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Petitions to the Westminster Quarter Sessions: 1720s

Petitions to the Westminster Quarter Sessions, 1620-1799.

This free content was born digital and sponsored by the Economic History Society and the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the cost of transcribing eighteenth-century items was funded by a later Economic History Society Carnevali Small Research Grant: ‘Poverty, Taxation and Regulation: Petitions to Local magistrates in Eighteenth-Century England’ and the other costs, including photography and transcription of seventeenth-century items and editorial work, were funded by an Arts and Humanities Research Council Research Grant: ‘The Power of Petitioning in Seventeenth-Century England’ (AH/S001654/1). CC-NC-BY.

Citation:

In this section

Thomas Simes, apprentice to Peter Shuttleworth, citizen and lorimer of London. WJ/SP/1720/04/001 (1720). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653560002

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace for the city and liberty of Westminster in the county of Middlesex in their gennerall quarter sessions assembled

The humble petition of Thomas Simes an apprentice to Peter Shuttleworth cittizen and lorimer of London

Sheweth; [illegible] that your said petitioner is by indenture of apprenticeshipp bearing date [7?] day of December 1713 bound an apprentice for the terme of seaven years

That your said peticioner has and does [illegible] live with his said master (who keeps the Old Devill taverne att Charing Cross ever since the date of the said indenture

That your said peticioner has not sufficient apparell according to the covenant in the said indenture and has not nor does instruct him in the trade art of a vintner beene or is instructed by his said master in the art of vintner pursuant to such covenant

Wherefore your said petitioner most humbly prays your worshipps to order the said [illegible] Peter Shuttleworth may attend [the?] court on his recognizance given to answer his said apprentices complaint and that this court will consider the premisses, and make such further order herein as to youre worshipps judgment shall seeme meet.

And your petitioner shall pray etc.

George Allatt, son of Thomas Allatt of St Martins in the Fields, coachmaker. WJ/SP/1720/04/002 (1720). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653560004

Westminster sessions

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

The humble peticion of George Allatt the son of Thomas Allatt of the parish of Saint Martins in the Feilds in the county of Middlesex coachmaker

Sheweth that on the 20th. day of June 1717 your peticioner was sent out [illegible] apprentice to Master Cecill Wray a linnen draper for 7 years, and on the 5th. of November last your petitioner [illegible] was by the consent of all partyes turned over to Master Walter Watkins a linnen draper in Pell Mell to whom your peticioners father paid the sume of 30 pounds on that account

That on the 27th. of Aprill last about half an hour past eight at night your peticioner [illegible] desired his mistress (his master not being there) to give him leave to go into the Strand which she did and desired him to call at the 3 Tuns in Chandois Street and see if her husband was there, which your peticioner [illegible] did accordingly, but his master not being there he went to see a friend at the Thistle and Crown in Charles Court in the Strand but not finding him he your petitioner went directly to [illegible] his fathers house at the Mewse Gate where he stayd till about a quarter after nine of the clock and then he went to his masters house, when he came there he found his master standing at the door who asked him where he had been, but without staying for an answer at the same instant with his fist gave him such a violent blow on his face and nose that he verily [believed?] he lost apint of blood, but not content with that gave him a great many other blows about his head and face, whereupon his masters wife hearing your peticioner [illegible] cry out in a violent manner came out of a back parlour desired him to tell her husband where he had been, [which?] he did as soon as he was able and she likewise told her husband that she had given him leave to go out yett notwithstanding he continued still to strike him, and with his fist gave him such a violent blow upon his right eye that your peticioner [illegible] thought his eye had been strucke out, after his master had given him that blow, he went and locked the door and comanded him to bed, but your peticioner [illegible] being very ill and feverish by reason of the blows he had received but particularly that on his eye, went the next morning to [illegible] his fathers house where he was so ill of it that he did not go abroad till the 17th of May last, except the next morning when your peticioner gott a warrant against [illegible] his said master for this barbarous usage of his [illegible]

That your peticioner humbly apprehends the law never intended to allow any master the liberty of treating his servant with such unreasonable severity and forasmuch as your peticioner does really believe that he [illegible] may be used much worse, if not in danger of his life, if he should continue with his master

Your peticioner therefore humbly prays your worships that you will be pleased to make an order to discharge his son him from his said master and that so much of the said thirty pounds which your peticioners father paid with him to his said master may be returned to your peticioners father as your worshipps shall think reasonable

And your peticioner shall ever pray etc

  • George Allatt

Thomas Lloyd, victualer. WJ/SP/1721/07/001 (1721). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653610001

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

The humble petition of Thomas Lloyd victualer

Sheweth that your petitioner for above thirty years past hath been an inhabitant and housekeeper in the parish of Saint Margaret Westminster has a wife and six children unprovided for and is zeelously affected to his sacred majesty King George and his government

That the place of cryer of the court of generall quarter sessions for the said city and liberty of Westminster is now vacant by the resignacion of Laurence Randall now elected governor of the house of correction

Your petitioner humbly prays your worshipps that by your nominacion he may be appointed cryer of the said court of generall quarter sessions held for the said city and liberty

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

Richard Roberts. WJ/SP/1721/07/002 (1721). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653610002

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace for the citty and liberty of Westminster at this present sessions assembled

The humble peticion of [illegible] Roberts

Sheweth that your [petitioner?] [illegible] as an apprentice [illegible] parish of Saint Leonard Foster Lane in [illegible] of Saint Martins Legrand within the liberty of [West...?] cordwainer the fifteenth day of May 1717 and to serve as an apprentice to the said Thomas Goodman in the said art and trade) untill he should accomplish the full age of four and twenty years and the said Thomas Goodman was to find for your peticioner sufficient meat drink and apparel lodging washing and all other things nessessary for an apprentice during the said terme which your peticioners said master has for this five years refused to allow your said peticioner

Therefore your peticioner humbly prays your worships to grant an order for the said Thomas Goodman [illegible] appear [at?] [illegible] [illegible] discharged [illegible] master

And your peticioner shall for ever pray [illegible]

  • Richard Roberts

William Heath. WJ/SP/1721/07/003 (1721). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653610003

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

The humble petition of William [Heath?]

Sheweth [illegible] Randolph Scotcher of Milbank [in the?] parish of [illegible] Westminster carpenter for the term of seven years.

That your petitioner for the time he hath been with his said master having hath behaved himself diligently in his business and in all other respects hath demeaned himself as he ought to do, notwithstanding which your petitioner without any provocation hath met with very severe treatment both from his master and mistress, by their assaulting him, once with the wooden bar of the front door when he was in bed, and at other times with other unreasonable weapons, that also about twelve at night his mistress pulled him out of bed and sent him to the watch house and at another time kept him two days without victuals.

That your petitioners said master had paid him by Sir Jemmett Raymond at the binding your petitioner twenty [illegible] your worships will please to observe that it [illegible] [illegible] since his [illegible]

your petitioner [therefore humbly?] prays in [illegible] of his intollerable usage to discharge him [illegible] his master and order such part of the [consideration?] mony to be repaid as the worships shall judge [reasonable?] or otherwise as to your worships wisdome shall seem meet.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

Thomas Lloyd, victualer. WJ/SP/1721/07/004 (1721). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653610004

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

The humble petition of Thomas Lloyd victualer

Sheweth that your petitioner for above thirty years last past hath been an inhabitant in the parish of Saint Margarets Westminster, hath a wife and six children wholly unprovided for, and is zealously affected to his sacred majesty King George and his government

That the place of governor of bridewell at Westminster is become vacant by the decease of Master Matthew Jenkins and your petitioner humbly [conceiving?] himself capable [of?] executeing that office

Your petitioner humbly prays your worships that by your election he may be appointed governour of the house of correction at Tot:hill Fields in Westminster

And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray etc

  • Thomas Lloyd

Michael Crane junior. WJ/SP/1721/07/005 (1721). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653610005

To the right [worshipful his?] majesties justices of the [peace?] for the citty and liberty of [Westminster?] in their general quarter [sessions?] assembled

The humble peticion [of?] Michael Crane junior

Sheweth that your petitioner by indenture bearing date the [nine?] day of May anno domini 1718 did putt [himself?] [illegible] an apprentice to Master Mathew Fox of the [parish?] of Saint Martin in the Feilds in this liberty [illegible] for the term of seven yeares

That your petitioner well hoped his said [master?] would have instructed him in the art of [illegible] and making up and mixing of [me...?] [illegible] there [illegible] all [illegible] severall [illegible] cruelly beaten your petitioner with [illegible] with an oaken stick and his [illegible]

That your petitioners said master is oblidged [by?] recognizance to appear before your [worships?] in this honourable court to answer your petitioners [complaint?]

Your petitioner therefore most [humbly?] prays your worshipps to [appoint?] a day for all parties to [illegible] this court to abide the [judgement?] thereof and that your worships [illegible] discharge your petitioner from his said [indenture?] will be pleased to grant [illegible] petitioner such other releif in the [illegible] to your worshipps shall [seem?] [illegible]

And your petitioner [illegible] pray etc

John Hallin mariner. WJ/SP/1723/04/002 (1723). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653650003

To the worshipfull bench of justices now setting at Westminster

The petition of John Hallin mariner

Sheweth that whereas your petitioner (about two years ago) was bound over to the sessions, hold- ing for the liberty of Westminster for being at a gaming house your petitioner appeared at the next sessions (and paid the usual fees) in order to clear himself and bail but your worships were pleased to continue your petitioner upon his recognizance to a further sessions in which time your petitioner did make severall discoveries by the way of information against diverse notorious and disorderly, persons, which service of your petitioners proved very usefull to the publick which your worships have been pleased to certifye as it appears by the copy of your worships certificate annext to the petition.

Your petitioner humbly beggs in regard to his services that your worships will be pleased to discharge your petitioner and his bail who are still continued upon there recognizance for the offence above mentioned,

Your petitioner and his bail are in very poor circumstances therefore hope your worships will consider them it not being in your petitioner or his bail's power to make any restitution for this neglect.

And your petitioners will ever pray etc

Thomas Shergold. WJ/SP/1724/10/001 (1724). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653690002

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

The humble petition of Thomas Shergold

Sheweth that your petitioner is an apprentice (by indenture bearing date the twelfth day of May 1722) bound to Hans Hyssing of the parish of Saint Anns Westminster limner for the space of four years from the said date to learn his art of a limner and hath faithfully served him above two years and that his said master had with him fifty two pounds ten shillings that your petitioners said master hath for some time past been very cross and out of humour to your petitioner giveing him unwholesome meats and not sufficient of that hath put lumps of clay in two or three pints of small beer stirred it together then strained it through a cloath for your petitioner to drink, has hung wett cloths in the garrett where he lay whereby he has had violent colds and lately has barbarously kicked him for speakeing to a friend at the door but for two or three minutes and when your petitioners said master was lately going into into the country he bid your petitioner go home to his mother without leaveing him imployment to improve himself and since he returned out of the country bid him again go home to his mother, your petitioner desired he would give it under his hand to go, which he refused to doe

Your petitioner therefore humbly prays this honourable court to discharge him from his said master and from his indenture of apprenticehood, and leave him at his liberty to serve with some other fit master and also to order him part of the money again that was given with him

And as in duty bound your petitioner shall pray etc

  • Thomas Shergold
paratext

Hans Hyssing the master is a foreigner and not naturalized}

Thomas Hyhorn. WJ/SP/1724/10/002 (1724). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653690004

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

The humble petition of Thomas Hyhorn

Sheweth that your petitioner was a greencoat boy of the school founded by King Charles the First in Tuttle Fields Westminster out of which he was bound about three years ago to Master Isaac Stevens of Saint Margaret Westminster undertaker as his apprentice for 7 years.

That your petitioners said master dyed about six months ago, since which time your petitioner hath been unprovided for, Mistress Rose his said masters administratix refusing to admit him into her service.

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays this worshipfull court, to take such order for the relief of the petitioner (in the premisses) as to your worships wisdome and justice shall seem most meet.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

  • Thomas Hyhorn

Ann Hyon, widow. WJ/SP/1724/10/003 (1724). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653690006

To the worshipfull the bench of justices sitting in Westminster the petition of Ann Hyon widdow

Humbly shew that your worships most humble petitioners son was put apprentice (to Master Isaac Stevens) out of the Green Coat School but Master Stevens dying before her son was perfected in his trade left all his effects to Master Roses daughter and the said gentlewoman not having any person about her capable of instructing your petitioners son in the remaining part of his trade in which he your petitioners son is wanting makes it him desirous to be turned over to Master Filer for his future good and your worships petitioner being very poor and distitute of friends

Humbly beggs for Christs Jesus sake that your worships of your goodness according to your authority in such cases would please to order that your petitioners son be turned over to the said Master Filer as a person proper to perfect your poor petitioners son in the remaining part of his trade that is wanting

And as in duty bound (she shall for ever pray)

James Stedman, William Tuffnall and Thomas Burt. WJ/SP/1724/10/006 (1724). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653690009

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

The humble peticion of James Stedman William Tuffnall and Thomas Burt

Sheweth that there is still due and owing to your severall petitioners for work long since done to the house of correccion in Tothill Fields as following to James

Stedman for carpenters work the sume of 19 pounds . 2 shillings . 1/2 pence to William Tuffnall for bricklayers work 3. 15:- to Thomas Burt for smiths work 3.11:11

And in regard that the said works were faithfully performed and the money for the same hath been a considerable time due.

Your peticioners therefore humbly pray that this worshipfull court will give direccions for the payment of the severall sums of money aforesaid to your petitioners.

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc.

  • James Stedman
paratext

Report for Stedman and Burt

John Elliot. WJ/SP/1725/01/001 (1725). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653700002

To the worshipful the bench of justices

The humble petition of John Elliot

Sheweth that your petitioner bound one George Elliott a son of his apprentice to one John Aubrey a stone carver in Saint Margarets Westminster for the term of 7 years with whom his son has dwelt and faithfully served him from the date of his indenture which is almost 2 years

That the said John Aubrey the master has absconded from his habitation and family about a quarter of a year, and is no longer able to provide for his said apprentice notwithstanding which the said master refuses to discharge him

Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that your worships will be pleasd to discharge his said son from his said master who is not able to keep him with work or victuals, his son having been near 12 weeks upon the charge and care of your said petitioner who is a poor man and has several other children to provide for

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

James Macleane. WJ/SP/1725/01/002 (1725). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653700004

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

The humble peticion of James Macleane

Sheweth that on the seventh of August 1722 your petitioner was bound an apprentice to one William Warren of the parish of Saint Margaretts Westminster barber and peruke maker, that your petitioners said master and mistress have often beat and abused your petitioner in a very extraordinary manner without any just case, and have also encouraged their journeyman so to do, that your petitioners said master hath not provided sufficient meat or cloths for your petitioner pursuant to his agreement,

Your petitioner therefore humbly prays this worshipfull court will take his case into consideracion and discharge him from his said indenture of apprenticehood.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

  • James Mackclain

Francis Cooper, victualer. WJ/SP/1725/01/003 (1725). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653700006

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace at their generall quarter sessions for the city and liberty of Westminster assembled

The humble peticion of Francis Cooper victualer most humbly sheweth

That your petitioner is an ancient inhabitant in Saint Martins Street in the parish of Saint Martin in the Fields and applying to the trustees of the charity school of the said parish for one of their boys to be an apprentice they willingly complyed and bound one Henry Swetnam to your petitioner for seven years as by indenture dated the 25th June 1723 will appear

That your petitioners said apprentice hath since proved a very wicked lewd and idle person and has went away from your petitioner two severall times and about the latter end of July last was tryed for felony at Salisbury assizes

That your petitioner thinking it dangerous to harbour his said apprentice again humbly prays

That your worships will be pleased to discharge him of his apprentice he having been guilty of the crimes afore= =mencioned

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

  • Francis Cooper

John Witherington and John Baker. WJ/SP/1725/01/005 (1725). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653700009

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

The humble peticion of John Witherington and John Baker [illegible]

Sheweth that your petitioners are bayle for one Nathaniell Taylor [illegible] stands indicted for a fraud in taking half a guinea on which indictment he was to try his traverse the first of this session but being so very much incumbred with debt he dares not stir abroad as the wife of the said Taylor now in court is ready to make affidavit

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray this court will grant them a respite till the next session

And your petitioners shall ever pray.

  • John Witherington
  • John Baker

James Wilson. WJ/SP/1725/01/006 (1725). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653700010

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

the humble peticion of James Wilson

Sheweth that your petitioner took a house of one William Courtney at midsummer last past, and the necessary house thereto belonging [illegible] full the said Courtney by agreement with your petitioner was obliged [illegible] came the same to be employed, and accordingly he gave direction to two persons to empty the same, in doing of which some small part thereof fell in the street, for which nusance your petitioner because he kept the house was boundover and now stands indicted, although he gave no direccions for the employing the [illegible] vault, neither was he any way aiding or assisting therein and your petitioner being a poor ignorant man and having a wife and four small children is neither capable nor willing to contest the said indictment, but chuses rather to submitt himself to the mercy of this court

Which in consideracion of his poverty and ignorance he humbly hopes to receive.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

John Dean. WJ/SP/1725/03/001 (1725). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653720001

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

The humble peticion of John Dean

Sheweth that your petitioner served three years as an apprentice to a tallow chandler of the city of London, and about two years agoe was by the consent of his said master and father turned over to Master John Lampley of the parish of Saint James's tallow chandler for the remainder of the term of seven years, and thereupon the said John Lampley received with your petitioner the sume of 13 pounds . 13 shillings . 0

That your petitioner hath faithfully served his said master during the said two years, and that his said master hath not only given your petitioner immoderate correccion and neglected to find and allow your petitioner sufficient diett, but did turn him out of doors and refuse to instruct him in his trade, whereupon your petitioner made his complaint to one of his majesties justices of the peace for this city and liberty and his said master was bound over to answer the same this present sessions and that your petitioner hath since tendred his service to his said master which he still refuses to accept whereby your petitioners father is put to a considerable charge to subsist him with dyett washing and lodging; and further your petitioner cannot be employed by any person to be instructed in his trade untill he is legally discharged from his said master.

Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that this worshipfull court will take his case into consideracion, and order his said master to attend this court to shew cause why your petitioner should not be discharged from his said indenture of apprenticehood and humbly hopes this court will be pleased to order such part of the said summe of 13 pounds 13 shillings to be returned as to this worshipfull court shall seem meet, and that in the mean time his said master may be continued on his recognizance till next sessions and produce the counterpart of the indenture of apprenticehood and assignment thereupon which is in his hands.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

  • John Deane

Robert Hussey. WJ/SP/1725/03/002 (1725). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653720002

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

The humble peticion of Robert Hussey

Sheweth that your petitioner was by indenture dated on or about 2d. December 1719 bound out apprentice to one Robert Gildon citizen and France gilder of London for the terme of seven yeares to learn the art of France and other gilding to teach your petitioner which there was paid to the said Robert the summe of twenty pounds

that your petitioners master soon after dying your petitioners mistriss brought sometime after your petitioners said masters decease one John Driver and desired your petitioner to accept him for a master which your petitioner consented to on condicion that he might have his freedom which was then promised your petitioner both by your petitioners then mistriss and the said John Driver

That on your petitioners soe consenting a scrivener was sent for under pretence of turning your petitioner over from his then mistress to the said John Driver who made out a new and fresh indentures between your petitioner and the said John Driver for the terme of 5 yeares one part of which your petitioner signed as supposing it to be the way he should be turned over according as they had told him your petitioner but since that your petitioner hath been informed that he was imposed on by signing the said last indenture and that the way your petitioner should have been turned over should have been done by the company [etc?] where your petitioner was bound and that the true reason why it was not soe done was that the said John Driver was a forreigner that your petitioner by the said indentures was to be found all cloths by the said master but the said John Driver hath many times absolutely refused to allow your petitioner any cloths and during the time your petitioner hath served him which is upwards of 3 yeares never has though the same is perticularly mencioned in the said indenture and as to the said first indenture your petitioner cannot have any benefit of any [court?] therein the said Robert Gildon wife being since his decease gone away soe that your petitioner cannot by any meanes though he hath made diligent enquiry find her out

That the said John Driver your petitioners said last master hath since your petitioners becoming his apprentice took up and stil keeps for want of full business at his trade an alehouse soe that your petitioner is very often for want of other work (your petitioners said master now acting in the nature of a journyman himself not having any shop) employed to carry out drink and fetch in potts which your petitioner humbly submitts he was not bound to doe

Therefore the premises considered your petitioner most humbly prays your worshipps to be discharged from the said John Driver and that your petitioner may have such further relief as to your worshipps shall seem meet.

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

Sarah Lawrence, widow, and William Lawrence her son, apprentice to John Evans of St James Westminster carpenter. WJ/SP/1725/03/003 (1725). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653720005

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 Sarah Lawrence widdow and William Lawrence her son apprentice to John Evans of the parish of Saint James Westminster carpenter

Sheweth that by indenture dated the 7th: day of November anno domini one thousand seven hundred and twenty four your petitioner William Lawrence became bound and the said John Evans thereby took him apprentice for the term of seven years to [learn?] the trade of a carpenter in consideracion of the summe of tenn pounds paid the said John Evans by your petitioner the said Sarah Lawrence and also in consideracion of [illegible] her said son in linnen, coats, hats, wast coats and breeches during his said apprenticeship

That your said petitioner William Lawrence on account of some faults of negligence which he has lately been so unhappy as to committ was at the said master's complaint to the worshipfull Master Justice Blagny committed on the eighth day of [this instant?] March to the house of correction for the said city and liberty of [Westminster?] and put to hard labour where he still remains prisoner

That your said petitioner William Lawrence is now very sensible of [illegible] his said offences and is very ready and desirous to do every thing he is able to obtain his said master's reconciliation as well by a proper submission as by becomeing a good apprentice for the future

Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that this court will be pleased to discharge your petitioner the said William Lawrence from the said house of correction to the end he may for the time to come be more usefull to his said master and more diligent in learning his said trade and thereby be a comfort and assistance to his poor mother the said petitioner in her advanced age, who has put herself to very great straits and difficulties to raise the money for putting the said William Lawrence out and buying him cloaths during [his?] said apprenticeship

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc

  • the mark of Sarah Lawrence
  • William Lawrence

Henry Gunter and Thomas Humfrys, surveyors of the highways of St Paul Covent Garden. WJ/SP/1725/03/004 (1725). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653720006

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace assembled in generall quarter session's held in and for the city and liberty of Westminster by adjournment

The humble peticion of Henry Gunter and Thomas Humfry's surveyors of the highways belonging to the parish of Saint Paul Covent Garden in the said city and liberty for the year 1724

Sheweth that your petitioners are obliged to pay to the treasurer chosen by the trustees appointed for putting in execucion an act of Parliament made in the seventh year of his present majesties reigne entituled An Act for Repairing the Road from Saint Giles's Pound to Kilbourn Bridge in the County of Middlesex for and towards the repaireing and amending the highways belonging to their said parish (videlicet) the [heath?] great road or highway leading from Swallow Street end to Hyde Parke gate next into Tyburn, and in other charges relateing thereto the summe of seventy pounds and upwards which cannot be raised without the aid of this court. And that the accounts of the surveyors of the highways for the year last past are already passed.

Your peticioners therefore most humbly pray this honourable court will be pleased to grant an order that a rate or assessment not exceeding one penny in the pound may be made by the churchwardens and inhabitants of their said parish in vestry upon [persons?] usually rated to the poor of their said parish and in like manner to reimburse them their moneys so to be paid and laid out as aforesaid, according to the act of Parliament in that behalfe.

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc

  • Henry Gunter
  • Thomas Humphry

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St Georges Hanover Square. WJ/SP/1725/03/005 (1725). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653720007

To the right worshipfull his majesty's justices of the peace at their generall quarter sessions at Westminster

The humble petition of the churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of the parish of Saint Georges Hanover Square in the liberty of Westminster [illegible] county of Middlesex

Sheweth, that the highways causeys 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 five hundred pounds and upwards which may be raised by a rate of four 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 your petitioners an order of this court to enable your petitioners to make an assessment of four pence in the pound upon all and every the inhabitants of the said parish for repairing the said highways causeys streets and pavements, as by the statute in that behalf is provided and appointed.

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc

  • Carpenter}
  • William Steuart} churchwardens
  • Matthew Tomlinson}
  • Roger Williams} surveyors

Mary Keating, widow of James Keating, on behalf of herself and children. WJ/SP/1726/01/001 (1726). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653750002

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace for the citty and liberty of Westminster in quarter sessions assembled.

The humble petition of Mary Keating widdow and relict of James Keating on behalfe of herself and children

Sheweth that your petitioner hath been a housekeeper for severall years in the parrish of Saint Martin in the Fields in the county of Middlesex but your petitioners husband [illegible] aforesaid dying insolvent in the yeare 1719 two small children of your petitioner were settled the year aforesaid upon the orphans books of said parish and allowed twelve shillings per month which hath been duely paid to your petitioner till about fourteen months agoe; since which [time?] the church wardens, and overseers of the poor of said parish in the year 1724 stopt of said orphans allow =ance for eight months at four shillings per month and the church wardens and overseers of the poor of said parish in the yeare 1725 stopt of said orphan's allowance for six months at six shillings per month and alsoe all other relief allowed your petitioner from said parish; although petitioner having four in family; Their reason for so doing, your petitioner can't say.

Your petitioner therefore prays this honourable court will make such order for the payment of said orphan's allowance so stopt as to this court shall seem meet

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

  • the marke of Mary Keating

October 6th. 1725

Jonathan Woodward, an ancient housekeeper. WJ/SP/1728/01/004 (1728). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653830006

To his majesties justices of peace for the citty of Westminster and the liberties thereof in their generall quarter sessions now assembled

The humble peticion of Jonathan Woodward an antient houskeeper and inhabitant within the said citty

Sheweth that your peticioner having divers children, has by honest means endeavoured to provide for them and to place em with such masters as should instruct em in some honest and sober method of life.

That about the 15th. of September 1726. your petitioner did place Samuel Woodward one of your petitioners sonns an apprentice not for seaven years with Gabriel Pilkington a pastry cooke living in the Broadway in Westminster to whom your petitioner then gave the summ [illegible] of eight pound, and agreed to cloath his said sonn during the said term, in order to have him brought up and instructed in the said trade or business of a pastry cooke, as by the indentures of apprentiship may appear.

That the said Pilkington at that time and for some months afterwards did not (to your petitioners knowledge or beleif) use or exercise any other trade or employment than that of a pastry cooke but that about 12 months since the said Pilkington sett up the trade or imployment of selling ale and beer entertaining all sorts of guests and company in his house; and has ever since usually employed your petitioners said sonn in attending such company and in other services belonging to the said employment of selling beer and ale.

That your petitioners said sonn is forced to such services and attendences not only on week days and at very unseasonable hours, but likewise on Sundays and even in times of divine service, and not permitted the liberty of going to church and is consequently in danger of being corrupted both in his moralls and religion.

That your petitioners said sonn has been divers times of late also forced to light and attend his said masters guests and customers at one or 2 a clock in the morning from his said masters house as farr as the Haymarket Leicester Fields Saint Martins Lane and other remote places, from whence returning alone at such unseasonable hours, his life has been exposed to danger

Your petitioner therfore humbly prays his said sonn may be discharged from his said master and that his said master may be ordered to restore to your petitioner the money so payd to him by your petitioner and the said indentures delivered up to be cancelled

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

  • Jonathan Woodward

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St Anne Westminster. WJ/SP/1728/07/003 (1728). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653840004

To the honourable the justices of the peace for the citty and liberty of Westminster, at the general quarter sessions for the said city and liberty.

The humble petition of the churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of the parish of Saint Ann 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 be sufficiently [amended?] and repaired for the year ensueing from the feast of the nativity of our Lord God at less charge than the expence of one hundred pounds.

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

And your petitioners shall pray etc. 11o July 1728.

Hugh Davis of St Anne Westminster, victualler. WJ/SP/1729/07/004 (1729). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653870009

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace for the city and liberty of Westminster in the county of Middlesex assembled in their generall quarter sessions

The humble peticion and appeale of Hugh Davis of the parish of Saint Anne in the said liberty of Westminster victualler

Sheweth that on or about the 21st. day of December last your petitioner did receive notice in writing that Master Gabriel Barbanson did intend to pull down the party walls [illegible] adjoyning to [illegible] two houses belong [illegible] your petitioners [the one?] in Moore Street and the other in Church Street in the said parish of Saint Ann Westminster

That pursuant to the said notice your petitioner did within three weeks from the date thereof name two able workmen on his behalf to view the said party wall so intended to be pulled down which said two workmen with two other able workmen named by the said Gabriel Barbanson did on the fifteenth day of January then next following view the said party walls but could not agree that the said walls were defective and ruinous and ought to be pulled down

That notwithstand on or about the 19th. day of April last your petitioner did receive another notice in writing under the hand of the said Gabriel Barbanson that the said Master Barbanson did intend to pull down the before mencioned particion walls

That pursuant thereto your petitioner did again name two able men on his part to view the same and very much to your petitioners surprize the very last day before the expiracion of three weeks from the date of the said last mencioned notice your petitioner did receive notice in writing under the hand of the said Master Barbanson whereby he had named twelve workmen in his behalf to view the said partition walls

That eleven of the said workmen so named by the said Master Barbanson together with the two work= =men named by your petitioner did on the 15th day of May last meet together and view the said particion walls but neither of the workmen named by your petitioner could agree that the said walls were defective or ruinous or ought to be pulled down

Notwithstanding which the said eleven workmen so named by the said Master Barbanson (without the consent or approbacion of either of the workmen named by your petitioner) who indeed do declare have signed a certificate to this court wherein they call themselves the major part of the workmen appointed to view the said particion walls and have certified that the same are defective and ruinous and ought to be pulled down

That your petitioner has been possessed of the said houses [illegible] and has no longer interest in the said houses [than?] the term of four years and an half and the said partition walls as your petitioner is informed are able to stand for thirty years

Your petitioner therefore thinks himself aggrieved by the said certificate complains against the same and humbly prays your worships will be pleased to make such order in the premisses for relief of your petitioner as in your discretions you shall think just and reasonable

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

  • Hugh Davis