Source Book of London History, from the earliest times to 1800
History
Source Book of London History, from the earliest times to 1800
London (England) -- History
As first, the great resort of rogues, vagrants, idle persons, and
common beggars, pestering and annoying the streets and common
passages, and all places of public meetings and resort, against whom
very good provision is made by the law, viz.
That all such persons shall be openly whipped, and forthwith sent
from parish to parish to the place where he or she was born, if
known; if not, to the place where he or she last dwelt for the space
of one year, to be set to work; or not being known, where he or she
was born or dwelt, then to be sent to the parish where he or she
last passed through without punishment.
That every Constable that shall not do his best endeavour for the
apprehension of such vagabond, rogue or sturdy beggar, and cause him
or her to be punished or conveyed according to law, shall forfeit
ten shillings for every default.
Secondly, The not paving and cleansing of the streets: the
redressing whereof being by a late act of Parliament put into
Commissioners appointed by Common Council, his Lordship doth hereby
recommend the same to the Deputies and Common Council of the several
wards within this City, to use their utmost diligence in that
affair, and especially to mind their respective Commissioners of the
duty incumbent upon them, and of the daily damage which the City
suffers by the neglect thereof. And his Lordship doth declare he
will appear at the said Commission of Sewers as often as his more
urgent occasions will give him leave, and doth expect such
attendance of the other Commissioners as may render the act more
effectual than hitherto it hath been.
Thirdly, The neglect of the inhabitants of this City in hanging and
keeping out their lights at the accustomed hours, according to the
good and ancient usage of this City, and acts of Common Council in
that behalf.
Fourthly, the not setting and continuing the watches at such hours,
and in such numbers, and in such sober and orderly manner in all
other respects, as by the acts of Common Council in that behalf is
directed and appointed.
And his Lordship doth strictly require the Fellowship of Carmen to
be very careful in the due observance of the good and wholesome
rules and orders which have been made for their regulation: his
Lordship intending severely to inflict the penalties imposed in
default thereof.
And to the end that no Constable or other Officers or Ministers of
Justice may be any ways discouraged in their lawful, diligent, and
vigorous prosecution of the premises, it is provided, that if they
or any of them shall be resisted, in the just and lawful execution
of their charge and duty, or in any wise affronted or abused, they
shall be encouraged, maintained, and vindicated by the justice,
order, and authority of his Lordship and the Court of Aldermen, and
the offenders prosecuted and punished according to law.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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