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188
Local
Provisions.
Were it not necessary to adhere consistently
to the rule already observed as to references to
the Churchwardens' Accounts and the Overseers'
Books, very curious and interesting proofs might be adduced
of the close affinity between the parish of St. Margaret and
the hamlet. The Lazar House or Hospital, which was
rebuilt in 4 Charles I (1629), with its chapel attached
received considerable support from the parishioners, and
from grants voted by the Vestry, and obtained its supply
of water by underground pipes communicating with the
conduit in Hyde Park, [a privilege granted by letters of
James I. Many entries occur in the minutes, which seem
to imply that the number of "lame and impotent folk"
seeking the benefits of the Lazar House was considerable.
Here is a specimen:—
Sunday, 24th April, 1687. Ordered that the Churchwardens doe
paye to the constable and beadle at Knightsbridge their Bills for
passing cripples, they making oath to the truth of their accounts.
A cage, watchhouse, stocks, and pound stood at the east
end of the Green in the Brompton road, fronting the site
now occupied by Messrs. Tattersall's establishment. These
corrective institutions, which were probably called into
existence by the periodical fair and market from preReformation
times, were a source of some anxiety to the
Vestry:—
4th March, 1668. Upon Reading A Petition of Thomas Hawly
Const: of Knightsbridge directed to his Matics Justices of the
peace at A Session for the peace and the Order of the Justices
thereupon touching the Repayring of the Cage and Stocks at
Knightsbridge aforesed The Vestry are of opinion That ye
Churchwns of this parish are not concerned therein butt are
desired to apply themselves unto ye Rt Honbl ye Ld Chamberlayn
High Steward and Mr Bennett High Bayliffe of the
Citty and Liberty of Westmr concerning ye same And in Case
noe Redresse can be had by that way then to apply themselves
to his Matics Justices of ye Peace at their next Session and
pray them that ye Charge of that worke may not be layd upon
this parish but upon such as of Right ought to doe ye same.
1st March, 1670. The Churchwardens haveing this day Reported
(viva voce) That there is a necessity of Repayring the Cage or