This William Sevenoke, son to William Rumsched of Sevenoke in Kent, was by his father bound an apprentice with Hugh de Bois, citizen and ferrer of London, for a term of years, which being expired in the year 1394, the 18th of Richard II., John Hadley being mayor of London, and Stephen Spilman, chamberlain of the Guildhall, he alleged that his master had used the trade or mystery of a grocer, and not of a ferrer, and therefore required to be made free of the grocers’ company, which was granted. This William Sevenoke founded in the town of Sevenoke a free school, and alms houses for the poor.
1419. The 7th, Robert Whittington, John Butler; mayor, Richard Whittington, mercer.
This mayor founded Whittington college.
1420. The 8th, John Butler, John Wels; mayor, William Cambridge, grocer.
1421. The 9th, Richard Gosseline, William Weston; mayor, Robert Chichley, grocer.
This mayor gave one plot of ground, thereupon to build the parish church of St. Stephen upon Walbrooke.
Henry VI. began his reign the 31st of August, the year 1422.
1422. The 1st sheriffs, William Eastfield, Robert Tatarsal; mayor, William Waldern, mercer.
This year the west gate of London was begun to be built by the executors of Richard Whitington.