These two reports contain abstracts of the returns sent in by the overseers at six monthly meetings held between Feb. 7th, 1630/1 and June 27th, 1631[763]. The whole of the abstracts sent in on Feb. 7th are here printed, but of the others only those which indicate improvement in the administration of the poor law. The first document is written on parchment, the second on paper, both in a clerk's hand.
Hertf.[764]
"An Abstract of the Returne and presentments made by the Churchwardens, Constables and Ouerseers for the poore in the parishes of the halfe Hundred of Braughinge vnto vs Justices of the peace in this devision whose names are herevnder written, on the viith of February 1630.
Braughinge[765].
Noe stocke for the poore, noe land or rents for charitable vses. A dozen of bread out of Lent and ii dozen in Lent wth a barrell of white and a cade of red herrings. Noe children put to seruice this yeare, foure to be put out, six rogues punished, fiftie shillings guift to the poore.
Edward Dogood, Henry Watts, Churchwardens.
Thomas Smith, Ouerseer for the poore.
Widford.
Noe stocke, but foure pounds yearely gathered, and fiue markes rent, none that want worke, none put to seruice, one to put forth. Prouision of corne at iiis iiiid for the poore.
Oliuer Mills, Churchwarden.
Thomas Hadsley, Ouerseer for the poore.