Note 962 — PART IV. From the Reformation to the present time. (continued 5)

The ancient usage seems to have been for the mayor to name and authorize twelve of his brethren of the Hall to elect two burgesses to represent the town in parliament. Hence we read in an old record, that in the year 1487 Robert Pillye, then mayor, called and empowered the following twelve men to elect two persons to represent this borough in the parliament which was to meet that year: viz. John Massingham, John Bilney, Tho. Carter, Wm. Yates, Robt. Powdich, Andr. Woley, John Thorisby, Hen. Gardyner, Robt. Umfrey, Tho. Symkenson, John Trunche, and Tho. Archer: who accordingly chose Robert Thorisbye and John Tygo.—Two years before (1485,) Robert Braybroke and William Munke had been chosen in like manner:—and the year following, (1488,) in the mayoralty of John Tyge, twelve men, called and authorised by him, chose John Gryndell and Thomas Carter to sit in the parliament called that year.—It seems by this that elections were then very frequent; annual perhaps, or nearly so: and each parliament continuing but one session.—The same old record mentions several other subsequent elections, always made by 12 persons called thereto by the mayor—only once, but it does not appear in what year, he seems to have nominated but eight, which eight are said to have called unto them four more, so making up the number of 12; which 12 chose for burgesses of parliament Robt. Braybroke and John Beels. This might be in 1486—If so, we have here an account of four annual parliaments at that period.—Let us not, however, blame our ancestors for leaving the election of their members in the hands of 12 persons; for we do not appear to have at all mended the matter yet: our efficient or real electors are even now less than 12.