The above regulation was made in the reign of King Edward I. who also granted the citizens a charter, by which he confirmed all their ancient privileges. Some years before their receiving this favour, the Lord Treasurer summoned the Mayor, Aldermen, and citizens, to attend him in the Tower, to give an account how the peace of the city had been kept; but Gregory Rockesley, the Mayor, resolving not to attend in that quality, laid aside the ensigns of his office at Barking church, and repaired to the Tower as a private gentleman; which was so highly resented by the Treasurer, that he committed him and several of the principal citizens to prison. This proceeding the King so far approved, that though he discharged the Mayor, he seized the city liberties, and having appointed a Custos of the city, there was no Mayor of London for twelve years after.
In 1306, sea-coal beginning to be much used in the suburbs of London, by brewers, dyers, and others requiring great fires; the nobility and gentry complained to King Edward II. that the air was infected by the noisome smell, and the thick clouds of smoke it occasioned, to the endangering of the health of the inhabitants; upon which a proclamation was issued; forbidding it to be used: but little regard being paid to it, the King appointed a commission of oyer and terminer, to enquire after those who had acted in open defiance of this injunction.
In the beginning of the next reign, the city obtained a very great addition to its privileges; for in the year 1327, King Edward III. granted the citizens two charters; the first of which contained not only a confirmation of the ancient and valuable liberties and immunities of the citizens, but also the following additional privileges.
1. That the Mayor shall be constantly one of the Judges of oyer and terminer, for the trial of criminals confined in Newgate.
2. The citizens to have the privilege of trying a thief or robber within the jurisdiction of the city, and the power of reclaiming a citizen apprehended elsewhere for felony, in order to try him within the city; with a right to all the goods and chattels of all felons, convicted within the jurisdiction of the city.
3. The office of Escheator is conferred upon, and given in perpetuity to the Mayor.
4. The King’s Marshal, Steward, and Clerk of the houshold, are exempted from having any authority in the city.
5. For the greater convenience of citizens resorting to country fairs, they are granted the privilege of holding a court of Pye-powder in such places, for the determination of all contests that happen in each of those fairs.
6. That the citizens should be only assessed in common with their fellow subjects, towards general subsidies, grants, and contributions.
7. That no market be kept within seven miles of the city of London.