favoured. The second is a levy waySagei for the Scottish
War. How many went we do not know, but two years afterwards we find the town covenanting with one Thomas Baker to horse and harness himself for 135. 4d., with 20s. more if he were called upon to serve. A little later on we have the Chamberlain's account of rents received, amounting to £38 15s. 8d., diminished by £1 2s. 6d. for quit rents. Presents of wino account for £1 5s. 10d. Among the recipients figure Lord Shrewsbury (spelt in one place " Asshrouysbury "), Lord Hastings (he was the patron of the town), and the " Chanons at the High Crosse." These last had "x galena of gasgen wyne " at Cs. 8d. (8d. per gallon). The authorities were careful that the bakers should bake good bread, whether for the well-to-do or the poor,—the latter had an article made of rye and the bran of wheat. Ale also was to be "good holsomo," and all measures were to be broght before Mr. Meyre." In 1522 comes an order from the King to put into sure custody "persons and goodis " of French- men, Britons, and "all other the French Kinge's subgiettes." In the same year we find that the brewers were to sell ale at id. the gallon (13 as 12). In 1523 the town lends to the " Kyng's grace" .e60 8s, which the King promises to repay. So we pass on, coming on every page on items full of interest. One of the most curious is the story of an election of a burgess to Parlia- ment in 1601. The Earl of Huntingdon (of the Hastings family) desired the town to choose two candidates named Bromley and Heyrick, and particularly cautioned them against one Belgrave,— he hopes "that all, from the best to the meanest, will oppose him." Nevertheless, Belgrave succeeded. He came to a meeting dressed in "a blewe coats with a bull's head "—the Earl's badge and livery—protested that he " bemoned his former undewtifull carriage," and when asked for his recommendation, pointed to his "coats and cognizance." Students of English social life are greatly obliged to the editor and her helpers for this carefully prepared volume.
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