CHESTER TUDOR TIME LINE

In 1459, Henry VI., with Queen Margaret and her son Edward, visited Chester, and bestowed little silver swans on the Cheshire gentlemen who espoused her cause

Hemingway

1493.Mr. John Pulston, of Wrexham, Esquire, did strike one Patrick Killing, at the high altar, within the abbey of Chester, and almot slew him; and so suspends the church, and the abbey was reconciled on St. Werburg's day, and the parish on St Oswald's day.

1494 - This year a great fire was in Northgate street, on Midsummer. day. Sir Charles Stanley, of Holt, Knight, for uttering some speeches concerning Perkin Warbeck, was executed on Tower-hill, the 16th of February.
The city was honoured with another royal visit on the 18th of July in this year when Henry VII. with his mother and the queen, came to Chester with a great retinue, from whence they proceeded to Hawarden; the Earl of Derby, and a number of " Chester gallants" attending. This prince was greatly beloved by the Welsh, who were proud to claim him as a countryman; and to them he had been under great obligations, for their fidelity during his concealment in that country, before he conquered the crown from the cruel Richard III.

On the 13th of July, Henry VII., with his mother and the Queen, came to Chester with a great retinue, from whence they proceeded to Hawarden ; the Earl of Derby, and a number of 'Chester gallants' attending.

1496.- The steeple of White Friars new built, and also the chancel in St. Michael, in Chester.

1498. - It appeareth that the watch on Midsummer eve began this year; also the north side of the Pentice was built. Prince Arthur came to Cheater the 4th of August, and the Assumption of our Lady was played before the prince at the abbey gates. The 26th of August the prince made Mr. Goodman esquire, and the 9th of September he departed from Chester.

1500 - The further end of Dee bridge new built.

1507 - The summer of this year , was memorable for the awful visitation of the 'sweating sickness,' which raged for a short time with great. violence. It is recorded that 91 householders were carried off in three days by this distemper ;but it is worthy of remark, that the female sex were generally exempt from the plague, only four having fallen victims to the disease. Cats and women have each nine lives .

1508.- The pavement from the high cross to the Eastgate, and to St. Michael's cross was new laid.

1504.- This year the charter of the city was confirmed, Mr. Thomas Thornton being mayor.

1505. - This year Mr. Ralph Birkenhead was recorder, who was the first recorder that was in Chester, for any thing that is now known.

1506 - The old steeple of St. Werburg taken down.

The summer of the year 1507 was memorable from an awful visitation of Providence upon the city, wher that endemic disorder the sweating sickness, raged for a short time with great violence. it is recorded, that ninety-one householders were carried off in three days by this afflictive distemper; but it is not unworthy of remark, that the destroying angel's respect for the female sex eminently manifested, as out of this number, only four females fell victims to the mortal disease.

15O7.- A plentiful year of corn; an old bushel of wheat at 10d. - The foundation and the first stone of the (steeple of the) abbey laid, the mayor (Richard Wright1 draper) being then present - The new mace was bought the same year.

1515. - This year there was a fray at St. Werburgh's-lane end, between the citizens and the Welshmen, but there was little hurt done.

1517 - The sweating sickness again proved fatal to many of the inhabitants ; and the city was also infected with the plague, probably to a more serious extent . It is recorded that ' many died and others fled out of the city, in so much that the streets were full of grass ; and that for want of trading the grass did grow a foot high at the Cross, and in other streets of the city.'

It is recorded in Cowper's MSS. that in 1519 an. order was made, that none go to priest's offerings, first mass, gospel ales, or Welsh weddings, within this city, under a penalty of ten shillings.

1529 - The play of Robert Cecil was played at the High Cross, and the same was new gilt with gold.

1532 - There was a controversy between this mayor ( William Goodman) and Mr. Massy of Puddington, then being searcher; for when Mr. Massy brought certain Spaniards for a murder done amongst them, the mayor staid them, which had like to have bred a great manslaughter.

1533 - The offering of ball and foot-balls was put down, and the silver. ball offered to the mayor on Shrove Tuesday.

l534 - .The Duke of Richmond had. the possession of the Holt delivered unto him by the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Surrey, the Earl of Derby, and others.

1536 - Sir William Brereton, chamberlain of Chester, was put to death the 17th of May, for matters concerning Queen Anne.

1537 - Nunneries in Chester were suppressed, and other religious houses. Dr. Wall began the building of the conduits at Boughton , for the bringing of the water to the Bridge-gate, in pipes of lead.

1541 - July the old Benedictine Abbey became Chester Cathedral the letters patent sealed at Pipewell Abbey - Along with the foundation of the King's School .

in the year 1542, the mayor of the city, William Beswicke, laudably exerted his authority, by issuing an ordinance for the suppression of stews and brothel houses, it is no favourable indication of the morality of our Ccstrian ancestors, that for several centuries before this period, these receptacles of immorality had not only been tolerated, but actually licensed by the police; and what, says the late Mr. Cowdroy in his small history, was not a little whimsical, the impurity of the inside of the house was distinguished by the purity of the out; as they were made conspicuous to the eye of the stranger by their being white-washed - thus at least shewing the outward and visible sign, though not of the inward and spiritual grace. We are not hence to conclude, however, that the courtezans of those days stood high in the estimation of the community; on the contrary, several efforts were made by the magistracy to mark their infamous calling with disgrace. Thus in 1459, an order of assembly was made, 'that no person in the four principal streets of the city Would willingly receive into their houses, chambers, or cellars , nor set the same to any woman that openly misuseth herself with any wedded man, or any other man of order , upon every of the twenty-four aldermen paying ten sillings, and every other, six shillings and eight-pence, to be levied by the sheriffs," &c. And still further to guard .be morals and credit of the city on this point, an assembly of the corporation, in 1540, promulged the following order - an injunction which many of our Chester dames of the present day would very reluctantly submit to : - Whereas all the taverns and alehouses of this city, be used to he kept by young women otherwise than is used In any other place of this realme, where at all strangers greatly marvel and think it inconvenient, whereby great slander and dishonest report of this city hath and doth run abroad; in avoiding whereof, as also to eschew such treat occasions of wantonness, brawls, frays, and other inconveniences as thereby doth and may arise among youth and light disposed persons, as also damages to their masters, owners of the taverns and alehouses : Ordered, that the 9th of June next, there shall be no tavern or Alehonse kept in the said city by any woman between fourteen and forty years of age, under pain of forty pounds forfeiture for him or her that keepeth any such servant

1545. - The common-hall that now is within the city of Chester, Was built and made of St. Nicholas's chapel, toward. the building thereof, Mr. John Walley, then mayor and master of the company of iron mongers, gave freely of. common bargain of fifty-two tons of Iron lately discharged within the said city by a special merchant, three tons of the same iron, which was then worth twenty-four pounds sterling..
This year there was a skirmish between the citizens of Chester, and five hundred Irish kernes.; and divers of the Irishmen were hurt, and the rest driven back, and but one citizen hurt

1550 - The city suffered severely from the sweating sickness , and to this affliction was added agreat scarcity of provisions - corn selling in Chester at sixteen shillings a bushel

1551. - On the 16th of Jan. in the night, there arose a mighty great wind and the flood came to such a height, that it drowned many cattle upon Saltney, and one Foulk Duckworck and six children .were drowned at his house in Hope's place.
In noticing this occurrence, Dr. Cowper adds, that the flood rose so high at Chester, that many timber tree, were left by the ebb, on the top of like bridge.

1554 - This year George Marsh was burned at Spital Boughton, within the liberties of this city, for the profession of the gospel, who did constantly endure his martyrdom with such patience as was wonderful.
In addition to the above notice on this subject, Dr. Cowper adds, that after the exhibition of a conditional pardon, by the vice-chancellor, Mr. Vawdrey, and the refusal of it by Marsh on the terms of recantation, the people pressed forward to attempt a rescue, headed by Sheriff Cowper, who was much afflicted with the martyr's sufferings. Mr. Cowper was, however, beat off by the other sheriff, and effecting his escape, fled over Holt bridge, into Wales, was soon after outlawed, and had his estates seized on by the government. After this, he remained quietly in Carnarvonshire, until the death of Queen Mary. The ashes of Marsh were privately interred in the burial ground of the chapel of St. Giles, in Spit.al Boughton.

1556 - .This year a bushel of wheat sold at sixteen shillings; rye at fourteen shillings; barley at twelve shillings; whereupon a contention grew between the mayor, John Webster, and the bakers for the assize of bread. And whereas there were always four old bushels allowed them to the quarter, he would allow them but three, which indeed was the full quarter by the statute, and somewhat more; but after long suits, the bakers acknowledged their fault, and were remitted, and their fines pardoned. Wherein as he shewed himself a careful magistrate, even so in other things he governed very wisely, to his great commendation of all men in general

1557. - This year the house in the corn market was built

The year 1558 is remarkable for a curious incident which occurred in the city, and which is related by Archbishop Usher, and Mr. Ware, and quoted by Ormerod , Hanshall, and others. Dr. Henry Cole, Dean of St. Paul's, it seems, was charged by Queen Mary with a commission to the council of Ireland, which had for its object the persecution of the Irish protestants. The doctor stopped one night here on his way to Dublin, and put at the Blue Post; the house now occupied by Mr. Brittain, on the east side of Bridge-street, then kept by a Mrs Mottershed. In this house he was visited by the mayor, to whom, in the course of conversation, he related his errand, in confirmation of which he took from his cloak bag a leather box, exclaiming in a tone of exultation , "Here is what will lash the heretics of Ireland !" This annunciation was caught by the landlady, who had a brother in Dublin; and while the commissioner was escorting his worship down stairs, the good woman, prompted by an affectionate regard for the safety of her brother, opened the box, took out the commission, and placed in lieu of it a pack of cards, with the knave of clubs uppermost. This the doctor carefully packed up, without suspecting the transformation; nor was the deception discovered till his arrival in the presence of the lord deputy and privy council at the castle of Dublin. 'The surprise of the whole assembly, on opening the box containing the supposed commission, may be more easily imagined than described. The doctor, in short, was immediately sent back for a more satisfactory authority, but before he could return to Ireland, Queen Mary had breathed her last. It is added, that the ingenuity and affectionate zeal of the landlady were rewarded by Elizabeth with a pension of forty pounds a year.

1562 - A dear year; a bushel of wheat at seventeen shillings, and rye at fifteen shillings.

1563. - Upon the Sunday after Midsummer-day, the history of Eneas and Queen Dido was played in the Roods-eye, and were set out by one William Croston, gent. and one Mr. Mann; on which triumph there were made two forts, and shipping on the water, besides many horsemen well armed and appointed.

1564 - This year there was a great frost, and the Dee was frozen over, so that people played at foot-ball thereon.

1565 - There was a great fire without Northgate, and thirty-three dwelling houses burnt, besides other back-houses and barns, which happened the 29th of August.

1566 - This year there was a great fire in Handbridge, which burnt two dwelling-houses, and a barn with corn; one cow was also burnt to death, and four oxen were so smothered, that there was much to do to save their lives.

1568.- This, year the Northgate street, the White Friars-lane, the Parson's lane, and the Castle lane were paved.

1569 - A great part of the new quay was built this year. This year the sheriffs did fight one with the other, and were there fore fined in £10 towards repairing of a piece of the walls fallen down between the New Tower and the Watergate .

1571 - This year Whitsun plays were played, and an inhibition was sent from the archbishop to stay them, but it came too late
In Sir Peter Leicester's MSS. it is recorded, that In 1573, the city was violently disturbed by an affray between the retainers of Sir George Calveley, of Lea, and those of his brother-in-law, John Dutton, of Dutton, Esq. during the assizes. The occasion of this conflict is not stated; but the common bell was rung, and the skirmish lasted until many were wounded, and Mr. Tilston, the steward of Dutton, lost his life In the quarrel.

1573 - This year the controversy between the city and the vice-chamberlain was fully set abroach. For Mr. William Glaseor, Mr William Aldersey, alderman, sad John Aldersey, his son were disfranchised, and put from their aldermans rooms. And on the 22d of February, the mayor was served by a pursuivant with the council's letters, to appear before them with all speed; where, at his coming, there were twenty-three articles of information laid against him by Mr Glaseor , vice - chamberlain, which the. mayor did. answer. After long debating of the matter, it was agreed, that the exchequer should be the chancery. court, as well for the city as the whole county-palatine, and article set down how far the said exchequer should deal with the mayor and citizens, and wherein they should obey that court. Also, that if William Glaseor William Aldersey and John. Aldersey, did come and desire to he restored to their former liberties, that then the mayor should restore them. Divers other things were recorded, too long here to rehearse; as the confirmation of the charter , and the taking at of this word, Pretorial , by which the citizens were exempted from the exchequer. The 19th of April, Mr. Mayor came from London and on the 26th of the same month, being Monday, In the common-hall at a portmote, in the presence of the whole of the citizens, and the bishops, who was also appointed by the council for the same purpose, all the orders were openly read between the city and the exchequer. Wherein, amongst other things, the mayor is not now to appear in the exchequer for every light matter, except for some great cause also one freeman of the city not to sue another there ; except it be for want of justice before the mayor, &c . With divers, others as appeareth in record in the city. The same day Mr William and John Aldersey came to the common hall , before the mayor and all the citizens, and desired to have their former liberties upon whose request they we restored the first to his aldership and his son a merchant, a he was before. Also, Mr. Glascor vice-chamberlain at his coming from London, was restored at his request, according to the council's order. The 12th of May (1574) Mr. Mayor took his journey towards London, and on the 22 of June came beck again, wish the charter of the City new confirmed with some additions - This year the Pentice was enlarged, sad the sheriffs court removed to the common hall - This year two quarters of St. John's steeple did fall down, from the top to the bottom, and in the fall brake down a great part of the west end of the church. - This year the corn market house, that was made when Mr. Webster was mayor, was removed to the other side of the street, under the bishop's house; for which cause the dean and chapter have begun their suit in the exchequer, claiming the ground whereon the house standeth to be theirs.- Smlth.

1575.-This year Sir John Savage (mayor) caused the popish plays of Cheater to be played the Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday after Midsummer-day, In contempt of. a inhibition, and the primate's letters from York, and from the Earl of Huntington; for which cause he was served by a pursuivant from York, the same day that the new mayor was elected, as they came out of the common-hail; notwithstanding the said Sir John Savage took his journey towards London, but how his matter sped is not known. Also Mr. Hankey was served by the same pursuivant for the like contempt when he was mayor. Divers others of the citizens and players were troubled for the same matter - Smith
This year there was a collection made in the city, and of some worshipful in the county, for a stock to set the poor on work, and a house of correction built under the city. wall, near unto the Northgate, which house was removed out of the corn-market, and was first placed there by Mr. Webster, for the butchers of the city. - Webb - Henry Hardware (mayor) caused the corn market house, which Mr Dutton had built near the bishop's palace, to be removed into the Northgate ditch, and purchased the quarrel (quarry ) for the us of the city; augmenting the said house with buildings, and ordained it for the poor folks to work in; whereupon the contention ceased, which the dean ad chapter had begun. Also, the said Henry Hardware caused the new house in the corn-market to be builded , and the draw-well underneath the same. Also he hat set out 200 marks, which was delivered to the city by the executors of Randal Worsley to four men of the city upon sureties. - Smith -
Up to this period, it appears, that the supplies of the city with the common - necessaries of subsistence bad been restricted to resident freemen; a monopoly which was felt to be both inconvenient and expensive. But in 1577, during the mayoralty of Mr. Thomas Bellin, an ordinance us issued by the authorities, giving permission to the country butchers to sell flesh in the city on market days ( Wednesday and Saturday), alleging as the reason, "The excess of price used by the city butchers, and want of provision which they ought to have made for better supply of the cities wants " This regulation seems .to have answered the end for which it was intended; for in the following year, the country bakers received a similar permission, which, with regard to both classes, has been uninterruptedly continued to the present day. 1577 - The shepherd's play was played at the High Cross, and other triumphs at the Roodeye. Handbridge paved.

1578 - Many soldiers being in Chester, two of the captains did strive whether should bring their company first from the Rood-eye, which had like to have bred much hurt between them; but the mayor did commit them both to the Northgate, until he had heard from the privy council, and then both the captains were discharged, and others put in their places, and martial law was used in the city.

1579 - The Watergate-street was paved from the High Cross to Trinity Church.

1580 - This year eighteen yards of the spire of St. Peter's steeple was new built

1581.-The Parishioners of St. John's, having obtained the said church of the queen, began to build some part of it again, and cut off all the chapels above the choir.- The 3rd of September, Sir Lawrence Smith, knight, who had been four times mayor of the city, was buried at St. Bride's church; the funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Goodman, standing in the window of the high house, next adjoining to the church, because the church was so little, and the company so great.

1582.- The old shire-hall was obtained in Air. Bird's time, to make a shambles for the country butchers, and was placed in the corn. market in Mr. Bevand's time, and was this year supplied with county butchers - . This year the alteration of the conduit began for the bringing of the water to the High Cross, which was done by an ingenious workman, whereas before it came on its own accord but unto Mr. Brerewood's house, near unto Chapel - gate, towards which work, there was not only a collection made in the city, but also the Offleys gave much money towards the same; likewise Mr. Thomas Aldersey gave £10, and Mr. Withers of London gave £10, who was born in this city. - The further part of Cow-lane new paved, and also Clayton-lane.

1583. - Nicholas Massy was chosen sheriff in Sheriff Mutton's place, who died the 18th of February, being a godly zealous man, who not long before his death pulled down certain crosses, by a commission from the archbishop's visitors; one at the Bars, another at the Northgate, and another on this side Spittle Boughton, which so offended the papist; that they ascribed it to the cause of his death. - Robert, Earl of Leicester, chamberlain of this county palatine, came to Chester the third June, accompanied with the honourable Earls of Derby and Essex, and the Lord North, and also met and attended by most of the gentlemen in ' this shire, with their whole train, and as it was thought they were in the whole 1500 horse; they were received at the High Cross by the mayor and his brethren, and the whole council of the city. They lodged at the bishop's palace, dined by the mayor the 4th of June, and presented with a cup, and forty angels therein.

1584 - The 24th of July, being St. James's day , there was a store of thunder, lightning, hail, end rain, from noon till midnight, that the waters did rise of a sudden , and overflowed the streets into the cellars so that hogsheads of wine did swim, and mush wares were. hurt, besides great harms to the mills, much hay and hay and corn destroyed , and many glass windows broken with the hail with the. hail, being five inches in compass .; many men and cattle were slain by the light bolt in divers places so that the like was never heard of in the memory of man - The one hundred pound, being the gift of Sir Thomas White , came to Chester this year and was accordingly put forth to four persons , viz . Adam Johnson Richard Goose , Jeffry Smith, and William Rogerson - Eastgate street new paved, and the channel laid in the middle, whereas before It lay on both sides .

1585 - Upon St. Andrew's day, the Castle bridge fell down, and killed two horses and other cattle going over the same with a load of coals - Sixteen pirates were committed to the castle and the Nortgate, for taking a ship out of Wirral, and killing one man in the same ship , but the wind brought them back - so that they were forced to leave the ship, and in flying away they were taken. Salisbury, who . conspired with Babbington to kill the queen ( Elizabeth ), was apprehended at Frodsham , by Mr. Jo. Poole, the 13th of August, who led into the forest, and was taken the day following, being Sunday, and shortly after was brought to London, end there executed wlth others of his faction

1586 - There was hue and cry made through out England, that London , Chester, and Bristol were on fire and that the n Spaniards were landed at the new quay - The sixth of May of May, wheat sold for 24s the old bushel ; rye for 18s., and barley for 14s - The second of September , an old bushel of wheat at 8s; rye at 6s.; and barley at 4s - Ferdinando Lord Strange was made alderman , who received the same very honourably , and made a rich banquet in the Pentice .

1587. A man was hanged, drawn, and quartered, for clipping of money, and his quarters set on the four gates

1588 - The 8th of September a woman was burned at Boughton, for poisoning her husband.

1589 - John Taylor, keeper of the castle, killed one Mr Hockenhall, who was then a prisoner in the same place for recusancy; and the said John Taylor was hanged for the same fact

1590 - The mayor (William Massey) set down an order by an assembly, that when any man came to be made a freeman of the city, he should bring with him furniture for his body, and should swear that they were his own - The gate near unto the office door in the Abbey - court was begun the 26th of April, and finished the 19th of May following

1592 - William Geaton, servant to the Lord Bishop of Chester, was arraigned at the assizes , holden at the castle the 27th of April, for the murdering of Ja. Findlorve , a seller of Scottish cloth, for which fact the said Geaton was condemned, and hanged in chains upon Grapnel Heath , near the place where the deed was done.

1593 - One Hesketh was sent from the King of Spain, Dr. Allen, and other fugitives beyond the sea , to Ferdinando, Earl of Derby, offering to crown him King of England, if he would consent thereunto; but the said earl brought the said Hesketh to the queen and council , and disclosed the plot, whereupon the said Hesketh was arraigned, found guilty, and hanged. - This mayor, David Lloyd, did ride the circuit of the city .

1594 - There came unto Chester at several times 2200 footmen and 1000 horsemen so go into Ireland, for the suppression of the rebellion of the Earl of Tyrone.; the mayor had much ado to keep the soldiers quiet and caused a gibbet to be set up at the High Cross, whereon three soldiers had like to have been hanged.

1595 - There came unto Chester at several times 2400 footmen, and 300 horsemen to go to. Ireland. The clergy set forth the horsemen, where of 152 were sent for Ireland; the rest were sent back again, because they were not sufficient. - All kinds of victuals were very dear, and wheat at 24s. the old bushel - Orders in this city that ale and beer should be retailed the London quart for a penny.

1596 - Corn was very dear an old bushel of wheat at 40s.; rye at 36s.; and barley 31s

1597 - .The 25th of February, being Saturday, the sun being totally eclipsed, It was so dark for the time, that the like was never seen in the memory of man.
The Earl of Essex, lieutenant-general for the wars in Ireland, came unto Chester, and with him three other earls, besides many other lords, knights and gentlemen, who were honourably received by the mayor and his brethren, and after a banquet prepared for them in the Pentice, there was given unto the Earl of Essex a fair standing cup, double gilt, and in the same forty angels of gold.

1599 - The 27th of January the river Dee was frozen over, and certain of the citizens went to walk thereon, not remembering to keep holy the sabbath-day, so that amongst divers that hardly escaped, three young men fell through the ice, and were drowned. - The 14th of February, the lord Mountjoy, deputy of Ireland, and with him a great train, who dined with the mayor the 17th of February, and departed towards Wales the 19th of February, to take shipping for Ireland - This mayor, (Henry Hardware), for his time altered many ancient customs, as the shooting for the sheriffs' breakfast; the going of the giants at Midsummer, &c. and would not suffer any plays, bear-baits, or bull-baits . Also, he endeavored to make apprentices free, according to the statute. - The long west roof of the Minster was covered with lead, and much of the timber work was repaired.

1600 - .Mr. Robert Brerewood, mayor, caused the bakers to bake farthing cakes, wheat being at l2s. the old bushel - The flagging of the long west aisle in the Minster, was this year begun by Dean Miller. - The new waterworks at the bridge, for the conveying of water from thence to many dwelling-houses in the city, was begun this year by John Tyrer.

1601 - .The 5th of February, a great part of the causeway at Dee Milk broke down, so that so water came near the mills until the same breach was stopped, which was in May following. - Michaelmas fair, one Arnet, servant to Mr. Manley, of Saltney side , cruelly murdered one of his fellows near unto his master's house first by cutting his throat with a knife , and afterwards, missing his windpipe, he ripped up his belly with the same knife, so that his bowels fell out, and leaving him for dead, went home without taking any money from him as he first intended ; notwithstanding, the dying man came home, and lapping his bowels in his shirt, he lived until he had made known who killed him. And the murderer was hanged in chains the year following , near unto the place where the deed was done - One Condey's wife conspired with one Boon, to poison her husband, for which they were both arraigned. Boon was pressed to death, and she was hanged after her delivery, being great with child at her trial

1602. - The Earl of Tyrone, who for a long time maintained wars against England, did this year come in and prostrate himself before the Lord Mountjoy, then deputy of Ireland: And In the presence of all the states of Ireland, in the castle of Dublin, humbly desiring his pardon from the queen, and was brought through Chester

1602 -1605 - With a few intermissions, the dreadful effects of the plague, were experienced in Chester city. It is stated to have begun in the month of September, in the former year, at the house of one Glover, in St. John's lane, in whose house alone seven persons died .The contagion was particularly fatal in 1603 and 1604 650 persons died in the former year, and 986 in the latter ; at one period 55 died weekly. - During this dreadful visitation, the fairs of the city were suspended, the court of exchequer was removed to Tarvin, and the county assizes were held at Nantwich. The plague had abated in the month of February 1605