The charter which Henry granted it became a model for lesser boroughs.

The king yielded its citizens the right of justice; each townsman could claim to be tried by his fellow-townsmen in the town-court or hustings whose sessions took place every week.

They were subject only to the old English trial by oath, and exempt from the trial by battle which the Normans introduced.

Their trade was protected from toll or exaction over the length and breadth of the land.

The king however still nominated in London as elsewhere the portreeve, or magistrate of the town, nor were the citizens as yet united together in a commune or corporation.