questions of etiquette, so the mayor pocketed the affront, preferring to
settle the question of the city's rights at some more convenient time,
rather than damp the general joy of the company by pressing his
claim.(228)

(M143)

Yet, notwithstanding his manifestly unjust treatment of the citizens of
London, and the cynical contempt with which he looked upon their ancient
claim to the title of "barons," he usually went through the formality of
taking leave of them at Paul's Cross or at Westminster, before crossing
the sea to Gascony(229) and was not above making use of them when
compelled to sell his plate and jewels to satisfy his debts. In 1252, he
even went so far as to grant them a charter of liberties, but for this
concession the citizens had to pay 500 marks.(230)

(M144)

It is scarcely to be wondered at if, when the crisis arrived, and king and
barons found themselves in avowed hostility, the citizens of London joined
the popular cause. By the month of June, 1258, the barons had gained their
first victory over Henry. He was forced to accept the Provisions of
Oxford, passed by the Mad Parliament,(231) as it came to be called in
derision. The Tower of London was transferred to the custody of the
barons, and they were for the future to appoint the justiciar. Towards the
end of July, a deputation from the barons waited upon the mayor and
citizens to learn if they approved of the agreement that had been made
with the king.(232)

(M145)

The mayor, aldermen, and citizens, after a hasty consultation, gave their
assent, but with the reservation "saving unto them all their liberties and
customs," and the city's common seal was set to the so-called "charter"
which the deputation had brought.

(M146)

It was not long before the city discovered that the barons were as little
likely to respect its liberties as the king himself. Hugh Bigod, whom they
had appointed justiciar gave offence by the way he exercised his office.
In spite of all remonstrance he insisted upon sitting at the Guildhall to
hear pleas, a jurisdiction which belonged exclusively to the sheriffs. He
summoned the bakers of the city to appear before him, and those who were
convicted of selling bread under weight he punished, in a way that was not
in conformity with city usage.(233)

(M147)

In November of the following year (1259), Henry took occasion of his
departure for the continent to make some popular concessions to the
citizens. He appeared