1338-01-28, Berwick-on-

To the treasurer and barons of the exchequer. Order to cause 200/. to be allowed to William de Brykelesworth and John de Northall, who were elected sheriffs of London for a year from Michaelmas in the tenth year of the reign, in their account for the said year, provided that they answer to the king for the residue of the ferm and issues of that city, as lately at the suit of William and John, by their petition before the king and his council in parlhament at Westminster on, Monday aiter St. Matthew last, beseeching the king to provide for their indemnity, as they ought to have received greater profits from the customs of wool, hides, wool-fells and other merchandise brought from and to that port, as other sherifts there received them, in aid of the payment of the ferm and for the maintenance of the ministers of the city and of others whom it behoved the sheriffs to retain at their own expense for the execution of the king's orders and the preservation of the peace in that city, and the sheriffs were hindered from taking and receiving such benetits by reason of the king's orders before the said Michaelmas, prohibiting wool, hides, wool-fells or any merchandise or victuals to be taken out of the realm, and because of the disturbance (mocionis) made upon the sea, whereby such merchandise did not come to the city from parts beyond; and because it was found by examination and information of John de Pulteneye, then mayor of the city, and of six aldermen, before the king and his council in chancery, according to the agreement made in, parliament thereupon, that William and John had lost such profits, without their own fault, up to the sum of 250/., the king ordered the treasurer and barons to cause 250/. to be allowed to them in their account, which they have hitherto delayed to do, as the king has been informed by William and John. By K. & C. Feb. 8. To Ralph de Nevyll, keeper of the forest beyond Trent, or to him - supplies his place in the forest of Galtres.