Petitions to the Westminster Quarter Sessions: 1740s

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St James Westminster. WJ/SP/1740/04/001 (1740). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654180002

To the right worshipfull his majesty's justices of
the peace for the city and liberty of Westminster in
their general quarter sessions assembled.

The humble petition of the churchwardens and
surveyors of the highways of the parish of Saint James
within the liberty of Westminster in the county
of Middlesex

Sheweth
that the highways, causeways, and pavements to be repaired by
the said parish of Saint James are now so broken and out of repair
that they cannot be sufficiently amended and repaired for this
present year 1740 at less charge than one hundred pounds and
upwards which may be raised by a rate of one halfpenny in the
pound upon the inhabitants owners and occupiers, of lands houses
tenements and hereditaments within the said parish.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray your
worships to grant your petitioners an order of
this court to enable your petitioners to make
an assessment of one halfpenny in the pound
upon all and every the inhabitants of the said
parish for repairing the said highways
causeways and pavements, as by the statute
in that behalf made is provided

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc

• John Sisson
• [Charles?] [illegible]}

churchwardens

• John Glover
• James Powell
• John [Barrett?]
• Henry Eastland}

surveyors of the highways

Richard Cobley. WJ/SP/1740/10/001 (1740). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654200002

To the worshipfull bench of justices for the
city and liberty of Westminster

The humble petition of Richard Cobley

Sheweth
that your petitioner was assaulted by [three?]
persons now in confinement, and your petitioner
is bound over by the honourable Colonell Deveal for to
prosecute the said persons, but the clerk of the bills
refuses to drawe up a bill (singular) by reason it is two
persons, and they being man and wife, and the assault
committed on them both, all and at the same time

Therefore your petitioner most
humbly prays that you will give order
to the afore said clerk, to put the aforesaid
persons into one bill, he being a poor
man and a large family, or as to your worships
thinks most meet

And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray etc

• Richard Cobly

Richard Cobley. WJ/SP/1740/10/002 (1740). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654200003

To the worshipfull bench of justices for the city and
liberty of Westminster

The humble petition of Richard Cobley

Sheweth
that your petitioner, this quarter
sessions of the peace, indicted, one Thomas
Harrison for an assault, and your petitioner
is informed that the said, Thomas Harrison
is discharged from the said indictment
without giving notice of triall to your petitioner.

Therefore your petitioner
most humbly prays that
the worshipful bench, will
be pleased, to take the said
indictment into consideration

and he will pray etc.

• Richard Cobley

Walter Brett, keeper of the house of correction. WJ/SP/1740/10/003 (1740). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654200004

To the worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace for
the city and liberty of Westminster in their general quarter
sessions assembled

The humble petition of Walter Brett
keeper of the house of correction

Sheweth
that your petitioner was at the general quarter session of the
peace held for the city and liberty of Westminster on the 30th. day
of June in the 11th. year of the reigne of his present majesty
chosen and appointed by your worshipps master or governour
of the house of correction of Tottle Fields with a salary of 50 pounds
per annum which your petitioner constantly received from the
several parishes within the said city and liberty.

That by the statute of the 12th. year of the reigne of his
present majestie intituled An Act for the More Easy Assessing
Collecting and Levying of County Rates it is enacted that the
justices of the peace for the said city and liberty shall have
full power to appoint the governour or master of the house
of correction within the said city and liberty who shall have
the sum of money yearly as hath been accustomed for and
towards the support and maintenance of the prisoners
in his custody etc (not exceeding 50 pounds by the year) and direct
the treasurer or treasurers of the county of Middlesex and city
and liberty of Westminster to obey all orders which shall
be made by the said justices of the peace of the said city
and liberty or the greater part of them assembled in their
general quarter sessions for the payment of any sum
or sums of money for the allowance allotted to such
governour or master of the house of correction.

That there is due to your petitioner 25 pounds for half a years
salary from Lady Day to Michaelmas last.

Your petitioner therefore most humbly
prays your worshipps to order Master John Higgs
treasurer of the county of Middlesex to pay to
your petitioner the said summe of 25 pounds.

And your petitioner shall ever pray

• Walter Brett

Walter Brett, keeper of the house of correction. WJ/SP/1741/04/007 (1741). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654210008

To the worshipfull his majesties justices of the
peace for the city and liberty of Westminster in their
general quarter sessions assembled

The humble peticion of Walter Brett
keeper of the house of correction

Sheweth
that your peticioner was at the general quarter
sessions of the peace held for the city and liberty of
Westminster on Thursday the 30th. day of June in the 11th. year
of his present majestie chosen and appointed by your worshipp
master or governour of the house of correction of Tottle Fields
with a sallary of 50 pounds per annum which your peticioner constantly
received from the several parishes within the said city and
liberty

That by the statute of the 12th. year of the reign
of his present majestie intituled An Act for the More Easy
Assessing Collecting and Levying of County Rates it is enacted
that the justices of the peace for the said city and liberty shall
have full power to appoint the governor or master of the house
of correction within the said city and liberty who shall have the
sum of money yearly as hath been accustomed for and towards
the support and maintenance of the prisoners in his custody etc
(not exceeding 50 pounds by the year) and direct the treasurer or treasurers
of the county of Middlesex and city and liberty of Westminster to obey all
orders which shall be made by the said justices of the peace of the said
city and liberty or the greater part of them assembled in their general
quarter sessions for the payment of any sum or summes of money
for the allowance allotted to such governour or master of the house
of correction

That there is due to your peticioner 25 pounds for half a years
sallary from Michaelmas to Lady Day last

Your peticioner therefore most humbly prays
your worships to order Master John Higgs treasurer
of the county fo Middlesex to pay to your said peticioner
the said summe of 25 pounds

And your peticioner shall ever pray

• Walter Brett

Walter Brett, keeper of the house of correction. WJ/SP/1741/04/008 (1741). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654210009

To the worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace
for the city and liberty of Westminster in their general quarter
sessions assembled in April 1741

The humble peticion of Walter Brett keeper
of the house of correction

Sheweth
that your peticioner was at the general quarter
sessions of the peace held for the city and liberty of Westminster
on Thursday the 30th day of June in the 11th year of his
present majesties reign chosen and appointed by your worshipps
master or governour of the house of correction of Tottlefields
with a sallary of 50 pounds per annum which your peticioner constantly
received from the several parishes within the said city and
liberty

That by the statute of the 12th year of the reign of his
present majestie intituled An Act for the More Easy Assessing
Collecting and Levying of County Rates it is enacted that the
justices of the peace for the said city and liberty shall have full
power to appoint the governour or master of the house of
correction within the said city or liberty who shall have the sum
of money yearly as hath been accustomed for and towards the
support and maintenance of the prisoners in his custody etc
(not exceeding 50 pounds by the year) and direct the treasuror or treasurors
of the county of Middlesex and city and liberty of Westminster to obey all
orders which shall be made by the said justices of the peace of the
said city and liberty or the greater part of them assembled in their
general quarter sessions for the payment of any sum or sums
of money for the allowance allotted to such governor or master
of the house of correction

That there is due to your peticioner 25 pounds for half a yeares
sallary from Michaelmas to Lady Day last

Your peticioner most humbly prays your worships to
order Master John Higgs treasuror of the county of Middlesex
to pay to your said peticioner the said sum of 25 pounds
And your peticioner shall ever pray

• Walter Brett

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St James Westminster. WJ/SP/1741/04/009 (1741). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654210010

To the worshipfull his majestys
justices of the peace for the city and liberty
of Westminster at the generall quarter
sessions for the said city and liberty.

The humble petition of the churchwardens and surveyors
of the highways of the parish of Saint James within the liberty of
Westminster

Sheweth,
that the highways and pavements to
be mended and repaired by the said parish are at
present so faulty and broken that they cannot
sufficiently be amended and repaired for the year
ensuing from the feast of the nativity of our Lord God
at less charge than the expence of one hundred
and fifty pounds or thereabouts.

Wherefore your petitioners pray this
worshipfull court to make such order therein for
enabling the inhabitants of the said parish to
repair the same; as by the statute it is in this
case provided.

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc.

• Charles Nicholls
• Samuell Watts}

churchwardens

• John Dodsworth
• Thomas Sanders
• Samuell Roome}

surveyors
of the highways.

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St George Hanover Square. WJ/SP/1741/04/010 (1741). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654210011

To the right worshipful his majesty's justices
of the peace at their general quarter session assembled
at Westminster

The humble petition of the churchwardens and surveyors
of the highways of the parish of Saint George Hanover Square in
the liberty of Westminster and county of Middlesex

Sheweth
that the highways causeways and pavements to
be repaired by the said parish are no so broken and out
of repair that they cannot be sufficiently amended and
repaired for this present year commencing from Christmas
last at less charge than four hundred pounds and upwards
which may be raised by a rate of two pence in the
pound upon the inhabitants owners and occupiers of
lands houses tenements and hereditaments within the
said parish

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray
your worships to grant an order of this court
to enable your petitioners to make an assessment
of two pence in the pound upon all and every the
inhabitants of the said parish for repairing of the
said highways causeways and pavements as by
the statute in that behalf made and provided

• Edward Hody} churchwarden


• Benjamin Berwick
• William Hood}

[surveyors?]
of the
[highways?]

Francis Hastins of St Anne Westminster, baker. WJ/SP/1742/10/006 (1742). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654260008

[illegible] worshipfull his majesty's justices of the peace for the city
and liberty of Westminster in general quarter sessions at Westminster Hall assembled

The humble petition of Francis Hastins of the parish of Saint
Anne Westminster baker

Sheweth
that by indenture of apprenticeship dated 7th February 1738
Thomas Cox one of the poor boys of the charity school of the said parish of Saint
Anne bound himself apprentice to your petitioner for seven years to learn the
art of a baker, and your petitioner received him as such and hath provided for and
instructed him according to the tenor of the said indenture, but the said
apprentice having behaved himself for along time in a very disorderly [manner?]
[neglected?] your petitioners business, received his moneys and converted them
to his the said apprentices own use and committed many other misdemeanors
to the great damage of his said master and seeing no likelihood of amendment

Your petitioner humbly prays your worships to take the
premisses into consideration and discharge him from the
said indentures or to make such order therein as to your
worships shall seem meet.

And your petitioner shall pray etc

• Francis Hastins

Thomas Dickens, churchwarden and surveyor of the highways of St Anne Westminster. WJ/SP/1743/04/001 (1743). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654280002

To the worshipfull his majesties justices
of the peace for the city and liberty of Westminster
in general quarter session assembled

The humble petition of Thomas Dickens
churchwarden and surveyor of the highways
of the parish of Saint Anne Westminster for the
year ending Christmas 1741

Sheweth
that in pursuance of an order of general quarter session held
for the city and liberty of Westminster a rate or assessment hath been
made for the repairs of the highways of the said parish for the said year
and your petitioner having in further pursuance of the said order exhibited
an account of all moneys by him received and paid upon the said assessment
to the churchwardens and gentlemen of the vestry of the said parish who
[illegible] audited and examined the same it appears there is remaining in your
petitioners hands to ballance his said account the sume of £40.10.2 1/2

Your petitioner therefore prays your
worships allowance of his said account
and an order for payment of the said
ballance sum to such person as to your
worships shall seem meet

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

• Thomas Dickens

Samuel Attersoll, keeper of the house of correction at Tothill Fields. WJ/SP/1743/10/009 (1743). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654300009

To the worshipfull his majestys justices of the peace for the
city and liberty of Westminster in their generall quarter
sessions assembled

The humble petition of Samuel Attersoll keeper
of the house of correction at Tothill Fields

Sheweth
that your petitioner was at the general quarter session of the peace held for the city and
liberty of Westminster on the seventh day of October 1741 chosen and appointed by your worships
master or governour of the house of correction at Tothill Fields.

That a sallary of 50 pounds per annum had been constantly received from the several parishes [within?]
the said city and liberty of Westminster by your petitioners predecessors until the
statute made in the twelfth year of the reign of his present majesty intituled
An Act for the More Easy Assessing Collecting and Levying of County Rates
whereby it is enacted that the justices of the peace for the said city and liberty
shall have full power to appoint the governour or master of the house of
correction within the said city and liberty who shall have the sum of money
yearly as hath been accustomed for and towards the support and maintenance
of the prisoners in his custody etc not exceeding 50 pounds by the year and direct
the treasurer or treasurers of the county of Middlesex to obey all orders which
shall be made by the said justices of the peace of the said city and liberty
or the greater part of them assembled in their general quarter [sessions?]
for the payment of any sum or sums of money for the allowance
to such governour or master of the house of correction

That there is due to your petitioner twenty five pounds for half
a years sallary from Lady Day last past to Michaelmas last past

Your petitioner therefore most humbly pray your
worships to order Master John Higgs treasurer
of the county of Middlesex to pay to your petitioner
the said sum of twenty five pounds

And your petitioner shall ever pray
etc.

• Samuel Attersoll

John Cardell, a prisoner in the Gatehouse. WJ/SP/1743/10/008 (1743). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654300021

To the worshipfull justices of the peace
for the city and liberty of Westminster att an
adjournment of October sessions held the 18th:
instant 1743

The humble petition of John Cardell
now a prisoner in the Gatehouse

Sheweth
that your petitioner was on the 7th. instant tryed and found guilty on an
indictment for assaulting Thomas Coop and your worships where then pleased to fine your petitioner
one hundred pounds, that afterwards on the 8th: instant the said fine was reduced and a penalty
inflicted of twelve callender months imprisonment.

That on the day of tryall it was represented to your worships by
councell in the behalf of the [plaintiff?] Thomas Coop, that your petitioner was a man of fortune and had
one hundred pounds a year, so far from that may it please your worships your, petitioner is ready
to make affidavit that he is not nor never was possessed, of any such annuall sum but was
no more than a journeyman to Master Phillip Nind ironmonger in the Strand at the
wages of £20 per annum,

That during your petitioners confinement in the Gatehouse severall
of his friends and perticularly Master Nathaniel Jeffries have applyed, to the said Thomas Coop in
order to make such sastisfaction as he your worships petitioner and all his friends can raise which
is the sum of £35,0,0 but the said Thomas Coop absolutely refuses to accept of the said
offer but strenuously insists upon £47,0,0

May it therefore please your worships to take your petitioners
case into consideration and grant that indulgence to a
destressed, family so as to prevail upon the said Thomas Thomas
Coop to accept the above proposall which your petitioner has
offerred

And your petitioner as in duty bound will always pray

• John Cardell

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St James Westminster. WJ/SP/1744/04/001 (1744). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654320001

To the right worshipfull his majestys justices of the peace
for the city and liberty of Westminster in their general
quarter sessions assembled

The humble petition of the churchwardens and surveyors
of the highways of the parish of Saint James within
the liberty of Westminster in the county of Middlesex

Sheweth
that the highways causeways and pavements to be
repaired by the said parish of Saint James are now so broken and out
of repair, that they cannot be sufficiently amended and repaired,
this present year 1744, at less charge than one hundred pounds
and upwards, which may be raised by a rate of one half penny
in the pound, upon the inhabitants, owners, occupiers of lands,
houses, tenements and hereditaments within the said parish.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray your
worships to grant your petitioners an order of
this court, to enable your petitioners to make
an assessment of one half penny in the pound
upon all and every the inhabitants of the said
parish for repairing the said highways causeways
and pavements, as by the statute in that behalf
made is provided.

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc.

• W Bayley}
• Francis Hows}
• Thomas Martin}
• James Hastings

churchwardens
and surveyors
of the highways.

William Clarke, late apprentice of Captain Christopher O Brian. WJ/SP/1744/06/001 (1744). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654330001

To the worshipfull his majesties of the peace for the city and
liberty of Westminster in their general quarter [sessions?]
assembled

The humble peticion of William Clarke [late apprentice?]
of Captain Christopher O Brian

Sheweth
that your petitioner was bound an apprentice unto Captain Christopher
[O Brian?] for the term of seven years from [the?] seventh day of May
1743 to learn the art and buissiness of a [mariner?]

That the said Captain O Brion haveing buisseness to detain [him on?]
board of ship at the time that your peticioner executed the said indenture
[illegible] the said Captain O Brian sent one Robert Hare one of the leiutenants on board
the said ship who executed the said indenture of for the said Captain O Brian
which your peticioner is informed is illegal in law

and your peticioners master Captain O Brian being dying about 4 instant [illegible]
since therefore your peticioner is left destitute of a master to teach
and instruct him in the buissness of a marriner according to the
covenants in the said indenture

Your peticioner most humbly prays your worshipps to
discharge him from the said indenture of apprenticeship
for the reasons aforesaid

And your peticioner shall ever pray

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St Anne Westminster. WJ/SP/1745/04/002 (1745). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654360002

To the worshipfull his majesty's justices
of the peace for the city and liberty of Westminster in general
quarter session for the said city and liberty at Westminster assembled

The humble petition of the churchwardens and
surveyors of the highways of the parish of Saint Anne
within the said city and liberty

Sheweth
that the highways, causeways and pavements to be
repaired by the said parish are now so broken and out of repair
that they cannot be sufficiently amended and repaired for this
present year commencing from Christmas last at less
charge than one hundred pounds and upwards which may
be raised by a rate of five farthings in the pound upon
the inhabitants owners and occupiers of lands houses
tenements and hereditaments within the said parish

Your petitioners therefore pray your
worships to grant them an order to [enable?]
them to make an assessment of five farthings
in the pound upon all and every the inhabitants
of the said parish for repairing the said highways
causeways and pavements as by the statute in
that behalf made and [provided?]

And your petitioners shall pray etc

• Daniel Jones vestry clerk

Sarah Auterac, widow of Charles Auterac late of Church Street, tallow chandler. WJ/SP/1745/07/003 (1745). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654370004

To the worshipfull Thomas Burdus esquire chairman
and to the rest of his majesties justices of the peace now assembled
at the generall quarter sessions of the peace holden in and for the
city and liberty of Westminster

The humble petition of Sarah Auterac widow of
Charles Auterac late of Church Street in the parish
of Saint Anns in the said liberty tallow chandler deceased

Most humbly sheweth
that your petitioners husband the said Charles Auterac
did by indentures of apprentiship bearing date the 18th. of August
1740 take one Robert Bushell an apprentice to learn him the
trade of a tallow chandler without any consideration money

That your petitioners said husband dyed in February last
not leaving your petitioner fortune sufficient to subsist
herself and family without carrying on the trade for their
support.

That sometime after your petitioners said husbands death
the said Robert Bushell who had been run away from his
master about six months came home to your petitioner
and promised as his master was dead he would behave as
a faithfull servant to her, and upon such promise and
upon his fathers promiseing he should behave well your
petitioner did receive the said Robert Bushell again who
acted indifferent well but a small time and then he took to
laying out a nights frequently and to come home drunk
at all times of the night making a noise and disturbing the
neighbourhood and swearing he would break the house
open imediately if your petitioner did not let him in, and [illegible]
would go and come when he pleased even at times when
there was a great hurry of business, and on or about the
11th day of November last your petitioner having occasion to go
up stairs into the maids room catched the said Robert
Bushell and her servant maid a bed together

That on the 18th. day of the said month of November the
said Robert Bushell attempted to go to bed to one Elizabeth
Peas now a servant to your petitioner at about 12 a clock
at night by breaking open the door of her room, and
because the maid would not consent to let him debauch
her he bred a great disturbance in your petitioners house
and all her family

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays that
this honourable court will be pleased in regard
that your petitioner is a widow and not able to deal
with such an idle and disorderly apprentice
to order that the said Robert Bushell may shew cause why he
should not be discharged from his said
apprentiship and why the said Robert Bushell
should not make your petitioner satisfaction for
the remainder part of his time being about
nine months or that this honourable court will
make such other order herein as shall
seem meet

And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray etc

• Sarah Auterac

Captain John Rogers. WJ/SP/1745/07/004 (1745). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654370006

To the worshipfull his
majesty's justices of the peace
for the city and liberty of Westminster
in their quarter sessions of the
peace assembled.

The humble petition and appeal,
of Captain John Rogers.

Sheweth
that your petitioner being an
inhabitant of the parish of Saint
Margaret Westminster is rated and
assessed to the poor of the said parish
for his dwelling house at the
yearly rent of £30. by which
your petitioner thinks himself
aggrieved

Therefore humbly prays
this court to appoint a time
this present sessions for the
hearing of his appeal, and
that all persons concerned
may attend

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

• John Rogers.

James Jarvis, son of Robert Jarvis of Hampstead, gardiner. WJ/SP/1745/10/007 (1745). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654380009

October sessions
1745

To the worshipfull his majestyes justices of the peace for the
city and liberties of Westminster in quarter sessions assembled

The humble petition of James Jarvis son of Robert Jarvis of Hampstead in the county
of Middlesex gardiner

Sheweth
that your petitioner on the 17th. day of June which was in the year 1741 did put himself apprentice to
Thomas Watkins carpenter for the space of seven years to learn of him the art and trade of a carpenter in which art
the said Thomas did by indenture covenant and agree to instruct your petitioner or cause him to be therein taught and instructed

that the said Thomas Watkins hath hitherto totally neglected to teach or instruct your petitioner or cause him
to be taught or instructed therein but instead thereof hath hitherto chiefly employed him in makeing mopsticks and carrying
of burthens whereby he is deprived and altogether ignorant of the said trade and business of a carpenter though now in the
fifth year of his apprenticeship and although he hath often requested his said master in the most humble manner to teach or cause
him to be taught and instructed in the trade of a carpenter he the said Thomas Watkins not only frequently refused so to do
but hath ever since conceived great hatred and malice against your petitioner for his said requests and hath oftentimes within
these three years last past without any just cause or reason taken occasion with mopsticks broomsticks and other instruments
of severity to beat and bruise your petitioner in a very cruel manner and which occasioned a violent fever and sickness under
which your petitioner laboured for upwards of three months and was like to have cost your petitioner his life

That in the beginning of his said sickness your petitioner was by his said master sent home to his friends at
Hampstead aforesaid and was by them wholly maintained and provided for during the continuance thereof and on the recovery
of his health he returned to his said master and your petitioner requested that he should be instructed in the business of
a carpenter which his said master promised but hath neglected so to do and without any just cause or provocation
hath treated your petitioner in such a cruel manner ever since that there seldom hath a week past in which he hath not
once or oftner kickt beat and bruised your petitioner in a cruel manner and threatned to murder him and at the same times
hath thrown at your petitioner malletts hammers and several other dangerous things by which means your petitioners
person and life have been greatly endangered

That on the twenty eighth day of June last he with great violence threw an edge tool at your petitioner which
wounded him through all his cloaths

That your petitioner in August last being so beat by his said master that he apprehending his life to be in
great danger fled and made his complaint to one of his majestyes justices of the peace who granted a warrant on which
the said Thomas Watkins was on the ninteenth day of the said month of August taken and carryed before Sir Thomas
Deveil who after examining your petitioner on oath touching the matters of his complaint against his said master
and on hearing what the said Thomas Watkins had to say in his defence asked the said Thomas Watkins whether he
was willing to discharge your petitioner from his said apprenticeship which he refuseing Sir Thomas Deveil
bound him over with sureties to appear at [this?] present sessions of the peace to answer the complaint of your
petitioner touching the matters aforesaid

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays for the reasons afore set forth to be
discharged from his said apprenticeship and master and that the indenture by which
your petitioner was bound to his said master may be delivered up to be cancelled
[illegible] to have such other relief as to your worships shall seem meet and just

And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray etc

• James Jarviss

Abraham Poland. WJ/SP/1745/10/008 (1745). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654380011

To the worshipfull Thomas Burdus esquire
one of his majestys justices, of the peace etc: etc: etc.
at the general quarter, sessions, of the peace, for the
city and liberty, of Westminster holden at Westminster
Hall. October 9 etc: 1745

The humble petition of Abraham Poland

Humbly sheweth
that your poor petitioner after nine months confinement
being ten weeks in the Gatehouse before tryal and according to sen=
=tence has continued six months in Tothillfields bridewell dureing
which time your poor petitioner with the greates difficulties and hardships
has survived life - which was impossible, had it not been for the small
support that came from a poor aged father and mother thats past
their labour. And your poor petitioner must still continue in his
miserable confinement (for his fine with court fees unless
relieved by your worships goodness etc your poor petitioner haveing
it not in his power to purchase the least moiety towards them

Therefore your poor petitioner
humbly prays

That your worships with Master Higgs goodness etc: will take pity
and compassion on a poor miserable (forlorned wretch) and commissirate
his missfortunes and that giv long sufferings, has been sufficient
and a severe punishment for his crime and through your worships
etc ever wonted goodness and clemency you will extend your great
benevolence to your poor petitioner by takeing off his fine etc:

For which inestimable
charity the life of your poor petitioner shall [illegible]
ever be acknowledged and indebted to the
great goodness of your worships etc: as your
poor petitioner, in duty bound

will ever pray

• Abraham Poland

Samuel Attersoll. WJ/SP/1745/10/009 (1745). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654380012

To the worshipfull his majestys justices
of the peace for the city and liberty of Westminster
in their general quarter session assembled

Sheweth
that your petitioner was at the general quarter session of the
peace held for the city and liberty of Westminster on the seventh day of
October 1741 chosen and appointed by your worships master or
governour of the house of correction at Tothill Feilds

That a sallary of 50 pounds per annum had been constantly received from the
several parishes within the said city and liberty of Westminster by your petitioners
predecessors untill the statute made in the twelfth year of the reign
of his present majestye intituled An Act for the More Easy Assessing
Collecting and Levying of county rates whereby it is enacted that the
justices of the peace for the said city and liberty shall have full power
to appoint the governour or master of the house of correction within
the said city and liberty

who shall have the sum of money yearly as hath been
accustomed for and towards the support and maintenance of the
prisoners in his custody etc not exceeding 50 pounds by the year and direct
the treasurer or treasurers of the county of Middlesex to obey all orders
which shall be made by the said justices of the peace for the said city
and liberty or the greater part of them assembled in their general
quarter sessions for the payment of any sum or sums of money
for the allowance allotted to such governour or master of the house
of correction

That there is due to your petitioner twenty five pounds for
half a years sallary from Lady Day last past to Michaelmas last
past

Your petitioner therefore most humble
prays your worships to order Master John
Higgs treasurer of the county of Middlesex
to pay to your petitioner the said sum of
twenty five pounds

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

• Samuel Attersoll

Richard Marsh. WJ/SP/1746/06/004 (1746). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654390005

To the worshipful his majestys justices of the peace for the city
and liberty of Westminster at their general quarter session assembled

The humble petition of Richard Marsh

Sheweth
that your petitioner by indenture of apprentiship bearing date
the 4th. day of March 1740 was bound to John Pitcher of the
parish of Saint Ann Westminster watchmaker to serve him in the manner of an
apprentice for the term of 7 years and your petitioners said master was to teach him
the said art or business of a watch maker and find and provide for your petitioner
during the said term all necessarys

That during the time your petitioner hath served his said
master your petitioner hath frequently had such unwholsome provision
purposely provided for him that he could not eat the same and your petitioners
mistress out of mere spite and hatred towards your petitioner hath very often
during the time aforesaid beat and abused your petitioner without any provocation

That your petitioner about 6 weeks ago in his masters vacancy of
business did some small peice of work for pocket money for himself of
which your petitioners master being informed he in a great rage required
your petitioners box (wherein the same was) to be opened, which your petitioner
not readily doing his master struck him a violent blow on the head which
provoked your petitioner to strike him again in a slight manner for which
your petitioner being had before a magistrate was by him (for want of bail)
committed to the Gate House where he has remained a prisoner near 6 weeks
without any manner of subsistance from his master

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays your
worships to grant your petitioner such relief in
the premisses as the nature of his case may
require and as to your worships shall seem meet

And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray etc

• Richard Marsh

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St Anne Westminster. WJ/SP/1746/06/005 (1746). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654390006

To the worshipfull his majestys justices of the peace
for the city and liberty of Westminster in the general quarter session
of the peace for the said city and liberty at Westminster assembled

The humble petition of the churchwardens and
surveyors of the highways of the parish of Saint Anne
within the liberty of Westminster in the county of Middlesex

Sheweth
that the highways and pavements to be amended and
repaired by the inhabitants of the said parish are so
broken and faulty that they cannot be sufficiently amended
and repaired for this present year from the feast day of the
birth of our Lord Christ now last past at less charge than the
expence of one hundred pounds and that the money being
not to be raised without an order of the general quarter
session

It is prayed that this court will grant them
such order whereby they may be enabled to
raise the said sum to defray the charges before
mencioned

And shall ever pray etc

• Daniel Jones vestry clerk

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St George Hanover Square. WJ/SP/1746/06/006 (1746). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654390007

To the right worshipful his majesty's justices of the peace
in their general quarter session assembled.

The humble petition of the churchwardens and surveyors of the
highways of the parish of Saint George Hanover Square within the liberty of Westminster

Sheweth
that the highways causeways and pavements to be repaired
by the said parish are now so broken and out of repair that they cannot be sufficiently
amended and repaired for this present year 1746 commencing from Christmas last at less
charge than four hundred pounds and upwards which may be raised by a rate not
exceeding two pence in the pound [illegible] upon the inhabitants owners and occupiers
of lands houses tenements and hereditaments within said parish.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray this court will
please to grant them an order to enable your petitioners
to make a rate or assessment not exceeding two pence in the
pound upon all and every the inhabitants of the said parish
for repairing the said highways causeways and pavements
as by the statute in that case is made and provided.

• William Timbrell} churchwarden


• John Pratt
• Benjamin Berwick
• Daniel [Vials?]}

surveyors of the highways.

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St George Hanover Square. WJ/SP/1746/10/011 (1746). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654400012

To the right worshipful his majesty's justices of the peace in their
general quarter session assembled.

The humble petition of the churchwardens and surveyors of the
highways of the parish of Saint George Hanover Square in the liberty of Westminster

Sheweth
that the surveyors of the highways of the said parish of
Saint George Hanover Square for the year 1745 have not made up and passed
their accounts relating to their said office as the law directs in such cases.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray this court
will be pleased to make such order for the said surveyors
to pass their accounts as to your worships shall seem
meet.

• William Timbrelll} churchwardens


• John Pratt
• Benjamin Berwick
• Daniel [Vial?] }

surveyors of the
highways

Samuel Attersoll, keeper of the house of correction at Totthill Fields. WJ/SP/1746/10/012 (1746). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654400013

To the worshipfull his majestys justices of the peace
for the city and liberty of Westminster in their general quarter
sessions assembled

The humble petition of Samuel Attersoll
keeper of the house of correction at Totthill
Feilds

Sheweth
that your petitioner was at the general quarter session of the peace
held for the city and liberty of Westminster on the seventh day of October 1741 chosen
and appointed by your worships master or governour of the house of correction
at Tothill Feilds

That a sallary of £50 per annum had been constantly received from the
several parishes within the said city and liberty of Westminster by your [petitioners?]
predecessors untill the statute made in the twelfth year of the reign
of his present majesty intituled An Act for the More Easy Assessing
Collecting and Levying of County Rates whereby it is enacted that the
justices of the peace for the said city and liberty shall have full
power to appoint the governour or master of the [illegible] house of
correction within the said city and liberty [illegible] who shall have the sum
of money yearly as hath been accustomed for and towards the support
and maintenance of the prisoners in his custody etc not exceeding £50
by the year and direct the treasurer or treasurers of the county
of Middlesex to obey all orders which shall be made by the said
justices of the peaces for the said liberty or the greater part of them
assembled in their general quarter sessions for the payment of any
sum or sums of money for the allowance allotted to such govenor
or master of the house of correction

That there is due to your petitioner twenty five pounds
for half a years sallary from Lady Day last past to
Michaelmas last past

Your petitioner therefore most humbly
prays your worships to order Master John
Higgs treasurer of the county of Middlesex
to pay to your petitioner the said sum
of twenty five pounds

And your petitioner shall ever pray
etc

• Samuel Attersoll

Thomas Dell. WJ/SP/1746/10/013 (1746). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654400014

To the right worshipfull the chairman and the rest of his majesty's worshipfull justices of the peace for
the city and liberty of Westminster in general quarter sessions assembled

The petition of Thomas Dell

Humbly sheweth
that your petitioner on the twenty eighth day of September in the year 1742 was
bound an apprentice by indenture unto John Neville of the parish of Saint James Westminster silver=
smith for the space of seven years to learn the said art or trade

That notwithstanding your petitioner has now served his said master [illegible] upwards
of four years, yet he has been imployed during that space in little else then in going on errands, so that
your petitioner has thereby been hitherto deprived of all opportunity of being instructed in the said trade
besides which as your petitioner's said master has lately become bankrupt and proposes for the
future not to follow the manufacturing part of the said trade your petitioner will at the expiration of
his said apprenticeship for want of proper instructions be rendred unable to get a livelyhood
thereby. His said master having lately disposed of his working tools

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays your worships, that you would be pleased to take
his case into consideration, and make such order thereon touching the same, as to your
worships in your judgment, shall seem meet.

And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray etc.

• Thomas Dell

Jeremiah Johnson. WJ/SP/1746/10/014 (1746). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654400016

To the worshipfull his majesty's justices of the peace
for the city and liberty of Westminster in quarter sessions
assembled

The humble petition of Jeremiah Johnson

Sheweth
that by indenture of apprentiship bearing date the 6th. day of
October 1743 your petitioner bound himself apprentice for seven years
to William [Bain?] of the parish of Saint Margaret Westminster to learn the
business of a joyner.

That your petitioner's said master about 5 months ago quitted
his habitation and left your petitioner unprovided for and where his said
master now is your petitioner cannot say.

That since the first year of your petitioners apprentiship his said
master hath had no settled business, nor hath he taken any means
or care to instruct your petitioner in his business whereby your petitioner thinks
himself greatly injured and

Therefore humbly prays this worshipfull
court to take the premises into consideration and
discharge him from his said indenture of apprenticeship

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

• Jeremiah Johnson

John Hawkins. WJ/SP/1747/04/005 (1747). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654410007

To the worshipfull his majesties justices
of the peace for the city and liberty of [Westminster?]
in their general quarter session [assembled?]

The humble petition of John Hawkins

Sheweth
that by indenture bearing date on or about the 18th [illegible]
December 1742 your petitioner was bound an apprentice
to Alexander Black of the parish of Saint Martin in the Fields to [learn?]
the art of a cabinet maker for the term or space of 7 years
and the first two years of your petitioners term of service
your petitioners freinds did find and provide for your petitioner
meat drink lodging and washings and cloths which said two
years is now expired and your petitioners master has had the
benefit of such service

That the said Alexander Black being very much in [debt?]
is oblidged to obscond and keep out of the way for fear [of?]
being arrested and the said Alexander Black has left his [illegible]
house and buissiness for three months last past

And your petitioner is left destitute without
necessaryes for the support of nature and no work [illegible]
your petitioner can be taught and instructed in the [illegible]
and buissiness of a cabinet maker whereby your [petitioner?]
may be enabled to get his livelihood

And your petitioner has been supported with
necessaryes for life for two months last past by [illegible]
Thomas Truby who is only a father in law and [illegible]
unable to support your petitioner

Therefore your petitioner most
humbly prays this court to take
premises into consideration [and?]
discharge him from his said indenture
of apprentiship

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

• John Hawkins

John Jobson. WJ/SP/1747/04/006 (1747). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654410009

To the right worshipfull the chairman and the rest of his majesties justices of the
peace for the city and liberty of Westminster in generall quarter session assembled

The petition of John Jobson

Humbly sheweth
that your petitioner was on or about the twentyeth day of August
last, bound an apprentice by indenture unto Robert Baxter of the parish
of Saint Margaret Westminster taylor for the space of seven years to
learn the said trade.

That about Christmas last, your petitioners said master left off
his said trade of a [illegible] taylor and house keeping and hath since betaken
himself to lodge in an ale house, where be now follows the business of an
embroiderer being his wifes trade, and has often told your petitioner that
he never intends to work again in the taylors trade whereby he
will be intirely ignorant thereof, and rendred unable to get a lively=
hood, thereby, besides which his said master about three weeks since
pushed and beat him out of doors, and declared that he should have no shelter
with him so that unless your petitioner had been taken in by one of
his friends he must have lain in the streets

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays your worships
that you would be pleased to make such orders touching your
petitioners discharge from his said apprentiship as to your
worships shall seem meet

And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray

• John Jobson

Adolph Johnson. WJ/SP/1747/04/007 (1747). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654410011

To the worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace of the city and liberty of
Westminster in their general quarter session assembled.

The humble petition of Adolph Johnson.

Sheweth.
that by indenture bearing date on or about the nineteenth day of May one thousand
seven hundred and forty three one Thomas Always was bound as an apprenticeship unto your petitioner for
the term or space of seven years to learn the art of a barber and perukemaker

That the said Thomas Always hath continued and lived with your petitioner from the said 19th
day of May untill this time, and your petitioner having a sufficient fortune without continuing his said
business about the month of March last left of his said trade

And your petitioner is now ready and willing to turn over the said Thomas Always unto
another master which he has procured in the same trade in order that he may serve the remainder of the said term, but
the said Thomas Always insist upon his being absolutely discharged from the said indenture and to be bound
unto a shoemaker

Your petitioner therefore prays your worships to take the
premisses into consideration and to order that the said Thomas
Always may be turned over unto another master for the
remainder of the said term, [and?] that he may be discharged from
your petitioner and or to give such other relief as to your
worships shall seem meet

And your petitioner shall ever pray.

• Adolf Johnson

Samuel Attersoll, keeper of the house of correction at Tothill Fields. WJ/SP/1747/04/008 (1747). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654410012

To the worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace
for the city and liberty of Westminster in their general
quarter session assembled.

The humble petition of Samuel Attersoll keeper
of the house of correction at Tothill Fields

Sheweth.
that your petitioner was at the general quarter session of the peace held for the
city and liberty of Westminster on the seventh day of October 1741 chosen and appointed by
your worships master or governour of the house of correction at Tothill Fields

That a sallary of 50£ per annum had been constantly received from the several parishes
within the said city and liberty of Westminster by your petitioners predecessors untill the statute
made in the twelfth year of the reign of his present majesty intituled An Act for the More
Easy Assessing Collecting and Levying of County Rates whereby it is enacted that the justices
of the peace for the said city and liberty shall have full power to appoint the governour
or master of the house of correction within the said city and liberty who shall have the
summe of money yearly as hath been accustomed for and towards the support and maintenance
of the prisoners in his custody etc not exceeding 50£ by the year and direct the treasurer or
treasurers of the county of Middlesex to obey all orders which shall be made by the said justices
of the peace for the said city and liberty or the greater part of them assembled in their
general quarter sessions for the payment of any summe or summes of money for the
allowance allotted to such governour or master of the house of correction

That there is due to your petitioner twenty five pounds for half a years sallary
from Michaelmas last past to Lady Day last past

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays your
worships to order Master John Higgs treasurer of the county
of Middlesex to pay to your petitioner the said summe of
twenty five pounds

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

• Samuel Attersoll

Robert Pyle. WJ/SP/1748/04/002 (1748). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654440002

To his majesty's justices of the peace assembled
at the quarter sessions held in and for the city
and liberty of Westminster

The humble petition of Robert Pyle

Sheweth
that by indenture dated the 18th: day of October in the year of
[our?] Lord 1743 your petitioner did put himself apprentice to Joseph Francis
[Nollekens?] late of the parish of Saint Ann in the county of Middlesex limner
[illegible] learn his art and him to serve for the space of seven years from
[illegible] date of the said indenture.

And the said Joseph Francis Nollekens in consideration of
[illegible] sum of thirty pounds in the said indenture mentioned did agree to
[teach?] and instruct or cause his said apprentice to be taught and instructed
[illegible] his said art of a limner and to find his said apprentice with meat
[drink?] and lodging during the said term as in and by one part of the said
[indenture?] under the hand and seal of the said Joseph Francis Nollekens
[illegible] [...ted?] and in your petitioners custody ready to be produced will
[illegible]

That your petitioner did diligently and faithfully serve his said
[master?] as his apprentice according to the covenants of his said indenture
[illegible] soon after Christmas last when his said master departed this
[illegible] Mary Ann Nollekens his widow and during such
[illegible] your petitioner under his said master's instructions became
proficient in the ground works but wanted to learn and [was?]
[illegible] instructed in the finishing part of the said art.

That upon the death of your petitioners said master his said widow was
[illegible] of carrying on her said husband's art or profession nor did
she employ any person under her capable thereof or for such purpose
[illegible] your petitioner is left destitute of any master or instructor for the
[illegible] of the said term which will be 2 years from the month of October next.

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays your worships
that he may be discharged from the said indenture or that the
said Mary Ann Nollekens may either provide another
fit master for your petitioner and turn him over to him for the
remainder of the said term at her own expence or may be
obliged to refund and pay back such proportion of the
said consideration money paid with your petitioner as for that
purpose to your worships shall seem meet.

And your petitioner (as in duty bound) shall ever pray etc.

• Robert Pyle

Thomas Morgan. WJ/SP/1748/04/004 (1748). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654440005

To the right worshipfull the chairman and the rest of his majesty's justices
[illegible] for the city and liberty of Westminster in general quarter
[sessions assembled?]

The petition of Thomas Morgan

Sheweth
that your petitioner on or about the 22d. day of July 1746
[illegible] bound an apprentice by indenture unto Adam Bremen of the
parish of Saint James Westminster butcher for the space of seven
years to learn his art or trade in consideration whereof your
petitioner paid or caused to be paid unto his said master the sum
of fifteen pounds fifteen shillings

That about a year after the binding of your petitioner to his
said master as aforesaid he began to use your petitioner in a
very bad manner both by ill treatment and otherwise

That your petitioner finding that his said master took no
sort of care to instruct your petitioner in the said trade did
frequently apply himself to his said master in a respectfull
and dutifull manner upon that occasion who absolutely refused
and denyed giving him any insight or instruction in the
said trade

That your petitioners said master about three months since
turned your petitioner out of his habitation and when he
applyed to his said master to be received his said master
declared that he should not enter his doors and service again
[illegible] words to that effect

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays
your worships that you would be pleased
to take the premises into your consideration
and make such order therein touching
his discharge from his said apprenticeship
and restitution of the said fifteen pounds
fifteen shillings or such part thereof as
to your worships shall seem meet

And your petitioner as in duty bound
shall ever pray etc

The mark of TM Thomas Morgan

Jonathan Sills, apprentice to Samuel Evans of St James Westminster, saddler. WJ/SP/1748/04/005 (1748). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654440007

[illegible] worshipfull his majestys justices of the peace for
the city and liberty of Westminster assembled in their
general quarter session

The humble petition of Jonathan Sills apprentice to Samuel
Evans of the parish of Saint James Westminster sadler

That your petitioner was bound by indenture dated the 19th. day of
September 1744 an apprentice to the said Samuel Evans for the term of seven
[years to learn?] the art and mistery of a sadler for which the said Samuel Evans
[illegible] [and received?] of your petitioners father the sum of ten pounds for [illegible]
teach and instruct your petitioner the said art and mistery

That your petitioner has lived with the said Samuel Evans [three yeares?]
[illegible] and that your petitioner never has seen any new works made by the said
[illegible] nor the said Samuel Evans has not taught or instructed your said
[illegible] to make a sadle or to perform any new work in and about the same

That the said Samuel Evans has not had for the time that your said [petitioner?]
[illegible] lived with him any business to teach and instruct your said
[petitioner?] in the mistery of a sadler but has only had employ of mending up old
[illegible] only in the botching way

And if your petitioner should continue with the said Samuel Evans
[illegible] apprenticehood your petitioner will be deprived of learning the
mistery [illegible] sadler or knowing anything of the buissiness which will
[illegible] petitioner from getting his bread

And your petitioner says that if the said Samuel Evans had any [employ?]
[illegible] of sadler to learn and instruct your petitioner that the said
Evans is seldome or ever at home that your petitioner some days
[illegible] more than a quarter of an hour for that he the said Samuel
[illegible] from home most dayes and does not come home untill
[illegible] which [is?] his general life to the great surprise of most
[illegible] knows him and in what manner he gets his livelyhood

Your petitioner humbly prays your worships
to discharge your petitioner from his said
apprenticehood with the said Samuel Evans
and that the summe of ten pounds may be paid
back by the said Samuel Evans to your said
petitioner

And your petitioner in duty bound shall ever pray etc

• Jonathan Sills

Robert Nash. WJ/SP/1748/04/007 (1748). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654440010

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices
[illegible] for the city and liberty of Westminster in their
general quarter sessions of the peace by adjournment
assembled.

The humble petition of Robert Nash

Humbly sheweth
that your petitioner was on Friday the 7th. day of October
last convicted on an indictment for an assault upon John Birt

That thereupon your worships were pleased to lay a
fine of 50£ upon your petitioner and ordered your petitioner
to be imprisoned in the Gatehouse til the said fine should be paid

That your petitioner hath being confined in the said prison
ever since the 7th: of October last which is now two months and your
petitioner his wife and four small children almost ready to perish
for want he not being able to do anything in the said prison for
their support

That your petitioner is a journeyman leather dress by
business and never earns above ten shillings a week which
together with his great family renders him unable to pay the
said fine, and unless your worships will be pleased to take his
case into consideration his wife and family must become
burthensome to the parish and he perish for want.

Your petitioner therefore most humbly implores
your worships to take his miserable case into
consideration and to mitigate his fine that he may be
able to get out of prison and work for the support of
himself and poor family

And as in duty bound your petitioner shall ever
pray etc

• Robert Nash

• [illegible] Wright} churchwarden


• [illegible] Abingworth} overseer


• [Benjamin?] Taylor


• Ishmael Reeve
• [illegible] Powell
• John Andrews
• James [Cainsford?]


• John Naden
• [W?] Foster
• Henry Jaffray
• [illegible] [Poole?]

John Graham. WJ/SP/1748/10/024 (1748). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654460022

To the right worshipfull the justices of goal delivery met by
adjournment at Westminster this [14th?] December 1748

The humble petition of John Graham

Sheweth
that at the last quarterly sessions held before your worships at
Westminster your petitioner was fined three shillings and four pence
and to continue a close prisoner in the Gatehouse for the space of
twelve callender months, on the prosecution of Mary Martin for
an assault, that your petitioner being at that time a private soldier in
Colonell [Murreys?] regiment of foot, had the usuall subsistance paid
him, which enabled your petitioner to live but since that time your petitioner has
been discharged out of said regiement and is thereby reduced to the greatest
necessity, not having wherewithall to support nature, not having
one farthing to purchase victualls or drink, that your petitioner is
a coach [illegible] and if at liberty woud have it in his
[illegible]
to the prosecutrix who [w...yne?] with your petitioner in his behalf
in order to have your petitioner released, your petitioner humbly hopes that your
worships will take his case under your consideration and grant him such
reliefe in the premisses as to your worships shall seem meet

And he will ever pray

Jon Graham

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St George Hanover Square. WJ/SP/1749/06/004 (1749). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654480005

To the worshipful his majesty's justices of the peace for the city and
liberty of Westminster in their general quarter session of the peace by
adjournment assembled

The humble petition of the churchwardens and surveyors
of the highways of the parish of Saint George Hanover Square
within the liberty of Westminster

Sheweth
that the surveyors of the highways of the said parish
of Saint George Hanover Square for the year last past have not made up
and passed their accounts relating to their said office as the law directs
in such cases.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray this court
will please to make such order for the said surveyors
to pass their accounts as to your worships shall seem
meet.

• Francis Burton
• Joseph Patterson}

churchwardens.

• Cornelius Vanderstop
• Charles Durham
• William Perritt}

surveyors.

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St George Hanover Square. WJ/SP/1749/06/005 (1749). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654480006

To the worshipfull his majesty's justices of the peace for the city and
liberty of Westminster in their general quarter session of the peace, by
adjournment assembled.

The humble petition of the churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of
the parish of Saint George Hanover Square within the liberty of Westminster in
the county of Middlesex.

Sheweth
that the highways causeways and pavements to be repaired by the
said parish are now so broken and out of repair that they cannot be sufficiently amended
and repaired for this present year commencing from Christmas last past at less charge
than three hundred pounds and upwards which may be raised by a rate not exceeding three
half pence in the pound upon all and every the inhabitants owners and occupiers of
lands houses tenements and hereditaments within the said parish.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray this court to grant
them an order of court to enable your petitioners to make
a rate or assessment not exceeding one penny half penny in the pound
upon all and every the inhabitants of the said parish for
repairing of the said highways causeways and pavements as
by the statute in that case made and provided.

• Francis Burton
• Joseph Patterson}

churchwardens

• Cornelius Vanderstop
• Charles Durham
• William Perritt}

surveyors of the
highways.

John Bathurst Dolphin, a foreigner, servant to Mistress Scrimshire of Bond Street. WJ/SP/1749/06/006 (1749). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654480008

To the honourable the bench of justices, for the city and
liberty of Westminster

The petition of John Bathurst Dolphin
a foreigner, servant to Mistress Scrimshire
of Bond Street

Most humbly sheweth
that your petitioner, who is unhappily
confined in the Gate House Westminster for an assault, has been
upwards of seven years in England and always maintained the
character of an honest, quiet, inoffensive man, nor has he ever
been charged with being guilty of the least crime before this,
for which he is now under confinement, and for which
he is heartily concerned.

That he has a wife big with child whose
sole dependance for support was upon his labour and industry
and if deprived of his assistance must inevitably be exposed
to want and misery inexpressible.

Your petitioner therefore who is most heartily
sorry for the inadvertency and folly he has been
guilty of, and is determined for the future not to
give the least offence, most humbly and casually
implores your honours clemency and mercy in
granting his liberty

And your petitioner in duty bound shall ever pray etc.

• John Bathurst Dolphin his marke.

The churchwardens and overseers of the poor of St George, Surrey. WJ/SP/1749/06/007 (1749). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654480009

To the worshipfull his majestys justices of the peace now
assembled at the generall quarter sessions of the peace holden
at the courthouse near Westminster Hall in and for the
liberty of Westminster in the county of Middlesex

The humble petition and appeal of the churchwardens
and overseers of the poor of the parish of Saint
George in the county of Surry

Sheweth
that by an order or pass warrant under the hand and seal
of Daniel Gach esquire one of his majestys justices of the peace for the
liberty of Westminster aforesaid bearing date the twelfth day of April in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty nine after reciting
that Elizabeth Hudson was apprehended in the parish of Saint Martin in
the Fields within the liberty aforesaid in the said county of Middlesex as a
rogue and vagabond (videlicet) wandering abroad and lodging in the open
air and not being able to give a good account of herself it was
ordered by the said justice by the said order or pass warrant that the said
Elizabeth Hudson should be conveyed from the said parish of Saint Martin
in the Fields to the said parish of Saint George in the county of Surry as her
last legal place of settlement

That the said Elizabeth Hudson by virtue of the said order
or pass warrant hath been conveyed from the said parish of Saint Martin
in the Fields to the said parish of Saint George where she now remains
chargeable to the same parish lastmentioned

Your petitioners apprehending themselves aggreived by the said
order or pass warrant made by the said justice as
aforesaid do therefore humbly appeal against the same

• Edward Cooke
• Joseph Bayley}

churchwardens

• William Tovey
• Samuel Carter}

overseers

Samuel Attersoll, keeper of the house of correction at Tothill Fields. WJ/SP/1749/10/010 (1749). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS654490012

To the worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace for the city and liberty of Westminster in their general quarter
session of the peace assembled

The humble petition of Samuel Attersoll keeper of
the house of correction at Tothill Fields

Sheweth
that your petitioner was at the general quarter
session of the peace held for the city and liberty of Westminster on the seventh day of
October 1741 chosen and appointed by your worships master or governor of the house
of correction at Tothil Fields

that a salary of 50 pounds per annum has been constantly
received from the several parishes within the said city and liberty of Westminster by
your petitioners predecessors until the statute made in the 12th. year of the reign
of his present majesty intituled An Act for the More Easy Assessing Collecting
and Levying of County Rates it is enacted that the justices of the peace for the said
city and liberty shall have full power to appoint the governor or master of
the house of correction within the said city and liberty who shall have the summe
of money yearly as hath been accustomed for and towards the support and
maintainance of the prisoners in his custody etc not exceeding 50 pounds by the
year and direct the treasurer or treasurers of the county of Middlesex to obey
all orders which shall be made by the said justices of the peace for the said
liberty or the greater part of them assembled in their general quarter session
for the payment of any summe or summes of money for the allowance allotted
to such governor or master of the house of correction

That there is due to your petitioner twenty five
pounds for half a years salary from Lady Day last past to Michaelmas
last past

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays
your worships to order Master John Higgs treasurer
of the county of Middlesex to pay to your petitioner
the said summe of twenty five pounds

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

• Samuel Attersoll