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Resolved—That the Dean and Chapter of Westminster be thanked
for their very handsome offer to the Vestry, and that the
Vestry decline troubling them, being already in possession of
all that the Vestries of this parish did in the years 1701 and
1709.
And as to the Church Torch the Vestry conceive the Dean and
Chapter as a very respectable Body will never feel inclined
to make an objection (if in their power to do it) to an Act the
Parish at large much approve.
The subjoined resolutions are introduced as evincive of
the scrupulous care with which even trivial details were
guarded:—
18th August, 1793.—Resolved That Two Candles be placed in the
Watch House instead of one, in future.
Resolved That the Churchwardens be desired to examine the
Grate in the Watch House and to endeavor to have the same
Contracted with Brick or otherwise in order to lessen the
Consumption of Coals.
During the disorderly times of 1795-6, the watchmen
were provided with pistols and cutlasses on the order of the
V estry.
An impending strike of "the watch," in 1801, brought
prompt offers of help from the local volunteers :—
Easter Tuesday, 7th April, 1801.—The Vestries taking into consideration
the late alarming intention of the Watchmen of these
Parishes to with-draw themselves from their duty on the 29th
of March last by which the Inhabitants and their property
would have been left unprotected But for the timely and
spirited interference of the Church Wardens in preventing the
same
Resolved That the thanks of this Meeting be given to the Church
Wardens of the United Parishes for their exemplary conduct
on that occasion.
Resolved That the thanks of these Vestries be given to Capt"
Cosser of the Westminster Volunteer Cavalry for the offer of
his Services if necessary.
Resolved That the thanks of these Vestries be given to Capt"
Jones of the Saint Margaret and Saint John's Association
for the like Offer of his Services.
In 1804 another strike was averted:—
Thursday, 10th May, 1804. This Meeting was Convened in order
to determine upon the Application of the Watchmen for an increase
of their pay.