Part II

, p. 256_], 1587.

_Item_ we present that Mr. Brawycke, who, it is said ... was bound unto your worships for the serving of the inhabitants of this town with candles at 2d. the lb., having all the tallow of the victuallers to this town at a price reasonable to his good liking and great commodity many years, restraining all others from having any part thereof by virtue of his grant from your worships as aforesaid, a scarcity of tallow now happening for one year, doth presently refuse to serve the inhabitants at any reasonable price, and the best cheap that is to be had is 3d., and many times 4d. the lb.; a happy man that can make his bargain so well to take it when there is profit and refuse to serve when the profit faileth, and to raise it at his own will for his best advantage, and to tie all men and himself to be at liberty; the artificers and the poorer sort of people are most of all pinched, wherewith they, with the rest, find themselves aggrieved, so desire your worships thoroughly to consider thereof.

13. THE MUNICIPAL REGULATION OF WAGES AT CHESTER [_Morris, Chester in the Plantagenet and Tudor Reigns, p. 436_], 1591.

30 July, 33 Eliz. And at the same assembly Mr. Mayor delivered the corporation of the wrights and slaters, letting to understand of their great exactions of the citizens and servants, whereby they deserved to be disfranchised and their corporations dissolved. Whereupon it was thought most meet that Mr. Mayor do call before him the aldermen and stewards thereof, and take them in bond for redress and remedy of all such wrongs ... and in the meantime their corporation to be retained and also receive and give from time to time such wages as shall be appointed by the Mayor for the time being.

14. THE COMPANY OF JOURNEYMEN WEAVERS OF GLOUCESTER [_Hist. MSS. Com., Twelfth Report, App.