Post by Les on Aug 14, 2022 4:41:13 GMT
CANTERBURY
1498. King Henry VII. by charter, called Novae Ordinationes, extends the number of Aldermen from 6 to 12, and reduces that of the Common-council from 36 to 24; also ordains that, for the future, the Mayor shall be elected by in-dwelling freemen only. The Sheriff of Canterbury holds a court, once in every lunar month, through his year of Sheriffalty. HT
1553 - William Copyn, Mayor, Thomas Walker Sheriff, George Toftes, Coroner. CC/JQ/351/i
1592. John Bois, esq. (afterwards Sir John Bois, knt. and founder of Jesus Hospital, in Northgate) is admitted to the freedom of the city; and is to continue Legis-Peritus, and bear the name and office of the Recorder of the city. He is the first Legis-Peritus, called by the title of Recorder, and is appointed Recorder by the charter of king James. HT
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1638. The salary of the mayor is set at 100l. The mayor and commonalty grant to Arnold Spencer all the powers, privileges and authorities, vested in them by act 6 Henry VIII. for deepening and cleaning the river. A wharf is directed to be made by the side of the river. HT
1640. Mr. William Somner presents to the mayor and commonalty his book intitled, "The Antiquities of Canterbury." In the year preceding, the corporation had voted this gentleman the freedom of the city, as a mark of thier respect. HT
(WILL) John WATSON esq. maior of the city of Canterbury - (Dat. 29 June 1645) - Bur. in chancel of ch. of St. Margarett in sd city as near unto my father there interred as may be - Legacies to poor of parishes of St. Andrew and St. Margaret - Wife Dorothy and her late decd uncle Mr. Wm. Saker of Blacke Fryars, Lond - Eldest son Wm. (under 21) - Mess. in which I now dwell in St. Andrew parish held of Dean and Chapter of Christ Church Canterbury - Younger son John - Rest of my surviving children - House at the Bulstake in the said city wherein Robert Dent now dwelleth - Meadow in parish of St. Peter & Holy Cross at Westgate in said city called Usyers. Dau. Mildred - Land in Isle of Thanet in occupation of William Watson. - Child my said wife now goeth with - Sister. Margaret Wood widow and her daughter Elizabeth wife of Thomas Ewell. - Fras. son of Mr. William Somner of this said city. - Friends Edmond Randolph of said city dr of phisick & Henry Jenkin of said city gent overseers - Wife Doroty extrix - Mess. & lands in Reculver & Hearne, co. Kent at Broomefield greene in occupation of William Sturges. - The Castle of Canterbury held in fee farm of the King's Majesty as of his manor of East Greenwich. - Lands in Newe Romney, Medley & Hope Alsaints late in occupation of Thomas Hillyard - Farms in Chistlett in occupation of widow Mason & Ambrose Cocke - Land called Masden in occupation of (blank) Read - Herdemans Farm in Aldington late bought of (blank) Maxted & (blank) Hawkins now in occupation of (blank) Kingsford - Mess. in Dover in St. James Street now in occupation of Richard Stokes Maltster - Mess. in North Lane without the walls of Canterbury & Wincheapgate in parishes of St. Mildred and St. Mary Castle, Canterbury - Children of said sister Margaret Wood - Wit: Tho. Golde, John Milles, Wm. Somner. (Codicil dat. 12 July 1645) - Friend Avery Sabyn esq one of the alderman of the said city to be exor in case said wife does not give sufficient security. - Mr. William Somner the writer of said will. Mr. Edward Aldrey rector of St. Andrew in said city. John Watson. Witn: Edw. Aldrey, Wm. Somner. (Pr. 1 Apr. 1658 by Wm. Watson son & substitute exor, the exorship of said will heretofore granted to Dorothy the relict & limited extrix during minority of said William being first declared to be expired. P.A. p. 149)
1659 James MASTER, alderman, in goal for debt CCA
1685. Sir William Honywood, bart. M.P. is elected mayor, and, waving his privilege, takes the oaths and the office.
1687. Henry Lee, esq. now mayor, by order of the king in council, and a special commission, is removed from the office of mayor, and J. Kingsford, sen. esq. is elected mayor in his room. Many of the aldermen and common council are also displaced, and others chosen in their stead.
1693. John Kingsford, esq. mayor, by virtue of the king's letter, on the 14th of Sept. is continued mayor for the year ensuing, with the consent of the freemen, who, out of loyalty to the king, unanimously elect and continue Mr. Kingsford in that office.
By virtue of the king's proclamation, for restoring to corporations their ancient rights, the charter of king James is restored to the city, and Mr. Kingsford being removed from his office, Henry Gibbs, esq. is chosen and sworn mayor in his room, for the remainder of the year. All the aldermen and common council, who were displaced in 1687, are, in like manner, restored to their offices. HT
W. Gray's election as Mayor 14 Sept., 1760, with numbers of votes. W. Gray tallow-chandler was born in Mercery Lane, 1 Feb. 1695/6; sworn Freeman April, 1717. [sic] in Mayoralty of Valentine Jeken Esq. W. Gray set up in trade 10 June, 1718, in Burgate in St. M. Magdalen parish; bought the said house 22 June, 1751. Chosen Common Councilman December. 1724. Never served as Sheriff, though 24 years a Commoner. Voted Alderman, apparently against his will, Lammas Day, 1748; chose to serve since fine was £30 for refusal. Sworn Alderman of Worthgate 16 Aug. 1748. Failed to be elected Mayor 14 Sept., 1748, though now evidently anxious for office. CCA-CjC-SuppMs/6