“Mem. That the town of Kirkham was summonsed from house to house and the inhabitants unanimously agreed to the setting up of a workhouse.”
30 Nov. 1728.
“Ordered that a lamp should be fixed up in the middle of the borough of Kirkham in some convenient place, and that the charge of it together with oyl necessary for it be paid out of the town’s stock.”
“All persons refusing to clean or cow (rake) the streets opposite their respective houses to be fined 6d. after notice from the serjeant with his bell.”
The official notice concerning the last resolution is still preserved, and ran as under:—
“To the Inhabitants of the Burrough of Kirkham.
“You are hereby required forthwith to cleanse the Streets over against your Dwelling Houses, Outhouses, and all other Buildings, together with all Frontsteads whatsoever, on Penalty of Sixpence for each default.
“You have also hereby notice to remove all the Dung-hills out of the Streets in a month’s time or otherwise they will be removed for the use of the Burrough.
“Likewise all the Rubbish out of the Streets on such Penalties as the Bayliffs and Common Council shall think fit to inflict. Given under our Common Seal of the Towne this first Day of December, 1728.”
At a later period the burgesses neglected to choose and appoint bailiffs for many years, or to use their privileges; and apprehensive at length that such remissions were tantamount to a forfeiture of their charter by their own act, they determined to take legal advice as to the most expeditious way to resume their powers. It was given as follows:—