it must have been shortly after the outbreak of plague that the convent buildings were destroyed by fire. in addition to the benefactions of private individuals, the mayor, aldermen, and citizens of london made a contributions of 200 marks, but at the special request of cardinal wolsey to the court of common council, it was decided in 1520 to give 100 marks more to complete the building. it is ironic that henry viii also gave £200 at this time, which did not impede his closing and despoiling the house less than two decades later.