June 30th. George England, Esq., eldest son of Sir George, died, aged 58 years. He was Recorder, and several times member of Parliament for the Borough. (See 1693 and 1711.)
Fishermen’s Hospital (for 40 persons) erected by the Corporation.
The Corporation obtained a new charter, granted by Queen Anne, which again allowed them to choose a Mayor on Sept. 29th, instead of two Bailiffs. (See 1692.)
Benjamin England and J. Nicholson, Esqs., returned to Parliament; also in 1705.
1703.
July 3rd. Thomas Bradford, Esq., Mayor, died, aged 74 years.
March 11th. Twenty-fifth and last Charter granted by Queen Anne, re-appointing certain governors of the town. (See 1684.) When the Parliamentary and Municipal Reform Acts were passed (1832 and 1835), the Mayor was again required to be chosen from the whole body of the Corporation, whether Aldermen or Town Councillors.
A dreadful Fire broke out at the north end of the town, and several houses were blown up to prevent its spreading.
1704.
April 30th. Thomas Godfrey, twice Bailiff and many years Town Clerk of this Borough, died, aged 63 years. He was succeeded by John Carlow, and at his decease in 1710 by Francis Turner.