Petitions to the Westminster Quarter Sessions: 1710s

James Boursott of St Martins in the Fields, barber and periwig maker. WJ/SP/1711/10 (1711). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653340003

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

The humble peticion of James Boursott of the parish of
Saint Martins in the Feilds in the said county barber and
perriwigg=maker

that by indenture dated 19: day of September 1711; one Peter Crewze was
bound as an apprentice for the terme of seaven years then next
followeing

that about [illegible] a twelve month since, the said Peter Crewze your said petitioners
apprentice had imbezelled your said petitioners goods and money, who then
being [his?] first misdeamenour did [illegible] forgive his said apprentice being since
eight months [illegible] with his father in his sickness, (as [illegible] indenture aforesaid.)
that about three weekes since, the said apprentice has againe imbezelled
your said petitioners goods and money and last Thursday morning was by warrant
from the worshipfull justice Conn convened before him, and yesterday
by mittimus, under the hand and seale of the said justice was sent to the
Bridewell, or house of correccion for this liberty,

Therefore your said petitioner humbly prayes your
worshipps, that his said apprentice may be continued
in the said house of correccion, [illegible] for soe [long?] time
as to your worshipps shall seeme meet
[illegible]

And your petitioner shall pray etc

• James Boursot

[illegible] [...on?]
[illegible] }

John Clough junior of St Giles without Cripplegate. WJ/SP/1714/10/002 (1714). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653380002

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace for
the city and liberty of Westminster in the county of Middlesex

The humble peticion and appeal of John Clough junior of the
parish of Saint Giles without Cripplegate in the county of Middlesex

Sheweth
that your petitioner is bound to appear this present quarter sessions for being the putative
father of a female bastard child begotton on the body of Elizabeth Young
single woman and now chargable to the parish of Saint James's in the said liberty and
an order made by the honourable Philip Coward esquire and John Ellis esquire two of
his majesties justices of the peace for the said city and liberty (quorum unus) where [illegible]
your petitioner is adjudged to be the father of the said bastard child, now your
petitioner doth find himself [agreived?] by the order of the said two justices of the
peace and doth appeal against the said order and humbly pray a day to be heard the next general quarter
sessions of the peace to be held for the said liberty, or on the adjournment day
(if any be) for that your petitioner is not now prepared with his witnesses, haveing had
urgent business in the country [that?] hath occacioned this delay

And your petitioner shall pray etc

• John Clough

Thomas Lund, victualler of St Martin's parish. WJ/SP/1714/10/003 (1714). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653380004

[illegible] his majesties justices of the peace
assembled in quarter sessions att Westminster

The humble peticion of Thomas Lund victualler
of Saint Martin's parish.

Sheweth
that your petitioner was fyned 10 pounds by this honourable court this present
sessions for keeping a disorderly house, and has paid the same, though your petitioner was
reduced (being poor and necessitous) to part with some of his goods to raise the
same, that this court also intending to suppress, or take away his lycence
for 3: years, wilbee the utter ruin of your petitioner and family, hee being very lame
and having no trade to follow; they must of necessity come to the parish; that
your petitioner truly intends to keepe a regular house for the future, and his neighbours
and prosecutors being now present in court, to desire your worship's favour in his
behalfe

Your petitioner therefore humbly prays your worshipps
wilbee pleased, to continue his said lycence, hee
duly behaveing himselfe for the future.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

• Thomas Lund

John Warner of St Martins in the Fields, salesman. WJ/SP/1714/10/004 (1714). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653380006

To the honourable the bench of justices now sitting
at their quarter sessions of the peace etc

The humble peticion of John Warner of the
parish of Saint Martins in the Fields salesman

Sheweth
that your petitioner having the misfortune of a
dishonest apprentice who hath embezled from time to time
sundry parcels of his goods to a considerable value, besides comitting
several other notorious disorders and irregularytys your
petitioner thereupon took his said apprentice before William Conne
esquire who was pleased to comit him to the house of correcion
for the said offence, and there he now continues by the name
of Edward Lomax.

Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that
your honors would be pleased to cause the
said Edward Lomax to be continued a prisoner
as he is without which your petitioner lyes
lyable to great dangers from his said
apprentice not only in respect of his house
and goods, but even his very life

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

11. November 1714

Damask Buss, wife of Eward Buss. WJ/SP/1714/10/005 (1714). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653380007

The humble memoriall of Damask Buss wife
of Eward Buss

Sheweth.
That she was marryed to the said Edward Buss 20th. of November 1700, as
she hath, and can make appear by the register.

That she continued with him in a happy state of matrimony upward
of twelve years; after which the said Edward Buss took to a licentious
way of liveing, detesting your memoriallist, and useing her most
barbarously, by inveterately breaking her collar bone, tying her to a
beds post, and there breaking her head which cost [17 shillings?] the cureing, and
bringing a penknife to bed to murther her, all which usage the said
Damask Buss bore with the patience becomeing a wife, willing to live
with her said husband, her love to him was such, notwithstanding he
daily exposed her by the publick errors of his life

In Easter week last the said Edward Buss turned out of doors his said wife,
to have the greater oppertunity of freely liveing in too open a manner
with another woman, which his said wife never complained off though itt
almost broke her heart.

After which, he offered to maintain his said wife by a seperate
maintenance which now he alltogether refuseth insomuch that she is
destitute of all manner of support

That she hath been arrested by the base woman he now cohabits with
which cost the said Damask Buss upwards of 40 shillings before she could be discharged
since which the said Edward Buss hath proposed to allow his said wife a very
small support, provided she would enter into bonds by a former name,
whereby she must disown her marriage, and then become the object of his
contempt

That to bear her charge as above mentioned she hath made away most part
of her cloths and being thus reduced hath no hopes of liveing by being
supported by her husband, who hath a great, and good trade and mony
plenty enough to live well after his own way, which she doth not
complain off, if she could but have a maintenance, such as in justice
shall be thought fitt.

That the said Edward Buss promised to pay the memoriallists rent, which he
hath not done since he turned her off, there being half a year due at
Michaelmas which will be one pound.

And for her maintenance she hath only had 5 shillings charity mony, since
Justice Raylton ordered him to allow her a maintenance all
which she humbly recomends that she may be supported and not
be burthensome to the parish

Eleanor Tollet, relict of the late Reverend Marcus Tollet, master of St James's Free Grammar School. WJ/SP/1715/04/002 (1715). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653400003

To the worshipfull justices of the peace
for the liberty of Westminster

The humble peticion of Eleanor
Tollet relict of the late Reverend Marcus
Tollet master of Saint James's Free Grammar
School at Kingstreet Chappel

Sheweth
that upon the death of your petitioners said
husband, which happened in February 1713, the vestry of
Saint James in consideration of the destitute condition in
which she was left, with six small and unprovided chil
dren, was pleased to give an order to Master Salt, then head
churchwarden, that six pounds per annum shoud be paid
her towards their maintenance and support.

That the said order has not been complyed with
but denyed by the succeding officers, who refuse to grant her
the benefit thereof, whereby the charitable intentions
of the vestry have been frustrated:

Your peticioner therefore most humbly
prays your worships, to consider her case
and order the payment thereof; she being
every way qualifyed for receiveing the same

And your petitioner will ever pray etc

• Eleanor Tollet.
  April 20. 1715

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St Anne Westminster. WJ/SP/1715/04/003 (1715). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653400005

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

The humble petition of the church
=wardens and surveyours of the high=
=wayes of the parish of Saint Ann in the
libertye of Westminster:

Sheweth
that for the year 1713: Master Samuell Allen, and Master William
Portman served the office of surveyours of the high: ways
in the said parish of Saint Ann and since have accounted
to his majestyes justices of the peace in the vestry
room of the said parish. And upon the ballance of
their accounts a summe of 21 pounds 15 shillings 0 pence appears to be in
their hands, which is still remaineing and unpaid.
And whereas by an order of made at a general quarter
sessions held the 8th: day of Aprill in the 12th: year
of her late majestyes reigne, incerting therein that the
surveyour of the high: wayes and collector of the assessment
shall well and truly account for the whole summe that
shall be by them levyed and collected to her majestyes
justices of the peace which shall be assembled at
the next generall quarter sessions of the peace to be
held for the said libertys after the election of new surveyours
for the said parish for the ensueing year.

And further that the said surveyours and collectours respectively
shall pay the surplusage of the moneys by them
respectively collected and received to such person and persons
as the justices shall direct and appoynte.

Your petitioners therefore most humbly pray
that this honourable court would be pleased to grant
such order, that the said Samuell Allen, and William Portman
do attend this court, in order to be compelled
to pay the aforesaid summes of money to such
persons as your worships in your wise judgement
shall think fitt.

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc:

Edward Haines. WJ/SP/1715/07/001 (1715). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653410002

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace
assembled in quarter sessions att Westminster

The humble petition of Edward Haines

Sheweth
that your petitioner by his indenture of apprentiship
dated the 14th: of July 1712: became the apprentice of one Thomas Ferand
a surgeon for seven years, to learn his art, that soon after his binding his said
master entred himself on board his majesties ship the Feversham as surgeon
and took your petitioner with him, and as your petitioner expected to have learnt his his art
according to his indenture, but instead thereof his said master got your petitioner placed
before the mast as a common sayler, in which station he has been ever since,
and alwayes was kept to his duty and work, as the other saylers were, and never
had any benefitt of, or was learnt, any part of the said art of surgery, for that also
your petitioners said master grew by excess of drinking etc in an allmost superannuated
condicion, and was thereupon advised or ordered to sell his warrant to one Graham
a surgeon's mate, which he did, for twenty pistoles; but even then refused to
give your petitioner any cloaths (which he was greatly in need of) and also refused to
turne your petitioner over to the said Graham; that his said master dyed at Spithead
about three months since coming home, and your petitioner for want of [illegible]
necessaryes has had a great fitt of sickness; and has suffred very great hardship's

That your petitioner has since applyed himself to the Widow Ferand
his executrix, and summonsed her before Master Justice Bealing; to be releived
in this his distressed condicion, but the said Widow Ferand refused to doe any
thing for your petitioner either for his future provision, or discharge unless your petitioner
would assigne over to the said widow all his wages for his service, as a seaman
on board the said ship, which will amount to near 30 pounds and the said widow
pretends to be poor and unable to provide for your petitioner, and had not your petitioners
mother relieved him this nine weeks, ever since he came home, your petitioner must
have unavoidably perished (although the said widow has received ticketts
for the wages of her said husband and for your petitioners service as a [sailor?]
seaman for aboute 200 pounds:

Your petitioner therefore humbly pray's your worships wilbe
pleased to discharge his said indenture, whereby he
may be capable of providing for himself, or otherwise
to be releived in the premisses as to this honourable court
shall seem meet

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

8 July 1715:

Per J Waller

William Smith, apprentice to William Spencer, cordwainer. WJ/SP/1715/07/002 (1715). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653410004

Westminster sessions

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

The humble peticion of William Smith now
an apprentice to William Spencer of [illegible]
Bedford Street Covent Garden cordwainer

Sheweth that your peticioner have served the said
William Spencer upwards of six yeares and that
for four yeares last past your petitioner have
wanted all manner of necessaries fitt and convenient
for him (videlicet) meat drink and lodgeing and that
the said William Spencer refuses to provide for
your petitioner

Therefore your humble
petitioner prays your worshipps
to take the premisses into your
consideracion and as in duty [bou?]
bound your poor peticioner
shall ever pray etc

• William Smith

Edward Jenkins. WJ/SP/1715/10/001 (1715). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653420002

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

The humble peticion of Edward Jenkins

Sheweth
that he being bound an apprentice to
Master Richard Redman tripe man of the parish
of Saint James within the liberty of Westminster
his said master hath some time since
absconded from business and left your petitioner
unprovided for and destitute of all
necessaries

Your petitioner therefore humbly
prays your worships would please
to discharge him from his
said apprenticeship

And your petitioner shall pray etc.

Hugh Hamilton, late apprentice to Daniele Hoskins deceased. WJ/SP/1716/01/001 (1716). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653430003

To the worrshipfull justices of
peace in sessions assembled

The humble petition of Hugh Hamilton late
apprentice to Daniele Hoskins late of Stanhope Street
in the parish of Saint Clements Dean's Westminster deceased

Sheweth
that your petitioner was the 17th day of February 1715 bound
apprentice to the said Daniel Hoskins and served a twelve
month and more att which time he dyed

That imediately after his death your petitioners mistrisse told
him she had no thing more to doe with him and that he must
take care for himselfe for she could not make any provision
for him and that he your petitioner must apply himselfe to
his unkle for a maintainance

That your petitioner has noe freinds left him but his said
unkle who brought him up from his infancy and paid
his said late master seaven pounds and upwards att his
binding and mataind your petitioner ever since in cloathing
besides victualls drink washing and lodgeing ever since
the death of his master and your petitioner must innevitably
have perished had not his said unkle have taken
compassion of him

That your petitioners mistrisse pleads in her defence that her
husband dyed greatly in debt which caused her to [seques?]
and that she could not neither would, turne your petitioner over
to another master whereby your petitioner must be a great
suffering looseing soe much time whereby he might
have gained much experience

That your petitioner, by his freinds assistance appeled to a justice
of peace and by such address she was bound over to answer
at this sessions for such default and unjustice proceedings
(she lives very decently and creditably)

Your petitioner therefore most humbly implores your
worshipps fatherly compassion toward, him and
prays that he might have some care taken of him
that he might be saved from utter ruine which
must necessarily attend him

And your petitioner shall as in duty bound for ever pray

Richard Read. WJ/SP/1716/06/001 (1716). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653440002

To the worshipfull master chaire=man and the [illegible]
justices of the peace for the citty and liberty of Westminster
in sessions assembled.

The humble petition of Richard Read

Sheweth
that for about twenty years your petitioner and his wive's
former husband were rakers of Bedford=bury=ward in the parish of Saint
Martins in the Fields in the county of Middlesex untill that at Easter 1714
Mathew Smith chaire=maker and Edward Smith soape=maker were
chosen scavengers of the said ward, who (as well for want of their
book's, as under hopes of being excused from serveing the said
office) entered not on the same of a considerable time after the said
Easter 1714 dureing which time nevertheless your petitioner (like
as in former years he was accustomed to do dureing the intervals twixt
the services of new and old scavengers) continued to cleane the streets
within the said ward, till about ten dayes before midsummer 1714 the
said new scavengers were pleased to appoint one Harding as their
raker your petitioner however continued on his duty till midsummer
day 1714, and well hoped the said new scavengers would at least have
paid his accustomed quarter's sallary (being 18 pounds) then due, and
which he demanded of them, and on their refuseal thereof your petitioner
applyed himselfe to the justices of the peace in a vestery at Saint
Martins soone after the said midsummer 1714 and often afterwards, till
that at length the consideration and settlement of the matter was refered to
Colonell Conn, Master Cragg and Master Owen three of his majesties justices of the peace
for the said liberty of Westminster who have been pleased, at least three several
times to meete or sitt to consider of the same, and appeared to be of oppinion [that?]
your petitioner ought to be paid for the said quarter ending at midsummer 1714 and [recom?]
=ended to the said new scavengers so to do, which nevertheless they refuse, [alleadging?]
that they have paid their own raker (and even for the said quarter that your [petitioner?]
did the work) and have bidd defeyance to your petitioner declareing themselves [resolved?]
to answer his demands at law.

Your petitioner therefore is inforced thus to supplicate your worshipps for such
reliefe in his case (thus and so hardly circumstanced) as to your worshipps in your great
wisdoms shall seeme just and equitable.

And your petitioner will ever pray

John Johnson of St Paul Covent Garden, mercer. WJ/SP/1716/06/002 (1716). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653440003

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

The humble peticion and appeale of John Johnson of the parish of Saint Paul
Covent Garden mercer

Sheweth
that by order dated the third day of Aprill last under the hands and seales of
John Tully and John Ellis esquires two of his majesties, justices of the peace for the county
of Middlesex and liberty of Westminster your peticioner is adjudged to be the reputed father
of a female bastard childe borne in Walkers Court in the parish of Saint James Westminster
on the body of Mary Bell singlewoman on the second day of the said month of Aprill
last which said childe is already (as is alledged) become chargeable to the said parish

That thereby your peticioner is ordered to pay to the churchwardens and overseers
of the poore of the said parish of Saint James' Westminster the summe of eleven shillings and
six pence by the weeke for the fower first weeks from the birth of the said childe, and
after the expiracion of the said fower first weeks the summe of two shillings and
six pence by the weeke for and during so long time as the said childe shall remaine
chargeable to the said parish, and that your peticioner should give sufficient
security to the said churchwardens and overseers of the poore of the said parish for
the performance of the said order, otherwise to finde sufficient suretys for
his appearance at this present sessions to answer his contempt and abide such
further order as your worshipps should thinck fit to make herein

Your peticioner finding himselfe agrieved by the said order of the said two
justices humbly appeals against the same to this worshipfull court

Your peticioner therefore most humbly prays your worships would please
to appoint a day this present sessions for the churchwardens and overseers
of the poore of the said parish of Saint James Westminster and all other persons
concerned to attend your worships and to heare and abide the judgement
and determinacion of this court upon and touching the said appeale and that
your peticioner may be relieved herein as to your worships shall seem meet
and your peticioner as in duty bound shall pray etc

Thomas Jones of St James Westminster. WJ/SP/1716/06/003 (1716). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653440005

Westminster

To the worshipfull bench of justices of the peace
assembled att their generall quarter sessions of the peace
held in Westminster Hall in and for the liberty of Westminster

The humble peticion of Thomas Jones of the parish of
Saint James's Westminster in the county of Middlesex

Sheweth that about a fortnight since Mary Dowdell spinster, being lately
a servant to your peticioner (videlicet for the space of two months past)
that your said petitioner was robbed dureing the said [illegible] Dowdells service [illegible]
to the value of six pounds and upwards, and the said Dowdell
made oath before the worshipfull Justice Ellis, that one
Godfrey Fox was the person that robbed your petitioner
whereupon the said [illegible] Dowdell was committed to Tuttlefeilds
bridewell in the said liberty to secure her giveing evidence
on a bill of indictment preferred and found against the said Fox

That your said petitioner is informed this day the said Dowdell was
discharged by this worshipfull bench, although your petitioner
has notice the said Fox will surrender himselfe and [take?]
his tryall on the said indictment on Fryday next att the Old Baily

Whereupon your petitioner most humbly prayes the said
Dowdell may be continued in custody to give
her evidence as aforesaid.

And your petitioner shall pray etc

Per Henricum Denton
29: July 1716 }

Thomas Frazer, late constable of Knightsbridge in St Margaret Westminster. WJ/SP/1716/06/006 (1716). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653440009

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

The humble petition of Thomas Frazer late constable of
the hamlet of Knightsbridge in the parish of Saint
Margaret Westminster

Sheweth
that part of the regiment of the honourable Brigadier
General Groves having sometime since been quartered in
the said hamlet your petitioner was obliged to provide
lodgings for them

That your petitioner hath been likewise at some expences
in providing for them both fire and candle as likewise for the
use of the guard room where they were quartered as per [bill?]
hereunto annexed appears

Therefore your petitioner most humbly prays this
worshipfull bench to make such order for reimbursing
his said bill as to your worships wisdome shall
seem most meet.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

Charles Billy, Elizabeth his wife, Jane Clarke, and Elizabeth the wife of Peter Clarke. WJ/SP/1717/01/001 (1717). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653450002

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the peace
for the citty and liberty of Westminster in generall
quarter sessions assembled, and held by adjornment in Westminster
Hall

The humble peticion of Charles Billy, and Elizabeth
his wife, Jane Clarke, and Elizabeth the
wife of Peter Clarke

Humbly sheweth
that att the last gennerall quarter sessions held for the said
city and liberty your said petitioners preferred their severall
bills of indictment against Thomas Dickins defendant for assaulting
and greivously wounding the said severall prosecutors

That the said defendant traversed the said severall indictments the
last gennerall quarter sessions, and was to have given
notice to try the severall indictments this present sessions, but
the said defendant has neglected the same, and forfeited his recognizances

Wherefore your said [illegible] petitioners most
humbly pray your worshipps to grant the process
of this court against the said defendant in such manner
as your worshipps shall seeme meete

And your petitioners shall pray etca

Per Henricum Denton
decimo octavo die January
1716/17 }

Mary Fletcher, wife of John Fletcher of St Clement Danes, butcher. WJ/SP/1717/01/002 (1717). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653450003

To the worshipful his majesties justices of the peace at their generall quarter sessions
held by adjournment for the city and liberty of Westminster this eleventh day of March
1716.

The humble petition of Mary Fletcher wife of John Fletcher
of the parish of Saint Clement Danes in the liberty aforesaid butcher.

Sheweth
that your petitioner was indicted last October sessions for an assault upon one Elizabeth
Tewxbury that after the said sessions was over your petitioner was served with a bench
warrant from this honourable court to answer the said indictment thereupon bail was given in
for your petitioner before the worshipfull Jeffrey Saunders esquire to appear the then next
generall quarter sessions of the peace to be holden for the said city and liberty and to plead to
the said indictment but so it is may it please your worships that sometime between
the seventh day of January last and the last adjournment day of this present sessions one
Richard Gally pretending to be an officer in this court came to your petitioner and demanded
of her the sum of ten shillings which he said was for forfeiting your peticioners recognizance
for not appearing this present sessions and also threatened your peticioner that he could or would
send her to the Gatehouse in case she refused to pay the same shewing to your petitioner at the same
time a piece of parchment which he said was process against your peticioner issued out of this
court for her said neglect that your peticioner being terrified and affrighted by his threats as
aforesaid paid the said Richard Gally the sum above mentioned

Your peticioner therefore being advised that she is
oppressed and aggrieved by the said Richard Gally humbly
prays that she may be relieved in the premisses as to your
worships shall seem meet

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

March 11th 1716

William Marple of St James Westminster, victualler. WJ/SP/1717/04/001 (1717). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653460002

To the right worshippfull his majesties justices of
the peace for the citty and liberty of Westminster
assembled at their generall quarter sessions.

The humble petition and appeal of William
Marple of the parish of Saint James within the said liberty
of Westminster victualler.

Sheweth
that your petitioner together with Martin [Keiton?] James Redhead Thomas Whitehead Robert
Hayes Robert Lane John Hyron and Robert Holmes inhabitants of the said parish were
by warrant under the hands and seals of John Tully and John Ellis esquires justices of the
peace for the said citty and liberty appointed overseers of the poor of the parish of Saint
James Westminster for the year 1715 and John Gregson and Richard Dee were then
also appointed church wardens of the said parish and joynt overseers.

That for the more easy gathering in the mony by the said overseers from the
inhabitants of the said parish, the same parish is divided into four wards or districts
in each of which wards, two overseers are appointed to collect and keep one book of
the money received in such ward and such overseers generally use to pass their accounts
before two or more justices in the vestry of the said parish monthly

That your petitioner and the said Martin Keiton were appointed to collect in that ward
called the Pall Mall ward in the said parish

That the whole accounts of all the ward [illegible] [were?] laid before the right honourable
the Lord William Pawlett Sir Edmund Prideaux baronet the honourable Thomas Onslow esquire
John Wilson esquire and Charles Medlicott esquire justices of the peace for the said citty and
liberty and inhabitants in and near the said parish in order for them or any two or three
of them to audit and pass the same.

That the right honourable Lord William Pawlett the said John Wilson and Charles Medlicott proceeded
to inspect your petitioners and the other overseers accounts, and notwithstanding it appeared to them
that the said petitioner and the other overseers were in disburse for the maintaining the poor of
of the said parish in their said office of overseers above eight hundred pounds beyond
their receipts they without allowing of the same by their warrant under their hands
and seals dated the 21st: day of January 1716 did order your petitioner to be committed into the
custody of the goaler of Newgate untill seventy two pounds alledged to be in your petitioners
hands should be paid to the then present overseers of the poor of the said parish and
thereupon by colour thereof your petitioner was by order of the said justices taken into
custody of a constable and kept a prisoner till he paid forty pounds and gave bond
to the said Richard Dee for the payment of thirty two pounds all which
proceedings of the said justices are illegall and your petitioner much aggreived thereby.

Wherefore your petitioner humbly appeals therefrom to the judgment of
this honourable bench and humbly prays that the same may be sett aside and
your petitioner be releived therein according to law and justice.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc:

• William Marple

William Murray, on behalf of himself and other inhabitants of St Margaret Westminster. WJ/SP/1717/06/003 (1717). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653470004

To the worshipfull the [justices?] of the peace
for the city and [liberty?] of Westminster in
quarter sessions assembled.

The humble peticion and appeal of William Murray in
behalf of himself and others inhabitants
of the parish of Saint Margeret Westminster

Sheweth
that your petitioners are over rated in the poors
rate made for the said parish notwithstanding
the frequent complaints they have made to
the officers of the said parish.

Wherefore they humbly pray
this worshipfull bench will grant such
order herein as may effectually
relieve your petitioners touching the said
rate.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

• William Murray
• Philip Mathews
• John Thurston

July the 11th
1717

William Blackmore and Francis Rhodes, surveyors of the highways of St Paul Covent Garden. WJ/SP/1717/06/005 (1717). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653470007

Westminster sessions

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

The humble petition of William Blackmore and
Francis Rhodes surveyors of the high ways belonging
to the parish of Saint Paul Covent Garden in this liberty
for the year 1717.

Sheweth
that your petitioners are to expend and lay out in
repairing and amending the high ways belonging to their
said parish (videlicet) the great road or high way, begining at Nibb's
Pound and extending from thence to Tyburn; the summe of ninety
odd pounds as by the particulars under written appears, great part
of which summe your petitioners have allready paid.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray this honourable court
to grant an order that a rate 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 paid and to be laid out, according
to the statute in that case made and provided.

And your petitioners shall pray etc

Particulars

Paid Newells bill for gravell and labour 77:16:0
To Browning for opening the draines 1:0:0
To mending the foot cawsey and levelling the
rutts } 2:0:0
Coach hire in veiwing the roads for the justices -:5:0
To a collecting book and ledger 0:10:0
To deficiencyes of collecting booke wilbe at least 15:0:0
More to be laid out to repair the said high ways 12:0:0
Totall of the rate or thereabouts £108:11:0

Thomas Mills, a prisoner in the Gatehouse. WJ/SP/1717/10/001 (1717). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653480001

To the worshipfull the chaireman and the rest of [his?]
majesties justices of the peace, now sitting at [Westminster?]

The humble petition of Thomas [Mil...?]
a prisoner in the Gatehouse [Westminster?]

Sheweth
that your poor petitioner hath binn confined in [the?]
said goal above six months, occationed by his being out [of?]
employment fell into ill company, and being taken in [their?]
crimes was admitted an evidence (conformable thereto) [hat...?]
convicted five severall persons; which are since executed
whereby your petitioner conceives, that he is thereby admitted to [illegible]
discharge; or refferred to bayle; as by the annexed order [illegible]
appear, and which in such cases are ussuall, but his [wo...?]
pleased to make an objection on account of one [Deborah?]
who is fledd for Holland; which your petitioner conceives is the [illegible]
reason bayle is required.

Wherefore, he most humbly beggs he [may?]
be discharged, or admitted to bayle as [illegible]
worshipps in your wisdome shall seem [illegible]
hee being close confined, [illegible]
and hath not bread to eat craves [re...?]

And as bound shall ever pray etc

• Thomas [Mills?]

All the persons are
brought to justice (except
Deberah: Stent) which
were in his information

Daniell de Ribancourt, late lieutenant in Colonel Foysack regiment. WJ/SP/1717/10/003 (1717). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653480003

To the right honourable Master Walpole first
commissioner of his majestys treasurey

The humble petition of Daniell de
Ribancourt late lieutenant in Colonel [Foysack?]
regiment

That your honours petitioner served as 2d lieutenant
in the Scotch Fuzilers then comanded by the right honourable
the Lord Mordaunt. in the expedition to France but on some difference
controversies [illegible] between [illegible] of the officers I disposed of
my [illegible] the [illegible]
from [your honours?] hands as lieutenant in Colonell [illegible]
which with eleaven [more?] in [Spain?][illegible]
regiment of dragoons became of [illegible]
[illegible]

[illegible] his all
[illegible] together [illegible]

Walter Hardie. WJ/SP/1718/07/003 (1718). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653490004

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

The humble peticion of Walter Hardie

Sheweth
that your peticioners recognizance which should have been drawn
the last quarter sessions, was forfeited through his misunderstand-
ing the direction of the clerk of the court occasioned by the
adjournment of the sessions: and the prosecutor and your petitioner
being fully agreed

Your petitioner humbly prays his recog
-nizance may be now withdrawn

And your peticioner shall pray etc

Elonor Maria Evans. WJ/SP/1718/07/004 (1718). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653490005

To the worshipfull the justice's of the peace for the
city and liberty of Westminster, the humble petition
of Elonor Maria Evans

Sheweth
that whereas your worships petitioner who was comitt
ed here by Justice Johnson, for a frevelous difrence between
him and me, of which he forgave me and discharged me the
next day, as to the 2d inditement of Sherier it is a mallicious
and false persicution designedly of him to git money of me
and farther to pervent my just persicution against Lebart
who went off many pounds in my debt in the year 1715 I had
a receipt in full of him in March and he went off the next
month, and I nor none of his creditors have heard of him since
and he has left the said Sherier to prosicute me and others, Sherier
has lately sent my discharge of that inditment to the keeper
of this prison to home I gave 10 shillings and 8 pence to
fee my councell. I must farther beg leave to aquaint your worships
with the barberous usage I have meet with in this prison for
notwithstanding my lyeing upon the boards they have used me like
a theife or a mourther'er and sent me this day to the sessions
with irons on, which is an unrecoverable blemish to my name and
familly, who am the daughter of the late Colonell Wallis that was
killed in the Irish warrs under King William; and I have likewise
lost two husbands in the service of the crown: Captain Evans and
Captain Obryan. I therefore humbly request that your worships will take
it into your consideration that I may have justice don me from
these many abuses I now lye under; and your petitioner as in duty
bound shall ever pray

Thomas Moulden. WJ/SP/1718/07/005 (1718). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653490006

To the worshippfull the chairman and the rest of his
majesties justices of the peace now assembled

The humble petition of
Thomas Moulden

Sheweth
that your worshipps petitioner bound
over one John Baker alias Steele before
Master Justice Harper for an assault and
threatning the life of your petitioner

That since the said Bakers being
so bound, he hath together with your petitioners
wife robbed your petitioner of severall goods
and has absconded with his wife, and live
in adultry together to his utter ruine

Your petitioner therefore humbly
craves. That the said Baker
alias Steele may be continued on
his said recognizance or otherwise as in
your wisdoms shall seme meet

and as bound shall pray etc

• Thomas Moulden his mark

William Flower. WJ/SP/1718/07/006 (1718). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653490007

To the worshipful the bench of justices
in quarter sessions assembled.

The humble petition of William Flower

Most humbly sheweth,
that your poor petitioner was on Tuesday
night the 28th. day of December last deposited in
the Gatehouse by one Master Grundell a constable
without any commitment and was the next
morning carried before Master Justice Trevannion
who discharged him, but the keeper of the said
goal demanded him and accordingly carried
him to goal where he has ever since lain as
they say for half fees which your poor
petitioner is not able to pay, and is informed
they are not intitled to demand your petitioners
friends having already offered them five shillings

Wherefore, your petitioner most humbly
prays your honours to discharge him or
give such relief as to your great wisdom
shall seen meet

And as in duty bound he shall
ever pray etc

• William flower

Christian Simmerwell, widow. WJ/SP/1718/07/007 (1718). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653490008

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the
peace in quarter sessions assembled etc

The humble peticion of Christian Simmerwell widow

Sheweth
that your petitioner hath been a housekeeper in the parish
of Saint Martin in the Fields upwards of forty years, and hath paid
scott and lott to the parish all the time, am fourscore years of age
and upwards, and am uncapable of getting my bread, and must
utterly perish now forasmuch as there was a pention settled
upon me for three years and upwards but for four months last
past have not received any

Most humbly beg your worships will be
pleased to take my distressed condicion into your tender
consideracions and order the continuance of my pention

And your petitioner as in duty bound (will ever pray etc

Richard Fletcher. WJ/SP/1718/07/008 (1718). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653490009

To the worshipful his majesties justices
of the peace at this present
sessions assembled

The humble peticion of Richard Fletcher

Sheweth
that your peticioner was by order of this
honourable bench ordered into custody of
the keeper of the Gatehouse for speaking
disrespectfull words against this honourable court
which words your peticioner ought not to have
spoak therefor your peticioner knowing himself
in a very great fault which your peticioner did
do through inadvertency humbly begs this
honourable courts pardon for the same
and hopes that your worshipps will release
your peticioner out of custody

And your peticioner as in
duty bound shall ever
pray etc

• Richard Fletcher

Zachariah Cooke of St Martins in the Fields, apprentice to James Overy, shoemaker. WJ/SP/1718/07/009 (1718). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653490010

To the worshipfull the chair man
and the rest of his majestyes justices of
the peace now assembled att the
generall quarter sessions of the
peace in and for the city and liberty of
Westminster in the county of Middlesex

The humble peticion of Zachariah Cooke of the
parish of Saint Martins in the Fields in the said
county apprentice to James Overy a shoemaker

Sheweth
that about the first day of November last past your petitioner
was assaulted beat bruised and wounded by one Barnett
in so cruell a manner that his skull was fractured
thereby and your petitioner still continues in a very languishing
condicion.

That dureing this present sessions the said Barnett
and his friends have [amused?] your petitioner with pretences of
agreement purely with a design to prevent your petitioner from
preferring a bill of indictment and against him for the said assault
which being thereby omitted the said Barnett will according
to the course of practice be discharged of his recognizance
entred into for his personall appearance att the same
sessions to answer the said offence, and will thereupon
secreet and conceal himself whereby your petitioner will be utterly
deprived of satisfaccion for the said injury so done to
him as aforesaid.

Your petitioner therefore most humbly
prayes your worships that the
said Barnett may be
continued upon his said recognizance
untill the next generall quarter
sessions of the peace to be holden in
and for the city and liberty of Westminster
aforesaid

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

• Zacker Cook

William Dawson. WJ/SP/1718/10/001 (1718). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653500002

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of peace for the liberty of Westminster

The petition of William Dawson

Humbly sheweth
that your petitioner keep a coffee house near the end of Queen Street Westminster and that
fifteen months agoe the constable of that ward came to your petitioner (but whether upon a general
or particular direction of this honourable bench your petitioner knows not) and asked if he had any table [illegible]
instruments of gaming, to which your petitioner answered that he had only one pair of tables which [illegible]
in his house when he bought the goods thereof altogether but they were never made use of for the [illegible]
of gaming, notwithstanding which your petitioner was returned by the said constable as a person keeping [a disorderly?]
gaming house, and was accordingly indicted at the next session of the peace, which said indictment [illegible]
intended to traverse, as he might well do, the bare keeking or having such an instrument in his house
being (as he humbly conceives) no gaming, or any offence within the words or intention of any of [illegible]
the statutes of this realm. But your petitioner being a person of known reputation and unblemished
credit was advised by some of this honourable bench in kindness to your petitioner and to save him all farther charge
and attendance not to traverse the said indictment, and that upon his entering into bond for the future [not?]
to keep any gaming house, all proceedings should cease, and that he should be at liberty to
withdraw his recognizance by which he stood bound to this honourable court, which said bond your petitioner
was ready to give, and did give to the worshipful justice Brereton, though he was entirely [illegible]
of the [charge?] contained in the said indictment and had never kept, or intended to keep [illegible]
disorderly house, and accordingly, appeared in court at the session, and there paid his [illegible]
he conceives) for withdrawing the said recognizance, to wit 3 shillings 6 pence but about a month [illegible]
a person who your petitioner takes to be an officer of this honourable court came to your petitioner and showed him
writing which contained the names of several persons, among which was that of your petitioner and
demanding money from him, intimated that he would make the matter easier. But
because your petitioner did not comply with his said unjust and extortious demand, conceiving he could
have no such authority from this honourable court, and that his said recognizance was [already?]
withdrawn he having paid his fees for that purpose, as he has before informed your worships
the said person told your petitioner that he would try if he could not give him trouble and make him
repent it or words to the like effect, and accordingly your petitioner finds the indictment and
recognizance not yet discharged, but by what means your petitioner knows not, and also a [new?]
demand upon him of 27 shillings for a fine etc. The truth of all which premisses your petitioner is [illegible]
to attest and therefore

Humbly prays that as your worships have a coercive
power and authority over all the officers of the court, that you
would vouchsafe to do him justice and grant him such
reliefe as the meritts of his case do require, and [that?]
you will be pleased to order his said bond may be delivered
unto him

And your petitioner shall ever pray

Thomas Turner. WJ/SP/1719/01/001 (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653510003

To the worshipfull the bench of justices
now sitting in quarter session for the
city and liberty of Westminster

The humble petition of Thomas
Turner

Sheweth
that your petitioner stands bound
over to this worshipfull bench, for playing at
[scettles?] at High Parke Gate.

That he is very sorry he should any
ways act contrary to the laws, whereby to incurr
your worships displeasure, but he did it for
meer bread, being in years, and having six children,
all now lying ill, as also your petitioner.

Therefore he humbly begs
your worship's compassion in
pardoning this offence, and he will
take care never to do the like
again.

But shall always pray
etc

These are to certifye that Thomas Turnor liveing
in Brick Street and Alice his wife and their children are
now upon the charge of the parish of Saint Martin in the Fields
and are relieved by us as poor of the said parish given under
our hands the tenth day of February anno domini 1718.

• Aaron Barnett
• Mark England}

overseers of the poor
of Saint Martin in the
Fields.

Edward Thorns. WJ/SP/1719/01/002 (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653510004

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

The humble peticion of Edward Thorns

Sheweth
that your petitioner being one of the constables
of the said city and liberty, did some time since bring
some persons who were in his custody, to be examined
before severall justices of the peace who were then
siting at a taverne in Cecill Court.

That your petitioner being then heated by liquor, is
conscious that his behaviour at that time was neither
agreeable to modesty nor good manners, especially to two of the
honourable gentlemen there present, videlicet: Master Justice Johnson and Master
Justice Burdus, who were justly offended by his ill
treatment.

That your petitioner did not indeed then know
Master Justice Burdus to be a gentleman in the commission
of the peace, and is heartily sorry for his offence, and begs
pardon of all the worshipfull gentleman in general, and of
Master Justice Johnson and Master Justice Burdus in particular

Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays
your worships to accept this his [sincere?] submission
and to pardon his ill behaviour which has
given so just offence.

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc.

• Edward Thomas

Martha Taylor, widow and executrix of William Taylor late deputy clerk of the peace. WJ/SP/1719/01/030 (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653510005

To the right worshipfull his majesties justices of the
peace for the city and liberty of Westminster

The humble petition of Martha Taylor
widow and executrix of William Taylor
late deputy clerk of the peace for the
said city and liberty

Sheweth
that there was due to your petitioners late husband the sum
of forty seven pounds fifteen shillings and nine pence as is
mencioned in the two several bills hereto annexed the first of
which is for money disbursed and paid by your petitioners said
late husband for the several matters therein (ordered to be
printed by this worshipfull bench) and the other is for money paid
and his trouble as therein also is mencioned and your petitioner
humbly referrs your worships to the several orders of court and
direccions of the justices of the peace of the said liberty made and
given (as she is informed in this behalf.

Your petitioner thereof humbly prays
your worships will be pleased to order the
payment thereof in such manner as to your
worships shall seem meet

And your petitioner shall pray etc:

• Martha Taylor

The widow Lawrance. WJ/SP/1719/04/001 (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653520002

To the worshipful bench of
justices

The humble petition of the widdo
Lawrance

Sheweth
that your petitioner is sixty
five years of age, and has been a hous=
keeper this thirty four years and has
paid all the duties of the parish, but is now
by age and other misfortunes rendred
uncapable to pay any longer, and
hopes therefore that your worships
will take it into consideration, and
excuse her for the future from paying
to the poor, she being a very great object
of charity her self.

And your petitioner as in duty
bound shall ever pray etc

The churchwardens and surveyors of the highways of St Anne Westminster. WJ/SP/1719/04/002 (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653520004

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

The humble peticion of the church=
=wardens and [illegible] surveyours of the
high: wayes of the parish of Saint Ann
Westminster

Sheweth
that whereas the high: wayes and pavements of the
said parish of Saint Ann which the church: wardens and
surveyours of the high: wayes are yearly obleiged to amend
and repaire, can not for the year ensueing from Christmas
last be sufficiently done at less charg then one hundred
pounds and since the said money is not to be assessed and raised
without an order of a generall quarter sessions.

Your petitioners therefore most humbly pray
that this honourable court would grant such order
whereby your petitioners may be enabled to raise
the said sum to defray the charges above=
=mencioned

And your petitioners shall ever pray etc

Anne Allen, spinster. WJ/SP/1719/04/003 (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653520005

To the worshipfull his majesties justices of the
peace for the citty and liberty of Westminster att
the generall quarter sessions then and there held
the first day of April 1719

The humble peticion of Anne Allen spinster

Sheweth
that your petitioner being some time agoe bound
as an apprentice to Elizabeth Rose milliner by
the trustees of the charity school of Saint
Martins in the Fields that her said mistress does refuse
to allow her sufficient meat drink washing and
lodging and does not take care to instruct her
in her said business which if not reminded by your
worshipps it will end in the ruin of your said peticioner

Your petitioner therefore humbly
prays your worshipps to take the
premisses into consideration and
grant her such reliefe as your
worshipps shall think fitt

And your petitioner shall
ever pray etc.

William Hooton. WJ/SP/1719/07/001 (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653530002

Westminster sessions

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

The humble petition of William Hooton

Sheweth
that your petitioner was by indenture, placed out an
apprentice to one Walter Hardie, of the parish of
Saint Annes writeing master for the terme of [seven years?]

That your petitioner hath dureing the time he
has served his said master behaved himself as a faithful
and diligent servant, but the said Walter Hardie hath
severall times misused and beat your petitioner after a
barbarous and cruell manner and lately gave your petitioner
severall blows with a cane of extraordinary size
so that he has been oblidged to apply himself to a
chyrurgeon to be cured of the bruizes he thereby
received.

That the said Walter Hardie hath entered
into a recognizance with sureties, to appear at this
present sessions before your worshipps to answer your petitioners
complaint.

Your petitioner therefore humbly prayes your
worshipps would be pleased to appoint a day
for his said master to attend this court to
answer the premises and that your petitioner
may be discharged from his indenture of
apprentishood

And your petitioner shall etc.

Ann Evans, widow of Thomas Evans late keeper of the house of correction. WJ/SP/1719/07/002 (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653530004

To the right worshipfull his
majesties justices of the peace
assembled by adjornment on
Thursday the 20th of August 1719

The humble petition of Ann
Evans [illegible] widdow of Thomas
Evans late keeper of the [illegible]
house of correccion

Humbly sheweth
that it being the custom for the widdows
of former keepers of the house of correccion
to hold the said house of correccion untill such
time as another [illegible] keeper shall be elected
by this court

Your petitioner therefore
humbly prays that she may
be admitted to the same
favour

And as in duty bound shall
ever pray etc

Ann Evans, widow of Thomas Evans late governor of the house of correction. WJ/SP/1719/07/003 (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653530005

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

The humble peticion of Ann Evans widdow and relict of
Thomas Evans late governour of the house of correccion for
the said liberty.

Humbly sheweth
that in October sessions 1713 an eleccion was made by the
justice of the peace for this liberty then present in sessions of a governour of the said
house of correccion in the room and place of William Elderton deceased, the then late
governour thereof, and at the same time it was by the said justices upon the peticion
of Elizabeth Elderton, widdow of the said William Elderton (for the reasons therein [set forth?]
proposed to the then candidates for the said office and before their eleccion to the same
that if any of them should be chosen into the said office, he should consent to make
such allowances to the said Elizabeth Elderton as the said justices should think fitt to
appoint; to which proposals your peticioners said late husband (being then one of the
said candidates) readily consented, and he being then chosen governour of the said
house of correccion during pleasure, it was thought fitt and ordered by the court
that the said Elizabeth Elderton should be allowed one half of the fees and profits of and
belonging to the said office of governour of the said house of correccion for and
during the term of two years from Michaelmas then last past and advantages and
profits relateing to the said office and otherwise; and that your peticioners said late
husband complyed with the said order and punctually observed and performed the
same to the satisfaccion of the justices of the peace for this liberty and of the said
Elizabeth Elderton.

That your peticioners said late husband during the time of his being governour of
the said house of correccion was visited with long sicknesses and other infirmities which
were very chargeable to him, and laid out in repairs and improvements in and upon the
said house of correccion and the garden thereto belonging the summe of £100 and upwards
over and above what has been done at the charge of the said liberty, by reason whereof
and of the allowance out of the profits of the said office to the said Elizabeth Elderton for
the first two years as aforesaid and his short continuance therein your peticioner is
left in very mean circumstances and in great trouble and distresse

Your peticioner therefore most humbly prays your
worshipps to comiserate her condicion and to propose and
recomend the same to the persons who apply to be
chosen into the said office of governour of the house
of correccion (before the eleccion if your worshipps shall
think fitt) and to engage and order such person so
chosen into the said office to make your peticioner such
reasonable allowance out of the profits of the said
office for such time, and in such manner or to grant her such other releife as to your
worshipps shall seem meet

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

Robert Murray, periwig maker. WJ/SP/1719/10/002 (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653540003

To the worshipfull the chairman and the rest of his
majesties justice of the peace for the city and liberty of
Westminster att their generall quarter sessions of the
peace for the said city and liberty holden

The humble petition of Robert Murray periwigg
maker a house keeper and inhabitant within the same
liberty

Humbly sheweth
that the last day of July 1713 one Edmund Ellis was bound
apprentice to your petitioner by indentures of apprenticeship for
seven yeares and was received by your petition in his dwelling house
as his apprentice and provided for with meate drink washing
and lodgeing for above 16 moneths your petitioner having received
but 8 pounds in moneys with his said apprentice dureing which
time he was soe addicted to lyeing theiving and cheateing that your petitioner
lost above 20 pounds in vallue in hair moneys and other goods
that there was nothing loose or layd carelessly about your
petitioners house but what was stolne and tooke up goods in
your petitioners and lodgers names sold them to his owne
use without their knowledge or direccion and often assoone
as hee had committed such facts absented himselfe
severall dayes from your and petitioners house and service
insoemuch that your petitioner carried him before a justice
of the peace and severall times and tooke him agayne att
the request of such justice of the peace and his promise of
amendment but he was still worse in his crimes then before and stole
6 shillings in money out of your petitioners bed chamber and run quite
away with that and other things from your petitioners service but
afterwards being apprehended was committed to Bridewell
and your petitioner considering the tendernesse of his yeares hath not
prosecuted him for such thefts and frauds

Your peticioner therefore humbly submitts the
whole matter to your worshipps order and direccions and
prayes the said apprentice may bee discharged from
his service he haveing been a greate expence to
your petitioner and done him noe service but much mischeif
for the time he stayed and if he be returned upon your
petitioner it may bee your petitioners ruyne

And your petitioner shall ever pray

Thomas Lloyd. WJ/SP/1719/10/003 (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653540004

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

The humble petition of Thomas Lloyd.

Sheweth.
that by the death of Master Thomas Evans late
governour of the house of correction that place is
now vacant.

That your petitioner hath been an housekeeper in
the parish of Saint Margaret Westminster near
thirty years.

That your petitioner hath a wife and six small
children wholly unprovided for.

May it therefore please your worships
to admit him governour of the said
house of correction vacant as aforesaid

And your petitioner shall ever pray etc

• Thomas Lloyd.

Booth Chaderton. WJ/SP/1719/10/005a (1719). LondonLives reference: LMWJPS653540006

To his majesties justices of the peace
in quarter sessions assembled
in Westminster Hall

The humble petition of Booth Chaderton

Sheweth
that your peticioner is aged about 64
and hath been clerk to several
justices of the peace for 40 yeares, and
is well affected to the present government

He therefore prays your
worships consideration and
favour towards him, and to
appoint him keeper of
bridewell in the roome of
Thomas Evans deceased.

And he shall ever pray etc

• Booth Chaderton