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BELFAST 
 
 MARCUS WARD AND CO., LIMITED 
 
 PRINTERS 
 
A ]e)ird3-l3^e,Vew of 'ThE ClTy of IbELFASf -1890 
 
 also shewing the extent of The Town in 1690. 
 
 Taken from. Maps of the time. 
 
tdbe tTown 3ook 
 
 of tbe 
 
 Corporation of Belfast 
 1613-1816 
 
 EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL 
 WITH CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF EVENTS, AND NOTES 
 
 ROBERT M. YOUNG, B.A., C.E., M.R.I.A. 
 
 F.R.S.A.I. AND HON. LOCAL SEC. 
 HON. SEC. BELFAST NATURAL HISTORY & PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY 
 
 WITH MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 BELFAST 
 
 MARCUS WARD & CO., LIMITED, ROYAL ULSTER WORKS 
 
 LONDON, NEW YORK, AND MELBOURNE 
 
 1892 
 
 [all rights reserved] 
 
A3 
 
 New Seal of the City of Belfast. 
 1S90. 
 
 APR 3 1990 
 
 OSTON COLLEGE immx 
 
 / 
 
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE 
 
 HARRIET, 
 
 COUNTESS OF SHAFTESBURY, 
 
 WIFE OF ANTHONY, EIGHTH EARL OF SHAFTESBURY, 
 
 AND ONLY DAUGHTER OF 
 
 GEORGE HAMILTON, THIRD MARQUIS OF DONEGALL. 
 
 Z^iB (pofume, 
 
 CONTAINING THE RECORDS OF THE CORPORATION OF BELFAST, 
 
 FOUNDED AT THE INSTANCE OF HER FAMOUS ANCESTOR, 
 
 SIR ARTHUR CHICHESTER, BARON OF BELFAST, 
 
 IS, 
 
 WITH HER LADYSHIP'S GRACIOUS PERMISSION, 
 
 MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. 
 
TO THE READER. 
 
 ■tii-'r'Ao i, unlike many of the ancient 
 boroughs in Great Britain and Ireland, 
 possesses very few original documents illus- 
 trative of its early history. One of great 
 importance, however, exists in the MS. con- 
 taining the contemporary records of the old 
 Corporation, nozv printed for the first time 
 in the present work, by the kind permission 
 of the owner, Mrs. Torrens, Edenmore, 
 Whiteabbey. 
 
 The painstaki?tg historian of Belfast, the late George Bentt, devoted 
 a chapter of his well-known "History" to its contents, which he also 
 referred to in his earlier volume, published in 182J. When the 
 Municipal Reform Commissioners took evidence here in i8jj, it was 
 submitted for their inspection, together with a second book containing tite 
 later minutes, since lost. Henry foy, the leading aut/iority on local 
 history, copied a few extracts about the end of the last century ; while 
 Dr. Kirkpatrick, in his work entitled " Presbyterian Loyalty Displayed" 
 printed ifi 1713, made the first reference to it under the title of 
 " Common Town Book of Belfast." 
 
 These writers only used such portions as suited their immediate 
 purpose, and gave them, moreover, in a modernised form. The aim of the 
 Editor has therefore been, as far as possible, to give a faithful repro- 
 duction of the original, with its solecisms and its peculiarities of spelling 
 and punctuation, some unusual contractions in the earlier portion excepted. 
 The manuscript consists of four hundred leaves foolscap folio, of zvhich 
 one hundred and thirteen are blank pages. The paper is of excellent quality, 
 with five separate watermarks, some foreign. A court hand is used for 
 the earlier entries, viany of zvhich are very illegible in places, increased by 
 tJie faded colour of the ink. Considerable difficulty zvas experienced in 
 arranging the entries chronologically , partly because minutes had frequently 
 been entered on blank portions of pages already written on, but mainly 
 because tlie different slieets were kept loose for many years, and wJien subse- 
 quently discovered by the Marquis of Donegall in an old chest, were further 
 disarranged by F. Bedford, who bound tlie existing volume. 
 
 In the printing of the work every effort was made to reproduce, by 
 means of appropriate type, the quaint headings, &c., as originally written. 
 
Preface. vH 
 
 Tlie only additions are the ornamental capital letters and the woodcuts in 
 the text. All the proof s ivere corrected by the Editor directly from the Town 
 Book itself a process which occupied tlie evenings of many montfis. 
 
 The words printed within brackets [] are struck through in tJie original 
 with a pen, as corrections ; and those printed in italics are interlineated 
 in t/ie manuscript. In the Notes tlie Editor has endeavoured to give fresh 
 information from sources not hitherto accessible, supplementing Benn's 
 and other well-knoivn Histories. A Chronological List of Notable 
 Events is prefixed to the work, in which will be found a number of 
 interesting items not previously printed. 
 
 The Editor has been much encouraged in his labours (carried on in 
 tfie intervals of professional duties) by the interest taken in the zvork by 
 numerous friends. His best thanks are especially due to that most dis- 
 tinguished scholar, the Right Reverend William Reeves, D.D., President 
 R.I.A., Lord Bishop of Down and Connor and Dro mo re, for his invaluable 
 services in reading over and assisting in the correction of tlie proofs. 
 Tlie Editor's thanks are also tendered to the Countess of Shaftesbury, the 
 Viscountess of Templeto2vn, the Earl of Belmore, G.C.M.G. ; The Belfast 
 Harbour Commissioners, the Churchwardens of St. Anne's, Thomas H. 
 Torrens, Esq., f.P.; C. H. Brett, Esq.; Lavens M. Ewart, Esq., J. P., 
 M.R.I.A.; Samuel Black, Esq., Town Clerk; R. Meyer, Esq., Chief 
 Clerk; Robert Day, Esq., f.P., F.S.A., M.R.I.A., Cork; Rev. G. Hill; 
 Rev. A. Gordon, M.A., Mancliester ; Rev. fames O'Laverty, P.P., 
 M.R.I.A.; H. M'N. M'Cormick, Esq.; f. Henderson, Esq., M.A. ; 
 IV. H. Patterson, Esq., M.R.I. A. ; Classon Porter, Esq., Bally gaily 
 Castle ; W. Swanston, Esq., F.G.S.; f. A. Rentoul, Esq., M.P., LL.D., 
 London; Rev. W. Reynell,B.D., Dublin; f. W. E. Macartney, Esq., D.L., 
 Clogher Park ; Rev. Prof. G. T. Stokes, D.D., T.C.D. ; fohn Vinycomb, 
 Esq.,F.R.S.A.I.; Talbot B. Reed, Esq., London ; Rev. Charles Scott,M.A.; 
 and to the Librarians at the British Museum, the Public Record Offices, 
 London and Dublin, and the Bodleian Library. 
 
 Special thanks are also due to Miss Lewis, Nettlefield, for the use 
 of tJu original Towtt Seal. Other friends will be found mentioned 
 in the Notes. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Preface .... 
 
 Chronological List of Notable Events 
 
 The Town Book 
 
 Notes ..... 
 
 List of Subscribers 
 
 Index ..... 
 
 PAGES 
 
 vi and vii 
 ix-xvi 
 1-300 
 
 . 301-342 
 343-346 
 
 • 347-351 
 
 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Bird's-eye View of Belfast 
 
 (Frontispiece) 
 
 Impression of old Town Seal 
 
 (On Title-page) 
 
 New Corporate Seal of the City 
 
 (On back of Title-page) 
 
 Monument to Earl of Belfast 
 
 (fullpage) ... I 
 
 Facsimile of page of MS. (full 
 
 page) 10 
 
 Le Squire's Mace . . 18 
 
 Token of John Clugston . . 27 
 Token of Alexander Sinklar 36 
 
 Tokens of George Martin and 
 
 Hugh Doak . . . 38 
 
 Tokens of John Stewart . . 45 
 St. Anne'sChurchandtheChapel 
 
 of Ease (full page) . . 52 
 
 Sovereign's Seat and Desk . 53 
 Arms of Curriers' Company . 55 
 View of Londonderry . -58 
 Castle of Carrickfergus . 63 
 
 Arms of Ireland, Dublin, and 
 
 Kilkenny . . . .64 
 Arms of Ireland, Carrickfergus, 
 
 and Clonmel ... 70 
 
 Token of John Corry . .77 
 Token of Geo. M'Cartney . 78 
 
 Map of Belfast c. 1660 . . 80 
 Map of Belfast ini 7 88 (fullpage) 80 
 Tokens of Wm. Smith and Wm. 
 
 Thombe . . . 94 
 
 Token of Hugh Eccles . -99 
 View of High Street in 1786 . 100 
 White Linen Hall and Old 
 
 Exchange (fullpage) . 102 
 
 Cromlech at Giant's Ring 
 Arms of Drogheda, Galway, and 
 
 Cork . . . . . 
 Old Poorhouse and Artillery 
 
 Barracks (full page) 
 Portrait of Capt. Robt. Leathes 
 Token of Aitkin and Lokart 
 Token of Humphrey Dobbin 
 Arms of Dundalk 
 Arms of a Marchioness of 
 
 Antrim .... 
 The Old College and Long 
 
 Bridge (full page) 
 The Chichester Tomb, Carrick- 
 fergus (full page) . 
 Figure of Sir A. Chichester, from 
 
 Tomb . . . . 
 
 The Review of Volunteers 
 
 1804 (full page) 
 The Large Corporation Mace 
 View of the Mall, 1790 . 
 Irish Soldiers 
 Milewater Fort 
 Ancient Iron Works . 
 Arms of Belfast 
 Owen Roe O'Neill . 
 Bigger Arms and Tokens 
 Badge of United Irishmen 
 Belfast Ticket 
 
 Shaftesbury Memorial Casket 
 Mulholland's Mill 
 "Tantra Barbus" . 
 Portrait of Charles C. Connor, 
 
 Esq., M.A., Mayor . 
 Royal Arms, engraved by James 
 
 Smith, . . . . 
 
 102 
 
 119 
 
 146 
 139 
 
 157 
 i6s 
 168 
 
 169 
 
 189 
 
 224 
 
 in 
 
 309- 
 
 229 
 
 231 
 300 
 
 305 
 307 
 308 
 
 312 
 
 • 312 
 
 323,324 
 
 323 
 
 326 
 
 334 
 339 
 341 
 
 342 
 
 • 352 
 
 The Frontispiece is based on the perspective drawing executed by D. Hanna, C.E., in 
 1883, of which only a few copies exist. 
 
 The quaint woodcuts used in the text are the work of James Smith, a local "engraver on 
 wood, 30, Millfield" (Bradshaw's Directory, 1819). He worked for F. D. Finlay, whose books 
 printed at the time contain many of the cuts. Permission to use them was kindly granted by 
 the Northern, Whig Co. , through their manager, Mr. W. Darragh. 
 
A Chronological List of Notable Events connected with 
 the History of Belfast to the present time. 
 
 [Extracted from State Paper Calendars, Reeves' Ecclesiastical Antiquities of 
 Down and Connor, Classon Porter's MSS., &c.] 
 
 A.M. 3506. In the fifth year of the reign of Heremon, Loch Laogh in Ultonia (now 
 
 Belfast Lough) broke forth. 
 A.D. 82. Agricola wintered at Stranraer, intending to cross by way of Belfast Lough and 
 
 subdue Ireland. 
 160. Bresal, son of Brian, who reigned in Eamania 19 years, was drowned in Loch Laogh 
 
 (now Belfast Lough). 
 667. The battle of the Ford (at Belfast) between the Ulidians and Picts, where fell 
 
 Cathasach, son of Laircine. 
 1 177. John de Curci held possession of the Castle of Belfast. 
 1 2 10. King John passed Belfast on his way to Carrickfergus. 
 1306. The White Church (now Shankill), with the Chapels of the Ford, noted in the 
 
 Irish Taxation Roll. 
 1315. The Scots under Edward Bruce wasted Belfast. 
 
 1333. William de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, murdered near the Fords of Belfast. 
 1476. O'Neill attacked and demolished the Castle of Belfast. 
 1489. Hugh Roe O'Donnell took the Castle. 
 1 503. The Castle demolished by the Earl of Kildare. 
 
 1512. Retaken by the Earl of Kildare, and the spoils distributed amongst his soldiers. 
 1523. The Earl of Kildare wrote to Henry VIII. that he has " taken a Castle of Hugh 
 
 O'Neill's called Belfast, and burned 24 miles of his country." 
 1537. A son of Con O'Neill taken prisoner at Belfast. 
 
 1551. Sir James Croft, Lord Deputy, repaired Castle of Belfast, and put there a garrison. 
 
 1552. Restored to Hugh McNeill Oge O'Neill by King Edward VI. "in the same state 
 
 as when he first possessed it." 
 
 1553. Lord Chancellor Cusack writes, that Hugh O'Neill has two castles, an old one at 
 
 Belfast, and Castell rioughe (Castlereagh). 
 1556. Lord Deputy Susse.\ encamped underneath the Cave Hill with his army. 
 1558. Belfast fortified and "the renowned Capt. Malbie" with 15 horsemen placed in it 
 
 by Lord Deputy Sydney. 
 1568. An important agreement signed here by Lord Deputy Sydney and Sir Brian O'Neill. 
 1571. Queen Elizabeth granted the castle and town to Sir Thomas Smith. 
 
 1573. Belfast granted to Earl Essex, who "buildeth a forte neare Belfaste, whereby he 
 
 commandeth the passages over certain rivers and waters, and cutleth downe 
 wood quyetly to the great discouragement of the Irish." Earl Essex defeated 
 Sir Brian O'Neill at Ballymacarrett. 
 
 1574. Earl Essex writes that the Brewhouse, Storehouse, and Mill are completed. Sir 
 
 Brian O'Neill, his father and wife, seized by Earl Essex at a feast in the Castle. 
 
 1575. Earl Essex writes :— " I resolve not to build but at one place, namelie Belfaste, 
 
 and that of little charge, a small towne there will keepe the passage." An 
 engagement took place between Lord Deputy Sydney and AlacNeill Brian 
 Ertaugh at Belfast. 
 1583. Lord Deputy Perrot recommended Belfast to Queen Elizabeth as a fit place for 
 shipbuilding, after visiting it. 
 
 1597. Shane McBrian took the Castle. As narrated by an eye-witness : — " One ensigne 
 
 Pullen had the gyfte of Belfast castell, who in culler of this charge, robbed the 
 people, and took their gudes round aboute hym, to mayntayne his drunkeness. 
 And being drunck from his charge at Knockfergus, and a carswose sent hym by 
 Shane M'Bryan, to loke to his chardges, wolde not forsake his wyne poots to 
 serve her Maty ; but lyinge still at Knockfergus, drinkinge, his owne man, 
 named John Aloylon, gave the castell of Belfast to the enemye the xviiith dale 
 June." Retaken nth July by Sir John Chichester, who was killed in November 
 by MacDonnell at Ballycarry. The Castle of Belfast a Government possession. 
 
 1598. The Castle of Belfast held by Sir Ralph Lane in cuslodiam. 
 
 1 599. Sir Arthur Chichester appointed Governor of Carrickfergus and the two Clanneboyes. 
 1601. Cecil wrote to Lord Deputy Mountjoy suggesting Sir Arthur Chichester as governor 
 
 of Ulster, but blaming his clemency to Con O'Neill of Belfast. 
 1603. Con O'Neill sent his servants to bring wine from Belfast to Castlereagh ; they 
 returning without it, explained that the English soldiers had taken it from them. 
 He ordered them to revenge this insult, and in the fray a soldier was killed. 
 
X Chronological List of Notable Events. 
 
 Accused of levying war against the Queen and imprisoned in Carrickfergus, he 
 escaped by the help of Hugh Montgomery, Laird of Braidstane, by whom his 
 pardon was procured in 1605 at the expense of most of his vast estates. The 
 castle and estate of Belfast granted by King James to Sir Arthur Chichester, 
 who wrote to Cecil ; — "Albeit when I have it att best perfection I wyll gladly 
 sell the whole landes for the w"' others sell, five poundes in fee simple in these 
 partes of the Kyngdome." Sir Arthur Chichester appointed Governor of 
 Carrickfergus and Admiral of Lough Neagh. 
 
 1604. Sir Arthur Chichester made Lord Deputy of Ireland, which office he held 10 years. 
 
 1605. Fairs and markets first established in Belfast. 
 
 1606. Numerous townlands in Malone and the Falls leased to Moyses Hill at ;^I0 yearly. 
 
 1607. Town and Castle of Belfast declared forfeited by Sir Thomas Smith's descendants. 
 
 Belfast mentioned as a suitable place for a Charter of Incorporation. The flight 
 of the Earls, and the consequent Plantation of Ulster commenced. 
 
 1610. Sir Arthur Chichester writes to King James that he "would rather labour with 
 
 his hands in the Plantation of Ulster than dance or play in that of Virginia." 
 
 161 1. The Castle rebuilt and strengthened by Sir A. Chichester. "The towne of Bealfast 
 
 is plotted out in a good forme, wherein are many familyes of English, Scotch, 
 and some Manksmen already inhabitinge . . . and one Inn w"" very good 
 Lodgings w"' is a great comforte to the travellers in those partes." 
 
 1612. Sir Arthur Chichester created Baron Chichester of Belfast. Castle built at Stran- 
 
 minis by Moyses Hill. 
 
 1613. Lord Belfast resigned the office of Lord Deputy. Belfast constituted a Corporation 
 
 by Charter on 27th April, with John Vesey as first Sovereign. Sir John 
 Blennerhassett and George Trevillian returned as the two first M.P.'s. 
 
 1614. Lord Belfast again made Lord Deputy, when he caused the Irish Harp to be first 
 
 quartered with the arms of England. 
 161 8. Con O'Neill died at Holy wood, and was buried at Ballymaghan. 
 1625. Lord Belfast died in London, Feb. 19. Buried in Carrickfergus Church, Oct. 24. 
 
 Edward Chichester, brother and heir, created Viscount Chichester of Carrickfergus. 
 1630. The Chichester estate of Manor and Borough of Belfast valued at ;C40O per annum. 
 
 1635. Sir W. Brereton visited Belfast, and noted— "At Bell-fast my L* Chichester hath 
 
 another daintie House, w"' is indeed the Glorye & Beautye of that Towne al-soe, 
 where hee is most resident." 
 
 1636. A ship of 150 tons, called the "Eagle's Wing," built at Belfast, and 140 persons 
 
 embarked for New England, but returned. Conference in Belfast Church 
 between Bishop Leslie and five Presbyterian clergymen. 
 
 1637. Lord Deputy Wentworth abolished " the Carrickfergus privilege," thus freeing the 
 
 port of Belfast. 
 
 1639. A detachment of the army raised by Wentworth to assist King Charles I. stationed 
 
 in Belfast. The Town Hall fitted up to serve as a Court House. 
 
 1640. The Assizes held in Belfast for the only time till 1850. Maces, Arms, and Town 
 
 Seal procured by the Corporation. A new grant of their estates given to the 
 Chichesters by the King. 
 
 1641. A pestilent fever carried off about 2,000 in Belfast alone. "Not any that escaped 
 
 this fever but lost all their hair." A letter sent King Charles at Edinburgh by 
 Lord E. Chichester from Belfast giving the first news of the Rebellion. The 
 town saved from the rebels by the bravery of Capt. Robert Lawson. Arms, 
 including artillery, to defend Belfast, procured in Scotland by Cols. Chichester 
 and Hill. 
 
 1642. The town fortified with a rampart and ditch by Col. Chichester. Gen. Robert 
 
 Monro, with 2,500 Scotch soldiers, landed at Carrickfergus. The Earl of Leven 
 brought over the remainder, 10,000 in all. Some billeted in Belfast. First 
 Presbyterian congregation formed. 
 
 1643. Father MacCana visited Belfast, and wrote — "The town which is built there is no 
 
 mean one." Col. Chichester appointed Governor of Belfast, and £i,<xxi given 
 by the King to strengthen it. 
 
 1644. Belfast surprised and occupied by Gen. Monro on May 14. Thos. Theaker, 
 
 Sovereign, states that all the free commoners, " except a very few," had taken 
 the Covenant. 
 
 1645. The Parliament's Commissioners sent to Belfast refiised possession by Gen. Monro. 
 :646. Owen Roe O'Neill completely defeated Gen. Monro at Benburb on June 5. Col. 
 
 Arthur Chichester created 1st Earl of Donegall by King Charles. The Scotch 
 forces in Belfast refused to admit the soldiers sent by the English Parliament. 
 1648. Gen. Monro arrested by Col. Monk at Carrickfergus, and Belfast surrendered to 
 the English Parliament, who directed thanks to be offered by all their ministers 
 in London for "the great mercy of surprising the said garrison, and taking the 
 Scots prisoners," Lord Edward Chichester died at Eggesford, Devon, in July. 
 
Chronological List of Notable Events. xi 
 
 1649. John Milton made his famous attack on the Belfast Presbytery, as " that unchristian 
 synagogue of Belfast," in his " Observations upon the Articles of Peace with 
 the Irish Rebels, on the letter of Ormond to Colonel Jones and the Repre- 
 sentatives of the Presbytery of Belfast." Lord Montgomery took Belfast for 
 the King, and shortly afterwards Carrickfergus. Cromwell arrived in Ireland, 
 and sent Col. R. Venables to Belfast, which surrendered on articles on 30th Sept. 
 after four days' siege. 
 
 165 1. The church converted into the Grand Fort and Citadel by Col. Venables. 
 
 1653. Belfast included in the proclamation of the Commissioners for Ulster removing 
 
 certain Scots to the West of Ireland. In Belfast these were — " Lt. Thos. 
 Cranston, Corporal Thos. M'Cormick, Hugh Doke, Robert Cluxton, George 
 Martin, Alexander Lockard, Robert King, and Quintin Catherwood." 
 
 1654. Major Daniel Redmond returned as M.P. for Belfast and Carrickfergus. Essex 
 
 Digby and William Dix appointed by the Government as the clergy of Belfast at 
 ;^ 1 20 each per annum. W. Edmundson, the Quaker, mentions: — " At Belfast 
 that town of great profession, there was but one of all the inns and public houses 
 that would lodge any of our friends, which was one Widow Partridge who kept 
 a public-house and received us very kindly." 
 
 1656. Henry Cromwell granted £,\oo to restore the church, after its use as a citadel. 
 
 1657. Col. Cooper, Governor of Ulster, wrote to Henry Cromwell that no Scotchman 
 
 should be allowed in Belfast for some years. Population given by Petty as 366 
 English, 223 Irish. 
 1660. Great rejoicings at Restoration. Belfast contained 5 streets and 5 lanes with 150 
 houses. 
 
 1 666. The Duke of Ormond, Lord Deputy, passed through Belfast on his way to quell a 
 
 mutiny at Carrickfergus. 204 houses rated for Hearth money, the Castle for 40 
 hearths. Loaf sugar, I4d. per lb. ; butter, 20s. per cwt. ; meal, 7s. 6d. per barrel. 
 
 1667. Jeremy Taylor, Bishop of Down and Connor, died at Lisburn. 
 
 1672. De Rocheford visited Belfast, and wrote ; — "Here is a very fine Castle, and two 
 or three large streets as in a new built town." First Presbyterian Church built. 
 1675. Arthur Chichester, 1st Earl of Donegall, died in Belfast l8th March. 
 
 1681. Thomas Pottinger paid;£'20 rent for all Ballymacarrett. 
 
 1682. The foundations of the Long Bridge laid ; finished in 1688 ; cost ;rfS,O0O. 
 
 1655. Thomas Phillips surveyed the town for the Government, and advised the building 
 
 of a citadel at £i,2,o<x>. The Corporation and inhabitants sent an address to 
 James II. on his accession. 
 
 1687. A writ " Quo Warranto" served on Corporation, and the original Charter forfeited. 
 
 1688. The total amount of the customs and excise, £20,qoq. The chief place of trade 
 
 was Rosemary Street. W. Sacheverell visited here, and noted: — "Belfast is 
 the second town in Ireland, well built, full of people, and of great Trade." 
 King James II. granted a new Charter, which became law l6th Oct. 
 
 1689. King William and Queen Mary proclaimed in Belfast. Belfast occupied for King 
 
 James II. by "six companies of Colonel Cormack O'Neal's regiment and a troop 
 of dragoons in Malone and the Fall, and they were kept to strict discipline." 
 Duke Schonberg occupied Belfast 17th August. "Whilst the Duke staid at 
 Belfast, there came a letter to him by a trumpet from the Duke of Berwick, 
 but it was returned unopened, because it was directed For Count Schonberg." 
 
 1690. An Earthquake in Belfast. King William landed at Carrickfergus 14th June; 
 
 drove from Whitehouse over the Strand, entering Belfast at the North Gate. 
 A Royal Proclamation issued from "Our Court at Belfast," 19th June, pro- 
 hibiting plundering by the army. 
 
 1692. In spring, seven arches of the Long Bridge fell in, "having been weakened by 
 Schonberg's drawing his heavy cannon over it." 
 
 1694. W. Crafford, Sovereign, induced Patrick Neill and James Blow to start as printers. 
 
 1696. Corporation sent address to King William and Queen Mary. Swift made frequent 
 
 visits to Belfast, where he proposed to " Varina," daughter of W. Waring. 
 
 1697. A violent storm threw down part of the Mill Gate and the vane of the Church. 
 
 1698. Butter, 30s. per cwt.; tallow, 44s.; salmon, 50s. per barrel ; beef, 14s. per cwt. 
 
 1699. Shaw's Bridge built. Ship "Loyal Charles," 250 tons, Hunter, master, launched. 
 
 1700. Only ten slated houses in Belfast. P. Neill printed first dated book in Belfast. 
 1704. James Blow printed the first edition of the Bible in Ireland. New sugar-house built. 
 
 1706. 3rd Earl of Donegall killed at the storming of Fort Monjuich, Barcelona. 
 
 1707. George Macartney, Sovereign, summoned before House of Commons, but acquitted. 
 
 Greater part of Lisburn burnt. £,<,i, collected here in a few hours for sufferers. 
 
 1708. The Castle burnt, April 25, three of Lord Donegall's daughters perishing in the 
 
 flames. Acompanyofmilitiaraised, commanded by the Sovereign. Dr. Molyneux 
 noted — " Belfast is a very handsome, thriving, well-peopled town ; a great many 
 new houses and good shops in it." Second Presbyterian Church founded. 
 
xii Chronological List of Notable Events. 
 
 !709. The greatest flood remembered took place, carrying away Shaw's Bridge and 
 
 many others. A public fast observed on account of great scarcity. 
 1 712. Hanover Quay formed by Isaac Macartney on reclaimed ground. 
 
 17 14. King George I. proclaimed " by 400 inhabitants on horseback, all pleased but a few." 
 
 1715. The first independent company of Volunteers formed. 
 
 1716. The fishing at Stranmillis let at £,^ los. od. and half the eels. 
 
 1717. Dr. W. Tisdall, vicar, cast in a suit to recover house-money from Corporation. 
 
 1720. All the houses in Bridge Street thatched. 
 
 1 72 1. Third Presbyterian Church founded. 
 
 1723. Ships in Belfast — all craft included — 370, carrying 9,180 tons. 
 1725. The Corporation petition for a Bill to improve Harbour. Houses in the Parish 
 2,093. Bleaching machinery first erected at Ballydrain. 
 
 1 728. A year of great scarcity from failure of crops. 
 
 1 729. The first Act to improve the Harbour obtained. 
 
 1731. The " Playhouse" first mentioned. 
 
 1732. The Barony of Belfast contained 4,532 Protestant and 340 R.C. families. 
 
 1737. Belfast News- Letter founded by Francis Joy. Yearly subscription — town, 4s. 6d. ; 
 
 country, 6s. 6d. The Barracks built in Mill Street. 
 
 1738. Lord Donegall granted £\,yxi to build a Linen Hall at Ann Street. 
 
 1740. A petition from merchants to improve Harbour sent Irish Privy Council. Regular 
 
 trade between Belfast and West Indies commenced. 
 1745. The Belfast Courant printed by James Magee on paper made by James Blow. 
 1748. Primate Boulter wrote—" There are now 7 ships at Belfast carrying off about 1,000 
 
 passengers to America." 
 
 1750. The ancient stone coronation chair of the O'Neills of Castlereagh set up in Butter 
 
 Market by the Sovereign, Stewart Banks. 
 
 1751. George Whitfield stayed some days in Belfast. [James] "Blow's Bible" printed. 
 
 1752. The first post chaise brought to Belfast. First Bank established by Thomas 
 
 Bateson, James Adair, and Daniel Mussenden. Dr. Pococke noted — "Belfast 
 is a considerable town of trade, especially in the linnen manufacture, in which 
 they are all concerned. The town of Belfast consists of one long, broad street, 
 and of several lanes in which the working people live. The church seems to be 
 an old tower or castle, to which they have built, so as to make it a Greek cross." 
 
 1753. The first private lottery held to raise funds to build the Poorhouse. 
 
 1754. Donegall Street laid out. A Linen Hall built. 200 men start work on Lagan Canal. 
 
 1756. Serious riots caused by scarcity and distress. John Wesley first visited Belfast. 
 
 1757. First Census — 1,779 houses, 8,549 inhabitants, 1,800 able to bear arms, 399 looms. 
 
 4th Earl of Donegall died. 
 
 1758. Capt. J. M'Cracken established first Ropewalk Company. 
 
 >7S9- James Blow, printer, died. 300 French prisoners kept in the Barracks. 
 1760. Thurot captured Carrickfergus, and requisitioned Belfast. Milewater fortified. 
 5,000 Volunteers enrolled. Splendid ball given by French and Swiss prisoners. 
 
 1763. Thomas Gregg sent first lighter to Lisburn with coals and timber. Customs, ;^32,900. 
 
 1764. A lump of ambergris weighing I cwt. found at Whitehouse shore. Lime first 
 
 used in bleaching. 
 
 1765. Provisions very scarce ; /'90 raised monthly for relief ; Lord Lieutenant gave ;^5oo. 
 
 A Reading Society called the Belfast Library formed. 
 
 1766. A six-days post established between Belfast and Dublin. 
 
 1767. A Social Club met at Donegall Arms. 
 
 1769. Lord Donegall laid first stone of E.xchange (now Belfast Bank) ; cost;f4,000. The 
 
 foundations of Chichester Quay, 320 feet long, laid by Mr. Thomas Gregg. 
 
 1770. The Farset River in High Street covered over. 
 
 1771. The Bachelors' Annuity Company of Belfast formed. David Douglas, of Temple- 
 
 Patrick, rescued from Barracks by "the Hearts of Steel." 
 
 1772. Rev. James Saurin, vicar, died; succeeded by Rev. W. Bristow. At the "Green" 
 
 was a tenement held by those who managed the ferry-boat across the Lagan. 
 
 1773. Computed that "one-fourth of its manufacturing people and cash had emigrated to 
 
 America from North of Ireland." Brown Linen Hall erected. 160 linen looms 
 in town. 
 
 1774. The old Church in High St. taken down and St. Anne's begim. Poorhouse opened. 
 
 1775. Very high tide ; boats plying in High Street. Belfast News-Letter attacked by 
 
 Dublin Press for its support of American Independence. 
 
 1776. Glass manufacture introduced. Arthur Young estimated value of the Chichester 
 
 estate of Belfast at ;if 2,000 per annum. 
 
 1777. Robert Joy and Thomas M'Cabe started cotton-spinning in the Poorhouse. No 
 
 rain for 200 days. 
 
 1778. January 10. The raising of Volunteers suggested at a family party by Robert Joy. 
 
 April 24. Paul Jones captured H, M.S. sloop " Drake " off Donaghadee. June 28. 
 
Chronological List of Notable Events. xiH 
 
 "The first Belfast Volunteer Company paraded and marched to church in their 
 uniform, which is scarlet turned up with black velvet, white waistcoat and 
 breeches." 
 
 1779. John Howard visited the French prisoners confined here. 
 
 1780. The Amicable Society of Belfast protest against slavery on British soil. Lord 
 
 Charlemont reviewed Volunteers for the first time. 
 17S1. First Presbyterian Church, Rosemary Street, rebuilt ; Roger MulhoUand, architect. 
 
 1782. The Tanners' Club commenced with 13 members. 
 
 1783. White Linen Hall erected on site granted in perpetuity by Lord Donegal!. St. 
 
 Mary's R. C. Church erected in Chapel Lane. Belfast Mercury issued. 
 
 1784. Nathaniel Wilson and Nicholas Grimshaw built first cotton mill in Ireland. 
 
 1785. A Harbour Board constituted by Parliament. The large glass-house at east end of 
 
 Long Bridge built. Mrs. Siddons' first visit to Belfast. Population, 16.000. 
 
 1786. Vessels belonging to port, 772; tonnage, 34,287; revenue, ;^i, 553. The old ford 
 
 at foot of High Street removed by Harbour Board. The Belfast Academy 
 founded ; Dr. Crombie, principal. Chief Baron Yelverton commenced a town 
 in Ballymacarrett, but stopped by Lord Donegall. The third edition of Burns's 
 poems printed in Belfast — the first and second having been printed in Kilmarnock 
 and Edinburgh respectively. 
 
 1787. A Bank formed by John Ewing, John Holmes, John Brown, and John Hamilton. 
 
 First Methodist Chapel erected in Fountain Street. Sovereign's Chain pre- 
 sented to Corporation by Lord Donegall. 
 
 1788. The Belfast Reading Society formed, now known as " The Linen Hall Library." 
 
 The two Banks in Belfast issued notes payable in gold. First mail coach com- 
 menced to run between Belfast and Dublin. 
 
 1789. Nearly 300 houses built in Belfast during this year. A loyal address sent King 
 
 George HL on his recovery. Mustard manufacturing started. 
 
 1790. Northern Whig Club instituted by Lord Charlemont. Francis Joy died, aged 93. 
 
 1791. First shipyard established by William Ritchie. Houses occupied, 2,209, by 18,320 
 
 people; 8,932 males, 9,388 females. The Society of United Irishmen founded 
 by S. Neilson, H. J. M'Cracken, T. Wolf Tone, and T. Russell. Theatre built. 
 
 1792. The first number of the Northern Star issued on 4th January. Famous meeting of 
 
 harpers in Belfast, convened by Dr. J. McDonnell. Petition for Catholic Eman- 
 cipation signed by Sovereign and principal inhabitants. Old Dispensary, now 
 Royal Hospital, founded. First foundry started. David Manson died, aged 65. 
 
 1793. The Volunteers disbanded by Royal Proclamation. A Discount Office opened. 
 
 1794. Society of the New United Irishmen formed in Belfast. Lying-in Hospital qpened. 
 
 [H. Joy's] Belfast Politics printed. 
 1 795' 72 delegates of United Irishmen at meeting in Belfast framed the "System of 
 Committees." The Gaelic Magazine, by Miss Brookes, issued. 
 
 1796. Habeas Corpus Act suspended; proprietors of Northern Star arrested. January 
 
 25. High tides commenced, which sometimes "ebbed and flowed 3 times in a 
 tide ;" water 13 inches deep on south side of Arthur Street ; boats plied at south 
 end of Bridge Street. First volume of E. Bunting's Irish Music printed. 
 
 1797. The Belfast Yeomanry formed. First Fever Hospital opened, with six beds. De 
 
 Latocnaye notes — " Belfast has all the air of a Scotch town." 
 
 1798. May 7. Martial law proclaimed by General Nugent, followed by surrender of 
 
 Volunteers' cannon. June 7. Battle of Antrim ; no one allowed in or out of 
 Belfast except to market. June 12. Battle of Ballynahinch, the cannonading at 
 which was heard in Belfast. June 18. Declaration of Loyalty by Belfast Yeomen. 
 July 6. Henry Joy M'Cracken executed. Thermometer 21° this winter. 
 
 1799. 1st Marquis of Donegall died. Marquis Cornwallis presented with a Corporate 
 
 Address at Lord Donegall's house. Great snowstorm ; for 7 days there was no 
 post between Belfast and Donaghadee. Manufacture of vitriol introduced. 
 
 1800. Municipal Act obtained; cost ^£'1,260. Public Bakery opened. "The dear 
 
 summer.'' 36 tan-yards at full work. Edward May, JohnCongreve, jun. , M.P.'s. 
 
 1801. First Union Jack hoisted at Market House and Royal salute fired. Literary 
 
 Society formed. Typhus very prevalent. Edward May, M. P. 
 
 1802. Population, 19,000; houses, 3,197. Mrs. Siddons' second visit, accompanied by 
 
 Montague Talbot. Dr. Alexander H. Haliday, Lord Charlemont's friend, died. 
 
 1803. Two new corps of Yeomanry formed. T. Russel's abortive rising. Town guarded 
 
 by sentinels. Belfast Almanac first issued. Anna, first novel written here, printed. 
 
 1804. Master Betty, "the Young Roscius," appeared at Belfast Theatre. 
 
 1805. The Commercial Chronicle issued by Drummond Anderson. Graving dock erected 
 
 for two vessels ; cost;£'7,684. Valentine Jones died, aged 94. 
 
 1806. Belfast Medical Society inaugurated. The Galvanic Society formed. 
 
 iSo'', Population, 22,095; houses, 3,514; looms — cotton 629, linen 4, sailcloth 35, sacking 5. 
 Irish Harp Society formed. 'The first Belfast Directory published. 
 
xiv Chronological List of Notable Events. 
 
 1808. Rev. William Bristow, Vicar, died ; Sovereign 10 years ; his funeral was the 
 
 largest ever witnessed here. The Belfast Magazine issued ; it continued six years. 
 
 1809. House of Industry opened in Smithfield. First Ormeau Bridge built. 
 
 1810. Daniel Blow, printer and papermaker, son of James Blow, died, aged 92. Founda- 
 
 tion-stone of Royal Academical Institution laid ; architect. Sir John Soane. 
 Belfast ships, 58 (28 armed) ; seamen, 742 ; tonnage, 8,335. Coasters, &c., 21 ; 
 seamen, 44. A Night-Watch Society formed. 
 
 181 1. St. Patrick's R. C. Church, Donegall Street, built; Protestant subscriptions, ;i^i,7ii ; 
 
 total, ;^2,8ll. First Baptist Chapel built in King Street. 
 
 1812. St. George's Church erected on site of "Corporation" Church. James Sheridan 
 
 Knowles had a school in Crown Entry. Old Market-house pulled down. 
 
 1813. Population, 27,832; 5,428 families in 4,416 houses. Montgomery's Market opened. 
 
 1814. Royal Academical Institution received Parliamentary grant. Customs duties, 
 
 ^450,498. Anacreontic Society formed. Sir Stephen May, M.P. 
 
 1815. Linen Hall Newsroom opened with 105 members. First stone of Hospital laid. 
 
 1816. First Stipendiary Magistrate, W. H. Ferrar, appointed. Savings Bank established. 
 
 1817. Frederick Street Hospital opened, August l. Great dearth. Unprecedented 
 
 outbreak of typhus fever. The House of Correction, Howard Street, erected, 
 with the inscription, "Within, Amend ; Without, Beware." [H. Joy's] History 
 of Belfast published. 
 
 1818. The Irishman weekly newspaper commenced by John Lawless. A. Chichester, M. P. 
 
 1819. Jan. 27. In 36 hours 3 inches ofwater fell by rain gauge; barometer gave no warning. 
 
 The first steamship, "Rob Roy," arrived from Glasgow. Steamship "Waterloo," 
 200 tons, 12 hands, registered here by A. Langtry, plied to Liverpool. 
 
 1820. William Drennan, M.D., died. Commercial Buildings erected ; cost ;^20,ooo. 
 
 Earl of Belfast, M.P. 
 
 1821. Belfast Natural History Society formed at Dr. J. L. Drummond's house by 8 persons. 
 
 1 822. Population, 37, 1 1 7 ; houses, 5,932. First stone of Gasworks laid by Lord Donegall. 
 
 1823. The town first lighted with gas. [G. 'Benn's,'] Historical Accou?it of Belfast 'pu'hXishti. 
 
 1824. The Northern Whig xi.in&A by F. D. Finlay. The Rushlight published by son of 
 
 James Hope, United Irishman. Cross-channel steamboat trade regularly begun. 
 
 1825. Mechanics' Institute founded. John Templeton, the famous naturalist, died at 
 
 Malone, aged 60. Ardoyne Damask Factory started. 
 
 1826. Belfast Banking Co. established ; capital, ;^500,ooo. Branch Office of Provincial 
 
 Bank opened. The "Chieftain" steamship, built by Ritchie, and engined at 
 Lagan Foundry, plied to Liverpool. Epidemic of typhus. 
 
 1827. Royal Botanic Garden formed. Fisherwick Place Church opened by Dr. Chalmers. 
 
 1828. The Manor Court Prison abolished, and debtors sent to County Gaol. May Street 
 
 Church opened by Rev. Edward Irving. 
 
 1829. The Lunatic Asylum erected at a cost of ;^ 30,000. A. Mackay, jun., died. 
 
 1830. May 4. Foundation-stone of the Belfast Museum, College Square N., laid by Lord 
 
 Donegall. The machine-spinning of linen yarn introduced by Messrs. 
 Mulholland at York Street Mill. The Lying-in Hospital built. 
 
 1831. Population, 53,737 ; houses, 8,710. Third Presbyterian Church, Rosemary Street, 
 
 rebuilt ; cost ;^ 10,000. Sir A. Chichester, Bart., M.P. 
 
 1832. Bounties on exported linen discontinued. Epidemic of typhus fever and influenza. 
 
 Cholera year, 2,870 cases; mortality only 16 per cent, owing to precautions taken. 
 Sir A. Chichester, Bart., M.P. 
 
 1833. Oct. Thelrish Municipal Commissioners held an inquiry into the Belfast Corporation. 
 
 1834. The manufacture of flax-spinning machinery introduced into Belfast. Lord A. 
 
 Chichester and James E. Tennent, M.P.'s. 
 
 1835. Henry Joy, the greatest authority on Belfast history, and John M'Cance, elected 
 
 M.P. with Lord A. Chichester in January, died. 
 1S36. The Ulster Banking Co. established ; capital, ;^i,ooo,ooo. Society for Prevention 
 of Cruelty to Animals formed in Belfast. Association of Artists formed. J. E. 
 Tennent and George Dunbar, M.P.'s. 
 
 1837. Act obtained to improve Harbour on Walker and Burgess's plans. Much typhus. 
 
 1838. 50 steam-engines of 1,274 horse-power in and about Belfast — 12 erected in 
 
 1806-27, 10 in 1830-34, 17 in 1835-6-7, 11 in 1838. The first iron boat 
 built at Lagan Foundry. Nov. 29. Very high tide. In Ann Street, water up 
 to Corn Market ; in Tomb Street, people escaped by boats. James Gibson 
 and Earl of Belfast, M.P.'s. 
 
 1839. Ulster Railway opened to Lisburn — the first railway from Belfast. Music Hall built. 
 
 The Vindicator issued— editor, Charles Gavan Duffy. J. E. Tennent and 
 George Dunbar, M.P.'s. 
 
 1840. June 19. Belfast Water Commissioners incorporated by Act of Parliament. 
 
 1841. Population, 70,447 ; inhabited houses, 10,906. Daniel O'Connell, M. P., in Belfast. 
 
 Belfast Union Workhouse opened. Rev. W. Bruce, D.D., died, aged 84. 
 
Chronological List of Notable Events. xv 
 
 1842. The first Town Council, under the Irish Municipal Corporation Act, elected for 
 
 Belfast on 25th October. At first meeting, held on 1st Nov., George Dunbar 
 elected Mayor ; Town Clerk, John Bates. Francis M 'Cracken, last survivor of 
 the Belfast Volunteers, died; was enrolled 1788. Banner of Ulster issued. 
 J. E. Tennent and W. G. Johnson, M.P.'s. 
 
 1843. Queen's Bridge, erected on site of old Long Bridge, opened Jan. 31; cost £2%,oiX). 
 
 Deaf and Dumb Institution erected. Union Club formed. David R. Ross and 
 J. E. Tennent, M.P.'s. Geo. Dunbar, mayor. 
 
 1844. Amount of postage collected in Belfast, ;^4,625. 2nd Marquis of Donegall died. 
 
 St. Malachy's Church consecrated. Alexander Mackay died ; he was proprietor 
 of News-Letter for nearly 50 years. John Clarke, mayor. 
 
 1845. County Gaol completed. New Belfast Bank built. Belfast and Ballymena Railway 
 
 incorporated. Dr. James McDonnell died, aged 82. Andrew MulhoUand, mayor. 
 
 1846. Co. Down Railway incorporated. Ulster Temperance Society formed by Dr. Edgar. 
 
 James Young and G. I.angtry died. Pilson's History of Belfast published. 
 Lord J. Chichester M.P. in place of [Sir] J. E. Tennent. John Kane, mayor. 
 
 1847. New Harbour Act, changing title of Harbour Board to Belfast Harbour Commis- 
 
 sioners. The "Swatara," emigrant ship, put in with fever on board, which 
 was followed by 14,000 typhus cases. Reeves' Ecclesiastical Antiquities of 
 Down, Connor, and Dromore published. John Harrison, mayor. 
 
 1848. April II. Belfast and Ballymena Railway opened. Robert James Tennent and 
 
 Lord James Chichester, M.P.'s. George Sufiern, mayor. 
 
 1849. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Belfast ; gave;{^300toHospit.il. Queen's 
 
 College opened. Victoria Channel completed. .Second outbreak of cholera. 
 Sir William G. Johnston, mayor. 
 
 1850. Assizes removed from Carrickfergus to Belfast. Albert and Queen's Squares 
 
 formed on old Docks. James Sterling, mayor. 
 
 1851. Population, 100,301 ; houses, 13,965. The Mercury bsaeiX. Jas. Sterling, mayor. 
 
 1852. First British Association meeting here. Harbour Conservancy Act. Iron ship- 
 
 building begun. New Northern Bank opened. Antiquarian Exhibition in 
 Museum. W. Thompson, the great Irish naturalist, died. Ulster Journal of 
 Architology first issued. S. G. Kenton, mayor. 
 1S53. Municipal boundary extended. Presbyterian College opened. Frederick Richard, 
 Earl of Belfast, died at Naples. R. Davison and H. M'C. Cairns, M.P.'s. 
 William McGee, M.D., mayor. 
 
 1854. New Harbour Office erected. Fred. H. Lewis, mayor. 
 
 1855. North-East Agricultural Association formed. Statue erected to Earl of Belfast. 
 
 Morning News issued. John Bates died. Capt. James Verner, mayor. 
 
 1856. Vessels entered port, 5,394; tonnage, 772,127. St. Mark's, Ballysillan, consecrated. 
 
 Dr. A. G. Malcolm, author of the History of General Hospital, died. Samuel 
 Gibson Getty, mayor. 
 
 1857. New Custom House opened. Model School built. Ulster Club founded in the 
 
 old " Donegall Arms" premises. Samuel Gibson Getty, mayor. 
 
 1858. Large extent of land reclaimed on Co. Antrim side of Lough. E. J. Ilarland 
 
 took over Hickson & Co.'s shipyard. Samuel Gibson Getty, mayor. 
 
 1859. Burns' centenary celebrated. Victoria College founded. R. Davison and H. 
 
 M'C. Cairns, M.P.'s. William Ewart, mayor. 
 i860. New Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland opened. R. Davison resigned ; S. G. 
 Getty elected M. P. William Ewart, mayor. 
 
 1861. Population, 120,777; inhabited houses, 18,375. Royal Agricultural Show held. 
 
 Great fire in Bedford Street. Sir Edward Coey, mayor. 
 
 1862. Ulster Hall opened by Lord Lieutenant. Large expansion of linen trade by 
 
 American Civil War. Ulster Club new buildings erected. Chas. Lanyon, mayor. 
 
 1863. New Ormeau Bridge completed. Belfast Naturalists' Field Club formed. John 
 
 Lytle, mayor. 
 
 1864. Corporation Indemnity Act. Great Riots, on which Commission sat in November. 
 
 John Lytle, mayor. 
 
 1865. Increase of town unexampled. Serious scarcity of water. Rev. Dr. Montgomery 
 
 died. John Lytle, mayor. 
 
 1866. Central Railway commenced. Lombard Street improvements made. Rev. Dr. 
 
 Edgar died. Sir H. M'C. Cairns raised to Bench; C. Lanyon elected M.P. 
 William Mullan, mayor. 
 1S67. Hamilton Dock and Abercorn Basin opened by Lord Lieutenant. Social Science 
 Congress; Lord Dufferin presided. S. G. Getty and C. Lanyon, M.P.'s. Sir 
 David Taylor, mayor. 
 
 1868. New Town Reservoir made. Methodist College opened. Revs. Dr. Cooke and 
 
 W. Bruce died. T. M'Clureand W. Johnston, M.P.'s. S. M'Causland, mayor. 
 
 1869. High tides caused flooding. Albert Memorial completed. Borough Cemetery 
 
 and Ormeau Park opened. Sir J. E. Tennent died. Fred. H. Lewis, mayor. 
 
xvi Chronological List of Notable Events. 
 
 1870. New Provincial Bank and Richardson's Warehouse opened. Evening Telegraph 
 
 issued. Rev. Dr. Drew died. Samuel Browne, M.D., R.N., mayor. 
 
 1871. Town Hall opened. NewTheatre built. Smallpox epidemic. Population, 174,412. 
 
 Philip Johnston, mayor. 
 
 1872. Spencer and Dufferin Docks opened by Lord Lieutenant. Tramways opened. 
 
 Robert Patterson, F. R. S. , died. Sir John Savage, mayor. 
 
 1873. Trade much depressed. Peace Preservation Act in force. Rev. Dr. Morgan and 
 
 W. Ewart died. Jas. Alex. Henderson, mayor. 
 
 1874. British Association met. Corporation Gas Act. Fitzroy Avenue Church opened. 
 
 Marcus Ward & Co.'s new premises built. J. P. Corry and W. Johnston, M.P.'s. 
 Jas. Alex. Henderson, mayor. 
 
 1875. Lepper's mill burnt down. Ulster Echo \ss\ieA. Local trade depressed. Thomas 
 
 G. Lindsay, mayor. 
 
 1876. Working Men's Exhibition in Ulster Hall opened by Lord Lieutenant. Cooke 
 
 Statue completed. Sir Robert Boag, mayor. 
 
 1877. Disastrous fire following explosion in Castle Place. New R. C. Church of St. 
 
 Patrick consecrated. Geo. Benn's History of Belfast published. Sir John 
 Preston, mayor. 
 
 1878. Belfast Improvement Act. Court of Admiralty granted to Belfast. Townsend St. 
 
 Church rebuilt. Samuel Black appointed Town Clerk. W. Johnston resigned ; 
 W. Ewart elected M.P. Sir John Preston, mayor. 
 
 1879. Very severe winter. General Grant in Belfast. Young & Anderson's warehouse 
 
 burnt. Workman & Clarke's shipyard opened. Associated Chambers of Com- 
 merce met here. John Browne, mayor. 
 
 1880. Corn Market improvement made. Foundation-stone of Belfast Academy, Clifton- 
 
 ville, laid. John Browne, mayor. 
 
 1881. Royal Avenue commenced. Presbyterian College granted Royal Charter. John 
 
 Rea died. Population, 207,671. Sir E. P. Cowan, D.L., mayor. 
 
 1882. Harbour Act for new Docks and Channel. New Water Office built. Free Library 
 
 Act adopted. Sir Joseph Napier, Bart., died. George Benn died. Sir E. P. 
 Cowan, D.L., mayor. 
 
 1883. Visit of Sir Stafford Norlhcote. 3rd Marquis of Donegall died, when Irish estates 
 
 devolved on his daughter Harriet, Countess of Shaftesbury. J. A. Henderson, 
 proprietor oi News-Letter, and Dr. James Moore, H.R.II.A., died. Sir David 
 Taylor, mayor. 
 
 1884. Ormeau Avenue opened. Foundation-stone of Free Library laid by Lord 
 
 Lieutenant. Meetings of Pan Presbyterian Council and British Medical Asso- 
 ciation held. James Torrens died. Sir David Taylor, mayor. 
 
 1885. Visit of T. R. H. the Prince and Princess of Wales ; latter cut first sod of Alexandra 
 
 Graving Dock. Lord Hartington opened Ulster Reform Club. Lord O'Hagan, 
 Earl Cairns, Dr. Thomas Andrews, F. R.S., and Rev. Classon Porter died. Sir 
 W. Ewart, Bart. ; W. Johnston, E. S. W. De Cobain, and Sir James H. Haslett 
 M.P.'s. Sir E. J. Harland, Bart., mayor. 
 
 1886. Albert Bridge collapsed. New Post Office opened. Lord R. Churchill's visit. 
 
 Great riots. 8th Earl of Shaftesbury died. A. Nicholl, R.H.A., died. T. Sexton 
 elected M.P. instead of Sir James H. Haslett. Sir E. J. Harland, Bart., mayor. 
 
 1887. Main Drainage Act obtained. Alexandra Park opened. John S. Brown died. 
 
 Sir James H. Haslett, mayor. 
 
 1888. Free Library and Fine Art Loan Exhibition opened by Lord Lieutenant. Belfast 
 
 created a city. Woodville Park opened. Local Bankruptcy Court formed. 
 Rev. Dr. Bryce died. Robinson & Cleaver's new premises opened. Sir James 
 H. Haslett, mayor. 
 
 1889. H.R.H. Prince Albert Victor opened Alexandra Graving Dock, and laid foundation- 
 
 stone of Albert Bridge. "Teutonic" and "Majestic" launched by Harland & 
 Wolff. 4th Marquis of Donegall died. Sir W. Ewart, Bart., M.P., and Sir 
 Charles Lanyon, died. Sir E. J. Harland elected M.P. Charles Cunningham 
 Connor, M.A., mayor. 
 
 1890. Corporation Bill to acquire White Linen Hall passed. New Albert Bridge opened 
 
 by the Mayor. Jubilee of General Assembly. The Earl of Shaftesbury attained 
 his majority. Joseph G. Biggar, M.P. for Co. Cavan, died. Charles C. 
 Connor, M.A., mayor. 
 
 1891. Population, 273,055. Dr. George MacDonald delivered a series of lectures. New 
 
 Victoria Channel opened. Dunville Park opened by Marquess of Dufferin and 
 Ava. Site of Royal Hospital presented by Countess of Shaftesbury. M 'Arthur 
 Hall, Methodist College, opened. Soldiers' Home opened by H.R.H. the Duke 
 of Cambridge. Grainger Collection of Irish antiquities, &c , presented to 
 Corporation. Charles C. Connor, M.A., mayor. 
 
Patrick MacDowell, R.A Sculpt 
 
 THE MONUMENT TO FKEDEKICK RICHARD, EARL OF BELFAST, AND HLS MOTHER, 
 
 HARRIET-ANNE, MARCHIONESS OF DONEGALL, IN THE 
 
 MEMORIAL CHAPEL, BELFAST CASTLE. 
 
THE TOWN BOOK OF BELFAST. 
 
 ©rbers S. B^lawes 
 
 Belfast tertio Die Augusti 
 Anno Dni 1632 
 
 iPylawe for 
 jpaieng of 
 'inges every 
 ■ke 
 
 b C r C a Controversey hath growen 
 w'''in this Corporacon touchinge the 
 pam'- of Toungs to the Soveraigne 
 by the Butchers inhabitinge same 
 being made free of this Corporacon. 
 Now for that it manifestlie appeares 
 by good testimonie as well of the 
 Antient Burgises as others that at the 
 first Courte held within this Burrough 
 after the first raisinge of this Corpo- 
 racon. It was agreed upon by the Soveraigne and Burgises 
 of the said Towne and espeacially- of the Butchers then 
 made free That every Butcher being a ffreeman of the 
 Towne should paie unto the said Soveraigne of the said 
 Towne one toung weekely if the same Butcher should 
 happen to kill anie Bullock or Cow, whereof due pam'- hath 
 been made accordinglie every Thursday untill within one 
 yeere or thereabouts which order we think fitt to be con- 
 tinued duly And therefore in confirmaton and for the better 
 strengthining thereof in tyme to come as well Wee the 
 Soveraigne and Burgises of this Corporacon here assembled 
 togither by a genrall consent and agreem'- as alsoe by and 
 
2 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 with the consent of Henry Upton Esq. Agent for the right 
 Ho''" the Lord Viscount Chichester doe make a By Lawe 
 from henceforth to be observed and kept That evrie Butcher 
 and Butchers within the Towne Libtie of this Corporacon 
 shall paie or cause to be paid unto the Soveraigne of this 
 Corporacon one Toung weekelie and evrie weeke soe long as 
 anie such Butcher or Butchers shall kill or cause to be killed 
 to his or their use anie Bullock of what kinde soever within 
 this Towne or Corporacon or within the Libities thereof. 
 
 Lewys Tomson Soveraigne 
 Jo : Vesey . Jo : Ayshe Henry Upton 
 
 Cornelius Harman George Theaker 
 
 Robt ffoster Walterhouse Crimble 
 
 Thomas Bramstone 
 Gowen Bolby 
 Copia vera 
 
 Extus per me Clemt Osey Register 
 
 tTbe Award of ■?![)€ Hwar& of me John Wassher made and pub- 
 
 gem concern- lished the last day of August 1632 betweene Lewys 
 
 i^g'he Tomson eent. Soveraigne of the Burroueh of Belfast 
 
 Sovraigne & oin- ri n iri 
 
 Burgisesof & the Burgises 01 the same Burrough 01 the one p- 
 
 Butchers^of^^ and Rob'.*: Duninge Tho: Duninge, Ralph Dyson and 
 
 the same William Willson the younger of the same Towne 
 
 Butchers of the other p'^ 
 
 ITbe Award of 'C'dlbCrCnS Controversy hath arrisen betweene the said 
 r. ass er pj-jgg touching the palm'' of a toung weekelie by evrie Butcher 
 inhabitinge and being made free within the said Corporacon 
 w"*" the said fower psons within named have of late tymes 
 refused to paie and espeaciallie to the said now Soveraigne. 
 Now for that I finde uppon full and due examinaton that 
 uppon the first errecton of the said Corporacon the Butchers 
 then made free did consent to a byLawe ppetually to be 
 stablished within the said Corporacon should weekelie and 
 evrie weeke soe long and soe often as the same Butcher and 
 Butchers should kill anie beefe theare paie unto the Soveraigne 
 for the tyme being one toung towards the Soveraignes hospe- 
 taletie w":^ byLawe was then agreed on and hath benn con- 
 firmed and established I doe therefore Order and Award 
 that the said fower Butchers shall paie unto the said Lewys 
 Tomson nowe Soveraigne for this psent yeere twentie toungs 
 apiece in satisfaccon of all the toungs arrearange or growing 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 3 
 
 due unto the said Soveraigne w'^t the said Soveraiene shall 
 accept of in full paim'- and satisfaccon for this p'nte yeere 
 And that the said Butchers and everie of them after the 
 expiraton of this yeere shall paie unto the next succeedinge 
 Soveraigne yeerelie one toung weekelie and everie weeke 
 soe long and soe often as he or they respectivlie shall kill 
 anie beefe or beeves In witness whereof I have hereunto 
 sett my hand the dale and yeere above said 
 
 Jo: Wassher 
 
 Copia vera per me 
 Clemt Osey Register 
 1632 
 
 20 Junii 1622 
 
 tnolffree l^5t IS OtbCCC^ and agreed by a genrall consent an 
 
 Igisorfree assembly held for the Corporaton of Bellfaste that noe free 
 
 I'leadeone" ^"^""S'^ nor free man of the said Towne or Corporacon shall 
 
 i^her out ofsue or impleade anie other free Burgis or free Comoner of 
 
 E i^Tast w'°out ^^^ said Towne for anie action or suite that the Court of the 
 
 Corporacon male heare without the consent of the Lo: of the 
 
 Castle of Bellfast for the time being or Soveraigne of the 
 
 same Towne then being first obtained unless such pson 
 
 shall not have due p'ceedinge theire Everie p'son offending 
 
 therein shall forfeite to the use of the Towne xls. and in 
 
 default of paiment thereof uppon the Soveraignes warrant 
 
 everie such offender is to be disfranchised and be dismissed 
 
 of his ffreedom] 
 
 sudf*r ^^^ ^^ HSSembl^ held for the Burrough of Bellfast the 
 
 ise to X Vth dale of October 1615 before James Burr gent. Soveraigne 
 ^e*Servic8 °^ ^^ ^^'*^ Towne and before the free Burgises and Commalty 
 of the same It was ordered by the Soveraigne and Burgises 
 and Commaltie of the same Towne That everie freeman and 
 other Inhabitant w'Mn the said Corporacon being of the age 
 of xiii'^™' yeeres or above that shalbe absent from Church 
 or other place appointed for comon praier within the said 
 Corporacon uppon the Sabboth dale or anie other dale 
 appointed to be kept holy by the lawes or Statutes of this 
 Realme without reasonable or sufficient cause to be allowed 
 by the said Soveraigne there for the time being shall for 
 everie default forfeit for the use of the Soveraigne free Bur- 
 gises and Commaltie of the said Towne to the use of the 
 
4 The Town Book of Belfast, 
 
 use {sic) of the Corporacon as followeth every vizt hous- 
 h. vs houlder for everie default vs. every woman that is married 
 
 s. xUd' iis. vi"* every servant man or woman xii^ every child dwelling 
 c. xd with his her or their father or mother x'^ sterling for everie 
 
 default the same to be leavied by distresses to be taken upp 
 by the Church Wardens of the parish of Shankhill for the tyme 
 beinge by Warrant from the said Soveraigne out of the goods 
 & chatties of everie offender w''^ is or shalbe a househoulder 
 within the Libties of the said Towne of Bellfast And all 
 other the forfeitures before mentned for the married woman 
 servants and children to be likewise leavied out of the goods 
 & chatties of the husbands fathers mothers and Masters of 
 the said offenders respectively as aforesaid And if anie 
 resist or resistance shall happen to be made by anie of the 
 said offenders or others chargeable with the said forfeits 
 Then it is further ordered and established that the said 
 Churchwardens shall give notice to the Constables of the 
 said Towne for the tyme beinge and uppon such notice 
 given the said Constables and every of them shall assist the 
 Churchwardens in the leavieing and taking upp of the said 
 forfeitures and that everie of the said Churchwardens and 
 Constables w'^'" shall refuse and not p'forme the contents of 
 this lawe or order shall for every default forfeit to the use 
 ^^3 aforesaid xxs ster; to be leavied by the warrant of the said 
 
 Soveraigne for the time beinge the distresses soe to be taken 
 by vertue of this order or to be used and ordered in 
 all respects as distresses taken upp for rents and to be 
 ordered by the lawes or statutes nowe in force in this 
 Kingdome 
 
 an order Jltt an Assemblie held the eight day of October. 1630 it 
 
 d'isivanchismt. ^as and is ordered and agreed uppon by a genrall Consent of 
 of R Dyson & the Soveraigue and Burgeses of the Burrough of Bellfast then 
 for°nS°"'"^' assembled that for and by reason that Ralph Dyson and 
 p'forminge y'^ Thomas Doninge have refused to obey & p'forme the cus- 
 y"Towne° tomes and orders of the Towne and Corporacon of Bellfast 
 aforesaid That they and either of them shall be cleerelie and 
 absolutely disfranchised from the said Corporacon or other- 
 wise the said Ralph Dyson shall paie for his offence the some 
 of xxvs Ster : and the said Thomas Doninge shall paie 
 xxs Ster : uppon paiment of w""^ said somes or uppon pai- 
 ment of either of the said somes he or they soe paiege shall 
 stand and be free of the said Corporacon as before allwas 
 provided that they shall p'forme as well all such customes 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 5 
 
 and orders as have been heretofore made & ordered as all 
 other customes and orders as shalbe hereafter made and 
 agreed uppon by the Soveraigne and Burgises of the Corpo- 
 racon aforesaid. 
 
 Walterhouse Crimble Soveraigne 
 Jo:Ayshe Geo Theaker 
 Edw: Holmes Lewys Tomson 
 Robert ffoster 
 
 Extus per me 
 
 Clemt Osey Register 
 1632 
 
 jn order [Htt an Assemblie held the seaventeenth day of October 
 
 )rse ingae ^^^^ ^^^ jg^^ p^j. ^.j^^ Burrough of Bellfast It was ordered 
 
 and fullie agreed by the consent of the Soveraigne & free 
 Burgises then assembled that no p'son free or forriner shall 
 from henceforth have admittance to sell ale or other liquor 
 within the said Burrough unless the same p'son be thought 
 fitting for the same by the Soveraigne of the same Towne 
 for the time being and the rest of the free Burgises 
 there and enter into Recognizance if he be not free and 
 without the spiall license of the then Soveraigne under his 
 hand for the time being and appearing of record who is 
 to observe all such statutes and orders as have benn in 
 isiiiid that behalf provided uppon paine of iiis iiiid everie time 
 offendinge] 
 
 in order for ^f ^n Assemblie held the fouer and twentieth daie of 
 
 ot coming to . .,, . -i--. • t n 
 
 ;ourte Aprill Anno Uni 161 7 It was agreed by a genall consent 
 
 That if anie Burgis or Freeman of this Corporacon shall at 
 anie tyme refuse to come to the Courte of this Towne or 
 before the Soveraigne warning being given him by the officer 
 w"'out reasonable or sufficient cause to be allowed by the 
 Soveraigne & Burgises shall for everie such default forfeict 
 to the use of this Corporacon xs for every such offence to be 
 leavied as other ffines are lymitted in former orders 
 
 ^ainsf" Htt an Assemblie held the second daie of October Anno 
 
 eiiingofaie dni 1617. It was Ordered that noe p'son within this Towne 
 ir other shall att anie tyme of Divine Service sell anie manner of wine 
 
 iquor at the , .J . , . ,.,1 ■ r r ■ 
 
 ime of divine ale or aqua vitae or anie thmg vendible uppon its forfeiture to 
 service jj^g Townc eveWe tyme convicted soe offendinge vis viiid 
 'isviiid ster to be leavied as other ffines 
 
6 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Hn order for JJ^f the Same Assemblie It was also ordered that every 
 
 Soveraig^e to Burgis and free Comner in this Towne shall every Sabboth 
 
 Church daie or other day wherein there shalbe Sermon or other 
 
 pubHque praier as often as Sermon and praier shalbe shall 
 
 all repaire to the house of the Soveraigne for the time being 
 
 and shall thence themselves in his Companie attending w"" 
 
 him to the Church or place of praier and from thence 
 
 home againe or neere to his house uppon paine of 
 
 Everie Burgis paiment by every Burgis iis and every freeman xiid 
 
 iisfreeman unless some reasonable cause shalbe to the contrary 
 
 shewed to the Soveraigne w"- moneys to be leavied as 
 
 other fynes 
 
 Bn order for "^tX the Same Assemblie It was likewise ordered that 
 Sovraigife 10*" cvcry Burgis and Comm" dwelling in this Towne of Bellfast 
 meeteanie or Otherwise then resident shall whensoever occasion shall 
 soe fall out for the Credit and grace of this Towne that the 
 Soveraigne shall give them notice how short or soone soe 
 ever it bee be readie to accompanie him to meete anie 
 Nobleman Justices of Assyse or other state or p'son whatso- 
 ever that they shalbe all ready with the Soveraigne either 
 horseback or ffoote either in the same Towne or the Libties 
 thereof with him in the most decent sort the rest male uppon 
 paine either of comittall during the pleasure of the Soveraigne 
 and Burgises for the time beinge uppon paine of paim"- by 
 Burgis xxs everie Burgis and everie free Comner [the wh to be levied as 
 Comner xs ^f ^^ prevs.] such ffyue as in the sufifrance of two or more of 
 the Burgisses shalbe thought fitt soe as the said fyne doe not 
 exceede xxs ster : 
 
 Sn order for J{(( the Same Assemblie It was further ordered by a 
 uppon warning genrall couscut that everie Burgis and ffreeman of this Towne 
 to apprehend uppoH all houres shalbe ready either on horseback or ffoote 
 as they are then p'vided and as occasion shalbe given for the 
 service of the Kinge or good of this Towne for apprehending 
 anie felons Rouges woodkernes or Craytes either within the 
 Towne or anie the Libties thereof whensoever anie such 
 notice shalbe given to them or anie of them by the Soveraigne 
 for the time being uppon paine of Imprisonm' during pleasure 
 of the said Soveraigfne Burgfises and disfranchisinof anie such 
 for refusing or careleslie neglecting the same from his or their 
 ffreedome of this Towne ipso facto and paiment of such fine 
 as shalbe laied uppon them or anie of them by the Soveraigne 
 and Burgises of the said Towne for the time beinge and rest 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 7 
 
 of the Burgises and to be leavied accordinge as other fines 
 are to be paid And also everie Burgis and free Comoner of 
 this Towne iippon lawfull warninge by a daie to be limitted 
 unto them Toties quoties occasion shall happen shalbe ready 
 for the p'fitt of this Towne to accompanie the Soveraigne for 
 the time beinge to anie place within the Libties of this Towne 
 beinge three miles by a direct lyne from anie p'^ of the seytuacon 
 of this Burrough to make anie lawfull seizure of goods or 
 merchandize sould w'^out leave or by anie not planted by the 
 Lo: Chichester according to the grant and power of the 
 charter granted to this Towne or for doing anie other lawfull 
 act w'=^ maie be donn by vertue of the Kings grant in the 
 said charter limitted unlesse he or they have some reason- 
 able cause to alleadge to the contrary to be allowed by the 
 Soveraigne for the time beinge and rest of the Burgises 
 uppon paine of v'" ster: by everie Burgis and Is ster: by 
 everie Comoner refusinge or neglectinge paiable as other 
 ffines are lymitted 
 
 Carew Harte 
 
 in order for [Htt an Assemblie held the XI I IP'' day of October 16 19 
 Dt making ^y Qeor^e Theaker Soveraigne and the rest of the Bureises 
 that everie free Burgis and other Inhabitant w';^ doo or shall 
 hould anie land in Towne or ffeild within or belonging to this 
 Corporacon who shall be found not to have their fences law- 
 fullie made that of right he or they ought to have made shall 
 paie for such default being lawfullie found after the first daie 
 of Aprill next ensuinge 2s ster: to the use of the Soveraigne 
 for the time being and soe from tyme to tyme who shall 
 make or cause to make keepe and mainetaine all not 
 such their ffences uppon warninge by the Surveyor to be 
 appointed for that purpose shall paie as aforesaid ffive 
 shillings ster: 
 
 George Theaker] 
 
 Htt an Assemblie held the 29'!? daie of June 1620 It is 
 fully agreed uppon by George Theaker Sovraigne and the 
 rest of the Burgises that noe Burgis nor free Cmner within 
 this Corporacon shall take into their houses anie sub-tenant 
 or Inmate without leave of the Soveraigne then for the time 
 beinge under the paine of xs for everie such default to be 
 leavied and paid in forme and manner as other ffines formerlie 
 recorded 
 
8 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 anorderfor [MlbCCCaS at an Assemblie held for the Burrough of 
 the office of Bellfast uppon the xix"" dale of July 1627 It was ordered 
 aSoveraigne by and with the consent of the Lord of the Castle the 
 Soveraigne for the tyme beinge and free Burgises then 
 assembled That in respect severall p'sons are not resident 
 in the said Corporacon and doe not p'forme the duty there- 
 unto belonginge either by takinge uppon them the office of 
 Sufferaigne when they are elected or p'forminge such im- 
 posicons as are respectively laied uppon Inhabitants of the 
 said Corporacon whereby those names are onlie filled upp 
 and the burthen for the most pt?- laid uppon the meane and 
 disablest Inhabitants We have therefore in redresse thereof 
 thought fitt and soe doe accordinglie make it to be a bylawe 
 to be henceforthe in this Corporacon observed and kept That 
 the Burgises that shall from henceforth from time to tyme 
 refuse or delaye to take uppon them respectively the office 
 of Sufferaigne of the said Corporacon when they or anie of 
 them shalbe thereunto required & duly elected not having a 
 sufficient cause by the Soveraigne for the time beinge and 
 the Burgises allowed of and during that time dwell and reside 
 within or neere the Corporacon shall incurre and paie a ffyne 
 vii of five pounds ster: to be imploied for the use and benefit of 
 
 this Corporacon and shall also paie to the use aforesaid all 
 such averages of Imposicons as shall justlie appeare hath 
 been imposed in them otherwise to relinquishe their said 
 places of Burgises and be dismist thereof by vertue of this 
 order at the next assemblie to be held after such refusal] 
 
 an [Htt an Assemblie held for the Burrough of Bellfast 29"^ 
 
 die Junii anno dni 1620 It was fullie concluded and agreed 
 uppon by the Soveraigne and Burgises of the said Burrough 
 That noe Burgis nor free Cmoner shall take into their houses 
 , anie sub tennant or Inmate without leave of the Soveraigne 
 then for the time being uppon paine of Tenn shillings sterlinge 
 for every such default to be leavied and paid in forme and 
 manner as other ffynes formerlie recorded] 
 
 Att an Assemblie held the eight dale of August 1633 It was 
 concluded and agreed uppon by the Soffragan and Burgises their 
 assembled That all the monies hereafter given (and bequeathed 
 granted) by anie p'son to be free of this Corporacon and all 
 ffynes imposed or to be imposed uppon anie Burgis or freeman 
 for the breach of any ByLawe whatsoever and all other ffynes 
 and p'ffitts that shall come and accrewe by the Sea or goods 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 9 
 
 brought into this Towne from anie shipp or Barke and sould 
 here or sett to sale by Hberty of the Markett Provided that 
 the Hberty of the Markett be not given to anie fforriner with- 
 out the consent of the Constable of f- Castle fouer or three 
 of the Burgises at least with the consent of the Suffragan for 
 the tyme beinge shall from tyme to tyme be wholy to the use 
 of the Suffragan for the tyme beinge towards his hospetallety 
 without rendring anie accompt for the same And it is further 
 agreed that no Burgis or ffreeman inhabitinge within this 
 Corporacon shall paie anie Custome for anie kinde of graine 
 or anie other wares or merchandise bought within this 
 Corporacon or Libtie thereof unlesse it be for the Custome 
 of Cowes and that onlie two pence for booking [there] of 
 every Cow 
 
 Robt Foster Sovraigne 
 Henry Le'Squyre 
 
 Cons'- Castle John Vesey 
 
 George Theakir Walterhouse Crimble 
 
 t> 
 
 Lewis Tomson Thomas Hannington 
 
 Thomas Bramston 
 
 Tho Chudleigh 
 
 G. B. Gowen Bolby 
 
 Htt an Assemblie held for the Burrough of Bellfast the 
 second daie of Aprill Anno dni 1635 in the p^'sence and by 
 the full and free consent of the right Ho"^ Edward Lord 
 Viscount Chichester Lord of the Castle 
 
lO 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 asurgus &e 
 :fl3elfa6te 
 
 pfMault Kills 
 in Town 
 
 Bv lawes 
 
 Htt an Assembly held for the Burrough aforesaid 
 the XXIX'= day of March 1638 
 
 jffOraSlllUCb as by dayly experience it is founde 
 that mault kills erected in the body of this Towne are 
 very dangerous and enormious and may upon the least 
 accident indanger the whole Towne to be consumed 
 by fyre, It is therefore Ordered and established by 
 the Sovraigne & Burgesses assembled by and with 
 the consent of the Right Hon"^ Edward Lord Viscount 
 Chichester Lord of the Castle of Belfast, as a by Law 
 p'petually to remayn That from henceforth noe p'son 
 or p'sons inhabiting within the Burrough of Belfaste 
 shall erect or make any mault kill, or make use of any 
 mault kill already erected and built within the said 
 Burrough, but in such convenient places as shalbe 
 allowed of by the Lord of the Castle and the 
 Soveraigne of the Burrough for the tyme beinge 
 together with syxe of the Burgesses at the least 
 upon paines of forfeiture of five pounds sterl : for 
 every default to be levyed, that shall be presented 
 
 Edward Chichester 
 Henry Le' Squyre 
 
 Sovraigne 
 Jo: Leithes 
 Rob' Foster 
 John Ayshe 
 
 John Wassher 
 

 •.■•, ♦■««-V.\i"' 
 
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 -♦-«i 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 "MARguS WARD SCO.LIMITED- 
 
 I^Aoto-2{€diice^ JuC'Sl^ii^ ^Paae Sm 2ozcm Soo^ 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 II 
 
 ■ipfOrnSnUlCb as it is founde that dayly inconvenyencies are 
 *W likely to arise to this Towne and Burrough by reason of 
 their woode chymneys It is therefore thought fit & soe ordered 
 that the said Chymneys shalbe forthwth pulled down and Bricke 
 Chymneyes made in steede thereof upon pain of forfeiture on 
 every p'son that maketh default the some of forty shillings 
 sterl: to be levyed as aforesaid 
 
 Edward Chichester 
 Henry Le' Squyre 
 
 Sovraigne 
 John Ayshe Jo: Leithes 
 John Wassher 
 Robt Foster 
 
 The Information of Henry Sands gent : 
 aforesaid before the Sovraigne & Burgesses 
 
 taken the day & yeare 
 
 Who sayth that about the middle of October last past Robert Kile of 
 Erwyn M'chant brought into this Towne lo Hogsheads and 14 barrells of 
 [white] salt & 12 ferkines of Soape & two bottles of Aqua Vitae the s'l salt 
 bemge offered to the Towne to buy at ye rate of 7s. 3d. a barrell but ye 
 Towne refused ye same at ye rate and thereupon ye s'-' Robert Kile sould the 
 said salt to John Gurley of Armagh w.'.hin this Corporacon for 7s a barrell and 
 3s 6d on upon the scoore and ye caske againe And ye said Gurley hath 
 taken away 1 9 barrells of ye s!*. salt. There from of ye s*^ salt five hogshedds 
 & a barrell the s'l Henry Sands hath seised on to ye use of ye Towne as 
 beinge forrayne bought & fforrayne sould ye rest of the Comodityes he sould 
 some to the Towne & some to strangers. 
 
 It is therefore ordered by ye s'' Soveraigne & Burgesses then assembled 
 that ye said Robert Kile shall pay for & in consideracon of ye afores*^ sale ye 
 price of one barrell of salt or a barrell of salt itselfe to be disposed of to ye 
 use of ye Towne & Burrough of Belfaste. 
 
 A Rate made and agreed uppon by the Sovraigne & Burgesses 
 the 1 2th day of October 1639 for the fittinge of the Towne Hall w!.*" 
 p'titiones bench and a Barr & other necessaryes for the use of the 
 Courts. 
 
 The Sovraigne 
 John Aish 
 Robert Foster 
 Thomas Hannington 
 Gowen Boltbey 
 John Haddocke 
 Thomas Bramstone 
 Thomas Theaker ... 
 John Washer 
 John Leithes 
 Mrs Bradely 
 Sandy Thomson 
 Hugh Doake 
 
 Xs 
 
 lis VId 
 
 Vs 
 
 Vs 
 
 lis VId 
 
 Vs 
 
 Vs 
 
 Vs 
 
 Vs 
 
 Vs 
 
 Ills mid 
 mis 
 mis 
 
1 2 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 William Leithes 
 John Love 
 Richard Gately 
 James Anderson 
 Robert Neevans 
 Bryon M'Corry 
 John M'Murry 
 William Partridge ... 
 William Richey 
 John Boyde 
 Quynton Catterwoode 
 Francis Radcliffe ... 
 Ralfe Dighton 
 John Wilkison 
 William Wilson 
 John W Ratelocke... 
 John Johnson 
 Robert Thompson ... 
 Alexander Johnson... 
 Thomas Gill 
 Richard Bayley 
 John Roye 
 Robert Steevenson . . . 
 James Smith 
 William Asmore 
 Dermott O'Kennan... 
 John Mankin 
 Archy M'Caghan ... 
 Henry Blackhurst ... 
 John Hudson 
 Thomas Kerran 
 Robert Partridge 
 John M'CuUogh ... 
 
 Wee have assented to this Rate & doe desire that the same may be 
 levyd accordingly. Witness o'. hands the 12th day of October 1639. 
 
 Henry Le' Squyre 
 Robt Foster Sovraigne 
 
 John Aishe . John Leithes 
 Thomas Theaker 
 
 inis 
 
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The Town Book of Belfast, 
 
 13 
 
 m 
 
 0ettlc& course agree^ upon b^ tbe TRiobt 
 
 1bonorat>Ie tbe Xor^ Discount Cbicbestcr tbc 
 
 Soveratgne anb Burocssca of tbe ^owne of 
 
 Belfast for tbe (Bovernement ant) reaulateinoe 
 
 of tbe HDarF^et an& tbe measures to be useb 
 
 tberetn, an^ in t- towne tbe first ^a^ of IRovember 
 
 1639 
 
 ZTbat the measures be reduced to the Winchester measure. 
 That is to say, thirty two gallons to the Barrell and soe pro- 
 portionably for wheat, Rye Oate — meale, Salt, Beanes, and 
 Pease and the measure to be striked 
 
 ^bat that Barrell for Mault, Barley and Oats be the 
 double measure heapt, 
 
 ^bat the water measure for Corne Coles and salt come- 
 inge by sea from other p'.' to be sould at the said Towne be 
 forty gallons of the like measure to the single Barrell, 
 
 tibat the measure to sell Beere and Ale by be the London 
 measure 
 
 Xl^bat the measure for Wyne be five quarts to the Wyn- 
 chester gallon and soe proportionably 
 
 tibat to this purpose several! measures be made and kept 
 in the Towne Halle to regulate all other measures by, And 
 that none use any other measures to buy and sell by, but 
 according to this p'porton and sealed by the allowed seale of 
 the Towne and the yard and weights to be observed accord- 
 inge to the law in that case made and provided and sealed, 
 
 :aventblB ^bat every freeman pay for the bookeing of a Co we 
 jofac'owe bought in the Markett or other day two pence 
 
 igbtbie 
 
 id a Stranger 
 
 tibat every stranger pay foure pence 
 
1 4 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 mgntblB tibat every freeman pay for every Sheepe, Swyne or 
 
 Sheepe'^wyne Goatc bought as aforcsaid a farthinge, 
 
 or Goate 
 
 CentblB ^bat every stranger pay a halfepenny 
 
 of a Stranger 
 
 ElcaventbiB 'JTbflt every meale man pay for the use of the measure 
 t'hemeTsTre^d ^r the day a penny And for his Roome the day a penny 
 
 for y' Room id 
 
 That forrayne Butchers that bringe meat to sell in the 
 Market bringe the hide and tallow alsoe to the Market to 
 sell and id to be paid for the custome of the hide 
 
 CwelftblB ^bat every freeman and stranger pay for the Bookeinge 
 
 o°i[hor°ses'^\f of cvery horse bought in the Markett or other day six pence 
 
 IStblg C^bat every horse loade of Corne bread fish or other 
 
 af sortTofvi'ct ^^'^^"^'^ P^y ^°'" ^^ ^^^ ^ penny 
 
 I4tb ZTbat every Butcher, Pedler or other standinge on the 
 
 for a horse CTrounde or otherwayes with his wares in the Markett being a 
 
 load of any r t i 
 
 Comodity horse loade pay a penny 
 
 of id 
 
 I5t(, ^bat none sell or buy in the Markett before the Bell doe 
 
 ringe w!" is appointed to be att tenn a Clocke under the 
 penalty of forfeiture of the thinge bought 
 
 I6tb ZEbat no cattle horses sheepe hoggs or Goats stand in the 
 
 for any beast places of the Markett to be sold but in the penns to that 
 fn ye'p"ens"to purposc sctt up under the penalty for each Cowe or horse so 
 be souid 6d standinge or other beaste as aforesaid Sixe pence 
 
 That those that have corne to sell doe bringe it to the 
 Markett and that none buy out of the Markett 
 
 I7tb TTbat noe p'son whatsoever after the two next markett 
 
 horse standing dayes doe pester the Markett place with an empty horse 
 empty in ye upon the penalty for each horse Sixe pence 
 
 place 6d 
 
 18tb ^bat the Markett be kept rounde togeather and not 
 
 scatteringe up and downe but all togeather in the Markett 
 place 
 
 Provided always that these Orders and Customes shall in 
 noe case extend to the Lord of the Castle for the tyme 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 15 
 
 beinge nor to the standinge to be made about the walls of 
 the Markett place 
 
 Edward Chichester 
 Henry Le' Squyre 
 
 Sovraigne 
 John Ayshe Jo. Leithes 
 
 Rob! Foster John Wassher 
 
 7 Jan 1640 
 
 It was then ordered by the Sovraigne and Burgesses then 
 assembled that the Attorney shall take for his pleading only 
 twelve pence fees at his first retayning & twelve pence every 
 Court day after soe long as the action remaynes in Court 
 undecided. 
 
 eb' The Informaton of Henry Sands gent : taken ye day & yeare 
 
 '• afores?. before ye Sovraigne & Burgesses then assembled 
 
 Sayth that upon or about ye 20th of November last John Warren brought 
 into this Towne 13 barrells of salt & being not free of ye Corporaton exposed 
 ye same to sale to one Mr. Gold not being free contrary to ye By Lawes & 
 orders of ye s? Burrogh 
 
 It is therefore ordered by ye s"? Sovraigne & Burgesses 
 then assembled that ye said John Warren shall pay for & in 
 consideraton of ye s''. salt ye sum of forty shillings to ye use 
 of the Burough afores?. 
 
 John IH Haddocke 
 Rob : Foster Sovraigne 
 
 Thomas Bramston Henry Le' Squyre 
 
 Tho : Theaker John Ayshe 
 
 February M. That ye eight day of ffebruary in ye yeare of o' Lord 
 
 ^ God One thousand six hundred & fforty. 
 
 William Leithes of Belfast, marchant was by ye Sovraigne 
 & maior pte of ye Burgesses elected Burges for ye sd Burrough 
 in steed of John Willoughby gent deceased & being desired 
 to take his oath accordingly utterly refused to take ye same 
 but submitted himselfe to ye house for his fyne John IH 
 Haddock Sovraigne Henry Le'Squyre Rob' Foster John 
 Ayshe , Thomas Brampston. 
 
1 6 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 8 ffeb 1640 M. That at ye Assembly aforesd, & by ye genrall consent 
 
 of ye Sovraigne & Burgesses then assembled & upon ye 
 refusall of William Leithes, Thomas Steephenson of ye said 
 Burrough ffree comoner was elected Burges in steed of John 
 Willoughby gen deceased, & is to be sworn on Thursday next 
 accordingly. John IH Haddock Sovraigne, Henry Le'Squyre 
 Robt Foster John Ayshe 
 
 Thomas Bramston 
 Tho! Theaker 
 
 8 ffeb 1640 M. That at ye same Assembly for consideracons there- 
 
 unto moving ye Sovraigne & Burgesses, & in respect to ye 
 long absence of Gawen Boultby one of ye free burgesses of 
 this corporacon it was thought fitt, that ye sd Gawen should 
 be removed, w^h accordingly was done by consent of severall 
 of his friends, and we doe make choice of Richard Gately to 
 be Burgess in his steed. 
 
 This day sworn accordingly John I. H. Haddock 
 
 Sovraigne. Robt Foster John Ayshe Henry Le' Squyre. 
 
 Thomas Steephenson sworne a free Burgess ye 2Sth day of 
 February 1640 
 
 13 August 1640 
 
 At a Court then held it was concluded and agreed on that 
 there shalbe an allowance of Tenn shill : a peece to two men 
 that shall serve att the genrall Assize to be held for this 
 County and 6s and eight pence to one man that shall serve at 
 the Quarter Sessions for the Towne and Burrough of Belfaste 
 andlhe same to be levyed accordinge as the Sovraigne for 
 the tyme beinge shall direct. 
 
 Henry Le Squyre 
 Sovraigne 
 John Ayshe 
 Rob : Foster 
 Thomas Bramston 
 Thomas Hannington 
 13* August 1640 
 
 AVhereas oath was made by Richard Duninge that Wilham Roomeinge 
 or his Servants did at or aboute the 8'!' day of this instant cast graines & other 
 filth into the River that runeth through the middle of the Towne to the great 
 annoyance of the neighbors and alsoe that John Whitelocke or his servants 
 have comitted the like offence It is therefore ordered that the fine or some 
 of tenn shillings sterl shalbe imposed and levyed upon each of them for 
 this offence 
 
6 
 
 00 
 
 o 
 
 2 
 
 0=; 
 
 GO 
 
 I 
 
 o6 
 
 o8 
 
 I 
 
 13 
 
 04 
 
 2 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 7 
 
 lO 
 
 oo 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 1 7 
 
 And Whereas alsoe the day & yeare afores?. Thomas Hanington gent, 
 made faith that John Leithes about the 6'" of August last or his servants 
 comitted the hke offence he is therefore fined in the some of Tenn 
 Shillings sterl 
 
 The charge of Candles for the Army for one moneth ended the 
 4th day of August 1640 & for one weeke ended the nth 
 
 of August 1640 is ... ... ... ... ... I 19 6 
 
 More for Candles for 14 dayes ended the 25th of August 1640 ... o 14 o 
 
 for ye Bridge at ye Milewater ... ... ... ... 02 10 o 
 
 More for the wodden horse for ye Souldiers ... ... 016 6 
 
 Sum 
 
 For the fees of the Cattle Customed through the Towne to be 
 
 paid by Phelomy Coshnan 
 John Stewart for his freedome 
 Thomas Stevenson for his freedome 
 The Cattle Money for the yeare John Leithes gent was Sovraigne 
 
 Att a Courte held the 13th day of August 1640 it was 
 agreed and allowed that the money wthin disbursed should 
 be paid & answeard by the Casualtyes wthin mentioned 
 and the surplus thereof to goe to the further use of the Towne 
 And the two Servants of the Towne w'.^ the assistance of 
 Ralfe Dighton Constable are forthw'-'' to levy & take up the 
 same to be imployed to the disbursemts aforesl And the 
 same brought into Court the next Court day 
 
 Signed Henry Le Squyre 
 
 Sovraigne 
 Jo Ashe 
 Robt ffoster 
 Thomas Bramston 
 Tho Hanington 
 
 20th August 1640 
 
 Whereas Marryan the wife of John Wreight was p'sented for keepinge a 
 disordered house It is therefore ordered ordered (sic) that the s?. Marryan shall 
 leave this Towne w!.hin 12 weekes next after or receave such ponishm' as 
 shalbe thought fit to be inflicted upon her for a p!.sentm.'. against her 
 
 24th Septembris 1640 
 
 Memorandum, that the customes of the cattle goeinge 
 through the Towne is sett to farme to Thomas Postely and 
 
i8 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Phelimy Cushnan for the rent [sum] of fforty shillings sterl: p' 
 Ann to be paid by them or either of them halfe yearely, that is 
 to say, at Lady day and Michaelmas yearely for and duringe the 
 terme of three yeares from the feast of St. Michaell the arch- 
 angel now next ensueinge the date hereof The same to be 
 paid and disposed of as the Sovraigne and Burgesses for 
 the tyme beinge shall direct 
 
 Henry Le' Squyre 
 
 Sovraigne 
 John Ayshe 
 
 Rob Foster 
 John IH Haddock 
 The: Theaker 
 
 24th Die Septembris 1640 
 
 Upon the humble petition of Roger Robins at an assembly 
 then held it was agreed that the said Roger Robyns shall be 
 Towne Clearke of the Burrough of Belfaste dureinge his 
 good demeanour & the pleasure of the Sovraigne and 
 Burgesses for the tyme beinge he onely takeinge the fees 
 allowed by the table of fees and both pit and Defend.', not to 
 be admitted to any pleadinge but by their Attorney and 
 onely to drawe declarations for the pit 
 
 John IH Haddocke 
 John Ayshe 
 Rob Foster 
 Thomas Bramston 
 Thomas Hannington 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 19 
 
 A Rate made and agreed upon by the Sovraigne and Burgesses 
 of the Burrough of Belfaste the i8th day of October 1640 for and 
 towards the Sevrall uses hereafter expressed vizt. 
 
 For Fire and Candlehght for the Souldyers untill Candlemas 
 alloweinge a barrell and halfe of char Coales & a pound of 
 Candles a night w^" at 8"^ the Barrell char Coale and foure 
 pence the pound Candles Cometh to untill Candlemas the li 
 Some of ... ... ... ... ... ... 07 00 00 
 
 li 
 
 For Maces Armes and the Towne Scale for the Towne 26 whereof \ 
 Mr Squyre is pleased to pay six pounds thereof soe there r 
 to be paid by the Towne onely ... ... ... J 20 00 00 
 
 For charge of Candles before and since Michaelmas last 
 
 ... } 03 10 10 
 
 For Phelomy Coshnans charge to serve at the Assizes and 
 
 Sessions 
 
 nd 1 
 
 ... J 01 I 
 
 3 °4 
 
 w'^.^ severall somes are applotted and are to be leavyed as followeth 
 
 Mr Sovraigne 
 
 XXVs 
 
 James Anderson 
 
 Vis 
 
 Mr Squyre 
 
 Xs 
 
 James Smith 
 
 Vs 
 
 Mr Wassher 
 
 Xs 
 
 Wm Postley 
 
 Vs 
 
 Mr Foster 
 
 XXVs 
 
 Edward Archer 
 
 Ills vid 
 
 Mr Aysh 
 
 XXVs 
 
 Ralfe Dighton 
 
 Vs 
 
 Mr Bramstone 
 
 XXs 
 
 Quintin Catterwood ... 
 
 VIIs 
 
 Mr Hanington ... 
 
 XXVs 
 
 Alexander Thompson 
 
 VIIs 
 
 Mr Leithes 
 
 XXs 
 
 Hugh Doake 
 
 XVs 
 
 MrTheaker 
 
 XXs 
 
 John Johnson 
 
 XIIIs 
 
 Wm Leithes 
 
 Xs 
 
 Robt Holly woode 
 
 Vs 
 
 John Love 
 
 Vis 
 
 Richard Pitt 
 
 lis 
 
 John Wilkison 
 
 Xs 
 
 Edward Sandsbury ... 
 
 Is 
 
 Leonard Thompson 
 
 Vis 
 
 John Moore 
 
 Vs 
 
 Bartholomew Longe ... 
 
 Vis 
 
 Edmond O'Harten ... 
 
 Ills 
 
 John Sheeles 
 
 Xs 
 
 Thomas Kerran 
 
 VIIs 
 
 RalfeWall 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Richard Partridge ... 
 
 lis 
 
 John Sleeman 
 
 Vs 
 
 Wm Partridge 
 
 Xs 
 
 Francis Radcliff 
 
 Vs 
 
 Langely Carr 
 
 Vis 
 
 John Cottyer 
 
 Ills 
 
 David Richy ... 
 
 lis 
 
 John Roy 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Wm Tomson 
 
 Vs 
 
 Thomas Barker 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 AVm Cottyer 
 
 Xs 
 
 James Dowdy 
 
 lis 
 
 Wm Kelly 
 
 Vs 
 
 WiUm Richy 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Thomas Dobson 
 
 lis 
 
 Mr Stevenson 
 
 XXVs 
 
 John Boyde 
 
 Xs 
 
 Walter Speede 
 
 lis 
 
 Walter Baly 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Thomas Remingham ... 
 
 iiiis 
 
 Jo: Huddlestone 
 
 lis 
 
 Richard Carron 
 
 Ills 
 
 Tho: Taylor 
 
 Ills 
 
 John Hudson 
 
 Ills 
 
 Bryan M'Corry 
 
 Vis 
 
 Henry Lorkham 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Jo: Mathewes 
 
 Ills 
 
 Mrs Boltbey 
 
 lis 
 
 Alexander Johnson ... 
 
 Vs 
 
 Mr Gately 
 
 XVIs 
 
 Henry Sands 
 
 Vs 
 
 Robt Thompson 
 
 XIIIs 
 
 Marten Rattenbury ... 
 
 lis 
 
 Willm Roominge 
 
 His 
 
 SymonSpicer 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Richard Cross 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Thomas Gill ... 
 
 Vs 
 
 Wm Wilson 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Richard Wall 
 
 lis 
 
 Robt. Sponer 
 
 lis 
 
 William Asmore 
 
 Xs 
 
20 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Andrew Croney 
 
 lis 
 
 George Mankin and his 
 
 
 John Wheath 
 
 Is 
 
 father 
 
 VIIs 
 
 John Tomson 
 
 lis 
 
 Richard Duninge 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 John M'Murry 
 
 Xs 
 
 Edward Allen 
 
 lis 
 
 Edward Morgan... 
 
 lis 
 
 John Whatelock 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 John Handcocke 
 
 Ills 
 
 James Russell 
 
 lis 
 
 George Thomson 
 
 Vs 
 
 Richard Stafford 
 
 lis 
 
 John M'Cullogh 
 
 Vs 
 
 Hugh Hodge 
 
 lis 
 
 John Hadden 
 
 lis 
 
 David Elles 
 
 lis 
 
 Thomas Thetford 
 
 Vis 
 
 Wm Lathom 
 
 lis 
 
 Edward Moore 
 
 Xs 
 
 Wm Robson 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Henry Blackhurst 
 
 XXs 
 
 Andrew Bell 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Tho Becke 
 
 nils 
 
 Stephen Mathewes ... 
 
 Ills 
 
 Tho Groome 
 
 Xs 
 
 Thomas Moore 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Symon Duninge ... 
 
 nils 
 
 Donnell O'Hanan ... 
 
 lis 
 
 John Pitt 
 
 IIIIs 
 
 Wright 
 
 lis 
 
 John Stewart 
 
 George Moore 
 
 Xs 
 
 
 
 Vs 
 
 Sum total XXXV" star 
 
 Robt. Machett for his free- 
 
 
 
 
 dome 
 
 Xs 
 
 
 £l^ lO 
 
 Robt Batcheler for his free- 
 
 
 
 
 dome 
 
 Xs 
 
 
 
 Thomas Smith 
 
 Vs 
 
 
 
 These are to will and authorize you Thomas Postely & 
 Phelomy Coshnan Serjeants of Belfast to levy and take the 
 sevrall somes to the names annexed of the p'sons named in 
 this rate either by distresse or otherwayes beinge a rate 
 agreed upon by us at an Assembly held to that purpose and 
 this shalbe yo' warr! 
 
 Dated the i8th day of October 1640 
 
 And the same from tyme to tyme as it is collected to 
 deliv]" to the Suffraine 
 
 Signed 
 
 John IH Haddock 
 Sovraigne 
 Henry Le' Squire 
 John Aysh 
 Rob' Foster 
 Tho: Theaker 
 
 Belfast M*" that the 30th daye of Januar 1642 upon the perusing of the Assessm.'. 
 
 for fire and candle light for the severall Guards w'^in this Towne it was found 
 that many w'' the said assessm! were not able to pay and many were Souldiers 
 and could not bee compelled to pay whereby a great part of that asses™. was 
 wantinge and i61i 6s 6d onely collected and that Mr. Sovraigne had fully 
 disbursed that and 4li 53 8d more of his owne money. There was therefore 
 a new assess"' made the saide 30th daye of Januar 1642 for to serve for the 
 remainder of the said Winter Season vizt untill May next and to pay Mr 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 21 
 
 Sovraigne the moneys hee hath disbursed of his owne above that w'' was 
 collected of the last assess"'! by Tho: Stephenson gent sovraigne of the 
 Borrough and Towne of Belfast aforesaid. Rob'" Foster, John Ash, Tho: 
 Theaker, Will'V Leythes gen : Burgesses of the said Towne and Hugh Doake 
 and Will: Clugston M'.'hants & ffree staplers of the same w- assessm'. is as 
 foUoweth vizt. 
 
 James Anderson 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 George Moore 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Thomas Becke 
 
 2 
 
 O 
 
 Mr. Foster 
 
 . 6 
 
 
 
 James Smyth 
 
 2 
 
 O 
 
 Tobias Courtney 
 
 . 2 
 
 o 
 
 Rob" Grayson 
 
 2 
 
 O 
 
 Nicholas Garnett ... 
 
 . 2 
 
 o 
 
 Will: Steawart Se^- 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Wid: Nevins 
 
 . 6 
 
 o 
 
 Hans Jackson 
 
 .2 
 
 o 
 
 Mr. Squire 
 
 . lO 
 
 o 
 
 Will. Postley 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Mr Ash 
 
 • 5 
 
 o 
 
 Edward Archer 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Thomas Cooke 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Jo: M'Golphin 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Leonard Hippie 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Quintin Catterwood 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 Tho Gallopp 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Mr. Hanington 
 
 6 
 
 o 
 
 Will Kinninge 
 
 • 3 
 
 o 
 
 Hugh Doake 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 Franc Ratcliffe 
 
 • 3 
 
 o 
 
 Rob'= Doake 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 John Cottier 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Adam Leythes 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 Mr. Burkett 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Will: M'Kenna 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 Franc Robinson 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Wid Thomson & her Sonne 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 Samuell Dixson 
 
 ,. 2 
 
 o 
 
 Willm Clugston 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Rob'" Matchett 
 
 ■• 3 
 
 o 
 
 Mr. Wm Leythes 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 Will Steawart 
 
 ,. 4 
 
 o 
 
 Jo: Chesnutt 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Thomas Barker 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Thom Postley Jun' 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 John Pitt 
 
 ,. 4 
 
 o 
 
 John Love ... 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 Edward Sandesberry 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Thomas Roan 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 Ric Carron 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Mr. Theaker 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Willm Sandsbrook 
 
 ,. 2 
 
 o 
 
 Will: Ritchey 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 John Haddon 
 
 .. 2 
 
 o 
 
 Ch'Gillett 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 John M'Gill 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 George Dunkan 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 Tho: Carron 
 
 •• 3 
 
 o 
 
 Rob'^ Spooner 
 
 I 
 
 o 
 
 Edm: Smyth 
 
 .. 2 
 
 o 
 
 John Mitchett 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Richard Carter 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 John Hudson 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 John Sanders 
 
 .. 2 
 
 o 
 
 Will Wright 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Will: Patridge 
 
 •• 3 
 
 o 
 
 PhilCoshnan 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 Thomas Peeris 
 
 ■• 4 
 
 8 
 
 Henry Meade 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Thomas Bethe 
 
 I 
 
 o 
 
 The Butcher next unto Meads 
 
 I 
 
 o 
 
 David Ritchey 
 
 .. 2 
 
 o 
 
 The Brasier 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 Willm Thomson ... 
 
 .. I 
 
 o 
 
 Richard Gatcloy 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 Wid Cottier 
 
 •■ 3 
 
 
 
 Rob'° Thomson 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Wid: Boyde 
 
 •• 3 
 
 o 
 
 Rob'" Dinninge 
 
 I 
 
 o 
 
 Br)an M'Correy 
 
 .. 2 
 
 4 
 
 Will Wilson 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 John Mathews 
 
 •■ 3 
 
 4 
 
 John Cracken 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Walter Baly 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 John Thomson 
 
 I 
 
 o 
 
 Andrew Bell Meale man . 
 
 .. I 
 
 2 
 
 Andrew Cromey 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 Allexan' Johnston ... 
 
 .. 2 
 
 4 
 
 John M'Morrey 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 Nevin Viccar 
 
 .. I 
 
 4 
 
 Edward Webb 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 John M'Dowell ... 
 
 .. 2 
 
 o 
 
 John Hancock 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Tho: Gill 
 
 .. 6 
 
 4 
 
 Rinyan Watson 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 John Kennan 
 
 .. 2 
 
 4 
 
 James Dowey 
 
 I 
 
 o 
 
 Rob'" Clugston 
 
 •• 4 
 
 8 
 
 Nicholas Saxton 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 Mr John Leythes ... 
 
 .. 4 
 
 8 
 
 Thomas Waterson 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 Willm Asmore 
 
 • • 4 
 
 
 
22 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 John Steawart 
 Thomas Keningham 
 Wid Thetford 
 John Thomson 
 John Browne 
 
 4 8 George Mankin 4 8 
 
 4 8 John Whitlock 2 o 
 
 3 o Martin Goose ... ... 2 o 
 
 2 o John Warring ... ... 6 
 
 60 H s d 
 
 Sum total of this assess"' is [16 4 2] 
 
 15 7 o 
 
 o 
 
 Burgusde Att a mcetinge the seaventh daye of March Anno D'ni 
 
 Antrym 1 642 by the Sovraigne and Burgesses of the said Borrough 
 
 and Towne of Belfast whose names are hereund''. subscribed 
 upon a plott by them laide downe & made for the makinge & 
 erectinge of a Bulworke att the Strande side neare the house 
 late of Bryan mcCorrey allotted for the said Sovraigne & 
 Burgesses to erecte and make att their owne prop, costs & 
 charges And the charge of the said worke now completed 
 is found to amount to the some of thirtye pounds Sterl : It 
 is therefore Ordered and mutually agreed upon by the said 
 Sovraigne & Burgesses that they the said Sovraigne & 
 Burgesses respectively shall pay and contribute towards the 
 finishinge of the said worke fiftye shillings sterl: a piece and 
 that evrye of the saide Burgesses shall pay in hand p'sent the 
 some of twentye shillings in parte and the resid: as the worke 
 proceedinge on shall bee thought fitt 
 
 Thomas Stephenson Sovraigne 
 Henry Le Squire Esquire ... 
 John Ash Gentl: 
 Rob'° Foster Gentl : 
 John Leythes Gentl. 
 Thomas Theaker Gentl 
 Thomas Hanington Gentl: 
 John Haydock Gentl 
 Richard Gateley gentl: 
 John Davyes gen 
 John Mitchell gen 
 Willm Leythes gen 
 Walterhouse Crymble 
 
 It is agreed that 20 loads of turfe shall bee allowed to the main Guard 
 and by Guard evrye week for the space of halfe yeare w!: comes to 640 loads 
 of Turfe att 4d a loade comes to loli 13s 4d to wi! is to be added 2 Barrells 
 of Sea Coles evrye week for the said tyme w!: comes to 8 Tuns of Coales att 
 4li i6s od. In all for fyeringe isli los od 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 24' die J 
 
 jnii 
 
 [642 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 23 
 
 This is to bee made by an equall applott";! upon evrye Inhabitant w";!" the 
 Towne and the lib'tyes thereof to bee brought in in Coales and Turfe before 
 Lamas daye next or in defaulte thereof money to bee levyed and their pawnes 
 taken upp for itt. The applott"'.' to be made on Thursday next at the 
 Assemblye 
 
 Itt is also desired that Collonell Chichester will be pleased to give Order 
 that evrye Companye may bringe in fyeringe for their Captaines & Officers 
 and not to charge the Towne w'-'-' that p'ticuler 
 
 24° die Junii 1642 
 Itt is agreed that the Sovraigne shall bringe in a list of the men that are 
 to be of the Traine Bande of the Towne on Thursday next and that they may 
 be then enrolled as Souldiers. And itt is humbly desired that Collonell 
 Chichester will supply the said Souldiers w* armes soe many as shall be 
 wantinge to be delivered to them. And an indenture to bee made and signed 
 between the said Collonell and the Sovraigne to bind the Men and Armes 
 may goe together from Sovraigne to Sovraigne whoe is to doe his best 
 indevour for p'servation of the said Armes 
 
 24 die Junii 1642 
 It is agreed that the worke att the Bridge shall be finished att the charge 
 of the Lo: Chichester whoe hath begun itt, the w'.'.' his Lo^;;' Officers have 
 undertaken to do 
 
 24° die Junii 1642 
 It is agreed that for the finishinge of the Rampier about the Towne all 
 such as have not paid their former rates shall presently pay them or bee 
 distrayned for them. And that for a further addition to that worke The Lord 
 Chichesters Officer in his LopR* behalfe is content to make the Drawe Bridge 
 and pallisadoes and the Towne is content to give a thousand dayes worke 
 with a man And itt is desired that in a further addition to soe necessary a 
 worke that Collonell Chichester will take Order that each Companye of his 
 Regim.'. may worke three score dayes to the said worke And that hee will 
 appointe their sevrall officers to see them p'form itt And alsoe to take Order 
 that as many Souldiers as the Towne or other shall ymploy about the said 
 worke may work for iiid a day ready money And that the said dayes worke 
 uppon the Towne shall be applotted on Thursday next as the fyering is. 
 
 24° die Junii 1642 
 
 It is also agreed that such as have not paid their former assesses for 
 Candles to Guards shall forth™."' paye the same or be distrayned for itt And 
 that there shall be money plotted for eight score pounds of Candles against 
 the next winter 
 
 24° die Junii 1642 
 It is agreed that money shall be given to some man out of the levye 
 moneys for the Toune to burye all the carrions wll'in the Toune & libtyes 
 thereof 
 
 24° die Junii 1642 
 
 It is agreed that Mr. John Ashe and Nicholas Garner shall have full 
 power to levye moneys or worke w'.'.'in the Toune & lib'tyes thereof, viz': — 
 from the Myle Water to the Gardners house in Malone as the worke shall 
 require whereof they are to give an estimate on Thursday next 
 
 All these Orders aforesaide were agreed uppon by us att a 
 meetinge for the whole Toune the said 24th daye of June 
 
24 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 An Assessment made towards the mentaineinge of Garrisons in Belfast 
 aforesaid in their sevrall Guards wV'in the same w'.'' fire & candle light the 29th 
 of Septemb' 1642 for the winter season settled by Thomas Stephenson, 
 gent!, Sovraigne of the Toune and Burrough of Belfast aforesaid. 
 
 Henry Le Squire Esqr. Rob"^ Foster gen : Burgesses of the saide Towne, 
 Rob'.' Nevins & George Martin mr'chants and free staplers of the same w'!' the 
 names of such as were assessed and what they were assessed in and what they 
 have paid of the same. — Sum total collected 16 16 6. (154 names follow) 
 
 Disbursed by Mr Soveraigne > Sum total disbursed 
 
 An Assembly. 
 John Uavyes 
 gen. John 
 Mitchell g'. 
 W™ Leythes 
 gent made 
 Burgesses 
 
 M?. that the fourth day of December 1642 att an Assembly by the 
 Sovraigne & Burgesses of the Borrough & Towne of Belfast then being viz' 
 Thomas Stephenson gen : Sovraigne of the said Borroughe John Ashe gen : 
 Rob'.? Foster gen : Thomas Hanington gen, Thomas Theaker gen : John 
 Haydock gen : Richard Gateley gen : Burgesses of the said Towne It was 
 then thought meet and convenie.'. to ellect and chose three honest, sufficient 
 discreete and understandinge gentlemen & Free Staplers of the said Borroughe 
 & Towne of Belfast aforesaid to bee Burgesses of the said Corporacon and to 
 fill upp the numb' of Burgesses in the places of such of the said Burgesses as 
 were then deceased and wantinge of the said numb' viz' Lewes Thomson 
 that hath absented & alienated himself out of this Kingdome for the space of 
 six yeares last past. John AVasher gen : deceased, and Thomas Bramston 
 gen : deceased And therefore they the said Sovraigne & Burgesses afore- 
 named by vertue of their Charter for this their Corporacon by one genrall & 
 mutuall consent assent & agreement accordinge to the ancient use and custome 
 of the said Towne and the Franchises and libtyes thereof have nomted 
 ellected & chosen in the place & steed of the said Lewes Thomson John 
 Davyes gen Free Stapler to be one of the Burgesses of the said Towne and in 
 the place & steed of Thomas Bramston gen dec John Mitchell gen ; Free 
 Stapler to be an other of the said Burgesses and in the place & steed of John 
 Washer gen deC? Willm Leythes gentl Free Stapler to bee an other of the 
 said Burgesses of the said Borrough & Towne of Belfast aforesaid which said 
 Johne Davyes John Mitchell and Willm Leythes gentl : and Free Staplers of 
 the said Borrough were then willinge to accept of the said places of Burgesses 
 and were then and there accordingly sworne & toke the oath of a Free 
 Burgess of the said Towne before the said Sovraigne & Burgesses accordinge 
 to the lawes use & custome of the said Towne and the Franchises and libtyes 
 thereof 
 
 Burgus de Att a meetinge by the Sovraigne & Burgesses and the Cominalty of the 
 
 Belfast in said Borrough & Towne of Belfast for the provision of fieringe and candle for 
 Com Antrym ^j^g sevrall Guards w'.'?in this Toune for this next yeare from the first of this 
 pr'.l Maye there was an estimate made towards the same for the some of fiftye 
 pounds sterl : to be forth w'!' levyed of evrye each Inhabitant w'.l'in the said 
 Towne and for an equall and indifferent assessm' thereof to be made Mr. 
 Hanington Mr. John Leythes and Richard Gatcloy Burgesses of the said 
 Towne Willm Clugston, Quintin Catterwood, Willm Patridge Franc : RatclifTe 
 & Thomas Beck were genrally ellected, pointed and chosen by the said 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 25 
 
 Burgesses & Cominaltye w 
 
 accordingly made the 13th 
 
 vizt. 
 
 for the highe ways 
 
 = Assessm! by the said Burgesses & Cominaltye was 
 daye of Maye 1 643 in manner and forme followinge 
 
 
 s 
 
 d 
 
 
 s 
 
 d 
 
 James Anderson 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Andrew Bell, Mealeman 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 John Postley ... 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 John M'Dowell 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Rob"' Grason... 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Nevin Viccar 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Lancellott Jackson 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 Ale.x Johnston 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 Willm Steawart 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Art" M 'Holland 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Thomas Beck 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Ed Williamson 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 John Kennitye 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 Jo Johnston Merc 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Thomas Addison Son ... 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 James Johnston 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 John Addison 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 John Lowden 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Thomas Addison Jun'. ... 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Wid Thomson and her son 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 James Smyth ... 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Willm Gryffyth 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Thomas Whyteside 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 Nicholas Garnett 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 Willm Postley 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Willm Chesnutt 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Mr Mathews ... 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 Thomas Postley Junr ... 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 Edward Archer 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 John Love 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 John M'Golphin and his 
 
 
 
 Edm: Smyth ... 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Mother 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Richard Wall 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Tho: GromealsSlye ... 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Mr Foster 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 David Thomson 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 Rob" Clugston 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 John Roye 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 John Clugston 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Mr. Hanington 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 George Moore 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Hugh Doake ... 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 Chr Marshall 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Adam Leythes 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Mr. Willm Leythes 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 George Smyth 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Tobyas Courtney 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 Willm M'Kenna 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 ^Villm Thomson Mrchant 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Rob" Doake ... 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 George Stephenson Mrchant 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 Willm Clugston 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Wid Nevins ... 
 
 II 
 
 4 
 
 Rob'5 Taverner 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 George Martin 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 James Sheland 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 John Taverner 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Rob'= Foster ... 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 li 
 
 
 
 George Johnson 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 Mr. Squire ... ... i 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 John Steawart 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 Mr Ash 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 George Wilson 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 Sa: Meeke ... 
 
 II 
 
 
 
 John Dowey ... 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Sa: Johnson ... 
 
 II 
 
 
 
 John Bamber ... 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Willm Conway 
 
 
 
 
 John Coates ... 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 John Sergantson 
 
 
 6 
 
 Rob" Palmer ... 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 RauffPitt ... 
 
 
 6 
 
 Willm Coates... 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Edward Morley 
 
 
 
 
 Chr Thomson 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 Nicholas Thomson 
 
 
 2 
 
 Thomas Dough wood 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 George Davison 
 
 
 2 
 
 Patr M 'Bryan 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Thomas Yonge 
 
 
 2 
 
 James Hill 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Mathew Sheppard 
 
 
 2 
 
 Rob" Robinson 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 John Cottier ... 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 Ed Thomson ... 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 Franc Robinson 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 Tho. Cooke ... 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 Theophilus Newton 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 Willm Dunshee 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Samuell Dixson 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 Willm Bryan ... 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 Mr Harrison ... 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Nicholas Brookes 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 Rob" Matchett 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Rob"Mettam... 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 John Adamson 
 
 2 
 
 
 
26 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 
 s 
 
 d 
 
 
 s 
 
 d 
 
 Rob'!^ Fisher ... 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Thomas Quin 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 James Rogers 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 L'. Dobbin ... 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 George Todd... 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Mr. Nearne ... 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 John Ransley 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Chr Beaton ... 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 John Conway 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 Thomas Barker 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 Leonard Hippie 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 Ed Landsberry 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 John Lawell ... 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 Tho: Baker ... 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 Adam Aderson 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 John Pitt 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Thomas Gallopp 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 Thomas Roan 
 
 lO 
 
 
 
 Henry Marser 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 MrTheaker ... 
 
 14 
 
 o 
 
 Wid. Sleminge 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 Thomas Waterson 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 Wihm Kinning 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 Mr Hughes ... 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 Franc RatcUffe 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 John Pitt Junr 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 Henry Simkins 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 Rob"= Walsh ... 
 
 10 
 
 o 
 
 James Ottiwell 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 John Walsh ... 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 Rauffe the Taylor 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 Mr Stephenson 
 
 14 
 
 o 
 
 Roger Farrell... 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Chr Gillett ... 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 Willm Thomson 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 George Dunkan 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Arti Donnell 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Walter Speed... 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 John Norman 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 Rob"Spooner 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 WiUm Sannders 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 John Mitchell 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Henry Blackhurst 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 John Hudson 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 Richard Gateley 
 
 14 
 
 o 
 
 Phil Coshnan 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 Isack Walsh ... 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 Henry Meade 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Rob"= Burkett... 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 Willm Davyes & his partner 
 
 6 
 
 o 
 
 Tho Haslipp ... 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Edward Webb 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 John Pantley ... 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 Willm Patridge 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 Allex M'Collough 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 Thomas Peeris 
 
 6 
 
 o 
 
 Willm Wilson 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Loughlin Carr 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 John Wheats 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 David Richey 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Wid Wheats ... 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Willm Thomson 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Andrew Cromey 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Wid Cottier ... 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 John Thomson 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 John Goddard 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 John M'Morrey 
 
 6 
 
 o 
 
 John Davison 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 Stephen Mathew 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 John Gryme ... 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 Richard Stafford 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 John Skerryes 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 Wid Hancock 
 
 I 
 
 o 
 
 Wid Boyd 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 James Dowey 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Willm Taylor 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 Wid Wyer ... 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 Rinyan Watson 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 Nicholas Saxton 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 Pat^ M'Cawe 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 John M'Neisse 
 
 I 
 
 3 
 
 Archibald Caruth 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Adam Burthick 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 Walter Correy 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Tho: Florry ... 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 John Mathews 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 Mr. Allen ... 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 John Rigbie ... 
 
 S 
 
 
 
 Israeli Christian 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 Walter Balye 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Rob'=Kirke ... 
 
 I 
 
 6 
 
 Tho Stephens 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 Ric Carron ... 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 Allex the Scholemaster ... 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 George Wrybank 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 John Browne 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 Wid: Leythes 
 
 2 
 
 o 
 
 John Warringe 
 
 14 
 
 o 
 
 Wid Jeanes ... 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 Wid Thetford 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 Richard Johnston 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 John Barrowes 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 Wid Hudson ... 
 
 • . I 
 
 6 
 
 Martin Goose 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 John M'Gill ... 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 John Thomson, Butcher 
 
 3 
 
 
 
TPie Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 27 
 
 John Haddon 
 Tho Carron ... 
 Richard Carter 
 Wid Clerkson 
 Willni Thomson 
 John Sannderson 
 Mr John Leythes 
 John Kernon ... 
 James Taylor 
 Thomas Gill ... 
 Andrew Bill Serg.'. 
 Willm Hancocke 
 Tho Postley Son 
 Chr Monncaster 
 Willm Shaw ... 
 Sandy Willy ... 
 Walter Caruth 
 Mr. George Bufore 
 Rob" Arthur ... 
 
 s 
 3 
 7 
 4 
 I 
 I 
 2 
 14 
 3 
 2 
 
 5 
 2 
 I 
 2 
 I 
 
 I 
 3 
 3 
 3 
 
 d 
 
 4 
 o 
 o 
 8 
 6 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 
 4 
 o 
 o 
 6 
 
 4 
 6 
 o 
 6 
 o 
 
 4 
 o 
 
 Wid: M'Collough 
 John Whitlock 
 Ed: Allen ... 
 Morgan Joanes 
 Bernard Boskam 
 George Mankin 
 Tho Keningham 
 John Martin ... 
 John Steawart 
 John Cracken 
 Willm Asmore 
 Wid Horner ... 
 Willm Dunwithie 
 Mr. Davyes ... 
 Mr Mitchell ... 
 Mr. Haydock 
 
 s 
 I 
 
 3 
 I 
 I 
 
 4 
 7 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 14 
 
 14 
 
 14 
 
 d 
 6 
 o 
 6 
 6 
 8 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 
 li 
 
 5° 
 
 A Second Sese mad the 22nd of December for 10 days provant for 400 
 Soulgers by those whose names are hereunder written 
 
 Mr Thomas Hanington Nicholas Garner 
 
 Mr Hugh Docke Quintin Catterwood 
 
 Wm Logston George Mankin 
 
 John Stuard Marchant Thomas Docke 
 
 A third Sesse being delivered the first of January 1644 Accordinge to the 
 Sesse mad the 22 of December by 
 
 Mr Thomas Hanington 
 Mr Hugh Docke 
 Willm Logston 
 John Stuard, March'. 
 
 Nicholas Garner 
 Quintin Catterwood 
 George Mankin 
 Thomas Docke 
 
 A Fourth Sesse made the 2 1 of January the same Sessers for 400 Soulgers 
 for 10 days att i5d a man (i2y names) 
 
 A Sess made upon a troop of ye 20 . horse that is allotted for 
 
 payment and for Colonell Home his use, ye 21st of January 1644 (80 names) 
 
 ' The ffift Sess made the 21st of January 1644 by ye last Sessers (121 
 names) 
 
 The 6° Sess made by ye former Sessers ye first of February for 104 men 
 att i4d the man (117 names) 
 
 Ye 7° Sesse mad by ye former Sessers for men at i4d a man or i4'¥ of 
 melle for every man this nth day of February 1644 (121 names) 
 
28 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 A Ses made by ye sworne Sessers for 6 of ye genall Magor troupe for 
 every one la'lm money & 3 bushels of ots February ye 15 1644 (g4 names) 
 
 Belfast February ye 21 1644 for 9 dayes for 415 men (130 names) 
 
 Belfast g^ff an Assemblye held before the Sovraigne Burgesses & 
 
 Cominaltye of the Burrough & Towne of Belfast aforesaid 
 the first day of March Anno dni 1644 It is ordered by one 
 generall and mutuall consent assent & agreem' That yf anie 
 p'son or p'sons whatsoev' shall att anie tyme or tymes here- 
 after bee refractorye or dissobedient to anie lawful! good and 
 honest Lawe Order or Decree w.": shall be ordered decreed 
 made & established for the good and peacable governem! of 
 this Corporacon and for the necessary affairs thereof or shall 
 wittingly or willingly by acte or deed or by anie malignant or 
 contemptuous words abuse and dissobey the Sovraigne or 
 Burgesses or anie of theym or anie other p'son or p'sons w.": 
 shall bee lawfully putt in Authoritye or in anie place or office 
 for the affairs of this Towne shall suffer ymprisonm' untill 
 they submitt themselves by humble petition unto the Bench 
 and shall forth*'-'' pay such Fyne and further ymprisonm! as 
 by the Sovraigne & Burgesses shall bee legally ordered and 
 ymposed uppon them accordinge to the nature and quality of 
 the offence 
 
 Rob' Foster 
 
 Sovraigne 
 Thomas Hanington 
 Willm Leithes 
 Richard Gately 
 Hugh Doake 
 John Steward 
 
 Belfast An Assessm' made the first of March Anno dni 1644 for fifteene pounds 
 
 two shillings and two pence sterl: w' is due unto Mr Willm Leythes and in 
 Arreares for fier and candle for six dayes provant to the Armye when they 
 were out at the Leaguer and for twelve horses for the baggage at fourteene 
 shilhngs a horse for thirtye six shillings w'= is due unto the Sovraigne and Wid: 
 Patridge for bricks for the Court of guard and for Iron work for the gates for 
 making of the bridgs at the gates and for the worke w": is now in workinge 
 about the rampier (134 names) 
 
 Belfast the 14th of March 1644 
 
 A Sesse made for 6 of the generall marogers troop as followes (102 names, 
 Sum total 730) : — 
 
 Belfast An assessm' made for the charge of makinge certaine Dams for the Trench 
 
 and other charges about the same and for the remander of the moneys w.^ was 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 29 
 
 disbursed for provision that was to be taken upp w"'in this Towne for sixtie 
 men and for the arreares w.': is behinde for fire and candle light the 19th 
 of Octob' 1644 (125 names, Stim total 2J j o) 
 
 Know all men by these presents that I Henrye lord Blaney Baron of 
 Monaghan doo acknowledge and confess myselfe to owe and stand indebted 
 unto John Mathews of Belfast merchant the some of eleven pounds sterl 
 currant money of and in England due to bee paid unto the said John Mathews 
 his Executors, Administrators or Assignes uppon demand to w'. pay™' well and 
 truely to be made & paid as aforesaid by the said Henrye Blaney doo bynde 
 mee my heires, Executors and Administrators and everye of us firmly by these 
 p.'sents. In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand & seale the fifteenth 
 day of Octob' Anno dni 1644 
 
 Sealed signed and delivered 
 in the p'sents of 
 Richard Wall 
 
 He Blayney 1644 
 vera copia concordat cu 
 original, et examinat, coram 
 
 Rob' Foster 
 
 Sovraigne 
 
 Lisnegarvy 29 OctobT 1644 
 
 After thirtye dayes sight of this my first Bill my second not beinge paid 
 I desire my worthy freind Mr John Davyes Comissarye of Victual! for the 
 Ulster forces now at London to pay to Mr. John Mathew merchant or his 
 Assignes the some of one & fortye pounds six shillings & eight pence ster' and 
 charge the same uppon account betwixt us or so much of it as shall not be 
 otherwise sattisfyed by Col: Hill as p.' advice & soe I rest 
 
 Yo' loveinge freind 
 Geo: Rawden 
 Vera copia concordat cu original, 
 et examinat, coram 
 Rob: Foster 
 
 Sovraigne 
 
 Lisnegarvy 29 Octob' 1644 
 
 After thirtye dayes sight of this my second Bill my first not being paid I 
 desire my worthye freind Mr. John Davyes now at London and Comissary of 
 Victuall for the Ulster forces to pay to Mr John Mathew Merchant or his 
 assignes the some of one and fortie pounds six shillings and eight pence ster 
 and charge the same uppon accounte between us or soe much of it as shall 
 not be otherwise sattisfyed by Colonell Hill as p. advice and so I rest 
 
 Yo' very loveinge freind 
 Geo: Rawden 
 Vera copia concordat cu original 
 & examinat coram 
 
 Rob: Foster 
 
 Account made upp. this 29th of Octob'. 1644 at Lisnegarvy betwixt Mr. 
 John Mathew and mee 
 
 In primis bought and reed of him i barrell of cut Tobacco 
 
 weyinge neat 150'? at 3s. the pound 
 
 22 10 o 
 
00 02 
 
 o 
 
 oi i6 
 
 o 
 
 OI 12 
 
 o 
 
 46 00 
 
 
 
 04 13 
 
 41 06 
 
 4 
 8 
 
 30 7]^^ Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 For the caske ... 
 
 For a dozen pounds more of the same tob rec by Mr Harrison . 
 
 For a caske of hotte waters 
 
 For Druggs and a chest belonging to Mr James Renell lately dead 
 & now bought for Mr Brookes for the use of the Lord Con- 
 wayes Regim' & the Troope ... ... ... ... 20 00 00 
 
 Tot 
 
 Whereof paid in p'f for the Druggs towards paym' of Mr Renells 
 debts 
 
 due ... 
 
 Geo Rawden 
 Rob: Foster 
 
 Sovraigne 
 
 Belfast The monthly assessm' concluded uppon the 14th of November 1644 by 
 
 the maior parte of the Burgesses & Inhabitants of the Burrough and Towne of 
 Belfast to be levyed of the saide Towne for the mantenine of six of the 
 Generall Maior his Troop to begin the first of this Instante f/op names, 
 Sum total 7 10 o) 
 
 The charge of the Baggage horse w?- have been ymployed for fetchinge 
 the provant for Colonell Humes Regiment from Carrickfergus and alsoe the 
 charge of boats w': was ymployed for the like service sine the 29th of September 
 last unto the 9th of December 1644 
 
 Imprimis for 4 Boats ...... 
 
 Itm 3 tymes w' horses ... ... 02 5 o 
 
 Twice iS"* horse and once 14'' horse 1 « r 
 
 threescore & ten horses everye tyme J 
 More uppon the Colonells service ) 2 18 4 
 
 fiftie horse at 14'' a horse ... J ^ 
 
 December the 12"" for Provant for 400 men for 10 dayes 
 December the 22"' for Provant for 400 men for 10 dayes more 
 Januar the first for Provant for 400 men for 10 dayes more 
 Januar the 11* for Provant for 400 men for 10 dayes more 
 Januar the 21"' for Provant for 404 men for 10 dayes more 
 ffebruar the first for Provant for 404 men for 10 dayes more 
 ffebruar the 11"' for Provant for 415 men for 10 dayes more 
 ffebruar the 21"' for Provant for 415 men for 10 dayes more 
 March the 2'^ for fetching 10 dayes I 1 1 6 
 
 Provant from Carr by horse j 
 
 March the 12"' for one Boate fraight 1 
 
 of Provant for 10 dayes ... J -' 
 
 Belfast Att the Court houlden the twelveth of Decemb": Anno dni 
 
 1644 before the Sovraigne Burgesses and Cominalty of the 
 Burrough & Towne of Belfast then p'sent these persons here- 
 after named by a genrall elleccon & consent of the said 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 31 
 
 Sovraigne & Burgesses & Cominaltye were ellected nominated 
 and sworne to plott assess & compose all assessmt' w.'i are or 
 shall be imposed uppon the said Towne for anie service to 
 the releiffe of such of the Armye which are now charged 
 uppon the Towne vizt 
 
 Willm Clugston Jnr 
 John Stewart Mercht Jnr 
 Georg Mankin Jnr 
 Nicholas Garner Jnr 
 Quintin Catterwoode Jnr 
 Thomas Becke Jnr 
 
 A 10 days proviant for 400 soulgers (113 names) 
 
 The Second Sesse made the 14° of December 1644 accord- 
 inge to the keep for 6 of the Genarall Mayor Troupe 
 beinge ... ... ... ••• ■•■ 7li 9s 2d 
 
 p*" of this ... ... ... ... 5179 
 
 I 12 5 
 
 An Assessm'. mad the 2nd of January 1645, for 7h los w^.'' was laid an 
 Mr Walcott, out of the last forty pounds w'.'' was taken upp for the officers 
 of Collonel Humes Regiment Dated the 22 nd of December. (140 names) 
 
 An Assessm' mad the 3d of January 1645, for provant for 400 of Collonel 
 Houmes Regemt for 10 days (145 names) 
 
 An Assessmt made the 13th of January 1645 fo'' P'vant for 400 of 
 Collonel Hoomes Regiment for ten days 12'? in money or 19"' of meale each 
 man (135 names) 
 
 An Assesmt the 23 of Jan: 1645 made for 400 of Collonel Hoomes 
 Regiment 14"' of meale or 121 in money for 10 days (132 names) 
 
 A Ses for 6 of the generall Magors troupe the 14" of Aprill 1645 (gg 
 names, Sum total 6 ip 3) 
 
 Att an Assemblye houlden the fift day of May 1645 before 
 the Sovraigne Burgesses and Cominaltye of the Burrough 
 and Towne of Belfast aforesaid then p'sent those p'sons here- 
 after named by a genrall elleccon & consent of the said 
 Sovraigne Burgesses & Cominaltye were ellected noiated and 
 sworne to assemble and meet together when and soe often as 
 they shall bee required and then and there shall plott compose 
 
32 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 & make anie assessm' w?. shall bee given them in charge for 
 the genrall service of the said Towne vizt 
 
 Mr Willm Leythes ) „ 
 
 Mr George Martin ) burgesses 
 
 Thomas Postley Mrchant " 
 Thomas Hardinge 
 Willm Thomson Mrchant 
 Tho Gillett 
 John Stewart Mrchant 
 Ouintin Catterwood 
 Thomas Becke 
 Nicholas Garner 
 
 Cominalty 
 
 And these are to continue in the office of Assesso" dureinge 
 the Sovraigntye of Mr Foster now Sovraigne 
 
 Belfast An Assessm! made for the some of fourty eight pounds thirten shillings 
 
 and two pence sterl for fire and candle for the Sevrall Guards w-in this Towne 
 from May day last untill May day next 1646 that is to say for one whole year 
 the loth day of May 1645 (122 names, Sum total 48 13 2) 
 
 Belfast TITfTj bCrcaS the Sovraigne Burgesses and Cominality of the 
 
 ^^■^^ Borrough and Corporaton of Belfast aforesaid have 
 covennted and agreed w.'. Mr Leythes one of the Burgesses of 
 the said Towne That the said Mr Willm Leythes shall well 
 and sufficiently furnish the severall guards w.'.in this Towne w'"" 
 fire and candle accordinge to the order & dirreccon given by 
 U. Colonell Maxwell unto the said Sovraigne & Burgesses 
 untill the first daye of May now next ensuing and in con- 
 sideracon thereof the saide Sovraigne Burgesses and Comin- 
 alitye have undertaken & promissed to pay or cause to bee 
 paid unto the said Willm Leythes the just and full some of 
 fourtye pounds sterl: in manner and forme following viz' ten 
 pounds in hand and other ten pounds at and uppon the last 
 daye of this p'sent May and other ten pounds at uppon the 
 24th day of June now next ensueinge and other ten pounds 
 being the last paym' of the said some of fourtye pounds at 
 uppon the first daye of August then next followinge 
 
 In Testimonye whereof the said Sovraigne Burgesses 
 and Cominaltye as also the said Willm Leythes have hereunto 
 subscribed their names the fifteenth day of May Anno dni 
 1645 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 33 
 
 Alsoe the saide Mr Willm Leythes hath undertaken to 
 deHver six score cash of Torfe at or before the 29th of 
 Septemb;. next wF. shall be p^served and kept for the use of 
 anie such Officer & Comander w? stands cheeff Governor of 
 this Towne & Garrison dated the 15th day of May Anno dni 
 1645 for W" he is to bee allowed out of his Sesse 
 
 Willm Leithes Rob Foster Sovraig^ne 
 
 'e> 
 
 Tho Poslley Thomas Hanington 
 Ouintin Catterwoode Richard Gatlie 
 
 Christopher Gillett Hugh HD Docke 
 
 William Tomsonn Marke 
 
 15th May 1645 
 
 That the daye and yeare aforesaid John Miller p 
 voluntarilye and freely referred to the 
 
 of Mr Willm Leythes & Willm Thomp 
 arbitrators indifferently ellected and chosen bet 
 the ending Order & determininge of all differen 
 betwixt them and that the said order and awar 
 by the said arbitrators betwixt the said ptyes 
 of this instant May and yf the said arbitr 
 said differencs Mr Hugh Doake is ellected 
 to make a final end & award in the same 
 the saide John Miller & Rob'" Clugston 
 their execute" Adm" & assignes either to 
 ten pounds sterl to bee paide uppon demand 
 shall refuse to p'forme observe & keep 
 award made by the said arbitrate'* 
 the Sovraigne hath subscribed his name 
 
 Rob Foster 
 
 Sovraigne 
 
 By verteu of a warrant dated the 1 5 day of May the sworne Sesors hath 
 mad the Sesse for the mainting of six of the general! Majors Troop of the 
 inhabetance of belfast (63 names. Sum total 372) 
 
 2 2d of May 1645 
 
 Rob"= Clugston of Belfast Merchant and John Miller of 
 
 aforesaid all contraversies betwixt them for money 
 
 all other demands whatsoever by their consents 
 
 and order of quarter Mr Leythes and Willm Thomp 
 
 st to make a full end thereof that that the 
 
 ore cause of champers for anie matter whatsoev-- 
 
 begininge of the world unto this p'sent 
 
 day wherefore the above named arbitrate- doe order the said 
 
 and John Miller shalbee good loveing freinds 
 
 for giveing either other anie passeages 
 
 this p'sent day and wee order and 
 
 sattisfaccon Rob' Clugston shall pay 
 
 unto John Miller, the full and just some 
 
 and fifteen shillings of currant money 
 
34 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 that now passeth in paym' betwixt man and man in Belfast at this p'sent 
 and this money to bee paid the eigh day of June next to come and all 
 their bookes for receipts and deilinges to be crossed and cleared and all 
 other notes and Bills betwixt them to bee cancelled and tome and alsoe 
 wee order that Rob' Clugston shall pay unto John Miller the execucon for 
 ten shillings w'; the charge recorded against him in Court and alsoe the 
 money due to Willm Miller sonne of the said John Miller at the tyme it 
 
 shalbee due and lo"' is spent at this p'sent to bee paid equally 
 
 between them under this our order. Witness our hands the day aforesaid 
 
 Willm Leythes 
 Willm Thomson 
 
 June loth 1645. A Ses mad for the generall Major Troupe for this 
 p'sent month ("/o names, Sum total j // 6) 
 
 Belfast The Affidavit of Thomas Postley of Belfast afo 
 
 Sergeants of Belfast aforesaid for and concerninge the 
 
 of an execucon uppon the body of Rob' Clugston of 
 
 aforesaid merchant at the suit of Willm Bridge 
 
 Merchant for a certain debt of fourteen pounds and sixteen shillings sterl 
 
 w' costs recorded against him in the saide Court by the saide Bridg 
 
 The said Thomas Postley uppon oath saith that after order given by the 
 Generall Major for doeing of execucon uppon the said Rob' Clugston accord- 
 inge to the judgm' given in the saide Courte uppon the verdict given by the 
 Jury W" was then uppon the saide tryall and by warrant from the Sovraigne 
 hee took and arrested the saide Rob'? and brought him in saufe keepinge 
 before the said Sovraigne whoo uppon the same comitted him into sure 
 custody of this deponent and soe remaineinge in custody as aforesaid the said 
 Rob' Clugston desired this deponent to goe with him along before Major 
 Coughran and thereuppon the said Major Coughran desired the Sovraigne to 
 comune furt' w' him who accordingly did And some conference betwixt the 
 saide Sovraigne and the said Major Coughran the saide Rob'? saide unto the 
 saide Sovraigne (I did not take him before yo'. sergeant but now I will take 
 him) and the Sovraigne saide (you may doo yo' pleasure) and uppon that the 
 Sovraigne went his way and the said Major then tok the said Rob" Clugston 
 away from this deponent 
 
 The saide Thomas Postley 
 
 sworn before me Robt Foster Thomas Postlev 
 
 Sovraigne of Belfast aforesaid ^ 
 
 the 17 of June 1645 
 
 Rob! Foster 
 
 Sovraigne 
 
 July ye 7° A Sesse mad for the Genarall Major troupe & for 4 horse 
 from Knocvergus with provend at 9'? ye horse 1645 (g4 names. Sum total 
 5 9 3) 
 
 The loth of July 1645 
 
 An assessment mad for 400 of Collonel Homes his Soulders for provant 
 at 15' of meall a man for 10 dayes as followes (117 names) 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 35 
 
 The 21 of July 1645. 
 
 An assessment mad for 400 men in guard as follows (i2g names) 
 
 The Sesse for Generall Majores Troope for i month ending the last of 
 August 1645 for the month of September, payinge over againe (g2 names 
 Su)n total 3 g i) 
 
 August nth 1645 
 
 A Sesse mad for 400 Soulders att 15' of mell or 14? in money (i2j names) 
 
 August the 13th 1645 
 
 A Sses mad by the sworn Sessers for 26 bagage horses to goe out with 
 the Regament 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 5 
 6 
 
 7 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 Mr. Harrington two third of a horse 
 Quintin Catterwood one third p' ... 
 Mr. Thomas Walcot 2 horse 
 Mr. George Martyn one horse 
 Mr Hugh Docke one horse 
 Thomas Waringe one horse 
 Robt & John Clogston one hors 
 Mr Laythes 2 third of a hors 
 Willm M'Keney one third p' 
 
 John Browne two 3 p' ) 
 Timithy Milne 1-3 p' J 
 
 Willm Tomson halfe horse 1 
 John M'Bryd halfe a horse J 
 
 11 Mr Sovraigne 2 third parts ) 
 Mr John Waringe i third pt j 
 
 12 John Stuard marchant halfe a horse 
 Jo : Keningham halfe a horse 
 John Pordon Loder & John Galpin halfe a quarter to 
 
 helpe them 
 
 George Mankin halfe a horse 
 
 13 George Tomson one quarter 
 Willm Asmore one q' 
 
 John Mathes halfe a horse 
 
 John Rigby halfe a horse 
 
 John Whitlocke halfe a quarter to helpe them 
 
 Tho: Gill one quarter horse 
 
 Walter Carouth one quarter 
 
 Nevin Vicker 2 p'^ of a quarter 
 
 Walter Baly one 3 of a quarter 
 
 Andrw Bell & David Richey one quarter 
 
 Edward Smith one third of a horse 
 Mr Wall one 3 of a horse 
 Nemia Richardson 2 p"* of a third 
 John Love one third p' of a third 
 
 Tho : Posell march' halfe horse 
 Tho ; Becke & Nickoles Garner halfe 
 
 14 
 
 15 
 
 16 
 
 17 
 
 f parts 
 
 2 horses 
 I horse 
 I horse 
 I horse 
 I horse 
 IP' 
 \^'- 
 
 I hors 
 I hors 
 I horse 
 
 I hors 
 
 I hors 
 1 hors 
 
 I hors 
 
 I hors 
 I hors 
 
36 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 James Anderson one quarter 
 James Smith one quarter 
 „ Willm Posell 2 p" of a quarter 
 John Kenedy 1-3 of a q"' 
 Edward Archer 2 p*^ of a q' 
 John Tomson Tayler 1-3 p' qr 
 
 George Simpson one quarter 
 Widdow Tomson one q' 
 
 I Q 
 
 ^ Rob' Marke & Cristopher Marshall one q' 
 Cristopher Gillitt & Gorge Donkin i q' 
 
 Richard Gatley halfe a horse 
 Ralph Huston 2 third p'^ of a quarter 
 Willm Sands one thr : part of q' 
 Willm Wilson & Tho Gallop one q' 
 
 John Martyn one quarter of horse 
 Andrw M'Ellroy & John Doey \ 
 ^' John M'Ellroy & Tho Cooke \ 
 dockter Nearne one quarter 
 
 Mrs Lee Squire one halfe of horse 
 John Tomson Castell 2 third of a q'' 
 Willm Davis one 3 p' of a q' 
 Mrs Stinson one quarter 
 
 Robt Docke halfe horse \ 
 
 23 George Smith one quarter > 
 
 Rinan Watson one quarter j 
 
 John M'Morey 2 p"' of a quarter 
 James Douey i third of a quarter 
 John Hadden 2 p" of a qu 
 John Michell one third of a quarter 
 John Sanderson 2 p'^ of a quarter 
 John Harden Smith one third of q' 
 Roger Haselden halfe a q' 
 Rch: Carran halfe a q' 
 
 Robt Spralle halfe a horse 
 Robt Henderson one quarter 
 •> John Anderson 2 p" of a quarter 
 John Hugheson i third p' of a quf 
 
 Willm Rominge one quarter horse 
 John Kenan & John Docke one q' 
 Willm Douthe & Willm Bryan halfe q' 
 Cristopher Cotes & Widdow Kyle halfe q' 
 AUexander Sinkler & Willm Corner 2 q- 
 Henry Marston & Tho: Quin halfe q' 
 
 I 
 
 *4 
 
 I hers 
 
 I hors 
 
 I hors 
 
 I hors 
 
 I hors 
 
 I hors 
 
 I hors 
 
 26 
 
 I hors 
 
 I hors 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 37 
 
 August 28 A Ses for 6 bagage horse 
 
 Mr Hanington, Mr Walcott, Mr Martyn and ther partners one 
 
 horse ... ... ... ... ... i hors 
 
 Mr Dooke, Mr. Tho Waringe, Rob' Clogston cS: Mr Laythes & 
 
 ther partners ... ... ... ... i hors 
 
 Mr Browne, AVilhn Tomson, John Stuard & Gorge Mackin & 
 
 ther partners ... ... ... ... i hors 
 
 John Mathews, Thomas Gill, Edward Smith & Tho Postell & 
 
 ther partners ... ... ... ... i hors 
 
 James Anderson, Gord: Stinson, Mr Gatley John Martyn & ther 
 
 partners ... ... ... ... ... i hors 
 
 Mrs Lee Squire, Rob' Dooke John McMoray Rob' Sprall & Willm 
 
 Rominge & ther p'ners one horse ... ... i hors 
 
 Agust the 28 1645 
 
 A Sesse made for the quante of biscet hooter and cheese and two boates 
 fraight for bringen upp proviant from Carrickfargus the Somme beeinge 
 
 li s d 
 
 Mr Harrinton and his parterners ... 
 Mr Georg Martin 
 Mr AValcott ... 
 Mr Hough Dooke 
 Mr Tho ; Warran 
 Mr Robt Clogston John Clogston 
 Mr Willm Laythes and his parterners 
 Mr Jo: Browne and his partners ... 
 Willm Thomson and his partners ... 
 John Steward and his partners 
 Georg Manking and his partneres 
 John Mathewes and his partneres 
 Tho: Gill and his partneres 
 Edward Smith and his partneres ... 
 Tho: Postley Marcht and his partners 
 James Anderson and his partners 
 Georg Steensonn and his partners 
 Mr Gatley and his partners 
 Jo: Martin and his partners 
 Mrs Lesquire and hir partners 
 Robert Dooke and his partneres ... 
 Jo McMorey and his partners 
 Rob Fj'ronall and his partners 
 Will: Kinard and his partners 
 Mr Soffrane and his partners 
 
 li s d 
 
 II 14 o 
 
 M' George That att the Courte of Assembly houlden for the Borrough 
 
 si^H^gh"'' of Belfast aforesaid the third day of Octr Anno dni 1645 in 
 
 3oake the tyme of Rob" Foster Gentlman then Sovraigne Mr Ashe 
 
 togesses Mr Hanington Mr Theaker, Mr Gateley, Mr Willm Leythes 
 
 li s 
 
 d 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 og 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
38 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Burgesses then prsent. It was thought meete and convenient 
 by the said Court to ellect and choose three honest sufficient 
 discreet and understanding gentlemen Free Comoners of the 
 said Towne to fill upp the numb' of Burgesses in the placs 
 of such of the Burgesses w- were then deceased, vizt (Mr 
 Squire, Mr John Haydocke and Mr Thomas Stephenson) And 
 therefore therefore (sic) they the said Sovraigne & Burgesses 
 by vertue of their Chearter and accordinge to their ancient 
 use and custome by one genrall consent & agreemt and by 
 the well likeing and affeccon of the whole Cominaltye there 
 present ellected and chose Mr George Martyn Mr Hugh 
 Doake and Mr John Leythes sonne of Mr. Willm Leythes 
 gentl. and Free Staplers of the said Towne Mr Martyn and 
 Mr Doake then willing to undertake the same ymediatly 
 were sworne and took the oath of a free Burgess and were 
 then admitted into the said number of free Burgesses of the 
 said Towne accordinge to the Lawes use and custome of the 
 said Towne and the Franchises and Libtyes thereof but Mr 
 John Leythes being then in England was respited for the 
 taking of his oath until his next return out of England 
 
 Belfast An Assessmt made the 13''' of October, 1645, for the monthly mantennce 
 
 of six of Generall Maiors Troope for twentie shillings sterl for each horseman 
 for this month according to Genrall Maiors order (gi names. Sum total 
 3 3 o) 
 
 Belfast Att the Court houlden the i6th day of October 1645 ^t 
 
 is ordered by the Sovraigne and Burgesses together w'."" the 
 
 Rich'' Stafford Cominaltye then prsent that Richard Stafford beinge appointed 
 
 Sex°on'ofthe Saxton for the parish Church of Belfast aforesaid hee shall 
 
 parish reccave for his yearly stypends and wages for his office & 
 
 service of every howshoulder within the said parish and also 
 
 of every other person or persons whatso' following anie trade 
 
 or occupacon w'Mn the said Toune and parish though hee bee 
 
 a single man and unmarryed though he bee noe howshoulder 
 
 yet they shall pay everye one foure pence sterl : unto the said 
 
 Richard Stafford yearly dureing the tyme hee shall contynue 
 
 in the said office and that everye one as aforesaid shall pay 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 39 
 
 pT.sent in hand foure pence a yeere sterl for a whole yeare 
 now ending at May next. And alsoe the said Richard 
 Stafford shall receave for every buryall at the said Parish 
 Church hereafter foure pence sterl for makinge the grave. 
 The said Richard Stafford takeing diligent care and charge 
 for the decent keepinge of the saide Church and Church yard 
 in decent order 
 
 Willm Leithes 
 
 Hugh H3 Doocke, 
 Quintin Q C Caterwoode 
 
 Sov.": 
 
 Rob: Foster 
 George Martin 
 John Stewartt 
 Robert Clugston 
 J no: Becke 
 
40 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Belfast 
 
 HEREAS it was formerly granted that the In- 
 habitants at Mr Ash his Trench should contribute 
 Malone in all Sesses for the Troope for one 
 
 w- 
 
 yeare and now that the yeare is ended It is 
 thought expedient and soe ordered by the Sovraigne & 
 Burgesses together w.' the Cominalty of the Borrough & 
 Towne of Belfast aforesaid now assembled that the saide 
 Inhabitants at the said Trench shall contribute noe further 
 with the said Malone but w' this said Towne of Belfast 
 as formerly hath been done 
 
 17th Octobr. 1645 
 
 Belfast 
 
 Belfast 
 
 An Assessm' made the 25'!" day of Octob' 1645 for foure Boate loads 
 of provant from Carrickfergus, for one horse to Killwarhn, 4 horses to 
 Eden Carrick and for moweing the grasse about the Rampier, the whole som 
 is 2'' 16' o'' (24. names) 
 
 An Assessm- for 42". w- is ypmosed uppon the Inhabitants of Belfast 
 for supply of the officers of Colonell Humes Regim' by order from the 
 honor"?' his M'- Comissioners Governors of Ulster the first of Novemb'- 1645 
 (ill names) 
 
 The names of the Grand Jury of the Courte of Assembly 
 houlden the second of Novembf 1645, wf were then ellected 
 by the Sovraigne Burgesses & Cominalty to bee Assessors 
 uppon all occassions for the Towne w' shall be requisit for 
 them and to continue in the same office untill the next Court 
 of Assembly 
 
 Ch" Bramston 
 Thomas Wareing 
 Ch' Gillett 
 Ch' Marshall 
 James Anderson 
 Edward Smyth 
 John m Morrey 
 Willm Asmore 
 
 Nicholas Garner 
 John Mathews Tanner 
 Willm Kinning 
 Raufe Hughston 
 George Mankin 
 John Whitlock 
 Willm Davyes 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 41 
 
 An Assessm' made the fourth daye of Novemb' 1645 f^"" provant for 
 foure hundred Souldiers ofColonell Hume his Regim' for ten dayes at 15'- of 
 meale a man as followeth {128 names) 
 
 An Assessm' made the 15"' dayes of Novemb' 1645 for provant for 
 foure hundred Souldiers of Colonell Humes Regim' for 10 dayes ( 128 names) 
 
 An Assessm' made the 1 7 th of Novemb' 1645 for the monthly mentennce 
 of six of Generall Majors Troope for twelve shillings ster' and three Bushell 
 of Oats for each horsman for this month according to Genrall Majors order 
 the last winter (113 names, Sum total 6 6 8) 
 
 An Assessment mad the 19"' of November 1645 for 6 of Generall Majors 
 Troopes at 1 2^ a man & three Bushells of Gates a man (131 names) 
 
 An Assessm' made the 26''' of Novemb' 1645 fo"" ^ further supply of the 
 Captanes of Colonell Homes Regim' for 20^ 10' e*" and for other occasions 
 for the Townes service (116 names) 
 
 An Assessm' made the ae"" of Novemb'' 1645 for 400 of Colonell Humes 
 Regim' for provant for 10 dayes and 4 of the Canoneeres (126 names) 
 
 An Assessm' made the third daye of Decemb' 1645 for provant for 400 
 Souldiers of Colonell Humes his Regim' for 10 dayes (i2j names) 
 
 The Assessors names 
 
 John Mitchell gen John Steawart m 
 
 Robt ffoster gen John mc Morroy 
 
 Richard Gately gen Thomas Bork 
 Tho Bramston 
 
 The names of the Assessors ellected and chosen by the 
 Sovraigne Burgesses and Cominaltye of the Borrough and 
 Towne of Belfast aforesaid assembled and convened together 
 the eight of Decembr 1645 ^"^ '^'^s" sworne assesso'.' and to 
 continue in the same office uppon all assesses unto the Court 
 of Assembly next after Chrmas or otherwise untill they shall 
 be discharged of the said ofifice 
 
 Mr Harrington and 
 Mr Doake 
 
 > Burgesses 
 
 Willm Clugston 
 Chr Marshall Junr 
 Quintin Catterwoodd Junr 
 George Mankin 
 Chr Gillett Junr 
 Tho: Beck Junr 
 
42 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Belfast Money disbursed by W. Willm Leythes Sovraigne for sevrall uses 
 
 and Services for the Towne as followeth 
 
 Imprimis. 2 Tun of Coles for the 1 
 
 Colonell Hume at 10' 8'' > 
 the Tun ) 
 
 Mor for 2 Tun of Coles to him 
 Itm One Tun of Coles for the ") 
 
 L' Co'. Maxwell J 
 
 Itm for makinge up the hedge 
 
 at the Strande to keepe upp 
 
 the Rampier 
 
 for mendinge the way to the Strand 
 
 for mendinge the Guards 
 Itm Paid downe for p' of paym! 
 
 for the butter w- the officers had 
 
 when the went to the Feild 
 Itm laide downe to maike up the ) 
 
 pay for Daniell Monro his Troope J 
 Itm laid out for shingles to mend the ) 
 
 Church w'- J " 
 
 Itm laide out to make upp the 
 
 money for the Officers in 
 
 the last Sess 
 Itm for 46 foott of bords to 
 
 mend the Colonells windowes 
 
 for nayles and worman shipp 
 Itm for the Comon Charge of Souldiers 
 
 Sessed in five houses for 
 
 the Sessing of the Officers 
 
 Sum total 
 
 II 
 
 4 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 08 
 
 
 
 18 
 
 8 
 
 08 
 05 
 
 8 
 6 
 
 06 
 
 6 
 
 13 
 
 3 
 
 05 
 
 
 
 05 
 
 8 
 
 06 
 
 7 
 
 I 3 
 
 4 
 
 7 
 
 5 
 
 Belfast An Assesment mad ye 10'" of December 1645 for 7" f 6'' ster wh M' 
 
 Soveraigne hath Disbursed for the Towne (131 names, Sum total 7 10 o) 
 
 Belfast An Assesment mad the 13'" of December 1645 for provant for 400 
 
 Souldiers of Collonell Humes Regement for 10 days. (14Y names) 
 
 Belfast An Assesment mad the 21" of December 1645 fo"" the monthly main- 
 
 tenance of the Officers in Collonell Hums Regement for 30^ (140 names) 
 
 Belfast 
 
 An Asses"" mad the 23"" December 1645 for p'vant for 400 men of Co" 
 Houmes Regemt for 10 days (144 names) 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 43 
 
 the right honor"" Colonell Hume Governo' of 
 the Towne and Castle of Belfast &c 
 
 The humble petition of all 
 the Inhabitants of the Towne 
 of Belfast Tennts unto the 
 right honorb'f Edward lord 
 Viscount Chichester 
 
 humbly sheweth unto yo' 
 honor that Mr Walcott 
 cheeff Agent for the said 
 lord Viscount Chichester 
 w!in the Barronye of Belfast 
 
 obtained an order from his Excellency Generall Lesley and 
 alsoe an other order from the Generall Majol: Monrow for the 
 takinge upp of the Rents of each Tennt of the saide lord w!in 
 the said Barronye by vertue whereof hee hath duely receaved 
 the said Rents evr since And now they will have a halfe 
 yeares Rent to pay Att the first of Novemby next. Yo' 
 humble petition? therefore in manifestinge their duety and 
 service unto yof honoy and for the supply of yof hon'.' Officers 
 for the p'sent are and wilbee willinge to pay the said halfe 
 yeares rent unto yof honof for the said supplye If yor hono' 
 would bee pleased to procure an order from the Generall 
 Major where yor humble petitioners may be secured and 
 discharged and alsoe saved harmelesse from the said Lord 
 Viscount Chichester his Assignes and Agents whatsoev-- in 
 payinge their said rent unto yof hono"' and they shall pray &c. 
 
 Willm Leythes Sovraigne 
 
 Franc Ratcliff 
 George Mankin 
 John Galphin 
 John Pitt Senior 
 Chr Bramston 
 
 Hugh Doak 
 Richard Carron 
 John Steawart 
 
 Rob Foster 
 Thomas Hanington 
 George Martin 
 Richard Gately 
 
 At the Courte houlden the 4th of March 1646 Thomas 
 Carran Connstable of the Borrough & Toune of Belfast afore- 
 said being examined and sworne concerning the execucon of 
 a warrant given to him by the Sovraigne against John 
 
44 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Steawart of Belfast aforesaide merchant uppon oath saith 
 That hee went w.'. that warrant to attatch and arrest the saide 
 John Steawart and him saufly to keepe untill hee should find 
 Suertyes for the peace against all his Ma'.' leidge people and 
 espiallye against Thomas Hanington gentl : one of the 
 Burgesses of this Toune whom hee had assaulted & beaten in 
 the oppen streets here in Belfast aforesaid and most scandal- 
 ously abused by scandalous words calling him p'jured knave 
 but the saide John Steawart desired the saide Constable to 
 see his warrant w"- hee showed him and haveinge read it hee 
 in a most contemptuous manner and against his oath beinge 
 Sworne a Free Comoner tore the saide warrant and did throw 
 it into the fire and would not obey the Connstable at all, 
 againe the Sovraigne sent out another warrant for the saide 
 John Steawart for suertyes for the peace as aforesaid and to 
 answer for his contempt against the other warrant and the 
 saide Constable goeinge to execute second warrant directed 
 to him by the Sovraigne the saide John Steawart desired the 
 Connstable to see his warrant w- the said Connstable showed 
 him and the said Steawart when hee receaved the warrant 
 put it upp in his pockett and would not obey him at all 
 
 Burgusde iiJUlbCrCaS at the Court houlden the 6th of March 1646 it 
 
 Belfast m Com . . - , ^^ . _, . . ^-, 
 
 Antrym IS made manifest by sufficient Testimony in oppen Court 
 That John Steawart of Belfast aforesaid Merchant had not 
 onely abused Thomas Hanington gentl: one of the Burgesses 
 of this Toune by scandalous words but alsoe had assaulted & 
 beaten the said Mr Hanington in the open Streets here in 
 Belfast aforesaid and alsoe in a most contemptuous manner 
 dissobeyed 2 sevrall warrants of the Sovraigne all w? beinge 
 against his oath of a Free Comoner and against an Order 
 made the first of March 1644 for w? offences of the said John 
 Steawart, wee the Sovraigne and Burgesses whose names are 
 hereundr. written here assembled at this said Court doo dis- 
 franchisse the said John Steawart of all libtyes and privileidges 
 of this Corporacon 
 
 John Ayshe Sovrne 
 
 Richard x Gattley Rob. Foster 
 
 marke Thomas Hanington 
 
 Hu? X Doake Tho Theaker 
 
 his marke 
 George Martin 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 45 
 
 Att an Assembly houlden by the Sovraigne & Burgesses 
 the eight daye of Novembf 1647 the saide John Steawart 
 M''.';' in the order above menconed acknowledo-inor his offence 
 and submitting himself to the Bench uppon serious deHbacon 
 and uppon the good oppinion of the said Sovraigne & 
 Burgesses & their good affeccon unto the said John Steawart 
 they have not onely remitted the said John Steawarts offence 
 but alsoe they the saide Sovraigne & Burgesses have receaved 
 & admitted the said John Steawart to bee a Free Stapler & 
 Free Comonf of this Toune according to the ancient Ubtyes 
 privileidges & ffranchisses of the said Toune 
 
 Tho Theaker 
 
 Richard Gatlie. Rob: Foster 
 George Martin 
 
 Willm Leithes Thomas Haningrton 
 
 To all Xtian people to whom this p'sent writing shall come We the Sovraigne 
 and Burgesses of the Borrough & Towne of Belfast in y? County of Antrim 
 within yf Kingdome of Ireland send Greeting in our lord God everlasting 
 Know yee that John Martin of Belfast aforesaid merch' in y° tyme of William 
 Leathes gentlman now Soveraigne of the Borrough and Towne of Belfast 
 aforesaid upon his humble peticon unto y° said Soveraigne and Burgesses was 
 admitted and sworne a Merchant Stapler and free Comoner of the Corporacon 
 & Towne of Belfast afforesaid according to the Franchises libertyes previledges 
 of the said Towne unto the said Soveraigne and Burgesses by his Ma'-* Let-? 
 pattents granted In testimony whereof wee have caused the Common Scale 
 of the said Towne to these p'sents to be fixed the seaventh day of Apprill in 
 the twoo and twentieth yeare of the Reigne of our Soveraigne lord Charles by 
 the Grace of God of England Scotland France & Ireland Kinge Defend - of 
 the faith Anno dni 1646 
 
 WILLIAM LEATHES 
 
 Sover 
 Richard Wall Towne Gierke 
 of the Borrough afforesaid 
 
 Att an Assembly houlden the i8th day of June Anno dni 
 1646 Willm Leythes gen Sovraigne, Mr Foster Mr Haning- 
 ton Mr Gateley Mr Martin Mr Doake Burgesses of the 
 Borrough aforesaid then prsent together wt many of the 
 Cominaltye John Leythes Gentl sonne of the saide Mr 
 Willm Leythes was sworne one of the Burgesses of the saide 
 
46 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Toune according to the elleccon & order by the Assembly at 
 the Court houlden the third of Octobr 1644 ^^^^ tolce the 
 Oath of Burgess according to the use and custom of the said 
 Toune 
 
 Willm Leythes 
 
 Sovr 
 George Martin 1646 
 
 Rob Foster 
 Thomas Hanington 
 Richard Gateley 
 Hueh Doake 
 
 t) 
 
 Att an Assembly held for the Burrough of Belfast the 
 20th day of March 1643. Wheras there were two of the 
 Burgesses of the said Burrough Deceased vizt Henry: L:: 
 Squire Esq? and John Haddock gent: Therefore in the 
 p.'.sence of Thomas Theakir Suffran thence — the major part of 
 the Burgesses whose names are hereunder written Major 
 George Rawden and Captain Roger Lyndon were elected to 
 be made free Burgesses of the said Burrough 
 
 Tho Hannington 
 John Mitchell 
 John Leithes 
 Tho Stephenson 
 William Leithes 
 Richard Gately 
 
 Att the Assembly 18 Junnii 1646 it was proclaimed by 
 the said assembly concerninge the said order that it was 
 proved by the said assembly that the said order was not legall 
 but fained 
 
 Willm Leathes Sov 
 Thomas Hannington 1646 
 
 George Martin 
 Rob' Foster 
 
 Att an Assemblye houlden the i8th of June 1646 it was 
 thought meete & expedient that the order above specified for 
 the ellection of Roger Lyndon Esq'f and George Rawden 
 Esq'' to be Burgesses as aforesaid shall be repealed and 
 utterly revoked 
 
 Willm Leathes, Sov' 
 Thomas Hannington Rob' Foster 
 
 Richard Gatlie George Martin 
 
 Hughe Doake 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 47 
 
 |TT the Court of Assembly houlden the 13th of 
 Januar 1647 It was moconed by the said Courte 
 That an honest discreet and und''standing man 
 well learned in the law shall bee ellected and 
 chosen to bee a constant Toune Gierke of this Courte of 
 the Borrough of Belfast aforesaid and to have a patent 
 for the due execucon of his office during his good behavior 
 according to the auncient use and custom of this Towne 
 and according to the libtyes and privileidges as hath been 
 used in other Courts and this elleccon to be made by the 
 Sovraigne and Burgesses at the next Court to be houlden for 
 this said Burrough to the end that all records belonging to 
 the said Court and for the publique service of the said 
 Towne may be kept in due forme & p'petuity 
 
 HI) Hugh Doak Sovraigne 
 W Crymble 
 Thomas Hannington 
 Willm Leithes 
 
 1647 
 Richard Gately 
 George Martin 
 
 29 die Januar 1647 
 
 At the Courte then houlden wee the Sovraigne & Burgesses 
 by the experience and good oppinion wee have had & doo 
 beare unto Richard Wall have ellected & chosen him to bee 
 our Toune Gierke during his honest carriage & upright 
 behavior in the said place and that he shall have a patent for 
 the same undf our hands and the Comon Scale of this Towne 
 HD Hugh Doak 
 
 Sovraigne 
 Thomas Hanington Rob' Foster 
 George Martin 
 
 M? that the 15"" daye of February Anno dni 1647 M'- Foster and 
 M'- Leythes being called before the Sovraigne to testify their knowledge con- 
 cerning an agreem'- made betwixt Widowe Anderson late wieffe of John 
 
48 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Anderson deceased on the one p'." and Thomas Smyth of Belfast aforesaid 
 Blackesmyth on the other p" That about June last they were chosen to bee 
 Arbitrators by the saide Widdow Anderson and the saide Thomas Smyth for 
 the ending and determining of a certain difference then depending betwixt 
 them uppon the same the said M' Foster and M' Leythes did draw both the 
 saide ptyes to this Agreem' as followeth viz'- First the said Thomas Smyth 
 should have hould possess and enjoye one shoppe or Smythie w'i was late 
 Willm Patridge her former husband deceased whereof half was given unto 
 him in marriage w'- her daughter and alsoe all the worke Tooles w- the 
 saide Willm Patridge had at the tyme of his death halfe of w- said Tooles 
 was likewise given unto him bye his said marriag and alsoe all the houses and 
 buildings w? standeth betwixt the saide Smythie and the dwelling house of the 
 saide Willm Patridge and a parte of a garden w" once John Sanderson had in 
 possession during the naturall lieffe of her the saide Widdow Anderson and for 
 w? saide pTmisses the saide Thomas Smyth should well and truely paye or cause 
 to bee paide unto the said Widdow Anderson dureing her lieffe yearely and from 
 yeare to yeare the some of fourtye shillings ster' at two times in the yeare 
 viz' at May daye and the first of Novemb' by even and equall porcons and that 
 his tyme should begin att May then past and his first rent daye to bee the first 
 of Novemb' w" is now past and that hee should have the remaind'. of an 
 apprentishippe of one boy called Francis Barden w'' was an apprentis w' the 
 said Willm Patridge besides all w' the saide Thomas Smyth was to have the 
 half of a Cowehouse w! the said widdow And'son during her lieffe. 
 
 Rob Foster 
 Willm Leythes 
 is"" of Februar 1647 
 
 gg2£jjjj John Harden Smyth being sworne and examined at what tyme hee 
 
 delivred possession of the shoppe w^ hee had from Widdow Anderson late 
 wieffe of Willm Patridge saith that hee delivered possession of the saide shopp 
 unto Thomas Smyth the second of May last. 
 
 Vicesimo die Marcii Anno dni 1647 
 
 Bglfjjt Ml That the daye and yeare aforesaide James Lynsay of Belfast 
 
 aforesaide hath acknowledged and confessed himself well contented sattisfyed 
 and paid of and by the hands of John Whyte of Antrym m". as well for one 
 debte of fiftye pounds ster' w' was heretofore due unto the saide James Lynsay 
 by bill as above for all other debts reckenings and accompts whatsoevf w'^hath 
 been betwixt us for anie cause matter or thinge whatsovf since the begininge 
 of the world until! the daye of the date hereof and thereof and everye p' and 
 prcU thereof doe for mee the saide James Lynsay my heres Execut"? and 
 adm'.* and for evrye of us clearly acquite exonrate and discharge him the saide 
 John Whyte his Executo'^ and adm" for ever by these pr'nts In witness whereof 
 I the said James Lynsay have caused this my discharge and acquittance on the 
 p' & behalf of the said John Whyte to be registered in the book of record 
 wMn this Towne and hereunto have subscribed my name the daye and yeare 
 first above written 
 
 James Lindsay 
 Intrat' et inroll' in die 
 & Anno super 
 
 ad instance p"" Johis Whyte sub manu 
 
 p"" Jac Linsay per me Richardu Wall 
 
 Clericum curia Burgi sive 
 ville p"" 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 49 
 
 B^iT'ti'^^c m ^^^ '^'^ Assembly by the Sovraigne and Burgesses the 
 Antrym eight daye of Novemb!' Anno dni 1647 uppon the takinge an 
 Accompte of the money w? hath beene given by certaine 
 charitable and well disposed people now deceased to the 
 future releiffe of the poore distressed Inhabitants of the 
 Borrough of Belfast vizt by Mr Edward Holmes deceased 
 sometymes Sovraigne of this said Towne the some of fourtye 
 ^40 o o pounds sterl the interest whereof was to bee distributed 
 yearely to the said poore Now itt appeares upon takinge 
 700 of this said accompt that [this] there was [ten] seaven pounds 
 put into the hands of one Mr John Washer nowe deceased 
 whose Estate w!in this Towne since the tyme of the 
 begining of the Rebellion is laid wast nor posteritye of 
 him left here wherebye the said [ten] seaven pounds w' 
 the interest thereof is left desparat yet yf there bee anie 
 meanes left whereby the said [ten] seaven pounds or anie 
 interest now dew may bee obtained ; It shalbee p'sently 
 thought ttppon & put in execucon, And whereas there is 
 other ten pounds thereof put into the hands of Gowen 
 Boltye and Sibbye his wieff late wief of the said Edward 
 Holmes for the w": Mr Richard Gateley is bound It is 
 ordered that the said Gowen Boltbye shall paye in lieu 
 of the interest w"^ is in arreare for the tyme past fourtye 
 shillings att or uppon the 24th of Decembr next and 
 for the tyme to come shall give new bonnde but the 
 same securitye and whereas there is other ten pounds 
 of the said fourtye pounds in the hands of ffranc Ratcliff 
 it is ordered likewise that the said ffranc Ratcliffe shall 
 pay in lieu of the interest w"^ is in arrear for the tyme 
 past fourtye shillings sterl at or uppon the said 24th of 
 Decemb! and shall give new bonnde And whereas like- 
 wise there is other ten pounds of the said fourtye pounds 
 in the hands of Mr Thomas Theaker one of the Bur- 
 gesses of this Towne it is ordered that the said Thomas 
 Theaker shall paye in lieu of the interest w?. is in arreare 
 for the tyme past fourtye shillings at or uppon the 24th 
 daye of Decemb" next and shall give new bonnd for ye 
 principall And yf anie of the said ptyes vizt Gowen 
 Boultbye, ffrancis Ratcliffe and Mr Thomas Theaker shall 
 refuse to p'forme this order or to give securitye for the 
 principall somes according to the Tenor hereof It is 
 ordered that they shall paye the whole interest now in 
 arreare for the tyme past and shall give security for the 
 
50 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 principall somes not w.'. standing, or otherwise they shall 
 bee proceeded against by due course of Law 
 
 H) Hugh Doake 
 George Martin Soveraigne 
 
 , Rob Foster 
 Thomas Hanington 
 Tho : Theaker 
 Richard Gatlie 
 Willm Leithes 
 1647 
 
 Belfast ll^^ll HE RE AS likewise att the said Assembly by the 
 
 Sovraigne and Burgesses the eight daye of Novemb^ 
 1647. Itt did appeare uppon Information by Mr 
 Rob'" Foster one of the Burgesses of the said Toune that hee 
 had disbursed to Mr Nearne for a house for to bee a Courte of 
 Guarde iiii'' sterl out of his owne purse for sattisfacon whereof 
 unto himself hee was pleased to accept iii'' whereof he hath 
 receaved xxxixs and viiid sterl of the free Comon':? made in 
 the tyme when he was Sovraigne and hee is to have from 
 Rob'"" Clugston xxs sterl w? is ordered by the Bench for the 
 said Rob'" Clugston to pay to the use of the Toune for his 
 ffreedom and soe the saide Mr Foster is cleared of all accompts 
 whatsoever w? can or may bee exacted for the tyme of his 
 sovraignety. 
 
 Hugh Doake 
 H3 
 
 Sovraigne 
 Richard Gatlie 
 
 Rob Foster 
 George Martin 
 
 Willm Leithes 
 
 1647 Thomas Hanington 
 
 Belfast Whereas likewise att the saide Assemblye Itt doth 
 
 manifestly appeare that Mr Thomas Hanington one of 
 y? Burgesses of this Towne in the tyme of his Sovraignty 
 had disbursed of his owne purse for sevrall uses for the 
 Towne sevrall somes of money for w? the Sovraigne & 
 Burgesses have made composicon w' him and are agreed to 
 give him fiftye shillings sterl wf is to bee paid unto him out 
 of some moneys w? is due unto the saide Toune by such 
 p'sons w". heretofore have beene admitted ffree w'in the said 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 51 
 
 Toune and soe the said Mr Hanington is absolutely clear for 
 all accompts during the time of his Soveraignty 
 
 Hugh H) Doake 
 
 Sovraigne 
 Richard Gatlie, Tho Theaker. 
 
 Rob Foster 
 
 Likewise Mr George Marten is to bee allowed [foure 
 payable] xxs sterl for nieale w^ was taken from him to give 
 to some poore people w^ was sent over for England in the 
 begininge of this Rebellion 
 
 Hugh FD Doake 
 
 Sovraigne 
 Richard Gatlie 
 Willm Leithes Rob Foster 
 
 1647 
 George Martin Thomas Hanington 
 Tho Theaker 
 
 IKEWISE at the saide assemblye Mr Thomas 
 
 Theaker, all his accompts for the tyme of his Sov- 
 
 raigntye being a new p'used over uppon w? it doth 
 
 appeare that he hath justly p'fected his accompts 
 
 for all receipts & disbursm'? whatsoev' and that there was due 
 
 unto him by his disbursm'' for the Toune use more than his 
 
 receipts iii'' xv' x** sterl for w^ hee hath beene allowed him out 
 
 the assessm'? ymposed uppon him at sevrall tymes since May 
 
 last iii'" iii' vi'' and the rest to bee allowed him out of his Sess 
 
 untill it bee fully sattisfyed and soe the saide Mr Thomas 
 
 Theaker is cleared of all his accompts both for his disbursm" 
 
 & receipts for the use of the Toune from the begininge untill 
 
 this p'sent daye i r^ t t l t-. t 
 
 ^ ■' HJ Hugh Doake 
 
 Tho Theaker Sovraigne 
 
 George Martin, Richard Gatlie, Rob Foster 
 
 Willm Leithes 
 
 1647 Thomas Hanington 
 
52 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Belfast 
 
 Likewise att the saide Assemblye Mr Willm Leythes one 
 of the [Sovraign] Burgesses of this Toune although hee had 
 formerly p'fected his accompts for all his disbursm'.'& receipts 
 for the use of the Toune in the tyme of his Sovraigntye yet 
 nowe desiring that his saide accompts might bee cleared before 
 this assemblye and soe recorded It doth appeare manifestly 
 that hee hath made a nise and p'fect accompt and that hee hath 
 disbursed of his owne accord for the good & welfare of the 
 said Toune in work done in the Church yarde and about the 
 Church and in some other services for the use of y' Toune 
 iii''sterl w? hee doth gratisly clear the Towne of and therefore 
 the saide Mr Leythes is cleared of all his accompts both for his 
 disbursm" and receipts for the tyme of his Sovraigntye 
 
 Hugh 
 
 Willm Leithes 
 
 1647 
 Thomas Hanington 
 Tho Theaker 
 
 Doake 
 HD Sovraigne 
 
 Robt Foster 
 
 Richard Gatlie 
 George Martin 
 
 Belfast 
 
 Att the said Assemblye houlden by the Sovraigne & 
 Burgesses the eight daye of Novembr. 1647. Itt is ordered 
 and thought fitting and convenient for the decency in the 
 placinge of the Burgesses in the Church att the assemblinge 
 of the Congregacon for the publique wor*;? of God eyther 
 uppon the Lords daye or anie other daye appointed for 
 publique wor^P (that the twoe Seats w? heretofore was 
 allotted and sett aparte for the Burgesses for their ease next 
 adjacent to the Sovraignes seat) because that there is a 
 greater concourse & assembly of the people nowe for the 
 pr.sent by reason of the twoe Regim" remaining in this Towne 
 one of the saide seats during these tymes may bee verye well 
 reserved and kept for the saide Burgesses notw'standing the 
 great Assembly Itt is therefore ordered that one of the saide 
 seats shalbee constantly kept and p.'.served for the said 
 Burgesses from tyme to tyme and that noe person or persons 
 
Si'w Aisrsi's csmiDJiEcBiii 
 
 siEL^wmiL ®w m^^m , 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 53 
 
 whatsoev"' eyther y' fforraigner or ffree Comon' shalbee 
 admitted into the said Seat and that noe Free Comony or 
 Inhabitant of this Toune or parish shall intrude himselfe into 
 the said seat from hencforth w^ yf anie doe contrarye to this 
 order they shall pay xii'^ a piece for evrye offence they 
 shall give herein and that Mr Sovraigne [shall] for the tyme 
 [levyed] beinge shall see the same levyed w.'.out unnecessary 
 delay w? xii'' shall goe towards the reparing of the Church, 
 And after that it may please God to give a more peacable tyme 
 amongest us and that the parish may bee eased of the multi- 
 tude of offic". and Souldiers w? remaines amongst us, That 
 then the saide twoe seats shall be solely to & for the ease & 
 seats of the said Burgesses and noe other. 
 
 Willm Leithes 
 
 1647 
 George Martin 
 
 HD Hugh Doake Sovraigne 
 Rob Foster Thomas Haning-ton 
 Tho Theaker Richard Gatlie 
 
54 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Decimo nono die Marcii- 
 
 Noverint omnes per presentes nos Jacobum Nisbitt de Ladytowne infra Regnum 
 Scotie generosum Johan Paule et Jacob" Rogers de Glascho infra Regnum 
 pdct Mercatores teneri et firmiter obligari Jacobo Maxwell de Carrickfargus 
 infra Regnum Hibernie Mercator in ducentis libris legalis monete de et in 
 Anglia solvendis eidem Jacobo Maxwell aut suo certo attorn Executor vel 
 assignat suis ad quam quidem solucionem bene et fideliter faciendam obligamus 
 nos et quemlibet nostrum per se pro toto et in solid' heredes Executores et 
 administratores nostros firmiter per presentes sigillis n'ris sigillat dat vicesimo 
 nono die Novembris anno dni 1647. 
 
 The condicon of this obligation is such that if the above bound James 
 Nisbitt John Paule and James Rogers or any of them or the Executors 
 administrato" or assigns of them or any of them doe well and truly pay or 
 cause to be payed unto the above named James Maxwell his Executo'* 
 administrate" or assigns The some of one hundred pounds current and lawfuU 
 money of and in England At one entyre payment uppon the first daye of May 
 next ensuing the date above written w'out further delay Att or w".'in the now 
 dwelling house of the said James Maxwell in Carrickfargus above written That 
 then this obligacon to bee void and of none effect or else to stand in full 
 strength & vertue 
 
 Signed sealed and delivered Ja Nisbitt 
 
 in the presence of Johne Paull 
 
 Val : Savage James J R Rogers 
 Ja : hamilton his deed : 
 
 Tho : Houghton 
 Edward Morton 
 
 M? That the eightenth daye of Decemb!: Anno dni 1647, 
 at the convenino^ of the Sovraione and Burg-esses Willm 
 Thomson of Belfast aforesaid Mr" made his composicon for 
 his monethly assem! dureinge the tyme that these Burthens 
 lyeth uppon the Inhabitants of the said Towne for the Officers 
 mantennce, provant for the Souldiers for Genrall Maj'or.^ 
 Troope for fier and candle to the Guards and for repairing 
 the Rampier That hee the said Willm Thomson shall well 
 and truely paye or cause to bee paid from moneth to moneth 
 dureing the said tyme the some of twentye and five shillings 
 sterl: everye moneth, and so payinge the same the said 
 Willm Thomson shall shall bee clearly acquitted from all 
 other Sesses levyes taxes and imposicons whatsoevT w? shall 
 or might bee imposed laide or assessed uppon the saide Willm 
 Thomson for anie cause vvhatsoev^ excepting quarters for 
 Souldiers As witness their hands hereunto subscribed the daye 
 and yeare first above written 
 
 Hugh H3 Doake 
 Willm W T Thomson Sovraigne 
 
 W L Willm Leithes Rob Foster 
 
 1647 Thomas Hanington 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 55 
 
 The sixt of Apprill Anno dni 1648 this order above 
 written is repeald and revoked by consent of the whole Bench 
 
 Rob Foster 
 Thomas Hanington 
 Willm Leithes 
 1648 
 
 HE RE AS att an Assembly houlden the eight day 
 of Novembr 1647, it was ordered that those persons 
 w? had the money wf was given by Mr Holmes to 
 the use of the [Towne] poore being in arreare for 
 the use of the said money should in lieu of all 
 arrears past pay onely the some of fourtye shillings a peece 
 nowe at Chrmas according to wf order ffranc Ratcliffe doth 
 now come heare and payes for his par' twentye shillings and 
 by reason of the scarsity of these tymes daye is given him 
 untill May daye next for the paym' of the remand.": L.'. Theaker 
 is come likewise and hath paid likewise twentye shillings and 
 hath like tyme given him for the paym' of the remand' of 
 the fourtye shillings Mrs Boltbye hath paide likewise twenty 
 shillings of her p'- and by reason of her necessitye is remitted 
 and acquitted for the rest Richard Gateley being suertye for 
 the said Mrs Boltbye is cleared by this order for all arreares 
 past untill this pf.sent this 23rd of Decemby 1647 
 
 Rob Foster 
 Thomas Hanington 
 Willm Leithes 
 
 1647 
 George Martin 
 
 Att the Court houlden the 30th of Decemb' 1647 uppon 
 the advisem! by the said Court for the Searchinge and Sealing 
 of Leather here w!in this Towne It is ordered by the saide 
 Court that by reason of this winter season Leather cannot 
 
56 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 conveniently bee dryed in it right season as it ought to bee 
 according to the Statute. Therefore it shall and may bee 
 lawfull to and for the Searchers and Sealers of Leather that 
 yf they bee required to scale anie Leather during this winter 
 season untill the first of March, yf anie such Leather bee 
 sufficiently tanned though not throughly dryed they shall 
 scale the same otherwise not, and after the said first daye of 
 March noe Tanner shall not offer to put to sale anie Leather 
 whatsoevr except the same bee sufficiently Tanned and 
 throughly dryed and searched and sealed according to the 
 Statute in paine of such forfeture as is lymitted in and by the 
 said Statute 
 
 Hugh H3 Doake 
 
 Sovraigne 
 Rob Foster Willm Leithes 
 
 Thomas Hanington 1647 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 57 
 
 The nth of Januar 1648 
 
 At the Courte of Assembly houlden the daye and yeare 
 aforesaid It is agreed uppon by the genrall consent of the 
 Sovraigne and Burgesses then p.'.sent that there shalbee a 
 constant yearely stipend of x" sterl allowed by the saide 
 Toune for the myntenence of a schole master for the educacon 
 & bringinge upp of youth w!in this Toune and meanes made 
 for a convenient howse or chambr for the said schole master 
 to inhabit in and also a convenient schole howse to teach in 
 and that for the raiseing of the saide yearly stipend of x" 
 and the meanes for the dwelling howse & schole howse dureing 
 these troublesome tymes, That there be from Quarter to 
 Quarter a Sesse ymposed uppon each Inhabitant w'in this 
 Toune accordinge as their abilityes shalbee justly found by 
 the Sesso? and that the Sovraigne of the Toune for the 
 tyme beinge shall from Quarter to Quarter cause such a 
 Sessm' to bee made and duely levyed accordingly 
 
 Rob Foster 
 
 Sovraigne 
 Fra: Meeke Willm Leithes 
 
 Constable of the Castell 1648 
 
 Thomas Hanington Richard Gateley 
 
 Tho Theaker Hugh HD Doake 
 
 George Martin 
 
 Bee it kiiowne unto all men by these p'sents that I Thomas Smyth of Dublin 
 m'chnt doo owe and am indebted unto Joseph Harries of Carrickfergus the full 
 and just some of fourtye and twoe shillings sterl to bee paid to the said Joseph 
 Harries his Executo" adm" or assignes uppon the last daye of this instant 
 September to the p'formnce whereof I binde me my Execute'? adm" and assignes 
 firmely by these p'sents As witness my hand the second day of September, 1 648. 
 
 Witness hereunto per mee Thomas Smyth. 
 
 Hugh Lyndon 
 
 Edmond Yeo Inrotulatur et Examinatur concordat 
 
 cum originali per me Ricum Wall 
 clericum curiae Burgi sive Ville 
 de Belfast 30 die Januarij 1648 
 
 More I doc acknowledge to have rec'.' at the hands of Joseph Harris m'chant 
 the number of fiftye Barrells and a halfe of barque of w' I doe promise to give 
 him a true account of the proceed att Carrickfergus upon demand As witness 
 my hand the 2? Septemb' 1648. 
 
 per me Tho: Smyth 
 Witness hereunto 
 
 Hugh Lyndon Inrotulatur et examinatur concordat 
 
 Edmond Yeo cum originali per me Ricum Wall 
 
 clericum curiae &c 30 die Jan. 
 1648 
 
58 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Belfast 
 
 Bee itt knowne unto all men by these pf.sence that I Thomas Smyth of Dublin 
 mchant doe stand and am justly indepted unto Joseph Harris of the County 
 of the Towne of Carrickfergus m'chant in the Some of eleven pounds and ten 
 shillings currant and lawfull money of and in England to bee paid to the said 
 Joseph Harris his Executo'.* adm'?. and assignes uppon the thirtieth daye of 
 September next ensueinge the date hereof at his now dwellinge house in the 
 Towne aforesaid to w" paym' truely to bee made I binde me my Execute'^ 
 adm'^ and assignes firmly by these p'.sents As witness my hand and Seale this 
 25th day of July 1648 
 
 per me Tho Smyth 
 Witness 
 
 Clem' Bashford Inrotul' et examinat' concordat cum 
 
 Michaell Savadge originali per me Ricum Wall 
 
 clericum curiae & 30 die Januar. 
 1648 
 
 15° die Septembr 1648 
 
 Bee it knowne unto all men by these p'nts that I John Clugston of 
 Belfast merchant doe owe and am indebted unto Captain Robert Lawson of 
 Londonderrye m'rchant the some of fourtye eight pounds eighte shillings and 
 seaven pence currant money of England to bee paid to the said Captane 
 Rob' Lawson his heres Executo" administrato" or assignes in or uppon the 
 tenth daye of Novemb' next ensueinge the date hereof to the w" paym' well 
 and truely to bee made I doe bynde mee and my heires Execut'^ and 
 administrato" firmely by these puts. In witness whereof I have hereunto set 
 my hand and Seal the twentie sixt daye of Octob' 1647 ii the yeare of the 
 raigne of our Sovraigne Lord Kinge Charles &c 
 
 John Clugston 
 Sealed and delivered in HD Hugh Doak 
 
 the presence of Sovraigne 
 
 Ja. Coningham vera copia concordat cum originaH 
 
 John Burneside et Examinatur per me Ricardum 
 
 Wall Clericum curiae ibidem 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 59 
 
 Burgiis de M? That the thirtieth daye of Novemb' in the foure and twentieth 
 
 Belfast in Com yg^j.g of the raigne of our Sovraigne Lord Charles by the grace of God of 
 t\nirym England Scotland France and Ireland Kinge defender of the faith &c 
 
 Anno dni 1648 Robert Foster of Belfast aforesaid gentl. nowe Sovraigne 
 of the said Towne, Thomas Rigbye sonne of Richard Rigbye late of 
 Clough Castle w'in the parish of Belfast aforesaid husbandman deceased 
 came before the said Sovraigne and of his own Accord and free will and by 
 and w' the consent assent and good likeinge of all his freinds and kinsfolke 
 then being and liveinge w'in the said Towne of Belfast put himself an Appren- 
 tice and covenant servant unto John Rigbye of Belfast aforesaid Tanner his 
 brother for the full Terme tyme and space of seaven whole yeares fully to bee 
 compleat & ended three yeares of w? saide Terme the saide John Rigbye 
 acknowledgeth were ended at and uppon the first daye of Novemb' last past 
 before the date hereof and were well and faithfully served and imployed in the 
 Service of the saide John Rigbye his said Master and by him acknowledged 
 and taken to bee part of the saide Thomas Rigbye his apprenticeshippe And 
 the said Thomas Rigbye doth covennt promisse and grannt to and with the 
 said John Rigbye his Execute'^ administrator and Assignes and to and w!- 
 evrye of them by these prsents That hee the said Thomas Rigbye shall and 
 will dwell w' and well and faithfully serve the said John Rigbye his said 
 Master dureinge the remaind' of the said term of seaven yeares the tyme 
 of his saide apprentishipp as his apprentise and covennt servant after 
 the forrme and maner of an apprentice according to the Statute in that case 
 made and provided as well in the arte crafte trade science mistery and 
 occupacon of a Tanner as alsoe in all other the facultyes labors workes 
 necessarye occasions and businesses of the said John Rigbye w' are and shalbee 
 honest just and lawfull dureinge the said Terme And that the said Thomas 
 Rigbye shall not in aniewise waste destroye put away or otherwise unlawfully 
 ymbesill anie the goods, wares, merchandize or other commodityes of him the 
 said John Rigbye his said master or knowe or cause the same or anie of them 
 to bee wasted destroyed or put awaye or unlawfully ymbesilled dureing the said 
 Term but shall to the uttermost of his power staye lett and hinder the same or 
 else ymediatly give notice and warning thereof unto the said John Rigbye his 
 said master And further alsoe that hee the said Thomas Rigbye dureing the 
 said Terme shall not haunte use frequent or otherwise pracktise anie unlawful 
 games comon alehouses Tavernes bawdye houses or anie evil lewd or dishonest 
 companie to the loss prejudice or hinderance of his saide master nor by any 
 meanes or by or uppon anie occasion of his owne absent or w' drawe himself 
 out of or from the worke labor service or businesses of his said Master by day or 
 by night w' hout the licence libtye or privileidge of his said Master And alsoe 
 that hee the said Thomas Rigbye shall not dureing the said Terme buye sell 
 or exchange anie goods wares merchandize or comodityes to the use benefitt 
 or profitt of himself or of anie other p'son or p'sons whatsoev' save onely to the 
 use benefitt or profitt of his said Master dureinge the said Terme w'hout the 
 speciall lycense of his said Master The Secretes and Counsell of his saide 
 Master lawfull juste and honest dureing the saide Terme hee shall well and 
 faithfully keepe secrete and conceale Matrimonie hee shall not contract or 
 comitt fornicacion to or w' anie woman dureing the said term And lastly hee 
 the said Thomas Rigbye shall and will from tyme to tyme and at all tymes 
 hereafter dureing the said Terme order behave rule govern and behave himself 
 towards the said John Rigbye his said Master in all things as an obedient just 
 true and faithfuU Apprentice and covennt servant ought to doe and behave 
 himself In consideracon of w" said dutye, obedience good and civill behaviour 
 and faithfull service in manner and forme as aforesaid to bee done and faithfully 
 
6o The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 p'formed unto the said John Rigbye his said Master The said John Rigbye 
 for himself his Execut°^^ and administrat"" and for evrye one of them doth 
 covenant promise and grant to and w' him the said Thomas Rigbye his 
 Execute''!' Administrato'? and Assignes and to and w' evrye of them by these 
 p'sents that hee the said John Rigbye shall and will at all and evrye tyme and 
 tymes hereafter and from tyme to tyme dureing the said Terme instructe teach 
 and informe or cause to be instructed taught and informed him the said 
 Thomas Rigbye his said Apprentice as well in the arte trade craft science 
 misterye and occupacon of a Tanner as alsoe in all other artes trades crafts 
 sciences misteryes and occupacons w5^ the said John Rigbye his said Master 
 now useth exerciseth or pracktiseth or hereafter shall use exercise or pracktise 
 dureing the said terme as well in the best sort maner and forme as the said 
 John Rigbye his said Master can instructe teach and informe by his dilligent 
 instrucion & informacion and as the capacity and understandinge of the said 
 Thomas Rigbye can or may attaine unto And alsoe And alsoe {sic) that hee 
 the said John Rigbye his Executo? adm'? or Assignes shall well and truely pay 
 or cause to bee paid unto the said Thomas Rigbye his Apprentice and covenant 
 servant the some of twentye six shillings sterl. yearely dureing the said Terme 
 and alsoe shall give and allowe his said Apprentice the Tannery of half a deacre 
 of Leather evrye yeare dureing the said Terme towards the mantennce of him 
 the said Thomas Rigbye w' apparrell and other necessaryes And alsoe yf the 
 said Thomas Rigby shall dilligently obediently and faithfuUye serve & staye 
 w' the said John Rigby his said Master dureinge the said Terme That then 
 the said John Rigby his Execut"" or admin" shall well and truely paye or cause 
 to bee paid unto the said Thomas Rigbye the some of five pounds sterl. in 
 money or comodityes at the end and expiracon of his said Terme of 
 Apprentishippe In witness whereof both the said John Rigbye and Thomas 
 Rigbye came before the said Sovraigne and mutually acknowledged this said 
 Agreem' and desired the same to bee enrolled & registered uppon Recorde and 
 have hereunto subscribed their names the day and yeare first above written. 
 
 Burgus de M^' That the 23'.*' of Decemb' Anno dni 1648 ffrancis Ratcliff haveinge 
 
 Belfast in Com in his hands & custody the some of ten pounds sterl. given to the Towne by 
 Antrym jyjr £(J^vard Holmes for the use of the poore of the saide Towne and now 
 
 beinge behinde for the yearely interest thereof the some of fourtye shillings 
 sterl. the w? for the tyme p'sent hee is not able to pay yet to give satisfaccion 
 for the same and for the yearely interest thereof for the tyme to come dureinge 
 these troublsome tymes The saide ffranc Ratcliffe for himself his Execute'^ 
 Adm'? and Assignes and for evrye of them [by these prstes] doth covenant 
 promise and Grant to and w' the Sovraigne and Burgesses of the Borrough 
 and Towne of Belfast aforesaid and their Successors That they the saide 
 Sovraigne and Burgesses shall receave yearely and from yeare to yeare from 
 and by the hands of some Tenant or Inhabitant w'in some cottage standing 
 uppon the land of the saide ffranc Ratcliff lycing and being w'in Belfast afore- 
 said betwixt the Miln port and the Miln untill the said ffranc Ratcliffe or his 
 assignes shall finde other securitye for the fourtye Shillings nowe in arrear The 
 Rec from Tho said ffranc Ratcliff is to pay xx' sterl in hand and xx* sterl at May next ensueing 
 Cook by Mr and afterwards there is xx'' to bee paid at and uppon the [24th of December] 
 ffoster of the jij.^f of Novemh': then next foUowinge And afterwards twenty Shillings yearely 
 'f i^n trii'ds'" '° "^ee P^'^ ^* ^'^y [Easter] and the [24th of December] first of Novemb: by 
 S'^from W these persons Tenants and Inhabitants of the said land in manner and forme 
 Dunshee 3= followinge vizt. Thomas Cook x'' in hand and afterwards x' pr Anm at Afay 
 4"! W"" Bryan [Easter] and the [24th of December] _;?r.f/ of Novembe" by even and equall por- 
 M '^\ X^ (^ cions Willm Dunshee 3^ 4"! in hands and afterwards vi' viii'' yearely at the dayes 
 Rob ffoster and tymes as aforesaid Willm Bryan f. 4'' in hand and afterwards vi' viii'' yearely 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 6i 
 
 as aforesaid John Martin v^- in hands and afterwards x' yearely as aforesaid 
 And they the said Thomas Cooke Willm Dunshee AViHm Bryan and John 
 Marten their Executo'* Adm" & assignes and for evrye of them doe covennt 
 promisse and undertake to and \v' the saide Sovraigne & Burgesses of the 
 Burrough and Towne of Belfast aforesaid and their Success'? well and truely 
 to pay or cause to bee paid unto the said Sovraigne and Burgesses and their 
 Successors the said sevrall somes aforesaid in maner and forme as aforesaid 
 dureinge the tyme aforesaid untill the said ffranc Ratclifif shall gjve other 
 security In witness whereof they the said ffrancis Ratcliff Thomas Cook 
 Willm Dunshee Willm Bryan and John Martin the daye and yeare first above 
 written have subscribed their names 
 
 ffrancis Ratcliffe 
 2"'' die Octobr 1649 
 
 M''. That the daye and yeare aforesaid Thomas Haward M" John BuUin- 
 brooke Chiorgeon Henry Cook Master of the Fellowshipp John Bedwell and 
 John Pickton did personallye come before mee George Marten Mr' nowe 
 Sovraigne of the Burrough and Towne of Belfast and did sevrally Testifye 
 uppon their Corporall oathes That John Blacke and Rob'" Black and most of 
 the Inhabitants of Groomsporte (except AVillm Stephenson) together w' severall 
 Inhabitants of Bangwell w' some of the cuntrye there next adjacent w' sevrall 
 officers & souldiers viz'. Ca: Willm Young Ca: Ja. Steawart, Cornet Rob'= 
 Purdye &c uppon Thurdsdaye the ii"', of this instant w' force and Armes 
 surprise the Barque called (the Katherine of Belfast) and did surprise and take 
 Major Westmorland and sevrall other officers and passengers of sevrall degrees, 
 and Thomas Haward above named and Robbed and spoyled him of goods 
 and Merchandize to the value of no" and 10^ sterl or thereabouts. 
 
 Tho Haward John Bedwell 
 
 John Bullinbrooke John Pickton 
 
 Henry H Cooke 
 
 irgus de Att the Courte of Assembly houlden the 9'" daye of Januar Anno dni 1650 
 ■IfastinCom Whereas Willm Thomson late an Inhabitant w'!'in this Towne was arrested by 
 ^ vertue of an order from the honorble the Commission'.* for the Revenues in 
 
 Ulster for arreares of Sesse for the tyme as hee hath absented himself out of 
 this Towne according to the said order uppon his petition unto the Sovraigne 
 Burgesses and Cominaltye s'mittinge himself unto the order of the said Courte 
 for the said arreares It is ordered by the saide Courte That the saide Willm 
 Thomson shall p'sently pay unto the Sovraigne for the use of the Towne for 
 discharge of the arreares of his Sesse w'l' was due unto the Towne as aforesaide 
 the some of ten pounds sterl xP for Mr. Sovraigne his charge and the Marshalls 
 Fees in the same and uppon p'forniance hereof the said Willm Thomson 
 shalbee clearly and fully discharged 
 
 Afterwards uppon greate importunity and supplication by the above named 
 Willm Thomson Itt is ordered that hee shall paye in hand five pounds sterl' 
 and other five pounds at and uppon the first day of Apprill next ensueing for 
 paymi whereof Willm Thom of Belfast Mchant hath engaged himself unto the 
 Sovraigne at the day lymitted and for the xP the said Willm Thomson shall 
 bring a free discharge unto the Sovraigne from the provost Marshall 
 
 Will: Thom M" that the 24'^ daye 
 
 of Apprill 165 1 the 
 Willm W T Thomson, marke ten pounds in the Order 
 
 above mencioned is acknowledged 
 by the Sovraigne & Burgesses to 
 be fully sattisfyed and paid by the above named Willm Thomson & W" 
 Thom according to the said order. 
 
62 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 And how the same hath beene wholy disbursed and ymployed for the Townes 
 use and occasions by the Sovraigne & Mr Willm Leythes It hath beene made 
 manifestly appeare in oppen Courte the said 24"' daye of Apprill 1651, and 
 therefore the said Mr. Sovraigne & Mr. Leythes are clearly discharg of that 
 accompt 
 
 Thomas Hanington 
 
 Sovraigne 
 
 To the right honorble the Lord President w'^ the rest of 
 the honor''.'^ the Comission" of the Revenues for the province 
 of Ulster 
 
 The humble Petition of the Sovraigne Burgesses and 
 Inhabitants of Belfast 
 
 UMBLY Shewinge unto yo' bono" that by reason 
 of yo" Suppliants soe greate and heavy burdens 
 wee supplicated yoy bono? at Colrane when you 
 mett there last, hopeinge for some ease or reliefe 
 as wee still doe but as yet have had none w".'' inforceth us 
 yoy suppliants, to acquaint yor honor' that wee reaped small 
 benefitt by the honor''.'^ Col Venables order, And that now 
 of late there is fallen defects and noewayes able to make 
 paym' of their monetly Assess, the numb' of eight or ten 
 w"? paide monethly the summ of five pounds the w'.*" being 
 summd unto our former defects make upp nere thirty pounds 
 monethly All w* being added unto yo"^ petitior? Cesses in- 
 forceth this their Supplication. 
 
 May it therefore please yo' bono" in tender consideration 
 of their deplorable condicon as to take away part of 
 their saide monethly assesses or helpe yor suppli- 
 cators by adding some other quarter to bee their 
 assistants or by granting unto them some custodim 
 lande and Tythes whereby they w"" their w"" their [sic) 
 poore familyes may not bee totally ruined and they 
 as bound shall pray &c 
 
TJie Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 63 
 
 Carrickfergus March the 13th 1650 
 
 Mr Teag O'Hara is hereby ordered to pay unto the 
 petitioners the twenty twoe pounds w''.'' hee is to pay p Anm 
 towards the easing of their contribution and yf the petition" 
 can finde out anie other way to their advantage and not to the 
 pubHque Revenues p'.judice it shalbee granted them 
 
 Cha: Coote 
 R. Venables 
 Chidley Coote 
 
 An Order uppon 
 Teag O'Hara 
 for paying the 
 xxii ponds w'.'' 
 hee was ordered 
 to pay to Belfast 
 fortheTyethesof 
 his owne Crates 
 
 Whereas M' Teag O'Harah desires to bee freed from paying 
 or contributing anie thing w'!" the protected people in the 
 Baroni of Loughinsolin hut to reside in the County of 
 Antrym and to be a distinct Crat by himself Wee are very 
 well content therew"' Provided he pay five pounds ten 
 shillings quarterly or more yf it come to his xpation of 
 what is contracted w'^ the said protected persons for w'.'' 
 some of 5'' 10' he is to pay unto the SovTaigne of Belfast 
 towards their helpe in the Sess & contribution of that Towne 
 
 Cha: Coote 
 R: Venables 
 Chydley Coote 
 Rob Baron 
 
 Receaved by the Sovraigne by vertue of the order aforemencioned from Teag 
 O'Harah for the first quarter since the said order ended the loth of May 1651 
 the some of 5" 10' and disbursed by him as followeth. 
 
 In primis to M' Willm Leythes for sevrall ymploym'? and disbursm'? of money 
 w*^"" hee had about the works of the Towne 3" 
 
 Item paid to M' Theaker for quarters for MT Shamba for three monethes 12^ 
 the monethe ended the tenth of June 165 1 i" 16' 
 
 Item to Jacksons sonne for mending the Strand way over the water 9' 
 
 Some total 5 5° 
 
 Remaineinge in M' Sovraigne's hands ) 
 of the 5" 10' o'' the some of / ' 
 
 5 
 
64 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 / ■ cin-fca.innis" 
 
 ARMS OF DUBLIN. 
 
 ARMS OF IRELAND. 
 
 ARMS OF KILKENNY. 
 
 Ireland 
 
 By the Commission" of the Parliam' of 
 the Comon wealth of England for the 
 Affairs of Ireland 
 
 It is ordered that the respective Tresurers of the Revenue in the respective 
 p.'cincts in Ireland doe not from and after due notice hereof yssue out anie 
 money arising from the receipt of the customes or excise \v"'out warrants 
 und' the hands of three or more of the Commission" of the Parliam! of the 
 Comon wealth of England. Kilkenney March 19"" 1650 
 
 H: Ireton Edm: Ludlow Miles Corbet 
 Jo: Jones John: Weaver 
 
 Imprinted at Dublin Anno d'ni 1650 
 
 It is ordered That the Comissioner^ of the Revenue in each p'.cinct in Ireland 
 doe take view and survey of all houses and lands in and about evrye City and 
 Garrison Towne w"'in evrye respective p'cinct and doe take especiall care that 
 all materialls belonging to the same bee p. 'served from waste: And doe let 
 and set the saide houses and lands for one yeare to the best advantage for the 
 Comon wealth, And where anie p'son shall undertake to build a new, finishe 
 or repaire anie howses or other buildings w'''in anie of the saide Cityes or 
 Townes : The said Comission" have hereby power and authority to make such 
 contracts on the behalf of the Comon wealth w"' such p'son & p'sons and 
 therein to take due consideration of the charge that every such whoe shall 
 contract w'.** them shalbee at in the building finishing or repairing the p'mises 
 and to allow conditions suitable and proportionall thereto. Provided that the 
 Comission'^ of the Revenue shall not grant anie of the p'mises soe to be built 
 finished or repaired for above the Terme of seaven yeares w"'out espiall warrant 
 from the Comission'^ of Parlm! 
 
 Kilkennye March 19 1650 
 Miles Corbett 
 Hr: Ireton, Edm: Ludlow, Jo: Jones John Weaver 
 
 Whereas great spoile and waste hath lately beene and is dayly made of Oak 
 Ash Elm and other Trees in or neare the sevrall garrisons and Townes in 
 Ireland and the Plankes, Rafters, Beames, doores, and other materialls belong- 
 ing to diverse vacant and ruined howses have been taken away burnt or wasted 
 whereby much damage doth arrise to the Comon wealth and a great want of 
 wood and Timber is likely to ensue for p ■' vention therefore of the like mischiefes 
 hereafter and that all yong Timber trees and other wood fitt for building, 
 plow Timber or other uses of Husbandry may bee for the future better 
 p' served and mantained. It is hereby ordered that noe Governor of Garrison 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 65 
 
 Souldier or other person or persons, whatsoev'' shall have after publication 
 hereof in the respective Countyes and Garrisons fell cut down or otherwise 
 destroy anie Timber tree oak ash elm or other tree (of what growth soevr) or 
 quick sett hedges groweing or being uppon anie grounds belonging to the 
 Conion wealth or uppon anie grounds belonging to anie person that hath been 
 in amies or assissted or p'^nioted the warr in Ireland against the Parliam' of 
 Comon wealth of England w'''out s'piall lycenses from the Com'^ of the 
 Revenues of the respective p'cincts first had and obtained in writing And the 
 said Com" and Governo" respectively are hereby authorised to yssue out such 
 licenses in all such cases where they find the same to bee of publique profitt& 
 advantage and not otherwise And that noe Souldier or other p'son doe take 
 burne or otherwise wast anie Timber or other materialls belonging to anie 
 ruinous empty or other house And the saide Com" for the Revenue or 
 Governors of the next Garrison in their respective p'cincts are hereby 
 authorised and required to yssue out their warrants, or otherwise to app'hend 
 such persons as shall (after publication hereof) comitt anie waste or spoile 
 uppon anie howse Timber or other woodd afore in contempt of this order and 
 uppon proofe made thereof comitt such p'son or persons to prison untill full 
 reparacon bee made for the same or such punishm' bee inflicted on the 
 offenders as the saide Com" or Governo" respectively shall judge agreable to 
 justice And to the end that this order bee put in due and speedy exeeucion 
 All Governors of Countyes Cityes and Garrisons and other officers are hereby 
 authorised and required to cause the same to bee published and to endevo' to 
 restrain the mischieffes aforesaide and severely to punish all Transgressors 
 against the intent hereof And all and evrye Governo" of Cityes and other 
 Garrison is hereby required to take speciall care that the woods w''' shalbee 
 necessaryly used for fuell in his respective Garrison bee cut at seasonable 
 tymes and in husbandlike manner and noe more bee felled than shall bee 
 necessary to be spent in the said Garrison and according to the Establishm'. 
 shortly to be made 
 
 Kilkennye 22 March 1650 
 Hen Ireton Edm Ludlow Miles Corbet 
 Jo Jones John Weaver 
 Imprinted at Dublin Anno dni 1651 
 
 Memorand 
 
 That M' Essex Digby preacher of the Word of God at Belfast in the 
 County of Antrym came unto mee Richard Wall gent. Towne Clerk of the 
 Borrough of Belfast aforesaid this p'.sent day being the first of March 1 65 1 
 and desired that hee might have enrolled uppon Record Letters of Administra- 
 tion w'.'" were granted him of the goods and Cattells w"".'' were the lady Lettice 
 Langford late of Carrickfergus whoe dyed intestete by Alexand' Colvill Doctor 
 of Divinitye ut Sequitur in hec verba viz! Allexander Colvill Sacrae Theolo- 
 gicas Docto' Comissarius legitime Constitutus dilecto in Christo Essex Digby, 
 de Collshell in Comitatu Warwick in Insula Angliae Clerico fratri doming 
 Laeticije Langford de Carrickfergus 
 
 Alsoe the above named M' Essex Digby desired the enrollm' of an Assignm! 
 made by James Tracey and John Orpin Executors of the Last Will and 
 Testament of Dame Anne Langford the widow and relict of S' Hercules 
 Langford late of Carrickfergus Kn! deceased the Tenor of w'.'' Assignm! is as 
 followeth : — 
 
 To all christyian people to whom these p'sents shall come Know yea that 
 wee James Tracey and John Orpin Executors of the last Will and Testament of 
 Dame Anne Langford the widowe and relict of Sr Hercules Langford late of 
 F 
 
66 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Carrickfergus Kn' deceased doe hereby for and in consideracon of the some 
 of twoe hundred pounds bequeathed as a legacy by the said Will & Testament 
 of Dame Anne Langford bearing date the fifte daye of Apprill 1647 unto Dame 
 Lettice Langford late wife unto S' Roger Langford of Carrickfergus aforesaid 
 Knight deceased freely assigne unto the saide Dame Lettice [digby] Langford one 
 Bond or Bill wherein the honor''!*-' Captane Arthur Chichester now Earle of 
 donnagall stands bound unto the said Dame Anne Langford bearing date the 
 26"' daye of Febr 1639 for the paym' of fiftye pounds in and uppon the last 
 day of May following as alsoe one other bond of Two hundred pounds like 
 money bearing date the iift day of July 1641 wherein Rob* Foster and Rich: 
 Foster of Belfast in the County of Antrim gent stand bound unto the said Dame 
 Anne Langford for the paym' of one hundred pounds at and uppon the first day 
 of Novemb' Anno dni 1642 as alsoe one other bond of M//-// [fifty] pounds sterl 
 bearing date the 24"' day of Januar 1637 wherein Mathew Johnston Humphrey 
 Johnston and John Davyes of Carrickfergus Alderman stande bound unto the 
 said Dame Anne Langford to sattisfy and paye unto her the full some of 
 fifteene pounds at or uppon the the first daye of Novemb' following as alsoe one 
 other Bond of thirtye pounds sterl wherein the said persons stand bound unto 
 the aforesaid Dame Anne Langford to sattisfy and paye unto her the some of 
 fifteene pounds like money w'*" Bond beareth date w"' the former and payable 
 at May 1638 as alsoe one other Bond of thirtye pounds sterl wherein the said 
 Mathew Johnston Humphrey Johnston and John Davyes stand bond unto the 
 saide [John] Dame Anne Langford w"' the former and paym' of fifteene pounds 
 at or uppon the first day of May Anno dni 1639 and lastly one bill bearing date 
 the 23"' of Januar 1637 wherein Humphrey and Mathew Johnston stand bound 
 to sattisfy and pay unto the said Dame Anne Langford the full some of seaven 
 pounds and ten shillings like money att or uppon the first day of August 1639. 
 All w'"" some and somes of money contained mentoned and expressed in the 
 aforesaid sevrall bonds amounts unto the (sic) of two hundred twoe pounds and 
 ten shillings sterl &c In witness whereof wee have hereunto put our hands 
 and Scales the tenth day of Apprill Anno dni 1650 
 
 Sealed signed and delivered • James Tracey 
 
 in the p'sence of John Orpin 
 
 Edmond Yco 
 George Woodencroft 
 Rob"= Russell 
 
 Alsoe the said M' Essex desired the enrollm' of three sevrall bonds 
 und' hands and scales w^** could not bee done verbatim and in due form by 
 reason of his sudden departure from henc for England yet the substance of 
 the Bonds are as thus 
 
 Matthew Johnston Humphrey Johnston and John Davyes of Carrick- 
 fergus doe stand bound unto Sf Hercules Langford Ivnight in the Some of 
 thirtye pounds sterl by their bond und' their hands & scales bearing date the 
 24"' day of Januar 1637 to pay or cause to bee paid unto the said S' Hercules 
 Langford his Executo" Adm" or Assignes the Some of fifteene pounds sterl at 
 and uppon the first day of May 1638. 
 
 Mathew Johnston 
 Sealed signed and delivered Hum: Johnston 
 
 in the presence of Jo Davies 
 
 Ri Shukburgh 
 The Whitaker 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 6"] 
 
 Mathew Johnson Humphrey Johnson and John Davyes of Carrickfergus doe 
 stand bound unto S' Hercules Langford Knight in tlie Some of thirtyc pounds 
 sterl by their bond und' their hands and Scales bearing date the 24"' daye of 
 Januar 1637. to pay or cause to bee paid unto unto the said S' Hercules 
 Langford his Execut" adm'* or assignes [at and uppon] the some of fifteene 
 pounds at and uppon the first day of No: 1638. 
 
 Sealed signed and delivr'' 
 
 in the prsce of Mathew Johnson 
 
 Ri: Shukburgh Hum: Johnson 
 
 Tho: Whitaker Jo: Davyes 
 
 Matthew Johnson Humphrey Johnson and John Davyes doe stande bond 
 unto S' Hercules Langford Knight in the some of thirtye pounds sterl by their 
 bond und' their hands and scales bearing date the 24"' of Januar 1637 to pay 
 or cause to bee paid unto the said S' Hercules Langford his Execut" adm" 
 and Assignes the some of fifteene pounds at and uppon the first daye of May 
 1639 
 
 Sealed signed and delivered Matthew Johnson 
 
 in the p'sence of Hum Johnson 
 
 Ri. Shukburgh Jo Davyes 
 Tho Whitaker 
 
 These three sevrall bonds were produced and shewed by the aforenamed 
 M' Essex Digby unto mee in due forme und' hand and scale by Mathew 
 Johnson Humphrey Johnson and John Davyes aforenamed dated as aforesaid 
 and attested by the said witnesses Richard Shukburgh Tho Whitaker the 
 materiall substance thereof inrolled as aforesaid 
 
 By mee Richard Wall 
 Towne Gierke 
 
 M^ That the 26th of Decemb'' 1650 at the Courte houlden 
 and by the meetinge of the Sovraigne & Burgesses then and 
 there p.'sent uppon consideracon of the poore estate of Sibbye 
 Boltbye it could not in conscience bee otherwise adjudged 
 but that the arreares of the [x"] use for the x'' w'^'' was left in 
 her hands for the use of the poore by Mr Holmes her form.', 
 husband shce beinge in great necessitye and not now able to 
 paye the same shalbee clearly remitted & acquitted untill this 
 
 P' Thomas Hanington 
 
 Richard Wall Sovraine 
 
 Towne Gierke Rob Foster 
 
 M^. that the 26th of Decemb' 1650 L'. Theaker came into 
 Courte and paid xx' of the arreares w*"*" hee is behynde of the 
 use and interest for the x" w''.'' was put in his hands of the 
 money given by Mr Holmes for y? use ofy' poore 
 
 Thomas Hanington 
 
 Sovraine 
 Rob: Foster 
 
68 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 1 6 Mar. 16.151 
 
 Sciant presentes et futuri nos Richardum Hunte de Henerichellym in comi- 
 tatu Surrie yoman et Johannem Hunte filium et heredem proximum mei dicti 
 Richardi Hunte dedisse concessisse et hac presenti charta nostra confirmasse 
 Johanni Helhows de Walton super Thamses in comitatu Surrie predicto 
 yoman pro quadam pecuniarum summa nobis per dictum Johannem Helhowse 
 ad sigillationem presentium plene solutam et contentatam totam illam parcellam 
 sive peciam terre nostram vocatam Buryguston jacentem et existentem in Walton 
 predicto que quidem parcella siue pecia terre per estimacionem continet sex 
 acras terre sive majus aut minus et abuttat super quandam clausuram cujusdam 
 Richardi Bernard! ex parte austriali et super communiam de Walton predicto 
 ex parte orientali habendum tenendum gaudendum predictam parcellam siue 
 peciam terre cum suis pertinenciis prefato Johanni Helhowse heredibus et 
 assignatis suis in perpetuum tenendum de Capitalibus Dominis feodum illius 
 per servitia inde debita et de jure consueta. Et nos vero prefati Richardus et 
 Johannes Hunt predictam parcellam terre cum suis pertinentiis prenominato 
 Johanni Helhowse heredibus et assignatis suis contra omnes gentes warranti- 
 sabimus imperpetuum defcndemus per presentes Noueritis insuper nos 
 prefatum Richardum et Johannem Hunt fecisse ordinasse constituisse et in 
 loco nostro posuisse dilectum nobis in Christo Thomam Mowld yoman 
 nostrum verum et fidelem ac legittimum attornatum ad intrandum pro nobis 
 vice et nominibus nostris in predictam parcellam sive peciam terre cum perti- 
 nentiis ac legalem et pacificam possessionem et seisinam sic seisinam inde 
 capiendum post hujusmodi possessionem et seisinam sic inde captam et 
 habitam. Deinde pro nobis vice et nominibus nostris ad deliberandum 
 plenam legalem et pacificam possessionem et seisinam de et in premissis cum 
 pertinentiis prefato Johanni Helhows heredibus et assignatis suis imperpetuum 
 secundum tcnorem vim formam et effectum hujus presentis charte nostre 
 ratum gratum presens et habituri totum et quicquid dictus noster Attornatus 
 fecerit aut fieri procurabit in premissis In cujus rei testimonium huic 
 presenti charte nostre sigillum nostrum apposuimus Datum vicesimo sexto 
 die martii annis regnorum Philippi et Marie dei gratia Regis et Regine Anglie 
 
 Hispanie Francie Utriusque Cicilie et Hibernie Fidei defensoris Archiducis 
 
 Austria ducis Burgundie Mediolani Brabantie Comitis Haspurgi Flandrie et 
 Tirrollis tertio et quarto inde quod prcdictus Johannes Helhowse heredes et 
 assignati sui imperpetuum solvent seu solui faciant prenominato Richardo et 
 Johanni Hunt heredibus et assignatis suis imperpetuum annuatim ad 
 festum Michaelis Archangeli sex denarios legittime petitum. 
 
 Status et seisina ac legalis et 
 pacifica possessio capte et de- 
 liberate fuere die et Anno ut infra 
 secundum tenorem vim formam 
 et effectum hujus presentis charte 
 in presentia 
 
 Richardi Woodclerk Tristram 
 Woodclerk Thome Woodclerk 
 Thome Dalley Thome Greenetree 
 Richardi Clerici Johannis Clerici 
 et aliorum fide dignorum 
 
 The Deed it self whereof this Enrolled by mee Richard 
 
 is a true Copie was Wall Towne Gierke of 
 
 at this p.' sent in the custodie Belfast the day and 
 
 of Gaptan John Ellis of year first above written 
 Ballygarmarton 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 69 
 
 M** That whereas Wilhii Postley Carpenter late of Belfast deceased by and 
 w'.*" the consent of Katherine his wiffe in his lieffe tyme did give unto John 
 fTrancis in marriage w'.'' Mary Duninge widow their daughter all his tenem' and 
 dwelling howse in Belfast aforesaide whereof the had possession Nowe the 
 said ffrancis and Mary his wiefife have sould y? said dwelling howse [and tene""] 
 to the use of the State for the some of twelve pounds sterl. whereof they have 
 acknowledged to have receaved full sattisfaction and paym! In witness whereof 
 they have hereunto subscribed their names the 7th day of Apprill 1651. 
 
 John francis 
 
 Mary ffrancis 
 
 Katherine Postley x 
 
 X marke 
 her marke 
 
 
 M" 
 
 That whereas Andrew Mabrey had a Cottage or dwelling howse standinge 
 nere the place where the great Fort is errected pulled downe for enlarginge of 
 a highwaye thereby and by apprisement of Mr Willni Leythe and Thomas 
 Postley M" the said Mabrey was adjudged to receave in full sattisfaction for 
 his damage the some of fifteene shillings sterl the said Andrew Mabrey doth 
 hereby acknowledge the receipt thereof As witness his hand the 12"" of 
 Apprill 1 65 1 
 
 Andrew x Mabrey 
 his marke 
 Ml 
 
 That I John Quiggin have receaved full sattisfaction for the damage of 
 my howse %";•> was pulled downe nere the Grand fort accordinge to the 
 appraisem' of M' Leythes and Thomas Postley M" beinge the some of xii= sterl 
 as witness my hand the 12* of Apprill 165 1. 
 
 X 
 
 John Quiggins marke 
 
 •m 
 
 That wee Thomas Grome als Slye and James Smyth have receaved full 
 sattisfaccion for our dwellinge howse w'"' was standinge here at Belfast and 
 pulled downe for the erectinge of the Grand fort accordinge as it apprised and 
 valewed by M' Foster and others beinge the some of eight pounds sterl as 
 witness our hands this 18"* of Apprill 1651. 
 
 The: X Grome als Slye 
 Jane I Smyth wieff of Ja: 
 Smyth her mrke insteedd 
 of her husband being now sick 
 
70 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Stewarts order j A r j 
 uppon his ^ 
 
 Att the Courte of Assembly houlden the 26th of June 
 It is ordered uppon Mr Steawarts petition unto the 
 Sovraigne Burgesses and Cominaltye of this Borrough and 
 Toune of Belfast uppon serious consideracon of his weake 
 estate that hee shall onely paye what Sesse hee is behind 
 and in arreare and for the tyme to come hee is to pay foure 
 shillings the moneth untill the first of May next and to bee 
 freed from all other and contributions whatsoev' for anie 
 estate hee hath in this Towne These Burgesses hereund". 
 named subscribed the said order 
 
 The Hanington Sovraigne 
 
 Hugh Doake Geo Martin John Leythes Junr Fr 
 Meeke Robt Foster Tho Theaker Willm Leythes 
 Richard Gateley 
 
 ■4- 6 I R e ■;■» 
 
 ARMS OF CARRICKFERGUS. 
 
 ARMS OF IRELAND. 
 
 ARMS OF CLONMEL. 
 
 Ireland By the Com" of the Comon Wealth of England for the affaires of 
 Ireland &= 
 
 It is ordered that the Com'^ of applotm' in each respective Barronie in Ireland 
 bee authorised & required to app'hend or cause to bee app'hended examined 
 and ymprisoned sturdie Beggars Rogues and Vagabonds Idle persons out of 
 service and to erect & keep stocks in oppen convenient places for such 
 offend" and to send such as they shall see cause together \v''' their Examinaccons 
 taken to the Comand' of the next Garrison that soe they may bee sent to the 
 cheif Garrison in each respective Countye and there proceeded against 
 accordinge to their severall demerritts And it is further ordered that the said 
 Com"^ of Applot"' be impowered w'-'iin their severall prcincts as aforesaid to 
 ascertaine Servant wages to ord- and moderate the hyer of laborerers accordinge 
 to lawe, and to p'vent the abuses and excessive rates of in Tawing Tanning 
 and brogues likewise. Likewise to cause watch and ward to bee duely kept 
 & pursued by Hu and Crye accordinge to lawe : and to appoint in each 
 parrish some fitt persons to see the said watch duely kept and observed And 
 the Governors of Garrisons as aforesaid and others that have power for the 
 administration of Justice are to cause such offend" sent as aforesaid to bee 
 punished accordinge to lawe 
 Clon Mell 15 May 165 1. 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 71 
 
 It is ordered the Com" of Applotm'- in their sevrall p'cints doo put in 
 execution all the acts & ordinances of Parliam' against drunkeness 
 profane swearinge and cursing and profanacion of the lords day by travellinge 
 or by sports pastimes and unlawful games or frequenting Alehouses and to 
 bringe the offend" to due punishm'- as by the said acts lawes and ordinances 
 is required Dated at Carrickfergus 3 Dec' 1651. Signed by 
 
 R Venables Geo Rawden G Blundell 
 Jas Waite Tobias Norrice 
 
 The Oath of the Sovraigne of 
 Belfast as it was ministred the 
 30th of Septemb' 1650 and the 29th 
 of Septemb''- 1651. 
 
 You shall sweare that you shall well and truely serve in the office of Sovraigne 
 of this Corporacion and Towne of Belfast from this tyme forward untill the feast 
 of S! Michaell the Archangell now next ensueinge that is to saye for one whole 
 yeare yf you soe long live and continue in the said Office 
 ;omonwealth You shall acknowledge the power and authoritye of the Parliam' of England 
 and Governem' by States to bee just honorable and lawfull and shall to the 
 uttermost of yo' power mantaine and uphould all the rightes libtyes Interests 
 and privileidges of the same You shall in all things execute the office of a 
 Justice of Peace w".'in this Corporacon and the libtyes thereof dureinge the 
 tyme of yo' sovraignetye You shall alsoe to the uttermost of yo' power see the 
 peace of the Comon wealth of England and Ireland well and faithfully 
 p' served and kept, both in yo!: owne person and in all other person & persons 
 whatsoev' w"'in yo' jurisdiccon and libertyes. You shall see equall justice done 
 as well to the poore as to the Rich dureinge the tyme of yo^ office accordinge 
 to yo' power skill and understandinge 
 
 You shall keep yo^ Courts in due order accordinge to the Franchises libertyes 
 and privileidges of this Towne and Corporacion and as they have beene 
 formerly kept and therein shall doe equall and indifferent justice to all persons 
 whatsoev' to the best of yo' knowledge skill and understandinge 
 You shall likewise keep the Clerk of the Markett Courts w'!'in your libertye and 
 Jurisdiccion and therein see that there bee just weights and measures observed 
 and kept by all persons and that you see unto the correccion -of victualls w'.'Hn 
 the Towne and the libertyes thereof that is to saye of bread beare Ale wine fish 
 and flesh 
 
 You shall see unto the searchinge and Sealinge of leather w'-'in this Towne 
 accordinge to the Statute And alsoe shall truely and carefully see unto the 
 severall crafts trades & occupacions w"!' are w"'in you; libertye and Jurisdiccon 
 and shall justly and duely correct and reforme the same according to the 
 Statute 
 
72 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 You shall fairly and gently entreat the people of this Towne und' yor power 
 and authoritye w'l* equall right and justice to yof best endevo' power skill and 
 und'standinge and to the uttermost of yo' power and endevo' mantaine and 
 uphould all the rights libtyes privileidges Jurisdiccons lawes and ordinances of 
 this Corporaccon w'l' are granted unto the same by lawfull authoritye for the 
 peaceable quiett & civill governem! of the same 
 
 All these points and articles you shall dilligently carefully and truely observe & 
 keep to the uttermost of yof power skill knowledge and und' standinge Soe 
 helpe you god in Christ Jesus 
 
 By the Commission'^ for Administration 
 of Justice and for probatts of last 
 Wills and Testam'.' at Dublin 
 
 Whereas administration of all & singular the goods and chattells debts and 
 creditts of Archibald Moore late of Lisnegarveye merchant deceased is by the 
 said Commission'^ comitted and granted unto Jane Moore widow y? Relict 
 of the said Archibald These are therefore to require and authorise yo" John 
 Stuart of Belfast merchant Willm Tom and Geo: APCartney of the same 
 merchants or anie twoe of you to valew and appraise uppon yo' corporall oaths 
 all such goods and chattells debts and creditts as were of the said Archibald 
 Moores as shall come unto yo' hands sight or knowledge and to retorne a true 
 & perfect Inventory thereof unto the said Com'? und' the hands of you or anie 
 twoe or more of you containinge the sevrall p'ticulars and true %-alewes thereof 
 together w'l' this Comission close sealed upp w'l' all convenient speed and 
 at the furthest by the last daye of Maye next ensueinge [this] together with 
 this Comission dated at Dublin the xvi"' daye of this instant March 1652 
 
 This is a true copie Gerrard Lowther, Edw: Bolton 
 
 of the originall by mee Ja: Donelan 
 
 examined Tho Dongan 
 
 Richard Wall Willm Sandes R'. 
 
 ^Wld That the 14th of [December] July 1652 it did 
 ^5^ appeare before Mr Reynalds Mr George Marten 
 wfrM. & Mr Wareing-e being assembled together that L!. 
 ■ ""^ Theaker did pay unto Mr Sovraigne at Chrmas 
 last the some of xx^ w'^'' is for interest of x" put into his 
 hands of the money given by Mr Holmes deceased for the 
 use of the poore w'^'' xx' was paid by Mr Sovraigne unto 
 Jane Whitlock for takeinge of a poor wench prentice and 
 Jane Whitlock acknowledged the receipt thereof at this p'sent 
 
 Edw Reynell 
 George Martin 
 Thomas Waring 
 
 [M"* that whereas one Willm Erwin of Banshaw in the parish of Annandell in 
 Scotland was authorised by one David Erwin of Mowisknow in Scotland 
 aforesaid by his letters of Attorney under his hand & seale bearing date the 
 24th August 1652] 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 73 
 
 Wi 
 
 That Whereas one John Armstrong of the Maine Water [was] in the County 
 of Antrym was authorised by one David Erwin of Mowisknowe in the 
 parish of Kirkpatrick in Scotland by his Letter of Attorney und' his hand and 
 Sealc bearing date the 24"' of August 1652 to aske demand and receave of 
 Thomas Foster of Drommall neare unto the Maine Water in the Countye of 
 Antrym aforesaid all such some & somes of money as hee the said Thomas 
 Foster was in aniewise due unto the said David Erwin by anie bond bill or 
 specialty or by letter of assignation made & subscribed by Chr Foster (sic) 
 father of the said Thomas Foster or anie other debt whatsoev' due uppon 
 anie bargain reckening or accompt and the saide John Armstrong one debte 
 of ix" vi^ viii"' sterl by one Bill dated the 28"' of Decemb' 1626 Now the said 
 Thomas Foster this p -sent day the first daye of Januar 1652 came before Tho 
 Wareinge gen: SovTaigne of the Borrough and Towne of Belfast in the County 
 of Antrym and produced one Edw'' Purdy of Ballydollaghan in the Countye 
 of Downe husbandman of seaventy yeares of age of good and perfect memory 
 who uppon his oath before the said Sovraigne lawfully administered did testify 
 and declare that hee was p^sent by when as hee the said Edward Purdy did 
 see the said Thomas Foster at his howse in Ballydollaghan aforesaid about 
 twentye years since deliver unto the said David Erwin twoe baye maires in 
 discharge and full sattisfaccon for all debts reckenings and accompts whatsoev' 
 w''' then the said David Erwin could in aniewise claim challeng or demand of 
 the said Tho Foster eyther for himself or his said father And uppon 
 receipt of the said twoe bay maires the said David Erwin then promissed 
 eyther to send the said Thomas Foster a full discharg for all things whatsoev' 
 betwixt him the said David Erwin and the said Thomas Foster and his father 
 then liveinge w"-in eight weekes then next after or else he would burne the 
 said Bill of ix" vi^ viii'' 
 
 Thomas Waring 
 
 Edward x Purdy mrke Sufraine 
 
 Alsoe at this Courte houlden the i6th of Septembf 1652 
 Sibbye Boltbye came and desired that the xx^ w*"*" shee was 
 to pay at Chrmas last to the poore for the use of x'' left by 
 Mr Holmes her former husband might bee allowed her beinge 
 in great necessitye w'*' being considered by the said Court is 
 allowed her 
 
 Thomas Hanington 
 Richard Wall Sovraine 
 
 Towne Clerk Jo: Leithes 
 
 Rich: Gaytleye 
 
 The xx''^ shillings w''*' is due by Mrs Boltby of the poores 
 money for the yeare 1653 and the xx''^ shillings in arreare this 
 yeare 1654 is allowed her for her relieffe being in great 
 necessitye by consent of the Courte this 25th of Januar 1654 
 
 At the Courte houlden the 6th of July 1654 paid by L? 
 Thomas Theaker xxtie Shillings sterl for the use of the poore 
 
74 T^he Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 beinge for interest of lo" sterl given as a legacie by one Mr 
 Holmes deceased for the use of the poore of the Towne 
 
 Likewise paid by ffrancis Ratcliffe the 6th of July 1654 
 the sum of xxtie shillings sterl for the use of the poore as 
 aforesaid 
 
 Paid by M' Willm Leythes for the use of ffrancis Ratcliffe vi'' viii'' being 
 for his rent due at Hallontyde last w'.'' is for the use of the poore this 25"" of 
 Januar 1654. 
 
 Paid by ffrancis Ratcliffe y'^ sum of twenty shillings st' being for y' poore 
 left by M' Holmes for y". yeare endinge y" 25"' of Dec' 1661 
 
 Paid by John Allsinor y" sum of six shilP and eight pence by y° 
 Annuall rent of Fortye shilP st' ending [of] at y" 25"" of Dec' 1661. left by 
 Thomas Chepline att his death for y" use of y^ poore of Belfast Parish 
 
 Paid by William Cordiner y" sum of twenty shill' st' unto y'^ Soffraigne 
 [of the] for y?- use of y*" poore of Belfast being his rent ending at y" 25'" of 
 December 1661 
 
 I Robert Jackson Church Warden doe acknowledge to have receaved 
 from M' John Rigby Sofferaigne y' sume of two pound six shilP and eight 
 pence ster to bee paid to yl poore of Belfast as witness my hand this 2^ 
 January 1661 
 
 Robert Jackson 
 
 I Nicholas Gardiner Church Warden doe acknowledge to have rec"" from 
 Sampson Theaker y'= some of twenty shill' ster for y' use of y" poore for his rent 
 ending y° 25"' of Dec' i66i 
 
 Witness my hand 
 
 Nicholas Garnett 
 
 Paid by Sampson Theaker y° sume of twenty shilP st' for y" use of y' 
 poore for y° yeare ending y^ 25"' Dec' 1662 by us Church wardens 
 
 Paid by ffrancis Ratcliffe y° sume of twenty shilP st' for y" use of y" 
 poore for y"" yeare ending y" 25"' Dec' 1662 by us Church wardens 
 
 Paid by W" Cordiner y" sume of twenty shilP st' for y" use of y° poore 
 for y' yeare ending y" 25"" of Dec' 1662 by us Church wardens 
 
 Paid by Jo Ellison y° sume of foure shill st' for y' use of y' poore 
 ending y' 25"' of Dec' 1662 by us 
 
 Nicholas Garnett 
 Lawrance Whiteside 
 
 Whereas I John Shorte of Dublin M' chant am justly indebted unto John 
 Rigby of Belfast in the County of Antrim Tanner the full & just summe of 
 twenty & foure pounds 18' & 6!" sterl curr' lawfull money of England and for 
 paym! thereof have assigned him to receive (uppon her bond deliver? to him) of 
 Mrs Prudence Povey of the said Belfast in the County afores? yf full summe of 
 twenty & foure pounds eighteene shillings & six pence sterl' like curr| money 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 75 
 
 of England at or uppon yf last daye of May 1655 Now yf the saide Prudence 
 Povey doe not paye or cause to bee paide unto yf s:* John Rigby his Executo" 
 adm'' or assignes the saide summe of twenty and foure pounds eighteen 
 shillings & six pence at y^ tyme aforesaid I doe hereby in default thereof 
 promisse & engage to pay or cause to bee paid the said summe of twenty & 
 foure pounds eighteene shillings and six pence unto the said John Rigby at or 
 before the last day of June next ensueinge As witness my hand & Seale this 
 [last] first of JVI.'.ch 1654 
 
 Signed & sealed per John Shorte 
 
 This former bill und' the hand & seale of the said John Shorte in the said bill 
 named was thus 
 
 Signed sealed & delivr'? (and 
 
 these words (unto ye s? John 
 
 Rigby) in the 18'" line inter- This Bill enrolled the 25"" of Apprill 
 
 lined before the delivery in 1656 is accordinge to the originall 
 
 the presence of Examined by mee 
 
 Tho Wareinge Richard Wall 
 
 Nicholas Garnet Towne Clerk 
 
 Hercules Hillman 
 
 Be it knowne unto all men by these p'sents that wee Sf David 
 Cuningham of London Knight and Baronet William Moorehead 
 of Farnham in the Countye of Surrey gent and S' David Cuningham 
 of Robertland in the Countye of Ayre in Scotland Knight and 
 Baronet doe owe and are bound unto the Right Honor':'? James 
 Lord Viscount of Claneboy in Ireland and James Traill of the 
 £1,200 Countie of Downe in Ireland gent the some of Twelve hundred 
 Bond for pounds of good and lawfuU money of England to bee paid unto the 
 said James Lord Viscount of Claneboy and James Traill or either 
 of them their Execut"'.'' Administrato'? or assignes unto w'^.'' paym' 
 well & truely to bee made wee bind and oblige us and everie one of 
 us for himself for the whole joyntly and sevrally and evrie one of 
 our heires executo? and administrato'? firmly by by (sic) these p'sents. 
 [and] Sealed w''> our Seales Dated the twoo and twentith day of July 
 1652 in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred fiftie and 
 twoo 
 
 The Condicion of the obligacion above written is such that whereas the above 
 named James Lord Viscount Claneboy and James Traill together w'l" the 
 bounden S' David Cuningham of London Knight and Baronet and William 
 Moorehead w"' one Ronnan Cuningham of London gent by an obligacon 
 und' their hands & seales bearing date the third daye of June Anno dni 1644 in 
 the twentith yeare of the late Kinge Charles stand joyntly and severally bound to 
 Edward Stretchley of the Citie of London gent inonethousand pounds of lawfull 
 money of England w"" condicon for true paym' of the some of five hundred 
 [pounds] and twentie pounds of like money on the fift daye of December next 
 ensueinge the date of the same obligacon as by the same more largely 
 appeares In and by w''' obligacon the ^aid S' David Cuningham of London 
 and the said S' David Cuningham of Robertland and the said William 
 Moorehead stand bound as aforesaid for the prop' debt and at the request of 
 the saide James Viscount Claneboy And Whereas the said James Viscount 
 Claneboy for the satisfaction of the said debt costs damage and indepnifyeinge 
 
76 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 the said S' David Cuningham S' David Cuningham and William Moorehead 
 have deposited in the hands of the saide S' David Cuningham S' David 
 Cuningham and Willm Moorehead the six hundred pounds for the use of the 
 said Edward Stretchley Yf therefore the said S'^ David Cuningham of London 
 William Moorehead and S' David Cuningham or either of them their or either 
 of their heires executo'^ administrate'? or assignes doe well and truely pay or 
 cause to bee paid to the said Edward Stretchley his execute'' adm" or assignes 
 all the said sum of six hundred pounds of lawfull money of England w"' all 
 damage or interest w'.'' either is or shall growe due uppon the same Att the 
 dwellinge house of Henry Arnost situate in Bow lane London uppon or before 
 the fift daye ^[or before] December next ensueinge the date hereof And shall 
 thereuppon alsoe clerely discharge and make voyd the said obligacon and at 
 all tyme and tymes hereafter free the saide James Viscount of Claneboy and 
 James Trayll their heires Execut?. and administrato'.^ of the same and all 
 hurte damage danger or expence they or anie of them shall or may sustaine 
 thereby And yf the said S' David Cuningham William Mooreheade and 
 S' David Cuningham shall on or before the said fifth daye of December next 
 ensueinge deliver or cause to bee delivered the said before recited obligacion 
 to the saide James Viscount Claneboye and James Traill or to Hugh 
 Cuningham gent! or whom they or anie of them shall appoint to receive cancell 
 and make voyde the same And alsoe yf that untill the true paym! of the said 
 six hundred pounds and interest & damages & costs of suite as aforesaide to 
 the said Edward Stretchley his Executo"' administrate" or assignes in manner 
 aforesaide and untill the deliverye upp of the saide bond as aforesaide the said 
 S' David Cunnigham of Robertland his Execute'^ & adm'^ shall forbear to aske 
 demand or sue for anie debt or some of money that is or may bee due unto 
 him by or from the said James Viscount of Claneboy his Executo'? or admo" 
 but shall suffer the same to remaine in his hands untill he bee discharged of 
 and from the said debt due to the said Edward Stretchley & deliverye of the 
 saide bond as aforesaid w'-'out fraude or covin. That then this p. 'sent obligacion 
 shalbee voyde & of none effect or else it shall stand & remaine in full force & 
 vertue 
 
 Sealed & delivred in the D: Cuningham 
 
 p'sence of to the use of Willm Moorehead 
 
 the above named Lord D; Cuningham 
 
 Claneboy & James Traill 
 
 Phineas Tooker Enrolled & examined by the true copie 
 
 Phillipp Rawlens of the originall the 8"' of Octob; 1656 
 
 To All Christian People to whom these p'sents shall come or may concerne 
 These are to certifie That Thomas Williams Master of the good shipp called 
 the Angell Michall of Dublin came this p.'. sent day before me Thomas 
 Wareinge gentl now Sovrane of the Borrough and Towne of Belfast in the 
 Countye of Antrim and did voluntarily take his oath and depose That hee the 
 saide Thomas Williams comeinge from Rochell in France for Ireland w'!' his 
 said shipp laded w'-'i certaine goods and merchandize belonginge unto one 
 George McCartney of Belfast aforesaid Marchant bound for the said place 
 about the nintenth of Novemb' last about foure leagues to the southward of 
 Sillye was surprised and taken by a man of warr whose name hee this Depon' 
 knoweth not but as hee doth conceave by his best Intelligence hee did 
 belonge to Oastend, And hee this Depon! with his men shipp and goods 
 beinge in restrainte & keepeinge w"' the said Man of warr the said Man of 
 Warr tooke out of this Depon! shipp one pakett of Ribbons one halt and one 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 77 
 
 hogsheade of wine amountinge to the valew of sixtie seven pounds sterl' or 
 thereabouts vv'l' other goods & merchandize But the said Master p'tendinge 
 his shipp was of Amsterdam in Holland hee got cleare from the said Man of 
 Warr onelye w* the losse of the goods & merchandize to the valew aforesaid 
 And the said Master beinge arrived w"' his said shipp here at Belfast aforesaid 
 charged w".' the said goods & merchandize hath voluntarily deposed uppon 
 his oath as aforesaid. In Testimonie whereof I have hereunto caused the 
 Comon Scale of this saide Towne to be fixed & subscribed my name the 
 fourteenth day of December in yf yeare of our Lord 
 
 M? that I Richard Wall of Belfast in the Countye of Antrim Towne Gierke of 
 the saide Borrough at the instance and request of Rob"= Nevin of Belfast 
 aforesaid Merchant and by the power given unto mee by his letter dated the 
 eightenth day of this instant gave warninge unto John Clugston of Belfast 
 aforesaid Merchant That hee the saide John Clugston should remove out of 
 his now dwellinge house in Belfast aforesaide and delivr upp all his possession 
 in anie shopp backside or backside howses warehowse s'torehowse garden or 
 anie other buildinge thereunto belonginge w'.'" hee had or enjoyed by lease from 
 Mr John Steawart and Jenet his wief lately called Jenet Nevin widowe relict of 
 Rob'" Nevin late of Belfast aforesaide Merchant deceased wherein or unto the 
 saide Rob" Nevin in his life tymc had propright and tytle and w'.'' since his 
 death did acrew and of right belonge unto Rob'° Nevin his sonne at and uppon 
 the first daye of Maye w'l' shall bee in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand 
 six hundred fiftye and eight at w'l' tyme the saide Clugstons tyme and Terme 
 of in & unto y? p'mises would bee expired ended & determined And the 
 Answer of the saide John Clugston was unto mee that hee the saide John 
 Clugston had had sufficient warning of that before and that it was sufficient 
 warning These persons beinge p'sent ffirst before James Robinson of Belfast 
 aforesaid butcher and the wiefe of Josias Marter of Belfast aforesaid Merchant 
 and afterwards came there in p'son at the tyme of the saide warninge John 
 Correy of Belfast aforesaid Merchant and John Biggart of Belfast aforesaid 
 Merchant whoe did heare mee the said Richard Wall give to the saide John 
 Clugston the like warninge again in the behalf of the said Rob'" Nevin now 
 liveinge to remove as aforesaide and the saide John Clugston gave answer as 
 aforesaide This was done by mee the_ . . _ . _ 
 
 Richard Wall 
 
 Towne Clerke 
 
 M? That at the Court of Assembly 1658 It is ordered by 
 the Sovrane and Burgesses then pTsent That all such persons 
 whoe have heretofore beene admitted & sworne ffree staplers 
 & ffree Comon? of the Corporacon and whose Fines were 
 ordered and adjudged accordinge as is expressed in the 
 
78 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Margent unto their names annexed at the saide Court shalbee 
 collected levyed & paid w'.'^out delay 
 
 Willm Leithes 1658 Sovr 
 
 Jo Leithes Tho Theaker TT Tho Waring John Rigbee 
 
 Belfast Att an Assembly houlden 1659. William Leathes gentl 
 
 Sofferaigne, L' Thomas Theaker Mr George Martin Mr 
 Hugh Doake & Cap! Francis Meeke & Burgesses of the 
 Borrough afforesaid then p.'isent George M'Cartney gent was 
 sworne one of the Burgesses of the said towne according to 
 yf ellection and order at y' Court houlden the 1 7th of Sept'. 
 1659 and toke y^ oath of a Burgesse accordinge to y^ use and 
 custom of the said Towne and Corporation 
 
 Willm Leithes 1659 Sovr^ 
 
 T T -I Tho Theaker TT George Martin 
 
 ■' ■ Hugh Doake YD his marke 
 
 I John Allsinor of the Parrish Yeoman doe acknowledge myselfe to be 
 indebted unto y? Soffraigne of the Borrough of Belfast afforesaid ye sume 
 of Forty Shill str to be p? upon demand and I doe by these p'sents likewise 
 ingage to pay y^ anuall Rent of y" said Forty Shill to y° said Soffraigne 
 for y' use of y' poore of y' said parrish for soe long time as y'^ Forty Shill 
 shall remaine in my hands it being y= will and testam! of Thomas Cheaplin 
 whoe left y? same to y'^ use of y"" poore afforesaid at his death In wittness 
 whereof I hereunto sett my hand this 25"' of Dec' 1659 
 
 his 
 Witness John X Allsinor 
 
 Rob! Leathes marke 
 
 3 Nov' 1659 The oath of a Sargent of y" Mace of Bellfast 
 
 in y° County of Antrim 
 
 Yo" shall sweare that yo" shall well and truely serve in y'' office of a 
 Sargent to this Corporation and all such warrants and p'cepts as shall be 
 issued from y" Sofferaigne for y° time being and therein doo yo' duty in all 
 and every thinge that belongeth to y? office of a Sargent to y" best of yo' skill 
 knowledge and understanding [So help yoV God] You shall also make due 
 returne of s'' warr'- & Precepts and not keep the same or any of them in y' 
 hands but you shall use y' best Endeavour to execute the same & every of 
 them without protraction of time & without fav' or affection mallice or 
 evil will 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 79 
 
 1660 
 
 Verses p.'isented to Generall Monck 
 
 Advance George Monck & Monck S' George shall be 
 
 Englands Restorer to Its Liberty 
 
 Scotlands Protector Irelands President 
 
 Reduceing all to a ffree Parliam' 
 
 And if thou dost intend the other thinge 
 
 Goe on and all shall Crye God save y" Kinge 
 
 R 
 
 R doth Rebellion Represent 
 
 V 
 
 by V nought els but Villainyes is meant 
 
 M 
 
 M Murther signifyes all men doe knowe 
 
 P 
 
 P Perjuryes in ffashion growe 
 
 
 Thus R and V with M & P 
 
 
 conjoyn'd, make up our miserie. 
 
 The oath of a ffree man 
 of Belfast in the Countye 
 of Antrim 
 
 reus de I- A: B: doe hereby promise That from henceforth I will not 
 
 fast in doe nor suffer to bee done anie thinge that may bee to the hurte and hind- 
 "om Antrym j-ance of this Corporacon But will advance the profitt and good of the same 
 by the best I may And that I will from henceforth well and faithfully keepe 
 the secret Counsell of this Towne and Corporacon And that I will not 
 Conceale or Keepe in my hands or Custodye anie Goods or Merchandize of 
 anie fforrainer or Alien that is not Free within this Corporacon whereby to 
 hinder the good and benefitt of this said Towne And that I will obey the 
 Sovraigne of this Towne for the tyme beinge and anie other Officer under him 
 att his appointem' and comand doeinge their otifice lawfully. And that I 
 will bee subject and obedient to such lawfull by Lawes Statutes and Orders 
 wS are now legally and orderly established and sett downe for the good and 
 wellfare of the said Towne and wf hereafter may bee established for the good 
 and Civill Governm' of the same consentaneous and agreeinge w' the lawes 
 imon- and Statutes of this Kingdome. And that I will not from henceforth sue or 
 
 '^■' ymplead anie Free Burgesse or Free ComonT out of the Jurisdiccon of this 
 
 Court for anie cause this Courte may beare and hould plea w.'out license of 
 the Lord of the Castle or the Sovraigne of this said Towne for the tyme 
 beinge as longe as I may have indifferent and equall justice and due proceed- 
 ings in the said Court Soe helpe you God &c. 
 
8o 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 The Oath of a ffree Burgess 
 of Belfast 1660 
 
 Yo'.' are ellected and chosen to be one of the Burgesses of this Borrough 
 and Towne of Bellfast durcing yo ■ good behaviour and civill carriage in the 
 said place. 
 
 Yo" shall therefore be roadie at y" Comandem'. of the Sofleraine of the 
 said Towne for the time being either by himselfe or upon notice given unto 
 yoV by anie his Officers to attend upon the said Sofferaine and him assiste 
 with yo' best advice and Councell in anie doubtfuU cause or in anie other 
 cause tending to y" good benefitt and proffitt of the same and alsoe for the 
 good and welfaire and peaceable and civill governem' thereof and to y' utter- 
 most of yo' Power endevo' to defend maintaine and uphould all the ffranchises 
 libtyes and p'viledgs whatsoever w'.'' are now or hereafter shall or may bee by 
 lawfull authority given or granted unto this said Towne and Corporation soe 
 longe as yoV shall continue one of the number of the said Burgesses. 
 
 YoV shall alsoe further doe and execute all other things whatsoever belong- 
 ing unto y? place of a ffree Burgess of this Corporacon to y? best of yo' ex- 
 perience witt and knowledge so helpe yo'' God &c. 
 
 Memorandum. That y^ 24th of January i66o Capt Meeke 
 then Soveraigne who keept Court that day with severall 
 Burgesses and free Comone"'' of the Corporacon then assembled 
 
f^^- -^ 
 
 EJCSM! 
 
 fiKS ^^ '. < 
 
 •^ -i 
 
 ^EiJM * 3 s 
 
 5 5 * 
 
 ^iB€^ > ^-^ 
 
 ^^^^ 
 
 Wi^ M"' 
 
 ^ B3 1 
 
 ^L.- ' 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 f 
 
The Toivn Book of Belfast. 8i 
 
 there being then a difference depending in yf said Courte 
 Between John Stewart March' and WilHam Taylor Mercht 
 Whereupon y? Court was proceeding and send for Y- said 
 William Taylor to make answer to y^ said suite who retourned 
 answer to y" said Court he would not come unless he was 
 caused by order and thereupon y'= Court ordered Tho Bankes 
 sargent to bringe him as may appeare by y" anexed warrant 
 undy y^ Soveraignes hand bearinge date aforesaid by force of 
 w'^'' ye said William Taylor appeared and beinge demanded to 
 enter his appeare' & make answer to y° said suite and proceed 
 to a legall tryall he alltogether refused but slighted and 
 contemned y" Court sayeing he had nothing to doe with y' 
 Court nor y'^ suite with many peremptory and uncivill expres- 
 sions with threatenings of what he would doe to y" Judges of 
 y° said Court by Law all w''.'' he accted in the face of y" said 
 Court whereupon y" Soveraigne & the Burgesses] there 
 assembled ordered yf said William Taylor to be disfranchised 
 of his freedome in to and of y" said Corporacon and from that 
 time forward to be taken as a stranger or allien to y" said 
 Corporacon 
 
 Signed by ord' 
 Rob' Leathes 
 
 Memorandum. That George M'Cartney Burgesse Robert Smith WilHam 
 Reainold Waynwright of London marchant came before me this i8"' day off 
 ffebruary 1660 and desired to have enrolled a Letter of Attorney the tenior 
 whereof is as ffolloweth. Know all men by these p'sents that I James 
 Waynwright of London Esquire have made ordained and in my place putt and 
 constituted And by these p'sents doe make ordain and in my stead and place 
 putt and constitute my Loving Brother Reginald AVaynwright of London 
 march' my true and Lawfull Attorney for me and in my name and to my use 
 to ask demand leavy sue for recover and Receive by all l^awfull ways and 
 meanes whatsoever, of and from all such person and persons whom it doth shall 
 or may concerne within y*" Nations of Scotland and Ireland all such summ and 
 summes of money debts claymes and demands whatsoever w"'' they or any 
 them are indebted and doe truly owe unto me by bond bill specially booke 
 Accompt or by any wayes or meanes whatsoever Giving and by these p'sents 
 granting unto my said Attorney his substitutes and assignes All my full Power 
 and Authority in exercise of y° premisses All such p'son or p'sons doth shall 
 or may concerne their executors Administrators and goods if need shalbce to 
 sue arrest attach seize sequester imprison and condeyme and out of prison to 
 deliver, And to appeare before all and all manner of Judges Justices and 
 Ministers of y'^ Law, and to compound compromise conclude agree recover 
 and receive & upon recoveries and I-leceipts or upon and composition other 
 agreemts acquittances or any other l^awfull discharge for me and in my name 
 to make scale and as my deed to dehver And one Attorney or more under 
 him to make substitute and revoke And generally to doc execute prosecute 
 and determine all and every act and acts thing and things whatsoever which 
 in or aboute the premisses shall be needful necessary or convenient as ffully 
 G 
 
82 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 and effectually as I myselfe might or could doe personally holding and allowing 
 for firme and stable all & whatsoever my said Attourney his substitutes and 
 assignes or any of them shall lawfully doe or cause to be done in or about the 
 premisses by virtue of these presents. In witness whereof I the said James 
 Waynwright have hereunto sett my hand and seale this twelvth day of October 
 in ye yeare of our Lord one thousand six hundred ffiftie and nine, 
 
 Sealed and dehvered in the presence of 
 
 John Leman James Waynwright 
 
 John Morris t., • • , i j j . u 
 
 T , T3 , , This IS acknowledged to be a 
 
 John Burton serv' . r ^u i ^^ c 
 
 •' true copy ot the letter oi 
 
 T, , J J TT -J • .,, Attorney Witnesse my hand 
 
 Enroled and Exammed agreemg with th' S f M 1 fifi 
 
 the originall by me Rob: Leathes cler 
 
 of the Borrough of Bellfast the day Reginald Waynwright 
 
 and yeare above said. 
 
 Att an Assembly holden y' 17th of Apprill 1660 William 
 Leathes gent Sofferaigne John Leathes Thomas Warring 
 Hugh Doake John Leathes Senior and John Ridgby Burgesses 
 of yf Borrough afforesaid then p.'sent William Warring gent 
 sonn to Thomas Warring was sworne one of y' Burgesses of 
 y" said Towne according to y^ ellection and order at y" Court 
 holden as afforesaid and tooke y" oath of a Burgess according 
 to y^ use and custome of y.": said Towne and Corporacon 
 
 Willm Leithes Sover 
 
 Jo: Leithes Tho Waring Hugh HD Doake John 
 Leathes John Rigbee 
 
 Att an Assembly holden the fift of May 1660 William 
 Leathes gent Sofferaigne John Leathes his deputy George 
 Martin Thomas Waring Hugh Doake John Leathes senior 
 John Ridgby George M'Cartney and William Warring Bur- 
 gesses of the Borrough afforesaid then p''sent Edward 
 Reynalls gent was sworne one of the Burgesses of y* said 
 Towne according to y^ ellection and order at y° Court holden 
 as afforesaid and tooke y* oath of a Burgesse according to 
 y? use and custome of yf said Towne and Corporacon 
 
 Jo Leithes Soveraigne 
 
 Hugh H) Doake Geo M'Cartney John Leathes Will: 
 Waring George Martin Tho Waring John Rigbee 
 
 Att an Assembly holden the 25th of June 1660 Capt 
 Francis Meeke Sofferaigne John Leathes George Martin 
 Thomas Warring Hugh Doake John Ridgby George M'Cartney 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 83 
 
 Wm Warring and Edward Reynell Burgesses of y' Borrough 
 of Belfast afforesaid then p^.sent and upon consideracon had 
 of yf want of a Burgess to make up y" numbf in y"" Roome and 
 place of Mr William Leathes deceased Mr Thomas Wallcott 
 was ellected and and {sic) sworne one of y" Burgesses of y' 
 said Towne according to y° ellection and order of y? s** 
 assembly afforesaid and tooke y' oath of a Burgesse according 
 to y' use and custome of y'' said Towne and Corporacon 
 
 Fra Meeke Sufraine 
 
 George Martin Hugh H3 Doake Tho Waring Geo 
 M'Cartney Willm Waring Edw: Reynell 
 
 Y the Sofferaigne and Burgesses of the Borrough 
 
 IllllbCrcaS wee the Sofferaigne and Burgesses by 
 vertue of Letters Pattens to us and our Successors 
 for ever granted by the late Kinge of ever Blessed memory 
 Kinge James have power (at our discretion) upon yf longe 
 absence Misdemenor or death of any Burgess or Burgesses to 
 disfrancishim or them of his or their Burgess?, and of any liberty 
 or priviledge he or they may or could enjoye thereby, And 
 whereas wee have seriously considered that Walterhouse 
 Crimble one of the Burgesses of this Corporacon hath removed 
 his habitacon and ben absent from this Corporacon dureing y* 
 time of sixteen yeares last past to y° dammage of [the]of the {sic) 
 Corporacon neither is he intended to live amongst us and he is 
 likewise Impotent by reason of old age therefore wee doe 
 order and it is hereby enacted that yf said Walterhouse 
 Crimble from and after the day of the date hereof be dis- 
 franchised from his Burgesseship and from all rights and 
 previledges thereunto belonging and hereafter to be taken 
 
84 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 and deemed as none of the Brotherly Society of this Cor- 
 poracon and that his place be p.lsently supplied by one of 
 an honest life and conversation understanding and resident 
 amongst us That out of respect and affection wee have and 
 beare to Gilbert Wye Esq' Stewart to the R! Honor''!'' y'' Earle 
 of Donnegall a person qualliffied in all respects as afforesaid 
 wee have ellected and chossen him the said Gilbert Wye to 
 be one of the Burgesses of this Corporacon in place and stead 
 of the said Walterhouse Crimble Given und' our hands this 
 iSth day of September in the fourteenth yeare of the Raigne 
 of our Sofferaigne Lord Charles the Second by the Grace of 
 God Kinsfe of England Scotland France and Ireland defends of 
 the faith &c 1663 
 
 John Rigbee Soferaine 
 
 Jo: Leathes George Martin Edw Reynell Tho Waring 
 Tho Walcot Geo M'Cartney 
 
 Att an Assembly held the eighteen day of September in 
 the fourteenth yeare of the raigne of our Sofferaigne Lord 
 Charles the Second by the Grace of God Kinge of England 
 Scotland France and Ireland defender of the faith &c John 
 Rigby Esqr Sofferaigne, John Leathes George Martin 
 Thomas Warring Edward Reynells Thomas Wallcott George 
 M'Cartney William Warring Burgesses of the Borrough of 
 Belfast afforesaid then p'sent Gilbert Wye Esq was sworne 
 one of the Burgesses of the said Towne in the stead and place 
 of Walterhouse Crimble (who is deposed by order for causes 
 therein menconed beareing date the day of the date hereof) 
 according to ellection and ord". at y'= Court held afforesaid and 
 tooke the oath of a Burgesse according to the use and custome 
 of the saide Towne and Corporacon 
 
 John Rigbee Soferaine 
 
 Geo M'Cartney George Martin Jo Leathes Tho 
 Waring Edw Reynell Tho Walcot 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 85 
 
 His Majesties Gracious Letter and Declaration 
 sent to the House of Peers by S^' John 
 Greenvil Ki from Breda and read in 
 the house the frst of May 1660 
 
 To the Speaker of the House of Peers and 
 
 to the Lords there assembled 
 Charles R 
 
 RightTrusty and Right well beloved Cosins and Right trusty & well beloved 
 Cosins and trusty and Right well beloved wee greet yo'l well : Wee cannot 
 have a better reason to promise ourselfe an end of our comon sufferings and 
 calamities and that our own just power and authority will with God's Blessing 
 be restored to us, then y' wee heare yo" are again acknowledged to have that 
 authority and Jurisdiction which hath allwayes belonged to yo" by yo5 birth 
 and the Fundamental! Lawes of the Land : and wee have thought it very fitt 
 and safe for us to call to yo" for yo'. help in y": composing the confounding 
 distempers and distractions of y" Kingdome in w*"!' yof sufferings are next to 
 those wee have undergone ourselfe : And therefore yo" cannot but be the most 
 proper Counsellors [from] for removeing those mischiefs and for preventing the 
 like for y*: future How great a trust wee repose in yo" for the procuring and 
 establishing a Blessed peace and security for y" Kingdome will appeare to yo". 
 by our enclosed Declaration which trust wee are most confident you will 
 discharge with that Justice & and wisdom that becomes yo" and must allwayes 
 be expected from yo" and that upon yo' experience how one violation succeeds 
 another when y': known Relations and Rulers of Justice are once transgressed 
 yo". will bee as as (sic) Jealous for the Rights of the Crown and for the 
 Honnor of yo' King as for yof selfes and then cannot but discharge yo' trust 
 with good success and provide for and establish the Peace Happiness and 
 Honno' of King Lords and Comons upon that foundation which can only 
 support it and wee shall be all happy in each other : and as the whole Kingdom 
 will blesse God for yo" all so wee shall hold our Self obliged in a speciall 
 manner to thank yo"- in particular according to y° affection yo" shall express 
 towards us wee need y? less enlarge to yo" upon this subject because wee have 
 likewise writ to y!" house of Comons w'^!' wee suppose will communicate to yo" : 
 And wee pray God to blesse yo' joint endeavours for yf good of us all and so 
 wee bid yo'.' very heartily farewell Given at our Court at Breda, this day of 
 
 Aprill 1660 
 
 CHARLES: R 
 
 CHARLES, by the Grace of God King of England Scotland France and 
 Ireland defender of the faith &c to all our loveing subjects of what degree or 
 quallity soever. Greeting if the generall distraction and confusion which is 
 spread over the whole Kingdom doth not awaken all men to a desire and 
 Longing that those wounds which have so many yeares together been kept 
 bleeding may be bound up all wee can say will be to no purpose : However 
 after this Long silence we have thought it our duty to declare how much we 
 
86 TJie Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 desire to contribute thereunto and that as we can never give over the hope in 
 good time to obtaine the possession of that R! which God and nature hath 
 made our due so wee doe make it our dayly suit to ye divine providence that 
 hee will in compassion to us and our subjects after so long misery and 
 sufferings comitt and putt us into a quiet and Peaceable possession of that our 
 Right with as little blood and damnage to our people as is possible, Nor doe 
 wee desire more to enjoy what is ours than that all our subjects may enjoy 
 what by Law is theirs by a full and entire administration of Justice throughout 
 the Land and by extending our marcy where it is wanted and deserved. 
 
 And to y*; end that the fear of punishment may not engage any conscious 
 to themselves of what is passed to a p'severance in guilt for the future by 
 opposing the quiet and happiness of their Country in the Restoration both of 
 King Peers and people to their Just Ancient and Fundamental! Rights wee doe 
 by these presents declare that wee doe grant a Free and Generall pardon which 
 wee are ready upon demand to pass under our Great Seal of England to all 
 our subjects of what degree or quallity soever who within fourty days after the 
 publishing hereof shall lay hold upon this our grace and favor and shall by 
 any publick act declare their doeing so. And that they retourn to the 
 Loyalty and obedience of good Subjects (excepting onely such persons as 
 shall hereafter be excepted by Parliam') those only excepted. Lett all our 
 loveing subjects how faulty soever relie upon y': word of a Kinge solemnly 
 given by this present declaracon that noe crime whatsoever committed against 
 us or our Royall Father before the publication of this shall ever rise in 
 Judgment or be brought in question against any of them to the least endamage- 
 ment of them either in their lives Liberties or Estates or (as far forth as lies in 
 our power) so much as to the prejudice of their Reputations by any Reproch 
 of term of distinction from y"" rest of our best subjects wee desireing and 
 ordaining that henceforward all notes discord separation and difference of 
 Parties be utterly abolished among all our subjects whom wee invite and 
 conjure to a perfect union among themselves under our protection for y^ 
 resettlement of our Just Rights and theirs in a free Parliam'. by which upon 
 the word of a Kinge wee will be advised 
 
 And because the Passion and uncharitableness of the times have produced 
 severall opinions in Religion by which men are engaged in Parties and 
 animosities against each other which when they shall hereafter unite in a freedom 
 of conversation will be composed or better understood wee doe declare a Liberty 
 to tender Consciences and that no man shall be disquieted or called in 
 question for differences of opinion in religion which doe not disturbe the 
 peace of the Kingdom And that wee shall be ready to consent to such an Act 
 of Parhament as upon mature delci^^ration shall be offred to us for y*" full 
 granting that indullgence. 
 
 And because in the continuall distractions of so many yeares and see 
 many and great Revolutions money grants and purchases of Estates have been 
 made to and by many officers Soldiers and others who are now possessed of 
 the same and who may be lyable to actions at Law upon severall titles wee 
 are likewise willing that all such differences and all things relating to such 
 grants sales and purchases shall be determined in Parliament which can best 
 provide for the just satisfacon of all men who are concerned. 
 
 And wee doe further declare that wee will be ready to consent to any Act 
 or Acts of Parliament to y^ Purposes afforesaid and for y? full satisfaction of 
 all arrears due to y° ofiScers and y° Souldiers of y*^ Army under y° command 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 87 
 
 of Generall Monck and that they shall be retained in our service upon as good 
 
 pay and conditions as they now enjoy. 
 
 Given under our Sign Manual 
 and Privy Signet at our Court 
 at Breda this ^ih day of 
 Aprill 1660 in the twelfth 
 year of our Reign 
 
 DUBLIN 
 
 Reprinted by William Bladen 
 by Special Order 
 
 Anno Domini 1660 
 
 Know yee that I John Leathes of Rathnewgent. in y' County of 
 Westmeath and one of the Burgesses of this Borrough this seaven and twenyeth 
 day day (sic) of May 1660 make claime to y': benefit of y" exceeding great grace 
 and Mercy held out by his most excellent Majesty Charles y" Second by y'^ Grace 
 of God Kinge of England Scotland France and Ireland defender of y" Faith 
 &c to all his loving subjects by a declaracon under his signe Manual and 
 privy signett at his Court at Breda yy of Aprill 1660 and in y*^ 12th yeare of 
 his Majestys Reigne and sent to y" Houses of Peers and Comons in England 
 and Published by order of y" first of May 1 660 and doe with thankefullnesse 
 and Joy of hart lay hould embrace and accept of his Majestys Grace and 
 favour offered therein and doe humbly pray the benefitt thereof And that 
 this my prayer and acceptance may be recorded as a publiqe Act of mine and 
 entred amongst the Records of this Court And likewise doe owne and 
 acknowledge his Majestie to be Soveraigne Lord and Kinge and Promise to 
 yeald all constant and faithfuU obedience to his Majesty As witness my hand 
 
 Acknowledged before 
 Cap' ffrancis Meeke 
 Soveraigne of this 
 Borrough and Entred 
 per Rob' Leathes 
 
 Towne Clk 
 
 Memorandum that I Roger Humphreys of Bellfast afforesaid this fifth day 
 of June 1660 make claime to y^ benefitt of y*^ exceeding great Grace and 
 Mercy held out by his most excellent Majesty Charles y" Second by y"^ Grace 
 of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland defender of y" faith &c to 
 all his loveing subjects by a declaracon under his signe Manual and privy signett 
 at his Court at Breda ~ of Aprill 1660 and in y" la"" yeare of his Majestys 
 Reigne and sent to yt house of Peers and Comons in England and published 
 by order of y'= first of May last past and doe with thankefullness and Joy of hart 
 lay hold imbrace and accept of his Majestyes Grace and favour offered 
 therein and doe humbly pray the benefitt thereof And that this my prayer 
 and acceptance may be recorded as a publique act of mine and entred amongest 
 the Records of this Court. And likewise doe owne and accknowledge his 
 Majestie to be my Soveraigne Lord and Kinge and Promise to yeald all 
 constant and faithfull obedience to his Majestie As witness my hand 
 
 Acknowledged before 
 
 Cap' ffrancis Meeke Roger Humfreys 
 
 Sofferaigne of this Borrough 
 
 and entred per 
 
 Rob! Leathes 
 
88 Tlie Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Memorandum That I William Dix of Bellfast in f- County of Antrim this 
 eight day of June 1660 make claim to y'' benefitt of the exceeding great grace 
 and marcy held out by his most excellent Majesty Charles the Second by the 
 Grace of God Kinge of England Scotland France and Ireland defender of y" 
 Faith &' to all his loveing Subjects by a Declaration under his Signe Manuall 
 and privy signett at his Court at Breda -^ of Aprill 1660 and in y" 12'" yeare 
 of his Maj'if Raigne and sent to y' houses of Peers and Comons in 
 England and published by order of the first of May last past and doe with 
 thankfullness and Joy of harte lay hould embrace and accept of his Maj"" 
 grace and favour offered therein and doe humbly pray the benefitt thereof 
 And that this my prayer and acceptance may be recorded as a Publique act of 
 mine and entered amongst the records of the Court And Likewise doe owne 
 and acknowledge His Ma"'" to be my Soveraigne Lord and Kinge and promise 
 to yeald all constant and faithfull obedience to his Majestie 
 
 As witnesse my hande. 
 
 Accknowledged before Capt 
 ffrancis Meeke Sofiferaigne 
 of y"^ said Borrough 
 and entred per me 
 
 Rob' Leathes 
 
 Town: Clk 
 
 Memorandum That I Robert Leathes of Bellfast in y" County of Antrim 
 this eight day of June 1660 make claime to y° benefitt of y" exceeding great 
 grace and Marcy held out by his most excellent Majesty Charles y° Second by 
 y" Grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland defender of 
 y^ Faith &c to all his loveing subjects by a Declaration und' his signe Manual 
 & privy signett at his Court at Breda y*^ of Aprill 1660 and in ye 12 yeare of 
 his Majestyes Raigne and sent to ye house of Peers and Comons in England 
 and published by order of y'' first of May last past and doe with thank- 
 fullness and Joy of heart lay hold embrace and accept of his Majesties grace 
 and favour offered therein and do humbly pray the benefitt thereof And that 
 this my prayer and acceptance may be recorded as a publique act of mine and 
 entred amongst the records of this Court And likewise doe owne and 
 accknowledge his Matie to be my Soveraigne Lord and Kinge and Promise to 
 yeald all constant and faithfull obedience to his Majestie 
 
 As witness my hand 
 
 Rob Leathes 
 
 Accknowledged before 
 Cap' ffrancis Meeke 
 Soff'?= of y' said Borrough 
 & entred by myselfe 
 
 R. L. 
 
 Att an Assembly held for y' Borrough of Belfast the 24th 
 of June 1660 before Capt" ffrancis Meeke gent Sofferaigne 
 of y' said Towne and before y^ Burgesses of y' same It 
 was ordered by the Sofferaigne and Burgesses afforesaid 
 with y" consent of Arthur Lord- Visct Chichester of Carrick- 
 fargus and Earle of Donegall (Lord of y^ Castle of Bellfast 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 89 
 
 afforesaid) that no Burgess of y" said Borrough from and 
 after y' date hereof that is or shall bee ellected and sworne 
 Sofferaigne of y' Borrough afforesaid dureing the time of 
 his Soveraigneship shall sell by retaile in his house any 
 Wines of what kinde soever or any Beere Ale or Aquavite or 
 keepe entertainem' in his house dureing his office afforesaid 
 upon paine of one hundred pound to be levied upon his goods 
 or chatles to and for y" use of y"" Corporacon and y° said 
 Burgfesse soe offending to be disfranchised of his Burgess'? 
 
 'fc>^ 
 
 Fra Meeke Sufraine I consent to this 
 
 Doneeall 
 
 -"£> 
 
 Tho Waring Geo M'Cartney Will: Waring Edvv: 
 Reynell George Martin Hugh Doake HD his marke 
 Tho Walcot 
 
 Memorandum that James Smith of Ballyvally in y'' Parrish of Sea Pattrick 
 and County of Downe and Gilbert iMcGarragh of y° Bellfast afforesaid 
 came before me and desired to have enrolled a bargaine of saile of his y" said 
 James Smiths and Jane his wiffe right in [his] all their houses lands and 
 tennem"' in Bellfast made to y" saide Gilbert McGarragh as follow in these 
 words. Memorandum That I James Smith of Ballyvally in y° parrish of 
 Seapatrick in y° County of [Antrim] Downe yeoman for divers good causes and 
 consideracons me thereunto moveing but especially for and in consideracon of 
 ye sume of thirty three pounds sterling to bee paid as followeth by Gilbert 
 McGarragh of ye Towne and parrish of Bellfast and County of Antrim have 
 and doe by these presents for me my Executors Administrators and Ass? by 
 and with yf consent of Jane my wife whoo doth hereunto subscribe bargained 
 sould assigned and sett over unto him y" said Gilbert McGarragh his 
 Executors Administrators and Ass' all our Right title interest claime and 
 demand wee have had or should have in and to ye Lands tenemt' hereditam" 
 and appurtenances to them belonging Now in ye hands of him the said 
 Gilbert, Thomas Postley and John Thomson of Bellfast and all other claymcs 
 and demands whatsoever I or my wife have to any tenem' or professions 
 whatsoever in Bellfast afforesaid from this time forth and for ever he y" said 
 Gilbert m'Garragh his Executo" Administrat""* and Ass? Yealding and payeinge 
 unto me my Executors Administrators or Ass? ye sume of thirty and 
 three pounds ster. aforesaid whereof I accknowledge to have received in 
 part paym' ye sume of five shilP and six pence in Gold and y° remainder 
 to be paid at two severall paymt? viz y? sume of sixteen pounds tenn 
 shills to be paid [as afforesaid] to me or my ass? upon demand and 
 ye other part being ye sume of sixteen pounds tenn shilP str to be 
 paid as afforesaid at or before ye fourth day of August next ensueinge the 
 date hereof w''' in ye whole makes ye sum of thirty three pounds afforesaid 
 being ye full consideracon afforesaid and I and my Executors to leave him ye 
 said Gilbert his Executors Administrators and Ass' free from all rents arrears 
 of rents & dutys due to y° Lord Chichester out of y° premisses Provided 
 allways that ye said Gilbert and his Ass' make good those tennents interest 
 that now live on yc premises they makeing their said interest good to clayme ye 
 same And it is further agreed between me y° said James and the said Gilbert 
 
90 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 McGarragh that I doe engage that upon y' payment of y" first sume specified 
 herein to dehver to him ye said Gilbert or his Ass? y" grand Lease under y* 
 hande and seale of Edward Lord Chichester of ye premisses and all other 
 writings concerning y' same he ye said Gilbert giveing a Bond for ye last 
 paym' of y" said money accordinge [to y° said Bargain and to do or endeavour 
 with y' Land Lord to Procure a Reversion for y" said Gilbert and for his Ass' 
 of y' Premises. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 
 2 1 St of May 1660 
 
 Enrolled and Examined according James Smyth 
 
 to the originall this loth of August 1660 
 
 by Mee Rob Leathes Town Ck] to these p'.sents and I doe engage to goe 
 with him ye said Gilbert before the Lord Chichest' and thereto accknowledge ye 
 said Bargaine and to doe my Indeavour with ye said Lord to procure a 
 Reversion for ye said Gilbert and his Ass^ of ye premisses In witness whereof 
 I have hereunto sett my hand and seale this 21st day of May 1660 
 
 Signed sealed and delivered James Smith 
 
 in ye p'sents of Jane Smith 
 
 John Stewart 
 James Stalker 
 Rob' Leathes 
 
 Enrolled and examined 
 according with the originall 
 loth of August 1660 
 
 Rob' Leathes 
 
 Know all men by these p' sents That I Thomas Christian of Liverpoole 
 in ye County of Lancaster Marchant doe owe and Promise to pay unto 
 Thomas Warren of Belfast in ye County of Antrim March' the full and Just 
 sume of fifty and six pounds of currant and LawfuU money of and in England 
 to be paid to the Said Thomas Warren his heirs Executors administrators or 
 ass? upon demand for paym' whereof I the said Thomas Christian afforesaid 
 doe firmely by these p'^^sents bind myselfe my heirs Executors Administrators 
 or Assignes in ye above said sume of fifty and six pounds Witness my hand 
 and Seale the seaven and twenty'^' day of May one thousand six hundred sixty 
 and one In the thirteenth yeare of the Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord Kinge 
 Charles the Second 
 
 The condicon of this obligacon is such that if the above bounden Thomas 
 Christian his heirs Executors Administrators or Ass^ doe pay or cause to be 
 paid unto Thomas Warren his heirs Execuf" Administrat"" or Assignes upon 
 demand the sum of eight and twenty pounds of LawfuU English money then 
 this obligacon to be voyd otherwise to stand in full power force and vertue 
 Witness my hand and Seal the seaven and twentieth day of May 1661 
 
 Signed sealed and delivered 
 in ye pfsence of us 
 
 William Stacley 
 Daniel DC Christians marke 
 
 per me Thomas Christian 
 
 Enrolled and exam, agreeing 
 with ye originall by me 
 
 Rob' Leathes 
 this 22'' of ffeb' 1661 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 91 
 
 M"! That William Stacley and Daniell Christian came before me John 
 Rigby Sofferaigne of this Tovvne and Borrough of Belfast where was produced 
 to them a bill obligator und' ye hand and seale of Thomas Christian to w'.'' 
 they were witnesses (the above enrolm" being a true and p'feict coppy examined 
 as afforesaid of y^ said Bill) and they declared upon their corporall oaths that 
 they did see ye said Thomas Christian signe seale and deliver ye said Bill to 
 ye above said Thomas Warring for his use ye 
 
 of ffeb' 1 66 1 John Rigbee 
 
 Sofraine 
 
 Know all men by these p'sents that I John Egelsham of Bellfast in ye 
 County of Antrim within ye Kindom of Ireland M' chant doe owe and stand 
 Indebted unto Lawrance Breeres of Liverpoole in the County of Lancast' 
 Marc' the sume of thirty one pounds fifteene shillings six pence due to be 
 paid unto y'^ said Lawrance Breeres his heires or assignes att or before the 
 first of May next ensuinge for w*^.'' payment well and truely made I bind mee 
 my heirs Execut""" And administraf" firmely by these p.'sents in the sume of 
 sixty one pounds ster Asse witnesse my hand and seale the 16"' of ffebruary 
 Anno Dni 1660 
 
 Signed sealed and delivered John Egelsham 
 
 in ye p'sence of us 
 
 Tho Christian 
 Jo"; Starkie 
 George Stewart 
 
 Mr Eglesham I pray pay the within sume unto Mr Tho Warring I havinge 
 Received the vallue in goods pray faile not to pay him upon demand the bond 
 being due the first of May I doe not doubt of yof. p'formance I rest 
 
 Yo' loveing friend 
 
 Tho Christian 
 
 I doe hereby oblidge myselfe my Execut"" Administrat°" or ass? to pay 
 unto Laurance Breeres of Liverpool mar', att or upon first of May next ensue- 
 ing the sume of foure pounds tenn shills str as wittness my hand and seale the 
 1 8th day of ffebruary Anno Dni 1660 
 
 Signed sealed and delivered John Egelsham 
 
 in ye pfsents of 
 Thomas Buck 
 
 Mr Eglesham I desire to pay the above some according as beefore desired 
 and Mr Warrings receipt shall be yo' discharge from yo' loving friend 
 
 Tho Christian 
 Enrolled and examined 
 according to the originall 
 by me Rob' Leathes 
 This 22nd of ffeb' 1661 
 
 Att an Assembly of y' Soveraigne and Burgesses held for 
 the Corporacon this 24th day of January 1662 Peirce Welsh 
 shoomaker one of y' ffreemen of this Corporacon being called 
 
92 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 before y^ said Soveraigne & Burgesses to make answer for 
 his misdemeanor comitted ag'.' y' Soveraigne where upon 
 debate of y" matter y^ said Peirce Welsh was found guilty of 
 y^ said misdemeanor that is to say that he y° said Peirce 
 Welsh being before y" Soveraigne yesterday y' 23rd instant 
 about some differance between him y" said Peirce and his 
 man where y*" said Peirce by his words slighted and contemned 
 y" Soveraigne and his officers and their authority saying he 
 would not yeald any obedience to him or them casting at 
 nought Y oath he had takeii upon his admition to his ffree- 
 domship wherein he became bound by the said oath to yeald 
 all obedience to y" Soveraigne & his officers and although 
 y" Law of this Kingdom is strickt in those cases for punishing 
 of offend'? yett y' Soveraigne hath remitted y^ strictness of it 
 and only have disfranchised him y" said Peirce Welsh of his 
 Freedom and prevellidges of this Corporacon and ordered 
 that he shall be comitted to Prison there to remaine 24 houres 
 or to pay for y"" use of the Corporacon y^ sume of tenn shills 
 ster Therefore it is hereby ordered & enacted by y' Sover- 
 aigne and Burgesses now assembled that he y" said Pierce 
 Welsh shall be disfranchised of his Freedom & previledge 
 afores'' and to undergoe y" Imprisonm' or pay y" sume affore- 
 said and this und"^, our hands the day & yeare afiforesaid. 
 
 Geo M'Cartney 
 Tho Warring Soveraigne 
 
 Jo Leathes 
 Hugh FD Doake 
 this 5th of Feb! 1662 
 
 It is this day ordered by y' Soveraigne & Burgesse upon 
 y' peticon & humble [peticon] submission of him y'= said 
 Peirce Welsh that he the said Peirce be restored to his 
 former priveleidge of this Corporacon notwithstanding our 
 former order 
 
 Memorandum That whereas Andrew Loyd of Dublin marcht did putt 
 aboard ye Mary of Greenock in Scotland Thomas Macombe Master eighteen 
 barrells and firkins and eight boxes directed to Mr. Thomas Warring of Belfast 
 w"'' accordingly was delivered to ye said Thomas Warring but upon weight of 
 ye boxes of Tabbaco and other Caske there was found wanting ye number of 
 seaventecn pound and twelve ounces of neat Tabbaco according to ye bill of 
 particulars sent to ye said Thomas Warring of y? goods afforesaid Therefore 
 at ye desire of yf said Thomas AVarring ye said Thomas Macombe and Robert 
 Wilson both of ye Vessessell Company afifores'.' made[the] oath before John Rigby 
 Esq' Sofferaigne of the Borrough afforesaid that they nor any belonging to 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 93 
 
 ye said Vessell did to their Knowledge deminisli or imbessill any of y'^ said 
 Tobacco above y' vallue of six pence str but as they rec? ye same aboard so 
 they deUvered ye same to ye said Thomas Warring w''' ye Thomas Warring 
 desired might be recorded this 8th of Apr 1662 
 
 Entered by 
 
 Rob' Leathes Towne Clerk 
 
 FT an Assembly of y" Sofferaigne and Burgesse 
 held for y" Corporacon this 24th day of June 1662 
 it was ordred and is hereby established Whereas 
 there have been sessed&applotted upon y'= Inhabit- 
 ants of the Towne and quarters of Bellfast severall 
 sumes of money for severall uses of y" said Towne and 
 quart" as may appeare from y*" time that ffrancis Meeke 
 entred into y" office of Sofferaigne of this Corporacon to 
 this day and that by y" retourne of y" Collect°f [are in 
 arrears] severall of y* said Inhabitants are in arreare [of] 
 Sesses That y" said severall sessesse soe in 
 be by distresse or otherwise collected and brought 
 hands of y" Sofferaigne for y" time being and 
 for y' time being by his warrant und"' 
 
 y" said 
 
 arreare 
 
 into y' 
 
 that y"= 
 
 Sofferaigne 
 
 his hand from time to time cause y' 
 collected and brought in as afforesaid for 
 
 said assessem! to 
 y" use afforesaid 
 
 be 
 
 John Rigbee Sofraine 
 
 Fra: Meeke Tho Walcot Edw Reynell Hugh hD 
 Doake Tho Waring Geo M'Cartney 
 
 Yo" and every of yo" shall sweare that [yo" and every of yo"] for yf terme 
 
 of one whole yeare begining from y? 9th of Oct' 1662 yo" if yo" soe long 
 
 shall duly and truly execute y' office of overseers of y"" Markett [on the Mark] 
 
94 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 accordinge to such Rules Articles and Instructions as shall be given yo" in 
 charge according to yo' best skill knowledge and understanding Soe help 
 yoV God in Christ 
 
 Daniell Christian 
 John Martin March'. 
 Arthur Houghton 
 
 
 Overseers of ye Markett sworne 
 
 Know all men by these p''sents that I John Chrichton marcht in Belfast 
 doe by vertue of one Comission to me granted by Mr. John Hudson, marcht 
 owner of ye Unicorne of Wirewatter sell and dispose unto William Smith 
 William Thombe Hugh Eccles and Michaell Biggar marcht in ye afforesaid 
 Corporacon all and wholy the affores? Shipp with tackell furniture and other 
 necessaryes conform to an Invoyce produced and doth oblige myselfe my 
 heires Executors and Ass' to warrant and harmlesse keep the fforesaid Buyers 
 free from all taxes claimes rights or titles or any other trouble whatsoever that 
 any person or persons may alledge after the delivery of the said ship and 
 further obleidge myselfe as afforesaid to make delivery of her at or before ye 
 first day of november next ensueing the date hereof inconveeniencie of wind 
 and weather and all hassards whatsoever being exceipted, for w"'' Ship the 
 fforesaid marchants doth oblige themselves joyntly and severally their heires 
 execut"" or Ass' to thankfully pay or cause to be paid unto John Hudson and 
 partners their heires execut"'' or Ass? ye full and just sume of six hundreth 
 and eighteen pounds sterling currant money of England at two several] paym'? 
 it is to say the one moyetye thereof at or before yf first day of March next 
 ensueing the date hereof the other halfe or moyetye at or before ye first day 
 of July next following w'"' will be in the yeare of our Lord one thousand six 
 hundred and sixty three yeares to which premisses both parties hath Inter- 
 changeably sett their hands and scales this second of October Anno Dom 1662 
 
 Witnesse p'sent 
 John Stewart 
 James Biggar 
 
 William Smith 
 William Thom 
 Hugh Eccles 
 Michaell Biggar 
 John Creichton 
 
 Enrolled and examined according to the originall per Rob' Leathes this 
 24th of Oct' 1662 R.L. 
 
 By the Soveraigne of the Borrough of Bellfast and 
 one of His Maj"" Justices of the Peace for y" 
 County of Antrim 
 
 These are to certifie all whom it may concerne that the Bearer hereof 
 John Creichton marcht and part owner of ye good ship called the Unicorne 
 of Belfast afforesaid is a fifree Dennisson of this Kingdom of Ireland borne 
 in ye County of Tyrone and is an Inhabitant and free comoner and Marchant 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 95 
 
 of the Staple of the Borrough of Bellfast afforesaid all w"'' I certifie as 
 witnesse my hand and scale of ye said Corporacon this 26th of December 1662. 
 
 Enrolled and Ex: George M'Cartney 
 
 per Rob' Leathes Soveraigne 
 
 By George m'Cartney Esq" Soveraigne of the Borrough of Belfast and one of 
 his Mat'?.' Justices of Peace for the County of Antrim 
 
 These are to testifie to all whom it may or shall concerne that William 
 Harwood quarterpart owner of the ship called the North Star of Bellfast came 
 before me the day of the date hereof and in y' p'sencc of William Smith 
 William Thorn and William Moore of Bellfast afforesaid Marchants and there 
 freely declaired and accknowledgcd (notwitiistanding he the said William 
 Harwood in his owne name had bought from Claies Pieters Wittepart of 
 Amsterdam in Holland one vessell or shipp called a Buys shipp with masts 
 yards sailes rops cables and ancors and all other things to her belonging 
 burden about fourscore tunn as may more at large appeare by y" anexed 
 Instrum' of wTiting Subscribed by John Van Wyning notary Publique in 
 Amsterdam afforesaid) that there doth but belong and of right appertaine to 
 y" said William Harwood only one quarter parte of y' said ship now called 
 y" North Star of Bellfast, And the other three quarter parts of y' said 
 ship is properly and doth belong unto William Smith William Thom and 
 AVilliam Moore afforesaid whoe were and are part owners with the said 
 William Harwood in buyeing the said ship and by their factor according to 
 their severall and respective shares and proporcons furnished him with money 
 soe to doe and likewise y'^ said William Harrwood with y'^ afforesaid owners 
 desired and requested yf it might be certified he the said William Harrwood 
 hath but right and title to one quarter part of y" said vessell or ship and noe 
 more and that he neither can or will claime any other interest or title in y'' 
 said ship but y*" said quarter part all w^*" I testifie to be true As witnesse my 
 hand and comon seale of the Corporacon afforesaid this thirtyth day of 
 October Anno dom 1662 
 
 Geo : m'Cartney 
 Enroled and examined Soveraigne 
 
 according to y" originall 
 per Rob' Leathes 
 
 Towne Gierke 
 
 Know all men by these p'.sents ; Whereas William Harwood late Master 
 of ye good shipp called ye Golden Star als the North Star of Bellfast hath for 
 and in consideracon of ye sume of three score and eight pounds st'. to him 
 paid sould ye quarter part of ye said shipp to William Smith William Thom 
 and William Moore of Belfast afforesaid marcht^ and whereas by vertue of y' 
 annexed letter of Attourney made to me James Sparkes of Bellfast afforesaid 
 march' to sell and dispose of ye fourth parte of y° said quarter part w'll doth 
 belong to Cornelis Vander Vere and Thomas Prettyman of Amsterdam I 
 therefore in pursuance of ye said letter of attourney and for and in con- 
 sideracon of ye sume of seaventeen pounds ster to me in hand [had] paid by 
 William Harwood afforesaid doe by these p'.sents for me and the said Cornelis 
 Vander Vere and Thomas Prettyman and their ass* allow condisend fully 
 agree and confirme ye saide bargaine and saile made by ye said William 
 Harwood of ye quarter part afforesaid the fourth of ye quarter part afforesaid 
 (included) to ye said AVilliam Smith \\'illiam Thom and \\'illiam Moore affore 
 
96 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 said and doe hereby ingage myselfe to save indempnifie and keepe harmlesse 
 the said William Harrwood and his ass'' of and from y° said Cornells Vander 
 Vera & Thomas Prettyman and their execute'? administrator and ass* for or by 
 reason of ye saile of ye said sixteen part of ye said shipp In witness whereof 
 I have hereunto sett my hand and seale the thirteenth day of December in y?. 
 yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred sixty two 1662 
 
 Signed sealed and 
 delivered in y*" p'sence of 
 
 Geo : m'Cartney 
 Soveraigne 
 Mic Bigger 
 Rob' : Leathes 
 
 Enroled and Examined according 
 to ye originall per Rob' Leathes 
 
 James Sparkes 
 
 Att an Assembly held this 7th January 1663 by the 
 Soveraiene and Burgesses of the Borrous/h affores'' it is this 
 day ordered That if William Taylor march' who for offences 
 by him comitted ags' ye Sov":? & Burgesses was disfranchised 
 of his freedome'.? of this Corporacon doe not before ye next 
 Court of assembly to be held for ye Corporacon affores"^ sub- 
 mitte & confesse his error that he hath comitted ag'.' them 
 shall for ever hereafter be disenabled to be admitted a 
 Comoner & free march' of y" staple of this Borrough 
 
 Signed by order 
 
 Rob! Leathes 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 97 
 
 Stet 
 
 TT an Assembly held for ye Burrough of Bellfast 
 this 7th day of January 1663 & by and with y' 
 consent of the Rt HonnoH'.'= the Earle of Donnegall 
 Lord of the Castle of Bellfast before George 
 m'Cartney Esq Soveraigne of the Borrough of Bellfast 
 and before ye free Burgesses of the same That whereas 
 dayly complaintes [is] are made by severall Inhabitants 
 of the said Borrough that great anoyance is comitted by 
 the Butchers of this Towne by killing and slaughtering of 
 Catle they suffer the Blood and Garbage of their slaughter 
 houses, some to lye in ye streets & other parte to run into 
 severall channells and ditches of this Towne to the 
 corruption and putrefaccon of the River and anoyance of 
 their neighbours by reason of the stinke and evill and 
 infectious smell (that if not timely prevented) will by all 
 likelyhood bringe some Ruinous and pestellentiall desease 
 amongst y' Inhabitants, which for the future that care may 
 be taken and such enormityes cured, It is ordered and by 
 and with the consent affores? it is hereby enacted that if 
 any Butcher or Butchers or any other person whatsoever 
 shall from and after the date hereof slaughter or kill or 
 cause to be slaughtered or killed any catle of what kinde 
 soever within this Towne of Belfast without they or any of 
 them soe doeing shall carry or cause to be carryed the same 
 ^ day all y* Blood and Garbage of such beasts or catle 
 S soe killed or slaughtered twenty yards beyon ye 
 full sea marke every such Butcher or other person 
 < offending herein shall for every offence pay twenty 
 shillings sterling to be levied imediatly by distresse 
 or otherwise as is accustomed &c 
 
 Geo M'Cartney Sovraigne 
 Tho Walcot Edw Reynell Tho Waring Gill' 
 Wye George Martin John Leathes Joh Rigbee 
 Jo Leythes Hugh HD Doake 
 
 Stet 7 Jan 1663 
 
 Att the Assembly held y' 7"" of January affores? for the 
 Corporation afforesaid by and with y* consent of the R' 
 Honor''!'' y^ Earle of Donegall it is ordered and enacted that 
 if any person or persons shall from and after y' date hereof 
 incumber leave or cause to be left upon any of the Streets 
 and Layns of this Towne of Bellfast any timber carts, cars, 
 
 H 
 
 D 
 
98 
 
 The Towit Book of Belfast. 
 
 hoggsheads barrells or other caske full or empty or any other 
 thing of what quality soever without leave first had and 
 obtained from y" Sovraigne of y' Borrough affores? for y' 
 time being soe to doe and that to be granted in cases of 
 necessity as y" Sovraigne shall allow of every such person or 
 persons offending herein shall pay for every offence tenn 
 shill' ster And it is further ordered that all person or 
 persons within the Towne being Masters of familyes or 
 tennants liveing in any house or houses or that useth or 
 occupieth any shopp, seller, warehouse, storehouse, or any 
 place or ground (though waste) fronting upon any of the 
 A bye Law Streets or Lanes afforesaid shall every week twice that 
 is to say on Wednesday and Saturday sweepe and make 
 clean or cause to be swept and made clean, his or their part 
 or porcion of the street that belongeth to such house or 
 houses shopps sellers warehouses storehouses or any other 
 place or places respectively and if any such person or 
 persons shall neglect or refuse soe to doe every such person 
 [shall] shall pay twelve pence ster for every offence 
 
 Geo: m^Cartney Sovraigne 
 George Martin Tho Waring Tho Walcot Edw: 
 Reynell Hugh HI) Doake John Leathes John 
 Rigbee Jo: Leathes Gill' Wye Will : Waring 
 
 1663 
 
 |TT ye assembly held ye 7th January affores? for ye 
 
 Corporacon afforesaid by and with ye consent of 
 
 ye Rt Honorb'^ ye Earle of Donegall it is ordered 
 
 that every person or persons shall build up or 
 
 cause to be builded up and topt ye bankes of y" River of 
 
 this Towne of Bellfast with brick or stone and lime above 
 
 y^ streets or Pavem" such hight as some parte of y° said 
 
 Riverwall w[are]allready madeand ye same to be compleated 
 
 and finished before the last day of June next ensueing ye 
 
 date hereof and every person or persons that is or shall be 
 
 concerned to build up ye Banke of y' said River and that 
 
 shall neglect or refuse soe to doe shall pay tenn shills 
 
 ster for every offence to be imediatly levyed by distresse 
 
 or otherwise as is accustomed &c 
 
 George: M'Cartney Sovraigne 
 George Martin Jo: Leathes Tho Waring Tho 
 Walcot Edw: Reynell Hugh HD Doake John 
 Leathes John Rigbee Gill' Wye Will: Waring 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 99 
 
 TT an Assembly held for y' Corporacon this 14th 
 of April 1664 by y" Sovraigne and free Burgesses 
 by and with y" consent of ye Rt Honor''''' yf Earle 
 of Donegall it is ordered that Hugh Eccles marct 
 shall have liberty to make a Bridge over ye River of Belfast 
 before his new howse soe broad as a coach or a wheel car 
 may go over without molestacon hinderance or interuption 
 of any person or persons whatsover and further it is enacted 
 that any person or persons inhabitants of this Towne shall 
 and may have Liberty to build and erect bridge or bridges 
 over ye River afforesaid first haveing and obtaining ye 
 consent afforesaid ^^^. ^cCartney Sovraigne 
 
 Edw: Reynell Hugh Doake H) his mark Gill' 
 Wye Will Warring Jo: Leathes Tho Walcot 
 John Leathes 
 
 Know all men by these presents That I Robert Barrow of ye Cittie 
 Dublin esq' doe owe and stand justly indebted unto Rebecca Parkinson of 
 Bellfast in ye County of Antrim widdow the just and full sume of two 
 hundred pounds of current money of and in England to be paid unto the 
 said Rebecca Parkinson or to her certaine Attourney her Execute" 
 Administat- or ass' for ye paym' whereof well and truly to bee made and 
 performed I binde myselfe my heirs executors and administrators in ye 
 whole and every part firmly by these p'sents Signed with my hand and 
 sealed with my seale this eight and twentieth day of September one 
 thousand six hundred fifty and seven 
 
 The Condition of the above written obligacon is such That if the above 
 bounden Robert Barrow his heirs Execut"" and Administrato''' and every 
 of them their and every of their (sic) heirs execuf" and Administraf"^ shall 
 well and truly content sattisfie pay or cause to be well and truly contented 
 sattisfied and paid unto the above named Rebecca Parkinson or to her 
 certaine attorney her Executo" administrators or ass? the full and just sume 
 of one hundred pounds of good and lawfull money att ye now dwelling 
 house of Mr. Will Dix in Bellfast att or upon the twenty ninth day of 
 September w"'' shall be in ye yeare one thousand six hundred fifty and 
 eight att one whole and entire payment without fraude or further delay 
 That then this present obligacon to be voyd and of none effect or else to 
 remaine in full fiforce power and effect in Law 
 
 Signed sealed and Rob Barrow 
 
 delivered in ye p'sence 
 of us 
 
 Sam Bonnell \ 
 John Benson > 
 Wm Dix j 
 
 Enroled and examined 
 according to ye originall 
 this nth June 1664 
 per Rob' Leathes 
 
100 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Y° H i,£i 1 1 Streot- Belfast 
 
 t; 
 
 'Ft. 
 
 I^MMf^ls 
 
 ^1 Pit ill R. 
 
 I >■*. .1^ 
 
 I: 1 f" t.\ • % ^-,.f ' 
 
 >).*iff^^* 
 
 
 By the Sovraigne and Burgesses of the Corporacon 
 of Bellfast Assembled y'= 25th June 1664 
 
 HERE AS there hath benn for a longe 
 time past great want of a Court House 
 or Towne Hall for this Corporacon 
 whereby the decency Authority and well 
 Governing of thisBurrough hath received 
 prejudice and determ'. both in ye body 
 Corporate and Politique [even to y* 
 anihillating of that Antiquity Splendor 
 and Majesty wherewith it has been adorned] wherefore 
 wee have in Councell determined and decreed that such 
 decayes and ruins shall be repaired and to that end [did 
 place] have given in charge to ye Grand Jury in Hillary 
 Terme 1663 to [present] inquire and present ye yearly 
 charge and repaire of ye Court House Lett unto ye 
 Corporacon by ye now Soveraigne w''.'' Jury by their 
 pfsentm' ye 23rd of March 1663 hath thought fitt & 
 determined under their hands that ye sume of five pounds 
 per annum be paid to ye Sovraigne for ye said Court House 
 soe longe as it shall be for ye Towns use and ye sume of 
 be likewise paid him to putt it in repaire w'^'" 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. loi 
 
 afterwards he is soe to maintaine Therefore wee doe 
 hereby order that a warrant doe imediately issue from ye 
 Soveraigne for Applotting and leving of ye said sume 
 of Tenn pounds being for two years rent ending att 
 Michaellmas next ensueing as alsoe for ye sume of 
 in consideracon of ye repairs with ye sume of 
 for his Maj"f' Amies to be in ye said Courthouse w''' said 
 severall sumes is to be applotted and levied only of and 
 from ye [ffree] Soveraigne ffree Burgesses free Comoners 
 and march' staplers of this Borrough and if any person or 
 persons shall refuse to pay his equall proporcon of ye said 
 severall sumes according to his or their capacity and 
 abilityes that then ye Soveraigne for ye time being is 
 hereby Authorised and Impowered by warrants from time 
 to time to levy ye said assessm' by way of distresse or 
 otherwise of each person soe refusing and the same to 
 apprize and sell and convert to y" uses afforesaid retourning 
 ye overplus to ye owner if any be and that ye said sume of 
 five pounds yearly be continued to ye said Soveraigne for 
 ye said Court house soe long as ye same shall be for ye use 
 of this Corporacon to be assessed levied and paid as 
 afforesaid dated ye 25th of June 1664 
 
 By George M'Cartney Esqr Soveraigne and ye free 
 Burgesse of ye Borrough of Bellfast 
 
 jHEREAS there hath benn a longe time past great 
 want of a Court House or Town Hall for this 
 Corporacon of Bellfast whereby the decency of 
 this Borrough hath rec? prejudice and determ' 
 both in ye body Corporate & Pollitique wherefore wee have 
 in councell determined and freely consented that whereas 
 George M'Cartney now Soveraigne of Bellfast affores? hath 
 procured leave and p'mission of ye R! Honor''!'' ye Earle of 
 Donegall that ye upper parte of those Sellers next ye 
 Markett place w''.'' ye said Soveraigne now rents of ye said 
 Earle and hath rented for some years last past shall be 
 made use of as a Court house as it hath benn in ye yeare 
 1663 and this p'isent yeare 1664 dureinge his Lorp! pleasure 
 and whereas ye said Soveraigne hath upon his own Charge 
 made a paire of Stayres to ye said House and adorned it 
 with his Maj"" Armes and caused Seats both necessary and 
 convenient for ye affores? use of ye s? Corporacon wee doe 
 therefore according to ye p'sentment of ye Grand Jury 
 
I02 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 dated ye 23rd March 1663 & ye Judgem' of workmen at ye 
 charge w'^ ye said Soveraigne hath disbursed for his 
 Maj"" Armes and yf p'ticulars afforest y' ye sume of twenty 
 pounds sixteen shilP & nine pence str to be forthwith levied 
 upon ye Soveraigne free Burgesses and ComonaHty of ye 
 s^ Corporacon and paid to ye s? Soveraigne and that y' 
 Roofe of ye s? Court house to be repaired at ye charge of 
 ye said now Soveraigne [chargd] dated ye 30'.^ of June 1664 
 
 Geo: m'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Edw: Reynell John Leathes Hugh Doake H) his 
 mark Will: Waring Gill' Wye Jo: Leithes John 
 Rigbee 
 
 A By Law for y° Erecting and keepeing in Repaire 
 y' Court or Markett house or Towne Hall 
 
 Att an Assembly held the day of 1665, Edward 
 
 Reynells Esq' then Soveraigne of the Borrough of Bellfast 
 By and with the Consen' of the R' Hon''!" Arthur Earle of 
 Donegall Lord of the Castle of Bellfast and by the 
 Soveraigne and Burgesses of y" Borrough afforesaid it is 
 ordered and for a By Law for ever to continue In 
 consideration that y^ Inhabitants of Mallon ffall and dunmury 
 and part of the parish of Coole by their representatives the 
 Grand Jury at a Court Leete for the said mannor consente 
 to pay towards the Erecting and building up a Court house 
 and Markett house in this Corporation as by y' pf.sentm' 
 may appeare the said Inhabitants of Mallon ffall and 
 Dunmurry with part of the parish of Coole haveing allready 
 paid part of theire proporcion and paying the Remainder 
 
■WMILTIl IL3]?riE2f 3IA1TL 
 
 THE OLD EXCHANGE 
 
 NOW BELFAST BANK 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 103 
 
 according to y" Sesse made thereupon That ye Inhabitants 
 of the said Mallon ffall and dunmurry with part of the parish 
 of Coole soe many of them as are within the mannor of 
 Bellfast shall have their owne proper goods brought into the 
 Towne, Tole and Custome free usually paid att ye gates of 
 the said Towne and noe other Provided allwayes that noe 
 person an Inhabitant of any of the places afforesaid by 
 pretence or coloure of the liberty afforesaid shall at any time 
 owne any fforriners goods whereby the Custome of the said 
 Towne be Lessened That then any person against whom any 
 such thinge shall be proved before ye Soveraigne of the said 
 Borrough for the time being by the oath of one wittnesse 
 shall loose the benefitt of the freedom afforesaid and forfeit 
 ye sume of forty shills ster to be levied upon the goods and 
 chatles of the person offending and to be imployed as 
 afforesaid And Provided allwayes that all persons inhabiting 
 of any of the places afforesaid shall yearely and every yeare 
 pay their severall and respective proportions of money 
 towards the repaire of the said [house] Court house and 
 Markett house from time to time as often as the same 
 shall be needful and Necessary 
 
 Stet 
 
 At an Assembly of the Soveraigne and Burgesses held 
 for the Corporacon of Belfast the fourth day of January 
 1665 Edward Reynell Esq' the Soveraigne by and with the 
 consent of the Right Hono"'' Arthur Earle of Donegal Lord 
 of the Castle of Belfast. It is ordered established and 
 enacted that whereas from time to time several sumes of 
 money have heretofore been received by the Soveraignes 
 from ffree Comoners of this Corporacon and by the late 
 Rebellion and other revolucions hapening for severall yeares 
 last past noe accompt hath beene given of the same And 
 forasmuch as Mr John Rigby George MXartney Esq' and 
 Mf William Waring for and on the behalfe of his father late 
 
I04 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 deceased are ready to give an Accompt of w!. moneys were 
 received in their times. That from henceforth every 
 Soveraigne that shall succeed in the place and office of 
 Soveraigne of the Borrough of Belfast aforesayd shall have 
 full power and authority with the assistance of the major 
 part of the Burgesses (within one month after he shall be 
 sworne Soveraigne) to call the p'ceeding Soveraigne to an 
 accompt of all such sumes of money as were received in his 
 time of and from any ffreeman or given by any other person 
 to be employed for the good of this Corporacon and how 
 disbursed and disposed to the use aforesayd. And if that 
 any Soveraigne shall happen to dye within the time of his 
 being sworne Soveraigne that then it shall and may be 
 lawfull to and for the succeeding Soveraigne to call and 
 cause the Executors or administrators of the Soveraigne 
 that shall soe happen to dye as aforesayd to give a true and 
 just accompt of all and every such same or sumes of money 
 as shall be received or disposed of as aforesayd any act 
 order or by Law of this Corporacon at any time or times 
 heretofore made published or established to the contrary in 
 anywise notwithstanding 
 
 Edw Reynell Sovraigne 
 Sovraigne 
 
 John Leathes Tho Walcot George McCartney 
 Jo Leathes George Martin George : M'Cartney 
 John Rigbee Gill' Wye 
 
 Stet 
 
 Att an Assembly of the Soveraigne and Burgesses held 
 for the Corporacon of Belfast the fourth day of January 
 1665 in the time of Edward Reynell Esq' then Soveraigne 
 by and with the assent and consent of the Right Hono""!' 
 Arthur Earle of Donegall Lord of the Castle of Belfast 
 aforesayd It is hereby ordered and established the dayly 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 105 
 
 growing charge of the poore and other wayes of disbursing 
 
 moneys being considered and the great want of a Town Stock 
 
 ^emad"for ^^ defray any emergent charge and the number of ffree 
 
 premises to Comoncrs dayly encreasing rather to the hurt and detriment 
 
 ™momhs^Tfier of this Corporacon than to the creditt or advantage thereof 
 
 their time is Jt is Ordered by and with the consent aforesayd that the 
 
 theirfreedome Soveraigne for the time being and every Soveraigne for the 
 
 time being to come shall not admit any person to be a ffree 
 
 Comoner of the Corporacon aforesayd without reserving 
 
 the full moyety of such sume or sumes of money (as shall 
 
 be agreed upon for the making of any person ffree) to and 
 
 for the use of the sayd Towne And that noe ffreeman 
 
 hereafter shall be admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner in 
 
 noe other place and at noe other time but in open Court three 
 
 or two at the least of the Burgesses beside the Soveraigne 
 
 being present Any Act order use custome or By Law of the 
 
 Corporacon heretofore made used or done to the contrary in 
 
 anywise notw'^standing. 
 
 Edward Reynell Sovraigne 
 Soveraigne 
 
 & 
 
 John Leathes Tho VValcot George M'^Cartney 
 Jo: Leathes George Martin Geo: McCartney 
 John Rigbee Gill' Wye 
 
 Att the same Assembly and by and w'^ the consent of 
 the Rieht Hon''.''^ Arthur Earle of Donegall and Lord of the 
 Castle of Belfast It is ordered and enacted and to remaine 
 as a By Law for ever that noe Inholder Aleseller or 
 Victualer w'Mn the Burrough of Belfast shall not from 
 henceforth suffer any person or persons unlesse lodgers in 
 their houses to drink or play at any Game whatsoever after 
 the houre of Nyne at Night and that every person that shall 
 offend as abovesayd shall pay to the Soveraigne for the 
 time being the summe of Three shillings and four pence 
 ster to be levyed by distress or otherwise and every person 
 that shall be found drinking or playing after the time 
 aforemencioned shall pay to the Soveraigne the sum of One 
 Shilling ster 
 
 Edw Reynell Sovraigne 
 
 John Leathes Tho Walcot George McCartney 
 Jo: Leithes George Martin Geo: M'^Cartney 
 John Rigbee Gill' Wye 
 
io6 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 The first day of December in the Yeare of our Lord 
 God one thousand six hundred sixty and five Att an 
 assembly of the Soveraigne and Major part of the 
 Burgesses of the Borrough of Belfast for the Ellection of 
 Two Burgesses in the vacancy of Mr Thomas Waringe and 
 Capt ffrancis Meeke deceased upon deliberate and mature 
 consideracon ffrancis Thetford and George McCartney 
 Gentle" free Comoners of the Borrough were Ellected and 
 then sworne ffree Burgesses of the said Corporacon of Belfast 
 in the stead and place of the said Thomas Waringe and 
 ffrancis Meeke as aforesaid Edward Reynalds Gentleman 
 then being Soveraigne of the said Borrough 
 
 Edw Reynell Soveraigne 
 
 Geo: M'Cartney John Leathes Nethaniel Byrt 
 
 Memorandum that William Montgomery came before mee the fifth day 
 of Aprill [and] in the yeare of our Lord 1666 and did declare that one James 
 Akin of the parish of Templepatrick in the County of Antrim did [at March 
 last] ye 30"' day of October 1665 engage under his hand and Scale to 
 deliver to Alexander Alen Cuningham of Erwin in the Kingdome of Scot- 
 land Merchant Threescore Boles of oate meale w* one peck to the Bole 
 each Bole to be of Belfast measure to be delivered to the said [Alexand] 
 Alen Cuningham or his Assignes at or before ye first day of March thence 
 next following And further that the sayd [Ja] Alexanders Vessell sent to 
 receive the sayd meale hath lyon upon demurrage for want of the meale 28 
 dayes before the date hereof and much damage the said Alexander hath 
 received over and above the said demurrage the meale being not delivered 
 as aforesayd 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 107 
 
 |EMORANDUM That at a meeting of the 
 Soveraigne and Burgesses of the Borrough of 
 Belfast the 15 th clay of October 1666 w* the consent 
 of the Right Hon''!'= the Earl of Doneg-all have 
 unanimously agreed (by reason of a proclamacon from the 
 L"! Leiuten^nt and Councill for the calling in of all charters 
 granted to Cityes and Townes and for the renewing of 
 them) at their owne charges will from time to time advance 
 such sume or sumes of money as shall be required for the 
 renewing of the Charter of this said Borrough And for 
 the present undertaking the sayd worke doe Agree that 
 every Burgesse shall forthwith deposite i' ster and that if 
 any Burgesse or Btirgesses shall at present or for the future 
 refuse to pay such sume or sumes as shall proportionably 
 come to his or their share or shares that then [the] every such 
 Burgesse or Burgesses soe refusing w"' the consent of the 
 Lord of the Castle and major part of the Burgesses shall be 
 Disfranchised of all his libertyes as a ffree Burgesse of this 
 
 Corporacon t^ „ 
 
 '^ Donegal! 
 
 Edw Reynell Sovraigne 
 
 John Leathes Gill' Wye Fra: Thettford George 
 M'Cartney Geo M'Cartney Jo: Leithes John 
 Rigbee George Martin 
 
 At an assembly of the Soveraigne and Burgesses of the 
 Borrough of Belfast the eighth day of November 1666 it is 
 enacted and ordered by the Soveraigne and Burgesses 
 aforesayd that John Worthington shalbee from henceforth 
 disfranchised of his freedome and priviledges as a free 
 Comoner of this Corporacon by reason of his the sayd Johns 
 concealing the goods of fforrainers and aliens not being free 
 contrary to the ffreemans oath in that case made and 
 
 " Edw Reynell Sovraigne 
 
 Geo: M'Cartney George Martin Will: Waring 
 John Rigbee George M'Cartney 
 
io8 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 That the 13''' of December 1666 John Worthington 
 prefferred his peticon to y" Co" and upon due consideracon 
 thereof the sayd John was admitted a Free Comoner of the 
 Borrough of Belfast being the 8'*' day of November last 
 past disfranchised of and from his freedome in the Cor- 
 poracon 
 
 Edw Reynell Soveraigne 
 Soveraigne 
 
 Mich: Harrison John Leathes 
 
 Omnibus et singulis Justiciariis et Costodibus pacis ac majoribus Aldermanis 
 Superioribus Ballivis Constabulariis officiariis Ministris ae fidelibus Legeis 
 Domini Regis nunc ad quos hoc presens scriptum pervenerit Robertus 
 Bindlos Baronettus Major Burgi siue ville Lancastrie in Comitatu 
 Lancastrensi Willelmus Townson et Egidius Hoysham generosi Ballivi 
 eiusdem Burgi siue ville salutem in Domino sempiterno Sciatis quod Villa 
 et Burgus Lancastrie predicti est antiquus Burgus et quod omnes 
 Burgenses illius Burgi habent gaudent et fruuntur et a tempore quo 
 memoria hominum in contrarium non existit habuerunt gavisi et fructi sunt 
 libertate privilegio et immunitate esse exonerati et quieti de omni Theolonio 
 passagio pontagio stallagio pannagio Tunnagio et Lastagio ac etiam de 
 omnibus aliis exactionibus et demandis quibuscunque pro omnibus rebus et 
 merchandisis suis emptis siue venditis per totum regnum Anglie necnon 
 per quascunquas portus Maris et Insulas Civitates portus et Villas Hibernise 
 Walliaa et Mannite et quod Dominus Jacobus nuper Rex Anglie Scotie ffrancie 
 et Hibernie per Litteras suas patentes sub magno sigillo suo Anglie 
 concessit et confirmavit Burgensibus suis Burgi sui predicti et successoribus 
 suis in perpetuum Libertates privilegia et immunitates predictas secundum 
 tenorem diversarum Chartarum progenitorum et predecessorum dicti Domini 
 Regis et iisdem Burgensibus et predecessoribus suis Concessarum a tempore 
 Regni Johannis quondam Regis hujus Regni Anglie et per Excellentissimum 
 principem Dominum Nostrum Carolum Secundum Nunc Regem Anglie 
 Scotie ffrancie et Hibernie et iisdem Burgensibus et successoribus suis per 
 Litteras suas patentes tam sub sigillo magno suo Anglife quam sub sigillo 
 Ducatu sui Lancastrie nuper confirmatarum prout in eisdem Litteris 
 patentibus et Chartis penes predictos Burgenses remanentibus plenius 
 continetur — et Apparetur Quk quidem premissa non solum vobis tenore 
 presentium Testificamur necnon quod quidem Willelmus Yeates Burgensis 
 est admissus et Juratus et per Spatium Tredecim Annorum iam ultimo 
 elapsorum admissus et iuratus fuit ad Libertates eiusdem Burgi siue ville 
 Lancastrie Videlicet admissus et iuratus fuit ut prefertur in et super nonum 
 diem Octobris Anno Millessimo sexcentesimo quinquagessimo secundo 
 Quapropter nos prefati major et Ballivi specialiter Rogamus quatenus 
 cum dictus Willelmus Yeates aut Servientes sui venerint ad civitates 
 villas portus seu alia loca infra Regnum Anglie seu ad portus et Insulas 
 Hibernie Wallie seu Manne cum bonis rebus seu merchandisis suis quod 
 ipsi sint exonerati et quieti de omni Theolonio passagio (Anglice Through 
 Toll) pontagio stallagio pondagio Tunnagio Lastagio et aliis exactionibus et 
 demandis quibuscunque Secundum Concessionem dicti Domini Regis ac 
 progenitorum suorum ut prefertur In cujus rei Testimonium presentibus 
 sigillum Burgi siue Ville predicti apposuimus Quinto die ffebruarii Anno 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 109 
 
 regni Domini domni nostri Caroli secundi dei Gratia Anglie Scotie fifrancie 
 et Hibernie Regis fidei Defensoris decimo octavo, Anno Domini 1665 
 
 Robt Bindlos, William Townson 
 
 Major Lancastrie Gyles Heysham 
 
 Ballivi Lancastrenses 
 
 This Certificate enrolled y' 29"' January 1667 is according to the originall 
 examined per me 
 
 Sam Downes 
 
 Towne Clerck 
 
 Noverint Vniversi per presentes nos Willelmum Molloy de civitate Dublin 
 Armigerum et Arthur Ardagh de Civitate Dublin predicta generosum teneri 
 et firmiter obligari Timotheo Taylor de Grange in Comitatu Antrim 
 generoso in ducentis libris sterlingorum soluendis eidem Timotheo 
 Executoribus Administratoribus et assignatis suis ad quamquidem 
 solucionem bene et fideliter faciendam obligamus nos et utrumque 
 nostrum per se pro toto et in solido heredes Executores et administratores 
 nostros firmiter per presentes sigillis nostris sigillatas dates undecimo die 
 Martii Anno Dom. 1666 
 
 The condicion of this obligacion that if the above boundcn \\'illiam 
 Molloy and Arthur Ardagh or either of them their Executor' Administ" or 
 Assignes or the Executo'^ Admo'^ or Assignes of either of them shall well 
 and truely content satisfy and pay or cause to be well and truely contented 
 satisfyed and payd unto the above named Timothy Taylor his Execut"" 
 Administ'" or Assignes the just and full sume of one hundred pounds ster 
 currant and lawfuU mony of and in England at or upon the eleaventh day 
 of September next ensueing the date hereof that then the above obligacion 
 to be voyde otherwise the same to remaine in full force and vertue in 
 Law 
 
 Signed sealed and W'" Molloy 
 
 delivered in the Arth : Ardagh 
 
 presence of us 
 
 Ja Nixon 
 Nicho. Pudsey 
 Charles Molloy 
 Laur. Quicke 
 Theo. Taylor 
 
 Enrolled and examined w"' the originall the 15th day of October 1667 
 
 per me Sam Downes 
 
 Towne Clerk 
 
no 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 TT an Assembly of the Soveraigne and major part 
 of the Burgesses of the Borrough of Belfast [for] the 
 second day of December 1667 for the eleccon of a 
 Burgesse in the vacancy of John Davis Esq' deceased upon 
 deliberate and mature consideracon Hugh Eccles one of 
 the Free Comoners of this Borrough was elected and then 
 sworne a Free Burgesse of this place in the stead of him the 
 sayd John Davis Esqr deceased as aforesayd Given under 
 our hands the second day of December 1667 
 
 Geo M'^Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Jo: Leithes Hugh H3 Doake John Leathes Will: 
 Waring Edw: Reynell Tho:Walcot ffra: Thettford 
 George M'^Cartney 
 
 21''? January 1668 
 
 Att an Assembly of the Soveraigne and Burgesses of 
 the Borrough of Belfast by and with the consent of the 
 Right Honor"^ the Earle of Donegall Lord of the Castle 
 of Belfast It is ordered and established and to remaine as 
 a By Law for ever that noe Inhabitant of the Borrough 
 aforesayd from ye date hereof shall take to apprentize any 
 boy or Girle but that the Indentures to be made in such 
 cases shall be made by the Towne Clerck of the Corporacon 
 and by noe other person And the names of the Apprentize 
 [to] and Master acordaine shall be by him recorded in a 
 Booke for that purpose w'.*" the time of such apprentize 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 1 1 1 
 
 serving And the sayd Towne Clerck shall not take above 
 the sume of five shillings ster for each payre of Indentures 
 and enrolling them And if any person shall serve an 
 Apprentishipp by any other Indentures made otherwise 
 then above sayd hee shall have noe benefitt but be looked 
 upon as an Alien & forrainer provided that if any person 
 shall bring their Indentures in writing and that they shall 
 be allowed of by the Soveraigne to be[the]in forme then there 
 shall be but one shillinof allowed for the enrollm' to the 
 
 O 
 
 Town Clerck 
 
 Geo: M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Gillt: Wye Jo: Leythes George Martin Edw: 
 Reynell John Leathes George M'Cartney Hugh: 
 Eccles 
 
 The Porters oath as it was administred [on] the 
 Sixth day of ffebruary to some and agreed 
 to be administered to the rest y" 1 1'*" of this 
 Instant ffebruary 1668 
 
 I A : B : Admitted and Allowed of by the Soveraigne 
 and Burgesses of the Burrough of Belfast to act therein in 
 the employm' of a Porter w'Mn the Towne and Libertyes 
 aforesayd doe hereby sweare during my employm' as porter 
 or in anything thereunto belonging from time to time and 
 at all times to receive Coales Salt or any other goods 
 measurable of and from any Shipp Vessell Barque Boate or 
 Gabbart full measure to which my horse or carr may come 
 to receive w'Mn the Dock or Key or other place of discharge 
 belonging to this Borrough and the same soe received by 
 my selfe or ordered to be received by any person within the 
 Towne and Liberty aforesayd to deliver to noe other person 
 than appointed w'f'out any embezelling or lessening thereof 
 And that I will not being employed by any merchant or 
 other Inhabitant of this Borrough with its Liberty either by 
 
1 1 2 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 night or day by deed or word doe or cause to be done any 
 losse damage or prjudice Soe helpe mee God 
 
 Wee John Black and Michaell Biggar merch' doe 
 acknowledge Ourselves our Execute.? & Admo? to be 
 endebted to the Soveraigne & Burgesses of Belfast for the 
 time being Joyntly & sevrally the sume of forty pounds ster 
 if the sayd John Black Porter shall not observe fullfill and 
 keepe the aforesayd in every clause 
 Witnesse our hands y^ eleaventh 
 day of ffebruary 1668 
 
 Know all men by these p'sents that wee Cuthbert Studholme William 
 Hutchinson Joseph Nicholson and Robert Jackson gent Administ" of all 
 and singular the goods Chatties debts and creditts w'soever w''.'' Richard 
 Scott of the Citty of Carlile in the County of Cumberland merch' late 
 deceased dyed seized of have assigned ordained and in our stead and place 
 appointed and by these p'sents doe assigne ordaine authorise appoint and 
 constitute our trusty friend William Woods of Carlile our true and lawfull 
 attorney for us in our names and to our owne proper use as Administ'? of 
 the sayd goods and chatties to aske demand sue for levy require recover 
 and receive of and from any person or persons w!soever w'l'in the Kingdome 
 of Ireland all and singular such debts goods chatties sume and sumes of 
 money as they or any of them were owing and indebted unto the sayd 
 Richard Scott at the time of his death or w^'' then did appertaine or belong 
 to him the sayd Richard Scott giving and hereby granting unto the sayd 
 William Woods our full power and lawfull authority for us in our names 
 and to our use as aforesayd to sue arrest implead condemne and imprison 
 all or any of the debtors aforesayd and at his pleasure the same persons out 
 of prison to deliver or cause to be delivered and upon the receipt of any 
 such debts sume or sumes of money or other goods or chatties as aforesayd 
 to our use to be received of any of the sayd persons Acquittances or other 
 lawfull discharges for us and in our names to make seale and deliver as our 
 act or deedes and Attorney or Attorneys for the purpose aforesayd under 
 him to substitute and appoint and at his pleasure to revoke and all and 
 every other thing or things w* shall be needfull or necessary to be done in 
 or about the premises the same for us and in our names to doe as fully and 
 effectually as wee ourselves might doe if wee were personally present 
 Ratifying allowing and confirming by these presents w'soever our sayd 
 Attorney shall lawfully doe or cause to be done in or about the execucon 
 of the premises In witness whereof wee have hereunto sett our hands and 
 scales the Twenty seaventh day of Aprill in the Twentyeth yeare of our 
 Soveraigne Lord King Charles the Second of England &c Anno Dom 1668 
 Sealed signed and ^^^^._ Studholme 
 
 delivered in y= ^^^ Hutchinson 
 
 p'.senceofus j^^. Nicholson 
 
 William Jackson 
 This Letter of attorney Enrolled the Eighth day of June 1668 and 
 according to the originall Examined by me 
 
 Sam Downes 
 8 June 1668 Towne Clerk 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 113 
 
 Memorand the Last Will and Testam' of Richard Scott of Carlile 
 mere' bears date ye second day of October 1667 by w''.'' Will the said 
 Richard Scott did appoint Mr Thomas Craister Mr Joseph Nicholson Mr 
 Cuthbert Studholme and Mr Robert Jackson Tutors and guardians to his 
 children John Scott Nathaniel Scot Mary Scot Sarah Scot and Elizabeth 
 Scott and to have the whole nianagem' of his reall & personall Estate for 
 his childern's use making his childern joynt Executors \v^'' sayd Will bearing 
 date as aforesayd was signed and sealed in the p'sence of 
 
 Rich: Gilpin. Jos: Jackson 
 
 Tho: Stainebanke 
 
 Probat of the sayd Will of Richard Scott and Letters of administracon 
 was made and granted the 16"" day of January 1667 to Cuthbert Studholme 
 of Carlile mercf and to William Hutchinson of New Castle upon Tyne 
 mere' Joseph Nicholson Clerk Rector of Plomblaine and Robert Jackson 
 of ye City of Carlile aforesay'' gent of all the goods and chatties belonging 
 to ye said Richard Scott deceased to and for ye use of his children afore 
 named during their minority All this appeares to be true the copy of the 
 Will Letters of administracon w''.' the probate under the Scale of office and 
 signed by Phil Broome in the p'rogative Court of Yorke were all examined 
 [by me] the 8'" day of June 1668 by mee 
 
 Sam Downes Towne Clerk 
 
 And this brevitate enrolled at the request of Richard Page & M' W" Woods 
 
 Sam Downes 
 
 TT an Assembly of the Sovraigne and Burgesses 
 of the Borrough of Belfast [it] held the (f" day of July 
 1668 It is agreed that the sume of foure pounds 
 ster shall be levyed by way of Sesse upon this 
 
 Corporacon for the making of a new plush Cushion for ye 
 
 Towne Hall 
 
 Entred by order 
 
 per me Sam Downes 
 
 Towne Clerck 
 
114 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 HE foure and twentyeth day of April 1669 Att 
 an assembly of the major part of the Burgesses 
 of the Burrogh of Belfast and by the consent 
 and in the presence of the Right Hono''!^ Arthur 
 Earle of Donegall S!. Hercules Langford Knight and 
 Barronett was elected and sworne a free Burgesse of the 
 Corporacon of Belfast aforesaid in the roome and stead of 
 Mr John Rigby late deceased 
 
 Donegall Geo M'Cartney Soverainge 
 
 H) John Leathes Will Waring Tho Walcot Gillt 
 Wye George M'Cartney 
 
 Know all men by these pT.sents that I Petter Cassainge doe hereby 
 Acknowledge and confess myselfe to have received of and from the hand of 
 Mr Thomas Owen March' in goods and moneys to the full valeiu of two 
 hundred and ninty four pounds six shillings and five pence ster w^.'' is for 
 the use and accompt of my Master Mr Henry Lauie and for his partner 
 Mr Edward Thompson both mercht^ in Burdeaux and that by vertue of my 
 order by them to have granted as also by their Letter to the foresaid Mr 
 Thomas Owen bearing date the thirtieth day of March last in the yeare of 
 God 1665 the w"'' sume I doe hereby acknowledge to have receaved In 
 Witness whereof I have heirunto set [to] my hand and scale the 21"' day of 
 June Ano dom 1665 
 
 P: Cassaing 
 
 my Mr. Henry Lauye X 
 Mr Thompson 
 Signed Sealed and 
 Delivered in the p'.sents 
 of us 
 
 Will: Thomb James Monttgomery 
 Josia Martin not publicus 
 
 This acknowledgm' enrolled the 3rd day of June 1669 and was 
 examined w"'' the originall per me 
 
 Sam Downes 
 
 Towne Clerck 
 
 Know all men by these presents that I Petter Cassaigne doe hereby 
 acknowledge and confess" my selfe to have received from Mr Thomas 
 Owen Merch! in Belfast one Bill of Exchange upon Mr James Cuninghame 
 March* in Cadis of the sume of five hundred peices of eight and that 
 to be payd to my Mr Henry Leuie or to his order w''' bill was of the date 
 of the 9"' of June and uppon payment of the sume to him the aforesayd 
 Henry Lauie or his order that then the sayd Henry Lauie deductinge out of 
 the same nine pounds ster and odd moneys w"' the Ballance of the Ace" to 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 115 
 
 him sent and that the full remainder shall be in his Masters hands and to 
 be payd upon demand to the sayd Thomas Owen March' or order 
 Witnesse my hand and seale the 21st of June 1665 
 
 P Cassaing 
 Signed Sealed and for my Mr Henry Lauie 
 
 delivered in the 
 p'sence of 
 
 Will Thomb 
 
 J a Monttgumbrey 
 
 Josia Marten not publicus 
 
 The above acknowledgm' was enrolled the 3"^ day of June 1669 and 
 was examined with the originall per me 
 
 Sam Downes 
 
 Towne Clerck 
 
 |HE six and twentyeth day of August one thousand 
 six hundred sixty and nyne at an assembly of the 
 major part of the Burgesses of the Burrough of 
 Belfast and by the consent of the Right Hono"° 
 Arthur Earle of Donegall Captaine Robert Leathes one of 
 the free Comoners of this Burrough was elected and sworne 
 a free Burgesse of the Corporacon of Belfast aforesayd in 
 the roome and stead of Mr Hugh Doake late deceased 
 
 Geo: M'^Cartney Sovraigne 
 
 Jo: Leithes Will: Waring Edw Reynell George 
 M'Cartney Hugh: Eccles Her: Langford John 
 Leathes Gillt Wye 
 
 Att an Assembly of the Sovraigne and Burgesses of 
 Belfast the sixth day of July 1671 by and with the consent 
 of the Right Hon''!' Arthur Earle of Donegall Lord of the 
 Castle of Belfast It is ordered and enacted for a By Law 
 for ever that noe ffree Burgesse ffree Comoner not residing 
 within the Towne and Libertyes of the Corporacon shall 
 have any benefitt or priviledge of the Customes and dutyes 
 usually payd for any goods or wares brought in at the gates 
 of Belfast But shall pay for every horse Loade or carr the 
 Comon due or to be proceeded ag! as other Forrainers 
 unless the sayd persons Free Burgesses and Comoners 
 aforesayd shall be from time to time [be] assessed w'!" the 
 Inhabitants of the Towne and pay proportionably accordinge 
 to their Trade driven here that then this By Law shall not 
 extend to them This By Law being grounded upon a 
 
ii6 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 presentm' made by the Grand Jury the thirteenth of 
 October 1670 rehearsed in the words aforesayd 
 
 Will Waring Sovraigne 
 
 George Martin John Leithes Edw Reynell Tho 
 Walcot Fra Thettford George McCartney Hugh 
 Eccles 
 
 Att the same Assembly It is ordered by the Soveraigne 
 and Burgesses w'l" the assent and consent aforesayd that there 
 be made forthwith [made] at the charge of the Corporacon 
 foure Hogsheads of a full Bourdeaux Gage to be lodged in 
 the hands of foure persons by the appointm' of the Sove- 
 raigne for the time being in the most fitt places in the 
 Towne for the good of the Corporacon And all persons 
 selling Turffe to be delivered here in any part of the Towne 
 the party buying requiring the party selling to be tryed by 
 the Towne measure the sayd Buyer shall pay to the Keeper 
 of the Hogshead one penny for every hundred as alsoe 
 foure Barrells to be made as aforesayd Winchester measure 
 for the measuring of Lime to be appointed as aforesayd the 
 Keeper shall have of the Buyer two pence for every score 
 of Barrells or proportionably for a lesser quantity 
 
 Will: Waring Sovraigne 
 
 George Martin John Leathes Edw Reynell Tho 
 Walcot ffra: Thettford George M'Cartney Hugh: 
 Eccles 
 
 ^^'.^ -- -• ■ - 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 117 
 
 TT an Assembly of the Soveraigne and 
 Burcresses of this BurrouQ^h of Belfast and 
 by and with the consent and assent of the 
 Right Hono''!'' Arthur Earle of Donegall 
 and Lord of the Castle of Belfast the sayd 
 Soveraigne and Burgesses taking into con- 
 sideracion the presentm' of Three severall 
 Grand Juryes the one bearing date the seaventh day of 
 April in the Yeare of our Lord God 1670 another dated the 
 thirtyeth day of June in the said yeare the last dated the 
 seaven and twentyeth day of April 1671 all urging the 
 necessity of repayring the course of the backwater belonging 
 to the Miln and the same to be brought to the Rampyer 
 nere the north gate and from thence on the backside of the 
 North Streete as low as the house of Henry Thetford in 
 the sayd street and from thence all along to the present 
 Soveraignes new plantacion And the same to be repayred 
 and maintained from time to time at the cost and charges of 
 the Inhabit'.' of the said North Streete It is ordered and 
 enacted by and w'^ the consent aforesayd (finding a great 
 necessity of doeing the sayd worke and the use it may be 
 of in time of necessity and otherwise) that the sayd worke 
 be forthwith repayred and made up by the sayd Inhabitants 
 of the North Streete and for the future to be maintained 
 and kept from time to time at their only costs and charges 
 this to stand and remaine for a By Law for ever This 
 ordered and enacted the eight and twentyeth day of 
 September in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six 
 hundred seaventy and one 
 
 Will Waring Soveraigne 
 
 Jo: Leithes Tho Walcot John Leathes Rob' 
 Leathes 
 
ii8 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 ROPOSALS for renewing and 
 Charter of Bellfast by consent of ye 
 Arthur Earle of Donegall 1671 
 
 altering the 
 Hon^!' 
 
 R' 
 
 1 That the Charter be Renewed with Augmentacion of 
 
 Preveliges. 
 
 2 That yf. stile of Soveraigne and Burgesses Be Mayor 
 
 and Aldermen with a Comon Councell consisting of 
 24 Burgesses. 
 
 3 That y-^ R' HonM= y' Earle of Donegall Lord of the 
 
 Castle of Bellfast be preserved in all his priviledges 
 and Libertyes as formerly in ye Charter. 
 
 4 That y' By Laws acts and ordinances of the Corporacon 
 
 with the consent of the Lord of the Castle of Bellfast 
 be only made by ye Mayor Alldermen & Comon 
 Councell. 
 
 5 That y^ Court of Record held for ye Borrough to have 
 
 power to trye actions [without repetition] of 50'' ster. 
 
 6 That they may have Quarter Sessions or Assemblyes 
 
 with Grand Juryes to inquire into present and 
 correct all misdemeanours & Trespasses whatsoever 
 comitted or done in yf. Corporacon and to mend all 
 faults and breaches in Bridges streets lanes & 
 highwayes ffences and watercourses in ye said 
 Borrough by ffine or other punishm!. 
 
 7 That [all] the through Tole Customes of the gates and 
 
 Tongues be continued as formerly 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 119 
 
 8 That ye Precint and Libertyes & Limitts of the 
 
 Borrough and Corporacon of Bellfast as formerly 
 extend itselfe three mile distant on every side of the 
 Towne by a straight line with power to sett up 
 markes in every convenient places upon the meares 
 thereof. 
 
 9 That ye Mayor for y^ time being be Justice of the 
 
 Peace [at large] for ye County of Antrim & County 
 of Downe 
 
 10 That all fforraigne Boates Vessell or shipps w* belong 
 
 not to ye Corporacon be lyable to pay three pence 
 ster per Tunn towards ye repaireing ye key or wharfe 
 and clensing the River or dock. 
 
 1 1 Whereas the Corporacon of Bellfast have neither lands 
 
 Tenemt' hereditamt' Comons, Towne Stocke or 
 pursse to pay or defray any Publique Charge or 
 Contingences of the Corporacon neither is their any 
 maintenance arriseing or growing due out of the 
 Corporacon for ye Magistrate and Officers thereunto 
 belonging that supplycation be made to have it 
 granted that all fforran shipps and marchants not 
 free in ye Corporacon pay wharfeage and Keage & 
 Cranage to ye use of the Corporacon according to 
 ye Rules and methods of other Corporacons & 
 Cittyes especially Droheda. 
 
 12 That all ye present members of the Corporacon be 
 
 continued in their privelidges libertyes and freedoms 
 unlesse such who shall refuse ffreely willingly and 
 readyly contribute according to their Estates to ye 
 charge of getting ye new Charter and in order 
 thereunto that a speedy way be laid downe to raise 
 money for defraying the charge of [getting] the said 
 Charter. 
 
 / ■ COpCJ^C • *>. 
 
 kKMS or DKOSHBDA. 
 
 ARMS OF GALWAY. 
 
 ARMS OF CORK. 
 
I20 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 By George M'Cartney Esqr Soveraigne 
 of the Borrough of Bellfast 
 
 By vertue of ye power given me from ye R' HonnorM" 
 Arthur Earie of Donegall to execute ye office of water 
 Bayliffe place for ye Creeke or Harbour of ye Borrough of 
 Bellfast and to receive all dues dutyes Customes fees and 
 p'quisitts thereunto belonging and for ye more better 
 Keepeing ye Channell of ye said Harbour with markes or 
 pearches to ye Convenience of all shipps barkes boats 
 Gabbarts and Lighters to transport themselves from ye 
 poole of Garmoyle to ye Towne of Bellfast without danger 
 of grounding upon ye bankes of ye said Channell I doe 
 heereby sett and to farme lett unto John Dean of Bellfast 
 Mariner for one whole yeare comenceing from ye nine and 
 twentieth day of September instant ye office of water Balife 
 of ye said harbour to execute all & every thinge thereunto 
 belongeing especially in setting and keepeing pearches upon 
 ye said River in usuall places thereof and to receive for 
 his service therein only ye ffees of Anchoridge accustomed 
 due for ye same in consideracon whereof ye said John 
 Dean shall pay to me or my Ass!' y? full sume of fforty shills 
 halfe yearly by equall proporcions hereby requireing ye said 
 John Dean from time to time and at all times to give me 
 account of all misdemeanours transactions and accedentes 
 that may happen in ye said office of water Bayliff especially 
 to give me a true account of all Vessells Barkes and Boats 
 comeing into ye said harbour with coles salt ffish Corne 
 or other Victualls or any other lading out of w'^^ any 
 custome doth or may arise to ye s"* office for ye comon use 
 thereof Witness my hand and seale this 9"" day of October 
 1672 
 
 George M'Cartney 
 
 Y the R^ Honor'^!'^ Arthur Earle of Donnegall Visct 
 Chichester of Carrickfargus Governor of the same 
 Barron of Bellfast and one of His Maj"" Most 
 Honor".^ Privy Councell of Ireland. 
 Whereas I have given and granted unto Michaell Harrison 
 Esqr my Seneschall y^ office of water Baylife for y° Creeke 
 or Harbour of y' Borrough of Belfast during my plesure 
 with all y' ffees and perquisitts thereunto belonging Yet 
 neverthelesse out of my good will and affection to y^ Sove- 
 raigne of y' said Borrough for his better incouragement in 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 121 
 
 y= governm' of y" said Towne which generally consists of 
 marchant and maryten affaires I have thought fitt that ye 
 said office of water Bayhfe should be granted to y'= 
 Soveraigne of y'= Borrough aforesaid for the time being 
 under a yearly accknowledgement rendered to y° said 
 Michaell Harrison Pursuant thereunto y' Soveraignes of >'"= 
 Borrough affbresaid for many yeares last past have and still 
 do execute y'' said office or place of water Bayliffe Now 
 whereas John Dean my Water or Bargeman is imployed by 
 George M'Cartney now Soveraigne of y° Borrough afforesaid 
 in the said office for this two years last past receiving only 
 for y*" service y'^ fees and perquisitts of ancoridge in consider 
 whereof he paid a yearly rent to y' said George M'Cartney 
 as appeares by agreement undl their hands between them 
 and for as much as ye said John Dean to my certaine 
 knowledge is the Most fitt able and skillfull person to pearch 
 out the Chanell from Bellfast afforesaid to the pool of 
 Garmoyle the better to all ships Vessels Boats 
 
 Gabots and Lighters Loaden and unloaden to navigate to 
 and againe in the said channell for y" good and wellfare of 
 Trade in y^ w"^!" imployment y" said John Dean hath behaved 
 himselfe honestly skilfully and dilligently as I am credibly 
 informed by y^ said George M'Cartney and others. Therefore 
 I do hereby recomend the said John Dean to the Soveraigne 
 of y"" Borrough afforesaid for the time being and to all others 
 whome it may concerne that the said John Dean may be 
 contained and imployed in the said office or place of water 
 Bayliffe as heretofore he hath been during my pleashure 
 with full power to execute all warrants propperly belonging 
 and appertaining to the said office he of the same 
 
 in consideration whereof he is to pay the accustomed rent 
 to the Soveraigne for the time being Provided allways and 
 it is my will and pleasure y.'. the said John Dean from time 
 to time and at all times necessary and needful! sett markes 
 and pearches upon the River of Laggan up to Stand Millis I / 
 as also upon the new Dock or River up to the sluces of j/ 
 Castle Wharfe and for his better incouragem' and duracon 
 in the imployment I this instant of writing together with y' 
 agreem' of the sade George M'Cartney made with the sade 
 John Dean as allso y^ confession of the said Soveraigne 
 hereunto may be recorded amongst the records of the 
 Borrough of Bellfast Given under my hand and seale at 
 Belfast this eight day of September Anno Dom one thousand 
 six hundred seventy four 1674 r-j 11 
 
122 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 TABLE of the office and duty of a Water 
 Bayliff to the lord Admirall with the fees 
 and perquisites belonging to the same 
 established in the 4"' yeare of King Edward 
 the sixth by Thomas Lord Seymore then 
 Lord High Admirall of England & Ireland 
 and ever since continued and observed ac- 
 customably in England by the said Water 
 Bayliffes in right of the admirall 
 
 1 The Water Bayliff is to enquire and find out as much as 
 
 in him lyeth all such rights and duties as do any 
 wayes belong unto the admirall and seize them unto 
 his uses and to certifie and be accomptable for the 
 same 
 
 2 The Water bayliff is to search any navigable River 
 
 Port or Haven within the Admiralls Jurisdiccion 
 where any danger may be and to Beacon buoy or 
 perch the same that no barque ship or vessell 
 sustaine any damage either by rock shelve or quick 
 sand by defect thereof every barque ship or vessell 
 to pay accordingly as they pay in London towards 
 the maintainance of them, Anno 4° Hen 4° 
 
 3 The Water bayliff is to have a speciall regard of the 
 
 afores'' Rivers or streames that there be no stakes 
 obstacle or impediment either by anchor, timber, 
 weares, stakes, riddle, or such like, which may pre- 
 judice or disturb the passage of any boate barque or 
 ship in their way to or from any towne wharfe key 
 or Creaney and to certifie who are offenders in this 
 to be punished according to the statute in that behalf 
 either by imprisonment or fine or both if it be 
 thought fitt, Anno 4° Hen: 4° Cap 1 1° Anno 1 2 Hen: 
 4° Cap 7° 
 
 4 The Water bayliff upon any difference in contracts for 
 
 marine Cause for any fact or offence within the 
 admiralls Jurisdiccion comitted is to arest or attatch 
 any merchant Owner of Shipp proprietor or any 
 other p'son or p'sons malefactors or other adherents 
 as well within liberties and franchises as without, 
 taking such fees as in right doth belong to the same, 
 Ex Officio 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 1 23 
 
 5 The Water bayliffe is to search all passengers suspected 
 
 to be Jesuit, Seminary Priest, comeing into the 
 Realme, or fugitives out of the Kings Dominions for 
 seditious books, p'dons bulls or such like and for 
 letters of advice to or[for]from any the Kings enemies 
 and to stay all such suspected p'sons until they shall 
 be examined and shall obtain licence for their further 
 passage. Stat: 
 
 6 The Water bayliffe is to enquire and search what p'son or 
 
 p'sons do cast out of any Ship Cracer or any other 
 Vessell within any haven or river Creek or Channell 
 flowing or running to any towne Citty or burrough 
 within any of the Kings Dominions any manner of 
 gravell ballast rubbish or any other wreck or filth 
 whereby the River may any way be annoyed or 
 clogged the party so offending shall forfeit for every 
 such offence 5 pounds, the one halfe to the King the 
 other half to him that will sue for the same, Anno 
 34° Hen 8° Cap. 9°. 
 
 7 The Water bayliff is to make stay of any that be in 
 
 office or in the Kings pay or any other p'son of 
 what quality or condicion they be which shall be 
 suspected privily to go about to convey themselves 
 out of the Kings dominions without licence first 
 obtained excepting such p'sons as are limitted so to 
 do by the statute and whatsoever Master or owner 
 of ship shall carry any such p'son or p'sons not 
 having licence as afores"! shall forfeit his said shipp 
 barque or vessell, Anno 9° Ed, 3° 
 
 8 The Water bayliff is to search for the good and increase 
 
 of the Navy of the Kings Dominions that no p'son 
 or p'sons do lade or cause to be laden in any shipp, 
 bottom, or bottoms, whereof any stranger, or strangers 
 borne be proprietor shipp Masters or partners any 
 ware, merchandize, victuall or other things of what 
 kind or nature soever they shall be to any forraigne 
 Kingdome or region or from any port or creek of this 
 Realme to any port or creek of the same Realme 
 upon pain to forfeit all the goods so laden or carried 
 or the value thereof unless they shall obtain a 
 certificate under the seale of the Admirall his deputy 
 or Deputies or from the customer or controuler if 
 neither the Admirall or his deputy be resident at or 
 
124 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 in the said port or creek, that there may be not any 
 Eno-lish shipp or shipps of the Kings leidge people 
 sufficient to transport the said goods wares and 
 merchandize within the port where they are to be 
 shipped Anno 5° R a"."^ Cap 3° 
 
 9 The Water bayUff is to enquire and search that no 
 merchandize entring into the Realm or goeing out 
 of the same shall be charged or discharged in a 
 creek, water place, or small arrivall except it be by 
 the coertion of the tempest at sea, but in the great 
 parts and places where the King may be satisfied of 
 his customes upon pain to forfeit to the King all the 
 merchandize so charged or discharged, Anno 4° 
 Hen. 4 Cap. 20° 
 
 10 The Water bayliff is also to enquire and find out what 
 
 p'sons unlawfully do fish with netts or engines so 
 that thereby the fishes are destroyed and to certifie 
 the same unto the Conservator and also app'hend 
 and attatch all such p'sons that they may receive 
 condigne punishm' according to the statute in that 
 behalf, Anno 13° E 1° Anno 13° E 3° 
 
 1 1 The Water bayliff is to search and enquire of those that 
 
 in the entry or mouth of any River or in any port or 
 haven do forestall and engrosse any victuall fewell 
 or other goods before such things shall be brought 
 to the Key or Markett to the detriment of the 
 Common people next adjoining. Anno 25° E. 3"* 
 Cap. 2^ 
 
 12 The Water bayliff is to find out and app'hend those 
 
 w'.''[ith] in their shipps wittingly receive rebells, 
 fellons, murderers, piratts, banished men, outlaws 
 or their goods and do convey them away privily 
 from being app^hended to answer the laws in that 
 case provided. Communis Lex. 
 
 13 The Water bayliff is to enquire whether any p'son hath 
 
 taken in the sea, or within any other place within the 
 admiralls Jurisdiccion any whales, sturgeons, por- 
 pusses, balens, grasps, or any other great or overgrown 
 fish and hath not satisfied the \J. admirall for the 
 same, per litteras patentes. 
 
 14 The water Bayliff is to press all manner of shipps 
 
 barques hoyes or any other vessel! for the service of 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 1 25 
 
 the King or for carrieing any victuall or Munition 
 to any of the Kings Storehouses shipps Castles and 
 fforts and also to press Marriners or seafearing men 
 for the furtherance of the s"! service and shipp so 
 often as need shall be. virtute Officii. 
 
 15 The Water bayliff is also to forbid all people to build 
 
 any wharfe, key, or house upon the shore of any of 
 the ports, havens, rivers or creeks within the high 
 water and low water marke without licence first had 
 and obtained of the Lord admirall for the time being 
 his deputy or officers. 
 
 1 6 The Water bayliff is to have the custody of the water 
 
 measure and weights and to [weigh] measure and 
 weigh all and singular goods, & merchandizes w"'.'' are 
 to be weighed or measured within the ship board to 
 be laden, carried, transported, or brought over, that 
 thereby the King be not deceived in his customes nor 
 none of his subjects either in false measure or weights, 
 and also size and seale every water weight & measures, 
 the water bushell to contain ten gallons in measure 
 and to be sealed or marked with the seale of the 
 Admiralty & the weight to contain six[ty] score 
 pounds of Averdupoiz beams sealed or marked 
 accordingly Anno 1 1° Hen 7° 
 
 17 The Water bayliff is also to build and keep a Crane 
 
 for the lading and unlading merchants goods and 
 also to have a wharf or key to which all merchants 
 goods are to be brought & landed, there to be weighed 
 and measured and to certifie the quantity to the 
 Customers according to the entry and the King not 
 deceived by false and short entryes and to pay the 
 Cranage and wharfage as is accustomed where Cranes 
 and wharfes are already builded. virtute Officii. 
 
 18 The Water bayliff is to keep the ferryes for carrieing of 
 
 passengers over any river in the admiralls Jurisdiccon 
 or aboard or from any shipp or barque and to suffer 
 none to undertake the ferrying of passengers over 
 any the Kings streams afores? or aboard or from 
 any shipp only such as shall be licensed by the L? 
 Admirall or his officers or shall be free so to do by 
 his service and the oath of allegiance and supremacy 
 to be taken before the officers or masters of Trinity 
 House appointed for that purpose. 
 
126 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 19 If any merchant or proprietor do sell any barque or 
 
 shipp to any merchant or other man of a contrary 
 port, the seller shall pay to the Water Bayliff for 
 alienation of the s*? shipp 6" 8'' toward the maintain- 
 ance of the Buoys and Beacon of the same Harbour 
 from whence the shipp is carried, Secundum Curiae 
 advtus. 
 
 20 The Water bayliff is also to have of every Boat a fish, 
 
 as coddling, hake, plaice, mullett, haddock or any 
 other wett or dry fish, one cheif fish, and also for any 
 drying of their s'' fish netts upon the sea, beach, or 
 shore, as is accustomed to be paid where any such 
 fisher netts are usually dryed. 
 
 2 1 The Water bayliff is to have of every barque shipp or 
 
 vessell that taketh ballast of sand gravell or stone 
 both within the flowing and reflowing of the sea or 
 salt water upon any of the shores within the 
 admiralls Jurisdiccion for castage of every Tunn of 
 the said ballast 3"^ sterl, per Litteras patentes 
 
 22 The Water bayliff is also to forbid all Inhabitants dwell- 
 
 ing upon or neare the shore of the ports Havens 
 rivers or creeks beneath the bridges to cast out of 
 their houses, yards, wharfes or Keys, any rubbish 
 Soyle seacole dust or morttar whereby the River or 
 any of the afores? place may be cloyed annoyed 
 or the fishings of the s? place prejudiced or driven 
 away the parties so offending are to forfeit for every 
 such offence 3' 4^^ and to receive such other punishm' 
 as shall be thought fitt by the Lord Admirall or 
 by his deputy per litteras patentes et consuetudines et 
 antiquo spectand et p'tinent Coronae Regis 
 
 23 The Water bayliff is to have for anchorage of every 
 
 shipp with twotopps ... ... 00 : 01 : 00 
 
 Of every Barque or Shipp with one topp 00 : 00 : 06 
 Of every small boate that beareth 
 
 anchor ... ... ... ... 00 : 00 : 03 
 
 Of every strange bottom ... ... double duties 
 
 And which soever of their barques shall cast ancor 
 not having a buoy therto in any of the navigable 
 rivers shall forfeit to the Water Bayliff 00 : 03 : 04 
 
 24 The Water Bayliff is to have for grounding 
 
 every anchor ... ... ... 00 : 00 : 06 
 
 and of every stranger ... ... 00 : 01 : 00 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 127 
 
 25 The Water bayliff is to have of every barque ship or 
 
 vessell laden with corn, cole, or salt, one measure 
 wherewith they do usually measure, of the s'' corn, 
 cole, or salt ; and every vessell laden with iron, 
 timber, freestone, hard stone, clap boards, dale 
 boards, masts, mill stones or green stone, for bally- 
 age, for every one of these i? per litteras patentes et 
 consuetudines &c 
 
 26 The Water bayliff is to have for beaconage of every 
 
 shipp that crosseth the sea at her entrance into any 
 port toward the maintenance of such beacon 
 
 00 : 00 : 09 
 And of every barque and boate along \ 
 the coast so long as they enter f 
 these ports and take benefitt of f ' ' ^ 
 the beacon, but only ) 
 
 27 The Water bayliff is to see that the fishermen in the 
 
 time of herring fishing do keep the orders p.''.scribed 
 according to the statute in that behalf, and upon 
 every misdemeano' as the trespass is so the punishm'. 
 and also that they do not sell their fish at Sea, 
 before they come into the haven and the capell of 
 the ship to be drawn upon land upon paine of 
 forfeiture of all their fishes so taken, and imprison- 
 ment at the Kings will and the s'' Water Bayliff is 
 to have of every boate of herrings, fresh or salted 
 for the fishing line one hundred of herring, be they 
 either handled or barrelled. 
 
 28 The Water bayliff is to p.^sent all such persons as do 
 
 wrongfully exact and take by colour of their office 
 any manner of Customes or duties not allowable in 
 any of the ports of this Realm upon any manner of 
 goods or merchandize whereby the merchants are 
 constrained to forsake the s'' port to the hindrance 
 of his Ma"" subjects and the Common profitt of the 
 Realm 
 
128 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 To the Right Woppf"" Georg McCartney Esq"- 
 Sovraiofne of the Burrough of Bellfast and the 
 Wopp^"." Bench his brethern 
 
 HE Humble petition of the Tailors ffreemen 
 of y" s? Burrough Humbly sheweth that 
 your pett'" being by youl" woT favol' 
 admitted and sworne ffree Commoners; 
 have uppon all occassions given their 
 dutifull obedience in watch warde: assesses; 
 and all other Incombant taxes; Impossed 
 on them, by order as afforesaid and still are Redy uppon all 
 occassions to manifest their compliance as ffarr as their 
 abilities extends unto : now soe itt is, that notwithstandinge 
 good & wholesum Lawes were established; by ye Common 
 Councell of ye said Burrough; and confirmed by you"' wo''?;' 
 consent for the Incurradg^m' of ffreemen Inhabitants of this 
 Towne, yett a nuemorous sort of I dell vagabond Tailors 
 Daily resort hither and Reapes the Benefitt of the said 
 Towne, out of you"" pett" Mouths not soe much as paieinge 
 one farthing towards ye deffrayinge of any Publique Chardge 
 whereby y'^ ffrequent usse off ye same: you' pett" with their 
 families wholy, are allmost Ruined and undouptly will bee 
 unless relieved 
 
 Tho: Lightfoot, James Reed 
 John hudllston, Francis Cox 
 John Reynalds William Gibb, 
 William Crakan, Obadiah 
 Grove, Jo" Fisher, Robert 
 White, John Johnston, 
 Robert Hunter, Tho 
 M'Clune, James Allex:, 
 Andrew Smith, Jo" M'Cuden, 
 Allex" Latimer, Thomas 
 Hanna, Edward Marshall, 
 John N obeli 
 
 May it therefor please you' 
 woPP' to consider the p.'.mises 
 & graunt you' order that all 
 such loose persons as above- 
 said may bee compelled by 
 you' authority afforesaid to 
 depart to their several! 
 residentces & straight to 
 leave y" Towne Otherwaies, 
 that you' officers uppon 
 notice first given may attatch 
 any such person soe found 
 to brinsf them or anie of 
 them befor you' wo^p' or 
 success'? to pay ye fine and 
 paine Impossed on; him; 
 them or any of them (by 
 the by Lawe) and they as 
 bound shall ever pray &c 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 129 
 
 Haveing taken due Inspection into ye above Pettition 
 wee ffind ye Request to bee Reasonable, & pursuant to 
 their desire doe hereby require & comand the Sergeants 
 att Mace them and Either of them ; uppon notice to 
 them or any of them first given to apprehend any such 
 •loose Tailor working in Towne & not being ffree & being 
 soe apprehended to bring before mee or other Sovraigne my 
 success! from time to time & att all and every time to bee 
 dealt with according to y° purport of our by Lawe in that 
 case made & Provided: Given under our hands & his Ma'i" 
 seall of our said Borrough ye 5"" January 1673 
 
 Georg M'Cartney Sov 
 William Waring Georg M'Cartney 
 
 N the name of God Amen I Arthur Earle 
 of Donnegall being at ye pr.sent in perfect 
 memorie Judgement and understanding tho frail 
 & weake through bodily sickness & distemper 
 accounting it spirituall prudence & Christian 
 wisdome to ease myself of all outward & worldly cares that 
 thereby I may be more free to lay down my earthly 
 tabernacle and render up my soul to God who gave it me 
 do make this my last will and testament 
 
 And first I solemnly and sencearely render up my soul 
 to God my most mercifull Father and Creator believing in 
 y^ alone meritts and rightousness of Jesus Christ my most 
 gracious Saviour and Redeemer for everlasting salvation and 
 eternall life and my Body to be decently interred att Carick- 
 fergus in ye buriall place of my Ancestors And for my 
 worldly Goods and Estate I doe order & appoint as followeth 
 And first I doe nominate and appoint my dearly beloved 
 wife Lettitia Countess of Donegall my sole Executrix of 
 this my sole last Will & testament and my Brother in law 
 S' Michaell Hicks Knight, and Arthur Upton Esq! whome 
 out of y° speciall confidence I have on them I appoint to 
 be overseers to see all y^ following particulars of this my 
 last Will to be truely timely and punctually pr.formed 
 
130 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Imprimis I leave and bequeath to ye Poor of ye parish of 
 Belfast Two hundred pounds to be disposed of in 
 such manner and form as my said Executrix or 
 Overseers shall think fitt 
 
 Item I leave and bequeath to ye Poor of ye Parish of 
 Carickfergus ffifty pounds sterling to be disposed 
 of in manner and form as my said Executrix or 
 overseers shall think fitt. 
 
 Item I bequeath to my Grand-child Arthur St Leger all 
 my Lands and tenements in ye County of Waterford 
 and one thousand pounds ster: to be paid him 
 w'Hn one year after my decease. 
 
 Item I leave and bequeath to my two grand daughters 
 sisters to ye said Arthur St. Leger one thousand 
 pounds ster: a piece to be paid within one year after 
 each of their Marriage respectively 
 
 Item I leave & bequeath to John Wrey ye son of 
 Christopher Wrey deceased one hundred pounds 
 ster per Ann? for seaven years comencing ye next 
 quarter after my death 
 
 Item I leave and bequeath to my severall Nephews Capt 
 John Chichester Quarter Master John Chichester 
 Mr Charles Chichester and Mr Arthur Chichester 
 one hundred pounds ster: yearly to each of them for 
 four years ye first payment to comence within one 
 month after my death 
 
 Item I leave and bequeath to each of my severall servants 
 that are actually in my service at ye p''sent time and 
 hath served me above one whole full year to each of 
 them respectively one whole years wages or salary 
 over and besides what is realy due to them for their 
 past service and wages and to Ann Ogelby my 
 servant that constantly attended me ten pounds ster: 
 yearly for [her] four years 
 
 Item I leave and bequeath to Mr Samuell Bryan my house- 
 hold chaplain as a testimony of my sincere love to 
 him fifty pounds ster: over and above his years salary 
 for four years to comence within two months after 
 my death 
 
 Item I leave and bequeath to Mrs Elizabeth Cornwall 
 Ten pounds ster: a year for four years to comence 
 within a year after my death 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 131 
 
 Item I leave and bequeath to Richard Cannon Ten 
 pounds ster: a year for four years to comence within 
 a year after my death 
 
 Item I leave and bequeath unto Arthur Upton of Castle 
 Norton Esq' fifty pounds ster: a year for four years 
 to comence within a year after my death 
 
 Item I leave and bequeath to my Brother in law S' 
 Michael Hicks aforesaid one hundred pounds ster: a 
 year for four year to comence within a year after my 
 death. 
 
 Item I leave and bequeath unto Doct' Hugh Kenedy who 
 hath been Phisitian to my self and family these 
 severall years past fifty pounds ster: a y^diX for four 
 years to comence within a year after my death 
 
 Item To Mr Claudius Gilbert Ten pounds ster: yearly for 
 
 four years to comence within two years after my 
 
 death 
 Item To my HonM= Father in law S' William Hicks I 
 
 leave and bequeath a piece of plate to ye value of 
 
 forty pounds ster: 
 
 Item I leave to my god sons Arthur Upton and Chichester 
 M'Cartney to each of them ten pounds ster: a piece 
 yearly for four years to comence within two years 
 after my death 
 
 Item I leave and bequeath out of my tenderly and 
 fatherly affection to my dear daughter Ann Chichester 
 as a testimoney of my owningherdutyfull beheaviour 
 to my self and Dear Mother over and above what I 
 have given her by deed of settlement ye sume of 
 two thousand pounds ster: to be paid out of the 
 Lands of Ennishowen in ye County of Donegall 
 
 Item Out of a farther testimoney of my respect and 
 particular kindness that I have to my Dear wifes 
 Brother S' Michael Hicks I will and bequeath to 
 him y' Castle town & eleaven Quarters of Land 
 of Bart lying in y^ Barrony of Ennishowen in y' 
 County of Donegall for sixty one years comencing 
 at All Saints last y" years undetermined in y' p'sent 
 Lease he hath being included therein And whereas 
 ye said S- Michael stands oblidged by vertue of his 
 said p'sent Lease to pay fifty pounds ster yearly for 
 y° said lands my will now is and soe I declare and 
 
132 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 appoint that he my said Brother in law S- Michael 
 Hicks his Ex'^ adm''^ & assignes pay only ye just 
 sume of twenty pounds ster yearly henceforward 
 out of y^ said lands and premisses aforesaid untill 
 y^ end and expiration of y^ sixty one years aforesaid 
 
 Item My will is and so I declare appoint and order that 
 ye severall Legacies aforesaid be truely thankfully 
 timely and punctually paid out of that and those 
 parts of my Estate that is not settled by Deed or 
 Deeds upon my aforesaid dear wife and daughter it 
 being none of my intention to charge any part of my 
 Estate that I have settled upon my said wife & 
 Daughter with any of ye aforesaid Legacies 
 
 Lastly I do hereby revoke and disanull all former and 
 other Will or Wills whatsoever provided always that 
 this be not construed or intended to prejudice or 
 invalidate any deed or Deeds formerly made to ye 
 use benefitt or behoofe of my aforesaid dearly 
 beloved wife and Daughter preceding ye date of 
 these p'sents In Witness whereof I have hereunto 
 put my hand and seal y^ seventeenth day of March 
 one thousand six hundred seventy & four 1674 
 
 Memorandum before y^ signing & 
 Wittness hereunto sealing hereof y^ word Chichester 
 David Kenedy was interlined [&] and he willed 
 
 Henry Upton and bequeathed a years salary to 
 
 Geo: McCartney his steward M'' Patrick Mortimer 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 133 
 
 Burgo de Bellfast 18 Oct 1674 
 
 ^■^HEREAS it is a publique greivance in this 
 ^^^w| Corporation complained of; That those persons, 
 If N Raigil ^j^Q daily bring turff to y^ Towne of Belfast to bee 
 sold; not only commits a great injury in makeing 
 their turffe in their size to longe thereby to hinder 
 y^ close packing of them in their sacks or Common measure 
 by w"'' they are to bee sold but Likewayes that y^ quantity of 
 each horse Load coms farr short of y^ common hogshead or 
 measure of y" Corporation to y" great abuse and p'judice of 
 y*" Inhabitants of y^ same; Therefore to prevent such dis- 
 orders for y*" future in soe gennerall affaire ; At an Assembly 
 held for ye said Burrough y" iS"" day of October 1674 before 
 Hugh Ecckles Esq'' Sovraigne of y^ said Burrough Bee it 
 enacted & ordained as a by Lawe for ever by and w'.'' y^ 
 consent of y' Right Honno^'" Arthur Earle of Dunegall L^ of 
 y^ Castle of Bellfast, And ye said Sovraigne Burgesses and 
 Comminallity, from & after y' 20* day of October Instant that 
 doo sell or put to sale any Turffe to y^ Inhabitants afores^ ; 
 either by y* horse Load or otherwayes shall cause or make 
 each load to containe one full Hogshead of wine measure 
 according to y" Ancient Custome of y^ said Corporation, 
 uppon y' penaltie of forfeiting each Load that shall be 
 wantinge in y^ s?. measure the one halfe to y^ use of y" 
 Corporation and y'' other halfe to such persons as shall 
 discover y*" same. The lyke abuse is committed in y" 
 Common saile of Lime, for y* p'venting of w'.'' be it lykewaies 
 enacted by y^ Assembly Afores'' that all Lime sould to y^ 
 Inhabitants afores'? ; by y° Barrell Load or otherwaies doe 
 containe y' full measure of y? Bristowe Barrell under y* 
 pennalty of forfeiting each Barrell or load of Lime that shall 
 bee wanting of y^ measure aforesaid & all forfeitures to bee 
 converted to y' uses affores.'J 
 
 Att an Assembly held this 20"" day of Jany 1675 before 
 George M'Cartney Esq'' Soveraigne of y" Burrough of 
 Bellfast it is ordered that the p':.sent Soveraigne y'^ 
 Soveraigne for y time being shall have full power forthwith 
 to call all persons whatsoever in whose hands or Custody 
 any of y*" poores money w''!' were left by Will or otherwise 
 to reliefe of y" poore distressed Inhabitants of this Cor- 
 poracon that are Fallen into decay and poverty and y° said 
 p'sons soe haveing such money to compell them by suite of 
 
134 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Law or otherwise to give a Just & true account of y" same for 
 y' uses afforesaid and for the future to have y^ same moneys 
 well secured by bonnds with security 
 
 Geo: M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Mich. Harryson Tho. Walcot George Martin Joh 
 Leathes George M'Cartney Edw Reynell Gill' 
 Wye Rob' Leathes 
 
 TT an Assembly held this 20"" day of January 
 1 675 for ye Corporacon of Bellfast before George 
 M'Cartney Esqr Soveraigne with ye Burgesses 
 and Comonality of said Burrough Thomas 
 Knox March' Foreman of ye Grand Jury ([cum] 
 sosius) amongst other things considering ye great prejudice 
 donn to Marchants in theire Trade and shipping for want of 
 a good large kea or wharfe upon ye River and dock of 
 Bellfast did present it as a thinge most necessary for ye 
 good of Trade and wellfaire of this Corporacon that ye old 
 kea or wharfe be inlarged and built up upon ye strand on 
 ye south side of ye river of ye Towneof Bellfast & next 
 adjoineing to ye old kea affores"! or ye new stone houses 
 of George M'Cartney & Henry Thomson and for ye better 
 effecting whereof they have desired that supplycation be 
 made to ye R' Honno"" ye Countis Dowager of Donnegall 
 & ye Lady Ann Chichester to gaine their consent and supply 
 towards ye building of ye same as well as that money may 
 be levied of ye said Corporacon to ffinish ye said worke 
 Wee therefore considering ye necessity of ye worke and 
 ye good desire of ye Grand Jury doe this day order that ye 
 said kea or wharfe shall be made and inlarged from ye said 
 new stone house to ye lagan River at low water marke as shall 
 be thought fitt and [in or] pursuant thereto ye Soveraigne for 
 ye time being shall give order from time to time to applott 
 and collect from the Inhabitants afforesaid such moneys as 
 shall be needfull for ye said worke & for ye confirming 
 hereof this order shall be made into a by Law to remaine 
 
 Geo M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 George M'Cartney Gill' Wye John Leathes Rob' 
 Leathes Mich Harryson George Martin Edw 
 Reynell 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 135 
 
 Burrough of ) Att a Court of Assembly held the 
 
 Belfast j eighteenth [day] day of Apprill In the 
 yeare of our Lord God 1676 Before the Corporation of the 
 Burrough afores^the ffreemen Backers of this Corporation did 
 [admitt] prefer a petition to the Soveraigne and the Burgisses 
 his bretherin And upon due consideration had thereof by 
 the Soveraigne and Burgesses itt is ordered that imeadiatly 
 from and after this i8th day of Apprill 1676 noe stranger 
 or Allien that is not free of the burrough afores? shall put 
 to saile or sell either in Publique or privatt any bread of 
 what kinde soever within the Towne of Belfast afores'i' with- 
 out it be upon the Markitt day from Nine a Clock in the 
 morning to three in the afternoone 
 
 HE nineteenth day of October one thousand six 
 hundred seaventy six being at an Assembly 
 held for ye Corporacon of Belfast ye Soveraigne 
 and major parte of y - Burgesses of ye Borrough 
 afiforesaid James M'Cartney gentleman one of ye 
 ffree Comoners of this Borrough was ellected and sworne a 
 ffree Burgesse of ye Corporacon of Bellfast afforesaid in ye 
 roome place and stead of William Warring Esq' late 
 deceased 
 
 Geo M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Tho Walcot George Martin John Leathes George 
 M'Cartney Hugh: Eccles Edw Reynell John 
 hisILmark Leathes Fr Thettford Rob Leathes 
 
 The 14"" day of June 1677 being at y^ Assembly held for 
 y* Corporacon of Bellfast y" Soveraigne and major parte of 
 Y Burgesses of y' Borrough affores*? Henry Thetford 
 gentleman one of y" free Comoners of this Corporacon was 
 ellected and sworne a free Burgesse of the Corporacon of 
 Bellfast afforesaid in y' Roome and place and stead of John 
 Leathes gentl late deceased 
 
 Geo: M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Edw Reynell Tho Walcot George M'Cartney 
 George Martin John Leathes Fr. Thettford 
 Rob' Leathes 
 
136 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Burrough of \ Att a Court of Assembly held for y= 
 Belfast ) Borrough affores? this it"-^ of July 1677 by 
 y Soveraigne and Major pte of y' Burgesses then 
 assembled it was ordered that y" sume of six pounds sterl 
 be forthwith assessed and applotted upon y'= Inhabitants 
 of y' Towne of Bellfast for y'= Furnishing and buying of 
 twelve good substantiall halberts for y*" use of y^ said 
 Towne y" better to arme and [their] strengthen the night 
 watch of y' s? Towne in order to y" good security and safety 
 of y' said Towne and Inhabitants thereof w* said twelve 
 halberts are to be preserved and made forthcomeing for y' 
 use afforesaid by y" Soveraigne of y'^ said Borrough for y* 
 time being 
 
 Geo: M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 John Leathes Edw'' Reynell Tho Walcot Rob' 
 Leathes Ja: M'Cartney Henry Thettford 
 
 Att an Assembly held for the Borrough of Belfast with 
 the consent of the Right Honno^'^ the Countess Dowager of 
 Donnegall this twenty fifth day of Aprill one thousand six 
 hundred seaventy eight. It is ordered by the Soveraigne 
 and Burgesses then and there assembled; That upon 
 p'sentment of the Grand Jury then given in, and alsoe from 
 complaint of severall of the said Burrough, And the suburbs 
 thereto belonginge that the Mastive dogs belonginge to 
 Butchers, Tanners, and other the Inhabitants dwelling in 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 137 
 
 this Corporation and the suburbs and fields thereunto 
 belonginge, have Barbarously ffallen upon horses in carrs, 
 upon the Street, And alsoe horses out of carrs, And have 
 violently Torne and abused them, That some of them have 
 beene in hazard to die, And alsoe ffallen upon severall 
 cattell both upon the Streets and in the ffields, Insomuch that 
 severall cattell are mightily abused, and some of them killed 
 to the great losse of many of the poore Inhabitants of this 
 Corporacon. And also that the said Dogs have ffallen upon 
 severall men and boyes upon the Streets and Lanes of this 
 Towne and suburbs thereunto belonginge, and have pult 
 them to the Ground, Torne their cloathes and Torne some 
 of their fiflesh and eaten the same Insoemuch that many 
 Inhabitants feare their lives to walke the streets or laines 
 either by night or day for the said dogs and Bitches. IT IS 
 THEREFORE Enacted by the consent aforesaid to endure 
 for ever for A By Law of this Corporation That if any 
 Butcher, Tanner, or any person whatsoever Burgess or 
 ffreeman,or any other Inhabitant within the said Corporation, 
 suburbs, or Liberty thereof, shall keep any Mastive Dog or 
 Bitch walkinge in the streets, or in the fields after this day, 
 unlesse they bee Sufficiently muzled and collored soe that 
 they bee fully secured from any danger of doeinge harme 
 either to man or beast, every such [such] person Shall 
 for every such offence, of dogg or Bitch wanderinge 
 unmuzled and secured as aforesaid, pay the sume of Forty 
 Shillings sterlinge ; To bee Levyed of their goods and 
 chattels by distress or otherwise for the use of the Corpora- 
 tion ; Besides their actions at Comon Law which shall and 
 may be comenced against every such offender And for 
 want of money or distresse for sattisfieinge the said Fine, 
 that such persons shall bee comitted to prison by the 
 Soveraigne for the time beinge dureinge pleasure. And 
 Lastly it shall be Lawfull for any person whatsoever 
 findeinge any of the said Dogs or Bitches offeringe or 
 doeinge any Injury to kill them notwithstand of this former 
 Fine 
 
 Geo M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 John Leathes Fr Thettford Hugh Eccles George 
 M'Cartney Tho Walcot Rob Leathes 
 
 t>"- 
 
138 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 At an Assembly houlden for the Borrough afforesaid 
 
 The 25"" day of July in the yeare of our Lord God 
 one thousand six hundred seaventy and eight beinge at 
 the Assembly held for the Corporacon of Belfast The 
 Soveraigne and major parte of the Burgesses of the 
 Borrough aforesaid Lewis Thomson and John Hamilton 
 gentlemen ffree Comoners of this Corporation were ellected 
 and sworne ffree Burgesses of the Corporacon of Belfast 
 aforesaid in the Roome place and stead of Henry Thetford 
 and George Martin gentlemen late deceased 
 
 Geo: M'^Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Mich Harrysone (John) Tho Walcot George 
 
 McCartney Hugh Eccles Ja: M'^Cartney John 
 
 Leathes Edw Reynell Fr Thettford Rob': 
 Leathes 
 
 Borough of Belfast By George McCartney Esq' 
 
 Soveraigne 
 
 I HERE AS many complaints from time to time 
 have been made of y° great want of good and 
 wholsome water to supply y"^ dayly necessary 
 occations of y^ Lihabitants of this Towne of 
 Bellfast for y' River that runs through y^ said Towne 
 is very much defiled and greatly abused by all manner 
 of sinks falling into y' said River and other nusances 
 corrupting y' same whereby ye water is made altogether 
 unfit for ye use of man in meats and drinks And 
 whereas for y' better supply of y" said Inhabitants with 
 good and wholesome water y^ springes neere y^ said 
 Towne have ben viewed and an estimate thereof taken by 
 George McCartney Burgesse and Capt Rob' Leathes w''.'' 
 will cost neere two hundred and fifty pounds star to bringe 
 y° said water in pumps or wooden pipes from y" Upper or 
 Tuck Mill Dame to y^ great bridge of y'= said Towne 
 (contayneing aboute 200 pearch in Lenth) a place most 
 convenient to supply y^ whole Towne with water by a 
 Comon Conduit Therefore I doe hereby recomend y^ said 
 worke (soe well designed by y" said George M'^Cartney & 
 Capt Leathes and feasable to be don) to all y' Inhabitants 
 of y= Towne of Bellfast to give their free will offeringe to 
 defray y* said charge as verely believing every p'son that 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 139 
 
 has a regard to his owne health will be moste ready and 
 willing to further y' said worke notwithstanding it may be 
 carryed on by y° Legislative power of y' Corporation dated 
 y' 29"^ of July 1678 
 
 Geo M'=Cartney 
 To George M'^Cartney 
 March' 
 
 Soveraigne 
 
 Capt Rob' Leathes Pat"" Hamilton gent Henry Cheads, 
 W" Reyney John White, John Stewart James Stewart, 
 James Buller and Robert Humphreys March'^ 
 
 These to manage ye Subscription 
 
 agreed with y' workemen the 8"" of August 
 following to w".*" agreement Mr Soveraigne 
 signed 
 
140 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 To all Christian people to whom these p'sents shall come I John 
 Biggar of Belfast in ye County of Antrim Marchant send Greeting Whereas 
 I am by Leasse bound to pr.forme severall rents dutyes buildings im- 
 provem" and reservations unto y° Rt Honble Arthur Earle of Donegall Visct 
 Chichester 5z:c on my part as by y" said Leasse dated y" first day of Aprill 
 in ye Yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred sixty and eight and 
 in ye nineteenth yeare of ye Reigne of our Soveraigne Lord Charles ye 
 second by ye Grace of God Kinge of England Scotland ffrance and Ireland &c 
 appeares, And whereas there is Severall Sumes of money due unto William 
 Biggar in ye said Leasse named for arreares of rent of his part of ye said 
 lands and tenem'^ w'^'^ I doe owe and am indebted unto him amounting to 
 ye sume of seaventy pounds ster and unto my well beloved freinds James 
 Gregg of Ballycopland in ye County of Downe and Thomas Biggar of 
 Erwin in ye Kingdome of Scotland the sumes of fforty pounds ster w*"'" I 
 owe and am indebted unto them ye said James Gregg and Thomas Biggar 
 by bonds which Rents dutyes Covenants Bargains and engagem'? unto ye 
 said Rt Honble Earle of Donegall and sumes of one hundred and tenn 
 pounds to ye above said William Biggar James Gregg and Thomas Biggar 
 I cannot fullfill p'forme satissfie nor make paym' of as ye said noble Earle 
 and they ye said William Biggar James Gregg and Thomas Biggar desire 
 and doe demand of me by reason of many debts are owing unto me Know 
 yee that I the said John Biggar for and in consideration of ye severall 
 obligacions on my part to be p'formed in ye said Leasse as may be made 
 appeare ; Relacion being had thereunto at more large, and for and in con- 
 sideration of ye above mencioned sume of one hundred and tenn pounds 
 debts, have given granted and by these presents doe give Grant and 
 make over unto ye said William Biggar James Gregg and Thomas 
 Biggar their heirs execut"^ administrato'? & ass? all and singular my 
 part interest, claime title and right unto ye said Leasse and all things 
 therein contayned given and granted by ye Rt Hon'''." Earle of Donegall 
 afforesaid unto ye above named William and me y*" said John Biggar (viz') 
 one Tenem' or halfe Burgage share of land scituate and being on ye south 
 side of High Street in Bellfast afforesaid contayneing in ffront to high 
 Street fforty two foote and six score and six ffoote backwards on ye east in 
 Scoolhouse Lane together with three acres and a quarter of land in yf 
 ffields be it more or lesse next Gills Land and allsoe ye plott of ground 
 without north gate Street in Bellfast afforesaid and next adjoyneing to ye 
 Grass of ye Rampier scituate on ye north side, of ye high way Leading 
 from ye Towne to Petf^ Hill called Goose Lane Contayneing thirty ffoote in 
 ffront and extending backwards to a field of ground belonging to me ye said 
 John Biggar all w'='' [said] demised premisses with all and singular my part 
 and parcell thereof and of all houses Lands buildings Graftings plantings 
 and improvemt' with every thinge proffits and effects whatsover to me 
 belonging or in anywise appertaining To have and To hould receive 
 take and enjoye the same allwayes without any manner of prejudice of 
 what is Covenanted reserved and excepted in ye said Leasse unto ye said 
 Rt Hon*")' Earle of Donegall his heirs and [assignes] successors unto ye 
 said William Biggar his heirs Execut"'^ administrat"'^ and ass! and they 
 the said James Gregg and Thomas Biggar their heirs Execut"" administrat"'^ 
 and ass! as their and every of their own proper goods Lands and houses 
 and Chatles for ever absolutely without any Reclaime Challenge or Con- 
 tradiction whatsoever, and I have sett and putt to ye said William Biggar 
 James Gregg and Thomas Biggar in full and peaceable possession of all 
 and every of y? premisses by ye delivery unto them of a peece of coyned 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 141 
 
 money comonly called six pence fixed to ye scale heereof In Witnesse 
 of ye premisses I ye said John Biggar have heerunto sett my hand and scale 
 this twenty two day of March in ye yeare of our Lord God one thousand 
 six hundred sixty and eight and in ye twentieth yeare of ye reigne of our 
 Soveraigne Lord Charles the second by ye Grace of God Kinge of England 
 Scotland ffrance and Ireland &c John Biggar. 
 
 Signed sealed and delivered 
 in ye presence of us 
 
 John [Jamy] Erwin 
 
 George M'Naght 
 Recorded and examined agreeing with ye originall this ii"'day of 
 March 1680 at ye desire of James Biggar Brother and Executor to ye above 
 said William Biggar late deceased 
 
 Rob' Leathes 
 
 Towne Clk 
 
 n^HE Table of Fees belonging and taken 
 
 in the Borroitgh Court of Bellfast 
 
 from the first time of Afr Henry 
 
 Lesquire Soveraigne [and before\ 
 
 Anno i6j^ 
 
 To the Judge of the Court. 
 
 For every Judgem' und' twenty nobles 
 
 For every Judgem' above twenty nobles for every pound 
 
 four pence ster. 
 For allowance of every writt out of the higher Court five 
 
 groats 
 For every Bayle 
 For signing every Warrant ... 
 
 To the Towne Clarke 
 
 For entering of every [Bayle] action 
 
 For entering of every Bayle 
 
 For every Writ of Sumons Attachment Capias or distringas 
 
 for every Venirefac alias Ad Plures and Writt of execucion 
 
 for filling every declaracion plea and other pleadings and 
 afidavits &c 
 
 for y° coppy of declaracions pleas and other pleadings 
 whatsoever for every sheete containing 1 2 lines 
 
 for every apearance ... 
 
 for every pledge of prosecucion where ye plaintiff is not a free- 
 man and an Inhabitant in y" Jurisdiction of the Court 
 
 for every imparlance, continuance warrant of Attorney and 
 Joyeneing of issue 
 
 for every peremtory day 
 
 for entring every verdict 
 
 li 
 
 s 
 
 d 
 
 GO 
 
 GI 
 
 GO 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 GI 
 
 g8 
 
 00 
 
 GO 
 
 04 
 
 GO 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 GG 
 
 GO 
 
 04 
 
 GO 
 
 GO 
 
 04 
 
 GO 
 
 01 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 GG 
 
 04 
 
 GG 
 
 GG 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 GO 
 
 00 
 
 g8 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 OG 
 
 01 
 
 00 
 
oo 
 
 01 
 
 oo 
 
 oo 
 
 oo 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 oo 
 
 06 
 
 142 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 for entring every Speciall verdict 
 
 for entring every Judgem' by default confession dismisse 
 Composition or satisfaction 
 
 for taxing cost 
 
 For entring every Writt out of y" Higher Court 
 
 For certifieing every Record into the Higher Courts by 
 Writt of Error habeas Corpus or writt of priveledge for 
 every Role ... ... ... ... ... ... 00 06 08 
 
 The fees of every person ellected sworne and recorded 
 
 Burgesse twenty shill? ... ... ... ... ... 01 00 00 
 
 The fees of every Freeman recorded Marchant or gentle- 
 man five Shillings ster ... ... ... ... ... 00 05 00 
 
 The fees of every person sworne freemen and recorded by 
 
 their handy craft ... ... ... ... ... 00 02 06 
 
 For every Burgesse tickett und' the Seale of y'^ Corporacion 
 
 tenn Shill ... ... ... ... ... ... 00 10 00 
 
 For every March' freemans and other freemans Tickett undr 
 
 y" Seale ... ... ... ... ... ... 00 05 00 
 
 For every writing Certificate Bill of health for Shipping or 
 passe w^'' may require to have y'' Seale of the Corporacion 
 affixed to it ... ... ... ... ... ... 00 02 06 
 
 ffees agreed upon by y^ Soveraigne and Burgesses to be taken by y^ Towne 
 Clarke 14'" of Octob! 1680 
 
 1680 for entring every Submission or Travers upon a 
 
 presentm' ... ... ... ... ... 00 00 06 
 
 and for all y" rest of the fees upon y' Travers as 
 in other actions 
 
 That no Fines be remitted without payeing twelve 
 pence to y^ Clarke or six pence ster if the fine 
 exceed not two shills and six pence ster ... 00 01 00 
 
 For all Corporacion Warrants for mending of Bridges 
 highwayes aprisends distresses Sesses or ap- 
 plotm"^ or any other kinde whatsoever and for 
 pannells of Grand Jurys for each two shills 
 and six pence ster to be paid outt of the 
 
 readyest and sufficient fines ... ... 00 02 06 
 
 1680 For entering the presentm' of a Grand Jury in a 
 Booke to be paid out of the fines of the 
 said presentmen' five shilP ... ... ... 00 05 00 
 
 For recording every By Law Act and Ordnance of 
 
 Corporacon to be ut supra five shilP ster ... 00 05 00 
 
 To the Sergeants at mace 
 
 1635 For serving and executing of every Sumons 
 
 Attachm' or distringas ... ... ... ... 00 00 06 
 
 For y" Fees of every person that is comitted for want 
 of Bayle or any other causes 
 
 for every Bayle 
 
 for sumoning every Jury between party and party 
 
 for every Judgem' ... 
 
 for serving every execucion ... 
 
 The fee of every person that is comitted upon an 
 
 execucion for his Irons ... ... ... 00 01 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 02 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 06 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 06 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 08 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 for every Writt from the higher Court 
 1635 For sumoning of the Grandury {sic) and Freemen to 
 Attend a Court of Assembly to be paid out of 
 y° Fines of the presentm' two shills ster 
 
 For y" fees of every Burgesse admitted 
 
 for y* Fees of every freeman marchant admitted ... 
 
 for every macanick ... 
 
 for every oath in Court 
 
 Attourney Fee 
 1635 his retaining Fee 
 
 For drawing every Declaracion 
 For drawing every plea or other pleading ... 
 his Fee upon the tryall of the cause and on every 
 Judgm! 
 
 143 
 
 li 
 
 s 
 
 d 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 02 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 OS 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 02 
 
 06 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 02 
 
 06 
 
 00 
 
 01 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 01 
 
 00 
 
 06 
 
 H ROUGH Tole and Customes taken 
 at y° Gates and passages into y" Towne 
 of Belfast for y" use of the 
 for y° time being 
 
 Soveraigne 
 
 ffor every horse Load of goods or marchandize being 
 a fforriner or any sort of Timber 
 
 for every wheele car Load of goods afforesaid 
 
 for every cart Load of goods drawne by more beasts 
 
 than one for every beast 
 
 for every Bull or Bullock ox cowe heifer brought into 
 y^ Towne are driven through y" Towne being 
 fforraine one halfepeny 
 1635 & for horsses and mares driven through one 
 halfepeny 
 
 Every fforrainer that slaughters or causes to be 
 slaughtered any catle in y' Towne and libertys 
 of the same all y° tongues of y" said catle to be 
 given to y° Soveraigne to whom of ancient right 
 and custome they belonge or to pay fower pence 
 ster for each Tongue at y° discretion of y° said 
 Soveraigne or ellection 
 
 Every ffreeman Butcher in y^ Towne & Corporacon or 
 other ffreeman killing or cause to be killed 
 one or more catle for saile or to be sould in / 
 tnarkett the Soveraigne is to have one neat Tongue 
 from every person as afforesaid every weeke soe 
 often as they or any of them shall kill as afforesaid 
 
 For every standing place or standing sett up in y^ 
 Markett place or streets in Bellfast Towne by any 
 person whatsoever to sell or retayle any goods or 
 marchandize whatsoever shall pay for such place 
 or standing every pedlar or Gray march' two pence 
 ster & every other person one penny 
 
 Out of every Sack of Meale sould in y' Towne of 
 Bellfast by retaile or wholesaile one standard 
 quart dishfull 
 
 one halfepeny 
 one penny 
 one halfepeny 
 
 one halfepeny 
 
 one halfepeny 
 
 a Tongue or 
 fower pence 
 ■ster for each 
 aty" election of 
 y" Soveraigne 
 
 a Tongue 
 each weeke 
 
 (Gray 
 
 Marchants 
 '& pedlars 25" 
 i& others i? 
 
 one quart dish 
 full 
 
144 Th£ Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Out of every. Barrel! of Wheat Rye Masslin Barley) 
 
 Pease Beans and Oats &c one quart dishfull V °"t S-^f, 
 affores? | dish full 
 
 All vessells or shipps Loaden with coals or part pay 
 
 halfe a barrell of coales to y' Sargnt' 
 Out of every Sack of Turffe to take two turffe for 
 
 Custome 
 
 except ye ffees established in 1680 not then in being 
 
 The afforesaid Table of fees are y'' whole fees taken in y^ Borrough 
 Court of Bellfast and allsoe all y" petty customes and through Tole taken at 
 y^ gates and Markett of the Towne and Borrough of Bellfast a copy whereof 
 was sent up to y" Parliam' at Dublin y" s'."* of Feby 1665 by Edward Reynell 
 then Soveraigne and were approved of and confirmed 
 
 Ent'' & exam? Edward Reynell 
 
 per Rob Leathes Soveraigne 
 
 HIS 27''' day of August in y^ yeare of our Lord 
 God one thousand six hundred [seavant] and 
 eighty being at y^ Assembly held for y* Cor- 
 poraccon of Bellfast the Soveraigne and Major 
 parte of y" Burgesses of y^ Borrough afforesaid 
 Capt Edward Harrisson a ffree Comoner of this Corporacon 
 was ellected and sworne a ffree Burgesse of the Corporacon 
 of Bellfast afforesaid in y'^ roome place and stead of S' 
 Hercules Langford K'. & Barronett who surrendred [who] 
 his Burshipp to y' Corporacon and desired it to be given 
 to y*" said Edward Harrisson 
 
 Geo M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Mich' Harrisson George M'Cartney Fra Thettford 
 Lewes Thompson John Hamiltone Tho Walcot 
 John Leathes J a M'Cartney Rob' Leathes 
 
 A Coppy of a Lett' from my Lady Langford to Capt Harrisson as ffolloweth 
 
 S.' I am desired by S' Hercules Langford to accquainte you that he cannot be 
 in y° north as hee intended and writt to yo° in his last by reason he is so 
 disinabelled by sicknesse that he cant travill but he is well content that yo°have 
 his place of Burgesse of Bellfast. he knows its not in yo' power to putt another in 
 his place without his consent but since yo" desire it and to doe you a kindesse he 
 quitts it to yo". and wishesses it may doe yo" much good he has such weaknesse 
 in his right hand that he cannot write nor make any use of his hand w""" is y° 
 cause that he doth not write to yo" himselfe w* is all at present from yor friend & 
 humble serv' 
 
 Mary Langford 
 
 This 2 7'^ day of August in y** yeare of our Lord God 
 one thousand six hundred and eighty being at y*" Assembly 
 held for ye Corporacon of Bellfast The Soveraigne and 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 145 
 
 major parte of y' Burgesses of y* Borrough afforesaid 
 Thomas Knox Gentleman and a ffree Comoner of this 
 Corporacon was ellected and sworne a ffree Burgesse of ye 
 Corporacon of Bellfast afforesaid in y^ roome place and 
 stead of Gilbert Wye Gentleman who surrendered his 
 Burgisship as by y^ underwriting. 
 
 Geo M'Cartney, Soveraigne 
 
 Tho Walcot Mich' Harrisson Fra Thettford Ja 
 M'Cartney E Harrison Rob' Leathes 
 
 A coppy of parte of Lett' from Coll. Hill to George M'Cartney Esq' 
 Soveraigne of Bellfast bearing date at London y' 31 of July 1680 in these 
 words following (Mr Wye offered me to resigne to me his Burgesse sh'' [place] 
 my Lady is willing to have it for M' Knox & soe am I 
 
 John Hill 
 
 Memorandum the 24'^ of June 1684. Sy William 
 ffranklin produced to ye Soveraigne and Burgesses 
 assembled at ye house of Mr John Hamilton then Sove- 
 raigne a writting und^ y^ hand and seale of Mr. Gilbert 
 Wye one of the Burgesses of this Corporacon wherein he 
 resigned up his Burgesship to ye said Corporacon in whose 
 place Mr Thomas Knox was ellected aud sworne as 
 afforesaid notwithstanding some of the Burgesses where 
 {sic) disatisfied that Mr Wye should have ben putt out of 
 his place without a fault or a resignation appearing contrary 
 to Charier but now all are satisfied by y' said resignation 
 
146 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 'ROPOSALLS made to ye Soveraigne 
 & Burgesses at a Court of Assembly 
 held for ye Borrough of Bellfast ye 
 14th Octob' 1680 to be debated and 
 
 disgested into By Laws Acts and Ordinances for 
 
 ye good of the Corporacon 
 
 1 That the Poores money be secured on Lands or in good 
 
 hands and suff'^' security to be passed by Indenture 
 from Soveraigne to Soveraigne yearly; and the Table 
 where ye benifacto" for ye poore are incerted may 
 be fairly drawne over and the Earle of Donegall's 
 name may be entered in Lett" of Gould with the 
 sume blanke in its collume till ye 200'' left by his 
 will be paid for ye use of the said poore and allsoe 
 y= names of all other persons with their sumes may be 
 entered that have given that others when they see 
 what is left and soe well secured may be induced to 
 ffollow their good example for ye good of the 
 decayed Inhabitants of this Corporacon. 
 
 agreed on & to be don accordingly. 
 
 2 That all Inmates and Beofgrars who come into and 
 
 secrettly convey them selves into ye Towne and 
 beggs to releive beggars may be dilligently sought 
 after and a speedy course taken to discharge ye 
 
 Towne of such. — Agreed on to be donn 
 
 3 That y^ Orphant children left on y"* Towne such as are 
 
 fitt to be bound apprentices may be sett to Masters 
 and y* Towne eased of the burden— agreed to be donn. 
 
 4 That all the waights and measures used in ye Cor- 
 
 poracon be tryed ajusted and sealed by a Court of 
 Clarke of the Markett heire every yeare and the due 
 ffees paid for ye same — agreed on 
 
 5 That Lights in Lanthorns be hunge at every other 
 
 house doore or window time aboute in ye Dark 
 Nights from ye houres of six to tenn from ye 29'^ of 
 September to ye 29'^ of March ffollowing to give 
 lights to ye Streets and Lanes of ye Towne for the 
 benefitt of y"" Inhabitants and passingers and to 
 prevent disorders and mischeife — agreed on 
 
ip®®m iEi®tcrsii, 
 
 j£i,IS'2'iIlLlLISIE'3' IS^BllB.iJi,'SIS.§ o 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 147 
 
 6 That all freemen of this Corporacon be minded of their 
 
 oath (at Assemblys) not to sue or implead any 
 ffreeman in any other Courte than the Borrough 
 without Leave first had and obtained in writing 
 undl ye hand of the Soveraigne 
 
 7 That a rate be sett upon porters either with carridge 
 
 of horsse or without proportionable to all ye Streets 
 and Lanes of the Towne to where they shall carry 
 any goods and that noe such shall be admitted to 
 ride their horsse when in a Carr or Cart in any of 
 the Streets and Lanes afforesaid to prevent disorder 
 and mischeife w':'' have thereby usually happened — 
 
 agreed to and the rates to be considered 
 
 8 That a rate be putt upon salters and packers of Beefe 
 
 und' a penalty if they doe not salt and packe faithfully 
 and that none salt or pack Beefe for sale but such as 
 shall be allowed and approved of— agreed on & ye 
 
 persons and number to be considered on 
 
 9 That all persons presented by ye Grand Jury shall have 
 
 to ye next Court or that seaven night to submitt or 
 Travis to their p'sentm'f & to pay not above six pence 
 ster for entring their Travis and if the party submitts 
 or found guilty by a Jury upon his Travis then 
 the fine to be agreed on by the Soveraigne with 
 3 or more of the Burgesses or the Bench be they 
 more or lesse and such fines levied for ye use of the 
 
 Corporacon — to be considered on that a right method be taken 
 for doeing of this 
 
 10 That ye By Law Impoweringthe Soveraigne of the said 
 
 Corporacon to have and receive to his use ye fifines 
 may be repealed — agreed on 
 
 1 1 That a Treasurer may be appointed to receive the fines 
 
 and all other moneys of the Corporacon and not to 
 issue the same for any use whatsoever — particular 
 
 warrant — agreed on 
 
 12 That all such warrants be signed by the Soveraigne for 
 
 the time bein^ and three or more of the Burgfesses 
 
 -I 
 
 [at ye Least] 
 
 13 That noe fifine be remitted without twelve pence ster be 
 
 paid the Clarke for his ffees cleereing y" said fine 
 upon y^ Role, p'sentm' or otherwise — agreed on 
 
 This 27"" of Janry 1680 (i) 
 This day being a Courte of Assembly held for the 
 Borrough of Bellfast it was agreed on by the Soveraigne 
 
148 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 and major part of the Burgesses That the Soveraigne 
 for the time being Lewis Thomson John Hamilton and 
 Thomas Knox Burgesses have power to reduce all the 
 above proposalls into a certaine method for rates number 
 and place where such are required and the rest to be 
 drawne up in such order as upon a Generall view and 
 debate of us all or major parte they may be made By Lawes 
 for y^ good of the said Borrough 
 
 Signed by order 
 
 R L Clk 
 
 H E R E A S there was a by Law made by 
 Authority of y° Corporacon y^ 19"" day of 
 October 1667 for ye granting all fines upon 
 p'sentml of Grand Jurys and petty Customes 
 not exceeding Tenn Shill st! to y^ use of y' 
 Soveraigne for y^ time being towards his house keepeing 
 w* By Law have ben from time to time very much 
 complained of by ye generallity and major parte of this 
 Corporacon as grevious to ye people and a takeing away of 
 ye Revenue of this Towne by w^** they are disinabled to 
 pay Severall Contingent charges of the said Towne and 
 particular that ye Grand Jury for ye Borrough held at a 
 Court of Assembly ye s;'*" day of Jany 1680 complained of 
 ye said By Law and presented their desires to ye Bench that 
 ye said By Law might be repealed and y^ ffines and 
 Customes retourne to ye use of ye said Corporacon and soe 
 managed hereafter that a stock or Towne pursse may 
 effectually be raised for ye Generall Good of ye said Towne 
 Therefore it is hereby ordained and enacted as a By Law 
 for ever By the Soveraigne and Burgesses at ye Court of 
 Assembly held for ye said Borrough the 21'.' day of Aprill 
 1 68 1 and by the Authority of ye said Corporacon That ye 
 said By Law shall be and are heereby wholly taken away 
 made voyd and null and fully repealed as if ye same had 
 never ben. Provided allways that it shall be in ye power 
 and major part of y' Burgesses at any time to allow to y^ 
 Soveraigne for ye time being such sume or sumes of money 
 out of ye said ffins and petty customes as they ye said 
 Soveraigne and major parte of ye Burgesses shall thinke 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 149 
 
 fitt towards his hospitallity and house keeping dated ye 21'.' 
 of April 1 68 1 
 
 George M'^Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 George M'Cartney Thomas Walcott ffra Thetford 
 
 John Leathes Robert Leathes Lewis Thomson 
 
 John Hamilton Tho Knox Sampson Theaker 
 
 Copia Vera Rob Leathes Town Clk 
 
 Ent'' & ex-* 
 This 24 of June in ye yeare of our Lord God one 
 thousand six hundred and eighty one being at ye Assembly 
 held for ye Corporacon of Bellfast ye Soveraigne and 
 Burgesses of ye Borrough of Bellfast Sampson Theaker 
 Gentleman and free Comoner of this Corporacon was 
 ellected and sworne a free Burgesse of ye Corporacon of 
 Bellfast afforesaid in ye Roome and place and steed of 
 Hugh Eccles Gentl late deceased 
 
 George M'^Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Geo M'Cartney Tho Walcot John Leathes Rob' 
 Leathes Lewes Thompson Tho Knox ffraThett- 
 ford Ja M'Cartney John Hamilton L Harrison 
 
 Y ffrancis Thetford Esq' Soveraigne 
 and ffree Burgess of y^ Corporacon of 
 Bellfast 
 
 An ord' for yf. Sessing of 135" for watter pipes 
 
 Whereas George M'Cartney of Bellfast March' and 
 Cap' Rob' Leathes ye 8th of August 1678 by and with ye 
 Consent of ye Soveraigne and Burgesses and major parte 
 of ye Comonality of this Corporacon did agree with worke- 
 men for ye conveyeing cleane wholsome water in wooden 
 pips und"' ground ye lenth of 200 pearches into ye 
 Towne of Bellfast for ye supply and generall good of ye 
 Inhabitants of ye said Towne according to w""!' agreement 
 ye said worke was made and performed and water brought 
 to ye said Towne Runing at three severall conduits 
 standing in ye streets whereof all ye Inhabitants are 
 partakers of ye benefitt of ye same att ye proper cost and 
 charges of ye said George M'Cartney to ye vallue of one 
 
150 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 hundred seaventy five pounds whereof ye Rt Honb'° 
 Leticia Countis Dowager of Donegal! voluntary to 
 incourage soe good a worke has paid and promised to 
 pay y° sume of forty pounds ster & whereas ye remaining 
 sume [of] being one hundred thirty ffive pounds ster could 
 not be raised by subscriptions Therefore the severall 
 Grand Juryes of this Corporation vizt at assembly held 
 the 14th of October 1680— 20th Aprill 1681 — ye 28th 
 July 1 68 1 have p'sented that ye said George M'Cartney 
 should be reimburssed his costs and charges of ye said 
 worke by assessm' from the Inhabitants of Bellfast, Pursuant 
 thereunto wee ye Soveraigne and Burgesses this day 
 assembled doe order by vertue of ye power of ye said 
 Corporacon That ye Soveraigne for ye time being issue out 
 warrants from time to time to ye Severall Sessers that were 
 and are now chosen since ye S'!' of August 1678 requireing 
 them or any three or more of them equally to applott and 
 Sesse on ye Inhabitants of Bellfast accordinge to their 
 severall Estates and abillityes the said sume of one hundred 
 thirty five pounds ster and that ye same may be forthwith 
 lieved {sic) and paid to ye said George M'Cartney to 
 reimbursse himselfe ye charges of ye said worke Provided 
 allwayes that all those persons who have freely contributed 
 and paid to ye said worke be allowed the same in their 
 respective Sesses Dated ye 11"' of May 1682 
 
 ffra: Thettford, Soveraigne 
 
 Lewes Thompson Rob' Leathes The: Walcot 
 Tho: Knox George M'Cartney John Hamilton 
 John Leathes Fra: Theaker 
 
 Borrough of Belfast 
 
 IY ffra Thetford Soveraigne Borrough of Bellfast 
 Whereas the Towne of Belfast for many yeares 
 last past has been very defective of good clean 
 and wholsome water to y*" prejudiceing y*" health 
 of the Inhabitants which grevance and want was 
 in or about y' 29"" of July 1678 by George M'Cartney Esq.'. 
 then Soveraigne of the said Borrough undf his hand 
 recomened to y' Inhabitants to raise money by a ffree will 
 ofifring to defray yf. charge in bringing clean ffresh water to 
 y' said Towne through pipes two hundred pearch as it was 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 151 
 
 then projected by George M'Cartney March' & CaptP 
 Robert Leathes att an estimate charge of two hundred and 
 fifty pounds ster w"^*" recomendacion was freely imbraced by 
 the said Inhabitants and many of them subscribed to ye 
 said worke and that so good a designe (w"'' was Hked and 
 much recomended by all sorts of people) should not goe 
 back or want incouragem'. ye R' Hono"';''' Leticia Countis 
 Dowager of Donegall gave forty pounds ster to ye 
 same and thereupon and by a general consent ye said 
 George M'Cartney and Capt Robert Leathes agreed with 
 workemen begun and perfeicted ye said worke in wooden 
 pipes bound with Iron contayneing in lenth two hundred 
 Irish pearch with water house and three conduits (runing) 
 at ye charge of one hundred seaventy five pounds ster w"'' 
 was expended and laid out att ye proper cost and charges 
 of ye said George M'Cartney w'^*' sume is not repaid unto 
 him notwithstanding the said subscription and to remedy 
 ye remissness of the said Inhabitants therein severall Grand 
 Juryes of this Corporation (viz') att Assembly held for ye 
 same ye 14"' of October 1680 ye 20"" of Apl 1681 ye 28"' of 
 July 1 68 1 [have] did all of them amongst other things for ye 
 good and benefitt of this Towne p'.sent that one hundred 
 thirty five pounds ster should be raised by way of assessm' 
 on ye Inhabitants of Bellfast w"'' with ye sume of fforty 
 pounds given by ye said Countis of Donegall should be 
 paid into ye hands of ye said George M'Cartney with 
 thankes to reimburse himselfe ye afforesaid charge of one 
 hundred seaventy five pounds conveying ye water in ye 
 Towne of Bellfast and forasmuch as ye money allready paid 
 ye said George M'Cartney by moste of the subscribers doe 
 not satisfie ye charge for that there is still due him a con- 
 siderable sume of money w'='' by an order of ye Soveraigne 
 and Burgesses ye nth of May 1682 was appointed to be 
 raised by way of assessm' as by ye said order may more at 
 large appeare These are therefore by the authority afforesaid 
 and pursuant to ye severall p'sentm'.' of ye Grand Juryes 
 afforesaid to will and require you uppon sight heereof to meete 
 together in some convenient place and before y"/ departure 
 to applott and Sesse upon ye Inhabitants of Bellfast equally 
 accordinge to their severall Estates and abillityes ye sume 
 of one hundred thirty five pounds ster. and y" same fairely 
 drawne und' yo' hands subscribed retourne to me that a 
 warrant may be issued out for ye collecting and bringing in 
 ye said 135" att or before ye i^' day Sepf next that the said 
 
152 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 George M'^Cartney may be thankfully paid and that such 
 p'sons as have allready paid by free will offering shall be 
 allowed ye same in their respective Sesses and heereof yo" 
 are not to faile as yo" will answer ye contrary and for yo! 
 soe doeing this shall be yo: warrant dated y' 1 7"^ of July 1682 
 
 To Cap? Ro¥ Leathes 
 Mr Lewis Thomson 
 Cornett John Hamilton 
 M' Tho Knox 
 
 Will Lockert March' 
 Quarter Masf W" Craford 
 W-" Reyney March' 
 James Stewart March' 
 Henry Cheads March' 
 John Adam March' 
 Andrew Maxwell March' 
 Richard Ayshmore 
 James Gambell 
 
 ffra Thetford Soveraigne 
 
 Burgesses or any two 
 or more 
 
 or any three or more 
 of them 
 
 HE six day of September one thousand six 
 hundred eighty two ye Soveraigne and major 
 parte of ye Burgesses assembled together in ye 
 markett or Courthouse for ye chusing and ellect- 
 ing a Burgess in ye place of Mr Edward Reynalls who 
 departed this life ye 29"" of August last att w"".*" meeting L' 
 John Tooley was ellected and chosen and sworne a free 
 Burgesse of ye Borrough of Bellfast in ye roome and place of 
 ye said Mr Edward Reynalls 
 
 ffra Thettford Soveraigne 
 
 John Leathes Tho Walcot George M'Cartney 
 Lewis Thompson Tho Knox Era Theaker 
 
 Ad Curiam Publicam tentam Vicesimo die Maii anno 
 Regni Domini nostri Caroli secundi &? Tricesimo Quinto 
 Annoque Domini Sexcentesimo Octogesimo Tertio Coram 
 Ludovico Thomson Superior villae p'? W:E: armiger Electus 
 et constitutus fuit m — ejusdem Villae ex mutuo assensutotius 
 curiae. In cujus Testimonium Idem Superior presentibus 
 subscripsit et sigillum comune Villae p'? apponeficit die et 
 anno Supradic 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 153 
 
 jHE twenty fourth day of March one thousand six 
 hundred eifjhty six the Soveraigne and major 
 part of the Burgesses assembled together for the 
 chusing and electing a Burgesse in the place of 
 Mr Jno Hamilton who departed this life the twentyth 
 instant, at which meeting Mr Willm Crafford merchant was 
 elected and sworne a free Burgesse of the Burrough of 
 Belfast aforesaid in the roome and place of the said Mr Jno 
 Hamilton. 
 
 Rob' Leathes Soveraigne 
 
 Will ffranklin John Hill John Leathes Geo 
 M'Cartney ffra Thetford George McCartney Ja 
 M'^Cartney Lewes Thompson Tho Knox Fra 
 Theaker Joh: Tooley 
 
 At an Assembly held 22"'' Octobf 1686 for the Borrough 
 of Bellfast certaine rules and orders were established & 
 made for ye preventing unnecessary delays in ye proceed- 
 ings of the Court of Record held for ye said Borrough 
 
 HE plaintiff is to enter his action with ye Towne Clarke or his 
 deputy and take from him an attachment directed to ye Serjeants 
 or one of them and signed by ye Soveraigne for the time being to 
 arrest ye body or goods of the defendant to answer his plaint next 
 Court upon executing of w'' writt ye defendant may give any 
 substantiell freeman Bayle and no other then such at the will of 
 the Clarke or Serj" who are to answer such Bayle to ye Court 
 and all such Bayle to be recorded with ye action in ye Court booke 
 3 That after ye attachment is executed if the defendant be in custody for want of 
 Baile and the[deft] plaintiff charge him not with a declaracion next Court he 
 shall be nonsuited and pay costs and if Baile be taken the plainlift" is next 
 Court after such arrest made to file his declaracion and for want thereof 
 a Rule to be entered that the plaintiff declaire ye next Court ffollowing or 
 to be nonsuited and if no declaracion be then filed the plaintiff to be 
 nonsuited according to ye Rule & pay costs. 
 
 3 If the plaintiff file his declaracion according to ye rule then a rule to be entered 
 
 that ye defendant plead next Court or Judgem' & for want of w"' plea 
 judgem' to passe by default with costs of Court & soe of other pleadings 
 the above methods to be observed. 
 
 4 If any ffreeman sue another ffreeman then he is to repaire to the Towne 
 
 Clarke or deputy & enter his action & from him receive a summons to ye 
 defendant to appeare next Court to answer ye plaintif w'.'' if he appeare to 
 the rules to be entered as in the case of attachm' above is mencioned. if he 
 doe not appeare upon ye Sumons then attachment is to be taken out in 
 manner afforesaid and ye rules and proceedings to be entered in maner 
 and forme as afforesaid 
 
 5 That noe forraigne plea to be received into ye Court or filed as a record 
 
 without the oath of the party or his Attorney who tenders the same. 
 
 6 That demures in inferior Courts and upon smale actions tend more to delay 
 
 them justice and therefore not to be allowed in the Court without being 
 signed by Councell and if the Court suspect the reality of its being signed 
 while perhaps such Councell lives remote the Demurrer not [being 
 signed] to be accepted unlesse ye party produceing the same or his 
 Attorney make oath that it is really signed by such Councell 
 
154 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 7 That upon every Judgm! by default confession by verdict or non pross that ye 
 party for whom such judgment passes shall come to ye record and by the 
 Clerk have his [Judgm] execucion drawne up and signed by the Soveraigne 
 to leavy the sume awarded by such Judgm.' with ye costs of the party and 
 for want of his body or goods ags' the Bail or manucaptor if he be 
 defendant or agst the pledge if plaintiff, the same to be on one writt for 
 ye more speedy proceeding. 
 
 S It is allwayes provided that notwithstanding the afforesaid Rules theSoveraigne 
 hath liberty to continue ye same upon afifidavett made or for such other 
 reasons as to him shall appeare : the said Rules being chiefly designed to 
 bound the litigious delayes of the Attorneys who are hereby ordered to be 
 concluded by ye said Rules or to be debarred from practice in ye Court 
 or have such other checjues as the Soveraigne judges convenient. 
 
 9 That upon all fines at Courts of Assembly for non appearance or other fines 
 whatsoever then inflicted if the Court think fitt to mitigate orremitt such 
 fines that notwithstanding the party amerced shall pay twelve pence ster to 
 ye Clerk for cleareing the said fifine upon ye Record Role according to a 
 former order of the Soveraigne and Burgesses in ye year i68o 
 
 Butchers to 
 repaire to ye 
 new 
 
 Shambles 
 12'' fine 
 
 a barrell of 
 Lime to be 
 32 gallons 
 Winchester 
 
 \y lawes 
 
 1R 
 
 B or rough %y^^ 
 
 Belfast 
 |3tt an Assembly held the 4'^ day of November one 
 ^^ thousand six hundred eighty six 1686 with the 
 consent of the Honor''''^ S.' William ffrancklin Lord of the 
 Castle of Bellfast it is ordered by Robert Leathes Esqr 
 Soveraigne and the Burgesses then and there assembled. 
 That whereas dayly complaints are made of the incon- 
 venience of the Butchers keepeing their meate upon the 
 streets without shambles w".*" not only is undecent of itself 
 but much straitens that part of the street which is designed 
 and alotted for publique markett. and whereas for the 
 publique good there is an apartment prepared within the 
 new buildings on ye south side of Castle Streete that all 
 Butchers inhabitants of this said Towne shall repaire to ye 
 said Apartment and furnish themselves with shambles 
 Convenient at or before the 25"" day of March next upon 
 pain of forfeiting twelve pence sterl toties quoties found in 
 the streets with stales and that the said stales shall be 
 removed the said fine to be levyed by distresse or otherwise 
 by warrant from the Soveraigne for the time being and the 
 same to be imployed for ye good and benefitt of this 
 Corporacon 
 
 Att ye same Assembly by the authority afforesaid 
 Ordered that whereas there is great fraud comitted dayly 
 by the selling of Lyme by unjust and undue measures, That 
 from and after the first day of May next every barrell of 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 155 
 
 Rock or unfallen Lyme brought to be sould or sould within 
 this Corporacon shall containe thirty two gallons Winchester 
 measure upon paine makeing default of six pence sterl per 
 barrell toties quoties the same to be levied &c ut supra. 
 
 Att ye same Assembly by the authority afforesaid Ordered 
 that all horsse Loads of Turfe brought into this Corporacon 
 to be sold shall be of the full measure of one Burdeaux wine 
 hogshead of Seaventy wine gallons upon paine of two pence 
 sterl for every faulty Load and that there be at the publique 
 charge of the Borrough sealed hogsheads prepared for 
 measureing the same and Lodged in some convenient place 
 in ye Towne to be found on all occasions by w".'' debates of 
 that nature are to be decided to be levied ut supra. 
 
 Att the same Assembly the 4"'of November i6860rdered 
 that to prevent the dangers to which persons walking in the 
 night about their lawfull occasions are incident to, every 
 Inhabitant in every Street and Lane of this Corporation 
 shall from henceforth in every yeare from the ag'"" of 
 September to ye 25''' of March hang out at their respective 
 doores or shops one Lanthorne and candle lighted from ye 
 houre of seaven oClock till ten at night when it is not 
 moon-shine in ye said houres, upon paine of 6'' ster per night 
 toties quoties to be levied &". 
 
 Att ye same Assembly Ordered that whereas it is known 
 that the reputacion of the Trade in this Towne abroad is 
 much impaired by the insufficiency of Beefe barrells for 
 several yeares past every Beefe Barrell made by any 
 Cooper in Bellfast or by him them or any person sold in ye 
 said Towne after ye first day of May shall be made of good 
 well season timber well hooped and stanch and to be of the 
 measure of thirty wine gallons on paine of twelve pence 
 ster for every faulty barrell to be levied Si^ 
 
 Att the same Assembly ordered that for the better secure- 
 ing the houses of this Corporacon from the casulty of ffire 
 and in imitacion of the laudable practice of other Towns 
 and Borroughs every Inhabitant of sixty pounds str free 
 substance shall at or before the first day of May next at his 
 own proper cost furnish one Leathern buckett and the same 
 deliver to ye Soveraigne for the time being to be lodged in 
 some place ready on all exigences and that the Soveraigne 
 at the publique charge do compleat the Ladders w'='' now are 
 to be fower in number and provide a cupple of poles with 
 hooks and chaines for pulling downe houses on such 
 occasions the said Bucketts to be delivered to ye Soveraigne 
 
156 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 for the use afiforesaid against the next quarterly Assembly 
 for this Borrough on pain of fower shills and six pence ster 
 forfeiture each person to be levied &'' 
 
 I consent to these By Lawes 
 & orders & that they be duly 
 recorded 
 
 Will ffranklin 
 
 To all ye anexed orders and By Lawes made the 4* of 
 Novemby 1686 the Soveraigne and Burgesses then as- 
 sembled doe here subscribe to 
 
 Rob' Leathes Soveraigne 
 
 Jo Hill John Leathes Lewis Thomson Geo: 
 M'Cartney Sa: Theaker George M'Cartney 
 John Tooley Edward Harrisson Arthur Upton 
 
 John Younge Com Serg! 
 10 ffeby 86 (7) 
 
 ACOBUS Secundus Dei Gratia Anglise Scotiae Francice et 
 Hiberni?e Rex fidei defensor &" Vice-comiti Antrim salutem 
 precipimus tibi quod non omittas propter aliquam libertatem 
 in Ballivia tua quin earn ingrediaris et per probos et legales 
 homines de Ballivia tua sciri facias Superiorem liberos 
 Burgenses et Communes Burgenses de Bellfast in comitatu 
 predicto quod sint coram Barronibus de Scaccario nostro apud le King's 
 Courts Dublin in quindeno Paschte proximo futuro ad reddendum nobis 
 quo Warranto jure sive titulo clamant habere uti & gaudere libertates 
 privilegia et francisia sequentia videlicet fore de seipsis unum corpus 
 corporatum et politicum in re facto et nomine per nomen Superioris 
 liberorum Burgensium et Communii Burgensium de Belfast et per idem 
 nomen placitare et implacitare respondere et responderi ac habere 
 potestatem mittendi duos Burgenses ad attendendum parliamentum et 
 tenere Curiam de Recordo quae quidem franchesia libertates et privilegia 
 predicti Superior liberi Burgenses et communitas Burgensium predicti per 
 spatium vinus anni jam ultimo elapsi et amplius usurpaverunt et adhuc 
 usurpant in nostri contemptum et regii nostri prerogativi grave dampnum 
 et prejudicium manifestum prout in quadam informacione versus prefatos 
 Superiorem liberos Burgenses et communes Burgenses de Belfast in 
 comitatu predicto exhibituros per attornatum nostrum generalem qui pro 
 nobis in hac parte sequitur plenius liquet et apparet, et ulterius ad recipi- 
 endum quid Barrones nostri superinde fieri faciant quod de jure et 
 secundum leges et consuetudines dicti regni nostri Hibernise fuerit 
 faciendum et habeas ibi tunc nomen et per quos eis jura faciant et hoc breve 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 157 
 
 Jone Henrico Hene nostro capital! Barroni Scaccarii nostri predicti apud 
 Le King's Courts predictum xii. die Februarii anno regni nostri tertio 
 
 Johannes Nethercott 
 
 deputatus Rememorator Thesaurarii 
 
 Copia vera of what by Michael M'Cormick was 
 given the Soverain the 9th April 1687 
 
 Barry 
 
 Aprile 1 1"" 1687 
 
 At an Assembly of the Soveraign and major part 
 of the Burgesses then had touching the s"* Quo 
 warranto 
 
 ESOL VED 
 
 That we the Soveraign and Burgesses 
 of this Burrough are unanimously agreed to 
 defend our charter by all legall means what- 
 soever, and in order thereunto will give our best assistance 
 with advice and money to retaine Councell, Attorneys, 
 Solicitors & other Agents for carrying on a Legall Defence 
 in what Courts soever the said Charter shall hereafter be 
 legally impeached. 
 
 Rob' Leathes Soveraigne 
 
 Tho: Knox Sa: Theaker Joh: Tooley W" 
 Crafford Geo M'Cartney Joh Hill Tho Walcot 
 George M'^Cartney Ja: M'Cartney Lewis 
 Thompson 
 
 The seventh day of May one thousand, six hundred 
 eighty seven, the Soveraign and major p' of the Burgesses 
 assembled together for the chusing and electing a Burgesse 
 in the room of L.'. John Tooley who departed this life 
 
158 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 the sixth instant, at which meeting M' William Lockhart 
 Merch' was elected and sworne in the place of said Lf 
 Tooley 
 
 Rob' Leathes Soveraigne 
 Joh: Hill Sa Theaker W" Crafford Geo: 
 McCartney John Leathes Tho Walcot fifra: 
 Thetford George M'Cartney Ja: M'Cartney 
 Lewis Thompson 
 
 At an Assembly of the Soveraigne & Burgesses on 
 Saturday the 14"" of May 1687 
 
 ESOL VED 
 
 That whereas by M"' Martins letter of the 12"' 
 instant (who solicites the affair about the charter) 
 there is hazard of Judgm' being entered up ag':' it 
 for not sending up the originall pattent to be 
 p'duced to the Attorney Genrall as a voucher to the plea 
 filed pursuant to a peremptory rule of Court of ye 9'"" instant 
 It is now resolved that the s? charter be forthwith sent up 
 to Mr Martin our s? solicitor by Hugh Crafford an expresse, 
 that Mr Martin may use all possible meanes to p-vent or 
 retrieve what contempts Judgments or other misavencincies 
 may be placed upon us for the reason aforesaid & it is now 
 accordingly sent up 
 
 Rob' Leathes Soveraiene 
 
 The enrolment of the 
 charter is dated 1 1"" 
 Jac: primus of Engl^ «& 
 46 of Scotl? 
 
 Geo: M'Cartney 
 Lewis Thompson 
 George M'Cartney 
 Wm Crafford 
 
 [AMES the Second by ye Grace of God of England Scotland 
 fifrance & Ireland King Defend' of ye fifaith &c To all to whom 
 these our Lett" Pattents shall come Health, Whereas the Town 
 or Borrough of Belfast in ye County of Antrim has been an antient 
 Borrough & ye Soveraign fifree Burgesses & Cominality of the 
 Town or Borrough aforesaid have had used & enjoyed very many liberties 
 priviledges and ffranchises within ye Towne or Borrough aforesaid or to have 
 use and enjoy did pretend & to be one body politick & corporate by ye name of 
 Soveraign free Burgesses and Comonality of ye Borrough afores^: all w"' 
 ffranchises liberties cS: priviledges into our hands by Judgm' of our Court of 
 Excheq': of our Kingdom of Ireland were seised YET wee are willing that ye 
 Town of Belfast in ye County of Antrim afores'! in ye Province of Ulster be & 
 remain a flree Borrough & that within ye Borrough aforesl from hence for ever 
 there be had a sure and undoubted custom of for and in keeping of our peace 
 & ruling & governing of ye same Borrough & our people there dwelling and 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 159 
 
 others therein accustoming KNOW YEE that wee of our speciall Grace & 
 of our certain Knowledge & meer Motion with ye assent & consent of our well 
 beloved and very faithfuU Kinsman & Councell' Richard Earl of Tyrconnell our 
 Deputy General! & Generall Governor of our Kingdom of Ireland according to 
 ye tenor & effect of our certain Letters signed with our hand & under our seal 
 bearing date at our Court at Windsor ye twentieth day Septemb' in ye third 
 year of our Reign & inroled in ye Roles of ye Chancery of our Kingdom of 
 Ireland for us our heires & Successors have granted appointed ordained & 
 declared that ye said Town of Belfast & all & singular Castles Messuages Tufts 
 mills houses edifices structures Curtillages gardens waters Rivers Lands & 
 Tenem" whatsoever with their appurtenances lyeing and being in or within ye 
 same Town or village or p'cints of ye same from henceforth bee & for ever 
 hereafter shall be one entire & ffree Borrough of itself by ye name of ye 
 Borrough of Belfast & from henceforth shall be named mentioned and called ye 
 Borrough of Belfast & them all in one entire & ffree Borrough of itself by ye 
 name of ye Borrough of Belfast wee erect constitute make & ordain by these 
 p'sents And that ye Borrough of Belfast & ffranchises of ye same themselves 
 extend & pretend & may & can be extended & pretended as well in lenth & 
 bredth as circuit & p.'cint to ye same & accustomed bounds & metes to w'.'' & 
 such as ye late Borrough of IJelfast & ye circuit & p'cint of ye same and 
 ye jurisdiction & liberty thereof at any time heretofore were extended 
 or pUended or to extend or pretend were accustomed AND further wee 
 will ordain & appoint by these p'sents for us our heires & Successors 
 that w'Mn ye Borrough afores'! there be one body Corporate & PoUitick 
 consisting of one Soveraigne thirty five ffree Burgesses & Comonality & 
 that all ye Inhabitants within ye said Town Liberty & franchises of ye same 
 from henceforth for ever are & shall be one new Body Corporate & politick in 
 substance deed & name by ye name of Soveraign ffree Burgesses & Comonality 
 of ye Borrough of Belfast and them by ye name of Soveraign ft'ree Burgesses & 
 Comonality of the Borrough of Belfast one new Body Corporate & politick in 
 substance deed & name really & to ye full for us our heires & Successors wee 
 erect make ordain & constitute by these p'sents And that by the same name 
 they have p'petual Succession & that tluy by ye name of Soveraign ffree 
 Burgesses & Comonality of the Borrough of Belfast are & shall be for ever 
 hereafter persons fitt & capable by ye law to have seek receave & possess ye 
 lands tenem" Liberties priviledges jurisdictions ffranchises & hereditam" 
 w'soever of w| degree nature or fonn soever they be to themselves & their 
 Successors in ffee & perpetuity or for term of years & also ye goods & Chatties 
 & all other things of w' kind nature or form soever they be and also to give 
 grant lett & assign ye lands tenem" & hereditm" goods & chatties & to do and 
 execute all other acts & things by ye name afores'' And that by ye name of 
 Soveraign ffree Burgesses .& Comonality of ye Borrough of Belfast they may & 
 can plead & be impleaded answer and be answered defend and be defended 
 before us our heires & Success" or elswhere wheresoever of & in all & all manner 
 of accounts suits pleas compl'." & demands w!soever against them or by them by 
 any manner of way to be p'sented or brought & that all ye Inhabitants of ye 
 Town afores'! & who hereafter are admitted into ye Liberties thereof are 
 & shall be ye Comonality of the said Town AND further for us our heires & 
 Success'.' wee grant to ye Soveraign ffree Burgesses and Comonality of ye 
 Borrough aforesaid & their Success'-' & for us our heirs and Success" wee do 
 ordain and declare that they ye said Soveraign ffree Burgesses of the Borrough 
 afores*! for ye time being and their Success" or the major p'* of them for ever 
 have and shall have full power Sl authority of choosing sending & 
 returning two discreet cS: fitt men to serve and attend in every Parliam' in our 
 said Kingdom of Ireland hereafter to be held & that such men so 
 chosen sent and returned have and shall have full power and authority to 
 handle and consult of things and matters w"' to them and others there shall be 
 expounded or declared and thereupon their vote and consents freely to give and 
 to do and execute all other things w'soever as fully and freely as any other 
 Burgess of any other Borrough in our said Kingdom of Ireland or in our 
 Kingdom of England in Parliam' there to do and execute have been accustomed 
 Wherefore wee will & by these pesents for us our heires & Success" wee give & 
 
i6o 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Sovereign 
 appointed 
 
 Burgesses 
 appointed 
 
 The oath 
 
 The oath 
 
 grant to ye said Soveraign free Burgesses & Comonality of ye Borrough afore- 
 said & their Success" & also wee command & firmly for us our heirs & 
 Success" comand all our Sheriffes officers and Ministers of our heirs & Success" 
 w'soever w'^in our County of Antrim for ye time being to whom any of our 
 writt or writts of our heirs & Success" for electing Burgesses in Parliam.' within 
 ye said County of Antrim at any time shall be directed that every such Sheriffe 
 officer or Minister to whom any such writt or writts so as afores'' shall be 
 directed shall make his p^cept to ye Soveraign & ffi-ee Burgesses of ye said 
 Borrough of Belfast for ye time being and to their Successors for electing & 
 returning of those two Burgesses according to ye form and effect of ye said 
 writt or writts and that these our Letters Pattents or Inrol"" of ye same shall be 
 as well to the said Soveraign & free Burgesses of ye Borrough afores? for ye time 
 being & to their Success" as to all & singular our Sheriffs officers & ministers of 
 our heirs & Success"" w'soever a sufficient warrant & discharge in this behalfe 
 WITH that intent that in future time it may appear that this new Incorporacon 
 be now at first composed of honest men for us our heirs & Success" wee 
 make constitute & name Thomas Pottenger to be Ruleing Soveraign of ye said 
 Borrough to continue in ye said office untill ye feast of S' Michaell ye Arch 
 Angell next after ye date of these p'sents and afterwards untill another of ye 
 Burgesses of ye said Borrough in ye office of Soveraign of ye Borrough 
 afores'i shall be named and sworn except in the interim he be removed whom 
 and every other Soveraign in ye Borrough afores'' to be chosen for evill 
 behaviour in his office wee will may be removed by y° Burgesses of ye Borrough 
 afores'' or the greater p'° of them and likewise for us our heirs & Success" we 
 make constitute and nominate Neil O'Neil Barrt: IVIark Talbott Esq': Daniell 
 O'Neil Esq': Charles O'Neil Esq': ffelix O'Neil: Esq' John O'Neil Esq' John 
 O'Neil de Balliboran Esq': Daniel M'Naten Esq': James Wogan Esq': James 
 Netervile Esq': John Savage Esq': Marten Gernon Esq': John M'NachtenEsq': 
 yEneas Moylin Esc|': George M'Cartney Esq': John O'Neil gentl: Ton' O'Neil 
 genf: Patrick Moylin Physit: Charles Mulhollen Gent': Abraham Leegentl: George 
 McCartney Merch' : Tho: Knox James Shaw William Lockard Will: Dobbin 
 Edward Pottenger Peter Knowles John ffletcher John Eccles William Craford 
 Henry Chads Humphrey Dobbin David Smith Hugh Eccles & John Chambers 
 to be prime and first thirty five Burgesses of ye Borrough afores'' to continue 
 in their offices of ffree Burgesses of ye same Borrough dureing their respective 
 naturall lives except in ye interim by Reason of some proviso in these p'sents they 
 be removed or any of them be removed or except in ye interim for evill 
 behaveing of themselves or for any reasonable cause by the Soveraign & ffree 
 Burgesses of ye Borrough afores'' for the time being or ye major part of 
 them from their offices afores'i shall be removed or any of them shall be 
 removed of w"' every ojie and every Burgess hereafter in ye Borrough 
 afores^ to be chosen for ye like cause from Soveraign & ffree Burgesses 
 of ye same Borrough for ye time being or from ye major part of them we 
 will to be removed AND further wee will that ye said Tho: Pottenger whom 
 by these p'sents we have made Soveraign of ye Borrough afores? before he 
 exercises his office he came before the last Soveraign of ye Towne afores? or 
 before any Justice to keep our Peace within ye County of Antrim or before ye 
 Constable of ye Castle of Belfast & shall in due manner take as well ye 
 Corporall Oath following (vizt) 1 do hereby acknowledge profess testifiecS: declare 
 in my conscience before God & ye world that our Soveraign Lord King James is 
 LawfuU & RightfuU King of this Realme & other his Maj"?' dominions cS: countries 
 & I will bear faith & true allegeance to his Maj"" his heirs & Successors & him & 
 them will defend to the utmost of my power against all conspiracies and attempts 
 w'soever w'? shall be made against his or their Crown and Dignity and do my 
 best endeavour to disclose & make known unto his Maj'^ his heirs and Success" 
 or to ye Lord Deputy or other cheife Governer or Gove'""" of this Kingdom for 
 ye time being all Treasons & treaterous conspiracies w°'' I shall know or hear to 
 be intended ag" his Maj" his heirs and Success" or any of them And I do make 
 this precognicion & acknowledgm' heartily willingly & truely upon ye true faith 
 of a Christian so help me God &°. And I do also declare & belive that it is not 
 LawfuU upon any pretence w '.soever to take arms ag" ye King and that I do 
 abhor that treaterous position of takeing arms by his authority ag" his person or 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 i6i 
 
 ag' those that are Comissionated by him so help me God &° As his Corpoiall 
 Oath antiently used to ye office of Soveraign of ye Borrough afoies^ well and 
 faithfully in all things and by all things to his office belonging to execute to 
 whom respectively for us our heirs & Success" we give power of administering 
 that oath AND further wee will that ye Soveraign of ye Borrough afores'' be 
 annuall & elective & therefore we will & by these p'sents for us our heirs & Success" 
 we grant to ye said Soveraign ffiee Burgesses & Cominality of ye Borrough 
 afores ?• cS; their Success" that ye said Soveraign & free Burgesses of ye Borrough 
 afores'i for ye time being for ever yearly on ye feast of ye nativity of S' John 
 Baptist if it be not ye Lords day then ye next day following may & have have 
 power to gather themselves togather in anyplace convenient within ye Borrough 
 aforesi & that ye said Soveraign & iifree Burgesses so gathered together or ye 
 greater p" of them for ye time being before their departure then and there have 
 power to elect one of ye ffree Burgesses of y° Borrough afores^ whom they judge 
 most fitt to exercise ye office of Soveraign of ye said Borrough for one year from 
 ye feast of St Michael ye Archangel then next following and from thence until! 
 one other of ye ffree Burgesses of ye Borrough afores^ to his office shall be in 
 due fonn elected Sc sworn & that every Soveraign so elected before he be 
 admitted to execute ye said office or be Soveraign or so accounted he shall take 
 as well his corporall oath antiently used to ye office of Soveraign of ye Borrough 
 afores^ well and faithfully in all things and by all things to his office belonging 
 to execute as another oath of fidelity afores* on ye feast of S' Michael! ye 
 Archangel! next after such election before ye p'sent Soveraign of ye 
 Town afores'' then liveing or before ye Constable of ye said Castle 
 of Belfast or two Burgesses of ye Borrough afores^ for ye time being 
 to whom respectively for us our heirs & Success" wee give full power & 
 authority to administer these oaths AND more over of our like special! 
 grace & of our certain knowledge & meer motion wee will & by these p'sents for 
 us our heirs & Success" wee grant to ye said Soveraign ffi-ee Burgesses & 
 Comonality of ye s? Borrough & their success" that if & as often as it shall 
 happen ye Soveraign of ye s' Borrough of Belfast for ye time being after election 
 & before he shall be sworn or within one year after he shall so as afores? be 
 elected & sworn to the office of Soveraign of ye Borrough afores? to dye or ye 
 office afores? by any means w^soever be vacant that then & so often ye Soveraign 
 & ffree Burgesses or ffree Burgesses of ye Borrough afores? as ye case shall 
 happen & their success" for ye time being or ye greater p'." of them may c& have 
 power within ten days after such vacancy or death to elect one of discreetest of 
 ye ffree Burgesses of ye Borrough afores? to execute ye office of Soveraign of ye 
 Borrough afores* for ye year following or for ye remainder of his year as ye case 
 shall happen & from thence untill another of ye ffree Burgesses of ye s? Borrough 
 be in due form elected & sworne to ye office & that every person so as afores? 
 elected and chosen in ye office of Sovereign of ye Borrough afores? may & can 
 execute that office for ye year following or for ye residue of his year as aforesd 
 and from thence untill another of ye ffree Burgesses in that office shall be made 
 & sworn so as every one so elected first take his corporall oath antiently used 
 to ye Sovereign of ye said Borrough well and faithfully to execute & ye other 
 oath of fidelity afores? before ye p '.cedent Soverg" of ye Borrough afores? then 
 liveing or before two ffree Burgesses of ye said Borrough for ye time being to 
 whoine wee respectively give for us our heirs & Success'." power of administring 
 these oaths and that ye Sovereign of ye Borrough afores'l for ye time being 
 when he shall depart from his office be Burgess of ye Borrough afores? dureing 
 his naturall life except in ye interim he be removed by reason of some proviso in 
 these presents AND further wee will & by these presents for us our heirs & 
 Success'.' do grant to ye s'' Sovereign ffree Burgesses & Comonality of ye 
 Borrough afores? & their Success'? that if any of ye ffree Burgesses of ye 
 Borrough afores? so as afores? in these presents named or any other or others 
 of ye ffree Burgesses of ye same Borrough hereafter to be elected shall dye or 
 from his office be amoved by reason of any proviso in these presents that then ye 
 Sovereign & ye rest of ye ffree Burgesses of ye Borrough afores? for ye time 
 being or ye greater part of them within ten days next after such ffree 
 Burgesses death or amoveing may and have power to gather themselves 
 together in any convenient place within ye Borrough afores? & that ye s* 
 
 M 
 
1 62 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 for making 1 
 By laws J 
 
 to keep a 
 Court of 
 Record 
 
 The Sovereign 
 a Justice of 
 Peace 
 
 Sovereign and ffree Burgesses so gathered together or ye greater p" of them 
 before they depart one or as many as they shall want of ye s*" number of fifree 
 Burgesses of ye better and more honest of ye Comonality of ye Borrough 
 afores? into ye place or places of such ffree Burgess or fifree Burgesses 
 so dead or from his office or their offices amoved to choose may & have power 
 to continue in their offices dureing their respective naturall lives Except in ye 
 meantime by reason of some proviso in these presents or for evill Govemm' or for 
 evill carrying themselves in that behalfe be amoved or any of them be amoved 
 & that every new Burgess in these presents named and every person so into ye 
 office of ffree Burgess of ye Borrough afores- to be elected before his office to 
 execute he be admitted take his corporall oath antiently used ye office of ffree 
 Burgess of the Borrough afores'! well & faithfully to execute & ye other oaths 
 of fidelity afores* before ye Sovereign of ye Borrough afores"! for ye time being 
 to w".'' Sovereign for ye time being for us our heirs and Success" we have given 
 and granted power to administer these oaths and so as often as ye case shall so 
 happen 
 
 AND further of our greater speciall grace «fc of our certain knowledge & 
 meer motion & by these presents for us our heirs and Success" we give & grant 
 to ye s* Sovereign ffree Burgesses & Comonality of ye Borrough of Belfast & 
 their Success" that they & their Success" from time to time so oft as to them 
 shall seem expedient they may and have power themselves to gather & assemble 
 in any convenient place within ye Borrough afores"! and at their meeting there 
 to make decree or and establish such and such like acts ordinances & Statutes 
 called Bylawes for for (sic) ye good & safe government of ye Borrough 
 afores'! & the Inhabitants of ye same as to them or ye greater p"" of them shall 
 seem necessary & that they have power & authority by fifines & pecuniary 
 mulcts to punish chastize and correct all manner of p'sons delinquent ags' such 
 acts ordinances & statutes & ye same fines amercem" mulcts & pecuniary 
 punishm'-' they may & have power to levy & have to ye use & behoofe of 
 ye s?. Sovereign ffree Burgesses & Comonality of ye Borrough afores"! & 
 their Success" without any account thereof or any other thing to be 
 rendered or made to us & our Success" All & Singular such Laws 
 Acts Statutes & Ordinances so as afores"" to be observed wee will under 
 ye pains therein contained PROVIDED allways that ye said Laws 
 Statutes & Ordinances be not contrary or repugnant to ye Laws Statutes 
 & Ordinances of our Kingdom of Ireland AND moreover of our more ample 
 & speciall grace & of our sure knowledge & meer motion wee will & by these 
 presents for us our heirs & Success" wee have granted to ye s? Sovereign free 
 Burgesses & and Comonality of ye Borrough afores"" and their Success" that 
 they & their Success" for ever may have & hold & to have & to hold may have 
 power one Court in any convenient & open place within ye Borrough afores? to 
 be held before ye Sovereign of ye s? Borrough for ye time being & ye s? Court 
 to hold pleas every Thursday from week to week of all & singular Accounts 
 debts Covenants trespasses detinue contracts & demands p'sonall wJsoever not 
 exceeding ye sume of fifty pounds ster happening or arising in or within ye s"" 
 Borrough of Belfast or ye Liberties thereof And that that Court be reputed & 
 taken a Court of Record for ever AND further of our more ample & speciall 
 grace & of our certain knowledge & meer motion wee will & by these p'sents for 
 us our heirs & Success" grant to ye said Sovereign free Burgesses & Comonality 
 of ye Borrough afores? and their Success" for ever that ye Sovereign of ye 
 Borrough afores? for ye time being and his Success" as soon as he shall have 
 taken ye usuall oath well & faithfully to execute ye s? office of Sovereign & ye 
 other oath of fidelity afores? in form as above in these p'sents is specified in 
 very deed be a justice & keeper of our peace of us our heirs & Success" and also 
 to enquire hear & determine all things [concerning] concerning our peace in or 
 within ye s^ Borrough or ye liberties of the same & as soon as ye s"" 
 Sovereign hath taken his corporall oath antiently used of well & faithfully 
 executing & exercising ye office of a justice of ye peace as before before l^sic) 
 ye Sovereign p'cedent or any justice of ye peace within ye County of 
 Antrim afores? or before two of ye Burgesses of ye Borrough afores? to 
 whom respectively for us our heirs and Success" wee give power to administer 
 these oaths AND further wee will & by these presents for us our heirs 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 163 
 
 Liberty for n \ 
 Town Hall J- 
 & Se.ile j 
 
 Election & \ 
 turning out \ 
 Sergeants j 
 
 Sovereign 
 made Clerk 
 of ye 
 Markett 
 
 '"oraWharfe ( 
 )r Key ) 
 
 or electing A ■\ 
 lew Clerk in I 
 ase of death ( 
 T Removall ; 
 
 and Success" we grant to ye Sovereign free Burgesses & Comonality of 
 ye s"* Borrough & their Success" for ever that they may have a merchant 
 Hall within ye s'' Borrough & comon seale in such form insigned & inravened 
 as to thein shall seem best to serve for ye business of ye s'' Borrough for ever & 
 that they may & have power for ever from time to time as often as need shall 
 require of themselves to elect constitute & ordain two Serjeants at mases & 
 other inferior officers & ministers necessary for ye better governing of ye 
 Borrough afores* & ye Inhabitants of ye same & every person so from time to 
 time so elected constituted & ordained wee make constitute & ordain for us our 
 heirs & Success" to be Serjeants at mases & other inferior officers & ministers 
 of ye s'' Borrough respectively & in their offices may continue dureing their good 
 behaviour or at ye will & pleasure of ye s"' Sovereign ffree Burgesses & Comon- 
 ality of ye Borrough afores"' & that every such Sergeant officer & minister before 
 he be admitted to execute his office shall take before ye Sovereign of ye s? 
 Borrough for ye time being his usuall Corporall oath for his well & faithfull 
 behaveing in his s'l. office & ye other oaths of fidelity afores? to whom for us our 
 heirs & Success" wee have given power to administer these oaths AND 
 furthermore for us our heirs it Success" wee grant that ye Sovereign of ye 
 Borrough afores? for ye time being for ever be Clerk of ye Markett within ye 
 Borrough afores? & ye liberties of ye same & from time to time may have & will 
 have full power & authority to do & execute all & Singular things to ye office of 
 clerk of ye markett within ye Borrough afores'' belonging or appertaining so that 
 no clerk of our markett of us our heirs & Success" ye Borrough afores* or 
 ffranchises of ye same shall enter ye office of clerk of ye markett or anything 
 to ye s'' office belonging or appertaining there to do or execute nor in any 
 office of clerk of ye markett within ye Borrough afores'' or ye Liberties 
 of ye same touching in anywise himself Lett in WEE will further 
 & of our special! grace & of our certain knowledge & meer motion wee grant to 
 ye s? Sovereign ffree Burgesses & Comonality of ye Borrough of Belfast & their 
 Success''-' that hereafter it may be Lawfull & shall be LawfuU for ye Sovereign 
 Burgesses & Comonality of ye Borrough afores? & their Success" to choose 
 establish and have within ye ffranchise of ye s'' Borrough one wharfe or Key in 
 any place convenient upon ye Bay or Creek of Belfast afores'' & also that it may 
 be lawfull & shall be lawfull to all and Singular Merchants as well natives as 
 Aliens & all other our subjects & Leige people with what ships or boates soever 
 to come & have access to ye s'' wharfe or Key & thereto discharge & unload 
 And from thence to carry away & convey all and all manner of merchandize or 
 wares without our hindrance of us our heirs &. Success" of any of our customers 
 searchers or any other our officers of us our heirs or Success" in our port of 
 Carrickfergus resideing PROVIDED all ways that ye said Merchants & ye rest of 
 our leige people & subjects pay or cause to be paid to us our heirs & Success" all 
 and Singular customes as well great as small subsidies of poundage and imposi- 
 tions due & payable to us our heirs & Success" for all and Singular merchandize 
 comeing in or carried out as is afores?. AND further for us our heirs & Success" 
 wee will ordain & declare that for ye future in ye Borrough afores? there be one 
 skillfull in ye Law who shall be ye Record' of ye Borrough afores? & also 
 another discreet man who shall be clerk or prothonator of ye Court of Record 
 afores'' & Comon Clerk of ye Borrough afores'' and whensoever ye Sovereign & 
 ffree Burgesses of ye Borrough afores? for ye time being in ye Recordery of ye 
 Borrough afores'' they constitute or ye greater p" of them for us our heirs & 
 Success" wee have assigned and constituted to be our Recorder of ye Borrough 
 aforesd and also do constitute Ralph Booth Gentl to be the new prothoatory {sic) 
 & Clerk of ye Court of Record afores'' & Comon Clerk of ye Borrough afores?. to 
 continue in those offices dureing his naturall life respectively exerciseing by 
 himself or his deputies except in ye interim by reason of some proviso in these 
 p' sents or for his evill behaviour yes'' Sovereign and free Burgesses of ye Borrough 
 afores"' for ye time being or ye greater p'.° of thein they be amoved or any of 
 them be amoved every one whereof & every Record' or clerk for ye future in ye 
 Borrough afores'' to be chosen for their evill behaviour by ye Sovereign & free 
 Burgesses of ye Borrough afores? or ye greater p"! of them for ye time being 
 wee will to be amoved And further for us our heirs & Success" wee give & 
 grant to ye s"? Sovereign ffree Burgesses & Comonality of ye Borrough afores'' 
 
164 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 & their Success" that ye Record' of ye Borrough afores'' for ye time being or ye 
 said new prothonatory or Comon Clerk of ye Borrough afores'' for ye time being 
 should depart or any of them shall depart or from their respective offices be 
 amoved or their offices shall be vacant that then it shall be lawfull for ye 
 Sovereign & ffree Burgesses of ye Borrough afores? for ye time being another 
 discreet man skilled in ye Law & another discreet & skillfull man into those 
 offices respectively to name cS: choose & in them respectively to continue 
 dureing their naturall lives & to exercise by themselves or their deputies 
 except in the interim for ye causes afores? they be amoved or any of 
 them be amoved so as every such Record' & new Prothonotary & Comon 
 Clerk of ye Borrough afores'' <& all other Record" & Prothonotarys & Comon 
 Clerks of ye Borrough afores" hereafter to be elected & their deputys before they 
 respectively exercise their respective offices they take their Corporall oaths 
 antienly used well & faithfully to exercise their offices & ye other oath of 
 fidelity afores'' before ye Sovereign of ye Borrough afores'' for ye time being to 
 w- Sovereign for the time being for us our heirs & Success"' wee give power to 
 administer these oaths And further for us our heirs & Success" wee give & 
 grant to ye s'' Sovereign & ffree Burgesses & Comonality of ye Borrough afores'' 
 & their Success" that ye Sovereign & ffi-ee Burgesses of ye Borrough afores'' for 
 To make ) V^ time being & ye major pte of them have full power & authority to admitt 
 freemen J men & persons to be fifreemen of ye Borrough afores"" w"' s"" ffreemen so to be 
 admitted & every of them shall take their corporall oath used for ffreemen & ye 
 other oath of fidelity afores? before the Sovereign for ye Borrough afores? for 
 ye time being to w""" Sovereign for ye time being for us our heirs and Successors 
 wee give power to administer those oaths. 
 To make a Deputy Sovereign 
 
 And that it shall be Lawfull for ye Sovereign of ye Borrough afores'' for ye 
 time being from time to time to make & constitute one of ye ffree Burgesses of 
 ye s? Borrough to be deputy Sovereign & that such Deputy may & have power 
 to do & execute all things w'.'' to that office do appertain or belong so as every 
 such Deputy before he exercise ye office of Deputy Sovereign take as well his 
 Corporall oath used well & faithfully in all things ye office Deputy Sovereign of 
 ye s? Borrough to exercise & ye other oath of ffidelity afores'' before ye Sovereign 
 of ye Borrough afores'' for ye time being To whom for us our heirs and Success" 
 wee give power to administer those oaths 
 
 This is to be placed after ye power granted to make freemen 
 Grant of \ And fiirther for us our heirs and Success" wee give & grant for ye main- 
 
 Toll and V tainance & sustenance of ye Borrough afores'' cS: for mending of ye Street walls 
 Customes j gates Bridges & Keys there and of other publique work of ye Borrough afores'' 
 for ye time being to ye Sovereign ffree Burgesses & Comonality of ye Borrough 
 of Belfast afores^ & their Success" so many such like & so much ye same 
 & such like Castles messuages houses Tofts gardens Lands & Tenem'.' 
 Comon of pasture reversion remainder rent sei-vice custome petty duttys 
 murage pavage anchorage gateage wharfeage Tollage powers authorities 
 merchant Key customes exemptions return of writts Jurisdictions ffranchises 
 Liberties & priviledges & other hereditam" w'soever & ye goods & chatties 
 so many such like & soe much & w* to ye Sovereign ffree Burgesses & 
 Comonality of ye Borrough of Belfast at any time before ye Judgem! afores^ 
 given had occupied used or enjoyed by reason of any Charters Lette" Pattents 
 Comissions p'scriptions Customes or other Lawfull title w'soever or to have 
 occupied use & enjoy they were lawfully accustomed or any of them have 
 accustomed to bee held from us our heirs & Success" as of our Castle of Dublin 
 in ffree & Comon soccage for ye rent & service therefore accustomed Saveing 
 always & out of this Charter or grant to us our heirs & Success" excepted & 
 reserved all title power right rent service custome subsidie poundage excise 
 debt Jurisdiction disposition Liberty priviledge & demand w '.soever w'."" wee 
 before ye Judgm' afores? given have had held or occupied in right of our Crown 
 in or w'.';in the Borrough afores? & ye ffranchises & liberties thereof otherivise 
 then by reason of ye discontinuance ffcrfeiture or dissolution of ye liberty and 
 ffranchises so as before into our hands seized PROVIDED always & full 
 power & authority for us our heirs & Success" wee reserve & give by these 
 p'sents to our Deputy Gen". & other Chiefe Govern! or Govern" of us our heirs 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 165 
 
 Liberty for 
 ye L*- 
 Deputy to 
 remove 
 either 
 
 Sovereign or 
 Burgesses 
 
 Admirality 
 
 excepted 
 
 hereafter 
 
 this Charter 
 to be taken 
 for ye best 
 advantage 
 of ye 
 Corporation 
 
 The L'' -j 
 
 Deputy to (^ 
 
 approve of i 
 
 ye Clerk ) 
 
 & Success" of our Kingdome of Ireland for ye time being by order of ye private 
 Councell of us our heirs & Success" of our Kingdom of Ireland und" their hands 
 write to the Sovereign or any other or other of ye firee Burgesses or other officer of 
 ye Borrough afores'^ by these p'sents named & constituted or hereafter to be elected 
 & constituted at ye will & good pleasure of our Deputy Genr'.'. or other our Chiefe 
 Govern' or Govern" of us our heirs and Success" of our Kingdom of Ireland for 
 ye time being by any such order of our privy Councell of us our heirs and 
 Success" of our Kingdom of Ireland to them respectively signified to be amoved 
 & removed or declared to be amoved and as often as our Deputy Gener'.' or 
 other our Chiefe Govern- or Govern" of us our heirs and Success" of our 
 Kingdom of Ireland from time to time by such order of our private Councell of 
 our Kingdom of Ireland shall declare or they shall declare such & such like 
 Sovereign or any other or any other {sic) of ye fifree Burgesses or other officers 
 of ye town afores? for ye time so to be amoved or be amoved that then & from 
 thenceforth every such person or persons so amoved or declared to be amoved 
 from their respective offices in very deed without any further process is 
 amoved & shall be amoved & are and shall be amoved & the same so often & 
 as often as ye case shall happen anything to ye contrary notwithstanding 
 Saving & out of this Charter or Grant to us our heirs & Success" excepted & 
 reser\'ed all & all manner of Jurisdiction of our great Admirality of us our heirs 
 and Success'.' and by these p'sents for us our heirs and Success" do prohibite 
 every person & persons from ye execution of any Jurisdiction of the Admirality 
 afores"' by vertue colour or pretence of this present Comission anything to ye 
 contrary thereof notwithstanding AND that these our Letters Pattents 
 or ye InroUm' of ye same shall be construed interpreted & adjudged to ye 
 best advantage benefitt & favour of ye s"" Sovereign ffree Burgesses & 
 Comonality of ye Borrough afores"" & their Success" ag! us our heirs & 
 Success" as well as in all our Courts of us our heirs & Success'.' within our 
 Kingdom of Ireland as anywhere else wheresoever without any confirmacion 
 licence or toUeration hereafter to be procured or obtained notwithstanding that 
 our writt of ad quod Dampn hath not issued to enquire of ye premisses or any 
 inquisition hath not been had of our title to ye premisses before ye makeing of 
 these our Letters Pattents And notwithstanding the Statute of Lands & tenem" 
 in Mortmaine not put AND notwithstanding ye statute made at Limerick in 
 ye thirty third year of ye Reign of King Henry ye eight for for lands given by ye 
 King and any other statute defect or any other thing cause or matter w'soever to 
 ye contrary notwithstanding Saveing & reserving to our chiefe Govern' or 
 Govern'.' of us our heirs & Success" of our Kingdom of Ireland for ye time being 
 power of [approving] aproveing of every Record' or Comon Clerk hereafter to be 
 elected within ye Borrough afores"! so that no such Recordr or Comon Clerk 
 exercise his office untill he be approved of by such Govern' or Govern'-' under 
 their hand or hands writeing PROVIDED always that these our Letters 
 Pattents be Inrolled in ye Roles of our Chancery Court of our Kingdome of 
 Ireland within six months after ye date of these p'sents In Testimonie whereof 
 these our Letters wee have made pattents WITNESS our L^ Deputy Gen'" 
 Govern' of Ireland afores"" at Dublin ye sixteenth day of October in ye fourth 
 year of our Reign 16S7 
 
 Domvile 
 Examined by Andrew Bunbury Deput' Clerk of ye Inrolled in ye 
 Roles of ye pattents of ye Chancery of Ireland ye twenty ninth 
 day of October in ye fourth year of ye Reign of James ye 
 Second & examined by Andrew Ram Clerk in ye office of ye 
 Master of ye Rolls 
 
1 66 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 PPLICA^ being made to his Ex"^" by the Roman 
 Catholique officers Garrisoned in that town, that 
 there is no convenient or fitt place appointed for 
 their hearing Masse and Divine Service on 
 Sundays and Holy-Days, but an old ruinous 
 house ; his Ex''^ taking it to consider? directs me to desire 
 and require you to lett the said officers and Sould"^.' make 
 use of, either the Town house or School house or some 
 other decent & fitt place for the said divine service, as in 
 all other Corpora™' of the Kingdom the Magistrats do 
 freely allow, and is expected you will likewise do, and not 
 doubting of yoT complyance herein, 
 
 I am 
 
 Yol: humble Ser' 
 
 Pat'' Clogher — Secrety 
 
 Chappel Izod ye 7'^ ybr 1688. 
 
 To the Mayor Sherriffs Aldermen & Burgesses of the Town 
 of Belfast. Copia Vera 
 
 R Belfast 7b': 12. 1688 
 
 I have comunicated yo'.^ of the 7"^ inst to my 
 brethern the Burgesses of this Corporacon, we 
 have considered of the Contents thereof, and are 
 heartily sorry that his Ex""/ should happen to 
 desire of us what is not in our power to grant. As for the 
 Schoolhouse it being of the foundation and free gift of the 
 Lorde Donegall deceased and now repaired and supported 
 by his heirs, 'twere presumption in us to dispose of what we 
 have only a comon interest with all others His Ma''." Subjects. 
 And for the town house it being the onely place purchased 
 and sett apart by the Lord and Inhabitants of the Manor 
 & Corpora? of Belfast, for keeping Courts, holding of 
 Sessions, and frequent meetings of the Sovereign and 
 Burgesses for regulating and dispatching the affairs of the 
 Corporacon, we canot (w'.^'out great injury to the Town, and 
 depriving ourselves of those conveniencies necessity forced 
 us to provide for) comply w'."" what His Ex'^'' desires of us. 
 We doubt not but the officers and Souldiers you speak of, 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 167 
 
 may if they please meet w'^ a conveniency in town, but the 
 poverty of our Corporacon & uncertainty of its continuance 
 is such, no revenue Lands tenements nor salary belonging 
 to it, it seems a little hard to expect that the charge of such 
 provision should be laidwholy on yf Sovereign and Burgesses 
 especially now enjoying the liberties of our charter only ex 
 gratia. Since our circumstances are such, we hope Sr you 
 will become our advocat to his Ex'^^ to assure him what is 
 realy true that our noncomplyance proceeds not from any 
 peevish perverse humour but only want of ability and 
 opportunity to gratify his Expections whose demands shall 
 always be observed to the utmost of our power. 
 
 I am 
 
 S' Yo' most humble Servant 
 Rob! Leathes 
 To the Bi?p of Clogher. 
 
 The twenty fifth day of fifebruary one thousand six 
 hundred eighty nine (styl'angl') the Soveraigne & Burgesses 
 then assembled for chusing and electing a Burgesse in the 
 room & place of Mr Thomas Walcoat who died the 
 twentyth of ffebry instant did choose & unanimously elect 
 James Buller taner in the room of the said Mr Walcoat who 
 was accordingly sworne to the office of Burgesse. 
 
 Rob' Leathes Soveraigne 
 
 Y Frederick Duke of Schonberg 
 General I of all their Majesties Forces 
 &c A Proclamation 
 
 WHEREAS wee are fully satisfyed that there has been great 
 Invasion made upon the propriety of the Protestant subjects 
 and Antient Charters of the respective Corporation in this 
 kingdom and that severall Protestant Justices of the Peace 
 have ben removed from their Places of Trust, whereby 
 great disorders such as Burglaries, Robberies, Fellonies, and 
 other out Rages have been committed in this kingdome 
 And wee, being desirous to redress the said grieveances do 
 hereby think fitt to Publish and declaire, that the said 
 Protestant subjects be and hereby are restored to their 
 former proprieties and the respective Corporacions to their 
 
1 68 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Antient Charters, and the severall protestant Justices of the 
 peace to their respective Trusts, hereby Impowering them 
 to doe and execute all and every act matter and thing as 
 they might or could doe by vertue of their respective 
 Charters or any Commission of the peace formerly granted 
 dureing their Majesties pleasure, the said Justices of the 
 Peace in their respective Stations are hereby required to 
 take care that no Land Lord exact on any Tenant not 
 being able to pay his rent presently or on demand they 
 takeing it into their Consideration that it is a yeare of Warrs 
 and devastation but that when the Lawes is open to take 
 their Course by the Law Given at our Headquarters at 
 Dundalk the 14"" of September 1689 In the first yeare of 
 their Majesties Reigne Schonberg 
 
 ARMS OF DUNDALK, 
 
 N the twenty sixth day of May one thousand six 
 hundred and ninety the Soveraigne and Burgesses 
 then assembled for chuseing a free Burgesse in 
 place of Mr Francis Thetford Burgesse who 
 departed the twenty third of this instant May did elect and 
 unanimously choose Mr David Smith Merch' to be a free 
 Burgesse in the room of the said Mr Thetford who was 
 accordingly sworn to the said office 
 
 Rob' Leathes Soveraigne 
 Inf* per Tho Craford 
 d. clerc vill 
 
 S';' iT 1690 
 
 Then delivered to M' W" Lockart Soveraigne for the year next 
 ensueing these things belonging to the Towne, that is, a Copy of the 
 Charter, the parchment Schedule of By Laws, one Bond w'l; warrant of 
 Attorney rent charge and counterpart of a defeasance for 300'' stT of the 
 poors money due by the Lady Marchionesse of Atitrim a bond of ten pounds 
 of the poors money due by M' Sampson Theaker, a bond of ten pounds of 
 the poors money due by M' Lewis Thompson a tin q" standard pint 
 standard half pint & knogin, a brasse fourteen pound w'l' a seven pnd 
 weight a four pnd a hvo pnd a pnd half pnd quarter two ounces & ounce: 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 169 
 
 the brasse quart standard Jno Griffen the Sergeant hath; & the brasse 
 standard gallon W? Ratcliffe the water bailiffe hath, also delivered then the 
 Town seall. the originall Charter Capt McCartney hath. 
 
 The above particulars mencioned to be delivered to me, I have rec'? 
 
 William Lockhart 
 
 N the seventh day of March one thous'' six hundred 
 ninety one the Soveraign and Burgesses then 
 assembled for chuseing a free Burgesse in place of 
 Mr Sampson Theaker who departed 
 
 they did 
 elect & unanimously choose the Rt Honb'" Arthur Earle of 
 Donegall in room of the said Mr Theaker 
 
 Ja: M'Cartney Soveraign 
 
 Rob Leathes Lewis Thompson Tho: Knox 
 Wm: Crafford William Lockhart James Buller 
 Arthur M'Cartney L: Harrison 
 
 On the first day of June one thousand six hundred 
 ninety one the Soveraigne and Burgesses then assembled 
 for chuseing a free Burgesse in place of George M'Cartney 
 Esqre Burgesse who departed the twenty third of May 
 last, they did elect & unanimously choose Mr Arthur 
 M'Cartney M'.' son of the said Geo M'Cartney to be a free 
 Burgesse in the room of his said father, who was accordingly 
 sworne to the said office. 
 
 William Lockhart Soveraigne 
 
 Rob' Leathes Ja: M'Cartney Sa: Theaker Wm: 
 Crafford David Smith 
 
 Memorandum that by the unanimous Consent of the Soveraigne & 
 Burgesses of this Burrough Francis Cordner formerly established Sergeant 
 at Mace in room of Tho: Whitlock (and who had been sworne to the office) 
 was confirmed in the said employ; and this day John Beck was placed Serg' 
 
1 70 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 (and duly sworne) in the room and place of John Clugston serg' who was 
 from the ofifice amoved for his unfitnesse to serve the Corporac" in that 
 capacity. 
 
 Dated Sept*" 26"' 1692 
 
 Signed by ord' 
 
 Tho: Craford d. cl vill 
 
 On the eighth day of April one thousand six hundred 
 ninety three the Soveraigne and Burgesses then assembled 
 to choose a free Burgesse in the room of Ensign John 
 Leathes Burgesse deceased (who was buried at Whitehaven 
 on the 3":? instant as by his wifes letter to M" M'^Cartney 
 appeers the copy whereof is underwritten) did unanimously 
 elect J no Chalmers Mercht a free Burgesse in room of the 
 said Ensign Leathes 
 
 W? Crafford Soveraigne 
 
 Lewes Thompson William Lockhart James Buller 
 David Smith 
 
 Whitehaven April 5th 1693 
 Mrs M'Cartney 
 These is to desire you in your husbands absence, to buy me five dozen of clift 
 boards and send them by the bearer John Hodgson ; and I shall satisfy you at 
 our meeting, w".'" I intend very speedily if the Lord permitt. My dear husband 
 hath finished his course and I hope has entred in to eternal joy, he was inter'd 
 the 3"? of this instant, so I take leave humbly begging that the Lord will fitt us 
 all for our change, w'l" is all from yol real friend 
 
 Jane Leathes 
 
 It would do us a great 
 
 kindnesse for here we shall 
 
 want to clear us, & and it would 
 
 be better yn Irish money Copia vera per 
 
 To Mr Geo M'Cartney Tho Craford 
 
 Mrt Belfast d. cler vill 
 
 Know all men by these presents that I Francis Ratcliffe cloathier have 
 remised released and for ever quit claimed, and by these presents do remise 
 release and for ever quit claime unto my brother Richard Ratcliffe of Belfast 
 cloathier his heirs Exo" and admo" all and all maner of acion and acions 
 sutes bills bonds writings obligatory debts dues duties accompts sum & sums 
 of money Judg*^ executions Extents quarrels controversies trespasses damages 
 and demands whatsoever both in Law and Equity or otherwise howsoever 
 w"^." against the said Rich"* Ratcliffe I ever had & which I my heirs Ex'^ & 
 adm"^ shall or may have claime challenge or demand for or by reason or 
 meanes of any matter cause or thing whatsoever from the beginning of the 
 world unto the day of the date of these presents. In witnesse whereof I 
 have hereunto sett my hand & seal the eighteenth day of december one 
 thous"? six hund ninety three, at perfecting this Release my bro Rich"! paid me 
 six pounds ster 
 
 Signed sealed & d"*. ffrancis Ratcliffe 
 
 in the presence of us 
 
 Wm Crafford Soveraigne Rob' Leathes Lewes Thompson 
 Tho: Craford d. cl vill 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 1 7 1 
 
 T an Assembly held the sixth day of SeptT 1694 
 at the Tholsell of Belfast in and for the Burrough 
 Town and Corporacon of Belfast Willm Crafford 
 Esq"" being Sovereign. Forasmuch as it is found 
 by comon experience that many persons who have not been 
 bred merchants within the Town nor elsewhere, have of late 
 for their private lucre and gaine used to buy great quantities 
 of butter hides and tallow as ye same was coming to the 
 said Towne of Belfast, to be sold, and have ingrossed the 
 same into their hands w"' designe to sell it dearer to the 
 Merchant adventurers Exporters and traders inhabiting 
 the said Town of Belfast, than he who brought the same to 
 be sold: For the remedy whereof and for p' venting the 
 great abuses and sinister practices comitted and done in 
 buying and selling as aforesaid, It is Ordered and declared 
 by the Soveraigne and Burgesses and free Comonalty of 
 this Corporacon and by authority of the same, by and w"" 
 the consent of the Right Honble the Earle and Countesse 
 of Longford Lords of the Castle of Belfast that the market 
 for the sale and purchase of butter hydes & tallow w-in the 
 Towne and Borrough of Belfast is & hereafter shall be 
 w'Mn Castle Street or some part thereof between the uper 
 Castle gate and Church Lane & Skiper Lane on either 
 side of the River & in Bridg Street between the [upper 
 Castle gate and Church Lane] Bridg called the Stone 
 bridg and the corners turning down to broad street and 
 Rosemary Lane and that hereafter no butter hydes nor 
 tallow coming to the Town of Belfast to be sold shall be 
 bought or caused to be bought or sold directly or indirectly 
 by any person whatsoever before the said butter hides and 
 tallow shall be brought or come within the streets aforesaid 
 limited and appointed for the market and sale thereof under 
 the penalty of being by law prosecuted as unlawfull ingrossers 
 and forestallers of the m'H' 
 
 Wm Crafford Soveraio^ne 
 
 ft> 
 
 William Lockhart L Harrison David Smith 
 Tho: Knox Jno Challmers George M'Cartney 
 Rob' Leathes Lewes Thompson James Buller 
 Will Arthur cum Sociis Tho Craford d. cl vill 
 
172 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 PUBLIQUE ORDERS. 
 
 Ordered, to prevent the undue throwing out of Ballast 
 into the Lough & chanell, that the masters of all ships 
 & vessells shall from time to time and at all times here- 
 after bring up all their ballast whether stone or gravel in 
 Lighters, and the same putt out at such place on the Key 
 as the water Bailiff shall appoint, the same to be disposed 
 of for the public use of the Corporacon, and no person to 
 take the same for his private use of which all persons are to 
 take notice as they will answer the contrary at their perills 
 
 Dated S*" I9'^ 1694 
 
 Edw? Harrison Sovereigne 
 
 By the Sovereign of Belfast 
 
 Pursuant to an order of Court upon P.'sentment of the 
 Grand Jury for regulating the abuses in keeping watch in 
 this Burrough you are req":'' duly to sumon by turns the 
 persons whose names are hereunto annexed to serve as 
 Captains of the watch with the number of twelve substantial 
 men every night; and such Captains you are to sumon to be 
 w'.'' me every night before setting the watch to receive the 
 word and orders, & let them know that they are to continue 
 from nine a clock at night to six in the morning and to go 
 the grand round at twelve a clock at night, and that you 
 yourself see due care taken that the Top Tee & Trevally be 
 beaten every morning and evening. Hereof fail not at 
 yol: perrills and this is yo' warrant. 
 
 Given undr my hand and seal 8br 20 1694 
 
 Edw? Harrison Sovraigne 
 
 /j COPPY of the Charter of Bellfast granted 
 -'^ the II year of King fames the first 2'/th 
 April 161 J 
 
 I AMES by the Grace of God of England Scotland flfrance and 
 Ireland King defender of the faith &c To all to whome these 
 presents shall come greeting Know yee that wee as well at the 
 liumble petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Belfast in our 
 County of Antrim within our province of Ulster in our Kingdome of 
 Ireland as also for the Inhabiting and planting of those Northern 
 parts in the same our Kingdome depopulated and wasted according to the 
 established form of the Common wealth in our Kingdome of England excellently 
 setled And for the more better proceeding and perfection of that new planta- 
 tion of late there happely begun of our especiall grace and of our certain 
 knowledge and our meer motion by the consent of our well beloved and faithful! 
 Councellor Arthur Lord Chichester of Belfast our deputy Generall of our said 
 Kingdome of Ireland And also according to the intent and effect of our Letters 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 173 
 
 signed with our own proper hand and under our own signet Dated at our 
 mannor of ffarneham the last day of July in the year of our raigne of England 
 ffrance and Ireland the fifth and of Scotland the two and fortieth and now 
 inrolled in the rolls of our Chauncery of our Kingdome of Ireland aforesaid 
 
 Wee do appoint ordaine and declare by these presents that the aforesaid 
 Towne of Belfast and all and Singular Castles Messuages Tofts Mills houses 
 Edefices buildings curtilages gardens wast places the foundation of Walter 
 Courses and Tenemts and hereditamts whatsoever with their appurtenances 
 lyeing or being in or within the same Town or Townland or precints 
 [thereof] of the same (the Castle of Belfast together with the curtilages 
 gardens orchards and edefices whatsoever to the said Castle belonging 
 [duely] onely excepted) are and shall be of the rest in perpetuall times 
 to come one sole and free Burrough of itself by the name of the Burrough 
 of Belfast and they shall be named nominated and called from others 
 the Borrough of Belfast and wee doe erect constitute make and by 
 these presents ordaine all those in one sole and free Burrough of itself by the 
 name of the Borrough of Belfast And further more we will ordaine and by 
 these presents appoint that within the Borrough aforesaid there be one body 
 Corporate and poUitick consisting of one Soveraigne Twelve ffree Burgesses 
 and of the Comonality and that all the Inhabitants within the aforesaid 
 Town and lands aforesaid are and shall be for ever in present force [one] from 
 others one body Corporate and pollitick in deed fact and name by the name 
 of the Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the Burrough of Belfast 
 And wee erect make ordain and by these presents constitute these by the name 
 of Soveraigme ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the Burrough of Bellfast afore- 
 said one body Corporate and pollitick in deed matter and name really and to 
 the full for us our heirs and successors and that by the same name they may 
 have perpetuall succession And that they by the name of the Soveraigne fifree 
 Burgesses and Comonality of the Burrough of Belfast aforesaid are and shall be 
 for ever in time to come of a fitt person and capable in the Law to have [seek] 
 perceave receave and possess the Lands Tenemts Liberties previledges Juris- 
 dictions fi"ranchises and hereditaments whatsoever of what kind nature or forme 
 they have been to them and their Successrs in flee and perpetually and also the 
 goods and chatties and whatsoever other things of what kind nature or quality 
 they have been And also to give grant lett and assigne the Lands Tenemts and 
 hereditamts goods and chatties and to doe and execute all and singular other 
 deeds and things by the name aforesaid And that by the name of Soveraigne 
 ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the Burrough of Bellfast they may plead and 
 be impleaded answer and to be answered defend and to be defended before us 
 our heirs and Successors and before whatsoever our Justices and Judges of our 
 heirs and Successors and others whatsoever in whatsoever our Courts of our 
 heirs and Successors and to and other whatsoever of and in all and all manner 
 of actions suites pleas plaints and demands whatsoever to be prosecuted or 
 brought against them or by them 
 
 And that they the aforesaid Soveraigne (wrfflfree Burgesses of the Burrough 
 aforesaid and their Successors for ever may have full power and authority 
 to chuse send and returne two discreet and fitt men to serve and attend 
 in every parliament in our said Kingdome of Ireland hereafter to be held 
 and that such men so elected sent and returned may have full power and 
 authority to handle and consult upon those things and matters which to them 
 and others shall be there expounded and declared and thereuppon freely to give 
 their voyces and opinions and to do and execute other matters whatsoever soe 
 fully and freely as any other Burgisses of any other antient Burrough in our said 
 Kingdome of Ireland or in our said Kingdome of England have been accustomed 
 to doe and execute there in Parliament. 
 
 Wherefore wee will and by these presents for us our heirs and Successors doe 
 give and grant to the aforesaid Soveraigne and free Burgesses of the Burrough 
 and to their Successors And also wee doe charge and firmly command for us 
 our heirs and Successors all high Sheriffs officers and Ministers of our heirs and 
 The High Successors whatsoever of our said County of Antrim for the time being to 
 
 Sheriffs power whome any of our writt or writts for the chusing of the Burgesses of the 
 Parliament within the said County of Antrim in any time shall be directed That 
 
174 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 The first 
 Sovereign and 
 13 Burgesses 
 
 The election 
 of a Sovereign 
 yearly 
 
 every such high Sheriff officer or Minister to whome any such Writt or Writts 
 shall be directed soe as aforesaid shall make their precept to the Soveraigne 
 and ffree Burgesses of the said Burrough of Bellfast for the time being 
 for the election and returne of these two Burgesses according to the forme 
 and effect of the same Writt or Writts And these our Letters Pattents 
 or the Inrolement of the same shall be as well as the said Soveraigne 
 and ffree Burgesses of the Burrough aforesaid and their Successors as also 
 to all and singular high Sheriffs officers and Ministers whatsoever of our 
 heirs and Successors a sufficient warrant and discharge in that behalfe And for 
 that intent as may appear in time to come that this new incorporation may first 
 of all be composed of approved and honest men wee make constitute and name 
 John Vesey to be the ffirst and nioderen Soveraigne of the said Burrough con- 
 tinuing in the said office untill the feast of St Michaell the Archangell next 
 after the date of these presents /-md likewise wee make constitute and name 
 Sr ffulke Conaway Knight, Thomas Hibbotts, Esqr, Moses Hill Esqr, Humphry 
 Norton Esqr, William Lewsly, John Willoughby, Cary Hart, John Aysh, Samuell 
 Boothe, James Burr, Walterhouse Crimble, and John Burr to be the first twelve 
 ffree Burgesses of the aforesaid Burrough to continue in those offices of ffree 
 Burgesses of the same Burrough dureing their severall lives unless in the 
 meantime by behaveing themselves evill or for any reasonable cause they 
 shall be removed from the offices aforesaid or any one of them shall be 
 removed And all the Inhabitants of the Twone aforesaid and such and soe 
 many other men whom the Soveraigne and ffree Burgesses of the same Burrough 
 for the time being shall admit into the Liberty of the Borrough aforesaid wee 
 will constitute and ordaine to be of the Comonality of the Burrough aforesaid 
 And moreover wee will that John Vesey whome by these presents wee 
 have made Soveraigne of the Burrough aforesaid shall before the eighteenth 
 day of May next following after the date of these presents come before 
 Sr ffulke Conaway Knight now Lieut Governor of the Towne of Knockfergus 
 and in due manner shall take as well the oath of Supremacy as alsoe his 
 Corporall oath well and truly to execute the office of Soveraigne of the Burrough 
 aforesaid untill the feast of St Michaell the Archangell next coming as is 
 aforesaid And that the Soveraigne of the Burrough aforesaid may be elective 
 and therefore wee will and by these presents for us our heirs and Successors wee 
 doe grant to the aforesaid Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the 
 Burrough aforesaid and to their Successors that the aforesaid Soveraigne and 
 ffree Burgesses of the Burrough aforesaid for the time being yearly for ever 
 uppon the feast of the nativity of St John Baptist if it happen not to be on the 
 Sabbath day and if the aforesaid feast doth happen to be uppon the Sabbath 
 day then uppon the next of the same feast they may be able and may assemble 
 themselves in any convenient place within the Burrough aforesaid and the 
 Soveraigne and ffree Burgesses soe assembled together wee will and grant that 
 the aforesaid Arthur Lord Chichester of Bellfast his heirs and assignes remaining 
 Lords of the said Castle of Bellfast shall nominate three discreet and sufficient 
 men remaining ffree Burgesses of the said Burrough and shall present the names 
 of them to the aforesaid Soveraigne and ffree Burgesses of the Burrough 
 aforesaid of whome the aforesaid Soveraigne and ffree Burgesses so assembled 
 or the greatest part of them before they shall depart may then and there chuse 
 one whome they shall judge most fitt to exercise the office of Soveraigne of the 
 said Burrough for one year from the feast of St Michaell Archangell next 
 next following and until one other of the Burgesses of the same Burrough shall 
 be in due manner elected made and sworne to that office And in defect of such 
 nomination by the aforesaid Lord Chichester his heirs or assignes made in 
 manner and form aforesaid wee will and grant that the said Soveraigne and 
 ffree Burgesses of the Burrough aforesaid then and there may freely chuse one 
 of the discreetest ffree Burgesses of the said Burrough to execute the office of 
 Soveraigne for one year as aforesaid 
 
 And that every Soveraigne soe elected before he shall be admitted to execute 
 the office aforesaid either the Soveraigne may be or may have as well the oath 
 of supremacy as his corporall oath well and truly to exercise the office of 
 Soveraigne of the Burrough aforesaid uppon the feast of St Michaell Archangell 
 next after such election he shall take before the aforesaid Arthur Lord Chichester 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 175 
 
 of Bellfast or the heirs or assignes of the Lord of the said Castle of Bellfast or 
 in his or their absence before the Constable of the said Castle of Bellfast for the 
 time being 
 
 And wee doe grant full power and authority to the aforesaid Arthur Lord 
 Chichester of Belfast and to his heirs and assignes aforesaid and to the Constable 
 of him or them of the Castle of Bellfast aforesaid for the time being to take the 
 aforesaid oath of every such Soveraigne newly chosen And moreover of our 
 like especiall grace certaine knowledge and meere motion we will arud by these 
 presents for us our heirs and Successors wee grant to the aforesaid Soveraigne 
 free Burgesses and Comonality of the said Burrough and to their Successors 
 that if and as often as the Soveraigne of the said Burrough for the time being 
 shall happen to die or void by any manner of means from the office aforesaid 
 within one year after he shall be elected and [serve] swome as aforesaid to the 
 office of Soveraigne of the Burrough aforesaid that then [the] and so often the 
 aforesaid Arthur Lord Chichester of Bellfast his heirs or assignes aforesaid shall 
 nominate three discreet and sufficient men of the aforesaid number of free 
 Burgesses of the Burrough aforesaid and shall present their names to the said ffree 
 Burgesses of the Burrough aforesaid for the time being [otherwise] of which the 
 said free Burgesses may chuse one most fittest in the office of Soveraigne of the 
 said Burrough for the residue of that year within ten days after such vacancy 
 and in defect of such nomination or presentation by the aforesaid Lord 
 Chichester of Belfast his heirs or assignes to be done in manner and forme 
 aforesaid wee will and grant that the said Soveraigne and ffree Burgesses of 
 the said Burrough then and there may chuse one of the discreetest ffree 
 Burgesses of the said Burrough to execute the office of Soveraigne for the 
 residue of that year as is aforesaid And that every person and persons in the 
 office of Soveraigne of the Burrough aforesaid soe as aforesaid elected to the 
 office of Soveraigne of the Burrough aforesaid may be able to execute untill the 
 feast of Michaell Archangell next following after such election the oath of 
 supremacy aforesaid and alsoe the aforesaid oath for the due execution of his 
 office of Soveraigne of the Burrough aforesaid so as aforesaid first to be taken 
 
 And moreover of our especiall grace meere motion and certaine knowledge 
 wee will and by these presents for us our heirs and successors doe grant to the 
 aforesaid Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the Burrough aforesaid 
 and to their Successors that if any one or any of the aforesaid ffree Burgesses of 
 the Burrough aforesaid so as aforesaid in these presents named or any one or 
 any of the ffree Burgesses of the same Burrough hereafter to be chosen shall die 
 or shall be removed from that office which ffree Burgesses and every one of them 
 or any one not behaveing himself well in that office wee will to be amoved at 
 the pleasure of the Soveraigne and the major part of the ffree Burgesses of the 
 same Burrough for the time being that then the Soveraigne and the rest of the 
 ffree Burgesses of the Burrough aforesaid for the time being may within seaven 
 days after the death or removeing of such ffree Burgesses assemble themselves 
 into any convenient place within the Burrough aforesaid And that the said 
 Soveraigne and free Burgesses soe assembled or the major part of them before 
 they shall depart one or so many as shall be wanting of the aforesaid number 
 of ffree Burgesses of the best and most approved Inhabitants of the 
 Burrough aforesaid in the place or places of that ffree Burgess or of those 
 free Burgesses so dead or from that office removed they may chuse to continue 
 in the same office during their naturall lives unless in the meantime for their 
 evill Govermt or for behaveing themselves evill in that behalf shall be removed 
 or one or any of them shall be removed 
 
 And that every person soe in the office of ffree Burgess of the Burrough 
 aforesaid elected before he shall be admitted to execute that office shall take 
 his corporall oath well and faithfully to execute the office of ffree Burgess of the 
 Burrough aforesaid within seaven days next after such his election before the 
 Soveraigne of the Borrough aforesaid for the time being or before such other 
 ffree Burgess of the same Burrough then liveing and remaining in that office or 
 the major part of them to which Soveraigne for the time being or to which ffree 
 Burgesses or the major part of them for the time being wee give and grant by 
 these presents full power and authority to take the aforesaid oath of every ffree 
 Burgess newly chosen and soe as often as the case shall so happen 
 
176 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 The Lord of ye 
 Castle & the 
 Constable to be 
 Burgesses 
 
 Assemblys for 
 By Laws 
 
 Not to Plead 
 out of the 
 BorroughCourt 
 
 The Borrow 
 Court a Court 
 of Record to 
 try cases not 
 exceeding 
 £20 Irish 
 
 And further more of our especiall grace certaine knowledge and meere 
 motion wee will and grant that as well the Lord of the said Castle of Bellfast for 
 the time being and his heirs as alsoe the Constable of the said Castle for the 
 time being are and shall be ffree Burgesses and every one of them may and shall 
 be a ffree Burgess of the said Burrough of Bellfast and shall enjoy soe many 
 such and soe great Liberties previledges and Imunityes how many soe many 
 and as great as any other Burgess or any other Burgesses of the said Burrough of 
 Bellfast by vertue of these our Letters pattents may have use and enjoy 
 
 And further more of our more especiall Grace certain Knowledge and meere 
 motion we will and by these presents for us our heirs and Successors wee doe 
 give and grant to the aforesaid Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and Comonality of 
 the Burrough aforesaid and to their Successors that they and their Successors 
 from time to time as often as it shall seem best expedient unto them they may 
 gather and assemble themselves in any convenient place within the Burrough 
 aforesaid and in their meetings there by the advise and consent of the aforesaid 
 Arthur Lord Chichester of Bellfast his heirs and assignes aforesaid being Lords 
 of the said Castle of Bellfast to make appoint and ordain and establish such acts 
 ordinances and Statutes called By Laws for the good ruling and sound Govern- 
 ment of the Burrough aforesaid and the Inhabitants of the same such as and which 
 shall seem necessary to them or the major part of them And that they may have 
 power and authority to punish chastise and correct by fines and penalties of money 
 all persons delinquent against such acts ordinances and Statutes and those fines 
 amercements and penalties of money they may levy and have to the use and 
 behoofe of the aforesaid Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the 
 Burrough aforesaid and of their Successors without our hindrance our heirs and 
 Successors and without any accompt or any other thing thereof to be rendred 
 or made to us our heirs or Successors All and Singular which Laws Acts 
 statutes and ordinances so as aforesaid to be made wee will to be observed 
 under the pain in them contained Provided allways that the said Laws statutes 
 and ordinances are not against or repugnant to the Laws and statutes of our 
 said Kingdome of Ireland 
 
 And moreover of our especiall grace certain knowledge and meere motion 
 wee will and grant by these presents for us our heirs and Successors to the afore- 
 said Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the said Burrough and to 
 their Successors that noe Inhabitants of the Burrough shall implead or be 
 impleaded out of the said Burrough of or for any Lands Tenements Rents or other 
 hereditamts within the said Burrough or within the meares ffranchises Liberties 
 Limitts or precincts of the same or of or for any Trespasses detainews covenants 
 debts demands accompts contracts or any other causes demands or controversies 
 whatsoever within the said Burrough or within the ffranchises Liberties or 
 meets of the same made or to be made arrising or to arise without the especiall 
 licence of the said Arthur Lord Chichester of Bellfast his heirs or assignes being 
 Lord of the Castle of Bellfast aforesaid unless it concerns us our heirs or 
 Successors or the right or interest of the Soveraigne and ffree Burgesses or their 
 Successors in the right or pollitick capacity of them or unless it concerns the 
 Soveraigne in his own right. 
 
 And moreover of our more especiall grace certain knowledge and meere 
 motion wee will and by these presents for us our heirs and Successors doe grant 
 to the aforesaid Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the Burrough 
 aforesaid and to their Successors that they and their Successors may for ever 
 have and hold and may be able to have and to hold one Court in any place 
 convenient and fitt within the Burrough aforesaid to be held before the 
 Soveraigne of the same Burrough for the time being and in the same Court to 
 hold pleas every Thursday from week to week of all and Singular accounts debts 
 Covenants Trespasses detaines contracts and demands personall whatsoever 
 not exceeding the sum of Twenty pounds currant money of Ireland happening 
 or arising in or within the aforesaid Burrough of Belfast or the Liberties of the 
 same and that that Court may be reputed and esteemed a Court of Record for 
 ever 
 
 And furthermore we will and by these presents firmly injoining wee charge 
 and command that noe person nor persons from henceforth hereafter shall sell 
 or expose to sale nor shall cause to be exposed by retale any marchandize 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 177 
 
 Extent of sj 
 Borrough 
 
 The Sovereign 
 a Justice of 
 Peace 
 
 a Town hall 
 
 Two Sergeants 
 att Mace & 
 other 
 Ministers 
 
 sovereign 
 ^lerk of the 
 Market 
 
 vVharffe or 
 <ey 
 
 comodoties whatsoever by way of merchandize within the space of three 
 miles by a direct hne on every part of the said Burrough of Bellfast measured 
 round about unless such person or persons have been or shall be planted 
 or placed by Arthur Lord Chichester his heirs or assigns being Lord 
 of the Castle of Bellfast in or within the aforesaid Burrough of Bellfast or 
 Liberties of the same or there dwellers residents or Inhabitants or shall be or 
 have been dwelling resident or Inhabiting under the paine or forfeiture of all 
 and Singular such marchandizeandcomodotiessoagainst the Tenor and intention 
 of these our Letters patterns sold or putt to sale And moreover of our more 
 especiall grace certaine knowledge and meere motion wee will and by these 
 presents for us our heirs and Successors doe grant to the aforesaid Soveraigne 
 ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the Burrough aforesaid and their Successors 
 for ever that the Soveraigne of the Burrough aforesaid for the time being and 
 his Successors in very deed and as soon as he shall receave and take his oath of 
 the aforesaid office of the Soveraigne well and faithfully to be executed in the 
 forme aforesaid before in these prsents specified shall be a Justice and Keeper 
 of the Peace of our heirs and Successors within and through the whole Burrough 
 of Bellfast and in and within all and Singular Liberties Limitts and meets 
 thereof and that the same justice may have full power and authority to keep and 
 conserve our peace our heirs and Successors and also to enquire hear and 
 determine all things concerning our peace in or within the aforesaid Burrough 
 or Liberties of the same 
 
 And moreover we will and by these presents for us our heirs and Successors 
 doe grant to the aforesaid Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the 
 said Burrough and to their for ever that they may have a Marchant Hall within 
 the Burrough aforesaid and one Comon seale in such forme and as shall seem 
 best unto them to serve for ever for the businesses of the same Burrough 
 
 And that they may be able for ever from time to time as often as it shall be 
 needfull of themselves to chuse constitute and ordaine two Serjeants at mace and 
 other inferiour officers and necessary ministers for the better goveminent of the 
 Burrough aforesaid and the Inhabitants of the same And wee make constitute 
 and ordaine every person soe from time to time ellected constituted and ordained 
 to be the Serjeants at mace and other inferior officers and Ministers of the same 
 Burrough respectively and in their offices to continue dureing their good 
 behaviour or at the Will and pleasure of the said Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and 
 Comonality of the Burrough aforesaid and that every such serjeant officer and 
 minister before they shall be admitted to exercise their office shall take before the 
 Soveraigne of the said Burrough for the time being his Corporall oath for the well 
 and truly beringhis office Moreover wee grant that the Soveraigne of the Burrough 
 aforesaid for the time being for ever shall be Clark of the Markett within the 
 Burrough aforesaid and Libties of the same and from time to time they may have 
 full power and authority to doe and follow all and singular to the office of the Clark 
 of the Markett belonging or pertaining so that noe other Clark of our Marketts 
 our heirs or Successors shall enter into the Burrough aforesaid or the ffranchises 
 of the same there to doe or execute the the (sic) office of the Clark of the 
 Markett or anything to the said office belonging or appertaining neither shall 
 he enter himself in any office of the Clark of the Markett any ways tuching the 
 Burrough aforesaid or the Libties of the same ffurther more wee will and of our 
 especiall grace certain knowledge and meere motion doe grant to the aforesaid 
 Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the Burrough aforesaid that 
 hereafter it may and shall be lawful to all freemen of the Burrough aforesaid 
 and their Successors to chuse and establish within the ffranchises of the 
 said Burrough one wharffe or Key in any convenient place uppon the Bay or 
 Creek of Bellfast aforesaid And also that it may and shall be Lawfull to all 
 and Singular Marchants as well Twonsmen (sic) as strangers and to all other our 
 subjects and Leige people with whatsoever shipp or Barque to arrive or bring to 
 the said Wharffe or Key and there to discharge and unlaid and from thence to 
 carry and convey all and Singular Merchandizes and Mercionaries without our 
 hindrance our heirs and successors or any Customer Controwler or any other 
 our officers of our heirs or successors resident in our port of Carrickfergus, 
 Provided always that the said Merchants and the rest of our Leige people and 
 Subjects doe pay or cause to be paid to us our heirs and Successors all and 
 
 N 
 
178 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Singular Customes as well great as small subsidyes of poundage and impositions 
 due or payable in the said port of Carrickfergus or Bay or Creeke of the same 
 for all and singular Merchandizes brought in or carryed forth as aforesaid 
 
 And moreover of our more especiall Grace certain knowledge and meere 
 motion wee grant unto the aforesaid Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and Comonality 
 of the Burrough aforesaid and their Successors for ever that these our Letters 
 pattents and every article and clause in them contained or the Inrolment of them 
 are to be construed interpreted and adjudged towards the greatest advantage 
 benefitt and favour of the aforesaid Soveraigne ffree Burgesses and Comonality 
 of the Burrough aforesaid and their Successors towards and against us our 
 heirs and Successors as well in all our Courts as otherwise wheresoever without 
 any confirmations Licenses or Tollerations hereafter to be secured or obtained 
 notwithstanding that our Writt of ad Quod Dampn hath not issued first to 
 enquire of the premisses before the makeing of these our Letters Pattents And 
 notwithstanding any other defect or any other thing cause or matter whatsoever 
 to the contrary notwithstanding we will and also grant to the same Soveraigne 
 ffree Burgesses and Comonality of the Burrough of Bellfast aforesaid and to 
 their Successors that they may have and shall have these our Letters 
 Pattents under our great Seale of Ireland and sealed and to be made in 
 due manner without any fine great or small therefore to be made & 
 paid to us our heirs or Successors in our hamper or otherwise to our 
 use soe that express invention be not made of the true yearly worth 
 or of the certainty of the premisses or any one of them or of any gift or 
 grant by us or by any of our progenitors to the said Soveraigne ffree Burgesses 
 and Comonality of the Burrough before this time made remaining in these 
 presents any Statute Act ordinance or proviso or any other thing cause or matter 
 whatsoever made contrary to these presents in anything notwithstanding In 
 Testemonie of which thing wee have caused these our Letters pattents to be 
 made Wittness our aforesaid Deputy Generall of our Kingdome of Ireland at 
 Dublin the seaven and twentieth day of Aprill in the Year of our Reigne of 
 England ffrance and Ireland the Eleaventh and of Scotland the six and ffortieth 
 
 Edgworth 
 
 VILLA SIVE 
 DE BELFAST 
 
 Burgu8 
 
 At an Assemblie there holden the seaventeenth day of 
 
 October in the nmeteenth year of the Raigne of our 
 
 Soveraigne Lord Charles the Second of England Scotland 
 
 ffrance and Ireland King Defender of the ffaith &c 
 
 Anno Domini i66y 
 
 WHEREAS in the year of our Lord God 1635 ^y '1^6 f"!' ^"^1 free consent 
 of the Rt Honble Edward Lord \'iscount Chichester the Lord of the Castle of 
 Belfast severall good and wholmsome Acts orders and By Laws were i/ien 
 made and established for the due ordering and better Regiment of this Corpora- 
 tion for the further and more fully confirming of which the Rt Honoble Arthur 
 Earl of Donegall now Lord of the Castle aforesaid hath fully consented and 
 freely agreed wth the now Soveraigne Burgesses and Grand Jury Representa- 
 tives of the Comonality of ye said Corporation and by them hereby enacted and 
 ordered and for ever to stand and be in force and power as By laws of this 
 Corporation to all intents and purposes as by the following words they are 
 exprest and at large sett down 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 1 79 
 
 1* For Burgesses and Soveraigns 
 
 IN THE PRESENCE and by ye full and free consent of the Rt Honoble 
 Edward Lord Viscount Chichester Lord of ye Castle of Belfast It is ordered 
 by the Soveraigne and Burgesses then and there assembled & ordained as a By 
 Law for ever to indure that if any freeman of the Corporation being elected 
 Burgess by the Soveraigne & Burgesses of the same or the more of the same 
 refuse to take upon him the place of a Burgesse and to take his oath accordingly 
 he or they soe refuseing shall forfitt the sume of five pounds ster And if any free 
 Burgess of this Corporation which hereafter shall be elected Soveraigne within 
 the said Borrough shall refuse to take the office upon him and be sworn 
 accordingly he or they so refusing shall forfeit and loose Ten pounds ster the 
 same to be levyed by warrant of the Soveraigne for the time being and to be 
 employed for the good and benefit! of this Corporation 
 
 2** For repairing fences 
 
 IN THE PRESENCE and by the full and free consent of the Rt Honble 
 Edward Lord Viscount Chichester Lord of the Castle of Belfast It is ordered 
 by the Soveraigne and free Burgesses then and there assembled and ordained 
 as a By Law for ever to indure That every free Burgesse free Comoner and 
 other Inhabitants of this Town w* now doe or hereafter shall hold or possess 
 any house or land in Towne or fields within the precints of this Corporation 
 shall within one month now next coming well and sufficiently repaire all and 
 every ye fences and inclosures he or they ought to repaire And ye same from 
 time to time shall maintain and keep upon pain of forfeiture of five shillings ster 
 for every default to be levyed and employed as aforesaid 
 
 3* For keeping of swine 
 
 IN THE PRESENCE and by the full and free consent of ye Rt Honble 
 Edward Lord Viscount Chichester Lord of ye Castle of Belfast It is ordered 
 by ye Soveraigne and Burgesses then and there assembled and ordained for a 
 By Law for ever to endure That no free Burgess free Comoner nor any other 
 Inhabitant dwelling within this Corporation shall suffer any horses mares 
 Garrons cows or other cattle swine or Geese w"'' he or they shall keep to go at 
 large in ye Streets or highways to the annoyance of their neighbours upon 
 pain of forfeiting for every fault they shall be taken in ye sum of ten shillings 
 ster to be levyed and employed as aforesd 
 
 4"* Ag' leaving of Dung hills 
 
 IN THE PRESENCE and by and with ye full and free consent of ye Rt 
 Honble Edward Lord Viscount Chichester Lord of ye Castle of Belfast It is 
 ordered by ye Soveraigne and Burgesses then & there assembled and ordained 
 for a ByLaw for ever to endure That no free Burgess free Comoner or other 
 Inhabitant dwelling or Inhabiting within this Corporation shall make or cause 
 to be made any dunghills in ye open streets before their doores to continue there 
 above three days or cast any Carrion dyeing stuffe or any other loathsome thing 
 into ye River coming through ye said Town of Belfast to ye annoyance of ye 
 water and hurt of their neighbours upon pain of forfeiting for every such default 
 ye sume of five shillings ster Provided that such as have any dunghills before 
 their doors shall have such convenient time for ye removing of ye same as ye 
 Soveraigne for ye time being shall think fitt ye said fines to be levyed and 
 employed as aforesaid 
 
 5"" For Slicing in ye Courts 
 
 IN THE PRESENCE and by ye full & free consent of ye Rt Honble 
 Edward Lord Viscount Chichester Lord of ye Castle of Belfast It is ordered 
 by ye Soveraigne and Burgesses then and there assembled that noe free 
 Burgess nor free Comoner of this Corporation shall sue or implead any of ye 
 free Burgesses or free Comoners of ye same Town for any action that ye Court 
 
i8o The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 of this Corporation may heare without ye consent of ye Lord of ye Castle of 
 Belfast for ye time being or Soveraigne of ye same Town then being first 
 obtained unless such person shall not have due proceedings there every person 
 so offending therein shall forfeit forty shillings ster: for every default ye same to 
 be levyed & employed as aforesaid 
 
 e"" No malt killns to be built without ye consent of ye L'' Castle 
 
 AT AN ASSEMBLY held the 29th of March 1638 in the presence of the 
 Rt Honble Edward Lord Viscount Chichester Lord of ye Castle of Belfast and 
 with his consent It is ordered and established by ye Soveraigne and Burgesses 
 as a By Law for ever to remaine That from henceforth no person or persons 
 inhabiting within ye Borrough of Belfast shall erect or make any Malt Kilnes or 
 make use of any Malt Kilnes already built within ye said Towne but in such 
 convenient places as shall be allowed of by the Lord of ye Castle and 
 Soveraigne for ye time being w" six of the Burgesses at least upon pain of 
 forfeiture of five pounds ster for every time he shall be presented for the same 
 to be levyed & employed as aforesaid 
 
 7"" Ag' Wood Chimneys 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY by and w"- ye Consent aforesaid It is 
 ordered (daily inconveniencys likely to arise to this Towne & Borrough by 
 reason of wood Chymnies) That ye said Chymnies wthin ye Rampier of this 
 Town be forthwith pulled down and brick Chymnies to be made instead thereof 
 upon pain of forfeiture on every person that maketh default ye sume of forty 
 shillings ster to be levyed and employed as aforesaid 
 
 8"" No Sov to sell ale or any liquor during his Sov'' repealed in the year 1716 Mr Garner 
 Soveraign 
 
 AT AN ASSEMBLY held the 24th of June 1660 Capt ffrancis Meeke 
 Soveraigne It was ordered by the Soveraigne and Burgesses with the consent 
 of the Rt Honble Arthur Earl of Donegall Lord of ye Castle of Belfast That no 
 Burgesse of ye Borrough of Belfast from and after ye date hereof that is and 
 shall be elected and sworn Soveraigne of ye Borrough aforesaid dureing ye time 
 of his Soveraignty shall sell by retaile in his house any wine whatsoever or any 
 beer ale or aqua vitse or other strong waters or keep entertainmt in his house 
 dureing his office as aforesaid upon forfeiture of one hundred pounds to be 
 levyed upon his goods and chatties to & for ye use of this Corporation. 
 
 9" ffreemen refusing to appear being summoned 
 
 IN THE PRESENCE and by the full and free consent of the Rt Honble 
 Edward Lord Viscount Chichester Lord of the Castle of Belfast It is ordered by 
 the Sovereign & Burgesses then & there assembled That if any free Burgesse or 
 free Comoner of this Corporation shall att any time refuse to come and appear 
 at ye Court held within this Corporation or before the Soveraigne for ye time 
 being warning being given unto him or them by ye officers without reasonable 
 or sufficient cause to be allowed of by the Sovereign and Burgesses shall for 
 every such default forfeit to ye use of this Corporation Tenn shillings Ster for 
 every such offence ye same to be levyed and employed as aforesaid 
 
 loth ^gi selling Wine &c time divine service 
 
 IN THE PRESENCE and by and with the consent of the Right Honble 
 Edward Lord Viscount Chichester Lord of the Castle of Belfast It is ordered 
 by the Sovereign and Burgesses then and there assembled That no person or 
 persons whatsoever shall sell any manner of ale wine or aqua vitas or anything 
 vendible within this Corporation at ye time of divine Service or sermon time 
 upon forfeiture for every time that he or they shall be convicted thereof six 
 shillings and eight pence ster to be levyed and employed as aforesaid 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. i8i 
 
 ii" to accompanying the SoV to Church 
 
 IN THE PRESENCE and by the full and free consent of the Rt 
 Honble Edward Lord Viscount Chichester Lord of ye Castle of Belfast. It is 
 ordered by the Sovereigne and Burgesses then and there assembled That free 
 Burgesse zxvAfree Comoner in this Corporation shall every Sunday or other day 
 wherein there shall be a sermon or other publique prayers as often as it shall so 
 happen to be shall all repaire to the house of the Sovereign for ye time being 
 and shall attend in his company to ye Church or place of prayer and from 
 thence home again or neer to his house upon pain of payment by every Burgess 
 two shillings ster and every free Comoner twelve pence ster unless he or they so 
 neglecting shall show to ye Sovereign for the time being some reasonable cause 
 to ye contrary the same to be levyed and employed as aforesaid 
 
 la" to attend the SoV to meeting Judges 
 
 IN THE PRESENCE and by the full and free consent of the Rt Honble 
 Edward Lord Viscount Chichester Lord of ye Castle of Belfast It is ordered 
 by the Sovereign and Burgesses then and there assembled That every ffree 
 Burgess and iTree Comoner dwelling within this Corporation or otherwise 
 then resident shall whensoever occasion happens for the Credit and grace 
 of this Corporation notice being given unto them how short or soon soever 
 it be shall be ready to accompany the Sovereign for ye time being to meet any 
 nobleman Justices of Assize or other state or person w'soever that shall come 
 into this Town and that they shall be likewise ready either on horseback or 
 foot wth ye Sovereign either in ye said Town or ye Liberties thereof in ye most 
 decent manner they may or best can upon pain either of comittmt dureing the 
 Sovereigns and Burgesses pleasure for ye time being or upon pain of paymt by 
 every free Burgess and free Comoner such fine as by ye Sovereign and two or 
 more of ye Burgesses shall be thought fitt so as ye fine do not exceed twenty 
 shillings ster: the same to be levyed and employed as aforesaid 
 
 13"' Butchers to carry their blood and garbage into the sea 
 
 AT AN ASSEMBLY held there the seventh day of January 1663 with ye 
 consent of the Rt Honoble Arthur Earl of Donegal! Lord of ye Castle of Belfast 
 It is ordered by (George IVI'Cartney Esqr) Sovereign and the Burgesses then 
 and there assembled That whereas daily complaints are made by severall 
 Inhabitants of ye said Burrough that great annoyances are done by the Butchers 
 of this Town by Killing and slaughtering of Cattle suffering ye Blood and 
 garbage some to lye in ye Streets and other parts to run into severall channells 
 and ditches of this Town to ye corrupting of ye River and other annoyances to 
 the neighbours for the avoyding the same for ye future that if any Butcher or 
 Butchers or any other person whatsoever shall from and after ye date hereof 
 slaughter or kill or cause to be slaughtered or killed any cattle of what kind 
 soever within this Town of Belfast wthout they or any of them so doing shall 
 carry or cause to be carryed ye same day all ye blood and Garbage of such 
 beasts or catties so killed or slaughtered twenty yards beyond ye full sea marke 
 every such Butcher or other person offending herein shall for every offence pay 
 twenty shillings ster to be Levyed [by distresse] and employed as aforesaid 
 
 14"' Of leaving timber carts or carrs in the streets & for cleaning the streets 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY by and with the full & free consent of 
 the Rt Honble Arthur Earl of Donegal! It is ordered and enacted that if any 
 person or persons shall from and after ye date hereof encumber leave or cause 
 to be left upon any of ye Streets and Lanes of this Town any Timber Carts Carrs 
 Hoggsheads barrells or other Caske full or empty or any other thing of w' 
 quantity soever without leave first had and obtained from ye Sovereign for ye 
 time being so to do and to be granted in case of necessity as ye Sovereign shall 
 allow of every such person or persons offending herein shall pay for every offence 
 ye sume of ten shillings ster: And it is further ordered that all persons within 
 this Town being masters of families or tenants living in any house or houses or 
 that useth or occupieth any shopp cellar warehouse storehouse or any place or 
 
1 82 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 ground though waste fronting upon any of ye Streets or lanes aforesaid shall 
 every week twice that is to say on Wednesday and Saturday sweepe and make 
 cleane or cause to be swept or made cleane his or their part or portion of ye 
 Street that belongeth to such house or houses shopps cellars warehouses 
 storehouses or any other place or places respectively And if any such person 
 or persons shall neglect or refuse so to do every such person or persons so 
 offending shall pay twelve pence sterfor every offence to be levyed and employed 
 as aforesaid 
 
 15"" Liberty to erect Bridge over River 
 
 AT AN ASSEMBLY held the fourteenth day of Aprill 1664 wth ye 
 consent of ye Rt Honoble Arthur Earl of Donegall Lord of ye Castle of Belfast 
 It is ordered by ye Sovereign and Burgesses then and there assembled That 
 any person Inhabiting in the High Street shall have liberty against his house 
 to erect and build over ye River a Bridge for coaches or carrs to goe over 
 without any lett or hindrance from any person leave being first had from ye 
 Lord of ye Castle or ye Sovereigne for ye time being 
 
 le"" Sov° to call preceding Sov» to an acct for wliat money rec" for the benefit of the Corporacon 
 AT AN ASSEMBLY held ye fourth day of January 1665 Edward 
 Reynells Esqr then Sovereign by and w"" ye consent ye Rt Honoble Arthur 
 Earl of Donegall It is ordered established and enacted that whereas from time 
 to time severall sumes of money have been received by ye Sovereignes from 
 free Comoners of this Corporation and by ye late Rebellion and other 
 Revolutions happening for several years last past noe accompt hath been given 
 of ye same And forasmuch as Mr John Rigby George M'Cartney Esqr and 
 Mr William Waring for and on ye behalfe of his father late deceased are ready 
 to give an accompt of what moneys were received in their times that from 
 henceforth every Sovereign that shall succeed in ye place and office of 
 Sovereign of ye Borrough of Belfast aforesaid shall have full power and 
 authority with ye assistance of ye major part of ye Burgesses within one month 
 after he shall be sworn Sovereign to call ye preceding Sovereign to an accompt 
 of all such sumes of money as were received in his time of and from any 
 freemen or given by any other person to be employed for ye good of this 
 Corporation and how disbursed and disposed to ye use aforesaid And if that 
 any Sovereign shall happen to dye within ye time of his being sworn Sovereign 
 that then it shall and may be lawful to and for ye succeeding Sovereign to call 
 and cause ye Exrs and admrs of ye Sovereign that shall so happen to dye as 
 aforesaid to give a true and just accompt of all and every such sume or sumes 
 of money as shall be received or disposed of as aforesaid any act order or By 
 law of this Corporation at any time or times heretofore made published ordered 
 or established to ye contrary in anywise notwithstanding 
 
 17"" All ffreemen to be made free in Court 3 or 2 of the Burgesses present one moiety of the 
 money to be for the use of the Court 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY by and with ye full and free consent of ye 
 Rt Honble Arthur Earl of Donegall Lord of ye Castle of Belfast It is ordered 
 by ye Sovereign and Burgesses ye daily growing charge of ye poor and other 
 ways of disbursing moneys being considered and ye great want of a Town 
 Stock to defray any emergent charge and ye number of free Comoners daily 
 increasing rather to ye hurt and detrimt of this Corporation than to ye credit or 
 advantage thereof It is enacted by ye consent aforesaid that ye Sovereign for 
 ye time being and every Sovereign for ye time to come shall not admitt any 
 person to be a free Comoner of this Corporation without reserving ye full moyety 
 of such sume or sumes of money as shall be agreed upon for ye making of any 
 person ffree to and for ye use of ye said Town And that no ffreeman hereafter 
 shall be admitted and sworn a ffree Comoner in no other place and at no other 
 time but in open Court three or two at ye least of ye Burgesses beside ye 
 Sovereign being present any Act Order use or custome of this Corporation 
 heretofore made used or done to ye contrary in anywise notwithstanding 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 183 
 
 18"' noxious Games &c 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY by and wth ye full and free consent of ye 
 Rt Honble Arthur Earl of Donegall Lord of ye Castle of Belfast It is ordered 
 and enacted and to remaine as a By Law for ever that no Inholder Aleseller or 
 Victualer within ye Borrough of Belfast shall [not] from henceforth suffer any 
 person or persons unless Lodgers in their houses to drink or play at any game 
 w'soever after ye hour of nine at night and that every person that shall offend 
 as abovesaid shall for every offence pay to ye Sovereign for ye time being ye 
 sume of three shillings and four pence ster to be levyed by distress or otherwise 
 and every person that shall be found drinking or playing after ye time afore- 
 mentioned shall pay to ye Sovereign for ye time being ye sume of five shillings 
 ster for every default to be levyed and employed as aforesaid 
 
 19"* for keeping up ye river wall 
 
 AT AN ASSEMBLY holden for ye Borrough aforesaid by ye consent 
 aforesaid ye seventeenth day of October 1667 It is ordered by ye Sovereign 
 and Burgesses that every person Inhabiting or that hereafter shall inhabit in ye 
 Street called ye High Street shall build with lime and stone or brick so much 
 of ye wall of ye River as shall front to his or their house or houses in ye same 
 manner and form as the most part thereof is now built and ye same so built 
 shall from time to time repair and keep up every person neglecting so to do 
 shall for every default forfeite ye sume of ten shillings ster to be levyed and 
 employed as aforesaid 
 
 20" No person to be admitted free as an apprentice unless within 3 months after he has com- 
 pleted his time 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY by and w" ye consent aforesaid It is 
 ordered and established as a By Law for ever That w'ever person or persons 
 that shall serve as an apprentice w" any master w"in ye Liberty of this 
 Corporation and shall not wthin three months after ye compleating of his 
 apprentiship by his Indenture or otherwise make it appear to ye Sovereign for 
 ye time being that he hath served his time wthin ye Liberties aforesaid shall 
 utterly loose ye benefitt of being made a free Comoner of the Borrough 
 according to ye custome in that case formerly used but shall be accounted an 
 alien and foreiner and compound for his freedome as aliens and foreiners 
 notwithstanding any act custome or use to ye contrary made or used at any 
 time heretofore provided this law shall not extend to any persons beyond ye seas 
 
 21'* Against harbouring inmates 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY by the full and free consent of ye Rt 
 Honoble Arthur Earl of Donegall Lord of ye Castle of Belfast It is ordered 
 and ordained for a By Law for ever to continue That no cheife Tenant or sub- 
 tenant living wthin ye Town and Liberties of Belfast w'soever shall from hence- 
 forth take into their houses to inhabite any persons either marryed or single 
 w"'out every such cheife tenant as shall bring in any do first secure ye Towne 
 from any charge that may ensue or such tenants shall obtain leave from ye Lord 
 of ye Castle or ye Sovereign for ye time being under their hands in writing nor 
 shall any Tenant w"'in ye said Liberty divide his dwelling house or other his 
 houses into more Tenemts than formerly they have been used or enjoyed for ye 
 taking in or harbouring Inmates w"'out leave obtained as aforesaid Any 
 Burgess free Comoner or other person offending in ye premisses shall forfeit for 
 every default ye sume of forty shillings ster to be levyed and employed as 
 aforesaid And any person or persons that shall be brought in as Inmates 
 aforesaid shall upon knowledge thereof by warr from the Sovereign 
 imediately be turned out of ye Town and Liberties thereof 
 
 22"* to pay the Customes 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY by and with ye full and free consent of ye 
 Rt Honble Arthur Earl of Donegall Lord of ye Castle of Belfast and by ye 
 Sovereign and Burgesses of ye Borrough of Belfast It is ordered and for a By 
 Law for ever to continue in consideration that ye Inhabitants of Mallon ffall and 
 
1 84 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Dunmurry and part of ye parish of Coole by their representatives ye Grand 
 Jury at a Court Leete for ye said ma?t?ier consent to pay towards ye erecting 
 and building up a Court house and Markett house in this Corporation as by ye 
 presentmt may appear ye said Inhabitants of Mallon ffall and Dunmurry wth 
 part of ye parish of Coole having already paid part of their proportion and 
 paying ye remainder according to ye assesse made thereupon That ye 
 Inhabitants of ye said Mallon fifall and Dunmurry w" part of ye parish of Coole 
 so many of them as are within ye manor of Belfast shall have their own proper 
 goods brought into ye Towne Tole and Custome free usually paid at ye gates of 
 ye said Town and no other provided allways that no person an Inhabitant of any 
 of ye places aforesaid by pretence or colour of ye Liberty aforesaid shall at any 
 time owne any forreiners goods whereby ye Custome of ye said Town may be 
 Lessened That then any person against whome any such thing shall be proved 
 before ye Sovereign of ye said Borrough for ye time being by ye oath of one 
 witnesse shall loose ye benefitt of ye freedome aforesaid and forfeit ye sume of 
 forty shillings ster to be levyed upon ye goods and chatties of ye person offending 
 and to be employed as aforesaid And provided allways that all persons 
 Inhabiting in any of ye places aforesaid shall yearly and every year pay their 
 severall and respective proportions of mony towards ye repair of ye said Court 
 house and Markett house from time to time as often as ye same shall be needfull 
 and necessary 
 
 23"" Butchers to pay Tongues 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY Whereas it hath been an ancient custome 
 of this Corporation that every Butcher free of this Borrough killing or 
 slaughtering any Bullocks or Cows of what kind soever wthin this Town or 
 Liberty thereof to pay every week he so killed to ye Sovereign for ye time being 
 one tongue of ye Beast or Beasts he should slaughter It is ordered by ye 
 Sovereign and Burgesses then assembled and by and with ye consent aforesaid 
 and to stand for ever as a By Law of this Corporation That every Butcher 
 free as. aforesaid shall every week so long as he shall kill or cause to be killed 
 and slaughtered any Bullock or Cow within ye said Town and Liberties thereof 
 shall observe ye aforesaid custome And that every other person that is not free 
 of this Corporation but a forreiner and alien to ye same shall not slaughter or 
 kill any Bullock or Cow of w' kind soever within ye said Town or Liberties 
 thereof but shall pay to ye Sovereign for the time being for every Bullock or 
 Cow that he shall kill or slaughter ye sume of four pence ster and none to kill 
 within ye said Town of Belfast without license first had and obtained from ye 
 Sovereign for ye time being Excepting allways ffree Comoners every person that 
 shall refuse to pay ye four pence aforesaid for every beast he shall slaughter as 
 aforesaid shall for every default forfeit ye sume of one shilling ster for every 
 Bullock or Cow he shall kill or cause to be killed ye same to be levyed and 
 employed as aforesaid 
 
 24"' Ships not to hinder Gabbords to discharge 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY Upon complaint of ye daily annoyance 
 hindrance and stoppage made of and to Gabbords and Boates plying in and out 
 of Dock belonging to this Town by shipps Barkes and other vessells coming up 
 into ye same and lyeing there to discharge their loadings by which much 
 damage hath and may for ye future accrue to merchants and others employing 
 Boates and Gabbords It is ordered thereupon by ye Sovereign and Burgesses 
 of this Corporation then assembled by and with ye consent aforesaid to endure 
 for ever for a By Law of this this {sic) Corporation That no shipp or Barke of 
 w' Burden soever shall come into ye said Dock to lighten or discharge their 
 loading or to take in their loading but at such times as there may be no 
 hindrance for Boates and Gabbords to pass to and fro and those that shall so 
 come in after publishing of this By Law to be licensed by ye Sovereign or ye 
 Water Bayliffe for ye time being and to fall down out of ye said Dock 
 whensoever thereunto required by the Sovereign or Water Bayliffe every person 
 that shall offend herein for every fault that shall be made appeare before the 
 Sovereign for ye time being shall forfeit ye sume of forty shillings ster to be 
 levyed and employed for ye repaire of ye Key or Dock as shall be thought fitt 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 185 
 
 25"" presentments & petty customs to be for the use of SoV 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY by and with ye consent aforesaid It is 
 ordered and to stand for ever a By Law of this Corporation that all fines upon 
 presentments made by ye Grand Juryes from time to time not exceeding Ten 
 shillings ster and that all petty customes shall be to ye use of every Sovereign 
 dureing his time of being Sovereign of ye Borrough of Belfast for and towards 
 his house keeping without giving any accompt for ye same notwithstanding any 
 By Laws to ye contrary provided no petty customes be exacted from any 
 Burgesse or free Comoner of this Corporation 
 
 26**' Sov" to sell distresses 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY by and with ye consent aforesaid It is 
 ordered that every Sovereign of this Corporation for ye time being shall have 
 power to apprize and sell within fourteen days time all distresses taken from 
 any person or persons within this Town and liberties thereof refuseing to pay any 
 pecuniary mulct or assesse made layed or imposed upon him or them and the 
 overplus if any be shall be returned to ye person offending or owner thereof 
 
 I doe allow and freely consent to these By Laws being twenty and six in 
 number and think them fitt and necessary for ye good govemmt of this 
 Corporation 
 
 The Grand Jury. Donegall 
 
 Michaell Biggar George M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Alexander Smithe John Leathes senior Gilbert Wye 
 
 Charles Whitlocke John Leathes Junior 
 
 George Snoden Thomas Walcott 
 
 John M'Cartney Edward Reynalls 
 
 John Shankes George M'Cartney niger 
 
 Thomas Lightfoote Hugh Doake 
 
 Mathew ffarrell William Waring 
 
 John Christian ffra Thetford 
 
 27" Butchers to sell their meat in ye shambles 
 
 AT AN ASSEMBLY held ye fourth day of November 1686 with ye 
 consent of ye Hono"' Sr William ffrancklin Lord of ye Castle of Belfast It is 
 ordered by Robert Leathes Esqr Sovereigne and ye Burgesses then and there 
 assembled That whereas daily complaints are made of ye inconveniency of 
 Butchers keeping their meat upon the Streets wthout the Shambles w'* not 
 only is indecent of itselfe but much straitens that part of ye Street which is 
 designed and allotted for Public Markett and whereas for ye public good there 
 is an apartmt prepared wthin ye new buildings on ye South side of Castle Street 
 That all Butchers Inhabitants of this said Town shall repair to ye said apartment 
 and furnish themselves wth shambles convenient at or before ye 25th day of 
 March next upon pain of forfeiting twelve pence ster: toties quoties found in ye 
 Street w"' Stalls and that ye said Stalls shall be removed ye said fine to be 
 levyed by distresse or otherwise by warrant from ye Sovereigne for ye time 
 being and ye same to be employed for ye good and benefitt of this Corporation 
 
 28"" Every barrell Rock Lime to contain 32 galls Winchester measure 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY by ye authority aforesaid ordered That 
 whereas there is great fraud comitted dayly by ye selling of Lime by unjust and 
 undue measures That from and after ye first day of May next every Barrell of 
 Rock or unfallen Lime brought to be sold or sold wthin this Corporation shall 
 contain thirty two gallons Winchester measure upon pain making default of six 
 pence ster: per Barrell toties quoties the same to be levyed ut supra 
 
 29"" Every load of turf to fill a Wine hhd 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY by ye authority aforesaid ordered that all 
 horse Loads of Turfe brought into this Corporation to be sold shall be of ye full 
 measure of one Bordeaux hhd of seventy wine Gallons upon pain of two pence 
 
1 86 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 ster for every faulty load and that and that {sic) there be at ye Publick charge of 
 the Borrough sealed hoggsds prepared for measuring the same and lodged in 
 some convenient place in the Town to be found on all occasions by which 
 debates of that nature are to be decided to be levyed ut supra 
 
 so" to put out Lights 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY ordered that to prevent the dangers to wch 
 persons walking in ye night about their Lawful! affairs are incident to every 
 Inhabitant in every Street and Lane in this Corporation shall from henceforth 
 in every year from ye 29th of September to ye 25th of March hang out at their 
 respective doors or shops one Lanthren and candle lighted from ye hour of seven 
 at night till ten when it is not moonshine in ye said hours upon pain of six pence 
 ster: per night toties quoties to be levyed ut supra 
 
 SI**" Beef Barrells to be made of good seasoned timber & contain 30 wine galls 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY ordered that whereas it is known that ye 
 reputation of ye trade in this Towne abroad is much impaired by ye insufficiency 
 of Beefe Barrells for severall years past every Beefe Barrell made by any Cooper 
 in Belfast or by him them or any person sold in ye said Town after ye first day 
 of May shall be made of good well seasoned Timber well hooped and staunch 
 and to be of ye measure of thirty wine gallons upon pain of twelve pence ster. 
 for every faulty barrell to be levied ut supra 
 
 32"" to furnish bucketts 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY ordered that for ye better security of ye 
 houses of this Corporation from ye casuality of fire and in imitation of ye laudible 
 custome of other Towns and Borroughs every Inhabitant of sixty pounds ster: 
 free substance shall at or before ye first day of May next at his own proper cost 
 furnish one leathren bucket and ye same deliver to ye Sovereign for ye time 
 being to be lodged in some place ready on all exigences and that ye Sovereign 
 at ye public charg do compleat ye Ladders w"' are to be four in number and 
 provide a couple of poles with hookes and chains for pulling down houses on 
 such occasions ye said Bucketts to be delivered to ye Sovereign for ye use 
 aforesaid against ye next quarterly assembly upon pain of forfeiture of four 
 shillings and six pence ster: of each person to be levied ut supra 
 
 33"" Butter Hydes & Tallow to be sold in the middle of ye town 
 
 AT AN ASSEMBLY held ye sixth of September 1694 at ye Tholsell of 
 Belfast in and for ye Borrough Town and Corporation of Belfast William 
 Craford Esqr Sovereign For as much as it is found by comon experience that 
 many persons who have not been bred marchants w"'in ye Town nor elsewhere 
 have of late for their private lucre and gain used to buy great quantities of 
 Butter Hydes and Tallow as ye same was coming to ye said Town of Belfast to 
 be sold and have engrossed ye same into their hands w"' design to sell it dearer 
 to ye merchant adventurers exporters and traders inhabiting ye said Town of 
 Belfast than he who brought ye same to be sold For ye remidy whereof 
 and for preventing ye great abuses and sinister practices comitted and done in 
 buying and selling as aforesaid It is ordered and declared by ye Sovereign 
 and Burgesses and free Comonality of this Corporation and by authority of ye 
 same and by and wth ye consent of ye Rt Hono"' ye Earl and Countess of 
 Longford Lords of ye Castle of Belfast that ye markett for ye sale and purchase 
 of Butter hydes and Tallow within ye Town and Borrough of Belfast is and 
 hereafter shall be w"'in ye Castle Street or some part thereof between ye upper 
 Castle Gate and Church Lane and Skiper Lane on ye other side of ye River and 
 in Bridge Street between ye Bridge called ye stone Bridge and ye corners 
 turning down to broad street and Rosemary Lane and that hereafter no butter 
 hydes or Tallow coming to ye Town of Belfast to be sold shall be bought or caused 
 to be bought or sold directly or indirectly by any person w'soever before ye said 
 butter hydes or Tallow shall be brought or come w'^in ye Streets aforesaid 
 limitted and appointed for ye markett and sale thereof under ye penalty of being 
 by Law prosecuted as unlawful! ingrossers and forestallers of ye markett 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 187 
 
 Gabbards &c to pay tunnage 
 
 AT AN ASSEMBLY of the Sovereigne and Burgesses held ye 22nd day 
 of October 1696 It is enacted as a By Law of this Corporation pursuant to a 
 presentment of ye Grand Jury this day given in for Keeping cleane ye Docke 
 and for a fund to make a sluce for keeping clean ye said Docke by scowring 
 that all vessells ships barkes or boates laelonging to forreiners that will have 
 liberty to discharge at ye Key of Belfast w'''in ye said Docke shall pay two 
 pence for every tun that such vessell ship or bark shall be of burthen and ye 
 same rate upon every vessell which shall take in any loading outwards and all 
 such Gabards vessells or lighters as belong to freemen of ye Borrough which goe 
 to England Scotland or elsewhere or along ye coast shall pay one penny per tun 
 for their burthen at discharge and ye same rate on loading outwards and all such 
 gabards and Lighters as only pley to garmoyle and in ye Lough shall pay ten 
 shillings per annum to be paid at 2s 6d quarterly ye said severall sums to be 
 received by such person as ye Sovereign and Burgesses or ye major part of them 
 shall appoint to be applyed for making good and preserving ye said Dock and 
 ye superplus of what can be saved from ye necessary disburse that way to be 
 preserved for a fund for erecting a sluce in ye River from Skiper Lane to Church 
 Lane which sluce hath by severall Grand Jurys been represented to be made 
 and had been done before now had it not been for ye interruption of Civill 
 aft'airs in ye warr 
 
 No Vessel to Lye at anchor the South ward of the Dock 
 
 AT THE SAME ASSEMBLY ordered upon presentmt of ye same Grand 
 Jury for preventing ye doing damage on ye new Bridge that hereafter no vessell 
 ly at anchor to ye southward of ye Dock and that such as are on ye north side 
 of ye Dock be well mored on pain of forty shillings a tide fine for ye preservation 
 of ye Bridge for ye future 
 
 River to be cleaned once every yeare 
 
 AT AN ASSEMBLY held ye 21st of January 1696 upon a presentmt of ye 
 Grand Jury ordered that ye River be cleaned once every year to prevent overflow- 
 ing and every person bordering on ye River from Mr Chades bridge to ye 
 neer mill on both sides that do not every year clear ye River before their 
 holding between ye beginning of May and midsumer shall pay 5/- fine each 
 pearch. 
 
1 88 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 At an Assembly March 30 1696 
 
 IRDERED 
 
 That whereas some late Sovereigns of this 
 Corporate have not because of the late troubles 
 paid the moyety of the freemens money received 
 upon admitting persons to their freedom of this 
 Corporal" w':^ is contrary to a By-Law heretofore made. We 
 the Sovereign & Burgesses are of opinion that it is very fitt 
 that the said By Law be recontinued, & do appoint and 
 agree that no person be hereafter admitted a freeman of 
 this Corporate w-out paying the sum of ten shills ster to 
 the use of the Corporate the same to be lodged in the hands 
 of Thomas Craford Town Clark or such other person as 
 shall be appointed to receive the same by the Sovereigne & 
 Burgesses, unlesse the Sovereigne & major part of the 
 Burgesses present when such freeman is made dispense 
 and remitt the paym' of the s? ten shils or any part 
 
 w 
 
 th 
 
 thereof. 
 
 Lewes Thompson Sovereign 
 
 L Harrison George M'Cartney Rob': Leathes 
 Ja: M'Cartney Wm: Crafford William Lockhart 
 David Smith Willm: M'Cartney 
 
 The humble addresse of the Sovereigne Burgesses 
 & principal Inhabitants of the Corporat" of Belfast 
 Mar 30 1696 
 
 AY it please yof most Excell' Ma'.l= We yor Ma"." 
 most dutifuU & Loyall Subjects do humbly begg 
 leave heartily to congratulate yol' Ma'l^ upon the 
 happy and providential discovery of that most 
 barbarous & hellish plott lately designed & 
 carried on by papists and Jacobites against your Mat'" 
 most sacred person & Government, & sincerely give thanks 
 to almighty God for the great mercy vouchsafed to us & all 
 Protestants, in confounding their devices, & bringing the 
 intended villanous Executioners thereof to condign punishm'. 
 and we take this occasion to assure yo' Ma'l' that we are 
 fully satisfied that yo! Ma'i' is our rightful & lawfuU King, 
 and as we of this Corporat" were early assertors thereof in 
 this Kingdom, so we still by Gods Grace persevere therein, 
 & will to the utmost of our power defend yor Ma"" Person 
 right & Government against the late King James, the 
 
1L9H© IBBiEIDSlS 
 
 m 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 189 
 
 pretended Prince of Wales and all their adherents, wishing 
 yo' Ma'i'^ a long and prosperous Reigne over us & a 
 continued successe ag^.' yo' Ma"" & our Enemies. 
 
 Lewes Thompson Sovereign 
 Copia vera & signed by 81 more hands 
 
 T an Assembly of the Sovereigne and Burgesses 
 held the twenty second of Oc''.'' 1696 it is enacted 
 as a By Law of this Corpora" pursuant to a 
 P'sentm' of the Grand Jury this day given in for 
 keeping cleane the dock and for a fund to make 
 a sluice for keeping clean the said dock by scouritig that all 
 vessels ships barks or boats belonging to forreigners that 
 will have liberty to discharge at the Key of Belfast w'Hn 
 the said dock shall pay two pence for every tun that such 
 vessel ship or bark shall be of burthen, and the same rate 
 upon every vessel which shall take in any lading outward ; 
 and all such gabards vessels or lighters as belong to freemen 
 of the Burrow which go to England Scotland or elsewhere 
 or along the coast shall pay one penny per tun for their 
 burthen at discharge, and the same rate on lading outward: 
 & all such gabards or lighters as only ply to Garmoyle and 
 in the Lough shall pay ten shils per annm to be paid at 2. 6^ 
 quarterly; the said severall sums to be received by such 
 person as the Sovereigne and Burgesses or the major part 
 shall appoint to be apply'd for making good and p'serving 
 the said docke, and the superplus of what can be saved from 
 the necessary disburse that way, to be preserved for a fund 
 for erecting a sluice in the River from Skiper Lane to 
 Church Lane which sluice hath by severall Grand Jurys 
 been p^sented to be made and had been done before now 
 had it not been the interruption of civil affairs in the warr. 
 At the same time ordered upon a P'sentm' of the same 
 Grand Jury for preventing the doing damage on the new 
 Bridge that hereafter no vessel ly at anchor to the 
 southward of the Dock, and that such as are on the 
 north side of the dock be well mored on pain of 
 fourty shils a tide fine, for ye preservation of ye Bridge 
 for ye future 
 
 Ordered upon p''sentm' of the Grand Jury 21. Jany '96 
 that the River be cleaned once every year to p^vent 
 overflowing, and every person bordering on the River from 
 Mr Chad's bridg to the [upper] near mills on both sides 
 
1 90 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 that do not every year clear the River before their holding 
 
 between the beginning of May & midsumer shall pay 5' fine 
 
 for each pearch d i_, t 1 o 
 
 ^ Kob' Leathes boveraigne 
 
 Longford A Longford James Duller Ja M'Cartney 
 David Smith L Harrison Arthur M'Cartney 
 Lewes Thompson J no Challmers Wm Crafford 
 
 We Mary Mathews widow and Charles Mathews both of Dromore in 
 the County of Down Ex" to Michael Mathews late of Dromore deceased, 
 ourselves our Ex? adm" and assigns do hereby acknowledge to have 
 received from Matthew Betts James M'^Creery and Joseph Dixon full 
 satisfacion of all bills bonds debts dues Reconings and accounts and 
 demands whatsoever that was or hath been due to the aforesaid Michael 
 Mathews or us his Ex? from the beginning of the world to the day of the 
 date hereof as witnesse our hands and scales this 14'!' day of June one 
 thousand six hundred and ninety seven. [Sig] Memorandum that the said 
 Betts discharges M"" Mathews and M' Charles of all accounts due to him, 
 and them 
 
 Signed sealed and delivered in the pTsence of us 
 
 Derb: Blacker his Mary Mathews 
 
 M"^ Linch Simon x Dixon 
 
 mrk 
 
 Charles Mathews 
 
 Whereas I have now changed the place of my Residence. And removed 
 from Belfast to Dungannon. where I cannot be so usefull nor serviceable to 
 the Corporatione, as my Inclinations doe leade me. & my place of a Burgess 
 doeth require I Doe therefore Resigne my place of Burgess of the Burough 
 of Belfast into the hands of the Right Hon".= Arthur Earle of Donegalle 
 Present Soveraigne of the said Burough; & to the Rest of the Burgesses of 
 the same, To be by them disposed off as in Justice and Equity they shall 
 think fitt As witness my hand the I7'^ Xber. 1697 
 
 Tho Knox 
 
 PON the above resignation of M"^ Thomas Knox 
 the Sovereign & Burgesses assembled this 23'.'' of 
 xb' 1697. did unanimously choose & elect Capt 
 Edw*^ Brice a free Burgesse of the Burrough of 
 Belfast in room of the said M' Knox who was accordingly 
 
 ^^"•"^ Donegall Sovereign 
 
 William Lockhart James Buller David Smith 
 Arthur M'Cartney Jno: Challmers Cha: Chichester 
 George M'Cartney Rob' Leathes Lewes Thompson 
 L: Harrison W": Crafiford 
 
The Tow7t Book of Belfast. 191 
 
 ,ORASMUCH as by free elecion of the Sovereigne & Burgesses of 
 Belfast I was the 7"' day of March 1691 Chosen a free Burgesse of 
 the Burrough of Belfast I do hereby resign the said office into the 
 hands of the Sovereign and Burgesses as aforesaid: decf 23"* 1697 
 
 Donegall 
 
 Upon the above Resigna? of the R' Hon''!'= Arthur Earle 
 of Donegall the Sovereigne & Burgesses this day assembled 
 did unanimously elect and choose the Hon''!'' Charles 
 Chichester Esqf brother to the said Earle to be a free 
 Burgesse of the Burrough of Belfast in room of the s"? Earle 
 who accordingly was sworne this 23''' of Decb' 1697 
 
 Donegall Soveraigne 
 
 George M'^Cartney Rob Leathes Lewes Thompson 
 L: Harrison W"" Crafford William Lockhart James 
 Buller David Smith Arthur: IVPCartney Jno: 
 Challmers 
 
 Upon the sixth day of September one thousand six 
 hundred ninety eight the Sovereign and Burgesses did 
 assemble to choose and elect a free Burgess in the place & 
 roome of Willm Lockhart m" deceased and did unanimously 
 choose the Hon''.''= Cap' John Chichester a free Burgess in 
 the room of the said W"" Lockhart & he was sworne 
 according to the said elecion. 
 
 Rob Leathes Sovereigne 
 
 Ja: M'Cartney Lewes Thompson W"" Crafford 
 James Buller David Smith Arthur: M'Cartney 
 Jno Challmers Cha: Chichester Edwa Brice Ri: 
 Willoughby Cons!! Casi! 
 
 October 9. 1698 
 
 HAVE rec'' from Capt Rob' Leathes dep: Sovereigne — the Rt 
 Hon''.'" the Earle of Donegall, the Town Charter in English & 
 Latine, the By Laws, the Lady Marchioness of Antrim's Bond 
 & Rent Charge 300" of the poor — MrTheakers Bond for 10" of 
 the same, W"' Kerr bond of 10'' of the same, Lord Donegalls 
 
 bond 10'' of the same, Lady Longfords letter for 100'' of the same Witness 
 
 my hand the day & year aforesaid, 
 
 Also the standard measures ly in the Court house 
 
 [lying in] David Smith Soveraigne 
 
 Copy of an order to Mr Jemmett July 29. 1697 
 
 Sir, what money you have received for the Towns use toward building a 
 
 Sluice out of the tunage, after deduction of your own allowance pursuant to the 
 
 orders to you granted, please to pay the same to me Thomas Craford the Town 
 
 chamberlane whose receipt will be sufficient to you. I am Sir yo' humble serv' 
 
 R. L. Sovraigne 
 
192 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 To Warham Jemmett Esqr Com' of Belfast. 
 
 I have rec'' this 5th ffebry 1698/9 a Comission from the Sovereign and 
 Burgesses of Belfast to receive the dock fees according to the w""'" By-Law of 
 which I do hereby oblige myself my Ex'" and Adm'" in the penall sum of 
 fourty pounds ster to give acct & make paym' of my receits from time to time 
 to the s'' Sovereign and Burgesses & their successors vifhen thereunto required. 
 Witness my hand & seall ye day & year aforesaid 
 
 Re' 
 
 Tho: Craford not Pub" 
 
 Nath: Byrtt 
 
 Upon the fourteenth day of October one thousand seven 
 hundred the Soverei^'n and Burgesses did assemble to 
 choose and elect a free Burgesse in the place and room of 
 Capt Edward Harrison Burgesse deceased, and did un- 
 animously choose David Buller m" a free Burgess in room 
 of the said Capt Harrison, & he was sworn accordingly 
 
 George M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Rob' Leathes Lewes Thompson W™ Crafiford 
 James Buller David Smith Arthur: M'Cartney 
 J no Challmers 
 
 PON the twenty sixth day of April one thousand 
 seven hundred and one the Sovereigne and 
 Burgesses did assemble to choose and elect 
 a free Burgesse in the place and room of 
 the HonK'^ Capt Charles Chichester Burgesse 
 deceased, and did unanimously choose Isaac M'Cartney 
 m" a free Burgesse in room of the said Capt Charles 
 Chichester and he was sworne accordingly, 
 
 George M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 
 Donegall Rob' Leathes Lewes Thompson W'° 
 Crafford James Buller David Smith J no 
 Challmers David Buller Ri: Willoughby Cons' Cast 
 
 Burgus de 
 Belfast 
 
 At an Assembly held the S'? of May 1 701 
 Geo: M'Cartney Esq' Soveraigne 
 Whereas it is found by experience that merchants as well strangers as 
 Inhabitants of this town have been of late and dayly are imposed upon by the 
 Porters or Carmen in exacting extravagant rates for drawing of goods, for the 
 preventing whereof in time to come it is hereby ordered and enacted as a By 
 Law of this Corpor" by the Soveraigne Burgesses & Comonalily by and with 
 the consent of the Right Hon'" Arthur Earle of Donegall Lord of the Castle of 
 Belfast that the following rates & no other be taken by the severall carmen, upon 
 pain of being suspended from their employ, disfranchised of their freedom and 
 amerced & fined as extortioners viz : 
 I for every tun of coals salt or goods portable in bags from the Wharf to the 
 Barracks or without miller gate and to Peters hill or without north gate 
 twelve pence per tun & no more. 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 193 
 
 2 for every Tun of coals salt &c from the Key to any place above the bridg 
 
 opposite to James Arbukle's house to any street lane or place within 
 north ga.e & mill gate 2'! per Load being eight pence per tun & no more. 
 
 3 fur every tun of coals or salt &c below the said Bridg opposite to James 
 
 Arbukle's house six pence per tun. 
 
 4 for every hhd of wine vinegar or other liquor 2'! per hhd. 
 
 5 for every butt or pipe of wine Brandy or other liquor drawn on the slade and 
 
 cellard by the cai men eight pence to any place within the gates. 
 for every hogshead of iSIuscovado Sugar six pence. 
 
 6 for every ten firkins of butter, being a car load from peters hill or any part 
 
 w"'out Mill gate or from any other street or lane in town two pence. 
 
 7 Every carman standing next to any goods to be laded shall sett to work at 
 
 the aforesaid rates w"'out p'tending any new or other bargain for his work 
 than the above rates and every merchant may choose and make use of 
 such cannan as he thinks fitt. 
 
 8 Every carman shall be ready on all occasions by turns upon the sumons of 
 
 the Constables to do all publick services for the King upon mlching of the 
 Anny or otherwise. 
 
 And for the encouragement of a certain number of Porters to do all the 
 work at the rates aforesaid and that straglers do not intrench upon their 
 privileges the licensed porters for work are reduced to the number of 30 whose 
 names follow viz Arch Tod Tho Wallace Jno McGown Ja Campbel Jno Tod 
 Gilbt Tod Ja McDovvel Tho Smith Jno Shaw Tho Slope Jno M'Crath And: 
 Jamison Jno Taggart David Harman Wm Boyd Gilb Robison Al Robison Jno 
 Gardner Rob Maxwell Gilb Tod Junr Jno Thomson Ja Murray Charles Ramage 
 Matthew Leath Wm Neilson Tho Neilson Jno Neilson Tho McLeam Jno Neill 
 & Thorn Easton 
 
 And all other labourers are hereby discharged to work w'? any horse & 
 carrs and it is hereby ordered that no person shall be licensed as a Carman till 
 the death or superanuacion of some of the aforesaid persons; and such as then 
 makes applica". to succeed in the said office shall repair to the said Corporac? of 
 carmen, without consent of the major part of whom the Soveraigne & Burgesses 
 are not to inlist any such new carman or carmen 
 
 Intr* per Tho Craford d elk Vill 
 
 Upon the sixth day of ffeby one thous^ seven hundred 
 and two the Sovereigne & Burgesses then mett to choose a 
 free Burgesse in the place & room of James Buller Burgesse 
 deceased did unanimously choose & elect Neil Macneil 
 apothecary a free Burgesse in the room of the said James 
 Buller and he was accordingly sworn in the said office 
 
 David Buller Sovereigne 
 Lewes Thompson W" Crafford David Smith 
 Jno Challmers Edwa Brice 
 
 The Oath of the Sovereign of the Burrough of Belfast 
 
 You swear, that you shall well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady Queen Ann 
 by the space of one whole year ending at Michaelmas next : and untill one other 
 of the Burgesses be duly elected made and sworn to your office as Sovereign of 
 the Burrough of Belfast (if God grant you so long life) with your best endeavour 
 according to the power given unto you ; by Her Majties Letters Patents. You 
 shall according to the best of yr knowledge and discretion do equall justice, as 
 well to the poor, as to the Rich. You shall truly fairly and gently treat the people 
 of this Town and Burrough. You shall use yr best endeavour to uphold and 
 maintain the Rights and Liberties Jurisdictions, Priviledges, and Lawful! 
 ordinances, of this Burrough ; Correction of Victualls that is to say bread beer 
 ale wine fish and flesh, You shall truly and carefully see or cause to be seen into ; 
 O 
 
194 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Craftsmen, Artificers, and Labourers, You shall truly enquire of and the faulty 
 Justly correct and duly reforme Widdows and orphans you shall succour and 
 defend : and in all other things that shall or may concern the Town and your 
 office You shall faithfully and uprightly demean yourself for the most quiet 
 benefit worsip credit and advancement of this Burrough and the Inhabitants 
 thereof 
 
 So help you God 
 in Christ Jesus 
 
 Upon the sixteenth day of October one thousand seven 
 hundred and two the Soveraigne & Burgesses then mett did 
 administer the oaths of allegiance & fidelity and oath of a 
 Burgesse to George M'^Cartney Esq' Counsel-at-law who 
 had bin on Thursday the 8'^ 7V elected & chosen a free 
 Burgesse of Belfast in the room of M' Black George 
 M'Cartney M" Signed by the said Soveraigne Burgesses 
 and the Constable of the Castle 
 
 David Buller Sovereign 
 
 Pa: Dufif Constable of the Castle. Rob' Leathes 
 Lewes Thompson W" Crafford David Smith 
 Arthur: Macartney Edwa Brice Isaac M'Cartney 
 
 County ) Att ye Generall Qr Sessions of the Peace held for the 
 
 Antrim j County afforesaid at Ballymenagh the lo'!" of January 
 
 1704 
 
 Inter alia p'sented as ffolloweth 
 
 Whereas many Sheep are stolne in ye County of Antrim the fflesh 
 sould in open markett and the skins concealed soe that the theives cannot 
 be discovered Wee therefore present that all Mutton that shall hereafter be 
 brought into any markett within this County that the Skin or Skins of such 
 Mutton with the markes of the same shall soe be brought along with it that 
 the marke of such sheep may be Known whether ear marked or otherwise 
 
 Towards Execucion whereof It is ordered by the Court that all such 
 Mutton that shall hereafter be brought to be exposed to sale without the 
 skin or skins and the markes as afforesaid, the said mutton shall be forfeited 
 for the use of the poor where the same is sould whereof all persons concerned 
 are to take notice, dated as aforesaid 
 
 This order to be proclaimed and Signed by order 
 
 fixed up in open markett (Belfast) Hugh Smith dep elk 
 
 July 29. 1704 
 Gentlemen 
 
 By a late Act of Parliament disabling disentors to serve in public office 
 I find it convenient for me to demitt the exercise of Sovereigne in yo: Corpora"; 
 & therefor as a clause of yo' Charter inables you I desier you'l please to convene 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 195 
 
 next Thursday (for the weakness of my brother makes me necessarily absent) 
 and elect one of yo' number to act as Sovereigne till Mich! that M' Macartney 
 comences pursuant to the elecion at midsumer, he is a gentleman if you think fitt 
 may enter upon the trust now. 
 
 I am 
 To the Burgesses of Belfast. Yo' most humble serv' 
 
 David Buller Sovereign 
 
 July 31. 1704 
 
 Burgus de ) Pursuant to the above Instrument of 
 Belfast j dimission from the Sovereigne, 
 
 We the Burgesses subscribing did conveene and having 
 consulted our Charter what is to be done upon the death of 
 a Sovereign or when the said office by any means what- 
 soever is vacant, did unanimously elect George M'Cartney 
 Esqr to serve as Sovereign during the residue of this 
 currant year and he was duly sworne to the s"! office in the 
 Castle before the Constable or his deputy the day afores'! 
 
 Arthur: Macartney Lewes Thompson Edwa Brice, 
 Jno. Challmers W™ Crafford Neil M'^Neile Rob' 
 Leathes David Smith 
 
 On Monday the sixth day of August one thousand 
 
 seven hundred & five the Sovereign and Burgesses mett in 
 
 choose a free Burgesse in room and place of Mr David 
 
 Smith Burgess deceased, and did unanimously elect 
 
 Michael Harrison Esq' Comissary General of the Musters, 
 
 a free Burgess in room of the said David Smith, & he was 
 
 accordingly sworn r- a/t ^ c 
 
 =" ^ Geo: Macartney Sovereign 
 
 Pa: Duff Constable of the Castle Rob Leathes 
 Lewis Thompson 
 
 KINGE CHARLES [K] OF SPAINE LETT" TO HER MA''.'." 
 ANN QUEEN OF GREAT BRITTAIN etc IN THE 
 YEAR 1706 
 
 ADAM my sister, it is allwaies with the uttmost sattisfacion that 
 I doe justice to those worthy persons who signalize themselves 
 by their conduct and valour in their Maj".'" senice and mine. 
 
 My Lord Donegall was remarkably so when alive; and more 
 particularly the last siege of my Citty of Barcelonie ; both in his 
 quicknesse in succouring it from Girona, and the long valliant 
 defence he made in fort Mountjouy where he lost his life, att the assault ; it is in 
 a great measure to his memory that I am indebted for the preservation of that 
 capital ; and it may be for all the possions I now have in Spain I shall injure yof 
 Majesties usuall generosity by offering to recomend to yo.' ffavour the family ot 
 soe worthy a gentleman for I know yo' Maj"" inclynacions go to it I will only add 
 that I shall place all yol markes of favour and acknowledgem! w'!" yo^ Maj"-' will 
 please to bestow on ye ffamily to my own account as well as the remaining 
 obligacions I am with the sincere respect gratitude and love &c 
 
 To ye Queen of Great Brittain &c 
 
196 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 On Saturday the twenty first day of December one 
 thousand seven hundred and six the Sovereign and 
 Burgesses mett to choose a free Burgesse in room & 
 place of Arthur Macartney Burgesse deceased, and did 
 unanimously elect the Hon*"'^ Jno Chichester Esqr second 
 son of the Right Hon''!'' the late Earle of Donegall a free 
 Burgesse in room and stead of the said Arthur Macartney. 
 
 Geo: Macartney Sovereign 
 
 Pa: Duff Constaple of the Castle Rob' Leathes 
 Lewes Thompson 
 
 On the seventeenth day of Feby one thous"^ seven 
 hundred and seven The Soveraigne and Burofesses then 
 assembled for choosing a free Burgesse in place of M'^ 
 Lewis Thompson Burgesse who departed this life on 
 Wednesday the eleventh of this instant They did elect and 
 unanimously choose M"' Nicholas Thetford of Belfast a free 
 Burgesse in place and room of the said M'' Lewis Thompson 
 and at the same time the said M' Thetford took the oath of 
 a Burgesse and other oaths as usuall 
 
 Geo Macartney Soveraign 
 
 Henry Ellis James Gurner Roger Haddock 
 Rob' Leathes John Hallridge Nath Byrtt Richard 
 Wilson George Portis 
 
 &^ 
 
 On Thursday the twenty fourth day of April one 
 thousand seven hund?. and seven there was produced to the 
 Sovereign & Burgesses an Instrum' und' hand and seal of 
 Isaac McCartney one of the free Burgesses of this Burrough 
 resigning the said office in favour of John Hallridge Esq' 
 upon w""*" the said Sovereign & Burgesses did elect and 
 choose the said John Hallridge a free Burgesse of the s^ 
 Burrough in room and place of the s"? Isaac McCartney & 
 he was sworne accordingly. 
 
 Geo Macartney Soveraign 
 
 Rob' Leathes Lewes Thompson 
 
 On the 24th day of June one thousand seven hundred and seven being 
 the day by Charter for electing a Sovereigne of Belfast to serve for one year 
 from Michaelmas next ensuing, Pa! Duff Esq' p'.sented to the Sovereign & 
 Burgesses a letter from the R! Honb'f the Countess of Donegall containing 
 a list of Burgesses for the said office dated 19"' June who were Michael 
 Harrison Esqf. Capt Edward Brice and Mr John Chambers & the said 
 elecion fell upon Capt Edw" Brice. 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 197 
 
 The CoqDoration of Belfast hath power to make By Laws & punish 
 offenders by ffincs with ye generall proviso that nothing shall impower them to 
 act contrary to ye Law of this Kingdom By colour of which within seven years 
 past they have raised a yearly shipmoney tax, by charging two pence per tunn on 
 all vessells that cari-y loading out of their dock notwithstanding ye Dock of Belfast 
 is a free landing place by Act of Parliament. They have also raised several 
 summs of money to oppose ye Establisht minister in ye prosecution of his just 
 right, and compelled his parishoners to bear large proportions by distraining 
 & selling ye goods of those that refused to join in so unlawfuU an undertaking 
 
 Their presentments are generally made by persons that have little or no 
 Estate or free rents who are Dissentors from ye Church of England their 
 Applotters are seldom if ever sworn equally to assess ye money great part of 
 w° they charge on y* free rents of those that have interest in Belfast and liberty 
 thereof even gentlemen that are neither freemen nor trade w"* them & who are 
 not concerned in their Corporation whether they dwell in y' City of Dublin or 
 elsewhere. They refuse coppies of their presentments & disbursements to such 
 as are willing to pay any Rate that can be demanded for y' same & thereby prevent 
 their making it publickly appear how unjust their levies are and how oft they raise 
 money for pretended works & necessaries w"'' is never applyed to y' same and 
 also have extravegantly they dispose of y° said money. They have long pre- 
 vented any endeavours to redress these grievances by threatning to humble all 
 that oppose them. 
 
 Resolved 
 
 On the question that by ye act to prevent ye further growth of popery 
 ye Burgesses of Belfast are obliged to subscribe the Declaration & receive 
 ye Sacrament according to ye usage of ye Church of Ireland. 
 Resolved 
 
 That ye Burgess ship of such Burgesses of Belfast who have not subscribed 
 ye Declaration & received ye Sacrament pursuant to ye said act are by such 
 neglect become vacant. 
 
 A further Question being proposed that ye takeing two pence per tunn by ye 
 Corporation of Belfast for every ship that comes to ye key of Belfast is arbitrary 
 and illegall and a debate arising thereon 
 Ordered 
 
 That ye Debate be adjourned till to morrow at 12 o'clock & nothing to 
 intervene 
 
 Mercurii 29° Die. Oct- 1707 
 Ordered 
 
 That ye said debate be further adjourned till Saturday next. 
 
 Jovis 30"" Die Oct' 1707 
 Ordered 
 
 That ye Charter Books of Belfast remaining with ye Clerk of this House be 
 delivered to ye respective persons who brought in ye same 
 
 On the twenty eighth day of November one thousand 
 seven hundred and seven Pat Duff Esq' produced an 
 authority of the ii"" instant from the Earle of Donegall 
 & the Countess of Donegall his mother and Guardian 
 constituting him Constable of the Castle of Belfast, 
 Pursuant to w''.'' he took the oath of a Burgess he being as 
 Constable of the Castle one of the Burgesses by the 
 Charter having at the same time taken the oaths of fidelity 
 & abjura? & repeated the Declaration. 
 
 Geo: Macartney Soveraign 
 
 Rob' Leathes Lewes Thompson John Hallridge 
 
IqB The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 In pursuance of a late vote of the Hon"' House of 
 
 Comons of Ireland last Session of Parliament the Sove- 
 
 reigne and Burgesses of Belfast Burrough did assemble on 
 
 the 29'.** of November one thousand seven hundred and 
 
 seven to chuse six free Burgesses in the rooms of W"" 
 
 Crafford & Edw^ Brice Esq':= David Buller Neil Macneile 
 
 Jno Chalmers and the Hon''!'' Jno Chichester Esq' brother 
 
 to the R! Hon^'= the p^sent & fourth Earle of Donegall, 
 
 which said Burgesses have qualified themselves according 
 
 to the late act of Parliament ag' the growth of popery; and 
 
 the said Sovereign & Burgesses did elect Nicholas Thetford 
 
 Nath Byrt Rich'' Willson George Portis Henry Ellis and 
 
 James Gurner free Burgesses in room of the aforesaid six 
 
 who were accordingly sworn except Nich. Thetford who 
 
 was absent /- n/r .. c 
 
 Geo: Macartney Soveraign 
 
 Rob' Leathes Lewes Thompson John Hallridge 
 
 Whereas Mr Nicholas Thetford was at an assembly of 
 the Soveraigne and Burgesses on the twenty ninth of 
 November last elected and chosen a Burgesse of this 
 Corpor" and he the said Nicholas Thetford did not take 
 the oath of Burgesses to the said Corporation within seven 
 days as is required by the said Charter, nor has not within 
 the time limited by the late act of Parliament to prevent 
 the further growth of Popery in taking the oaths [and did 
 not receive] as by the said act is required whereby the said 
 Burgesse place is become vacant, In pursuance of the 
 Charter of Belfast now the Sovereign and Burgesses of 
 Belfast aforesaid did this day assemble themselves being 
 the seventeen 
 
 Whereas Mr Nicholas Thetford was at an assembly of 
 the Soveraigne and Burgesses on the twenty ninth day of 
 November last past elected and chosen a Burgesse of this 
 Corporation and he the said Nicholas Thetford did not 
 take the oath of Burgesse to the said Corpora" within seven 
 days as is required by the said Charter nor did not within 
 the time limitted by a late act of Parliam' to prevent the 
 further growth of Popery Record himself to have taken 
 the Sacrament acording to the Church of Ireland or take 
 the oaths at the next quarter Sessions as in & by the said 
 act is required whereby the said Burgess-ship is become 
 vacant In persuance of the Charter of Belfast the Soveraign 
 & Burgesses did assemble themselves together on the 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. ig^ 
 
 seventeenth day of Feby one thousand seven hundred and 
 seven and did then and there elect and choose Rodger 
 Haddock of Carren Bane & Malone gen one of the free 
 Burgesses of this Corporal" in the room and place of the 
 said Nicholas Thetford and he accordingly at the same 
 time tooke the oath of office of Burgesse of Belfast other 
 oath usuall (^^^, Macartney Soveraign 
 
 Henry Ellis James Garner Rob' Leathes John 
 Hallridge Nath Byrtt Richard Wilson George: 
 Portis 
 
 December the 4'*" 1707 
 
 On Thursday this day in open Court Rich"* ffinley Jun' 
 was chosen by the Soveraign Burgesses & Comonality to 
 serve as sergeant at mace in room of J no ffisher deceased 
 one of the Sergeants and was accordingly sworne to the 
 said office in public Court 
 
 Geo Macartney Soveraign 
 
 Rob Leathes Lewes Thompson Richard Wilson 
 Henry Ellis 
 
 Councellor Macartney Soveraigne [his] 
 
 Speech to ye Duke of Ormond at his comeing to [of] Belfast 1707 
 
 May it please Yo' Grace there [can] is none can be [more] more senciable 
 nor have a higher esteeme of this great honor conferred upon us by Yo' Grace 
 than the members of this Corporation are. and what wee want in words to 
 expresse wee assure Yo^ [Maj"'] Grace wee have in incljTiation and it shall 
 ever appeare in our accions of Loyalty to her Maj'-" by a constant and finne 
 adherance to ye Crowne of England and the Succession as by Law established; 
 as allsoe in our dutyfull affection to yor graces person and Governm' ; this 
 parte of the Countr)- has not ben happy in ye presence of a Chieffe Governor 
 this many Yeares and I make noe doubt but it is the forerunner of a 
 blessing to it indeed ; when by Yo' Graces observation wisdom and great 
 authority, wee may hope for such advantages as may make us as well able 
 as wee are loyall subjects and ready upon all occations to serve her Maj'i* 
 it is no small misfortune to us, this soe criticall a Jounture to have our Patron 
 absent from us butt when I consider that his person and courage is soe 
 generously and well Imployed in her Maj'-'" ser\'ice abroad I cannot tell how to 
 bewaile it and I hope yo' Grace will e.xceipt of these assureances of our fidellity 
 from me w".' wood have ben much better and strongly inforced from were wee 
 soe happy as to had him amongst us. 
 
 A Power given to> Know all men by these p'sents That I Arthur 
 
 Robert Leathes of Earle of Donegall and with the approbation and 
 Bellfast Esqr to be l consent of Catherine Countesse Dowager of Donegall 
 Constable of the my mother and Guardian doe hereby constitute and 
 Castle of Bellfast J appoint Robert Leathes of Bellfast in the County of 
 Antrim Esqr Constable of the Castle of Bellfast for and untill the first day 
 of November next and do hereby give and grant to ye said Robert Leathes 
 
200 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 full power and authority to exercise the office of Constable for and dureing 
 the aforesaid term and to doe and performe all matters and things apper- 
 taining to the office of Constable of the said Castle and to receive and 
 take the ffees and proffits thereto of right appertaining and belonging In 
 witness whereof the said Catherine Countess Dowager of Donegall and 
 Arthur Earle of Donegall have hereunto affixed their hands and seals this 
 thirtyeth day of August one thousand seaven hundred and eight 1708 
 
 Sealed and delivered K. Donegall 
 
 in the presence of 
 
 William Westgarth 
 
 Peter Ward Donegall 
 
 John M'Neill Copia vera 
 
 ^^^pHEREAS the Key of the Port of Bellfast is greatly out of 
 ra»_Sj^ repaire and ye dock almost closed up with sluch and dirt their 
 T^^RH being no fund to repaire or cleanse y"" same Wee the Soveraigne 
 \y^£ff-^^ Burgesses & Commonality of Bellfast afforesaid being very 
 sensible that unlesse some fund or other be procured the same will every 
 day become more ruinous which will greatly impaire the trade as well as 
 pTjudice and Lessen Her Maj''"' Revenue in this place doe make it our 
 request that Samuell Ogle William Craford George McCartney and Edward 
 Brice Esqrs will be pleased to Apply themselves to this present Parlem! for 
 obtaining an act to lay two pence a tun upon all goods imported and 
 exported by freemen and three pence a Tun upon all goods imported and 
 exported by fforeigners from of the said Key to be a fund for cleansing the 
 Dock and harbour afforesaid and for the more effectuall makeing and 
 keepeing in repaire the said Key Given undr o- hands at Bellfast April 
 27 1709 
 
 Signed by ye Soveraign Burgesses and Commonality 
 
 Wee the Collector Surveyf and other the officers of the port of Bellfast att 
 the request of the Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonality of the Corporacon of 
 Bellfast afforesaid doe hereby certify that ye Key and Docke of this port is 
 greatly out of repaire and the Docke very much Gorg'd with sluch and dirt 
 w".' obstructs Vessells and Lighters to gett in and out of the same and we are of 
 opinion that if some fund be not procured to keepe in repaire and cleanse the 
 same in some little time the Docke will be so choked up that Lighters will 
 scarcely gett in and out to load and unload their goods upon the Key w')" will be 
 a great discouragm- to ye trade of this place and may lessen Her Maj"." Revenue 
 therein dated at Bellfast this 28 Aprill 1709 
 
 On the seventh day of May 1709 the Soveraign and 
 Burgesses then assembled for chooseing a free Burgesse in 
 place of Michael Harrison Esqr deceased Burgess who 
 departed this life in England the twenty third day of Aprill 
 1709 they did elect and unanimously choose Mr George 
 Macartney attorney a free Burgesse in place and room of 
 the said Michael Harrison and at the same time the said 
 Mr George Macartney took ye oath of a Burgesse as 
 usuall 
 
 Rob' Leathes Geo Macartney George Portis 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 201 
 
 JEADS of A Bill for ffinishing the Key and Clensing and 
 Keepeing in repaire the harbour and dock of Belfast Anno 
 1709 
 
 Whereas the port of Bellfast in ye Province of Ulster hath by longe 
 experience been found to be of great Importance to her Maj"" Revenew Trade 
 in generall and to the benefitt and advantage of all the Countyes adjoyneing 
 thereunto 
 
 And Whereas the Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonalty of Bellfast have 
 for many yeares at great expences maintained and repaired the Key on both 
 sides the River and by continuall cleansing and scouring the Dock and in 
 [repaireing] keepeing up perches on the sides of the Chanell of the harbour 
 there have preserved a free and open passage for boats [lighters] Gabbards 
 Lighters and other vessells to come up and discharge their Lading at the same 
 Key w'' expenses they were enabled to defray by a certaine Tunnage w'' the 
 Merchants and Traders there voluntarly consent and agree to pay for that end 
 and purpose 
 
 And whereas the said paym" for want of the authority of Parliament has 
 ben of late discontinued and the great unavoidable charge w"' is dayly 
 necessary for preserveing the said port is become unsupportable by the said 
 Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonality who have not nor ever had any Lands 
 or Revenew belonging to them whereby the saide Key is become ruinous and 
 the Dock and Channell choaked up to such a degree as that the said port and 
 harbour so beneficiall must inevitably in -a little time become Inaccessible to ye 
 determ' of her Maj'" the great prejudice of Trade and the utter ruine and 
 Impoverishing of the Inhabitants and adjacent Countyes 
 
 ffor Remedy whereof may it please your most Excellent Maj"' at the 
 humble request of the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonality of Bellfast 
 that it may be enacted and wee pray it may be enacted by the Queen's most 
 Excellent Ma'" by and with the consent of the Lords Spirituall and 
 Temporall and Comons in this present Parliament Assembled and by 
 Authority of the same that from and after the first day of August in 
 this present yeare of our Lord one thousand seaven hundred and nine 
 all Brittish and Irish ships Imployed or made use of to import or export 
 any goods or merchandizes out of or into the said port of Bellfast (Ships in 
 pay of Her Ma"' her heirs or Successors only exceipted) shall pay to the said 
 Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonality of Bellfast and their Successors or to 
 such person or persons as shall be by them appointed to receive the same 
 for theire use Two pence per Tunn for every Tunn such ship or ships shall 
 be burthen and for every Foreigne ship or ships so imployed or made use of to 
 import or export any goods or merchandizes out of or Into the said port of 
 Bellfast shall pay as afforesaid three pence per Tunn for every Tunn such shipp 
 or ships shall be burthen w""" Tunnage as well in Brittish and Irish shipps 
 as in foreign ships shall be computed by outward gageing of the said shipps 
 respectively and not otherwise and ye person or persons for ye time being 
 appointed to receive the said Tunnage is and are hereby Impowered to make 
 such outward gauge of all and every such ship or ships as they shall have 
 occation for the doeing thereof . 
 
 And to the end that the said respective dutyes of Tunnage w''' shall 
 become due by vertue of this Act may be effectualy levyed and paid as afforesaid 
 wee pray that it may be further Enacted by the authority afforesaid that noe 
 officer of Her Maj"" Customhouse in Bellfast from and after the said first day 
 of August one thousand seaven hundred and nine shall cleare or discharge 
 any ship or ships or permitt any ship or ships outward bound to saile till the 
 Comander or Master thereof shall have brought a discharge from the officer for 
 the time being appointed to receive the said dutyes of Tunnage, Testifiinge such 
 ship or ships to have paid their Tunnage w'"" discharge on paying the said 
 Tunnage shall be immediately granted and made without fee or reward fraud 
 or delay and in case of refusal or delay the officer refuseing or delaying shall 
 forfeit five pounds sterl for every such refusal! or delay to the Master or Com- 
 ander of such ship to be recovered in a summary way before the Soveraigne of 
 
262 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 to be applied 
 in mending y* 
 Kay & 
 scowering y« 
 dock & channel 
 & keeping up 
 Perches 
 
 Soveraign to 
 call a meeting 
 of y« Corp- & 
 Commonality 
 in Nov & 
 summon y" 
 Collector &c 
 to account & 
 inspect them 
 from time to 
 time 
 
 and to give 
 directions for 
 y" application 
 of y" money 
 
 The collector 
 or Soveraign 
 neglecting or 
 refusing to 
 account to 
 forfeit ;^ioo 
 each 
 
 the Soveraign 
 out of y' first 
 profits to pay 
 y expenses of 
 this act 
 
 The Soveraign 
 not to exact 
 any sum or 
 sums for 
 Kayage or 
 wharfage after 
 passing y act 
 
 Sovereign to 
 plead & use y 
 act as a public 
 
 act 
 
 the said Towne of Bellfast for the time being to be levyed by distresse to be 
 made by warrant of the said Soveraigne and by a sale of the goods and Chatles 
 of such officer so refuseing or detaineing to give such discharge 
 
 And wee pray it may be further Enacted by the Authority afiforesd that all 
 and every the summ and summs of money arising growing due or levyed by 
 vertue of this Act (the sallary and necessary expences of the officer appointed as 
 afiforesaid to receive the said Tunnage only excepted) shall from time to time and 
 at all times hereafter be applyed to and laid out in mending finishing [the] and 
 keepeing the said key of Bellfast on both sides the River in good and sufficient 
 repaire and in scowering the said Dock and keeping it passable at all times for 
 boats Gabbarts Lighters and other vessells to come up and discharge at the 
 said key and in cleansing the Channel of the harbour and keeping Perches 
 therein for the ease safety and conveniency of shipps resorting to the said port. 
 
 And to the end the money w* shall be received by vertue of this Act may 
 be duly applyed to ye intent and purposes herein and hereby before mencioned 
 and intended wee pray it may be further Enacted by the Authority afiforesaid 
 that the Soveraigne of Bellfast for the time being shall every year summon an 
 assembly of all the Burgesses and Commonalty of the said Corporacon of 
 Bellfast to meet on Thursday ffbllowing the first day of November And the 
 said Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonalty so assembled shall summon or call 
 before them the Collector and Receiver of the dutyes of Tunnage hereby granted 
 and all and every other person or persons who shall be Iinployed in the dis- 
 bursem' of the same or otherwise in the Execution of this Act and require them 
 to give and render upon oath a Just and true account of all the money w"' shall 
 be soe received and of the disbursem" and application thereof from time to time 
 and the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonality or such persons as they 
 shall appoint for that purpose shall from time to time inspect such accounts 
 and cause them to be entered fairely in a booke w'"" shall be kept among the 
 Publick records and writings belonging to the said Corporacon of Bellfast And 
 the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonalty of Bellfast so Assembled afifore- 
 said are hereby empowered to adjourne themselves from time to time and to 
 make and give such orders Rules and directions for the due application of the 
 moneyes afforesaid to the ends and purposes Intended by this act as to them or 
 the major part of them shall seem reasonable and convenient And in case the 
 said Soveraigne for the time being shall refuse or neglect to call and appoint a 
 Generall Court of Assembly to be held as afforesaid or the Collector or Receiver 
 of the said dutyes of Tunnage or any other person or persons who shall be iinployed 
 in the disbursem' of any of the moneys w''" shall be soe received shall neglect 
 or refuse to give in their accounts as afforesaid the Soveraigne and person or 
 persons soe makeing default shall respectively shall forfeit and pay the sume 
 of one hundred pounds sterl one moyety thereof to such person as sue for the 
 same the other moyety to ye said Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonalty for the 
 uses above mencioned to be received by action of debt in any of her Ma"" 
 Courts of Record in this Kingdom 
 
 Provided allwayes and wee pray it may be further enacted by the authority 
 afforesaid that the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonalty [aforesaid] of 
 Belfast shall out of the first profitts payable and ariseing out of or from the saide 
 dutyes of Tunnage hereby granted pay or cause to be paid all such sumes of 
 money as shall be necessary to defray the expences of passing this bill. 
 
 Provided allwayes and we pray it may further enacted by the Authority 
 afforesaid that from and after the said first day of August one thousand seaven 
 hundred and nine that the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonalty shall not 
 exact or demand any sum or sumes of money for Keyage or Wharfage on the 
 said Kea of Bellfast from any Marchant or Trader for any goods or Marchandizes 
 to be shippt of or Landed on ye said Key of Bellfast but that all Marchants and 
 Traders there shall in lieu and consideration of the said duty of Tunnage hereby 
 granted be at all times hereafter freed and exempted from paying Keyage or 
 Wharfage for any goods to be exported or Imported into the said port of Bellfast 
 
 And w-e pray it may be further enacted by the Authority afforesaid that the 
 said Soveraign Burgesses and Commonalty of the Corporation of Bellfast and 
 the officer or ofificers by them imployed to receive the dutyes hereby granted 
 shall be at liberty to plead and make use of this Act in all or any of Her 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 203 
 
 Surplus after 
 finishing Kay 
 & clearing y* 
 harbour to be 
 applied to 
 Bridges 
 pavements 
 water pipes & 
 other public 
 works 
 
 to prevent 
 misapplication 
 of money 
 Earl of 
 
 Donegal! & his 
 Heirs may 
 inspect and 
 examine accts 
 persons 
 
 misapplying to 
 forfeit treble 
 y sum 
 
 one moyety to 
 y* poor the 
 other 10 y 
 person suing 
 
 Majties Courts of Justice in like manner as if the same were a publick Act of 
 Parliam' and the same as a publique Act shall be esteemed deemed and taken in 
 all Courts of Justice in this Kingdom 
 
 Provided Allwayes that if their shall be any surplus of money arrising from 
 or by such Tunnage after ffinishing the Key and clearing the said Dock or 
 Harbour the same shall be applyed for ever hereafter in ye first place towards 
 the support and repaires of the Publick Bridges Pavements and water pipes 
 within the said Towne of Bellfast and repairemg the Markett house within the 
 said Towne the remainder thereof if any shall be to be applyed by the said 
 Corporacon with the consent and approbation of the Earle of Donegall Lord of 
 the Castle of Bellfast and his heires or such other person or persons as be Lord 
 or proprietor of the Castle of Bellfast or the guardian of such Earle or proprietor 
 if he be under age such consent appearing by Instrument under his or their hands 
 and seales to other publick workes and uses within the said Town of Bellfast 
 
 And for the more Effectuall preventing of all missapplication of the said 
 money ariseing by such Tunnage as aforesaid wee pray it may be further 
 enacted that it shall and may be Lawfull to and for the Earle of Donegall and 
 his heires or other Lord or Proprietor of the Castle of Bellfast or the Guardian 
 of such Earle or proprietor if hee shall bee under age And he and they are 
 hereby Impowered and Authorized by vertue of this Act once every yeare to 
 Inspect and examine the Accounts of such Receipts and disbursem" as have 
 ben made of the money ariseing by such Tunnage as afforesaid in the preceding 
 year And if any person or persons who by the Act is or are impowered have 
 received or disposed of any part of the said money otherwise than to such uses 
 as by this Act is directed and appointed he or they shall forfeit the treble value 
 of such money so misapplyed to be sued for by Civill bill or by plaint or 
 Information in any of her Maj''" four Courts at Dublin in w'' no Essoygn 
 Protection nor wager at Law nor more then one Imparlance shall be allowed 
 the one moyety thereof to goe to the use of the poor of the Parish of Bellfast the 
 other moyety to go to such person as shall sue for the same in manner afforesaid 
 And if any of the persons or bodyes Politick afforesaid shall refuse or neglect 
 when required yearly to lay the said Accounts before the said Earle of 
 Donegall or other Proprietor of the said Castle of Bellfast or his or their 
 guardian when under age as aforesaid he and they shall forfeit and pay the 
 sum of one hundred pounds to be sued for and recovered and to be applyed 
 in manner aforesaid and the de" or de'" against whom such recovery shall be 
 had shall pay treble costs. 
 
 Its great 
 importance 
 
 N Act for finishing the Key and Cleansing and Keeping in 
 Repair the Harbour and Dock of Belfast 
 
 Whereas the port of Bellfast in the Province of Ulster hath [ben] by long 
 Experience beu found to be of great Importance to her Maj"" Revenue Trade 
 in Generall and to the benefitt and advantage of all the Countyes adjoyneing 
 thereunto 
 
 An Whereas the Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonalty of Bellfast have for 
 many yeares at great expences maintained and repaired the key on both sides the 
 River and by continuall cleansing and scowering the Dock and in keeping up 
 perches on the {sic) of the Channell of the Harbour there have preserved a free 
 and open passage for boats Gabbards Lighters and other vessell to come up and 
 discharge their Lading att the said Key w'"" Expences they were enabled to 
 defray by a certaine Tonnage w"' the Marchants and traders to and from the 
 said port did voluntarily consent and agree to pay for that end and Purpose 
 
 and Whereas the said payment for want for want {sic) of the Authority of 
 Parliamt to levy and raise the same has benn of late discontinued the great 
 unavoidable charge w* is dayly necessary for preserveing the said Port 
 cannot be borne by the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonalty who have not 
 nor ever had any land or certaine Revenue belonging to them whereby the said 
 key is become Ruinous and the Dock and Channell chocked up to such a 
 degree as that the said Port and Harbour so benefitiall must Inevitably 
 in a litle time become Inaccessable to the determ' of her Ma'"' the great 
 prejudice of Trade and Impoverishinge of the Inhabitants and adjacent Counties 
 
264 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 2'' per tun 
 foreigners s"" 
 per tun 
 
 by ouf guage 
 
 not to be 
 cleared until 
 payment 
 
 to be applied in 
 finishing & 
 mending the 
 Kay scowering 
 y" dock & 
 harbour & 
 keeping 
 perches 
 
 For Remedy whereof may it please yo' most Excellent Majestie at the humble 
 request of Arthur Earle of Donegall Lord of the Castle and Proprietor of the 
 Towne and Libertyes of Bellfast and allsoe at the request of the said Soveraigne 
 Burgesses and Comonalty of the said Towne that it may be enacted and be it 
 enacted by the Queen's Most Excellent Majestie and by and with the advice 
 and consent of the Lords Spiritual! and Temporall and Comons in this present 
 Parliamt assembled and by authority of the same that from and after the first 
 day of September in the present yeare of our Lord one thousand seaven hundred 
 and nine all shipps of the built of Great Brittan or of this Kingdom Imployed or 
 made use of to [trans]/;«port or Export any goods or marchandizes of or into the 
 said port of Bellfast (ships in pay of her Maj"" or heires or Successors only 
 excepted) shall pay to the Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonalty of the said 
 Towne of the said Towne {sic) the same to be received by such person or persons as 
 shall be appointed to receive ye same in manner and forme hereinafter mencioned 
 and to and for the uses herein after directed two pence per Tunn for every Tunn 
 such ship or ships shall be burthen and for every Forreigne Ship or Ships so 
 Imployed or made use of to Import or Export any goods or Marchandize out of 
 or into the Port of Bellfast shall pay afforesaid three pence per Tunn for every 
 Tunn w* ship or ships shall be be {sic) Burthen w'*" Tunnage as well of the built 
 of great Brittain or of this Kingdom as in fforeigne ships shall be computed by 
 outward gageing of the said shipps respectively and not otherwise and the person 
 or persons for the time beinge appointed to receive the said Tunnage is and are 
 hereby Impowred to make such outwarge Gage of all and every such ship or ships 
 as the shall have occasion for the doeing thereof 
 
 And to the end that the said respective dutyes of Tunnage w* shall 
 become due by vertue of this Act may be effectually Leavyed and paid as 
 afforesaid Be it further enacted by the Authority afforesaid that noe officer of 
 her Maj"" Custom house in Bellfast from and after the first day of September 
 one thousand seaven hundred and nine shall clear or discharge any ship or 
 shipps or permitt any ship or shipps outward bound to saile till the Comander or 
 Master thereof shall have brought a discharge from the officer for the time 
 being appointed to receive the said duty of Tunnage testifying such ship or 
 shipps to have paid their Tunnage w* discharge or paying the said Tonnage 
 shall be Imediatly granted or made without favor Reward fraud or delay and 
 in case of refusall or delay the officer refuseing or delaying shall forfeit five 
 pounds sterling for every such refusall or delay to ye Master or Comander of 
 such ship to be recovered in a sumari way before the Soveraigne of the said 
 Towne of Bellfast for the time being to be leavyed by distresse to be made by 
 warrant of the said Soveraigne or in his absence by warrant of some of the 
 Justice of the Peace in or neere the said Towne who is hereby Impowered and 
 required to issue such warrant and by sale of the goods and chatles of such 
 officer so refuseing or delaying to give such discharge 
 
 And be it further Enacted by the Authority afforesaid that all & every the 
 sume and sumes of money arriseing or growing due or levyed by vertue of this 
 Act the sallary and necessary expences of the officer apointed as afforesaid to 
 receive the said Tunnage and gauge the said ships not exceeding in the whole 
 twenty five pounds per Ann onely excepted) shall from time to time and at all 
 times hereafter be applyed to and laid out in mending finishing and keeping the 
 said Key of Bellfast on both sides the River in good and sufficient repaire and 
 in scouring the said Dock and keeping it passable at all times for boats 
 Gabbards Lighters and other Vessells to come up and discharge at ye said Key 
 and cleansing the Channell of the Harbour and keepeing perches therein for the 
 ease safety and conveniency for shipps resorting to ye said Port 
 
 And to the end the money w"* shall be received by vertue of this Act may 
 be daily applyed to the Intents and purposes herein and hereby before mentioned 
 and Intended Be it further Enacted by the Authority afforesaid that the 
 Soveraigne of Belfast for the time being shall every yeare summon an asssembly 
 of the said Corporation of Bellfast to meet on thursday following the first day of 
 November and the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonalty so Assembled 
 shall sumon or call before them the Collector or Receiver of the duty of Tunage 
 hereby granted and all and everj' [the] other person or persons who shall be im- 
 ployed in the disbursemt of the same or otherwise in the execution of this Act and 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 205 
 
 after i" Sept 
 1709 Soveraign 
 not to enact or 
 demand 
 kayage or 
 wharfage but 
 merch" to be 
 exempted 
 from it 
 
 require them to give and Render upon oath and Just and true account of all the 
 money w'"" shall be soe received and of the disbursemts and application thereof 
 from time to time and the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonalty or such 
 person as shall be apointed for that purpose shall from time to time inspect such 
 accounts and cause them to be entered fairely in a booke w"'' shall be kept 
 amonge the publique Records and writings belongeing to the said Corporation 
 of Bellfast. 
 
 And the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonalty of Bellfast soe assembled 
 as afforesaid are hereby Impowered to adjourne themselves from time to time 
 and to make and give such orders Rules and directions for the due application 
 of the money afforesaid to the ends and purposes intended by this act as to 
 them or the major part of them shall seem Reasonable and convenient And in 
 case the said the said {sic) Soveraigne for the time being shall refuse or neglect 
 to call and appoint a Generall Court of Assembly to be held as afforesaid or ye 
 Collector or Receiver of the said duty of Tunage or any other person or persons 
 who shall be Imployed in the disbursemt of any of the money w"'' shall be so 
 received shall neglect or refuse to give in their accounts as afforesaid the said 
 Soveraigne and person or persons soe makeing^ default shall respectively forfeit 
 and pay the sum of one hundred pounds sterl one moyety thereof to such person 
 as shall sue for the same the other moyety to ye said Soveraigne Burgesses and 
 Comonalty for the uses above inencioned to be recovered by action of debt in 
 any of her Ma"" Courts of Record in this Kingdom 
 
 Provided Alhvays and be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid that 
 the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonalty of Bellfast shall out of the first 
 money and profitts payable and arriseing out of or from the said duty of Tunnage 
 hereby granted pay or cause to be paid all such sumes of money as shall be 
 necessary to defray the expences of passing this Act. 
 
 Provided allwayes and be it further enacted by the Authority afforesaid 
 that from and after the said first day of September one thousand seaven 
 hundred and nine that the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonalty shall 
 not exact or demand any sume or sumes of money for Keyage or wharfage on ye 
 said Key of Bellfast from any Marchant or Trader for any goods or marchan- 
 dizes to be shipt of or Landed on the said Key of Bellfast but that all marchants 
 and Traders their shall in leiu and consideration of the said duty of Tunnage 
 hereby granted be at all times hereafter freed and exempted from paying keage 
 or wharfage for any goods to be Exported or Imported into the said [dock] Port 
 of Bellfast 
 
 And be it further Enacted by the Authority afforesaid that the said 
 Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonalty of the Corporation of Bellfast and the 
 officer or officers Imployed to Receive the dutyes hereby granted shall be at 
 Liberty to plead and inake use of this Act in all or any of her Ma'"' Courts of 
 Justice in like manner as if the same were a publick Act of Parliament and the 
 same as a Publick Act shall be esteemed and taken in all Courts of Justice in 
 this Kingdom 
 
 Provided Allwayes that there shall be any surplus of money Ariseing from 
 or by such Tunnage after finishing the Key and clensing the said Dock or 
 harbour the same shall be Applyed for ever hereafter in the first place towards the 
 suport and Repaire of the publick Bridges Pavements and water pips within 
 the said Towne of Bellfast and repaireing the Markett house within the said 
 Towne of Bellfast the Remainder if any shall be applyed by the said Corpora- 
 tion with the consent and approbation of the said Earle of Donegall Lord of the 
 Castle of Bellfast and his heires or such other person or persons as shall be 
 Lord or proprietor of the Castle of the Castle (sic) of Bellfast or the g'uardian of 
 such Earle or proprietor if he be under age such consent appearinge by Instrum' 
 under his or their hands and scales to and for the publicke workes and uses 
 within the said Towne of Bellfast 
 
 And for the more effectuall preventing of all misapplication of the said 
 money arriseing by such Tunnage afforesaid Be it enacted by the authority 
 afforesaid that it shall and may be lawfuU to and for the Earle of Donegall and 
 his heires or other Lord proprietor of the Castle of Bellfast the Guardian of 
 such Earle or proprietor if he shall be under age and he and they are hereby 
 Impowred and Authorized by vertue of this Act once every yeare to inspect and 
 
2o6 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 examine the Account of such receipts and disbursements as have ben made of 
 the money arriseing by such Tunage as afforesaid in the preceding yeare. 
 
 And if any person or persons who by this Act is or are impowred or have 
 received or disposed of the money thereby raised or any part thereof shall have 
 imployed or disposed of any part of the said money otherwise then to such uses 
 as by this Act are directed and apointted he or they shall forfeit the treble 
 valine of such money so misapplyed to be sued for by action of debt Bill plainte 
 or Inforaiation in any of her Ma"" foure Courts at Dublin in w* no Esseigne 
 Protection or wager at Law nor more than one Imparlence shall be allowed 
 the one moyety thereof to goe to and be paid to the Minister and Churchwardens 
 for the use of the poore of the Towne of Bellfast the other moyety to goe to such 
 person as shall sue for the same in manner afforesaid and if any of the persons or 
 Bodies Poletick afforesaid shall refuse or neglect when required yearly to lay the 
 accounts before the said Earle of Donegall or other Proprietor of the said 
 Castle of Bellfast or his or their Guardian when under age as afforesaid he and 
 they shall forfeit and pay the sume of one hundred pounds to be sued for and 
 recovered and to be applyed when Recovered in manner afforesaid and the 
 Defendant or Defendants against whom such Recovery shall be had shall pay 
 All this is treble costs Provided allwayes and be it further Enacted by the Authority 
 
 added afforesaid that the Collector or Receiver to be appointed for receiving the duties 
 
 arriseing by such Tunnage as afforesaid shall be annually chosen in manner 
 ffoUowing and not otherwise that is to say the said Lord or Proprietor or Pro- 
 prietors of the Castle of Bellfast for the time beinge his her or their guardian in 
 case he she or they shall be under age shall and may by Authority of this Act 
 nominate three of the Burgesses of the said Corporation of Bellfast and present 
 them every thursday next after the twenty fourth day of June to the Soveraigne 
 Burgesses and Commonalty of Bellfast out of w"' said Burgesses soe named 
 as afforesaid the said Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonalty of Bellfast shall and 
 may and the are hereby Required annually on the said day to chuse one to be 
 Collector of the said dutyes for the ensueing yeare to enter into ofifice on the 
 ffeast day of St. Michaell the Archangell next ensueing such Ellection and be 
 accountable for his Receipts and paymts thereout as well to the Lord or to the 
 Proprietor or Proprietors of the Castle of Bellfast for the time being his her or 
 their Guardian (in case of minority as likewise to the Soveraigne Burgesses and 
 Commonalty of Bellfast in such manner as in and by this Act is prescribed 
 
 Provided Allwayes and be it Enacted by the Authority afforesaid that 
 Nathaniell Byrtt one of the Burgesses of Bellfast shall by the Authority of this 
 Act be and is hereby declaired to be Collector of the duties afforesaid and soe 
 shall continue till the twenty ninth day of September which shall be in the yeare 
 of our Lord God one thousand seaven hundred and tenn and be accountable in 
 manner afforesaid unlesse in case of death or removall in w'' case iSr» as often 
 as that shall happen from time to time it shall and may be lawful! to and for the 
 said Lord or to or for the Proprietor or Proprietor of the Castle of Bellfast for 
 the time being his her or their Guardian in case he shee or they shall be under 
 age within twenty dayes next after the death or removall of any Collector or 
 Receiver of the Dutyes of Tunnage afforesaid to nominate three other Burgesses 
 of the said Town of Bellfast out of w''' the said Soveraigne Burgesses and 
 Comonalty of Bellfast shall and may and they are hereby required to name a 
 Collector to receive the duties arriseing by such Tunnage for and untill a new 
 Collector shall be nominated and chosen in such manner as by this Act 
 prescribed in his place and shall take upon him the execution of his ofifice as 
 abovesaid which new Collector shall be accountable in such manner to the Lord 
 or to the Proprietor or Proprietors of the Castl of Bellfast for the time being his 
 her or their Guardian in case of Minorities and likewise to the Soveraigne 
 Burgesses and Commonalty of Bellfast as the deceased or removed Collector or 
 Receiver should or ought to have been and is by this Act prescribed 
 
 Provided AUsoe and be it further Enacted by the Authority afforesaid that 
 in case the Lord or the Proprietor or Proprietors of the Castle of Bellfast or his 
 her or their Guardian in case of minority shall not on every thursday next after 
 the twenty fourth day of June nominate three Burgesses of the said Corporation 
 of Bellfast or shall not within the space of twenty dayes after the death or 
 Removall of any receiver or Collector so nominated and Ellected nominate 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 207 
 
 three other Burgesses of the said Corporation of Bellfast or shall not within the 
 space of twenty days after the death or Removal! of any receiver or Collector see 
 nominated and Ellected nominate three other Burgesses of the said Corporation 
 as afforesaid that then in such case and as often as shall soe happen it shall and 
 may be lawfull to and for the Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonalty of Bellfast 
 in default thereof to proceed to {sic) a Collector or Receiver of the said Duties of 
 Tunnage to continue for and untill another Collector or receiver of the said 
 duties of Tunnage shall be nominated by the Lord Proprietor or Proprietors of 
 the Castle of Bellfast his her or their Guardian in case of minority and Ellected 
 by the Soveraigne Burgess and Commonalty of Bellfast and take upon him the 
 execution of his office w'' Collector or receiver soe to be Ellected by the 
 Soveraigne Burgesses and Commonalty of Bellfast shall be accountable in such 
 manner and to such persons as any Collector nominated by the Lord or by the 
 Pfoprietor or Proprietors of the Castle of Bellfast his her or their Guardian in case 
 of minority should or ought to have been And in case such Lord or [by the] Pro- 
 prietor or proprietors of the Castle of Bellfast his her or their Guardian (in case of 
 minority) should or ought to have been {sic) and in case such Lord or Proprietor or 
 proprietors his her or their guardian in case of minority shall neglect to make 
 such nomination to the said Sovereigne Burgesses and Comonalty within the 
 respective times hereinbefore limitted for such nomination That then in [and] 
 every such case upon every such neglect the said Soveraigne Burgesses and 
 Commonalty are hereby authorized to nominate and Ellect such person to be 
 Collector and Receiver of the said Duties as they shall think fitt who shall 
 continue therein untill the time for the annuall nomination and EUectionof such 
 Receiver or Collector his hereby appointed and directed respectively with the 
 same power and Authority to collect and receive the said Dutyes as [to] the annuall 
 Collector and Receiver of the said dutyes should have don 
 
 And in case of the death or removall of any such Receiver or Collector that 
 ye Collector of her Ma"°' Revenue in Bellfast shall be and is hereby required 
 Authorized and Impowered to receive the said severall duties untill a new 
 Collector and receiver thereof shall be nominated and Ellected as afforesaid. 
 
 And in case the Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonalty shall neglect to — 
 to make choice of a Collector or receiver of the said severall duties within three 
 dayes after such nomination the said Lord or by the Proprietor or proprietors of 
 the Castle of Bellfast his her or their Guardian (in case of minority out of the 
 said three Burgesses so to be nominated by such Lord or Proprietor or 
 Proprietors of the Castle of Bellfast his her or their Guardian as afforesaid then 
 and soe ofteen and in every such case upon every such [case] neglect It is hereby 
 Enacted that it shall and may be lawfull to and for the Lord or Proprietor or 
 proprietors of the Castle of Bellfast his her or their Guardian as afforesaid under 
 his her their hand and seale to nominate and appointe such one person of the 
 said Burgesses to be Collector and receiver of the said severall dutyes hereby 
 granted and to continue therein from the time of such appointm' until the time 
 for the annuall nominacion and Ellection of such Collector and receiver shall 
 next happen 
 
 And every such Collector or receiver are hereby Enacted to be accountable 
 for the said severall duties to such person and in the same manner as the 
 Annuall Collector and receiver thereof are hereby directed and required 
 
 Provided [that] Allwayes that this Act shall continue and remaine in force 
 for the space of twenty one yeares and to the end of the next Session of Parliam' 
 and noe longer 
 
 BRIEF in Behalfe of the Corporacon of Bellfast 
 
 The designe of this Bill is to supply the Inconveniences 
 that the Towne of Bellfast lyes under in being deprived of 
 the Tunnage the heretofore had by vertue of a Bylaw made 
 by consent of the Lord of the Castle for keepeing the Key 
 
 the Dock and harbour in repaire. 
 
 This duty is in a maner a Tax upon the Tradeing men of the Corporation 
 
 w'* they are willingly to pay for the incouragem' of their Trade soe as it may 
 
 be in such hands as they may be assured will applye it for the advantage of 
 
 Trade. 
 
2o8 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 In all grants for the benefitts of Corporacons the grant is made and the 
 managem' thereof is intrusted to the care of the Corporation who are to reape 
 the benefitt thereof and to suppose they will misapplye it as it layes a great 
 imputation on them, soe it is without president to place it into any other hand 
 
 The Corporation have hitherto given sufficient Testimony of applying that 
 duty to the repaire of the Key and since it is not in ye power of any person to 
 show that ever there was one farthing misaplyed there no reason to doubt their 
 care therein for the future. 
 
 The Lord of the Castle have ben heretofore allwayes inclynable to incourage 
 the trade thereof and never interposed in any affaire relating to their Trade 
 And as the Lords of the Castle can never be supposed to be conusant in affaires 
 of Trade soe they never interfered with the marchants therein 
 
 The person to receive ye money and the method of layeing it out was 
 allwayes intrusted to ye Corporation and the late Lord Donegall nor any of his 
 predisessors Lords of the Castle never had ever desired to have any hand in the 
 managem' thereof 
 
 The Corporation is willing to live easly mind their businesse and to have a 
 good correspondence with the Lord of the Castle and they apprehend to Lett 
 the Lord of the Castle have any hand in the managem' of this duty will be 
 means to creat misunderstanding between the Castle and them. 
 
 Its proposed as amendm' to the Bill that the Lord of the Castle doe yearly 
 present 3 Burgesses and the Corporation to chuse one of them to collect and be 
 accountable to the Lord of Castle and the Corporation 
 
 Wee doe apprehend that is to give the intire disposall of the duty to the 
 Lord of the Castle [& doe yearly present 3 burgesses of the Corporation to chuse 
 one of them to be collector & to be accountable to ye said Lord of the Castle & 
 the Corporacon] for by this means none can be Collector but by favour of the 
 Castle and consequently will be intirely under his Govemmt 
 
 if the Lord of the Castle should have the nameing of 3 Burgesses whereof 
 the Corporacon is to chuse one the Corporacon will have no choice for by the 
 Charter the Lord of the Castle make whom he pleaseth Constable of the Castle 
 and he by vertue of his office is allwayes a Burgesse the Constable of the Castle 
 is allwayes the Lords sarvant 
 
 They have named Mr Byrt to be Collector & hereafter they may name him 
 and Capt John Chichester one of the family who is above attending such an 
 office and the Constable of the Castle who are Burgesses or they name two with 
 one whom they have a mind should be Collector what ellection then have the 
 Corporation 
 
 Suppose the Lord of the Castle name Burgesses who are insolvent and 
 Imbessell the money who shall answer it to the Corporacon besides people wont 
 dare to call him strictly to account or to prosecute him for any mismanagem' 
 being the creature of a great man for feare of disoblidgeing 
 
 The nameing of 3 to be Collectors will be like the nameing of 3 to be 
 Soveraigne the Lord of the Castle putt a marke upon the one he would have 
 chosen Sovereign and whoe ever votes for any other is ill look'd upon by the 
 Castle this wee have found by experience and may reasonably expect the like 
 treatment for the future 
 
 The cause of the present misunderstanding between the Castle and the 
 Towne is because the Towne would not consent to give up the intire managem' 
 of the Corporacon in making Burgesses chusing a Soveraigne and ellecting such 
 persons to serve in Parliam' as were recomended to them by the Castle. 
 
 As to ye Limitacion of 21 yeares its altogether unreasonable to make 
 Temporary provission when the charge of keeping up the Key and cleansing 
 the Dock and Channell will be perpetuall. 
 
 The clause w* requires the Collector to account before the Lord of the 
 Castle and the Corporacon may create great confusion for by this meanes if the 
 Lord of the Castle and the Corporacon doe not both of them approve of the 
 Accounts the Collector who is lyable to penaltys cannot be discharged and good 
 men will be freightned from serveing. 
 
 Wee have complimented the Lord of the Castle with haveing the Accounts 
 layed before them one every yeare by w'' they will have an oppertunity of 
 [sueing for the penalty and taking care] seeing whether there be any mis- 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 209 
 
 managemt or misapplicacion and thereby have an oppertunity of sueing for the 
 penalty and takeing care that the intent of the Act be pursued and noebody will 
 dare to tripp when they know they are to undergo such an Inquisition. 
 
 Wee had severall meeting upon this occassion before the Bill passed the 
 house of Comons and this business of the Collector was looked upon soe 
 unreasonable that they did thinke fitt soe much as to putt it into the Clause the 
 brought into the house but they expressing some Jealousey as to the surplus if 
 there should be any that the Corporacon might make a fund of it and att some 
 time or other perhapps make use of it against the family to convince that that 
 wee had nothing in our view butt a publick good wee complimented them with 
 leaveing it in my Lord Donegalls power to putt a negative upon the applicacion 
 of the surplus money, if they are not content with this the Corporacon will not 
 consent to under the Tax unlesse they may be at liberty to dispose of it for the 
 benefitt cf their trade. 
 
 Nota, 
 That there can be no parity of reason because the Lord Donegall has a 
 power by the Charter to name 3 to be Soveraigne that he should here have 
 power to name 3 to be Collector because the Soveraigne is the principal! person 
 in the Corporacon and that was a trust reposed in him by the Crown when there 
 was not above 3 or 4 houses in the Town and the protestant Interest was not 
 well established in that part of the Countrey to keepe Corporacon stanch in 
 their allegiance and in the Intrest of England but even the Crown did not 
 thinke fitt to grant any larger power for the election of the Burgesses and the 
 chooseing of all the Inferiour officers and Sarvants of the Corporacon such as this 
 Collector must be is left intirely to ye Corporacon without the Castle and there- 
 fore to grant him this power now would be giveing him more then every any of 
 his predecessours Lords of the Castle [and therefore] ever claimed or had and 
 would be an Innovacion upon ye Corporacon 
 
 If it be objected that ye Corporacon cannot make a by Law without the 
 consent of the Lord of ye Castle it is true they cannot but when it is once made 
 a by Law the Lord of the Castle as nothing to doe further with it or any power 
 in the execucion of it nor did any of the Lords of the Castle ever interfere in ye 
 execucion of the by Law which is now proposed to be confirmed by an Act of 
 Parliam*. Soe the single question is whether the Lord of the Castle or rather 
 indeed now whether the Legislature do thinke this is a reasonable law and will 
 be for the advantage of trade and her Ma"" Revenue if so the Lord of the 
 Castle ought to have no more to doe with it upon any pretence of any power 
 from the Charter then he has in the execucion of any other of the by Lawes or 
 then any other of his predecessors ever had. 
 
 HIS is to certifie all whom it may concern that I John Jay now Resi- 
 denter in Belfast in y' County of Antrim in y' Kingdom of Ireland 
 aged about seventy eight or seventy nine years bom att Scabee 
 in Yorkshire in England am y° son of George Jay y" Elder brother 
 of Sucklin Jay who gott into y' Estate of Helveston four miles from 
 Norwich in y' County of Norfolk after my fathers death and in my minority 
 and I afterwards growing to be about sixteen years of age listed myself 
 a souldier in Croumwells army came for this Kingdom and am here 
 settled and finding myself antient and uncapable of travell and knowing 
 had Justice and Equity took place y' Estate of Helveston afores^ should 
 have fallen to me and being sencible of my negligence and knowing my 
 Brothers son y* Bearer hereof to be lawfuU heir of y' said Helveston 
 after my decease thinks myself bound in conscience I haveing no children 
 to make knowen to him y' Reallity of y' said concern as by letters 
 from me he hath received and cannot but declare and testifie that y' said 
 Bearer George Jay is y' Lawfull begotten son of my Brother CJeorge Jay born 
 in London in y' little Mineris in y' year one thousand six hundred seventy and 
 two and have therefore on that account given y" said George Jay my nephew- 
 full power and Authority as by a letter of Attoumey in his Custody doth more 
 fully appear to sue for y* said Estate of Helveston dureing my life and I do 
 further testifie and declare that no person or persons whatsoever rec^ from me 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
2IO The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 or by my order any writings to recover y" premisses for y' certainty whereof I 
 
 have sett to my hand and seal the i8th day of May one thousand seven hundred 
 
 and ten 1710 t i. t 
 
 John Jay 
 
 Burr" de ) We ye Sovereign Burgesses and ffreemen of ye Burrough 
 
 Belfast S afores'' in ye County of Antrim in Ireland 
 
 Do hereby certifie to all whom it may concern that y' above John Jay an 
 antient and honest Inhabitant of this Borrough has signed sealed and delivered 
 to his Brothers son George Jay y' above contentts w" a letter of Attourney to 
 sue for y' right of y° s'' John Jay. 
 
 Given under our hands and scale of y" s* Burrough this iSth day of May 
 
 '^'° Roger Haddock Sove" 
 
 John Craford Hen: Shads Rob: Leathes James Gurner Nicholas 
 Thettford George Portiss 
 
 Know all men by these presents that I John Jay of Belfast in y' County of 
 Antrim in y' Kingdome of Ireland do hereby nominate constitute ordaine and 
 appoint George Jay (my Brothers son) of Belturbett in y" County of Cavan in y" 
 afores'' Kingdome my true and Lawfull attourney for me and in my name stead 
 and place to enter into and take possession of all that messuage Lands tenemts and 
 hereditamts (or Estate) called Helveston for (sic) miles from Norwich in y" County 
 of Norfolk in England & also for me & in my name to sue forth and prosecute 
 against any person or persons whatsoever any writt or writts action or actions as to 
 him shall seem meett for y' recovering or obtaining the possession or seazing of 
 y' premisses or any part thereof & further do & execute all & every such act or 
 thing tending to y" recovery of my Estate & right in y' said messuage & lands 
 or any part thereof and further I do hereby g-ive and grant unto my said 
 attourney full and whole power & authority from me & in my name stead & 
 place to make and conclude wth any person or persons any agreemt whatsoever 
 tuching ye premisses in as full & ample manner as I myself could do in my own 
 person & I will ratifie & confimn whatsoever my said attourney shall Lawfully do in 
 persuance of these presents In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand & 
 seal this iSth day of May 1710 j^^j^j^ y 
 
 Signed sealed & delivered in presence of 
 
 Roger Haddock Sove™ 
 
 Rob Leathes John Craford James Gurner Nicholas Thettford 
 George Portiss Hen: Shads 
 
 On the eigth day of December one thousand seven 
 hundred and Eleven the Sovereign and Burgesses then 
 assembled ffor choosenig a free Burgess in place of Mr 
 Richard Willson Burgess who departed this life on Sunday 
 the second day of December Instant they did elect and 
 unanimously choose Hans Hamilton Esq' a free Burgess in 
 his place and room And at the same time the said Mr 
 Hamilton took the oath of a Burgess as Usuall 
 
 Roger Haddock Sover" 
 
 Rob Leathes Geo Macartney John Halridge 
 Nicholas Thettford George: Portis James Gurner 
 Geo: Macartney 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 2 1 1 
 
 To the Soveraigne & Burgesses of the Corporation of Belfast 
 
 Whereas I Roger Haddock of Carranbane in the County of Downe one of 
 the Burgesses of the s'' Corporation am by my own private affairs and by other 
 business in which I am engaged prevented from giveing due attendance or doing 
 such service to the s'' Corporation as I am inchned to doe Now I the said Roger 
 Haddock doe for the reasons afores' by these presents Surrender & give up to 
 the s'' Soveraigne & Burgesses my Burgesship which I desire they will be 
 pleased to accept of & dispose of the same to such person as they shall think 
 most capable to serve the s'' Coiporation In witness whereof I have hereunto 
 putt my hand & seale the 14th day of Novembr 1713 
 
 Roger Haddock Ja: Wallace Ter: Dogherty John Murray Copia vera 
 
 We the Sovereig^n and Burijesses havinsf been assembled 
 to Elect and choose a free Burgess to serve in the room of 
 Mr Roger Haddock of Carranbane who resigned his place 
 of Burgess which resignation did first come to our hands 
 the seventh of December one thousand seven hundred and 
 thirteen We did unanimously choose Mr. Robert Le Byrtt of 
 Belfast a free Burgess of this Corporation in his room the 
 same day And whereas the said Robert Le Byrtt hath been 
 hitherto hindered from taking the oath of a Burgess by reason 
 of his being detained in Dublin he haveingbeen sent thither 
 to the Parliam' with the Records of this Corporation by the 
 Sovereign of this Burrouofh we do therefore now confirm 
 the said Election and he hath this day accordingly taken 
 the oath of a Burgess before us As witness our hands this 
 twenty eigth day of December one thousand seven 
 hundred and thirteen 
 
 Robert Leathes Soveraigne 
 
 Nath: Byrtt Henry Ellis George Portis James 
 Gurner Nicholas Thettford Thos: Banks 
 
 This day at an Assembly of the Sovereign and Burgesses 
 of the Burrough of Belfast M' Thomas Banks was sworn 
 [Burgess] as being Constable of the Castle of Belfast before 
 us as witness our hands the twenty eigth day of December 
 one thousand seven hundred & thirteen 
 
 Rob' Leathes Soveraigne 
 
 Nath: Byrtt Henry Ellis George Portis James 
 Gurner Nicholas Thettford 
 
 29'^ day of January 1714 
 
 Att a Court then holden wee the Soveraign and Burgesses 
 by the experience and good opinion wee have had & do 
 
212 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 still have unto Robert Lebyrtt a Burgess of this Burrough 
 have elected & chosen him to be our Town Clerk during 
 his honest carrying and upright behaviour in the said place 
 and have given him a pattent for the same under our hands 
 & the Comon Seal of Town 
 
 James Gurner Sovereign 
 
 Rob' Leathes Nath: Byrtt George Portis Henry 
 Ellis Nicholas Thettford Tho': Banks Constable 
 of the Castle 
 
 We the Sovereign and Burgesses having been assembled 
 to Elect and chose a free Burgess to serve in ye Room of 
 James Macartney Esqrone of the Judges of his Maj"." Court 
 of Common Pleas in Ireland who resigned his place of 
 Burgess (which resignation came to our hands the sixteenth 
 day of August 17 15 and dated the said day) we did unani- 
 mously choose Edward Clements Esq^a free Burgess of this 
 Corporation in his room same day and the said Edward 
 Clements hath this day accordingly taken the oath of a 
 Burgess Wherefore we do confirm the said Election 
 undr our hands this said 1 6 day of August 1 7 1 5 
 
 James Gurner Sovereign 
 
 Robt Leathes Jn° Ech: Chichester Geo: 
 
 Macartney John Hallridge Nath: Byrtt Henry 
 
 Ellis George: Portis Nicholas Thettford Geo: 
 Macartney Robt: Lebyrtt 
 
 At an assembly held in the Burrough of Belfast 
 by the Sover" and Burgesses of the said Burrough 
 the twenty fifth day of June 1716 James Gurner 
 Esql: then Sovereign 
 
 Whereas there was a By Law made the twenty fourth 
 day of June 1660 prohibiting any Burgesse after being 
 Elected and sworn Soveraign of the Burrough of Belfast to 
 sell by Retail in his house any wine, beer, ale aqua vit^e or 
 other strong waters or keep entertainment in his house 
 dureing the time of his being Sovereign of the said 
 Burrough on forfeiture of one hundred pounds And 
 whereas it is the opinion of the Sovereign and all the 
 Burgesses now present that whoever is admitted a Burgess 
 of the said Corporation ought to be qualified to serve as 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 2 1 3 
 
 Sovereign when Elected and also that the said By Law is 
 useless and inconvenient It is therefore ordered by the 
 said Sovereign and Burgesses that the said By Law be and 
 is hereby Repealed annulled and made void to all intents 
 and purposes whatsoever and the same is accordingly 
 hereby declared to be from the date hereof annulled 
 Repealed and made void to all intents and purposes what- 
 soever T Z-' c • 
 
 James Gurner Sovereign 
 
 Robt Leathes Henry Ellis George: Portis Hans 
 Hamilton Robt Lebyrtt Thos: Banks 
 
 This day at an assembly of the Sovereign & Burgesses 
 of the Burrough of Belfast the Rev'' Doct' William Tisdall 
 was sworn as being Constable of the Castle of Belfast 
 before us As witness our hands this fifth day of Aprill 1 7 1 7 
 
 Henry Ellis Sovereign 
 
 This day at an assembly of the Sovereign and Burgesses 
 Capt Robert Leathes was sworn as being Constable of the 
 Castle of Belfast before us As witness our hands this 29 
 
 J" ' ' Henry Ellis Sovereign 
 
 Nicholas Thettford Rob' Lebyrtt Nath: Byrtt 
 George Portis James Gurner 
 
 We the Soveraign & Burgesses haveing been assembled 
 to Ellect and choose a Free Burgess to serve in the Room 
 and place of Edward Clements Deceased we have unani- 
 mously chosen Thomas Hewetson a fifree Burgess of this 
 Corporation in his Room this 27th day of May and the said 
 Thomas Hewetson hath this day accordingly taken the 
 oaths of a Burgess whereof we do confirm the said Ellection 
 under our hands this said 27th day of May 17 18 
 
 Jo: Carpenter Sovereign 
 
 Henry Ellis James Gurner Rob': Lebyrtt Rob' 
 Leathes 
 
 The Io'^ Day of November 1720 
 
 At a Generall Assembly of the Sovereign and Burgesses 
 and free Commonalty of the Towne and Corporation 
 Edward Hall was duly elected and chosen to serve the 
 
214 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Corporation in the office of Serjeant at Mace in the room 
 and place of John Brooks Deceased 
 
 Rob': Byrtt Sov"? 
 
 Isaac M'^Cartney Rob' Hamilton Mich' Wood 
 Lewes Smith Tho^ Miller Rober' M'Calpin Tho: 
 Warnock Geo: Macartney Nath Byrtt James 
 Gurner Nicholas Thettford J a' Macartney 
 
 Belfast September the 28'^ A? Dni 1721 
 
 At a Court then held we the Soveraigne & Burgesses 
 have administred the oath of a ffree Burgess to Rob' Green 
 Esq! Constable of the Castle of Belfast and do hereby allow 
 he hath a Right to all the priviledges and Libertys w':'' any 
 Constable of the Castle heretofore has enjoyed & which by 
 the Charter of the said Town are allowed 
 
 Rob': Byrtt Sov" 
 
 John Hallridge Henry Ellis George: Portis James 
 Gurner Nicholas Thettford Ja' Macartney 
 
 Belfast the 24"" day of October An?. Domini 1723 
 
 At an [court] Assembly then held Wee the Burgesses have 
 administred the oath of A free Burgess to Thomas Banks 
 Gent Constable of the Castle of Belfast and doe hereby 
 allow he hath a Right to all the priviledges and Liberties 
 which any Constable of the Castle heretofore has Enjoyed 
 & which by the Charter of the said Town are allowed 
 
 Burrough of Belfast 20"" Sepf 1725 
 
 At an Assembly of the Sovereign & Burgesses then mett together 
 the underneath bonds and papers were Delivered over by Arthur Byrtt 
 son to the late Nathl. Byrtt Esq' Sov'" of the s'' Burrough to James 
 Macartney Esq^ the p'sent Sov'" thereof The Right Honble The Earl of 
 Donnegalls bond for 200' dated the 26"' March 1702 & payable to Jno 
 Chalmers Esq' then Sov'" for the use of the poor Sampson Theakers 
 Bond for 10' dated the 25'!' Deer 1676 & payable to George Macartney 
 Esq' then Sov'" John Carpenter Esqf his Bond 150' dated i" Dec' 1720 
 & payable to Rob' Byrtt Esq' then Sov" Mr Isaac Macartneys promisary 
 note for 242" ster Dated the 8"' day of Septf 17 18 & payable to George 
 Macartney Esq' then Sovr'" The Lady Longfords Letter dated 29'" Deer 
 1692 owing the rec' of 100! for the use of the poor Rob' Leathes 
 Esq' his rec' to Clotworthy Upton Esq' for 32" dated 4"" June 17 14 
 A Rec! from Rob' Leathes Esq' to Geo McCartney Esqf Sov'? for 
 sevl' bonds & papers therein mencioned to be Delive? to him Dated 
 28'? May 1 7 14 Clothworthy Upton Esq! his acco' for Interest Due to the 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 215 
 
 poore Roger Haddocks Rec' to Clotworthy Upton Esq' for 96' dated 
 Jany 3"' 17 10 Ditt'" Rec' to Ditto for 32" Dated 10'!' June 17 12 James 
 Gurner Sov™ his Rec' to Ditto for 32" Dated 19"' November 17 14 
 Dittos Rec^ to Ditto for 32" Dated 9'!' July 17 15 A Letter from Tiio' 
 Banks to the Sov'" & Burgesses dated 1 8"' August 1 7 1 8 giving an acco' of 
 32" by him paid to Capf Leathes on acco' of Interest due by L'' Donnegall 
 to the s!*. poor A List of the poor & the money paid them to the year 
 1 7 19 Apaperofordersofanassembly dated the 2 2''Aprill 1725 in relacion to 
 the poors money Memo'" a Rec' given same day by the Sov'" for the above 
 
 P^P^"^^ James Macartney Sover? 
 
 Burrough of 
 
 Belfast 
 
 At an Assembly of the Sovereign Burgesses & Comonality of 
 said Burrough Arthur Byrtt Esqr Sovrn held the eight day ot 
 
 November 1744 at the Market house of said Burrough and continued from time 
 to time by adjournment to the 15th of said month as appears by the List of 
 voters hereunto annexed to choose a Sergeant at Mace for said Burrough in the 
 Room & place of Edward Hall who for his mismanagement in his office as also 
 that he is at present confined in Jeal at Carrickfergus for Debt and not Likely 
 to be relieved by which means he is rendered incaple of doing his duty as Town 
 Serjeant Clement Monepenny was elected Chosen & sworn same day Serjeant 
 at Mace for said Burrough by the majority of said assembly in the Room & 
 place of said Edward Hall so disqualified Dated this 15th day of November 1744 
 
 Entered by Robt Byrtt Town Clerk 
 
 Ar: Byrtt Sovem 
 
 CANDIDATES 
 
 No 
 
 Clements Monepenny 
 
 No 
 
 Arthur Hall 
 
 I 
 
 James Archbald 
 
 I 
 
 Roger Haddock 7 
 
 
 2 
 
 Thomas Banks Esqr i 
 
 2 
 
 And" M'Comb 8 
 
 
 3 
 
 Hugh Donaldson 2 
 
 3 
 
 Alex' M'Kyle 9 
 
 
 4 
 
 John Sharp 3 
 
 4 
 
 James Greerer 
 
 
 5 
 
 Thomas Beatton 
 
 5 
 
 W" Wallace 
 
 
 6 
 
 Alex' Young 4 
 
 6 
 
 Ja' Holmes 10 
 
 
 7 
 
 John Stewart 
 
 7 
 
 Duncan Taylor 11 
 
 
 8 
 
 John Gordon 
 
 8 
 
 John ffleming 12 
 
 
 9 
 
 Dan' Blow 
 
 9 
 
 Robt Stewart 13 
 
 
 10 
 
 John Brown 
 
 10 
 
 John Beggs 14 
 
 
 II 
 
 Alex' Stewart 5 
 
 II 
 
 John Potts 15 
 
 
 1 2 
 
 Ben" Legg 6 
 
 12 
 
 Hugh Lynn 16 
 
 
 13 
 
 Henry Blair 17 
 
 13 
 
 John Ashmere 
 
 
 14 
 
 Margetson Saunders 18 
 
 14 
 
 John Scott 
 
 
 15 
 
 John Johnston 19 
 
 15 
 
 John M'Munn 35 
 
 
 16 
 
 And" Gelaspie 
 
 16 
 
 Saml Moffett 
 
 
 17 
 
 Sm" Wilson 20 
 
 17 
 
 John Ballentine Barber 
 
 36 
 
 18 
 
 Robt M'MulIan 
 
 18 
 
 Robt Gaskin 
 
 
 »9 
 
 Robt Caulfield 
 
 19 
 
 Charles Ramage 
 
 
 20 
 
 Robt Clark 
 
 20 
 
 Jas Adair Senr. 37 
 
 
 2 1 
 
 John Black 
 
 21 
 
 And" Hannah 38 
 
 
 22 
 
 Isaac Read 21 
 
 22 
 
 Sam" Brown 
 
 
 23 
 
 Edward Mitchell 22 
 
 23 
 
 John Cunningham 39 
 
 
 24 
 
 James Carmichael 
 
 24 
 
 Rich'' Coleman 40 
 
 
 25 
 
 Hugh Martin 23 
 
 25 
 
 W" Paterson 
 
 
 26 
 
 Thos Lowry 
 
 26 
 
 Geo Walls 
 
 
 27 
 
 Will" Miller 
 
 27 
 
 Saml Boyd 41 
 
 
 28 
 
 Hugh M'Kitrick 24 
 
 28 
 
 Thos ffife 42 
 
 
 29 
 
 John M'Nish 25 
 
 29 
 
 John Cowden 43 
 
 
2l6 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 No 
 
 Clements Monepenny 
 
 No 
 
 Arthur Hall 
 
 30 
 
 Robt Wills 26 
 
 30 
 
 John ffife Barber 44 
 
 31 
 
 Sam" Smith 27 
 
 31 
 
 John Whitlock 45 
 
 32 
 
 John Gregg 
 
 32 
 
 Wm Cross 46 
 
 z-i 
 
 Wm Gregg 28 
 
 33 
 
 Geo Sharp 47 
 
 34 
 
 John Coheran 
 
 34 
 
 John Stevenson 48 
 
 35 
 
 Sam" Joy 
 
 35 
 
 Wm Sharpley 49 
 
 36 
 
 Wm Stott 29 
 
 36 
 
 Mathew Douglass 50 
 
 37 
 
 Jam" Peacock 30 
 
 37 
 
 Michael M'ffall 51 
 
 38 
 
 Gilbert M 'Cully 31 
 
 38 
 
 Tho Whitnall 52 
 
 39 
 
 Walter Wilson 32 
 
 39 
 
 Tho Servise 53 
 
 40 
 
 Jam" Smith -^t, 
 
 40 
 
 Alex' Mugerlane 
 
 41 
 
 Geo Ashmere 34 
 
 41 
 
 Jam' Boyd 54 
 
 42 
 
 Wm Archibald 
 
 42 
 
 Thos Johnston 
 
 43 
 
 Chas Hamilton 
 
 43 
 
 John M'[Cleary]Creery 
 
 44 
 
 ffra Kirkland 55 
 
 44 
 
 Robt M'Creery 
 
 45 
 
 Wm Hannah 
 
 45 
 
 John Dorment 
 
 46 
 
 John Taylor 
 
 46 
 
 John Lowden 69 
 
 47 
 
 John M'Donald 56 
 
 47 
 
 Geo M'Creery 70 
 
 48 
 
 Jas Bell 
 
 48 
 
 David Jukes 
 
 49 
 
 Thos Anderson 
 
 49 
 
 Thos Wamock 71 
 
 SO 
 
 John M'Murray 
 
 50 
 
 Wm M'Cleary 72 
 
 51 
 
 Val Thetford 56 
 
 51 
 
 Thomas Smalshaw -]}, 
 
 52 
 
 Wm Holmes 57 
 
 52 
 
 John Ratclife 
 
 53 
 
 John Millwright 
 
 53 
 
 John Peart 74 
 
 54 
 
 Jas Blow 58 
 
 54 
 
 Michl Ratclife 75 
 
 55 
 
 Henry Duncan 59 
 
 55 
 
 Geo M'ffarson 
 
 56 
 
 Ed" M'Donald 60 
 
 56 
 
 John Miller 
 
 57 
 
 John Leech 61 
 
 57 
 
 John Smith 
 
 58 
 
 Hugh Boyd 
 
 58 
 
 John Brown 
 
 59 
 
 John Jemison 
 
 59 
 
 Alex' Ward 76 
 
 60 
 
 John Knox 
 
 60 
 
 John M'ffadden 
 
 61 
 
 Chas Walsh 62 
 
 61 
 
 Jas Ramsey 
 
 62 
 
 John Duff Burgess 63 
 
 63 
 
 Wm Nutt 
 
 63 
 
 Wm Simpson 64 
 
 63 
 
 Moses Hill 
 
 64 
 
 Jas Ross 65 
 
 64 
 
 Jas Anderson 
 
 65 
 
 Wm Boyd 66 
 
 65 
 
 Wm Worthington Junr 77 
 
 66 
 
 Henry Kelso 
 
 66 
 
 Wm MaGofolk 78 
 
 67 
 
 James Weir 67 
 
 67 
 
 Wm Mathews 
 
 68 
 
 Wm Dick 68 
 
 68 
 
 Robt Black 
 
 
 
 69 
 
 Thomas Gregory 79 
 
 
 Adjourned to Saturday 
 
 70 
 
 Richd Whitford 80 
 
 
 the loth of Novr 1744 
 
 71 
 
 ffra Beaty 
 
 
 
 72 
 
 Wm Wha 81 
 
 69 
 
 Alexr Spawin 82 
 
 73 
 
 Saml Galloway 
 
 70 
 
 Tho Whiteside 83 
 
 74 
 
 John Jakson 
 
 71 
 
 Revd Geo Robertson 84 
 
 75 
 
 Robt Corbitt 
 
 72 
 
 John Gibson 
 
 76 
 
 Alex' Mears 102 
 
 73 
 
 Neile Patten 
 
 n 
 
 Robt Gutry 
 
 74 
 
 Ralph Charley 85 
 
 78 
 
 Jas Lemon 
 
 75 
 
 John Leith 86 
 
 79 
 
 Tho Coulter 103 
 
 76 
 
 ' as Wilson 87 
 
 80 
 
 Hh" Haven 
 
 77 
 
 Tho Jones 88 
 
 81 
 
 David Stevenson 
 
 78 
 
 John Ross 89 
 
 82 
 
 Michl Ratcliffe Senr 104 
 
 79 
 
 Wm Worthington Senr 90 
 
 83 
 
 Mathw King 105 
 
 80 
 
 Wm Lawson 91 
 
 84 
 
 Pat Gibson 
 
 81 
 
 John Holmes 
 
 85 
 
 W" Cambell 
 
 82 
 
 Dav'' Lyons 
 
 86 
 
 W° Beck 
 
 83 
 
 Wm Biggar 
 
 87 
 
 W" Caruthers 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 217 
 
 No 
 
 Clements Monepenny 
 
 No 
 
 Arthur Hall 
 
 84 
 
 Robt Aldiich 
 
 88 
 
 Saml Allen 106 
 
 85 
 
 John Jones 92 
 
 89 
 
 Robt Henderson 
 
 86 
 
 Hugh Beaty 
 
 90 
 
 Geo Magee 
 
 87 
 
 Ed" fforsyth 
 
 91 
 
 John Herd 107 
 
 88 
 
 John fibrsyth 93 
 
 92 
 
 Richd Coulter 108 
 
 89 
 
 Henry Charley 94 
 
 93 
 
 Israel Bums 109 
 
 90 
 
 Martin VVorthington 95 
 
 94 
 
 John M'ffarran 
 
 91 
 
 Henry Linn 
 
 95 
 
 Arth' Clark 
 
 92 
 
 Adam Addidle 
 
 96 
 
 George Cork 1 10 
 
 93 
 
 James Chads 96 
 
 97 
 
 Hen Vernett 
 
 94 
 
 ffra Bowell 97 
 
 98 
 
 Tho Graham 1 1 1 
 
 95 
 
 Wm Kirkwood 98 
 
 99 
 
 Isaac Hall 112 
 
 96 
 
 Jas Woods 99 
 
 100 
 
 John Hall 113 
 
 97 
 
 Wm Legg ICX3 
 
 
 
 98 
 
 John Stewart 
 
 
 Adjourned to Saturday 
 
 99 
 
 Thos M'Connell loi 
 
 
 the loth of Novr 1744 
 
 ICX3 
 
 John Wilson 
 
 
 
 lOI 
 
 Cha M'Neily 
 
 lOI 
 
 Andw Sloan 127 
 
 102 
 
 Obed' Grove 114 
 
 102 
 
 Cha Moor 128 
 
 103 
 
 Cha Young 115 
 
 103 
 
 John Brown 
 
 104 
 
 Jas Charley 116 
 
 104 
 
 Thos Heming 
 
 los 
 
 James 
 
 105 
 
 Neile Magee 129 
 
 106 
 
 Wm Brown 
 
 106 
 
 Hugh Holmes 130 
 
 
 
 107 
 
 John Dorment 
 
 
 Adjourned to thursday 
 
 108 
 
 John Riggs 
 
 
 the 15th of Novr 1744 
 
 109 
 
 Andw Trimble 
 
 
 
 no 
 
 Dav' Mote 
 
 107 
 
 Geo Macartney Esqr 
 
 III 
 
 Robt M'ffall 131 
 
 108 
 
 Revd Barnard Ward 
 
 112 
 
 Wm Watt 132 
 
 109 
 
 Val Jones Junr 
 
 '13 
 
 Gawen Davison 
 
 no 
 
 Thos Gregg 
 
 114 
 
 Sam' Read 133 
 
 III 
 
 Vincent Mercy 
 
 115 
 
 Day" Logan 134 
 
 112 
 
 John M'Kedy 117 
 
 116 
 
 John Bole 
 
 113 
 
 Saml Stanton 118 
 
 117 
 
 Wm Pettycrewe 
 
 114 
 
 Robt Wallace 
 
 
 
 "5 
 
 John Hay 
 
 
 Adjourned to thursday 
 
 116 
 
 Hen: East 
 
 
 15th Novr 1744 
 
 117 
 
 John Rice 119 
 
 
 
 118 
 
 Jas Dixon 
 
 
 
 119 
 
 Wm Johnston Landw' 
 
 
 
 120 
 
 Saml M'Teer 
 
 
 
 121 
 
 John Armstrong 120 
 
 133 
 
 Wm Hamilton 
 
 122 
 
 John M'Cahee 
 
 134 
 
 John Clark 138 
 
 123 
 
 John Bennett 121 
 
 135 
 
 Wm Culbert 139 
 
 124 
 
 Hen M'ffadden 
 
 136 
 
 Jas M'Donald 140 
 
 125 
 
 Saml Macartney 122 
 
 137 
 
 Phi: Coats 141 
 
 126 
 
 Robt Hay 123 
 
 138 
 
 Robert ffoothey 142 
 
 127 
 
 Archd Miller 124 
 
 139 
 
 Nathl Morrison 143 
 
 128 
 
 Gilbert M'Dowell 125 
 
 140 
 
 Michl Addidle 144 
 
 129 
 
 Jas Law 126 
 
 141 
 
 Jas Young 145 
 
 130 
 
 ffaithfuU Wilson 135 
 
 142 
 
 Thos Sturgeon 146 
 
 131 
 
 Randall Petty crew 136 
 
 143 
 
 Michl Mears 147 
 
 132 
 
 Isaac Agnew 137 
 
 
 
 Att the adjournmt to this day at the Close thereof the said Arthur Hall gave 
 up having no more to poll nor offering any more votes & the said Clements 
 Monepenny being 26 votes more than said Hall the Election was declared 
 publickly in Court in the favour of the said Monepenny who was then & there 
 
2l8 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 sworn into the office of Serjeant at Mace for the Burrough of Belfast aforesaid 
 in the Room & place of the aforesaid Edwd Hall 
 
 Entd this 15th day of Nov 1744 upon Ar: Byrtt Sovn 
 
 Record by Robt Byrtt Town Clark 
 
 For Clements Monepenny 
 For Arthur Hall 
 
 143 
 117 
 
 26 
 
 Majority for C Monepenny 
 
 260 Gross amount 
 
 Bur: of 
 Belfast 
 
 At an Assembly of the Sovereign & free 
 Burgesses of this Corporation this day held in 
 order to chuse a burgess in Parliament in the room of 
 David John Barry Esq' deceased & in pursuance of a 
 precept from the Sheriff of this County We doe unanimously 
 Chuse & Elect the Hon"" John Chichester to represent us 
 in Parliam' in the room of s"! Mr Barry 
 
 Dated this I4'^ November 1745 Ar: Byrtt Sov"; 
 
 Copy of the freedom presented to his Grace the L'' Primate in 
 a gold Box the 2°'' Sept' 1748 
 Be it Remembered that an assembly held at y' Town Hall of the Burrough 
 of Belfast the 2'' day of Sept' in the year of our Lord 1^48 Margetson 
 Saunders Esq' Sovereign of s? Burrough his Grace the most rev** father in God 
 George Lord ArchBpp of Ardmagh Primate & Metropolitan of all Ireland & 
 one of the L''.' Justices thereof was unanimously admitted into the Liberties & 
 franchises of y' said Burrough as a singular mark of our Esteem & affection for 
 him In Testimoney whereof we have caused the Common Seal of y' s? 
 Burrough to be hereunto affixed the day & year afores* 
 
 Margetson Saunders Sov° 
 Constables for ye Town 1^48 
 
 James Tough John Steele Hugh Marron Charles Walsh 
 James Baird Hugh Bamet high Const. 
 
 Burrough of 
 Belfast 
 
 At an Assembly of the Sovereign and 
 free Burgesses of this Corporation this day 
 held in order to chuse a burgess in Parliament in the room 
 of the Hon''!" John Chichester dec? and in pursuance of a 
 precept from the Sherriff of this County We doe unanimously 
 chuse and Elect William Macartney of the Town of Belfast 
 Esquire to represent us in Parliament in the room of the 
 said John Chichester 
 
 Dated this 14''' day of October 1747 forty seven 
 
 Margetson Saunders Sov" 
 
 Names of the Sworn Measurers 1738 & 1754 
 
 I Rob' Huey 8/9 Jo" M^Clealan 
 
 [2 Pat M'Bride] 9/10 Rich'' Campbell 
 
 [3 Mich Wood] [11 Ja. Dickson] 
 
 4 Arch'' Whiteford 2 [12 Arch" Vickar] 
 
 5 Alex' Johnston 3 [13 Arch" Taylor 
 
 6 Ivar M'Intosh 12-14 Jo° Brown 
 
 7 Dougall M'Gregor 5 13-15 Duncan Stewart 
 
 8 John Campbell 6 14 Henry Mullati 
 Rob' Hamilton 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 219 
 
 Constables for the year 1753 for the Town of Belfast 
 W" Wilson high constable 
 Wm Turner In Ann Street 
 Geo: Mitchell old Quay 
 Jo? Har\'ey weaver Mill Street 
 W" Taylor N: Street 
 Arch'' Scott do 
 
 Constables for the year 1754 for the Town of Belfast 
 James M'Watters High Constable 
 W" Brown in Bridge Street 
 W"° Stewart in North Street 
 W° Henderson in New Key 
 Edw* Harrison in Mill Street 
 Gaun Wallace in Bridge Street 
 
 Belfast Wednesday Oct 28 1767 
 At an Assembly of the Soveraign Free Burgesses & 
 Freemen of this Corporation this day held at the Market 
 House Nathaniel Boddle was unanimously chosen one of 
 the Sergeants at Mace of this Borough in the Room of 
 George Murray deceased 
 
 At the same time the said Nath' Boddle took the oath 
 of a Sergeant at Mace before me Geo Macartney 
 
 Enf^ Henry Joy D. T. Clke 
 
 The Oath of the Sovraigne 
 
 You shall sweare that yo" shall well and truly serve our Soveraigne Lord the 
 Kinge by the space of one whole yeare now next ensueing as Sovraigne of the 
 Burrough of Bellfast (If God grant you soe long life) is' uniill a successor be 
 siuonie w"' yo'. best endea"'"\ according to the power given unto you by his Ma"" 
 Lres Pattents and [that] you shall according to the best of yo' knowledge discrecion 
 doe equall justice as well to the pooreas the rich and truly fairly indigently [litely] 
 intreate the people of this Burrough/w/ [and] shall use yo' best endeav'.' to uphold 
 maintayne the rights Libties jurisdiccions and [all] Lawfull ordinances of this 
 Towne and Burrough correccion of victualls (That is to saie) breade wine beare Ale 
 ffish and fleshe you shall truly and tenderly see or cause to bee scene unto crafts- 
 men Labourers and Artificers you shall truly enquire of and those that shall be 
 found guilty faulty and trespassinge therein you shall justly correct and duly 
 reforme, widdows and orphans you shall succour and Defend And finally in all 
 other thinges that shall or may concerne yo' office you shall therein faithfully and 
 uprightly demeane yo' self for the most quiet benefitt worshipp honesty [and] 
 creditt &-* advancem'- of this yo' Burrough and the Inhabitants thereof. Soe help 
 yo" God in Jesus Christ, 
 
 The Oathe of Supremacy 
 
 I doe hereby [utterly] testefie and declare in my conscience that o' Soveraigne 
 Lord King Charles his highnes is the only supreme Governo' of this Realme and 
 of all other his highnes's Dominions and Realmes as well in all Spirituall & 
 ecclesiasticall thinges or causes as in causes and matters temporall and that noe 
 forraigne Prince person prelate state or potentate hath or ought to have any 
 Jurisdiccion power superiority preheminence or authorety ecclesiasticall or 
 Temporall within this Realme and therefore I doe utterly renounce and forsake 
 all furraigne Jurisdiccions powers superiorityes and authoretyes and doe promise 
 that from henceforth I shall beare faithe and such [truth] true alleagiance to the 
 Leige highnes his heires and Lawfull Successors and to my power shall assist and 
 defend all Jurisdiccions priviledges power and authorety granted or belonging to 
 the King's highnes his heires & Successors & enrolled and annexed to the 
 Imperiall Crowne of this Realme Soe help me God &;c 
 
220 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 The Oath of the Overseers of the Markett 
 You shall sweare that you will serve in the office of overseer of the 
 Markett in this Towne untill Easter next if you soe long live dureing w".'' 
 time you shall well and truely looke into y° wholesomnesse of all sorts of flesh 
 meate corne graine ineale Butter and Bread that shall come into the Markett, 
 and see that noe corrupt victuall be brought and sold into the Markett, and if 
 any you are to take it away and from time to time to acquaint y° Soveraigne for 
 the time being of the same and that you shall observe such orders and By Lawes 
 of the Corporacon relateing to the Markett (agreeing w'' the statute in that case 
 made and provided) as shall be given you in charge from time to time by the 
 Soveraigne aforesayd and all other things relating to the office of an overseer of 
 the Markett according to your skill and knowledge you shall observe Soe helpe 
 you God 
 
 [The Oath of a Market Juror per stat 27 Geo. 3. to be sworn one by one 
 in] open court [at Assizes] [You shall well, truly,] and Diligently exercise the 
 office of a Market juror in the Borough of Belfast without favour or affection 
 malice or ill will, to any person or persons whatsoever So help you God 
 
 The oath of a free Burgesse 
 You shall sweare that yo': will be ready as one of the Twelve Burgesses of this 
 Towne and Burrough of Belfast to doe yo' best endeav" for the publique good 
 thereof and that you come uppon due warning given you by or from the Suffran 
 of this Towne and Burrough for the tyme being or any by him appointed to 
 give your true advice and best Counsell in any thing that you shall be required 
 touching the ffranchise weale and the good rule and government of this Towne 
 as oftentymes as cause and occasion shall require And that from henceforth 
 you shall attend & assistant to ye Suffran of this Towne for ye tyme being 
 And that you will keepe the Councell and ordinances made by the Suffran 
 and the major parte of the Burgesses by and w'' the consent of the Lord of the 
 Castle or in his absence the Constable thereof These and all other things w".' 
 belong to a Burgesse of this Towne to doe or to be done you shall well and truly 
 keepe & performe So helpe you God in Christ Jesus, 
 
 \RTHUR lord CHICHESTER BARRON of BELLFAST 
 
 in y" County of Antrim in y" Province of Ulster in y° North of 
 Ireland was a younger son of S' John Chichester of Rawley near 
 Barnstable in Devonshire where he attained to Capacity for y= 
 University he was sent to Oxford and was of Exetter College he was only a 
 Gramer Scholler and being very active strong and ingenious took affection 
 to a Millitary Course he went first into Ireland takeing with him for Com- 
 panion Bartholomew Fortescue my fathers youngest Brother whom he jnuch 
 loved he being as I have often heard his Lord'? say very good Company a 
 valient strong man and one of y" best wrestlers in those times they stay'd 
 a while with S' George Bourchiers who was then Master of y° Ordinance in 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 221 
 
 Ireland and son of y'' Earl of Bath and father of this Earl a Noble Gentle- 
 man they had been Actors with other young gentlemen of a youthfull rash 
 trick in England for which they fled into Ireland and when their friends 
 had obtained their pardon of Queen Elizabeth they returned to England 
 soon after my Lord Chichester who was then but Master Chichester 
 adventured abroad for advancement and ffortescue turned sea Cap' and 
 died in that employment Chichester was afterwards made Cap' of one of 
 y' Queen's best ships under y° command of f Lord Sheffeild at y'^ Sea 
 fight with y^ Spanish Armado in 1588 
 
 He had y*^ comand of one of y" Queen's ships with 500 men in S' 
 ffrancis Drakes last voyage to y'^ west Indies. S' francis Drake died there 
 at that time He was a volunteer in y" Earl of Essexes voyage to Spain 
 and at Cales Captain Paul Chichester who was an able darring man being 
 slayn with a bullett y° Earl of Essex gave him his Company. 
 
 He was Sergeant Major Generall of y'' Queen's Army in Pickardy under 
 y' comand of S' Thomas Buskervill and at y" seige of Ameans was shott 
 in y'^ shoulder and for his couragious good service then and in those warrs 
 was there knighted by King Henry y° fourth. 
 
 ^Vhen those civill warrs were ended he went into y" Low Countries 
 where he had a Company of 200 men which then was his subsistance but 
 S' Rob: Cicell Secretary of State to y'^ Queen being very much his noble 
 friend telling her Maj".° what pitty it was so able a gentleman should bury 
 his time in that Country with a single Company she haveing Imployment 
 for him in Ireland where his Brother S' John Chichester was slayn with a 
 bullett ; got Leave of y" Queen to send for him, he being then garrisoned 
 at Ostend, and to employ him in y" service of Ireland with a Regm' of 1200 
 men, with which command he was sent thither and according to his 
 commision landed them with himself at Dublin S' Adam Loftus of Rath- 
 fernam Lord Chancellor and S' Rob: Gardiner Lord Chief Justice being 
 Lords Justices in y" intervals Between y^ death of y° Lord Barrows Lord 
 Deputy who dyed at Newry and y'= coming of yf Earl of Essex Lord 
 Lievtent from Dublin he was sent with a Regm' to garrison at Tradath 
 within a short time after y'' Earl of Essex arived at Dublin with y= 
 Gallantry of England and hearing much in praise of S' Arthur Chichester 
 and perfection of his Regm! made a journey purposely with his Gallants to 
 see him and S' Arthur haveing drawn his Regm' up in a most fair field and 
 exenv'sed them perfectly at which he was excellent they being in close 
 order y' Earl thinking to put a sully on them by breaking throw them 
 charged at them with his Gallants Cavallry but y' Collonell not being used 
 to receve foyles had so ordered his Pikes as they forced y" Earl to a 
 Corry Coale and upon his wheele a saucie fellow with his Pike prickt his 
 Lord""'' saveing your reverence in y= Rear and made him bleed ; so he 
 haveing enough of that smarting sport, he retreated giving y' Collenell and 
 his Regm' high praise, his Lord'" stayed but a short while in Ireland 
 then came S' Charles Blunt Lord Mountjoy Lord Deputty and was after 
 Earl of Devonshire who within few months made S' Arthur Chichester 
 Serjeant Major Generall of y"' Army he well knowing his strong Abillityes 
 in ffrance and y"-' Low Countries where they had been intimate friends S' 
 Harry Danvers who was afterwards made by King James Lord Danvers 
 and Earl of Danby was before Major Generall: about six months after he was 
 made Governor of Carrickfergus and those parts which being so far off 
 from y'= Lord Generall: as he could not attend to receive and distribute his 
 orders S' John Barkley was made Major Generall: who about a year after was 
 slayn with a bullett at y" takeing of an Island in a logh called Maherlecoo 
 
222 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 in y' County of Ardmagh then was S' Arthur Chichester made Major 
 Generall again and at lenth had that office by patent dureing hfe and after 
 his invading y" County of Tyrone by boats over Logh Neagh from 
 Maserine in y° County of Antrim and raiseing a ffbrt at his landing place 
 which was after named Mountjoy he was made Governor thereof and y° 
 adjacent countries by Pattents and Admirall of Logh Neagh by y" name of 
 Logh Chichester y'' next year y"-' Queen dying King James made y° Lord 
 Deputy Mountjoy Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and S' Arthur Chichester 
 S! Harry Docwray and S' W"' Godolfin Privy Councellors of Ireland which 
 was when they were upon their March with y^' army in Munster to reduce 
 y'' Citty of Watterford Cork and Limrick that rebelled and would not 
 proclaime King James as their King but they were forced to it and some 
 of y" Chief actors hanged at Cork y" next Spring y° Lord Lievten': went for 
 England all being at Peace in Ireland so did S' Arthur Chichester and S' 
 George Carry of Cockinton in Devonshire who was then Treasurer in 
 Ireland was for ye p'sent left Lord Deputy and about two years after or less 
 it being in 1604 S' Arthur Chichester was made Lord Deputy which he 
 held twelve years which was longer than Ever any did before or since and 
 towards his end of that Governm' he was made I5arron of Belfast his own 
 Town and after his rendering up of y" King's sword was made Lord High 
 Treasurer of Ireland then he retired to his Estate and Governm' in 
 Ulster and about three years after was by Lett' from King James called 
 into England and imployed Ambassador to y" Princes of y= Union in 
 Germany and in short time after his return was made one of y" Councell 
 of Warr and within few months one of y" Lords of y" Privy Councell of 
 England and in few years after dyed in London much lamented by all that 
 knew him he was buried at Carrickfergus where he had built y"" noblest 
 brave house in y° Kingdom and had prepared a neate Tomb to receive 
 him when when {sic) God should please to send him to it. 
 
 He was one so farr from ambition and coveteousness that he nether by 
 friends nor of himself [would] moved for advancm' Millitary or Civill but 
 still it was confered on him unsought as all those commands and honours 
 were w'.'' he had by favour of S' Rob: Cicill Earl of Salisbury y= Earl of 
 Devonshire and Lastly from King James so likewise was his Knighthood 
 by ye King of ffrance all w".'' certainly would not have been lay'd on him 
 had he not been a very meriting man and of such deportm' as gained a 
 generall good opinion and Love. 
 
 To my Knowledge y" Earl of Devonshire in time of his being Lord 
 Deputy said he wondered at S' Arthur Chichester for others prest him for 
 many things but he for nothing but grumbled like a right western man and 
 that he had twice made him Major Generall and given him two Govermn'.' 
 those of Carrickfergus and Tyrone and knew not what more to do for him at 
 p'sent but make him Lievtenant Generall: of y' Army which he would do if 
 he found him grumbling still and thenunless he could make him Generall: and 
 Lord Deputy he had done as much as was in him to do for him at lenth 
 he made him both Loveing him very much. He never sought y' honour 
 of Barron nor knew it was comeing to him untill y^ first Lord Caufield 
 who was then S. Toby Caufield brought him a Patent for it from y' King 
 as a present from S' Humphrey May who had in England y" mannage and 
 disposall of all Irish affairs and procured it for him Loveing him heartly 
 they being ancient acquaintances and friends. 
 
 I well know that King James by his Lett'? of favour and grace called 
 my Lord Chichester into England in 161 3 he being then Lord Deputy 
 S' Humphrey May who had strong power with ye King offered to get him 
 
THE CHICHESTER MONUMENT 
 
 I.N ST. NICHOLAS' CHURCH, CARKICKFERGUS. 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 223 
 
 made an Earl and as I heard Knight of y" Garter if he would but court a 
 little y" then Favorite y" Earl of Sumersett which he said he could not do 
 and that he had more honour by being a Barron then his Estate could 
 becoming a nobleman support. 
 
 He moved not to be a Privy Councellor of England King James 
 knowing well his abillityes his well deservings and his discreet and 
 honorable manage of his negotiations in his Embassage in Germany did it 
 of himself. 
 
 He was no very good Orator but had a singular good expression 
 with his pen sublime and succinct according to y'' subject whereof he 
 wrote and y^ Person to whom his Lett" to King James were so 
 acceptable as he gave him encouragm' and command to write often 
 to him and once when y" King received a Lett' from him he gave 
 it to his ffavorite Sumersett biding him learn it without book saying 
 he had not received such a Lett' since he was King of England and 
 y' secretary of State y° Earle of Salisbury and Lords of y° Councell 
 would give his lines high praise he was a great statesman and good comon 
 wealths man and as knowing able a souldier as any of our nation in those 
 times ; he was a carefull performer of his mannagm'? and keeper of his 
 word no man knew his composition and disposition better than myself 
 Therefore I may with confidence and truth say this that he was a man of 
 great honour Piety prudence justice bounty and valour very hospitable 
 charitable affable and excellent good company within and without doors 
 being a Lover of all Civill becoming sports games and recreations. 
 
 His Estate was all of his own acquisition by fair purchase only y" 
 King gave him S' Cahier O'Doghertyes County it being by his rebellion 
 Escheat to y" Crown and he with his adherents being cutt off by y" 
 Industry and activity of my Lord Chichester that land was then worth 
 about 1000" per Ann: within those times of Largis and in that Kingdom 
 and at ^ furthest point north was no great gift or reward from a King to a 
 Subject that had been 12 years his Vice Roy and so well a Ueserver 
 
 His Estate being about 8000'' per Ann: he left to his good Brother 
 S' Edward Chichester who also inherited his honour of Barron of Belfast 
 and in short time after was made Viscount of Carrickfergus and Governor 
 of that Town and Country and 3 or 4 years before his death his Son was 
 made by King Charles Earl of Dunnagall in y'= north of Ulster in which 
 County he hath 20 miles of Land at Least he was bred with and by his 
 noble uncle Arthur Lord Chichester and in much is a good coppy of that 
 originall upon the grand horrid Rebellion in Ireland he advanc't at his own 
 charge a Regm' of horse and a Regm' of ffoot for y" service of the King 
 and did very acceptable service he being a gallant gentleman couragious 
 steddy Just and noble hearted 
 
 With the first Lord Chichester that man of great honour and noble 
 Endowm" I had from my coming young from School my Education and 
 by him y° foundation of my Advancem" and fortune acquired in Ireland 
 
 ffayth: ffortescue 
 
 S' Josias Bodleys Annagram upon Arthur Chichester 
 
 Cares hurt y Rich 
 Riches cure y' hart 
 They care great Lord in wealth and honour Rich 
 They name transposed doth show cares hurt ye Rich 
 Yet in those Riches Richer then thou art 
 Still strive to be for Riches cure ye hart 
 
224 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Translated out of ffrenche 
 
 Henry by y' Grace of God King of ffrance and Navarre to all p^sent and to 
 come Greeting Whereas there are Differences of Q/^alities vocations and 
 exercises between the servants of Kings and princes some being for the Councell 
 and Ministry of matters of State of y° Justice and of Civil] govemm* y° others 
 for deeds of Armes Conduct and execution of vifarr and the others for matters fitt 
 and necessary for y* P£'[a]rson of y" Prince tending all indifferently to a like end 
 w'.'' is to perform all of them their dutyes and charges to content their said 
 Prince who in the doing thereof (as not ungratefull in y' acknowledgeing of 
 their good and Loyall services) ought not to be spareing toward them of his 
 Graces favours and Liberalities and specially to honour and make their names 
 and memory perpetuall [doth] w"' honourable titles and dignities agreeable to their 
 vertues and des[a]£rts to y° end that in giveing them occasion to continue and 
 persevere many may take example by them and indeavour to imitate and follow 
 them to y° end to yield their services acceptable and commendable Wherefore 
 considering ye vertues deserts and laudable parts w''.'' are in y° person of our 
 dear and well beloved Arthur Chichester Capt of one of y' Companies of English 
 Soldiers serving on foot w* the Queen of England our Right dear and Right 
 beloved Good sister and cousen hath sent for our succour considering that y° 
 said Cap! Chichester hath worthely beheaved himself in ye siege which we have 
 layd before y" Town of Amiens and in The Encounter w'' wee have had with our 
 Enemies w'!" were come to succour this said Town wherein he hath made good 
 proofe not only of a Singular affection to our service But also of a great courage 
 and valour haveing voluntarily exposed himself to all kinds of perills and dangers 
 It hath seemed unto us that it were very meet that y' said Capt Chichester 
 should receave the like grace and favour w'? wee have accustomed to bestow and 
 distribute to our good and zealous servitors w'? are to be comended as he is 
 for y' honour and praise of their persons. Therefore and for other good con- 
 siderations us thereunto moveing have wee in y' p'sence of certain Princes of 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 225 
 
 our blood of our Right dear and beloved cousins the Duke of Montmorancy 
 Peer and Constable of ffrance and of Monsu' de Biron Marshall of ffrance and 
 of sundrj' great and noble Lords and Captains made and created, do make and 
 create ye said Capt Chichester Knight And we have given and granted, do 
 give and grant unto him y* order of gyrted warlike Knight and have with our 
 hand Imbraced him even as for y* obtaining of such a degree it is required and 
 accustomed to y' end y' said Cap' Chichester may from henceforth injoy and 
 use ye Rightes honours and authorities of Knight, priveledges, prerogatives, and 
 preheminences, w'.'' thereunto do belong as well in matters of warr arms and 
 assembles as in Judgm' Court and without and in all places elsewhere it shall 
 appertain and need shall require cheefly to bear y' armes furniture and weed 
 appertaining to y" degree of Knighthood even so and in such form and manner 
 as other Knights made and created by our Predecessors Kings and by us are 
 accustomed to do and bear Wee do also will our beloved and faithfull [Provosts 
 Judges Captaynes Cheeftains and Conductors] y" Persons Keeping our 
 Courts of Parliam' and all generall Marshalls of ffrance 
 
 Governors Baylifs Seneshalls Provosts Judges Captaines Cheeftaines and 
 Conductors of men of warr Ban and ariereban Mayors Aldemien Counsells 
 Councellors and magistrates of our Townes and Cittys and all others our other 
 Justices and otificers to whom it shall appertain that they cause suffer and 
 permitt y" said Capt Chichester fully and peaceably to enjoy and use y' said 
 rights of Knighthood honours prerogatives priveledges and preheminences w'' 
 thereunto do belong even so and in y° form and manner as is aforesaid Ceasing 
 and causing to cease all troubles and hindrances to the contrary for such is our 
 pleasure notwithstanding w'soever orders decrees or prohibitions to y' contrary 
 hereof ye w°.'' in this behalfe and without prejudice thereunto in other things 
 we have derogated and do derogate also the derogator)' of y* derogatory 
 therein contained and to the end it be a thing firm and stable for ever we have 
 caused our seale to these p'sents to be putt y' right of us in other things and of 
 others in all reserved we do also pray y" said Lady Queen of England our dear 
 and well beloved good sister and Cousin to permit y' said Capt Chichester to 
 injoy and use y' favours which we have granted unto him in this behalfe even 
 so and as wee should or could do in like occasion for those vv'l' shall be recom- 
 mended unto us on her behalfe Given in ye Camp before Amiens in y° month of 
 September Anno one thousand five hundred four score and seaventeen And 
 in ye ninth year of our Raign Subscribed thus^HENRY:=And upon ye fold by 
 ye King Deneufville VlSA^And sealed with a seale in Green wax under 
 appending. 
 
 CHICHESTER EARL OF DONEGAL. 
 
 This family seems anciently to have born the name of Cirencester and 
 was one of the most eminent in the County of Devon for its antiquity, 
 Estate and Employnit^ & alliances having flourished for several genera- 
 tions at South Poole not far from Kings Bridge where their most ancient 
 habitation was they have a right to quarter the arms of the Ralieghs, the 
 Beaumonts, the WilHngtons, & many other noble familys. The ist of the 
 name to be met with is Walleran de Cirencester, to Walleran succeeded 
 John his son, & to him S' John, Sir Thomas, Sir John, Richard, who leaving 
 the name of Cirencester al^ Chichester fixed upon the latter, to him 
 succeeded John, Sir John, Richard Edward, and Sir John, who married a 
 Daughter of Sir William Courtneys in Devonshire by whom he had 5 sons 
 and 8 Daughters 
 
 1" S' John, Ancestor to S' John Chichester Bart: 
 
 2 Arthur whose abilitys and Services raised him to the peerage of 
 
 Ireland 
 4 S' John, who sought glory in Ireland where his services were rewarded 
 w"' y" post of Serg' Major and y" honour of Knighthood, he was 
 distinguished from his Bro' by ye name of S' Jo" the younger, he lost 
 
226 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 his life on an Enterprise ag' James MacSourley MacDonnell 
 
 (after Earl of Antrim) about 4 miles Distant from Carickfergus 
 3. Edward, Ancestor to ye Earl of Donegal 
 5 S' Thomas to whom K: James granted a Lease in ye Co: of Wicklow 
 
 and gave to him and his heirs ye Lands of Radonnell containing 
 
 1000 in Co: of Donegal 
 Sir Arthur Second Son of S' John In 1599 commanded 200 
 foot at Carickfergus and did signal services In 1603 he was made a 
 Privy Counsellor & Governor of Carickfergus w*!' all other forts w"' Lough 
 Neagh & y'= Commoditys thereof Coll! & Govern' of the forces stationed at 
 Carrickf^, Kilwarling, The little Ards, the Clanaboyes, the Duffraine, Killul- 
 ■ tagh, The Route & the Glynnes In Ulster, & of all the Inhabit'? thereof, to 
 attend upon him & be at his Direction, also Admiral of Lough Sidney 
 otherwise Lough Neagh w'!' the fishing thereof as far as the Salmon Leap on 
 the River Banne, Governor of fort Mountjoy By patent i^' feb 1603 he 
 was made L: D: of Ireland & that year established 2 new Circuits, sending the 
 i" Justices of Assize into Connaught & retrieving the Circuit of Munster, 
 w'.'' had been discontinued for near 200 years, the former Circuits only 
 Encompassed the English Pale. In Consideration of his great Services the 
 King granted to him the territory or Country of Inishowen, otherwise 
 called O'Dogherties Country, w"' all the Hereditaments thereof, possessed 
 by S' Jo" O'Dogherty, or his son the late Traytor Caher O'Dogherty 
 (Except such lands as were to be allotted to y*: Bishop of Derry & 1000 
 acres to the city of Derry) together with the custody of Culmore Castle 
 for Life, he had a grant thereof by Patent 22"'' feb 1609 to hold by 
 Fealty, and the yearly rent of ;^86 : 12 : 8 Eng! making Irish fi\^ : 10: 2j4 
 w"' a power of holding 4 several courts Leets, within the Island of Inch, the 
 territory of Tuogh Croneine, & Tuogh Clagh, the manor of Greencastle, 
 otherwise New Castle and the Island of Malyne a fryday market & 2 fairs 
 on the last days of August & April at Bancranocha, a Munday market & 2 
 fairs on 30 Sep' & i'' Ap' at Greencastle, a fair 20"' Oct' at Drange. To 
 Divide the territory into Precincts, w'' free warren. This was again con- 
 firmed by Letters Patent dated 6'!' July 1610 he was made Culmore Fort 
 w'.'' he surrendered. On 14"' Jany 16 10 he had a grant of the Castle of 
 Dungannon & 1320 acres of Escheated Lands within that precinct In 
 consideration of his surrender of certain fishings granted to ye City of 
 London his Majesty granted to him during his life and the life of his 
 
 nephew Arthur, ik Ar: Langham, the Entertainment by ye Day as 
 
 Captain & 9^'' for 9 horsemen, to Employ them where he should think fit 
 during his life & afterwards to be Resident in the territory of Innishowen, 
 the pay to commence i"' Oct' 161 1 w*".'' was renewed 29"' August 1616 
 without che[c]que The K: the S't' of Augt 1620 ordered an Effectual grant 
 to be made by Patent confirming all his former grants & accordingly 2 
 Distinct Patents were passed dated 20'!" Nov' 162 1, By Letters Patent 
 bearing date 22"* feb 1612 he was created Baron Chichester of Belfast, 
 Entailing the honour on his Issue male, he continued in the Government 10 
 years Successively in the last of w""'' he had occasion for all his great abilitys, 
 the manage the most stubborn Parliament that ever was in Ireland w^'' met 
 ye 18"' May 1613 On 27"' July 1614, he was again made L;D: In w^.'" year 
 the Harp was first marshalled w'!" the arms of England. On the 29'!' Nov' 
 
 16 15 the K: was pleased to disburthen him of that charge On the 13"' July 
 
 16 16 he was constituted Lord High Treasurer of Ireland & whilst he con- 
 tinued In Ireland resided at Carickfergus, where in 1618 he built a 
 magnificent house called Joymount, On 2"* May 1622 he was sent 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 227 
 
 Ambassador to the Palatinate, & thence to treat of a peace w'!" y*^ Emperor 
 he returned in October to England, & 31" Dec' was sworn of his Majestys 
 Privy Councel. He Departed this life (in as great honour as any English- 
 man of that age) In London ig feby 1624 &" Interred 24"" Oct' 1625 
 In the Church of Si Nicholas In Carickfergus, under a stately monument 
 of marble & alabaster A handsome monument is also erected to his memory 
 in the Cathedral Church of Exeter And in a little Oratory adjoining to the 
 Church of Eggesford He marryed Letitia the Daughter of Sir Jo? Perrott 
 to whom he was y' 3'' husband his only son Arthur born the 26"' Sept 1606 
 dyed on the 30"' of the next month, so that Sir Edward his next Bro'. 
 Succeeded him in his large Estate and the honour being limited only to his 
 Issue male, K: Charles ye i'^' conferred it anew on Sir Edward & added to 
 it the title of Viscount Chichester of Carickfergus, dated at Westm' i" Ap' 
 1625 & constituted him that year Governor of Carickfergus Admiral of 
 Lough Neagh, Governor of Culmore & that same 12"' of Oct' he was sworn 
 of his Majestys Privy Council he had also a Confirmation of the Estate 22"'' 
 Sep' 1640 for the fine of ^467 : 17 : 6 was made joint Com' of ye treasury 
 w"* Lords Grandison & Ormond 12"* Oct' 1632 he commanded a Regim' on 
 the breaking out of ye rebellion in 1641, he sent an express to the K: & 
 was commissioned by him to raise forces, he was a worthy and Eminent 
 person well accomplished both for war & peace he dyed 8"' July 1648 his 
 children Arthur, John, Edward, Elizabeth & Mary Arthur the eldest was 
 born 16"' June 1606, 25"' Aug' 1625 he was appointed to the command of 
 a troop of horse, in 1639 he represented the County of Antrim in Parliam' 
 On the breaking out of the rebellion he did considerable service, the 14"' 
 feby 1643 he was constituted Governor of Belfast & the territory of 
 Inneshowen & for the better fortifying of the town of Belfast, his Majesty 
 directed the L'! Lieu' to advance 1000" to him forthwith, the K: on the 
 representation the Marquis of Ormond was pleased by Privy Seal 15"' Jany 
 1646 & by Patent at Dublin 30"' Mar 1647 to create him Earl of Donegal 
 w"" limitation of honour to the Issue Male of his father. In 1647 ^^ ^^'^s one 
 of the 4 hostages sent by Orm''. to the Eng'. parliam', 2"'' Mar 1660 he was 
 made Captain of a troop of Horse & ye 12"' Custos Rotulorum for the 
 Countys of Antrim & Donegal & 22'' May 1662 one of the Trustees for the 
 satisfaction of ye personal arrears of the commissioned officers, for Service 
 in IreH before 5"' of June 1649, was Governor of Carickfergus & in 1668 
 Established a MathI Lecture in the Univ: of Dub: & for its maintenance 
 granted to s**. College for ever the annuity of 30" Issuing out of the territory 
 of Magherimore &'. the Lecturer to read Lectures every term & to Instruct 
 all desirous to learn the Mathematicks especially such as should be brought 
 up in ye Schooll of Belfast, Erected by him wherein he made a provision 
 for poor schollars to be brought up in Learning. He dyed at Belfast iS"" 
 March 1674, was burj-ed at Carickf' 20"" May 1675, he bequeathed to the 
 poor of ye parish 50'' & to those of Belfast ;^2oo: — he marryed 3 wives, 
 his 1'.' Dorcas Daughter of Jo" Hill Esqr his 2".'' Mary Daugh; of Jo" Digby 
 i" Earl of Bristol & by her had 6 sons & 2 daughters who all dyed young, 
 his 3';^ Letitia Daugh' to Sir W" Hickes, who after marryed Sir W"' Franklyn, 
 he had Issue W™ L'' Chichester, & 3 Daugh" who all Dyed young Except 
 the Lady Ann, who became heiress to 2000" a year, who marryed i" Jo". 
 Butler Earl of Gowran who leaving her a widow without Issue, she next 
 marryed Francis Aungier Earl of Longford by whom she likewise had no 
 Issue, she dyed ye 14"' Nov' 1697. In Eggesford Church there is a most 
 sumptuous Monum' Erected to his lAhips memory where he stands in 
 Just & full proportion in pure alabaster finely polished between his Ladys 
 
228 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 in Effigy on each hand. His L'lship was succeded by his Nephew Sir Arthur 
 Chichester, Eldest son of his Bro' John & was 2"'' Earl of Donegal, He 
 marryed Jane Daughter to John Itchingham of Dunbrody in the Co: of 
 Wexford Esq' who afterward marryed Rich** Booth Esq' [who] She became 
 sole heir to that Estate w'"^ by Act of Parliam' 10"' Geo i" was settled on ye 
 Hon*'.'" John Chichester Bro' to ye present Earl & his heirs for Ever, He 
 had Issue 4 Sons & 3 Daugh" viz' Arthur his Successor, John, Edward a 
 clergyman father to the rev"* Ar Chichester born 5"' Jany 1716 after his 
 decease, Charles, Lady Jane marryed to Davies Lennard Barrett Esq [Mary] 
 
 Catherine to Taylor Esqr, Mary to S' Rob' Newcomen. Arthur 
 
 3"* Earl of Doneg' commanded a Regim' of foot in the Reign of K: 
 Will'" w^.'' being disbanded he had 8* per diem in consideration of his 
 services 
 
 On the 28"' June 1701, he was again promoted to a Regim' of foot 
 raised in Ireland, he was sent to Spain to Defend the rights of the house 
 of Austria, he & Baron Palanck were the i'.' who set foot on shore w"" 12 
 Grenadiers In Feb'>' 1704 the Prince of Hesse conferred on his L''ship 
 the Commission of Major Gen' of the Spanish forces, & on the 16"' &: 22'' 
 of Augt 1705, he was of the Council of war held on Board the Brittannia 
 concerning the siege of Barcelona for w''' he gave his voice, & in Nov' was 
 made Governor of the Fortress of Gironne on the River Fer, 15 miles 
 distant from the Sea, & 45 from Barcelona, after many glorious services he 
 lost his life 10'!' of Ap' 1706 at the fort of Monjuick was buryed at 
 Barcelona, he marryed I'l' Lady Barbara Boyle Daughter to y'' Earl of 
 Orrery, by whom he had a son Charles who dyed young & she dyed the 
 20"' Nov' 1682 & was buryed in S' Patricks Dublin, he marryed 2''.''' in 1685 
 Lady Catherine Forbes only daughter to Arthur Earl of Granard who 
 dyed at her Seat at Abinger in Surrey w"' a large Character is"* June 1743, & 
 was Interred in the vault at Carickfergus, had Issue 2 Sons & 6 Daughters 
 Arthur his successor 4'^ & present Earl of Doneg'. John who was 
 marryed 13"' Sep^ 1726 to Elizabeth Eldest Daughter to S' Rich'' 
 Newdigate of Arbury in Warwickshire, She died at Abinger 15'!' feby 1747, 
 he was member of Parliam' for Gowran & Belfast in the Reign of K: Geo 
 ye s"."^, for the latter of w"".'' he was again chosen 14"' Nov' 1745 «S: dyed at 
 Bath i" June 1746 left 2 sons Arthur born 13"' June 1739 created Baron 
 Fiiherwick June i^": ijgo John Born 26'!' Dec' 1740 atid died feby 6"" 
 ijSj unmarried &i a Daughter. Daughter Lady Catherine born in 1687 
 was marryed 9"' Sep' 1 7 1 3 to Clotworthy L** Viscount Massereene. Ladys 
 Jane, Frances, & Henrietta were unfortunately burnt In the house of Belfast 
 by y" carelessness of a serv' who put on a large fire of wood, to air a room 
 she had washed. Lady Mary dyed unmarryed. Lady Ann marryed 12'" 
 July 1 7 16 to James Earl of Barrymore 
 
 His Lordship was born the 28 Mar: 1695, & 3"' of Oct' 17 16 Marryed 
 the Lady Lucy Ridgeway, Elder Daugther & Co heir to Robert Earl of 
 Londonderry who dyed i6'I' July 1732 at Bromfield In Essex, his Lordship 
 had no Issue his Titles are Arthur Chichester, Earl of Donegal, Vise' 
 Chichester of Carickfergus, & Baron Chichester of Belfast, his arms are 
 quarterly, the first & fourth checque. Topaz and Ruby ; a Chief, Vair ; the 
 Second & 3'' Sapphire, Fretted pearl — Crest, on a wreath, a Stork, Proper, 
 holding in its Beak, a Snake, pearl, the head gold, supporters, two Wolves 
 Ruby, Ducally gorged & chained Topaz. Motto Invitum Sequitur Honos. 
 or, Honor Sequitur fugientem. 
 
5 ' ^ 
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The To'W7i Book of Belfast, 
 
 229 
 
 The paper underneath, and that on the other leaf, were taken out of the Belfast 
 News-Letter Dated the 6"' of October 1794 by Will Atkinson Town Clerk of the 
 Borough of Belfast. 
 
 List of the Volunieer Companies and Militia that mavched to Belfast to oppofe the French : 
 fet down in the Order of time in which each refpective Corps arrived, from Friday the 22d to 
 
 Tuefday the 26th of February, 1760. Thofe marked thus (") did not accept of pay from the 
 
 town of Belfaft. 
 
 COUNTY OF ANTRIM. 
 
 Places where raifed. 
 
 Commanders Names, 
 
 No. of 
 Men. 
 
 Time of Arrival, &c. 
 
 "Lifburn Volunteers 
 
 *KilIuUa 
 
 Templepatrick Vo- 
 lunteers. 
 
 C Lieut. James Finifton, comman- | 
 
 •Antrim Volunteers s dant — 4 fergeants, 4 corporals, ( 
 
 \ 2 drums. / 
 
 Edward Smith, Efq. Captain, \ 
 (who being at Parliament) f , 
 
 Lieut. Abraham Crommelin r ^^ j 
 Commandant / v 
 
 \ (Thefe and Lifburn Comp. 1 
 \ Lord Hertford's tenants. j 
 
 {Arthur Upton, Efq. Captain, (who 
 being at Parliament) Henry Shaw, 
 Efq. ift Lieut. Commandant. 
 
 {Charles O'Neil, !^fq. Captain, (who |_ 
 being at Parlianient) Kenedy Hen- / 
 derfon, Efq. i ft Lieut. Commandant ' 
 
 ( Mr James Mc. Ilwean, Captain. I 
 
 \ Mr. Henry Langford Burleigh, do. S 
 
 Roger Moore, Efq. Capt. 
 
 \ Mr. Thomas Thompfon, Capt. ( 
 
 Shane's-Caftle Volun 
 teers. 
 
 •Carrickfergus 
 Carmoney 
 
 ^Killead 
 
 In and near Antrim 
 
 Ballymena — two 
 Companies. 
 
 Broughfhane 
 
 'Ballymoney 
 
 Ditto 
 Donegorr 
 
 1 
 
 j Hugh Campbell and Blainy Adair, 
 \ Captains. 
 
 i Mr. John White, Capt. 
 
 I Charles O'Hara, Efq. Captain (re- 
 '^ ceived pay but for 30 men) 
 
 John Henp', Efq. Capt. 
 Rev. Patrick Bennett. 
 
 *B:CaftIe Volunteers J Hugh Boyd, Efq. Col. Commandant 
 
 John Rowan, Efq. Captain 
 
 ^ James Rofs, Efq. 82 
 
 '^.lewart Banks, Efq. 189 
 
 . John Brown 98 
 
 Rafharken 
 
 •Belfaft Town, three 
 Companies 
 
 ijami 
 Slew 
 Mr. 
 
 The Corps that affembled at Ballahill, l^ mile N. E. 
 of Carrickfergus ; under the care and direction of 
 Robert Dalway, Efq. 
 
 inemage,Raloo,GI<=n, / Marriot Dalway, Efq. Capt. 
 Templecorran.Kill- J Rev. James Dunbar, 
 root, Ballahill, and | Mr. Patrick Allen, 
 C:Fergus liberties \ Mr. Edward Hudfon 
 
 Part of Lord Antrim's Regiment, 
 (Adam Johnfton, Efq. Capt. \ 
 Lame ... - -^ Mr. James Agnew, I Lts f ^^^ 
 
 Blair, t ' ' 
 
 [ Lts 
 
 \ Mr. James 
 (Mr 
 
 Glenarm 
 
 Myars, Efq. Capt, 
 
 John Mitchell, 
 
 William Higginfon, 
 
 Rev. Thos. Reed, Enfign. ' 
 
 Total Co. ANTRIM. 
 
 -apt. ) 
 Uts. 
 
 f I 120J 
 
 96 
 
 328 
 
 .J...1 
 
 Marched into Belfaft on Friday evening ; all 
 uniformly cloathed, and compleatly armed, with 
 25 rounds of cartridges. 
 
 Received the French prifoners on Thurfday eveng 
 (being then under arms ready to march to Belfaft) 
 guarded them all night, went off with them on Frid. 
 morning to Moyra& Dromore, and came to Belfaft 
 about 5 the fame evening, after a march of 21 miles. 
 
 Arrived in fevaral parties at different times, and 
 incorporated with Lifburn co. on Saturday. (68 
 received pay). 
 
 .\rrived on Saturday at nine in the morning, and 
 continued till the French failed. 
 
 ( Arrived on Saturday night, well armed, with 9 
 J rounds of cartridges ; and followed ne.\t day by 7 
 ^^ \ pieces of fmall cannon from Shane's-Caftle, which 
 V were planted on the breaft-work at Mile-water. 
 I Guarded the French prifoners from that town^ to 
 ^^- Belfaft. Arrived in Belfaft early in the morning 
 ^^ ( after the French landed. 
 40 Arrived on Friday, all armed. 
 
 ,' Volunteers, formed on the occafion, (of which 81 
 
 ^^^"{ armed) arrived on Saturday — But one Jrecd. pay. 
 
 f Arrived on Saturday; and on Tuefday a party of 
 
 108 -^ them were fent down the water to reinforce Capt. 
 
 \ Dingey, where they remain'd until the French fail'd 
 
 1 Arrived on Saturday night ; — nine of them with 
 
 ■*^ t fcythes fi.\ed on poles. 
 
 r Arrived on Sunday at 2 in the afternoon, after a 
 
 ^ I march of 38 miles in 24 hours — Mr. O'Hara 
 
 could have marched 500 brave men had there 
 
 76. 
 
 |_ been arms for them. 
 60 Arrived on Monday. 
 28 Arrived on Sunday. 
 
 f Arrived on Monday, all armed ; & were afterwards 
 ^'^\ join'd by upwards of 150 more, in feveral parties. 
 75 Arrived on Tuefday. 
 
 [ Marched to Three Mile Water _ on Saturday 
 369 \ morning ; as did all the Companies that were 
 ( then arrived. 
 
 I Affembled on Friday, S;c. moft part well 
 I armed. 
 
 '*3^-( Arrived at Ballahill on Friday. 
 
 I Arrived at Ballahill on Sunday, all in a good uni- 
 • • v form, and well armed ; with three pieces of 
 / cannon mounted on carriages. 
 
 2249 
 
230 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 COUNTY OF DOWN. 
 
 *Purdy's Burn 
 
 Caftlereagh 
 Hillfborough 
 
 Lord Hillfborough's Regiment, 
 
 (James Willfon (for his father \ 
 Hill Willfon, Efq. appointed / 
 
 paymafter to the K's forces I iQr'\ 
 
 on that occafion) Captain. T "^ | 
 
 Alexander Legg and Thomas \ I 
 
 Stewart, Efqrs. Lieutenants / r 
 
 Thos. Pottinger, Efq. Capt. 80 I 
 
 Lieut. Dan. Hull, Commandant 184J 
 
 Lord Rawdon's Regiment, 
 (under his Lordship's command.) 
 
 Moyra 
 
 Dromore, two com- 
 panies 
 
 Gilford 
 Warring ftown 
 Maghralin 
 
 I His Lordfhip's company 
 I John Stothard, Efqr's ditto 
 
 95 \ 
 40 
 
 (Coflet Stothard, and \n^^*~ o 
 
 James Waddell, ) ^P^^- i«3 
 
 From Downpatrickj 
 Caftleward, Bangor, 
 Newtown, the Ards, 
 Lecale and Gillhall 
 
 Waringsford 
 
 Killileagh 
 
 Cumber & Ballybeen 
 
 Cumber 
 
 Achefon Johnfton, Efq. Capt. 
 
 Samuel Waring, Efq. Capt. 
 
 Charles Douglas, Efq. Capt. 
 
 Bernard Ward, Efqr's. Regiment. \ 
 
 In his abfence (being at Parliament) 
 Jno. Echlin, Efq. L.C. Commandt. 
 I" Henry Waring ^ 
 I Charles Echlin / 
 \ Steele Hawthorne > Efqrs. Capts 
 
 David Caddell \ 
 IJohn Magill ) 
 
 A Company joined faid regiment 
 
 James Stevenfon, Efqrs. Regt. 
 { In his abfence (he being at Parlia-- 
 •; ment) Robert Blackwood, Efq. 
 ( Lieut. Col. Commandant 167 
 
 Robert Gillefpie, James Patter- 
 fon, and Robt. Kyle, Capts. 135 
 
 John White, Capt. 47. 
 
 f Matthew Forde, Efq. Colonel | 
 t Commandant. 
 
 Henry Savage, Efq. Lieut. 
 
 50-' 
 
 Ards Regiment 
 
 j Francis Savage, Efq. Colonel i 
 
 Commandant. ) 
 
 \ 
 
 Volu 
 
 
 Arthur Kennedy, Efq. Captain 
 James Hamilton, Efq. Captain 
 
 Newtown 
 Holywood 
 
 Donaghadee 
 teers 
 
 Downpatrick— 3Com- f John Trotter, Charles Johnfton and ) 
 panies Volunteers ( Wm Hamilton, Efqrs. Capts. f 
 
 *Newry Volunteers Captain Thomas Eraddock 
 
 ' j Hugh Boyd, Efq. Captain 
 
 (Arrived in Belfaft on Friday morning, well arm- 
 ed ; being the firft confiderable body that came 
 in : entered forthwith on duty, and continued 
 fo until the French failed. 
 
 59 
 
 - Arrived on Friday forenoon. 
 
 - Arrived on Friday evening at four o'clock. 
 
 " \ Arrived on Friday forenoon. 
 
 {Guarded the French prifoners to Banbridge, and 
 arrived in Belfaft on Saturday ; 60 of thefe 
 armed with back-fwords and pikes. 
 Arrived Saturday morning ; only one half had guns. 
 Arrived on Sunday. 
 Arrived fame day. 
 
 -,) Thefe, with the Lieutenants and Enfigns of each 
 ». refpective company, arrived on Saturday. 
 
 50 Arrived fame day. 
 
 Arrived on Saturday. 
 
 Thefe three companies arrived on Friday forenoon. 
 Arrived on Saturday. 
 
 194 Arrived on Saturday. 
 
 /Arrived on Monday at noon, divided into three 
 companies, raifed at Portaferrj', Greyabby and 
 --- I Ballywalter; and fame day marched to Bangor 
 y to guard the coaft. 
 85 Arrived on Friday forenoon. 
 80 Arrived fame day at 2 in the afternoon. 
 
 {Arrived on Saturday ; and on Monday marched 
 with feveral other companies, to guard the coaft 
 between Holywood and Donaghadee. 
 
 130 Arrived on Saturday. 
 
 30 Arrived fame morning, on horfeback. 
 
 Total from C. DOWN. 2578 
 
 COUNTY OF ARMAGH. 
 
 /William Brownlow, Efq. Captain; "J 
 
 Lurgan Volunteer ) who left Dublin on the firft ad- ( 
 
 Troop of Dragoons"! ^''^'^' ^""^ P"' himfelf at their head f 
 
 I on Tuefday / 
 
 Lyio Volunteers William Robinfon, Efq. Captain 
 
 Rich-hill Volunteers Thomas Roe, Efq. Captain 
 
 •Armagh Volunteers i Thomas Mc. Cann Efq. (as Sove- 1 
 I reign of Armagh) Captain ) 
 
 /Samuel Blacker, Efq. Captain. (In] 
 
 "Tandragee - whofe abfence, being in Dublin) > 
 
 I Rev. Geo. Cherrj', lieut. Commandt ) 
 
 Total to Armagh 
 
 70 
 114 
 
 lOI \ 
 
 Received an account at lo on Thurfday night of 
 the French being landed ; marched off a quarter 
 after i2, and arrived at ii on Friday forenoon, 
 under the command of Jas. Forde, Efq. ift Lieut. 
 
 Arrived on Saturday morning. 
 
 Arrived on Sunday, on horfeback. 
 
 Set out from Armagh on Saturday evening, on 
 horfeback, all armed, and arrived in Belfaft on 
 Sunday morning at ten o'clock. 
 
 Marched on Saturday morning, and arrived at 
 Belfaft on Sunday morning, led all the way by 
 Mr. Cherry, on foot, after a march of 25 miles. 
 (Total of the Three Counties 5352.) 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 231 
 
 II 
 
 HE Names of the 
 this Borough in 
 
 Burgesses 
 
 who have represented 
 the Different Parliaments of this 
 Kingdom from the year 161 3 
 
 Names 
 
 lost their seats. 
 
 and made their election good 
 
 1613 Sir John Blennerhasset K' 2'' Baron of Exch' 
 
 George Trevilian Esq' 
 1639 Sir Will" Wray K"" & Bar' 
 
 George Rawdon Esq' 
 1661 Willm Knight Esq' Counsellor at Law 
 
 Henry Davys Esq' 
 1692 James MacCartney Esq' 
 
 Geo MacCartney Esq' 
 1695 Hon"" Charles Chichester 
 
 James MacCartney Esq' 
 1703 Will" Crawford Merchant 
 
 Will" Cairnes Merchant Dublin 
 1707 Will" Crawford Merchant 
 
 Samuel Ogle Esq' 
 171 3 Rob' Moore Esq' 
 
 Anthony Atkinson Esq' 
 1 71 5 The Hon'" Capel Moore 
 
 Geo MacCartney Esq' 
 
 by another Indenture 
 
 The Hon"' Jno Itchingham Chichester 
 
 Geo Macartney Esq' 
 1721 Geo Macartney Esq' Sen' 
 
 Geo Macartney Esq' Jun' 
 1725 The Hon"' John Chichester 
 
 Geo Macartney Esq' 
 1727 The Hon"* David John Barry 
 1745 Geo Macartney Esq' 
 
 The Hon"' John Chichester 
 1747 Geo Macartney Esq' 
 
 Will" Macartney, Esq' 
 1757 Will" Macartney Esq' 
 
 The Hon"' Arthur Barry 
 1761 The Hon"" John Chichester 
 
 John Ludford Esq' 
 1768 Hon"' Henry Skeffington 
 
 Alexr Crookshanks Esq' Judge 
 1784 Hon"' Henry Skeffington 
 
 Hon"" Joseph Hewitt 
 1790 Hon"' Henry Skeffington 
 
 Sir Will" Godfrey 
 
 1797 Right Hon"" Lord Spencer Chichester second son to the Marquis of Donegall 
 Geo Crookshank Esq' 
 
 1798 Alexander Hamilton Esq' in place of Lord Spencer Chichester 
 
 1800 Edward May Esq' Father-in-Law to the Marq' Donegall in place Alex' 
 Hamilton Esq' 
 
 ^[f Hi|m>lwillwllll»lllilii'i|ii»{ypj||i|ir,|iiHi!iw^|Bni4i|».,,|.|||in|||wi|||mij|i,,M 
 
232 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 IRoia Burgcn0i be Burgo Belfast 
 
 Resignavit 
 
 3obn vcseg gent 
 Sv c:bo: fblbbots K' 
 
 mart 
 
 inort 
 
 mart 
 
 tnort 
 
 Jobn willougbg gent 
 
 mart 1652 
 
 mart 13 I 
 
 JObll aSSbe gent 
 
 I I 
 
 12 2 
 
 malterbowec Crimble gen 
 
 2 • 2 
 
 mart 
 
 ©corgc ttbcaftcr gent 
 
 mort 
 
 marts 
 
 Ibcnrg Sauirc gent 
 
 3 mort 
 
 mart 
 
 Xcwga a:om0oii gent 
 
 4 extr mort 
 
 tnort 4 
 
 IRobert Roster gent 
 
 vioriiuis 
 
 mart 
 
 ttbomae Bramston ge 
 
 mort 
 
 extr 
 
 ©ovven JBolbg gent 
 
 extr mort 
 
 xs II S 
 
 3obn Xeltbcs gent 
 
 
 inort 6 
 
 Cboniaa Ibanington gent 
 
 modo Sup' 1652 
 
 tnort 
 
 3-obii lUaesber gen 
 
 mort 
 
 10 7 
 
 ttbomas JTbeaftcr gen 
 
 mort 
 
 tnort 8 
 
 John Haddock gent 
 
 mort 
 
 9 
 
 Thomas Stephenson gen 
 
 modo Superior mort 25 Feb 1640 
 
 viort 10 
 
 Richard Gately gen 
 
 mortuus S" ffeby 1640 
 
 gii 
 
 8 12 
 
 John Davyes gen 
 John Mitchell gen 
 
 extr i6S2 i '^'^^ A>tc\.tA \ 
 i Ia^ ^1642 Burgesses 
 
 T3 
 
 Willm Leythes 
 
 deer ffeby 1640 //lort super ioriim mort 
 
 06 
 
 George Martyn 
 
 ext 1652 
 
 OS 
 
 Hugh Doake 
 
 
 04 
 
 John Leythes jun' gen 
 
 
 tnort 3 
 
 Thomas VVareinge gen 
 
 Ellected and sworn the 24''' June 1652 
 
 2 
 
 John Rigby gen 
 
 mortuus 
 
 ttwrt 
 
 ffrancis Meeke gen 
 
 mortuus 
 
 
 
 George M'Cartney gent 
 
 & sworne the i;" of Sep 1659 
 
 The names of the Burgesses of the Borrough of Bellfast 
 William Warring gen ellected and sworne y' 17"" of [May] Ap^^ 1660 
 Edward Raynalls gent ellected and sworne y' 5"" of May 1660 
 Thomas Wallcott gent ellected and sworne y' 24"' of June 1660 
 
 Gilbert Wye Esqr elected & sworne a Burgesse of this Corporacion the 1 8"' of September 1662 
 Francis Thetford gent was elected & sworne a Burgess of this Corporacion the l' of 
 
 December 1665 
 George M'Cartney niger was elected and sworn a Burgesse of this Corporacion i™ 
 
 Decembris 1665 
 Hugh Eccles was elected and sworne a Burgesse of this Corporacion the 2nd December 1667 
 Sr Hercules Langfford elected and sworn y' 24 of Ap 1669 
 Capt Robert Leathes [gent] was elected and sworne a Burgesse of this Corporacon on the 
 
 26"' of August 1669 
 James M'Cartney Councellor at Law was sellected and sworne a free Burgess y* 19"" 
 
 October 1676 
 Henry Thetford gent was ellected and sworne a free Burgesse y', 14"' of June 1677 
 Lewis Thomson gent was ellected and sworne a free Burgess y" 25" July 1678 
 John Hamilton gent was ellected and sworne a free Burgesse y' 25"' July 1678 
 Cap' Edward Harrison was ellected and sworne a free Burgesse y' 27"" August 1680 
 Thomas Knox gent y" 27"' August 1680 sworn a free Burgess 
 Sampson Theaker gent was ellected and sworne a free Burgesse y' 24"' June 1681 
 L' John Tooley was ellected and sworne ffree Burgesse y° b"* September 1682 
 2"'' Mar William Crafford was elected and sworne ffree Burgesse the 4"" of March 1686 
 William Lockart Marcht was ellected and sworne free Burgesse the 7"" May 16S7 
 James BuUer tanner was elected and sworn a free Burgess ffeb 25-89 
 David Smith was elected and sworne a free Burgesse May 26 1690 
 Arthur M'Cartney mercht was elected and sworn a free Burgess I" June 1691 
 The R' Hon"' Arthur Earle of Donegall was elected and sworn March 7, 1691 
 Jno Chalmers mercht was elected and sworn a free Burgesse April 8 1693 
 Capt Charles Chichester was elected and sworn a free Burgess 23 December 1697 
 23 Dec 1697 Cap Edward Brice was elected & sworne a free Burgess 1697 
 Capt John Chichester was elected and sworne a free Burgesse 6th September 1698 
 David Butle marchant was ellected and sworne a free Burgesse y* 14"' October 1700 
 Isack M'Cartney marchant was ellected and sworne a free Burgesse y' 26" day of April! 1701 
 George Macartney Esqr councel at Law was sworn Burgess 8'' 16 1702 
 ffeby 6 1702 neil m'neil apothecary was sworne Burgess 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 233 
 
 |ING JAMES THE FIRST upon the humble Peticion 
 of the Inhabitants of the Towne of Belfast by the consent of Arthur 
 Lord Chichester Barron of Bellfast and Lord deputy Generall of 
 Ireland by his Maj'!»= Lettr" adated at the Mannor of ffarnegham 
 the last [the last] day of July and of his Raigne of England ffrance 
 and Ireland the fift and of Scotland the 42 & inroled in the Chancery of 
 Ireland Granted a Charter to y" said Inhabitants to make the Towne and 
 precincts of Bellfast one ffree Borrough by the name of the Borrough of 
 Bellfast and within the said Borrough there be one body Corporate & 
 politique consisting of one Soveraigne twelve free Burgises and of the 
 Comonaltie in deed fact and name by the Name of the Soveraigne ffree 
 Burgises and Comonaltie of the Borrough of Bellfast and that by the same 
 name they may have perpetuall Succession the Patten passed y« 27th Api in 
 y' eleaventh of his Raigne. 
 
 The names of the first Soveraigne and Burgisses named in the Charter and the 
 rest that succeeded to y' year 1698. 
 
 InplaceofGawcn 
 Boltby 
 
 In place of John 
 
 Willoughby 
 
 In place of Lewis 
 
 Thomson 
 
 
 
 The time when they were Sove- 
 
 Names 
 
 The Time when made 
 
 raignes beginning at Michaelmas 
 
 Burgises 
 
 &^ ending in y^ year anexed to 
 
 
 
 their names 
 
 John Vesey Gent 
 
 
 first Soveraigne 1613 
 
 Sr flulk Conway Kt 
 
 
 
 Sr Thomas Hibbetts Kt Stewart 
 
 
 
 to Arthur Chichester Lord 
 
 
 
 Deputy of Ireland 
 
 
 
 Sr Moses Hill Kt 
 
 
 
 Humphrey Norton Esqv 
 
 Burgesses by Charter 
 
 
 William Lewsley: gent 
 
 >27 Aprill 1613 
 
 
 John Willowbye: gent 
 
 
 1614 
 
 Carew Hart: gent 
 
 The Lord of the Castle 
 
 1627, 1617, 1618 
 
 John Assh: gent 
 
 of Bellfast for y time 
 
 1646 
 
 Dannill Booth: gent 
 
 being and his heires 
 
 
 James Burr: gent 
 
 & the Constable of y* 
 
 1615. 1616 
 
 Walterhouse Crimble: gent 
 
 said Castle for y^ 
 
 1630 removed for 16 years 
 
 John Burr. gent 
 
 time being are ffree 
 Burgesses by Charter 
 
 absences anno ic6a 
 
 Edward Holmes gent 
 
 
 
 
 in ye years 1622. 1623 
 
 left 40I ster to ye poore being 
 
 
 
 
 
 ye first money left in ye kinde 
 
 
 
 
 
 George Theaker gent 
 
 
 
 
 i6ig: 1620 
 
 Lewis Thomson gent 
 
 
 
 
 in 1631. 1634, removed for being 
 alienated out of this Kingdom 
 6 years 
 
 Skyte gent 
 
 
 
 
 
 Henry Le Squire gent ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 Stewart and Constable to L'' \ 
 
 
 
 
 1635. 36: 39 
 
 Edward Chichester j 
 
 
 
 
 
 Robert ffoster gent 
 
 
 
 
 1632: 44: 48 
 
 Thomas Bramston gent 
 
 
 
 
 1633- 
 
 Lewis Thomson gent 
 
 
 
 
 1634 
 
 Gawen Boltby gent 
 
 
 
 
 removed for absence 
 
 John Leathes Senior gent 
 
 
 
 
 1638: 5.5 
 
 Thomas Hanington gent 
 
 
 
 
 1641: 50: 51 
 
 John Wassher gent 
 
 
 
 
 1637: 
 
 Seneschall to L'' Edward 
 
 
 
 
 
 Thomas Theaker gent 
 
 
 
 
 1643: 54 
 
 John Haddock gent 
 
 
 
 
 1640: 
 
 Richard Gatley gent 
 
 8 
 
 ffeby 
 
 1640 
 
 
 Thomas Bradley gent 
 
 
 
 
 
 Thomas Stephenson gent 
 
 8 
 
 ffeby 
 
 1640 
 
 1642 
 
 John Davis gent 
 
 4 
 
 December 
 
 1642 
 
 
234 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 The Names 
 
 In place of 
 Thomas Ha 
 nington 
 
 In place of Richi^ 
 Galely 
 
 In place of John 
 Ash who dyed 
 May i6 i658;vide 
 Church Registry 
 
 In place of Wil- 
 liam Leathes 
 
 In place of 
 
 Walterhouse 
 
 Crimble 
 
 In place of 
 Thomas Warring 
 
 In place of 
 
 Francis Meeke 
 
 In place of John 
 
 Davies 
 
 In place of Jno. 
 
 Rigby 
 
 In place of Hugh 
 Doakc 
 
 In place of Wm 
 Warring 
 
 In place of Jno 
 Leathes Senior 
 In place of Henry 
 Thetford 
 
 In place of 
 
 Thomas 
 
 Bramston 
 
 In place of John 
 Wassher 
 
 In place of Henry 
 
 Le Squire 
 
 In place of John 
 
 Haddock 
 
 In place of 
 
 Thomas Stephen- 
 
 John Mitchell 
 
 William Leathes 
 
 gent 
 gent 
 
 George Martin gent 
 
 Hugh Doake gent 
 
 John Leathes Junior gt 
 
 Thomas Warring ~ gent 
 
 [after] high Sherrife of the 
 County Antrim 
 
 John Ridgby gent 
 
 y" first Soveraigne made Justice 
 of Peace of the County Antrim 
 w'' still continues to y" Sove- 
 raigne for the time being 
 
 Capt ffrancis Meeke 
 
 Constable of the Castle of 
 Bellfast 
 
 Capt George MCartney 
 
 Justice of the County of Antrim 
 & High Sherriffe of the same 
 
 William Warring gent 
 
 Justice of Peace & HighSherriffe 
 of ye Co Antrim 
 
 Edward Reynell[s] gent 
 
 Thomas Wallcott gent 
 
 Steward to Lord Edward & 
 Arthur ffirst Earle of Donegall 
 
 Gilbert Wye gent 
 Stewart to Arthur first Earle of 
 Donegall 
 
 ffrancis Thetford gent 
 
 George M'Cartney niger gent 
 high Sherrif of the Co Antrim 
 
 Hugh Eccles gent 
 
 high Sherrife Co Downe 
 
 Sr Hercules Langford 
 
 Justice of Peace and High 
 Sherrife of the County of Antrim 
 
 Capt Robert Leathes Justice of 
 Peace of the County Antrim 
 Seneschall of the Mannor of 
 Bellfast & Constable of the 
 Castle of Bellfast 
 
 James M'Cartney Councellor at 
 Law, Justice of Peace of y= 
 County Antrim & Seneschall of 
 the Mannor of Bellfast memb' 
 of Parliament for y' same and 
 at lenth one of y" Justices of y' 
 Kings Bench 
 
 Henry Thetford gent 
 
 Lewis Thomson 
 
 gent 
 
 The time when made 
 Burgisses 
 
 Dec' 
 Dec' 
 
 Octo' 
 Octo' 
 June 
 
 1642 
 1642 
 
 164s 
 1645 
 1646 
 
 24 June i6_ 
 
 chosen Soveraigne y° 
 same day that he was 
 chosen Burgess 
 17 Sep' 1655 
 
 June 
 Sep' 
 
 April 
 
 May 
 June 
 
 Sept' 
 
 December 
 Dec 
 Dec' 
 Aprill 
 
 Augt 
 
 1657 
 1659 
 
 1660 
 
 1660 
 1660 
 
 1662 
 
 1665 
 1665 
 1667 
 1669 
 
 i66g 
 
 The word blotted is 
 five dayes 
 
 19 
 
 Octob' 
 
 June 
 July 
 
 1676 
 
 1677 
 1678 
 
 The yeares when they were 
 Soveraignes 
 
 in 1645-57-58 & 59 and dyed in 
 
 May 1660 
 Captain Meeke served the 
 
 remainder 
 in 1649 
 
 in 1647 
 
 in 1652-53-56-65-65 & in that 
 year dyed. Edward Reynell 
 served y= remainder 
 
 in 1661 for y" year ending 1662: 
 
 in 1660 
 
 in 1663-64-68-69-76-77 & 78 79 & 
 80. 
 
 in 1670-71 
 
 in 1667 
 in 1672 
 
 resigned anno 1680 
 
 in 1681 
 
 in 1673-74 & 1701 
 
 in 1675 
 
 resigned in favour of Capt 
 Edward Harrison 
 
 in 1686-87-88-89-90 & 97 and in 
 1714: resigned anno 1717. y' 14 
 of June [his Roy] 1690 [his] his 
 Royall Majesty Kinge William 
 landed at Carrickfergus & that 
 day came to Bellfast & received 
 with great aclamacions of Joy 
 & stayed yfw dayes in Bellfast 
 y Soveraigne & Burgesses had 
 y' honor of kissing his Maj"=' 
 hand, he stayd 5 five dayes: 
 
 in 1692 
 resigned anno 1715 
 
 in 1682: 1696: 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 235 
 
 The Names 
 
 InpIaceofGeorge 
 
 Martin 
 
 In place of Sr 
 
 Hercules 
 
 Longford 
 
 InpIaceofGilbert 
 Wye 
 
 In place of Hugh 
 
 Eccles 
 
 In place of Ed: 
 
 Reynalls 
 
 In place of Jno 
 
 Hamilton 
 
 In place of John 
 Tooley 
 
 In place of Thos 
 Walcoat 
 In place of 
 Francis Thetford 
 InpIaceofGeorge 
 M'Cartncy 
 In place of Samp- 
 son Theaker 
 In place of Jno 
 Leatbes 
 
 Inplaceof Arthur 
 3cl Earle of 
 Donegall 
 
 In place of 
 Thomas Knox 
 In place of Wm 
 Lockhart 
 
 Pat Duff 
 
 In place of 
 C!apt Edward 
 Harrison 
 
 In place of Capt 
 I^harles 
 i^hichester 
 Colonel of Militia 
 
 n place of Geo 
 U'Cartney niger 
 
 n place of 
 ^ames Buller 
 n place of 
 3avid Smith 
 n place of Arthr 
 vl'Cartney 
 
 John Hamilton 
 
 gent 
 
 Capt Edward Harrission (sic) 
 High Sheirife and Justice of 
 Peace of the County Antrim 
 
 Thomas Knox Justice of Peace 
 and high Sherrife of the County 
 Antrim and Member of Parliam' 
 
 Sampson Theaker gent 
 
 Lt John Tooley 
 
 William Craford gent 
 
 Parliament man for Belfast 
 
 The time when made 
 Burgisses 
 
 William Lockhart 
 James Buller 
 Capt David Smith 
 
 Arthur M'Cartney 
 
 gent 
 gent 
 
 gent 
 
 The Rt Hono"«[The third] Arthur 
 
 the third Earle of Donegall 
 John Chalmers gent 
 
 The Hono"' Cap' Charles Chi- 
 chester brother to y° said Earle 
 [who] was made Burgesse in his 
 Lordships place who resignedj 
 being then Lord of the Castle of 
 Bellfast 
 
 Capt Edward Brice gent 
 
 Member of Parliament 
 
 TheHono"' Capt John Chichester 
 brother to y said Earle Member 
 of Parliament for Bellfast & Col 
 of Militia 
 
 Richard WiUowby gent 
 
 Constable of the Castle w"' 
 made him Burgesse by Charter 
 
 Patrick Duffe gent 
 Constable of the Castle 
 Burgesse by Charter 
 
 David Buttell gent 
 
 Isacke M'Cartney gent 
 
 George M'Cartney Esqr Coun^ 
 cellor at Law and Justice of 
 Peace of the County of Antrim 
 
 Neile McNeile gent 
 
 Capt Michael Harrison Comissary 
 Generall of the Musters 
 
 The Hono"' John Chichester ye 
 second sonn to y Rt Hono"' 
 Arthur the 3d Earle of Done- 
 gall 
 
 14 
 
 July 
 Aug" 
 
 Aug" 
 
 June 
 
 ApriU 
 
 May 
 
 May 
 
 ffeby 
 
 May 
 
 June 
 
 March 
 
 Aprill 
 
 Deer 
 
 1678 
 1680 
 
 1680 
 
 1681 
 1682 
 1686 
 
 1687 
 1689 
 1690 
 1691 
 1691 
 1693 
 
 1697 
 
 The yeares when they were 
 Soveraignes 
 
 Deer 
 
 1697 
 
 Sep 
 
 1698 
 
 October 
 
 1700 
 
 Aprill 
 
 1701 
 
 October 
 
 1702 
 
 ffeby 
 
 1702 
 
 August 
 
 1705 
 
 December 
 
 1706 
 
 in 1683-84 
 in 1695 
 
 in 1685 resigned his Burgess ship 
 Anno 1697 
 
 in 1693:94 removed for not 
 being qualified according to 
 y' Statute 
 
 in 1691 
 
 in 1699 & 1700 
 
 in 1698 resigned anno 1697 
 
 in 1702 removed for not being 
 qualified according to the 
 Statute 
 
 for y» yeare ending Micalmas 
 1700 but being absent at 
 Michaellmas in London Mr 
 David Smith continued Sove- 
 raigne for that yeare 
 
 removed for not being qualified 
 according to the Statute 
 
 for y year 1712 but being in 
 England Roger Haddock con- 
 tinued Sovereign for y' year 
 
 in 1703 & 1704 surrendered up 
 the rod y^ 29 of July 1704 by a 
 late Act of Parliami disabling 
 dissenters to serve in publique 
 office and succeded for the 
 remainder of that yeare by 
 George M'Cartney Esqr Coun- 
 cellor at Law 
 
 resigned anno 1707 in favour of 
 Jno Hallridge Esq' 
 
 part of y° yeare 1704 in Mr. 
 Buttles place & for y yere 
 1705 and 1706 and 1707 & 1708 
 
 removed for not being qualified 
 according to the Statute 
 
 removed being a minor and not 
 capable of qualifying under 
 the Statute 
 
236 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 In place of 
 Isaac M'Cartiiey 
 
 In place of 
 \Vm Crawford 
 
 In place of 
 Edward Brice 
 
 In place of 
 David Butle 
 In place of 
 Neal M'Neal 
 
 In place of Jno 
 Chichester Esq 
 
 In place of 
 Jno Chalmers 
 In place of Lewis 
 Thomson 
 
 In place of 
 
 Michael 
 
 Harrison 
 
 In place of 
 Richard WilUon 
 
 In place of Judge 
 McCartney 
 
 In place of Edwd 
 
 Clements 
 
 In place of Captn 
 
 Robert Lcaths 
 
 I n Room of Harry 
 Ellis Deceas'd 
 
 The Names 
 
 The time when made 
 
 The yeares when they were 
 
 
 
 iiurgisses 
 
 
 Soveraignes 
 
 John Haltridge Esq' High Sheriff 
 
 24 
 
 April! 
 
 1707 
 
 
 of Down & Justice of the peace 
 
 
 
 
 
 & memb' of Parliamt 
 
 
 
 
 
 Nathaniell Byrtt gent y place 
 
 29 
 
 Novem' 
 
 1707 
 
 1725; dyed in his year' y remain- 
 
 of William Craford Esq' not 
 
 
 
 
 der served out by Doctor James 
 
 qualyfied according to act of 
 
 
 
 
 M'Cartney 
 
 Parliamt 
 
 
 
 
 
 Richard WiUson gent in place of 
 
 "9 
 
 Nov 
 
 1707 
 
 1709 
 
 Edward Brice Esq not quallified 
 &c 
 Ensigne George Portis in place 
 
 
 
 
 
 29 
 
 Nove' 
 
 1707 
 
 
 of David Buttle not quallyfied &c 
 
 
 
 
 
 L' Henry Ellis in place of Neile 
 
 29 
 
 Nove' 
 
 1707 
 
 1717: 1720: i722;dyedin thisyeare 
 
 McNeile not quallyfied &c 
 
 
 
 
 no Sovereign for y" remainder 
 of his year nor fory< following 
 yeare 1723 vide page 279 
 
 James Gurner gent in place of 
 
 26 
 
 Novem' 
 
 1707 
 
 1715: 1716: 
 
 John Chichester Esq brother to 
 
 
 
 
 
 y« 4th Earl of Donegal! not 
 
 
 
 
 
 quallyfied 
 
 
 
 
 
 Roger Haddock gent in place of 
 
 17 
 
 ffeby 
 
 1707/8 
 
 i7io:i7ii:i7i2:resigned his Bur- 
 
 John Chalmers not quallyfied &c 
 
 
 
 
 gess-ship anno 1713 
 
 Nicholas Thetford gent 
 
 ■7 
 
 ffeby 
 
 1707 
 
 on y' 29th of November he was 
 
 in place of Mr Lewis Thomson 
 
 
 
 
 chosen in place of Wm Craford 
 not qualified according to 
 Statute, But refusing a Burgess 
 ship coming in such manner; 
 He was again chosen y 
 February after anno 1707 in 
 place of Lewis Thompson 
 deceased. 
 
 Major George Macartney gent 
 
 2 
 
 May 
 
 1709 
 
 1724: dyed in his year y: remain- 
 
 Atturney in place of Capt 
 
 
 
 
 der served out by Nathaniel 
 
 Michaell Harrison ellected and 
 
 
 
 
 Byrt Esq, 
 
 sworne y* 7 day May 1709 He 
 
 
 
 
 
 was Justice of y peace and 
 
 
 
 
 
 Parliament man for Belfast 
 
 
 
 
 
 Hans Hamilton gent 
 
 8 
 
 Decemb 
 
 1711 
 
 1713: 
 
 in y place of Richard Willson 
 
 
 
 
 
 ellected and sworne the 8th day 
 
 
 
 
 
 of December 1711 High Sheriflfe 
 
 
 
 
 
 of y County of Ardmagh and 
 
 
 
 
 
 Down Justice of the peace and 
 
 
 
 
 
 member of Parliament 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tho Bankes gent 
 
 8 
 
 Decemb 
 
 1711 
 
 
 Constable of the Castle of 
 
 
 
 
 
 Belfast & tooke y« oath of a 
 
 
 
 
 As to y" office of Constable of 
 
 Burgess 
 
 
 
 
 the Castle It is so changeable 
 & so many successions that 
 
 Robert Le Byrtt gent 
 
 
 
 
 were they entered regularly, as 
 
 Constable of the Castle of 
 
 
 
 
 often as new appoynted. They 
 
 Belfast & tooke the oath of a 
 
 24 
 
 June 
 
 1712 
 
 would fill up of themselves 
 
 Burgess 
 
 
 
 
 several pages. 
 
 Robert Le Byrt gent 
 
 28 
 
 Xb' 
 
 1713 
 
 1721:1734-1735-1739-1740-1743 
 
 Thom Hewitson 
 
 27 
 
 May 
 
 1718 
 
 
 Edward Clements Esqr 
 
 i6 
 
 August 
 
 1715 
 
 
 High Sheriff of y' County 
 
 
 
 
 
 Antrim and Justice of y* peace 
 
 
 
 
 
 for sii County and Major 
 
 
 
 
 
 Militia 
 
 
 
 
 
 James M'Cartney 
 
 
 
 
 p' 1725 & 1726 
 
 Jno Carpenter gent 
 
 13 
 
 April 
 
 1717 
 
 1718:1719: 
 
 John Clugstone 
 
 
 
 
 p' of 1726 & 1727-1728-1733-1733 
 
 Hon'''" Jo Skeffington 
 
 12 
 
 Novr 
 
 1723 
 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 237 
 
 Mich Thetford 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Jas Gurnet 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Geo Portis 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Geo Macartney 
 
 Junr Deceas'd 
 
 John Haltridge 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Nathl Byrtt 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Drjas Macartney 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 J as Read 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Hans Hamilton 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Jon Carpenter 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Ar Thetford 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Genl Price 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Ezek Da Wilson 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 John Ctugston 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Honble John 
 
 Slceffington 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Robt Byrtt 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Thos Banks 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Honble John 
 
 Chichester 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Honble Arthur 
 
 Skeffington 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 John Duff 
 Deceas'd 
 Wm Mont- 
 gomery Deceas'd 
 Margetson 
 Saunders 
 Deceas'd 
 
 Jos Green 
 
 Deceas'd 
 
 George 
 
 Macartney 
 Deceas'd 
 
 In place of 
 Charles Macart- 
 ney Esq deceased 
 
 In place of Davys 
 "Wilson Esqr 
 deceased 
 
 'nplace of Valen- 
 tine Jones Esqr 
 deceased 
 
 In place of John 
 Gordon resigned 
 In place of 
 HonbleHungerfd 
 Skeffington 
 Deceased 
 
 The Names 
 
 The time when made 
 Burgisses. 
 
 The yeares when they were 
 Soveraignes 
 
 Gen' Nich* Price 
 
 12 
 
 Nov 
 
 1723 
 
 
 Cha' Macartney 
 
 12 
 
 Nov 
 
 1723 
 
 
 Ja- Read 
 
 12 
 
 Nov 
 
 1723 
 
 
 Hon"" John Chichester 
 
 II 
 
 Aug' 
 
 1724 
 
 Mort 
 
 Crom' Price 
 
 16 
 
 feb" 
 
 1724 
 
 Mart 
 
 Ezek' Davis Wilson 
 
 27 
 
 Sep- 
 
 1725 
 
 Mort 
 
 John Duff 
 Tho" Banks 
 
 18 
 18 
 
 Sep' 
 Sep' 
 
 1727 
 1727 
 
 1730-1741-1742-1747 p' of 1753 
 
 dyed in the office 
 1729 
 
 Arthur Byrtt 
 Arthur Thetford 
 
 12 
 
 20 
 
 May 
 May 
 
 1729 
 1729 
 
 I73I-I744-I74S-I746-17S2-[>7S4] 
 
 1757 A'fort 
 Mort 
 
 Margetson Saunders 
 
 17 
 
 May 
 
 1733 
 
 1736-1737-1738-1748-54 Mort 
 
 W" Montgomery of Roseraount 
 
 30 
 
 July 
 
 1735 
 
 Mort 
 
 Valentine Jones of Lisburn 
 
 2 
 
 May 
 
 1738 
 
 Mort 
 
 Davys Wilson 
 
 4 
 
 May 
 
 1738 
 
 Mort 
 
 Hon'''' ."Vrth' Skeffington 
 
 27 
 
 Sept 
 
 1742 
 
 Mort 
 
 Wm Macartney 
 
 17 
 
 feb' 
 
 174s 
 
 resigned in July 1770 
 
 Stewart Banks 
 
 26 
 
 May 
 
 1746 
 
 1755-1758-1762-1766-1771 
 
 Geo Macartney Mercht 
 
 22 
 
 Sep' 
 
 1745 
 
 1749-1750-1751-1756-1759-1763- 
 1764-1765-1767-1768 Mort 
 
 Jos Green 
 
 6 
 
 8ber 
 
 1747 
 
 Mort 
 
 Honb" Arth' Barry 
 
 31 
 
 Oct*" 
 
 1753 
 
 Mort 
 
 John Gordon 
 
 6 
 
 June 
 
 1755 
 
 Resigned 
 
 Stephen Haven 
 
 6 
 
 Sep' 
 
 1757 
 
 1 760- 1 770 Mort 
 
 Ja' Hamilton 
 
 6 
 
 Sep' 
 
 1757 
 
 1 76 1- 1769 Mort 
 
 John Ludford 
 
 3 
 
 Dec' 
 
 1757 
 
 Resigned in July 1775 
 
 Tho" Ludford Esqr 
 
 IS 
 
 March 
 
 •759 
 
 Resigned in July 1770 
 
 The Honb'" John Chichester 
 Brother to y« present Right 
 Honb" Arthur 5'" Earl of 
 Donegall 
 
 James Lewis 
 
 •7 
 
 I 
 
 July 
 April 
 
 1760 
 1761 
 
 Mort 
 
 SoV« for 1773-1777 Mori 
 
 The Honb'' Hungerford 
 
 Skeffington 
 Revd Jams Saurin 
 
 8 
 30 
 
 Sept 
 Sep 
 
 1767 
 1768 
 
 Mort 
 Mort 
 
238 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 In place of Wm 
 
 Macartney 
 
 resigned 
 
 In place of John 
 Ludford resigned 
 In place of Tho 
 Ludford resigned 
 In place of James 
 Hamilton 
 deceased 
 
 HbleArth: Barry 
 
 Revd James 
 Saurin 
 Arth Byrt 
 Sheni Thompson 
 Crom Price 
 John Chichester 
 
 James Lewis 
 Stephen Haven 
 George 
 Macartney 
 Henry Joy 
 Will Tisdall 
 
 In place of Saml 
 Black deceased 
 In place of Revd 
 E Patterson 
 resigned 
 E Kingsmill 
 Geo Portis 
 Thos Saunders 
 Geo Black 
 Honble Chiches- 
 ter Skeffington 
 resigned 
 
 Art Chichester 
 Jno Brown 
 Stewart Banks 
 R Apsley 
 Revd W Bristow 
 Earl Massereene 
 Sir Ed May 
 
 The Names 
 
 The time when made 
 
 The yeares when they were 
 
 
 
 curgisses. 
 
 
 Soveraignes 
 
 George Portis 
 
 26 
 
 July 
 
 1770 
 
 
 George Black 
 
 26 
 
 July 
 
 1770 
 
 SoV for 1774 177s 1776 1732 
 1783 1785 
 
 Shem Thomson 
 
 26 
 
 July 
 
 1770 
 
 Sov° for 1772 Mort 
 
 Rev Wm Tisdall Justice of peace 
 
 26 
 
 July 
 
 1770 
 
 Mart 
 
 for the County of Antrim 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Hon"'' Henry Skeffington 
 
 18 
 
 July 
 
 1774 
 
 Justice of peace for the County of 
 Antrim 
 
 Rev Will: Bristow: Justice of peace 
 
 18 
 
 July 
 
 1774 
 
 1786-1787-1788-T790-1791-1792- 
 
 for the County of Antrim 
 
 
 
 
 1793-1794-179S-1796-1798 
 
 Samuel Black 
 
 18 
 
 July 
 
 1774 
 
 Sov for 1779-1780-1781-1784-X789 
 
 Henry Joy 
 
 I 
 
 May 
 
 1781 
 
 Mort 
 
 Edward Patterson 
 
 I 
 
 May 
 
 1781 
 
 resigned in Sept 1793 
 
 Edward Kingsmill 
 
 28 
 
 Oct' 
 
 1786 
 
 Justice of the peace for the 
 
 Counties of Down and Antrim 
 
 Robt Apsley M D. 
 
 28 
 
 Oct' 
 
 1786 
 
 
 Chichester Skeffington 
 
 29 
 
 Sept 
 
 1792 
 
 
 John Brown 
 
 29 
 
 Sept 
 
 1792 
 
 1797-1799-1800-1801 Moi-t 
 
 E D Wilson 
 
 21 
 
 April 
 
 1796 
 
 
 Rev Geo Macartney LLD 
 
 21 
 
 April 
 
 1796 
 
 carried to page 187 
 
 Names continued from page 236 
 
 Tt 
 
 le time of their 
 made Burgess 
 
 Deing 
 ;s 
 
 The time when they were Soveraigne 
 Magistrate 
 
 Geo Bristow 
 
 2 
 
 Decem' 
 
 1797 
 
 
 Rev Snowden Couples 
 
 2 
 
 Dec 
 
 1797 
 
 
 L"" Spencer Chichester 
 
 18 
 
 Ap' 
 
 1799 
 
 dead 
 
 Ed'' May 
 
 18 
 
 Ap' 
 
 1799 
 
 24 Sept' i8o2 Dead 
 
 Art, Chichester 
 
 
 
 
 resigned 
 
 Sir W" Kirk Kt 
 
 17 
 
 feby 
 
 i8oi 
 
 decid 
 
 Art Chichester 
 
 15 
 
 June 
 
 1801 
 
 1802 
 
 Hon'''« Chichester Skeffington 
 
 IS 
 
 June 
 
 1801 
 
 dead 
 
 Thos L Stewart 
 
 5 
 
 May 
 
 1802 
 
 
 E May Jun' 
 
 24 
 
 June 
 
 1806 
 
 30th October 1B06 dead 
 
 Rev" R Wolsely 
 
 I 
 
 Aug' 
 
 1806 
 
 
 Thomas Verner 
 
 i6 
 
 March 
 
 1810 
 
 24th June 1812 
 
 And" Alexander 
 
 22 
 
 Nov' 
 
 i8ti 
 
 
 Sir Stephen May 
 
 23 
 
 Sept 
 
 1814 
 
 13 March 1815 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 239 
 
 Elecco Supcriorum 
 
 1632 'Kobert ffOatCr gent one of the Burgesses of the Burrough of Bellfast was 
 by Lawful! p'sentacion from the right Hon'.'' Edward Lord Viscount Chichester the 24"" 
 day of June Anno d°' 1632 elected and chosen in the office of a Sovraigne of the said 
 Burrough and to take his oathe uppon the ffeaste of St Michaell tharchangell next ensue- 
 inge for the due execucion thereof for one whole yeare from thence to be compleate and 
 ended according to the tyme in and by his Maj''" Charter granted to the said Burrough 
 lymitted 
 
 1633 ilbomas Bramston ... 
 
 1634 Xcwge Honison .... 
 
 1635 Ujcnrg Xc=Squire .... 
 
 1636 ibcnrs Xc=Squlre .... 
 
 1637 Jobn MaeBber .... 
 
 1638 John Leythes .... 
 
 1639 IbciicB Xc Squire 
 
 1640 jobn IbaSOockc 
 
 1 641 Thomas Hanington .... 
 
 1642 Thomas Stephenson .... 
 
 1643 Thomas Theaker .... 
 
 1644 Robt ffoster .... 
 
 (A similar entry to the one above 
 occurs after each name followed by 
 periods, but is here omitted for 
 brevity. ) 
 
 3uratio Superiorium 
 
 1632 TRobert ffoster gent one of the Burgisses of Bellfast was the XXIX'? dale 
 of September Anno Dni 1632 sworne in the office of a Soveraigne for the Burrough 
 aforesaid before John Wassher gentleman Constable of the Castle for the tyme being and 
 so continued in the said office for one whole yeere from thence next ensueinge 
 
 1633 XlbOmaS JBramstOll .... swom before John Wassher {A similar 
 entry to the one above occurs after each name followed by periods.) 
 
 1634 
 the Castle 
 
 163s 
 1636 
 Chichester 
 
 1637 
 Castle 
 
 1638 
 Castle 
 
 . 1639 
 Chichester 
 
 XewBS jrboinsoti 
 IbenrB Xe=Squ(re 
 
 Henry Le Squyre . 
 John Wassher . . . 
 John Leathes . . 
 Henry Le Squyre . 
 
 . sworn before Henry Le Squire Constable of 
 
 . sworne before John Wassher 
 . . sworne before the R' Honble L^ Viscount , 
 
 . sworne before Henry Le Squire Constable of the 
 
 sworne before Henry Le Squire Constable of the 
 
 , sworne before the Rt Honble L*" Viscount 
 
 . sworne before the R' Honble L'' Viscount Chi- 
 
 . . swome before the R' Honble L* Viscount 
 
 1640 John Haddock . . 
 Chester 
 
 1641 Thomas Hanington . 
 Chichester 
 
 1642 Thomas Stephenson .... swome before the R' Honble L'' Viscount 
 Chichester 
 
 1644 Robte ffoster 
 the Castle 
 
 sworne before ffrancis Meeke Captane Constable of 
 
 1645 Willm Leathes gentl one of the Burgesses of the Borrough and Towne 
 of Belfast by lawfull p'sentacion from Captain ffrancis Meeke Constable of the Castle 
 of Belfast in the absence of the right bono"" Edward Lord Viscount Chichester uppon 
 the 24"' day of June 1645 ^^s ellected and chosen in the office of Sovraigne of the 
 said Borrough and to take his oath uppon the 29"; day of Septemb'- next ensueinge for 
 
240 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 the due execucion thereof for one whole yeare from thence to be compleat & ended 
 according to the tyme in his Ma'? Charter granted to the said Borrough lymitted these 
 Burgesses hereafter named being uppon the Elleccion 
 
 Robte ffoster Sovraigne 
 ffrancis Meeke Constable 
 John Ash gen [whose name & hand was written hearunto without any consent of mine 
 
 witness my hand John : Ayshe ; sovran] 
 Thomas Hanington gen Richard Gately gen John Mitchell gen George 
 Martyn gen Hugh Doak gen 
 
 This writing above defaced was found to be 
 indiscreetly writen by Mr Ash and therefore 
 ordered to be raced by the Sovraigne & 
 Burgesses 
 Richard Gatlie Thomas Hanington HD George Martyn 
 Tho Theaker Rob Foster 
 
 Willm Leathes genlleman one of the Burgesses of the Borrough and Towne of Belfast 
 uppon the 29"' day of September 1645 was sworne in the office of Sovraigne of the said 
 Borrouge win the Castle of Belfast before Major Coughran then Comander in Cheefe 
 there and from him did receave the staffe for to continue in the said office for one whole 
 yeare yf hee soe long live 
 
 [this oath was given by maior Likewise this entry of Mr Ash ordered 
 
 Coughran contrary to our Charter to be raced by the Sovrainge & 
 
 and Improperly taken by Mr Burgesses 
 
 Leathes] 
 
 Hugh HD Doake Rob Foster Thomas Hanington Tho Theaker Richard Gatlie 
 
 George Martyn 
 
 1646 John Ash gentleman one of the Burgesses of the Burrough and Towne of 
 Belfast by lawfuU p'senlacion from Captain ffrancis Meeke Constable of the Castle of 
 Belfast aforesaide in the absence of the right Honoble Edward lord Viscount Chichester 
 uppon the 24th daye of June 1646 was ellected and chosen in the office of Sovraigne of 
 the said Borrough and to take the oath of [the] a Sovraigne uppon the 29th of Septembr 
 next ensueinge for the due execucion thereof for one whole yeare from thence to be 
 compleat and ended accordinge to the tyme in his Maties letters patents granted to the 
 saide Borrough lymitted. These Burgesses hereafter named being uppon the Elleccion 
 
 Willm Leithes Sovr 1646 
 
 Thomas Hanington Richard Gately George Martin hew doak John Leese 
 
 ffra: Meeke John Michell Rob Foster Jo: Leithes 
 
 1646 John Rigby gent one of the free Burgesses of ye Borrough and Towne of 
 Bellfast uppon the 24th day of September 1646 was sworne in the office of Soveren within 
 the Castle of Bellfast before Capt ffrancis Meeke Constable of the Castle of Bellfast and to 
 continew in the said office for one whole yeare yf he so long live 
 
 John Ayshe Sovern 
 
 1647 Hugh Doake gent one of the Burgesses of Belfast uppon the 29th of September 
 1647 was sworne in the office of Soveraigne of the said Borrough w'" the Castle of 
 Belfast before Ca' ffrancis Meeke Connstable of the Castle in the absence of the right 
 honorble Edward Lord Viscount Chichester and to continue in ye said office for one whole 
 yeare yf hee soe long shall continue in the said office 
 
 1648 Robert ffoster .... (A similar entry to the one above occurs after 
 each name followed by periods) 
 
 1649 George Marten .... 
 
 1650 Thomas Hanington . . . sworn before Ca: ffrancis Meeke by authority 
 and order from Col Robert Venables commander in cheifif w'Mn these parts of Ulster 
 
 1651 Thomas Hanington .... sworne before Capt ffrancis Meeke 
 
 1652 Thomas Warringe .... sworne before Capt ffrancis Meeke 
 
 1653 Thomas Wareinge .... sworne before Capt ffi-ancis Meeke 
 
 1654 Thomas Theaker .... sworne before Capt ffrancis Meeke 
 
 1655 John Leythes sen .... sworne before Capt ffrancis Meeke 
 
 Att an Assemblye by the Sov'ane and major p'° of the Burgesses the 17th 
 daye of Septemb' 1655 uppon the EUection of a Burgess in the place and roome of Mr 
 Thomas Hanington deceased late one of the Burgesses by consent of the right honor"' 
 Arthur Lord Viscount Chichester and by the Elleccion of Mr Thomas Theaker then 
 Sov'ane of the Borrough of Belfast and the major p" of the Burgesses then beinge Mr 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 241 
 
 John Rigby was ellected and sworne a ffree Burgesse of the said Borrough in the rome of 
 the said Mr. Hanington according to the libtyes & privileidges of the said Towne w'' 
 said Sov'ane & major p" of Burgesses then p'sent uppon the said Elleccion have hereunto 
 subscribed their names the daye and yeare above said 
 
 Tho Theaker Sov'aine 
 
 Willm Leithes 1655 George Mariin Richard Walle Towne Clerk John Leithes 
 John Michell Tho Waring x Richard Gateley m''* 
 
 1655 Thomas Wareinge elected and sworn as Sovereign .... 
 
 1657 Att an Assembly houlden the ij" of June 1657 by the Sov'ane & Burgesses for 
 the EUection of a Burgess in the rome of M' Richard Gateley late Burgess deceased Captane 
 ffrancis Meeke was ellected and sworne in the office of a Burgess of the said Borrough of 
 Belfast in the p'sence of the Sov'ane & Burgesses whose names are as hereafter foUoweth 
 
 Tho Wareing Sov'ane 
 
 Willm Leythes George Marten Hugh Doake John Leythes Sen' Tho Theaker 
 
 1657 Willm Leathes elected and sworn as Sovereign .... (A similar entry 
 to the one above occurs after each name followed by periods) 
 
 165S William Leathes elected and sworn as Sovereign .... 
 
 1659 William Leathes gent was sworn in y« office of the Soflferaigne of the 
 Borrough of Bellfast the 29"" day of September 1659 according to the use and custome of 
 the said Towne for the due execucion of his said oflice before Capt flrancis Meeke 
 Constable of the Castle of Bellfast in y absence of the right honor""' Arthur Lord Viscount 
 Chichester of Carrickfergus and Earle of Donnegall and is to continue in the said office for 
 one whole year according to y' time limitted by the Charier if he shall soe longe live 
 but on y 6"; tlay of May 1660 he departed this life in Bellfast where great Lamenta". was 
 made for y Losse of soe honest just and upright man and eminent in his place being ever 
 a support to y» needy fatherlesse and widdows y° next day following appointed for his 
 buriall was carryed by eight of his surname payr? in Brothers accompannyed by y" 
 R' Honnor'!" y' Earle of Donnegall & y' Marquisse of Antrim with y greatest part of 
 y* Inhabitants of Bellfast and many others, there was placed on his hearsse eight Scuchens 
 of his Amies with y' white rod of Justice and y* two Maces of y" Corporacon mourning 
 Ribbon was dealt [in] plentyfuU all performed by his sonns and after he was interr'd and his 
 funerall sermon preached Capt ffrancis Meeke one of the Burgesses of y" Corporacon by 
 ellection with consent of y5 R' Honno"" y« Earle of Donnegall was sworne in y° office 
 of Soveraigne of y' Borrough affbresaid to continue till y' fTeast of S' Michaell y* 
 Archangell next following 
 
 1660 Capt ffrancis Meeke .... (see preceding note) Elected and Sworn 
 as Sovereign before Thomas Walcott Constable of the Castle 
 
 1661 John Rigby elected and sworn as Sovereign before the Right Honourable 
 Arthur Lord Viscount Chichester he was allsoe made Justice of peace for y' County 
 of Antrim as he was Soveraigne of Bellfast and the Soveraignes for y' time being 
 successively are to be Justices of Peace as afforesaid 
 
 1662 George M'Cartney .... elected and sworn as Sovereign before Capt 
 Meeke Constable of the Castle 
 
 1662 George M'Cartney gent was sworne and made Justice of peace for y* 
 County of Antrim by vertue of y' Comission of y' peace und' y great Scale of Ireland 
 and to continue dureing his Soveraignty of y« said Borrough 
 
 1663 George M'Cartney .... elected and sworn as Sovereign before 
 Thomas Walcott Constable of the Castle 
 
 1664 Tho Warring .... elected and sworn as Sovereign before Michael 
 Harrison Constable of the Castle 
 
 1665 Thomas Waring .... elected and sworn as Sovereign before Michael 
 Harrison 
 
 1666 Thomas W'aring .... But on the three and Twentyeth day of 
 November following he departed this life in Belfast 
 
 And Edward Reynell gent one of the Burgesses of this Corporacon was the first 
 day of December next following by elleccion and with the consent of the Right Hono'" 
 the Earle of Donegall sworne Soveraigne of the said Borrough and to continue in the sayd 
 office untill the feast of St Michaell next following 
 
 1666 Edward Reynell Esq! aforesayd one of y' Burgesses of Belfast on y° 24"' 
 of June l656 by Lawful! p'sentacon from y R! Hono'''" Arthur Earle of Donegall & was 
 elected and chosen to y office of Soveraigne of Belfast afforesaid for one whole yeare 
 from y, 29"' of September next following 
 
 R 
 
(A similar entry to the one above 
 occurs after each name followed by 
 periods) 
 
 242 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 1667 Edward Reynell Esqr afforesaid .... sworn before the Rt Honble 
 the Earl of Donegall 
 
 1668 George M'Cartney .... 
 
 1669 George M'Cartney .... 
 
 1670 William Warring .... 
 
 1 67 1 William Warring .... 
 
 1672 Thomas Wallcott .... 
 
 1673 George MCartney .... 
 
 1674 George M'Cartney .... 
 
 1675 Hugh Eccles .... 
 1676-81 George M'Cartney Esqr a Burgess of this Corporacon was ellected and 
 
 sworne Soveraigue for y' yeare ending Michaelluias 1676. After ellected and sworne from 
 yeare to yeare successively till y' end of y" yeare 1 68 1 
 
 16S2 ffrancis Thetford Burgesse ellected and sworne Soveraigne for y' yeare end 
 Michaellmas 1682 
 
 1683 Lewis Thomson Burgesse was ellected and sworne Soveraigne for the year 
 end Michaelmas 1683 
 
 16S4-1685 John Hamilton gent one of the Burgesses of the Corporacon of Bellfast 
 was ellected and sworne Soveraigne for the yeare ending Michaellmas 1684 and after was 
 ellected and sworne Soveraigne for y« yeare end Michaellmas 1685 
 
 1686 Thomas Kno.x Burgess was ellected and sworne Soveraigne for the yeare end 
 Michaellmas 1 685 
 
 1687-168S-1689-1690 Capt Robi Leathes Burgesse was ellected and sworne Sove- 
 raigne for the yeare end Rlichaellmas 1687 afterwards ellected and sworne from 
 yeare to yeare successively till y« end of y yeare at Michaelmas 1690. That Thomas 
 Pottinger a march' & ffreeman of Bellfast without y" consent of the Lord of the Castle 
 Soveraigne Burgesses and Comonallity of the Borrough of Bellfast procured a new Charter 
 from King James then in Ireland in y" yeare 16S9 upon and y° said Thomas Pottinger was 
 made' y' first Soveraigne and thirty five Burgesses viz' Neil oNeil Barr' Marke Talbott 
 Esq' Daniel oNeil Esq' Charles oNeil Esq' ftelix oNeil Esq' John oNeil Esq John 
 oNeil de Ballyboran Esq' Daniell M'Naten Esq' James Wogan Esq' James Netervile 
 Esq' John Savage Esq' Martin Gernen Esq' John M'Nachton Esq' /Eneas Moylin 
 Esq' George M'Cartney Esq' John oNeil gent Toul oNeil gent Patrick Moylin 
 Phisic" Charles MulhoUan gent Abraham Lee gent George M 'Cartney merch' Thomas 
 Knox James Shaw William Lockard William Dobbin Edward Pottinger Peter Knowles 
 John ffletcher John Eccles William Craford Henry Chads Humphrey Dobbin David 
 Smith Hugh Eccles and John Chalmers in which Charter there is a proviso that y' Lord 
 Deputy generall or other Cheife Governors of Ireland with y" Privy Councell have power 
 to amove or remove the Soveraigne or Burgesses or any of them or any other officer in y" 
 said Borrough att their will and good pleasure from their respective offices and 
 places of trust & that noe Recorder or Towne Clerk of the Borrough afforesaid that 
 shall be ellected and chosen by y' Soveraigne & Burgesses afforesaid for the Borrough 
 afforesaid [shall not] be admitted till he or they be approved of by the Cheife Governor 
 or [Cheife] Governors afforesaid soe that it appeares plainly by the said proviso that the 
 Soveraigne and Burgesses Recorder Towne Clarke Sargents at Mace and any other 
 officer of the said Borrough without any fault comitted or offence given may at any time 
 be laid asside or removed at the pleasure of the Cheife Governor or Governors c& privy 
 Councell of Ireland afforesaid anythinge to the contrary thereof notwithstanding O brave 
 Thomas Pottinger who did not consider the soUem oath of a freeman he had 
 taken to maintaine all the rights and privelidges of the Corporacon granted 
 by the old Charter by w=.'' the Corporacon was governed by a Soveraigne and 
 twelve Burgesses beside y' Earle of Donegall Lord of the Castle of Bellfast and the 
 Constable thereof who are Burgesses by y old Charter That upon Landing of their Majt'" 
 Army at Bangor in y* County of Downe y' fifteenth day of August one thousand six 
 hundred and eighty nine unde' comand of his Grace [ffrederick Duke] ffredrick 
 Duke of Sconberg ge«rall of their Maj"" fforces when he came to Bellfast he issued a 
 Proclamacion bearing date y" fourteenth September one thousand six hundred eighty 
 nine impowring and comandinge all Protestant subjects to retourne to their severall and 
 respective propertyes and their respective Corporacons to their antient Charters and the 
 severall Protestant Justices of the peace to their respective trust impowring them to doe 
 and execute all things they might or could doe by vertue of their Charters and Comissions 
 of the peace pursuant to w* proclamacion Capt Robert Leathes the last Soveraigne of the 
 old Charter at y« time when y« new one was brought to Bellfast Tooke upon him againe 
 y Governm' and magistracy of the Corporacon as formerly & continued therein till 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 243 
 
 Michaellmas one thousand [seven] six hundred and ninety 1690 in w"? yeare y' fourteenth 
 day of June one thousand six hundred and ninety his most gracious and Puissant MajV" 
 Kinge William Landed at Carricl^fargus & that same day his Maj".'and Duke Sconberge in 
 a Coach came to Bellfast (the Towne at that time being full of his Maj"?' Army and Traine of 
 Artillary besides many hospitalls of sick sold'' from y" Camp of Dundalke) was received 
 at y' entrance of the Towne by the Soveraigne Burgesses and Inhabitants of the Cor- 
 poracon and that part of the Armey then in their best formallitys with acclamacions of 
 great joy and rejoyceing and was conducted to y" Castle where he graciously received the 
 Soveraigne & Burgesses where y Soveraigne upon his Knee humbly presented the Rod 
 of authority w'V his Maj"° received bidding him rise and gave it back againe and y* 
 Soveraigne againe kneeling presented an addresse of the Soveraigne Burgesses and Comon- 
 ality w""" was [red] read before his Maj'" and after received it and the Kinge put it in his 
 Pockett and then the Soveraigne and Burgesses had the honor of Kissing his Maj"" hand 
 That his Maj''" stayed five nights in Bellfast and was very well pleased with the 
 Inhabitants and the Towne and its cittivation and said (when within the Castle and the 
 doors being open to y'^ garden) that was litle Whitehall — it cannot be omitted to tell that 
 the Soveraigne intended to acquainte his Maj'" that the Corporacon had neither Lands 
 Tenem" hereditam" Rents or Comons to maintaine and support the authority of the 
 same or for discharging any publiqe Taxes or charges of the Towne Though by its Trade 
 it was considerable in customes and Excise in y* Exchequer to y« vallue of about Twenty 
 thousand pounds str per Ann — humbly to pray his Maj"" that he would be pleased to grant 
 out of the enemyes Estates (he was goeing to subdue) such a proporcion as his Maj''° in 
 his gracious favour should think fitt butt the Burgesses were altogether against it (amongest 
 severall of their argum" saying it would be a great shame to begg of his Maj"" at his 
 comeinge to Towne though they were tould such an oppertunity (if lost) might never 
 againe be had ; It was certainly reported by a gentleman of good creditt and reputacion 
 that when y* Kinge was in y' West of Ireland discourceing of the Kingdom in [genell] 
 general! this gentleman being present heard his Maj*^' say that he liked the north part 
 where his Maj'" had been especially Bellfast and the Country thereabouts and said like- 
 wise that if the Magistrates and people of Bellfast had asked anything of him he would 
 have given it them the losse is irrepaireable till a King or Queen comes to Bellfast w'"" 
 may never be but if it should happen their inclynacions may not be soe kinde to Bellfast 
 as his Maj"' King William designed y' old Proverb holds a dum man getts noe land time 
 was and now [it] is Past. 
 
 1 69 1 William Lockart Burgesse was ellected and sworne Soveraigne for the yeare 
 ending Michaelmas 1691 
 
 1692 James M'Cartney Esq' Councellor at Law & Burgesse was ellected and 
 sworne Soveraigne for the yeare ending Michallmas 1692 
 
 1693-1694 William Craford Burgesse was ellected and sworne Soveraigne for the 
 yeare ending Michallmas 1693 ^"'1 allsoe ellected and sworne for the yeare end Michall- 
 mas 1694 
 
 1695 Capt Eward [sic] Harrison Esq' Burgesse was ellected and sworne Soveraigne 
 for the yeare ending Michallmas 1695 
 
 1696 Lewis Thomson Burgesse was ellected and sworne Soveraigne for the yeare 
 ending Michaellmas 1696 
 
 1697 Capt Robert Leathes Esqr Burgesse was ellected and sworne Soveraigne for 
 the yeare ending Michaellmas 1697 
 
 169S The Rt Honble Arthur Earle of Donegall was ellected and sworne Soveraigne 
 for the yeare end Michallmas 1698 
 
 Captain Robert Leathes served Deputy for y° yeare y' Lord Longford and 
 Lady Ann then Lords of the Castle of Bellfast 
 
 1699-1700 David Smith Burgesse was ellected and sworne Soveraigne for the 
 yeare ending Michallmas 1699 Capt Charles Chichester being ellected for y yeare 
 ending Michallmas 1700 but after went to London & came not to Bellfast at Michallmas 
 to be sworne soe David Smith continued Soveraigne for that yeare according to Charter 
 
 1 701 George M'Cartney Burgesse was ellected and sworne Soveraigne for y 
 yeare ending Michaellmas 1671 
 
 1702 John Chalmers Burgesse was elected and sworne Soveraigne for the yeare 
 ending Michaelmas 1672 
 
 1703 & parte of 1704 David Buttle Burgesse was ellected and sworne 
 [Soveraigne] for the yeare ending Michallmas 1703 and againe ellected and sworne 
 Soveraigne for y' yeare ending Michallmas 1704 but surrendered the Rod the 29"' of July 
 1704 by a late Act of Parliam' disabling dissenters to serve in publiqe office and 
 succeded for y' remainder of that yeare by George Macartney Esq' Councellor at Law 
 
244 '^^^ Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 part of 1704 George M'Cartney Esq' Councellor at Law & Burgesse was 
 ellected sworne Soveraigne for that parte of y* yeare viz frotn y« 29"' July 1704 'o 
 Michaellmas ffoUowing w'.' time M' Buttle ye former Soveraigne surrendered up into y 
 hands of the Corporacon disabling dissenters to serve in publiqe office by vertue of an Act 
 of Parliam' in that case made and Provided 
 
 1705 George Macartney Esq' Councellor at Law & Burgesse was ellected and 
 sworne Soveraigne for the yeare ending Michaellmas 1705 
 
 1706 George M'Cartney Esq' Councellor at Law & Burgesse was ellected & 
 sworne Soveraigne for the yeare ending Michaellmas 1706 
 
 1707 George M'Cartney Esq' Councellor at Law and Burgesse was ellected 
 and sworne Soveraigne for the yeare ending Michaellmas 1707 
 
 1708 George Macartney Esq' Councellor at Law and Burgess according to 
 former ellection for y, yeare 1707 continues Soveraigne for the yeare end Michaellmas 
 1708 because according to y' Charter [Capt Brice being upon] y< Leete sent downe to y« 
 Soveraigne & Burgesse und'. ye hand of y, R' Hono"' y« Countis Dowager of Donegal! 
 and y« R' Hono"" y" Earle of Donegall had 3 Burgesse named one of w'.' was Capt 
 Edward Brice who was ellected and chossen for that yeare but would not quallifie himselfe 
 according to the Act of Parliam' soe that he disabled himselfe from takeing y° office of 
 Soveraigne 
 
 1709 Whereas the R' Hono'l' Arthur Earle of Donegall did in pursuance of the power 
 to him given by the Charter send us Leete this day in w?' Leete were named Michaell 
 Harrison Esqr Richard Willson gent and James Gurner gent Wee the Soveraigne and 
 Burgesses in pursuance of the power to us given by said Charter have ellected and 
 chosen said Richard Willson one of the three named in said Leet to serve as Soveraigne 
 of the said Borrough for the yeare ensueing from Michaellmas 1708 to Michaellmas 1709 
 as wittness our hands the 24th of June 1708 Geo Macartney Soveraign 
 
 Robt Leathes Nathl Byrtt Richard Willson George Portis Henry Ellis James 
 Gurner Roger Haddock Nicholas Thettford 
 
 1 7 10 (A similar entry occurs after each year, followed by periods, but is omitted for 
 brevity) .The Leet, James Gurner Roger Haddock and Nathaniel Byrt who was chosen 
 as Sovereign Richard Wilson Sovereign 
 
 Robt Leathes Nathl Byrtt George Portis Henry Ellis Nicholas Thettford 
 Roger Haddock James Gurner 
 
 1711 .... The Leet Roger Haddock present Sovereign, James Gurner James 
 Portis Roger Haddock chosen Roger Haddock Sovern 
 
 Robt Leathes Geo Macartney Nathl Byrtt Richard Wilson George Portis 
 Plenry Ellis James Gurner Nicholas Thettford 
 
 1712 . . . . The Leet Roger Haddock present Sovereign, the Honble John 
 Chichester & James Gurner the Honble John Chichester chosen 
 
 Roger Haddock Sover? 
 Robt Leathes Geo Macartney John Haltridge Nath Byrtt George Portis 
 Henry Ellis James Gurner Nicholas Thettford Geo Macartney 
 
 Whereas Cap John Chichester was ellected Soveraigne of the Borrough of Bellfast 
 for the yeare 1712 but he being in England and came not to Bellfast at Michaellmas 
 following to be sworne according to y' charter So Roger Haddock y* present Soveraigne 
 continues for that yeare 
 
 1 713 . . . . The Leet Roger Haddock present Sovereign, Hans Hamilton 
 James Gurner Hans Hamilton chosen Roger Haddock Sovern 
 
 Henry Ellis James Gurner Nicholas Thettford Rob Le Byrtt Rob' Leathes 
 Nath Byrtt George Portis 
 
 1714 .... The Leet Hans Hamilton Robert Leathes James Gurner Robert 
 Leathes chosen 
 
 Hans Hamilton Nath Byrtt George Portis Henry Ellis James Gurner Nicholas 
 Thettford Rob' Lebyrtt 
 
 1715 .... The Leet Robert Leathes James Gurner Henry Ellis James Gurner 
 chosen Rob' Leathes Soveraigne Nath Byrtt James Gurner Rob' Lebyrtt Tho Banks 
 
 Whereas y' Right Hono'!* ye Earl of Donegall did send a Leet in pursuance to y* 
 power given him by y" Charter for electing y'^ Sovereign of Belfast for y' ensueing year 
 commencing from Michaelmass next and upon y' said Election y' Sovereign and 
 Burgesses met this day in y' Town Hall commonly called y* Markett house of Belfast 
 that in y' said Leet James Gurner Esqr Robert Leathes Esqr and Robert Le Byrtt Gent 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 245 
 
 were nominated by the said Earl of Donegall That upon y' said Election the Hon"* Capt 
 John Chichester George Macartney and John Haldrick Esqrs Mr George Portis Mr 
 Nicholas Thetford and Mr George Macartney Gents in y" said Election give their votes 
 for y" said Robert Leathes Esqr To Succeed as Sovereign for y° year commencing at 
 Michaelmas next the votes for y° said Robert Leathes being y' six Gents above mentioned 
 and at y' same time James Gurner Esqr present Sovereign Nathaniel Byrtt Robert 
 Leathes Robert Le Byrtt Mr Henry Ellis four of y' Burgesses in y' Corporation of 
 Belfast and Mr Thomas Banks Constable of the Castle gave their votes for y' Election 
 of Mr Robert Le Byrtt The said James Gurner Sovereign did not give two votes but 
 decided that if he had two votes he gave them for the said Robert Le Byrtt Witness 
 our hands this 24"" June 1715 James Gurner Sovereign 
 
 Nicholas Thettford Rob' Lebyrtt Geo Macartney Jun' Tho' Banks Jno Rich: 
 
 Chichester Geo Macartney John Haltridge Nath Byrtt George Portis Henry 
 
 Ellis 
 
 N B Gurner continued Sovereign y' said year of this Election 
 
 1717 (see note p 244) .... The Leet James Gurner Hans Hamilton Henry 
 Ellis Henry Ellis chosen James Gurner Sovereign 
 
 Rob' Leathes Henry Ellis George Portis Hans Hamilton Rob'. Le Byrtt 
 Tho" Banks 
 
 1 718 . . . . The Leet Henry Ellis John Carpenter James Gurner John Carpenter 
 chosen Henry Ellis Sovereign 
 
 Rob Leathes Nath Byrtt George Portis James Gurner Nicholas Thettford 
 Rob' Lebyrtt 
 
 1 719 ■ . . . The Leet John Carpenter Henry Ellis Robert Lebyrtt John 
 Carpenter chosen Jo° Carpenter Sovereign 
 
 Nath Byrtt Henry Ellis George Portis James Gurner Nich Thettford Rob' Le- 
 byrtt The Hewesson Rob Leathes. 
 
 1720 .... The Leet Robert Lebyrtt Henry Ellis James Gurner Henry Ellis 
 chosen Jo° Carpenter Sover? 
 
 Geo Macartney John Haltridge Nath Byrtt Henry Ellis George Portis James 
 Gurner Rob' Lebyrtt Nicholas Thettford Geo Macartney Jas Macartney 
 
 1721 .... The Leet Henry Ellis present Sovereign Robert Lebyrt James 
 Gurner Robert Lebyrt chosen Henry Ellis Sove? 
 
 Geo Macartney Nath Byrtt Geo Portis James Gurner Nicholas Thettford 
 Geo Macartney Jas Macartney John Clugston 
 
 1722 .... The Leet Robert Byrrt present Sovereign, Henry Ellis James 
 Gurner Henry Ellis chosen Robt Byrtt Sov? 
 
 Geo Macartney Nath Lyrtt Geo Portis James Gurner Nicholas Thettford Geo 
 
 Macartney Henry Ellis Jas Macartney John Clugston 
 
 Whereas the R' Hon'!' Arthur Earl of Donegall did in pursuance of a power to him 
 given by y* Charter send us a Leet this day in w'"' Leet were named Hans Hamilton 
 Esqr Robert Byrt and John Carpenter Wee the Free Burgesses of the Burrogh of (There 
 being no Sovereign of y' said Towne sworne) in pursuance of y* power to us given by y' 
 s? Charter have unanimously Elected & chosen y° i,^ Hans Hamilton Esq' one of y" three 
 Burgesses named in y" s? Leet to serve as Sovereign of this Burrough for one year to 
 comence from Michaelmas next 
 
 Witness our hands this twenty fourth day of June 1723 
 
 N B. From y' death of Mr. Ellis and during y" year 1723 Throw contests between 
 y* Burgesses and Family there was no Sovereign nor did Mr Hamilton tho Elected as 
 above for 1724: But by agreement George Macartney Jun' Esq' did serve for that year 
 
 Geo Macartney Nathl Byrtt George Portis Geo Macartney Robt Byrtt Jas 
 
 Macartney John Clugston 
 
 1725 (see note p 244) .... The Leet Nathaniel Byrt Doctor James Macartney 
 John Clugston Nathaniel Byrt chosen 
 
 George Macartney Robt Byrtt Jas Macartney John Clugston Chas Macartney 
 Tho! Banks Constable of the Castle 
 
 1726 . The Leet Doctor James Macartney John Clugston the Honble Nicholas Price 
 Doctor James Macartney chosen Nath Byrtt Sovereign Robert Byrtt James Macartney 
 John Clugston Cha Macartney Tho Banks Constable 
 
 1727 The Leet John Clugston, Honble John Skeffington Nicholas Price John 
 Clugston chosen. Geo Macartney Robt Byrtt John Clugston Chas Macartney Ezek 
 Davys Wilson 
 
246 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 THE ROLL OF THE FREEMEN 
 
 Belfast 2:°January ) Sampson Styles was made free Stapler of the Burrough aforesaid 
 1635 mart \ the day & yeere aforesaid 
 
 viort The same day John Dickson was made free of the same 
 22° January 1 635 John Langtree was made free Stapler the day aforesaid of the same 
 \j>iori\ The same day Thomas Hodgkins was also made free Stapler of the 
 same 
 Thomas Hodgkins venit in propria persona sua 23 die Maij 1648 per 
 quod satis liquet comparuit hie adhuc superstes testis Edwardus 
 Bell de Malone per me Ricardum Wall 
 Mr Jo : Wassher wtf?^ The same day Willm Walsh was made free of the same 
 Soveraigne 1637 James Wooddroffe gent made free Stapler of the Burrough of Bellfast 
 
 mart the fift day of October Anno dni 1637 
 
 viort Nicholas [Tomson] Tomas gent made free Stapler the same day and 
 yeere 
 Henry Sands gent made free Stapler of this Burrough the seaventeenth 
 
 day of October 1637 
 EUys ffogg merchant made free Stapler the same day & yeere & gave 
 
 to the towne & church xx' 
 Thomas Bradley gent made free Stapler the same day & yeere 
 Humphrey Beare getit made free Stapler the same day & yeere 
 Symeon Spier made free Stapler the day & yeere 
 Robt Gibson made free Stapler & gave to the towne x' 
 George Martyn was made free Stapler & gave to the towne iij" 
 William Cluggeston was made free Stapler & gave to the towne 30' 
 John Hodges gen was made free Stapler 
 John M'Cullogh tlie same day was made free Stapler & gave to the 
 
 Towne x' & is to give to the Church x' : 
 Thomas Burton shoemaker was made free of this Corporacon 
 James Russell was made free of this Corporacon 
 Edmond O'Hartan carpenter was also made free 
 Richard Vicary merchant was made free [of) 
 John Lane Clothyer was made free 
 Robt Booth whelewright was alsoe made free 
 Thomas Cuningham was made free and is to pay to the towne x' 
 The same yeere 
 
 Henry Larkham weaver was made free 
 James Carr Taylor was made free 
 Henry Symkins chandler was made free & is to give x' to the towne 
 Tempore John Leithes generosi Superioris Burgi sive ville de 
 Belfast communes et liberi homines Burgi sive ville predicte 
 factum et admissum apud curiam Assemblicionis tunc ibidem 
 decimo die Januarii Anno regni Domini Regis Caroli nunc 
 Anglie &c decimo quarto 1638 
 Richard Carron of Belfaste in the Countye of Antrim Webster was admitted a free 
 man & Commonn' within the said Towne accordinge to the ancient lawes libtyes and 
 privileidges thereof and receaved the oath of a free Comon' the daye and yeare aforesaid 
 John OHadden of Belfast aforesaide shoemaker was admitted a free man & 
 Comoner within the said Towne accordinge to the ancient lawes libtyes and privileidges 
 thereof and receaved the oath of a ffree Comon' the daye and yeare aforesaide and did then 
 promise to give five shillings for a gratuity to the use of the Towne 
 
 7° Die December 
 1637 mart 
 
 mart 
 sexto ffebruary 1637 
 Octavo feb' 1637 
 
 5° Aprilis 1638 
 
 24 May 1638 
 28 Junii 1638 
 [16 July] 
 16 August 1638 
 i2''Septri638 wwr/ 
 viort 
 20 Sept 163S 
 
 xxvi Sept 1638 
 
 Burgus de supradic- 
 to Belfast in Comi- 
 tatu Antrim 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 247 
 
 The sixt daye of June Anno dni 1639 Tho Godffrey Taylor was admitted a 
 ffreeman & Comoner within the saide Towne accordinge to the anncient lawes libtyes 
 and privileidges thereof and receaved the oath of a ffree Comon' the daye and yeare 
 aforesaide and did then promise to give five shillings to the use of the Towne for a 
 gratuity 
 
 The eighteenth daye of Julye Anno dni 1639 Thomas Bayley Clothier was admitted 
 a ffreeman and Comoner within the saide Towne accordinge to the anncient lawes and 
 libtyes thereof and did take the oath of a ffree Comoner the day and yeare aforesaide and did 
 then promise to give five shillings for a gratuity to the use of the Towne 
 
 The eighteenth daye of July Anno dni 1639 John Cottier Clothier was admitted 
 a ffreeman and Comon' within the saide Towne accordinge to the anncient lawes liljtyes 
 and privileidges thereof and did take the oath of a ffree Comon' the day and yeare 
 aforesaid and did then promise to give five shillings for a gratuity to the use of the Towne 
 
 The twelvth day of September Anno dni 1639 Thomas Rorke gentl was 
 admitted a ffreeman & Comoner within the saide Towne accordinge to the ancient 
 lawes libtyes and privileidges thereof and did take the oath of a ffree Comon' the daye 
 and yeare aforesaide and did then promise to give five shillings for a gratuity to the use of 
 the Towne 
 
 The neenteenth daye of September Anno dni 1639 Robte \Vhiteside feltmaker was 
 admitted a ffreeman & Comon' wthin the saide Towne accordinge to the anncient lawes 
 libtyes and privileidges thereof and did take the oath of a ffree Comon' the daye and 
 yeare aforesaide and did promise to give five shillings for a gratuitye to the use of the 
 Towne 
 
 The said neenteenth day of September 1639 Thomas Gilpatricke merchant was 
 admitted a ffreeman & Comon' within the said Towne accordinge to the anncient lawes 
 libtyes and privileidges thereof and did take the oath of a ffree Comon' the daye and yeare 
 aforesaid and did promise to give five shillings for a gratuity to the use of the Towne 
 
 The neenetenth daye of September Anno dni 1639 Willm Lythom glasier was 
 admitted a ffree man & Comon' within the saide Towne accordinge to the anncient 
 lawes libtyes and priviledges thereof and did take the oath of a ffree Comon' the daye 
 and yeare aforesaide and did promise to give five shillings to the use of the Towne 
 
 The neententh daye of September Anno dni 1639 Robte Spooner shoemaker was 
 admitted a ffree man & Comon' within the saide Towne accordinge to the anncient lawes 
 libtyes and priviledges thereof and did take the oath of a ffree Comon' the daye and 
 yeare aforesaid and did promise to give for a gratuitye to the use of the Towne v' 
 
 The xxviijth daye of September Anno dni 1639 John Lawe merchant was 
 admitted a ffree man & Comon' within the said Towne accordinge to the anncient 
 lawes libtyes & privileidges thereof by and w" the full assent consent & agreem' of the 
 Sovraigne & Burgesses of the saide Towne and hath promised to give 
 
 The xxvjth daye of September Anno dni 1639 Richard Wall clerke of the Borrough 
 & Towne Courte of Belfast was admitted a ffreeman & Comon' within the saide Towne 
 accordinge to the ancient lawes libtyes and privileidges thereof and did take the oath of 
 a ffree Comon' the daye and yeare aforesaid 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaide John Goye Joyner was admitted a ffreeman & 
 Comon' of this Towne of Belfast and did take the oath of a ffree Comon' the daye and 
 yeare aforesaide and did promise to give five shillings for a gratuitye to the use of the Towne 
 
 The day and yeare aforesaid Edmund Barnes blacksmyth was admitted a 
 ffreeman & Comon' of this Towne of Belfast and did then take the oath of a ffree Comon' 
 and did promise to give v" for a gratuitye to the use of the Towne 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaid Hughe Boothe Smyth was admitted a ffreeman & 
 Comon' of this Towne of Belfast and did then take the oath of a ffree Comon' and did 
 then promise to give v" for a gratuitye to the use of the Towne 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaide Matthew Westfeild glasier was admitted a ffree 
 man & Comon' of this Towne and did take the oath of a ffree Comon' and did promise to 
 give v' for a gratuitye to the use of the Towne 
 
 The xxviijth daye of Septembr Anno dni 1639 Willm Thorn merchant was 
 admitted a ffree man & Comon' of This Towne and did take the oath of a ftVee Comon' 
 and did promise to give v' for a gratuity to the use of the Towne 
 
 The xxviijth day of September Anno dni 1639 George Austen servante to 
 t-li John Leithes Sovragne was admitted a ffree man & [Comon'} Stapler of this Towne 
 and did take his oath the daye and yeare aforesaid 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaide John Gausley Clothier was admitted a ffreeman & 
 Comon' of this Towne and did then take the oath of a ffree Comon' and did promise to 
 give V' for a gratuitye to the use of the Towne 
 
 The xxviijth of September Anno dni George Bradshawe merchant was 
 
 admitted and made a ffree Stapler within Towne accordinge to the anncient lawes libtyes 
 & priviledges thereof by and w"' the full Assent consent and agreem' of the Soveraigne 
 and Burgesses of the saide Towne 
 
248 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaide John Barnes servant unto Mr WiUm Leithes was 
 admitted a ffreeman & Comon' of this Towne and did take the oath of a ffree Comon' the 
 daye and yeare aforesaid 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaide Nivens Viccar Shipp Carpenter was admitted a ffree 
 man & Comon' and did then take his oath and did promise to give v' for a gratuitye to 
 the use of the Towne 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaid Joseph Walker Shoemaker was admitted a ffree man 
 and Comon' and did then take his oath and did then promise to give v" for a gratuitye 
 to the use of the Towne 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaid Allexander WcKesney husbandman was admitted a 
 ffreeman and Comon' and did then take his oath and did promise to give V for a gratuitye 
 to the use of the Towne 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaid Thomas Charles butcher was a ffree man & Comon' 
 and did then take his oath and did promise to give v' for a gratuitye to the use of the 
 Towne 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaid Richard Christopherson butcher was admitted 
 freeman and Comon' and did take the oath and did promisse to give v' for a gratitute to 
 the use of the Towne 
 
 The xxviijth daye of September Anno dni 1639 Willm Richey merchant 
 Burgesse in Aire was admitted and made a ffree Stapler within the Towne accordinge to 
 the anncient lawes libtyes and privileidges thereof by and w"" the full assent consent 
 and agreem' of the Soveraigne and Burgesses thereof and did take his oath and then 
 promise to give v' to the use of the poore of this Towne 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaide Hughe Leithes glover was admitted a ffree man & 
 Comon' of this Towne and did take his oath according to the order and custom of this 
 Towne 
 
 The xxixth daye of September Anno dni 1639 Henry Blackhurst merchant was 
 admitted and made a (free Stapler within this Towne and did take his oath accordinge to 
 the anncient lawes libtyes and privileidges thereof 
 
 The daye and yeare aforesaid John Leithes Eldest sonne of m' Willm Leithes 
 merchant was admitted & made a ffree Stapler within this Towne and did take his 
 oath accordinge to the anncient lawes libtyes & privileidges thereof 
 
 By Henry Squyre Esq" 
 30° January 1639 
 Burgus de Belfast Leonard Thompson of Belfast marchant was made a free Stapler, att 
 inort an Assembly then held before the Soveraigne of the sd Burrough 
 
 and Burgesses then keepeinge Session, and tooke the Oath 
 accordinge to the Anntyent Custom 
 
 31° Aprilis 1640 
 
 Att a genrall Assembly then held Sr William Wray Knite and Barronett was 
 made a ffree Stapler of this [of this] Burrough w" a genrall consent. 
 
 Danyell mcNeale gent the day and yeare above said and at the Assembly aforesaid 
 was made a ffree Stapler of the afore said Burrough. 
 
 the 30° of July 1640 
 mart Upon the humble peticion of Thomas Stevenson att a genrall Assembly then held 
 with the genrall consent of the Sovraigne and Burgesses then Assembled The said 
 Thomas Stevenson was made a ffree Stapler of the aforesaid Burrough for w'"" he gave 
 Thirty three shillings & four pence to be imployed for the good of the Towne. 
 
 Burgus de Belfaste 30° July 1640 
 
 Upon the humble peticion of John Stewart att genrall Assembly held for the 
 Burrough aforesaid the day & yeare aforesaid The sd John Stewart was made a ffree 
 Comoner of the aforesaid Burrough for w"' he hath given the some of Twenty six shillings 
 & eight pence for to be imployed for the good of this Corporacon 
 
 Burgus de Belfaste 17° Septembris 1640 
 
 Upon the humble peticion of * * * Edward Moore at an assembly then held 
 for the Burrough aforesaid the day & yeare aforesaid was with a genrall consent of the 
 Burgesses then Assembled made for a freeman of the aforesd Burrough for w'' he gave 
 6s Sd sterl to be imployed for the use of the sd Burrough 
 
 Burgus de Belfaste 13° Augusti 1640 
 
 Mart Att an Assembly then held for the aforesaid Burrough Sr Charles Coote 
 Knight and Barronett Corronell of one of his Mat' Regimt" was made a ffree Stapler of 
 this Towne and Corporacon By and w" the genrall consent of the Soveraigne and 
 Burgesses then assembled. 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 249 
 
 The day and yeare abovesaid Leiuetenant Corronell Theobald Taffe att the 
 Assembly aforesaid and w" the genrall consent aforesaid was made a free Stapler of this 
 Towne and Corporacon 
 
 The day and yeare aforesd and w" the consent aforesaid Sr James Dillon 
 Knt was made a free Stapler of this Towne and Corporacon 
 
 The day and yeare aforesaid and w"' the consent aforesaid Sr John JefTord 
 Leiuetennt Coronell of one of his Mat* Regymts was made a free Stapler of this Towne 
 and Corporacon 
 tnort The day and yeare aforesaid Capt George Peasely was w"' the genrall consent 
 
 aforesaid made a free Stapler of this Towne and Corporacon 
 
 24° Septembris 1640 
 At an Assembly then held w"" the consent of the Burgesses then Assembled 
 Henry Billingsby gent was made a free [Stapler] man of the Towne and Burrough of 
 Belfaste 
 
 By John Haddock gent 
 
 6° Octobris 1640 
 
 Robert Machett a free Comoner & promised to give to the Towne x' 
 
 Robt Bacheler the same day made a free Comoner and [gave] 
 promised likewise x' for the good of the Towne 
 
 William Blake Coohe was made a free Comoner 
 
 Richard ffoster was made a free Comoner 
 
 Phillipp Wenman Esqre was made free of the Corporacon being 
 
 elected a Burges for the parliam' in steed of Sr \Vm Wrey Knt & 
 
 Baronett 
 John Davyes gent the same day was made a freeman 
 [Henry Anderson was made free of this Corporacon] 
 James Haddock was [made] sworne a free Comoner 
 Edward Thunger was made a free Comoner 
 William Griffith the same day was sworn a free Comoner 
 [James Miller the same day was sworn a free Comoner and was to 
 
 give to the use of the Towne 13s 4d] 
 Patrick Starling sworne a free Comoner & Thomas Theaker bound 
 to discharge the Towne for 3 years 
 Thomas Postley Junr sworne a free Comoner 
 Adam Leithes sworne a free Comoner 
 George Duncan sworne a free Comoner 
 Gilbert McGarragh sworne a free Comoner 
 John Tomson sonne of Alex' Tomson free Comoner 
 James Clogh the same day [a] sworn a free Comoner 
 William Downeman sworne a free Comoner 
 Edward Woods the same day sworne a free Comoner' 
 William A\'heaton the same day sworne a free Comoner 
 
 Burgus de"! 
 Belfast / 
 w"' sd two sumes" 
 were to be levyed 
 in a rate for fyre 
 & Candell for the 
 army then beinge 
 here 
 15° Oct 
 8° ffebr 
 4° Juni 
 
 22° Junii 
 8th July 1641 
 15th July 1 641 
 
 29° July 
 
 23° Sept 1641 
 24° 
 
 Belfast Burrough By Thomas Hanington gen Sr 
 
 7° octob John Speed swome a free Comoner & promised to give 2" presently 
 & x' when he keepes a shopp [for] 
 The last of June 1642 John Browne merchant admitted & sworne a fifree Stapler 
 w"'in the Burrough & Towne of Belfast aforesaid and submitteth himselfe to the lawes 
 orders & Customes of the same 
 
 Tempore Thome Stephenson Superioris Burgi 
 sive Ville de Belfast in Com Antrym 1642 
 The fourth daye of December 1642 John Mitchell gen was admitted and sworne a 
 free Stapkr w"'in the Burrough & Towne of Belfast aforesaid 
 
 Md. that at the Courte holden (he fourtenth daye of September 1643 John Steawart 
 gen uppon his petition to the Soveraigne & the Burgesses then present was admitted & 
 sworne a ffree Stapler w'^in the said Towne and hath promised to give xx' for a 
 gratuitye to the Towne 
 
 John Clugston merchant sworne and admitted as aforesaid to give xx' 
 Thomas Wareinge Tanner sworne & admitted in like maner and tx) give xx' 
 John Pentland merchant sworne & admitted in like maner a free Comoner and to 
 give 9s 4d. 
 
 Thomas Waterson Shoemaker sworne and admitted a free Comoner as aforesaid 
 and to give gs 4d. 
 
250 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Bernard Boskam brasier sworne and admitted a free Comoner as aforesaid and to 
 give 9s 4d. 
 
 John Ash gen Robt ffoster gen John Leythe gen Thomas Hanington gen Thomas 
 Theaker gen Richard Gately gen and Wilhii Leythes gen (free Burgesses of the said 
 Towne was present at this Coiirte 
 
 Burgus de Belfaste In Tempore Thomae Theaker gen Superioris 
 
 Burgi prd. An° Dni 1643 
 Mem" that upon the 13th day of October an assembly Courte being then 
 held John McCrakan was then admitted a free Comoner of the Corporacon for W" he 
 gave 5s sterl for the use of the Corporacon 
 
 26° Octobr An° 1643 
 
 vwrt Mem that the day abovesaid att an assembly then held Nicholas 
 
 Garnett was admitted a free Comoner of this Corporacon for 
 
 w'*' he was to give gs 4d ster for the use of this Corporacon 
 
 30 die December Nicholas Garner referd himself to the order of y° Bench what hee 
 
 1647 shall give to the use of the Towne in consideration of his ffreedom 
 
 The same day Edward Smith was made a free Comoner for w"' he gave gs 4d 
 
 sterl 
 
 The same day John Rigby was admitted a free Stapler and gave gs 4d 
 30 die December Apud Cur John Rigby toke his oath that he hath paid unto Mr 
 1647 Theaker 6s 8d of the 9s 4d for the use of the Towne 
 
 2° Novembr 1643 
 mart The day abovesaid att an assembly then held Marten Gose was 
 admitted a free Comoner of this Corporacon and was to give 5s 
 sterl for the use of the Corporacon 
 
 9° Novembr An° Supra Diet 
 
 The day and yeare abovesaid att an assembly then held William Sambrooke was 
 admitted a free Comoner of this Corporacon and is to give 6s 8d sterl for the use of this 
 Corporacon 
 
 The same day was Wm Davyes admitted a free Comoner and is to give 6s 8d for 
 the use of the Corporacon 
 
 The day aforesaid Patrick Gough was admitted a free Comoner of this Corporacon 
 and gave 6s 8d for the use of this Corporacon 
 
 John Ash gent Robert ffoster Thomas Hanington gent and Richard Gately ^««/ 
 beinge then present and Assembled w"" many other freemen 
 
 16° die Novembris 1643 
 The day above said Thomas Barker was admitted a free Comoner of this Cor- 
 poracon and is give vis viijd sterlinge for the use of this Corporacon 
 
 11° die Januarii 1643 
 
 The day above said at an Assembly then held Tymothy Miller was admitted a ffree 
 Stapler of this Corporacon and is to give vis viijd sterl for the use of the Corporacon 
 
 The same day Christopher Marshall was admitted a ffree Stapler of this Cor- 
 poracon and is to give vis viijd ster for the use of the Corporacon 
 
 The day aforesaid 
 ffrancis Robison of Belfast was admitted a free Comoner of this Corporacon for 
 w"' he is to give vis viijd sterl for the use of this Corporacon 
 
 25° die Januarii 1643 
 The day aforesaid Wm Tomson was admitted a free Comoner of this Corporacon 
 for the w'' he is to give 5s sterl for the use of the Corporacon at an Assembly in presentia 
 John Ash Thomas Stevenson Thomas Hanington 
 
 19th die Qanuari] Marcij 1643 
 George Stevenson the day abovesd was admitted a ffree Comoner of this Corporacon 
 for the w"" he gave 4s 8d sterl for the use of this Corporacon 
 
 30 die December George Stephenson toke his oath that he hath paid the 4s Sd to Mr 
 1647 Theaker to the use of the Towne 
 
 9° die Maij 1644 
 loth of ffebr 1658 Christopher Gillett & John Martin the day and yeare abovesd were 
 John Martin paid admitted free Comoners of this Corporacon for the w"' they are 
 
 4s 6d to Mr Will to give by Michmas next for the use of ye sd Corporacon one 
 
 Leythes Sovrne Ryall a peece which is in all 9s 4d 
 
The Towit Book of Belfast. 251 
 
 June the 25th 1644 
 John Wareing John Sanderson and John Mitchell the day and yeare above said 
 were admitted free Comoners of this Corporacon for the w''' they are to give by 
 Michaelmas next for the use of the said Corporacon 
 
 Julij the 20th 1644 
 John Coupland the day above sd was admitted a ffree Comoner of this Corporatione 
 
 Tempore Robti (foster gen Superior Burgi 
 sive Ville de Belfast Anno dni 1644 
 
 Edward Leythes sonne of Willm Leythes gen one of the Burgesses of this Towne 
 was admitted and sworne a ffree merchant Stapler of this said Towne accordinge to the 
 Orders & Customes of the same Att an Assembly houlden the loth of Octob"" 1644 
 
 John Thetford sonne of IfVanc Thetford of Belfast aforesaide was admitted and 
 swome a ffree merchant Stapler of this said Towne accordinge to the orders & customes of 
 the same at an Assembly houlden the loth of Octob' 1644 
 
 Roger Leythes sonne of Adam Leythes late of Belfast aforesaide deceased was 
 admitted and sworne a ffree merchant stapler of this saide Towne accordinge to the orders 
 and customes of the same at an Assembly houlden the loth of Octob' Anno dni 1644 
 
 James Lynsay merchant uppon his humble Petition unto the 
 
 hee gave 7s to the Sovraigne and Burgesses of this Towne was admitted and 
 
 use of the Towne sworne a ffree merchant stapler of the said Towne accordinge to 
 
 the orders & customes of the same att an assembly houlden the 
 
 14th of November 1644 
 
 Walter Caruth Chapman uppon his humble petition unto the Sovraigne and 
 Burgesses of this Towne was admitted and sworne a ffree Stapler of the said Towne 
 according to the orders and Customes of the same and gave to the use of the Towne 4s 8d 
 sterl at an Assembly houlden the 14th of Novembr Anno dni 1644 
 
 John Miller the younger sonne of John Miller of Antrym uppon his humble 
 petition unto the Sovraigne & Burgesses of this Towne was admitted a free Stapler of this 
 Towne accordinge to the orders & customes of the same and gave to the use of this Towne 
 iiijs viijd the 6th of March 1644 
 
 John m'Bryde merchant uppon his humble Petition unto the Sovraigne & 
 Burgesses of this Towne was admitted and sworne a free Stapler & Comoner of this 
 Towne accordinge to the orders & Customes of the same and gave to the use of the 
 Towne 9s 4d the 6th of March 
 
 John Miller of Antrym the elder merchant uppon his humble Petition unto the 
 Sovraigne and Burgesses of this Towne was admitted and sworne a merchant Stapler 
 & ffree Comoner of the said Towne and gave to the use of the Towne 9s 4d sterl the 24th 
 of Aprill 1645 
 
 Nehemius Richardson Candlemaker uppon his humble Petition unto the Sovraigne 
 & Burgesses of this Towne was admitted and sworne a merchant Stapler and ffree 
 Comoner of the said Towne according to the orders & Customes of the same and gave to 
 the use of the Towne iiij' viij'' the 15th of May 1645 
 
 Willm M'Kenna merchant uppon his humble Petition unto the Sovraigne and 
 Burgesses of this Towne was admitted and sworne a free merchant Stapler & ffree 
 Comoner of the said Towne according to the Orders and Customes of the saide Towne at 
 an Assembly held the 3 of July 1645 
 fine 02 00 00 
 
 Robte Clugston merchant uppon his humble Petition unto the Soveraigne and 
 Burgesses of this Towne was admitted and sworne a merchant Stapler and free Comoner 
 of the saide Towne accordinge to the Orders and Customes of the same at an Assembly 
 held the 3 of July 1645 and for his ffine he submitted himself to the order of the Bench 
 
 John mcDowell merchant upon his humble Petition unto the Soveraigne and 
 Burgesses of this Towne was admitted and sworne a merchant Stapler & ffree Comoner 
 of the said Towne accordinge to the order h custome of the same at an Assembly held 
 the 3 of July 1645 
 
 George Thomson of Belfast Inkeeper uppon his humble Petition unto the 
 Soveraigne and Burgesses of Belfast aforesaid w.is admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 of the said Towne according to the order and custome of the same att an Assembly held 
 the 3 of July 1645 
 
 Rauffe Hughston of Belfast Taylor upon his humble Petition unto the Soveraigne 
 and Burgesses of Belfast aforesaid was admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner of the said 
 Towne according to the Order and Custom of the same att a Courte houlden the 25th of 
 September 1645 
 
 Tempore Willimi Leythes generosi Superior 
 Burgi Sive Ville de Belfast in Com Antrym 
 Anno dni 164; 
 
252 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 James fforbus of Belfast in the County of Antrym husbandman uppon his humble 
 Petition [uppon his] unto the Soveraign and Burgesses was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner of the said Towne accordinge to the Order and Custome of the said Towne and 
 then toke the oath of a Serg' of the said Towne at a Courte of Assembly houlden the 
 second day of Octobr 1645 
 
 Thomas Gar^•e^ of Aire merchant uppon his humble Petition unto the Sovraigne 
 and Burgesses of Belfast was admitted and sworne a ffree Stapler of the saide Towne of 
 Belfast accordinge to the ancient use and custome of the said Towne at a Court houlden 
 the 19th of March 1645 
 non sol ffees 
 
 John Gillett of Belfast in the Countye of Anlrj'm Tanner being sonne of a ffree man 
 aft his humble Petition unto the Sovraigne and Burgesses of the saide Towne was 
 admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner of the saide Towne accordinge to the ancient use and 
 custome of the same at the Court of Assembly houlden the 8th of Januar 1645 
 
 Edward Bell of Malone in the Countye of Antrym was admitted & sworne a free 
 Comoner according to the ancient use and custome of the said Towne 
 non sol feeds 
 
 James Martin of Belfast aforesaid Mealeman uppon his humble Petition unto the 
 Sovraigne & Burgesses was admitted & sworne a ffree Comoner of the said Towne 
 accordinge to the ancient use & custome of the same at the Courte of Assembly 
 houlden the 8th of Januar 1646 
 
 o John Marten Merchant att the saide Court of Assemblye was likewise admitted & 
 sworne a ffree Stapler of the said Towne according to the ancient use & custome of the 
 same 
 non sol feods 
 
 John Doake husbandman was admitted & sworne a ffree Comoner of the said Cor- 
 poracon according to the ancient use and custome of the same at the Court of Assembly 
 houlden at Midsumer 1647 
 non sol feods 
 
 John Kenitye blacksmyth att the same Court of Assembly was admitted a ffree 
 Comoner of the saide Corporacon according to the ancient use and custome of the same 
 
 Gilberte Eccles Merchant was admitted a ffree Comon' of the said Corporacon 
 accordinge to the ancient use and Custome of the same 
 
 Willm Cordiner Merchant was admitted & sworne a ffree Comon' of the said 
 Corporacon according to the ancient use and custome of the same 
 
 John Orr Merchant att the Court of Assembly houlden the second day of Appr 1646 
 was admitted & sworne a ffree Stapler of the said Corporacon according to the use & 
 custome of the same and for his tine submitted himself to the order of the Bench 
 
 Willm Richey of Belfast aforesaid Merchant att the saide Court of Assembly was 
 admitted & sworne a ffree Stapler of the said Corporacon according to the ancient use and 
 custome and for his ffine submitted himself to the order of the Bench 
 
 ffree Staplers and ffree Comon" of the Borroughe and Towne of Belfast in the 
 Countye of Antrym admitted and sworne in the tyme of John Ash gen Sovraigne Anno 
 dni 1647 
 
 Alexander Sinkler Merchant admitted & sworne a ffree Comoner the 22th of 
 Apprill 1647 
 non sol feods 
 
 Walter Mapus Glover admitted & sworne die k Anno Sup'^ 
 non sol feods 
 
 Thomas Smyth blacksmyth admitted & sworne a ffree Comon' the 29th of 
 Apprill 1647 
 
 John Harden blacksmyth admitted h sworne die & Anno Sup"" 
 
 Thomas Quin Corrier admitted & sworne a ffree Comon' the 12th of August 1647 
 
 John fowland Tanner admitted & sworne a ffree Comon' the second of Septembr 1647 
 
 Willm Dawson of Dublin Merchant admitted & sworne a ffree Stapler of this 
 Corporacon the 1 6th of Septembr 1647 
 
 Richard Aspinwall Merchant & Cittizen of London admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Stapler of this Corporacon die & Anno Sup"* 
 non sol feods 
 
 Thomas Haslipp Webster admitted & sworne a ffree Comonr the 23th of 
 Septembr 1647 
 
 Thomas Marshall shoemaker admitted & sworne die & Anno Sup"* 
 
 Henrye Wisdome Corrier admitted & sworne die & Anno Sup"" 
 non sol feods 
 
 Willm Sym Sadler admitted & sworne a ffree Comon, 28th of Septembr 1647 
 
 non sol feods 
 
 Roger Tomlinson admitted & sworne a ffree Comon' 28th of Septembr 1647 
 
 L' Patrick Hepborne an Officer in Col. Maxwells Regmt admitted admitted («V) 
 
 and sworne a ffree Comon' of this Corporacon the 29th of Septemb/ 1647 before the 
 
 Sovraigne delivred upp his office 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 253 
 
 non sol feods 
 
 [Thomas Smyth blacksmyth admitted and sworne a free comoner of the Borrough 
 & Towne of Belfast accordinge to the ancient use & instance of the same] entered above 
 
 Tempore Hugonis Doake gen Superior Burgi 
 sive Ville de Belfast in Com Antrym 1647: 1648 
 
 Alt an assembly houlden by the Sovraigne and Burgesses the eight daye of 
 November Anno dni 1647 John Steawarte Merchant was by the genrall assent consent & 
 agreem' of the saide Sovraigne and Burgesses receaved again and admitted a ffree Stapler 
 and ffree Comoner of the said Borrough & Towne of Belfast aforesaid according to the 
 ancient libtyes privileidges and ffranchises of the said Towne 
 
 Thomas Gill after his disfranchism' in the tyme of Mr Aysh Sovraigne 1647 uppon 
 his submission & humble Petition unto Mr Doake Sovraigne & the Burgesses of this said 
 Towne was againe readmitted & sworne a free Comoner of the said Towne according to 
 the use & custome of the same 
 Non sol feods 
 
 James Steawart m' uppon his humble petition unto the Sovraigne and Burgesses of 
 this Corporacon was admitted & sworne a ffree Comoner of the said Towne according to 
 the use & custome thereof the 14th of Octobr 1647 
 
 James Maxwell of Carrickfergus m' uppon his humble Petition unto the Sovraigne 
 & Burgesses was admitted and sworne a ffree Stapler & free Conion' of the said Towne 
 and submitted himself unto the ancient orders & Bylawes of the said Towne 
 
 John Galte husbandman uppon his humble Petition unto the Sovraigne & 
 Burgesses of this said Corporacon was admitted & sworne a tfree Comon' of the saide 
 Towne according to the according to the (sic) use & custome of the said Towne 
 
 Tempore Robti ffoster Superior Burgi sive Ville 
 de Belfast in Com Antrym 1648 1649 
 
 ffrancis Thetford sonne of ffrancis Thetford deceased uppon his humble Petition 
 unto the Sovraigne and Burgesses of the said Towne was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner of the saide Towne according to the ancient use and custome of the same the 
 30th of August 1649 
 
 Edward Dam Butcher uppon his humble Petition unto the Sovraigne and Burgesses 
 of this Corporacon was admitted a free Comoner of the said Towne and was sworne 
 according to the ancient use and custome of the same the 30th of August 1649 
 
 Donnell M'Cormicke Shoemaker upon his humble petition unto the Sovraigne and 
 Burgesses of this Corporacon was atlmittecl and sworne a ffree Comoner of the said Towne 
 according to the ancient use and custome of the same the 30th daye of August 1649 
 
 David Longe Butcher admitted & sworne a free Comoner of Belfast 30 August 1649 
 James Robinson admitted & sworne a free Comoner at the same 
 In the tyme of Mr Hanington Sovrane of the Borrough & Towne of Belfast in the 
 County of Antrim 1650 & 1651 
 
 The 15th November 1650 these persons hereunder named were admitted & sworne 
 free Comoners of the Borrough aforesaid according to the use and custome of the said 
 Towne and according to the libtyes thereof 
 
 00 05x00 
 
 William Henderson Webster paid 
 John Thomson Shoemaker 
 00 05 00 
 00 OS o George Agnew Mealeman 
 
 Malhew Tate brasier pd 
 Thomas Carr Cooper 
 10x00 
 
 George Williamson Butcher paid 5s 
 05X00 
 
 Robte Jackson Glover x pd 
 00 05X00 pd 
 
 Hugh Campbell Merchant admitted & sworne a free Comoner the second day of 
 Januar 1650 
 
 The same day AUexander Taylor admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 
 Henrye Morrey Webster admitted & sworne a free Comoner the loth of Januar 1650 
 00 05 00 
 
 James CampbellMerchantadmitted&sworne afree Comoner the 30th of Octobr 1651 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 The same daye Charles Whitlock admitted k. sworne a free Comoner 
 
 Allexander Reade Merchant admitted & sworne a free Comoner the 29th of 
 Januar 1651 
 oa Xoo 00 
 
 The same daye George M'Cartney merchant admitted k sworne a free Comoner 
 
 Thomas Gallopp Smyth pd 
 
 00 
 
 James Reade Taylor pd 
 
 Thomas Lightfoot Taylor pd 
 John Hudlston Taylor 
 John Watson Merchant 
 
254 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 The 24th of June 1652 Mr Thomas Wareinge was ellected & chosen to bee one of 
 the Burgesses of the saide Towne and then sworne 
 
 The last of June 1652 these persons hereunder named were admitted & sworne 
 ffree Comoners of the said Towne 
 00 05 00 
 
 Edward Renalls gen 
 
 00 X 10X00 
 
 Mr Robte Brice Clerk, paid by him this 12th of June 1662 y' sume of tenn shills 
 
 00 05 00 
 
 Samuell Harris gen 
 
 In the tyme of Mr Thomas Wareing Sovrane of the Borrough & Towne of Belfast 
 in the Countie of Antrim 1653 and 1654 
 
 01 Xoo 00 pd 
 
 The 25th of March 1653 Adam Carnes admitted and sworne a free Comon' and of 
 the staple merchant 
 00 10x00 
 
 John Rodgers Merchant the l6th of September 1653 admitted a free Comon' and of 
 the staple merchant and sworne. This 19th of June 1662 Jo. Rogers tooke his oath that he 
 paid y' above some of los to Mr Theaker for ye Townes use 
 
 The same daye Peeter Potts admitted & sworne a ffree Comon' and sworne one of 
 the Sergeants of the said Towne 
 00 10 00 
 
 Alexander Thomson Cooper admitted h sworne a free Comonr the thertinth of 
 Januar 1652 paid to Mr Willm Leythes Sovrane 1658 los by AUex Thomson Cooper 
 
 The 29th of June 1654 These persons hereunder named were admitted & sworne free 
 Comonrs of the Borrough aforesaid according to the use and custome of the said Towne 
 and according to the libtyes thereof 
 00 06x08 
 
 Arthur Houghton butcher 
 00 05 00 
 
 John m'Gowan shoemaker, paid to M' Willm I.eylhes Sovraign 1658 by John 
 m'Gowan 
 00 05 00 
 
 John Kenitye Boatman 
 00 05 00 
 
 Malhew ffarra clerk of the parish 
 00 05 00 
 
 Willm Burk Mealeman 
 
 Thomas Dawson JojTier 
 
 The first of July 1654 these persons hereunder written were admitted & sworne 
 free Comoners as aforesaid 
 
 02 00x00 
 
 John Corry m' ffree of the staple 
 00 10 00 
 
 Josias Marten m' ffree of the Staple 
 00 10 00 
 
 Michaell Biggart m' ffree of the Staple merchant 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Biggart m' ffree of the Staple merchant 
 
 paid to Sir Willm Leythes Sovrane 1658 los by Jo & Michaell Biggart 
 
 05 
 05 
 
 Henry Thetford Joyner 
 
 Hugh Golfin Carpenter paid to Mr Willm Leythes Sovrane 1658 5s by Henrye 
 Thetford 
 
 In the tyme of Mr Thomas Theaker Sovrane of the 
 Borrough & Towne of Belfast in the Countie of Antrim 1654 
 00 02X00 pd 
 
 Archibald Roane admitted & sworne a free Comoner the 28th of Januar 1654 
 
 The same daye George ffrissell mealeman admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 
 The 24th of May 1655 John Bratwhat admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and 
 free from pajdng anie ffine 
 
 The same daye Joh Wheats sworne one of the Sergeants of the Borrough of 
 Belfast 
 
 The 17th of September 1655 Mr Edward Denman Merchant admitted and sworne 
 a free Comoner and of the Staple Merchant his ttine or gratuitye for the use of the Towne 
 is referred to his own discretion 
 
 The 27th of Septembr 1655 Lewes Thomson Sadler Sonne of Leonard Thomson 
 deceased was admitted & swore a ffree Comoner but his ffine was remitted hee servinge 
 his apprentishipp w'Mn the Towne and being the sonne of a ffree Com' 
 
 Richard Saltus butcher the 27th of Septembr 1655 was admitted & sworne a ffree 
 Comoner his Sine remitted for his manie services don unto the Towne 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 255 
 
 00 OS 00 — 00 07 00 
 
 John Brookes Slater the 27th of Septembr 1655 was admitted & sworne a (free 
 
 Comoner his ffine to bee adjudged by the Sovrane & Burgesses 
 
 Tempore Johis Leythes gen qui incipit officium 
 Superior Burgi sive Ville de Belfast 29th 
 September 1655 
 
 00 X 04 X 06 pd 
 
 Walter Poston glover the 4th of October 1655 admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 
 01 00 00 
 
 The nth of Octobr 1655 John Bush Merchant admitted a firee Comoner 
 The fees not paid 00 05 00 
 
 The nth of Octobr 1655 Robte Kitts a Trooper admitted a ffree Comoner 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 The nth of Octobr 1655 John fforguson Owner of the Sara of Belfast admitted a 
 free Com' and then sworne 
 pd vliis 
 
 The 28th of febr 1655 Chr Monncaster Bricklayer admitted & sworne a free 
 Comoner 
 
 00 04X06 
 
 The 28th of febr 1655 Daniell Christian Tanner late servant unto Mr Tho 
 Wareinge was admitted a free Comoner of the Borrough of Belfast &c 
 Jo Leithes Sovraigne 02 00 00 — 03 19 00 
 
 Md That the ninth of June 1656 Hugh Ecles Merchant at his instant & request 
 by his petition accordinge to the custome of the Borrough by the consent of us the 
 Sovrane & Burgesses now present whose names are hereunder subscribed and by the consent 
 of Mr Willm Leythes & Mr Thomas Wareinge of the number of the saide Burgesses 
 though now absent was admitted a free merchant stapler of the saide Burrough and was 
 sworne accordingly and is to pay for the good of the Corporacon the sum of xl" sterl 
 
 John Aysh Tho Theaker Richard x Gately mrk 
 
 Edward Evans Taylor the 15th of May 1656 admitted & sworne a free Comoner 
 
 The third of July 1656 Thomas ffiner barber Chierurgeon was admitted and sworne 
 a free Comoner 
 
 01 CO 00 pd 
 
 Willm Moore Merchant the 7th of July 1656 was admitted a free Comoner & 
 Merchant of the Staple w'^in this Towne accordinge to the ancient libtyes & privileidges 
 of the saide Towne and was sworne accordinglye 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Norvell of Glasgowe Merchant the 7th of July 1656 was admitted a free 
 Comoner and Merchant of the Staple w"in this Towne according to the ancient libtyes 
 and privileidges of the saide Towne and was sworne accordingly 
 00 02 06 pd to Mr Willm Leythes Sovrane 1658 2S 6d Jo Johnston 
 
 John Johnston of Belfast aforesaid husbandman the 7th of July 1656 was admitted 
 and sworne a free Comoner of the said Towne 
 CO 02 06 pd 
 
 Gilberte Wentwith Chapman was admitted and sworne a free Comoner the 14th of 
 August 1658 
 
 00 02 06 
 
 Thomas ffiner barber Chierurgeon was admitted & sworne a ffree Comoner the 17th 
 of July 1656 
 
 01 00 00 
 
 02 17 06 
 
 Edward Stanton free Grocer of the Citie of the Citie {sic) of London the 29th of 
 September 1656 was admitted & sworne a free Comoner and Merchant of the Staple wthin 
 the Towne accordinge to the ancient Libtyes & privileidges thereof 
 fees not paid 
 
 John Leythes sonne of John Leythes Senior one of the Burgesses of this Towne 
 was admitted & sworne a free Comoner the 29th of Septembr 1656 
 Tempore Tho Wareinge gen Superior in Anno 1656 1657 02 00 00 
 
 George McCartney surnamed Niger merchant the 13th of No: 1656 was admitted 
 & sworne a free Comoner & Merchant of the Staple wthin this Towne accordinge to the 
 ancient libtyes and privileidges thereof &c and by his owne free consent hee engaged 
 himself to give to the use of the Towne xx* in hand & twentie shillings when hee is 
 better able 
 
 02 00 00 
 
 Willm Smyth merchant the 13th daye of No: 1656 was admitted & sworne a free 
 Comoner and Merchant of the Staple w'^in this Towne according to the ancient libtyes 
 & privileidges thereof and by his owne free consent ingaged himself to give to the use of 
 the Towne xl" sterl uppon demand 
 
 01 00 00 
 
 [Willm] Henrye Litherland Shoemaker the 20th of November 1656 was admitted 
 and sworne a free Comoner of the Corporacon and by his owne free consent engaged 
 himselfe to give for the benefitt of the Towne xx" uppon demand 
 
256 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 02 10 00 — 07 10 00 
 
 Willm Taylor Merchant the 20th of Novembr 1656 was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner and Merchant of the Staple w"'in this Towne accordinge to the ancient libtyes 
 & privileidges thereof and by his owne free consent ingaged himselfe to give to the use of 
 the Towne fiftie shillings sterl uppon demand 
 ffees not paid 
 
 John Pegg the 24th of June 1657 was admitted & sworne a free Comoner of the 
 Borrough of Belfast aforesaid 
 [fees not paid] 
 
 Robte Leythes sonne of Willm Leythes one of the Burgesses of Belfast the 24th 
 of June 1657 was admitted a free Comoner of the Borrough aforesaid 
 01 00 00 
 
 Stephen Gierke Butcher the 17th of September 1657 was admitted & sworne a free 
 Comoner of the Borrough of Belfast & has agreed to pay to the use of the Towne for his 
 fifine XX" sterl 
 paid to Mr Willm Leythes Sovrane 1658 5S by Robt Skiner glover 00 10 00 
 
 Robte Skiner glover the 17th of September 1657 was admitted & sworne a free 
 Comoner of the Borrough of Belfast and was agreed to pay to the use of the Towne for 
 his fSne x. sterl 
 paid to Mr Will Leythes Sovrane 1658 los by David Dowey Cooper 00 10 00 
 
 David Dowey Cooper the 28th of September 1657 was admitted h sworne a free 
 Comoner of the Borrough of Belfast and was agreed to pay to the use of the Towne for 
 his ffine the sum of x' sterl 
 00 10 00 paid to Mr Willm Leythes Sovrane 165S 10s by John Lenox 
 
 John Lenox Cooper the 2Sth of September 1657 was admitted & sworne a free 
 Comoner of the Borrough of Belfast and was agreed to pay to the use of the Towne for 
 his ffine x' sterl 
 
 00 10 00 paid to Mr Willm Leythes Sovrane 5s by David Thomson taylor 
 
 Tempore Willm Leythes ) David Thomson Taylor sonne of David Thomson of 
 
 gen Superior m Anno > Belfast aforesaid deceased the fift of No: 1657 was admitted 
 
 1657 & 165a ) £r= sworne a free Comoner of the Borrough aforesaid and for 
 
 his fifine submitted himself to the order of the Court 
 00 10 00 
 
 ffrancis Bramston sonne of Thomas Bramston late a Burgess of Belfast deceased 
 the fift of No: 1657 was admitted & sworne a free Comoner of the said Borrough & for his 
 ffine submitteth himself to the order of the Court 
 paid to Mr Willm Leythes Sovrane 1658 5s by Ja Doogan 00 10 00 
 
 James Doogan Cooper the fift of No: 1657 was admitted & sworne a free Comoner 
 of the Borrough aforesaid the fift of No: 1657 and for his ffine submitted himself to the 
 order of the Court 
 00 05 00 — 04 05 00 
 
 Rowland Eyiiffe shoemaker the fift of No: 1657 was admitted & sworne a free 
 Comoner of the Borrough and for his ffine submitteth himself to the order of the Courte 
 00 10 00 paid to Mr Willm Leythes Sovrane 1658 10s by John M'Cartney Webster 
 
 John McCartney Webster the fift of No: 1657 was admitted & sworne a free 
 Comonr of the Borrougli aforesaid & for his ffine submitteth himself to the order of the Court 
 00 05 00 paid to Mr Willm Leythes Sovrane 1658-59 by Edm Bayley 
 
 Edmund Baley [Bayley] Butcher the fift of No: 1657 was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner of the Borrough aforesaid and for hisfiine submitteth himself to the order of the Court 
 00 05 00 paid to Mr Willm Leythes Sovrane 1658 5s by Jo Whitlock 
 
 John \Vhitlock the younger butcher was admitted & sworne a free Comoner of the 
 Borrough aforesaid the 26th of No 1657 and for his ffine submitteth himself to the order of 
 the Court 
 
 paid to Mr Willm Leythes Sovrane 1658 5s by Tho Willocks 00 05 00 — 01 05 06 
 
 Thomas Willocks shoemaker the second of December 1657 was admitted k sworne 
 
 a iifree Comoner of the Borrough aforesaid and was agreed to pay to the use of the Towne 
 
 for his ffine 5s sterl uppon demand 
 
 John Williamson the 29th of July 1658 was admitted & sworne a free Comoner of 
 
 the Borrough aforesaide and for his ffine submitteth himself to the order of the Court 
 
 00 oz 06 
 
 Willm Roger the 29th of July 1658 was admitted k sworne a free Comoner of the 
 Borrough aforesaid and for his ftine submitteth himself to the order of the Court 
 00x06x08 red IS 
 
 Thomas Hardman the first of July 1658 was admitted & sworne a ffree Comoner of 
 the Borrough aforesaid and was agreed to pay [for] to the use of the Towne for his ffine 
 5s sterl uppon demande 
 
 Robte Nevin merchant uppon his Petition the 4th of No 1658 was admitted a free 
 merchant stapler and tooke his oath accordinge to the use & custome of the said Towne 
 
 James Kinge merchant [James Kinge] uppon his petition the 4th of No: 1658 was 
 admitted a free inerchant Stapler and tooke his oath accordinge to the use k custome of 
 the said Towne 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 257 
 
 John Sleminge Slater uppon his Petition the tenth of ffebruar 1658 was admitted 
 and sworne a ffree Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaide and was to give to the use of the 
 Towne three shillings sterl w'^in the month of May next, 
 asxp 
 
 Edward Steawart laborer uppon his Petition the tenth of febr' 1658 was admitted 
 and sworne a free Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaid and is to give to the use of the 
 Towne for his admittance three shill sterl w'''in the moneth of May next 
 o 3X0 
 
 ffrancis Fleminge laborer uppon his petition the tenth of februar 1658 was admitted 
 and sworne a free Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaid and is to paye to the use of the 
 Towne for his admittance three shill sterl w"'in the moneth of May next 
 00 3 o 
 
 Robte McKee laborer uppon his petition the tenth of februar 1658 was admitted & 
 sworne a free Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaid and is to pay to the use of the Towne 
 for his admittance 3s sterl w"'in the moneth of May next 
 
 John Griffith laborer uppon his Petition the loth of ffebi* 1658 was admitted & 
 sworne a free Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaid and is to give to the use of the Towne 
 for his admittance three shill sterl w'^in the moneth of May next 
 mort 00 3 o 26th Sept 1662 he tooke his oath that he wrought out his fine in Mr Will Leathes 
 
 John Grahams laborer uppon his petition the tenth of februar 1658 was admitted 
 and sworne a fi'ree Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaid and is to give to the use of the 
 Towne for his admittance three shills sterl w'^in the moneth of May next 
 00 3 o pd this 20th August 1662 Xpd 
 
 George Leister laborer uppon his petition the tenth of febr 1658 was admitted and 
 sworne a free Comoner of the Corporation aforesaide and is to give to the use of y* Towne 
 for his admittance three shills sterl w'Mn the moneth of May next 
 
 Allexander McHoole merchant the twelveth of februar 1658 uppon his petition was 
 admitted & sworne a free Comoner and merchant of the Staple w'^in the Corporacon 
 aforesaid 
 00 15 00 pd 
 
 Willm Anderson Merchant uppon his Petition the twelveth of februar 1658 was 
 admitted and sworne a free Comoner and of the Staple within the Corporacon aforesaid 
 00 13 04 pd 
 
 Allexander Thomson Merchant uppon his Petition the twelveth febr 1658 was 
 admitted & swome a free Comoner and of the staple w'^in the Corporacon aforesaid 
 this 24th of Novr 1662 claimed by oath that he paid los to Mr Wm Leathes & 3s 4d str 
 in money to Mr M'Cartney Sov' 
 o 3 o pd 
 
 Allexander McCartney Taylor uppon his humble Petition the twelveth of februar 
 1658 was admitted and sworne a free Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaid 
 mort o 6 8 pd paid to Mr Rigby this 12th of June 1662 
 
 John Loughhead labourer uppon his humble Petition the twelveth of februar 1658 
 was admitted and sworne a free Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaid 
 o 6 8 pd 
 
 Archibald Moore laborer uppon his humble Petition the twelveth of februar 1658 
 was admitted and sworne a free Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaide 
 o 6 8 pd Paid 5s to Mr Wm Leathes Sofferaine 2S 6d to Mr Rigby pd 
 
 John Sorbye laborer uppon his humble Petition the seventh of March 1658 was 
 admitted and sworne a free Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaid 
 o 6 8 pd 5s to Mr Leathes Sofferaine 
 
 Thomas Sorbye laborer uppon his humble Petition the seventh of March was 
 admitted and swome a free Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaid 
 pd 
 
 George Neigus husbandman uppon his humble Petition the tenth daye of March 
 1658 was admitted & sworne a free Comoner of the Corporacon aforesaid 
 
 Ralph Carr shoomaker uppon his humble Peticion the thirteenth day of [March] 
 October 1659 was admitted and sworne a free Comoner of the Corporacon aforesd 
 
 Thomas Banckes yeoman the 3d day of Novembr 1659 was admitted and sworne a 
 free Comoner of y' Corporation & y' same day swore likewise in y' office of A Sargent 
 to y' said Corporation 
 
 00 10 00 pd 5S 
 
 Thomas Hadskinson upon his humble peticion the tenth day of November 1659 
 was admitted and sworne a free Comoner and marchant of y" Staple within this Towne 
 according to y' ancient libertyes and preveliges thereof 
 
 pd IDS pd 
 
 John Barton upon his humble peticion the loth of Novr 1659 was admitted and 
 sworne a free Comoner and Marchant of y' Staple within this Towne according to y° 
 Ancient libertyes and preveleidges thereof 
 fees paid 
 
 John Bayles blacke smith upon his humble peticion the nth of November 1659 
 was admitted and sworne a free Comoner [and] of y' towne & Corporacon aforesaid 
 
258 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 2s 6d 
 
 ffrancis Cockes Tayler upon his humble peticion y° nth of Novr 1659 was 
 admitted and sworne a free Comoner of the Towne & Corporacon aforesaid 
 026 
 
 John Crosbey blacksmith upon his humble peticion of y" 14th of November 1659 
 was admitted and sworne and sworne a free Comoner of this Towne and Corporacon 
 o 5S o pd 
 
 Henry Murdock cooper upon his humble peticion of y" i6th November 1659 was 
 admitted and sworne a free Comoner of this Towne & Corporacon aforesaid 
 o 10 o pd 
 
 James Sparkes marct upon his humble peticion of 7th of December 1659 was admitted 
 and sworne a free Comoner and Marchant Stapler within this Towne according to y» 
 Ancient libertyes and previledges thereof 
 o 10 o 
 
 Henry Tickell marct upon his humble peticion of 7th of December 1659 was admitted 
 and sworne a free Comoner of and Marchant of the Staple within this Towne according 
 to y' Ancient libertyes and previledges thereof 
 1659 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 Richard Westbrooke marc' upon his humble peticion the 7th of December 1659 was 
 admitted and sworne a free Comoner & Marchant of y" Staple within this Towne according 
 to y' Ancient libertyes and previledges thereof 
 00 10 00 pd 
 
 Tho Owens marc' upon his humble Peticion the 7th of Decembr 1659 was admitted 
 and sworne a free Comoner & Marchant of y' Staple within this Towne according to y' 
 Ancient libertyes and previlidges thereof 
 00 10 00 pd 
 
 Robert Smith marc upon his humble Peticion the 8th of Decembr 1659 was 
 admitted and sworne a free Comoner and Marcht of the Staple within this Towne according 
 to y° ancient libertyes and previledges thereof 
 
 00 10 00 
 
 James Holmes marc & Seafering man upon his humble Peticion y" 15th of 
 Decembr 1659 was admitted and sworne a free Comoner and Marcht of y* Staple within 
 this Towne according to y" Ancient libertyes and previ' edges thereof 
 1660 
 tnort pd 
 
 Mathew Davis gent upon his humble peticion y l6th of Aprill 1660 was admitted 
 and sworne a free Comoner and Marcht of the Staple within this Towne according to y* 
 Ancient libertyes and previledges thereof 
 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 John Mc\\Tiirke Shoemaker upon his humble Peticion y 17th of Aprill 1 660 was 
 admitted and sworne a free Comoner of this Corporacon afforesaid 
 
 01 00 00 pd los 
 
 William Warren marc upon his humble peticion y* 17th of Apr i65o was admitted 
 and sworne a free Comoner and Marcht of y° Staple within this Towne according to y° 
 Ancient libertyes and priviledges thereof 
 
 Capt Meeke Sotferaigne after y' intermt of William Leathes was sworne & reed 
 y«rod 
 
 Mr Tho Wallcott this 25th of June 1660 was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 and Marchant of the Staple within this Towne according to y' Privelidge thereof 
 fine to y*^ Towns use is 00 05 00 reed 02 06 
 
 John McCauley this 27th June 1660 was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 within this Towne according to y" Prevelidge thereof 
 
 fine 00 05 00 
 
 John NichoUson butcher ye nth October 1660 was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner within y' said Towne according to y" prevelidges thereof 
 no fine because served apprentice in ye towne 
 
 the same day Ralph Pitt Butcher was sworne freeman 
 no fine 
 
 the same day Robert Hunter Taylor was admitted and sworne a free 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 William Persie Shoomaker was admitted y" same day and sworne a free 
 CO 05 00 pd 
 
 William George Bricklayer -f same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 
 
 Ralph Jaques Carpinter the same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 George McCartney Millwright y" 12th day of October was admitted and sworne 
 a free Comoner within this Towne according to y" prevelidge thereof 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 James Cuningham glover y° same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 John Deane labourer y" same day was sworne a freeman 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. i^c) 
 
 oo 05 oo 
 
 John Dunlop Maltman y* same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 
 
 Andrew Rea Shoemaker y' 1 8th day of Oct' 1660 was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 
 
 Daniell Carrett Weaver y' 25th of Oct was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 
 
 Henry Seaton weaver -f 12th of Noverab' was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 James Allen Glaser y" same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 
 
 Henry Wharton Shoomaker y° same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 
 
 John M'Cleland Shoomaker y« same day was sworne a freeman 
 
 00 05 00 fines to ye Towne 
 
 James Roch [Shoomaker] Butcher y" same day was sworne a freeman 
 fines to y* Towne 00 05 00 
 
 Thomas ffarmer Taylor y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 
 01 00 00 pd 10 00 
 
 William Spittle marchant y' same day was sworne a free Comoner and Marchant 
 of ye Staple 
 00 02 6 pd 
 
 Thomas Becke Baker y' 13th of November was sworne a freeman 
 
 vtort 00 ID 00 pd abated 5s 
 
 William Bunnis y' i8th December 1660 was sworne a free Comoner & marchl 
 of the staple 
 00 10 00 pd 
 
 [William] John Erwin marcht y" same day was sworne a free Comoner & marcht 
 of the staple 
 
 free 
 
 William Lesley gentleman y' 19th of January 1660 was sworne Comoner & 
 Marchant oi ye staple 
 free 
 
 Gilbert Wye gentl y' of was sworne a free Comoner & Marchant of y" 
 
 staple 
 free 
 
 Capt Samuell Blewett y' of was sworne a free and Marcht of y« Staple 
 free pd 
 
 Andrew McCuUogh Gold smith y" of was sworne a freeman 
 
 free pd 
 
 James Anderson Stationer y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 mort 00 05 00 pd 
 
 John Stewart Carpinter y' 7th of March was sworne a freeman 
 
 1661 free 
 
 Coll William Knight Barrester y" 30th i55i was sworne a free Comoner and 
 Marcht of ye Staple 
 00 10 00 
 
 AUexander M'Kenney Marcht y' loth of Aprill was sworne a free Comoner and 
 Marcht of y" Staple 
 served his apprent in this Towne 
 
 Thomas Stewart Marcht y° same day was sworne a free Comoner & Marcht of y" 
 Staple 
 served his apprent in this Towne 
 
 John Clughston Junior y' same day was sworne a free Comoner and Marcht 
 of y* Staple 
 served preniisP in this Towne 
 
 James Chalmers Marcht y* same day was sworne a free Comoner and Marcht of 
 the Staple y° loth of Aprill 
 served prentisP in this Towne 
 
 George Martin y' Younger y" same day was sworne a free Comoner and Marcht 
 of the Staple 
 mort served prentisP in this Towne 
 
 George Stewart Marcht y" same day was sworne a free Comoner and Marcht of 
 the Staple 
 Served prentisP in this Towne 
 
 John White Marcht y° same day was sworne a free Comoner and Marcht of y* 
 Staple 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 William Rochester yeoman y° same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 John Tavemor yeoman y" same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 Pattrick Corry yeoman y" same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 William M'Clelland Weaver y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 
26o The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 James m'HooIe Porter y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 
 01 00 00 [John Porter Lab^] 
 
 John Donnellson Esqr y" 12th of Aprill was sworne a free Comoner and Marchant 
 of y' Staple 
 01 00 00 
 
 Hercules Davis gent y° same day was sworne a free Comoner and Marcht of y' 
 Staple 
 ox 00 00 
 
 Henry Davis gent y' same day was sworne a free Comoner and Marcht of y° 
 Staple 
 00 05 00 
 
 Theopholis Taylor marc y° same day was sworne a free Comoner & Marcht of 
 y« Staple 
 00 05 00 
 
 Roger Gravitt marc' y° same day was sworne a free Comoner and Marcht of y' 
 Staple 
 00 10 00 
 
 Hugh m^Manus y' same day was sworne a free Comoner & Marcht of y' Staple 
 fines to y" Towne 00 05 00 
 
 John Morrisson Pewterer y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 served his prentisv in this Towne 
 
 Marcus Garnett Chanler y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 served his prentisP in this Towne 
 
 Israeli Christian Butcher y' loth of May was sworne a freeman 
 
 QO 02 06 
 
 Lawrance Crosley y' 21st of May was sworne a freeman 
 served his prentisf in this Towne 
 
 William Williamson Butcher y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 Michaell Reime y' same day was sworne a free Comoner and Marcht of y° Staple 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 Hugh Richardson Slater y' i8th of June was sworne a freeman 
 00 10 00 pd 
 
 William Orr Apothecary ■f 19th of June was sworne a free Comoner of this Towne 
 
 oo 05 00 pd 
 
 Robert Martin marc' y° 20th of June was sworne a free Comoner and Marct of 
 y' Staple 
 served his prentisP in this Towne 
 
 Paule Read marc' y" same day was sworne a free Comoner & Marchant of y" 
 Staple 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 James Biggar marc' y° same day was sworne a free Comoner & Marct of y° Staple 
 
 pd to Mr le Sovern oo lo oo 
 
 William Erwin marc' y' same day was sworne a free Comoner & Marct of y' 
 Staple 
 Served his prentice in Towne 
 
 Henry Hoole Tanner y' 21th of June was sworne a freeman 
 00 10 00 pd 
 
 Turlough ni'Gee yeoman y' same day was sworn a freeman 
 Served his prentisP in Towne 
 
 John Drenon ffeltmaker y° 29th of August was sworn a freeman 
 00 02 06 
 
 Thomas Rouse Shoemaker y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 
 John Rigby Sofferaine 1661 
 
 fines to y* Towne 00 05 00 
 
 John ffinch blacksmith y" loth of October 1661 was sworne a freeman 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 Robert Paver Bricklayer y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 John Horner Butcher y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 >nort Served his prentisP in this Towne 
 
 John Porter Butcher y' of NovemV was sworne a freeman 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 Thomas Waltson shoomaker y' 23rd of January was sworne a freeman 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 Edward Williamson Porter y' 1 3th of ffebruary was sworne a freeman 
 00 02 06 
 
 Andrew M 'Hoole Porter y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 James Miller Porter y' same day was sworne a freeman 
 00 10 00 
 
 Edward Ellis Apothecary the 24th day of June 1662 was admitted and sworne a 
 free Comoner of y° Borrough afforesaid according to y' previledges thereof 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. "zti 
 
 fine paid , , • - 
 
 Edward Roch y* same day was admitted and swome a freeman and his Ime to y, 
 
 Towne forgiven him 
 
 oo 02 06 pd 
 
 William Van Hovan Gardiner y' loth of July 1662 was admitted & sworne a free 
 
 Comoner of this borrough 
 
 00 10 00 pd 
 
 Peetter Jones Marchant y* 12th of July 1662 was admitted and sworne a free 
 
 Stapler of y' Borrough afforesaid 
 
 00 10 00 
 
 Richard Bodkin gent y" same day was admitted and sworne a free Stapler of y 
 Borrough afforesaid 
 served his prentisp in this Towne 
 
 Hugh Breerly Butcher y' 17th of September 1662 was admitted and sworne a free 
 Stapler of the Borrough afforesaid 
 00 05 00 pd 00 02 06 
 
 Thomas Gibson Glasier y' 20th of September 1662 was admitted and swome a free 
 Comoner of the Borrough afforesaid 
 Towne fine 00 02 06 pd 
 
 William Mickell Shoomaker was admitted and sworne a free Comoner of this 
 Corporacon this 25th of Sepr 1662 
 Ser^-ed his ApprentisP in this Towne 
 
 Robert Thomson Taylor y* same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner of 
 this Corporacon 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 Petter Taylor Porter was admitted y* same day and sworne a free Comoner 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 John Reynells Taylor y' same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 
 mort 00 02 06 pd 
 
 the same day Thomas Langsdall Porter was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 James Christian Taylor y' same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 Nicholas Taylor ■f same day was admitted and swome a free Comoner 
 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 Edward Marshall Taylor this 26th of Sept 1662 was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner 
 mort 00 02 06 pd 
 
 Edward Locher Lab' y' same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 00 04 06 
 
 Rowland Sharper was admitted and sworne a free Comoner and Marchant Stapler 
 according to y' Ancient custome and previlidge of y» said Towne this 27th of Sept 1662 
 00 04 06 pd 
 
 Peirce Wellsh shoomaker y« same day was admitted and sworne a free Commoner of 
 y* said Towne and a Marchant Stapler thereof according to the Ancient previllidge thereof 
 Ser\'ed his Apprentisp in this Towne 
 
 John Manken Tanner y* same day was admitted & swome a free Commoner of the 
 sd Towne 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 John Williamson Lab' was admitted and sworne a free Commoner of the said 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 James Hall Scoolemaster was admitted and sworne y° same day a free Commoner 
 00 02 06 
 
 William Cowan Carpenter y° same day was admitted and sworne a free Commoner 
 of y' Borrough afforesaid 
 00 10 CO pd 
 
 Willfered Bristow of Carlile marcht this 29th of Sept was admitted and sworne 
 a free Commoner [of this] and marchant of y° Staple according to the libertyes and 
 previleidges thereof 
 00 05 00 pd 02 06 
 
 Simon Thetford y« same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner and 
 Marcht of the Staple according to the libertyes and previleidges thereof 
 00 05 00 pd 
 
 John Christian y« same day was admitted a free Comoner 
 he served his Apprentisp in ye Towne 
 
 Robert Quin Currier y* same day was admitted a free Comoner 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 John Shankes Gardiner y same day was admitted a free Comoner 
 
 [George Cambell march' this 13" of January 1662 was admitted and sworn a free 
 comoner and march' of the staple according to y' ] 
 
 George M'Cartney Soveraigne 
 fttort 00 10 00 paid 
 
 John Creichton marchant this 24th day of November 1662 was admitted and swome 
 a free Comoner and marcht of the Staple of this Borrough according to y' Ancient 
 
262 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Ciistome and Libertyes thereof & hath paid los str to y' use of Towne and tenn shill more 
 he is to pay when he shall become an Inhabitant of of {sic") y" said Towne 
 01 00 00 paid 
 
 George Cambell marc' this 13th day of January 1662 was admitted and sworne a 
 free Comoner & marc' of the Staple of this Borrough according to y° Ancient Custome 
 and libertes thereof — hath paid twenty shills to y' use of y' Towne 
 he sarved his apprentishP in Bellfast 
 
 Robert Whitside march' upon y° humble desire of Hugh Eccles Marcht the 21th 
 of January 1662 was admitted and sworne a free Comoner and march' of the Staple of 
 this Borrough according to y" Ancient previleges thereof 
 he sanded his ApprentisP 
 
 Tho Roads Butcher upon his peticion y 2ith May 1663 was admitted and sworne 
 a free Comoner of y' Borrough 
 00 10 00 paid 
 
 George McKnight Chandler upon his peticion y° 2lth May 1663 was admitted 
 and sworne a free Comoner 
 00 02 06 pd 
 
 George Snowdon made a freeman 
 
 this 1 2th of September 1663 
 
 Arthur Ward gent Clarke of y' Crowne for y" North East Circuit of Ulster was 
 admitted and sworne a free Comoner and Marchant of y' Staple of this Borrough 
 according to y Ancient Priviledges 
 
 John Dawson gent was admitted and sworne a free Comoner and Marchant Staple 
 of this Borrough according to y' Ancient previledges 
 00 10 00 pd 
 
 John Agnew Cooper this i" of October 1663 upon his humble peticion was 
 admitted and sworne a free Comoner of this Borrough &c 
 00 10 00 pd 
 
 John Poole Porter the l" of October 1663 upon his peticion was admitted and 
 sworne a free Comoner of -f Borrough 
 he served his apprenticesp in Belfast 
 
 David M'Cullough glover and skiner late apprentice to Robert Skiner was 
 admitted and sworne a free Comoner of this Borrough this 6"' of November 1663 
 he served his apprenticesp in Belfast 
 
 Thomas Whittley Tanner late apprentice to M' Thomas Warring was admitted 
 and sworne a free Comoner of this Borrough this 1 1" of November 1663 
 fine 00 13 04 paid 
 
 James Read of Enniskillin march' the 21"' of November 1663 was admitted and 
 sworne a free Comoner and march' of y" Staple of this Borrough according to y' Ancient 
 libertyes thereof 
 fine 00 12 06 paid 
 
 William Bickerstafe of Wire Watter Mariner y« 26" Nov' 1663 was admitted and 
 sworne a free Comoner of this Corporacon 
 Mart 00 10 00 not paid Sargent Potts deceased ye 3d deer 1663 
 
 Allexand' Porter shoomaker y" same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 of this Corporacon 
 00 10 00 paid 
 
 William Gibbs Taylor this 16"' Dec' 1663 was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner of this Corporacon 
 fine 00 07 06 paid 
 
 L*. Thomas Cranston this 17"" of Dec' 1663 was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner of this Corporacon 
 
 00 10 00 paid 
 
 Robert Dowglas Brickmaker this 17" of Dec' 1663 was admitted and sworne 
 a free Comoner of this Corporacon 
 00 05 00 paid 
 
 Robert Beck Weavour this 7"" January 1663 was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner of this Corporacon according to y° custome thereof 
 00 10 00 paid 
 
 Daniell Leech Weavor y" same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 
 00 10 00 paid 
 
 Daniell ffrissell shoomaker y' same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 00 05 00 paid 
 
 Michaell Pattridge blacksmith this 7"' of January 1663 was admitted and sworne a 
 free Comoner of this Corporacon 
 
 00 10 00 paid 
 
 Thomas Bell blacksmith y° same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner of 
 this Corporacon 
 
 01 00 00 pd Mr McCartney 
 
 Thomas Pottinger March' this 23'^ of January 1663 was admitted and sworne a 
 free Comoner and March' of the Staple of this Corporacon 
 00 05 00 pd Mr McCartney 
 
 John Ellison Shipcarpinter f same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 263 
 
 00 10 00 forgiven , . , o r /-■ 
 
 William Oakes Butcher y same day was admitted & sworne a free Comoner 
 
 00 10 00 pd Mr Reymell , ■ , i r 
 
 Gabriell Holmes Mariner y' 2^ of March 1663 was admitted and sworne a free 
 
 Comoner of this Corporacon 
 
 00 TO 00 paid , . , 1 f /-> 
 
 James Taylor Mariner -f same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 
 °° Gabriell Holmes y* younger y' same day was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 
 °° '° James Hays Marriner this l" of Sept' 1664 was admitted a free Comoner & 
 
 swome of this Corporacon 
 
 00 OS 00 pd Mr Reynell , • ,. ,_i n .• ■ 
 
 James MCaddam Mariner This 15"' of hept' 1664 upon his humble Peticion was 
 
 admitted [free] & sworne a free Comoner 
 he served his prentishp in this Towne 
 
 Ric Bourne Butcher -f same day was admitted and swome a free Comoner 
 he served his prentishp in Bellfast ^ , , , , , . , o r 
 
 George Skerris blacksmith y' IS"" Sep' 1664 was admitted & sworne a free 
 
 Comoner 
 
 Henry Dickison Carpinter y" same day was admitted a free Comoner 
 
 he niade two scales for Leather to y« use of y« Towne 
 
 David Scott blacksmith y' same day was admitted a free Comoner 
 
 William Chrighton Taylor y' same day was admitted a free Comoner 
 
 John Corbett Cooper y' same day was admitted & sworne a free Comoner 
 he served his apprentisp in Towne , . 1 j r 
 
 David Agnew march' y' 20" day of Sep' 1664 was admitted and sworne a tree 
 Comoner & Marchant Stapler of this Borrough 
 
 Hugh Whhe march' y' same day was sworne a free Comoner and march' Stapler 
 of this Corporacon 
 00 05 00 pd . , „ c r^ 
 
 John Hunter Carpinter y' same day was admitted & sworne a free Comoner 
 
 00 05 00 pd - ^^ 
 
 Rob' Taylor Mariner y" same day was admitted & swome a free Comoner 
 
 00 10 00 pd , . T 1 r 
 
 Allexand' Arthur Tanner y' 22"'' day of Sep' was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner & March' stapler of this Corporacon 
 he served his pentisp . , , r r^ 
 
 Vallintine Herone Butcher y« same day was admitted and sworne a tree Comoner 
 he sarved his pentisp , . , n r /-> 
 
 George Kennedy weavor y' same day was admitted & sworne a tree Comoner 
 
 00 05 00 pd ni-jr/-' 
 
 Robert MOeery Mariner y' same day was sworne & admitted a tree Comoner 
 00 04 09 pd _ 
 
 John Worthington yeoman y" same day was sworne a free Comoner 
 00 10 00 pd ^ c /-i 
 
 Hugh Biggar Tanner y« 23'' Sep' 1664 was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 
 00 04 09 pd . , - r 
 
 Andrew Blomfeild Sayler y« 29"' of Sep' 1664 was admitted and sworne a tree 
 Comoner 
 00 05 00 forgiven 
 
 Joseph Storry Labourer y' same day was admitted & sworne a free Comoner 
 tx> 02 06 for^i%en 
 
 John Willson ffeltmaker y' same day was admitted & swome a free Comoner 
 00 05 00 
 
 Robert Murrow Labourer y" same day was admitted & sworne a fiee Comoner 
 00 05 00 pd Mr Reynell 
 
 Abraham Ponsonbey Joyner y* same day was admitted & swore a free Comoner 
 he ser\'ed his apprentisp in this Towne 
 
 William Martin Tanner y' sonn of George Martin Burgesse y same day was 
 admitted & swome a free Comoner 
 
 Tho Warring Esqr Soveraigne 1664 
 00 05 00 pd to Mr Warring 
 
 George Willis Butcher y« 13"' day of October 1664 was admitted k sworne a free 
 Comoner of this Corporacon 
 
 00 15 00 pd to Mr Warring 
 
 Richard Hull of Wire Watter Mariner was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 y same day 
 
 01 00 00 pd to Mr Warriiig . , . , „ ,- ^ „ 
 
 Arthur Smith of Wire Watter Mariner was admitted & sworne a free Comoner & 
 Marchant Stapler 
 
264 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Marcht 01 10 00 pd to Mr Warring 
 
 Richard Burrell Merchant this lo"" of Janry 1664 wass admited and sworne A (ifree 
 [stapler] Comoner and Merchi of y' Staple of this Borrough according to y" antient 
 Custome and Liberties Thereof 
 sworne Gratuss 
 
 Samuell Downes of Belfast gent [merch'] wass admited and sworne A ffree Comoner 
 and Merch' Stapler this lo"" of Janry 1664 
 01 00 00 pd to Mr Warring 
 
 Mathew [Walter] Rowan of Green Nock in y° Kingdome of Scotland Merchant 
 this 22"" of ffebruary 1664 was admitted and sworne a ffree Com' and Merchant of the 
 Staple of the sayd Burrough 
 00 09 00 to pay 9 more 
 
 Ralph Sanderson of Scarburgh in the Kingdome of England Mariner was admitted 
 and sworne ffree Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the Burrough of Belfast the 31" 
 day of May 1665 
 5s payd in hand 5s to be pd when able pd Mr Reynell 
 
 Andrew lOiowes of Belfast Cordwainer was admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 of the Burrough of Belfast the 31,1 of May 1665 
 jl los ood for yo use of ye Towne 
 
 Richard Page of Westmoreland in the Kingdome of England Merchant was 
 admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the Burrough of 
 Belfast the 1411. day of June in the year 1665 according to the custome of the sayd 
 Burrough 
 promised to pay los to the Towne w'l'in 3 months pd Mr Reynell 
 
 Robert Spay of Belfast in the Kingdome of Ireland Cooper was admitted and 
 sworne a ffree Comoner of the sayd Burrough of Belfast the 10" day of August 1665 
 according to y" custome of y" said Burrough 
 promised to pay los to the Towne w'^'in 3 months pd Mr Reynell 
 
 John Killpatrick of Belfast Merc' was admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and 
 Merc of the Staple of the Burrough aforesayd the 20ti, day of August 1665 according 
 to the custome of the Burrough 
 o 05 00 pd Soveraigne 
 
 John Speare of Belfast Shooemaker was admitted and sworne a free Comoner of 
 y« Burrough aforesayd the I2tu of October 1665 
 pd 5s to Mr Soveraigne 
 
 John King of Belfast Carpenter was admitted and sworne a free Comoner of the 
 sayd Burrough the 12,1 of October 1665 
 pd 5s to Mr Soveraigne 
 
 Symon Wilson Labourer was admitted and sworne a free Comoner of this 
 Corporacon the 2°'' of November 1665 
 00 10 00 To the Towne pd Mr Warring 
 
 William Bagott of Wire Watter in the Kingdome of England Marriner was 
 admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner of this Corporacon the ai"" day of November 1665 
 Sworne gratis 
 
 Cap' Thomas Beverly Quarter Master to y' Right Hon";'' Arthur Earle of 
 Donegall was admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the 
 sayd Burrough the aa"" day of November 1665 Thomas Warring Esqr being then 
 Soveraigne 
 Sworne gratis 
 
 Eodem die William Lorame Quarter Master to Leiftenn' Colonell Moses Hill 
 was admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the Burrough 
 of Belfast Thomas Waring Esqr Soveraigne 
 00 05 00 pd to Mr 
 
 Peter Croft of Stalmin in yc County of Lancaster Marriner was Admitted and 
 sworne a flVee Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the Burrough of Belfast y° 22"' of 
 November 1665 
 00 05 00 pd to Sir Warring 
 
 Eodem die Henry Clarke of Belfast Inholder was admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of y= sayd Burrough Thomas Warring Esq 
 Soveraigne 
 00 OS 00 to y" repayre of y« Key pd to Mr Waring 
 
 Robert Townson [was Ad] of Leeds in Yorkshire Clothyer was admitted and 
 sworne a free Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the Burrough of Belfast the 
 22"' day of November 1665. Thomas Warring Esq' then Soveraigne 
 00 05 00 to ye repayre of ye Key pd to Mr Wm Waring 
 
 Allen Burkett of the Grange in Lancashire Marriner was Admitted and sworne a 
 ffree Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the Burrough of Belfast the 24"" of 
 November 1665 Thomas Waring Esq' Soveraigne 
 00 05 00 to ye repayre of ye Key pd to Wm Waring 
 
 Anthony Wylde of the Isle of ffaney iVIarriner was admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of y' Burrough of Belfast the 22"" day of November 
 Thomas Waring Esq' Soveraigne 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 265 
 
 Tempore Edwardi Reynell Armiger Superior Burgi Sive Ville de Belfast in Comitat 
 Antrim et unus Justiciarioruni pacis pro Domino Rege in Comitat p'dict Communes et 
 liberi homines Burgi Sive Ville p'dict fact et Admissi Anno Regni Domini nostri Caroli 
 Secundi nunc Angliis &' decimo septimo Annoque Domini 1665 
 ool 05s Odd pd for y« use of the Towne 
 
 Robert Clarke Sonne of John Clarke having served his Apprentishipp to Hugh 
 Campbell of the same Towne Merc' upon his Peticion was Admitted and Sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the sayd Burrough the 14"" day of December 1665 
 00 05 00 
 
 William Arthur at a Court holden for the sayd Burrough the first day of fi'ebruary 
 in anno predicto having served his Apprentishipp with William Smith of the same Borough 
 Merchant was admitted and sworne a firee Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the 
 sayd Borough Edward Reynell Esq' being then Soveraigne 
 00 05 00 
 
 Eodem Die John Tofte Taylor having served his time w" his father-in law Tho 
 Lightfoote was admitted and sworne a fl'ree Comoner of the sayd Borough Edward Reynell 
 Esq' then Soveraigne ffees unpaid 
 
 00 05 00 
 
 Eodem Die Thomas Barbin ffeltmaker having served his Apprentishipp with 
 Robert Whiteside of the same Towne was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner of the 
 sayd Borough Edward Reynell Esq' then Soveraigne 
 to pay los to the use of y* Towne 
 
 John Hamond the fifteenth day of ffebruary was Admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the sayd Borough Edward lieynell Esq' then 
 Soveraigne fees unpayd 
 
 01 00 00 to be payd wthin 3 weekes to ye use of ye Towne Rog Leathes to pay it 
 
 John Welsh of Glanavy Tanner was the fifth day of Aprill 1666 admitted and 
 sworne a ffree Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the Towne and Burrough of 
 Belfast in the time of Edward Reynell Esqr then Soveraigne 
 he served his Appreiitsp in this Towne w"' Mr Warring 
 
 John Roads Tanner was the 3"* day of May 1666 admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner of this Towne 
 
 Samson Theaker gent was the fifth day of July l666 admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner & Merc' of the Staple of the Towne and Burrough of Belfast Edward Reynell 
 Sever 
 00 10 00 for ye use of ye Towne pd to Mr Re^iieli 
 
 eodem die James \Vhyte Taylor was admitted a ffree Comoner of the Burrough 
 of Belfast 
 Co 15 00 to ye Towne pd to Mr Reynell 
 
 eodem die James Johnston inei-L^ was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and 
 Merchant of the Staple for y Borrough aforesayd 
 00 15 00 to ye Towne pd to Mr Reynell 
 
 eodem die Henry Taylor was admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and Mercliant 
 of the Staple of the Borrough aforesayd 
 00 10 00 pd Mr Reynell 
 
 Humfrey Dobbin Merc' was Admitted and sworne a free Comoner and Merchant 
 of the Staple of the sayd Borrough the I2ih of July Mr Reynell Soveraigne 
 00 10 00 to be paid for ye good of the Towne w"'in a month 
 
 Eodem die John Willox Shoomaker was Admitted and Sworne a free Comoner 
 of the Borrough of Belfast 
 tnort sworne gratis 
 
 Eodem die [John] Robert Jennings Cooke was Admitted and Sworne a free 
 Comoner 
 sworne gratis 
 
 Eodem die John Arbuckles the Earle of Donegalls Gardner was Admitted and 
 sworne a free Comoner 
 sworne gratis flfees unpd 
 
 M' Luke Gould servant to yc Earle of Donegall was Admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of y' sayd Burrough the 30"' of August 1666 ffees 
 unp^ 
 00 10 00 to ye Towne pd to Mr Sinckler appointed Treasurer for ye Corporacon from this time 
 
 eodem die Robert Hutchin shoomaker was admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 of y' Borough fees unpayd 
 DO 10 o« pd to ye Treasurer Mr Sinckler 
 
 eodem die James Tomson was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner of the 
 Borrough of Belfast 
 Sworne gratis 
 
 25"" October 1666 Robert Clarck Rope Maker was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner of the Borrough of Belfast M' Edward Reynell Soveraigne 
 Served his Apprentiship in Towne 
 
 eodem die Richard Curie Butcher was admitted and sworne a free Comoner of 
 this Corporacon 
 
266 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Swome gratis having served his Apprentishipp \vU» Tho Waring Esqr 
 
 27" day of November 1666 James BuUar Tanner was Admitted and swome a 
 free Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the said Corporacon Edward Reynell 
 Soveraigne 
 00 12 06 pd Mr Sinckler for y« use of y« Towne 
 
 17"" January 1666 William Tomson Gray mere' was Admitted and swome a free 
 Comoner and merchant of the Staple of the sayd Corporacon Edward Reynell Soveraigne 
 00 10 DO pd to Mr Sinckler for the use of ye Towne 
 
 24"" January 1666 John Adam Taylor was admitted and swome a free Comoner 
 of this Corporacon 
 Swome gratis having served w*!" Tho Waring Esqr 
 
 14"" ffebruary 1666 John Moore Tanner was Admitted and swome a free 
 Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of sayd Corporacion Edward Reynell Soveraigne 
 Swome gratis having served his time w^li Tho Waring Esqr 
 
 Eodem die Richard Workeman Tanner was admitted and sworne as aforesayd 
 fees unpayd 
 Sworne gratis having served his prentiship w^ii Joseph Whitlocke deceased 
 
 21"' March 1666 Henry Williamson Butcher was admitted and sworne a (free 
 Comoner 
 
 Served his apprentishipp w'b Robert Skinner 
 
 9"" May 1667 Edward Hall ^/oz/r was Admitted and Sworne a free Comoner of 
 this Corporacon 
 00 10 00 pd to Mr Sinckler for y* Towne 
 
 30"" May 1667 ftrancis Vivian Blacksmith was Admitted and swome a free 
 Comoner 
 Swome gratis having served his Apprentiship wth Alexander Sincklar 
 
 6"" of June 1667 William Sincklar Merck' was Admitted and Sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of the Corporacon 
 Served his apprentiship as aforesayd 
 
 eodem die Hugh Speare Merf was Admitted and Swome as aforesayd 
 
 pd 00 ID 00 to y« use of y" Towne to Mr Sincklar 
 
 11" July 1667 John M'fifarran labourer was admitted and swome a free Comoner 
 of this Corporacon 
 mart pd to the use of the Towne 00 10 00 to Mr Sincklar 
 
 5"" September 1667 Thomas Wrench of the Citty of Chester Merchant was 
 Admitted and Sworne a ffree Comoner and Merc' of the Staple 
 sworne gratis having served his Apprentishipp 
 
 eodem die 1667 William Karran Blacksmith was Admitted 
 pd 00 06 08 to be pd to Mr to Mr Sincklar by y« Sergeants 
 
 S" September 1667 Andrew Paton Butcher was admitted 
 Mart 00 06 08 to be payd by the Sergeants to Mr Sincklar for y« use of the Towne 
 
 eodem die 1667 William Coxan Joyner was Admitted 
 00 06 08 to the Towne to be payd by Robert Martin at All Saints next 
 
 19"" September 1667 John Hill Gray Merc' was Admitted and Sworne a ffree 
 Comoner 
 
 00 06 08 to the Towne to be payd by John Gryffin at All Saints 
 
 eodem die John Johnston Taylor was Admitted and Swome a ffree Comoner 
 
 01 00 00 pd to Mr Sincklar for y« use of the Towne 
 
 26'' September 1667 Tho Tippin was Admitted and Sworne a ffree Comoner 
 served his Apprentiship in Towne to doe XXs for y« good of y« Towne in worke 
 
 eodem die Bradshaw Leathes was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and 
 Merc' of the Staple 
 00 10 00 pd to Mr Sincklar for ye Towne 
 
 eodem die Ennis M'AUyster was Admitted and Swome a free Comoner 
 
 00 10 00 to be payd by Hugh Gollocher 
 
 eodem die Thomas Richardson Carpenter was Admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner of this Corporacon 
 00 10 CO to be payd by Hugh Gollocher 
 
 eodem die John Gowen Carpenter was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 [and] of this Corporacon 
 mort Served his time in Towne . , . , , rr ^ e 
 
 eodem die Michael Campbell Dyer was Admitted and swome a (tree Comoner oi 
 
 this Corporacon 
 
 00 JO 00 to be payd by Mr Wye , . ^ , , • . , , a- o 
 
 eodem die Orlando Ashley Barber was admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 
 00 10 00 pd to Mr Sincklar . , , „ „ , 1 . 
 
 eodem die ffrancis ftisher was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and merchant 
 of the Staple 
 Served his Apprentishp . , . , , rr r- 
 
 eodem die Robert Skerns Butcher was Admitted and swome a ffree Comoner 
 00 10 00 to be done in worke . , • , , ce r^ 
 
 eodem die Thomas Orpin Glasier was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 00 10 00 to be pd in a month ... n- ^ 
 
 eodem die Obadiah Grove Taylor was Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 267 
 
 swome gratis 
 
 eodem die John Bird Clockmaker was Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 
 00 10 00 to be pd in a month 
 
 eodem die John Brogdon Shoemaker was Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 Sen'ed his Apprentiship in Towne 
 
 eodem die John Cordiner Chandler was Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 sworn gratis ^ „ , 
 
 eodem die Robert Cornwall gent was Admitted and Swome a ffree Comoner and 
 merchant of the Staple of this Burrough 
 
 Tempore Georgii McCartney Armiger tunc Superior Ville Belfast 
 
 24"' October 1667 James Burney Merc' was Admitted and Sworne a ffree Comoner 
 and Merc' of the Staple served his Apprentishipp w'.!" William Tomb Merc 
 Twenty shill pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die Lawrence Oram Planter was Admitted and Sworne a ffree Comoner 
 and Merc' of the Staple 
 
 01 00 00 to the Town pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 21" November 1667 Samuel Moore of Ayre Merchant was Admitted and Sworne 
 a ffree Comoner and Merchant of the Staple of this Corporacon 
 Swome gratis , . , , r. «- 
 
 28" November 1667 Cap' John Blair Marriner was Admitted and Sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and Merchant of y° Staple of this Corporacon 
 served his Apprentiship w"* George Martin Burgesse 
 
 19" December 1667 George Hardie of Belfast Merc' was admitted and sworne a 
 ffree Comoner and Merchant of y' Staple 
 served his Apprentiship wth Arthur Houghton 
 
 2"'' January 1667 Thomas Leathes Butcher was Admitted and Sworne a ffree 
 Comoner 
 served his Apprentiship wtf" John Herson 
 
 16" January 1667 William Rutcliffe Clothyer was admitted a free Com' 
 to pay 10s to ye Towne w'l'in a month 
 
 eodem die John Charnley ffeltmaker was Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 Swome gratis having served his t>Tne w^ Mr Eccles 
 
 Hugh Lendey Merchant was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and Merchant 
 of y" Staple the 26" of March 1668 
 00 15 00 to ye Towne pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die James [A] Egarr Merc' was Admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 and Merc' of the Staple 
 00 05 00 to y< Towne to Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die John Smith Glover was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 00 10 00 to y* Towne pd Mr Sincklar 
 
 Alexander Boyess Shoomaker was Admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 00 10 03 to y® Towne pd Mr Sincklar 
 
 9"" of Aprill 1668 John Murdough Shoemaker was Admitted and Sworne a ffree 
 Comoner of this Corporacon 
 Swome gratis having served his Apprentiship in Towne 
 
 7"^ of May, 1668 Richard Lam Bricklayer was admitted and Sworne a free 
 Comoner 
 
 14"' May 1668 Richard fforester Taylor was Admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner 
 00 12 06 
 
 eodem die John Adam Merchant was Admitted and Sworne a ffree Comoner and 
 Merchant of the Staple 
 o 10 00 
 
 eodem die Thomas Dunkin was Admitted 
 Served his Apprentiship in Towne 
 
 eodem die Hercules Langtree was Admitted 
 pd I 00 00 pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 9" July 1668 Gilbert Rosse Merchant was admitted & swome a ffree Comoner of 
 this Borrough and Merchant of the Staple 
 Swome gratis having served his Apprentiship wth Israel Christian 
 
 eodem die Patrick Humes Butcher was Admitted 
 00 05 00 pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 23"" July 1668 Richard Ashmoore Glover was Admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner 
 
 00 10 00 pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die John Martin Labourer was Admitted & sworne a ftVee Comoner of this 
 Borrough 
 
 01 00 00 to ye Towne pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 I?" September 1668 Monsieur Daniel Mascon Merchant was Admitted & sworne 
 a ffree Comoner and merchant of the Staple 
 Swome gratis having served his Apprentishipp wth William Thom Merchant 
 
 24"" September i658 Andrew Hutchinson Merchant was Admitted and swome 
 a ffree Comoner of this Corporacon 
 
268 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 oo lo oo pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die ffrancis Mankin Butcher was Admitted and swoine a ffree Comoner 
 
 oo ID oo pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die John Brookes Butcher was Admitted and swome a ffree Comoner 
 oo to oo pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 l'- October 1668 Andrew Keyle Cooper was Admitted & swome a ffree Comoner 
 00 10 oc pd Mr sincklar 
 
 15" October 1668 Thomas Clarck Stone Mason was Admitted and swome a ffree 
 Comoner ot the Borrough of Beffast 
 00 10 00 pd Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die Thomas Corbitt Taylor was Admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 00 10 00 pd Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die William Bryan y' younger weaver was Admitted and swome a ffree 
 Comoner of y" Borrough 
 00 10 00 pd Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die John Murrow Carpenter was Admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 
 00 10 00 pd Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die John Tomson Cooper was Admitted & sworne a free Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 ag" October 1668 S' Hercules Langsford Barronett was Admitted and Sworne 
 a ffree Comoner and Merchant of the Staple 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die John Chichester Esq' sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die Charles Bolton Esq' sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Arthur Upton Esq' sworne ut prius 
 qy what he pd & to whom — nihil 
 
 eodem die Peter Gubb Vintner was Admitted and Sworne a ffree Comoner & 
 Merchant of the Staple 
 
 01 00 00 pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 19"" November 1668 Nicholas Cox Merchant was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner and Merchant of y' Staple 
 Sworne Gratis having ser\'ed his Apprentiship w**" Peirce Welsh 
 
 lo"" December 1668 William Ogan Shoemaker was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner of the Borrough aforesayd 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die Alexander ffergason Servant to the Earle of Donegall was admitted 
 & sworne a free Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die Jenkin Jones Servant to y° Earle of Donegall was admitted & sworne 
 a free Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die Robert Stately Servant to y' Earle of Donegall was Admitted & 
 sworne a ffree Comoner 
 00 10 00 pd Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die William ffulton Shoemaker was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 
 served his time \v*^ his ffather 
 
 ly* December 1668 ffrancis Ratcliffe y younger Dyer was Admitted and swome 
 a ffree Comoner 
 ser\'ed his Apprentp wtli John Hodson 
 
 eodem die Richard Ratcliff Clothyer was Admitted and Sworne a ffree Comoner 
 00 10 00 pd Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die James English Bricklayer was Admitted and Sworne a ffree Comoner 
 Towne 00 10 00 Mr Sincklar 
 
 17"' December 1668 James Ayesdale Slater was Admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner 
 00 10 00 Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die John Corsby Mason was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 Seaventh of January 1668 S' Arthur Chichester Knight was Admitted and sworne 
 a ffree Comoner and merchant of the Staple of the Borrough of Belfast 
 
 Gratis 
 
 Eodem die Richard Coote Esq was swortie ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die Conway Hill Esq' was sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die Richard Eustace gent was sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die John Chichester gent was sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die Charles Chichester gent was sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die Edward Harrison gent was swome ut prius 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 269 
 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die Chichester Phillipps gent was swome ut pnus 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die John Tooley Chirurgeon was sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 21"' January 1668 Thomas Sandeford servant to the Earle of Donegall was 
 Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 John Vicar mere was admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner & mere of the Staple 
 00 10 00 pd to Mr Sincklar 
 
 i"° Aprilis 1669 °° Andrew Maxwell was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 & mere' of the Staple of this Borrough 
 Swome gratis having ser\'ed liis Apprentishipp wth iiis ffatlier 
 
 eodem die John Crosley Blacksmith was Admitted k sworne a flVee Comoner of 
 this Borrough 
 Swome gratis 
 
 William Bigger was Admitted and swome a ffree Comoner & mere' of the Staple 
 
 00 10 00 pd Mr sincklar 
 
 eodem die John Johnston Carpenter was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 
 00 IS 00 pd Mr Sincklar 
 
 William Rayney was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner & marcht of the Staple 
 the day aforesayd 
 Swome gratis having served his time w**" Mr Eccles merct 
 
 William Dobbin was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner & March' of the Staple 
 the day aforesayd 
 00 10 00 on trust 
 
 5"" of August 1669 Henry Smith Vintner was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 of the Staple the day aforesayd 
 swome gratis 
 
 Roger Jonesse Labourer was Admitted and sworne a free Comoner of the Staple 
 the day aforesayd 
 00 10 00 pd Mr Sincklar 
 
 26"' of August 1669 Archibald M'Neall was Admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner the day aforesayd 
 00 10 00 
 
 David Sharplee was Admitted and sworne a free Comoner & March' of the Staple 
 the day aforesayd 
 
 Simon Sharplee was Admitted and swome a free Comoner & Merch' of the Staple 
 of the Staple (sic) payd M' Sincklar 00 10 00 
 
 Robert Ponge was Admitted and Sworne a free Comoner & Merch' of the Staple 
 the day aforesayd payd M' Sincklar 00 12 06 
 
 Robert Colbert was Admitted and swome a free Comoner k Merch' of the Staple 
 the day aforesayd payd M' Sincklar 00 12 06 
 Gratis 
 
 2'' day of September 1669 James M'Cartney gent was Admitted and Sworne a 
 ffree Comoner and mere' of the Staple of the Borrough of Belfast 
 Gratis ser\'ed his time in Towne 
 
 eodem die William Crawford sworne ut prius 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die Hugh Crawford sworne ut prius 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die Jonathan Allen Weaver sworne a ffree Comoner 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die John M^Gowan Weaver sworne a ffree Comoner 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die John Mercer Butcher sworne a ffree Comoner 
 00 12 06 
 
 9"" day of September 1669 Alexander Ury Taylor sworne a ffree Comoner 
 00 12 06 
 
 eodem die John Hailestones Carpenter 
 00 10 00 w*^in a fortnight 
 
 Alexander Spavin Carpenter 
 00 12 06 
 
 Archibald Valentine Marriner 
 00 10 oiA 
 
 James Murray Marriner 
 
 00 10 OlJ 
 
 John ffarley Porter 
 
 01 00 00 
 
 William Blackstock was Admitted and Sworne a ffree Comoner & Merc' of the 
 Staple 
 
 02 00 00 
 
 9"' day of September 1669 John Waugh Merc' was Admitted and Sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and Merc' of the Staple 
 
270 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 01 00 00 
 
 eodem die Henry Waugh his Sonn sworne ut prius 
 Served his time w"^ Nicholas Garnett 
 
 eodem die Mathew Garnett Chandler was Admitted and Sworne a ffree Commoner 
 00 12 06 Coxan bound to pay it 
 
 eodem die Thomas Hannah Taylor was sworne a ffree Comoner 
 
 00 10 00 to be wrought 
 
 eodem die John Bell Carpenter was sworne a ffree Comoner 
 
 Gratis 
 
 16"' September 1669 Hugh Miller Merc' was Admitted and Sworne a ffiee 
 Comoner and Merc' of y' Staple 
 
 01 00 00 _ 
 
 eodem die Alexander White Merc' was sworne ut prius 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die David Chambers Merc' sworne ut prius 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die James Jackson Yeoman sworne a ffree Comoner 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die Alexander Latimer was Admitted and Sworne a ffree Comoner 
 Gratis served his time w^ Mr M'Cartney 
 
 eodem die John Hamilton Merc' was Admitted and Sworne a ffree Comoner and 
 Merc' of the Staple 
 00 10 00 
 
 16"' September 1669 Robert Walker Gray Merch' was Admitted and Sworne a 
 ffree Commoner 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die James Scott Marriner sworne ut prius 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die William Patterson Baker sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 23"" September 1669 Thomas Tompson shipwright was Admitted and Sworne a 
 ffree Comoner 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die Robert White Taylor sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die John Martin sworne ut prius 
 CO 05 00 
 
 eodem die William Nelson Sadler sworne ut prius 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die Thomas Miller Gray Merc' sworne ut prius 
 00 10 00 Jo: Agnew to pay 
 
 eodem die James Clarck Cooper sworne ut prius 
 
 eodem die John Wyatt Butcher sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die William Taylor Weaver swome ut prius 
 00 10 00 to be payd 2 months 
 
 eodem die Alexander M'Bride Ale seller sworne ut prius 
 00 10 00 
 
 eodem die John Noble Taylor swome ut prius 
 
 eodem die William Cowdan Glover sworne ut prius 
 
 Tempore Gulielmi Waring Armiger 14"' October 1669 
 00 10 00 Mr Sincklar 
 
 Bryan Mercer Butcher was Admitted 
 00 10 00 pd Mr Sincklar 
 
 eodem die Henry Mercer Butcher was Admitted 
 
 oil 00s ood 
 
 ai" October 1669 Cornelius Van Weedee was Admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and mere' of the Staple 
 Gratis 
 
 21 January 1669 S' Michael Hicks Knight was Admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and mere' of the Staple 
 Gratis 
 
 Claudius Gilbert Clerck ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Samuel Brian Gent ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Hugh Smith Gent ut prius 
 
 Gratis 
 
 John M°Ilwaine Chirurgeon ut prius 
 
 ^O IIS 3d 
 
 James Glasco Marriner Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 o 10 o 
 
 John Kerron Weaver Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 Bartholomew Cade Gent Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 27 1 
 
 dead 
 
 Hans Hamilton Esq' Admitted a flfree Comoner & merchant of the Staple 
 Gratis 
 
 Dudly Loftus gent ut prius 
 o 10 o 
 
 Thomas Knox mere' Admitted & sworne a ffree Comoner and mere' of the Staple 
 
 o 10 o 
 
 Captaine John Wilson Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and mere' of the 
 Staple 
 o 15 o 
 
 George Chaloner Merc' Admitted ut prius 
 o 10 o 
 
 Thomas Harper Merc' Admitted ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 John Haddock Gent ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Gervis Hare Gent ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Thomas Bradly Gent ut prius 
 Ser\'ed his time w"" Charles Whitlock 
 
 Edmond Harton Butcher Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 
 13 6 
 
 Henry Chads Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 Served his time w*"* Roger Leathes 
 
 John M'Gowan Tanner Admitted a fftee Comoner 
 Served his time w^^ Roger Leathes 
 
 James Corry Tanner Admitted a ffree Com' 
 
 1 OS o 
 
 Thomas Akin Merc' Admitted a ffree Comoner and Merch' of the Staple 
 Served his time vi^ Arthur Hought 
 
 David Ogan Butcher Admitted a ffree Com' 
 Ser\-ed his time wu, James Clark 
 
 26 May 1670 Robert Murrough Coop' admitted a ffree Com' 
 I 10 o 
 
 William Stewart Merc' Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner & Merch' of 
 y Staple 
 
 J o o 
 
 John \Vhite sen Merc' ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 William Powell Esq' ut prius 
 5s in worke 
 
 23 June 1670 Thomas Costin Bricklayer Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 5s in work 
 
 Richard Court Glasier ut prius 
 
 00 10 o 
 
 James Cranston Taylor ut prius 
 00 10 o 
 
 Adam Williamson Tanner Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 o 15 o 
 
 30"" June 1670 John Britton Merc' was Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 and Merc' of y" Staple 
 Served his time w^'' George Rogers 
 
 William Ashmore Glover Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 Henry Earle of Clanbrazill Admitted a ffree Comoner and Merc' of the Staple 
 Gratis 
 
 William Hill Esq' Admitted ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 John Lord Butler sonn to the Duke of Ormond Admitted a ffree Comoner and 
 Merchant of the Staple 
 Gratis 
 
 Charles Meredith Esq' ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Richard Earle of Arran Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner and Merc' of the 
 Staple 
 Gratis 
 
 Peirce Lord Baron of Cayre Admitted ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Edmund Butler Esq' Admitted ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Major Thomas ffairefax Admitted ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 eodem die Anthony Hamilton Esq' Admitted ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 CoUonell William Cecil! brother to the Earle of Salusbury Admitted ut prius 
 
272 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Gratis 
 
 Major Samuel Stewart Admitted ut prius 
 
 Gratis 
 
 Richard Needham Gent Admitted ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Richard Hutton Gent Admitted ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 William Tomson Gent Admitted ut prius 
 Served his time w*^ Anderson 
 
 22"" September 1670 Daniel Harper Merc' was Admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and Merch' of the Staple 
 o 10 o 
 
 Thomas Darby Butcher Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 Served his time w"^ Jo Whitlock 
 
 Christopher Pitt Butcher Admitted ut prius 
 o 10 o 
 
 Alexander M'Cree Taylor Admitted ut prius 
 
 o 10 o 
 
 Thomas Williamson Smith Admitted ut prius 
 Servant to Michael Bigger 
 
 Alexander Woods Merc' Admitted a ffree Comoner and Merchant of the Staple 
 
 o 10 o 
 
 13"' October 1670 John Bell Weaver Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 o 10 o 
 
 Robert Adaire Glasier Admitted ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Richard Magee sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Thomas Hurst Gent Admitted ut prius 
 Served his time w*b Jo Hudson 
 
 27"" October 1670 John Symons Clothyer Admitted ut prius 
 Served his time w'li Sanders Sinklar 
 
 3"" November 1670 John Russell Merc' was Admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and Merc' of y' Staple 
 Gratis 
 
 William Hinch Joyner Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 il 5s od 
 
 17" November 1670 William Lockart Merc' was Admitted and sworne a ffree 
 Comoner and Merc' of the Staple 
 o 10 o 
 
 Arthur \Vhiteside [sworn a ff] Gunn Smith sworne a ffree Comoner 
 o 10 o 
 
 13"' December 1670 John ffisher Taylor Admitted a ffree Comoner 
 o 10 o 
 
 12"" January 1670 William Ratcliffe Clothyer sworne ut prius 
 o 10 o 
 
 Alexander Miller sworne a ffree Comoner 
 o 10 o 
 
 Thomas Hood Shooemaker sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Arthur Haven Gent sworne a ffree Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 Lawrence Trent Merc sworne ut prius 
 
 o 10 o 
 
 William M°Neish sworne as afores 
 Gratis 
 
 22 December 1670 John Williamson Gent sworne ut prius 
 Served his Apprentiship w'l" Hugh Gillogh 
 
 Andrew M'ffarran Carpenter Admitted and sworne a ffree Comoner 
 
 Served his time w'*» Robert Quin 
 
 Robert Rowan Curryer sworne ut prius 
 los to be payd by Capt Leathes 
 
 Thomas Stalker Joyner sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Thomas Chades Gent sworne ut prius 
 los to y« Towne 
 
 26 January 1670 Andrew Tompson Ale Seller Sworne ut prius 
 Townes money forgiven 
 
 26 January 1670 John Beck gent Sworne a ffree Comoner and Merc' of the Staple 
 15s to y* Towne 
 
 16 ffebruary 1670 Archibald Adaire Merc' Sworne ut prius 
 
 Served his time w* And Keyle 
 
 9 March 1670 Thomas Cranston Cooper sworne a ffree Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 John Mercer Gent sworne ut prius 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 273 
 
 il to y^ Towne 
 
 Thomas Taylor Merc' sworne ut prius 
 
 13"' April 1671 William Dobbin Alderman of Carrickfergus sworne a ffree 
 Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 20"" April 1 67 1 Thomas Earle of Ardglas sworne ut 
 Gratis 
 
 Richard Dobb Esquire sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Edward Muschamp Esq' sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Henry Horton Gent sworne ut prius 
 los to y* towne 
 
 Richard Hodgan Marriner sworne 
 served his time w^l" Ja Chalmers 
 
 18 May 1671 John Chalmers Merc' sworne a ffree Stapler and Comoner 
 
 17s od to ye Towne 
 
 15 Tune 1 67 1 Richard Slosse Merc' was sworne ut prius 
 los 10 the Towne 
 
 Samuel Lennox Merc' sworne ut prius 
 
 Gratis 
 
 29 June 1671 Nicholas Dowdall Phisitian sworne 
 il to the Towne & Sovraigne to be payd in two months 
 
 13 July 1 67 1 James Daglish Butcher sworne a ffree Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 27 July 1671 S' John Rowley Knight sworne ut prius 
 
 Gratis 
 
 Tristram Berrisford Esq sworne 
 los to the Towne 
 
 3 August 1 67 1 William M'Burney Ship Carpenter sworne a firee Comoner 
 Served his time w"" William Moore 
 
 10 August 1 67 1 William Ramsey Merc' a ffree Comoner 
 
 IDS to the Towne 
 
 24 Aug' 167 1 Robert Humphrey Vintner sworne a ffree Comoner 
 
 Gratis 
 
 Peter ^\'hyte Soveraignes servant sworne a ffree Comoner 
 los to y* Towne 
 
 Thomas Lock Cooper sworne ut prius 
 los to y^ Towne 
 
 31 August 1671 Alexander Makay weaver Sworne a ffree Comoner 
 IDS to y^ Towne 
 
 Mathew Sym mere' sworne ut prius 
 los to j's Towne 
 
 John Smith Chapman sworne a ffree Comoner 
 Tos to y« Towne 
 
 7"' September 1671 Mathew King mere' sworne ut prius 
 los to y* Towne 
 
 James Clarck Chapman sworne ut prius 
 los to "^ Towne 
 
 William Bell weaver sworne ut 
 Gratis 
 
 William Dobson Joyner sworne ut 
 Gratis 
 
 14"' September 1671 John Browne Taylor sworne ut 
 los to ye Towne 
 
 James McCartney weaver sworne ut prius 
 los to y'^ Towne to be payd in a month 
 
 Edward M'Bride Carpenter sworne a ffree Comoner 
 los to y* Towne to be pd in a fortnight 
 
 John Holmes Sadler sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 James Jackson Joyner sworne ut 
 Gratis 
 
 William Johnston Tanner sworne 
 IDS to y* Towne 
 
 James Rosse mere' sworne ut prius 
 
 los to y' Towne 
 
 21 September 1671 Edward Chalkhill Vintner sworne 
 
 Ser\'ed his time w"' Nich Gamett 
 
 John Bell Chandler sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 28 September 1671 John Lindon Esq' sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Tho: Rickaby Gent sworne ut prius 
 
274 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 los to y^ Towne 
 
 James Tate Taylor swome ut prius 
 los to y Towne 
 
 George Burton Blacksmith sworne 
 los to y*' Towne 
 
 Thomas Coates shooemaker sworne 
 los to the Towne 
 
 William Henderson Butcher sworne 
 los to y Towne 
 
 George Lisle Chapman sworne ut prius 
 los to y^ Towne 
 
 Thomas M'Clunn Taylor sworne 
 los to ys Towne 
 
 Thomas Chapman Carpenter sworne 
 los to ye Towne Mcllwaine bound 
 
 Charles Toysh Dyer sworne ut prius 
 17s 6d to ye Towne 
 
 Brice Crawford merchant sworne ut prius 
 10 to ye Towne John Bell bound 
 
 Hugh Bell Weaver sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 28 September 1671 George Waren Gent sworne ut prius 
 los to ye Towne James Chalmers bound 
 
 William M'Blane Mason sworne 
 Gratis 
 
 Bryan M'Henry Aleseller sworne 
 los to ye Towne Capt Leathes Bayle 
 
 James Holmes Marriner sworne 
 los to ye Towne Capt Leathes bound 
 
 William Clugston Smith sworne 
 Gratis 
 
 Thomas Edwards Gent sworne 
 Gratis 
 
 Cap' William Bird sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Richard M'Gee Merchant sworne ut prius 
 
 Thomas Wallcott Esq' Super' Ville de Belfast 
 pd 00 10 00 
 
 19 Oc' 1 67 1 Phiplip Linch sworne a (free Comoner 
 Gratis 
 
 W" Barnett Goldsmith sworne ut pris 
 pd 00 09 00 
 
 John Younge marchant sworne 
 00 10 00 run away & pd nothing 
 
 Abraham Egerton Butcher sworne ut pr 
 pd 00 10 00 
 
 John Willson of Carmoney Butcher sworne 
 pd 00 10 00 
 
 John Doake marchant sworne freeman 
 pd 00 10 00 
 
 30" of Nov' 1671 Phelemon Chamberlin march' sworne 
 pd 00 10 00 
 
 John Gill gent of Lurgan sworne 
 pd 00 10 00 
 
 James Stewart of Lurgan gent sworne 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Whinnery Bricklay sworne 
 Henry Thelford Bayled pd oo lo oo 
 
 Manns Taylor sworne 
 Gratis 
 
 James Clifford Parish Clarke 
 Ser\'ed his apprentsh 
 
 John Allen Weavour sworne a freeman 
 apprentice 
 
 Edward Carron shoemaker pprentis & sworne 
 apprentice 
 
 John Kennedy Carpenter sworne 
 pd 00 10 00 
 
 II January 1671 John Donnellson marchant sworne a ffreeman 
 00 10 00 Wm McNeesh Bayle 
 
 James Anderson gray marchant swome 
 Served his apprentisp fees gratis 
 
 John M'Bride marchant sworne ut pris 
 Gratis 
 
 iSJany 1671 James Younge march' served his apprentiss" with George M'Cartney 
 march' & sworne a freeman 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 275 
 
 pd 00 06 08 
 
 John Dowey Cooper sworne a freeman ut prius 
 
 pd 00 10 00 
 
 Rob' Ranton Baker was sworne a freeman this l" of ffeby 1671 
 
 ffra Cary Esqr was admitted and sworne a freeman 16 Nov 1671 
 served his prent'p with Mr Smith 
 
 Ninian Hill marc' was sworne and admitted a freeman this 3"' of ffeby 1671 
 
 this 29 ffeby 1671 William Dean Clothier was admitted and sworne a freeman 
 served his prentisP with Jo Bell 
 
 Acaias Ratclifl'e [was] Carpenter was admitted and sworn a free Comoner 
 
 pd 00 05 00 r /~* 
 
 Hugh m°Creery Cooper was admitted & sworne a free Comoner 
 Served his prentisp with Jo Johnston 
 
 Brice Boyd was admitted and sworne a free Comoner ut p' 
 
 18th of appryle 1672 Andrew M'CuUogh Bow maker was admitted and sworne 
 a free Comoner 
 Served his tyme 
 
 James Luke Cooper was admitted and sworne a free Comoner 
 ool los ood . ^ 
 
 W" Popley Mariner was this 16 of May admitted & sworne a free Comoner of 
 
 this Corporacon 
 Gratis 
 
 Michael Porter Cooper this 6th of Jun 1672 was Admited & sworne A free 
 Comoner of this Corporation 
 
 Graties 
 
 Andrew Corsby Carpenter this 6th of Jun 1672 was Admited & sworn A free 
 Comoner of this Corporation 
 Graties 
 
 David Heberon Mariner this 13th of Jun 1672 was Admited & sworn A free 
 Comoner of this Corporation 
 tenn shin to be pd Wm Ashmor plegd Lamas 
 
 July 6th 1672 W" Ervine this day was admitted a free Comoner of this Corporacon 
 Gratis . 
 
 July y" 13th 1672 James Linsey Merch' was admitted and sworn a free Comoner 
 of this Corporacon and Merch' of y« Staple 
 Gratis 
 
 David Strange Merch' was admitted and sworn a free Comoner of this Corporacon 
 & M"" of y' S' 
 los to y" town 
 
 August y" 15th 1672 Peeter Stewart march' was sworne a free Comon'- & Marcht of 
 y' Staple 
 los to y* town 
 
 Hugh Aspij ut prius 
 served his tyme wtt* Ja Martin 
 
 George Dumbarre Sadler was sworne a free Comoner 
 served his tyme w"" Richar Lemin 
 
 W" Dawsone ut prius 
 served w^l^ Mr Clugston 
 
 Agust 22 Michaell Clugston march' was Admitted and Sworne 
 los pd Mr Sov : 
 
 Septemb' y" 12 1672 W" CoUhown march' was admitted and sworn a free 
 Comoner of this Corporacon 
 los 
 
 Ralph Smith gent ut prius 
 
 I OS 
 
 7s6d 
 
 los 
 
 los 
 
 Gratis 
 
 Gratis 
 
 7s6d 
 
 Gratis 
 
 Thomas Gemble Cutler ut prius 
 los 2' 6'! unp3 
 
 W" Kendall Baker was sworne a free Comon 
 
 AUexander Woods anglus Merchant ut prius 
 
 Brice Smith merch' was sworne a free Comon' 
 
 Gabriell Throckmorton ut prius 
 
 Edward Shewell ut prius 
 
 Edward Brees was sworn a free Comoner 
 
 John Sanders ut prius 
 
 Septemb' 19th 1672"' James AUexander Taylor was sworn a free Comoner 
 
276 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Served his tyme w^ii Ch Whytlocke 
 
 Charles Dobson ut prius 
 
 Septemb' 26"" 1672 William Tuckare Ship Carp' was sworne a free Comoner of 
 this Corporacon 
 Served his tyme w'^'^ Wm Gibb 
 
 William Becke taylor ut prius 
 
 John Robison garcUner was sworn 
 
 William Lockart mason ut prius 
 
 John Drummon ut prius 
 
 Richard Crooke ut prius 
 
 Michael Clugh ut prius 
 
 Mathew Edminston Carp' was sworn 
 75 6d W™ Husler ut prius 
 
 John Woods was sworn 
 
 Rob' Rogerson Cooke ut prius 
 
 Tempore Georgij m°Cartneij: n: armiger: superioris Burgi Sive Ville De Belfast 
 in Com Antrim et Unius ex Justiciariis pacis pro Domino rege in Com predict liberi et 
 communes facti ut libcrtatate Donati sunt sequentes anno Domini Millesimo sexten- 
 tesimo Septuagesimo secundo annoque Caroli Secundi regis anglie scotie ffrancie et hib: 
 Vicesimo quarto 
 gratis consensu curie 
 
 17"' of Octobr 1672 W" Love gent was admitted and sworn a free Comoner of 
 this Corporacon 
 los to be pnid to y"* Town 
 
 Octob' 31 1672 George Lockart mercht was sworn a free Comon' & mercht of 
 y* Staple 
 
 Quintin Moor was admitted & sworne ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 November y' 14"' 1672 Peter Carteret Esqr was admitted and Sworne a free 
 Comoner and mercht of y' Staple 
 Gratis 
 
 Capt Edward Tarleton mariner ut prius 
 Gratis 
 
 Edward Wilson mariner ut prius 
 served his tim wt*" R Ashmor 
 
 Rogger M'Burny skinner skinner ut prius 
 00 10 00 
 
 Andrew Smith 1 Taylor mony pd 20s 
 00 10 pd 00 [ made freemen 6 Jany 1672 
 
 Daniell Christian ) Weaver by Daniell Cristian wev to Georg M'Cartney sever 
 
 served his tim w^^ Wm Keeran 
 
 27 of ffebruary 1672 [John] George Kerran Blacksmith was sworn a free Comoner 
 
 John M'Keown taylor ut prius 
 los pd y" So\'eraigne 
 
 May y° 8"" 1673 AUexander Kyle Tanner was sworn a ffree Comoner of this 
 Corporacon p'' 
 ser\'ed w"" Tho Read ' 
 
 John Sloan Butcher ut prius 
 IDS to be pd to y« towne 
 
 Wm Thompson ut prius unp^ 
 served w"" A Haughton 
 
 George Bankes Butcher unp'' 
 
 May 15"" 1673 John m'Robts was sworn a free Comoner of this Corporacon unp* 
 los paid 
 
 July y' 3 1673 Rob' Hunter ship carpenter was sworne a free Comoner of this 
 Corporacon pJ 
 IDS pd to ye town 
 
 James Campble ship carpenter ut prius 
 los to be pd to y« town 
 
 Wm Watson shooemaker ut prius 
 apprentice 
 
 James Coats carpenter sworn before Georg m"Cartney Esq' Sovraigne of y' said 
 Burrough y' 13" November 1673 
 Apprentice 
 
 John Buick Blacksmith sworn free man before Georg m'Cartny Esq' Sovraigne of 
 y' said "Burrough y" 13"' S''" 
 Gratis 
 
 John Crafiford Merchant sworn free Man before Georg m'Cartny Esq' Sovraigne 
 of y° said Burrough y= 20"' S"" 
 Gratis 
 
 James Shonseidegs gent sworn free Comon' of y' said Burrough before Georg 
 m'Cartny Esq' & other Burgesses y" 27"' November 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 277 
 
 Town Stoke 
 00 ID 00 
 
 James Read Merchant sworn free Comon' of y" said Burrough before Georg 
 m'Cartney Esq' Sovraigne & other Burgesses y" 27"' November 1673 
 CO 10 00 
 
 William Woods Admitted & sworn a free Comoner of y' said Burrough befor 
 Georg m'Cartney Est;' Sov' with y' consent of y' Burgesses y" ii"" December 1673 
 
 Henery Jacckson Tanner Admitted & sworn a free Comoner befor Georg 
 m'Cartney Escj Sov' with y* consent of y° Burgesses 8" Janry 1673 
 
 John Couburn Cooper Admitted & sworn a free Comoner befor Georg m'Cartny 
 Esq' Sovraigne with y' consent of y" Burgesses y' 8"" Janry 1673 
 
 GO 12 06 
 
 James Read Merchant sworn free Comoner of y" said Burrough befor Georg 
 mcCartny Esq' Sov y, 26"" day of ffebruary 
 g 
 
 Georg Ashmor ffelt maker sworn & admided a free Comoner befor Georg m'Cartny 
 Esq' 
 
 John Nessmith merchant sworn & Admitted a free Commoner befor Georg m'Cartny 
 Esq Sovraigne y' 13"' March 1673 
 00 10 00 \ 
 
 John ffarran Carpenter 
 00 10 00 
 
 James Craiton Tailor 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Patterson Tailor 
 00 10 00 
 
 William m'Call Tailor 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Deevor Tailor 
 00 10 00 
 
 William Goodwin barber 
 00 10 00 
 
 Robert Nevin merchant sworn y' \(i^ July 
 00 10 00 
 fh Stuard b 
 
 Nathaniell Stuard Masson sworn free Commoner of y' Burrough y' II"" June befor 
 Georg m'Cartny Sov' 
 
 John Fletcher merchant sworn -j" 23J July 
 
 Thomas Heslop weavor sworne a free Commoner y' 23^ July befor Georg m'Cartny 
 Esq' Sov' 
 
 105 
 
 Denis English Tailor all Admitted & sworn y, 30" 
 
 ■July befor Georg m'Cartny Esqr 
 Sovraigne of y' same 
 
 all sworn befor Georg 
 ut'Cartny Esq' Sovraigne 
 y« 21'' May 1674 
 
 Printice 
 
 Gratis 
 
 Gratis 
 
 Gratis 
 
 Hugh Wittnell Butcher 
 
 e 
 
 James Pinkerton Weavor. 
 
 Samuel! Morgan Mariner 
 o 
 
 Hugh Doak merchant 
 
 John m'Crakin Gardiner 
 o 
 
 William Miller yeoman 
 o 
 
 Thomas Read Drover 
 
 James m'Cartny Merchant, 
 
 Thomas Jacckson merchant of y» Stapell 
 
 all sworn befor Georg 
 m'Cartny Esq' Sovraigne 
 
 Georg Theaker merchant Aprentis served w'.' Hugh Eccles 
 Aprenlice 
 
 Thomas Veoung mrchant 
 Gratise 
 
 John Turner [C] Blockmaker 
 
 Apprentice 
 
 AUex' Boccell merchant 
 
 Aprentice 
 
 Hugh Gilpattrick merch' 
 
 o 10 o 
 
 John Craford Carpenter 
 o 10 o 
 
 James Putdy Butcher 
 o 10 o 
 
 Richard Morison Couper 
 
 all sworn befor 
 Georg M'Cartny Esq, 
 Sovraigne y" lo"" 
 September 1674 
 
 all sworn befor Georg 
 ■ nitCartny Esq' Sovraigne of y* 
 said Burrough y' 16" S"" 
 
278 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 o 10 o 
 
 Arthur m Cann Tanner 
 
 o 10 o 
 
 gr 
 gr 
 o zo o 
 
 gr 
 
 O 10 o 
 
 ffargus Lindsey Tanner 
 
 Thomas Lester Butcher 
 
 James M'Guire Butcher 
 
 William Blacck Chapman 
 
 Quartm' Andrew M'Ketricck fees [yeoman] pd in wine 
 
 Andrew Agnew Aprentice Couper 
 
 > 
 
 John Edenbury Tailor 
 
 all sworn 
 
 'Befor Georg m'Cartney 
 Esq' y' 23'' S*"'" 1674 
 
 John Sloan Aleseller 
 
 Tempore Hugonis Eccles Armig' Superioris Burgi Sive Ville De Belfast in Com 
 Antrim et unius ex Justiciariis pacis pro Domino Rege in Com predict liberi et Communis 
 facty ut libertate Donati sunt sequentis Anno Domini Milessimo sextentissimo Septua- 
 gessimo quarto Annoque Caroli secundi Regis Angle Scotie ffrancije et Hib [visse] 
 Vicessimo Sexto 
 
 Thomas Leathes Merchant of y" Stapell 
 
 John Johnston Merchant of y° Stapell 
 
 00 10 00 
 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 
 gratis 
 
 AUex' White Merchant of y, Stapell 
 
 Richard L'' Viscount Ranelagh 
 
 ffrancis Lord Anger 
 
 John \} Viscount Massareen 
 
 S' William tfiower Knight 
 
 S' Theophilus Joanes K, & Barronet 
 
 S' Arthur Joanes Kt 
 
 Georg Tandy gent gratis 
 
 00 
 
 John Henderson barber 
 
 John Quoy Couper sworn y° 4th March Aprentice 
 
 Edward Stroud Butcher \sworne y' 22^ Aprill 
 
 William Smith Masson jbefor Hugh Ecckels Sovraigne 
 
 Sworn before Hugh Ecckles 
 Esq, Sovraigne y" I" 
 S"" 1674 gratis 
 
 [ Sworn befor Hugh 
 
 \ Ecckells Esq' Sovraigne 
 
 I y, 3j of O*""™ 1674 gratis 
 
 J 
 
 AUex' Hillhouse merchant sworn y' 8th May 
 
 John Kipton Grosser sworn y' loth July 
 Aprentice 
 
 David Christian Butcher sworn y» 12th August 
 
 10 00 
 
 John Cambell Baker sworn y' 22'' July befor Hugh Ecckells Sovraigne 
 
 1 00 00 
 
 James Stuard Merchant sworn y' 12th August 
 
 o 10 00 
 
 Robert Doake Merch' sworn^y' 12 August 
 
 o 10 00 
 
 Thomas Stuard Tobaco Spiner s: 19th August 
 f gratis 
 
 1 S' ffrancis Blundell sworn a free Commoner befor Hugh Ecckells Esq' Sovraigne 
 
 I &o y« 2Ith August 
 
 Leiut John Baserfeild sworn eod 
 gratis 
 
 John Norrice Esq' sworn eod 
 
 M' John Montgomery sworn eod 
 
 Ensigne Thomas Kittson sworn eod 
 
 Michell Dawson feltmaker sworn y» 9th 7*"" 
 
 James Graham Butcher swor y' 1 6th 7'"'" 
 
 1 
 
 gratis 
 10s 
 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 
 I OS 
 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 
 I OS 
 
 10s 
 
 I OS 
 
 Georg Mankin Chandler 
 John Blacck Mrch* 
 AUexr Spence Mrcht 
 David Thomson Sadler 
 John Cambell Cordwainer 
 ffrancis Newland Sadler 
 Robert Balantin 
 Zakaria Craford Tailor 
 James Smith Tanner 
 Andrew Cunningham Tailor 
 
 \ 
 
 All sworn befor Hugh Ecckels Esq' Sovraigne 
 
grat 
 srats 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 279 
 
 rCp, William Amos ) q^,, ,g admitted free 1 
 
 LEdwardUilhamson i ' '^ -^ , t, ,f nr- v, i ,<:^r 
 
 Tempore Georgi M,Cartney Armig- Superior Burgo de Belfast Michalmas 1675 
 
 Capt W Amos I ^^^ q^j„, ,5^5 
 
 Capt Edward Williamson of Liverpoole 
 
 admitted and sworne free Commoners & Staplers &' 
 
 °^ Ebenezer Winter Gent 1 14th Octob' 1675 was admitted free Comoners & March 
 pd 00 15 00 ( Staplers of this Corporacon 
 
 Thomas ffletcher march' 1 
 
 Capt Richard Morriss K t 
 L' Thomas Buckridge J 
 ^^^ En George Stawton Unsignes 
 °' Ens Gilbert Butles ) 
 
 14th Octob' 1675 
 
 ser\'ed his appr -x 
 
 ffrancis Johnston marchant I ^^ j^T^yt ,675 admitted a freeman 
 
 gratis I 
 
 William m"Kerrell marchant J 
 
 fohn Patterson Carpinter nth Nov 1675 admitted free 
 ser>-edh|sapprentiship^^^^ marcht was admitted and sworne f 25 Nov- .675 
 served ^'-^^^^^^f^^^^, „,„^1,^ ^,3 ,d„iUed and sworne y' 25th Nov- ,675 
 
 ^ °° John HaraiUton Taylor was admitted and sworne y' 25th Nov 167S 
 sened his apprent ^ j -.^j p „..,^^« 
 
 John Adayre Glayser y" 2d dec' 1675 was admif" & sworn 
 
 ^' °° Joh^ Thomson marcht y' 23 dec 1674 was sworne & admitted a free man 
 served as^ap-nti^ce_^ ^^^^.^^^^ ^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ _^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^ ^^^^-..^^ , f,,eman 
 
 """^ "john Haslap Carpenter y' 29th of dec' 1675 was admitted and sworne 
 ^'^"° Richard Wamsley Baker y« 5th of Jany 1675 was admitted 
 appr^ Sharpe Carpinter y 13th Jany 1675 was admitted 
 
 '"' °° AllSandr Kinge marcht r 13th Jany 1675 was admitted 
 S' George Maxwell y 9th March was admitted 
 '°^ X^mes Gambell m' l6th March was Admitted 
 
 """"RotetHlfck Blacksmith [was] admitted and sworne a ftreeman y' 30th day of 
 
 March 1676 
 
 served "--PP-^^l^f P ,,^^,„ ^^ admitted and sworne a freeman the 6th of Aprill .676 
 
 served hi^a^PPremi^hip^^^^^^^^^^^ „as admitted and sworne a freeman of the Burrough of 
 
 Belfast y 6th of Aprill 1676 
 
 *^""' Capt Thomas Buckner was Admitted and sworne a free Comoner &' Marchant 
 
 Stapler of the Burrough of Belfast y« 21 Aprill 1676 
 
 ^'^ "Allin^Corbitt merct was Admitted & sworne a freeman of the Burrough of Belfast 
 
 the 21" day of Aprill 1676 
 
 °° "° Thomas Martin merct was admited and sworne a ffreeman of the Burrough of Belfast 
 
 cratis as apprintis . , .,„„^ 
 
 Hugh M^Crea Butcher an apprentice was sworne ut supra 
 
 00 los 00 pd 
 
 W° Gutiher baker was sworne a freecomoner ut supra 
 00 los pd 
 
 lohn Gleane baker was sworne a freecomoner ut supra 
 
 """'ftandrcTumey march- was sworne a free comoner & mearcht Stapler the 28 of 
 Aprill 1676 
 
28o The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 OO lO OO 
 
 Robert Attkinson blacksmith this 9th of fune 1676 was admitted and sworne a free 
 Comoner 
 
 00 10 00 pd 
 
 James Adaine Shoomaker admitted free 19th Oct' 1676 
 00 10 00 pd 
 
 John Liggatt Smith admitted 19th Oct, 1676 
 
 appt'» 
 
 James Ramsey m" admitted firee 2* November 1676 
 pd 00 10 00 
 
 Thomas Sloane butcher admitted y" 2^ Nov' 1676 
 00 10 00 
 
 W" White ship carpinter admitted a freeman 21 Dec 1676 
 appreii^' 
 
 John Redagh Joyner admitted a freeman y" same 
 gratis 
 
 W° Johnston Carpinter admitted a freeman 4th Jany 1676 
 apprents 
 
 Andrew nieMuUen march' admitted free nth Jany 1676 
 apprentis 
 
 Allexander Taggart march' admitted free y' same day 
 
 00 IS 00 
 
 Richard Moore march, admitted [free] free y° 8th ffeby 1676 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Gammell Carpenter y« same day admitted free 
 
 app'P 
 
 John Hudelston Taylor y° same day admitted free 
 app'P 
 
 John Bowman Mason admitted y' same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 Humphrey Kell shoomaker 15th ffebry 1676 admitted & Henry Thetford ingaged 
 to y» Soveraigne that he nor his family shall be any burden to y= towne 
 apprentis 
 
 Thomas m'Kewan Cooper was admitted y" 21st feby 1676 
 
 00 15 00 
 
 William Kenedy marcht was admitted y" Isl of March 1676 
 James Crighton yeoman was admitted y'' 15th March 1676 
 William Bowston Taylor was admitted y« 15th March 1676 
 02 00 00 
 
 Fetter Knowles marcht y' 12th Ap'!'. 1677 was admitted a freeman 
 
 01 10 00 
 
 James Bodkin marct y» was admitted free -f same day 
 00 12 06 
 
 [Burnett] William Burnett Chapman was admitted y' y' 19th Ap' 1677 
 gratis 
 
 Anthony Gubb was admitted y* 3'' May 1677 
 
 gratis 
 
 Nicholas Redworth y' same day was admitted 
 00 10 o pd 
 
 Andrew Donnell Taylor y' same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 David Dog Taylor was admitted y' same day being 3 May 1677 
 00 10 00 
 
 Robert Gibb Carpinter was admitted y' same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Shaw marcht was admitted y" 21 June 1677 
 appi's 
 
 James Martin marcht was admitted y« same day 
 app'"'* 
 
 Andrew Agnew marcht was admitted y" same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 David White marcht was admitted ye same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 Robert Holmes Mariner was admitted y° same day 
 
 appr' 
 
 William Hatfeild Glover was admitted ye same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 David Younge marcht was admitted y' same day 
 apprentis 
 
 AUexand' Mitchell marcht was admitted y same day 
 gratis 
 
 Capt Browne marcht was admitted y same day 
 aprencis 
 
 Oliver Antell marcht was [aditted] was admitted 5th July 1677 
 aprentis 
 
 Andrew Craford marcht was admitted y' same day 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 281 
 
 00 15 CO _ 
 
 George Allen Marcht was admitted y' same day 
 00 12 06 
 
 lames m'Kewan Malster was admitted y" same day 
 
 [Thomas Wlute[field]j7'<2't.' shipcaipenter y« same day being 30th of Augxist 1677] 
 
 Thomas Keming Glover being apprentice but sarved not his full lime was admitted 
 free 18th July 1677 
 00 10 00 . , ^ 
 
 Robert Gentleman Taylor this iSth July 1677 vvab admitted free 
 apprentis 
 
 John Shearer Taylor was admitted free y' same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 Thomas Whiteside Ship Carpinter was admitted y' 30th of August 1677 
 appr 
 
 AUexand' m«Hoole Slater was admitted y' same day 
 gratis 
 
 W" Thomson Coper was admitted y' 13 Sep' 1677 
 00 10 00 
 
 James M=Tosh Labourer was admitted y' same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 John M'Dowell Taylor was admitted 20th Sep' 1677 
 00 10 00 
 
 Thomas Orr Smith was admitted y" 20th Sep' 1677 
 
 James Miller Cooper was admitted y' same day & his line referred to y= Court 
 appreiU 
 
 James Donson Cloyther was admited 4th Octr 1677 
 00 05 00 
 
 James Biggar Cutler was admitted y' same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Allison Weaver was admitted y' same day 
 gratis 
 
 John Munteeth yeoman was admitted y« 12th Octob' 1677 
 gratis 
 
 Henry Flaskett Butcher was admitted y° same day 
 00 15 00 
 
 Thomas Burnett marcht was admitted y» 25th Oct' 1677 
 apprentis 
 
 John Williams Currier was admitted y' 8th Nov' 1677 
 
 00 12 c6 
 
 William Browne Mariner was admitted y' same day 
 apprentice 
 
 James Mulhollan Smith was admitted y' 29th Nov' 
 
 01 00 00 
 
 W" Stewart niarct was admitted &° y' 13th Dec 1677 
 00 10 00 
 
 Gabriell Tortenfeild Confectioner y' 3 Jany 1677 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Lemon Barber was admitted y' same day 
 
 00 07 06 
 
 Robert Hatley Butcher was admitted y« same day 
 gratis 
 
 fifrancis Allen Butcher was admitted y" same day 
 gratis 
 
 Capt James Handyside y* 24 Jany 1677 was adm'' 
 gratis 
 
 L' Thomas Hill was admitted y' same day 
 appr relapsd 
 
 George Ogans Butcher y' 31 of Jany 1677 was admitted 
 appr relapsd 
 
 Robert Tusly Butcher y' same day was admitted 
 gratis . 
 
 John Logan Tinnman y° same day was admitted 
 appr*' 
 
 William Burton Chandler y' 14th ffeby 1677 was admited 
 gratis 
 
 Marmaduke Newton marcht was admitted y' same day 
 apprents 
 
 James Morrow Carpinter y' 7th March 1677 was admitted 
 
 01 00 00 
 
 Nathaniell Shannon marcht was admitted y same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 James Mordagh Cobler admitted y' same day 
 apprents 
 
 John Whitehead Butcher admitted y same day 
 
282 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 00 10 00 
 
 00 10 00 
 
 Henry Coates Grocer y' 21 of March 1677 was admitted 
 
 00 
 
 John Scott Taylor -f same day was admitted y" same day 
 
 gratis 
 
 Thomas Whitlock Butcher nth Ap' 1678 was admitted 
 01 00 00 
 
 Phinley m'Teere marcht y° same day admitted 
 
 00 10 00 
 
 Thomas Willon _/»;«■(?;- Shoomaker 18th Ap' 1678 admitted 
 
 Andrew Blomfeeld yeoman formerly disfranchised in M' W" Warrings time now 
 admitted y" 25th of Ap' 1678 upon his submission 
 
 01 00 00 
 
 Archibald Little marcht y" l6th May 1678 admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 James Cooke Chapman y" same day admitted 
 gratis *! 
 
 Patrick Hamilton gent 27th June 1678 admitted 
 gratis 
 
 Arthur McCartney marcht y' same day admitted 
 00 12 06 
 
 W» Hunter Taylor y' 4th July 1678 admitted 
 00 15 00 
 
 John Parke marcht y° same day admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 Adam m'Cragh Carpinter y' same day admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 W" Wyely Glover y' i8th July 1678 admitted free 
 
 Mansfeild Tucker Chandler 18th July 1678 admitted free 
 gratis 
 
 Robert Harper gent 221 of August 1678 admitted 
 
 gratis 
 
 Edward Boyle gent y° same day admitted 
 apprentis 
 
 George M'Cartney Cooper y" same day admitted 
 gratis 
 
 William Adaine marcht 22 August 1678 admitted 
 apprentis 
 
 Thomas Becke Taylor 5th Sept 1678 admitted 
 
 Gratis 
 appr^s 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 
 Robert Clugston marcht loth Octo' 1678 admitted 
 William Sloan marcht y' same day admitted 
 Robert Cunningham Glover y° same day admitted 
 Hugh M'Gill gent 17 Octo' 1678 admitted 
 
 Symond Smith gent y" same day admitted 
 apprentis 
 
 Robert Heslap weaver y" same day admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 James Gregg Taylor 24th Octob' 1678 admitted 
 00 15 00 
 
 James Martin march' y' 17th Nov' 1678 admitted 
 gratis 
 
 Henry Rankinyore marc, 28 Nov' 1678 admitted 
 00 15 00 
 
 William Younge Chandler y' 9th Jany 1678 admitted 
 gratis 
 
 James Gutter march' admitted y° same day 
 
 00 15 o 
 
 W" Porter march' admitted y' same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 George Culbert march' admitted y" same day 
 00 12 06 
 
 John Jowland Tanner admitted y" same day 
 gratis 
 
 John Culbert gent y' same day admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 Robert Rayne Taylor y' 23'' of Janry 1678 admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Greg weaver admitted y' same day 
 app'* 
 
 Thomas Carrett dyer admitted y" same day 
 gratis Capt Henry S' George j ^j^;^ ^ j^„ ,53 
 
 gratis Oliver St George Esq' S 1 j j j 1 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 283 
 
 pd 01 00 00 
 
 Robert Hamilton marcht y« 17th Ap' 1679 admitted 
 gratis 
 
 Allexand' Leird smith 8th May 1679 admitted 
 gratis 
 
 George Dean Cutler y* same day admitted 
 appts 
 
 Robert Johnston Mason admitted y° same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 James m'Murtree Taylor y° 22'' May 1679 admitted 
 app^ 
 
 Robert Hey shoomaker y° 26 June 1679 admitted 
 app*» 
 
 John Smith Cooper -f same day admitted 
 app'> 
 
 Allexand' Wright Cooper y" 3'' July 1679 admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 Thomas Courtney Taylor y' 24 July 1679 admitted 
 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Dixson Maltman y* same day admitted 
 
 01 00 00 
 
 Hugh Hannah Linindraper 31 July admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 Anthony ffowler Butcher admitted y° same day 
 gratis 
 
 Coll John Hill 21 of August 1679 admitted free 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Ramsey Tobacconist y' same day admitted 
 appts 
 
 ffrancis Heslap y° nth Sept' 1679 admitted 
 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Lemon Chandler 1 8th Sept' admitted free 
 00 10 00 
 
 Thomas Bell Butcher y* same day admitted free 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Arbuckells yeoman y' iSth Sep' 1679 admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 William Osborne Baker y' 2'' Octob' 1679 admitted 
 gratis 
 
 John Hudson Cloither y' i6th Octob' 1679 admitted 
 gratis 
 
 Thomas Logan Taylor y' same day admitted 
 gratis 
 
 Robert Willson Tanner y same day admitted 
 gratis 
 
 Robert Hanskinson gent admitted y" same day 
 
 00 15 CXJ 
 
 Robert Millin march' y' 4th Decembr 1679 admitted 
 00 15 00 
 
 John m"Mun march' y" same day admitted 
 00 15 00 
 
 Robert Smith blacksmith admitted y, same day 
 gratis 
 
 S'.. Robert Maxwell K' & Barronett admitted y" same day 
 gratis 
 
 James Callwell Esqr admitted y" same day 
 gratis 
 
 Cornett Pawlett Phillips admitted y' same day 
 appts 
 
 James Kennedy marcht 15th Jany 1679 admitted 
 appts 
 
 Edward Brice inardiant y" same day admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 Pattrick Aitkin marcht admitted y" same day 
 00 12 06 
 
 Thomas m'Kee marcht admitted y' same day 
 gratis 
 
 Thomas m'Cune Goldsmith y' 22°'' Janry 1679 admitted 
 appren" 
 
 ffrancis ffleminge Taylor 29th Janry 1679 admitted 
 gratis 
 
 William Johnston Butcher 8th July 1680 admitted 
 gratis 
 
 James Allen Butcher y° same day admitted 
 gratis 
 
 George Portis Bricklayer y° same day admitted 
 
284 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 00 10 00 
 
 Henry Hall dyer yc same day admitted 
 
 Thomas ftarguson Appothecary 15 July 16S0 admitted 
 
 William Browne marcht y" same day admitted 
 app'' 
 
 David Butle marcht y° 15th July 1680 admitted free 
 gratis 
 
 W" Ramsey gunsmith y' same day admitted 
 gratis 
 
 AUgernoone Ouldfeild turner y' same day admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 James Linn yeoman 6th August l68o admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 Henry Hunter Cooper y' same day admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 John m'Knight yeoman y' same day admitted 
 
 James Browne Marriner ■f 19th of August 16S0 admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 Daniell Diell Cuttler y' 26th of August admitted 
 00 05 00 
 
 John Henderson Mariner y' same day admitted 
 
 W" M'Coord Joyner y" same day admitted 
 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 app'*' 
 
 app' 
 appi 
 
 John Hutchinson gent y" 2'' September 1680 was admitted to y' ffreedom &• 
 
 W" Craford march' was admitted y° same day 
 
 ffrancis Cordiner was admitted y' same day 
 Archibald M'Clure Carpinter admitted y" same day 
 James Rosse [ye] Smith was admitted y" same day 
 William Lowden Cooper admitted y' same day 
 
 Robert Jordan suggar baker admitted y' same day 
 
 John Patton Butcher was admitted y° same day 
 
 qr 00 10 00 
 
 Archibald Todd Porter was admitted y« [i6th Sep' 16S0] 
 qr 00 10 00 
 
 Thomas Wallice Porter y' l6th Sep' 1680 admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 George Moore Porter y' same day admitted 
 gratis 
 
 W" Longhead Porter y" same day admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Barber Porter y' 1 6th of Sep' 1680 admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Thompkin Porter admitted y' same day 
 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 appr*' 
 gratis 
 apprt" 
 
 00 10 00 
 
 Nathaniell Trimble Marriner admitted -f same day 
 
 ffrancis Attkinson Weaver admitted y» same day 
 
 Thomas M°Illroy Carman admitted y' same day 
 
 James Whitler bricklayer admitted y' same day 
 
 William Cambell Tobacco Spiner admitted y' same day 
 
 [W" Sharper] Rowland Sharper Tanner as admitted y' same day 
 John Whitehead Tobacco Spiner was admitted y' same day 
 Jo ffletcher to pay 
 
 Hugh Montgomerj' gent admitted y" same day 
 
 00 
 
 Samuell Wright march' y' 23th Sep' 1680 admited 
 gratis 
 
 James Patterson Carman admitted y' same day 
 gratis 
 
 John M'lllroy Butcher admitted y* same day 
 gratis 
 
 Mathew AUexander Shoemaker admitted y' same day 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Tompkin Carman Junior admitted y" same day 
 gratis 
 
 William Whitler Tobacco Spiner admitted y' same day 
 
appr'" 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 
 gratis 
 gratis 
 appr*'" 
 appr*'* 
 appr*" 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 285 
 
 Jloses Richardson Watchmaker y" same day admitted 
 
 John Torbourn Carman y' same day admitted 
 
 John m'Duffe Carman y* same day admitted 
 
 W" m'Crea\"y Carman y' same day admitted 
 
 James Rogers Tobacco Spiner y' same day admitted 
 
 W" Betton Smith y' 23'' Sep' 16S0 admitted a freeman 
 
 Andrew m'Gallyard Yeoman y* same day admitted a freeman 
 Henry Ramage Porter y' same day admitted 
 
 W" Neilson Porter y' same day admitted 
 
 James Cambell Aleseller y' same day admitted 
 
 George McCartney Esq' High Sheriffe Soveraigne 
 of y' Borrough of Bellfast 29th Sep' 16S0 
 
 Roger Warring Cler. y" 30th Sept' admitted a freeman 
 
 Shelston Theaker Cler y' same day admitted 
 
 John Boyd march' y' same day admitted 
 
 Lodavick m'Gowane march' y' same day admitted 
 
 Gildutfe Gilhnore Tanner y' same day admitted 
 referred to >•• bench 
 
 Capt Edward Pottinger March' admitted y' same day 
 
 Anthony Hall march' admitted y' same day 
 app" 
 
 John Eccles March' admitted y' same day 
 app" 
 
 George Wellsh Tanner admitted y' same day 
 gratis 
 
 Quarter Master Thomas Beverley y' 28th day of Ap' 1681 admitted a freeman 
 00 10 00 
 
 John Neile weaver 5th May admitted free 
 
 app" 
 gratii 
 app" 
 app" 
 
 Henry Crossley Shoemaker y' 2'' June 1681 admitted 
 Ogan Rush Yeoman y' same admitted y' same day 
 Israeli Snowdon marcht y* 14th July 16S1 admitted 
 
 David Rosse marcht y" nth August 1681 admitted 
 00 09 00 
 
 Robert Younge marcht y' same day admitted 
 gratis 
 
 John Lejey Gent i8th August 1681 admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 W" Pringle Mariner 1st Sept' 1 68 1 admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 W" ffade Chapman 8th Sept' 168 1 admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 ffrancis IvinCade Stationer y' same day admitted 
 app" 
 
 gratis 
 
 app*'' 
 »pp''" 
 app''" 
 
 George m'^Cartney (Browne) marcht y' same day admt'' 
 James Call well bookebinder 15th Sept admitted 
 W" Mordagh shoemaker y' same day admitted 
 Pattrick [Lagan] Loughan Currier y' same day admitted 
 
 James Griffeth ffeltmaker y' same day admitted 
 Charles Coates Chapman y' same day admitted 
 W'° Biggar marcht y" same day admitted 
 
 00 08 00 
 
 William Johnston Marcht y' 22'' Sep' 1681 admitted 
 
 00 10 00 
 
 James fifife Chandler y' same day admitted 
 
286 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 OO lO OO 
 
 Thomas Lisle Taylor y' same day admitted 
 
 OO lO CO 
 
 William Eglsham Porter y' same day admitted 
 
 OO lO OO 
 
 Thomas Eglsham Weaver y' same day admitted 
 
 OO lO CO 
 
 John Tedford Cooper y' same day admitted 
 
 OO 04 06 
 
 Hugh Smale Taylor -f same day admitted 
 pd for keepeing Kiles orphants 
 
 George Moore Cooper y° same day admitted 
 22d Sept 16S1. gratis for keepeing his mother and sister from a burden to y Towne 
 
 Thomas Hinch Shoemaker y' same day admitted 
 
 [Thomas Law quarryman y' same day admitted 
 Ija - • ... - 
 
 These quarrymen made James Minis quarryman y" same day admitted 
 f:?f. '°„P™:'i\!,'°"" i john Law quarryman y« same day admitted 
 
 (.Robert Law quarryman y° same day admitted 
 
 00 04 06 
 
 Thomas Withnell Butcher y' same day admitted 
 to worke at y^ Kea 
 
 Archibald m'Callister Labourer y' same day admitted 
 to mend ye markett house 
 
 John Chruchley plasterer y' same day admitted 
 gratis 
 
 Thomas Quin Currier y° same day admitted 
 00 04 06 
 
 John Patterson Cooper y" 29th Sep' admitted 
 00 05 00 
 
 John Carruthers Cooper y' same day admitted 
 00 08 00 
 
 Bryan m'Gragh Tobacco Spiner y" same day admitted 
 gratis 
 
 John Adams Aleseller y° same day admitted 
 00 08 00 
 
 George Ramsey Reedmaker y" same day admitted 
 
 ffrancis Thetford Esq' Soveraigne of Bellfast 
 29th Sep' 1681 
 appt'" 
 
 John Eccles Junior march' 13th October 1681 was sworne a free Comoner 
 00 10 00 
 
 ffrancis Lowney Taylor y' 20th Octob' 1681 admitted 
 00 10 00 
 
 Robert Storey Shoemaker y' same day admitted 
 
 Samuel! Hill march' y' 3'* Nov' 1681 admitted 
 app" 
 
 Issraell Christian Shoomaker y' same day admitted 
 appr* 
 
 John Mitchell Butcher y° loth Nov' admitted 
 app'8 
 
 Robert fforbus wheelewright or Turner y' 17th Novemb>- admited 
 00 09 00 
 
 William Edgar Taylor y° 17th Nov' admitted 
 app'" D 
 
 Charles M°Dowell Marchant y" y° 24th Nov' admitted 
 app" D 
 
 Samuell Smith March' y" 2'' of ffeby 1681 was admitted 
 
 Burg de ) Tempore Georgii Macartney Armiger Jun' Superioris Ejusdem Ville 
 
 Belfast ( Sequentes Municipes facti sunt Ville p'dict 
 
 1723 
 Nov 12*'' 
 
 John Gregg Malster was made free Dead 
 Dead 
 
 Do William Matthews Bricklayer was made free 
 Hon'y ffreeman 
 
 Do Colonell Robert Ferguson was made Free Dead 
 Hon'y ffreeman 
 
 Do George Cruming MD made Free Dead 
 Hon'y Freeman 
 
 Do Capt° Christopher Phillips made Free Dead 
 
 Hon'y Freeman 
 
 Do Capt° Tobias Maloy was made free Dead 
 HonT Freeman 
 
 Do Lev' Thomas Ford was made Free Dead 
 Hon'y Freeman 
 
 Do Ensign Thomas Loyd was made Free Dead 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 287 
 
 HonT Freeman 
 
 Do Quartermaster Mich' Phillips was made free Dead 
 Nov I4"' 
 
 Mr William Simpson merch was sworn Freeman Dead 
 
 Do Andrew Ferguson merch' was sworn Freeman Dead 
 Nov 19^1 
 
 Thomas Johnson was sworn Freeman Wigmaker Dead 
 Nov' 21" 
 
 John Henning Cooper was sworn ffreeman Dead 
 Nov 25 
 
 James Patterson Shooemaker was sworn ffreeman Dead 
 Nov 26 
 
 Adam Guttery march' was sworn ffreeman Dead 
 Do 
 
 Gilbert M'Dowell merch' was sworn freeman Dead 
 Do Dead 
 
 Geo Macartney merch' was made free 
 Dead 
 
 John Macartney merch was made free 
 Do 
 
 John Houston merch' was sworn freeman 
 Do 
 
 William Wason merch was sworn freeman Dead 
 Nov 27"' 
 
 James Cormickill Cooper sworn freeman 
 Dec's"' 
 
 The Revr'' Nicholas Thetford was made free Decui 
 Do 
 
 Mr William Thetford merch' was made free Dead 
 Do 
 
 Mr Arthur Thetford merch was made free Dead 
 Febry 29"" 
 
 Thomas GuUiland Butcher was made free Dead 
 Do 
 
 William Carson Bricklayer was made free Dead 
 Dead 
 
 Robert Barry perriwigmaker was sworn Free 
 
 1723 March i7"> 
 
 John Gordon taylor was made free 
 Do 
 
 Alexander Walker was made Free Dead 
 
 1724 March 31"* 
 
 Thomas Hunter upholder was made Free Decui 
 
 May I7'l» 1724 Gratis 
 
 Arthur Clark Carpenter was sworn free 
 May 21'' 17-4 
 
 Ordered then that James Foreman appear at next court to be held for this 
 Burrough and shew cause why he shall not be Disfranchized 
 p Persons made free Nath' Byrt Esq' Sovr" 
 I gi"' ys jth 1724 W" Osborne made free & sworn ~| 
 Lxb' 30 W" Crawford Cordwinder free & sworn J 
 
 Nath: Byrtt Esq' Sover" Freemen made in his time 
 1724 gber ^^^ Dead 
 
 W" Osburn butcher made free and sworn 
 xbr 30"" Dead 
 
 W° Craford Cordinder free & sworn 
 
 1724/5 
 Jany 13 Dead 
 
 James Boyd Taylor free & sworn 
 
 — IS ^ 
 
 John fferguson Cooper free & sworn 
 
 — 18 £>•' 
 
 David m°Call Taylor free & sworn 
 
 — 20 D^ 
 
 W" Carmichell Cooper free & sworn 
 25 — 
 
 John Gregg Jun' [m"] shopkeeper free and sworn 
 
 John Carnahan [m°'] shopkeeper free & sworn 
 Di 
 
 Alex Gilmore [m°'] shopkeeper free & sworn 
 
 Di 
 
 Sam' Curry [m"'] shopkeeper free & sworn 
 D^ 
 
 Rob' Bole vintner free & sworn 
 
288 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 30 Di 
 
 James Smith weaver free & sworn 
 Di 
 W" Hamilton Cooper free & sworn 
 
 John m'lvibbin Cooper free & sworn 
 
 Charles Hamilton Cooper free & sworn 
 febry 2* D^ 
 
 Alexand' Mayors Taylor & Impolster free and sworn 
 4th D'' 
 
 James Potter shopkeeper free & sworn 
 s oi 
 
 Math Plomer staymaker free & sworn 
 
 James Davison Taylor free & sworn 
 II D* 
 
 John Osburn Baker free h sworn 
 D-' 
 
 John Glen Malster free & sworn 
 14 Z)'' 
 
 Pat Gibson baker free & sworn 
 
 =3 
 
 Rob' Tonragh shumaker free & sworn 
 1724/5 March 22"* 
 
 Leonard Kendal free & sworn ly 
 1725 July 31 I J 
 
 Gawen Gray Hukster free & sworn fees p Ed Hall D 
 
 John Edgar Smith free & sworn 
 Aug' s"" 
 
 Moses Cherrj' Doctor free & sworn D'' 
 
 Robert Snell Doctor free & sworn ly 
 
 T, . 1 Persons admitted and sworn (free Comon" of 
 
 f"p ,f^ < s'' Burrough before James Macartney Esq' 
 ot IJeltast ^ g^^^„ ^^^ ^j^g Y_.,^^. j^,j^g 
 
 Ticket! 
 
 James Chalmers Merch' />* 
 
 David Lyons Yeo" Sworn in Curia dead 
 so" Sept' 
 
 Henry M^ffaddan Perrywigmaker Dead sworn in Curia 
 ,4th Oc" 1725 
 
 Sam'.' M'Kelvy Aleseller sworn ffree ly in Curia 
 Do 21 
 
 Francis Cromey Merch' D Ticket 
 Do Die 
 
 Anthony Thetford Merch' ]> Ticket 
 1725 Novemb' ii*'' 
 
 William Easlake Joyner & Puly Maker />' sworn in Curia 
 Dec' II 
 
 Hugh Coghran Taylor sworn Freeman D* 
 Dec 1 3 
 
 jnn ]\pCreery Taylor sworn Freeman 
 Dec' 18 
 
 George Boyd Merc' sworn ffree D' 
 
 Do 22 
 
 James Gallery Carpinter Z)' 
 Do 31'" 
 
 John Doule Carman sworn free D* 
 March I 
 
 Hugh M'Caal Taylor sworn free 
 Do 22 
 
 M' J"" Sharp sworn a free Merch' D^ 
 Do Die 
 
 M' Adam M'lvibbin sworn /)' a free Merch' 
 Do Die 
 
 M' Ed'' Mitchel sworn a free Merch' 
 28 Martii 1726 
 
 Tho' Agnew Slater sworn ffree ly 
 31 Martii 1726 
 
 Henry Varnett Taylor 
 Do 
 
 John Herron Shoemaker sworn ff'ree />•' 
 April i" 
 
 Joseph Hughs Merch' sworn ffree Lr 
 
 John M°Kall Aleseller sworn ffree D* ot Malster 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 289 
 
 James Macartney Butcher sworn ftVee Z'"' 
 John Hughs of Carmony farmer sworn free 
 
 Thomas Beaty Inkeep' sworn ffree j?' 
 Aprill plb 1726 
 
 William Bigger Carpenter sworn fIVee 
 
 John Farquhar sworn ffree D'' 
 
 Aprill 8th 1726 James Hughs ffarmer sworn ffree Dead 
 
 9th Aprill 1726 John Coleman Merch' sworn ffree D'^ 
 
 James Whitlock Peruck maker sworn ffree D'^ 
 
 John Jackson Butcher />■ 
 
 Bur" de 1 Persons sworn & admitted free Comoners of s'' Burrough before John 
 
 Belfast /Clugston Esq' Sovereign for the year 1726 
 
 George Paterson taylor 
 2 July 1726 
 
 George Hunter Wigm' sworn free app' to Henry East ly- 
 Aug. D 
 
 Uanies] Rob' Watt Merch' sworn free />* 
 
 Charles Burn Cooper sworn free D'^ 
 
 Will" English Carpenter sworn free D^ 
 nth Aug^ 
 
 Thomas Gelston Soapboyler sworn free Z?' 
 25 Augi 
 
 James Montgomery Mariner sworn free D* 
 
 Joseph Carswell Mariner sworn free />" 
 30 Aug 
 
 Alex' Orr Merch' sworn free /?'* 
 1726 July 
 
 Rob' Coffin smith sworn free D' 
 
 Joseph Hall bellfounder sworn free Dd 
 
 Gilbert Mullygan gunsmith sworn free D' 
 
 1726 16 Sep' 
 
 John ffursythe smith sworn free D^ 
 13 Oct' 
 
 William Burt Slater sworn free D^ 
 
 Bryan Lenard Slater sworn free D* 
 Decern I 
 
 James Boyd Carman sworn free D^ 
 ffeby 4tli 
 
 William M'Crea Weaver sworn ffree Gratis for ret' a List of fforreigners Dead 
 
 March 1^ 
 
 John Atkinson of Drogheda Tanner sworn ffree 
 
 1727 Apiill 27 
 
 David Stevenson Carman sworn Free D^^ 
 
 Thomas Collyer Esq' Got a Tickett D^ 
 
 Nalhaniell Morrison sworn £•'' Free 
 
 Daniel Kenian sworn free D* 
 
 Alex' Moorehead sworn free D'- 
 
 James Murdoch sworn free Cooper D'^ 
 
 Robert Wier Carman sworn free />' 
 
 15° die Maij 1727° 
 
 ( Benjamin Legg Merchant Admitted ffree />" 
 Ticketts )J°^'" Stewart Merchant Admitted ffree ly 
 
 ySamuell Allen INIerch' sworn ffree D'^ 
 
 (.James Young Merch' sworn ffree D* 
 
 zot die Julij 1727 Hugh M'Quoid Gunsmith sworn ffree D^ 
 
 William Browne was sworn ffree D^ 
 
 Hugh Spence Taylor was sworn ffree 
 
 7° August 1727 Robert Montgomery Merch' got a tickett not .sworn D* 
 
 James Duggan Butcher sworn ffree D^ 
 
 26° Aug' 1727 Robert Bruce Barber sworn ffree D' 
 
 31° Aug 1727 John Smith Merch' got a Tickett Z)' 
 
 Andrew Smith Merch' got a tickett 
 
 4th August 1727 William Townsend Tanner sworn ffree Z*^ 
 
 5th August 1727 Enoch Ball Nailor sworn ffree D* 
 15th [Aug] Sept 1727 
 ^'' Timothy Russell made ffree ) 1 .1, ,■ ■ » tt n > 
 
 D^ James Russell made ffree i ''"''^ ''""§ ""^ Hollywood 
 
 21" September 1727 Charles Walsh Cooper sworn Free Z)' 
 
 U 
 
290 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Robert Gaskin aleseller sworn fifree 
 
 Hugh Lowry Cooper sworn Free D<i 
 
 AUex' M'Reeny Cooper sworn ffree D^ 
 
 22^ September 1727 John Flamming an apprentice to James Magee Carpenter 
 This day was sworn ffree D'^ 
 
 iSth Jany 1727 Henry Hamilton Chapman sworn ffree Lfi 
 
 29th ffeby 1727 John Peart Butcher was sworn ffree D^ 
 
 7th March 1727 William M°Dovvell Fidler was sworn free D^ 
 
 2i" March 1727 William Munford Blacksmith sworn ffree D^ 
 
 John Ratliff [Linen mar] Cloath' sworn ffree D'' 
 
 23 March 1727 John Newman Teriikmaker sworn ffree /)■' 
 
 28° March 172S Joseph Dingley Taylor sworn ffree D'^ 
 
 24" Aprill 1728 James Gordon Taylor sworn ffree gratis £>' recomended by 
 Genu Price 
 
 gratis D^ 
 
 James Adams [farmer] mariner [Ballymack] Nock m' garry 
 giatis 
 
 AUexander Frissall Carman 
 
 William Kirk sadler sworn free Dd 
 Di 
 
 July 16 1728 Samuell Flemiii of Hollywood sworn free gratis 
 
 James Heuston Carman sworn free 
 Di 
 
 John Cudbert Merchant sworn free 
 
 The 19th July 1728 Robert Lindsay Farmer sworn Free 
 
 Samuel Martin Farmer Got a Tickett 
 
 John Lindsay Farmer got Ditto 
 
 25th July 1728 John Dayly Butcher sworn ffree Di 
 
 27 Aug' 172S John M^Munn Soap Boiler sworn ffree 
 
 a"" September 172S Matliew Craford Huckster sworn ffree D* 
 
 Robert M'Allexander Weaver sworn ffree 
 
 6th September 1728 John Sloan Apprentice to Tim; Sheilds Baker this day was 
 sworn ffree 
 
 25th September 1728 M' Nathan Smith Merch' got a Tickett D 
 
 Robert Black Shoemaker sworn ffree D"^ 
 
 26th Jacob Lyon sworn Kteeffarnier 
 
 Hugh Gibson Glasier sworn ffree D'^ 
 
 Tames Arbuckle Jun' mcrch' Got a Tickett D^ 
 
 W" Chalmers merch' got D» D^ 
 
 Hugh Petygrew farmer made free D' 
 
 James Armstrong Linendraper D'' 
 
 Michael Whitlock I'eruckmaker JD^ 
 
 Hugh Beggs shoemaker />* 
 
 Hugh M'^Kiterick shoemaker D^ 
 
 4th [Marc] Aprill 1728 
 
 Robert Smith Marchant sworn ffree D'' 
 
 William Rogers sworn ffree D'^ 
 
 W"" Herron sworn ffree D* 
 pi 
 
 ( Martin Worthington I> \ 
 
 28th September 1728 < Bruen Worthington /)'' [-Butchers 
 ( W° Worthington Di J 
 
 Hugh Young Merch' D'^ 
 pi 
 
 Joseph Simpson Merch' D' 
 
 Hugh Andrew Merch' D' 
 
 Hans Hutchinson ffarmer D' 
 
 Archibald Hamilton Ballymechen D^ 
 
 John Craford D* \ ^ 
 
 T „ r' r J n, -fiarmers 
 
 James Craford Di J 
 
 Robert Magee D^\a 
 John Kerr /?" |ff="-™«= 
 Thomas Curry Hollywood D' 
 John Isaac Esq' Di 
 James Dunlap Hollywood 
 P 
 
 W" Stafford marriner Di I 
 
 John Cunningham Carman D' 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 291 
 
 W" M'llhoy Huckster I^ 
 
 Thomas fiife Carpenter 
 
 Robert M'Dowell ffarmer D 
 
 Robert Henderson Watchmaker 
 
 Paul Crutchley Currier D' 
 
 W" Maxwell Chapman 
 [John Lewis carpenter] 
 
 {John Glover Backer sworn iTree Dh 
 Victor Touram I'eruckniaker sworn fl'ree D' 
 AUex' Dunlap Pcruckmaker sworn ffree V 
 
 Allex' Stewart March' I^ 
 
 James Hamilton Gen' 
 
 Richard Joy Chanler 
 
 John Jervis Carpenter D' 
 
 John Culbert March' D* 
 
 Arthur Gear Gen' D'' 
 
 Moses Kinkead 
 
 Bryan O'Hamill sworn ffree D^ 
 
 John Kinkead 
 
 Thomas Banks Esq' Sovr" I? October 172S 
 
 Will" Miller Shoemaker sworn fiVee in Court 
 1728 Jaiiry 23 
 
 Henry Hart of The Citty of Derry Merch' sworn ffree Dead 
 
 [John Shanin] George Ewart of The same Merchant sworn firee Dead 
 
 John Shannon Taylor sworn ffree 
 D' \ 
 
 ^^ 6ffebruaryi72S Henry Charley J Bakers sworn ffree 
 
 John M^Meken l 
 
 28 Aug' 1729 Kelso of Lisburn Merchi sworn ffree 
 nth Septem' 1729 Nf^*' ratten and ) g,^,^^^^ ^„,^^„ ^.^^^ 
 
 W" Johnston ) 
 John Knox Watchmaker sworn ffree D'' 
 Andrew Morton Shoem' sworn ffree 
 
 ly 
 
 Abell Bullock smith sworn flree 
 Sam" M'^\'ha Taylor 
 Andrew Joy Mason 
 
 25lh Sept' 1729 James M'Quay Chanler apprentice to Mr Ar; Thetford 
 sworn ffree 
 
 John Semple nialemonger sworn free 
 
 D<< 
 
 D' 
 
 V 
 Di 
 Z)J 
 
 £>' 
 D" 
 
 George Long Gardner 
 
 Charles Willson Gardner 
 
 John Charley 
 
 Robert Caulfield shoemaker ySworn free 
 
 Hugh Martin yeoman 
 
 W" Montgomery of Whilehouse Marcht 
 
 Hugh Anderson Innkeeper being Sove'?' Clke Sworn gratis 
 Thomas Anderson Sov'."" servant sworn gratis •' 
 
 John Duff Esq' SovT' 24th November 1729 
 Daniel M'Calister ffarmer sworn ffree 
 James Smith Merch' \ ^^^^„ ^-^^^ ^^^^^^ 
 Allex, Stewart Merch' 
 
292 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 D" 17 lob"' 1729 William Seeds Merch' sworn free 
 
 D* Henery Donlevy ffree Got a Tickett Gratis 
 
 D' William Robison Mealman sworn ftree 
 
 Tanuary l" 1729 Robert Blackwood Esq' sworne ftVee Gratis 
 
 D^ "William JPElrath shopkeeper 
 
 £>' March 5° 1729 James West Taylor from Cumber sworn ffree Gratis 
 
 D^ Aprill 28° 1730 Thomas Ritchey Shoemaker sworn ffree 
 
 D' Hugh Magee porter sworn ffree 
 
 D^ 1730 June 1 8th John Miller shoemaker sworn ffree 
 
 D'i Robert Corbitt shoemaker sworn ffree 
 
 D^ 1730 June 19th William aDiddell Yarn Merch' son to adam aDidell of The falls 
 sworn ffree gratis 
 
 D" June 20th James Sinklair Taylor Son fo Rob' Sinklair sworn free Gratis 
 
 D' June 25th 1730 John Boyd Merch' Got a Tickett Gratis 
 
 ■O* i" July 1730 John Taylor Shoemaker sworn ffree 
 
 23 July 1730 John Satterthwaite Merch' Gott a Tickett Dead 
 
 D' Wilham Mankin Silver smith Gott a Tickett 
 
 D'l Allen M=Querg Merch' sworn free July 25"" 1730 & got a Ticket 
 
 D" 30 July 1730 Thomas Smallshaw Blockmaker sworn ffree 
 
 D'' 3d August 1730 Robert Murray of The City of Dublin Taylor got a Ticket Gratis 
 
 D' Thomas Arnold near Dromore gent D' Gratis 
 
 ■C' 5th August 1730 Andrew Campbell Shoemaker sworn free 
 
 D'' George Ross of Castle Lyons Gent Gott a Tickett Gratis 
 
 ■O'' Charles Young Merchant Gott a Tickett 
 
 D^ Samuel Catherwood Merchant gott a Tickett 
 
 Robert Alexander and j Sworn free 
 
 D'' John Smith Peruckmakers \ 
 V 19 Aug' 1730 Patrick Boyd aleseller sworn free 
 
 D'' John Shaw Coach Wheel & Carriage Maker Sworn free 
 
 20th Aug 1730 John Brown Chapman Sworn ffree 
 
 D' 25 August 1730 James Boyd Blacksmith sworn ffree Gratis 
 
 Richard Hoskins Blacksmith sworn free 26 Aug 1730 
 
 D' 27 Aug 1730 John Black Shoemaker sworn free 
 
 ■O'' 31" John Rodger sworn free Yarn Merch' 
 
 D-' 14 September 1730 Robert Holms [Wat] of the City of Dublin Watchmaker Gott 
 a Tickett Gratis 
 
 D' John Jelly of Lisbarnett in Com Down Taylor sworn free 
 
 ■C' John Elliot sworn free Gratis 
 ^'' 17 George Wealls Chapman sworn free 
 
 C Do Hans Hamilton of the County of Torone Shoemaker sworn free 
 
 •O'' Do John Clark Pattin Maker sworn free Gratis 
 
 D'l Do George Voughan Esq' of the County Donegall got a Tickett Gratis 
 ■"^ 19 Sep' 1730 John Hurd servant to M' Collier sworn free 
 
 •^'' Patrick Kean Servant sworn free Ip .■ 
 
 D'' Pierce Berry Labourer sworn free * 
 
 D'' 22 Jo" Shannon Taylor sworn free 
 
 D' Do Francis Betty Cooper sworn free Gratis 
 
 D'' Yalentine Thetford Cooper sworn free gratis 
 
 •C"' 23 7''"" 1730 Robert Boyd Shoemaker sworn free gratis 
 
 •O'' 25 7''r 1730 John White Carman sworn ffree Gratis 
 
 -"' John Dornan Serv' to M' Isaac McCartney sworn ftree gratis 
 
 ^'' Owen Olvennan Serv' to the (sic) sworn flree gratis 
 
 ■O'' 26th Sb' 1730 William Clugston apprentice with Henry Duncan apothecary Got 
 a Tickett Gratis 
 
 ■O'' Arthur M'Cann Baker sworn ffree Gratis 
 
 V'' \\m jjy(( Platter sworn ffree 
 -"'' Robert Doogan Taylor sworn ffree 
 
 D' 28th 7''; 1730 Dennis Kinnan Carman sworn ffree 
 
 ^'^ William Mankin gent got a Tickett Gratis 
 
 D' George Magee at Milewater sworn ffree 
 
 ■O' John Riggs Carman sworn ffree 
 
 -^'' Edward Raa Labourer sworn ffree Gratis 
 
 •O'' Robert Neill app'ntice with James Watt made ffree gratis 
 
 D'' On the 15th of September 1730 The Sov'" and Burgesses Did wait on The Right 
 Hon'''" Francis Lord Conway Baron of Ragley In England of Killultagh In Ireland Lord 
 
 Liev' & Custos Rottullorum of the County Lord Liev' and Governor of the Town and 
 County of the Town of Carrickfergus & presented him his Tickett 
 
 ■O'' 2& 7'" 1730 I'.icliard Coleman Yarn Mercht sworn ffree 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. i(^-;i, 
 
 O' Hugh Reilly Clke to Tn" Arnold Att" ) n . i- ^ ,. 
 
 /" Allexander Thomas Clke to Collyer & Compy ( '^°' Tickefts gratis 
 
 D' William Teat Taylor sworn flree 
 
 2Sth S"' 1730 
 ■"■' Robert Forsyth of The ffalls 1 
 •^■' Edward Forsyth of The same / Sworn ffree 
 ^' John Stevenson of The same ) 
 •C'' William Forbes Wheelwright sworn ffree Gratis 
 O'' William Blain Hucster sworn ffree 
 ■O.Y Bryan Ollanlan Cutler sworn ffree 
 
 Arthur Byrtt Esq' sworn SoV" the 28"' September 1730 The undernamed persons 
 made ffree by him 
 i8"i February' 1730 
 
 William Pettygrew Taylor sworn ffree Gratis 
 19" Ditto 1730 
 
 Z>' Hugh Beaty Taylor sworn Free Gratis 
 30 August 1 73 1 
 
 •'•''' Jno M'Clean Taylor sworn ffree Gratis 
 •"'' William M'Cleary Baker sworn free 
 •"' James Granger Baker sworn free 
 Oi^ James M'Donnell Bricklayer sworn free Gratis 
 D'^ Thomas Kirkpatrick Smith sworn free 
 DJ y^m Hutchison Shopkeeper sworn free 
 31" Do D,i 
 
 John Barkley Do sworn free 
 
 Si»6 D.i 
 
 W" Kenedy Cooper Sworn free Gratis 
 
 George Ainslie Skiner sworn free Gratis 
 
 jib D'i 
 
 Rob' Dickey Cord winer sworn free Gratis AP 
 
 John Potts bookseller sworn free 
 
 Thomas Coulter Taylor sworn free Gratis A. P. 
 
 John Boyle Weaver sworn free Gratis 
 D<i John M'Keale Taylor sworn free 
 Dit James Boyce M" free p tickett 
 Dd Joseph Moorhead Carryer sworn free & 
 O'l James Young Merc' free p tickett 
 D.i 
 
 Alex' M'Allister Carryer sworn free gratis 
 1731 Sep' 25"> 
 
 Robert Aldridge Staymaker sworn free 
 
 John Gabby Taylor sworn free A. P. 
 
 Andrew M'CIeary Taylor sworn free 
 
 Dd George Jl'Cuary Mason sworn free Gratis 
 
 D iB'i' 
 
 Neill M'Laughlin Cooper sworn free Gratis AP 
 
 Dii Robert Anderson mere' free p tickett 
 
 ^■' John Burleigh mere' free p tickett 
 
 Ptt John Wilson Blacksmith sworn free Gra A. P. 
 
 O' Robert Thompson Cooper sworn free Gratis A. P. 
 
 D'' John Hackett Blacksmith sworn free Gratis 
 
 •O' Francis Hamilton Merch' free per tickett 
 
 D' John M"Craight appothecary free per tickett 
 
 D'< Patrick Agnew Merch' free per tickett 
 
 D'' William Shannon Merch' free per tickett 
 
 John Pottycrew Merch' free per tickett 
 
 D 
 
 John Wilson Merch' free per tickett 
 
 1733 Sep' 27 Dd 
 
 foh[a]nnes Fivey Merch' free per tickett 
 
 /)■' 
 
 James Clark Merch' free per tickett 
 
 D-i 
 
 Hugh Kennedy Esq' free per tickett 
 Arthur Kennedy [merch'] free per ticket 
 James Hamilton gentleman free per ticket 
 James Fivey Merch' free per ticket 
 
294 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Daniel OGillen free per ticket 
 D(i 
 
 William Walker Marriner free per ticket 
 n't 
 
 Samuel Kirkpatrick Stay Maker sworn free Gratis 
 
 Robert Byrtt Esq' sworn Sov? 29 Sep' 1733 
 The undernamed persons made free by him 
 II of Oct 1733 
 
 Robert Gordon by Ticket />' gratis 
 \Villiam Royd Esq' l>y Ticket Dead gratis 
 
 Margetson Saunders Esq' sworn Sovereign 
 29 Sep' 1735 
 
 1736 July 27 
 
 Benjamin Boyd sworn freeman D'' 
 
 William M'Clueny sworn free 
 
 Sepr 2 
 
 Charles Kennedy Cutler sworn free 
 
 1737 Aug 25 
 
 Hugh I\rKelvey sworn free (gratis) 
 Arch"" Wisely of Bangor free gratis 
 
 Dead 
 
 Dead 
 Dd 
 
 Dead 
 D 
 
 Dead 
 
 /)'' 
 
 Dead 
 
 D-t 
 
 Dead 
 
 Dead 
 
 Dd 
 D'i 
 
 M' Nath' Byrtt of Carrickf" free per ticket (gratis) 
 Hugh M'Kelvy of Lairn free — gratis 
 
 Jas Ross Esq' Portivoe free per ticket gratis 
 
 Phillip Coats of the Falls free per oath gratis 
 M' Val Jones Jun' free per ticket gratis 
 
 M' Jo" Bennet Cooper per ticket free gratis 
 
 W" Hardy Farmer in the Falls sworn free 
 
 John Paterson Ship ma' of Erwin free per oath gratis 
 
 Elias ODidle of the Falls of Belfast made free & sworn 
 
 Jas Nocher of Belfast Coal Porter sworn free Gratis 
 William Kennedy of Knocknagony Farmer sworn free 
 
 Thomas Stevenson of the Falls of Belfast sworn free 
 
 Tames Sommerill porter in town sworn free 
 
 Hugh Magee porter in town sworn free 
 
 Henry Tisdall son of the rev'' D' William Tisdall free per Ticket Gratis 
 
 Rob' Magee Cooper Belfast sworn free Dead Gratis 
 
 Tho' Cahan Cooper Belfast sworn free Gratis 
 
 John Fisher porter sworn free gratis 
 
 Rob' Byrtt Esq' Sov"! in the year 1739 the 
 following persons made free 
 
 7 ffebry 1739 
 
 John Armstrong Merch' by Tickett the first English Tickett Dead 
 
 Persons Made Free by John Duff Sover" 29 
 
 Sept' 1742 
 John M'Clure Carman made free 
 John Fisher Sadler made free 
 
 Persons made free by Rob' Byrtt Sov° 30'" 
 
 Nov' 1742 
 John Downey made free D 
 2' Decemb' 1742 
 
 Petter Nuby made free D 
 
 1743 June is'? 
 
 Henry Blair (j/" Belfast marchant made Free 
 Persons made free by Arthur Byrtt Soveraign 
 
 1744 7"^ June Dd 
 
 Samuel Carson made free dead per tickett gratis 
 Arthur Byrtt Esq' Sovereign 29"' Sep' 1745 
 
 1746 Sep 
 
 John Cartwright of Malone farmer & his two sons 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 2g^ 
 
 1746 7'.« 181I' 
 
 John Shaw & W" Shaw Tanners per D' gratis 
 W" Stewart wigma1<er sworn free gratis i/i-ai/ 
 
 Rob' M'Dowell Baker sworn free gratis Dead 
 
 Hugh Martin Ditto sworn free gratis Dead 
 
 Tho Sheilds Cooper sworn free Gratis 
 
 John Cartwright of Malone farmer free gratis 
 
 "W" Cartwright son to Do free gratis 
 
 Tho" Cartwright son to Do free gratis 
 
 John Evans of the Parish of Carmoney sworn free gratis 
 
 Andrew M'Farran Taylor sworn free gratis 
 27"' 
 
 James M'Watters Vintner sworn free gratis 
 /)■' 
 
 Allex' Thompson Malster free per tickett gratis 
 
 \V" Polhick shoemaker free per tickett gratis 
 
 John Duff Esq, sworn Sever" the 29"" Sep' 1746 the undernamed persons made 
 free by him 
 
 Patrick Hoy Baker made free D'^ 
 
 x^.' 23"' 1746 
 
 Aug' 3'' 1747 Jo" Minis made free of y" Long Lane sworn this day dead 
 
 M' Gilbert Orr Merchant made free Aug' s"" 1747 Gratis Z)'' 
 
 Andrew Davison of Tullnagce made free Gratis & took y' oath Aug' 8"" 1 747 
 
 James Henery of Skegenearl made free (Jratis & took y' oath Sep' 22'' 1747 D' 
 
 "Eccles Woods of the Falls made free Gratis Sep' 24 1747 D'' 
 
 W" Allen of Mile Water Gardner made free gratis & took y' oath Sep' 26"' 1747 Z)'' 
 
 IMargetson Saunders Esq' Sov'? from 29"' Sept' 
 
 gratis '7'*7 '° ^5'" '''•" '748 
 
 Brice Blair Baker in Newtown Served his apprenticeship here sworn free 
 gratis D^ 
 
 Thomas Bagley Merchant 
 
 William Harrison son to Jo" Harrison in Newt" Merch' made free by ticket 
 
 James Pinkerton of Belfast Baker served his apprenticeship to his fallier David 
 Pinkerton sworn free 
 
 1748 Sepr 26 
 
 W" Coats of the Falls & Townland of Ballymurchy sworn free 
 ^7 V 
 
 James M"Dougall of Belfast Merch' sworn free 
 
 27 
 
 W" Stewart Dealer in North Street sworn free gratis 
 
 28 
 
 Rob' Scott taylor served his time in town sworn free gratis 
 
 John Harrison son to Jo" Harrison of Newtown sworn free gratis 
 
 Burrough ) At a Court of Assembly held in the Town Hall of Belfast the $"' March 
 
 Belfast ( 1752 before Arthur Byrtt Esq' Sov" of said Burrough the following 
 
 persons were admitted & sworn freemen of said Burrough 
 James Archbakl Merch' D'' 
 James Pickin Staymaker 
 
 Beffct"'' °^\^^^ ^°"'^ °f Assembly held 
 
 Arthur Byrtt Esq' Sovereign 
 1752 May 22 
 
 Slichael O'Kenan of Skigin Earle ffree 
 D^ . 
 
 Robert Harrison Attorney sworn free gratis 
 [Aug 4I July 30 
 
 Rigljy Dobbin Dead of Dunean Per Ticket 
 
 John Dobbin of D" Per Ticket 
 
 Sep 14 n' 
 
 Richard Tootell of Belfast Dead sworn free 
 
 
 Francis Graham of Belfast Innkeeper sworn free 
 John M'Kerly of Belfast Taylor & Dealer Swrrn free 
 Charles Macartney Taylor Sworn free 
 James Carson Taylor Sworn free 
 Patrick Garret Taylor sworn free 
 
296 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 ai 
 
 n't 
 
 Daniel M'Lain of Strandmillis Brickmaker Sworn free 
 
 James Bashford Carpenter Sworn free 
 
 John Brooks Glassier sworne free 
 John Gibson Taylor 
 
 Robert Gibson Taj'lor Sworn free /?'' 
 
 Nich Graham Taylor sworn free 
 
 Tho" Orr of Newtown wheel wright sworn free 
 
 Margetson Saunders Esq' Sov' 
 
 At an assembly the 21" Sep' 1752 the freedom of this Corporation was orderd to 
 the R' Hon"' Lord George Sacville Principal Secretary of State To the right Hon"' 
 John Ponsonby Esq' The Hon"'' \V° Bristow Esq' the hon'" Henry Cavendish Esq' the 
 hon"' William Champneys Esq' the hon"" Frederick Frankland Esq' & the hon""'' fohn 
 Bourke Esq' Commissioners of the Revenue of Ireland & to the Hon'''' Richard Ponsonby 
 Esq' their Secretary as a mark of our esteem & affection for them & Hill Wilson Esq' 
 Coir of this Port was requested to present them 
 
 Ent" by AVill Byrtt T.C. Margetson Saunders SoV 
 
 At an Assembly the 23'' Aug 1753 
 
 M' Bastiaen Molewater merch' In Rotterdam 
 
 The Rev*" Ja' Saurin Vicar of Belfast 
 
 John Balaguier Esq' a Captain in [Genaral] Col? Poles Regim' of foot [Dead] & 
 
 Arthur Saunders of Trinity College were admitted as freemen by tickets 
 
 Margetson Saunders SoV 
 
 20th Sep' 1753 at an assembly the following persons were admitted as freemen 
 by tickets 
 
 James Crawford merchant /)'' 
 
 Robert Crawford of Liverpool merchant 
 
 William Brown of Dublin iSIerchant 
 
 James Brown of y' same Merch' M Saunders Sov'! 
 
 20th Sep' I7S3 Fell of Pilafowder merch' made free by Ticket 5 pd f^j jj 
 
 10 Jany 1754 
 
 Jo". Mathews merch' In town made free by Ticket gratis 
 1754 loth Jany 1754 
 
 Lewis Jones Attorney in town made free by ticket gratis 
 1754 May 9 
 
 Jo'; Bruen Taylor sworn free D" 
 July 20th Z)'' 
 
 [John] JV" Richardson Esq' free by ticket D'' 
 
 Benjamin Burton of Burtonhall Esq' free by ticket 
 £>•' 
 
 John Arnold Jun' Gent Attorney in the Burrough court free by ticket 
 Sep' 12 £><' 
 
 W" Merryman serv' to M' W" Wilson merch' in town sworn free gratis 
 
 £)' 
 
 D^ 
 
 Thomas Saunders merch' Son to y' Sov'; by ticket 
 
 John Dorman mealmongcr J. P. Belfast sworn free 
 
 James Blair In Newtown Esq' by ticket gratis 
 
 At an Assembly the iSth Nov' 1754 
 
 M' John Meathers March' in Belfast gratis 
 
 M' James Lewis Merch' in Belfast do Dead 
 
 M' Moses Meathers Carpenter in Belfast do Dead 
 M' John B Bradshaw Merch' in Belfast do Dead 
 M' Rob' Joy Printer in Belfast do Dead 
 ^•' Berckley M'Cleney Farmer in the Falls Dead 
 
 admitted as Freemen by Stewart Banks Sov"; 
 
 At an Assembly igth June 1755 
 
 M' Tho' Sinclaire of Belfast Linendraper 
 
 Dead 
 
 M' John Sinclaire of the same Linendraper were admitted Freemen of this 
 Burrough 
 
 Stewart Banks Sov!? 
 
 17th July 1756 Persons admitted to the freedom of the Burrough of Belfast by 
 George Macartney Esq' Sovereign 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 297 
 
 Stewart Banks Sovi? 
 
 D^ The Right Hon"* Clotworthy Earl of Massereene by Tickett & sworn 
 
 ■C The Right Hon'" Alex' Earl of Antrim sworn 
 
 ly William Macartney Merch? George Macartney & Joseph Macartney Sor.s of the 
 
 Sov? sworn Geo Macartney Sov'.' 
 
 1758 Persons admitted to the Freedom of the Borrough of Belfast by Stewart 
 Banks Esq' Sov? 
 
 M' W° Greg Jun' Merch' in Belfast />' 
 
 M' John Greg Jun' Do D^ 
 
 M" W" Stewart Do 
 
 28 Sept 1758 
 
 W" Bodle servant to the Sovr? />* 
 
 Jas M'Donakl & ) Sons of the Serg! Z>'' 
 
 John McDonald \ Dead 
 
 Hugh Moneypenny ) g . , „ , „_, 
 
 W° Moneypenny ( ^°"^ °' '"^ ^^"^S- ^ 
 
 [George Lindsay of the Hill] 
 
 The" Banks ) Sons of the Sovr? 
 
 Rob' Banks ( />' 
 
 W" AthoU smith sworn free D'' 
 
 John M'Donald mason Do D'' 
 
 W" Johnston Barber Do D'^ 
 
 Nath' Bodle of the Falls Do 
 
 Persons admitted & sworn Freemen of the Borough of Belfast 27 Sep' 1 760 
 
 Stephen Haven Esq' Sovereign 
 
 Dead 
 
 Stewart Banks Sovr" 
 
 Stewart Banks Sov" 
 
 decul 
 Dead 
 
 all of Belfast Merchants 
 
 i>' 
 
 D' 
 
 William Gordon 
 John Alexander 
 Charles Cuningham 
 W" Wilson 
 Arthur Buntin 
 Wiir Arthurs Dead 
 John Campbell 
 Sam'.. Mattear Jun' 
 Jasper Curry 
 John Gait Smith 
 WilP Haven 
 
 son to y" Sovereign^ 
 Nathan Armstrong 
 Rob' Miller 
 Henry Kirkpatrick d 
 Sam' Stewart /?'' 
 Stephen Haven Jun' 
 Nath' Wilson D' 
 Stephen Wilson 
 
 David Henderson D^ of IJelfast Merch' 
 Noah M'Clune D* of Belfast Barber 
 John Dunlop D'' of Belfast Butcher 
 Timothy Burns of Belfast Vintner Dead 
 Geo Ferguson of Belfast Merch' D'' 
 John Ferguson D' of Belfast Merch' by Tickett 
 
 Stephen Haven Sovereign 
 Persons admitted & sworn Freeman of the Borrough of Belfast 27th Sept 1760 
 
 Stephen Haven Esq' Soveraign 
 
 both of Belfast Carpenters D'' 
 
 both of Belfast Mercht' 
 
 son to ye Sovereign D^ 
 ■ all of Belfast Merch" by Ticket 
 Grandsons to y' Sovereign D' 
 
 James Burns 
 Arthur Goffigan 
 William Keas 
 James Morland 
 Sloan Ogans 
 James M'Creary 
 
 \D' 
 D' 
 D* 
 /)•' 
 D' 
 
 all of Belfast Butchers 
 
 Disfranchised Stephen Haven Sov? 
 
 Persons admitted Si. sworn Freemen of the Borough of Belfast 12th Nov' 1761 by 
 Stewart Banks Esq' Sover" 
 
 M' George Black of Belfast Mercht 
 
 M' Tho- Black of Belfast Mercht 
 
 M' Sam' Black of Belfast Mercht />' 
 
 M' Sam' Scott of the same Malster D'* 
 
 M' Jn" M'Kelvy of the same Distiller D'' 
 
 M' John Vaglit of the same Mercht /)■' 
 
298 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Geo Macartney Sov 
 
 M' Michael Spruson of the same Painter Dead 
 
 M' James Getty of the same Mercht D'^ 
 
 George Murray of the same Weaver Dead 
 
 Stewart Banks Sov? 
 
 On the I July 1762 Willes Earl of Hillsborough was admitted a Freeman of this 
 Borough of Belfast by Stewart Banks SovV Died Oct' 7 ijgs 
 
 On the 24 Sept 1762 W" Stirling of the Falls Farmer D'' & Ja' Stirling of the 
 Falls Farmer were admitted & sworn Free Men of the Borough of 
 Belfast and Elected Serg" at Mace June 25 1777 
 
 Stewart Banks Sov° 
 
 On the 16 Sep' 1762 M' Sam' Hyde Merch' was admitted & sworn a Free man of 
 the Borrough of Belfast 
 
 Stewart Banks Sov". 
 
 On the 4 Sep' 1766 John Patterson servant to the Sovereign was admitted a Free 
 man of the Borrough of Belfast 
 
 Stewart Banks Sov" 
 
 Persons admitted Freemen of the Borough of Belfast Dec' 24 1767 
 
 Rob' Apsley of Belfast Surgeon sworn 
 
 Henry Fortescue Postmaster 
 
 Jn" Dunbar Att" Z>'' 
 
 Lieut Tho' Saunders made free in 1753 sworn this day 
 
 Lieut Jisiea Adair 
 
 ReV \V° Tisdall dead 
 
 Dec' 24 1767 W" Seed of Belfast Merch' sworn 
 
 Ja- Arrnstrong j Dj^ 3 j 
 
 Tho' Neilson ( D<^ 
 
 John Rogers Butcher sworn this 27th Sep' 1768 
 26 Sep' 1771 
 
 Adam Coats of the Falls sworn free dead 
 
 John Coats of the Falls 
 
 Duke Whiteside of the Falls 
 
 Tho' Teat of the Falls 
 James [W"] Teat of 
 
 James Woods of 
 
 Whiteside Woods of 
 
 Hill Woods of 
 
 John Woods of 
 
 Mich' Woods of 
 
 W"" Kirker of 
 
 W" Kirkwood of 
 
 W° Kirkwood Jun' of 
 
 W° Salters of 
 
 Fra' Sergison of 
 
 Nevin Williamson of 
 
 Jam» Williamson of 
 
 S'. John Main of 
 
 Jam Martin of 
 
 W" MTarling of 
 
 Alex' Patterson of 
 
 George Roberts of 
 
 Jam' Lowry of 
 
 Philip Dennis of 
 
 W"' Coats of 
 
 John Coats of 
 
 Whites'? Coats of 
 
 Cha' Logan of 
 
 Henry Gibson of 
 
 Alex' Boyd of 
 
 The above persons sworn free by me Stewart Banks Sov'" 
 
 27 Sept 1 77 1 Tho' Bodle son to Sargant Bodle admitted free 
 
 John Radclif son to Sergant Radclif do 
 
 Stewart Banks Sov'" 
 
 The following person are admitted to the Freedom of the Borough of Belfast 
 
 7 October 1772 
 
 Shem Thompson Jun' \ D' 
 Joseph Thompson f Sons of the Sovereign 
 
 Isaac Thompson I Admitted free 
 
 Richard Thompson D^ ) 
 
 Shem Thompson Sov'? 
 
 do 
 
 dead 
 
 do 
 
 
 do 
 
 D'< 
 
 do 
 
 
 do 
 
 D" 
 
 do 
 
 
 Do 
 
 D' 
 
 Do 
 
 J>< 
 
 Do 
 
 
 Do 
 
 dead 
 
 Do 
 
 dead 
 
 Do 
 
 />' 
 
 Do 
 
 dead 
 
 Do 
 
 D-i 
 
 Do 
 
 dead 
 
 D 
 
 
 D 
 
 dead 
 
 D 
 
 dead 
 
 D 
 
 
 D 
 
 D^ 
 
 D 
 
 D" 
 
 D 
 
 D" 
 
 D 
 
 D* 
 
 D 
 
 D^ 
 
 D 
 
 D^ 
 
 D 
 
 
 D 
 
 
 D 
 
 dead 
 
 Do 
 
 D* 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 2gg 
 
 The following persons were admitted to the Freedom of the Borough of Belfast 
 and sworn the 
 
 Robert Gordon of Belfast Esq' /> 
 M' James Patterson Do Merch' />* 
 William Ferguson Do Publican D^ 
 Charles Ramadge Do Carrier Dead 
 
 Shem Thompson Sov° 
 26 July 1773 
 
 James Neil of Kilead obtained his Freedom & sworn D' 
 
 Shem Thompson Sov* 
 25 August 1773 
 
 John Gillis of Ballymacarrit obtained his Freedom of this Corporation and sworn 
 
 Shem Thompson Sovereign 
 21 September 1773 
 
 The following persons obtained their freedom and sworn 
 
 Thomas M'Cadam of Belfast Merch' £>■' 
 
 William Lyons Do Linen Draper /)■' 
 
 James Taylor Do P'lax Dresser D'^ 
 
 Andrew Hannah Do Publican ZJ^ 
 
 Waddell Cuningham Do Merch' IX 
 
 William Sayers D'' Do [Publican] Linen Manufacturer 
 
 Hercules M'Comb Do Ship Carpenter 
 
 John Black /)•' Do Cabinett Maker />' 
 
 Shem Thompson Sovereign 
 The following persons are admitted to the freedome for the Borough of Belfast 
 Town Hall 8th Septemb' 1774 
 
 DJ 
 
 Miller 
 
 per D 
 
 Merch' 
 
 
 Butcher 
 
 zy 
 
 Malster 
 
 ly 
 
 Butcher 
 
 pd 
 
 Coat Measurer 
 
 Longford Lodge 
 
 Merch' 
 
 jy 
 
 Charles Lewis \ Dead 
 
 ^^^ I Sons of the Sovereign 
 
 Jam' Lewis Sov° 
 At the same time were admitted 
 Robert Simm of Belfast Tanner dead 
 Arthur Simm of the same D'' 
 
 William Irwin of the same /)'' 
 
 John Robinson of the same Merch' 
 Hugh Kyle D'^ of the same Innkeeper per Ticket 
 Robert Hathorn Do Miller iier Do. Jend 
 John Ewing of the same 
 Thomas Beck of the same 
 James Thompson Ditto 
 Robert Neilson Ditto 
 James Ervin Ditto 
 
 Rowley Hyland Esq' Longford Lodge D^ 
 
 Samuel Brown of Belfast 
 John Henderson of Do 
 
 Jam' Lewis Sov'. 
 The following persons obtained their Freedome 
 
 Town Hall Septem' 16th 1774 
 Hugh M'llwean of Belfast Merch' /)'' 
 Jesse Taylor of Do Merch' D^ 
 
 Jam' Lewis Sov* 
 Borough of I „, , ,, . , . , , 
 
 Belfast \ ^"^ foUowmg persons were admitted freemen 
 
 1776 Decem' 2 Thomas Major Tanner Belfast 
 
 Hugh Montgomery Belfast Merch' 
 Christ" Hudson Do Tanner 
 
 4 William Woodburn Do Cooper 
 6 David Beaty Do Weaver dead 
 
 \Tn Apr 14 And"Allin D'' 
 
 Sep' 4 Tho' Hardin 1 Dead 
 
 Plenry Joy Jun'. > on the Recommendation of 
 George Joy ) M' Henry Joy 
 
 10 Thom' Brown j9'' 
 
 13 Andrew Sufferin Taylor dead 
 Arch'' M'Clure 
 
 14 James Hamill Merch' 
 Rob' Bradshaw Merch' 
 
300 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Elected Serg' at JIace 19 Rich^ Moore Tanner 
 May I"' 17S3 23 John Mathews Merch' 
 
 26 James Sufiferin Merch' Z)'' 
 
 27 Henry M'Mullan Butcher D'' 
 John Fuhon Carmony 
 
 Jam' Lewis Sov" 
 
 Henry Migahan \ D'* 
 
 John Blackwood f Butchers 
 
 Patrick Moore I admitted free & appointed overseers 
 
 William Moore ) Z'"' 
 
 J Lewis Sov, 
 
 Borough of Belfast 27 June 1778 M' Sam' Ferguson Farmer was admitted & 
 sworn a Freeman of this Burvough dead 
 
 Stewart Banks Sov'! 
 
 Borough of Belfast Nov' 27 1779 M' DaV" Manson of Belfast Scoolmaster was 
 admitted k. sworn a freeman of this Borrough Dead 
 
 Sam' Black Sov 
 3"* Jany 1781 
 
 Hen Hunter of BelP Grocer admitted to the freedom & sworn 
 
 Sam' Law dealer the lyke 
 
 Dan' Curry ly \ 
 
 Jas Martin \ 24th Apr 17S3 
 
 Jo: Blackwood ) 
 Dead Paul Brown 24 Apr 17S3 
 
 John Ferguson Farm' Do 
 
 Hue Graham Do 
 
 Dav* Dunn D'^ Do Gratis 
 
 John Allen Malone 10 July 1783 
 
 On the 24 Day of November 1796 
 
 John Brown Esqr being Sovereign Will Atkinson sworn Clerk of Belfast 
 Henry Shaw Moore and Ralph Wilson were admitted and sworn Freemen of the 
 Borough of Belfast 
 
 END OF THE TOWN BOOK MSS. 
 
 
 V. 
 
 
 Q^'<S^^^-i.'^^%tfik (g^2,i§J^i^^o 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 ^oi 
 
 
 HE INCORPORATION of the BOROUGH. 
 
 From the commencement of the reign of King 
 James I. it was confidently expected that a Parlia- 
 ment woLild have been convened in I reland. The last 
 was held in 1587 by Sir John Perrott, Sir Arthur 
 Chichester's father-in-law. Six years elapsed before 
 the King, anxious to get a Parliamentary recog- 
 nition of the Ulster Plantation, and to introduce a 
 large scheme of general legislation, sent over the 
 clerk of the Commons to consult with the Lord 
 Deputy Chichester on the method of procedure. 
 In the Chichester papers, preserved in the Carte 
 collection at the Bodleian Library, is the original 
 Journal of the Parliament of 15S7, procured no 
 doubt to serve as a precedent for that of 1613. A large number of new 
 boroughs were incorporated principally for the purpose of returning members 
 to this parliament. By a list dated ist April, 1613 (Calendar S.P. Ireland, 
 1611-14)1 it appears that there were: — Cities and towns that are counties, 9 ; 
 Shires sending Knights to Parliament, 33 ; Old Boroughs, 31 ; New boroughs, 38 ; 
 The University of Dublin, i ; total, 112. To this return Chichester has added 
 in his own hand Catherlagh (Carlow), making the number 113, returning in 
 all 226 members. In August, i6i4j the representatives of Tallagh, Lismore, 
 Clonakilty, Carlow, Fethard, Agher, Belfast, and Charlemont, were forbidden 
 by the King to sit in this parliament. The subjoined list of the Irish boroughs 
 incorporated by King James I. has been extracted from the appendices to the 
 Report on Irish Municipal Corporations, iSjj, with the purpose of showing the 
 variety of titles and the frequent use of that of Sovereign. By the kindness of 
 the librarian of the Bodleian Library, the editor is able to give the following 
 letter \Carte papers 62, fol. 2jj] by an unknown official, which shows that 
 considerable licence was allowed in these details. 
 
 "I set downe the Name of Soveraigne upon the occatyon of the Rt. hon'!' the Ld. 
 Deputyes Lettres mentyonyng the same name, as also y» name of Provost, iS:c wishyng us to 
 take y" choyce: vi"'' If now my L'! styck at, yee may putt in the warrants the Name of Burgo 
 mayster or Borrough master. I hope yee have Inserted the name of Baptist Hazell insteed of 
 Rychard Tyrer: And so I pray set yt onwaid w"' such convenyent expedytyon as other the 
 lyke goe on." 
 
 (Baptist Hazell was a burgess of Ballinakill for which a fiant of incorpora- 
 tion was drawn 13 Nov. 1612). 
 
 As the Charter of James I. is given in extenso (p. 172), a few words of 
 explanation will suffice as to the constitution of the borough. It was entitled, 
 The Sovereign, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the borough of Belfast, and 
 consisted of one Sovereign one Lord of the castle, one constable of the castle, 
 twelve other free Burgesses, and Freemen unlimited in number. Six freemen 
 only were known to exist in 1833. A power to have a Merchant Hall was 
 granted by the Charter. This seems to have been acted on, as there are many 
 entries of persons adn-ltted "Merchants of the Staple." 
 
302 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 The Sovereign was elected on the feast of St. John the Baptist, the 24th of 
 June, from a leet of 3 names of free burgesses presented to the Sovereign and 
 burgesses then assembled by the Lord of the castle, who was a member of the 
 corporation by tenure of the castle of Belfast. 
 
 The charter also granted that all the inhabitants within the borough should 
 be by force thereof freemen. These were represented in early times by a Grand 
 Jury selected from themselves, which, together with the Sovereign and free 
 burgesses, assessed upon the town people sums of money for municipal purposes. 
 Admission was obtained by becoming a "free commoner," a gratuity being 
 usually paid the Corporation. The power of admission seems to have rested 
 with the Sovereign as the chief officer of the Corporation. 
 
 List of the Irish Boroughs incorporated by King James \. 
 
 Name of Borough Title of the Corporate body. 
 
 Armagh. The Sovereign, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Ardmagh. 
 AsKEATON. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Askeaton. 
 Athlone. The Sovereign, Bailiffs, Burgesses, and Freemen of the Town of Athlone. 
 Athv. The Sovereign, Bailiffs, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Athy. 
 AuGHER. The Burgomaster, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Agher. 
 Ballinakili,. The Sovereign, Burgesses, and Freemen of the Borough of Ballinakill. 
 B.\LLYSHANN'0N. The Portreeve, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Bally- 
 shannon. 
 B.\LTIM0RE. The Soveraign, Burgesses, and Commonalty. 
 Bandonbridge. The Provost, Free Biu-gesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Bandon 
 
 Bridge. 
 Bangor. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Bangor. 
 Bei.F.\ST. The Sovereign, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Belfast. 
 Belturbet. The Provost, Burgesses, Freemen and Inhabitants of the Borough of Belturbet. 
 Boyle. The Borough Master, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Boyle. 
 Carrick on Shannon. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of 
 
 Carrickdrumruske. 
 C.\STLEBAR. The Portreeve, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Town of Castlebar. 
 Cavan. The Sovereign, Portreeves, Burgesses, and Freemen of the Town and Borough of 
 
 Cavan. 
 Charlemont. The Portreeve, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Charle- 
 
 mont. 
 Clogher. The Portreeve and Burgesses of the city of Clogher. 
 CLOUGHN.\KiLTy. The Sovereign, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of 
 
 Cloughnakilty. 
 COLERAINE. The Mayor and Aldermen and Burgesses of the Town of Coleraine. 
 Dungannon. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commons of (he Borough of Dungannon. 
 Ennis. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Town of Ennis. 
 Enniscorthy. The Portreeve, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Ennis- 
 
 corthy. 
 Enniskh.len. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Iniskillen. 
 Feathard. The Sovereign, Chief Burgesses, Portreeve, and Freemen of the town of Fithcrd. 
 GOREV. The Sovereign, Biugesses, and Free Commons of the Borough and Town of New- 
 borough. 
 Hillsborough. The Sovereign, Burgesses, and Free Commons of the Borough and Town of 
 
 Hillsborough. 
 Jamestown. The Sovereign, Burgesses, and Free Commons of the Borough and Town of 
 Jamestown. 
 
 Kilbeggan. The Portreeve, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Kilbeggan. 
 
 KiLLVBEGS. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Callebegge. 
 
 Killile.\gh. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Killileagh. 
 
 LiFFORD. The Warden, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Liffer. 
 
 LiMAVADDY. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Lymavady. 
 
 LiSMORE. Portreeve and Free Burgesses. 
 
 Londonderry. The Mayor and Commonalty and Citizens of the City of Londonderry. 
 
 Mallow. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Mallow. 
 
 MONAGHAN. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Monaghan. 
 
 Newry. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty. 
 
 Newtownards. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Newtoune. 
 
 Sligo. The Provost and Free Burgesses of the Borough of Sligo. 
 
 St. Johnstown. The Provost and Burgesses. 
 
 Strabane. The Provost, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Strabane. 
 
 Tallagh. The Suffraine, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Tallagh. 
 
 Tralee. The Provost, Free Bmgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Tralee. 
 
 TuA^L The Sovereign, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Tuam. 
 
 WiCKLOW. The Portreeve, Free Burgesses, and Commonalty. 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 303 
 
 p. I. — Payment of Tongues. 
 
 The Sovereign of Belfast had but few perquisites of office in comparison, 
 for instance, with the Mayor of Carrickfergus, who claimed the following 
 amongst others : — " In many of the old leases of this place, the tenants were 
 bound to furnish yearly a certain number of fat hens or capons to the Mayor 
 each Christmas, or a specified sum of money in lieu. The owner of the West 
 Mills was also bound to grind all such grain as shall be spent from time to 
 time in the Mayor's house, toll free. As clerk of the market he had also the 
 tongues of all bullocks or cows killed on Fridays, whose flesh was sold in the 
 market on Saturdays" (McSkimi}i). In i6oi it was enacted "that the maior 
 of the Town for the time being shall have towards his Housekeeping the sum 
 of twenty pounds stg per ann, and the third part of her Majesty's Customs and 
 the petty Custom usually belonging to the Town — to the end that no Maior of 
 this Towne hereafter for the time being shall sell either Wine Ale or Aqua Vitae 
 or others either at his Table or in his premises upon forfeiture of his stipend of 
 20" — payment of the stipend — is to be collected in manner and form following 
 viz. upon every Ton of ffrench Wine four shillings ster Upon every Ton of 
 Spanish Wine si.x shillings ster, the Ton unloden at the Key of Carrickfergus 
 either by Town or private Bargain." {Carrickfergus Records MSS.) Amongst 
 the Duties and perquisites anciently belonging to the Sovereign of Kinsale 
 1657 are noted — "Imp. Due and payable out of the towne stock or Treasury, 
 1311. 6s. 8d. It. Out of every beefe slaughtered within the towne or liberties 
 except for burgesses or freemen 3d. It. From every master butcher being a 
 master of a family one stone of tallow about Christmas. It. The Soveraigne is 
 to receive every Royal Fish that is taken in the harbour or precincts thereof, for 
 which he is to pay I2d for each to the taker. It. He is to have the best fish or 
 best sprapp of fish out of any boat paying for same 2d. It. Out of every vessel 
 of pears or apples, for liberty of the market 500." ( Town Book 0/ Kinsale.) 
 p. 2. Jo: Vesey. 
 
 First Sovereign, and an original leaseholder in the borough. 
 p. 2. Jo: Ayshe. 
 
 The history of the ancient family of Ash, who came from the Isle of Thanet 
 to Ireland in Elizabeth's reign — Thomas Ash, the father of John Ash, being 
 knighted by Sir George Carew in 1603 — has been lately published for private 
 circulation, under the able editorship of Rev. E. T. Martin, Dundonald. 
 
 p. 2. Henry Upton. 
 
 A kinsman of Lord Chichester, and married to a daughter of Sir Hugh Clot- 
 worthy. Humphrey Norton, one of the original burgesses of Belfast, settled at 
 Templepatrick, and, incensed at the marriage of his daughter to a Sergeant 
 O'Linn, sold his estate to Captain Henry Upton, who became the founder of 
 the family now ennobled by the title of Viscount Templetown. The wife of 
 Arthur Upton, M.P. for Carrick 1761, introduced crayfish to the Sixmilewater, 
 where they are now plentiful. 
 
 p. 2. Walterhouse Crimble. 
 
 More properly Waterhouse Crymble, belonged to a family said to have 
 come to Ireland with Sir Edward Waterhouse, secretary to Sir Henry Sidney. 
 Waterhouse settled in Carrickfergus its M.P. in 1585. His account for repairs 
 at the " Pallace,'' afterwards Lord Chichester's "Joymount," is given in an 
 article on that building. (Ulster Journal of Archaeology, vol. vii.^ His only 
 child married Roger Crymble, father of the subject of this note. He was one 
 of the first burgesses, and a chief mourner in 1636 at Viscount Montgomery's 
 funeral. Comptroller of Customs at Donaghadee about 1649. 
 p. 7. Carew Harte. 
 
 He was a sheriff of Carrickfergus in 1613. His confession at death, acknow- 
 ledging his guilt in promising to marry Jane Varey after his wife's death, but 
 denying that he had poisoned her, dated at Carrickfergus nth April, 1623, is 
 noted. (Cal. S.P.I. 1615-25.) 
 p 3. Absent from Church. 
 
 At a Court of the Corporation of Carrickfergus, 4th Sept. 1574, in "le 
 Town House de Knockfergus," the following curious order was passed — "That 
 
304 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Whereas Francis Turner did most slanderously use these unreverent Words 
 following, Viz. : Parson Davye {sic) made a Sermon to his parishoners & cried 
 thrice (soho) which he sayed did signify I have found and so sayed he a sort of 
 knaves I have found you, and so I will leave you and so will I sell my House 
 and go my Ways, for the punishment whereof it was ordered that the said 
 Francis shall openly before the Mayor and Aldermen of this Town Say these 
 Words upon his Knee Kneeling Viz. Mr. Maior and the rest of the Aldermen I 
 have slandered your Worships and for the same I ask God and your Worships 
 all forgiveness most heartily and also that the said Francis, shall be committed 
 to the Marshialls Ward and there remain in Bolts so long as it shall please the 
 Mayor and General." (Carrickfergus Records MSS.) 
 
 p. 5. To sell ale. 
 
 As far back as 3rd Feby. 1574 — " It was ordered and agreed by the Mayor 
 and the rest of his Brethren that whereas ill measures of Ale was sold within 
 this Town to the great annoyance of the poor and displeasing of God that the 
 said fault should be corrected with punishment according, that is to say for the 
 first fault committed in ill measure by any Man to pay therefore 12'' st^ and 
 the Ale so complained of, and the second time that any man should therein 
 offend 5^ sts; and the Ale complained of, and the third time the whole brewing 
 or the value thereof, the one half of the said ftbrfeits so taken to belong to the 
 Mayor for the time being and the other half thereof to appertain to his Sub- 
 stitute appointed under him which is appointed under him to Seal the said 
 Cannes and look to the measures thereof The twenty second day of this 
 month Ralph Crawly for breaking of Crein Duff his head being Sergeant was 
 by the Mayor & the Whole Court condemned to payment of 20=' st*-' to the Town 
 & the Bloodshed to the Sheriffs." (Carrickfergus Records MSS.) 
 
 p. 6. Apprehending anie felons Rouges woodkernes or Craytes. 
 
 The Carrickfergus Records, under date 8th June, 1624, note this entry — " It 
 was likewise ordered condescended and agreed that Richd Brooke shall have as 
 stipend from this Town for the banishing and driving out of all strong Beggars 
 and other idle and loitering persons both out of the Town and Country the 
 sum of thirty shillings currant money of and in England." A side note adds, 
 " This was likewise the same day with a generall consent also cancelled." 
 
 Amongst the Acts propounded for Ireland in i5ii is one against all such 
 as, calling themselves gentlemen, horsemen, or kerne, live loosely and freely, 
 without any certain means or trade of life, as also against rhymers, gamesters, 
 stokeaghes, vagabonds, and beggars. In the same list are acts for the destruc- 
 tion of ^^'olves and sowing flax for making linen cloth. (Carew MSS.) By 
 woodkerne are meant the native I rish soldiery, then lingering in such neighbouring 
 fastnesses as the woods of Kihvarlin and the Glynns. John Derrick, in his 
 remarkable rhymed work entitled "The Image of Ireland with a discoverie of 
 Wood Karne wherein is most lively expressed the nature and qualitie of the 
 saied wilde Irish Wood Karne, their notable aptnesse celeritie &c. 1581," gives 
 twelve woodcut illustrations of the Irish wood kerne. Only one perfect copy 
 of the original edition is known. Two of these illustrations are of especial 
 interest, as they portray the Lord Deputy Sidney and his retinue in the North, 
 the background of wooded hills being the first attempt in all likelihood to depict 
 the Belfast mountains. In the eleventh print Rory Oge is shown as a wild Irish 
 kerne shrouded in his mantle in the midst of a desolate wood. From his lips 
 proceed the words, " Ve mihi misere," to which certain prowling wolves make 
 answer, " Ve atque dolor." As a specimen of the author's doggerel these lines 
 are given — 
 
 "Their shirtes be very straunge not reachyng paste the thle : 
 With pleates on pleates thei pleated are as thick as pleates male lye 
 Whose sieves hang trailing downe almost unto the shoe : 
 And with a Mantell commonlie the Irish Karne doe go. 
 Now some emongst the reste doe use another weede : 
 A coate I meane of strange device which fancie first did breede." 
 
 Creaght originally meant wattle or basket work. "The Ulster Irish were 
 a pastoral people. In Fermanagh there was neither town or civil habitation. 
 The chiefs dwelt some of them in clay houses ; others of them, who followed 
 
 4 
 
/ 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 305 
 
 creaghting' or running up and down the country with their cattle, dwelt, like 
 their followers, in booths made of boughs coated with long strips of green turf, 
 instead of canvas run up in a few minutes, for such are the dwellings of the very 
 lords amongst them." {Preface oj Calendar S.P. Ireland, 1611-14.) 
 
 Irish Soldiers, ly All ert Dijrer. 
 
 p. 9. Henry Le Squyre 
 
 Henry Le Squire* by his will devised his property at Six Mile Water, County 
 Antrim, to his brother George Squire of Londonderry, with power of appoint- 
 ment among his children. George conveyed the property to his son William, 
 who served as Sheriff of Londonderry in 1677, and died Mayor of Londonderry 
 in 1692. His brother was Captain Gervaise Squire, who played such a prominent 
 part in the defence of Derry in 16S8 (for an account of whom see Graham's 
 History of the Siege of Derry, and his Ireland Preserved, also Hempton's 
 History of the Siege). William was succeeded by his son Alexander, who 
 served as Sheriff of Londonderry in 1709 and in 1713 ; elected Mayor of the 
 City in 1718 and again in 1721. He died in 1725, and was succeeded by his 
 only surviving son, James Squire of Rosculbin, Co. Femianagh, and Manor- 
 cunningham, Co. Donegal, who died in 1779. His only surviving son William 
 died in 1806, having issue who survived infancy one son, William, who died in 
 1877, and one daughter, Anne, married to her cousin-german, James Chittick, 
 of Manorcunningham, and had issue three sons and tuo daughters, of whom 
 alone William Gervaise and Enninda had issue. 
 
 William Gen-aise Chittick, who resides at East Orange, New Jersey, 
 U.S.A., married the eldest daughter of Alexander Lindsay, J. P., of Lisna- 
 crieve House, Co. Tyrone, Alderman of Londonderry, and Mayor in 1847, 1848, 
 1849, 1863, 1S64. He has by her surviving issue — i, William Gervaise; 2, 
 James ; 3, Alice Gertrude. Emiinda married the Rev. Alexander Rentoul, 
 M.D., D.D., of Errity House, Manorcunningham, Co. Donegal, and now resides 
 at The Lodge, Cliftonville. Her eldest son is Mr. James Alexander Rentoul, 
 LL.D., Barrister-at-La\v, County Councillor of London, and M.P. for County f /• 
 
 Down East. V^i-Yi,*^ M^yV"*-*" .Ji^^'f-^'/ci--') /X*- J^ /• ^x*^^^ ,^- ^/ 
 
 Mby -^^7^ f (L^rJj' (^f/..r^.^ ^ , ■' 
 
 p. 9. G. B. Gowen Bolby 
 
 The letters G. B. precede the name in the original, and form the trade mark 1 
 of Bolby or Boultby. Sometimes it occurs between the names, as at p. 15 — ^ 
 John IH Haddocke. Hugh Doake was erroneously considered unable to write, 
 from his constant use of his mark ID ; he signs in full sometimes. 
 
 * Descended from the Squires of Essex ; arms, three swans' heads, coupecl at the 
 neck, or; crest, an elephant's head, ve. ad org. ducally gorged. The name spelled 
 variously — Le Squire, Squier, and Squire. 
 
 X 
 
 
3o6 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 p. 10. 
 
 The reduced fac-simile of this page gives a good idea of the appearance of 
 the earlier portions of the origiral MS. The first signature is that of Lord 
 Edward Chichester, brother of Lord Arthur Chichester, and father of the first 
 Earl of DonegaU. 
 
 Of in the margin should be printed agf, viz., against. Similarly on next 
 page rtg^ should precede wood chimneys. 
 
 p. II. A Rate made 
 
 This entry is for the first time properly rendered. By mistaking the definite 
 for the indefinite article before Town Hall, Benn was led into the error of 
 supposing that the rate was struck to pay for its erection, whereas it had been in 
 use probably soon after the incorporation of the Borough, and was in fitting 
 up to serve as the Assize Courts next year. Joy evidently read the contracted 
 form of "partitions" as prison, and notes under 1639, "The Corporation fitted 
 up a Courthouse with Bench and Bar, and town prison, and for this purpose an 
 applotment was made on the inhabitants, but only 46 were found able to pay 
 this tax. In the following year the Assizes were held in Belfast." (Joy's MS.) 
 In the Charter to Carrickfergus granted by James I. ground for a gaol to 
 be used for Co. Antrim is exempted. The Judges of Assize tried unsuc- 
 cessfully in 1613 to remove their courts to the town of Antrim, but were 
 prevented by Lord Deputy Chichester. Sir Robert Adair twice petitioned 
 Queen Anne to make Ballymena the assize town, but was defeated by the 
 Corporation of Carrickfergus. Other attempts also proved abortive, and it 
 was not till 1850 that Belfast was adopted. The subjoined is from the 
 Carrickfe}-gits Records MSS. "The Grand Jury of the Co Antrim, 13th Aug 
 1666, passed a presentment empowering Sir George Rawdon, Robert Colville, 
 Michael Harrison, Francis Stafford, atid Thaddy O'Hara, to conclude an 
 agreement with the Corporation of Carrick for the sum of seventy pounds 
 per ann. to take upon thein the rare charge and pains of repairing and 
 keeping in repair the Session House and Gaol, with the tenements and Rooms 
 thereunto appertaining, and belonging to the County of .'Vntrim." The agree- 
 ment is a lengthy document ; one of the clauses reads, " Whereas the said 
 Sessions House and Gaol are now furnished with Table, Cushions, Carpets, 
 Seats, four long^ Iron Bolts and twelve Rings or Yokes, Thirty pair of double 
 Iron Bolts and Shackles, four pair of Handcuffs, four Padlocks, Six Horse 
 Locks and three Plate Locks, Forty Rivets of Iron for Bolts, one pair of Stocks, 
 one Iron Grate with a Chain and two great Bolts of Iron at the Door of the 
 said Gaol. The Mayor Burgesses and Commonalty bind themselves if any of 
 the above defray perish or be lost to supply the defect thereof with other utensils 
 and materials of equal value goodness and strength." Some of these fetters 
 and locks are in all probability amongst the large collection from Carrickfergus 
 Gaol presented to the Belfast Museum by the late Dr. James Moore, R.H.A. 
 
 p. 13. Mr. John Arnold 
 
 He was attorney in the Borough Court in 1754, and this signature was 
 perhaps made at the instance of Margetson Saunders, then Sovereign. 
 
 p. 13. Winchester measure 
 
 Almost identical with the present imperial. 
 
 p. 16. River 
 
 This was the stream flowing through the middle of High Street ; no portion 
 was arched over at the time. 
 
 p. 17. The charge of Candles for the Army 
 
 Additional charges are mentioned at p. 19, with a list of those assessed. 
 This w-as the army thus referred to in Aduir^s Narrative. " Strafford, by the 
 help of four subsidies from the Parliament in Ireland, raised an army of Irish, 
 and some profane and ignorant of the British, of 8,000 foot and 1,000 horse, and 
 sent them down hither to the North (in order to the invading of Scotland) where 
 the Earl of Antrim had engaged to get them supported. They stayed a con- 
 siderable time quartered in this country, much oppressing it, and were, both for 
 design and carriage amongst the people, called the Black Band." Benn's 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 307 
 
 Mi\e Water l,rU4 
 .tetteilblO. 
 
 History contains no mention of any part of the army being stationed in 
 Belfast, although this is evident from the hst of the officers made freemen in 
 the same year, including Sir Charles Coote, Sir James Dillon, and other distin- 
 guished men. Carrickfergus has hitherto been considered the only place they 
 occupied, and from it as head quarters the soldiers were marched to Lame, and 
 exercised in throwing up earthworks at the Curran, of which traces exist close to 
 the present Olderfleet Hotel. As the square earthen redoubt known as Fort 
 William was almost certainly non-existent in Essex's time, and corresponds in 
 plan with another fort ha\ing similar small bastions at the four angles to receive 
 cannon, situated immediately under the Cavehill, and called in 1659 the "ditch 
 of Ballyaghagan," there seems a strong probability that these works with that 
 of the Milewater were thrown up to form a continuous line of defence on the 
 North side of the town against any sudden attack of the Scotch from that 
 quarter. McSl-iim'n's MS. notes under 1641 — "On the breaking out of the 
 rebellion the Kings forces in Ireland amounted to only 2297 foot, and 943, 
 horse and they w'ere greatly despersed." 
 
 p. 17. For ye Bridge at ye Milewater 
 
 I\rr. John Thompson, City Assessor, Mount CoUyer, upon whose property 
 the old bridge till recently stood, has kindly supplied the material for the present 
 note and illustration. The arch of the bridge was so damaged that its original 
 form could not be determined, but was probably semicircutar, as the "crown" 
 was much abo^e the ordinary level of the roadway. When the traffic was 
 diverted by the making of the present York 
 Street and the subsequent Cavehill Railway, 
 cottages were built at the north side of the 
 bridge, so as to effectually close up the ancient 
 passage. Adjacent to the north-west side of 
 the bridge, which was evidently erected to 
 allow military stores and artillery to proceed 
 without hindrance between Belfast and Carrick- . 
 fergus, where Strafford's army lay in quarters, 
 was placed the fort or block-house. This 
 curious little structure had been completely 
 forgotten in recent years ; no historian men- 
 tions it. It was circular in shape, with narrow 
 arched apertures for musketry, as shown on 
 the plan. The roof was of domical form, and, 
 like the contemporary bridge, the whole was 
 executed in brickwork, the bricks being about 
 8 inches long by 2'; inches thick. The slits were placed at a height of four feet, 
 and were splayed inwards, so as to allow space for aiming. Not far from this 
 Mr. Thompson found a human skull, in a well-made wooden box, greatly 
 decayed. This probably dated from 1798, when the heads of some of Dr. W. 
 H. Drummond's friends were spiked on the old Market-house. He had a 
 school at Mount Collyer about that time, and wrote here his poems of 
 "Trafalgar'' and the "Giant's Causeway." It may be of interest to add that 
 the moschatel {Adoxa MoschaicUina) is recorded by Templeton as growing 
 at the Milewater, its only habitat in Ireland. 
 
 p. 17. Disordered house 
 
 " It was ordered and agreed by the whole Court the twenty-ninth day of 
 this month (Oct. 1574) that all manner of Scolds which shall be openly detected 
 of Scolding or evil Words in Manner of Scolding' and for the same shall be 
 condemned before the Mayor and his Brethren shall be drawn at the Stem of 
 a Boat in the water from the end of the Weare round About the Queen's 
 Majesty's Castle in manner of Ducking and after when a cage shall be made the 
 party so condemned for a Scold shall be therein punished at the discretion of 
 the Mayor." {Carrickfergus Records MSS.) 
 
 Mr. John Coates, J. P., late secretary of Antrim Grand Jury, informs the 
 editor that he had in his possession till recently a gag for the mouth which 
 belonged to the Carrickfergus Gaol. From his description it was probably a 
 scold's bridle. Aw ^-^^t^ ^^ ^ :?2^>C^/r<>*, 
 
 
 ^^/f 
 
3o8 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 J 
 
 -f 
 
 AiKiL-nt nunuijiLb, bbuwing :l tnp hammer. 
 
 p. 19. char Coales 
 
 The manufacture of charcoal for the ironworks formerly situated at Strand- 
 millis, Old Forge, Magheralin, and other thickly wooded districts, was very exten- 
 sive. In the scarce tract entitled A true relation of several Acts, Passages, 
 done, undertake?!, &"€., by Captain Robert Lawson, London, 164J, is the following 
 reference to his father-in-law's (Robert Barr) ironworks at Strandmillis, which 
 were destroyed at that time, traces of which still exist adjoining the first 
 lock of the Lagan Navigation — "The sow-iron unwrought to the quantity of 
 2,oool. value beside much iron ore, and 1,000 tons of square timber, most burned 
 by the soldiers, 1,000 loads of charcoals burned by the enemy at forge furnace, 
 and in the woods, with three corn mills, and many houses burned, and land laid 
 waste, the land and mills being worth 150I. per annum." From a copy of 
 Dr. Gerald Boate's It-eland's Naturall History, 16^2, which has the autograph 
 and motto of John Gorges, Governor of Maine, showing the wide circulation 
 of this valuable work at the time, the following description of these Irish 
 ironworks is taken : — "At the end of a great Barn standeth a huge Furnace, 
 being of the height of a pike and a half or more, and foursquare in figure, 
 but after the manner of a Mault-kiln, that is, narrow below, and by degrees 
 growing wider towards the top, so as the compass of the mouth or the top is 
 of many fathoms. These ovens are not kindled with wood, nor with sea- 
 cole, but merely with char-coal, whereof they consume a huge quantity. For 
 the Furnace being once kindled, is never suffered to go out, but is continually 
 kept a burning from the one end of the year to the other. And the proportion 
 of the coals to the Oare is very great : For the Mine would not melt without 
 an exceeding hot fire ; the which that it may be the more quick and violent, 
 it is continually blown day and night without ceasing by two Vast pair of 
 bellows, the which rest upon main peeces of timber, and with their pipes placed 
 into one of the sides of the Furnace are perpetually kept in action by the meanes 
 of the great wheel which being driven about by a little brook or water-course 
 maketh them rise and fall by turns. There is another and lesser sort of Iron 
 works, much different from the former : For instead of a Furnace they use a 
 Hearth therein, altogether of the fashion of a Smith's Hearth, whereon the Oare 
 being layd in a great heap, it is covered over with abundance of Charcoal, the 
 which being kindled is continually blown by Bellows that are moved by wheeles 
 and water courses, in the same manner as in the other works." Such no doubt 
 wereOld and New Forge on the Lagan. AtRandalstown, once called Iron Works, 
 were probably made the nails taken from ancient oak beams in Antrim Castle, 
 and now in the Editor's possession. They are of singular toughness, resembling 
 the best Swedish iron, and forged with such hammers as Boate describes, 
 " being huge big ones, and never ceasing from knocking day nor night." 
 
 p. 19. For Maces 
 
 Benn read "Majesty's" for "maces," and expresses surprise at the cost 
 incurred in such a time for carving his Majesty's arms on the Town Hall. The 
 mace figured on p. iS is that bequeathed by Le Squire to the Corporation, and 
 used by him as seneschal of the Manor Court. His sergeant's gold ring was 
 bequeathed to Robert Foster, The well-known expert in all such subjects, Mr, 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 309 
 
 Robert Day, J. P., F.S.A., M.R.I. A., kindly contributes the following description 
 of the Corporation maces : — 
 
 "At the reception given by Dr. John Evans, President of the Society of 
 Antiquaries, London, in iS88, there were no less than 130 maces which had 
 been lent for exhibition by the several Mayors and Corporations in the United 
 Kingdom. These were described by Mr. St. John Hope, F.S.A , who was 
 enabled to point out, from their various shapes, the gradual evolution and change 
 of form from the more ancient war-mace. According to the accepted theory, 
 the lower end of a war-mace was first fashioned into a button to receive the 
 Royal Arms. Then the mace was turned upside down, and the flanges were 
 converted into ornaments, and afterwards gradually disappeared. The flanges 
 were finally replaced by a button or boss to counterbalance the weight of the 
 mace-head, which in the meantime had been growing in size. 
 
 This occurs in the two city maces of Belfast which I had, through the 
 courtesy of the Town Clerk, Mr. Black, the privilege of examining. The 
 smaller mace terminates at the grip end with a boss, quite plain, and without 
 any engraving of the Corporate arms, which might have been looked for upon 
 its flat, seal-shaped end. The larger mace terminates in a conical foot-knop, 
 chased with lozenges between intersecting bands. (See p. 231-) This larger 
 mace is a fine example of the early Stuart period ; it measures seventeen 
 and a-half inches in length; it has a central knop upon Ihe shaft, and three 
 scroll brackets that support the head, which is in four arched compartments, 
 that are divided one from the other by female term figures with plumed 
 head-gear. These spaces have each the emblems of the Rose, Thistle, Harp, 
 and Fleur-de-lys royally crowned. Above these is an ornamented fillet, which 
 is surmounted by an open-work engrailed ball-top coronet. The head is 
 engraved with the Stuart arms and the letters C.R. It is without hall-mark, but 
 in a maker's stamp are the letters S.G. The smaller mace measures eight 
 inches in length ; it has a perfectly plain and undecorated shaft, with a knop 
 under the head, which is also plain. The coronet exhibits marks of having been 
 entirely broken off", and the head is engraved with the crowned arms of England, but 
 without any supporters. At either side of the crown are the initials of the King, 
 and, below, the date 1639. There is no hall-mark, but in a circular stamp the 
 diphthong /E between six annulets. This peculiar stamp does not occur in the 
 London makers' list, and, so far as I can ascertain, is unknown. When no hall- 
 mark occurs upon Irish plate of the seventeenth century, we may safely infer 
 that it is of local manufacture. Mr. Young has examined the Town Book, and 
 finds among the list of freemen ante 1700 — 'Andrew M'^CuUogh Goldsmith 
 ig January 1660;' 'W" Barnett 19 October 1671 ;' 'Thomas m°Cune 22nd 
 Janry., 1679.' None of these initials, I regret to say, correspond with those upon 
 the maces ; but I am yet inclined to think that they were made, if not in Belfast, 
 in some of the towns of the Pale in Ulster, and I would suggest an examination 
 of the church plate in the diocese of Down, Connor, and Dromore, for the purpose 
 of possibly identifying the initials of these three Belfast goldsmiths with the 
 maker's stamp, which will probably be found upon examples of ecclesiastical 
 plate so preserved. When we have the most conclusive evidence that in the 
 last half of the seventeenth century the manufacture of silver plate existed in 
 Cork, Bandon, and Youghal, in the province of Munster, there is no reason why 
 the same industry should not have flourished in the walled towns of Ulster." 
 
 p. 19. Armes and the Towne Seale for the Tovvne 
 
 The following e.xhaustive note on the subject has been kindly supplied by 
 Mr. John Vinycomb, F.R.S.A.I. :— 
 
 FROM an early period in the history of the Borough a 
 Town Seal appears to have been one of the essentials 
 of its corporate existence. In 1612, Sir Arthur Chi- 
 chester, who may truly be called the founder of the town, 
 was created Baron of Belfast ; and on the 27th April, 1613, 
 the Town was constituted a Corporation by Charter of King 
 James 1., to consist of a Sovereign, or chief magistrate, and 
 twelve Burgesses, and Commonalty. In this Charter, which 
 recites the corporate birth of the town, it is stated they 
 may have "one Comon seale in such forme and as shall seem 
 best unto them" (page 177). What may have been the arms op Belfast. 
 
310 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 special device upon this Seal cannot now be determined, but in the Town Book, 
 under date 1640, we find an entry authorising the payment for what appears to 
 be the insignia of office — "For Maces Ariies and the Towne Seale for 
 THE Towne ibli." The Seal here referred to is mentioned in the will of Henry 
 Le Squire, dated 1643—" ITEM : — / give to the Corporation of Belfast the 
 remainder due upon an ascount of my disbursements for their Maces, Seale and 
 Coat of Amies, and will that the Mace I have be delivered to the Siifferane for 
 the Townes use" "Master Le Squire" was Sovereign of the town in 1635-36 
 & 39, and was one of the Englishmen who followed the fortunes of the Lord 
 Deputy to Ireland, and settled in Belfast. He was then agent and seneschal to 
 the Lord Edward Chichester. 
 
 The Le Squire Seal, until recently almost forgotten, remained the only 
 authoritative source of information as to the correctness of the Town Arms ; 
 various inaccuracies, it was believed, had crept into the Town Seal of 1842. 
 Mr. George Benn, therefore, in preparing his History of Belfast (1S77), en- 
 deavoured to obtain from Ulster's office information as to what really were the 
 Arms of the Town. The answer returned was — "There is no record in this 
 office when Arms were granted to Belfast. In a MS. book the following Arms 
 appear in the handwritmg of the late Sir William Betham, Ulster: — Per f ess 
 argent and azure; in chief a pile vair, on a canton of the second, a tower of the 
 first : in base a ship with sails set, also of the first. Crest, a sea-horse proper. 
 Supporters — dexter, a wolf rampa}it proper j sinister, a sea-horse proper^^ Sir W. 
 Betham must have had an imperfect copy of the Arms before him when he 
 wrote, as there are palpable inaccuracies in his blazon. The blue canton 
 charged with a tower should be " on a canton gules (red), a bell argent!'' The 
 wolf should be " diically gorged and chained or." 
 
 From various entries in the old Town Book it would almost appear as if the 
 arms upon the old Town Seal had been derived from the properly constituted 
 authority. The composition is the work of a skilled and practised herald, and 
 not that of an amateur. That no entry can be found in the books in Ulster's 
 office may be accounted for by the disorganised condition of the records of the 
 office of arms during the troublous times of James II., when "Athlone," pur- 
 suivant, followed his deposed Sovereign to St. Germains, carrying with him 
 many of the books of records, some of which have since found their way to the 
 British Museum, Trinity College, Dublin, and elsewhere. It is not unlikely that 
 in one of these tomes the entry relating to the arms of Belfast may be found. 
 
 The fine old Corporate Seal of the Town, which is still in existence (an im- 
 pression of it appears embossed upon the title-page), is of silver set in a wooden 
 handle : it was in use from Le Squire's time down to the extinction of the old 
 Corporation in 1842, and remains in the possession of an old resident family — 
 Lewis of Nettlefield — descended from one of the Sovereigns of Belfast. It is 
 in very fair preservation, and, though somewhat worn, is in good heraldic 
 character, much superior in this respect to that which superseded it. The Coat 
 of Arms on this Seal reappears, with all its peculiarity of detail, somewhat 
 exaggerated, upon the Map of Belfast, A.D. 1790, a fac-simile of which is in 
 Benn's History (1877). 
 
 It will be seen that the Arms upon this Seal, making allowance for the 
 quaintness of the drawing, are precisely the same — heraldically — as those now in 
 use, with the exception of the mural coronet, added by Sir Bernard Burke, 
 Ulster King of Arms, in his recent grant. 
 
 It is a mistake to suppose, as many have done, 
 that the Arms of Belfast were false heraldry. The 
 Bell on the Shield has no reference whatever to the 
 known derivation of the name of the town — Beul- 
 feirste, The Mouth of the Ford — but is an instance 
 of what is termed cantins; or allusive arms. This 
 Trade Token of John ste^va^d, 1656- n^yanncr of playing upon words of similar sound was 
 a prevailing fashion in the heraldry of the time, and to a large extent still 
 continues, of which numberless instances can be given of all periods. The Bell 
 appears upon the earliest Belfast trade tokens of 1656, and continued the most 
 frequent device, together with the ship, used by the early Belfast merchants. 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 311 
 
 A ivolf gorged and chained 3\io appears upon a token or coin 
 of Hugh Magarrah, dated 1736; showing clearly that the 
 well-known symbols which form the constituent parts of the 
 Town Arms were taken by the traders of the town as the 
 most appropriate they could devise for their purpose. Two 
 wolves, similarly gorged and chained as that on Magarrah's 
 token, are the supporters of the Chichesters ; one such had 
 been adopted as the dexter supporter of the Belfast Shield, 
 probably in honour of the noble patron of the town ; while Ktverseot Trade Token of 
 
 J- , '. . , ' , 11- 1 riuyh Mat-arrah. 1736. 
 
 for the sinister supporter and crest, the symbolic creature, the 
 Sea-horse, had been chosen, with true prophetic spirit, to indicate the maritime 
 importance and fast progress of the rising town and port ; the steeds of Neptune 
 are favourite subjects in ancient poetry and art : many of the maritime states of 
 Greece adopted the sea-horse as their monetary symbol, in allusion to the fleetness 
 of their vessels. The ship in full sail in the base of the Shield has exactly the 
 same significance, and for use upon tokens was a more suitable emblem than 
 the sea-horse, hence its frequent use. The very limited space available upon 
 sinall coins rendered it impossible that any but the simplest and best understood 
 emblems could be adinitted, especially as no rigid heraldic law governed these 
 rnatters ; this will satisfactorily account for the entire coat of arms not appearing 
 on any of the tokens. One of the charges on the Shield, V shape, is, in heraldic 
 parlance, a pile vai?: The term "pile" has reference to the piles or stakes 
 used to form entrenched camps, while "vair'' is a parti-coloured fur used for 
 lining the mantles of noble and official personages of high rank in the middle 
 ages ; it is taken from a species of squirrel, bluish-grey on the back and white 
 on the belly, and called in Latin varrits on that account. 
 " Ferrars his Tabard with rich ve>>y spread, 
 Well known in many a warlike match before." — Drayton's .SaroHj' Wars. 
 
 "A chief vaif'^ forms part of the Chichester Shield, and suggests the source 
 of the adoption of the tincture on the pile. The chained wolf supporter also 
 seems to have been adopted from the Chichester arms, while the motto may 
 have been intended to express the sense of gratitude entertained by the 
 Sovereign and lUirgesses to- 
 wards the founder and bene- 
 factor of the young Borough. 
 
 On the extinction of the old 
 Corporation in 1842, a new 
 brass Seal was substituted for 
 the old one, of the same size 
 and oval shape. It is very well 
 engraved in modern style. 
 Wings are, however, added to 
 the sea-horse crest and sup- 
 porters. This new feature has 
 misled many persons, and ap- 
 pears frequently in subsequent 
 representations. This affords a clue to the approximate date of the embroidered 
 cushion in the possession of the Corporation, which has the sea-horse " winged," 
 being evidently modelled on the design upon this Seal. 
 
 When the Town Council began to issue bonds in 1S74 in connection with 
 the purchase of the Gasworks, the large numbers to be impressed with the 
 Corporate Seal necessitated the adoption of some speedier means of stamping ; 
 a steel die and embossing press superseded the old method of sealing on wafers. 
 The design of the Seal, however, remained the same as that of 1S42, but a 
 garter was added bearing the words " Belfast Borough Corporate Seal." When 
 Belfast was, by Royal Charter, created a City in 1888, the same Seal was used, 
 changing only " Borough" to " City." In August, 1890, a grant (or confirmation) 
 of Arms was obtained from Sir Bernard Burke, Ulster King of Arms, and a new 
 and larger Corporate Seal was designed in accordance therewith, and executed 
 by Messrs. IVIarcus Ward & Co., Limited, and is the one now in use. It is in 
 every respect an admirable example of what a Corporate Seal should be. A 
 representation of it will be found on back of the title-page. 
 
 old Arms useil on tlic h:.-adintj of the Eel/asl ^^rn's- t.etttr. adapted 
 from tlie Sual of 1842, kindly lent by Iho proprietors. 
 
312 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Arms of the City (according 
 to the grant of 1890).— Per Fess 
 argent and azure, in chief, a pile 
 vair, and on a canton gules, a bell 
 argent ; in base, a ship with sails 
 set argent, on waves of the sea, 
 proper. Supporters — dexter, a wolf 
 proper,ducallygorged and chained, 
 or ; sinister, a sea-horse gorged 
 with a mural crown, proper. 
 Crest — a sea-horse gorged with a 
 mural crown, proper. Motto — 
 Pro t.'vnto quid retribuamus. 
 
 The motto may be freely trans- 
 lated as a question, thus — " What 
 return shall ice make for so much ?" 
 In the Latin Vulgate, Psalm cxv. 12, which corresponds to Psalm cxvi. 12 
 of the authorised version, we read — " Quid retribuam Domino, pro omnibus 
 QU^E RETRIBUIT MiHl .'"' which in the authorised version stands — " What shall 
 I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?" The prayer-book 
 version (Psalm cxvi. 11) renders it — " What reward shall I give unto the Lord : 
 for all the benefits that He hath done unto me V The motto of the Belfast Arms 
 in all probability was suggested by the above passage, 
 p. 20. fire and candle-light for the severall Guards 
 
 On the night of Saturday, 23rd Oct., 1641, the news of the outbreak of the 
 Rebellion reached the Governor of Carrickfergus, Col. Arthur Chichester, who 
 immediately apprised his father. Lord Edward Chichester, at Belfast. On 
 Thursday, 28th October, a letter sent by him reached the King at Edinburgh. 
 Little time was lost by the Lord of the Castle in providing means for the defence 
 of the town. On 6th December a bond was drawn up empowering James 
 Edmondstoune, of Broadisland, to procure arms in Scotland, as the following 
 extract shows : — " We, Edward Viscount Chichester, of Carrickfergus, Captane 
 Arthur Chichester, eldest sone and air apparent of the said Edvard, Sir Arthur 
 Tyringham, Knight, one of his majesties most honorable privie counsell for the 
 Kingdom of Ireland, and Arthur Hill of Killwarlen in the cowntie of Downe, 
 Esquyre, have sent and iniployed our trusty and weil belovit friend, James 
 Edmonstoune of Brodeyland in the countie of Antrym, Esquyre, to the citie of 
 Edinburgh, in the Kingdome of Scotland, or to any other part of the said king- 
 dome, to bargane and buy for our use these arms following, that is to say, one 
 thousand muskets with bandeliers [cartridge boxes] two thousand swordis, five 
 hundred and fourtie pickis, fyve hundreth horsemen's peicks with snaphouses 
 [a kind of cavalry firelock] or for want of such, fyve hundreth carbynes, and 
 thrie field peices of thrie or fore pound bullet." (Quoted by Reid.) With these 
 and other assistance the Belfast district was gallantly held till the arrival of the 
 Scotch under General Robert Monro, on 15th April 1642, as described by an 
 eye-witness, the original of Scott's Dugald Dalgetty. 
 "We came to the west countrie in 1642, and lay at 
 Irwine, Aire, and Kilmarnock more than a fortnight, 
 waiteing for a faire wind ; which makeing a show to 
 offer itselfe, Monro embarked at the Largs, Home 
 (who had got Cochrans regimint) at Aire, and we at 
 Irwine. When we were at sea the wind turnd con- 
 trarie, and so all of us met at Lamlash, a secure bay 
 on the coast of the He of Arran, where we lay a fort- 
 night, if I remember right ; and then the wind againe 
 offering to be favorable, one of the King's ships which 
 was with us shooting a warning peece, all weighd 
 anchor, hoysd saile in ane evening, and nixt day were 
 Owen Roe ONeili. -^^ Craigfergus loch, and landed that night." (Sir 
 
 James Turner's Memoirs.) General Robert Monro had seen much service in 
 Flanders and under Gustavus Adolphus, of which he gave an account entitled, 
 Monro's Expedition with the worthy Scots Regiment called MacKey's Regiment. 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 313 
 
 He made several predatory expeditions against the Irish, but was completely 
 defeated at Benburb by the celebrated Owen Roe O'Neill. His exactions in 
 Belfast are shown by the constant cesses entered down to the end of 1645. 
 Scoutbush, two miles from Carrickfergus, was his favourite residence at the 
 time. He married the widow of the second Viscount Montgomery, and was 
 living in 1680. 
 
 Sir James Turner says — "The officers of this our Scots arniie in Ireland 
 finding themselves ill payd, and which was worse, not knowing in the time of 
 the civiU warre who sould be their paymasters, and reflecting on the success- 
 full issue of the Nationale Covenant of Scotland, bethought themselves of 
 makeing one also ; bot they were wise enough to give it ane other name, and 
 therefore christened it a Mutual Assurance ; wherby upon the matter they 
 made themselves independent of any except these who would be their actuall 
 and reall paymasters, with whom, for anything I know, they met not the whole 
 time of the warre. . . . We fingered but litle moneys, and meale so 
 sparinglie as seldom we could allow our sogers above a pound a day." This 
 is borne out by a Commonwealth tract in the Editor's possession entitled 
 A Full Relation of the Late Expedition of the A'ii;l/l Honourable the Lord 
 Monroe, London 16-/4, in which it says, "All our Souldiers of the army carried 
 ten dales victuals in Oatemcale upon their backes, besides their Arnies ; and 
 ten dales more was carried upon baggage horses ; more we could not carry, 
 nor other shift we could not make, for want of carriage horses, and other 
 accomodations for a march : and all this twenty daies victuals for the Souldiers 
 did not exceed 24 pound weight of Oatemeale without any other supply of meat 
 or drink but Water." 
 
 p. 22. Bulworke att the Strande 
 
 By reference to the map of Belfast about this period, on p. 80, it will be 
 observed that the place where the High Street river falls into the Lagan was 
 undefended on the Carrickfergus side. It was probably here that the Bulwark 
 was erected. As the ford across the Lagan almost certainly started close to 
 this (see p. 63, where "the Strand way over the water'' is expressly mentioned), 
 its defence was of the first importance. Mr. W. J. Doherty, C.E., M.R.I. A., 
 informs the Editor that, when making the new quay opposite the Custom House 
 about 1874, his men had much difticulty in removing the double row of oak stakes 
 with large stones filled in between them, forming the old ford which crossed the • 
 river diagonally to the ancient road, now called Middlepath Street, f f^-t'C^'^^^ j^<6<Vvy 
 
 p. 23. for the finishinge of the Rampier ^ ^*»*'''^^^'^*^>*-*^^.^t,^ '^ 
 
 This was an earthen entrenchment thrown up around the town at this time, ' 
 
 which remained intact in 16S5, when Sir Thomas Phillips made his w-ell- 
 known survey. The course of the Rampart is clearly given in these words — 1 
 " The rampart ran along the present John'street, from Donegall street, and | 
 round by Hercules S' where the North gate stood in North S' then along said j 
 Hercules S' and Smilhfield to the rere of Chapel lane in Castle street, where s 
 it was met by Mill gate, passing from thence to the river Lagan at Cornmarket, | 
 by the Castle gardens (now the White Linen Hall). The north side crossed | 
 from John street, along what is now called the centre of Talbot st. turning east- I 
 ward to the Crooked lane, and so to the sea above the Point feilds, now a part | 
 of the Towne." (Joy's MS.) A considerable portion of the bastions and | 
 intervening bulwarks remained till late in last century. In one of the old % 
 books belonging to the 3rd Presbyterian Congregation it gives as a district \ 
 " The North street from the north gate both sids to ye Sentry Box at Fitters ': 
 hill and from that to Craven Bridge both sids & from Fitters hill to ye 
 Brewhous one Both sids which bounds is under the Inspection of William 
 Mitchell and James Chalmers elders," 1725/6. This would tend to show that a 
 guard was still placed on the rampart, or why the mention of sentry box? In a 
 similar time of need in Carrickfergus a like defence was thrown up. " Curia 
 tenta quinta die Octobris A? 1574 coram Guliel Pierse Maiorem et Humfris 
 Potts et Johan Cockerell Vice com, in le Town House de Knockfergus. This 
 present day it was Ordered and agreed by the Sheriff's Burgesses and Com- 
 monalty that there should be a Vamour (sic) of Sodds or Turfs round about the 
 Town for the Defence or better strengthening of the Inhabitants of the same 
 
314 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 which should be finished by the whole Corporation the four mounts at the four 
 corners of the Town Excepted, which was made and compiled at the charge of 
 the Province which Vamour as aforesaid was finished within one month after 
 the Decree was made." In the next year this rampart was supplemented by a 
 wall the cost of which was reckoned as follows. " We the Mayor & Corporation 
 for the better furthering of the walling of this Town took in Bargain of his 
 Honour [Lord Deputy S^'dney] to Wall from her Majesty's Castle on the North 
 East unto the Mount of the Mill along by the Sea side at 5' sterl. the foot every 
 foot to be made seven foot in the foundation four foot in the top of the Wall 
 and 16 foot in height as appeareth by the Indentures of the bargain bearing 
 date the 21" of October 1575." (Carrickfergus Records MSS.) 
 p. 25. for the highe ways 
 
 This list contains all the names mentioned in the subsequent lists, which 
 are not printed here, as the names are simply repeated, with slightly varying sums 
 opposite each. 
 
 p. 29. Henrye lord Blaney 
 
 He came from Wales in James I.'s reign, settled at Castle Blaney, and 
 was created a baronet in 1621. 
 
 p. 29. Geo: Rawden 
 
 The Rawdon family has been described in authentic history as of very 
 ancient lineage. One of the most celebrated of its scions was Sir George 
 Rawdon, who, as diplomatist, senator, commander of troops, and Irish land 
 i^' agent, left many marks of greatness on the age. He was bom at Rawdon 
 "^ Hall, near Leeds, in November, 1604. After having received a liberal educa- 
 tion, and given evidence of possessing excellent abilities, he was appointed to 
 an important office under Edward, Lord Conway, Chief Secretary of State in 
 the Cabinet of that day. 
 
 On the deatli of his father, the first Lord Conway, which event took place 
 at Lisnegarvy in March, 1630, the noble Secretary and his protege came over 
 to Ulster, where the new landlord continued to reside for several months every 
 year during the remainder of his life. Young Rawdon, when not otherwise 
 employed, took part in the management of the estate, and having much taste 
 for military affairs, directed the discipline of Lord Conway's Volunteers. In 
 1639 he was returned to the Irish Parliament as one of the members for Belfast. 
 In the next year Lord Strafford received secret intelligence that some of the 
 deposed chiefs were collecting their forces for an attack on the King's troops. 
 Lord Donegal, Viscount Conway, and Arthur Hill, three of the most extensive 
 landowners in Ulster, added largely to the strength of their respective horse 
 and foot soldiers, and considerable battalions of regular forces were concentrated 
 in Belfast and Lisnegarvy. George Rawdon commanded the Conway troops. 
 He had been over in London on business in October, 1641, when the news 
 arrived that Sir Phelim O'Neill, Sir Con Magennis, and General Plunkett, with 
 a force of seven thousand men, had taken the field, and threatened to drive the 
 loyalists out of Ulster. Rawdon at once set out for Lisnegarvy by way of Scot- 
 land. The roads were almost impassable in many of the English shires, and it 
 was nearly three weeks before he reached the Scottish seaport from whence he 
 sailed, and on the 26th of November landed at Bangor. Next evening at a 
 late hour he got to Lisnegarvy, and there found the local and royal troops in 
 hourly expectation of the rebels — who had encamped near Brookhill — making 
 a descent on the town. The story of the sanguinary conflict that took place 
 in the streets of Lisnegarvy on Sunday, the 28th of November, 1641, need 
 only be glanced at here, as the details are pretty well known to readers of 
 Ulster histor)'. General Rawdon, Colonel Chichester, and Sir Arthur Jerningham 
 led the troops with such spirit that the rebels were totally routed, upwards of 
 one thousand of their men having fallen in the conflict, and the dead bodies 
 lay in the market-place and in Bridge Street in confused heaps. The survivors 
 retreated towards Brookhill, but before leaving Lisnegarvy they set fire to the 
 thatched houses, and in some hours the town was one great mass of ruin. On 
 reaching Brookhill the fugitives set it on fire, and a valuable library was con- 
 sumed, and some thousand ounces of ancient plate belonging to Lord Conway, 
 and which had been placed there for safety, were either stolen or destroyed. 
 
i 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 3 1 5 
 
 When General Rawdon was thirty-five he married Ursula, widow of Francis ■ 
 Hill, who had erected Hill Hall Fort. That lady bore him a son, but mother J 
 and child died soon afterwards. In 1654 he married Dorothy, the handsome 
 and only daughter of his patron Edward, second Viscount Conway, by whom 
 he had seven sons and three daughters. Having displayed the utmost fealty 
 towards the legitimate heir to the Crown during the usurpation of Cromwell, 
 Rawdon was ordered to repair to London in December, 1660, where Charles II. 
 gave him command of a troop of horse, and ordered his appointment to be 
 made out as Governor of Carrickfergus. He was also appointed one of the 
 Commissioners for the Settlement of Ireland, and by royal patent had the grant 
 of several thousand acres of land in Down, within "ye territory of Moyra." He 
 was elected member for Carlingford, and created a Baronet, under the title of 
 Sir George Rawdon, of Moyra House, County of Downe. 
 
 p. 30. For Druggs 
 
 The following medicines for Cromwell's Troops in Ire- 
 land are gi\en in Ulster Journal of Arclucoloi^ — " Powder 
 Sugar, Loaf Sugar, White Candie, Brown Candie, Annisecde, 
 Oyle Olive, Juice of Liquorice, Rubarcke, Sweet Almonds, 
 Almond Cakes, Mannae, Aloes he Pat, Succoritine, Aq. ex. 
 flor. aurant, Sarsaparill." ^'^iij'i 
 
 Apotiiecarics' Aint. 
 
 p. 31. Noiated 
 
 Contraction for nominated. 
 
 p. 33. Cash of Torfe 
 
 Cash is still used in remote districts to indicate a certain measure of turf, 
 made of osiers, equivalent to a small cart load. 
 
 P- 33- John Miller 
 
 Probably of Antrim, and admitted a merchant stapler 24th April, 1645 f-'"^'-' 
 /. z^i). These two entries are partly torn away in the original MS. 
 
 p. 34. The Affidavit of Thomas Postley 
 
 This entry is also partly destroyed. Major Coughran (Cochrane) was the 
 military governor of the town at the time {sec p. 240). 
 
 p. 35. John M'Bryd 
 
 He was made a freeman on 6th March 1644 (see p. 251). Probably the 
 same person who signed the Solemn League and Covenant at Holywood on 8th 
 April of that year. The original presened in the Belfast JNIuseum is entitled 
 " A Solemne League and Covenant for Reformation and Defence of Religion, 
 the Honour and Happinesse of the King, and the Peace and Safety of the three 
 Kingdomes of Scotland, England, and Ireland, Edinburgh 1643." On the blank 
 half of p. 6 is written — "At Hollewood the 8 April 1644 and upon the nynth 
 thereof lykewayes After sermon delyvcred by Mr. William Adair upon both 
 these dayes the covenant of reformation in religion was explained And Afterwards 
 swome subscribed and sealed with marks by a number of the inhabitants of 
 the Kingdom of Ireland." Several other Commonwealth tracts are bound up 
 with this unique relic. The Editor has a curious MS. receipt-book, written by 
 Margaret M'Bride, Belfast, 1714, possibly his daughter. It contains, amongst 
 other quaint dishes, the following : — 
 
 " To make paist Royall of fflowers, Take cowslip roses and Marj'goMs and pluck off 
 all the blossoms and beat y" in a wooden bowl, then put y™ in as much suggar as will 
 make y" of one coUour, w'2 or 3 spoonfullsof rose water, and boill it with stirring it untill 
 y' burn into suggar again, y" bake it and work it up to paist w' gumdragon, and strain it 
 w' rose water, then roll it very thin, and put it in Moulds, and when it is dry, you may 
 serve it up." 
 
 p. 36. dockter Nearne 
 
 If in practice at the time, he would see much of what Boate called " Lcag^uer 
 Sicknesses," which he was assured by his brother, then physician general 
 of the English forces, " had their original not from any defect of the climate, 
 but of the cold and other hardships which the soldiers suffered in their 
 marches ; for they many times going to the fields in cold and foul weather, and 
 
/ 
 
 3i6 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 sometimes marching whole days long, yea several days together, in very dirty 
 and wet ways, where their feet and legs were continually cold and wet, besides 
 that they were sometimes constrained to pass through the water up as high as 
 the knees and waist, and after all that hardship endured in the daytime, to lye 
 in the night upon the wet ground in the open air this caused the above named 
 diseases." 
 
 p. 37. biscet booter and cheese 
 
 Fynes Moryson, describing Mountjoy's fight with Tyrone in November, 
 1600, says, "For the Army had fasted two Days, and after they had eaten but a 
 little Bisket, and Cheese or Butter, never Men went on in a greater Jollity." 
 p. 39. Church yard 
 
 The Editor has been unable to obtain any earlier information as to the 
 burials than that given in the Parish Register, of which the first volume begins 
 in July, 1745, and continues to June, 1761. The second volume extends to 9th 
 November, 1766, and is carefully written on parchment ; the others are on 
 paper, and continue down to the present. In 1746 138 deaths are registered, of 
 which 22 were buried at Shankhill, the rest in the parish churchyard. Only a 
 very few are noted as buried at Shankhill after this year. Five persons were 
 buried in the church from 1745 to 1761, when such entries cease. Three of these 
 were Byrtts, two Macartneys, and a Widow Hadskinson. The mortality varied 
 from 71 in 1754 to 209 in 1761 ; 30 deaths are recorded in August of the latter 
 year. It seems to have been the most fatal month, for in the year 1756, when 
 193 deaths are entered, 44 deaths occurred in August, 8 being in one day— 
 nearly all children. In the year 1757, when the first Census of the town was 
 taken, the population being 8,549, there were registered 122 baptisms, 13 mar- 
 riages, and 130 deaths, of which 69 were females. In 1780 occurs the entry — 
 "13th Feby Edward Gorman a Invilcd buried in the churchyard poor." The 
 old buiying-place was of considerable extent, being enclosed by High Street, 
 Church Lane, Ann Street, and Forest Lane, now merged in Victoria Street. 
 Along the walls of the two lanes were ranged the finest monuments, including 
 those of the Pottinger and Collier families. A venerable relative of the Editor 
 told a curious incident which she witnessed about the commencement of this 
 century in the churchyard, opposite which she then lived. The parish sexton, 
 in digging a grave, came on a mass of adipocere, which being reported to Dr. 
 Marshall, a leading physician living in High Street, he immediately crossed the 
 street, secured the specimen, which looked like a small cheese, and tasted it 
 with apparent relish, much to her disgust. 
 J p. 40. Eden Carrick 
 
 \ Properly Edendufifcarrick, now Shane's Castle. (For a full account of the 
 
 J O'Neills and their castle, see O'Laverty's Diocese of Down and Connor, Vol. III.) 
 p. 42. laid out for shingles to mend the church w' 
 
 Boate says that besides slates and Dutch tiles "there was another kind of 
 
 covering in use, both for Churches and houses, to wit, a certain sort of woodden 
 
 tiles, vulgarly called shingles ; the which are thight enough at the first, but do 
 
 not many yeares continue so." The church dedicated to St. Patrick, which 
 
 \ occupied the position of the present St. George's Church, was utilised early in 
 
 I 1651 as a citadel, and termed "The Grand Fort" by Venables. A number of 
 
 I houses were removed to allow of entrenchments being thrown up ; for compensa- 
 
 V tion awarded to the occupiers see p. 69. 
 
 Mr. W. E. Armstrong, solicitor, remembers, about the year i860, seeing a 
 large cannon lying in the excavation made for the sewer in High Street where 
 now stands the Albert Memorial. Doubtless one of the Commonwealth guns, 
 afterwards thrown into the river, which formed the ditch on that side. 
 
 In Fisher's poem, "News from Lough Bagge (Beg) 1643" (Ulster Journal 
 of Archccology, vol. 8), a similar sacrilege is thus described — 
 " The whole Church wee have overspread 
 With shingle-boards in stead of lead ; 
 Nor was it truely fitt, or fayre 
 We should stand cover'd, and it stand Bare. 
 Thus like good tenants wee have cure'd most 
 Of these Decays at o' owne cost 
 
 « 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 3 1 7 
 
 And thoe wee no Churchwardens are 
 Wee have put the Kirke in good Repayre. 
 Without we keepe a Guard ; within 
 The Chancell's made o' magazine 
 Soe that our Church thus arm'd may vaunt 
 Shee's truly now made Militant." 
 
 p. 44. John Steawart 
 
 Several contentions of the kind are given in the Ca>-rickfergus Rccoi'ds 
 MSS. In July, 1607, Clement Ford, Burgess, resisted the authority of the Mayor 
 in cessing upon him soldiers, "and in choler swearing by an oath to the Maiors 
 face that he would never attend church or otherwise whilst he was Maior. If 
 he did commit him that should be the damcst committal that ever he com- 
 mitted." 
 p. 46. Captain Roger Lyndon 
 
 A son of Robert Lyndon, who came to Carrickfergus with Chichester. His 
 signature as Recorder occurs in Carrickfergus Records MSS. Rawdon and 
 himself represented the English as opposed to the Scotch party. The latter 
 were much embittered ag'ainst the former in 1C46, and forced them to leave the 
 town and find cjuarters elsewhere. 
 
 p. 52. Sovraignes seat 
 
 The original corporation pew was no doubt destroyed when the old church 
 was converted into the "Grand Fort." In 1777 St. Anne's parish church was 
 erected at the sole expense of Lord Donegall, and accommodation was then 
 made for the Sovereign and Burgesses in a large square pew about half-way up 
 the main aisle on the north side. It was arranged with the Sovereign's seat 
 and desk opposite the door, so that the burgesses sat in their black and red 
 robes, six on each side. Mr. William Spiller, who was Rev. Dr. Miller's church- 
 warden in 1S70, informs the Editor that " no rent was charged for the pew, it was 
 used to show strangers into, also officers, and barristers on circuit ; the Judges, 
 however, always sat in the Donegall pew. The Donegall family pew 
 was in the front of the gallery, and had a small winding stair from the 
 vestibule. In 1S70 the Sovereign's chair and desk were removed to the vestry, 
 where they now remain, and the pew divided into two.'' The accompanying 
 illustration, from a special photograph kindly made by Mr. Wm. Swanston, 
 F.G S., gives a good idea of the old Spanish mahogany civic chair and desk. 
 The carving is of very fine quality, in the so-called Chippendale style. INIr. 
 James Morrow, one of the Corporation Sergeants-at-Mace from 1864, is repre- 
 sented behind the chair. Born in 1826, he has served, since 1849, 28 diflferent 
 mayors ; and as his father, an old soldier who fought in the Peninsula, died 
 recently at an advanced age, there is every prospect that the popular sergeant 
 will be on duty in the new City Hall. 
 
 p. 57. schole master 
 
 In Youghal, under date 1616, 4" was yearly paid as a stipend, to teach the 
 petty scholars in the old Lazar House. (To7un Book of Youghal.) 
 
 p. 58. Captain Robert Lawson 
 
 This was the courageous Derry merchant who saved Belfast from the rebels 
 in October, 1641. (See note on p. ig.) He was on his way to Dublin, but turned 
 back at Newry on hearing the rebellion had broken out. His own words are : 
 " being Monday went down back again to great Belfast where they found most 
 part of the inhabitants fled and flying, and carrying away their goods to Carrick- 
 fergus, and the old Lord Chichester shipped aboard in a ship. So Captain 
 Lawson went throughout the town and blamed them for offering to leave the 
 town, and intreated for some arms, either by buying or lending, but could not 
 prevail. At last he found in Master Lesquire^s house seven muskets, and eight 
 halberts ready in the street to be shipped to Carrickfergus ; which arms he took, 
 and bought a drum, and beating the same about the town raised about twenty 
 men, who came with him again up to the ironworks, having Mr. P'orbus and 
 some number with him joined Captain Lawson, where also he gathered in all 
 about 160 horse and foot, who about two of the clock on the same Monday in 
 the afternoon, being the 25th of October, the second day after the rebellion, 
 marched into Lisnegarvy." 
 
3 1 8 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Boate describes Londonderry thus : — 
 
 '■ It is nothing big, consisting only of two long streets, the which cut one nother 
 cross-wayes in the midst, but it is very handsome, the streets beeing broad and well paved, 
 the houses some stories high, & built for the most of freestone, with a handsome church, 
 market place, and key : and is inclosed with a thick and very strong stone wall, being one 
 of the principall fortresses of Ireland." 
 
 p. 6 1. M'? That the daye and yeare 
 
 Rev. G. Hill has kindly supplied the following note; — "As this affair 
 occurred during the struggle in Ulster between the Royalists and Covenanters, 
 it cannot be regarded as an act of piracy on the part of the latter, but rather as 
 a sort of reprisal, or act of justitiable warfare. The complainants, however, 
 being Royalists, they naturally appealed for protection and redress to the 
 Sovereign of Belfast, who had then recently been appointed to look after the 
 interests of the royal cause in this town. The 'merchandise and goods,' of 
 which the owners of the ' Katherine of Belfast' had been plundered, consisted, 
 no doubt, in provisions (most probably oatmeal) and perhaps a small supply of 
 ammunition — both of which commodities were in very urgent requisition by the 
 people of the Ards at the date above mentioned. In the year 1643, General 
 Robert Monro, in the interests of the Parliainent and the Covenanters, had 
 seized Belfast by a coup de main from the Royalists, and held it — in violation of 
 the original arrangement with the Scottish forces — until June, 1649, "hen it was 
 
 } retaken from the Presbyterian party by the third Viscount Ards, afterwards 
 created Earl of Mount Alexander." ISangwell is Bangor, situated two miles from 
 I Groomsport, which is a corruption of Graham's jjoi-i. In a map of 1693 in the 
 r British Museum it is calletVGrimspoFt. SGhomberg landed here in 16S9. 
 
 I p. 61. 1649 
 
 3 Under this date Jofs MS. states, "About Michaelmas a battle was fought 
 
 'J' at Bullers feild between the royal army and that of the parliament, in which the 
 former were defeated, the latter was commanded by Col. Venables, who soon 
 after entered the town. George Martin, sovereign, determined not to give 
 billets, and retired to his country seat near the Whitehouse, in consequence of 
 which his house was gi\en up to be plundered." The old ruined mansion 
 adjoining Mr. James Thompson's residence at Macedon was probably this country 
 house. The Editor has a cannon ball made of local basalt, and recently found 
 in excavating for a new building in Corporation Street, opposite the Mariners' 
 Church. It was probably fired from one of the Scotch four-pounders in lieu of 
 the orthodox missiles then exhausted, 
 p. 61. 
 
 The following deposition, from a copy (believed to be unpublished) preserved 
 by Rev. Classon Porter, is given as an exainple of the military troubles of the 
 time : — 
 
 The examination of Captain Andrew Adare, taken before mee, Caplaine John 
 Dallway Maior of Carrickfergus this I2ih of May 1653, who for answer saith that about 
 July 1649 the Lord of JMontgonierie came and lay close seige to this garrison & was 
 afterwards surrendered unto him. That the day before the said surrender one Joey 
 Griffin a souldier under his dep" command raised and made a mutiny within this garrison 
 and gathered to himself severall souldiers in arms under p'tence he wanted his paie. That 
 notice thereof being given to this dep"', as being his captaine, this Dep' went and through 
 many good words and speeches p'vailed at p'sent with the s* Griffin and the rest of his 
 confederated mutineers, that he procured a seeming quallification, & soe left him and them 
 for that present. That soon after this Dep' was returned backe to his quarters a suddaine 
 intelligence was brought to this Dep' that the .said Griffin had deserted his post, and 
 betaken himself to an other place, and in a mutinous manner had procured unto himself 
 five or six files of armed men some with firelocks the rest with musketts and lighted 
 matches and more souldiers gathering together with the said Griffin from all quarters of 
 the said garrison. That this Dep' acquainting the Governor therewith and the said Griffin 
 and the rest of his s'' consorte were determined to possess themselves of the keys of the 
 gates by force of amies, this Dep' as well as all others the respective officers within the 
 said garrison were forthwith respectively commanded by the said Governor to their 
 respective posts and also sent for and secured the said keys. That in pursuance of their 
 commands this dep' comeing found the said Griffin in a mutinous manner to have deserted 
 his post and retyred to make good another place with the companie of eese. And this 
 dep' soe comeing used all endeavours by persuasion to procure the said Griffin back to his 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 3 1 9 
 
 dep" s'' post, but instead of rendring his submission, or any obedyence to his dep" com- 
 mands, presented his ttire loclte against this dep" breast bidding this dep' stand backe and 
 stande of, Where iippon this dep' laid fast hould of his bandaliers with intent to secure 
 this dep" life, which breaking this dep' by a stumble backwards fell allmost to the ground, 
 and being recovered this dep' perceaving the said Griffin to have presented his piece to 
 this dep" breast and discerning nothing less than instant death by the said Gtiffm's 
 mutinous expressions, to this dep', as well to preserve his owne life as all others within 
 the said garrison and the loss thereof, gave unto the said Griffin some small inconsiderable 
 cult with intent only to force him to obedyence, but he nothing regarding the same nor to 
 render any manner of obedyence but forcibly maintained his said mutinous act, intending 
 hereby nothing less than to surprize the said garrison, Where uppon an other suddaine 
 thrust given the said Griffin he fell downe and dyed, And this dep' further answering saith 
 that the same being only asked to qualifie the said mutinous act, and in obedyence to his 
 said command, which in duty he owed to God and which he humbly conceaveth himself 
 no wayes guilty of murther. 
 
 Taken before me the day and year said. JOHN DALLWAY Mayor. 
 
 p. 62. The humble Petition 
 
 A similar petition was sent by the Corporation of Youghal. For this and 
 a large number of Commonwealth proclamations, see Town Book of Youghal. 
 
 p. 63. Carrickfergus 
 
 The history of this ancient town has been so admirably told by M'Skimin 
 that it would be difficult to add anything of interest. Till the " Carrick- 
 fergus privilege " of retaining one-third of the total duties leviable on all 
 exports and imports was abolished by Wentworth, the Lord Deputy, in 1637, 
 its condition as a trading port was much superior to Belfast. A copy of the 
 document fraught with so much of future iinportance for our city is subjoined. 
 Boate, describing the Havens of Ireland, calls what is now Belfast Lough, 
 Knockfergus, and says it grows narrower by degrees "the further it goeth into 
 the land, the which it doth for the space of fifteen miles, as far as to the town 
 of Belfast, where a little river called Lagon (not portable but of small boates) 
 falleth into this Harbour. In this Bay is a reasonable good Road before the 
 Town of Knockfergus (seated about nine miles within the land) where it is good 
 anchoring in three fathoins." He puts both Carrickfergus and Belfast far down 
 in his account of the Irish towns. Describing first Dublin, then Galway, 
 Waterford, Limerick, and Cork, he says — "As for the rest of the Townes, 
 Drogheda, Kilkenny, and Bandonbridge are passable and worthy of some 
 regard both for bigness and handsomeness: But Colrain, Knockfergus, Belfast, 
 Dundalk, Wexford, Youghall and Kinsale are of small moment, the best of all 
 these being hardly comparable to any of those fair market townes which are 
 to be found in almost all parts of England." The Editor has examined the series 
 of ancient maps of the district presei-ved in the British Museum, and Record 
 Office, London, in order to ascertain the relative importance of the two towns at 
 various dates. In some of the early maps, dating from 1558, in the Record 
 Office, which are illuminated in colours, Carrickfergus is shown much larger 
 than its rival, and the Castle enriched with gilding, as if to show its importance. 
 The Carrickfergus Records MSS., from which a number of illustrative extracts 
 are given for the first time, are contained in a large folio of 347 pages of closely- 
 written matter, transcribed at the expense of Dean Dobbs about 17S5. Tlie 
 Irish Municipal Commissioners were informed that the original documents were 
 used by M'Skimin when writing his History 0/ Carrickfergus, and never re- 
 turned. Dean Dobbs's transcript has been kindly lent to the Editor by Mr. G. 
 M'Auliffe, J. P. The importance of Carrickfergus as a residence of the gentry con- i 
 tinned into this present century. It was considered on a par with Lisburn in this i 
 respect, Belfast being regarded by these towns as merely a mart for trade ; but the ' 
 transfer of the Assizes put an end to their social superiority. Some of the 
 ancient houses in the town are of much interest. The former post office con- 
 tains a room hung with old painted canvas depicting hunting- scenes in which 
 the gallant Lord Blakeney, defender of Minorca, and buried in Westminster 
 Abbey, 1761, appears. Into this room a lady recently deceased was taken as a 
 child to see one of the beautiful Misses Gunning, then on her way to England. 
 In Farquhar's "Twin Rivals," brought out at Drury Lane in 1703, a servant is 
 
320 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 jocularly asked by his master his opinion of London. " For dear joy," is his 
 reply, "'tis the bravest place I have sheen in my peregrinations exshepting 
 my nown brave shitty of Carrick-Vergus." 
 
 By the Lord Deputy and Council 
 Wentworth, 
 
 Whereas Richard Sperpoint Mayor of the Corporation of Knockfergus Edward 
 Johnson and John Hall Sheriffs of the said Corporation and the Burgesses and Commonalty 
 thereof have been humble Suitors unto Us the Lord Deputy and others his Majesty's Com- 
 mittees for his Highnesses Revenues, to accept and take from them for and to the Use of his 
 most Excellent Majesty our Sovereign Lord Charles by the Grace of God of England Scotland 
 ffrance and Ireland King Defender of the ffaith &c his Heirs and Successors a good and 
 Sufficient Surrender to be made in one form of Law of the third part of all and singular the 
 Customs as well great as small to be divided into three parts And all and Singular Sums of 
 Money to them due and payable for and concerning the Customs of any Wares Merchandizes 
 whatsoever from time to time brought or carried into the Port of Knockfergus aforesaid or 
 into any other Port, Bay or Creek belonging or Adjacent to the said Tow n of Knockfergus and 
 being betwixt the Sound of Faire Furlongs in the County of Antrim and the Beerlomes in the 
 County of Down and of for and concerning the Customs of all Wares and Merchandizes what- 
 soever from time to time shipped laden or exported or to be shipped laden or exported of from 
 or out of the said Port or Haven of Knockfergus or of or out of any other Haven Bay Creek 
 or any other place within the Sound of ffaire ffurlongs and Beerloomes aforesaid or from any 
 one or any of them And that in consideration of the said Surrender so to be made We the 
 Lord Deputy and Council would be pleased that they the said Mayor Sheriffs Burgesses and 
 Commonalty of Knockfergus aforesaid might have and receive of his Majesty the Sum of three 
 thousand pounds to be bestowed and employed in the purchasing of Lands for and to the Use 
 benefit and behoof of them and their Successors and to none other Use" "We therefore having 
 taken the premises and the long &- faithful Services done to the Crown by the said corporation 
 into consideration and being desirous by all just and honourable ways and means to advance 
 and augment the public Utility profit and Revenues of the said Corporation are contented and 
 pleased And do hereby Order and appoint that the said sum of three thousand pounds shall 
 within two Months next after such Surrender made and perfected be paid unto and deposited 
 in the hands of Arthm- Chichester Esq'" Arthur Hill Esq" and Roger Lyndon Gent, to be by 
 them disposed of and employed to and for the Use of the said corporation until the said Sum 
 of three thousand pounds shall be disposed of and laid out and employed by the said Mayor 
 Sheriffs Burgesses iTc Commonalty or the more part of them for the buying purchasing and 
 acquiring Lands for and to the IJse of the said Corporation which Lands so to be purchased 
 and acquired We do Ordain and require that be from time to time employed for 
 
 the best benefit of the said Corporation without making any Alienation or Estate thereof other 
 than for the Term of one and twenty Years and for Valuable Rents to be reserved to the said 
 Corporation, Except it be by special License from the I^ord Deputy or other chief Governor or 
 Governors of this Kingdom and council for the time being Given at his Majestys Castle of 
 Dublin the first of ffebruary 1637 Adam Loftus Cone! Adam Loftus G. Lowlhcr Jo: Borlase 
 Geo: Radcliffe Ro: Meredith ( Carrickfcrgus Records A/SS.J 
 
 p. 63. Mr. Teag O'Hara 
 
 Head of the old Irish family so long resident at Crebilly, Co. Antrim. 
 (See 0'//ar/'s Irish Pedigrees.) He died about 1660, leaving four sons, one 
 named Oliver in compliment to the Protector. His grand-nephew, Henry 
 O'Hara, married the daughter of Dr. Hutchison, Bishop of Down and 
 Connor. Joy's MS. notes — " loth Geo. ist. an act passed to enable Charles 
 O'Hara of Creabilly to sell part of his estate to pay off his debts, and on the 
 8th April 1733 John O'Neill and Robert Dahvay trustees sold off the Rooie part 
 of said estate to George Macartney, Belfast, who gave them 20 years purchase 
 for them. Part of these lands was called the Castle Quarter of Loughguile. 
 The castle had been the .Savages." (See The Savages of the Ards., iSSS.) Colonel 
 Robert Venables wrote "The e.xperienced Angler; or Angling improved: being 
 a general Discourse of Angling." London, 1662. (Loicndes, Bib. Man..,wo\.\v. 
 p. 1861.) 
 p. 65. Mr. Essex Digby 
 
 Nephew of the Countess of Donegall (Lady Mary Digby), and Incumbent 
 of the parish under the Commonwealth. Afterwards Bishop of Dromore ; died 
 1683. Dr. Alexander Colville's life is given in Hill's Montgomery MSS. He 
 resided at Galgorm Castle, now the property of the Rt. Hon. John Young. For 
 a curious popular tradition of his dealings with the evil one, see Diihlin Penny 
 Journal, vol. ii. Edmund Yeo was a nephew of Henry Le Squire, and town 
 clerk of Carrickfergus. John Orpin was a pewterer in Carrickfergus " of a mean 
 descent, the way he came to improve his fortune was by being one of the 
 Executors of the Lady Langford, by which he got considerable, but not justly." 
 (M'Skimin.) 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 32 1 
 
 p. 68. Sciant presentes et futuri 
 
 The original Latin of this and the entries on pp. lo8, 156, and 158 is very 
 much contracted. The Rt. Rev. Wm. Reeves, D.D., P. R.I. A., Bishop of Down 
 and Connor and Dromore, has most kindly transcribed them in cxienso, and 
 supplied the translations. 
 
 Be it known to those who are & shall be that we Richard Hunt of Henerichellyni, 
 in the County of .Surrey, yeoman, and John Hunte, son and next heir of me the saiil 
 Richard Hunte, have given and granted, and by this our present charter, have confirmed 
 to John Helhows of Walton on Thames in the County of Surrey aforesaid, yeoman, in 
 consideration of a certain sum of money duly paid and satisfied at the sealing of the 
 presents, all that our parcel or piece of ground called Buryguston, lying and being in 
 Walton aforesaid, which parcel or piece of ground to wit, contains as estimated six acres 
 of land be they more or less, and abuts on a certain enclosure of one Richard Bernard on 
 the south side, and on the commons of Walton aforesaid on the east side, to have, hold, 
 and enjoy the said parcel or piece of ground with its appurtenances to the said John 
 Helhowse, his heirs and assigns, to hold for ever of the Lords in Chief the fee thereof by 
 the services thence due, and of right accustomed. And accordingly we, the aforesaid 
 Richard and John Hunt will guarantee for ever, and by these presents will secure the said 
 parcel of land with its appurtenances to the afore named John Helhowse, his heirs and 
 assigns against all folk whatsoever. Be it known moreover that we the aforesaid Fiichard 
 and John Hunt have made, ordained, constituted, and on our behalf have appointed our 
 beloved in Christ, Thomas Mowld, yeoman, our true, trusty, and lawful attorney to 
 enter, on our behalf, in our stead and names, upon the said parcel or piece of land with its 
 appurtenances, and take lawful and peaceable possession and seizin, thereof, after posses- 
 sion of the same and the seizin thereof thus taken and held, and thereupon for us, in our 
 behalf and names, to deliver full, lawful and peaceable possession and seizin of and in the 
 premises with the appurtenances to the aforesaid John Helhows, his heirs and assigns for 
 ever, according to the force, form, and effect of this our present charter, and to esteem as 
 final and our pleasure all and sundry that our said attorney shall do or cause to be done 
 in the premises. In testimony whereof we have afSxed our seal to this our present charter. 
 Given on the 6th day of March in the 3d and 4th ye.ars of the reigns of Philip and Mary 
 by the grace of God, of England, Spain, France, both Sicilys and Ireland, King and 
 Queen, Defender of the faith, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Milan, and 
 Brabant, Count of Hapsburg, Flanders, and Tyrol ; so that the aforesaid John Helhowse, 
 his heirs, and assigns, do for ever pay or cause to be paid to the aforenamed Richard and 
 John Hunt, their heirs and assigns for ever year by year at the feast of Michael the Arch- 
 angel on lawful demand. 
 
 The instatement and seizin with the lawful and peaceable 
 possession were taken and delivered the day and year as 
 below, according to the tenor, force, form, and effect of this 
 present charter, in the presence of 
 
 Richard Woodclerk, Tristram Woodclerk, Thomas 
 Woodclerk, Thomas Dalley, Thomas Greentree, 
 Richard Clerk, John Clerk, and others worthy of 
 credit, 
 p. 72. Edw Reynell 
 
 The annexed pedigree of the Reynell family has been kindly supplied by 
 Rev. Wm. Reynell, B.D., Henrietta Street, Dublin. 
 
 This family, originally of Norman origin, was at first seated in Cambridgeshire, and 
 had estates there, as also in Yorkshire and Somersetshire. During the absence of 
 Richard I. in the Crusades, Sir Richard Reynell, of Pyttney, in Somersetshire, was con- 
 stituted by that monarch custodian of the castles of Exeter and Launceston. Walter 
 Reynell, seventh in direct descent from Sir Richard, married in 1395 Margery, daughter 
 and heiress of William Stighull, of East Ogwell, County of Devon, by his wife, eldest 
 daughter and heiress of Robert de Malston. The family then migrated into Devonshire, 
 where it flourished for many generations. Prince, in his Worthies of Devon, mentions 
 many members of it. 
 
 Edmund Reynell, second son of Edmund Reynell, of Malston, by Ann, daughter of 
 Lewis Hatch, of Allan, both in Devonshire, was thirteenth in direct lineal descent from 
 the first-mentioned Sir Richard. He came to Ireland with his kinsman Sir Arthur 
 Chichester, and (with other scions of Devonshire houses) settled at Malone, near Belfast. 
 He married Mary Fortescue, and had, with other children, a son Edward, a Free 
 
 Burgess and Sovereign of Belfast, who married Katherine , and had a son Edniond. 
 
 Edmond Reynell married Hannah Dobbyn. He was a Sir Clerk in Chancery (Ireland), 
 and acquired estates in Westmeath and other parts of Ireland. He died in February, 
 1698-9, and was buried in the vaults of St. Michan's, Dublin. Mr. Reynell left, with 
 other children, two sons, Arthur and Richard. 
 
f 
 
 322 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Arthur Reynell was of Castle Reynell, Co. Westmeath, of which county he was 
 sheriff in 1718 and 1727. He married Elizabeth Cooke, of Cookesboro', in the same 
 county, and had issue two sons and nine daughters. He died 1735. Edmond Reynell 
 succeeded. He served sheriff for Westmeath in 1745, and for Longford in 1746. He 
 died unmarried in 1767, and was succeeded by his brother John, who served as sheriff for 
 Westmeath in 1779, and died in 1792. By Catherine, his wife, second daughter and 
 heiress of William Ludlow, he left issue two sons and six daughters. William Reynell, 
 of Castle Reynell, the eldest son, Lieutenant-Colonel Royal Irish Fencibles, married Jane, 
 daughter of Sir William Montgomery, Bart. He died 5th May, 1S29, aged 76, having 
 sold Castle Reynell to James Gibbons. Barbara, his third daughter, married John, 
 third Earl of Donoughmore, and had an only son, William, who died unmarried, and 
 three daughters, two of whom still survive. 
 
 Richard Reynell, second son of Edmond Reynell, was captain in a regiment of horse. 
 He married Dorcas Cooke, of Cookesboro', Co. Westmeath, and had issue fourteen 
 children. From him descend the families of Reynella, Co. of Westmeath, now represented 
 by Mrs. Balfour, of Townley Hall, Co. Louth ; of Killynon, Co. of Westmeath, now 
 represented by Richard Reynell ; and of Ballinalack, Co. of Westmeath, now represented 
 by Cooke Reynell. 
 
 Richard Reynell, of Killynon, married in 1S75 Louisa Aima Smyth (she died 1881), 
 and has a son Richard, born 1S79. 
 
 Arms — Argent, masonry sable, a chief indented of second. Crest — A fox passant, or. 
 Supporters (as antiently borne) — Two fo.xes. Motto — " Murus aheneus esto," and (over 
 the crest) " Indubitata fides." 
 
 p. 77. John Correy 
 
 The present Earl of Belmore, G.C.iNLG., &c., &c., Castle Coole, County 
 Fermanagh, is the seventh in descent from this former freeman of the town 
 (see p. 254}, through his great-granddaughter, Sarah Corry, wife of Galbraith 
 Lowry-Corry, M.P., and mother of Armar, first Earl of lielrnore. In the year 
 1656 John Corr)' purchased the Manor and Lordship of Castle Coole, where 
 he died about i58l-6. The token issued by him when a merchant in Belfast 
 is described in Vol. iv. of the Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, append, 
 iv., p. XXX.; a good example is in the Benn collection, Belfast Museum. It 
 is stated in an old MS. History of Fermanagh, quoted by Lord Belmore in 
 his valuable "Parliamentary Memoirs of Fermanagh and Tyrone,'' that "the 
 family of Corry was formerly remarkable in Scotland for their vallour by y* 
 frequent warrs which sometimes happened betweene England and Scotland ; and 
 beareth for their Coate of Arms, Argent a saltire Couped Gules, etc." John Corry, 
 Hugh Eccles, and other Belfast merchants were concerned in a Chancery bill 
 anent the will of Archibald Moore, which his mother disputed. She said that 
 John Corry and his wife had been of a long and familiar acquaintance with her 
 son, but his widow successfully proved the will as shown by the entry made by 
 the town clerk (p. 72). John Corry ceased all connection with Belfast in 1656, 
 and was High Sheriff of Fermanagh in 1666. A fine old silver tankard, with 
 the English Hall-mark 16S1, belonged to him, and is now preserved at Castle 
 Coole. From photographs kindly sent by Lord Belmore, it appears to be of 
 superior workmanship, with the arms of its original owner engraved on the 
 side in the style of the period. 
 
 p. 79. Verses 
 
 These doggerel lines are in the autograph of the town clerk of that time. 
 In Anderson's valuable "Catalogue of Early Belfast Printed Books" there is 
 mentioned under date 1795, " Popular Ballads preserved in Memory." This 
 very scarce collection is formed of ballads taken down from local recollection at 
 that time, and composed in the middle of the 17th and beginning of the i8th 
 centuries. One entitled " Kirk and Covenant" bears internal evidence of being 
 written about 1660. It begins thus — 
 
 " Och, and alas, a well a day. 
 Sin' now our hands we wring. 
 We're slaughtered, murder'd, made a prey, 
 A sad and dolefu' thing. 
 They who 'tofore, did drone and roar, 
 
 Are now begun to rant. 
 And now they pray, the live long day, 
 Wae worth the Covenant." 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 323 
 
 p. 94. Michaell Biggar 
 
 it 
 W 
 
 cf'^^ ^^ 
 
 :^ SEAL 
 
 -7- 
 
 OF 
 
 A799 
 
 
 "'ATt^V 
 
 ^ 
 
 THE family of Bigger is one of the few in Belfast of 
 which members still exist after the lapse of 250 years. 
 Three brothers came over from Nithsdale, in Scotland, 
 about the year 1640, and settled in Belfast, and also at 
 ^ „„-^-^^,-^ ,, , Biggerstown, now Hightown, in the parish of Carnmoney. 
 >p\»7^^?f\v^^.' The trade tokens of Michael and James are given here- 
 with. These brothers were "Commissioners" for the old 
 Presbyterian Church adjoining the North Gate. John and 
 Michael Bigger were enrolled as freemen in 1654. Other 
 notices of the family occur through the book. An entry 
 close to the old Market House in High .Street was long 
 known as " Bigger's Entry," and had formerly been the 
 entrance to the family residence, which was built at some distance from the 
 street ; subsequently premises were added in front, which remained in the 
 occupation of the family till 1830. At Biggerstown the whole district was in 
 their possession at one period, and they still own a considerable portion. The 
 will of Michael Bigger was made at Edinburgh in 1674, and is subjoined as a 
 curious survival of the Scotch element. John Bigger, who had the interesting 
 document on p. 140 recorded, left by his will, in 1721, 20 shillings to the poor of 
 
 the parish, "to be paid to each of them as y' Rev 
 
 Mr fflctcher shall think most fitt." The will of 
 Michael Bigger, yeoman, 1718, 
 states — " Imprimis I leave all 
 my body cloaths Linen and 
 wooling e.xcept a ticken vest 
 and brickes to — and my chat- 
 tels to be roped or sold by 
 Publick Cant at a convenient 
 time after may decess at the 
 discretion of my exact' and 
 overseear." James Bigger was 
 one of the earliest volunteers, 
 and a Delegate at Dungannon 
 
 in 1782. William Bigger and his son Mathew worked 
 a woollen factory at Biggerstown, being subsidised by 
 the Irish Parliament. The latter was a colonel on the Irish side at the Battle 
 of Antrim, and his friends were well represented there. David Bigger started 
 the Carnmoney Cotton Printing Mill about iSoo, now the Mossley Mills ; he 
 was an original governor of the Academical Institution, and also a founder of 
 the Linen Hall Library. His name is annexed to the Resolutions presented 
 to the Irish Parliament about 1790 in favour of the Roman Catholics, and he 
 was an United Irishman. His son, the late Joseph Bigger, of Ardrie, Belfast, 
 has left the following sons ; — H. J. Bigger, Surgeon-Major S. F. Bigger, M.D., 
 India, W. C. Bigger, F. C. Bigger, E. C. Bigger, M.D., and F. J. Bigger, solicitor. 
 The late Joseph Bigger, Trainfield, was a wealthy merchant and chainnan of the 
 Ulster Bank ; and the recent death of his son, Joseph Gillis Bigger, M.P., was 
 much regretted by his countrymen. W. F. Bigger, J. P., D.L., left Belfast and 
 settled in Derr>', his family are — J. Edgar Bigger, W. G. Bigger, M.D., and 
 C. J. Bigger, of the Foyle Shipyard, the late Prof J. L. Bigger, M.A., was his 
 eldest son. There are also others of the name in and about Belfast. 
 
 Will of Michael Bigger, 1674. 
 At Edinburgh the Twentie sext day of June, I m vj c'. Three scoir ITouretein yeares. 
 I Michael Bigger of Belfast Merchant — in the keingdome of Ireland. Being for the 
 present seek in body but perfyte in memorie and Judgment. And being most willing to 
 setle my wordlie affaires. Thairfore I nominal and appo)^! my weill beloved spouse, 
 Agnes .Stewart my only exerix and universal intromissatrix with my haill goods, geir, 
 chattel insight and plennishing debts and sonmes of money adebted and restand att and 
 to me be itsomever maner of way with power to her to give up inventar y'-of enter and 
 confirme the same lykas. I leive and appoynt the two third pairts of my free goods and 
 geir more nor payes my just debts to be divydit amongist my children be the advyce of 
 Thomas Stewart of Belfast Merchant my brother-in-law and that my said spouse with his 
 
 BRASS SEAL OF MATHEW 
 BIGGER, BALLW ASTON. 
 
 BADGE OF THE UNITED 
 IRISHMEN. 
 
324 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 advyce shall proportione and divyde the samyne amongest my said children as they shall 
 find caus and convenient and sichlj-ke I nominat and appoynt the said Agnes Stewart my 
 said spouse and the said Thomas Stewart her brother Tutors, testamentars to my said 
 children during yr pupillarite and less age and administrators to them for guiding and 
 govering their persones and estaits during the tyme foresaid. This my Letter will and 
 testa to all and sundrie whom it concernes I notifie and make knowin. In Witness y-of 
 thir putts (wrytten be Andrew Anthone sctivitor to Mr James ^yeir wrytter to his Maties 
 signet) I have subscrybed the same with my hand and seall Before their witness, AUane 
 Corbet of Ililburrow merchant the said Mr James Weir and the said Andrew Anthone 
 wrytten heirof day moneth and year of God forsaid 
 Allan Corbett witnes Andrew Anthone witness 
 
 James Weir, witness 
 
 Michael Bigger seal 
 
 p. 100. Towne Hall 
 
 In the view of High Street in 1786, reproduced on p. 100 from the original 
 drawing (and inserted by the courtesy of Mi-. Olley), the old building, with its 
 quaint cupola and arched openings, is clearly depicted, standing at the corner 
 of High Street and Corn Market now occupied by Forster Green & Co. Like 
 most market houses of the time, the ground floor or "sellers" was used for store 
 and weigh-house, the upper rooms, to which access was obtained by the "stayres," 
 served as the meeting-place of the old Corporation and for public assemblies in 
 later times. An old lady still living at the age of 104 informs the Editor that 
 she has a distinct recollection of seeing the last blackened heads that were 
 Spiked on the parapet of the Market House. They are thus referred to in the 
 %reii)s-Lctler of August 17, 179S : — "The heads of Dickey, Storey, and Byers 
 lave been taken off the market house by order of general Nugent where they 
 l-ere placed on spikes." At this time it was used for the sittings of courts- 
 ;artial; those arrested for such offences as being found in the streets after nine 
 clock p.m. were confined in a basement which extended under the rere portion, 
 'r. RolDert Young, C.E., saw a little Gothic oak window, almost at the ground 
 Itvel, brought to light when Grattan & Co. removed their premises in 1868. 
 Small red bricks similar to those used in the Castle, with some sandstone dres- 
 sings, formed the walls. "His Majestys arms" gave dignity to the High st 
 front, from which also projected the clock, whose dial fell in 1739, breaking a 
 mans thigh. In the Roll of Freemen under 26 Sept 1667 Thomas Orpin 
 glasier is admitted, the fee of ten shillings to be clone in work, no doubt at the 
 market house. On 22 Sept 16S1, John Chruchley plasterer was admitted with- 
 out a fee, but he was "to mend ye markett house." The only relic now existing 
 of its former splendour is the bell, which is of bell metal, with a rough iron 
 clapper, capable, however, of bringing out a fine tone. On an ornamental band 
 is the date 1761 in raised figures. The extreme width and height arc the same, 
 viz., 22 inches. After much inquiry it was found and identified at the old Holy- 
 wood Lighthouse, where the Editor saw it by the kindness of the Harbour 
 Commissioners, to whom it was presented by Lord Donegall after the demolition 
 of the market house. 
 
 p. 102. Mallon ffall and dunmury and part of the parish of Coole 
 
 These districts were mainly peopled by Lord Chichester's tenants from 
 Devonshire. Mr. W. F. JNI'Kinney, Sentry Hill, Carnmoney, kindly supplied a 
 copy of the receipt printed herewith. 
 
 "Received from the Parish of Carmoney (by the Hand of Mr William Russel) Si.x 
 Pounds Sixteen Shillings & Si.x pence Ster: being the contribution of said Parish toward 
 the Expences laid out by me in New Roofing & Repairing the Market House of Belfast. 
 £(>:\i>:(> Received this 21st Sept' 1770. Rob' Joy. 
 
 p. 108. Omnibus et singulis 
 
 To all and singular, Justices, Wards of the peace, and Mayors, Aldermen, Sovereigns, 
 Bailifls, Constables, Officiaries, Ministers, and loyal subjects of the Sovereign Lord that 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 325 
 
 now is, to whom this present writ shall come, — Robert Bindlos, Baronet, Mayor of the 
 borough or town of Lancaster in the county of Lancaster, William Townson and Giles 
 Hoysham, gentlemen, Bailifis of the same borough or town, — Health in the Lord ever- 
 lasting ; We do you to wit that the town and borough of Lancaster aforesaid is an ancient 
 borough, and that all the Burgesses of that borough have, enjoy, and possess, and as far 
 as the memory of man reaches, have never done otherwise than have, enjoy, and possess, 
 the liberty, privilege and immunity to be relieved and exempt from all toll, passage, 
 pontage, stallage, pannage, tonnage, lastage, as also from all other exactions and demands 
 whatsoever for all their goods, merchandises, bought or sold, through the whole kingdom 
 of England, also through all seaports, and islands, cities, ports, and towns of Ireland, 
 Wales, and Man ; also that the Lord James, late King of England, Scotland, France, and 
 Ireland, by his Letters patents, under his great seal of England, granted and confirmed to 
 his Burgesses and his borough aforesaid, and their successors for ever, the liberties, 
 privileges and immunities aforesaid agreeably to the tenor of divers Charters of the pro- 
 genitors and predecessors of the said Lord the King, and to the same Burgesses and their 
 predecessors granted from the time of King John formerly monarch of this kingdom of 
 England, and lately confirmed by the most excellent prince our Lord, Charles the Second, 
 now King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland ; and to the same Burgesses and 
 their successors by his Letters Patents, as well under his great seal of England as under 
 the seal of his Ducliy of Lancaster, according as in the same Letters Patents and the 
 charters remaining in the possession of the aforesaid Burgesses, more largely is contained 
 and appears. 'Which things above recited we not only testify to you by the tenor of the 
 presents, and further that one William Veates was admitted and sworn a Burgess, and for 
 the period of thirteen years now last past has been admitted and sworn to the Liberties of 
 the same borough or town of Lancaster : To wit, he was admitted and sworn as is 
 alleged in and on the ninth day of October in the year one thousand six hundred and fifty- 
 two. Wherefore we the aforesaid Mayor and Bailifis do in particular ask that when the said 
 William Yeates or his servants shall come to cities, towns, ports or other places within the 
 kingdom of England, or to ports and islands of Ireland, Wales, or Man with their goods 
 or merchandises, they be relieved and free from all Toll, passage (in English tlirough 
 toll), pontage, stallage, pondage, tunnage, lastage, and other exactions and demands 
 whatsoever, according to the grant of said Lord the King and his progenitors as above 
 recited. In testimony whereof we have set the seal of the aforesaid borough or town to 
 these presents the fifth day of February in the eighteenth year of the reign of our Lord 
 Charles the Second, by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France, and 
 Ireland, Defender of the faith, in the year of the Lord 1665. 
 
 p. 117. The course of the backwater ^ 
 
 This was the tail race coming from the Manor Mill across Smithfield, which % / 
 
 was probably called so from smitJtiies erected on its course. In 1761 complaints J ^ 
 
 were n'iMe' of the danger caused by horses sent up to be watered in North ^ if 
 
 Street, no doubt at this conduit. The new plantation was situated at the foot of 
 Waring Street (called after the Sovereign), on the line of Corporation Street. 
 The houses were small, with thatched roofs, and divided into the Fore and Back 
 Plantation in the map of 1788. 
 
 p. 121. The new Dock or River up to the sluces 
 
 This new Cutt River, as it is termed on Phillips' map, extended from the 
 Lagan to the sea bank, beside the Castle Gardens, and crossed the Blackstaff 
 estuary. Mr. C. H. Brett's valuable " Notes on the Topography of Old Belfast," 
 read before the Belfast Literary Society, describe this fully. 
 
 p. 129. Arthur Earle of Donnegall 
 
 1st Earl, see p. 227. As there was no Registry of Deeds till Queen Anne's 
 reign, Wills, &c., were often enrolled in Town Books for preservation. 
 
 p. 134. ye old kea or wharfe be inlarged 
 
 On Phillips' map some ships are shown in the lower part of the High 
 Street river, close to two long one-story buildings situated below the church. 
 These were probably the "new stone houses of George Macartney and Henry 
 ThoiTison," used as warehouses only, as Macartney's dwelling-house, mentioned 
 in his will with garden, meadow, &c., was near his mills. 
 
 p. 136. Halberts 
 
 The old night watchmen, before 1842, were called by various nicknames — I- 
 
 as hornies, bulkies, and charlies, the latter from the reign in which they were | 
 
 introduced. They were armed with halberts, and had a wooden rattle or crake, { 
 
326 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 Belfast Ticket, c. 1730, showing market 
 house and bridge. 
 
 p. 138. y^ great bridge 
 
 This must have been one of the upper bridges over the High Street river, 
 if the measurement of about 200 Irish perches from the Tuck mill dam be 
 correct. It was the fourth mill ascending the stream, and is now occupied by 
 the Clonard Works. The bridge may have been that opposite the market 
 house, supposed by Benn to be depicted on the famous " Belfast Ticket," of 
 
 which the unique original is in the Benn 
 collection, Belfast Museum, but it probably 
 represents the western end of the Long 
 Bridge. The wooden pipes are still occa- 
 j sionally dug up, in fair preservation ; some 
 exhibit the iron ferules inserted at the 
 faucit to prevent the spigot breaking them. 
 The Editor has one about 8 feet long by 
 9 inches diameter, with a bore of 3 inches. 
 Native alder and pine were used at first, 
 then Norway poles, whilst square balks were 
 found at Lord Donegall's house, now the Royal Hotel. Cork only got pipe- 
 water in 1761, when Ducart (of canal fame) received £2^ "for taking the level of 
 the river Lee and drawing several plans of waterworks." (Tow)i Book of Cork.) 
 
 p. 138. Capt Rob' Leathes 
 
 He was agent to the Donegall estate, and connected with the Lewis family, 
 as shown by the following pedigree, kindly drawn up by Miss Lewis, Nettlefield. 
 Two extracts from his diary, preserved in Joy's MS., are subjoined. "My 
 family and servants with those of another gentleman sailed for Port Glasgow 
 in consequence of the tiines, 1697, at Pesley (Paisley) saw 3 warlocks and 4 
 witches burned. 1690. Oct 7. In the morning about a quarter of an hour 
 after seven o'clock, there was an Earth quake in Belfast, shaking houses to the 
 amazement of the Inhabitants, not usual in this place but one above 40 years 
 since. I found it in the lowest room of my house, leaning upon the window at 
 the time. 1 first believed it to be a giddiness in my head, till comparing with 
 others who fealt the same." W. Sacheverell notes in 1698 — "The new pottery 
 is a pretty curiosity, set up by Mr. Smith the present Sovereign and his prede- 
 cessor. Captain Leathes, a man of great ingenuity." The ware was similar to 
 Rouen, of which large quantities were imported here — a shoe in blue and white 
 is at Nettlefield, another dated 1724 is figured, (/eweti's Ceramic Art, Vol. II.) 
 At Nettlefield is still preserved the Oak Punchbowl " presented to Robert 
 Leathes, Sovereign of Belfast and Agent to the Earl of Donegall, in the year 
 1690, it having been in the Donegall Family for upwards of loo years previous." 
 His portrait is given on p. 139, reduced from that in MS. 
 Pedigree showing connections of the Lewis Family with Belfast Sovereigns. 
 John Leathes, Sov. 1638, 1655 
 
 Wm. Leathes, Sov., 1645, 1657, 1658, 1659 
 
 Robt. Leathes, Sov. 1686-87-88-89-90, 1714 
 
 Leathes m. William Byrtt, Town Clerk 
 
 \ 
 
 William Byrtt, = Juliana Dorcas 
 Town Clerk 1774, I Daugh. of Jas. Lewis, 
 Died 23rd Mar., 1788 | Sovereign 
 
 William Byrtt, 
 Army Surgeon, I 
 Died in Belfast 1845 | 
 
 Harriet, 
 Daughter of 
 James Lewis 
 
 Dorcas 
 
 married 
 ist, Francis Thetford, I and, James Gurner, 
 Sovereign 1681 | Sovereign 1715-16 
 
 Edward Thetford 
 
 Charles Lewis, 
 from Hindwall, Rad- 
 norshire, d. about 1730 
 
 I 
 Dorcas Gurner 
 
 James Lewis, - 
 
 Sarah Orr, 
 
 Born 1717, 
 
 Daughter of 
 
 Died at Earl's Grove, 
 
 Alexander Orr 
 
 Sovereign 1773, '77 
 
 
 Juliana Dorcas 
 
 James Lewis, 
 
 married Wm. Byrtt, 
 
 Born at Earl's Grove, 
 
 Town Clerk. 
 
 married Elizabeth M. 
 
 
 Bellamy, daughter of 
 
 
 Richard Bellamy, 
 
 
 Mus. Doc. 
 
 Frederick H. Lewis, 
 Mayor, 1854, 1869 
 
 M. Montgomery, 
 
 Daughter of 
 Dr. Montgomery 
 Rev. W. LI, Lewis. 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 327 
 
 p. 152. Ad Curiam Publicam 
 
 At a Public Court, held on the 20th clay of May, in the thirty-fifth year of the reign 
 of His Majesty Charles the Second, and in the year of our Lord [one thousand] six hundred 
 and eighty-three, in presence of Louis Thomson, Sovereign of the aforesaid town, W. E. 
 was elected and constituted [a Burgess] by the general consent of the whole court. In 
 testimony whereof the said Sovereign subscribed these presents, and caused the common 
 seal of the said town to be attached thereto, the day and year above written. 
 
 p. 154. S' William ffrancklin 
 
 Of Mavorne, Beds. He married the widow of 1st Earl of Donegall (p. 227). 
 
 p. 155. provide a cupple of poles 
 
 Fires were numerous in the old boroughs, full of cage-work houses, with thatched 
 roofs. In 1622 nearly 1500 houses were burnt in Cork, where a law was passed to remove 
 all thatch under a penalty of £a,o (Town Book of Cork). In one of the thatched 
 cottages still left in Frederic Street, Lord Edward Fitzgerald lay concealed a month in 1 798. 
 
 p. 156. Jacobus Secundus Dei Gratia 
 
 James the Second, by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland 
 King, Defender of the Faith, &c- To the Sheriff of Antrim greeting — We command you 
 that you fail not, by reason of liberty in your Bailiwick, to enter the same, and by honest 
 and lawful men, and serve an injunction upon the Sovereign, Free Burgesses, and Common 
 Burgesses of Belfast in the county aforesaid to appear before the Barons of our Exchequer, 
 at the King's Courts, Dublin, on the fifteenth day after Easter next ensuing, to declare to 
 us By what warrant, right, or title they claim to have, use, and enjoy the liberties, 
 privileges, and franchises following, — to wit, that they be of themselves one body corporate 
 and politick in substance, act, and name, under the name of "the .Sovereign, Free Bur- 
 gesses, and Common Burgesses de Belfast," and by said name to plead and implead, to 
 sue and be sued, and to have the power of sending two Burgesses to attend Parliament, 
 and to hold a Court of Record ; which franchises, liberties and privileges it appears the 
 aforesaid Sovereign Free Burgesses and Common Burgesses aforesaid have, for the space 
 of one year now last passed, and longer, usurped and do still usurp, in defiance of Us, and 
 to the grievous injury and manifest hindrance of our Royal prerogative, as in a certain 
 Information against the said Sovereign, Free Burgesses and Common Burgesses of Belfast 
 in the said county, to exhibit by our Attorney-General, who on our behalf sues, more fully 
 is set forth and appears. And further to receive what our Barons thereupon may cause to 
 be done and which of right and agreeably to the laws and customs of our said ICingdom of 
 Ireland ought to be done. And further, that there and then you have the name, and by 
 whom they e.\ercise jurisdiction, and the brief. As witness Henry Hene our Chief Baron 
 of our said Exchequer, at the King's Courts aforesaid, the 12th day of February, the third 
 year of our reign. Barry 
 
 John Nethercott, Deputy Remembrancer of the Treasurer. 
 As a contemporary writer says — 
 
 "He shall new model .all the Nation 
 From College unto Corporation ; 
 To former plights he shall transplant us, 
 By Maadat!, Briefs, and Quo Warranto s." f Irish Hudibras, ibSg. ) 
 
 p. 167. (styl'angl') I 
 
 The legafl yrar-m-Er;gland began 25th March till 1753. In Scotland it began on 1st I 
 January from 1600. The Town Book followed the latter. j 
 
 p. 168. these things belonging to the Towne 
 
 The Charter and Town Seal alone survive. All efforts to trace the old weights and 
 measures proved fruitless. "The great ordinary measure shall be a sive of 24 gallons." 
 { Town Book of Youghal. ) 
 
 p. 170. five dozen of clift boards 
 
 The meaning of "clift boards" in this connection is not clear, unless it may {' 
 be taken as a private term to denote money, known to both parties. The post- I 
 
 script "it would be better yn Irish money" would then be intelligible. ( 
 
 p. 171. the market 
 
 As Benn's History treats of the markets, little need be added here. The 
 Countess of Longford was Ann, daughter of ist Earl of Donegall (pp. 131, 227). 
 The district mentioned includes all Castle Place, into which opened the upper 
 Castle gate, both sides of High Street, as far down as the dock at Skipper Street, 
 and all Bridge Street. The Stone Bridge was opposite Bridge Street, and may 
 
328 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 have been built by Hugh Eccles in 1664. In 1738, Robert Willis, formerly Latin 
 schoolmaster, intimates that he now keeps shop opposite the Stone Bridge, 
 next door to the Post Office. In i860, at the making of a new sewer through 
 High Street, the ancient level of the footpath was found to be 3 feet below present 
 surface. By the kindness of Mr. James McGee, the Editor has the large collection 
 of local tokens, iScc, acquired by the late J. G. McGee at the time. ( Ulster Jour. 
 I Arc/i., ix. p. 113.) In News-Letter, Dec. 22, 1761, is the notice, '"Next Friday 
 
 A, I being Christmas Day, the Margymore or great Mai'ket of Belfast will be held on 
 
 I I Thursday next." 
 
 p. 172. A Coppy of the Charter 
 
 The original in Latin is preserved at the Town Hall. This copy was made 
 to precede the recapitulation of all the Corporate bye-laws, which was found 
 necessary at this time, as the originals were difficult to read, full of erasures and 
 interhneations, and scattered. Joseph Smyth published an English version of 
 the Charter in 181 2. 
 
 p. 187. ye New Bridge 
 i This was the Long Bridge, which was commenced in 1682, and completed 
 
 I just in time to be seriously damaged by the passage of Schonbcrg's artillery. 
 ,■; Thompson's engraving gives a faithful view of this historic structure in 1823. 
 In the Belfast Museum are preserved two Scrabo sandstone 
 blocks which were built into the bridge close to each other. 
 Each is about 19 inches high by 11 inches across. One bears 
 a coat of arms, — on a bend, between 3 mullets, 3 cinquefoils ; 
 the other has the annexed inscription sunk in angular letters. 
 If " Mr. Chades bridge" was not one of the small bridges 
 across the High Street river which was to be cleaned to 
 "ye neer mill," viz., the Manor Mill at Millfield, it would 
 appear as if the Long Bridge was called after him as the builder, and perhaps 
 architect. In the Hibernian Gazetteer., 1835, the dimensions of the bridge are 
 given. "The whole Bridge is 2562 feet long, of that the 21 arches take up S40, 
 and the dead work 1722, the breadth of the arched part is 22 feet and of the 
 'i whole 19." It was taken down in 1841. 
 
 V p. 188. The humble addresse 
 
 It is noted 9th April, 1696 — " It. That if the Recorder come not here to 
 draw an Ascotiation (m) for this Corporation (to be presented to his Maj^) by to- 
 morrow night, that it be drawn up by .Mr Harrison." ( Town Book of Youghal.) 
 
 p. 190. Thomas Knox 
 
 He purchased a part of the Donegall estate at Dungannon. An ancestor 
 of Lord Ranfurly. 
 
 p. 192. Warham Jemmett 
 
 Formerly collector at Cork, where a bridge was called after him. 
 p. 193. whose names follow 
 
 These are said by Benn not to have been given. 
 p. 195. My Lord Donegall 
 
 He was 3rd Earl, and served under Lord Peterborough in Spain (see p. 228). 
 A plan of Barcelona given in Tindal's Continuation of Rapines Histo>y, London, 
 1744, shows Fort Monjuich, or Mount Joie, as close by the sea, and strongly forti- 
 fied. In the same volume is the map of Belfast al)out 1660, reproduced on p. 80. 
 
 p. 197. The Corporation of Belfast hath power 
 
 The first entry is the same as one supplied to Benn by Rev. Dr. Reeves, 
 with this reference, "A printed Broadsheet bound up in a vol. of old papers in 
 the Primate's Records, and it is endorsed (in Bishop King's handwriting) 
 Belfastes Case, 1703." {History of Belfast, p. 475.) It was no doubt cited as 
 part of the case brought against George Macartney, Sovereign, by the widow of 
 3rd Earl of Donegall, and which he successfully refuted before the House of 
 Commons in 1707. The entry beginning at "Resolved" has reference to this, 
 and is evidently incomplete. 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 329 
 
 p. 199. Councellor Macartney 
 
 This speech seems to be a draft probably composed by the Town Clerk. 
 The reference to Lord Donegall would imply that his death was not known in 
 Belfast, although it occurred on April lo, 1706. 
 
 p. 200. Whereas the Key of the Port 
 
 The Bill for this improvement was not carried till 1729. 
 p. 214. Rob' Green Esq' Constable of the Castle 
 
 He was a lawyer, and the agent for seven years of the Donegall estate, 
 which was managed by Lord Banymore as trustee. Green Street was name' 
 after him. Some of his letters, written about the time he was superseded by 
 the appointment of Thomas Banks early in 1726, contain interesting information 
 as to the state of the town. The following extracts are printed for the first time : — 
 
 " Mr Seymer was with me this day desiring to know if y' Lordship (Earrymore) had 
 written anything relating to his searching for Coals, he tells me he hath discovered what 
 looks very like Coals on my Lords Estate at Dimnuirry, & doubts not to find them near 
 whitehoiv^e, where they will be of much more value. I hear the lead Ore gott at Innis- 
 howen turns to very good acco'! that M' Chichester and Mr Jones his nephew have each 
 of them got two hundred guineas to admitt a partner to share in their profitt but of this 
 I doubt not butt y' y' Lordship hath a better acco'.' from other hands having reason to 
 beUeve what I write is true. Know it could do no hurt if no good the Merch" are dayly 
 with me desiring to putt y' Lordship in mind of doing something to preserve if not 
 encrease y' remains of their declining trade which cannot be without great encouragem! 
 to build conveniencies for trade and to preserve what already built great complaints are 
 made ag' the managem' of my Lords Courts and not without Cause the exactions are 
 great and delays much greater besides thirty pounds hath been lately levyed of this 
 Mannor to build a Goale by presentments at our sessions at y' instance of Mr Banks who 
 cares not what power he brings into y" Mannor to compass his ends No seneschall or 
 Bailiff ever had a Go.ile before and in truth it may be rather called a Spunging house 
 being built on a tenem! and joining to a tenem'. that he rents from m' JLacartney the 
 CoU' with a room over, to which the Courts & Jurys are to be adjourned his Bailiff keeps 
 the house and sells liquor where many of our Lords Tenants that liave anything to do in 
 the Courts are too oft obligd to spend more than they can spare." (Letter of January 
 29, 1725.) 
 
 " My Lord — I h.ive oft writt that the trade of this place decays the inhabitants are 
 moving hence to Dublin & elsewhere and have earnestly recommended y'' procuring an 
 Act for setting long leases or for lives renewable, that, woud encourage to build and 
 repair whats most ruinous those whose interest are in houses most sensibly feel the effects 
 of peoples going of with their families, as I do whose study always possible to supply that 
 loss and in order thereto I have long endeavourd to gett a woollen Manufacture sett up 
 here & hope to effect itt if any Encouragement can be on my Lord Donegalls Acco" itt 
 will bring many families workmen & artificers here it will keep much money in the town 
 and countrey which is now Annually laid out in Dublin for woollen Manufactures but work 
 houses must be built and for some time little return can be expected from 5 or 6 thousand 
 pounds that must be advanced to carry on the work for the Encouragement whereof and 
 the good of the place I am willing to subscribe 500" or a greater sum. if your Lordshipp 
 approves the project and thinks itts worth the Encour.aging a few lines to that purpose, 
 will soon sett the work on foot. My Lord Donnegall, & his Lordships successors, will 
 gain greatly thereby : and it shall have the best assistance in the power of my Lord your 
 Lordships most obedient Serv'. Robert Green." (Letter of February 20, 1725.) 
 
 His postscript, m a letter to a Dublin friend, adds — 
 
 " I would gladly know from him and you what Doctor Tisdall is doing I hope the 
 Church & Dock bill will sleep for ever ! at least till we have another Session or another 
 Parliam'. " 
 
 "Your Lordships of the 12'.'' gave great satisfaction to the Merch" and chief traders 
 here so soon as rec'l I communicated what your Lordship had done for the benefit of 
 trade and to free from the great expense and burden that the intended act woud have 
 brought upon them, they then resolvd by a letter to y'. Lordship so far as was possible to 
 express their thanks & acknowledgments, which when our Coll- heard he gott the 
 Sovereign to assemble y° Inhabitants by Ringing the town bell then read your Lordships 
 letter to him the 27'.'' post Harangued the people to write a letter of thanks. In truth I 
 am informed all but two were against his being named in any letter that they were to 
 sign & earnestly request me to desire No Macartney may have any thing to do in laying 
 out my Lords bounty Most of the poors money is in Isaacs hands already, how or when, 
 
 i / 
 
 .11 f 
 
330 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 it will be gott out of the I,ord knows. Our Sovereign it is thought cannot live out his 
 year." (Letter of March 26, 1726.) 
 
 "Mr Clugston seems highly delighted to think of his approaching Hon', all he wants 
 is a book to teach him the law resolving to read much as he hears our Late Sovereign 
 did but he understood not what he read and I believe Mr Clugstons understanding will 
 be abundantly less. I gott not your Lordships Diaper till this week y' order came too 
 late for y' last years whitening. I have bought three sorts for table cloths four of each 
 sort 2 yards & /^ wide. 12 y^' at 15' p^ yard, 12 att 12' e*" and 12 at 9: 6'' " (Letter of 
 May 7, 1726.) 
 
 p. 215. Candidates 
 
 The commonality, with Sovereign and Burgesses, had the right to elect the 
 sergeants at mace by Charter (-p. lyy). /oy's MS. notes — " 1S24. Only 2 free- 
 men admitted within memory." 
 
 p. 219. The Oath of the Sovraigne 
 
 These oaths are placed at the end of the original MS. The two first seem 
 of the time of King Charles L 
 
 i p. 220. Arthur Lord Chichester 
 
 j The original MS. of Sir Faithful Fortescue's account of his renowned uncle, 
 
 » Lord Deputy of Ireland and real founder of Belfast, is preserved amongst the 
 
 ; Fortescue family papers at Ravensdale Park, Newry. It was printed for private 
 
 J circulation by the late Lord Clennont in 1858, and does not contain Bodley's 
 
 • anagram or the King of France's letter at the end of the copy in the Town 
 
 f Book. It is impossible to determine at what time this account was inserted 
 
 - by the Town Clerk, but the accompanying history of the Chichester family seems 
 
 from internal evidence to be either condensed from Lodge's Peerage of Ireland, 
 
 1754, or more likely to have been a portion of a MS. pedigree supplied to Lodge, 
 
 and which he cites. 
 
 Some additional information is here added to Fortescue's narrative, which, 
 however, presents a reasonably accurate portrait of this remarkable man. 
 Arthur Chichester was one of that distinguished company of Devonshire squires, 
 including Raleigh, Drake, and Carew, who shed so much lustre on the closing 
 years of Elizabeth's reign. The second son of Sir John Chichester of Raleigh, 
 by Gertrude, daughter of Sir William Courtenay, he was sent at an early age to 
 Oxford, where his tutor was Alexander Spicer, who afterwards wrote an elegy 
 on him. His youthful rashness consisted in robbing one of the Queen's 
 purveyors — little better than robbers themselves — and he fled into France, not 
 Ireland. As a contemporary notes — 
 
 "He was a captaine of the shippe called the Victorie under the command of the 
 Lord Shefiield, employed against the Spanish invasion An. 15S7 & 88. Afterwards 
 he was captaine and commander in the Portugal voyage of 200 foot in the Regiment of 
 the General Sir Francis Drake, SS & 89. He went with Sir Francis Drake to the West 
 Indies, and in Porterico he set fire of the Admiral of the Spanish Frigates, 95 and 96." 
 He went to Ireland in 1599 to revenge the death of his brother. Sir John, 
 who was killed in a conflict with James MacSorley MacDonnell in 1597 at 
 Ballycarry. Lodge's Peerage contains the anecdote, " In K. James's reign, Mac- 
 Donnell going one day to view the family monument in St. Nicholas's Church 
 at Carrickfergus, and seeing Sir John's statue thereon, asked, Houi ike de'ell he 
 came to get his head again, for he was sure he had ance ta'en it frae him'' 
 Pinkerton considered this apocryphal, as before James reigned MacDonnell was 
 dead. {Ulst. Jour. Arch., vol. vii.) It was soon recognised that the inost 
 capable man in Ireland was Arthur Chichester ; and after his appointment as 
 Lord Deputy in 1604, the State Paper Calendars of the time show clearly the 
 iall-important part he played during his 10 years of office — in one dispatch 
 jpleading with the King for an opening of the ports in Ireland ; again, settling 
 Ithe details of the Ulster Plantation, which, unfortunately for the real pacification 
 F of the country, were departed from by other statesmen. He was anxious to have 
 • arranged the settlement, as if His Majesty were to begin a new plantation in 
 America, disregarding unjust demands for vested rights in land, lest, in the 
 words of Lord Keeper Bacon, addressed to Sir W. Jones, Chief Justice of 
 Ireland in 1617, "Ireland civil be worse to us than Ireland savage." In the four 
 volumes of Irish State Papers now preserved in Philadelphia are many docu- 
 
TJie Tmvn Book of Belfast. 331 
 
 merits concerning Chichester. The following abstract, taken from a letter 
 written to him by King James from Newmarket, March 4lh, 1613, sufficiently \ 
 shows the respect in which his long services were held : — " As his Lordship was ;' 
 first called by his (the King's) election to the high place he fills, the duties of v 
 which he has so faithfully discharged, that he has continued him in that employ- j' 
 ment these many years, beyond the example and custom of former times, so ) 
 he now of his own mere motion, without any mediation of friends, has advanced " 
 him to the degree of a Baron of that kingdom, in acknowledgment of his many \. 
 acceptable services performed. It was a secret purpose of his long before, and \ 
 he only deferred it for his Lordship's greater honour, that he might take the \ 
 opportunity of doing so upon the calling of this his first Parliament. For his Lord- \ 
 ship's comfort, he is to know that he serves ' a master with a liberal hand, and ■' 
 one that is so well affected to him, ' that this is not the last favour which is in- 
 tended to him." It is interesting to know that as Lord Deputy he assisted the 
 newly-formed East India Company to build vessels in Ireland, and was at the 
 close of his life Commissioner for the settlement of Virginia with Lord Carew. 
 When ambassador to the Palatinate, being besieged in Mannheim by Count 
 Tilly, he informed him that it was against the law of nations to besiege an 
 ambassador. On Tilly sending word that he took no notice of his having this 
 office, he replied, " Had my master sent me with as many hundred men as he 
 hath sent me on fruitless messages, your General should have known that I had 
 been a soldier as well as an ambassador." As early as 1614 his health gave 
 way, for he had not gone on a regimen like his predecessor Mountjoy, of whom 
 Moryson writes, " Before these Wars he used to have nourishing Breakfasts, as 
 Ponadoes and Broths ; but in the time of the War he used commonly to break 
 his Fast with a dr>' crust of Bread, and in the Spring Time with I5utter and 
 Sage, with a cup of Stale Beer, wherewith sometimes in winter he would have 
 Sugar and Nutmeg mixed. He took Tobacco abundantly, and of the best, 
 which I think preserved him from sickness." His disease recurred again, and 
 as Spicer, his domestic chaplain, says in his elegy, printed in 1625, the year of 
 his death — 
 
 " Lord, what is man ? when such a man as he, j 
 
 Whose parts excelled in the high'st degree, j 
 
 Dies by a plurisie, a corrupted tumour, | 
 
 Proceeding from a bad, unhealthful humour." ' 
 
 There is a reference to the death of his wife in the Fee book of the famous 
 Irish physician, Dr. Thomas Arthur: — "1621. I then went to the Lady of 
 Arthur Chichester, the Quaestor or Treasurer of this Kingdom, then living at 
 Carrickfergus, in Ulster, whom, when labouring under dropsy, and forewarning 
 her of her death within a few days after my prognosis, I attended upon : he 
 gave me on the 25th of May £^ . \o . o." The tomb, which forms one of the 
 full-page illustrations, was erected during his lifetime, and the kneeling figure 
 (p. 224) of Lord Chichester is no doubt an excellent likeness, as well as that of 
 his wife, which is by the same chisel. The material used for the sculpture, 
 including the small figure of Sir John Chichester, is Derbyshire alabaster. The 
 entire has been richly decorated with colour and gilding, and bears a strong 
 resemblance to the coeval tomb of Lord Cork in St. Patrick's, Dublin. 
 
 The Editor, with the permission of the Countess of Shaftesbury, has recently 
 made a careful inspection of the Chichester vault at St. Nicholas, Carrickfergus, 
 of which the following are the particulars : — The vault is twenty feet long by fifteen 
 feet wide, the roof forming a semi-circular arch of cut stone six feet high in centre ; 
 a door, now bricked up, formerly opened into the church. It contains ten lead 
 coffins, which are as follows, beginning with the latest : — i. Sir Arthur Chichester, 
 Baronet, aged 80 years, 1847. 2. Elizabeth, relict of Sir Edward May, Bart., 
 died 26th March, 1823, aged 73 years. 3. Sir Edward May, Bart., died 23rd 
 July, 1814, aged 63. 4. A coffin without inscription, but presumably that of 
 Arthur, 4th Earl Donegall, died 1757. 5. John Chichester, died 1746, brother 
 of the ladies burnt in 1708, and father of 5th Earl. 6. Catherine, Dowager 
 Countess Donegal!, widow of 3rd Earl. Her coffin has a finely engraved gilt 
 plate, with coat of arms impaling Chichester and Forbes. An outer wood coffin 
 has been covered with crimson velvet and brass escutcheons. 7. A coffin without 
 inscription, but probably that of Arthur, 2nd or ist Earl. 8. A child's coffin. 
 
 I 
 
332 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 shaped, with one handle at the head, and in raised letters, "DEC 3. 1642. E.G." 
 Doubtless Edward Chichester, son of ist Earl Donegal!. Spices have been 
 placed in this coffin, which still emit an agreeable odour, g. A child's coffin 
 similar to above, but with handle at each end, and in raised letters, "D.C. QUI: 
 OBIIT: 8 IAN 1638." No doubt Digby Chichester, another youthful son of 1st 
 Earl. ^ 10. A stnall child's coffin, ver>' strongly made, with no inscription, but 
 in which rest the remains of the infant son of the great Lord Deputy, in the 
 words of his epitaph — 
 
 "Here lyes the Fatlier's hope and Mother's joy, 
 Though they seem hapless, happie was the boy ; 
 For of his Life the long and tedious race 
 He hath despatch'd in less than two moneth's space." 
 
 It is strange that the coffin of the infant should remain, when those of his 
 mother and his father, the founders of the vault and sumptuous tomb above it, 
 are alike unknown. In addition to the foregoing coffins, there is a rude lead 
 bo.x, about 12 inches square, containing the viscera of Arthur Lord 
 Chichester, Baron of Belfast. (This was a customary usage of the time— see 
 Stanle\-'s MemoriaJs of Westminster Abbey.) A wooden coffin, much decayed, 
 holds the bones of four adults ; two of the skulls have the upper portion above 
 the orbit removed — one rudely, as if by blows of a sword, the other by a saw. 
 The former may be that of Sir John Chichester, the statement of Lodge 
 that his head was cut off by Sorley Boy being thus restored to credence, as this 
 mutilation would agree with the undoubted fact that he was killed by a shot. 
 Tyrone, to whom the head was sent, may ha\'e returned it for interment. 
 
 The Editor has carefully examined the site of Lord Chichester's splendid 
 house at Joymount (so called in compliment to Lord Mountjoy), which was com- 
 pleted in 1618, and of which some views may be seen in the British Museum. It 
 is said to have been designed by Inigo Jones, and bore resemblance in the details 
 of its projecting windows and sky-line to his work. Brereton describes it, in 1635, 
 as a "very statelye house or rather like a prince's pallace," but says "the windowes 
 and roomes and whole frame of the house is over large and vast." Anxious 
 to find any traces of his being a " Lover of all civill becoming sports games 
 and recreations," the Editor has discovered an interesting fact not hitherto 
 noticed — viz., that when forming the grounds. Lord Chichester, as an old 
 Devonshireman, and perhaps one of the players at the historic game of bowls 
 in which Raleigh and Drake joined on Plymouth Hoe when the Armada was 
 signalled, had laid out a bowling green, now comprised in Mr. W. Gorman's 
 garden. This gentleman says that in the corner of it beside the town wall a 
 great quantity of bones and bullets were lately dug up, whilst many fragments 
 of deers' horns have been found in the present Joymount garden. Further 
 confirmation of his love of bowling is found in a note on John Gusack, 
 Mayor of Dublin, 1608 : — "This Mayor was a great House Keeper, for, in his 
 Mayoraltie, he invited the Lord Deputie sundrie times. He would make 
 Matches of Bowling and Shooting with the Lord Deputie and Councell." No 
 doubt at Chichester House, which occupied the site of the Irish Houses of 
 Parliament, now the Bank of Ireland, many a return inatch was played. At 
 Belfast Castle a bowling green was also laid out, which is inentioned in the 
 Charges roll 1666, and in a lease to G. Macartney of a tenement near the 
 Castle it is described as extending backwards to the Bowling Green. It may 
 be added that the old Irish Corporations usually reserved the right of the 
 burgesses to use the green when land was let for that purpose. "3 Feb 1670. 
 It. that W"' Hall shall have a lease of the Bowling-green for 31 years at 20s. for 
 . the first year, and 40s. for the remainder, he to fit it and build a house at his 
 J own charge ; Burgesses to have the keys." {Town Book of Kiiisale.) Whether 
 \ the Bowling Green at the rere of the old Belfast Academy was ever used in this 
 ) way is uncertain, but it probably dates back to the time of Robert Joy, Town 
 [ Clerk, who built the house. 
 
 p. 225. Chichester Earl of Donegal 
 
 The Chichester family, from the time that Belfast was incorporated by the 
 foresight of their great ancestor, have exhibited many substantial proofs of 
 their kindly interest in its welfare, some of which are referred to in the present 
 voluirie. Carrickfergus, although more centrally situated on the estate, was 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 333 
 
 not fostered at the expense of the more inland town. On the contrary, the 
 1st Earl of Donegall, in founding his mathematical lectureship at Trinity 
 College, Dublin, expressly stipulates for " such as should be brought up in the 
 school at Belfast erected by him." The poor of Belfast were also remembered \ 
 in the wills of the family, whilst much employment was found at the large 
 farms and gardens kept up during the 17th century. It is evident, from leases 
 of the time, that rents were very moderate. One instance may suffice, taken 
 from an Indenture dated 1688, in w-hich Francis Thetford (see Lewis's pedigree) 
 conveyed to John Fletcher for /300 his lease of six score and five acres, called 
 the "New Inclosure," adjacent to Oldpark and Skegonearl, for which the rent 
 was ^16 13s. Sd. As his lease was dated 1686, and he got such a sum for his 
 interest when civil war was raging, the inference is obvious. A few years after 
 this, Cromac Woods were opened up by wide avenues, called Passes, appro- 
 priated to the recreation of the townspeople. In the iSth century the Earls of 
 Donegall improved the town in many respects — a great reclamation was made 
 on the site of Ann Street, and on it the first Linen Hall erected by the estate at 
 a cost of ;^ 1, 500. Other public buildings succeeded, including the Exchange 
 (now Belfast Bank), which cost ^4,000, and the Parish Church and Vicarage, 
 erected at the sole expense of Lord Donegall. There is a large aquatint in 
 the possession of Robert Macadam, showing the Assembly Room over the 
 Exchange as a richly decorated apartment, and the architect's name is given — 
 Sir R. Taylor. The Brown Linen Hall was followed by the generous gift of 
 the site for the White Linen Hall granted in 1787. In this year the Sovereign's 
 gold chain, which is now superseded by the new Mayor's chain, was presented 
 to the Corporation, as the following extract sets forth. (It is worthy of note 
 that this minute, which was found on the books of the Corporation by a com- 
 mittee of the new Corporation, of whom R. S. Lepper was secretaiy, is the only 
 record known to exist of those contained in the second Town Book, all trace 
 of which is lost) : — 
 
 Borough of Belfast, March 29th, 17S7. 
 At an assembly of the Sovereign and Burgesses, held this day, the Sovereign informed 
 the Burgesses that Lord Donegall had presented a valuable gold chain to the Corporation, 
 most elegantly executed with a medal appendant, on one side of which are the arms of the 
 Lord of the Castle, on the reverse those of the Corporation of Belfast curiously embossed ; 
 and that his Lordship desired that it may be worn by the Sovereign, for the time being, 
 and delivered to the Sovereigns in succession. That they may be invested with it 
 publickly, upon their being sworn into office, as one of the insignia of their being in full 
 possession of their office.— Resolved, that the warmest and most grateful thanks of the 
 Sovereign and Burgesses be presented to the Earl of Donegall for his magnificent present, 
 and that they trust that this badge of office will be a constant momento {sic) of the con- 
 nection which ought ever to subsist between Lord Donegall's family and the Corporation 
 of Belfast. — Resolved, that, agreeable to his Lordship's desire, the gold chain shall be 
 worn by the Sovereign for the time being, and delivered to the Sovereigns in succession, 
 and that they shall be invested with it publickly, on their being sworn into office, as one 
 of the insignia of their being in full possession of their office. ( Naos- Letter, 2jra 
 December, 1842.) 
 
 Further proof of this kindly interest is found in "The Journal of Disburse- 
 ments of the Earl of Donegall's Antrim Estate, from July 1786 to October 
 1796." " November 2Sth, 1786. Paid John Knox for a gold box intended to be 
 presented to the Lord Lieutenant with the freedom of this Corporation, £2^. 
 March 25th, 17S7. Paid the Rev. William Bristow Yz year's salary as Sov" of 
 Belfast due this day, £t^o. August 15th, 178;. Paid John Gait Smith account 
 of Sovereign's gown, £t . 12. 8." 
 
 The Parish Church was also liberally supported. William Ware, the 
 organist, who published a collection of church music, dedicated to the Mar- 
 chioness of Donegall, is thus mentioned. "W. Ware for instructing singing 
 boys, X30, and providing surplices for ditto, i^5 . 13 . 9." 
 
 The old Poorhouse, with other charities, such as the Fever Hospital, 
 received large sums. At this same period as much as ^70,000 was given to 
 improve the Lagan Navigation. (Jp/s MS.) 
 
 The recent munificent gift of the present noble owner of the estate, made on 
 the occasion of the presentation of the memorial casket containing the address 
 presented to her son, the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Shaftesbury, on his attaining his 
 
 r 
 
334 
 
 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 majority, attests sufficiently to the cordial relations still existing between Town 
 and Castle. The accompanying illustration shows this fine example of modern 
 Celtic art, designed by Marcus Ward & Co., and executed by Sharman D. Neill. 
 
 p. 228. Ladys Jane, Frances, & Henrietta were unfortunately burnt 
 
 Jo/s MS. notes. "April 25'" 1708, the Castle of Belfast burned down, and 
 the ladies Jane, Frances, and Heneretta lost their lives. This accident was 
 occasioned by a servant, who left a fire of wood burning in a room which she 
 was airing. A servant woman called Catherine Douglas and a daughter of 
 Parson Berkley perished : Mary Taggart, a servant, made her escape thro' the 
 flames." As the Editor was anxious to verify a note given him by Rev. G. 
 Hill, in which he mentioned that portraits damaged by fire of these unfortunate 
 ladies were preserved by Lord Templetown at Castle Upton, and were called 
 "The Burnt Ladies," and as on enquiry at the Castle only one picture answer- 
 ing to the description was pointed out with the title " The Burnt Lady," he 
 wrote to the Viscountess of Templetown asking for further information, and 
 received the following courteous reply : — " As to the portrait of the Burned Lady, 
 so far as Lady Templetown knows it has nothing to do with the Chichesters, 
 with whom the Uptons are not connected, but is supposed to be the portrait of a 
 Miss Upton married to a local chief of the name of Dunn, who is supposed to 
 have burnt her and her children in front of his own house. This tradition is 
 recorded in a Parochial Sur\'ey of Ireland in 181 6, page 249, volume 2, by 
 W. Shaw Mason, Sec. to the Board of Public Records." Although the Castle 
 was not rebuilt, it was not entirely deserted till the beginning of this century, 
 when it was finally taken down. 
 
 The old lady (see note on p. 100) remembers Montgomery's Market filled 
 with ancient pear trees, and several rooms still inhabited in the Burnt Castle, 
 including a fine parlour with black oak floor, wainscotted walls, and huge 
 chimney-piece. This Market was placed in the Castle yard, as it was exempt 
 from interference by the Corporation. 
 
 Amongst the charges entered in the Donegall Journal of Disbursements 
 previously mentioned are several relating to the old castle. 
 
 3rd October, 1 7S8. Paid John Bell on account for paving round ) , ,/ 
 
 the Castle, the court, &c., j 0.2/2 
 
 31st Oct. 1788. Received for 2 cows & sundry trees in the ! ,„ ,0 « 
 Castle Gardens sold by Auction on 22nd Aug. last, J " ' 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 335 
 
 13th Jan. 1789. Received from sundries for the old walls" 
 & the Pigeon House in that part of the late Castle Garden now 
 Arthur St., 
 
 9th April, 17S9. Paid one year Hearth Money due on the 
 Castle of Belfast, 12 hearths at 2s., the 21st Nov. 1788, 
 
 John Alexander inhabited the Castle in March, 17S9, and county cess paid 
 for him amounted to 5 guineas. The office was built in 17S7 : Roger Mulholland 
 was the builder. In 1792 the castle gate was repaired, cost 3s. 3d. 12 hearths 
 are charged at the castle and 4 at the office, showing its occupation still 
 continued in this year. 
 
 p. 229. List of the Volunteer Companies 
 
 The following extract from the Annals of Kinsale (Town Book of Kinsale) 
 sufficiently explains the above : — 
 
 "Monday, 21 Feb., 1760. Thurot landed about 1,000 men near Carrickfergus, 
 which he attacked and took, with the Castle, after a brave resistance by Lt.-Col. 
 Jennings with 200 men. The Lord-Lieut., the Duke of Bedford, on receiving the news, 
 sent an express to the Governor of Charles Fort and Kinsale, John FoUiot, Esq., to 
 despatch the man-of-war then lying at Kinsale in pursuit of the French. On Sunday 
 morning, Feb. 24, Governor FoUiot acquainted Capts. Elliot, Clements, and Logic with 
 the Lord-Lieut'.s orders to proceed to sea, and on Feb. 29 his Maj. ships, Elliot, com- 
 modore, came up with the Squadron under NL Thurot off the Isle of Man, and after a 
 sharp engagement of an hour-and-half captured them. Underneath is a statement of the 
 respective force : — Bellisle, 44 guns, 510 men ; Le Blonde, 30 do., 357 do. ; Terpsichore, 
 24 do., 270 do., com'', by M. Thurot ; Eolus, 32 guns ; Pallas, 36 do.; Brilliant, 36 do., 
 com"*, by Cap. Elliot." 
 
 Mr. F. J. Bigger, Ardrie, Belfast, has two large engravings of that period, 
 one showing the engagement, and the other depicting the French ships as 
 prizes in Douglas Harbour. Lord Charlemont has given a graphic description 
 of the mustering of the volunteers in Belfast, many armed only with a Lochaber 
 axe — a scythe fixed at the end of a pole, but all so impressed with the necessity 
 of regularity, that the crowd was perfectly undisturbed by tumult, riot, or even 
 drunkenness. Two of the commanders named in the list for Co. Down merit 
 a short notice as descendants of the famous William, Baron Savage, who 
 settled in Down in 1177. Henry Savage of Saintfield was head of the Prospect 
 branch of the family. He married Grace, grand-daughter of the Hon. 
 Susan Gillespie, wife of Hugh Gillespie, Cherryvale, daughter of 3rd Baron 
 Rollo, and aunt of Sir Robert Rollo Gillespie, K.C.B., whose statue stands in 
 the Square of Comber. Francis Savage of Ardkeen Castle was High Sheriff of 
 Down in 1732, and the most considerable person in the Ards about 1760. For 
 a fuller account see Prof G. F. Savage-Armstrong's valuable monograph on 
 The Savages of the Ards. 
 
 p. 232. Burgess Roll 
 
 The first names in black letter were probably entered at the incorporation 
 of Borough. 
 
 p. 236. vide page 279 
 
 This refers, of course, to original MS. See corresponding page 245. 
 p. 238. Sir Stephen May, 18 15 
 
 After this entry is written in pencil on the original, " leave a space for more 
 names." As this list of Sovereigns is incorrect towards the end, and some years 
 not filled in, a list is here subjoined of the names from 1800 to 1842, when the 
 old Corporation ceased. iSoo, John Brown ; 1801, same ; 1802, Arthur 
 Chichester ; 1803, Edward May, M.P. ; 1804, same ; 1805, same ; 1806, same ; 
 1807, Rev. Edward May ; 1808, same ; 1809, Edward May, M.P. ; 1810, same ; 
 1811, Rev. Edward May; 1812, Thomas Verne r ; 1813, same; 1814, same, 
 1815, same ; 1816, Rev. Edward May; 1817, Thomas Ludford Stewart; 1818, 
 same; 1819, Thomas Verner ; 1820, same; 1821, same; 1822, same; 1823, 
 John Agnew, resigned, and Andrew Alexander appointed ; 1824, Andrew 
 Alexander died and John Agnew appointed ; 1825, John Agnew ; 1826, same ; 
 1827, Rev. Lord E. Chichester; 1828, Sir Stephen May; 1829, same; 1830, 
 same; 1831, same; 1832, same; 1833, same; 1834, John Agnew; 1835, 
 
33^ The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 same ; 1836, same ; 1S37, same ; 1838, same ; 1839, same ; 1840, same ; 1841, 
 Thos Verner, Jr.; 1842, same. 
 
 The Town Clerks from 1S02, when Wm. Atkinson died, were as follows : — 
 1S02-1815, William Byrtt ; 1816-1S23, Stephen Daniel; 1824-25, none; 
 1826-1836, Henry Ferguson ; 1838-1841, H. C. Clarke; 1842, Messrs. A. & J. 
 Montgomery. 
 
 In 1842 the last list of the old Corporation is thus given : — 
 
 CORPORATION OF BELFAST. 
 
 Lord of the Castle — George Augustus, Marquis of Donegall. 
 Constable of the Castle — R. F. Gordon. 
 Sovereign of Belfast — T. Verner, Jun. 
 
 Burgesses. 
 
 Sir Arthur Chichester. 
 Thomas Ludford Stewart. 
 Thomas Verner. 
 Earl of Belfast. 
 Lord E. Chichester. 
 Rev. Samuel Smythe. 
 
 John Clarke. 
 
 Rev. A. C. Macartney. 
 
 Sir Stephen May. 
 
 Robert Coulson. 
 
 John Agnew. 
 
 Jos. Macartney. 
 
 Town Clerks — Messrs. A. & J. Montgomery. 
 Serjeant at Mace — William Trelford. 
 
 The following are the Town Clerks of Belfast since 1842 : — John Bates, 
 1842-1855 ; J. K. Jackson, 1855-1856 ; James Guthrie, 1856-1878 ; Samuel 
 Black, 1878. 
 
 p. 239. Electio Superiorum 
 
 This was the official entry of the election of the Sovereigns. The swearing 
 in, Juratio Superiorium {sic), was alone entered by the Town Clerk after 1644. 
 
 p. 241. and y' two Maces 
 
 No doubt those still in the possession of the Corporation. This notice 
 confirms Mr. Day's opinion that the large mace is of the Stuart period. 
 
 p. 242. thirty five Burgesses 
 
 These are given by Benn as thirty-five inclusive of Sovereign, whereas by 
 the terms of the Charter (p. 160) they comprised that number in themselves. 
 The omitted name in his list is that of Toul or Ton' O'Neil. As the more im- 
 portant burgesses are mentioned by Benn, it is only necessary to add a short 
 account of the brothers Dobbin supplied by one of the family, Mr. Leonard 
 Dobbin, Hollymount, Cork. Humphrey and William Dobbin were the sons of 
 Lieut. James Dobbin, of Duneane, whose name appears on the list of those 
 proposed to be removed to Munster by Cromwell. He was one of the Carrick- 
 fergus Dobbyns who are first mentioned in 1400. The token of Humphrey 
 Dobbin was issued when he was twenty, and he died 1721. His son Rigby was 
 Mayor of Carrickfergus, 1724. William Dobbin was a captain in the siege of 
 Derry, which he assisted to defend, and afterwards resided at Moneyglass. 
 His wife was Mary Eccles. His daughter married William Morris Jones, 
 Moneyglass. 
 
 p. 243. Kinge William Landed 
 
 Several contemporary views exist of this momentous event, and it has also 
 been described by Storey and others (see Ulst. Jour. Arch, passim). The 
 troops landed at Whitehouse, and it has never been explained why the King 
 preferred Carrickfergus, where he only stayed half-an-hour, probably visiting 
 Mountjoy. He met Schonberg's coach-and-six at Whitehouse, and drove 
 across the Strand to the North Gate. His Court was held at the Castle, then 
 in possession of Sir \^ . Franklyn. Bonivert, a French refugee in the King's 
 service, notes — " We landed at the Whitehouse (five days after the King), where 
 we saw on our arrival a great number of poor people, we went that night to 
 Belfast, which is a large and pretty town ; and all along the road you see an 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 337 
 
 arm of the sea on your left, and on the right great high rocky mountains 
 whose tops are often hidden by the clouds, and at the bottom a very pleasant 
 wood, very full of simples of all sorts — The people very civill, and there is also 
 a great house belonging to my Lord Donegall, with very fine gardens and 
 groves of ash trees. The inhabitants speak very good English." There was 
 great mortality in the town from the overcrowded Hospital provided by Thomas 
 Pottinger, and filled with Schonberg's fever-stricken soldiers. Both Shankill 
 and the High St. graveyard were crowded, whilst those dying in the ships were 
 buried at Tillysbum. It is interesting to note that a printing press accom- 
 panied the King ; a proclamation issued from it was the first printing in Belfast. 
 The first dated exaniple-seems to be, strangely enough, A Coionation Sermon 
 on William and Mary, preached at Dartmouth by Rev.' John Flavel, printed by 
 Patrick Neil & Company, Belfast, 1700 ; a copy of it is in the Editor's possession. 
 
 In the British Museum an unpublished diary of Lt. Wm. Cramond's is 
 preserved. He went through the Irish Campaign of 1690, and does not men- 
 tion Belfast at all, although it is difficult to know how he kept out of it in his 
 itinerary. "On 20th April went to Galgorm (coming from the North), 21st to 
 Carrickfergus, 22nd to Newtowne, 25th to Lisburn, 26th to Gilhall, 28th 
 to Newry and part of the way back to Gilhall, 29th to Legacurry, 30th to 
 Dundalk." 
 p. 246. The Roll of the Freemen 
 
 This is particularly valuable as forming a kind of directory for the town at 
 periods where no other information is available. In later times subscribers' lists 
 in Belfast printed books are of importance as a means of detennining names 
 and addresses. One of the earliest is to be found in " Dialogues on Education, 
 H. & R. Joy, 1753." From the mention of merchants of the staple it is evident 
 a Guild of Merchants existed in connection with the Corporation. All trading 
 towns of any importance had such bodies. In Stirling a Merchant or Guildry 
 Charter was granted by David II. "We grant also to our said burgesses of 
 .Strivelyn that they shall have a merchant guild, except the waulkners and 
 weavers." These latter, with the hammermen, tailors, shoemakers, fleshers, 
 tanners, and bakers constituted in Stirling the incorporated crafts ; outside 
 these was the " Hail Omnigatherum" of callings such as dairymen and porters. 
 Carrickfergus had a guild called free merchants of the staple, no others being 
 allowed to buy or sell under a penalty.- The Mayor of the Corporation on re- 
 tiring was appointed next year " Mayor of the Staple." The staple merchandise 
 of England included wool, wool fells, leather, lead, tin, butter, cheese, and cloth. 
 The guild consisted of a body of persons bound together by laws of their own 
 making, the King's licence being first had to the making thereof. They had 
 thus facilities for collecting accounts and exclusive dealing much like some of 
 the present associations of traders. 
 
 All irregularity of dates in the original roll, arising from later lists being 
 carelessly entered by the town clerk, have been preserved. The following 
 notes on some of the freemen are of necessity much abridged : — 
 
 P. 247. Jolin Goye, Joyner. .Some of the oak furniture made by local joiners of 
 the 17th centuiy is occasionally met with. A strong framed press in two heights, for 
 many years in the family of Mr. T. Huston, Ashley, Carnmoney, has on the frieze 
 • JOHN ■ CLOSH • P- C • 1686 • the letters P. C. = Parish of Carnmoney. Another 
 specimen seen by the Editor had inlaid in holly, BELFAST ' 1688. - P. 248. Sir 
 William Wray married a daughter of I^ord Edward Chichester, DanyeU mcNeale 
 was Daniel O'XeiU, son of the unfortunate Con O'Neill of Castlereagh. Born about 
 1603, ho became a protege of Charles I. Both Laud and Wentworth esteemed him. Charles H. 
 bestowed on him several posts, including that of Postmaster-General. His wife was Countess 
 of Chesterfield, In 1844, a labourer dug up in the fosse of Castlereagh 150 shillings and six- 
 pences of Edward VL and Elizabeth in a pewter vessel. P. 248. Sir Charles Coote, with 
 the other officers, commanded the det.achment mentioned on p. 306. He was killed in 
 1642. His son Charles was created Lord Mountrath. Theobald Taaffe became 2nd 
 Viscount Taaffe and ist Earl Carlingford, There were two Sir James Dillons in 1640. 
 P. 253. George M'Cartney, called Niger, married the daughter of Quintin Catherwood ; his 
 second wife w'as Elizabeth Dobbin. His descendant. Earl Macartney, in a MS. pedigree cor- 
 rected siul matiii passes over his position as leading merchant, shipowner, and miller. Portraits 
 of four Georges, commencing with his son, M.P. 1693, are in possession of Dr. H. Hyndman. 
 P. 254. Robert Brice Clerk, perhaps grandson of Rev, Edward Brice (first Presbyterian minister 
 in Ireland), of Broadisland, The Editor has a token, found in High Street, of his son Robert, 
 of Castle Chichester, 1671. P. 259. Gilbert Wye was steward when Andrew M'Cullough made 
 a mustard-pot and silver buckles for Earl Donegall, 1666. P. 261. William Van Hovan was 
 
 z 
 
33^ The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 *? perhaps brought from Holland to lay out the Castle Gardens in the Dutch style. P. 262. 
 ij Tbomas Pottlager, ancestor of the family once resident at Mount Pottinger, now represented 
 I by Sir Henry Pottinger, Bart. P. 264. Samuel Downea was Town Clerk, 1667, perhaps son 
 ■^ of LudovicusDownes, Vicar, 1642. P. 266. William Tomaon Gray mere'- Mr. Hugh M'Call, 
 '' Lisburn, kindly informs Editor " that the Gray merchant purchased in dull seasons from the 
 Drapers gray or unbleached linen, stored it up, and did large business with bleachers, although 
 not employing weavers, as the Drapers did." In Elizabeth's time they were accused of selling 
 arms, purchased from the soldiers, to the Irish, giving I2d. per lb. for powder, and getting 3s. 
 P. 267. John Charnley ffeltmaker, synonymous with hatter ; rabbits' skins were the raw 
 material. P. 367. Monsieiu' Daniel Mascou. Probably a wine merchant from Bordeaux, which 
 had much trade here. P. 268. Sir Hercules Langford. He is described as of Belfast. 
 Hercules Street was named after him. Married daughter of Henry Upton, sister to Arthur 
 Upton here mentioned. John Chichester was a nephew of 1st Earl Donegall ; died in 
 ■William's camp, Dundalk, 1689. Sir Arthur Chichester became 2nd Earl Donegall. John and 
 Arthur Chichester were nephews of 1st Earl. Conway Hill was son of Arthur Hill, P. C. 
 Constable of Hillsborough Fort, son of Moyses Hill. P. 269. Chichester Phillips was son of 
 Sir Thomas, called by Lord A. Chichester a "discreet and honest servitor." P. 270. Sir 
 Michael Hioka, Secretary to ist Earl Salisbury, ancestor to Sir Michael Hicks-Beach. 
 Claudius Gilbert, Vicar, died 1696. For his connection with a ghost story, see Uht. Jour. 
 Arch. \\\. P. 271. Hans Hamilton was nephew of ist Viscount Clannaboye. Dudley Loftus 
 was Clerk to Lord Mount Alexander, and son of Dr. Dudley Loftus, Vicar-General, whose 
 life has been written by Rev. Dr. Stokes, T.C.D. Henry, Earl of ClanbrazUl, was 2nd Earl, 
 known as the fat Earl. WilUam Hill was son and heir of Arthur Hill (see above). John, 
 Lord Butler, 7th son of Great Duke of Ormond, as Earl of Gowran, married Ann, daughter 
 of ist Eaii Donegall. Charles Meredith, of Mooretown, married daughter of 2nd Lord 
 Blayney. Richard, Earl of Arran, was fifth son of Duke of Ormond ; had a lease of the light- 
 house on Island Magee, 1667. Pierce was 6th Baron Cahier [Cahir], Tipperary. Major 
 Samuel Stewart was lieutenant of Col. Cromwell's troop at Lord Montgomery's funeral in 
 1663. Richard Needham was owner of estates at Newry inherited from Sir Henry Bagnall. 
 The foregoing party were no doubt guests of Earl Donegall. P. 273. Thomas, Eaxle Of 
 Ardglas, 1st Earl. James I. granted him Manor of Downpatrick, 1617. Richard Dobbs' 
 Brief Description of the County of Antrim, 1683, was first printed in H'M's .\/acDonnells of 
 
 1 Antrim. Arthur his son was Surveyor-General of Ireland, and on finishing the New Houses 
 of Parliament in 1741 received £2^0. His descendants still occupy Castle Dobbs. Edward 
 Muschamp was of Drumanakelly, Co. Down. Sir John Rowley married daughter of Sir 
 Hercules Langford. Tristram Beresford had estates at Coleraine. P. 278. Viscount Ranelagh 
 j was uncle of 2nd Earl Donegall. Francis, Lord Aungier, created Viscount Longford, married 
 
 ' Anne, daughter of ist Earl Donegall. John, Lord Massereene, as Sir J. Skeffington, married 
 
 daughter of Sir J. Clotworthy, ist Lord. The Joneses, father and son, were of Osbertstown, 
 Meath, Sir Vf. Flower's descendants were ennobled as 'Viscounts Ashburn. Sir Francis 
 Blundell had killed Viscount Taragh on previous 6th July, but received a pardon. P. 282. 
 Hugh McGill, son of Rev. David Magill, Curate of Greyabbey. The two St. Georges were 
 sons of Sir OHver St. George, Carrick-Drumrusk, Leitrim. P. 283. Pawlett Phillips was a 
 brother of Chichester Phillips (see above). Edward Brice was a grandson of Rev. E. Brice, 
 Broadisland. A set of silver communion cups was given by him to Ballycarry congregation ; 
 they have the Dublin hall mark of 1680. P. 284. Hugh Montgomery was of Ballylesson ; 
 married widow of 4th Lord Blaney; was Colonel of a regiment routed at Clady Ford by Kmg 
 James, 1689. P. 286. The following names, omitted by a clerical error, should precede 
 1723 : — 'W" Scott gener' 22 August 1688. Laurance gener" 22 August 1688. 'W" Leakes 
 march' 22 August 1688. Henry Savage march' 22 Sep' 1688, made freemen. P. 2S9. 
 Joseph Hall, bellfounder. In 1624 Frederick Rotten was admitted a freeman of Carrickfergus 
 on condition "that he shall cast the first Bell which the town shall have occasion to use. The 
 Town finding and providing the metal wood and fewell." [Carrickfergui Records MSS.) P. 292. 
 William Manldn, silversmith. Perhaps the silver mounts of "The Psalms, Belfast, 1700 ' 
 (Gordon's Historic Memorials of the First Presbyterian Church of Belfast), were his work ; 
 - also a silver punch ladle, embossed with vine leaves, without hall mark, for many years in the 
 I family of Dr. J. Milford Barnett. P. 292. Lord Conway was the nobleman whose 
 • huntsman at Portmore, John Stringer, composed "The Experienced Huntsman " (Belfast : 
 Ijames Blow, 1714), the first work of a secular kind printed here. Only one copy of th« 2nd 
 fedition, 1717, is known to exist. P. 293. Collyer & Company. Mount CoUyer was named 
 Wter the family. At the recent demolition of this house and the adjacent Jennymount, 
 Roman objects were discovered in the foundations — at the former a classic head of 
 purple Egyptian porphyry, at the latter a bronze medal of Nero. P. 296. Lord George 
 Sacville. This admission of freemen was warmly challenged at the time. Stewart 
 Banks was the recipient of a large silver bowl from the weavers of Belfast in 1756. 
 It bears the Dublin hall mark, and is in the possession of his descendant, J. 'W. E. 
 Macartney, D.L., Clogher Park. P. 298. WUles Earl Of Hillsborough was created 
 Marquis of Downshire, 1789. He was Secretary of State for the American Department ; 
 and the library at Hillsborough Castle contains a number of valuable MSS. relative to his 
 office. P. 300. Mr. David Manson, author of English Dictionary (Belfast: Daniel Blow, 
 1762). In the preface he describes his remarkable system of education which was carried on 
 successfully for many years in Donegall Street. To his ingenuity the cotton manufacture 
 and agriculture owed several improvements. He died at Lilliput, where he had a bowling- 
 green for his pupils' use. (Dr. Bryce's MS.) His portrait in oils is in the Royal Academical 
 Institution. 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 339 
 
 p. 300. A Perspective View of Belfast in 1790 
 
 Mrs. T. L'Estrange has kindly allowed this interesting' drawing by Mary 
 Patterson to be reproduced here. The Mall which e.xtended from the 
 Paper Mill to the White Linen Hall is partly shown on the map of 1788 
 in the present volume. It formed the fashionable country promenade at 
 this period. In the Donegall Journal of Disbursements already quoted are 
 the following notices of it in 178S : — "John Alexander gave his account of 
 making Ditches subdividing the Fields in the Mall — late Mrs. Clarkes, 
 15 . 16 . 6. Paid John McGain & Partner watching the trees in & near 
 the Mall to prevent their being topped for May-bushes, 2.8X-" There are 
 two probably unique unfinished proofs of views of Belfast, without title, or 
 painter or engraver's name, in the King's Library, British Museum. They 
 both show the town about 1790 from Co. Down side, and measure 20 inches 
 by 15. At this time "there was in Belfast by calculation, 7 Inhabitants 
 worth ;{^30,ooo ; 5 worth from 20 to 29,000 ; 9 worth from 15 to 19,000 ; 14 worth 
 from 10 to 14,000; 49 worth from 5 to g.ooo." (Jofs MS.) 
 
 Several art industries were carried on at this period, of which unfortunately 
 very few specimens are now extant. This is particularly the case with respect 
 to the manufacture of fine pottery and faience, which was established in Bally- 
 macarrett by Thomas Greg, John Ashmore, and S. M. Stephenson, M.D. 
 Some pieces of this ware in the form of sauce-boats and quaint jelly-moulds, in 
 the possession of Mrs. T. L'Estrange, show that an imitation of Wedgwood's 
 Queen's ware was aimed at. The glaze used is cream coloured, and the modelling 
 very well done. X'olunteer jugs and teapots of Wedgwood's manufacture, which 
 are reputed to be of Belfast make, may yet be seen amongst old family collections 
 of china. Probably the ware was brought over in the "biscuit" state, and the 
 transfer printing put on and burnt in here. The art of glass-making, engrav- 
 ing, and cutting was successfully worked for some years in Ballymacarrett by 
 Edwards and others ; their flint table-glass can be recognised by a peculiar 
 milky opalescence. Notices of employment for glass-cutters occur in old 
 News-Letters. The Editor has a well-designed vase in the shape of a classic 
 urn, with cover, cleverly engraved and cut, which shows the perfection attained 
 in this beautiful art. Great skill and taste are also displayed in the con- 
 temporary cabinet work executed by John Getty. Some of his inlaid mahogany 
 bookcases, exhibiting the influence of Sheraton, are occasionally met with. 
 His successor, Sloan, although a good workman, yielded to the prevalent 
 taste of the Regency, and inlaying was given up altogether. 
 
 For many years after 
 this date the town made 
 but slow progress. The 
 rebuilding of ^lulhoUand's 
 Mill in 1830, and the 
 change from cotton to 
 flax-spinning consequent 
 thereon, may be con- 
 sidered the starting-point 
 of the unexampled de- 
 velopment of Belfast from 
 that time. This historic 
 building is shown in the 
 annexed illustration. 
 
 As so little is known of 
 our earlier local artists, the 
 Editor has added the 1 
 following note on the 
 three whose work adorns 
 these pages— viz., Thomas Robinson, painter ; John Thomson, engraver ; and 
 Patrick MacDowell, sculptor. Probably the first notice of the Belfast artists 
 collectively was written by the Editor for the catalogue of the Loan Collection of 
 Works of Art exhibited at the opening of the Belfast Free Library, 1888. In it 
 Thomas Robinson is thus mentioned — "In 1801, Thomas Robinson, a pupil 
 of Romney, settled in Belfast, where he lived till 1808. He was patronised by 
 Dr. Percy, Bishop of Dromore, and painted several of the portraits exhibited. 
 
 w 
 
340 The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 His finest work, 'The Review of the Volunteers,' or, as it is called in Red- 
 grave's Dictionary, ' Military Procession at Belfast in Honour of Lord Nelson,' 
 is hung in the centre of Room B, and is the most valuable local painting extant, 
 giving portraits of all the prominent citizens at the time, 1804. Thomas 
 Robinson was President of the Society of Artists, Dublin, and died there, 1810." 
 A letter of his, asking for the loan of Boydell's Prints, is given in Anderson's 
 History of Linen Hall Library. His son. Dr. T. Romney Robinson, for many 
 years Astronomer at Armagh Observatory, was the author of a volume of 
 poems much praised at the time, although he tried to suppress them afterwards. 
 His likeness by his father on the frontispiece resembles his portrait in 
 the "Review." It was found impracticable to reproduce this fine painting, as 
 the surface is much cracked and the colouring very dark. The Key, which 
 has been substituted for it, is executed in brown ink, and gives the various 
 portraits with all the force of the original, omitting alone the fantastic back- 
 ground — added by the painter, it is said, through chagrin, when the lottery 
 scheme for the disposal of the picture failed. 
 
 In this connection an unpublished letter of the artist is given from the 
 original, bound up with a copy of "Juvenile Poems, by Thomas Romney 
 Robinson, London, 1807," in the possession of the Editor. 
 
 "Madam, so long a space of time has intervened since I left London that it is probable you may not 
 recollect me : but I shall ever remember with gratitude the attention and kindness I experienced from 
 your good Father, of whome (so many changes have taken place among my Friends in the course of 
 thirteen years,) I am almost afraid to enquire. If as I hope he is still alive, he will feel pleasure to learn 
 that 1 have a son whose extraordinary' poetical talents (which appeared at a veiy early age) have attracted 
 the notice of the literati of almost every part of Europe ; so much so, that I have consented to publish 
 his Poems as you will see by the enclosed proposals. In this kingdom the proposals ha\-e met with un- 
 precedented encouragement, and are patronised by persons of the first consideration. May I request that 
 Mr. White will have the goodness to permit me to mention his name amongst the gentlemen who receive 
 subscriptions. I could give you a wonderful account of the amazing Talents of my young Poet, which have 
 been evinced not only in Poetr>' but in other branches of literature, but you may perhaps conceive the 
 praise of a fond father but a small recommendation, however reference may be had to the Countess of 
 Moira Hastings &c Dr. Percy Bishop of Dromore, William Hayley Esq. Chichester, Professor 
 Stewart or Dr. Anderson Edinburgh. As a tribute due to your own taste for Poetry' as well as that of 
 your Brother Mr. T. H. White (to whome and Mr. Harr>' I beg to be remembered) I have requested the 
 Hon*»l< Mrs. Murray Aust to leave with you one of his productions which you will have the goodness to 
 return to her after you have read it, in order that it may be forwarded to my friend IVIr. Hayley for whome 
 i have painted a Picture of my Boy strewing Flowers on the tomb of my late Master Mr. Romney : an 
 engraving of which picture, with an Elegy on Mr. Romney's death by my son, you will shortly see in the 
 life of that great Artist, which Mr. Hayley is preparing for the press. With best wishes to you and all your 
 good family, I remain, Madam, your most obedient humble servant, *' Thomas Robinson. 
 
 " Belfast, No. 30, Castle Street, 
 
 " Stpr. 13, 1805." 
 
 John Thomson was not the introducer of engraving here, as in 1753 a 
 copperplate press was set up, and Daniel Pomareda came to the town soon 
 afterwards, when an elaborate book plate for the Belfast Library, 1765, was exe- 
 cuted probably by him. In Mr. Lavens M. Ewart's large collection of Belfast 
 printed books is a volume of poems by M'Williains, with rude etchings, dated 
 1795. A portrait of Amyas Grififith, by J. Wilson, the Belfast artist, and one or 
 two frontispieces in local books, may also be mentioned. However, such was 
 the difficulty of getting engravings done here so late as 1794, that the United 
 Irishmen had to procure their badge or ticket from Dublin. It was not till the 
 settlement of Thomson that the art was permanently established. Born at 
 Arbroath, he came to Ireland in 1798 as a Tay Fencible, and was first 
 quartered at Ballymena. He there met a soldier, formerly a stamper of the 
 gold embossing seals used by the Linen Board in Dublin, and was led by 
 his advice to commence business in Ann Street as a cutter of these seals. 
 To this was soon added regular engraving, such as book plates, frontispieces, 
 and cards, with some heraldic silver work for the Donegall family and others. 
 In 1805 the caricatures of the famous "Castlereagh" election were produced 
 by him. His attention was also directed to colour printing for bank-notes and 
 cheques. A specimen still preserved shows he had anticipated modern in- 
 vention in this respect. He undertook the series of beautiful plates for 
 A. Mackay, Jun., illustrating Benn's first Historical Account of Belfast, 1S23. A 
 number of the original copper plates are again used in this work by the kindness 
 of Mr. James Graham, his last sur\'iving pupil, who has successfully carried on 
 the same business till the present time. Amongst these are several which for 
 some reason were never published. Thomson himself was noted for his tasteful 
 ornamental lettering, of which the title-page of the foregoing work is a good 
 
The Town Book of Belfast. 
 
 341 
 
 example. He also executed a set of copies for the clever writing-master, 
 Thomas Spence. Probably his largest plate is that of which a reduction is 
 here given. It represents a well-known character of old Belfast, Tatttra Barbus, 
 whose favourite haunt was the Long Bridge, from which he would jump into the 
 Lagan for a "fipenny." Another scarce engraving by him depicts "Cocky 
 Bendy," a bow-legged fiddler. About 1825 Thomson had accumulated a large 
 fortune, which, in an evil hour, he invested in the business of the Oldpark 
 Print Works. The concern, from bad management, soon collapsed, depriving 
 him of all his savings. Undaunted by the disaster, he worked on for many 
 years in his house at the corner of Castle Street and Fountain Street, where he 
 died at Easter, 1847. 
 
 '-^^ 
 
 A CELEBRATEU 
 ITINERANT HARDWARE MERCHANT 
 
 of dir^ottli onrrlamfl 
 
 Patrick MacDowell was born in Belfast, August, 1799, son of a small 
 tradesman, who lost all his money in a building speculation. His schoolmaster 
 had been an engraver, and encouraged him to draw. Apprenticed to a coach- 
 maker in London, at the end of four years he became the pupil of Peter 
 Chenu, the sculptor, and e.xhibited a bust in the Royal Academy, 1S22. Enter- 
 ing the Academy Schools, he quickly gained a leading position, mainly by the 
 good offices of Sir James Emerson Tennent, who procured for him, amongst 
 
w^ 
 
 342 
 
 T^s Town Book of^Belfast. 
 
 others, commissions from Lord Dungannon, R. M'Calmont.^a^d R. Davison. 
 He was elected R.A. in 1846, in which year was completed hls-noteworthy 
 statue of Viscount Exmouth at Greenwich. In 1856 the fine bronze -figure of 
 Frederick Richard, Earl of Belfast (now in the Free Library), was executed. He 
 continued to exhibit at the Royal Academy up to 1869, when he completed his 
 magnificent group of Europe for the Albert Memorial, and died on December 
 9th, 1870. His noblest work, not even excepting the "Europe," is the exquisite 
 marble group of the Earl of Belfast and his mother in the Meinorial Chapel, 
 Belfast Castle. The reproduction, from the fine photograph by W. Swanston, 
 F.G.S., gives its general appearance, but the delicacy of execution can only be 
 appreciated by seeing the original monument, which is most fittingly placed in 
 the midst of the appropriate and richly designed adornments, by which his sister, 
 the present Countess of Shaftesbury, has converted "the Chapel of the Resur- 
 rection" into one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical edifices in this country. 
 The inscription on the tomb is as follows : — " Sacred to the Memory of Harriet 
 Anne, wife of George Hamilton, Third Marquis of Donegall, and Daughter of 
 Richard, first Earl of Glengall. Born 3rd January, 1799. Died 14th September, 
 i860. And Frederick Richard, Earl of Belfast. Theirson. Born 25th November, 
 1827. Died 15th February, 1853." 
 
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 C. Connor, Esq., M.A., 
 
 Mayor of Belfast, 1889-go-gi. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Allen, Robert H., Mus. Bac, 
 
 Collect Grcin, Bit/ast. 
 
 Allen, Robert, 
 
 Old Lodge Road, Btlfa.it. 
 
 Allen, Samuel, LL.D., 
 
 Lisccnnan, Deruock. 
 
 Allworthy, Edward, 
 
 Royat Ar'cnut, Btl/ait. 
 
 Anderson, John, J. P., 
 
 Htllbrook, Holywood, 
 
 Andrews, George, 
 
 Ardcyne, Bfl/ast. 
 
 Andrews, Samuel, J. P., 
 
 Belfast. 
 
 Armstrong, James Moore, 
 
 C raigvarray Fortrush. 
 
 Armstrong, W. E., 
 
 Victoria Street, Belfast. 
 
 Artn strong, G. F. Savage, M.A., 
 
 Sydenkatn Villas, Bray. 
 
 Arnold, Edgar, 
 
 Marino. Co. Dowit. 
 
 Arnold, Rev. R. J., M.A., 
 
 The Manse, Dunmurry. 
 
 Bagzvell, R., M.A., D.L., J.P, 
 
 Marlfield, Clonmel, 
 
 Barbour^ J. M., 
 
 Hilden, Lisbum. 
 
 Barbour^ yokn^ 
 
 Marlborough Park. 
 
 Burnett, J. Milford, M.D.. HJf.I.A., 
 
 Ehnwood Avenue, Belfast. 
 
 Barr^ JameSy 
 
 Beechleigh, Windsor Park, Belfast. 
 
 Barry, J. B., 
 
 Done gall Square West^ Belfoit, 
 
 Beck, Fred E., F.R.C.P., 
 
 Fitzroy House, Botanic Aft., Belfast. 
 
 Beers, J. Leslie, J. P., 
 
 Leslie Hill, Co. Donegal. 
 
 Begley, G. R., 
 
 n'otfhill Lodge, Belfast. 
 
 Belfast City Council, 
 
 Belfast. 
 
 Bell, Thomas, 
 
 Linen Hall, Belfast. 
 
 Belmore, Rt. Hon. Earl of, G.C.M.C., 
 
 Castlecoole, Enniskillen. 
 
 Beverland, Robert, 
 
 North Street, Belfast. 
 
 Bigger, Francis J., 
 
 Royal Avenue, Belfast 
 
 Bigger, IV. J., D.L., J.P., 
 
 Londonderry. 
 
 Blackwood, J. Taylor, 
 
 Ulster Bank, Belfast. 
 
 Blow, James, 
 
 Mountpleasant, Belfast. 
 
 Bole, William, M.A., 
 
 Granznlle Villas, Belfast. 
 
 Boston Public Library, 
 
 Boston, U.S.A. 
 
 Boyd, John, 
 
 Corporation Street, Belfast, 
 
 Brett, Charles H., 
 
 Chichester street, Belfast. 
 
 Brett, John H., 
 
 Court House, Belfast. 
 
 Bristow, Rev. John, M.A., 
 
 St. James' Parsonage, Cliftonville. 
 
 Brown, G. H., 
 
 Bedford Street, Belfast. 
 
 Browne, John, J. P., 
 
 Ravenhill, Belfast. 
 
 Browne, Samuel, R.N., J.P. (the late) 
 
 Lindisferne, Strandtown. 
 
 Brown, Thomas, 
 
 Donegall street, Belfast. 
 
 Byers, John, 
 
 Franklin Street, Ne2v York. 
 Byers, Mrs., 
 
 Victoria Colltge, Belfast. 
 
 Cairns, William, 
 
 Gltnz'iiw, Ligoniel, Belfast. 
 
 Campbell, John, 
 
 Rathfetn, IVhiteaibey. 
 
 Carr, James, 
 
 Rathowen, Belfast. 
 
 Caruthers, Miss, 
 
 Ciaremont Street, Belfast. 
 
 Cinnatnond, Arthur, 
 
 Linenhall Street, Belfast. 
 
 Coey, Edward, J.P., 
 
 Merz'ille, Belfast. 
 
 Connor, Cliarles C, M.A., 
 
 Mayor of Belfast. 
 
 Corporation of London, 
 
 Guildhall, B.C. 
 
 Corry, Robert W., J. P., 
 
 Benvue, tVindsor, Belfast. 
 
 Corry, T. C. S., M.L>., 
 
 Ortneau Road, Belfast. 
 
 Cramsie, John, 
 
 Lisavon, Strandtown. 
 
 Crawford, William, 
 
 Mount Randal, Belfast. 
 
 Crone, Dr., 
 
 Kensal Lodge, KentalGreen, Loiuion, W. 
 
 Curley, Francis, 
 
 High street, Belfast. 
 
 Davidson, S. C, 
 
 Sirocco IVorks, Belfast. 
 
 Davies, John H., 
 
 Glcnmore Cottage, Lishurn. 
 
 Day, Robert, J.P., F.S.A., M.R.LA., 
 
 Sidney Place, Cork. 
 
 DeramorCy Lord ( the iate)^ 
 
 Grost'ennr Place ^ London, S.W, 
 
 Dick, John C, M.A., 
 
 Londonderry'. 
 
 Dickey, E. O^Rorke, 
 
 Donegall Street, Belfast. 
 
 Dill, R. F, M.D., 
 
 Fishcnvick Place, Belfast, 
 
 Dobbin, Leonard^ 
 
 Hollymouni^ Lee Road, Cork. 
 
 DobbSy Conway E., 
 
 Dalguise^ Monkstowtt, Co. DubltHi 
 
344 
 
 List of Subscribers. 
 
 Douglas, John, 
 
 Dotiegall Streei, Belfast. 
 
 Down and Connor and Dromore, His 
 Lordship the Bishop of, President 
 R.I.A. 
 
 Conway House-, Dumnurry. 
 
 Drew, Thomas, R.H.A., 
 
 Clare Street, Dublin. 
 
 Duffin, Adam, B.L., LL.D., 
 
 Waring Street, Belfast. 
 
 Dunlop, George, 
 
 Castlereagh Avenue, Belfast. 
 
 Dunlop, Robert, 
 
 Chichester Park, Belfast. 
 
 Dunlop, James, 
 
 Cajnbrulge Terrace, Belfast. 
 
 Edgar, John C, 
 
 Faulkner Street, UTanchester. 
 
 Erne, Rt. Hon. the Earl of, 
 
 Crom Castle, Enniskillcn. 
 
 Ewart, James M., 
 
 New York. 
 
 Ewart, Lavens M.,J.P., M.R.I.A., 
 
 Glenbank House, Ballysillan. 
 
 Ewart, Richard Hooker, 
 
 New York. 
 
 Ewart, Sir William Q., Bart., 
 
 Sclwtnberg, Strandtown. 
 
 Ferrar, A. M., 
 
 Torwood, JYindsor A venue, Belfast. 
 
 Ferrar, W. A., 
 
 Oshom€ Park, Belfast. 
 
 Fitchie, James, 
 
 Wellington Place, Belfast. 
 
 Filgate, L. G., D.L., 
 
 Checker Hill, Killagatt, Co. Antrim. 
 
 Finlay, W. Laird, J. P., 
 
 Windsor Avenue, Self cut. 
 
 Fitzgerald, Maurice F., B.A., C.E., 
 
 Botanic Az'Cniie. 
 
 Gaffikin, William, 
 Sandymount. 
 
 Gant, S. E., 
 
 Royal Avenue, Belfast. 
 
 Garrett, Mrs. Thomas, 
 
 Wynnstay Gardens, Kensington, W. 
 
 Carstin, John Ribton, D.L.,M.R I.A., 
 
 Bryanstown, C astlcbcUinghani . 
 
 Gibson, Andrew, 
 
 Ciiftonville Avenue, Belfast. 
 
 Gifford,J. G., 
 
 Loughview, Holyioood. 
 
 Gleiidinning, R. G., 
 
 Wellington Park, Belfast. 
 
 Glover, G. T, 
 
 Hoylake, ChesJnre. 
 
 Gowan, S. H., 
 
 Corporation Street, Belfast. 
 
 Graham, H. H., 
 
 Cionlea, Belfast. 
 
 G rattan. The Misses, 
 
 Coolgreany, Fortivilliam Park, Belfast. 
 
 Gregg, R. P., 
 
 Co/cs Park, BunUngfordy Herts. 
 
 Grogan^ Miss Emily, 
 
 College Gardens, Belfast. 
 Hattna, John., 
 
 Lisanore Villa, Antrim Road. 
 
 Hafina, John A.., 
 
 Ann Street, Belfast. 
 
 Hanna^John A.j 
 
 Bank Buildings^ Belfast, 
 
 Hanna, W. W., 
 
 North Front Street, Philadelphia. 
 
 Harbison^ M., 
 
 Ravenhill Terrace, Belfast. 
 
 Hardy, Thomas Lee, 
 
 Carramorc, Helen's Bay. 
 
 Harland, Sir E.J., Bart., M.P., 
 
 Kensington Palace Gardens^ W, 
 
 Haslett, Sir J. H., JP,, 
 
 Prificcss Gardens, Belfast. 
 
 Head^J. Merrick, 
 
 Reigate, Surrey. 
 Hems, Hai'fy, 
 
 Fair Park, Exeter. 
 
 Henderson, fa?nes, A.M., 
 
 Donegall street, Belfast. 
 
 Henry, W. Tenitant, C.E.,J,P.^ 
 
 Hzlisborough, Co, Down. 
 
 Heyn, James A. M., 
 
 Ulster Chambers, Belfast, 
 
 Heyn, F, L., 
 
 Ulster Chambers, Belfast. 
 
 Hill, Rt. Hon. Lord A., M.P., 
 
 H illsborough Castle. 
 
 Hodges &^ Figgis, 
 
 Grafton Street, Dublin. 
 
 Hogg, John, 
 
 Academy Street, Belfast. 
 
 Hogg, William, 
 
 Beaconsfeld Terrace, Belfast. 
 
 Houston, J. Blakiston, V.L.,J.P., 
 
 Orangeficld, Belfast. 
 
 Howden, Charles, 
 
 Invemiore, Lame. 
 
 Hughes, Edwin, B.A., 
 
 Lombard Street, Belfast. 
 
 Hunter, S. €., 
 
 Waring Street, Belfast. 
 
 Inglis, James, J. P., 
 
 Eliza Street, Belfast. 
 Jaffe, Alfred, J.P., 
 
 Cloona^ Dunmurry. 
 
 Jaffe, Otto, 
 
 Kinedar, Strandt07vn. 
 
 Johns, Alexander, J.P. (the late), 
 
 Belfast Bank, Belfast. 
 
 Johnston, James, 
 
 Seaview, Belfast. 
 
 Johnston, W.J.,J.P., 
 
 Dunesk, Belfast. 
 
 Johnston, Robert, 
 
 H iighenden Avenue, Belfast. 
 
 Johnstone, S. A., J. P., 
 
 Dalriada, IVhiteabbey. 
 
 Kennedy, Witliam, 
 
 Kenbella House, Belfast. 
 
 Kerr, Samuel P., 
 
 Seafield, Sydenham. 
 
 Kertlaftd, E. H, 
 
 12, Bedford Street, Belfast. 
 
 Kinghan, S.,J.P., 
 
 Glenghanna, Co. Down. 
 
 Knowles, W. J, M. R.I.A., 
 
 Flixton Placet Ballyjnena. 
 
 Kyle, R. A., 
 
 Donegall Place, Belfast. 
 
 Latimer, Rev. IV. T., B.A., 
 
 The lilanse, Eglish, Dungannon. 
 
 La Touche,J.J., LL.D., 
 
 upper Ely Place, Dublin. 
 
 Leathern, John G., 
 
 Northern Bank, Belfast, 
 
List of Subscribers. 
 
 345 
 
 Lepptr, Alfred J. A.,J.P., 
 
 R/umbuoy, Carrkkfergus. 
 
 Leppe}\ F. R., 
 
 Ulster Bank, Belfast. 
 
 Lett, Rev. H. IV., M.A., 
 
 Aghaderry Glebe, Loughbriekland. 
 
 Lewis, Miss, 
 
 Nettlefield, Belfast. 
 
 Lindsay, David, 
 
 Ashbutii, Straiuitown. 
 
 Linen Hall Library, 
 
 Belfast. 
 
 Liverpool Free Public Library, 
 
 Liverpool. 
 
 Lowenthal,J., 
 
 Liricnhall Street, Belfast. 
 
 Lo7vry,R. W.,J.P., 
 
 Pomeroy House, Ponteroy. 
 
 Loiuson^J. W, B.^ 
 
 Koyal Avenue t Belfast. 
 
 Lyons, IV. H. H., 
 
 University Square.^ Betfast. 
 
 M'Bretmy, IV. A. J., 
 
 Haypark Avenue. 
 
 M'Caig, G. P., 
 
 Ballysillan, Belfast. 
 
 M'Cance, Hemy Jones, D.L., 
 
 Larkfield, Dunmurry. 
 
 M^Carte, James, 
 
 St. George's Hill, Evetton, Liverpool. 
 
 M'ConnelhJ. Sr-J, Ltd., 
 
 Tomb Street, Belfast. 
 
 M'Cormick, H. M'Neil, 
 
 Court House, Belfast. 
 M'Crea, B., 
 
 upper Crescent, Belfast. 
 
 M'CullocA, James, 
 
 Blessington Road, Lee, Kent. 
 
 M'Ferran, John, 
 
 Barna^Iuea, Fortvjilliam, Belfast. 
 
 APGee, James, 
 
 Holyivood. 
 
 APIlwaine, J. H., 
 
 Queen's Road^ Belfast. 
 
 M'Kelvey ^ M'Combe, 
 
 Royal Avenue t Belfast. 
 
 M^Loughlzn^ JoJm., J. P.^ 
 
 Cart Hall, Coleraine. 
 
 Macartney, \V. E., M.P., 
 
 Clogher Park, Co. Tyrone. 
 
 Macauley, John, D.L., 
 
 Red Hall, Ballycarry. 
 
 Macauley, A. T., 
 
 Queen's Elms, BelfcLst. 
 
 Maclvor, James, 
 
 King's Inns, Dublin. 
 
 Macnaughton, J. A., 
 
 Potterswalls, Antrim. 
 
 Macnaghten, Rt. Hon. Lord, 
 
 Queen's Gate, London. 
 
 Macrory, Edmund, 
 
 Fig Tiee Court, Temple, E.C. 
 
 MacTear, Miss, 
 
 .4rdgreenan, Cave Hill Road, Belfast. 
 
 Maguire, Andrew, 
 
 North Street, Belfast. 
 
 Malcolm, Mrs. J., 
 
 Hugkcndtn Terrace, Belfast. 
 
 Malcolm, Bowman, 
 
 Richmond, Antrim Road, Belfast. 
 
 Malone, John, 
 
 Bedford Sirtet, Belfast. 
 
 Marsh, John, (the late) 
 
 Gtenlyon, Holywood. 
 
 Matter, Henry, J.P. (the late), 
 
 Dunlatnbert, Belfast. 
 
 Meissner, A. L., Ph.D., 
 
 Librarian, Queen's College, Belfast. 
 
 Milligan, S. F., M.R.LA., 
 
 Royal Terrace, Belfast. 
 
 Mitchell, W. C.,J.P., 
 
 Tomb Street, Belfast. 
 
 Mohan, John, 
 
 Wellington Plcue, Belfast. 
 
 Many penny, F. \V., 
 
 Templeinore Avenue, Belfast. 
 
 Montgomery, John, 
 
 Ligoniel House, Belfast. 
 
 Montgomery, Johnston, 
 
 Royal Az'enue, Belfast. 
 
 Montgomery, IV., 
 
 Royal Avenue, Belfast. 
 
 Moran, John, A. A/., LL.D., 
 
 Trim. 
 
 Morrison, Hugh, 
 
 Ligoniel. 
 
 Mullan, William, &" Son, 
 
 Donegatl Place, Betfast. 
 
 Musgrave, James, J.P., 
 
 Druniglass House, Belfast. 
 
 Neill, Sharman D., 
 
 Donegall Place, Belfast. 
 
 Net tie ton, IV. J., 
 
 Wellington Place, Belfast. 
 
 Newett, B.J., 
 
 Mount Lyons, Belfast. 
 
 Newman, S. A., 
 
 Bridge Street, Walsall. 
 
 O Neill, Lord, 
 
 Shane's Castle. 
 
 0' Hay, James/. J 
 
 Ligoniel, Belfast. 
 
 O'Laverty, Rev.Jas., P.P., M.R.LA., 
 
 Holywood. 
 
 O'Neill^ Rev. James, M.A., 
 
 Colle£:e Square East, Belfast. 
 
 O'Neill, William J., C.E., 
 
 Lurg-an. 
 
 Park, Rev. W., M.A., 
 
 A Uxaitdra Gardens, Fort7uilliam Pk. 
 
 Patterson, R. Lloyd, J. P., F.L.S., 
 
 Croft House, Holywood. 
 
 Patterson, W. H., M.R.LA., 
 
 Garranard, Strandtown. 
 
 Pinkerlon,J. C, 
 
 Victoria Street, Belfast. 
 
 Play/air, Charles, 
 
 Castle Place, Belfast. 
 
 Porter, Hugh, 
 
 Hughendcn, Fortvjilliam, Belfast. 
 
 Porter, John B., 
 
 HuglietuJen Terrace, Belfast. 
 
 Preston, Sir John, J.P. (the late), 
 
 Duumore. 
 
 Ranfurly, Rt. Hon. Earl of, 
 
 Northland House, Dungannon. 
 
 Rea, W. R., 
 
 Donegall Quay, Belfast. 
 
 Reade,R. H.,J.P., 
 
 H'ilniont, Dunmurry. 
 
 Reed, Talbot B., 
 
 Fann Street, London, E.C. 
 
 Reid, James, 
 
 Monfode, Greemck. 
 
346 
 
 List of Subscribers. 
 
 Reid, John, 
 
 4, IVaring Street^ Belfoii. 
 
 Reid, Joseph, 
 
 Malone Park, Belfast. 
 
 Rentoul, Miss, 
 
 CliftoHvilU, Belfast. 
 
 Reynell, Rev. W., B.D., M.R.I.A., 
 
 Henrietta Sireety Dublin. 
 
 Richardson^ Charles IV., 
 
 Messrs. Richardson, Sotts »V Owden. 
 
 Riddel, \Villia7n,J.P., 
 
 Beechiitount, Belfast. 
 
 Ritchie, IV. B., 
 
 The Grove, Belfast. 
 
 Robertson, William, J. P., 
 
 Bank Buildings, Belfast. 
 
 Robinson, E., 
 
 Lisntara. 
 
 Robinson, Mrs., 
 
 Temperance Hotel, Donegatl St., Belfast. 
 Robinson, William A., J. P., 
 
 Culloden House, Craigavad. 
 
 Rogers, Edgar, 
 
 Callendtr Street, Belfast. 
 
 Rodman, W., 
 
 /riverside, HolywooeL 
 
 Ross, W. A., 
 
 Craigavad. 
 
 Shaftesbury, The Rt. Hon. the Countessof 
 
 Belfast Castle. 
 
 Shaw, John G., 
 
 67, High street. 
 
 Shillington, T. F., 
 
 Drontart, Belfast, 
 
 Simpson, W. M., 
 
 Hughenden Avenue, Be fast. 
 
 Simms, Felix B., 
 
 Linen Hall, Belfast. 
 
 Sinclair, W. P., 
 
 Rivelyn, Princes Park, Liverpool. 
 
 Smith, F. W., 
 
 DoHtg^all Sgtiare, Belfast. 
 
 Society of Antiquaries, 
 
 Burlington House, London, IV. 
 
 Spears, Adam, B.Sc, 
 
 Holywood. 
 
 Standjield^ T., 
 
 Newington Terrace, Belfast. 
 
 S te if ox^ James, 
 
 Oakleigh, Ormeau Park. 
 
 Step/tens, IV. H., 
 
 Holi'T.DOod. 
 
 Stewart, Rev. Joseph A., 
 
 Pond Park, Lisburn. 
 
 Swanston, W., F.G.S., 
 
 King street, Belfast. 
 
 Templetown, The Viscountess of, 
 
 Tetnplepatrick. 
 
 Thompson, James, J. P., 
 
 Macedon, IVhitehouse. 
 
 Thompson, John, 
 
 Mount Collyer, Belfast. 
 
 Thomson, Sir William, F.R.S., 
 
 Tlic University, Glasgow. 
 
 Thornton, Francis M., 
 
 Benson, Minnesota, U.S.A. 
 
 Torrens,John, M.A., 
 
 Rosstulla, II 'hiteaibey. 
 
 Torrens, Thomas H.,J.P., 
 
 Edenmore, Whiteabbey. 
 
 Tyler, Henry, J.P., 
 
 Lintavady. 
 
 Valentine, Wm.,J.P., 
 
 Northern Bank, Belfast. 
 
 Vinycomb, John, F.R.S.A.I., 
 
 Riverside, Holywood. 
 
 Wales, John, 
 
 B<lfast Bank, Belfast. 
 
 Walkington, Dolway B., 
 
 Thomhill, Alalone Road, Belfast. 
 
 Walkington, R. B., 
 
 Linenliall street, Belfast. 
 
 Ward, Francis D.,J.P., M.RJ.A., 
 F.R.S.A.I., Chevalier Legion 
 d'Honneur, 
 
 Greenwood, Strandtown. 
 
 IVard, F. Edward, 
 
 Greenwood, Strandtown. 
 
 Ward, George G., 
 
 Eversleigh, Strandtown. 
 
 Ward, John, J.P., F.S.A., F.R.G.S., 
 
 Lennoxvale, Belfast. 
 
 Ward, J. T, 
 
 Cherry kill. 
 
 Ward, Robert E., D.L.,J.P., 
 
 Bangor Castle, Bangor. 
 
 Ward, W. H., 
 
 Linen Hall. Belfast. 
 
 Watson, R., 6^ Sons, 
 
 Lurgan, 
 
 Wilson, James, M.E., 
 
 Old Forge, Dunmurry. 
 
 Wilson, M., 
 
 Sec. Belfast Bank, Belfast. 
 
 Wilson, Walter H., 
 
 Strandmtllis House, Belfast. 
 
 Woodside, W.J., 
 
 Corporation Street, Belfast. 
 
 Workman, John, J. P., 
 
 Bedford Street, Belfast. 
 
 Workman, Thomas, J. P., 
 
 Craigdarragh, Co, Down. 
 
 Wright, James, 
 
 Lauriston, Derryvolgie Ave,, Belfast. 
 
 Wright, E. Percival, M.D., Sec. R.I. A., 
 
 Trinity College, Dublin. 
 
 Young, William A., J.P., 
 
 Fenaghy, Cullybackey, Co. Antrim. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Ale, licence for selling, 5 ; not to be sold 
 during Divine service, 50, 180; measures 
 for, 304. 
 
 AUsinor, John, yeoman, 78. 
 
 Anchorage, fees for, 120; rules for, 187, 189. 
 
 Apprentices, to be indentured by the Town 
 Clerk, 110; rules for, 187, 1S9; not 
 freemen until three months after com- 
 pletion of time, 183. 
 
 Arbitration, R. Clugston and J. Miller, 33, 
 34 ; Widow Anderson and Thomas 
 Smyth, 47, 48. 
 
 Ardagh, Arthur, Dublin, 109. 
 
 Ardglas, Thomas, Earl of, 273, 338. 
 
 Armagh, Lord Archbishop of, presented 
 with the freedom of Belfast, 218. 
 
 Arms and maces for the town, 19, 308, 
 
 309-3I2- 
 Armstrong, John, vtrsus Thomas Foster, 
 
 73- 
 Army in Ireland, 306, 307, 312, 313. 
 Arnold, John, attorney, 13, 306. 
 Arran, Richard, Earl of, 271, 338. 
 Assessments, 20-22, 24-28, 30-38, 40, 41, 
 
 136 ; in arrears, 93 ; for the Town Hall, 
 
 100-103, 113; for enlarging wharf, 134. 
 Assessors, 31, 32, 41. 
 Assize and Quarter Sessions, men to attend, 
 
 16. 
 Atkinson, William, Town Clerk, 300. 
 Attorney, letter of, 72, 73, 81, 112. 
 Attornies' fees, 15- 
 Ayshe, or Ash, John, 2, 5, ii, 12, 15, i6-l8, 
 
 20, 22 ; family of, 303. 
 
 Backwater, course of, to be repaired, 117, 
 
 325- 
 Ballast, how to be disposed of, 172. 
 Banks, Stewart, 296, 338. 
 Baron, Rob, 63. 
 Barrow, Robert, Dublin, 99. 
 Beef- barrels, specification for, 155, 186. 
 Beggars, sturdy, to be apprehended, &c., 
 
 70, 146, 304. 
 Belfast, plan of in 1660, 80 ; limits of, 
 
 119 ; perspective view of, 300, 339. 
 Bell, of market-house, 324 ; casting of the 
 
 Carrickfergus, 338. 
 Biggar, John, demise of his lands, 140, 
 
 141 ; Michael, 94, 96, 323 ; and John 
 
 Black, acknowledgment of, 112. 
 Bill for finishing, cleansing, and keeping 
 
 the quay in repair, 201-207. 
 Bills of exchange, 29. 
 Blaney, H., Baron of Monaghan, 29, 314. 
 Blow, James, printer, 338. 
 Blundell, Sir Francis, 278, 338. 
 
 Bolby, Gowen, 2, 9 ; or Boultby, 11, 16, 
 
 305- 
 
 Boltby, Mrs., 55, 67, 73. 
 
 Bond for ;£ 1 200, 75, 76. 
 
 Bonds, papers, &c, in keeping of Sovereign, 
 168, 214, 215; bonds and seals, 66. 
 
 Borough Court of Belfast, fees of, 141-144 ; 
 rules for, 153, 154, 176. 
 
 Bowling-green, 332, 338. 
 
 Bramston, Thomas, 2, 9-II, 15-18. 
 
 Bread, rules for selling by strangers, 135. 
 
 Brice, Captain Edward, elected a burgess, 
 100 ; elected sovereign, 196; Robert, 
 254. 283, 337, 338. 
 
 Bridge, to be built, 99, 182; preservation 
 of, 189; work at, 23, 138, 326, 328. 
 
 Brief on behalf of Corporation, 207-209. 
 
 Brown, John, Sovereign of Belfast, 300. 
 
 Buckets and ladders to be kept, 155, 186. 
 
 Buller, David, Sovereign, 193-195 ; James, 
 167, 193- 
 
 Bulwark, erection of, 22, 313. 
 
 Burgesses, removed for long absence, 16, 
 83 ; for non-residence, 115 ; to subscribe 
 Declaration, 197 ; refusing to take the 
 oath, fined, 179; must belong to the 
 Church of Ireland, 197 ; list of, 232- 
 239. 336 ; thirty-five, 242, 336 ; not to 
 sell ale or spirits, 89 (repealed, 212, 213). 
 
 Butchers, to pay tongues weekly, 2, 184 ; 
 to carry blood and garbage beyond sea 
 mark, 97, 181 ; to sell in shambles, 1 54, 
 184, 185. 
 
 Butler, Lord John, 271, 338. 
 
 Butter, place for sale of, 177, 186. 
 
 By-laws and orders of Belfast, in 1632, 
 1-3; in 1667, 178-187; in 1686, 154-156; 
 in 1707, 197, 328. 
 
 Byrtt, Robert, 214, 215 ; Arthur, 215, 218. 
 
 Cannon ball of basalt, 318. 
 
 Capture of goods by man-of-war, 76. 
 
 Carpenter, W. P., sale of his house, 69 ; 
 
 Jo., 213. 
 Carrickfergus, siege and surrender of, 3:8 ; 
 
 history of, 319, 320; first bell of, 338. 
 Carrion, to be buried, 23 ; to be kept from 
 
 river, 179. 
 Cassainge, Petter, acknowledgment of, 
 
 114, 115. 
 Census in 1757, 316. 
 Certificate, of burgess-ship, 1 52; from 
 
 Mayor of Lancaster, 108, 109, 321. 
 Chalmers, John, 170. 
 Charcoal, manufacture of, 308. 
 Charles R., his letter to the House of 
 
 Peers, 85-87. 
 
348 
 
 Index. 
 
 Charter of Borough, renewal of, 107 ; re- 
 newing and altering of, u8, 119; to be 
 defended, 157, 15S; of James II., 158- 
 165; of James I., 172-178, 233, 328. 
 
 Chichester, Hon. Charles, elected burgess, 
 191; Captain Edward, 10, 192; Hon. 
 Captain John, elected burgess, 191 ; and 
 Member of Parliament, 218, 26S, 33S ; 
 Arthur, Lord Baron of Belfast, an 
 account of, 220-223, 33°-33- ; Earl of 
 Donegall, an account of his family, 225- 
 228, 332-334- 
 
 Chimneys of wood forbidden, ii, I So. 
 
 Chittick, William Gervaise, 305. 
 
 Christian, Thomas, promise to pay, 90, 91. 
 
 Chronological list of notable events con- 
 nected with history of Belfast, ix.-xW. 
 
 Church, the, must be attended, 3, 4. 
 
 Churchyard, 316. 
 
 Clanbrazill, Henry, Earl of, 271, 338. 
 
 Claneboy, Viscount of, 75- 
 
 Clements, Edward, elected burgess, 212. 
 
 Clift boards, 327. 
 
 Clugston, John, 58, 77. 
 
 Coal and candle for the soldiers, 17, 19, 
 22-24, 2S, 32, 33, 54, 306 ; and guards, 
 312. 
 
 Coals and turf levied, 22, 23. 
 
 CoUyer and Company, 293, 338. 
 
 Commonwealth, Commissioners of, 64, 70. 
 
 Constable of the Castle, 57, 197, 199, 
 200, 213, 214. 
 
 Constables for 1753 and 1754, 219. 
 
 Contempt of court, W, Taylor, 80, 81 ; 
 Peirce Welsh, 92. 
 
 Conway, Lord, 292, 338. 
 
 Coote, Charles and Chidley, 63 ; Sir 
 Charles, 248, 337. 
 
 Corporation, old, last list of, in 1842, 336. 
 
 Correy, John, 77, 322. 
 
 Courthouse, 306. 
 
 Court notices must be attended to, 5. 
 
 Crafiford, William, 153, 170, 171. 
 
 Craford, Thomas, Town Clerk, 1 68, 170, 
 188; chamberlain, 191. 
 
 Crawly, Ralph, fined for bloodshed, 304. 
 
 Craytes, to be apprehended, 6. 
 
 Creaght, 304, 305. 
 
 Crimble, Walterhouse, 2, 5, 9, S3, 303. 
 
 Cunningham, Sir David, 75. 
 
 Custom dues, 120; to be paid, 1S3, 184; 
 for cattle, farmed, 17, 18 ; or excise, 64. 
 
 Dallway, John, Mayor of Carrickfergus, 
 
 319- 
 Day, Robert, J. P. , F. S. A. , M. R I. .\. , 309. 
 Dean, John, water bailiff, 120, 121. 
 Digby, Essex, 65, 67, 320. 
 Dillon, Sir James, 249, 337. 
 Disfranchisement of burgesses, 4, 16, 44, 
 
 .81, 83, 92, 96, 107. 
 Disorderly house prohibited, 17, 307. 
 Dispute between Castle and Town, 207-209. 
 Dissenters excluded from public office, 
 
 194, 197.^ 
 Distresses, Sovereign may sell, 185. 
 Divine service to be attended, 3, 4 ; fines 
 
 for absence from, 4, 5, 303, 304. 
 
 Doak, Hugh, II, 51-53, 57, 58, 70, 78, 
 S2, 92, 305. 
 
 Dobbin, Humphrey and William, 336. 
 
 Dobbs,' Richard, 33S. 
 
 Dock, the, to be kept clean, 121, 189, 325 ; 
 fees of, to be paid to Sovereign, 192. 
 
 Dogs to be muzzled, 136, 137. 
 
 Donegall, Arthur, Earl of, water bailiff, 
 120; his last will, 129-132; elected 
 burgess, 169 ; resigns, 191 ; his family, 
 225-228, 325, 328, 332. 
 
 Dow n and Connor and Dromore, Bishop of, 
 321. 
 
 Downes, Samuel, Town Clerk, 109, 112, 
 113. ?64, 338. 
 
 Drawbridge, 23. 
 
 Drinking and gambling after 9 p.m., for- 
 bidden, 195. 
 
 Drunkenness to be punished, 71. 
 
 Dunghills to be kept from streets, 179. 
 
 Egelsham, John, promise to pay, 91. 
 Electio Superiorum, 239, 336. 
 
 Fees, for cattle, 17 ; for Freemen of town, 
 
 17; ofBorough Court of Belfast, 141-143. 
 Felons, apprehension of, 6, 7. 
 Fences to be made and maintained, 7 ; and 
 
 enclosures, 179. 
 Ffrancis, John and Mary, 6g. 
 Ffranklin, Sir William, Lord of the Castle, 
 
 154. 156, 121- 
 Fines and profits belong to suffragan, 8, 9 ; 
 
 transferred to Town stock, 148. 
 Fines for polluting the river, 16, 17; for 
 
 neglecting Divine worship, 3, 4, 6. 
 Fire, prevention of, 155. 
 Flower, Sir W., 278, 338. 
 Fort, the Grand, 69, 316. 
 Fortescue, Sir Faithful, 330. 
 Foster, Robert, 2, 9-12, 15, 18, 22, 24, 28, 
 
 29, 33. 34, 39. 43-4S, 50-57, 67, 70; 
 
 account with John Mathew, 29, 30; with 
 
 the town, 50. 
 Freedom of the town, 45 ; oath of freemen, 
 
 80 ; admission of, 104, 105. 
 Freemen, fined for not appearing when 
 
 summoned, 180 ; to be made free in court, 
 
 1S2; to pay 10/- when admitted, 188; 
 
 their oath, 79, So ; roll of (1635 'o '796), 
 
 246-300, 336-338. 
 
 Gabbards, to pay tunnage, 1S4, 1S7 ; to be 
 allowed to discharge, 1S4. 
 
 Gambling or drinking after 9 p.m., for- 
 bidden, 105, 183. 
 
 Games, noxious, forbidden, 183. 
 
 Garbage to be carried to the sea, 97, I Si. 
 
 Garmoyle, pool of, 120. 
 
 Gateley, Richard, 22, 51, 70. 
 
 Gates, the, toll customs at, llS, 143, 144. 
 
 Giants' Ring, 102, 324. 
 
 Glassmaking, 339. 
 
 Goye, John, joyner, 247, 337. 
 
 Graham, James, 340, 
 
 Grand Jury (1645), 40; (1667), 118, 147, 
 iSS. 
 
 Giay, William Tomson, 266, 338. 
 
index. 
 
 340 
 
 Green, Robert, Constable of the Castle, 
 
 214, 329- 
 Groomsport, 61, 318. 
 
 Haddocke, John, II, 15; Haydock, 22; 
 
 Roger, 210, 211. 
 Halberts for use of the town, 136, 325. 
 Hallridge, John, elected burgess, 196. 
 Hamilton, Hans, 271, 338. 
 Hannington, Thomas, 9, 11, 16, 17, 22, 
 
 28, 33, 43-47, 50-53. 55-57. 62, 67, 70. 
 Harbour, keeping-up of, 120. 
 Harman, Cornelius, 2. 
 Harrison, Captain Edward, elected burgess, 
 
 144, 172, 192; Michael, loS, 195, 200. 
 Harte, Carew, 7 ; his confession, 303. 
 Heads on spikes, 324. 
 Helhows, John, 321. 
 Henry, I\ing of France and Navarre, letter 
 
 of, 224, 225. 
 Hercules Street, 33S. 
 Hewitson, Thomas, elected burgess, 213. 
 Hicks, Sir Michael, 270, 338. 
 Hides, place for sale of, 171, 186. 
 High SheritT, his power, 173. 
 Highways, assessment for, 25. 
 Hill, Conway, 268, 338. 
 Hillsborough, Earl of, 29S, 338. 
 Holmes, Edward, 5. 
 Horses, cows, &c., to be kept off streets, 
 
 179. 
 Houses building or repairing, 64 ; to be 
 
 kept in repair, 179. 
 Hue and cry, 70. 
 Hume, Colonel, governor, 43. 
 Hunt, Richard, 68, 321. 
 Hutchison, Dr., Bishop of Down and Con- 
 nor, 320. 
 
 Impleading prohibited in other than the 
 
 Borough Court, 3, 147, 176, 179, 180. 
 Incorporation of the Borough of Belfast, 
 
 301. 
 Indenture of Thomas Rigbye, 59, 60. 
 Indentures to be made by Town Clerk, 1 10, 
 
 III. 
 Ireton, H., 64, 65. 
 Irish boroughs incorporated by James I., 
 
 302. 
 
 James II., 156, 327; humble address to, 
 
 188, 328. 
 Jay, John, letter of attorney, 209, 210. 
 Jemmett, Warhara, commissioner, 192, 328. 
 Jur)', the Grand {1645), 40; (1667), 1S5. 
 
 Kirk and Covenant, 322. 
 Knox, Tho., made a burgess, 144, 145; 
 resigns, 190, 328. 
 
 Ladders and buckets to be kept, 155. 
 Lancaster, Mayor of, certificate from, loS, 
 
 109 ; translation, 325. 
 Langford, Lady, assignment and will, 65 ; 
 
 Sir Hercules, Bart., 67 ; elected a burgess, 
 
 114, 26S, 338. 
 Lanterns to be hung at doors in dark 
 
 nights, 146, 155, 186. 
 
 Lawson, Capt. Robert, 58, 317. 
 
 Leather, searching and sealing of, 55. S^» 
 
 71. 
 
 Leathes, R., 96, 115, 138, 154, 156, 158, 
 
 16S, 199. 211, 213, 326. 
 Le B)Ttt, Robert, elected burgess, 211, 212; 
 
 Town Clerk, 211, 212; Sovereign, 214. 
 Le Squire, Henry, constable, 9-11, I5'I7> 
 
 sovereign, 18, 20, 22, 24 ; his family, 305. 
 L'Estrange, Mrs. T., 339. 
 Lewis family, the, 326. 
 Leythes, John, 92, 108, 170; John, junior, 
 
 70; William, 32, 33, 70, 82; his ac- 
 
 accounts with the Town, 52, 78. 
 Lime and turf, sale of, 116, 133, 154, 155, 
 
 .85. 
 Lockart, William, 168, 169, 191. 
 Loftus, Dudley, 271, 338. 
 Londonderr)' described, 318. 
 Longford, Earl and Countess of, 171, 338. 
 Lyndon, Capt. Roger, 46, 317. 
 
 M'Bryd, John, 35, 315- 
 
 M'Cartney, George, 82, 102, no, 114, 
 115, 120, 129, 132, 134, 135, 138, 139, 
 169, 192, 194, 195, 199, 200, 329; brings 
 water into the town, 13S, 149, 150; 
 reimbursed for cost of this, 150, 151, 152; 
 Sovereign, 92, 96, 195. 
 
 McCartney, George (Niger), 253, 337. 
 
 M'Cartney, William, elected Member of 
 Parliament, 21S; James, Sovereign, 169; 
 Arthur, 169, 196 ; Isaac, 192, 196. 
 
 M'Gee, James, 328. 
 
 M'Gill, "Hugh, 2S2, 33S. 
 
 M 'Kinney, W. F. , 324. 
 
 M'Neale, Danyell, 248, 337. 
 
 MacDowell, Patrick, sculptor, 339, 341, 342. 
 
 Macneil, Neil, elected burgess, 193. 
 
 Maces, 19, 241, 308, 309, 336. 
 
 Malone, 40. 
 
 Malt-kilns, rules respecting, 10, 180. 
 
 Mankin, William, silversmith, 292, 338. 
 
 Manson, David, 300, 338. 
 
 Marcus Ward & Co., 334. 
 
 Market, the, 171, 327, 32S. 
 
 Markets, measures and rules for, 13-15, 71. 
 
 Martin, George, 51-53, 55, 61, 70. 78, 318. 
 
 Mascon, Daniel, Monsieur, 267, 33S. 
 
 Massereene, Lord John, 278, 338. 
 
 Mathew, John, account with, 29. 
 
 ^^athews, Mary and Charles, 190. 
 
 Mayor, the, a Justice of Peace, 1 19. 
 
 Measurers, sworn, list of, 21S. 
 
 Measures, standards for, 168, 169; Win- 
 chester, 13, 306; for turf, 116. 
 
 Meeke, Francis, 70, 78, So, 82. 
 
 Milewater, bridge at, 307. 
 
 Militia in 1760, list of commanders, &c,, 
 229, 230. 
 
 Miller, John, 33, 315. 
 
 Molloy, William, Dublin, 109. 
 
 Monck, General, verses to, 79, 322. 
 
 Montgomery, W., complaint of, 106; Hugh, 
 284, 338. 
 
 Moore, A., Lisnagarveye, goods to be 
 valued, 72. 
 
 Mossley Mills, 323. 
 
350 
 
 Index. 
 
 Mulholland's Mill, 339. 
 Muschamp, Edward, 273, 338. 
 Mutton must be sold with the skin, 194. 
 
 Nearne, Doctor, 36, 315. 
 Needham, Richard, 272, 338. 
 Neill, Sharman D., 334. 
 Nisbitt, James, 54. 
 Non-resident burgesses, 115, 116. 
 North Street, 117. 
 Notice to quit, 77. 
 
 Oath, of the sovereign, 71, 193, 219; of a 
 sergeant of the mace, 78 ; of overseer of 
 the market, 93, 94, 220 ; of a porter, 
 III ; of supremacy, 219; of a free bur- 
 gess, 220. 
 
 Oath, refusing to take, sovereign or bur- 
 gess fined for, 179. 
 
 O'Hara, Teag, his accounts with the town, 
 
 63. 320- 
 Orders and Bylaws of Belfast in 1632, I. 
 Ormond, Duke of, speech to, 199. 
 Orphans to be apprenticed, 146. 
 Osey, Clement, registrar, 2, 3, 5. 
 
 Parliament, burgess to represent town in, 
 
 218 ; list of, from 1613, 231. 
 Patterson, Mary, 339. 
 Paule, John, 54. 
 
 Petition of inhabitants to Viscount Chi- 
 chester, 43 ; to the Lord President, 62 ; 
 
 answer, 63. 
 Phillips, Chichester, 269, 337 ; Pawlelt, 
 
 2S3, 338- 
 Poor, the, money left for benefit of, 49, 55, 
 
 60, 67, 72-74, 133, 134, 146, 168, 329. 
 Porters, to be rated, 147 ; their oath, III ; 
 
 their charges regulated, 192, 193. 
 Postley, Thomas, 34, 315; William, 69. 
 Pottery and faience, 339. 
 Pottinger, Thomas, 262, 338. 
 Printing, first in Belfast, 337. 
 Promissory note, 99. 
 Proposals made at a court of assembly, 
 
 14th October, l68o, 146. 
 Punchbowl of oak, 326. 
 
 Quarter Sessions, 118. 
 
 Quay, the, to be repaired, 200, 329 ; tunnage 
 
 increased for, 200, 201 ; to be finished 
 
 and kept in repair, 201. 
 Quo Warranto ol]&TXit%\\. to Corporation, 
 
 156, «57- 
 
 Rampart about the town, 22, 23, 28, 117, 
 
 313. 3'4- 
 RatclifT, Ffrancis, his accounts with the 
 
 town, 60, 61, 74 ; release to his brother, 
 
 170. 
 Rates, collected by sergeants, 20 ; for 
 
 shipping, 189. 
 Rawden, Geo., 29, 30; his family, 314, 315. 
 Receipt for contribution (1770), 324. 
 Record, court of, 118, 153, 154. 
 Refractory persons to be imprisoned, 28. 
 Refusal to take an oath, 15. 
 Revenue, Commissioners of, 64. 
 
 Reynall, Edward, 83, 105-108, 152; Ed- 
 mund, 321 ; Arthur, 321 ; Richard, 321. 
 
 Rigbye, Thomas, apprenticed to John 
 Rigbye, 59, 60 ; John, 74, 75, 82, 84. 
 
 River, the, fines for polluting, 16, 17, 97; 
 to be embanked, 98; bridges over, 99, 
 182; embankment to be repaired, 117, 
 183 ; wall to be kept up, 183 ; to be 
 cleansed yearly, 187, 189; in High 
 Street, 306. 
 
 Robbery of a bank, 61. 
 
 Robinson, Thos, painter, 339 ; Romney,340. 
 
 Robyns, Roger, Town Clerk, 18. 
 
 Rogers, James, 54. 
 
 Rogues, to be apprehended, 6. 
 
 Roman Catholics, place for Divine service 
 for, 166, 167. 
 
 Sabbath-breaking, to be punished, 71. 
 Salt, foreign, bought and sold. It, 15. 
 Salters and packers of beef to be rated, I47. 
 Saunders, Margetson, sovereign, 218. 
 Scarcity of the times, 55. 
 Scavenging, 179. 
 Schonberg, Duke of, 167, 168. 
 Schoolmaster, stipend and houss for, 57 ; 
 
 assessment for school, 57, 317. 
 Scott, Richard, last will and testament of, 
 
 II3- 
 
 Seal for the town, 19, 309-311. 
 
 Seats in church for burgesses, 52, 53, 317- 
 
 Sergeants-at-mace, their oath, 78 ; John 
 Younge, 156; Francis Cordner, 169; 
 C. Monepenny, 215; N. Boddle, 219; 
 John Beck, 169, 170; E. Hall, 213, 215; 
 R. Ffinley, 199; candidates for, 215, 330; 
 list of voters, 215-217; Clement Mone- 
 penny chosen, 217, 218 
 
 Servants' wages to be regulated, 70. 
 
 Sexton for parish church, R. Stafford ap- 
 pointed, 38, 39. 
 
 Shambles, 154, 185. 
 
 Shingles for roofing, 316. 
 
 Ship-money tax, 197. 
 
 Ships, sale of, 94-96 ; partnership in, 95 ; 
 rule for discharging, 184. 
 
 Shorte, John, security for P. Covey, 75. 
 
 Slaughtering cattle regulated, 97, 154, 181. 
 
 Sluice, money for building, 191. 
 
 Smith, David, 168 ; his receipt for docu- 
 ments, 191. 
 
 Smith, James, memorandum of sale, 89, 
 90; Thomas, Dublin, 57, 58. 
 
 Soldiers, assessments for, 27, 28, 30, 42 ; 
 medicine for, 315 ; Irish, 305. 
 
 Sovereign, to be properly attended, 6, 81 ; 
 fine for refusing office of, 8, 179 ; his oath, 
 7t, 193, 194, 219, 330; is clerk of the 
 market, 177; fines and profits belong to, 
 8, 9, 185 ; to account for moneys re- 
 ceived, 103, 104, 182; is a Justice of the 
 Peace, 162, 177 ; documents, &c., in his 
 custody, 168, 191, 214, 215, 327; not to 
 sell ale or spirits, 180 (repealed 1716, 
 212, 213) ; fines and profits transferred to 
 Town's stock, 147, 148 ; the first, and 
 twelve burgesses, 174; and burgesses 
 from 1613 to 1815, 233-238. 
 
Index. 
 
 351 
 
 Sovereigns, election of, from 1632 to 1644, 
 239 ; sworn in from 1632 to 1727, 239-245 ; 
 list of, from 1800 to 1842, 335. 
 
 Spain, King of, letter from, 195. 
 
 Strandniillis, 121. 
 
 Steawart, John, disfranchised and restored, 
 
 43-45- 
 Stephenson, Thomas, Sovereign, 22. 
 Stewart, Major Samuel, 272, 338. 
 Stocks to be kept in open places, 70. 
 Streets, not to be encumbered, 97, 98, 181; 
 
 to be kept clean, 98, 179, 181. 
 Styl'angl', 167, 327. 
 Subletting, conditions of, 7, 8, 183. 
 Subscribers, list of, 343-346. 
 Supremacy, oath of, 219. 
 Survey of houses and lands, 64. 
 Swearing, profane, to be punished, 71. 
 Sworn measurers, 218. 
 
 Taaffe, Tlieobald, 249, 337. 
 
 Tailors, petition from, to the Sovereign, 
 
 128, 129. 
 Tallow, place for sale of, 171, 1S6. 
 Tawing and tanning, 70. 
 Taylor, William, disfranchised, 96. 
 Tenants, rules for taking, 183. 
 Theaker, George, 7, 9; Thomas, 12, 15, 
 
 16, 18, 20; his account with the town, 
 
 5'. 7°. 73; Lieut., 67, 72; Sampson, 
 
 146, 169. 
 Thetford, Francis, 149, 168 ; Nicholas, 
 
 196, 198. 
 Thomson, John, engraver, 339, 340, 341. 
 Thomson, William, his accounts with the 
 
 Town, 54, 61, 62. 
 Tisdall, Rev. Dr. William, Constable of the 
 
 Castle, 213, 329. 
 Tobacco, dispute about, 92, 93. 
 Tomson or Thompson, Lewys, Lewis, or 
 
 Lewes, 2, 5, 9, 24, 138, 188, 189, 196, 327. 
 Tongues, weekly payment of, to sovereign, 
 
 1-3, 184, 303. 
 Town clerk, 18, 47. 
 Town clerks from 1802 to 1878, 336. 
 Town hall, rate for fitting up, 11, 12 ; rate 
 
 for repair of, 100, 103, 113 ; view of, in 
 
 1786, 324. 
 Town stock wanted, 105, 148. 
 Train band, 23. 
 
 Treasurer, Town, to be appointed, 147. 
 Trees and timber to be preserved, 64, 65. 
 Tunnage on vessels, 119, 197 ; for finishing 
 
 and maintaining the quay, 201-207. 
 Turf and lime, sale of, 116, 133, 155, 185, 
 
 186. 
 Turner, Francis, his public apology, 304. 
 
 Upton, Henry, family of, 2, 303. 
 
 Vagabonds and idle persons, to be im- 
 prisoned, 70, 304. 
 
 Venables, R., 63, 320. 
 
 Vesey, John, first Sovereign, 2, 9, 303. 
 
 Vinycomb, John, F.R.S.A.L, 309, 310. 
 
 Volunteer Companies in 1760, list of com- 
 manders of, &c., 229, 230, 235. 
 
 Wages to be regulated, 70. 
 
 Wall, Richard, Town Clerk, 47, 65, 67, 68, 
 
 72, 75. 77- 
 Wallcot, Thomas, 83, 167. 
 Waring, Thomas, 73, 76 ; William, 82, 97. 
 Warrant for contempt of court, 43, 44. 
 Warring, William, sworn a burgess, 82, 1 16, 
 
 1 29 ; Thomas, 92. 
 Wassher, John, awards of (1632), 2, 3, lo, 
 
 II, 49. 
 Watch, the, captains and rules of, 1 72. 
 Water bailiff, John Dean, 120, 121 ; duties 
 
 and fees of, 122-127. 
 Water supply by conduit, 138, 149. 
 Waynwright, James, 81, 82. 
 Weights and measures to be adjusted and 
 
 sealed, 146. 
 Weights, standard for, 168, 169. 
 Wharfage on foreign vessels, 1 19. 
 Wharf to be enlarged, 134, 325. 
 William IIL, address to, 188; landing in 
 
 Ireland, 243, 336. 
 Wine or ale not to be sold during Divine 
 
 service, I So. 
 Wooden horse for the soldiers, 17. 
 Wood kernes, 6, 304. 
 Worthington. John, 107. 
 Wray, Sir William, 248, 337. 
 Wye, Gilbert, 84, 97, 145, 259, 337. 
 
 Young, Robert, C.E., 324, 339. 
 
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