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91
Thus we find zeal for Sabbath observance combined with
disregard of common morality.
With respect to the relief of the poor, there were then no
workhouses, the first London Workhouse being that erected
next to Sir Peter Pindar's, in Bishopsgate Street, in the year
1698. Poor Law Relief was mainly administered by a system
of pensions, although rooms were rented for the poor to some
small extent, and surgical relief was afforded at the cost of
the Parish. At a very early period the Vestry of St. James's
appears to have discovered objections to general out-relief, as
the following resolutions, dated the 23rd September, 1685,
will show:—
1st.—That Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Church Warden Haines and Mr. Church
Warden Nott or either of them with Mr. Supples and Mr. Tully be desired to
be present with the Overseers at the next day of their payment to examine
the Condition of the persons to bee releived and their fitnesse for it and to
enquire how long every of them have bin inhabitants of the parish.
2ndly.— That after the next time of theire payment, the Church Wardens
and Overseers with the assistance of the Constables and Beadles of the
places where the releivable poore inhabit shall repaire thither and take
inventories of their goods that they may be reserved for the advantage of
the parish after their decease.
3rdly.—That noe person bee hereafter styled a pentioner or bee admitted
to receive releife of the Overseers without they bee first approoved on by a
Justice of the peace of this parish or the Churchwardens.
4thly.—That noe releife bee given to any Casuall or Contingent poore till
two Overseers shall have enquired into their necessitie and shall personally
make report thereof to a Justice of peace inhabiting the parish or to the
Church Wardens or either of them who thereupon will give them a Tickett
importing what releife shall be given them.
5thly.—That an account be monthly given to the Church Wardens of any
money received by the Overseers of the poore for Bastard Children.
6thly.—That the Overseers and Church Wardens doe meete every Communion
Sunday in the Vestrie after the afternoone Sermon to advise
together for the better carrying on of the affaires of the parish in refferrence
to the poore.
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