The clergy of St. Margaret’s parish had probably as good an income as their brother of Alhallows, but the exact amount of theirs we have not the means of ascertaining. But in the town-books there is the following memorandum dated December 18. 1637 “Lionell Gatford minister to have 50_l._ yearly and a dwelling house, provided he agree not to meddle in the election of church wardens or parish clark.”—This 50_l._ was equal to 3 or 400 of our pounds, so that the liberality of the corporation to their minister at that period must have far exceeded what we understand it to be at present. As the said 50_l._ was over and above, or exclusive of the vicarial dues, and what we call surplice fees, the minister’s income must have been what may be called very decent and handsome at the period of which we are now treating. After this town had been reduced under the dominion of the parliament it soon began to put on a religious and puritanical appearance. The publicans and those who frequented their houses were now obliged to be very particularly upon their guard, and at their peril to observe a decency of behaviour. Those who were guilty of _tippling_ were fined, as were also the _occupiers_ of the public houses where those offences were committed. _Profane swearing_ was also punished in like manner, as well as _loitering_ in the time of divine service on the Lord’s day. {774a} A strict attention to these matters began to be paid by the magistrates very shortly after the reduction of the town; and they appear to have pursued the same course pretty regularly thenceforward till the restoration. The town accordingly, soon assumed a decorous and respectable appearance. It was no longer disgraced as before by drunkenness, riot, or profane swearing. In fact, it was in a manner regenerated; and might with a good deal of propriety be denominated a _christian town_. The _Lord’s Day_ was observed with remarkable decorum and solemnity; and on the _Thursdays_, in _lecture time_, the _shops_ were kept _shut up_, to the end the people and their servants might the better attend the hearing the word of God. {774b} On the whole, this town appears to have been for the greatest part of this period as well governed as at any one time either before or afterwards.