Now! Then! 2024! - Yorkshire On This Day

Excerpt

Whereas our town of Leeds in our county of York is an ancient and populous town, and the inhabitants of the town and parish of Leeds for many years past have had and skilfully exercised the art or mystery of making and working woollen cloths, commonly called “northern dozens,” to their perpetual praise, and great increase of the revenue of the crown of England for the custom of the same cloths. And whereas we are informed by the humble petition of our beloved subjects, the clothiers and inhabitants of the said town and parish of Leeds, that the cloths heretofore made in the said town and parish have been sold and exported before other cloths of the country there, from their fit, good, and true workmanship and make, and that from the fame and estimation of the same cloths, diverse clothiers of the same town and parish had begun to make, and as yet endeavour to make deceptive cloths, and to dye the same with wood called logwood, to the damage and prejudice of us, subversion of the clothiers of the town and parish aforesaid, and discredit of the inhabitants there, if immediate remedy for that purpose be not applied, and that diverse other enormities and inconveniences for some time have sprung up, and do still increase, as well concerning the cloths aforesaid, as the town and parish aforesaid, which in no way can be reformed without good rule, by our royal authority and power, be established…. We have willed, ordained, granted, and appointed, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do will, ordain, grant, and appoint, that the aforesaid town of Leeds shall from henceforth for ever be and remain a free borough of itself. And that the said borough of Leeds, and the circuit jurisdiction and precinct thereof, from henceforth for ever shall extend and spread themselves, and shall and may be able to extend and reach into and through the whole town and parish of Leeds aforesaid. And that all houses, buildings, lands, waters, watercourses, soil, and ground, situate, lying, and being within the town and parish of Leeds from henceforth for ever may and shall be within the limits, metes [boundaries], bounds, and jurisdiction of the said borough of Leeds, and for ever shall be called and known by the name of the Borough of Leeds in the County of York.

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To facilitate reading, the spelling and punctuation of elderly excerpts have generally been modernised, and distracting excision scars concealed. My selections, translations, and editions are copyright.

Abbreviations:

• ER: East Riding
• GM: Greater Manchester
• NR: North Riding
• NY: North Yorkshire
• SY: South Yorkshire
• WR: West Riding
• WY: West Yorkshire

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Original

Charter of Incorporation of the Borough of Leeds. (Translation.) 2nd Charles I., 13th July, 1626.

The King to all to whom these presents shall come, greeting. Whereas our town of Leedes in our county of York, is an ancient and populous town, and the inhabitants of the town and parish of Leedes aforesaid, for many years past, have had, and skilfully exercised in the said town and parish, the art or mystery of making and working woollen cloths, commonly called in english “northern dozens,” to their perpetual praise, and great increase of the revenue of the crown of England for the custom of the same cloths. And whereas we are informed by the humble petition of our beloved subjects, the clothiers and inhabitants of the said town and parish of Leedes, that the cloths heretofore made in the said town and parish, have been sold and exported before other cloths of the country there, from their fit, good, and true workmanship, and make, and that from the fame and estimation of the same cloths, divers clothiers of the same town and parish had begun to make, and as yet endeavour to make deceptive cloths, and to dye the same with wood called logwood, to the damage and prejudice of us, subversion of the clothiers of the town and parish aforesaid, and discredit of the inhabitants there, if immediate remedy for that purpose be not applied, and that divers other enormities and inconveniences for some time have sprung up, and do still increase, as well concerning the cloths aforesaid, as the town and parish aforesaid, which in no way can be reformed without good rule, by our royal authority and power, be established. And thereupon they most humbly have besought us, so far as we are able, and inasmuch as we may be willing in this behalf, most graciously to extend our royal favor and munificence to the same inhabitants, and that we would vouchsafe by our letters patent, to make, constitute, and create, for the more honorable and better rule and government and improvement of the town and parish aforesaid, the said inhabitants into a body corporate and politic, and also the town aforesaid into a borough, with a grant of certain liberties, privileges, immunities, and franchises, as to us better should seem fit to be made. We considering the premises, and willing that henceforth for ever there should continually be had, one certain and undoubted manner, as well for direction of the artificers, as for keeping the peace, good rule, and government of our people there, and that our peace be kept, and other acts of justice there be done, without further delay; and hoping that if the inhabitants of the town and parish aforesaid, should enjoy by our grant, more ample honours, liberties, and privileges, that then they will feel themselves more especially and stronger bound to perform services which it may be in their power to bestow upon us our heirs and successors. Of our special grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion, we have willed, ordained, granted, and appointed, and by these presents, for us our heirs and successors, do will, ordain, grant, and appoint, that the aforesaid town of Leedes, in the aforesaid county of York, shall from henceforth for ever, be and remain a free Borough of itself; and that the said borough of Leedes, and the circuit jurisdiction and precinct thereof, from henceforth for ever shall extend and spread themselves, and shall and may be able to extend and reach into and through the whole town and parish of Leedes aforesaid. And that all houses, buildings, lands, waters, watercourses, soil, and ground, situate, lying, and being within the town and parish of Leedes aforesaid, from henceforth for ever, may and shall be within the limits, metes, bounds, and jurisdiction of the said borough of Leedes, and for ever shall be called and known by the name of the Borough of Leedes in the County of York. And that all and singular the inhabitants of the aforesaid town and parish of Leedes, and their successors, from henceforth for ever may, and shall be a body corporate and politic, in matter, fact, and name, by the name of the Alderman and Burgesses of the Borough of Leedes in the County of York; and them by the name of alderman and burgesses of the borough of Leedes in the county of York, one body corporate and politic in matter, fact, and name, really and fully, for us, our heirs and successors, by these presents, we do erect, make, ordain, create, constitute and declare. And that by the same name they shall have perpetual succession; and that they, by the name of the alderman and burgesses of the borough of Leedes in the county of York, may and shall be, at all times to come, persons able, and in law capable, to have, purchase, receive and possess lands, tenements, liberties, privileges, jurisdictions, franchises, and hereditaments, of whatsoever nature, kind, or species they may be, to them and their successors, in fee and perpetuity; and also goods and chattels, and all other things of whatsoever, nature, kind, or species they shall be. Also to give, grant, demise, and assign lands, tenements, and hereditaments, goods and chattels, and to do and execute all other acts and things by the name aforesaid. And that by the same name of alderman and burgesses of the borough of Leedes in the county of York, they may and shall be able to plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend and be defended, in whatsoever courts and places, and before whatsoever judges and justices, and other persons and officers whomsoever, of us our heirs and successors, in all suits, plaints, pleas, causes, matters, and demands, real, personal, or mixed whatsoever, as well spiritual as temporal, of whatsoever kind, nature, or species they be, in the same manner and form as any other our liege subjects of this our realm of England, being persons able, and in law capable, may and can plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend and be defended, and that may be able to have, purchase, receive, possess, give, grant, and demise. And that the alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors for ever, may have a common seal, to serve for transacting all causes and businesses whatsoever, of them and their successors, and that it shall and may be lawful for the same alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, the said seal at their pleasure, from time to time to break, change, and new make, as to them shall seem best to be done. And further we will and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant and ordain, that from henceforth for ever, there may and shall be, within the borough aforesaid, one of the more honest and discreet burgesses or inhabitants of the borough aforesaid, in the form below in these presents mentioned to be elected, who shall be and shall be named the alderman of the borough aforesaid. And that in like manner there may and shall be within the same borough, nine of the more honest and discreet burgesses or inhabitants of the borough aforesaid, also in the form below, in these presents mentioned to be elected, who may and shall be, and shall be called the principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid. And also we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant and ordain that from henceforth for ever, there may and shall be within the borough aforesaid, twenty other of the more honest and discreet men continually dwelling within the borough aforesaid, who shall be and shall be called assistants of the borough aforesaid. And further we will and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that the principal burgesses and assistants of the borough aforesaid for the time being, and their successors shall be, and shall be called the Common Council of the borough aforesaid, and that they shall be from time to time assisting and aiding to the alderman of the borough aforesaid, in all causes, things, and matters, touching or concerning the borough aforesaid. And further we will, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that the alderman and common council of the borough aforesaid, and their successors for the time being, or the greater part of them, (of whom the alderman for the time being we will to be one,) shall and may have full power and authority to enact, constitute, ordain, make and establish, from time to time, such reasonable laws, statutes, and ordinances, which to them shall seem to be good, wholesome, useful, honest, and necessary, according to their sound discretion, as well for the fit, good, true, and perfect working, making, and dyeing of cloths from time to time, to be made within the borough aforesaid, as for the good rule and government of the burgesses, artificers, and inhabitants of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, and for declaring in what manner and order the aforesaid alderman, principal burgesses, and assistants, and artificers, inhabitants, and residents of the borough aforesaid, shall behave, carry, and conduct themselves in their offices, functions, and businesses within the borough aforesaid, and the limits thereof, and otherwise for the further good and public utility and rule of that borough and victualling of the same borough. Also for the better preservation, government, disposition, letting, and demising of the lands, tenements, possessions, and hereditaments given, granted, assigned, or confirmed, or hereafter to be given or assigned to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses and their successors, and touching or in any way concerning all other things and causes whatsoever of the borough aforesaid, or the estate, right, and interest of the same borough. And that they and their successors, by the alderman and common council of the borough aforesaid for the time being, or by the greater part of them as aforesaid, as often as they shall have enacted, made, ordained or established in form aforesaid, such laws, statutes, and constitutions, shall be enabled to impose and assess such reasonable pains, penalties, and punishments by imprisonment of the body, or by fines and amercements, or by both of them, in and upon all delinquents offending against such laws, statutes, and ordinances, or against any one or more of them, as and which shall seem to be reasonable and requisite to the same alderman and common council of the borough aforesaid for the time being, or the greater part of them as aforesaid. And also shall and may levy and have such fines and amercements without hindrance of us, our heirs or successors, all and singular which laws, statutes, and constitutions so as aforesaid to be made, we will to be observed under the penalties contained in the same. So nevertheless that such laws, statutes, ordinances and constitutions, imprisonments, fines, and amercements, be not repugnant or contrary to the laws, statutes, customs, or rights of our realm of England. And that it shall and may be lawful for the same alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid and their successors, to levy, receive, and have the same fines, and amercements, by themselves or by their officers and ministers, and to put themselves in seisin thereof, to the sole and proper use and behoof of the same alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, without account or any thing therefore to be rendered, paid, or made to us, our heirs or successors. And for the better execution of our said grants in this behalf, we have assigned, nominated, constituted, and made, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, Do assign, nominate, constitute, and make our beloved Sir John Savile, knight, to be the first and present alderman of the borough aforesaid, willing that the same John Savile shall be, and shall continue in the office of alderman of the same borough from the making of these presents, unto the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel next following, after the date of these presents, and from that feast, until one of the principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid in due manner shall have been elected made and sworn to that office, according to the ordinance and constitution below in these presents declared, if the same John Savile shall so long live. Also we have assigned, nominated, constituted, and made, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do assign, nominate, constitute, and make our beloved Ralph Hopton, esquire, Seth Skelton, gentleman, John Harrison, gentleman, John Hodgson, gentleman, Samuel Casson, gentleman, Richard Sikes, Robert Benson, Thomas Metcalfe, and Joseph Hillary, to be the first and present principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, to continue in such office during their natural lives, unless they or any of them in the mean time shall be removed from such office for bad government, or badly conducting themselves in that behalf, or for any other reasonable cause, according to the true intention of these our letters patent. Also we have assigned, nominated, constituted, and named, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do assign, nominate, constitute, and make our beloved Benjamin Wade, William Busfeild, George Killingbecke, William Marshall, the elder, Ralph Cooke, Edward Killingbecke, Francis Jackson, Walter Haycocke, John Cowper, Henry Watkinson, Abraham Jenkinson, James Sikes, Robert Pease, George Dixon, Ralph Crofte, Peter Jackson, William Stable, John Jackson, Christopher Preston, and John Hargrave, to be the first and present assistants of the borough aforesaid, to continue in such office during their natural lives, unless in the mean time, they, or any of them, shall be removed from such office for bad government, or badly conducting themselves in that behalf, or for any other reasonable cause, according to the true intent of these our letters patent. And further we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, and to the common council of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, or the greater part of them from time to time, and at all future times, that they shall and may have full power and authority, yearly, and every year, on the day and feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, if it be not sunday, and if it be sunday, on the day next following, themselves or the greater part of them, to be assembled in the common hall, or in any other convenient place within the borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their discretion, and there to continue until they or the greater part of them then there assembled, shall then have nominated and elected one of the principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, to be alderman of the borough; and that he, after he shall have been so as aforesaid nominated and elected as alderman of the borough aforesaid, before he be admitted to execute such office, shall take a corporal oath upon the holy evangelists of God, yearly, within seven days next following the day of his election, before the last alderman, his predecessor, or in his absence, before two or more of the principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, in the presence of such other principal burgesses and assistants of the borough aforesaid, who shall then be present in the common hall, or other convenient place within the borough aforesaid, as aforesaid, rightly, well, and faithfully to execute the office of alderman of the borough aforesaid, in and through all things touching that office, and that after such oath so taken, he shall, and shall be able to execute the office of alderman of the borough aforesaid, unto the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel then next following, or longer, until one other from the principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, shall have been in due manner elected, made, and sworn, as alderman of the borough aforesaid, according to the ordinances and constitutions above declared. And further we will, and and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that if it should happen the alderman of the borough aforesaid for the time being, at any time hereafter, within one year after he shall have been made and sworn to the office of alderman of the borough aforesaid, die, or be removed from his office, (which same alderman not conducting himself well in such office, or for any other reasonable cause, we will to be removable at the good pleasure of the principal burgesses and assistants of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, or the greater part of them who shall then be present, so that the greater part of the principal burgesses be then present), that then and so often it shall and may be lawful for the aforesaid principal burgesses and assistants of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, themselves, or the greater part of them, (within convenient time after the death or removal of the said alderman) to assemble in the common hall, or other convenient place within the borough aforesaid as is aforesaid, and there to elect, nominate, and make, one good and fit man of the principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, as and for alderman of the borough aforesaid, in the place of the said alderman so dead, or removed from his office, and that he so elected and made to the office of alder man (first taking his corporal oath in the form aforesaid, before two or more of the principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, for the time being), shall have and execute that office during the residue of the same year, and from thence until another of the principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, shall be duly elected and sworn to such office, and that as often as the case shall so happen. And if it shall happen that any one or more of the aforesaid nine principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, die, or be removed, or depart from his or their office of principal burgess or principal burgesses (which said principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, or any one or more of them, for any reasonable cause, we will to be removable at the good pleasure of the alderman and others of the common council of the borough aforesaid, or the greater part of them (of whom the alderman for the time being we will to be one) that then and so often it shall and may be lawful for the aforesaid alderman, and others of the common council of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, then surviving and remaining, or the greater pan of them (of whom the alderman we will to be one), to elect, nominate, and make, one other or others of the assistants of the borough aforesaid, into the place or places of him, or those principal burgess or principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, so happening to die, be removed, or departed, to complete the aforesaid number of nine principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and that he or they, so as aforesaid, elected and made to the office or offices Of principal burgess or principal burgesses, shall take his or the ir corporal oath, upon the holy evangelists of God, in the presence of as many of the common council of the borough aforesaid, who shall then be present, well and faithfully to execute such office, and shall be of the number of the aforesaid nine principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, to be continued in such office during his or their natural life or lives, unless in the mean time, in the form aforesaid, he or they shall be removed, and this as often as the case shall so happen. And whensoever it shall happen that any one or more of the assistants of the borough aforesaid, shall die, or be removed, or depart from his or their office of assistant or assistants of the borough aforesaid, (which same assistants of the borough aforesaid, and any one or more of them, for any reasonable cause, we will to be removable at the good pleasure of the alderman and others of the common council of the borough aforesaid, or the greater part of them, (of whom the alderman of the Txtrough aforesaid for the time being we will to be one), that then and so often, it shall and may be lawful for the aforesaid alderman and others of the common council of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, then surviving and remaining, or the greater part of them, (of whom the alderman we will to be one), to elect, nominate, and make, one other or more others, of the inhabitants of the borough aforesaid, into the place or places aforesaid, of him or those assistant or assistants of the borough aforesaid, so dead, removed, or departed, to complete the aforesaid number of twenty assistants of the borough aforesaid, and that he or those so as aforesaid, elected and made to the office or offices of assistant or assistants of the borough aforesaid, shall take his or their corporal oath, upon the holy evangelists of God, before the alderman or two or more principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, in the presence of so many of the common council of the borough aforesaid, who shall then wish to be present, well and faithfully to execute such office, and he or they shall be of the number of the aforesaid twenty assistants of the borough aforesaid, to continue in such office during his or their natural life or lives unless in in the mean time in the form aforesaid, he or they shall be removed, and this as often as the case shall so happen. And we will that the aforesaid John Savile above in these presents named to be the first and present alderman of the borough aforesaid, before that he be admitted to execute that office, shall take his corporal oath upon the holy evangelists of God, well and faithfully to execute the office of alderman of the borough aforesaid, in and through all things touching and concerning that office, before our beloved Sir Thomas Savile, knight, Richard Sunderland, and John Key, esquires, or two or one of them, to which said Thomas Savile, Richard Sunderland, and John Key, and to two or one of them, we do give and grant by these presents, full power and authority to give and administer such oath as aforesaid to the aforesaid John Savile, without any other commission or warrant in that behalf to be procured or obtained from us, our heirs or successors. Also we will and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do appoint and ordain that the principal burgesses and assistants of the borough aforesaid above in these presents particularly named. Also all and singular other principal burgesses and assistants. Also all and singular alderman of the borough aforesaid, hereafter from time to time in future, before they, or any of them be admitted to execute any of their respective offices, they and every of them, shall take their corporal oath upon the holy evangelists of God, well and faithfully, in and by all things, to execute their offices to which they, or either of them, had been respectively elected and made, before the alderman or two principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, in the presence of so many of the common council of the same borough who shall then be present; to which said alderman for the time being, and in his absence to two of the principal burgesses aforesaid for the time being, by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, we do give and grant full power and authority to give and administer such oath us aforesaid, to all and singular, the aldermen, principal burgesses, and assistants of the borough aforesaid, hereafter from time to time respectively in future to them, and every of them without any further warrant or commission to be procured or obtained from us, our heirs or successors, in that behalf. And moreover for us, our heirs and successors, of our special grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion, we do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that if any one or more of the burgesses or inhabitants of the borough aforesaid, who hereafter shall be elected or nominated to the office of alderman, principal burgess, or assistant of the borough aforesaid, and upon having notice or knowledge of such election and nomination, shall refuse, or deny to accept, and take upon themselves, and to execute such office to which he or they have been elected and named, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful for the alderman and common council of the borough aforesaid for the time being, or the greater part of them, to tax and impose upon him, or them, so refusing, and denying to exercise such office or offices to which he or they shall have been so named and elected, reasonable fines and amercements, as to the same alderman and common council, or the greater part of them for the time being shall appear to be reasonable, and in default of payment of such fines and amercements to take him or them, and commit them to the gaol of the borough aforesaid, and there retain him or them, until he or they shall have paid, r,r cause to be paid, such fines or amercements; or otherwise to levy the same fines and amercements upon their goods and chattels within the borough aforesaid, and receive the same to the use of the said alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors. And further of our more ample special grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion, we will and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that they and their successors from henceforth for ever, may and shall have within the borough a discreet man, and learned in the laws of England, who shall be, and shall be named, the recorder of the borough aforesaid, and in the absence of the aforesaid recorder, shall and may have one other discreet person, and learned in the laws, to be deputy of the recorder aforesaid, and to do and execute all and singular those things which are incumbent to the office of recorder. And for the better execution of our will and grant in this behalf, we have assigned, nominated, constituted and made, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do assign, nominate, constitute, and make our beloved John Clayton, esquire, learned in the laws of England, to be the first and present recorder of the borough aforesaid, to be continued in office during his natural life, which said John Clayton, and every other person hereafter to be elected to such office of recorder of the borough aforesaid shall take his corporal oath upon the holy evangelists of God before the alderman of the borough aforesaid for the time being, rightly, well, and faithfully, in and through all things to do and execute all and singular, that belongs to the office of recorder of the borough aforesaid, and that from time to time, and at all times after the death of the aforesaid John Clayton, it shall and may be lawful for the alderman and common council of the borough aforesaid for the time being, or the greater part of them, (of whom the alderman we will to be one,) to elect and make another good and discreet man, learned in the laws of England, aa recorder of the borough aforesaid, and also in the life time of the said John Clayton, and afterwards, at all future times for ever, after the death of the said John Clayton, to elect and make one other person to be deputy recorder as aforesaid, to be continued in the said offices of recorder and deputy recorder as aforesaid, during the good pleasure of the alderman and common council, or the greater part of them for the time being, (of whom the alderman always for the time being we will to be one,) a corporal oath by the recorder and deputy recorder, respectively in the form aforesaid first to be taken, and this as often as the case shall so happen. Wherefore we will and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do give and grant to the alderman of the borough aforesaid for the time being, full power and authority from time to time, to give and administer such oath as aforesaid, as well to the aforesaid John Clayton, as to every other person or persons hereafter, from time to time elected as recorder of the borough aforesaid, or his deputy, and this without further warrant or commission in any way to be demanded or sued out, from us, our heirs or successors. Also we have granted and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough of Leedes aforesaid, and their successors, that the alderman, recorder, and principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, from henceforth for ever, may and shall be justices of us, our heirs and successors, and every of them, may and shall be a justice of us, our heirs and successors, to preserve and keep, and cause to be preserved and kept, the peace of us, our heirs and successors, in the same borough, and the liberties and precincts thereof. Also to preserve, correct, and keep,or cause to be preserved, corrected, and kept, the statutes concerning labourers and artificers, weights and measures, within the borough aforesaid and the liberties and precincts thereof. And that the same alderman, recorder, and principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, or any three or more of them, (of whom the alderman, recorder, and two of the senior principal burgesses in grade and order of the borough aforesaid for the time being, we will to be two,) shall have full power and authority to acknowledge, inquire, hear, and determine all things and matters, as well concerning all felonies, trespasses, misprisions,and extortions,as concerning all and all manner of other causes of complaints, and misdoings whatsoever, happening or arising within the same borough, and the liberties and precincts thereof, as fully, freely, and wholly, as other keepers of thepeace assigned and to be assigned in the aforesaid county of York, or in any part thereof, without the borough, liberties, and precincts thereof, have or in anywise in future can have. So nevertheless that they by no means proceed, nor any one or more of them proceed, to try or determine any treason, murder, or felony, or any other matter of thing touching the loss of life or limb, within the borough aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof; and that no keeper of the peace, assigned or to be assigned, in the said county of York, or justice of labourers, servants, or artificers, in the same county, shall in anywise introduce himself or themselves within the borough aforesaid, or the liberties and precincts thereof, nor shall enter to do and execute anything arising within the borough aforesaid, or the liberties and precincts thereof, belonging to such office of justice. And further we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that the alderman, recorder, and principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, so as aforesaid, being in the office of justice of the peace, or any two or more of them, (of whom the alderman or recorder, or one of the two senior principal burgesses of the grade and order aforesaid, we will to be one), by their warrants in writing, signed, subscribed, and sealed with their own proper hands, shall and may be able to send all such, and so many persons, who hereafter shall be taken, arrested, attached, or found in the borough aforesaid, or the liberties or precincts thereof, for treason, murder, manslaughter, felony, or robbery, done or to be done, or for suspicion of any such offence or crime, to the common gaol of our county of York aforesaid, there to remain to be tried and answer for their offences, before the justices of us, our heirs and successors, assigned or to be assigned, to hear and to determine, and to deliver the gaol of the said county; Willing and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, commanding, as well the sheriff of the county of York aforesaid, as the keeper of the common gaol of the same county for the time being, that they and every of them, upon such warrant made by the aforesaid justices of the peace within the borough aforesaid, for the time being, or such two or more of them, as aforesaid, and directed to them or either of them, all and such like persons so as aforesaid, by the aforesaid justices of the peace within the borough aforesaid, taken, arrested, attached, or found in the aforesaid borough, or the liberties or precincts thereof for the aforesaid treason, murder, manslaughter, felony, or robbery, done or to be done, or for suspicion of the same offences, and so as aforesaid sent to the aforesaid common gaol of the aforesaid county of York, do receive and safely keep them, and there to remain to be tried for their offences as aforesaid; and these our letters patent or the inrolment thereof, shall be to the aforesaid sheriff and keeper, of the common goal aforesaid, for the time being, a sufficient warrant and discharge in that behalf. Nevertheless we will that the aforesaid John Savile, above in these presents named to be the first and present alderman of the borough aforesaid, before he be admitted to the execution of the office of a justice of peace within the borough aforesaid, shall take his corporal oath upon the holy evangelists of God, well and faithfully to execute the office of justice of the peace within the borough aforesaid, in and through all things touching that office, also the oath in that behalf provided by the laws and statutes of this our realm of England, and required to be taken by a justice, before the aforesaid Sir Thomas Savile, knight, Richard Sunderland, and John Key, or two or one of them, to which same Thomas Savile, Richard Sunderland, and John Key, and to two or one of them, we do give and grant, by these presents, full power and authority to give and administer such oath as aforesaid, to the aforesaid John Savile, without any commission or further warrant in that behalf, to be procured from us our heirs or successors. Also we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do appoint and ordain, that every alderman of the borough aforesaid, hereafter in future, and also all and singular recorders, and the senior principal burgesses, of the borough aforesaid, of the grade and order as aforesaid, as well present as to come, being in the office of justice of the peace there, by virtue of these presents, before they or either of them, are or is admitted to execute the office of justice of the peace there, they and every of them, shall take a corporal oath upon the holy evangelists of God, well and faithfully to execute such office, also the oath in that behalf provided by the laws and statutes of this our realm of England, required to be taken by a justice of the peace, before the alderman of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, or in case of death or absence of the alderman for the time being, before two or more principal burgesses of that borough for the time being, to which same alderman for the time being, and, in case of death or absence of the alderman for the time being, we do give and grant, by these presents, for us our heirs and successors, full power and authority to two or more of the principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, to give and administer such oath as aforesaid, to all and singular persons so respectively appointed or to be appointed to the office of justice of the peace of the borough aforesaid, by virtue of these presents, without any other commission or further warrant in that behalf, to be obtained from us, our heirs or successors. And further we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, that they and their successors from henceforth for ever, may and shall have, and be able to have, in the borough aforesaid, two officers, who shall be, and shall be called sergeants-at-mace, to be obedient to, and execute such things which may be commanded them, by the alderman, recorder, and principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid for the time being, and they shall be from time to time attendant in and upon the alderman of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, which same serjeants-at-mace, from time to time shall be nominated by the alderman of the borough aforesaid for the time being; and that the said sergeants-at-mace so nominated and elected, may and shall bear, and be able to bear and carry gilt or silver maces, engraven and adorned with the impression of the arms of us, our heirs and successors, wheresoever within the borough aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof. And further we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that the alderman and principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid for the time being, or the greater part of them, (of whom the alderman we will to be one), from year to year may elect, from the principal burgesses or other burgesses or inhabitants of the borough aforesaid, one coroner, and also one clerk of the market, which said coroner and clerk of the market, and either of them respectively so elected and made, for ever shall respectively have and exercise the office of coroner and clerk of the market, within the borough aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof, in all things happening or arising in future, within the borough aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof, which shall or may belong to the office of coroner, or to the office of clerk of the market, and who may and shall in future occupy and execute, by all lawful means they can, all things touching the office of coroner and clerk of the market, as fully, freely, and wholly, and in as ample manner and form as any other coroner or clerk of the market in any of our counties, in our realm of England, exercise such offices upon matters happening or arising within any such other county of this our realm of England, without let or impediment of us, our heirs or successors, or of any officer or minister of us, our heirs or successors, whomsoever. Also we have given and granted, and by these presents, do give and grant for us, our heirs and successors to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, all and all manner of fines, forfeitures, issues, and amercements imposed, or forfeited, before the justices and keepers of the peace of the said borough in their sessions holden within the borough aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof, and to levy the same to the own proper use and behoof of the said alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid for the time being, by their officers without account or any other thing therefore to be rendered paid or made to us, our heirs and successors. Also we have granted and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do give and grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that the burgesses and inhabitants of the borough aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof for the time being, or any one or more of them from henceforth shall not be constrained nor compelled to appear before any keepers or justices of the peace, of us, our heirs or successors, assigned or to be assigned in the aforesaid county of York, out of the borough aforesaid, or the liberties and preeints thereof, nor to inquire or do any other thing within the borough aforesaid, or the liberties and precincts thereof, of or for any thing, cause, or matter whatsoever, except before the aforesaid alderman, recorder, and principal burgesses of the borough aforesaid, in all such cases and causes where and in which the alderman, recorder, and principal burgesses aforesaid, or either of them, are by virtue of these our letters patent, able to administer due justice, and that the burgesses and inhabitants of the borough aforesaid for the time being, or any one or more of them shall not be put nor impannelled upon any assize, jury, inquest, or recognition, nor sworn, nor charged, nor shall any of them be sworn, or charged upon the trial, or arraignment of any assize, or panel, before any justice of us, our heirs and successors, to take assizes or deliver gaols out of the borough aforesaid, or the liberties or precincts thereof, unless only upon trial of the title of lands and tenements, where the lands and tenements in doubt and question shall lie or be within the borough aforesaid, or the liberties or precincts thereof, and unless the lands and tenements be accounted out of the borough aforesaid, by which they ought to be charged, or shall happen to reside out of the said borough. And if any burgess or inhabitant of the borough aforesaid, or the liberties or precincts thereof, should hereafter be empanelled, to appear before any justice of us, our heirs or successors, in the aforesaid county of York, against the tenor and true intention of these presents, and shall make default to appear before them, or refuse to be sworn, or to make inquiry, they shall not on that account be put in contempt, or for that reason incur penalty against us, our heirs or successors. And further we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that the alderman and common council of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, or the greater part of them, (of whom the alderman we will to be one,) from henceforth for ever from time to time, shall elect and make one or more constables and other necessary officers, for the borough aforesaid, from the more fit and able persons of the borough aforesaid, and that those and every of them, they may remove whensoever they will, and in the stead and place of him or them so removed or dying, shall from time to time of themselves, choose and make anew one other or others. Also we will and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, do ordain and appoint that the coroner, clerk of the market, constables, serjeant-at-mace, and other the officers aforesaid and every of them, immediately after their election aforesaid, shall take their corporal oath before the alderman of the borough aforesaid for the time being, and not elsewhere, that they and every of them shall do and execute all and every thing respectively belonging to their office. And for that purpose we do give and grant by these presents to the alderman of the borough aforesaid for the time being, full power and authority for us, our heirs and successors, to give and administer such oath as aforesaid to the coroner, clerk of the market, constables, serjeants-at-mace, and other inferior officers aforesaid, so as aforesaid to be elected without any other commission or warrant in any way to be demanded, issued forth, or obtained from us, our heirs or successors. Also willing and granting for us, our heirs and successors, by these presents to the same alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that neither the burgesses nor the inhabitants of the borough aforesaid for the time being, nor any one or more of them against their will shall in future be made bailiff, high constable, or other constable, of us, our heirs or successors whatsoever, without the borough, nor shall they or either of them, be constrained or compelled in any way, to undertake the charge or charges of the office or offices aforesaid, unless they have lands and tenements out of the borough, or shall happen to reside out of the borough. Also we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that they and their successors, shall have within the borough aforesaid, one prison or gaol, for the custody of all prisoners attached or to be attached, adjudged or to be adjudged, to that prison or gaol, for whatsoever causes happening or arising within the borough aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof; there to remain so long as, and until they shall be delivered therefrom in lawful manner, according to the laws and customs of this our realm of England; and that the alderman of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, by himself or his sufficient deputy, (for whom he shall be bound to answer,) shall have the custody of the same gaol. And further we will, and do grant, for us, our heirs and successors, to the said now alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that they and their successors, shall have the inspection, correction, and punishment of the assize of bread, wine, ale, and of all and all kinds of victuals sold, and from time to time to be sold, within the borough aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof, as to them at all future times for ever, shall appear to be fit and necessary; saving to the lords of that fee, all and singular fines and amercements arising and happening for such like correction and punishment. And whereas in the town of Leedes aforesaid, there hath heretofore been held and kept one market, from the time whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary, on every monday in each week, which said market, the inhabitants of the said town, from long experience, had found it better to be holden on tuesday, as well for the greater convenience of persons resorting there, as for other good and advantage of the same town; know ye therefore, that we, of our more abundant special grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion, have granted, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough of Leedes aforesaid, and their successors, that they and their successors shall and may have, hold, and keep, and shall, and may be ahle to have, hold, and keep, within the borough aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof, one market in every week throughout the year, for ever, on tuesday, to be holden and kept together with a court of pie-powder, there to be holden during the time of the said market, and with all liberties, and free customs, tolls, stallage, piccage, fines, amercements, and all other profits, commodities, advantages, and emoluments whatsoever, to such market and court of pie-powder belonging, arising, happening, contingent, or in any way belonging: so nevertheless that the aforesaid market be not to the nuisance or prejudice of other neighbouring markets there near adjoining. Wherefore we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do strictly direct and command, that the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid and their successors, shall and may, and shall and may be able to have, hold, and keep, on every tuesday in each week for ever, within the aforesaid borough, and the liberties and precincts thereof, the aforesaid market, together with a court of pie-powder, there to be holden during the time of the said market, and with all liberties and free customs, tolls, stallage, piccage, fines, amercements, and all other profits, commodities, advantages, and emoluments whatsoever, to such market and court of pie-powder belonging, arising, appertaining, incident, or contingent; so that the said market be not to the nuisance of other neighbouring markets there near adjacent; and this, although any writ of ad quod damnum or other our writ hath not issued from our chancery or other our courts, to enquire concerning the aforesaid market, before the making of these our letters patent. Provided always nevertheless, and our intention is that the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, from henceforth for ever, shall wholly relinquish, and from henceforth for ever desist to hold the aforesaid market on the aforesaid monday, within the town aforesaid, so as is aforesaid mentioned to have been holden, any letters patent, or grant, or any custom, use, prescription, thing, or matter whatsoever, to the contrary thereof notwithstanding. And further for us, our heirs and successors, we do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that for the better government of the inhabitants of the borough aforesaid, and especially the workers and labourers for making woollen cloths within the borough aforesaid, they shall have all reasonable guilds within the borough aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof, and that they shall and may be able to distinguish and divide them into separate fraternities, societies, and mysteries, and that no fraternity or guild, within the borough aforesaid, or the liberties or precincts thereof, shall have power, authority, or jurisdiction, of constituting, ordaining, or making of any statutes, laws, jurisdictions, institutions, or constitutions, to bind any burgess or inhabitant of the borough aforesaid, or the liberties or precincts thereof, unless they shall or may have authority, power, and licence, to make such laws, ordinances, and constitutions, from the alderman and common council of the borough aforesaid, for the time being, under their common seal first had and obtained, and all and singular laws, statutes, ordinances, and constitutions, made by any fraternity or guild within the borough aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof, such licence not having first been obtained, we do declare and decree, for us, our heirs and successors, to be entirely invalid, void, and of no force. Provided always that such laws, statutes, ordinances, or constitutions, be not contrary or repugnant to the laws or statutes of our realm of England. Also we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their successors, that these our letters patent shall and may be, in and through all things, good, firm, valid, sufficient, and effectual in law according to the true intent thereof; although express mention is not made in these presents, of the true value, year, or certainty of the premises, or of any of them, or of other gifts or grants made aforetime by us, or by any of our progenitors or predecessors, to the aforesaid alderman and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, or any statute, act, ordinance, provision, proclamation, or restraint to the contrary, aforetime had, published, ordained, or provided, or any other thing, cause, or matter, in any thing notwithstanding. In witness whereof we have caused these our letters to be made patent. Witness ourself at Westminster, the thirteenth day of July, in the second year of our reign.

By Writ of Privy Seal.

C.S.

8779 words.

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• Charles I (1600-49) (23), King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 until his execution in 1649 ·
• Dozen (textile) (2), a kind of kersey or coarse woollen cloth ·
• Haematoxylum campechianum (1) ·
• John Savile, 1st Baron Savile of Pontefract (1) ·
• 📌Leeds (235) ·
• Municipal charter (2) ·
• Protectionism (6) ·
• Textile manufacturing (59) ·
• Thomas Savile, 1st Earl of Sussex (1) ·
• 📌York (164) ·

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