Chapter XIII: Appendix: Mercers’ Records.--Wardens’ Accounts

(_Mercers’ Hall, London._)

A folio Volume in the Archives of the Mercers’ Company, written on parchment by various scribes in the 14th and 15th Centuries, extending from 1344 to 1464. The contents of the volume include--a rent-roll--the oath of householders--of linen cloth meters--of liverymen--of brethren--of brokers--of apprentices on their entry and issue--of freemen--an almanack--and the balance-sheets of the whole Company.

The accounts of the receipts and disbursements of the Company are annual, and reckoned by the regnal year of the King. These accounts are generally made up under the following heads:--The annual fee of every liveryman--fees paid on the entries of apprentices--fees paid on the issue of apprentices--fines--quit-rents--general expenses--and foreign expenses. The last head comprises all payments made for goods and service not included in the legitimate business of the Company.

* * * * *

Oath taken by Caxton on “issuing” from his apprenticeship.

Ye shall swere that ye shal be true vnto oure liege lorde the kyng
and to his heires kynges/ ye shall also be obedient & Redy to come at
all leffull Sumonns & Warnyng of the Wardenis of the mercery/ whan
and as often as ye be duly monysshed & warned by them/ or by any of
them/ by their Bedell/ or by ony other in their name/ leffull excuse
alwey except/ All Ordynaunces & Rules by the ffeliship of the merceri
Ordeyned made and stablished and here after for the wele worship &
profitt of the seid feliship to be made/ ye shall holde and kepe/ All
coīcacons necessarij Ordynaunces and Cowncels for the welfare of the
seid ffeliship and the secrets therof to you shewed/ ye shall kepe
secrete & holde for councell/ and them ne ony of theym to discover
or shew by ony meane or collour vnto ony persoone or persoones of
any other ffeliship. Ye shall also be contributory to all charges
to you putt by the wardeins & ffeliship to bere & pay yo^r parte of
charge sett for yo^r degre like as other of the same ffeliship shall
do for their degre. Moreou ye shall not departe oute of the seid
ffeliship for to serve ne ye shall not accompany you w^t ony persoone
or persoones of ony other feliship wherthrough preiudice & hurte may
in ony wise growe vnto the seid ffeliship of the mercery. And on this
ye shall swere that during the tyme of your seruyce ye shall neither
bey ne sell for yo^r owne self ne for ony other persone ne that ye
shall Receive ony goodes or marchandise by ony collour belonging vnto
ony other p’soon than oonly to yo^r maist whiche that ye now serue
or shall serue w^tynne the ffeliship of ye mercerie except by his
speciall license & will And also that ye shall not take ony shop hous
ch’mbre seller ne warehous by ony collo^r for to ocupie byeing and
sellyng vnto suche tyme as that ye have ben w^t the wardeins of the
mercery for the tyme beyng and by oon of hem for shopholder amytted
sworn and entred Ne that ye shall take ne haue ony apprentice or ony
sē for to ocupye vnto that he by you vnto oon the seid Ward. for
apprentice first presented & by the seid Wardein so amytted All which
poynts & eny of hem to y^r power wele & truly ye shall hold & kepe so
help you god &c.

* * * * *

The oath administered to Caxton upon taking up his freedom.

Ye shall swere that ye shal be good and trew vnto o^r liege Lord
kyng of Englond and to his Eyres kyngs/ obeisaunt & obedyent to the
Mayor & to the minysters of this Cite/ The ffrunchises and Custumes
thereof ye shal maynteyne and the cite kepe harmles in that that in
you is/ ye shall be contributary to al man^r charges w^t in this cite
as somons watches contribucions taskes tallays lotte and skotte and
all other charges bere yo^r parte as ony other frema shall/ ye shall
colo^r no foreyns good wherby the kyng might lose his custume or his
auauntage/ Ye shall know no foreyn to bey sell nor merchundise w^t
another fforeyn within this Cite nor the fraunches therof but ye
warne the Chaumberleyn therof or some mynysters of the chamber/ ye
shal emplede no frema out of this Cite while ye mow have right & lawe
here within/ ye shall take none apprentice but if he be fre borne
and for no lesse time than for vij yers/ within the first yere ye
shall do hym be enrolled and at the termes end ye shall make hym fre
if he have wele and truly served you/ ye shall also kepe the peace/
in yo^r owne persone/ ye shall know no gaderyngs conventicles nor
conspiracies made ayenst the peace but ye warne the Maier thereof &
let it to yo^r power All these poyntes ye shall wele and truly kepe
accordyng to all the Lawes & Custumes of this Cite to yo^r power so
help you god and holidame & by this Boke/

1348.

The Fellowship in the 22nd year of Edward III numbered 4 Wardens and 101 Liverymen, and in this year among those who paid their fees appear--

Richard de Causton
Michael de Causton
William de Causton
Henry de Causton
Theobald de Causton
Nichol de Causton
Roger de Causton

Also in the 2nd year of Henry VI.--Stevyn Causton.

1401.

Under the 2nd year of Henry IV, among the “Entrees des Apprentices,”
is--

William Causton/ Appr. de Thos. Gedeney ij s

1427-1428.

Under the 6th year of Henry VI the name of Robert Large appears for the first time.

Cest la compte de John Whatley, Robert Large, Thomas Bataill, et John Pidiuyll fait alffeste de Seint John Baptist lan vj^{me} aps. le conquest en quils ils estoient gardeins de la mistere del mercerie come piert apres.

Under the same year, among “Entrees des Apprentices,”--

Robert Halle } Appñtys de Robert Large iiij s
Randolf Streete }

1430-1431.

Under the 9th year of Henry VI, among the “Entrees des Apprentices,”--

Item ress. de Thoms Nyche appñt de Rob^t Large ij s
Item ress. de Rich Bonifaunt appnt de Rob^t Large }
Item de James heton appnt de dit Rob^t } iiij s

1431-1442.

The following item is from the Wardens’ Receipts in the 10th year of Henry VI--

Item. Ils soy chargent qilz ount ressu de Thos. Staunton ffrere et
Attone de Robert Large de monye quil ad ressu outre mere en ptie de
paiement de les xli prestres a John Wavyn ples gardenis de lan passe.

1435-1436.

Among the Entries of Apprentices in the 14th year of Henry VI--

It’ de Henr. Onkmanton le aprentice de Robert Large ij s

1437-1438.

Among the Issues of Apprentices in the 16th year of Henry VI--

It’ Randolffe Streete lappñtice de Robert Large ij s

Among the entries for the same year--

It’ John large } les appñtices de Robert Large iiij s
It’ Willm’ Caxston }

1438-1439.

Among the Wardens’ Receipts in the 17th year of Henry VI--

It’ Ils soy chargeont pour argent ressu p^r fynes de dius persones en
lo^r temps p^r ces qils fautent de chiuachier ouesqz le mair Robert
Large.

In the same account, under “fforein expenses.”

Item paie a xvi trumpetts le xxix i^r doctobre lan xviij^{me} du dit
Roy Hen vj^{me} pour le chiuachee de Robert large maij
v li vi s viij d

1440-1441.

From the Wardens’ Receipts in the 19th year of Henry VI--

It’ ils soy chargeont pour argent rescue des Executos Robert large del
legace du dit Robert xx li

In the same year, under the Issue of Apprentices--

It’ Thomas Neche qui fuist appñtice de Rob^t large ij s

In the next year, under the Issue of Apprentices--

It’ Rich Bonefant q fuist appñtice de Rob^t large ij s

1442-1443.

Among the Issues of Apprentices in 21 Henry VI--

Xrofer Heton appñtice de Rob^t large ij s

Among the Entries--

Richard large appñtice de Geffrey Felding ij s

Among the Issues of Apprentices in 22 Henry VI--

John Harrowe appñtice de Robert large ij s

Among the Issues of Apprentices in 25 Henry VI--

Richard Caxton s’unt de John Harrowe ij s

1448-1449.

In Foreign Expenses for the 27th year of Henry VI--

To Richard Burgh for berynge of a l’re our the See vj s viij d

1450-1451.

Under Foreign Expenses in the 29th year of Henry VI.--

Item. Paid to John Stubbes for Perys to the Gentilwoman of the
Duchesse of Burgeyn vj d

Item paid to Hewe Wyche for a writ directe to Sandewyche for the
Gownys of the Gentil womans of the duches of Burgeyn ij s vj d

1453.

Lan du grace m cccc liij Et del Roy Herry sizme puis le conqueste
xxxj^e

Under the heading “Entre en la lyvere pm’ An”--

It’ Emond Redeknape vj s viij d
It^m Richaert Burgh vj s viij d
It^m William Caxton vj s viij d

These names have been erased with the pen, and the following memorandum added beneath--“qz int’ debitores in fine copotꝰ.”

In the list of persons fined “qils fautent de chiuachier ouesque le mair Geffrey Felding” in the same year are the names of--

William Caxton iij s iiij d
Richard Burgh iij s iiij d
Thomas Bryce iij s iiij d
William Pratt iij s iiij d

1462-1463.

Under Foreign Expenses in the 2nd year of Edward IV--

Item for botehyre for to shewe to ye lords of ye cousell the
l’re y^t came from Caxton & ye felaship by yonde ye See vj d

1464-1465.

At the end of the Wardens’ Account for the 4th year of Edward IV--

Dettours.

Item. Ye ffelaship by yende ye see for yeir patents xlvij li x d

Among the Foreign Expenses for the same year--

Item to Jenyne Bakker, Currour, for berying of a letter to Caxton
ovir ye see xxviij s viij d

1465.

[Folio c xlj; recto.] Anno xiiij^e lxv^e.

Courte holden of the hole felyshipp the xvij^{th} daye of octobr’ the yere aboue written

* * * * *

[Sidenote: A lettre sent ou the see.]

Welboloued we grete you well certifiyng youe that as towchyng the
convencion of the lordes that was appoynted to begyn at sent Omers
the first daye of the p’sent moneth of october/ the whiche we trusted
vppon/ it is so that it holdith not/ Neu the lesse oure souaign lorde
the kyng Remembryng that thentrecourse expired the ffirst day of
Nouembre next comyng/ hath written a letter to the maire of london/
whereof ye shall receyue a copye closed in this letter/ And where as
the kyng by his lettre willeth that suche a p’sone as shulde go in
message for the brogacion of thentrecours shulde be p’vided in suche
fourme as ye may conceyve by the lettre it is thougth here that it
is not oure parte here in the Citie to take vppon vs a mater of so
grete weyght where that all tymes here to fore the kyng by thavise
of his lords of his Councell have made the p’vision in that behalfe
and vppon this we have labored to the mayre w^t the wardens of dius
felyshippes aventerers that he will write an aunsware to the kyng of
his lettre in the most plesunt wise that he can that it will pleas
his highnes by thavise of his Councell to p’vide for this mater for
the weall of all his subietts/ wherfore consideryng that the day
comyth nygh vppon and how that the kyngs wrytyng and his message
shalbe spedde from hens we are not certen/ wherfor we pray youe for
the welle of alle the kyngs subietts by thavise of the felishipp
there in as goodly hast as ye can labo^r for a meane by the whiche
yo^r p’sones & goods may be in suretie for a reasonable tyme/ and
in the mene whyle there com wrytyng from the kyng to the duke/ or
eles from the duke to the kyng if it will so happen for p’rogacion of
the same/ and suche costs as ye do vppon the suytt we will that they
be generally levied there in suche mañ and fourme as ye seme most
expedient/ written &c.

John lambert John Warde } Custoses.
a W. Caxton John Baker John Alburgh }

1466.

[Folio C xliiij.]

[Sidenote: ffor a lettre send from Caxton Gouerno^{r.}]

Courte of adventerers holden the iij^{th} (_sic_) day of June A°
xiiij^c lxvj. Hit is accorded by the said felishipp for by cause
of a lettre send from William Caxton and theryn a Copye of a lettre
sent to the said William by therle of Warwike for thabstinens of
bying Wares forboden in the dukes londes of Burgoyne by acte of
p’lement that a lettre shalbe made and sent to the said William by
the Custoses and Adventerers whiche is made and sent in the fourme
following &c.

[Sidenote: A lettre send ou to Caxton gouno^{r.}]

Right trusty Sir We grete youe well/ lettyng youe witt the daye of
makyng of this We receyved a lettre from you directed to the mayre
and vs written at Brudgs the xxvij^{th} daye of maye last past and
theryn closed a copye of a lettre directed to youe from oure good
lorde therle of Warwik whiche we haue well vnderstonde & conceyved/
and oppened it to our felishipp for whiche we desire and praye
youe/ in that youe is to consider and fulfill thentent made by acte
of p’lement and the speciall desire of oure forsaid lorde for the
publique weall of this lande and that due inqueraunce be made there
in that youe is for the complyshment of the same/ as right requyreth/
we willyng in no kynde the saide acte to be broken nor hurte by non
of oure felyshipp in that vs is and that the p’sones founde quycly yf
any suche be as god forbede that ye do correcion after th ordenauce
there made and thentent of yo^r lettre and as for yo^r desire of
aunsware of the lordes intent here as yitt we can not vnderstonde
their disposicion but as sone as we have knowlege ye shall haue
wittyng and as for the lettres that ye write ye shulde sent from
seint Omers we receyued non as yitt and as for any ioperdy that
shulde fall ye shall vnderstonde it ther soner than we here/ and if
we knowe of any ye shall have wrytyng &c.

Writ at london the iij^{th} day of June/

J. Tate/ J. Marshall/ Ed. Betts &
J. Broun Custoses of the mercery
& thaventerers of the same.

a Will^m Caxton Guno^r de la nacꝰ deng^{s.}
Envoye p’symond preste le iiij^{th} io^r de June.

1468.

[Folio xij recto.] Anno xiiij° lxviij°^{.}

[Sidenote: Parsones assiged to go in ambassate by the kynges commaundment.]

Courte holden the ix daye of Septembr the yere aboue writte hit was
accorded and agreede thot for asmoche as the kyng & his Counsell
desyred of the felisshipp to haue certen p’sones of the same to go ou
in Ambassat w^t dius Embassatos into fflaunders as for the enlargyng
of Wollen clothe that theis persones vnderwritten shulde be p’sented
to the kynges highnes & his Councell/ they to do as shall pleas them/

William Redeknape
John Pykeryng
William Caxton

[Same Folio and year.]

[Sidenote: Mony assigned to the said ambassatos for theire Costs.]

Courte holden the xxviij daye of Septebr’ the yere aboue said

hit is accorded that William Redenape and John Pykeryng shall haue in
honde xl li st’ling towarde thoire costs & charges for thambassatt
of thenlargyng of Wollen clothe in the Duke of Burguñ londes whiche
shalbe leyde oute of the cundith mony at this tyme receyued vnto the
tyme another Courte be had for the p’vision of the same by the advise
of the Aldermen of oure felyshipp.

MERCERS’ RECORDS.--RENTER WARDEN’S ACCOUNTS.

(_Mercers’ Hall, London._)

A folio Volume on paper, in the Archives of the Mercers’ Company, written in the 15th Century, being a continuation, on a different plan, of the “Wardens’ Accounts.”

It appears that about 1463-4 the wealth of the Mercers, especially in houses and lands, had so much increased, that it was found convenient, out of the four Wardens, to appoint one whose business it should be to keep an account of the Company’s estate. Accordingly every year a “Renter Warden” was chosen; and from this period the Rent-roll is the main feature in the books, the sum total only of the Fees and Expenses of the Company appearing under their separate heads.

1463-1464.

Under “Qwyterents.”--3rd Edward IV.

Item paid to ye Chamberleyn of Westm^r for y^e pye at
S Martyns Otewich for iiij t’m^s at Est’ A° iij^{co} xx s

1464-1465.

4th Edward IV.

Item to ye m’ of S Giles in y^e ffeld for tent^s at
S Martyns Oteswich vj s viiij d

Item to y^e Chamberleyn of yabbey of Westm^r fer ye
same xx s

1467-1468.

7th Edward IV.

Item paid for Rep’ac^s done at S Martyns Oteswich as
ap’ith by ye pap’ of yacopts/ as in tyleng and oy^r
yings xx s vj d obꝰ

1475.

A° xiiij c lxxv. Under the head “Discharge by Qwyterents of the
mercery.”

Paid to the Chambleyn of West^r for the pye xx s

Same year. Under “Qwyterents of Whet’” (Whittington).

The Ward^s of O^r lady brethered of seint Margaret at
Westm^r v s

1477.

A° xiiij c lxxvij. Under “Qwyterents of Whetyngton.”

It’ of the Wardeyns of O^r lady brethered of Seint
Margarets at Westminster v s

1484.

Under “Qwyterents.”

Itm to the Chawmburleyn of west^r for the grehound iiij s vj d

Under “Other paiements.”

For a dener kept at the grehound at the visitacion of
lyuelod xxvj s viij d
Itm for wesshyng of a tabyll cloth ij d

A° xiiij c lxxxiiij Under the same.

It’ of the ward^s of o^r lady brethered of seint
marg’ets at Westemest^r for their tentꝰ in
Aldermare v s

THE WILL OF ROBERT LARGE,

Citizen of London and Mercer, dated 11th April, 1441. The original copy is in the book, called “Rouse,” formerly deposited in the Prerogative Court, Doctors’ Commons, and now in the Probate Registry of the High Court of Justice. In Latin.

TRANSLATION.

~In the name of GOD Amen.~ On the eleventh Day of the month of April in the Year of our Lord One Thousand CCCC and forty one in the nineteenth Year of King Henry the Sixth after the conquest I Robert Large Citizen and Mercer of the City of London being in perfect health and memory do hereby make execute and ordain my Will in this manner First I bequeath and commend my Soul to Almighty GOD my Creater and Saviour to the Blessed Virgin Mary His Mother and to all the Saints and my body to be buried in the parish Church of St. Olave in the Old Jewry London to wit in the same place in which the body of Elizabeth my late wife lies buried which my body being buried I will and bequeathe first and principally that all and singular my debts shall be faithfully and entirely paid in full And afterwards I bequeath to the High Altar of the said Church of St. Olave that the Vicar of the same shall specially pray for the good of my soul C s Also I bequeath for the use of the structure of the same church to be applied wherever it shall be most requisite according to the sound discretion of the parishioners twenty marcs Also I leave twenty pounds for my executors to buy one set of vestments to be chosen according to the judgment of the aforesaid parishioners and such set of vestments I will to remain in the said church of St. Olave to serve for the glory of GOD so long as they shall last Also I bequeath two hundred marcs for the purpose of providing a Chaplain fit and honest and well instructed in those things which pertain to the holy offices to celebrate mass at the altar of the blessed Mary in the said church of St. Olave daily when it shall be appointed or otherwise according to the discretion of my wife and to be present at divine service at each hour appointed for prayer to officiate to pray and to minister according to the discretion of four approved most profitable for the salvation of my soul Also I bequeath to Alice my daughter one hundred pounds to be paid to her when she shall arrive at the age of twenty-one years to be spent in the purchase of furniture and utensils most necessary for her house according to sound advice and counsel Also I bequeath to Elizabeth my daughter five hundred marcs sterling and I will that the said Elizabeth my daughter together with the aforesaid five hundred marcs left by me as above to the said Elizabeth my daughter be and remain in the governance of the aforesaid Stephen Tychemerssh until the said Elizabeth my daughter shall arrive at the age of twenty years or be married he the said Stephen finding sufficient security in the chamber of Guildhall in the City of London according to the custom and usage of the said City to deliver up to the said Elizabeth my daughter the aforesaid five hundred marks sterling when the said Elizabeth my daughter shall arrive at the aforesaid age of twenty years or be married without rendering any other interest therefor only and except the reasonable support of the said Elizabeth my daughter And if the said Elizabeth my daughter shall happen to die unmarried or before the age of twenty years then I will that two hundred and fifty marks of the aforesaid five hundred marks left by me as above to the said Elizabeth my daughter revert to the said Alice my daughter if she shall survive and if she be dead then the said two hundred and fifty marks together with the other said two hundred and fifty marks remaining be at the disposal of and distributed by my executors in pious uses and works of charity for the good of my soul and the souls above mentioned in manner as afore is set forth Also I bequeath to the common box of the Mystery of Mercers of the City of London for the support of the poor of the said mystery twenty pounds Also I bequeath ten pounds to be disposed of according to the discretion of my executors in the purchase of a vestment to serve in the Mercers’ chapel in the church of St. Thomas of Acan London so long as it will last Also I bequeath to each convent of the four orders of mendicant friars in the City of London to pray for my soul forty shillings Also I bequeath to the convent of friars of the order of St. Cross near the Tower of London twenty shillings Also I bequeath one hundred shillings for the purchase of bedding linen and flannel according to the discretion of my executors to serve in the Hospital of St. Bartholomew in West Smithfield so long as they will last Also I bequeath one hundred shillings wherewith to purchase in like manner bedding for the new hospital called St. Mary Spital without the aforesaid thousand pounds left by me to him the said Thomas my son be and remain in the safe charge and government of the aforesaid Johanna my wife until the said Thomas my son shall arrive at the age of twenty-four years she the said Johanna my wife finding sufficient security in the Guildhall chamber of the city of London according to the manner and custom of the said City to deliver up to the said Thomas my son the aforesaid thousand pounds when he Thomas my son shall arrive at his aforesaid age of twenty-four years without rendering any interest therefor only and except the reasonable support of my said son Thomas Also I bequeath to Robert my son one thousand pounds sterling and I will that the said Robert my son together with the aforesaid thousand pounds so left by me as above to the said Robert my son be and remain in the safe charge and governance of the aforesaid Thomas Staunton my brother until the said Robert my son shall arrive at the age of twenty-four years the said Thomas Staunton finding sufficient security in the Guildhall chamber of the City of London according to the manner and custom of the said City to deliver up to the said Robert my son the aforesaid thousand pounds so left by me as aforesaid when the said Robert my son shall arrive as his aforesaid age of twenty-four years without rendering any interest therefor only and except the proper support of my said son Robert Also I bequeath to Richard my son one thousand pounds sterling and will that the said Richard my son together with the said thousand pounds so bequeathed by me to him as above shall be and remain in the safe custody and governance of the aforesaid Johanna my wife until Richard my said son shall arrive at the age of twenty-four years the said Johanna my wife finding sufficient security for the said thousand pounds in the same way as above specified And in case one or more of my said sons Thomas Robert or Richard shall die before reaching the said age of twenty-four years then I will and bequeath that the portion or portions of that my son or those my sons so dying before the age of twenty-four years shall revert to that one or those of my said sons surviving And if all my said sons shall die before arriving at the age of twenty-four years then I will and bequeath that the said three thousand pounds shall be disposed of and distributed by my executors in pious uses and works of charity for the good of my own soul and the souls of my parents my wives and my children also of my friends and benefactors for the souls of all I hold in esteem and of all the faithful departed this life in such way as my executors may consider to be better for the pleasing of GOD and among poor unmarried men and women desirous of marriage Also I bequeath to the parish church of Shakeston where my father lies buried a vestment of the value of ten pounds to serve in the same church to the glory of GOD so long as it will last Also I bequeath to the parish church of Aldester where my ancestors are buried a vestment of the value of ten pounds Also I leave to the parish church of Overton where some of my relatives are buried a vestment of the value of ten pounds Also I bequeath to Thomas Nyche my servant 1 marks Also to Richard Bonyfaunt my apprentice 1 marks Also I bequeath to Henry Onkmonton my apprentice 1 pounds Also I bequeath to Robert Dedes my apprentice xx marks Also I bequeath to Christopher my apprentice xx pounds Also I bequeath to William Caxton my apprentice xx marks Also I bequeath to John Gode my servant x pounds Also I bequeath to William Brydde my servant x marks Also I bequeath to William my kitchen servant xl shillings Also I bequeath to Katherine my servant x marks and to Isabella Lynde xl shillings Also I leave to William Sampson my servant at my manor of Horham five marks Also I bequeath to Peter my servant at the same place xl shillings and to Thomas my servant at the same place xxvj shillings and viij pence Also I bequeath to John de Ramsey servant of Isabella Boteley x marks on his marriage Also I bequeath to Richard Turnat the son of Johanna my wife xx pounds Also I bequeath C marks to be divided by my executors among the children of John Chirch Citizen and Mercer of the City of London who shall be living at the age of xxiiij years Also I bequeath to Thomas Staunton my brother if he will undertake the charge of executing this my will and will act with good diligence in this office C pounds Also I bequeath to Arnulph Strete Mercer on the same condition C marks and to Stephen Tychemerrsh on the same condition C marks Also I leave to Katherine my mother C marks Also I bequeath to Johanna my wife by way of gift and instead of her portion of all and singular my moveable goods and chattels by law belonging to her four thousand marks And in case that she Johanna my wife shall be dissatisfied with this my said legacy then I will that this my legacy to the said Johanna do cease and become void in law and that then the said Johanna my wife do have of my moveable goods and chattels only that portion to which she is entitled by law without any addition or advantage whatsoever Also I bequeath to Thomas my son one thousand pounds sterling and I will that the said Thomas my son together with parishioners of the aforesaid church for twenty years next after my decease the said chaplain taking for his annual salary ten marks to be paid and administered at the hands of my executors in order that he the said Chaplain may specially commend to GOD my soul and also the souls of Elizabeth and Johanna my wives Richard Herry my late master and the souls of all those whom I esteem and the souls of all the faithful departed Also I bequeath to the high altar of St. Margaret in Lothbury London C s Also I bequeath xx Pounds to be paid by my executors for the purchase of one set of vestments according to the expressed choice of the aforesaid parishioners which set of vestments I wish to remain in the said Church of Saint Margaret to serve for the worship of GOD so long as they shall last Also I leave xx pounds to be disposed of and divided by my executors among the more indigent poor men and women of the ward of Coleman Street Also four pounds to be divided by my executors among the Chaplains and Clerks in the Churches of St. Olave and St. Margaret aforesaid within two years next after my decease that is to say xl s each year in order that the aforesaid Chaplains and Clerks may pray for my soul Also I bequeath for the new making and construction of an aqueduct lately begun in the City of London CCCC marks to be paid within four years according to the discretion of my executors on condition however that the aforesaid aqueduct be completed within four years next after my decease and not otherwise Also I bequeath for the work of making and repairing London Bridge C marks to be paid within four years according to the discretion of my executors Also I bequeath for the cleansing of the Watercourse called Walbrook near the church of St. Margaret Lothbury and for the enlargement and upholding of the same church to be disposed of according to the wise discretion of my executors and four approved parishioners of that Church CC marks or more if necessary so that it do not exceed CCC marks Also I bequeath C marks to be disposed of according to the wise discretion of my executors for the marriage of ten poor girls of good character namely to each of these ten girls at her marriage ten marks whether in the country or in the City of London Also I bequeath C pounds to be divided by my executors among poor domestic servants in the counties of Lancashire and Warwickshire that is to say one poor manservant ten shillings and to another twenty shillings and to another forty shillings as occasion may require so long as the said C pounds may suffice Also I bequeath xx pounds to be distributed by my executors where it may be most needed Bishopsgate London so long as it will last. Also I leave five marks wherewith in like manner to purchase bedding for the hospital of the Blessed Saint Mary of Bethlehem without Bishopsgate aforesaid. Also I bequeath forty shillings wherewith in like manner to purchase bedding for the hospital of St. Thomas of Southwark near London. Also I bequeath six pounds wherewith in like manner to purchase bedding for the Lepershouses at Hakeney les lokes without the barriers of St George Southwark and of St Egidius beyond Holborn London namely to each of the said houses forty shillings Also I bequeath one hundred shillings wherewith to provide and purchase food and other things most necessary for the poor prisoners in Newgate London to be distributed according to the sound discretion of my executors Also I bequeath one hundred shillings to be distributed in like manner among the prisoners in Ludgate London Also I bequeath for repairs in the nave of the church of Thakstede five marks Also I bequeath for repairs in the body of the church of Chawrey in the county of Essex forty shillings Also I bequeath to Richard Foliet mercer twenty marks Also I bequeath to William Halle mercer lately my servant twenty pounds Also I bequeath to Agnes lately my servant forty shillings Also I bequeath to each of my two said daughters Alice and Elizabeth three cups with covers from among my cups called standing cups of silver-gilt whichever of such cups with the covers shall weigh twenty-four ounces and * * * *

[_one leaf of the original is here missing_]

the s^d Richard Turnat dying without male heirs lawfully begotten, then I will that all the above lands and tenements with their appurtenances shall revert to the male heirs of my before-mentioned son Robert Large. Provided nevertheless that if the s^d Richard Turnat shall take possession of all the aforesaid lands and tenements in Newton that then he shall be excluded entirely from the manor of Horham in the county of Essex with the lands and tenements and appurtenances belonging thereto.

Then follows the Probate, dated May 6th, 1441, and proved before Zanobio Mulakyn, Dean of the Church of St. Mary-le-Bow, London.

BRUGES RECORDS.--JUDGMENTS.

(_The Archives, Bruges._)

The following document is found in one of the many volumes of Records preserved in the Archives of the City of Bruges. Like the other volumes of this interesting series it is in manuscript coeval with the history it elucidates. The title at the beginning of the book is as follows:--

“Registre van alle zaken ghehandelt by Scepen van Brugghe, in huerl.
camere daer zy daghelicx vergaderen. Beghint in Septembre in ’tjaer
dunst vierhondert xlvij.”; or, “A register of all matters brought
under the notice of the Councillors of Bruges, in their daily session
assembled. Begun in the month of September, in the year one thousand
four hundred xlvij.”

(TRANSLATION.)

To all who see or hear these Presents--the Burgomasters, Sheriffs, and Council of the Town of Bruges send greeting. Be it known that William Craes, an English Merchant, Complainant, of the one part, and John Selle and William Caxton, English Merchants also, Defendants, of the other part, have this day appealed for justice before Roland de Vos and Guerard le Groote our Fellows, Sheriffs. The said Complainant says, that John Granton, Merchant, of the Staple at Calais, was bound and indebted to him in certain sums of money; that is to say, firstly in £60 sterling for and because of a certain obligation, and further, in the sum of £50 sterling on account of a certain exchange which had taken place between them, as well as for expenses and costs incurred in that matter, amounting on the whole to £110 sterling. For this sum he had caused the said John Granton to be arrested in the Town of Bruges, and that the said John being arrested, the said John Selle and William Caxton became sureties for him, in equity and law.

And because the said John had departed the Town of Bruges without having paid and satisfied him, or appealed for justice, he demanded that the said Defendants should be compelled and adjudged, as Sureties of the said John, to pay the said claim.

The said Defendants, in answer, acknowledged that in the manner aforesaid they had become Sureties to the said William Craes for the said John Granton, but submitted that the said John was quite solvent, rich enough, and would certainly pay the amount; requiring therefore that the said Complainant might seek his debt of the said John, who was the real debtor, and that they might be discharged from their said suretyship: disputing also the sum demanded by the Defendant on account of the said exchange, for certain reasons thereupon alleged; the aforesaid Plaintiff holding the validity of the said suretyship, and demanding as aforesaid; together with many other reasons submitted by the said parties. And after hearing the said parties on the said questions, with their arguments, as well as certain Merchants, that the said dispute had been determined by our Fellows, Sheriffs, who had adjudged and decided: That the said Defendants should, as the Sureties of the said John Granton, pay and satisfy the said William Craes, firstly in the said sum of £60, of which the said obligation made mention, and furthermore in the sum of £35 sterling on account of the said exchange and costs. And that, upon the surrender of the said obligation, good and sufficient security amounting to the two said sums of £60 and £35 sterling should be given; that in case at some future time the said John Granton should deny the debt of the said sums, or allege payment, that then, on the other hand, the said Plaintiff should be sentenced to render and repay the said two sums and more. Right of action being reserved to the said Defendants against the said John Granton, the original debtor, as law and equity direct.

In witness whereof, &c., 2 January (1449).

BRUGES RECORDS.--TOWN REGISTERS.

(_The Archives, Bruges._)

A Register written on paper in the fifteenth century, and containing Civil Judgments, given in the Town of Bruges during the years 1465-9.

(TRANSLATION.)

Whereas Daniel, son of Adrien, called Sheriff Daniel, Plaintiff of the one part, and Jeroneme Vento, for and in the name of Jaques Dorie,[13] Merchant of Genoa, Defendant of the other part, have promised and agreed to leave all the differences between them to the judgment and arbitration of William Caxton, Merchant of England, and Master and Governor of the English Nation in these parts; and of Thomas Perrot, as Arbitrators, and amicable Umpires and common friends, the said parties, and each of them, promising well and legally to abide by, observe and perform all that the said Arbitrators shall decide and adjudicate on the said differences, without opposition of any kind. And that the said Arbitrators having heard the pleas of the said parties, and formed thereon their sentence and judgment which they have reported to the full chamber of the Sheriffs of Bruges, it has been notified to the said parties, that, because the said William Caxton was unavoidably absent from the said City of Bruges, the said parties have been summoned before the said full chamber of the Sheriffs of Bruges, and have appeared. To whom has been signified the arbitration and judgment by the said Arbitrators, which was and is as follows; that is to say--That the said Jeroneme Vento, for and in the name of the said Jaques Dorie, shall pay to the said Scepheer Daniel promptly and in current money the sum of £4 gross; and that the said Jeroneme above-named shall advance to the said Sheriff Daniel another £4. gross, the said Scepheer Daniel, however, giving good surety to the said Jeroneme that he will repay the said sum of £4 gross which he had advanced, within the first four voyages, in whatever country it may be, that Sheriff Daniel may make with his vessel, that is to say, on each voyage £1 gross. Provided always, that in case the said Daniel shall not make a voyage with his said ship within the next six months, and that the said Daniel, or his sureties, shall be bound to pay and restore to the said Jeroneme Vento (without the said Jeroneme agree to a postponement) the other payments above-named. The observance of which judgment and arbitration by the said parties, and each of them, has been decreed in the said full chamber of Sheriffs of Bruges.

Done the 12th of May, 1469.

ISSUE ROLL OF THE EXCHEQUER.

Under the date of “Easter. 19 Edward IV, 15th June,” is the following:--

To William Caxton. In money paid to his own hands in discharge of 20
_l._ for the Lord the King commanded to be paid to the same William
for certain causes and matters performed by him for the said Lord the
King.

By writ of privy seal amongst the mandates of this term. 20 _l._

ST. MARGARET’S RECORDS.--CHURCHWARDENS’ ACCOUNTS.

(_In the Vestry of St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster._)

A Volume of biennial Accounts of the Churchwardens, audited by the chief Parishioners. Each Account is written on a quire of parchment, complete in itself: they vary considerably in size, but have been carefully bound in one Volume, and are in beautiful condition. The period included in this Volume is 1464 to 1503. The contents consist of--Receipts of Fees for Burials, Obits, &c.--Rents--Legacies and Gifts--Payments for Repairs--Salaries--Pew-rents--Collections--and other items.

1474.

“Comp’us Thome Frampton & Willī Stafford custod’ bonorꝰ & ornamentorꝰ eccliē p’ochial’ scē margarete Westm’ videl’t a xvij° die Maij A° regis Edwardi quarti post conq’m Angl’ quarto vsqu’ xxij diem eiusdem” * * *

In the List of Fees for Burial is--

“It^m rec^d de Oliver Cawston die sepult’ p’ iiij tapr’ viij d”

Among the Miscellaneous Receipts for 1476--

“It^m of a rewarde for a boke & a Chales lent to Sir
Ric’ Wideuyle xx d”

1478.

“Here folowith Thaccompt of John Wycam and of Nicholas Wollescroft Wardeins of the parisshe Churche of seynt margarete of Westm’ * * from the vij^{th} day of the moneth of may in the yere of our lord god M^e CCCC lxxviij * * * vnto the xviij^{th} day of may in the yere of our lord god M^l CCCC lxxx” * * *

In the List of Fees for Burial in the first year--

“It^m the day of burying of William Caxton for ij torchis
and iiij tapirs at a lowe masse xx d”

The amount paid does not appear large; but in a very long list of burial fees there are only four equal in amount, the common rate of fees being ij d, iiij d, or vj d.

1480.

The same Account. In the List of Fees for Burial in the second year--

“It^m the day of bureying of Jone large for ij tapers iiij d”

1481.

The Audit at the end of the same Account is as follows:--

“The whiche some of xxiij li. x s v d ob. q^a the forsaide wardeyns haue paid and delyued in the fulle Audite vnto william Garard and William Hachet their Successours togeder w^t the tresoures of and in the chirche aforeseid to them delyued in the begynnyng of this accompte * * in the presence of John Randolf squyer Richard Vmfrey gentilman Thomas Burgeys John Kendall notary William Caxton * * with other paryshyns” * *

1490-92.

In this Account among the Burial Fees for the first year--

“Item atte Bureyng of Mawde Caxston for torches and
tapres iij s ij d”

In the second year--

“Item atte Bureying of William Caxton for iiij torches vj s viij d”
“Item for the belle atte same bureyng vj d”

Here we remark again that in both these cases the fees paid are considerably larger than usual.

In the Accounts for 1496-8 among the Legacies, and their produce--

“Itm receyued by the handes of William Ryolle for oone
of thoo printed bokes that were bequothen to the
Churche behove by William Caxston vj s viij d”
“It^m receyued by the handes of the said William for a
nother of the same printed Bokes called a legend vj s iiij d”
“It^m by the hands of the parisshe prest for a nother
of the same legendes vj s viij d”

At the end of the Account--

“Memorand’ there remayneth in store to the said Chirch”
“It^m in bokes called legendes of the bequest of William
Caxton xiij”

Among the Payments at the end of the same Account--

“It^m paide for a supper gevyn vnto the Auditours
herynge and determenyng this accompt and to the newe
Chirch-wardeyns as it hath ben vsed and accustumed
here tofore xx s”

In the Accounts for 1498-1500--

“The Receites of Bookes called Legendes in the first yere of this accompte”--

“Fyrst Receyued of John Crosse for a prainted legende v s viij d”

“Item Receiued for a nother legende sold in Westmynster
halle v s viij d”
“Item Receiued of Willm gyfe for a nother of the same
legendes v s viij d”
“It^m receiued of the said Willm Geyfe for a nother
Legende v s viij d”
“Item R of Walter Marten for a nother legende v s xj d”

In the second year of the same account--

“Item R. of William Geiffe for ij legendes printed x s iiij d”
“It^m R of Daniell aforge for a printed legende v s x d”
“Item R of William Geiffe for a printed legende v s”
“Memorand’ ther remayneth in store to the saide chirch” * * *
“It^m in bokes called Legendes of the bequest of William Caxton iij”

In the Accounts for 1500-2 there are not entered any sales of “Legendes.”

“Ther remayneth in store to the saide chirche.” * * *
“Item a prynted legende booke of the bequeste of Will’m Caxton.”

ST. MARGARET’S RECORDS.

GUILD OF OUR LADY; WARDENS’ ACCOUNTS.

(_In the Vestry of St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster._)

A Volume of triennial Accounts of the Fraternity of our Blessed Lady Assumption, beautifully written on vellum, and in excellent preservation. It includes the period between 1474 and 1522, and is of very great interest in illustrating the customs of that period. The earlier as well as the later Volumes are not known to exist. The following are the principal headings of the various Accounts:--Arrears of Members--Rents received--Bequests and Gifts--Receipts for Obits of Members--Fees of new Members--Rents paid--Payments of Salaries--Wages--Annuities to Almsmen and Women--House-repairs--Wax Candles, and other expenses, for the Shrine of our Lady in St. Margaret’s Church--and Miscellaneous expenses.

(24th June, 1474, to 24th June, 1477.)

The first Account is headed--

“This is thaccompte of maister William Thirleby henry marble
gentilman and James Fytt maistres or Wardeyns chosen of the Frat’ñte
or gylde of oure blessed lady seint mary the virgyn w^tin the
p’issh chirch of seint margaret of the towne of Westm in the shire
of midd’ founded, that is to say from the fest of Natiuite of seint
John Baptist in the yere of y^e reigne of kyng Edward the iiij^{th}
after the conquest xiiij vnto the said fest of the Natiuite of seint
John the xvij^{th} yere of the reigne of the same kyng by three hole
yeres as it p’ticulerly appiereth in p’cellez here folowyng that is
to wete.”

Under Payments of Rent in the same Account--

“Also the said late maistres charge themsilf w^t a certeyn quite
rent due by John Randolff of london mercer for a licence of Fre entre
of comyng in and going out for his teñntes thurgh the gate and an
Alley called our lady Alley in the kynges Strete of the towne of
westm^r.”

In the same Account, under “thentre of diũes p’sones of new to the
said frat’nite” is “John Caxston vj s viij d.”

Also among the Payments--

“Diũers payments by the said late maisters for the said Fraternite *
* * of the which thay axe to be allowed in this accompt.”

“Of the money by them paid to the wardeins of the Craft of mercery of
london for certain quite rent going out of the teñ’t in the p’isshe
of Aldermarie Chirche of london at v s by the yere.”

The Fraternity appear also to have held tenements in King Street, Westminster, at Kensington, and at Stroud.

* * * * *

In the same Account, after the payment of six priests’ salaries--

“Costes and p’celles allowed by the hole Brotherhode toward
thexpences of the geñall fest in iij^{de} yere of this accompt.”

These “Costs and Parcels” occupy two full folio pages, and have yielded the following items:--

“A tonn of wyne vj li”
“Paide to John Drayton chief cok for his reward xxv s”
“Also for the hire of xxiiij doseyn of erthen pottes
for ale & wyne iiij s”
“Also for erthen potts broken & wasted at the same
fest vij s viij d”
“Also to iiij players for their labour xij s x d”
“Also to iij mynstrelles ix s x d”
“Also for the mete of diũes of strangers xvj s”
“Also for russhes ij s iiij d”
“Also for vj doseyn of white cuppes ij s”

* * * * *

“Also for portage and botehyre of the Turbut iiij d”
“Also for ix Turbutts xv s ij d”

In addition to scores of “Capons, chekyns, gese, conyes, and peiones,” (pigeons), the chief “cok” provided them with “swannys” and “herons,” with all sorts of fish, including oysters and “see pranys,” or prawns, with all kinds of meats and game, with jellies in “ix dosen gely disshes,” and with abundance of fruits. The quantity of ale, wine, and ypocras provided by the butler is marvellous, and one cannot wonder at the heavy entries for “pottes and cuppes broken, and wasted.” The Cook seems to have been paid much more liberally than the Wardens, who had but xxx s between them “for their dilligence.”

* * * * *

In the Accounts for 1490-3 are the Receipts of Rent from tenements, known as “The Maidenhead,” “The Sonne,” “The Rose,” and “The Wolstaple.”

Also, under payment of Rent--

“For a certayn Quit rent paid out of a litell teñt in the wolstaple to the mair of the staple at xx d by the yere.”

“Also for a certain Quit rent paid out of the Rents
in Alderm’ay p’isshe to John More Renter of the
Mercers xv s”

* * * * *

From “Rymer’s Foedera.” Folio. London. 1710. Vol. XI. 536.

(TRANSLATION.)

CONCERNING THE TREATY OF BURGUNDY.

The King to all whom it may concern, &c. Greeting.

Be it known that

Inasmuch as determinate arrangements concerning the intercourse of merchandise between our subjects and the subjects of our well-beloved Cousin the Duke of Burgundy have in a sure form and manner been accorded and agreed to in times past and since that time often renewed,

We,

Wishing on our part to hold good and observe such arrangements, and being well assured of the faithfulness and discretion of our well-beloved subjects Richard Whetehill, Knight, and William Caxton,

Do make, ordain and constitute, by these presents, the said Richard and William our true and accredited Ambassadors, Agents, Nuncios, and several Deputies;

Giving and Granting to our said Ambassadors, Agents, Nuncios, and Deputies, and to either of them, full power and authority and general as well as special commandment to meet, to enter into treaty and to communicate with our aforesaid Cousin or his Ambassadors, Agents, Nuncios, and Deputies delegated with sufficient powers for this purpose by our said Cousin, concerning and upon the continuation and renewal of the aforesaid Intercourse, and, should occasion require, to make and conclude new arrangements,

And to do and exercise all and singular other deeds which may be fit or necessary.

Promising, in good faith and on our kingly word, always to hold as ratified, acceptable, and binding, all and any the Acts and Deeds of our said Ambassadors, Agents, Nuncios, and Deputies, or either of them, as aforesaid, which may be done, performed, or done by procuration, in the foregoing matters, or any portion thereof.

As witness our hand at Wycombe, this 20th day of October (1464).

A SHEET OF PAPER IN THE NATIONAL RECORD OFFICE.

The manuscript is--

“To tharchedeacon of Westm’ that nowe is and for the tyme shalbe.
We, Richard FitzJames, Almoner and Counsaillor unto oure souverain
lord the King, and Richard Hatton, chaplayne and counsaillor vnto
our said souverain lord, greting in our Lord God euerlasting. And
whereas we, the said Richard and Richard, were appoynted, lymytted
and assigned by our said souverain lord and the lordes of his most
noble counsaill to examine, determyne and pacifie a certain variaunce
depending betwene Gerard Croppe of Westminster, taillour, of the
oone partie, and Elizabeth, the doughter of William Caxton, wif to
the said Gerard, of the othre partie; We, the vij^{th} daie of May,
the xj^{th} yere of our said souverain lord, had the said parties
before us in the Kinges Chapell within his palois of Westminster
at this appoyntement and conclusion by theire both assentes and
aggrementes:--That noon of theim, ne any othre for theim, shall
fromhensforth vexe, sue or trouble othre for any maner matier or
cause theim concernying for matrimony betwix theim before had; and
every of theim to lyve sole from othre, except that the said Gerard
shall mowe fynde the meanes to have the love and favour of the seid
Elizabeth. For thaccomplisshment of which aggrement eithre of theim
of their owne voluntarie willes bound theim self unto us by their
faithes and trouthes, and never to varie from their said promyses.
And therupon the said Gerard to have of the bequest of William
Caxton, the fadre of the said Elizabeth, xx^{ti} prynted legendes at
xiij s iiij d a legend. And the said Gerard to delyver a generall
acquitaunce unto thexecutours of William Caxton, her said fadre, for
their discharge in that behalf. And besides thies premisses both the
said parties were aggreed before us to be bound, eche to othre, in
C.li. by their dedes obligatorie with the condicions above wreten
to performe alle the premisses. In wittenesse whereof I, the said
Richard FitzJames, have to thies preseutes sette the seale of myn
office. And I, the said Richard Hatton, have setto my seal, and
eithre of us subscribed our names with oure owne handes, the xx^{ti}
daie of May the xj^{th} yere of the reigne of our said souverain
Lord.”

FOOTNOTES:

[13] Perhaps one of the celebrated Doria family of Genoa.

A DESCRIPTION OF BOOKS PRINTED IN

TYPE NO. 1.

_EXPLANATION OF TERMS._

5n, or QUINTERNION, means a section of five sheets folded together in
half = 10 leaves = 20 pages.

4n, or QUATERNION = 8 leaves = 16 pages. (See p. 132).

3n, or TERNION = 6 leaves = 12 pages.

RECTO is the right-hand page of an open book.

VERSO is the reverse, or the left-hand page.

A DIRECTOR is the name given to the small letter placed where the
Illuminator was intended to paint in a large initial.

LIST OF BOOKS IN TYPE NO. 1.

1. The Recuyell of the Histories of Troye 1474?
2. Le Recueil des Histoires de Troyes 1476?
3. The Game and Play of the Chess Moralised 1475-76?
4. Les fais et prouesses du noble et vaillant Chevalier Jason 147-?
5. Meditacions sur les Sept Pseaulmes penitenciaulx 1478?

BOOKS PRINTED IN TYPE NO. 1.

NO. 1.--THE RECUYELL OF THE HISTORIES OF TROY. _Translated 1469-71.
Folio. Without Place or Date. (1474?)._

COLLATION.--_Book I_ has fourteen 5ns and one 4n = 148 leaves, of which the first is blank. _Book II_ has nine 5ns, one 4n, and one 3n = 104 leaves. _Book III_ has ten 5ns = 100 leaves. _Total_ 351 printed leaves and one blank.

TYPOGRAPHICAL PARTICULARS.--Type No. 1 only. Lines of very uneven length; full lines measure 5 inches, but vary in different parts from 4¾ to 5¼ inches. 31 lines to a full page. Without signatures, catchwords, or numerals. Space is left, with a director, for 3 to 7-line initials. As may be seen by the collation, each book begins a fresh gathering, probably for the convenience of binding in three separate volumes.

Commencing the work with a blank leaf, Caxton’s preface follows, printed in red ink, and occupying the second recto.

The Text begins thus:--

~Ere begynneth the volume intituled and named
~h~ the recuyell of the historyes of Troye/ composed
and drawen out of dyuerce bookes of latyn in
to frensshe by the ryght venerable persone and wor-
shipfull man . Raoul le ffeure . preest and chapelayn
vnto the ryght noble gloryous and myghty prynce in
his tyme Phelip duc of Bourgoyne of Braband &c
In the yere of the Incarnacion of our lord god a thousand
foure honderd sixty and foure / And translated
and drawen out of frenshe in to englisshe by Willyam
Caxton mercer of y^e cyte of London / at the comaudemet
of the right hye myghty and vertuouse Pryncesse hys
redoubtyd lady . Margarete by the grace of god . Du-
chesse of Bourgoyne of Lotryk of Braband &c/
Whiche sayd translacion and werke was begonne in
Brugis in the Countee of Flaundres the fyrst day of
marche the yere of the Incarnacion of our said lord god
a thousand foure honderd sixty and eyghte/ And ended
and fynysshid in the holy cyte of Colen the . xix . day of
septembre the yere of our sayd lord god a thousand
foure honderd sixty and eleuen &c.~

~And on that other side of this leef foloweth the prologe~

Caxton’s Prologue begins on the verso of the same leaf, with space for a 4-line initial W.

~Han J remembre that euery man is bounden~

The first book commences on the fifth recto, with space for a 7-line initial W. The second begins on the 149th, and the third on the 253rd recto, the whole ending with some Latin rhymes on the 352nd recto, the verso being blank.

REMARKS.--No one speaking the English language can look at this patriarchal volume with indifference. Here, for the first time, our forefathers saw their language in print; and, could our interest in any way have been heightened, it would have been by knowing it to have been printed in our own instead of a foreign land. The history of its origin is shortly this. In the original French it was a favourite novel of the English and Burgundian courtiers, for, although nominally an account of the Trojan wars, it is really a series of love-scenes mixed with mythology and knight-errantry. The manuscript translation made by Caxton for the Duchess of Burgundy, whose court was at Bruges, having excited great interest, a demand arose for copies quicker than Caxton could supply them. The printing-press having been just established in that city by Colard Mansion, Caxton, whose thoughts were now homewards, determined to use it as a means of multiplying his translation, and of learning at the same time a new trade which would support him on his return to England. This he did at a great charge and expense, and then, having procured a new fount of types and all the necessary material, came over to England and erected his press at Westminster.

Fortunately this work cannot be reckoned among the rarities of Caxton’s press, as there are copies in the British Museum, Sion College, College of Physicians, London, at Oxford, Cambridge, Paris, and fourteen other libraries. The Duke of Devonshire gave £1060 10_s._ for a copy in 1812, the same copy having been purchased by the Duke of Roxburgh a few years previously for £50.

NO. 2.--LE RECUEIL DES HISTOIRES DE TROYES. _Composé en l’an de grace
1464. Folio. Without Printer’s Name, Place, or Date. (1476?)_

COLLATION.--_Book I_, twelve 5ns = 120 leaves, of which the first and last are blank. _Book II_, eight 5ns and one 3n = 86 leaves. _Book III_, eight 5ns = 80 leaves. _Total_, 284 printed and two blank leaves.

TYPOGRAPHICAL PARTICULARS.--Type No. 1 only is used. The lines for the greater part are spaced out to one length, being more even in this particular than the two English books in this type. A full page has 31 lines, without signatures, numerals, headlines, or catchwords. A space two to four lines in depth has been left at the commencement of each chapter for the insertion of an illuminated initial, a director being sometimes inserted.

The Text, 31 lines to a page, which is divided into three books, begins thus on the second recto, after a blank leaf:--

~Cy commence le volume Intitule le recueil des histoires
de troyes Compose par venerable homme raoul le feure
prestre chappellain de mon tresdoubte seigneur Monsei-
gneur le Duc Phelippe de bourgoingne En lan de grace.
mil.cccc.lxiii.:.~

and ends on the 286th verso.

~antiphoꝰ le roy estoriꝰ le roy prothenor et le roy obtomeꝰ.
˙ ⁚ ˙ Explicit ˙ ⁚ ˙~

REMARKS.--The history of the Trojan War, a favourite subject for several centuries with European writers, was the foundation of numerous romances. Of these the chief were the apocryphal history by Dares Phrygius, a Trojan priest, celebrated by Homer; the account of the same war by Dictys Cretensis, a supposititious historian; and the History of the Siege of Troy by Guido of Colonna, a native of Messina in Sicily, who wrote in the thirteenth century. The rise of these histories, their growth under the editorial care of successive scribes, the incorporation of incidents from other romances, and their final development in the compilation of “Le Recueil des Histoires de Troye,” form a curious and typical example of this class of literature. According to the unanimous testimony of all printed editions and all manuscripts of the complete work, “Le Recueil” was the composition of Raoul Lefevre, chaplain and secretary to Philippe le Bon, Duke of Burgundy: but in a manuscript copy of this work in the National Library, Paris, the first two books are attributed to Guillaume Fillastre. And this is remarkable--that Lefevre succeeded Fillastre (who was a voluminous author) in the office of secretary to the duke. Probably, finding his predecessor’s history unfinished, he took it up, and, after adding Book III, issued the whole under his own name. In that age a similar course was by no means uncommon, nor was it an infringement of any recognised literary right; we can hardly, therefore, with M. Paris, call it (even if true) “une grande fraude literaire.” On the other hand, several copies were issued with the name of Lefevre while Fillastre was yet living, and Caxton, who was contemporary with both writers, ascribes the whole work to Lefevre. Nor is there any noticeable variation in style between the two portions, as might be expected if composed by two authors; indeed the style of “Le Recueil” is the same as that of “Les fais du Jason,” an acknowledged work of Lefevre.

Steevens asserts that Shakspere derived the greater portion of his materials for the play of “Troilus and Cressida” from Lydgate’s metrical composition, “The last Destruction of Troy;” but Douce, in his “Illustrations,” is far nearer the truth in tracing the incidents employed by our great poet to Caxton’s translation of “Le Recueil des Histoires de Troye.” The latter was popular, and frequently reprinted in the 16th and 17th centuries, long after Lydgate’s laboured metre had become antiquated.

There is a perfect copy in the British Museum, besides a large fragment. The National Library, Paris, has a copy, and four others are in private libraries. A fragment of eight leaves was purchased some years ago by a bookseller, and made into four thick volumes, each volume having two printed leaves with a hundred blank leaves on each side. These were all disposed of as specimens to lie open in the show-cases of museums.

NO. 3.--THE GAME AND PLAY OF THE CHESS MORALISED. _(Translated
1475.) First Edition. Folio. Without Printer’s Name, Place, or
Date. (1475-76?)_

COLLATION.--Eight 4ns and one 5n = 74 leaves, of which the 1st and 74th are blank.

TYPOGRAPHICAL PARTICULARS.--Only one type, No. 1, is used throughout the work. The lines are not spaced out; the longest measure 5 inches; a full page has 31 lines. Without title-page, signatures, numerals, or catchwords.

The volume commences with a blank leaf, and on the second recto is Caxton’s prologue, space being left for a 2-line initial, without director.

The Text begins thus:--

~O the right noble/ right excellent & vertuous yrince
George duc of Clarence Erl of Warwyk and of
salisburye/ grete chamberlayn of Englond & leutenant
of Irelond oldest broder of kynge Edward by the grace
of god kynge of England and of frauce / your most
humble seruant william Caxton amonge other of your
Seruantes sendes unto yow peas . helthe . Joye and victo-
rye vyon your Enemyes / Right highe puyssant and~

The Text ends on the 73rd recto,

~And sende yow thaccomylisshement of your hye noble .
Joyous and vertuous desirs Amen :/: Fynysshid the
last day of marche the yer of our lord god . a . thousand
foure honderd and lxxiiii.˙.:.:.˙.~

The 74th leaf is blank.

REMARKS.--“Fynysshid the last day of Marche the yer of oure lord god a thousand foure honderd and lxxiiii.” The word “fynysshed” has doubtless the same signification here as in the epilogue to the second book of Caxton’s translation of the Histories of Troy, “begonne in Brugis, contynued in Gaunt, and _finysshed_ in Coleyn,” which evidently refers to the translation only. The date, 1475-76, has been affixed, because in the Low Countries at that time the year commenced on Easter-day; this in 1474 fell on April 10th, thus giving, as the day of the conclusion of the translation, 31st March, 1475, the same year being the earliest possible period of its appearance as a printed book.

The literary history of the “Game and Play of the Chess” does not appear to have hitherto received that attention which is its due. Before 1285, Ægidius Colonna had composed his renowned work entitled “De regimine principum,” which treats of self-government, domestic government, and national government. The “Liber de ludo Scachorum” of J. de Cessolis appears to have been based upon this work, its chief originality being the representation of the several stations and duties of life by the pieces used in chess. About the middle of the fifteenth century two distinct French versions were made. The earlier was probably that by Jean Faron, in 1347, who translated it literally from the original Latin. About the same time appeared the favourite and standard work of Jehan de Vignay, who took great liberties with the text, and added many stories and fables. Both these men were of the order of Preaching Friars, and seem to have worked quite independently of one another. Caxton’s edition was principally from the version of Jehan de Vignay, to whom he gives the title of “an excellent Doctor of Divinity, of the Order of the Hospital of St. John’s of Jerusalem,” which is remarkable, as in his preface Jean de Vignay styles himself “hospitaller de l’ordre de haut pas,” and he is so termed in all the manuscripts. On comparing the English and the two French versions, it is evident that Caxton must have been well acquainted with both. His prologue addressed to the Duke of Clarence contains, nominis mutatis, the whole of Jean de Vignay’s dedication to Prince John of France; while Chapters I and III are taken entirely from the translation of Jean Faron. The remainder of the book is from the version of Jehan de Vignay, with one or two special insertions evidently from the pen of Caxton himself.

To show the curious way in which Caxton adopted and adapted while translating, the dedication to the Duke of Clarence, hitherto considered as his own composition, is here given side by side with its French original.

CAXTON’S PROLOGUE TO “THE GAME AND PLAY OF THE CHESS.”

To the right noble / right excellent & vertuous prince George duc
of Clarence Erle of warwyk and of / salisburye / grete chamberlayn
of Englond & leutenant of Irelond oldest broder of kynge Edward by
the grace of god kynge of England and of fraūce / your most humble
seruant william Caxton amonge other of your seruantes sendes vnto
yow peas, helthe. Ioye and victorye vpon your Enemyes / Right highe
puyssant and redoubted prynce / For as moche as I haue vnderstand and
knowe / that ye are enclined vnto the comyn wele of the kynge our
said saueryn lord. his nobles lordes and comyn peple of his noble
royame of Englond / and that ye sawe gladly the Inhabitans of the
same euformed in good. vertuous. prouffitable and honeste manners.
Jn whiche your noble persone wyth guydyng of your hows haboundeth /
gyuyng light and ensample vnto all other / Therfore I haue put me in
deuour to translate a lityll book late comen in to myn handes out of
frensh in to englisshe / Jn which I fynde thauctorites. dictees. and
stories of auncient Doctours philosophes poetes and of other wyse men
whiche been recounted & applied vnto the moralite of the publique
wele as well of the nobles as of the comyn peple after the game and
playe of the chesse / whiche booke right puyssant and redoubtid
lord I haue made in the name and vnder the shadewe of your noble
protection / not presumyng to correcte or empoigne ony thynge ayenst
your noblesse / For god be thankyd your excellent renome shyneth as
well in strange regions as with in the royame of england gloriously
vnto your honour and lande / whiche god multeplye and encrece But
to thentent that other of what estate or degre he or they stande in
. may see in this sayd lityll book / yf they gouerned them self as
they ought to doo / wherfor my right dere redoubted lord I requyre
& supplye your good grace not to desdaygne to resseyue this lityll
sayd book in gree and thanke / as well of me your humble and vnknowen
seruant as of a better and gretter man than I am / For the right good
wylle that I haue had to make this lityll werk in the best wyse I can
/ ought to be reputed for the fayte and dede / And for more clerely
to procede in this sayd book I haue ordeyned that the chapitres ben
sette in the begynnynge to thende that ye may see more playnly the
mater wherof the book treteth &c.