[645] The Reports of the Four Royal Hospitals for 1641 and 1647. King's Pamphlets, Brit. Mus. 669, f. 4, No. 5, and f. 11, No. 5.
In 1641 there had been 1002 patients in St Bartholomew's, and 711 vagrants in Bridewell.
In 1647 there had been 901 in St Bartholomew's and 575 vagrants in Bridewell.
[646] Report of the Four Royal Hospitals for 1645. King's Pamphlets, British Museum, 669, f. 10, No. 26. Similar reasons are also alleged in the report of 1644. Ib., No. 2.
[647] Ib., 1649, 669, f. 14, No. 11.
[648] King's Pamphlets, 1653, 669, f. 16, No. 94.
[649] "An Order for putting in execution the laws against vagabonds made by the Lords in Parliament assembled." King's Pamphlets, 669, f. 9, No. 81, Mar. 5th, 1646/7. See also an Act of the Commons of England in Parliament assembled for the relief and employment of the poor and the punishing of vagrants, 1650.
[650] Order issued "By the Mayor," 1655. King's Pamphlets, 669, f. 20, No. 21. "Whereas by neglect of executing the good lawes and statutes against rogues, vagabonds and sturdy beggars, that vermine of the Commonwealth doth now swarme in and about this City and Liberties disturbing and annoying the inhabitants and passengers, by hanging upon Coaches, and clamorous begging at the doores of Churches and private Houses and in the streets and Common Wayes; beguiling the modest laborious and honest poore (the proper objects of charity) of much reliefe and alms etc." 23rd Jan., 1655/6.
[651] "By the Mayor." Lord Mayor's Proclamations, No. 18.
[652] Votes of Parliament, Tuesday the seven and twentieth of April, 1652, "For setting the Poor on work and for preventing of Common Begging." King's Pamphlets, 669, f. 16, No. 49.