| Description | From: Charles II, king of England
Exemplification of proceedings in the king's court at Westminster during Easter term 1678 (recited).
On 29 Nov 1675, William Jones, knight, the king's attorney general, brought an information against the mayor and commonalty of the city of Canterbury, alleging that they were claiming and exercising judicial privileges and franchises as specified within the borough of St Martin's, without any warrant or royal grant. They were ordered to show their warrant for these privileges.
The mayor and commonalty appeared on 17 Apr 1680 by John Goddin, their attorney, and produced the charter of incorporation of Henry VI, dated 22 Aug 1448, as their warrant. [Many details of the contents of the charter given.] The king's charter specifically exempted the precinct of the hamlet of Stablegate, part of the vill ('villa') of Westgate outside city, from the city's jurisdiction because both Stablegate and Northgate were of the archbishop's fee. The city claimed that the borough of St Martin's had always been part of the city of Canterbury and the court accepted this. However, the city disclaimed any right to hold a court in the manor of Caldecote and acknowledged that Stablegate had never been part of the city. The court allowed the charter as the warrant for the city's privileges.
Sent patent. The clerks are Gooding and Folkes.
Elaborately decorated first line, partly printed: penwork initial, enclosing the royal arms, with crest, motto and supporters. Another depiction of the royal arms, with crest, motto and supporters, in the centre. Other initials decorated with penwork, half-human figures, monsters and elaborate foliage.
Given at Westmister [Middlesex.]
Endorsed with description in 18th cent hand. |