32 A MEDIEVAL CITY

possessions, which belonged to the western section
of the city ; the city proper was almost entirety
on the opposite side of the river. The King retained
possession of certain properties, such as Galtres
Forest, lying in the valley stretching northwards
from York. He had a larder and a fish pond at
York ; also a court, offices, and a prison (Davy
Hall, of which the name alone remains) for the
administration of the forest. These towTn-properties
were, of course, entirely extra-parochial.

York received a long succession of royal charters.
Henry I. granted the city certain customs, laws
and liberties, and the right to have a merchant
guild. The possession of these rights was confirmed
by King John in the first 3Tear of his reign. In
1396 Richard II., at York, made the city a county
in itself. In consequence the office of bailiff was
replaced by that of sheriff.

The King's official representative in the city
was called the sheriff, whose office in York has been
continuous down to the present da3T. The sheriffs—
there were usually two—were responsible for the
maintenance of order, for the local soldiery, and
the collection of the royal taxes and dues. The
sheriff was a busy and important medieval official.

The Mayor was the real governor of the city.
He was a powerful official and literally ruler of the
city. In practice he was most often a wealthy and
important merchant; and, like the Aldermen,
belonged to the group of men who governed the
trade guilds as well as the municipality. Various
symbols were attached to his office. The chief
objects among the corporation regalia at the present
time are the sword, mace, and cap of maintenance.

There were three city councils, " the twelve,"
" the twenty-four/' and " the forty-eight/' as they