CERTAIN necessary Directions, aswell for the Cure of the Plague, as for preventing the Infection; With many easy Medicines of small charge, very profitable to his Majesty's Subjects.  
Set down by the College of Physicians by the King's MAJESTY'S special command.  
With sundry Orders thought meet by his Majesty, and his Privy Council, to be carefully executed for prevention of the Plague.  
Also certain select Statutes commanded by His Majesty to be put in execution by all justices, and other officers of the Peace throughout the Realm;  
Together with His Majesty's Proclamation for further direction there in: and a Decree in Star-chamber, concerning buildings and Inmates.  
¶ Imprinted at London by ROBERT BARKER, Printer to the Kings most Excellent MAJESTY: And by the Assigns of JOHN BILL. 1636.   

  

¶ To the justices of Peace.  
AS the want of Laws occasioneth wrongs to be committed wittingly; And want of knowledge of Laws carrieth men into offences ignorantly: So are Laws themselves a burden when they are too many, and their very number is a cause that few are executed: where Penal Laws have otherwise no life, but in their execution. And certainly that Magistrate who knows but few, and causeth those to be duly observed, deserveth better of the Commonwealth, than he that knoweth many, and executes but few. Therefore is the Composition of this Volume, that those few Laws, and other ordinances being most needful for the time, may be easily had, soon known, and duly executed; Which is required by His MAJESTY.   

¶ The Contents of this BOOK.  

AN Advice set down by the College of Physicians, for prevention and cure of the Plague.  
2 Orders concerning health.  
3 A Proclamation for quickening the Laws made for the relief of the poor, and the suppressing, punishing, and settling of the sturdy Rogues and Vagabonds.  
4 An Act for the relief of the poor.  
5 An Act for the necessary relief of Soldiers and Mariners.  
6 An Act for punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds, and sturdy Beggars.  
7 An Act for the charitable relief and ordering of persons infected with the Plague.  
8 A Decree of Star-chamber against Inmates and ne● Buildings.    

At Whitehall 22. April, 1636. Present The Kings most Excellent Majesty.  


L. Archbishop of Cant.  
Lord Keeper.  
Lo. Duke of Lenox.  
L. Chamberlain.  
Earl of Dorset.  
Earl of Salisbury.  
Earl of Holland.  
Lord Viso. Wilmot.  
Lord Cottington.  
Lord Newburgh.  
M. Treasurer.  
M. controller.  
M. Vicechamberlaine.  
M. Secretary Coke.  
M. Secretary Wind-bags.    
IT was this day ordered, that the justices of Peace of Middlesex and Surrey, shall forthwith meet together, and shall seriously consider of and set down such rates as are fit for the raising of monies to build Pest-houses, or to provide other convenient habitations, or places of abode for infected People, and to furnish them with all other necessaries for their relief, and shall take order for levying, and collecting the same accordingly.  
It is likewise thought fit and ordered, that the justices of Peace of Middlesex shall repair unto, and join with the Lord Maior and Aldermen of the City of London, in making additional orders (to those heretofore printed) to be forthwith printed for preventing, so much as may be, the increase of the infection; And shall be hereby authorised from time to time hereafter to make such orders as they shall think fit and convenient for the purposes aforesaid.  
Also the Church wardens and Overseers of the poor, and Constables of every Parish, are hereby required and enjoined to provide themselves with books for their directions.  
Lastly, the Physicians of the City of London are to renew the former book touching their Medicines against the Infection, and to add unto and alter the same as they find the present times and occasions to require, and to cause the said book to be forthwith printed.   

TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.  
WHereas it hath pleased your MAJESTY, out of your Royal care of the safety and welfare of your Subjects, by your special Command, as also by Order from the Lords of your MAJESTY'S most Honourable Privy Council to enjoin the College of Physicians to renew their former book touching their medicines against the infection, and to add unto and alter the same, as they find the present times and occasion to require: We, the Precedent and College of Physicians, in all obedience to your Royal Command, have often met and maturely considered of the premises, and upon serious review of our former book, have made such additions and alterations as we judged most requisite for the present occasion; which we have caused to be printed, and now most humbly present unto your most Gracious MAJESTY.   

An advice set down by the College of Physicians, by his MAJESTY'S special Command, containing certain necessary Directions, as well for the cure of the Plague, as for preventing the Infection; with many easy Medicines and of small charge, the use whereof may be very profitable to his MAJESTY'S Subjects.  

Doctors, Apothecaries and Surgeons.  
THe Church orders for prayers being first observed as in former times, it is thought necessary that by the government of the City there be appointed six or four Doctors at least, who may apply themselves to the cure of the Infected: and that these Doctors be stipendiaries to the City for their lives: and that to each Doctor there be assigned two Apothecaries and three Surgeons, who are also to be stipended by the City, that so due and true care may be taken in all things, that the people perish not without help, and that the Infection spread not, while none take particular care to resist it, as in Paris, Venice, and Milan, and many other Cities.  
And if any Doctor, Apothecary or Chirurgeon stipended by the City shall happen to die in the service of the attendance of the Plague, than their widows surviving shall have their pensions during their lives.   

Men or goods from foreign infected places.  
IT is likewise necessary that there be care taken that neither men nor goods may come from any suspected places beyond the seas or in the land, without certificate of health, or else either to be sent suddenly away, or to be put to the Pest-house or some such like place for forty days (according to the custom of Italy,) till the certainty of their soundness may be discovered.  
Two places for entertainment are to be provided; one for the sound and another for those who are infected.   

That all established good orders be revived.  
THat the Statutes and good Orders made and formerly published against common Beggars, against all manner of Plays, Bowling-allies, Inmates, Tiplinghouses, Lestalls, against the sale of corrupt flesh or fish, may be revived and strictly executed, and that the Skavengers' in general, and every particular householder take care for the due and orderly cleansing of the streets and private houses, which will avail much in this case.  
That Dogs, Cats, Coneys and tame Pigeons be destroyed about the Town, or to be kept so sparingly that no offence may come by them, and that no Swine be permitted to range up and down the Streets, as they frequently do, or rather not to keep any at all.  
It were also to be wished that the Slaughter-houses were utterly put from out the liberties of the City, being in themselves very offensive, And that tunnells in Church-vaults be considered of, and the depth of graves.   

To be ca●tolous upon any suspicion.  
IT is to be feared, because every one desireth his own liberty, that none will give notice of any suspicion of the Plague against themselves; wherefore that must be the Overseers care, upon any notice or suspicion of Infection, by the help of the Doctors, Surgeons, Keepers or Searchers, to find out the truth thereof, and so to proceed accordingly, but not to depend upon the Testimony of women Searchers alone.   

The care to be taken when a house is visited.  
THat upon the discovery of the Infection in any house, there be present means used to preserve the whole, as well as to cure the infectted. And that no sick person be removed out of any house, though to another of his own, without notice thereof to be given to the Overseers and to be by them approved: or if the whole be to be removed, that notice be given to the Overseers of their remove, and that caution be given that they shall not wander about till they be sound.  
The house that is known to be infected, though none be dead therein, to be shut up, and carefully kept watched by more trusty men then ordinary warders, till a time after the party be well recovered, and that time to be forty days at the least.   

Caution concerning flying into the Country.  
BEcause many masters of families, presently upon the visiting of their houses before any be dead, fly into the country to their friends, by which means the plague is often carried into the country: That no man shall depart his house except it be to an house not inhabited, and that it be to an house of such distance as that he may conveniently travel thither without lying by the way, much less that he send his children or servants and this to be done, by the approbation of the Overseers under their hands.  
That such also as remove into the Country before their houses be visited, have a certificate from the Overseers of their parish, under their hands and seals, testifying, that such persons were not visited before their remove, that by virtue thereof they may the freeli●r travel in the Country, and be more readily entertained.  
That no infected person be secretly conveied out of any house: and in any such misdemeanour the master of the house, both from which the sick party is sent, as also the master of the house into which the party shall be received without the licence of the Overseers of both parishes respectively, shall be severally punished at the discretion of the Overseers.  
Because it is likely that the better sort will not call to them such Doctors as are deputed to the Care of the plague, upon the first fulling sick of any in their houses, lest thereby they might draw greater infection upon themselves▪ if therefore any house so bring other Doctors shall happen to be visited, that then the Doctor, who shall ordinarily take the care of that house, shall presently cause notice of the said infection to be given to the Overseers, that care may be had thereof by the Physicians deputed.   

Burial of the dead.  
THat one being dead in any house of the Plague, notice be given to the Overseers, and that the dead party be buried by night in private manner; yet not without the privity of the Minister, Clerk, Bearers, and Constable or Overseers, and that none enter the visited house but permitted persons, upon danger to be presently shut up themselves, and that there be a visible mark set upon the outside of the door, and to stand shut up forty days, and that there be no tolling or ringing of Bells at such private burials.   

Caution about apparel and householdstuff.  
THat no apparel nor householdstuff be removed or sold out of the infected house, for six months after the infection is ceased in the house, and that all the Brokers and inferior Criers for apparel be restrained in that behalf.   

Preseruatives. Correction of the air.  
FOr the correcting of the infectious air, it were good that often Bonfires were made in the streets, and that sometime the Tower Ordnance might be shot off, as also that there be good fires kept in & about the visited houses and their neighbours.  
Take Rosemary dried, or juniper, Baileaves or Frankincense: cast them same upon a Chafingdish, and receive the fume or smoke thereof.  
Also to make fires rather in pans to remove about the chamber, then in chimneys, shall better correct the air of the houses, adding a piece of old iron to the fire.  
Take a quantity of Vinegar very strong, and put to it some small quantity of Rose-water, ten branches of Rosemary, put them all into a basin, then take five or six flint stones, heated in the fire till they be burning hot, cast them into the same Vinegar, and so let the fumes be received from place to place of your house.  
That the house be often perfumed with Rue, Angelica, Gentian, Zedoary, Setwall, juniper wood or Berries burnt upon imbers, either simply, or they may be steeped in Wine vinegar, and so burnt.  
Perfume the house and all therein with this: Slake Lime in Vinegar, and air the house therewith, burn much Tar, Rosen, Frankincense or Turpentine, both in the private houses, and in the Churches before prayers.   

By perfuming of apparel.  
Such apparel as you shall commonly wear, let it be very clean, and perfume it often, either with some Virginia Cedar burned, or with juniper, and if any shall happen to be with them that are visited, let such persons, as soon as they shall come home, shift themselves, and air their clothes in open air for a time.   

By carrying about of perfumes.  
Such as are to go abroad shall do well to carry Rue, Angelica, or Zedoary in their hands to smell to; and of those they may chew a little in their mouths as they go in the street, especially if they be afraid of any place. It is not good to be over-fearefull, but it cannot be but bad to be over-presumptuous and bold.  
Take Rue one handful, stamp it in a mortar, put thereto Wine vinegar enough to moisten it, mix them well, then strain out the juice, wet a piece of sponge, a toast of brown bread therein, tie it in a thin cloth, bear it about to smell to.  
Take the root of Angelica beaten grossly the weight of six pence, of Rue and Wormwood, of each the weight of four pence, Setwall the weight of three pence, bruise these, then steep them in a little Wine vinegar, tie them in a linen cloth; which they may carry in their hands, or put it into a juniper box full of holes to smell to.   

Or they may use this Pomander.  
TAke Angelica, Rue, Zedoary, of each half a dram, Myrrh two drams, Camphire six grains, Wax and Labdanum of each two drams, more or less as shall be thought fit to mix with the other things, make hereof a ball to carry about you: you may easily make a hole in it, and so wear it about your neck with a string.   

The richer sort may make use of this Pomander.  
TAke Citron pills, Angelica seeds, Zedoary, red Rose leaves, of each half a dram, yellow Sanders, Lignum Aloes, of each one scruple, Galliae Moschatae four scruples, Storax, Calamit, Beuzoni, of each one dram, Camphire six grains, Labdanum three drams, Gum Tragaranth dissolved in Rose water enough to make it up into a Pomander, put thereto six drops of spirit of Roses, enclose it into an ivory box, or wear it about your neck.   

By inward Medicines.  
LEt none go fasting forth, every one according to their fortunes, let them eat some such thing as may resist putrefaction.  
Some may eat Garlic with Butter, a Clove two or three, according to the ability of their bodies: some may eat fasting, some of the electuary with Figs and Rue hereafter expressed: some may use London Treacle, the weight of eight pence in a morning, taking more or less, according to the age of the party; after one hour let them eat some other breakfast, as bread and butter with some leaves of Rue or Sage, and in the heat of summer of Sorreli or Wood-sorrrell.  
To steep Rue, Wormwood or Sage all night in their drink, and to drink a good draught in the morning fasting, is very wholesome, or to drink a draught of such drink after the taking of any of the preservatives will be very good.  
In all summer Plagues it shallbe good to use Sorrel sauce to be eaten in the morning with bread, and in the fall of the leaf to use the juice of Barberies with bread also.   

By Cordials. Mithridates' medicine of Figs.  
TAke of good Figs and Walnut kirnels of each twenty four, Rue picked two good handfuls, of Salt half an ounce or somewhat better: first stamp your Figs and Walnuts well together in a stone mortar, then add your Rue, and last of all your Salt, mix them exceedingly well: take of this mixture every morning fasting the weight of sixteen pence, to children and weak bodies less.   

Or this will be effectual also.  
TAke twenty Walnuts, pill them, Figs, fifteen, Rue a good handful, Tormentill roots three drams, juniper berries two drams, Bole Armoniac a dram and a half. First stamp your roots, than your Figs and Seeds, then add your Walnuts, then put to your Rue and Bole, and with them put thereto six drams of London Treacle, and two or three spoonfuls of wine vinegar, mix them well in a stone motrer, and take of this every morning the quantity of a good nutmegg fasting they that have cause to go much abroad, may take as much more in the evening two hours before supper.   

For women with child, children, and such as cannot take bitter things, use this.  
TAke conserve of red Roses, conserve of wood-sorrel of each two ounces, conserves of Borage, of Sage flowers, of each six drams, Bole Armoniac, shave of Heart's horn, Sorrel seeds, of each two drams, yellow or white Sanders half a dram, Saffron one scruple, Syrup of wood-sorrel, enough to make it a moist Electuary; mix them well, take so much as a Chestnut at a time, once or twice a day, as you shall find cause.   

For the richer sort.  
TAke the shave of Heart's horn, of Pearl, of Coral, Tormentill roots, Zedoary, true Terra Sigillata, of each one dram, Citron pills, yellow, white and red Sanders, of each half a dram, white Amber, Hyacinth-stone prepared, of each two scruples, Bezoar stone, of the East Unicorn's horn, of each 24. grains, Citron and Orange pills candied, of each three drams, Lignum Aloes one scruple, white Sugar Candie, twice the weight of all the rest, mix them well being made into a Dredge powder. Take the weight of 12. d. at a time every morning fasting, and also in the evening about five a clock or an hour before supper.  
With these powders and Sugar there may be made Lozenges, or Manus Christies, and with convenient conserves they may be made into Electuaries. All which and many more for their health they may have by the advice and directions of their own Physicians: or at least Physicians will not be wanting to direct them as they may have need to the poor for charity's sake.  
They may also use Bezoar water, or Treacle water distilled, compounded by the Physicians of London, and known by the name of aqua Theriacalis stillatitia, which they may use simply; or they may mix them also with all their Antidotes, as occasion shall require.  
The use of London Treacle is good both to preserve from the sickness, as also to cure the sick, being taken upon the first apprehension in a greater quantity, as to a man 2. drams, but less to a weak body, or a child, in Carduus, or Dragon water.  
Take of the finest clear Aloes you can buy, in colour like to a liver, and therefore called Hepatica, of Cinnamon, of Myrrh, of each of these the weight of three French Crowns, or of two and twenty pence of our money, of Cloves, Maces, Lignum Aloes, of Mastic, of Bole Oriental, of each of these half an ounce, mingle them together, and beat them into a very fine powder: of the which take every morning fasting the weight of a groat in white wine delayed with water.  
Take a dry Figg and open it, and put the kernel of a Walnut into the same, being cut very small, three or four leaves of Rue commonly called Herbgrace, a corn of Salt, then roast the Fig and eat it warm, fast three or four hours after it, and use this twice in the week.  
Take the powder of Tormentill, the weight of six pence, with Sorrel or Scabious water in Summer, and in the Winter with the water of Valerian, or common drink wherein hath been infused the fore named herbs.  
Or else, in one day they may take a little Wormwood and Valerian with a grain of Salt, in an other day they may take seven or eight berries of juniper, dried and put in powder, and taking the same with common drink, or with drink in which Wormwood and Rue hath been steeped all night.  
Also the Treacle called Diatessaroum, which is made but of four things, of light price easy to be had.  
Also the root of Enula Campana taken in powder with drink.  
Likewise a piece of Arras root kept in the mouth as men pass in the streets.  
Take six leaves of Sorrel, wash them with water and vinegar, let them lie in the said water and vinegar a while: Then eats them fasting, and keep in your mouth and Chew now and then either Setwall or the root of Angelica or a little cinnamon, or four grains of Myrrh or so much of rattle Snake root.   

By Medicines Purgative:  
IT is good for prevention to keep the body reasonable open, especially with such things as are easy of operation and good to resist putrefaction, such are these Pills which are usually to be had at good Apothecaries, and are called Pestilential Pills.  
Take Aloes two ounces, Myrrh and Saffron, of each an ounce, Ammoniacum half an ounce; make them up into a mass with the juice of Lemons, or white Wine vinegar, to keep the body open, A small Pill or two will be enough taken a little before supper, or before dinner, but to purge the body take the weight of a dram made into five or six or more Pills in the morning fasting, and that day keep your Chamber.  
If the Patient be costine and bound in his body, let him take a suppositary made with a little boiled honey, and a little fine powder of salt, and so taken in at the fundament, and kept till it move a stool.  
For the poor take Aloes the weight of six pence, put in the pap of an Apple: and for the Richer, Pills of Ruffus to be had in every Apothecary's shop.  
Such as are tied to necessary attendance on the infected, as also such as live in visited houses shall do well to cause Issues to to be made in their left Arms or right legs, or both as the Doctor shall think fit.   

Blood letting.  
IF the Patient be full of blood and strong, let him be let blood upon the Liver-veine in the right Arm, or in the Median vein of the same arm (if no sore appear.)  
For blood-letting and strong purging there must be particular directions had from the Doctors deputed according to the constitution of the parties.  
These two last remdies of blood-letting, and strong purge, are to be used the first day that the Patient shall fall sick as cause shall be to use the one or the other, (no sore appearing) In which case, if any sore or spots shall appear, they are both to be forborn.   

Vomits.  
To provoke vomit, with two ounces of Rank Oil, or Walnut Oil, a spoonful of the juice of Celendine, and half a spoonful of the juice of Radish root, or two spoonfuls of Oxymel of Squils with Posset drink and oil.   

Medicines expulsive.  
THe poison is expelled best by sweeting provoked by posset ale made with Fennell and Marigolds in winter, and with Sorrell, bugloss, and Borage in summer, with the which in both times they must mingle London Treacle, the weight of two dams: and so to lay themselves with all quietness to sweat one half hour, or an hour if they be strong.  
For the cure of the Infected upon the first apprehension, Bour seeds, Cucheneely, powder of Heart's horn, Citron seeds one, or more of them, with a few grains of Camphire, are good to be given in Carduus or Dragon water, or with some Treacle water.  
Take Burr seeds and Cucheneely, of each half a dram, or to a weak body of each one scruple, Camphire five grains, mix these with two ounces of Carduus or Dragon water, half an ounce of Treacle water, syrup of Wood sorrel a spoonful, mix these, give it the Patient warm, cover him to sweat, you may give him a second draught after twelve hours, let him drink no cold drink, this posset drink or the like will be good to give the visited liberally.  
Take wood-sorrel half a handful, Marigold flowers half so much, shave of Hartshorn three drams, a fig or two sliced, boil them well in clear posset drink, let them drink thereof freely, you may put thereto a little sugar.  
Take Citron seeds six or eight, shave of Hartshorn half a dram, London Treacle one dram, mix them with two ounces of Carduus water, or with three ounces of the prescribed posset drink. Drink it warm and so lie to sweat.  
Take Sorrell-water five or six spoonfuls, Treacle-water one spoonful, London-Treacle one dram and a half, mix them well, give it warm, and so lay the Patient to sweat.  
Take Tormentill and Celandine roots of each four ounces, Scabious and Rue of each one handful and a half, White wine vinegar three pints, boil these till one pint be wasted, strain out the liquor, which reserve for the use of the Infected: let it be taken thus.  
Take of this liquor and of Carduus water of each one ounce and an half, London Treacle one dram and a half. Bole-Armoniak half a scruple, put thereto a little sugar, mix them well, let the party drink it warm, and cover him to sweat.   

In Summer this is good.  
TAke the juice of Wood-sorrel two ounces, the juice of Lemons one ounce, Diascordium one dram, cinnamon six grains, Vinegar half an ounce, give it warm, and lay the sick party to sweat. Use this in case of Fluxes of the belly or want of rest.  
Take an Egg and make a hole in the top of it, Take out the white and yolk, fill the shell with the weight of two french crowns of Saffron, roast the said Egg thus filled with Saffron under the Embers, until the shell begin to wax yellow. Then take it from the fire, and beat the shell and Saffron in a mortar together with half a spoonful of mustard seed. Take of this powder a French crown weight, and as soon as you suspect yourself infected, dissolve it into ten spoonfuls of posset Ale, and drink it lukewarm, Then go to bed and provoke yourself to sweeting.   

Or, Take one dram of the Electuarium de Ouo.  
Take five or six handfuls of Sorrel that groweth in the field, or a greater quantity according as you will distil more or less of the water thereof, and let it lie infused or steeped in good vinegar the space of twenty four hours, Then take it off and dry it with a linen cloth, and put it into a limbeck, and distil the water thereof, and as soon as you find yourself touched with the sickness, drink four spoonfuls of the said water with a little sugar, and if you be able walk upon it until you sweat, if not, keep your bed, and being well covered provoke yourself to sweeting.  
Take of the root Butter-burre, otherwise called Pestilent▪ wort one ounce, of the root of great Valerian a quarter of an ounce, of Sorrell an handful, boil all these in a quart of water to a pint, then strain it, and put thereto two spoonfuls of Vinegar, two ounces of good Sugar, boil all these together until they be well mingled: let the infected drink of this so hot as he may suffer it, a good draught, and if he chance to cast it up again, let him take the same quantity strait way upon it, and provoke himself to sweat.  
Or the Infected may take one dram of this powder following. Take Sugar of Roses four ounces, Ginger two ounces, Camphire one ounce, make these into fine powder, keep it made up into Balls with Wine.  
Take of the powder of good Bay-berry, the husk taken away from them, before they be dried, a spoonful; let the Patient drink this well mingled in a draught of good stale Ale or Beer, or with a draught of white Wine, and go to bed, and cast himself into a sweat, and forbear sleep.  
Take the inward Bark of the Ash-tree one pound, of Walnuts with the green outward shells to the number of fifty, cut these small; of Scabious, of Vervin, of every one a handful, of Saffron two drams, power upon these the strongest Vinegar you can get four pints, let them a little boil together upon a very soft fire, and then stand in a very close pot well stopped all a night upon the embers, after distil them with a soft fire, and receive the water close kept. Give unto the Patient laid in bed and well covered with clothes, two ounces of this water to drink, and let him be provoked to sweat, and every eight hours during the space of twenty four hours give him the same quantity to drink.  
Care must be taken in the use of these sweeting Cordials, that the party infected sweat two or three hours, if he have strength, and sleep not till the sweat be over, and that he have been well wiped with warm linen, and when he hath been dried let him wash his mouth with water and vinegar warm, and let his face and hands be washed with the same: when these things are done, give him a good draught of Broth made with Chicken or Mutton with Rosemary, Thyme, Sorrell, Succory and Marigolds; or else Water-gruel, with Rosemary and Winter-savory, or Thyme Panado seasoned with verjuice or juice of wood-sorrel. For their drink let it be small Beer warmed with a toast, or water boiled with Carraway seed, Carduus seed, and a crust of bread, or such posset drink as is mentioned before in the second medicine; after some nutriment let them sleep or rest often washing their mouth with water and vinegar.  
These Cordials must be repeated once in eight, ten or twelve hours at the furthest.  
If the party infected vomit up his medicine, then repeat, it presently, or else give him two or three spoonfuls of Vinegar of Squills, or Oxymel of Squills with▪ posset drink, and then after proceed.   

Medicines external.  
VEsicatories applied to the arms, inside of the thighs, or about the bottom of the calf of the leg, will draw forth the venom: but the use of these requires the direction of the Doctors deputed.  
For the swelling under the ears, armpits, or in the groins, they must be always drawn forth and ripened, and broke with all speed.  
These Tumours, and much more the Carbuncles and Blains do require the care and skill of the expert Chirurgeon: but not to leave the poorer sort destitute of good remedies, these following are very good.  
Pull off the feathers from the tails of living Cocks, Hens, Pigeons, or Chickens, and holding their bills, hold them hard to the Botch or swelling, and so keep them at that part until they die, and by this means draw out the poison. It is good to apply a cupping glass or embers in a dish, with a handful of Sorrel upon the embers.   

To break the Tumour.  
TAke a great Onion, hollow it, put into it a Fig, Rue cut small, and a dram of Venice Treacle, put it close stopped in a wet paper, and roast it in the embers. Apply it hot unto the Tumour, lay three or four one after another, let one lie three hours  
Scabious and Sorrell roasted in the embers mixed with a little strong leaven, and some Barrowes grease, and a little salt, will draw it and break it.  
Take two or three roasted onions, a Lily root or two roasted, a handful of Scabious roasted, four or five figs, a piece of leaven and a little Rue, stamp all these together, if it be too dry, put to it two ounces of oil of Lilies, or so much salt butter, make a poultice, apply it hot, after it hath lain three or four hours, take it off and burn it, and apply a fresh poultice of the same, if it prove hard to break, add a little burnt copperasse to the poultice.   

Or this.  
TAke the flowers of Elders two handfuls, Rocker seed bruised one ounce, Pigeons dung three drams: stamp these together, put to them a little oil of Lilies, make thereof a poultice, apply it and change it as you did the former.   

To draw.  
When it is broken, to draw it & heal it take the yolk of an Egg, one ounce of honey of Roses, Turpentine half an ounce, wheat flower a little, London Treacle a dram and a half, mix these well, spread it upon leather, change it twice a day, or take Diachylon cum Gummis.   

For the Carbuncle.  
Apply an actual or potential Cautery, saying a defensative of Bowl▪ Armoniac, or Terra Sigillata, mixed with Vinegar and the white of an Egg, round about the tumour, but not upon it.  
Take three or four Cloves of Garlic, Rue half a handful, four Figs, strong Leaven, and the Soot of a Chimney in which wood hath been burnt, of each, half an ounce, Mustardseed two drams, Salt a dram and a half, stamp these well together, and apply it hot to the sore: You may put thereto a little salt butter, if it be too dry.   

Or this.  
Take Leaven half an ounce, Radish Rootes the bigger the better, an ounce and an half, Mustardseed two drams, Onions and Garlic roasted, of each two drams and a half, Venice Treacle, or Mithridatum, three drams, mix these in a mortar, apply it hot thrice a day to the Sore.  
But these Sores cannot be well ordered and cured, without the personal care of a discreet Surgeon.  
Take of Scabious two handfuls, stamp it in a stone mortar, with a pestle of stone if you can get any such, then put into it of old Swine's grease salted two ounces, and the yolk of an egg, stamp them well together, and lay part of this warm to the sore.  
Take of the leaves of Mallows, of Camomile Flowers, or either of them a handful, of Linseed beaten into powder two ounces, boil the Mallow leaves first cut, and the flowers of Camomile in fair water, standing about a finger's breadth: boil all them together, until all the water be almost spent, then put thereunto the Linseed, of wheat flower half a handful, of Swine's grease, the skins taken away, three ounces, of Oil of Lilies two ounces, stir them still with a stick, and let them all boil together on a soft fire without smoke, until the water be utterly spent: beat them altogether in a mortar until they be well incorporated, and in feeling, smooth and not rough. Then take part thereof hot in a dish, set upon a Chafindish of coals, and lay it thick upon a linen cloth, applying it to the sore.  
Take a white Onion cut in pieces, of fresh butter three ounces, of leaven the weight of twelve pence, of Mallows one handful, of Scabious, if it may be had, one handful, of Cloves of Garlic the weight of twenty pence: Boil them on the fire in sufficient water, and make a poultice of it, and lay it warm to the sore.   

Another.  
Take two handfuls of Valerian, three roots of Danewort, an handful of Smallage or Lovage. Seeth them all in Butter and water, and a few Crumbs of bread, and make a poultice thereof, and lay it warm to the sore till it break.   

Another.  
If you cannot have these herbs, it is good to lay a loaf of bread to it hot, as it cometh out of the Oven (which afterward shall be burnt or buried in the earth) or the leaves of Scabious or Sorrel roasted, or two or three Lily roots, roasted under Embers, beated and applied.    

¶ Order thought meet by his MAJESTY and his Privy Council, to be executed throughout the Counties of this Realm, in such Towns, Villages and other places as are, or may be hereafter Infected with the Plague, for the stay of further increase of the same.  
AS the most loving and gracious care of his Majesty for the preservation of his People, hath already been earnestly showed and declared by such means and ways as were thought expedient to suppress the grievous Infection of the Plague, and to prevent the increase thereof, within the City of LONDON, & parts about it; so whatsoever other good means may be yet remaining which may extend and prove behooveful to the Country abroad (where his Majesty is sorry to understand that the Contagion is also in many places dispersed) it is likewise His gracious pleasure, that the same be carefully provided and put in practice. And therefore having taken knowledge of certain good Orders that were upon like occasion published in time past, together with certain Rules and medicines prescribed by the best and most learned Physicians, and finding both of them to serve well for the present time, his Majesty is pleased, that the same shall be renewed and published: And withal straight commandeth all justices of the Peace, and others to whom it may appertain, to see the said Orders duly executed.  
At the Court at Hampton Court this 30. of july. 1603.   

Infection of the Plague.  
INprimis, All the justices in every County, aswel within the Liberties as without, immediately upon knowledge to them given, shall assemble themselves together at some one general place accustomed, being clear from Infection of the Plague, to consult how these Orders following may be duly put in execution: not meaning that any justices dwelling in or near places infected, shall come thither, whiles their coming may be doubtful. And after their first general assembly, they shall make a distribution of themselves to sundry Limits and divisions, as in other common services of the County they are accustomed to do, for the prosecution thereof.  
2 First, they shall inquire, and presently inform themselves by all good means, what Towns and villages are at the time of such assembly infected within every their Counties, and in what Hundred or other Division the said Towns and Villages are, and how many of the same places so infected are Corporate Towns, Market Towns, and Villages, and shall consider of what wealth the inhabitants of the same towns and Parishes are, to be able to relieve the poor that are or shallbe infected, and to be restrained in their houses.  
3 Item, thereupon after conference used according to the necessity of the cause, they shall devose and make a general taxation, either by charging the Town infected with one sum in gross, or by charging the special persons of wealth within the same, to be forth with collected for the rate of one month at the first, and so if the sickness shall continue, the collection of the like sum, or of more or of less, as time and cause shall require, and the same to be every first, second, third or fourth week employed to and for the execution of the said Orders. And in case some of the said Towns Infected, shall manifestly appear not to be of sufficient ability to contribute sufficient for the charges requisite, than the Taxation or Collection shall be made or further extended to other parts, or in any other further limits, as by them shall be thought requisite, where there shall be any such Towns or Villages so infected, and unable to relieve themselves. And if the said Towns be situated in the borders & confines of any other shire, then as the justices shall see cause and need for the greatness of the charge requisite, that the parts of the shire joining to the Towns infected be not able, they shall write their letters to the next justices of the other Shire so confining, to procure by collection some relief, as in like cases they are to relieve them, in respect of near neighbourhood of the place, & for that the same Infection may be the better stayed from the said adjoining places, though they be separated by name of the County.  
4 Item, they shall cause to be appointed in every Parish aswell infected as not infected, certain persons to view the bodies of all such as shall die, before they be suffered to be buried, and to certify the Minister of the Church and Churchwarden, or other principal Officers, or their substitutes of what probable disease the said persons died: and the said viewers, to have weekly some allowance, & the more large allowance where the Towns or Parishes be infected, during the infection, towards their maintenance, to the end they which shallbe in places infected, may forbear to resort into the company of others that are sound: and those persons to be sworn to make true report according to their knowledge, & the choice of them to be made by direction of the Curate of the Church, with three or four substantial men of the Parish. And in case the said viewers either through favour or corruption▪ shall give wrong certificate, or shall refuse to serve being thereunto appointed, then to cause them to be punished by imprisonment, in such sort as may serve for a terror to others.  
5 Item, the houses of such persons out of the which there shall die any of the Plague, being so certified by the viewers, or otherwise known, or where it shall be understood, that any person remaineth sick of the Plague, to be closed up in all parts during the time of restraint, viz. six weeks, after the sickness be ceased in the same house, in case the said houses so infected shallbe within any Town having houses near adjoining to the same. And if the infection happen in houses dispersed in Villages, and separated from other houses, and that of necessity, for the serving of their cattle, and manuring of their ground, the said persons cannot continue in their houses, than they be nevertheless restrained from resorting into company of others, either publicly, or privately during the said time of restraint, and to wear some mark in their uppermost garments, or bear white rods in their hands at such time as they shall go abroad: if there be any doubt that the masters and owners of the houses infected, will not duly observe the directions of shutting up the doors, specially in the night, then shall there be appointed two or three Watchmen by turns, which shall be sworn to attend & watch the house, and to apprehend any person that shall come out of the house contrary to the order, and the same persons by order of the justices, shall be a competent time imprisoned in the stocks in the high way next to the house infected: and furthermore, some special mark shall be made and fixed to the doors of every of the infected houses, and where any such houses shall be Inns or Alehouses, the Signs shall be taken down for the time of the restraint, and some cross, or other mark set upon the place thereof to be a token of the sickness.  
6 Item, they shall have good regard to choose honest persons, that either shall collect the sums assessed, or shall have the custody thereof, and out of the said collection to allot a weekly proportion for the finding of victual, or fire, or medicines for the poorer sort, during the time of their restraint. And whereas some persons being well disposed to yield alms and relief, will be more willing to give some portions of victual, as corn, bread, or other meat, the same shall be committed to the charge of some special persons, that will honestly and truly preserve the same, to be distributed as they shall be appointed for the poor that are infected.  
7 Item, to appoint certain persons dwelling within the Towns infected, to provide and deliver all necessaries of victuals, or any matter of watching or other attendance, to keep such as are of good wealth being restrained, at their own proper costs and charges, and the poor at the common charges: and the said persons so appointed to be ordered, not to resort to any public assembly during the time of such their attendance, as also to wear some mark on their upper garment, or to bear a white rod in their hand, to the end others may avoid their company.  
8 Item, that in the shire town in every County, and in other great towns meet for that purpose, there may be provision bespoken and made, of such Preseruatives and other remedies, which otherwise in meaner towns cannot be readily had, as by the Physicians shall be prescribed, and is at this present reduced into an Advice made by the Physicians, and now printed and sent with the said Orders, which may be fixed in Market-places, upon places usual for such public matters, and in other Towns in the bodies of the parish Churches, and chapels: in which Advice only such things are prescribed, as usually are to be had and found in all Countries without great charge or cost.  
9 Item, the Ministers and Curates, and the Churchwardens in every parish, shall in writing certify weekly to some of the justices, residing within the Hundred or other limit where they serve, the number of such persons as are infected and do not die, and also of all such as shall die within their Parishes, and their diseases probable whereof they died, and the same to be certified to the rest of the justices at their assemblies, which during some convenient time would be every one and twenty days, and thereof a particular book kept by the Clerk of the Peace, or some such like.  
10 Item, to appoint some place apart in each Parish for the burial of such persons as shall die of the Plague, as also to give order that they be buried after Sun setting, and yet nevertheless by day light, so as the C●eate be present for the observation of the Rites and Ceremonies prescribed by the Law, foreseeing as much as coveniently he may, to be distant from the danger of infection of the person dead, or of the company that shall bring the corpse to the grave.  
11 Item, the justices, of the whole County to assemble once in one and twenty days, to examine whether those Orders be duly executed, and to certify to the Lords of the Privy Council their proceedings in that behalf, what Towns and Villages be infected, as also the numbers of the dead, and the diseases whereof they died, and what sums of money are taxed and collected to this purpose, and how the same are distributed.  
12 Item, the justices of the Hundred, where any such infection is, or the justice's next adjoining thereunto, to assemble once a week, to take account of the execution of the said Orders, and as they find any lack or disorder, either to reform it themselves, or to report it at the general assembly there, to be by a more common consent reform.  
13 Item, for that the contagion of the Plague groweth and increaseth no way more, then by the use and handling of such clothes, bedding and other stuff as hath been worn and occupied by the Infected of this disease, during the time of their disease: the said justices shall in the places infected take such order, that all the said clothes and other stuff, so occupied by the diseased, so soon as the parties diseased of the plague are all of them either well recovered or dead, be either burnt and clean consumed with fire, or else aired in such sort as is prescribed in an especial Article contained in the advice set down by the Physicians. And for that peradventure the loss of such apparel, bedding, and other stuff to be burnt, may be greater than the poor estate of the owners of the same may well bear: it is thought very good & expedient, if it be thought meet it shall be burnt, that then the said justices, out of such Collections as are to be made within their Counties for the relief of the poorer sort that be infected, allow also them such sum or sums as to them shall be thought reasonable, in recompense of the loss of their said stuff.  
14 Item, the said justices may put in execution any other Orders that by them at their general assembly shall be devised and thought meet, tending to the preservation of his Majesty's Subjects from the infection. And to the end their care and diligence may the better appear, they shall certify in writing the said Orders newly devised: and if any shall wilfully break and contemn the same, or any the Orders herein specified, they shall either presently punish them by imprisonment, or if the persons so contemning them, shall be of such countenance as the justices shall think meet to have their faults known to His Majesty, or to the Council, they shall charge and bind them to appear before Us, and the contempt duly certified, that there may be a more notorious sharp example made by punishment of the same by order of His Majesty.  
15 Item, if there be lack of justices in some parts of the Shire, or if they which are justices there, shall be for the time absent, in that case the more number of the justices at their assembly shall make choice of some convenient persons to supply those places for the better execution hereof.  
16 Item, if there be any person Ecclesiastical or Lay, that shall hold and publish any opinions (as in some places report is made) that it is a vain thing to forbear to resort to the Infected, or that it is not charitable to forbid the same, pretending that no person shall die but at their time prefixed, such persons shall be not only reprehended, but by order of the Bishop, if they be Ecclesiastical, shall be forbidden to preach, and being Lay, shall be also enjoined to forbear to utter such dangerous opinions upon pain of imprisonment, which shall be executed, if they shall persevere in that error. And yet it shall appear manifestly by these Orders, that according to Christian charity, no persons of the meanest degree shall be left without succour and relief.  
17 And of these things above mentioned, the justices shall take great care, as of a matter specially directed and commanded by his Majesty upon the princely and natural care he hath conceived towards the preservation of his Subjects, who by very disorder, and for lack of direction do in many parts wilfully procure the increase of this general Contagion.   

¶ Orders conceived and agreed to be published by the Lord Maior and Aldermen of the City of London, and the justices of Peace of the Counties of Middlesex and Surrey, by direction from the Lords of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council.  
WHereas in the first year of the Reign of our late Sovereign, King james of happy memory, over this Realm of England, an Act was made for the charitable relief and Ordering of persons infected with the Plague: whereby Authority is given to justices of Peace, Mayor, Bailiffs, and other head Officers, to appoint within their several Limits Examiner's, Searchers, Watchmen, Keepers, and Buriers for the persons and places infected, and to minister unto them Oaths for the performance of their Offices. And the same Statute also authoriseth the giving of other Directions, as unto them for the present necessity shall seem good in their discretions. It is therefore upon special consideration thought very expedient for the preventing and avoiding of the Infection of Sickness (if it shall please Almighty God) which is now dangerously dispersed into many places within the City and Suburbs of the same: that these Officers following be appointed, and these Orders hereafter prescribed be duly observed.  

Examiner's to be appointed in every Parish.  
FIrst, It is thought requisite and so ordered, that in every Parish there be one, two, or more persons of good sort and credit, chosen and appointed by the Alderman, his Deputy, and Common Council of every Ward, and by the justices of Peace in the Counties, by the name of Examiner's, to continue in that Office the space of two months at least: and if any fit persons so appointed as aforesaid, shall refuse to undertake the same, the said parties so refusing, to be committed to prison until they shall conform themselves accordingly.   

The Examiner's Office.  
THat these Examiner's be sworn by the Alderman, or by one of the justices of the County, to inquire and learn from time to time what houses in every parish be visited, and what persons be sick, and of what Diseases, as near as thy can inform themselves, and upon doubt in that case, to command restraint of access, until it appear what the Disease shall prove: and if they find any person sick of the Infection, to give order to the Constable that the house be shut up: and if the Constable shallbe found remiss or negligent, to give present notice thereof to the Alderman, or the justice of Peace respectively.   

Watchmen.  
THat to every Infected house there be appointed two watchmen, one for the day and the other for the night: And that these Watchmen have a special care that no person go in or out of such infected houses, whereof they have the charge, upon pain of severe punishment. And the said Watchmen to do such further Offices as the sick house shall need and require: and if the Watchman be sent upon any business, to lock up the house and take the Key with him: and the Watchman by day to attend until ten of the clock at night: and the Watchman by night till six in the morning.   

Surgeons.  
THat there be a special care, to appoint women Searchers in every parish, such as are of honest reputation, & of the best sort as can be got in this kind: And these to be sworn to make due search and true report, to the utmost of their knowledge, whether the persons, whose bodies they are appointed to Search, do die of the Infection, or of what other diseases, as near as they can. And for their better assistance herein, forasmuch as there hath been heretofore great abuse in misreporting the disease, to the further spreading of the Infection: It is therefore ordered, that there be chosen and appointed three able and discreet Surgeons, besides those three, that do already belong to the Pesthouse: amongst whom, the City and Liberties to be quartered, as the places lie most apt and convenient: and every of these six to have one quarter for his Limit: and the said Surgeons in every of their Limits to join with the Searchers for the view of the body, to the end there may be a true report made of the disease.  
And further, that the said Surgeons shall visit and search such like persons as shall either send for them, or be named and directed unto them, by the examiners of every Parish, and inform themselves of the disease of the said parties.  
And forasmuch as the said Surgeons are to be sequestered from all other Cures, and kept only to this disease of the Infection: It is ordered, that every of the said Surgeons shall have twelve pence a body searched by them, to be paid out of the goods of the party searched, if he be able, or otherwise by the Parish.    

Orders concerning infected houses and persons sick of the Plague.  

Notice to be given of the Sickness.  
THe Master of every house, as soon as any one in his house complaineth, either of Botch, or Purple, or Swelling in any part of his body, or falleth otherwise dangerously sick, without apparent cause of some other disease, shall give knowledge thereof to the Examiner of health within two hours after the said sign shall appear.   

Sequestration of the sick.  
AS soon as any man shallbe found by this Examiner, Chirurgeon or Searcher, to be sick of the Plague, he shall the same night be sequestered in the same house. And in case he be so sequestered, then though he afterwards die not, the house wherein he sickened, shall be shut up for a month, after the use of due Preseruatives taken by the rest.   

Airing the Stuff.  
FOr sequestration of the goods and stuff of the Infected, their Bedding, and Apparel, and hangings of Chambers, must be well ayred with fire, and such perfumes as are requisite within the Infected house, before they be taken again to use: this to be done by the appointment of the Examiner.   

Shutting up of the house.  
IF any person shall have visited any man, known to be Infected of the Plague, or entered willingly into any known infected house, being not allowed: the house wherein he inhabiteth, shall be shut up for certain days by the Examiner's direction.   

None to be removed out of infected houses, but etc.  
ITem, that none be removed out of the house where he falleth sick of the infection, into any other house in the City, Borough, or County (except it be to the Pest-house or a Tent, or unto some such house, which the owners of the said Visited house holdeth in his own hands, and occupieth by his own servants) and so as security be given to the Parish whither such remooue is made, that the attendance and charge about the said Visited persons, shall be observed and charged in all the particularities before expressed, without any cost of that Parish, to which any such remove shall happen to be made, and this remove to be done by night: And it shall be lawful to any person that hath two houses, to remove either his sound or his infected people to his spare house at his choice, so as if he send away first his sound, he may not after send thither the sick, nor again unto the sick the sound: And that the same which he sendeth, be for one week at the least shut up, and secluded from company for fear of some infection, at the first not appearing.   

Burial of the dead.  
THat the burial of the dead by this Visitation be at most convenient hours, always either before Sun rising, or after Sun setting, with the privity of the Churchwardens or Constables, and not otherwise, and that no neighbours nor friends be suffered to accompany the Coarse to Church, or to enter the house visited, upon pain of having his house shut up, or be imprisoned.   

No infected stuff to be uttered.  
THat no Clothes, Stuffe, bedding or garments be suffered to be carried or conveyed out of any Infected Houses, and that the Criers and Caries abroad of Bedding or old Apparel to be Sold or Pawned, be utterly Prohibited and restrained, and no Brokers of Bedding, or old Apparel be permitted to make any outward Show, or hang forth on their Stalls, Shopboords or Windows, towards any Street, Lane, common Way or passage, any old Bedding or Apparel to be sold, upon pain of Imprisonment: And if any Broker or other person shall buy any Bedding, Apparel, or other Stuff out of any Infected House, within two months after the Infection hath been there, his house shall be shut up as Infected, and so shall continue shut up twenty days at the least.   

No person to be conveyed out of any Infected house.  
IF any person Visited do fortune, by negligent looking unto, or by any other means, to come or be conveyed from a place infected, to any other place, the Parish from whence such Party hath come, or been conveyed, upon notice thereof given, shall at their charge cause the said party so Visited and escaped, to be carried and brought back again by night, and the parties in this case offending, to be punished at the direction of the Alderman of the Ward, and the justices of the Peace respectively: and the house of the receiver of such visited person to be shut up for twenty days.   

Every Visited house to be marked.  
THat every house visited be marked with a Red Cross of a foot long, in the middle of the door, evident to be seen, and with these usual Printed words, that is to say, Lord have mercy upon us, to be set close over the same Cross, there to continue until lawful opening of the same house.   

Every Visited house to be watched.  
THat the Constables see every house shut up, and to be attended with Watchmen, which may keep them in, and minister necessaries unto them at their own charges (if they be able) or at the common charge if they be unable: the shutting up to be for the space of four weeks after all be whole.  
That precise order be taken that the Searchers, Surgeons, Keepers and Buriers are not to pass the streets without holding a red Rod or Wand of three foot in length in their hands, open and evident to be seen, and are not to go into any other house, then into their own, or into that whereunto they are directed or sent for, but to forbear and abstain from company, especially when they have been lately used in any such business or attendance.  
And to this end it is ordered, that a weekly Tax be made in every Parish visited: If in the City or Borough, then under the hand of the Alderman of the Ward, where the place is visited: if in either of the Counties, then under the hands of some of the justice's next to the place visited, who, if there be cause, may extend the Tax into other Parishes also, and may give warrant of distress against them which shall refuse to pay: and for want of distress, or for assistance, to commit the offenders to prison, according to the Statute in that behalf.    

Orders for cleansing and keeping of the Streets sweet.  

The streets to be kept clean.  
FIrst, it is thought very necessary and so ordered, that every householder do cause the Street to be daily pared before his door, and so to keep it clean sweptall the week long.   

That Rakers take it from out the houses.  
THat the sweeping and filth of houses be daily carried away by the Rakers, and that the Raker shall give notice of his coming by the blowing of a Horn, as heretofore hath been done.   

Laystals to be made far off from the City.  
THat the Laystals be removed as far as may be out of the City, and common passages, and that no Night-man or other be suffered to empty a Vault into any Garden near about the City.   

Care to be had of unwholesome Fish, or Flesh, and of musty Corne.  
THat special care be taken, that no stinking Fish, or unwholesome Flesh, or musty Corn, or other corrupt fruits, of what sort soever, be suffered to be sold about the City or any part of the same.  
That the Brewer's and Tippling houses be looked unto, for musty and unwholesome Cask.  
That order be taken, that no Hogs, Dogs, or cats, or tame Pigeons, or Coneys be suffered to be kept within any part of the City, or any Swine to be, or stray in the Streets or Lanes, but that such Swine be Impounded by the Beadle or any other Officer, & the owner punished according to the Act of Common Council, and that the Dogs be killed by the Dog killers, appointed for that purpose.    

Orders concerning loose Persons, and idle assemblies.  

Beggars.  
FOr as much as nothing is more complained on, than the multitude of Rogues and wandering Beggars, that swarm in every place about the City, being a great cause of the spreading of the infection, & will not be avoided, notwithstanding any Order that hath been given to the contrary: It is therefore now ordered, that such Constables, and others whom this matter may any way concern, do take special care, that no wandering Beggar be suffered in the Streets of this City, in any fashion or manner whatsoever upon pain of the penalty provided by the Law to be duly and severely executed upon them.   

Plays.  
THat all Plays, Bear-baitings, Games, Singing of Ballads, Buckler-play, or such like causes or Assemblies of people, be utterly prohibited, and the parties offending, severely punished, by any Alderman, or justice of the peace.   

Tippling houses.  
THat disorderly Tippling in Taverns Alehouses and Cellars, be severely looked unto, as the common sin of this time, and greatest occasion of dispersing the Plague: and where any shall be found to offend, the penalty of the Statute to be laid upon them with all severity.  
And for the better execution of these Orders, as also for such other directions as shall be needful, It is agreed that the justices of the City and the Counties adjoining do meet together once in ten days either at the Session's house without Newgate, or some other convenient place, to confer of things as shall be needful in this behalf.  
And every person neglecting the duty required, or willingly offending against any Article or clause contained in these Orders, he to be severely punished by imprisonment, or otherwise, as by the law he ought.  
God save the King.    

❧ By the KING.  

¶ A Proclamation for quickening the Laws made for the relief of the poor, and the suppressing, punishing, and settling of the sturdy Rogues and Vagabonds.  
WHereas many excellent Laws and Statutes with great judgement and providence have been made in the times of Our late dear and Royal Father, and of the late Queen Elizabeth, for the relief of the impotent and indigent Poor, and for the punishing, suppressing, and settling of the sturdy Rogues and Vagabonds, which Laws and Statutes, if they were duly observed, would be of exceeding great use for the peace and plenty of this Realm, but the neglect thereof is the occasion of much disorder, and many insufferable abuses. And whereas it is fit at all times to put in execution those Laws which are of so necessary, and so continual use: yet the apparent and visible danger of the Pestilence, (unless the same by God's gracious mercy, and Our provident endeavours be prevented) doth much more require the same at this present.  
We have therefore thought it fit, by the advice of Our Privy Council, by this Our public Proclamation, straightly to charge and command, that all our loving Subjects in their several places, do use all possible care and diligence as a principal means to prevent the spreading, and dispersing of that contagious sickness, to observe and put in due execution, all the said Laws made and provided against Rogues and Vagabonds, and for the relief of the truly poor and impotent people. And in the first place, We strictly charge and command, that in Our Cities of London, and Westminster, and Suburbs thereof, and places adjacent thereunto, and generally throughout the whole Kingdom, that there be careful Watch, and Ward kept for the apprehending and punishing of all Rogues and Vagabonds, who either in the streets or high ways, under the names of Soldiers, or Mariners, Glassemen, Pot-men, Pedlars, or Petty-Chapmen, or of poor or impotent people, shall be found either wand'ring, or begging.  
And We do further strictly charge and command, that all Constables, Head-boroughs, and other Officers, do use all diligence, to punish, and pass away according to the Law, all such Wanderers, or Beggars, as shall be apprehended, either in the Cities, or places aforesaid, or in any other Cities, Towns, Parishes, or places within this Realm, and take great care that none pass under the colour of counterfeit Passes. And that all Irish Rogues, and Vagabonds be forthwith apprehended, wheresoever they shall be found, and punished, and sent home according to a former Proclamation, heretofore published in that behalf. That all Householders of whose persons, or at whose houses any such Vagrants shall be taken begging, do apprehend, or cause them to be apprehended, and carried to the next Constable, or other Officer to be punished, according to the Laws. And that they forbear to relieve them, thereby to give them encouragement to continued in their wicked course of life.  
That the justices of Peace in their several places throughout this Kingdom be careful either by Provost Marshals, or by the high Constables, or otherwise by their good discretions effectually to provide, that all Rogues and Vagabonds of all sorts be searched for, apprehended, punished and suppressed according to the Law. And that once every month at the least, a convenient number of the justices of Peace in every several County and Division, shall meet together in some convenient place in that diviuision, and take account of the high Constables, petty Constables, and other Officers within that Division, how they have observed the Laws and Our commandment touching the Premises.  
And that they severely punish all such as shall be found remiss or negligent in that behalf. And We do hereby strictly charge and command as well all and singular justices of Peace, Constables, Headboroughs, and other Our Officers and Ministers, as also all Our loving Subjects of what estate or degree soever, to use all diligence, that all and every houses or places which are or shall be visited or infected with the sickness, be carefully shut up, and Watch and Ward kept over them, that no person or persons within those places do go abroad, or depart from thence, during the time of such Visitation. And We do hereby command all and singular Our judges of Assize in their several Circuits to give special charge, and make special enquiry of the defaults of all and every the justices of Peace who shall not observe their meetings in the several Counties and Divisions aforesaid, or shall not punish such Constables or other Officers as being informed either by their own view and knowledge, or otherwise are or shall be found remiss or negligent in the Premises, or in levying such penalties & forfeitures as the Laws and Statutes of this Realm require against the parties offending herein. And thereof to inform Us or Our Privy Council, to the end that such due course may be taken either by removing out of the Commission such negligent justices of the Peace, or otherwise by inflicting such punishment upon them as shall be due to such as neglect their own duties, and Our Royal command published upon so important an occasion.  
And We do hereby will, require and command all and every Our judges of Assize, Majors, Sheriffs, justices of Peace, Constables, Headboroughs and other Our Officers, Ministers and Subjects whom it may concern that they carefully and effectually observe and perform all and every the Premises, as they will answer the neglect thereof at their uttermost perils.  
And whereas We have lately commanded a Book to be printed and published containing certain Statutes made and enacted heretofore for the relief of the Poor, and of Soldiers and Mariners, and for punishment of Rogues and Vagabonds, and for the relief and ordering of persons infected with the Plague, and also containing certain Orders heretofore and now lately conceived and made concerning health: All which are necessary to be known and observed by Our loving Subjects, that thereby they may the better avoid those dangers which otherwise may fall upon their persons or estates by their neglect thereof: We have thought it fit hereby to give notice thereof to all Our loving Subjects, to the end that none may pretend ignorance for an excuse in matters of so great importance. And we do hereby declare, that whosoever shall be found remiss or negligent in the execution of any part of the Premises, shall receive such condign punishment for their offence, as by the Laws of this Realm, or by Our Prerogative Royal can or may be justly inflicted upon them.  Given at our Court at Whitehall the three and twentieth day of April, in the sixth year of Our Reign of England, Scotland, France and Ireland. 
God save the King.    

Anno xliii. Reginae Elizebethae.  

¶ An Act for the relief of the poor.  
BE it enacted by the authority of this present Parliament, 
The Churchwardens of every Parish, & other substantial householders yearly to be nominated at Easter, to be Overseers for the poor.  that the Churchwardens of every parish, and four, three, or two substantial householders there, as shall be thought meet, having respect to the proportion and greatness of the same Parish and Parishes, to be nominated yearly in Easter week, or within one month after Easter, under the hand and Seal of two or more justices of the peace in the same County, whereof one to be of the Quorum, dwelling in or near the same Parish or division, where the same Parish doth lie, shall be called Overseers of the poor of the same parish.  
And they, or the greater part of them shall take order from time to time, 
Children of the poor to be set to work.  by and with the consent of two or more such justices of Peace as is aforesaid, for setting to work of the children of all such whose parents shall not by the said Churchwardens and Overseers, or the greater part of them, be thought able to keep and maintain their children. And also for setting to work all such persons married, or unmarried, having no means to maintain them, use no ordinary and daily trade of life to get their living by, and also to raise weekly or otherwise (by taxation of every inhabitant, Parson, Vicar and other, and of every occupier of Lands, Houses, Tithes impropriate, or Propriations of tithes, Colemines, or saleable underwoods' in the said Parish, in such competent sum and sums of money, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stock of 〈…〉 axe & Hemp 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be raised.  as they shall think fit (a convenient stock of flax, hemp, wool, thread, iron, and other necessary ware and stuff to set the poor on work, and also competent sums of money, for, and towards the necessary relief of the lame, impotent, old, blind, and such other among them being poor, & not able to work, & also for the putting out of such children to be apprentices, to be gathered out of the same Parish, according to the ability of the same Parish and to do and execute all other things, aswell for the disposing of the said stork, as otherwise concerning the premises, 
The Churchwardens and Overseers to meet together once every month.  as to them shall seem convenient. Which said Churchwardens and Overseers so to be nominated, or such of them as shall not be let by sickness, or other just excuse, to be allowed by two such justices of Peace or more, as is aforesaid, shall meet together at the least once every month in the Church of the said Parish, upon the Sunday in the afternoon, after divine Service, there to consider of some good course to be taken, and of some meet order to be set down in the premises, and shall within four days after the end of their year, and after other Overseers nominated as aforesaid, 
Account to be given by the Overseers to two justices of Peace.  make and yield up to such two justices of Peace as is aforesaid, a true and perfect account of all sums of money by them received, or rated and sessed, and not received, and also of such stock as shall be in their hands, or in the hands of any of the poor to work, and of all other things concerning their said office, and such sum or sums of money as shall he in their hands, shall pay and deliver over to the said Churchwardens and Overseers, newly nominated and appointed as is aforesaid, upon pain that every one of them absenting themselves without lawful cause as aforefaid, from such monthly meeting for the purpose aforesaid, or being negligent in their office, or in the execution of the Orders aforesaid, being made by and with the assent of the said justices of Peace, or any two of them before mentioned, to forfeit for every such default of absence, or negligence, twenty shillings.  
And be it also enacted, 
Other Parishes within the Hundred, to be taxed towards the relief of poor parishes.  that if the said justices of Peace do perceive that the Inhabitants of any Parish are not able to levy among themselves sufficient sums of money for the purposes aforesaid: that then the said two justices shall and may tax, rate and assess, as aforesaid, any other of other Parishes, or out of any Parish within the Hundred where the said Parish is to pay such sum and sums of money to the Churchwardens and Overseers of the said poor parish, for the said purposes, as the said justices shall think fit, according to the intent of this Law. And if the said Hundred shall not be thought to the said justices, able, and fit to relieve the said several Parishes not able to provide for themselves as aforesaid; Then the justices of Peace at their general quarter Sessions, or the greater number of them, shall rate and assess, as aforesaid any other of other Parishes, or out of any Parish within the said County for the purposes aforesaid, as in their discretion shall seem fit.  
And that it shall be lawful aswell for the present as subsequent Churchwardens, and Overseers, or any of them, by warrant from any two such justices of peace as is aforesaid, to levy aswell the said sums of money and all arrearages of every one that shall refuse to contribute according as they shall be assessed, 
How to levy money of such as refuse to pay.  by distress and sale of the offenders goods, as the sums of money, or stock which shall be behind upon any account to be made as aforesaid, rendering to the parties the overplus, and in defect of such distress, it shall be lawful for any such two justices of the Peace, to commit him or them to the common Goal of the County, there to remain without bail or mainprize, until payment of the said sum arrearages and stock. 
Punishment of such as will not work.  And the said justices of Peace, or any of them, to send to the house of correction or common Goal such as shall not employ themselves to work, being appointed thereunto as aforesaid: And also any two such justices of Peace, to commit to the said prison, every one of the said Churchwardens and Overseers, which shall refuse to account, there to remain without bail or maineprise, until he have made a true account, and satisfied and paid so much as upon the said account shall be remaining in his hands.  
And be it further enacted, that it shall be lawful for the said Churchwardens and Overseers, or the greater part of them, by the assent of any two justices of the Peace aforesaid, 
Poor children to be put apprentices by the Churchwardens and Overseers.  to bind any such children as aforesaid, to be apprentices, where they shall see convenient, till such man child shall come to the age of four and twenty years, and such woman child to the age of one and twenty years or the time of her marriage: The same to be as effectual to all purposes, as if such child were of full age, and by Indenture of covenant bound him or herself, And to the intent that necessary places of habitation may more conveniently be provided for such poor impotent people, Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that it shall and may be lawful for the said Churchwardens and Overseers, or the greater part of them, by the leave of the Lord or Lords of the Manor, whereof any waste, or Common within their Parish is or shall be parcel, and upon agreement before with him or them made in writing under the hands and seals of the said Lord and Lords or otherwise, according to any order to be set down by the justices of Peace of the said County at their general Quarter Sessions, or the greater part of them, by like leave and agreement of the said Lord or Lords, in writing under his or their hands and seals. To erect, build and set up in fit and convenient places of habitation, 
Dwelling places for impotent poor to be built.  in such Waste or Common, at the general charges of the Parish, or otherwise of the Hundred or County as aforesaid, to be taxed, rated and gathered, in manner before expressed, convenient houses of dwelling for the said impotent poor, and also to place Inmates or more families than one in one Cottage or house, One Act made in the one & thirtieth year of her Majesty's Reign, entitled, An Act against the erecting and maintaining of Cottages, or any thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. Which Cottages and places for Inmates shall not at any time after be used or employed to or for any other habitation, but only for impotent and poor of the same Parish, that shall be there placed from time to time by the Churchwardens and Overseers of the poor of the same Parish or the most part of them, upon the pains and forfeitures contained in the said former Act made in the said one and thirtieth year of her Majesty's reign.  
Provided always, 
Order for such as are geieve with any Sesse or Tax.  that if any person or persons shall find themselves grieved with any Sesse or Tax, or other Act done by the said Churchwardens and other persons, or by the said justices of Peace, that then it shall be lawful for the justices of Peace, at their general quarter Sessions, or the greater number of them, to take such order therein as to them shallbe thought convenient, and the same to conclude and bind all the said parties.  
And be it further enacted, 
Parents, etc. being able, shall maitain their own poor.  That the Father and Grandfather, and the Mother, and Grandmother, and the children of every poor, old, blind, lame, and impotent person, or other poor person, not able to work, being of a sufficient ability, shall at their own charges relieve and maintain every such poor person in that manner, and according to that rate, as by the justices of Peace of that County where such sufficient persons dwell, or the greater number of them, at their general quarter Sessions shall be assessed, upon pain that every one of them shall forfeit twenty shillings for every month which they shall fail therein.  
And be it further hereby enacted, 
〈…〉  That the Majors, Bailiffs, or other head Officers of every Town, and place Corporate, and City within this Realm, being justice or justices of Peace, shall have the same authority by virtue of this Act, within the limits and precincts of their jurisdictions, aswel out of Sessions as at their Sessions, if they hold any, as is herein limited, prescribed, and appointed to justices of Peace of the County, or any two or more of them, or to the justices of Peace in their quarter Sessions, to do and execute for all the uses and purposes in this Act prescribed, and no other justice or justices of Peace to enter or meddle there. 
Every Alderman in the city of London 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 authority as two justices of Peace.  And that every Alderman of the City of London within his Ward, shall and may do and execute in every respect, so much as is appointed and allowed by this Act to be done and executed by one or two justices of Peace of any County within this Realm.  
And be it also enacted, That if it shall happen, any Parish to extend itself into more Counties than one, or part to lie within the Liberties of any City, Town, or place Corporate, and part without, that then as well the justices of Peace of every County, as also the head Officers of such City, 
justices. etc. to meddle only in their own Liberties.  Town, or place corporate, shall deal and intermeddle only in so much of the said Parish, as lieth within their liberties, and not any further. And every of them respectively within their several Limits, Wards and jurisdictions, to execute the ordinances before mentioned concerning the nomination of Overseers, the consent to binding Apprentices, the giving warrant to levy taxations unpayed, the taking account of Churchwardens and Overseers, and the committing to prison such as refuse to account, or deny to pay the arrearages due upon their accounts.  
And yet nevertheless, 
A double account to be made.  the said Churchwardens and Overseers, or the most part of them of the said Parishes, that do extend into such several Limits and jurisdictions, shall without dividing themselves, duly execute their office in all places within the said Parish, in all things to them belonging, and shall duly exhibit and make one account before the said head Officer of the Town or place Corporate, and one other before the said justices of Peace, or any such two of them as is aforesaid.  
And further be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
〈…〉 for 〈…〉.  That if in any place within this Realm there happen to be hereafter no such nomination of Overseers yearly as is before appointed, that then every justice of Peace of the County dwelling within the division, where such default of nomination shall happen, and every Mayor, Alderman, and head Officer, of City, Town, or place Corporate, where such default shall happen, shall lose and forfeit for every such default five pound, to be employed towards the relief of the poor of the said Parish, or place Corporate, and to be levied as aforesaid of their goods by warrant from the general Sessions of the Peace of the said County, or of the same City, Town, or place Corporate, if they keep Sessions.  
And be it also enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
Penalties and forfeitures to be employed to poors use.  that all penalties and forfeitures, before mentioned in this Act to be forfeited by any person or persons, shall go and be employed to the use of the poor of the same Parish, and towards a stock and habitation for them, and other necessary uses and relief as before in this Act are mentioned and expressed, and shallbe levied by the said Churchwardens and Overseers▪ or one of them, by warrant from any two such justices of Peace, or Mayor, Alderman, or head Officer of City, Town or place corporate, respectively within their several limits by distress and sale thereof, as aforesaid, or in defect thereof, it shall be lawful for any two such justices of Peace, and the said Aldermen and head Officers within their several limits, to commit the offendor to the said prison, there to remain without bail or maineprise, till the said forfeitures shallbe satisfied and paid. 
Parishes to be rated at the general ●●●●ions.   
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the justices of Peace of every County or place corporate, or the more part of them in their general Sessions to be holden next after the feast of Easter next, and so yearly as often as they shall think meet, shall rate every Parish to such a weekly sum of money as they shall think convenient, so as no Parish be rated above the sum of six pence, nor under the sum of a halfpenny, weekly to be paid, and so as the total sum of such taxation of the Parishes in every County, amount not above the rate of two pence for every Parish within the said County. 
Levying of sums of money rated.  Which sums so taxed, shall be yearly assessed by the agreement of the Parishioners within themselves, or in default thereof, by the Churchwardens and petty Constables of the same Parish, or the more part of them, or in default of their agreement, by the order of such justice or justices of Peace as shall dwell in the same Parish, or (if none be there dwelling) in the parts next adjoining. And if any person shall refuse or neglect to pay any such portion of money so taxed, it shallbe lawful for the said Churchwardens and Constables, or any of them, or in their default for any justice of Peace of the said limit, to levy the same by distress, and sale of the goods of the party so refusing or neglecting, rendering to the party the overplus, and in default of such distress, it shallbe lawful to any justice of that limit, to commit such person to the said prison, there to abide without bail or main prize, till he have paid the same.  
And be it also enacted, That the said justices of the Peace at their general quarter Sessions to be holden at the time of such taxation, shall set down, what competent sums of money shall be sent quarterly out of every County or place corporate, 
Relief of the prisoners in the King's Bench, Marshalsey, hospitals, etc.  for the relief of the poor prisoners of the King's Bench, & Marshalsey, and also of such Hospitals, and alms houses, as shall be in the said County, & what sums of money shallbe sent to every one of the said Hospitals, and alms houses, so as there be sent out of every County yearly xx. s. at the least to each of the said prisons of the King's Bench, and Marshalsey, which sums ratably to be assessed upon every parish, the Churchwardens of every Parish shall truly collect & pay over to the high Constables: in whose division such Parish shall be situate, from time to time quarterly ten days before the end of every quarter, and every such Constable at every such quarter Sessions in such County shall pay over the same to such two Treasurers, or to one of them, as shall by the more part of the justices of Peace of the County, be elected to be the said Treasurers, to be chosen by the justices of Peace of the said County, City, or town, or place corporate, or of others which were sessed and taxed at five pound lands, or ten pound goods at the least, at the tax of Subsidy next before the time of the said Election to be made. 
Treasurers for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to 〈…〉 up their account at the years end.   
And the said Treasurers so elected to continue for the space of one whole year in their office, and then to give up their charge with a due account of their receipts and disbursements, at the quarter Sessions to be holden next after the feast of Easter in every year, to such others as shall from year to year, in form aforesaid successively be elected Treasurers, 
L chief justice▪ Knight Marshal.  for the said County, City, Town, or place corporate, which said Treasurers or one of them shall pay over the same to the Lord chief justice of England, and Knight Marshal for the time being, equally to be divided to the use aforesaid, taking their acquittance for the same, or in default of the said chief justice, to the next ancientest justice of the King's Bench as aforesaid.  
And if any Churchwarden or high Constable, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  or his executors or administrators, shall fail to make payment in form above specified, than every Churchwarden, his executors or administrators, so offending, shall forfeit for every time the sum of ten shillings, and everp high Constable, his executors or administrators, shall forfeit for every time, the sum of xx. s. the same forfeitures together with the sums behind, to be levied by the said Treasurer and Treasurers, by way of distress and sale of the goods as aforesaid, in form aforesaid, and by them to be employed towards the charitable uses comprised in this Act.  
And be it further enacted, 
〈…〉 surplusage shallbe bestowed.  That all the surplusage of money which shall be remaining in the said Stock, of any County, shall by discretion of the more part of the justices of Peace in their quarter Sessions, be ordered, distributed and bestowed for the relief of the poor Hospitals of that County, and of those that shall sustain losses by fire, water, the Sea, or other Casualties, and to such other charitable purposes, for the relief of the poor, as to the more part of the said justices of Peace shall seem convenient.  
And be it further enacted, That if any Treasurer elected, 
Refusing to be Treasurer to give the relief appointed.  shall wilfully refuse to take upon him the said office of Treasurership, or refuse to distribute and give relief, or to account according to such form as shall be appointed by the more part of the said justices of peace, That then it shall be lawful for the justices of Peace in their Qarter Sessions, or in their default, for the justices of Assize, at the Assizes to be holden in the same County, to fine the same Treasurer by their discretion: the same fine not to be under three pound, and to be levied by sale of his goods, and to be prosecuted by any two of the said justices of Peace, whom they shall authorise.  
Provided always, that this Act shall not take effect until the Feast of Easter next.  
And be it enacted, 
A former Statute for relief of the Poor.  that the Statute made in the nine and thirtieth year of her Majesty's Reign, entitled, An Act for the relief of the poor, shall continue and stand in force until the Feast of Easter next. And that all Taxations heretofore imposed & not paid, nor that shallbe paid before the said feast of Easter next, And that all Taxes hereafter before the said Feast, to be taxed by virtue of the said former Act, which shall not be paid before the said Feast of Easter, shall and may after the said Feast of Easter, be levied by the Overseers and other persons in this Act respectively appointed, to levy taxations by distress, & by such warrant in every respect, as if they had been taxed & imposed by virtue of this Act, and were not paid.  
Provided always, 
〈…〉.  that whereas the Island of Foulness in the County of Essex, being environed with the Sea, and having a Chapel of ease for the inhabitants thereof, and yet the said Island is no Parish, but the Lands in the same are situated within diverse Parishes, far distant from the same Island, Be it therefore enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the said justices of peace shall nominate and appoint Inhabitants within the said Island to be Overseers for the poor people dwelling within the said Island, and that both they the said justices, and the said Overseers shall have the same power and authority to all intents, considerations and purposes, for the execution of the parts and articles of this Act, and shall be subject to the same pains and forfeitures, & likewise that the inhabitants and occupiers of lands there, shall be liable and chargeable to the same payments, charges, expenses, and orders in such manner and form as if the same Island were a Parish. In consideration whereof, neither the said inhabitants, or occupiers of land within the said, Island, shall not be compelled to contribute towards the relief of the poor of those parishes, wherein their houses or lands which they occupy within the said Island are situated, for, or by reason of their said habitations or occupyings, other then for the relief of the poor people within the said Island, neither yet shall the other inhabitants of the Parishes wherein such houses or lands are situated, be compelled, by reason of their resiancie or dwelling, to contribute to the relief of the poor inhabitants within the said Island. 
The Defendants plea in a suit commenced against him.   
And be it further enacted, that if any Action or Trespass, or other suit shall happen to be attempted and brought against any person or persons for taking of any distress, making of any sale, or any other thing doing, by authority of this present Act: The defendant or defendants in any such action or suit, shall, and may either plead not guilty, or otherwise make avowry, Cognisance, or justification, for the taking of the said distresses, making of sale, or other thing doing, by virtue of this Act, alleging in such avowry, Cognisance, or justification, That the said distress, sale, trespass, or other thing whereof the plaintiff or plaintiffs complained, was done by authority of this Act, and according to the tenor, purport, and effect of this Act, without any expressing or rehearsal of any other matter of circumstance contained in this present Act. To which avowry, Cognisance, or justification, the Plaintiff shall be admitted to reply, That the Defendant did take the said Distress, made the said sale, or did any other Act or Trespass, supposed in his declaration of his own worng, without any such cause alleged by the said Defendant, whereupon the issue in every such Action shallbe joined, to be tried by verdict of twelve men, and not otherwise, as is accustomed in other personal actions. And upon the trial of that issue, the whole matter to be given on both parties in evidence, according to the very truth of the same. And after such issue tried, for the Defendant or non suit of the Plaintiff, after appearance, the same Defendant to recover treble damages, by reason of his wrongful vexation in that behalf, with his Costs also in that part sustained, and that to be assessed by the same jury, or writ to inquire of the damages, as the same shall require. Provided always that this Act shall endure no longer then to the end of the next Session of Parliament.    

Anno xliij. Reginae Elizabethae.  

An Act for the necessary relief of Soldiers and Mariners.  
WHereas in the five and thirtieth year of the Queen's Majesty's Reign that now is, An Act was made, entitled, an Act for the necessary relief of Soldiers and Mariners: And whereas in the nine and thirtieth year of her Majesty's Reign, there was also made another Act, entitled, An Act for the further continuance and explanation of the said former: Be it enacted by authority of this present Parliament, that both the said Acts shall be, and continue in force until the feast of Easter next, and shall be from and after the said feast discontinued. And forasmuch as it is now found more needful than it was at the making of the said Acts, to provide relief and maintenance to Soldiers and Mariners, that have lost their Limbs, and disabled their bodies in the defence and service of her Majesty and the State, in respect the number of the said Soldiers is so much the greater, by how much her Majesty's just and honourable defensive wars are increased: To the end therefore, that they the said Soldiers and Mariners may reap the fruits of their good deservings, and others may be encouraged to perform the like endeavours:  
Be it enacted by the authority of this present Parliament 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  that from and after the said feast of Easter next, every parish within this Realm of England and Wales, shall be charged to pay weekly such a sum of money, towards the relief of sick, hurt, and maimed Soldiers and Mariners, that so have been as afore is said, or shall lose their, Limbs, or disable their bodies, having been Pressed, and in pay for her Majesty's service, as by the justices of Peace, or the more part of them, in their general quarter Sessions, to be holden in their several counties, next after the feast of Easter next, and so from time to time at the like quarter Sessions, to be holden next after the feast of Easter, 
taxation 〈…〉 parish.  yearly shall be appointed, so as no parish be rated above the sum of ten pence, nor under the sum of two pence weekly to be paid, and so as the total sum of such taxation of the Parishes, in any County where there shall be above fifty Parishes, do not exceed the rate of six pence for every Parish in the same County, which sums so taxed, shall be yearly assessed by the agreements of the parishioners within themselves, or in default thereof, by the Churchwardens and the petty Constables of the same parish, or the more part of them, or in default of their agreement, by the order of such justices, or justice of Peace, as shall dwell in the same parish, or if none be there dwelling, in the parts next adjoining.  
And if any person shall refuse or neglect to pay any such portion of money so taxed, 
Refusing to pay the money taxed.  it shall be lawful for the said Churchwardens and petty Constables, and every of them, or in their defaults, for the said justices of Peace, or justice, to levy such sum by distress and sale of the goods or chattels of the party so refusing or neglecting, rendering to the party, the overplus raised upon such sale.  
And for the collecting and custody of the sums taxed in form aforesaid. 
Churchwardens shall pay to the high Constables the money taxed.  Be it enacted, that the Churchwardens, and petty Constables of every parish, shall truly collect every such sum, and the same shall pay over unto the high Constable, in whose division such parish shall be situate, ten days before the quarter Sessions, to be holden next before, or about the feast of the Nativity of S. john Baptist next, in the County where the said parish shall be situate, and so from time to time, quarterly within ten days before every quarter Sessions. And that every such high Constable, at every such quarter Sessions in such County, shall pay over the same to two such justices of Peace, or to one of them, or to two such other persons, or one of them, as shall be by the more part of the justices of peace of the same Country elected, to be Treasurers of the said Collection, the same other persons, to be elected Treasurers, to be such, as at the last taxation of, the Subsidy next before the same election, shall be valued, & sessed at ten pounds in lands yearly, or at fifteen pounds in goods: which Treasurers in every Country so chosen, shall continue but for the space of one whole year, and then give up their charge, with a du account of their receipts & disbursments, at their meeting in Easter quarter Sessions; or within ten days after, to such others, as shall from year to year in the form aforesaid, successively be elected.  
And if any Churchwarden, 
Churchwardens, etc. failing to make payment.  petty Constable, or high Constable, or his executors, or administrators, shall fail to make payment in form about specified, their every Churchwarden, and petty Constable, his executors or administratours so offending▪ shall forfeit the sum of twenty shillings. And every high Constable, his executors, or administrators, the sum of forty shillings, to be levied by the Treasurer's aforesaid, by distress and sale in manner before expressed, and to be taken by the said Treasurers, in augmentation of their stock, to the uses aforesaid.  
And if any Treasurer, 
A Treasurer failing of account, or neglecting his charge.  his executors or administrators, shall fail to give up his account within the time aforesaid, or shall be otherwise negligent in the execution of his charge, than it shall be lawful for the more part of the justices of Peace, of the same County in their Sessions, to assess such Fine upon such Treasurer, his executors or administrators, as in their discretion shall seem convenient, so it be not under the sum of five pounds.  
And for the true and just distribution and employment of the sums so received, 
To which treasurer the Soldier shall repair for relief.  according to the true meaning of this Act, Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that every Soldier or Mariner, having had his or their limbs lost, or disabled in their bodies by service, being in her Majesty's pay, as above is mentioned, or such as shall hereafter return into this Realm, hurt, or maimed, or grievously sick, shall repair, if he be able to travel, and make his complaint to the Treasurers of the County, out of which he was pressed, or if he were no pressed man, to the Treasurers of the County where he was borne, or last inhabited by the space of three years, at his election. And if he be not able to travel, to the Treasurers of the County where he shall land, or arrive, and shall bring a certificate unto any of the Treasurer's aforesaid, 
Who shall make the Soldier's certificate.  under the hand and Seal of the General of the Camp, or Governor of the Town wherein he served, and of the Captain of the Band, under whom he served, or his Lieutenant, or in the absence of the said General or Governor, from the Marshal or Deputy of the Governor, or from any Admiral of her Majesty's Fleet, or in his absence, from any other General of her Majesty's ships at the Seas, or in absence of such General, from the Captain of the ship wherein the said Mariners or Soldiers did serve the Queen's Majesty, containing the particulars by his hurts and services, 
Allowance of the Certificate.  which Certificate shallbe also allowed of the general Mustermaster, for the time being, resident here within this Realm, or Receiver general of the Muster Rolls, The Treasurer and Controller of her Majesty's Navy, under his hand, for the avoiding of all fraud, and Counterfeiting: Then upon such Certificate, 
Treasurer's shall assign relief to soldiers.  such Treasurers as are before expressed, shall according to the nature of his hurt, and commendation of his service, assign unto him such a portion of relief, as in their discretions shall seem convenient for his present necessity, until the next quarter Sessions, at the which it shall be lawful for the more part of the justices of Peace under their hands, to make an Instrument of grant of the same, or like relief, to endure, as long as this Act shall stand or endure in force, if the same Soldier or Mariner shall so long live, and the same pension not be duly revoked or altered, 
justice's shall grant relief to Soldiers.  which shall be a sufficient warrant to all Treasurers for the same County, to make payment of such pension unto such persons quarterly, except the same shallbe afterward by the said justices revoked or altered. 
How much relief shall be assigned.  So that such relief as shall be assigned by such Treasurers or justices of Peace to any such Soldier or Mariner, having not borne office in the said wars, exceed not the sum in gross nor yearly pension of ten pounds. Nor to any that hath borne office under the degree of a Lieutenant, the sum of fifteen pounds. Nor to any that hath served in the office of Lieutenant, the sum of twenty pounds.  
And yet nevertheless, 
The justices may alter soldier's relief.  it shall and may be lawful to and for the justices of Peace and others, having authority by this Act, to assign pensions to Soldiers & Mariners, upon any just cause, to revoke, diminish, or alter the same from time to time, according to their discretions in the general quarter Sessions of the Peace, or general assemblies for Cities or Towns corporate, where the same pension shall be granted.  
And whereas it must needs fall out, that many of such hurt and maimed Soldiers and Mariners, 
Soldiers arriving far from the place where they are to have relief.  do arrive in Ports, and places far remote from the Counties, whence they are by virtue of this Act, to receive their yearly Annuities, and pensions, As also they are prescribed by this Act, to obtain the allowance of their Certificates from the Mustermaster, or Receiver General of the Muster Rolls, who commonly is like to abide about the Court or London, so as they shall need at the first, provision for the bearing of their charges, to such places: Be it therefore enacted, that it may be lawful for the Treasurers of the County where they shall arrive, in their discretion upon their Certificate (though not allowed) to give them any convenient relief for their journey, to carry them to the next County, with a testimonial of their allowance, to pass on towards such a place. And in like manner shall it be lawful for the Treasurer of the next County to do the like, And so from County to County (in the direct way) till they come to the place where they are directed to find their maintenance, according to the tenure of this Statute.  
And for the better execution of this Act in all the branches thereof, Be it enacted, that every the Treasurers, in their several Counties, 
The Treasurer's book of Computation, and Register.  shall keep a true book of computation, of all such sums as they levy, and also a Register of the names of every such person unto whom they shall have disbursed any relief, And shall also preserve, or enter every Certificate, by warrant whereof, such relief hath been by them disbursed, And also that the Mustermaster, or Receiver general of the Muster Rolls, shall keep a book, wherein shall be entered the names of all such, whose Certificates shall be by him allowed, with an abstract of their Certificates, And that every Treasurer returning, or not accepting the Certificate brought unto him from the said Muster-master, shall write and subscribe the cause of his not accepting, or not allowing thereof, under the said Certificate, or on the back thereof.  
And be it further enacted, 
A Treasurer refusing to give relief.  That if any Treasurer shall wilfully refuse to distribute and give any relief, according to the form of this Act, That it shall be lawful for the justices of peace, in their quarter Sessions, to Fine such Treasurers, by their discretions, as aforesaid, The same Fine to be levied by distress and sale thereof, to be prosecuted by any two of them, whom they shall authorise.  
And be it also enacted, 
A Soldier begging, or counterfeiting a Certificate.  that every Soldier or Mariner that shall be taken begging, in any place within this Realm, after the Feast of Easter next, Or any that shall counterfeit any Certificate in this Act expressed, shall for ever lose his Annuity or pension, and shall be taken, deemed, and adjudged as a common Rogue, or Vagabond person, and shall have, and sustain the same, and the like pains, imprisonment and punishment, as is appointed and provided for common Rogues and Vagabond persons.  
Provided always and be it enacted, that all the surplusage of money which shall be remaining in the Stock of any County, 
The surplusage of the stock.  shall by the discretion of the more part of the justices of Peace, in their quarter Sessions be ordered, distributed and bestowed upon such good and charitable uses, and in such form as are limited and appointed in the Statutes made and now in force, concerning relief of the poor, and punishment of Rogues and Beggars.  
Provided always that the justices of peace within any County of this Realm or Wales, 
Chief Officers in Corporate Towns.  shall not intromit or enter into any City, Borough, Place, or Town corporate, where is any justice of Peace for any such City, Borough, Place or Town corporate, for the execution of any Article of this Act: But that it shall be lawful to the justice and justices of the peace, Majors, Bailiffs, and other head Officers of those Cities, Boroughs, Places, & Towns corporate where there is any justice of Peace to proceed to the execution of this Act, within the precinct and compass of their liberties, in such manner as the justice of Peace in any County may do, by virtue of this Act. And that every justice of Peace within every such City, Borough, Place or Town corporate, for every offence by him committed, contrary to the meaning of this Statute, shallbe fineable, as other justices of peace at the large in the Counties are in this Act appointed to be. And that the Mayor and justices of Peace in every such Borough, Place and Town corporate, shall have authority by this present Act, to appoint any person, for the receiving of the said money, and paying the same within such City, Borough, Place or Town corporate; which person so appointed, shall have authority to do all such things, and be subject to all such penalties, as high Constables, by virtue of this Act should have or be.  
And be it enacted, 
How the forfeitures shallbe employed.  that all forfeitures to be forfeited by any Treasurer, Collector, Constable, Churchwarden, or other person, for any cause mentioned in this Act, shall be employed to the relief of such Soldiers and Mariners, as are by this Act appointed to take and have relief, And after that relief satisfied, than the overplus thereof, with the overplus of the stock, remaining in any the said Treasurer's hands, shall be employed as is before mentioned, to the charitable uses, expressed in the said Statutes, concerning the relief of poor, and for punishment of Rogues and Beggars, (except the said justices, or the more part of them, shall think meet to reserve and keep the same in stock for the maintenance and relief of such Soldiers and Mariners, as out of the same County may afterward be appointed, to receive relief and pensions.) And that the relief appointed to be given by this Act, shall be given to Soldiers and Mariners, out of the County or place where they were pressed, so far forth as the Taxation limited by this Act, will extend. And if the whole Taxation there, shall be before employed, according to the meaning of this Act, or that they shall not be pressed men, than out of the place where they were borne or last inhabited, by the space of three years, at his or their election.  
Provided always, 
Pensions assigned, to stand in force, though the Statutc be repealed.  and be it enacted, that every pension assigned heretofore to any Soldier or Mariner, or that shall be assigned before the said Feast of Easter next, notwithstanding the discontinuance of the said two former Acts, shall stand in force, and shall yearly from and after the said feast of Easter next, be satisfied and paid, out of such Taxations and forfeitures, as shall be made, collected, and levied by force of this Act, so long as the said pension shall remain in force, without such revocation or diminishing, as is before in this Act mentioned. Which clause of revocation or diminishing before mentioned, shall extend aswell to pensions heretofore assigned, as to such as at any time hereafter, before, or after the said feast of Easter, shall be assigned to any person or persons.  
And be it also enacted, 
Taxations made and not levied.  that all arrearages of Taxations heretofore made, by virtue of the said former Statutes, or any of them, which shall be or remain, at the said feast of Easter next, uncollected, and not received, or levied, shall, and may by authority of this Act, be had, received, and levied, by such persons, and in such manner and form, as in every respect, Taxations made by virtue of this Act, are appointed to be collected, received and levied, and shall be employed to the uses expressed in this Act, and no otherwise.  
Provided always, 
If the rate be not sufficient for Soldiers in London.  and be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if the said rate shall be thought not to be sufficient for the relief of such Soldiers, and Mariners, as shall be to be relieved within the City of London, That then it shall be lawful for the Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen of London, or the more part of them, to rate and tax, such reasonable tax, sum and sums of money, for the said relief, as shall be to them thought fit and convenient. So as such sum and sums of money, so to be rated, do not exceed three shillings weekly out of any Parish, and so as in the total, the sum shall not exceed, or be under twelve pence weekly out of every Parish, one with another, within the said City and the Liberties thereof. This Act to endure to the end of the next Session of Parliament and no longer.    

Anno xxxix. Reginae Elizabethae.  

An Act for punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds, and sturdy Beggars.  
FOr the suppressing of Rogues, Vagabonds & sturdy Beggars, be it enacted by the authority of this present Parliament, that from, and after the feast of Easter next coming, 
All former statutes concerning Rogues, etc. revealed.  all Statutes heretofore made for the punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds, or sturdy Beggars, or for the erection or maintenance of houses of correction, or touching the same, shall for so much as concerneth the same be utterly repealed: and that from, and after the said Feast of Easter, from time to time it shall and may be lawful to, and for the justices of Peace of any County or City in this Realm or the Dominions of Wales, assembled at any Quarter Sessions of the Peace within the same County, City, Borough, or Town corporate, or the more part of them, to set down order to erect, & to cause to be erected one or more houses of Correction within their several Counties or Cities: 
justices of Peace shall set down order for erection and maintenance of houses of correction.  for the doing and performing whereof, and for the providing of stocks of money, and all other things necessary for the same, and for raising and governing of the same, and for correction and punishment of offenders thither to be committed, such orders as the same justices, or the more part of them, shall from time to time take, reform, or set down in any their said Quarter Sessions in that behalf, shall be of force, and be duly performed and put in execution.  
And be it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
Who shall be adjudged Rogues, Vagabonds, and sturdy Beggars.  that all persons calling themselves Scholars, going about begging, all Sea faring men pretending losses of their ships or goods on the Sea, going about the country begging, all idle persons, going about in any country, either begging or using any subtle craft, or unlawful games and plays, or feigning themselves to have knowledge in Physiognomy; Palmistry or other like crafty Science, or pretending that they can tell Destinies, Fortunes, or such other like fantastical imaginations: All persons that be, or utter themselves to be Proctors, Procurers, Patent-gatherers, or Collectors for Gaoles, prisons or Hospitals: All Fencers, Bearwards, Common Players of Interludes, and Minstrels, wandering abroad (other than Players of Interludes belonging to any Baron of this Realm, or any other honourable personage of greater degree, to be authorized to play under the hand and Seal of Arms of such Baron or personage) all jugglers, Tinkers, Pedlars, and petty Chapmen wandering abroad, all wandering persons and common Labourers, being persons able in body, using loitering, and refusing to work for such reasonable wages, as is taxed or commonly given in such parts, where such persons do, or shall happen to dwell or abide, not having living otherwise to maintain themselves: All persons delivered out of Gaoles that beg for their Fees, or otherwise do travail begging: All such persons as shall wander abroad begging, pretending losses by fire, or otherwise: And all such persons not being felons, wandering and pretending themselves to be Egyptians, or wandering in the habit, for●●●, or 〈…〉 counterfeit Egyptians, shall be taken, adjudged, and deemed Rogues, Vagabonds, and sturdy beggars, and shall sustain such pain and punishments, as by this Act is in that behalf appointed.  
And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
The punishment of a Vagabond.  that every person which is by this present Act declared to be a Rogue, Vagabond, or sturdy beggar, which shall be at any time after the said Feast of Easter next coming, taken begging, vagrant, wand'ring or misordering themselves in any part of this Realm, or the Dominion of Wales, shall upon their apprehension by the appointment of any justice of the Peace, Constable, Headborough or Tythingman of the same County, Hundred, Parish, or Tything, where such person shall be taken, the Tythingman or Headborough being assisted therein with the advice of the Minister, and one other of that parish, be stripped naked from the middle upwards, and shall be openly whipped until his or her body be bloody? and shall be forthwith sent from parish to parish, by the Officers of every the same, the next strait way to the parish where he was borne, if the same may be known by the party's confession or otherwise. And if the same be not known, then to the parish where he or she last dwelled before the same punishment by the space of one whole year, there to put him or herself to labour, as a true subject aught to do: Or not being known where he or she was borne, or last dwelled, then to the parish through which he or she last passed without punishment.  
After which whipping, 
A testinoniall after punishment.  the same person shall have a testimonial subscribed with the hand, & sealed with the seal of the same justice of the peace, Constable, Headborough or Tythingman, & of the Minister of the same parish, or of any two of them, testifying that the same person hath been punished according to this act, and mentioning the day and place of his or her punishment, and the place whereunto such person is limited to go, and by what time the said person is limited to pass thither at his peril. And if the said person through his or her default do not accomplish the order appointed by the said testimonial, then to be eftsoons taken, & whipped, and so as often as any default shall be found in him or her contrary to the form of this statute, in every place to be whipped, till such person be repaired to the place limited: The substance of which testimonial shall be registered by the minister of that parish, in a book to be provided for that purpose, upon pain to forfeit 5. shillings for every default thereof, and the party so whipped, & not known where he or she was borne, or last dwelled by the space of a year, shall by the officers of the said Village where he or she so last passed thorough without punishment, be conveied to the house of Correction of the limit wherein the said Village standeth, or to the common Gaol of that County or place, there to remain and be employed in work, until he or she shall be placed in some service, and so to continue by the space of one year, or not being able of body, until he or she shall be placed to remain in some Almeshouse in the same County or place.  
Provided always, 
Rogues which be dangerous, or will not be reform.  and be it enacted, If any of the said Rogues shall appear to be dangerous to the inferior sort of people where they shall be taken, or otherwise be such as will not be reform of their roguish kind of life by the former provision of this Act, that in every such case it shall and may be lawful to the said justices of the limit where any such Rogue shall be taken, or any two of them, whereof one to be of the Quorum to commit that Rogue to the house of correction, or otherwise to the Gaol of the County, there to remain until their next quarter Sessions to be holden in that County, and then such of the same Rogues so committed, as by the justices of the Peace then and there present, or the most part of them, shall be thought fit not to be delivered, shall and may lawfully by the same justices, or the most part of them, 
Rogues to be banished the Realm, or committed to the Galleys.  be banished out of this Realm, and all other the dominions thereof, and at the charges of that Country, shall be conveyed unto such parts beyond the Seas as shall be at any time hereafter, for that purpose assigned by the Privy Council unto her Majesty her heirs or successors, or by any six or more of them, whereof the L. Chancellor, or L. Keeper of the great Seal, or the L. Treasurer for the time being to be one, or otherwise be judged perpetually to the Galleys of this Realm, as by the same justices or the most part of them it shall be thought fit and expedient.  
And if any such Rogue so banished as aforesaid shall return again into any part of this Realm or dominion of Wales without lawful licence or warrant so to do, 
Rogues returning after banishment, to be reputed Felons.  that in every such case, such offence shall be Felony, and the party offending therein suffer death as in case of felony: The said felony to be heard and determined in that County of this Realm or Wales, in which the offender shall be apprehended.  
And be it also enacted by the authority aforesaid that if any Town, 
The forfeiture of a Constable etc. not doing his duty.  Parish, or Village, the Constable, Headborough or Tythingman be negligent and do not his or their best endeavours for the apprehension of such Vagabond, Rogue or sturdy Beggar, which there shall be found contrary to the form of this present Act, and to cause every of them to be punished and conveied according to the true meaning of this present Act, that then the said Constable, Headborough, or Tithingman, in whom such default shall be, shall lose and forfeit for every such default ten shillings.  
And also if any person or persons do in any wise disturb or let the execution of this Law, 
Disturbing the execution of this Statute.  or any part thereof, concerning the punishment or conveying of Rogues, Vagabonds, sturdy Beggars, or the relief or settling of poor impotent persons in any manner of wise, or make rescous against any Officer or person authorised by this present Act for the due execution of any the premises, the same person so offending shall forfeit & lose for every such offence the sum of five pound, and shall be bound to the good behaviour.  
And be it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
Bringing into this Realm of Irish, Scottish or Manniske Vagabonds.  That no person or persons having charge in any voyage, in passing from the Realms of Ireland or Scotland, or from the Isle of Man into this Realm of England, do wittingly or willingly bring or convey, or suffer to be brought or conveyed in any Vessel or Boat from and out of the said Realm of Ireland, Scotland, or Isle of Man, into the Realm of England or Wales or any part thereof, any Vagabond, Rogue, or Beggar, or any such as shall be forced or very like to live by begging within the Realm of England or Wales, being borne in the same Realms or Island, on pain of every such person so offending, to forfeit and lose for every such Vagabond, Rogue, Beggar, or other person like to live by begging twenty s. to the use of the poor of the said Parish in which they were set on land. And if any such Manniske, Scottish, or Irish Rogue, vagabond, or beggar, be already, or shall at any time hereafter be set on land, or shall come into any part of England or Wales, the same after he or she shall be punished as aforesaid, shall be conveyed to the next Port or Parish in or near which they were landed or first came, in such sort as Rogues are appointed to be by this present Act, and from thence to be transported at the common charge of the County where they were set on land, into those parts from whence they came or were brought. And that every Constable, Headborough, and Tythingman, neglecting the due performance thereof, shall forfeit for every such offence ten shillings.  
Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
Diseased persons resorting to Bath and Buxton.  that no diseased or impotent poor person shall at any time resort or repair from their dwelling places to the City of Bath, or Town of Buxton, or either of them to the Baths there for the ease of their griefs, unless such person do forbear to beg, and be licenced to pass thither by two justices of the Peace of the County where such person doth or shall then dwell or remain, and provided for to travail with such relief, for & towards his or her maintenance, as shall be necessary for the same person, for the time of such his or her travail & abode at the city of Bath, and town of Buxton, or either of them, and return thence, and shall return home again, as shall be limited by the said licence, upon pain to be reputed, punished, and used as Rogues, Vagabonds, and sturdy Beggars declared by this present Act. And that the inhabitants of the same City of Bath, and Town of Buxton shall not in any wise be charged by this Act with the finding the relief of any such poor people.  
Provided always, 
The justices within Towns Corporate shall only intermeddle.  That the justices of Peace within any County of this Realm or Wales, shall not intromit or enter into any City, Borough, or Towns corporate, where be any justice or justices of the Peace for any such City, Borough, or Town Corporate, for the execution of any Branch, Article or sentence of this Act, for or concerning any offence, matter, or cause growing or arising within the Precincts, Liberties, or jurisdiction of such City, Borough, or Towns Corporate, But that it may and shallbe lawful to the justice and justices of the Peace, Mayor, Bailiffs, and other head Officers of those Cities, Boroughes, and Towns Corporate, where there be such justices of the Peace, to proceed to the execution of this Act, within the precinct and compass of their Liberties, in such manner and form as the justices of Peace in any County may or aught to do within the same County, by virtue of this Act, Any thing in this Act to the contrary thereof notwithstanding.  
Provided always, That this Act, or any thing therein contained, shall not extend to the poor people for the time being in the Hospital, 
S. Thomas Hospital in Southwark.  called Saint Thomas Hospital, otherwise called the King's Hospital, in the Borough of Southwark near adjoining to the City of London, but that the Mayor, Commonalty, and Citizens of the said City of London for the time being, shall and may have the rule, order, and government of the said Hospital, and of the poor people therein for the time being, Any thing in this Act to the contrary notwithstanding.  
Provided always, 
The jurisdiction of john Dutton of Dutton reserved.  That this Act or any thing therein contained, or any authority thereby given, shall not in any wise extend to disinherit, prejudice, or hinder john Dutton of Dutton, in the County of Chester Esquire his heirs or assigns, for, touching or concerning any liberty, pre-eminence, authority, jurisdiction, or inheritance, which the said john Dutton now lawfully useth, or hath, or lawfully may or aught to use within the County Palatine of Chester, and the County of the City of Chester, or either of them, by reason of any ancient Charters of any Kings of this land, or by reason of any prescription, usage, or title whatsoever.  
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
In what sort the forfeitures shall be employed.  That all fines and forfeitures appointed or to grow by this present Act, (except such as are otherwise limited and appointed by this present Act shall wholly go and be unployed to the use of the reparations and maintenance of the said houses of Correction, and stock and store thereof, or relief of the poor where the offence shall be committed, at the discretion of the justices of the Peace of the same limit, City, Borough, or Town Corporate: And that all fines and forfeitures appointed or to grow by conviction of any person according to this present Act, shall by warrant under the hands and seals of any two or more of the justices of the Peace of the same County, City, Borough, or Town Corporate, bellied by distress and sale of the goods and chattels of the offender, which sale shall be good in the Law against such offender. And that if any of the said offences shallbe confessed by the offender, or that the same shall be proved by two sufficient and lawful witnesses, before such two or more justices of the Peace, That then every such person shall forthwith stand and be in the Law convicted thereof.  
And be it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
justices of Peace may hear and determine the causes of this Statute.  that any two or more justices of the Peace within all the said several Shires, Cities, Boroughes, or Towns corporate, whereof one to be of the Quorum, shall have full power by authority of this present Act, to hear and determine all causes that shall grow or come in question by reason of this Act.  
And be it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
Commissioners to inquire for money gathered.  that the Lord Chancellor or Keeper of the great Seal of England for the time being, shall and may at all times hereafter by virtue of this present Act, without further warrant, make and direct Commission or Commissions under the great Seal of England, to any person or persons, giving them or some of them thereby authority, as well by the oaths of good & lawful men, as of witnesses or examination of parties, or by any other lawful ways or means whatsoever, to inquire what sums of money or other things have been or shall be collected or gathered for or towards the erection of any houses of Correction, or any Stocks or other things to set poor on work, or for the maintenance thereof at any time after the seventeenth day of November, in the eighteenth year of the Reign of the Queen's most excellent Majesty, and by whom the same were or shall be collected or gathered, and to whose hands comen, and to what use, and by whose direction the same was or shall be employed. And to call all & every such person & persons, and their sureties, and every of their executors or administrators to an account: And to compel them and every of them by attachment of their goods or bodies to appear before them for the same, and to hear & determine the same, and to levy such money and things as they shall find not to have been duly employed upon the said houses of Correction, or stocks, or upon other like uses, having in such other like uses respect of things passed by the said Commissioners to be allowed of, either by distress & sale of the goods and chattels of such persons as they shall think fit to be chargeable or answerable for the same, or by imprisonment of their bodies at their discretion: And that the said Commissioners shall have full power and authority to execute the same Commission according to the tenor and purport thereof: And that all their proceedings, doings, judgements, and executions by force and authority thereof, shall be and remain good and available in the Law: which said money so levied by the said Commissioners, shall be delivered and employed for the erecting or maintenance of the same.  
Provided always nevertheless, 
A provision for poor Seafaring men.  That every Seafaring man suffering shipwreck, not having wherewith to relieve himself in his travails home wards, but having a Testimonial under the hand of some one justice of the Peace, of, or near the place where he landed, setting down therein the place and time, where, and when he landed, and the place of the parties dwelling or birth, unto which he is to pass, and a convenient time therein to be limited for his passage, shall and may without incurring the danger and penalty of this Act, in the usual ways directly to the place unto which he is directed to pass, and within the time in such his testimonial limited for his passage, ask and receive such relief as shall be necessary, in, and for his passage.  
Provided also, 
Glassemen not begging.  that this Statute, nor any thing therein contained, shall extend to any children under the age of seven years, nor to any such Glassemen as shall be of good behaviour, and do travail in or through any Country, without begging, having licence for their travailing under the hands and seals of three justices of the Peace of the same County where they travail, whereof one to be of the Quorum.  
And be it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that this present Act shall be proclaimed in the next quarter Session or Sessions in every County, 
This Act to be proclaimed.  and in such other market Townes or places, as by the more part of the justices of the Peace in the said Sessions shallbe agreed and appointed. This Act to endure to the end of the first Session of the next Parliament.   

¶ Certain branches of the Statute made in the first year of the Reign of King JAMES, concerning Rogues, Vagabonds, and sturdy Beggars.  
FOrasmuch as sithence the making of the Act of 39 Eliz. diverse doubts and questions have been moved and grown by diversity of opinions, taken in and upon the letter of the said Act: For a plain declaration whereof, Be it declared and enacted, That from henceforth no Authority, to be given or made by any Baron of this Realm, 
No authority given by any Baron, etc. shall free others from the offence and punishment of the Statute of 39 Eliz.  or any other honourable Personage of greater degree, unto any other person or persons, shall be available to free and discharge the said persons, or any of them from the pains and punishments in the said Statute mentioned, but that they shall be taken within the offence and punishment of the same Statute.  
And whereas in the said Statute, 
Glassemen brought within the compass of the Statute.  there is a Proviso contained, that the said Statute, nor any thing therein contained, shall extend to any such Glassemen as shall be of good behaviour, and shall travel in or thorough any County without begging, having Licence for their travelling, under the hands and Seals of three justices of the Peace of the same County, where they travel, whereof one to be of the Quorum, as by the Statute more at large appeareth: By reason of which liberty, many notorious Rogues and Vagabonds, and evil disposed persons have undertaken, and do profess the trade of Glassemen; and by colour thereof do travel up and down diverse Counties of this Realm, and do commit many Pickeries, petty Felonies, and other misdemeanours: For the avoding of which inconvenience, Be it established and enacted by the Authority of this present Parliament, That from and after two months next after the end of this present Session of Parliament, all such person and persons, as shall wander up and down the Country to sell Glasses, shall be adjudged, deemed, and taken as Rogues and Vagabonds, and shall suffer the like pain and punishment in every degree, as is appointed to be inflicted upon Rogues, Vagabonds and sturdy Beggars, by the intent and true meaning of the said Statute, made in the nine and thirtieth year of the Reign of the said late Queen Elizabeth, and shall be set down limited, and appointed by this present Act, Any thing in the said Statute of the nine and thirtieth year of her said Reign to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding.  
And forasmuch as one branch of the Statute of 39 
Rogues branded with an hot iron R.  Eliz. is taken to be some what defective, for that the said Rogues having no Mark upon them to be known by, notwithstanding such judgement of Banishment, may return or retire themselves into some other parts of this Realm where they are not known, and so escape the due punishment which the said Statute did intend to inflict upon them: For remedy whereof, Be it ordained and enacted, That such Rogues as shall after the end of two months next after the end of this Session of Parliament, be adjudged, as aforesaid, incorrigible or dangerous, shall also by the judgement of the same justices, or the more part of them then present, in their open Sessions of the Peace, be branded in the left shoulder with an hot burning Iron of the breadth of an English shilling with a great Roman R upon the Iron, and the branding upon the shoulder to be throughly burned, and set on upon the skin and flesh, that the Letter R be seen, and remain for a perpetual Mark upon such Rogue during his or her life, 
Glassemen brought within the compass of the Statute.  and thereupon be sent by the same justices to the place of his dwelling, if he have any, if not, then to the place where he last dwelled by the space of a year, if that can be known by his confession or otherwise: And if that cannot be known, then to the place of his birth, there to be placed in labour as a true Subject ought to do: And after such punishment of any such Rogue as aforesaid, if any Rogue so punished shall offend again in begging or wand'ring contrary to the said Statute, or this present Act, That then in every such case, the party so offending shall be judged a Felon, and shall suffer as in Cases of Felony without benefit of Clergy, the same Felony to be tried in the County where any such offender shall be taken.    

Anno primo jacobi Regis.  

¶ An Act for the charitable relief and ordering of persons infected with the Plague.  
FOrasmuch as the Inhabitants of diverse Cities, Boroughs, Towns corporate, and of other Parishes and places being visited with the Plague, are found to be unable to relieve the poorer sort of such people so infected, who of necessity must be by some charitable course provided for, lest they should wander abroad, and thereby infect others: And forasmuch as diverse persons infected with that disease, and others inhabiting in places infected, aswell poor people and unable to relieve themselves, that are carefully provided for, as other which of themselves are of ability, being commanded by the Magistrate or officer, of or within the place where the Infection shall be, to keep their houses, or otherwise to separate themselves from company, for the avoiding of further Infection, do notwithstanding very dangerously and disorderly demean themselves:  
Be it therefore enacted by the authority of this present Parliament, 
Taxing others for the relief of the sick of the Plague.  That the Mayor, Bailiffs, head Officers, and justices of the Peace, of every City, Borough, Town corporate, and places Privileged, where any Mayor and Bailiffs, head Officers, or justices of Peace are or shall be, or any two of them, shall have power and authority from time to time, to tax and assess all and every Inhabitant, and all Houses of habitation, Lands, Tenements and Hereditaments within the said City, Borough, Town corporate, and places Privileged, or the liberties or precincts thereof, at such reasonable taxes and payments, as they shall think fit for the reasonable relief of such persons infected, or inhabiting in houses and places infected in the same Cities. Boroughs and Towns corporate, and places privileged, and from time to time levy the same Taxes, of the goods of every person refusing or neglecting to pay the said Taxes, by Warrant under the Hand and Seal of the Mayor and Bailiffs, and head Officers aforesaid, or two such justices of Peace, to be directed to any person or persons for the execution thereof. And if the party to whom such Warrant is or shall be directed, shall not find any Goods to levy the same, and the party taxed, shall refuse to pay the same Tax, That then upon return thereof the said Mayor, Bailiffs, head Officers or justices of Peace, or any two of them, shall by like Warrant under their hands and Seals, cause the same person so taxed to be arrested and committed to the Gaol, without Bail or Maineprise, until he shall satisfy the same taxation, and the Arrearages thereof.  
And if the Inhabitants of any such City, 
The Inhabitants unable to relieve the Infected.  Borough, Town corporate, or place privileged, shall find themselves unable to relieve their said poor infected persons, and others, as aforesaid, That then upon Certificate thereof by the Mayor, Bailiff, head Officers, and other the said justices of Peace, or any two of them, to the justices of Peace of the County of, or near to the said City, Borough, Town corporate, or privileged place so infected, or any two of them to be made, the said justices of, or near the said County or any two of them, shall or may tax and assess the Inhabitants of the County within five miles of the said place Infected, at such reasonable and weekly Taxes and Rates as they shall think fit to be levied by warrant from any such two justices of Peace, of, or near the County, by sale of Goods, and in default thereof, by imprisonment of the body of the party taxed, as aforesaid.  
And if any such Infection shall be in any Borough, Town corporate, or piviledged place, where there are or shall be no justices of peace, or in any Village or Hamlet within any County, That then it shall and may be lawful for any two justices of peace of the said County, wherein the said place infected is or shall be, to tax and assess the inhabitants of the said County, within five miles of the said place infected, at such reasonable weekly taxes and rates as they shall think fit for the reasonable relief of the said places infected, to be levied by warrant from the said justices of Peace of the same County by sale of goods, and in default thereof, by imprisonment of the body of every party so taxed, as aforesaid: The same taxes made by the said justices of Peace of the County, for the relief of such Cities, Boroughs, towns corporate, & places privileged, where there are no justices of Peace, to be disposed as they shall think fit. And where there are justices of Peace. Then in such sort as to the Mayor, Bailiffs, head officers, & justices of Peace there or any two of them shall seem fit & convenient. All which taxes and rates made within any such City, Borough, town corporate, or place privileged, shallbe certified at the next quarter Sessions to be holden within the same City, Borough, Town corporate, or place privileged; And the said Taxes and Rates made within any part of the said County, shall in like sort be certified at the next quarter Sessions to be holden in and for the said County, and that if the justices of Peace at such quarter Sessions respectively, or the more part of them shall think it fit, the said tax and rate should continue or be enlarged, or extended to any other parts of the County, or otherwise determined, than the fame to be so enlarged, extended or determined increased, or taxed and levied, in manner and form aforesaid, as to the said justices at the Quarter Sessions, respectively shall be thought fit and convenient▪ And every Constable, and other Officer that shall wilfully make default in levying such money, as they shall be commanded by the said Warrant or Warrants, shall forfeit for every such offence ten shillings, to be employed on the charitable uses aforesaid.  
And be it further enacted, 
An infected person commanded to keep his house, disobeyeth.  That if any person or persons infected, or being dwelling in any house Infected, shall be by the Mayor, Bailiffs, Constable, or other head Officer of any City, Borough, Town Corporate, Privileged place, or Market Town, or by any justice of Peace▪ Constable, Headborough or other Officer of the County, (if any such Infection be out of any City, Borough, Town Corporate, Privileged place, or Market Town) commanded or appointed, as aforesaid, to keep his or their house, for avoiding of further Infection, and shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously disobey such direction and appointment, offering and attempting to break and go abroad, and to resist, or going abroad, and resisting such Keepers or Watchmen as shall be appointed, as aforesaid, to see them kept in, That then it shallbe lawful for such Watchmen, with violence to enforce them to keep their houses. And if any hurt come by such enforcement to such disobedient persons, That then the said Keepers, Watchmen, and any other their assist assistants, shall not be impeached therefore. 
Infected persons how Felons.  And if any infected persons as aforesaid, so commanded to keep house, shall contrary to such Commandment, wilfully and contemptuously go abroad, and shall converse in company, having any infectious Sore upon him uncured, That then such person and persons shall be taken, deemed, and adjudged as a Felon, and to suffer pains of death, as in case of Felony, But if such person shall not have any such sore found about him. Then for his said offence, to be punished as a Vagabond in all respects should, or aught to be, by the Statute made in the nine and thirtieth year of the Reign of our late Sovereign Lady Queen ELIZABETH, for the punishment of Rogues and Vagabonds; And further to be bound to his or their good behaviour for one whole year.  
Provided, That no attainder of Felony by virtue of this Act, shall extend to any attainder or corruption of blood, or forfeiture of any Goods, Chattels, Lands, Tenements, or Hereditaments.  
And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That it shall be lawful for justices of Peace, Mayor, Bailiffs, and other head Officers aforesaid, to appoint within the several Limits, 
Attendants appointed upon the infected persons.  Searchers, Watchmen, Examiner's, Keepers, and Buriers for the persons and places respectively, infected as aforesaid, and to 〈…〉 unto them Oaths for the performance of their Offices of Searchers, Examiner's, Watchmen, Keepers, and Buriers, and give them other directions, as unto them for the present necessity shall seem good in their discretions. And this Act to continue no longer then until the end of the first Session of the next Parliament.  
Provided always, and be it enacted by authority of this present Parliament, that no Mayor, Bailiffs, head Officers, or any justices of Peace, shall by force or pretext of any thing in this Act contained, do or execute any thing before mentioned, 
The Universities, Cathedral Churches, Charon, Winchester.  within either the Universities of Cambridge or Oxford, or within any Cathedral Church or the Liberties or Precincts thereof, in this Realm of England, or within the Colleges of Eton or Winchester, But that the Vicechancellor of either of the Universities for the time being, within either of the same respectively, and the Bishop and Deane of such Cathedral Church, or one of them, within such Cathedral Church, and the Provost or Warden of either of the said Colleges within the same, shall have all such power and authority, and shall do and execute all and every such Act and Acts, thing and things in this Act before mentioned, within their several Precincts and jurisdictions abovesaid, as wholly absolutely, and fully to all intents and purposes, as any Mayor, Bailiffs, head Officers, or justices of Peace within their several Precincts and jurisdictions, may elsewhere by force of this Act do and execute.    

In Camera Stellata coram Concilio ibidem, vicesimo die Octobris, Anno Regni Reginae ELIZABETHAE quadragesimo, etc.  

Praesentibus,  
Thoma Egerton mil. Dno Cultod. Magni Sigilli Angliae.  
Dno North.  
Dno Buckhurst.  
johanne Fortescue milite Cancellar, Scaccarij.  
Archiepiscopo Cantuariens.  
Popham milite Capitali justic. de Banco Regis.  
Anderson milite Capitali justic. de Communi Banco.   
THIS day Rice Griffin and john Scrips were brought to the Bar, against whom Edward Coke Esquire, Her Majesty's Attorney General, did inform, That the said Griffin had unlawfully erected and built one Tenement in Hog-lane in the County of Middlesex, which he divided into two several rooms, wherein were now inhabiting two poor Tenants, that only lived and were maintained by the relief of the Parishioners there, and begging abroad in other places: And that the said john Scrips had in like sort divided a Tenement in Shoreditch, into, or about seventeen Tenancies or dwellings, and the same inhabited by diverse persons of very poor and base condition, contrary to the intent and meaning of her Highness' Proclamation, published and set out the seventh day of july 1580. in the two and twentieth year of Her Highness' Reign, whereby the same, and such manner of buildings and divisions, are altogether forbidden and prohibited, as by her Majesty's said Proclamation more at large appeareth.  
Moreover, her highness said Attorney further informed this Honourable Court, that since the said Proclamation, sundry Decrees have been made and 〈…〉 this Court, aswell for the prostrating, pulling down, and defacing of diverse new buildings: as also for reformation of divisions of Tenements: All which notwithstanding, sundry wilful and disobedient persons, continue in their contemptuous manner of buildings and divisions: by means whereof, the city of London, and Suburbs thereof, are overcharged, and burdened with sundry sorts of poor, beggarly, and evil disposed persons, to the great hindrance and oppression of the same; So as the Magistrates and Officers in and about the city, to whom the execution of the aforesaid Decrees and Orders chiefly appertaineth, cannot perform and do the same, according to the purport and tenor thereof: And in regard thereof: Her Highness said Attorney humbly prayed, that the said Griffin and Scrips might receive, and have inflicted on them, some condign and fit punishment, and that at the humble petition of the Lord Maior and Aldermen of the City of London, and other the justices of Peace of the County of Middlesex and Surrey, the Court would be pleased to set down and Decree, some last and general Order in this and in all other like Cases of new buildings, and divisions of Tenements. Whereupon the Court gravely considering the great growing evils and inconveniences that continually breed and happen by these new erected Buildings and divisions made and divided contrary to Her Majesty's said Proclamation, and well weighing the reasons of the said Lord Maior and Aldermen of the said city, and justices of the Counties aforesaid in that behalf, greatly tendering the overburdened and distressed estate of the inhabitants that dwell in sundry the Parishes where the said new buildings and divided Tenements are, being for the most part but of small ability to bear and sustain the great charge which is to grow there, by means of the poor placed in sundry of the new erected and divided Tenements, Have therefore by the whole and general consent of all the honourable presence here sitting, hearing the accusations aforesaid, and the answers, defences, and allegations of the said Griffin and Scrips, ordered and decreed, that the said Griffin and Scrips, shall be committed to the prison of the Fleet, and pay twenty pounds a piece for a Fine to Her Majesty. And as for the pulling down, or reforming of any house new built or divided sithence and contrary to the said Proclamation, within the City of London, or the compass of three miles thereof, in which any poor or Impotent persons now do, or hereafter shall dwell or abide, for that if the same houses should be pulled down, destroyed, or reform, other Habitations must be provided for them at the charge of the Parishes where they be, or shall be dwelling. The Court doth as yet think fit to forbear and respite the doing thereof, and have ordered and adjudged that all and every such poor and impotent persons, which dwell or shall dwell & 〈…〉 in any new buildings, or divided tenements erected & divided, contrary to the effect and intent of her Highness said proclamation, and are or shall in any wise be driven to live by begging or to be relieved 〈…〉 within the City of London, or any other place within the compass of three miles thereof, shall and may during the time of his or their life or lives, abide and dwell in the same, without giving or paying any manner of Rend service or other recompense unto the Landlords or any other, for, and in respect of the same, and not be thence 〈…〉 they shall after become able to live of themselves, And that the said Landlord, owner, or any other that 〈…〉 to, or for any Rent or Rents growing, ar●●ng, or payable for any of the said new Buildings, or divided Tenements, to inhabited or to be inhabited with poor people as aforesaid, shall 〈…〉 enjoined, and upon this 〈…〉 and Decree, take sufficient notice and warning, that he or they do not 〈…〉 encumber, disquiet, or moldst any of the said poor Tenants, for any Rents, Covenants, Conditions, promises or agreements, touching, or in any wise concerning the said Tenements, new buildings, or any of them, for the levying or recovering of any Rent, service, or other consideration in lieu of any Rent. And for that the new, buildings and divisions of sundry houses, within the City of London and three miles' compass thereof contrary to the tenor of the said Proclamation, hath been and is the occasion of great charges unto the Parishes of the said City and Precinct aforesaid, whereby the said Parishes are still overmuch burdened with poor and impotent persons, It is therefore Ordered and Decreed, That all such Landlords or owners of such Buildings or Divisions wheresoever they should dwell, shall contribute and give such like ratable and reasonable allowance with the said Prishioners where such Buildings and divisions are, towards the finding and maintaining of the poor of the Parish, in which such Buildings are, is, or shall be erected or divided contrary to the said Proclamation, as should be apportioned and allotted him or them to pay, if he or they were dwelling in the said Parish.  
And it is further Ordered and Decreed by this honourable Court, that after the death or departure of such poor people as do or shall inhabit the same houses or divided Tenements aforesaid, the houses thereby being become void, Then the Lord Maior and justices of Peace near unto the City adjoining, hereby are commanded to reform the said divided Tenements, and to prostrate, pull down and deface the said new buildings in such sort, as the same be no more left fit for habitation, and the timber and wood thereof to be converted and disposed in such manner as by the said Proclamation is required: As also to take order in all other the premises, That this Decree be duly observed and kept: And if any shall be obstinate, then to bind such Landlords as that shall obstinately and wilfully disobey this said Decree, to appear in this Honourable Court of Star-chamber to answer their contempt therein.  This Decree was afterward read in the Court of Star-chamber the 29. of November 1609. and then confirmed and straight commanded by all the Lords present to be duly put in execution.  

In Camera Stellata coram Concilio ibidem, vicessimo nono die Novembris, Anno septimo jacobi Regis.  

Praesentibus,  
Thoma Egerton milite Dno Ellesmere, Dno Canc. Ang.  
Comite Sarum Dno Thesaurario Ang.  
Comite Northampton.  
Comite Exon.  
Dno Zouch.  
jul. Caesare milite Cancellar. Scaccarij.  
Archiepiscopo Cant.  
Fleming milite Capitali justic. de Banco Regis.  
Coke milite Capitali. Iust. de come. Banc.  
Yeluerton milit. justice. de banc. Reg.  
William's milit, justic. de banc. Reg.  
Foster milite justic. de communi Banc.   
THis day Sir Henry Montague, Knight, Recorder of London informed this most honourable Court, that where there have been diverse Proclamations as well in the time of our late Sovereign Queen Elizabeth, as also since his Majesty's most happy Reign, and also diverse Orders and Decrees taken in this honourable Court for the restraining and reforming of the multitude of new erected and divided Tenements, and taking in of Inmates, yet nevertheless the same do so daily increase and multiply in every place in and about this City of London and the Suburbs thereof, infinite number of people being pestered together breeding and nourishing Infection, so that the same tendeth to the great imminent danger of the government and safety of this City, and consequently to the peril of his Majesty's Sacred person, the Queen's Majesty, and their Royal Issue, and the Lords of the State here ordinarily residing, with many other great enormities, if the same be not carefully and speedily prevented. And therefore it was humbly desired, that this honourable Court would revive a Decree of this Court, made the twentieth day of October, in the fortieth year of our said late Sovereign Queen Elizabeth, taken and established for restraining and reforming of such new erected Buildings and divisions.  
And that the said Decree might be put in present execution for the speedy refor- of the said enormities, whereupon the said Decree being openly read, this honourable Court, and all the whole Presence here sitting, taking tender care and consideration of the Good and Safety of the said City, and gravely foreseeing the imminent danger and evils which do grow and increase, and do chiefly arise through overmuch neglect in due execution of those former Proclamations, Decrees and ordinances which are not looked into as they ought to be, Doth therefore Decree and Order, that the said former Decree taken the said twentieth day of October in the said fortieth year of our late Sovereign be presently, and from time to time hereafter, more severely looked into, and put in execution.  
And his Majesty's learned Council, and also the Lord Maior, and Aldermen of London, together with all justices of Peace, and other his Majesty's Officers whatsoever which the same may any way concern, are hereby straight charged and required, that they and every of them do from time to time hereafter diligently and strictly cause and see the said Decree to be in all points duly observed and put in execution, and Tearmely to make Certificate to his Honourable Court of their proceedings therein, and of such persons as they shall find to offend in that behalf; Whereupon this Court doth purpose to proceed against them for their contempts with very severe punishment. * ⁎ *   

LONDON, Imprinted by ROBERT BARKER, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majesty Anno Dom. 1626.