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infant was met on Black Heath by the
Lord Mayor of London, dressed in crim-
son velvet, with a large furred hat, a girdle
of gold about his waist, and a bawdrick
of gold about his neck, waving down his
back. He was followed by three horse-
men, dressed in scarlet and silver, and at-
tended by the Aldermen in scarlet gowns,
and crimson hoods, while the citizens
were cloathed in white gowns, and scarlet
hoods, with the symbol belonging to each
mystery, richly embroidered upon their
sleeves. They were all on horseback,
and from thence preceded his Majesty to
London, where he was received with the
utmost pomp. The city on this occasion
was decorated with rich silks and carpets,
and on the bridge, and in the streets,
through which the cavalcade passed, were
erected a variety of stately pageants, filled
with persons representing the Muses,
Graces, and Sciences; and from these
pageants, orations were made, and con-
certs performed of vocal and instrumental
music. Two days after, the Lord Mayor
and Aldermen attended the King at West-
minster, and presented him with a golden
hamper, containing 1000l. in nobles.
It is impossible, in the short compass
allotted to this part of the work, to give
an account of the several rebellions and
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revolutions during the life of this unhappy
Sovereign, and of the manner in which
the citizens interested themselves in each:
it is sufficient to add, that notwithstand-
ing these early professions of loyalty, the
ill success and weakness of Henry, made
them almost constantly join his enemies,
and was one principal cause of his ruin.
King Edward IV. therefore, in the se-
cond year of his reign, shewed his grati-
tude for the favours he had received from
them, by granting the city a charter, by
which all the ancient rights and privileges
of the citizens were confirmed, and the
following additional privileges bestowed.
1. The Lord Mayor, Recorder, and
Aldermen past the chair, are appointed
perpetual justices of peace in the city;
and are constituted justices of oyer and
terminer, for the trial of all malefactors
within their own jurisdiction.
2. For the better ascertaining the cus-
toms of the city, when a plea is brought
in any of the superior courts, relating to
those customs, the Lord Mayor and Al-
dermen are impowered to declare, by the
mouth of their Recorder, whether the
point in controversy be a custom of
London, or not; and if, upon enquiry, it
be found to be such, then it is to be re-
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