King Henry the fifth having suppressed the priories aliens whereof
some were about London, namely one Hospital, called Our Lady of
Rouncivall by Charing Cross: one other Hospital in Oldborne
[Holborn]: one other without Cripplegate: and the fourth without
Aldersgate, besides other that are now worn out of memory, and
whereof there is no monument remaining more than Rouncivall
converted to a brotherhood, which continued till the reign of Henry
the 8. or Edward the 6., this I say, and their schools being broken
up and ceased: King Henry the sixth in the 24. of his reign, by
patent appointed that there should be in London, Grammar schools,
besides St. Paul's, at St. Martin's le Grand, S. Mary le Bow in
Cheap, S. Dunstans in the west and S. Anthony's. And in the next
year, to wit, 1394, the said King ordained by Parliament that four
other grammar schools should be erected, to wit, in the parishes of
Saint Andrew in Holborn, All Hallows the great in Thames Street, S.
Peters upon Cornhill, and in the Hospital of S. Thomas of Acons in
west Cheap, since the which time as divers schools by suppressing of
religious houses, whereof they were members, in the reign of Henry
the 8. have been decayed, so again have some others been newly
erected, and founded for them: as namely Paul's school, in place of
an old ruined house, was built in most ample manner, and largely
endowed in the year 1512 by John Collet Doctor of Divinity, Dean of
Pauls, for 153 poor mens children: for which there was ordained a
master, surmaster, or usher, and a chaplain. Again in the year 1553
after the erection of Christ's Hospital in the late dissolved house
of the Grey Friars, a great number of poor children being taken in,
a school was also ordained there, at the Citizens charges. Also in
the year 1561 the Merchant Tailors of London founded one notable
free Grammar-School in the Parish of St. Laurence Poulteney by
Candlewick street, Richard Hills late master of that Company, having
given £500 toward the purchase of an house, called the Manor of the
Rose, sometime the Duke of Buckingham's, wherein the school is kept.
As for the meeting of the Schoolmasters, on festival days, at
festival Churches, and the disputing of their Scholars logically,
etc., whereof I have before spoken, the same was long since
discontinued: but the arguing of the school boys about the
principles of grammar, hath been continued even till our time: for I
my self in my youth have yearly seen on the Eve of S. Bartholomew
the Apostle, the scholars of divers grammar schools repair unto the
Churchyard of S. Bartholomew, the Priory in Smithfield, where upon a
bank boarded about under a tree, some one scholar hath stepped up,
and there hath opposed and answered, till he were by some better
scholar overcome and put down: and then the overcomer taking the
place, did like as the first: and in the end the best opposers and
answerers had rewards, which I observed not but it made both good
schoolmasters, and also good scholars, diligently against such times
to prepare themselves for the obtaining of this garland. I remember
there repaired to these exercises amongst others the masters and
scholars of the free schools of Saint Pauls in London: of Saint
Peters at Westminster: of Saint Thomas Acons Hospital: and of Saint
Anthony's Hospital: whereof the last named commonly presented the
best scholars, and had the prize in those days.
A GERMAN VIEW OF LONDON (1600).
The author of the following passage was a German lawyer who visited
England while on a three years' tour as tutor to a young Silesian
nobleman, from 1597 to 1600. On his return to Germany he published a
description of his travels, written in Latin, under the title of
"Itinerarium Germaniæ, Galliæ, Angliæ, Italiæ."
=Source.=—Paul Hentzner's _Travels in England_.
This most ancient city is in the county of Middlesex, the
fruitfullest and wholesomest soil in England.... The city being very
large of itself, has very extensive suburbs, and a fort called the
Tower, of beautiful structure. It is magnificently ornamented with
public buildings and churches, of which there are above one hundred
and twenty parochial. On the south is a bridge of stone eight
hundred feet in length of wonderful work; it is supported upon
twenty piers of stone, sixty feet high and thirty broad, joined by
arches of about twenty feet diameter. The whole is covered on each
side with houses so disposed as to have the appearance of a
continued street, not at all of a bridge. Upon this is built a
tower, on whose top the heads of such as have been executed for high
treason are placed on iron spikes; we counted above thirty.
The wealth of the world is wafted to London by the Thames, swelled
by the tide; and navigable to merchant ships through a safe and deep
channel, for sixty miles, from its mouth to the city; its banks are
everywhere beautified with fine country seats, woods and farms....
The government of the city is lodged by ancient grant of the Kings
of England in twenty-five aldermen, that is, seniors; these annually
elect out of their own body a mayor and two sheriffs, who determine
causes according to municipal laws.
It is worthy of observation, that every year, upon St. Bartholomew's
Day, when the fair is held, it is usual for the mayor, attended by
the twelve principal aldermen, to walk in a neighbouring field,
dressed in his scarlet gown, and about his neck a golden chain, to
which is hung a golden fleece, and besides, that particular ornament
which distinguishes the most noble order of the garter. During the
year of his magistracy he is obliged to live so magnificently, that
foreigner or native without any expense, is free, if he can find a
chair empty, to dine at his table, where there is always the
greatest plenty. When the mayor goes out of the precincts of the
city, a sceptre, a sword and a cap are borne before him, and he is
followed by the principal aldermen in scarlet gowns, with gold
chains; himself and they on horseback. Upon their arrival at a place
appointed for that purpose, where a tent is pitched, the mob begin
to wrestle before them, two at a time; the conquerors receive
rewards from the magistrates. While we were at this show, one of our
company, Tobias Salander, doctor of physic, had his pocket picked of
his purse, with nine crowns du soleil, which, without doubt, was so
cleverly taken from him by an Englishman who always kept very close
to him, that the doctor did not in the least perceive it....
The Mint for coining money is in the Tower. It is to be noted that
when any of the nobility are sent hither, on the charge of high
crimes such as treason, they seldom or never recover their
liberty.... On coming out of the Tower we were led to a small house
close by, where are kept variety of creatures, viz.—three lionesses;
one lion of great size, called Edward VI. from his having been born
in that reign; a tiger; a lynx; a wolf excessively old—this is a
very scarce animal in England, so that their sheep and cattle stray
about in great numbers, free from any danger. Near to this Tower is
a large open space; on the highest part of it is erected a wooden
scaffold, for the execution of noble criminals; upon which, they
say, three princes of England, the last of their families, have been
beheaded for high treason.
The next thing worthy of note is the Royal Exchange, so named by
Queen Elizabeth, built by Sir Thomas Gresham, citizen, for public
ornament and the convenience of merchants. It has a great effect,
whether you consider the stateliness of the building, the assemblage
of different nations, or the quantities of merchandise....
The streets in this city are very handsome and clean; but that which
is named from the goldsmiths who inhabit it surpasses all the rest;
there is in it a gilt tower, with a fountain that plays. Near it, on
the farther side, is a handsome house built by a goldsmith and
presented by him to the city. There are besides to be seen in this
street, as in all others where there are goldsmiths' shops, all
sorts of gold and silver vessels exposed to sale, as well as ancient
and modern metals, in such quantities as must surprise a man the
first time he sees and considers them.
LONDON AND ULSTER (1609).
The growth of colonisation which marked the beginning of the seventeenth
century is one of the most notable features of our commercial history,
and the plantation of Ulster was in accordance with the new spirit. This
province had become depopulated and almost entirely forfeited to the
Crown, by reason of the frequent rebellions which had occurred there
during the previous century. On the presentation of the following report
a charter was received by the Corporation of London, granting powers to
raise a sum of money and take measures for the plantation of the
province. The first arrangement was that the bulk of the land should be
assigned to the twelve great livery companies, while the City of Derry
and the town of Coleraine should be handed over to a society which was
formed by City merchants for the purpose of exploiting the new colony.
=Source.=—_Calendar of State Papers (Ireland)_, 1608-1610, p. 207.
The late ruined city of Derry, situate upon the river of Lough
Foyle, navigable above Derry, and another place near the Castle of
Coleraine, situate on the river Ban, navigable with small vessels
only, by reason of the bar a little above Coleraine, seem to be the
fittest places for the City of London to plant.
2. With small charges, these places (especially Derry) may be made
impregnable.
3. His Majesty offers to grant to these two places charters of
incorporation; the whole territory betwixt them, however, which is
above 20 miles in length, bounded by the sea on the north, by the
Ban on the east, and the river Derry or Lough Foyle on the west (out
of which 3,000 acres or more may be allotted to each of the towns
for their commons), to be planted with such undertakers as the City
of London shall think fit, paying only for the same the easy rent of
the undertakers.
4. These towns to have the benefit of all the customs on goods
imported or exported, as also tonnage and poundage, and the great
and small customs, for 21 years, paying yearly 6s. 8d. Irish as an
acknowledgment.
5. That His Majesty would be pleased to buy from the possessors the
salmon fishing of the Ban and Lough Foyle, and bestow the same upon
these towns.
6. Also license for free export of all goods growing on their own
lands.
7. That the Admiralty jurisdiction in the coasts of Tyrconnell now
supposed to be in the Lord Deputy by the Lord High Admiral's grant,
may be transferred to them for 21 years.
_The Land Commodities which the North of Ireland affords._
1. The country is well watered, and supplied with fuel either of
trees or turf.
2. It supplies such abundance of provisions as may not only sustain
the plantation, but may furnish provisions yearly to the City of
London, especially for their fleets, as beeves, pork, fish, rye,
peas, and beans, and in some years will help the dearth of the city
and country about, and the storehouses appointed for the relief of
the poor.
3. It is fit for breeding of mares and for cattle, and thence may be
expected store of hides, tallow, &c.
4. The soil is suited for English sheep, and if need were, wool
might be had cheaply out of the West of Scotland.
5. It is fit in many parts for madder, hops, and woad.
6. It affords fells of red deer, foxes, sheep and lambs, cony,
martens, squirrels, etc.
7. It grows hemp and flax better than elsewhere, and thus might
furnish materials for canvas, cables, cordage and such like
requisites for shipping. Also for thread, linen cloths, and stuffs
made of linen yarn, which is finer there and more plentiful than in
all the rest of the kingdom.
8. Timber, stone, lime, and slate, and building materials are to be
had, and the soil is good for making bricks and tiles.
The goodliest timber in the woods of Glanconkein and Melleitragh may
be had, and may compare with any in his Majesty's dominions, and may
be brought to the sea by Lough Eagh and the Ban. Fir masts of all
sorts may be had out of Loughnaber in Scotland (not far from the
north of Ireland) more easily than from Norway.
9. All materials for building of ships (except tar) is there to be
had in great plenty, and in countries adjoining.
10. There is wood for pipe staves, hogshead staves, barrel staves,
hop staves, clap boards, wainscot, and dyeing ashes, glass and iron
work; copper and iron ore are there found abundantly.
11. The country is fit for honey and wax.
_The Sea and River Commodities._
1. The harbour of Derry is very good, and the roads at Portrush and
Lough Swilly (not far distant from Derry) tolerable.
2. The sea fishings are plentiful of all manner of fishes,
especially herrings and eels. Yearly, after Michaelmas, above seven
or eight score of sail of the King's subjects and strangers are
there for loading, beside an infinite number for fishing and
killing.
3. There are great fishings in the adjacent islands of Scotland,
where many Hollanders do fish all the summer, and plentifully vent
their fishes into Spain and within the Straits.
4. Much train and fish oil may be made upon the coast.
5. As the sea yieldeth fish, so the coast affords abundance of sea
fowl, and the rivers great store of fresh fishes, more than any of
the rivers of England.
6. There be store of good pearls upon the coast, especially within
the river of Loughfoyle.
7. These coasts are ready for traffic with England and Scotland, and
lie open and convenient for Spain and the Straits, and fittest and
nearest to Newfoundland.
_The Profits that London shall receive by this Plantation._
If multitudes of men were employed proportionally to these
commodities, many thousands would be set at work, to the great
service of the King, the strength of his realm, and the advancement
of several trades. It might ease the city of an insupportable
burthen of persons, which it might conveniently spare, all parts of
the city being so surcharged that one tradesman is scarce able to
live by another; and it would also be a means to free and preserve
the city from infection, and consequently the whole kingdom, which
of necessity must have recourse hither, and being pestered and
closed up together can never otherwise or very hardly avoid
infection.
These colonies may be a means to utter infinite commodities from
London to furnish the whole North of Ireland and Isles of Scotland,
which may be transported by means of the river Ban and Loughfoyle
into the counties of Coleraine, Donegal, Tyrone, Armagh, and Antrim.
The city of Dublin being desolate by the slaughter of the
Easterlings, who were the ancient inhabitants thereof, was given by
King Henry the Second to the city of Bristol to be inhabited, which,
without any charge to the King, Bristol performed, whose posterity
continues there to this day.
The plantation, thus performed to the eternal commendation of
Bristol, was not the least cause of civilizing and securing that
part of the country.
It were to be wished this noble precedent were followed by the City
of London in these times, with so much the more alacrity as they
excel Bristol in ability and means. And so much the rather, since
the commodities which the City of London will reap hereby far
surpass the profits which could redound to Bristol by the other.
THE DEMANDS OF CHARLES I. (1626).
At the very outset of his reign Charles I. had to face an angry and
discontented City; the late King had shown little respect for the
ancient liberties of London, and the citizens were prepared to find the
same attitude on the part of his successor. The Parliament of 1626
refused to grant supplies until grievances had been redressed, and
Charles dissolved it, determining to raise money without its help. He
began by calling on the City for £100,000, which was refused. There had
been a severe outbreak of the Plague, and London was in a somewhat
impoverished condition. Next came the demand for men and ships for the
projected expedition to Cadiz. The citizens complied with obvious
reluctance, and Charles's habitual disregard of their feelings gradually
estranged their affections and caused them later to give their hearty
support to the Parliamentary cause.
=Source.=—Rushworth's _Collections_, i. 415.
His Majesty demanded of the City of London the Loan of an Hundred
thousand pounds. But the peoples excuses were represented to the
Council Table by the Magistrates of the City. Immediately the
Council sent a very strict command to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen,
wherein they set forth the enemies strong preparations as ready for
an invasion, and the Kings great necessities, together with his
gracious and moderate proposals in the sum required, and the
frivolous pretences upon which they excuse themselves: Wherefore
they require them, all excuses being set apart, to enter into the
business again, and to manage the same, as appertaineth to
Magistrates so highly entrusted, and in a time of such necessities,
and to return to his Majesty a direct and speedy answer, that he may
know how far he may rely upon their faith and duty; or in default
thereof, may frame his counsels as appertaineth to a King in such
extreme and important occasions.
Lord Mayor and Commonalty of London petitioned the Council for an
abatement of the twenty ships rated upon them, unto ten ships and
two pinnaces, alleging disability; whereunto the Council gave this
following answer, That the former commandment was necessary, the
preservation of the State requiring it; and that the charge imposed
on them was moderate, as not exceeding the value of many of their
private estates: That petitions and pleadings to this command, tend
to the danger and prejudice of the Commonwealth, and are not to be
received: That as the commandment was given to all in general, and
every particular of the City; so the State will require an account
both of the City in general, and of every particular.
And whereas they mention precedents, they might know, that the
precedents of former times, were obedience, not direction; and that
precedents were not wanting for the punishment of those that disobey
his Majesty's commands, signified by that Board, which they hope
shall have no occasion to let them more particularly understand.
Hereupon the Citizens were glad to submit, and declared their
consent to the King's demands, and by petition to the Council had
the favour to nominate all the officers of those twenty ships, the
captains only excepted, the nomination of whom appertained to the
Lord High Admiral of England.
THE KEEPING OF THE SABBATH (1629).
The following Order of the Lord Mayor is an example of that Puritan
spirit which exercised such a powerful influence on the lives of
Englishmen during the first half of the seventeenth century. During
Elizabeth's reign many serious and earnest attempts were made to effect
certain changes in the doctrines and practices of the Established
Church, with the idea of introducing a "purer" form of worship and
ceremonial; and the Puritan spirit generally, although open to the
charge of narrowness and intolerance, was based upon a sincere desire to
bring the law of God into closer touch with life. It was characterised
by a hearty hatred of that moral laxity and freedom which the Roman
Church had frequently permitted, and consequently much of its activity
appeared to depend upon various prohibitions and restrictions in matters
of conduct, which frequently proved very irksome to those who did not
sympathise with the Puritan ideals. London contained a strong Puritan
element, and the Order for the better keeping of the Lord's Day well
illustrates the typical activities of the City and the attitude of its
rulers.
=Source.=—Rushworth's _Collections_, part ii., p. 22.
Whereas I am credibly informed, that notwithstanding divers good
Laws provided for the keeping of the Sabbath-day holy, according to
the express commandment of Almighty God, divers inhabitants and
other persons of this City, and other places, having no respect of
duty towards God, and his Majesty, or his Laws, but in contempt of
them all, do commonly and of custom greatly profane the Sabbath-day,
in buying, selling, uttering and vending their wares and commodities
upon that day for their private gain: also innholders suffering
markets to be kept by carriers, in most rude and profane manner, in
selling victuals to hucksters, chandlers, and all other comers: also
carriers, carmen, cloth-workers, water-bearers, and porters carrying
of burdens, and watermen plying their fares; and divers others
working in their ordinary callings: and likewise, that I am further
informed, that vintners, alehouse-keepers, tobacco and strong-water
sellers, greatly profane the Sabbath-day, by suffering company to
sit drinking and bibbing in their houses on that day; and likewise
by cursing and swearing and such-like behaviour, contrary to the
express commandment of Almighty God, his Majesty's Laws in that
behalf, and all good government: For the reformation whereof, I do
hereby require, and in his Majesty's name straightly command all his
Majesty's loving subjects whatsoever, and also all constables,
head-boroughs, beadles, and all other officers whatsoever, to be
aiding and assisting to J. S. the bearer hereof, in finding out and
apprehending all and every such person and persons, as shall be
found to offend in any of these kinds; and them and every of them to
bring before me, or some other of his Majesty's Justices of the
Peace, in answer to all such matters as shall be objected against
them, and to put in good security for their good behaviour. Whereof
fail you not, as you or any of you will answer at your peril.
_April 20, 1629._
THE CITY'S PETITION TO CHARLES I. (1640).
The arbitrary government of Charles I. during the "eleven years'
tyranny" sorely tried the loyalty of the citizens of London. We find
that they were, as a rule, quite disposed to support the King's
government, so long as their interests were safeguarded and their
privileges maintained. But they could not tolerate the illegal exactions
and unreasonable demands of the King without vigorous protest. The
Petition of 1640 is particularly interesting as embodying the grievances
which affected not only the trading and commercial interests of the
capital, but indirectly the welfare of the whole country. It is pointed
out that the ship-money had not been applied to its proper purpose of
protecting the coasts and the merchant fleets, while royal interference
continually hampered trade. The prevalent ill-feeling against Roman
Catholics finds expression, and the Petition in general shows that the
City was experiencing considerable difficulty in sustaining its position
of loyal respect for the monarch.
=Source.=—Rushworth's _Collections_, part ii., p. 1263.
MOST GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN.
Being moved with the duty and obedience, which by the laws your
petitioners owe unto your sacred Majesty, they humbly present unto
your princely and pious wisdom the several pressing grievances
following, viz.
1. The pressing and unusual impositions upon merchandize, importing
and exporting, and the urging and levying of Ship-money,
notwithstanding both which, merchant ships and goods have been taken
and destroyed both by Turkish and other pirates.
2. The multitude of monopolies, patents, and warrants, whereby trade
in the City, and other parts of the kingdom is much decayed.
3. The sundry innovations in matters of religion.
4. The Oath and Canons lately enjoyned by the late Convocation,
whereby your petitioners are in danger to be deprived of their
Ministers.
5. The great concourse of Papists, and their inhabitations in
London, and the Suburbs, whereby they have more means and
opportunities of plotting and executing their designs against the
Religion established.
6. The seldom calling, and sudden dissolutions of Parliaments,
without the redress of your Subjects grievances.
7. The imprisonment of divers Citizens for non-payment of
Ship-money, and impositions; and the prosecution of many others in
the Star-Chamber, for not conforming themselves to Committees in
Patents of Monopolies, whereby trade is restrained.
8. The great danger of your sacred person is exposed unto in the
present War, and the various fears that seized upon your petitioners
and their families by reason thereof; which grievances and fears
have occasioned so great a stop and distraction in trade, that your
petitioners can neither buy, sell, receive nor pay as formerly, and
tends to the utter ruin of the inhabitants of this City, the decay
of navigation, and clothing, and the manufactures of this kingdom.
Your humble petitioners conceiving, that the said grievances are
contrary to the Laws of the kingdom, and finding by experience that
they are not redressed by the ordinary course of Justice, do
therefore most humbly beseech your most sacred Majesty, to cause a
Parliament to be summoned with all convenient speed, whereby they
may be relieved in the premises.
And your Petitioners and loyal Subjects shall ever
pray, &c.
LONDON UNDER THE EARLY STUARTS (1642).
The following passage from Clarendon's _History_ states very clearly the
relations between Charles I. and the City in 1642, when the King's
general attitude was anything but conciliatory, and London was
definitely attaching itself to the Parliamentary cause. The royal policy
was not in the least calculated to induce a friendly feeling on the part
of the metropolis; neither Charles nor his father appeared to have
realised the immense importance of gaining the good-will of the
citizens, and Clarendon quite fairly and impartially sets forth the
facts when he refers to the wealth of the City, and the unjust treatment
which it experienced at the hands of the first Stuart monarchs.
=Source.=—Clarendon's _History of the Great Rebellion_, iv. 178.