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house in the day-time, although no person be therein, shall
be admitted to have the benefit of clergy." Neither of
these measures specified the persons by whom the hue and
cry was to be undertaken, a defect which was not supplied
until 1735 (8 Geo. II., cap 16) when the constable, borsholder,
head borough or tythingman was to perform the duty with
the utmost expedition under penalty of £5. This act considerably
modified the discretion of the Justices in levying
the damages upon the parishes, and had the effect, otherwise,
of reducing the number of claims made for compensation.
A few extracts are given from the Vestry minutes as examples
of a very large number of those relating to the subject
:
Wednesday, 27 April, 1670.—Mr Humphrie Grinsoll one of the
present Churchwardens did this day declare unto the Vestrie,
that an Officer of the High Sheriffe of the Countie of Midds
hath made Distresse upon his Goods & Levyed the Sume of
Seaven pounds & eight shillings for one Robberie comitted in
the Hundred of Osalston in the County aforesd Whereupon it is
Ordered that the Churchwardens for the time being doe advise
with Councell concerning the same & know what course is fitt
to be taken touching that matter (there being noe Presidence
extant within this Cittie & Libertie for the like Distresse) and
how to defend the parish from the like trouble for ye future.
And that the sayd Mr Grinsell be reimbursed the sayd Sume
of Seaven pounds Eight shillings by the Churchwardens wch
shall be allowed at the passing of their Acct.
24th July, 1690. Ordd that the Churchwardens pay the sume of
Forty ffive pounds to Mr Buck and Mr James Justices of
the Peace for Middlesex being so much charged on this
parish towards a robbery comited in this hundred and to bee
allowed on their Accompt
5th August, 1691. Ordered that the Churchwardens pay to the
High Constable One pound Tenn shillings towards a Bobery
comitted on William Brooks, at Eeling in the Hundred of
Ossulstone.
And also to pay him ffifty Shillings for another Bobbery
comitted on John Lord Lovlace neer Paddington.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 1713. Ordd That the Churchdns forthwith pay
the sume of £'45: 7: 9 so much being alloted for the proportion
of St. Margtt Parish for Robberys comitted within the
Hundred of Ossulston.