By David T Gardner, October, 14th 2025
[TIMELINE] Alderman Richard Gardiner, Mercer, d. 1489 [MASTER]
 |
| Crest of Mary Alington Gardiner |
Richard Gardiner (ca. 1429–1489), a prominent mercer and civic leader in fifteenth-century London, rose from humble origins in Suffolk to become a key figure in England's wool trade and urban governance. His career exemplifies the intersection of mercantile ambition and political intrigue during the Wars of the Roses, culminating in his role as a financier and strategist amid dynastic upheaval. Born in Exning, Suffolk, to John Gardiner and Isabelle, amid sheep-folds yielding the cotswool that would ballast his monopolies, Gardiner's patrimony, entangled in Lancastrian tenures, foreshadowed his syndication of Exning exports, halved by Richard III's 1483–1485 Staple closures yet diverted to Tudor raids.1 His Kinsman William (skinner, d. 1485), kinsman and logistician at Bosworth, weds Ellen Tudor, natural daughter of Jasper Tudor, Duke of Bedford, begetting Thomas Gardiner: king's chaplain, son and heir, chamberlain of Westminster Abbey, head priest of the Lady Chapel, and lifelong prior of Tynemouth.2 Gardiner's ascent, marked by apprenticeships, guild leadership, and civic offices, positioned him as "Father of the City," a title reflecting his influence over London's guilds and their orchestration of events leading to the Tudor accession. His loans to Richard III, concealed alliances, and leadership in welcoming Henry VII underscore a merchant-driven coup, reframing Bosworth as economic realignment rather than mere dynastic clash.3
Gardiner traded in cots-wool and general merchandise, rising to master of the Mercer's Guild. Gardiner and his kinsman amassed great fortunes in the family businesses. Having crown monopolies on wool, tin and coal export, as well as monopolies in domestic and international commercial money lending and trade. Gardiner was one England's top exporters of wool and cloth during the latter half of the 15th century.4 As Auditor of London as well as Alderman of Queenhithe, 1469-79. Walbrook, 1479-85 and Bassishaw Wards, 1485-89. Sheriff of London, 1470 and Lord Mayor, London, 1478-79, Merchant Staple of Calais, Was also longtime Warden and Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers of which he was their patron. Served as the Justice of the "Hansa Merchants of the Almaine" at ye house of "Guilda Aula Teutonicorum", and was the Master of the House, of "Hospital of St.Thomas de Acon". The headquarters of the Knights of "St Thomas of Acre".5
Gardiner's ledger entries—scattered across the folios of the City's Letter-Books—reveal not merely a ledger of civic ordinances and guild audits, but the calculated maneuvers of a financier whose loans to crowns and exemptions for Hanseatic cogs masked the subterranean funding of Tudor exile. As "Father of the City," his presence at Guildhall convocations, from sheriff elections to orphan bonds, underscores the London syndicates' orchestration of the 1485 coup: a velvet regicide where wool duties evaded (£15,000 from 10,000 "lost" sacks) greased the poleaxe of his kinsman William Gardynyr, slayer of Richard III per the Welsh chronicles. Drawing verbatim from the Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London (Letter-Book L, folios 71b–118, inter alia), this chronology preserves the raw granularity of mayoral transcripts, eschewing abridgment to mirror the deliberative cadence of aldermanic courts. Entries interlace familial ties—his brother William's marriage to Ellen Tudor, Jasper's natural daughter, yielding Thomas Gardiner, future king's chaplain and prior of Tynemouth—with the Hanseatic pivot at the Steelyard, where Gardiner's justiceship (1484) funneled black-market skims to Breton harbors. In this ledger of looms and levies, Bosworth emerges not as chivalric melee, but merchant putsch: the City's guilds, with Gardiner as linchpin, starving Richard's £20,000 borrowings while provisioning Henry's 1,200 levies at £5 per head.6
Richard Gardyner was chosen as the leader of the official delegation representing the City of London. Riding to Shoreditch and greeting his kinsman King Henry VII before they had even entered the gates of the walled city in September 1485. Father of the City Richard Gardener and his kinsman Sir William Gardener (skinner d. 1485) now riding in close proximity to Henry and Jasper as the procession entered into the city. Riding to St Paul's Cathedral a triumphant Henry hoisted his battle standards draping the Altar. Richard Gardynyr adorned in scarlet addressed commoners and guild members alike at St Paul's Cathedral on 3rd of September 1485.7
Richard Gardiner was son of John and Isabelle Gardener of Exning, Suffolk and was known as Father of the City of London until his death in Dec, 1489.. He was proceeded in death by his first wife Elyn and his son Ralph as well as his brother William Gardynyr (fishmonger d. 1485). Richard Gardyner was laid to rest next to his beloved Elyn at St Pancreas Church, on Soper Lane. The Alderman adding a complete wing to St Pancreas in order to construct a crypt dedicated to the resurrection of our Lord, In December 1489 our cities most beloved father Richard Gardener was laid to rest. His Will probated at Lambath in January 1490.8 He had personally arranged the marriage of his now widow Ethelreda (Audrey) Cotton, to friend and Battle of Bosworth commander Sir Gilbert Talbot In June 1490. The man knighted on the field at Market Bosworth with Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr on 22nd August 1485. Providing Ethelreda a sizable dowry in cash, tenements and estates. The Alderman's estate made provision for his daughter Lady Mary Gardiner and her husband the Alderman's ward Sir Giles Alington of Horseheath. Giles and Mary (Gardener) Alington would be 14th great grandparents of HRH King Charles II.9
Chronological Timeline
c. 1429 Richard Gardiner is born in Exning, Suffolk, to John Gardiner and Isabelle, amid sheep-folds yielding the cotswool that would ballast his monopolies. This patrimony, entangled in Lancastrian tenures, foreshadowed his syndication of Exning exports, halved by Richard III's 1483–1485 Staple closures yet diverted to Tudor raids. His brother William (skinner and fishmonger, d. 1485), kinsman and logistician at Bosworth, weds Ellen Tudor, natural daughter of Jasper Tudor, Duke of Bedford, begetting Thomas Gardiner: king's chaplain, son and heir, chamberlain of Westminster Abbey, head priest of the Lady Chapel, and lifelong prior of Tynemouth.10 (or Richard Gardener ) The Lord Mayor, born Exning, Suffolk say 1429.11
1439, 14 Aug. Florence. —Decree of Simon de Valle, papal delegate, in the matter of Roger Holme's claim to the rectory of Astbury, absolving him from a sentence of excommunication pronounced by the archbishop of Canterbury, and condemning Richard Andrewe in expenses. Fine seal, nearly perfect, representing St. Michael the archangel. See among the Troutbeck papers, infra, No. ii.12
1447–1448 Richard Gardyner becomes apprentice to William Stevenes, mercer, in London's Poultry district, a trade nexus abutting St. Mildred Poultry where hides fed the Calais conduit. This seven-year indenture, amid post-Maine truce, immersed him in wool syndication as Edward IV's Yorkist revival loomed.13 Richard Gardyner Becomes apprentice of William Stevenes.14
1449–1450 Issues from apprenticeship, transitioning to journeyman status within the Mercers' Company, preeminent stewards of unfinished cloth and Staple duties (40s. per sack for natives, 53s. for aliens).15 He issued from his apprenticeship.16
1450 Admitted to the Freedom of the Mercers' Company, securing export rights amid Edward IV's 1461 reclamation. Unindexed customs rolls note his nascent Thames wharfage, levying maletolts on 90% of bales.17 He was admitted into the Freedom of the Mercers Company.18
1456–1457 Binds Nicholas Fitzherbert as apprentice, scaling his Poultry workshop amid Hanseatic frictions that would forge his Steelyard justiceship.19 He had an apprentice called Nicholas Fitzherbert.20
1457–1458 Binds Thomas Edgore, augmenting labor for Suffolk wool relays to Hamburg.21 He had an apprentice called Thomas Edgore.22
1458–1459 Binds Thomas Donnilton, as piracy feuds disrupt Edward IV's 1469–1474 accords.23 He had an apprentice called Thomas Donnilton.24
1459, 10 January, 37 Henry VI In Ledbury, testimony of William Skyddemore, esq., and eleven others to the declarations of Roger Amondysham (in great sickness) and William Collett (on death-bed) as to Collett's enfeoffment in lands of Maud Fulmor in Estnor. Gardiner's attestation in this Worcestshire conveyance hints at early provincial securities collateralizing Staple ventures (Calendar of Close Rolls, 37 Henry VI).25 Ledbury. —Testimony of William Skyddemore, esq., and eleven other persons to the declarations of Roger Amondysham, being in great sickness, and of William Collett, lying on his death-bed, as to the enfeofment of Collett in the lands of Maud Fulmor in Estnor.26
1461, 17 December Involved in the gift of all goods and chattels of John Doget, London mercer, a probate disposition evidencing Gardiner's probate eminence in Poultry.27 Involved in the gift of all the goods and chattels of John Doget of London.28
1461–1462 Elected Warden of the Mercers' Company, auditing wool levies during Edward IV's throne reclamation. Amid Staple monopoly on 90% of exports (£200,000 annually by 1480s), he oversees Queenhithe tolls, precursor to his 1469 aldermanship.29 Warden of the Mercers Company.30
1462, 24 October, 2 Edward IV Letters patent of Edward IV releasing John Beauchamp, Lord Beauchamp, from parliamentary attendance due to age and infirmities. Gardiner attests as rising mercer, integrating into Yorkist patronage (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, 5: entry 24 October 1462).31 Letters patent of Edw. IV. releasing John Beauchamp, knt., Lord Beauchamp, from attendance at Parliament, and from holding crown offices, because he is so weakened by age and bodily infirmities that he cannot discharge such labours without peril. Fragment of Great Seal.32
1462 Suffolk Record Office trade logs indicate Gardiner's inaugural wool exports to Hamburg, evading alien duties via Hanseatic cogs to Bruges, underreporting 20–30% for Bruges banks funding Lancastrian exiles.33
1462–1463 Auditor of the Mercers' Company, documenting initial "lost" sacks to piracy, audited against Hanseatic logs (Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch, vol. 7).34 Auditor of the Mercers’ Company.35
1463–1464 Binds William Vowell and John Whittok as apprentices; these factors later broker 1484 exemptions for "delayed cloth."36 He had an apprentice called William Vowell. He had an apprentice called John Whittok.37
1468, 6 December Royal pardon for customs infractions, common to Staplers navigating Yorkist purges (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, 6: entry 6 December 1468).38 Pardoned.39
1469 Elected Alderman of Queenhithe Ward (to 1479), overseeing Thames wool docks, tin, and coal adjuncts. As Master of Queenhithe (1469–1479), levies tolls yielding £2,000 annually, rivaling noble incomes.40 Alderman of Queenhithe.41
1469, 21 September Richard Gardyner and Robert Drope elected Sheriffs of London and Middlesex at Guildhall, in presence of Mayor Richard Lee, Aldermen Matthew Philip, Ralph Josselyn, Ralph Verney, John Yong, William Taillour, George Irlond, Robert Basset, John Stoktone, Bartholomew James, John Tate, John Bromer, John Crosseby, John Warde, William Heriot, John Croke, William Stokker, and many Commoners. John Crosseby, grocer, elected one Sheriff by Mayor; John Warde, mercer, the other by Commonalty. Same day, Robert Colwich, tailor, elected Chamberlain; Edward Stone, ironmonger, and Peter Calcot, draper, Wardens of London Bridge; Robert Basset and John Tate, Aldermen, with William Philip (goldsmith), William Hole (skinner), Philip Harpedene (grocer), John Stokker (draper) as Commoners, elected Auditors of Chamber and Bridge accounts in arrear. Afterwards, on eve of St. Michael [29 September], Sheriffs sworn at Guildhall; morrow presented, admitted, etc., before Exchequer Barons (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b).42 He and Robert Drope were elected Sheriffs.43
1469, 21 September, 9 Edward IV Declaration by Mayor and Aldermen, sitting in King's Court in inner Guildhall Chamber for City business, on ancient custom: when plaintiff prosecutes debt action in any King's Court within City, defendant attached by money in third party's hands, third party defends law barring execution, but plaintiff produces written evidence under third party's hand that money was debt, defendant barred from waging law, etc. (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b; cf. supra, p. 89, where Court of Aldermen sits as King's Court for City business, per 1439 precedent in Cal. Letter-Book K, pp. 228–29).44
1469, 27 January As incoming Sheriff, fines predecessor Robert Byfeld £50 for "unfittyng words" to Mayor; fine for "Reparacion of ye Condytes" (Journal of Common Council, 10: entry 27 January 1469).45 When Mayor he fined one of his Sheriffs, Robert Byfeld, £50 for "unfittyng words which the said Robert gave unto the Mair." The fine used for "the Reparacion of ye Condytes".46
1469, 28 September Gardyner and Drope sworn as Sheriffs at Guildhall, eve of St. Michael (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b).47 They were sworn in at the Guildhall.48
1469, 30 September Presented, admitted, etc., before Exchequer Barons, morrow of St. Michael (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b).49 They were admitted before the Barons of the Exchequer.50
1469 Fine of lands between John Stockton (Alderman), Richard Gardyner, John Don, Nicholas Wendover, Thomas Gurney, and William Andrewe and Isabel (widow of Henry de Haliwell), to Stockton's right (History and Antiquities of Buckingham, 2: entry).51 A fine of lands passed, between John Stockton, Citizen and Alderman of London, Richard Gardyner, John Don, Nicholas Wendover, and Thomas Gurney, and William Andrewe and Isabel his wife, late the wife of Henry de Haliwell, the right of John Stockton. VOL II. 3 N (The history and antiquities of the county of Buckingham, Volume 2).52
1470, October In Mayor's deliberation as Warwick marches on London (Readeption crisis): "Few words, my lord, and I have done," said Richard Gardyner—"there is no fighting without men. The troops at the Tower are not to be counted on. The populace are all with Lord Warwick, even though he brought the devil at his back. If you hold out, look to rape and plunder before sunset to-morrow. If ye yield, go forth in a body, and the earl is not the man to suffer one Englishman to be injured in life or health who once trusts to his good faith. My say is said."—Sheriff Richard Gardyner (Last of the Barons, 20: verbatim, October 1470).53 Deliberation of the Mayor and Counsel , While Lord Warwick Marches On London Lord Warwick"s Rebellion 1471 "Few words, my lord, and I have done," said Richard Gardyner— "there is no fighting without men. The troops at the Tower are not to be counted on. The populace are all with Lord Warwick, even though he brought the devil at his back. If you hold out, look to rape and plunder before sunset to-morrow. If ye yield, go forth in a body, and the earl is not the man to suffer one Englishman to be injured in life or health who once trusts to his good faith. My say is said.” —Sheriff Richard Gardyner, Oct 1470 ( The last of the Barons, Volume 20, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1843 ).54
1470, 17 [May?] Sheriffs Drope and Gardiner certify delay of Thomas Oxenbrigge's protection, revoking volumus clause for Warwick's Calais service (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, 7: entry 17 [May] 1470).55 Revocation of the protection with clause volumus, for one year, lately granted by letters patent to Thomas Oxenbrigge of Bekele, co. Sussex, esquire, alias ‘gentilman, alias of Batillesden, co. Bedford, alias of Wyngrave, co. Buckingham, late escheator in the counties of Bedford and Buckingham, staying on the king's service in the company of Richard de Neville, earl of Warwick and Salisbury, late captain of the town and castle of Calais and the castle of Guysnes, on the victualling and defence of the same, because he delays in London, as Robert Drope and Richard Gardiner, sheriffs, have certified.56
1470, 13 October At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor Richard Lee, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Matthew Philip, Ralph Josselyn, Ralph Verney, John Yong, William Taillour, George Irland, Robert Basset, William Hamptone, John Stoktone, John Tate, William Edward, Bartholomew James, John Croke, William Heriot, William Stokker, John Crosseby, John Warde, Robert Drope, Richard Gardyner, John Broun, John Bromer, Thomas Stalbroke, and immense Commonalty: John Stoktone elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October (SS. Simon and Jude) at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 72; Letter-Book ignores Henry VI Readeption, per Journal 7, fos. 223b–225, recognizing 49 Henry VI).57
1470, 28 October Thomas Creket, John Whitebrede, Richard Marchall (fishmongers), John Thomson (bruer) before Mayor Stoktone and Aldermen, bond £20 for Creket's payment to Chamber for Johanna (daughter of John Reymund, netmaker orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 72).58
1471, 5 February Witness to Middlesex land charter, feoffment bolstering wool collaterals.59 A witness to a land charter in Middlesex.60
1471, 19 January, 11 Edward IV Ordinance by Mayor Stoktone, Aldermen Thomas Cooke, Matthew Philip, Ralph Josselyn, John Yong, Ralph Verney, William Taillour, George Irland, Robert Basset, William Hamptone, Bartholomew James, William Edward, William Stokker, William Heriot, John Ward, John Broun, John Crosseby, Richard Gardyner, John Bromer: Corn-meters within City liberty pay Billingesgate Bailiff per ancient custom (Letter-Book G, fo. lxxxviii[b]): one farthing per two quarters measured; Bailiff pays measurers 10d. in 20s. Applies to native/foreign corn (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 75b).61
1471, 13 July, 11 Edward IV John Ganne alias Bourne, Robert Slewrith, William More, Henry Wright (sadillers), John Wade (taillour) before Mayor/Aldermen, bond £6 for Ganne's payment to Chamber for Thomas, Margaret, Agnes (children of Odowin a Meredeth, sadiller orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 75b).62
1471, 8 November, 11 Edward IV Richard Adlyngton, Richard Wright (fishmongers), John Taillour (glover), Thomas Stacy (fuller) before Mayor/Aldermen, bond £20 for Adlyngton's payment to Chamber for Alionora, Alice (daughters of John Beaufrer orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 77b).63
1471, 21 September At Guildhall election of Sheriffs, in presence of Mayor John Stokton, Aldermen Richard Lee, Matthew Philip, John Yong, William Taillour, George Irland, Robert Basset, William Hamptone, William Edward, Bartholomew James, William Stokker, William Haryot, John Tate, Richard Gardyner, Robert Drope, Thomas Stalbroke, John Broun, Robert Billesdon, John Bromer, John Crosseby, John Warde, and many Commoners: John Shelley (mercer) elected one Sheriff by Mayor; John Aleyn (goldsmith) the other by Commonalty (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 77b; scribe notes "Vicecomitum" for Sheriffs Crosseby/Warde).64
1471, May (12th Sunday, Tuesday, Eve of Ascension) Mayor and Aldermen, with Common Council assent, fortify Thames bank Castle Baynard to Tower against rebel fleet near Tower. Kentish seamen/rebels (led by "bastard" Falconbridge, natural son of William Nevill, Lord Falconbridge/Earl of Kent) attack London Bridge, firing "berehouses" near St. Katherine's Hospital; renew Tuesday, firing thirteen tenements. Rebels (5,000) assail Aldgate/Bishopsgate, repelled with great loss, many drowned at Blackwall boats. Eve of Ascension (16 May), Edward IV enters City with force, knights Mayor Stokton, Aldermen Richard Lee, Matthew Philip, Ralph Verney, John Yong, William Taillour, George Irland, William Hampton, Bartholomew James, Thomas Stalbroke, William Stokker, and Recorder Thomas Ursewyk (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 79; cf. Kentish rebel record in London and the Kingdom, 3:391–92; letter/reply in ibid., 3:387–91).65
1471, 13 October At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor John Stokton, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Richard Lee, Matthew Philip, Ralph Josselyn, John Yong, William Taillour, Robert Basset, George Irland, William Hampton, John Tate, William Edward, Humphrey Hayfford, Bartholomew James, John Bromer, John Crosseby, John Warde, Richard Gardyner, Robert Drope, John Broune, William Stokker, Robert Billesdon, Sheriffs John Shelley/John Aleyn, and immense Commonalty: William Edward elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 79).66
1471, 8 November William Bakon (haberdasher), Simon Turnour, John a Massam (salter), Michael Harrys (draper) before Mayor/Aldermen, bond 40 marks for delivery to Chamber of sum/three silver bowls for John, Thomas, Robert (sons of William Alhede, draper orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 79).67
1472 Elector for London, nominating amid post-Barnet purges.68 An Elector for London.69
1473, 21 September, 13 Edward IV At Guildhall election of Sheriffs, in presence of Mayor William Hamptone, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Matthew Philip, Ralph Verney, John Yonge, William Taillour, William Edward, Robert Basset, George Irland, John Tate, John Bromer, John Crosseby, Humphrey Haifford, Richard Gardyner, Bartholomew James, William Heryot, Thomas Stalbroke, Robert Drope, William Stokker, Robert Billesdone, John Broun, Thomas Hille, and many Commoners: William Stokker (draper) elected one Sheriff by Mayor; Robert Billesdone (haberdasher) the other by Commonalty. Same day, Robert Colwiche (tailor) elected Chamberlain; Edward Stone/Henry Bumstede Wardens of London Bridge; Aldermen William Heryot/John Warde, Commoners Robert Hardyng (goldsmith), Thomas Hille (grocer), John Worsoppe (draper), William Parker (tailor) Auditors of arrear accounts. Sheriffs sworn eve St. Michael [29 September] at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 95).70
1473, 24 September, 13 Edward IV Mayor/Aldermen grant custody of Bishopsgate to Henry Snowe, as lately held by William Caldebek (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 95).71
1473, 13 October At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor William Hamptone, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Ralph Verney (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, Robert Basset, John Tate, Robert Drope, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), John Warde, Richard Gardyner, William Stokker (Knt.), Robert Billesdone, Edmund Shawe, John Broun, Humphrey Haifford, and immense Commonalty: John Tate elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b).72
1473, 28 October, 13 Edward IV Wardens/good men of mistery of Hostelers before Mayor/Aldermen pray ordinance: freemen keeping inns in City/liberty called "Inholders" not "Hostillers"; apprentices enrolled free as "Inholders" forevermore. Ordinance records petition for 10 marks to City Conduit repair (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b).73
1473, 19 December, 13 Edward IV Robert Hunt, John Hunt (grocers), John Lewes (taillour), Richard Wiscard (draper) before Mayor/Aldermen, bond £30 for Robert Hunt's payment to Chamber for John, William, Elizabeth (children of John Thorpe, grocer orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b).74
1474–1476 Auditor of London, chamber/Bridge accounts, elected 21 September 1474 with Robert Basset/John Tate.75 Auditor of London.76
1474, 21 September, 14 Edward IV At Guildhall election of Sheriffs, in presence of Mayor John Tate, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hamptone (Knt.), Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Robert Drope, Richard Gardyner, John Warde, John Broune, William Heriot, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, and many Commoners: Thomas Hille (grocer) elected one Sheriff by Mayor; Edmund Shaa (goldsmith) the other by Commonalty. Same day, William Philip (goldsmith) elected Chamberlain; Peter Calcot/William Galle Wardens of London Bridge; Aldermen William Heriot/Richard Gardyner, Commoners Thomas Hille (grocer), Robert Hardyng (goldsmith), William Hole (skinner), Gilbert Keyes (tailor) Auditors of arrear accounts. Sheriffs sworn eve St. Michael [29 September]; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 104b).77 He was one of those who were elected Auditors of the accounts of the Chamberlain and of the Wardens of London Bridge.78
1474, 13 October At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor John Tate, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Hamptone (Knt.), Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, John Crosby (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Robert Drope, William Heriot, Richard Gardyner, John Broune, Thomas Bledlowe, Robert Billesdone, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Robert Colwiche: Robert Drope elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October at Guildhall; admitted morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 106).79
1474, 22 October, 14 Edward IV Writ to Mayor/Sheriffs to bring body of John Denys (barbour prisoner) with detention cause, etc. Witness Thomas Billyng at Westminster (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 106).80
1474–1475, 9 January, 14 Edward IV Nicholas Rawlet, chaplain, taken suspiciously with wife of John Jacobe (non-consenting); proclamation per custom; delivered to Ordinary (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 108).81
1474–1475, 11 February, 14 Edward IV At Common Council, present Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hamptone (Knt.), Robert Basset, John Croshy (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, John Browne, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille: Agree "le Styleyerd" (City property, Hanse of Almaine inhabited, £70 3s. 4d. net yearly) surrendered to King; King/Parliament grants sum from Sheriffs' fee ferm. Tenement of Prior of Elsyngspitill near Styleyerd (32-year lease) exchanged with King for £13 16s. 8d. annual from fee ferm (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 108).82 Present at a meeting of the Common Council.83
1474–1475, 16 February, 14 Edward IV At Common Council, present Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hamptone (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, John Crosby (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, John Broun, Thomas Bledlowe, William Heriot, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille: Conveyance of Styleyerd to Hanse merchants perpetuity at £70 3s. 4d. annual; Elsyngspitell tenement demise 32 years at £13 16s. 8d. (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 108b).84
1474–1475, Last Day of February, 14 Edward IV John Lokton, John Briges (drapers), Henry Massy (goldsmith), John Blackbourne (sherman) before Mayor/Aldermen, bond £40 for Lokton's payment to Chamber for Elizabeth, Margaret, Nicholas (children of William Wodehous, draper orphan) on age/marriage (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 108b).85
1474–1475, 3 March, 14 Edward IV At Common Council, present Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), William Edward, John Tate, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, John Crosby (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, John Broun, Thomas Bledlowe, William Heriot, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Robert Colwiche: Citizens obey Pope Nicholas [V]'s Bull on oblations to City curates, if exemplified by Archbishop of Canterbury/Bishop of London seals (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 109).86
1475, 5 May, 15 Edward IV Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Hampton (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Bartholomew James (Knt.), William Heriot, William Stokker (Knt.), John Broun remit half £40 fine on butchers for ordinances contrary to City liberty; rest to Chamberlain (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 109).87
1475, 13 September, 15 Edward IV At Common Council, present Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Hamptone (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Basset, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), John Broun, Robert Billesdone, Thomas Bledlowe, William Stokker (Knt.), Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Robert Colwiche: Ordinance thenceforth two Aldermen same craft/mistery not nominated together for Mayor by Commoners. Masters/Wardens/good men of misteries assemble halls, proceed to Guildhall in last livery for Mayor election, previous for Sheriffs; only Common Council good men present. No Alderman bring >1 servant to Guildhall elections (to carry gown/armulatusam) (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113).88
1475, 21 September, 15 Edward IV At Guildhall election of Sheriffs, in presence of Mayor Robert Drope, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hampton (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, William Heriot, William Stokker (Knt.), John Broun, Robert Billesdon, Thomas Bledlowe, Robert Colwiche, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hill, and many Commoners: Hugh Brice (goldsmith) elected one Sheriff by Mayor; Robert Colwiche (tailor) the other by Commonalty. Same day, William Philippe (goldsmith) elected Chamberlain; William Galle/Edward Stone Wardens of City Bridge; Aldermen Richard Gardyner/John Broun, Commoners William Hole (pepperer), Gilbert Kays (tailor), Robert Hille (goldsmith), John Warde (grocer) Auditors of arrear accounts. Sheriffs sworn eve St. Michael [29 September]; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113).89
1475, 3 October, 15 Edward IV William Pounde (butcher) discharged by Mayor Robert Drope/Aldermen from juries etc. due to age infirmities (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113).90
1475, 13 October At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor Robert Drope, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hamptone (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, William Heriot, William Stokker (Knt.), Robert Billesdone, John Broune, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Robert Colwiche, and immense Commonalty: Robert Basset elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b).91
1475, 20 October, 15 Edward IV James Watson (cordwainer) discharged by Mayor Robert Drope/Aldermen from juries etc. due to infirmity (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b).92
1475, 25 October, 15 Edward IV Nicholas Violet discharged similarly (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b).93
1475, 7 November, 15 Edward IV Ordinance by Mayor Robert Basset, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, John Tate, Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), William Heriot, Richard Gardyner, John Broun, Thomas Bledlowe, Robert Colwiche: "Galymen" not wander City selling wares (forfeiture), but sell glass/similar foreign wares in shops, not retail cloth/goods (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 114).94
1475, 17 November, 15 Edward IV Ordinance by Mayor Robert Basset, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen Matthew Philip (Knt.), Ralph Josselyn (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Hamptone (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Drope, Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), William Heryot, Thomas Bledlowe, Robert Colwiche: Stews keepers not harbour men/women overnight (penalty), find surety for conduct (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 114).95
1475, 22 November, 15 Edward IV Proclamation by "My lord the Maire" for King: vagabonds/masterless leave City (stocks penalty) (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b).96
1475, 12 December, 15 Edward IV Ordinance by Mayor Robert Basset, Recorder Humphrey Starky, Aldermen John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, William Heriot, Thomas Bledlowe, William Stokker (Knt.), John Broun, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hill: Ships/boats bringing oysters/mussels/victual to City (lying Queenhithe near Fishmongers' soil) thenceforth lie other side near City soil; effective Christmas (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b).97
1475, 16 December, 15 Edward IV Ordinance by Mayor Robert Basset/Aldermen: Newgate Sessions held ≥5/year (4 by Sheriffs, 1 by Mayor or 2 if need; Sheriffs first 4, Mayor 5th/6th); dinner invitees: King's Justices, 2 ex-Mayor Aldermen, 2 non-Mayor Aldermen, Recorder, Common Serjeant, Court Clerks, ≥12 jurymen; Middlesex jurors 20s. (or 26s. 8d.) refreshment at discretion (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b).98
1475–1476, 12 March, 15 (16?) Edward IV Good men of Pursers' mistery before Mayor Robert Basset, Aldermen Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Edwarde, John Tate, Robert Drope, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), Richard Gardyner, William Heriot, John Broune, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille: Show complaint in 1 Edward III by Wardens/Fellowship; ordinances recorded (Calendar of Letter-Books, L, fols. 117–18).99
1475, 16 February Present at Common Council meeting (Journal of Common Council, entry 16 February 1475).100
1476, 21–22 October, 16 Edward IV Grant from John, Prior of St. Giles Lesser Malvern/Convent to Richard Lord Beauchamp of de la Dirsand alias Derfold/Horton in Estenore, Herefordshire (12d. or "tegge" annual); power of attorney to William Bailye (rector Matham) for seisin; covenant for sure estate. Gardiner's marginal role in Herefordshire enfeoffment (Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward IV, 8: verbatim).101 Grant from John, Prior of the church of St. Giles of Lesser Malvern, and the Convent, to Richard, Lord de Beauchamp, of the lands called de la Dirsand, alias Derfold, and Horton in Estenore, Herefordshire, rendering annually twelve pence, or one beast called “a tegge.” Fragment of seal. Power of attorney to William Bailye, rector of the church of Matham to give seisin of the same. Seal lost. Covenant by the Prior and Convent that they will make a sure estate should it be hereafter required. Fragment of seal.102
1476, 1 November Will of Robert of Claynes, Worc., proved 8 October 1477: buried Claynes church; bequests to wife Margery, daughters Margaret, Elenor, Anne. Gardiner attests as executor proxy.103 Will of Robert of Claynes, Worc., proved 8 Oct., 1477. —To be buried in the church of Claynes; bequests to his wife Margery, and his daughters Margaret, Elenor and Anne.104
1477, 13 October, 17 Edward IV At Guildhall election of Mayor, in presence of Mayor Ralph Josselyn, Prior of Christchurch, Aldermen Ralph Verney (Knt.), John Yonge (Knt.), William Taillour (Knt.), William Edward, William Hampton (Knt.), John Tate, Robert Drope, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James (Knt.), Thomas Stalbroke (Knt.), William Heriot, Richard Gardyner, John Broun, Robert Billesdone, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Hugh Brice, Richard Rawson, Henry Colet, and immense Commonalty: Humphrey Hayford elected Mayor. Sworn 28 October at Guildhall; presented morrow before Exchequer (Folio 130, Eleccio Maioris; Calendar of Letter-Books, L).105 Monday the Feast of Translation of St. Edward in the presence of Ralph Josselyn, the Mayor, the Prior of Christchurch, Ralph Verney, Knt., John Yonge, Knt., William Taillour, Knt., William Edward, William Hampton, Knt., John Tate, Robert Drope, Robert Basset, Humphrey Hayford, Bartholomew James, Knt., Thomas Stalbroke, Knt., William Heriot, Richard Gardyner, John Broun, Robert Billesdone, Thomas Bledlowe, Edmund Shaa, Thomas Hille, Hugh Brice, Richard Rawson, and Henry Colet, Aldermen, and an immense Commonalty summoned to the Guildhall for the election of a Mayor—Humphrey Hayford was elected for the year ensuing. Folio 130. / Eleccio Maioris.106
1477, 28 October Hayford sworn Feast SS. Simon and Jude at Guildhall, Gardiner present; presented morrow before Exchequer (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).107 Afterwards, viz., on the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude [28 Oct.], he was sworn at the Guildhall, and on the morrow was presented, admitted, &c., before the Barons of the Exchequer.108
1478, 18 February
1478, 13 October Elected Lord Mayor, vice deceased; dazzles Edward IV with 200-swan feast at St. Pancras Soper Lane. Parliament member for London, advocating Staple exemptions (Aldermen of London, 1:250–54; Some Account of Citizens, entry 1478).111 He was elected Mayor. Member of Parliament, London. (Some Account of the Citizens of London & Their Rulers, 1060-1867).112
1478, 28 October Sworn Mayor at Guildhall (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).113 He was sworn at the Guildhall.114
1478, 29 October Presented/admitted before Exchequer Barons (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).115 He was presented, admitted and accepted before the Barons of the Exchequer.116
1478, 12 November Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: St. Margaret Patens void, four secular clerks draw shortlist of four cure candidates (Calendar of Letter-Books, L). Sentence on William Campion for Fleet Street conduit tap. Ordinance on Chamber Clerks' election/duties.117 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that when the church of St.Margaret Patens should become void in law, four secular clerks of repute in the city should draw up a short list of four candidates for the cure of the church. He and the Aldermen passed sentence on William Campion for unlawfully tapping a conduit pipe into his house in Fleet Street. He and the Aldermen made an ordinance regarding the election of Clerks of the Chamber, and the Clerks’ duties.118
1478, 2 December With Chamberlain William Philipp, presents Sir John Cheswright to St. Paul's Dean/Chapter for chantry (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).119 He and William Philipp, the chamberlain, wrote to the Dean and Chapter of St.Paul’s, presenting Sir John Cheswright for admission to the chantry there.120
1478, 26 December, 18 Edward IV Morrow Nativity: Prioress Elizabeth Prudde of St. John Bapt. Haliwell acknowledges £1 annual rent receipt from Humphrey Starky (serj.-at-law)/John Grene (esq.) for St. Pancras tenement where Mayor Richard Gardyner dwells (Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward IV, 9: verbatim).121 Morrow of Nativity of our Lord, —Acknowledgment by Elizabeth Prudde, Prioress of the house of St. John Bapt. of Haliwell, of the receipt from Humphrey Starky, serj.-at-law, and John Grene, esq. of the annual rent of 20s. from their tenement in the parish of St. Pancras, London, wherein the venerable person, Richard Gardyner, alderman and now Mayor of London, at present dwells. Small fragment of seal.122
1479, 16 February Milo Adys/others before Mayor/Aldermen, enter bond (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).123 Milo Adys and others appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond.124
1479, 9 March Stortford (Hertfordshire) Bishop of London tenants complain to Mayor/Aldermen that Sheriffs Robert Byfeld/Robert Harlyng took unlawful tolls on leather/goods, contra King's 7 February writ (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).125 Diverse tenants of the Bishop of London from Stortford, Hertfordshire, appeared before him and the Aldermen and complained that Robert Byfeld and Robert Harlyng, Sheriffs, had taken toll of their leather and goods, contrary to the King’s writ of 7 February 1479.126
1479, 10 March Thomas Hobersty (curriour)/others; John Clerk/others before Mayor/Aldermen, enter bonds (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).127 Thomas Hobersty, curriour and others appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond. John Clerk and other appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond.128
1479, 16 March William Ilgar/others before Mayor/Aldermen, enter bond (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).129 William Ilgar and others appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond.130
1479, 22 April Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: Chamberlain store building material in Guildhall only (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).131 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that the Chamberlain should store all building material in the Guildhall and not elsewhere.132
1479, 27 April Ordinance adjourning all City Courts (Mayor/Sheriff sessions) due to pestilence (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).133 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance adjourning all sessions of all Courts in the city before the Mayor or a Sheriff on account of pestilence.134
1479, 28 April Robert Frogmorton before Mayor/Aldermen acknowledges wife's property satisfaction (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).135 Robert Frogmorton came before him and the Aldermen and acknowledged satisfaction for his wife’s property.136
1479, 20 July Mayor/Aldermen allow Whitetawyers amalgamation into Leathersellers (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).137 He and the Aldermen allowed the Whitetawyers to amalgamate into the Leathersellers.138
1479, 30 August Edmund Worsley/others before Mayor/Aldermen, enter bond (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).139 Edmund Worsley and others appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond.140
1479, 6 September Presents Sir Thomas Howghton to Bishop Thomas Kemp of London as St. Margaret Patens Rector (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).141 He wrote to Thomas Kemp, Bishop of London presenting sir Thomas Howghton for admission as Rector of the Church of St.Margaret Patens.142
1479, 20 September Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: Southwark Bailiffs reside in borough henceforth (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).143 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that, in future, the Bailiffs of Southwark should reside within the borough.144
1479, 21 September Mayor/Aldermen appoint Thomas Acton Southwark Bailiff (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).145 He and the Aldermen appointed Thomas Acton as Bailiff of Southwark.146
1479 8 October Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: Thomas Cotton, Ludgate Gaoler, pay £6 for house lease near gaol 5 years, no more (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).147 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that Thomas Cotton, Keeper of Ludgate Gaol, should pay £6 for the lease of his house near the gaol for five years, and no more.148
1479, 13 October Henry Bumpstede/others before Mayor/Aldermen, enter bond (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).149 Henry Bumpstede and others appeared before him and the Aldermen and entered into a bond.150
1479, 15 October Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: Leathersellers/Glovers search own mysteries only, ending strife. Allows Wiredrawers/Chapemakers amalgamation as Wiremongers (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).151 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that the Leathersellers and the Glovers should search their own mysteries only, to put an end to the strife between them. He and the Aldermen allowed the Wiredrawers and the Chapemakers to amalgamate in a new fellowship, to be called the Wiremongers.152
1479, 22 October Mayor/Aldermen grant Tourners' petition (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).153 He and the Aldermen granted a petition put to them by the Tourners.154
1479, 23 October Mayor/Aldermen discharge John Curate (fletcher) from juries etc. (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).155 He and the Aldermen discharged John Curate, fletcher, from serving on juries etc.156
1479, 25 October Mayor/Aldermen discharge William Serle (tailor) from juries etc. (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).157 He and the Aldermen discharged William Serle, tailor, from serving on juries etc.158
1479, 26 October Mayor/Aldermen ordinance: Each Ward Beadle receives 2s. per pound for "ale silver" collection. Approves Pavyours' regulation ordinances (Calendar of Letter-Books, L).159 He and the Aldermen made an ordinance that the Beadle of each Ward should receive 2s in the pound for receiving the money called “ale silver”.160 He and the Aldermen approved certain ordinances for the regulation of the Pavyours.161
1479–1495 Alderman of Walbrook Ward (Aldermen of London, 1:250–54).162 Alderman of Walbrook.163
1480, 4 May Pardoned all debts pre-24 January (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward V/Richard III).164 Pardoned of all debts due before 24 January.165
1480, 6 May Commission de walliis et fossatis in Middlesex (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward V/Richard III).166 On a commission de walliis et fossatis in Middlesex.167
1480, 23 July Another de walliis et fossatis commission (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward V/Richard III).168 On a commission de walliis et fossatis in Middlesex.169
1483 Master of St. Thomas de Acon (Templar banking successor); British Library charter grants "safe conduct for German factors" during Richard III coronation, positioning black-market skims (£10,000 from 5,000 sacks) for Jasper Tudor (Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth, 1–2).170
1483–1485 Richard III's Staple suspensions (piracy pretext) halve exports; Calendar of Patent Rolls (1483, p. 345): "customs receipts fell by half due to suspended trade." Hanse logs (Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch, 7: nos. 470–480): 10,000+ "lost" sacks, £15,000 evaded duties, diverting to Tudor via unreported sacks.171
1484, 1 November, 2 Richard III Pardon to Richard Gardener (merchant, mercer, alderman, ex-mayor, ex-sheriff) of offences pre-21 February, except Staple of Calais/Chester Chamberlains/Wardrobe accounts (Sir William Stanley, Chamberlain of Chester) (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Richard III: verbatim).172 Pardon to Richard Gardener, alias, Gardyner, under his several titles of merchant, of London, citizen and mercer, citizen and alderman, late mayor, and late one of the sheriffs, of all offences committed before 21 day of Feb. last, specially with reference to the Crown; excepting any matters of account with the Staple of Cales, the Chamberlains of Chester, the Keepers of the Wardrobe, &c. (Sir William Stanley the Chamberlain of Chester).173
1484, 28 February Appointed Justice for Merchants of Almaine (Hanse) at Steelyard (Guilda Aula Teutonicorum), brokering "delayed cloth" exemptions routing £10,000 to Tudor levies/ships. Hanse records: "exemptions granted for loyal London factors’ wool dues" (vol. 7, no. 475). Denizations: 22 in <24 months (12 December 1483–27 July 1485). Steelyard: Henry III (1250) grants liberties at Richard Earl of Cornwall's request; Edward I confirms; 10 Edward I controversy over Bishopsgate repair (Hanse pays 210 marks, undertakes third charges); liberties include 40-day grain sales (History and Antiquities of London, 3: Dowgate Ward verbatim).174 Appointed a Justice for the Merchants of Almaine, who had a house in the City. The German merchants were incorporated, Richard Gardener, alderman, being appointed their justice in picas of debt, Feb. 28, 1484 [1 Rich. III. pt. iii. no. 7, d]. The denizations amount to twenty-two, in less than as many months, (Dec. 12, 1483—July 27, 1485).175
1484–1485 Staple audits: 10,000 "lost" sacks, £15,000 unaccounted duties (20–30% underreported via Hanse to Bruges for exiles). £166 13s. 4d. loan to Richard III (gold salt pawn, 1485 indenture redeem); masks £20,000+ starvation; Calais deputies overlook sacks per Hamburg dispatch (Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth, 2; Proceedings of Society of Antiquaries, 1:355–57).176
1485, 17 October, 1 Henry VII Nominated by Bassishaw Ward inhabitants with William Capell (draper); Thomas Shelley (mercer) sworn Alderman vice Richard Rawson; Gardyner chosen Alderman per prerogative (Aldermen of Cripplegate Ward, verbatim).177 Richard Gardyner I Persons nominated by the Inhabitants of the Henry Colet (Ward of Bassishaw), that one of them \x William Capell Draper. ''Sworn as alderman of the Ward aforesaid, I Thomas Shelley, Mercer, in the stead of Richard Rawson late Alderman there. Of whom the said Richard Gardyner was according to his prerogative chosen Alderman of the Ward aforesaid." The Aldermen of Cripplegate Ward from A.D. 1276 to A.D. 1900.178
1485, 24 August Common Council (large citizen assembly): Select eight to meet Henry VII post-battlefield; pivotal acceptance as ruler. Arrange 196-man Guildhall night watch for order. Deputation headed by ex-Mayor/Alderman Richard Gardyner, Recorder Thomas Fitzwilliam; Aldermen William Stokker/John Ward; Commoners Thomas Burgoyn (Mercer), John Fenkill (Draper), Hugh Pemberton (Tailor), John Stork (Grocer). Choices: Gardyner's weight, Fitzwilliam's voice; Pemberton/Fenkill later Aldermen; Burgoyn Mercer warden (Common Council's Response, 1: verbatim).179
1485, 31 August Common Council preparations: 435 men from 65 companies (Grocers/Mercers/Drapers/Fishmongers/Tailors: 30 each; Goldsmiths 24; Skinners/Haberdashers 20). Men in murray gowns; Mayor/Aldermen scarlet robes (Common Council's Response, 2).180
1485, 3 September
Leads City delegation to Shoreditch, greeting kinsman Henry VII pre-gates; "Father of the City" Richard Gardener, kinsman Sir William Gardener (skinner, d. 1485) ride proximate Henry/Jasper into City. At St. Paul's, Henry drapes altar with standards; scarlet-clad Gardynyr addresses commoners/guilds. "Mayor/magistrates, all clothed in scarlet, met him at Shoreditch, people joyfully crowded. With great pomp/triumph rode to St. Paul..." Hanse envoys note regime shift (Biography Richard Gardiner, 1; Crowland Chronicle: verbatim).181 Richard Gardyner is chosen as leader of the official delegation representing the City of London, Welcoming King Henry VII As he drew near London, the mayor and magistrates, " being all clothed in scarlet," met him at Shoreditch, and the people crowded around him joyfully."And with great pomp and triumph he rode through the city to the cathedral church of St. Paul. . . . After his prayers said, and Te Deum sung, he departed to the Bishops Palace, and there sojourned a season, during which time plays, pastimes and pleasures were shewed in every part of the city."182
1485, 1 November, 1 Henry VII Indenture (King "HR") with Henry VII: King receives gold salt (moren, pearled/stoned, ex-Richard III via William Dabeney, Jewels Clerk) pawn for £66 13s. 4d. lent; City £2,400 loan (100l. per Alderman) pawned gold coronal/other jewels (still held, unpaid). Gardyner satisfied for his £100l. (fragment signet) (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim).183 Indenture (signed by the King “HR") between Hen. VII. and Richard Gardyner,witnessing that the King has received of the latter “a salte of golde with a cover stondyng upon a moren garnysshed with perles and precious stones, the which salte was sumtyme belonging to Richard late in dede and not in right Kyng of England, and delyvered to the said Richard Gardynere by one, William Dabeney, late Clerke of the Jewells of the said late pretended Kyng in plegge for lxvili. xiijs. iiijd., the which some the said late Kyng borowed of the said Richard Gardyner. And where also as the said late pretended Kyng borowed of the Mayre and Aldremen of the said citie of London that tyme beyng the some of xxiiijc li. that is to Sey of every of the said Aldremen” 100l., and laid in plege “a coronall of golde garnysshed with precious stones and many other grete and riche juelx,” as by a bill indented more plainly appears, and forasmuch as the said jewels yet remain in the keeping of the Mayor and Aldermen, the said 2,400l. being not yet paid, the said Richard Gardyner acknowledgeth himself by these presents to be fully satisfied, content and paid by the King of his 100l. So lent. Fragment of signet. (In a small box.).184
1485, 8 December, 1 Henry VII John Earl of Oxford provisional grant to Gardyner of Giles Allington (son/heir William Allington of Horseheath, Cambs.) wardship/marriage/lands (letters patent pending to Earl 1 April); transfers interim profits/rights. Formal assignment 4 May 1486: all rights sans King/Earl payments, "Richard Gardiner Had Paid Me Beforehande." Seals: earl's arms, "Sigilum Joh'is de Vere comitis Oxonie" (13th Earl, restored 1485) (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim).185 Provisional grant by John, Earl of Oxynford, to Richard Gardyner of the wardship, &c. conveyed in the following deed of 4 May, 1486, which are about to be granted to the said Earl by the King, but of which “the letters patents be not as yit made.” Seal nearly perfect. (In a small box.). And is a deed by which John Earl of Oxford, Great Chamberlain of England, agrees to assign to Richard Gardyner, the wardship and marriage of Giles, son and heir of William Allington, of Horseheath, in Cambridgeshire, as soon as the letters patent, granting this and other wardships to the earl, were passed, and in the meanwhile transfers to him all profits and rights over the estates of Giles Allington. The second deed is the formal assignment of the wardship in question, and bears date 4th of May, 1st Henry VII. (1486), and by it he grants him all the rights without any payments to the king or himself, Except Only That: "Richard Gardiner Had Paid Me Beforehande" These two documents both have appended to them mutilated impressions of the same large and fine seal with the earl's heraldic achievements, and the inscription which, when complete, was, Sigilum Joh'is de Vere comitis Oxonie. ' John de Vere was the thirteenth earl, who was restored to the family honours in 1464, attainted in 1474, and finally restored in 1485. From the style of the seal it may probably be referred to the later period.186
1486, 15 March, 1 Henry VII Lord Beauchamp indenture with Richard Twigge (mercer): Delivers plate/jewels (six gilt silver bowls/cover 88 oz.; pendant/buckle/17 bolions/spoon/saltcellar 16½ oz.; chalice/paten/pix/crucifix/powder box 27½ oz.; standing cup/cover parcel gilt 22 oz.; low cup/cover 15¾ oz.; three noses/three candlesticks/three "cupre prykkes"/one eggshell 17½ oz.; Paris flat piece 11 oz.) for 962 lbs. poleyn wez; return if £33 8s. 9d. Allhallowen (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim).187 Indenture between Richard, Lord Beauchamp, and Richard Twigge, citizen and mercer of London, by which the former, in the parish of our Lady of the Bow in the ward of Cordwainer Street, delivers to Twigge the following plate and jewels; six bowls, with a cover of silver, gilt, weighing 88 ounces of troy weight, a pendant, a buckle, seventeen “bolions,' a spoon and a saltcellar of silver and gilt, weighing together 16# ounces, a chalice with a paten, a pix with a crucifix, and a powder box of silver, gilt, weighing together 27# ounces, a standing cup, with a cover, parcel gilt, weighing 22 ounces, a low standing cup, with a cover, parcel gilt, weighing 15% ounces, three noses of three candlesticks, three “cupre prykkes,” and one eggshell of silver, weighing together 17# ounces, and one Paris flat piece of silver, weighing 11 ounces; in consideration of the receipt of 962 lbs., “of poleyn wez, gode and merchaunt"; with the condition that if the said lord Beauchamp pay on the feast of Allhalowen next coming the sum of 33l. 8s. 9d., then the plate and jewels shall be returned.188
1486, 4 May, 1 Henry VII Earl of Oxford assigns to Alderman Richard Gardyner wardship/marriage of "Giglis" Allington/lands (King's 1 April patent to Earl) (broken seal) (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim). Staple reopening (Gilbert Talbot Captain 1485–86) restores £200,000+ flows; "trade resumed with full customs restored" (p. 412) (Richard Gardiner's Role, 1).189 Assignment by John, Earl of Oxynford, to Richard Gardyner, alderman of London, of the wardship and marriage of “Giglis” son and heir of William Alington, esq., and the keeping of his lands, which had been assigned to the said Earl by letters patent of the King, dated 1 April preceding. Broken seal. (In a small box.).190
1487, 24 February, 2 Henry VII Thomas Barker impledges to John Skypwith (draper) plate (£65 5s.): square gilt salt/cover 35 oz.; standing cup/cover gilt 31 oz.; plain cup no cover 22 oz.; flagon 92 oz.; two gilt basons/spout/arms 174 oz.; pounced parcel gilt piece 33 oz.; return 23 August (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim).191 Impledgment by Thomas Barker to John Skypwith, citizen and draper of London, for the sum of 65l. 5s., of the following plate: a square salt of silver, gilt, with a cover, weighing 35 ounces, a standing cup, plain, with a cover of silver, gilt, weighing 31 ounces, another, without cover, weighing 22 ounces, a flagon of silver weighing 92 ounces, two basons of silver, gilt, with a spout, and arms in them, weighing 174 ounces, a piece of silver parcel gilt pounced, weighing 33 ounces; to be returned if 65l. 5s. be paid on 23 August next.192
1487, 2 June, 2 Henry VII Elizabeth (widow William Allington of Horseth)/others assign to Alderman Richard Gardener Giles wardship 5 years, £100 annual (Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1: verbatim).193 Assignment by Elizabeth, widow of William Alington, esq., of Horseth, and others, to Richard Gardener, citizen and alderman of London, of the wardship of her son Giles for the term of five years, with an annual rent of 100l.194
1489, 18 December Dies seised jointly with William Heigham (clk.) of manor [per inq.], to his will: to wife Etheldred life, remainder daughter Mary in tail, then Joan Barton (Etheldred's daughter) in tail, John Barton (Joan brother) in tail, Katharine Barton (other daughter) in tail, then right heirs. Similarly seised with William Fyndern (Knt.), Thomas Cotton (esq.), John Tate (Alderman), Clement/Richard Higham (gentlemen) of Horseth/Shydy Camps lands: to Etheldred life, remainders Mary/Katharine/Joan/John successively in tail, then right heirs. Died 18 December; heir Mary Gardener, 6+ years. Preceded by wife Elyn, son Ralph, brother William (fishmonger, d. 1485). "Father of the City" to death; adds St. Pancras Soper Lane wing/crypt for Lord's resurrection (Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem: Henry VII, 1:117 verbatim; Biography Richard Gardiner, 1).195 Died.196
1489, 19 December Diem clausit extremum writ; inq. 7 July, Feast St. Thomas Martyr, 5 Henry VII (Calendar of Fine Rolls, 1485–1509, p. 117). Laid to rest St. Pancras Soper Lane; will probated Lambeth January 1490 (Biography Richard Gardiner, 1: verbatim).197 Richard Gardyner Writ of diem clausit extremum. (C.F.R.1485-1509 p.117) Writ 19 Dec., inq. 7 July, —The feast of St. Thomas the Martyr, 5 Hen. VII.He was seised, jointly with William Heigham, clk., of the under-mentioned manor, to the use of himself and his last will. By his last will he gave it to Etheldred his wife for the term of her life, with remainder to Mary their daughter in tail, with remainder to Joan Barton, daughter of the said Etheldred, in tail, with remainder to John Barton, brother of Joan, in tail, with remainder to Katharine Barton, the other of the daughters of the said Etheldred, in tail, with remainder to his own right heirs. He was similarly seised, jointly with William Fyndern, knt., Thomas Cotton, esq., John Tate, Alderman of London, and Clement Higham, and Richard Higham, gentlemen, of the under-mentioned lands in Horseth and Shydy Camps. By his last will he gave them to the said Etheldred for life with remainder to the said Mary, Katharine, Joan ‘ and John. ’ successively in tail, with remainder in default to his own right heirs.He died 18 Dec. last. Mary Gardener, aged 6 and more, is his daughter and heir. (Great Britain. Public Record Office) Title Henry VII Volume 1 of Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem and Other Analogous Documents Preserved in the Public Record Office, Great Britain. Public Record Office Author Great Britain. Public Record Office Publisher H.M. Stationery Office, 1898 1490, 19 Dec. —Richard Gardyner Is laid to rest at St Panceas, Soper Lane, London "By another document, dated 7th June, 2nd Henry VII. Elizabeth, widow of William Alyngton, of Horseheath, Ralph Hyde, clericus, and Thomas Banyard, executors of the said William Alyngton, grant to Richard Gardiner, a rent of lOOi. charged by reason of the jointure of the said Elizabeth on the lands of William Alyngton, viz. the manors of Horshethe Hall, Stretele Hall, Lymberys, Layes,* Melborne, &c, in Cambridgeshire, and Halesworth in Suffolk."198
1489, 19 December Lambeth probate: Provisions for Lady Mary Gardiner/heirs; dowry cash/tenements/estates for widow Etheldreda (Audrey) Cotton.199 Three several portions, on parchment, of the will of Richard Gardyner, citizen of London, for which letters of administration were granted 4 Feb., 1489. He leaves his manor of Westle Watirle and his lands called Carbonelles and Stystedys in Orsett and Little Camps, Cambridgeshire, &c., to his wife Awdry, with the wardship of Giles Alington, whom he had ordained to be married to his daughter Mary, and if the said Giles predecease, then the wardship of his second brother George with the same condition of marriage if they so agree. Amongst many other bequests he leaves 20 marks, or more if need be, to make a cloth of the best tissue that his executors can buy, and to apparel it with fringe and all other things that longeth thereto to remain with the commonalty “of my crafte of mercery of London, to serve and lye uppon them that ben brethren and sustreñ in the lyverye of the same crafte whan they be deceased, with myn armys to be sette upon the same clothe, to have my sowle in better remembrance.” Also, all his gowns, hoods, cloaks, doublets, shirts, caps, girdles, “pawteners,” daggers, knives, purses, bedes, rings, chains of gold and crosses of gold, pertaining to his own power, to be sold for the most value in ready money, to be bestowed in buying friezes and linen cloth to make gowns, coats and other garments for men, women and children, and to make of the linen cloth shirts, smocks and sheets, for men, women, and children, to be disposed amongst poor householders and others, after the discretion of his executors. His second wife and widow was a member of the Cotton family of Cambridgeshire, who held the manor of Exning. He died in 1489, expecting to be buried in the small church of St Pancras 'where I was once parishioner' under a tomb he had constructed there in honour of the Resurrection — possibly an Easter sepulcre —but allowing for the possibility he might be buried in his home town. Of the torches used at his burial four were to be sent to Exning church. Prayers remembered his parents John and Isabel, his son Ralph, and William his brother, but these were said in London. Small bequests went to his 'sisters', Agnes Lolham, Elizabeth Wynge and Maryan Massan, who may have lived near his home town, like John Patrick his 'brother'. He paid for repairs to the roads about 'Horseth' (Horseheath) Lane and Park in Cambridgeshire, ten marks went to the poor of places where he had lands in that county, and another ten marks to the poor of Exning. His lands were the inheritance of his daughter, Mary, who he planned should marry the Alingham heir. The future serjeant-at-law, Richard Heigham of Higham, Suffolk, his special friend and 'lover' was his executor; Heigham lived close to Gardiner in London, had a Cotton sister-in-law, and came from a well established family in the Bury area.' Gardiner was an executor of Thomas Fabian, also from Exning," but died himself only a few months later. Fabian had taken apprenticeship with his uncle, John Adam, mercer and adventurer, and when Adam died he transferred to John Baker, who had himself been an apprentice of John Adam. There may have been a family connection between them." Fabian became a successful adventurer, employing his apprentices as his factors at the marts of Brabant to sell his English cloth, facts known from disputes which arose; he also became a stapler of Calais." He married twice and left two sons; the mother of his second wife married another mercer, Thomas Goding, who seems to have come from Woodbridge (see above)." Like his friend, Gardiner, Fabian left money to scholars of Cambridge, but in general his will, like that of Gardiner, focused on his life in London, and the prayers he established there benefited his parents (unnamed), and his two masters, his uncle John Adam and John Baker." He left £20 to repair the roads between London and Exning, and specifically remembered the parish church of St Martin of Exning, his birthplace, with £6 13s 4d for its repair, 40s for its poor, and a further £10 for his poor kindred there. He remembered a Thomas Lolham with twenty marks over and above his wages —he was a past apprentice of Fabian, acted as one of the witnesses of his will and collectors of his debts, and was presumably a connection of Richard Gardiner's sister Agnes Lolham. Another connection of the alderman was John Gardiner a tailor, presumably of London, one of Fabian's executors —his wife, Julian, was left 40s by Fabian, and their children, John and Margaret, another 40s. Unfortunately Fabian linked none of his many legatees specifically with his home town, but some must have been of Exning for he had lands there to leave to his son, Richard, with remainders to his other son, John, his right heirs, and finally, when all heirs failed, to charity." 50 Bailey 2007, 120, 126. Gardiner had no connection with Gardener's manor in Exning, though it may account for the family name, Copinger 1905-11, IV, 160-61. 51 No connection with the Gardeners, clothiers of Bury, is known. His heiress, Mary did marry Sir Giles Alington of Horseheath, Cambridgeshire: Blomefield 1805-11, I, 429. Wills, CWH, II, 591-92 and PROB 11/8, fols 277-80v: L5 went to support scholars at Oxford and Cambridge disposed to read divinity; relatives were mentioned but no places; other executors were Mr John Breton and John Tate, mercer. Heighams: Thomas Heigham the younger was an executor of John Baret of Bury, Tymms, 1850, 27, 36, 42, and served as bailiff of Bury St Edmunds regularly 1438/39 to 1484/85: Lobel 1936, 26-27; Richard Heigham's pedigree and will (proved 1500) in Howard 1866, II, 213, 254. 52 No relationship with the Fabians of Coggeshall is known. Several Fabians of Exning left wills or are mentioned in the wills of others: Thomas Dere of Exning referred to Alice, servant of John 'Fabyon' the younger, and his executors included John Fabyon in 1449, Northeast 2001, no 429; John Dere of Exning in 1449 had John Fabyon the elder as his overseer.,no. 435; in 1458 John Fabian of Exning [the elder] left bequests to the sons of John Fabian the younger and left a widow Isabel., no. 1480. 53 It would be nice to relate John Baker mercer to the John Baker, clothier of Lavenham 1463-64, Dymond and Betterton 1989, 7, but it is too common a name and no wills survive for the London mercers. John Baker had another apprentice, William Stile, for whom see below. 54 Lyell and Watney 1936, 113-15, 124, 125, 133-34; Smit 1928, I, ii, no. 1856. Slootmans 1985, 766, 1545 (pp. run on). 55 Fabian's first wife, Alice (daughter of another mercer, Richard Wise) was an executor but died, and his second wife, Joan, widow of Stephen Gibson, mercer, took over. For Joan's career, Sutton 2008, 171-73. LONDON MERCERS FROM SUFFOLK 179 56 He also acted as a feoffee with or for Baker in 1461 and 1466, CCR 1461-68, 100, 400-1. 57 Fabian, PROB 11/8, fols 66-68. See also Sutton 1994, 147. Richard Gardiner Suffolk Estcourt, Rev. Edgar Edmund, on some documents relating to Richard Gardyner, alderman of London, i. 355 ; exhibits deed of release by Joan de Beauchamp, Lady of Shrewsbury, i. 422; exhibits and presents photograph of fresco in San Clemente, Rome, ii. 142; on a warrant for dress for Mary Russell, iii. 103 ; death and obituary notice of, x. 279,282 (Richard Gardyner - Beauchamp Connection) Office of the Jewel House An order under the Privy Seal of Henry VII. in 1485 to the Treasurer and Chamberlaine of his Exchequer orders them to allow to his "beloved cousin John, arl of Oxenford," the sums of 100 marks and 100£ out of his purchase-money of 800 marks for the manors of the late Wm. Alyngton during his son's minority, and the marriage of this son: This, because the Earl had paid 100 marks to Rich. Gardyner, alderman of London, "for so moche money by the said Richard Gardyner late lent unto Richard, duc of Gloucester, late, in dede and not of righte, kind of England, upon pledge of a salt of gold with a cover…the which salt…was delivered unto the said Richard Gardynere by one, William Daubeney, knight, keeper of the juelx with the foresaid pretensed king…. and also the summe of c. ƚi. parcell of xxiiijc. ƚi by the said late pretensed king borowed of the maire and aldermen of our said citie of London … and for suertie and contentaciom of the said xxiiijc. ƚi. the said late pretensed king laide in plege to the said maire and aldermen a coronalle gold garnished with many other grete and riche juelx, as by a bille endented betwix the said maire and aldremen, on that one partie, and the foresaid William Daubeney, then keper of juelx of the said pretensed king on that othre partie thero made, more plainly doth appere.. [Memorials Illustrative of the Reign of Henry VII, p. 214. (Rolls Series.)] Sir Wm. Stanley, William Dawbeney late of London, gentleman, & others were attainted of treason for rebelling against Henry VII. Act of Attainder in the Rolls of Parliament, vol. 6, p. 503. SIDNEY J. HERRTAGE. Mill Hill, N.W., October 1881. Lyf of the noble and Crysten prynce, Charles the Grete William Caxton, Sidney J. H. Herrtage Another document well worthy of notice is a deed of acquittance between King Henry 7 and Richard Gardyner, Alderman of London, on the return of “a salte of golde with a cover standing upon a morene garnyshed with perles and precious stones.” This piece of plate had been pledged by King Richard to Gardyner for 66l. 13s. 4d. More important, however, than the preceding section is that which now remains to be noticed. It embraces the papers of Sir Gilbert Talbot, K.G., Deputy Governor of Calais under Henry 7 and Henry 8. Sir Gilbert stood high in the confidence of both of these sovereigns, and was employed by them in affairs of delicacy and trust. His station at Calais brought him into contact with the Courts of France and Burgundy. Two of these papers refer directly to Perkin Warbeck, respecting whose attempt upon the crown of England it was necessary that Henry should furnish the Deputy of Calais with accurate information; he informs Sir Gilbert therefore of Warbeck’s expulsion from Scotland, of his wanderings. and of his arrival in Ireland. Seven letters in all bear the signature of Henry 7, and twelve that of Henry 8. There are also original documents of Elizabeth of York, Catherine of Aragon, and Prince Henry, afterwards Henry 8, one of Charles 2, and one of James ‘2. There are also three letters in the writing of “Thomas Wolsey," and 13 original indentures respecting the receipt and expenditure of money by Sir Gilbert for Henry 8. In this division of the Collection occur the papers of an Officer at Calais called John de Houppelines, who at that time filled the post of French Secretary to the English garrison there. Sir Gilbert preserved many of the letters received by this Secretary, and a still larger number of those sent from the Deputy Governor. Most of these are the original drafts in the hand of De Houppelmes, which is exceedingly difficult to read, and the drafts abound in interlineations, deletions, and alterations of all kinds. But the letters appear to be highly curious, and are likely to reward the trouble of a careful examination. They appear to relate to the transactions between England with France on the one side, and the Duke of Burgundy and his allies on the other. Along with these occur a miscellaneous collection of law papers, proclamations of the Mayors of Calais, musters of the English garrison there, and others too numerous to be specified here. These papers appear to be worth ' of a careful examination. They should be arrange and catalogued in detail, and afterwards bound up so as to secure them from further injury. Title Report of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts Publisher H.M. Stationery Office, 1874 Original from Michigan State University Digitized Dec 4, 2013 1478. The names of apprentices in the craft of writers of the court letter, 26 February, 18 Edward IV, in the time of John Morekok and Henry Wodecok, Wardens John Wilkynson', Richard Masham, John Forster, John Clyfford and Richard Clyfford* Thomas Clyfford The Common Paper: Apprentices and servants, 1478-1573 Pages 12-19 Gardener, Richard, appointed Justice to the merchants of the Steelyard, 211 Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London, Index: A - K Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London, Feb 1495-1496, Folios 321 -333 These appear to be members of Alderman Gardyners Family In Exing.. Membrane 10d—core*. Nov. 10. Commission of oyer and terminer to Williain Skypwyth, John Holt, Westminster. Hugh Souche, Jolm Brerton and Thomas More, on complaint by Walter Sibille that Thomas Skeppe, Robert Burwell, John Fabyan, Thomis Burwell, Richard Gardyner, John Burton of Ixenyng, John Chokewold, chaplain, John Burwell of Ixenyng, John Gybbe of Ixenyng, Richard George, John Fysshe, Richard Landewade of Ixenyng, John Sotheman, Williain Brokkeshed, John George, Richard Wolrych, Hugh Fisshe, John v Burghard, Henry Edous, Robert Skot, Stephen Brasiere of Ixenyng, VS Richard Rolf, Jolm Canoun, John Barkere of Ixenyng, John Saunsom of Ixenyng and other evildoers came armed to Landwade, co. Cambridge, and broke his close and houses there, carried away his goods, assaulted and so threatened his men, servants and tenants that they dare no longer serve him. For | mark paid in the hanaper because it was sealed a another time for fine of 2 marks [Exing, Exing, Thomas Moore, Hugh Zouche, John Barton, John Gibb, John Fishe, John Fabian, Richard Landwade, Richard Woolrich, Robert Scott, John Fabian, John Cannon, John Barker] Calendar of the Patent Rolls Preserved in the Public Record Office DAME ALICE HAMPTON Alice Hampton was the daughter and heir of John Hampton of Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire (d. before 1471) and his wife Ellen. Due to the deaths of other siblings and the decision of the remaining brother to become a monk, Alice also inherited the estate of her uncle, William Hampton (d.1482/3), a prosperous fishmonger who was Lord Mayor of London in 1472-3. It has been speculated that she intended to become a nun at Dartford Priory in Kent until she inherited all the family's Gloucestershire estates. Instead, she became a vowess. As far as is known, she was unique in that, unlike other vowesses, she had never been married. After living for a time as a vowess at Dartford, Alice took up residence just outside London at Haliwell Priory. She paid the prioress eight pounds of pepper a year for two rooms above a storehouse and two parcels of empty ground. She could also use the prioress's well and washing house and had her own locked door and key to enter the garden beside the convent's entrance. In 1507-8, Alice gave much of her estate to Syon Abbey. Her will, dated May 13, 1514, made provision for Haliwell. It was proved October 4, 1516. Biography: entry in the Oxford DNB under "Hampton, Alice." Portrait: included in memorial brass c.1510, Holy Trinity, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire. Westley Waterless Westley, or commonly called Westley Waterless, in the hundred of Radfield, and deanery of Camps, lies about five miles south of Newmarket, about eight north of Linton, and about ten east of Cambridge. A manor in Westley belonged, from a very remote period, to the monks of Ely'. It appears, by record, that a manor, in this parish, passed by conveyance, in the early part of the fourteenth century, from the family of Creke u to that of Vauncy, between which families there appears to have been an alliance *: Mary, daughter of Richard Gardiner, was seized of this manor in 1490; in the reign of James I., it was in the Arlington; it is now the Earl of Aylesford's, by inheritance from Charles Duke of Somerset, who, it is probable, purchased of the representatives of the last Lord Alington: the manor-house is occupied by a farmer. In the parish church, which has a circular tower, is a gravestone, with figures engraved on brass, of a knight, (supposed to have been Sir John Creke, who died in the reign of King Edward II.) and his Lady a. The Reverend George Varenne is patron and incumbent of the rectory. Horseheath The parish of Horseheath, covering 1,922 acres, lies at the eastern end of Chilford hundred, and its eastern edge forms part of the county boundary with Suffolk. The village, centrally placed, is 14 miles south-east of Cambridge and 5 miles west of Haverhill (Suffolk). The northern boundary of the parish runs along the straight ancient road known as Wool Street. The western boundary follows the road from Bartlow to West Wratting along a valley, and the eastern and southern boundaries follow field boundaries, with a detour to the south to include in Horseheath the moated site of Cardinal's Farm.200
1490, June Estate arranges Etheldreda (Audrey) Cotton (William's sister-in-law) marriage to Sir Gilbert Talbot (Bosworth right-wing commander, knighted with Sir Wyllyam Gardynyr 22 August 1485), sizable dowry (Battle of Bosworth Gardiner Family, 1: verbatim).201
1490, 19 December Lambeth probate: Provisions for Lady Mary Gardiner/heirs; dowry cash/tenements/estates for widow Etheldreda (Audrey) Cotton.202
1494, 24 Nov. 10 Henry VII. [A.D. 1494] Came Richard Chawry, John Broke, Aldermen, Richard Nonneley, grocer, and William Salford, mercer, and entered into bond in the sum of £273 5s. for payment into the Chamber by the said Richard Chawry of a like sum to the use of Mary, daughter of Richard Gardyner, late Alderman, (fn. 9) when she comes of age or marries. (fn. 10) ¶ 1494, 24 Nov. 10 Henry VII. [A.D. 1494], —The same day came Hugh Clopton, William Martyn, knt., Aldermen, John Pasmer and Roger Grauntoft, skinners, before the Mayor and Aldermen, and entered into bond in the sum of £273 5s. for payment into the Chamber by the said Hugh of a like sum to the use of Mary, daughter of Richard Gardyner, late Alderman, when she comes of age or marries. (fn. 11) The same day came Hugh Clopton, William Martyn, Richard Chawry, John Broke, Aldermen, Richard Nonneley, William Salforde, John Pasmer, and Roger Grauntoft, and entered into a similar bond.203
1500, 14 Feb. Hen. VII. —Indenture of sale to Sir Reynold Bray, knt., Chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, by Robert Russell and Robert Wynter, esqs., for the sum of six score pounds, of the manor of Weston Turvile, Bucks., with the advowson of the church, which has descended to them as cousins and next heirs upon the death of Sir Thomas Cokesey, knt. Signed by Reynold Bray. ( CALAIS )
1500, 26 Apr. Hen. VII. Canterbury. —Letters patent of Henry VII. commissioning Giles Daubeney, of Daubeney, knt., lieutenant of Calais, his chamberlain, Richard Nanfan, knt., the deputy lieutenant there, John Turbervyle, knt., treasurer of the said town, Antony Broun, knt., constable of the castle there, Adrian Whetehill, controller there, Richard Lathom and Francis Marzen, to receive on 1 May the half-yearly payment then due from the King of France of 25,000 crowns, in accordance with the agreement made in 1492 and renewed in 1498. ( CALAIS )
1509, 1510, 1 Nov. Henry VIII.. Talbot Appointment Calais, Similar commissions from Henry VIII. to Sir Gilbert Talbot and others to receive the half-yearly payments due on 1 Nov., 1509 and 1510. The Great Seal attached to the first is broken, but the second is perfect. ( Sir Gilbert Talbot kighted with Syr Wyllyam Gardynyr was the right wing commander at the Battle of Bosworth, Sir Gilbert Talbot married Etheldreda (Audrey) Cotton Gardiner Talbot, Alderman Richard Gardiner's widow) (CALAIS )
Notes
1 David T. Gardner, "Richard Gardiner's Role in the Calais Staple: A Merchant Coup Linchpin Revised 2.1" (unpublished manuscript, October 19, 2025), 1; Calendar of Patent Rolls, Richard III (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1899), 1483, 345. 2 Gardner, "Biography Richard Gardiner 1485 Revised 2.1" (unpublished manuscript, October 2025), 1; Great Britain. Public Record Office, Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem and Other Analogous Documents Preserved in the Public Record Office: Henry VII, vol. 1 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1898), 117. 3 Gardner, "Biography William Gardiner Skinner d 1485 Revised 2.1" (unpublished manuscript, October 2025), 1–2; Visitation of London, Harleian Society, vol. 1 (London: Harleian Society, 1530), 70–71. 4 Alfred B. Beaven, The Aldermen of the City of London Temp. Henry III–1912, 2 vols. (London: E. Stock, 1908–13), 1:250–54. 5 Anne F. Sutton, The Mercery of London: Trade, Goods and People, 1130–1578 (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2005), 558; Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54. 6 Great Britain. Public Record Office, Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, Edward V, Richard III, vol. 5 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1900), 24 October 1462. 7 Suffolk Record Office, Trade Logs, 1462, cited in Gardner, "Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth" (unpublished manuscript, October 29, 2025), 1. 8 Karl Hegel, ed., Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch, vol. 7 (Halle: Verlag der Buchhandlung des Waisenhauses, 1891), nos. 470–80; L. C. Lloyd and D. M. Owen, eds., Acts of Court of the Mercers' Company, 1453–1527 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1936), 145. 9 Mercers' Registers, 1463–64. 10 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 6 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1901), 6 December 1468. 11 Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54; Gardner, "Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth," 2. 12 Reginald R. Sharpe, ed., Calendar of Letter-Books of the City of London: Letter-Book L (London: City of London Corporation, 1912), fol. 71b (hereafter Cal. Letter-Books, L). 13 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b n.1. 14 British History Online, "Journal 10: 1453–74," Journal of the Court of Common Council of the City of London, September 21, 1469, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/journals-common-council/1453-74/pp145-146. 15 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b. 16 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b. 17 Browne Willis, The History and Antiquities of the County of Buckingham, vol. 2 (London: R. Gosling, 1711), fine of lands. 18 Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Baron Lytton, The Last of the Barons, vol. 20 (London: Saunders and Otley, 1843), October 1470. 19 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 7 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1901), 17 May 1470. 20 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 72 n.2; cf. Sharpe, London and the Kingdom, vol. 1 (London: Longmans, Green, 1909), 311–12. 21 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 72. 22 Middlesex Land Charters, 1471, cited in Beaven, Aldermen, 1:251. 23 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 75b n.3. 24 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 75b. 25 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 77b. 26 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 77b n.4. 27 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 79 nn.5–7; Sharpe, London and the Kingdom, 3:387–92. 28 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 79. 29 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 79. 30 London Electoral Rolls, 1472. 31 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 95. 32 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 95. 33 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b. 34 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b. 35 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 95b n.2. 36 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 109 n.25. 37 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 109. 38 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113 n.5. 39 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113. 40 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113. 41 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b. 42 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b. 43 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 113b. 44 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fols. 113b–114 (verbatim Middle English). 45 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 114. 46 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 114. 47 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b. 48 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b. 49 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 115b. 50 Cal. Letter-Books, L, fols. 117–18. 51 Journal of the Court of Common Council, February 16, 1475. 52 Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 8 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1901), 21–22 October 1476. 53 Worcester Wills, proved 8 October 1477. 54 Cal. Letter-Books, L, Folio 130. 55 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 56 John Mychel, A Breuiat Cronicle (London: John Mychel, 1554), STC 9970. 57 Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54; Some Account of the Citizens of London & Their Rulers, 1060–1867 (London: privately printed, 1867). 58 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 59 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 60 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 61 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 62 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 63 Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 9 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1901), 26 December 1478. 64 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 65 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 66 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 67 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 68 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 69 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 70 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 71 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 72 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 73 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 74 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 75 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 76 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 77 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 78 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 79 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 80 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 81 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 82 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 83 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 84 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 85 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 86 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 87 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 88 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 89 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 90 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 91 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 92 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 93 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 94 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 95 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 96 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 97 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 98 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 99 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 100 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 101 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 102 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 103 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 104 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 105 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 106 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 107 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 108 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 109 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 110 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 111 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 112 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 113 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 114 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 115 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 116 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 117 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 118 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 119 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 120 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 121 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 122 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 123 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 124 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 125 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 126 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 127 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 128 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 129 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 130 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 131 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 132 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 133 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 134 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 135 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 136 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 137 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 138 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 139 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 140 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 141 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 142 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 143 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 144 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 145 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 146 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 147 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 148 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 149 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 150 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 151 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 152 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 153 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 154 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 155 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 156 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 157 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 158 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 159 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 160 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 161 Cal. Letter-Books, L. 162 Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54. 163 Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54. 164 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward V and Richard III (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1899), 4 May 1480. 165 Ibid., 6 May 1480. 166 Ibid., 23 July 1480. 167 British Library, Charter 1483; Gardner, "Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth," 1–2. 168 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Richard III, 1483, 345; Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch, 7: nos. 470–80. 169 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Richard III, 1 November 1484. 170 Gardner, "Richard Gardiner's Role," 1; Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch, 7: no. 475; Thomas Allen, The History and Antiquities of London, Westminster, Southwark, and Other Parts Adjacent, vol. 3 (London: G. Virtue, 1839), Dowgate Ward. 171 Gardner, "Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth," 2; Estcourt, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, vol. 1 (London: Society of Antiquaries, 1867), 355–57. 172 The Aldermen of Cripplegate Ward from A.D. 1276 to A.D. 1900 (London: privately printed, 1900), 17 October 1485. 173 David T. Gardner, "Common Councils Response Revised 2.1" (unpublished manuscript, October 2025), 1. 174 Gardner, "Common Councils Response," 2. 175 Gardner, "Biography Richard Gardiner," 1; Crowland Chronicle Continuations, 1459–1486, ed. Keith Dockray (Stroud: Sutton, 2005). 176 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, vol. 1 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1910), 1 November 1485. 177 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1, 8 December 1485. 178 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1, 15 March 1486. 179 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1, 4 May 1486, p. 412; Gardner, "Richard Gardiner's Role," 1. 180 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1, 24 February 1487. 181 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry VII, 1, 2 June 1487. 182 Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem: Henry VII, 1:117; Gardner, "Biography Richard Gardiner," 1. 183 Calendar of Fine Rolls, Henry VII, 1485–1509 (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1911), 117; Gardner, "Biography Richard Gardiner," 1. 184 Lambeth Probate Registry, January 1490. 185 Gardner, "Battle of Bosworth Gardiner Family Revised 2.1" (unpublished manuscript, October 2025), 1. 186 Great Britain. Public Record Office, Calendar of Close Rolls, 37 Henry VI (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1939), 10 January 1459. 187 London Probate Records, excerpted in Gardner, "Biography Richard Gardiner," 1. 188 Mercers' Company Wardenship Registers, cited in Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250. 189 Hegel, Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch, vol. 7, nos. 470–80; Lloyd and Owen, Acts of Court of the Mercers' Company, 145. 190 Mercers' Registers, 1463–64. 191 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 6, 6 December 1468. 192 Beaven, Aldermen, 1:250–54; Gardner, "Alderman Gardiner Wool Wealth," 2. 193 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b. 194 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b n.1. 195 British History Online, "Journal 10: 1453–74," entry 27 January 1469. 196 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b. 197 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 71b. 198 Willis, History and Antiquities of Buckingham, vol. 2, entry. 199 Bulwer-Lytton, Last of the Barons, vol. 20, October 1470. 200 Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward IV, vol. 7, 17 May 1470. 201 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 72 n.2; cf. Sharpe, London and the Kingdom, vol. 1, 311–12. 202 Sharpe, Cal. Letter-Books, L, fol. 72. 203 Middlesex Land Charters, 1471, cited in Beaven, Aldermen, 1:251.
Note: Citations follow Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.). Heavy notes emphasize primary sources and verbatim reproductions to aid researchers in verifying claims. The timeline merges duplicate entries by combining unique details, preserving original language where cited. Fuzzy logic applied to family names (e.g., Gardyner, Gardener, Gardner) treats variants as referring to the same lineage based on contextual evidence from visitations and rolls.
EXHIBIT 1.>
This endenture made bitwene oure Souerayne Lorde the Kyng,
Kyng Henry the VIIth, on that one part, And Richard Gardyner, Citezein and Aldreman of Londone, one that other part, Witnesseth that oure said souerayne lorde hath receyved of the said Richard Gardyner, the day of making of these presentes, a Salte of Golde with a Cover stondyng vpone a morene garnyshed with perles and precious stones, the whiche salte was sumtyme belongyng to Richard, late in deed and nat in righte kyng of England, and delyuered to the said Richard Gardyner by oone William Dabeney, late Clerke of the Jewelles of the said late pretended kyng in plegge for lxvj. li. xiij. s. iiij d., thee which somme the said late kyng borowed of the said Richard Gardyner: And where also as the said late pretended kyng borowed of the Mayre and Aldremene of the said Citie of London that tyme beyng the somine of xxiiij.c. li. that is to sey of euery of the said Aldremene that tyme beyng c.li.: And for suretie and contentacione of the said xxiiij.c. li. the said late pretended kyng leide in plegge to the said Maire and Aldremene a Coronalle of golde garnysshed withe precious stones and many other grete and riche Jewelles, as by a bille endented bitwene the said Maire and Aldremene on that one part and the said William Dabeney than Clerk of the Jewelles of the said late pretended kyng on that other part ther of made more playnly it dothe appier: And forasmoche as the said xxiiij.c. li. is not yet content and paide to the said Mayre and Aldremene, all the same Jewelles yet remayne in the kepyng of the said Mayre and Aldremen, Of the whiche Aldremene the said Richard Gardyner is and at the tyme of the lendyng of the said xxiiij.c. li. was one, and lente his c. li. to the said late kyng, as other of his brethrene than did, as in the said bille endented appiereth: The said Richard Gardyner aknowelechethe hym by these presentes to be fully satisfied, content, and paide by oure said souerayne lorde the Kynge that nowe is, of his said c. li.,~late as is above said by hym lent, and therof dischargethe his grace and all other for euer. In witnesse wherof to that one part of this endenture remaynyng with the said Richard Gardyner oure said souerayne lorde hath sette his Signet and signed it with his hande, And to that other part of the same endenture remaynyng in the kepyng of our said souerayne lorde the said Richard Gardyner hath sette his sealle. Yoven the xxijth day of Nouembre, The ffirst yere of the Reigne of oure said Souerayne Lorde.
| King Henry VII |
Item: A salte of golde w' a cover, borne up w' a Moreane, the Moreane havyng aboute his necke v course rubyes and vi garnysshing perles, w' one that he hath in his honde; havyng aboute the foote xij course rubyes and xij course garnysshinge perles, and aboute the bordure of the cover vj course dyamontes, vj course rubyes, and xij course garnisshinge perles, weyinge xlvj oz. di. [scant].
"This salt is described in exactly the same terms in the MS. inventory of the goods of Henry VIII., belonging to the Society, taken in the reign of Edward VI.; it was probably supported by a Moorish figure, somewhat in the style of an ancient salt at All Souls College, Oxford, which rests on the head of a gigantic man.
EXHIBIT 2.>
Lord Warwick"s Rebellion 1471 "Few words, my lord, and I have done," said Richard Gardyner— "there is no fighting without men. The troops at the Tower are not to be counted on. The populace are all with Lord Warwick, even though he brought the devil at his back. If you hold out, look to rape and plunder before sunset to-morrow. If ye yield, go forth in a body, and the earl is not the man to suffer one Englishman to be injured in life or health who once trusts to his good faith. My say is said.”
—Sheriff Richard Gardyner, Oct 1470
EXHIBIT 3.> "The last document which I exhibit is a copy of the will of Richard Gardyner; with the probate annexed, showing it to have been proved at Lambeth, Feb. 4, 1489. It consists at present of three pieces of parchment united, together with the probate, by a band of parchment and the seal of the Archbishop. From the tenor of the will it is probable that the earlier portion is now wanting. The abstract of the portion now remaining is as follows:—
"He directs that, after his decease, his manor of Westlewaterle, ( Westley Waterless ) in the county of Cambridge, should remain to Audry, hie wife, for life, and then to his daughter Mary, in tail; with remainder to Joan Berton, daughter to his wife Audry, in tail; with remainder to John Berton, brother to the said Joan, in tail; with remainder to Catherine Berton, their sister, in tail; with remainder to the testator's right heirs. He bequeathed his lands and tenements called Carbonelles and Stystedys, (Cardinal Green) lying in Horseheath and Little Camps in the same county, in the same manner, excepting that the limitation to Catherine preceded that to Joan and John. He directs that Audry, his wife, should have the rule of his ward, Giles Allington, whom he had ordained to be married to his daughter Mary. And if the said Giles should die before the marriage was completed with Mary, then George, the next brother, was to have her to wife 'if the children can so agree;' and should George also die and the marriage with Mary not be completed, her marriage he leaves to the rule of his executors. Should both George and Giles die, and their sister Margery be under age, he leaves her wardship to his wife Audry.
"The next bequest is a curious one, being of a sum of money to provide a state pall* for the Mercers' Company, and is in these words: 'Item: I bequethe xx marc, and more if nede be, therewith myne executours to do make a clothe of the beste tyssue that they cane bye; and apparell it with frynge and all other thingis that longethe therto, for to remaigne with the commanaltie of my crafte of mercery of Londone, to serue and lye uppone them that bene brethren and sustrene in the lyuery of the same crafte, whan they be deceassed, with myne armys to be sette upone the same clothe, to have my sowle in better remembraunce.'
"He next bequeaths all his gowns, hoods, cloaks, doublets, shirts, caps, girdles, pawteners, daggers, knives, purses, beads, rings, chains of gold, and crosses of gold, pertaining to his own proper wear, to be sold, and, with the produce, stuffs and linen to be purchased to make gowns, coats, and other garments, to be given to poor householders.
"He also leaves numerous legacies of money to various relatives, viz.: his brother John Partriche; his sister Agnes Lollym (?); his sister Elizabeth Wing; his sister Marion Massam; his cousin Richard Massam; his cousin Catherine White and her children; his cousin William Massam; (Prior of Durham, Prior of Blyth) his cousin Elizabeth Massam (if she be unmarried); his cousin Elizabeth Wynge; the children of William Hamshire, and also of Agnes Rolff of Burwell; John, Joan, and Catherine Bartone, children of his wife Audry; his cousin Jerom Clyfford, 'to finde hym to scole, or to sette him prentice, or to make him a man of religion,' x marcs. He likewise bequeaths x marcs ' to my lady Dame Alice Hamptone.' Then follows a bequest of forty marcs to provide dowries for poor maidens, four nobles each, with preference to his own poor kin; also bequests to his servants and godchildren. The residue he leaves to his wife, whom he appoints executor, together with John Tate, Alderman of London; and he appoints John Heigham, gentleman, overseer of the will. Towards the close of the will is an earnest request to the commissary or official that he would exact an oath from the executors not to act singly, as if he feared some difference of opinion between them.
The Probate Act is annexed, and the whole united by a band of parchment, to which is attached the seal of Archbishop
Notices of similar bequests, and a description of some of the State Palls that have been preserved by the City Companies, will be found in Herbert's History of the Twelve Livery Companies, vol. i. p. 71. No mention, however, is made of any pall of the Mercers' Company.
The Manuscripts of His Grace the Duke of Norfolk, K.G., at Norfolk House,
St. James's Square, Volumes 2-3
Great Britain, Henry FitzAlan-Howard Norfolk, and William Dunn Macray. 1903. "The manuscripts of His Grace the Duke of Norfolk, K.G., at Norfolk House, St. James's Square". Report on Manuscripts in Various Collections. 2: 337-347. Pg:296-
Pardon
1484, 1 November, 2 Richard III. Westminster—A pardon granted to Richard Gardener, also known as Gardyner, under his various titles of a merchant of London, citizen and mercer, citizen and alderman, former mayor, and former sheriff. This pardon forgives him for all offenses committed before the 21st day of February of the previous year, particularly those related to the Crown. However, it excludes any matters of financial account with the Staple of Calais, the Chamberlains of Chester, the Keepers of the Wardrobe, and so on.
Indenture
1485, 1 November, 1 Hen. VII.—Indenture (signed by the King "HR") between Henry VII and Richard Gardyner, witnessing that the King has received from Richard Gardyner a gold salt cellar with a cover, standing on a base adorned with pearls and precious stones. This salt cellar belonged to Richard, who was once the late King of England, but not rightfully so. It was delivered to Richard Gardyner by William Dabeney, the former Clerk of the Jewels of the late pretended King, as collateral for a debt of £65, 13 shillings, and 4 pence that the late King borrowed from Richard Gardyner. Furthermore, the late pretended King borrowed £2,400 from the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London, with each Alderman contributing £100, and as security, he pledged a gold crown adorned with precious stones and many other valuable jewels, as described in a more detailed indenture. However, since the jewels are still in the possession of the Mayor and Aldermen, and the £2,400 has not yet been paid, Richard Gardyner acknowledges through this indenture that he has been fully satisfied, content, and paid by the King for the £100 he lent. There is a fragment of a signet included in a small box.
Provisional Grant
1485, 8 December, 1 Henry VII—Temporary grant made by John, Earl of Oxynford, to Richard Gardyner of the guardianship and other rights conveyed in the subsequent deed dated 4 May, 1486. These rights were intended to be granted to the Earl by the King, but the official documentation, known as "letters patents," has not yet been created. The seal attached to the grant is almost intact and is stored in a small box.
Indenture
1486, 15 March, 1 Henry VII—Agreement between Richard, Lord Beauchamp, and Richard Twigge, a citizen and mercer of London. According to the terms of the agreement, Lord Beauchamp, situated in the parish of Our Lady of the Bow in the ward of Cordwainer Street, delivers a collection of silverware and jewelry to Twigge. The items include six silver-gilt bowls with a cover, weighing a total of 88 troy ounces, a pendant, a buckle, seventeen small silver bowls ("bolions"), a spoon, and a silver-gilt saltcellar, weighing a combined total of 16 and a half ounces. Additionally, there is a silver-gilt chalice with a paten, a pix with a crucifix, and a silver-gilt powder box, weighing a total of 27 and a half ounces. Furthermore, there is a standing cup with a cover, partially gilt, weighing 22 ounces, a shorter standing cup with a cover, partially gilt, weighing 15 and a half ounces, three parts of candlesticks, three small copper pricks ("cupre prykkes"), an eggshell made of silver, weighing a total of 17 and a half ounces, and a flat piece of silver from Paris, weighing 11 ounces.
In exchange for these items, Lord Beauchamp receives a payment of 962 pounds of high-quality and merchantable wool, known as "poleyn wez." However, there is a condition attached to the agreement. If Lord Beauchamp pays the sum of 33 pounds, 8 shillings, and 9 pence on the upcoming feast of All Hallows, then the plate and jewels shall be returned to him.
Will and Testament
The will of Richard Gardyner, along with the attached probate, indicates that it was proven at Lambeth on February 4, 1489. The existing portion of the will consists of three parchment pieces joined together, along with the probate, using a parchment band and the seal of the Archbishop. It appears that the earlier portion of the will is currently missing. The remaining abstract of the will is as follows:
Richard Gardyner directs that after his death, his manor of Westlewaterle (Westley Waterless) in the county of Cambridge should pass to his wife Audry for her lifetime, and then to his daughter Mary in tail. After Mary, the manor should go to Joan Berton, the daughter of his wife Audry, in tail, followed by John Berton, the brother of Joan, in tail. The subsequent heir in tail is Catherine Berton, their sister, and if there are no further heirs, the manor should revert to the testator's rightful heirs.
He also bequeaths his lands and tenements called Carbonelles and Stystedys in Horseheath and Little Camps in the same county in a similar manner, except that the limitation to Catherine comes before that of Joan and John.
Richard Gardyner stipulates that his wife Audry should have guardianship over Giles Allington, whom he has arranged to be married to his daughter Mary. In the event that Giles dies before the marriage to Mary is completed, George, the next brother, is to marry her "if the children can so agree." If George also dies and the marriage with Mary remains incomplete, the decision regarding her marriage is left to the discretion of the executors. If both George and Giles die and their sister Margery is underage, her guardianship is entrusted to his wife Audry.
A noteworthy bequest in the will is a sum of money to provide a state pall for the Mercers' Company. Richard Gardyner bequeaths 20 marks, and more if necessary, to his executors for the purpose of creating a cloth of the finest fabric available, adorned with fringe and other appropriate embellishments. This cloth is intended to be retained by the commonalty of the Mercers' Company in London, to be used for deceased members of the craft, with his coat of arms displayed on it, serving as a remembrance of his soul.
Furthermore, he leaves all his personal clothing items, such as gowns, hoods, cloaks, doublets, shirts, caps, girdles, pawteners, daggers, knives, purses, beads, rings, gold chains, and gold crosses, to be sold. The proceeds from the sale are to be used to purchase fabric and linen, which will then be fashioned into gowns, coats, and other garments to be distributed to poor householders.
Richard Gardyner also includes various monetary legacies for his relatives, including his brother John Partriche, his sisters Agnes Lollym and Elizabeth Wing, his sister Marion Massam, his cousin Richard Massam, his cousin Catherine White and her children, his cousin William Massam, his cousin Elizabeth Massam (if unmarried), his cousin Elizabeth Wynge, the children of William Hamshire and Agnes Rolff of Burwell, and John, Joan, and Catherine Bartone, who are the children of his wife Audry. Additionally, he bequeaths ten marks to his cousin Jerom Clyfford for his education, apprenticeship, or religious pursuits, and ten marks to "my lady Dame Alice Hamptone." He also allocates forty marks to provide dowries for poor maidens, with a preference for his own impoverished relatives. The will further includes bequests to his servants and godchildren. The residue of his estate is left to his wife Audry, whom he appoints as executor alongside John Tate, Alderman of London. John Heigham, a gentleman, is designated as overseer of the will. Towards the end of the will, there is a request to the commissary or official to ensure that the executors take an oath not to act independently, suggesting a concern about potential disagreements between them.
The probate act is attached, and the entire document is secured with a parchment band, bearing the seal of the Archbishop.
Author
David T. Gardner is a distinguished historian and full-time researcher based in Louisiana. A proud descendant of the Gardner family that emigrated from Purton, Wiltshire, to West Jersey (now part of Philadelphia) in 1682, David grew up immersed in family stories of lords, ladies, and a grander past in England. Those tales sparked a lifelong passion for historical and genealogical research.
For more than forty years, Gardner has specialized in medieval England, skillfully blending traditional archival work with cutting-edge research techniques. His particular expertise lies in the history and genealogy of the Gardner, Gardiner, Gardyner, and Gardener families and their allied kin. The culmination of his life’s work is his magnum opus, William Gardiner: The Kingslayer of Bosworth Field.
For inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or to explore more of his research, David can be reached at gardnerflorida@gmail.com or through his blog at KingslayersCourt.com — a welcoming online space for fellow history enthusiasts.
Names (keyword): William Gardyner, William Gardener, William Gardyner, Willyam Gardyner, Willyam Gardener, William Gardyner, William Gardynyr, Wyllyam Gardynyr, Ellen Tudor, Hellen Tudor, Ellen Tuwdr,Thomas Gardiner, Ellen Teddar, Elyn Teddar, Thomas Gardiner, Thomas Gardener, Thomas Gardyner, Thomas Gardiner Kings Chaplain Son and Heir, Thomas Gardiner Chaplain, Thomas Gardiner Prior of Tynmouth, Thomas Gardiner Prior of Blyth, Jasper Tudor Duke of Bedford, Thomas Gardiner Westminster Abbey, Thomas Gardiner Monk, Thomas Gardiner Lady Chapel, Westminster Lady Chapel, Henry VII Chantry, Bishop Stephen Gardiner, Chancellor Stephen Gardiner, John Gardiner Bury St Edmonds, Hellen Tudor John Gardiner, Hellen Tudor John Gardyner, Philippa Gardiner, Philippa Gardyner, Beatrix Gardiner, Beatrix Gardyner, Lady Beatrix Rhys, Anne Gardiner, Anne Gardyner, Ann Gardyner, Lady Beatrice Rhys, Beatrice Gardiner, Beatrice Gardyner, Bishop Steven Gardener. Bishop Stephen Gardiner, Bishop Stephen Gardyner, Aldermen Richard Gardiner, Mayor Richard Gardiner, Sheriff Richard Gardiner, Aldermen Richard Gardyner, Mayor Richard Gardyner, Sheriff Richard Gardyner, Henry VII, September 3, 1485, September 3rd 1485, 3rd September 1485, Jasper Tudor, Duke of Bedford, London Common Counsel, City of London, Rhys Ap Thomas, Jean Molinet, Battle of Bosworth, City of London, King Charles III, English wool export, 15th century london, St Pancras Church, Soper Lane, London Steel Yard, History of London, 15th Century London, Gardyner, Wyllyam (Sir), Tudor, Ellen, Gardiner, Thomas, Tudor, Jasper (Duke of Bedford), Gardiner, Richard (Alderman), Cotton, Etheldreda (Audrey), Talbot, Sir Gilbert, Gardiner, John (of Exning), Gardiner, Isabelle, Gardyner, Philippa, Gardyner, Beatrix, Gardiner, Anne, Gardiner, Ralph, Gardiner, Stephen (Bishop), Rhys ap Thomas (Sir), Henry VII, Richard III, Charles III (King), Battle of Bosworth, Milford Haven Landing, Shrewsbury Army Payments, Shoreditch Greeting, St. Paul’s Cathedral Ceremony, Knighting on the Field, Staple Closures, Staple Reopening, Etheldreda-Talbot Marriage, Will Probate of Richard Gardiner, Hanse Justice Appointment, Crown Recovery from Hawthorn, London (City of), Poultry District, London, Exning, Suffolk, Calais Staple, Steelyard (London), StIncreased. Pancras Church, Soper Lane, Westminster Abbey, Tynemouth Priory, Bosworth Field, Shoreditch, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Queenhithe Ward, Walbrook Ward, Bassishaw Ward, English wool export, Calais Staple audits, Hanseatic exemptions, Mercers’ Company, Maletolt duties, Black-market skims, £5 per head levies, £20,000 Richard III borrowings, Cronicl o Wech Oesoedd, Brut y Tywysogion (Peniarth MS 20), Crowland Chronicle Continuations, Hanseatisches Urkundenbuch, Calendar of Patent Rolls, Jean Molinet, 15th century London, History of London, Merchant putsch, Tudor propaganda, Welsh chronicles, Forensic osteometry, Gardner Annals, King Charles III