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An edition of the first part of the Account and Memoranda Book compiled by William Porlond, clerk to the Brewers' Company (1418-40), translated and made available for publication for the first time.

The Brewers' Book was compiled by their clerk from 1418-40. This rare survival shines a light upon the craft and fraternity of Brewers of London at a time of change, when ale production faced competition from beer brewers. The clerk declared his intention to use English, as King Henry V did in letters from France, rather than Latin and French, which gives the book a linguistic significance. By 1418, the company had its own hall, in St Mary Aldermanbury parish. The clerk recorded entries to the freedom and the fraternity, annual payments, the men and women who bought livery cloth, and preparations for the annual feast. In 1423 the Brewers created an almshouse for their poor members and listed the building works and costs involved. The Brewers faced criticism and hostility from mayor Richard Whittington, which are documented vividly. The Brewers supplied ale to the household of Queen Katherine and for her coronation. The clerk wrote an account of the funeral processions for King Henry V in 1422 in London and Westminster, noting the role played by the London crafts.

London Record Society publications ; volume 58

Front cover

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations

Acknowledgements

List of Abbreviations

Introduction

Editorial Method

The Brewers' Book, Part I, 1418-25

Select Glossary

Appendix I: List of Masters of the Craft and Fraternity of Brewers, 1406-25

Appendix II: List of Named Properties in William Porlond's Brewers' Book, Part I

Index of People and Places

Brewers' Company (London, England) > History > 15th century.

Brewing industry > England > London > History > Sources.

Ale > England > London > History > 15th century.

England > London.