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146
was introduced into the parish, to the prejudice of one or
two speculations already existing:—
23rd February, 1730.—The Vestry being informed that the proprietors
of the Hyde park Water Works had disposed of their
patent and that their pipes were no longer supply'd with Water.
Ordd That for the security of the Inhabitants from any accident
by Fire, the Churchwardens do cause the Pluggs fixt in those
pipes, to bo remov'd to those belonging to the Chelsea
Company.
The Chelsea Company had not established the "constant
service" system, nor had they yet secured the monopoly of
the supply in Westminster:—
25th July, 1733.—This Vestry having taken into their Consideration
the very great want of water, (being sensible that at this time
the Inhabitants of this Parish have not sufficient for their
ordinary use); whole streets having been served with very little
or none for a fortnight or Three weeks together & likewise considering
the Imminent danger the Inhabitants of this Parish
their houses and goods are exposed too in Case of Fire.
Ordd That the Churchwardens do wait upon the proprietors of
the Chelsea Water Works & acquaint them with the many
Inconveniences and dangers the parish lies under either
from their Negligence or Inability, And that it is the
Opinion of this Vestry that the Inhabitants will be obliged to
make application to be served elsewhere unless the proprietors
take some care that they may be served more regularly &
better for the time to come.
At the bidding of the legislature such improvements were
made that the inhabitants of the principal streets were able
to dispense with wells and rely absolutely on the Company's
service:—
Friday, 18 April, 1792. A Petition from the Inhabitants of Great
George Street was presented requesting the removal of the
Pump in the said street being of little or no use to the Parish
at large is frequently an obstruction to the passing of Carriages
and is particularly inconvenient to them and who hope for the
above Reasons the Vestry will give orders for its Removal.
[Referred to Commissioners of Paving.]
From this period to 1852 the system was further perfected
in obedience to new orders of the Legislature. As
the demand increased also, and powers were given in 1855
for the closing of unwholesome wells, it may be inferred that