1693. King John’s cop repaired at the expense of 12l. 10s.
1694. Great inconvenience having arisen of late from large ships occupying Dowshill, Purfleet, Mill, and Whitefriars Fleets, to the exclusion of Keels, Barges, Boats, Lighters and other open vessels, whereby many of the latter, left exposed to the violence of the flood and ebb tides were damaged or lost.—the mayor, aldermen, and common council, on the 29th. of January this year, ordered that no person thenceforth do lay, or suffer to be laid, any vessel of the burden of 20 tons or upwards, in any of those Fleets, otherwise than ancient and accustomed ship seats, &c. under the penalty of 3s. 4d. for every tide they did as offend—the mayor reserving the power of permission on extraordinary occasions.—4th. June, Meter’s pay fixed at one penny each chalder of coals of freemen, and two pence of strangers; and on tonnage goods, a pence a ton of freemen, and 4 pence of strangers.
1695. March 11. The Hall signed an address to his majesty, in the feature of an association, to stand by and assist him against all his enemies.
1696. Outgoings or expences in maintaining the water-works for the last ten years exceeded the income by 288l. 13s. 6d.—The expenditure being 1427l. 7s. 8d. and income 1338l. 14s. 2d.
200 sail of Colliers and coasters, in running for Lynn deeps in a storm, were all wrecked, and near 1000 persons perished. (Norfolk Remem.) Scarcity of coals, and price greatly advanced.
1697. The Hall gained a cause in a trial with Leonard Hutton, before Lord Chief Justice Holt.—They also petition parliament for the removal of the dam and sluice near Salter’s Load, and preserving of navigation.—The Bagges, Brownes, and Scarlets, now begin to make some figure here.
1698. Pictures of Edward VI. and James I. presented to the Hall by alderman Robinson.—Juggard succeeds Haslewood as Lecturer.
1699. John Cary succeeds, Osborne as writing master, and is to teach 6 poor boys gratis, and to instruct all the children in the Church Catechism.—This is the first prominence of the Carys.—A ship now sent to Norway for pump-wood, or timber for water-pipes, at the adventure and charge of the mayor and burgesses.
1709. Another ship freighted to Norway for pump-wood for the water-works.
1701. The Head Porters and Meters being convicted of bribery and defrauding the king of his dues, were all discharged; but about a month after some of them were restored, by giving bond with one security in 20l.—August 29. the elder Pyle appointed Lecturer.—Nov. 24. Noblemen, knights, esquires, and clergymen exempted from tolls here.