At the standard in Cheapside, a boy dressed in white, to represent an angel, stood in a magnificent pageant, and upon the King’s approach, presented him with wine in a gold cup, and placed on his head a crown of gold, adorned with a variety of pearls and precious stones, and likewise another on the head of the Queen. After which their Majesties were conducted to their palace at Westminster, by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs, who, the next day, made his Majesty a present of two silver basons gilt, with 1000 nobles of gold in each, curious pictures of the Trinity, valued at 800l. and several other valuable presents. But after all, they were obliged to pay him 10,000l. before he would restore them the right of chusing their own magistrates.
The King, and his royal consort Isabella, a daughter of France, were some years after again conducted, with extraordinary magnificence, thro’ the city; but in 1398, the citizens petitioning to have their taxes taken off, and against entering into a treaty with the French King, about the delivering up of Calais, Richard was so exasperated against them, that he obliged many of the richest of the citizens to sign and seal several blank papers sent them by the ministry, who afterwards filled them up at their pleasure, with such sums as would effectually drain them; and this rendered him so odious to the citizens, that when Henry Duke of Lancaster arrived from France, they received him with open gates, and expressed their joy by magnificent shews, solemn processions of the clergy, and loud acclamations; and, in short, after the late King was made prisoner, Henry was received in great pomp by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and all the several companies in their formalities.
The reign of Henry IV. was not distinguished by any remarkable disputes between that King and the citizens; but in the year 1407, a dreadful plague carried off 30,000 of the inhabitants, whereby corn became so cheap, that wheat sold at 3s. 4d. the quarter.
In the reign of Henry V. the citizens chiefly distinguished themselves by the splendid cavalcade, with which they conducted that brave Prince through the city, after the glorious battle of Agincourt, In this reign Moorgate was first built, and Sir Henry Barton, the Lord Mayor, first ordered lanthorns to be hung out, for illuminating the streets by night. Indeed it is surprizing, that so useful and necessary a regulation was not made much earlier, considering the multitude and wealth of the inhabitants, the brooks which still ran through some of the streets, and the dirt occasioned by their lying much lower than at present.
After the death of this great conqueror, his young son Henry VI. being crowned King of France at Paris, the citizens, on his return, expressed their loyalty in a very extraordinary manner; for the royal infant was met on Black Heath by the Lord Mayor of London, dressed in crimson velvet, with a large furred hat, a girdle of gold about his waist, and a bawdrick of gold about his neck, waving down his back. He was followed by three horsemen, dressed in scarlet and silver, and attended by the Aldermen in scarlet gowns, and crimson hoods, while the citizens were cloathed in white gowns, and scarlet hoods, with the symbol belonging to each mystery, richly embroidered upon their sleeves. They were all on horseback, and from thence preceded his Majesty to London, where he was received with the utmost pomp. The city on this occasion was decorated with rich silks and carpets, and on the bridge, and in the streets, through which the cavalcade passed, were erected a variety of stately pageants, filled with persons representing the Muses, Graces, and Sciences; and from these pageants, orations were made, and concerts performed of vocal and instrumental music. Two days after, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen attended the King at Westminster, and presented him with a golden hamper, containing 1000l. in nobles.
It is impossible, in the short compass allotted to this part of the work, to give an account of the several rebellions and revolutions during the life of this unhappy Sovereign, and of the manner in which the citizens interested themselves in each: it is sufficient to add, that notwithstanding these early professions of loyalty, the ill success and weakness of Henry, made them almost constantly join his enemies, and was one principal cause of his ruin.
King Edward IV. therefore, in the second year of his reign, shewed his gratitude for the favours he had received from them, by granting the city a charter, by which all the ancient rights and privileges of the citizens were confirmed, and the following additional privileges bestowed.
1. The Lord Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen past the chair, are appointed perpetual justices of peace in the city; and are constituted justices of oyer and terminer, for the trial of all malefactors within their own jurisdiction.
2. For the better ascertaining the customs of the city, when a plea is brought in any of the superior courts, relating to those customs, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen are impowered to declare, by the mouth of their Recorder, whether the point in controversy be a custom of London, or not; and if, upon enquiry, it be found to be such, then it is to be recorded, and remain an established custom to all futurity.
3. The Lord Mayor and Aldermen are for ever exempted from serving in all foreign assizes, juries, or attaints, and from the offices of assessor, collector of taxes, overseer, or comptroller of all public duties without the jurisdiction of the city.