There is a Memorandum that Mr. John Bancks by his will left—
To the Company of Barber Chirurgions London so long as they shall performe the uses hereafter limitted (or els not) To be paid them betwixt the first and seaventh day of May next after the decease of the said John Banckes and so yearely for ever the sum̃e of Twenty shillings wch Twenty shillings shalbe by the said Company distributed in forme following vizt To Twelve poore householders or widowes of the same Company To each of them ffower poundꝭ weight of good beefe Two penny loaves of good sweet bread Two pence a peece in mony and each of them one Woodden platter.
14th December, 1646. This Court doth at the humble suite of the Ordinary of the Goale of Newgate freely give unto him 10s for his releife in his present want.
7th July, 1647. This Court doth give to John ffranck Chirurgeon who hath bin for a long time in Captivity in Turkey iiijli towards the setting him forth to sea and doth order that he be admitted into the ffreedome gratis when he shall desire it.
See the [Minute] 5th February, 1629. John Franck (the son of a Liveryman) was doubtless a “foreign brother,” and entitled to his freedom by patrimony upon payment of the fine, which the Court now ordered to be dispensed with if he wished to take up his freedom. Being a Sea Surgeon only, it was not necessary that he should be free of the Company. He had probably been in slavery 18 years!
Several entries similar to the following are to be found in the books.
9th August, 1647. Upon the humble suite of Thomas Tomlinson an ancient Member of this Company and of the Livery now fallen into greate Poverty and Want for some charitable releife from this Company. This Court being moved in Compassion to his deplorable Condic͠on and calling to mind his former good service to this Company Doth freely give him 10li. out of the Stock of this House.
14th September, 1648. Samuell Needler an examined Chirurgeon complayned to this Court that he was required to beare Armes notwithstanding his exempc͠on therefrom and therefore craved this Courts Assistance in his defence therein which was granted.