Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, The United Parishes of St. Margaret and St. John, Westminster]
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Park leading from the Towne of Knightsbridge to this parish
And to make report thereof at the next Vestry.
The gentlemen reported at the next Vestry that his
Lordship "was pleased to returne this Answer that he tooke
it very kindely from them and that he would represent and
Report the same to his Matie in such manner as might
conduce most to the best advantage of this parish."
The attention of Parliament being called to the unsatisfactory
condition of the streets and roads in London and
Westminster in 1664-5, an important and comprehensive
addition was made to the Statute Book in 14 Charles II.,
whereby the repairs, obstructions, rates, traffic, scavenging
drainage and lighting of the highways were entrusted to a
Commisson of 21 Members, with a place of meeting in
Scotland Yard. Each householder was thereby required to
repair, pave, and keep in good order the street or way
before his house and walls, to the middle of the street or
way, under a penalty of 20s. for each perch or rod, and
20s. per week until repaired to the satisfaction of the
Commissioners. The interests of Westminster were guarded
by the appointment of the Dean, the High Steward, the
Deputy Steward, and the two chief Burgesses as Commissioners.
Amendments and extensions of this Act were made in a
Supplemental Act passed in 22nd Charles II. (1681—2).
"For the better repairing and amending of the highways,
now generally spoiled by the extraordinary and unreasonable
lading of waggons and other carriages; and the neglect
of repairing and preserving the same." The power to
require the inhabitants to send men and horses on to the
road was renewed and extended to six days, on which days,
after notice publicly given some convenient time previously,
"all persons liable to the said work shall attend and work
accordingly." The Justices were invested with authority
to enforce payment of such rates as might be levied, and to
determine any disputes between inhabitants or others as to