I happened upon an additional reference to Candlemaker Richard, a candidate for the father of Town Clerk John. I have never seen chapter and verse for the usual reference to him. My reference to him is from the Calandar of the Close Rolls (King Richard ll, 1396-1399), p. 389. The date cited for the quotation is July 19, 1398. It reads, "To the sheriffs of London. Writ of "supersedeas" and order by mainprise of ..... Richard Carpenter 'chaundeler' to set free John Essex, if taken at suit of William Vernegn for tresspass." What is striking in this court disposition is the date 1399. The Town Clerk's father has an estimated birth at about 1335, Which for the Middle Ages, would make the Candlemaker a better candidate for Town Clerk's grandfather. The main problem I have with Richard is that there are two or three others in London at the time more worthy of the honor. More about them later. A secondary objection to the Candlemaker is that, it strains my credulity to imagine a candlemaker's son stepping into an extremely influential position in the finances of the crown and realm. This was not how the Middle Ages worked. Power and influence were a trade for other power and influence. The Town Clerk must have had family wealth and backing, because any public position would naturally be used to further private interests. That is a given for the Middle Ages. Sincerely, Bruce E. Carpenter