The Early History of English Poor Relief

by of Girton College E. M. Leonard

Eastwicke.

Watch and Ward is duely kept, noe unlicenced alehouses, noe rogues punished since the last sitting, the poore are sett on worke by the inhabitants, there are some yearely rents w^ch are weekely distributed to the poore, none to put fourth apprentices."

Tho. King, Constable.
Geo. Cramphorne, Churchwarden.
Tho. Porter, Ouerseer."

This later report is endorsed "Certifyed by the high Sheriff the first of Septemb(er) 1631. Jo. Boteler."

C. Dom. State Papers, Chas. I. Vol. 190. 10.

Part of the Report of Bridewell.

This report of Bridewell seems to have been made in consequence of the inquiries of the commissioners on poor relief appointed in Jan. 1630/1.

The estimated value of the labour of the inmates, the cost of their maintenance, the amount paid in salaries to the officials of the hospital all throw light on the rate of wages and on the cost of living at this time.

London Bridewell.

"To the right hon^ble the lords of his Ma^ties most ho^ble privy Counsaile.