“The representation of the nation in parliament was then a burden to the people, the elected being paid by their electors; nor doth it appear that the representatives at that time had any advantage more than their wages. Cities and boroughs were, therefore, not fond of returning representatives to Parliament, and it was reckoned a privilege to be exempted, and to obtain which there are more instances than one of petitions having been presented. Sheriffs would frequently act in a very partial and arbitrary manner, and out of pique return many _poor boroughs_, who were not able _to pay their representatives_, and omit others who were able, _in order to show favour towards them_.” This became a veritable grievance, and, in 5 Rich. 2, a law was made to hinder these arbitrary proceedings, and several boroughs were, by charter from the Crown, exempted from what they would have esteemed a hardship and burden upon them. Colchester returned members to Parliament 23 Edward 1; as endorsed upon the writs in 7 Edward 4, only five burgesses, named in the return, chose for that Parliament. At that time, service was thought a burden, and exemption was allowed by way of reward for loyal services rendered; thus Richard II., in consideration of the burgesses of Colchester rebuilding and fortifying the walls of their town against the king’s enemies, granted them an exemption for the space of five years. Beyond the very modest wages allowed by constituencies to their representatives during their sojourns in London at the three sessions of parliament, it was generally held a matter of courtesy to present the two representatives with a horse apiece to help them on their way; and expenses by the road, at the allowances stipulated, were added in with the fixed pay of so much per day for the duration of parliament, which sum was generally allowed to accumulate, and redeemed at the close of the session, when the members came back to report themselves to their constituents and give an account of their stewardship. In respect of Middlesex, which has been represented in parliament from the first general summons of the knights of the shire in the reign of King Edward I., a reservation was made. The city of Westminster, where parliament was usually held, being within this county, the knights had only their fees for attendance, and no allowance for coming and going, as in other counties. “In the second year of King Henry V. (1414), the Bishop of London complained that his tenants of Fulham were taxed towards the expenses of the knights of the shire for this county, upon which a writ was issued for discharging the said tenants, in case it should appear they had not been formerly taxed.”