9th February, 1596. It was agreed for “the taking in of the water wch cometh from the Themes by pipes into this howse.” Heretofore the water had been supplied from a well, and later on by a leaden “pomp.”
1596. In this year a curious episode occurred, which showed that the Court were not unwilling to shield their freemen when offending, if the party taking action against the offender did not belong to the Company. Four freemen (one being an Assistant) had been “put into” the Court of Exchequer by “one Holmes an Informer for using both Barbery and Chirurgery against the Statute,” and the Court, without troubling to enquire if the offence had been committed or not, ordered that £10 should be lent the parties to assist them in defending the suit. At the next Court the matter was much debated as to whether the Barber-Surgeons should go on with their defence or make terms with the informer, and the parties themselves were consulted, whereupon it was finally decided “among themselves to agree wth the said Informer wch they related to the whole Corte, whereupon the Corte rose and the said pˀties made their owne agreement privately wth the saied Informer to their best likinge.”
10th December, 1596. Mr. Storer came to the Court and agreed with the Company, by indenture, in consideration of £5 per annum for seven years, to relieve the Company from all charges in respect of the provision of grain for serving the market during that period.
9th June, 1597. This daie one septer or mace and twoe pictures latelye and verye loveingelye given to this Companye by William Martyn[148] of the Clothinge in token of his love to this house was presented to this Courte and verye gratefullye accepted.
This daie one cupp made of an Ostridge Egge or shell and sett in silver and guilte given by the laste will and testamente of Mr Thomas Bankes divers tymes Mr of this Companye was likewise presented to this Courte and verye gratefullye accepted.
15th Jany., 1598. This daie William Clare one of the Lorde Maiors serjeantes at mace is chosen officer of this house and where his fee to fore was but vjs viijd per Anñ it is nowe by this Courte uppon good consideration augmented to xs pˀ Anñ and John Smith in his absence is appointed deputye.
The duty of this officer was to attend the Courts of Assistants and to arrest and convey to the Compter such persons as were committed.
30th Jan., 1598. Nicholas Kellaway, in consideration of his years, was excused serving the offices of Steward and Master of the Anatomy and “freelye gave one standinge cup double guilte wch was kindely accepted.”
14th Aug., 1598. There is under this date an interesting account of the Election of Master and Wardens; twelve Electors from among the Livery were appointed:—