The long continuance of these factions, the civil wars, the disorders of the last reign, could not fail to produce the worst effects in the condition of the City. The streets were full of murders, robberies, house-breaking, and violence of all kinds. The first attempt to restore order seems to have been the recognition that a strong and permanent hand was wanted. Accordingly, we find the office of Mayor filled for twelve years by two men taking the post each for two or three years together. They were merchants of the aristocratic party; they were personal friends holding the same views, and those not of a democratic kind; they were wealthy; they bestowed large benefactions upon the City; they were trusted by the King. Yet they did not succeed. Loftie is of opinion that they were too much occupied with their own affairs, and were compelled to leave much of their proper work to subordinates. On the other hand, they may have been very great merchants, yet not good administrators. The earlier pages of Riley’s _Memorials_ are filled with cases of murder and violence. There were excellent laws made for the preservation of peace. Nothing could have been better than the following:— (1) Every trade to present the names of persons practising that trade, where they dwell and in what ward. This ordinance proves that all the trades had their guilds or unions. (2) The Aldermen to inquire as to lodgers in hostelries. (3) To provide security for suspected persons. (4) Two serjeants to stand at each gate to watch persons entering or leaving the City. (5) Curfew to be rung in every parish church, taking the time from St. Martin-le-Grand. At Curfew all the gates to be closed; the taverns to be shut; no persons to walk about the streets; six persons to watch in every ward. (6) No one to cross the river at night. (7) The serjeants of Billingsgate and Queen Hythe to guard the river, each with his boat and crew of four men. Yet, in spite of these regulations, the condition of the City became worse instead of better. The case of Lawrence Duket in 1284, which ended in the hanging of seven men of good family, and the burning of one woman, caused general discontent and murmuring. Finally, Edward resolved upon taking the conduct of the City into his own hands. The way in which this was effected shows that the comedy was agreed upon beforehand, so that everybody’s dignity should be respected.