Vpon Midsommer day , for the Election of the Sheriffes of London , &c.

MY Lord Maior and the Aldermen with the Sheriffes meete at the Guild-Hall , at eight of the clocke in the morning , apparelled in their Violet Gowns lined , and theyr Clokes of Scarlet lined , without their horses .

And when they haue bene together in the Councell Chamber a certaine time , concerning the Nomination of certaine persons to be elected , my Lord and the Aldermen come out , and put on theyr Cloakes in the Orphanes Court , and then go downe in order to the Hustings Court , and there beeing set , Master Recorder standeth vp , and maketh his obeysance : first to my Lord , and then vnto the Commons , and declareth vnto them , wherefore they are assembled together , shewing vnto them that it is for the Election of one of the Sheriffes of London , and the Sheriffe of Middlesexe , for the yeere next ensuing , and the confirmation of the other Sheriffe , nominated by my Lord Maior , according to his prerogatiue : and also for Master Chamberlaine , and other Officers .

But my Lord and the Aldermen goe vppe to my Lords Court , and there remaine vntill the Sheriffe be named and chosen , the door shut to them .

The M. Sheriffes , M. Chamberlaine , Master common Sergeant , Master Towne-Clearke , and the Counsellors of the Cittie , and other Officers , remaine still in the Hustings Court , to take and receiue the Name of him , that shall seeme by their iudgements , freelie and with one consent , to bee nominated and elected , and iustly tryed out , not onely by voice , but al so by hands , to be Sheriffe for the yeere following .

Then the Commons go to the election of Master Chamberlayne , the two Bridge-masters , the Auditors of the Citties , and Bridge-house accounts , and the Surueyers of Beere and Ale , according to the accustomed manner .

That done , the Sheriffes , Ma. Chamberlaine , M. Common Sergeant , M. Town-Cleark the counsellors of the Citie , the two secondaries , and the Wardens of the head Companies , Mast . Common Cryer going before them with his Mace , carry vp the report to my Lord , and the Aldermen of theyr saide Election .

Which report receiued , my Lord and the Aldermen come downe againe to the Hustings Court , and there being set in order and placed , M. Recorder standeth vp as he did before , and maketh rehearsal of the Names of those whome they hau● nominated and chosen , asking th● whether it bee their free election , yea or no . And they grant , yea , yea . Then Mast . Recorder giueth them thankes , and so they arise and depart home .

On Bartholmew Euen for the Faire in Smithfield .

The Aldermen meete my Lorde and the Sheriffes at the Guildehall Chappell , at two of the clocke after dinner in their violet gowns lined , and theyr Horses , without Cloakes , and there heare Euening Prayer : which being done , they take their horses and ride to Newgate , and so forth to the gate , entering into the Cloth Faire , and ther make a Proclamation , and the proclamation beeing made , they ride through the Cloath Fayre , and so ●●turne backe againe thorough the Churchyard of great S. Bartholomews to Aldersgate , and so ride home againe to the Lorde Mayors house .

On Bartholmew day for wrestling .

So many Aldermen as do Dine with my Lord Maior and the sheriffs , be apparrelled in their Scarlet gownes lined , and after dinner , their Horses bee brought to them where they diue , and those Aldermen which dine with the Sheriffs ride with them to my Lords house to accompany him to the wrestling Then when the wrestling is done , they take their horses & ride backe againe through the Fayre , and so in at Aldersgate , and so home againe to the sayde Lord Mayors house .

The next day , if it be not Sunday , for the shooting , as vpon Bartholomew day : but if it bee Sunday , the monday following .

For our Lady day in Southwarke .

My Lord Maior and the Sheriffes , ride to S. Magnus Church in their Scarlet Gownes lyned , without their Cloakes : after dinner at ii . of the clocke , and there the Aldermen meete my Lord , and after the Euening Prayer , they ride thorough the Fayre , till they come vnto Saint Georges Church , and further to Newington Bridge , or to S. Thomas of Waterings , to the stones that point out the Liber ties of the Citty ( if it bee so theyr pleasures ) and they returne backe againe vnto the Bridge-house , and haue a banquet there , and then ouer the Bridge , and there the Aldermen take their leaue of my Lo . and depart the next way , euery one to his house . And after all is done , and my Lord brought home , my L. Maiors Officers haue a Supper made them by the Bridgemasters .

For the swearing of the Sheriffes vpon Michaelmas Euen .

What day soeuer it falleth , so many of the Aldermen as be bidden to Dinner to either of the sheriffs , come thither to Breakefast , or else to drinke , at eight of the clocke in the Morning , in theyr Violet Gownes furred , with their Violet Cloakes Furred , brought with them without Horses : and if the Sheriffe bee an Alderman , then they must put on their cloakes , and the Sheriffe likewise his cloake , & so goe to the Guild Hall , betweene two of the gray cloakes : and if the Sheriffe be no Alderman , then to come betweene two of the Aldermen without Cloakes , and the sheriffe his Liuery gowne & his hood . And after when he is sworne , then to put on his Violet Gowne and Cloke , and his chaine thereon : and the Aldermen must bring him home to his place , with their Cloakes , to Dinner , and so after Dinner , take their pleasure .

Vpon Michaelmas day , for the election of my Lord Maior .

All the Aldermen meet my Lord and the Sheriffes at eight of the clocke in the Morning , at Guilde-Hall , in their scarlet Gownes and their Clokes furred , and their Horses : and after they haue bin a certaine time together in the councell Chamber , they come forth into the Orphanes Court , and put on their clokes , and so goeth in order to the Chappel , there hearing seruice and Sermon , and my Lord with certaine Aldermen , receiue the Communion .

And then after the Communion ended , and haue offered , returne againe into the Councell Chamber , and pause a while , returne to the place where the Hustings is kept , and being set in order , Master Recorder ariseth vp , and maketh his obeysance first to my Lord , and after to the Commons , and declareth vnto them , that they of old custome know that the cause of their assembly and meeting together , is for the election of the Lord Maior for the yeere ensuing ; Declaring vnto them diuers Grauntes from the Kings Progenitors , for this theyr Election from time to time . That done , my Lord and the Aldermen go vppe into my Lords Court , and there tarrie ( the doore being shutte to them ) till the election be brought to them . Then standeth vp Master Common Sergeant ( the Sheriffs standing on either side of him ) and by the Sheriffes , M. Chamberlain M. Towne-clearke , the two Secondaries , and the Councellors of the City , in the said Hustings court before the Commons . And hee the saide common Sergeant , maketh a short rehearsal of that M. Recorder had spoken to them before , saying : There resteth no more for him to say but to put them in remembrance , in what order and sort they should vse themselues in their election : that is how they must nominate and chuse two , of the which two , my Lorde and the Aldermen , must confirme one : which two , being nominated , elected , and chosen , Master Common Sergeant , the Sheriffs , with the rest before named , and certaine of the head Wardens of the cheefe Companies , go vp to my Lord , and the Aldermen , and there present the names of those two , the which the Commons hath nominated in their eelction .

Then the Lord Mayor and the Aldermen , proceed by Scrutinie to Elect one of those two Personnes which the saide Commons had before Nominated . Then commeth downe my Lord againe to the Hustings Court , and hee of his lefte hand whom they haue chosen , and so my Lord and the Aldermen sitte downe againe in order : but he who is chosen sitteth next vnto my Lord on his left hand . Then standeth Master Recorder vp , and readeth vnto them the names of such Persons whome they haue nominated and chosen : of the which my Lord and the Aldermen hath admitted one , whose name is N. asking them whether it bee their free Election , yea , or no . And the Commons answereth , yea , yea . Then the Sword bearer taketh off his Tippet , and hath it for his labour , and putteth on his Chaine , and the Maior new elected standeth vpon the Hustings Court , and giueth them thankes , &c. That being done , the olde Maior doth likewise giue them thanks , &c. Then they arise vp , and put off their cloakes , and my Lord Maior hath the L. Elect riding with him to the eldest Sheriffe to dinner .

For the presenting of my Lord Elect , to my Lord Chancellour .

Then after dinner , my Lord elect goeth to my Lord Chancellour if hee be at home , at his Place , or neere vnto it , with v. or vi . of the Aldermen , and Master Recorder with him , in their violet Gownes , either by foote , or by water , as the dwelling place of the Chancellour requireth . The common Hunt , with the extraordinary Officers , and those that be at liberty attend on him .

The morrow after Michaelmas day for the Sheriffes going to Westminster .

All the Aldermen must be at the two Sheriffes houses in the morning at viii . of the clocke , in theyr Violet Gownes furred , and their Horses , without cloakes : but my Lord , M. Recorder , and the two Sheriffes must bee in their scarlet gownes furred , and their cloakes borne to Westminster with them , and so ride to the Guild-hall , and from thence to the Vinetree , there taking Barge , landing at Westminster bridge , and in the Hall put on their clokes , and so go vp to the Exchequer : and there the two new Sheriffes be presented , and the old sworne to their account .

Then they put off their clokes , and take barge , landing againe at the Vintry , and there take horse , and my Lord rideth to the eldest Sheriffe to dinner , M. Recorder and the Sheriffes riding next my Lord , the two Sheriffes carrying two white rods in their hands , & their henchmen going after them .

The order for Simon and Iudes day .

The olde Maior shall haue so manie of the Aldermen as Dine with him , come to his place at viii . of the Clocke in the morning in their Violet gowes furred , with their Violet Clokes furred , & horses : and the Sheriffs to fetch him to the Hall , and there tarrie in the councell Chamber , vntill the new Maior cometh , and the rest of the Aldermen come , with the companie of either of the Lordes before them : and after they haue bin together a certaine space , come forth into the Orphans Court , and put on their furred clokes , and goe to the Husting Court , and there being set in order , the common Crier maketh proclamation , commanding euery man to keepe silence .

Then M. towne-Clearke giueth him his Oath , and when hee hath taken his oath , the old Lord ariseth , and giueth the new Lord his place , the old Lord taking the new Lords place : and then master Chamberlaine deliuereth first to him the scepter , next the keyes of the common seale : lastly , the seale of the office of the Maioraltie , after M. Swordbearer giueth him the Sword . Then they arise and put off their cloaks , and the old L. rideth home with the new Lord to his place , and there leaueth him , & as many of the Aldermen as Dine with him . And the old Lord with the rest of the Aldermen ride to his place , the sword borne before him , and so after dinner , the Aldermen depart home at their pleasure .

On the morrow after Simon & Iudes day for my Lord going to take his Oath at Westminster .

All the Aldermen and the Sheriffs come to my new Lord at viii . A Veluet Whood . of the clock , in their scarlet gowns Furred , and their cloakes borne with them , and their horses , and so ride to the Euildhall , and the Bachelors and the Liuery of my Lords company before him .

But the olde Lord rideth from his owne place to the Hall alone , Whood . hauing no Officers to wait vpon him , but the common Hunt , as a Gentleman Vsher going , and the common Huntsman , Veluet Whoodes for both Maiors . and those officers that be at libertie , with his owne men following him , and so tarrieth at the hall .

And after they be come all together , they take their horse and ride to the Vintree , & there take barge to Westminster bridge .

And after they be landed , the Lord Maior and the Aldermen , put on their Cloakes within the Palace , and goe round about the Hall , making curtesie in the Hall , and so vp the Exchequer , to bee sworn . Then after the oath taken in the Exchequer , come downe againe , and goe first to the Kings bench , then to the common place , and so put off their clokes , and goe about the Kings Tombe in Westminster Abbey , and then take barge againe : and being Landed , rideth to the Guildhall to diuner , and all the Companies of this Citie with him : and at their coming into the hall , the new Lord Maior with ii . of the ancient Aldermen , M. Recorder , and the Sheriffes , go vp to my Lords table to bid them welcome , and likewise all the other guests there , and from thence to the Lady Maioresse table , and so come out to the Gentlewomens table , and to the Iudges , and so from thence my saide new Lord Maior goeth into the Chamberlaines office , where he dineth , and the olde Lord Maior at their first coming into the hall , goeth vp to the high table in the Hustings , and there keepeth the state for that feast . And after the hall is almost serued of the second , then the new L. Maior goeth with Mastèr Recorder , and those aldermen that dine with him , to bid the old Lord and all the guests in the hall welcome . Then after dinner goeth to Pauls with all the Companies wayting before my Lord .

For going to Paules on all Saints day , Christmas day , Twefth day , and Candlemas day .

All the Aldermen and the Sheriffes come to my Lords place in their scarlet Gownes Furred ; A Veluet Whood . All Saints day is the last day that the old Lord rideth with the new . and their cloakes and horses , and from thence ride to the Guild hall , my Lords Companie , and the Batchelers before him , and there heareth Euening Prayer : and when prayer is done they ride to Pauls , and there both the new L. Maior and the olde put on their Clokes , and goe vp to the Quire , and there heare the Sermon , which done , they goe about the Church , & there put off their cloakes where they were put on . Then they take their horses againe , and the Aldermen bring my Lord home , and then they haue spice bread and hypocrasse , and so take their leaue of my Lord .

Vpon S. Thomas day .

The Lord Maior and euery Alderman is to sit in his Ward in his violet gowne and cloake furred .

For Sunday after Christmasse holy daies .

My Lord and the Aldermen must be in their violet gownes without their clokes , to the end to heare the sermon .

For Monday after Twelfth day .

My Lord and the Aldermen meete at the Guilde-hall at eight of the clocke in the morning in their scarlet gownes furred , and their clokes furred , without horse , to receiue of their wardes their Indentures of the warmot Enquest , and for the swearing of the Constables and Scauengers .

For good Friday .

My Lord and the Aldermen meet at Paules Crosse , at one of the clocke , to heare the sermon in their pewke gownes , and without their Chaines and Tippets .

For Monday and Tuesday in Easter weeke .

All the Aldermen and Sheriffes come vnto my Lords place before eight of the clocke to breakfast , Whood for my Lord . in their scarlet gownes furred , and their cloakes and horses : and after breakefast , take their horses , & ride to the Spittle , and there put on their clokes , and so sit downe in order to heare the Sermon , which done , ride homeward in order till they come to the Pump within Bishopsgate , and there so many of the Aldermen as do dine with the Sheriffes , take their leaue of my L. and the rest go home with him .

For Wednesday in Easter weeke .

Like as afore in the other 2. daies , but that my Lord and the Aldermen must be in their Violet gowns and suteable cloakes .

For low Sunday .

All the Aldermen meet my Lord and the Sheriffs at Pauls schoole in their scarlet gowns furred with out their clokes , or horse , to heare the Sermon

For Monday and Tuesday in Whitson weeke . ●… my Lords ●… leasure be ●… o goe .

The Lord Maior and Aldermen must meete with my L. at Pauls in their Sarlet Gownes without clokes , to heare the Sermon .

For going to Paules the first Sunday of euery Tearme .

All the Aldermen meet my Lord and the Sheriffes at Paules , in their scarlet gowns furred or lined , without clokes or horse , as the time of the yeare requireth , when the Terme beginneth .

For the election of the Knights and Burgesses of the Parliament .

All the Aldermen meete my Lord and the Sheriffes at Guildhall , at nine of the clocke in their Violet Gownes and their cloakes , furred or lyned , as the time of the yeare , when they shal be chosen requiretly and sitteth in the Hustings Court while the Commons chuse them . The order is , that they must chuse Maister Recorder for one of theyr Knights , and one gray cloake for the other , and two commoners for the Burgesses , which done they depart .

For the election of Master Chamberlaine and Bridge-Masters , if any of them depart within the yeere .

My Lord and the Aldermen sitteth in the Hustings Court , while they bee chosen , in their Violet gowns , without their cloakes , and doe not remooue vntill the election be done .

The vse of my Lords Cloake .

From Michaelmas to Whitsontide , Beginning vpon Michaelmas ●… ue . Violet Furred , and from Whitsontide to Michaelmas scarlet lined .

The Lord Maior and those Knights that haue borne the office of Maioralty , ought to haue their cloakes furred with Gray Amis : & those Aldermen that haue not been Maiors , are to haue their cloakes furred with Calabre .

And likewise such as haue beene Maiors , are to haue their cloakes lyned with changeable Taffatie , and the rest are to haue them lined with greene Taffaty .

For the buriall of Aldermen .

The Aldermen must be in their Violet gowns , but they that haue of their friends blacke gownes .

And if any Alderman dieth , master Sword bearer , is to haue a blacke Gowne , or xxxiii.s. iiii.d. in money : and if he giueth my Lord a blacke Gowne , Master Swordbearer must haue another , or xl.s. in money , the price thereof : and so carry the Sword in blacke before my Lord .

Master Chamberlaine is not to weare his Tippet , but when my Lord Maior , or my maisters the Aldermen weare either Scarlet or Violet .

For the Orphans Court .

My Lord and the Aldermen come vnto the Guildhall in their Violet Gownes , without cloakes , but my Lord Maior must haue his cloake on .

Which Court the common Crier warneth .

The foure Pleaders , the Chamberlaine , Towne-cearke , common Sergeant , ii . Iudges of the Sheriffes Court , the Secondaries , vnder Chamberlaine , and Bridge-masters are to attend my Lord at his house , before his going abroad vpon all festiuall times and generall dayes .

FINIS .