In later times the feminine form of the word is used in the ordinances of the City of London, clearly showing that the persons who were then carrying on the trade were women; thus it was said “Let no Regrateress pass _London Bridge_ towards _Suthwerk_, nor elsewhere, to buy Bread, to carry it into the City of _London_ to sell; because the Bakers of _Suthwerk_, nor of any other Place, are not subject to the Justice of the City.” And again “Whereas it is common for merchants to give Credit, and especially for Bakers commonly to do the same with Regrateresses ... we forbid, that no Baker make the benefit of any Credit to a Regrateress, as long as he shall know her to be involved in her Neighbour’s Debt.”[455] Moreover a very large proportion of the prosecutions for this offence were against women. “We Amerce Thomas Bardsley for his wife buyinge Butter Contrary to the orders of the towne in xijid.”[456] “Katherine Birch for buyinge and selling pullen [chicken] both of one day 3s. Thos. Ravald wife of Assheton of Mercy bancke for sellinge butter short of waight.”[457] “Thomas Massey wife for buyinge a load of pease and sellinge them the same day. Amerced in 1s.”[458] “Katharine Hall for buyinge and sellinge Cheese both of one day 6d. Anne Rishton for buyinge and sellinge butter the same day Amercd in 3. 0.”[459] Footnote 455: Stow, _London_, Book V., p. 343. Assize of Bread. Footnote 456: _Manchester Court Leet Records_, Vol. IV., p. 110, 1653. Footnote 457: _Ibid._ p. 212, 1657. Footnote 458: _Ibid._ p. 244, 1658. Footnote 459: _Manchester Court Test Records_, p. 243, 1658.