: £20.

Note of bond for the above.

f.207. 1 April 1681.

Loan to Thomas Moulson, shoemaker, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White, with note of bond.

f.207. 30 Sept. 1681.

Loan with bond as above to William Welshman, the younger, baker.

f.207. 2 Feb. 1681/2.

Loan and bond as above to Henry Boulton, feltmaker.

f.207. 19 Jan. 1681/2.

Lease to John Anderson, alderman, and Nathaniel Basnett, apothecary, executors of Margaret Crosse, decd., of a shop under the Pentice, for 99 years at £2. p.a. Consideration: surrender of former lease and £10.

f.207. 19 June 1682.

Loan of £25 as above and bond to Charles Banner, beerbrewer.

f.207v. 18 April 1682.

Note of an Assembly order accepting an award dated 9 April 1681 made by William Williams, recorder, in a dispute between the Earl of Shrewsbury and the city concerning a smithy erected without the city's consent upon Hoole Heath, whereby the rent was to be equally divided between the two parties and further building without the city's consent was forbidden.

f.208. 13 April 1683.

Grant of a charter of incorporation to the bricklayers who were formerly part of the company of cappers, pinners, wiredrawers and linen drapers.

f.208v.-209. 13 Nov. 1683.

Assignment of lease by Thomas Simpson, alderman, to William Warburton of Hargreave, co. Ches., yeoman, of a cottage and enclosure below St. John Church near the River Dee, for 3 lives, paying to the city the rent set out in the original lease from the Corporation. Consideration: £20.

f.209-209v. 1 May 1685.

Lease to Ann Newport of Barrow, co. Ches., of Dunsford meadow, lying near Stanford Bridge in Sutton township, for 21 years at £6. p.a. Consideration: £5.

f.209v-210. 30 April 1685.

Bond in £50 from Roger Lewis, tanner, Robert Moulson, tanner, Thomas Haddock, dyer, and Faulk Panton, tanner, upon condition to repay £25 to the city treasurers by 1st May 1680 sic.

f.210. 1 Feb. 1685/6.

Lease to Hugh ap Edwards and Susannah, his wife, of a messuage in Iscoed, co. Denbigh, for 21 years at £6 16s 4d. p.a. Consideration: £10.

f.210-210v. 1 Feb. 1685/6.

Lease to George Eaton of Little Neston, mariner, of a house and garden on the Roodee, for 3 lives at 6s. p.a. Consideration: £30.

f.210v. 1 Feb. 1685/6.

Lease to Richard Spencer, of a tenement in Holt, co. Denbigh, with various pieces of land described in detail in Holt, Dutton Cacca and Dutton-y-Bran, for 21 years at £3 6s 8d. Consideration: £10.

f.210v.-211. 9 July 1686.

Lease to Giles Vanborough, esq., of the Saltgrass lying between the Port Pool and the Starting Stone, for 21 years at £1 p.a. Consideration: surrender of a former lease to Ralph Binley.

f.211. 9 July 1686.

Lease to Robert Anderson of Cockpit Hill near the clay pits, for 3 lives and 10 years, at £2. p.a. with a proviso not to assign the lease except upon trust for his family without permission. Consideration: surrender of former lease and £70.

f.211v. blank.

f.212. 26 Oct. 1585.

Record of sums of money collected and paid out to 'they of the Nawntwich' ?following the fire of Nantwich in Dec. 1583 from places such as Northampton town and St. Asaph diocese, paid in part during the mayoralty of Robert Brerewood, and by Christopher Goodman since 30 April 1584.

f.212v, 213, 213v. Blank.

f;214. 27 April 1629.

An account of sums of money collected from the city companies for the purchase of a bell for St. George's Race, being a horse race.

f.214v. 14 April 1630.

Memorandum of the payment and receipt of money for the purchase of a bell and for ?for entrance fees for a number of horses in the St. George's Day race.

f.214v. 22 April 1631.

Memorandum of the payment and receipt of money for the purchase of a bell and for ?for entrance fees for a number of horses in the St. George's Day race.

f.214v. n.d. 1623-26

An account of murage collected and paid out during the mayoralties of Messrs. Brereton and Drinkwater and Sir Randle Manwaringe.

f.214v. 23 April 1632.

Memorandum of payment and receipt for the St. George's Day race as above.

f.215, 215v. Blank.

f.216. 20 and 23 April 1633.

Receipt for money from the late mayor and entrance fees from the horses which ran to purchase the prize for the St. George's Day horse race.

f.216. 4 Mar. 1633/4.

Receipt for money from the late mayor and entrance fees from the horses which ran to purchase the prize for the St. George's Day horse race.

f.216. 4 Mar. 1634/5.

Receipt for money from the late mayor and entrance fees from the horses which ran to purchase the prize for the St. George's Day horse race.

f.216. 4 Mar. 1635/6.

Receipt for money from the late mayor and entrance fees from the horses which ran to purchase the prize for the St. George's Day horse race. but incomplete

f.216v. 29 Aug. 1688.

Lease to John Skellern, ironmonger, of a shop under the Pentice in Eastgate Street for 3 lives at £1. p.a.

f.217-221v. Blank.

f.222. 1619

The reply of William Seagar, Garter Principal King of Arms, to a question of precedence concerning ex-mayors as justices of the peace for life.

The ruling of Richard St. George, Norroy King of Arms, in a dispute over precedence as between city officials and gentlemen by birth between Francis Gamull, alderman, and Roger Hurleston, gent.

f.222v. Blank.

f.223. 12 June 1638.

A ruling from the Office of Arms in a dispute concerning precedence between Edward Whitby, esq., Recorder of Chester, and Robert Brerewood, esq., a puisne justice on the N. Wales circuit.

f.223v-225. Blank.

f.225v. 9 July 1686.

Lease to Nathaniel Veban, ironmonger, of a shop under the Pentice in Northgate Street, for 99 years, at £2 14s. p.a. Consideration: surrender of former lease and £10.

f.225v. 9 July 1686.

Lease to William Hand, yeoman, of a tenement with garden outside the Watergate, for 99 years at 6s 8d. p.a. Consideration: £5.

f.226. 9 July 1686.

Lease to William Harrison, cooper, of a messuage at Boughton with a backside extending to the Barrell Well, together with a cottage 4 parsnip beds and other pieces of land described in detail for 21 years, at 5s. p.a. Consideration: £2.

f.226. 19 Oct. 1689.

Lease to Joseph Moseley, yeoman, of a messuage at the east end of Clayton Lane near the walls, for 21 years at 1s. p.a.

f.226v. 14 Feb. 1689/90.

Lease to William Robinson, painter, of a piece of land on the west side of the Newgate and city walls, for 21 years at 4s. p.a.

f.226v. 8 Aug. 1688.

Lease to Edward Partington, mercer, of a piece of waste ground in Boughton near the Barrel Well for 3 lives, at 4s. p.a.

f.226v. 26 Mar. 1688.

Lease to James Hutchinson, ironmonger, of an enclosure called the Quarrell between the New Tower and Dee Lane, for 3 lives at 3s p.a. Consideration: £1.

f.227-227v. 20 Mar. 1675/6.

Will of John Lancaster, ironmonger, appointing trustees to receive the rents of his lands in Shordley and Hope Owen, co. Flint, for 14 years and apply them to the relief of poor ministers, especially Non-conformists, and after 14 years to the upkeep of 6 poor freemen, with other provisos.

f.227v.-228. 25 Mar. 1690

Lease to John Grosvenor of Broadlane, co. Flint, of lands in Shordley and Hope Owen bequeathed by John Lancaster, for 21 years in 3 year terms, at £28 p.a.

f.228v. Blank.

f.229-229v. 22 Mar. 1685/6.

Will of Richard Harrison, brewer, appointing trustees to sell the 'Starr' Inn in Bridge Street together with houses adjoining and to invest the money in other land whose rents were to be applied to the support of as many poor people as possible in the same manner as the almsmen of John Vernon. He bequeathed also other premises in Bridge Street saving a life interest to his cousin Katherine Trygarne, to be similarly disposed of to support no more than 10 poor persons of St. Bridget's parish with other provisos.

f.230-230v. 27 and 28 Sept. 1689.

Mortgage by lease and release from John Sparke, gent., to Richard Oulton, beerbrewer, and Bradford Throp, shoemaker, executors of Richard Harrison, of a tenement in Littleton, co. Ches., for £400 at 5% the interest to be spent upon the upkeep of 4 poor people.

f.230v. Note of bond for the above.

f.230v-231. 23 Sept. 1690.

Assignment of the above mortgage from Richard Oulton and Bradford Throp to the mayor and citizens together with accounts so that the city could take over the administration of the charity established under Richard Harrison's will.

f.231. 14 May 1690.

Lease to Robert Callis, gent., and Evan Jones, haberdasher, of a piece of land extending from the middle of the River Dee to the bank called Pudding Hill outside the Watergate on the north side of a piece of land leased to Evan Jones but found to be too small for their projected building, for 99 years followed by a 21 year term, at 1s 8d. p.a.

f.231v. 16 June 1690.

Lease to Benjamin Bridge of Tattenhall, gent., of the toll of the further Bridge gate, for 99 years at £10 p.a. Consideration: £20.

f.231v. 6 Oct. 1690.

Demise to John Anderson, alderman, by order of the Assembly of a piece of land with a cottage to the north of Dee Lane and west of the highway, at 13s 4d. p.a.

f.231v.-232. 9 Oct. 1690.

Lease to Thomas Reeves, hornbreaker, of a piece of land to the north of that granted in the above lease and another to the west extending as far as the south corner of the rebuilt city wall and to be bounded on the west by a wall to be built from the south corner of the Dee bounding the Roodee, for 3 lives followed by a term of 21 years, at 5s. p.a.

f.232.-232v. 9 Oct. 1690.

Lease to Robert Calais, gent., and Evan Jones, haberdasher, by order of the Assembly, of a piece of land adjoining land granted by a former lease, bounded at the Pudding Hill end by a straight line drawn from the north corner of Pemberton's house to the New Tower, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 3s. 4d. p.a.

f.232v. 7 Oct. 1690.

Bond from the city to Ralph Dutton, cloth worker for £300 to repay a loan of £160 for 6 months, made to the murengers for the repair of the city walls, as agreed by the Assembly on the 19 Sept. 1690.

f.232v.-233. 30 Oct. 1690.

Demise to Robert Anderson, apothecary, of Cockpit Hill with all lanes adjoining, lately enclosed by a brick wall near the Clay pits from the common land of the city, at 40s. p.a.

f.233. 30 Oct. 1690.

Lease to Richard Leigh, felt maker, of a piece of waste ground in Boughton bounded on the north by the highway, for 99 years at 3s. p.a.

f.233. 20 Feb. 1690/1.

Lease to William Selby, butcher, of a shop or 'shoring' adjoining the stairs leading up to the Flesh Hall in Northgate Street for 99 years, at 5s. p.a. with a proviso that the lease should be void if the city required the ground for building a new hall. Note that this happened.

f.233. 11 April 1692.

Lease to Alban Gray, bricklayer, of a passage called the Row on the south of the house of Edward Cooke, gent., for 33 lives followed by a term of 21 years at 1s. p.a. Consideration: £2.

f.233v. 11 April 1692.

Lease to George Mainwaring, alderman, of the New Tower and piece of sandy ground to the north of it, lying between the Watergate and the Northgate on a way leading from the Watergate under the city walls to the starting stone, for 3 lives at £1. p.a. Consideration: surrender of former lease.

f.233v. 28 July 1691.

Lease to William Robinson, painter, of a piece of land near the Newgate alongside the city wall adjoining a work house recently built by the said William Robinson, for 19 years at 4s. p.a. with a covenant to build at the south end a pair of stairs up to the city wall and to make a pavement to the channel in front of the premises.

f.233v. 28 July 1691.

Demise to William Ince, of several closes on the west side of Northgate Street outside the city walls called the Mill Hill, the Cow and Calf, the Cuttings in Newton townfield, 'Two Buts in the Fowlacks' next to Mill Field extending from the ditch of the said field to the bank on the northside of the city, at £1 10s. p.a.

f.234-235. 22 April 1692.

Tripartite indenture to which the city was one party, by which William Streete, esq., alderman, surviving trustee of Robert Harvey, leased to John Hopkins of Birmingham, gent., and John Hadley of Worcester, gent., a fourth part and a sixteenth part in the Water tower on the Bridge gate and all works connected with supplying the city with water former demise to John Tyrer and grant to charitable uses by Robert Harvey recited for 2,000 years at £6. p.a. to be spent for such charitable purposes as set out in Harvey's will.

f.235v.-236v. 22 April 1692.

Confirmation by the city to John Hopkins and John Hadley as above of the original demise to John Tyrer purchased by them, together with permission to erect a cistern upon pillars in Abbey Court with a market place underneath and all necessary works connected therewith at 6s 8d p.a. with covenants to repair the much decayed waterworks and to supply an increased force of water through the pipes in times of fire.

f.237. 8 April 1631.

Will of John Brereton, alderman, bequeathing Flookersbrook field to his wife for life upon trust that she was to pay £5. to be distributed in varying sums to various parishes in Chester and to Tarvin town for the poor set out in detail and after her death the said field was to become the property of the city upon the same condition with the additional proviso that all further income from the property was to go towards the continued upkeep of the Friday lecture at St. Peter's church.

f.237. 24 July 1694.

Loan to John Jennion, feltmaker, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White with his bond for the same.

f.237. 23 Aug. 1694.

Loan and bond as above to Samuel Fletcher, tanner.

f.237. 15 Sept. 1694.

Loan and bond as above to Thomas Ludman, pewterer.

f.237. 6 April 1695.

Lease to Joseph Basnet deleted.

f.237v. 6 April 1695.

Lease to Joseph Basnet, ironmonger, of a house and other premises beside the city walls near the Newgate formerly leased to William Robinson lease recited for 31 years at 8s. p.a.

f.237v. 19 Oct. 1695.

Loan to Robert Leivesley, junior, barber, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White, with his bond for the same.

f.237v. 29 June 1695.

Lease to Thomas Rogers, gent., of a piece of waste ground over the inner Bridge gate to erect a building leaving a passage over the city walls, for 3 lives followed by a term of 21 years at 2s. p.a.

f.238. 3 July 1695.

Lease to Thomas Young, brewer, of a piece of land between the Northgate and the New Tower by the side of the city walls, for 99 years at 3s 4d. p.a.

f.238. 17 Aug. 1695.

Lease to Susan Partridge, widow, of a messuage outside Cow lane gate, for 21 years at 10s. p.a.

f.238. 17 Aug. 1695.

Lease to John Pemberton, ropier, of a piece of land on the Roodee near the warehouse of his father, Henry Pemberton, for 21 years at 6s 8d p.a.

f.238. 27 Nov. 1695.

Bond in pursuance of an order of the Assembly to Sir John Mainwaring of Peover, bart., in trust for the repayment of £200 without interest by 25 Mar. 1696 to Roger Whitley, then mayor, who lent it to the city for completing payment for the new butcher's shambles.

f.238v. 7 May 1695.

Deed by Thomas Cowper, gent., making a rent charge of £2 13s 4d. annually upon the Golden Talbot inn in Eastgate Street for buying bread weekly for 12 poor people in the parish of St. Peter's.

f.239. 7 Dec. 1695.

Lease to Nathaniel Bevan, ironmonger, of 2 shops in Northgate Street under the Pentice, for 99 years at £2 14s. p.a.

f.239. 20 Jan. 1695/6.

Lease to John Johnson, slater, of a vacant plot near the maypole in further Northgate Street, for 99 years at 3s 4d. p.a.

f.239; 12 June 1696.

Lease to Thomas Cooper, gent., of part of the city walls near the Eastgate whereon he had built a brick wall as part of the construction of a stable upon his land adjoining the walls, for 31 years at 1s. p.a.

f.239v. 12 June 1696.

Lease to John Hulton, glover, of a shop in Northgate Street adjoining the Sun Tavern stairs on the north and another shop in the same street under the Pentice, for 21 years, at £1 10s 6. p.a. in trust for Mary & Katherine Lloyd, infant daughters of Anne Lloyd, widow.

Consideration: £3.

f.239v. 12 June 1696.

Lease to Mary Sharp, widow, of a cottage in Northgate Street near the Abbey gate, for 21 years at 6s. p.a. Consideration: surrender of former lease and 5s.

f.239v. 26 Aug. 1696.

Lease to William Coker, cheese factor, of a vacant plot next to the property above and opposite a cottage opposite the Abbey Gate leased by the same William Coker from the Dean and Chapter, for 99 years at 10s. p.a.

f.240. 26 Aug. 1696.

Lease to Anne Eaton of Neston, widow, of a house and garden on the Roodee together with a convenient cartway to it from the Watergate as delineated by delegates of the mayor and corporation, for 99 years at 10s. p.a. Consideration: £10.

f.240. 4 Sept. 1697.

Lease to Richard Parsons, mariner, of a piece of land on the Roodee, on the north east side of a warehouse belonging to John Pemverton, ropier, with permission to build thereon, for 21 years at 3s 4d. p.a.

f.240. 3 Sept. 1697.

Lease to Owen Ellis, mercer, of a vacant plot next to the walls near the Newgate with permission to build, for 3 lives followed by a term of 21 years, for 1s. p.a.

f.240v. 11 Sept. 1697.

Demise to Francis Skellern, alderman, of the south end of the row on the west side of Bridge Street next to White Friars Lane, with permission to build, at 3s. p.a.

f.240v-241. 12 Oct. 1697.

Bond to William Allen, William Bennet, aldermen and city treasurer's in £500 for the repayment of such expenses as should be incurred by the mayor and corporation officials in the conduct of a law suit in London on the city's behalf, authorised by the assembly.

f.241. 20 Oct. 1697.

Lease to Thomas Wilson, butcher, of a piece of land with a house lying beside the pavement leading to Flookersbrook, for 99 years at 2s. p.a.

f.241-242. 21 Feb. 1697/8.

Mortgage by lease to George Booth, esq., of the Roodee, for 100 years, for the repayment by 21 Feb. 1697/8 of £500 with interest lent to William Bennett and Robert Murrey, aldermen and City Treasurers upon a bond in £1,000.

f.242. 21 Feb. 1697/8.

Loan to Robert Warmingham, tailor, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White, with his bond for the same.

f.242. 1 Mar. 1697/8.

Lease to John Egerton, esq., of a piece of land in Forest Street outside the Barrs opposite to his house on the north side with permission to build thereon or enclose it, for 3 lives followed by a term of 21 years, at 5s. p.a.

f.242-242. 10 May 1697.

Lease to John Gaulter, joiner, of the Golden Bell on the west side of Cow Lane for 99 years at £1 p.a.

f.242v. 10 May 1697.

Lease to William Harrison, tobacco cutter, of a piece of waste ground near the wind mill on Hough Green, for 21 years at 10s. p.a.

f.242v-243v. 30 Sept. 1698.

Assignment of a lease from Nicholas Ince, innholder, and Mary, his wife, and Martha Johnson, spinster, executrices of Mary Johnson decd., widow of Henry Johnson, joiner, to the mayor and citizens of a piece of land and half a garden outside the Northgate, for the remainder of a term of 99 years at £1 5s. p.a. former lease recited. Consideration: £5.

f.243v. 8 Oct. 1698.

Lease to John Thompson, mariner, of a piece of land at the side of the Roodee with permission to build thereon, for 99 years at 1s. p.a.

f.243v. 7 May 1699 or 10 Wm III 1698

Bond to Thomas Parnell, ironmonger, in £400 for the repayment within a year of £200.

f.244. 12 Oct. 1697.

Lease to Roger Maddock, junior, cordwainer, of a piece of land beside the pavement leading to Flookersbrook, for 99 years, at 2s. p.a.

f.244. 3 April 1699.

Lease to John Hancock, tailor, of a cottage outside Cow lane gate, for 99 years at 3s 4d. p.a.

f.244-244v. 3 April 1699.

Lease to Jane Hulton, widow, of the row or ground underneath the front part of her house in Northgate Street opposite the Abbey back gate with permission to build, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years at 5s. p.a. Consideration: £5.

f.244v. 24 May 1699.

Lease to William Wilson, alderman, of the row or ground in front of his house in Northgate Street opposite the new Common Hall and on the north side of the White Lion inn, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years at 1s. p.a.

f.244v-245. 3 April 1699.

Lease to William Mercer, chandler, of a piece of ground in front of his house in Northgate Street on the south side of the White Lion inn, for 99 years at 5s. p.a.

f.245. 3 June 1699

Lease to Abigail Burroughs, widow, of 2 shops with rooms above in Northgate Street between the Sun Tavern and the way leading to St. Peter's church with permission to build, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at £2 2s 6d. p.a. Consideration: surrender of former leases and £2.

f.245v. 1 Nov. 1699.

Lease to Humphrey Page, stationer, of two new rooms at the north east corner of the new Common Hall, for 99 years, at 10s. p.a. Consideration: £30.

f.245v.-246. 20 June 1699.

Lease to Roger Comberbach, esq., Richard Adams, gent., and James Comberbach, merchant, of a piece of waste ground near St. John's churchyard and the river Dee, to be held in three equal parts by the lessees for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 6s 8d p.a.

f.246. 16 Oct. 1699.

Bond to William Allen and Henry Bennet, aldermen, in £234 11s 6d. for the repayment within a year of £117 5s 9d.

f.246v. 10 Nov. 1699.

Loan to Richard Broster, sadler, of £25. for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White with his bond for the same.

f.246v. 2 Feb. 1699/1700.

Bond to Thomas Davyes, carver, in £500 for the repayment within a year of £250.

f.246v-247. 11 Nov. 1699.

Articles of agreement with Charles Boswell, paver, that he would keep the city pavements in repair during his lifetime for the annual payment of £20. and permission to collect stone from the city's waste land.

f.247v. 10 Nov. 1699.

Lease to Philip Wilson, dyer, of a piece of ground opposite his house in Foregate Street on the north of the row or passage there, with permission to build thereon, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 1s. p.a.

f.247v.-248. 1 Mar. 1699/1700.

Bond to William Allen, alderman, in £240 for the repayment within a year of £122. 16s.

f.248. 1 Mar. 1699/1700.

Loan to John Bingley, chandler, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White, with his bond for the same.

f.248. 1 Mar. 1699/1700.

Demise to John Mather, gent., of the 'sharing shops' or buildings erected in front of his house on the east side of Bridge Street together with the passage between the house and the shoring with permission to enclose the passage way and erect a building extending into the street as far as the messuage on the south side of it No rent given.

f.248v. 4 April 1700

Lease to John Cowper, clerk, of a piece of land between a watercourse on Hough Green and his outhouse, for 99 years at 5s. p.a.

f.248v.-249. 2 Feb. 1699/1700.

Lease to Francis Skellern, alderman, and Abner Scoles, upholsterer, of a messuage on the east side of Northgate Street under the garden house window of the Bishop of Chester for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years at 1s. p.a., with a proviso to cleanse the pavement in front, in trust for Elizabeth Murrey wife of Robert Murrey, alderman, Eleanor Skellern daughter of John Skellern, ironmonger, deceased, and Ellen and Margery Scoles, daughters of Abner Scoles. Consideration: £2.

f.249. 7 June 1700

Lease to William Welshman, baker, of a piece of land at the south end of his messuage in Watergate Street, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 2s 6d p.a. Consideration: £10.

f.249-249v. 26 April 1700

Lease to Edward Partington, mercer, of a piece of waste ground to the south of the New Tower between the passage under the tower and the river Dee with permission to enclose it, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 5s. p.a. Consideration: 10s.

f.249v. 6 June 1700

Lease to Joseph Bennet, barber surgeon, and Hester, his wife, Randle Bingley, upholsterer, and Rachel, his wife, and Hannah Whittle, spinster, of a shop in Shoemakers' Row, Northgate Street, on the south of the passage leading to The Sun Tavern with permission to build up the said row, for 99 years and 21 years, in three equal parts at 10s p.a. Consideration: 10s.

f.249v-250. 30 May 1701.

Demise to Thomas Brerewood of London, linen draper, of a shop in the row opposite and under his messuage on the north side of Eastgate Street at 10s. p.a.

f.250. 8 July 1701

Lease to John Chester, yeoman, of a piece of waste ground near the Pinfold in Upper Northgate Street with permission to build, for 99 years at 10s. p.a.

f.250. 8 July 1701

Lease to Samuel Leigh of Boughton, gardener, of a piece of waste ground in Boughton, for 99 years at 5s. p.a.

f.250. 7 Oct 1701.

Lease to Robert Bavand, esq., of a shop under the Pentice adjoining the High Cross on the west, for 99 years at £1 8s. p.a. Consideration: £12.

f.250v. 31 July 1701.

Lease to Robert Gregg, yeoman, of an enclosure near the Clay Pitts outside Cow Lane gate and extending to Horn Lane, for 21 years at 5s. p.a. Consideration: £1.

f.250v. 31 July 1701.

Lease to Richard Adams, gent., of a messuage in Guilden Sutton with closes named in detail for 21 years at £22 p.a. Consideration: £30.

f.250-251. 17 Oct. 1701.

Lease to Katherine Bulkley, widow, of a vacant plot on the south side of Bridge Street between stairs leading to a house and the wall of the Crown and Angel with permission to build, for 21 years at 5s. p.a.

f.251. 20 Mar. 1701/2.

Lease to Nathaniel Ashbrook, of Boughton, wheelwright, of a piece of land near Boughton, adjoining Spittle field on the north, the highway to Tarvin on the east, and the King's highway on the south, with permission to build, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years at 2s 6d p.a.

f.251. 26 Mar. 1702.

Loan to Robert Morris, the younger, glazier, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White, with his bond for the same.

f.251. 10 April 1702.

Demise to William Coker, cheese factor, of a vacant plot with buildings on the east side of Northgate Street adjoining his house by the Abbey gate, at 10s. p.a. with a proviso to cleanse the pavement in front. Consideration: surrender of former lease and £5.

f.251v. 10 April 1702.

Lease to Samuel Taylor, gent., of a piece of waste ground called Pudding Hill outside the Water gate reserving to the city an access way across the south east corner to the common sewer, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years at 3s 4d p.a. with a proviso to erect a pavement along the east side within 7 years.

f.251v. 10 April 1702.

Demise to James Doe, gent., of an enclosure in front of his house on the north side of Watergate Street together with the row in front of his house with permission to build, and with a covenant to make a pavement on the east side of the said premises at 5s. p.a. Consideration: £5.

f.251v.-252. 29 July 1702.

A statement by Richard Wright, rector of Holy Trinity, that he acknowledged his right to pasture one horse free of charge upon the Roodee to be the free gift of the city by an Assembly order of 7 April 1691 and that after viewing an ancient award dated 18 Sept. 1463, between the Corporation and Edward Massey, then parson of Holy Trinity, he disclaimed all right to tithe upon the pasture of the Roodee.

f.252. 20 Aug. 1702.

Lease to James Wolstinhulme, the younger, of Neston, shopkeeper, of a house and garden on the Roodee with a cartway from the Watergate together with an enclosure on the north east side of the warehouse of John Pemberton, ropier, with permission to build, for 99 years at 13s. 4d. p.a. Consideration: £10.

f.252v. 20 Aug. 1702.

Lease to Thomas Whawell of Boughton, yeoman, of a piece of waste ground outside the Barrs at Boughton, with permission to build, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 2s. p.a.

f.252v. 12 Feb. 1702/3.

Lease to Robert Brerewood, esq., of a cottage and garden adjoining the Bear Inn on the east and the Ship gate and city walls on the south, together with a piece of land near the posterm gate leading to the Roodee with permission to enclose the latter for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years at 2s. p.a. with a proviso that there should be a right of way to the walls to repair them. Consideration: £1.

f.252v.-253. 23 April 1703.

Lease to Edward Hiccocke, barber, of a piece of land under the city walls near the Northgate on the side of the NewTower with permission to build,for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 2s 6d p.a. with a covenant to make a cart pavement in front of the said premises and repair it.

f.253. 23 April 1703.

Lease to Thomas Young, brewer, of a piece of waste ground under the walls near the Northgate and the cloth workers' tentry posts, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 1s 8d. p.a. with a proviso for re-entry if pig styes should be built thereon.

f.253-253v. 23 April 1703.

Lease to William Adshead, cordwainer, of a piece of land under the city walls near the Northgate on the side of the New Tower, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years at 2s 6d p.a. with a proviso for re-entry if pig styes should be built thereon and a covenant to make a cart pavement and repair it.

f.253v. 23 April 1703

Demise to James Mainwaring, merchant, of all the row lying in front of his own house and that of John Williams, esq., in Watergate Street, formerly enclosed by the present mayor, together with a vacant plot between the two houses with permission to enclose and build thereon, at 6s 8d. p.a.

f.253v. 2 July 1703.

Demise to Charles Griffith, innholder, of a row or piece of ground in front of a piece of ground lately purchased by the lessee on the south side of Foregate Street formerly built upon with permission to rebuild at 5s. p.a. with a covenant to cleanse and repair the street and pavement in front.

f.253v.-254. 2 July 1703.

Lease to Thomas Morris, bricklayer, of a vacant plot in Boughton between Edward Hinck's garden and the new pavement in Tarvin Lane, with permission to enclose and build thereon within a year, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 3s 6d. p.a.

f.254. 2 July 1703.

Lease to Joseph Hancock of Barrow, yeoman, of Dunsfords Meadow near Stamford Bridge in Sutton township, for 21 years, at £6. p.a. Consideration: surrender of former lease and £10.

f.254. 2 July 1703.

Lease to Peter Bennett, alderman, of a piece of ground with buildings on the side of the Roodee with a further piece of waste ground on the west side of the Roodee, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 3s 4d. p.a. Consideration: surrender of a former lease.

f.254v. 5 Aug. 1703.

Lease to Charles Jackson, smith, of a house and garden outside the walls by the New Gate, except for 2 yards by the city walls to be enclosed by a brick wall to give access to the tower, for 99 years at 5s. p.a. Consideration: surrender of a former lease and £1.

f.254v. 10 Aug. 1703.

Demise to Robert Sparke, linen draper, of the row or passage through the front of the house of Joseph Basnett, decd., in Bridge Street with permission to enclose and build, to the use of Joseph Basnett, infant, at 5s. p.a.

f.254v. 10 Aug. 1703.

Demise to Richard Penkett, ironmonger, of the row or passage in the front of a house in Bridge Street with permission to rebuild at 4s. p.a. with the proviso that one corner be cut obliquely to give a more easy passage.

f.255. 5 Aug. 1703.

Demise to William Bennet, alderman, of a part of the highway in front of the Red Lion Inn in Bridge Street, at 6s 8d p.a.

f.255. 19 Aug. 1703.

Lease to Anne King, widow, of a piece of land opposite to the nine houses in Clayton Lane, whereon she had erected a house, for 99 years at 1s p.a.

f.255. 19 Aug. 1703.

Lease to Randle Stanway, yeoman, of property as above, for 21 years at 2s 6d p.a. with a covenant to make a cart pavement in front within a year and repair it.

f.255.-255v. 9 Oct 1703.

Bond to dame Elizabeth Mainwaring, widow, executrix of Roger Whitley of Peel, co. Cheshire, in £500, to indemnify her against all claims resulting from her handing over all the records of St. John's Hospital of which the aforesaid Roger was Master until his death.

f.255v. 3 Mar 1703/4

Lease to John Pemberton, ropier, of a piece of land outside the Watergate on the north side of the Roodee near the Puddle Dock with a storehouse for cables and ropes, together with a piece of ground at the east end of the storehouse, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years at 11s 8d p.a.

f.255v-256. 3 March 1703/4.

Lease to Samuel Taylor, gent., of land between the Watergate and the River Dee enclosed on the east, north and south sides by brick walls and extending from the wharfs and docks at the west end to the River Dee, together with an adjoining piece of land boundaries described in detail for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at £1. p.a. Consideration: surrender of several former leases.

f.256. 28 April 1704.

Lease from the mayor as master of St. John's Hospital to William Dobb, slater, of a messuage on the south side of Cow Lane for 3 lives at 2s 6d p.a. rent. Consideration: surrender of former lease and £3.

f.256-256v. 28 April 1704.

Lease from the mayor as master of St. John's Hospital to Margaret Gray, spinster, of a messuage and adjoining stable on the east side of Cow Lane together with a garden and croft reaching as far as the Jousting Croft for 3 lives at 12s p.a. Consideration: surrender of former lease and £4.

f.256v. 28 April 1704

Lease from the mayor as master of St. John's Hospital to Elizabeth Street, spinster, of 2 small cottages at the east end and west side of Fleshmongers Lane, then comprising 3 dwellings, for 3 lives at 7s. p.a. Consideration: surrender of former lease and £2.

f.256v. 2 June 1704

Lease to John Jackson, glover, of a piece of waste ground outside the Bridge gate on the south side of the highway between the walls and the river, excepting a sufficient cartway to the river with permission to build for 99 years at 3s 4d p.a.

f.257. 11 Aug. 1704.

Demise to Paul Kingston, gent., of an ancient encroachment now part of a messuage in Northgate Street together with a porch and further encroachment part of an adjoining shop and another piece of ground at the east end of the said encroachment upon which he had started to erect a new building, providing that a proper passage be left at Row level at 18s 4d. p.a. with a proviso to cleanse and repair the pavement in front.

f.257. 11 Nov. 1704.

Demise to Thomas Williams, innholder, of the row and part of the street in front of a house in Bridge Street with permission to enclose and build thereon at 2s 6d p.a. with a proviso to cleanse and repair the street and pavement in front.

f.257. 257v. 1 Nov. 1704.

Lease to Richard Adams, gent., of a piece of waste ground beside the city walls near the New gate between a stable and stairs leading northwards to the walls with permission to build thereon and put up pales stakes at a convenient distance in front of the house at the east end of Pepper Street, for 99 years at 4s. p.a.

f.257v. 29 Sept. 1704.

Bond to Roger Comberbach and Andrew Kenrick, esqs., in the sum of £100 to secure the payment of £3 a year interest on £50 invested with the city treasurers by Francis Skellern on behalf of himself and Thomas Skellern, decd., to the use of the charity school for the Christian education of poor boys then recently erected in the city Blue Coat School.

f.257v-258. 29 Sept. 1704.

Bond to the above in £100 to secure the payment of £3 a year interest on £20 invested as above by Dame Olway and a further £39 by Robert Callys gent., treasurer of the charity school, being the sum of contributions received by him, for the same purpose as above.

f.258-259. 1 Jan. 1704/5.

Appointment of new trustees of the messuage in Eastgate Street given to the city by Alderman Thomas Green, and reciting the original deed of 9 Jan. 1601/2 together with the schedule setting out the charitable uses to which the rents were to be applied.

f.259. 28 April 1704

Demise to John Barnston of Churton, esq., of a vacant plot in front of his house on the north side of Eastgate Street and adjoining the Lamb on the east, with permission to enclose and build thereon, at 2s 6d p.a. with a covenant to cleanse and repair the pavement and street in front.

f.259. 5 Jan. 1704/5.

Lease to Thomas Pate of Boughton, butcher, of a piece of land in Boughton adjoining the highway on the north and having a house, barn and stable built upon part of it, for 21 years at 10s. p.a. with a covenant to cleanse and repair the street and ? pavement in front. Consideration: £20.

f.259v. 5 Jan. 1704/5.

Lease from the trustees of Alderman Green to Henry Hall, tanner, of a messuage in Eastgate Street, for 21 years at £11 p.a. with a covenant to provide a street lamp of convex lenses as used in London to be lit between night fall and 10 p.m. every evening from 10th Sept. to 10th March. Consideration: £20.

A memorandum that Henry Hall died before executing the counterpart lease passing on his interest to his son, Henry, who gave a special bond for the performance of the covenants in the above lease.

f.259v. 19 Jan. 1704/5

Lease to Charles Walley, esq., of a piece of land in front of his house within the Barrs at the end of Foregate Street, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 5s. p.a. with a covenant to clean and repair the street and pavement in front.

f.259v. 29 Jan. 1704/5.

Lease to John Strettles, mason, of a piece of waste ground lying under the city walls outside the Watergate with permission to build thereon, for 99 years at 3s 4d p.a. with a covenant to build his house within 2 years and pave the street in front and to cleanse and repair it.

f.260. 17 Feb. 1704/5.

Bond to Thomas Mather, esq., in £200 for the repayment of £100 with interest within a year.

f.260. 17 Feb. 1704/5.

Bond to Thomas Mather, esq., in £200 for the repayment of £100 with interest within a year.

f.260 14 June 1705

Bond to Thomas Partington, merchant, in £267 for the repayment of £133 18s with interest within a year.

Memorandum that the bond was originally on trust for Edward Partington but had later been taken over by the aforesaid Thomas in his own name.

f.260v. 23 June 1705.

Loan to Thomas Morris, cordwainer, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White. With his bond for the same.

f.260v. 23 June 1705.

Loan and bond as above Christopher Carre, Spurrier.

f.260v. 4 July 1705.

Lease to William Adshead, cordwainer, of a piece of land under the city walls inside the North gate, with permission to build thereon, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 1s. p.a. with covenants to pave a cartway and repair it and stop up a door leading to the walls from his new building.

f.260v. 4 July 1705.

Lease to Thomas Dunbabin, glazier, of a piece of land under the city walls inside the Northgate lying next to the land granted above towards the New tower with permission to build thereon, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years at 2s 6d p.a. with a covenant to make and repair a cartway and to keep clean the city wall in front of the said premises.

f.260v-261. 4 July 1705

Lease to Charles Boswell, paver, of land adjacent to that above towards the New Tower, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 2s p.a. with a covenant to pave and repair a cartway etc. as above.

f.261. 4 July 1705

Lease to Thomas Fisher, yeoman, of a house near the Barrel Well and bounded on the south west by the River Dee, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years, at 2s. p.a.

f.261. 4 July 1705

Lease to John Banner, brewer, of a piece of land near the Pinfold in Upper Northgate Street having the highway on the east, for 99 years followed by a term of 21 years at 11s. p.a. Consideration: ? surrender of former lease and £2.

f.261v. 23 Jan. 1705.

Loan to Henry Harpur, dyer, of £25 for 10 years under the will of Sir Thomas White with his bond for the same.

f.262. Heading 'Sir Thomas Whites Bonds etc.' There follows a list of dates from 24 Nov. 1680 to 1 Mar. 1699/1700 with the names of grantees of the loans and the names of those being surety for their bonds in £50, and the names of former recipients of loans. At the bottom of the page is a memorandum that the last payment of £100 was received by Alderman Hugh Starkey when treasurer on 14 Dec. 1685.

f.262v. & 263. Blank.

f.263v. Index to documents relating to charities in folio order.

f264-266. Index to the documents copied in the book in folio order from folio 6 to folio 237.

f.266v.-267v. Blank