It was not often that the good offices of the Court were unavailing in the settlement of disputes, but in the following case, in which the lady probably played a prominent part, the Masters seem to have been unable to settle the matter:—
12th July, 1614. In the complaint made by William Purkꝭ and ffrauncis his wife against Greene, wch beinge heard at this Court, the Mrs could drawe them to noe quiet ende, all pˀties being verye obstinate.
HERALDRY.
There are numerous excellent examples of the Company’s Arms at the Hall. The records contain many beautiful drawings and emblazoned shields of arms, not only of the Company but of some of the Masters as well.
One of the choicest specimens is the massive old carving beneath the semicircular canopy of the entrance doorway; this is dated 1671, and is both bold and quaint; long may it be preserved to the Barbers! The carved coat of arms which formerly ornamented the stern of the Company’s barge, and which is probably late 17th century work, has been carefully preserved, and may be always admired over the chimney piece in the Committee room. There is the large “tortershell” in the vestibule given by Mr. William Kings in 1645. The cloth on the Court table is artistically embroidered with the Arms of the Company and the City, the embroidered portions being part of the ancient barge cloth. There is a handsomely emblazoned coat of arms on the plan of the Company’s property (presented by Mr. Charles John Shoppee), and a pretty little bit of old stained glass in the window on the first floor landing. The Company formerly possessed a great many banners, but these are unfortunately lost to us; the one which is placed behind the Master’s chair is beautifully painted by Bishop of Doctors’ Commons, and has at the back the inscription—