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96
The early records of the Vestry incidentally raise questions
of historical value. Thus it would be interesting to learn
whether the following resolution of the 5th October, 1687, was
adopted from motives of economy, or indicated a growing dissatisfaction
with the rule of the King:-
" Order'd that for the future the expence for a Bonfire on the King's
Birthday and all charges relateing to it doe not exceed thirty shillings, and
that the same be made in Portugall streete before the Church and have the
allowance of a Justice of the Peace for the same, because of the prohibition
of Bonfires by proclamation."
The inconveniences now likely to arise from a bonfire even
of the modest dimensions contemplated by the foregoing
resolution are sufficient to prevent any apprehension of the
incautious expenditure of funds for any such purpose in
Portugall streete, now better known as Piccadilly.
Another entry, under date the 20th August, 1686, refers
to an event of national importance
"Upon complaint made to this Board by Ann Pullen, one of the daughters
and orphants of George Pullen, slaine in the rebellion of the late Duke of
Monmouth, in the West, that £37 5s. was paid to Ann Pullen, her mother,
late of this Parish, it being his majties- Gift for the releife of her and her
children, and that she undertooke thereupon to provide for herselfe and
them, and became bound wth Robt. Hutton, Victualer, and Joseph Sharp,
Glazier, both of this Parish, to Mr. John Haines, the late Churchwarden, in
the sum of one hundred pounds, to save the Parish harmlesse from any
charge to arise for the maintenance of her and her children, and that her
said mother is gone away without making any provision for her, the said
Ann Pullen, whereby she is become chargeable to the Parish. It is order'd
that the Overseers of the poore doe take care of the said orphant, and
if that the persons bound wch. her mother or some of them doe not provide
for her and pay the charge of her maintenance, that then the said bond be
put in suite against them."
The Duke of Monmouth, a natural son of Charles II, lived
for some time in Soho Square.
Yet another entry, dated the 12th March, 1687/8, has
reference to the events following the Revocation of the