[According to the copy of a document (letters patent) that is undated,
but can with some confidence be dated to August or September of 1386,
the burgesses and community, pursuant to the ordinances of 1272, chose to hold office from Michaelmas
1386 to Michaelmas 1387 24 men to support the bailiffs: Ralph Ramseye,
Nicholas Drayton, John Hakon, John Elys, William Oxneye, Hugh atte Fen,
Robert atte Gappe, John Rollesby, John Halle, Peter Beneyt, John de
Beketon, Roger Adam, Robert Howlyn, Simon Geryng, Oliver Spicer, Thomas
Bateman, Bartholomew Drayton, Laurence Stevens, Thomas Marche, Warin
Lucas, Adam Heyron, John Beverle, Alexander Fastolf and Roger de
Drayton]
Who are sworn to uphold and perform the said ordinances and to
make other ordinances (the which the burgesses and community pledge to
respect) for the profit or improvement of the community and the protection
of the liberties. If any of the 24
shall die within the year of office, or be removed for any cause, the
remainder of the 24 shall choose a replacement. The 24 shall also choose
the town officers and also 24 other wise
men to view merchandize according to the terms of the
ordinances.