Roger Best, grocer, was elected mayor in 1467 and 1472. He occupied a house in King Street, near St. Ethelred’s church. Afterwards, in the same house, lived Sir Robert de Salle, who was killed by the rebels in Kett’s rebellion.
John Rightwise was elected mayor in 1501, and in 1504 was chosen to represent the city in parliament. In 1513 he was again elected mayor. He lived in the house in London Street now occupied by Mr. Boulton, the ironmonger. During his mayoralty he rebuilt the Market Cross, which formerly stood in the Market Place. The cross contained an oratory inside. At the time of the Commonwealth it was assigned to dealers in leather, but was entirely demolished in 1732.
William Ramsey was sheriff in 1498, and mayor in 1502, and again in 1508. He built a portion of St. Michael at Coslany Church, and his tomb is on the north side with a merchant’s mark, and the initials “W. R.” on it.
John Clarke, mayor in 1515 and 1520, resided in a house on St. Andrew’s hill, occupied in 1561 by Mr. Suckling, merchant, and sheriff of Norwich. The Suckling arms and many curious carvings are still to be seen on the gateway.
Robert Jannys, whose portrait is in the Guildhall, was mayor in 1517 and 1524.
Robert Browne, mayor in 1522, had his coat of arms painted on the window of the Guildhall.
Augustine Steward was elected mayor in 1534, and represented the city in parliament in 1541. He also served as mayor in 1546 and 1556. He lived in a house on Tombland. His portrait was placed in the Guildhall.
William Layer, mayor in 1537, occupied one of the large houses on the north side of St. Andrew’s Street.
Heny Bacon, grocer, was mayor in 1557 and 1566, and lived in a flint house at the east end of the church of St. George’s Colegate; his mark and initials are over the door. Fifty years ago, a large room on the first floor was lined with fine oak panelling, and the chimney piece was elaborately carved. These curiosities were removed to the mansion of G. Kett Tompson, Esq., of Witchingham. The building is now a boot and shoe warehouse.
Mr. Codd was mayor of Norwich in the year of Kett’s rebellion. He took an active part in suppressing the rebellion, and at his death bequeathed a large sum of money to the hospital in St. Helen’s, where so many old men have found an asylum. He was buried in the nave of the church of St. Peter’s per Mountergate, and the heads of his will are read in the church annually on the Sunday before St. Thomas’ Day.