ldhall, the cry was raised of "Fulsham! Fulsham!" So high did
party spirit run, that the election had to be postponed, and eventually it
was thought best that both candidates should be withdrawn. This having
been done, the choice of the electors fell on John de Grantham, a
pepperer.(445)

(M267)

On the 8th November the new mayor despatched a letter to the king,
expressing the joy of the city at the news of a proposed visit, and the
prospect of the next parliament being held in London. His majesty might be
assured of the city's loyalty.(446) Four days later (12 November), Edward
despatched a messenger from Reading with a letter to John de Grantham,
bidding him cause a deputation to be nominated for the purpose of
proceeding to Windsor. The messenger arrived late on Sunday evening, and
the deputation was to be at Windsor on the following Tuesday. A meeting
was therefore summoned on Monday, when six aldermen and six commoners were
nominated to meet the king. On Thursday the deputation returned and
reported the result of the interview. It appears that Edward had
complained to the deputation of armed men having left the city to join the
earl at Winchester. He was also desirous to know if the city was in a
proper state of defence and the king's peace preserved therein. On these
points the mayor endeavoured to satisfy him by letter of the 18th
November. As to armed men having left the city for Winchester, his majesty
was informed that none had so left with the knowledge of the municipal
authorities, and if any should be found to have done so, they would most
assuredly be punished.(447)

(M268)

Early in December the king and queen came to London, accompanied by the
queen-mother and Mortimer, and took up their quarters at Westminster. The
whole of the city went forth to welcome them, and they were made the
recipients of valuable gifts. Their stay, however, lasted but one short
week.(448)

(M269)

By the 16th the king was at Gloucester, where he wrote to the Mayor of
London, enclosing a copy of particulars of all that had passed between
himself and the Earl of Lancaster--the charges made by the earl and his own
replies--in order, as he said, that the citizens might judge for themselves
of the rights of the quarrel between them. These particulars, the mayor
was desired to have publicly read at the Guildhall.(449) This was
accordingly done (20 Dec.), in the presence of some of the earl's
supporters, who took the opportuni