On the whole therefore it appears, that the poor occupiers, or pensioners of this almshouse were much better off 80 or a 100 years ago, than they have been for many years past, as well as that our rulers were than better disposed towards them than they have been latterly.
[1132b] Since that period, the weekly allowance of these pensioners appears to have differed at different times—down to 1772 it was 19s. 3d. in all, or about 18d. each: From 1772 to 1791, 1l. 5s. 5d. or about 2s. each: From 1791 to 1803, 1l. 8s. 5d. or about 2s. 3d. each: From 1803 to 1811, 1l. 12s. 3d. or 2s. 6d. ¾ each.—But here it ought to be observed, that the Reader has had always allowed him 1s. 6d. a week more than the women. He has also a Chalder of Coals allowed him, as has likewise each of the women who have fire-places in their chambers. Nine chalders a year are allowed this house in all;—the rest are appropriated to the kitchen or common fireplace.
[1135] Of two of these we learn, that the first was established on the 1st. of June 1795 for a hundred members, who receive relief in sickness, lying-in, old age, and upon the death of their husbands. The fund is supported by a small monthly payment of their own, and annual subscriptions from honorary members.—The second beneficial society for the same number of poor women, (100;) was established July 1, 1799, affording the same allowances to them, except the pension in old age, which it was found by experience could not be supported without the assistance of many honorary members. It was hoped that this society would be able to support itself; in which case the advantages resulting from it might have been extended to any number of poor women who might choose to embrace them. But either the allowance must be still further reduced, or the monthly payment increased, before it will be released from the necessity of requiring at least occasional benefactions.—It is to be hoped therefore that it will not fail of obtaining every necessary aid and support.
[1136] Of the number of these societies, and their respective meeting places, the following account is supposed to be pretty correct—Two at the Crown Tavern; one at the Three Tuns; one at the Three Pigeons; two at the Valiant Sailor; one at the Coach and Horses; one at the Tailor’s Arms; two at the Plough; one at the Angel; two at the Oak; one at the Dog; four at the Three Fishes; two at the Sun; two at the Green Dragon; one at the Boar’s Head; one at the George and Dragon.—in all 23. There may be more, but we have not been yet able to find them out.—As to the number of Inns and Public Houses now in the town, they are said to be near 70, but they were formerly much more numerous: even as many as 87 some years ago. This decrease is not to be ascribed to a decrease of our population, but rather to a decreasing propensity in the inhabitants to frequent those houses, owing probably, in part at least, to the great increase of conventicles, and the increasing frequency of evening services in those places, where a large proportion of the inhabitants find themselves entertained much more innocently, profitably, and agreeably, than at the public house:—all which however cannot be supposed very pleasing to our publicans and common-brewers.
[1138] There are, it seems, many benevolent societies so named in different places; and some of them unconnected with Methodism—of which there is one of a very respectable appearance at Liverpool, among whose members is the name of the celebrated William Roscoe. In the annual account of this society for 1809 appears the following remarkable passage—
“The Subscribers to the Stranger’s Friend Society, are, in general, already well acquainted with the nature, design, and excellency of the institution. It may not, however, be unnecessary to state once more, for the information of that part of the public, whose attention has not been hitherto duly excited towards this charity, that its object is, to visit, at their own homes, the SICK and DESTITUTE POOR of all countries and denominations, (the Methodists only excepted, in order to exclude even the suspicion of sectarian partiality,) and administer such relief and consolation as their wants and sorrows may appear to require.”
But how the exception, in regard to Methodists, could exclude all suspicion of sectarian partiality, we cannot clearly understand.
[1140] This appears from the following passage in an old MS. extracted from the Hall Books—
“1580. Sept. 26. Mr. Iverye recd. 4l. to buy books necessarye to be in the school for his scholars. This day he accounted for the bookes, and also repaid ye sd. moneye: 5l. allowed him for reparations and other necessarie charges by him bestowed about his house.”
Decr. 15. 1587, it was agreed in the Hall to provide an usher, with a salary of 8l. a year. The first usher was John Gybson, clerk, but after a few months he had 5l. given him, for the town to be discharged of him and family. His successor was Rich. Emott, B.A. whose salary was advanced to 10l. a year. He was succeeded in the spring of 1593, (or rather 1594) by John Man, B.A. of Bennet Col. Cambridge, with the same salary. It does not appear who, if any, immediately succeeded him; but 18 Decr. 1612, the Hall agreed to choose an usher, whose salary, (he boarding himself,) should be 16l. a year. The person chosen was probably Edwd. Labourne, who held that situation in 1617, and had 5 marks gives him towards his commencing M.A.—He appeared to be much approved and held his place in 1626, and perhaps much later. Of his successors we have no regular account.