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the laws of the nation, shall stand and be in full force
and strength. And that as often as it shall happen that
the said Dean and High Steward or his Deputy shall defer
or be remiss in nominating or choosing the several Burgesses
at the time above mentioned, then, and in every such case,
two Justices of the Peace * * * are empowered to
nominate and choose the said Burgesses out of such persons
qualified as aforesaid, who, upon such an election are to
enjoy the same liberties and powers in all respects as if
chosen by the said Dean and High Steward. And it is
also provided that no person shall be compelled to serve the
office of Burgess above the term of one year, and that all
persons who shall be fined for the same shall be exempt
from serving for the space of five years."
The Liberty or Suburbs of Westminster being greatly
increased both in number of houses and inhabitants it was
therefore judged necessary to increase both the number of
Burgesses and Assistants from twelve to sixteen each, which
Burgesses with their Assistants are by the said Act of Parliament
empowered to act in all respects as the Aldermen's
Deputies of the City of London.
"The High Steward or his Deputy, attended by the Burgesses,
acts as Sheriff by presiding at the Court Leet, and
as Chairman at the Quarter Sessions. The next officer in
dignity is the High Bailiff, who is likewise chosen by the
Dean for life. This officer in some measure also represents
the Sheriff, for he summons juries, manages elections for
Members of Parliament, has the several Bailiffs of Westminster
subordinate to him, and by having all fines and
forfeitures belonging to him, his office is thereby rendered
very profitable. The next officers in rank and power are
the chief Burgesses, Burgesses and their assistants, and the
inferior officers are the Town Clerk, Asserer, and Crier."
Immediately upon their entry into office, the Court of
Burgesses drew up and published a code of orders for the