Rules, Directions and By-Laws, devised, and made by the Court of Aldermen of the City of London, by virtue of the late Ordinance of His Highnesse the Lord Protector, with consent of his council; for Regulation of Hackney Coachmen, within the said City, and places adjacent.  
1. FOR the better execution of the said Ordinance, and of the good Rules and Orders herein set down, and which shall hereafter be made, and established, and for the more peaceable governing of the Fellowship of Hackney Coachmen, It is Ordained, That there shall be thirteen Overseers chosen, appointed, and Sworn in such manner, and form as is hereafter expressed. And that Benjamin Francis, Andrew clerk, John Saltmarsh, Arthur Willis, Thomas Stephens, Anthony Hart, William Hockly, Thomas Graham, William Deacon, William Norwell, John Bray, William clerk, and James Rice be the first, and present Overseers of the said Fellowship, who shall continue until the twenty fifth day of December, which shall be in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred fifty and five, and further, until other able, and sufficient persons of the said Fellowship, shall be elected, and chosen Overseers, according to the provisions hereafter expressed; if they, or any of them do not die, or be not in the mean time, for any cause amoved, and displaced by the Court of Aldermen of the City of London for the time being. And that afterwards, yearly, at the next Court of Aldermen to be holden after the twenty fifth day of December in every year, or some other Court day afterwards, such seven of the said thirteen Overseers, as the said Court of Aldermen shall think fit, shall fall off, or be amoved. Provided, that before the said twenty fifth day of December yearly, the present thirteen Overseers for the time being, or the mayor part of them then living, shall and may by way of preparation only, nominate and present to the said Court thirteen able, discreet, and fit persons of the said Fellowship; To the intent that out of the same, or such other persons of the said Fellowship as the said Court shall think fit, the said Court shall make choice of seven, to be, together with those that remain, Overseers of the said Fellowship for the year ensuing, in place of those falling off or amoved. And that the persons so by them newly chosen, with the other six that stand and remain, shall be and continue Overseers of the said Fellowship for one whole year, and further, in case they live until other Overseers be chosen as aforesaid, unless the said Court shall for some reasonable cause in the mean time remove, and displace them, or any of them, and in such case or when, and as often as it shall happen any of the Overseers to die, then the rest of the Overseers, or the greater number of them living and remaining, shall within twenty days after such removal or decease, nominate and present to the said Court of Aldermen double the number of the person or persons so removed, or deceased, that out of them or such others as the said Court shall think fit, the said Court may choose one other, or others to execute the said place, or places for the remainder of the said year; And if any person or persons that shall be elected an Overseer, or Overseers of the said fellowship, as aforesaid, shall refuse to take upon him or them the said place or places, he or they so refusing shall pay unto the Treasurer of the said Fellowship, for the time being, within fourteen days after such refusal, to and for the uses hereafter expressed, the sum of six pounds thirteen shillings four pence. And if he or they shall thereupon also refuse, or neglect to pay the said sum of money within the time before limited, then the same shall and may be levied, and recovered as is hereafter mentioned, and directed. And every Overseer, being elected as aforesaid, and having taken upon him the execution of the said place, neglecting the duty of his place, shall for every offence being duly proved, and adjuded to be such, by the Court of Aldermen of London, in like manner forfeit, and pay the sum of Ten shillings, to be recovered as herein after is expressed.  

The Oath of the Overseers of the Fellowship of Hackney Coachmen.  
YOu shall swear, That in your Office as one of the Overseers of the Fellowship of Hackney Coachmen, you shall to your power and knowledge, keep all the good rules and orders devised, and established for the good government of the Hackney Coachmen within the City of London, and places adjacent; And to your knowledge, and power you shall also oversee the said Hackney Coachmen, that they use themselves honestly, and truly in their said Labour, and use and treat the people honestly, according to the Rules and Orders Provided, or to be provided for the good government of them: And such as you shall find offenders therein, without favour or displeasure, you shall indifferently cause, or endeavour to be brought to punishment. So God you help.   
II. That the said Overseers for the time being, may from time to time as they shall see cause, meet together at such convenient place as they think fit, within the Walls of the City of London, to advice of the common affairs of their Fellowship, and for execution of such matters as in and by these Rules and Orders are, or shall hereafter be enjoined or committed to them.  
III. That besides the Forty shillings to be paid by every person and persons, according to the Ordinance aforesaid, at his and their first admittance to keep Hackney Coach and Horses, every such person admitted or to be admitted, shall for defraying the common charges of the said Fellowship, and other uses hereafter mentioned, pay quarterly to the Treasurer of the said Fellowship, for every pair of horses he is allowed to keep Two shillings six pence. And if any person admitted or to be admitted shall refuse or neglect to pay the same, for the space of fourteen dayes after demand thereof by the Treasurer, or any other by his appointment, such person so refusing or neglecting to pay his said quarterage of two shillings six pence, shall by the said Overseers, or the mayor part of them, be amoved and dismissed from being a member of the said Fellowship, and shall no longer be allowed to have, enjoy and work any Coach or Horses within the limits aforesaid for hire, and another admitted in his room and place by the said Court of Aldermen, in form aforesaid.  
IV. To the intent there may be no exaction, strife or debate about the hire of Coaches for time to come; It is Ordained, That no person or persons of the said Fellowship shall require, take or have any greater rate or prices then is hereafter set down and expressed; that is to say, for the hire of a Coach, caroche or charet with four horses, twenty shillings a day; and for a Coach and two horses, ten shillings a day; And that every Coach with four horses shall at the Rates aforesaid limited, travail upon the Roads to and from London, from the twenty fifth day of March until the twentieth day of October thirty miles a day, within sixty miles compass of London every way( excepting in Sussex Road, which being worst and hardest for journeying, shall be traveled so far onely as is reasonable, or as shall be agreed or undertaken by the Coachmen upon hire) And a Coach with two horses, at the Rates before limited for two horses, for the same season, shall travail twenty miles a day; And that from and after the twentieth day of October, until the twenty fifth of March, a Coach with four horses shall travail twenty five miles a day, and a Coach with two horses shall travail fifteen miles a day, within the like compass of sixty miles from London( excepting upon the said Road of Sussex) But for the time a Coach shall rest or lye still upon any journey, the hire shall be, viz for a Coach and four horses but ten shillings a day, and for a Coach with two horses but six shillings eight pence a day. Also that none of the said Coachmen( unless he be hired by the day) shall require, take or have for carrying any person or persons in his Coach, from any parts or places within the places and limits aforesaid, to any other place or places within the same limits( namely, six miles compass of the late Lines of Communication, and back again) above twelve pence a mile forward and backward, that is to say, six pence a mile forward, and six pence backward, if he be not put to above an hours waiting and attendance for carrying back of such person or persons; and then to have twelve pence an hour for every hours attendance, above the space of one hour. And from the Old Exchange in Cornhill London, unto Westminster, or to any other place of like distance of place or thereabouts, not above eighteen pence, but if the persons carried exceed three persons, two shillings, and from the O●d Exchange unto Temple bar, Lincolns Inn or Grayes Inn, or to any other place of like distance of place, or thereabouts, not above twelve pence; also from Guildhall to Temple bar, or any part of Chancery-lane, Grayes Inn, or other place of like distance, or thereabouts, not above twelve pence; and from Temple bar, Lincolns Inn, or Grayes Inn to Westminster, or to any place of like distance, or thereabouts, not above twelve pence; and from Westminster to white-chapel, or the like distance of place, or thereabouts, two shillings six pence; and from Temple bar to White chapel, or the like distance of place, or thereabouts, eighteen pence; and from the Old Exchange to white-chapel, or the like distance of place, twelve pence: and after the same proportion from place to place within the limits and places aforesaid. And if any person or persons admitted, or that shall be admitted to keep Coach and Horses as aforesaid, shall deny to accept his pay according to the Rates aforesaid, or shall wilfully refuse to be hired, with his Coach and Horses, at the rates aforesaid, and shall excuse himself, or pretend that he is hired before, whereas in truth he is not; or shall misbehave himself by uncivil carriage, or reproachful or railing words, towards any person or persons who shall require or offer to hire his Coach or Horses, and offer to pay unto him for the same after the Rates aforesaid; in such case such person and persons shall for the first offence, being proved before the said Overseers at their Meetings, who are hereby empowered to examine such abuses, forfeit, and pay ten shillings; for the second offence, being proved as aforesaid, twenty shillings; and for the third offence, being complained of to the Court of Aldermen of the said City, and the thing there proved, shall, by Order of the said Court be dismissed, and put beside his keeping of Coach and Horses to work and hire out, within the limits aforesaid.  
V. For avoiding all annoyance, and pestering of the streets by the standing of too many Coaches in the same: It is Ordained, That there shall not stand at the Old Exchange, at one time, above ten Coaches, five at the one side of the Conduit there, and five at the other side, thirty foot off, and from the said Conduit near the Channel, and a good distance one from another, and the Drivers not to stir off from his and their Coaches, and be careful not to offend the Inhabitants and Passengers thereabouts; In like manner in Guildhall yard, not above two Coaches( unless they attend any persons that have hired the same) In Pauls Church-yard not above eight Coaches at one time; In Smithfield not above ten; In Aldersgate street not above eight; From Fleet Conduit to Dunstans Church, not above ten; from thence to Temple bar not above eight; In Chancery-lane not above six; From the Savoy to the New Exchange or York-house, not above ten; At Charing cross not above six; At Whitehall not above eight; At Westminster as occasion serves; From the West-end of S. Clements Church to Exeter house, not above twenty; In Holborn not above twenty; In Long-acre and Covent Garden as occasion serves; In S. Martins-lane not above twelve; and in Bishopsgate-street not above twelve Coaches at any one time, Vpon pain that every one offending therein, by a wilful exceeding of the respective Numbers of Coaches before-mentioned, shall for every offence forfeit and pay two shillings six pence.  
VI. That the said Overseers shall and may four times in every year, or oftener, view the Coaches and Horses of all persons of the Fellowship, to see that the same be fit and able, and kept in handsome and good repair: And in case any shall refuse to permit such view, and shall not, upon warning given him by the said Overseers of any thing amiss, reform and amend the same, such offendor shall in like manner, and upon like proof as aforesaid, for the first offence forfeit and pay five shillings, for the second offence ten shillings, and for the third offence be dismissed by the Court of Aldermen, of, and from the said employment, and keeping and working of Coach and Horses for hire, within the limits aforesaid.  
VII. That none of the said Hackney Coachmen shall have his Coach, or any part of it gilded, nor wear the Eschucheon of any person of Honour, or Gentleman thereupon, Vpon pain of five pounds: But, as a Mark of distinction, shall have the City Arms placed or painted on the Shield, upon the cross piece behind of his said Coach.  
VIII. If any person admitted to keep and work for hire Coach and Horses, happen to die, leaving his Widow; such Widow may at the pleasure of the said Court of Aldermen, be admitted to continue, use, and hire out the Coach or Coaches, and Horses of her said late Husband, during her Widowhood: Provided that she and they do from time to time keep and observe the Rules, Orders and Directions appointed for persons who keep Coach and Horses to hire.  
IX. That if any person or persons shall hence-forward presume to keep, and let to hire any Coach and Horses, not being duly allowed by the Court of Aldermen of London, or having been allowed, and for any cause disabled& dismissed by the said Court, shall yet presume to keep, or let to hire any Coach or Horses; In every such case every person so offending, upon the proof as aforesaid, shall forfeit and pay for the first offence twenty shillings, for the second offence forty shillings, and for every offence afterwards the sum of four pounds, to be had and recovered as is hereafter mentioned. But in as much as many persons within the limits aforesaid, above the number allowed by the said Court of Aldermen, according to the aforesaid Ordinance of his Highnesse the Lord Protector, are at present possessed of Coaches and Horses, and cannot on the sudden sell, and put off the same without much loss and damage, time is therefore given unto those supernumerary persons, not allowed by the Court of Aldermen as aforesaid, until the twenty fifth day of December next ensuing, to sell and put off their said Coaches and Horses to their best advantage, and in the mean time, or till they dispose of the same within the time aforesaid to work the same within the limits aforesaid, they demeaning themselves well, and orderly in the employment, and observing and fullfilling all the Orders concerning Rates, for carriage herein comprised and not otherwise, any thing in this Article contained to the contrary notwithstanding.  
X. And for the better ordering, and preservation of the stock, and Incombe of the said Fellowship, and due and sure disposal of the moneys that shall be paid and forfeited, to the right ends and purposes hereby directed, and intended. It is Ordained that it shall be lawful to and for the said Overseers of the said Fellowship, or the mayor part of them, from time to time, to make choice of one able, and sufficient person( from amongst themselves) to be Treasurer, who shall from time to time, receive and take all Admittance money, quarteridges, and other duties, forfeitures, fines, and Americaments whatsoever which shall from time to time grow due, or be payable by any Member of the said Fellowship, or by any other person or persons whatsoever, by virtue or Force of the said Ordinance, or any other Ordinance concerning the same business, or by these or any other Orders made, or to be made concerning the said Fellowship; which said Treasurer shall from time to time be accountable for his Receipts, and disbursements, unto and before the Overseers of the said Fellowship for the time being, or the mayor part of them, and give such security to make a true and perfect account of what he shall receive, as shall be thought fit from time to time by the said Court of Aldermen of the City of London, and also for the faithful discharge of his trust; And further, that the said Overseers or the mayor part of them, shall allow unto such person as they shall from time to time choose to be their Treasurer, such allowance for his pains and labour as they shall think fit. Provided, that every Treasurer shall be first presented to and allowed of by the Court of Aldermen of the City of London, and not otherwise, nor removed without the privity, or consent of the said Court; And if any difference shall happen concerning the allowance of the said Treasurers Receipts, or disbursements, between the Treasurer and the said Overseers, the same to be heard and determined by the Court of Aldermen aforesaid. Also that the said Fellowship shall, and may have and choose a Clerk and Beadle or Beadles, for doing their common service, and affairs, to be chosen, and appointed from time to time, and removed from their said places and employment, by and at the pleasure of the Overseers of the said Fellowship, with the assent and approbation of the said Court of Aldermen, and not otherwise.  
XI. And it is ordained that out of the said Admittance money, Quarteridges, Fines, Amerciaments, and other profits aforesaid, there shall be yearly paid by the Treasurer of the said Fellowship to be appointed as aforesaid, To the Treasurer of Bridewell for the time being, the sum of Fifty pounds by equal quarterly payments for the benefit and relief of the poor lunatic, and distracted persons in the hospital of Bethlem, the first quarterly payment to be made on the twenty fifth day of March 1655.  
XII. And to the intent no person admitted to keep Hackney Coach and Horses may be ignorant of their duty comprised in these Rules, and Orders; It is Ordained that the said Overseers shall forthwith assemble all the members of their Fellowship, and openly red the same unto them; And shall deliver out, unto every particular member that now is, or hereafter shall be, at his first Admittance, a brief note of the Rates of Hire, and other particulars herein contained, to be kept, and observed by them.  
XIII. And it is Ordained, that every person Admitted, or that shall be admitted to keep Hackney Coaches and Horses as aforesaid, shall retain and keep no servant but of honest and civill life and behaviour, and shall for the miscarriages or offences of his or her servants, against any the orders and provisions before going, or that shall hereafter be made in this behalf, undergo and suffer like pains and penalties, as if the same had been done, and committed in his or her own person, and the servant so offending shall make reparation to his Master or mistress, out of his wages by way of abatement or deduction; or otherwise shall be committed to the house of correction by the said Lord Maior and Aldermen, there to remain and be whipped, and held to hard Labour, as, according to the merit and nature of the offence, shall by the said Court be adjudged fit and reasonable, and not enlarged, but by warrant from the said Court.  
XIV. And further, It is Ordained, That all pains, penalties, forfeitures, and sums of money, by virtue of any of these Ordinances to be forfeited, and not otherwise levied, shall and may be levied by Distress, and sale of the Coach or Coaches, and Horses, or other Goods and Chattels of the party or parties offending and refusing, or neglecting to pay the same; Deducting the said forfeiture or sum of money, and reasonable charges of Distraining, and restoring the overplus to the Owner thereof; or otherwise, such pains, penalties, forfeitures and sums of money, shall and may be recovered by Action of Debt, Bill or Plaint, to be commenced in any Court of Record: And after recovery and levying thereof, and charges deducted, the one moiety thereof to be to the use of the said Fellowship, and the other moiety thereof to the Informer that shall prosecute the same: In which Suits the Prosecutor shall recover ordinary Costs and Charges against the offendor or offenders in that behalf, if the svit or Action pass for him; and the Defendant shall recover his Costs against the Plaintiff, if the same go for the Defendant.  
XV. Lastly, It is Ordained, That if any person or persons shall hire, or make use of the said Hackney Coachmen, or any of them, or of their Coaches and Horses for carrying of them from place to place, and shall refuse or neglect to pay, and satisfy him and them their hire or fraught as aforesaid, and according to the same proportion, That such person or persons shall and may be carried before any Iustice of Peace near the place where such refusal or fact shall be committed; and that such Iustice of Peace shall cause the same to be paid forthwith, with such damages as he shall think fit in his discretion for detaining the same: and for not performance thereof, the said Iustice of Peace shall hereby have power to deal with such offendor, as fully, amply and largely, to all intents and purposes, as any Iustice of Peace may do with any Master, who refuseth to pay his Servant his wages contracted for.  
saddler.   

Tuesday, 19 December. 1654. At the council at Whitehall.  
ORdered by His Highness the Lord Protector, and the council, That the Rules, Directions and By-Laws, devised and made by the Court of Aldermen of the City of London, by virtue of the late Ordinance of His Highness, with the Consent of His council, for Regulation of Hackney Coachmen, within the said City and places adjacent, be and are hereby declared to be approved by His said Highness and the council.  
w: JESSOP, Clerk of the council.   

Printed by James Flesher, Printer to the Honourable City of London.