Hackney Petty Sessions Book: 1738-40 (nos 952-992)

Justice in Eighteenth-Century Hackney: The Justicing Notebook of Henry Norris and the Hackney Petty Sessions Book. Originally published by London Record Society, London, 1991.

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'Hackney Petty Sessions Book: 1738-40 (nos 952-992)', in Justice in Eighteenth-Century Hackney: The Justicing Notebook of Henry Norris and the Hackney Petty Sessions Book, (London, 1991) pp. 154-161. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-record-soc/vol28/pp154-161 [accessed 19 March 2024]

952. Elizabeth [recte Anne] Pasfield was Sworne to Execute the Office of Searcher in the room of Elizabeth Bleven Deceased.

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 22 April 1738

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen, Alexander Garrett

953. William Webb Coachman to Justice Cooke desired leave to sell Ale and Beer at the sign of the Black Bull at Newington 'till the next Licensing. Agreed That he have leave according to his said request.

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 29 July 1738

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen, Alexander Garrett, Stephen Ram

954. Appellants against the poors Rate of St John at Hackney for the year 1737: Mr Philip Higman, Rated £2 10s. 0d., Reduced to £1 17s. 6d.; Richard Stoakes, Rated 10s., Discharged; William Hall, Rated 15s., paid; Sarah Potter, Rated £1 5s., reduced to 18s. 9d.; William [deletion] Irwin, Rated 18s., to pay; Edward Poole, Rated 15s., reduced to 7s. 6d.; Elizabeth Wilmot, Rated £1 5s., abated, 6s. 3d.; Ann Stracey, Rated 4s., Discharged; Mary Streetin, Rated 5s., Discharged; Thomas Smith, Rated 10s., to pay 7s. 6d.; Ann Williams, Rated 10s., Discharged; Ann Phillipps, Rated 5s., to pay; Ezekiel Calshott, Rated 10s., abated ½ a year, 5s.; Matthew Booth, Rated 15s., reduced to 10s.; William Kingsland, Rated 5s., to pay; Eleanor Atchison, Rated 7s. 6d., to pay; John Goodwin, Rated 7s. 6d. to pay; Henry Mills, Rated £1 13s. 1½d., to pay; William Fenton, Rated 5s., paid; Anthony Ford, Rated £1 8s. 9d., paid; Amy Weskett, Rated 5s., to pay; Eliza. Cotton, wid°. of John, Rated 4s., Discharged; Frances Coshed, Rated 5s., Discharged; William Roome, Rated 5s., Discharged; Griffith Owen, Rated 7s. 6d., Discharged; William Thornton, Rated 5s., Discharged; John Baker, Rated 5s., Discharged; William Browne, Rated 10s., reduced to 6s.; Wm. Everett, Rated 7s. 6d., [paid deleted] to pay; Charles Gosdin, Rated 10s., reduced to 5s.; William Chandler, Rated 5s., to pay; John Howard, Rated 10s., to pay; Daniel Milner, Rated 6s. 3d., Discharged.

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 7 October 1738

Justices present: Henry Norris, Alexander Garrett

955. Mary Scott was brought from the Work house and Mrs. Fisher the Matron of the work house complained that she frequently misbaved [sic] her self and hath been very disorderly in the house and upon her promising to behave well for the future Agreed That she be forgiven for what is past but in case she offends again that [she deleted] upon Complaint being made that she shall be punished according to Law. [See 970].

956. Mary the wife of Roger Lewis acquainted the Justices that as her husband was going to White Chapple Court house on Tuesday last to renew his License he was arrested and is now in Custody by which he was prevented from renewing the same and therefore desired leave to sell Drink at their house the Sign of the Cock in Church Street in the parish of Hackney until the next day as shall be appointed for granting Licenses. Agreed That the said Roger Lewis have leave accordingly.

957. Agreed That James Martin have leave to sell ale and Beer at the Dolphin at Kingsland for a fortnight from this day.

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 4 November 1738

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen, Stephen Ram, Col. Alexander Garrett, Robert Paul

The Mermaid Tavern: Friday, 22 December 1738

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

958. Allowed and Confirmed a Rate for the relief of the poor of the Hamlet of Mile End Old Town for Six Callender months from Michaelmass last to Lady day next amounting to the sum of One hundred ninety one pounds fifteen shillings and four pence half penny.

959. The Defaulters that have neglected to perform their Statute work on the Highways of the parish of St. John at Hackney were heard.

The Mermaid Tavern: Thursday, 25 January 1739

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

960. Hercules Wright applyed for leave to sell ale and Beer at the House late Roger Lewis's the Cock in Church Street 'till the next day appointed for Licensing. Agreed That he leave [sic] accordingly.

961. Edward Pimm applyed for leave to sell ale & Beer at the house late Charles Sympsons at Kingsland 'till the next day appointed for Licensing. Agreed That he have leave accordingly.

The Mermaid Tavern: Tuesday, 20 February 1739

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen, Stephen Ram

962. Henry Norris and Samuel Tyssen Esqrs. Signed a Warrant of Distress against the several Defaulters that have neglected to perform their respective days Labour on the Highways within the parish of St. John at Hackney in the County of Middlesex for the year 1738. (fn. 1)

963. The Several Farmers whose names are hereunder written were summoned to appear this day to shew cause why they have neglected to perform their Statute work with their Teams on the Highways within the parish of Saint John at Hackney in the County of Middlesex for the year 1738: Samuel Woodfield, To pay £4=16s=0d [marginal entry: appeared]; William Pratt, and hath worked 8 Days which is 2 more than he is liable to do, [marginal entry: appeared]; Edmund Bellos, upon oath 196£ pr ann hath worked 10 days which is in full [marginal entry: appeared]; Anthony Ford, worked 6 Days in full [marginal entry: appeared]; Jeremiah Woodley, [marginal entry: not summoned]; Thomas Mitchell, acknowledged he kept a Teem and promised to pay [altered to paid] £2=8s=0d [marginal entry: appeared]; Ann Burton, 91£ pr ann worked Six days which is in full [marginal entry: Mr John Burton appeared]; Thomas Coates, to pay £2=8s=0d [marginal entry: Summoned]; Edward Nutt, to pay [altered to paid] £1=12s=0d [marginal entry: appeared]; John Burton, 14 [altered from 15] days to pay, £5=12s=0d [marginal entry: appeared]; Ann Bartmaker, to pay £1=4s=0d [marginal entry: Summoned]; Joseph Sureties, paid £3=4s=0d [marginal entry: appeared]; Samuel Forster, [marginal entry: not summoned]; Bridgman Browne, to pay £4=16s=0d [marginal entry: Summoned]; John Townesend, 8[illegible] to pay £2=8s=0d [marginal entry: Summoned]; Thomas Malland, to pay [altered to paid] £12=0s=0d [marginal entry: Mr Brewer his Clerk appeared].

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 17 March 1739

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 28 April 1739

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 5 May 1739

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 16 June 1739

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen, Robert Paul

964. Giles Searle made Oath that he is an Inhabitant Legally Settled in the parish of West Ham in the County of Essex and allowed a fortnight to bring a Certificate.

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 7th July 1739

Justices present: Stephen Ram, Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

965. John Weston made Oath that his settlement is in the Parish of Saint Luke in the County of Middlesex allowed three weeks to bring a Certificate.

966. Thomas Fouch Hackney Coachman attended being Summoned to answer a Complaint Exhibited against him by Mrs. Mary Ashton of Clopton in the Parish of Saint John at Hackney in the County of Middlesex for giving her very abusive Language. The said Mrs. Ashton upon her Oath sayes that on Monday the 24th day of June last the said Thomas Fouch brought her in his Coach from Clopton to the Stand by Hackney Church and then refused to carry her to London unless she would pay him more than the usual Fair (fn. 2) and Damned her and gave her very abusive Language and when she was out of his Coach and going into an other Coach the said Fouch went before her and Stood in such manner that should not pass by and Insisted upon it that she should not and assaulted her. Bound to appear at the next Quarter Sessions & in the mean time to be of the good behaviour - Thomas Fouch of Hackney Coachman £20; John Tennant of the same Victr, Henry Harrill of the same Butcher, each £10. (fn. 3)

967. James Roff made oath that his legal Settlement is in the Parish of Newnham near Wallingford in the County of Oxford.

968. Adjourned to this Place to this day seve'night to ten in the forenoon.

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 21 July 1739

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen, Stephen Ram

969. Millason Matthews Daughter of John Matthews made Oath that the Place of her last legall settlement is in the Parish of Castle Campes in the County of Cambridge. Ordered That she be removed to the Place of her legal Settlement.

970. Mary Scott was brought from the Work=house and Mrs. Fisher the Matron complained against her upon Oath and sayes that she hath frequently Misbehaved herself and been very disorderly and refused to labour towards her subsistance [deletion] and she appearing to be a person of a very bad Charachter a Mittimus was made out and Signed and Sealed by [Henry N deleted] the above named Justices and sent to the House of Correction. [See 955].

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 29 September 1739

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen, Stephen Ram, Robert Paul

971. Thomas Collyer & John Fordham were Examined upon Oath touching their last legal Settlement which appears to be in the Parish of Saint John at Hackney.

972. The above named Justices settled the sums of money to be Collected of the Defaulters by William Weston and Samuel Sadleir Surveyors of the Highways of the parish of St John at Hackney.

973. Stephen Ram and Robert Paul Esqrs recd. a Complaint from Peter Mangeder on Oath against Elizabeth Bass otherwise Bath and Edward Kingstone from unlawfully and fraudulently removing and Conveying the goods and Chattels of the said Elizabeth out of a Tenement belonging to the said Peter Mangender late in the occupation of the said Elizabeth in order to defraud the said Complainant of the Rent due to him a summons was signed by the sd Justices requiring the said Elizabeth Bass otherwise Bath and Edward Kingstone to appear before them to answer the said Complaint at the Mermaid Tavern in Church Street in Hackney on Monday the 15th day of October next at [ten in the forenoon deleted] four in the afternoon.

974. Adjourned to this Place to Monday [next deleted] the 15th of October next to [ten in the forenoon deleted] four in the afternoon.

The Mermaid Tavern: Monday, 15 October 1739

Justices present: Stephen Ram, Henry Norris, Robert Paul

975. The Complaint of Mr Peter Mangender was heard and there Appeared to be due to him three pounds for three Quarters Rent [from deleted] at Michaelmass last from Elizabeth Bass and it also appeared that the goods that were carryed away by Edward Kingstone were goods that his wife Jane Kingston bought of her and in order to settle the Dispute the said Elizabeth Bass gave the said Peter Mangender her promissory note for three pounds for the sd. Rent due as aforesaid and four shillings for two Handkerchiefs she bought of him payable Six Months after date for value received and the said Peter Mangender gave the said Elizabeth Bass a Receipt for the said Promissory Note which when paid is in full of all Demands.

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 27 October 1739

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 5 January 1740

Justices present: Henry Norris, Ebenezer Mussell

976. John Martin desired leave to sell ale & Beer at the sign of two Brewers at Newington in the room of Anthony Hargrove. Agreed that he have leave according to his said request.

977. I Rebecca Child wife of Anthony Child do upon oath say that I apprehend myself to be in Danger of my life or of some bodily hurt my said husband will do cause or procure to be done unto me and that I desire the peace of him not out of any malice vexation or revenge but for the causes aforesaid. [signed] Rebecca Child. Sworn before us the 5th day of January 1740 [signed] Ebenezr. Mussell, Henry Norris. Anthony Child of the Parish of Saint John at Hackney in the County of Middx: Carpenter £200, Wm. Griffith of the same parish Gardener, John Bates of the Parish of St Mary White Chappel Carpenter, each £100. Upon condition that the above bound Anthony Child personally appeareth at the next General Sessions of the peace to be held for the County of Middlesex at Hicks hall in Saint John Street then and there to answer the Complaint of Rebecca Child his wife she having Sworn the peace against him and that he shall in the meantime keep the peace towards all his Majesties Subjects especially towards his said wife and not depart the Court without Licence Then this recognisance to be void &c. Taken and acknowledged the day and year first above written. [See 317].

The Mermaid Tavern: Monday, 17 March 1740

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

978. George Trussell applyed and desired leave to Draw Drink at the house late Edward Coopers Deceased the sign of the Cock the halfe way house to Newington 'till the next day appointed for granting Licences. Agreed That he have leave according to his said request.

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 26th April 1740

Justices present: Henry Norris, Robert Paul

979. Thomas Wood made Oath that his Settlemt is in the parish of Fassfield in the County of Suffolk.

980. Thomas Dodson Complained against Anthony Ford a Farmer for refuseing to pay him his wages. Ordered That his Master be Summoned to attend here on Wednesday next at four in the afternoon.

981. The Persons whose names are hereunder written were returned by the Vestry to His Majesties Justices of the Peace for them to nominate and appoint Overseers of the Poor for the year 1740. To wit: Barnard Byfield; Joseph Faikney; Nathaniel Geary; James McGill; William Catling, [marginal note: appointed]; John Ellicott; Robert Grubb; Joshua Odams; John Rochier; Henry Baker; Lambert Lance; Lee Steere; Gerrard Vanheythusen; Nathaniel Green.

982. The following Persons were Sworn. Constables: Daniel Bromwell; William Streetin; John Hampson. Headboroughs: Henry Harrill for Wm. Napton; George Kello for Lee Steere; William Holford for Wm. Reynolds; Charles Gosdin for Caesar Glusslin; Thomas Cooper for Joshua Odams; John Archer for William Pratt, Isaac Estwick; James Martin for James Mortimer. Ale Conners: William Newman; John Harbert for Thomas Slater; Henry Harrill for John Beard.

983. Adjourned to this Place to Wednesday next four in the afternoon.

The Mermaid Tavern: Wednesday, 30 April 1740

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

984. Mr. Robert Grubb a substantial Householder of the Parish of Saint John at Hackney in the County of Middlesex was was [sic] by a Warrant under the hands and Seals of the above named Justices nominated and apointed one of the overseers of the poor of the said parish for the year ensuing.

985. Hannah Harrison wife of William Harris gave an accompt upon Oath of the Place of her last legal Settlement.

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 23 August 1740

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

986. John Owen applyed for leave to Draw Drink at the three Cups in Mare Street in the Room of Ezekiel Colchett till the General Renewing of Licences. Agreed That he have leave accordingly.

The Mermaid Tavern: Friday, 17 October 1740

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

987. Richard Harbert allowed to Draw 'till the next General Renewing.

988. Joseph Wright desired leave to Draw till the next General Meeting. Agreed That he have leave accordingly.

The Mermaid Tavern: Saturday, 8 November 1740

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

989. William Cox Complained against William Hohnstead and James House for breaking down the Fence belonging to his Garden Ground. Repremanded and discharged.

The Mermaid Tavern: Friday, 21 November 1740

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

990. The several Persons whose names are hereunder Written were Summoned to appear this day to give an accompt upon oath of the places of their last legal Settlements.

Church Street: William Greenwood, Sworn allowed one Month to bring a Certificate; John Moody, Sworn allowed three weeks to D°; John Jebb, appeared, not Sworn allowed one month D°; Thomas Cooke the Younger, Did not appear; William Robertson, Did not appear; Thomas Dawson, Did not appear; Susannah Thompson, Sworn allowed two weeks to bring a Certificate; Joseph Swaby, Gone away; George Bullworthy, Sworn allowed one month to get a Cert; Rowland Michael, To be Summoned again.

Mare Street: John Shepherd, Sworn Settlement in this Parish; Elizabeth Best, Did not appear; Mary Ambrose, Sworn allowed two Weeks to bring a Cert; Thomas Uppington, Did not appear, Delivered a Certificate; William Nash, Did not appear;

Thomas Thornton, Did not appear; Henry Currell, Sworn allowed two Weeks to bring a Cert; Eleanor Kettle, Did not appear; George Felton, Did not appear; Andrew Guy, Did not appear.

Homerton: Richard Smith, Sworn allowed two Weeks to bring a Certificate; Elizabeth Samuel, Did not appear; John Sowden, Sworn allowed two Weeks to bring a Cert; Austin Tyer, Sworn allowed two weeks to bring a Cert; Thomas Brignall, Sworn allowed two Weeks to bring a Cert. (fn. 4) [See 992, 999, 1000, 1129].

991. Henry Harrill made oath that the several Persons above named that did not appear were duly Summoned. Ordered That warrants be made out to oblige them to give an accompt of their Settlements.

The Mermaid Tavern: Friday, 28 November 1740

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

992. The several Persons whose names are hereunder Written were Summoned to give an accompt of their Settlements, To wit,

Homerton: William Naish, Sworn, 1 month allowed to bring Cert; Edward Carns, To be summoned again; John Watson, Did not attend; Richard Grathey, Sworn, allowed 1 week to bring a Cert; John Cresey, Did not attend; William Trepass, Sworn, 1 Month Allowed to bring Cert; Joseph Bodnam, Sworn, 2 Weeks Allowed to bring Cert; John Bull, Sworn, 2 D° Allowed to bring Cert; Biss Somers, Sworn, 1 Month Allowed to bring Cert; Richard Lord, Sworn, Settled here; Isaac Waters, Sworn, 2 Weeks Allowed to bring Cert; Marsh Clarke, Sworn, till the 1st January 1741 Allowed to bring Cert; Thomas Read, Sworn, 1 Month Allowed to bring Cert; Rowland Mitchell, respited. [The remaining names are separated from the others by an oblique in the original manuscript] Willam Robertson, Sworn, 2 Weeks Allowed to bring Cert; Thomas Thornton, Sworn; Thomas Cooke Junr, Sworn, 2 Weeks Allowed to bring Cert. [See 758, 990, 999, 1000].

The Mermaid Tavern: Friday, 2 January 1741

Justices present: Henry Norris, Samuel Tyssen

Footnotes

  • 1. A copy of the warrant of distress is preserved at MJ/SP/1739/Feb/1.
  • 2. Coach fares were strictly controlled by law (9 Anne c23): the coachman could not charge more than 1s. for a journey of less than one mile four furlongs; the next band (up to two miles) had a maximum fare of 1s. 6d.
  • 3. Fouch was discharged at the July sessions. MJ/SBB/963, recog. 184.
  • 4. John Jebb and Thomas Cooke (both of Church Street) appear as ratepayers at 1030 and 1124 below. Austin Tyer obtained a certificate during the course of the year. P79/ JN1/398.