| 
593 
improbable that a Hart was the badge of the house, the Inn 
being more especially known as the WAz¢e Hart. 
On the 27th of September, 1657, John Masters was elected 
Mayor for the ensuing year, receiving as stipend for his then 
term £55. From the City Exchequer something was allowed 
the Mayor for charitable purposes, as the Chamberlain notes 
that in 1658 he 
“Paid Mr. Maior his Allowance for 
givinge to poore people being the 
some of OI —0o— 00” 
As Mayor, Masters welcomed a distinguished visitor to the 
City, apparently in September, 1658, the Chamberlain noting 
that a substantial sum was expended on Civic festivities “at the 
proclaymeinge of the Lord Richard Cromwell protector,” and 
items occur 
“For a Hogsheade of White Wine pre- 
sented unto His Highnesse the Lord 
Protector Richard Cromwell 0g —0o0— 00” 
and for gifts to his ‘ Trumpter and other servants.” (The 
“Hogsheade” possibly came from Mr. Mayor’s cellars.) In 
anticipation of this visit the Baths were set in order by Masters, 
the ways round them repaired, and the interior and exterior of 
the Hot and Cross Baths then received a highly decorative (?) 
coating of limewash. 
The statue of Bladud then as now overlooking the King’s Bath,. 
shone out in all the glory of scarlet and gold, for an entry runs 
“Ttm paid Thomas Quilly for paintinge 
King Bladehoods picture att the 
King’s Bathe by Mr. Mayors order o1— 06 — 00.” 
The monotony of official life in 1658 was varied by at least 
one country trip, as an entry occurs 
““Ttm paid at Paulton for Mans meate 
& Horse meate when wee went to 
see our Coale worke by Mr. Maiors 
order ol — II — 02” 
