Petitions to the Westminster Quarter Sessions: 1720s

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

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

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