Die Sabbathi, 16 Novemb. 1644. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, for the freeing and discharging of all Rents and Revenues( belonging to the hospitals of Saint Bartholomew, Bridewell, Saint Thomas, and Bethlem) from any Assessments, Taxes and charges whatsoever.  
WHereas the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, have been given to understand, from the mayor, and commonalty, and Citizens of London, governor of the Possessions, Revenues and Goods of the hospitals of Saint Bartholomew, Bridewell, Saint Thomas, and Bethlem; That the Rents and Revenues belonging to the said hospitals respectively, are not sufficient to keep and maintain the poor People, properly appointed to be kept in the said hospitals, in ordinary times, without the help and supply of Legacies and Gifts of Charitable persons, which since these present Troubles are much decreased, and very small; And that the Rents of divers of the said Lands in remote countries where the Armies are, or have been, are lost, and divers Tenants of other of the said Lands, in and near London, allege that they are so far impoverished, that they are not able to pay their Rents in these dead and troublesone Times, neither do pay any Rent at all to the said hospitals; And that the Rents of divers Houses belonging to the said hospitals being out of Lease, and standing empty, are wholly lost; And that many Tenants of the Lands belonging to the said hospitals, withhold and deduct several sums of Money out of their Rents, for several Taxes and Rates upon divers Ordinances of Parliament; Whereby the said hospitals are become much indebted, and want Moneys to buy necessary provision for the Poor therein: And that nevertheless, great numbers of sick, wounded, and other Souldiers have for the time of above Twenty moneths past, been constantly kept in the said hospitals, at very great and extraordinary Charges, especially for their Cure and diet:  
The said Lords and Commons taking the premises into their consideration, think fit, and Ordain, and be it Ordained, That all the Rents and Revenues belonging to the said hospitals respectively( being to be received and disbursed for the immediate use, and relief of the Poor in the same hospitals) shall be freed and discharged of and from all Assessments, Taxes and Charges whatsoever, as well already made or charged, and not paid, as hereafter to be made or charged by virtue of any Ordinance of Parliament.  
And it is hereby further Ordained, That it shall not be lawful for any of the said Tenants to withhold and deduct out of their Rents any sum of Money, which is or shall be ranted by virtue of any Ordinance of Parliament, upon his and their Houses and Lands, belonging to the said hospitals respectively, which in respect of the Rents of every such House and Lands, the Landlords ought to pay; And every such Tenant is hereby required to make payment of his full Rent, that is or shall hereafter be due unto the said several hospitals, Any Ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding.  
And all Assessors, Collectors, and others whom this may concern, are hereby required to take notice of this Ordinance; Provided that the Tenants who enjoy good and considerable Bargains in their Leases from the said hospitals respectively, do claim and enjoy no freedom, exemption or advantage by this Ordinance.  


Joh: Brown, Cleric. Parliamentorum.  
H: elsing, clear. Parl. D. come.