d commonalty of the city,
asking for an interview. It was then decided, after due deliberation in
the Court of Husting, to ask Edward's advice on the matter before
returning an answer. At first the king was disinclined to allow the
interview, but when the lords approached nearer London, and resistance
would have been hopeless, he gave way, and a deputation was appointed to
meet the lords at the Earl of Lancaster's house in Holborn. To them the
earl explained the aim and object of himself and his confederates. They
were desirous of nothing so much as the good of the realm and the
overthrow of the Despensers, father and son, who led the king astray and
had caused the Iter to be held at the Tower in order to injure the city.
Having listened to the earl's statement, the recorder, on behalf of the
deputation, asked for a few days' delay in order to consult with the mayor
and commonalty. The matter was laid before an assembly which comprised
representatives from each ward (30th July), and again it was resolved to
ask the king's advice. At length a reply was sent to the lords to the
effect that the citizens would neither aid the Despensers nor oppose the
lords, but the city would in the meantime be strongly guarded for the
preservation of order. With this the lords were satisfied.(392)

(M241)

A fortnight later (14th August) the king, moved by the intercession of the
Earl of Pembroke, the bishops, and his queen, yielded to the lords, and an
agreement between them was reduced to writing and publicly read in
Westminster Hall.(393)

(M242)

Chigwell's conduct throughout met with so much favour from the citizens as
well as from the king that when the latter issued letters patent(394)
granting a free election of a mayor in October of this year, it was
decided to continue Chigwell in office without a fresh election.(395)

(M243)

Such popularity as the king had for a time achieved by his concession to
the demands of the lords, however unwillingly made, was enhanced by
another circumstance. An insult had been offered to the queen by Lady
Badlesmere, who had refused to admit her into her castle at Ledes, co.
Kent, when on her way to Canterbury. The queen was naturally indignant,
and the unexpected energy displayed by Edward in avenging the insult gave
fresh strength to his cause. With the assistance of a contingent sent by
the citizens of London, the king beseiged the castle, and, having taken
it, hanged the governor.(396) Sir