In 1588, “Being then a time of most imminent and public danger, the Lord Mayor of _London_ and Court of Aldermen charged the College with arms, whereupon they applied themselves to Queen _Elizabeth_ and her Council; upon which Secretary _Walsingham_ wrote a letter to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London, that they should no more trouble the College, but permit them to live quietly, and free from that charge. After this they met with no further trouble or molestation till the reign of King _James_; at which time the College being charged with arms, Sir _William Paddy_ pleaded their privilege before Sir _Thomas Middleton_, Lord Mayor, and a full Court of Aldermen, and Sir _Henry Montague_, Recorder.” “The Recorder then perusing every branch of the Statutes recited by Sir _William Paddy_, with the reasons by him urged; and opening every part thereof at large, did conclude, that the Act of Parliament did extend to give the College as much immunity as in any sort to the Chirurgeons. Hereupon the Court desired a list of the members of the College, which was immediately given them, and an order entered for a dispensation to the College from bearing of arms; and also a precept was then awarded by the Mayor and Court, to commit all other Physicians or Surgeons, refusing to bear or find arms, who were not of the College allowed, or Chirurgeons licensed according to form.” “About three years after this debate, King _James_ granted the College his Royal Charter, wherein he confirms all former statutes and patents given them by his royal progenitors, and therein granted, To all and every Physician of the College to be wholly and absolutely free from providing or bearing of any armour or other munition, &c. any act or statute to the contrary notwithstanding.” _Charles_ the Second also by his Charter granted the same exemptions in very full terms, and sent a letter to the Lord Mayor of London (for which see _Appendix_) commanding the observance of these privileges.