1366. On the 14th day of October … John Edmond of Esthamme (East Ham), cornmonger, of the county of Essex, was brought before John Lovekyn, mayor, and the aldermen at the Guildhall, for that he had exposed for sale at Grascherche (Gracechurch) one quarter of oats in a sack, and had put a bushel of good oats at the mouth of the sack, all the rest therein being corn of worse quality and of no value, in deceit of the common people.
Being questioned as to which falsity, how he would acquit himself thereof, the same John did not gainsay the same. Therefore it was adjudged that he should have the punishment of the pillory, to stand upon the same for one hour of the day.
Riley, Memorials of London, 333.
1363. On the 9th day of the month of November … William Cokke of Hees (Hayes) was taken because that on the same day he, the same William, carrying a sample of wheat in his hand, in the market within Newgate in London followed one William, servant of Robert de la Launde, goldsmith, who wanted to buy wheat, from sack to sack, and said that such wheat as that he would not be able to buy at a lower price than 21 pence; whereas on the same day and at that hour the same servant could have bought such wheat for 21 pence.
Upon which the same William Cokke being questioned, before the mayor, recorder, and certain of the aldermen, he acknowledged that he had done this to enhance the price of wheat, to the prejudice of all the people. It was therefore awarded by the said mayor and aldermen that the said William Cokke should have the punishment of the pillory.
Riley, Memorials of London, 314.
1362-90.
To Wye and to Wychestre I went to the faire,
With many menere marchandise as my Maistre me hight,[13]
Ne had the grace of guile ygo[14] amonge my ware,