The same Robert Chichele is recorded to have issued the following curious regulation in 1423:—“That retailers of ale should sell the same in their houses in pots of “peutre,” sealed and open; and that whoever carried ale to the buyer should hold the pot in one hand and a cup in the other; and that all who had cups unsealed should be fined.”
Many other complaints of the “oppressive” acts of Whitington towards the Company are also recorded. { 137}
The Company, as appears from these records, had the power of fining its members for breach of discipline. In 1421 one William Payne, at the sign of the Swan, by St. Anthony’s Hospital, Threadneedle Street, was fined 3s. 4d., to be expended in a swan for the masters’ breakfast, for having refused to supply a barrel of ale to the King when he was in France. Simon Potkin, of the Key, Aldgate, was fined for selling short measure, whereupon he alleged that he had given money to the masters of the Brewers’ Company, that he might sell ale at his will. This excuse embroiled him with the Company, who were not to be appeased until he had paid 3s. 4d. for a swan to be eaten by the masters, but of which, it is added, “he was allowed his own share.”
In 1420 Thomas Greene, master, and the wardens of the Company agreed that they should meet at “Brewershalle” every Monday for the transaction of their business. It would appear that the first Hall had then been recently erected, for, as we have seen, the Brewers had in the preceding reign no fixed place to which “the good men of the mystery” might resort. Many curious accounts are to be found of election feasts. The presence of females was allowed. The brothers of the Company paid 12d., and the sisters 8d., and a brother and his wife 20d. A _menu_ of one of these feasts, given in the ninth year of Henry V., is subjoined. It shows the nature of these entertainments at that period.
LA ORDINANCE DE NOSTRE FESTE EN CESTE AN.
Brawne one le mustarde Brawn with mustard Caboch à le potage Cabbage soup Swan standard Swan standard Capons rostez Roast capons Graundez Costades. Great costard apples.
Venyson en broth one Venison in broth Blanche mortrewes[44] Mortreux soup { 138} Cony standard Rabbit standard Pertriches on cokkez rostez Partridges with roasted cocks Leche Lombard[45] Leche Lombard Dowsettes one pettiz parneux. Sweetmeats and pastry.