| Description (Repository) |
Also, on the same day there were immediately read certain letters patent, setting forth that the King had delivered the City into the custody of William Fitz-Bichard, who before had been elected by the citizens Bailiff of the City ; as also, the SherifFwick of Middlesex, he making payment, according to the ancient ferm, at the Exchequer. But these letters were contrary to the aforesaid Charter, by which the City is entitled to have all its franchises and free customs, and by virtue whereof
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the citizens ought to elect their own Sheriffs and Mayor. For which reason, the citizens sent to the Court of his lordship the King envoys on their behalf ; though the same William continued to be Warden of the City and of Middlesex ; as the citizens declined to elect any one, in contravention of the letters aforesaid, without leave of his lordship the King.
Still however, they sent envoys to the Court, as already mentioned.
[[At the Feast of Saint Michael, in the year of our Lord 1266, William
Fitz-Bichard, Warden of the City and of Middlesex, still continued
in his bailiwick ]]] |