This office, like that of the Hand-in-Hand Fire Office, was erected by a considerable number of persons, who mutually agreeing to insure one another’s goods and merchandize from loss by fire by an amicable contribution, entered into a deed of settlement for that purpose, on the 16th of February, 1714–15, and had it inrolled in chancery on the 3d of July following, and this deed being signed by all persons desirous of becoming members, they are thereby admitted to an equal share in the profit and loss, in proportion to their respective policies. This office insures for all merchants, traders, housekeepers, and others in the cities of London and Westminster and within ten miles round, merchandize, goods, wares, utensils in trade, houshold furniture, and wearing apparel; except plate, pictures, glass and china ware not in trade; except also ready money, jewels, books of account, tallies, writings, barns, ricks and stacks of corn, hay, straw and horses. The term of insurance to be seven years, or less if desired. _The terms and methods of insurance are as follows_ I. For the policy and mark are paid 8_s._ 6_d._ over and above all other expences. II. Every person designing to insure, shall before surveying the goods, pay 10_s._ earnest money, to go towards the charge of insuring, if agreed to, and the policy be taken up within three months after, otherwise the said 10_s._ is sunk to the society: but if the directors do not agree to such insurance, the earnest money to be returned. Also old policies directed to be renewed, and not taken away within three months are also to be cancelled, and the charge of the policies and stamps of such renewals deducted out of the deposit-money of such insurers. III. For every 100_l._ insured on goods inclosed within brick or stone, 2_s._ premium, and 10_s._ deposit; and on goods not so inclosed, 3_s._ premium, and 15_s._ deposit. And so in proportion within part brick part timber. IV. For insurances deemed hazardous, as to situation, or kind of goods, each 100_l._ inclosed in brick or stone, 4_s._ premium, and 1_l._ deposit; in timber, 6_s._ premium, and 1_l._ 10_s._ deposit. Hazardous Insurances both by situation and kind of goods, if inclosed in brick or stone, 6_s._ premium, and 1_l._ 10_s._ deposit; in timber 9_s._ premium, and 2_l._ 5_s._ deposit. And so in proportion within part brick part timber.