Soon after articles of agreement were entered into between the Lords of the Privy Council, and a committee chosen by the Lord Mayor and Commonalty of the city, and it was agreed for the better managing of the plantation, there should be a company constituted in London, to consist of a Governor, Deputy Governor, and twenty-four Assistants, to direct what ought to be done on the part of the city, relating to the plantation; and in pursuance of this agreement, the King, by his letters patent, changed the name of Derry to that of Londonderry, and incorporated the committee nominated by the city, by the name of The society of the Governor and Assistants in London of the new plantation in Ulster within the realm of Ireland, directing that it should consist of a Governor, Deputy Governor, and twenty-four Assistants; whereof the Governor and five of the Assistants were to be Aldermen, the Recorder for the time being to be an Assistant, and the Deputy Governor, with the rest of the Assistants, to be Commoners. By this charter, the King also granted to the society and their successors, the city, fort and town of Londonderry, the whole island of Derry, and all the castles, towns, villages and lands in the county of Londonderry, particularly mentioned in the charter.
The society now immediately set about rebuilding Londonderry and Colerain, and improving and planting the other parts of the county. And, in order to reimburse the twelve principal companies, and other inferior companies that had contributed to the expence of the plantation, the society divided the whole county of Londonderry into thirteen parts; the first consisting of the city of Londonderry and town of Colerain, with some of the adjoining lands, and the fisheries, was retained by the society in their own possession, to defray the charge of the general work of the plantation, and the surplus was from time to time divided among the twelve companies by the society.
The rest of the county being divided into twelve parts, as equal in value as possible, the twelve companies drew lots for them, and each company had the part which fell to its share. The society then erected each lot into a manor, and obtained a charter of the Crown to convey to each of the companies the lands fallen to it, to hold the same in perpetuity.
King Charles I. however ordered his Attorney General to prosecute the society in the Star-chamber, under the pretence that the charter had been surreptitiously obtained; upon which it was cancelled by a decree of that court, and the lands seized into the King’s hands: but the society were reinstated in their possessions by Oliver Cromwell, who granted the city a new charter; and Charles II. incorporated the society anew, and the companies have enjoyed their possessions ever since.
The Governor and Deputy Governor of the society are by this, as well as the former charters, chosen annually. Twelve of the Assistants go off every year, and twelve new members are chosen in their stead by the Common Council, out of each of the twelve principal companies of the city; who by the appointment of the Governor or Deputy Governor meet as often as required in the Irish chamber at Guildhall, where nine of them, the Governor or Deputy Governor being one, make a court.
They have a Secretary and a messenger of their own appointment to attend them. They have also a Treasurer, who is chosen annually, and gives security to account with the society for what money he receives. All by-laws made by the corporation of Londonderry must be confirmed by the society, before they can be of force. The society has the right of presentation to the churches of Londonderry and Colerain: they likewise appoint a general agent in Ireland to correspond with them, and transact their affairs in that kingdom; and also a receiver to receive their rents. Maitland. In short, the citizens of London have the privilege of being free of the city of Londonderry.
Iron Gate, Tower wharf.
Iron Gate stairs, Iron Gate, Tower wharf.
Ironmonger lane, Cheapside; so called from its being once chiefly inhabited by those of that trade. Stow.
Ironmonger row, Old street; so called from the school belonging to that company.