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and afford some insight into the mode of life of that period. It is
interesting to note that Cecil, Lord Burleigh, was the Steward of
the City of Westminster at that time, and although the ordinances
are not said to have been framed by him, there can be little doubt
that they are the production of that eminent statesman. The
following abridged extracts will give some idea of the scope and
intention of the ordinances:—
Lodgers not allowed to be received under a penalty of 10s. a week.
Traders using unlawful weights or measures to be imprisoned for 24
hours and pay £ 1 for each offence.
Bakers and brewers offering for sale bread or beer, "not being lawful
and good or wanting in weight or in the assize," to have such
condign punishment and fine as shall be assessed according to the
custom of the City of London.
Colliers using unlawful sacks, or not filling the sacks, to be imprisoned
for 24 hours, and unlawful sacks to be burnt.
The Burgesses and their assistants to attend the market the whole
time to see that purchasers are not defrauded; if absent without
just cause to pay 12d.
Servants not to be engaged unless they have a lawful testimonial, and
not to leave without warning, and employers not to put away
servants without lawful warning.
Regrating or engrossing victuals or fuel prohibited.
Persons placing anything in the common sewer that may decay, &c.,
to be imprisoned for 24 hours. [It may be remarked that
covered sewers were then practically unknown.]
Keepers of cook's-shops not to keep an alehouse also.
The number of alehouses throughout the City and Liberties to be
limited to 100, of which 60 were assigned to St. Margaret's,
20 to St. Martin's, and 20 to St. Clement's and Savoy or Strand.
In case of variance arising from uncharitable speeches or other
annoyances, the party aggrieved to submit his case to the Burgess
of the Ward, and not to commence any action-at-law without his
consent.
All traders to suspend a lantern from their premises between the Feast
of St. Michael and the Feast of the Purification, from six in the
afternoon until nine at night, except when the moon is shining
and giving light; penalty for neglect, 4d.
Other residents to provide a lantern as required by the Burgesses,
under a penalty of 4d.