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109
Lambeth complained to the Secretary of State of the
common nuisance arising out of the broken down "banck
that leadeth from Westminster to the horse ferric"; but
the parish endeavoured to fix the liability to repair upon
the proprietors of the ferry. From the Vestry minute
book, commencing with the year 1591, the following
selections are made as illustrative of the manner in which
public business was then transacted :—
To my loving friendes the balie and Burgessie of the cittie of
Westm'ter.
After my hastie comendation I send yon here inclosed a peticion
lately presented unto me by the inhabitantes of Lambeth whereby
you may perceive what it is they complaine of, for my owne parte
I will impose nothing upon you in particular not knowing how
farre you are tyed to satisfie theim in their demandes Onlye in
generall I have thought fitt to advise you to consider amongst
yr selves what is to be doone on yr pte, which I wish forthwith
to be performed. The rather for that it concernes the reperation
of a comon Nusaunce whereof every man doth participate that
have occasion to mak usse of the ferrie and I have heard it heartofore
much complained of, though I am ignorant wheather it be
yr part to see reformation. And soe I bid you farewell fro the
Court att Greenwitch this 20th May 1602.
yr Loving friend
ROB. CECILL.
The petition to which the foregoing letter to the Vestry
relates is entered upon the minutes, as follows:—
To the right Honble Sir Rob. Cecill Knight, principall Seacretaire
to the Queen's most excellent maiestie.
The Humble peticion of Abraham Merrick and others the
Inhabitaunces of Lambeth.
Whereas about ij yeares past a peticion was delivered to yr
house toutching the reperation of the banck that leadeth fro Westminster
to the horse ferrie boate, which by yr Honors good
meanes was then somewhat mended, but yet in such slender
manner as that the same is still in winter time in some places
unpassable. And moreover the said banck is so exceedingly
annoyed by reason ef the milditch there adjoining and the spring
tides, that if yr Honor be not a meanes for redressee in this
behaulfe, noe subject by any meanes can have passage that way.
And for that the said banck is in the parish of Westminster, yor
Suppts most Humblye beseeche yor Honor to cause the Surveior
for the highways of Wesmre aforesaid to whom it appertaineth
that without delay they doe repaire and amend the said