SECOND HALF OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
1550. For the better preservation of peace during the fair the
Lieutenants and Commissioners of the University ordered a “night watch”
to be kept by the scholars and townsmen. The colleges were to supply the
watchmen to the number of twenty in the aggregate “to be thir in redynes,
harneshed and weponed, befor the bell of Sᵗ Johns at vii of the clock be
ceased; in defawt whereof every college in whom such defawt shal be, to
paye to the Proctours xii _d_, wherewith to find other in their roms”
_Item_, that over and beyond the said number the said Colleges have in
redynes other xxiiii according to the rate aforesaid.
The town paid £2 4_s._ 4_d._ to the bailiffs and others “for monye spent
at the watche in Stirbridge fayer.” These watchmen wore red coats and
went the round of the fair every half hour, calling out lustily “Look
about you there.”
_Pewterers Company of London._—On the 10th Sept. in this fair the Wardens
of the Pewterers Company of London seized certain salt-sellers, pots
and covers of pewter, which were of insufficient metal, and which they
therefore alleged to be forfeited. The searchers of the University and
Town, however, claimed exclusive jurisdiction of the Fair, and took the
pewter from the Wardens, who exhibited an information in the Exchequer
against one of the Esquire Bedels and one of the Searchers; but on the
21st Nov. the Privy Council sent the following letter to the Wardens:
Whereas the Universitie of Cambridge have bi the kings
majestie, and other his noble projenitours, charters, among
other things the viewe, serche, correction, and forfeture, of
all pewter that comyth to Sturbrige fayr unmerchantable, and
youe John Daye and Stephan Rowlandson intermedled with the
serche therof clayming the moytie of all such pewter as ther
was found forfeted, and being therof denyed have put in to
the kings majesties court of the eschekyr for the recovery of
the sayde moytie, an information agaynst John Mere one of the
bedels for the said universitie, and the officer appointed with
other for the serche therof aforesayd. The kings majesties
pleasure is, for saving of the sayd privileges, that youe
procede no further therin, but suffer the same to staye and
hang untyl his majesties wyll be further knowen, and this shall
be your sufficient warrant for the same. Fare ye wel, From the
Kings palace of Westminster, yᵉ xxi November, 1550.
Your lovyng Friends
EDW. SOMERSET, T. CANT. J. WARWICKE.
J. BEDFORD W. NORTH[AMPTON], ED.
CLYNTON. W. PAGET, T. ELY.
There is a letter of the King’s (Edward VI.) extant which shows precisely
why the Council took this course:
Aftre our hartie comendacions; wheras contrary to certain
privileges graunted by the kings majestie and his noble
progenitours unto his universitie of Cambridge oone John Daye
and Stephan Rolandson wardens of the crafte and mistery of the
pewterers within the citie of London, have put in a certaine
information with you in the King’s courte of Thexcheker agaist
John Meare oone of the kings bedells for the universitie of
Cambridge for certaine pewter seased unto the king’s use at
the last Sturbridge feare, his highness’ pleasure is that you
proceade no further to judgement therein, but suffre the same
to stay and hange untill his majestie’s will be further knowne,
and these shall be your sufficient warrant for the same. Fare
you well, from the kings majistie’s palace of Westminster the
22 of November 1550.
Your loving frend.
This sent to the barons of th’ Exchequer from the counsayl.
Item another to the promoters ut infra by the same counsaylors.
In the accounts of the Fair of this year are the following items—the
result probably of causes heard by the Court of Piepowder—recorded thus:
“receyved bi the Bedel and the Townsmen & partly found by promoters”:
Rychard Lylye of Stow of Thold [Stow-in-the-Wold] in
Glossetershere hathe put to sale contrary to the statute
vii peces of welshe frese and hathe paid for his fyne to
Draper the partye that sued xx _s_, and for the quenes
parte vi _s._
Receyved of Mr Caree of Brystow for xv peces of karsey put
to sale contrarye to the statute iii l.
And of Maye for felts forfeited v s. iiii d.
Receyved of Tho. Mate for 11 karseys and 1 frese xxx s.
Receyved of Mr. Ryngsted for exchaunge old sylver and from
John Holls xxv s. whereof Tho. Gardener the promoter had
xx s. and v s. for the quene.
Receyved of Thomas Daye for iii peces of karsaye put to sale
contrarye to the act and seased for the quene xxx s.
Receyved of the 11 Streaches and Bowldry of Walden for
clothes forfeyted x s.
Receyved of the Wardens of the Pewterers for pewter
forfeited viii s. iiii d.
Receyved of Smythe Twyffyn and Hadstack for ii s. viii d.
Receyved of Mr Coxe of Brystow for viii peces xl s.
Receyved of Mr. Chambers Habberdasher for a ... cappe sold
Receyved of Mr. Kytchyn Goldsmith for byeinge of x s.
Receyved of Mr. Hamlett for mattresses forfeyted v s.
Receyved of Geo. Alys for the lyke v s.
At the bottom of the page, in a different handwriting are the three
following items of disbursement:
_Item_, for the women for the sewing ii _s._
_Item_, paid Wyllm Grange for a cappe ii _s._ iiii _d._
_Item_, for our chargys at the fayre x _s._
_New Charter._—1553. On the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist, it was
agreed by the Mayor, Alderman and Twenty-four, that the Town for their
possessions and the other possessioners [owners of stalls and booths]
in Sturbridge fair, should pay the King (Edward VI.) 1000 marks for the
fine for Sturbridge Fair; that the body of the town should pay one half
of all charges of obtaining the new charter, and the town for their
possessions and the other possessioners to pay the other half. It was
also agreed that the Recorder and others should have authority under the
Common seal to sue to the King’s majesty and his honourable Council for
a new Charter for the fair; and further that Mr. Robert Chapman and Mr.
John Rust should pay no money towards the charges of the charter, in
consideration of their pains in obtaining thereof, and £90 1_s._ 0_d._
was paid then towards the first instalment of 200 marks for the King’s
fine.
The Charter was not however obtained in this reign, though the 200 marks
were actually paid. “Annals,” ii. p. 70. See 1555, 1561, 1574, 1576,
1577, 1584, 1589—when new Charter was obtained by the town.
1555. 30 Jany. The Mayor, Aldermen, Twenty-four and Bailiffs gave
authority to Mr. Robt. Chapman and Mr. John Rust to go to London to
make suit to the Council touching the supplication made to them for the
payment of the 800 marks; and for the setting forth and making the patent
for the confirmation of Sturbridge fair.
1556. The question of Lynn Fair—apparently as to its revival—came on
again this year, and on 2nd Aug. the Corporation ordered that the Mayor,
Mr. Chapman, and Mr. Rust should frame an answer to a letter from the
Bishop of Ely concerning Lynn Fair, and make objections in shewing why
the same ought not to be had; and that the Town Clerk should carry the
answer to his Lordship.
1557. On 23 June the King and Queen (Philip and Mary) by letters patent,
granted to the Mayor, bailiffs and burgesses, a certain annual rent of
£8 15_s._ 2_d._ issuing out of shops and booths in Sturbridge, which had
been granted for the maintenance of _obiits_ and anniversaries (see
1459, 1496, 1503, 1547), and alms to the poor of the town. The letters
patent state, that this Rent had been seized into the hands of the
Crown, under the statute of Chantries (1547) and that £6 10_s._ 6_d._
part thereof had been paid to the mayor, bailiffs and burgesses for
distribution amongst the poor. This is expressed to be made from the King
and Queen, that the rites and ceremonies of the Catholic Church should be
maintained, and the wills of the donors performed! And also because the
shops and booths in Sturbridge Fair, _being of customary tenure, were not
within the statute of Chantries_.
The same King and Queen granted the following tolls payable for the
merchandise brought to the fair. This is important as showing the nature
of the goods brought at this period:
_Custom and Toll due in the time of Sturbridge Fair for divers wares
brought thither_:
For every cade of red herrings at the bying 1 d.
For 100 of ling 6
For every 100 of wabboks ling 4
For every 100 of codds 4
For every 100 of wabboks codds 2
For every heap of fish to be retailed laid upon a mat of the
old assize 2
Of every jule of cured fish for groundage 2
Of grinstones every foot ½
Of every person that retaileth soap, for his standing in the fair 2
Of every hundred wainscot 8
Of every dicker of leather 2
Of every 100 calf-skins 4
Of every 100 sheep-skins 2
For groundage of every load of pales, shovels, pack-saddles,
cart-saddles, and goddends 4
Of every great salt-stone 2
Of every bushel of mustard seed ½
Of every load of baskets, farms skepps leeper and such other 4
Of every stranger selling freshwater fish in kemblin 1
Of every cart load of oisters for cart and standing 4
Item a barrel of osmonds 2
Item a barrel of pitch 2
Item a barrel of tar 2
Item a barrell of herrings 2
Item a barrell of cork for dying 2
Item for every barrel of cured fish 2
Item a barrel of salmon 4
Item a barrel of oil 4
Item a barrel of honey 4
Item of sturgeon a barrel 4
Item a barrel of sope 4
Item a barrel of eels 4
Item a barrel of birdlime 4
Item cart laden with poles 1
Of every cart loaden with heboldines 1
Of every horse with a wombtye loaden ½
Of every cart loaden with beyondsea classhold 2
Item 100 of beyondsea classhold for groundage 1
Of every cart loaden with English classhold and lying down 2
Of every horse sold 1
Of every load of hobboldynes for groundage 1
Of every cart loaden with faggots, besides the fall penny ½
Of every cart loaden with smiths coals 2
Of every cart loaden with timber 2
Of every cart loaden with lathes 2
Of every cart loaden with boards 2
Of every cart loaden with cheese 2
Of every load of boards, hurdles, spokes, and lathes, for
groundage 2
Of every load of hewn timber for groundage 2
Of every fodder of lead, for groundage 2
Of every cart or wayne loaden with lead, for groundage 2
Of every load of iron, for groundage if he have no booth 2
Of every cart loaden with iron, for laying down 2
Of every cart loaden with hayres 2
Of every cart loaden with sackcloath 2
Of every cart loaden with any manner of merchandize then
aforesaid, at lying down, besides the groundage 2
Of every cart or wayne loaden with nails, at lying down 2
Of every person selling nails, for groundage 6
Of every keel or boat that beareth a helm, as oft as he cometh 2
Of every keel or boat that beareth no helm, as oft as he cometh 1
Of every heap of coals, 4
Of every cart loaden with merchandize discharged at Barnwell, 2
Of every cart charged with merchandize at Barnwell, other than
the inhabitants’ goods of Cambridge, coming from the Barnwell
to the fair and there discharge, 1
Of every cart charged with the inhabitants’ goods at Cambridge
or at Barnwell and discharged at the fair ½
Of every cart loaden with merchandize or wayne goying out of
the fair, 2
1558. The University of Cambridge being in want of money the question
was again raised (see 1547) of selling to the Corporation of Cambridge
all privileges in this fair. The proposal met with strong and successful
opposition from the Provost of King’s College (_vide_ Fuller’s “Hist. of
Univ. of Camb.”). In the “History and Antiquities of Barnwell Abbey,”
1786 (p. 78, part ii.) there is the following: “Robert Brassil ... who
being Vice chancellor, in 1558, was much commended for his wisdome in
withstanding the heads & masters of Colleges in this universitie; when,
as they had all except him, consented & concluded to sell all their
wrightes and jurisdictions in Sturbridge Faire to the mayor, bayliffes &
burgesses of the towne of Cambridge.”
_Drapers, Merchant Taylors, and Clothworkers of London._—On 3rd Sept.
1557, a letter was addressed to the Vice-chancellor and Proctors of the
University by Nicholas Hethe Archbishop of York, Lord High Chancellor of
England, and Thomas Thirleby, Bishop of Ely, stating that complaint had
been made unto them by the Drapers, Merchant Tailors, and Clothworkers of
the City of London, that they repairing theretofore with their cloths to
Sturbridge fair, had been troubled in the sale thereof, through unlawful
searches pretended by divers light persons more for their own private
gain and the vexation of the merchants than for any good intent to have
the Statutes duly executed. Their Lordships therefore required, that
in future no such unlawful searches should be made by any such light
persons, and that merchants should not be otherwise disquieted or ordered
than was ordained and provided by the Statutes of the realm. “Annals of
Camb.” ii. p. 135.
1559. There were again disputes between the University and Town of
Cambridge respecting the watch at time of the fair. The following
memorandum drawn up by the mayor embodies the views of Lord North and the
Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas thereon:
After our verye harty commendacions, Where we of late with the advise and
consent of the rest of the Justices of peace of this Shire take order
for the better & more quyet governement of this shire, That duringe
this Stirbridge fayre tyme the watches for the Universitie & Towne of
Cambridge sholde lovinglie joyne togither & be dubled, whereof our
verye frende Mr Baron Frevyll dyd take upon him to advertyse you of the
same, by occasion wherof we dyd forbear to wryte unto you therein. We
now ar enformed that ye ar not as yet fully agreed to joyne togither
in the execucion of the same for certaine respects that ye have to the
preservation of your liberties, Wherefore we do feare great inconveniens
and perill may growe, onles ye do spedelye conforme yourselves thereunto.
These are therefore to advertyse you & requyre you for the more
quietnes of this cuntrye & Towne, and for the Queenes Majesties better
servyse that ye forthewith conjoin yourselves togithers accordinglie,
notwithstandinge any persuasion to either of you to the contrarye.
And furthermore understandinge that there ar allredie a nombre of Sturdye
Vacabonds & masterles men come unto Cambridg for some yll purpose as
it is supposed; We therefore do likewyse desyer & requyre you in hir
majesties behalfe, that ye do take a great respect unto the apprehendinge
of them, and to the safe keepinge of them untill the faire be past. We
meane such as come not to the intent to labor, or otherwise lawfullie to
get their livinge prayenge you that if upon eny examinacion of anye of
them ye shall fynde eny matter worthye to be further examined & tryed
out, to advertyse us immediatelie therof so that we maye yᵉ better ayed
& assist you for your better service & procedinge in the same, nothinge
doubtinge but yᵉ will lovinglye & effectually consider the premisses in
suche wyse as both you and me maye avoide displeasure and blame. And
thus we byd you hartelye farewell. From Carleton this Mondaye, the iiij
of Septembre, Aᵒ 1559.
1561. The Corporation appear to have renewed their application for a
grant of the fair. It was ordered that the expense of the inquisition for
the new charter should be borne by the town.
1562. There was a great flood, so that the portion of Sturbridge called
the “Waterfair” could not be occupied by the booths accustomably built
there. Whereupon the Corporation directed Robert Chapman and others to
assign another place for such booths for this year’s fair only.
1567. This year George Aylston, merchant, on behalf of the Corporation of
_Sudbury_ instituted proceedings in the Duchy Court of Lancaster against
Christopher Fletcher alderman of Cambridge, for taking his goods at
this fair. Fletcher alleged that he took the goods as a distress damage
feasant, and it seems had a decree in his favour.
1568. _Citizens of London._—On 4th Nov. the Corporation of Cambridge
deputed Roger Lord North the mayor, Francis Hinde Esq., and the
Counsel-at-law of the town to deliberate in what way it could be
contrived that the citizens of London might return to Sturbridge fair, as
of old they were accustomed. “Annals,” ii. p. 235.
1571. As early as 1545 there had been passed by the Corporation of
Cambridge “an Ordinance for the setting of Willows.” This ordinance
“for planting willows on the commons, drains, moors, marshes and fens
of the town” was renewed this year. Every alderman might set six score
of poles and every burgess four score up the banks of any surface,
drains, ditches, &c. They to lop and top for their own use and advantage,
cleansing from time to time the drains &c. on which the same were
planted. The said willows to be held on the same terms as the booths at
Sturbridge fair were held by the burgesses, &c. See 1575.
1574. On the 21st Nov. Dr. Perne, Vice-chancellor, wrote to Lord
Burleigh on the subject of the Plague visitation in Cambridge, and in
the postscript to the letter made the suggestion of a new charter being
granted to the University as follows:
I am enformed that there is sute made to yᵉ Queen’s majestie by some
of her highnesse privie chamber for Sturbridg faire, for that it hath
stand seased unto her highnes hand sithence yᵉ tyme of the raign of her
highnes father, the wʰ if it might please her highnes to bestowe to the
University, there might be such a worthie and perpetual monement made
by the rent thereof, as her majestie did most gratiously promise at
her last beinge at Cambridg in her highnes Oration made there, & the
Townesmen that be nowe occupiers thereof, yeldinge a reasonable rent to
yᵉ university for their severall boothes. Thus I am bold to put your
honor in mynd of this, referringe the whole matter to your honors best
consideracion to do herein as yow shall thinke good.
1575. At a Common Day held in the Round Church (probably on account of
the Plague being near the Guildhall) on the 25th March the Corporation
made a Declaration as to the tenure of booths at Sturbridge fair of which
the following are the principal portions:
Forasmuch as some question hath bene made of the maner of tenure of
booths in Sturbridge Fayer, some houlding one opinion, & some another,
everie man speakinge his fantasie therein, affirminge his owne opinion to
be the true custome, and that it ought to stande for truethe; for that
it hath not bene generally knowne to all men whether any Custome hath
remained written in any records of this towne concerninge the same fayre,
yea or no:
Commandment therefore had been given to the Town Clerk to search the
records of the town. This had been done and “it is founde in the oulde
and ancient record called the Cross Booke of the sayde Towne, that
remaineth there written.” This I have already given, under date 1403. The
same was reaffirmed; and it was now ordered that every burgess claiming
a booth must have his title thereto entered in a book to be kept by the
Corporation for that purpose; and thereafter he might alienate the same
to any other free burgess by due entry in the said book in manner and
form provided.
1576. 8th Dec. The Corporation sealed a power of attorney (dated 30th
Nov.) authorizing the Recorder and others named to act in all matters
before the Queen and her Council, and in all causes and businesses
touching the town, particularly the redemption and confirmation of
Sturbridge Fair. To this end the Corporation empowered the Mayor and
others to rate the possessioners of booths in the fair towards the
payment of 1000 marks for the fine for the fair.
On 13th of same month Lord Burleigh the Chancellor, and the Earl
of Leicester High steward of the University wrote to Dr. Goad the
Vice-chancellor, desiring that there might be a conference between the
heads of the University and Town relative to the contemplated grant
of the fair. Lord Burleigh it seems had obtained from the Queen a
declaration that no petition of the townsmen respecting their fair should
be received to the prejudice of the University.
A meeting took place early in the following year but no friendly
understanding could be arrived at.
1577. The matter of renewing the charter of the fair was again before the
Queen. On a petition being presented on behalf of the Corporation the
Royal reply was “that she would not take away any privileges that she
had granted the University, but would rather add to them”; and for this
declaration the University returned her a letter of thanks. “Annals,” ii.
358.
At the fair this year the Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen of the
Corporation ordered a haberdashery booth to be pulled down. Reason not
stated. The Corporation sustained the order.
The following articles were purchased at the fair for the household of
Lord North. The record of prices is particularly important:
A C. Salt Fish, Lixˢ; whight salt, iij stone, 1 qt. iij lb. xiijˢ; bay
salt, iij qt. Lvjˢ; 2 kettles, xiijˢ vjᵈ; ix dust baskets, iiijˢ; vj
pailes, ijˢ vjᵈ; 2 firkins of soape, xxixˢ; Feather bed tike, xixˢ;
a Jacke ijˢ ijᵈ; a frieng panne, ijˢ ijᵈ; hors meat xvjᵈ; 20 lb. of
raissins, vˢ; 20 lb. Corants, vijˢ vjᵈ; 10 lb. prewens, xxˢ; Liiij lb.
gon Powder, Lviijˢ vjᵈ; 14 lb. of matches, iijˢ ixᵈ; dogg cowples xxᵈ; 10
lb. Sugar, xijˢ vjᵈ.
1578. The “provision bought at Sturbridge Fayer” for the household of
Lord North this year, comprised: Codds bought ccccli. vijˡⁱ xvˢ; Soape
bought 2 firkins xxviijˢ; Salte bought iijˡⁱ xiiiˢ iiijᵈ; Lynen clothe
pd. for xxxvijˢ.
1584. An unsuccessful attempt at accommodation between the University and
the Town was made in 1580. The former sought for additional privileges
which the latter would not grant. This year a more successful attempt
was made, and except upon three points, the parties had agreed to “both
books” (_i.e._ draft charters). The points were these:
1. As to an interpretation of “common ministers.”
2. The demand of the University is unreasonable to have all graduates in
England go toll free. “That the towne assentith as they ment it at the
first, That all graduates for lernings sake abydyng in the Universety or
Towne shall goe toll free.”
3. The town had already assented that the University should have more
retained servants than they had before. “But squyre beadalles should eche
of them have one reteyned servaunt priviledged (being themselves but
servauntes), The Towne thinkith it inconvenient, and neither did, nor yet
doth assent therunto: for all other matters concerning both bookes, both
parties are agreed. So as that be perfourmed which hath bene concluded
in former conferences.”
1586. The negociations between the University and the Town were renewed
this year. The following document shows the position of the negociation,
as also that the town were to have the new charter; it also shows the
extreme jealousy with which each body viewed the acts and proceedings of
the other—it was a genteel manifestation of “Town and Gown” divergencies,
which have become historical:
_Sturbridge._ The towne hath obtained of her majestie a graunt of
Sturbridge feyre, to the booke of that graunt the universitie addith a
proviso to this effect viz that neither that graunt nor anything therein
conteyned should any ways prejudice the universitie of Cambridge, or any
member thereof, in such thinges as the universitie enjoyed before the
sayd graunt! The towne sayth that that proviso is to large, forasmuch as
it may be extended to all thinges which the universitie befor enjoyed, as
well within the feyr as els whear, we confesse it is so; and we say it
is great reason it should be so, least under the colour and pretense of
Sturbridge feyre, they might carry away some other of our commodities wʰ
her highness never meant. So shortly we say thus muche; seing our proviso
is nothing but a restreint of their book: How farre so ever their book
reachith, so farre reachith our proviso and no further.
This is the brief our present difference, &c. &c.
This year was simplified the form of procession made in proceeding to
read the Proclamation of the University.
_New Charters._—1589. The proceedings already recorded (with some
others in 1587 not specifically referred to) ended in the grant of new
charters of the fair to the Town and also to the University of Cambridge
respectively. The charter to the town passed the Great Seal at Drayton on
15th Aug.; that to the University on 30th Aug.
The charter to the _Town_ commences with a recital that previously to
the 30 Henry VIII. the mayor, bailiffs, and burgesses had from time
immemorial had and used a fair called Sturbridge Fair held at Barnwell
and Sturbridge, in the county of Cambridge and within the liberty of
the town, beginning on the Feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, and
continuing from thence till the fourteenth day next after the Feast of
the Exaltation of the Holy Cross; which fair, from the advantages of the
place, its contiguity to the University, and the fitness of the season,
_far surpassed the greatest and most celebrated fairs of all England;
whence great benefits had resulted to the merchants of the whole kingdom,
who resorted thereto, and there quickly sold their wares and merchandises
to purchasers coming from all parts of the Realm_ to buy and provide
salt-fish, butter, cheese, honey, salt, flax, hemp, pitch, tar, and all
other wares and merchandises, and from the profits of which fair the
mayor, bailiffs and burgesses levied the greatest part of their fee-farm,
and supported and maintained the town in its ways, streets, ditches
[sewers] and other burthens.
Of the Quo Warrant in the 30th Henry VIII. and the subsequent proceedings
thereon. The Queen had been requested to grant a charter and had assented
“moved thereto by royal pity, by a sense of the utility of the fair to
the town and to the merchants of the kingdom, and that the town should
be lightened in its burthens, and increased and honoured under her
prosperous and peaceful government.” The Queen therefore delivered out of
her hands and conferred to the mayor, bailiffs, and burgesses and their
successors, the fair in question, with all profits, commodities, courts,
profits of courts, authorities and jurisdictions, booths and power of
building booths in the accustomed places in the fair.
All rights had or enjoyed by the _University_, or its officers under any
gift, grant, or confirmation from the crown, or any act of parliament, or
“used for the greater part of 20 years then last past” were reserved to
it.
Power given to Corporation to make rules and statutes for the peaceful
and quiet government of the fair; and with respect to the building and
removing of booths, and the disposition and assurance thereof by will,
gift, surrender or otherwise; and also for placing the several arts,
occupations, mysteries, merchants, workmen, and others holding booths in
the fair in the places assigned and accustomed to the same arts &c. and
especially in that part of the fair called Cheapside. Such Ordinances &c.
not to prejudice the right, title, or interest of burgesses holding or
possessing booths according to the customs and ordinances of the town, or
to derogate from the privileges of the Chancellor, masters, and scholars
used during the greater part of twenty years then last past. New rules
might be altered and revoked as circumstances should require.
The sellers of mercery or grocery ware were forbidden to be stationed
or to occupy any booth in the fair for selling such wares except in
Cheapside. Woollen cloths were to be exposed for sale only in the
“Duddery.” Goldsmiths were not to be stationed, or expose their goods
to sale any where except in Soper Lane, otherwise Goldsmith’s Row; and
pewterers and braziers were in like manner to be confined to Pewtry Row
and Brazier Row.
The burgesses who held any booth for life or years, or who should
afterwards acquire any, were to hold the same as theretofore.
The charter to the _University_, expressed to have been granted by the
authority of parliament, contains provisions relating to the town as
well as to the fair. I shall confine my abstract to the latter. It was
granted out of love of the University, to confirm and establish the
privileges, liberties, immunities, pre-eminences, authorities, powers,
jurisdictions, profits and commodities of that body in Sturbridge Fair,
as granted by the charter she had given in the 3rd year of her reign.
She granted to the Chancellor masters and scholars and their successors
solely and wholly for ever the office of “Clerk of the Market,” and the
assay of bread, wine, and ale or beer, and the keeping and governance
of the same and the correction and punishment of offenders, with the
fines, forfeitures and amerciaments thence arising in the fair and the
precincts of the same. Also the supervision of measures and weights,
and the jurisdiction to inquire of all forestallings, regratings, and
ingrossing of victuals and other things and wares within the fair or its
bounds and precincts, and to banish, chastise, and correct according to
the laws of the realm and the customs of the University. Also right of
search in the fair for harlots and vagabonds.
The proclamation of the fair was to be made by the University and Town
in alternate years. All goods carried to or by the fair, or to the town,
or in the river to the use of the Chancellors, masters, scholars, or
colleges, or to or for any of the graduates residing within the town or
University, or within five miles thereof to be _free of toll_.
The University to have exclusive jurisdiction in suits wherein scholars,
scholars servants “or common minister of the University” were one of
the parties. Also to hear and determine plaints concerning victuals or
contract for victuals arising in the fair, except in cases between a
burgess and a foreigner not privileged of the University, which should be
heard before the Mayor, &c. The court of the Chancellor &c. within the
fair to be a court of record with all powers according to the statutes
of the realm, or the laws and customs of the University. The last named
court to be held within the fair or its precincts, and the Queen granted
a sufficient piece of ground for the purpose. But if by flood or other
chance the accustomed place should be unfit another place was to be
provided.
The University to have exclusive authority to inspect, search, try, assay
and gauge all victuals in the fair. The daily inspection and search
of all other wares (except leather and sackcloth) to be made by four
suitable men, appointed by the Chancellor and Mayor respectively. And the
court for adjudication upon the same to be held by the Chancellor and
Mayor in alternate years, each aiding the other in the performance of the
duties. The remaining numerous provisions are not necessary to be cited
in view of our present purposes.
It was the belief of the townspeople that this charter to the University
had been obtained by reason of a betrayal of the rights of the town
by the then Mayor. And the following was recorded at the foot of a
transcript of this charter. “One Gawnt was Mayor of Cambridge, who
att London assented to these new jurisdictions of the Universitie,
and therein betrayed the towne, who shortlie after was putt [out!] of
his Aldermanshipp & lived the remaynder of his life in great want and
miserie, and hatefull to all the townsmen.”
1591. On 30th Aug. the Corporation made orders that all the provisoes,
conditions and articles contained in the new charter touching booths in
Sturbridge Fair, should be inviolably kept and observed in all points,
according to the tenor, true intent and meaning of such charter: that
it should not be lawful to any tenant or owner of any booth to admit or
suffer any merchants or artificers of sundry wares to stand and sell
wares in one booth: and that it should not be lawful to any merchants or
others bringing wares to Sturbridge Fair to sell any wares, except salt,
out of any vessels upon the water there, until the fish booths were let
to farm.
On 15th Sept. Richard Parish of Chesterton “a very violent and turbulent
person, attacked and wounded with a dagger some scholars who were with
him in the ferry-boat between Chesterton and Sturbridge Fair. He was
arrested by a master of arts of Trinity College and others, but was
rescoued from them by the prentises in the faire.” A new manifestation of
the “town and gown” troubles.
1592. On 28th Aug. the Corporation of Cambridge made orders that none but
freemen should, in time of Sturbridge Fair, sell and deliver fish in any
hut or vessel on the water, until the fish booths in the water-fair were
let, and then to make composition with the bailiff of the ward. And that
all except freemen, who brought pitch and tar to the fair to be sold,
should pay 2_s._ per last for grinding to the bailiff of the ward; and
that if any suit or controversy at law should arise about executing the
premises, the charges should be borne by a levy to be assessed upon the
burgesses.
1595. Memorandum, that this daye and yeare by a common consente, it
is agreed, that the order made ... Feby anno Regni Hen. Octavi 13ᵒ
concerninge enjoyers of booths to dwell within the towne; and shewinge
in what time he shall sell them yf he go out of the towne, shall stand,
remaine and be in full force and effecte; and that no maior of the towne
of Cambridge from henceforthe shall propounde any grace, or do any acte
or actes, devise or devises whatsoever, to the breache or violating
thereof; and that the maior of this towne, yearly to be chosen, on the
daie of his election, or on the daye that he taketh the oathe against
vintinge, shall make solemn oathe to the observation hereof “Hist. and
Antiq. of Barnwell Abbey” (p. 96, part ii.).
1596. 16th Aug. The Corporation made an order that every burgess who
should thereafter buy any booth or booth-ground in this fair should at
the time of his admission thereto, make solemn oath before the mayor,
that he had bought the same simply to the use of himself and his heirs,
and not to the use of any foreigner or foreigners, without fraud,
collusion, or deceit.
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