"](> History of the Company. 



issued a precept to the Companies, to induce them 

 to join in an adventure. The Saddlers' Company 

 joined in the undertaking, but the amount sub- 

 scribed by them is not stated ; it was levied upon 

 the cloathing and subsequently repaid. 



The following minute furnishes an example of 

 the custom of interference by the King in the 

 affairs of the Companies, when favourites were 

 concerned. 



1610. November 6th, 



" At this Courte Mr. Richard Lucy o"" Tennt in Cheape 

 bein a Suter to o'" Company for a newe lease of his house, 

 and to obtayne the same he brought the King's high- 

 nesse's hon'able letters w'^^ were w^^' due Revrence and 

 in all humblenesse receaved. At which tyme in respect 

 of the said letters the said Mr. Lucy was offered (that 

 if he wolde depart from the same howse at the ende of 

 his terme of yeres that he hath yet to come therein) 

 the some of ffyftie pownds in lawfuU money gratis 

 w^'' money he the said Mr. Lucy refused." 



The records of other Companies, notably the 

 Grocers, Ironmongers, Merchant Tailors, and 

 others, afford similar instances throughout the 

 reigns of Elizabeth, James L, and Charles L, of 

 attempts by the Crown to influence them in 

 matters of purely domestic concern.^ 



Vide Herbert's " Hist. Essay." 



