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62
POOR LAW ADMINISTRATION IN NORTH MEOLS IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
By Eric Hardwicke Rideout.
Read 28 November 1929.
THROUGH the courtesy and assistance of Mr. F. H. Cheetham, who introduced me to the contents of
the parish chest of St. Cuthbert's, North Meols, and with the permission of the Rev. Canon R. B. Blakeney, the Rector, I am able to present some account of the poor law documents to be described. The documents, covering generally the period from 1699 to 1816, are not uncommon, but their preservation in such numbers and in so fair a condition is perhaps more unusual. The preservation of so large a number is even more remark able in view of their occurrence amongst a mass of mis cellaneous material, of various dates, and their evanescent nature, especially since the more common Churchwardens' account books are missing. However, the whole of the materials contained in the church chest in 1929 have been examined, and from them I have extracted all those bearing on the poor laws. They have been classified and calendared. Those falling into familiar groups, for example the Apprentice Indentures and Removal Orders, have been abstracted only, save where a document differed in important respects from the usual forms. 1 A bundle of more miscellaneous character has been copied in full, and these, together with the more common papers, shed some light not only on the administration of the poor
1 Formal documents have not been printed in full as examples are readily available in the various handbooks prepared for the assistance of Justices and Parish Officers; notably Joseph Shaw's Parish Law (8th Edn., 1753). and Richard Burn's Justice of the Peace and Parish Officer (John King, 32nd cdn., 5 v., 1814) have been found useful and may be consulted for examples and precedents.
i
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 63
laws in the parish and neighbourhood, but by their context assist us to form a picture of the economic features of the period.
The documents fall naturally into the following classes :1. Certificates of Settlement.2. Removal Orders.3. Confirmation or Cancellation of Removal Orders.4. Bastardy Orders.5. Confirmation or Cancellation of Bastardy Orders.6. Bonds.7. Apprentice Indentures.8. Miscellaneous materials not strictly falling under
the above heads.With these latter I do not propose to deal as a class
apart but merely to use them to illustrate, so far as they permit, the documents in the preceding classes.
i. CERTIFICATES
Under the notorious Act of 14 Car II, c. 12 (1662), generally styled the Law of Settlement and Removal, it was made lawful for the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor to complain before two Justices of the Peace of the presence of any poor persons coming to inhabit in their parish and to whom they objected and to obtain therefrom an order for their removal to their parish of settlement. " During the long period of misgovernment by the two brothers of the Stuart race," says Pashley, 1 " the necessary evil of the law of settlement and removal, its tendency to injure every labourer in the country by restricting the exercise of his industry and arbitrarily interfering with his personal freedom, remained in full operation." Hence by the 3rd W. & M., c. u (1692), new heads of settlement were created in order to secure mobility of labour, that is to say, settlement might be obtained by 40 days' residence in the parish, payment of
1 Pashley, Robert, Pauperism and I'oor Lavs, London, 1852, p. 134.
64 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
taxes therein, or by executing an annual parish office for a year. The effect, however, was largely nullified by the proviso that the 40 days of settlement should only be counted from the publication of notice given to the parish officers, and depended therefore on their goodwill. Five years later, in 1697, an Act stating in its preamble :
" Forasmuch as many poor persons, chargeable to the parish, township, or place where they live, merely for want of work, would, in any other place, where sufficient employment is to be had, maintain themselves and families without being burthen- some to any parish, township, or place ; they are for the most part confined to live in their own parishes, . . . and not permitted to inhabit elsewhere, though their labour is wanted in many other places where the increase of manufactures would employ more hands,"
enacted that: " if any person brings a certificate from the parish where he was last legally settled, subscribed by the Churchwardens and over seers, and allowed by two justices, every parish should be obliged to receive him, and he should not be removeable merely on account of his being likely to become chargeable, but only upon his be coming actually chargeable." l
Unfortunately no clause of the Act obliged the over seers to grant such certificates. Furthermore, there is some evidence that so far from being a new departure, this Act merely gave parliamentary sanction to a practice which had prevailed for some time previously, that is to the granting of certificates or testimonials which were in effect private agreements between one parish and another. It is to this fact perhaps that most of the certificates here recorded are made specifically between two parishes. 2
Subsequently, in 1795, removal was limited to those actually chargeable. 3 Certificates therefore became com-
1 Pashley, op. cU., 238, citing 8 & 9 W. & M. c. 30.' On this point see Marshall, D., The English Poor in the Eighteenth Century,
London, 1926, pp. 175 et seq.1 35 (ico. Ill, c. 101, quoted by Pashley, op. tit., p. 253. By the same
Act the removal of sick persons " to the great danger of their lives " was to be suspended until their recovery-
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 65
paratively useless. Such would appear from the certi ficates preserved at North Meols, thirty-seven of which relate to the period before 1795, and only one was issued after that date. It is of course unsafe to assume either with certificates or with any other of the docu ments here described that the number preserved repre sents the total issue during the eighteenth century. It is, however, probable that except for a higher " mortality " for documents of the earlier years, the numbers remaining do represent roughly the total number issued. The theory that greater care may have been bestowed on the documents by certain overseers is not borne out by the very even distribution of the documents of all classes over the period under review. So far as the certificates alone are concerned, North Meols is especially fortunate in having so large a number preserved in a legible state. These papers, carried, if their appearance is any guide, in the pockets of the migrants for long periods, naturally are not to be found in large numbers in any one parish. 1
CERTIFICATES OF SETTLEMENT.Date. Place of Origin. Name.
7 Mar. 1699 Formby Richard Shaw, w. and fam.1700
7 Oct. 1700 Helsbe James Wainwright, w. and fam. 4 Oct. 1703 Scarisbricke Richard Spencer, 1 Elizabeth w.
1 E. M. Hampson, " Settlement and Removal in Cambridgeshire, 1662- 1834," Cam*. Hist. Journal, II, 285 (1928), says: " In many parishes the certificates now extant only number three or four. . . ."
Com. Pal. Lancr.Upon a full hearing of the difference between the Ovseers of the poor
[Seal] of Northraeals and Scarisbrick in the said County touching the last legal sctlem' of Richard Spencer now Inhabiting in Northmcales afore11
[Seal] not haveing acquired a legal Setlem' there but being poor is likely to become chargeable to the same Townc And forasmuch as it appears to us by the acknowledgcm' of the Ov'secrs of the poor of Srarisbrick aforesd That the said Richard Spencer was borne in the s'1 Towne of Scarisbrick And no proof being made to us That the sd Richard Spencer hath gained a legall setlcm' elsewhere since that time WEE therefore her Majties Justices of peace & Quor" of the said County doe hereby declare & adjudge the last legall setlcm 1 of the said Richard
F
__
66 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
Date. Place of Origin. 7 Oct. 1704 Hesketh cum
Becconsall20 Mar. 1706/7
25 Apl. 1712
9 Jty- I7J3
20 Apl. 1724
10 Feb. 1726 28 Apl. 1731
26 Nov. 1736 25 Dec. 1736 12 Jan. 1737 15 Nov. 1737
Liverpoole
Latham
Bickerstaffe
Scarisbrick
Formby Lytham
Liverpoole Rainford Freckleton Kirk Malcw
Name. George Ball, Jennet w., William
s. Ellen, dau. Ric: Rimmer, late
of Liverpoole, mariner. William Alty, Cicily, w., John
Thomas c. Joshuah Sumner, Marg' w.,
James, Marg', Edmond, c. Alice Threlfall, wicl, Thos, Alice,
John, James, c.William Hallothorne, Ellen w. Elizabeth Lawson, wid: Thos:
Robert, sons.John Blundell, mariner, Alice w. William Pink, Ann w. James Tailor, Elizabeth w. John Taggart, 1 Shoemaker.
Spencer to be in Scarisbrick afores'1 And doc likewise ord' the Ovsecrs of the poor of Northmeales to remove convey & delivr the said Richard Spencer & Elizabeth his wife to the Ov'seers of the poor of Scarisbrick aforesd to be provided for according to Law GIVEN undr our hands & scales this fifth day of July Anno Dom. 1703° To the Ov'seers of the poor of Northmeales to remove & Conveyand to the Overseers of the poor C. L. STANLEY of Scarisbrick to receive & THOS. ASHURST. provide for the said Richard Spencer according to Law
1 The meaning of this Certificate is not at all clear, especially since in the absence of a law of settlement in the Isle of Man, it was impossible to remove to it anyone who claimed to belong to that Island, (v. VVebb, op. «'/., 335.) Neither does the certificate fulfil exactly the requirements of the statute law (I.O.M.) of 28 Jan. 1712 (Statute Laws of I.O.M. 1819, pp. 227-9). The document in question is as follows :Insnla \ THESK ARE TO CERTIFY to whom it may Concern Also Sendeth Monat. ) Greeting &c. That the Bearer hereof John Taggart Shoemaker
formerly of the said Isle (and a fourth Son to William Taggart a Yeoman in the parish of Malcw Proprict' of the Estate Scituate in the said Parish^ Comonly Called by the name of Ballakew) But now (as the said John Taggart Informcth us) a Residenter in the parish of S' Mcales in the County of Lancaster within the Kingdomc of Great Brittain, Do. hereby whoso Names are subscribed Affirm and testify That the said John Taggart hath Derived from an Esteemed and Reputed Family and Behaved himself a Sober and faithfull Young Man and honestly Served his Apprenticeship within the said Isle Noway Guilty of any Crime or Misdemeanour to the knowledge of us the Inhabitants of the said Parish of
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 67
Date. Place of Origin.18 Jly. 1738 Ormskkk19 Feb. 1741 Hindley
25 Feb. 1743 Hesketh cuBecconsall
20 Apl. 1744 Millington
21 Mar.
18 Jun.
18 Jun.8 Dec.
10 Jan.
17 Feb. 24 Feb.
1746
1746
1746'747 1748
17401749
2 Feb. 5 Nov.
'754 1756
25 Mar. 1757
3 Nov. 1759
i Mar. 1760
23 Aug. 1763 7 Apl. 1768
Rufford
Hesketh w. Becconsal 1
»» » Bangor, Flint Burscough
Wigan Burscough
25 Mar. 1749 Tarleton
Orrel Warton
Stalming
Longton[Lanes.]
Tarleton
North Meols Scarisbrick
Name.Peter Wright, Anne w. Joseph Bibby, Ellen w., John,
William, Mary c. Wm . Hall, Elizabeth w., Mar-
gret, Ellen, Mary c. Thos. Mullineux, Judith w.,
John, William, Samuel, Thos:c.
Ric: Wignall, Taylor, Ellen w..Jane, John c.
Robert Bailey, Jane w.
Robert Lawson, Junior, Alice w. John Sparks, Mary w., Robert s. Ralph Rimmer, Ann w., Alice
clau.Robert Brown, Jane w., James s. Richard Mawdeslcy, Plaisterer,
Anne, Margaret c. Henry Forshaw, Ellen w., Alice,
Elizabeth, James, Jane c. Robert Blundell, Issebcl w. Peter Jackson, Alice w., Oliver,
William, Izabella, Jennet,Eling, Ric", Henry c.
James Whitle, Day Labourer,Ann w.
Thos. Wearing, Ann w.
Richard Carr, Husbandman, Elisabeth w., Anne, Thomas c.
Richard Lee, Ellen w.John Gill, son of Elizabeth G.,
late of Birscarr.
Malew and the rest of the Subscribers wtiosc names are here under written (No stamp paper used here) This Fifteenth Day of Novem ber Anno Dni one thousand seven hundred and thirty seven.
NICH. BRIDSON. CHA: MOORE, Deemster.J. WOODS, Vi<r of K.K. Malew. JOHN SLATER, Deputy Constable of
Castle Riuli\eu]. JOHN KILLY, Warden. THO: CAINE, I.iuetanant of K.K. Malew.
r68 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
Date. Place of Origin. Name. 19 Nov. 1768 Aughton James Dobson, Ellin w., James,
Ann c. 26 Aug. 1769 Ince Blundell Hugh Gregson, Blacksmith, Ann
w. 16 Jan. 1777 Freckleton John Hardiker, Hannah w.,
Mary aet. I.ii May 1791 Much Hool William Miller. 8 May 1816 Formby Hannah Bolton, and bastard
child or children.
The three following documents fall under the provisions of the Act of Settlement, but no certificates concerning them have been preserved:LANCASHIRE TO WITT
The Information of John Case of Halsall in the sd County Taylor taken upon Oath the i4th day of April 1748 before me Wm Hill Esq. one of his Majesties Justices of the peace in & for ye s'1 County.
Who saith that he was apprentice in North Meols a many years agoe and went from thence abt twelve years agoe with a Certificate into Scarisbrick where he lived for abt. 8 yeares and then removed into Halsall where he has resided for about four years last past at an Estate formerly belonging to Mr John Bibby and now belonging to Wm. Sutton and that he fanned there under the rent of 12* a year but had a days ploughing & ten shillings in dung allowed him by the Landlord out of the sd. rent but that the same was above ten pounds a year and that he still continues to live at the same estate or farm under the sd. Win Sutton this present year at the rent or Sum of ten pounds fifteen shillings only he has a load of Oat Straw allowed him by his Landlord. Sworn at Ormskirk the day & year above said before me
WM. HILL. JOHN CASK.
12 Stptr 1793.Know all Men whom this may concern that I Thomas Lunn of Blackpool in the County of Lancaster Labourer was born within the Parish of North Meols in the said County and that I the said Thomas Lunn did in or about the Year One Thousand seven hundred and eighty two quit the said Town ship of North Meols being then about the Age of nineteen Years and that I did go to Warton in the said County on or about the twenty ninth day of December one thousand seven hundred and eighty two and was hired with and served Nicholas Nickson of Warton aforesaid for the space of one whole Year and also did receive a Years Wages for the same without any deduction whatsoever as he the said Nicholas Nickson did testify to me at the same Time that I had received my full wages as Witness my hand this twelth day of September one thousand seven hundred and ninety three.
Witness our handsJOHN RIMER The Mark of ROBERT SUTTON X JOHN SILCOCK. THOMAS LUNM
I
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 69
[Endorsed over] THE CASE OF RANNET Alias REYNOLD WRIGHT.A'orir 2<)th 1756.
Kannct alias Reynold Wright and Ellen his wife went into Scarisbrick to live about Fourteen Years ago or upwards under a Certificate from Northmeols continued there and followed ye Trade or Occupation of a Taylor and about or in ye Year 1750 purchased a Freehold Tenement in Scarisbrick consisting of a house and about Four Acres of Land from Henry Bell who held y« said Tenement under a Lease from Mr Scarisbrick of Scarisbrick aforesaid under a reserved Rent of Three Shillings and Sixpence Yearly and other Conditions therein mentioned ye purchase Money was Forty-two pounds and one years holding upon ye said premises y* said Raunet or Reynold paid y« purchase money lived upon it and occupied it for y space of one year or upwards and was accepted as Tenant by y« said Mr Scarisbrick and in his own right paid all Leys and Taxes that was imposed upon y« said Tenement N:B: y« said Raunet or Reynolds y« proper Assignee morgaged y« said Tenement to Henry Meadow of Scarisbrick aforesaid for ye Sum of Thirty Pounds afterwards sold it unto John Son of Henry Meadow deceased in order to pay of y" said morgage money during all which he lived in yf Township of Scarisbrick afore said it is likewise observed that y« said Raunet or Reynolds at his appearing to do suit of Court within ye Manor of Scarisbrick y< Year he lived upon y° said premises was by y« said Court appointed to execute > Office of an Ale Taster which was in and about ye year 1751 which Office he executed for y« space of one year or more the said Raunet since which time purchased a small Cottage in Scarisbrick aforesaid for Nine pounds and a small yearly quit Rent to wit one shilling where he now continues to live.
[Another hand.]S*. Pray send your opinion in writing whether Wrights settlement l>c in Scarisbrick or Mcols and you'll oblige Yours JN° ARMETRIDING.' Dec: y« 3*: 56:
[Again another hand.]I am of opinion that theV Reynold Wright by his Purchase of and living upon the sd Tenem' in Scarisbrick has gained a Settlement there, as to serving the Office of Ale Taster It is doubtful! to me whether it is such an annual Office as will in title him to a Settlement But I incline to think it is not.
THO: GRIHSHAW.
2. REMOVAL ORDERS.Removal Orders total twenty for the period. Such
Orders had to be confirmed by the next Quarter Sessions, and in a total of thirty-two documents, twenty-six removal orders were confirmed and only six set aside. From the evidence of these materials it would not appear that the parish of North Meols often suffered, for out of all these orders and confirmations (fifty-two), only nine were made to the disadvantage of the parish.
1 ? Rev. John Armctriding, curate of North Mcols, 1735-1767.
70 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
So successful a record must have been largely due to the care and trouble taken by the overseers in resisting the claims of neighbouring parishes. An example which illustrates the pertinacity of the overseers as well as the trouble the Law of Settlement was capable of causing is given by the case of Ralph Sherdley's widow and family recorded in these papers at some length. Ralph Sherd- ley, it appears from a Visitation of North Meols in 1709, l was ordained deacon September 20th, 1702, and priest May 3oth, 1708. He was curate of North Meols " from 1708," 2 and appeared there until 1725 at least. 3 He occurs also as minister of Maghull Chapel in 1704.* He was at Maghull for at least a year, 5 but whether he remained minister there until John Balshaw, M.A., was " ordained to be curate " of Maghull on 25th September, 1743 is not clear. At all events we may assume that he had died before the following September, for on the 28th of that month an order was obtained for the removal of Mary, his widow, and her five children from Maghull to North Meols. The subsequent proceedings are suffi ciently recorded in John Brownsword's, the lawyer's, bill preserved with the parish papers :
FOR NORTHMEOLSv ABOUT THE ORDER OF REMOVAL of Maty
PARISH. I Sherdley widow Ann and Ralph herAT SUIT OF THE Ichildren from Maghull to Northmeols.
TOWNSHIP OF I And also about the other Order forMAGHULL /removal of John Elizabeth and Jane
Children of Ralph Sherdley deceasedfrom Maghull to Northmeols
My retainer and advice on oath Order of removal copy ing thereof and taking instructions to defend 6 8
Drawing up a Short Sketch of the Case In relation to Farington and my journey to Latham to lay it before
1 Farrer, History of North Meols (1903), p. 88.1 Ibid. He appears as witness to a Bond (p. 91), 4 July 1721. Farrer, loc. cit. Trans. Hist. Soc. Lanes & Ches., 74, 38 (1922). 1 See Mainwariug's opinion below, p. 72.
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 71
Mr Bootle and to prevail with him to advise the Town of Maghull to withdraw those Orders and re move them to Farington from Aughton As the surest way to prevent expence to North Meols and Maghull 7 6
Gave then to Servants at Latham -2 oFor Several Attendances on M r Smith and the Maghull
Officers on purpose to prevail with them to come into the proposal 6 8
Expences on that account 4 oNote They wo'd not agree to it And Mess Chetham
and Kenyon being both retained for Maghull I re tained Mr Aspinwal gave him 10 6
Attending him 3 4Jane y [1745] For Severall Attendances on the Gentlemen
of Northmeols on purpose to consult about having Council from abroad or getting the Appeals respited from next Sessions to Ormskirk Sessions ro" 6dl Paid expences and for postage of letters about re taining M r Leigh M r Wilson &c. 6" 4* 16 10
Drawing notice of motion to respite the Appeal to the Order for removal of the widow and her Child I" : Copy and Service by my Clerk 4" 4'' : Journey to Wigan Sessions to prove the same 5" Sessions fee 6" 8d Order of respite and Service 5' 4 d 124
The like in the other Order for removal of theChildren 124
Drawing a Case for Council and transcribing the samefair over 7 0
To Councelor Clay ton therewith 21" his Clerk 2* 6'1attending him 6" 8<> i 10 2
My Journey to Meols therewith And advising furtherabout Councel 6 8
Attending Lawyer Aspinwal with the Case and con sulting him about M r Clayton's opinion 6" 8d Gave him then 10* 6d 17 2
For my trouble of consulting my Correspondents at Chester and the postage of letters about retaining and having Lawyer Falkener from Chester to our Sessions 4" 7 d : pd for their trouble ab' it ff 8d "3
1 The attempt was successful, see No. 9 and 10, p. 83.
72 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
Note. As he was no Orator I was advised to take Mr Baron Manwaring l if I cou'd get him My Journey to Meols and consulting the order 5 o
Drawing Case for his Opinion 3" 6d My journey to Chester on purpose to attend him and prevail if possible for him to come over to Ormskirk Sessions £1 i 8 o'1 Expences & boats n" i 15 6
Gave to the Council 21" To his Clerk 2" 6d Attendinghim 6s 8"1 i 10 2
To Mr Stone for his assistance and care about getting his opinion and prevailing on him to come over (It then being the Quarter Sessions at Chester And he co'd not give his opinion) 5 o
Paid Postage of his opinion i 9 Mr Store's letter 4 d 14 Transcribing thereof and my Clerk's Journey to Meols
with the Same to lay before the Town 7 6 Drawing Brief and two fair copys thereof 11 o To three Several Journeys of my Self to Maghull,
Halsall Lidiate and Aughton in order to find out propper Witnesses that paid no Taxes in either Town in dispute 6 8
Six Process for Witnesses 3" Service thereof 8" 6d 11 6 Gave to Parson Pilkington with his process 4 o To Mr Hen: Sherdley 3' 6"> Robert Taylor 3' 66 To Richard Huson 2 s To Threlfall i 8 3 o To Councelor Aspinwal with his Brief 2i 8 Attending
him 3 8 4 d i 4 4 To M r Lancaster his retainer and pleading Fee 8 6 For my Own Sessions Fee And pains in the Affair 13 4 Note the Court with hard Strugling agreed to make a
Case of it to be referred to the Judge of Assize. For my trouble of endeavouring to have the Case
fairly drawn and Stated but Mr Chetham and Mr Kenyon wo'd take time to consider of it till after the Sessions 3 4
1 The opinion was as follows: I am clear of opinion that Mr Sherdley gained a Settlement in Northmeols and am inclined to think that he has gained a subsequent one in Maghull by executing the Office or charge of the Curacy for a year though he was not licensed thereto will gain a Settlement within the Stat' y & 4: W & Mary But this being a new point the Court will probably confirm the Order specially and give the parties an opportunity of taking the Judgement of the Court of King's Bench.
J. MAINWARING25 Apriil 1745, Chester.
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 73
i 9 ' June Attending both Mr Chetham and Mr Kenyon at Manchester in hopes of getting it settled but coud not
Paid then expences with them on that accountFor several letters and Messengers to Peel and likewise
to Manchester on the same AccountPaid the Man who brought it overAttending Mr Radcliffe therewith and transcrib
ing itRetainer to Lawyer Clayton at London for next
Assizes and ClerkMy Agents trouble and postage of letters &cr
6 83 o
4 °i 6
4 4
13 °7 10
Total.21" March 1744. 25th Aprill 1745.
ReCed from Jn° Brekell From Rich"1 Johnson
19 13 ii
Remains 12 13 n
[Following in another hand.]
I 7th Juty I 745- mV journey to the towns meting cu Do. Delivered over Wm Snodsons (?) bond
due to me in y l affaire22 U July 1745 To Lawyer Aspinall on the motion to
respite till next Sessions and to have the opinion of M r Gundry & Sr John Strange
My own Sessions Fee & Trouble respite orders in both affairs
7 6
6 8
I 62
14 18 5
Finally on the 26th September, after a year of argu ment, the following complicated agreement was made between the contending townships :
ARTICLES of Agreement indented had made concluded and fully agreed upon this Twenty-Sixth day of Sep tember in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Five BETWEEN John Ball James Spencer Richard Rimer Richard Ball and Richard John son Churchwardens and overseers of the Poor of the Township of Northmeals in the County of I,ancaster of the one part and Thomas Glover and Thomas Bradley
74 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
Chappell warden and overseer of the poor of the Township of Maghull in the said County on the other part.
WHEREAS there has been and is divers and Sundry disputes arisen and still subsisting between the Townships of Northmeals and Maghull aforesaid touching and relating to the Settlement of Sarah Sherdley John Sherdley Elizabeth Sherdley Jane Sherdley Anne Sherdley and Ralph Sherdley Sons and daughters of Ralph Sherdley late of Maghull aforesaid Clerk deceased NOW Thereof for Ending the said Disputes it is agreed as follows (That is to say) the said John Ball James Spencer Richard Rimer Richard Ball and Richard Johnson For them selves their heirs executors Administrators and Successors Do hereby contract covenant promise and agree to and with the said Thomas Glover and Thomas Bradley and to and with each of them their and Each of their heirs Executors Administrators and Successors that they the said John Ball James Spencer Richard Rimer Richard Ball and Richard Johnson and their Successors Shall and will from time to time and at all times hereafter well and Sufficiently maintain and provide for the above named Anne Sherdley so that the said Anne Sherdley shall in no sort become burthensome troublesome nor in any wise chargeable to the Inhabitants of Maghull aforesaid AND the said Thomas Glover and Thomas Bradley for themselves their heirs Executors Administrators and Successors do hereby Con tract covenant promise and agree to and with the said John Ball James Spencer Richard Rimer Richard Ball and Richard Johnson and to and with Every of them their and Every of their heirs Executors Administrators and Successors that they the said Thomas Glover and Thomas Bradley and their Successors Shall and will from time to time and at all times hereafter well and sufficiently maintain and provide for the above named Ralph Sherdley so that the said Ralph Sherdley Shall in no sort become burthensome troublesome nor in any wise chargeable to the Inhabitants of Northmeals aforesaid AND LASTLY It is the mutuall Agreement of the parties to these presents that the above named Sarah Sherdley John Sherdley Elizabeth Sherdley and Jane Sherdley Shall from henceforward be maintained and provided for at the Joint and equall cxpence of the Townships of Northmeals and Maghull aforesaid And that the Effects which the late Ralph Sherdley died possessed of Shall be Equally divided betwixt the said Townships of North Meals and Maghull the Expence of their maintenance hitherto being first deducted IN WITNESS whereof the parties aforesaid to these presents
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 75
their hands and Seals have hereunto Interchangeably put theday and Year first above Written
: Sealed and Delivered (being first j duly Stamped) In presence of usj J. NORMAN THOMAS GLOVER [Seal] I Enwu LANCELOT? THOMAS BRADLY [Seal] 1 [3 sixpenny embossed and one penny printed sheet stamps.]
1 In October, John and Jane were apprenticed,1 and presumably, as soon as she was old enough, Anne was similarly disposed of. 8 No provision was made by either party, so far as can be determined, for the widow.
In the year following the Sherdley agreement a dispute with the township of West Houghton is recorded. The details which follow require no comment, but illustrate only too clearly the abuses of the system.NORTH MEOLS AT SUIT)
OF WESTHOUGHTON. JJohn I^ee the Oldest Son of Robert Lee which said Robert
was possessed of an Estate he held by Lease from M r \Vorthington of Three Lives whereof the said John Lee was one After the Death of the said Robert he the said John Lee did Service in Husbandry for severall years came into North Meols and served with Thomas Brade of that Township as to obtain a Settlement there.
After such Service he returned to West Houghton in Order to claim his Estate which after his Fathers decease was held by M r« Leigh Widow of one Captain Leigh for a Bond debt of Ten pounds owing by the said Robert Lee.
The said John Lee redcem'd and Sold the Estate to John Yates of Lostock for about Sixty pounds Value having never occupied nor enjoyed the same.
The said John Lee Married and lived sundry years in West- houghton afterwards his Family growing numerous West- houghton in the Month of September one Thousand seven hundred and forty four obtain'd an Order for the Removal of the said pauper and Family to North Meols.
Meols gave notice for an Appeal and the matter was respited till January Sessions next following before which time Meols
1 See below, p. 100.'Ibid., p. 100. It seems probable, though proof is lacking, that this
unfortunate child, unable to rise above the handicap of poverty, was the same Anne Sherdley who was removed by order from the Parish of St. Mary on the Hill, Chester, in 176$, p. So, below.
76 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
gave a Certificate with the said pauper's During which time John Lee took a Farm from the above named John Yates of Lostock, lying in Westhoughton consisting of Five Acres and one Rood Land with a Cottage and some building for one year the Land to l>e enter'd upon as by Articles upon the Second Day of February and the Housing at May Day following.
Pursuant to these Articles John Lee entered upon the ground on the Second Day of Feb> then next ensuing and plowed and delved and occupied the ground and though he had not the possession of the House yet he held and enjoyed another house in the said Townshipof Nearasrnuch value Hut the Inhabitants of Westhough ton being Uneasie at his holding this Estate and doing all they could to distress him the said John Lee on the Eighteenth day of April following came to an agreement with the said John Yates his Landlord and in Consideration of Twelve pounds twelve shillings to him the said Lee in hand paid surrendered up all his further Term and Intrest in the premises and quitted the possession thereof after he had been above forty days in the quiet enjoyment of it.
Whereupon Westhoughton publickly agreed to relieve him at several meetings upon his complaint but notwithstanding have since that obtained an Order from Mr Chetham and Mr Duckin- field upon the Certificate without any Examination of the said Lee as touching his Farm but have Superceded the same. Meols have given there Notice of Appeal.') In the Settlement and how to proceed, j
[MR. BROWNSWORD'S BILL continued.}FOR NORTHMEOLSI , - TABOUT SETTLEMENT OF JOHN LEE AND
AGT. V ... I HIS FAMILY. WESTHOUGHTON )
For my retainer Advice and trouble of writeing Several letters and directions in this affair 6s 8d paid postage 7'" 7 j
For my Advice about the Agreement made for farming the Estate in Westhoughton and giving a Certificate with him 3 4
My trouble and charge of Sending to the Officer that we wou'd withdraw our appeal but he in sisted on Cost for not giving notice and sending the Certificate in time And wo'd move the Court at Manchester for that purpose 4 o
Gave to M r Dean his Fee to oppose the motionand prevent cost which he did accordingly 5 o
£o 19 7
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 77
The remainder of Mr. Brownsword's bills though con cerning various matters is given below :
i *. d.Respite Orders at October Sessions [deleted]
[Another hand.} Due to me ab* Zachariah FaircloughsWidow married to Robertson 13 4
Brought over abl Sherdleys Children 14 18 5respite Orders at October Sessions & Fee 6 o
Do. at January Sessions 1745 6 oTranscribing Orders & Instructions for
Certiorari 5 o
17 8 422* Aug1 1745 reced from Richard
Johnson Overser of Meols in part of accot 600
More abl Settlement of John Lee and ab4 Zacharia Faircloughs
1327 Febr 1745. reced then from Richard
Johnson Overser of North Meols the Sum of ten pounds ten shillings in full of the said ballance of 13 : i : 3.
by me Jo: BROWNSWORD.{Endorsed over.] BILL FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTHMEOI.S. 3 d Octob: 1745. Richard Boond says the town shall
pay now the Cost in Derby Court agl Ann | Lee ats * | Gib' Bull 4 7
14 th D° at Wigan Sessions Orders of respite 4 o My Sessions Fee 6 8
Transcribing orders etc. and Instrucions for Certiorari'sto remove 5 o
FOR THE PARISH OFI . _, _I JOHN BROWNSWORDS BILL.NORTHMF.OLS. j J
Due for the prosecution of Ann the wife of John Marshall of Birkdale at Lent Assizes 1746 and charge of Assignment from him since of his Tene ment to indempnifye the Town i 12 o
' ? (LovaU).
78 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
i s. d. Paid to the Clerk o'th Peace for the respite Orders
about Mr Sherdleys Children four Sessions success ively o 10 8
Paid him for the Two Orders for Setting Aside theOrders for removal 4* my Sessions Fee 7" o 11 o
For Journey Letters and trouble of preventing Ed ward Halsall coming into the Town 070
Sallary due for the year 1744 and 1745 tooFor all my trouble of Letters Messengers and
myself going once about William Hodsons Bastard 068For Attending the Justices and taking the Examina
tion of Richard Rimmer about his Settlement in Liverpoole and expences on that Account i 9 ' Sep tember 1747 056
Sallary for the years 1746 and 1747 i o o1748. 13 th April Attending and Drawing the Infor
mations about the Settlement of John Carr and his family 034
Paid expences at that time Attending the Justices o i 6 25 th Attending at Wheat Sheaf and taking examina
tions of the Nine Vagrants brought before them 070 Paid Expences on that Account 028
5 th July. For my Attending the Justices and moving for a Warrant agl Alice Ball who refused to bring in her Bastard Child in order to be filiated 034
Attending the Filiation 3* 4'' P"1 expences bothtimes 2" 6(l o 5 10
For my trouble of Attending and taking examinationof Jane Giles a Vagrant and expences 044
For motion at Quarter Sessions and getting Orderon the Treasurer of the County for 1:11:4 ° 3 6
13th 7ber For the Inquisition on View of the Bodyof Isabell Breakell killed by William Corner 013 4
I st Jany. For Attending and taking the examination ofEd ward Con way a Vagrant 3» 4d Paid expences 1 9 6 (1 o 4 10
7 th For the like about Marg' Ferguson and her Child o 4 10Sallary for the year 1748 o 10 o
1749. 29th March for my Advice and trouble aboutJohn Wignalls Settlement 034
For the like about William Caunces 034
94°
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 79
RECED 5 th Aug' 1749 from James Lunt Ourseer of the poor of NorthMeols the Sum of Five pounds three shill ings on acco1 and in part of the within bill And I promise to make out the remainder to be fairly due to me & clear the Objections Made thereto other wise the said Objections shall be allowed by me
Witness. Jo: BROWNSWORD. JOHN SEPHTON.
£ * d.remaining 410
Charge Since ab' Settlem* of Rob' Abram 18 7 4 th Jun: 1749, at private Sessions ab' getting orders
of Ann Balls bastard Rob 1 Brown & Mawdsley 068 At Quarter Sessions January 1749 for Watch
Money 052 Salary for 1 749 January Sessions o 10 o
Order for Walch money last Sessions and to bepaid to me in part 464
__ i 15 i Reced 14 Feby: 1749. the Sum of Fifteen shillings in full of
the above ballance.by Jo: BROWNSWORD
Dat
e.
6 Ju
ly
1699
25 S
ept.
170
0.
30 S
ept.
1704
. 12
Jan
. 17
40.
4 Jan.
4 Ja
n.4 Fe
b.
30 Feb
.
1749-
I749-
1762.
1765
-
10 June
1765
.25
Feb
: 1766.
29 Oct
. 1767.
28 Aug.
1776.
28 Dec
. 1777.
9 F
eb.
1786
.10
Feb
. ,,
10 J
uly
1787
.
Com
plai
nt b
y O
vers
eers
of
Nor
thm
eols
St.
Mar
y up
on t
he
Hil
l, C
hest
er
Nor
th M
eals
Alt
car
Cli
fton
w.
Sal
wic
kL
iver
pool
Sca
rsbr
ick.
3 A
pl.
1794
. L
ey la
nd '
28 A
pl.
1795
. L
iver
pool
.i
Mar
. 17
96.
Bir
tal.
30
Apl
. 18
03.
Hes
keth
, w
. B
ec-
cons
all.
RE
MO
VA
L
OR
DE
RS
.
Aga
inst
H
enry
Tuc
son,
w &
fam
ily
Jam
es W
ainw
righ
t, w
. &
chi
ld
Geo
rge
Bal
l, Je
nnet
w,
Wil
liam
s.
Tho
s: A
bram
, E
liza
beth
w.,
Ro
ber
t s.
R
obt:
Bro
wn,
Jan
e w
. R
ichd
: M
awds
ley,
Mar
gare
t &
Ann
e, c
. H
ugh
Lee
, M
arga
ret
w,
Tho
mas
in.
dau.
A
nne
She
rdle
y
Jane
Blu
ndel
l, sp
inst
er.
Is
abel
B
lund
ell,
wid
., Ja
ne,
A
nn,
Tho
mas
, Jo
hn,
Alic
e, &
Est
her,
c.
1 E
liza
beth
Blu
ndel
l, s.
M
arge
ry B
alsh
aw,
s.
Mar
gare
t M
ayor
, w
id.
E
sther
Bre
akel
l, w
id.
of J
ohn
B.
Sta
ymak
er,
decd
»
Sar
ah B
reak
ell,
aged
fiv
e ye
ars
Isaa
c P
eet,
Is
abel
, w
., D
orot
hy,
dau.
ne
ar
7 ye
ars,
M
ary,
dau
. 5
mon
ths
Mar
y G
ore,
w.
of W
illi
am G
., no
w a
sol
dier
in
the
63 R
egt:
of
Foot;
E
liza
beth
, da
u. 3
yrs
., E
llen
dau
., i
yr.
» E
llen
Gill
, w
idow
.A
nn W
hart
on,
wid
., T
hos.
W.
decu
, A
nn d
au.
5 yr
s.
Ann
Wig
nall
, w
id ;
Wil
liam
, M
ary,
Joh
n, c
.
To
be r
emov
ed t
o
OO-
Orm
skir
k.
°
Hel
sbye
, C
hesh
ire.
Hes
keth
w.
Bec
cons
all.
^
Wig
an.
-tB
ursc
ough
. t~
*T
arle
ton.
g
Nor
th M
eole
s.
s.
Tar
leto
n.O
rrel
l in
Mac
kerf
ield
.
Bre
ther
ton.
N
ort
h M
eols
.
.a'
** ' |;. o
Cro
ston
s.
Hal
sall
. N
orth
Meo
ls.
Act
uaD
y al
read
y ch
arge
able
to
com
plai
ning
par
ish.
Th
e re
mai
nder
, un
mar
ked,
wer
e de
scrib
ed a
s lik
ely
to b
ecom
e ch
arge
able
. 1
Ano
ther
fra
gmen
t of
a l
awye
r's b
ill : TH
E TO
WN
SHIP
OF
NO
RTH
MEO
LS T
O W
u LA
W.
1767
. M
otio
n fo
r R
emov
al O
rder
of
Eliz
: B
lund
ell
from
M
eals
to
Bre
ther
ton
1768
. M
ovin
g fo
r B
asta
rdy
Ord
er a
g' p
eter
Wat
kins
on
loja
n'r
y
on M
arge
rv L
unt
Eas
ier
Sess
ions
176
8.M
otio
n to
Con
firm
ord
er o
f B
asta
rdy
on p
eter
Wat
kins
on
paid
for
Con
firm
atio
n O
rder
M
itti
mus
of
Sau
ton
to L
anca
ster
Cas
tle
3 R
ecog
niza
nces
A
tten
ding
to
exam
ine
Witn
esse
s &
tak
e In
stru
ctio
ns f
orpr
osec
utio
nI)
raw
inK
Dra
ught
of
Bri
ef
fair
Cop
y pa
id f
or I
ndic
tmen
t pa
id D
oork
eepe
r to
the
Gra
nd J
ury
Swea
ring
in
Cou
rt
paid
M' M
oss
wit
h B
rief
Jo
urne
y to
Lan
cast
er o
n th
is a
cco'
3 d
ays
whe
n Ju
dge
wo*
not
try
pri
sone
r he
App
eari
ng t
o be
a L
una t
ick
Hor
se h
ire
& E
xpen
ces
1768
. 22
Nov
* R
eced
y a
bove
Bal
ance
by
me
O
W-
LAW
.
L 0 O O O O O 0 O O O O O I I i.
Dr. s. 3 3 3 2 2 6 6 6 2 8 3 2 t I '5 6
d. 6 6 6 o O o 8 8 6 o 6 o o 0 o 10
CR.
By
Cas
h re
ceiv
ed
of
the
Tre
asur
er o
f th
e C
ount
y fo
rJo
hn B
rade
lat
e C
onst
able
of
Nor
thm
eols
Con
veyi
ngon
e C
adw
ell
to G
aol
bein
g C
harg
ed w
ith
Bur
glar
y R
ecei
ved
of
D"
tow
ards
the
pro
secu
tion
of
Sau
ton
byor
der
of t
he J
udge
B
alla
nce
due
to \
Vm
Law
i 17
o
R
13 16
' EX
AMIN
ATIO
N OF
WIL
LIAM
GOO
BE (
see
next
pag
e).
1 EX
AMIN
ATIO
N OF
WIL
LIAM
GOO
RE17
F
eP
1704
-L
AN
CA
SH
I R
E T
he e
xam
inat
ion
of W
illi
am G
oore
lat
e of
Ley
land
in
the
said
cou
nty
bu
t no
w a
Sol
dier
in
the
six
ty t
hir
d R
egim
ent
of F
oot
take
n on
Oat
h be
fore
me
Tho
mas
Bal
dwin
Cle
rk o
ne o
f hi
s M
ajes
tys
Just
ices
of
the
Pea
ce i
n an
d fo
r th
e sa
id C
ount
y th
e se
vent
eent
h day
O
c of
Feb
ruar
y in
the
yea
r of
our
Lor
d O
ne T
hous
and
seve
n H
undr
ed a
nd n
inet
y fo
ur r
elat
ing
to h
is S
ettl
emen
t.W
HO
sai
th t
hat
he
was
bor
n in
the
Tow
nshi
p of
Bre
ther
ton
in t
he s
aid
Cou
nty
afte
rwar
ds
this
E
xam
inan
ts
Fat
her
R
icha
rd
Goo
re t
ook
a F
arm
of
Jane
Law
renc
e of
nea
r T
en
poun
ds
a Y
ear
in t
he T
owns
hip
of T
arle
ton
in t
he s
aid
Cou
nty
and
this
Exam
inat
ion
and
wen
t al
ong
wit
h hi
s pa
rent
s to
the
sai
d F
arm
in
the
said
Tow
nshi
p of
Tar
leto
n he
can
not
say
wha
t ag
e he
was
whe
n he
lef
t B
reth
er
ton
bu
t he
con
tinu
ed w
ith
his
said
par
ents
in
Tar
leto
n w
hose
set
tlem
ent
was
in
Tar
leto
n af
ores
aid
unti
l he
was
abo
ut T
wel
ve o
r th
irte
en
*"C
V'e
ars
of a
ge a
fter
war
ds t
his
Exam
inan
ts F
ath
er a
gree
d w
ith
Joh
n A
insw
orth
of
Ley
land
afo
resa
id f
or t
his
Exam
inan
t to
go
Six
Yea
rs a
s §
an A
ppre
ntic
e to
lea
rn t
o W
eave
and
thi
s E
xam
inan
t w
ent
to t
he s
aid
Joh
n A
insw
orth
and
con
tinu
ed a
bout
a Y
'ear
wit
h th
e sa
id J
oh
n
>t
Ain
swor
th i
n L
eyla
nd a
fore
said
at
whi
ch t
ime
the
said
John A
insw
orth
wan
ted
the
Ind
entu
re t
o be
mad
e b
ut
this
the
exa
min
ants
Fat
her
.
wou
ld n
ot a
gree
for
any
Ind
entu
re t
o be
mad
e an
d th
is E
xam
inan
t co
ntin
ued
abou
t ha
lf a
Yea
r lo
nger
bu
t no
In
den
ture
was
eve
r m
ade
j^
afte
rwar
ds t
his
Exa
min
ant
run
away
fro
m t
he s
aid
Joh
n A
insw
orth
an
d w
ent
to l
ive
wit
h T
hom
as J
ohns
on o
f N
orth
Meo
ls i
n th
e sa
id
g
Cou
nty
Far
mer
that
he
live
d w
ith
the
said
Tho
mas
Joh
nson
in
Nor
th M
eols
afo
resa
id a
bout
hal
f a
Yea
r b
ut
Not
hing
was
sai
d ab
out
Wag
es
no f
urth
er t
han
the
said
Tho
mas
Joh
nson
was
to
give
thi
s E
xam
inan
t M
eat
and
wha
t w
ages
he
dese
rved
and
whe
n th
is E
xam
inan
t ha
d li
ved
^.
half
a y
ear
or t
here
abou
ts t
he s
aid
Tho
mas
Joh
nson
Hir
ed T
his
Ex
amin
ant
for
a Y
ear
for
the
wag
es o
f F
ifty
tw
o sh
illi
ngs
and
this
Exa
m-
?i,
inan
t co
ntin
ued
wit
h th
e sa
id T
hom
as J
ohns
on i
n N
orth
Meo
ls a
fore
said
a Y
ear
wit
hin
abou
t a
wee
k or
Ten
day
s an
d A
fter
war
ds t
his
2
Ex
amin
ant
run
away
to
the
said
Jo
hn
Ain
swor
th i
n L
eyla
nd a
fore
said
and
con
tinu
ed a
bout
ele
ven
wee
ks h
e ca
nnot
say
wea
ther
he
rece
ived
S
- hi
s fu
ll ye
ars
wag
es o
r no
t in
Nor
th M
eols
as
his
Mas
ter
John
son
gave
him
mon
ey w
hen
he w
ante
d af
terw
ards
thi
s E
xam
inan
t w
ent
and
?E.
boar
ded
wit
h R
icha
rd
Pye
in
afor
esai
d (')
fo
r ne
ar T
wel
ve M
onth
s af
terw
ards
thi
s E
xam
inan
t w
ent
to T
arle
ton
for
abou
t a
quar
ter
of
S.
a ye
ar t
o in
stru
ct W
illi
am S
inag
art
"! th
e W
eave
r af
terw
ards
thi
s E
xam
inan
t w
as H
ired
by
Wil
liam
Sum
ner
of I
'lnes
wal
ton
in t
he s
aid
^
Cou
nty
for
a Y
ear
for
the
wag
es o
f si
x po
unds
th
at h
e co
ntin
ued
Nea
r ha
lf a
Yea
r af
terw
ards
thi
s E
xam
inan
t w
ent
into
the
sou
th t
o cu
t 5-
ro
m f
or a
bout
tw
o m
onth
s af
terw
ards
thi
s E
xam
inan
t w
ent
to h
is F
athe
rs H
ouse
in
Tar
leto
n af
ores
aid
and
wen
t w
ith
his
Fat
her
in
a o
' C
oal
Fla
tt a
Fla
ttin
g fo
r ab
out
Tw
elve
Mon
ths
and
was
to
have
one
hal
f of
the
Mon
ey t
hat
the
Fla
tt m
ade
afte
rwar
ds t
his
Exam
inan
t 8
wen
t to
liv
e w
ith
Wil
liam
Gor
e in
Ley
land
afo
resa
id f
or a
bout
thr
ee m
onth
s af
terw
ards
thi
s E
xam
inan
t w
ent
to l
ive
wit
h R
icha
rd P
ye
~.
in L
eyla
nd a
fore
said
and
gav
e hi
m f
ive
shil
ling
s an
d si
xpen
ce a
wee
k fo
r hi
s B
oard
aft
erw
ards
thi
s E
xam
inan
t M
arri
ed t
he s
aid
Ric
hard
3
Pye
s D
augh
ter
and
cont
inue
d as
par
t of
his
Fat
her
in
law
s F
amil
y up
on a
Hou
se u
nder
Mr.
Por
ter
of M
arsh
Hal
l In
Bre
ther
ton a
fore
said
^
that
the
sai
d R
icha
rd P
ye w
as t
o gi
ve a
bout
Tw
elve
pou
nds
a ye
ar f
or t
he s
aid
Hou
se a
nd t
his
Ex
amin
ant
furt
her
sai
th t
hat
He
neve
r ^
Ren
ted
a pl
ace
of T
en p
ound
s a
Yea
r N
or h
as d
one
any
Act
or
Dee
d to
gai
n a
Set
tlem
ent
save
as
abov
e th
at h
e ha
s a
Wif
e an
d tw
o ®
C
hild
ren
in
Ley
land
af
ores
aid
; £.
swor
n to
bef
ore
me
the
day
and
Yea
r ab
ove
Wri
tten
W
ILLI
AM
G
OO
RE
5*
THO
S B
ALD
WIN
ST
(C
opy)
5.
[End
orse
d on
baf
k.]
J*
I ha
ve p
erus
ed t
he w
ithi
n C
ase
and
am o
f op
inio
n th
at t
he P
aupe
r ga
ined
a S
ettl
emen
t in
Nor
th M
eols
by
his
hiri
ng a
nd S
ervi
ce w
ith
John
son
ther
e bu
t w
heth
er h
e ga
ined
any
sub
sequ
ent
Set
tlem
ent
or n
ot d
oes
not
appe
ar f
rom
the
im
perf
ect
man
ner
in w
hich
the
Cas
e is
st
ated
. T
he o
nly
Per
sons
who
can
pro
ve t
he h
irin
g an
d S
ervi
ce w
ith
John
son
(I u
nder
stan
d) a
re G
oore
the
Pau
per
and
the
Mas
ter
John
son J
ohnso
n b
eing
a T
ax P
ayer
in
Nor
th M
eols
can
not
be a
Wit
ness
bet
wee
n L
eyla
nd a
nd N
orth
Meo
ls,
and
the
Pau
per
Goo
re i
s ou
t of
th
e C
ount
ry,
and
I ap
preh
end
the
Exa
min
atio
n of
whi
ch t
his
is a
Cop
y no
t be
ing
take
n be
fore
the
Mag
istr
ates
as
the
Act
dir
ects
will
not
be
con
clus
ive
Evi
denc
e of
his
Set
tlem
ent
cons
eque
ntly
Ley
land
will
fin
d it
a d
iffi
cult
Mat
ter
to p
rove
the
Set
tlem
ent
in N
orth
Meo
ls.
N.
GR
IMSH
AW
.22
nd F
eby.
17
94.
Dat
e of
Qua
rter
Ses
sion
s.\v
.\v
.
o. o. 0. o. o. w.
\v.
w.
o. M.
0.
9 K) 1<> 1 6 17 7
21 12
12
20
'4 16 22
Oct
.Ja
n.
J«iy
July
Apl
.M
ayJu
lyO
ct.
Oct
.
Jan.
Apl
.O
ct.
July
3 6 7 5 1 1 12 14
15
15
19
19
2O 28
Ann
.A
nn.
Ann
.G
eo.
II.
Geo
. II
.,, ,, ,, - .. ,, ,,
Ode
r.2 8
12 8 5 25 28 293 28
2
28
Sep.
Jan.
Jiy Jiy Apl
.A
pl.
My.
July
Aug
.
Sep
.
, , Sep.
Jun.
3.
RE
MO
VA
L
OR
DE
RS
CO
NF
IRM
AT
ION
.
[Eli
zabe
th]
Bax
ter
Ric
. C
hadd
ock,
E
liza
beth
w
., A
dam
,E
llen
, c.
Ric
. S
tran
ge,
& h
is w
ife
Gil
bert
Mol
lyne
ax,
Ann
w.
Pet
er W
righ
t, A
nn w
. Ja
mes
Hol
me,
Mar
y w
. G
eorg
e M
orri
s, A
lice
w,
Ell
en,
dau.
Jo
hn B
lund
ell
Eli
zabe
th A
bram
, R
ober
t, s
.
John
Sh
ercl
ley.
E
liza
beth
, Ja
ne,
c.
of
R
alph
S.
, de
ed.
John
Lee
, Mar
y, w
, R
obt,
Sam
uel,
Mar
yc.
Pet
er J
acks
on,
Alic
e, w
., O
live
r, W
illi
am,
Ric
11,
Isab
el,
Jannet
&
E
llen
, c.
From
1 A
lcar
r'
Bic
kers
taff
e
To
be r
emov
edT
oN
ort
h M
eale
s.
Nor
thm
eale
s
» T
arle
ton
No
rth
mea
les
Mag
hull
For
meb
y.
Sca
irsb
rick
. O
rmsk
irk.
F
orm
by.
Nor
thm
eale
s.
For
mby
. H
eske
th w
. B
ec-
cons
all.
Nor
th M
eols
.
o >t
W
esth
ough
ton
Nor
th M
eals
Wha
rton
.
All
abov
e co
nfir
med
, no
app
eal
bein
g m
ade
exce
pt a
s no
ted,
bel
ow :
1 Dis
char
ged.
1 Q
uash
ed f
or i
nfor
mal
ity.
E
ndor
sed
over
. "
3nd
of D
ecem
ber
1707
. G
ilbe
rt T
aler
ove
rsee
r of
Bic
kest
af g
ave
for
rele
ef t
o y«
wif
e of
R
icha
rd C
hado
k on
e sh
illin
g in
bra
d in
pre
senc
of
Eli
zabe
th S
mit
h of
y*
sam
e to
wn
of B
icke
ssta
f."
O
n ap
peal
of
Nor
th
Meo
ls,
orde
r se
t as
ide.
4 O
n ap
peal
of
Nor
th M
eols
res
pite
d an
d ad
jour
ned
to O
rmsk
irk
Qua
rter
Ses
sion
s.
Set
asid
e an
d di
scha
rged
.
Set
asid
e an
d di
scha
rged
; W
igan
to
pay
Nor
th M
eols
£i
135.
bd.
" c
osts
the
y ha
ve b
een
at i
n m
aint
aini
ng t
he s
aid
poor
per
sons
si
nce
the
said
ord
er o
f R
emov
al "
(i
m
onth
14
day
s).
00
w.
o. 0. w.
w.
0. o. o. o. o. w.
w.
o. 0. o. w.
o. w.
w.
Qua
rter
Ses
sion
s.15
Jan
. 32
30 A
pl.
32
16
Jul
y 33
13 O
ct-
34
8
Oct
. 4
Geo
. II
I.4
May
7
20
Jul
y 7
17 J
uly
9
i M
ay 1
5 ,,
22 A
pl.
1610
Oct
. 25
,,
8 O
ct.
27
20
Jul
y 29
9 M
ay 3
15
May
34
21
Jan
. 39
21 J
uly
40
,,16
Jan
. 44
II O
ct.
53
uat
c ot
O
rder
27 A
pl.
1 8
Apl.
4 Ju
n.8
Jly.
21 S
ept.
9 Ja
n.5
My.
4 Jl
y19
Apl
.
30 J
an.
18 J
ly2
Aug
.4
Jun.
4 F
eb.
10 M
ar.
17 N
ov.
9 Ju
ne17
Sep
.10
Jly
.
To
be
From
1 N
orth
Mea
ls
RE
MO
VA
L O
RD
ER
S C
ON
FIR
MA
TIO
N (
cont
inue
d).
Tho
s: B
axen
dine
, A
lice,
w.,
Will
iam
, s.
A
lice
Lee
, Si
ngle
wom
an
,,
Wm
. War
burt
on,
als.
Lat
hom
, E
liza
beth
w.
Eli
zabe
th L
ee,
sing
lew
oman
,,
Tho
s: L
eigh
, M
arge
ry,
w.
Eli
zabe
th C
ropp
er,
sing
lew
oman
,,
R
ic.
Mor
ris,
E
liza
beth
, w
, Ja
ne,
John
, ,,
A
nn.
c.H
ugh
Gre
gson
, A
nn w
. ,,
A
lice
Gill
, w
id:,
John
, T
hos:
, R
obt:
.R
ich'
', c.
Wm
Tild
esle
y, A
lice
w.,
Pet
er,
Jane
, Ann
, c.
John
Car
r ,,
,, A
lice
War
eing
,,
,, A
nn G
illW
illia
m M
iller
,,
T
hos:
Wri
ght,
Eli
zabe
th a
ls B
etty
, w
. W
illia
m B
reck
ell
,,
Jane
Bib
by,
sing
lew
oman
B
irta
l A
nn B
rook
fiel
d, s
ingl
ewom
an
Nor
thm
eals
Ja
ne P
latt
, w
idow
*
1 App
eal
of W
igan
; bu
t or
der
conf
irmed
aga
inst
Wig
an.
nmov
edT
oW
igan
. F
orm
by.
Has
ling
den.
F
orm
by.
Ecc
lest
on.
Bic
kers
tafi
e.
Ince
Blu
ndel
l. S
cari
sbri
ck.
Tar
leto
n.
Lat
ham
. T
arle
ton.
G
reat
Bol
ton.
M
uch
Hoo
le.
Orm
skir
k.
Man
ches
ter.
F
orm
by
Kir
kdal
e S
tand
ish
w.
Lan
gtre
e.
oo "a o o 2 o'
< * S
3 App
eal
of S
tand
ish,
but
ord
er c
onfi
rmed
aga
inst
the
m.
EXA
MIN
ATI
ON
OF
JAN
E PL
AIT
, O
F N
ORT
H M
EOLS
, W
IDO
W,
29 M
AV
, 18
13.
WH
O s
aith
tha
t sh
e w
as b
orn
in t
he T
owns
hip
of N
orth
Meo
ls a
fore
said
whe
re h
er F
athe
rs S
ettl
emen
t th
en w
as a
s sh
e be
lieve
s th
at w
hen
she
grew
up
she
wen
t to
Ser
vice
and
aft
er h
avin
g liv
ed i
n va
riou
s Pl
aces
she
was
hir
ed f
or a
Yea
r to
Will
iam
Bro
wn
of F
orm
by i
n th
e sa
id C
ount
y al
ehou
se k
eepe
r at
fiv
e P
ound
s W
ages
and
Vai
ls,
and
afte
r ha
ving
ser
ved
him
in
For
mby
for
that
Yea
r, s
he a
gain
hir
ed w
ith
Bro
wn
for
anot
her
Yea
r at
the
lik
e W
ages
, an
d se
rved
it
also
, sh
e af
terw
ards
hir
ed f
or a
Yea
r to
Rob
ert
Bar
ton
Innk
eepe
r in
Nor
th M
eols
, bu
t ha
ving
ser
ved
him
abo
ut h
alf
a Y
ear,
she
was
with
Chi
ld,
and
quit
ted
that
Ser
vice
. A
bout
thr
ee Y
ears
aft
er t
his
she
mar
ried
to
Rog
er
Pla
tt a
Cot
ton
Wea
ver
at N
orth
Meo
ls.
Tha
t P
latt
nev
er d
id a
ny A
ct w
hate
ver
to g
ain
a S
ettl
emen
t af
ter
his
Mar
riag
e an
d di
ed n
ear
two
year
s ag
o.S
ays
that
she
bel
ieve
s he
r H
usba
nd w
as b
om a
t S
tand
ish
whe
re s
he s
uppo
ses
his
Set
tlem
ent
then
was
, th
at h
er H
usba
nd a
s sh
e ha
s he
ard,
ser
ved
in v
ario
us P
lace
s an
d sh
e ha
s be
en t
old
that
he
was
onc
e hi
red
by s
ome
Gen
tlem
en a
t W
igan
to
serv
e at
the
B
ackb
arro
w
Fac
tory
Ove
r Sa
nds,
but
she
kno
ws
noth
ing
of t
hat
Hir
ing,
nor
the
Ser
vice
nor
of
his
Set
tlem
ent
prev
ious
to
her
Mar
riag
e w
ith h
im.
[End
orse
d ov
er.]
John
Pla
tt O
verl
ooke
r of
a F
acto
ry S
mit
h S
tree
t Sa
lfor
d M
anch
este
r ne
ar t
he O
ld C
hurc
h. w
rite
to
have
him
exa
min
ed a
s to
his
B
ro"
Set
tlem
ent
The
fol
low
ing
exam
inat
ion
may
als
o be
rec
orde
d he
re,
thou
gh n
othi
ng f
urth
er i
s kn
own
of t
he c
ase :
EXA
MIN
ATI
ON
or
MA
RGA
RET
SUTT
ON
, N
ORT
H
MEO
LS,
SIN
GLE
WO
MA
N,
25 J
AN
UA
RY,
1806
.W
HO
sai
th t
hat
she
was
bor
n in
Nor
th M
eols
in t
he s
aid
coun
ty w
here
her
Fat
hers
Set
tlem
ent
then
was
as
she
has
been
inf
orm
ed a
nd
'bel
ieve
s, t
hat
whe
n sh
e w
as a
bout
fiv
e ye
ars
Old
, he
r F
athe
r be
ing
dead
, *
......
by h
er F
athe
rs M
othe
r A
nn B
ower
of .....
afor
esai
d to
liv
e as
one
of
her
own,
and
...... w
ith
her
unti
l ab
out
two
year
s ag
o, ...... b
etw
een
17 a
nd 1
8 ye
ars
of A
ge,
and
her ......
to H
enry
Inc
e of
Cho
rley
in
the
said
...... f
or M
eat
and
Clo
aths
as
she
belie
ves
. .
. he
r G
rand
mot
her
mad
e th
eA
gree
men
t an
d .
. .
unde
r th
is A
gree
men
t sh
e w
ent
into
the
Ser
vice
of
the
said
Hen
ry I
nce
and
cont
inue
d w
ith
him
in
Cho
rley
afo
resa
id
from
abo
ut M
icha
elm
as 1
803
unti
l F
ebru
ary
last
, w
hen
not
bein
g qu
ite
stro
ng e
noug
h fo
r th
eir
Serv
ice,
she
cam
e aw
ay
to
her
Gra
ndm
othe
r ag
ain
and
has
rem
aine
d w
ith h
er e
ver
sinc
e, h
avin
g do
ne n
o ot
her
Act
to
gain
a S
ettl
emen
t to
her
Kno
wle
dge
and
Bel
ief.
S
aith
th
at s
he
is n
ow w
ith
Chi
ld w
hich
is
like
ly t
o be
bor
n a
Bas
tard
and
tha
t G
eorg
e C
ritc
hley
of
Ecc
lest
on a
fore
said
Wea
ver
is t
he F
athe
r of
it.
2-
a' E"
Swor
n be
fore
B
. M
ARK
LAN
D.
JNO
. W
HA
LLEY
MA
RTIN
.
MA
RGA
RET
^
SUTT
ON
he
r m
ark
' The
mis
sing
wor
ds a
te i
llegi
ble
by r
easo
n of
a b
row
n st
ain
or c
har.
86 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
4. BASTARDY ORDERS.Amongst the many duties to be performed by the
Overseers of the Poor none perhaps could have been more distasteful to a sensitive man, or could offer more opportunities of blackmail and corruption to one of coarser fibre, than the search for the putative fathers of illegitimate children, whether born or expected. On the unsupported oath of the female, sworn before a Justice of the Peace, any man, preferably for the security of the parish, one of ample means, might be named the putative father and, an order, subsequently to be ratified or set aside at Quarter Sessions, could be made for the payment of a sum weekly to the Overseers and from them to the mother of the child. Furthermore the system of obtaining Bastardy Orders, not only led to the corruption so ably exposed by Lord Passfield but acted as a direct incitement to vice, since it was possible for a woman with two or more illegitimate children to secure ostensibly for their support a sum exceeding that which might be obtained in relief. 1
Seventeen Bastardy Orders have been preserved, and seventy-three confirmations of Bastardy Orders. No record has been found of any set aside. In three cases, however, Warrants were issued for the arrest of the absconding fathers, one of whom was evidently secured and agreed to pay the sums demanded.
The distribution of such orders in time is of interest and serves to emphasise the great increase in their numbers noted by Miss Hampson after 1771, an increase due not necessarily to the laxity of morals so much as to the pressure of the Settlement Acts and possibly to the shortage of houses in the parish. 2
1 Wcbb, S. and B., The Old Poor Lavi (1926), pp. 308-13. ' Hampson, E. M., op. cit., 281.
t/3tfw
s
oon *« £ N oo * M *o w
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 87
32 »
£ §'f T3
3 J3
if fiI 2
" I
I? 5 3
3 I
%«M MMMMMM OOOOOOOOOO
B.
|
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^ I.|1 . -.jStSt si i is!
-= : l
- £
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i Mi o 5^ .i s|s. -l
m
- 3
I I& £1 3S T3
I 1i 1^ 3 "iS
8 «S
aij3|>;-iJ3>>3
i"Jlij^ps°9 fcK«
5 Si's g CbC
«3I ffsl*?Sfl»-3~i.
5.
BA
ST
AR
DY
O
RD
ER
S C
ON
FIR
MA
TIO
N.
Dat
e of
C
onfir
mat
ion.
1. O
.I ig
Ap
l ?9
G. 1
i. W
. 9
Oct
. 11
G. i
i 17
38it
. O
. ll
Apl
. 34
G. i
i 17
51
3. W
. 8
Oct
. 4
G. i
ii 17
644.
W.
20 J
an.
6 G
. iii
1766
5. W
. 19
Jan
. 7
G.
iii
1767
6. O
. 18
Apr
. 8G
. iii
1768
7. O
. 10
Apl
. 9
G. i
ii 17
698.
O.
10 A
pl.
9 G
. iii
1769
9. O
. 10
Apl
. 9
G. i
ii 17
699«
. O
. 17
Jly
. 9
G. i
ii 17
6910
. O
. 30
Apl
. 10
G. i
ii 17
70II
. O
. 15
Apl
. ii
G. i
ii 17
71ll
. O
. 21
Apl
. 16
G. i
ii 17
7613
. 0.
11 J
ly
17 G
. iii
1777
14
. W
. 19
Jan
. 18
G. i
ii 17
7815
. W
. 17
Jan
. 20
G.
iii
1780
16.
W.
1 7 J
an.
loG
.ul
1780
I7.O
. 16
Jul
y 21
G.
iii
1781
18.
W.
it J
an.
11 G
. iii
17
8219
. W
. 20
Jan
. 23
G.
iii
1783
ao.
W.
13 O
ct.
23 G
. iii
1783
ll.
W.
17 J
an.
2i
G.
iii
1785
21.
O.
iHJu
ly 2
5 G
. iii
17
85
aj.
O.
18 J
uly
25 G
. iii
17
85
24.
O.
18 J
uly
25 G
. iii
17
8535
. W
. t)
Oct
26
G.
iii
1786
36.
W.
9 O
ct.
26 G
. iii
17
86
«7.
W.
9 O
ct.
26 G
. iii
17
86«8
. O
. 23
Apl
. 27
G.
iii
1787
ag.
O.
7 A
pl.
28 G
. iii
1788
30.0
. 20
Jly
29
G. U
l 17
8931
O
. 19
Apl
. 3o
G. i
ii 17
9032
. O
. 16
Jly
32
G. i
ii 17
92S3
- W
. 21
Jan
. 33
G.
iii
1793
34
. W
. 21
Jan
. 33
G.
iii
1793
35-
O.
5 M
ay
34 G
. il
l 17
9436
. O
. 20
Jly
35
G.
til
1795
37
-O.
11 A
pl.
36 G
. ii
i 17
96
Dat
e of
O
rder
.
17 A
pl.
12 S
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.
go Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
6. BONDS.Twenty-one Bonds of various kinds are preserved
amongst these papers. For the most part they are agree ments between the Churchwarden and Overseers of the Poor of the parish of North Meols and various parties, by which the latter agree to maintain or pay for the main tenance of bastard children. A few are however of more varied interest. All the bonds are recorded in abbreviated form below x :
1697, 24 Apl. Lancellot Thompson & Gulielm Hallithorne of Kcndall, West" (Hostates), and Ricardo Ball & Gulielmo Hoolme in ^40.
If R. B. & G. H. and successors " shall and will permit and suffer James Hallithorne & Ellin his wife and all other child or children that are or shall be begotten upon the body of the said Ellin by the said James Hallithorne her husband during theire aboad " in (N.M.) " and at any time or times when as the Inhabitants " of (N.M.) " shall be minded and willing to part with them or any of them to eome into " (K.) " then and theire to inhabit and dwell as heretofore they have done without any mollestation Interruption or hindrance.
CHRIST PHILIPSON. L. T.JOHN STRAKER. W. HALLITHORN.
[Preamble in Latin.]
1719, 9 Sept. Richardus Wright of N. Meols. Yeom. and Willilimus Hesketh & Jacobus Jackson, Guardiane Ecclesiae parochi" de N.M. ; Richardus Thomason & Thomaon Wright, Supvisor pavrperum ; in £60.
Whereas Margery Watkinson of N.M. Widow woman lately del 1 ' male bastard child. Ric. Wright reputed Father. R.W. to pay £i : 6 : o to C.W. & O. & £i : 6 p. an. for 14 years if child lives.
EDWARD BRADSHAW. R. W. W» BALL.
1721, 4 Julv. Jacabum Salthouse, Johannem Wright & Wil-helmum Ball of N.M. agricolas, and C.W. & O.N.M.
James Salthouse, child by Ann Such, widow of N.M. He the
1 The " Latin " of Die originals is given.
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 91
said J. S. stands the reputed father of the yet unbroughtforth Child.
Above agree to pay to Ann Such. £"18 : 14. viz. " six shillings immediately after the s"1 Ann Such shall be delivered of the Child and one pound 6/- per year till the child shall arrive at the age of fourteen years. to be paid quarterly.
RALPH SHERDLEY. J. S. x W" DICKINSON. J. W x
W. B. x
(Endorsed over.} reed, of ye within bound John Wright ye sum of ijs. red. more of ye Overseers of ye Poor within sd. North Meoles 6s. by ye sd. Ann Such ye berth of ye sd. child two years ye 28 of ye in sueing month Nob".
1722, 8 Jan. Robert Boond. de Banks, agricol", and Ric'1 Hall & Jacobus Boond Guardiane Ecclesiae. La we ; Abram & Jacobo Rymer (O.P.). £10.
R. Boond to pay £10 & lawful interest for y« same upon theeight day of July now next ensuing.
Jo. BROWNSWORD. ROBERT BOONU.ROBT. RVMUKER.
[? Loan from Poor's Stock]
1724, 25 July. Henricum Unsworth de Liverpoole, Brewor,and Petro Boond & Rico. Brookfield (O.P.), N.M. ^40.
" Henry Unsworth hath taken & Reced into his family Elizabeth Bread of North Meols aforesaid widdow his wifes mother who is a settled Inhabitant of the said Township of N.M. aforesaid, to keep her at his Board for the space of Three Years now next ensueing for the doing of which he the said H. U. hath had & RCD. from the said Kliz. Bread. & the above named Overseers of the poor of X.M. the sume of Ten pounds & ten shillings. If therefore the said H. I", his heirs &c. do & shall from time to time & at all times hereafter dureing the said Term of Three years now next ensuing well & sufficiently maintaine & keep the said E. Bread with wholeme & sufficient meat drink, washing, lodging & wearing apparrell of all sorts and also save & keep harmless as well the Overseers of the Poor of the said Township of X.M. &c. and also all & every the Inhabitants of the said Township of and from all fresh Costs and Charges as they or any of them may be put unto for & upon the account of keeping and maintaining of the said E. B. dureing the said Term of Three Years (if she shall happen so long to live) That then
92 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
this obligacon to be void and of none Effect or Else to be and Remaine in full force and virtue in the Law.
Sealed &c. . . . . HENRY x UNSWORTH.bis marke.
ANNE BIRCHALL. DAN"- BIRCHALL.
Noverint Universi pe pesentes me Oliverum Rymer de North- Meals in Com. Lane Yeom. teneri et firmiter obligari Richardo Breckell, Nicholas Rymer, Will1"0 Boond, Jacobo Rymer, Roberto Robertson et Thomas Andow Hierophyla- cibus et pauperum Procuratoribus Parochiae North-Meals pedict. et Successoriibus eorum, in Quadraginta Libris bone et Legalis Monele Magnae Brittaniae Solvend Eisdem Hierophylacibus et pauperum Procuratoribus vel Suc- cessoribus eorum aut eorum certo Attornato ad quam quidem Solutionem bone et fideliter faciend. Obligo me heredes Exec et Admier8 meos firmiter pesentes Sigillo meo Sigillat Dat tricesimo primo die Aug" Anno R.R" Georgii secundi Magnae Brittanae etc, fidei Defensoris primo AD 1727.
THE CONDITION of this Obligation is Such that Whereas there is a Male Child born in the house of the abovementioned Thomas Andow upon the body of Mary Elletson Singlewoman belonging to the parish of Lancaster in the County aforsd. and the said Child being not as yet Legally filiated. If therefore He the above bounden Oliver Rymer his heirs Execrs. Admr. and Assigns or any of them shall and do from time to time and at all times hereafter acquit discharge defend keep and save harmeless them the abovsaid Richd. Breckell Nicholas Rymer Thomas Andow James Rymer Robert Robertson and Will Boond Churchwardens and Overseers of the poor of the said parish of North Meols and their Successours of and from all manner of Actions Suits Arrest troubles Expences Charges Damages and Demands whatsoever that shall or may happen to grow arise or accrue for or by reason of the said Mary Elletson or her Child or any matter cause or thing relating to or concerning them or either of them then this obligation to be frustrate and void otherwise to be and remain in full force and virtue in the Law
Sealed Signed and Deliveredin p'sence of us
ROBERT HUDSON. OLIVER RIMMER. NICHOLAS RIMMER. [Seal.}
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 93
'733. 18/wry. Robert Swift of Hallsall . . . Batchlor and now Servant to Emlin Charles, of H., Thomas Swift of North Meals, Husbandman & father of R. S. ; Peter Hodson of Gorswick (Ormskirk p.), Husbandman, and John Ball James Johnson, John Ball the Elder & Peter Ball, C.W. & O.P., N.M. ^40.Jane Rymer of N.M., Singlewoman, hath lately been deliv'1
of a female Bastard Child, R. S. Father, to pay. 20.s. lyingin & £i : 6 : 8 p. an. (pd . quarterly.) " until the said Child shall attain to the age of fourteen years and be able to provide for herself."
RICHARD BOOND. ROBERT SWIFT. W. DICKONSON. THOMAS SWIFT.
PETER HODSON. x
1737, 7 th April. Peter Halsall of Scarisbrick, yeoman, Robert Halsall of Scarisbrick, Blacksmith, and Oliver Rymer, Hugh Haward, Richard Wright & Lawrence Abram, C.W. & O.£40.
Ellen Rymer of Little London, N.M., Singlewoman male called Peter. Charged Peter Halsall, putative father to in demnify parish for 14 years.
ANN YATES. PETER HALSALL. xHEN. SHERDLEY. ROBERT HALSALL. R. H.ROBERT RADCLIFFE.JOHN JOHNSON.
1737, 18 Apl. John Marshall of Birchdale in p. N. Meals, Hus bandman, and Oliver Rymer, Hugh Howard, & Thomas Rymer, Cw., N.M. ; Thomas Abram. Yeoman Ball & Robert Shurlicar, O.P. £40.
" Whereas Robert Marshall of North Meols ... a Poor Man & having four small Children which are & have for sometime past been burthensome & Chargeable in their Mantainace & bringing up unto the sd Officers & most of the inhabitants of the aboves11 Parish . . . T. M. (his brother) . . . upon consideration of the Natural Love and affection he beareth to his sd Brother Robert & out of Compasion to his sd Poor Children together with the sum of Twenty shillings Now in hand Prt by them the abovesd C.W. & O. . . . will well & sufficiently according to the best & utmost of his ability feed, cloath, educate bring up & man- tain . . . having allowed him the Assistance of his s 11 Brother
94 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
Robert Marshall in what he may be in anywise helpfull by his labour & Industry.
[Children]William oldest son aged about seaven years. till each reach Elizabeth ,, ,, four I age of 14 Ailce ,, ,, three. J years.
JNO. ARMETRIDING. JOHN MARSHALL. MEARY Booxn. 1 M
his mark.
1738. it Jan. William Hornby of Newton with Scales, Gentle man ; Thomas Walton of Newton with Scales, Gentleman, and Robert Wright, C.W., N. Meols ; John Lynaker, Nicho las Taylor, O.P. &c. £40.
Elizabeth Critchley of p. of Kirkham, Singlewoman, lately deliver11 of John her bastard child born within the p. of North- meols. W. H. " doth acknowledge himself to be father." Agrees to indemnify N.M. agst. all charges.
THOS. RYMER. W* HORNBY. ROBERT HUDSON. THOS. WALTON.
1739. 14 Sept. William Ball of North Meols, Husbandman;Thomas Thomason of North Meols, Husbandman, and RobertWright, John Rymer, William Hallithorn, C.W., N.M. ;William Wright, Thos. Brookfield, & ... O.P. N.M. £40.
Alice Ball of N.M., Singlewoman " hath upon her oath chargedthe above bound Wm. Ball to be the only reputed father thereof& the sd. Wm. B. not denying the same but allowing of suchcharge to lie just." Bastard child William, W. B. father. During14 yrs. W. B. & T. T. to pay. £i : 8 : o in first two yearsquarterly. Then £1:6:8, for 12 yrs. quarterly.
THOMAS BRADE. WILLIAM BALL x JOHN HELM. THOMAS THOMASON O.
1743, 18 Apl. John Threlfall, batcheler ; Alice Threlfall, his mother, Widdow ; Edward Hunt, Husbandman, N.M. ; William Hunt, Husbandman, N.M. ; James Hunt, Hus bandman, N.M. ; Robert Hunt, Husbandman, N.M., and John Wright, Peter Ball, Thomas Ballshaw, C.W. ; Thomas Aughton, John Rymer, O.P. £40.
Jennet Swift, N.M., Singlewoman, b.c. 1 John J. T. father. To indemnify.
PETER RYMER.EDMl'ND SlTTON.
> b.c. - bastard child.
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 95
1744. 16 Jany. William Hodson* of Liverpool, labourer; John Hodson* of N. Meols, Husbandman ; Peter Hodson x , Scaris- brick, Carpenter, and Robert Hunt & James Hunt, C.W. & O.P. £40.
By Bastardy Order, 3 Jan., W. H. father of Margaret on Elizabeth Peet of N.M., Singlewoman. To pay io/- & 26/8 p. an. " so long as the said Child shall be chargeable."
Jo. BROWNSWORD. WILL* MARSDEN. x [Signed by mark].
1745. 1 8 Jany. Robert Sutch of North Meols, Husbandman, ani John Bill, James Spsncer, Richard Rymer, C.W. ; Richard Johnson, Richard Ball, O.P. £40.
Margret Rymer, of N.M., Singlewoman, b.c. Mary. R. S. father, to indemnify.
THOMAS RYMER. HUGH WIGNALL. [R.]
1 753. 8 Feb. Richard Harvey of Altcar, Husbandman ; Thomas Harvey of Altcar, Yeoman ; Michael Sephton, Aughton, Yeoman, and John Ball, Robert Rymer, Thomas Brook- field & James Hunt, C.W. & O.P. £40.
Ann Abram, N.M., s., B. C. Richard, R. H. father. B.O. 5 Jan., 1753, io/- + £i : io p. ann.
JOHN SEPHTON. JOHN BILLINGS. [Marks].
1754, 14 Oct. Barnaby Rymer of Crossens, Husbandmen ; Peter Rymer of Crossens, Husbandmen, and Thomas Copeland, Thomas Aindow, Richard Johnson, Richard Blevin, C.W. & O.P. ^40.
Ann Swift or Rymer, s., N.M., B. R. father, b.c. indemnify.JAMES HUNT.RICHARD HUNT. [Marks,}.
1757, io Dec. Jennet Hodges of Northmeals, Widow ; Richard Boond son of Jennet Hodges of Northmeals, Husbandman, and William Howard, Thomas Rymer, James Hunt, Nicholas Wright, C.W. & O. £30.
Margret Boond, of N.M., widow. Richard, a b.c. R. B. Father, to pay £2 : io & £i : 8 p. an. till 14.
RICH° HUNT. JAMES HUNT. . [Marks].
96 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
1757, 26 Dec. Roger Ball, North Meols, Batchelor ; Richard Ball, North Meols, Husbandman ; Thomas Ball, North Meols, Husbandman (son of Richard), and Will Howard, Thos. Rymer, Richard Charnley, C.W. ; James Hunt, Nicholas Wright, O.P. £60.
Jenet Johnson, N.M., s. b.c. Thomas. Roger Ball father. 28/- p. year till 14.
JAMES HUNT. PETER RYMER.
1759, 6 Oct. Robert Ball of South Haw.s, Labr , Alice Ball, of South Haws, Wicldow, and John Brough, William Hunt, C.W., James Hunt, Richard Johnson, O.P. £40.
Ann Hulme, N.M., s. William, b.c. R. B., father. To Indemnify.
PETER RYMER. LAWRENCE HALL. [Marks].
1770. 25 Apl. Thomas Ball of Warton, Husbandman ; Rob4 Ball, Father, Yeoman, and Nicholas Stockley, Peter Rymer Junr, James Hunt & Henry Brekell, C.W. & O.P. £40.
Ann Gill, late of W. now N.M., s., hath declared that shee is now with Child which Child when torn will be a Bastard, T. B. father, pay. 2O/- & £i : 14 : 8 p. an. quarterly till 14 yrs.
W* DOBSON. L.\wCE HALL.
delivdWILLIAM BARROW WILLIAM RABY. [Marks].
1771. 7 Dec'. Thomas Hartley, Ainsdale, Formby. Husbandman, and Henry Jackson, Wm Boond, Cw. ; James Hunt, Henry Wright, O.P. £40.
Ellen Lyon, of Birkdale, S., Sworn before a justice Wm. Hill that she is big and pregnant with a bastard child. T. H. owns himself putative father. £i : and £i : 6 : p. an. till 14.
\V« HOWARD. LAWCE. HALL. [Marks].
1775, 20 Feb. Joshua Lyon of Scarisbrick, Husbandman ;Richard Cooper of Barton (Hallsall), Husbandman, andRichard Johnson. William Rimmer of N. Meols, Yeoman,& Robert Aughton of Birkdale, Yeoman, O.P. £100.
" Whereas Kllen Cooper late Ellen Lyon Daughter of the above
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 97
bounden Joshua Lyon and Wife of the above bounden Richard Cooper and before her Intermarriage with him was delivered of a Female Bastard Child within the parish of North Meals afore said & afterwards Christened by the Name of Alice and is now alive & Chargeable to the said p. of N.M. of which Child one Thomas Heatley was and is the putative Father & he being unable to maintain the said Child. Agreed. J. L. & R. C. shall maintain, Educate & Bring up. &c. in consideration of £5 : 10 : o pd. by overseers to J. L. & R. C. before execution.
THOMAS MADDOCK JunrTHOS. WATSON Jun r [Marks].
7. APPRENTICE INDENTURESAuthority for the apprenticing of poor children was
given by the Act of i6oi,'and continuing Acts by which the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor were empowered, with the consent of two Justices, to bind children to whomsoever they thought fit until male children attained the age of 24 years, and females 21 years or till their marriage. 2
Three forms of such apprenticeship have been dis tinguished ; the binding of a child to a master, who undertook its tuition and maintenance, in consideration of a money payment; " the ceding of children in batches to manufacturers requiring child labour in the new factories " ; 3 and lastly the allotment of poor children amongst the parishioners who were compelled to take them or be fined. The greater proportion of the appren tice indentures preserved at North Meols fall under the first head ; no evidence is available of the prevalence of the second method, and that twenty-three out of a total of 117 apprentices were taken by masters for no pay ment or for the value of their clothes alone perhaps indicates the extent of the last method in North Meols.
The indentures generally conform to the usual style, and in the accompanying table (p. 100) sufficient details
1 43 Eliz. c. 2, sec. 5. Webb, op. cit., 196 ; Marshall, 182. Webb, 197.
H
98 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
are given of those at present in the parish chest. The ages of the apprentices vary from a minimum of 7 years, but more usually 8 or 9, to 12 or 13. Two, however, were 16 and 17 years old respectively. The periods of service vary generally in the earlier years with the initial age of the child. In no case, so far as we can see, did the period extend beyond the age of 21, and perhaps remarkably the Act of 1778 l produced no ascertainable effect either upon the term of apprenticeship or on the premiums paid. 2 The premiums ranged from nothing to a maximum of £8 45., which may be compared with a maximum of £5 I2s. paid, also to a Fustian Weaver, by the parish of Skelmersdale in I778.3 Like Skelmersdale, however, the more usual figure ranged between £2 and £4. In this respect the premiums resemble more nearly those paid in the south of England. 4
The premiums, no doubt as a double precaution against the ill-treatment of apprentices and against the breaking 'of indentures before a settlement had been gained, were generally paid, especially in later years, in instalments. This practice is not only laid down in the conditions of the indenture, but its effect is seen in the occasional receipts endorsed on the back of the indentures.5
By the Act 3 W. Ill, c. 2, s. 8 (1692), apprentices gained a settlement in the parish in which they served. It is obvious that this might have acted in some cases as a considerable inducement to the overseers to apprentice poor children and thus remove them from all risk of subsequently becoming chargeable to the parish, and there is indisputable evidence that this practice led to serious abuses.8 However, the indentures at North Meols do
1 iSGeo. HI, c. 47.1 Webb, op. cit., 196. Marshall, 204-5. 3 Marshall, 190.* Ibid., 189. The Skelmersdale indentures, only 19 of which survive, are
preserved, with other parish papers, Miss Marshall notes, in Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 36882, f. 1, and 36876.
' Ibid., 192. Webb, 199. Marshall, passim.
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 99
not support the contention that the overseers of that parish had chiefly in mind the removal of the children from the parish, since out of 117 indentures, only 30 were apprenticed to other parishes, thus confirming Miss Hampson's conclusions for many parishes in Cambridge shire. * Whether this is to be taken as a token of virtue in the overseers or merely of the isolation of the parish cannot of course be proved.
The crafts or " misteries " to which children were bound are those common to the district. The majority of the apprentices were those of local craftsmen and farmers, either to learn the trade or to act as servants, and a surprisingly small number were apprenticed to the textile industries, whether within or without the parish. 2
1 Hampson, op. cit., 283.1 An indenture having a purely accidental connection with North Meols
is given below. Mr. F. H. Cheetham conjectures that the Apprentice, DanI: Keen, was the survivor of the wreck of a whaler, cast away on the coast in 1783 ; and whose sons, in all probability, were drowned in 1812 (v. Southport Visiter, 3 Dec., 1929).
" Daniel Keen, Son of William Keen, Printer, born at Kendal in y« County of Westmoreland by his own and his parents Consent doth put himself appren tice to Harvey Midforth Junr Mariner of the County of Northumberd . . . from the Nineteenth of February 1779 for five years [payment deleted] to instruct in the art of the Seaman Meat, Drink Washing, the Winter excepted when the Ship is laying up during which time & when the said Apprentice is Lodged by his Friends shall be allowed by his said Master the sum of two shillings and sixpence per week, and doth likewise promise to pay for the above mentioned servitude the sum of £20 to be paid in the following manner the first and second year the sum of £3 each, ye second [should be third and fourth]* and third £4 & ye fifth £6 in all £20. 20 Feb. 19 Geo III.
GEORGE BENSON. HARVEY MIDFORTH, Junr. JAMES CHADWICK DANIEL KEEN.
* Endorsed over with yearly payments as above.
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l ex
penc
es i
f A
ppre
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e di
es w
ithi
n 2
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or
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tw
o ne
w s
hirt
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him
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sai
d J.
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l, al
read
y in
han
d gi
ven
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he A
ppre
ntic
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eath
of
appr
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ce c
ance
ls p
aym
ent
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nsta
lmen
ts b
y C
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appr
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e w
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e sp
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wo
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e sa
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h
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dens
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rsee
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hall
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whi
ch i
s no
w p
ut
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im a
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ury
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los
. to
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. Jo
hnso
n in
lie
u an
d st
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bly
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rell
ing
the
said
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rent
ice
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ther
sum
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at
the
end
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firs
t ye
ar a
nd £
i ?s
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. at
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nd y
ear
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he d
ies
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irst
yea
r C
.W.
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. to
pay
for
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nera
l.1i
U If
the
sai
d ch
ild
happ
en t
o dy
e in
the
spa
ce o
f E
ight
een
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ende
r M
onth
s .
. .
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O.
to b
e at
the
cha
rge
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dec
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.
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or o
ther
wis
e to
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un
to
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. .
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the
sum
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t th
ereo
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PR
EN
TIC
E
IND
EN
TU
RE
S c
ontin
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e.
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, 28
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.
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ar.
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uly
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ay29
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t.
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ppre
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w o
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here
pro
babl
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ge
nera
lly
mai
d-of
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-wor
k.t
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ie in
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s. C
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pay.
$
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ceas
es i
f di
es.
§ If
die
s al
ter
2nd
pay'
R.R
. pa
ys o
ther
wis
e no
t.II
All
paid
if
dies
wit
hin
ist
yr.
at c
harg
e of
pa
rish
.f 8
Mar
ch,
1702
. Ja
mes
Wri
ght
a po
or B
oy b
elon
ging
to
Nor
th M
eols
afo
resa
id a
ged
about
seve
ntee
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ars
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illi
am G
reen
of
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t-
houg
hton
, F
usti
an M
anuf
' fo
r 4j
as.
F. w
ear,
and
at
the
end
of t
he s
aid
term
sha
ll &
wil
l fi
nd &
pro
vide
& g
ive
unto
him
the
sa
T.
W.
two
good
sui
ts o
f w
eari
ng a
pp
arel
; on
e pr
oper
for
the
Sun
days
and
the
oth
er f
or t
he
wor
k da
ys,
And
als
o sh
all
& w
ill p
ay u
nto
him
the
sd
T.
W.
at
the
end
of
the
said
te
rm
the
sum
of
£5
of l
awfu
l m
oney
of
Gre
at B
rita
in,
&c.
CA
SE.
Thr
ee p
aper
s at
tach
ed :
1.
One
say
s to
lea
rn
the
Bus
ines
s of
a
Cot
ton
Wea
ver.
2. I
Ric
hard
Coc
ker
Ove
rsee
r of
the
Poo
r of
Orm
skir
k in
the
Cou
nty
of L
anca
ster
do
here
by c
onse
nt t
hat
Wil
liam
Gre
en o
f W
est
Hou
ghto
n in
the
sai
d co
unty
F
usti
an M
anuf
acte
r m
ay t
ake
Tho
mas
Wri
ght
a po
or B
oy b
elon
ging
to
Nor
thm
eols
an
App
rent
ice
As
Wit
nes
my
Han
d th
e 27
th D
ay o
f F
ebru
ary
1792
.R
ICH
AR
D C
OC
KER
.3.
C
ase.
T
hos.
Wri
ght
bein
g bo
und
to W
illi
am G
reen
by
the
C.W
. &
O.P
. of
X.M
., se
rved
sai
d G
reen
at
his
Fac
tory
in
Orm
skir
k fo
r a
year
& U
pwar
ds,
his
Inde
ntur
e w
as r
egul
arly
exe
cute
d an
d al
low
ed b
y tw
o M
agis
trat
es,
whe
n T
rade
bec
ame
slac
k in
the
las
t S
prin
g W
righ
t re
turn
ed t
o h
is F
ather
s in
N.M
. ag
ain
wit
hout
his
Mas
ters
con
sent
, w
here
he
has
ever
sin
ce r
esid
ed a
nd i
s no
w a
bout
to b
e m
arri
ed.
Que
ry.
Whe
re i
s W
righ
t's S
ettl
emen
t ?
I am
of
opin
ion
that
Wri
ght
gain
ed a
Set
tlem
ent
in O
nnsk
irk
unde
r th
e In
den
ture
, &
I s
hou'd
adv
ise
the
Tow
nshi
p of
N.M
. to
per
mit
th
e M
arri
age
to t
ake
plac
e an
d th
ereb
y ge
t ri
d of
the
Set
tlem
ent
of h
is W
ife.
N.
GR
IMSH
AW
.30
Sep
f, 1
793.
AP
PR
EN
TIC
E
IND
EN
TU
RE
S c
ontin
ued.
Dat
e.
1796
, 1 6
Dec
.17
97,
25 J
an.
1798
, i
Jan.
1800
, 18
Ju
ly
1800
, 24
Dec
.18
00,
4 Ju
ne18
03,
22 J
an.
14 F
eb.
19 M
ar.
19 M
ar.
13 J
une
13 J
une
1804
, 3
Jan.
22 A
pl.
1805
, ii
Jun
eii
Jun
eii
Jun
e24
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.24
Dec
.
1808
, 30
Apl
.18
09,
10 F
eb.
1814
, (?i
o) J
uly
19 D
ec.
1816
, 23
Feb
.
App
rent
ice.
Nan
ny P
eel
Will
iam
Low
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m J
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W""
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owar
d,
als
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ner
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g' B
all
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g* T
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all
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n G
ore
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y G
ore
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ry R
imer
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ry W
righ
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e L
loyd
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othy
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erne
rW
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Cor
ner
Jam
es B
arto
nJo
hn C
orne
rS
arah
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ndel
lC
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eath
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w,
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okfi
eld
John
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lT
hos:
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mer
Hen
ry J
acks
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argt
. L
owe
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n B
all
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nd t
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s: R
imer
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arto
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mes
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Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 105
8. MISCELLANEOUS
Of the direct relief of the poor as distinct from the more important relief of the parishioners from the bur dens of the poor rate little evidence is preserved. The following extract from the Quarter Sessions Rolls, pre served at Preston, for which I am indebted to Mr. F. H. Cheetham, shows however that this aspect was not entirely neglected:
THE HUMBLE PETITION OF HUGH BREKELL AND HIS WIFE LIVING IN THE NORTHMELES.
4
Your poore petitioner hath laboriously maintained his Family till this last year and now being ould and not able to workc nor my wife neither and being att grat necessity for releife wee humbly desire your worshipps to consider our condition and allow us som considerable relive that wee doe not starve for want of foode till the Lord be pleased to call us out of this miserable world and your humble petitioners will ever pray to God for a blessing upon your endevors. 1701. May 5, Ormskirk.
It is ordered by this Court that the Churchwardens and over seers of the poor of Northmeales do pay and allowe unto Hugh Brekell and his wife of the same, two old decrepit persons the weekly sume of Twelve pence for their maintenance and releef and continue the paym 1 thereof untill further order of the Court.
A further document of interest preserved in the parish chest relates to the establishment in 1735 of a work house for North Meols and the adjoining townships, in the town of Ormskirk, pursuant to the Act of 1723.*
1 9 Geo. I, c. 7.Sec Wcbb, op. cii., p. 243, for Marryott's ideas originating workhouses.
We presume each of the above townships would offer relief therein, and hence, perhaps, there are no other records of disbursements except those of the Charities, cf. Rymer's.
All save two of the overseers signing the document could write their names, an unusual circumstance.
106 Poor Law Administration in North Meols.
Be it Remembered that the twenty sixth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty five it is contracted agreed and consented unto by and between the Severall persons whose names are subscribed churchwardens chappelwardens and overseers of the poor for the time being of the Severall Townships of Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, Aughton, Altcarr, Rainford, Kirkby, Formby, Knowsley, Huyton with Roby, Sephton, Netherton and Lunt, Litherland, Aintry Orrell and Ford, Thorn ton and Great Crosbie Mawdesley and Walton with Fazakerlcy all in the County of Lancr of the one part and John Hesketh, John Rymer, Robert Johnson & James Rymer present Churchwardens & Overseers of the poor of the parish of Northmeols in the sd County of Lancr on the other part Whereby the sd Towns of Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, Aughton, Altcar, Rainford, Kirkby, Formby, Knowsley, Huyton with Roby, Sephton, Netherton & Lunt, Litherland, Aintry, Orrell & Ford, Thornton & Great Crosbie, Mawdesley & W'alton with Fazakerley, have lately united in the purchase of a Messuage, tenem* & Dwelling house with its appurts Scituate in Ormskirk aforesaid now converted into a workhouse for Maintaining & imploying the poor of the said Severall Towns therein pursuant to the Directions of a late act of parliam* made & passed in the ninth year of the reigne of his late Maj tle King George the first And it being proposed to unite the sd Parish of Northmeols to the same It is therefore in pursuance of the s" act hereby agreed by & between the sd parties hereunto that in consideration of the Sum of seaventeen pounds six shillings & eightpence to be paid or secured to be paid by the officers of Northmeols aforesaid on or before the twenty Ninth day of September next ensuing the date hereof that the said parish of Northmeols Shall be & is hereby Declared & agreed to be united and admited into the said pur chased grounds & to all & every the priviledges benefits and advantages Equall with the first above named Severall Towns and Shall have an Equallity by the & right of in & to the Same. Subject to the Severall rules orders & Directions touching and concerning the said house for the Maintaining & imploying their poor therein. And it is further Declared & agreed that the s'1 officers of the sd parish of Northmeols shall be at all Expence of Deeds writings and articles necesary & requisit for the Uniteing in the s 1' Workhouse & to their Equall & joint tytle thereto Equall with the said other Towns abovenamed and shall also pay & bear the Expence of the officers of all the sd Towns meeting to gether in order for or any way relating to their Execution of the
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 107
Said Deed & writeing necessary for their union in the sd house and purchase Witness their hands
Wittness. JN° KIPPAX Ormskirk ChurchwardenROBT. RIMER HENRY PLUMB Aughton Overseer
JOHN PART Kerkby OverseerHENRY CHARNLEY' Huyton OverseerRICH" MOLYNEUX AlkarJOSIAH LYON Rainford OverseerJOHN AMBROSE Mawdesley OverseerROBERT SCARSBRICK Formby OverseerNIC°KOLAS + MARTEN Walton OverseerJOHN Ijjj^ TURNER Fazakerley OverseerWILLIAM ROBINSON Litherland OverseerWILLIAM BROWNBILL Altcurr OverseerTHO" HAWARD Knowsley OverseerJOSEPH BLUNDELL Skelmersdale Overseer.
[Another Hand]. September 29th 1735.
Then Received from John Hesketh, John Rymer and James Rymer the Consideration money within mentioned being in full of all Accompts I say received by me.
HENRY SEDDON. Test
JOHN FRANCE. 29 Sepf 1735 the Officers of Northmeals pd to ye
Extraordinary 02 07 04 the Consideration money then p1 ' was 17 06 08
19 13 oo29 Sept' 1735 Then this Examined with the Orriginall which
was left in ye workhouse and this Certified as a true Copy by us who examined them
PETER RYMEK HEN: SHEROLKY.
Three documents follow of a more miscellaneous character, two of which are badly damaged :
1 ... morandum That I George Wilson of Freckleton in the Parish of Kirkham
1 ? Charley. « Torn at edge.
Io8 Poor Law Administration in North Meols
doe oblige my Selfe, my heires, executor8 , and Assignes & Suc cessive Officers the Overseers of ye Poore of our Parish of Kirk- ham aforesayd to Deliver to the Overseers of the Poor Inhabitants of Northmeals A Bond relating to the Apprentiship of John Ho[w]ard of the sayd Parish of Northmeals when the sayd Bond shall be fulfilled & the within mentioned terme of years expired in Witness hereof
I have set my hand & seale this 26 day of April, Anno Domlnl 1698°
GEORGE WILSON.his mark X O
1 ... to yc Premises1 [Ra?] . . . ger Hesketh1 [Rich] . . . ard Hardy Rector, ibidem1 ... nes Hunt
March 8 th 1744-5.I do hereby promise to pay unto Hugh Wignal of North Meals
in the County of Lancaster Schoolmaster or his order the sum of nine pounds Nine Shillings of Lawful British Money upon De mand for Value Received as Witness my hand.
Witness JOHN LEECE.RALPH HINDLEY.
We, William Hunter, Husbandman of Tarleton in the County of Lancaster and William Brimson, Breadbaker of Ormskirk, in the said County, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do certify, and hereby consent and agree to and with Thomas Johnson, and John Aughton Churchwarden & Overseer of the poor of North-Meols in the sa . . . * . . . hat one third part of the Rents and profits nea ...... from a certain Messuageand Tenement situate in North Meols aforesaid, late in the possession of Robert Brookfield, deceased, shall be annually justly and truly paid, given, allowed and granted by us or either of us the said William Hunter and William Bimson, our Heirs, Executors, Administrators and Assigns or some of them, unto Elizabeth, relict of the said Robert Brookfield, during the Term of her natural Life, or unto the said Thomas Johnson and John Aughton, or their Successors in Office, to and for her use and maintenance And that We will at any time, in future, be willing
1 Torn at edge.1 These words illegible owing to decay of the paper at a crease.
Poor Law Administration in North Meols. 109
to execute any legal deed for our punctual performance thereof as they the said Churchwarden and Overseer of the poor, or their Sucessors in Office shall judge requisite and necessary In Witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands the first day of February, in the year of our Lord, One thousand, seven Hundred Eighty and three .............
mark ofSigned and delivered) WILLIAM + HUNTERin the presence of Us. /Witness hereto WILLIAM + BIMSON.sg. JOHN AUGHTONsg. THOMAS JOHNSON.
The purpose of this paper has been not to present a dissertation on the poor laws of the eighteenth century in general, but to call attention to, and to record these illuminating parish papers for future workers in this field. Perhaps such a list may stimulate others to do a like work for other parishes. Such lists are badly needed. The North Meols papers do but amplify and confirm for yet another area the conclusions of Miss Marshall as to the inefficiency of the voluntary parish officers, and the uselessness of the parish as a unit of administration of the old poor laws ; and those of Lord Passfield and Mrs. Webb as to the further breakdown caused by the division of authority between parishes, local justices and the County. They do add, however, certain facts, of value it may be hoped to local historians.