24th May, 1643. Whereas this Company is assessed at 8li pˀ weeke for 3 moneths which they are noe wayes able to pay In regard wee are soe much in debt and that the Hall may be preserved from violence of. . . . . . . It is now Ordered That the plate in the Hall that is not guilt plate shalbe by the Mr and Wardens delivered over at the best rate to deliver soe much amounting to 96li.
By the Wardens’ Accounts it appears that plate was sold to the extent of £94 16s. 0d.
29th April, 1645. On reference to [p. 140], it will be seen that no less than 1,120 oz. of plate was pawned to Mrs Crosse.
29th April, 1646. The Mr & Wardens acquainting this Court That the Companye’s plate is redeemed from Mr Steele at his request who married Mrs Crosse to whome it was formerly pawned in her Widowhood and is now in the Treasury. This Court doth think it not convenient to be kept in the house[311] and doth order that it be delivered into the hands of Mr John Browne[312] for the better secureity of the 200li this Company oweth him and of the 100li more which he hath promised by Mr Warden Browne to lend the Company at vjli pˀ ceñtn pˀ anñ.
14th May, 1646. The plate was pawned to Mr. John Browne for £300 at 6 per cent.
29th April, 1647. It was ordered that it should be redeemed, and it was on the 17th May following all brought back to the Hall.
7th December, 1648. The plate was again pawned to Mr. John Browne, of Westminster, for £250.
19th March, 1649. The Court were so severely pressed by Assessments for the Army, and being unable to borrow any more money under the Company’s seal, resolved after much deliberation to absolutely sell Plate to the value of £300.
19th July, 1649. Our Mr acquainted This Court That upon sale of the Companyes Plate Mr Edward Arris bought King Henry the Eighths Cup and Cover and hath freely given it againe to this Company.