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 gracia Rex Angl' Et Franc' Et dominus Hibernie Vicecomitibus London' Salutem precipimus Vobis quod Status post recepcionem p{illeg}tium in Singulis locis infra Civitatem predictam vbi melius videritis expedire publicam proclamacionem faciatis in forma Sequente

For as much as our 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 which of verey likelyhood amonge other is for lacke of bringing in of Bullion into his Mynte and that is because as that is conceaved that thoose that should bringe Bullion may have more in other Princes Mynts for their bullion then in his. Willing therefore to remove the Said causes and to Encrease & multiply the Coigne to the Common weale of all this his Land and Subjects of the Same The Same our Soveraigne Lord hath ordeyned & provided that euery person That will bringe Silver in Bullion Plate or otherwise vnto his Mynt within this 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 Renneth but xxix^s. Sterling shall nowe receave cleearlie for everie Pounds weight of Such Silver at his said 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^d.

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

A proclamation for the Currencie of old thin pe{nce}

Forasmuch as the Kinge our Soueraigne 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 reformacion were not provided and had in that behalf his highness therefore willing in anie wise his said Subjects Vniversally to take & receive his money Currant Streightly chargeth & commandeth all and everie of his Subjects foresaid that no manner person from henceforth refuse to take and receive in Payment All manner penys of our said Soveraigne Lords Cunage So that they be Sylver & hole & that vpon payne of ymprisonment of everie persone That So will refuse to take his said Cunage and to make fyne therefore at our Soueraigne Lordes pleasure

And God Save the King

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

A proclamation Against Transportacion of Gold Silver or Bullion & Against Exchanges and Rechanges but onlie with such as the Kinge had authorised within the Realme

Tempus Henr 7^mi.

It is Assentid accordid and the Kinge defendith unto alle People Merchants Clarks and other as well Stranngers as Denyzens of So euer Estate or Condicyon' they be upon payne of whatsoever they may forfeite that noon' of them upon the said payne pryvely nor apertly send nor Conveye or doo to be Sent or conveyed oute of the Realme aforesaid any Golde or Silver in muney Bullion plate Vessell nor for Exchanngs to make nor otherwise whatsoever it be Savyng for the wages of Caleys and of other fortresses and Castells of the King beyond see Except the prelates Lords and others of the Same Realme unto whom it behovith Sometyme Necessary to make payment beyond See of the which payment only they may make Exchangs in England by good and Sufficient Merchants to pay beyond see & thereupon first to have Espicille cogye & lycence of our Soueraigne Lorde the King aswelle for the exchanngeors as for the person that shall make payment shewyng Expressly the somme that So shall be Exchanngid and also it is Assentid that the Merchants that so Shallbe make the said Exchanngez be Diligently Examynd & Sworne in their proper persones as often tymes as they shall have the said Lycence that they ne send nor convey beyond See any maner of Gold nor Silver vndre colour of the Same Exchange & yf after the Proclamation of this ordenannce any person be thereof duly atteynt that he hath sent or conveid beyond See any Gold or Sylver contrary to this defence Statute and ordenannce to Forfeit unto the King the same some so sent or conveid & for as much as the Kinge our Soueraign 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 within This his Realme withoute any auctoritye Obteynid of our Said Souereigne Lord to make any manner such channgs or rechanngs which is not only contrary to his Lawes but also to his prerogative ryalle for remedy whereof many noble Estatuts have ben made by Dyvers the progenytour of our Said Souereigne Lord whereof oon especialle Statute was made in the xxv^th year of King Edward the Thyrde & also a nother Specialle Estatute made in the v^th year of Kinge Richard the Second with 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 thens forth and that nomen' should make any Exchannge withoute the Kings specialle Lycence ne make any Exchannge or rechannge of money to be payd within this Realme but only such as the Kinge hath or shall Depute thereunto to make & Answer for shuche Exchanngs and Rechangs upon the Severalle payns in the same severalle Estatuts of the said late noble progentours of our said souereigne Lorde ys conteynid and that no person nor persons whatsoever Degree they be of make any Exchannge rechannge or Expedicyon within the same his Realme withoute his specialle Lycens fyrst for the same obteyned but only to and with suche persons as he of late hath Assignid & Deputid by his Lettres patentis to make such Exchanng Rechange & Expedicyon & to gyve lycence to other persons 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 our said Souereigne Lorde Straytly chargith & Commanndeth that yf any person or persons from henceforth make any Exchannge into any parts of beyonde the See contrary to this his proclamatyon that then the same person & persons making the said Exchannge to forfeit unto our Souereign Lord the Kinge alle & Singuler such penaltys and forfeitures as in the same seueralle statuts be conteyned Et hoc sub pena incumbenti

Anno xiiij^to: Henerici Octavi 1522 A proclamation for the valuacion of Coynes

Henricus Octavus Dei gracia Anglie Et Francie Rex fidei defensor Et dominus hibernie Majori Et Vicecomitibus London Vobis mandamus quod in singulis locis infra Civitatem predictam Et suburbia eiusdem vbi magis expediens videritis tam infra libertates quam Extra publicas proclamationem fieri fac in hæc verba

The King our Souereigne Lord for divers and greate Vrgent Consideracions & respects by the advise of Counsell streightly Chargeth and Commanndeth that from hence forth theis moneys of Gold and Silver here Expressed & not Clipp'd shall be Currant and have course within 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 payments as well betwixt his subjects as between his subjects & all others to whatsoever they be at the rate and valve hereafter following That is to say everie Ducat large of Golde at iiij^s. vj^d sterling euery Crown soleill 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 within this his Realme not Clipped nor fullie broken albeit they shall be much Cracked to be taken receaved and payd throught this his said Realme without anie manner Refuseall or denyall and moreover the Kinges highness straightlie Chargeth and Expresslie Commmandeth all maio{rs} sheriffs Bailiffs Constables and other his faithfull officers and subjects that yf anie person or persons of what Estate degree or Condicion he be refuse or deny to take & receave the said moneys of Gold and silver in manner and forme aforesaid be yt for Merchantdizes Channge or rechannge <16r> Or other cause whatsoever forthwith 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 periculo incumbenti nullatenus omittats In cuius rei testimonium has litteras fieri fecimus patentes Teste me ipso apud Cantuar xxv Maij Anno R{illeg} ij xiiij.

Anno xvij. Henrici Octavi.          1524

A proclamation for the valuation of Coynes According to the statute of Anno i5 Henerici octavi/

Henrici Octauus dei gratia Anglie Et franc' Rex fidei defensor' Et Dominus Hibernie Vicecomitibus London salutem precipimus vobis quod statim post recepcionem presentium in singulis locis infra Ballivam vestram tam infra libertatem quam extra vbi magis Expedire viderite ex parte nostra publicas proclamaciones fieri fac. in hec verba

The Kinge our 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 yt 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 condicion he or they be of within this his Realme from hense forth doe refuse to take and Receive in payment 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 periculo incumbenti nullatenus omittatem In cuius rei testimonium has litteras fieri fecimus patentes Teste me ipso apud secundum Albanum primo Die Octobris Anno Regni ij sextodecimo

Anno xvij Henrici Octavi.            .1525.

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

Henricus Octavus dei gracia Anglie Et Franc' Rex fidei Defensor' Et dominus Hibernie Majori et Vic. Civitatis sue London' salutem Vobis mandamus quod in singulis Wardis parochijs Et Alijs locis infra Civitatem London' suburbia & precinctum Ejusdem tam infra libertates quam Extra Vbi magis Expediens videritis ex parte nostra publicas proclamaciones fieri fac in hec verba. The King our Soveraigne Lord for divers great and vrgent consideracions & 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 within 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 payments aswell betwixt his subjects as betwixt his subjects and all other whatsoever they be at the rate and value hereafter following That is to say euery Ducet large of Gold and waight at foure shillings six pence sterling euery 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 Kinges Coyne and all other grotes and half Grotes not being of the Kings Coyne having course and being currant within This his said Realme not Clipped nor fully broken albeit they shall be much crakked to be taken received and payd throught his said Realme without 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 person or persons of what Estate degree or condicion he or they be refuse or denye to take or Receive the said Moneys of Gold and Silver in manner and forme aforesaid be it for Merchantdizes Vitailes channg or rechannge or other cause whatsoever forthwith to take and Arrest the same person or persons 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 periculo incumbenti nullatenus omitatis In cujus Rei testimoni' has litteras nostras fieri fecimus patentes T: me ipso apud Westm^r vj. Die Iulij Anno Reg ij Decimo Septimo./

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

Henry the viij by the grace of God King of England and of France Defendour of the faith and Lord of Ireland To our Entirely beloved Cousyn & Counsailour Therle of Shrewsbury Steward of our houshold and to our right trustie & welbeloved Counsaillours the Treasurer and Comptroller of the same our houshold and to every of them greeting Wee will and Comannd you that in all places where wee shall passe and repasse within this our Realme you from time to time aswell within liberties as without doe make or cause to be made open and solempne Proclamacions in forme followeing The King our Soueraigne Lord for Divers great and vrgent consideracions & respects by the Advise of his Counsell straightlie chargeth and Comanndeth That from hence forth theis moneys of Gold and silver here Expressed shalbe Currant & have course within 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 Rechannge and all other payments aswell betwixt his subjects as betwixt his subjects and all others whatsoever they beat the rate and Valve hereafter following That is to saie Every Ducat large of Gold & Waight at iiij^s vj^d sterling and all Crownes solyell named Crownes of the sunn 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 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 Groots not being of the Kings Coyne having course and being currant within this his said Realme not Clipped nor fully broken Albeit they shall be much cracked to be taken receaved & paide throughout his said Realme without anie manner refusall <19v> or denyall and moreover the Kings highness straightly Chargeth & Expresly Commandeth all majours sheriffs Bayliffes Constables and others his faithfull Officers and subjects That if any person or persons of what Estate Degree or condicion he be refuse or deny to take and Receave the said moneys of Gold and silver in manner and forme aforesaid be yt for Merchantdizes Vittailes Change or rechange or other cause whatsoever forthwith to take and Arest the same person or persons so making refusall or denyall and to put him in ward and pryson there to remaine and further to be punished at the Kings Pleasure fayle not this to doe as the tender our Pleasure & {woll Esthue} the Contrary In witness whereof we have caused this our Letters pattents to be sealed with our Great Seale at Westm^r. the viij day of Iulie the xvij year of our Reign/

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

Rex vic Kanc salutem Precipim tibi quod immediate post recepcionem presentium in singulis Civitatibus Burg Villis Opidis Et hundred infra Com' tuum tam infra libertates quam Extra vbi magis Expediens videris ex parte nostra publicas proclamaciones fieri fac in hoc Verba

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 our Soveraign Lords Coigne of this Realme is so much inhannsed in the valuacion thereof that not only strange Golds as Crownes and Ducketts but also the Gold of this Realme as Nobles half Nobles and Ryalls by Merchants aswell Straingers resorting 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 the King our soveraign Lord hath given straight charge and Comanndement to all and singular his Customers Comptrollers and Gardians of his Ports to put all such good Acts and statutes in Executionn as heretofore hath bine made for conserving of the Kings Coigne within this his realme Yet nevertheless for the great gaine and Advantag{e} thereof rising by reason of the high price of Money beyond the sea the Kings Coigne is daileyby secrett meanes such as cannot be espied nor deprehended still carried over and further where the King our <20v> Lord by his Ambassodars resident without 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 within this Realme should be of like price and valuacion 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 what Estate degree or condicion soever they be in all payments 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 foresaid purpose the said Crownes be valued as afore according to the price and valuacion that the same be of in outward parts The Kings highness with 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 owne Coigne of like fyness poyse and Goodness as the said Crowne of the sunne is to be also currant within this his Realme the same to be called the Crowne of the Rose wherefore his highness for the Consideracions afore specifyed chargeth and comanndeth that in all paiements hereafter the said 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 and 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 valuacion 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 euery 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 payments and Receipts after the rates and valuacion aforesaid By meanes whereof not only all manner of such coigns of Gold as be now currant within his Realme shalbe conteyned & kept within the same without 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 within 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 within this his said Realme not clipped nor fully broken Albeit they through out his said Realme without anie manner refusall or deniall Wherefore his Highnes straightly chargeth & expresly comanndeth all Maiours Iustices of peace Sheriffes Bailiffes Constables & others his faithfull Officers & subjects that if anie person or persons of what Estate Degree or condicion he or they be refuse or deny to take and receave the said moneys of Gold and silver in manner & forme aforesaid be yt for marchantdizes victualls channge <21v> Or rechannge or other cause whatsoever forthwith to take and arrest the same person or persons 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 periculo quod incumbit nullatenus omittas T. R. apud Hampton Court xxij. die Augusti Anno r sui Decimo octavo./

Anno xviij Henrici Octavi 1526.

A Proclamation for the Valuacion of Divers Coynes of Gold and Silver

Rex Vic Kant' salutem precipimus tibi firmit injungentes quod statim visis a presentibus in propria persona tua in singulis locis infra Com' tuum vbi magis expediens videris Et maximus accessus fuerit populi ex parte nostra solempnit Et publice proclamari fac quasdam ordinaciones Et decreta per nos de avisamento Consilij nostri (probono publico hujus regni Et aliorum dominorum nostrorum a{c} subditorum nostrorum eorundem) nuper fact' Et ordinat quas in quibusdam cedulis huic bri' nostro ann{illeg} tibi per latorem presentium mittimus mandantes preterea quod immediate post proclamaciones Sit ut premittitur parte fcas omnes Et singulas hujusmodi cedulas in separatis distinctis Et publicis locis in Balliva tua predicta Vt subditis Et ligeis nostris plane apparere poterit in tabulis poni Et secure affigi similit' fac' Et hoc sub periculo incumbenti Et Sicut displicentiam nostram evitare cures Ac super inde nob respondere volueris nullatenus omittas T. R. apud Westm^r Quinto Die November Anno r Sui Decimo Octavo./

The King our Soveraign Lord of his gracious disposicion having alwaies tender zeale and mynd to the preservacion and encreace of the Comonn weale of this his Realme the furtherance & enriching of his Loving subjects of the same perceaving howe of late years the price and Valuacion of the Coignes of his said 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 craftely and for particuler Lucre secretly as it hath bine conveyed out of this said Realme to the Great enpouerishment of the same and the inricheing of the said outward parts Considering also that after sundry requisicions made by his highnes for reformacion of such high thynges and enhanncements no remeady can be had but that the same rather daily encreaseth then otherwise whereby in processe notwithstanding the good Lawes 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 yf speedy remeady be not provided Hath by deliberate advise of his Counsell upon great and mature consultacion devised determined and ordered that aswell for conservacion of his said Coignes within This Realme and to encourage folkes to bring into the 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 which heretofore have bine made striken and Coyned which in the same & certain other hereafter mencioned shall be in their valuacion 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 commodity ease & eqall computacion of the Kings subjects <22v> In their receipts and paiements 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 & payments 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 which 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 paiements for Four Shillings and Six pence and to the intent that there may also be coines to renue the receipts and payments after such computacion 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 which shall have course and be enhannced to seaven shillings and six pence as is aforesaid there shall be an other Noble newly made which 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 paiments for the summe of six shillings and Eightpence sterling as the Angell Noble was Accustomed and likewise thereshall be of the same finesse an half George Noble which 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 aforesaid be not of so easy a computation for the Kings subjects & other not expert in reckoning as Crownes should be proportion after an even rate to the pound sterling It is therefore ordeyned <23r> Determined and Established by the Kings highness with the deliberate advise of his said Counsell as is aforesaid That there shall be a certain new Coyne of Gold of the Kings made and devised which 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 payments For Five shillings sterling so as foure of them shall make in all computacion 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 which shall be Currant for two shillings and six pence sterling and for Like correspondence egallity and evennes in the silver to the rate proporcion and valvacion 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 payments after the same rate as they have hitherto bine and Likewise as Twenty of the said Grotes & so half Grotes pence halfe pence and fardings after the rate here 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 with 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 mencioned 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 penny whereof the Merchant shall pay for the Coynage one peney 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 person 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 odd peny deducted for the Coynage thereof as is aforesaid and semblably in all Bullion of silver being of the fines of sterling and yf anie such Bullion be better then the sterling he shalbe answered therefore after the rate goodness and finess Whereof accordingly and where as <23v> The Carolus Plackes of The Old Coyne of the Duke of Burgoyn Comonly called Duble Plackes lack in their finesse of the sterling Twenty pence in a Pound Waight Troy It is ordeyned and Determined That they not being Cliped nor notably broken shall also be Currant in receipts and payments for foure pence sterling the peece as they now be howbe it if anie person 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 which 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 Merchant or other person bringing bullion unto The Kings Mynt to be Coyned paid for The Coynage of every pound Tower waight which was Eleven oz^es quarter Two shillings sixe pence in which 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 which is three quarters of An ounce more then Tower waight as is aforesaid for which cause the Merchants or other person 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 ninepence and for the Coynage of euery pound waight of Gold to be made into the Crownes of the Dubble Rose or the halfe thereof three 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 payments within this his realme by the way of ordinannce or Proclamacion 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 valuacion rate or course Assigned for Receipt and payment 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 mencioned But as well Ducates as other Coynes of Gold of outward parts not before named shall nowe be receaved and taken by anie person 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 person 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 proclamacions heretofore passed for the Valuacion or course of anie Coynes of Gold and silver within This Realme for asmuch part of the same proclamacions as may be prejudiciall or contrary to the Effect of theis present ordinannces shalbe from henceforth voyd and of none Effect and that no person under cullor of This Raising or Enhannsing of the Valvacion 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 aforesaid upon the Uttermost paine That by so doeing may Ensue. Considdering That No man can or shall take losse or detryment by Enhannsing of The Coynes but that the same with all other Coynes Newly to be made shall be as much in value To the receiver thereof for anie ware Victuall Marchandise or other thing as the Coyne and Money was Accustomed to be heretofore and forasmuch as by reason of The Enhannsing of The said 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 Commons and subjects of This his realme and other his Dominions shall and ought to be payd and received It is for Declaracion Thereof by his highness ordeyned and Determined that all sommes of Money growing of Rents, fermes, or other revenews of Lands Tenements or other heredit{ain}t{s} yet remayning in the hands of The Tenannts and Not payd to the Bailiffs Collectors Rentgatherers Reves or other persons Appointed for gathering or receipt of the same shall be payd receaved & 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 Tennants fermors or other occupiers of the premisses unto the hands of anie of The said Bailieffs Collectors Rentgatherers Reves or other persons appointed for gathering thereof before the day of the Date hereof The same Bailiffs Collectors Rentgatherers Reves or other persons Appointed for that purpose shall make payment thereof in such Money and after such price and Valuacion as they have received the same According to reason wherein they shall and now be tryed aswell by their othes as by anie other Examinacion that May be made by anie person having interest in the same It is also ordeyned That all other summs of Money which upon anie Obligacion <24v> Covenant bargaine promise bill grannt of Parliament 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 which was the xxij Day of August Last past and the Day of The Date of this present proclamation shall be payd Receaved and taken after such rate as the Monys and Coynes of Gold and silver by virtue of the said last proclamation was valued and Currant and semblably all such other summes of money which upon like respects or otherwise shall be payable to the Kings highness or to anie other person from the Day of the Date of This present proclamation forwards shall be payd Receaved and taken after such rate as the monys and Coynes of Gold and silver by This said proclamation be valued Currant and limited and furthermore That all such summes of money as for Like respects were payable and the Day of payment comenn 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 mencioning anie penalty after such rate as the moneys Coynes of Gold and silver were currant and goeing before the same Last proclamacion Like as to good reason Iustice and Concience it Apperteyneth Nevertheless forasmuch as both generall and particular 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 Commons of This Realme have since and before the said Last proclamation receaved Divers summs of Money aswell of Customes and subsedies for Merchandizes and of The subsedies and other summs grainted to the Kings highness in his Last Parliament as also for rents farmes and otherwise in such money and after such rate as the same was Current at the time of The receipt thereof which said generall and particular Receavors and other officers and ministers aforesaid have not made ymmediate payment thereof before The times of The Newe proclamacions but have The same Remayning in Their hands till the time of Their Accompts & reckonings Intending {D} case vnder color of This Ordenannce To make Their paiements 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 particular Customers Collectors Bayliffes Rentgatherers Reves and other officers and ministers aforesaid which so by virtue of Their Offices have receaved anie money of anie Fermors Tennants or other persons after the old or former rates of The same shall make paiment Thereof in such money and after such valuacion 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 Examinacion 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 Condicion soever he or they be that if any person or persons doe refuse or deny to obey and folow The Effect of This his ordeynance and proclamacion or anye part thereof in forme above specified fourthwith to take and Arest the same person or persons so Refuseing or Denying and to Committ 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 Merchants notwithstanding Divers Lawes & statutes to the Contrarie . . . .

Rex & Majori et Vicecomitibus London salutem Vobis Mandamus quod statim Visis presentibus in singulis Wardis parochijs et alijs locis infra. Civitatem predictam et suburbia ejusdem tam infra libertates quam extra vbi magis expedire videritis ex parte nostra publicas proclamaciones fieri fac in hec verba

Albeyt The Kinges most Royall Majestie might Iustly and rightfully perceave and take great advantage and profitt by reason of Exchannges and rechaunges made aswell by his owne subjects as by stranngers Marchants of This Realme by the Express termes and words Conteyned in Divers & sundry statutes heretofore made yet nevertheless his highnes being informed by the said Merchants That the said Estatuts have not bine {c}{oeri}ly put in vse for channges & rechannges on this side The Mountaines <25v> And also for Divers other Consideracions at This present time . . . moving his Majestie is pleased and Contented of his owne excelent goodnes by The Advise of his Counsell That The said Merchants 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 Conditionn as They have Done heretofore in times Past without anie exaccion loss Damage or penaltie for the same and Act or statute to the Contrary thereof notwithstandinge And That this present proclamation shall be a sufficient Warrant and Discharge to them and every of Them against his highness in this behalf.

Et hoc sub periculo 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 Albeyt 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 Merchants 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 interrupcion thereof should not onley be to their undoeing but also to the lett of Trafique of Merchandize whereby great Damage might growe To the Common Welth of This his realme and also for That the said estatuts have not bine commonly put in use for Exchannges and rechannges made on this side the mountanes Is therefore pleased and Contented of his one Excelent goodnes by the advise of his Counsell That the said Merchants Aswell his owne loving subjects as strangers <26r> shall and may Franckly freely and liberalie between the Date of This his persent 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 exaccion 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 Common 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 Merchants 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 with equity right and good Consience

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

Anno xxxij^do Henr' 8^vi        1540
A Proclamation against Transportacion of Irish Coine called grotes into England out of The Realme of Ireland

Henricus Octavus Dei gracia Anglie et francie Rex fidei defensor Dominus hibernie et in terra supremum Caput Anglicane Ecclesie Major' et Vic' London salutem Vobis mandamus quod statim visis presentibus in singulis Wardis parochijs et alijs locis infra Civitatem predictam et suburbia ejusdem tam infra libertates, quam extra vbi magis expedire videritis ex parte nostra publicas Proclam' fieri fac in hec verba

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 conservacion and defence of The said land as also for the avoydannce of such his highnes's Enemies as attempt Dailey great Displeasures against 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 which Coine Divers & sundry persons have Lately transported & brought out of the said Land & Vttred the same within this his Realme of England not only to the great Detryment & hurt of his said Graces Land of Ireland & of his said 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 Majestie by this his Proclamation streightly Chargeth and Commandeth that no person or persons of what Estate Degree or Condicion soever he or they be shall from henceforth Transport or bring out of his said highneses Land of Ireland Anie of the said Coine of Grotes or pence of two pence ordained to be Currant for & within the said Land nor Vtter nor pay for anie payment 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 said Coyne brought Transported or Vttred for paiement Contrary To this proclamationn & ouer that To suffer Imprisonment and make fyne at his Graces will and pleasure

Et hoc sub periculo Incumbenti nullatenus omittat T me Ipso apud Westm' xix Die Novembris 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 Flannders as in Frannce the price of Money and Gold not only Coyned in those Countries <27r> But also Gold of the King our soveraigne Lords Coyne of This Realme is so enhannced in the Valuationn thereof That not only strannge Golds as Crowns & Ducates but also the Gold of this Realme as Nobles half Nobles and Royalls by Merchants 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 & Comanndment to all & singular his Customers Comptrollers & Gardians of his Ports to putt all such good Acts & statuts in execucion as heretofore have bine made for Concerning the Kings Coyne within this 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 provide 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 said Realme the same hath been for the remeding whereof there can be no other meanes & waies studied & Devised but only a Convenient enhanncement 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 said Lawfull money of this Realme of England and to the entent money and Coyne may be the more plentifull in this Realme his Majesty therefore hath caused a peece of Gold to be newely made which his highnes <27v> Will shalbe called the Soveraigne & shalbe Currant for xx^s of the Lawfull money of This Realme Item an half soueraigne which his Majestie will shalbe Currant for x^s. Item his Majestie will that The Royall of Gold being waight shall from henceforth be of the Value of xij^s. Item That the Angell 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 Majesty hath Likewise caused to be newely made certaine peeces of Silver which his pleasure is shalbe Currant within this his graces Realme after the rates hereafter specified That is to say a peece Called a Testorne which shall be Currant for xij^d. Item a grote with a whole face which shall be Currant for iiij^d. And half grote of the same stampe which shall be Curant for ij^d. and his Majesty is further pleased that whosoever will bring Unto his Minte in the Tower of London anie Gold Coyned or uncoyned of the finesse aforesaid shall receave for the ounce of the same xlviij^s. & for the ounce of silver of the finesse aforesaid iiij^s. & yf the Gold or silver so brought thither be not found of The Iust finesse aforesaid the said 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 & Commandeth that from henceforth all mannor of grotes Pence half Pence & farthings of this Coyne haveing Course & being currant within This his said Realme not Clipped nor fully broken albeit they shall be much Cracked to be taken receaved & paid Throughout his said Realme without anie manner of refusall or deniall Wherefore his Highnes straightly Chargeth & Expresly comanndeth all Majors Iustices of Peace sheriffs Bailiffes Constables & other his faithfull Officers & subjects That if anie person or persons of what estate degree or Condicion he or they be refuse or denie to take or receave the said Moneys of Gold being waight or anie of the Moneys of silver before Expressed or now currant in this Realme be it for Merchantdizes Victualls Channge or rechannge or other Cause whatsoever forthwith to take & arest the same person or persons so making refusall or deniall & to put him or them in ward & prison there to remain & further to be punished at the Kings pleasure provided allways that all such summs of money as were due to the Kings Majesty or to anie other person before the first Day of this presente month of May shalbe paid after vij^s. vi.^d the Angell & so rateably anie thing in this present {pro}clamation to the Contrary not withstanding