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In 1403, in consideration, as it appears, of a gift of 4000 marks, (for most of our ancient liberties were purchased) Henry IV. conferred municipal institutions on the city, and would also have increased its representatives—for Norwich had returned two members since 1296—to four, had not the citizens represented their inability to meet the increased expense which their services would have occasioned. William Appleyard was the first mayor, and he celebrated his year of office in the fine flint building then just erected, lately used as a Bridewell, and now as a tobacco manufactory. In 1407 the Guildhall was commenced, on the site of a small thatched erection, called a toll-booth, used for collecting the market tolls. Henry V., in 1415, visited the city, and, we are told, left his coronet in pawn for 1000 marks, which he doubtless required for his French wars; but 25 years afterwards Norwich was in sad disgrace at court, for as a rebuke for suing Henry VI. for £100 which they had lent, the charters were suspended. A few years after, however, the city was visited by that unfortunate monarch, and in 1469 by Edward IV., who, writes John Paston, “hath been worshipfully received into Norwich, and had right good cheer and great gifts”—with which he was so well pleased that he speedily paid another visit, when some grand pageants were performed, though interrupted by “heavy and continuous rain.”