George Thomas Orlando Bridgeman

“ And Master Adam came and produced two charters, made by the lord Henry, father of the King that now is, to a certain John Maunsell, formerly parson of the same church, of which the one is dated in the 30th year of his reign. [1] This charter was conceded and confirmed by the said King, for himself and his heirs, to his beloved and faithful John Maunsell, parson of the church of Wigan, that his town of Wigan should be a borough for ever; that the burgesses of the same borough should have a Merchant-Guild, with a hanse, and all the liberties and free customs to that guild belonging ”

“ And as to the market and fair which he claims by another charter, and the taking emends of the assize of bread and beer on the market and fair days, the aforesaid Adam should retain them for the present, but because he had punished the transgressors of this assize, after being convicted three or four times, at his discretion, and not judicially, therefore he is at the King's mercy for this. ”

“ In later times it signified the customary dues or rent paid to the lord of a manor for his profits of the fair or market, or it sometimes implied a liability to pay such dues by traders in any market. ”