PROCEEDINGS FOR 1897 CLXXI 



the office were widely different from those fulfilled by its modern incum- 

 bent. The mayor then exercised a personal, almost a paternal, influence 

 in many directions, where now the duties are performed by elaborate 

 state departments. In those days wills were proved before him, and he 

 had the care of orphans and their estates. He exercised a supervision 

 over the numerous ci-afts that then existed, maintained their privileges, 

 and contributed to their enjoymentj at certain seasons, by generous gifts 

 of wine. The scrutiny of weights and measures devolved upon him, and 

 he tested not only the justness of the measures, but also the quality of the 

 liquor. This was done by the aid of his " ale-conner." and woe betide 

 the brewer, great or small, whose drink was found to be below the 

 standard. The casks were unceremoniously broached and the liquor al- 

 lowed to find its way — anywhere. The assize of bread was also of the 

 utmost importance for the protection of the poor, and anj^ one found 

 " breaking the assize " was bundled into the lock-uj) without ceremony. 

 In times of scarcity the mayor adopted strong measures to ensure food 

 being within the reach of all. Such a year as that in which the 

 "Matthew" sailed, for instance, was one in which special provision would 

 have to be made, as the price of wheat then advanced to two shillings 

 and sixpence per bushel, whereas in the year before and the year after it 

 stood at sixpence. In the same way under the authority of the mayor, 

 the supplies of wood for winter fuel were subject to strict regulations, it 

 being provided that, " from sjjring to spring " this should be sold at a 

 given public place " in pennyworths and half-pennyworths in the need 

 season." In addition to all this and much more there was held the 

 mayor's daily court, "at the place of justice called the Tolsey." 



In connection with the office and duties of the mayor, some informa- 

 tion will not be out of place concerning the fine collection of plate and 

 insignia which has alwaj's been closely connected with the official life of 

 the city. There is a history connected with each article, but many things 

 were not acquired till after the period to which I am limited. The 

 essential pai'ts of the insignia are the chain of office, the state swords, 

 and the seals. Of state swords there are four in existence, acquired at 

 diflerent times, and two of them are specially connected with the fifteenth 

 century. The distinction of being the oldest of the four belongs to what 

 is called the "mourning sword." This has undergone many changes as 

 regards the external parts, but the blade belongs to the period of Edward 

 III., and was probably provided when Bristol was made a county in itself. 

 The second in point of date is the one known as the " pearl sword" and 

 purports to be the gift of Sir John de Welles, who was lord mayor of 

 London in 1431. This would, therefore, be about the date of the sword. 

 The third, or. as it is called, the " Lent sword," so-called because it is 

 carried during each Lent assize. It also has undergone many changes, 

 so that its age has become obscured, but the blade bears evidences of be- 



