1381-08-10, Reading Cease

To the bailifis of the town of St. Botolph, and the searcher of in that port. Order, upon petition made on behalf of Muker master of a ship called the Holygost of Sounde, John master of another ship called the Holigost of Sounde, Walter of Hamleworth master of the Cruseberth, John Lange of master of the Gabrielle, Nicholas Shonewolt of Danske master the Mariknyght, Lawrence Nicholasson of Danske master of the and Everard Stroke of Danske master of the Mariknyght, of Almain, to cease from causing them hurt or hindrance, dearrest the ships and merchandise, suffering them and other from time to time, after payment of customs and duties, to pass out of the port with their ships and with merchandise by them bought within the realm, notwithstanding the writ forbidding the bailifis to suffer any persons to pass out of realm without special command of the king except well known and if there be any cause wherefore they ought not so to order to certify it in chancery under their seal, sending a copy of writ ; as the said petition shews that lately the said merchants thither divers merchandise from over sea, that some of them other merchandise in some of those [ships] to take to their own and paid customs due thereupon, but that by colour of the writ of prohibition the bailiffs and searcher are hindering their and keeping their ships and merchandise under arrest, they are well know merchants and of the king's friendship.