Clerical copies of proclamations by Edward IV, Henry VII and Henry VIII concerning coinage, bullion and exchanges

Anno iiij Edwardi Quarti
^[1]A Proclamation for the Raysing of the price of Silver Bullion from 29^s. the pound waight to 33^s. the Pound weight

Edwardus dei gra Rex Angl' Et Franc' Et dns Hibnie Vicecomitibꝫ London' Saltm p{illeg}|^r|cipimus Vobis qd Status post recepcoem p{illeg}tiū in Singulis locis infra Civitatem p^rdcm vbi melius videritis expedire publicā proclamacoem faciatis in forma Sequente

For as much as o^r Soveraigne Lord the King Edward by the Grace of God Kinge of England & of France and Lord of Ireland Considering the Great lacke and Scarcitie of Money of this his Realme w^ch of verey likelyhood amonge other is for lacke of bringing in of Bullion into his Mynte and that is because as y^t is conceaved y^t the|o||ose| that should bringe Bullion may have more in other Princes Mynts for their bullion then in his. Willing therefore to remove the Sd causes and to Encrease & multiply the Coigne to the Com̄on weale of all this his Land and Subjects of the Same The Same o^r Soveraigne Lord hath ordeyned & provided that eu’y person That will bringe Silver in Bullion Plate or otherwise vnto his Mynt within T|t|his Tower of London where afore this tyme it hath byn accustomed and yet is to take for a pound of Silver of the finesse of a groate that nowe Rv|e|nneth but xxix^s. Sterling shall nowe receave cleearlie for everie Pounds weight of Such Silver at his sd Mynt xxxiij^s. Sterling of the same fynesse & {Al}aie that it is nowe of And so that he shall receave cleearlie more then he did before in every Vnce by iiij^d and in all the Pounds by iiij^s|d|.

Et hoc Sub ꝑiculo qd incumbit nullatenus omittatis T {meopo} Apud Stampforde xiij. die Augusti Anno Re ij quarto

A proclamation for y^e Currencie of old thin peec|{nce}|

Forasmuch as the Kinge o^r Sou’aigne Lord Henry by the Grace of God Kinge of England and of France and Lord of Ireland Vnderstandeth the manifold Inconveniences that dayly ensue amonge his Subjects For refusinge of his Coyne That is to Saye of Small thin and old pens & That hereafter might ensue yf due reformacon were not provided and had in that behalf his highness therefore willing in anie wise his sd Subjects Vniversally to take & receive his money Currant Streightly chargeth & commandeth all and everie of his Subjects foresd that no manner ꝑson from henceforth refuse to take and receive in Payment All manner p{e}ys |penys| of our sd Soverain|g|ne Lords Cunage So that they be Sylver & hole & that vpon payne of ymprisonm^t of everie ꝑsone That So will refuse to take his sd Cunage and to make fyne therefore at o^r Sou’aigne Lordꝭ pleasure

And God Save y^e King

Dat 12^th Decem^br Anno. 14 R R{illeg}. H. 7^th.

A proclamation Ag^st Transportacon of Gold Silver or Bullion & Ag^t Exchanges and Rechanges but onlie w^th such as the Kinge had authorised w^thin the Realme

|Temp Henr 7^mi.|

It is Assentid accordid and the Kinge defendith unto alle People Merch^ts Clarks and other as well Strangers as Denyzens of So eu’ Estate or Condic/y\on' they be upon payne of w^tsoever they may forfeite that noon' of them upon the sd payne pryvely nor apertly send nor Conveye or doo to be Sent or conveyed oute of the Realme aforesd any Golde or Silver in muney Bullion plate Vessell nor for Exchangs to make nor otherwise w^tsoever it be Savyng for the wages of Caleys and of other fortresses and Castells of the King beyond see Except the p^rlates Lords and others of the Same Realme unto whom it behovith Sometyme Necessary to make paym^t beyond See of the w^ch paym^t only they may make Exchangs in England by good and Sufficient Merch^ts to pay beyond see & thereupon first to have Espicille cogye & lycence of o^r Sou’aigne Lorde the King aswelle for they | ex|channgeors as for the ꝑson that shall make paym^t shewyng Expressly the sōme that So shall be Exchanngid and also it is Assentid that the M'ch^ts y^t so Shallbe make the sd Exchanngez be Diligently Examynd & Sworne in their ꝑper ꝑsones as often tymes as they shall have y^e sd Lycence that they ne send nor convey beyond See any man’ of Gold nor Silver vndre colo^r of the Same Exchange & yf after y^e Proclamation of this ord^n'nnce any ꝑson be thereof duly atteynt that he hath sent or conveid beyond See any Gold or Sylver contrary to this defence Statute and orde^annce to Forfeit unto the King of the same some so sent or conveid & for as much as the Kinge o^r Sou’aign Lorde consydering that there hath grown & daily groweth great Displeasure to God great Hurt to his Highnes and to Realme by and for the Inordynate <15r> Channgs and rechanges that hath ben of longe tyme vsid and yet continewith w^thin This his Realme w^thoute any auctoritye Obteynid of our Sd Sou’eigne Lord to make any mann’ such channg\s/ or rechanngs w^ch is not only contrary to his Lawes but also to his p^rrogative ryalle for remedy whereof many noble Estatuts have ben made by Dyvers the ꝑgenyto^r of o^r Sd Sou’eigne Lord whereof oon espīalle Statute was made in the xxv^th year of King Edward the Thyrde & also a nother Spīalle Estate|u||te| made in the v^th year of Kinge Rich^d y^e Second w^th other Dyvers Estatuts made for the same remedy in tymes of the Reignes of the Kings Henry the iiij^th Henry the v^th & Henry the vj^th that alle such Statutes should be put in due Executyon from thes|n|s forth and that nomen' should make any Exchannge w^thoute the Kings spialle Lycence ne make any Exchange or rechannge of money to be payd w^thin this Realme but only such as the Kinge hath or shall Depute thereunto to make & Answer for shuche Exchangs and Rechangs upon the Severalle payns in the same sev’alle Estatuts of the sd late noble ꝑgento^rs of our L|s|aid sou’eigne Lorde ys conteynid and that no ꝑson nor ꝑsons w^tsoever Degree they be of make any Exchannge rechannge or Expedicyon w^thin the same his Realme w^thoute his spialle Lycenc|s| fyrst for the same obteyned but only to and w^th suche ꝑsons as he of late hath Assignid & Deputid by his Lres patentis to make such Exchanng Rechange & Expedicyon & to gyve lycence to other ꝑsons to & for the same and also to take such duty's of and for the same as heretofore have bin vsid and accustumyd to to be taken and o^r sd Sou’eigne Lorde Straytly chargith & Com̄anndeth that yf any person \or ꝑsons/ from henceforth make any Exchange into any pts of beyonde y^e See contrary to this his ꝑclamatyon y^t then the same ꝑson & ꝑsons making the sd Exchannge to forfeit unto o^r Sou’eign Lord the Kinge alle & Singuler such penaltys and forfeitures as in the same seu’alle statuts be conteyned Et hor {sic} sub pena incumben:

Anno xiiij^to: Henerici Octavi 1522 A procla\^m/tion for the valuacon of Coynes

Henricus Octavus Dei gra Anglie Et Francie Rex fidei defensor Et dns hibnie Majori Et Vicecomitibus London Vobis mandamus qd in singulis locis infra Civitatem p^rd{illeg} Et suburb eiusdem vbi magis expediens videritis tam infra libtates q^am Extra publicas ꝑclam fieri fac in hæc verba

The King o^r Sou’eigne Lord for divers and greate Vrgent Consideracons & respects by the advise of Counsell streightly Chargeth and Comanndeth that from hence forth theis moneys of Gold and Silver here Expressed & not Clipp'd shall be Currant and have course w^thin alll places throught this his Realme of England Ireland Wales kaleys and the marches of the same to be taken payd repayd by Channge rechange and all other paym^ts as well betwixt his subjects as between his subjects & all others to w^tsoeu’ they be at the rate and valve hereafter following That is to say everie Ducat large of Golde at iiij^s. vj^d sterling eu’y Crown so{illeg}|le|ill named Crowns of the sun not Clipped at iiij^s. iiij^d. sterling and everie Crowne of Gold not soleill ne clipped at iiij^s sterling and all manner Grots half Grots & pence of the Kings Coyne and all other grots and half Grots not being the Kings Coyne having course and being Currant w^thin this his Realme not Clipped nor fullie broken albeit they shall be much Cracked to be taken receaved and payd throught this his sd Realme w^thout anie manner Refuseall or denyall and moreover the Kingꝭ highness straightlie Chargeth and Expresslie Commmandeth all maio{rs} sheriffs Bailiffs Constables and other his faithfull officers and subjects that yf anie ꝑson or ꝑsons of what Estate degree or Condcon he be refuse or deny to take & receave the sd moneys of Gold and silver in manner and forme aforesd be tha|y|t for Merchantdizes Channge or rechannge <16r> Or other cause w^tsoever forthw^th to take and Arest the same person or persons so making refusall or Denyall and to put him in warde and prison there to remayne and further to be punished at the Kings pleasure Et hoc sub ꝑiculo incumbenti nullatenus omittats In cuius rei testimoniū has lras fieri fecimus patentes T: me ipso apud Cantuar xxv Maij Anno R{illeg}|{illeg}| ij xiiij.

Anno xvij. Henrici Octavi.          1524

A proclamation for the valuati\on/ of Coynes According to the statute of Anno i5 Henerici octavi/

Henerici Octauus dei gra Anglie Et franc' Rex fidei defensor' Et Dns Hibnie Vicecomitibꝫ London saltm p^rcipimus vobis qd statim post recepcoem p|^r||s|u|n|tiu in singulis locis infra Ballivam vram tam infra libtatem q^am extra vbi magis Expedire viderite ex parte nra pubcas proclamacoes fieri fac. in hec v^rba

The Kinge o^r Soveraigne Lord Henry the viij^th by the Grace of God King of England & of Frannce defensour of the Faithe & Lord of Ireland Remembring that at the parliament holden at London the xv^th day of Apriell in the xv^th year of his raigne tha|y|t was Enacted ordeyned and provided by Authoritie of the same That all manner of Coynes should goe and be currant throughout this his Realme unto the feast of S^t Michaell Tharchangell last past at such valewe & prices as in an Act thereupon made more plainly appeareth straightly Chargeth willeth and Comanndeth that no manner of person or persons of what Estate degree or condicon he or they be of w^thin this his Realme from hense forth doe refuse to take and Receive in paym^t all such Coignes at such Valews and prices as they be Expressed in the said Act upon payne of ymprisonment and further to be punished at his pleasure and God save The King. Et hoc sub ꝑiculo incumbenti nullatenus omittatē In cuius rei testimoniū has lras fieri fecimus patentes T: me ipo apud scum Albanū primo Die Octobris Anno Regni ij sep|x|todecimo

Anno xvij Henrici Octavi.            .1525.

A proclamation For the Valluation of Coynes of Gold and Silver.

Henricus Octavus dei gra Angl Et Franc' Rex fidei Defensor' Et dns Hibnie Majori et Vic. Civitatis sue London' saltm Vobis mandamus qd in singlis Wardis parochijs Et al|A|lijs locis infra Civitatem London' suburb & p^rcinctu Ejusdem tam infra libertates q^am Extra Vbi magis Expediens videritis ex pte nra publicas ꝑclamacoes fieri fac in hec vrba. The King o^r Soveraigne Lord for divers great and vrgent consideracons & respects by the Advise of his Counsell Straightly Chargeth and comanndeth that from henceforth theis moneys of Gold and Silver here Expressed shall be currant and have course w^thin all places throughout this his Realme of England Ireland Wales Caleys and the Marches of the same to be taken payd and repayd by change rechannge and all other paym^ts aswell betwixt his subjects as betwixt his subjects and all other w^tsoever they be at the rate and value hereafter following That is to say eu’y Ducet large of Gold and waight at foure shilling|s| six pence sterling eu’y Crowne soleill named Crownes of the sonn of waight Four shillings Four pence sterling and every Crowne of Gold of Waight not soleill at four shillings sterling Every peece of fyne Gold named a carolus keeping waight at sixe shillings tenn{e} pence sterling every peece of Base Gold named a floraine keeping Waight at three shillings three pence sterling every peece of Base Gold of less quantity named also A Floraine keeping waight at two shillings & a penny sterling and all manner of Grotes half grotes and pence of the Kingꝭ Coyne and all other grotes and half Grotes not being of the Kings Coyne having course and being currāt w^thin This his sd Realme not Clipped nor fully broken albeit they shall be much crakked to be taken received and payd throught his sd Realme w^thout any manner refusall or deniall and moreover the Kings Highness straightly chargeth and Expressly commanndeth all Maiors sheriffes Bailiffes constables & other of his <18v> Faithfull subjects that yf anie ꝑson or ꝑsons \of/ w^t Estate degree or condicon he or they be refuse or denye to take or Receive the sd Moneys of Gold and Silver in manner and forme aforesd be it for Merch^tdizes Vitailes channg or rechannge or other cause w^tsoever forthwith to take and Arrest the same ꝑson or ꝑsons making refusall or deniall & to put him in ward and Prison there to remaine and further to be punished at the Kings Pleasure.

Et hoc sub ꝑiculo incūbenti nullatenus omitatis In cujus Rei testimoni' has {sic} lras nras fieri fecim^s patentes T: me ipo apud Westm^r vj. Die Iulij Anno Reg ij Decimo Septimo./

Anno xvij Henrici Octavi.            1525
A proclamation for the Valuatio of Coynes of Gold and Silver.

Henry the viij by the grace of God King of England and of France Defendo^r of the faith and Lord of Ireland To our Entirely beloved Cousyn & Counsailo^r Therle of Shrewsbury Steward of o^r houshold and to our right trustie & welbeloved Counsaillo^rs the Treasurer and Comptroller of the same o^r houshold and to every of them greeting Wee will and Comannd you that in all places where wee shall passe and repasse w^thin this o^r Realme you from time to time aswell w^thin liberties as without doe make or cause to be made open and solempne Proclamacons in forme followeing The King o^r Sou’aigne Lord for Divers great and vrgent considacons & respects by the Advise of his Counsell straightlie cha\r/geth and Comanndeth That from hence forth theis moneys of Gold and silver here Expressed shalbe Currant & have course w^thin all places throughout this his Realme of England Ireland Wales Caleys and the Marches of the same to be taken payd and repayd by Channge {illeg}|Re|chan̄ge and all other paym^ts aswell betwixt his subjects as betwixt his subjects and all others w^tsoever they beat the rate and Valve hereafter following That is to sai{d}|e| Every Ducat large of Gold & Waight at iiij^s vj^d sterling and all Crownes solyell named Crownes of the sun̄ of weight and other Crownes named Porpyns and all other Crownes being of like finess of Weight as the Crownes of the sun be at iiij^s |&| iiij^d sterling and all other Crownes of Gold not being of {hie} like fyness and weight as Crownes of the sun beat Four shillings sterling every peece of fyne Gold named a Carolus keeping weight at vj^s. x^d sterling Everie peece of Base Gold named a Floren keeping weight at iij^s. iij^d. sterling every peece of Base Gold of less quantity named also a Floreyn keeping Weight at ij^s. j^d. sterling and all manner Grots half Grots and pence of the Kings Coyne and all other Groots and half Gro\o/ts not being of the Kings Coyne having course and being currant within this his sd Realme not Clipped nor fully broken Albeit they shall be much cracked to be taken recei|a|ved & paide throughout his sd Realme w^thout anie manner refusall <19v> |or| denyall and moreover the Kings highness straightly Chargeth & Expresly Commādeth all ma{illeg}jo^rs sheriffs Bayliffes Constables and others his faithfull Officers and subjects That if any ꝑson or ꝑsons of w^t Estate Degree or condicon he be refuse or deny to take and Recei|a|ve the sd moneys of Gold and silver in manner and forme aforesd be tha|y|t for Merch^tdizes Vittailes Change or rechange or other cause whatsoever forthw^th to take and Arest the same ꝑson or ꝑsons so making refusall or denyall and to put him in ward and pryson there to remaine and further to be punish|ed| at the Kings Pleasure f\a/yle not this to doe as y^e tender o^r Pleasure & {woll Esthue} the Contrary In witness whereof we have caused this o^r Lords |Letters| pattents to be sealed w^th our Great Seale at Westm^r. the viij day of Iulie the xvij year of our Reign/

Anno xviij. Henrici Octavi     1526
A Proclamacon for the valuation of Coynes of Gold and Silver

Rex vic Kanc saltm Precipim tibi qd immediate post recepcoem p^rsentiū in singlis Civitatibꝫ Burg Villis Opidis Et hundred infra Com' tuū tam infra libtati|e|s q^am Extra vbi magis Expediens videris ex parte nrā publicas proclamacoes fieri fac in hoc Vrba

Forasmuch as nowe of Late in outward parts beyond the sea aswell in Flanders as in France the price of money and Gold not only coigned in those countries but also Gold of the King o^r Soveraign Lords Coigne of this Realme is so much inhannsed in the valuacon thereof that not only strange Golds as Crownes and Ducketts but also the Gold of this Realme as Nobles half Nobles and Ryalls by Merch^ts aswell Straingers |re|{illeg}|s|orting hether As the Kings subjects repayring into those parts for the great gaine and lucre that they find thereby daily be transported and Carried out of this Realme to no little impoverishing thereof and finallie to the totall exhausting and drawing owt of all the Coignes out of the same vnles speedy remeady be provided in that behalf and Abeit y^e King our soveraign Lord hath given straight charge and Comanndem^t to all and singular his Customers Comptrollers and Gardians of his Ports to put all such good Acts and statutes in Execution as heretofore hath bine made for conserving of the Kings Coigne w^thin this his realme Yet nevertheless for the great gaine and Advantag{e} thereof rising by reason of the high price of Money beyond y^e sea y^e Kings Coigne is daileyby secrett meanes such as cannot be espied nor depre\he/nded still carried over and further where the King our <20v> Lord by his Ambassodars resident w^thout outward Princes have Instantly required that the Money of this his Realme should not goe so high in those parts to the Intent that the price thereof there brought downe the same might still remaine in this his Realme Yet that notwithstanding by reason of the pretence of their neccessitie and scarsnes of Gold in these parts no remedy at their hands can be had or obteyned for theis Causes the King our soveraigne Lord tendering above all things the welth and Enriching of this his Realme and people and willing to provide remeady herein that Gold and Coigne may remaine and be plentuously brought into the same And not carried out into outward parts as of long season to the great detriment and impoverishing of his said Realme the same hath bine for the remeding whereof there can be no other meanes and waies studied and devised but that all Golds nowe currant w^thin this Realme should be of like price and valuacon̄ as the same is valued Esteemed and Currant in other outward parts Realmes and Countries the King therefore straightly chargeth and Commaindeth all and singular his subjects of w^t Estate degree or condicon soever they be in all paym^ts hereafter to be made to receive and take the Crowne of Gold of the sonne having his one weight and finess or anie other Crowne of the same weight and finess for iiij^s. vj^d.. sterling and forasmuch as for the foresd purpose the sd Crownes be valued as afore according to the price and valuacon that the same be of in outward parts The Kings highness w^th the deliberate advise of his Counsell considering that the said Crowne of the sonne is as strange Gold have thought convenient that semblably there should be a peece of Gold of his o{ne}|wn||e| Coi{illeg}|gn|e of like fyness poyse and Goodness as the sd Crowne of the sam|unn|e is to be also currant w^thin this his Realme the same to be called the Crowne of the Rose wherefore his highness for the Consideracons afore specifyed chargeth and comanndeth that in all paiem^ts hereafter the sd Crowne of the Rose shalbe likewise currant and taken at iiij^s. 27^d. <21r> Sterling as the said Crowne of the sonne is and the single ducate Large of \fine/ Gold and due weight at iiij^s. viij^d. sterling as|n|d the Duble Ducate of due finesse and waight for ix^s. iiij^d. sterling and furthermore whosoever shall bring unto the Kings Mynt anie Gold coigned or uncoigned of the finesse of the soveraigne Ryall noble or half Noble shall have paid unto him in Crownes after the valuacon aforesaid or other money currant within this Realme after the rate of xliiij^s. The ounce That is to saie for every peece of such Gold weying half an Ounce as a soveraigne of waight xxij^s. for every peece of Gold weying the fourth part of an ounce as a Royall of waight xj^s. for every peece of Gold weying The sixt part of an ounce as a Noble of waight vij^s. iiij^d. for eu’y peece of Gold weying The Twelfe part of an ounce as a Forty pence of waight iij^s. viij^d. and the same in likewise to be currant and taken in all manner paym^ts and Receipts after the rates and valuacon aforesaid By meanes whereof not only all manner of such coigns of Gold as be now currant w^thin his Realme shalbe conteyned & kept w^thin the same w^thout carrying thereof into anie outward parts But also such the Kings Coignes of Gold as hath bine conveyed unto outward parts shalbe brought in againe from time to time to the inricheing of this Realme And aboundaunce of all manner of Coignes w^thin the same & moreover the Kings Highnes straightly chargeth & comanndeth that from henceforth all manner grotes half grotes and pence of his coigne & all other groates & halfe grotes not being of his Coigne haveing cource & being currant w^thin this his sd Realme not cliped nor fully broken Albeit they through out his sd Realme w^thout anie manner refusall or deniall Wherefore his Highnes straightly chargeth & expresly comanndeth all Maio^rs Iustices of peace Sheriffes Bailiffes Constables & others his faithfull Officers & subjects that if anie ꝑson or ꝑsons of w^t Estate Degree or condicon he or they be refuse or deny to take and recei|a|ve the sd moneys of Gold and silver in manner & forme aforesd be yt for marchantdizes victualls channge <21v> Or rechānge or other cause w^tsoever forthwith to take and arrest the same ꝑson or ꝑsons so making refusall or deniall & to put him or them in ward & Prison thereto remaine & further to be Punished at the Kings Pleasure.

Et hoc sub ꝑiculo quod incumbit nullatenus omittas T. R. apud Hampton Court xxij. die Augusti Anno r sui Decimo octavo./

Anno xviij Henrici Octavi 1526.

A Proclamac|t|ion for the Valuacon of Divers Coynes of Gold and Silver

Rex Vic Kant' saltm p^rcipim{illeg}|^s| tibi firmit injungentes qd statim visis a p^rsentibꝫ in propria ꝑsona tua in singlis locis infra Com' tuū vbi magis expediens videris Et maximus accessus fuerit ppli ex parte nra solempnit Et publice proclamari fac quasdam ordinacoes Et decreta ꝑ nos de avisamento Consilij nri (probono publico hujus regni Et alioꝝ dinoꝝ nroꝝ \a{c} subditoꝝ nroꝝ/ eoꝝdem) nuꝑ fact' Et ordinat quas in quibusdam cedulis huic bri' nro anno{illeg}|{illeg}| tibi ꝑ latorem p^rsentiū mittimꝰ mandantes preterea qd immediate post proclamacoes Sit ut p^rmittit^r ꝑte fcas om̄es Et singulas hujusmodi cedulas in seꝑatis distinctis Et publicis locis in Ballin|v|a tua p^rdcā Vt subditis Et ligei{illeg}|s| nris plane appara|e|re poterit in tabulis poni Et secure affigi similit' fac' Et hoc sub ꝑiculo incumbenti Et Sicut displicentiam nram evitare cures Ac super inde nob respondere volueris nullatenus omittas T. R. apud Westm^r Quinto Die Novembr Anno r Sui Decimo Octavo./

The King our Soveraign Lord of his gracious disposicon having alwaies tender zeale and mynd to y^e p^rservacon and encreace of the Comon weale of this his Realme the furtherance & enriching of his Loving subjects of the same ꝑceaving howe of late years the price and Valuacon of the Coignes of his sd Realme hath bine as well in the Emperors Lowe Cuntries as in other outward parts raised heightned and enhannced to the Intent That by meane thereof the same might be cras|f|ti|e|ly and for ꝑticuler Lucre secretly as it hath bine conveyed out of this sd Realme to the Great enpour|e|rishem^t of the same and the inricheing of the sd outward parts Considering also that after sundry requisicons made by his highnes for reformacon of such high thynges and enhanncements {illeg}n|o| remeady can be had but that the same rather daily encreaseth then otherwise whereby in processe notwithstanding the good Lawe|s| and ordinannces made to the contrary the coyne and money of this Realme by little and little should be so much stolne and conveyed out of the same that the Kings said Loving subjects and people should be cleearly disgarnished thereof {illeg}{illeg}|yf| speedy remeady be not provided Hath by deliberate advise of his Counsell upon great and mature consultacon devised determined and ordered that aswell for conservacon of his said Coignes w^thin This Realme and to encourage folkes to bring into y^e same from outward parties Coyne and Bullion of gold and silver As also for the inriching of his said Loving subjects not only the Coynes of Gold of This Realme w^ch heretofore have bine made striken and Coyned w^ch in the same & certain other hereafter menconed shall be in their valuacon and price raised and enhannced but also other coynes of Gold and silver shall be newly made striken & coyned from henceforth so rated and proportioned in their fines price and value as shall be both to the great profitt comodity ease & eqall computacon of the Kings subjects <22v> In their receipts and paiem^ts thereof and also ameane to enrich this Realme and to replenishe the same with great quantity of Gold & silver hereafter That is to say the soveraigne of due waight & finesse shall be currant in all manner receipts & paym^ts for Twenty Two shillings and six pence sterling the Royall of due waight and finesse for Eleven shillings and three pence and so the halfe Royall and quartere of the Royall of due waight and finesse after the same rate The Angell Noble of due waight & finesse for seven shillings and six pence and the half Angell of due waight for three shillings & nyne pence and besides theis golds w^ch be coynes of this Realme the Crowne of Gold of the sonne having his due waight & finesse and all other Crownes being of Like waight and finesse with the Crowne of the Sunne not notabley broken shall be still Currant \as it/ now is in all receipts and paiem^ts for Four Shillings and Six pence and to the intent that there may also be coines to renue the receipts and paym^ts after such computacon for the more \ease/ and comodity of the people as hath bine heretofore vsed It is Ordeyned devised and Established that over and besides the Angell noble w^ch shall have course and be enhannced to seaven shillings and six pence as is aforesaid there shall be an other Noble newly made w^ch shall be called the George Noble and shall be of as fine Gold as the Angell Noble is Lacking in the waight The Valve of Tenn pence sterling so as the said George Noble shall be currant and have course in all receipts and paim^ts for the sum̄e of six shillings and Eightpence sterling as the Angell Noble was Accustomed and likewise thereshall be of the same finesse an half George Noble w^ch shall be currant for Three shillings and four pence sterling and for as much as the Crowne of the sunne and other of the like waight & finess which have course for Four shillings & sixpence as is aforesd be not of so easy a computation for the Kings subjects & other not expert in reckoning as Crownes sho\u/ld be ꝑportion after an even rate to the pound sterling It is therefore ordeyned <23r> Determined and Established by the Kings highness with the deliberate advic|s|e of his said Counsell as is aforesaid That there shall be a certain new Coyne of Gold of the Kings made and devised w^ch shall be named A Crowne of the Duble Rose and shall be in waight after such rate above the Crowne of the sonn That it may be currant in all receipts and paym^ts For Five shillings sterling so as foure of them shall make in all computacon Twenty shillings sterling and Likewise there shall be another Coyne or peece of Gold of Like finess with the said Crowne of the Duble Rose of the half Waight of the same w^ch shall be Currant for two shillings and six pence sterling and for Like correspondence egality and evennes in the silver to the rate proporcion and valvacon of the said Coynes of Gold It is also devised and Determined That to make The silver to Accorde in his rate with the said Course of the Golde all manner Coynes of silver now already currant in this Realme as grotes not Cliped nor notably broken pence of two pence half pence and Fardings shall hereafter be currant in receipts and paym^ts after the same rate as they have hitherto bine and Likewise as Twenty of the said Grotes & so half Grotes pence halfe pence and f{illeg}|a|rdings after the rate {w}{illeg}|h|ere currant for an Angell Noble so shall they now be in Likewise Currant for the Noble of the George and Fifteen grotes for the Crowne of the Duble Rose and over and besides the said Coynes of silver now Currant It is determined That new Coynes of silver shall be from henceforth striken and made aswell into grotes or into pence of two pence halfe pence and fardings w^th new Coynes of silver shall be meere sterling as the other be and shall be made and sised to be corespondent in valve according to all manner the Kings Coynes of fyne Golde before menconed so that every ounce Troy of Grotes half Grotes pence half Pence and farthings or the ounce Troy of Bullion shall make Eleven grotes & one pen{e}|n|y whereof the Merch^t shall pay for the Coynage one peney whereof the Merch^t \and so he shall/ receive for an ounce sterling either at the Mynt or at the Exchange after It shall be molten cleearly Threeshillings and Eight pence in money currant howbeit if any ꝑson having white money of the former Coynes of This Realme shall Think That the same is of more value then after the rate of the said newe money devised now to be striken It shall be Lawfull for him at his Pleasure and Libertie to bring it unto the Kings Mynt or Exchange where he shall receive for every ounce of the same Grotes or other white money of This Realme (after the same shalbe molten) Eleven Grotes over and above the oo|d|d peny deducted for the Coynage thereof thereof as is aforesaid and semblably in all Bullion of silver being of the fines of sterling and Bul|yf| anie such Bullion is|be| better then the sterling he shalbe answered therefore after the rate goodness and finess Whereof accordingly and wherefore as <23v> The Carolus Plackes of The Old Coyne of the Duke of Burgon|y|n Comonly called Duble Plackes lack in their finesse of the sterling Twenty pence in a Pound Waight Troy It is ordei|y|\n/ed and Determined That they not being Cliped nor notably broken shall also be Currant in receipts and paym^ts for foure pence sterling the peece as they now be howbe it |i|for anie ꝑson shall thinck to take more advantage by Them in bringing the same to the Mynt or Exchange Converting them into the Coyne of silver newely devised it shall be Lawfull for him so to doe where he shall receive for the pound waight w^ch is Twelve oz^es Troy after it shall be molten forty Three shillings and foure pence deducted of the same for the Coynage of every ounce Troy one peney sterling as is aforesaid and whereas heretofore the Merch^t or other ꝑson bringing bullion unto The Kings Mynt to be Coyned paid for The Coynage of every pound Tower waight w^ch was Eleven oz^es q^ter Two shillings sixe pence in w^ch Tower waight There was a diffrence from the Troy waight of Three quarters of an ounce in a pound waight It is now determined by the Kings Highness as afore That the said Pound Tower shall be no more vsed nor occupied but that all manner Gold and silver shall be wayed by the Pound Troy being of Twelve ounces Troy w^ch is three quarters of An ounce more then Tower waight as is aforesaid for which cause the Merch^ts or other ꝑson bringing Golde to the Mynt to be coyned shall pay for Coynage of every Pound waight Troy of fine Golde being Twelve ounces to be made into George Nobles or halfe Nobles or any other the Kings Coynes of fine Golde Two shillings and ninepence and for the Coynage of eu’y pound waight of Gold to be made into the Crownes of the Dubble Rose or the halfe \thereof/ th{illeg}ree shillings sterling and forasmuch as it is by diligent serch & triall well proved and known that there be many Ducates quined within the parts of beyond the sea whereof some having one print Coyne & marke be farre diffrent and lacking in the finesse & waight of other being of the same Coyne and Marke & That also in divers Countries there be Ducates made of Divers finesse and waights by reason whereof if the same were currant in receipts and paym^ts within this his realme by the way of ordinannce or Proclamacon The Kings People then not being expert in knowledge of The finesse of the Gold might take great loss and be disceaved therein It is therefore ordeyned and determined as afore that there shall be no certain valuacon rate or c{illeg}|o|u|r|se Assigned for Receipt and paym^t of anie Ducates Duble or single of what Country soever they be to be currant within this Realme nor of anie other Coyne of Gold or silver other then is before menconed But as well Ducates as other Coynes of Gold of outward parts not before named shall nowe be receaved and taken by anie ꝑson at such valve as the payer and the receaver of them can agree & as between them they shall be found to be worth in waight and finesse Nevertheless if anie ꝑson shall think that he may take profitt by bringing of such Ducates of fine or Course Gold or other Coynes of Gold <24r> Or Bullion unto the Kings Mynt It shall be Lawfull for him so To doe There to have them Coyned or to receave other money for them after the same rates and proportions paying for the Coynage thereof after the forme before Expressed. It is also ordeyned and Determined That all other ordinances provisions and proclamacons heretofore passed for the Valuacon or course of anie Coynes of Gold and silver within This Realme for asmuch part of the same proclamacons as may be p^rjudiciall or contrary to the Effect of this|ei||s| p^rsent ordinannces shalbe from henceforth voyd and of none Effect and that no person under cullor of This Raising or Enhannsing of the Valvacon of Money doe p’|{^r}|sume to heighten or raise the price of anie wares Marchandizes Victualls or other Thing in buying selling or channging of the same Except only Bullion of Gold and silver to the rates aforesd upon the Uttermost paine That by so doeing may Ensue. Considdering That No man can or shall take losse or detrym^t by Enhannsing of The Coynes but that the same with all other Coynes Newly to be made shall be i|a|s much in value To the receiver therereof {sic} for anie ware Victuall Marchant|d|ise or other thing as the Coyne and Money was Accustomed to be heretofore and forasmuch as by reason of the reason of The Enhannsing of The sd Coynes of Gold There may some Doubt or question Arrise in what forme and rate money already Due either unto the Kings highness or to the Lords spirituall or Temporall or other his Nobles Com̄ons and subjects of This his realme and other his Dominions shall and ought to be payd and received It is for Declaracon Thereof by his highness ordeyned and Determined that all som̄es of Money growing of Rents, fermes, or other revenews of Lands Tenem^ts or other heredit{ain}t{s} yet remayning in the hands of The Tenan̄ts and Not payd to the Bailiffs Collectors Rentgatherers Reves or other persons Appointed for gathering or receipt of the same shall be padyd recei|a|ved & taken after such rate as the Moneys of Gold and silver shall be Currant byvirtue of This Proclamation and none otherwise Nevertheless that the same be payd by the Tenn^ts fermors or other occupiers of the p^rmisses unto {illeg} of the hands \of anie/ of The said Bailieffs Collectors Rentgatheres {sic} Reves or other ꝑsons appointed for gathering thereof before the day of the Date hereof The same Bailiffs Collectors Rentgatherers Reves or other ꝑsons Appointed for that purpose shall make paym^t thereof in such Money and after such price and Valuacon as they have received the same According to reason wherein they shall and now be tryed aswell by their othes as by anie other Examinacon that May be made by anie person having interest in the same It is also ordeyned That all other sum̄s of Money w^ch upon anie Obligacon <24v> Covenant bargaine promise bill grant|n|t of Parliam^t or otherwise was payable to the Kings highness or anie other person at anie time between the Date of the Last proclamation made of Coynes w^ch was the xxij Day of August Last past and the Day of The Date of this present ꝑclamation shall be payd Receaved and taken after such rate as the Monys and Coynes of Gold and silver by virtue of the sd last ꝑclamation was valued and Currant And semblably all such other sum̄es of Money w^chupon Like respects or otherwise shall be payeable to the Kings highness or to anie other ꝑson from the day of The Date of this present proclamation forwards shall be payed receaved and Taken after such rate as the money\s/ & Coynes of Gold and silver by virtue of the Last proclamation valued and Currant and semblably all such other sum̄es of money w^ch upon like respects or otherwise shall be payable to the Kings highness or to anie other ꝑson from the Day of the Date of This p’sent proclamation forwards shall be payd Receaved and taken after such rate as the monys and Coynes of Gold and silver by This sd proclamation be valued Currant and limited and furthermore That all such sum̄es of money as for Like respects were payable and the Day of paym^t comen̄ passed and expired before the Date of the said Last Proclamation That is to say The xxij^th Day of August Last past shall be \paid/ receaved and taken forasmuch as was the verey Debt & Duty not menconing anie penalty after such rate as the moneys Coynes of Gold and silver were currant and goeing before the same Last proclamacon Like as to good reason Iustie {sic} and Concience it Apꝑteyneth Nevertheless forasmuch as both gen’all and ꝑticular Receavors Customers Collectors Baileffs and Reves as also Divers other officers Mynisters and Accomptants both unto the Kings Highnes and to the Lords spirituall and Temporall and other Noble men subjects and Comm̄ons {sic} of This Realme have since and before the said Last proclamation receaved Divers sum̄s of Money aswell of Customer|s|s and subsedies for Merchandizes and of The subsedies and other sum̄s grainted to the Kings highness in his Last Parliam^t as also for rents fo|a|rmes and otherwise in such money and after such rate as the same was Current at the time of The receipt thereof w^ch sd generall and ꝑticular Receavors and other officers and ministers aforesd have not made ymmediate paym^t thereof before The times of The Newe ꝑclamacons but have The same Remayning in Their hands till the time of Their Accompts & reckonings Intending ꝑ|{D}| case vnder color of This Ordenance To make Their paiem^ts after Theis new rates as Money not paiable till The Yeilding of the said Accompts and so detaine in Their hands the gaine thereof without anie ground of Reason It is Therefore <25r> Ordeyned That The said Receavors generall and ꝑticular Customers Collectors Bayliffes Rentgatherers Reves and other officers and ministers aforesd w^ch so by virtue of Their Offices have receaved anie money of anie Fermors Tennants or other ꝑsons after the old or former rates of The same shall make paim^t Thereof in such money and after such valuacon as they Receaved gathered and levied The same without detayning anie lucre or gaine Thereof in their hands wherein they shall & mowe be tryed aswell by their othes as by anie other Examinacon that may be made on the behalf of anie person having Interest in the same as is aforesaid Wherefore his highness straightly Chargeth and Commaindeth all Maiors Iustices of Peace Sheriffes Bailiffes Cunstables and all other his faithfull Subjects and Officers of what estate degree or Condicon soever he or they be that if any ꝑson or ꝑsons doe refuse or deny to obey and folow The Effect of This his ordeynance {or}|an||d| proclamacon or anye part thereof in forme above specified fourthwith to take and Arest the same ꝑson or ꝑsons so Refuseing or Denying and to Com̄itt him or them to warde and prison there to remayn without bayle or maine prise unto such time as the Kings Determinate pleasure be further knowne in That behalf.

A Proclamation freely lycencing Exchannges and Rechannges by Merch^ts notwithstanding Divers Lawes & statutes to the Contrarie . . . .

Rex {illeg}|&| Majori et Vicecomitibꝫ London saltm Vob Mandamꝰ qd statim Visis p^rsentibꝫ in singulis Wardis parochijs et alijs locij|s|s infra. Civitatem p^rdcam et suburb ejusdem tam infra libertates q^am ext^a' vbi magis expedire videritis ex parte nra publicas proclamacoes fieri fac in hec verba

Albeyt The Kinges most Royall Ma^tie might Iustly and rightly and rightfully ꝑceave and take great advantage and profitt by reason of Exchannges and rechaunges made {illeg}e aswell by his owne subjects as by stranngers March^ts of This Realme by the Express termes and words Conteyned in Div{illeg}|ers| & sundry statutes heretofore made yet nevertheless his highnes being informed by the said Merch^ts That the said Estatuts have not bine {c}{oeri}ly put in vse for chan̄ges & rechannges on this side The Mountaines <25v> And also for Divers other Consideracons at This present time . . . moving his Majestie {h}is pleased and Contented of his owne excelent goodnes by The Advise of his Counsell That The said Merch^ts aswell his owne louing subjects as stranngers shalll and may. franckly freely and liberalie make their Exchannges and rechannges in as large & ample manner and Condition as They have Done heretofore in times Past without anie exaccon loss Damage or penaltie for the same and Act or statute to the Contrary thereof notwithstandinge And That this present ꝑclamation shall be a sufficient Warrt and Discharge to them and every of Them ag^t his highness in this behalf.

Et hoc sub ꝑiculo incumbenti nullatenus omittatis T: R apud Westm' vj Die Augusti Anno Tricesimo./

A Proclamation licenceing Exchannges and rechannges for A season notwithstanding anie Lawes or statutes To The Contrarie^[2]

Rex {illeg}ts Alb\e/yt The Kings Most Royall Majestie might Iustly and rightfully proceed and take greate Advantage and profitt by reason of Exchannges and rechannges made aswell by his owne subjects as by stranngers Merch^ts of This Realme by The Expresse Termes and words Conteyned in divers and sondry statutes heretofore made Yett nevertheles his Highnes being informed by The said Merchants That if They should not have free libertie to Exchannge and rechannge without anie Thing paying Therefore that Then the interrupcon thereof should not onley be to their undoeing but also to the lett of Trafique of Merchandize whereby great Damage might growe To the Com̄on Welth of This his realme and also for That the said estatuts |have| not bine com̄only put in use for Exchannges and rechannges made on this side y^e mountanes Is therefore pleased and Contented of his one Excelent goodnes by the advise of his Counsell That the sd Merch^ts Aswell his owne loving subjects as strangers <26r> shall and may Franckly freely and liberalie between the Date of This his p’|^r|sent proclamation and The feast of all saints next Comming make Their Exchannges and rechannges in as large and Ample manner and Condition' as They have Done heretofore in times past without anie exaccon losse damage or penalty for The same Anie act or statute To the Contrary Notwithstanding and furthermore the Kings most Royall majestie more Considdering the Comon welth of This his Realme then the singuler proffitts and Advantage which his Grace might lawfully take by the occasion of the said estatuts is fully mynded and determined of his owne most gracious goodness at the humble suits of The said Merch^ts on this side the feast of All Saints to putt such finall order and determination concerning the said Exchannges and rechannges by the advise of his Counsell as shall stand w^th equity right and good Consience

Et hoc sub ꝑiculo incumbenti nullatenus omittatis T. me Ipo apud Sudbury xxx Die Iulij Anno r' ij Tricesimo.

\Anno xxxij^do Henr' 8^vi        1540
/ A Proclamtion {sic} against Transportacon of Irish Coine called grotes into England out of The Realme of Ireland

Henricus Octavus Dei gra Anglie et francie Rex fidei defensor Dns hibuie {sic} et in terra supremū Caput Anglicane & Ecclie Major' et Vic' London saltm Vobis mandamus quod statim visis pntibus in singlis Wardis ꝑochijs et alijs locij|s|s infra Civitatem p’d et suburb ejusdem tam infra libtates, q^am extra vbi magis expedire videritis ex parte nra publicas Proclam' fieri fac in hec v\e/rba

Where The Kings most Royall Majestie at his graces great Costs and Expences hath a longe time susteyned and Yet keepeth a greate Army in his Land of Ireland aswell for conservacon and defence of The said land as also for the avoydannce of such his highnes's Enemies as attempt Dailey great Displeasures ag^t The subjects of The same and for <26v> The maintainance & releife of the said Armey and subjects by his most Excelent Wisdome hath Ordayned a Coine of Money aswell of Grots as pence of two pence to be Curant only within the said Land of Ireland bearing the print of the Harpe of the one side thereof w^ch Coine Divers & sundry ꝑsons have Lately transported & brought out of the said Land & Vttred the same w^thin this his Realme of England not only to the great Detrym^t & hurt of his said Graces Land of Ireland & of his sd Armey & subjects of the same but also to the great deceipt of his hignes Loveing subjects of this his Realme of England for remedy whereof his Ma^tie by this his Proclamation streightly Chargeth and Comandeth that no ꝑson or ꝑsons of what Estate Degree or Condicon soever he or they be shall from henceforth Transport or bring out of his said higheses {sic} Land of Ireland Anie of the sd Coine of Grotes or pe{illeg}|n|ce of two pence ordained to be Currant for & within the sd Land nor Vtter nor pay for anie paym^t {illeg} |within| this his Realme of England Wales Barwick Calyze or the Marches of the same anie of the said Coyne upon paine of the forfeiture of the Treble Value of the sd Coyne b\r/ought Transported or Vttred for paiem^t Contrary To this proclamation̄ & ouer that To suffer Imprisonm^t and make fyne of|at| his Graces will and pleasure

Et hoc sub ꝑiculo Incumbt' nullatenus omittat T me Ipo apud Westm' xix Die Novembrij|s| Anno R ij xxxij/

Lucas/

a Proclamation Declaring The Value of sundry Coynes of Gold and silver and for Raysing Gold to 48^s the ounce & silver to 4 shillings the ounce

Rex {illeg}ts forasmuch as nowe of Late in owtward parties beyond the sea aswell in Flanders as in Frannce the price of Money and Gold not only Coyned in those Cu|o|untries <27r> But also Gold of the King our soveraigne Lords Coyne of This Realme is so enhannced in the Valuation thereof That not only stranngers Golds as Crowns & Ducates but also the Gold of this Realme as Nobles half Nobles and Royalls by Merch^ts as well strannger resorting hither as the Kings subjects repairing into those parts for the great gain & lucre that they finde thereby daily be transported & Carried out of this Realme to the no little Impoverishing thereof & finalle to the totall exhanncing & Drawing out of all the Coynes out of the same unles speedy remedy be provided in that behalf & albeit the King our soveraigne Lord hath given straight Charge & Comanndm^t to all & singular his Customers Comptrollers & Gardi{illeg}|ans| of his Ports to putt all such good Acts & statuts in execuon as heretofore have bine made for Concerning the Kings Coyne within thi{illeg}|s| his realme Yett Nevertheless for the great gain & Advantage thereof rising by reason of the high price of money beyond the sea the Kings Coyne is daily by secrett means such as Cannot be Espied nor deprehended still Carried over for these Causes the King our soveraigne Lord tendering above all things the welth & enrichinge of This his Realme & people & willing to ꝑvide remedy therein & that Gold & Coyne may remain & be plentuousley brought into the same & not Carried out into outward parts as of longe season to the great Detriment & Impoverishing of his sd Realme the same hath been for the remeding whereof there can be no other means|e|s & waies studied & Devised but only a Convenient enhanncem^t of the Values of Gold & Silver in this Realme whereby the same may countervaile the values & rates of the same in outward partes hath therefore by the Advise of his Counsell resolved that the ounce of fine Gold of xxiiij Carets shalbe from henceforth of the Valve of xlviij^s \of lawfull money of this realm & the ounce of the finest sterling silver shalbe of the valew of four shillings/ of the sdd Lawfull money of this Realme of England and to the entent money and Coyne may be the more plentifull in this Realme his Maty therefore hath caused a peece of Gold to be newely made w^ch his highnes <27v> Will shalbe called the Soveraigne & shalbe Currant for xx^s of the Lawfull money of This Realme Itm an half sou’aigne w^ch his Mat^ie will shalbe Currant for x^s. Itm his Ma^tie will that The Royall of Gold being waight shall from henceforth be of the Value of xij^s. Itm That the Ang|e|le|l| being waight shalbe Currant for viij^s the half Angell for iiij^s. & the quarter Angell being also newly made for ij^s. And his Maty hath Likewise caused to be newely made certaine peeces of Silver w^th {sic} his pleasure is shalbe Currant within this his graces Realme after the rates hereafter specified That is to say a peece Called a Testorne w^ch shall be Currant for xij^d. Item a grote with a whole face w^ch shall be Currant for iiij^d. And half grote of the same stampe w^ch shall be Curant for ij^d. and his Ma^ty is further pleased that whosoever will bring Unto his Minte in |y^e| Tower of London anie Gold Coi|y|ned or uncoi|y|ned of the finesse aforesd shall receave for the ounce of the same xlviij^s. & for the ounce of silver of the finesse aforesd iiij^s. & But|yf| the Gold or silver so brought thither be not found of The Iust finesse aforesd y^e sd bringers to allowe for the lack thereof Like as they shalbe Allowed for the betternes thereof as the goodnes of the same shall require and Moreover the Kings Highnes straightly Chargeth & Comandeth that from henceforth all mannor of grotes Pence half Pence & farthings of this Coyne haveing Course & being currant within This his sd Realme not Clipped nor fully broken albeit they shall be much Cracked to be taken receaved & paid Throughout his sd Realme w^thout anie man̄er of refusall or deniall Wherefore his Highnes straightly Chargeth & Expresly comāndeth all Majors Iustices of Peace sheriffs Bailiffes Constables & other his faithfull Officers & subjects That if anie person or persons of w^t estate degree or Condicon he or they be refuse or denie to take or receave y^e sd Moneys of Gold being waight or anie of the Moneys of silver before Expressed or now currant in this Realme be it for Merch^tdizes Victualls Channge or rechannge or other Cause w^tsoever forthw^th to take & arest y^e same ꝑson or ꝑsons so making refusall or deniall & to put him or them in ward & prison there to remain & further to be punished at y^e Kings pleasure ꝑvided allways that all such sum̄s of money as were due to y^e Kings Ma^ty or to anie other ꝑson before y^e first Day of this pn'te month of May shalbe pd after vij^s. vi.^d y^e Angell & so rateably anie thing in this p’resent {sic} {ꝑ}clamation to the Contrary not withstanding