[ 477 ] 



XXI. 



MINUTE BOOK OF THE COEPOEATION OF DUBLIN, KNOWN 

 AS THE "FKIDAY BOOK," 1567-1611. 



By HENEY F. BEEEY, I.S.O., Litt. D. 



Read January 12. Published February 22, 1913. 



Some time since the manuscript volume which it is now my privilege to 

 exhibit to the Academy was entrusted to me with a view to the ascertainment 

 of its nature and contents. It was in the possession of the late Sir 

 John T. Banks, m.d. ; and it is the intention of his executors to present it to 

 the Corporation of Dublin. The volume proves to be a copy of certain of 

 the minutes of proceedings of a committee composed of the mayor and 

 aldermen of Dublin, which met for the purpose of carrying on civic affairs. 

 It dates between October, 1567, and 8th May, 1611, covering an eventful 

 period of over forty years in the municipal annals. It is a paper book, 13 in. 

 by 8| in., in a vellum cover, the folios being numbered 1 to 97, 106 to 112, 

 and 115 to 118, with eleven folios at the end, written on, but not numbered. 

 The dates are continuous, save at the end, where entries seem to have been 

 irregularly made. The book is endorsed " Lib. C," and must at one time 

 have formed portion of the ancient city records. It would appear to have been 

 commonly known as the "Friday Book," which is sufficiently appropriate, as 

 the first entry is a minute to the effect that the mayor and aldermen are to 

 assemble in the Tolsell every Friday at nine o'clock in the forenoon. An order 

 is stated to have been laid down in the " Friday Book " for dismissal of Martin 

 Hussey from the office of sheriff (Gilbert's " Ancient Eecords of Dublin," vol. i, 

 495), which will be found at fol. 91" of the volume now before you. An order 

 of the Assembly in 1601 speaks of certain things " more at large entered in 

 the Friday Book" (Gilbert, ii, 513). These matters, which dealt with intruders in 

 St. Patrick's Street, will be found at fol. 106. The meetings held are termed 

 " assembly of the aldermen to consult with the mayor for the government of 

 the city," thus giving a clue to the functions of the body, which seems to have 

 acted as an inner council, the city assembly forming the outer circle. In 1573 

 it was called a " fellowship, or company " ; and during debates the junior 

 aldermen were to speak first. A number of rules are laid down and subjects 



B.I.A. PBOC, VOL. XXX., SECT. 0, [69] 



