But it is abundantly clear that the complaints are against the abuses of the system and not against the system itself. Dissatisfaction is expressed at the "little reasonable ordinances" of the Gilds but not against the companies themselves. The policy therefore of Henry VI. and Edward IV. was to reform the Gilds by amending their ordinances, or, if necessary, giving them charters of incorporation which should set forth definitely their objects, and state both the extent and the limitation of their powers. It is from this period that we date most of the existing records of the Shrewsbury companies. The barbers are said to have been chartered by Edward I. in 1304[99]; their earliest extant composition[100] is dated 1432 (10 Hen. VI.). The Shoemakers' composition of 1387 recited a charter of Edward III.[101] A Vintners' company is said to have been erected in Shrewsbury by Henry IV. in 1412[101]. But it is with the accession of Henry VI. that the great number of present charters and compositions begins. The date of the Fishmongers' company is 1423[101], and the entries of the Mercers commence in the next year[101]. The Barbers' composition of 1432 has been already mentioned. Then follow the Weavers (1448-9), the Fletchers (1449), the Carpenters (1449-50) in close proximity[101]. The Tailors and Skinners (1461) were recognised in the last year of Henry VI.[101], and eighteen years subsequently received a new composition from Edward IV. (1478), who had in the first year of his reign united the Fraternity of the Blessed Trinity with the company of the Drapers[102]. The companies of the Millers, Bakers, Cooks, Butchers and Shearmen certainly existed before 1478, as they are mentioned as taking part in the Corpus Christi Procession at that date. In that year the Tanners and Glovers were incorporated[103], as also were the Saddlers[103]. The royal recognition of the Mercers[101] in the next year completed the list of Shrewsbury companies erected before the 16th century. [Sidenote: _Later Religious Gilds._] It will be convenient here to draw attention to a different kind of Gild which was founded in Shrewsbury towards the close of this period: the religious Gild of S. Winifred. The ancient Monks' Gilds which had spread so early over England, found as was to be expected later imitators in large numbers. The oldest accounts of these Gilds also, like those of the Monks' Gilds, are found in England[104]. Religious or Social they are usually called. They all evinced a strong religious character, but in addition had a care for the old and needy. If a Gild-brother suffer loss through theft "let all the Gildship avenge their comrade," says the Cambridge statute. They also took cognisance of public welfare. If a Gild-brother do wrong "let all bear it: if one misdo, let all bear alike." If a man be slain in fair quarrel with a Gild-brother the _wite_ is to be borne by all, but the wilful or treacherous murderer is "to bear his own deed."