Bridewell: the site of a prison, now demolished. It adjoined Whitefriars, and may be seen in the map to the west of Blackfriars.
amende honorable (French): when one who has done wrong gives satisfaction without loss of honour.
pillory: a framework supported by an upright pillar. In it were holes through which the head and hands of offenders were thrust. In this uncomfortable position they had to stand exposed to the insults of the mob.
cogged: loaded so as always to fall in a certain way.
title deeds: writings drawn up in proper legal form to prove the possession of property.
[39. THE POLITICAL POWER OF LONDON.]
Froissart: an early French chronicler or historian who visited England in the reigns of Edward III. and Richard II., and died in 1401.
besotted with: stupidly and excessively fond of.
commonalty: the common people.