CALAIS ABOUT THE TIME OF THOMAS BETSON] To effect their payments between England and the Netherlands the staplers used to make use of the excellent banking facilities and instruments of credit (bills of exchange and so forth), which were placed at their disposal by Italian and Spanish merchants and by the English mercers, all of whom combined trading with financial operations.
Thus we find William Cely writing to his masters: [Illustration: VIII.

THOMAS PAYCOCKE'S HOUSE AT COGGESHALL] Please your masterships to understand that I have received of John Delowppys upon payment of the bill, the which is sent me by Adlington but L300 fleming, whereof I have paid to Gynott Strabant L84 _6s.

6d_.
fleming.

Item, I have made you over by exchange with Benynge Decasonn, Lombard, 180 nobles sterling, payable at usance.

I delivered it at _11s.
2-1/2d_.