Full text of "Selections from the municipal archives and records [of the] City of Liverpool"

LIVERPOOL

MUNICIPAL RECORDS.

of ^Liverpool,

MUNICIPAL

ARCHIVES AND RECORDS,

FROM A.D. 1700 TO THE PASSING OF THE
MUNICIPAL REFORM ACT, 1835.
I V. Z J

EXTRACTED AND ANNOTATED BY

SIR JAMES A. PICTON, F.S.A.,

AUTHOR OF " MEMORIALS OF LIVERPOOL," ETC.

Published with the sanction of the City Council.

LIVERPOOL :
GILBERT G. WALMSLEY, 50, LORD STREET.

1886.

D/)

DEC H 1962.

r/t

OF T Q

TO HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY,

VICTORIA, QUEEN OF ENGLAND,

THIS VOLUME OF
RECORDS OF THE ANCIENT AND LOYAL CITY OF LIVERPOOL

IS, BY HER ROYAL PERMISSION,
MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,
IN MEMORY OF HER AUSPICIOUS VISIT TO THE CITY
IN MAY, l886, BY

THE COMPILER.

PREFACE.

THE present Volume is a continuation of the previous one,
published in 1883.

The former Volume brought down the Records to the
end of the seventeenth century, at which period the town
and port had commenced that career of marvellous progress
which has distinguished them ever since.

The documents here presented, though not quite so
quaint as the preceding ones, are very copious, and throw
a flood of light on the commerce, the navigation, the retail
trade, the manufactures, the municipal government, the
social habits and daily life, of a busy, active, progressive
community, self-governing, and little interfered with by the
central authorities.

The Corporation had a very marked character. The
Burgesses, qualified by birth or servitude, constituted a
large proportion of the inhabitants, and down to a late
period in the last century, offered a determined hostility to
the settlement of strangers amongst them. The Common

viii PREFACE.

Council, owing to circumstances stated in the previous
Volume, had, in defiance of the Charters, usurped the
power of filling up vacancies in their own body, and, though
often attacked, maintained their position. Within the pre-
cincts of the Borough they possessed considerable powers
and privileges. They levied dues on all merchandize
passing through the port. They farmed under the Crown,
during a long period, the Customs duties, and in the I7th
century they became by purchase lords of the manor. A
large portion of the land belonged to them, which has
been a considerable source of income to the present time.
They possessed the ecclesiastical patronage, appointing the
Rectors and other clergy, and even the churchwardens and
church functionaries. The Borough had from time imme-
morial, under the grant of sac and soc, possessed courts of
its own, both civil and criminal, and the Burgesses were
prohibited under heavy penalties from carrying their causes
to other courts. The Recorder was appointed by the
Council, and their exclusive jurisdiction was on several
occasions admitted by the higher courts.

This rigid adherence to privilege, and these claims of
rights, became as time advanced somewhat relaxed, but
much remained unchanged down to the date of the Muni-
cipal Reform Act. A distinctive character was thus given
to the community, which is vividly reflected in the pages
of the Records.

The mode of treatment in bringing these documents
under the public eye required much consideration. To

PREFACE. ix

have printed them in chronological order would have been
the simplest task, but in that case the interest arising
from following out a particular subject or illustration would
have been lost in the necessity for picking it out in
detached portions spread over a long period. On the
other hand, to have taken a special subject and pursued
it through the hundreds of years comprised in the Records
would have destroyed the connection, and the relations
which the various contemporary events had with each
other, and have prevented any general view.

I have adopted a middle course. I have divided the
Records in each volume into four periods or chapters, and
grouped together the events and documents in each, con-
ceiving that by this method, a series of synoptical views
is presented, which will repay perusal to those who feel
interested in the subject.

I have brought the record down to the Municipal
Reform Act of 1835. With that enactment, just and
necessary as it was, the picturesque aspect of our civic
institutions came to an end. The independence which
they enjoyed became subordinated in great measure to the
central authority, and the quaint traditions of ages were
merged in the modern system of utilitarianism. Still, the
history of the past may not be without its bearing on the
present and future, and if the spirit of our old Corpora-
tions can be maintained, freed from the abuses to which
they were liable, the story of our old Records will not have
been learned in vain.

PREFACE.

In conclusion, I have to express my obligations to the
Finance and Estate Committee of the City Council, for
their courtesy in granting me free and unrestricted access
to their Records, Charters and other Muniments, and for
their valuable aid in the transcription of documents, thus
considerably lightening the burden of a task which, though
agreeable and interesting, was necessarily from the nature
of the case somewhat onerous.

J. A. P.
SANDYKNOWE,

WAVERTREE.

CONTENTS.

Page

CHAPTER I. From 1702 to 1727... i

Municipal Government ... ... ... ... ... 3

Corporate Estate and Revenues 30

Trade and Commerce... ... ... ... ... ... 47

Streets and Buildings... ... ... ... ... ... 57

Ecclesiastical ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 66

National Affairs 77

Manners and Customs ... ... ... ... ... 80

CHAPTER II. From 1727 to 1760.

Municipal Affairs ... .. ... ... ... ... 86

Corporate Estate and Revenues ... ... ... ... 132

Trade and Commerce... ... ... ... ... ... 141

Streets and Buildings 152

Ecclesiastical ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 163

CHAPTER III. From 1760 to 1800.

Municipal Affairs 175

Corporate Estate and Revenues ... ... ... ... 221

Trade and Commerce 236

Streets and Buildings 254

Ecclesiastical Affairs ... ... ... ... ... ... 276

CHAPTER IV. From 1800 to 1835.

Public and National Affairs 286

Municipal Affairs ... ... ... ... ... ... 306

Corporate Estate and Revenues ... ... ... ... 338

Trade and Commerce 347

Streets and Buildings... ... ... ... ... ... 363

Ecclesiastical Affairs 386

CHAPTER FIRST.

REIGNS OF QUEEN ANNE AND GEORGE I.
1702 1727.

THE beginning of the i8th century was the commencement 1700.
of that tide of commercial progress in Liverpool which has
continued to flow on ever since. Down to the period of the
Civil Wars it can scarcely be said that the town had made any
progress at all. The population was stationary, and in the Progress.
reign of Elizabeth it had actually diminished. The commerce
was of a very restricted kind, and so hampered by imposts,
exclusions, and difficulties, that it almost seemed as if the
object of the townsmen had been rather to drive business stagnation.
away than to attract it to the port. Shippers, with import
cargoes, were required in the first place, if the authorities so
determined, to offer their goods to the Corporation at a price
to be agreed upon ; the cargo was then divided amongst the
burgesses as a syndicate or joint stock company. If this
was not thought expedient, the importer was allowed to sell
his goods on a payment to the Corporate funds, in addition
to the ordinary town dues. Under this system commerce
could not but be exceedingly limited; yet in the i6th century
there were a few merchants, Robert Corbett, Anthony Earl y

J Merchants.

Sekerston and others, who carried on business with success,
and steadily resisted the attempts of Chester to treat the
Mersey as a mere creek ancillary to their own port.

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

New Era.

Johnson,

Cleveland,

&c.

Chapters.

With the reign of Charles II. there commenced a change
for the better ; the manufactures of Lancashire were assuming
an important position, and Liverpool was found the most
convenient place of export. In addition to this, attracted by
the incipient progress, capitalists from London and elsewhere
were induced to settle in the place. Sugar from the West
Indies, and Tobacco from Virginia became articles of import ;
sugar refineries were erected, and land began to be in demand.

Amongst the new race of merchants during the last quarter
of the iyth century, were the Johnsons, the Clevelands,
the Claytons, and a few years afterwards the Earles, the
Rathbones, the Cunliffes, the Gildarts and others, who were
all strangers in the town, but identified themselves with its
progress and enterprise. A number of these realised fortunes,
and retired to found families in the ranks of the landed gentry.
A few names still remain which have stood prominent amongst
us in the mercantile world for nearly two centuries.

I have adopted, in the present volume, the same arrange-
ment as in the previous one, viz., the division into periods
or chapters ; chronologically grouping together within each
period the documents relating to special subjects.

The First Chapter relates to the reigns of Queen Anne and
George I., 1702 1727.

The Second Chapter, the reign of George II., 1727 1760.

The Third Chapter, from the accession of George III.,
1760 1800.

The Fourth Chapter, from 1800 to the passing of the
Municipal Reform Act, 1835.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

FIRST PERIOD 17021727.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

The early part of this period was signalised by serious ITOO.
disputes respecting the meaning and application of the terms
of the charter of 1695.

The history of the successive charters granted to the charters,
borough has been given in previous volumes. 1

It may suffice here to state that in the charter of
Charles I. (1626), no provision was made for the election
of a Common Council. A Council however was elected, and Council,
from a mere temporary arrangement had grown up into a
self-elected body, usurping the entire management of the
Corporate affairs, leaving only to the burgesses the annual
choice of the Mayor. In 1677, by a surreptitious and under-
hand procedure, a charter was procured from Charles II., in
which a Council of sixty members was appointed, with power
to elect their successors. This was set aside by the charter
of William III. (1695), which enacted that a Council of " forty
and one honest and discreet men" should be appointed, but
the manner of their appointment was left so vague as to give
rise to serious misunderstandings, it being maintained by
one party that the power of filling up vacancies and electing
officers rested with the Council, and by the other that the
power belonged to the burgesses in Common Hall assembled.

In 1710 Mr. Thos. Robinson was elected by the burgesses
on St. Luke's Day to fill the office of Sub-bailiff, but on his Bailiffs,
refusal Mr. James Halsall was elected by the Council to fill
the vacancy. He also refused to serve, and gave for reason
" that if every officer that is regularly elected on St. Luke's

'See "Memorials" and "Records," passim.

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Day be excused, then all officers may be chosen by the
Council and not by the majority of the freemen ; so that this
office in such circumstances cannot legally be forced upon
him." The Council however decided that they had power by
the charter to elect, and followed up their decision by fining
the recusant member ten pounds.

council The proceedings in the Council at this period were any-

mgS ' thing but harmonious, being mixed up with party national
politics on the one hand, and the local disputes about the
charter on the other.

Election. In October, 1710, a general election took place, attended

with considerable tumult. Out of a population of little more
than 8,000, nearly 1,000 Burgesses recorded their votes. Sir
Thos. Johnson and Mr. Jno. Cleveland were elected by a
narrow majority. After the election, a pamphlet was pub-
lished in a very bitter tone, making serious charges against
the authorities. The authorship of this pamphlet was traced
to the Revd. Henry Richmond, one of the recently appointed
Rectors.

ITU. 1711. April 4th. The Council adopted a Resolution as

follows :

" Whereas it hath been this day propounded and made appear in
Councill, that some attempts have been lately made and is now carrying
on, to destroy the present constitution of this Corporation, and to vacate
Disputes and sett aside the present charter by the management of Mr. Henry
about Richmond, one of the Rectors of this town, who was presented to that

benefice by the Mayor, Aldermen, Bayliffs and Comon Councill of this
Burrough, acting under and by force and vertue of the same 'charter, in
order to overturn the method of electing a Mayor and other officers, and
thereby take from the Freemen some of their most antient priviledges, and
establish it in the Comon Councill, a form contrary to the antient usage of
the Corporation ever since it was so created, as appears by the eldest
records thereof, which are from and ever since the year 1552, save that
on some unhappy difference which happened in or about the Twenty
ninth year of King Charles the Second's reign touching the election of
a Burgess to serve in Parliament.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

" A new charter was then obtained by a few persons without the knowledge
and consent of the greatest part of the Burgesses and Freemen, and without
the surrender of the former charter then in being, and that on the coming
in of King James II. that last charter was also changed, tending to the
manifest prejudice and destruction of the Constitution, and so continued
till the year 1695, when the present charter was obtained, which restores
and confirms the said former charter that was not surrendered, made by
King Charles I., with some other privileges by and under which this town
hath been governed ever since and greatly increased in their riches and
trade more than ever was known before.

" It is therefore ordered and enacted by this assembly, that the present
charter and Constitution and the ancient priviledges, ... be defended
and supported at the publick charge of this Corporation, and that all
Suites or Process brought against the Mayor Bayliffs and Burgesses, or Disputes
against any particular member of this Corporation whereby to bring
the same in question be immediately communicated to this assembly,
and be likewise defended, and the persons sued therein indemnified at the
said publick charge, and that Sir Thomas Johnson, Jasper Maudit, Esq*
and Aid" Richard N orris have power to employ solicitors and others
learned in the law to take all needful measures to defend the same, and
that all charges expended therein shall be disbursed and paid by and
out of the publick rents, revenues, and stock of this Burrough and
Corporation, &c., &c., and that all publick treats and works doe cease
untill these unhappy differences be finally ended and determined."
(Signed by 17 Councillors.)

On May 2oth, 1711, the following entry occurs: 17U -

" The Corporation being greatly divided into partys of High Church
and Low, and a petition preferr'd to her Maj* 1 * in the names of the Mayor,
Aldermen, and Burgesses for a ' Scire facias ' to try the vallidity of the Scire facias.
present charter, alledging that the charter granted by K Cha s the 2 nd was
never surrendered, nor the present charter accepted, which was referred
to the Attorney and Sollicitor Generall, and notice given to hear all
parties ; many Affidavits of the most ancient freemen have been prepared
by the directions of Mr. Thomas Bootle, a young student in the Temple,
proving that the charter of K Cha s the 2 nd was surreptitiously obtained,
and that the present charter was fully accepted by the whole town, and
that the very persona that now petition against it have all along acted
under it, petitioned for and taken leases from the acting Corporate
body, and the ancient usage and manner of electing of Mayors, Bayliffes,
&c., by the freemen in gen'all are now sent upp and Aid" Richard Norris
hath examined the Records, and takes upp sev 1 extracts thereof for our
defence therein."

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Defence of
Charters.

Dispute in
Council.

1712.

Scire facias.

Defence.

Richmond.
Ctrtiorari.

1711. Oct. 5. It is ordered and enacted,

" That a Deed be duly executed and passed under the Corporation Seal
to convey over the Town's Customs to S r Thomas Johnson, Mr. Maudit,
and Mr. Norris, to enable them to defend the present charter and con-
stitution till the present contest be finally closed, &c."

The Council were by no means of one mind on this matter.
On the 20th February following (1712) we read :

" It being propounded that the keys of the town's chest be now brought
and the chest opened and inspected, sitting this Councill ; whether the
Comon Seale and the charters and other the evidences of this Corp" are
secure therein, since broke open, and Mr. Mayor, Mr. Tyrer, Mr. Benn,
and sev' u others being for deferring it till to-morrow, and tho' a majority
of the Councill are for opening it now, yet Mr. Mayor still refusing to
consent thereto. It is thereupon propounded that the chest be now
opened and that five new locks be affix'd on the said chest ; and order'd
so to be, and that the same shall not be open'd hereafter without the
consent and order of the Councill, and that the keys be kept by Mr.
Maudit, Mr. Norris, Mr. Moorcroft, Mr. Kelsall, and Mr. Kendrick."

1712, July 2nd.

" Mr. Mayor having communicated to the Comon Councill that he, the
Baylives and Town Clerk have been served with a ' Scire facias ' issued
out of and returnable in the Chancery of England in the Petty Bag Office
or Latin side, to shew cause why the present charter or Letters Pattent
granted to the Mayor, &c. of this Burrough and Corporation by his late
Maj" 8 K William ought not to be repealed. It is ordered that a warrant
of attorney under the Corporation Seale be made and granted to Sir
Thomas Johnson, Jasper Maudit, and Richard Norris, Esqrs., or to such

attorney or clerk as they shall think fit to employ to

enter appearance and make such defence as they shall be advised by
Councill, &c."

1712, July I4th.

" The Rev d Henry Richmond brought a certiorari to remove the Present-
ment against him last October Sessions to the Assizes at Lancaster;
but he, not having delivered the certiorari to the Town Clerk to make a
return thereto, he lost the benefitt of the Writt, and now Moved by
Councill at this Sessions to quash the said Presentm' being in English
and should have been in Latin, and for that and other reasons now shewn,
the Court orders it to be quashed and destroyed."

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

1712, August 6th.

" It being communicated to the Councill that another ' Scire facias '
returnable in this County hath been served for repealing the present
charter, It is ordered that the like Warrant of Attorney given under the Warrant of
Comon Scale ordered the last Councill day, be given for the ' Scire facias ' Attorne y-
returnable to the Chancey of England.

This dispute was allowed to subside for a time, but
was revived some years afterwards, as will appear in due
course.

The new charter of 1695 required a revision of the oaths Oaths,
of the Mayor and the other officials. The following is the
revised oath of the Mayor:

THE OATH OF THE MAIOR OF LIVERPOOLE. Oath of

Mayor.

" You shall depose to be a true Leige Man unto the Queen's Majesty,
our Soveraign Lady, and no treason do or know, to be done unto her
Majesty ; But that with all speed you shall give knowledg to her Majest s
Privie Councell ; and also you shall execute the office of Maior of this her
Majest* Town of Liverpoole untill the next Election day. And to y
utmost of y r power and knowledg, you shall execute or cause y 6 Queen's
Majest 5 laws to be executed with true and indifferent justice, without
favour, need or dread, fear or affection. And also, all Acts and Statutes
made by y e Queen's Highnesse and her most noble Progenitors, Kings and
Queens of this realm and their honrb 1 councell"- you shall execute or cause
to be executed within this town, franchises, and liberties thereof, to y" best
of your power and knowledg. And furthermore, all liberties of this town,
and franchises thereto appertaining, you shall mentaine to your power.
And also you shall see that all inferiour officers of this town do their duty
in their offices ; and such as do offend, punish accordingly. And further-
more, you shall not of yourself make any new Act or order within this
town and liberties of y" same, unless you have the assent and consent of
such as have been Maiors of this town, with the consent of y most antient
Burgesses thereof. And also that all other thing and things that do
appertaine unto y office of a Maior of this Corporation and Liberty, you
shall minister or cause to be putt in due execucbn to y" best of y r knowledg.
So help you God."

The oaths of the other officials are to the same purport other Oaths.
mutatis mutandis. They comprised the Recorder, Town
Clerk, Councillors, Merchant Appraisers, Stewards, Registrar

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Mayor's
allowance.

Freemen's
Fines.

1714.

.Prizage.

of Tanned Leather, Mossreeves, Scavengers, Hayward,
Alefounders, &c.

It had been customary from an early period to make an
allowance to the Mayor to sustain the dignity of his office.
This sometimes consisted of the prizage of wines, and
sometimes of an appropriation of the freemen's fines on
admission. In 1712 an alteration was made, which is thus
recorded :

1712, Oct. 8.

" Whereas the debts of this Corporation by reason of our unhappy
differences daily encrease and are become so very great ; it is highly
reasonable that all such of the revenues thereof as are apply'd otherwise
than towards dischargeing the same, and the necessary affairs of the
Corporation, should be so apply'd for the future that the persons bound or
concerned in the same may in some reasonable time be discharg'd from
such their obligations, and that in particular the profits of the Grant to
the Mayor, Bay? and Burgesses of this Corporation of the Prizage of all
wines imported into this county which in time of peace is hop'd will
be considerable, and which by order of this Councill of the 7th March 1708
was order'd to be taken and received bye the Mayor for the time being
without rendring any account for the same, as also two of the best fines
of freemen by an order of Councill of the I7th September 1707. And it
being propounded to this Councill that the ancient allowance to the Mayor
towards defraying his extraordinary expenses being thentofore only the
second best fine of the freemen that should be made in his year : It is
thought convenient so to be hereafter and order'd accordingly untill these
differences be ended, and that the future Mayor and Baylives doe take
notice of and comply with this order, and account for them accordingly."

In 1714 this was repealed by the following minute :
Oct. 22nd.

" The order made the 8th October 1712 for applying the Prizage with
respect to the late Mayor is now order'd to be repealed, and that the
Prizage and the two best freemen's fines be allowed to him for his good
service, as was allowed before the making of the order."

The connection of the house of Stanley with the town of
Liverpool has always been of the most friendly character.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

During the iyth century the chair of the Chief Magistrate
was filled nine times either by an Earl of Derby or by a
member of his family. In 1707 we find the following record:
Oct. i st.

" The R' Hono rbll> James, Earle of Derby, paying a vissitt to the Corpora- Earl of
tion in his way to Halnaker in Sussex from Lathom, on this ist day of Dert> y-
October, Mr Mayor and the Aldermen and Comon Councell waiting on
him, gave his Lord pp an entertainm' in the Exchange ; and it being
propos'd to elect his Lord pp Mayor for the year ensueing, a Councell was
directed by Mr Mayor to be summoned for their assembling att eight
o'clock the next morning, in order to elect his L dpp one of the Comon
Councell and thereby to capacitate him to be elected Mayor. Att which
assembly held the second day of October 1707, the R' Hono rble James,
Earle of Derby, Lord Stanley and Strange &c., Chancellor of the Dutchy
and County Pallatine of Lancaster, Lord Livetenn' and Custos Rotulorum of
the said county, Chamberlain of the County Pallatine of Chester, one of
her Maj"" most Hon ble Privy Councell, was, in full Councell, nemine
contradtcente elected one of the Comon Councell of this Burrough. And
the Bay" being appointed to waite on his Lord pp att hisjpdgeing and
acquaint him thereof, his L d pp very kindly came into the Comon Hall, and
honour'd the Corporation with his acceptance thereof."

1707, Nov. ist.

" The Rt. Honor bte the Earl of Derby being elected Mayor, the Ald'men Lord Derby
and Councell signify'd the same to his Lord pp by a general letter to which Ma y r -
his Lord pp return'd this kind answer, directed to the Aldermen and
Bayliffs of the Corporation of Liverpoole, dated y ist November, 1707,
from London ; his Lord" 1 " being come upp thither from Halnaker in order
to be sworn by spe"" commission :

" Gentlemen, I cannot but acknowledge myself very much oblidg'd to Letter,
you for your kind letter, and the favo' you are pleased to doe me in
chooseing me so unanimously Mayor. I wish I had it in my power to
make any returne, but you may be assur'd that I shall always make it my
endeavour to shew myselfe a faithfull member of your Corporation. I am
extremely concern'd business so falls out ; so that I am oblidg'd to be out
of the country ; that I cannot so behave myself to you as I would heartily
have wished ; I should have sent this sooner, but that I had a mind att
the same time to give you an ace' how matters went as to my takeing the
oath, which, though I have not yet done, I shall, I believe, very soon.
But if I could not have done it here, I should have mad a journey to your
town to have done it in forme there, for I was resolv'd since you had been

io CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727-

so kind to choose me Mayor, no neglect of mine should have hinder'd me
from shewing how sencesible I was of your favo r , who really am

" Gentlemen,
" Your most hearty and
" very affectionate frend,

" DERBY."

" Whereupon My Lord not comeing down, advice of Councell was had
and taken how he might be sworn Mayor att London, which att first
seeme'd very difficult, not any Writ of Dedim 5 haveing been granted by
the Lord Chancellor out of the High Court of Chancery for that purpose
Sworn in except where by the charter there is a method provided for swearing by
London. Dedim*. However, according to S r Edw d Northey's opinion, in case My
Lord did not or could not quallify himselfe (which he must have a
reasonable time to doe) the Corporation, notwithstanding St. Luke's Day
is lapsed, upon petition might have a Writt, impowering the Corporation
to choose another person, without any p'judice to the Corporation. But
upon further advice had from S r Thomas Parker and others, a President
(precedent) was found, which was, ' A writt made out by the direction of
the Queen in Councell upon a petition to her impowering sev'all persons
in the Writt named to swear the person elected Mayor, into that office,
and in the Writt the charter of that town is recited, whereby it appeares
they are to choose upon a p'ticular day, and the Mayor is to be sworn
before his predecessor as in our case ; which was att Penzance, about
which there have been great contests to try the validity of it, but it was
always adjudg'd good.'

"Which method being pursued in our case upon a petition to the Queen
and Councell, the Lord Chancellor of Great Brittain by the advice of the
Solicitor Gen'all, pursuant to the order from her Maj"* in Councell,
Dcdimus granted a ' Dedimus ' to Edw d Lloyd Esq. (who is Secretary to the Earl
Commission. of Derby) Chancellor of the Dutchy) as Chancellor, and to Mr. Richard
Worthington, the said Earle's Gentleman, and Francis Peters of the City
of London, Gent, impowering them to give the oath of a Mayor and other
oathes to the said Earle, which accordingly was done on the thirteenth
day of November instant at London, and the Earle then executed a
deputation to Richard Norris, Esq. and Sylvester Moorcroft, Gent, which
was immediatly sent down and is in these words, viz* :

Issue of " To all Christian People to whom this present writeing indented shall

Writ. come, I, the Right Honourable James Stanley Earle of Derby, Chancello'

of the Dutchy and County Pallatine of Lancaster, Lord Lieutenant of the
same County, Chamberlain of Chester, Lord of Mann and the Isles, &c.,
one of Her Maj*"* most hon bte Privy Councell, and Mayor of the Burrough
and Corporation of Liverpoole in the County of Lancaster, aforesaid send
Greeting.

"Whereas I, the said Earle, canot in person attend the duty of my said

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. n

office of Mayor of the said burrough and Corporation. Know ye therefore,
that I, the said Earle, for divers good causes and considerations me here-
unto moveing, have assigned, made, ordained and constituted Richard
Norris Esq and Sylvester Moorcroft Gent, and each of them jointly and
severally Deputy and Deputys of the said office of Mayor and Deputy
Mayor of the said burrough, to hold, exercise, and execute, the said office,
with all fees, profitts and perquisites thereunto belonging, . . . during
the pleasure of me the said Earle, in as large and ample manner as I the
said Earle might, could, or ought to do it, personally present. Given
under my hand and seale this thirteenth day of November Anno Regni
Reginae Anne Mag- Brittan &c Sexto ; Anno que Dom 1707.

" DERBY."

The Corporation in thus honouring the grandee of the
neighbourhood were not unmindful of their own interests, as
the following entry will show.

1708, Feby. loth. noe.

" The R' Hono ble James Earl of Derby being Chancellor of the Dutchy,
did this month of February, out of his great favour and respect to this
Corporation, and its honour and advancement, not only freely give his own
right as Chancellour to the prizage of all wines imported into this country, Grant of
but also interceded to, and obtain'd from her Maj tie a pattent or lease for the Priza ge.
same to the Mayor, Bayl' and Burgesses of Liverpoole, for the term of thirty
one years, which pattent is in the great chest, and entered on this record."

" Also_pn application to the said Earle, he readily p'sented to her Maj*
the peticon of the Mayor, Bayl' and Burgesses for another Markett Day Additional
and obtain'd the same. In order whereunto a commission issued forth of Market Day.
the Dutchy called an ' Ad quod Dampnum ' which is also entred.

"Both which were brought down by Ralph Peters, Town Clerk from
London and a letter of thanks return'd to the said Earle, and to p'serve
the said favours of the said Earle in memory, the new Markett to be
settled in the late castle is named ' DERBY SQUARE.' " Derby

The name of Lord Derby will appear again in the next
chapter under circumstances not quite so harmonious.

The honorary freedom of the borough was frequently Honorary
conferred on the public men of the day. Within the limits
of the present chapter this compliment was paid to the Earl
of Strangford, Sir Robert Walpole, Sir John Blair, Sir George
Warburton, Sir Wm. Read, two sons of Secretary Braithwaite,
Mr. Legh of Lyme, and others.

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Sir Thos.
Johnson.

Johnson
knighted.

Resignation
of Johnson.

Booth
elected.

Amongst the enterprising local magnates of this period
none played a more distinguished part than Sir Thomas
Johnson, who was Mayor in 1695, and represented the
borough in Parliament from 1701 to 1722. The constitution
of the parish as separate from Walton, the erection of St.
Peter's and St. George's churches, the construction of the
original dock, the grant of the castle, and the establishment
of the market in Derby Square, were principally owing to his
activity and influence. His knighthood is thus recorded :

" James, Earl of Derby Mayor.

" 1708. April 14. Mem dm That Thomas Johnson Esq, one of the Repre-
sentatives in Parliam' for this Corporation waiteing on the Earle of Derby,
p'sent Mayor ; upon presenting an address to her Majesty from the
Corporation, had the honor of Knighthood conferr'd on him by her
Majesty the 20 th day of March A no Dom 1707/8.

"VivAT REGINA!"

Johnson, with all his enterprise and public spirit, was never
a wealthy man, and was frequently in difficulties. After his
last election, in 1722, his pecuniary qualification (300 per
to annum) was called in question by Mr. Thos. Bootle, the un-
successful candidate, and by Aldermen Norris and Moorcroft,
who had been his friends and associates. The records contain
a statement of this, with the affidavit which he took, stating
that he had property of the required amount situated in
various places in the county.

Not long after this occurs the following entry :

" Mem, The second day of February 1723 the Hon bta Langham Booth 1
was elected Representative in Parliam 1 for this Burrough in the room of
S r Thos Johnson, who hath accepted of a place under the Governm',"
being that of Collector of Customs in Virginia.

Mr. Thos. Heywood, in the comments on the Norris
Papers, so graphically descriptive of Liverpool at that period,
laments that " Johnson, who was always poor, lies probably

1 Langham Booth was brother to the first Earl of Warrington, and Groom of the
Chambers to Frederick, Prince of Wales, father of George III.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 13

in some obscure corner of Virginia." This, however is not
borne out by the records.

The office appears to have been much in the nature of a
sinecure, since Johnson's name continues to be entered as
present at the meetings of the Council. On St. Luke's Day,
Oct. 1 8, 1728, it appears for the last time, with a subsequent
insertion in the margin " Mort."

The only remaining record of him in the town which he
did so much to serve, is the name of the street, Sir Thomas's
Buildings, which was formed and built by him.

In the former volume an account is furnished from the
Records of a very unseemly controversy between the Cor-
poration and the Town Clerk, Dobson, in the year 1637. In
1707 an imbroglio on a smaller scale occurred with Mr. Tno. D!s P ute with

Sandiford.

Sandiford who was appointed Town Clerk in 1701.
Under date July nth, 1707, it is recorded :

"Att a Councell &c

" Whereas Mr, Mayor hath this day deliver'd into Councell a list of a
number of high omissions and irregular transactions committed by John
Sandiford Town Clarke of this Corporation, in relation to the Records and
other matter relateing to his said office, whereupon this Councell hath
unanimously voted to suspend y e said John Sandiford from his office of
Town Clarke untill Wednesday y" Twentie third of this instant, when he is
to appear before this Councell and answer the said charge this day given
him."

On the 23rd of the same month it was

" Voted by a greate Majority y l Mr John Sandiford is not capable of
discharging the office of a Town Clarke."

" Order'd that the 2oth day of this instant Aug' is apointed for y
electing a Town Clerke by vote."

" 1707 Aug. 20 th Att an Assembly &c Sylvester Moorcroft Mayor '

" This day being appointed for the electing of a Town Clerk ; it is Election of
therefore order'd that whosoever is chosen shall, before he be establish'd, Town clerk -
give security to pay to the use of this Corporation one Hundred guineas
within three months after the death of Mr. John Sandiford (if he so long
live). And also shall pay to the said John Sandiford Fourty Pounds $
Annum dureing his life at four quarterly payments ; and that he shall quitt

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

elected.

Annuity to
Sandiford.

Retirement
of Recorder.

all practice as an attorney, except what particularly belongs to or has
been done by the former Town Clerks of this Corporation, nor shall he
receive any other fees than what have formerly been pay'd except by order
of the Mayor and Councell.

Ralph Peters " Mr. Ralph Peters is this day chosen Town Clerk, and one of the
Councell (conforming to the above order) Quamdiu se bent gesstrit; eod die
jurat in Council."

" 1707 Dec. 3 rd Ord d That Mr John Sandiford late Town Clerk have
security under the Corporation Scale for his fourty pounds # ann. granted
by former order, and that Ralph Peters p'sent Townclerk give security at
the same time to the Corporation according to former order."

" It is afterwards declar'd in Councell April y" 14 th 1708 that the said
fourty pounds $ ann. is to be clear of all taxes."

1709, Aug. igth. The Recorder (Mr. Jno. Entwisle)
tendered the resignation of his office. He was elected
about the time of the Restoration, and through the
successive periods of trouble and commotion had faithfully
served the interests of the town. The Record runs as
follows :

" John Seacome Esq Mayor.

" Att a spe'all Councell held this 19* of August Anno Dni 1709.

" This assembly having this day received a letter (a copy whereof is
underwritten) from John Entwisle Esq Recorder of this Burrough, whereby
he desires to be discharg'd by reason of the infirmity of his age ; they doe
pursuant thereto remove and discharge him from the office of Recorder,
and also from being of the Comon Councell of this Burrough and his
attendance therein."

" A copy of the letter directed to the WorpP John Seacome Esq, the
Mayor, Aldermen and the rest of the Comon Councill of the
Burrough and Corporation of Liverpoole.

" Gentlemen

" I have served your Corporation as Recorder upwards of forty
years faithfully to the best of my skill and knowledge. I am now near
eighty-four years old, and find that the infirmities of my age render me
less capable of dispatching business than formerly. As my real desire of
the prosperity and welfare of your Corporation hath made it a pleasure to
to me to serve you hitherto, the same reason now makes me desirous to be
discharg'd of that trust, since I cannot pay the attendance necessary in
order to a due execution of it, and I heartily wish you may fix upon a
successor that may second my sincere eiideavours for yo r prosperity. If
you pitch upon one of my family it will be a great satisfaction to me, and

1709.

Entwisle.

Letter.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 15

I hope my concern for yo r welfare may go allong with the office to him
from " Gentlemen

" Omskirke " Yo' old faithfull and humble serv*

y j^th O f Aug' ijog," " JOHN ENTWISLE.

" And then the Councell proceeding to an eleccon of a Recorder of this Election of
Burrough, _they doe unanimously elect and choose Bertie Entwisle of Recorder -
Wigan Comon Councell man of this burrough in the room of John
Entwisle Esq late Recorder and also Recorder of this Burrough, ' Quamdin
se bene gesserit,' and order that he shall have and receive the due and
accustom'd fee and stypend for the said office of Recorder."

The connection of the family of Bootle, now represented
by the Earl of Lathom, with the town of Liverpool, is
interesting as set forth in the Records at this period.

Thomas Bootle, a native of Liverpool, who was a counsel Thomas
learned in the law, is introduced as follows :

" 1713, Aug. 5. Thomas Bootle, of the Inner Temple, Esq., admitted
free gratis,"

and was immediately promoted to the Common Council.

In 1722 he stood as Tory Candidate for the representation 1722.
of the borough against Cleveland and Johnson (Whigs) , when
the numbers stood :

Cleveland 882 Election.

Johnson 758

Bootle 393

Mr. Bootle petitioned against the return of Johnson, on
the ground of his want of a qualification, which led to the
proceedings mentioned above, (I) which, however failed. On
the resignation of Johnson, in 1723, Bootle was passed over
and Mr. Langham Booth returned.

In 1726 he was elected Mayor, and when a new Parlia-
ment was summoned, in August, 1727, on the accession of
George II., he again offered himself as a candidate. Being,
as Mayor, the returning officer, it was necessary that he should

('I Vide supra, p. is.

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

resign his office. To this, however, there was considerable
opposition.

The Records state as follows :

" 1727 August. Mem 3111 That our present Mayor Thomas Bootle Esq
being desirous to surrender his office of Mayor, comunicated the same at a
gen'all meeting of the principal! Burgesses and Freemen, and a day was
appointed for a Common Hall to be held whereof all the Freemen that
were in town to have notice, and accordingly a sumons in print was serv'd
or left at the house of ev'y freeman giveing them notice that the first day
of August was appointed.

" Aug I st Att a Comon Hall or Gen'all Assembly of the Mayor Baylives
and Burgesses of the burrough and Corporation of Liverpool, held this
first day of August A no Dni Georgii Secund, &c in the Comon Hall of and in
this Burrough, pursuant to publick notice and sumons, deliv'd to every
freeman or left at the house of ev'y such as happen'd to be out within this
town and the liberties thereof, and publick notice given in writeing, and
by the Bellman as usuall, Mr Mayor propos'd to surrender his office of
Mayor for the remainder of his Mayoralty, being till the eighteenth day of
Opposition. October next. Whereupon sev'all Burgesses oppos'd the acceptance of
his surrender, and join'd in a Poll of all the freemen against the acceptance
of such surrender, which he executed in publick court, and is as follows:

" Whereas I Thomas Bootle of the Inner Temple, London Esq was on
the eighteenth day of October last past elected Mayor of the Burrough
of Liverpool to serve in that office for the space of one year then next
ensuing, and was duely sworn and admitted into the said office.

Resignation. < NOW know all men by these presents, that I the said Thomas Bootle,
for divers good causes and considerations me hereunto moveing, do by
these presents resign and surrender into the hands of the Baylives and
Burgesses . . . the said office of Mayor, together with all liberties,
priviledges, rights, powers and franchises thereto belonging, and do depart
from the said office and all exercise of the same and from henceforth do
quitt the same, and do now disclaim all right and title to the said office of
Mayor, &c.

" In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and scale this first
day of August Anno primo R s Georgii Secundi &c (1727.)

T. BOOTLE."
1727, Aug. 1st.

" The surrender of Thomas Bootle Eq &c being openly read in publick

Poll taken, court after he had executed the same, a Poll was begun for and against

the acceptance of such surrender, and the names of all the Burgesses and

freemen that were pleas'd to give their vote therein, amounting in the

whole to nine hundred and eighty six were taken down in a Poll book.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 17

And after the Poll was ended upon casting up the books it appear'd that
there was a great majority for accepting of the said surrender, viz' :

" For accepting it 545

" Against it 441

" 104 Majority.

" And thereupon an instrument of the acceptance of such surrender . . .
was then sign'd by John Martindale and Robert Whitfield, the p'sent
Baylives of the said Burrough and also by sev'all Burgesses in open court,
and the scale affix'd thereto, and the said Thomas Bootle deliv'd up his
staffe, and the Court adjourned."

Here follows the instrument of acceptance, signed by 32 Resignation

... , accepted.

Councillors and Burgesses.

" Whereupon the staff being delivered by the said Thomas Bootle to
the Baylives, they agreed to proceed to the election of a Mayor for the
remaining part of the year of Mayoralty."

" Aug. 5. George Tyrer Esq was thereupon elected Mayor for the
ensuing twelve weeks to St Luke's day."

" A contest then took place for the Mayoralty when Mr John Hughes
was elected. A scrutiny was demanded, which was refused."

Mr. Bootle was returned to Parliament without opposition. Bootle
He sat for the borough until the general election of January,
1735, when he was ousted by Mr. Richard Gildart, and
was subsequently elected for Midhurst. He was appointed
Chancellor to Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Attorney
General for the County Palatine of Durham. In 1745 he
was knighted. In 1724 he purchased the Lathom estates
which had passed by marriage from the Stanleys to Lord
Ashburnham, where he took down the ancient hall and
erected the present mansion in its place. Bootle's niece
and heiress married Mr. Rd. Wilbraham, of Rode Hall,
Cheshire, whose descendants have been ennobled, first under
the title of Baron Skelmersdale, and subsequently as Earl of Earlof

_ . Lathom.

Lathom.

The Town Clerk was not the only officer who incurred the
displeasure of the Council.

Mr. Sylvester Moorcroft, an Alderman, a leading man in

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Moorcroft,
Treasurer.

Dismissed.

Hall

appointed.

Dismissed.

Corporate affairs, was elected Mayor in 1706, it was said
much against his will. When the old Custom House, which
stood at the bottom of Water street, was removed on the
construction of the Old Dock in 1709, Mr. Moorcroft erected
a new Custom House at the East end of the Dock, which
answered its purpose for nearly a century and a half. In
1716 he was elected Treasurer to the Corporation at a salary
of 50 per annum.

In 1720 some dissatisfaction arose which led to the
following record :

1720, Oct. I3th.

" Whereas it is made appear to this Council! that Aid" Sylv r Moorcroft
Town's Treasurer, who since the last Councill held, hath not only
comitted a very great misdemeanour in carrying the books of orders of
this Councill upon some ill designe to disclose, publish, or destroy, some
of the orders therein, which might tend to the manifest prejudice of this
Burrough and Corporation ; but also voluntarily and obstinately refus'd
to attend in Councill when duly sumon'd ; by means whereof the Cor-
poration affaires have been very much delay'd, and the publick business
retarded. This Councill have thought fitt to remove and doe remove and
discharge the said Aid" Moorcroft from being Treasurer, and doe elect Mr
Peter Hall, Treasurer in his stead, to hold upon the same terms, and
giveing like good security as Mr Moorcroft, by the order of the Councill
of 3ist August 1716, was order'd to doe."

This no doubt arose out of the controversy at that time
going forward respecting the constitution and authority of the
Council.

Mr. Hall's appointment cannot have been quite satis-
factory, for we read on the 2oth March following (1721) :

"Then elected Mr Henry Trafford Treasurer, for the benefit of Mr
Peter Hall, who is att present under some misfortunes, he giveing security
imediately to lay his accounts monthly before the Councill, and to have
twenty five Pounds $ ann m sallary."

We get occasionally interesting glimpses into the mode of
conducting the business of the Council.

" 1716, Nov. 7. Order'd that the former order of Councill enjoining

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 19

ev'y Councill man to wear a cloak when he appears and sitts in Councill, Councillors'
be and is hereby reviv'd and made a standing order and law."

The Mayor, when he appeared in public, was attended
by Halberdiers.

" 1713, Oct. 23. Order'd that the Halberdiers have new Coates &c as Halberdiers,
usuall, the three yeares now expireing."

" 1721, Sept. 6. Order'd that the two Halbert bearers that attend
every Sunday at the Hall door, dureing Mr Mayor's being there, shall
have an allowance of sixpence every Sunday between them."

The attendance of Councillors was rigidly enforced.

" 1715, Sept. 16. It is order'd that ev'y Councill man that does not
attend at two o'clock on the first Wensday in ev'y month being Council
day according to custom (unless sufficient cause be shew'd for his absence)
or within half an hour after two o'clock in the afternoon peremptorily,
shall forfeit and pay six shillings and eight pence, imediately after, without Fines
any further order or fine to be sett on him by this Councill, and that the "tendance
Baylives of this Burrough demand and receive the same, and upon failure
of payment of such forfeiture they are hereby empowered imediately to
levy such forfeiture according to the custom of this Burrough, on the
goods and chattels of the offender.

" The like order and fine for non-attendance when the Councill is
regularly sumon'd.

" And it is now declar'd that both these orders remain standing orders
for the future."

In case of continued absence the offending member was
expelled, thus:

" 1707, Aug. 20. Mem din What order to be made to discharge the
absent Councell men. Order'd that the Town Clerk write to Mr John
Hughes, if he will attend or desire to be remov'd out of y" Councell."

The Bailiffs put in a claim for reimbursement. 1721,
Nov. i : The newly-elected Bailiffs, Messrs. Goodwin and
Taylor

" Willingly accept the office, but humbly hope the Corporation will Bailiffs'
consider their expences therein. This Councell therefore takeing into Claim,
consideracon that they have already serv'd that office once, doe order
that the town's treasurer doe pay so much of the necessary expences
which they shall be put unto in the discharge of their office, as the Mayor
shall allow and order for the present year."

CHAP. 7, A.D. 17021727.

Mayor's
allowance.

Debates in
Council.

Disputes.

Town's
Chest.

Again,

" 1722, Aug. i. Bryan Blundell Esq Mayor.

" Whereas there are sev'all bills for publick entertainments had by
order of the late Mayor, w ch were usually paid by the Mayor and Baylives,
are left unpaid by the late Mayor, being his share to have paid, and that
he being deceased insolvent, the Bay? humbly hope they shall not be
charged therewith, and praying relief; And this Councill takeing the same
into consideration, and that it would be a great hard pp on the late Bayl s to
pay the same, it being expended for the publick service of the Corp". It
is now order'd that the said arrear be paid by the treasurer out of the
publick mon s of the Corp", and allow'd him in his accounts. And that for
the future, the forty pounds allow'd to the Worp" the Mayor for the time
being towards the expenses, instead of two of the best freemen's fines, shall
not be paid or allow'd by the treasurer till the Mayoralty be ended, and
the publick entertainments discharged."

Freedom of debate was upheld in the Council, as the
following resolution testifies :

" 1710, July 5. Resolved that it is the undoubted right of ev y comon
Councell man of this burrough att ev'y Assembly, to move what he shall
think fitt for the benefitt of the Corporation, and if insisted on, the same to
be then decided and determined by the majority of the persons present att
all and ev'y such Assembly."

The Council meetings were not always harmonious in the
olden time any more than in the modern. In 1714 disputes
ran high respecting the appointment of one of the Rectors,
and also respecting the appropriation of the revenues of the
dock.

" 1714, June 4. It being propounded that the Coinon Scale canott be
come att by reason Mr Maudit (treasurer) who was entrusted with one of
the keys of the town's chest wherein the same is lodg'd, refuses to deliver
the same, p'tending he hath deliv'ed it over to Alderman Geo. Tyrer, who
refus'd to attend with it this day to scale some leases ; It is order'd that the
Serjeant att Mace goe to Mr Maudit and demand the said key.

" And the Serj' went accordingly and returned. Did not get the key,
he telling him the same. It is therefore order'd that in case the said key
be not deliv* to Mr Mayor this night, that Mr Mayor be requested to order
the lock whereof he had the key to be knocked off, and a new one plac'd
on in the p'sence of the others that have the other keys, and such new key
putt into the hands of Mr Rob' Low."

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 21

Jealous as the Corporation were as to their rights and
privileges, they had occasionally to give way to the claims to
exemption from the burgesses of other towns, who relied on
special charters from the Crown.

A peremptory mandamus of this kind was issued by the
Lord Mayor of London, in 1706, as follows :

" 1706, Sept. ii. To all to whom these p'sents shall come o y" same
shall see, hear, or read ; Sir Thomas Rawlinson, Knight, Lord Mayor of
y city of London, and y 8 aldermen of y 8 same City send greeting.

" Know yee, that amongst other y liberties, free customs and priviledges
by y 8 Charters of y* late King Henry y 8 second, and Henry y 8 third and
other Kings of England to y 8 Citizens of y e City afores d granted ; And by
y e authority of divers Parliam 15 ratifyed, approv'd, and confirmed, it
appeareth that all y 8 Citizens of London and all their goods are and ought Claim of
to be, quit and free from all Toll, Passage, Lastage, Piccage, Pontage, London to
Pavage and Murage, through y 8 whole realme of England, and y 8 ports of e *
y 8 sea ; And through y e whole dominions of y same as well on this side as
beyond y e seas, and through y" ports of y 8 sea, as well on this side as
beyond the seas ; and that if any man shall take any toll or customs of y 8
Citizens of London, the Citizens of London may take of y e burrough or
town (where any toll or other customs shall be taken) as much as y" said
Citizens have given for toll, and are thereby damnified ; And that if any
man within y e realm of England, or in any y 8 dominions of y 8 said Kings
on this side or beyond y 8 seas, or in any y" ports of y 8 sea on this side or
beyond y 8 seas, shall take any toll or other customs of y 8 Citizens of
London, the Sheriffs of y 8 said City of London for defaulte of justice in
that behalfe, their goods may take at London; and also that y 8 said
Citizens throughout y 8 whole realme and dominions afores d , freely and
without any lett of y 8 said Kings or any of their officers or ministers, as
well by sea as by land, concerning their goods and merchandizes, in any
place or port, may traffick and do their businesse as to them shall seem
good, quitt of all custome, toll and payage : And also may abide in any
place within y 8 said realm for doing their businesse as in time past they
have accustomed to do. And further it is forbidden upon forfeiture, that
none should presume from henceforth to molest or otherwise to disquiett or
vex y 8 said Citizens contrary to y 8 liberties to them as aforesaid granted.

" Wherefore wee pray and friendly intreate you on behalfe of William claim of
Sawrey, who is a freeman of this City and of the Company of Salters of y 8 ^"A -". ^
same City ; that you will not in anywise molest him in his person, nor in ^
his goods, nor (in as much as in you is) suffer y 8 same to be done by
others. And that if you have taken anything from y 8 said William Sawrey,

CHAP. I, A.D. 1702 1727.

Bristol,

Wexford,

Waterford.

Poor
Palatines.

his Attorney, Factor, Assignee, or any of them you make restitution unto
him his attorney, factor, or assignee, or some of them, without delay
according to justice ; least wee for want of justice on y r part to be
p'formed, should be urged to inflict the penaltyes of y Charters afores d
on you or some of you, or to prosecute some other hard course against
you, which wee hope you will in y r wisdom prevent.

" In Witnesse whereof, wee the said Lord Mayor and Aldermen of y"
said City of London, y* Scale of y e office of Mayoralty of y" said City to
these p'sents have caused to be affixed. Dated at London, y e eleaventh
day of September A nno Domini 1 706 and in y fifth year of y" raigne of our
Soveraigne Lady, Anne, Queen of England &c."

The same exemptions were claimed and allowed to citizens
of Bristol, Wexford, and Waterford, as appears from docu-
ments entered in the records about this period.

The marriage with a freeman's daughter gave partial
exemption, as by the following entry :

" 1714, Mar. g. It is order'd, that Owin Branagan who hath married a
freeman's daughter, have liberty to trade within the town during the
pleasure of this Councill, paying tenn shillings # Quarter, but so as not
to p'judice the town's duties, or other the priviledges and franchises of
this CorpV

This exclusiveness was rather peremptorily interfered with
in 1709, by an immigration of foreigners. During the wars
then waging on the Continent, in which the English forces
under Marlborough were so distinguished, no district suffered
more heavily than the country bordering on the Rhine, called
the Palatinate. In time of defeat they were plundered by
the enemy, and in time of victory by their friends ; there
seemed to be no end to the march of destructive armies
passing and repassing the river. Harassed and dispirited by
these continued calamities, they came to a resolution to
remove and seek their fortune in a strange land. A large
number found their way to England between 1706 and 1709,
principally with a view of getting over to America, for which,
however, no provision was made. They met with a very cold
welcome, from the idea that the influx of so many artizans

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 23

would tend to lower the rate of wages. A detachment found
their way to the banks of the Mersey, respecting whom the
following entries occur.

" 1709, Sept. 16. John Seacome Mayor.

"Att a speciall councell &c

"The letters from Sir Alexander Cairnes of the city of London of the
8 th and 12 th curr' to Mr Mayor signifying his haveing sent one hundred and
thirty persons of the poor Pallatines and a list of their names, number of
children and trades and imployments. This assembly doth concurr there-
with, and doe enact and order that their names be entred upon record, and Reception of
that they and ev'y of them be receiv'd as settled inhabitants of and in a a
this burrough. And that in consideracon of five pounds $ head pay'd
down with them, they and ev'y of them and their issue shall be permitted
to exercise their respective trades and imploym B within this burrough and
Corporacon without disturbance in any wise."

Some objections appear to have been made against this
action of the Corporation almost the sole instance of such
liberality during their whole history which led to the following
entry :

" It being declared in this assembly that sev'all persons_have discoursed 1709.
in and about this burrough and Corporacon, that the Comon Councell of objections of
this burrough have not power to receive persons as inhabitants of and in Parish -
the same without consent of the parish.

" It is Resolv'd, That it is the_undoubted right of the Comon Councell
of this burrough and Corporacon to admitt and permitt any persons
whatevei^to inhabitt and exercise any trade within this burrough and
Corporacon, without consulting or haveing the consent of the Parish in
any wise."

The subject came up again in the following month.

" 1709, Octr. 5. It is order'd,

" That for the better imployment and settlem' of the Pallatines lately
receiv'd into this burrough, and of the poor of this burrough, a Comittee
be and is now appointed and establish'd, viz*

" The Mayor for the time being, the Aldermen and the Baylives for the
time being, the senior and the junior Aid" or two of them att least being
present, shall have power to make such orders for the imploym' and
disposall of the Pallatines and poor, and setling and manageing of a
workhouse, or setling them or any of them in any other imployment or Disposal of
manufacture as they shall think will be for their better maintenance and Palatines.

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

way of liveing. And that the Corporation haveing receiv'd six hundred
and fifty pounds with the Pallatines, the same or such part thereof as the
said Comittee or any five (whereof two of the Justices of the Peace viz'-,
appointed 8 ^ e Mayor, the junior or senior Alderman or two of them to be two) shall
think most meet and shall order and direct, shall be laid out in renting a
house, houses, or other buildings, and buying in of such stock or stocks as
the said Comittee or any five shall direct and appoint ; And that the Bayl s
for the time being haveing the said moneys, shall upon all occasions
answer and obey all such orders as the said Comittee shall make and
direct, &c."

As nothing further is recorded concerning the poor
Palatines, it is to be presumed that they became merged
in the general population. It is possible that some of the
names we meet with half a century afterwards, such as
Names of Beeckman, Fewller, Bertyn, Isatt, Rumbold, &c., may have
been derived from this source.

It was handed down traditionally that some of the houses
in Derby Square were the handiwork of the Palatines, and
that workshops were built for them by Sir Thos. Johnson, in
Sir Thomas's Buildings.

water 7 f ^ ne su ppty f the town with water formed at this period,

and long after, a very anxious subject of inquiry. Originally,
the natural springs at the outcrop of the sandstone strata
furnished an ample supply from shallow wells, but as the town
increased these were no longer sufficient, and the wells were
liable to pollution.

With the increase of the town, after the Restoration, the
attention of the Council was drawn to the subject, and in
1695 an agreement was entered into with Messrs. Green,
Tuttell, and Barrey, by which facilities were given them for
bringing water into the town at reasonable rates. The source
from which the water was to come (I) was from the springs at
Bootle. Nothing, however, was done for some years.

<') See Vol. I of Selections from the Records, p. 320.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 25

1705, Sept. 5th. Mr. John Seacome petitions to supply the "os.
town with water on reasonable terms, and if he does not
perfect and complete the waterworks in two years he will be
obliged to surrender his lease. The source not stated.

Messrs. Green & Co. failed to carry out their undertaking,
and ten years elapsed without anything being done.

1705, Oct. 24th. Proposals were made by Mr. Simon
Edmunds, on behalf of Sir Cleave Moore, Bart., of Bank
Hall, offering to supply the town with water from the copious
springs at Bootle. On Nov. 7th a document was sent in a
more complete form, as under:

" Proposals humbly made by Simon Edmunds of Liverpoole in y*
County of Lancaster Gentlem" in the name and on behalfe of S' Cleave
More of Banckhall, in y" s d County Knt and Baronette.

" To y e Worp 1 y* Mayor, Bay lives and Burgesses of y* ancient Burrough
of Liverpoole in y e County afores d for convaying fresh water to supply y"
s d town, pursuant to a peticon formerly p'sented on y same acco 1 -

" Imp 15 That y" s d S r Cleave More shall have free liberty to convay to Proposals of
y* s d town y river and springs of Bootle through y e wast lands, comons, Moore -
highwayes, streets, lanes and other avenues, leading to or within y" s d
town, for and during y e tearme of one hundred yeares, and in such manner
and upon y e same condicons as such liberties of convaying of water
had been formerly contracted for betweene the Mayor, Baylives and
Burgesses of y* s d burrough, and John Green, Thomas Tuttell and
Richard Barrey.

" That in regard y" contract formerly made with y" s d Green, Tuttell and Green and
Barrey may be deem'd and judg'd to be and remaine still valid and in TntteU<
force, ^notwithstanding they have neglected to p'forme any one of y articles
condicons and agreem* on their parts for upwards of tenne yeares, and to
y* great inconvenience of y s d towne.

"Therefore it is humbly^proposed, That y* Mayor Baylives and Burgesses
should concur, agree, consent and endeavour, with y e s d S r Cleave More in
any legal act or acts whereby y e s d contract or grant may be declar'd and
made voyd ; hee y" s d S r Cleave More being at all y charg of obtaining
such declaration, or making voyd y" s d contract, and that till y obtaining
such declaration y s d S' Cleave More shall not require of y* s d Mayor
Baylives and Burgesses any further or other assurance thereof.

"That y e s d Mayor Baylives and Burgesses be pleased to appoint what
time they think reasonable to p'forme and accomplish y" s d undertaking,

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Lease to
Moore.

Green and
Tuttell.

1706.

and that y* s d S' Cleave More shall give good and sufficient assurance for
y* timely and due p'formance of y 8 same.

" It is this day order'd in Councell (pursuant to y e above peticon) that
S r Cleave More shall have a lease for y e Waterworks formerly sett to
Messrs Green, Tuttle and Berrey for_one hundred yeares, hee y s d
S r Cleave More defending this Corporacon at his own charg from ye s d
Green, Tuttle and Barrey, and bringing in and delivering up y 6 s d lease to
y e Corporacon ; which intended Waterworks y e s d S r Cleave More shall
p'fect, compleat and finish in three yeares time from this day. And shall
pay fifetie shillings $ ann during y e tearme, y" rent to commence from
this day ; and y" first yeare's rent to be pay'd_to ye Corporacon next
Mich'lmas, and shall give security to y Corporacon to p'fect and effect v"
s d Waterworks for a g'nl supply (on reasonable tearmes) of y 6 inhabitants
of y* s d Corporacon in three yeares' time ; otherwise y e lease to be vacant,
and that councell learned in y* law shall be consulted in y e making of y e s d
lease, according to y e intent and meaning of this order."

Messrs. Green, Tuttell & Barrey were not so easily
disposed of as was imagined, and it was found necessary to
apply to Parliament.

" 1706, Feb. 7. Sylvester Moorcroft Mayor.

"Whereas y 8 Corporacon in y e year 1695 did contract und' articl with
Jno Green, Thorn 5 Tuttell, and Rich d Barrey of y* city of London &c., for
y supplying of this toun with water, and y e Port with good and wholesome
fresh water, as by y 8 said contract may more fully appear. And y" s d
persons never did anything pursuant to y e s d contract in order to effect y 6
s d worke, nor pay'd any rent reserv'd to y e Corporacon. And there is no
likelihood that y s d persons will ever go on and finish their p' tended
undertaking. And y e s d toun and Port lye und" great inconveniencies for
want of so good and usefull a worke were willing to encourage any person
mindfull to und'take y e same.

" And whereas y e Councell did on y" 24* day of Octob' 1705 receive
proposals from S r Cleave More, by his agent, Simon Edmunds, Gent 1 for y
supplying of y* s d toun with good and wholesome fresh water (hee having
springs convenient_for that end) ; And did then agree to y e s d proposals,
und' certain condicons and limitacons as $ y e s d order of Councell dated
as afores d may more at larg' appear. Now y c s d S r Cleave More having
sent down a peticon to y" Comons of Engl' to be sign'd by y 6 Mayor,
Alderm" &c in order to make voyd y" afores d contract with Green, Tuttell
and Barrey and to enable him to furnish y e toun with fresh water, this
Resolutions Councell doth not think fitt to sign the same, but do agree to sign a
about Water, peticon of their own, on behalfe of themselves and y" rest of y 6 Corporacon
in order to obtain y e afores d end, and to enable them to close with y e s d

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 27

S r Cleave More. And do also impour y e pr* Mayor and Baylives to
contract under articles^ with y s d S' Cleave More, according to y" agreem u
restrictions & limitacons in y afores* order of Councell of v" 24"" of
8 b ' 1705 contained."

Another three years elapsed without anything being done,
but in 1709 a further movement was made.

" 1709, Dec. 8. John Earle Mayor. Moore's

" Order'd, That Mr Mayor and Bayl s be impower'd to admitt S r Cleave e '
Moor, Barr" to take a lease from the Corporation for lib'ty and conveniency
within their bounderys to make waterworks and bring fresh water from
Bootle, prejudiceing no person's private right ; under such proper coven* 5
as Councill shall advise, to be approv'd of by this Assembly, for 99 yeares,
paying tenn pounds # ann rent, he finishing it in 3 yeares now next, else
the Corporation not to be bound by such lease ; S r Cleave being oblig'd
to sett aside the former lease to Barry, Tuthill and Green, by Act of
Parliam' or otherwise as can be best obtained."

In the succeeding Session an Act was passed (8 Anne, ^^^
cap. 25) " For enabling the Corporation to make a grant to
Sir Cleave More, to bring water into Liverpool from Bootle
Springs."

Still nothing was done, probably from lack of capital to
carry out the works.

After the lapse of another eight years, the energetic
Thomas Steers, the engineer for the dock just constructed,
along with Alderman Seacome, came to the rescue.

" 1717, Octr. io. Foster Cunlifie Mayor

" Alderman Seacome and Mr. Steers petitioning for liberty to bring 1717 -

fresh water to the town and to have a lease on such terms as will Seacome and

bteers s plan,
encourage them to perfect it.

" It is order'd that they give proposalls in writeing next Councill day."

Another twelve months elapsed, when we find the
following :

" 1718, Octr. 8. Richard Kelsall Mayor. 1718.

" Order'd That S r Cleave More and Mr Seacome and Mr Steers have
liberty to bring water to town upon such terms and condicons as the
Council! shall think fijtt."

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Water from
Moss Lake.

plan All this parade, for five and twenty years, of propositions,

abandoned. . J J . .

agreements, leases, and applications to Parliament ended in
nothing. Sir Cleave Moore sold his Bootle estate, which was
purchased by the Earl of Derby.
The closing notice is as follows :

" 1720, Oct. 13. Thomas Fillingham Mayor.

" The order made the eighth day of December 1709 to admitt S r Cleave
More to take a lease for liberty to make Waterworks and bring fresh water
from Bootle to the town for 99 years, which he undertook to finish in three
years, but hath not yet done it, is now vacated, and declar'd void to all
intents and purposes."

So the matter rested during the greater part of the century.
Its revival will be seen in a future chapter.

It may be incidentally mentioned that in 1720 an inde-
pendent scheme was carried out for supplying the town with
water from the Moss Lake on the high land to the east, and a
reservoir was constructed in London Road. In 1742, during
heavy rain, the reservoir burst, and the rush of water did
considerable damage. The scheme was then abandoned and
never revived.

The Corporation was always jealous of interference with
its jurisdiction, and pugnacious in defence of the independence
of the local courts. Thus we read :

" 1709, Jan. 10. John Earle Mayor.

" Whereas it is propounded to this assembly that the proceedings of and
Local Courts, in the Mayor and Bayl s Court of this burrough in certain causes brought
there and the condemnation and sale of certain goods by them arrested
and sold by process out of the said court, are now threaten'd to be call'd
in question. It is order'd that in case the same be disputed att law, the
charge of justifying and of defending of the proceedings of the s d court
only, shall be borne by the Corporation ; the Town Clerk haveing the
managem' thereof."

Wards.

The division of the town into wards, under the Municipal
Reform Act of 1835 was not the first arrangement of the kind.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

In 1667, the town was divided, for administrative purposes,
into five wards.

During the period now under review we read :

" 1721, Nov. i. Bryan Blundell Mayor.

" Whereas att the last Grand Portmoot Court held in and for this
Burrough it was represented to the court by the Grand Inquest, That by
the great enlargem' and increase of this town and the inhabitants thereof
for the better governm' of this Burrough and more effectuall putting the
laws in execution especially against immorality and prophaneness, there Constables,
should be six assistant constables yearly elected.

" It is now order'd and enacted that six proper and fit persons, freemen,
and inhabitants of this burrough, be for ever hereafter elected, appointed,
and chosen yearly, to be Dep ty Constables, Headboroughs, or assistants to
the sub-Baylives and to be obliged to take an oath for the due performance
of their office.

" This Councell therefore have and doe proceed to elect such fitt persons Wards,
and doe appoint that the town be divided into four Wards or Districts and
that two including the sub-Baylives be appointed to each ward as follows
" East Ward or Dale Street District
" West Ward or Water Street Do
" South Ward or Castle Street Do
" Dock Ward Pool Lane &c Do "

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES.

The landed estate of the Corporation consisted of an
original grant from the Earls of Lancaster of the turbary
including the Moss Lake ; of various parcels which from time
immemorial had belonged to the town ; but principally of the
Great Heath, which extended from the Pool stream eastward
to the present Crown Street, which had been ceded by Lord
Molyneux, under the agreement of 1672.

Bunding The plots of land for building were, in the first instance,

leased for three lives only, but as the demand greatly increased
with the development of the town after the Restoration, in
1707 the leases were extended to three lives and 21 years.

The disposal of the land became an important and
increasing source of revenue.

In addition to the landed estate, there were the following
sources of income :

sources of The Freemen's fines on admission. This impost was

Income.

very irregularly and arbitrarily levied ; seemingly at the caprice
of the leading members of the Council. It amounted to a
considerable sum yearly. There were the rents of property
in possession, the fines upon new leases and renewals, the
market tolls, the town's dues.

The last item was originally a local tax upon the goods of
strangers, or foreigners as they were called, the Burgesses and
Freemen being exempt ; this exemption extending to the
citizens of London, Bristol, Waterford and Wexford.

In 1651, immediately after the Civil War, the receipts
from all sources amounted to 273 6s. 8d.

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 31

In 1704 the revenue was 831, derived as follows : 1704 -

Freemen's Fines 208 14 2 Revenue.

Rents 104 ii 5

Market Tolls 80 5 8

Town Dues 255 2 7

Sundries 934

Fines from Leases 173 o o

830 17 2

In 1707 the income had increased to 1177 143.

The records during this period indicate in a very interesting ^ d and for
manner the demand for land and the steady extension of the
town beyond the pool, which had been for ages the boundary
of the town eastward.

There has always been a tradition that coal existed under
the town. In 1698 the Council voted the sum of 10 for
experimental boring.

Some bold speculators had an idea that not only coal, but |^ ch for
lead ore might be found in the locality. The following
entries relate to these propositions :

" 1717, Mar. 7. Foster Cunliffe Mayor

" Order'd that Aid" Gildart have liberty to boar for coales, within the Grant.
Corporation lands, and in case any be found, he to pay six pence $ work
to the Corporation as the Lords part."

" 1723, Aug. 7. Edward Ratchdale Mayor

" Mr Gildart haveing liberty to boar for and gett coales, desires the like
liberty to boar for and gett lead oar and other oar (if any) within the Lead Ore.
liberties of this town. It is order'd that he have a lease of both under
such limitations as not any person's private right may be p'judiced thereby,
and Mr Recorder to be consulted thereon paying a tenth part of the oar
that shall be gott and 2 s 6 d $ ann. rent till oar is gott."

" 1723, Nov. 6. The Lease to Aid" Gildart as settled by Mr Recorder for Lease of
liberty to gett coale, lead oar, and other oar being now read, is approved Coal-
of and order'd to pass under the Corporation Seale.

It need not be said that the attempt to find either of these
minerals proved abortive. In the case of the lead ore, better

33 CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

knowledge would have shown the futility of the attempt. In
reference to coal, the question is still in doubt, not as to the
existence of the coal measures, but as to the practicability of
reaching them.

There were other minerals of a much humbler character,
which the Corporation were able to turn to account. The
clay and the sandstone afforded excellent materials for
building and for other purposes.

Bricks. Bricks began to b& made on the common or Great Heath

in 1615, and several notices occur subsequently of leases and
grants for the purpose.

In 1619 the lessee was bound to sell bricks to the Bur-
gesses at 8s. ^ m, giving 1120 to the thousand. In 1685 the
price had fallen to 55. 6d. ^ m, the lessee paying a royalty of
4d. ^ m.

" 1716, Mar. 7. Order'd, that Mr Hughes have liberty to gett clay or
marie within his field for makeing sugar moulds or potts, and other kind of
muggs, paying 2 s 6 d $ ann."

stone In regard to stone, the Corporation was in possession of

two quarries which for many years supplied the wants of the
The Mount, town ; one on the eminence called " The Mount," the site

of St. James's Cemetery ; the other consisting of a rocky
Brown-Low, hill called the "Brown-Low" (anciently Brune-lagh), now the

site of University College. They were both worked from

time immemorial, until exhausted.

" 1705, Dec. 5. The Quarry upon y Comon order'd to be lett, and a
Bill to be fixt on y* Exchange in order thereunto."

The quarry was accordingly let to one Edward Litherland,
of Netherton, for a term of seven years, at a rent of 11 IDS.
"W ann. ; but the quarry being intended for the general supply
of building stone to the inhabitants, provision was made by a
long list of prices of the various articles required, at which

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 33

the lessee was bound to supply the Burgesses. A few speci-
mens may be given :

"Pairpoint Ashlers 11 to i4ins square and aft long 3 d $ ashler 30* # Prices of
, , Stone,

hund.

" Broaken Stone Work with Windows, Corners and Jamms and

Tables 7 d $ yd.

" Corner stones for Brickwork 2 d $ stone
" Pound Worke and other rough worke 4^ d $ yard
" For 2 Beckett Stones for an arch over a cellar or y* like 2 s 6 d
" For Broad Coping Stones for covering a wall 3 d $ foot
" For Columbs for a Pillar io d # y" y e Pillar to be measured round

about
" For Grave Stones 2 s 6 d ^ stone "

&c., &c.

At the time of the rebellion of 1715, it appears that the
town was to a certain extent temporarily fortified, for under
date of 1718, May i4th, we read :

" It is order'd that the Town Clerk goe to London, to sollicite the
obtaining of the charge of the fortifications att the time of the late Fortifications
rebellion ; and that the Corp" bear the charge of his journey, and that
what moneys shall be obtained, the same shall be apply'd towards the
building of the new church."

At the commencement of the i8th century the ancient
castle was in the possession of the Corporation, on an annual
tenancy from the crown. (I)

In 1704 a lease was obtained, of which, as it is a very Lease of

' ,. r Castle.

important document, I present the leading features.

"This Indenture made the fifth day of March in y third year of y 6 Raign
of our Soveraign Lady Anne by y grace of God Queen &c. and in the
year of our Lord 1704, Betweene our said soveraign . . of y one part
and y e Mayor, Bayliffes, and Burgesses of ye town of Liverpoole . . of
y" other part.

" Whereas y 6 office of y" Constable of y" Castle of Liverpoole within y
County Pal" of Lancaster was by Letters Patent under y 6 seal of y Duchy
and y s d County Pal e bearing date y 6 tenth day of July in y twenty
seaventh year of y 8 Reigne of y" late Queen Elizabeth (amongst other

i 1 ' See the previous vol. pp. 292-315,
E

34 CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

things) granted and confirm'd by y e said Queen unto Richard Molyneux Esq,
therein named. To hold unto him y" said Richard Molyneux and the Heirs
Lease of male of his body, and for default of such issue to y Heirs male of y e body
of S r Richard Molyneux . . with such wages and fees as are therein
expressed.

" And whereas y greatest part of y* s d castle is demolished, and y e rest

Ruinous thereof is now ruinous and decayed and of no benefit and advantage to y e

state. Queen's Majestic ; and y" Mayor, Baylives, and Burgesses of y e s d Towne

of Liverpoole have by their humble peticon . . besought her s d Majestic

for a lease of y" scite and soile thereof for y e purposes and during the term

of years hereinafter mentioned. Now this Indenture witnesseth. That y e

s d now Queen's most excellent Majestic y better to enable y" s d Mayor,

Provision for Bayliffes and Burgesses to maintain and provide for the Rectors of the

Rectors. Parish Church of Leverpoole and y Parochiall Chappell within y e s d Town,

and their successors according to y 6 intent of an Act of Parliam' made in

y tenth year of y* Raign of his late majesty King William y 6 third, entitled

an act to enable y" towne of Liverpoole in y e County Paletine of Lancaster

Church. to build a church and endow y e same, and for making y s d town and liberties

thereof a Parish of itself distinct from Walton, and for and in consideracon

of y" rent and covenants hereinafter and contained on y" part and behalf of

y s d Mayor, Bayliffes, and Burgesses to be payd done and performed, and

of y e charges the said Mayor, Bayliffes, and Burgesses are to be at in

building on y 6 lands hereinafter mentioned and for divers other good causes

and consideracons her said Majesty hereunto especially moving and by and

with y" advice of her Chancellor and Councell of her s d Duchy of Lancaster,

Hath given, granted, demised and to farm lett unto y 8 s d Mayor, Bayliffes,

and Burgesses all that y e scite of her s d Majest 5 late castle there call'd or

known by y" name of y" Castle of Leverpoole, or by what other name y"

same heretofore was or now is called or known, together with y ditch

thereof, and y e soile of y e s d late Castle and Castle Ditch and all buildings,

inclosures, and improvements thereon or any part thereof made with their

AreaofLand. appurten 5 , containing in the whole six Thousand two Hundred, seaventy

and three square yards, amounting to two Roods of land and eighteene

Perches of Ground according to y e measure there used, and y* same being

butted and bounded round about, and on the outside of y" s d Castle

Ditch as followeth (that is to say) on y 8 north west part or side thereof,

from y" Castle Gate abutting upon and being bounded by the Backside of

a certain street in Leverpoole comonly called the Castle Hill for y" space

of forty eight yards and three quarters of a yard, being y" lands and houses

Boundaries of y 8 Mayor, Bayliffes, and Burgesses of Liverpoole afores d ; and on y* west

of Castle. p ar t or s i(j e thereof, abutting upon and being bounded by y* Backside of

another street there, called Preeson's Row for y 6 space of seaventy two

yards and an half; being y e lands and houses of y e Mayor, Bayliffes and

Burgesses, and on y" south side or part of y e s d Castle and ditch abutting

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 35

upon and being bounded by y 8 Backside of a certain other street there,
commonly called y 8 Back of y 8 Castle, being y 8 lands and houses of y 8 s d
Mayor, Bayliffes and Burgesses, for y 8 spac of Eighty and one yards, and
on y East side or part of y 6 s d Castle and ditch abutting upon and being
bounded by y 6 Backside of a certain other street there, commonly call'd y 6
street leading to y 8 Poole Lane for y e space of seaventy sixe yards, being a
publick street way, and also abutting upon and being bounded by a part of
a certain other street there, upon the Castle Hill leading to Harrington
Street for y 8 space of one and thirty yards and an half on y 8 North East
part up to y* s d Castle Gate, y 8 same being in y 6 whole of y 8 yearly value
of Twelve Pounds beyond Reprises, as by a survey thereof made and
returned into her said Majest 5 Court of Duchy Chamber and there remaining
amongst y Records of y 8 s d Duchy.

" To have and to hold y 8 said scite and y 8 soil of y 8 s d late Castle of
Leverpoole and other y 8 p'miss's with y* appurten" unto y 8 s d Mayor,
Bayliffs, and Burgesses of y 8 s d Town of Leverpoole and their successors
from y e date hereof for and during y 8 full and whole tearme of fifty yeares Term,
now next ensueing, and fully to be compleat and ended, they y 8 s d Mayor,
Bayliffes and Burgesses Yielding and paying into y 8 hands of y 8 Receiver
Gen 1 of y 8 s d Dutchy of Lancaster for y 8 use of her s d Majesty her heirs
or successors y 8 yearly rent of six Pounds thirteen shillings and four pence Quit Rent,
of lawfull money of England at y 8 feaste dayes of St John y 8 Baptist and
our Lord Christ in every year by even and equal portions. . .

"And the s d Queen's most excellent Majesty for and on y 8 consideracons
afores d and by the advice and consent of her Chancellor and Councell,
hath given and granted unto the said Mayor &c. free lycence, full power Power to
and absolute authority from time to time to demolish y 8 remaining ruins of Demolish '
y 8 s d late Castle or so much thereof as they shall think fitt and to levell and
fill up y 8 walls and ditches of y 8 same, and to improve y 8 s d scite and soil
thereof by building thereon, or by such other wayes as to them shall seem
meet, and to convert towards such buildings or other improvem* 5 the
materials of y 8 s d late Castle without rendering any account to her Majesty
for y 8 same ; y 8 s d demised p'miss" and y 8 buildings and other improvem* so
by them to be made, to be set apart and appropriated towards providing
y 8 maintenance of y 8 Rectors of y 8 said new Church and Parochial Chappel
within y 8 s d town of Liverpoole and their successors, according to y e intent
of y 8 s d recited Act, and to be applied to no other use or uses whatsoever
to y 8 p'judice thereof.

"And y 8 s d Queen's Majesty doth hereby direct and appoint William
Lord Viscount Molyneux, now Constable of y 8 s d Castle by virtue of y 8 s d Constable,
recited Letters Patent of y s d late Queen Elizabeth, to take notice of this
first demise and grant, and to give obedience thereunto and in all things
conforme himselfe accordingly."

Then follow covenants to keep in repair the buildings so to be erected, Covenants.

3 6

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Grant to
Rectors.

Armoury.

Copy of
Lease.

Tenants in
Castle.

and quietly to yield up possession at the end of the term. Should any
proceedings be taken to dispute the Queen's title to the premises, the
Mayor, Bayliffes, and Burgesses to defend the same at their own costs
and charges.

" And y e s d Mayor &c. do further for themselves and their successors
covenant with y" s d Queen's Majesty, that during the continuance of the
lease they will apply the rents and profits towards making up the annual
sum of Two Hundred Pounds charged upon the Town and Parish of
Liverpoole by y e s d Act of Parlem' for y e maintenance of and providing
for the Rectors &c.

" And y 6 s d Mayor &c. further covenant that they will with what con-
venient speed the same may be done, build, erect and make, and keep in
repair some convenient place or building within or upon y" scite of y e s d
late castle, or appropriate and sett apart one or more rooms in such other
buildings as shall be by them erected, to contain and keep the arms,
ammunition and other military stores for the publick use and service of y 6
militia of y s d County Palatine of Lancaster.

" Covenants for quiet possession on due fulfilment of conditions.

"Memorand" 1 That on y first day of June 1705, the original lease,
whereof y e precedent is a true copy, was putt into y" iron chest by Wm
Hurst Esq pr'st Mayor Jasper Maudit Esq Alderman, Thomas Sweeting,
and Mr Peter Hall, one of y 6 p'sent Bayliffes of Liverpoole, the said lease
being lately return'd from London, it being there enrolled."

This lease, efficient as it seems, was but the commence-
ment of a long course of litigation.

There were a considerable number of tenants claiming
vested interests and refusing to be disturbed. A list is given,
bearing date March I2th, 1706, from which it appears that
there were 22 holdings, paying rents amounting to 21 2s. 3d.,
and eight tenancies with no rent attached.

" 1706, May 8. Mr Ralph Peters (Town clerk) petitions for an order of
Councell to save him and others harmlesse w th relacon to his acting in y"
turning out y inhabitants of y" Castle, and for defraying y e charg thereof,
they moving now in y 6 Queen's Bench therein.

"And that in case any Writts be brought by y 6 Lord Molyneux or Mr
Farrington against any person in respect to y 6 title of y 8 Castle, that some
persons may be order'd to be Bail therein and be saved harmlesse and
that y 8 same be p'ceeded in as Councell shall advise at y e town's charge.
Agreed unto, and that a Rule be drawn against y* next councell day."

" 1706, June 5. Y e Hon ble Lord Viscount Molyneux having spoak to
Mr Mayor twice to have a meeting about the Castle.

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 37

" Mem to speak about y 8 Castle and meeting Lord Molyneux. The gjg ute with
Councell requests Mr Mayor to take such of y 8 Alderm" with him as hee Mo i yneux .
thinks fitt to discourse w" 1 my Lord Molyneux about y e Castle, and consent
to be determined with wh' Mr Mayor and y 8 s d Aid" concludes on, relating
to y e same."

" 1706, Sept. 4. Mem. it's concluded by Mr Mayor, Aid" and Councell Meeting.
That my Ld Molyneux is to be mett on Monday next at two of y 8 clock in
y 8 afternoone at y 8 Alehouse next Derby Chappell by y 8 persons following
viz Mr Mayor, Win Clayton Esq, Thos Johnson Esq, Aid" Tho. Tyrer,
Aid" Cuthbert Sharpies, Ald n John Cleveland, and Mr. Jno Seacome to
attend them."

Lord Molyneux, as hereditary Constable of the Castle,
claimed an interest in the rents and profits.

1706. Pursuant to the order of May 8th, the Town Clerk
took measures to eject the occupants of the Castle, and
obtained orders from the magistrates to that effect. The
result is told in the following report :

" 1706, Octr. 29. The case of y e Corporacon of Liverpoole relating to
Her Majest's Grant of Castle.

"Upon y^ Grant several tenants of and in the Castle have attorn'd to Ejecting
y 6 Corporacon. But some who are poor and likely to become chargable Tenants -
stand out, and y e Lord Molyneux (or Mr Farrington, who claims under
him) p'tend a right, and encourage those tenants to pay y 6 rent to them, or
one of them.

" That y e said persons (being poor) the Corporacon removed them to the
several places of their settlement as by law they ought.

" That those persons since made affidavit against y 8 Justices of Peace
who sign'd y 8 orders for removal!, Ralph Peters, y 8 Overseers of y e Poor,
y 8 Constables, and severall others, and moved in the Queen's Bench to
have indictm 18 of Riott against them.

" But on setting forth y 8 whole matter, the Rule they had obtain'd for
Indictm* (unlesse cause shewn) was sett aside.

" But y 6 Court order'd y 6 s d poor persons to be restored to their possession Tenants
w ch accordingly was done. restored.

" Note y e orders (as are alledg'd) are defective, for y' in y 8 adjudging
part of y 8 order y e Justices of y 8 Peace have not adjudg'd y 8 persons to be
poor, tho' in y 8 former part it is said that it appears to them that y 8 s d
persons are poor &c. But y 8 Court of Queen's Bench did on y 8 hearing
declare, it ought to be in y 8 adjudging part.

" That y 8 Lord Molyneux did in Septemb' or Octob last desire a Conference.

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

conference, and (as understood) desir'd time to consider of y* proposals
made him in behalfe of y 8 Corporacon.

" That in November, (y e beginning of Mich'm s tearme last) Writts were
issued ag' Mr Webster, Ralph Peters, and several others, at the suit of
Porter, Green and Lucas, but that not any declarations therein are filed ;
tho' it's believed it is for breaking and entring into their houses or roomes
to remove them, and (as presumed) is prosecuted by y 8 Lord Molyneux or
his order.

Certionries. " That certioraries are brought to remove y 8 orders made for removall of
these poor persons ; and they expect to sett y 6 orders aside next tearme in
y" Queen's Bench.

" That it is advisable y 8 Corporacon take some methods to enforce y 8
possession of y 8 Castl' and establish y e title thereof by law. In order to
which Councell advise,

" That in case y 6 s d Porter, Green and Lucas declare for breaking and
entring into their houses, the title may be brought in question on these
actions. But since they have not (as yet) fyled any declaracons and y 6
time for serving ejectm B being now at hand, in order to bring y 8 matter on
next Assizes, y e declaration is now before Councell to be setled.

" It is therefore pray'd y 8 direction of Mr Mayor Aid" Baylives and Comon
Councell what proceedings shall be made therein, and that y persons sued
may be saved harmlesse, and their charges reimbursed.

" Which shall be duly and punctually observ'd by

" Y 1 " obed' serv

" y 8 8 Januar, 1706." " RA: PETERS.

" It is order'd in Councell, That y 8 persons sued shall be indemnified,
Ejection. an( j that proper methods may be taken about ejection &c."

" 1706, Mar. 25. Sylvester Moorcroft Mayor.

" This Councell doth order. That if any proposals be made by y 6 Lord

Molyneux for an accomodation or agreem' about y e Castle, that Mr Mayor,

Aid" Cuthbert Sharpies, Rich* Norris Esq, Alderman John Cockshutte,

Ald m Jno Clieveland, Mr Thos Coore and Mr Jno Seacome have powr to

Negociations compromise y 8 matter with y 8 Lord Molyneux, and what they shall do y c

Councell do unanimously consent unto."

Orders. " 1707, June 4. It is order'd at this assembly that Mr Mayor and such

of the Councell as shall think fitt to appeare meet in the Comon Hall of
this Burrough every Wednesday at five o'clock in y 6 afternoon to determine
and settle matters relateing to y 8 castle and its improvem' Whose orders
and agreem* 3 to be effectuall and vallid except made by a lesse number
than seven att the least of the Councell."

1707.

A long statement of the circumstances was now prepared,
of which the following is an abstract :

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 39

" The Corporation haveing obtain'd a Grant or lease of the old Castle
from her Maj tie for fifty yeares under the yearly rent of six pounds thirteen
shillings and four pence dated y e 5th day of March 1704 did on the i6th

of the same month by warrant of attorney, depute Ralph Peters to make Statement of
i , , 5-1 / ^i r it. i.-u Proceedings.

an entry therein, which accordingly was done the I7th ol the same month,

and most of the tenants attorned and became tenants to the Corporation,
but about 5 or 6 poor families claimed under the Lord Molyneux's title
and would not attorn ; for the Lord Molyneux and his ancestors (haveing
for many yeares been constables of the said Castle by a grant thereof from
the crowne) claymed not only the said office, but the soile thereof and all
the buildings thereon, and enjoy'd the same except when the crown had
occasion for it, and in King Charles the 2 nds time had orders or Warr te for
the immediate slighting the said castle and demolishing so farr the outworks
thereof, as thereby to render it untenable for the future, and to take the
stones, timber and materialls to his own use and accordingly some of the
walls were pull'd down. . . But not many of the Outwalls being pull'd
down, in King William's time, the L d Macclesfield being then L d Livetenn*
of the County Pallatine of Lancaster, had a grant of the Castle and
buildings or the Constableshipp, and took possession thereof, and sett, lett,
and held them to his own use ag' the Lord Molyneux. But immediately
after his death, which was about November Ano Dni 1701, the present
Lord Molyneux made an entry into the Castle, and made a grant thereof
to William Farrington Esq for life, and then sev'all tenn ts or most of them
all, became tenn a to Mr Farrington ; but L d Molyneux rec d the rentes.

"The Castle being esteem'd a privileged place, severall persons of divers Difficulties.
trades gott into it and follow'd their trades there to the great p'judice of
the Burghers and freemen of the Corporation. And when any of them
became poor or chargeable, they were usually remov'd into or charg'd
upon the parish of Walton (whereof Liverpoole formerly was part). But
in the year 1700, Liverpoole becomeing a parish of it selfe, distinct from
Walton by Act of Parliam' (tho 1 the Lord Molyneux did all that in him
lay to hinder the same, the Corporation paying him a valluable con-
sideration for his interest as Patron) the Corporation then conceiving that
the inhabitants of the castle (if poor) would be chargeable to their parish
did att their Quarter Sessions p'sent the inhabitants of the castle who were
likely to become chargeable as inmates, and seva'll times suijioned them
before the Justices of Peace and acquainted them they were so p'sented.

" And perticularly one Green, Edward and William Porter, Lucas,
Balshaw, and one Pilsbury and their families and order'd them to depart ;
but they obstinately refuseing, the Justices, upon the Overseers of the Resistance,
poor's compl' as the law directs, made orders for removall of them to the
respective places of their last legall settlem', upon notice of which Pilsbury
remov'd but the rest still refus'd, so that on the 16* day of April 1706
the Overseers executing the orders made by the Justices remov'd some

40 CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Proceedings, peaceably, but Green being absconded, his wife, as also Lucas and Edw 11
Porter lock'd themselves upp in their respective rooms, and would not
suffer the Overseers to remove them, but on the contrary threaten'd the
officers, upon which the Overseers applied to the Mayor and Jasper Maudit
Esq for assistance, and they with Wm Clayton and Thos Johnson Esqrs
and sev'all others went allong to the Castle to see the peace kept ; then
the orders were sev'ally read att their respective doors and demand made
that they would open the doors and suffer themselves to be remov'd ; but
they then refused and their doors were broke down and the said sev'all
families remov'd and new locks putt on.

" Whereupon the Lord Viscount Molyneux, to be vexatious (for tho' the
names of these poor persons were used, yet all the trouble was created and
carried on att his charge, who had all allong been very troublesome to the
Corporation by incourageing poor persons and papists to come into the
Castle and exercise their trades there, tho' not free of the Corporation nor
had any settlem' therein) caus'd a Motion to be made in the Queen's
Bench and obtain'd rules of that court ag l Mr Mayor, the Justices and
others that were in the castle at the time of removeing those poor
persons ... to show cause why informations should not be exhibited

Riot. against them for a riott, they haveing suggested to the Court that the said

removall of these poor persons was only to get possession (which indeed
was thereby intended) tho' the Corporation was ready and willing that the
Tytle might be settled by a tryall at law ; whereupon severall affidavits
were made setting forth the true matter of fact, and on reading them and
on the motion of S r Edward Northy, his Maj Mes Attorney Gen'all who was
of Councell for the Corporation, the said rule was discharged and another
was made that they should be restor'd to their possession which accordingly
was offer 'd to them. But notwithstanding that rule some of them being
remov'd to Manchester, that town contested the settlem' of them there,
and the Corporation on the tryall made good the orders and had the
same confirm'd at the Gen'all Quarter Sessions for this County held at
Ormskirke.

Actions of " Soon after, Green, Lucas and Porter brought actions of trespass

Trespass. against Mr Mayor, the Overseers of the Poor and several others concern'd,
which comeing on to be tryed att Lancaster Assizes in Aug' 1707, appear'd
to be vexatious. A proposall was made in court that all those actions of
trespass should cease and each side bear their own costs, which was made
a rule of Court.

" The Corporation to putt an end to these troubles and disputes having
brought actions of ejectment . . Copys of all the grants and tytle the
Lord Molyneux claim'd by, being upon search by Ralph Peters, then att
London found; it may not be improper to record the same, that if any
more disputes should hereafter happen relateing thereto, the like trouble
and charge may be prevented."

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 41

Here follows a voluminous record of all the documents Documents.
relating to the Castle from the time of Edward III. down to
the recent lease from Queen Anne, which had been referred
by the Privy Council, on petition, to the law officers of the
Crown, with the following result :

"i. That notwithstanding the hereditary Constableship granted to the
ancestors of Lord Molyneux, the site and soil of the Castle were beyond Results,
all question her Majesty's inheritance, reserving to Lord Molyneux the
annual payment of 6 133. 4d. as the wages of his office.

" 2. That the proposed lease to the Corporation would be a benefit to
the Crown and an advantage to the Corporation.

" The Corporation thereupon were permitted to enter peaceably into
possession."

" 1708. James Earl of Derby Mayor.

" Jany. 7. Order'd that Mr John Seacome have the Castle Street Tower Tower.
of the old Castle, where the gates were, paying 26 18 according to the
valluation."

" 1709, Jany. 6. John Seacome Mayor.

" Order'd that Mr Mayor have power to compound with Edw d and
Will ra Porter, now prisoners att Lancaster for costs of suite in the late Costs of Suit,
actions of ejectment, wherein they became defendants for some part of the
late castle within this Corporations and for the mesne profitts of their
respective parts from the time of the entry made thereinto by the Cor-
poration on the Queen's grant untill the verdict obtain'd ag_* them ; it being
made appeare that they are poor and in a starveing condicon.

"It is also order'd that Mr Mayor with the assistance and advice of
some of the Councell not less than four, have power to pull down, alter, Taking down
and make such additionall improvem* in and about the late Castle as shall Castle -
be thought convenient ; and to sett and lett the same for the most profitt
and advantage. The charge whereof to be deducted and allowed out of
the growing rents of the said Castle and appurtenances."

1709, July 4th. The Lord Lieutenant (James, Earl of
Derby) , by his warrant, empowered the Deputy Lieutenant

" to enter into some room or rooms within Liverpool Castle where the
County Arms are (the keys being Jpst or mislayd) and to take an inventory
thereof, and deliver the arms, amunicion &c therein to the worpp" Mr Arms and
Mayor and Comon Councill of this burrough or such persons as they shall Ammunition,
appoint who is to be answerable for the same.

" It is thereupon Order'd by this assembly, that Ralph Peters the town
clerk be empowered to give a receipt for the same, and that this Corpora-

4 2

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Round
Tower.

Market.

1709.

Patent for
Market.

1723.

tion do henceforth undertake the safe keeping thereof during such time as
the Governm* please.

" Which warrant being brought by Mr Rich d Edge of Middlehilton
Gent ; S' Thomas Johnson, Rich* Norris and Jon Blackburn Esqrs
proceeded thereon and deliver'd the arms accordingly."

" 1718. Richard Kelsall Mayor.

"It is order'd that the tenants in the Round Tower in the late Castle
have notice to remove, and that the Ground be levell'd with all convenient
speed, the Councill being of opinion that it will be proper to erect the
church there."

This is the final record, with which the history of the
Castle terminates, after an existence of five hundred years.

The Corporation having obtained a lease of the Castle and
its precincts, immediate steps were taken to establish a market
on a portion of the site left open, and called Derby Square.
The original market was held at the High Cross, and partially
at the White Cross, the intersection of Tithebarn and Oldhall
Streets.

The site of the market could not be removed without a
patent from the Crown, which was obtained in 1709, the
reception of which is thus recorded :

" 1709, June 2. John Seacome Mayor

" The Pattent for the new Markett being obtain'd this month, the same
being brought down by Warrington Coachman (I) to Warrington, was fetch'd
thence by Mr Baylife Wainwright and Ra. Peters, and accompany'd into
town by Mr Mayor and a great number of the Aid" and Gent" of the town,
the streets being lyn'd by the Hon ble Leivetenn' Gen'all Gorge's regim' of
soldiers, who then lay att Liverpoole waiting for a wind to embark for
Ireland the i6 th day of June 1709; and being read in the Comon Hall is
lodg'd in the Town's Chest."

The market was established, but for some years was
conducted in rather an irregular way.
The next record is as follows :

" 1723, Nov 6. John Scarisbrick Mayor.

" Whereas an order hath been drawn up for settling the New Markett

WAt this time the London Coach only came as far as Warrington, the road from thence
to Liverpool being impassable for carriages until 1760.

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 43

in Derby square, and for removing the retailers of Grocerys and Hardware

and all their stalls out of that Markett, and for restraining the hucksters

from buying and selling again in the same Markett, and has been perus'd Market.

by Mr Recorder and hath now been read and is approv'd. It is therefore

order'd by this Councill that only butter, cheese, pottatoes, fowles, eggs,

bacon and other sorts of victualls (except butchers' meat) shall be retail'd Regulations.

in that Markett, and that Mr Mayor be requested to grant his warrant to

the Baylives to see that this order be obey'd and perform'd."

The butchers, here prohibited from selling meat in the
market, had their shambles in High Street, on a site now Shambles,
occupied by the north wing of the Town Hall.

" 1723, Mar. 4. It being represented that an improvem' may be made
att the upper end of the shambles by erecting and makeing seventeen
shops for shoemakers, and Mr. Bayliffe Shaw proposeing to build them
and find all for sixty Pounds, he is now order'd to doe them with all
convenient speed."

" 1724, June 3. Mr Thos Moss petitioning that there may not be any
shops built so near as to hurt his windows or darken the lights of his house Shops.
in the shambles, which were agreed to on the granting the liberty of a
passage thro' the Woolpack into Water Street. The same is referred to
Mr Mayor and Baylives (l) "

In 1715 a dispute arose respecting the tolls on fish and me.
potatoes sold in the market. lotatoes.

Under a lease of 1678, the Tarleton family held the fish
yards and market at the foot of Chapel Street, with power to
levy tolls on all fish and potatoes or other roots there sold.
This the lessees interpreted as giving a right to tolls on fish
and potatoes sold elsewhere. T^ie proceedings are recorded
as follows :

" 1715, May 4. Richard Gildart Mayor.

" A dispute having arose whether Mr Tarleton is intituled by virtue of
the present lease to the tolls of fish and potatoes brought to other places Tolls of Fish.
in the town and there utter'd and sold, or only of all fish and potatoes sold

M In Chadwick's map of 1724 the Shambles are shown, and in Eyes's map of 1725 the
passage in question is added.

The Shambles were removed about 1803, and transferred to Cable Street and South
Castle Street, where they remained until about 1865.

44 CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

att the fish house. The same is referr'd to Mr Mayor, Aid" Coore and Aid"
Norris, to treat and settle the same with such persons as Mr Tarleton will
nominate, and report their proceed' next Councill day."

The dispute went on for several years, and we find the
following entry :

" 1719, Octr. 7. Josia Poole Mayor.

Fish House. " Order'd That a lease be granted to Mr Edw* Tarleton of the fish
house and the tolls of all roots brought thither, for two lives, to one life
and 21 yeares in being, but as there has been a dispute whether the toll
of roots brought to any other part of the town was intended by the present
lease to be granted, and under which he claims the toll of all roots brought
to any other Markett in town, therefore the toll of roots sold att the Fish

Restrictions, house Markett is only order'd to be now granted, and the toll of any other
place is not hereafter to be granted on any terms whatever, and if Mr
Tarleton will accept of such new lease and surrenders the present lease, it
is order'd that he have these two lives added gratis."

ingatesand Another source of income was derived from the ingates

(utgates. an( j outgates, which were a sort of octroi levied on all carts

with articles of food and provender passing in and out of the

town. From these dues, Formby, Altcar, Prescot, and some

other villages were exempt by prescriptive right.

In 1701 the dues were leased at 14 ^ ann. In 1708 they
were raised to 20.

In 1709, Octr. 5th, Nicholas Longworth petitions to have
the Ingates and Outgates for ^25 ^ an.

"It is order'd to be sett the 13* instant to the highest bidder, and
accordingly it was sett to him for 25 $ an. he paying halfe a yeare's rent
aforehand."

" 1710, Sept. 6. Nich 5 Longworth peticons that he may have the ingates
and outgates another year. It is a very hard rent, and sev''all tolls justly
due to the Corporation have been withheld from him by sev'all persons.

" But will pay the same rent if y" Councell will not please to order an
abatem*-"

" 1714, Apl. 7. A complaint being made that the Collector of the Ingates
and Outgates takes two pence from ev'y forreigner's cart bringing in free-
men's goods, which they haveing also inspected into, doe find justly due.
Toll on Hides "It is therefore order'd, That the same be insisted on, and also the
small toll for ev'y hide sold here.

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 45

"The said Collector complaining that Mr. Tarleton insists upon and
takes toll for all potatoes brought to other places in town as well as at the Potatoes.
Markett att the Fish house, it is now order'd

" That the order made 17 th Aprill 1700 be reviv'd."

The Corporation, in maintaining their dues and monopolies,
were subject to continual attacks from all quarters.

" 1708, Jany. 7. James Earl of Derby Mayor.

" Some persons who have farmed Hilbree (island) alledging themselves
to be citizens of London, and as such exempt from Town's dutys ; and the Claims of
cheife of them being att Hillbree and not in the City of London, so that he Exem P tlon -
is not a Citizen. It is therefore order'd, that Mr. Bryan Dawney doe take
the Town's Duty of all rock salt goeing to Hillbree and insist thereof, and
he be sav'd harmless therein by the Corporation."

Here is a reminiscence of the plague, which desolated the Plague,
town several times in the i6th and I7th centuries.

" 1707, Augt. 5. Ja. Brookes Mason, petitions y' he may have some
reasonable satisfaction for y loss of y e herbage in Sickman's Lane by
reason of y e new Well, for he has formerly sett it for io 5 and ia s $ ann.
and this last year he lost y" whole p'fitts of it, and he is still lay'd and
tax'd for it.

"Order y' James Brookes be not taxed for Sickman's Lane for y" future."

There are several records of moneys given and bequeathed Bequests.
to the Corporation for charitable purposes, which seem to
have been forgotten and become obsolete.

" 1706, July 16. Will. Webster Mayor.

" Memo' Mr James Scarisbrick has one hundred Pounds by him w ch hee
is willing to let y e Corporacon have, paying him_intrest during his life, Scarisbrick.
and hee be oblig'd to give y* same to y Corporacon (for y e use of y* poor)
after his decease ; y Councell accepts of y e same according to y" proposal,
and y e Corporacon is to allow five ^ cent for y money during his own life.

This is confirmed on the 4th Sept., with the proviso that
the fund shall be disposed of by the Mayor and the Rectors.

"1706, Sept. 4. The Rev" Mr Rob' Styth and y Rev d Mr Henry
Richmond desires y' y fiftie pounds left by y" late Madam Richmond for Richmond,
repairing y" Almshousesjy 8 late Doctor Richmond her husband left) may
be putt into y" Corporacon's hands, y" Corporacon (in this Councell) have
determin'd to take it into their hands at five $> cent."

" 1717, May 15. Old Capt. Tarleton haveing left by Will the sume of Tarleton.
Fifty Pounds, the interest whereof is directed to be distributed to and

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

amongst poor sailors' widows, in Liverpool three fourth parts, and one
fourth part to the poor of Walton, and that the sume being now putt into
the Corporation Stock. It is order'd that a deed be pass'd under the
Corporation Scale to the Rector of Walton for the time being and his
successor for the paym' thereof accordingly."

Down to the time of the construction of the Old Dock, in
1709-15, the money transactions of the Corporation were
conducted in a very primitive fashion. The money was

Town Chest, deposited in a town's chest, with five locks, held by the Mayor
and other officials. Money was occasionally taken up at
interest and repaid, but there were no banking facilities nearer
than London.

" 1709, Deer. 8. John Earle Mayor.

Grant to < Five hundred Pounds is order'd to be given towards making the Dock

in such manner as shall hereafter be order'd by this assembly out of the
Corporacon stock or to be taken upp for that purpose."

Money was borrowed by giving a bond under seal.

After the completion of the Dock, the amount of indebted-
ness having grown to a large sum, a better system of finance
was adopted.

" 1720, June 3. Thos Fillingham Mayor.

Loan. " Mr Mayor having now Comunicated to this Councell that a gentleman

in London will lend the Corporation twelve thousand pounds att interest on
certain condicons, haveing security under the Corporacon Scale by way of
Mortgage of all the Corporation lands, Town Customs, Rents on Leases,
Shambles, and all other rents (except the Castle) and also of the fund on
tunage ariseing by and out of the Dock Duties. It is order'd that Mr
Mayor be requested to doe what is proper and needful therein for obtaining
the said sume, takeing advice and care that the covenants be proper and
in the manner and method of repaying the same as the profitts and incomes
yearly arise, &c. A copy of the Charters &c to be sent by the town clerk."

TRADE AND COMMERCE.

The most important event relating to trade and commerce
during this period was the construction of the first dock, now Dock,
a thing of the past, long ago filled up and the site covered
with public buildings ; but in its day the cradle of the
commerce of the port, and the commencement of the largest
system of floating docks in the world.

As the commerce of Liverpool went on increasing in the
early years of the i8th century, the accommodation in the Harbour,
old harbour or pool became altogether insufficient ; ships had
to be exposed in the open roadstead, at great risk and
inconvenience. In 1701 a stringent set of rules was framed
for the regulation of the vessels entering.

Further steps were soon taken.

" 1708, Nov r - 3. Jno Seacome Mayor.

" Order'd that S r Thomas Johnson and Richard Norris Esq, the
representatives in Parliam' for this Corporation (being now goeing to
Parliam') be desir'd and impower'd to treat with and agree for a proper
person to come to this town, and view the ground, and draw a plan of the
intended Dock."

" 1709, Mar. 7. Jno Seacome Mayor.

" One Henry Huss of Derby in Derbishire who comes to survey the Huss Survey
place where to make a dock with Mr Sorocold and draw a plan and
estimate of the charge thereof, is admitted free of this Corporacon gratis.
But this is not to be a President.

The plan recommended by this gentleman appears to have
been that of opening out and deepening the stream which fed
the pool, and forming a canal for shipping along what is now Canal.
Paradise Street.

"1709, April 13. Wm Bibby petitioning for a lease of the Ground Lease of
allong the intended canal between Cable Street end and Thomas Street Land -

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Petition for
Act.

end. It is order'd that the same be viewed and that Mr Mayor be
requested to take allong with him such of the Councell as he shall think
fitt and make report thereof to this assembly next Councell day."

This plan however was not carried out.
We next read :

Site for Dock. " 1709, Octr. 5. It being propounded in Councell that pursuant to an
order of this assembly of the third day of November last, a person was
agreed with by S 1 " Thomas Johnson and Rich d Norris Esq, who hath
view'd the ground wherein is intended the makeing a convenient Dock for
the safety of shipps and that a Plan thereof being made, it is conceiv'd
that about the sume of six thousand pounds will make and perfect a
convenient dock ; and that a dock, being highly necessary for the safety of
all shipps as well belonging to this Port as to others tradeing to and from
the same ; It is Order'd and enacted by this assembly that the ground as
now sett out or to be sett out be, and is hereby granted and sett apart for
a convenient dock for ever. And that the said S r Thomas Johnson and
Rich* Norris Esq be requested and are hereby impower'd to obtain (this
ensueing session of Parliam') such an Act of Parliam' for the raising of a
sufficient fund for the same, and the makeing and perfecting a convenient
dock by such meanes and methods and with such clauses powers and
limitations as shall be pray'd directed and agreed on by the merch" and
owners of this Corporation at a gen'all meeting to be called and had here-
after for that purpose."

An Act of Parliament was accordingly obtained, not,
however, without opposition. Their old opponents, the
cheesemongers of London, who maintained a line of trading
vessels to London, which took in their cargoes on the Cheshire
opposition, side of the Mersey, objected to paying dues for a dock which
they could not use. The opposition, however, was unavailing.
The Act (8 Anne, chap. 12) authorised the construction, and
constituted the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Council the Trustees, with
power to borrow 6,000, and to levy dock dues on all ships
entering the harbour.

The next stage is indicated by the following record :

" 1710, May 17. John Earle Esq' Mayor.

Proceedings _" Att a special Council held this 17 th May 1710. The Act of Parliam'
in Council. o bt a i n 'd the last sessions of Parliam' by the managem' of S' Thomas

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 49

Johnson and Rd Norris Esq r pursuant of the fifth day of October last,

now brought and read for the makeing a Wett Dock or Bason, for the

preservation not only of Merch 1 shipps but also of her Maj a<!S Shipps of

Warr, being this day taken into consideration, and the Worpp" the Mayor

Alderm" Bayl 5 and Comon Councill being therein nominated, appointed

and made Trustees for the ordering and makeing such Dock or Bason. It

is resolved Nemine Contradicente by the May' Aid", Bayl 5 and Comon Councill

in Councill assembled That they will proceed to the makeing of the said

Dock or Bason .in and upon the ground (part of the town's waste) formerly

granted in the said Act mencon'd, and as now sett out by Mr Thomas

Steers of the City of London, who is brought down on purpose and has Thos. Steers.

survey'd and stak'd out the same nearer to the sea than sett out before.

And it is order'd and enacted that the said parcell of ground be and

remain to such use for ever and to no other use or purpose whatsoever.

And that the thanks of this assembly be and is hereby given to S r Thomas

Johnson and Rich d Norris Esq for their good service therein.

" And also Order'd that the orders touching the Dock be kept in a book
for that purpose by Ralph Peters, Town clerk who is hereby appointed and Peters, Town
made clerk therein." Clerk>

" 1710, July 5. Further Acts and orders of the same Assembly before
the Worp n John Earle Esq r Mayor, Francis Goodrick and Henry Taylor
Gen. Bayl 8 .

"Whereas this Corporation hath by their Order of Councill of the eighth
day of Decemb' last, Order'd that any sume or sumes of money not
exceeding five hundred pounds be given towards the intended Dock and
other works, and that the buoying out of Formby Channell is highly
necessary, but the same interfareing with the power of Trinity House, it
was not contain'd or granted in the Act of Parliam' for makeing a dock, so
that the charge thereof is not provided for by the said Act.

" It is now order'd that as much as shall be found_ necessary for the
buoying out that Channell shall be had out of that sume so order'd, and Buoying
that the same be layd as the managers for the Dock shall from time to Channel -
time direct and order."

The name of Thomas Steers is first mentioned in this steers.
record. There is no doubt that to him is due the idea of
the floating dock, with lock gates, instead of the canal
previously proposed. He settled in Liverpool, where he had
a long and prosperous career.

In addition to being the engineer for the Dock, he was
appointed Harbour Master. He was also the architect for
the erection of St. George's Church. He became a member

50 CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

of the Council, and in 1739 was elected Mayor. He built for
himself a handsome stone-fronted mansion in Hanover Street,
which in later years became the Branch Bank of England.
Dock opened. The Dock was opened for the admission of vessels on the
3 ist August, 1715, but was not fully completed at the time.

" 1716, Jan. 25. Foster Cunliffe, Mayor.

" Order'd that the Act of Parliam' for prolonging the time granted by the
present Act of Parliam' for makeing the Dock be prepar'd, and that the
Town clerk consult our Members of Parliam' therein and take such advice
of Councill as shall be thought useful."

Second Act. This resulted in the second Dock Act (3rd George I., ch. i),
by which an additional sum of 4,000 was authorised to be
raised towards the completion, and the proceeds of the sales
of land around the Dock to be similarly applied.

" 1717, May 15. Order'd that Mr. Mayor have power to contract with
Landmarks. Mr Mollinex of Mossborough for ground to build the Landmarks on at

Formby for direction of ships comeing into Formby Channell."
1717. " 1717, Octr. 10. ... Then elected Mr Thomas Steers Master of

Dock Master, attendants or Dock Master, to take care of the Dock and the cleansing
of it when and as occasion shall require, and shall be agreed with him
hereafter ; and of the buoys and Land Marks that are or shall be plac'd
and made for direction of ships into the Harbour upon such terms as
shall be agreed with him.

" Mem. Mr. Steers's sallary as Dock Master is agreed to be 20 $ ann
from y* Corporation, and $o $ ann from the Dock 50.

Braddock, ". . . Then elected Mr Wm Braddock assistant to Mr Steers, and
Assistant. to p er f orm the office of Water Bayliffe. Mr Braddock's sallary 10 $ ann
from y Corp" and all the Water Bayliffe's perquisitts."

The Dock was very soon found too small for the
requirements.

" 1718, Deer. 10. Josia Poole Mayor.

Addition to " Order'd that Mr Steers draw a plan of the intended addition to the
Dock Southwards and lay it before the Councill with his opinion thereon,
and discourse with Mr Thomas Hurst and the other proprietors of grounds
there about it and if any alteration happen in the lives in the leases to Mr
Hurst, the Councill will consider it and view and plan the ground east-
wards, and consider whether will be most comodious and report his opinion
thereon next Councill day.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 51

" Order'd that Mr Mayor be desir'd to request our members of Parliam'
to forward the petition before the Treasury for making the Dock a place of Extension of
dispatch and to extend the limitts of our Port thereto."

The affairs of the Corporation relating to the Dock at this
time did not run altogether smoothly. There were, as usual,
discontented persons who criticised their proceedings very Disputes.
keenly, and it appears, from the documents, very unfairly.
The following entry refers to this :

" 1719, Deer. 2. Order'd that Aid" Squire and Mr Isaac Green be
desir'd to goe to London to attend and assist in the sollicitation for an Act
of Parliam' for makeing the river Weaver navigable in concert with our Rj ver
members of Parliam' att the charge of the Corporation, and to obtain the Weaver.
charge of fortifying the town in the late rebellion now before the Treasury
and Mr Mayor to write to our members thereon."

" 1720, Aug. 3. It is propounded that it is highly necessary that a chart of
draught or chart be taken of the entrance into this river thro' Formby Channel.
Channell, and of all the banks that lye off, and of the bearing of the buoys
from the Land Marks.

" Whereas great complaints are made that the cawsey on the North Overflow of
side of the Dock is so low that the tyde overflows it into the adjacent Dock -
cellars to the great damage of the tenn*- It is now Order'd that the same
be speedily rais'd att the charge of the Trustees of the Dock and that the
watercourse and channell att the bottom of Pool Lane which is a great
anoyance to the wharfe and Dock be alter'd and turn'd down the street
called King Street or George Street into the comon shore."

" 1720, Octr. 13. Thomas Fillingham Mayor.

" Whereas a most unjust insinuation and groundless protest is privately
dispers'd and handed about to and amongst the Burgesses and Freemen of
this burrough, as if all the Coinon Councill (except a few of them) call'd
and represented therein by the style of a Sett of men, have sold the Dock
to themselves and all the strand, in manifest breach of their trust ; And
Whereas the Worpp" the Mayor, S r Thomas Johnson, Aid" George Tyrer
and others of this Councill att a meeting had on Friday night the seventh Council
instant, did offer and propose that in case any other person or persons Proceedings.
would within three months propose a better Scheme or method of paying
off the debts contracted on account of makeing the Dock, or give more for
the publick benefitt of the Corporation than had been offer'd by the
undertakers the 16 th day of August last, the order made that day, to be
sett aside if this Councill thought fitt, and that none might be impos'd on
therein nor any person concern'd misrepresented Publick notice hath
been given that ev'y person that is minded to give more or make any other

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

proposalls may have liberty so to doe. This Councill doth entirely agree
thereto, and give six months time to receive any new proposall."

The Water Bailiff's office proved more lucrative than was
expected, which led to a revision of the appointment of
Mr. Thos. Steers as Dock Master.

" 1724, Aug. 12. John Scarisbrick Mayor.

Dock Master " It being propounded that Mr Thos Steers doe take upon him both the
and Water place of Dock master and Water Bayliff (except executing of warrants
and attending upon Mr Mayor which he is to find a Dep* to doe and
perform) from the tenth day of October next, and that Mr Steers to have
all the perquisitts and fees belonging to the office of Water Bayliffe, but
no sallary for either place from the Corporation, and to pay thereout to
Mr Wm Braddock in consideration of his resigning the office of Water
Bayliffe which he now holds, the yearly sume of twenty five pounds
quarterly by equal porcons, and to allow his dep 1 * the benefitt of the fees
for executeing all warrants, and on admissions of freemen and what further
they shall agree on.

" It is now order'd that Mr Steers be appointed accordingly Dock
Master and Water Bayliffe from the tenth day of October next on the
terms and condicons above mention'd.

The improvement of the harbour led to the development
Building. of ship building, of which there are incidental notices.

" 1724, Octr. 16. Capt Nicholas Webb who hath built a large ship at
this town by recomendacon of our representative in Parliam* Thomas
Bootle Esq, and laid out considerable sumes of money and haveing
agreed to take some lead upon freight from Wales, which he runs the
risque of hither by boat rather than take his ship to fetch it or load
from thence, and now haveing the honour to be a freeman of this burrough,
prays that he may be excus'd the town's custom for such lead ; and this
Councill takeing into consideration the said p'mises, doe hereby order that
the town's custom must be paid, but the town's treasurer is now order'd
to return the same to Capt" Webb again."

Blowing up " I 7 2 4- I* being represented to this Councill that a proposall is made
Rocks. to blow up two great stones that lye just att the edge of the Channell into

Bowmaris, (where many of our ships are frequently putt into) over against
Penmon within Priestholme island, which are dangerous to vessells putting
in there, and have by strikeing upon one of them been oversett ; the greater
of which stones is called Maen Wen Penmon, and are adry only on spring
tydes, if this Corp" will contribute some gunpowder ;

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 53

" It is now order 'd that the Treasurer doe send thirty pounds weight of
gunpowder, and seven pounds in cash for the purpose aforesaid, and be
allowed the whole in his accounts."

The export of salt, brought down from Cheshire, formed salt.
an important part of the export trade. The following notice
relates thereto :

" 1706, Feby. 7. Sylvester Moorcroft Mayor.

" Whereas the Merchants in town have suffered or are likely to suffer Salt to
considerably on ace' of Salt not holding out in Ireland &c to what it takes Ireland -
in on this side ; Mr Ralph Peters is sent up to London to sollicite y* s d
affair, in order to get some deficiencies amended of y s d Act. It is Order'd
in Councill, that the Corporacon do allow twenty pounds out of its comon
stock towards y* s d charg ; y e salt trade being so very beneficial to y
Corporacon, and y' y e money be lodged in y" hands of Wm Clayton Esq
and Thomas Johnson Esq their representatives in Parliam 1 - "

The restrictions and penalties on non-freemen attempting
to trade were continued with increased rigour.
Thus we find :

" 1710, Octr. 30. George Tyrer Mayor.

" The persons hereafter nam'd are p'sented for exercising their respective Restrictions
trades following within this Corporation not being free : on Trade

Wm Cragg Joyner Thos Fawcett Clockmaker

Geo Anderton Weaver Thurstan Fogg Dyer

Jon" Herford Do M Bernard Upholsterer

Sam 1 Bateman Do Thos Turner Translator

Hen. Holt Do Josh Wimsley Do"

Dorothy Euston Do

The number of weavers mentioned is rather remarkable, weavers.
since it implies that there must have been a considerable
number of Freemen weavers, to whom these outsiders caused
umbrage.

The idea that persons could not be allowed to translate a
document without being a Freeman, is somewhat grotesque.

" 1712, July 2. James Townsend Mayor.

" Att a Councill &c.

"It is order'd that the Town clerk doe prosecute all persons that

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Prosecuting
Non Freemen

Children of
Freemen.

Bookseller
prosecuted.

Whitfield
reprimanded,

Oysters.

Apprentices.

inhabitt and keep shops within this town and exercise trades within the
same not being free, in such manner as the Recorder shall advise and
direct, and to comence and prosecute actions att law against such persons
in the name of the Mayor, Baylives and Burgesses of this burrough, at the
charge of this Corporation.

" And it is declar'd that the children of all such freemen as doe not
inhabit within this town ought not to be admitted to follow and exercise
any trade within the town upon a seperate stock, distinct or seperate from
their father's stock.

" Order'd That all persons who live in town and follow any trade or
business within this burrough and use the faculty of freemen not being
free, shall be oblig'd to pay Quarteridge, otherwise to be prosecuted for
such offence as by law they may."

" 1724, Nov. 4. John Goodwin Mayor.

" Mr Daniel Birchall Jun. haveing laid before this Councill a petition
setting forth that Mr John Hopkins a bookseller who is a forreigner is
likely to come to this town without haveing any lycense or leave so to doe
and publickly retails all sorts of books, paper &c in great quantities upon
the week day, encouraged by Mr Peter Whitfield, a freeman of this town,
and uses the faculty of a freeman, which is a manifest breach of the
priviledges of the freemen, a great p'judice to the petitioner and an open
violation of the ancient constitution of this burrough, and praying relief
therein.

" It is order'd that the said Mr Hopkins be stopp'd from going on in
retailing, and prosecuted for the offence already comitted att the charge of
the Corporation ; and that Mr Whitfield be sumon'd to answer the
p'mises."

" 1724, Deer. 9. Mr Peter Whitfield appearing and giving a long answer
ore tenus too long to be remembr'd,

" It is order'd that he give his answer in writing in a week's time to
Mr Mayor."

There is no further entry relating to this matter.

" 1709, Jany. 10. Presentment by the Grand Jury.

" That according to custom and usage of this Corporation no persons
bringing oysters or any fish to this Corporation to retail the same there on
the usual days, shall sell the same by wholesale to any persons that
usually sell the same again in any other markett, or that buy to sell again
in any other markett till after 12 o'clock on ev'y Markett Day, on forfeiture
of the fish."

" 1707, Sept. 17. Sylvester Moorcroft Mayor.

" It is order'd, That all indentures of Apprentice are to be enrolled
according to former order, and the same to be sett up in publick on the

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 55

Exchange that every one may have notice, for which 12" to be paid for
ev'y enrollm'.

Pipe making was at this period a considerable branch of Pipe-making,
industry in Liverpool, but required protection, according to
the following extract :

" 1706, July 16. James Atherton and David Grason Edw 4 Lyons and
others, Pipemakers in Liverpoole do peticon y* whereas sev 1 country Pipe-
makers come into town, and do not only sell their pipes to y" Grocers in
town, by wholesale, but go from alehouse to alehouse and sell their pipes
by retail, to alehouses or other inhabitants, to y 8 destruction of y' petition 8
and their familys, who pay'd for their freedome, and are at great charg to
support themselves and familyes and are contributors to leyes and taxes
lay'd on them as inhabitants therein, to order some relief therein."

The endorsement is " nihil factum."

" I 7 I 5> J u ty 6- Richard Gildart Mayor.

" It is order'd that the owners of the Pott house att Lord Street end Potters,
shall pay tenn shillings quarterly for liberty of carrying on their bussiness
of makeing and selling earthenware att that Pott house, they not being
free of this town; but not to be excus'd from paying town's dues for what
they shall import."

Notices are found of the erection of glass houses and flour class Houses
mills, and of the extension of sugar refining.

" 1718, May 14. Richard Kelsall Mayor

" Order'd That the Leather Hall be fix'd in the cellar under the great Leather Hall,
tower (of the Castle) in Derby Square, and the taners be oblig'd to bring,
to lay and sell their leather there, and that Widow Grace attend it, she
thereupon maintaining herself and family. The taners to pay a reasonable
rent to the Corp -"

The following throws some light on the perquisites of the
Water Bailiff, to which allusion has already been made.

" 1714, April 7. Thomas Coore Mayor

" This Councell haveing requested Mr Mayor and sev'all of the Councill Water Bailiff,
to inspect into the right of the Water Bayliffe who demands and takes one
bushell for ev'y hundred bushells of come imported or brought into this
Port, tho' not sold here but often carry'd upp to Warrington, and they,
haveing inspected the ancient records and inquir'd into the nature of such

56 CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

rights; doe find that the Water Baylifle is oblig'd to attend all ships
bringing in Corn into this Port, and to keep a measure or bushell to
measure the same with, on delivering it out, either here or att Warrington
being within this Port, but the usuall way hath been for the Water Bayliffe
to take half for such as is deliv'd at Warrington, and then he does not
measure it out, otherwise he is to measure it out, or find a proper measure
and person to attend and measure it out.

" This Councell doth agree that the said right is justly due, and that he
insist on and take the same."

STREETS AND BUILDINGS.

The founders of Liverpool seem to have been singularly
blind to any provision for the extension and improvement of
the town. No idea appears to have entered their minds of
any commerce beyond the petty retail trade carried on for
many ages on the most contracted and short-sighted
principles. The original streets were a congeries of ill-built
alleys, not more than seven or eight yards wide. The main
streets have had to be expanded and reconstructed in modern
times, at an enormous expense, but some of the bye streets
still remaining, such as Hackins Hey, Princes Street, Temple
Lane, may give an idea of what the general aspect of the
town was in the olden time.

Down to the end of the iyth century, little alteration had
taken place in the aspect of the town ; but about that period
the nascent commerce had forced the slumbering Corporation
into some progressive action.

One of the first indications of this is found in a minute :

" 1697, Feby. 9. James Benn Mayor.

" Whereas there is a proposal made by S r Cleave Moor to be admitted
to have an opening to two streets from a field at y c North side of y e
town, comonly call'd Parlour Hey, and something that may be for his Union Street,
convenience on y Sea Bank, and to exchang a vacant peece of ground
near Jugler Street, betweene y house of Mr Rob* Carter and Mr Georg
Gryffith, or some other peece of ground that belongs to S r Cleave Moor.

" The Councell doth consent that Mr Mai r be requested to take to his
assistance Aid"" Wm Preeson Ald rm Thomas Johnson Sen' & Aid
Thomas Johnson Jun' y" p'sent Baylives, Town clerke, Mr William
Travers & Mr Tho. Sweeting, or y e major part of them to conferre with &
conclude a contract with S r Cleave Moor to y e best advantage they can
for y intr'st of y e Corporation."

5 8 CHAP. I.

The two streets here mentioned were Union Street, so
named a few years afterwards, on the union of England with
Scotland, and Rosemary Lane, now Fazakerley Street. Lord
Street had been laid out by Lord Molyneux, about thirty
years previously . (I)

Survey. " 1697, Feby. 9. It is also order'd in Councell that a new Survey be

made of y* whole town and that the persons here nominated take y trouble
upon them to survey the same and make a returne ag' next Councell."

Omitting the names of the Councillors so appointed, the
list of the streets was as follows, divided into eight groups :

streets. " i Water Street, Chappel Yard & Coven Garden

" 2 Castle Street, Phenwick Street & Phenwick Alley

' 3 Chapel Street, Lancelot's Hey & Oldhall Street

' 4 Jugler Street, Moorfields & Tyth Barn Street

' 5 Moor Street, Preeson's Row & back o' th' Castle

6 Dale Street, Hackins Hey & St Jno Street

' 7 Lord Street, Castle Hey, Cook Street, Poole Lane and

Atherton Street

" 8 Red Crosse Street, St James Street and Waterside."

The next proceeding was the allotment of the Common or

Great Heath. Great Heath, which extended eastward from the brook,

following the line of the present Whitechapel and Paradise

Street. This was still virgin ground, ceded to the Corporation

by Lord Molyneux, by the agreement of 1672.

The quantity was about 20 acres, exclusive of the Moss
Lake, and was thus allotted :

The Common " 1697, Feby. 16. At a Survey upon y 8 comon is return'd this day for
" Aid"" William Preeson on back of y Quarry Hill (a) about 4 acres

at 5 & acre.
" James Benn Esq pr' Mai" of Liverpoole and Mr W m Braddock

about 5 acres, 5.
" Mr Peter Atherton about 4 acres on v other side Mosse

Lake A-

<>>See Vol. I., p. 275, &c.
W Now the site of University College.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 59

" Mr William Porter about 3 acres on y e east side Rich"

Kisshaw's 5.
" Peter Rainford, a small peece of ground at y" east end of Rich.

Culcheths 5 $ acre.
" Mr Rainford to be at y e charge of removing Culcheth's yate,

else not to have y e ground.
" James Kemp, a small peece near Aid Johnson's & Mr Willis's,

close by a stone hole 'twixt two wayes over ag'st Mr

Pluckington's and Roger Jones 5.
" Christopher Brees, above y* stone hole, a small peece next

Aid Johnson's 5."

From this date the Common became gradually laid out and
built on, the records being full of the sales and transactions. Sales
A few of the most noteworthy may be alluded to.

The Townsend Windmill, at the summit of Shaw's Brow
(now William Brown Street), was long a conspicuous object.

" 1704, Mar. 7. William Hurst Mayor.

" Jno Scofield peticons that y e Councell would be pleas'd to give him
p'mission to build near y e Townsend Mill, where hee has already fey'd and
ring'd y e seller and enclosed a garden, to a considerable charg. But if
they think that place prejuditial, then to appoint him some other place to
build on, and give him some allowance for his charg. Referr'd to Mr May'
to appoint him a place at 6 d - $ yd."

" 1707, Nov. 24. James, Earl of Derby Mayor.

" Mem" 1 " 1 That the new building, lately built in a new street (Key St) Chapel,
which leads northwards from Moorfields is recorded for a Meeting place
for an Assembly of Protestants dissenting from the church of England for
the exercise of their religious worp'p in pursuance of an Act of Parliam'
entituled an Act for exempting their Maj'ties Protestant subjects dissenting
from the church of England from the penaltys of certain laws, according to
the tenor and purport of the said Acts."

This edifice was, about 1790, converted into St. Matthew's
Church, and was removed about 1851 for the construction of
the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway.

The following entry is curious, as showing that on the very
eve of converting the pool into a dock, public opinion was
not prepared for it.

" 1708, May 5. Att an Assembly &c.

" It being humbly represented to this Assembly that there is an absolute

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Bridge over
Pool.

Quakers'
Meeting
House.

Daniel
Fabius.

Castle.

Derby
Square.

Gaol.

Market.

necessity for the convenience of the Corporation tenn u over the poole, that
a bridge be made over the pool from Pool Lane end or thereabouts lineable
with the new intended street over the pool. And Mr Dep* Mayor with
others of this Assembly haveing view'd the same, and consulted Workmen
therein, who return that the same may be built for Six Pounds.

" It is order'd that such a bridge be built at the charge of the
Corporation."

" 1709, May 2. John Seacome Mayor.

" Mem 4 "" That the building or house on the east side of Hackins Hey
formerly Mr Preeson's Backwards now in possession of Rob 1 Haydock is
recorded for a meeting place for an assembly of Protestants dissenting
from the Church of England, called Quakers, pursuant to i' Wm & Mar."

" 1710, Apl. 17. John Earle Mayor.

" Mem*"" The House att the bottom of James Street wherein Dan'
Fabyus lives is recorded for a meeting place for Protestant Dissenters."

This congregation removed in 1722 to Byrom Street, to a
chapel afterwards converted into St. Stephen's Church.

The lease of the ancient castle was granted to the Corpora-
tion in 1704, but owing to disputes with Lord Molyneux, some
years elapsed before the site could be appropriated. Houses
began to be built on the south side.

" 1709, Deer. 8. Order'd, That Mr Mayor have power to open a Water-
course or take such proper methods as he shall think fitt to carry off the
water off the backsides of the tenn u on the south side of the Castle called
Derby Square.

" Order'd that Mr Mayor with the assistance of some of the Councill
not less than four, have power to finish the new buildings and alterations
in and about the Castle now call'd Derby Square and make such additionall
improvem 15 there as he and they shall think most convenient, and to sett
and lett the same for the most profitt and advantage, the charge whereof
to be deducted and allow'd out of the growing rents of the said Castle and
appurtenances."

At this time the Castle was used as the common gaol.

" 1710, May 4. John Earle Mayor.

" The Mayor p'pounded that it might be advantagious to build some
addition to the prison towards the entrance into the New Markett. It is
order'd, that the same be view'd and an estimate made thereof, what
charge the same may cost and amount to. And that Mr Mayor be
requested & empower'd to treat with Nehemias Gildoes or Widow

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 61

Whitfield for purchaseing and making an opening out of the New
Markett into Poole Lane."

" 1710, Octr. 30. George Tyrer Mayor.

" Certain petitioners humbly presume that the Castle Ditch being fill'd Castle Ditch
upp, is very p'judiciall to all those houses att the back of the Castle, by
turning all the water out of the New Markett upon them, and think they
ought to be releiv'd by the Corporation by carrying off the said water as
may be thought convenient with what speed may be ; sev'all of the houses
being scarce tenantable."

" 1725, Apl. 7. John Goodwin Mayor.

" Order'd that Aid" Seacome, Mr Steers and Mr James Shaw be desir'd Plan of
to draw a plan of the grounds in the late Castle and report their opinion M
how the same may be improv'd to Mr Mayor as soon as may be ; who is
desir'd to take as many of the Councill as he shall think fitt, and view the
same, and report all their opinions therein next Councill day.

" That such part of the buildings and ground of the late Castle as the Sale of Land.
Councill shall think fitt to lett out shall be putt into small lots by the gent"
appointed to view it of six yards in a lott, and publick notice be given that
the same are to be leas'd to the highest bidder for 3 lives and 21 yeares,
paying twelve pence $ yard rent to the front."

" 1725, Apl. 15. It is now order'd that the houses over the piazzas in Sales by
Derby Square be lotted and leas'd out to the highest bidder, and that Auction
Mr Mayor and Bayl 5 be desired to attend at the Comon Hall on Munday
the third of May next by two o'clock in the afternoon, att which time it is
appointed to putt them up, and continue till all be contracted for, and
that in the mean time the sev'all lotts be drawn out with their dimensions
and publish'd.

" That the purchaser pay a guinea down to the treas'rer and give notes
for paym 1 of the remainder of the fine as follows, viz' one fourth in tenn
days and halfe of the rest in three months, and the other halfe in three
months after."

The site of the Castle was originally much higher than
the surrounding land, the descent being very rapid towards
James Street.

" :726, Feby. i. Thomas Bootle Mayor.

" Ord rt That the Wood staires lately built by James_Kenyon in the Kenyon's
passage out of Derby Square into Preeson's Row be imediately pull'd Steps '
down, being p'sented by the Grand Jury to be an encroachment, and the
officers doing it to be indemnify'd by the Corp"-

" That the Castle Wall att the top of Lord Street be imediately pull'd Castle Wall,
down, and the ground clear'd for the contractors to build, and the treasurer

62 CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

pay one halfe and Edw a Litherland the other half of clearing the rubbish
off it."

The following entry is noticeable :

" 1707, Octr. 17. Sylvester Moorcroft Mayor.

Town's Wall. " It is order'd that Mr Clayton have liberty to build upon the Town's
Wall, giving a deed acknowledgeing the same to be the Town's Wall, the
Corporation to have liberty to lay in and upon his building there gratis."

We have no record of any town walls, excepting the
fortifications thrown up previous to the siege in 1644, to
some relics of which this may refer.

Tyrer's Mill. " I7i9> Sept. 8. Order'd that Mr Thos Tyrer who proposes to erect a
wind mill have a lease of a small piece of ground att the south corner of
Mr Houston's field on the north side of the highway leading to Prescott
for 3 lives and 21 yeares, he building a Mill thereon and paying two
shillings and sixpence $ ann. rent from Mich" next ; to be sett out so as
not to p'judice the highway."

This and another mill adjoining were called the Gallows
Mills, from a tradition that after the rebellion, in 1715, some
of the rebels were here executed. There was, however,
another Gallows Field, of an earlier date, extending eastward
from the Pool stream along the north side of the present
William Brown Street, which is referred to as early as 1551.
The following entry relates to this :

" 1712, Feby 4. Edward Tarleton Mayor.

Lease to "Mr John Crane petitioning to add one life to two in being of two acres

Crane. an( j Qne t hi r( j o f an acre near t h e Gallows. It is order'd that he have a

lease as petition'd for, paying seven pounds fine, and for a term of twenty
one years more twenty eight pounds."

After the construction of the Old Dock, the stream which
fed the old Pool was arched over, and the line of Paradise
Street and Whitechapel formed. This was at first called
Shoreditch.

" 1717, May 25. Mr Wm Shaw of Preston having petitioned for all the
waste ground from the North side of Atherton Street to the South side of

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 63

Thomas Street and extending to the street call'd Shoreditch to build on Shoreditch.
and improve. It is Order'd that the same be granted to him &c."

" 1717, Feby. 10. Rich* Kelsall Mayor.

" Order'd That a Comittee be appointed by Mr Mayor to consider of
p'per methods to be taken to obtain a power to land goods in & out of y Custom
dock & to build a Custom house there & to desire our Members of
Parliam' to assist therein."

" 1720, March 20. Joseph Clitherall petitioning for a lease of the late
Old School in the Old Church Yard, and proposeing to improve it by Old School
turning it into a dwelling house. It is order'd accordingly for 3 lives and House
21 yeares, paying twenty five Pounds fine and five Shill s $ ann. rent."

" 1724, Aug. 12. It is order'd that twelve yards of ground be granted Almshouses.
and sett out att the east end of the Almshouses att Dale Street end, for
the Exec" of Mr James Scasbrick to build more Almshouses upon,
pursuant to his last will."

The pavements were in a very unsatisfactory condition.

" 1719, Octr. 7. Josia Poole Mayor.

" It being represented that Old Hall Street is ill pav'd and impassable, Pavements.

" It is order'd that_the Corporation allow eight pounds towards amending
the same upon condicon tl it the person who shall undertake to doe it shall
doe it effectually or repay the said &*"

" 1725, Nov. 5. William Marsden, Mayor.

" This Councill, takeing into consideration that the road between this Prescot Road
town and Prescott hath been almost impassable and that the inhabitants
of this town have suffer'd much for want of getting their coales home
dureing the sumer season, thro' the great rains that have happen'd in
these parts, and that it would be highly necessary to gett an Act of
Parliam 1 for the repairing that road, so that it may be passable at all
times of the year, and for erecting a turnpike thereon ; It is now Order'd
that a petition to the Parliam' for that purpose be prepar'd."

" 1726, Jany. 31. The Councill takeing into their further consideration
the great charge of bringing coales and merchandizes to this town and
port in bad weather, and especially in the winter season and att all times
when the weather happens to be wett and unseasonable as it hath happen'd
the last sumer, and that the roads to the coalpitts and particularly in
Prescott canot be sufficiently repair'd by the statute work as it will be
passable att such times without the help and assistance of a toll.

" It is now order'd and agreed that application be made to the Parliam' Act of
to obtain an Act for that purpose, and that the Treasurer doe advance one
half of the charge."

Several attempts had been made in the i7th century to

6 4

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Scavenging.

Highways.

Bellman.

Chad wick's
Map.

Lighting
Streets.

enforce the cleansing and scavenging of the streets, but
without success, the officers appointed reporting

" That they canot p'vaile with the inhabitantsjbr clenseing of y streets,
but are abused and much afronted in the execucon of their office."

The subject was resumed in 1719, and the following means
adopted :

" 1719, Octr. 24. Thomas Fillingham Mayor.

" Aid" Gildart and Mr Sam 1 Dove proposeing to provide proper carts
and carriages and therewith to take away all the muck and dirt in the
streets and passages of this town twice eve'y week viz' ev'y Munday and
Thursday ; It is now order'd that they have liberty att their own charge
to make a convenient hole with an iron grate over it att every street end
to be approv'd of by Mr Mayor, and have power to take away all the
Muck and dirt whatever which they shall find in the publick streets and
passages, and in case of failure to forfeit five shillings # week.

" And to be granted to them for the term of eleven years and a contract
thereof entred into imediately."

" 1720, Mar. 20. Henry Taylor Mayor.

" Mr Aid" Coore and Mr Ald n Gildart offering their service to inspect
the managem' of the Supervisors of the highways, who are thought to
expend and lay out very extravagantly in repairing the highways &c.

" It is order'd that the Supervisors shall not take upon them to doe
anything in the highways without the order of these gent"."

" 1721, Octr. 23. Bryan Blundell Mayor.

" The Grand Portmoot Order

" That the Bellman give publick notice ev'y Saturday night for ev'y
person to clean their streets on pain of iii ! iiij d ."

" 1725, Octr. 6. James Chadwick haveing been imploy'd to measure
and make a map of the town and the Liberties thereof, It is ordered that
he have Six pounds towards it."

This is the first map made from actual survey, the small
map, dated 1650, being a compilation. It is very useful in
the identification of the alignment of the streets, but furnishes
no details of the buildings.

The lighting of the streets was a cause of considerable
anxiety. In 1653 the town was content with two Ian thorns
and two candles burning every night, in the dark moon, at the
High Cross and the White Cross.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS.

In 1675 and 1679, all taverns, inns, and alehouses were
required to hang out lanthorns and light candles at their doors
from the ist November to the 2nd February.

" 1718, Deer. 10. Josia Poole Mayor.

" It being represented that Lamps are much wanted within this town, Lamps
and Mr James Halsall proposeing to attend and keep them in order and ordered.
light them ev'y night forjenn shillings a peice $ ann. It is Order'd that
fourty five Lamps be imediately prepar'd and that the Corporation pay
and allow Mr Halsall tenn pounds towards the charge of makeing them
and he to repair them afterwards at his own charge ; and that what charge
shall be expended in placeing them and putting them up shall be consider'd
of by the Councill. And that the sub Bayl 5 shall collect in person the
moneys for Watch and Ward as Mr Mayor and the Just 5 of peace shall
settle, direct and appoint, and have four Constables to assist them."

ECCLESIASTICAL.

St. Peter's
Church.

Complaints

against

Rector.

After the passing of the Act for constituting the Parish of
Liverpool, in 1699, no time was lost in the erection of a
second church St. Peter's, which was commenced in 1700
and completed in 1704. The Rev. Robt. Atherton and the
Rev. Robert Styth were appointed the first joint Rectors. In
1706, on the death of Mr. Atherton, Henry Richmond, a
member of an old Liverpool family, was appointed.

No long period elapsed before serious differences, both
ecclesiastical and municipal, arose between him and the
Council, as the following documents will show :

" 1711, Octr. 19. James Townsend Mayor.

" At a Portmoot &c.

" The Grand Jury, takeing into consideration that the Rev'end Mr
Henry Richmond, one of the Rectors, hath been absent from his Parish
and flock a long time, and therefore neglected his duty, made the following
presentm'

" We being also to inquire as well for our Sovereign Lady the Queen, as
for the burgesses of this burrough, haveing seriously as we ought consider'd
her Maj >tlKi gracious Proclamation for the encouragem' of piety and virtue,
and for preventing and punishing vice, prophaneness and immorality read
this day unto us, and that notwithstanding her Maj Mes most religious care
therein there hath been great neglect within this burrough by the not
discountenancing and duly punishing vice, prophaneness and imorality,
and putting the wholesome laws in execution against them as by the said
proclamation is enjoyned, and being deeply sensible of the great increase
of all maner of vyce and debauchery, amongst us, and well weighing what
to us may seem the cause thereof. We doe humbly lay the same before
the -magistracy of this town, with our sincere and hearty desires and offers
to join and unite in all proper measures for the effectuall remedying and
preventyng thereof for the future.

" And first, we think the unhappy divisions amongst us to be one
principall cause thereof.

ECCLESIASTICAL. 67

2 iiy an other cause thereof we are sorry (but canot in justice forbear)
to assign, which is the unaccountable behaviour of the Rev d Mr Hen.
Richmond, one of our Rectors, who haveing seemed to renounce or j t
exchange his most holy profession, for four months, or betwixt the last of
January and begming of June last past did abandon his flock, and for
much longer time hath so farr forgott himself to be the guide of the
contending parties who by his Christian offices might have influ'nced and
disposed both sides to an acomodation, instead of which he hath rather
chose to set himself at the head of the contention, incourag'd the tumults,
been the mover and persuader of the most violent councells and measures,
and by his rage to the people of one side, and complyance with the other,
hath made his publick instruction when attended, unedifying and unprofit-
able ; but what we particularly charge upon him in breach and contempt
of the said proclamation is, that within this year last past, and not to goe
farther back than her Maj"" most gracious pardon; since that time he hath
not once read the said proclamation in his church or parochiall chapell' 1 '
or caused the same to be read or taken any notice thereof, so as to make a
discourse suitable thereto as by the said proclamation is enjoin'd.

" And lastly are the severall scandalous and villanous libells, sett forth
or publish'd within this town, especially one entituled " A true and
impartiall account of the election of the representatives in Parliam' for
the Corporation and burrough of Liverpool in the County Pallatine of
Lancaster, October the 16*, 1710."

" Also another without any tytle page, wherein pa. the 6 th the Comon
Councell are called " A corrupt Majority," and page the 14"" " A packt
Councell," which said libell was publish'd by the abovesaid Rector, and
that both the said libells, which are false in fact have not only reflected on
the Coition Councill of this burrough, but of the town in generall, and
rais'd and stirred up so many heats and dissentions as in all appearance
tend to distract and destroy all manner of Christian Society to the high
displeasure of God and all good men."

The reverend Rector was not disposed to submit to this
imputation, and took legal proceedings, which are thus
referred to :

" 1712, July 14. Nota. That the Rev'end Henry Richmond brought a
ctrtiorari to remove the Presentm* against him last October Sessions to the Certiorari.
last Assizes att Lancaster. But he, not haveing deliver'd the certiorari to
the Town clerk to make a return thereto, he lost the benefitt of the Writ
and now mov'd by Councell at the sessions to quash the said Presentm',

'I This refers to the Treason Act of 1709, before the Royal assent to which a proclama-
tion was issued, pardoning all treasons previously committed.

68 CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

being in English and should have been in Latin, and for that and other
reasons now shewn, the Court orders it to be quash'd and destroy'd."

The Council had therefore to succumb.

Two years afterwards another cause of difference arose.

" 1714, April 21. Thomas Coore Mayor.

" It being represented to this Councill that one Mr Orme as curate to or
imploy'd by Mr Richmond one of our Rectors, has taken upon him to
Easter Dues, collect and receive from the parishioners of this Parish, Easter Dues,
which this Councell are of opinion are not due or payable to the Rectors
of this Parish, and that the paym' of ^200 $ ann. to the Rectors ^55 $
ann. to Mr Richmond of Walton and 6 10 to Mr Marsden is in lieu and
in full of all tythes, oblations and obventions whatever intended by the
Act of Parliam' for makeing this town of Liverpool a Parish distinct from
Walton, and that the inhabitants of this Parish are thereby discharg'd
from all dues whatsoever. It is now order'd that Mr Orme be order'd and
requir'd to cease collecting any more, and give an account of what mon*
he has so collected and receiv'd."

" 1714, Sept. 27. The Councill, takeing into consideration that Mr
Hen. Richmond and Mr Wm Orme had impos'd upon and collected from
the inhabitants sev'all sums of money on pretence of Easter Dues, and
that Mr Richmond had taken upon him to nominate and appoint one
William Grimbleston to be clerk of St Peter's in the room of Rich d Sims,
deceased, contrary to the ancient custom and power reserv'd to the
Corporation, and also hath misbehaved himself in relation to his duty
towards his parishoners.

" It is therefore order'd that such proper methods be taken by the
Worpp" the Mayor for the time being as Councill shall advise, to establish
and ascertain the right of the Corporation therein and restore the peace
and quiet of the inhabitants."

In 1714, on the decease of the Rev. Robert Styth, the
co-rector with Mr. Richmond, a dispute arose as to the
election of his successor to the mediety.

Election of " 1714. June 4. Whereas it is made appear to this Councill that a
Rector. seperate and private presentation of another person to be Rector hath

been made and clandestinely (contrary to the form settled and establish'd
in the first election of a Rector) sign'd by a few persons claiming a right
thereto, and thereby to divest the Corporation, if possible of the right of
election, or the majority of electors from makeing a presentation.

" It is hereby declar'd that as it was agreed by the Aid" to be made the
19 th day of May last, and that ev'y one of the electors had due notice

ECCLESIASTICAL. 69

thereof, such seperate, private and clandestin proceeding can only tend to
heighten our divisions and p'judice the Corporation, and that Mr Thos
Bell being elected and presented in a publick manner by a great majority,
this Councill doth not only confirm the same, but order that the said
presentation shall be maintain'd and effectually supported att the publick
charge of the Corporation in such maner as shall be needfull, requesting
Mr Mayor's especiall care therein."

The right of the Council to present was sustained, and all Rights of
succeeding appointments were made by the Council down to
the Municipal Reform Act.

The bad feeling between the Council and Rector Richmond
was continually manifesting itself.

" I 7 I 5> J une * Richard Gildart Mayor.

" The Rev'end Mr Richmond p'tending to the right of electing a clerk
of St Peter's church in the room of Rich d Sims dec* and the Town Clerk
by direction of the Mayor haveing entred a caveat to stop his p'tended Caveat,
choice. It is order'd that the charge thereof and of maintaining the right
of the Corporation in electing the Parish Clerks according to ancient
custom and as reserv'd by the Act for makeing this town a parish be paid
by the Corporation."

Mr. Richmond died in 1721, and the Rev. Thomas Baldwin Baldwin
was peaceably appointed in his place.

After the lease of the castle was obtained from the Crown,
no long time was allowed to elapse before steps were taken to
erect a church on the site.

" 1715, Mar. 17. _Order'd That proper methods be taken by Mr Mayor St George's
to signify the intencon of this Corp" to build a church on the ground and Church,
soile of the late Castle to our representatives in Parliam' in order to obtain
an Act of Parliam' for the same and to consult Mr Richmond thereupon."

The Act was obtained in the following session. Nearly
two years elapsed before any further steps were taken.

" 1717, Jany. 15. Richard Kelsall Mayor.

" This Councill takeing into consideration the necessity for haveing a
new church.

"It is now order'd that Mr Mayor be desir'd takeing the assistance of
the Aldermen and Comon Councill to view and consider of a proper place
where to place and build the new intended church in the most comodious

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Castle.

Tenants
ejected.

St. George's
Church.

Committee.

Model.

part of the late Castle, on Wednesday next att two o'clock in the after-
noon, and that speedy care be taken to apply for the disbursem* and
charge the Corporation hath lately been att in fortifying the town against
the rebells, which when obtain'd is order'd to be laid out in building the
church."

" 1717, Feby. 8. It is order'd that the tenants in the round tower in
the late Castle have notice to remove and that the ground be levell'd with
all convenient speed, the Councill being of opinion that it will be proper
to erect the church there."

The matter remained stagnant for some years.

" 1724, July i. Mr Mayor propounding that it was necessary to begin
upon building a new church according to the Act of Parliament for
granting the inheritance of the late Castle ; It is order'd that the Councill
be desired to view and consider of a proper place where to sett it and that
Plans be drawn and proposalls and estimates of the charge be received."

" 1725, Apl. 15. John Goodwin Mayor.

" An Estimate and sev" plans of a New Church to be erected in the late
Castle upon the ground where the old large square stone Tower and the
stone buildings adjoining to the same Northward now stand, being now
laid before this Councill by Mr Tho Steers and Mr James Shaw,

" And this Councill haveing taken the same into consideration, and
being very desirous to promote so pious a work w ch is now much wanted,
and with all possible speed to erect a convenient church, with a proper
spire steeple, doe agree that a new church be there built and a spire
steeple att the West side or end and an alcove for a chancell on the east
side or end ; and in order to perfect the same

" It is now order'd that a Committee be appointed, to agree with work-
men and contract for building the same, and a Comittee is now appointed
viz' Mr Mayor and Bayl s and all the Aldermen, Mr Tho Steers and
Mr James Shaw or any five of them, who are to meet ev'y Munday and
Thursday att four o'clock in the afternoon in the Exchange and publick
notice be given thereof."

" 1725, Nov. 5. William Marsden Mayor.

" It being propounded to this Councill that a proper Modell of the New
intended Church sho'd be settled, ascertain'd and fix'd upon. It is now
order'd that the Walls thereof shall be plain without pillars or pillasters,
and the windows after the same forme as in Mr Shaw's Modell, and the
whole to be consider'd further of, by the Comittee now appointed who are

" The Worp" the Mayor for the time being

" The Aldermen, the two Baylives and Mr Steers and ev'y other of the
Councill that please to attend."

" 1726, Nov. 2. Thomas Bootle Mayor.

" Mr Sephton haveing drawn some draughts or models of a Church, It

ECCLESIASTICAL. 71

is order'd that the Comittee settle his demands, and that the Treasurer

doe pay him not exceeding tenn guineas.

"That the Comittee consider of vaulting the Church. St. George's

"The Comittee appointed for building the New Church representing to Church.

this Councill, that they have agreed with Mr Thos Steers and Mr Edw* steers,

Litherland for building the walls and part of the steeple ; this Councill Architect.

doth approve thereof, and order that a Contract be entred into, and a bond

for performance, and that they begin imediatly.

" That the old Castle wall att the top of Lord Street be imediatly pull'd castle Wall.

down and the ground clear'd for the contractors to begin."

The church was completed in the next reign.

In the Act of 1699, for constituting Liverpool a parish,
provision was made for building houses for the Rectors on a
portion of the castle land. This was superseded in conse-
quence of the different appropriation of the site, and the
following arrangement was substituted :

" 1718, Sept. 17. Richard Kelsall Mayor.

" Whereas it is now propounded that an Agreem' was made some yeares
agoe, between the Corporation and the Parish that as houses for the Houses for
Rectors had not then been built and provided, pursuant to the Act of Rectors -
Parliam 1 for makeing this town a Parish, and the provission made in the
lease towards makeing good their deficiencies ; that the Corporation should
advance and pay the sume of three hundred pounds towards building such
houses, and the parish to be att the charge of the remainder of the
building and finishing those houses.

" This Councill doth agree thereto upon condicon that the claim of
the Rectors of, in, or to the Castle, shall be discharg'd for ever therefrom.

" But it being further propounded that the said sume of three hundred
pounds sho d be laid out in building an addicon to the Old Church wherein Additions to
addiconall seats may be built and sett for a yearly rent, and for the doing OId Church -
whereof an order of Vestry was made and agreed to by the Parish in May
last, and that the Rectors sho d have the profitts of those addiconall seats
in lieu of houses and other condicons in the said Order menconed. It is
now assented to and order'd that such addition be built and perfected att
the charge of the Corporation, haveing a faculty from the Consistory Court
first Jbr the same, for the_purposes in the said last order of Vestry
mencon'd, and that the Comon Councill and the Rectors for the time
being, have power to sett the^aid additionall seats, upon the condicons in
the said order of Vestry mencon'd and contain'd and not otherwise."

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Precedence
in Church.

This scheme was carried out. The order of the Consistory
Court was granted on the ist December, 1718.
The next entry reads as follows :

" 1719, Feby. 4. Josia Poole Mayor.

'HDrder for regulating the seats of the Aid", Bayl*, Bayl s Peers and
Comon Councill in both churches and of all the seats in the body of both
churches, pursuant to the Lycense or Comission from the Consistory
Court^att Chester the I st December last to the Worpp" the Mayor, Bayl*
& Comon Councill, Rectors and Churchwardens for the time being or any
six of them ; and that the Sexton att each church take care to keep and
p'serve the ancient seats of the Aid", Bayl s , Bayl s Peers & Comon Councill,
till Mr Mayor & y* Rector or Minister officiating come to church and to
see y' housekeepers be preferr'd and accommodated with the other seats
before servants and such as doe not pay the church rates."

This question of precedence was considered very important.

" I 7 I S> J u ty 6. It was Order'd that some proper persons be appointed
by Mr Mayor, who is desir'd to recommend the same to the Church-
wardens ; to attend ev'y Sunday and take care that no person do goe in
or be admitted into the seats of the Aid" and Bayliv* and Bayliv 8 Peers, in
both churches before Mr Mayor comes to church att the church he goes
to, and before the Minister comes to the other church Mr Mayor does not
come to."

The possession of a pew or seat in church was considered
a very valuable privilege.

" 1698, Nov. 2. Thomas Sweeting Mayor.

" Mr Edw d Tarleton peticons for a seat to y e eastward of Mr Poole's in
y* North-east gallery. . . Respited till next Councill day."

" 1698, Deer. 7. Mr Edw* Tarleton peticons for a seat in the Northern
Gallery, and Mr Green, Randle Galloway and Widow Lyon all peticbn
for y e same, It appears to y' generality of y Councill that y e right of y*
seat was in Thomas Watts and devolv'd by him in his lifetime (and since
by his widow and son) on Mr Edward Tarleton to whom the town gives a
title at y e rate of seven Pounds."

Disturbances occasionally took place.
1699, Aug. 8th. An information is laid before the Mayor
by the Rector and one of the Aldermen who depose :

Disturbances "That one Thomas Rudd (as hee calls himself) hath frequently disturbed
y congregation of Liverpoole in time of divine service ; one time bawling

Seats in
Church.

in Church.

ECCLESIASTICAL. 73

about y* church and making a great noise, to y hindrance of devotion,
another time coming into the church in a disorderly irreverend manner
and this day particularly he came into y" church and in time of divine
service, did speak thre severall tymes and one said ' howe can y* sing to
y" praise and glory of God ? how can y e be y people of God, or sheep
of his pasture?' or words to this effect."

The Town Council, by what authority does not appear, Appoint-
took upon themselves the entire management of the affairs of
the Parish. They appointed the Rectors and Curates, the
Churchwardens, the Sexton, and subordinate officers. They
dictated the appropriation of the seats and the rules of
precedence. They paid the necessary expenses, and provided
the communion plate.

" 1698, Octr. 5. James Benn Mayor.

" The Councell orders, that a peece of Plate be made for y* use of y pi a te for
Church, to y* Val. of about twelve pounds, and Mr Shields be directed Church.
(as to y" fashion) by y e pr't Minister."

" 1704, Sept. 6. It is order'd in Councell, that Rich d Simms shall be
Clerke and Sexton of y' New Church call'd St Peter's from this day, and
receive y e fees thereof, but no sallery."

" 1704, Octr. 4. Richard Simms, clerke of St. Peter's Church, peticons
for a sallery. The Councell order him to be payd three pounds next
Christmas, but no part of y contributions ; and from Christmas 4 lb p- ann.
and half y* contributions for that time.

"The sexton further complains that his wive's son pulls at y* organ,
and y clerke of y* Old Church receives the money."

Frequent mention is made in the Records of the Free Free
Grammar School, for which a small endowment was reserved
at the confiscation of the Church Property.

" 1704, May 3. Mr Jno Clayton schoolem' and Mr Joseph Cooper,
Usher, peticon y' y money due on debent' from y" Queen, being 5"* odd
money neat (ex don' Eliz R'ne) to be added to their sallery."

" 1711, Apl. 4. On the representation of the Rev'end Mr Styth, and Mr
John Clayton's peticon to this Assembly. It is order'd and declared that
Mr Clayton take upon him the managem' of the whole free school and
have the whole sallery ; he procureing a suitable usher under him, whom
he to have power to remove and displace as shall see needfull and also to
pay such usher reasonable wages. The right of electing Schoolmasters

74 CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

still reserv'd and continued to this assembly as formerly and usuall this
order above notwithstanding."

Ancient Down to the year 1721 the Grammar School was held in

Schoolroom. '

an ancient building in St. Nicholas's Churchyard, originally
the Chapel of St. Mary, described by Blome, in 1673,
as "a great piece of antiquity." In this year we read as
follows :

" 1721, Nov. i. Bryan Blundell Mayor.

" Whereas by order of Councill of the 21 st day of June last past,
Mr Mayor was requested to vissitt the free school of this burrough, late
in the Old Church yard, but by reason of its scituation on the sea shore
was manifestly inconvenient, and a great hindrance to the schollars im-

School Lane, proveing ; and is now remov'd and fix'd in School Lane in the building
which was heretofore erected for a Charity School, and which being
alter'd and enlarg'd att the charge of the Corporation is now made fitt for
a school intended for a free Grammar School, instead of the old school,
which the Corp" hath since converted and made into a dwelling-house and
apply'd the moneys ariseing therefrom towards the charge of altering and
enlargeing such new school.

" And whereas upon such vissitation, it appears and is now represented,
that a great number of little children are admitted and taught in the said
school that ought not to be admitted into a Gramar School, being under
the accidence, and do only learn to spell and read English, which takes
up a great part of the Master and usher's time, is a very great impedim' to
the Gramar Schollars and contrary to the originall institution and method
of a free Gramar school.

Freemen's " It is now therefore order'd. That the said school shall hereafter

Children. remain and be a free Gramar School to all the freemen's children of this
burrough that have before they be admitted there learn'd to or above the
accidence, but not any before to be admitted of any kind whatsoever, and
that none shall be admitted but such as have a certificate from the
Worpp" the Mayor for the time being. It is also order'd, that the Master

Fees. shall have liberty to take and receive all gratuities whatsoever such as

entrance money, cockpeny, fire money, and quarteridge from such free-
men's children as are of abillity and please to give it to the Master for his
diligence and care.

" Order'd that the Corp" doe continue and pay the usuall sallary, and
seven pounds $ ann. rent for the school to the Governors of the Charity
for ever."

This requires some explanation, a there is an apparent

ECCLESIASTICAL.

confusion between the Free Grammar School and the Charity
School afterwards called the Blue Coat Hospital.

In 1708, Captain Bryan Blundell, in conjunction with the
Rev. Robt. Styth, one of the Rectors, established a day
school for fifty boys ; and a subscription was entered into for
the erection of a building. A piece of ground in School
Lane was granted by the Council for the purpose, 15 yards
front and 37 yards in depth.

" I 79> J an y- *3- John Earle Mayor.

" At a meeting of the Worp n the Mayor, severall of the Aldermen, Blue Coat
Bayliffs and Burgesses and Contributers to the charity school, it is agreed Sch(X)1
that the Rectors of the new church and the parochial chapell for the time
being and also S' Thomas Johnson, Knight, Richard Norris Esq, William
Clayton Esq, Jasper Maudit Esq, Thomas Willis Esq and Alderman John
Cleiveland shall be the first trustees for manageing and takeing care of the
said charity schoole, and of the money contributed to and for the same,
and that the Reverend Robert Styth, one of the Rectors shall be Treasurer
thereof and Aid" Wm Hurst coadjuter."

Then they elected Wm. Grimbalston master during
pleasure.

The Charity School prospered, and in 1718 a new building
was erected, and the institution took the name of the Blue
Coat Hospital.

The following entry relates the circumstances :

" 1722, Feby. 14. Bryan Blundell Mayor.

" It being now propounded in Councill that whereas upon the representa-
tion of the late Rev'end Mr Styth in Deer. 1708 a certain piece of ground
part of the Wast of and belonging to the Mayor Bay 15 and Burgesses of
Liverpool was, by order of Councill of the 6 th day of January 1709 sett
out att or near the south east corner of St Peter's Churchyard for a
charity school to be built thereon, and which hath since been there erected
for teaching and instructing poor children in, and that other parts and
parcells of the said Wast have been since sett out and added thereto for
the same use, and a new school and conveniences for children to lodge in
already made, and other Build* 8 are propos'd to be added thereto for the
benefitt of such school, and that the p'sent Mayor hath purchas'd the

76 CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

present term and intrest of and in a small cottage adjoining on the south-
west side for the use of the school and is wanted to be added thereto. It
is now order'd that all the said Wast grounds and that cottage shall be
legally convey'd by deed to remain for ever for the use, benefitt and
advantage of the said school and to and for no other use w'soever."

The old schoolroom, being thus at liberty, was altered,
enlarged, and appropriated for the Free Grammar School, as
above.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS.

There was, during this period, little interference in Liver-
pool with national affairs.

There were alternations in the politics of the members Members.
sent to Parliament, but the Whigs for the most part prevailed.
Liverpool was ardently attached to the house of Hanover,
and displayed its loyalty conspicuously on the occasion of
both rebellions.

On the breaking out of the War of the Succession, in
1702, the following communication was received from the

Government :

" Whitehall 2 nd May 1702.
" To Mr May' of Liv'poole

"S' Letter to

" A Warr being ready to break out betweene these kingdoms Mayor.
& France & Spain, a declaration whereof will speedily be publish'd, I do
by her Majest' comand give you this early notice of it by an expresse and
desire you to impart y e same forthwith to y e Masters and Comanders of
ships that are in y* harbour of Liverpoole & thereabouts & to warn them
to take care of themselves & avoid falling into y* hands of y e French and
Spanish Privateers, of w ch wee are inform'd great numb are already putt
to sea.

" I am &c.

"C. HODGES."

In 1713 peace was proclaimed. The entry is as follows :

" March 13. A spe'all Councill was call'd just before the proclamation Proclamation
of the peace with Spain and then ord' d that the charge of a treat on that of Peace,
occasion to be had this day be allowed & bora by the Corporation not
exceeding 15."

A depot of arms existed in the castle, which was removed
by warrant in i7og. (I)

!> Vide supra, p. 41.

Abjuration
Oath.

78 CHAP. I, A.D. 1702 1727.

In consequence of the symptoms of disloyalty which
culminated in the rebellion of 1715, the following resolution
was passed :

" 1712, Mar. 4. Edw* Tarleton Mayor.

" Order'd that ev'y person petitioning to be free of this burrough shall
take the abjuration oath before the oath of a freeman, and that all those
already voted shall come in within a month now next."

On Sunday, the ist August, 1714, Queen Anne died.
The post bringing the news did not arrive until the Friday
following. The following entries relate thereto :

" 1714, Aug. 6. Thomas Coore Mayor.

" On Friday the sixth day of August an account was brought by post

that Queen Anne departed this life on Sunday before, being the first day of

King George this instant August and that day King George was proclaim'd with loud

proclaimed, acclamations and the generall joy of the people, by the Worpp" the Mayor,

Aldermen, Baylives, and Comon Councill in gowns."

" Sept. 17. Order'd, That the publick rejoicing on the King's arrivall
be referr'd to the directions and managem' of Mr Mayor.

" That an address be speedily prepar'd and sent to be presented to his
Majesty by our most noble Lord the Earl of Derby."

" 1714, Octr. 6. Order'd that the Corporation Scale be fix'd to the
Address to his Maj"*."

When the rebellion broke out in 1715, prompt measures
were taken to put the town in a state of defence. We have
no record of the nature of the defences constructed.

That they were costly appears from the following entry :

" 1715, Deer. 7. Order'd, that Mr Mayor be desir'd to take upp moneys
att intrest to defray the expence of the late fortifications made for the
defence of the town, and to preserve and secure it and the port from
falling into the hands of the rebells, who haveing rais'd a most unnatural
rebellion in Scotland in favour of the Pretender against our most gracious
and most undoubted liege lord and soveraign King George, and the happy
establishm' and settlem' of the Crown in the illustrious House of Hannover,
and to have overturn'd our Governm' both in Church and State, and
brought in amongst us Popery and arbitrary power. March'd from thence
as farr as Preston, where by the intrepidity of his Maj des forces under
Generall Wills, they were totally defeated, and many of them taken
prisoners."

Address to
the King.

Town's
Defences.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 79

" 1716, Jany. 2. Portmoot, but no Grand Jury sworn by reason that the
Assizes or Comission for trying the Rebells was then open'd and held
here."

Baron Montague, Baron Bury, and Mr. Justice Eyre Trial of
were the Judges who held the assize. Thirty-four persons
were condemned to death, of whom four were executed in
Liverpool, on a site in London Road, near two windmills,
which thence acquired the name of the " Gallows Mills."

The recent loyalty of the Corporation had been costly,
and an attempt was made to obtain a reimbursement of the
expenditure.

" I 7 I 7> J an - I 5- Richard Kelsall Mayor.

" Order'd that speedy care be taken to apply for the disbursem" and Cost of
charge the Corporation hath lately been att in fortifying the town against F rtlficatlons
the Rebells, which when obtained, is order'd to be laid out in building the
church."

" 1718, May 14. It is order'd that the Town clerk goe to London to
sollicite the obtaining the charge of the fortifications all the time of the
late Rebellion, and that the Corporation bear the charge of his journey,
and the what moneys shall be obtained shall be apply'd towards the
building of the new intended church."

It is to be presumed that this application was successful,
for the only other record upon the subject is the following :

" 1719, Feby. 26. Order'd, that the charge of sollicking the Governm'
for the moneys laid out about the late fortifications be advanc'd by the
towns treasurer, and allow'd him in his accounts."

" 1727, June 18. Thomas Bootle Mayor.

" On Sunday the eighteenth day of June Ano Dni, one thousand seven
hundred and twenty seven we had the suddain and unexpected account of
the decease of our late most gracious sovreigne King George on the
Sunday morning before att Osnabrugg in his travell to Hannover.

" On Tuesday the twentieth day of June 1727, our most gracious Proclamation
sovereign King George the Second was proclaim'd in most solemn manner of Geor 8 e **
by the Worp" Foster Cunliff Esqr Depty Mayor, the Aid" Baylives and
Bayl s peers in their gowns, and by a generall acclamation of the whole
town."

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.

The manners and customs of society during the period
embraced in the present chapter do not materially differ from
those preceding. There was a coarseness of feeling and a
separation of classes which modern society has endeavoured
to ameliorate and bridge over, with some degree of success.

The old question of " inmates " still continued to vex the
souls of the Burgesses.

The original Act of 31 Elizabeth, Cap. 7, enacted that

Inmates. " From and after the feast of All Saints next ensuing there shall not be

any inmate or more families or households than one, dwelling or inhabiting
in any one cottage made or erected ; upon pain that every owner or
occupier, placing or willingly suffering any such inmate or other family
than one, shall forfeit and lose to the Lord of the Leet within which such
cottage shall be, the sum of ten shillings of lawful money of England for
every month that any such inmate or other family than one shall dwell or
inhabit in any one cottage as aforesaid ; And that every Lord of Leet shall
have full power and authority to enquire and to take presentment by the
oath of Jurors, of every offence in this behalf."

Although this enactment preceded by 12 years the 43rd
Elizabeth, the celebrated Poor Law Act, yet there can be no
doubt its main object was to prevent poor persons from
becoming burdensome in any particular locality. In fact it
was an absolute prohibition against keeping lodgers, and was
impossible to be carried out in its entirety. The Liverpool
records are full of Grand Jury presentments, and of fines
inflicted, but the custom continued, and practically became a
tax levied on lodgers.

Many of the inmates were persons of loose life, e.g.

Prosecutions. " 1708, July 12. Presented

" James Blevin and Ann his wife for entertaining lewd women in their
house.

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 81

"Jane Justice and the said Ann Blevin for encouragers and maintainers
of bawdry.
" Margaret Justice, Daughter of the said Jane Justice for incontinency."

The offenders were dealt with rather severely. The above
parties, being brought before the Court, and not finding
sureties for their good behaviour, were committed and

sentenced as follows :

"That Marg' Justice be whipt the next day att 2 o'clock in the afternoon Punishment,
att a cart's arse, and Ann Blevin and Jane Justice be carryed in the cart
att the same time from the Exchange to Jane Justice's house in Dale
Street."

The custom of presentments against inmates in time
became somewhat onerous, and there are several indications
of its gradual discontinuance. The following is the last entry
on the subject :

" 1711, July 9. The Portmoot Court.

" Many persons are presented as Inmates who upon being sumon'd Presentments
before the Justices of peace appear not to be, save some few who are
order'd to depart, and therefore omitt incerting their names, which would
take upp a great space in the records, and be of no maner of use, and
have entred them in an Estreat Book."

The ducking stool was still an active institution. Ducking

Stool.

" 1712, Octr. 27. Edw* Tarlton Mayor.
" Order'd that a Ducking Stool be erected at the Flashes."
" 1714, Octr. 25. That the Ducking Stool be remov'd to the Flashes
or some other convenient place."

If severity of punishment could have deterred from vice,
the community should have been most virtuous.

" *7 I2 > Jany. 12. It being made appear to the Grand Inquest upon Punishment
examination of Rob' Cowdock of Walton and Jane Meyetye of Woodside
that they have been guilty of an infamous offence of lewdness together, to
the great dishonour of Almighty_God, the ill example of others and in
contempt of the laws against imorallity and prophaneness ; They doe
present them for such offence.

" The Court thereupon order'd them to be carted on Wednesday next
between the hours of twelve and two from Lukenars to and round the
Exchange, and that Cowdock be afterwards whipp'd to Dale Street end."

CHAP. I, A.D. 17021727.

Servants to
Plantations.

Coroners'
Disputes.

In the early part of the i8th century labour was in great
demand in the plantations in Virginia and the Carolinas. The
African trade for negroes had scarcely commenced, and a
system of apprenticeship was established, whereby labourers
of both sexes were engaged in England and carried to America
for terms of years. It is to be feared that, to a great extent,
it was little better than kidnapping, and after a few years it
was discontinued. During its continuance, a large number
were shipped from Liverpool. It is not quite clear what part
the Corporation of Liverpool took in the matter, but the
records contain a very large number of entries of the persons
so shipped.

The following is a specimen :

" Feby., 1705. To Mr John Lancaster.

Age.

' Elizb Stanley of Leverpoole spinst' 26

' Mary Winstahley Upholland in y" Co. Lancaster 17

1 Eliz Yeoman Anglesey in Wales 20

' Alice Crompton Freckleton in Lane 25

' Eliz Fauster Samsberryin Lane 21

' Mary Greenhalgh Chorley in Lane 15

' Ann Greenhalgh Chorley in Lane 20

' Ellen Bradshaw Upholland in Lane 14

' Anna Linacre Leverpoole in Lane 30

' Ellen Seed Sawick in Lane 26

' Jane Vexon Houghton in Lane 16

' Sarah Reed Wrexham in Wales 20

'John McGee Scotland 15

1707, Oct. 7th. A curious question of jurisdiction arose
between the coroners for the borough and the county, which
is thus described :

" Mem d That on the 7* day of October 1707 Aid" William Webster
Coron' of this Corporation view'd the body of one Patrick Cannon, a
saylor, who was drowned in February last out of a boat belonging to the
True Love, Mr Thomas Hughes Comander, which oversett in the river in
a very_high sea, att which time the said Hughes was wonderfully saved
by swiming on an oar till another boat came and took him upp. The said

Years to
serve.

7
5
5
5
5
5
5
7
4
5
5
5
5

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 83

Cannon was cast upp upon the shore towards Garston, but taken upp
thence floating and brought down to town in a boat, of which notice was
given to the County Coroner ; but if within port and brought floating, the
Coroner of this Corporation ought to view."

The laws against usury were strictly enforced.

"1708, Mar. 20. Peter Alexander, a shoemaker being indicted att the Usury Laws.
Sessions upon the statute of Usury for takeing greater interest from one
Thomas Anderton on a bond given by said Anderton to Alexander for
paym' of 5, than by law is allow'd . . . Pleaded not guilty to the
Indictment but the Court ordering him to find sureties to p'secute his
Traverse with effect, and he not finding any was comitted.

" Afterwards y e 15 th of Aprill instant he withdrew his plea, and Henry
Langdale gave security with him to abide such order therein as Rich"
Norris Esq, Deputy Mayor should make ; who order'd him to pay 10
and costs, and afterwards he deliv"d upp the said bond to Anderton,
accordingly in discharge of the prosecutor's part."

There are many entries to the following effect :

" 1703, Octr. 25. Wee order William Ashton to ring Corfue Bell at Curfew,
four of y* clock in y" morning and eight of y" clock at night throughout y
year on penalty of five Pounds."

" 1704, J any, 10. Wee pr' Wm Ashton sexton for breach of an order,
in not ringing Curfew Bell at four of y* clock in y" morning, and eight at
night.

" We order all Publick Houses to sett forth their lights from sixe of y" Lighting,
clock till nine of y" clock at night on Penalty of three shillings and four
pence for each default."

The sports of the period are frequently alluded to.

" 1 75< Nov. 7. It is order'd in Councell that to encourage a horse race Horse Races,
to be run at y* Waterside, tenne guineas be referr'd to Mr May' for one
year, but not to exceed tenne guineas."

During the early part of the i8th century bull-baiting was Bnii-baitmg.
a very favourite pastime, partaken of by gentle and simple
alike. In order to encourage it, a bye-law was framed that
no bull should be slaughtered without being first baited, under
a penalty.

" 1713, Octr. 26. Order'd That complaints being made that Bulls are

CHAP. I, A.D. 1702 -1727.

Shooting
Butts.

Waits.

Colonel
Broadneux.

kill'd. before baited. That ev'y person exposeing such bull to sale shall
forfeit 6* 8" for ev'y such offence."

The practice of archery continued much longer than is
generally supposed. Entries are found in 1710 and 1711.

" Order'd, That the Shooting Butts be made up by the first of May
next, according to custom on penalty of xx'."

The Waits, which had been a popular institution during
many ages, seem at this period to have got into discredit.

" 1717, Deer. 4. Att a Councill &c.

" The Waits, petitioning that as they have had no allowance for some
yeares past, they may have some compensation for the arreares, and aa
order for so much certain for the time to come as the Councill please.

" It is Order'd that they have five guineas for the arrears and fourty
shillings $ ann for the future, if they attend on publick days better than
they have done."

1717, March loth. There is an interesting notice of an
old veteran of the Civil Wars.

" It being represented to this Councill that Coll Robert Broadneux is in
extream want, it is now Order'd

" That the Town's Treasurer doe lend him weekly the sume of seven
shillings and sixpence till further order."

It was probably to spare the feelings of the venerable
patriarch that the dole was administered as a loan, since the
prospect of repayment must have referred to a draft on the
Bank of Faith.

Col. Broadneux was born in 1617. He served in the
Civil War; was Captain of Horse and Gentleman of the Bed-
chamber to Oliver Cromwell ; and subsequently Lieut.-Col.
under William III. At the age of 83, being attacked by a
sickness which he apprehended would terminate fatally, he
caused his coffin to be made, and slept nightly in it to the
day of his decease, 26 years afterwards. It is not known

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.

whether he was a native, but his latter years were spent in
Liverpool. He died January 27th, 1727, aged 109 years,
having retained his faculties to the last, and was interred in
St. Nicholas's churchyard, where his tombstone was visible,
recording the above particulars, until worn out by age and
passing footsteps.

CHAPTER SECOND.

REIGN OF GEORGE II; 17271760.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

This period was a very stirring and animated one in the
progress of the resuscitated borough.

Progress. Mercantile affairs were prosperous, new channels for

commercial enterprise were opening out, capital was flowing
into the town ; and, in spite of the senseless opposition to,
the introduction of "foreigners," population was rapidly
increasing.

1728, Nov. 6th. A Committee was appointed for carrying
on the New Church (St. George's) and for general purposes,
and it was

" Order'd That the said Committee (inter alia) sign orders to pay the
expence of their Maj Ues Coronation day, and likewise to direct the paym'
of the sev'all sumes expended in the prosecutions or other disputes had
and carry 'd on in defence of the rights and libertyes of the town, occasioned
by the unprecedented surrender of Thos Bootle Esq, Mr Tyrers refusall
of a scrutiny and Mr Hughes's takeing upon him the office of Mayor.

" A motion was then made for entring a protest against the above order
relating to Mr Bootle's surrender, Mr Tyrers refusall &c., and also for
entring another protest against the order for allowing the expenses in the
treasurer's accounts, but the same were both rejected."

The Council proceedings about this time appear to have
Disorder. fallen into considerable disorder as will be seen from the
following record:

" 1729, Mar. 5. Bryan Blundell Esq Mayor.
" Att the Councill held this day

" Whereas by the constitution of this Corporation no business of moment
relating thereto can be order'd transacted or done, save only by, or under

St. George's
Church.

Coronation.

Bootle's
surrender.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 87

the direction of, the Comon Council assembled, and that no Council or
assembly can be held without the Mayor and one bayliffe. And whereas Council
by an order of Council of the first day of May 1679 it was order'd that the Meetm g s -
first Wednesday in every month sho'd thenceforth be a Council day and
duly observ'd ; and altho' the same hath since been constantly observ'd
and put in practice except in case of sickness or other very extraordinary
accidents, untill the time of Mr Bootle's Mayoralty in the year 1726, who Beetle's
first declined to hold Councills by himself or deputy as usuall, and after- Mayoralty.
wards wilfully and obstinately refused or neglected the same, and made a
breach of the said order and then in an unprecedented manner took upon
him to surrender and vacate his office of May' and notwithstanding his
oath, left the Corporation void of a head or Mayor to act or administer
justice, which put the same and the burgesses and inhabitants thereof in
the utmost confusion and hath been the source and spring of many great
inconveniences, law suits and extraordinary expences, to support the
rights of the Corporation ever since, and that by his example and advice,
Mr Geo Tyrer, who pretended to act as Mayor after him for remainder of Tyrer Mayor,
that year and also Mr John Hughes the year following, did neither of them Hughes,
think fitt to pay any regard at all to the said order or other subsequent
orders to that purpose or to the repeated sollicitations and request of a
majority of the Comon Council, who often desired that a Council might be
held in order to elect peace officers, and to carry on and do the publick
business of the Corporation for the benefitt and advantage thereof, but on
the contrary like enemies to the Corporation, have all out of sinister views
regardless to such sollicitations, contemn'd the said order and perversely
refused to assemble or meet in Councill, so that none hath been since held Refusals.
(save only upon the sixth day of November last) to the great detriment of No Councils.
the said Corporation, and the sinking and diminution of the revenues and
incomes thereof; inasmuch as without Councils no peace officers were or
could be elected, no leases could be renewed, no fines raised noe freemen
made, nor any money on that or other accounts as usuall charg'd, impos'd
or collected, nor any other important affaires howsoever necessary or ever
so much for the good of the Corporation be transacted ; which not only
put full stop to the carrying on the building and finishing the new church,
the cleansing of the dock and other publick works but also to many other
necessary matters relateing to the said Corporation, which for want of
frequent Councills have been alltogether slighted, hinder'd and obstructed.
For remedy whereof and in some measure to supply the defect of Councills, Detriment,
but principally to prevent the ill consequences which the majority of this
Councill foresaw might in all probability attend and greatly affect the
body politick in the unjustifiable measures and procedure of such male-
contents and designing persons. The said majority of this Council
therefore thought it exceeding proper and absolutely necessary not only
for the safety of the said Corporation, but as much as possible to prevent

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Committee
appointed.

Payment of
Bills.

Instructions
to Treasurer,

Prizage.

Payment to
Mayor.

the ruin, and. the constitution of it for being entirely subverted, to appoint
a Cpmittee of seven of the Aldermen of their said body to meet in the
Comon hall every Thursday in the afternoon or oftner as occasion sho'd
require, to transact such of the Corporation affairs for the good and benefit
of it as might probably fall within their care, and any five of them to
examine and sign all bills and notes for any thing justly due from the said
Corporation and all charges for workmen's wages done at the new church
and other publick works and such other demands as might appear to them
to be reasonable or justly due and owing, and to transmitt such bills or
notes so by them signed to the Treasurer to be paid or to undertake for
the paym' thereof to avoid the expence of law suits for the same : all
which the said Comittee observ'd and acted accordingly ;

" And this Council being fully appris'd thereof, doe_hereby approve of,
ratifie and confirm the same and all that the said Comittee have done in
pursuance of their directions and the trust reposed in them : And whereas
upon the sixth day of November last it being found necessary that a
Comittee might still act in manner aforesaid, it was ordained and directed
that the same Comittee of seven Aldermen together with the p'sent Mayor
should still subsist and act, but no proper or full directions being given to
the Treasurer for paym' of such notes, bills &c he hath scrupled and
refus'd to discharge the same, so that the building of the said new church
and other publick works are still at a stand and can't be carried on
without the further order and direction of this Councill.

" Wherefore it is hereby order'd that all bills &c which have been
allow'd and signed by either of the said Comittees be with all convenient
speed paid and discharg'd by the said Treasurer . . . and the said
Treasurer is further to take notice that from henceforth no other sumes or
paym* 5 not so allowed shall on any colour or under any pretence be by
him paid to any person or persons, notwithstanding any former order of
Council to the contrary. And to avoid all future objections or disputes
concerning the prizage of wine belonging to the said Corp" which some-
times has by order of Council been given to the Mayor for the time being,
and at other times reassumed and recall'd as occasion sho'd happen, and
also concerning the sume of fourty pounds, which hath for some time past
been paid to the Mayor for the time being after he had fully serv'd that
office for one year : Now it is hereby order'd and declar'd that all future
allowances be and is hereby withdrawn, stay'd and forborn, and that the
aforesaid Comittee shall from time to time compound and agree for the
said prizage of wine with the importers thereof, and that the Treasurer do
collect jind receive the said composition and apply the same and the
said sume of fourty pounds towads the discharge of the debts of the said
Corp" until such time as the Comon Council in Council assembled shall
think fitt otherwise to dispose thereof or appropriate the same to any
other use or purpose."

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 89

The disputes at this time arose indirectly out of the Disputes.
relation of the Council to the burgesses at large. The early
charters made no mention of the Council at all, the
government being vested in the burgesses in Common Hall
assembled. The Council was first appointed in 1580 by
the burgesses as a Committee, which gradually arrogated
to itself the governing power, and by filling up its own
vacancies became self-elected. In the charter of 1626 the charters.
Council was first recognised, but no provision was made for
its constitution or election. In the subsequent charter of
1695, the Council was directed to be elected in the same
manner as had been done previous to the annulled charter of
Charles II. This left the question entirely vague, and was
the cause of great dissatisfaction and complaint. Several of
the Mayors declined to recognise the authority of the Council
and appealed directly to the burgesses. Mr. John Hughes, Hughes
Mayor, 1728-9, refused to summon the Council, and in
conjunction with the Bailiffs and some of the burgesses
proceeded to grant leases independently. This led to the
manifesto above inserted, claiming the supreme right of the
Council to manage the affairs of the Corporation and cutting
off the usual allowance from the recalcitrant Mayor.

Under the same date it was enacted that no leases or Leases.
other documents should be executed under the Common
Seal unless they had been examined and confirmed by the
Committee appointed by the Council.

1729, Aug. 8th. Bryan Blundell, Mayor.

Articles were exhibited against Mr. Jno. Hughes, the late Articles
Mayor, for his misbehaviour and neglect of duty during his Hughes.
Mayoralty in not duly summoning the Councils, and in acting
independently of their jurisdiction.

The question was adjourned, but unfortunately the result
is not entered on the record.

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Mandamus. About the same time the Council were served with a
mandamus on behalf of one Thomas Vernon, who had
applied to be entered on the Burgess roll and was refused.
The writ, which is in Latin, states that from time immemorial
the ancient and laudable custom had existed in Liverpool
that the son of a freeman, born in Liverpool, on attaining the
age of twenty-one was entitled to be sworn and enrolled as a
freeman ; that Vernon had so established his claim, and the
Council were ordered to admit him to the privileges and
franchises on pain of penalties for contempt.

A practice had been growing up, which was subsequently

Admission of carried to a great extent, of admitting a large number of
freemen on the eve of a Parliamentary election. Probably
both political parties were equally in fault. In order to check
this the following regulation was passed:

" 1729, Sept. 3. Bryan Blundell Mayor.

"Whereas many and great inconveniences, disputes and confusions
have arisen by the irregular entries of the petitions and admissions of
persons to their freedom within this Corporation and thereby swell'd the
records to an unnecessary bulk.

" It is now order'd by this Council that all persons for the future who
have any right to their freedom by birth or servitude, shall first apply to
the Committee appointed for the purpose."

They were to attend personally at stated times, to be
published by advertisement, and their cases were to be
reported to the Council.

The record proceeds:

" The above order was read in full Councill and thereupon Mr Mayor
withdrew out of Councill, and Mr Hughes, Mr Cunliffe and Mr Tyrer
went with him, but the question was putt before he went away, for the
passing the said order without any adjournment of the Councill."

Public opinion appears to have been considerably excited.
1729, Oct. 24th, we read :

" Whereas a base and scandalous paper hath been putt up and was
found upon the publick Exchange, and was taken off oil the Xj* day of

Claims to
Freedom.

Dispute in
Council.

Libels
published.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS gi

this instant, which being now read is declar'd by this Councill to be a high
reflection on the body of the Comon Councill of this burrough, a scandalous
libell and unjust charge upon them ; and it is now order'd that inquiry be
made after the author and publisher thereof, and that publick notice be
given that a reward of tenn guin s shall be paid by Mr Hen. Trafford to
such person as will effectually discover the author and publisher of that
paper or either of them."

" 1729, Nov. 5. Order'd that in case the worpp" the Mayor for the time Conduct of
being, or in his absence his dep'ty shall and doe refuse to swear any of the
persons aforenam'd free upon their tendring themselves to him to take upp
their respective freedoms ; that then the sen" Alderman with one or two
more Aldermen and one of the Bayl s att the least, may and they are hereby
impower'd to administer the oath of a freeman of this burrough with the
oaths to the Governm' to any such of the persons before voted, free gratis.

" Mem dm That upon the motion of Aid" Gildart for voteing the afore-
nam'd p'sons to be free, gratis, and two or three of them being read, Mr
Mayor without moveing to adjourn this Councill withdrew out of Councill withdrawal
abruptly, arbitrarily, and illegally, with Aid" Tyrer, Aid" Poole, Aid" of Mayor
Hughes and Mr Bayliffe Whitfield."

" 1730, Feby. 6. Geo. Tyrer Mayor. It is now declar'd by this Councill Freemen
that the sev'll persons whose names are entred before as voted free, gratis, "^J 60 "*
begining with the R' Hon"' the Lord Viscount Malpas and ending with the
name of John Lobsey of Lincoln, and the above sev'all orders ther under
being entred after the late Mayor withdrew out of Councill the 5 th day of
November 1729, are void to all intents and purposes, and that they nor
any of them are thereby voted free, nor have any claim of right to their
freedom by the said entry of the s d 5 November 1729, and that the said
orders thereunder are absolutely void and of none effect.

" Order'd That some eminent Councillor at Law be appointed as Standing
standing Councill for the Corp" to advise with on the Corp" affairs as Counsel -
they shall have occasion, and have a sallary of 20 Guin 8 ^ ann. to be paid
by the Trea'rer dureing the pleasure of this Councill.

" Order'd That not any member of this Councill when assembled shall
leave the same without consent of the Councill and till they be adjourned.

"Then Mr. Gildart mov'd that the Hall door sho'd be lock'd, and it was Locking
order'd by the Council to be lock'd, and he lock'd it accordingly. Then door-
mov'd that these persons following might be admitted free, whereupon
Mr Mayor withdrew off the bench, but their names were read before he
left the room."

" 1731, Oct. 18. Richard Gildart Mayor.

" Order'd that Aid" Josia Poole, Aid" Wm Squire, Aid" Thos Bootle and Censure on
Mr Chas Pole, who are remov'd out of town and doe not inhabitt within Councillor
this burrough or the liberties thereof and have neglected their duty of
attending in Councill be sumoned.

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Poole
expelled.

Lord
Willoughby.

Emigration
to Georgia.

River Dee.

Summonses were accordingly served as directed.

" 1731, Deer. 13. Mr Josia Poole by vote of the Councill was removed
and discharged from his office as Councillor."

" 1732, Nov. 9. Thos. Brereton Mayor.

" Mr Mayor acquainting the Councill that the Right Hon bto Hugh Lord
Willoughby of Parham is in town, it is order'd that he be complemented
with his freedom, and that the Bayl* and town clerk do wait on his Ld pp
and desire his acceptance thereof."

" *733> Feby. 12. Mr Mayor proposeing, That the Corporation sho'd
contribute towards the releif of such poor unfortunate persons as are
willing to go and settle at Georgia, and the account of the designs of the
Trustees for establishing the colony of Georgia in America being now
read,

" It is resolv'd and order'd, that the Treasurer do pay the sume of fifty
Pounds to the trustees appointed by his Maj aB charter towards provideing
for such persons as are or shall be sent to settle there in the name of and
as a benefaction from the Corporation of Liverpool and be allowed the
same in his accounts."

1733, Sept. 24th. An Act was passed in the previous
session of Parliament "to recover and preserve the navigation
of the river Dee," which was unsuccessfully opposed by the
Corporation of Liverpool. The following resolution explains
the circumstances :

" Whereas it was thought necessary to preferr a petition the last sessions
Opposition to of Parliam' on behalf of this Corporation against the Act to recover and
Bill. preserve the navigation of the river Dee, as being apprehended would tend

Hoyle Lake, to the p'judice of this port, and more especially to destroy Hoyl Lake, and
that Mr Arthur Hamilton, and Mr Rob' Dixon who were then in London
on account of the merch te and tradesmen of this town to oppose the
collecting of the duties on tobacco and wine by way of Excise, did in
conjunction with S r Roger Mostyn (to whom most of the lands on the
shore of the road or harbour at Parkgate belongs) imploy a sollicitor to
manage the same, and that his bill of the charge therein which is now
produc'd amounts to ^"240 155. od, one half whereof is to be paid by this
Corporation and the other half hath been or is to be paid by S r Roger
Mostyn ; it is now Order'd that the treasurer do immediately pay to
Mr Hamilton and Mr Dixon fifty Pounds in part thereof to be remitted to
the said sollicitor, and in the meantime that Mr Hamilton do write to
S 1 Roger Mostyn to know how much he hath paid towards the said charge,
and whether he does not intend to have the bill taxed or examin'd by some
proper officer ; it being looked upon as a very extravagant charge."

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 93

It may be mentioned that the operation of this Act has Disastrous

results.

had very disastrous results. By diverting the current of the
river and enclosing large tracts in the upper reaches, thereby
impairing the scouring power of the ebb current, the estuary
has become silted up to such an extent as almost to destroy
the navigation. The Hoyle Lake, referred to above, is now
dry at low water.

Party spirit, both municipal and political, ran very high at Party spirit,
this time. The election for Mayor, on St. Luke's Day, 1733,
was very disorderly. It is thus described in the records :

" I 733i Oct. 18. Thomas Brereton Mayor.

" Att an Election Court held according to Charter &c. Read the Act Disorder,
for the more effectuall preventing bribery and corruption.

" A Poll being demanded, the same was begun and continued for
severall hours, but the people becomeing so tumultuous, and complaint
made to Mr Mayor that the Freemen were insulted and abus'd in comeing
to give their votes, he order'd the court and poll to be adjourned till to-
morrow morning at eight o'clock which was accordingly adjourn'd, and
the other party acquiesc'd therein ; there having been a great majority
then poll'd for Mr Pole.

" Att the same Election Court, this nineteenth day of October, the poll Pole Mayor.
was entred upon again, and continued till all the freemen that thought
fitt to appear had given their votes ; and the majority being for Mr Wm
Pole Gent", he was declar'd by publick proclamation to be duly elected
Mayor of this burrough and Corporation for the year ensueing, and the
said Wm Pole took the oath of Mayor, and according to ancient usage
nominated John Brooks Gent to be Mayor's Bayliffe for the year ensueing.

" And a poll being afterwards demanded for the Baylives, the Court gave Bailiffs.
for answer that as the Mayor's Bayliffe was sworn they could not grant a
poll for both ; but if they would poll for the town's Bayliffe the Mayor
declared they might proceed and he would stay to take it, and recommended
Owin Pritchard Gent, to be Town's Bayliffe; but they demanding of
Mr Mayor to adjourn the Court, and the town clerk having taken a poll
for said Mr Pritchard from sev'all persons, the Court was adjourn'd till Court
next morning. adjourned.

" On the twentieth day of October Mr Mayor and Baylives came into
court, and declared that as there was not any provission in the Act of
Parliam' for p'venting inconveniences ariseing for want of elections of
Mayors being made on the days appointed by charter or usage for Mayor
making elections, after the day next after the expiration of the day of elected -

94 CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

election by charter, he apprehended they could not make any election this
day, but that the election made last night must stand, and afterwards
Mr Pritchard haveing the majority on the Poll last night was proclaim'd
and took the oath of Bayliffe accordingly."

The opposition party were not satisfied with this result,
and applied to the King's Bench for a writ of Quo Warranto,
relative to which is the following record :

" J 733> Nov. 7. ^illiam Pole, Mayor.

" It being now represented to this Councill that Mr Mayor and Bayliffs
have been lately serv'd with a Rule from the King's Bench to shew cause

Quo Warranto w hy an information in the nature of a Quo Warranto sho'd not be exhibited
against them to shew by what authority they claim to be Mayor and
Bayliffs of this town ; and that as the Poll after the adjornm' was fairly
and regularly carried on, and that Mr Pole had indisputably a great
majority of legal votes, and was accordingly duly elected and sworn into
the office of Mayor. This Councill is of opinion and do now order that
they be indemnify "d by the Corporation and sav'd harmless from all
expence that they shall be putt unto in defending themselves against the
said prosecution in the King's Bench, and that Mr Richard Aldersey Rec r
of the town's customs do immediately pay to Mr Aid" Brereton thirty

Defence. guineas towards carrying on their defence on the said Rules, and be
allow'd the same in his accounts, and not to be accountable to the
Treasurer for the same."

The manufacture of Freemen for political purposes, on
the eve of an election, began about this time, and as will
be seen hereafter, was subsequently carried on to a shameless
extent. The following entry refers to this :

Admission of " 1733, Dec. 5. It being now represented to this Councill that a List
Freemen. jj a th ^ een i a t e i v printed and dispersed about, of the names of persons
that have been voted and admitted free of this Corp" since the 18* day of
October 1731, wherein are severall suggestions as if many of them were
admitted as haveing a right, but had not ; and that it is highly necessary
to print a true list of all those that have been so admitted, to the end that
the falseness of such former list may be fully laid open, and that the great
care of this Councill therein made publick. It is now therefore order'd
that a perfect list be printed distinguishing therein the respective rights of
such as have been so admitted those admitted on fines, and such as have
been complimented with their freedom."

It has always been the custom to pay to the Mayor a

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 95

salary or allowance for the expenses of his office. In 1707
this was fixed to consist

" Of the two best fines which shall be pay'd by any two freemen
admitted in such Mayor's time."

" 1733, Deer. 5. It being now represented in Councill that Mr Mayor Mayor's
have the same allowances as were made to the late Mayor. It is Order'd all wan ce.
that Mr Mayor be allow'd the prizage of all wines imported into this
County dureing his Mayoralty, and also the sume of fourty pounds in lieu
of the two best freemen's fines, and that the treasurer do pay the same
accordingly."

The above minute was varied as follows :

" 1734, Sept. 30. Wm Pole Mayor.

" It is Order'd, that the Treasurer shall have and receive the prizage of Prizage.
all wines and apply the moneys ariseing thereby in such manner as shall
from time to time be order'd by the Councill ; and that the Treasurer
retain in his hands the fourty Pounds that have usually allow'd to the
Mayor in lieu of the fines, till the Councill think fitt to order the same to
be paid."

Disputes and wrangling still went forward in the Council.

" 1726. On the 10* August Mr Robt Whitfield was elected a Common
Council Man and took the prescribed oath."

He appears to have been implicated in the disputes about
the admission of Freemen, and to have absented himself
from the Council meetings. On the 2nd January, 1734, he
was summoned to attend, but neglected to do so. After being
twice further summoned, he was served with a peremptory
order to appear on the 6th February, to show cause why he
should not be removed and discharged from his office. He
did so attend, but not showing sufficient cause he was, by whitfield
vote of the Council, removed and discharged.

He then applied to the King's Bench for a mandamus,
March aoth, 1734. The cause was sent down to Lancaster
to be tried, and an order was given by the Council to produce
the charters and books of the Corporation, and to the
treasurer to pay ^50 on account of expenses.

9 6

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Lord Derby
Mayor.

1734, July 4th. A further order is given to the Customs'
Receiver to pay any money in his hands towards the expenses
of the suit.

Funds. 1734, Sept. 30. It being represented ^p the Comon Councill that there

is a great necessity to take up the sume of five hundred pounds to
discharge the great expence that the Mayor and Bayliffs have been lately
putt unto in makeing their defence to the informations brought and
prosecuted against them in his Majesties Court of King's Bench, and that
at present there is not any moneys in the hands of the Receiver of the
town's customs to answer the same. It is now order'd that the said
sume of ^500 be taken up at interest under the Corporation Scale, and
that it be repaid out of the town's customs as soon as the same can be
rais'd by and out of the town's customs."

1734, Octr. i8th. The Right Hon. James, the loth Earl
of Derby, was duly elected Mayor for the second time, having
previously filled the office in 1707-8. In the disputes which
were now agitating the Corporation he took the popular side,
and with the concurrence of the two Bailiffs, he called a
Common Hall of the burgesses, at which by-laws were made.

1735, Feby. ist. The Earl of Derby died ; his deputy,
Bryan Blundell, succeeding him.

Blundell " Feby. 4th. At a meeting of the Council, Mr. Deputy Blundell

declared he was for restoreing Mr Whitfield, and afterwards moved to have
the order read for displaceing him from being one of the Comon Council ;
but Mr Aid" Pole insisted that the Minitts and orders of the last Council

Dispute. should be first read, and a dispute ariseing, Mr Tyrer delivered in a paper
containing Mr Whitfield's reasons against his being remov'd, and desired
it might be read, and declared he would not stay to do any other business
but only that for which the Councill were call'd together, which was to
make a return to the Mandamus issued forth of his Majesties Court of
King's Bench for restoreing said Robert Whitfield to the office of one of
the Comon Council of this town, or to restore said Robert Whitfield to
his place.

Whitfield. " Then Aid" Cunliffe declared he was for restoreing Robert Whitfield,

and delivered it in writing subscribed by himself.

" Then Mr Tyrer delivered in the like, and afterwards Mr Dep 1 " Mayor
delivered in the like.

" Then Mr Kelsall moved, That two persons that were at the door
might be called in to be witnesses to his delivery to the Deputy Mayor

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 97

and Bayliffs a return to the said mandamus, which was signed by the Return to
majority of the Comon Council present, and as those two persons came *" amus>
into the hall, Mr Tyrer the Bayliffe withdrew and went away, Mr Kelsall
delivering it. The same was then read."

This return recapitulates the circumstances stated above,
and proceeds to assert:

" That the Mayor Bayliffs and Comon Council or the major part of them
had time out of mind used for any reasonable cause, to displace any one of
the Comon Council as often as occasion required and that for the causes
aforesaid the said Robert Whitfield was displaced, and we cannot restore
him."

1736, Sept. 23rd. Foster Cunliffe, Mayor.

The legality of the proceedings of the Earl of Derby when Legality
Mayor, in conjunction with the Bailiffs in calling a Common
Hall of the Burgesses, was called in question, and the
following protest entered on the minutes. It would appear
that from the 4th Feby., 1735, no Council meeting had been
called.

" Whereas since the holding of the last Comon Council to witt in or p rotes t.
about the month of July 1735 in the Mayoralty of the Right Honourable
James Earle of Derby, the then Mayor and Bayliffs did take upon them in
an arbitrary and illegal manner to sumon and hold a meeting or assembly
at which were present the said Mayor and Bailiffs and a small number of
the_burgesses of this Corporation, which meeting they thought fit to call a
Comon Hall, and then and there pretended to make certain orders or By-
laws relateing to the government of this Corporation, contrary to the
charters and immemorial usage thereof, which arbitrary proceedings this
Court taking into consideration.

" It is hereby declared that the said meeting or assembly and the Orders
or By-laws pretended to be made thereat, and all proceedings of the said
pretended Comon Hall, were and are illegal and contrary to the known Common
and immemorial usages, customs, privileges and the very constitution of Hall invalid,
this burrough, and are hereby declared to be absolutely null and void to
all intents and purposes whatsoever.

" And it is hereby further ordered ; That all Orders, By-laws and
proceedings whatsoever had or made or pretended by the said pretended
assembly or meeting called the Comon Hall, which may or have been
entred in any of the books or records of this Corporation, be, by the town
clerk now produced and forthwith expunged and cancelled.

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Action
against
Aldersey.

Proceedings
stayed.

By-Laws.

Dismissal of
Councillors.

" And whereas by order of the said pretended Comon Hall an action of
debt was sometime since brought in his Majesties Court of Exchequer at
Westminster in the name of the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses of the town
of Liverpool against Richard Aldersey for the sume of one thousand
pounds upon bond conditioned for his accounting and paying the moneys
received by him as Receiver of the town's customs or revenues of the said
town, in which action judgment hath been obtained against the said
Richard Aldersey ;

"And whereas the said Richard Aldersey is by orders of Comon Council
to pay the moneys in his hands in manner in such orders mentioned.
Now it is hereby ordered that all proceedings in the said action or upon
the said judgment be and the same are hereby stayed till further order of
the Comon Councill, and Mr Daniel Dandy the Attorney in the said Court
of Excheq' for the said plaintiffs is hereby required and directed to stay
proceedings accordingly and that the Common Seal of this Corporation be
affixed to this order and sent to the said Mr Daniel Dandy. Wherefore,
we, the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses of the town of Liverpool have here-
unto affixed our Comon Seal this 23 rd day of September 1736.

" The Town Clerk being now call'd upon to produce the above mentioned
orders or by-laws, declares he hath not them in his custody, nor hath he
entred them in any book or record in his custody belonging to the
Corporation.

" And whereas the said assembly or Meeting pretended to be a Comon
Hall was sumoned and held by George Tyrer and John Hughes, Gentlemen
the then Bailiffs as well as by the said Earl of Derby, the then Mayor of
this Corporation ; We the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses of this burrough
now in Comon Councill assembled, looking on the said pretended meeting
or assembly as illegal and wholly subversive of the very constitution of
this burrough, and that the same was sumoned and held by the said Mr
Tyrer and Mr Hughes the then Bailiffs, in which we apprehend they acted
manifestly in breach of the trust in them reposed as Councilmen of this
burrough, and for the said high offence they be and are hereby dismissed
to all intents and purposes from their respective office of Councilmen of
this burrough.

" And it is hereby ordered and directed that the Comon Seal of this
burrough be affixed to this order, and that the town clerk do serve the said
Mr Tyrer and Mr Hughes therewith, and that Mr Mayor, Mr Brereton Mr
Gildart Mr Moorecroft and Mr Kelsall or any three of them be appointed
to affix the Comon Seal to the said orders."

"These be rare words! a brave world!" It is probable
that had the Earl of Derby lived to carry out his plan of
reform, or rather the return to the primitive constitution, the

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 99

Council would have had to succumb, but his untimely death
before anything had been accomplished, threw all into
confusion, and the Council resumed their self asserted Resumption

... . - . . _, , . of Council.

domination without opposition. They were not disposed to
give any quarter.

" 1736, Nov. 3. Richard Gildart Mayor.

" Aid" George Tyrer and Aid" John Hughes, now attending, pursuant to
the liberty given last Council day refus'd to give any answer in writing,
but own'd that they were p'sent at the holding of the Comon Hall, as
charg'd against them, and only said they were illegally dismiss'd from
their respective offices of Comon Councilmen. Therefore this Council Dismissal
doth now confirm the former order made the 23"" day of September last c nfirme d-
past for dismissing them from their respective offices of Comon Council-
men of this burrough and Corporation."

The Counsel learned in the law, who had been their
adviser, came in for a share in their indignation.

" It being now made appear to this Councill, that John Ratcliffe Esq Censure of
who was appointed standing Council to this Corp" the 6 th Feby 1730, did Ratcliffe.
refuse to attend Aid" William Pole, late Mayor on the 18* day of October
1734, when sent for on the adjornm' of the Poll that night to advise the
Mayor therein.

" It is now order'd that the sallary order'd on the 6 th of February to be
paid him shall be paid by the treasurer to the said 18* October 1734 and
no more and to cease from that time."

During Lord Derby's short term of office a large number
of freemen had been admitted whilst the Common Council
was in abeyance. The following protest was recorded by the
restored Council.

" 1736, Novr. 19. An order made 2i st November 1646 That no person
should be admitted free ofjthis Corporation without the consent and assent
of the Mayor Aid" and Comon Council being now read, and it being now
represented that one hundred and twelve persons were admitted free of Freemen
this Corporation in the last mayoralty_of the late Earl of Derby, by his
deputy without the assent of the Comon Council. This Council are of
opinion that the admitting any person or persons free of this Corporation
without the assent and consent of the Mayor Aid" and Comon Council was
an arbitrary, illegall, and partial act in the Deputy Mayor and contrary to
the usage of this Corp" and the said order made in 1646, and tends to

100

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Payment to
Watson.

Hughes
restored.

Petition to
Parliament.

weaken the rights and franchises of such persons who have right to free-
dom by birth or service, and do declare and enact that not any person
whatsoever shall be hereafter admitted free of this Corp" without the
assent and order of the Comon Council of this Corporation in Council
assembled.

Notwithstanding this protest it does not appear that any
steps were taken to disfranchise the freemen so alleged to
have been irregularly admitted.

These controversies were expensive, but money was never
an object with the Corporation of Liverpool in defending
their own position.

" 1736, Nov. 3. It being now represented that there is a considerable
sume due to Mr Hugh Watson Sollicitor for the Corporation in the late
contests. It is now Order'd that the treasurer do remit him the sume of
two hundred pounds and to be allow'd the same in his accounts."

Mr. Hughes was kept out of the Council for four years.

" 1740, Octr. 24. Henry Trafford Mayor.

" It being now represented to this Council _that Aid" John Hughes who
was dismissed from his office and place of Comon Councilman the 23 rd day
of September 1736 for misbehaviour the year before as Bailiff to the late
Earl of Derby, then Mayor ; being very sensible of his fault hath been to
wait upon the Worpp" Mr Mayor and acknowledged the same and given
full assurance of his future good behaviour.

"It is now order 'd and enacted, that the said Aid" John Hughes be
restored to his office and place of Comon Councilman, and established to
be one of the Comon Council of this burrough as fully and effectually to
all intents and purposes as he had or might have held and enjoyed before
such dismission."

This ebullition subsided for a time, but in 1750 it broke
out again with increased violence.

In that year the Council presented a petition to Parlia-
ment, setting forth certain difficulties in the administration of
the law, for want of additional justices, the necessity for a
deputy recorder, and for a grant of the waste shore. Under
cover of these applications, they petitioned that the usurped

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, 101

powers of the Council might be legalised. They recite as
follows :

"That a Charter was granted by King William the third in 1695 which
ordained ' That for the future to preserve the peace, tranquillity and good
government of the town of Liverpool and its inhabitants there shall or
may be for ever, the officers and ministers following, viz Forty one good
and discreet burgesses, who shall be called the Common-Council of the
said Vill," omitting to give them the least power in express words, tho' it Recital of
was the manifest, if not the sole intent of this Charter to give forty one the
power in the first recited clause of King Charles's Charter, in order to
prevent the populous meetings of the burgesses upon every trifling occasion,
as the town was so extremely encreased since that time ; and therefore
from that time to this, such Common Council's actings have been
acquiesced in, to the great advantage and satisfaction of the whole town.
But it may hereafter cause disputes unless the said Charter is explained
for this purpose by adding the clause of King Charles's Charter, or in such
manner as your Majesty in your great wisdom shall think fit."

This petition, in the first instance, was not made public,
but as some objection was taken, the Council published it
with an explanation in which they say :

" The reason why this application was not made public at the time it Explanation,
was in agitation was, that they could not, consistent with their duty as
guardians and trustees of the public estate, discover it to your enemies
and opponents ; by whom we mean those foreigners who were invading
your rights by following their trades in town, and others who were
attempting and threatening to take part of the public estates from you.
And we repeat it again that for those and only those good and just ends
was the following petition preferred."

This brought another combatant into the field, in theciegg's
person of Mr. Joseph Clegg, a Common Councilman, and ?
Mayor in 1748. He issued a pamphlet, in which he strongly
animadverted on the conduct of the Council, who he alleged,
suppressed the charters, and published false statements in
order to maintain their usurped power. For this pamphlet
he was prosecuted, at the instigation of the Council, by one Prosecution.
Galley, and the cause was entered to be tried at Lancaster,
in 1752. For the purpose of the prosecution, several of the

IO2

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Report on
Petition.

Councillors were temporarily disfranchised by the Council,
and subsequently re-admitted.

In the meantime the petition had been presented and
referred to Sir Dudley Ryder, Attorney General, and Mr.
(afterwards Lord) Mansfield, Solicitor General.

They reported against confirming the assumed powers of
the Council, but in favour of additional justices of the peace
and other minor matters, and a charter was granted
accordingly.

compromise. This opened the way for a compromise between the
contending parties. An arbitration was entered into and an
entry made that the award be ratified and confirmed, and
that such confirmation be passed under the Common Seal.
Unfortunately the terms of the award are not given.

A list is given of 35 Burgesses who had been disfranchised
in order to enable them to give evidence, and afterwards
restored.

The fees to counsel are entered as 25 guineas to the senior
and 20 guineas to the junior.

" J 753> Octr. 3. It is ordered, that the Author, Printer and publisher of
a most infamous and scandalous paper lately printed at Liverpoole,
purporting to be an address to the freemen of Liverpoole, dated Sept. 20,
1753 and highly reflecting on and most malitiously defaming the characters,
reputation integrity and actions of the Common Council of this borough
and Corporation be prosecuted ; and which said paper is signed Freeman,
be prosecuted at law with effect, and that this order be made publick."

" J 753> Novr. 7. Mr John Sadler the printer, having now before this
Council confessed and owned himself to be the printer of the most infamous
paper signed FREEMAN as also who were the author and publishers thereof.
It is Ordered that the prosecution lately ordered to be commenced against
him be stopt, on account of his open and candid confession, and on his
signing his submission to the Council, which is now ordered to be published
in the Newspapers."

The controversy with Mr. Clegg did not end here. Five
years after these transactions, the Council, on the ist Feby.,
1758, removed him from his office as Alderman and discharged

Fees.

Prosecution
for Libels.

Sadler's
Confession.

Mandamus.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 103

him from the Council. He immediately applied to the Court
of King's Bench for a mandamus to compel his restoration.
The return to this writ is given in full in the records in very
lengthy form. The substance is as follows :

It first recapitulates the history of the Municipality,
especially referring to the charter of Charles I. as explained
by the subsequent charter of William III., under which the
Council lay claim to be the governing body, and stating that
these claims have always been acknowledged, and

" That from time whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary the Answer.
Mayor, Bailiffs and Common Council . . have of right removed and
been accustomed to remove for any reasonable and lawful cause any of
the Common Council, and that the persons so removed have accordingly
been and continued absolutely and effectually discharged."

The document then sets forth the valuable property and
revenues belonging to the Corporation, and the important
trust confided to those who have the management of them.
It then proceeds:

" That before the removal of the said Joseph Clegg he sought his trade Clegg
or living by buying and selling and was adjudged Bankrupt under a discredlted
commission dated July 7, 1756, and that he had not obtained a certificate
of discharge, and that he is therefore unfit for the place and office of one
of the Common Council, so being an office of great trust and power with
respect to the management, receipt, controul, and application of the issues,
rents, and profitts of the estates, revenues, &c. That at the time of his
discharge twenty six of the Council were present, and Mr Clegg being
also present had nothing to allege why he should not be removed and
discharged, and he accordingly was so discharged."

This line of defence did not succeed. The writ of Mandamus
mandamus was issued on the 3ist January, 1759, per- 6 111
emptorily commanding the Council to restore Alderman
Joseph Clegg into the place and office of one of the Common
Council of the said borough.

The record proceeds :

" It is Ordered that the said Joseph Clegg be now restored to his said aegg
place or office of a Common Councilman of the said borough of Liverpoole restored.

104

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Mandamus
for Common
Hall.

Defence.

Duke of
Athol.

with all the franchises, liberties and privileges thereunto belonging, and
he is accordingly restored."

Immediately on his reinstatement, Mr Alderman Clegg
commenced another onslaught on the jurisdiction claimed by
the Council.

1759, June 6th. A notice was served on the Mayor that
the Court of King's Bench would be moved for a mandamus
to compel the Mayor to hold a Common Hall of the Burgesses.

The notice sets forth the Charters of Charles I. and
William III., so often referred to, claiming

" That the power to make By-laws rested with the Mayor Bailiffs and
Burgesses . . that whereas there was a necessity for makeing some
by-laws for want of which the rights and privileges of the Mayor Bailiffs
and Burgesses are greatly incroached upon and abused. This is therefore
to give you notice that unless in six days from this notice you cause a
Common Hall to be summoned in obedience to the said several charters
. . His Majesty's Court of Kings Bench will be moved for obtaining a
rule for information in the nature of a Quo Warranto or for a Writ of
Mandamus or other such of his Majesty's Writts or Informations as the
Court shall award."

On the receipt of this notice the Council passed the
resolution :

" It is ordered that Mr Mayor be defended against any such motion at
the Corporation expence."

Nothing ultimately came of this. Mr Clegg and his
friends had not the means to contend with the funds of the
Corporation, which were expended without stint in support
of the existing authorities, and the matter slumbered for
another half century.

The following entry is not without interest :

" 1737, Aug. 10. It is ordered that his Grace the Duke of Athol be
complimented with his freedom."

On the decease of James, the tenth Earl of Derby, in
1735, his estates unconnected with the title passed by female
inheritance to the Duke.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS 105

At the same time Lord Sidney Beauclerk, son of the Sid

* Beauclerk.

Duke of St. Albans, and the Rev. Jno. Norris were admitted.
Lord Sidney had married the heiress of the Norrises of
Speke Hall.

The proceedings connected with the rebellion of 1745 Rebellion,
form a very interesting chapter in the records. Liverpool
has always been loyal and faithful to the Hanoverian dynasty,
and prepared to support its loyalty by its actions, in this
respect forming a strong contrast to other towns in the North
of England.

The first notice is as follows :-

" 1743, Feby. 28. John Brookes Mayor.

" Ordered, that this Corporation do address his Majesty on account of Address to
an intended invasion in favour of the Pretender's son and that the address rown '
for that purpose now read be passed under the Corporation Seal, and sent
up to the members of this borough to be presented to his Majesty."

The text is not recorded.

" 1745, Aug. 7. Ordered that the account of the publick Arms of this Arms.
Corporation now read be entred in this Council book and are as
follows :

" Chest No. i contains sixty six Muskets
" No. 2 sixty five
" No. 3 forty seven
" No. 4 forty three
" in all two hundred and twenty.

" i Chest of Pistols containing one hundred and fifty four
" Twenty five swords."
" 1745, Sept. 17. Owen Pritchard Mayor.

"Ordered That the address to his Majesty on the invasion of these
kingdoms in favour of the Pretender now read to this Council be passed
under the Comon Seal of this Corporation and presented to his Majestye
and it is as follows viz'

" To THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.

" The humble address of the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Common Address.
Council of the Borough and Corporation of Liverpoole in the County
Palatine of Lancaster.
" Most Gracious Sovereign.

" We, your Majesty's most dutyfull and loyal subjects, the Mayor,

io6

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Address to
Crown.

Grant for
Defence.

Recorder, Aldermen and Common Council of the ancient Borough of
Liverpoole in Council beg leave to congratulate your Majesty on your
safe and happy return to your British dominions after having contributed
so much to the election of an Emperor, and thereby to settle the peace of
Europe.

" The taking of Cape Breton by your Majesty's forces is another event
which will add to the glorys of your Majesty's reign, as it is an acquisition
much wished for and of the highest importance, not only to the trade of
these nations, but as it will remain a constant supply and nursery of
seamen for your royal navy.

" This second daring attempt of the Pretender in Scotland we cannot
think of but with the utmost abhorrence ; and we do with hearts full of
the warmest loyalty assure your Majesty that we will at the hazard of our
lives and fortunes exert ourselves in the support of the succession in your
Majesty's royal house (as this Corporation with the greatest unanimity did
on the rebellion in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifteen)
against all opposers whatsoever. Your Majesty's mild and prudent
government calls for our earnest testimonys of loyalty as subjects ; the
defence of our religion and the support of our laws require them of us as
men. All concur to demand our prayers for a continuance of your
Majesty's reign over a free people, and that the succession may remain in
your Royal and Illustrious House to the latest posterity.

" In testimony whereof " &c.

These were not vain and empty words, but were followed
by active practical measures. Four days after the despatch
of this address we read :

" 1745, Sept. 21. Owen Pritchard Mayor.

" Upon intelligence being received that the Pretender's son is now
invading Scotland with a great force, and a plan being now laid before
this Council for raising fortifications about this town for its defence
against the rebels ; and a subscription being proposed to be set on foot
for the defraying the expenses thereof. It is now Ordered that this
Corporation do pay and contribute the sume of one thousand pounds
towards the carrying on these works, and raising forces for the defence of
the town ; and that a Bond be passed under the Seal to any persons
willing to advance 'em the money on the usual interest for a security for a
repayment of the same ; and that Aid. Steers have the direction of the
works, and to call in any person to his assistance that he shall think
necessary and proper. And the Corporation Committee to allow of and
order the treasurer to pay the bills upon 'em being signed by Aid. Steers.

" Ordered, That the Constables do give a list to the Mayor the
preceding day, of persons who are to watch the next night ; and that

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 107

Mr Pole do now pay the watch who have watched these three nights last Watch and

past twelve pence a piece $ night. And for the future twenty five men to ar '

be hired to watch every night, and to be paid only eight pence a piece

# night. And also that Aid Brooke be empowered to hire and set a watch

of six men on the powder magazine till the powder be shipped on board Powder.

some ship. And that Mr Bird may hire two small vessels to take the

powder on board and hire people to guard it.

" Ordered, that Mr Deputy Mayor be empowered to dispatch Samuel
Street for intelligence to Edinburgh or any other places he shall think Intelligence.
proper; and that the treasurer do advance him ten guineas towards his
expences."

" 1745, Octr. 10. At a Special Council held this day.

" Whereas upon good advice taken it hath been found impracticable to
fortifye this town to any effect, without incurring vast expences ; and Mr
Mayor having been empowered by His Majesty's sign manual to raise
forces for the defence of His Majesty's person and government, this
Council doth now order that the sume of one thousand pounds ordered
last Council day to be subscribed by this Council towards the expence of
raising fortifications, be now made and paid towards the expences of R ?8 iment
raising one thousand men, more or less in this town, for the defence of ralse '
His Majesty's person and government. And that the said commission to
Mr Mayor under His Majesty's sign manual be entred in this Council
Book as follows

" George R.

" George the Second, by the grace of God King of Great Britain &c.

" To our trusty and well beloved Owen Pritchard Mayor of our town of
Liverpoole in Lancashire, Greeting.

" Whereas several of our loyal subjects in our town of Liverpool have
testified unto us their earnest desire in time of common danger when a
rebellion is actually begun within this our kingdom in favour of a Popish Royal
Pretender, to enter into associations for taking up arms for the common Commission,
defence, and have desired our Royal approbation and authority for their
so doing.

" We therefore having a just sense of so commendable a zeal, and
being desirous to encourage this seasonable instance of their loyalty to us,
and their concern for the religion and libertys of their country, have
thought fit hereby to give you power and authority, and we do hereby
authorize and empower you to signifye to our well affected subjects our
Royal approbation of the said design, and to form into troops or companys Troops,
such persons as shall be willing to associate themselves for the purposes
aforesaid in our town of Liverpoole; and to grant Commissions in our
name to such of them as you shall think proper to exercise>nd command
them. And for your executing and performing the power and authority
hereby given and granted to you, this shall be a sufficient warrant.

io8

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Liverpool
Blues.

Watch.

Sermons.

Intelligence.

Freedom to
Officers.

Guard Room
in Tower.

Precautions.

" Given at our Court at Kensington this 23"" day of September 1745 in
the nineteenth year of our reign.

" By His Majesty's command

" HOLLES NEWCASTLE.
" The Mayor of Liverpoole
" to grant Commissions."

The regiifient was accordingly raised and called the
Liverpool Blues. It consisted of 648 men, commanded by
Colonel (afterwards Brigadier-General) Graham, with Lt.-Col.
Gordon and Major Bendish as his subordinates. They
continued in pay from October yth, 1745 to the i5th January,
1746, and were present at the taking of Carlisle. When they
were disbanded, they received very high compliments from
the military authorities.

For the purposes of watch and ward, five companies of
sixty men each were embodied, who kept a nightly patrol in
rotation until the suppression of the rebellion.

" 1745, Octr. 10. Ordered that the Bailiffs be desired to write to the
clergy of this town who have preached loyal sermons on occasion of the
present rebellion. Return 'em the thanks of this Council and desire 'em
to print the sermons.

" That Mathew Strong merchant, who served five years by ind're to
Aid" Gildart be admitted free gratis in consideration that he is now out on
the public service of this town gaining us intelligence of the rebels."

" 1745, Octr. 18. Ordered that this Corporation do pay the expence of
all expresses and messengers sent for intelligence concerning the present
invasion."

"Nov. 6. Col Wm Graham, Lieut Col Gordon and Major Richard
Bendishe admitted free, gratis, in consideration of their taking upon
'emselves the comand of the forces raised by this town.

" John Amherst Esq commander of the South Sea Castle Man of War,
and Wm Bladwell Esq coinander of the Mercury Man of War admitted
free, gratis.

" Ordered, That the Leather Hall at the Tower, be fitted up for a
Guard room for the Soldiers, and that a shop near the Exchange be fitted
up as a Watch house for the Constables.

" Ordered, That Mr Mayor if he shall find or apprehend it necessary,
be empowered to secure and remove the Corporation Chest with the Seal,
Deeds, Charters, Records, Leases and other books and papers, and ship

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 109

them on board one of the Men of War now lying in the river, if the rebels
approach near the town."

" 1745, Nov. 19. James Bromfield Mayor.

" At a special Council

" Mr Mayor now representing that as His Majesty upon our humble
petition had been graciously pleased to send down officers, a Colonel,
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Major, to command the forces raised in this town
and which said officers must be paid for their service by the subscribers to payment of
the said forces or the Corporation ; therefore to prevent any disagreement Troops.
or discord between the said subscribers and the Corporation about
payment of the said officers, and in order to promote as far as in us lyes
His Majesty's interest and welfare. It is Ordered that the Corporation do
pay the said three officers their pay as comanding officers of their rank so
long as they and the said forces shall be continued in this service. And it
is further orderd, that for the better providing for and defraying this
expence, as also the charges of paying Expresses for the gaining of more
certain intelligence of the Rebels, sent and to be sent out from time to
time as occasion should require or for any other necessary expences
unprovided for during the present rebellion ; this Council shall take up
at interest any further sume of money not exceeding one thousand pounds,
to be expended if found necessary in the above service.

" And in consideration that Mr Mayor in case any imminent danger
from the Rebels should more nearly threaten or beset us upon many
unforseen accidents may'nt nor can get a Council together, it is likewise
Ordered, that bonds shall be passed under the Corporation Seal to any Bonds for
persons willing to advance the said sume of one thousand pounds, upon the Money
usual terms for repayment thereof with interest at four pounds and one ac
half $ cent $ ann. And this one thousand pounds to be lodged in
Mr Treasurer's hands, and the application thereof for the purposes afore-
said if required, shall be vested in Mr Mayor, the Aldermen and Bailiffs,
and five of them are hereby constituted a committee with power to
examine, allow, and order payment of any bills of expences to be incurred
in these services on Mr Treasurer of this Corporation, to the extent and
amount of the said one thousand pounds only ; and the Treasurer to be
allowed such payments in his accounts."

" J 745> Deer. 24. Whereas at a meeting of several of the principal
merchants and inhabitants of this town, held at the Exchange on the 19*
day of December 1745, it was by them then agreed that each person
present and subscribing should renew and pay one fourth part of their subscrip-
respective former subscriptions by them subscribed for and towards the tions -
support and maintenence of the Regiment rais'd by this town, called the
Liverpool Bleus, for the defence of His Majesty's person and government,
to the several collectors, who have collected their former subscriptions ;
but upon this condition only, viz' that the Corporation of Liverpoole should

no CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

pay and subscribe a proportionable and equal sume of money to what is
or should hereafter be subscribed by the aforesaid subscribers for the
purposes aforesaid.

" It is therefore now ordered by this Council, that this Corporation out
of their great zeal for, and loyalty to his present Majesty's person, family,
and government, and in consideration that the money formerly subscribed
is expended in the maintenance of the said troops who are now become
good disciplined soldiers, and who have now join'd the King's troops and
Further may be of great service against the rebels ; shall and will, in compliance
Expenditure. w ; t jj t jj e sa j ( j rec ;t e d agreement, advance and pay for and_towards the
further continuance and support of the said troops, any sume of money
adequate to the said one other fourth part of the said subscription by them
subscribed in pursuance of the said agreement. And the Treasurer of
this Corporation is hereby required to pay the money now ordered to be
paid, to any collector of the subscription money out of the one thousand
pounds ordered by this Council to be rais'd at the last Council day. But
it is upon this condition, that in case the whole money now subscribed be
not expended on this account that then a proportionable part of what
remains unspent shall be return'd to the Corporation."

" 1746, May 9. James Bromfield Mayor.

Address to " Order'd, that the Common Seal of this borough be put to the address
now read in Council, congratulating His Majesty on the success of his
arms against the rebels, and that the same be transmitted to the members
of Parliament for this borough, to be presented to his Majesty."

The text of the address is not entered.

Amount paid. The equipment and pay of the regiment thus raised
amounted to 4,859, raised entirely within the town.

Some time after the suppression of the rebellion and the
restoration of peace, the Council resolved to place on record
the history of the proceedings in Liverpool relating thereto,
which stands in the Records as follows :

" 1749, May 3. Joseph Clegg Mayor.

Abstract of " Ordered that the minutes or abstract and account of the Common
Proceedings. Council and town and Corporation of Liverpoole's behaviour and pro-
ceedings during the late rebellion, and the Commissions and letters which
the Mayors of this Corporation were honoured with from His Majesty or
His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, be entred in the Council
Book as a record and are as follows :

" Whereas an unnatural Rebellion broke out in that part of Great
Britain called Scotland in the year of our Lord 1745, Charles Edward, the

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. in

Pretender's elder son came over from France with a small retinue, and
landed in the Isle of Sky. The first intelligence was brought to this town
by Capt. Robinson, who coming from the Baltic, put into that island a few
days after the said Pretender's son landed. The account was transmitted
by express to His Majesty's Secretary of State's office at London by order
of Owen Pritchard Esq then Mayor.

" As the Rebels collected in great numbers, and it was imagined they
intended to invade that part of His Majesty's dominions called England ;
the 17 th day of September 1745, the Mayor, Recorder Aldermen and
Common Council of this borough addressed his Majesty expressing their
abhorence of such unnatural and base behaviour towards the best of
princes.

"Upon the 2i st day of September aforesaid, the Common Council Narrative,
ordered the sufne of one thousand pounds to be raised and applyed to the
making such fortifications and raising forces for the defence of the town as
should be thought necessary, and sent Mr Samuel Street to Edinburgh to
give the best intelligence possible as to the number and progress of the
rebels.

" The Worshipful Owen Prichard Esq then Mayor, received a Com-
mission from His Majesty to raise and form into troops such persons as
should be willing to associate themselves. Soon after this a Regiment of
Foot was raised, and proper officers appointed; the men furnished with
hatts, coats, stockings and shoes, with an allowance of twelve pence a day
for each private man, and the pay of the officers in the proportion
according to rank; and so soon as they were equip'd and disciplined, the
Honourable Colonel William Graham soon after created a Brigadier-
General Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, and Major Richard Bendishe, were
appointed by His Majesty to take upon 'them the command of the said
Regiment at the request of the Corporation.

" Soon after, it being thought necessary for the good of the common March out.
cause, that the said Regiment should march out of town to any part of
His Majesty's dominions where they could be thought to be most service-
able, accordingly on the 15'" day of November 1745 they began their
march for Warrington, and quartered in several villages in Cheshire, with
an additional allowance of four pence a day to every private man during
their absence from the town.

" The first duty they were engaged in was taking down several bridges
on the rivers betwixt Lancashire and Cheshire, to prevent the progress of
the Rebels in those parts. Soon after this, when the Rebels who got into
England as far as the town of Derby, retreated to return towards Scotland,
the Liverpool Regiment called Bleus, (their uniform being of that colour)
consisting of eight companies, joined his Majesty's forces and marched as Advance to
far as Carlisle, where they did duty during the time of the siege till the Carlisle,
place was surrendered to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland,

112

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Discharged
with Honour,

Volunteers.

Corporation

send

Supplies.

Acknowledg-
ment.

after which they marched back by direction of his Royal Highness to
Liverpoole, and were there discharged, having acquitted themselves in
such a manner as gave general satisfaction to His Majesty, his Royal
Highness and other general officers.

" During the whole time of their doing duty, all the officers and private
men (except the said Colonel Graham, who generously refused to take any
pay from the Corporation or town for his service) were duely and regularly
paid out of a sume of money raised by generous subscriptions of the
Common Council out of their publick stock, and the merchants and other
inhabitants of the town.

" The charge of raising and paying the Regiment with other incident
charges, of expresses, amounted to upwards of six thousand pounds, besides
what further expence must necessarily have attended it, if the care and
trouble of collecting the subscription money paying the same, and holding
the necessary accounts had not been generously undertaken and executed
by gentlemen of the town, without any other consideration than the
pleasure of doing real service to their King and country.

" When the Regiment raised by the town was ordered to march, the
merchants and other the inhabitants of the said town formed them-
selves, at their own expence, except a small sume which the Corporation
allowed these companies ; did duty in a regular manner, and thereby
prevented any riots or disturbances in town during the course of the
rebellion.

" When his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland was upon his
march, pursuing the Rebels flying to Scotland, the Corporation sent an
express to know if the army would want anything which they could
furnish, and accordingly they sent about thirteen tons of biscuit bread
after the army as far as Carlisle, under the care of the Worshipful Joseph
Clegg Esq present Mayor and Mr Aid William Pole, who saw it safely
delivered to His Royal Highness the Duke's orders, wherefore and upon
the general conduct of the town of Liverpoole on this affair, His Royal
Highness the Duke by letter to the Worshipfull James Bromfield Esq r
then Mayor, expressed his gratefull acknowledgement for the zeal and
affection shewn by the town of Liverpoole to His Majesty's person and
Government. And since that time, not only his Majesty but his said
Royal Highness, have on several occasions expressed and testified with
Royal gratitude their remembrance of the loyal behaviour of the town of
Liverpoole. And in a particular manner by his Majesty's command, His
Grace the Duke of Bedford on the said present Mr Mayor's generous
application interceding for a pardon for one Thomas Lawson a Rebel
prisoner, who having on the like application been by a royal warrant
detained in this goal to be cut for the stone, which operation he survived
and then had his said pardon given him, the copy of which letter is here-
inafter inserted.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 113

" Copy of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland's Letter to
" Mr Mayor &c as follows :

" Litchfield, 29* November 1745.

".Gentlemen of the Magistracy of Liverpoole.

" The proofs of fidelity and zeal which you have given and give upon Duke of
this important occasion, and of which Col 1 Grimes has made a very exact i^er * *"
report, are as they ought to be, extreamly agreeable to me, and I must
earnestly recommend you to persevere in the same laudable and honourable
course, and at the same time let you know how much it will be for the
King's and the nation's service that you should not be induced either by
intreatys or menacys to call back the boats or vessels of what kind soever
which you have sent off and put under the protection of His Majesty's
Ships of War, but that you leave them there in the perswasion, that the
utmost care will be had of them, and which by this messenger I recom-
mend in the strongest manner to the commanding officer of those ships.

" I am very sorry your courage and good affections are put to so severe
a tryal, and that you are exposed to so great inconveniencies. But I hope
the time of your deliverance draws nigh, and that by the blessing of the
Almighty thes insolent plunderers will receive very soon the just rewards
of their villanies.

" This army will be formed in a day or two, when I shall endeavour to
pursue such courses as will most effectually contribute to that end.

" I can't help taking notice to you how much I am pleased with the
account Col 1 Grimes gives of your regiment. Be assured I shall be glad
to do anything that may contribute to your ease and contentment, and to
give you the most effective marks of my esteem, and that I am truly your
good friend

" WILLIAM.

" By His Royal Highness's command

" Everard Fawkener."
Then follows copy of the letter of the Duke of Bedford, Pardon of

Lawson.

containing Lawson's pardon alluded to above, dated Feby.
23rd, 1748-9.

On the conclusion of the peace at Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1748,
a resolution was passed :

" 1748, Deer. 23. Joseph Clegg Mayor.

" That this Council do address His Majesty under the Common Seal on Address on
his happy arrival and conclusion of peace." Peace.

The text is not given.

When the war with France broke out in 1755, fraught

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Seamen
wanted.

Bounties.

Address to
Crown.

with such important consequences to the future of North
America, the loyalty of the people of Liverpool displayed
itself conspicuously.

" r 755i March 24. Charles Goore Mayor.

"Whereas His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council by their
letter to the Worshipful Mr Mayor of this Corporation, have intimated the
want of seamen for the speedy manning of the fleet now fitting out ; and
warrants haveing been sent down to Mr Mayor and the Magistrates for
the impressing of seamen for the said service from the Lord Commissioners
of the Admiralty ; And the cause of this speedy armament being deemed
to be on account of the French having attacked His Majesty's dominions
in America, and having formed other designs ag' these realms, This
Council therefore, according to their usual stedy and unalterable loyalty
and zeal for His Majesty, his family and government, to promote it as far
as in us lies, Do Order that a reward or Bounty of two guineas ^ man
shall be paid out of the Corporation estate to each able and experienced
seaman who shall enter himself a volunteer to serve on board any of His
Majesty's ships of war; with the following Gent 8 of this Council viz' Mr
Mayor, Messrs Aldermen Bird, Davies and James Gilda'rt and Mr Forbes
or any three of them being a Committee appointed for such purpose ;
which said bounty money shall be only paid to such seamen between
twenty and fifty years old, and who shall be accepted of and certify" 1 by
the regulating captain or officer at Liverpoole (except for apprentices) and
to be continued till the twentieth day of April next " &c.

" I 755> Octr. 6. Charles Goore Mayor.

" It is ordered that the following address from this Council on His
Majesty's safe return be passed under the Common Seal and transmitted
to the African Committee for this town, to be presented to His Majesty, as
both our members are in the country.

" To the King's most excellent Majesty.

" The humble address of the Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of Liver-
poole in Common Council assembled.

" Most Gracious Sovereign.

" We, your Majesty's most dutyfull and loyal subjects the Mayor,
Bailiffs and Burgesses of Liverpoole in Common Council assembled, beg
leave with the sincerest hearts to congratulate your Majesty on your safe
return into your British dominions.

"Your Majesty's unwearied zeal for the welfare of Europe, your parental
concern for the trade and commerce of all your subjects both here and in
America call for the greatest acknowledgments of gratitude from every
British breast. And we do rejoyce at this opportunity of repeating to your
Majesty that we shall with the same alacrity as we have ever done,

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 115

contribute our utmost in support of the Protestant succession in your
Majesty and your Royal House, and in defence of your Majesty's rights
and dominions against all attacks and incroachments whatsoever."

As the war proceeded, and was carried on principally at Contribution
sea, it became necessary to offer increased inducements to
seamen to join. The Council acted on this occasion without
any prompting from the Government.

" 1756, Mar. 10. Spencer Steers Mayor.

" Whereas there still wants a supply of able bodied and expert seamen
to compleat the manning of His Majesty's vast fleet of ships of warr, to
enable them to act with vigour, against our inveterate and perfidious
enemies the French, who are making vast preparations, and daily threaten
to invade these kingdoms with a powerfull army.

" This Council therefore, to contribute as far as in them lyes to enable
His Majesty to oppose and frustrate such desperate and wicked attempts
of our enemies, formed and designed by them against these kingdoms, in
revenge for the resolute and vigourous measures His Majesty hath pursued
in the defence and protection of his American dominions and subjects
against the unprovoked and unjustifiable attacks and ravages of the
French subjects committed on them, Do hereby order that a bounty or
reward of three pounds a man shall be offered and given to every able Bounties to
and expert seaman who shall enter and serve as a volunteer on board any Seamen -
of his ships of war at Liverpoole, on or before the first Wednesday in
April next, to be first examined and approved of, and to be within the
description and instructions of the Comittee of this Council formerly
appointed for such purpose."

It will be seen that, according to the communication from
Government, warrants had been sent to the Mayor for the Warrants,
forcible impressment of seamen, and it does credit to the
humanity and liberality of the Liverpool Corporation, that at
their own expense they substituted a reward for voluntary
service in place of the odious system of impressment.

As the war proceeded the loyalty of Liverpool kept pace
with the course of events.

" 1756, April 9. Spencer Steers Mayor.

" It is Ordered that the following Address (read over and approved) be

CHAP. II, A.D, 17271760.

Address.

Lives and
Fortunes.

Cunliffe
knighted.

passed under the Common Seal and transmitted to our Members of
Parliament to be presented by them to his Majesty, viz*-

" To the King's most excellent Majesty. ..';

" The humble Address of the Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council
of the Borough and Corporation of Liverpoole in Council assembled.

" Most Gracious Sovereign.

" We, your Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Mayor, Aldermen,
and Common Council of the town of Liverpoole, humbly beg leave thus to
approach your Majesty, that among the rest of your faithful and loyal
subjects, we may tender you our best services on the present important
occasion.

" Sensible as we are of the great preparations already made and still
carrying on by the French, for an unjust invasion of your Majesty's
dominions, and that it is the duty of every individual who has the safety
of his King, the true interest of his country, and the preservation of his
libertys civil and religious at heart, chearfully to exert himself in time of
tryal.

" The wise and vigorous measures which your Majesty hath taken by
augmenting your naval and landed force at home, by strengthening your
hands with potent and faithful allies, particularly so in your late Royal
Act of Condescention to the earnest request of your Parliament in granting
a considerable body of your Hanoverian troops for the safety and defence
of these nations, are such peculiar marks of your paternal care and
affection for your British subjects, and the welfare of these Kingdoms in
this time of imminent danger, as will ever endear your Majesty to them
and their latest posterity, which thro' the blessing of God will be a sure
guard and defence against any desperate attempts of your enemies on the
repose and quiet of this land.

" We therefore beg leave humbly to assure your Majesty that both in
our corporate and natural capacitys, we will heartily concurr at the
hazzard of our lives and fortunes to protect and defend your sacred life,
support and maintain your undoubted right to these realms and the
Protestant succession as established by law in your Royal House, and
vindicate the honour of your Crown against all your enemies and

oppressors whatsoever.

" In testimony whereof" &c.

" 1756, May 14. It is Ordered that the following paragraph in a letter
to the Town clerk from Sir Ellis Cunliffe, acquainting the Council that he
had (together with Mr Pole our other worthy member of Parliament)
presented their address to His Majesty on the present situation of National
affairs, and that in token of its gracious reception His Majesty was pleased
to confer the honour of knighthood on him, be entred in the Council book
and which is as follows :

" London Apr 14, 1756.

" S'- I had this day, accompanied by Mr Pole the honour to present to

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 117

His Majesty the address of the Council ; in token of its gracious reception,
His Majesty was pleased to confer on me the dignity of knighthood. I
must look upon myself indebted for this honour to the great reputation the
town of Liverpoole stands in by its loyalty in the late rebellion."

In 1759, a Baronetcy was conferred on Sir Ellis Cunliffe.
The family is now represented by Sir Robert Cunliffe, of
Acton Park, Wrexham, M.P. for the Denbigh boroughs.

" 1758, Sept. 23. William Goodwin Mayor.

" Ordered, that the address now read to congratulate his Majesty on the Address to
success of his arms in the reduction of Cape Breton, and the many other Crown -
important events of this year, be transmitted under the Common Seal of
this borough to the Right Honourable William Pitt Esquire, by Sir Ellis
Cunliffe in order to be presented to his Majesty."

The address succinctly sums up the events of the war in

" The reduction of the important fortress of Louisbourg, with the Isles Cape
of Cape Breton and St John's, the demolition of Cherbourg, the seizure of Breton - &c -
the settlements on the river Senegal, the destruction of the ships of St
Malo ; these and the other repeated blows given to the commerce and
naval power of France, joined to the victories obtained by Prince
Ferdinand at Crevelt, and by the King of Prussia near Custrin, are events
which must ever make your Majesty's name dear to your subjects, dreaded
by your enemies and glorious to future ages,"

and terminates with the usual expressions of loyalty and
devotion.

" 1758, Octr. 4. On a petition of several merchants and traders of this Town
town, setting forth the danger the town is in from our enemies from its ence ess '
defenceless state, and for the security of the trade and shipping of this
port, and praying the assistance of this Council with his Majesty's
ministers herein.

"It is ordered by this Council that our members of Parliament be
authorized and desired to report it to the Government, and pray their Petition,
assistance herein- in such manner and means as they shall think fit."

To this application Mr Pitt (Lord Chatham) sent the

following reply:

" St James's Square Mar 16, 1759.

" Gentlemen

" I received the favour of your letter of the 13* inst with the papers
therewith inclosed, setting forth the defenceless state of the town, two

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Letter from docks and pier of Liverpoole ; and I am to acquaint you that I immediately
ltt- referr'd what you represent to the Board of Ordnance, and at the same

time signifyed his Majesty's pleasure to that Board that they should direct
some proper and skilfull person to repair to Liverpoole to survey the state
of the said town, docks and pier, and that they should report their opinion
what may be necessary and advisable to be done for the security and
defence of a place of so much importance against any insult from the
enemy.

" I am with great truth and regard

" Your most obed' humble serv*

"W. PITT."

In consequence ol this communication several batteries
were constructed, one in the Old Church Yard.

Further demands were made for seamen to man the Navy,
and we find the following record :

" 1759, Feby. 7. Robert Cunliffe Mayor.

" Mr Mayor having ordered that a special Council might be called on
the igth day of January last, as some officers of the navy now are come to
town, being properly authorized by the Lords of the Admiralty to impress
seamen into His Majesty's service, and in order to promote this national
service, and to keep the peace of the town by encouraging volunteers to
enter into His Majesty's sea service ; and it was then intended to give a
bounty for that purpose, but not a sufficient number of the Common
Council of Liverpoole attending at that time, It is now ordered by this
Council that the same bounty which was lately given by this Corporation
for the like purposes to such volunteer sailors as should enter, be now
revived and continued and remain in full force for the space of six months
if found necessary."

The pressure still continuing, strenuous efforts were made
for the defence of the Country both by land and sea.

" 1759, Octr. 3. It is resolved and ordered on the motion of Sir Ellis
Cunliffe Baronet, that the following proposals be made and stand as
resolutions, orders and acts of this Council, to wit

" That a subscription be immediately opened at the Mayor's office for
voluntary contributions, to be given in Bountys of four guineas to each
able bodied Landsman as shall within two months from the date hereof
inlist himself to serve his King and country as a soldier in Captain
Volunteers. Jeffry's company of Royal Volunteers now raising at Liverpoole, and for
the company of Captain Nathaniel Heywood of the Royal Volunteers ;
being first approved of by a Committee appointed for such purpose and
Captain Jeffry or his Lieutenant.

Bounties to
Seamen.

Subscrip-
tions.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 119

" That to promote such loyal and laudable service, Mr Alderman Pole
the treasurer of this Corporation, do on the behalf of the Mayor, Bailiffs
and Burgesses of this borough subscribe and pay the sum of one hundred Contribution
guineas for the purposes aforesaid out of the publick estate of this
Corporation.

" That no person entered on the Militia of any county shall be enlisted
on this bounty."

The arms of England continued victorious, and we find
recorded as follows :

" 1759, Nov. 27. Lawrence Spencer Mayor.

" It is Ordered that this Council do address His Majesty on the many Address to
signal victories and conquests made and obtained by His Majesty's troops Crown -
and naval forces, and that the following address be passed under the
Common Seal and be transmitted by Sir Ellis Cunliffe Bart to Mr
Secretary Pitt to be presented to his Majesty.

" To the King's Most Excellent Majesty.

" The humble address of the Mayor &c.

" May it please your Majesty

" We your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects the Mayor
Aldermen, Bailiffs and Common Council of the Borough and Corporation
of Liverpoole in Council assembled, beg leave to offer to your Majesty our
most humble and hearty congratulations on the continued series of success
which it has pleased the Divine Providence to bless your Majesty's arms
within the compass of one year in every quarter of the world.

" The power of the French repressed in the East Indies, their fleet victories,
defeated off Cape Lagos ; their armies totally routed on the plains of
Minden ; the islands of Goree and Guadaloupe reduced ; the forts of Du
Quesne, Niagara, Ticonderoga, and Crown Point taken, but above all
Quebec that proud capital of the French Empire in America subjected to Quebec.
Brittish dominion.

"These signal victories and advantages obtained whilst our trade has
been secured and our manufactures encouraged, must mark your reign a
distinguished acra in the annals of Great Britain.

" Your Majesty's experienced paternal care and protection engage us to
exert ourselves to the utmost to support your Majesty against all the
attempts of your enemies. We entirely rely on the wisdom of your
Majesty's Councils in the proper prosecution of this just and necessary
war ; not doubting but your Majesty by the divine blessing will in due
time procure for us a solid and honourable peace."

" 1759, Deer. 24. It is ordered that a bounty of four guineas # man be Bounties,
given out of the subscription money raised in this town, to ten able-bodied
landsmen to be incorporated in the regiment called the Old Buffs now old Buffs.

I2O

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Thurot.

Freedom
voted to
Officers.

Restrictions
on Trade.

Prohibition
of non-
Freemen.

recruiting at Liverpoole, it being reported to this Council that the private
subscribers to this fund are willing to concur with this Council in the
same."

Great alarm and consternation were caused in the town
by the daring proceedings of the French squadron under
M. Thurot, who had landed in Ireland and sacked the town
of Carrickfergus. The following minute occurs :

" 1760, March 8. Ordered, that the following noblemen and gentlemen
be admitted free of this borough and Corporation, being the colonels, field
officers and captains in the two battalions of the Lincolnshire militia and
other officers in his Majesty's military land service, in consideration of
their great alacrity, chearfulness and expedition, in marching to the
assistance of this town on the request of Mr Mayor and other the
magistrates and gentlemen of the town, on Mr Mayor's letter to them
notifying Mons' Thurot's, Comander of a French squadron landing in
Ireland and taking the castle of Carrickfergus; and that we were fearfull
he might visit this town and port, destroy the shipping, or lay the town
under contribution. And that they be admitted gratis and without fees."

Then follows a list of twenty-five admissions to the
freedom of the Corporation, commencing with the Earl of
Scarborough and Sir John Cust, Bart.

In the midst of these important national affairs the self-
elected Council never lost sight of their own interests, real or
supposed. From the earliest records in the reign of Queen
Mary, although by the charter of 1556 all restrictions on trade
had been prohibited, there was a constant struggle to prevent
"foreigners" settling or transacting business in the town.

" 1731, Nov. 12. Richard Gildart Mayor.

" It being represented to this Council that great numbers of artificers
and handicraftsmen, foreigners not being free of this burrough, have
p'sum'd to exercise and sett up their sev'all trades and to open shops,
and therein to expose to sale their goods and wares, and retail the same,
contrary to the ancient custom and by-laws of this burrough, in manifest
violation of the known rights and priviledges of the freemen, and to the
great damage of the whole body corporate.

" It is therefore Order'd That no foreigner not being free of this
burrough shall on any pretence whatsoever directly or indirectly open a

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 121

shop or sett up any trade within this burrough or the Liberties thereof,

till he or she hath compounded with the Mayor, Aldermen Bailiffs and Compound-

Coinon Council for his or her liberty so to do.

" And to the end that such persons may now be disco v'ed and presented ;
it is Order'd that publick notice hereof bejgiven, and that all the freemen
and burgesses be desired to attend the Comitee (which sits every Thursday
in the Comon Hall at three o'clock in the afternoon) to give information of
all such persons as do, or have p'sumed to exercise, any trades or manuall
occupations within this burrough not being free thereof."

This order was renewed in 1734.

" 1740, Feby. 9. Henry Trafford Mayor.

" Mr Aid" Steers representing to this Councill that Theophilus Bent and
others who are foreigners have lately imported severall quantities of corn Foreigners
and exposed the same for sale . . it is now order'd that the Water ^P^ 1 " 8
Bailiff do take a distress of all such corn, of one bushell for every hundred
. . and that he be indemnifyed therein and in defending any action
brought against him."

" 1746, July 2. James Bromfield Mayor.

" Ordered that notice be given to James Rhodes of Liverpoole, gardiner Non-
to appear before the Common Council of this Corporation in the Comon prosecuted
Hall ... to shew cause why he shall not be disfranchised for em-
powering John Rhodes a forreigner not being free of this town, to keep an
open shop in this borough, and covering the said John Rhodes' goods
under the pretext of his own proper goods, contrary to the ancient custom
and by-laws of the said borough, and the oath of a freeman thereof."

1746, Oct. 8th. A proclamation was issued by the Council
affirming their right by ancient custom to restrict and exclude Restrictions.
all "foreigners" from trading in the town, but that these
restrictions had hitherto proved ineffectual,

" Inasmuch as divers and sundry foreigners and strangers, not regarding
the said ancient custom, by-laws and ordinances, but wholly intending
their private property and gain, have of late years devis'd and practised
by all sinister and subtle means to defeat the said custom, and to
that end do in private and secret places usually and ordinarily expose
to sale and sell their wares" &c.

They therefore proceeded to denounce in the strongest
terms such nefarious proceedings, and to inflict a fine of Fines,
forty shillings for every offence.

122 CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

The ordinance was not to extend to business transacted
at the time of public fairs and markets, nor to corn, grain, or
victuals.

" 1747, Jany. 21. Joseph Bird Mayor.

Fazakerley " Ordered that John Fazakerley, silversmith and watchmaker be
prosecuted. p rosecu t e d for exerciseing the faculty of a freeman of this borough."

Mr. Fazakerley being recalcitrant, it was thought desirable
Law officers to take the opinion and advice of the Attorney General. The

consulted. . .

amended resolution, founded on this opinion, is set out at
length but does not materially differ from that quoted above.

" 1 75' J^y 4- Joseph Davies Mayor.

Case stated. " Ordered, that the Town Clerk state a new case of forreigners
exerciseing their trades within the town not being free, and take Council's
opinion thereon."

Notwithstanding all this blustering there seems to have
been considerable hesitation in carrying the question to
extremities.

" 1756, May 14. Spencer Steers Mayor.

" It is Ordered on the petition of many freemen now preferred and read
to this Council, complaining of a breach of their franchises by forreigners
or non-freemen exerciseing and following their trades and businesses in
this town ; That a case be stated and laid before the Council for their
approbation, and that the Attorney General's opinion be taken thereon, in
order to procure the freemen redress herein."

Prosecutions. " 1756, Octr. 6. Upon Mr Attorney General's opinion that the power
of making by-laws is in the Common Council under the Charter of King
William the third, and that non-freemen may be prosecuted for following
their trades in this Corporation. It is ordered that the Corporation will
bear the expence of prosecuting such violators of the franchises of the
town agreeable to the said opinion."

" 1757, Mar 2. Richard Hughes Mayor.

Shoemakers " Whereas a prosecution by information at the instance of the shoe-
prosecuted, makers free of this Corporation, hath been commenced in the Court of
Quarter Sessions of this borough against one Frances Davies, for exercising
and following the trade of a shoemaker, not having served seven years to
the said trade, according to the statute of the 5* Elizabeth, and she, having
submitted to the said information, and paid into court sixteen pounds for
eight months penalty, one half whereof goes to the prosecutor, and the
other to this Corporation as grantees under the Crown. It is therefore

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS 123

now ordered that the said Corporation moiety be given to make up if any
or what costs the said shoemakers have expended, and the remainder
thereof be distributed among some poor freemen's familys of the said
trade."

The supply of water to the town, which from the com- water
mencement of the century had been a subject of anxiety, still
continued to occupy the public mind.

" 1731, Nov. 17. Richard Gildart Mayor.

" Mr James Shaw proposeing on behalf of himself and partners to Shaw's offer,
undertake and bring fresh water to town, provided they may have liberty
to do, and a proper grant thereof; It is now Order'd that they shall have
liberty, and a grant be pass'd for that purpose under the Corp" Scale ; they
begining the undertakeing within a year now next, and being obliged to
finish the same in seven yeares, and paying five guin s rent from Mich'as
next, and that they enter into proper articles for that purpose. This grant
to be for nine hundred and ninety nine yeares."

" I 73 2 i J u ty I2 - A draught of a lease to Mr James Shaw for liberty to Lease,
bring fresh water to town and to lay pipes &c being now read, was approv'd
of, and order'd to be ingross'd and pass'd under the Corp" Scale."

It is not stated where was the source of the supply. The
subject slumbered during eight years, when it was revived.

" 1740, July 23. Thomas Steers Mayor.

" Aid" Gildart and Mr James Shaw proposeing to finish their intended Lease to
waterworks in five years from Michaelmas next, if the Corporation will but S^** and
enlarge their term, which was granted to the late Mr Shaw for the doing
thereof for seven yeares from 12 July 1732.

" It is now order'd, that they have liberty according to the said lease for
the term of five yeares from Michaelmas, on condition that they compleat
the same within that term, and do begin and proceed effectually in two
yeares from Michaelmas next, Otherwise this order to be absolutely void."

No further notice is recorded of this scheme, which like
all the preceding ones collapsed.

" 1748, Deer. 7. Joseph Clegg, Mayor.

" Mr Peter Whitfield having by letter remonstrated to this Council that whitfield's
he had a very probable scheme of finding out water, that might be easily Water
brought, and sufficient to supply this town of Liverpoole. It is Ordered
that Mr Whitfield be desired to communicate it to the Corporal", and if
they judge it probable, then they will give incouragement to such scheme
being carried into execution."

I2 4

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

" 1749, April 5. Ordered, that Mr Pet. Whitfield be desired to confer
with such of the Council as he shall think proper about bringing the water
to town."

This scheme also proved abortive, nothing more being
heard of it.

Several periods of great distress are recorded, which are
noticeable from the earnest efforts made for their alleviation.

" 1739, Deer. 10. Thomas Steers Mayor.

Distress. < Whereas it hath been represented to the Worpp" the Mayor, Aid",

Bailiffs, and the rest of the Colnon Councill of this Corporation, that great
numbers of the inhabitants of this town are in great distress for want of
work, which they are deprived of by and thro' the severity of the season,
and reduced to great misery, and that thro' the dearness of the marketts
are not able to subsist themselves and families, and must inevitably perish
if not timely relieved ; and that it hath been propos'd by the principall

Collection, merchants and inhabitants to contribute thereto, and that if a collection
be made thro' the town amongst the better sort of the inhabitants, a
competent reliefe for such poor miserable persons might be rais'd and
distributed amongst them, and that severall persons haveing undertook such
collection and distribution, which this Councill takeing into consideration

Corporation d oe a g ree that the Corporation contribute thereto, and order that the

contribute. treasurer jo advance the sum of fifty pounds out of the Corporation
Stock for and towards such charitable contribution, and be allow'd the
same in his accounts."

Again, seventeen years afterwards, distress prevailed to a
much wider extent.

" 1756, Nov. 17. Richard Hughes Mayor.

Distress. " Whereas corn and grain is at such an extravagant and high price in

this town at present, that the poor freemen and inhabitants of the town
cannot scarce from their labour get daily bread ; it is therefore Ordered

Contribution that for the present relief of the poor that the Corporation do take up the
sum of two thousand pounds at interest for such purpose, and that Mr
Mayor and Bailiffs, Mr Steers, Mr Goore, Mr Robert Cunliffe, Mr Spencer,
Mr Scrope Colquitt, Mr Clegg, Mr Manesty, Mr Carr, the Town Clerk,

Committee. Mr Pole and Mr Blundell, any five of them to be a Committee for such
purpose, and to lay out and distribute the same in corn, under the direction
of the Council as they shall think proper from time to time, to the poor
indigent and needy housekeepers inhabiting in this town, at such prices
only as to reimburse the Corporation their own money, and only such
interest and charges as they shall be put to.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 125

" ! 757. J un e i. It is Ordered that the publick dinners made and given Public
by the Worshipfull Mr Mayor and Bailiffs at the two fairs, to the freemen discontinued,
and inhabitants of this town, be now upon the motion of Mr Mayor and
Bailiffs laid aside and discontinued on account of the great scarcity and
dearness of every necessary of life at present, and that the moneys given
them to defray the expence thereof, be for the present applied and laid out
in the purchase of corn by the said corn committee and distributed in flour Purchase of
to poor freemen's familys and other necessitous poor of the town." Com.

The Mayor of Liverpool from an early period has always
had an allowance to keep up the dignity and hospitality of
his office. For this purpose the whole or part of the Prizage
on Wines, and the two best fines paid for admission to
freedom, were appropriated. As the duties of the office
increased, the question had to be reconsidered.

" 1738, Oct. 12. George Norton Mayor.

" It being represented to this Council, that as the town and the number Mayor's
of its inhabitants do greatly increase ; of consequence the attendance of
the Mayor in discharging the whole duty of his office hath much more of
late so increased than formerly, that most of his time is thereby taken up,
and that he hath scarce any time to negociate his own private affairs, and
that the present allowance is not adequate to the extraordinary trouble,
attendance and expences every Mayor must necessarily be put unto: This
Councill are of opinion that such further reasonable allowance should be
made, as will be sufficient to support the dignity of the office, and reimburse
his extraordinary expenses. And do therefore order that the yearly
allowance shall for the future be made the full sum of one hundred
guineas, besides the settled yearly allowance of forty pounds in lieu of and
for the two best freemen's fines."

In 1753 the allowance was increased to 110 besides the
freemen's fines.

" 1745, April 3. Ordered that the expence of a Quarter Sessions and Sessions'
Court of Tryals dinner shall not for the future exceed the sume of ten Dmners -
pounds if seperate, and fifteen pounds if joint."

" 1733, Nov. 7. It being now represented that the late Mayor and
Bailiffs did provide at their own charge 22 dozen of knives and forks to be
us'd in and for the publick entertainments in the Hall, and the great
necessity there is of haveing a sett of table linen for the two tables and the
bench, and more knives and forks.

" It is Order'd that the Treasurer do repay the late Mayor and bayliffs Kn^ef ancf
the charge of those knives and forks they did provide, and take them for Forks.

126

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

the publick use, and provide such linen as shall be suitable and necessary,
and so many knives and forks more as will make upp the whole tenn
dozen of knives and forks and four setts of lignum vitae castors."

These knives and forks are still in existence, though not
used. They have silver handles. The forks have two steel
prongs each.

" Z 755t Oct. 6. Charles Goore Mayor.

Fair Dinners. It is Ordered that as the entertainments of the two fair dinners since
the building of the new Exchange, must of necessity be considerably en-
creased from the entertainment to be provided, and furnished for tables
sutable to the rooms ; Therefore the present and future Mayor and Bailiffs
shall be allowed and paid any sume not exceeding the sume of one
hundred and twenty guineas for defraying the expence of the said two
dinners by the Corporation. And that in lieu or aid thereof the present
and future Mayor and Bailiffs give up to the Corporation all their right,
title and interest to the tolls comonly called the corn tolls ; so that the
Corporation are from henceforth during this agreement to receive the corn
tolls and also the Ingate and Outgate tolls payable or arising within this
borough and Corporation."

Riding the
Liberties.

On the occasion of the annual riding the Liberties or
bounds of the borough, it was customary for the Mayor to
provide refreshments for the cortege accompanying him, but
Mr. Spencer Steers, Mayor in 1756, declined to follow this
example ; whereupon the following entry was made :

" Ordered that the Corporation do pay a bill of four pounds thirteen
shillings due to the widow of John Thompson, for the expence of the last
Liberty Day for providing a refreshment for Mr Mayor and the gentlemen
who attended him riding the boundaries and dining the constables, as Mr
Mayor upon taking on him the said office, declared he would not pay any
such expences."

The state and ceremony of the authorities were pretty
well kept up.

Halberdiers. " 1734, Apl. 3. William Pole Mayor.

" The report of the Coinittee being now read, representing their opinion
that the Halberteers should have an allowance of twelve pence for the
attendance of two of them every Sunday att the foot of the stairs into the

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 127

Comon Hall ; it is now Order'd that they have such allowance from the
25 th day of March last past, and that the Treasurer doe provide a new sett
of Hallberts for them, and the old ones to be kept and made use of by the
watchmen, and that the Hallberteers be obliged to take care of and keep
his Hallbert clean and neat at his own expence."

"1745, Apl. 3. Ordered, that the Treasurer of this Corporation do Clothes for
attend at the taking up of the cloaths for the Corporation Officers to officers
prevent 'em exceeding the limited prices, and that the Sergeant, Sword
Bearer and Water Bailiffs hats and lace do not severally exceed 15 shillings,
and the Bellman's and Exchange keeper's hat and lace ten shillings and
sixpence, and the Halberdiers' hats four shillings each."

" 1760, Nov. 5. Ordered that Mr Mayor be authorised to buy cloth Cloaks for
cloaks for all the Constables at the expence of this Corporation not Constables
exceeding five shillings and sixpence per yard."

Many notices occur of the provisions for Watch and
Ward.

In 1667 the town was divided into five wards for ad- wards,
ministrative purpose.

In 1678 the watching was entrusted to

" Twelve sufficient housekeepers or a greater number of them as Mr Watching.
Maior shall see cause, who shall everie night keepe watch from sixe
a clock at night to sixe a clock the next morninge."

1738, October aoth. The town was divided into two Districts,
separate districts, to wit the North and South. Each district
was divided into three wards, and the Sub-Bailiffs and others wards.
were appointed to serve by two in each ward to summon the
inhabitants appointed to watch.

1741, October, i8th. This system was revised and re-
arranged.

Liverpool has usually been a quiet and loyal town, but
occasional 6meutes have disturbed its harmony, of which
several notices occur.

" 1754, Nov. 6. Charles Goore Mayor.

" It is Ordered that the Town Clerk be repaid thirty six guineas which Riots,
he paid to some persons for apprehending one John Courtney, James
McHoy, and Eleanor Tobin, who with some others lately broke open in a

128

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

most bold and audacious manner the gaol of this Corporation, and thereout
rescued the said Eleanor Tobin, who was confined therein for felony, and

Prosecutions, the expence of prosecuting the said offenders at Lancaster. It being a
great offence at law, and insult on the magistracy of this town, and as the
Gaoler Mr Hornby was not in circumstances to prosecute, and died
insolvent, and being the reward advertized by order of Aid" Crosbie the
late Mayor for apprehending the said offenders."

Firearms. << 1758, Apl. 21. Ordered that sixty good musketts and bayonetts,

cartouch boxes and accoutrements, be bought for the use of the town, to
be kept in the Exchange, as the Corporation are obliged by the grant of
the Castle to them, to keep up a number of arms, and the many late riots
in this town, shew the necessity of them."

Arms. " 1759, Oct. 3. It is Ordered that Mr Goore, Mr Manesty, and

Mr Campbell, be appointed a Committee to appraize and value the arms
borrowed from Mr Spencer to defend the town from the insults of the
Prescot mob."

" 1760, Sept. 13. It is Ordered that Mr Adams, Gunmaker, be paid
the sume of forty nine pounds for a parcell of musketts and bayonets &c
formerly sold to this Corporation, according to a Bill of Parcels now
delivered in to the Corporation, when the town was threatened, and in
danger of being plundered by a mob of country people and colliers in
and about Prescot, and which have since been used by the Independant
Company lately raised for the defence of the town of Liverpool."

Rather a singular entry is found under date of October
5th, 1748.

The Revd. Thos. Baldwin was appointed by the Council
one of the Rectors of the Parish in 1721, and on the 24th
Sept., 1733, he was elected as a member of the Council,
being the only clergyman who ever filled that office.

It seems that some objection, or at least dissatisfaction,
had been expressed, from the allusion in his letter of resig-
nation, as follows :

" Leyland Octr 4 '48.
" Worthy Gentlemen

Letter. " I should esteem myself guilty of the highest ingratitude did I

refuse granting any request to that body politick which hath been so
extraordinarily generous in constituting me one of their Rectors.

" As to oblige your Honours I consented to be a member of your

Resignation, society, so at your desire I now willingly resign that station, and heartily

wish that you may pitch upon one to succeed as willing to exert himself

Rev. Thos.
Baldwin.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 129

on all occasions to promote your true interest and welfare as I have
been and ever shall remain.

" Gentlemen

" Y r most devoted hum' ser 1

" THO. BALDWIN.

" Upon which letter of resignation it is now declared that Mr Baldwin's
seat as a Councilman is now vacant."

The following record requires explanation. Probably the
proposal related to a provision for arbitration.

" !75 2 . J an y- 8. Ordered that a petition be presented to Parliament Court of
for erecting a Court of Conscience in this town of Liverpoole on the plan Conscience,
of that of Lincoln ; and passed under the Common Seal, and presented to
Parliament ; to be done at the expence of the Corporation."

At the date of the rebellion of 1745, and for some time
afterwards, considerable alarm was excited by the proximity
of the Powder Magazine, which stood on the North side of
Brownlow Hill a little above the present line of Russell Street.

This was erected in 1737 according to the following
record :

" I 737> Aug. 10. It being represented to this Councill that Thomas
Pearse, Sam 1 Underbill and Rob' Norman of the City of London, have laid Powder
out a considerable sume in building a Powder House, and walling it about House<
in the close in lease to Rich d Gildart Esq lying on the north side of the
lane leading to Brownlow Hill, and that they desire to have the lease
thereof to themselves. It is now order'd that such lease be granted " &c.

1744, April 5th. The lease was extended and divided
into thirds amongst the lessees.

" 1751, Octr. 18. It is ordered that Mr Mayor and Bailiffs (with seven Powder
others named) be appointed a Committee to treat for -the purchase of a Ma 8 azmes -
piece of land in Cheshire near the Black Rock, for to erect the powder
magazines on, when they shall be removed from their present situation
near this town . . . and this Council will confirm such agreement and
carry the same into execution."

A few illustrations occasionally occur, illustrative of the
customs of the period.

' 1746, Oct. 18. Joseph Bird Mayor.

" Ordered upon the humble motion of Mr Bailiff Spencer, that this p a ck of
Corporation do patronize and qualifye the pack of hounds comonly called Sounds.

1 3

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Tower.

Derrick.

Queen of
Assembly.

Court of
Requests.

Throne.

Assemblies.

Peace
Proclamation

Ball.

the Town's hounds, kept by subscription in this town, to hunt for the
diversion of the gentlemen of this town. And that the Corporation do
allow the huntsman for the time being the yearly sum of five guineas as
and for a livery, and that the Treasurer be allow'd it in his accounts."
" 1749, Apl. 4. Ordered that the Pillory be repaired and made fit for use."

The Tower, in Water Street, was used as the Common
Gaol, but the upper rooms were appropriated to festive
purposes. Samuel Derrick, who gives an account of the
town in 1760, states that "the proceedings are regulated by
a lady styled ' the Queen,' and she rules with very absolute
power."

" 1748, April 13. Ordered, that the rooms in the Tower may be used
by the gentlemen and ladies of this town, for their assembly grat 5 during
the pleasure of the Council."

" 1754, Feby. 6. Ordered, that the Queen of the assembly have power
to lock up the tea room in the Tower during the pleasure of this Council."

When in 1754 the New Town Hall, or Exchange as it
was then called, was opened, the rooms in the Tower were
vacated, and the following orders were passed :

" That the rooms in the Tower be fitted up in order to hold the Court
of Requests in.

" That Mr Goore and Mr Winstanley be appointed to treat and agree
with Mr Atherton for the sale of the Throne lately erected in tha Assembly
room.

" That on the petition of the Managers of the Assemblies, the ladies
shall have the use of the (new) Council chamber and furniture to hold
their assemblies in during the pleasure of the Council."

" 1748, Feby. 13. Joseph Clegg Mayor.

" Ordered that Mr Mayor be desired to give a publick entertainment to
the ladies and gentlemen in town to celebrate the day of his Majesty's
Royal proclamation of peace, at the expence of the Corporation, under the
direction of Mr Mayor and Bailiffs, Aid Pole, and Mr Forbes."

There is a subsequent entry in the margin as follows :

" Given by y" Corpor'on at y" Infirmary, at w"* were present near 1000
Gen 1 and Ladies and every person pleas'd." (I)

<> There is a notable circumstance connected with this entertainment. Miss Martha
Linaker, residing in Liverpool, attended this ball as a young lady and lived to be present
at the ball given in the Town Hall on the opening of the New Infirmary in 1824, seventy
six years afterwards.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 131

" 1748, March 17. The Worshipful the Mayor of this Corporation now
bringing in to this Council the several bills of the charge and expence of
the late Ball ordered to be given to the gentlemen and ladies upon the
peace being concluded, amounting to eighty one pounds nine shillings and
eleven pence, be paid by Mr Treasurer and allowed in his accounts, and Cost,
that the thanks of the Council be given to Mr Mayor, Bailiffs, Aid" Pole
and Mr Forbes, the managers thereof for their great care and frugality
therein, and also to all other persons who were so kind to lend them
several requisites necessary for accomodating the company at the Ball."

The Waits as an institution were still kept up, but seem wait*.
occasionally to have been a little disorderly.

" 1743, Sept. 7. Edward Trafford Mayor.

" Ordered that the Publick Musick or Waits of this town be displaced
or dismissed from their said offices, for misbehaviour in their places, and
that Aid. Hughes be desired to consult proper persons to provide a new
set for the town."

" 1754, Mar. 6. James Crosbie Mayor.

" It is Ordered that two Waites or Musicians be added to the present
Waites or Musick of this town, and that they all be paid and allowed four
pounds a piece salary, and that the perquisites of the town be divided Parquisites.
among them equally, and that they be each of them allowed a laced
cloak in the usual form once in five years only. And that Mr Alderman
Winstanley (and two others) be appointed to chuse and fix the town's
Musick from time to time till further notice."

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES.

The Corporeal Estate of the Corporation consisted partly
of lands and tenements within the ancient limits of the
borough west of the Pool stream, including the old burgage
tenements.

Estate. This estate, it appears from the older records, originally

included a considerable area at the north end of the town,

Town Field, comprising the Great Town Field and other enclosures. How
these came to be alienated there appears no evidence from
the Records. From the early part of the i8th Century the

MOSS Lake, bulk of the town's property consisted of the Mosslake Fields,
granted by Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, in 1309, and of the

Great Heath. Great Heath, wrested from the Molyneux family in 1672 by
the courage and perseverance of the Corporation. This
extensive area, extending from Islington to Parliament Street
from North to South, and between Whitechapel and Crown
Street from East to West, constitutes the present Corporate
Estate, portions of which have at different times been conveyed
freehold, but of which the great bulk is leased for terms of 75
years, the fines for the renewal of which produce a large
revenue.

During the period now under review this virgin soil began

Demand. to be in demand, and building was rapidly extending eastward.
Many notices occur of the sales of land and the management
of the estate.

Survey. ' 1733, Sept. io. Order'd that Aid" John Seacome and Mr John

Martindale, do make a new survey of all the Corporation Estate and
report to the Councill what part is in lease, and what not, and what
lives are in being, as soon as may be."

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 133

The inception of the Docks was undertaken by the Council, Docks -
who obtained the first Act in 1709, and contributed towards
the construction of the dock. Questions soon arose as to
the relation of the two estates, both managed by the same
authority. The good sense and sagacity of the Council is
shown by the following minutes :

" 1731, Jany. 5. Aid" Goodwin now representing to this Councill that Dock Dues<
in his Mayoralty he_ receiv'd the Dock Duties from Mr Seacome, and
thereout paid the suine of three hundred fifty eight pounds nine shillings
and four pence on ace' of the Corporation, and that he is now sued for
misapplication thereof. It is ordered that Mr Goodwin be indemnified
by the Corporation for such paym' of the ballance of his accounts, which is
seven pounds fifteen shillings and two pence, to the receiver of the Dock
Duties, and that he be discharg'd from his accounts for moneys paid and
received by him on ace' of the Dock during his Mayoralty."

This entry must be taken along with the following of the
same date, which explains the nature of the transaction.

" This Councill now takeing into consideration the order made by the Land around
Comon Councill the 8 th December 1709, and the further orders made the Dock<
7 th & 14 th Aprill 1714, which do order that all mon' rais'd by leaseing the
ground round the dock be apply'd to the finishing of the dock. This
Councill are of opinion that the same was only lent and advanc'd by the
Corporation, to be repaid as could be conveniently rais'd out of the Dock
Duties."

The Old Tower in Water Street, the ancient fortified |^ r f _
mansion of the Stanleys, where James, the tenth Earl of Derby,
whilst Mayor in 1735, had exercised splendid hospitality, was
sold soon after his decease to Mr. Clayton.

" J 737> J an y- nth. George Norton Mayor.

" It being now represented to this Councill that the prison or Comon Gaol.
Goale of this town is too small, and that there being now an oportunity of
haveing the vaults and rooms late in the possession of Mr John Earle,
part of the Tower at Water Street end, for a term under a reasonable rent.

" It is Order'd that Mr Mayor be desired to treat with Mr Clayton, and Lease of
obtain a lease to the Corporation on as reasonable terms as he can, and Tower -
pass a counterpart under the Comon Scale for the term of ninety nine
yeares."

134

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Alterations.

Assembly
Rooms.

Improve-
ments in
Tower.

" J 737> J an y- 2 5- Mr Mayor now representing to this Councill, that he
hath contracted and agreed with Mr Clayton of Adlington for the Tower,
for the term of ninety nine yeares from the 2 nd day of February next at
twenty eight pounds a year clear of all outgoings. This Councill doth
approve thereof and agree thereto, and it is now order'd and agreed that
the back side wall be of brick and lyme mortar, and be made five yards
high above the surface of the ground.

" Also that a Comittee be appointed, and desired to inspect the work,
and to give directions for makeing the same necessary and convenient for
a prison, and some apartment for a House of Correction, and that the Iron
Grates, Cieling, and what is necessary, be taken and removed from the
old Prison."

" 1738, Octr. 12. Upon reading the report of the Comittee appointed
to view the house in possession of Robert Linaker, belonging to and part
of the Tower, who are of opinion that it may be inconvenient to have the
same lett to any person not under the power of the Corporation, and would
be proper to be added to and included in the lease agreed to be taken of
the Tower from Richard Clayton Esq r , who agrees therewith at $ a year.

" It is Order'd and agreed to by this Councill, that the same be
included in the new lease from Mr Clayton, and it is also order'd : That the
rooms which are lett at present for_an assembly, be reserv'd to and under
the order and direction of the Comon Council, and that the Serjeant at
Mace shall be accountable to the Treasurer for the income arising there-
from, and that the same be paid and applyed towards the reserved rent to
Mr Clayton, and that the Serj' hold the rest of the rooms in the Tower
without paying any further or other rent, and have liberty to make use of
the assembly rooms at all times but when us'd for the assembly, till further
order from the Comon Councill."

The Gaol or Prison, before this purchase of the Tower,
stood in Derby Square, on part of the precinct of the old
Castle.

" 1741, Sept. 9. Peter Rainford Mayor.

" It being now represented in Council that Henry Winstanley, haveing
purchass'd the old Prison, which was order'd to be granted to Aid" Richard
Gildart for a certain term, and undertaken to build severall messuages
and make large improvem* thereon, and apply'd to the Worpp" the Mayor
and Bayliffs to sett out the same, and they haveing measured and sett the
same out so as not to incomode the street, and said Henry Winstanley
hath sunk vaults and is erecting the walls, but is and hath been greatly
obstructed in carrying on the work by Richard Mercer, Barber, tenant to
Mr James Dansey of the house adjoining, and claims a right to a passage
and shop which said Mercer hath lately erected, encroach'd upon the

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 135

town's wast and made into the street without haveing any grant thereof,
or leave or right so to do, and hath brought writts or actions at law against Disputes,
said Henry Winstanley and his workmen, and threatens to putt them to
great expenses and to ruin them, and hath so intimidated the workmen
that he cannot gett workmen to go on with the work, altho 1 they have not
in the least intruded upon the said house or pull'd down any further than
is allow'd and awarded by Alderman Foster Cunliffe Esq r , who was
appointed to be umpire between said Winstanley and Mercer. And hath
made his award therein before the west end wall between the old prison, Award,
and the said house which jetted over the prison were laid open. And the
said Henry Winstanley now praying to be defended therein at the charge
of the Corporation ; and this Council now takeing the same into considera-
tion, and that the said encroachm' was made and hath been continued by
him for severall yeares past, without having any grant or right so to do.
It is therefore order'd that the said Henry Winstanley shall be defended Defence,
at the charge of the Corporation ; and that unless the said Richard
Mercer do iinediatly on notice to him given, open and make the passage
out of his house into the street as it formerly and anciently was before the
said encroachment was made, and remove and take down such encroachm', -
that he be presented at the charge of the Corporation, and be oblig'd to
make it as it was before such encroachment."

The market in Derby Square proved so successful that
within a few years after its establishment it had to be extended.

" 1736, Nov. 19. It is order'd that Mr Mayor be desired with the Bayl' Provision for
to make proposalls to the present lessees to purchass their terms and
interest in the houses at the head of Pool Lane on south side St. George's
Church, in order to pull them down and lay open the ground for a publick
markett."

The Fish Market has had many removals. Originally Fish Market
held at the bottom of Chapel Street in connection with
Tarleton's "Fish Yards," it was removed to Derby Square
when the Castle was demolished and the market place
formed. As the market extended it became desirable to
remove it.

" 1750, Octr. 3. Ordered that the. Committee appointed the last Council
day for making or erecting a fish markett do treat with Miss Gamons for
the purchas of their house at James Street end, and report their agreement
to be confirmed by the next Council."

I 3 6

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Butchers'
Shambles.

Lease.

Ingates and
Outgates.

Compound-
ing Town's
Dues.

Ship
Building.

The Butchers' Shambles have always had a tendency to
herd together. At one period they stood on the west side
of High Street, on a site now covered by the extension of the
Town Hall. At another they occupied the site of the original
Town Hall on the east side of the same street. Another
range of shambles formed a narrow lane running with an
elbow from Pool Lane to Cable Street.

" 1734, Sept. 12. Mr William Carr now proposeing to farm the
Butchers' shambles and the shoemakers' shops and stalls for the term of
seven years, and to pay the yearly rent of seventy pounds for the same,
the Corporation allowing him five pounds for building a shop on the
vacancy and paying all leys and taxes for the whole &c. It is now agreed
that the same be lett to him accordingly."

The Ingates and Outgates constituted a sort of octroi,
consisting of a small toll on all provisions or provender
entering or leaving the town. Its continued increase offers a
striking indication of the progress of trade. In 1701 this
revenue was farmed at 14 a year. In 1709 it was 25. In
1744 it was let at 100; and in 1760, along with the stallage
rents, corn tolls, shambles and standings, it brought in the
sum of 280.

Another source of income was the payment of compositions
for exemption from town's dues.

" J 743> J an y- J 9- Ordered that John Entwistle merchant be exempted
during his life from payment of any town's dutys for all goods, wares, and
merchandizes of his own brought or imported into or exported out of the
town of Liverpoole, paying twenty guineas fine for such priveledge."

Shipbuilding also contributed to the Corporation exchequer.

" 1750, Nov. 7. Ordered that Mr Roger Brooks have liberty to set a
ship on the stocks on the Corporation ground somewhere between James's
and Moor Street, paying the old accustomed rent of sixpence p- ton to the
Corporation, and agreeing not to incommodate the streets or road."

" 1752, April 15. Ordered that Mr Mayor have power to employ
persons to remove the ship now in building on the ground or key of the
New Dock, being the Corporation's land or estate, by Mr John Okill, which
he hath done, and hath frequently pull'd down the dock wall in order to

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 137

launch his ships, against repeated orders of Council made and notice given
him not to do the like for the future, and that the Council be desired to
attend Mr Mayor on this affair."

Mem. in the margin :

"N.B. on the 16* April 1752 Mr Mayor attended and wo d have
proceeded to have pulled these ships off the stocks when Mr Okill
attended and engaged not to set any more on that gro d ."

" 1749, Sept. 6. Ordered that the shipbuilders who have sett ships or
vessels about the new dock have a continuance of such liberty to set ships
&c and launch into the said dock 'till the first day of March next, they

making good all damages as shall be repaired and done by Mr Steers' order."

Cross Hall

About 1749-50 the Cross Hall estate, extending from Dale Estate.
Street to Whitechapel, was brought into the market for
building, and the mansion destroyed. The Corporation levied
a fine for permission to open out the streets.

" 1749, July ii. Ordered, that Thos Cross Esq of Cross Hall shall pay
twenty guineas to the Corporation for opening a passage into his field at
the bottom of Dale Street upon the Corporation wast in fourteen days
from this date ; to be about seven yards."

" 1749, Sept. 6. Ordered that the fine set on Mr Cross last Council day
for his opening on the Corporation be mitigated to ten Pounds.

" Ordered that an opening on the waste from Mr Cross's 'field at the
bottom of Dale Street be granted him for ever being near 7 yards."

In laying out the land on the heath the Corporation were
not unmindful of the amenities.

" X 743> J une i- Ordered, that Aid Rainford be desir'd to lay out and Laying out
plant hedges and make grass plots for the inhabitants of this town to dry Heat "
their cloaths on, and the said heath to be made fitting for that purpose at
the expence of the Corporation.

" Ordered, that two Publick Walks be made, one at the South end the Public
other at the North end of this town, and that Mr Mayor, the Bailiffs and Walks -
such others of this Council as he shall desire to attend him be impowered
to treat with any persons for the purchase of two pieces of ground for such
purposes, and to report the same to the Council."

" 1753, Aug. 8. Ordered that the Public Walk leading from Duke
Street up towards Quarry Hill be repaired and gravell'd and that a foot
walk be made thence up to the said hill under the direction of Mr Aid"
Trafford, Mr Pole and Mr Bailiffe Cunliffe."

" 1749, Nov. 16. Ordered, that Mr Mayor order Boundary stones to be Mere Stones.
fixed all along the edge of the banks of the ground on the North side of

138 CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

the town upon the strand or shore to the extent of the Corporation
liberties, and that no houses shall be set within twelve yards to the west-
ward of the said stones."

Tower. The old Tower in Water Street originally stood on the

margin of the river, the tide coming up within a few yards of
the western side. There was a road along the Strand leading
from Water Street to the Old Church Yard. The land along
this margin became gradually appropriated.

Enclosing " 1749, July ii. Ordered that Thomas Hamlett have liberty to enclose

Strand. an( j t a k e the strand before his houses in Old Church Alley as it was lately

set him out by the Committee, paying twelve pence p- yard for the West

front, and that the Parishioners of this Parish have the like liberty to

carry out the Old Church Yard."

" 1749, Sept. 6. Ordered that the several proprietors of the houses on
the West side of the Old Church Alley have the Waste granted to them
opposite their respective premisses as shall be set them out.

Extension of " Ordered that all the rubbish which is carried down Water Street' 1 ' and
Churchyard. ^ o ^ e Northward thereof to the water side be laid on the ground now
going to be enclosed by the Parish for an additional church yard to St.
Nicholas's."

Petition of " 1752, Deer. 6. Ordered on the petition of the Churchwardens and
Parish. others in behalf of the Parishioners of this Parish to this Council made ;

that the Corporation do convey a tract of ground which the said
Parishioners by a former order of Common Council of this borough and
Corporation were permitted to inclose from the sea shore or strand opposite
the Old Church yard, as an additional church yard,' and to be used as
such by the Parishioners and inhabitants of Liverpoole aforesaid.

" And the said Churchwardens and Parish 15 of the said Parish of
Liverpoole aforesaid, having purchased from Robert Kennish a small
parcel of land to the said parcel of ground above mentioned adjoining at
the south end thereof, likewise inclosed by him from the sea shore and
by him held by lease for the term of three lives and 21 years granted by
this Corporation.

Grant. "It is likewise ordered that upon the surrender of the said lease into

the hands of this Corporacon that this piece of land be likewise by the
Corporation granted to the use of the Parish for the purpose of an
additional church yard, for the term of nine hundred years or some such
long term to such Trustees or in such manner as shall be most adviseable
and proper, reserving thereupon a yearly ground rent of five shillings
payable to the Corporation during such grant or term."

From the works at the New Exchange, the present Town Hall.

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 139

These lands thus granted, with all their erections, were Re-purchase.
in 1883 repurchased by the Corporation for the purpose of
widening the road in front. The premises between the Alley
and George's Dock Quay cost 60,000. 3,000 was given for
the alleged interest of the Rector in the portion of the church
yard.

The Infirmary, formerly standing on a portion of the site January.
of St. George's Hall, was erected in 1745, and removed to
Brownlow Street in 1824.

The following is the record of the grant of the land :

" 1745, Apl. 3. Ordered, that the field, commonly called the Oyl Mill Grant of
field, and the waste before it formerly granted to Mr Bromfield, be granted
to trustees to be appointed for the new intended Hospital for sick and
wounded poor people, to be erected thereon, for a term of nine hundred and
ninety nine years for the use of the said hospital, under the yearly ground
rent of five shillings, and on condition that the Mayor of this town for the
time being shall always be one of the trustees."

This was modified by subsequent orders, to comply with
the terms of the Mortmain Act for the purpose of enrolment
in Chancery. The grant was ultimately made free and un-
conditional.

The records contain frequent notices of Sir Thomas sir Thos.

Johnson.

Johnson, who occupied a very conspicuous place in the
Municipality during the first quarter of the eighteenth
century. The following entry relates to his daughters, who
it is to be feared were not very well provided for.

" 1740, July 23. It being now proposed that Mrs Alice Johnson and
Mrs Margaret Johnson, Daughters of Sir Thomas Johnson, will give to the
Corporation one hundred pounds a peice haveing tenn pounds yearly for
each hundred pounds, for the life of each. It is now order'd that the
treasurer do take the moneys and pay the yearly sum of tenn pounds for
each hundred pounds."

The following entry is interesting as relating to a man of
whom Liverpool has reason to be proud William Roscoe.
He was born at the Old Bowling Green House at the end of

140 CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Hope Street, Mount Pleasant, on the nth March, 1753. At
that time his father had just completed the erection of
another house and bowling green on the opposite side of the
road, to which he afterwards removed.

William " 1753, Aug. i. Ordered that William Roscoe have twenty one years

Roscoe. added to the three lives in being in the house and bowling green by him
built and made out of a field by him bought from Alderman Bromfield
situate on the north side of the road leading to Martindale's house and to
have a lease thereof granted to him for his own three lives and 21 years;
paying a yearly ground rent of i2 d # yard for the front of the house and
six pence # yard only for the front of the ground which is not built upon,
and which six pence ^ yard shall be made i2 d # yard, when and as the
said ground is built upon."

TRADE AND COMMERCE.

The original dock, opened in 1715, was soon found too
small for the increasing business.

" J 737> J an - " George Norton Mayor.

" It having been heretofore and is now again represented to this Council .

that there is an absolute necessity to have an addition made to the present
dock or basin for light ships to lye in whilst refitting and other necessary
uses, and a convenient pier be erected in the open harbour on the north
side of the entrance into the present dock tow ds Redcross Street end, for
the safety of all ships when ready to sail from this port to lye within till a
fair wind happens, and which very often are prevented when within the
Wett Dock or Basin by other ships lying before at the entrance and are
all pressing to gett out before them, to the manifest prejudice and frequent
delay, and often loss of their voyages, and that in case of a fire happening
in the wett dock (which God avert) will be of the greatest consequence
and safety to the rest of the ships to fly unto and to be preserved from ;
and that according to a plan, computation and estimate lately made by Dl 7 Doclt
Mr Thos Steers, the same will take up at least seven acres of the adjacent
wast ground of and belonging to this Corporation, and will cost at least
the sum of twelve thousand pounds to make and perfect such Works and
conveniences necessary. And the Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs and Comon
Council now takeing the same into consideration, and that the makeing
such addition and pier will tend greatly to encourage trade, advance his
Maj^ revenues, and be a publick good and safety to all ships tradeing to
and from this port, do order that so much of the said wast ground as shall
be sufficient for the makeing such addition and conveniences on the south
side of the said entrance into the present wett dock, and for such pier and Pier,
compass within as shall be necessary on the north side of the said entrance,
be granted and sett apart for those purposes, and remain to and for such
use and uses for ever, saveing and reserving to the Corporation the benefitt
and advantage of setting, letting and granting the wast ground adjoining
in such manner as they might have done in case the said addition and pier
had not been made ; and it is further ordered, that the Corporation do e
actually advance out of their town's customs or take up upon the credit Advance of
thereof, the sume of one thousand pounds towards the first charge out of Mone y-
their publick revenues to carry on such pier, which it is conceiv'd sho'd
be first made and will be of great advantage to the harbour and port, and

I 4 2

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Application
for Act.

Expenses.

Advertising
for Tenders.

Ways and
Means.

that the Treasurer do pay the same as shall be first wanted and take it up
at intrest under the Comon Scale if occasion be, and be allow'd the same
in his accounts.

"It is also order'd that Aid" Thomas Brereton and Aid" Richard
Gildart Esq" be desired to assist in applying to the Parliam' for an Act
of Parliam 1 for enlargeing the term in the present Dock Acts, and for
enlightening round the Dock and thro' the whole town if it may be
obtain'd, with power to assess the inhabitants towards the charge thereof
and of keeping the lights in repair with proper clauses, powers and
limitations to be therein inserted as shall be thought necessary."

" 1737. Feby. i. Ordered That the Receiver of the Dock Duties do
remitt what will be wanting to obtain a new Act of Parliam' for enlargeing
the term in the present Dock Acts and building a Pier &c. to the Town
Clerk now order'd to go to London to sollicite the same, and to defray the
expence of him and his clerk."

Alderman Kelsall was also requested to go, and his
expenses to be paid.

" I 738. June 7. The Trustees order and direct : that advertisem" be
putt into the publick news papers from Chester and Manchester, for any
that are willing to undertake any of the Mason's Work about the new pier
on the best terms for next year. That they bring or send their proposalls
in writeing to the Comittee, who will sitt in the Coinon Hall every
Thursday at two a clock in the afternoon to receive the same and treat
with them thereupon."

" 1738, Nov. i. Robert Armitage Mayor.

" It being represented to this Councill that money will be wanting to
pay off the mason's and other workmen's bills for their work at the new
Pier and other demands incurr'd on the building the outward wall of the
said new Pier, and that the Corporation being to advance the sume of one
thousand pounds . . . and Mr Edward Trafford haveing offered to
lend the sume of eight hundred pounds at $ io ! a hundred intrest a year ;
it is now ordered that the said sume of eight hundred pounds be taken up
and applyed accordingly " &c.

These works were carried out, but occupied several years,
and were extended further than was originally intended.

" J 739i Mar. 12. Mr Mayor now representing that it will be necessary
to carry forwards the Comon shore towards or round near to the Gallery.
It is Ordered that the same be done accordingly at the charge of the
Corporation as Mr Mayor shall direct.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 143

" And that it will be necessary to purchase the Dry Dock 1 ' 1 and ap- Additional
purtenance now in lease under the Comon Scale for the term of one life
and 21 yeares, from the owners and proprietors in order to lay the same
open to inlarge the new pier.

" It is Order'd that Mr Mayor, Aid" Armitage, Aid" Blundell, Bailiffs
Henry and Edw d Trafford or any five of them be desired and appointed
to treat for the purchaseing the same and report their proceedings therein
from time to time to the Comon Council."

" 1743, Sept. 7. Ordered that a plan of the new pier and the ground of Plans,
it as intended to be built upon be drawn out against the next Council day
and that the value of the said ground be then fixed."

" 1744, June 12. It is ordered and agreed by this Council that a stone p ier.
pier be immediately begun and carried on in this summer of such
dimensions and under the directions of Mr Aid. Steers and to be run out
fifty or sixty yards or thereabouts to the westward of the new docks."

These piers were not found sufficient for the purpose and
further accommodation was required.

" 1746, June 5. James Bromfield Mayor.

' Ordered, that a Dry Dock be immediately made at the north end of Dry Dock,
the new Pier under the direction of Aid" Steers at the expence of the
Corporation, and that Aid" Cunliffe, Blundell, Armitage, Trafford, Messrs
Bird Davies and Forbes be appointed a Comittee to examine and sign all
bills for the said work. And three of them to make a Comittee, whereof
an Alderman always to be one."

Early attention was drawn to the conservancy of the
navigation.

" 1 755< June 4. It is ordered by this Council that a petition be prepared Conservancy,
and passed under the Common Seal in order to obtain the Conservancy of
this Port of Liverpoole vested in the Mayor of this borough and Corpora-
tion for the time being, and that the same be preferred to their Excellencies
the Right Honourable the Lords of the Regency or to his Majesty's most
Honourable Privy Council or other proper authority as shall be advised."

" J 755> June 13. Ordered, that a petition be prepared and passed under Hoyle Lake,
the Common Seal of this Corporation against any grant of Hoyle Lake
being made to the persons who have petitioned the Crown for such
purpose in order to lay any Oyster Beds therein, as such a grant might be Oyster Beds,
of great detriment to the navigation of this Port and to the prejudice of
the interest of the Corporation and of the inhabitants of the town in
general ; and that the expence of any opposition and of witnesses in this

<> This was a small Graving Dock opening from the Old Dock Basin.

144

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Opposition.

Fish Yards.

Wallasey
Leasowe.

Reply to
Bishop of
Chester.

Survey of
Coast.

Sankey
Navigation.

affair be defrayed by the Corporation. And that the Town Clerk do
write a letter on behalf and in the name of this Council to the Honourable
Mr Herbert, His Majesty's Surveyor General, of this their resolution."

A previous attempt to enclose fish yards in the same
neighbourhood had been successfully resisted.

" 1751, April 3. It being represented to this Council that fish yards are
set up beyond the Rock within the limits of this Port to the great prejudice
of the navigation thereof. It is Ordered that Mr Mayor and the Council
or any of them be desired to go and view them and report the state thereof
to the next Council."

Apprehensions were entertained, which have subsequently
proved correct, of the danger of the sea breaking in over the
Wallasey Leasowe. A communication on the subject was
received from the Bishop of Chester, of which the following
is the record :

" 1 754> Sept. n. James Crosbie Mayor.

" Ordered that Mr Mayor be desired to return an answer to the Rev d
Father in God Edmund, Lord Bishop of Chester from this Council in
regard to the apprehension that the sea is likely to make an irruption or
inroad over Wallazey Leisure, viz' That there hath been a survey taken
of it lately, and the Council are informed that the navigation of this Port
is not in any danger as they apprehend. And if the landholders thereabouts
would keep up their banks, they might easily stop the progress of the tides
at a small expence now, and prevent any damage or overflowing of their
lands."

" : 759> June 6. Ordered that Mr John Eyes be paid by the Corporation
the suine of seven Pounds for surveying the coast up the river, and takeing
an account of the fish yards erected therein."

The Sankey Navigation was projected in 1754. The
proposal met with encouragement from the Corporation of
Liverpool.

" 1754, Oct. 25. Charles Goore Mayor.

" Whereas an application is intended to be made to Parliament at the
ensuing sessions for making the river or brook called Sankey Brook and
three branches thereof up as far or near St Helens in Windle, navigable,
by certain persons subscribers for that purpose, to be named Undertakers
in the said Act, at their own expence for the better supplying (amongst
others) the town of Liverpoole with coals. It is now Ordered that the

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 145

Corporation do advance and lend the said undertakers thereof the sume of Loan by
three hundred Pounds towards the payment of the expences of obtaining Cor P ratlon '
the Act, and of the survey of the said brook taken by order of this Council
and all other incident charges thereon, which said sume of three hundred
Pounds shall be repaid to the Corporation by the said Undertakers if the
Bill pass into a law. But in case the said Act shall not be obtained by
reason of any opposition, that then the Corporation shall lose the said
money, as the said navigation is chiefly calculated and intended for the
better supplying this town with coal, which of late years are become Supply of
scarce and dear, and the measure greatly lessened to the great imposition ^ oal '
and oppression of the trade, manufactures, and inhabitants of this
Corporation, and that the said money hereby granted be paid by the
treasurer to Mr Ashton for such purpose, as he shall call for it."

This undertaking has been in its results one of the most
successful of similar enterprises.

In 1737 a Bill was brought into Parliament for

Weaver,

improvement of the River Weaver, the important link of
communication with the salt district of Cheshire.

This was opposed by the Corporation of Liverpool, and
Alderman Steers was sent up to represent them before the
Committee.

" I 737 J un e 16. Richard Gildart Mayor.

" It being now made appear to this Council, that Mr Steers was out of
pockett and at a much greater expence in attending in London on behalf
of the Corporation to oppose the passing of the Act of Parliam' for making Opposition.
the River Weaver navigable on the terms therein mentioned, and for so
great a tunnage as was insisted on by or on behalfe of the County of
Chester, than he hath received. It is now Ordered that the Treasurer doe
pay him thirty pounds, in full for his expences and attendance, and all
demands relateing thereto."

The Act was obtained and the work carried out, but the
result does not appear to have been quite satisfactory.

" 1757, Sept. 7. Richard Hughes Mayor.

" It is Ordered on a petition to this Council from several merchants in
this town, complaining of the ill management of the navigation of the
River Weaver, by some persons who are concerned about the same. That
this Council do bear the expences of any gentleman who shall take the Survey.
trouble to go and order a survey of the said river, and to meet any gentleman

146

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Buoys and
Banks.

Beacon or
Landmark

concerned in the said navigation, in order to have the inconveniences and
mismanagement of the said river redressed."

Careful attention now began to be paid to the entrances
to the harbour and the navigation.

" 1736, Nov. 19. It being represented that there is an absolute necessity
to regulate the buoys on the banks off Highlake, It is Order'd that Mr
Steers the Dockmaster do take immediate care thereof, and see that they
be placed in proper places for the safe direction of all ships comeing in
and going out of this Port, and be repaid the charge thereof out of the
Dock duties by the Receiver."

" 1740, May 14. Thomas Steers Mayor.

" It being now represented to the Trustees for the Dock the great
necessity for the speedy erecting and placeing a Bacon or Landmark on
Hoyle Lake, the hills or near the shore at Hoyl Lake, which they did heretofore agree
should be plac'd conformable to the plan of the Coast made by Messrs.
Fearon and Eyes, and that Mr Charles Hough of Dublin, son of Thomas
Hough, Lether dresser, who is the owner of the land whereon it is con-
venient to place it in the Meoles, agreeing to grant liberty to erect and
place such Bacon and to repair and maintain it from time to time as there
shall be occasion, and that they shall and may hold and enjoy the same
for ever, with full and free liberty of ingress, egress and regress to and
from the same, paying six pence a year rent to him and his heirs upon
condition that his son William Hough stockin weaver be admitted free of
this Corporation.

"It is now Order'd that the said William Hough be admitted free
accordingly, and that the said landmark be built imediately after the tytle
is fix'd and grant executed."

Supply of

About the period now under consideration the supply of
fish attracted much attention. It was brought to the notice
of the Council by Capt. Wm. Hutchinson who occupied a
somewhat conspicuous position in the town. (I)

" 1754, Deer. 3. Charles Goore Mayor.

Hutchinson's " Whereas Captain William Hutchinson mariner, hath referred to this
Memorial. Council a memorial or representation setting forth his discoverys and
observations made on the coasts in regard to finding out a proper place
for to resort to and catching cod and other fish, and that he was about to
purchase a cod smack or well boat in order to establish and pursue the
said scheme of bringing live fish in such vessels to Liverpoole. It is
therefore Ordered, that Mr Mayor and Bailiffs, Mr Aid" Goore, Pole,

See Memorials of Liverpool, Vol. I, p. 188.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 147

Davies, James ^jildart, M. Forbes, Ellis Cunliffe and the Town Clerk be
appointed a Comittee or any five of them to consider of proper means to Committee
encourage so laudable a design and report their resolution to the Council." a PP mted -

The Committee met, and after due deliberation presented
the following report :

" 1756, Feby. 4. Spencer Steers Mayor.

" Mr Mayor having reported to this Council from the Committee ap- Report,
pointed to meet Capt. Wm Hutchinson in regard to the giving him some
encouragement towards establishing a live fishery at Liverpoole Markett.

" That it is their opinion a bounty of ten shillings a ton by the year for Bounty.
three years certain of Carpenter's measure, shall be given to all owners of
vessels which shall be employed in the said fishing trade, and that such
vessels to be entitled to such bounty, shall not be less than twenty five
tons each, of the same measure, and to be equip'd with all necessary and
fit tackle and furniture for this fishing trade ; and no vessel shall be
deemed to be entitled to such bounty but such as have wells thro' their Well Boats,
bottoms. And that all persons who shall apply for this bounty shall enter
their names and the names of their vessels with the Mr Mayor of this
Corporation for the time being, in a book to be kept for such purpose.

" It is therefore Ordered that this Council will give such bounty upon
such vessels to be employed and equipped for the fishing trade as aforesaid.
And this Council further recommends it to the said Committee to draw up Articles to be
proper articles for such persons to sign, to be first laid before the Council, sl s ned -
to be approved and confirmed by them before the same take place. And
that all fish catched by such vessels shall be bro' to this Market."

" 17561 Sept. 10. Whereas Capt Wm Hutchinson has preferred his Hutchinson's
petition to this Council, setting forth that he hath found out a place or Re P rt -
fishery, from whence he can certainly and plentyfully supply this town
with fresh sea fish, but that it is absolutely necessary to bring the said
schem to perfection that he should have another cod smack and he having
already expended the most part of his fortune in building one cod smack,
purchasing other conveniences and making tryals on the said fishery, and
that he hath not money to build another smack, and therefore praying the Cod Smack,
assistance of this Corporation ; this Council now taking the premisses into
consideration are of opinion that a constant and regular supply of fish will
be of great utility to the freemen and inhabitants of this town, and that
the said Capt" Hutchinson ought to be encouraged by the Publick. It is
Ordered that this Corporation do, and shall, advance him the sume of four
hundred pounds for building him another cod smack, free of any interest Advance of
for three years, and also that he shall be allowed the same bounty money Mone y-
on this smack as was heretofore ordered to be given him ; he being
the first Undertaker of the fishery, and having lost and expended a

I 4 8

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Further
Application.

considerable sume of money in finding out and settling this fishery, and
that upon his giving security to the Corporation to repay them the said
money."

After a two years' trial the scheme was found not to
answer the sanguine expectations of its promoter. He there-
fore again approached the Council.

Further
Grant

" 1758, Deer. 6. Robert Cunliffe Mayor.

" It is Ordered on Capt Hutchinson's petition to this Council setting
forth his great loss in his fishery, and that he cannot proceed in it without
the further aid of this Council ; that in order to encourage the said fishery
the said Hutchinson be allowed a further bounty of ten shillings per ton
for each of his two cod smacks for the space of two years, and he
submitting himself to the Council whether it would not be for the intrest
Conservancy, of the Corporation to endeavour to obtain the conservator sp of the river
Mersey for the preservation of the navigation of the river and fishery and
for laying and breeding of oysters ; and that the Town Clerk write to our
members for their sentiments and advice hereon, and report his proceedings
to this Council."

Scheme
abandoned.

Excise Bill.

Tobacco
Trade.

The scheme was abandoned. Capt. Hutchinson turned
his attention to privateering, but was again thwarted.

In 1760 he was appointed dock master, which situation he
filled until his decease in 1801.

In 1733 considerable agitation arose in Liverpool owing to
Sir Robt. Walpole's Excise Bill of that year. The duties
on wine and tobacco had previously been levied by the
Customs, and it was notorious that an enormous amount of
corruption and fraud prevailed. The correspondence of the
period shows that a large proportion of the profits in the
tobacco trade were made by defrauding the Government. It
was stated in Parliament that the gross produce of the duty
should have been ,754,000 whereas all which reached the
Exchequer was 161,000. The Government measure trans-
ferred the duties from the Customs to the Excise, reduced
the amount and remodelled the whole system, introducing
the bonding principle.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 149

Bristol and Liverpool offered the most strenuous opposition opposition.
to the measure.

" 1733, Feby. 12. Thos Brereton Mayor.

" It being proposed that a letter should be wrote to our representatives
in Parliam' to oppose any new Excise, or any extension of the Excise laws,
which it is apprehended will be of great consequence to the trade in gen'all,
and to the manufacturers of this town and port, of tobacco, and dealers in
wine in particular.

" It is Order'd and agreed, that_such letters be immediately wrote to
the representatives, earnestly recomending their utmost care to oppose it."

In April the bill was postponed to the izth June, whereat n t p fBiii
there was great rejoicing.

" An express conveying the agreeable news reached Bristol at n o'clock
at night, when in spite of the lateness of the hour, the merchants and
principal traders assembled at the Council house, and drank healths to the Rejoicings.
worthy 204 and other gentlemen who opposed the Excise Bill. Bonfires
were lighted and rejoicings were made throughout the City . . . the
joy has been universal, particularly at Liverpool where a ' Courant ' con-
taining some severe reflections on the merchants was publickly burnt." (l)

In spite of all this opposition the Bill ultimately passed. Bil1
About 1750 a silk throwing manufactory was set up in a silkWorks -

lane leading from Tithebarn Street, which therefrom acquired

the name of Silkhouse Lane.

The following reference occurs :

" 1753, May 2. Ordered that Mr Thomas Hopkins of London, silk
throwster, Proprietor of the silk works here be admitted free gratis."

In 1757 public affairs were in a very depressed condition Distress.
and great distress prevailed, which produced its usual results.

" 1757, Oct. 1 8. The Mayor and Bailiffs being alarmed that a great Riots.
mob were coming up to the Exchange, they were obliged to adjourn the
court of election (for Mayor) or defer the election of sub-bailiffs till the
next day."

" 1757, Nov. 2. Ordered that the windows of the Exchange which were Windows
broke last Election day, the eighteenth day of October, be immediately broken -
repaired by Mr John Eden glazier at the Corporation expence."

(( Gentlemen's Magazine, 1733, p. 212.

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Erection of
Batteries.

Grants of
Land.

The commerce of the port required protection, both from
foreign and domestic enemies.

" 1759, Apl. 21. Robert Cunliffe Mayor.

" It is now Ordered upon the representation of Captain More one of His
Majesty's Engineers by him most graciously sent to survey the town and
port of Liverpoole, that several pieces of the waste land belonging to this
Corporation on the sea strand, or shore, as also some particular parts or
places on the new Dock keys or walls already enclosed, will be wanted
for the use of erecting Batterys on, for the immediate and future defence
of this town in such proper places thereof as he has remarked to this
Council, and that in case the Trustees of the Dock or the Corporation of
Liverpoole shall at any time hereafter be minded and shall actually take
in or inclose any part of the sea strand from the west and north walls of
the present Dry Pier, that then His Majesty, his heirs and successors shall
have free liberty to take in or erect any necessary Batterys or fortifications
for the defence of this port and town, not incroaching private property
already granted by the Corporation, nor to encroach upon or prejudice
the safety and use of the publick docks or harbour of this town or port,
and to hold and keep to his Majesty, his heirs and successors such parts
and portions of land necessary to be used in fortifications and batterys
as long as he and they shall keep and use them for such purpose only,
and that when any such batterys or fortifications shall be removed or
disused, they shall severally become again the property and revert to the
Corporation of Liverpoole and their, successors for ever."

" 1760, Aug. 6. Lawrence Spencer Mayor.

" Ordered, That for the better defence and security of this town,
harbour and the trade and shipping thereof, this Corporation do give any
sume of money not exceeding one hundred pounds, in aid of, and to be
added to the savings of moneys lately ordered by His Majesty for fortifying
this town ; to be employed in erecting another Battery on part of the sea
James Street. shore a( . the bottom o f j ames Street. And that the Engineer have liberty

to take and enclose such part of the strand or shore there as shall be
necessary to erect the same on, according to the plan now laid before this
Council, not encroaching upon, or prejudiceing private property, the safety
and use of the publick docks or harbour of this town. To hold such parts
and portions of the said strand or shore, necessary and requisite to be
taken and enclosed for erecting the said Battery on, unto His Majesty, his
heirs and successors, so long as he and they or any of them shall employ,
use and keep the same land for that purpose only. But if the said Battery
or fortifications shall at any time hereafter be removed or disused, in such
case the same land shall immediately from thenceforth in the condition it
may then be in, revert to and be reinvested in the said Corporation of
Liverpoole, and their successors for ever.

Grant of
Money.

Battery.

TRADE AND COMMERCE.

" It is also Ordered that the Corporation do grant the reversion of the Hogshey
fields at Hogshey Nook (now held by lease for three lives and twenty one ^*-
years by Mr Alderman Goodwin under this Corporation) to the Crown ;
and which said land the said Mr Goodwin has agreed to sell to the Crown
for to erect a fort on for the defence of this town, which reversion is to be Fort,
granted to the Crown in like manner and on the same conditions as
mentioned in the last above order of this Common Council."

STREETS AND BUILDINGS.

Site of the
Town.

At the commencement of this period (1727) the town,
considerably extended since the beginning of the century,
formed an irregular triangle, with its base along the margin of
the river from Oldhall Street to Mersey Street, and its apex
at the east end of Dale Street. There was also an outlying
portion across the site of the Pool, clustered round St. Peter's
Church, recently erected. Within this limit there were many
open spaces. The streets were narrow, tortuous, and ill-
paved, most of them without footwalks ; the dwelling-houses,
with a few exceptions, mean and poor, built principally of
brick.

A few extracts from the records relative to the condition
of the streets and buildings, may be interesting.

That the paving was in a very primitive condition may be
inferred from the following entry :

" 1750, Deer. 5. Ordered that upon Mr Mayor's now reporting to this
Council that the Committee had agreed with Edmund Parker, paviour,
the lowest proposer, to keep the pavement of all the streets of the town in
repair at ninety pounds a year for the term of seven years, allowing him
the boon and statute work of the town, according to the printed proposals;
and thirteen pence a yard for all new work ; that the said Agreement be
confirmed by this Council on behalf of the said Committee."

Down to the middle of the i8th century the road from

Prescot Road Liverpool to Prescot and Warrington, being the highway to

London, was impassable for carriages. An Act of Parliament

was obtained in 1720 for repairing, widening, and extending

it, but the measure remained dormant for many years.

The Corporation at length took the matter up.

Paving.

Contract.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 153

" 1745, Mar. 5. James Bromfield Mayor.

" Ordered that Mr Mayor and Aid Pole be indemnified by the Corporation Application
for all money by them borrowed to defray the expence of the application to Parliament
to Parliament for renewing the Act for repairing the road to Prescot, &c
and for any other sume they shall have occasion to borrow for that account."

This improvement was not completed until 1760. In July
of that year the first stage coach to London was advertised.

The scavenging arrangements may be judged of by the scavenging.
following records :

"1731, Feby. 10 th . Mr Mayor now propounding that a proper person
be appointed to take away the dirt out of the streets ; it is now Ordered,
that if any person will undertake to carry away the dirt in the streets
twice a week he shall have the muck for his pains and two or three guineas
a year, and that every inhabitant shall be oblig'd to clean their respective
streets every Wednesday and Saturday, whereof publick notice to be
given ; and Mr May' is desir'd to agree with and impower such proper
person as farr as he can."

" 1742, Octr. 22. Edward Trafford Mayor.

_" It being now represented to this Council the great necessity of the
imediate takeing some proper method for cleansing the streets within this Cleansing
town, which are at present very much neglected ; this Council have and streets -
do order and establish that Mr William Hornby the present surveyor of
the publick streets and highways, shall be appointed and impower'd to
supervise all the streets and lanes within this town, and take care that the
same_ be cleansed of dirt and filth, and that all the dirt and filth shall
be imediatly carried away and not suffer'd to lie and remain in the streets,
and to that end.

" It is_now ordained and established by the Mayor, Bailiffs, Aldermen
and Comon Council of this burrough or town of Liverpool in and for the
same burrough in Council assembled ; That all the former by-laws and By-Laws.
ordinances made for cleansing the publick streets of this town, be, and are
hereby confirmed. And that every housekeeper or occupier of ev' r y house,
warehouse or other building fronting the street, shall be obliged under a
certain penalty, to sweep their street twice every week, and imediatly House-
carry the dirt away, and that in case of failure therein, the publick carts holders to
which shall be imployed for that purpose shall and may carry the same Sv
away; and that the said W m Hornby shall provide two proper carts at
the charge of the Corporation, and shall and do hire and imploy two or
more sufficient persons to cart and carry away all such dirt and filth or
other soil as the inhabitants shall have so swept together and not carried
away, and that imediatly on the ringing of a bell which those persons so Carrying
imployed are to ring to give notice to the inhabitants, every person may

'54

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Lighting.

Inhabitants

provide

Lights.

Stations of
Lamps.

Horse
Causeway.

Doghouse
Lane.

then bring out his and their ashes and dirt to the cart, and that the carters
shall and do carry it away, and lay all the dirt, filth and ashes in some
convenient place out of town to be set out for that purpose, and that the
said W 1 " Hornby may dispose thereof to the best advantage," &c.

The lighting of the town was a matter of considerable
anxiety. In 1718 forty-five lamps were ordered, and a
contract was made to light and keep them in order for ten
shillings a year each. This does not seem to have been
satisfactory, for we subsequently read as follows :

" 1738, Nov. i. Robert Armitage Mayor.

" Forasmuch as the lighting of the streets of this town would be of great
importance, and tend to the preservation of the persons and properties of
the inhabitants and other persons resorting thereto, and that to encourage
so good and necessary a work severall persons have propos'd to be at the
charge of lighting and maintaining one lamp a peice if they can have such
lamps plac'd at or near their dwelling houses free of the charge thereof,
and the Councill being of opinion that such lamps sho d be provided and
fix'd up at the charge of the Corporation.

" It is now Ordered, that the Treasurer do provide and cause lamps to
be fix'd up for such persons as will engage to light and maintain the same
at their own charge, and plac'd in such places at the charge of the
Corporation as the Worship" the Mayor for the time being shall from time
to time order and direct. And Mr Mayor now proposeing to send for a
quantity of oyle proper from London at a much cheaper rate than sold
here ; it is order'd that he be desired to send for a quantity."

" 1749, Novr. 16. Joseph Davies Mayor.

" Order'd That this town be enlightned for this winter by the Council
as usual and that lamps be provided and set up at the following places,
at y* Corporation expence, viz' at the North-west corner of the Exchange,
at Mr Markland's, the corner of Edmund Street, at the corner of Hackins-
hey in Tithebarn Street, at the bottom of Lord Street at John Colquitt's
Esq", at Mr Bank's in Pool Lane, at corner house where Clark lived, at
the corner of Preesons Row next Pool Lane, at Mr Reid's end, Castle
Hey."

" 1756, Sept. 10. Ordered, on the petition of the several landowners in
Pinfold Lane (Vauxhall Road) setting forth that the horse causeway is
in a ruinous state therefore that it be repaired at the expence of the
Corporation so for as it extends within our liberties ; and to be stoop'd
out."

" 1758, July 14. It is now ordered that a horse causeway be made from
the Doghouse Lane to the township of Everton near the Loggerheads to
meet the horse causeway there."

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 155

It appears from this and other entries that many of the
roads leading into Liverpool had merely a narrow strip of
paving in the middle for pack-horses but were impassable for
wheel carriages. Doghouse Lane, the present Richmond Richmond
Row, so called from the kennels of the town's pack of
hounds being situated there.

The Loggerheads was the ancient tavern at the corner of Loggerheads,
the present Soho Street.

The Ladies' Walk, at the north end of the town, has been Ladies'

, , Walk.

mentioned above.

" J 755> Octr. 6. Ordered that the stones of the fence wall at the end of
Water Street, or so much thereof as shall be wanted be used in the
building a breast wall and pair of steps from the shore or road up to the
Ladies' Walk on the North side of the town, under the direction of the
present Mayor and the Committee appointed for the said Walk."

There anciently existed three crosses in the town ; the Crosses.
High Cross at the intersection of Water Street, Dale Street,
and Castle Street, now occupied by the Townhall ; St.
Patrick's Cross at the east end of Tithebarn Street; and the
White Cross at the intersection of Tithebarn, Chapel, and
Oldhall Streets.

The following entry relates to the last mentioned :

" 1746, May 14. Whereas the White Cross at the top of Chaple Street, White Cro*s.
was lately pulled down by som evil minded persons, it is ordered to be
rebuilt at the Corporation expence."

" Sept. 10. The ruins and steps ordered to be taken away."

It was never rebuilt.

In 1684 twelve Almshouses were built by Mr. David Poole
at the east end of Dale Street.

Subsequently several other foundations of a similar
character were erected by different individuals.

In 1739 Mr. Thos. Steers, the Mayor at the time, made
an offer to the Corporation as follows :

i 5 6

CHAP. II, A.D. 17371760.

Report.

Poole's
Almshouses.

Removal.

Scarisbrick.

" Deer. 10. Mr Mayor now proposeing the building a number of houses
for habitations for poor decay'd seamen and such as shall happen to be
maimed in the publick service or otherwise, and thereby rendred incapable
of maintaining themselves and families, upon some part of the wast
belonging to the Corporation ; to encourage so good and laudable an
undertaking this Councill do unanimously concurr therein, and recommend
to Mr Mayor that he will be pleased to take such of the Comon Councill
and view such part of the wast as will be most comodious and report the
same to the Councill."

In 1748 Poole's Almshouses, at Dale Street end, had
become dilapidated, and stood in the way of the improve-
ment of the neighbourhood. They were dealt with as here
recorded :

" Ordered that this Council do agree with Mr John Livesey for pulling
the Corporation Aim houses down at the bottom of Dale Street and
carrying the materials off, and building the like number of Almshouses on
such waste ground in this Corporation as the Council shall give and
assign for that purpose, of the same dimensions and form as those Aims-
houses of Mr Scarisbrick's, in consideration whereof the Council agree to
pay him the sume of seventy pounds, and allow him the old materials, and
to grant him a lease for three lives and 21 years of the scite or ground
where the said Almshouses stand, paying twelve pence $ yard ground
rent yearly for the front to Dale Street end. And this ground to be set
out by Mr Mayor and Bailiffs for Mr Livesey."

Mention is made in the early records of the Brunelagh or
Brown LOW. Brown Low, a rocky eminence on the east side of the town, at
the foot of which extended the Moss Lake southward. This
from time immemorial was worked as a freestone quarry, and,
together with the lake adjoining, formed a barrier against the
extension of buildings eastward. In 1732 this barrier was
broken through.

" 1732, May 3. Richard Gildart Mayor.

Quarry. " It being represented to this Councill that the quarry or delf att

Brownlow Hill sho'd be cut thorow to make the highway below, and that
the same sho'd nott be gott deeper than will be convenient for such way.
It is order'd to be view'd and that the getting stone att the Quarry hill
delf be stopp'd and not permitted to be open till that way be cutt thorow
on Brownlow Hill, and that Mr Litherland pay a rent for that delf att
Brownlow Hill."

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 157

" 1732, July 12. Mr May', sev'all of the Aid", Mr Bayliffe Hamilton and
others haveing view'd the delf att Brownlow Hill and Mr Ed. Litherland
proposeing to cutt it thro' in two yeares from Mich s next so that a Road cut
convenient highway will thereby be made that way on condicon that he l
have the stone he getts for his pains. It is Order'd accordingly he entring
into a contract to perform it under a penalty of one hundred pounds, and
not to make it broader than it now is till cutt thorow, and to carry it
straight and lay all the wast stuff in the low part of the lane eastwards
and the Corporation to have what stones they want."

The buildings erected during this period were much Buildings
superior to anything previous. Hanover Street and Common
Shore (altered to Paradise Street) were lined partially with
noble mansions, with others scattered in the older parts of the
town.

The public buildings also began to assume an architectural
importance not known before. St. George's Church was a churches,
vast advance upon St. Peter's, and St. Thomas's in its
original condition with its noble tower and lofty spire was a
fine structure.

The most important and imposing building of the age is
undoubtedly the Exchange, now the Town Hall, of the
erection of which the records give us an ample history.

The first Exchange stood in High Street, which was Exchange.
superseded by the second, built in 1673, which stood in the
recess at the angle of Castle Street and Dale Street. Not
more than seventy years from its erection it had become
ruinous.

" 1740, Octr. 24. Henry Trafford Mayor.

" The Mayor now representing that the Exchange is become decay'd, Decay,
and that the pillars and one of the arches below have given way and are
lately shrunk, and that it is apprehended the great weight of the turrett
doth greatly tend thereto. It is now order'd that the turrett be imediatly
taken down, and that Aid" Steers, Mr John Martindale and Mr John
Brooks be desired to survey the whole building and roofe, and that Mr Survey.
Mayor will give imediate directions therein for securing the same.

" That the Bailiffs do take an account of the weight of the lead taken
off."

158

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Site for
Exchange.

Buildings
removed

Sale of
Materials.

Building
Stone.

Committee
on Plans.

Resolutions.

Wood's Plan
approved.

" 1748, Octr. 18. Ordered, that Mr Mayor be desired to employ some
able workmen to view the 'Change, and take any stones &c down for the
safety of it if they shall judge necessary."

" 1747, June 15. Joseph Bird Mayor.

" Ordered, that Mr Mayor, Aid. Carr and Brooks be empowered to
treat with Mr Fazakerley of Ormskirk for the purchase of his houses and
ground on the north side of Water Street upon the best terms they can,
not exceeding nine hundred pounds for the same, and that a plan for a
new Exchange be drawn and laid before the Council."

The purchase was made, and immediate steps were taken
to acquire possession.

" 1747, Sept. 16. Ordered that notice in writing be given by the Town
Clerk to the tenants of the houses in Water Street and High Street lately
purchased by the Corporation, that they are severally to quit their
possessions on or before the twenty fifth day of March now next ensuing."

" 1747, Deer. 7. Ordered that the Town Clerk with the approbation of
Mr Mayor and Bailiffs do sell in three lotts the materials of the houses
standing where the Exchange is to be built on, at publick auction to the
highest bidder, a month's notice being first given and advertized of the
sale."

" 1748, Feby. 13. Ordered, that stone be got ready for the building a
new Exchange, which shall be built with an area."

" 1748, March i. Ordered that Mr Mayor and Bailiffs Aid" Shaw, Steers
and Brooks, Messrs Davies, Winstanley, Forbes, Goore and the Town
Clerke be appointed a Committee to draw up and agree upon two plans
for a new Exchange, and to report and lay them before the Councel at
their next meeting ; any five of which gentlemen to constitute a Committee
and to receive proposals for doing the whole work necessary and requisite
to be done, in and about it. And that all proposals be given in to them at
their meetings sealed up."

" 1748, Mar. 17. Upon the inspecting and considering the two plans of
the intended new 'Change now laid before this Council ; it is Ordered that
there be two grand rooms, one for the Court room and another for an
Assembly room in the intended building ; and this resolution to be an
instruction to the Comittee in ordering or receiving any plans."

After ample consideration the following conclusion was
arrived at :

" I 749> July " Joseph Clegg Mayor.

" Ordered that the plan of the new intended Exchange now laid before
this Council by John Wood Esq Architect (of Bath) being approved of,

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 159

be carried into execution under his direction. And that the said Mr
Wood shall be allowed and paid for his services in the planning and
structure of the said intended Exchange, the sume of five pounds $ cent Commission.
on the money which shall be laid out on the said building. And that
whenever the said Mr Wood shall come to Liverpoole to direct the
carrying on the said building, his travelling charges are to be paid by the
Corporation.
" And in consideration of which payments or allowance, the said Mr Clerk of

\Vorks

Wood agrees to leave his son Mr John Wood at Liverpoole during the
summer seasons to superintend and carry on the said building."

The selection of the Architect proved a wise and successful w d

r _ Architect.

measure. John Wood was the architect of the fine crescents
and squares of Bath, and his buildings display much taste
and skill.

" 1749, July 5. Ordered that John Wood Esquire Architeck for the new
intended Exchange be admitted free, gratis.

" Ordered that John Wood Junior Gentleman be admitted free, gratis."

The first stone of the new building was laid on the I4th
September, 1749, by Mr. Joseph Clegg the Mayor.

" I 75 2 > July 3- The Committee appointed for building the new
Exchange, having now laid before this Council designs of work in Basso
Relievo for the Pediment thereof to Water Street for their approbation ; Sculpture,
it is Ordered that the said Pediment be ornamented with such work and that Pediment
the Committee be empowered to agree with a Statuary to do the said work."

" X 753> J u ty I0 - Henry Winstanley Mayor.

" It is by this Council Ordered, that Mr Stephenson the statuary be
paid the sum of eighty guineas and no more in full for the statuary work Payment.
by him executed in the Pediment of the new Exchange, they thinking it a
sufficient and full pay for the same."

Mr. Stephenson was not satisfied, and petitioned for a Stephenson,

r i 1-1 i Sculptor.

further grant, which was met by the following resolution :

" 1756, Nov. 17. It is Ordered, that Wm Stevenson's petition to this
Council praying the payment of twenty pounds, which was by agreement
with the Council for doing the sculpture work of the Pediment of the
Exchange left to the discretion of the Council according to his performance
of the work ; the Council, to former petition by him to them preferred for
the same, gave him for answer that the work is ill executed, and they
think he is already paid more than it deserves, being paid eighty pounds,
and therefore they'l pay him no more."

i6o

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Removal of
Books.

Chandelier.

Opening.

Sale of Old
Exchange.

Workhouse,

Parish
Meeting.

Grant of
Land.

" J 753' Octr. 19. Ordered that the Town Clerk be authorized and
empowered to remove the Corporation books, records, papers and writings
under his care into the proper places provided in the new Exchange for
the reception."

" 1754, Feby. 6. Ordered that a glass lustre or chandelier be bought
by the Corporation for the Merchants Hall in the New Exchange not
exceeding sixty guineas price."

The building was soon afterwards publicly opened with
great rejoicings, but no record is to be found in the books.

" 1754, Feby. 6. Ordered, that the Old Exchange of this town be putt
up to sale at auction to the highest bidder and fourteen days notice be
given of the sale, and that the purchaser of the said building shall pull it
down, and the ground cleared at the expence of the purchaser within one
month from the sale, and that it be sold under such other proper conditions
of sale to be agreed and settled by Mr Mayor. And that Mr Mayor first
order what will be necessary and fitting to be putt up in any part of the
New Exchange to be removed from the said old building. Also that the
room under the Mayor's office in the New Exchange be immediately fitted
up to hold the Court of Requests in."

In 1731 an effort was made to provide a permanent work-
house for the poor, who had up to that time been temporarily
provided for in various localities.

" 1731, Mar. i. Richard Gildart Mayor.

" The proceedings of the Trustees or Comittee appointed by the
inhabitants of the Parish of Liverpool att a generall meeting in the
Comon Hall on the 16 th day of February last past to fix on and treat for a
proper place to build a workhouse upon wherein to imploy the poor of
this Parish and thereby to ease the inhabitants of the great burthen the
poor are at present, and likely to encrease, being now read and approved
of by this Councill, and the ground adjoining to the back wings of the
Charity School now in lease to Mr John Brooks for three lives and 21
years being thought most convenient to build such Workhouse upon, and
the said John Brooks now consenting and agreeing to transferr his term
and intrest in the piece of ground fix'd on for that purpose on reasonable
terms ;

" This Councill doth agree thereto, and it is now ordered that proper
conveyances be passed under the Comon Scale of this burrough and
Corporation to such person or persons as Councill shall advise, of the
reversion and inheritance thereof, and of all the buildings, courts and
yards thereto belonging, to that use and purpose for ever."

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 161

In 1770 the site of the Workhouse was transferred to
Brownlow Hill.

The old Infirmary, formerly standing on a portion of the Infiraar y.
site of St. George's Hall, was erected 1745-50. The following
entry relates to its inception :

" 1748, Apl. 13. Thomas Shaw Mayor.

" Whereas by several Orders of Council heretofore made the 3 rd April
1745 and 1 6 th August in the same year.

" It is Ordered that the field commonly called the Oyl Mill field and the
Waste before it at the bottom of Dale Street shall be granted to the G^nt of
Trustees to be appointed for erecting an Infirmary for poor persons, sick
and wounded, for 999 years without any reserved rent or conditions of
forfeiture pursuant to the Act made in the 9"" year of his p'sent Majestye
King George the second, entitled an Act to restrain the disposition of
lands whereby the same become unalienable ; And by another order of
Council made the eleventh day of March 1746, it is Ordered that the date
of the lease of the said Oyl Mill field granted by the Corporation to the Lease.
Trustees of the said Infirmary shall be altered and changed to the said
eleventh day of March 1746, on account that the said lease was to be
enrolled in the High Court of Chancery within six months from the date
thereof, pursuant to the above mentioned Act. And whereas a lease and
counterpart were accordingly made and executed and were sent up to
London in order to have been inrolled in Chancery, pursuant to the said
Act, but by mistake of the attorney they were inrolled in the Court of
King's Bench instead of the Court of Chancery.

" It is therefore now Ordered that all the above recited Orders of
Council be, and they are each of them renewed and continued and that a
new lease be now granted to the Trustees of the said Infirmary of the said
Oyl Mill field pursuant to the severall Orders above mentioned, and that
the said lease shall bear date from this 13* day of April instant and be
inrolled in Chancery pursuant to the directions of the above mentioned Enrollment.
statute, and that at the execution of such new lease, the lease and
counterpart of the said Oyl Mill field and premises already executed shall
be cancelled and destroyed."

Oldhall Street originally terminated at the Ladies' Walk,
now the Canal Basin ; beyond this the strand of the river
was the only way northward. In 1749 an effort was made to

carry the street forward.

162 CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

"1749, July u. Ordered that the Mayor and Mr Aid" Cunliffe be

Road desired to acquaint the landowners who petition to have a road made

Northward. from the MiJe house to the upper end of Oldhall Street, and to bring in

an estimate of the expence, and the Council will then consider what

allowance will be given towards the expence of making the road."

ECCLESIASTICAL

The building of St. George's Church was commenced in
I726. (I)

" 1728, Novr. 6. John Hughes Mayor.

" Ordered. That all the mon s due by contract or otherwise be call'd in St George's
and apply'd towards carrying on the new church, and that the sev'all
leases be p'pared for y' purpose and such as refuse to pay be sued."

" 1729, May 7. Order'd that the flaggs for the new church be gott^ out Flags,
of the delf over ag' Robert Wilson's Ropery, when and as the Comittee
shall direct.

" That the new church in Derby Square be vaulted and arched with Vaulting.
brick."

" 1731, Nov. 3. Order'd that the Comittee for building the new church
be desired to carry on the same with all speed."

" Nov. 12. Order'd that the present Baylives be added to Comittee for Committee.
carrying on the new church, and that as many of the Aldermen as please
to attend, be of that Comittee."

" 1732, Mar. i. Order'd that the Comittee for building the new church Market.
in Derby Square doe view and consider of what stepps or bench may be
conveniently made on the north side of the said church for the use of the
markett people and report their opinion thereon next Council day."

" 1732, Mar. 23. Rich d Gildart Mayor.

" It being represented to this Councill that Mr James Shaw hath been Shaw's
very much in advance for materials found and work done att the new c ajm '
church in Derby Square and praying to have intrest after a certain time.

" It is Ordered that he be allow'd intrest at 5 $ cent from the expiration
of nine months after the work done and materialls deliv' r ed, to be settled
by the Comittee and to be paid accordingly by the Treasurer."

" 1732, May 3. Then appointed Mr Mayor and Baylives (and others)
any five to be the Comitee for carrying on and finishing the new church Committee.
in Derby Square, and are desir'djo meet every other Thursday at three
a clock in the afternoon in the Comon Hall."

" 1732, Deer. 18. Ordered, that the Treasurer do pay to Mr Ed Steeple.
Litherland sixty pounds tow* 15 his work in the steeple to the new church in
Derby Square."

(''See sntt p. 70.

i6 4

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Wolsten-
holme.

Sewell.
Lectures.

" X 734> July 26. William Pole Mayor.

" It being signify'd to this Council that the Right Reverend the Lord

Consecration Bishop of Chester intends to consecrate the new church or chappell lately

erected and built by the Corporation upon the scite and soile of the late

Castle, on Thursday the first day of August next, and that it will be

necessary that a fitt person be now elected and chosen to be the first

Chaplain. curate or chaplain thereof, and that the presentation or nomination be

prepared in the mean time.

" It is now resolved and Ordered that it will be expected from such
curate or chaplain, that he perform divine service and preach every fore-
noon and afternoon on every Sunday in the year, and morning and evening
prayers every Tuesday and Thursday in the week, and every holiday in
the year, and that all the rights of the Mayor Bayl s and Comon Councill
be reserv'd to them according to the Act of Parliam' made in the first year
of his late Maj"' King George the first.

" The Reverend Henry Wolstenholme is now elected and chosen to be
first curate or chaplain of the said new church or chappel.

" Mr Mayor now also recommends that an assistant to Mr Wolstenholme
be now appointed, and nominates the Reverend Cuthbert Sewell to be
assistant to the said chaplain, which this Council agree to and recomend
him accordingly, and that the chaplain or his assistant do preach a lecture
sermon on every other or second Thursday in the afternoon throughout
the year, and that the prayers in the weekdays be at tenn aforenoon, and
six a'clock in the evening dureing sumer season and at three in the
afternoon in the winter season."

" 1736, Nov. 3. Rich" Gildart Mayor.

" Whereas by the Act of Parliam 1 for building and endowing St George's
church or chappell, the Mayor Bayl s and Comon Councill for the time
being or the major part of them have the full and free disposition of all
and every the seats and pews in the said church or chappell, and that in
pursuance thereof they did on the 15 th day of Aug' 1734 agree to sett_and
lett the same (the publick seats for 'the Mayor Aid" Bay 1 s and Comon
Councill and their wives only excepted) and that the severall persons who
have agreed to take seats in the said church or chappell have respectively
subscribed a contract for each seat, and that the Comittee having agreed
with them for a certain yearly rent for each particular seat, and which this
Council do approve of, ratify and confirm.

" And_that on the 12* day of September 1734, the Mayor Aid" Bayl 5
and Comon Councill in Councill assembled takeing the same into con-
Salaries, sideration, did order that the severall and respective yearly sallaries or
stipends hereafter mentioned sho'd be paid to the minister, curate or
chaplain of the said church or chappell and to the minister assistant
and to the clerk and sexton to witt

" To the Rev'end Henry Wolstenholme not less than y> a year.
" To the Rev'end Cuthbert Sewell assistant ^40.

Letting of
Pews.

ECCLESIASTICAL. 165

" To Edward Green clerk 20.
" To John Nicholls sexton 10.

" And this Councill now takeing into further consideration the report
made this day by the Comittee, appointed to manage and attend the setting
of the said seats and other purposes relateing to the said church. It Pew Rents,
appears that there are

"31 seats below on the south side lett which make ^"42 12 o

" 35 on the north side lett which make 43 8 o

" 35 seats in the Gallery on the south side 34 10 o

" 34 ,, in the Gallery on the north side 33 17 6

and that the back long seat intended for the Bayliffs Peers might be sett, Arrange-
which is now order'd to be divided and sett, and that there are some few ments -
back seats yet unsett and it also appearing that the income of the seats
already sett for this present year ending at Christmas next will make
above ^"30 more than the above yearly sallaries or stipends, and that the
stipends to Mr Wolstenholme and Mr Sewell are not adequate to the
trouble they have ; it is Order'd by this Councill that the said overplus be
paid to the said Mr Wolstenholme and Mr Sewell, that is to say, to Mr
Wolstenholme two third parts thereof, and to Mr Sewell one third part
thereof."

The church continued to prosper, and the Committee
reported on the 6th Sept., 1738, that there was a further
surplus, which the Council agreed should be paid over to the surplus.
two incumbents as before.

Mr. Wolstenholme was a very popular preacher.

" 1740, May 14. Ordered that the Rev'end Mr Henry Wolstenholme be
desired to print his sermon preach'd on the last fast day in St George's."

Many entries occur relating to the letting of the seats,
the Bailiffs appearing to have the care and responsibility.

" 1743, Feby. 2. John Brookes Mayor.

" Whereas it hath been represented to the Worshipfull the Mayor,
Aldermen, Bailiffs and Common Council in Council assembled, that the
present stipend of salarys of the Rev d Mr Hen. Wolstenholme and the
Rev d Mr Maddock the Chaplain and Lecturer at St George's Church, are
not adequate to the constant attendance required, not only in the per-
formance of their duty in the publick service of the church, but also in
preaching lectures every fortnight, &c they determine to raise the salaries Raising
to 100 for the chaplain and 80 to the lecturer." Salaries.

It appears from an entry about this date that the vaults
under the church were let for storage purposes and brought

i66

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Disputes
about Pews,

Raising
Salaries.

Arrangement
of Pews.

Winstanley
and Cheshire.

Prohibition

against

Sub-letting.

in a revenue, notwithstanding the consecration of the edifice
by the Bishop.

The pews seem to have been in great demand.

" 1748, April 13. Whereas a dispute hath arisen between the late
Alderman Coore's Ex re and Mr John Atherton about the right of possession
of the seats in St George's Church of Aid Coore. It is now Ordered, that
the said seats shall be continued to the said Aid" Coore's daughter Mrs
Pickersgill, in the same manner as other tenants hold them. And that
the said Mrs Pickersgill shall be defended and maintained against any
persons disturbing her in the peaceable possession thereof at the expence
of the Corporation, she paying the rent in arrear for the said seat before
said Mr Atherton occupied the same.

" And Aid" Gildart now proposing to give up his own seat in St George's
Church to accommodate Mr Jno Atherton, in consideration that the
Corporation will grant him the last of the Bailiffs Peers seats in the said
church. It is therefore accordingly order'd that Aid" Gildart have the
said seat upon the same rent he paid for the other seat."

" 1750, Octr. 3. Ordered that a list of the rents of the seats in St
George's Church be laid before the Council at the next meeting, and that
twenty pounds a piece a year be added to and paid to the two ministers of
the said church which is to be raised and laid on the seats."

" 1751, Sept. 4. Ordered that the Town Clerk have one side of the
Bailiff's wife's seat, and that the other be reserved for the Corporation
use, he paying such rent as Mr Mayor and Mr Bayliffs shall fix, and that
Mr Green (the clerk) have notice to forbid any other persons having no
right from coming and using the seat, as they now do."

" 1752, April 15. Upon the petition of Mrs Kaye to this Council setting
forth her right ; it is Ordered that she have the seat in the gallery in St
George's Church late Mrs Winstanley's, and to which the Widow Cheshire
hath laid some claim. But that it appears to this Council that Mrs Cheshire
gave it up or quitted the said seat the next year after the said church was
consecrated, and hath now another seat in the said church."

" 1754, Aug. 7. Whereas it hath been represented to this Council that
many persons who rent seats in Saint George's Church from the Council,
after they quitt sitting in them by themselves or familys, do take upon
them to sett the said seats for an over-rent to themselves, or do assign or
otherwise transfer the same to some other persons without any order of
Council.

" It is therefore now Ordered, that no tenant or other occupier of any
seat, pew or sitting in the said church shall have any right, power, or
authority to assign, transfer or sett any such seat, pew, or sitting to any
persons whatever . . but that every such seat shall revert and come

ECCLESIASTICAL. 167

into the hands of the Council to all intents and purposes, as if the same
had never been sett or enjoyed."

These orders are subsequently repeated, and sufficiently
indicate the popularity of the church, owing no doubt in
great measure to the ministrations of Mr. Wolstenholme and
his assistant, as we do not find the same eagerness in relation
to St. Nicholas', the old Parish Church, or to St. Peter's.

The mode of conducting the service caused some
difference of opinion.

1751, Octr. 18. It is Order'd upon the motion of Mr Aid" Shaw that chanting,
chaunting divine service, or such parts thereof as are usually thus
performed, be introduced and performed in the said service in St George's
Church. And that the management thereof be left to the direction of Mr
Shaw, who is to agree with some proper persons to instruct some persons
in the knowledge and exercise thereof."

After a few months' trial this innovation was not generally
approved.

" *75 2 i July 3- Ordered, that chaunting the publick service in St.
George's Church be for the future discontinued, and that Mr Aid" Pole Discontinued
pay Mr Brett, the master, five guineas for his trouble in instructing
persons to chaunt."

" 1745, Apl. 3. Whereas an Order of Council was made the 2 nd
November 1743 that there should be two brass branches or chandeliers Chandeliers
provided for St Geo s Church, and nothing done therein. It is Ordered
that Mr Mayor and Bailiffs do write toJLondon to buy "em."

" 1748, Nov. 2. Ordered that the Comittee for making an altar piece in Altar Piece.
St George's Church do agree with Mr Coppuck to paint an Altar Piece in
such scripture historical manner as the said Comittee shall fix, and that
Mr Mayor, Bailiffs and Mr Goore be added to s d Comittee."

" I 75 1 > July 3_i. Ordered that Mr Mayor Aid" Shaw and Mr Goore be
appointed a Comittee to treat and agree with Ralph Holland to take down steeple.
the Weathercock of St George's Church to raise the steeple and put up
the Weathercock."

At the time of the rebellion, in 1745, the clergy did their
duty in aiding and stimulating the loyalty of their flocks.

" 1745, Octr. 10. Owen Pritchard Mayor.

" Ordered, that the Bailiffs be desired to waite on the Clergy of this Thanks to
town who have preached loyal sermons on occasion of the present Cler sy-

i68

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Thanks to
Maddox.

Heskain's
Lecture.

Extra

Service

discontinued.

Disputes
about Seats.

Thanks to

Rector

Stanley.

rebellion, return 'em the thanks of this Council, and desire them to print
the sermons."

" 1746, Octr. 18. Ordered, that the Reverend Mr Maddox have the
thanks of this Corporation returned him for the loyal and good sermon he
preached on the thanksgiving day, the ninth instant, for the signal victory
obtained by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland over the rebels,
and that he be desired to print the same at the expence of the Corporation."

" 1752, Sept. 18. Ordered that the Rev* Mr Heskain of this town, have
liberty to have a lecture every other Thursday evening (not being the
present lecture evening) at Saint George's Church and that the lecture
now had there on Sunday mornings be not continued in the morning any
longer till Sunday next, but be postponed till after evening service of that
day."

" 1752, Octr. 16. Ordered that the extraordinary service performed at
St George's Church be discontinued at Christmas next on account of the
many complaints made by the owners of the seats in the said church of
great inconveniencies occasioned thereby."

St. George's was the Corporation church par excellence, and
long continued to be the resort of the Liverpool aristocracy.
St. Peter's, though built by the Corporation, being a Parish
Church, was not so much under their control. They
possessed, however, certain rights which, with their usual
tenacity, they were not slow to defend.

" 1744, Octr. ii. Ordered that the Town Clerk be empowered to defend
on behalf of the Corporation of Liverpoole, their right to the seat in St
Peter's church comonly called Lord Molyneux's seat ag 51 any persons
claiming the same, at the expence of this Corporation."

" 1750, Apl. 4. Ordered that the thanks of this Council be given to the
Honourable and Reverend Mr Stanley one of our late Rectors upon his
cession now made of this his cure, for his diligent faithfull and able
discharge of his ecclesiastick function, for his kind and early letter of
resignation thereof to this body his patrons, on his being inducted to the
Rectory of Halsall in this county, and for the pious and gratefull orthodox
and instructive sermon of farewell which he preached and delivered to his
congregation last Sunday at St Peter's church in this town. And that
Mr Mayor be desired to waite on him in the name of the whole Corporate
body for this purpose."

At the beginning of the century Liverpool had only a
single chapel of ease, under Walton. Before the middle of

ECCLESIASTICAL. 169

the century there were three large churches, all well filled.
A fourth was now called for.

" 1747, Jany. 27. Thomas Shaw Mayor.

[^Whereas several well disposed persons have lately subscribed the
sume of two thousand three hundred pounds and upwards towards the
building a new church or chapel in Mr Okill's ground near Park Lane in
Liverpoole, the ground for the building which upon, the said Mr Okill St. Thomas
hath promised to give, and the presentation and advowson to which said church -
church or chapel is to be vested in the Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs and
Common Council of this Corporation.

" Upon this consideration that the Corporation will grant their rever- Grant of
sionary interest or inheritance of the said ground on which the said church Land -
is to be built for that purpose. And to be at the expence of obtaining the
said Act of Parliament for building the same which is therefore now
accordingly Order'd by this Council.

" And that the following gentlemen be appointed a Comittee to draw up
a petition to Parliament, for the obtaining an Act for building the said Act of
church viz' Mr Mayor and Bailiffs, Aid" Cunliffe (with ten others)."

The Act was obtained, and the church (St. Thomas's)
commenced.

" 1748, Jany. 4. Joseph Clegg Mayor.

" Ordered That Mr Goore and some of the Commissioners for the
church now in building be desir'd to meet Mr Okill and confer with him
about the price of his ground in Park Lane, and which is intended to be Land,
bought from him for a church yard to the said church and report it to the
Council."

" 1748, Mar. i. Ordered that Mr Mayor and Bailiffs, Aid" Steers, and
Brooks be appointed a Committee to view the delf at Quarry Hill where
it is feygh'd for the Docks, in order to allow the contractors for the church Stone for
to take of it for the use of the church and to fix what price they shall pay Cnurch -
for it in case they allow them to get stone where feigh'd."

The church was completed in 1750.

" I 75 J u ty 4- Whereas the Lord Bishop of Chester is to come to this
town the next week, to consecrate St Thomas's Church, and confirm in Consecratio
this town. It is Ordered that Mr Mayor be desired to entertain him at
the expence of the Corporation in such manner as he shall think proper."
" 1751, Apl. 3. Ordered thaf the Treasurer do pay Mr Goore the
expences of consecrating St Thomas's Church amounting to the sume of
eighteen pounds sixteen shillings and sixpence."

i Nov. 7. It being proposed and agreed by the Parishioners to

170

CHAP. II, A.D. 1727^-1760.

Grant of
Land.

Churchyard, purchase a church yard on a Lych Ley for St Thomas's Church out of
ground belonging to Mr Okill adjoining thereto held by lease under the
Corporation.

" It is ordered that this Corporation do grant their reversionary interest
therein for a church yard."

" 1757, April 21. Ordered that the Council do give the Commissioners
of Saint Thomas's Church the sum of five hundred pounds towards the
purchasing of a church yard to the said church."

St. Thomas's Church, in its original condition, was a
handsome structure, with a lofty spire. Unfortunately the
stone of which it was built was soft and friable, and not many
years elapsed before serious repairs were required.

" 1757, Apl. 19. It is Ordered, that whereas the top part of the steeple
of Saint Thomas's Church was in the late storm blown down, and h
falling into or upon the body of the said church beat through the roof and
did considerable damage to the same, and to the seats and gallerys in
the said church. That the same be repaired at the expence of this
Corporation, and that Mr Mayor and Bailiffs (with 8 others) be appointed
a Committee or any five of them."

" 1759, Aug. 15. Ordered that Thomas Wainwright, mason, be paid
the sum of forty five Pounds, for the rebuilding the top of the steeple of
Saint Thomas's Church and that Mr Aid" Pole, the treasurer take credit
for the same."

The time had now arriVed when a fifth church was called
for ; this time at the north end of the town, which was then
the most fashionable district.

Steeple
rebuilt.

St. Paul's
Church.

Resolutions
of Parish.

" I 753> Nov. 7. James Crosbie Mayor.

" It is Ordered that an Act of Parliament be applied for this session at
the Corporation expence, for the building a new church in this town, on
the plan and scheme lately proposed and agreed on at the vestry, and, on
the petition of the parishioners of this parish now read to the Council ;
upon the condition and agreement that the Common Council be vested
with the perpetual advowson of the said church, and also to have
nomination of the clerk and sexton of the said church, after the first
presentation of the minister and nomination of the first clerk and sexton."

" 1760, Octr. 10. Lawrence Spencer Mayor.

" Whereas it has been resolved by the Parishioners of the Parish of
Liverpoole to build one or more church or churches within this town by a
general levy or tax on real and personal estates of the inhabitants, the
body of which churches are to be laid open for the benefit of the poor,

ECCLESIASTICAL. 171

but the seats in the gallerys are to be appropriated for or towards the
paying the ministers stipends and other officers and_uses of the said
churches. And whereas one of the said churches is imediately intended
to be erected on a piece of land formerly purchased by this Parish from
Mr Ralph Earl, being part of the Dog field on the north side of the town, Dog Field,
but that the other is to be postponed for some years till this is finished
and paid for, and another is found to be necessary and wanted. And
whereas it has been proposed and agreed to that the next presentation
and perpetual advowson to and of such churches shall be vested in the
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Common Council of the said borough and Corpora-
tion of Liverpoole in the like manner as those to the other churches in
this town are by Parliament settled and invested. And whereas there has
been and still are subsisting some differences and disputes between the Disputes.
Corporation and the Parish in regard to some claims of moneys which the
said Parishioners alledge the said Corporation owe the said Parish, but
which said claims this Council do not admitt to be just, or that such
moneys are so owing by them ; but for the considerations aforesaid and in
lieu of such claims and demands and to promote an agreement and
unanimity between the Parish in general and the Corporation. It is now
therefore Order'd that this Corporation shall be at and pay the charge and
expence of obtaining an Act of Parliament this next session for the Act of
building one or more church or churches in the town of Liverpoole. And Par iamer
that the said Corporation shall pay and allow unto the minister for the
time being of the said North Church and his successors, the yearly sume
of thirty pounds, first saving, reserving and excepting_put of this agree- Contributii
ment to the said Parishioners, all legacies and other sumes of money now
in y e hands of the said Corporation which they now acknowledge or pay
interest for the same, due, owing or in any wise belonging to the said
parishioners of Liverpoole or their poore."

The further proceedings will be referred to in the next
chapter.

References have been made in the preceding chapter to
the Free Grammar School, dating from the time of Queen Free

Grammar

Elizabeth. It was still continued, but never appears to have school.
been in a very flourishing condition.

" 1745, April 10. Upon a representation that the Free School of this
town is attended with an annual expence to this Corporation of sixty two
pounds. Ordered that Mr Mayor be desired to take the Council with him
to visit the said school." Visit.

" 1748, Jany. 4. Whereas Mr Mayor with several of this Council have Report,
lately visited the free school of this town, and found the same to have very

172

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

Order.

Rules.

few scholars in it, the reason whereof, as appears to this Council, that the
inhabitants or freemen have neglected their children. Therefore this
Council doth order that publick notice be given to the inhabitants or
freemen, that for the future there will be taught in the said school the

Instruction. Latin and English tongues, as also Writing and Vulgar Arithmetick, as an
inducement to them to send their children in ; thereby effectually to
answer the good intent of the said school in giving sutable education to
the children of the poor freemen, who could not without this assistance
have done it, and that the Comittee be appointed to draw up proper rules
and regulations for the better government of the said school."

" 1748, Mar. i. Ordered that the Rules now read to this Council for
the government of the Free School of this town be establish'd and entred
in this Council book, and that all schoolmasters of the said school for the
future shall observe them. And Whereas the Rev d Mr Martin, school-
master of the said school, by the Rev d Mr Baldwin, one of the Rectors of
this Parish having left or not being resident in this Parish, and who hath
not provided any curate to officiate for him, whereby a double duty is
devolved on the said Mr Martin his curate, from which it is not possible
he can attend the duty of the school as he otherwise might or would do.
It is now further Ordered that in case the said Mr Martin will surrender
up the said school to the Council now, That they will as a gratuity give
him the sume of forty guineas ; and it is likewise Ordered, that for the

No future no clergyman shall be admitted Schoolmaster or Usher of the said

Clergyman to sc hool in any capacity whatsoever."
be admitted. J

Master to
surrender.

Rules.

Subjects
taught.

Hours.

Payments.

Here follow the Rules, the main features of which are the
following :

The Head Master was to instruct the scholars in Latin
and English; the Under Master to teach writing and
arithmetic.

That both masters attend between Lady Day and
Michaelmas from seven in the morning until noon, and in the
afternoon from two to five. During the remainder of the year
the attendance was to be from eight to twelve, and from half-
past one to four.

Every scholar to pay one shilling entrance money, one
shilling at Shrovetide, one shilling fire money, and one
shilling at Christmas. These perquisites to be divided, two-
thirds to the Head Master and one-third to the Usher.

ECCLESIASTICAL 173

The vacation time to be three weeks at Christmas, a Vacations -
week at Easter, a fortnight at Whitsuntide, and the church
holidays.

No scholar to be admitted till he is able to read in the 9^ ifica '
Psalter, and their parents to send them in clean and decent
dress, and free from offensive and catching disorders.

The school to be visited the first Monday in every month visiting.
by at least three members of the Council, who were to
examine and report, and to give such orders as might be
necessary.

The schoolmaster having made some demur as to his
resignation, his gratuity was increased to fifty guineas, which
he accepted and resigned.

" 1749, Apl. 5. Ordered that whoever shall be elected schoolmaster of
this school shall before he is admitted give a bond to the Mayor, Bailiffs
and Burgesses in the sume of five hundred pounds conditioned that he Bo p d f r
will resign the school and license, whenever the Common Council shall re
request the same into their hands.

" Ordered that the vacancy for a Head Master be advertized in some Vacancy
publick newspapers; that the Rev d Mr Bardesley and Mr James Ansdell advertised,
shall be excluded from offering themselves or being either of them chosen,
and that a Committee be appointed to inspect and revise the rules."

No record is extant of the appointment of the Master.

" 1752, Deer. 6. Ordered that Mr Mayor and such others of the Mayor, &c.
Council as please, be authorized and desired to visit the free school and * vislt '
take an account of the scholars and to Distinguish therein, who are the
sonns of freemen and who are not, and which of the parents of such
scholars are able to pay a quarteridge to the Masters, or which of them
do."

" J 753> Aug. i. On a representation made to this Council that the Report.
Free School of the town is crowded and fill'd up with a great number of
scholars who have no right to the benefit of the said school ; It is
Ordered that the masters of the said school shall not admitt or receive
any scholars into the said school till he hath received an order under the Mayor and
hands of the Mayor and Bailiffs directing and authorizing the admission ^rect
of every person or scholar so applying."

"1759, Apl. 9. Ordered that Mr John Baines be elected the head J ohn Baine
master of the Free School of this town in the room of Mr Abram Ashcroft Master.

174

CHAP. II, A.D. 17271760.

who has resigned it into the hands of this Council, with the same salary,
during the pleasure of the Council only, and to be subject to the Rulee
already established or any other Rules which may be established by the
Council for the government of the same, and give a like bond to the
Council as Mr Ashcroft did."

Last appoint- fhis was the i as t appointment made.

ment.

decease, about 1802, the school was closed.

On Mr. Baines's
After an interval
of more than twenty years it was revived by the establishment
of elementary schools by the Corporation, in the north and
south districts of the town, which were subsequently made
over to the School Board.

CHAPTER THIRD.

FROM THE ACCESSION OF GEORGE III. (1760) TO THE
END OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

The loyal Corporation were not tardy in presenting their
congratulations to the youthful successor to the throne.

" 1760, Nov. 5. John Blackburn Mayor.

" Ordered that the present Address of condolance and congratulation on Address.
the death of his late Majesty and the accession of his present Majesty to
the throne of these kingdoms, as now read to this Council, be fair copied,
passed under the Common Seal and transmitted to our members to be
presented to his Majesty.

" To the King's Most Excellent Majesty.

" The humble Address of the Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs and Common
Council of the Borough and Corporation of Liverpoole.

" Most Gracious Sovereign.

" We, your Majesty's ever dutyfull and loyal subjects, the Mayor,
Aldermen, Bailiffs and Common Council of the town of Liverpoole in
Common Council assembled humbly beg leave to approach your Royal
and sacred person, with this, our most sincere address of condoleance on
the death of our late august and well beloved sovereign, your illustrious
grandfather ; a Prince in whom were united all the virtues, which George II.
constitute a brave, wise, humane and pious ruler ; whose government
over a free and gratefull people was so equitable and just, that during
his long and glorious reign, the prerogative of the Crown and the rights
and liberties of the subject went hand in hand, sacred and inviolable.

" At the same time, Great Sire, we most humbly beseech you to permit
us, with the same warm affections, to congratulate your Majesty on your Congratula-
accession to the Empire of these realms, your native country. And tions -
although your Majesty ascends the throne in the midst of the rage and
calamities of war, yet, from the natural and royal magnanimity of soul,
inherent in the ancient and illustrious House of Hanover from the many
shining virtues and powerful abilities which have so conspicuously adorned
your early part of life, cultivated and encouraged under the best of Royal

1 7 6

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Declaration.

Allies.

King's
Birthday.

Election.

Candidates.

mothers, the arduous task of Government will be easy to yourself, and
happy to your subjects.

"Your royal and voluntary declaration issued immediately upon your
accession to the Crown ' That you would preserve and strengthen the
present happy constitution in church and state ' must endear your
Majesty to all your subjects, and afford them a pleasing confidence, that
in you, the Almighty has rais'd up another indulgent Father of their
country another George auspicious name to Britons ! a king who will
reign in the hearts of a great and powerful! nation ; ready and willing
to defend them against all their enemies, to protect, encourage and main-
tain them in all their legal rights, possessions and commercial interests.

" The wisdom and integrity of your Majesty's ministers, the fortitude
and bravery of our fleets and armies, under whose directions and by whose
valour, so many noble victories and wide extended conquests have been
acquired, will we trust in God, with the concurrence of your steady allies,
enable your Majesty to triumph over the inveterate enemies of your king-
dom, and compel the rivals of our trade to accept from your Majesty's
hand a peace upon terms honourable, just and permanent, to these
kingdoms.

" May it please God, of his great mercy and kindness so often shewn to
these nations, to grant to your Majesty health and long life, a happy and
glorious reign, and that the Imperial Crown of these realms may descend
from you to the latest posterity of your Royal House with additional lustre
and glory. And that your Majesty will be graciously pleased to accept
this Address as the sincere pledge of our allegiance, fidelity and zeal for
the welfare and service of your royal and most illustrious family and
government.

" By order of the Council."

" 1761, June 3. Ordered that Mr Mayor be desired to invite the Gent,
of the town to the Exchange to-morrow, being his Majesty's birthday, to
drink the king's health at the Corporation expense."

The election of members to the New Parliament was stiffly
contested. The number of freemen admitted preparatory
thereto according to the records was 743. This seems almost
incredible, as the whole number polled only amounted to
2164, but the particulars are set forth with the amount paid
by each : 33. 4d. by those free born, 6s. 8d. from those free
by servitude, and from those free by purchase sums varying
from 3 35. up to 15 153.

The candidates were Sir Ellis Cunliffe, Sir Wm. Meredith,

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 177

and Mr. Chas. Pole, of whom the two former were elected.
After the election, the following entry occurs :

" 1761, Deer. 2. Ordered, that the Treasurer do pay John Blackburn Esq
(the late Mayor) the sum of one hundred and eleven pounds for so much
money by him paid for a councel to assist and advise him at the late Counsel.
election of Members of Parliament for this Borough and Corporation and
be allowed it in his accounts."

" 1761, June 3. Ordered that Mr Mayor be authorized and empowered Arms,
to call in the arms belonging to this Corporation and to prosecute any
persons refusing to deliver up the same to him or his order."

Reference was made in the last Chapter to the law
proceedings arising out of the disputes with Mr. Clegg,
Mayor in 1748, and his expulsion from the Council.

" 1761, Sept. 9. Ordered that Mr Aid" Clegg be paid the costs he was Disputes
put to in bringing a mandamus to be restored to his seat in Council ; to Wlth
be taxed by the Master."

Mr. Clegg was still restless and dissatisfied, as appears
from the following record :

" 1762, Octr. 6. Ordered that an opinion of Councel be taken on a
publication of Mr Alderman Clegg's in the Manchester newspaper relative
to the Corporation credit."

The King's Marriage and Coronation took place in King's
September, 1761. Loyal addresses were presented to each
of the Royal pair, and the following resolution adopted :

" 1761, Sept. 9. It is Ordered, that Mr Mayor be authorized and
empowered to entertain the Gentlemen, Merchants, and Tradesmen of
this Corporation, with a dinner or otherwise, and to give the Ladies a Ball Dinner and
in the Exchange on the day of their Majestys' Coronation, at the publick Ba "-
expence, and that the Treasurer be authorized and is hereby, to pay the
charge thereof, and to be allowed it in his accounts ; and that the following
Gent, be appointed a Committee to order, conduct and to regulate the
same viz' Messrs the Mayor and Bailiffs, Goore, Hughes, Trafford,
Colquitt, Powell, Manesty, Johnson, Halliday, Parr, Williamson, Strong,
Earle, and the Town Clerk, any three of whom to make a Committee and
act. And that they have power to do any other act for the more splendid
celebration of that glorious and happy day, as they shall see requisite and
necessary.

" And that the Treasurer do repay Mr Mayor two guineas by him given

1 7 8

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Invalids.

Contest for
Mayoralty.

Birth of
Prince.

Address.

to the Company of Invalids at Liverpoole, to drink his Majesty's health
on his late birthday."

The election of Mayor in October, 1761, was strongly
contested, and occupied four days. It resulted in the choice
of Mr. John Williamson, a brewer, residing in Lancelot's
Hey, a member of an old Liverpool family.

" 1762, Sept. 28. John Williamson Mayor.

" Ordered that the Address now read to the Common Council on the
safe delivery of the Queen and birth of his Royal Highness the Prince
of Wales be passed under the Common Seal and be presented to his
Majesty."

Here follows the address, which is couched in the usual
high flown phraseology of such documents, proving at all
events the steady loyalty of Liverpool to the Hanoverian
succession.

" 1763, June 7. William Grregson Mayor.

" Ordered, That the Address to his Majesty now read on the conclusion
of peace, and to assure him of our inviolable attachment to his person
and family, be immediately transmitted to Sir Ellis Cunliffe in order to be
presented to his Majesty."

The address expresses

" The unfeigned acknowledgments of the Council for the constant and
effectual support granted to our commerce, by means whereof it has
flourished in an extraordinary degree during the course of a dangerous
and extensive War."

A very significant allusion is made to the Wilkes and
Luttrell disputes, which then agitated the political world.

" We are glad on all occasions to declare our zeal and attachment to
your sacred person and government and shall be always ready to express
our disapprobation and abhorence of the least spirit of discord or faction
which may tend to alienate the affections of your Majesty's subjects from
the best of Kings."

In 1769, when these disputes had reached their climax,
the following loyal and dutiful address was presented by the
Council to the King :

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 179

" 1769, March 13. Matthew Stronge Mayor.

" Ordered that the Address now read and passed under the Common Address.
Seal be presented by Owen Salusbury Brereton Esquire, our Recorder, who
is desired to take along with him Alderman Sir Robert Cunliffe Baronet,
and John Tarleton and Richard Hughes Esquires and Mr Town Clerk.

"To the King's most Excellent Majesty.

" Most gracious Sovereign.

" Filled with a grateful sense of the blessings this nation has enjoyed
under your Majesty's just and mild administration (of which the trade of
this commercial place has felt the happy influence) we beg leave to
represent to your Majesty that we cannot hear your Government so
insolently maligned, nor see a torrent of sedition so violent and rapid as Sedition.
to endanger the overthrow of our civil and religious rights, without
expressing our utmost abhorrence on so alarming an occasion.

" Nothing but a faction of licentiousness under the mask of liberty
would attempt to weaken the cement of your people's duty and affection
to your Majesty, and to relax the sinews of your Government by miscon-
struing the proceedings of your Parliament, and groundlessly diminishing
the authority of your courts of justice, which in no age were more
uprightly or ably filled.

" By the outrages they have so daringly committed, these enemies of Outrages,
their Country, at the same time they are undermining the foundation of
our excellent constitution are rashly attempting the destruction of that
valuable privilege they profess for their object, of which your Majesty's
subjects have had the full fruition during your auspicious reign.

" When your Majesty's peace has been so violently disturbed and the
distribution of justice so daringly impeded (though void of all foundation
in reason or policy) our attachment to your sacred person and regard for
our happy constitution, impel us thus to approach your Majesty, to
express our apprehensions, that these invasions of the public tranquillity Apprehen-
may be productive of the greatest evils to the state, and, if not timely sions -
restrained, be attended with most dangerous consequences to the
community.

" Firmly confiding in your Majesty's wisdom, that such prudent, just
and reasonable measures will be taken, as may tend to re-establish due
order and obedience among your subjects, and stop the progress of these
factious combinations, and fully convinced that every thing valuable to us
is inseparably connected with the stability of your Majesty's Government,
we are resolved, at the risque of our lives and fortunes to second your Lives and
Majesty's efforts to dis-countenance and repel these disorders which must Fortunes -
needs disturb the repose of your Majesty's reign, and affect the interest
and prosperity of your kingdoms."

On the breaking out of the war of independence i

i8o

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Grant to
Army.

America, the same spirit of devoted loyalty manifested itself
in an address, expressing the Council's

" Abhorrence and detestation of all traitorous and rebellious disturbers
of your Majesty's peace and Government, and assuring your Majesty that
we shall ever be ready and willing to exert our utmost endeavours for the
discouragement of all such illegal proceedings. " (I)

Their loyalty was practically shown in the following
minute :

" 1 775> Nov. i. James Clemens Mayor.

" Ordered, that this Corporation do give out of the public Estate of this
town the sum of one hundred guineas to the subscription now set on foot
in London and elsewhere, for such occasional acts of benevolence as may
be useful to the soldiers who are or may be employed in his Majesty's
service in America, and for affording relief to the widows and orphans of
such brave men as have fallen or may fall in defending the constitutional
government of these realms, in which we are convinced the welfare, well-
being, and safety of this town and the trade thereof is greatly concerned ;
and in part performance of, and conformity to our late address to his
Majesty on the present rebellion existing in America. And that the
Treasurer of this Corporation do pay unto Mr Mayor the said sum of
money to be remitted to the said Committee for this purpose, and be
allowed it in his accounts."

Press 1770, November 7th. The Mayor having received Press

Warrants. J "

Warrants to impress seamen into the Naval Service, the
Council offered one guinea bounty to each able seaman,
and half-a-guinea to each able-bodied landsman voluntarily
entering the service.

In 1776, similar Press Warrants being issued, the Council
Bounties to offered an increased bounty of two guineas for each able

Seamen. / . , j ,

seaman, and one guinea for each landsman volunteering.
This it was stated

" Would be for the common profit and advantage of the town and

the trade thereof, and would be lessening the great hardships and

inconveniences which must of course be brought on the freemen and
inhabitants."

('I The address will be found at length in Troughton's History p. 159.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 181

In 1779 the bounty was increased to ten guineas for each
seaman and five guineas for the landsmen.

In 1787 the terms were reduced to forty shillings and
twenty shillings respectively, which was renewed in 1793.

Steps were also taken towards the defence of the port.

" 1773, Feby. 3. Thomas Golightly Mayor.

" Mr Mayor having received a letter from the Board of Ordnance Cannon and
intimating that they would send for the Government great guns, gun- stores '
powder, and stores from the town, provided the gentlemen of the Cor-
poration have no objection thereto. It is Ordered that Mr Mayor be
desired to write in the name of this Council to desire that they may be
continued here for the defence of the town ; and also that they would
appoint a proper person to take care of the same, and the magistrates will
see that such person does his duty ; as they were granted for the security
and defence of the town and trade thereof."

In 1776 more active efforts were made with the same
object.

" 1776, Nov. 6. William Crosbie Mayor.

" It is Ordered that the petition to his Majesty now read for erecting a
fort at Hog's Hey Nook, be referred to a Committee viz' Mr Mayor, Mr
Recorder (and others) the Town Clerk to settle the same and transmit it
under the Common Seal.

"The Petition sets forth that in the year 1759 a petition was presented
to the Crown setting forth the defenceless state of the town and harbour,
and praying that some Batterys, Forts or other works of defence might be Petition for
provided ; that an Order in Council was thereupon issued to the Board of Battenes -
Ordnance directing several Batterys to be erected at or near Liverpool ;
that Plans of the intended Batterys were soon after sent down, and one
Battery erected at a place called the Old Church yard, which then Old Church-
commanded a part of the river Mersey and secured the docks from the y ardt
attacks of the Enemy ; but a Fort which was then intended to be built at
a certain place called Hogs Hey Nook which was pointed out as the best Hogs Hey
situation for the safety and defence of the town, was never erected by Nook -
reason of some difficulties which arose between the landowners of the
scite and the said Board respecting the price, and Peace having been
soon after made, the design was no further prosecuted. The petitioners
represent that the town and port are still in the same defenceless state
and that in consequence of the extension of the docks, the Battery in the
Old Church Yard is no longer of any use.

" The petitioners submit to his Majesty's Royal wisdom whether there
is not now a like or a greater necessity to have the battery with proper

1 82

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Barraks. Barracks and other appendages made and constructed, seeing that the
trade, buildings, properties and persons of the inhabitants are far greater
and more numerous than they were at the former period, and that they
remain exposed to the ravages of privateers or other armed vessels of any
enemy of these realms.

" They therefore pray that a proper fort and barracks for the
accommodation of a company or two of soldiers may be erected."

The prayer of the petition was granted. Major Dawson
inquiry. was sent down to inquire and report.

1777, February 22nd. A Committee was appointed to
confer with Major Dawson and to treat with the landowners so
as to determine the best site for the erection.

Report. I777> March 5th. The Committee having reported, the

Council agreed to the following resolution :

" The Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses of the town of Liverpool in Com-
mon Council assembled being informed of our most gracious Sovereign's
intentions to erect some proper fortifications and barracks here with a
competent armed force, and it being represented to us by Major Richard
Dawson one of his Majesty's Engineers, who has been appointed for the
purpose that a certain piece of ground on the north side of Clegg's Bath,
would be the most proper place for erecting one of such fortifications
likely to be of the greatest utility.

" We the said Mayor &c, impressed with a dutiful and grateful sense of
his Majesty's design, and being desirous to ease our beloved Sovereign of
some part of the expence, do most cheerfully offer to grant to his Majesty
the inheritance of the said piece of ground, and at our common expence
to erect and back the intended walls thereof, and to fill up the said
ground when his Majesty's Royal Mandate shall be issued for the erection.
The work to be done under the inspection of Major Dawson, together with
the Engineer by us employed for the docks and other sea works at
Liverpool."

" 1778, Nov. 4. It is Ordered, on Col. Gordon's letter of the state of
the Fort now building in this town and concerning the number of soldiers
or men which it will be necessary to ask from Government for the manning
and defence thereof, that the Mayor be desired to wait on Colonel Gordon
to consult and advise with him thereon, but not to ask for a less force than
four or five hundred men for such purpose."

Whilst these negociations were proceeding, the town was

Paul Jones, thrown into a state of alarm from the redoubtable Paul Jones,

who, with his small squadron, was hovering about the channel.

Grant of
Land.

Troops
required.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 183

" 1779, Sept. 13. At a special Council held for the particular purpose
of taking into consideration the best means of putting this town into a
state of defence at this alarming juncture a letter having been received
by the Mayor that Paul Jones with several ships of force and troops on
board are now on the coast. On the Coast.

" Ordered that application be made to remove a quantity of gunpowder
to be lodged for the use of the forts and batteries if there shall be
occas.ion.

" That the Mayor apply to the Board of Ordnance for a thousand stands Arms.
of arms for the use of such gentlemen and private men who may offer to
serve as independent volunteer companies, in case of an enemy's landing Volunteers,
upon this coast, which is now much to be feared.

" That the Mayor apply to the Secretary of State to remove the French
and Spanish prisoners now confined in the gaol at Mount Pleasant to
Chester or elsewhere.

" That a Pilot Boat be sent out to ply as far as Point Lynas, to give Precautions,
intelligence upon the appearance of an enemy, and to station Boats at the
different buoys."

" 1780, Feby. 2. Ordered, that a petition to Lord North be immediately
prepared and passed under the Common Seal, praying his assistance to
have the Fort and Barracks completed upon the plan approved by the
Board of Ordnance, and that the same may be forthwith put upon the
establishment."

The undertaking did not proceed very rapidly, for four
years after its inception we find the following record :

" 1781, Jany. 3. Ordered that a petition be immediately prepared, and
the Common Seal affixed to the King in Council, praying that he will be
pleased to give directions for the finishing the Fort at the north end of Petition to
this town setting forth the encreased danger to this port, from the com P lete -
intimate knowledge which many of the Dutch captains and seamen
trading to this port may have of the same. The petition to be presented
by the members of Parliament for this town, and Mr Bamber Gascoigne
senior."

" 1783, Deer. 3. It appearing to this Council by the representation of
Harry Gordon Esq Engineer of the Fort here, that the Barracks are now Fort
completed for the reception of one hundred men. completed.

"Ordered that an application be made to the Secretary of War to furnish
them with that number.

" And that the present Batteries called George's Battery and Queen's
Battery be taken down and the timber sold, and the money arising there- Batteries
from be appropriated for the use of the Docks." removed.

The Fort or Battery, thus completed after so tedious a

184

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Action of
Council.

Grant of
Money.

Maj.-Gen.
Calcraft.

Liverpool
Blues.

delay, stood on the margin of the river, nearly opposite the
end of Denison Street, with an esplanade opening from Bath
Street. Its site was absorbed into the Prince's Dock after
an existence of a little more than thirty years.

The Corporation however did not merely hang on the
Government for assistance, but vigorously applied their own
shoulders to the wheel. Not long after the petition for the
erection of forts and batteries, on the I5th December, 1777,
the Council passed a resolution in substance as follows :

" We, the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses in Council assembled taking
into our most serious consideration the present state of publick affairs in
America, and from the Declarations of Independence made, and hostile
measures taken in that quarter, reflecting on the danger there may be of
disuniting the continent from the British Empire if a speedy and vigorous
support be not given by his subjects to his Majesty's endeavours to
continue that Union.

" Knowing that our ships are frequently taken even in these channels
and our coast annoyed by American Privateers actuated by the
importance of the American trade as by law established aware that the
low ebb of the African trade, principally owing to the revolt in America
has in some measure cramped divers of our good brethren the Freemen
from being as individuals so liberal in their offerings to our King and
country at this juncture as their experienced loyalty and publick spirit
incite them to ; As upon the fullest conviction that we cannot employ a
part of the Corporate revenue more beneficially for the general good of
this town than for the following purpose

" We do order and enact that the sum of Two Thousand Pounds be by
this Corporation subscribed for raising a regiment for his Majesty's service
on the foot of the said subscription, to be paid by the Treasurer, in the
proportions and subject to the conditions and regulations therein
mentioned."

" 1778, Feby. 4. Ordered that Major Gen. Thos Calcraft Colonel of
the Royal Regiment of Liverpool Blues, be complemented with, and
made a freeman."

The regiment of the Royal Liverpool Blues was raised
noo strong, and sent on foreign service. After the lapse of
six years, in 1784, the poor remnant, reduced to eighty four in
number, returned to Liverpool, and deposited their colours in
the Exchange.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 185

The martial ardour of the inhabitants was by no means
exhausted, but revived with a spirit equal to the occasion
when called for.

" 1794, J une 12 - Henry Blundell Mayor.

" At a special Council this day held it was Resolved unanimously, That
this Council doth most heartily approve of Captain Blair's patriotic offer
of raising a Regiment for the purpose of strengthening the hands o f Volunteers.
Government . . . and doth most willingly comply with the prayer
of the petition for his regiment having the name of ' The Royal Liverpool
Volunteers.'"

" 1794, Octr. i. Resolved and Ordered that the sum of One thousand
pounds be subscribed by this Corporation, agreeable to the resolutions
adopted at a meeting of the 22 nd September last called by the High
Sheriff of the County to take their sense respecting the propriety of
making an offer to his Majesty to raise a regiment of Fencibles." Fancibtes.

A letter was read from Lt.-Col. Isaac Gascoyne (after-
wards M.P. for the Borough) claiming the honour of raising
the regiment, and expressing his desire that it should take
the title of the Royal Liverpool Volunteers, and a resolution
was passed

" That the Council highly approve of the name so propounded, and
request the Mayor to sign a copy of the proceedings and forward it to the
Secretary of War, with a request that he would assist in obtaining the
name for the regiment so to be raised."

In the year 1797 another scare alarmed the inhabitants,
arising from the French expedition to South Wales.

" 1797, Mar. i. George Dunbar Mayor.

" Upon the Mayor's statement of his having received a letter on
Saturday last from Lieut Gen. Whyte with an account of a French force Landing of
consisting of two forty four gun frigates, a corvette and a lugger having
appeared in Cardigan Bay, and landed about twelve hundred troops, and
the probability of their proceeding to this port, and that he had used every
exertion in his power with the advice and assistance of the Navy and
Army officers in town, and the Magistrates and merchants, immediately
upon the spur of the occasion to adopt such measures as were thought
most adviseable for putting the town into the best possible state of
defence ; and had called a general meeting of the inhabitants upon Measures of
Sunday the 26* instant, which meeting had appointed the following Defence -
merchants and other gentlemen a committee for that purpose (here follow

1 86

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Pilot Boats.

Removing
Powder.

Batteries.

Funds.

Ships of
War.

French
Prisoners.

the names of the Mayor and forty others) which committee had proceeded
(with the particular countenance of the Mayor as the proper ostensible
person) to give and sign the orders for carrying their resolutions into
effect, to direct Pilot boats to go out to the westward for the purpose of
descrying the Enemy if any should appear upon the coast and making
signals accordingly . . and had also proceeded to give directions for
taking possession of the Cannon and Ammunition at the fort (two distinct
applications having been made by the Mayor so long ago as the 14 th
January and 14 th February last to the Board of Ordnance respecting the
same without any reply or notice thereof) and for the "removal of the
powder from the Magazines in Cheshire into Flatts to proceed with the
same up the river above the town . . And also for the erecting and
forming Batteries with the guns belonging to the Corporation at different
places upon the Dock Piers and proper commanding points of the river,
and particularly in a field or close of land at Hog's Hey Nook belonging
to Thomas Plumbe Esquire, and in every other particular used all
possible exertion which the time and circumstances would admit for the
safety and defence of the town, its docks and shipping.

" Resolved and Ordered

" That it is the unanimous opinion of this Council that the Mayor shall
and he is hereby indemnified and kept harmless out of the Corporation
funds and estate from all losses, costs, charges, damages and expenses
occasioned by reason of the steps which have been or shall be adopted by
the said Mayor during the present alarming crisis for the safety and
defence of the town, its docks and shipping."

The gun-carriages belonging to the Corporation were
ordered to be repaired. Possession was taken of the land at
Hog's Hey for a battery, and an apology and explanation
sent to the owner. The Mayor was desired to write to the
Admiralty requesting that two ships of war of not less than
forty-four guns each with proper mooring chains, should be
immediately ordered to Liverpool.

The Mayor was also desired to continue the application
already made by him to the Duke of Portland, the Home
Secretary, for a reinforcement of troops for the defence of the
town, and the safe custody of the French prisoners now
confined in the new gaol, and for the removal of the whole
or part of them to places of safety in the interior of the
country.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 187

The scare having passed over, on the 3rd May the following
resolution was passed :

" Ordered, that the freedom of this borough be presented to Lieut Gen.
R d Whyte late commander of the Northwest district for his watchfulness
and attention to the welfare of the town at the time of the late alarm, by
sending the most early intelligence, and afterwards coming over to Liver-
pool himself to examine into the state and situation of the fort and
batteries, and giving the necessary directions for putting the town into
the best possible state of defence."

" 1797, Novr. i. Thomas Staniforth Mayor.

" Ordered that Mrs Ann Cheyn6 widow of the late Mr John Cheyn6 who
was a Lieutenant in his Majesty's navy at this port at the time of the
general alarm of the French having landed, be complimented with a sum
of fifty guineas out of the dock fund as a mark of the respect the Council
bears to the memory of Lieut Cheyne for the very spirited and enterprising
manner in which at the instant he offered himself as a volunteer to take
the charge of a Pilot-boat to go out and watch the motions of the enemy
had any appeared, and also to arrange the signals and for the very able and
seamanlike conduct which he displayed in the execution of that service.

" Also ordered that John Cheyn6, the son of Lieut Cheyne, who was
born in Liverpool on the 8th August 1797, be complimented with the
freedom of the borough when he shall attain to the age of twenty one
years as a testimony of the grateful sense which the Council entertain of
the meritorious service of his father."

To strengthen the hands of the Corporation in the defence
of the town, the following resolution was adopted by the
Council :

" 1798, May 17. Thomas Staniforth Mayor.

" Resolved That it is the opinion of this Council, that application be
immediately made to Parliament for an Act to enable the Council, the
Trustees of the Docks and the Churchwardens and Overseers of the
Parish, jointly to raise a competent sum of money for putting the town
and port of Liverpool into a proper state of defence and security against
the threatened invasion, one half to be levied and raised by a tax upon Provision for
the inhabitants, and the other half in equal proportions from the general De ^ eace -
Corporate fund and from the Trustees of the Docks."

During these stirring times, addresses to the Crown became
very frequent.

On March I4th, 1789, on the occasion of the recovery of the
King from his mental aberration, an address of congratulation crown? to

i88 CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

was prepared, and forwarded to the borough members for
presentation, and a Committee appointed to carry out the
celebration of the day.

In June, 1792, when the revolutionary proceedings in
France found an echo amongst the advanced reformers in
England, the Council presented an address to the King in
which they express

Support of Their assurances of fidelity and attachment to his Majesty's person
Government. , .. , , ',. , ,. . J .

and government, and thank him tor his recent proclamation against

seditious meetings and writings. They observe with concern the wild and
delusive theories tending to weaken the sentiments of obedience to the
laws, and veneration for our happy constitution both civil and religious.
They assure his Majesty that they are truly sensible of the invaluable
blessings we of this nation enjoy, and declare that, sensible of his Majesty's
never ceasing endeavours to promote the happiness and prosperity of his
subjects, they will ever be found zealous in the support of the constitution
of these realms, so deservedly the envy and admiration of surrounding
nations."

In December, 1792, on the eve of the war with France,
another address was presented

Address of " Lamenting with the most sincere concern that the time should ever
Attachment, j^yg arr i vec j when it seems no longer superfluous to express the firm
allegiance which we bear to your Majesty's person, and our unshaken
attachment to our invaluable constitution. . . Observing by your
Majesty's late proclamation that the utmost industry is employed by evil
disposed persons within the kingdom acting in concert with persons of
foreign parts, we beg leave to represent to your Majesty the abhorrence
with which we regard, and are determined to resist at the hazard of our
lives and fortunes, all attempts that are so obviously and vitally repugnant
to every principle of reason, gratitude and duty."

And concludes with the usual expressions of attachment to
the principles of the constitution.

In February, 1793, after the commencement of hostilities,
another address was presented to the King assuring him of
the loyal support of the inhabitants.

At the same time an entry is made as follows :

" The Worshipful the Mayor having reported to this Council that

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 189

in consequence of a letter from Bamber Gascoyne Esq' one of the
representatives in Parliament of this borough, written at the request of
the Right Hon. William Pitt, he had caused a general meeting of the
merchants and others for the purpose of appointing a delegation to
represent to the Government the necessity of a naval force being Naval Force
despatched for the protection of the British Shipping now on the coast re 1 uired -
of Africa, and for the convoy and protection of every branch of their
trade, and such meeting having deputed George Case Esq. (with others).
" Ordered that the grateful thanks of the Council be presented to the
said gentlemen, and that their expenses be paid."

In May, 1795, an address to the Crown was presented on Marriage of
the marriage of the Prince of Wales (George IV.) wales.

Another in November of the same year, on the supposed
attempt on the King's life on his way to Parliament.

Another in November, 1797, on the Naval victory of

* Battle of

Admiral Duncan at Camperdown. camperdown

One in 1798 on Nelson's battle of the Nile; and in 1800 Battle of the

one on the shooting at the King, in Drury Lane Theatre, by

Hatfield.

The freedom of the borough was frequently conferred on Grant of

distinguished Naval and Military commanders. In 1784

Lord Hood was entertained at a banquet and the freedom LonJ Hood.
bestowed. In 1794 the freedom was conferred on Lord
Howe, Sir John Jervis and Sir Charles Gray; in 1795 on
Sir Edward Pellew ; in 1797 on Admiral Lord Duncan and
Sir Richard Onslow; in 1798 on Lord Nelson and Sir John
Borlase Warren ; in 1799 on the Marquis of Buckingham for
his services in Ireland at the time of the rebellion.

" 1789. Ordered that the thanks of this Council be given to the Earl of
Westmorland and Lord Walsingham and that they be severally presented Lords West-
with the freedom of this Corporation for the eminent services they have walslnghTm.
rendered to the community by establishing a post directly over the Mersey
to convey in a few hours the letters to and from Liverpool and Chester."

A similar compliment had been paid in 1786 to Mr John
Palmer, the Post Office reformer, "as a mark of respect to Palmer.
him for the evident advantages arising to the commercial

190

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Earl of
Liverpool.

Title.

Arms of
Liverpool.

Letter from
Earl of
Liverpool.

part of this kingdom from his late adopted plan of a more
speedy conveyance of the mails."

In May, 1796, the title of Earl of Liverpool was conferred
upon Charles Jenkinson, Lord Hawkesbury, who subsequently
held the post of Prime Minister from 1812 to 1827. The
announcement in the London Gazette was read at a meeting
of the Council on July 6th, when the following resolution was
passed unanimously :

" That this being the first instance within the knowledge of this Council
of the name of Liverpool having ever appeared amongst the titles of the
Peers of this realm, the choice made by the Right Honourable the Earl of
Liverpool is considered by this Council as an honour conferred upon the
town, and that the thanks of the Council be therefore respectfully
presented to his Lordship for so distinguished a mark of his attention and
notice.

" That as the title of Earl of Liverpool is thus annexed to the Peerage
of Great Britain, the present Earl be invited to accept of the authority of
this Council for himself and his heirs, to quarter the arms of this Corpora-
tion with his Lordships own arms ; and if this shall be found to be
agreeable to his Lordship, that his Majesty's consent thereto be
immediately applied for, and his concession and declaration registered in
his College of Arms, a due exemplification being first had according to the
laws of Arms, and recorded in the Herald's Office.

" That the Mayor be desired to transmit a copy of these proceedings to
the Right Honourable the Earl of Liverpool with a request that his
Lordship would signify his pleasure respecting them; and that the Mayor,
Recorder, Aldermen (with others named) be a committee with full power
and authority . . to give effect to this resolution."

A letter was accordingly written by the Mayor embodying
the resolution, and transmitted through Mr. Owen Salusbury
Brereton, the Recorder, to which the Earl returned the
following reply :

" Addiscombe Place, July 16, 1796.
" Thos Naylor Esq

" Mayor of Liverpool
"Sir

" I received yesterday evening through the hands

of the Recorder your letter of the 10 th instant enclosing an extract from
the Minutes of the Common Council of Liverpool held on the 6 th inst.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 191

" It is impossible that I should not be highly sensible of the great
compliment paid me on the present occasion, by a Corporation so
respectable as that of Liverpool, for it affords a proof of their approbation
of my endeavours to be of service to the commerce and navigation of
this country in the office which I have now held for several years, as well
as of the honour which his Majesty has been graciously pleased lately to
confer on me.

" The motives which you assign for this compliment, and the unanimity
with which it has been conferred, add very much to the value of it ; and I
shall feel a pride in bearing with the arms of my family, those of a
Corporation composed of many wealthy, intelligent and respectable
merchants, who by their extraordinary industry and enterprise have
contributed in so great a degree to augment the commerce and navigation
of Great Britain, and who have thereby in a short period of years raised
the town to a most distinguished state of maritime importance, and of
population, affluence and prosperity. i

" I beg Sir you will yourself accept my sincere thanks, &c.
" Your faithful and obedient humble

" Servant

" LIVERPOOL."

1797, May 3rd. The Committee reported progress that
the exemplification had been obtained, allowing the Earl to
quarter the Arms of Liverpool with his own, and were further
authorized to apply to the Earl Marshal for his warrant for
the Corporation to bear and use supporters to the Arms as supporters to
an honourable distinction. The expense of the whole to be
borne by the Corporation.

The Council had previous reasons for gratitude to the
Earl when Lord Hawkesbury, as appears from the following
entry :

" 1788, June 20. Ordered that the Freedom of this borough be Freedom to
presented to the Right Hon. Charles Lord Hawkesbury in consideration ^? rd k
of the important advantages resulting to the nation at large from his
Lordship's great attention to its commercial interests, and more par-
ticularly in gratitude for the essential services rendered to the town of
Liverpool by his Lordship's late exertion in Parliament in support of the
African Slave Trade, and that the Mayor be requested to communicate
the same by letter to Lord Hawkesbury."

At the periods of distress amongst the poor, which occurred

1 92

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Relief of
Poor.

Distress.

Relief of
Poor.

Grant of
Money.

Purchase of
Grain.

from time to time, the Corporation were never wanting in
liberality.

" 1774, Feby. 2. Whereas a publick collection hath been made through-
out this town for the relief of the poor freemen and their families and other
very necessitous poor of this Parish among the inhabitants. It is Ordered
that Mr Treasurer of this Corporation do pay Mr Mayor the sum of One
hundred Pounds out of the publick Corporation stock to be by him disposed
of for such good and charitable use."

" 1776, Feby. 2. James Clemens Mayor

" At a meeting of several of the Parishioners called by the Mayor and
the other Magistrates to take into consideration the deplorable case of the
poor of and in the said town, occasioned by the severity of the weather, it
was then and there unanimously agreed and undertaken as hereafter set
forth . . That the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses of this Corporation
would advance to Mr Chaffers and others the present Churchwardens and
Overseers of the Poor, the sum of Six hundred Pounds to be laid out and
distributed by them in conjunction with the Magistrates for the relief of
the Poor ; but in such case they the said parishioners whose names are
thereunto subscribed, did thereby promise and undertake to repay the
said sum within twelve months from the date thereof, out of some future
Parochial Ley to be raised by the inhabitants of the said Parish.

" We the Common Council of this borough taking the said charitable
and good work of the said Parishioners so assembled into consideration, do
hereby agree and order, that the Treasurer do immediately advance to the
Churchwardens and Overseers on the credit of the said undertaking the
said sum of Six hundred Pounds."

" 1784, Feby. 4. Ordered that the sum of one hundred guineas towards
the relief of the Poor during the late inclement season be paid to the
Treasurer of the Charitable Association Committee by the Treasurer of
the Corporation and allowed in his accounts."

" 1792, Dec. 5. On the motion of Mr Mayor stating that there might
probably during the ensuing winter be a scarcity of coals and other
necessaries of life, it is hereby ordered that a Committee consisting of the
Mayor, the Bailiffs (with others named) with full powers to enquire into
and ascertain the stock of the several articles enumerated, and to adopt
such measures as the occasion may seem to require, and that they are
hereby empowered to draw upon the Treasurer not exceeding the amount
of Seven hundred Pounds, who shall be allowed the same in his accounts."

" 1795, Aug. 3. At a special Council held this day pursuant to special
summons ; present John Shaw Esq Mayor and 27 others.

" In consequence of the present high price of grain, it is thought
expedient by this Council, that a quantity of oats and barley, oatmeal and

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 193

barley flour, and such other articles as may be judged necessary be
purchased at the lowest prices possible.

" Ordered that One thousand Pounds be subscribed towards the above /iooo
purpose by this Corporation, and that the Treasurer do advance the same Subscnbed -
at such times and in such proportions as the following Committee shall
judge proper (here follow the names) which Committee are hereby requested
to act in concert with such merchants or other persons as may be requested
by the Mayor or Magistrates to give their advice and assistance."

" 1800, Deer. 3. Upon the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Mr
Alderman Naylor, that owing to the dearness and scarcity of provisions,
he had thought proper to call a public meeting for the purpose of
considering the best means to be adopted for alleviating the distresses of Distress and
the Poor, and that a general subscription had been entered into by way of R '
loan and also as donations for the raising a fund to be under the direction
and management of a Committee of the subscribers for the purchasing
Potatoes and other necessaries of life, and selling the same at reduced
prices.

" Resolved and Ordered

" That the sum of Two Thousand pounds be subscribed by the Treasurer
as a loan from the Corporation for the above laudable purposes, to be Loans,
advanced by installments or as a per Centage agreeable to the orders of
the Committee, in proportion to the sums to be advanced by the other
subscribers of loans, and that the same or the eventual loss be allowed the
Treasurer in his accounts."

The charity of the Corporation was not always restricted
within its own borders. We read under the date of November
6th, 1765 :

" Ordered that the sum of twenty guineas be repaid Mr Mayor for so
much money given by him to a poor Prince of Palestine, disposessed of Prince of
his dominions by the Grand Signiors Officers there, and recommended by Palestine,
his Excellency General Conway, one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries
of State."

In 1784 the Sunday School system, recently commenced Sunday

i i-> i T> -1 r Schools.

by Robert Kaikes of Gloucester, was introduced into Liverpool.
A minute of the Council, December ist, orders

"That the sum of twenty guineas per annum be paid during the pleasure Grant,
of the Council, towards the support and encouragement of the Sunday
Schools lately instituted in this town, the same having been found to be of
very material advantage to the morals of the children admitted and
instituted there."

B B

i 94

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Admission to the freedom of the borough was obtained in
several ways : by birth, servitude, purchase, or gift.
Franchise by Every son of a freeman, born within the borough bounds,

birth.

was entitled to the privileges of a burgess on attaining the age
of twenty-one, and retained it wherever he might reside.

By servitude. Every youth, wherever born, serving an apprenticeship of
seven years to a freeman within the borough, was equally
entitled.

By purchase. Freedom by purchase was exceedingly arbitrary, the
Council fixing the sum at their pleasure. As the freedom
exempted from payment of town dues, it was worth the while
of a merchant to pay a considerable sum for the privilege.
100 was not unfrequently paid.

On the 4th June, 1777, the following resolution was
passed :

" Whereas it has been represented to this Council that the admitting
persons to the freedom of this Borough and Corporation by purchase for
any sum of money is attended with many great inconveniences and losses
to the publick estate and revenue, by greatly lessening the town duties and
customs, it is now Ordered and Agreed, that from henceforth no person
shall be admitted a freeman of this borough and Corporation upon pur-
chase, for any sum of money or other valuable consideration for granting
such freedom."

Purchase
prohibited.

Mayor's
Freeman.

It was the privilege of every Mayor on retiring from office
to name some friend to be admitted gratuitously to the
franchise, but a few months previous to the order just quoted
the following resolution was passed :

" 1776, Deer. 4. It is Ordered that when any future Mayor of this
Corporation nominates his gratis or Mayor's freeman, every such Mayor
shall be confined to nominate a gentleman, or person not in trade, or
following any merchandize or trade in or out of this town."

Honorary The honorary freedom was usually conferred on public

Franchise. * J r

and distinguished men. It conveyed the same privileges
as the ordinary franchise. Many famous statesmen and

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 195

warriors have been thus enrolled on the list of the Liverpool
freemen. The Stanleys, Earls of Derby, and the members
of their family were in this way intimately connected with the
borough down to the death of James, the tenth Earl, who
died during his mayoralty in 1735. After his decease, the of Dert> y
title and estates passing to another branch, the intimacy was
gradually allowed to lapse.
In 1774, Nov. 3, we read

" It is Ordered that the Right Honourable Edward, Lord Stanley ^ dw ,^' E
(afterwards the 12 th Earl) be admitted to the freedom free gratis."

The oaths taken by the Burgesses and Officials have been
given in a former chapter of this work. (I)

In 1767 a resolution was passed relaxing the obligation as
regarded the Quakers.

" 1767, Deer. i. It is Ordered, that the people called Quakers be at Quakers
liberty to affirm to the Freeman's oath, with the words struck out as
relative to the payment of church taxes, as was usually done and permitted
before the late restraint in this respect put on Messrs Rawlinson and
Chorley, two Quakers, notwithstanding these two persons did affirm to the
whole of the oath."

This obligation was further relaxed in 1792 owing to the
circumstances recorded as follows :

" 1792, Deer. 5. Clayton Tarleton Mayor.

" The Mayor having reported to this Council that Mr Henry Butler, Oath of
whose claim to the freedom of this borough by servitude to Richard Alle g' ance -
Heywood, Banker, had been received and regularly admitted, and whose
title had been ratified and confirmed by the Council, had on the I5th day
of November last past presented himself to the Mayor and Bailiffs
demanding to be sworn a free burgess upon barely taking the oath of a
free burgess of this borough, and that in consequence of such demand the
said Mayor and Bailiffs have directed the Town Clerk to investigate on
what ground persons before their taking the oath of a free burgess had
uniformly taken the oaths to the Government, and that the Town Clerk
upon such investigation had discovered in the ancient records of this
Corporation, two several Orders of Council, the first made at a Common
Council held on the third day of April 1679 in the words following

('I Vol. i, 121-3.

ig6

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Oath of
Abjuration.

Counsel's
opinion.

" 'Ordered by this Assembly (nem con) that all persons that are or shall
be admitted freemen in this Corporation, shall take the oaths of allegiance
and supremacy before the oath of a freeman, in the presence of the Mayor,
or his deputy and one of the Bailiffs.'

" And the other of such Orders of Council made at a Common Council
held on the 4 th day of March 1712 in the words following

" ' Ordered, that every person petitioning to be free of this borough shall
take the abjuration oath before the oath of a freeman.'

" And the Mayor having further reported to this Council that he had
caused a case to be stated to Messrs Law, Hargrave, Wood, and Peters for
their seperate opinions.

" I st Whether the above By-laws were intrinsically and in themselves
valid or bad ?

" 2 nd Supposing they should be intrinsically bad, then whether by any
Act of Parliament, persons before they took the oath of a free burgess of
a borough were bound to take the oaths to the Government ? . . and
that the said Messrs Law, Hargrave, Wood and Peters had seperately
given it as their opinion first that the said By-laws were in
themselves and intrinsically bad and void; and 2 ndly that there was not
any Act of Parliament which obliged persons claiming the freedom of a
borough to take the oaths to the Government previously to their taking
the oath of a free burgess.

" This Council therefore seriously and maturely weighing the premises,
and taking also into their consideration that in the body of the oath itself
of a free burgess of this borough is contained a clause of allegiance to the
By-laws bad. King, do now declare that the above By-laws are as in themselves and in
the subject matter of them intrinsically bad, and that in conformity to the
above opinions, no person whatever is either by the said By-laws or by the
general law of this kingdom bound to take the oaths to the Government
previously to his taking the oath of a free burgess of this borough.

" And this Council do therefore recommend to the present and future
Mayors and Bailiffs of this Corporation, that they do not demand from
any persons who shall hereafter apply to be sworn free of this borough
that they do take the oaths to the Government previously to their taking
their said oath of a free burgess."

In 1782 Mr. John Brown, who had been elected Mayor,
refused to serve. The Council thereupon instituted a prose-
cution (presumably a mandamus) in the Court of King's
Bench. In 1783, October ist, occurs the following entry :

" Ordered that the Town Clerk be directed to prepare an account of the
expences of maintaining a prosecution in the Court of King's Bench and

Oath
abrogated.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 197

also at the last Lancaster Assizes, against John Brown Esq for refusing to Mr. Brown
take upon him the office of Mayor of this borough and Corporation, having pro
been unanimously elected thereto on the i8 th day of October last; and also
for asserting and maintaining the just rights and privileges of the freemen
of this borough at large ; all of which have been attempted to be invaded
in consequence of the above refusal. And that the Treasurer do pay a
sum of money not exceeding the sum of seven hundred and fifty pounds in
consequence of such prosecution, and be allowed the same in his accounts."

" 1783, Deer. 3. William Hesketh Mayor.

" Mr Brown having made an apology in Council for the trouble and Mr. Brown
expence to which this Corporation was put on account of his refusing to ai
take upon himself the office of Mayor, Ordered that such his apology be
accepted of."

The proceedings in Council during this period were
regulated as follows :

" 1794, July 2. Henry Blundell Mayor.

" Ordered that upon every matter of debate or election which shall in Order of
future be put to the vote, the order of proceeding to take such votes shall Debate -
be as follows that is to say it shall begin with the youngest Council-man
who has not served the office of Mayor, and so to the eldest, then the
Town Clerk, then the Bailiifs, then the Aldermen beginning with the
youngest and so proceeding to the oldest, then the Recorder, and last of
all the Mayor."

Numerous references are made in the records to the
gowns worn by the members of the Council from 1558 down- Gowns.
wards. In the earlier records a distinction is made. Down
to the end of the i7th century gowns were only worn by the
Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs and their Peers. The Common
Councillors were to provide themselves with short cloaks
under a penalty, but subsequently all wore gowns.

> June 3. Thomas Johnson Mayor.
" It is Ordered that the new gowns provided by Mr Mayor for the New Gowns
Council be received and worn by all the members of the Common Council
for the time being, and that it be the future dress or habit for the Alder-
men, Recorder, Town Clerk and Common Council of the borough and
Corporation of Liverpoole to be by them worn only on the Waiting
Sundays and other public state days, and occasional days at the discretion
of the Mayor for the time being ; and that the old gowns be worn on other
Sundays or common days as usual ; that such gowns (patterns of which

CHAP. HI, A.D. 17601800.

are now produced) for all the said several members of this Corporation be
paid for at the expence of the several members of the Common Council
and their successors, and not at the expence of the Corporation ; and that
the new gowns be worn to-morrow for the first time."

" 1772, July i. Ordered that the Corporation Treasurer do pay Messrs

Blue Silk Parr, Wilson and Allen for certain new Councilmen's blew silk gowns,

Gowns. which have not yet been taken up, till they can be disposed of to any

gentlemen who are or may come into Council and are not provided with

such gowns ; amounting to fifty pounds and eight shillings and be allowed

it in his accounts."

During this period a small addition was made to the
Regalia. Regalia.

" 1763. George Campbell Mayor.

Sword and " Ordered that a new Corporation Regalia (sic) viz' a sword, sergeant's
mace, and two sub-bailiffs maces be provided at the expence of this
Corporation, and that Mr Mayor be desired to order the same according
to the models thereof sent him from London."

In 1785 a portion of the Regalia was stolen, comprising
the large mace presented by the Earl of Derby in 1666,
two smaller maces, and the silver oar emblematical of the
jurisdiction over the waters of the Mersey.

The large mace and one of the smaller ones were re-
covered ; the silver oar and the missing small mace were
replaced. The thief, one Charles Coney, was captured,
executed. tr ^ e< ^ at t ^ ie ensuing Assizes at Lancaster, and executed.

Replacement " 1785, Feby. 2. Ordered that the Mayor and Bailiffs replace the
Regalia which were lately stolen in such manner and stile and at such
expence as they may think proper, and that such expence be defrayed by
this Corporation."

Plate. The Plate received attention from time to time.

" 1773, Octr. 1 8. John Parr Mayor.

" Ordered that any sum not exceeding two hundred pounds be granted
to be laid out in useful Plate for this Corporation, to be used by the
Mayors for the time being of this borough, as complaints have been made
by gentlemen who serve this office, that there is not a sufficiency of useful
Plate belonging to this Corporation and that they are oft put to great
expences herein, and therefore is a discouragement to gentlemen to accept
of said office of Mayor."

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 199

"1775, Oct. 18. James Clemens Mayor.

" Ordered that Mr Mayor be desir'd to order a handsome silver Epergn, Epergn and
two silver bread baskets and eight silver salts for the Corporation, at the Salts
public expence and the Treasurer be allowed it in his accounts."

These articles are still in existence. The epergn, in the
style of the period, is a very handsome and elaborate piece of
work.

The allowance to the Mayor, for hospitality, naturally
increased with the progress of the times.

" 1797, Nov. i. Thomas Staniforth Mayor.

" Ordered that Mr Alderman Dunbar the late Mayor, be requested to
accept the thanks of this Council for his very spirited, active, and upright
conduct during his Mayoralty, and that he be paid the sum of ei
hundred pounds towards the expences of his Mayoralty by the Treasurer,
and that Alderman Dunbar be also allowed the nomination of his Mayor's
freeman according to ancient usage."

In addition to the annual allowance, special banquets
were occasionally paid for by the Council.

" X 773> Mar. 3. Thomas Golightly Mayor.

" Ordered, that the expence of the entertainment given the Lord Dinner to
Bishop of this diocese by Mr Mayor on his late visitation be paid by the Blsh P-
Treasurer."

" 1777, Feby. 3. William Crosbie Mayor.

" Ordered that the sum of thirty pounds be allowed to the late Mayor
Mr Alderman Clemens towards the extra expence he was at, in entertaining
the Honourable Mr North, son of the Right Honourable Lord North, when Dinner to
he was lately in town and in his Mayoralty."

" 1780, Feby. 2. William Crosbie Jun' Mayor.

" Ordered that Mr Mayor, the Bailiffs (with others named) or any
gentlemen of the Council who please to attend, be appointed a Committee
to inspect and regulate the expence of the dinners at the Courts of Expenses of
Quarter Sessions and Passage, and to report to the next Council at what Dinners
they conceive a dinner for the Court, the two juries, and the necessary
attendants on the Mayor at those Courts may reasonably be furnished,
one court with another ; and that the allowance to be fixed by the Council,
of the four Annual dinners after hearing the Committee's report, be deemed
(as it is) a part of the expences of supporting the dignity of office of the
Chief Magistrate, so important to the peace and good government of this
town, and be considered in the Annual allowance in that behalf to be made

200

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Sessions'
Dinners.

One Dinner
onlv.

Riots.

Outrage on
Clarke.

Grant of
Annuity.

to the Mayors, who are meant to defray the costs, and to have the sole
direction of and invitation to such dinners."

" 1780, April 5. Upon hearing the report now read of the Committee
which met the third of April instant, respecting the regulation of Session
dinners, this Council do approve thereof and do order that the orders,
regulations and articles therein contained be from henceforth carried into
execution, and that the expences of the Sessions dinners upon the foot
thereof be experienced for a few Sessions, and afterwards that a standing
sum for the expences of such dinners be ascertained upon that foot to be
allowed as part of the expences of office of Mayor for the time being, or
that such further regulations be afterwards made respecting such dinners
as in experience shall be found useful.

" It is the opinion of this Committee that suppers for the Magistrates,
for either Jury, Officers or any other company in the evenings at Session
times, are inconvenient, retard the attending at Court next morning, are
rather a restraint upon the Mayor and Bailiffs, and that it would be of
utility to abolish them."

" 1793, Dec. 4. Ordered that in future only one dinner be allowed at
each Quarter Sessions for this borough at the charge of the Corporation,
and that the Treasurer take upon him the particular direction and manage-
ment respecting the expences of such dinner."

Emeutes and riots against the Corporation were not
frequent, but they occasionally occurred.

" 1768, July 6. Charles Goore Mayor.

" Ordered, that Mr Alderman Campbell be paid the expences he was at
in defending his house and the Exchange from the mob in the year 1757 ;
who assembled and threatened to pull the said Exchange and buildings
down ; and in prosecuting the said rioters ; being about the sum of forty
two pounds."

" 1777, Feby. 5. William Crosbie Mayor.

" Ordered, that what money shall be collected by the voluntary con-
tributions of well-disposed persons for the relief of one Mary Clarke, who
was lately sett upon, assaulted, and cruelly and barbarously ducked in the
docks, so as to endanger her life, and thrown her into violent convulsions,
so as to- incapacitate her (in all probability) for getting her future livelihood
(for which several of the rioters have been lately convicted and ordered to
be fined and imprisoned by the last Court of Quarter Sessions for this
borough) be taken in by this Corporation on an annuity for her life, and
that she be allowed and paid for the same at the rate of ten per cent for
such money, and that a bond be passed under the Common Seal for
payment thereof, to be made to Ralph Peters and Joseph Brookes Esquires
in trust for her sole and seperate use, as Mr Peters shall settle and fix it."

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 201

It has not happened very frequently that the higher
officers of the Corporation have had to be dismissed for
misconduct. Such an occurrence however took place in
1789.

" Aug. 5. John Blackburne Mayor.

" On the motion of Mr Mayor and his having stated to the Council that
John Crosbie Esquire, the Treasurer of this Corporation (and who was
suspended from his office of Treasurer by the order of a special Council Dismissal of
held on the 14* day of July last) has been guilty of very improper and Treasurer-
unjustifiable conduct in his said oifice of Treasurer.

" It is Ordered that the said John Crosbie be dismissed from his said
office of Treasurer, and that another be appointed to such office in his
stead."

In 1786 the adminstration of justice and the state of the
Police attracted the attention of the Council. By a supple-
mentary charter, granted in 1751, the four senior Aldermen charter for
were appointed Justices in addition to the Mayor and the Maglst
ex-Mayor, who up to that date alone possessed the privilege.

1787, March 7th. James Gildart, Jun., Mayor.

On the recommendation of the Mayor and acting Magis-
trates certain resolutions tending to the improvement of the
Police were passed.

" At a meeting of the Magistrates held 22 nd Feby. it was resolved that in
the opinion of the Magistrates that the very great increase of the town
renders it necessary that some alteration should be made in the Police, Police,
and that for the better and more effectual exercise of their jurisdiction the
town should be divided into four districts to be fixed agreeable to the Districts,
division made for the watchmen. Each district to be under the regulation
and government of the Magistrate who shall be appointed for such district
at a subsequent meeting.

" That to effect a regulation which promises such salutary advantages
it is proposed to have a person of good and unexceptionable character in
each district to act as Head Constable, and among other branches of his
duty inspect the conduct of the other Constables ; such Head Constable Head
to give security in the sum of (blank) for the faithful discharge of his Constable,
duty and reside in the district to which he is appointed.

" It is not intended by these regulations to lessen the consequence of . . ,.
the Chief Magistrate, as all complaints will be heard and determined at Magistrate.

202

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Night
Watchmen.

Highway
Robberies.

Footpads.

Taverns.

Waits.

the Mayor's office in the same manner and form as hitherto been the
custom and practice.

" That previous to these regulations being carried into execution, the
Publick shall be made acquainted with the plan by advertisement, and
requested to assist the Magistrates by giving information of disorderly
houses, irregular publicans, nuisances, and cellars where Vagrants are
encouraged and harboured, to the Magistrate who shall be appointed to
such district."

These regulations were well intended but failed to produce
the desired effect. There was no day police perambulating
the streets. The night watchmen were old and feeble, and
the evil continued to increase until the introduction of the
new Police force by the Reformed Council in 1836.

Some reform in the system was sorely needed, to judge by
the following record :

" 1780, Deer. 6. It is ordered that the Mayor be permitted to offer and
advertize a reward of twenty pounds to be paid and given to any person
apprehending any felon guilty of any highway robbery within this borough
or the neighbourhood, for the space of one month from this day; it ap-
pearing to this Council that the Post has been lately stopped upon the
highway near this town, and footpads having been also in several parts of
the town and neighbourhood. Such reward to be paid upon conviction."

The extension of public houses and taverns has always
been a source of complaint.

" 1772, Mar. 4. Thomas Wilson Mayor.

" This Council doth now recommend it to the present and future
Magistrates of this borough to reduce the number of Alehouses in this
town, particularly about the several docks and piers of this town, as many
acts of wickedness, licentiousness, and other immoralities committed in
this town, are attributed to this growing evil."

The old institution of the "Waites" or Town's Musicians
was still kept up, but the last entry which I can find relating
to them is as follows :

" 1764, Novr. 7. John Tarleton Mayor.

" Ordered that John Bolton and John Langhorn be appointed two
publick Waites of this town, with the usual perquisites and salary during
the pleasure of the Council."

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 203

The conduct of the self-elected Council in setting at
nought the provisions of the charters, and denying to the
body of the Burgesses any rights or influence in the Corporate struggles of
affairs, with the simple exception of the annual election of
Mayor, had repeatedly been called in question and efforts
been made to assert the rights of the Burgesses. This
usurpation took place in 1580, and in the applications for
subsequent charters attempts were made to obtain legal
sanction, but without success. Nevertheless, the Council
having possession, and the command of the funds, managed
to defeat every attempt at reform by wearing out and dis-
heartening their opponents, whose impecuniosity placed them
at a disadvantage.

During the early part of the i8th century several attempts,
already alluded to in a previous chapter, were made to shake
off the yoke, but without success.

" 1768, Mar. 2. Wm Pownall Mayor.

" Ordered that the following Rule being lately served on Mr John
Knight one of this Council to show cause why he acted as one of this Knight
Council and the said Rule on his shewing cause to the Court of King's attacked.
Bench being discharged, that the expences to which Mr Knight hath been
put to on this prosecution be paid by the Treasurer."

In 1790-1 a more systematic and vigorous effort was made
which is recorded at length in the records.

On October 5th, 1790, a memorial was addressed to the
Mayor and Bailiffs signed by a number of the leading
merchants, both Whigs and Tories, in which they say:

" We hereby take the liberty of expressing our disapprobation not only
of the mode of election of Councilmen, but of the persons who are
frequently chosen into that body . . We think we are warranted in
saying that the Council, in choosing their own body, do not consult the
wishes or interests of the burgesses . . We presume to desire that you
will not hold a Council to-morrow, but take into consideration the propriety Memorial for
of summoning a Common Hall, at which the burgesses may have an Common
opportunity of electing the guardians of their own estate." '

204

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Mayor
favourable.

Council
Meeting.

Intruders.

Motion to
withdraw.

Motion
carried.

Declaration
and Protest.

Common
Hall.

Mr. John Sparling, who was elected Mayor a few weeks
afterwards, was favourable to the movement. The further
proceedings are set forth in the records as follows :

" 1791, Feby. 2. At a Common Council held in the Council Chamber
within the Exchange this 2 nd day of February 1791 being the first
Wednesday in the month, according to ancient custom ;

" Present John Sparling Mayor.

" 15 Aldermen 2 Bailiffs & 13 Councillors.

" At which time also appeared Mr Richard Walker, Mr Charles
Caldwell, Mr Peter Ellames and Mr Willis Earle, and claimed their
seats as Common Councilmen, having been as they alledged, and which
was admitted by the Mayor, unanimously elected by the Burgesses at
large at the Common Hall called by the Mayor and Bailiffs, and that
they had taken the necessary oaths to qualify them for the office of
Common Councilmen.

" Upon which Mr Alderman Case rose, and after a preface upon the
subject, moved that Mr Walker, Mr Caldwell, Mr Willis Earle, and
Mr Peter Ellames, not being considered as duly elected according to the
ancient custom of this borough and Corporation, be requested to with-
draw, which was seconded by Mr Staniforth.

" Mr Ellames moved, whether it is proper to proceed to the general
business of leasing and other public business in preference to Mr Case's
motion, which was seconded by Mr Willis Earle. And Mr Ellames, as
also Mr Walker, Mr Caldwell and Mr Willis Earle, declared that if there
could be any doubt of their having taken the oaths, they were ready to
take and subscribe the same.

" Mr Smyth moved that it be put to the vote ^whether Mr Case's motion
should now be proceeded in, which was seconded by Mr Blundell, and the
same being accordingly put to the vote, was carried in the affirmative.

" And upon Mr Case's motion being also put, the same was likewise
carried in the affirmative.

" Mr Case then moved that the following declaration and protest be
entered in the Council Book, which was seconded by Mr Alderman
William Pole, and Mr Case accordingly read the declaration and protest
which was as follows :

"Whereas since the holding of the last Common Council, to wit on or
about the seventeenth day of January last past, the present Mayor John
Sparling Esq, and Robert Moss and Clayton Tarleton Esq re the present
Bailiffs of the said borough and Corporation of Liverpool, did take upon
themselves in an illegal manner to summon and hold a meeting or Assembly
at which were present the said Mayor and Bailiffs and a number of the
burgesses of this Corporation, which meeting they thought fit to call a
Common Hall, and then and there pretended to make a certain By-law,

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 205 __

thereby enacting, ordering or declaring that all By-laws, Resolutions and
Agreements at any time theretofore made by the Mayor, Bailiff, and
Burgesses of this Borough . . whereby power was given to the
Mayor and Council to elect any persons to fill up any vacancy in the
Council, . . should be repealed, abrogated, annulled, and made void.
" And whereas the same Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses at the same
meeting, did take upon them in the like illegal manner to elect Richard

Walker, Charles Caldwell, Willis Earle, Peter Ellames and Joshua Rose Election of
- ... _ ., , . . . . J , ..Councillors.

to be five of the Common Councilmen of this borough in the room of

others deceased, resigned or removed.

" And whereas the said Mayor &c did at the same meeting or assembly
in the like illegal manner make another certain By-law ordering that the
Town's Treasurer should draw out an accurate account of all the monies
by him officially received, and deliver the same to the Mayor, that he Treasurer,
might order the same to be properly audited by four of the Council and
four burgesses not of the Council to be named at the Common Hall along
with the Mayor.

" And whereas the same Mayor &c did at the same meeting or assembly
make another certain By-law, ordering that a Committee should be named
to inspect all the By-laws theretofore made, consisting of the Mayor (with Committee
others named) and that they should proceed to the inspection of all such r
By-laws, and whether any and which of them were necessary to be
repealed and which continued, and if necessary, to make other By-laws to
be confirmed by the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses in Common Hall to be
assembled.

" And whereas the same Mayor &c did at the same meeting take upon
them in the like illegal manner to elect and nominate different persons to
constitute the aforesaid Committee so illegally appointed.

" All which Acts and proceedings are contrary to the Charters and con-
stitution of this Corporation ; which illegal proceedings the Common
Council taking into their serious consideration. It is hereby declared that Declaration.
the said meeting or assembly and all its proceedings were and are illegal
and contrary to the immemorial usages, customs, charters and to the very
constitution of this borough and Corporation, and that they are hereby
declared to be absolutely null and void."

With much more to the same effect, against all which the
majority of the Councillors enter their solemn protest. Protest.

These resolutions were carried by the majority of the
Council ; against which the Mayor, the two Bailiffs, and six
Councillors entered the following protest :

" That the aforesaid motion was made and seconded and afterwards

206

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Alderman
Case.

Committee
appointed.

passed contrary to the will of the said Mayor, Bailiffs and the several
persons whose names are hereunto subscribed, and they, the said
subscribers hereto do hereby express their dissent from and protest against
the said order and declaration.

" Signed " JOHN SPARLING, Mayor

" ROBT. Moss \ ..._.

" CLAYTON TARLETON} mUl

" THOS. EARLE

" HENRY BLUNDELL

" RICHARD WALKER

"P. ELLAMES

" CHA. CALDWELL

" WILLIS EARLE."

This minority comprised the existing Mayor and Bailiffs,
two Aldermen, and four of the Councillors recently elected,
as alleged, illegally.

It is remarkable that Alderman George Case, Mayor in
1781, and the leader of the strong opposition to the pro-
ceedings in question, lived to witness the passing of the
Municipal Reform Act (1835) forty-five years later, by which
he and his party were ousted from the management of affairs.
Mr. Case entered the Council in 1775 so that he continued a
member for 60 years.

" Mr Case then moved that a Committee of seven members should be
appointed with full powers to do and transact under the direction of
Counsel, every thing necessary to protect and defend the rights, privileges
and immunities of this borough and Corporation from the illegal attacks
now made upon them, and that all expenses be paid by the Treasurer.
The motion, seconded by Mr Edmund Rigby was then put, but the Mayor
with the following gentlemen, Mr Walker, Mr Caldwell, Mr Ellames, and
Mr Willis Earle, left the room, and the vote was proceeded with, and
afterwards carried in the affirmative.

" In a few minutes (before the vote had actually passed) Mr Ellames
returned to the room, and said that the Mayor had directed him to
acquaint the gentlemen that if they would proceed to the reading of the
minutes of the last Council and the leasing business, he would return.
He was then told, that there was a motion before the Council which had
been seconded and must be disposed of.

" In a few minutes afterwards the Mayor himself returned into the

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 207

Council room and said ' Since you are upon business which I think very Secession of
imprudent and very improper, I discharge you all ' . . and left the ayor>
Council room, the other Councilmen still remaining to go on with the
public business."

" 1791, July 6. John Sparling Mayor.

" Messrs Peter Ellames and Willis Earle appeared and claimed their Council
seats as Common Councilmen, having been as they alledged, unanimously m8 '
elected by the Burgesses at large, at the Common Hall called by the
Mayor and Bailiffs on the 17"" day of January last.

" Messrs Willis Earle and Peter Ellames being now present and claiming Intruders,
a right to vote and act as Common Councilmen of this borough and Cor-
poration . . . this Council again taking their claims into serious
consideration, doth hereby further declare such their pretended Election
to be illegal and void to all intents and purposes whatever, being contrary
to the immemorial usage, customs and charters, and the very constitution
itself of this borough and Corporation ; And this Council doth therefore
again most solemnly protest against all, each, and every of the acts and Protest,
doings as Common Councilmen of them the said Willis Earle, and Peter
Ellames.

" And whereas doubts have been entertained concerning the validity
or legality of such of the proceedings of this Council on the 2 nd day of
February last as were done and transacted after the Mayor had left the
Council room and taken upon him contrary to the sense of the majority of
the members present to dissolve the meeting ; the whole of which pro-
ceedings being recorded in this Council book and having been now read. Confirmation
Resolved, that the said Proceedings on the 2 nd February last be and they of *~~
are hereby fully ratified and confirmed in like manner and to all intents
and purposes whatsoever, as much as if the same had formed a part of the
business of this present Common Council."

Here the record in the Council Book terminates, but a
few words may be added as to the ultimate. result.

At a Common Hall of the Burgesses called by the Mayor
on January I7th, 1791, a By-law was passed requiring the
Treasurer's accounts to be audited and published.

On June i6th of the same year another Common Hall c mon
was held, at which a By-law was passed inflicting a penalty of
forty shillings for every refusal of the Treasurer to allow the
auditors to inspect his books. Mr. Thomas Golightly, the
Treasurer, acting under the authority of the majority of the
Council, refused such inspection, upon which a technical

208

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Action at
Law.

New Trials.

Prosecution
abandoned.

Water
Supply.

Jordan's
Scheme.

Powers
forfeited.

action was brought against him in the Court of King's Bench
for a recovery of the penalty, which, if successful, would have
established the legality of the Common Hall and the right of
the Burgesses to manage their own affairs.

The action was tried at Lancaster before Baron Thompson.
The judge ruled in favour of the plaintiffs, the Burgesses, and
the jury pronounced accordingly.

A motion was made in the Court of King's Bench for a
new trial, which was granted, and a verdict was again given
against the Council.

Another motion was made for a third trial on technical
grounds. It became now evident that the Council were
prepared to use every possible effort and to spend any
amount of money to defeat the action of the Burgesses,
and being unprepared to meet on equal terms, the plaintiffs
reluctantly abandoned the prosecution, and so the matter
slept until revived in 1835.

The supply of water to the town at the latter end of the
century began to assume a serious aspect. The shallow
wells in the outcrop of the sandstone, which had afforded
an ample supply for the sparse population, began to be
exhausted.

The Bootle scheme, which had been propounded by Sir
Cleave Moore, and for which an act had been obtained in
1709, after slumbering for nearly seventy years was revived.

" 1774, Nov. 2. Peter Rigby Mayor.

" Whereas, Mr John Jordan who is, or pretends to be assignee under
the late Sir Cleave More, Bar', and to have a right of bringing and
supplying the town of Liverpoole with fresh water from Bootle Springs by
virtue of and under the Act of Parliament made the 8 th of Queen Anne,
hath lately served this Council with notice that he is now proceeding to
put the powers of the said Act into execution ; And this Council being of
opinion that the powers of the said Act with respect to the supplying the
town of Liverpoole with fresh water are become forfeited by the wilful
default or neglect of the said Sir Cleave More, his heirs and assigns in not

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 209

perfecting the said work for so many years and according to the limitation
prescribed by the said Act, and therefore, that such right or powers are
become re-invested or returned into the Corporation of Liverpoole,

" Therefore it is now ordered, that the Town Clerk do serve the said
John Jordan with a proper notice to be settled by Mr Recorder Peters or
other counsel learned in the law, that the Corporation of Liverpoole will
not at present admit the said Mr Jordan to enter into any of their lands,
tenements, streets, roads, ways, waste or other lands within the town and
liberties of Liverpoole for the supplying the said town, inhabitants and
shipping thereof with fresh water, and also attend at the inquisition to be Inquisition,
taken the 29* instant before the Sheriff of Lancashire and to give such
notice of this our order, and to do further therein as he shall be advised by
counsel learned in the law, shall be necessary in the premisses."

After the lapse of eleven years the subject again came
before the Council.

" I 7 8 5> J une * John Gregson Mayor.

" Ordered, that a case respecting the right of Owen Bowen Esq and Case for
others, to break up the streets and highways of this town under an Act Counsel.
passed in the eighth of Queen Anne for the purpose of conveying into this
town water from the Bootle Springs be stated, and laid before Mr Peters,
and that what shall have been done in pursuance of this order be reported
by the Town Clerk to the next Council."

Another twelve years passed without anything being done.

" 1797, May 3. George Dunbar Mayor.

" Upon reading a letter to the Mayor dated the 29* of April from Mr
Thomas Bryer and Mr James Jones, as proprietors of the Bootle Springs, Bryer and
inclosing their proposals for supplying this town, the public buildings and Jones's
shipping with fresh water by virtue of the Act of Parliament of eighth
Anne, Chap 25, and upon reading such printed proposals and upon
searching the minutes of the Council at different periods respecting the
same, and particularly the Minutes in the year 1718.

" Resolved and Ordered. That the Mayor and Bailiffs attended by the
Town Clerk be requested to wait upon Mr Bryer, and Mr Jones, and
deliver the following answer

" That it is the opinion of this Council that they, Mr Bryer and Mr
Jones have no powers under the Act to carry their proposed plan into Powers void,
execution."

" 1797, Oct. 4. Upon reading Mr Bryer's letter respecting the Bootle
Springs, Ordered, That the select Committee be desired to fix a time for
Mr Bryer to attend them upon the subject of his letter, and that they Bryer's
confer with him and make their report to the Council." Scheme.

210

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Bryer s
application.

Letter.

Resolution.

" 1798, Octr. 3. Thomas Staniforth Mayor.

" Upon the statement of Mr Bryer's application respecting the Bootle
Springs, and particularly the intention of the persons calling themselves
the proprietors of those springs to apply to Parliament to amend and
extend their present Act as expressed in his letter to the Mayor of the 12*
Sept 1798.

" ' Sir

" ' The Proprietors of Bootle Springs being determined at all events to
apply to Parliament to amend and extend their present Act, have directed
notices agreeable to the Standing Orders of the House to be given.

" ' They however, desire me to communicate to you that by those steps
they do not wish to break off all negotiation with the Corporation, but are
still anxious and at present desirous of entering into, in handsome and
liberal terms.

" ' I have the honor to be &c

" ' THOMAS BRYER

" ' To the Worshipful the Mayor. " ' 19 Basnett Street

"'Sept 12, 1798.'

" Resolved and Ordered

" That the full consideration of this business be referred to the select
Committee, and that that Committee have full power to watch and oppose
the motions of the said persons calling themselves the proprietors, in their
applications to Parliament. And that the Town Clerk or his deputy be,
and they are hereby directed to signify to Mr Bryer that the Council
purpose as soon as it may be convenient to put in force the powers they
are invested with to supply the town of Liverpool with water."

" 1799, Mar. 25. Thomas Leyland Mayor.

" Special Council.

" The following draft of a Petition to Parliament having been read, it
was approved, and ordered to be transcribed and transmitted to Colonel
Gascoyne one of the members, to be by him presented to the House.

" To the Honourable the Commons &c

"That your petitioners have seen a Bill intituled a Bill for better
!l11 ' supplying the town and port of Liverpool with water from certain springs
in Bootle," &c.

The petition then refers to an Act passed in 1786, by
which the Council were invested with powers to make several
improvements, and also to dig for springs and fountains, and
make reservoirs, and all other requisite works for raising,
conducting, and conveying water into the town for the use
and benefit of the inhabitants.

Petition

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 2it

" The petitioners further state that by the powers and provisions of the Corporation
said Act, they will be fully enabled to supply the town with water, and Works -
that they have actually purchased a spring in the said town and have
made other preparations for that purpose, and have in contemplation the
purchase of other springs within the said town.

" That the petitioners are humbly of opinion, that the Springs at Bootle Bootle
are inadequate to supply the town with a sufficient quantity. Springs.

" That the Bill would if passed be prejudicial to the rights and interests
of the petitioners and inconvenient to the inhabitants of the said town.

" The Petitioners therefore pray that the Bill may not pass into a law
and that they may be heard by Council against it."

Ultimately powers were obtained for carrying out both

i /T^, ~ . ,. schemes

schemes. The Corporation transferred their interest under adopted.
the Act to a Company called the " Liverpool and Harrington
Water Works Co."

Matters thus remained until 1846, when both Companies
were superseded by the sale to the Corporation under the
Rivington Water Works, Act.

Whatever might be the state of parties, and however high
disputes might run, the Council had always a keen eye and
prompt action in everything which they considered affected
the interests of the town and port. Thus

" 1778, Apl. i. Thomas Birch Mayor.

" Upon a report from the Committee of Trade that a Bill is moved for
in Parliament for the uniting the kingdom of Ireland with this kingdom
and putting it upon the same footing with Scotland in respect of exports
and imports.

" It is Ordered that a petition be drawn as soon as the copy of the Bill Petition
can be got, or the Bill is ordered to be brought into the House, in the *f a ^ nst .

name of this Corporate body with the Common Seal affixed, to be heard Ireland
at the bar of the House against the said Bill."

In accordance with this resolution, petitions were prepared
and presented "in opposition to the Bills before Parliament
for enlarging the trade to and from Ireland, called the
Exportation and Importation Bills."

When the Union actually took place, twenty-two years union Act.

212 CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

afterwards, it does not appear that the Corporation presented
any petition against it.

Menai Bridge In 1785 a proposition was made for building a bridge over
the Menai Strait to connect the island of Anglesey with the
main land, which was twenty years later successfully carried
out by Telford. For some unexplained reason the Corporation
of Liverpool set their faces against the proposal.

" 1785, Mar. 2. John Gregson Mayor.

" Ordered, that the Common Seal of this Corporation be affixed to a
Petition petition against the building of a bridge over an Arm of the Sea called the
against. Straits of Menai, the same being recommended by the Board of Trade."

The same year the Corporation came into collision with
the County Magistrates.

" Ordered, Whereas it appears to us that there is an attempt now set
County on foot by the Justices of Peace for the County to intermeddle with the
Magistrates. ac thig Magistrates of this town in respect to the power of passing
vagrants.

" Resolved, that the Corporation do dispute such right and that proper
measures be forthwith taken in order to prevent such or any other inter-
meddling, and maintain their own exclusive privileges."

In 1798 several entries occur relative to the disputes with
city of the City of London on the subject of the Liverpool town dues

on goods passing through the port.
Disputes. The citizens of London claimed exemption arising out of

early grants from the Crown overriding the claims of the

provincial Corporations.

In the same year the matter came to an issue in the Court

of Exchequer in London. The claim of exemption by the
Trial. resident freemen of the City of London was not disputed,

but that of those residing outside in any other part of the

Kingdom was resisted.

" 1798, Octr. 3. Thomas Staniforth Mayor.

" Upon reading a letter from Mr Henry Brown respecting the state of
the important cause now depending between the City of London and this
Corporation relative to the town and port duties.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 213

" Resolved, That this Council have great satisfaction in expressing
their approbation of Mr Brown's continued exertions for the real interests Thanks to
of the Corporation in his searches and investigation of the important Brown,
materials by him discovered in the examination of the Records of the City
of London, and very much approve of his caution in not attempting to
bring this cause to trial until his searches and examination into those
records shall be perfectly complete both in his own judgment and that of
the Recorder."

On the 2Oth April, 1799, the cause was decided by a
verdict "that the citizens of London were entitled to the Decision.
exemption for their goods and wares, but that it belonged
exclusively to such as were resident freemen within the
liberties paying scot and lot."

This was a verdict decidedly in favour of the Corporation
of Liverpool, and was received with great rejoicing.

During the flourishing and progressive period comprised
in the present chapter, there were two blots on the fair fame of
Liverpool commerce which could not but have a demoralizing
tendency on society generally. I allude to privateering and
the slave trade.

Privateering, though practised to a considerable extent, p r i vat eering.
was in private hands, and did not come within the purview
of the Corporation, hence there is no allusion to it in the
records. The African slave trade, on the other hand, was
continually before the public in the way of attack and defence,
and the Council, consisting to a great extent of merchants
engaged in the trade, felt themselves bound to defend it to
the utmost of their power.

The first slave ship from Liverpool was a barque of 30 slave Trade,
tons which carried fifteen slaves across the Atlantic. At first
the trade progressed slowly, but by the middle of the century
it had acquired large dimensions, and increased rapidly
towards the end. In 1771, 105 slave ships sailed from Liver-
pool and carried to the West Indies 28,200 negro slaves.

214

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Petition

against

abolition

First move The first movement towards the abolition of the slave

for abolition. 1-01

trade was made in 1787, when a petition was presented to the
House of Commons, signed principally by members of the
Society of Friends, praying for its suppression ; and in the
following year the Anti-Slavery Society was instituted by
Wilberforce, Clarkson, and Granville Sharp.

The Liverpool Common Council immediately took the
alarm.

" 1788, Feby. 14. Thomas Earle, Mayor.

" At a special Council held this day in the Council Chamber within the
Exchange, pursuant to special summons, for the purpose of considering
the propriety of affixing the Seal to a Petition to Parliament against
the abolition of the slave trade, present the Mayor, two Bailiffs, and
twenty four Councillors.

" Ordered that the Common Seal be affixed to a petition now read, for
the above purpose ; that the same be immediately presented to Parliament
and that the thanks of this Council be given to Mr Statham for his services
in drawing it up, which petition is as follows

" To the honourable the House of Commons &c.

" The humble petition of the Mayor &c sheweth

" That your petitioners as Trustees of the Corporate fund of the ancient
and loyal town of Liverpool have always been ready not only to give every
encouragement in their power to the commercial interests of that part of
the Community more immediately under their care, but as much as
possible to strengthen the reins of Government and to promote the public
welfare.

Trade of Port " That the trade of Liverpool having met with the countenance of this
honourable House in many Acts of Parliament, which have been granted
at different times during the present century, for the constructing of proper
and convenient wet docks for shipping, and more especially for the
African ships, which from their form require to be constantly afloat, your
Petitioners have been emboldened to lay out considerable sums of money
and to pledge their Corporate Seal for other sums to a very large amount
for effectuating these good and laudable purposes.

" That your Petitioners have also been happy to see the great increase
and different resources of trade which has flowed in upon their town by
the numerous canals and other communications from the interior parts of
this kingdom, in which many individuals, as well as public bodies of
proprietors are materially interested.

" And that from these causes, particularly the convenience of the docks,
and some other local advantages, added to the enterprizing spirit of the

Acts of
Parliament

Docks.

Canals.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 215

people, which has enabled them to carry on the African Slave Trade with
vigour, the town of Liverpool has arrived at a pitch of mercantile con- Importance
sequence which cannot but affect and improve the wealth and prosperity
of the kingdom at large.

" Your Petitioners therefore contemplate with real concern the attempts
now making by the petitions lately preferred to your honourable House to
obtain a total abolition of the African Slave trade, which has hitherto
received the sanction of Parliament, and for a long series of years has Sanction of
constituted and still continues to form a very extensive branch of the Parliament
commerce of Liverpool, and in effect gives strength and energy to the
whole; but confiding in the wisdom and justice of the British Senate,

" Your Petitioners humbly pray to be heard by their Counsel
against the abolition of this source of wealth before the
Honourable House shall proceed to determine upon a point
which so essentially concerns the welfare of the town and
port of Liverpool in particular, and the landed interest of
the kingdom in general, and which in their judgment must
also tend to the prejudice of the British manufacturers, must
ruin the property of the English merchants in the West
Indies, diminish the public revenue and impair the maritime
strength of Great Britain.
" And your Petitioners will ever pray " &c.

" 1788, June 4. It having been reported to this Council that attempts
have been lately made in Parliament to abolish the African Slave Trade,
and Messrs John Tarleton, Robert Norris, James Penny, John Matthews Deputation
and Archibald Dalzell having been deputed by the Committee of the to Lo^ 01 "-
Liverpool African Merchants to attend in London on this business, Ordered
that the thanks of this Council be given to the above mentioned gentlemen
for the important service rendered by them to the town of Liverpool on
this occasion, and that the Mayor be requested to communicate the same
to them.

" Ordered that the freedom of this borough be granted to the above Freedom
named gentlemen for the very essential advantages derived to the trade of granted.
Liverpool from their evidence in support of the African Slave Trade, and
for the public spirit they have manifested on this occasion."

In 1788, Mr. Wm. Roscoe issued a pamphlet entitled "
general view of the African slave trade, demonstrating its
injustice and impolicy, with hints towards a Bill for its
abolition."

A reply was immediately put forth by the Reverend
Raymond Harris, entitled " Scriptural researches on the Rev. Harris.

216

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Grant to
Harris.

Payment of
Expenses.

Petition to
Lords.

Trade legal.

Inquiry.

Bill.

licitness of the slave trade, showing its conformity with
principles of natural and revealed religion, delineated in the
sacred writings of the Word of God." (I)

He did not go unrewarded, as will be seen from the
following record :

" 1788, June 4. Ordered that the Mayor be desired to communicate the
thanks of this Council to the Reverend Raymond Harris for his late
excellent publication on the subject of the Slave Trade ; and that he be
requested to accept the sum of One hundred Pounds as a mark of the
high sense this Council entertains of the advantages resulting to the town
and trade of Liverpool from the said publication, and that the Treasurer
pay the said sum.

" Ordered that the Board of Trade (2) have power to defray the expenses
attending the opposition to the measures now pursuing in Parliament
relative to the Slave Trade.

1788, June 2oth. A Petition was also presented to the
House of Lords in somewhat varied terms. It set forth :

" That your Petitioners are informed that a Bill has passed the
Honourable House of Commons, and is now submitted to your Lordship's
consideration, imposing a variety of unnecessary and grievous restrictions
upon the African Slave Trade.

" That the trade has been legally and uninterruptedly carried on for
centuries past by many of his Majesty's subjects with advantages to the
country both important and extensive ; but has lately been unjustly
reprobated as impolitic and inhuman.

" That a Resolution has been passed in another House of Parliament to
institute a very strict inquiry into the nature of this trade, in the ensuing
session ; and your Petitioners therefore were little aware of any attempts
being intended hastily and injudiciously to force upon the African
merchant such a train of crude and indigested restrictions and alterations
as those contained in the Bill now before your Lordships, which if passed
into a law cannot fail of indirectly amounting to a direct abolition of the
African trade.

" That the importance of the subject to the revenues, navigation, and
commerce of the country, does as is very humbly conceived deserve a

(') Father Raymond Harris was a Jesuit Priest, of English extraction. He officiated
at the Catholic Church in Edmund Street, now removed. He was born at Bilbao, 4th
September, 1744, admitted S.J. 1758, expatriated from Corsica, April ist, 1767, was after-
wards Chaplain at Walton Hall, removed to LiTerpool, and died in 1789. Whilst here he
was thrice suspended by his Bishop.

< 3 > A local Committee of the Council.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 217

more serious and deliberate consideration than can possibly be bestowed Plea for post-
on it in the present expiring session of Parliament, during which your p<
Petitioners cannot fairly be expected to prepare themselves with such
counsel and evidence to prove the allegations they have here set forth, as are
suited to the dignity of your Lordship's proceedings, and consistent with
their own interests, upon an occasion of so much consequence to them
and to their posterity.

" They therefore, relying upon your Lordships acknowledged wisdom
and justice, do, on behalf of themselves and the freemen and traders of
Liverpool whom they have the honour here to represent, humbly implore
your Lordships that the Bill now complained of may not pass into a
law, or that they may be heard by themselves or counsel against it.

" And your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray" &c.

In April, 1789, a petition was presented to the Commons, etition * s to
verbatim with that of the previous year, and on July ist
another, similar in most of its statements, and praying that
the further inquiry and the examination of witnesses may
be postponed for another year.

" 1789, December 2. The thanks of the Council are presented to Thanks to
Messrs Norris and Penny for their diligent attendance on the D
House and otherwise respecting the business of the African Slave
Trade Bill."

" 1792, May 24. Henry Blundell Mayor.

"At a Special Council another petition against interference with the Petition.
Slave trade was approved and ordered to be transmitted to John Barnes,
Richard Miles and Peter Brancker Esquires, who are desired to wait upon
his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence (William 4*) and request that
he will present the same to the House of Lords."

" 1792, Deer. 5. Clayton Tarleton Mayor.

" A Committee having been appointed to consider the services of the Services of
late Mr Robert Norris, Mr Jas Penny and Mr Sam 1 Green in reference to
the African Slave trade, report that the object of their appointment was
both important in its nature and delicate in the result.

" They have been more than satisfied that the duties during a four years
appointment have been discharged with unremitting labour, assiduity
and diligence, being evidently instrumental in a most eminent degree
in obtaining that temporary success which has thus far attended the Temporary
measures of the African Merchants. The Committee have uniformly success -
been of opinion that a considerable part of the Corporation estate con-
sists of that kind of property which is inseparably connected with the

218

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Committee
favourable.

Grants.
Morris.

Penny.
Green.

Case.

Delegates.

Letters.
Petitions.

prosperity of the trade in question, and they cannot help thinking that a
direct abolition of it would greatly injure the Corporation's future revenues
themselves ; on this account the services of the late Mr Norris will be
allowed to have been important indeed."

The Committee so conclude a very lengthy report, entering
minutely into the services of each of the gentlemen, and
making certain recommendations, which, with some modifi-
cations, were adopted by the Council as follows :

An annuity of 100 ^ annum to the widow of Mr. Norris
during the term of her natural life.

A piece of plate of the value of 100 to be presented to
Mr. James Penny.

The sum of 300 to be paid to the widow of Mr. Samuel
Green for the benefit of his surviving family. 42 for his
public services during the preceding two years, and 75 for
expenses disbursed.

It was further resolved that the thanks of the Council be
given to Alderman George Case and the rest of the members
of the Committee, for their very full and accurate reports on
this business.

Delegates were sent up from the various ports interested,
who sat in London to take charge of the opposition. Messrs.
John Barnes and Peter Whitfield Brancker represented Liver-
pool.

" 1796, Mar. 12. Thomas Naylor Mayor.

" At a Special Council.

" Upon reading the letters from the Delegates in London on the subject
of the Bills before Parliament for the abolition of the African Slave trade
recommending petitions from the Merchants and Corporation against the
said Bills, it was unanimously agreed that petitions be sent up on behalf
of the Corporation against the Bills, and praying to be heard by Counsel."

The petitions were merely an echo of those previously
presented.

" 1798, Octr. 3. Thomas Staniforth Mayor.

" It being now stated to this Council that great advantages have been

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 219

derived to the trade of this town from having thus far succeeded in
defeating the repeated attempts in Parliament to obtain an abolition of
the African Slave trade ; and it being also suggested that Peter Whitfield
Brancker Esquire a member of this Council, in his official character of Brancker.
Delegate had been very instrumental in securing a continuance of this
trade under proper restrictions and regulations, and that he had been
under the necessity of attending Parliament every session for several
years past with considerable inconvenience to his own private affairs.

" Unanimously Resolved. That the thanks of this Council be presented Thanks.
to Mr Brancker for his very great attention to the laborious duties of his
office ; and as a lasting mark of the high sense entertained by the Council
of his services, he be requested to accept of a Piece of Silver Plate of the Plate
value of One hundred guineas, the same to be provided, inscribed and P reseni
presented under the directions of the Committee of Trade."

" J 799> April i. Thomas Leyland Mayor.

" A Petition to the House of Commons was presented, stating that the Petition.
Council observed with great concern a Bill introduced entitled a Bill to
prohibit the trading for slaves to the coast of Africa within certain limits.

" That your Petitioners humbly conceive the principle of the Bill to be
full of the most dangerous consequences to the Navigation, Commerce and
Manufactures of this country ; and with almost incalculable injury to the Injury to
estates and revenues of your petitioners in their Corporate capacities. Property.

" That your petitioners beg leave humbly to represent the utter im-
possibility of carrying some parts of the said Bill into effect, and they
consider the remainder so injurious, partial, and oppressive, that the
general trade to Africa and consequently the interests of the Merchants,
Artificers and others concerned therein as well as the holders of landed
and all other descriptions of property within the town and port of Liver-
pool will be greatly affected thereby."

1799, May ist. Another Bill was introduced into the BilK
House of Lords " for regulating the shipping and carrying
of slaves in British Vessels from the coast of Africa."

A Petition was sent up against it by the Council, stating Petition
amongst other arguments,

"That by the regulations already adopted, 'the health and comfort of Comfort of
the slaves are proved to have been effectually secured. . . that the Bill Slaves,
now proposed departing from the principle of the existing regulating
Bill, is founded upon a most fallacious theory and if passed into a law
will have the certain effect of grievously oppressing the merchants,
traders and others concerned in the African trade.' "

" 1769, July 3. Resolved and Ordered. Thanks to

" That the thanks of this Council be presented to Col Gascoyne for his Gascoyne.

220 CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

general attention to the concerns and interest of this town and port during
the late Session of Parliament particularly for his assiduity and unwearied
exertions on the slave carrying and limitation Bills respecting the African
trade &c."

" 1800, Deer. 3. John Shaw Mayor.

Freedom to " Mr Alderman Case reported that pursuant to previous instructions of
Duke of t jj e Council, the Recorder accompanied by the Committee had attended
his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence for the purpose of presenting
him with the Freedom of the Borough in a Gold Box at St James's Palace
on Tuesday Octr 14"" with an address expressing 'the just and grateful
sense which the Council of Liverpool have of your Royal Highness's
active and able exertions in Parliament for the trade and commerce of the
kingdom (as it is euphemistically expressed), in points in which the town
of Liverpool is particularly interested.' "

Reply. His Royal Highness, in his gracious reply, does not " put

too fine a point on it," but boldly states that " the sense the
Corporation has entertained of my exertions in Parliament,
on the discussion of questions relative to the African Slave
Trade, is highly flattering to me . . I am happy if my
feeble efforts have succeeded in defending an interest which
I felt it my indispensable duty to support, and which was
suffering from the exaggeration of facts and the prejudice of
opinion."

Gold BOX. The cost of the Gold Box is recorded at 226, paid to

Messrs. Rundell and Bridge, and twenty five guineas for the
illuminated Address.

The subsequent proceedings relative to the slave trade
will come in review within the next chapter.

THE CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES.

The Corporation at this period began to realise the
benefits of the courage and resolution of their predecessors,
particularly in reference to the land eastward of the Pool,
secured by the treaty with Lord Molyneux in 1667.

The town was rapidly extending and land was in demand.

" 1764, Octr. 3. Ordered that Mr Eyes do plan the Corporation Estate,
and colour it under the direction of the Committee of views, for the time
being."

The present Corporate Estate lies almost exclusively to Boundaries.
the south of the line of Islington, except in the case of
purchases comparatively recent, but in the older records
we read of large tracts at the north end belonging to the
Corporation. How or when these lands were sold or other-
wise disposed of there is no record. Some of the last
references to this portion of the estate are the following:

" *773> March 3.

' Ordered, that the Proprietors of the Canal making from Leeds to Leeds Canal.
Liverpoole have liberty to cut through two lands of ground in the old
Townfield belonging to the Corporation, paying after the same rate for
this ground as they pay Mr Ralph Williamson for the remainder of the
field."

Again, 1774, February and,

" Ordered on application of Mr John Seacome to this Council, ac- Seacome.
quainting them that a valuation had been fixed by the Commissioners of
the Leeds and Liverpool canal for the ground they have cutt thro' in his Land taken,
fields held by lease from this Corporation for the term of three lives and
twenty-one years amounts to Fifty Pounds eleven shillings and sixpence,
and desiring to know what part of the said money he is to have for his
possession . . that Mr Treasurer do allow him two-thirds of the said
money and receive one-third part thereof for the loss of the Corporation
reversion in the said premises."

222

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Treaty with
Canal Co.

Report on
Estate.

Debt.
Income.

Expenses.

" 1776, Jany. 3. Ordered, that the Mayor and Bailiffs (with nine others
named) be appointed a Committee to treat with the Proprietors of the
Leeds Canal upon the subject of the late Notice given to the Mayor dated
the 9* of December last, and that it be given in instructions to the said
Committee to accommodate the said Proprietors so as not to injure the
Navigation of this port, and that the Committee report their proceedings
to the next Council."

The following documents are important, as exhibiting
very graphically the state of the Corporation affairs at the
close of the i8th century, and explaining the alienation of a
considerable amount of their property.

" 1798, Feby. 7. Thomas Staniforth Mayor.

" Report of the Select Finance Committee to the Council upon the
general state of the Corporation affairs, Accounts and Finances, referred to
their consideration by an order of Council dated the 4'" day of October 1797.

" Your Committee has held several meetings upon the very important
matters referred to their consideration, during which time they have found
it necessary to call for a variety of accounts relating to the general state
of the finances of the Corporation. These accounts have been regularly
produced, and having every appearance of authenticity and correctness
they enable the Committee to report the following facts; which for the
sake of conciseness and perspicuity, they arrange under three different
heads or divisions.

" I st . The sum total of the Corporation Bond Debt on Jany. i" 1798.

" 2 nd . The amount of the annual Income of the Corporation for seven
years from 1790 to 1796 both inclusive.

" 3 rd . The amount of the annual Expenses of the Corporation during

the same period.

Debt. First the sum total of the Corporation Bond Debt on Jany. i* 1798

appears to be 453,528 ijs. id. and as five per Cent is paid for interest it
creates an annual charge of 22,676 8s.

" The Corporation is also under engagements for the payment of Life

Annuities. Annuities to the amount of upwards of 2,800 more. On the I st Jany. 1786
these Bond debts were only 51,625 and as they very rapidly increased to
their present almost unmanageable extent, it will be a satisfaction to the
Council to have the general causes somewhat explained.

Improvement < l n 1786 the Act of Parliament for the improvement of the town was

Acts- obtained, under the authority of which heavy expenses have been incurred

in opening of new streets and the enlargement of old ones, with all their
consequent charges of pavements and repairs. Nearly at the same time,

Gaol. the erection of the New Gaol commenced, as well also as the additional

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 223

buildings at the Exchange. Many extensive purchases have also been Exchange,
made, with a view to a proper situation for a new Dock ; as also in other Dock,
parts of the town for a variety of public purposes, particularly near
St James's Walk, Quarry Hill, and Wapping. During this intermediate walks,
space since 1786, new Graving Docks have also been erected, and the old Graving
ones improved ; a Quay for the accommodation of the river flats has Dock -
been made ; the Alms-houses removed ; the Tobacco Warehouse has Tobacco
been built, and commodious Public Baths have been introduced. The Warehouse,
dignity of the Corporation and the loyalty of the town have likewise been
manifested upon several public, and it may be said national, occasions, Public
more especially at the time of the recovery of the King ; in the granting of occasions -
bounties to seamen &c entering into his Majesty's service ; and by a Bounties,
subscription to the raising of the Lancashire Fencibles ; all of which Volunteers,
have considerably encreased the general expences. Many unforeseen and
heavy charges have also been incurred in law, by defending the rights of
the Corporation in regard to its Port Duties and its disputes with the Disputes,
burgesses ; and in carrying on a suit with his Grace the Duke of Bridg- Bridgwater.
water. In Parliament by supporting the commerce of the town and' the
Estate of the Corporation as connected with the continuance of a well-
regulated African Slave Trade. Slave Trade.

" Second, the Amount of the Annual Income of the Corporation for income,
seven years from 1790 to 1796.

" It is not possible to ascertain the precise amount of the annual income
of the Corporation, on account of the fluctuating state of its several
branches of revenue ; particularly during the contested situation of a
part of its Port Duties ; but your Committee has collected sufficient
information upon that head for their present purpose.

" It appears by the accounts produced to the Committee that the
Corporation annual income in the year 1790 was about 19,206 and in
the year 1796 about 28,000. This flattering addition to its income seems
to have arisen from increased Port Duties, increased rents of houses and Duties, Rents
lands, increased fines for the renewal of leases and increased Graving Fines.
Dockage.

" Third. The amount of the annual expences of the Corporation during Expenses,
the like period.

" The annual expences, depending as they necessarily must, upon its
engagements and public undertakings, cannot be fixed at any given sum,
or confined to any particular description. There are however, various
heads of expence which are annual and certain, but unavoidably differing
in their several amounts in different years according to circumstances.
These principally consist of Interest on the Bond debt, Life annuities, interest.
Salaries, Taxes lately made very considerable, Repairs &c., Establishment Repairs.
of St George's Church, and the charges of maintaining an effective Police Police,
for the good government of the town. These different expences amounted

224

CHAP. HI, A.D. 17601800.

Necessity for
change

Expense

exceeding

Income.

Remedy.

Sufficient
Property.

Sale of
Reversions.

in the year 1790 to about ^20,638 ; but in 1796 they are found to have
increased to a sum not less than ^"33,305, arising from the mortifying
addition to the annual interest of the Bond debt, annuities, Taxes, Salaries
and Repairs.

" Remarks. By an attention to these general statements sufficiently
particular however, to form general conclusions, the necessity of an im-
mediate and decisive alteration of system in the mode of conducting the
Corporation affairs will evidently appear. The alarming fact of its annual
expences having far exceeded its annual income since the commencement
of the present inquiry, is fully established. The Council will please to
observe, that this has arisen altogether from an injudicious, uniform,
annual increase of the Bond Debt during that period, thereby fastening
upon the Corporation estate a consequent proportionate increase of
annual interest. By a reference to the accounts produced, it will appear
that there has been a constant yearly taking up of money upon new
bonds, yet as constant a discharge of old ones for the convenience of
individual creditors, but that the yearly sums taken up have regularly
exceeded the yearly sums discharged, in the proportion of ^27,000 $
annum ; the Corporation thus exposing itself to the mischievous con-
sequences of borrowing money to pay its annual interest.

" The Remedy. Having advanced thus far in reporting the present
state of the finances of the Corporation as they appear to your Committee
from an attentive perusal of the accounts produced to them under the
authority of the Council, they will now proceed to point out what they
conceive would be the wisest if not the only mode of relieving the Cor-
poration estate from its insupportable load of Bond Debt from whence
arise all its difficulties. In vain will the Committee have formed the
preceding statement of affairs if ths Council should not speedily adopt a
well digested and effectual plan of greatly diminishing this intolerable
burthen. Your Committee presume to state, that if there were no other
motives for such a plan than what arise from common prudence, it ought
not to be any longer neglected. But when the pressing demands of many
of the Bond creditors for their money, some of whom have resorted to
legal measures to recover it, are considered, it becomes absolutely and
indispensably necessary ; especially as there is reason to believe these
demands may greatly increase, and if the Corporation should not be able
to discharge them, the greatest inconvenience will be occasioned.

" Your Committee is fully persuaded of their being abundance of
property to resort to for the raising of the money now wanted, and they
have bestowed much of their time and attention on the consideration of
what particular part of such property is the fittest to be used on this
occasion. They have at length formed a decided opinion that a sale of
the reversionary interest of the Corporation in houses and buildings would
not only be the most productive but in itself the most expedient to be

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 225

sold. The annual rents of this property are estimated at 98,270, and if
wholly disposed of, would, in the opinion of your Committee, extricate the
Corporation from all its difficulties ; if sold only in part, yet its present
wants may be. fully supplied.

" As an argument in proof of the propriety of recommending the sale of
this part of the Corporation Estate they have to remark, that the average Average
produce of it in Fines for the renewal of leases for the last 14 years as P roduce -
appears by the office statements is only 2,378 $ annum. Whereas if
the reversionary interest was itself sold your Committee has little doubt of
its bringing into the Corporation Funds a sum of money the annual interest
of which would be more than six times the annual average produce of the
fines.

" The Committee presume also further to state that upon an arithmetical
calculation founded upon the data before mentioned, it would be unwise Unwise to
in the Corporation even in the most flourishing condition of their affairs, re
any longer to keep this description of property, except in particular cases,
for it evidently appears that a very serious sum is annually lost by
retaining it ; inasmuch as is the difference between the annual interest of
the money it would sell for, and the annual average produce of the fines.

" This is the Remedy, which your Committee strongly recommends to
the Council for the purpose of relieving the Corporation from its present
difficulties.

" Although prejudices may be entertained against the disposal of a Prejudice.
property which the Corporation has long possessed and to which it has
been in the constant habit of affording every encouragement in its power,
yet it is apprehended no substantial reasons can be given for the selling of
any other part of the estate in preference to the reversionary interest in
houses and buildings. Money must be raised ; there is no alternative, or Money must
the Corporation credit already wounded will be shaken to its centre. By e rals '
this exertion which will not affect the improving staple branches of the
revenue, your Committee are of opinion the Corporation may be relieved Relief,
from its present intolerable load of Bond Debt, and be left in possession of
a larger nett annual income, for the support of its own dignity and for the
general purposes of public good than it would ever expend with propriety
at any former period.

" Your Committee likewise further report, that they conceive a sinking Sinking
fund may be established with effect by the annual appropriation of a Fun '
moderate sum with a view to the creating of the means for the future
discharge of a further part of this heavy debt, and they are also of a con-
firmed opinion that the annual income of the Corporation may be greatly
increased and the annual expenditure much diminished by a strict ex-
amination into the particulars. They are not yet, however, prepared to
report upon them, but will reserve these three last important articles for
future consideration and for the subject of a future report.

226

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Resolution.

Reversions to
be sold.

" Resolved Unanimously

" That it appears to this Council from the before mentioned Report,
that it is absolutely necessary to raise a considerable sum of money
with all possible despatch to extricate the Corporation from its present
pecuniary embarrassments ; and therefore Resolved

"That the Reversionary Interest of this Corporation in Houses and
Buildings as stated and recommended in the Report shall forthwith be
sold and that the Select Finance Committee be fully authorized and em-
powered to proceed to the sale thereof upon such terms and conditions as
they may think adviseable ; at all times however giving a preference to
the proprietors respectively."

" 1798, May 3. The Select Finance Committee reported that having
taken into consideration the necessity that the agency of carrying into
effect the sales of the Corporation Reversions should be transacted by one
Foster Agent, person only ; they do appoint Mr John Foster Jun r to be such agent and
do direct that in that capacity he alone receive the returns of the printed
forms and certificates and that he be granted for such additional labour
an extra allowance of ^"150 per annum."

Purchases. At the time the Council were thus engaged in parting with
their freeholds in order to raise money, they very prudently
made purchases where it appeared the money could be
advantageously expended.

Tower. The old Tower in Water Street had been sold by the Earl

of Derby to the Clayton family about fifty years previously.

1774, November 2nd, occurs the following record :

" On a proposal made by Sir Richard Clayton, Baronet and his brothers,
to the Council that they are willing to sell the Old Tower (now the Gaol)
with other premises now in lease, to the Corporation, also the house now
in possession of Mr Brownell &c. . . it was agreed to leave the price
to arbitration."

Purchase. " 1775, Aug. 2. The valuation of 1535 10 o for the purchase of the

Tower and other premises adjoining was confirmed."

Another purchase was made at this time of the greatest
importance, and of a very beneficial nature.

Reference will be found in the former volume to the settle-
Lord sefton's ment of the disputes with Caryl, Lord Molyneux, in 1672, by
the purchase of all his rights and claims as Lord of the

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 227

Manor, including the wastes and commons, on a lease for
1,000 years, at 30 per annum.

" 1774, Nov. 2. Peter Rigby Mayor.

" It being mentioned to this Council that Lord Sefton is willing to sell
to the Corporation the stallage Rents and other reversionary interest
leased by his ancestors to the Corporation for a term of nine hundred aad
ninety nine years, or some such long term, and all other (if any such there
be) royalties of this town together with the reversions of all the houses in
and about Lord Street in Liverpoole as also the Ferries and Burgage
rents of the town ; it is Ordered, that Mr Mayor (with seven others) be
appointed a Committee to treat with his Lordship about the purchase Purchase,
thereof, except the reversions in and about Lord Street."

The bargain was ultimately struck on the 4th September,
1776, for the sum of 2,250, which has been the most lucrative
investment the Corporation ever made.

" 1772, Feby. 5. Ordered that Mr Mayor, Bailiffs and the Council or
any twelve of them be appointed a Committee to set out the quantity and
boundaries of the land necessary for the New Poor House and its con- New
veniences, and the term, rent, or consideration they shall pay to the Poorhouse -
Corporation for the same, and report it to the Council ; and that Brown-
low Hill Mill and house and premises be lett to the present tenant at the
present rent during the pleasure of this Council ; And that Mr Mayor be
empowered to employ persons to 'eigh a post of stone at the said quarry
for the use of the docks."

" Z 776i Jany. 3. Ordered that this Corporation do allow five hundred
pounds to be abated of the debt the Parish owe them, towards the erecting Parish
of a House of Correction near the Workhouse on the plan now produced ; De ' 3t -
provided the Parish choose to be at the rest of the expence thereof, and
provided also that the Justices in Sessions shall order the same to be
erected."

" *779> J une 2. Ordered that the Treasurer do treat with the Chancellor chantry
of the Duchy of Lancaster, for the purchase of the Chantry Rents payable Rents.
by the Corporation to the Duchy."

" 1796, Mar. 12. Thomas Naylor, Mayor.

" Upon the motion of the Worshipful the Mayor for a Committee of the
Council to meet the Committee of the Parish appointed at the Annual
Vestry respecting the settlement of accounts between them. Ordered that Parish
the following gentlemen viz Aldermen Earle and Gregson, and Messrs Accounts
Brooks, Statham, and Brown be appointed a Committee to meet the
gentlemen appointed by the Vestry to take into consideration the accounts
and differences between the Parish and the Corporation, agreeable to the

228

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Origin of
Disputes.

Workhouse.

Agreement.

Payment.

terms and powers of the order made at the last public Vestry, viz on the
claim of one thousand pounds made by the Corporation against the Parish
for rent of the Workhouse and other general accounts, but exclusive of the
Four thousand pounds borrowed by the Parish and laid out in building
the Workhouse, which is clear and undisputed."

The differences arose in this way. The Parish claimed
rates from the Corporation property, including the tolls and
dues. On the other hand, the Corporation claimed rent or
interest from the land in Brownlow Hill, on which the Work-
house now stands, from the year 1769. The Corporation had
also expended the sum of four thousand pounds in the erec-
tion of the Workhouse, for which the Parish stood indebted.

The original Minute of the Council was as follows :

"At a Special Council held 17"' May 1769.

" It is Ordered. That a Poor House be built on part of the field called
Brownlow Mill Field according to a plan drawn and laid before the
Council by Mr Joseph Brooks on the application of the Parishioners at
their Annual Vestry, the said Parishioners undertaking to pay the Cor-
poration the sum of Four Pounds ten shillings per cent per annum clear
of all repairs, insurance and other charges, until the said Parishioners
shall pay off all such principal money and interest as the Corporation
shall lay out on such building, under the direction of the said Mr Joseph
Brooks."

The two Committees met in the most friendly spirit, and
agreed on the following terms, viz. :

" That the Parish pay the Corporation One thousand and fifty Pounds
besides their liability to the Four thousand pounds expended on the
buildings ; that a lease of the whole site be granted by the Corporation
for 1000 years at a pepper corn rent, subject to various conditions
and provisions ; that the said sum of ^"1050 shall be taken and considered
on account and in part of the Taxes now due from the Corporation
to the Parish and that the interest likewise of the said sum of ^"4000
now due shall also be taken and considered on account and in part
reduction of the taxes due ; and the remaining balance be forthwith paid
by the Corporation ; that the Parish Committee shall use their best
endeavours to pay off the sum of ^4000 so due, with interest at 5 per cent,
and that the accruing interest shall be deducted from the future taxes
upon the Corporation Estate."

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 229

Down to the end of the i8th century the Corporation paid
Parish Rates on all their property, including Tolls, Dock
Dues and Town Dues.

" 1800, May 7. Pudsey Dawson Mayor.

" Ordered that the Report of the Select Finance Committee of the 24"" Rating of
December last upon the letter from the Churchwardens of the 5 th November
to the Council respecting the Parish Rates claimed by them to be due from
the Corporation, viz 'that Mr Henry Brown be requested to inform the
Churchwardens and Parish Treasurer that this Committee do not consider
the Port duties to be liable to be rated to the Poor of this Parish, and
therefore they advise the Common Council not to pay the same at present ; '
and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed."

The Corporation therefore ceased to pay.

In 1806, a decision of Lord Kenyon's, in a parallel case, Lord
confirmed the exemption so claimed. In 1825, the case of decision. 3
the liability of the Dock dues to be rated came before Lord
Tenterden, whose decision, based upon the previous one of Lord

T , T , r r i Tenterden.

Lord Kenyon, was in favour 01 the exemption.

In 1848 the subject was revived and a Rating Bill was
proposed, but afterwards dropped.

In 1858 a serious attempt was made to deal with the
matter by legislation, but in vain. The Parish then took
legal proceedings to enforce the rate. They were defeated in Trials,
the Court of Common Pleas, and again, on appeal, in the
Exchequer Chamber, but the House of Lords, after four days'
argument by counsel, and after taking the opinion of the
Judges, decided against the exemption of the Dock duties. Final
The tolls and Town Dues as incorporeal hereditaments still df
retain their exemption.

1781, February 7th. A portion of the Corporation pro-
perty on the East-side of Castle Street, consisting of seven
shops, was put up by auction, for three lives and 21 years, sales in
and one shilling per yard of frontage ground rent.

The premises were divided into four lots, and realized

230

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

William
Roscoe.

John
Gladstone.

W. E.
Gladstone.

Wm.
Rathbone.

Encroach-
ment,

3,181, being the record states more than the valuation
fixed thereon by the Committee.

This was before the widening of Castle Street in 1786.

The following notices of two names of high appreciation in
Liverpool are interesting :

" 1781, March 7, Ordered that a lease be granted to Mr William
Roscoe Jim' to add one life to two lives and twenty one years in be.ing in
a messuage with two small gardens and a bowling green adjoining thereto
situate on Mount Pleasant, paying an annual ground rent of one shilling
per yard for the whole front to the lane."

" 1786, Nov. i. Ordered that the petition of Mr William Roscoe,
Attorney, for liberty to get stone out of the quarry on the east side of
Rodney Street for the use of the buildings in the said street be granted."

" 1798, Feby. 7. Ordered that John Gladstone, Merchant, have leave to
add one life and to change the two lives in being, and to have a building
lease for three fresh lives and twenty one years in a piece of land on the
west side of Rodney Street adjoining on the south side to the house and
garden of the said John Gladstone, and containing in front to Rodney
Street thirty four yards, on paying a fine of three guineas, and twelve pence
per yard rent for the front."

In this house, on the 2Qth December, 1809, was born the
Right Honourable William Ewart Gladstone, a man of whom,
all will admit, Liverpool has reason to be proud.

The name of William Rathbone is one of high reputation
in Liverpool, having been borne by several generations of a
family distinguished for public spirit and philanthropy. The
name frequently occurs in the records in various relations
with the Corporation, both friendly and the reverse.

The following entry occurs during the period now re-
corded :

" : 77 D J une 5- It being now reported to this Council that Mr William
Rathbone is still going on with making an encroachment or inclosure
upon the river Mersey opposite or to the westward of his premises, west of
the Salthouse Dock, notwithstanding his petition to the last Council for
liberty to inclose or take in the same ground from the said river, was
rejected or refused by the said Council to be complyed with, and of which
the said William Rathbone, his Clerk or Ageat was acquainted.

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 231

"It is therefore Ordered, that the Town Clerk give him the said William
Rathbone notice to desist going on therewith, and to take the same down ; Notices.
otherwise in case of refusal or neglect, then that the Mayor be authorized
to cause such incroachment to be forthwith prostrated."

" Also a like notice for him the said William Rathbone to take up the
causeway made by him running from his yard, to or on a certain place
called Pluckington's Bank, in the said river Mersey, as the same inclosure
or causeway, it is feared, will be of great disservice and an obstruction to
the free navigation of the river Mersey and Port of Liverpool."

On a petition being subsequently presented by Mr.
Rathbone, a compromise was effected ; the causeway or compromise.
projection to Pluckington Bank was undertaken to be
removed, and the enclosure was allowed to remain.

This projection into the river, somewhat resembling the
piers at Brighton, Southport, &c., is shown on one of the
views of Liverpool, from the river, at this period. It was
removed very soon afterwards.

" 1772, Feby. 5. Thomas Wilson Mayor.

" A complaint being made to this Council that the sea has made several
breaches in the wall of the New Kay, which has washed the publick road Breaches in
over the said Kay in some places entirely or nearly away, so as not to Sea Walls.
leave a cart road over the same, and is become very dangerous to
passengers ; and it being also mentioned now in Council that no persons
can at present be found out who are the owners of the said land, to call
upon them to repair the said road.

" It is Ordered that the said breaches of the said wall be made and
built up at the expence of the Corporation ; but an exact account of that
expence is to be kept, in order to charge the owners of the said land with,
when they appear or shall be found out."

The Salt Works of Mr. Blackburne, which gave their name salt works.
to the Salthouse Dock, were continued down to the year 1796,
when the works were dismantled and the land laid out for
building, under a lease from the Corporation.

" 1797, Nov. 17. At a meeting of the Dock Committee of the Council
the Surveyor laid before them a plan for laying out the site, in which the
main street .running from east to west is laid down for 12 yds wide and Docks and
proposed to be continued in a straight line from the Dock Quay to Hurst Street.
Street.

232

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Arcade.

Goree.

" Resolved that the said plan would in the opinion of this Committee be
sufficient for publick purposes ; for although the Order of Council of the
6* June 1770 directs all main streets hereafter to be fourteen yards wide,
yet it leaves an opening for discretion to be exercised in particular cases
where such a width would bear hard upon the parties concerned, and the
Committee are of opinion that the present is one of such cases."

" 1798, March 22. At a special meeting of the Dock Committee, the
plan being reconsidered, it was resolved unanimously that the said plan
be finally fixed upon and reported to the Council.

" The above mentioned plan having annexed to it an arcade to the front
of four yards wide, forming a most important part of the design, inasmuch
as the safety and convenience of persons employed in transacting their
business there are more effectually secured, it is unanimously resolved
that the said arcade be provided as explained upon the plan and that the
front part be immediately erected at the expence of the Docks."

This arcade was only partially carried out, and was never
completed. The arcade of the Goree warehouses had been
erected in 1793.

The Council during the i8th century were always very
jealous of any interference with their right of markets and
tolls.

" 1763, Oct. 3. Ordered that no Butchers stalls be suffered for the
future to be erected on the ground at the top of Pool Lane belonging to
this Corporation, but that it be kept for a Country Market, and that Mr
Tillinghurst be defended as the Corporation Lessee of the Tolls, Rents,
Dues and Stallage against persons refusing to pay the same. And that all
persons erecting stalls in any part of this town do pay the customary
stallage rents to the Corporation, or their Lessee, or be sued for the
same."

The original Market of Liverpool was held at the inter-
section of Chapel Street, Oldhall Street, Tithebarn Street
white cross, and High Street, called the " White Cross " from the
monument there erected. After the purchase and dismantling
of the castle at the beginning of the i8th century, the main
market was removed to a portion of the site called Derby
Square. There it continued until the end of the century.
The following entry will explain the action then taken.

Butchers'
Stalls.

Market.

Derby
Square

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 233

" 1800, Aug. 6. Pudsey Dawson Mayor.

" Upon reading the proceedings of the Select Committee it was Resolved,

" That whereas the Corporation of Liverpool are entitled to hold and
have held, an ancient Market within the town of Liverpool for the buying
and selling of all sorts of Goods, Merchandizes and Provisions whatsoever
upon the Saturday in every week of the year ; And are also entitled by
Patent to hold another market within the same town for the buying and
selling therein of all sorts of Goods and Merchandizes upon the Wednesday
in every week of the year, which said Saturday and Wednesday's Markets
have for many years last past been held in and near unto a place in
Liverpool aforesaid called Derby Square.

" And whereas from the great concourse of late years of persons resorting
to the said Markets for the purpose of buying and selling provisions serving
for the food of man, it has been and is found greatly incommodious that Incon-
any other kind of goods save only those which shall serve for the food of ven
man shall be bought and sold in or near to the said place called Derby
Square.

" Therefore it is by this Council ordered and enacted that from hence-
forth the said Ancient Market, and the said Patent Market shall not any
longer be held in or near unto the said place called Derby Square, but
that the same shall henceforth be held at a certain place or square within Partial
the town of Liverpool called Clieveland Square. Removal.

" And whereas by a certain Act of Parliament passed in the 26 th year of
the reign of his present Majesty entitled inter alia an Act for opening
certain streets, for appointing additional Market Places &c, it is enacted
that the Common Council shall have the power of directing and ordering Powers of
such public squares or parts of streets to be used for public Market Places Counci1 -
for such sorts and species of goods and provisions only as they shall think
proper. . . Now this Common Council, by virtue of the power so
delegated to them, do hereby order and enact that the said place called
Derby Square and such parts of the avenues as have been lately used for Derby
a market, shall from henceforth be used for a public Market Place on the S 1 uare<
Saturday and on the Wednesday in every week of the year for the purpose
of buying and selling such goods and provisions only as are for the food of
man, and not for any other goods or merchandizes whatsoever."

In 1788, the mind of the Council was exercised by what
was considered an infringement of the exclusive privilege
of holding public markets. Mr. Thomas Dobb erected a
building in Richmond Row, surrounding an open area, with Market,

.... . . ,. Richmond

galleries m two stories, intending to appropriate the galleries Row.
for the sale of woollen goods, and the area for a market.

G G

234

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

The Council took the alarm and passed the following
resolution :

" 1788, April 2. Ordered, that the Records be searched and a case be

Counsel's stated for the opinion of Counsel respecting the proper mode to be pursued

opinion. in order to suppress the attempt now making to hold a Market or Fair for

the purpose of vending different manufactures at a place erected by Messrs

Dobb and others near St Anne's Church called the Woollen Hall."

" 1789, April i. The cases and opinions respecting the Fairs held at a
place called Richmond in this town, whereby a breach has been committed
on that franchise of the Corporation having been read to this Council ; it
is their opinion that another case more fully stated under the inspection of
the following gentlemen (the Mayor and Bailiffs with others) be drawn up,
and that they be requested to produce the same at the next Council."

Nothing came out of this enquiry. The open market was
abandoned, but the woollen trade was there successfully
carried on for fifty years. It then began to decline, and
was finally abandoned and the buildings converted into
cottage tenements.

The Gaol erected by the Corporation in 1786 was soon
after its erection rented by the Government as a depot for
French prisoners. In the year 1798 there were 4,000
prisoners interned within its walls. The following entry
refers to this.

" *799> July 3- Thos Leyland Mayor.

" Upon the motion of Mr Alderman Earle, seconded by Mr Brooks,
with respect to the propriety of giving notice to the Commissioners of the
Transport Office, that the Corporation were inclined to think themselves

Rent. well justified in calling for an increase of rent of the new Gaol now

occupied by the French prisoners, and other prisoners of War under the
direction of that Board, not only on account of the very great injury done
to the building by persons of this description, and under these particular
circumstances, but on account of the very great loss as well as incon-
venience, which the Corporation suffered and were and are put to from

Prisoners. their own prisoners for debt and on prosecutions at suit of the Crown
being now confined in a very close and improper building, which never-
theless on account of its advantageous situation for warehouses &c close
to the present Georges Dock must be extremely valuable.

" Resolved and Ordered, that the consideration of this subject be

Market
abandoned.

Gaol.

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 235

referred to the Select Finance Committee, with power to act as they
shall see fit."

Much has been written on the origin of railroads and
the date of their inception. The following entry will be
interesting.

" 1800, Dec. 3. Upon reading the report and recommendation of the
Dock Committee, that Mr Foster jun r had laid before them a scheme and
estimate for forming a waggon way or Railed Road for conveying stone Railed Road,
from the quarry down Parliament Street to the south end of the Queen's
Dock to be conveyed from thence in boats to such docks or places on the
river as might be required, and also an estimate of the probable saving
that would arise from this mode of conveyance.

" And upon due consideration of the said scheme and estimates, and
the advantages likely to arise to the general Corporation estates in regard
to the injury done to the pavements of the streets through which the carts
conveying the stone had usually passed, as well as to the dispatch and
great saving in point of expence to the particular fund under the direction
of the Trustees of the Docks.

" Resolved and Ordered, that the said scheme be carried into immediate
effect."

TRADE AND COMMERCE.

Rising
importance.

The period now under review was a prosperous one for
the commerce of Liverpool. New openings continually
presented themselves, which were eagerly availed of. The
rising manufactures of Lancashire and Yorkshire found an
outlet in Liverpool superior to any available elsewhere.

The merchants and local authorities were keenly alive to
their own interests, perhaps not always wisely, but according
to their light earnestly, and generally successfully.

" 1766, June 17. John Crosbie Mayor.

" Ordered that the following noblemen and gentlemen.be complimented
with their freedom of this borough : The most honourable the Marquis of
Rockingham; the Right Hon. the Earl of Dartmouth (with ten others),
with a letter of thanks for their services in obtaining the free Ports in the
West Indies during the last Session of Parliament."

" 1774, Feby. 15. John Parr Mayor.

" Whereas a petition hath been read to this Council purporting to be a
petition to Parliament from the Merchants and Traders of Liverpoole,
praying liberty to bring in a Bill this session for imposing a tax on the
importation of all goods into the port of Liverpoole according to a printed
table of rates delivered into the Council, alledged to be for the support
and benefit of trade and any other publick occasion, or to that purport.
And whereas the said Merchants, at a late publick meeting of them held
in the Town Hall of this town did then openly declare that no such ap-
plication was intended or should be made at this session for such Bill.

" And whereas no such Bill or draft hath been prepared or laid before
the public or this Council, who conceive from the general purposes of their
petition that such Bill may affect the rights, interests, good order and
government of the town. It is therefore now Ordered that in case any
Bill opposed, such application be made or Bill brought into Parliament that an opposition
thereto on the behalf and at the expence of the Corporation be made this
session of Parliament against the same passing into a law ; and that the
Mayor (with fourteen others) be appointed a Committee to manage such
opposition in Parliament. And that a petition be prepared and presented
to the House of Commons."

Freedom to

Lords

Rockingham

and

Dartmouth.

Proposed

Town

Imposts.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 237

" 1774, Feby. 22. On a representation made to the Committee by
several very respectable merchants and burgesses that it is necessary to
send up deputies, and that resources are wanted to pay the expenses, the Payment of
Council consider that it is for the interest of the town and Corporation xper 5es *
that a competent fund out of its Corporate revenue be dedicated to the
service of that commerce from whence the far greater part of such
revenue immediately springs.

" It is therefore hereby ordered that after such part of the Trade duty
which has been levied for the support of trade for many years last past
shall have been applied and expended for the purposes to which it is now
applicable, any sum or sums of money not exceeding the sum of ^250 a
year of this Corporation revenue shall be annually set apart and paid by
the Treasurer to such Committee of Commerce, to consist of such number Committee of
of Merchants, Burgesses of this Corporation, provided an equal part of Commerce -
them respectively be persons chosen by the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses
of this town in Common Council assembled, and an equal part of them by
the Merchants and Traders, Burgesses of this town, subject to such rules
and regulations for the common good of this town as the Corporation
Committee appointed at the last Council, of whom the Mayor and one
Bailiff shall be two."

" 1774, Feby. 26. It is resolved that several of the proposals now
offered by the Committee and proposers. of the intended Bill for a tax on
trade now read to and considered by the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses in
this Council assembled, being in their opinion not proper to be complied Objections,
with by them, they declare they cannot comply with the said proposals,
and that if the petition to Parliament for bringing in the said intended
Bill is or shall be presented contrary to the intent of the order of the last
Council, the fund thereby established is or will be thereby void. Never-
theless the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses in this Council assembled still
retaining and meaning in all things to shew a due regard to the Common-
wealth of this town, will always on proper occasions administer such aids
to the commercial interests of this town as in the discretion of the Mayor,
Bailiffs and Burgesses from time to time in Common Council assembled,
and_in experience shall be found expedient for the advancement of the
Comon good of Liverpoole.

Here follow three pages of objections under seven heads.

" The foregoing objections or proposals being this day brought on by
Mr Sparling, as he declared, from the assembly of the petitioners on the
business therein contained, after being deliberately read over by the Town
Clerk three several times to the Council, and many debates thereon, and Discussion,
the question put thereon, Whether this Council do now agree to accept
them or not ; Carried nem. con. against accepting them."

" 1774, Deer. 7. It is now ordered That a Committee of Commerce cmmerce f

238 CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

be appointed out of the body of this Council, to consist of such number, to
be subject to such orders and regulations as shall be established at the
next Council, and that Mr Peters be desired to draw up some proper rules
and orders for such purpose."

" I 775> April 5. Peter Rigby Mayor.

" It is Ordered that the following Instrument or Deed now reported
from the Committee and read to the Council be confirmed and made an

ct of ., Act and Order of this Council to be in force from this time, and is as
Council. f . .

follows viz'

Deed. " The Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses in this Common Council assembled,

taking into their consideration the great emolument which has arisen and
is likely to arise, to the estate and revenue of this Corporation from the
trade and commerce of the town, and being well satisfied that they cannot
do anything which will more tend to the furtherance and advancement of
the common profit and commodity thereof than by using their reasonable
Recital. endeavour for the protecting and advancing its trade and commerce, and
they having the prosperity thereof at heart, do hereby declare it to be their
resolution to extend their Corporate aids for the defence and promotion of
all such trade and commerce as do and shall concern the interest of this
town, in such manner and measure as exigencies shall from time to time
require, and as the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses in Common Council to
be assembled shall in their discretion seem meet and expedient for the
common wealth thereof.

" And for the better and more speedy execution of all such matters and
things as relate to such trade and commerce, it is by the authority of the
Mayor &c in this Common Council assembled, Ordained and enacted ;
Committee to that from henceforth there shall be every year seven Common Councilmen
be appointed. a pp O ; n t e d or continued, on every first Wednesday in April yearly, who
shall be called The Committee of Trade of the Town of Liverpool and
shall continue in office for one whole year. . . . And such Committee-
Powers and men for the time being shall be invested with full power during their
Functions, continuance in office to order, make, and execute, all such acts and orders
for sending up deputies, agents and witnesses, to attend Parliament and
elsewhere, and the soliciting or opposing any Acts of Parliament or any
clauses therein, or any other commercial purpose, and all such matters or
things as shall in any way tend to the protection, increase, or advantage
of such trade and commerce as it is to the interest of this town to support,
acquire or augment as they in their discretion shall think meet, making
entries from time to time in books to be kept for the purpose, to be
reported every year to the Council and presented for their inspection.
Grant. " For which purpose a grant of 250 a year, was placed at the disposal

of the Committee."

The acts of this Committee were not always as liberal as

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 239

their professions. In 1778 a Bill was brought into Parliament
for the purpose of giving facilities for enlarging the trade with
Ireland. This measure met with the most strenuous opposi-
tion of the Liverpool Corporation.

" 1778, April i. Thos Birch Mayor.

" Upon a report from the Committee of Trade that a Bill is moved for
in Parliament for the uniting the kingdom of Ireland with this kingdom,
and putting it upon the same footing with Scotland in respect of exports
and imports,

" It is Ordained that a petition be drawn as soon as the Copy of the Petition
Bill can be got, or the Bill is ordered to be brought into the House, in the aga" 151 -
name of this Corporate body with the Common Seal affixed ; to be heard
at the Bar of the House against the said Bill."

1778, May 6th. It was reported that the petition had
been prepared and the seal affixed.

It was agreed and ordered that if necessary a similar
petition should be presented to the House of Lords. f r ^. on to

" 1778, Octr. 7. It is ordered that the thanks of the Council be pre- Thanks to
sented to Bamber Gascoyne Esq (of Childwall, M.P. for Truro) for his Gascoyne.
many great, important and eminent services done this town and the trade
thereof in the Honourable the House of Commons during the last session
of Parliament on the Irish Trade Bills in particular, and also for the many
other like services by him rendered the same in his publick characters of
a Lord of Trade and Plantations, a member of Parliament, a ready and
constant friend, ready on all occasions to promote the true interest and
common welfare thereof; and that the Town Clerk do wait upon him with
a copy of this order, and desire his acceptance thereof, as a small testi-
mony of our gratitude to him."

Whilst thus opposing the grant of commercial privileges
to Ireland the Council were ready to grasp at any advantage
which trade with Ireland would afford.

" 1778, Nov. 4. Ordered and agreed, that petitions be drawn up and
prepared for liberty to be granted to merchants to export to Ireland or Exports to
carry coastwise, great guns, small Arms and Ball." Ireland.

Considerable attention has always been paid to the state
of the river and estuary, and everything pertaining to the
navigation.

240 CHAP. HI, A.D. 17601800.

" 1761, Sept. 9. John Blackburne Jun Mayor.

Conservancy it J s Ordered that a Committee be appointed to consider of the preser-

m vation of the Navigation of this Port and Harbour, and that the Town

Clerk be ordered to advertize the Vessel called the Floating Light for sale.

And also for all persons who have sustained any losses in their shipping

or vessels &c by the fish yards &c erected within the limits of this port,

that they be desired to send to the Town Clerk such proper and authentick

proofs thereof as can if necessary be established before Parliament, sealed

up, directed to the said Committee at the Mayor's office in the Exchange."

" 1761, Oct. 10. Ordered that the Committee lately appointed for pre-

serving the navigation of the river Mersey, be empowered to employ Mr

Survey by McKenzie to survey this river, and to take such measures as to them

McKenzie. s jj a jj seem m eet for preserving the said navigation ; and that their expences

be paid by the Corporation and they indempnifyed for any Acts they may

do herein."

" 1762, Aug. 10. It is Ordered, that publick notice be given to all
Lords and Ladies of Manors and other proprietors of lands on the river
Mersey, and their tenants, owners of land lying on the river Mersey, who
Obstructions have set up any fish yards, cheverons, or other obstructions to navigation
to k 6 . in the river Mersey, that they do take the same down in two months from
this time, and that the notice now read in Council be published in the
Liverpoole and Chester papers, and printed and delivered out. And in
case they refuse to take such fish yards down, that they be cutt down, and
that the persons authorized by the Council and Mr Mayor and Justices
directing the same be indempnifyed at the expence of this Corporation for
any act they shall do or order therein."

These measures do not appear to have been immediately
successful.

" 1771, Nov. 6. Ordered that the Committee have power to look into

Fish Garths, and take proper means to remove the several fish garths erected within

this Port to the annoyance of the navigation thereof and destruction of the

brood of fish, and to report their proceedings first to the Council before

any peremptory measures are taken to have their authority and sanction."

In 1776 Mr. McKenzie's Survey was published, as appears
from the following entry.

i June 5. Ordered, that the Corporation do subscribe for ten setts
McKenzie's of Mr. McKenzie's survey of the sea coasts, this Corporation taking into
Survey. consideration the great profit and emolument daily arising to the publick
estate of this Corporation from a safe navigation to this town."

The question of the fish garths and their obstruction still

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 241

remained unsettled, and connected itself with the supply of
fish to the town.

" 1789, Mar. 4. John Blackburn Jun Mayor.

" The Mayor having stated to the Council that with a view to increase
the supply of salt-water fish to this market, he had called several meetings Committee
in the nature of a Committee of Council to take into consideration the
propriety of applying to the several Lords of Manors and other proprietors
of lands on the Cheshire as well as Lancashire shores of the river Mersey
for liberty to inspect and eventually to destroy the Fish Yards now set
upon the same, as the most effectual means to obtain so good a purpose ;
and that he had sent circular letters upon the subject to the different
parties interested ; from several of whom he had already received very
favourable answers. And now moving for a confirmation of the Council of
what had been done, and to have a Committee appointed for carrying this
laudable scheme into execution, and also stating the necessity of the same
Committee's having powers to enquire into the situation of the Ferries Ferry rights,
upon the river Mersey, and the interests of the several proprietors, and to
take measures for the better ascertaining the tolls now demanded and paid
for crossing the said river and for regulating the ferrymen and other boat-
men employed upon the same.

" Ordered that the Mayor and Bailiffs with nine others be appointed a
Committee to enquire and report, and to take such steps as they shall Committee
think advisable in order to invest the Common Council with the conser- vancy
vancy of the River Mersey."

The Ferry rights here alluded to had already been the
cause of litigation.

" 1774, Sept. 7. Ordered that Mr Treasurer do pay into the hands of
Mr Richard Statham the sum of One hundred Pounds in order to sue out
and proceed in a Commission of Chancery for the perpetuating the testi-
mony of ancient witnesses in a cause depending in the Court of King's Litigation
Bench wherein Richard Parry Price Esq r is Plaintiff and Robert Ellison with Price<
is Defendant, for demanding one penny for each person landing on the Levy on
Cheshire shore within the Plaintiff's alleged Manor of Birkenhead, and a: ' engers>
which demand of the Plaintiff's we apprehend he hath no right to, and if
this demand is established it would greatly affect and prejudice the trade
interest and the common wealth of this town of Liverpool in many
instances."

It may be incidentally mentioned that if such a right
could have been established, it would have amounted at the

present day to an annual income of many thousands.

H H

242

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Lighthouses. xhe question of Lighthouses began to attract attention.

Act.

Hoylake
Lights.

Lighthouse,
Bidston.

Point of Air
Lighthouse.

" 1761, Deer. 2. It is ordered that an application be made this Sessions
of Parliament for an Act to erect Light houses or other lights at the
mouth of this harbour, and for laying a duty on shipping for defraying the
expence thereof, and for proper powers to remove any obstructions in the
channels to preserving the navigations and fishery of the river Mersey."

The Act was obtained.

1762, August loth. A Committee was appointed to carry
out the provisions of the Act.

" 1763, May n. Ordered, that a signal house for shipping be built on
the rock land in Cheshire at the expence of the Dock duties according to
the plan now laid before the Council by Mr Lightoller ; and that Robert
Gwyllim Esq be admitted to fit up and have such rooms therein as he
shall think proper during the pleasure of the Council, not prejudicing the
said building nor the uses thereof."

" 1764, Apl. 16. Ordered, that a Special Committee be appointed for
settling the expence of compleating the Lighthouses with power to appoint
and remove the Lightkeepers and to control the receivers of the dues at
Chester and Liverpool and the Inspector at Hoyl Lake."

These entries have reference only to the Lighthouses at
Hoylake.

1771, June 5th. The Dock Committee were authorized
and appointed to treat with Mr. Vyner about the site and
erection of a Lighthouse on Bidston Hill, and to build a
Lighthouse thereon.

"1772, July i. Ordered that the sum of twenty guineas be given to
Mr Holden for his invention of the reflecting lights fixed up at the Light-
houses for this Port, and to be paid him by Mr Gerard in full of all his
demands on the Trustees of the said duties.

" Ordered that the Treasurer do pay Robert Blackburne, a poor inge-
nious mathematician of this town with a numerous family, the sum of
ten guineas, being in great distress in London, finding out the Longitude."

" J 776> J an y- 3- It is Resolved and Ordered by this Council that this
Corporation as Trustees of the Docks and Light-houses do oppose a Bill
intended to be brought into Parliament by the Citizens and Traders of
Chester for erecting Lighthouses on the Point of Air and other purposes,
the same being detrimental to the navigation of this town, and that the
Committee of Trade be desired to watch the motions of the promoters of
such Bill."

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 243

The latter half of the i8th century was the period for the
construction of canals and inland navigation, and Liverpool
had its full share in the enterprise.

In 1755 the Act was obtained for constructing the
Sankey Canal. In 1761 the Duke of Bridgewater obtained
Parliamentary sanction for his canal, which brought out the Bridgwater
genius of Brindley. The following Minute introduces him
to Liverpool :

" 1764, June 27. Ordered that the Town Clerk do write to Mr Brindley, Brindley.
Agent to the Duke of Bridgwater, to desire he'll come over to Liverpoole
in order to take a survey of the Docks about some method of cleansing
the docks one by another, and that he be paid for his trouble ; his scheme
or method to be reported to the Council."

" 1765, May i. John Tarleton Mayor.

" Mr Mayor having reported to this Council that he has been applied to
by Mr Wedgwood of Staffordshire, acquainting him that some gentlemen Wedgwood,
there intend to apply to Parliament for an Act to enable them to make a
navigation from the river Weaver to the river Trent, and desiring the Trent Canal,
countenance and assistance of this Corporation. It is therefore Ordered
that Mr Mayor be desired to correspond with him on this subject, and if
thereon the Council shall find it to be a scheme for the encouragement
and promotion of trade, that they shall contribute what they shall judge
necessary towards obtaining the said Act."

" : 765> July 3. On a further representation made to this Council by
Mr Wedgwood respecting the intended navigation from the Trent to the
Mersey ; It is now Ordered that this Council do make up the former order Council
for fifty guineas to the sum of two hundred pounds, to be paid by the contnbute -
Treasurer in such sums and calls as shall be made for such purpose."

" 1765, Deer. ii. John Crosbie Mayor.

" It is Ordered that a publick letter be wrote from or in the name of the
Council to the Members of Parliament in this and the adjacent Counties,
to desire their concurrence and assistance in Parliament on a Bill intended
to be brought in during this sessions for making an inland Navigation from
Wilden Ferry in Derbyshire into the River Mersey, or to join the Duke of Canal to
Bridgwater's Canal, and that this Council will give the Undertakers all Derb y shire -
the interest and assistance they can."

A bold scheme was broached by Brindley for carrying
the canal over the Mersey and continuing it to Liverpool, C 1 a e ^. across
which it is to be regretted was not carried out.

244

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

" 1768, Novr. 23. Matthew Stronge Mayor.

" It is desired by this Council on a letter from the Proprietors of the
Trent Canal. Trent Navigation to Mr Alderman Tarleton (the Mayor during the previous
year) acquainting him of a meeting intended to be held at Trentham on
the agth inst. concerning carrying on or continuing the said Navigation by
a Bridge Acqueduct and path or road from Runcorn over the Mersey to
Liverpoole, and also from the said Staffordshire Canal to Chester ; that
John Tarleton and Richard Hughes Esq re be desired to attend the said
meeting on behalf of the town and trade of Liverpoole, to hear the result,
Continuation and to know whether the Duke of Bridgewater will join his Canal to this
to Liverpool, intended Navigation and upon what terms and conditions ; and that Mr
Brindley be desired to survey the land which this intended Canal to
Liverpoole is to go through from the said bridge, and to make and give in
estimates of the charge of building the said bridge, and compleating the
said Canal, and that the following gentlemen Mr Mayor, Mr Tarleton and
Alderman Hughes be appointed a Committee to write or wait on the land-
owners and make their report."

Nothing more is found in the records relating to this
subject except the following entry :

" 1796, Octr. 24. A petition was presented by the Corporation to the
House of Commons setting forth that the Canal from the Trent to
the Mersey, which was executed at great hazard and expence, has
been productive of very important advantages to the town and port of
Liverpool ; that a Bill was being promoted for enabling the Proprietors to
form a reservoir and make a branch to the town of Leek, and praying that
the said Bill may pass into a law."

The connection of the East and West Coasts by means
of a navigable canal attracted considerable attention at this
time, and was brought under the notice of the Corporation
as follows :

" 1767, Novr. 4. Wm Pownall Mayor.

" It is Ordered that the sum of two hundred pounds be paid or given to
the persons concerned in promoting a navigable Canal from the port of
Hull to the port of Liverpoole according to the plan laid before the
Council 100 on the bill being brought in, and 100 on its being passed
into an Act."

This was the precursor of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal,
which has been so successful an undertaking.

" 1768, July 6. Charles Goore Mayor.

Grant for " It is Ordered that this Corporation do give the sum of fifty pounds

Canal towards the expence of a resurvey of the intended navigation from Leeds

Trent
Reservoir.

Grant for
Canal to
Hull.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 245

to Liverpoole, and as the Committee for the said Navigation by their
agents now appearing, request it, we recommend that Mr James Brindley Brindley.
one of the surveyors thereof, be paid to the order of the said Committee
when such survey is finished and laid before the Council. This grant
is exclusive of the sum of 200 voted by this Council formerly for this
intended Navigation."

" 1769, Jan. ii. It is now ordered on reading a petition to Parliament
praying for liberty to bring in a bill to make a navigable canal from the Leeds Canal,
town of Leeds to terminate at or near the North Lady's Walk and to
communicate with the new dock now making in the town of Liverpoole,
that this Council will give their assistance, on condition that it be provided
that the said canal shall terminate at or near the said Lady's Walk, and Lady's Walk,
they to lock down to the sea shore there at their own expence, and the
Trustees or Commissioners in the said Bill do undertake not to come on
the said sea shore there, but that powers be reserved and vested in the
Trustees for the Docks at Liverpoole to make a cutt or canal from the Cut to Dock,
new dock now in making at Liverpoole, to join, open, and communicate
with such navigable canal, and which additional cutt shall be done at the
expence of and out of the Dock Duties, having such a reasonable or
moderate tonnage or duty as shall be granted them for this purpose by
Parliament."

" 1769, Jan. 20. Ordered that the petition now read for making the Petition for
cutt or canal, and the agreement thereupon be engrossed and passed under Canal -
the Common Seal."

The Act for constructing the canal was delayed for a
time.

1771, December 2Oth. The following entry occurs:

" The sense of this Council is desired to be taken on this question.
Whether the intended canal from Liverpoole to Wigan will be of publick
utility to the town or not ?

" Agreed, ' that it is of such utility.'" Resolution.

A Committee was then appointed to examine and report
on the Bill, which was passed in the ensuing session.

" 1774, Octr. 5. John Parr Mayor.

" It is ordered on reading the petition of several of the proprietors of
the Canal from Leeds to Liverpoole, that this Council as Trustees for the
docks at Liverpoole will not admit of the said proprietors or company of Objections to
the said canal making any canal of communication into any of the said an 1 to
docks at Liverpoole, nor will or legally can the said Trustees make any
such canal, docks or works for them upon or through any part of the

246

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Conferences.

Bridge.

Decision

against

Junction.

Opposition
to Canal to
Dock.

North Shore lately by the Council set apart for the use of the said docks.
But that the Company must make (if they will have any such) all such
docks or works on the sea strand to the northwards of the said ground so
laid out for the use of the docks aforesaid at their own expence, as any
such communication with the docks might be attended with many and
great inconveniences and interruption to the trade of the town and port,
and to the use of the docks by such ships and vessells as pay dock duties
for the same."

" 1776, Feb. 7. James Clemens Mayor.

" Whereas the Committee appointed to meet the Commissioners of the
Leeds Canal have now brought into the Council the plan of the works
intended to be made on the sea shore below the Lady's Walk at the north
end of the town, by those gentlemen according to the plan now produced,
for the use of the said canal.

" It is Ordered that the said Committee of the Council have power to
meet and agree with them to or on the said plan now produced. Provided
that the said Leeds Commissioners agree in the first place to build a good
capacious and sufficient stone bridge and arch over the publick road on
the said shore, and leave the road on or along the same shore twenty yards
wide ; and report their proceedings to the Council to be confirmed."

" 1776, April 3. It is Ordered that this Council do abide by their
former Order made on the 7th day of February last in respect to the
application concerning the locking down and making a bridge and other
necessary works for the canal on the sea shore. And that on further
application by certain others of the said proprietors for more works to be
done at the publick expence by this Council thereat, and according to a
certain written paper dated the ist day of April 1776, stiled 'At a Com-
mittee Meeting held at Mr Wrigley's the Golden Lyon in Liverpool on
Monday the ist day of April 1776 ' requesting the same. Wherefore we
say and give 'em for answer : We shall abide by our said former order of
Council and shall not recede from the same to comply with such uncondi-
tioned requisitions."

The scheme was therefore abandoned, but at a subsequent
period resumed.

" 1790, April 7. Thos Smyth Mayor.

" It appearing to this Council that a Bill is now depending in Parlia-
ment to enable the proprietors of the Leeds Canal to vary the line of their
navigation, and there being no restraining clause inserted preserving the
rights of the Corporation ; It is Ordered, that the members for this town
be instructed and requested to attend the Bill in Committee and take care
that a clause be inserted reserving to the Corporation all their franchises,
liberties, privileges, tolls, customs, rights, estates and interests whatso-
ever."

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 247

This communication by a cut and locks down to the river
was never carried out, but under the powers of an Act passed withdrawn.
in 1844, access was provided more to the northward.

In 1790 the Corporation came into collision with the great g is P u ^ e f with
Duke of Bridgewater. The Duke had purchased an extensive Bndgewater.
site, south of the Salthouse Dock, where he had constructed
docks and warehouses as the river terminus of his navigation.
Mr. Wm. Rathbone possessed on lease from the Corporation
premises immediately adjoining on the north. Both the
Duke and Mr. Rathbone carried out works projecting into the
river, which were deemed objectionable by the Council and
ordered to be removed. Subsequently an arrangement was
come to with Mr. Rathbone, by which a portion of his
alleged encroachment was allowed to remain. His Grace
felt aggrieved at this, and commenced a suit against Mr.
Rathbone, which led to the following letter, couched in a
much more humble style than that usually affected by the
Corporation.

" 1790, June 2.

" A copy of a letter dated the 12 th day of April last addressed by the
Mayor to his Grace the Duke of Bridgwater, being laid before this Council
and which letter is couched in the following terms, viz*

" ' My Lord.

'"I am directed by the gentlemen of the Corporation of Liverpool Letter.
to request your Grace will allow me on their behalf to represent to you
the extreme concern which they feel that the slightest misunderstanding
should ever have arisen between them and a nobleman whom they regard
with such sentiments as they do your Grace. They beg leave to assure
your Grace that they entertain a due sense of the number and importance Apology,
of the advantages which this town and neighbourhood derive from that
extensive and well directed spirit of enterprise and liberality by which your
Grace has been so eminently distinguished. Conscious as they are at the
same time of having no possible interest to serve, or aim to attain but the
public good, and unable as they are to see in what respect the advantage
of that public can run counter to the interests of your Grace, they flatter
themselves and believe no difficulty whatever could remain if your Grace
was once in possession of their real wishes and sentiments. They have

248

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Letter from
Duke.

Deputation, therefore commissioned me to request that your Grace will permit a depu-
tation from their body, vested with ample powers to treat for them, to wait
upon your Grace at Worsley or elsewhere ; as they hope that by an
interview the interests of each party would be immediately and essentially
served, and that they should no longer have to lament an interruption of
that harmony which the high opinion and very sincere respect they
entertain for your Grace makes them peculiarly solicitous to obtain and
preserve.

" ' I have the honour to be with all possible respect

" ' My Lord

" ' Your Grace's most obedient and humble servant,

" ' THO. SMYTH Mayor.' "

The Duke's reply is in a somewhat lordly strain.

" ' Mr Mayor

" ' Since the application I made to the Corporation in 1776 for the
extension of my premises, which was refused me as not consistent with
the safety of the Port of Liverpool, and which at that time was also
refused Mr Rathbone for the like reasons, but afterwards it being granted
him I applied a second time to Mr Birch the then Mayor, but from that
application I received no answer. The expence Mr Rathbone's extension
has occasioned me, and the apparent disposition of the Corporation has
prevented my applying any more except for that I had a right to demand,
and, notwithstanding the safety of the river above alluded to, another
extension has been granted Mr Rathbone and others, made still more to
my prejudice. For these reasons I beg to be excused from complying
with your request, being determined to take the opinion of a Jury.

" ' I am your Hble Serv 1

" ' BRIDGEWATER.'

" And the Trustees of the late William Rathbone having presented a
petition to this Council, stating that his Grace has instituted a fresh suit
against them, and praying to be defended at the expence of the Corporation."

"It is therefore Ordered that the former Committee be, and they are
hereby authorized and empowered to take such steps for the defence
thereof by Mr Statham the attorney for the said Trustees, as may be
thought advisable, this Council thinking themselves aggrieved by the
former suit, and that the expenses thereof be paid by the Treasurer."

The various purchases of lands for the extension of the
docks are duly recorded, but need not here be specified.
suand. The strand forming part of the site of the Prince's Dock

came into the possession of Lord Derby, as a portion of the
manorial estate of the Moore's, in 1712.

Declines
Deputation.

Rathbone.

Resolution.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 249

" 1790, Feby. 3. A letter from Mr Waring, Lord Derby's steward
respecting the strand and premises on the side of the New Quay and Bath
Street having been read to the Council,

" Ordered, that the Mayor (with four others) be appointed a Committee
with full powers to treat for the absolute purchase of the same on the best Purchase,
terms they can either by reference or otherwise."

" 1790, March 4. Ordered that in consequence of the Committee
appointed by the last Council having agreed with Lord Derby for the Lord Derby.
purchase of the land and premises in question for the sum of three
thousand pounds, the said sum be paid by the Treasurer and allowed in
his accounts provided a good and sufficient title be made to the satisfaction
of the Council."

The Rating of the Docks at this time occupied consider- 5* u ! of
able attention, but it has been referred to in the previous
pages.

In 1794 an effort was made on the renewal of the Charter
of the East India Company, to have the trade thrown open.
Mr. (afterwards Sir John) Gladstone came forward prominently Gladstone.
in support of the measure, which had to wait forty years
before it was conceded. The only notice in the records is
the following:

" 1794, Feby. 5. Ordered that the application of Messrs Gore, Billinge
and Fergusson to this Council for the payment of their bills for advertizing
and printing upon a late intended application to Parliament to lay open
the East India trade, amounting to jg 53. be referred to the Committee Hast India
of Trade, who are hereby empowered to make such order therein as to
them shall seem meet."

In 1793 the declaration of war with France on February
nth, and the commencement of the revolutionary struggle,
most seriously affected the commerce of Liverpool. A general
panic set in, and numerous mercantile houses of the highest commercial

Panic.

standing were prostrated in ruin. Confidence was at an end.
Produce could not be disposed of, and bills could not be met.
A run upon the banks took place, one of which, that of Cald-
well, Smyth & Co., succumbed to the pressure.

The measures taken by the leading men, acting with the Measures

taken.

aid and support of the Council, were prompt and successful.

i i

250

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Failures.

Banks.

Meeting.

Application
to Bank of
England.

The entries on the records are very full and complete.

" 1793, March 20. Clayton Tarleton Mayor.

"The Mayor having reported to this Council that the late extensive
failures, particularly of some great Commercial and Banking Houses in
London were almost immediately followed with the failure of a very old
and principal Banking house in Liverpool ; that the latter failure had now
caused such an alarm in this town and its neighbourhood, that not only
the other Banking-houses were greatly distressed, but there was an appre-
hension of a general calamity to the merchants, traders, and inhabitants
of this place, and to the County of Lancaster at large, from the shock to
public confidence, and from the want of immediate pecuniary resource.
That under this impression he had this day held a meeting of some of the
principal merchants in the Exchange, at which several resolutions were
entered into, and they had unanimously subscribed the following paper
earnestly requesting him to convene the Common Council, to consider
whether it might not be proper to offer the Corporate Seal to the Bank of
England for a loan of money to assist the credit of this place by an
application under the direction of a Committee, composed of an equal
number of Members of the Common Council and of respectable Merchants
out of the Council, or to consider whether it was possible for the Common
Council by taking measures in their Corporate capacity to avert the
common ruin that seemed to threaten the commerce of the town.

" It is therefore now unanimously resolved by this Council, that the very
unprecedented and truly alarming state of the public credit of this country
and of this town in particular, does in the opinion of this Council well
justify the Meeting of the Merchants held here this day and the requisition
made for the convening of this Special Council.

" That the representations now made of the distresses of all commercial
persons in this town, do well deserve the very serious attention of this
Council so as to induce them to consider whether any and what effectual
relief can be afforded in their Corporate capacity. That they therefore do
now nominate the following six members, viz' the Mayor, Mr Aid" Earle,
Mr Aid" Wm Crosbie Jun r , Mr Aid" Case, Mr Brooks, and Mr Statham a
Committee to confer with the same number of gentlemen appointed by
the Merchants at large at their meeting held this day in the Exchange ;
that such Committee be requested to prepare themselves with a report of
what they may consider proper to be done ; the same to be made at a
further Special Council which the Mayor is now requested to call to be
held to-morrow evening at six o'clock."

Requisition. The requisition was signed by 1 12 of the leading merchants
of the town, amongst whom we find John Gladstone, John
Bolton, Sir George Dunbar, Edwd. Falkner, William Harper,

Council
Meeting.

Question of
Relief.

Committee.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 251

William Earle, William Rathbone, and many others of the
highest standing.

No time was lost in taking immediate measures.

A special Council was held on the following day, March
2ist, when a report, hastily drawn up by the Committee, was
presented.

It set forth,

" That they found after an interview with the four existing Banking- Report,
houses in the town that the sum of a hundred thousand pounds was
wanted and would be sufficient to answer the present exigencies. . . .
that it was expedient for the preservation of public credit that some
speedy method should be adopted of raising the money. . . . that the
most desirable mode would be by an application from the Corporation to Second
the Directors of the Bank of England through the medium of Mr Pitt, the application
Chancellor of the Exchequer, and of the Lords of the Treasury. . . . England.
that such loan when obtained should be advanced under the direction of
the Committee through the local Bankers, on satisfactory securities within
the space of fifteen months, beyond which period it was their opinion no
further advances would be required."

The Report further suggests that the loan should be Loan-
advanced on the Bond of the Corporation, subject to such
conditions as may be found necessary.

The Report having been read to the Council, it was
ordered :

" X 793> March aist.

" That such Report be confirmed ; and a deputation was nominated to Council
proceed to London to wait on the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the confirm -
Bank of England."

The application was not successful. declined*' 00

" 1793, April 15. At a Special Council.

" It having been reported by the Mayor that the negociation with the
Bank of England for the loan of ^"100,000 on the Bond of this Corporation
not having been successful, he and the other delegates from the very
urgent necessity of removing with the greatest expedition possible the
present stagnation of credit in Liverpool, thought it their duty to apply,
and accordingly have applied to Parliament by petition in the names of Petition to
the Mayor and others of the Common Council then in London on behalf ar iamen
of themselves and the rest of the Council, for leave to bring in a Bill for

252

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Delegation.

Petition.

Danger.

Proposed
issue of
Notes.

Act passed.

Amount of
issue.

the purpose of empowering the Corporation to issue negociable notes to a
certain amount and for a given period, on the credit of the estate of the
said Corporation.

" This Council do fully in all respects ratify and confirm every step
which has been taken, and hereby fully empower the delegates to take
every measure which shall seem to them expedient and necessary in order
to carry into effect the said petition."

Then follows the text of the petition which sets forth

" That the trade and commerce of the town have of late years greatly
increased, and were continuing to do so till the stagnation of credit which
has lately taken place both here and in other parts of the kingdom checked
the same, and occasioned serious alarms of further inconvenience.

" That in the event of such a want of credit being even of a short
duration, your petitioners have great reason to apprehend the town of
Liverpool will be greatly injured thereby, and that the manufacturers and
traders throughout the County of Lancaster will feel the effects of it to a
very great extent, by which the interest of the public and of individuals
will be materially affected and the estate of the Corporation of Liverpool
will be much lessened in its value.

"That this alarming evil may, your petitioners humbly conceive, be
remedied by authority being given to the Corporation to issue negociable
notes for different sums of money, in the whole considerably below the
value of their estates after making allowance for their present debts, the
notes to be payable with lawful interest thereon or otherwise, at a time to
be limited ; provision being made that the estate of the said Corporation
shall be subjected to the discharge of the said notes at the period at which
they shall become payable.

"With this view your petitioners are desirous of laying before the
House a precise statement of their property and of the engagements to
which it is liable in order to enable the House to judge of the grounds of
this application."

An Act was accordingly brought in and passed, giving
power to the Council to issue during two years, for value re-
ceived, Notes payable to Bearer for the respective sums of
50 and 100, with interest not exceeding legal interest, and
without interest notes of 5 and 10 respectively. The
amount of the notes not to exceed 300,000.

There were various minor regulations as to the issue and
withdrawal of the notes. The amount of the notes issued
was to be laid annually before Parliament.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 253

The Council were prohibited from trading in Merchandize, Regulations.
but might, during the three years of the Act, buy or sell
bullion or Bills of Exchange, and might sell any goods de-
posited with them as security for money lent.

A joint Committee of Councillors and outside merchants
was appointed to conduct the business.

The scheme was fully carried out and proved a success, success.

J 795> March iath. John Shaw, Mayor.

The Annual Report of the Negotiable Note Office was Annual
presented by which it appeared that the notes issued up to
the 25th February amounted to 140,390, and the value of the Notes and
securities deposited to 155,907 i6s. 6d., that the value of the
notes then in circulation was 35,315. The report stated
that much essential good had been derived from the institu-
tion and the Committee were of opinion that an extension of
the Act for three years longer would be a further benefit.

The extension however was limited to one year only.

1776, Sept. 7th. Thos. Naylor, Mayor.

The Loan Office Committee presented a report of their Report,
proceedings preparatory to the final winding up of the opera- winding up.
tions under the Act, which appear to have been eminently
beneficial and satisfactory, the loans having all been paid off
and the notes withdrawn.

The whole transaction reflects great credit on the public
spirit and sagacity of the Liverpool Merchants of the day, in
warding off a great public calamity, and tiding over an unpre-
cedented crisis in the commercial world.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS.

1761, March 4th. The following record requires an expla-
nation which is not forthcoming.

Fortifications Mr Dawson, his Majesty's Engineer for the fortifications now making
at Liverpoole signifying by letter to Mr Mayor that the Honourable Board
of Ordnance had been informed by some persons that the people in Liver-
poole did not desire any further fortifications to be made to the town than
what are already contracted for, and desireing to know Mr Mayor's senti-
ments hereon ; which letter being now laid before this Council, they are
unanimously of opinion that the said fortifications be compleated according
to the order of his late Majesty and the plan settled for such purpose ;
and that this our intention be signifyed to the said Captain Dawson, to be
transmitted to the said Board of Ordnance."

It is difficult to see where these projected fortifications
could have been placed. In Perry's Map of 1769 the only
indication of any fortifications is a 14 gun battery on the west
side of St. Nicholas's churchyard, to which the minute may
possibly allude.

" 1761, Sept. 9. Ordered that a piece of land or ground, part of the
Wast of this Corporation be given to his Majesty, his heirs and successors

Powder to build Magazines on, under the like conditions the land for the fortifica-
Magazines.

The land in question was situated at the top of Duke
Street near the North end of St. James's Walk.

The Council at this period were not unmindful of the
amenities of the town.

" 1762, March 3. Ordered that the Walk, Cop, or Road, at the top of
Quarry Hill be repaired under the inspection and direction of Thomas
Johnson Esquire, a gentleman of this Council."

" 1763, March 2. William Gregson Mayor.

" Ordered, That Mr Mayor and Bailiffs, Mr Johnson and Mr Manesty
be appointed a Committee to go to Mr Alderman Gildart and talk with

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 255

him about the purchasing of the Rope-walk at the top of Duke Street, or
such part thereof as is not sold, and report the price he asks for the same
to the Council to make it into a publick Walk, if it shall be thought proper Public
to buy it . . And it is also Ordered that an Estimate of finishing the Walks
Walk at the Quarry Hill be laid before this Council next Council day, and
that 20 be laid out thereon in the mean time."

The arrangement was made, and the public walk was con-
structed, at first named Mount Sion, but afterwards St James's st. James's

WellKt

Walk, in the Mayoralty of Thos. Johnson in 1766.

" 1768, Deer. 7. It is Ordered that John Bridge have liberty to enclose
and take in a piece of ground to the South and eastwards of his house on
Sion Walk on Quarry Hill Waste according to the plan now produced,
and to take down the present Powder Magazine and Watch house, and Magazine
rebuild the same in some other convenient place as shall be fixed by the re
Mayor and the Committee of Views with the consent and approbation of
his Majesty's Board of Ordnance w and to convert the said land into a
Bowling Green, but not to be suffered to build any houses or other build- Bowling
ings except an alcove on the said Green."

" I 77 I i June 5. John Sparling Mayor.

" Ordered that John Callender be allowed the sum of 20 a year, to
look after and take care of the North and South Public Walks ; finding Public
all trees, gravel, labourer's tools, and all other things relative thereto for Walks -
such yearly sum to the satisfaction of Mr Mayor and Bailiffs for the time
being and during the pleasure of this Council."

" J 777> June 4. William Crosbie Mayor.

" It is ordered that Mr Mayor and the before-mentioned gentlemen do
purchase at a fair price a Windmill and Premises on Quarry Hill, from windmill.
Mr Drinkwater, to prevent its being purchased by others who are about
buying it and might convert it into some use that might detriment the
Public Walk."

Up to this date Oldhall Street terminated northwards at oidhaii
the Lady's Walk, now the site of the Canal Basin. Beyond
this extended a narrow occupation road called Mile House
Lane, leading into the fields.

" 1777, Nov. 5. It is Ordered that the Corporation do purchase Mile House
Mr Richard Gildart's interest in Mile House Lane and Maiden's Green Lane,
for the sum of "164 ; and this land to be applied for making publick Green." '

<> It was built on the slope of Brownlow Hill, where it remained until the construction
of the Magazines at Liscard.

256

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

New Gaol.

Gaol
insufficient.

Committee.

Purchase of
old Lady's
Walk.

Purchase of
Land.

Gaol.

roads thro' and for other the purposes and uses mentioned in the Com-
mittee's report ; viz' ' The Committee appointed to treat with Mr Rich"
Gildart for the purchase of his interest in Mile House Lane, to lay or
make a publick road through it, report : that they think it greatly for the
interest of the town to have a road thro' it and have agreed with him for
the purchase of his interest therein, but recommend it to the Council not
to open any road &c there 'till they see what the landholders adjacent will
do for making the road from the North Lady's Walk to this land ; then to
lay out a sufficient road thro' it, and sell the remainder to the adjoining
landowners." "

In this new street it was proposed to build a new Gaol.

" 1777, Feby. 5. Ordered that Mr John Hope Architect be authorized
to send for the plans &c of the New Gaol in London called Newgate as
lately rebuilt ; but the cost thereof not to exceed Seven Guineas."

" 1783, Feby. 4. The Grand Jury at the last Quarter Sessions of the
Peace held for this borough on the ag" 1 January last, having reported that
the present Common Gaol of this town is totally insufficient for the pur-
poses intended ; and that there is great reason to dread the most alarming
consequences from its present confined situation ;

"It is Ordered, that a Committee consisting of the Mayor, Aldermen,
Bailiffs and the Town Clerk be appointed to consider and report on the
most proper place whereon to construct a new gaol with a plan, estimate
and such other observations as may occur."

" 1784, March 8. Ordered that a Committee, consisting of the Mayor,
Aldermen &c be authorized to treat with Lord Sefton for the purchase
of his reversionary interest in the old Lady's Walk, and also with the
owners of the ground to the North and South thereof for the purpose of
building a new and compleat gaol ; that they in the meantime furnish
themselves with the best plans that can be procured, and be likewise
empowered to do every other Act which may tend to facilitate so good
and necessary a work."

" 1784, Aug. 4. On the Motion of Mr Mayor signifying that two fields
near the Canal, the one belonging to Mr Jackson, the other to Mr Water-
worth were to be sold, and the same having been purchased by the
Committee appointed, viz Mr Waterworth's at the rate of 300 per
customary acre and Mr Jackson's at the sum of ^735 for the whole of the
field;

" It is Ordered that the purchase money be paid by the Treasurer on a
good title being made."

" 1785, Feby. 2. Ordered, that the Committee before appointed be
again to proceed in carrying on a plan for building a gaol within this
town."

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 257

" 1789, Apl. i. John Blackburne Jun Mayor.

" Ordered, that the Overseer of the New Gaol do produce to the next
Council such plans and sections thereof as are now in his possession Plans of
together with the present state of the said gaol, and that the Treasurer do ao '
likewise produce an account of the expences already incurred in the
erection thereof."

Before the gaol had been well completed, it became
necessary to divert it from its original purpose.

" T 793> J une 5- Mr Foster Jun* reported to the Council that under the
direction of the Mayor he had entered into a contract which the Mayor
had signed for letting certain parts of the new gaol for the purpose of
detaining therein the French prisoners of War on terms and conditions French
approved by the Council." <> 'risoners.

The roads giving access to the town received attention Roads.
at this time. In 1760, the turnpike road to Prescot and
Warrington was completed, and not long afterwards the
subject of the North road was taken up.

" 1770, Deer. 10. John Sparling Mayor.

"It is Ordered that this Council do give the sum of One Hundred
Pounds towards obtaining an Act of Parliament for making a Turnpike
Road from Patrick's Cross or opposite the Flashes in Liverpoole through North Road.
Ormskirk to the town of Preston in the County of Lancaster upon these
conditions ; that on account that the town of Liverpoole has already made
a good pavement on this road as far as their liberties extend, be excused
from doing any statute work on this road during the turnpike term, and
that the like clause of exemptions be inserted in the intended Bill as is in
the Prescot &c Turnpike Bill, and that no gate shall be erected nigher
Liverpoole than the four mile stone from Liverpoole towards Ormskirk, Prescot
and that the said One Hundred Pounds shall be paid to the agents or Road -
managers when the said Bill shall be brought into the House of Commons
and not before. And on this further express condition, that the Trustees
of the said Bill shall, after passing of the Bill begin with repairing the
said intended Turnpike road at the said Patrick's Cross and proceed with
the repair thereof as far as Ormskirk as fast as the money to be taken on Contribution,
this part of the road between Liverpoole and Ormskirk will admit of, any
thing in a late Order of Council to the contrary notwithstanding. And if
any differences should arise in respect to such clause of exemption or provision for
other matters not being principal things that can much affect the rights or Differences.

(i) Vide supra, p. 234.
KK

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Streets.

Proposed
Widening.

Committee.

Purchases.

Confirmed.

Isolating
Exchange.

Widening

interest of the town of Liverpoole, the Mayor and any six of the Council
be appointed a Committee for such purpose, and to agree upon a list of
tolls to be taken and to ascertain the toll upon turf carts, with the pro-
moters of the said Bill or their Agents."

The improvement of the Streets began to force itself upon
the notice of the Council. They were originally narrow,
tortuous, *and ill paved, and have cost enormous sums to
place in proper condition.

The first movement was to widen Castle Street.

" 1774, Sept. 7. John Parr Mayor.

" Ordered that the plan of widening Castle Street be postponed and
taken into consideration against the next Council day."

" 1774, Octr. 5. It is Ordered, that Mr Mayor and Bailiffs for the time
being (with 14 others) be appointed a Committee to consider of ways and
means of raising money for defraying the expence of taking down one
side of Castle Street &c according to the plan produced in Council for such
purpose, reporting their proceedings from time to time to the Council."

" 1782, April 3. George Case Mayor.

" It is Ordered that the Mayor and Treasurer be empowered to agree
for the purchase of the premises of Rob' Moss, contiguous to the West
side of the Exchange, agreeable to the plan now produced, so as such
purchase money does not exceed the sum of 2800, and a good and suffi-
cient title being made."

" 1782, May i. Ordered that the contract made with Mr Moss for the
purchase of the houses and shambles adjoining to the Exchange for
2700, is hereby ratified and confirmed."

The subject slept for three years longer when it was
revived.

" 1785, Deer. 20. Improvement Committee.

" It is the unanimous opinion of this Committee that an application be
made to Parliament for the improvement and better government of the
said town.

" It being the opinion of this Committee that it would greatly tend both
to the ornament and improvement of this town if the Exchange was
insulated.

" Resolved that every necessary step be taken for that purpose.

" It is likewise the unanimous opinion of this Committee that the open-
ing and widening of Castle Street from Saint George's Church to the

Castle Street. Exchange and from the Exchange northward, and from the Exchange to

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 259

the eastward down Dale Street, and also Fenwick Street would be highly
beneficial.

" Ordered that an advertisement be inserted in the Liverpool Papers,
setting forth that a Committee will sit in the Exchange on Tuesday next
and on every subsequent Tuesday untill further notice to consider of the
best methods of improving the town ; and that such Committee will be Committee,
ready to receive and inspect such plans from any persons who may please
to offer the same."

" 1786, Jany. 10. Charles Pole Mayor.

" Resolved, that it is the unanimous opinion of this Council that a Bill Bill,
be drawn and brought into Parliament for the purpose of improving and
widening the streets.

" Resolved also, that this Council do concur in opinion with the Com-
mittee this day held for the above purpose, that the improvement of this
town be confined to the plan then laid before the Committee, with the
further addition, that the intended street from Castle Street to Fenwick Brunswick
Street be continued from thence to Goree Causeway, and also to open street -
the whole extent of Dale Street not exceeding 20 yds in breadth, and that
the widening of Tythe Barn Street to Patrick's Cross be dropt at present. (l) Tithebarn

" Resolved, that it is the unanimous opinion of this Council that in the street -
reselling of the Freehold land of inheritance, to be purchased for the
purpose of widening the streets, that each owner or occupier shall have
the election of having his ground again, either as land of inheritance, or Reselling
as leasehold under the Corporation, at his option." Land.

" 1786, Feby. i. Ordered, that Mr Statham, Mr John Gregson and
Mr Brooks do, as soon as they conveniently can, go up to London to
solicit the intended Bill for improveing the streets, and to prefer the petition improvement
for that purpose, and that they have a discretionary power to alter, defeat, Bill,
or add such other clauses to such Bill as they may be advised, or as may
be thought proper.

" Ordered also, That the petition and Bill, together with an abstract
thereof, be laid upon the table in the Town Hall for the inspection and
perusal of the inhabitants, and that an advertizment to the above effect
be published on the next Monday's Liverpoole paper."

1786, Feby. 6th. The petition was read and the Common
Seal affixed :

" Ordered unanimously. That the thanks of this Council be given to
Mr Richard Statham for the very great professional services he has Thanks to
rendered to this Corporation as one of the Select Committee in the pur- Statham.
chasing of houses for the purpose of widening the streets in this town,

() Dale Street was only widened under this Act from the Town Hall to Moorfields.

26o

CHAP. HI, A.D. 17601800.

Committee.

Thanks to

and for the improvement thereof, and that Mr Statham receive a reason-
able recompense for his trouble and attendance, and for his journey to
London."

" 1786, Apl. 8. Resolved and Ordered that the following gentlemen
to wit William Crosbie Jun r (with seven others) be appointed a Committee
to carry into execution the purposes and designs of the said Act so far as
the same relate to the opening, widening, purchasing and selling the
several streets and passages, to the supplying the town with water, to the
levelling of the streets, and altering and amending the common sewers.
And also to the elevation of any future buildings.

" Resolved unanimously, that the thanks of this Council be given to the
Lord Derby. Right Honorable the Earl of Derby (iath Earl) for his Lordship's great
attention and support to the Bill for the intended improvements in this
town."

This Act amongst a multitude of other provisions, gave
Sewerage power to improve the sewerage. The necessity for this had
assumed a very serious aspect. The course of the old Pool
stream along the present Paradise Street and Whitechapel
had been filled in and converted into streets under the names
of Frog Lane and Common Shore. The level being very
little above the tideway of the Mersey, any high tide stopped
the flow and inundated the tenements along the line.

Before the passing of the Improvement Act of 1786 some
steps had been taken to give relief.

Eyes'sPlan. "1785, Deer. 2o. Resolved, that a Plan be provided by Mr Eyes
setting forth the best methods of carrying off the water from different parts
of the town ; the present tunnels and water courses being in the opinion of
the Select Committee very insufficient and inconvenient."

Some action was taken immediately after the passing of
the Act.

Flooding.

Blackburne's
Plan.

" 1787, Octr. 23. Ordered that Mr Eyes do immediately take every
necessary measure in order to prevent the water in future incommoding
the tenants of the houses in Paradise Street, by flowing into the cellars on
the occasion of the fall of rain."

" 1788, Sept. 16. Mr Blackburne the Architect from London appeared,
and promised to furnish this Committee with the most complete plan
possible of improving our present Tunnells."

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 261

Nothing came of this project. Three years afterwards we
find the following record :

" 1791, March 22. This Committee having taken into consideration the Committee,
necessity of making such additional Sewers and other alterations as would
be most likely to prevent the overflowing of Whitechapel and Paradise
Street &c, and having examined the plans and the following report made
to them by the Surveyors, viz'

" ' To Wm Crosbie Jun' Esq r Chairman of the Select Committee

" ' Sir

" ' We beg leave to inform you that in consequence of the heavy rains Report,
which fell last night and this morning, and the inadequate state of the
sewers to carry off the water, Whitechapel, with the lower ends of all
the streets communicating with it, was overflowed from the bottom of
Lord Street to the Haymarket as also the lower end of Cable Street and
Thomas Street, by which the inhabitants of the cellars in those streets
were reduced to the greatest distress, and it is a lamentable truth that
many of the people were not acquainted with their situation till they found
the water coming into their beds. We should be wanting in duty if we
did not in the most earnest manner point out the means by which this Recom-
dreadful evil may be remedied, which can be by no other method than by mendatlon -
enlarging the sewer in Whitechapel and Paradise Street, and carrying it
through Cooper's Row to join the sewer already made along the North
side of the Old Dock ; to make the Tunnel proposed some time since from
the bottom of Richmond Row under the new Gaol to the River Mersey
near the Fish Dock, and to raise the present pavement in Whitechapel,
Paradise Street, and the ends of the streets communicating with them so
as to make a gradual descent from the Haymarket to the Docks in which
distance there is a fall of at least five feet.

" ' We are still of opinion that notwithstanding the proposed new sewers,
it is possible that in very heavy rains, they may not be able to carry off all
the water which will be brought into them from the new streets and
roads which are accumulating round the town, with that rapidity which
may be wish'd for, owing to the want of a proper descent as there is
scarcely a perceptible fall from the bottom of the watercourse near the Dog
Kennels where it empties itself into the Dock. But if it should so happen
that by excessive rains at tide time the water could not be convey'd thro'
the sewers, it would when the streets are raised as proposed rise through Results,
the gratings, and run over the surface of the pavement into the dock, by
which means it is impossible that a similar accident can again happen in
those streets.' "

Notwithstanding this alleged impossibility, the overflow of

262 CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

water when the rains and the tides acted in combination
continued for another half century to do serious mischief.

" 1786, Feby. i. Ordered that a Special Committee be appointed for

Bold Street, the purpose of surveying Bold Street and the several cross streets leading

into it, as they are at present laid down in the plan on the lease lately

granted to Mr Jonas Bold, and of considering whether any and what

alterations ought to be made in the situation of such cross streets so as to

form a direct communication from Bold Street through Mr Thomas Seel's

Slater Street, field to Suffolk Street, and also for the purpose of considering and of

recommending such a situation as they may think eligible for the erecting

other Almshouses in the room of those now at the upper end of Hanover

Street and in Dale Street, and at the back of the Infirmary."

" 1786, Sept. 6. Ordered that the Committee for removing the present
Alinshouses. Almshouses and fixing upon a situation where they may be built to the
best advantage be empowered to proceed in the erection of such buildings
as they may think most proper and convenient for the intended purpose,
and to enter into such agreements as they may think most conducive to
carry their removal into effect."

" 1788, May 13. Ordered that in consideration of the Gentlemen of the
Dog Kennels. Liverpool Hound Hunt removing their Dog Kennels from Sick Man's
Lane to Bank Hall Marsh they be allowed old materials not exceeding
the value of ten pounds."

" 1788, Octr. i. Thomas Earle Mayor.

" Ordered that the sale or otherwise of the field at the top of Duke
Street in possession of Mr Wagner be referred to Messrs. Mason and
Gallows Mill. Bourne's Committee, and that the Mill called Gallows Mill be taken down,
and that the Trustees of the Prescot Turnpike Road be applied to for
allowing a proportionable part of the expence, as it will be of great
benefit to that part of such road."

" 1789, Jany. 9. John Foster Jun r having reported that a considerable
number of Bricklayers, Masons, Plaisterers and Carpenters now out of
work in consequence of the present inclemency of the weather might
be employed in pulling down several buildings within the line of improve-
Providing ment, Ordered that such of these men as are proper and willing be
employed in the above business, the artificers to be allowed eighteen pence
per day, and every able labourer twelve pence per day under the direction
of John Foster Jun r and that a letter be written to each master tradesman
in the above branches to recommend such men now out of employ as they
think deserving."

" 1790, Feby. 3. Thos Smyth Mayor.

" Mr Harrison's petition respecting a lease to be granted him of the
Flashes. Watering Place called the Flashes for the purpose of opening a communi-
cation between Dale Street and Tythe Barn Street according to a plan

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 263

annexed, having been read : it is Ordered that the same be referred to the
gentlemen of the Select Committee, who are requested to make their
report to the next Council."

This refers to the formation of the street now called
Hatton Garden.

" 1764. The intended Market place at the upper end of Pool Lane Market
having given great disgust to the inhabitants of this town on account that PIace
it would enclose that space of ground which ought to lye open and for
other causes ; It is now ordered that the said work be stopped and pulled Alterations.
down, and that the contractors be paid for what work and materials have
been done and found by them, to be valued on the Corporation behalf by
Mr Eyes. And that the plan now laid before the Council by Mr Mayor
of another more usefull design for a lodgement of fire engines and other
utensils necessary for extinguishing fires with a Watch-house and Market- Market
house and also of a cistern or reservoir for water be made in the area House.
near the said buildings, be carried into execution under the direction of
Mr Mayor and Bailiffs at the expence of this Corporation."

In 1762 the Act was obtained for constructing George's George's
Dock, which was opened in 1771. The original scheme
embraced a plan for the erection of Warehouses along the
east quay, to be called " Gone" in commemoration of the Goree.
capture of the island of Goree from the French in 1759.

" 1768, July 6. Charles Goore Mayor.

" Ordered that John Hope be paid the sum of twelve guineas for copy-
ing and altering the drafts or plans of a set of warehouses intended to be Goree
built between Water Street and Moor Street end or thereabouts and for Warehouses,
all materials and things appurtenant thereto or found thereon, or such
further sum as the Committee shall see fitting.

" Ordered that Mr Mayor and Bailiffs (with ten others) be appointed a
Committee to take into consideration the plan of the said warehouses and Committee.
carrying the said buildings into execution, and to report their proceedings
to the Council as to the mode and terms of disposing of the said ground
and building the said warehouses before any sale, contract, or agreement
shall be entered into concerning the same."

Nothing seems to have been done under this resolution.

" 1771, Jany. 7. Ordered, that Mr Mayor and Bailiffs (with seven
others) be appointed a Committee for the getting a plan for a sett of

264

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Bow
Windows.

Town Hall.

Goree Warehouses to be erected on the land to the southward of Water Street

' es ' along the Key of the new dock and report their proceedings to the Council
at some future Council day."

A further postponement of five years took place.

" 1776, Octr. 2. James Clemens Mayor.

" Ordered, that the plans of the vacant ground opposite the east quay of
Goree Street be looked for and produced and laid before the next or other
Council in order to consider of and fix on the sale of the said land, or
a proper part thereof for the scite of warehouses to be built thereon,
according to an order of Council of the 6 th October 1773."

" 1765, March 6. It having been represented to the Council that Mr
Pickance and Mr John Parr are going to project out Bow windows from
their houses in Water Street, which designs if carried into execution may
be attended with great inconveniences and annoyance to the town and
inhabitants from the narrowness of the streets. It is Ordered that the
Town Clerk do write to these gentlemen or any other persons who have
formed such designs, desiring them to desist carrying the same into
execution."

The Town Hall, originally called the Exchange, was
opened in 1754. No long period elapsed before alterations
were found necessary.

" 1764, Novr. 7. John Tarleton Mayor.

" Ordered that a survey of the Doom of the Exchange be made as to
the expence of taking it down, and fitting up a lanthorn in lieu thereof to
give light into the Court room as it is represented to the Council that a
continuance of the said Doom may endanger the building."

" 1766, Deer. 3. Thomas Johnson Mayor.

" Ordered, that Mr Hope be desired to draw a plan of an arched room
or rooms to be made in the Exchange to keep the charters, books, records
and leases and other papers in belonging to the Corporation, and that
Mr Mayor, Bailiffs and any gentlemen of the Council be appointed a
Committee for this purpose."

" 1779, Octr. 6. Ordered that the two rooms in the Exchange commonly
called the Card and the Assembly room be furnished at the expence of this
Corporation, and that the ladies and gentlemen of the town have the use
thereof for their public nights of assembly ; and that the Treasurer do pay
the sum of 230 for that purpose."

North wing. The North Wing was added in 1786.

" 1786, Deer. 18. James Gildart Jun r Mayor.

" The proceedings of the Select Committee up to the 12 th instant being

Dome.

Strong
Room.

Card and
Assembly
Rooms.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 265

read to this Council, the same were approved of and they having produced
plans of such additional alteration in the Exchange together with the
estimate for completing the same. It is Ordered that such alteration be Completed.
carried into execution under the direction of the Select Committee."

Besides this addition, considerable alterations were made
in the main building at this time.

" 1786, Sept. 12. At a meeting of the Select Committee.

" The Committee having surveyed those parts of the Exchange proposed
to be altered, have ordered that the following alterations and improvements Alterations.
be immediately carried into execution."

Here follows a list principally interior alterations. One
of the resolutions appears a little singular.

" Ordered, That Mr Robinson be employed to plaister the west front Plastering
with composition plaister, and that it be painted once over with oil colour, West Front.
and that the design No 4 be adopted for the centre part of the said front."

These proceedings were confirmed by the Council, with
the following addition :

" It is the opinion of this Council and it is hereby ordered, that the
present Dome of the Exchange be removed and that the same be carried Dome.
into execution under the direction of the same Committee."

It would appear from this record that the west front,
being at the time of the erection in 1750 blocked with
buildings immediately contiguous, had been left in rough
brickwork. The plastering was not carried out. A better
taste prevailed.

" 1787, Apl. 24. Ordered that Mr Foster prepare the necessary plans plans,
and elevation of the Exchange, in order that the same may be sent to
London for the opinion of some eminent architect as to the propriety and
best mode of covering the area, and erecting a dome or other suitable
object over the area or some other part of the Exchange."

" 1788, Jany. 15. Ordered that Mr Foster write to Mr Leverton and
Mr Whetton, architects in London that he will send the plans of the London
Liverpool Exchange in its present state for their inspection, and to make Architects,
such necessary additions and alterations thereto as are wanted."

" 1788, Feby. 25. Ordered that the plans of the Exchange now
produced be taken up to London and laid before Mr James Wyatt, Wyatt.

L L

a66

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Whetton.

Estimate.
Commission,

Purchase of
Timber.

Ballroom.
Dome.

Statues.

architect by John Foster Jun r , and that Mr Wyatt be requested to give his
opinion upon, and make designs for the intended improvements to the
North side of the Exchange."

" 1788, Octr. 21. Ordered, that Mr Whetton be paid his bill amounting
to thirty guineas for his designs for the Council room."

" 1789, Feby. 24. Resolved, that a letter be written to James Wyatt
Esq accompanied with the corrected plans of the Exchange and the
intended improvements, requesting that Mr Wyatt will be pleased within
three months from this time to furnish the Committee with the further
necessary plans and sections for the purpose of carrying on the building
with all possible expedition and to acquaint the Committee with the
compliment he expects for the plans already furnished."

" 1789, Mar. 30. Mr Wyatt the Architect having by letter of the
20* instant stated that his estimate of the expence of the internal and
external alterations and additions to the Exchange will be between nine
and ten thousand pounds, and that his charge for designs and other
information which may be required from him during the course of the
business will be five pounds per cent upon that sum, including every
expence of time employed on the subject except what shall be actually
employed in travelling and for travelling expences and time on the road
separately at the rate of two shillings and sixpence per mile.

" It is now ordered that Mr Wyatt be allowed the sum of five hundred
pounds for his plans and designs, also the aforesaid further charges."

" 1790, July 13. Resolved that the Surveyor of the buildings with the
assistance of Mr Foster Sen' be empowered to purchase the necessary oak
timber for erecting the Dome over the area of the Exchange agreeable to
Mr Wyatt's design now produced."

" 1791, Nov. 8. Ordered that the Plans now produced for increasing
the height of the new Ball room be sent to Mr Wyatt for his opinion
upon them."

" 1792, Jany. 10. Ordered the Skeleton or Carpentry of the Dome
intended to be erected over the Area of the Exchange, agreeable to the
models and designs made by Mr Wyatt, be immediately proceeded upon
by Mr Foster Sen' in order that it may have the opportunity of being
properly seasoned before it is required to be put upon the building."

" 1792, Feby. 14. Ordered that the Surveyor of the buildings consult
Mr Wyatt the Architect as to the propriety of getting the four figures for
the North front of the Exchange executed in artificial stone ; and also of
the expence of the same, together with the cost of them if executed in
Portland stone in order that they may be executed and ready to be put
up that they may harmonize as much as possible as to colour with the
stone of the building."

" 1792, Mar. 10. The Surveyor of the buildings laid before this Com-
mittee a letter from Mr Rich d Westmacott offering to execute the four

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 267

statues for the North front of the Exchange in Portland stone, and to
deliver them at his own expence on board a vessell in the Thames for a
sum not exceeding one hundred and twenty-five guineas each, and also Price,
offering to abate from that sum if he can possibly afford it when they are
executed."

The statues were ordered and executed, and still decorate
the fa9ade. They represent the four seasons.

" 1792, Octr. 2. Ordered that the elevation for the West front of the
Exchange now produced by the Surveyor of Buildings be sent to Mr Wyatt
and if approved by him, that it be adopted and carried into immediate
execution."

" 1792, Nov. 6. Ordered that the elevation of the West front received West Front,
from Mr Wyatt be adopted, and that it be carried into immediate execution.

" Upon the solicitation of Mr Richard Westmacott as also upon the
recommendation of Mr Wyatt the Architect

" It is Ordered that the figure of Britannia designed for the termination Britannia,
of the intended Dome of the Exchange be contracted for with Mr West-
macott, he engaging that it shall be a twelve feet figure executed in a
masterly manner in antique green Bronze, according to the design and to
the entire satisfaction of Mr Wyatt, and also upon his engaging to deliver
it in perfect good order in this town at his own risque and charge, and to
send at his expence a proper person to superintend the fixing up of the
said figure, the whole of which he engages shall not exceed the sum of
Four Hundred Pounds, and the Committee rely upon his own offer to Price,
reduce the cost below that sum, if in the event he can afford it."

In connection with the Exchange or Town-hall, the follow-
ing forms rather an interesting episode in our local history.

"1791, Nov. 22. The Mayor and a number of gentlemen of the Council
met at eleven o'clock in the Council Room agreeable to a card sent them
by the Mayor, when two pictures were exhibited which were presented to
the town of Liverpool by Mr William Martin, Historical Painter, and at Martin.
which meeting his letter to the Committee was read." ^ painter.

The letter is too long for insertion, but its substance is as
follows :

" ' Gentlemen,

" ' The encreasing consequence of the town of Liverpool having Letter,
become for some years past a subject much spoken of, I was induced some
time since, on a tour I was then making in the North to pay it a visit ;
and experienced that pleasure which arises from having our expectations

268

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Improve-
ments.

Assembly
Rooms.

Offer of
Pictures.

Subjects.

Circular
Pictures.

Engravings.

Resolution of
Acceptance.

more than gratified. The improvements going on in the town astonished
me not less by their magnitude than it pleased me by their utility.
Amongst the additions making to the Exchange the intended Dome as
proposed by Mr Wyatt attracted much of my attention, but I could not
help being anxious that in the present state of the fine arts in this country,
the department which I profess, should lend its aid to ornament so elegant
an edifice.

" ' On enquiry I found that the principal part of the additional building
was intended for an Assembly room to be finished from a design of
Mr Wyatt's, and that the present Assembly room was to be appropriated
for an entertaining room, and no plan fixed upon for its decoration. As
the room was necessarily to be altered, it occurred to me that without any
encreased expence it might be adapted to receive pictures. On my return
to London I communicated my idea to some friends intimately connected
with Liverpool, and encouraged by their approbation, I sat down and
made the design which I now present for your inspection . . . My
intention is, to present to the Corporation four large historical pictures, to
be placed agreeable to the plan ; the subjects as follows : Lady Macduff
surpriz'd in her castle at Fife Cleopatra arming Antony Queen Katha-
rine's Vision and Ferdinand's first interview with Miranda. In addition
to these I intend also to present six smaller ones to be painted in chiaro
'scuro intended to fill the compartments as express'd in the drawing ; the
subjects I would propose for four circular ones over the doors, should be
History Painting Sculpture and Architecture ; over the niches, Astro-
nomy and Geometry.

" ' I have delivered to your Surveyor the estimates ready for your
inspection, which I flatter myself will be found to meet your approbation.
. . . Your Surveyor has likewise for your inspection engravings from
two pictures which I lately presented to the city of Norwich. These
engravings have met a very favorable reception from the Public and the
pictures have, I hope, advanc'd my professional character.

" ' If my proposal meets your approbation I have only to request you will
pay the expence of the frames, packing cases and carriage ; and as the
four large pictures are intended to be engraved by Mr Bartolozzi, that I
may have this permission. . . .

" ' Any further explanation which may be thought necessary I shall be
happy to give and have the honour to be
" ' Gentlemen

" ' Your most obedient Serv'

" ' WILL M MARTIN.'

" Resolved

" This Committee sensible of the very handsome and liberal manner in
which Mr Martin has so highly contributed to the embellishment of the
Exchange

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 269

" Do Order the Secretary to return Mr Martin their acknowledgments Thanks,
in writing, and request to be furnished with the expense.

' Ordered that to preserve the pictures from damage they be immediately
hung up in the Assembly room under the direction of Mr Martin, and
that coverings be made for them out of the curtains formerly belonging to
the Assembly room."

Within less than four years these pictures were destroyed
by the fire of 1795.

On the erection of the North Wing an open space was
cleared round it.

" 1793, Feby. 6. Ordered that a petition of the Merchants, Bankers
and underwriters of this town, stating that their business renders daily
attendance on the Exchange necessary and the expediency of appropriating
to the use and accommodation of the trade of the town (in addition to the
present area) the lower part of the new building adjoining to and com-
municating with the North Walk of the Exchange and requesting that the North Walk
same may be accordingly appropriated under such regulations as may be * Exchan 8 e -
adopted by this Council, be referred to the Select Committee who are
requested to make their report thereon to this Council."

It was well that by the order of 1766 a strong room was
provided for the reception of the muniments, otherwise there
would have remained no archives to record.

1795. On Sunday, January i8th, the whole of the inte-
rior was destroyed by fire. The inquiry into the origin and Fire in

J . . ' t> .Exchange.

circumstances of the fire was very searching and lengthy, and
occupies a large space in the records. I can only give a few
of the leading features.

" *795i J an y- 20. John Shaw Mayor.

" At a Special Council held at the house of Daniel Dale in Water Street Special
pursuant to a special Summons, to take into consideration and determine Council -
upon the measures proper to be adopted in consequence of the dreadful
conflagration which on Sunday morning last took place in and destroyed
the Exchange of this town.

" Present the Mayor and 28 others.

" Ordered that a Committee be appointed for the following purposes Committee.

" (i) To make a strict inquiry into the cause of the fire. Causeof Fire.

" (2) To take account of the state of the building &c.

270

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Reports. " (3) To take reports from the officers as to the state of the papers

belonging to their several offices.
Provision. " (4) To provide proper places, in order to prevent the interruption of

public business.

" Such Committee to consist of the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Magistrates with

10 others."

The charters, council books and deeds were reported safe.

" 1795, Feby. 4. The report of the Committee was presented. It states
that they had examined strictly into the general conduct of the Exchange
keeper, as well as his particular situation previous to the commencement
of the fire.

" They also examined such persons as were the first alarmed and had
been witnesses of the progress of the fire, as well taking the opinion of
experienced workmen respecting the unusual rapidity of the flames, both
with regard to the satisfying of their own minds as to the cause of such
appearances, as well as to enquire whether the apprehensions are well
founded that the fire could have been wilfully occasioned.

" The result of such enquiries has led the Committee to conclude and
they have been unanimously of opinion, that the fire has been accidental
arising from causes not possible to ascertain.

" But they cannot help adverting to the very singular cause of the
extraordinary rapidity of the flames, which evidently arose from the
circumstance of the Architect employed in building the Exchange having,
to prevent decay, payed the timber with a Composition chiefly turpentine
as appears more particularly explained by the examinations.

" The Committee congratulate the Council on the safety of the valu-
ables of every description in the respective offices, and pay a tribute of
acknowledgment of the services of the respective officers.

" Mr Ellis Jones the Keeper who lived on the premises testified that all
was perfectly safe up to half-past ten on Saturday night when he retired to
bed. About half-past four on Sunday morning his wife awaked him by
her coughing and immediately said ' Ellis, good God what is the smoke
there is something on fire.' He got up and went into the Loan Office
where he found a great smoke but no appearance of fire. From thence he
went into the vaults and cellars, then into the Assembly room and tried to
get into the Council room but found it blocked. Thence he proceeded up
the great stairs into the Town hall, and found it so full of smoke that he
could not breathe ; thence to the Loan Office where he found the ceiling
on fire. He then opened the gates, rushed out and gave the alarm of fire.
Evidence. " Various persons in the neighbourhood gave evidence as to the first

appearance and progress of the fire. They all concur that there was a
great want of water and great difficulty in obtaining any supply.

Report.

Examina-
tions.

Rapidity of
Flames.

Fire
accidental.

Coating of
Turpentine.

Ellis Jones.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 271

" Several working carpenters testified that the timbers of the building
were payed over with rosin.

" Mr John Foster, Surveyor, stated that when the alterations were made Foster.
in the cupola preparatory to fixing the clock in 1769, he frequently
remarked the circumstance of the timbers being covered with a strong
coating of rosin, turpentine or other such inflammable composition.

He also presented a written report as follows :

" ' In obedience to your orders I beg leave to report that I have at Foster's
various times since the late melancholy fire took place in the Exchange Report-
surveyed the building, and I beg to state that the fire has destroyed the Extent of
whole of the principal and attic story floors and the roof of the old building Fire-
together with the interior parts and finishing of all the rooms on those
stories.

" ' The rooms in the basement story with the great stairs and the
Assembly room stairs, have escaped the devastation, and the new building
on the North side has not sustained any injury.

" ' In respect to the furniture that was within the building at the time Furniture.
of the fire ; all that which belonged to the Council room, Assembly room
(except the covers to the seats) the principal part in the Mayor's Office,
and all in the Attick stories is destroyed. The furniture in the rooms on
the basement story was all carried out and saved.

" ' Respecting the present situation of the building, I beg leave to state
that I am humbly of opinion that the exterior walls have not sustained External
any material damage, or have the interior walls that formed the area Walls -
received any considerable injury beyond the destruction of the bond timbers
and ties that were placed upon the top of the Doric columns in the base-
ment story.

" ' I respectfully beg permission to add, that for the security of the
walls, I am humbly of opinion it is essentially necessary as soon as possible
that all the interstices which are formed by the burning of the bond timber, Timber in
beams, and other timbers that lay within the walls, should be very securely Walls -
closed up, to prevent any incumbent weight giving way ; and that all the
chimneys or other parts whose foundations have been injured or in part
removed, should be taken down to prevent any accident in case they
should fall.

" ' I am Gentlemen

" ' Your obedient very humble servant

"JOHN FOSTER JUN R
" ' Surveyor to the Corporation Buildings." "

No books or papers were found to be missing. The
Corporation Seal was safely lodged in the iron chest.

272

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Plans for
Rebuilding.

Wyatt,
Architect.

Widow
Maddocks.

Theatre.

Gibson's
Petition.

The Council gave immediate directions to Mr. Foster to
prepare plans for the rebuilding and refitting of the Exchange.

" 1795, March 12. John Shaw Mayor.

" Alderman Clayton Tarleton, the Chairman of the Exchange Committee
having produced to this Council a plan for the refitting the Exchange,
made by the Surveyor of the Buildings, accompanied by a Report from
the said Committee that it was their unanimous opinion ' that the general
dispositions of the whole, and the particular arrangements of the various
rooms and offices are highly proper and commodious, and such as will
afford the most desireable conveniences for the public and private business
of the Mayor and Corporation and their respective officers, and very ample
accommodations for the merchants and the public at large.'

" And the said plan having been submitted to the inspection of James
Wyatt Esquire Architect, and having met with his fullest approbation :
This Council do therefore unanimously resolve that the same be adopted
and signed by the Mayor and Bailiffs as approved by this Council, and
that the Exchange Committee do forthwith take the necessary steps for
carrying the same into immediate execution ; and that the said Committee
do continue to superintend and direct the completion of the same."

" 1797, May 3. Ordered that the sum of ten guineas be paid to Agnes
Maddocks, Widow, on account of the expence of the funeral of her late
son, whose death was occasioned by an injury he received at the late fire
at the Exchange."

The theatre in Liverpool has had different localities from
time to time. The following entries relate to the building in
Williamson Square.

" 1768, Dec. 7. Matthew Stronge Mayor.

" It is Ordered that the Mayor, Magistrates and Council of this Corpora-
tion agree to Mr Gibson's petition for erecting a Playhouse in Liverpoole,
upon the same terms, conditions and agreement as was entered into with
the Magistracy of the City of Norwich in the like case, and that Mr Gibson
be desired to send Mr Mayor copys of all Acts necessary to be done pre-
vious to obtaining the Act of Parliament, and that the Lord Chamberlain
be prayed to grant the same Licence and no other, as was granted to
Norwich, and all proceedings to be done at Mr Gibson's expence. And
to acquaint him that the Magistracy will not have the present House
licensed, as it's in a very dangerous place for company to resort to on
account of the narrow streets and avenues leading thereto." (I)

" 1769, Aug. 29. It is Ordered that this Council will petition the

(i> The theatre referred to was in Drury Lane, Water Street.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 273

Parliament the next session, for an Act to enable his Majesty to grant his
Letters Patent to Mr William Gibson Comedian, his executors adminis- Petition for
trators and assigns, for the term of twenty-one years, to build a theatre in j
Liverpoole, on condition that the said Mr Gibson do pay all expences
attending the obtaining such Act and Letters Patent, and shall also build
the said theatre at his expence on such piece of ground as shall be
agreeable' to the Mayor and Magistrates of this town."

" 1770, Feby. 14. It is Ordered that the petition of the Mayor Aldermen
&c to the Right Hon. the Earl of Hertford, Lord Chamberlain of his
Majesty's household, for his Lordship's intercession with his Majesty that
a Patent may be granted to Mr William Gibson for opening a Playhouse Patent.
in Liverpoole now read, be passed under the Common Seal upon the terms
heretofore agreed upon with the said Mr Gibson and be forthwith presented
to his Lordship."

The paving of the streets at this time attracted consider- Paving,
able attention. Mr. George Byrom, who gave his name to
Byrom Street, was the person employed by the Corporation,
but he fell into disgrace, as appears from the following
minute :

" 1776, April 3. On a complaint this day made by Mr Mayor to this
Council against George Byrom Paviour for great misbehaviour and abuse
given to Mr Mayor and other gentlemen of the Committee appointed for street" 61
repaving Hanover Street. It is Ordered that the said George Byrom be Byrom
discharged from his employ as Paviour to the Corporation and that Mr dismissed.
Berry be at present employed to superintend the pavements and roads of Berry
this town. employed.

" And that the said Mr Berry be authorized to buy in paving stones and
materials for paving the west side of George's Dock and to get the same
paved this summer at the Dock expence."

The old Fall Well on the Heath (near the corner of the Fail Weil.
present Roe Street), which for ages had been the principal
supply of water to the town was drawing near its end, as the
following entry indicates :

" 1778, Deer. 2. It is Ordered, that the Fall Well (being a dangerous
place as the walls of it are thrown down) be viewed by Mr Mayor and
Committee, and that they report to the Council what is proper to be done
to it."

" 1797, Feby. i. Upon the petition of J T Serres, Marine Painter to Marine
his Majesty, stating that he had made several views of the town and Painter.

M M

274 CHAP. HI, A.D. 17601800.

shipping and proposed publishing prints of them, and praying leave to
dedicate the same to the Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses.

" Ordered that the said J T Serres be permitted to dedicate the same
accordingly, and that (blank) sets be taken for the Council, to be paid for
by the Treasurer."

1798, Deer. 7th. Thomas Leyland, Mayor.
A petition was prepared and ordered to be presented to
the House of Commons setting forth :

Petition. " That the commerce and population of the town had been progressively

and considerably increasing ; that as a necessary consequence a great

New Streets, number of new streets had been laid out and buildings erected ; that many

Old Streets of the old streets were narrow, dangerous, and inconvenient, and the levels

of many of the new streets improperly and irregularly laid out, and no

No Sewers, common sewers made through them, and also that many Wind Mills,

Lime Kilns and other annoyances were erected too near the streets and

highways.

Pavement in " That the pavement and common sewers of the streets, lanes, and public
bad repair, passages and places within the said town, are in many places kept in bad
repair and condition, and it would be a great safety and convenience not
only to the inhabitants but to all persons resorting thereto if the streets &c
were properly paved, and the old streets were made wider, and more safe
and convenient ; and the levels of such new made streets properly laid
and common sewers made and the nuisances and annoyances removed
and for the future prevented."

s^eet Castle I" J 79 8 an h tel was built in Castle Street by the Corpo-
ration, on the site subsequently occupied by the Branch
Bank of England.

" 1800, May 7. Pudsey Dawson Mayor.

" On reading the proceedings of the Select Committee

" Ordered that the same be confirmed except as to the report relative to

Considera- the letting the new Hotel in Castle Street, and it having been the opinion

tion of Hotel. of the Council that it wou id be a public benefit to have such hotel erected,

and the Select Committee being in the possession of the expence of

erecting the same and of the probable expence of erecting stables and

other requisite outbuildings, as also of purchasing suitable furniture ; it is

therefore referred to the said Committee and they are hereby authorized

and empowered to enter into such contract for letting the same at such

rent and upon such terms and conditions as to them shall seem most

expedient and advantageous to the Corporation Estate. And if it shall

be thought advisable by the said Committee to go to the expence of

STREETS AND BUILDINGS.

275

furnishing the same, they are hereby authorized to call upon the Treasurer
to advance money for that purpose under their directions, or to let the
same unfurnished as they shall see fit."

" 1800, Aug. 6. Upon reading a letter from Mr R Horwood, Land Horwood's
Surveyor and publisher of a plan of London, wishing to obtain the patron-
age of the Corporation for his executing a similar plan of this town, should
he meet with sufficient encouragement ; and upon the Mayor's statement
that he had enquired into Mr Horwood's merits which were found to be
worthy the attention of the public, and which was confirmed by several
other gentlemen of the Council who had seen his plan of the city of
London.

" Resolved and Ordered, that it is the opinion of this Council that
encouragement should be given to an artist of Mr Horwood's merit, and
that he be therefore permitted to take the plan of the town and port of
Liverpool, and have the assistance of the Corporation Surveyors in such
his undertaking ; and that he be permitted to dedicate this Work to the
body Corporate of this town ; and also that ten copies of this Plan which Ten copies
the Mayor has thought proper to subscribe for on behalf of the Council as taken '
an encouragement to the Scheme be paid for by the Treasurer."

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.

Two new
Churches.

The control of the Council over the Churches and Clergy
became gradually relaxed as the Parish acquired more influ-
ence, but as the builders and patrons of the new churches, the
Council still exercised considerable influence.

In the year 1760 the Parish determined on building two
new churches, and arranged with the Council that an Act of
Parliament should be obtained at the expense of the Corpo-
ration, to whom the next presentation and perpetual advowson
should belong, and that the Corporation should make an
allowance of ^30 per annum in perpetuity to the successive
ministers of the North Church (St. Paul's). (I)

" 1760, Deer. 3. John Blackburn Mayor.

" Ordered on a memorial now presented and read to this Council from
the Parish Committee that the stipend or salary lately voted by this
Council for the Minister of the new intended church be made up the sume
Ground floor of 50 a year, upon condition that the whole body of the Church except
two seats be laid open for the use of the poor."

" 1761, Deer. 23. Ordered that an application be made this Sessions
of Parliament for building one or more churches in Liverpoole and for
obliging all persons keeping carts to have six-inch Wheels."

St. Paul's Church was commenced in 1765 and completed
in 1769. The second church authorised by the Act was
delayed for some years.

" 1765, Feby. 6. John Tarleton Mayor.

" Whereas Mr Mayor now reports to this Council, that he has applied
to Mr Samuel Shaw, merchant, who has purchased the present term and
interest in the ground called Patten's Garden w to give up his purchase of
the said ground on being paid the money and interest he gave for it, in

W Vide supra, p. 171.

(=> Patten's Garden was at the bottom of the present St. John's Lane, fronting the
Haymarket.

Minister's
Salary.

free.

Application
to Parlia-
ment.

St. Paul's.

Patten's
Garden.

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 277

order that this Corporation might then give and appropriate the said
ground to the Parish for a scite for a new church and a publick burial
place for the Parish, which the said Mr Shaw declines.

" Therefore it is now Ordered by this Council in order to accommodate Grant of
the Parish with a proper scite for a church and a publick burial place, gt ^j^s
which is most manifestly wanted, that this Council will now, and do hereby
give the said Parish for the above uses the field called the Great Heath Great Heath,
for the term of nine hundred years, but on this condition, that it be only
applied by the Parish for the above uses, and as there have been some
disputes between the Corporation and Parish about the right to the
reversion of the said Patten's Gardens, the above grant is on this express
condition that the Parish shall never trouble or molest the said Corpora- Conditions of
tion about the possession of the said land, and release the rent charge of Grant -
nine pounds a year payable thereout to the poor of this Parish for and
during the present lease, and acquit the Corporation, their successors and
assigns therefrom for ever."

" 1768, July 6. Charles Goore Mayor.

" Ordered that the Reverend Mr John Henderson be elected and Henderson,
appointed the first Minister or Chaplin of Saint Paul's Church, with the Cna P lain -
salary as allowed by the Council and prescribed by the several Acts of
Parliament made for building two churches in the town of Liverpoole, with
all the rights, priviledges, and emoluments thereto belonging, on condition
that he shall reside in town during his ministry, and give security so to do
in ^500, and perform the duty in person unless sickness or other provi-
dential accident hinders him, and to resign it into the hands of the Council
when he shall voluntarily quit the same.

" Ordered that the Reverend Mr James Hogarth be appointed second Hogarth,

Minister, subject to the same terms and conditions." 5^? d

Minister.

Matters do not appear to have gone on very smoothly
according to the following record :

" 1771, Aug. 7. John Sparling Mayor.

" In order to prevent any lawsuits between the Rectors of this Parish Disputes
and the Clergy of the several Assistant or Under Churches or Chapels of amongst
this town, we do recommend and strongly insist on it, that the said several ergy '
parties do state their reasons and arguments in writing pro and con to the
town clerk, from whence and from the several Acts of Parliament for
building such churches, that he do state a case to be approved of and laid
before Mr Recorder and Depy Recorder and after their settlement to be
laid before this Council, and then to take some one or two civilians' opinion
thereon, which we do expect that the Clergy do severally abide by, if they
intend to preserve peace amongst themselves, and their congregations.
And that each of them be served with a copy of this Order."

2 7 8

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Bells of
St. Paul's.

Ringing
Bells.

" 1777, March 5. Ordered that the Treasurer do pay to John Foster his
bill for finishing joiners' work in raising the great bell of St Paul's Church
out of the roof into the cupola, making a Sounding Board and some inward
doors and other work there, amounting to 82 i8s 4d.

" And also one other bill to Christopher Holding for a small or Ting
Tang bell amounting to 18 143 od."

Some differences arose as to ringing the bells of St. Peter's.

" 1763, Deer. 22. Ordered that four ringing days on publick days (sic)
which Mr. Wolstenholme (the Rector) has paid to or is liable to pay to the
Ringers be now paid at the expence of the Corporation, as they had no
notice of the late order of the late Committee against such ringing days
being paid for by the Council. And that for the future the Corporation
will only pay for ringing on the King's Birthday and Coronation day and
no other without an order from Mr Mayor for the time being."

organ. Down to 1764 there was no organ in St. Peter's Church,

st. Nicholas 1 . An organ was first provided for St. Nicholas's in 1684.

" 1764, Novr. 7. John Tarleton Mayor.

" Upon a representation of the Churchwardens and Sidesmen of this
Parish, setting forth that they have got a Subscription of about ^"400 for
St. Peter's, erecting an organ in St Peter's Church, and praying this Council to settle
Organist. a Sallary on the Organist of the same, when finished.

" It is now ordered that this Council will give a Sallary of forty Pounds
a year to such person as this Council shall appoint Organist thereof, to
commence from the finishing and opening of the said organ, and to be
continued during the pleasure of this Council only. And that Michael
Williams be appointed the organist thereof, and on condition that he do
extra duty by playing on the organ at the Charity School every Sunday
night till further orders."

" 1762, July 7. Ordered that Mr Mayor and Bailiffs (with three others)

be empowered to consult with proper persons and workmen to view St

St. George's George's Church steeple and spire, it being represented to this Council that

Spire. j^ j s j n a ru i nous condition and in danger of falling. And that they do

contract with persons for securing the same immediately."

In 1789 the spire was again surveyed; and in April, 1790,
a report was presented, signed by seven architects, that no
perceptible alteration had taken place, and that there was
no immediate risk of the structure falling, but that certain
repairs were necessary. It was stated to be 3 ft. 2 in. out of
perpendicular.

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 279

" 1791, March 22. Ordered, that the repairs of St George's Church Repairs,
steeple be immediately recommenced, and that the Surveyor of the
buildings be directed to cause the same to be finished in an effectual
manner agreeable to the report of April 1790."

1792, June 19. Another report was presented by the
same parties. They say :

" ' We concur in opinion that there is no immediate risque of the steeple
falling. We beg leave to decline giving any opinion upon the expediency
of taking down or of repairing the present steeple. But with great defer- Report,
ence we take the liberty to state the absolute necessity of immediately
determining upon taking it down, or of causing an effectual repair to be
proceeded upon in the manner described in our former surveys.'

" It is therefore Ordered that an effectual repair of the steeple be
immediately proceeded with in the manner recommended."

1786, April 8th. In consequence of a petition from the
present Rectors of Liverpool requesting an increase of salary :

" It is Ordered that the sum of One hundred pounds a piece per annum Rectors'
be paid to them, being similar to the addition lately made by the Parish ; Salaries.
the payment to commence at the time of the Parish's additional salary."

" 1772, March 4. Ordered that the acts of the Mayor, Recorder, Bailiffs
and Town Clerk giving the Corporation's assent to a draft of a Bill for
building a new Church (St. Anne's) near the Loggerheads and within this St. Anne's
Parish by Mr Dobb and others, the consideration of which Bill was Church -
referred to them by a majority of the Common Council be and such assent
is hereby ratified and confirmed."

" 1788, Deer. 3. A proposal having been made to this Council for the
purchase of Mrs. Plumbe's Church, commonly called the Octagon, or
St. Catherine's, in this town : St. Cather-

" Ordered that the same be referred to a Committee consisting of the ine ' s>
Mayor, Bailiffs (with six others) and that they make their report to the
next Council."

" 1791, July 6. John Sparling Mayor.

" Ordered that the petition of the subscribers to the new Church now
building for the Reverend Richard Formby at the South end of St. Anne
Street (Trinity Church) now read to this Council for stone from some of Trinity
the Corporation quarries to complete the Church with, and the Elevation Church -
of such intended building produced, be referred to the Select Committee."

" I 79 I > J ul y 16. The Select Committee having reported that as the Committee's
petitions of Messrs Harvey and Wain and of the subscribers to the Re P rt -

280

CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

Church now building for the Reverend Richard Formby in St. Anne
Street are of the utmost importance, they beg leave to recommend to the
Council to take the same again into their consideration, and to determine
upon them in such manner as they shall think most expedient.

"It is therefore ordered that the Mayor and Bailiffs be appointed a
Committee to confer with the Rectors and Churchwardens of the Parish
of Liverpool, and if necessary to request that a vestry may be called to
take the sense of the Parish respecting the propriety of building the said
two new Churches or otherwise."

" 1792, Apl. 26. Henry Blundell Mayor.

" Report of the Select Committee.

" The Bill intended to be brought into Parliament for building a new
Church or Chapel in Spring Fields near St. Anne Street being now read
to this Committee,

" Resolved, that agreeable to an Order of Council made the seventh day
of March last, this Committee did report that having carefully examined
the said Act, and proposed certain amendments, which the proprietors of
the Church have consented to ; do recommend it to the Council, that the
Corporate Seal be put to a Bill as petitioned for by the said proprietors,
they having reserved liberty for the Corporation to erect a steeple upon
the tower of the said Church, which tower the proprietors have agreed to
enter into a contract to make sufficiently strong for that purpose.

" Several estimates having now been laid before this Committee for
building a steeple ; Resolved that it be recommended to the Council to
agree to the proposal of Peter Grant and Company (being the lowest) to
complete the same for the sum of ^320 including the materials, vane &c,
and that the same be carried into execution under the immediate direction
of the Surveyor of the buildings."

1792, June 26th. The Surveyor of the buildings produced
the following report respecting the steeple of the new church
in St. Anne Street :

Report. " We whose names are hereunto subscribed, having surveyed the tower

of the New Church now erecting near St. Ann's Street are clearly of
opinion that it is not sufficient to support the spire proposed to be
erected thereon, and in our opinion any additional strength which may be
given to the parts now building or to be added would be inadequate to the

P Ur P S e- "JOHN HOPE.

'JOHN FOSTER, JUN R ."

" 1792, March 7. The petition of the proprietors of a Church or Chapel

St. Stephen's, intended to be called St. Stephen's Church in Byrom Street being now

read, praying for this Council's acquiescence to a deed which has been

Conference
with Rector,

Vestry.

Trinity
Church.

Bill.

Steeple.

Contract.

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 281

executed by the present right reverend Father in God the Bishop of
Chester, by the present Rectors of this Parish, and by them the aforesaid
proprietors, respecting the presentation of the Curate of such Chapel, and
other matters in the same deed contained. Ordered that such deed be,
on behalf of this Corporation, inspected by the Town Clerk, and that he
do make his report thereon to the Mayor, Bailiffs and Treasurer, and that
if they shall approve of the same they do in that case affix the Common
Seal of this Corporation to the same deed, the aforesaid proprietors first
executing a counterpart of such deed and leaving such counterpart with
the Corporation."

" I 793> J an y- 2> Clayton Tarleton Mayor.

" The Mayor having reported to the Council that being of opinion that Mayor's
the present Churches in this town are wholly inadequate to the great
number of inhabitants professing the doctrines of the Church of England,
he had requested a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee and the
Parish Committee, in order to consult together on the propriety of obtain-
ing an Act for building two Churches in Liverpool, the one at the expence Act applied
of the Parish, and the other at the expence of the Corporation ; and that for -
it had been unanimously resolved at that meeting that it was the opinion
of those Committees that from the rapid increase of the town there was a
necessity for building one or more churches for the accommodation of the Two new
inhabitants, but principally of the poorer class ; and further resolved that Cnurches -
a Vestry should be called for the purpose of taking the above resolution Vestry.
into their consideration.

" This Council doth approve of the above steps, and resolutions, and do Resolution,
order and resolve, that this Corporation will be at the expence of erecting
one Church in this town if the Parish will be at the expence of erecting
another, and do authorize and request the Mayor to make this proposal
to the Parish at the Vestry to be held for taking the above subject into
consideration."

1793, Feby. 6th. A petition was prepared and presented
setting forth :

" That from the great increase of the Commerce and of the population Petition,
of the said Town and Parish of Liverpool, the inhabitants thereof are now
become so very numerous that the present churches therein are by no
means sufficient to contain the inhabitants desirous to attend religious
worship according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England,
and that therefore the Corporation of the said town are willing and Corporation
desirous to erect at their own proper expence one other Church in the said and Pansh -
town, and the inhabitants of the said town and parish are also willing and
desirous to erect at their expence one other Church in the said town and
parish.

N N

, 282 CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

" That the said Corporation have lately purchased a certain building
St. Gather- in the said town and parish called St Catherine's Chapel sometime since
' urch< erected at the expence of a number of private persons in which Divine
Service is celebrated, and the right of appointing the Chaplain thereof, is
by law vested in the Rectors, of the said parish, which Rectors and also
the Ordinary of the Diocese of Chester in which the said town and Parish
are situate are willing and desirous that the property of the said Chapel
should be vested in the said Corporation, and that the presentation or
appointment of the Chaplains to the said Chapel of Saint Catherine should
be vested in the Mayor, Bailiffs and Common Council of Liverpool for
the time being . . . with other recitals.

" Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that leave may be given to
bring in a Bill for the several purposes aforesaid."

The Bill was passed accordingly.

st.Matthew's The Nonconformist Chapel in Key Street, erected in 1706,
on the removal of the congregation to Paradise Street in 1791,
was purchased by members of the Established Church.

" 1794, Octr. i. Ordered that the petition of the proprietors of the
Chapel in Key Street to this Council to request the Bishop of Chester
Petition for to consecrate such Chapel be referred to the Select Committee and that
don 36 "* they do make their re P rt thereon to the Council."

The Church was subsequently consecrated under the
name of St. Matthew.

" 1800, Feby. 5. Pudsey Dawson Mayor.

Letter from " Upon reading a letter from Mr Edward Blackstock the Vestry Clerk,
Vestry Clerk. t the Mayor, of the 31" Deer 1799, adverting to the circumstance of
the Corporation and Parish having it in contemplation in the years
1792 and 1793 to join in the erecting two new churches for the general
accommodation of the inhabitants, and also intimating that the Parish
Committee were of opinion that the same reason still existed for the
adopting and carrying such plan into execution, and that the ground
between St James Street and Great George Street, was in their opinion
St. Michael's, proper for the erection of one of such new Churches upon, and that if the
scheme still continued to meet the approbation of the Council, they would
recommend it to the consideration of the next Annual Vestry.

" Resolved and Ordered, that the subject matter of this letter be, and
the same is hereby referred to the Select Committee to consider and report
their opinion upon."

The Church was built accordingly, after long delay, and
completed in 1825, consecrated to St. Michael.

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 283

" 1800, Feby 5. Upon reading the petition of Mr John Houghton of
the 3 rd February instant, stating that he had erected a Church or Chapel
upon a piece of ground on the south of Hunter Street, and that he was
desirous of having the said Church or Chapel placed upon the establish-
ment of the Church of England, for which purpose he had obtained the
consent of the Right Reverend the Bishop of Chester, and desired the
concurrence of the Common Council. And also that he had caused a Bill
to be prepared for Parliament, a copy whereof he begged leave to submit
to the perusal of the Common Council and humbly hoped for their
approbation.

" Resolved and Ordered, that the said petition and the Copy Bill be,
and the same is hereby referred to the Select Committee to consider and
report."

The Church was consecrated and opened in 1800, under
the name of Christ's Church.

" 1800, Aug. 6. Upon reading the petition of the Reverend Mr Thomas
Jones for liberty for himself and friends to build a church at the top of St. Mark's
Duke Street, if the Corporation and Rectors shall be pleased to give their church '
countenance to the same :

" Resolved and Ordered, that the consideration of the said petition be
referred to the Select Committee to consider and report."

The Church was erected and opened in 1803, dedicated
to St. Mark.

In the foregoing pages, several extracts have been given
from the records bearing upon the Free Grammar School, *;
founded by John Crosse before the Reformation, and at the school.
Dissolution vested in the Corporation.

" 1774, Deer. 7. Peter Rigby Mayor.

" It is now Ordered, that Mr Mayor and Bailiffs and any other gentle-
man of the Council who will attend Mr Mayor, be appointed a Committee Committee
to view and return a state of the present Free School and to take the
petition of Mr Baines the Head Master thereof into consideration respect-
ing a new School and report their proceedings to the next Council." New School.

" 1775, Apl. 5. On the report of the Committee to whom the state of
the Free School was referred, they now report that the School is very Report,
sufficient for the Scholars save that the same wants some additional or
enlarged lights to be made therein and other small repairs which the Repairs.
Mayor, Bailiffs and Treasurer are ordered to get done at the Corporation
expense, if the Trustees of the Charity School are not obliged by their
contract to do them."

284 CHAP. Ill, A.D. 17601800.

It should be explained that the Grammar School was kept
in a room in School Lane, rented from the Trustees of the
Blue Coat Hospital.

Petition from " 1786, Feby. i. Ordered, on the petition of Mr Baines Head Master
of the Free Grammar School, that his annual stipend shall be increased
in consideration of his long and faithful services, to the sum of One
hundred and five pounds, to be paid yearly during the will and pleasure of
the Corporation."

" 1788, Sept. 23. Upon the consideration of a petition presented to the
Council by the Reverend Mr Hodgson for a piece of land whereon to

Sunday erect a Sunday School. It is the opinion that the first object is to take
into consideration the present state of the Free School and it is now

Inquiry. accordingly ordered that the Town Clerk do forthwith by search of the
Corporation Records and by such other means as shall be necessary
inquire into the endowment of the said Free School and make his report
to the next Committee."

" 1789, May 12. The Committee proceeded to view the land and build-
ing in Orange Street in consequence of the Reverend Mr Hodgson's
memorial for the purpose of erecting Public Schools. As it is the inten-

Free School, tion of this Committee to recommend to the Council to establish the Free
School upon a more liberal and extended plan, they cannot at present see
the necessity of any further Day Schools, and are of opinion that the
Sunday Schools properly attended to by the Clergy and Laity are amply
sufficient for the education of the lower class of children."
" X 793> J an y- 2 - Clayton Tarleton Mayor.

Mayor's " The Mayor having reported to the Council that the scholars resorting

Report. to the present Free School within this town, had from the great increase
of the town and from the circumstance of the Schools being free to the
children of all the freemen, become so numerous as totally to preclude
from the benefit thereof the sons of persons who were anyways able to
bear the expence of paying for their education elsewhere ; and that the

Private number and reputation of the private schools within this borough for the

Schools education of youth of the established church by no means keep pace with
deficient. ,, ......... J , r

the growth and consequence of this flourishing town : by reason whereot

many persons were obliged at a great expence added to the inconvenience
of removing their children from under their own eye to send them to
schools at a distance, and others were induced to submit education to
persons not of the established church.

" This Council, taking the above representation into their most serious
consideration and being of opinion that the education of youth and the
superintendance of their moral and religious principles are matters of the
highest concern both to the present and rising generation, and as such are

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 285

objects deserving the utmost care and attention, and well worthy of the

munificence and liberality of this opulent Corporation. Doth therefore

resolve and order that a Committee be now appointed for the purpose Committee to

of providing a school or schools for the education of youth, with full

powers to erect such building as shall seem to them to be expedient and

necessary, and to frame such a code of rules and regulations as shall

appear to them to be requisite for the good government of the same, and

that the said rules and regulations be reported to Council and entered on

the Council Book.

" Ordered that the following gentlemen do compose such Comittee. Committee.
The Mayor, Bailiffs (with ten others) and that the said Committee have
likewise power to examine into the state of and make such regulations and
alterations in the present Free School as shall be necessary to render it
more commodious for the education of children of the poorer class."

Notwithstanding this metaphorical flourish of trumpets,
nothing came of this record. Matters remained the same
until the death of Mr. Baines, the Head Master, in 1803, Decease of

Baines.

when the School was closed, to be revived again after twenty
years' suspense.

In respect to MANNERS and CUSTOMS, there is very little in
this portion of the records differing materially from those of
the present day. There is, however, one record of a piece of
ruffianism publicly perpetrated which happily would be now
almost impossible.

" 1777, Feby. 5. William Clarke Mayor.

" Ordered that what money shall be collected by the voluntary contribu-
tions of well disposed persons for the relief of one Mary Clarke, who was Mary Clarke
lately sett upon, assaulted and cruelly and barbarously ducked in the dock, ill-treated.
so as to endanger her life, and thrown her into violent convulsions so as to
incapacitate her (in all probability) from getting her future livelihood (and
for which several of the rioters have been lately convicted and ordered to Rioters
be fined and imprisoned by the last Court of Quarter Sessions for this punished,
borough) be taken in by this Corporation on an annuity for her life, and
that she be allowed and paid for at the rate of ten per cent for such money,
and that a Bond be passed under the Common Seal for payment thereof,
to be made to Ralph Peters and Joseph Brooks Esquires in trust for her
sole and separate use, as Mr Peters shall settle and fix it."

CHAPTER FOURTH.

FROM A.D. 1800 TO THE PASSING OF THE MUNICIPAL
REFORM ACT, 1835.

PUBLIC AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS.

The times were stirring, England was engaged in a
spasmodic struggle with the French under Napoleon for very
existence. War abroad and sedition at home were severely
trying the endurance and loyalty of the nation. Liverpool
was faithful to its ancient loyal traditions, and bravely
supported the Government in its arduous contest.

In February, 1803, Col. Despard and his accomplices
were brought to trial at the Old Bailey for high treason.
Despard and six others were found guilty and executed.

" 1803, March 2. Jonas Bold Mayor.

Address. " Resolved that an Address be presented to his Majesty ' upon his

escape from the late traitorous conspiracy against his sacred person and
government,' and that the same be transmitted to the members for the
borough, Lieut.-Gen. Tarleton and Major-Gen. Gascoyne for presen-
tation."

The address was as follows :

" Most Gracious Sovereign.

" We, your Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects the Mayor, Recorder,
Aldermen, Bailiffs and Common Council of the town of Liverpool most
humbly approach the throne to tender to your Majesty our sincere and
heartfelt congratulations on the detection and failure of the late atrocious
and treasonable conspiracy against your Majesty's sacred person and
Government ; fully convinced that the diabolical machinations, even of
the few, which through the interposition of Divine Providence have again
been happily frustrated, serve only to prove more decisively the mis-
chievous tendency of those pernicious doctrines and principles, which are
equally destructive of all true and genuine liberty, and of that real

PUBLIC AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 287

comfort and security which every class of society may enjoy under the

best of Kings. And we beg leave most respectfully to assure your

Majesty of our determined resolution to adhere to and support the present Assurances.

glorious constitution as by law established, and which we hope and trust

will long continue to flourish under the paternal auspices and protection

of a Sovereign so truly religious and virtuous, and so highly deserving the

unfeigned regard and inviolable attachment of a grateful people."

This was followed by an energetic movement for the Port

i r r i T-. Defences.

defence of the Port.

1803, July loth. A public meeting of the inhabitants was
held, at which an Acting Committee was appointed, who
presented the following report :

" 1803, July 18. The Committee appointed to consider what measures
it might be necessary to adopt for most effectually putting the town of
Liverpool and its Harbour into the best state of defence against an
enemy, having taken the several matters into serious deliberation, do
report

" That it is dttr decided and unanimous opinion that the present force is
quite inadequate to the defence of the town and Harbour against any
attack which the enemy may make, and which there is great reason to
apprehend he meditates.

" And that we are of opinion it is absolutely necessary for the preserva-
tion of the said town and harbour, and for the security of the lives and
property of the inhabitants, and of every thing held dear in society, that
prompt and efficacious measures should be instantly adopted for the immediate
defence of the place, to guard against surprize and to avert the general Ste P s -
devastation, horrors and massacres, the constant and well-known atten-
dants on every successful attempt of the vindictive and merciless foe.

" And that it is our opinion that an armed association of the inhabitants Armed
of this town is indispensably requisite to aid the force now here, and such Association,
further force as may be stationed here by Government, in defence of the
said town and harbour.

" And that the Plan which has been delivered by Major-General Benson
to your Committee for the defence of the harbour, appears to us to be
excellently calculated for that purpose, and is recommended by us to be
adopted.

" And that the Chief Magistrate should be requested to press for the Measures,
naval force promised by Government, and also to renew his application
for a Signal Officer.

" And that we are of opinion the expenses of carrying Major-General Cost.
Benson's plan into compleat effect (with the aid of the guns and stores

288

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

now deposited in this town) will amount to ^1600 or thereabouts (as per
estimate No. i) which we beg may be taken as a part of this our report.

" And that it appears to us, that in addition to the four field pieces now
at the disposal of the Parish of Liverpool, it is expedient to provide six

Ordnance. other Field pieces, to be used as Flying Artillery, and to be formed into a
Brigade, together with the necessary apparatus. And that the cost of the
above additional six Field pieces and the hire of horses to draw the same
for one year, may be computed at ^1390 as appears by Estimate No. 2
which we beg may be taken as part of this our Report.

Gunboats. " And that we are of opinion that two Gun boats, of a construction
suitable for the river Mersey, should be provided as soon as possible,
each mounting an 18 Pounder on the bow, the expence of which will be
if two of the Fort guns are appropriated to that service about "800, as
will appear by the said estimate No. 2.

Men. " And that it is our opinion that the number of men necessary to

manage the said respective Field pieces, Batteries, Guns and Gunboats
will be as under viz

" MEN
" For 29 Guns in the different Batteris 290

10 Guns in the Fort 100

10 Artillery Guns 13 men each 130

2 Gunboats 40 men each 80

"600
" And that the above number of men should be paid, clothed in uniform,

exercised and trained to the perfect use of the said Artillery, Great guns,

and Gunboats as well as to the use of Pikes, the expence of which may
Estimate. be estimated at "1620 or thereabouts as appears by the said estimate

No. 2.

" And that we are unanimously of opinion and earnestly recommend
Volunteers, that a further Volunteer force of at least two Regiments of Infantry, to

consist of 560 Rank & File each, should be immediately raised for the

defence of this town.
Cost. " And that we are of opinion the expence of raising and cloathing such

two regiments will be about ^"4000 provided Government will make the

usual allowances, but if this is refused, a proportionate increased expence

will have to be provided for.

" And that in addition to the Amunition, the property of the Government

and of this town, which remained unexpended at the conclusion of the last

war, it will be proper to procure an immediate supply of 200 barrels of
Powder. Powder, 20 tons of Cannon Shot, as well round as grape, and 4 tons of

Musket Ball, the expence of which may be estimated at ^1620.
Depot. " And that it appears to us highly desirable that a Dep6t for Gunpowder

should be immediately formed on the Lancashire side of the river Mersey

PUBLIC AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 289

for the better protecting and securing a supply of Amunition, the expence
of which it should seem will not exceed the sum of ^"500.

" And that a general Subscription be entered into to carry out the Subscription.
objects of this report."

The Estimates are set forth at length, and amount to the
sum of 11,530.

" 1803, July 12.

" Resolved and Ordered that a Sum of not less than ^"2000 be laid out Funds.
by the Corporation, and that the Dock Committee be also authorized to
advance and lay out a Sum of not less than ^"1000 from the Dock funds
for carrying out some one or more of the objects of the said Report."

July 28th. At a Special Meeting of the Council, a Com-
mittee was appointed as a Committee of Defence for the Defence

_ . . , . ... . . Committee.

Town and Port during the continuance of the war, with
power to expend the money voted.

The Mayor was requested to write to Lord St. Vincent,
First Lord of the Admiralty, requesting that two ships with
heavy metal might be immediately sent to the Port, one to
be a block ship, the other to be stationed at the mouth of
the Harbour, and to act in conjunction with the Batteries
on shore.

" 1803, Sept. 7. Resolved and Ordered, that his Royal Highness Prince Prince
Frederick William (of Gloucester) who is lately come to this town as
Lieutenant General and Commanding Officer of the district, be requested
to accept the Freedom of the Borough, and that the Mayor, Bailiffs and
Town Clerk be desired to wait upon his Royal Highness with the following
address."

This is couched in the high-flowing language common to
such productions. He was also entertained at a public
dinner, which was given in the Union Newsroom in Duke
Street, then recently erected.

The cost of the dinner is set out in the minutes as being
246 145.

1803, Sept. igth. Jonas Bold, Mayor.

o o

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Duke of
Gloucester.

Meethi A Public Meeting was held in the Town Hall, when the

subscription. Mayor subscribed 3000 on behalf of the Corporation, and
2000 on behalf of the Dock Trustees, towards the defences
of the Port during the war, in addition to the sum of ^3000
previously subscribed, a portion of which had already been
expended. One principal object is stated to have been the
purchasing and fitting a number of Gun Boats, the guns and
ammunition to be provided by the Government. Another,
the erection of Fortifications on the Lancashire and Cheshire
shores, the Government providing the men and arms.

1804, Sept. The Duke of Gloucester, brother of George
III., and father of Prince Frederick William, paid a visit to
the town. He was, according to ordinary custom, presented
with the Freedom, and an address, followed by a public
dinner.

1804, October 3rd. A scheme propounded by Prince
Frederick William was laid before the Council for the erec-
tion of Barracks in Great Howard Street, near the Gaol, for
the accommodation of 1000 men. This was not looked on
favourably by the Government, and came to no result.

About the same date the town was visited by the two
naval heroes, Sir Thomas Trowbridge and Sir John Jarvis
(Earl St. Vincent), who were welcomed with the usual
honours.

1805, Nov. I4th. Henry Clay, Mayor.

After the victory of Trafalgar and the death of Nelson, an
address was presented to the Crown, of congratulation and
condolence.

At the same time the sum of 1000 was voted by the
Council towards the erection of a monument to the memory
of the hero.

1807, April 1 8th. The Prince of Wales, accompanied by

Barracks.

Admirals.

Death of
Nelson.

PUBLIC AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 291

the Duke of Clarence (William IV.), visited the town, with
the usual festivities and addresses. It was also

" Resolved, that the Town Hall and other public offices be illuminated Ulumina-
in a style of extent and grandeur, similar to those upon the King's tl(
recovery, and that the Mayor and Magistrates be desired to recommend a
general illumination through the town.

The Town Hall being at the time under alteration and
repair, the dinner was given in the large room of the Liver- Dinner.
pool Arms Hotel in Castle Street. The report states :

" Your Committee provided an elegant gold box to be presented to the
Prince with the Freedom of the town ; they also procured for this occasion
a Service of Plate and other articles for the Prince's table, and they
directed every delicacy of the season to be provided for the tables, and by
every exertion in their power they procured the choicest wines of every
sort, as well from the cellars of private gentlemen, who cheerfully and
liberally supplied them as from public vaults.

" Your Committee selected the company to the dinner by inviting the Company.
Earl of Derby and all the visitors at Knowsley, all the principal Military
and Naval Officers in the town, several of the principal gentlemen in the
county, the principal clergy the Members of the Council and others."

A deputation assembled at the Mayor's house and pro- Deputation.
ceeded in carriages to Knowsley, where they presented the
address, and received a written reply, which is inserted.

1807. On Saturday, April igth, their Royal Highnesses prince's
again visited the town, and were taken to view the Docks V
and other objects of interest, and finally took leave amidst
the most enthusiastic demonstrations of loyalty, after pre-
senting three hundred guineas to the charities.

1807, April i6th. An address was adopted for presenta-
tion to the King, setting forth that :

" Amidst the ruin of institutions once deemed sacred and the demolition Address.
of empires which promised to resist innovation, it is the pride and
happiness of Britons that the integrity of this empire is preserved, that
its establishments civil and religious still exist, unshaken by the convulsions
of Europe and that the sceptre is swayed by a monarch who under
Providence is destined to be the watchful guardian of those invaluable

2Q2

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Address.

Expenses.

Jubilee.

King's
Statue.

and constitutional rights which we trust will be preserved inviolate to the
latest posterity by successors in your Majesty's illustrious family to the
throne of these realms."

1808, Jan. ayth. An address, breathing the same senti-
ments, was presented, concluding with the assurance that :

" So long as injustice and oppression continue the common practice
and pursuit of our enemy, your Majesty's Government may firmly rely
upon our best endeavours to meet every emergency, satisfied that the
ultimate and only object of the war, with your Majesty, is an honourable
and secure peace."

Some difficulties appear to have arisen as to the payment
of the expenses, for more than three years afterwards we find
the following entry :

" 1811, May 15. Upon the motion of Mr Alderman Dawson as chair-
man of the Committee to whom the consideration of the accounts delivered
in by Messrs Perrin, Geddes & Co, Glass Manufacturers at Warrington,
for the different articles of Glass presented to His Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales was referred,

" Resolved and Ordered that the sum of ^"706 i8s. od. being the balance
of the account still remaining due to them be paid."

The Jubilee of the reign of King George III. was cele-
brated with great 6clat.

" 1809, Octr. 17. James Gerard M.D. Mayor.

" Resolved and Ordered, that a respectful and dutiful Address be pre-
sented to his Majesty upon his entering into the Fiftieth Year of his reign
on the 25th of October instant."

1809, Octr. 2ist. John Clarke, Mayor.

A Special Council was held to take measures for carrying
out the celebration in a becoming manner. Amongst other
resolutions was one

" For permitting the statue intended to be erected to his Majesty to be
placed in Great George Square and of subscribing to the erection of the
statue out of the funds of the Corporation and of co-operating with the
general Committee outside."

An address was prepared, which expressed the sentiments
of the Council as follows :

PUBLIC AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 293

" We your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects the Mayor, Alder- Address.
men &c. of your Majesty's Ancient Borough of Liverpool . . beg leave
to approach the throne at this particular period, with the most heartfelt
emotions of joy and gratitude, and to be permitted to express our deep
and awful sense of the goodness of divine Providence to this highly
favoured Kingdom in the continuance of your Majesty's long and glorious
reign.

" Impressed with the inestimable value of your Majesty's life, we are
particularly anxious to offer our renewed assurances of fidelity and attach-
ment to a sovereign not less to be revered for his domestic virtues than
honored for the practice of those principles, which as they cast such
resplendent rays on the morning of your Majesty's reign do also gild the
evening of it with increasing lustre.

" We earnestly and devoutly supplicate the great Disposer of all events,
that your Majesty may long live to enjoy the blessings of your pious and
patriotic conduct, and continue the happy instrument of preserving in
the most exalted degree the civil and religious liberties of a free, loyal,
and grateful people."

It was proposed to have a Ball at the Town Hall, but the
alterations to the building were not in a sufficient state of
forwardness to allow it.

It was resolved, that the sum of ^500 be given towards
the erection of the intended statue in Great George Square, statue.

1816, Novr. A resolution was passed at a meeting of the
Committee of Subscribers " That the Council be respectfully
requested to permit the statue to be placed in the centre of
the wide part of London Road."

This request was complied with and the statue erected
accordingly.

" 1821, March 7. It having been represented to this Council that there
is a deficiency in the amount of the subscriptions for compleating the subscrip-
erection of the statue of his late Majesty, tions.

" Resolved that the Treasurer be authorized to pay the sum of two
hundred guineas for this purpose."

The town was brilliantly illuminated on the 2ist October,

J .

the day of the King's accession, and an entertainment was

tions.

294

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Sir Sydney
Smith.

Prisoners in
France.

Batteries.

Site to be
procured.

Perceval
shot.

Address.

given by the Mayor at the Town Hall. Towards the expense
of this the Council voted the sum of 120.

1811, May. Admiral Sir Sydney Smith visited the town
and was entertained by the Mayor. The recorded expense
was as follows :

' ' For the Dinner 61 2

Wine 74 17

,, Lamps and Lights 170 10

a
o

"306 92"

" 1811, May 10. James Drinkwater Mayor.

" Resolved and Ordered on the motion of the Mayor that a handsome
and liberal sum of money be subscribed by this Corporation towards the
relief of the British prisoners in France, which sum in consideration
that there may be a great many of the Freemen of this borough and other
inhabitants and persons belonging to the same in the number was fixed
at 500, to be transmitted to Thomas Ferguson Esq Secretary to the
Committee appointed for this purpose, who have advertized that they
have secured a safe conveyance for such sums as are to be remitted to
France for the use of the prisoners."

" 1811, Deer. 12. John Bourne Mayor.

" The Mayor having laid before this Council a letter received from
Major Gen. Dirom commanding the district, representing the dilapidated
state of the three Batteries erected by the Corporation in 1796 for the
general defence of the town and Shipping.

" Resolved and Ordered that the subject be referred to the Select
Finance Committee, with instructions to combine if possible with this
business the obtaining possession of the present Fort and Battery now
wanted for the scite of the New North Dock called Prince's Dock."

The negotiation went on for twelve months, and ultimately
possession was obtained.

1812. On Monday, the nth May, Mr. Spencer Perceval,
the Prime Minister, was shot in the lobby of the House of
Commons by Bellingham, previously a Liverpool merchant.

An address to the Prince Regent was adopted by the
Council, expressive of their sorrow and indignation at the
atrocity, and offering their strongest assurances of loyalty
and attachment, and their fixed determination to support on
every occasion the honour and dignity of the Crown.

PUBLIC AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 295

1813, January I3th. Great sympathy was excited on
behalf of the Russian people at the time of Bonaparte's
advance on Moscow.

" It was Resolved and Ordered that the sum of two hundred pounds
be subscribed by this Corporation towards the relief of the Russian Subscription
people who have so severely suffered by the French invasion."

1813, Nov. agth. When the reaction took place, and the
rising in Germany led to the success of the Allied Armies,
there were great rejoicings.

At a Special Council, held for the purpose of taking into
consideration the best manner of expressing the gratitude Rejoicings.
and exultation on the great success of his Majesty's arms
and those of his allies, it was Resolved :

" That an address be presented to the Prince Regent expressive of the Address.
high sense entertained by this Council of the late glorious achievements
of his Majesty's Arms, and of the happy result by the attainment of an
honorable and permanent peace."

A public meeting of the inhabitants was held, which Public
determined on celebrating the joyful occasion by a general
illumination, but to this serious objections were raised.

It was resolved, that should the illumination take place, niumina-
the south front of the Town Hall should be brilliantly
illuminated.

A public dinner and ball were held at the Town Hall. Dinner and

Ball.

1815, July 5th. Thomas Leyland, Mayor.

The Mayor having stated to the Council that in com-
pliance with a requisition, he had convened a public meeting Meeting.
for the purpose of affording an opportunity to the town at
large of testifying their admiration of the conduct of the
British army under the command of Field Marshal the
Duke of Wellington in the splendid victory of the i8th June,
by instituting a subscription for the widows and children of Subscription.

2g6

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Nelson's
Monument

Freedom to
Wellington.

those who had fallen on that memorable day, and in the
battles immediately preceding :

" Resolved that the Mayor be authorised at such meeting to subscribe
the sum of two hundred guineas."

" 1815, October 10. The request of the Committee for the erection of
the Monument to the memory of the late Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson
that the Council would be pleased to take upon itself the perpetual repair
of the Monument upon receiving from the Committee the sum of one
hundred Pounds having been signified to the Council.

" Resolved, that the offer of such sum be declined to be received, but
that the Council with a view to the protection and security of a Work so
honourable to the country as a work of Art, and to this town as a splendid
instance of its patriotism, liberality and taste, do take upon itself the
Maintenance, perpetual repair of the monument, and that the expense of such repair
from time to time be defrayed out of the Corporation estate."

" 1815, Novr. 7. William Barton Mayor.

" Resolved, that the Freedom of this borough be presented to Field
Marshal his Grace the Duke of Wellington in testimony of the high
admiration, and grateful sense entertained by the Council of the signal
and eminent services so repeatedly rendered by his Grace to the country
at large, and more especially of the last glorious victory obtained on the
plains of Waterloo ; a victory adding fresh lustre to the splendid achieve-
ments of the British Arms, but attributable principally to the consumate
skill and personal valour displayed by the great Commander himself."

1816, May nth. At a Special Council, an address was
adopted for presentation to the Prince Regent on the occasion

Marriage of of the marriage of the Princess Charlotte, with corresponding
addresses to the Queen and to the Princess, and to Prince
Leopold. The Mayor and Bailiffs, with the Recorder, were
deputed to repair to London for the purpose of presenting
the addresses in person, accompanied by the members for
the Borough. On this occasion the Mayor, Mr. William
Barton, received the honour of knighthood.

A ball was given at the Town Hall. The expense of
lighting the rooms is stated to have amounted to 53.

1817, Nov. 6th. Thomas Case, Mayor.

An address of condolence was adopted, to be presented

Princess
Charlotte.

PUBLIC AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 297

to the Prince Regent, on the lamented decease of the Princess Princess

Charlotte's

Charlotte. Death.

1818, Deer. 5th. Jonathan Blundell Hollinshead, Mayor.

An address of condolence was presented on the decease Queen

Charlotte.

of Queen Charlotte.

1819, Octr. This period was one of great distress and Distress,
discontent amongst the manufacturing population. Soon
after what was called the Peterloo Massacre, at Manchester,

an address to the Prince Regent was adopted, setting forth
that :

" At a period when sedition under the imposing mask of reform, and Address.
tumult under the specious pretext of legal assemblage are rapidly com-
bining to alienate the affections of the people from their sovereign, and to
endanger the existence of all civil and religious rights, we feel it to be a
duty imperative upon us to express in the strongest terms our abhorrence
of such pernicious doctrines as are daily and industriously promulgated
amongst those who are totally incompetent to discuss their merits, or to
decide upon their truth, and which are alone calculated to bring into
contempt the constituted authorities of the realm, to spread more widely
the spirit of disaffection and discord, and to kindle more fiercely the flame
of insurrection and rebellion in the country.

" Deprecating alike all premature judgments and all precipitate enquiries
we feel the most perfect confidence that such temperate, firm, and
seasonable measures will be adopted, as may tend to bring to justice Measures
all who have really offended against the law, to preserve due order and ad P te d-
obedience amongst the people, and to allay the progress of those factious
and alarming combinations, which have of late so essentially disturbed
the comforts and happiness of society and so vitally affected the welfare
and prosperity of the kingdom at large."

1820, King George III. died on the 2Qth January. Death of
February and. John Tobih, Mayor.

An address was adopted for presentation to the new
monarch, who was publicly proclaimed in front of the Town
Hall on February 4th. On February i2th a grand procession
of the inhabitants took place to celebrate the event.

On the presentation of the address, the Mayor received

the honour of knighthood.

p P

2g8

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

1821. Measures were taken to celebrate the forthcoming
coronation, coronation with brilliancy and eclat. A Committee was
appointed under the presidency of the Mayor, to make the
due preparations.

June nth. At a Special Council, it was Resolved :

" That a sum of ^1500 be presented by the Corporation on the day of
his Majesty's coronation to be distributed amongst the public Charities
of the town, and that a Committee, to consist of the whole Council be
appointed to consider of the best mode of distributing the same ; and also

Preparations, that the Committee be authorized to consider the propriety of the appli-
cation of a further sum for the entertainment of the various classes of
tradesmen or Societies of the town on the day of the coronation.

Opening of " Resolved also that the Prince's Dock be publicly opened on the day
of the coronation by the Mayor and Common Council."

Prince's
Dock.

Proposed
Deputation.

Portrait by
Laurence.

Duke of

York's

Portrait.

Misunder-
standing.

1821, June 13. Thomas Leyland, Mayor.

By order of the Council, a letter was addressed by the
Mayor to the members for the borough expressing a desire
that the Body Corporate should attend by deputation at the
King's coronation, and proposing to send in a petition to this
effect to the Court of Claims. This proposal met with
no encouragement and was not pressed.

"1821, July 4. Resolved that the Mayor be requested to communicate
to Sir Thomas Laurence the great dissatisfaction felt by this Council at
not having been yet furnished with the portrait of his late Majesty, and
particularly so as from the strong and repeated assurances of Sir Thomas
Laurence they have been induced to believe it would have been finished
a long time since.

" Resolved that his Royal Highness the Duke of York will be graciously
pleased to honor the Common Council of this borough with his portrait
by one of the most eminent artists of the day, and that the Mayor be
requested to obtain his Royal Highness's consent."

An unpleasant little contretemps occurred in reference to
the preparations for the Coronation day.

" 1821, July 4. Thomas Leyland Mayor.

" Resolved, that in case application be made for the use of the public
rooms in the Townhall for a Ball on the evening of the Coronation day

PUBLIC AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 299

the Select Finance Committee be authorized to grant the same ; the
rooms to be lighted at the expence of the Corporation."

This was thought by the Mayor to be an infringement of
his jurisdiction, and he invited a dinner party for the same
evening.

1821, July iyth. A Special Council was held,

" To take into consideration the following advertisement, issued by the
Coronation Ball Committee, which, in consequence of the unjustifiable Coronation
representation made therein, has determined the Mayor not to allow his Ba "
dining apartments in the Townhall to be taken from him without his
consent.

' Advertisement
' Coronation Ball

' The Mayor having unexpectedly invited a party to dine with him on Mayor's
Thursday next the igth July at the Townhall, the Committee for conduct- Refusa!
ing the festivities of his Majesty's coronation regret that they are under
the necessity of postponing the Ball to the following evening, Friday the
2oth instant.

' By Order of the Committee

' Jos. LANGTON, Secy.'

" Resolved unanimously, that the Mayor be requested to grant the use
of the rooms in the Town Hall for the purposes of the intended Ball on
the evening of the aoth instant."

The Mayor thereupon declined to give his consent. The
ball, therefore, had to be abandoned.

A resolution was passed on the 5th September following :

" That the Treasurer be directed to pay to Joseph Langton Esq the Payment of
Secretary of the Coronation Ball Committee the sum of ^"135 153. od. Expenses.
for the purpose of discharging the tradesmen's bills for expenses incurred
by that Committee in making preparations for the Ball intended to have
been held in the Town Hall on the igth and aoth July in celebration of
his Majesty's Coronation."

1821, July igth. The Coronation day was celebrated by coronation
the most magnificent demonstration ever seen in Liverpool. ay '
A procession of the various trades paraded the streets with
their insignia, banners, bands of music, &c. Their destina- Festivities.
tion was the Prince's Dock, round which the procession

300

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Balance.

deployed, whilst the ship May, a Liverpool West Indiaman,
followed by other vessels, entered the dock.

1821, Sept. 5th. A communication from the Coronation
Committee of tradesmen mentioning the intended appropria-
tion of a small balance of the sum of ^600, voted by the
Council on the day of his Majesty's coronation, and request-
ing that the Council would be pleased to accept the suit of
brass armour worn by the Champion on the Coronation day,
having been laid before the Council,

" Resolved, that the Council approve of the intended appropriation of
the balance, and that the suit of armour be accepted with thanks.

" Resolved also, that the thanks of this Council be presented to the
Coronation Committee of Tradesmen for the services rendered by them
upon the recent celebration of his Majesty's Coronation."

" 1827, Jany. 17. Thos. Littledale Mayor.

" Resolved that an address of condolence be presented to his Majesty
on the occasion of the death of the Duke of York."

1827, Aug. 27th. Pursuant to a requisition to the Mayor,
a public meeting was called " for the purpose of taking into
consideration and determining upon the propriety of showing
some mark of respect to the memory of the Right Hon.
George Canning, who died on the 8th August."

" It was Resolved, ' That a monument be erected to his memory, and
that a subscription be entered into to defray the cost and contingent
expenses of erecting such monument.' "

Subscription. " 1827, Sept. 5. Resolved, that the sum of ^500 be subscribed towards
the erection of the monument to the memory of the late Mr Canning."

The commission for a statue was given to Mr. Chantrey.
It was completed in 1832.

1832, March 7th. Samuel Sandbach, Mayor.

A letter was read from Mr. Littledale, chairman of the
statue. Monument Committee, requesting that the statue should be
placed in the Town Hall, and recommending the first landing
of the principal stairs as the most eligible site.

Brass
Armour.

Thanks to
Committee.

Death of
Duke of
York.

Canning's
Monument.

'PUBLIC AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 301

The request was granted, and on the 27th September
following the statue was formally unveiled.

In 1828 the widow of Mr. Canning was created a Lady

Canning.

viscountess.

1828, March 5th. The Mayor announced to the Council
that he had received a communication from Lady Canning, Her request.
expressive of a wish that in the armorial bearings to be
adopted by her Ladyship, some record should be introduced
to denote the connection of Mr. Canning with the town of
Liverpool ; whereupon it was

" Resolved unanimously that the Council on the part of the town feel
highly honoured by the sentiments expressed by Lady Canning, and that
her request be complied with ; any attendant expenses to be paid by the
Corporation."

1828, Nov. Sir Robert (then Mr.) Peel paid a visit to the visit of Peel,
town. As a member of the Cabinet and leader of the House
of Commons he was received with great respect, presented
with the freedom of the borough and with an address, which
referred especially to the improvements introduced into the
Criminal Code and the administration of the law by his
instrumentality. To this he gave a graceful and suitable
reply.

1830, July 26. King George IV. departed this life, and Death of
William IV. succeeded.

The usual address to the new monarch was voted by the Address.
Council. The Mayor, Mr. George Drinkwater, was deputed
to present the address in person, accompanied by the Recorder
and the Bailiffs. On the presentation the Mayor received
the honour of knighthood.

1830. On the occasion of the opening of the Liverpool opening of
and Manchester Railway, Sept. I5th, great preparations were
made for the entertainment of the numerous distinguished
visitors expected, especially the Duke of Wellington.

302 CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

A Committee was appointed to carry out the arrangements,
with unlimited powers of expenditure. The unfortunate acci-
^ ent ^7 which Mr. Huskisson lost his life, put a stop to the
proceedings, of which a report was presented to the Council
on the 3rd November. It states that the arrangements had
been made on the lines of the visit of the Prince of Wales in

Preparations. !8o6 ; that it was their determination to exhibit a splendour
in this entertainment worthy of the individual and the occa-
sion ; that they were confirmed in this by the very numerous
list of nobility and distinguished strangers who were to be
present at the opening of the Railway the day previous. A
suitable service of plate was hired from Messrs. Gerrard, of

Freedom to London, at the cost of /25O. A gold box for the presenta-

Wellington.

tion of the Freedom (which remained undisposed of) cost
157 IDS. The contract with Mr. Lynn for the dinner was
235, from which he allowed a deduction of 40 in conse-
quence of the dinner not taking place. The cost of fitting up
Expenses, the rooms was ^168 43. gd. In the whole the sum expended
on the abortive preparations amounted to ^835 i6s. nd.

The Duke in declining to join in the proposed festivities,
Duke's expressed his deep regret at the melancholy circumstances,

and his sense of the honour which the Corporation intended

for him.
coronation of 1831. On the coronation of King William and Queen

William IV.

Adelaide in September, addresses to the King and Queen
were presented by the Mayor, Mr. Thomas Brancker, in
person, accompanied by the Bailiffs, " which," it is reported,
" their Majesties were pleased to receive most graciously,
and the Mayor also stated that upon this occasion his
Majesty was pleased to confer the honour of knighthood
upon him."

1832, July 4th. Samuel Sandbach, Mayor.

PUBLIC AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 303

An address was forwarded for presentation to the King Address,
expressive of the congratulations of the Council at his escape
from the attack recently made on his person.

1834, July 2. John Wright, Mayor.

On the introduction of the Irish Appropriation Bill into Irish Affairs.
Parliament, by which ten Irish Bishoprics were suppressed,
King William had expressed himself very strongly to a depu-
tation of Archbishops and Bishops in defence of the Church.

The Liverpool Town Council took up the subject very
warmly, and

" Resolved unanimously, That a dutiful and loyal address be presented Address.
to his Majesty the King from this Corporation, expressive of their unfeigned
thanks for the recent declaration made by his Majesty to the Reverend the
Archbishops and Bishops, in favour of the United Church of England and
Ireland as by law established in these realms.

" That the Worshipful the Mayor (having to present a similar address
from the inhabitants of the town) be respectfully requested to present this
address in person to his Majesty."

The circumstances which prevented the Duke of Wellington
from accepting the hospitality of the town in 1830 have been
stated above. During the contest preceding the passing of
the Municipal Reform Act, 1835, deputations from several of PP|J2 lto
the Corporate Bodies, including Liverpool, waited upon the Reform Act.
Duke and other peers to endeavour to interest them in
preventing the passing of the Bill.

" 1835, Octr. 7. James Aspinall Mayor.

" Resolved, that the thanks of this Council be respectfully offered to Thanks to
his Grace the Duke of Wellington, to the Most Honorable the Marquis of Wellington.
Salisbury, to the Lord Wharncliffe and to Lord Skelmersdale for the kind
attention afforded by them to the several deputations from this Council,
and for the assistance rendered.

" Resolved that the Worshipful the Mayor be respectfully requested to
communicate to his Grace the Duke of Wellington the sentiments of
regret felt by this Council, that no seasonable opportunity has yet been
afforded to this Council of enrolling his Grace as a Free Burgess of this Freedom to
borough in accordance with the resolution of the special Council in July Wellington.

304 CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

1830; and that the Mayor be further requested to transmit for his Grace's

Gold Box. acceptance the Gold Box then prepared for presentation ; which has

remained in the custody of the Mayor for the time being since that period."

The following reply was received from the Duke :

" Walmer Castle, Octr. 10, 1835.
" To James Aspinall, Esq.,

" Mayor of Liverpool.

Wellington's " I have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 8th

Reply, instant, in which you have enclosed copies of the minutes of the Council

of the Corporation of Liverpool of the 7th.

" I have always lamented the circumstances which prevented me in
the year 1830 from receiving the honour which the Corporation of Liver-
pool intended to confer upon me, and I have regretted that I have since
been prevented from waiting upon them.

" I beg to present to the Council my acknowledgements for their recol-
lection of me at such a moment as this, and to assure them that however
flattering this additional proof of their goodwill, it was not necessary to
induce me at all times to feel the most anxious interest in the welfare and
prosperity of their town ; and to make every effort in my power to promote
both.

" With many thanks for your polite communication, I have the honor
to be,

" Sir, Your most obedient humble servant,

" WELLINGTON."

A usual mode of complimenting distinguished men con-
sisted in presenting them with the freedom of the borough.
Many names of eminence are thus recorded in addition to
those already mentioned.

Freedoms In iSoa. Dr. Currie, the editor of Burns.

1807. Dr. Edward Jenner, the illustrious introducer of

vaccination.

1810. Admiral Sir Sydney Smith.

1812. The Earl of Liverpool.

1815. William Roscoe.

1816. Lord Viscount Sidmouth.

1820. Hon. E. G. Stanley (i4th Earl of Derby).

PUBLIC AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS. 305

In 1820. William George Brown, for his benefactions to
the Blue Coat School, in which he was
brought up.

1822. The Duke of Athol.

Right Hon. George Canning.
Major-General Gaseoyne.

1823. Right Hon. William Huskisson.
1833. George Stephenson.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

The town had now entered upon its latest phase under
the old exclusive Corporation. The population at the close

population, of the i8th century, had increased to 77,653, and including
the suburbs and the seamen would probably amount to 90,000.
The litigation so often repeated during the i8th century,
arising out of the usurped functions of the self-elected
Council, had subsided, owing to the want of funds of the
appellants, and the Council were left to administer the affairs
of the Corporation in peace until the final break up.

Toxteth The land in Toxteth Park, south of Parliament Street,

Park.

belonged almost exclusively to the Earl of Sefton, who in
1775 obtained an Act of Parliament enabling him to grant
building leases. By the end of the century a few houses had
been erected, and a scheme was brought forward for creating
Harrington, a new town to be called Harrington, after Isabella, the first
Countess of Sefton, who was a daughter of the Earl of
Harrington.

It is to this that the following entry refers :

" 1802, Octr. 6. Peter Whitfield Brancker Mayor.
" Resolved and Ordered, upon the motion of Mr. Earle, that it be an
instruction to the Select Finance Committee in their intended application
to Parliament, to obtain authority that the land purchased by the Corpo-
ration at the south end of the town from the Earl of Sefton and Messrs.
Roe and Leigh, and which is now considered as a part of the Township
of Toxteth Park in the Parish of Walton upon the Hill, may in future be
Extension of considered and taken as part of the Township and Parish of Liverpool,
Borough. entitled to equal benefits, and the same advantages in its rights, liberties,
franchises, and immunities, as the present town and parish of Liverpool,
and subject to the same and similar powers, jurisdiction and authority."

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 307

Nothing came of this scheme. The Act was never
obtained. It was under the Reform Act of 1835 that a
portion of Toxteth Park was incorporated with Liverpool.

In October 1803 Mr. Wm. Harper, Bailiff during the year
then expiring, was elected Mayor. Doubts were expressed at Mayoralty.
the time of the election, respecting the eligibility of the
candidate, he being practically one of the Returning Officers.

In order to settle the question of the validity of the
election, the Council made the following order :

" 1804, May 10. Jonas Bold, Mayor for the previous year, presiding.

" Whereas great doubts arose at the Court of Election held on the i8th
day of October last respecting the eligibility of William Harper to the Harper
office of Mayor, by reason of his being one of the Bailiffs at the time of electcd -
his election . . . the Council for the removal of all doubts and diffi-
culties, and for the purpose of ascertaining the true construction of the
Charters so far as they relate to the election of the Chief Officers of the
said town, Ordered an information in the nature of a Quo Warranio to be Quo
filed in the Court of King's Bench against the said Wm. Harper, and Warranl -
James Gerard and Thomas Molyneux (Bailiffs), and such proceedings
were thereupon had, that in the Easter term following, by the considera-
tion and judgment of the same court, the said William Harper was then
and there ousted from his said office of Mayor, and the said James Gerard Mayor
and Thomas Molyneux were also ousted from their said office of Bailiffs ousted -
of the said town, and a Writ of Mandamus was duly issued and awarded
by the said court for the election of chief officers in their room and place."

1804, May 2 1st. John Bridge Aspinall was elected Mayor
for the remainder of the Municipal year.

In October, 1804, Mr. Harper was again elected Mayor, Re-elected.
and the following resolution was passed :

" Ordered that the sum of ^222 i8s. 2d., being the amount of the
costs of the present Mayor in his defence be paid by the Treasurer."

It had been the custom from time immemorial, for the
outgoing Mayor to have the nomination of a friend to receive Mayor's
the freedom of the borough. Mr. Thos. Staniforth, Mayor
in 1797, had neglected to exercise this privilege. After his
decease in 1803, his widow applied to the Council that she

308

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Inquiry.

Request
granted.

migfet be allowed to take up the lapsed nomination, where-
upon, it was

" Resolved and Ordered, that the Town Clerk or his deputy examine
the Council minutes for thirty years back, and make a report to the next
Council of the names and trades or professions of the several persons who
have been severally admitted Freemen of this borough upon the nomina-
tion of the Aldermen in right of their having served the office of Mayor
during that period."

In March, 1806, the Council granted Mrs. Staniforth's
request, but on reconsidering the matter, they came to the
following resolution :

" 1806, April 2. Henry Clay Mayor.

" The present Common Council upon review of the order made at the
last Council, giving to the widow of the late Alderman Staniforth Esquire
the nomination of a Freeman of this borough, on reconsidering the same,
find it not to be warranted under the Bye-law for the admission of a
Mayor's Freeman ; and do therefore now at this Council with the acquies-
cence of Mrs Staniforth, signified by her son Mr Samuel Staniforth, now
present as a member of this Council, rescind the said order, but from
motives of respect to the memory of the late Alderman Staniforth, this
Council doth hereby nominate and appoint his friend Mr. Antony Little-
dale, merchant, a Freeman of this borough and Corporation."

Colonel John Bolton, an eminent merchant, who raised a
regiment of Volunteers, and was the life-long friend of George
Canning, was in 1807 elected a member of the Council,
apparently without consulting his wishes, for he declined to
serve ; whereupon

" 1807, Deer, 2. It was Resolved and Ordered,

Compulsion. " That the Town Clerk be directed to take measures for compelling
John Bolton Esquire to take the oaths of a member of this Council and to
attend in his place."

This resolution brought forth a letter of remonstrance
from Colonel Bolton, which led to the following resolution:

" 1808, Aug. 5. Henry Blundell Hollinshead Mayor.

" On reading a letter from John Bolton Esq r of the 5 th January last to
Reasons for the Mayor, stating his reasons for wishing to decline the honor of becoming
declining. a c ornm on Councilman, viz' that however anxious lie should be to the

Order

rescinded.

Bolton
elected.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 309

utmost of his power to fill the duties of that situation, it would be impos-
sible, both from the very uncertain state of his health and his almost
constant absence from Liverpool to undertake the active duties of that
office, and therefore hoping that he might be allowed to decline that honor ; .
and upon considering the same,

" Resolved and Ordered that the vote for the said John Bolton to be a
Common Councilman for this borough and Corporation, be and the same Election
is hereby rescinded."

There occur in the records few instances of Councillors
being expelled. One such occurred in 1813.

" 1813, Deer. 5. William Nicholson, Mayor.

" The opinions of Mr Holroyd and Mr Scarlett relative to the power of
this Council to remove Mr Thos Jno Parke one of the members, for his Parke.
gross misconduct when a partner in the late Banking house of Messrs
Gregson and Co, and for his continued neglect of attendance at the
Councils of this borough having been read,

" Resolved and Ordered, That the regular summons requiring the
attendance of Mr Parke at the next Council be served upon him and
repeated, as recommended in the Opinions, with a view to the expulsion Proposed
of Mr. Parke as one of the members of this Council." expulsion.

" 1814, April 6. Resolved, that the resignation of Mr Thomas John Resigns.
Parke as one of the members of this Council signified in his letter to the
Mayor now read be, and the same is hereby accepted."

1814, April 6th. A letter from John Gladstone, Esq. Letter from

/ rx J C" T u \ Gladstone.

(afterwards Sir John), as

" Chairman of the Sub-Committees of the associated bodies of merchants
and Shipowners in this town, soliciting the support of this Council to the
establishment of an office in London, to facilitate the despatch of Parlia-
mentary business having been read,

" Resolved that the consideration of the said letter be referred to the
Select Finance Committee."

This resulted in the establishment of the Liverpool Office London
in London, which has ever since been continued.

" 1814, July 6. William Nicholson, Mayor.

" A letter from William Roscoe Esq r Chairman of the Committee of the Letter from
Liverpool Institution, requesting the grant by this Corporation of a piece Roscoe -
of land for the purpose of erecting a building thereon having been read,

" Resolved, that the request contained in such letter be referred to the
Select Finance Committee and that they be fully authorized to comply with

3io

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Royal
Institution.

the same upon such liberal and extended scale as to them may seem proper ;
tliis Council perfectly according in the sentiments expressed in the letter
from Mr Roscoe as to the great utility of the institution and the benefits
which will be derived by the town of Liverpool from its establishment
therein. And that the Common Seal be affixed to such grant as may be
deemed requisite by the Committee to be made out on the occasion."

This resolution is extremely creditable to the Council of
that day, exhibiting a feeling of liberality, and an apprecia-
tion of culture hardly to have been expected. This was
the origin of the Royal Institution, which has certainly not
fulfilled the sanguine expectations of its founders.

The grant of land was not required, suitable premises
for the purpose having been purchased in Colquitt Street.

An application for aid to an institution of a more popular
kind was not so successful.

" 1825, July 6. A resolution passed at a public meeting of the inhabit-
ants convened at the Music Hall, requesting a contribution from the funds
of the Corporation in support of the Mechanics' Institute, having been
laid before this Council,

" Resolved that this subject be postponed for further consideration until
the next Council."

1825, August 3rd. At the next Council,

" The Council having resumed the consideration of the resolution, and
Mr Alderman Case having moved that the sum of ^500 be paid to the
Committee of the Mechanics' Institute, and such motion having been
seconded by Dr Gerard, the same was negatived."

The matter however did not end here. The parties
promoting the establishment of the Institute were earnest
and determined. Their next move was to purchase a large
plot of land on the south side of Mount Street, on contract
from the Corporation. The payment for this was postponed
from time to time until the accession of the reformed
Council, when ultimately a free grant was made.

The Corporation of Liverpool were never backward in
Relief Funds, contributing to the relief of distress, whether at home or
abroad.

Mechanics'
Institution.

Grant
refused.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 311

" 1809, Feby. 5. Jas Gerard Mayor.

" Upon the report of the Bailiffs stating that in consequence of a Trans-
port called the Maida having been driven into this port from Corunna by Maida
stress of weather, and having on board troops, they had thought proper Transport.
to order the non-commissioned officers and privates a suitable dinner and
refreshment in the kitchen of the Townhall and also each a flannel shirt,
drawers and shoes &c. which they appeared to be greatly in want of, the
expence of which amounted to the sum of

This was a detachment of the army under Sir John
Moore, which, after the repulse of the French at Corunna Corunna
in January, in which the General fell, was embarked for
England.

" 1811, December 10. John Bourne Mayor.

" The Mayor communicated to the Council that at the request of a
deputation from the Society for bettering the condition of the poor, he Poor
wished to know the sense of the Council for his government in regard to
the amount of the subscription they might wish to make on behalf of the
Corporation.

" Resolved and Ordered, That the Mayor be desired and authorized to
subscribe the sum of 100 guineas towards carrying into effect the purposes Subscription.
of that charity."

1814, April 20. A legacy for charitable purposes, of a
somewhat doubtful character, had to be dealt with by the
Council.

" Mr Alderman Crosbie produced the Probate of the Will of Joseph
Hunt of which he was appointed Executor, by which the Testator gave the
residue of his estate and effects to the Corporation ' on condition of their
allowing interest for the same after the rate of Five pounds per centum
per annum for ever for the purpose of providing dinner and ale for the Dinners for
Prisoners confined in the Borough Gaol upon every Christmas Day and Prisoners -
New Year's Day.'

" After due consideration, the Council resolved

" That it would not be advisable for the Corporation to accept of such Bequest
legacy upon the condition expressed in the said Will." declined.

1817, Feby. Great distress and want of work prevailing Distress.
in the town, a Committee was appointed at a public meeting,
which requested the Council to appoint a deputation to meet
them, to concert measures to be adopted for finding employ-

312

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Contribu-
tions.

Loan to
Docks.

Irish
Distress.

ment in some of the public works of the Corporation, for
a great number of persons now out of employ.

A deputation was appointed to meet the Committee, with
power to accept at interest upon security of the Corporation
Bond, the sum of 10,000, to be applied to the purposes
before mentioned, on the stipulation that the same remain
at interest for not less than five years.

" March 15. The Deputy Chairman of the Dock Committee stated
that they had agreed to apply to the Lords of the Treasury for the loan
of such a sum of money as would enable the Works at the Docks to be
carried on to their fullest extent, by which great relief might be given to
the labouring Poor, as well as the improvements of the Port to be com-
pleted with greater rapidity."

" 1822, May 16. Rich" Bullin Mayor.

" Great distress prevailing in Ireland, a special meeting of the Council
was called by the Mayor, when it was Resolved, That the sum of ^"300 be
Subscription, subscribed by this Corporation to the fund now raising for the relief of the
distresses which exist in Ireland, and that the Mayor be thanked for
calling the Council together for the purpose."

" 1825, Deer. 7. Peter Bourne Mayor,

" Resolved that the sum of ^500 be paid by the Treasurer in aid of the
subscription entered into in this town, for the relief of the sufferers by the
late dreadful fires in New Brunswick."

" 1826, May 5. Resolved that the sum of ^500 be paid by the Treasurer
to the Committee appointed at a public meeting on the 2 nd inst in aid of
the distressed manufacturers in this and the adjoining county of Chester."

" 1830, Feby. 3. George Drinkwater Mayor.

" Resolved, that in consequence of the long continued frost and of the
severe state of the weather, the Treasurer be authorized to pay the sum of
Subscription. ^"500 to be applied under the direction of a special Committee, in the
providing of soup and coals and other necessaries for the poor."

Education and the Arts received occasional encourage-
ment.

" 1828, Aug. 13. Thos Colley Porter Mayor.

" Resolved that the sum of ^"500 be subscribed towards the erection of
the King's College, London."

Occasional mention is made of the Musical Festivals
which were periodically held in the town, and which ulti-
mately led to the erection of St. George's Hall.

Fires, New
Brunswick.

Distress.

King's

College.

Donation.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 313

" 1830, Jany. 6. An application from the Committee for conducting
the Liverpool Musical Festival, relative to the Oratorios being held in Festival.
St. Luke's Church, and the erection of temporary galleries to be remo-
vable, having been laid before this Council, Resolved, that the same be
referred to the Select Finance Committee."

' 1828, Aug. 6. Thos Colley Porter Mayor.

" Resolved, that a premium of Twenty Guineas each be paid for the
three best works of Painting, Drawing and Sculpture respectively, executed
by artists resident in Liverpool or the immediate vicinity, which may be
exhibited at the approaching Exhibition at the Royal Institution, in proof Art
of the desire felt by the Corporation to encourage the productions of Exhibition,
talent and genius in the town of Liverpool, and that the decision as to
these premiums be made by the Council with the assistance of such three Premiums,
gentlemen as they may think fit to select."

" 1829, Jany. 7. A letter having been received from .Mr John Smith
suggesting the purchase by the Council, of a beautiful piece of Sculpture
by the late Mr John Deare a native of this town, representing the marriage Sculpture by
of Thetis and Peleus, to be placed in the Town Hall. Deare -

" Resolved that the Council feel obliged to Mr Smith for his communi-
cation on this subject, but regret that they cannot comply with his
suggestion as to the purchase."

" 1829, Feby. 4. Nicholas Robinson, Mayor.

" Resolved that a sum not exceeding 100 guineas be granted to artists
resident in Liverpool or the immediate vicinity for the best productions in
Painting, Sculpture or Drawing, to be exhibited at the Royal Institution Art
Exhibition, such sum to be distributed in the proportions and under the Exhibition -
regulations specified underneath

" Prizes for Academicians. Prizes.

" No. i. For the best Original Historical Picture in Oil colours 20
sovereigns.

2. For the best Landscape in Oil Colours 20 sovereigns.

3. For the best Water Colour Drawing 12 sovereigns.

4. For the best specimen of Wood Cutting in Alto or Bas-relief

12 sovereigns.

" Prizes for Students or Artists residing in Liverpool or the immediate
vicinity.

" For the same subjects as above
"No. i. 9 sovereigns.

2. The picture to be not less than 30 in. by 20 in. 9 sovereigns.

3. 6 sovereigns.

4. 6 sovereigns.

5. For the best design in Architecture, consisting of one or more

plans, an elevation and section, 9 sovereigns."
R R

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Patronage.

Application
for Aid.

Grant.

Lease of
Rooms.

Alderman

Portrait.

Then follow a number of stringent regulations.

At this time of day one cannot but smile at the ideas
of patronage then existing. The munificent offers of the
Liverpool Corporation of that period would now be viewed
with contempt.

This encouragement, such as it was, was continued for
several years.

" 1831, April 6. Resolved, that the Committee of the new Exhibition
Room be authorized to award the several prizes at the next Exhibition of
Works of living Artists."

" I ^33, July 3. A Memorial very numerously and respectably signed
by the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood anxious for the promo-
tion of the Fine Arts, having been laid before this Council, setting forth
the pecuniary embarassment of the Society of Artists, and their incapa-
bility of again opening the Exhibition Rooms without some effectual
assistance.

" Resolved, that the occupation of the Exhibition Rooms in Church
Street be guaranteed by this Council to the Society rent free for the
present year, and that the Select Finance Committee be requested to
report what in their opinion it may hereafter be desirable to do herein."

The result was that a lease was granted of the rooms
for a term of years, the Corporation paying the rent.

At the expiration of the lease, the reformed Council
declined to renew it, and shortly afterwards the Exhibition
was abandoned.

" 1829, Aug. 5. Nicholas Robinson Mayor.

" Resolved, That upon the present occasion of the opening of the new
Council room, Mr Alderman George Case be requested to sit for his
' P r t ra iti to be hung up in the Council room, in testimony of the sense
entertained by the Council of Mr Case's highly valuable services for the
long period of fifty-four years during which he has been a member of the
body, and that Mr Case be requested to select his own artist for the
painting."

Mr. Case entered the Council in the year 1775, and
remained therein until the Municipal Reform Act of 1835,
having been a member for more than sixty years. He was

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 315

Mayor in 1781, and for many years filled the office of Chair-
man of the Select Finance Committee.

Another venerable relic of antiquity finds a place in these
records.

" 1811, Deer. 4. Upon Mr Alderman Case's stating to the Council that
Mrs Martha Linacre being now eighty-three years of age and upwards, Mrs. Martha
wished to know the terms or rate per cent upon which the Corporation Linacre -
would grant her an annuity for her life on sinking the sum of 200 with
them.

" Resolved, that the said sum of 200 be received, and that thereupon
a bond be passed under the Common Seal for securing to the said Martha
Linacre an Annuity at and after the rate of Thirty guineas per cent for Annuity,
and during the term of her natural life."

" 1812, Jany. 4. Resolved and Ordered, that the Annuity of Sixty
guineas now payable to Mrs Martha Linacre during her life as ordered by
the Council on the 4th of December last be increased to the sum of Increase.
Seventy guineas."

The bargain was not a profitable one for the Corporation.
The old lady lived thirteen years longer, so that for her Longevity.
deposit of 200 in 1811 she received in all, the sum of
955 los. od.

She was born in 1728, and in 1745, at the age of seventeen,
was present at a ball given on the occasion of the opening
of the old Infirmary on the site of St. George's Hall.

In 1824, seventy-nine years afterwards, there was another
ball at the opening of the new Infirmary in Brownlow Street,
where Mrs. Linacre was again present at the age of 96.
She died in 1825, having been born and lived in the same
house in Oldhall Street for 97 years.

The entries illustrative of social manners and customs
are not very numerous during this period. A few, however,
may be noticed.

The wearing of gowns by the members of the Council Gowns.
had been gradually discontinued. The last entry on the
subject is

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

" 1821, Feby, 7. Resolved, that the Mayor, Bailiffs and Town Clerk
and other members of the Council be respectfully requested to continue
to go in procession in their gowns to Church on Sundays as usual."

Liberties. The ancient custom of riding the Liberties or bounds

was continued, but was almost obsolete at the period of the
Municipal Reform Act. Being an ordinary observance, it
is not often noticed.

" 1816, March 6. William Barton Mayor.

" Resolved that the Treasurer be authorized to reimburse to Mr Alder-
Expenses, man Leyland the sum of 16 153., the amount of certain expenses paid
by him to Thomas Hamson for refreshments &c. on the 2Oth October last,
the day on which the Liberties were rode."

"1815, Mar. 10. The expences occasioned to the Corporation by the
several dinners given by the Mayor to the Court, and to the Grand and
Traverse Juries at the several Quarter Sessions having been the subject of
discussion at this Council

" Resolved that such dinners in future be discontinued."

" 1820, Aug. 2. Sir John Tobin Mayor.

" Resolved that a Piece of Plate of the value of one hundred guineas
be presented to Thomas Golightly Esq, late Treasurer to this Corporation
Presentation. J Q testimony of the approbation of this Council of the faithful discharge
by Mr Golightly of the duties of his office during the period of his long
continuance in the same, and that the Mayor, Mr Aspinall and Mr Stani-
forth be authorized to select the piece of Plate."

The Council have always been very choice in their
selection of the beverage consumed at their festivities.

" 1828, Nov. 5. Nicholas Robinson Mayor.

" Resolved that in future all the wines used at the Mayor's table, be
Wines provided at the expence of the Corporation, and that the supply of the

purchased, cellar be left to the Select Finance Committee with the assistance of the
Mayor, Bailiffs and Treasurer."

The question of licensing public-houses came under
review.

" 1826, April 5. Peter Bourne Mayor.

" The Mayor having laid before this Council a Bill now before Parlia-
Licensing. ment for regulating the licensing of Alehouses in England by which the
authority of the Justices of the Peace in this Borough to grant licences
according to the invariable usage and practice is wholly taken away,

Dinners
discon-
tinued.

Golightly

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 317

" Resolved that a Petition be presented under the Common Seal, for Petition.
obtaining an alteration of the Bill with a view to the preservation of the
rights and privileges of the Magistrates."

The Bill was withdrawn, but again brought on in the
succeeding session.

" 1827, May 2. Thomas Littledale Mayor.

" The Mayor and Magistrates having reported to this Council several
very objectionable provisions in the licensing Bill now before Parliament, Bill.

" Resolved that a petition be presented against the Bill and that the
Earl of Derby and the Members for the borough be requested to give
their support to the petition."

The substance of the petition is as follows :

" That ever since the Legislature deemed proper to enact regulations Petition.
for the licensing of Alehouses, the authority of the Justices of the Peace
to grant such licenses has been expressly sanctioned and preserved, and
the Justices of the Borough of Liverpool have invariably granted licenses
and had the superintendence and regulation of all Alehouses within the
said Borough.

" That by some of the provisions of the intended Bill the jurisdiction of
nearly all the Justices of the Peace of the Borough of Liverpool in regard
to licences will be taken away, and other provisions will have the effect of
interfering in a very material degree with the Police regulations of the
said Borough, and may afford great facilities to the disposal and conceal-
ment of stolen property, and productive of riot and disorder in public
houses at very early periods of the day, and particularly on the Sabbath
day.

" Your petitioners therefore pray that the Justices of the said Borough
may not be deprived of their authorities and privileges and that the said
Bill may not be permitted to pass into a law in its present form."

The Police were paid by the Council and under their Police,
control, but the numbers were miserably insufficient.

" 1811, May 10. James Drinkwater Mayor.

" The Mayor moved and was seconded by Mr. Alderman Aspinall, that
the town being now divided into seven districts instead of five, there be
one Head Constable and two assistant constables in each district, and
that the Head Constables be paid twenty five shillings per week, and the
assistants twenty one shillings."

There was need of Police protection, when we read as
follows :

3 i8

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

" 1811, Aug. ii. Resolved, that the sum of ^500 on account of the
Prosecution, expences of the several prosecutions against the rioters at the Theatre
Royal Liverpool, be paid to the Town Clerk by the Treasurer."

" 1813, April 7. Sam 1 Staniforth Mayor.

" Resolved and Ordered, that the expences incurred by the Mayor and
Footpads. Magistrates in the apprehension of the desperate gang of footpads who
have lately infested this town, and amounting in the whole to the sum of
^"209 143. od. be paid by the Treasurer."

" 1824, July 7. Charles Lawrence Mayor.

" The Council having adverted to the recent footpad robberies com-
mitted in the neighbourhood of this town by two men of the names of
James Gallagher and Hugh O'Neill, and to the conduct of Mr Thomas
Tinley, one of the parties robbed, and by whose exertions the offenders
were discovered,

" Resolved, That the reward of 50 offered by Mr Tinley be defrayed
Prosecutions, by the Corporation, and that the extra expences of the prosecutions for the
said robberies be also defrayed out of the Corporate funds."

1832. The visitation of the Cholera in this year is noticed
in the records.

" Feby. i. The Mayor having brought under the consideration of the
Council an application from the Board of Health respecting the erection
of temporary Hospitals for the accommodation of patients who may be
unhappily attacked by the cholera,

" Resolved that the Select Finance Committee be authorized to appro-
priate such building, and land belonging to the Corporation as may be
vacant, for the above purpose, which the Committee in conjunction with
the Board of Health may deem desirable."

" 1832, July 4. Resolved, that the vacant Wing in the Borough Gaol
be granted for the use of the County Magistrates at a nominal rent of five
shillings a month during the continuance of the cholera in Kirkdale House
of Correction, provided the prisoners committed to the said wing be under
the controul of the Governor of the Borough Gaol, and be kept at the
expense of the County."

Cholera.

Precautions

against

Cholera.

Assizes.

The holding of the County Assizes at Lancaster, entailing
an enormous expense and difficulty on Liverpool, Manchester
and the southern districts of the County, had long been felt
as a grievance. The movements towards a reform are
recorded as follows :

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 319

" 1822, Jany. 2. Richard Bullin Mayor.

" This Council being of opinion that the County rate is most heavy and
ought by every possible means to be reduced,

" Resolved, That with a view to effect the same, the Mayor and Magis-
trates be requested to take into consideration the propriety of applying to Application.
the proper quarter for an adjournment of the Assizes from Lancaster to
Liverpool and Manchester, and if they deem necessary, to confer with the
Magistrates of the County and the different Commercial Bodies of this
town and Manchester on the subject."

" 1823, Jany. 14. William Molyneux Mayor.

" A Memorial relative to an adjournment of the Assizes having been Memorial,
laid before this Council,

" Resolved, that the Common Seal be affixed thereto, and that the Resolutions.
Mayor be requested to transmit the same to the Secretary of State for the
Home Department, and also to the Earl of Derby, the members for the
County, and for the several boroughs in the same, also to such other
Members of Parliament connected with the County as he may think
proper, requesting their consideration and assistance.

" Resolved also, that the Mayor be requested to transmit a copy of the
Memorial to the Boroughreeve of Manchester, soliciting the co-operation
of the inhabitants of Manchester in the proposed measure."

No encouragement having been given to the effort, the
subject remained in abeyance during six years, when it again
came to the front.

" 1829, Jany. 7. Nicholas Robinson Mayor.

" The Mayor having called the attention of the Council to the propriety
of some endeavour being again made to obtain a removal or adjournment Adjournment
of the Assizes to this town, which would be of very great benefit and of Assizes,
advantage both to the town and neighbourhood,

" Resolved that the consideration of this subject be referred to a Com- committee
mittee of the whole Council, the Mayor being chairman . . . but that appointed.
a report be made to the Council previous to any final determination of the
Committee."

" 1829, Jany. 12. At a meeting of the Committee so appointed, after
considerable discussion, the following resolution was recommended for
adoption by the Council :

" The Council having reason to suppose from the general reports at
present in circulation, that it is in contemplation to make an alteration in
the circuits, and in the places for holding the assizes for the purpose of
affording great relief and saving of expence to parties,

" Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Council that very great benefit
would result to the inhabitants of this town and neighbourhood by an

320

CHAP. IV, A.D. 1800 !835.

Peel.

Memorials
to Commis-
sioners.

Huskisson.

adjournment of the Assizes for the trial of civil causes, to this town ; and
Application, that the Mayor be requested to signify to the Law Commissioners, under
whose consideration this question is understood to be, that ample accom-
modation can now be afforded for the conducting of the same in this
town ; and to solicit their earnest and early attention to this subject."

" 1829, Feby. 4. The resolution was adopted by the Council, with an
addition, ' that the Mayor be requested to write to the Right Hon. Robert
Peel, Secretary for the Home Department, soliciting his support.' ''

" 1829, May 6. The Mayor reported to the Council that he had pre-
sented two memorials on the subject, very numerously and respectably
signed, to the Commissioners appointed by the Government, consisting of
the Right Hon. Robert Peel, Sir James Scarlett, the Hon. Robert Henley
Eden, and Thomas Starkie Esq ; that accompanied by Mr Alderman
Thomas Case and Mr William Wallace Currie he had solicited through
Mr Huskisson the honor of an interview with Mr Peel which took place
on April 3O th , at which Mr Peel expressed himself extremely favorable to
the principle of the proposed arrangement ; that he thought there could
be only one opinion as to the interests and convenience of so important a
place as the town of Liverpool and the neighbourhood, being entitled to
the fullest consideration ; at the same time he felt it right to say, that the
adoption of any general measure relative to a removal or adjournment of
the Assizes, would, from the various parties and interests to be affected,
require the most mature deliberation. But the Right Honorable gentle-
man, in conclusion gave the deputation to understand that the prayer of
the memorial should receive his best attention ; and further that he would
go to the consideration of it without any previous pledge whatever as to
the question ; and that nothing should be determined without giving the
memorialists an opportunity of rebutting any objections that might present
themselves.

Report. " In making the above reports, the Mayor and the other gentlemen of

the deputation feel that they should be wanting in respect and courtesy to
Mr Huskisson if they failed to apprize the Council of the great attention
and civilities which they experienced from that Right Honorable gentle-
man upon the various occasions in which they found it necessary to solicit
his assistance ; and of the very important services which they derived from
his personal attendances, and the able manner in which he introduced and
explained the different subjects.

" It was therefore Resolved that the thanks of the Council be presented
to Right Hon. Wm Huskisson for the able assistance afforded."

Four years more elapsed before anything further was done.

" 1833, Sept. 4. Charles Horsfall Mayor.

" The Mayor having laid before this Council a letter from the Honor-
able George Lamb requesting to know for the information of Lord

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 321

Melbourne, his Majesty's Secretary of State, whether in the event of the Proposal.
Assizes for the western division of this County being holden in this town,
the Corporation would be prepared at their own charge to provide
convenient courts for holding such Assizes, and suitable lodgings and
accommodation for the Judges of Assize, and also to defray any additional
costs and charges to which the High Sheriff may be subjected in conse-
quence of holding the said Assizes at Liverpool.

" Resolved, that this Council is anxiously impressed with the great Resolution,
advantage to be derived by the inhabitants of this town from the removal
of the Assizes to Liverpool, and is most ready to afford to his Majesty's
Government all the assistance in its power, to carry this object into
effect.

" For this purpose the Council readily places the present courts in Courts.
Liverpool at the service of the Judges and the Bar attending this circuit,
and will have pleasure in providing suitable accommodation for the
Judges ; but owing to the litigation commenced regarding the right of the
Corporation to 1 receive Town dues, which Town dues comprize nearly one
half of the annual income of the Corporate Estate, the Council regrets
that it is thereby prevented from a sense of Justice to the Bond and other
creditors, from undertaking any greater outlay at present."

At length, after a weary delay of twelve years from the
time when the question was first mooted, the application
was granted, as appears from the following minute :

" 1834, July 2. John Wright Mayor.

" At this Council the Mayor and Town Clerk reported with reference to Application
the resolution of the Council in June last on the application of the Liver- granted,
pool Law Society regarding the removal of the Assizes to this town, that
the circuits for the ensuing Assizes have been some time fixed by the
Judges, and that for this county they are to be holden in August next
at Lancaster as heretofore ; but that they have reason to believe from
information afforded through Lord Sandon that his Majesty's Privy Council
will determine the matter previous to the Assizes in March next, and also
that there is every probability that the Assizes will then be held in this
town. On this account the Mayor and Town Clerk submit to the Council
the propriety of authorizing the Select Finance Committee to make such
arrangements for the suitable accommodation of the Judges and the Accommo-
Sheriff and such alterations in the present Courts in the Sessions House as dation
may be necessary for the accommodation of the Public Business.

" Resolved that the foregoing report is approved, and that the Select
Finance Committee is hereby fully authorized to adopt such proceedings
as are recommended."

S S * '

322

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Town Dues
Controversy

Letter to
Mayor.

Resolution.

A very important episode in the history of the City is
the controversy respecting the town dues, which continued
during four years, from 1830 to 1834.

The petty customs or town dues on the goods of non-
freemen, had been levied from the foundation of the Port,
and the right down to this period had not been questioned.
The only dispute had been as to the exemption claimed by
the citizens of London, which had been tried in 1799, as
related above. The claim now made was to set the dues
aside altogether, as an arbitrary and illegal exaction.

1830, May 5th. The following letter received by the
Mayor, was laid before the Council.

" Liverpool, April ig" 1 , 1830.
" To the Worshipful the Mayor of Liverpool,
" Sir,

" You have already been informed verbally that a considerable
number of the principal merchants in this place have come to the deter-
mination of ascertaining the legal right of the Corporation of Liverpool
to Town dues on goods imported and exported, the property of non-free-
men, and as you have stated that you could not receive any communication
on that subject except in writing, I have now the honor to annex for the
information of the Corporation a copy of a resolution which was passed at
a general meeting of merchants held on the 3rd instant.

" In making this communication to you, I was particularly instructed
by the merchants, to disavow all personal and unfriendly feelings, and to
state that their only wish is, that the question may be so raised and tried
as that the origin of the dues, the right of the Corporation to exact their
payment and the proper application thereof may be ascertained, and set
at rest by a judicial decision.

"I am further instructed to inform you that the merchants have
appointed Mr Lowe their Attorney to conduct their case, and in the full
expectation that the Corporation will meet the question with every fairness
and candour,

" I have the honor to be,

" Sir, with respect, your most ob' serv'

" Jos. HORNBY, Chairman."

The resolution ran as follows :

" Resolved, That an opinion has long prevailed that the Town Dues
collected at this Port, are an illegal exaction, and that the amount, being

.' ''" "- i- ' :: '; .. ". ''..''

- 'v .'*-';. !."! .':** : ' ','.'. '.'

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 323

' _ - i , - - - . . - ...__.__ _ - -

.'.'*' ""'

* - * "*"** ,.*' -...-* **.

a severe tax upon trade, pressing very heavily upon salt and some other
articles, while from the numerous exemptions from the payment, they
operate unequally and unfairly ; It is the opinion of this meeting, that no
time should be lost in bringing the question of their legality to an issue."

To this communication the Mayor, Mr. Geo. Drinkwater,

replied as under :

" Townhall, Apl. 20 th , 1830.
"Jos. Hornby, Esq.,

" Sir

Oil ,

" I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter Mayor's
of the 19* inst, inclosing the copy of a resolution relative to the legality Re P'y-
of the Corporation to the Town Dues on goods imported and exported,
and which I will not fail to lay before the Common Council at their next
monthly meeting.

" As I observe your letter states the resolution to have been passed at a
general meeting of the merchants, I shall consider myself obliged by your
acquainting me for the information of the Council, with the mode in
which such general meeting was called, and the names of the gentlemen
who attended, not having myself seen any advertisement for such meeting,
or heard of the same from any quarter.

" I am Sir

" Your m' obed' serv'

" GEO. DRINKWATER, Mayor."

On this correspondence being read it was

" Resolved, That the Council consider it to be their imperative duty to Resolution to
resist any proceeding calling in question the right of the Corporation to resist,
the Town's dues, whenever the same may be brought forward."

A Committee was appointed "for the purpose of affording assistance Committee,
and giving such directions to the Town Clerk upon the subject of any
proceedings which may be adopted relative to the Town's dues as they
may deem advisable."

The following reply was sent to the Mayor's letter :

" Sir, " Liverpool, 23 rd April, 1830.

" I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter Reply to
dated the 20 th inst, and to inform you in reply to the enquiries it contains Mayor,
that the Resolution enclosed in my letter to you of the 19* inst was not
passed at a meeting of merchants convened by public Advertisement, but
was adopted at an assemblage of many of the principal merchants of
Liverpool coinciding in opinion ' that the origin of the Town dues, the
right of the Corporation to exact their payment and the proper application
thereof ' were fit subjects for judicial investigation. I further beg to state

324

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Committee's
Report.

Payment
refused.

that I have no means of furnishing you with the names of the gentlemen
who attended the above meeting, no minutes as I am informed having
been taken of such names, and my recollection being confined to only a
few of them. j haye thg honor to be> &c>>

" To the Worshipful " Jos. HORNBY.

" The Mayor."

" 1830, July 7. The Committee presented the following report to the
Council :

" The Committee have to report that on the 22 nd June Messrs Bolton,
Ogden & Co. refused to pay the Town's dues on several entries of
merchandize both inwards and outwards, amounting to ^"38 35. gd., and
on the 27 th ult. they again refused payment of the Town's dues on several
further entries amounting to 29 143. id., and on the 28* ult. they again
refused payment on several further entries amounting to 18 135. 2d.

" The Committee caused proper demands to be made by the Receiver,
and the answer was a refusal to pay in order to try the legality of the
right of the Corporation to the Town's dues. The Committee add that
they are actively engaged in the prosecution of the matter, and have no
doubt of bringing the question at issue to a successful termination. "

Messrs. Bolton & Co. continued to refuse payment, and
on June soth the amount was 257 33. 5Jd.
The report proceeds :

" That two or three other mercantile houses have attempted to pay the
Town's dues under protest, but that by the advice of Counsel the sums so
offered have been refused to be received, and the parties have therefore
paid.

" The Committee feeling the vast importance of the trust committed to
their charge, deemed it their first duty to direct the Town Clerk to insti-
tute an immediate and thorough investigation of the whole subject, not
only with reference to the present dispute, but for the guidance and satis-
faction of the Council at all future times, in order that such a body of
evidence may be put into the possession of the Council as will enable
them for ever hereafter to support their right to the Town dues. This
investigation has been prosecuted by the Town Clerk, aided by the Clerk
of the Committees, with a zeal and ability creditable to both of them, and
the result of their labours fully justifies the Committee in the anticipation
expressed in their former report that the right of the Corporation to the
Town dues will be established in the most decided and unequivocal
manner."

They further report as to the proceedings instituted,
Proceedings. " 1831, Jany. 5. The Town dues Committee presented a report which

Investiga-
tion.

Right
asserted.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 325

stated that since the report of July 1830, Messrs Bolton Ogden & Co. had
continued to refuse payment of the Town dues, the amount then due
amounting to ^"751 55. 2-Jd. for which regular demands had been made
from time to time, but that no other merchant so far had refused payment.
The necessary processes had been sued for raising the question, the
different stages in the cause were proceeding, and the trial of the question stages in
approaching in the ordinary courses, when Messrs. Bolton and Co. thought Cause,
proper to institute proceedings in the Court of Chancery against the
Corporation, which had the effect not only of retarding the progress of the
trial of the question, but if submitted to in the manner required would
subject the Corporation to a disclosure of their title to these dues, and of
all the grounds on which they intend to support that title in the approaching
trial. Without going into particular detail of the whole of the objects
sought for by this Bill of Discovery filed by the Defendants, they advise Bill of
the Council to pause before they acquiesce in the inquisitorial requisitions Discovery,
the Bill contains. Among extraordinary objects one is to compel the
Corporation to produce, ultimately for the inspection of Messrs Bolton &
Co. even the cases confidentially stated by the Town Clerk for the opinion Difficulties,
of Counsel on this very subject, in which are naturally exposed and sub-
mitted, not the facts and premises on which the Corporation might rely in
a court of law for the establishment of their right alone, but some points
which might serve to afford an opponent the means of some embarrass-
ment in their proceedings. . . It is because the Committee feel it right
to hesitate in acquiescing in such extraordinary demands, and to act
under the deliberate and serious advice of their Counsel, that they cannot
suggest to the Council a probable period when this contest may be brought
to a termination, but they have elicited the most satisfactory and unani-
mous opinions as to the substantial merits of the case and the successful
result of a trial at law, which is now only delayed by the proceedings in
Chancery of their opponents."

" 1831, Jany. 5. Resolved that the Mayor and Bailiffs be authorized to
proceed to London with the Common Seal, for the purpose of putting in
the answer to the Bill in Chancery filed by Messrs Bolton and others Answer to
relative to the Town dues." Bil1 -

" 1831, Sept. 7. The Town dues Committee reported that the Vice-
Chancellor had decided that the Demurrer filed by the Corporation could Demurrer,
not be sustained. An appeal was therefore made to the Lord Chancellor. Appeal.

" The Committee further reported that since the previous report, forty
seven mercantile houses had refused to pay the Town dues, against whom
under the advice of Counsel actions had been commenced.

" Without having precise information of the motives for such extraordi-
nary conduct on the part of the merchants, the Committee have reason to
believe that this course has been adopted upon the allegation that the
Corporation were merely seeking for delay in appealing against the Delays.

326

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Expenses.

Application
to King's
Bench.

Vice-Chancellor's decision, but they beg to assure the Council that such
allegation is altogether unfounded and that they are ready and most
anxious to proceed ; and that in resisting the extraordinary and inquisito-
rial requisitions of this Bill in Chancery to compel the Corporation to find
Messrs Bolton & Co. materials for their defence, they are acting entirely
under the advice and directions of Counsel."

The amount of dues for which payment was refused had
now reached the sum of 6,310 133. 3Jd.

" 1831, Novr. 7. Resolved that the Treasurer be authorized to place at '
the disposal of the Town dues Committee the sum of ^"12,000.

" The Committee further report that the answer to the Bill in Chancery
would be filed in the course of the month, in which an application would
be made to the Court of King's Bench to consolidate the many actions
brought against the recusant parties. They state that they had fully and
carefully completed their investigation, and although they do not think it
right to detail all particulars, they cannot resist the gratification of sub-
mitting the concluding words of Sir James Scarlet's opinion after his final
perusal of all the documents ' Upon the whole it appears to me that the
Corporation of Liverpool have as strong a case as any that has fallen under
my knowledge in support of their claim.' "

The trial was fixed by Lord Tenterden, the Lord Chief
Justice, for the 23rd May, 1832.

During these proceedings, the Town Clerk, Mr. William
Statham died, and Mr. Thomas Foster (subsequently Town
Clerk), was entrusted with the conduct of the case.

The trial was again postponed to the middle of December,
1832, when a verdict was given in favour of the Corporation.

" 1834, Jany. i. After considerable delay, the Committee report that a
Writ of Error had been brought by the Defendants, by which the final
determination of the question would be deferred for some months."

" 1834, Feby. 5. The Committee further report that the death of Mr
Jas Lowe the defendants' solicitor, had caused some delay in the preparation
of a Bill of Exceptions, but in the succeeding Easter Term the cause would
be taken."

" 1834, June 2. The Committee report that communications had been
Termination, made of the desire of the merchants resisting payment to terminate the
protracted litigation. A letter was received from Mr Jos. Hornby, Chair-
man of the Committee of Merchants, stating that not wishing to throw any
unnecessary obstacles in the way of a settlement, they consented to a verdict
against Messrs Bolton & Co being recorded, each party paying their own

Trial fixed.

Death of
Town Clerk.

Verdict.

Writ of
Error.

Death of
Lowe.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 327

costs. Mr Hornby further stated in his letter, that in so doing the Com- Negotiations.

mittee of Merchants declared, that it was solely from a conviction that

the Legislature had in preparation a measure which would place Freemen

and Non-freemen on an equal footing in future ; and also in reliance that

the Corporation would act up to the spirit of the resolution of the Council

of the fourth of December last, arising from the evidence given before the

Municipal Commissioners.

" On the receipt of this Communication, the Committee considering that
it contained the fullest admission of the right of the Corporation to the Admission.
Town dues, recommended to the Council to accede to the proposition.

" Considering that the question at issue was of a public character the Settlement.
Committee also recommend that payment of taxed costs be not pressed
for."

These recommendations were adopted by the Council.

" 1834, July 2. The final report of the Committee was presented recapi-
tulating the proceedings, and stating that the sum of ^"44,182 los 7d had
been paid over by the Defendants to the credit of the Corporation. The
account stood as follows

Total amount received from 54 Defendants ^"40,620 9 i$ Terms.

Less Returns 676 8 2

"39.944 o "4

Total amount received from J. W. Gibsone 1,605 7 10

Total amount received from Bolton & Co 2,751 7 i\

Gross amount received ^"44,300 16 o

Deduct Receiver's Commission 2^- $ cent 1,124 7 IJ

Nett Town Dues "43,176 8 i

Interest on Exchequer Bills received 1,006 2 6

"44,182 10 7

" Mem. The above is exclusive of Profit and further interest on the
Exchequer Bills when realized."

The political history of the Municipality during this politics,
period is very significant, and was not without its influence
on the National and Municipal Reform Acts of 1832 and

I835-

The Parliamentary and Municipal Constituencies were consti-

identical and exclusive, the freemen in the Parliamentary
representation shutting out the great bulk of the inhabitants,

328

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Elections.

Rioting at
Elections.

Measures
adopted.

Mayor's
Election,
1827.

Public
Meeting.

Council
Resolutions.

and the self-elected Council, in turn, excluding the freemen
from any share in the management of the estate, which by
the charters belonged to them.

The Parliamentary elections were usually corrupted by
bribery and intemperance, which frequently led to riot and
disorder. These elections are not ordinarily recorded in the
Council proceedings, but matters arising out of them are
very frequent.

" 1817, Feby. 5. John Wright Mayor.

" Resolved that the sum of twenty pounds be paid to Enoch Broadley
superintendent of the Dock Police, and ten pounds to John Hale, Dock
watchman, for the apprehension and subsequent conviction at the Assizes
of some of the rioters at the late election."

" 1827, Novr. 7. Thos. Colley Porter Mayor.

" A memorial very numerously and respectably signed relative to the
proceedings at the late election for Mayor, and suggesting the propriety of
some measures being adopted to prevent their recurrence,

" Resolved, that the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee
and that they be requested to make a report thereon to the Council."

It may be stated in passing, that the election continued
six days, that the votes of the freemen were openly bargained
for, running up at the close of the contest to 30 or 40
a head, with treating and drunkenness, but no absolute
rioting. The election was said to have cost Mr. Porter
/io,ooo.

" 1827, Deer. 5. The Mayor having laid before this Council certain
resolutions accompanied by observations which had been transmitted to
him from a public meeting of some of the inhabitants recently held,
suggesting the propriety of an extension of the elective franchise, and
an alteration of the present system adopted at Elections, with a view to
facilitating the taking of the Poll the prevention of abuses and of the
scenes of riot and disorder which so frequently prevail at those times ;
and also soliciting a conference upon these subjects with the Common
Council :

" Resolved, that in justice to those in whom the rights and privileges of
Free Burgesses of this borough are at present vested, the Council cannot
possibly entertain the principle of any extension of the elective franchise,
and in the event of any application being made for that purpose to the

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 329

Legislature, they shall consider it a duty imperative upon them, to resist
such application to the utmost.

" Resolved also, that the resolutions and observations as far as the same
relate to all other points except that of an extension of the elective fran- Reference to
chise be referred to the Select Finance Committee, with a request that
they will make an early report to the Council.

" Resolved also, That the Council decline any personal conference with Conference
the gentlemen with whom the resolutions originated ; but that they be declmedi
informed that the objection to such conference is not founded in the
slightest degree of disrespect towards them ; the Council being of opinion
that it will be much more satisfactory that all proceedings should, upon
this occasion, be conducted by means of written communications.

" A Memorial having been presented to the Council from several Free
Burgesses stating their objections to any extension of the elective fran-
chise; and also to the intended Bill for various purposes relative to
Elections,

" Resolved, That the Council perfectly coincide in the opinions expressed
by the Memorialists relative to the non-extension of the elective franchise ; Opposition
but that they consider that the intended Bill will prove extremely beneficial to Reform
in many points of view, and in particular to the Free Burgesses them-
selves, as being the means of protecting their rights, and preventing the
recurrence of the great frauds and impositions, which there is too much
reason to believe have been practiced upon various occasions at Elections,
by numerous individuals."

" 1828, Feby. 6. Resolved, That the intended Bill, relative to elections Bill,
in this borough be read a first time in the House of Commons, and Prints
of the Bill circulated generally for the information of the Burgesses ; but
that the Bill be not further proceeded with, till after the next Council in
March ; And that the Clauses against Bribery at elections of a Mayor and
Bailiffs be introduced into the Bill, similar to those contained in the Act
of the 2 nd George the 3 rd cap 24, relative to Elections of Members to serve
in Parliament."

Nothing came of this movement.

" 1828, Mar. 5. Resolved, that the Bill recently brought into Parliament Bill
relative to Elections within this Borough be not further proceeded with." withdrawn.

The next item in the present record is the celebrated
contest between Ewart and Denison, in November, 1830, Election,
which put the coping-stone on the monument of shameless l8s '
profligacy, which the quondam electoral system had left

behind. The story is told elsewhere.

T T

330

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Petition.

Council
decline.

Petition
against
Ewart.
Report.

Opposition.

Deputation,

Bribery.

Measures

against

Bribery.

A Petition was presented to Parliament against the
return of Mr. Ewart. On March 28th he was unseated.

1831, April 6th. The Mayor having laid before the
Council a letter from Rigby Wason, Esq., relative to a
Bill intended to be introduced into Parliament for the
disfranchisement of the Burgesses,

" Resolved, That inasmuch as the Bill alluded to in the letter has not
yet been brought into the House of Commons, the Council do not feel
themselves justified in adopting any measures respecting the same.

"The Council having adverted to the Report of the Committee of the
House of Commons upon the recent Petition against the return of William
Ewart Esquire as one of the Representatives of this borough in Parlia-
ment, upon which other proceedings are, as it appears, intended to be
adopted on the 18 th inst, until which day the issuing of the Election Writ
has been suspended,

" Resolved, that upon this important occasion the Mayor and Thomas
Foster Esq r (with others) do proceed to London for the purpose of
adopting such measures for the protection of the rights and interests of
the Corporation as may be deemed most proper, and of preparing and
presenting such a Petition to the House of Commons as they may consider
advisable, and to which the Common Seal be affixed.

" Resolved also, that the Deputation be authorized to adopt such further
measures as they may deem advisable for obtaining an alteration of such
of the clauses in the general Reform Bill as appear to be incapable of
being reduced into practice within this borough, or as inapplicable to the
same."

"1831, April 28. Thomas Brancker Mayor.

" The Mayor on behalf of himself and the Bailiffs as returning Officers
having brought under the particular notice of the Council .the recent pro-
ceedings in the House of Commons relative to the bribery and corruption
at the election for this borough in November last, and the Council having
taken the same into consideration,

" Resolved Unanimously,

" That in the opinion of the Council every endeavour should be used to
prevent a recurrence of this evil practice, and that in the event of any
such misconduct being established, the party offending should not only be
disfranchised, but otherwise proceeded with to the utmost rigour of the
law.

" Resolved also that a public notification of the above resolution be
immediately given to the Burgesses under the direction of the Mayor."

The following is a copy of the public Advertisement :

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 331

" Notices to the Free Burgesses of the Borough of Liverpool Notice to

" Townhall 28 th April 1831. Burgesses.

" The Common Council having taken into consideration at a special
Council held this day, the evidence produced before a Committee of the
House of Commons by which it appears that many of the Free Burgesses
of this Borough had been guilty of Bribery and other corrupt practices,
at the Election held in November last ; and having also adverted to the
subsequent Resolution of the House of Commons thereon, unanimously
deem it their duty to caution the Free Burgesses against any repetition of
the like offences at the ensuing Election ; and do hereby give public notice
of their determination to punish any Burgess who may be proved to have
been guilty of the same, by disfranchisement, and the adoption of other
proceedings to the utmost rigour of the law."

This virtuous indignation was no doubt stimulated by a
motion brought forward seven days previously in the House
of Commons by Mr. Benett, M.P. for Wiltshire, the Chairman
of the Election Committee: "That the system of bribery Proceedings

* 'in Parha-

and treating, which prevails in the election of Burgesses to ment -
serve in Parliament for the Borough of Liverpool, demands
the attention of the House."

After the dissolution, which took place two days sub- Dissolution,
sequently, Messrs. Ewart and Denison were returned. The
latter gentleman preferred to sit for Nottinghamshire, to
which he had been also elected. When the writ for a new
election in Liverpool was moved, Mr. Benett again came
forward, and proposed to bring in a Bill to disfranchise
the bribees, and to alter the franchise in Liverpool.

" 1831, Octr. 5. The Mayor having laid before the Council a Print
of the Bill transmitted to him by Order of the House of Commons for Bill for
disfranchising the Burgesses in consequence of alleged bribery and corrup- Disfran-
tion at Elections, which Bill it appears, by the votes of the House is
intended to be further proceeded with on the i2th inst.,

" Resolved that the deputation appointed at the Council held on the Deputation.
6th day of April last relative to a Bill then about to be introduced upon
the same subject, be revived as a Committee with full authorities to oppose
the Bill, and to adopt such measures as they may deem advisable for the
protection of the franchise of the Borough."

332

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Writ
Issued.

Thanks to
Vernon.

Bill for

Disfran-

chisement.

Letter from
Lord Sandon
Petition.

Resolution.

Select
Committee.

Mayor's
Report.

The Writ was ultimately issued on the I2th October, 1831.

" 1831, Nov. 2. Sam 1 Sandbach Mayor.

" Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Council be presented
to the Hon. Granville Vernon, for his successfully moving in the House of
Commons for the issuing of the Writ for the late Election of a Member
to serve in Parliament for this Borough, whereby the Burgesses and the
town at large obtained the full right and benefit of the Franchise."

"1832, Feby. i. The Mayor having laid before the Council a print
of the Bill introduced in the House of Commons for disfranchising the
Burgesses in consequence of alleged bribery,

" Resolved, that the Mayor, John Bourne Esq, Sir Thomas Brancker
(with others) be appointed a Committee with full authority to oppose the
Bill."

" 1833, Feby. 25. Charles Horsfall Mayor.

" The Mayor laid before the Council a letter from Viscount Sandon,
by which it appears that a Petition from certain electors and inhabitants
of this town had been presented on Thursday last, praying that the
Burgesses may be disfranchised on the alleged ground of bribery and
corruption at elections, as well of Mayor as of Members to serve in
Parliament, and also that notice was given of an intended motion on
Thursday next the 28* inst, for the appointment of a Select Committee
of the House of Commons on the matters complained of in this petition,

" Resolved that the Worshipful the Mayor (with four others) do proceed
to London for the purpose of making such representations and explana-
tions on this subject to his Majesty's Ministers and other Members of
Parliament as they may deem proper, and of preparing and presenting
the necessary petition to the House of Commons, to which the Common
Seal be affixed, and of adopting such other proceedings to protect the
rights and franchises of the Corporation as they may deem expedient, and
the expenses to be incurred be defrayed by the Treasurer."

1833. On March 6th, a Select Committee was appointed
by the House of Commons to inquire into the matters alleged.

" March 20. At a Special Council

" The Mayor having reported that he with several of the Deputation
had attended in London and had interviews with Lord Althorpe and other
members of his Majesty's Government and with many Members of the
House of Commons, on the subject of the charges alledged against the
Burgesses of this Corporation, and that they had presented a petition
praying to be heard by their Counsel and Agents, and to produce evidence
before the Select Committee to whom the subject had been referred, and
that it appeared advisable that instructions should be given by the Council
as to the further proceedings to be adopted in relation thereto.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 333

" Resolved, That the cordial thanks of the Council be presented to the Resolution.
Mayor and the deputation, and that a Committee be formed to adopt such
further proceedings as they may from time to time deem expedient and
proper, to protect the rights and franchises of this Corporation.

" The Mayor also informed the Council that remonstrances signed by Remon-
several hundreds of the Burgesses had been presented to him and the stranccs -
Bailiffs, denying the truth of the corruption imputed to the Burgesses,
which he had left in London to be produced if required."

1833. July 20. The final report of the Parliamentary Report to

- ' J J y 3 Parliament.

Committee was presented. It stated that bribery and cor-
ruption had existed in the elections of Members of Parliament
and Chief Magistrates for the Borough of Liverpool to an
enormous extent. It recommended the introduction of a Bill
to restrict the franchises, and to alter the whole system of
elections in the borough. They added a rider, as follows :

" Your Committee cannot conclude this report without directing the
attention of your Honourable House to the conduct of freemen in a better
class of life, and in good circumstances, who have shown fully as much
readiness to take bribes as the poorest and most destitute of their fellow-
burgesses."

A Bill for the disfranchisement of the Liverpool Freemen Bin for
was introduced, and passed through its various stages, until chisement.
it reached the second reading in the House of Lords, on
May ist, 1834. In July, further instructions were given to
the Committee, but Parliament being soon after prorogued,
nothing further was heard of the measure.

Having escaped this danger, the Corporation were very
soon confronted with another, which terminated more fatally.

" 1833, Nov. i. John Wright Mayor.

" At a Special Council,

" The Mayor having acquainted the Council that Messrs. Wilkinson
and Hogg, two of the Commissioners recently appointed to inquire into Commis-
the existing state of the Municipal Corporations, intended to be at Liver- goners of
pool for the purpose of inquiring into this Corporation,

" Resolved, that the Town Clerk and any officers of this Corporation Resolution,
who may be required, do attend and give all such information as may be
called for by these Commissioners, except that the Town Clerk be directed

334

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835

Bills in
Parliament.

Investiga-
tion.

Termination.

Thanks to
Town Clerk.

Co-operation
declined.

Municipal

Corporation

Bill.

Resolution.

Opposition
declined.

to decline answering inquiries into the title of the Corporation to the Town
dues, or to produce any deeds or documents relating thereto, on account
of the litigation still impending respecting the right of the Corporation to
their receipt ; or to produce any other deeds or documents relating to the
estates and property of the Corporation, which in his opinion as the legal
adviser of this Corporation may be prejudicial to its rights and interest."

" 1833, Nov. 6. Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee be
authorized to watch the progress of any Bills brought into Parliament in
the ensuing session which may be considered to affect the Corporation of
Liverpool or the rights and interests of the town, and to affix the Seal to
any petition or memorial which may be deemed necessary."

" 1833, Deer. 4. The Mayor reported that Messrs. Wilkinson and Hogg
the Commissioners appointed, had commenced their investigation on
Nov 4 th and continued it until Saturday Nov 3O th when the inquiry termi-
nated, and that during such investigation the Town Clerk together with
other officers of the Corporation had attended and given their evidence,
and all the information and copies of proceedings required, and that at the
close of the investigation the Commissioners expressed themselves per-
fectly satisfied with the manner in which such evidence and information
had been given.

" Resolved unanimously, that the cordial thanks of this Council be
given to Thomas Foster Esquire the Town Clerk, for the great zeal, ability
and judgment displayed by him during the said inquiry and investigation
before the Commissioners."

" 1834, Feby. 5. The Town Clerk having submitted several letters
received from the Corporations of Norwich and Leicester, proposing that a
meeting of deputations from Corporations should take place in London
with a view to establish some common system of co-operation in reference
to any measures to be proposed in Parliament, in consequence of the
Reports of the Commissioners recently appointed to inquire into the
existing state of Municipal Corporations in England and Wales.

" Resolved, that the Town Clerk be instructed to state in reply to these
communications that this Council declines being part of the proposed
Association of Corporations."

" X 835> J une *7- James Aspinall Mayor.

" At a special Council the Mayor having stated that he had deemed it
his duty to call this special Council, in consequence of his having received
a copy of the Bill to provide for the regulation of Municipal Corporations
which had been brought into the Commons, which he now submitted, and
some of the provisions of which were now taken into consideration.

" Resolved that this Council, conscious of having always discharged the
important duties devolved upon it as the Governing body of this Corpora-
tion with the utmost desire for the welfare and advantage of the town of
Liverpool, does not feel itself called upon to offer any opposition to the

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 335

principle of the measure, so far as relates to the removal of the members
of this Council and the substitution of another body by a different mode
of election for the future management of the Corporate estate, but that
the same should be left to such determination as Parliament may think fit
to come to regarding it.

" Resolved, That inasmuch as this and former Common Councils have
in the execution of public works contracted a debt now amounting to Provision
upwards of one Million, which is secured by Bonds under the Common for Debt '
Seal of this Corporation, representation should be made by petition to
Parliament that the same may be recognised and confirmed . . . and
that no material diminution of the Town or other dues payable to this
Corporation should take place until provision had been made for the
liquidation of this debt.

" Resolved, That the proposed enactment by the said Bill that no person
shall acquire the rights and privileges of a burgess so far as regards the
exemption from Town dues and other tolls who was not admitted and
enrolled on the fifth of this present month of June, appears to this Council
to deprive several hundred individuals who have completed their claim to
such admission and enrolment, in addition to the just rights of several Protection
thousands, who as Apprentices and sons of Freemen have an inchoate
right to such freedom, and therefore it is the duty of this Council to cause
the same to be represented to Parliament."

Another Resolution relates to the Dock Trust, that due Dock Trust,
provision should be made for the appointment of a suitable
Board of Management.

A further Resolution sets fort h,

" That the Corporation having the patronage of the Rectory and the Rectors and
appointment thereto, and of the Clergy of many of the Churches in the Cler gy-
town, to whom salaries or stipends exceeding the endowments fixed by the
several Acts of Parliament, and which are payable under resolutions of
the Council made from time to time . . . the Council is of opinion
that a representation of these circumstances should be made to Parliament
and that provision should be made establishing these payments to the Provision,
present, and suitable provision for the future incumbents, as also for the
repairs and maintenance of the Churches.

It is added " that these resolutions are not passed with any object of
offering opposition to the measure in its principle, but to protect those
interests which have been confided to the Corporation for so long a series
of years."

A Committee was appointed to prepare petitions, and a Committee.

33 6

CHAP. IV, A.D. 1800-1835.

deputation to proceed to London, to endeavour to carry these
objects into effect.

Mortgages
and Sales.

Modifica-
tions.

Bill in Lords.

Petition.
Deputation.

Statements.

Revenues :

how

employed.

Defence.

, July 10. The Mayor having stated that notice had been given
in the House of Commons of a clause to be introduced, giving power to the
new Council to dispute leases mortgages and sales, which may have been
made subsequent to the 5* of June last, and it appearing that such clause
would materially affect the routine as adopted by this Corporation in
granting leases and sales of property,

" Resolved, that the Town Clerk now in London be instructed to get the
clause so modified as not to interfere with the ordinary business of the
Corporation, and for this purpose a statement of leases granted and sales
effected by the Corporation during the last twelve Months be prepared."

" l8 35> J u ly 2 5- The Mayor communicated to the Council that the
Municipal Corporation Bill had passed the Commons and had been read
the first time in the Lords, and that the clauses still remained in it restrict-
ing the future granting of leases to a term of thirty-one years, and that
the rights of freemen were only to be continued to those in being, their
existing sons, and apprentices now serving, and not in perpetuity, and
that in other respects the Bill had not been so amended as to remove all
the objections against which the Council had petitioned the House of
Commons.

" Resolved, that a petition now approved be adopted, and that Lord
Wharncliffe be requested to present it and support its prayer.

" A deputation was also authorised to proceed to London to attend the
Bill and to obtain the attendance of such evidence as might be required.

" The Petition set forth that the Corporation of Liverpool is an ancient
Corporation by prescription, and possesses divers franchises and privileges
both by charters and immemorial custom, . . . that the estate and
property of the Corporation was not acquired by any Royal or other grant
or donation except as to a very small portion, but that the Lordship and
town, together with certain ancient Royal tolls and duties had been sold
and transferred to different individuals, and ultimately became vested in
the Corporation by purchase, That the revenues had been employed in
the improvement of the town, and the charges and expences of the Muni-
cipal Government. That as the governing body, they have been solely
influenced by an anxious desire to effect such objects as would most
contribute to the welfare and comfort of the inhabitants at large, and they
have the satisfaction to believe that for the most part their efforts have
been successful and duly appreciated.

" That your petitioners have the satisfaction to state, that upon the
most searching examination before the Commissioners it was not attempted
to be proved that any illegal or improper application of the funds had
occurred, that the Commissioners had reported, that in the main the

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

337

Corporation have evinced economy and good management in their affairs,
and that as a governing body their conduct seems to be materially influ-
enced by a desire to promote the public welfare."

They proceed to give at considerable length particulars Particulars,
of the position of their affairs, and conclude by praying to
be exempted from the provisions of the Act, or, if that may
not be, that protection may be afforded to the Burgesses and
their descendants in the enjoyment of all their rights and
privileges.

" 1835, Octr. 7. James Aspinall Mayor.

" The Mayor communicated to the Council that the Act for the regula-
tion of Municipal Corporations had received the Royal Assent on the 7* Act passed.
September, that in pursuance of the power reserved, the Council had
postponed the day of election of the new Council to the 26* December,
upon the declaration of which election, the Mayor, Aldermen and Common
Council men will go out of office and their whole powers and duties cease
. . . that no election of Mayor and Bailiffs according to custom will Elections,
take place on the next Charter day, Octr. i8 th , but the present Mayor and
Bailiffs will continue to hold their respective offices until the election of
the new Council and Mayor."

U U

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES.

References have been made above to the management of

corporate the Corporate estate. There is considerable obscurity as

to the disposal or alienation of lands at the north end of

the town, which were certainly in possession in the early

Great Heath, part of the 1 8th Century. The Great Heath and Mosslake

Fields, comprising nearly all the lands north of Islington,

remained in possession, and were from time to time leased

for building. It has been already noticed, that in 1798,

after an inquiry into the state of the Corporate affairs, it

was determined to offer the reversions for sale.

sale of The following is an abstract of the accounts presented

Reversions.

in August, 1 80 1.

" 1801, Aug. 5. John Shaw Esq Mayor.

Balance " General Abstract of the Money Transactions &c of the Select Finance Com-

Sneet - mittee from its commencement in May 1798 to the I st of July 1801

" Amount of Bond Debt discharged by the Money

arising from the Sales of Reversions 7&>3 1 7

" Amount of Balance due to the Banks discharged

by the Sales of Reversions 1,288 15 i

" Amount of Accounts discharged by the Sales of

Reversions 5>75 2 5

" Amount of Bond Debt discharged by the Money

received for Arrears of Town's Duties 71830 o o

" Amount of Bond Debt discharged by the Money

taken up upon Bond I 3>5 2 5 J 6 o

"106,666 13 6
" By Amount of Money taken up

upon Bond 21,988 7 6

" By Amount of Bonds given to

discharge debts due from the

Corporation 8,150 o o

30,138 7 6

" Debt reduced 76,528 6 o

i; u =====

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 339

" Amount of Reversions Sold and Accepted ^74,691 18 o

" Amount of Fines for the renewal of lives in

Premises Sold 8,493 8 o

" Amount of Sales of Ground Rents that produced

to the Corporation 274 35. ad. ^ an 9.335 9

"92,520 15 o

"N.B. Returns have been made to applications

for the purchase of Reversions amounting to 150,959 i o

" Amount of the Sales of Premises &c. under the
direction of the Select Committee since the

reversionary interest began to be sold 39,438 15 o

" Of which remains unpaid 11,022 8 6

"28,416 6 6

" The money arising from the Sales of these Premises &c has been
applied to the payment of purchases made by the Committee,
and for the discharge of Accounts, &c &c."

" 1819, Octr. 6. Jonathan Blundell Hollinshead Mayor.

" Resolved, that the following Notice be issued

" To Lessees under the Corporation.
" Notice is hereby given.

" That the Common Council having recently taken into consideration Terms of
the charges made for the renewal of leases and the exchanging of lives L 63565 -
thereon, have come to the determination in cases of renewal to alter the
rate of calculation adopted of late years, and the principle of the renewal
now fixed upon may be known upon application at the Town Clerk's
office.

" It appearing from the reports of Mr Okill and Mr Mercer that up to
the present period of their investigation into the registers, a considerable
number of houses have been discovered by them to have fallen out of lease Lapse of
many years since ; the aggregate amount of the rental of which exceeds L 63868 -
650 per annum, and the amount of arrears of rent due to the Corporation
upwards of 3000, and that no less than 179 houses and buildings up to
the period of such investigation have been found to be running on the
terms of 'years only, and many of them nearly expiring,

" Resolved, That such property be immediately leased out again upon
fines in the usual way for three lives and twenty one years."

" 1820, Jany. 5. John Tobin Mayor.

" The Council having adverted to the Reports recently made containing
the result of the investigation of the state of the Corporate Property, by
which it appears that in one part of the town only of a very small extent, ,
no less than 548 houses and buildings are running upon the years in the Leaseholds.

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Committee.

several leases granted ; and it appearing that there are at present in the
possession of the Corporation no less than 75 houses, many of which
endeavours have been made to dispose of without effect . . . and it
being also represented that a very considerable number of other houses in
different parts of the town are now held for one very old life, and 21 years,
most of which are in an extremely dilapidated state,

" Resolved that a Committee be appointed to take these several matters
into consideration, and to make a report to the Council as to the measures
which they may think best to be adopted towards preventing the serious
inconvenience and injury which must arise to the Corporate estate."

" 1820, Sept. 6. The following joint recommendation of the Select
Finance Committee and of the Special Committee was read and adopted.

" The Committees are of opinion that the present mode of charging for
the renewals of leases ought to be altered.

" That inasmuch as the Corporation property consists principally of
buildings, and the adding one or two lives to a lease originally for three
lives and 21 years will protract the term of the lease to such a period as
will bring any building by the natural effect of time into complete decay,
the fines for renewing one or two lives ought to be calculated at a rate of
interest somewhat lower than for renewing three lives, so as to make the
fine for adding one or two lives to a certain degree higher.

" That the practice of granting leases for three lives and 21 years having
been found objectionable on account of the uncertainty of the existence
or health of the lives, it is desirable to lease the Corporation Property for
years certain rather than for lives and years."

The following General Rules for leasing were adopted :

Calculations. " From the Annual Rent, shall be deducted

"The Ground Rent payable to the Corporation.

" An allowance for annual repairs according to the nature and state of
the property.

" The calculations shall be made at four per cent interest for money.

" That in future a lease for 60 years certain be granted to such persons
as may elect to take the same in preference to a lease for three lives and
21 years. And that the fines for renewing leases be charged by a graduated
scale calculated so that the fine for renewing one year shall be one twen-
tieth part of a years purchase, and for renewing the whole term of 60
years, 16 years purchase."

Notice was given to the lessees under the Corporation of
the change.
Further This proposal did not give satisfaction, and after a trial

Alterations. , . ,

of some years a further alteration was made.

Report.

Terms of
Leases.

Lives and
Years.

Leases for
60 years.

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 341

[

" 1824, Apl. 7. Charles Laurence Mayor.

" The Select Finance Committee having taken into consideration the
reference from the last Council relative to the granting of leases for 60
years, and having obtained the opinion of Mr Morgan, by which it appears
that a lease for three young lives and 2 1 years may be considered equiva-
lent to a lease for 70 or 75 years, and the Committee having thereupon Leases for
recommended to the Council to adopt the term of 75 years, and that the 75 years-
leasing for lives and years should (whenever practicable) be discontinued.

" Resolved that the recommendation of the Select Finance Committee
be confirmed, and that public notice be given respecting the same by
Advertizement .

" That the following table shewing the fine to be paid for renewing a Tables for
lease for 75 years certain, when part of the term is expired be adopted, RenewaJ -
and that the same be published."

The Tables so adopted have been acted upon since
that period.

The system of carrying on the public works of the
Corporation underwent a severe scrutiny, with the following
result :

" 1824, July 7. Resolved at this Council

"i. That it is expedient that the system of the Corporation purchasing
their own timber and other articles, and having their own Brick-kilns
should be discontinued, and that their public works, including the paving
and flagging of streets, should in future be executed as those undertaken
by Government and other public bodies are, namely by open contract Public Works
whenever practicable, or when not so, by private agreement according to ^ y Contract -
regular specifications and terms approved by the Council.

" 2. That the Surveyor be directed to lay before the Council an account Report
of all the works now carrying on or ordered by the Corporation, and that ordered -
the former shall be completed by open contract if practicable and expe-
dient."

With other regulations of a similar character.

The transactions in land in Cheshire, which ultimately Lands in
led to the construction of the Birkenhead Docks, and their
absorption into the Dock estate, form a very important
episode in the Corporation records.

After the development of Birkenhead, about 1824, large
purchases were made of lands on the margin of Wallasey

342

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

in Cheshire.

Letter from
W. Laird.

Pool, by Sir John Tobin, Messrs. Laird, Askew and others,
who, in 1828, made public a scheme for the construction of
docks on the site.

" 1828, Aug. 6. Thos Colley Porter Mayor.

" The Mayor having stated to this Council that a communication had
been made to him that an application was intended to be made in the next
Session of Parliament by the Proprietors of certain estates in the Hundred
Bill for Docks o f Wirrall and others, for a Bill to authorize the construction of Docks in
Wallasey Pool, and the making of a Ship Canal from thence to communi-
cate with the river Dee near Helbree Island.

" Resolved, that the Mayor be requested to apply to the gentlemen from
whom the communication was received, to know whether they have any
objection to favor the Common Council with a copy of the intended works
and of the report of the Civil Engineers thereon."

" 1828, Aug. 13. The Mayor laid before the Council the following
letter

" To the Worshipful the Mayor.
" Sir,

" On my return from London I had the honour to receive your
note dated 6 th ins' enclosing copy of the resolution passed at the meeting
of Common Council of that day, requesting that they might be furnished
with a copy of the plan of the proposed Docks &c in the Hundred of
Wirrall, and the Report of the Civil Engineers thereon.

" The detailed plan is not now in my possession, but I send herewith a
copy shewing the leading features of it, and also a copy of the Engineer's
report for the inspection of the members of the Council.

" I have the honour to be, &c,

" Water Street, " W. LAIRD.

" Aug. 9*, 1828."

On the receipt of this letter, prompt action was taken.

" Resolved, that as the Council are of opinion that this subject is one of

great importance to the Corporation estate, the same be referred to the

Committee, consideration of a Committee of the whole Council, with full powers to

act in such way from time to time as to the Committee may seem most

adviseable."

" 1828, Sept. 15. Committee of the whole Council.

" The Mayor stated that in consequence of the confirmation by the
Council on the 3 rd ins' of the Agreement made by him for the purchase of
the Bridge End estate on the south side of Wallasey Pool, and of the
sentiments of the Council then expressed of the propriety of obtaining as
much extent as possible of frontage in the Pool, he had deemed it right

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 343

in conjunction with Mr George Case to ascertain with the utmost precision, Negotiations.

and at the same time with the utmost caution the situation of the various

interests in the land ; and the practicability of making purchases of the

same upon such terms as might be advantageous not only to the Corpora-

tion Estate, but the Estate of the Trustees of the Docks and the town at

large, and that with this idea, he, together with Mr Case, had through

various private channels and agencies, been able to negociate and enter

into agreements for the purchase of the whole of the frontage land on the Agreements.

south side of the Pool, as appeared to them important to possess ; and of

such a portion of the frontage land on the north side of the Pool as will

enable the Corporation to command any objects which may be desirable."

" Resolved, that the Agreements entered into by the Mayor and Mr
Alderman Case for the land in question are hereby approved, and that the
thanks of the Committee be presented to those gentlemen for the talents,
exertions and zeal displayed by them in the making of the purchases in Purchases.
question, which the Committee consider of the utmost importance to the
Corporation estate, and to that of the Dock Trustees and of the town at
large."

" 1828, Octr. i. The Mayor having laid before the Council a letter
from the Surveyor communicating an arrangement made by him with Arrange-

F R Price Esq for the purchase of a further quantity of land at the south WIth

west end of Wallasey Pool, but to which arrangement was annexed a
condition on the part of Mr Price that the Common Council would give a
pledge that they would appropriate the Pool for a dock and other com-
mercial purposes,

" Resolved, that the arrangement made by the Surveyor as far as regards
the price and quantity of land is hereby approved and confirmed. That
the Council decline giving any pledge to Mr Price as to the appropriation Negotiations.
of the Pool or land, but that Mr Price be informed that it is the present
intention of the Common Council to appropriate the Pool to the purposes
of trade connected with the interests of the port of Liverpool."

Some further correspondence took place, Mr. Price correspon-
pressing for a definite undertaking as to the appropriation
of the land, which the Corporation declined to give, referring
back to their resolution as to their intention to appropriate
the Pool to the purposes of trade.

" 1828, Octr. 15. Resolved that the Select Finance Committee make a
report to the Council accompanied with plans, of the best uses to which Report.
the land may be applied, due regard being had to the interests of the Dock
Estate as well as of the Corporation."

344

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Bill for

" 1828, Nov. 5. Nicholas Robinson Mayor.

" Resolved that notices be given for an Act of Parliament for the making
and providing of commercial conveniences in Wallasey Pool, omitting
therein the making of a dock or docks."

Estimates. " 1828, Deer. 3. Resolved that an estimate of the proposed Wharfage
and Quay line in Wallasey Pool be laid before the Select Finance Com-
mittee and submitted by them to the next Council together with the heads
of a Bill respecting the same for consideration."

The estimate was presented, by which it appeared that
the expense of excavating a channel in Wallasey Pool and
building and embanking the quay wall agreeable to plan,
was, on an average of two schemes, about /ioo,ooo.

The Council resolved to postpone the subject, whereupon
a letter of remonstrance was received from Mr. Francis
Richard Price, in reply to which the following resolution was
passed :

Correspon- " 1829, Feby. 4. That the Mayor be requested to inform Mr Price that
dence wlth the Council are perfectly aware of their former resolutions upon the subject
of Wallasey Pool, and that it is still their intention to appropriate the same
to the purposes of trade connected with the Port of Liverpool, but inas-
much as the plans for the permanent appropriation of the Pool, particularly
on the South side are not sufficiently matured, and as other plans of
improvement have been very recently projected which appear well worthy
of consideration ; the Council are of opinion that a postponement of Parlia-
mentary proceedings will be much more advantageous to the interests of
the Corporation and of Mr Price himself."

The Liverpool Dock Committee objected to the intro-
duction of a Bill, considering that it would be injurious to
the Dock Estate, and so the subject slumbered for fourteen
years longer.

1829, October 7. Mr. Price again addressed the Council,
urging them to proceed, when the following resolution was
adopted :

" That Mr Price be respectfully informed that it is not the intention of
the Council to apply in the next Session of Parliament for a Bill respect-
ing Wallasey Pool, but that it is still their intention to appropriate the
land to the purposes of trade connected with the interests of the Port of
Liverpool."

Objections of
Dock Board.

Bill with-
drawn.

CORPORATE ESTATE AND REVENUES. 345

The subject was not again mooted during the existence
of the old Council.

The proceedings of the Reformed Council in 1843, which
opened the way to the construction of the Birkenhead
Docks, do not come within the limits of the present Records.
It may suffice to say that, had the Council of that time
held their hands, and declined to part with the control of
the land, the development of Birkenhead might have taken
a different direction.

The large purchases of land in Birkenhead in 1828 caused j
some alarm as to the financial position of the Corporation.

A Balance Sheet was therefore ordered to be prepared,
a copy of which runs as follows :

" Balance Sheet Balance

" 25* Sept 1829.

" Income for Half year
" 18* Octr 1829 to Apl 18 th 1830

" Town Dues 22,000

"Rents 23,715

"45.715

" Interest on Bond Debt 16,445

"Annuities 420

" Allowance to the Mayor 1200

"18,065

" Surplus Income 27,650

" Amount of Bond Debt 791,145

" Owing by the Trustees of the

Docks for Land 125,900

" General Balance.
" Total Debt 791,145. Assets

" Due from Docks 125,900

" Property in possession . 852,369

978,269

^^_^Aw

" Area of Lands belonging to the Corporation 322^ Statute Acres."

346

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

" 1829, Octr. 7. The particular attention of this Council having been
called to the report contained in the proceedings of the Select Finance
Committee relative to the situation of the Corporate funds and Estate,
made in conformity with a resolution passed at the last Council,

Resolution. " Resolved, that in the opinion of the Council, considering the great
extent of the present expenditure which has been made in the purchase
of property for public improvements, and with a view to the future benefit
and advantage of the estate, such Report is extremely satisfactory, and
tends most strongly to establish the perfect stability and the extensive
resources of the Corporation Estate."

TRADE AND COMMERCE.

The trade of the port continued to extend in an ever increase of
increasing ratio. From the beginning of the century, down
to 1835, the yearly tonnage had increased from 450,060 to
1,768,426, and the Dock Dues from 23,380 to nearly
200,000.

During the long period of the continental war, the com-
merce of Liverpool underwent various vicissitudes. The vicissitudes.
Slave Trade, which at one time formed so important a part
of its commerce, was abolished in 1807. The Corporation,
however hopeless, raised their voice energetically against the
abolition.

1807, January 2oth. Thomas Molyneux, Mayor.

A special Council was held

" To consider the propriety of petitioning Parliament and for adopting
such other measures as may be deemed most expedient for obtaining com-
pensation for and on behalf of the Trustees of the Liverpool Docks and
of the Corporation, for the loss that will be sustained, if the Bill now
pending in Parliament for abolishing the African Slave Trade be passed Slave Trade,
into a law."

Petitions to the Lords were adopted from the Corporation Petitions.
and the Dock Trustees, setting forth :

" That large sums had been expended out of borrowed money, in public
improvements, and on Docks, Lighthouses and other works, in full confi-
dence that no innovation would be made in the established commerce of
the Port of which the African trade has long formed a most important
branch.

" That if the Slave trade were abolished, the petitioners would be greatly
injured, and deprived of a considerable portion of those resources necessary
for the improvement of the said town and port, which have been for some
time in contemplation, besides the injury of a much more extensive nature injury.

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Compensa-
tion.

Tonnage.

in the depreciated value of houses, warehouses and land. The petitioners
therefore pray that the Bill be not passed, but if from considerations
foreign to their interests it should be thought expedient that the Bill
should pass, the petitioners pray that they may be heard by counsel, and
by the examination of witnesses, and that such compensation may be
made as to the wisdom and justice of the Right Honorable House shall
seem fit."

On the 25th March, 1807, the Bill received the Royal
assent, without any compensating clauses.

The immediate effect on the commerce of Liverpool
was injurious.

The tonnage, which had been unduly swelled in 1807 by
a general rush to make the most of the little time left, fell
in twelve months from 662,309 to 516,836, and the amount
of the dues from 62,831 to 40,638.

In three years they had recovered themselves, and pro-
ceeded with their previous elasticity.

1808. Henry Blundell Hollinshead, Mayor.

The price of grain was very high, and great distress
prevailed. A movement was made, recommended by a
Parliamentary Committee, to stop all distillation from grain
for a time, which was met by petitions against the measure.

The Corporation of Liverpool adopted a petition as
follows :

" That your petitioners have seen with feelings of considerable regret,
advertizements of meetings in several parts of the kingdom for the pur-
pose of agreeing to petitions against the measure recommended by a
Prohibition, committee of your honourable House, for a temporary suspension of the
ofDistilla- use O f g ra i n i n the distilleries, as calculated to prove injurious to the
agricultural interests of the country.

" That in the present state of our foreign relations, whilst so many of
the ports of Europe are closed against us, and it is impossible to procure
a supply of corn from the continent of Europe, whilst in addition to
this, the embargo which has taken place in the United States of America
precludes us from obtaining any importation from thence, and whilst it
remains an undisputed fact that this country has for many years past been

Distress.

Difficult
Supplies.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 349

dependent upon foreign supply for a considerable part of the subsistence
of her inhabitants, more particularly in this populous town and county,

" Your petitioners cannot but think it a measure of wise and prudent
precaution to prevent the unnecessary consumption of the produce of our
own soil, and by a well timed restriction to guard against an evil of so
great magnitude as must result from the failure of the usual means of
supply."

The restriction of trade with the East Indies, by the East India
monopoly of the Company, was felt as a great grievance,
and strenuous efforts were made to break through the
restrictions.

1812, March aoth. The following petition to the House
of Commons was adopted :

"The Petition of the Mayor, Bailiffs and Burgesses most humbly petition,
sheweth,

" That your petitioners conceive that the subjects of these realms
possess an inherent right to a free intercourse of trade with all other
nations and countries in amity with this, subject only to such regulations
as may be necessary for preserving a good understanding with those
countries, and for securing to our own the revenues derivable from such
intercourse.

" That the monopoly of the East India Company, however expedient at Monopoly,
the period of their first charter, is in the present state of commerce no
longer so, and it is moreover inconsistent with those principles which are
universally admitted to be essential to the prosperity of commerce. That
every other nation of Europe being by the signal success of his Majesty's
arms deprived of all territory and influence in the East Indies, as well as
of all means of annoyance to the navigation of those seas, an ample field
is now open for the exertion of British skill and enterprise, and for the Extension of
investment of that capital which is rendered in a great measure useless Trade,
in those channels of trade where it has heretofore been employed.

" That your petitioners, as the guardians of the interests of the town
of Liverpool, while they lament the distressing suspension of its com- Distressing
merce at this juncture, cannot but indulge a sanguine hope that the era Suspension,
is arrived which presents to the merchants and traders of Liverpool in
common with those of every part of the British Empire, new and brighter
prospects, in the participation of a traffic from which they have been
hitherto excluded.

" That your petitioners disclaim any wish to interfere with the rights of East India
the East India Company, which they apprehend may be maintained

350

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Charter
modified.

First Ship.

Renewal of
Agitation.

Meeting.

inviolate without the continuation of a system that infringes the privileges
of others."

These efforts were partially successful. In 1813 the
East India Company's charter was modified by the trade
to India being thrown open, that with China being still
reserved. The first ship from Liverpool to Calcutta was
the Kingsmill, 516 tons burden, belonging to Messrs. John
Gladstone & Co., which sailed on May 27th, 1814.

The Company's Charter was granted for a period of 21
years. In 1829, in anticipation of its expiry, the agitation
was renewed. A public meeting was held in the Town
Hall, on January 28th, the Mayor (Mr. Nicholas Robinson)
in the chair, supported by all the chiefs of the mercantile
world in Liverpool.

The first resolution was moved by Mr. (afterwards Sir)
John Gladstone, and seconded by Mr. Wm. Rathbone, and
carried unanimously :

China Trade. " That the opening of a free trade to China, and the removal of the
restrictions which impede the Commerce between this country and India,
would be productive of incalculable benefits, both to this Kingdom and to
the British territories in the East Indies."

A string of other resolutions followed, a strong Committee
was appointed, and a subscription opened.

1829, February 4th. A Memorial from the Committee
appointed at the public meeting held on the 28th January,
having been laid before the Council,

" Resolved, that the subject be referred to a special Committee consist-
Memorial, ing of the Mayor (with 14 others) with a request that they will take the
subject into consideration, and make a full report thereon to the Council."
" 1830, Mar. 3. George Drinkwater Mayor.

" A Resolution of the Merchants Committee on the East India and
China trade of the 25'" ul to having been submitted to this Council ;

" Resolved, that the Committee of the Common Council be authorized

Deputation, to appoint a deputation to London, should they deem it requisite ; and

that the Treasurer be authorized to advance 1000, in such sums as may

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 351

be from time to time required, to be applied in such way as the Committee
may think proper."

These efforts were successful, and the trade to India success.
and China has become a very important part of the com-
merce of Liverpool.

There is much interesting matter in the Records con-
nected with the conservancy of the estuary of the Mersey
and its shores.

" 1813, Aug. 12. Samuel Staniforth Mayor.

" A letter from Mr W m Statham, agent to Robert Vyner Esq, relative
to the encroachment of the sea over the Leasowe in the county of Chester, Encroach-
and the probability of its making a junction with Wallasey Pool, which m
might be extremely detrimental to the town and Port having been read,
and Mr Statham having offered on the part of Mr Vyner to contribute the
sum of fifty guineas towards the expences to be incurred in procuring the
opinion of Mr Rennie upon this matter,

" Resolved, that Mr Rennie be requested to come over for the purpose Rennie to
of making the necessary survey and reporting thereupon." report.

There is no copy of Mr. Rennie's report on the Records.

In i822j a Commission of Engineers, consisting of Messrs.
Whidbey, Chapman and Rennie, presented an elaborate
report thereon.

They state,

"That after examination they report their opinion on the most advis- Engineers'
able measures to be adopted for preserving the navigation, and preventing ei>or
further encroachments on the tideway of this important estuary, which
if continued in the same ratio as hitherto, must ultimately, and that period
is not very distant, terminate in the great deterioration of this harbour,
and in consequence thereof, of the prosperity of the town of Liverpool
and the surrounding country depending upon it."

They proceed,

" That between Runcorn and Fidler's Ferry they found large tracts of Obstructions,
Marsh land outside the line of the present backs, serving as important
receptacles for back water, intersected by numerous jetties which were
extended much further out than necessary, and operated as injurious
impediments to the tideway; and by obstructing its course, diminish
its velocity, and allow time for the alluvial matter to be deposited,
and form banks and shoals highly injurious to the navigation.

352

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

River
Weaver.

Further
Report,

Wharf Wall.

Extension of
Docks.

Pluckington
Bank.

Currents
and Eddies.

Mfid
Deposit.

" On the river Weaver they found similar obstructions. At Ince they
found in addition to the Ferry Quay, several very extensive jetties,
followed by destructive consequences."

They state,

"That a number of harbours in this kingdom have been ruined for
want of preserving back water. No time, they say, ought to be lost in
obtaining sufficient powers to have the complete conservatorship or control
of all the waters in the river Mersey and all its branches."

A further report was presented by the same parties on
the lines of wharf walls, at the south and north ends of the
Liverpool Docks, upon Pluckington's Bank, Wallasey Lea-
sowe, Tranmere Pool, &c.

They recommend,

" That a Wharf wall should be built from the south end of the then

existing docks in a curve to Pottery Point, there to terminate. The

flood and ebb tide flowing regularly along it, would produce an easy
navigation, and prevent the difficulties which now exist.

They say,

" We understand it is in contemplation to increase the number of
docks at the North end, and that it is very desirable that a plan should
be fixed upon to give shelter to the steam-packets ; that being the case,
we recommend that a Wharf wall should be built now, that will form the
Northern boundary of the intended docks, where the Steam-packets
can lie in safety and be protected from all winds. The erection of
suspension piers which has been spoken of for the above purpose, we
particularly object to as being extremely dangerous and unsafe for vessels
to lie alongside in gales of wind from the Northward.

" With respect to Pluckington's Bank there is nothing new in such
formations; that Bank we conceive is formed on the principle of every bar
at the entrance of all Harbours in the world. Rivers bring down from the
Country a quantity of alluvial matter, and when it is on the point of enter-
ing the sea, it falls on a body of water that is either still or taking another
direction, so that the current of the river strikes another body of water at
right angles, and as it has not the power to force such a body out of its
course, it must produce eddies, and cause the alluvial matter in the river
water to fall to the bottom, by which the Bar is formed, and in this way
Pluckington Bank has been formed. The great body of water that is at
times let out of the docks and the large quantity of mud thrown into such
streams and carried against the river tide, is by that tide stopped in its
progress, and must deposit the contents, which have formed and made

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 353

Pluckington Bank, and we strongly recommend that the docks should
never in future be cleared of the mud in the way above mentioned, but
that it should be taken from the docks in barges and deposited in the river
at the North end of the docks on the ebb tide.

" We are of opinion that there is no immediate danger to be apprehended
from the present state of the shore at Wallasey Leasowes, and we think Wallasey
it will be quite time enough to embank out the sea at that place when
danger is more apparent, which may not be for many years to come, for
although it has been stated to us that the sea is increasing upon the shores
at that place, it may in time recede, and we cannot advise the Corporation
to go to any expense on that account, but we strongly recommend that no
gravel should be removed from this shore in future."

" 1824, Feby. 4. Cha s Lawrence Mayor.

" Resolved, That notice be officially given by the Town Clerk to the
Company of Proprietors of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation, that the
Works now constructing by them near Runcorn, are not only expressly Obstructions
against the consent and approbation of the Common Council of this town, at Runcorn -
but that the Council now most strongly protest against the same, and
resolve, that if hereafter such Works shall be found injurious to the
navigation of the River Mersey, legal measures will be taken to remove
the same and to abate the nuisance."

" 1826, June 7. Peter Bourne Mayor.

" The Council having adverted to the recent Resolutions, proceedings
and recommendations of the Select Finance Committee relative to the
encroachments and embankments in the River above Runcorn, in conse- Encroach-
quence of which there is great reason to apprehend that very serious injury ents above
will arise to the Port and the Navigation of the River,

" Resolved, That the Select Finance Committee be authorized to adopt
such measures either legal or Parliamentary, as to them may seem most
advisable for effectually preventing the injury."

" 1826, Deer. 6. The Town Clerk having laid before this Council the
Report of the recent proceedings in the Court of Chancery against the Mersey and
Company of Proprietors of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation, Irwell.

" Resolved, that in compliance with the strong recommendations
expressed by the Lord Chancellor upon that occasion, the Select Finance
Committee be authorized to adopt such measures as they may deem
advisable for ascertaining by legal decision or otherwise, and with the Legal
least possible delay, the rights of the Crown, the rights of the Public, the Proceedings,
rights of the Corporation, the rights of the Mersey and Irwell Company,
and the precise extent of the powers and authorities of their Act of Parlia-
ment ; and that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Chairman
of the Committee of the Mersey and Irwell Company."

1828, March 5th. An elaborate survey and report was

Y Y

354

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Leasowe

Embank-
ment.

Act of
Parliament.

submitted by Messrs. Stevenson and Nimmo, Civil Engineers,
on the state of the Wallasey Leasowe, and the inroads
making by the sea.

" The Council having taken into consideration the Report as above,
and being of opinion that the subject is one of very considerable impor-
tance, to a certain extent to the interest of the Corporation and the
Trustees of the Docks,

" Resolved, That the Select Finance Committee be authorized to co-
operate with the Dock Committee in the immediate adoption of some
temporary embankment for the prevention of any further irruption which
may possibly occur from the very high tides in the present month, and
that the Committee be also authorized, in conjunction with the Dock Com-
mittee, to adopt such other measures of a permanent nature as may be
deemed advisable, upon a communication with the owners of lands under
the level, and to whom a copy of the above resolution be transmitted,
accompanied by a copy of the report of Mr Stevenson and Mr Nimmo."

This led to an Act of Parliament, by which the Dock
and Harbour Board, and the owners of the low-lying lands,
are assessed towards the repairs and maintenance of the
embankment.

" 1825, Apl. 6. Jonathan Blundell Hollinshead Mayor.

Leeds Canal. " Resolved, That in the event of the Company of the Leeds and Liver-
pool Canal being disposed to solicit the introduction of a clause in the
Dock Bill for altering the situation of the junction of the Canal with the
Junction with River Mersey as specified in the Canal Acts, and for allowing of such
k iver ' junction to the Northward of the Prince's Dock, the same be acquiesced

in, the plan being previously submitted to and approved by the Trustees
of the Docks and the Common Council."
" 1829, Mar. 4, Nicholas Robinson Mayor.

A print of a Bill for improving the River Weaver Navigation having
-^ Before t h e Council, which appears to contain powers of a most
extensive and undefined nature, which may possibly materially affect the
River Mersey and the Port of Liverpool,

" Resolved, that the Bill be referred to the early consideration of the

Select Finance Committee, with full authority to adopt measures for pre-

venting the extension of powers which may interfere with the navigation

of the river Mersey, or affect the rights and interests of this Corporation."

" 1829, April i. Resolved, that the Council are more strongly impressed

Conservancy than ever, with the necessity of the Conservatorship of the River being

of River. vested in some fixed body of persons, and the rights, duties, and interests

of all parties defined ; and that the Mayor be requested to transmit to his

River
Weaver Act.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 355

Majesty's Commissioners of Woods and Forests, copies of the resolutions
which have been recently passed on the subject of the conservancy of the
River, and to request that they will be pleased to give this subject their
early consideration, and favor the Mayor with a communication thereon,
for the information of the Council."

" 1829, May 6. The Mayor reported to the Council that he with a
deputation had had an interview with the first Commissioner of Woods
and Forests, and with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on the
subject of the general conservancy of the River, to which the attention of
the two Boards had been previously drawn by the resolutions recently
passed by the Council. The result of this interview had been extremely
satisfactory. The subject of the conservancy had been for some time
under consideration, and it was their intention to advise his Majesty to
grant a Commission of Conservancy, and that every practical dispatch Commission,
would be given to the issuing of the same."

" 1830, July 7. George Drinkwater Mayor.

"At this Council a letter was read from Mr Huskisson relative to the Letter from
Conservancy, stating that he had communicated with Lord Lowther the Huskisson.
Chief Commissioner, and found that the case was still in the hands of the
Attorney General, who represented it to be encumbered with many diffi-
culties ; indeed, he doubts the power of the Crown, as the law now stands,
to issue any such Commission of Conservancy in the present case, and is Question of
decidedly of opinion that without an Act of Parliament the Corporation tne i ^- vi -
of Liverpool or any part of it, could not be invested with the powers of
such a commission."

" 1830, Dec. 7. Thomas Brancker Mayor.

"At this Council a letter was read from the Secretary to the Lords of
the Treasury relating to the encroachments on the River Mersey, stating
that from the documents transmitted my Lords are of opinion that a
Bill ought to be brought into Parliament, to provide for the conservation of conservancy
the River Mersey and the Port of Liverpool, full notice being given to all Act -
the parties concerned."

" 1832, April 4. Sam 1 Sandbach Mayor.

" Resolved that the Select Finance Committee be requested to take
into their early consideration the necessity of the gradual inclosing of the
strand from the northern extremity of the Dock Works to Beacon's Enclosures
Gutter, in the line laid down on the plan submitted to Parliament f strand.
in 1825."

These inquiries led to a claim on the part of the Crown
to certain portions of the foreshore.

" 1828, Mar. 5. Thomas Colley Porter Mayor.

" The Mayor stated to the Council, that he had been served with a claims of
notice of a claim by the Duchy of Lancaster to the shore in Toxteth Park Crown.

356

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Legal
opinions.

Payment to
Okill.

Ferry.

Toxteth
Park.

White's
application.

Petition
against Bill.

lying between high and low watermark, which had been purchased by the
Corporation from the Earl of Sefton ; that the Town Clerk had had inter-
views with the Solicitor to the Duchy, in the course of which it was stated
to be the intention to extend the claim of his Majesty to the shore of the
River between high and low watermark within the Borough of Liverpool."

" 1828, Apl. 2. The Town Clerk laid before the Council the opinions
of Mr Richmond and Mr Brodie relative to the title of the Corporation to
the shore of the River in Liverpool, which opinions are expressed in the
strongest language in favour of the title of the Corporation to the same."

" 1828, July 2. Resolved, That the sum of ^"150 be paid to Mr Charles
Okill as a remuneration to him for the preparation of the valuable plans
and documents denoting in the most satisfactory way, the right and title
of the Corporation to the shore of the river within the manor and lordship
of Liverpool, upon the recent claim of the King in regard of his Duchy of
Lancaster thereto."

" 1804, Aug. 10. Jno Bridge Aspinall Mayor.

" On Mr Joseph White's application as proprietor of the Rock Ferry in
Cheshire, stating that he had purchased a house from the Earl of Sefton
in Toxteth Park nearly opposite to the Rock Ferry, which he intended to
convert into another Ferry House, and to build a commodious quay or
wharf, extending to low water, for the accommodation of the Public, and
that he intended to apply to Parliament for an Act to enable him to
demand a reasonable toll, and wishing to have the assistance and counten-
ance of the Common Council to enable him to carry his scheme into
effect ;

" Resolved and Ordered, that the subject matter of the said application
be referred to the Select Committee to consider and report ; it being
expected however that Mr White acquiesce in any reasonable proposal on
the part of the Corporation, in the appointment of Commissioners for the
better regulation of the Ferries and Fisheries."

" 1805, May 6. Wm Harper Mayor.

" A special Council was held to consider the Bill promoted by Mr
Joseph White, when it was

" Resolved, that a petition be presented against the said Bill, on the
ground that it contains provisions for erecting Piers, Slips, or Quays on
each side the River Mersey of an unlimited extent, which may prove
injurious to the navigation of the said river.

" That it also contains clauses which if passed into a law, would greatly
affect the interests of the Public in general, and the town of Liverpool in
particular. And that the said Bill also contains several clauses and
provisions highly injurious to the rights and interests of your petitioners
as Owners of the Port and Harbour of Liverpool."

withdrawn. This Bill was withdrawn, and nothing came of the scheme.

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 357

The introduction of steam navigation on the Mersey is steam

Navigation.

thus noticed.

" 1817, Feby. 10. A petition from William Batman on behalf of him-
self and others, proprietors of a Steam Boat intended to ply between
Liverpool and Cheshire, for the accommodation of steps and landing places
having been read ;

" Resolved, that such petition be referred to the consideration of the '
Select Finance Committee, with full powers to the Committee to act
thereon as to them may seem proper."

" 1829, April i. A memorial from Messrs J S Walker and George Shaw,
requesting some recompense for constructing two models of proposed
landing places, applicable to the Liverpool Piers on the eastern shores of Landing
the Mersey, having been laid before this Council, Places.

" Resolved, that the Treasurer be authorized to give the memorialists
the sum of 10 IDS."

Several of the modern commercial improvements are
foreshadowed many years before their accomplishment.

" 1802, March 23. Peter Whitfield Brancker Mayor.

" Upon an application made by and on behalf of the supporters of the
Bill now depending in Parliament for the forming a junction between the
Isle of Anglesea and the main land, by means of an iron bridge over the Bridge over
Straits of Menai, and also of another bridge over the River Conway, Menai.
according to the plans produced, and upon considering also the objections
urged against this plan by the agents of the inhabitants of Carnarvon.

" Resolved and Ordered, that the subject matter of these several appli-
cations appears of too much consequence under all the circumstances for
the Council at present, from what has hitherto been laid before them, to
form any precise or proper judgment ; and therefore that the same be
referred to the Dock Committee to consider, and to countenance or oppose Referred to
as to them shall seem most advisable upon further investigation, and that Dock .
the Mayor and Bailiffs be authorized to affix the Common Seal to such
petitions for or against either of the said schemes as they shall think most
expedient."

The project failed for the time.

In 1810 the scheme was revived, whereupon the Council
passed the following resolution :

" 1810, Mar. 7. It having been stated to this Council that the supporters Revival of
of the scheme for forming a junction between the Isle of Anglesea and Scheme -
the main land by means of a bridge and of another bridge over the river
Conway are now renewing their application to Parliament ;

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Bridge at
Runcorn.

Fishery
Company,

" Resolved, that the Dock Committee be desired to reconsider the
question, and to take such measures as they may deem expedient for
opposing or supporting the same as may be advisable."

" 1817, Feby. 10. Jno Wright Mayor.

" The Mayor having produced to this Council the copy of a resolution
passed at a Meeting of the Committee for carrying into effect the proposed
bridge at Runcorn, requesting that the Common Council would give their
countenance and support to the undertaking,

" Resolved, that the Town Clerk do write to Mr Fitchett, the Secretary
of the meeting, acknowledging the receipt of the copy of the resolution,
and stating that in the present stage of the proceedings, and without further
information, the Council decline taking the subject into consideration."

" 1818, Deer. 9. Jonathan Blundell Hollinshead Mayor.

" Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee be authorized to watch
the progress of two Bills intended to be brought into Parliament the next
Session, the one relative to the erecting of a bridge at Runcorn, and the
other relative to the establishment of a Fishery Company on the River
Mersey, and to take such measures as they may deem expedient."

The measure was not carried, and the matter remained
over until the erection of the Railway bridge, which has only
partially remedied the inconvenience.

After the inception of the Liverpool and Manchester
Railway, many schemes were proposed for uniting the two
shores of the Mersey.

" 1827, May 2. Thos Littledale Mayor.

" A letter having been laid before this Council from James Lowe Esq,
Tunnel relative to the formation of a Company to carry into execution a projected

under River. Tunnel under the Mersey from Liverpool to Cheshire,

" Resolved, that this Council cannot give any opinion on this subject,
without plans and other documents fully explanatory of the measure being
submitted ; but that when the same are presented, the Council will give
the subject due consideration."

" 1830, Jany. 6. A letter from Mr Forsyth and Mr Lawton inclosing
the copy of a resolution passed at a meeting of land proprietors at Birken-
Vignoles and head, and a plan and reports of Mr Vignoles and Mr Stephenson, and a
Stephenson. i e tt e r from Mr Giles, relative to the formation of a Tunnel under the River
between Liverpool and Woodside, and soliciting the Corporation to sanc-
tion and encourage the measure, having been laid before this Council,

" Resolved, that the Mayor be requested to inform the parties, that the
subject is one of such magnitude that the Council are not prepared to give
any reply to the application."

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 359

" 1830, Feby. 3. A Resolution passed at a meeting of Proprietors of
land in Birkenhead relative to the constructing of a tunnel under the river Tunnel,
having been laid before this Council,

" Resolved, That the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee
to report."

Another project of a more daring character contemplated
a bridge across the estuary.

" 1828, July 2. A Report accompanied by Plans from Messrs Twyford
and Wilson of Manchester relative to a Bridge being placed across the Bridge over
River Mersey opposite Birkenhead having been laid before this Council, Merse y-

" Resolved, That the subject is one of too great importance with refer-
ence to the navigation of the river, for this Council to give any reply to
the same, without the further opinions and report of some of the most
eminent Civil Engineers of the day, being obtained by the promoters of
the measure."

Whether these reports were favourable does not appear,
but nothing further was done.

The most important work connected with the commerce
of Liverpool during this period was the construction of the
Liverpool and Manchester Railway, to which there are many Manchester

r J J Railway.

references in the Records.

" 1824, June 2. Charles Lawrence Mayor.

" A memorial of the subscribers to a projected Railroad between Liver- Memorial,
pool and Manchester, soliciting the support of the Common Council having
been read,

" Resolved, That the Mayor be requested to communicate to Mr Moss,
the Chairman by whom the Memorial was signed, that when the measures
are more matured, the Council will be disposed to receive the plans, and to
give the same and the general subject of the memorial, due consideration."

" 1825, Jany. 5. Another memorial from the subscribers was laid before Further
the Council, soliciting assent to the Railroad passing through the Corpora- Memonal -
tion Property and the support of the Corporation to the undertaking by
Petition to both Houses of Parliament.

" Resolved, that the memorial and the plan therein alluded to, be
referred to the Select Finance Committee, and that they make a report
thereon to the Council."

" 1825, March 2. The Bill for the making of a Railway from this town Bill,
to Manchester, having been laid before this Council,

" Resolved, That the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee,
for the purpose of their taking into consideration how far the same may in

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Petition.

Amendments

North
entrance.

Plans
submitted.

Tunnel
assented to.

Clauses
settled.

their opinion affect the general rights and interests of the Corporation and
the town, with authority to present any Petition they may think proper
against the same, it being expressly understood that the Bill be opposed
unless a clause is introduced therein against the admission of any steam
engine, stationary or locomotive, into the town."

" 1825, April 6. Resolved, that the several alterations and amendments
in the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Bill as now submitted to this
Council be acquiesced in ; but that the Bill be opposed unless the clause
requiring the Railway to be carried under the Liverpool and Preston
Turnpike Road be introduced."

It is evident from this entry that the Railway was intended
at first to enter Liverpool from the north, nearly in the same
line as that subsequently adopted by the Lancashire and
Yorkshire Railway.

" 1825, Deer. 7. A Memorial from the Committee of the Liverpool and
Manchester Railway, accompanied by a plan of the line of the intended
tunnel within the town having been laid before this Council,

" Resolved, that the Surveyor be directed forthwith to send a competent
draftsman to Preston to take an accurate copy of the plan of the Railway
lodged with the Clerk of the Peace there."

" 1826, Jany. 4. Resolved, that the Town Clerk be authorized to give
the assent of the Corporation to the carrying of the Rail Road in a tunnel
through Liverpool as described in the plan deposited, provided the Com-
mittee of the Rail Road Company undertake to introduce a clause in their
Bill, binding themselves to construct the said tunnel to the entire satisfac-
tion of the Surveyor of the Corporation, the general provisions of the said
Bill being still subject to the consideration of the Council."

" 1826, March 4. A Print of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway
Bill having been laid before the Council, with the several alterations
recommended by the Select Finance Committee, and also copies of the
several clauses recommended by the Committee to be inserted in the Bill
together with an additional clause submitted by the Town Clerk and the
same having been read, it was

" Resolved, That the same are approved and confirmed, with the excep-
tion of the clause relative to the property of the tunnel, which in the event
of the same being abandoned, provided that it shall revert to the Corpora-
tion, but as to which it is

" Resolved, That it shall only extend to that part of the said tunnel
carried under the property of the Corporation, and that the Town Clerk
be directed to take the requisite measures to have these several clauses
and alterations introduced into the Bill now before Parliament."

" 1826, Octr. 7. Resolved, that in the confirmation of the Resolutions

TRADE AND COMMERCE. 361

and Recommendations of the Select Finance Committee relative to the
applications of the Company of Proprietors of the Liverpool and Man-
chester Railway, such confirmation is not to be considered as affecting
any question in respect of compensation or purchase of property as between Compensa-
the Corporation and the Railway Company."

" 1830, July 31. Sir George Drinkwater Mayor.

" The Mayor having communicated to the Council that it had been
announced to him by Charles Lawrence and John Moss Esqrs the Chair-
man and Deputy Chairman of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway
Company that it was the intention of his Grace the Duke of Wellington Duke of
to honor this town with a visit on the i5th September next, the day of the Wellm g ton -
opening of the Railway,

" Resolved unanimously, that all possible respect be paid to his Grace
upon this occasion ; that a suitable Address be prepared and that the Address.
Freedom of the Borough (already voted by the Council upon the ever
memorable Battle of Waterloo) be presented to his Grace in a suitable
gold box."

" 1830, Deer. i. Thomas Brancker Mayor.

" The Town Clerk having reported that the plans of the projected Rail-
roads between Liverpool and Birmingham, and Liverpool and Leeds, and Birmingham
of the Branch Railroad from the Liverpool and Manchester Railroad from Railw *y-
Huyton to the North end of the town, had been deposited with him and
the assent of the Corporation requested thereto,

" Resolved, that the several plans be referred to the Select Finance
Committee to report thereon to the Council."

" 1831, Jany. 5. A letter from the Surveyor upon the subject of retain-
ing some Civil Engineers, whose assistance may be wanted in Parliament Reference to
in the course of the progress of the projected Bills for Railroads, with Engineers.
reference to the construction of bridges across the river, having been laid
before this Council,

" Resolved, that the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee."

" 1831, March 2. A communication having been received from John
Moss Esqr, chairman of a Deputation from the Liverpool and Birmingham
Railway Company in London, upon the subject of the line of Railway
within the town,

" Resolved, that the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee."

" 1831, April 6. The Council having adverted to the Resolution of the
Select Finance Committee of the 5th instant relative to the proposed line
of the Liverpool and Chorlton Railway through Frederick Street and to chorlton
the scite of the present Custom House, Railway.

" Resolved, That as far as regards the line of the Railway in the town,
the Council approve of the same in lieu of the line described in the Parlia-
mentary Plan now deposited, the introduction of any clauses which may

z z

CHAP. IV, A.D. 1800-1835.

Lime Street
Tunnel.

Facade.

Removed.

appear requisite on the part of the Corporation being expressly understood
to be reserved for consideration when the Bill is brought in."

" 1831, Sept. 7. A letter from John Moss Esq, Deputy Chairman of
the Committee of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Company rela-
tive to the construction of a tunnel from a point in the line of Railway
between Edge Hill and Wavertree Lane to the side of the Cattle Market
in Lime Street, having been laid before the Council,

" Resolved, that the Council entertain a favourable opinion of the prin-
ciple of a tunnel, provided the same be appropriated to Passengers only ;
and that the subject be referred to the Select Finance Committee to report
thereon."

" 1835, Feby. 4th. Jas Aspinall Mayor.

" A letter from Charles Lawrence Esq, Chairman of the Directors of
the Railway Company on the subject of the proposed ornamental Fa?ade
to the Company's Station in Lime Street, accompanied by a design, having
been laid before the Council,

" Resolved, that this letter and the said Design be referred to the Select
Finance Committee, with full powers to carry the same into execution."

This fa9ade, after an existence of forty years, was swept
away to make room for the erection of the North- Western
Hotel.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS.

Down to the latter part of the i8th century, Liverpool
might have vied with any town in the kingdom for narrow,
tortuous, ill-paved streets. The first Improvement Act was Act of 1785.
passed in I785. (1) Under the power thus given, Castle Street
was laid out as at present, Brunswick Street was formed, and
Dale Street widened as far as Moorfields.

In 1 80 1, provision was made for extending the town east-
ward.

" 1801, June 3. John Shaw Mayor.

" Resolved and Ordered, That the entire completing of the Plan of the
Moss Lake fields, now submitted to the Council by Alderman Naylor, Mosslake
Deputy Chairman of the Select Committee of Improvements, together Fields.
with the Agreement of the several proprietors, and the award of the
Arbitrators touching the same, be entirely referred and submitted to that
Committee to carry into full effect, and that the Mayor and Bailiffs be
authorized to affix the common seal to the said Agreement."

" 1802, Jany. 6. Resolved and Ordered, that it be an instruction to the
Select Committee to consult the physicians to the Infirmary and Dispen-
sary, in respect of any proposed alteration in the extension of the Improve-
ment Act that may in any degree contribute to the health and comfort of Health of
the inhabitants." Town -

" 1802, Deer. 10. Resolved and Ordered, That it be referred to the
Select Finance Committee with full powers, to solicit an Act in the present
Session of Parliament for authority to turn or direct a common highway
intended to have been made on the east strand or shore of the River
Mersey from Bath Street to Beacon's Gutter, and instead thereof to open
and make two new roads to the eastward of, and nearly parallel with the Roads
said originally intended road, and for other the purposes in the recom- northward,
mendation of the Select Finance Committee particularly mentioned, and
that the Mayor and Bailiffs be authorized to affix the Common Seal to the
requisite petitions."

" 1810, Feby. 8. Alderman Leyland having stated to this Council that
he understood an application was intended to be made in the now present

M Vide supra, p. 259.

364

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Preston
Road.

Dale Street.

Widening
Dale Street.

Bull and
Punch Bowl,

Purchase of
Property.

Session of Parliament for an Act for more effectually repairing, widening,
improving and amending the road from Liverpool to Preston,

" Resolved, that it be referred to the Select Finance Committee to
watch the progress of the said intended Bill through both Houses of
Parliament."

" 1818, Novr. 4. The present extremely narrow, and consequently
dangerous state of a considerable part of Dale Street having become the
subject of discussion at this Council,

" Resolved, that the Surveyor do furnish the Mayor for production at
the next Council with a plan, specifying the property therein now belonging
to the Corporation and other individuals, and also denoting the frontage
which would be required to widen and improve that street, so as to make
it not only a handsome entrance to the town, but to render it safe and
commodious for the Public. And to be accompanied with an estimate of
the "value of the different Properties."

" 1819, Jany. 10. Report and Plan presented to the Council.

" The Plan produced to the Council having been laid before the Com-
mittee, inspected, and examined ;

" Resolved, that it is the opinion of the Committee that the widening of
Dale Street by taking down and receding of the houses and buildings on
the north side as far as Johnson Street will be of the most essential service
to the Public ; and that the widening of any part of the street on that side,
although the whole cannot be accomplished, is extremely desirable.

" Resolved that the Mayor be requested to send a note to Mr James
Hargreaves, the owner of the Inn called the Bull and Punch Bowl, desiring
an interview upon the subject of the sale of his premises, respecting which
a long correspondence had taken place with Mr Foster some time back.
And that the following note be sent to the owners of the several other
properties on the north side of Dale Street ; and that the Mayor be
requested to summon the Committee again when requisite.
" ' Sir,

" ' The Common Council being desirous of ascertaining the
practicability of the widening of Dale Street, as Chairman of the Committee
to whom this subject has been referred, I shall be much obliged by your
favouring me with the terms upon which you are disposed to sell so much
of your property as may be required for the purpose. I shall be happy to
give any further explanation in my power which you may deem necessary.

" ' I am &c

" ' J Blundell Hollinshead

" ' Mayor.' "

" 1819, March 3. The Report of the Dale Street Committee having
been read,

" Resolved, that the said Committee be invested with full powers to
make the purchases necessary for the widening of the street and effecting

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 365

the intended communication w in the same manner and upon the same
terms as the Committee were originally invested with, viz, Authority to
make the purchases on the North side of Dale Street for the purpose of
widening the same."

" 1819, Octr. 6. The plans of the unproductive properties belonging to
the Corporation situate in Water Street, Juggler Street and Pemberton's Water Street,
Alley having been produced at this Council, &c -

" Resolved, that the materials of the buildings formerly occupied as the Materials of
Old Gaol w be immediately disposed of by public auction in order that Tower -
they may be removed, and part of the land laid to the street, in the
intended line of improvement. And that the remainder of the land be
leased out in the usual way for three lives and twenty one years, under
the directions of the Select Finance Committee."

"1821, June 6. Thos Leyland Mayor.

" The Mayor having stated to this Council that much Idleness prevailed
on a Sunday evening at St. James's Walk Resolved, that with a view st. Tames'
of preventing the same, a lodge be built at each end of the Walk, to be Walk-
inhabited by the gardener."

" 1824, Jany. 7. Resolved, that the street across the Old Dock from Street across
Pool Lane to Mersey Street be made according to the Act of Parliament old Dock -
of the 5 ist of the late King as soon as practicable after the completion of
George's Dock."

" 1824, Feby. 4. Resolved, that the Improvement Committee be author-
ized to carry into effect the widening of Tithebarn Street alluded to in Tithebarn
the proceedings of the Committee of the 2nd inst.

" A Memorial having been presented to this Council very numerously
and respectably signed, relative to the widening of Derby Square and the Derby
North end of James Street so as to effect a better approach to the intended s< l uare -
Baths and the various slips on the west side of George's Dock,

" Resolved, that such memorial be referred to the consideration of the
Improvement Committee."

1825, Nov. 2nd. Forty years had elapsed since the date
of the first Improvement Act of 1785. The time had now
arrived when the subject again pressed itself on the notice of
the Council.

" Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Council that application should
be made in the next Session of Parliament for an Act for opening and Improvement
widening Lord Street, Castle Ditch, New John Street, Marshall Street, Act-
Love Lane, Trafford's Lane, Pool Lane, Lancelot's Hey, and also for

(0 This refers to the opening of Manchester Street, through land occupied at that time
by timber yards.

("I The Tower, the ancient seat of the Stanleys, Earls of Derby.

366

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Widening
Streets.

General Im-
provements.

Lord Street.

New
Buildings.

Boulevard
proposed.

Engraved
Plan.

opening and widening James Street, or converting the same into a road
for foot passengers only, and making in lieu thereof a new Street from
Preeson's Row to Strand Street ; and also for widening Leece's Street and
the top of Bold Street and improving the cemetery of St. Luke's Church ;
and also for widening and improving the entrances into the town from
London Road down Shaw's Brow, and St. John's Lane; and also the
entrance from Lancaster along Scotland Road, and also for widening and
improving the communication between Byrom Street and Dale Street.

" Resolved, also, That the Improvement Committee be requested to
take such measures as they may deem expedient, to carry the above
resolution into effect, together with such other general improvements of
streets within the town and the prevention of nuisances and annoyances
therein from which public benefit would be derived, and that they be
authorized to direct the requisite notices to be given for an Act of Parlia-
ment in the ensuing Session, and including in such notice the establishment
of a Fire Police."

This Improvement Act, the most extensive ever carried
out in Liverpool, was passed in the following Session. The
new buildings in Lord Street and the Crescent were required
to be built to prescribed architectural designs. The only
other instance of the kind was the rebuilding of the west side
of Castle Street under the Act of 1785.

" 1826, July 5. The Surveyor having submitted the plans and elevations
of the new buildings on the south side of Lord Street and the intended
new Crescent opposite St. Georges' Church,

" Resolved, that the same be approved."

" 1816, April 5. A memorial from several of the Burgesses and other
inhabitants of the town, relative to establishing on the Corporation
Boundary a spacious handsome public road, with wide footpaths planted
on both sides with rows of trees ; of appropriating some open pieces of
land in the outskirts to amusements for the working classes, and of
stationing opposite to the centre of the town a Public Floating Bath.

" Resolved, that such memorial cannot be entertained."

" 1807, July 5. On the Mayor's notification to the Council of his having
received from Mr William Lawson a valuable copper plate plan of the
town of Liverpool as it appeared in 1725, with some remarks as to its
Liberties and Boundaries, and also a letter wishing the same to be re-
ceived by him for the purpose of being lodged amongst the records of the
Corporation ;

" Resolved and Ordered, upon the motion of the Mayor, seconded by
Mr Alderman Case, that the said Plan, being considered as an authentick

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 367

and valuable relick, be accordingly preserved amongst other similar docu-
ments belonging to the Corporation, and that the Mayor be desired to
signify the same to Mr Lawson with the thanks of the Council."

" 1828, Nov. 5. A letter from Mr Michael Alexander Gage relative to
a Plan of the Town and Port of Liverpool, and its environs, accompanied Gage's Map.
with specimens of the engraving of the same, and expressive of his inten-
tion of presenting a copy of the Plan upon a large scale to the Common
Council having been read ;

" Resolved, that the thanks of the Council be presented to Mr Gage for
his intended present ; and that the Select Committee be authorized to
order such a number of the Plans as they may think proper."

The numbering of the houses in the line of the" streets Numbering

r Houses.

has frequently been a source of perplexity.

" 1807, April 5. It being intimated that Mr Gore purposed to make a Gore's
new Directory of the inhabitants of the town of Liverpool and its neigh- Director y-
bourhood, and that he had employed Mr Robert Phillips to call at each
individual house to take the number and the name of the occupier, but
that he had found the numbers very irregular and incorrect, and had
therefore requested the authority of this Council to number each house in
regular order,

" Resolved and Ordered, that the said Robert Phillips be hereby autho-
rized to cause the Number on each house in this town to be painted on the Numbering
door, and also the names of the streets to be painted at the ends of each ordered -
of them, under the direction of the Select Committee."

Thirteen years afterwards the same order had to be
repeated.

" 1820, Deer. 6. Resolved, that the names of the several streets Names of
throughout the town be painted therein, and the number of the houses be Streets,
also painted on the doors of the same, under the directions of the Surveyor
agreeable to the clause in the Act of Parliament of the 26 th of the late
King."

The insecure mode of building began to attract attention.

" 1823, Feby. 5. The copy of a Presentment of the Grand Jury at the
late Quarter Sessions, relative to the dreadful effects of the late storm on
the 5 th of December last, in consequence of the modern insecure mode of insecure
building, and suggesting the adoption of some legislative enactment to Building,
prevent the recurrence of accidents, having been laid before the Council,

" Resolved, that the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee,
and that they be requested to make a report thereon."

" 1824, Michaelmas Sessions. ' The Grand Jury cannot separate without Grand Jury.

368

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

- again calling the attention of the Magistrates to the Presentment made at
the Quarter Sessions of January 1823 respecting the slight and dangerous
mode of erecting Dwelling houses now practised in this town and neigh-
Presentment, bourhood. This presentment prayed that steps might be immediately
taken to procure a Legislative enactment, which might empower a proper
Officer carefully to survey every building hereafter to be erected, and in
case of insecurity to cause the danger to be removed. The Grand Jury
earnestly request the attention of the Magistrates to this most important
Presentment, the necessity of which they dread will be again speedily
shewn as that period approaches at which during three years past most
awful calamities have occurred.'

" This Presentment having been laid before the Council,

Resolution. " Resolved, That the Council perfectly coincide in opinion with the
Grand Jury relative to the insecure mode of the erection of buildings and
the necessity of obtaining some legislative enactment for the prevention of
the same, and that the Select Finance Committee be authorized to take
this subject into consideration, and to direct the preparation of a Bill to
be submitted to the Council for approval, and that the requisite Parlia-
mentary notices be given."

Building Act. The notices were given and the Act passed, which has
been the basis of all subsequent legislation on the subject in
Liverpool.

In taking a review of the buildings of a public nature
erected during this period, the Town Hall claims the first
notice. Its original designation was the Exchange, the
ground floor having been devoted to this purpose, and so
continued until the erection of the New Exchange Buildings,
completed in 1809.

The fire at the Exchange has been noticed in the last
chapter. On the reconstruction, considerable alterations
were made.

" 1801, Feby. 4. Resolved and Ordered, That the Plan produced at
the last Council for making the alterations in the public offices within the
Exchange. Exchange, signed by the Chairman of the Select Committee, be approved,
and directed to be carried into execution."

" 1802, Jany. 6. Resolved and Ordered, that the Surveyor be autho-

Completion. rized to proceed immediately in completing the present building called the

Exchange, agreeable to the plans now produced, and certified by the

Mayor and also by Alderman John Gregson the Chairman, under the

Public
Buildings.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 369

direction of the said Committee i.e., the Select Committee of Improve-
ments."

" 1816, July 10. Sir Wm Barton Knt Mayor.

" Resolved, that the expenses of lighting the Town hall at a Ball given Lighting.
by the late Mayor amounting to the sum of Fifty three Pounds be defrayed
by the Treasurer."

" 1817, Deer. 5. Resolved, that the large room in the Town hall be Ball Room,
finished as a Ball Room without delay."

" 1820, Mar. i. Resolved, that the large Ball Room in the Town hall
be furnished under the direction of the Select Finance Committee, so that Furnishing,
the same may be opened on the i2th August next (the King's Birthday)."

" 1828, Feby. 6. The Mayor having stated to the Council that the new Sessions
Sessions Room would in all probability be completed in a short time,

" Resolved, that the Surveyor be directed to prepare a plan to be sub-
mitted to the Council, of an alteration of the present Court Room in the
Town hall into a Council Room with an Ante-room and of an arrangement Council
for a repository, and an Office for the Clerk of Committees." Chamber.

The lower storey of the Exchange used by the merchants
was never satisfactory, and at the close of the eighteenth
century efforts were made towards the erection of a more
commodious building.

" 1801, Mar. 4. John Shaw Mayor.

" The Council proceeded to take into consideration the application from
a Society of Merchants for assistance to enable them to erect a public,
extensive, and ornamental building for the general accommodation of the New
merchants, traders, and other inhabitants of the town, as now explained Exchange.
by those members of the Council who have attended several meetings of
the merchants on this subject.

" Unanimously Resolved, That this Council does highly approve of the Resolution,
intentions of the Merchants as before mentioned, and that the Select
Finance Committee be desired to confer with them thereon, and be fully
authorized to make such purchases for account of this Council as they in Purchases,
their judgment and discretion may find necessary, with a view to resell
such parts of the same to the Merchants, and eventually to adopt such
plans as may be required to obtain the situation now recommended to
carry this great undertaking into effect."

" 1802, Feby. 3. Resolved and Ordered, upon the application of the
Society of Merchants and subscribers to the scheme for erecting the
intended building to the northwards of the Exchange for the general
accommodation of the Merchants, traders and other inhabitants of this
town, agreeable to the resolution entered into at the Special Council held
on the 2i st March last,

A A A

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Act of
Parliament.

Hall for
Festivals.

Resolution.

Plans for
Hall.

St. George's
Hall.

Tower.

" That the Mayor and Bailiffs, the Treasurer and Town Clerk be author-
ized to affix the Common Seal to such Petitions to Parliament in favour
of the said scheme or undertaking as may be recommended by the said
Chairman and Committee, and may be deemed reasonable for the encou-
ragement and support of the said undertaking, and giving assistance to
have the same properly carried into effect."

This project was taken up warmly and attended with
complete success.

" 1827, Nov. 7. Thomas Colley Porter Mayor.

" A Memorial very numerously and respectably signed by the inhabitants
of this town relative to the erection of a large Haty, to be appropriated to
the use of the Musical Festivals and other purposes having been laid
before this Council,

" Resolved, that it is the unanimous opinion of the Council, that the
erection of such a building would not only be a great ornament to the
town, but that much better accommodation would be thereby afforded to
the public at Musical Festivals ; and that it would consequently be the
means of increasing the funds distributable amongst the Public Charities,
and thereby prove highly beneficial to the same ; and that the building
might be rendered otherwise useful upon various occasions.

" Resolved therefore, that this subject be referred to the Select Finance
Committee, and that they be requested to make a full report thereon to
the Council accompanied with Plans and Estimates."

" 1827, Deer. 5. The Mayor having laid before this Council a letter
from the Surveyor together with Plans and Estimates for a large Hall for
Public Festivals &c,

" Resolved, that the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee,
with a request that they will make a full report to the next Council."

From some cause not apparent the scheme was dropped,
but revived in 1837 by the Reformed Council, which led to
the erection of St. George's Hall. It is worthy of record
that, although the holding of Musical Festivals was the
ostensible cause of the original scheme, no such use has
ever been made of the building.

The Tower in Water Street, the fortified mansion of the
Stanley family, had passed into the hands of the Corporation,
and was occupied as the Gaol.

It seems to have been very insecure and unsuitable for
the purpose.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 371

" 1806, April 2. It having been represented to this Council that the
present Borough Gaol was in so decayed and ruinous a state as to render Ruinous
it very insecure, and unfit for the safe custody of prisoners ; and that in state -
consequence of the increased number of prisoners, great irregularities
were committed ; and that from the want of space and accommodation it
was found impracticable to separate the different descriptions of prisoners ;
and it having been represented that the present House of Correction (l) was
very defective in its construction, and inadequate to the purposes intended,
and that the Parish Officers were desirous of removing it, and for treating
for so much of the intended new Gaol as would form a complete House of
Correction ;

" Resolved, that it is the opinion of this Council that it is highly neces-
sary that the buildings erected for the purpose of a new gaol in this town, New Gaol,
should be finished with all convenient expedition, in lieu of the present
Borough Gaol.

" Resolved also, that it is the opinion of this Council that it is expedient
to appropriate a part of the new buildings intended for a Gaol to the
purpose of a House of Correction agreeable to the original intention, House of
provided an adequate compensation can be obtained from the Parish for Correctl
the same."

" :8o6, April 2. On reading the petition of Mr Edward Frodsham, the
keeper of the Borough Gaol, stating that he had been obliged to pay the
sum of ^"46 6s. 6d. the debts due from several persons who had escaped Escape of
out of the Gaol, together with ten guineas as a reward for apprehending Pnsoners -
those who were retaken ; and upon the Mayor and Mr Alderman Harper
and Mr Staniforth stating that they had seen the place through which it
was alledged these persons had so made their escape, and that in their
opinion and judgment the same had happened from the insufficiency of
the Gaol itself, and not from the carelessness or inattention of the Gaoler ;

" Ordered, that the Corporation Treasurer do pay to the said Edward Payments.
Frodsham the sums above mentioned amounting to 56 i6s. 6d."

" 1806, July 2. The Committee appointed on the 2 nd April last to con-
sider the measures to be taken for compleating the new Borough Gaol, New Prison,
having reported that they had taken into consideration the best mode of
complying with the wishes of the Council for finishing the prison upon the
most improved system, and that they were desirous of obtaining informa-
tion from places where the plan of reformed prisons had been carried into
practice, recommend that the Surveyor should be authorized to visit such
prisons for the purpose.

" Resolved, that the Surveyor be empowered accordingly."

" 1807, April 10. Upon reading the petition of Edward Frodsham, Escape {
Sergeant at Mace and keeper of the Borough Gaol, stating that seventeen Debtors.

(') This was situated in Brownlow Hill, within the precincts of the Workhouse.

372

CHAP. IV, A.D. 1800 1835.

Inquiry.

Gaol
unoccupied.

Dispute
about Gaol.

Finishing of
New Gaol.

Gaol as
Barracks.

Rent.

debtors had made their escape out of the Gaol by breaking through the
roof, whose debts together amounted to ^234 igs. 8d., which he was
called upon to pay, and threatened with actions if he did not, and there-
fore prayed the Council to take the same into their consideration, and
grant him such relief as might be deemed proper.

" Resolved and Ordered, That it be referred to the Mayor and Magis-
trates to make inquiry into the conduct of the Gaoler in respect of the
escape, and into the sufficiency of the Gaol at the time, and to report
accordingly."

After the erection of the new Gaol, in Great Howard
Street, the old building remained unoccupied.

" 1809, Resolved and Ordered, that the Treasurer do repay to the
Mayor the sum of "193, advanced to the Town Clerk to pay Counsel's
fees and consultations on the two questions now in dispute, viz' the one
between the Magistrates and the Parish of Liverpool relative to the hiring
of the two wings of the new Gaol for a House of Correction, and the
other between the Magistrates of the County and the Borough of Liver-
pool as to the right of the Borough Magistrates to send the prisoners
convicted at their Sessions to the County House of Correction."

" 1810, Mar. 13. Resolved and Ordered, that the new Gaol Committee
have full power forthwith to give directions for the finishing, compleating
and occupying such a portion of the building situate in Great Howard
Street intended for a Gaol or Prison as may be sufficient for the accom-
modation of prisoners heretofore and now confined in the present Borough
Gaol, in such manner as the said Committee shall be advised, bearing in
mind the intended combination of the Borough Gaol and House of Correc-
tion within the same boundary wall, but not permitting that consideration
to interfere with the completion and occupation of such portion as may be
required for a Borough Gaol."

" 1812, Nov. 2. At a Special Meeting of the Select Finance Committee
the Mayor having laid before the Committee a letter he had received from
Major Gen. Dirom, Commanding Officer in this district, requesting to
know if the Council would accommodate Government for the term of six
months, with the Old Gaol now unoccupied, for the purpose of a tem-
porary Barrack for the accommodation of his Majesty's Troops intended
to be stationed here ;

" Resolved Unanimously, That it is the opinion of this Committee that
it is expedient and proper to comply with the wishes of Government, by
granting them the use of the Old Prison, now vacant, upon their consent-
ing to pay the sum of One Hundred Pounds for the term of six months,
and in that proportion for any longer time ; and upon entering into an
engagement to quit the premises at any time after the expiration of six

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 373

months, upon giving three months' notice, and also upon agreeing that the
entrance or communication with the building shall be on the West and
East Sides only."

" 1819, Octr. 6. Resolved, that the materials of the buildings formerly Materials
occupied as the Old Gaol be immediately disposed of by public auction in of Gaol-
order that they may be removed and part of the land laid to the street in
the intended line of improvement."

So passed away the old fortress, after an existence of
more than four hundred years.

The Old Dock, the cradle as it may be termed of the oia Dock,
commerce of Liverpool, was opened in 1715. A century
had not elapsed before measures were taken to fill it up
and appropriate the site.

" 1808, Aug. 3. Henry Blundell Hollinshead Mayor.
" This Council having taken into consideration the Report of the Select
Finance Committee of the 27* May last relative to the obtaining an eligible site for

site for a new Custom House and other Public Offices, and for a Market Custom
_^, House.

Place,

" Resolved and Ordered, that it be referred to the Select Finance Com-
mittee to take such measures as they may deem most expedient for
obtaining an Act of Parliament to carry these Plans into effect.

" Also, Resolved and Ordered, that it be referred to the Dock Committee
to obtain Parliamentary authority to appropriate the scite of the Old Dock p u bii c
to the purpose of a new Custom House, and other Public Offices, and for Offices.
a Market Place, upon such terms and conditions as they shall consider Market,
equitable."

" 1809, Feby. 10. James Gerard MD Mayor.

"The Chairman of the Select Finance and Dock Committees having
reported to this Council that the Heads of the intended Act of Parliament Act of
had been read and approved, but that some doubts and difficulties had Parliament,
arisen with respect to the propriety of pursuing the plan at present,

" Resolved and Ordered, that the further consideration of this subject
be referred to the Select Finance and Dock Committees in consultation,
with full powers to adopt and pursue the plan and to proceed, or postpone
their endeavours as they shall deem most adviseable and expedient."

" 1809, Sept. 14. Resolved and Ordered, that the Select Finance
Committee be authorized and empowered to take measures for obtaining
an Act of Parliament for filling up the Old Dock and appropriating a part
of the scite for the purpose of a new Custom House &c and the remainder New Street
to the scite of a Public Market Place ; and for opening a street of com- Southward.

374

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Filling up
Old Dock.

Proceedings.

munication from Pool Lane to Mersey Street, so as to connect in a more
convenient and direct manner the Northern and Southern parts of the
town."

Act obtained. The Act was obtained in 1811 (soth Geo. III., c. 143),
but no action was taken upon it for some years.

" 1823, Nov. 5. Charles Lawrence Mayor.

" Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee be requested as early as
possible to take the sense of the associated Mercantile Bodies, as to the
propriety of carrying into execution the powers of the Act relative to the
filling up of the Old Dock and the appropriation of the same upon any
plan which may be considered most conducive to the trading interests of
the town."

" 1824, Jany. 7. Resolved, that the street across the Old Dock from
Pool Lane to Mersey Street, be made according to the Act of Parliament,
as soon as practicable after the completion of (the repairs of) George's
Dock."

" 1825, Nov. 2. Resolved, that the Dock Committee be requested to
inform the Council at what early period it will be convenient to relinquish
the Old Dock, in order that the eastern part of the same may be filled up,
and the communication made between Pool Lane and Mersey Street in
conformity with the provisions of the recent Dock Act."

" 1826, April 5. The Dock Committee having by resolution expressed
their opinion that the site of the Old Dock cannot be appropriated to any
use more conducive to the comfort and convenience of the merchants and
other inhabitants of the town, than for the erection of a Custom House,
Excise and other Public Offices agreeably to the plan then produced,

" Resolved, that this Council fully coincides in the opinion expressed
by the Dock Committee, and refers the subject to the consideration of
the Select Finance Committee with a request that they will report their
opinion upon the most advantageous and practicable means of carrying
the same into effect."

" 1826, June 7. A Resolution from the Liverpool Shipowners Associa-
tion, wishing the filling up of the Old Dock to be deferred until some
additional accommodation for shipping could be provided,

"Resolved, that the request of the Association cannot be complied with."

" 1826, Deer. 6. Thomas Littledale Mayor.

" This Council having inspected the plans and elevations of the Custom
House, Excise Offices and other Public Offices prepared by Mr John
Foster Jun r the Architect and Surveyor to the Corporation ; proposed to
be erected on the scite of the Old Dock, and having attentively considered
his Report accompanying the same ;
Approved. " Resolved, that such Plans and Elevations are approved, and that so

Custom
House.

Opposition.

Custom

House

Plans.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 375

much of the scite of the Old Dock as belongs to the Corporation be granted
without charge, provided the Government will undertake to erect the
building and afford the requisite accommodation therein, for the establish-
ment of the Office of the Receiver of the Town's Dues free of any Rent.

" Resolved also, that the Mayor be requested to transmit to the Right Reference to
Honorable William Huskisson a copy of the above resolution, and also of
the resolution of the Dock Committee (copied underneath) and that the
Surveyor proceed to London to lay the plans before Mr Huskisson and to
receive his instructions.

" Copy of Resolution of Dock Committee.

" ' Resolved, that the plans and elevations be approved, and that this Dock
Committee will grant the site without charge, upon the condition that
the Government erect the building and grant the accommodation
provided for the Dock Committee free of expence.' "

" 1827, May 2. Resolved, that a deputation consisting of the Mayor, Deputation.
Messrs Thos Case and Drinkwater be requested to proceed to London
upon the subject of the intended public buildings on the scite of the Old
Dock, and to make a Report to a Committee of the whole Council to be
called from time to time by the Deputy Mayor, before any final arrange-
ments are concluded with Government."

" 1827, July 3. A Minute of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury Lords Com-
of the 26* June having been read, together with a letter from Mr. rmssioners.
Huskisson to the Mayor ;

" Resolved unanimously, that the proposal contained in their Lordships'
Minute be accepted and that the deputation be authorized to conclude the
arrangement, subject to such modifications as the deputation may deem
adviseable.

" Abstract of a Treasury Minute.

" Read Report of the Commissioners of Customs of the 6 th April 1826 Report,
upon a proposition from the members of the Common Council and Trustees
of the Docks at Liverpool in regard to the erection of a Custom House
upon a scite offered for that purpose by the said Corporation.

" Mr Canning states to the Board that he has had a conference with a Mr. Canning,
deputation from the Corporation of Liverpool upon this subject, in which
it has been proposed that the Building should contain accommodation not
only for the Customs, but also for the Excise Office, Post Office and
Stamp Office, together with an Office for the Trustees of the Docks, and
for other purposes connected with the public business of the Town and
Port of Liverpool.

" For a building of sufficient extent for these various purposes the
Corporation and Dock Trustees have offered the scite of the Old Dock in
Liverpool, and the Corporation have proposed to undertake the erection
of it, to which their Lordships are ready to accede, on the following terms,

376

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Building.

Cost.

Payment.

Inspector.

Letter from
Huskisson.

"That the building shall be commenced so soon as the scite shall be
legally conveyed to Trustees to be named by this Board, and as soon as
the Plans &c shall be approved by the proper officer.

" That the Corporation shall undertake to complete all the buildings
in five years, shall further undertake to expend in the erection and
completion a sum not less than the amount of the Architect's estimate
175,000.

" That in consideration of this undertaking, the Board shall engage to
pay to the Corporation the sum of i 50,000 by instalments at a rate not
exceeding "30,000 in any one year, and that the difference between this
amount and the whole estimate shall be borne by the Corporation in
consideration of the estimate including the erection of an office for the
Dock Trustees and other objects.

"The Board to have power to appoint an Inspector both of the
buildings and of the Accounts, and to certify before payment of the
several instalments.

" The Corporation to keep the whole of the buildings in good and
substantial repair for the first twenty years after the completion."

This Minute was accompanied by a letter from Mr.
Huskisson to the Mayor, expressing his hope that there was
nothing in the conditions which ought to be an obstacle to
the Council undertaking a work which would be attended
with so much accommodation to the commercial interests
of the Port, and would add in a very great degree to the
embellishment and general improvement of the town.

The Mayor, writing from London, in transmitting these
documents to the Council, observes:

" That in this negociation, we have had to encounter considerable
difficulty from the pressure of the times, and the pledges of rigid economy
made by Ministers to the country. We are informed that Ministers
consider the claims of Liverpool as urged by the deputation so strong
that they have conceded much more than was expected by Mr. Huskisson.

" I further beg to acquaint you that we adhered firmly to the original
Mr. Canning, proposition of the Council, but to this Mr. Canning replied that he should
meet us with a counter proposal, principally on the ground of a portion of
the buildings being required for the purposes of public revenue.

" The Deputation strongly recommend the confirmation of this arrange-
ment."

" 1827, July 23. The Mayor having reported to the Committee the
result of the proceedings of the Deputation,

Letter from
Mayor.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 377

" Resolved, that the arrangement concluded with the Treasury is highly Arrange-
approved of and that the Mayor and the other gentlemen of the Deputa- ment '
tion be authorized to proceed with as little delay as possible in carrying
the same into execution."

A further arrangement was made by which the Corpo-
ration undertook to provide offices in the new building for offices for

Depart-

the various departments of the Dock Trust, receiving from ments.
the Trustees a conveyance of such* portion of the site of
the Old Dock as belonged to the Trustees under the Act
of 6th Geo. III., the Corporation undertaking "to fill up,
level, and keep open and in repair such part of the same
to the westward as may not be required to be conveyed to
the Government for the erection of the Public Buildings."

The first stone of the new buildings was laid by the Laying of
Mayor, Mr. Thos. Colley Porter, on the King's Birthday,
Aug. 1 2th, 1828, after a grand public demonstration and a
procession of the Trades and Schools, including a champion
in brazen armour, with pyrotechnics in the evening, and a
banquet at the Town Hall.

" 1832, May 2. Sam 1 Sandbach Mayor.

" Resolved, that the space at present known under the name of the Old
Dock, be altered, and that it be hereafter called " Canning Place," out of Canning
respect to the memory of the late Right Honorable George Canning, to Place,
whose exertions the Council are so mainly indebted in the assistance
afforded them in carrying into effect the plan for erecting a new Custom
House and other Revenue Buildings on the above-named site."

A portion of the area of the Old Dock was set apart
in the original scheme of 1808, and subsequently, for a
publk Market. On the erection of St. John's Market in
1822, this scheme was dropped.

The public. Markets for vegetables and provisions have, Markets.
in late years, in our large cities occupied a less important
position than formerly. The system of wholesale consign-
ments and supplies, distributed amongst the retail dealers,

B B B

378

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Tolls.

High Cross.
White Cross.

Sites and
Rules.

Memorial.

Land, Great

Charlotte

Street.

Plans and
Specifica-
tions.

Annuity to
Robinson.

has rendered obsolete, and to a great extent unnecessary,
the former contact between the producer and the consumer.
The markets in Liverpool have always been considered a
very important part of the Corporate Estate. In 1322 the
market tolls produced nearly one third of the entire income
of the Corporation, and down to a recent period they were
considered very valuable.

Originally held at the High Cross and the White Cross,
on the destruction of the Castle about 1725, the market
was removed to the site which then took the name of
Derby Square. As the town increased, inconvenience was
felt for want of accommodation, and many expedients were
propounded from time to time.

" 1810, Feby. 10. John Clarke Mayor.

" Resolved and Ordered, that the Select Finance Committee with the
assistance of the Mayor and Magistrates be empowered to adopt such
measures as they think expedient for the improvement of the Markets and
establishing rules and regulations; and also for procuring a scite for a
Market Place at the north end of the town in lieu of the late ancient
White Cross Market. And likewise to take measures for establishing a
Market upon Shaw's Brow, opposite the Infirmary."

" 1819, Octr. 6. A Memorial from the Occupiers of Shops in Castle
Street relative to the great inconvenience and loss of trade experienced by
them in consequence of the market being held in such street, having been
laid before this Council,

" Resolved, that such Memorial be referred to the Select Finance
Committee with a request that they will take into consideration the prac-
ticability of curtailing the extent of the market standings in the street.

" Resolved also, that with a view to remedy as speedily as possible the
evil complained of by the Occupiers of Shops in Castle Street, the Select
Finance Committee be requested to treat with Messrs Shaw and Roe for
such part of their unbuilt land in Great Charlotte Street as in the opinion
of the Committee will be sufficient for a Public Market for Provisions
that situation being in every respect eligible for the purpose."

" 1820, Feby 2. Resolved, that Specifications agreeable to the Plans
now produced to this Council be prepared ; to be seen at the Surveyor's
Office, relative to the Market in Great Charlotte Street, and that sealed
tenders be sent in and contracts entered into for the same."

" Resolved, that an Annuity of 20 be paid to Mary Robinson, the late

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 379

Collector of Ingates and Outgates at the end of Scotland Road, during
her life ; the collection of which was discontinued in the month of June
last, under the Act of Parliament relative to the Markets."

" 1820, July 5. Advertisements to be inserted in the Liverpool news- Advertise-
papers for the work connected with the intended Market in Great Char- ments -
lotte Street."

" 1821, Feby. 7. Thos Leyland Mayor.

" Resolved, that the Cattle Market heretofore held in Church Lane, be Cattle
removed into Lime Street, and the Tolls authorized by the Act of Parlia- Market -
ment, 59 th Geo. 3 rd for the exposure to sale of Cattle in the said Market be
taken, and that sixpence per night for each cart put under the shed erected
in that market be also taken."

" 1822, Feby. 6. Richard Bullin Mayor.

" Resolved, that from and after the 7 th day of March next, the new
market lately erected in Great Charlotte Street be a Public Market for Market
the sale of all sorts of provisions therein, and that an advertizement com P leted -
respecting the same be inserted in the Liverpool newspapers.
" ' Market in Great Charlotte Street.

" ' Notice is hereby given, that from and after the 7 th day of March next, Notices,
the several streets within the town called Castle Street, Lower Castle
Street, Preeson's Row, Redcross Street and Pool Lane, heretofore used
and occupied as public Market Places will be discontinued to be used and
occupied as such, and that the present Fish Market on the north side of
James Street and the south side of Moor Street, and the Market held in
the building opposite to the same, will aleo be discontinued. And that in
lieu thereof from and after the 7 th day of March next the building lately
erected on the west side of Great Charlotte Street, north side of Elliot
Street, and south side of Roe Street will be a public Market Place for the
sale of all sorts of Provisions therein.'

" It is Ordered that the choice of the Shops, Stalls &c shall be deter- Letting of
mined by lot." Sh P s -

" 1822, Feby. 23. Resolved, that the Order of Council on the 6 th day of
February instant relative to the Markets be confirmed, but that the Select
Finance Committee be authorized to give directions for the erection of
such a number of Fish Stones in Derby Square or on the South side of Fish Stones.
St. George's Church as they may think proper for the accommodation of
the neighbourhood.

" Resolved, That the Fish Stones be covered."

" 1822, June 5. The proceedings of the Select Finance Committee
having been read,

" Resolved that the same be confirmed with the exception of the recom-
mendation of the z8th May last relative to the sale of goods, wares and
merchandize in Islington Market, which subject the Committee are Islington
requested to reconsider." Market.

380

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Petition for
Market,
Cook Street

Botanic
Garden.

" 1826, Deer. 6. Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee be

requested to take into consideration and to report a plan for the establish-

Fish Market, ment of a Fish Market, with a view to the prevention of the monopoly

which at present exists in this town with regard to the sale of fish, and

which has the effect of so much enhancing the price of that article."

" 1828, June 4. A petition from several inhabitants of Castle Street
and the neighbourhood praying that a Market may be erected on the
vacant land at the bottom of Cook Street ; and a similar Petition from the
inhabitants of Richmond Row, praying that Richmond Fair may be
converted into a Market Place, having been laid before this Council,

" Resolved, that the prayer of the Petitioners be declined."

The Old Botanic Garden, situated at the top of Oxford
Street, is now built over and almost forgotten. The following
references are found :

" 1801, June 3. Ordered, that the Petition of the proprietors of the
proposed Botanical Garden for a Lease or Grant of a field late belonging
to Mr John Howard, situate between Crabtree Lane and Brownlow Hill
Lane, intended to be appropriated to the purpose of a Botanical Garden,
be postponed."

" 1802, April 14. Upon the application of the Committee of the Botanic
Garden, stating that they had now inclosed the land in the Moss Lake
Fields appropriated to the Garden, with a stone wall, and had erected and
nearly completed the buildings necessary for their present purpose, and
had also begun to plant the Garden, which was expected to be open for the
use of the subscribers in the course of the ensuing summer, and requesting
that the Council would think the institution deserving of their patronage,
and would honour it by a grant of a permanent nature ;

"Resolved and Ordered, In consideration of the very favourable
opinion which this Council entertains of the general public utility likely
to arise from the institution of the Botanic Garden, and its becoming an
ornament to the town, that a Grant of the reversionary interest of the land
appropriated to that purpose and of the buildings now or hereafter to be
erected for the use of the Institution (but exclusively of the land belonging
to the said proprietors which now is or shall hereafter be appropriated to
other uses) be made and passed under the Common Seal to the Trustees
and their successors so long as the said Botanic Garden and its append-
ages shall be and continue to be used and appropriated for the purpose of
such Garden according to the original institution."

" 1828, Feby. 6. A letter from John Moss Esq, President of the Com-
mittee of the Botanic Garden, accompanied by a Resolution, requesting
some support from the Corporation in aid of that Institution having been
laid before this Council ;

Garden,
Moss Lake
Fields.

Grant of
Reversion.

Request for
Aid.

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 381

" Resolved, that the sum of 500 guineas be presented and the annual Donation,
sum of 30 guineas paid to the Institution."

After an existence of thirty years, the advance of building
rendered the locality unsuitable.

" 1831, March 2. A letter from C S Parker Esq, Chairman of the Com-
mittee of the Proprietors of the Botanic Gardens, submitting for the Proposal for
approval of the Council certain land between the Wavertree Road and Removal '
Edge Lane, contemplated as the scite of the new Garden ;

" Resolved, that the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee,
with full powers to act thereon as they may think proper."

" 1834, June 4. A Memorial from the Committee and Proprietors of the Memorial for
new Botanic Gardens, requesting the Council to release the reversionary Reversion -
interest of the Corporation in the Garden on account of the Proprietors
not having been able to raise the requisite funds for the undertaking on
Mortgage or Security of the property on account of such reversionary
interest, having been laid before this Council,

" Resolved, that the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee,
and that they be requested to report their opinion and recommendations
thereon."

After the Reformed Council came into office in 1836
an arrangement was made by which the Gardens were Gardens

111- i r 1 T-> i taken over.

taken over, and dedicated to the use of the Public.

About the beginning of the igth century there was a Newsrooms.
great demand for Newsrooms. The Athenaeum, in Church Athenaeum.
Street, was founded in 1798, and not long afterwards the
Lyceum, in Bold Street, was established. Lyceum.

" 1801, Mar. 4. Upon the application of William David Evans Esquire
President, on behalf of the Proprietors of the proposed News Room and
Library on the North East side of Bold Street for a grant of the reversion
and inheritance of the land on which the same is, and are, intended to be
erected, upon such terms as the Council may think proper,

" Resolved and Ordered, that the consideration thereof be postponed
until the building shall be completed."

" 1804, Octr. 3. In consequence of a renewal of the petition of the Petition for
proprietors of the News Room and Library at the North East corner of Reversion -
Bold Street now called the Lyceum for the reversion and inheritance of
the land and building to be granted to them on similar terms to those
granted to the proprietors of the Athenaeum,

" Resolved and Ordered, upon the motion of Mr Aid" Hollinshead,

3 82

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Grant.

Union
Newsroom.

Theatre
Royal.

seconded by Mr Aid" Bold, that the reversion and inheritance of the said
land and building be accordingly granted to the proprietors or trustees for
their use ; extending as far towards Church Street as they have a right to
under the original lease, and the assignment from the late Thomas Stani-
forth Esq, so long as the said building shall continue to be used and
enjoyed for the uses and purposes of its institution only ; and no other ;
agreeable to the original articles of its establishment."

The Union Newsroom, Duke Street, was founded about
the same time.

" 1802. Resolved and Ordered that a grant of the reversion and inherit-
ance of the News Room and proposed Library in Duke Street, with the
land and other appurtenances thereunto belonging, in consideration of its
general public utility, be made and passed under the Common Seal without
fine, to the Trustees and their successors for the benefit of the proprietors
at large, so long as the same shall continue to be used and enjoyed for the
purposes of the original institution only, but no longer."

The Theatre Royal, Williamson Square, was erected in
1772. In 1802 it was proposed to enlarge it and bring for-
ward the front as it now stands.

" 1802, Jany. 6. The Proprietors of the Liverpool Theatre Royal
Enlargement, having signified their intention of enlarging and altering the same agree-
able to the Plans, Sections &c now produced, whereby it appears to be
necessary to permit them to extend their building somewhat further into
Williamson Square than the present colonnade, but in no part to project
more than four yards beyond the same,

"Unanimously Resolved, That in the opinion of this Council such
alteration will be of public convenience and ornament and that the pro-
prietors be allowed, as far as any authority from this Council may be
necessary, to proceed upon such alterations without further loss of time."

The following entry indicates the condition of the original
Brunelagh, or Brown-Law, the rocky eminence adjoining the
Moss Lake, which served for ages as the Stone Quarry,
and is now the site of the University College and the
Workhouse. This is shown in Eyes's Map of 1785.

" 1801, Aug. 5. Ordered, that the consideration of the Application
made by Mr Edw d Blackstock the Vestry Clerk, on behalf of the Parish
Committee to know upon what terms the Corporation would grant the
reversion of the Delf on the south side o f Brownlow Hill and of the field

Bmneiagh.
MOSS Lake.

stone
Quarry,

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 383

near the House of Correction, originally leased to the late Mr Brooks, but
now the property of the Parish and intended to be appropriated for the
scite of a Fever Ward, be referred to the Select Finance Committee."

The following record will be found of interest in con-
nection with an illustrious name.

" 1805, May i. William Harper Mayor.

" Resolved and Ordered that Mr John (Sir John) Gladstone on behalf of
himself or purchasers have leave to change the three lives now in being in
his dwelling house and ground on the west side of Rodney Street, of 80 Gladstone's
yards front and 50 yards deep, on paying a fine of Three Pounds three R^ly
shillings, and one shilling per yard per annum ground rent to Rodney Street.
Street, and also upon paying seventy two Pounds for his proportion of
levelling and paving the back street ; and subject to satisfactory proof
being produced that the life stated to be in the East Indies was in good
health on the sixth of February last, or subsequent to that date."

In this house, four years subsequently, first saw the
light William Ewart Gladstone, a name which will ever be w - E.

. . . . . . Gladstone.

distinguished in the history of our country, and of which
Liverpool may well feel proud.

" 1806, April 2. Upon reading the Report of the Select Finance Com-
mittee on the subject of the intended Corn Exchange, proposed to be Corn
established in this town, stating that the proceedings of an open com- ange>
mercial Corn Exchange in the town of Liverpool will meet with their
entire approbation and co-operation under proper and suitable rules and
regulations."

The Infirmary at the summit of Shaw's Brow, erected oia

. Infirmary.

in 1745, after an existence of seventy-five years, had become
antiquated and its removal was determined on.

" 1820, Deer. 6. Thomas Leyland Mayor.

" A letter from Mr Robert Benson, the Chairman of the Committee for
building the new Infirmary requesting the Common Council would be New
pleased to grant to the Trustees of the new Infirmary the materials com- I nfirmar y-
posing the present Lunatic Asylum, having been read,

" Resolved, that the consideration of this subject be postponed until the
next Council."

1821, June 6th. The matter was again brought before
the Council and postponed for a report.

384 CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

" 1825, Deer. 7. On bringing up the proceedings of the Select Finance
Committee, it was

" Resolved, that they be confirmed with the exception of the recom-
Lunatic mendation relative to the appropriation of the present Lunatic Asylum to
the purpose of a Barrack." '

It was, however, so appropriated, and continued so for
several years.

" 1829, Feby. 4. An application from a Sub-committee of the Liver-
Subscription, pool Infirmary soliciting a subscription towards enabling them to complete
the present buildings, and also the Building of the new Lunatic Asylum
having been laid before the Council,

" Resolved, that the Treasurer be authorized to subscribe the sum of
5-"

The Quarter Sessions for the borough were formerly held
in the Old Exchange, now the Town Hall, but in 1824 it
was proposed to remove them.

Sessions " 1824, July 7. A Plan for the erection of a Police Office and a Sessions

House on the land opposite the Bridewell, and also a Plan for the erection
of a Police Office on the land opposite the Bridewell and for a Sessions
House on the land on the South side of the Gaol in Great Howard Street
having been laid before this Council, accompanied with estimates of the
expence,

Police Office. " Resolved, that the Plan for the erection of a Police Office and Sessions
House on the land opposite the Bridewell be adopted, and that the same
be erected by Public contract under the directions of the Select Finance
Committee."

Assizes. it was m this building that the Assizes were first held

in Liverpool in 1834. In 1873 the building was removed
and the site absorbed into the New Exchange Buildings.

" 1824, July 7. Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee be

requested to obtain as early as practicable, a reply to the Memorial

recently transmitted to the Board of Ordnance, relative to the erection

Battery. of a Battery, conjointly with a Lighthouse at the Rock Perch, and to

Lighthouse, transmit another Memorial upon this subject to the Ordnance Board,

should the Committee deem it requisite."

At the time of the erection of the Infirmary at the top
Aims Houses, of Shaw's Brow, a row of Alms Houses in connection with

STREETS AND BUILDINGS. 385

the Seamen's Hospital were built. When the Infirmary
was removed it became necessary to remove the Alms
Houses also.

" 1825, Sept. 7. An application from the Trustees of the Seamen's Seamen's
Hospital for a grant of land or of money for the purpose of enabling them Hos P Ita l-
to erect new Alms Houses in the room of those at the top of Shaw's
Brow, recently purchased by the Corporation having been laid before this
Council,

" Resolved, that the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee
to report upon."

The construction of the present great Landing Stage Landing
does not fall within the limits of the present compilation.
Much consideration and many attempts had been previously
made towards a solution of the problem, of which the
following entry is a specimen :

" 1826, Deer. 6. Resolved, that the consideration of the Model and
Plan executed by Mr Brunei and referred to the Council by the Select Brunei's
Finance Committee for the Landing Places at George's Dock Pierhead La" din g
be for the present postponed in consequence of other Models and Plans
being in a state of forwardness to be submitted to the Council at the next
meeting."

c c c

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.

The close connection of the Corporation with the Church

remained until the passing of the Municipal Reform Act.

Connection -phe Council were the patrons of the Rectories, and had

of Church.

the appointment of the incumbents, and of their successors,
to the other churches, a large portion of the stipends being
paid out of the Corporate funds. Many points of contact
therefore presented themselves which are duly recorded in
the archives.

" 1802, Deer. 12. Jonas Bold Mayor.

" A Petition having been presented by the Rev d Philip Kitchen, Minister
of St. Thomas's Church, and the Rev ds Henry Barton and George Monk,
Ministers of St. Paul's, setting forth that they had received from the
Rector's Fees Rectors a Table of Dues to be taken by such Rectors, in which there were
questioned. not on jy man y new biU additional claims, unauthorized by ancient and
established custom ; and praying the serious attention of this Council (in
which is vested the whole and entire patronage of this borough) to that
very important business, and the direction of this Council in what manner
the said Ministers are to conduct themselves. Now this Council upon
full and mature deliberation, conceive clearly, that neither by the Common
Law nor by the Act of the II th William 3 rd , first erecting the township of
Liverpool into a Parish, nor by any of the subsequent Acts constituting
Chapels of Ease within the said Parish, have the Rectors of this Parish a
colour of right to increase any of their antient Dues or Fees, or to create
any new ones ; and they do therefore recommend to such Rectors to take
good legal advice herein. And do further recommend them to desist in
the mean time from demanding any other than such their antient Dues
and Fees."

" 1811, Aug. 4. Jas Drinkwater Mayor.

" Resolved, that the consideration of the stipends now paid by the
Corporation to the Clergy of Liverpool be referred to the Select Finance
Committee, with a request that they will as soon as convenient, report to
the Council their opinion on this important subject."

The matter lay over for four years, when it was again
taken up.

Right
denied.

Stipends of
Clergy.

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 387

" 1815, Deer. 10. Considerable discussion having taken place at this
Council, relative to the increase in the salaries of the several clergymen Increase.
x holding appointments under the Corporation ;

" Resolved, that a Special Committee of seven be appointed for the Committee
purpose of taking into consideration the present situation of the Clergy appointed.
with reference to an increase in their respective salaries, and the proba-
bility or practicability of obtaining the benefit of Queen Anne's Bounty,
and that the Committee be requested to make a report to the next Council
upon the matters referred to them."

Consequent on this Resolution, a material increase was
made.

The non-residence within the town of some of the Clergy Non-Resi-

111 i dence of

had been a subject of complaint, and in 1794 a resolution clergy.
was passed by the Council, requiring a bond from every Requisition.
clergyman elected to any of the ecclesiastical benefices in
the gift of the Council, for residence within the town or
within ten miles thereof. This being reconsidered, the fol-
lowing resolution was passed :

" 1812, March 10. That such requisition being considered illegal and Illegal.
improper, the same is hereby rescinded, and declared null and void."

In 1820 a serious collision took place between the Council
and the Clergy, which led to a long and somewhat angry
correspondence with the Bishop of Chester. The occasion
will be seen from the following documents :

" 1820, Deer. 6. Thomas Leyland Mayor.

" The non-performance of the duty in person by several of the Clergy
at the churches under the patronage of the Corporation having been from
time to time the subject of discussion, the following resolutions were at Resolutions.
this Council proposed and adopted viz,

" That the practice alluded to is inconsistent with the implied under-
standing both of the Council and the Clergy at the time of their original
appointment, and at variance with all ancient and established usage.

" That presuming the same, strictly speaking, to come under the sanc-
tion of the law, this Council cannot as the Patrons, refrain any longer
from recording their disapprobation of conduct which is unsupported by Disapproba-
precedent, and not to be justified on principle.

" That as the increase of the salaries of the clergy which took place in Salaries
the year 1816, and which was only to continue during the pleasure of the

3 88

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Withheld.

Control
disclaimed,

Patron's
Rights.

Presentees
give Bond.

Letter to
Bishop.

Council, has failed in operating as an additional inducement to a personal
performance of the duty, and has only been converted by some into the
means of obtaining a sinecure emolument, this Council feels itself fully
justified in withholding and does withhold, from henceforth that increase
from such of the clergy as neglect to perform the service in person at the
respective churches to which they have been appointed.

" That this Council entirely disclaims the right of exercising any controul
over the clergy themselves, leaving to their own honorable feelings, and to
their correcter judgment to decide as to the line of conduct they ought to
pursue.

" That the Council equally disclaims any right of interference with the
province of the Diocesan, but cannot refrain from calling the attention
of his Lordship with the greatest possible submission and respect to
the impropriety of the non-residence of the clergy in question, and the
consequent non-performance of the duty in person, bearing in mind the
circumstances and nature of their appointments, and as respects some of
them, the other church preferments of which they have become possessed.
" That, as it appears to this Council according to legal decision, that a
patron has the right upon presentation, to require from an incumbent the
personal performance of the duty, and which as expressed in such decision,
the Incumbent is bound in morality, religion, and law to perform.

" Resolved, that in future any clergyman who shall be appointed to any

of the churches under the patronage of the Corporation, shall before

to presentation thereto, give bond to the Corporation in the penal sum of

2,000 for the personal performance at the church of the several duties

appertaining thereto.

" Resolved also, that the Mayor be requested to transmit copies of the
above resolutions to the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, and to furnish his
Lordship with any further information on the subject he may require.
And that the Mayor be also requested to transmit copies of the resolutions
to the

" Rev d D r Hodson, the Chaplain of St George's
" Rev d Rich* Loxham, the Minister of St John's
" Rev d Henry Barton, Do of St Paul's

" Rev d P Kitchen, Do of St Thomas's

" Rev" Tho s Moss, the Lecturer of St John's,"

These were the non-resident Incumbents.

This brought the following letter from the Bishop (Law) :

Reply from
Bishop.

" Mr Mayor.

" I must own that I have received with some degree of surprise
and concern, the communication which you have transmitted to me from
the Corporate body of your town. I should have been glad and indeed

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 389

should have expected, that you would have apprized me of your wishes
and intentions previously to their final adoption. I could then more satis-
factorily than now, have stated to you the reasons which might have
probably had their due weight in inducing you to reconsider the resolution
which has been formed. If, in the several cases which you have stated to
me, there be one in which I have any jurisdiction or power ; if there be
one in which the Incumbent absents himself without a valid and legal
ground of exemption, I am ready to go hand in hand with you, and to call
the said Incumbent into residence. No one can possibly be more anxious Anxiety,
than I am to promote the residence of my clergy. But anxious as I am,
I cannot transgress the law. Pluralities are allowed, and neither the
Bishop nor the Corporation of Liverpool can set themselves against the
laws of the land. We may, in some cases regret their operation, we may The Law.
think that we could legislate better, but while the law continues as it is,
we must obey it. But even now, the remedy is in your own hands, and Remedy,
the adoption of it might be less exceptionable than the measure now con-
templated. If the circumstances remain the same as they were when you
augmented the salaries of the absentees, it does not appear to me fair or Unfairness,
just, without any fresh reason to withdraw them. It is casting a stigma
where it is not deserved, and I think that your honorable body will pause
before they carry the measure into effect. I have only further to observe,
but it is an important observation, that Patrons can make no provisional Patrons
stipulations or agreements with the clerks they nominate to their vacant
benefices. It is the duty of the Patron to look out for the best Incumbent
he can, and then to present him to the Bishop, but with that act all his
powers terminate, all interference should cease. Such a bond as you
describe would be simoniacal, and could not be signed by the Incumbent,
nor permitted by the Diocesan.

" I hope that in giving you my opinion, as it becomes me, it may give No desire to
no offence to any one. I see the necessity of having a resident clergy in offend -
Liverpool. I am as desirous of furthering the measure, much less I trust
will you attribute my disapproval of what you have done to any want of
regard collectively or individually. Far from it, on the contrary it has
been my wish and endeavour ever since my accession to the see of Chester
to promote by every means in my power not only the credit and interests
of the Clergy, but those also of the Corporate body of the Town of

Liverpool.

" I have the honor to be

" Mr Mayor
" Hardcott House, " Your faithful H S

Sarum Deer 10* 1820." " GEO H CHESTER.

" 1821, Jany. 3. A letter from the Bishop of Chester in reply to the
Resolutions of the last Council, having been read,
" Resolved, that it is with feelings of considerable surprise and regret Resolution.

390

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Grounds of
Exemption.

A Bond valid,

not

Simoniacal.

Query as to
Remedy.

Withdraw-
ing increase.

Amount of
Stipends.

that the Council have received his Lordship's letter, conscious as they are
that in the adoption of the Resolutions in question, they were solely
guided in their capacity of Patrons, by a consideration for the interests of
the established Church,

" That the Council were aware, as expressed in the Resolutions, of the
legal grounds of exemption, of which some of the Clergy might probably
have the power of availing themselves ; and it was only with reference to
established usage and precedent, to the honour of the parties themselves,
and the principle of the measure, that the Council ventured, with the
greatest possible submission and respect, to call his Lordship's attention
to the subject, in the confident expectation that through his Lordship's
interference, the personal performance of the duty, which has heretofore
subsisted, but which has only of late been infringed upon, might be
restored.

" That, as it appears from the legal decision alluded to in the Resolu-
tions, and from the opinions of eminent legal characters since obtained,
that a bond for the personal performance of the duty is good and valid in
the law, and not simoniacal, the Council still venture, with the greatest
possible deference to the judgment of the Diocesan, to adhere to their
former Resolutions, that in future such a bond be required from the
clergy upon presentation ; a measure they regret the conduct of the clergy
in question should have rendered necessary to be resorted to. In advert-
ing to one part of his Lordship's letter relative to the remedy being in the
hands of the Council, and the adoption of it less exceptionable than that
contemplated, the Council beg to assure his Lordship that such remedy
has not occurred to them, but they shall be most happy to take the same
into consideration, if his Lordship will be pleased to point it out.

" With respect to the propriety or justice of withdrawing the increase of
the salary ; the Council, in vindication of their conduct upon that point,
beg to apprize his Lordship that the total dereliction of the personal per-
formance of the duty on the part of the clergy in question, did not take
place until after the period of that increase having been voted, a circum-
stance deemed by the Council not immaterial in itself in the consideration
of the subject matter of the Resolutions.

"That it appears upon reference to the various Acts of Parliament
relative to the churches in this town, that the total amount of the stipends
of the clergy payable under such Acts by the Common Council, does not
exceed the sum of One Hundred Pounds, but that the yearly stipends
already paid amount to no less a sum than upwards of two thousand
guineas, and as it also appears that the clergy in question now stand upon
their legal rights, and upon those alone, the Council, acting upon the
same principle, under the sanction of eminent legal advice, and in strict
justice to the trust reposed in them for a due distribution of the funds of
the Corporate Estate, feel themselves imperiously called upon at once to

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 391

maintain their rights by withholding the whole of the voluntary donations Rights to be
from such of the clergy in question as are in the receipt of the same, with mamtained -
the exception of the Reverend Philip Kitchen, whose situation as now
represented by himself appears to require further consideration.

" That with respect to Mr Kitchen, by whose letter now produced to Mr. Kitchen,
the Council it appears that he is prevented from performing in person the Inca P able -
service of the church, in consequence of age and infirmities, and that he is
not possessed of any other church preferment It is

" Resolved, that the salary of One Hundred and thirty five pounds here- Salary
tofore payable to Mr Kitchen be continued during his life ; but the Council continued -
in the adoption of this Resolution cannot avoid regretting that they were
not apprized by Mr Kitchen of his retirement from the town at the period
he thought proper to do so ; confident as they feel that no instance can be
found upon record in which a due consideration has not been had by the
Council for services performed.

" The Council trust that upon mature reflection on the part of the Confidence in
clergy themselves, the measures now contemplated may be prevented Cler sy-
from being carried into effect ; should the contrary be the case, at the
same time that the Council feel that such measures may materially affect
the interests of the established church in this town, they feel also that
their adoption must alone be attributed to the conduct of those by whose
personal exertions the interests of that church ought to be more immedi-
ately promoted.

" That the Mayor be requested to transmit copies of the above Resolu- Mayor to
tions to the Bishop of Chester, and to the several Clergymen alluded to. wnte -
And that the further consideration of this question, if requisite, be resumed
at the next Council."

To these Resolutions the Bishop returned the following
rejoinder :

" Mr Mayor

" I must own that I have received your second communication Bishop's
with greater surprise and concern than I did the first. I had flattered Rejoinder,
myself and hoped that mature consideration would have led to a very
different result. Connected as I am with the town of Liverpool, and aloof
from every feeling but a wish to do my duty, I deem myself called upon to
state the reasons why I disapprove of your resolutions, and I will do so Reasons,
with all unreservedness, but I hope with all due civility. In the first
place, I think it would have been no more than a proper attention, had
your Corporate Body consulted the Bishop of the Diocese before they Bishop not
passed Resolutions so materially affecting the credit and interests of many consulted.
of the clergy. If there were any grounds for believing that I should have
turned a deaf ear to your remonstrances ; had I shown myself on any one

392

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Ex post facto
Laws.

Capricious
conduct.

Penal Bond.

Illegal.

Charge to
Clergy.

Stipend
conditional.

Pluralities.
Exemption.

Dr. Hodson.

occasion indifferent to the religious interests of your town, you might then
indeed with propriety have acted as you have done. But the reverse I
hope, has always been the fact. In the next place, I have always been
taught to look with suspicion or abhorrence upon ex post facto laws. Now,
I must affirm that all the circumstances are in effect precisely the same at
present as they were when you augmented the salaries of the clergy. To
increase therefore their stipend, and then capriciously to withdraw it,
appears to me a mode of conduct which I should not have expected from
the Corporation of Liverpool, and which I am unwilling to designate by
its proper appellation. The penal bond, also, whatever may have been
the decision of an inferior Court, I still continue to disapprove of, and
indeed so much so, that unless the law calls upon me to license a clergy-
man who has signed it, I shall certainly not accept the nomination. A
bond compelling a clergyman to fulfil his duty is valid and proper, but a
bond in contravention of the law and preventing him from doing that
which the law allows him to do, appears in my judgment to fall under the
opposite description. How can the Bishop administer or the clergyman
take the oath that he has done nothing directly or indirectly for or con-
cerning the obtaining the Benefice, if he would not have been nominated
to it but upon the condition of signing a penal bond. Having thus stated
the principal grounds of my objection to your proceedings, let me point
out that line of conduct which in my judgment at least it would have been
more to your credit to have adopted. You might then with perfect
propriety have informed the clergy when you nominated them to your
Benefices, that you wished for, and expected residence from them. You
might have fairly added that you gave your augmentation conditionally,
that if they failed in the personal performance of their duty, you on your
part, would immediately withdraw their stipend. The very same object
would then have been gained, but in a manner totally unexceptionable ;
and as the clergy are gentlemen by birth, as they are men of liberal educa-
tion and of liberal habits, believe me you would not have been often
obliged to have recourse to the compulsory measure,

" With respect to myself, let not my own official conduct be misunder-
stood or misrepresented. If a clergyman holds two livings, he may reside
on whichever he chuses. The Bishop calls upon him annually to notify
the grounds of his exemption from residence on the other. Now all
the clergy complained of, with the exception of Mr Kitchen, did possess
this ground of exemption, and surely the calling back the old man into
residence with his inefficiency and infirmities would not have advanced
the cause of religion among his parishioners. Dr Hodson, as I suppose
you know, is exempt by a specific Act of Parliament. I have always
understood that he offered to resign St. George's on his being elected
Principal of Brazenose, as I am sure from my knowledge of his honorable
character that he would not have continued to hold his curacy, if you had

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 393

properly signified any wish on the subject, or if the filial tie which can

now alone bind him to your town were dissolved by death. I would

merely further observe, that as a nomination to chapels of ease is vested Nominations

by law in the Rector of the Mother Church, the Corporate Body may

perhaps no longer be able to claim the right of patronage than whilst they

perform those conditions on the implied expectation of which, such

patronage was originally made over to them by the Bishops and Rectors.

If the request be in no degree irregular or objectionable, I should be glad

to be favored with the names of those persons who signed or voted for the

Resolutions.

" Still anxious to promote the real credit and interests of your Corporate
Body,

" I am Mr Mayor

" Langham Place, " Your faithful H S'

"Jany 20* 1821." "GEO. H. CHESTER.

" 1821, Feby. 7. The above letter having been read, it was

" Resolved, that as the further discussion of the question relative to the Resolutions.
Clergy seems to have the effect of disturbing that good understanding
which has heretofore subsisted between the Lord Bishop of the Diocese
and this Council, and as the circumstances of each particular case do not
seem to have been sufficiently explained, the operations of the several
resolutions regarding the Clergy be suspended and that the further con- Suspended,
sideration of the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee, and
that they be requested to report on the salaries, stipends and allowances Report on
to the several Clergymen under the patronage of this Council, and how far Stipends,
the duties of their respective pastoral offices have been discharged, and
any other matter or thing that may have a tendency to promote harmony
between this Council and the Clergy, and the more especially to give time
for a conference with the Diocesan on the subject."

So ends this somewhat memorable correspondence.
There is no record of any further action having been NO further
taken. As to which side had the advantage in logic or ac
temper, each reader will judge for himself.

The provision of dwellings for the two Rectors had been Houses for
a source of dispute from the formation of the Parish in
1699. The following entry finally disposed of the matter:

" 1828, Deer. 3. Resolved that the providing of houses for the Rectors
is not at present acquiesced in ; but that an additional sum of 150 per
annum be paid to each of the present Rectors in lieu of House rent during
the pleasure of the Council."

ODD

394

CHAP. IV, A.D. 1800 1835.

Free

Grammar

School.

Report.

Assistant
Masters.

Restrictions
to Admis-
sions.

Boarders.
Salaries.

Blue Coat
School.

Plans for
New School,

Assistant
Masters'
Salaries.

Resolutions.

The history of the Free Grammar School, with which
the clergy were closely connected, has been traced in the
preceding chapters. The subject continued to attract atten-
tion somewhat spasmodically.

" 1801, June 3. John Shaw Mayor.

" Resolved and Ordered, That the Select Finance Committee be desired
to take into their consideration the state and situation of the present Free
School in this town, and the propriety of adopting some scheme for the
establishment of a new Free School in a different situation upon a much
more enlarged and extensive Plan in all respects than the present."

" 1802, Feby. 3. Peter Whitfield Brancker Mayor.

" Agreeable to the Order of Council of the 3 rd June last respecting the
Free School, and also in consequence of the Report of the Master of the
said School, stating his want of a Writing Master and Usher (vacancies
in those offices having lately happened) and likewise stating that he was
not able to procure any persons competent to fill those situations in a
proper manner at the salaries heretofore paid viz 26 55. and 40,

" Resolved and Ordered, That in future none others but the sons of
freemen be admitted into the School agreeable to the original institution ;
and those by recommendations from the members of the Common Council,
but that the present scholars be permitted to remain at the School, also,

" Resolved and Ordered, That the Head Master be permitted to take
not more than fifteen scholars not inhabitants of this town as Boarders,
and to educate them in the School, and that the salaries of the Writing
Master and Usher be increased to such sums of money as may hereafter
be found necessary in the judgment of the said Committee, and the Council
shall approve on their Report.

" And it having been represented that the Trustees of the Blue Coat
Hospital were extremely anxious to have the possession of the present
Free School now rented from them, it is further

" Resolved and Ordered, that the Surveyor be directed to prepare a
plan of a School upon an extended scale with a view that a part of it may
be immediately erected upon the ground purchased for that purpose in
Brownlow Street, and that he be also directed to erect a boundary wall
round the land purchased for the scite of the Free School, with the waste
stone now raising out of the Quarry near the Workhouse.

" And further on a report from Mr John Baines, the Master of the
School, that he was not able to provide two proper assistants as Writing
Master and Usher for less than fifty guineas per annum each,

" Resolved and Ordered, That fifty guineas per annum each be allowed,
and that Stafford Wilson be appointed Writing Master and John Turner,
Usher, during the pleasure of the Council."

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 395

These arrangements were all set aside on the decease of Decease of

c > Head Master.

Mr. John Baines, the Head Master, which took place in
1805. The appointment was not filled up, and the School
virtually ceased to exist.

" 1815, Octr. 6. A letter from the Bishop of Chester to the Mayor Letter from
relative to the re-establishment of a Free Grammar School in the place Blsh P-
of the one formerly existing within the town having been read, and the
several Resolutions of the Council and its Committees upon the subject Resolutions,
in the years 1801, 1802, having been referred to,

" Resolved, that copies of such Resolutions be made, and that the
Mayor be requested to transmit the same to the Bishop."

After the lapse of another eleven years, a tardy move-
ment was made to supply the deficiency. Two Schools North and

South

were erected, one in Park Lane for the South, and another schools,
in Bevington Bush for the North.

" 1826, Octr. 7. Resolved that the establishment of the Free School in
Park Lane recently completed be referred to the Sub-Committee appointed Park Lane,
upon the subject of the Free Schools."

" 1826, Deer. 6. The Sub-Committee having recommended the appoint-
ment of Mr William Barrett as Master and Miss Elizabeth Jones as Teachers.
Mistress,

Resolved that such appointments be confirmed subject to Rules and
Regulations to be submitted to the Council."

These buildings were subsequently made over to the Transference.
School Board at a nominal rent.

" 1 80 1, Feby. 4. Sunday Schools.

" Ordered that the Treasurer be authorized to accept the sum of One
hundred pounds, being a legacy left in trust to them by the late John
Sparling Esquire for the benefit of the Sunday Schools in this town, and Sunday
that the Common Seal be affixed to a Bond for securing the same with Schools -
interest at five Pounds $ cent $ annum."

There is no record as to how this money has been
applied, or what has become of it.

The churches built during this period all came more or churches,
less into connection with the Corporation, either as pro-
moters or patrons.

396

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

St. Luke's.

Revd.
Sanderson.

Proposal to
build.

Acquiescence
of Rectors.

Approval.

Proceedings.

Plans.

St. Luke's.

" 1801, June 3. Upon reading a letter from Mr Bardswell on behalf of
the inhabitants in and near Bold Street, who are subscribers to the build-
ing a Church in that neighbourhood for the Reverend Mr Sanderson as
the first Incumbent, being a Clergyman of the present established Church
of England, and stating that he had had an interview with the Rectors,
who were willing to give their consent,

" Resolved and Ordered, That the consideration thereof be referred to
the Select Committee to enquire and report to the Council."

" 1802, Feby. 6. Upon reading the proposals of several respectable
persons, who offer to erect and build a church with stone in a firm and
substantial manner, according to the Plan drawn by Mr Foster and now
produced, upon ground situate on the south east side of Berry Street,
which the Corporation had some time ago considered as a proper situation
for a church, or according to any other design that may be more agreeable
to the Council, and engaging to appropriate a sufficient space for the
accommodation of the Poor, and to conform to such other particulars as
the Common Council or any Committee appointed by them may think
reasonable. And also, upon reading a letter from the Rectors of the
Parish, expressive of their acquiescence in the erection of such church
for the purpose of religious worship according to the rites, ceremonies
and usage of the Church of England, and also of their approbation of the
Reverend John Sanderson B A to be the first incumbent,

" Resolved and Ordered For the reasons and from the motives stated
and set forth in the said petition and letter, and with a view to give all
reasonable encouragement to so laudable an undertaking, that the Select
Committee be authorized and empowered to treat and finally agree with
the Proprietors of the said intended church upon the terms as to the right
of presentation and other requisites to be stated and stipulated in the Bill
to be brought into Parliament in confirmation of the agreement, and that
the Mayor and Bailiffs affix the Common Seal to such petitions as may be
necessary to testify the consent and approbation of the Council."

" 1802, Deer. 13. Resolved and Ordered, that it be referred to the
Select Committee to take immediate measures for carrying into effect the
Order of Council made the 2 nd day of January 1793 for erecting one church
upon a piece of land purchased for that purpose situate on the south east
side of Berry Street, opposite the south end of Renshaw Street and Bold
Street, and that the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor be applied
to by the said Committee to carry into effect the order of Vestry made the
8 th of January 1793, for erecting another church at the expense of the
Parish conformable to the agreement then entered into for building two
churches, one by the Parish and another by the Council.

" And the Select Committee are requested to cause Plans of the said

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 397

church intended to be built by the Council to be prepared for the inspection
and determination of the Council." (I)

It would appear from this that the Council had taken
the matter into their own hands, and had parted company
from Mr. Sanderson.

The subject was then dropped for some years, but revived scheme
in 1810.

" 1810, Feby. 10. John Clarke Mayor.

" Resolved and Ordered, that the Select Finance Committee be author-
ized and requested to give immediate directions for the erecting and Building
completing with all convenient expedition the church in Berry Street resumed -
opposite the south end of Bold Street, conformable to the Orders of
Council of the 2 nd January 1793, the I st of December 1802, and the 2 nd
March 1803."

The church was commenced and carried out to a certain
extent.

" 1819, Aug. 4. On bringing up the proceedings of the Select Finance
Committee it was

" Resolved, that the same be approved and confirmed with the exception
of the recommendations relative to the erection of the church in Berry
Street, and that all further proceedings relative to the said church be
postponed until a statement of the expenses already incurred, and an Proceedings
Estimate of the further expenses to be incurred in the erection and com- P ost P ned -
pletion of the church be laid before the Council."

Another two years' delay intervened. Delay.

" 1821, June 6. Resolved, that the erection of St. Luke's church be Resumption,
carried into effect with all convenient speed under the directions of the
Select Finance Committee."

" 1822, Jany. 2. Richard Bullin Mayor.

" Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee be authorized to give
directions for the addition of a Chancel to St. Luke's Church, according Chancel
to the plan now produced." added.

" 1827, Nov. 7. A letter from the Surveyor, suggesting an alteration Alterations,
in the plans of the interior and exterior of Saint Luke's Church and for
laying out the ground surrounding the same, having been read,

" Resolved, that the subject be referred to the Select Finance Com-
mittee."

Vidi sufra, p. 281.

398

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

completion. fhe church was finally completed in 1831, having occu-
Cost - pied nearly thirty years in building, at a cost of ^53,418.

A peal of eight bells was hung in the tower.

Annoyance
of Bells.

" 1829, Octr. 7. A Memorial from the inhabitants and proprietors of
houses in Rodney Street and Bold Street, and in the vicinity of St. Luke's
Church, relative to the serious annoyance occasioned to them by the bells
at that church, having been laid before this Council,

" Resolved, that the subject be postponed, and the Surveyor to make a
report as to the practicability of placing the bells in Saint Martin's
Church steeple.

" A letter having been laid before this Council from Mr Dobson of
Experiments. Downham suggesting some experiments which might vary the sound of
St. Luke's bells,

" Resolved, that these experiments be tried under the directions of the
Surveyor ; but that the Surveyor do make a report in conformity with the
resolution of the last Council."

" 1829, Deer. 5. At this Council the Surveyor made a report relative
to the bells at Saint Luke's Church which was read."

No proceedings were taken thereon, and the bells were
never disturbed.

Report.

" 1830, Jany. 6. An application from the Committee for conducting
the Liverpool Musical Festival relative to the Oratorios being held in St.
Luke's Church, and the erection of temporary galleries to be removable,
having been laid before this Council,

" Referred to the Select Finance Committee."

" 1830, July 7. Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee do make
Stained Glass a report to the Council relative to the expense of a Stained Glass or
Window. painted Window for the Chancel of St. Luke's Church, accompanied with
a design of the same."

St. George's. St. George's.

Reference has been made in the previous records to the
building of this church and the subsidence of the steeple.

Musical
Festival.

Steeple
dangerous.

Survey.

" 1809, May :o. It having been represented to this Council that the
steeple of St. George's Church had been for some time past considered by
the public to be in a dangerous state ; and the Mayor having laid before
this Council separate reports from the following Architects viz' William
Porden and Jeffrey Wyatt Esq rs of London, and Mr Foster the Corpora-
tion Surveyor, stating that they had carefully examined the said steeple,
that they had found it was upwards of three feet out of perpendicular

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 399

position, and that the principal defects which had occasioned the frac- Fractures,
tures and insecurity of the structure were to be attributed to the want
of solidity in the foundation, and to the perishable quality of the stone.
That they concurred in opinion that there was no immediate danger of its
falling, but that it was in a progressive state of decay, and the danger was
consequently increasing. They were of opinion that any further repair
would not afford any additional security, and that they were not competent
to suggest any plan for amending or supporting the said steeple, that
warranted them on stating it would give permanent security to it, and
that considering its situation, together with the expence and hazard
attending any experiment of repairing and supporting the said steeple, steeple
they were of opinion that it was expedient to take it down and rebuild it condemned.
upon a secure foundation, with proper stone ; and submitted the same to
the consideration of the Council.

" Resolved Unanimously, that it is the opinion of this Council that it is Resolution,
necessary and most expedient to take down the said steeple of St. George's
Church.

" Ordered, that Mr Foster, the Corporation Surveyor, be directed to
cause the said steeple to be taken down with all convenient speed, under
the immediate orders and directions of the Select Finance Committee."

The steeple was taken down, and no further action taken steeple taken

. down.

during nine years.

" 1818, Octr. 7. Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee be
empowered to give directions for the erection of Saint George's Church Re-erection.
Steeple, according to the Plan No 2 now produced to this Council, the
estimated expence of which is stated to be ten thousand one hundred
Pounds (^"10,100)."

" 1825, July 6. Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee be author-
ized to hire an Organ for Saint George's Church until the Church shall Organ.
be considered in a suitable state for the reception of the new Organ."

The rental at this period was very productive, as appears Rental.
from the following return :

" Rents of seats in St. George's Church

" In the Nave, Nos i to 77, total ^"475 13

" Gallery, Nos 78 to 137, total ... 272 18

"748 ii"

" 1815, Mar. 10. A Report from the Surveyor, stating the ruinous and
delapidated condition of many of the covers to the graves in the vaults of Vaults and
Saint George's Church, which not only rendered it dangerous for any one Graves.
to walk over the same, but exposed the bodies interred to great insecurity,

4 oo

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Filling up.

Covering.

St. Mark's.

Application
for Rever-
sion.

Rejected.

Notice of
Refusal to
Bishop.

and this Council having adverted to the recent practice of prohibiting
burying under any church for which Acts of Parliament have lately been
obtained,

" Resolved, that the several graves for which no owner or claimant can
be discovered, be filled up with earth, and annihilated as burying places
in future, under the direction of the Surveyor at the expence of the
Corporation.

" Resolved, that from henceforth no new or additional graves or vaults
be sold or opened under the said church.

" Resolved, that the Bailiffs for the time being do take such measures
as they may deem most expedient for causing all the graves or vaults to
be covered at the expence of the owners thereof with stone or cast iron
and that the same be laid level with the general surface of the ground.

" Resolved, that the Bailiffs for the time being give directions for the
filling up with earth at the expence of the Corporation, all those graves or
vaults, the owners whereof do not, after three months notice, cover the
same in the manner before described, or the claimants to which may not
within that time be discovered."

St. Mark's.

" 1802, Octr. 6. Upon reading a letter from Mr James Brandreth on
behalf of himself and the other proprietors of the building lately erected
on the north side of Duke Street by the Reverend Mr Jones and others as
a place of religious worship according to the Establishment of the Church
of England, requesting that the Council would take the same under their
patronage, for the reasons therein particularly stated,

" Resolved and Ordered, that the subject matter of the said letter be
referred to the Select Committee to examine into and report."

" 1803, Mar. 2. Resolved and Ordered, that the Petition of the proprie-
tors of the building at the upper end of Duke Street proposed to be used
and appropriated as a place of religious worship, for a grant of the rever-
sionary interest in the same be rejected for the reasons set forth in the
proceedings.

" This Council being informed that the Right Reverend Father in God
Henry William (Majendie) Lord Bishop of Chester has, at the instance of
James Brooke and others, granted his Faculty or License for the perform-
ance of Divine Worship in a certain edifice or building situate at the
upper end of Duke Street in Liverpool until the same may be duly conse-
crated ; and conceiving that his Lordship has granted such Faculty or
License upon suggestion that all circumstances necessary by law for the
establishing the same edifice as a Chapel of Ease, would shortly take
place this Council think it necessary to take the earliest opportunity in
the most respectful manner to apprise his Lordship that so far as depends
upon them they cannot either as patrons of the Mother Church or as

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 401

Owners of the reversionary interest of the said edifice or building, give
their assent to such measures as alone could or can constitute the same a
chapel of ease according to law.

" Also Resolved, that the Mayor be requested to transmit official copies
of the above Order of Council to the Lord Bishop and to Mr James
Brooke, one of the principal proprietors, as an immediate notification of
the sentiments and resolutions of the Council upon the subject."

St. Catharine's, Temple Court. st.

Reference has been made to this church in a previous
chapter.

" 1802, Deer. i. Upon reading a letter of the 30* November from the
Rev d Thomas Hassell minister, and Edward Cearns and John Phillips
members of a congregation of Baptists in this town to Mr Foster, desiring
him to lay before the Council their request to become purchasers of Saint Application
Catharine's Church or Chapel in this town as a place of Divine worship to P urchase -
for a congregation of persons of their persuasion,

" Resolved and Ordered, that it is not the intention of this Council to
sell or dispose of the said Church or Chapel to any sectarists or dissenting Refusal,
congregation whatever."

" 1811, May 15. Upon the motion of Mr Alderman Dawson,

" Ordered, that it be recommended to the Select Finance Committee to
take the most speedy and effectual measures for obtaining an Act of Act of
Parliament for the consecration of that church, and for the settlement of Parliament.
the salaries with the fees and other emoluments of the ministers and
inferior officers."

" 1819, Aug. 4. Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee be
authorized to direct the taking down of Saint Catharine's Church and to Removal of
dispose of the materials and of the land there belonging to the Corpora- Church,
tion, and to make such communication between Temple Court and Temple
Place as they may think proper."

St. Catharine's, Abercromby Square. st.

Catharine's.

" 1829, Feby. 4. A letter from Robert Gladstone Esq on behalf of
several gentlemen who had set on foot a subscription for the purpose of
building a Church on the East Side of Abercromby Square, having been Application
laid before this Council, soliciting a grant of the reversion of the land, and f ? r Rever -
the right of presentation of the Minister for the term of forty years,

" Resolved, that this request be complied with, under the direction of Granted,
the Select Finance Committee, and that the Mayor and Bailiffs be author-
ized to affix the Common Seal to the requisite conveyance."

E E

402

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Application
of Parish.

Sum
required.

Appeal to the
Council.

st. Michael's. St. Michael's, Pitt Street.

This church was commenced by the Parish of Liverpool,
but completed by the Corporation.

" 1811, July 3. Resolved, that the Petition of Mr Edward Blackstock
the Vestry Clerk for the grant to the Parish of Liverpool of the Reversion
of a Piece of Land in Kent Street &c for the purpose of a scite of an
intended Church and Church Yard, be referred to the consideration of the
Select Finance Committee."

" 1823, Jany. 14. Parish of Liverpool.

" At a meeting of the Commissioners for building St. Michael's Church
this 26* Dec. 1822,

Money spent. " The Commissioners having expended the whole of the money (34,500)
which by the Act they were empowered to raise, without having completed
the Church, and it being reported by their Architect that it will require a
further expenditure of 10,000 or thereabouts to finish the same, with
which the inhabitants are not likely to burden themselves,

" It was Resolved, that the Commissioners most respectfully take leave
to request the Worshipful the Mayor and Common Council of the Borough
of Liverpool to undertake the completion of the said Church, with the
ample funds at their command, which the Commissioners are led to believe
will be an agreeable appropriation of the Corporate property to a large
proportion if not to all the Burgesses ; the Commissioners securing the
repayment of any advance the Common Council may come under by
giving them (till repaid from the church) the entire controul over the said
church and the land thereto attached, as amply as if the same were their
own Property, but not to extend to vest in that body the power of dimin-
ishing the extent of the Church Yard as now walled in."

" 1823, Feb. 5. This Resolution and proposal having been fully dis-
cussed in the Council it was

" Resolved, That the Council acquiesce in the church being completed
out of the Corporate Estate, the Parish agreeing to relinquish the church
and church yard to the Corporation as their own property, but the repairs
of the church being provided for as in the present Act and the Corporation
having the power of disposing of the Burial Ground towards reimbursing
of the money to be advanced by them, and the Parish being at the expence
of the Act of Parliament."

st. Paul's. St. Paul's Church, St. Paul's Square.

" 1812, Octr. 10. Ordered, that the Petition of the Churchwardens,

Owners and Occupiers of Seats in St. Paul's Church for a contribution

Organ. towards the erection of an organ and a gallery in the Church for the

reception of the same and the payment of the Salary for the Organist be

referred to the Select Finance Committee with full powers therein."

Consent of
Council.

Conditions.

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 403

St. Andrew's, Renshaw Street. st. Andrew's.

" 1815, Aug. 2. A letter from John Gladstone Esquire (Sir John) Application
soliciting the consent of this Corporation to an Act of Parliament for the Gladstone
consecration of the church now building by him in Renshaw Street, having
been read,

" Resolved, That such letter be referred to the consideration of the
Select Finance Committee."

St. Philip's, Hardman Street. st. phHip's.

" 1816, July 5. Resolved, that the Petition from several inhabitants in
the neighbourhood of Hardman and Rodney Streets for a grant of the Application
reversion of a building intended to be called Saint Philip's Church, and go n Rever "
the application of Mr John Cragg the Proprietor or Builder thereof rela-
tive to the terms and conditions upon which the Common Council as
Patrons may be willing to accede to the consecration of the said church,
be referred to the Select Finance Committee with full powers."

The Church was built and consecrated. In 1884 an Act
was passed for its secularization, and shops were built on a Secularized.
portion of the site.

St. Thomas's, Park Lane. st.Tnomas's.

" 1822, May i. Resolved, that the following Report of the Surveyor
relative to the cause of the late dangerous state of St. Thomas's Church Steeple
Steeple be entered in the Council book. dangerous.

" ' In obedience to the Order of Council of the 3 rd April 1822, directing
the Surveyor to report the cause of the late dangerous state of St. Report.
Thomas's Church Steeple he begs respectfully to state that it appears to
have been caused by the iron shaft or spindle 21 ft long which was origin-
ally placed in the top part of the spire when it was built, having by
continual vibration failed in one of its joints.

" ' The Surveyor has taken leave to place this shaft in the Entrance
Hall of the Town Hall for the inspection of such gentlemen as choose to
view it as a matter of curiosity." "

The spire was taken down, and so remained for twelve spire taken

down.

years.

" 1834, Feby. 5. Resolved, that the plan for the erection of the spire of Plan for
St. Thomas's Church adopted by the Resolution of the last Council be s P ire -
completed so far as regards the repair and restoration of the tower, but
that the rebuilding of the spire be postponed until the settlement of the Postponed.
Town Dues question."

404

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

St. John the
Baptist.

Contribu-
tion.

The spire has never been rebuilt.
St. John the Baptist, Park Road.

" 1828, Apl. 2. A letter from the Rev* W Hesketh, Minister of St.
Michael's Church Toxteth Park soliciting a contribution towards the
erection of an intended church in Harrington, having been laid before this
Council,

" Resolved, that the sum of "500 be given for this purpose."

st. Martin's. St. Martin's-in-the- Fields.

Proceedings
confirmed.

" 1828, July 2. The Proceedings of the Select Finance Committee
having been read,

" Resolved, that the same be confirmed except as to the Resolution to
make the recommendation to the Rectors, of a stipendiary curate to the
New Church in Oxford Street north, in the month of August next ; which
subject is to be considered as postponed until the result of a further com-
munication with the Lord Bishop of the Diocese and of an interview
between the Mayor, the Chairman of the Committee and the Rectors,
relative to the presentation is made known to the Council."

" 1828, Deer. 3. A letter read from Geo. Jenner Esq communicating the
acquiescence of the Board of Commissioners, in the heads of the Bill
transmitted relative to the new church in Oxford Street North, and
requesting the draft when prepared to be transmitted."

Church for the Blind.

" 1829, Feby. 4. The proposed Bill relative to the Church for the indi-
gent Blind was this day laid before the Council, and the same appearing
to be prepared as far as regards the rights and interests of the Corporation
in conformity with the proceedings confirmed by the Council on the 4 th
Jan y last,

" Resolved, that the Common Seal be affixed to the Bill in testimony of
the assent of the Corporation to the same and should any further consider-
ation of the Bill be requisite the same to be referred to the Select Finance
Committee."

st. Saviour's. St. Saviour's, Huskisson Street.

" 1829, May 6. An application from Ambrose Lace Esq relative to a

proposal for the erection of a new Church upon part of the land held by

him at the north west corner of Huskisson and Catharine Streets, and for

Application a grant of the reversion of the land and the usual patronage having been

laid before this Counci1 '

" Resolved, that the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee

to report."

Act of
Parliament.

Church for
the Blind.

Act of
Parliament.

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 405

St. James's Cemetery. Cemetery.

" 1825, Sept. 7. A letter from the Rev a Jonathan Brooks relative to the
sale of the old Quarry at the top of Duke Street for the purpose of a Sale of Old
Cemetery in connexion with the Church of England having been laid Q uarr y-
before the Council,

" Resolved that the same be referred to the Select Finance Committee
to make a report, accompanied with plans and a prospectus of the general
regulations intended."

" 1826, Feby. i. Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee be
authorized to co-operate on the part of the Council in carrying into effect
the plans and prospectus of the intended Cemetery in connection with the
Established Church,

" Resolved also, that the Select Finance Committee be authorized to
advance upon loan such sum of money as the Committee may think proper Loan
towards the intended Cemetery not exceeding 500,"

The closing period of the Ancient Corporation possesses closing
considerable interest, and is intimately connected with
ecclesiastical affairs.

Reference has been made above to the visit of the
Commissioners of Inquiry in 1833. In 1835 the Municipal commission
Reform Bill was introduced in the House of Commons.

> June 17. James Aspinall Mayor.

" At a Special Council held in the Council chamber within the Town
Hall for the purpose of taking into consideration the provisions of a Bill
brought into the House of Commons, intituled a Bill to provide for the Municipal
regulation of Municipal Corporations in England and Wales, and adopting
such Resolutions and measures respecting the same as may be deemed
proper,

" Present James Aspinall Esq Mayor and 26 others.

" The Mayor stated that he had deemed it his duty to call this Special
Council in consequence of having received a copy of the Bill, which he

now submitted, and some of the provisions of which were now taken into Provisions

., .. of Bill.

consideration.

" Resolved, that this Council, conscious of having always discharged Resolution.
the important duties devolved upon it as the governing body of this
Corporation, with the utmost desire for the welfare and advantage of the
Town of Liverpool, does not feel itself called upon to offer any opposition No opposi-
te the principle of the measure, so far as relates to the removal of the tlon "
members of this Council, and the substitution of another body, by a
different mode of election, for the future management of the Corporate

4 o6

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Provision for
Debt.

Estate; but that the same should be left to such determination as Parlia-
ment may think fit to come to regarding it.

" Resolved, that inasmuch as this and former Councils have in the
execution of public works and improvements contracted a debt amounting
to upwards of a million, provision should be made for its redemption, and
that no material diminution of the town or other dues should take place
until provision is made for its liquidation.

" That as this Council has in the execution of the improvements entered
into extensive contracts and obligations, these should be recognized and
confirmed.

" That as the proposed enactment deprives of the exemption from town
dues all burgesses not enrolled at the present time, thus depriving
hundreds of individuals who have completed their claim to admission, in
addition to the just rights of many thousands who have an inchoate right,
it is the duty of this Council to represent the same to Parliament.

" That the management of the Dock Trust heretofore vested in the
Council, will be interfered with by the proposed Bill, they therefore feel it
their duty to apply to Parliament to make due provision to remedy any
inconvenience which may arise from the Bill in its present form.

" Resolved also,

" That as the patronage of the Rectory of Liverpool is vested in the
Corporation and the Council has the appointment thereto, and of the
clergy of many of the churches erected in the said town, and in pursuance
of such authority have appointed the ministers now officiating therein,
with salaries or stipends exceeding the endowments fixed by the several
Acts of Parliament, and which are payable under Resolutions of this
Council made from time to time, and that as such stipends do not exceed
a moderate and reasonable provison for the said ministers, the Council is
of opinion that a representation of these circumstances should be made to
Parliament, and that provision should be solicited for recognizing and
confirming these Resolutions, and establishing these payments to the
present, and suitable provision for the future incumbents, as also for
the future repairs_and maintenance of such churches and for the other
expences usually attendant on the performance of Divine Service therein.

" The foregoing resolutions are not proposed with the object of offering
opposition to the measure in its principle, but to protect those interests
which have been confided to this Corporation for so long a series of years ;
and as the rights and interests of this Corporation are essentially involved
in the proposed measure."

Committee. A committee was appointed, petitions drawn up, and a
deputation despatched to London to act on behalf of the
Corporation.

Rights of
Burgesses.

Dock Trust.

Clerical
Patronage.

Provision for
Stipends.

Maintenance
of Churches.

Protection of
Interests.

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 407

" 1835, July 10. The Mayor having stated that Notice had been given
to introduce a clause into the Municipal Reform Bill which would give
power to the new Council to dispute leases, mortgages and sales made Leases,
subsequent to the 5* of June last, which would materially affect the routine
adopted by this Council in granting leases and sales, the Town Clerk
was instructed to endeavour to get the above clause modified."

" 1835, July 25. The Mayor having communicated to the Council that
the Municipal Corporations Bill had passed the Commons and been read
a first time in the Lords, with the obnoxious clauses unaltered, it was
resolved to forward a petition to the House of Lords, with a request to
Lord Wharncliffe to present it."

The Town Clerk was also directed to obtain the attend-
ance of such evidence as might be requisite to support the Evidence,
petition, and to retain counsel.

The petition enters very fully into the history of the Petition to
Corporation and the progress of the town and port, and
concludes thus:

" ' Your Petitioners submit to your Lordships' deliberate consideration
the expediency and advantage of separating the concerns and government
of this Corporation from a measure intended for the general government
of all the Corporations of England and Wales, with scarce any of which
this Corporation can be justly compared, either in reference to the extent
and variety of the interests committed to its charge, or to the amount and
importance of its estate and revenues ; and that you would exempt this Proposed
Corporation from the provisions of the said Act, and provide for the future Exem P tlon -
government of the same, by a separate and specific Act of the legislature
for that purpose.' "

It is needless to say that this prayer met with no
response, but the clauses in the Bill materially interfering clauses
with the ordinary course of leasing and dealing with the
estate were considerably modified.

" 1835, Octr. 7. James Aspinall Mayor.

" The Mayor communicated to the Council that the Act for the regula-
tion of Municipal Corporations in England and Wales had received the Act passed.
Royal Assent on the 9* September, and that in pursuance of power given
by the Act the day of election of the new Council had been fixed for the New
26* December ; upon the declaration of which election, the Mayor, Alder- Electl n -
men and Common Councilmen and all other Members of this Common
Council by whatever name or style they may be known, will then go out

4 o8

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Provision for
Clergy.

of office, and their whole powers and duties then cease, and that by a
further provision no election of Mayor and Bailiffs will take place on the
next Charter day viz' the i8 th day of October instant, but that the present
Mayor and Bailiffs will continue to hold their respective offices until the
next election of the new Council and Mayor."

The provision for the clergy next occupied the serious
attention of the expiring Council. They had acted on many
occasions in a very firm and decided manner in keeping
the clergy to their duty, notably in the passage of arms
with Bishop Law in 1821, relative to the non-residence of
the incumbents, but their feeling towards the church was
very loyal and devoted. The stipends secured to the
ministers of the churches by the respective Acts of Parlia-
ment were for the most part sadly too small, and had been
eked out by grants from the Corporate funds. The Council
Proposal for now desired before their retirement to convert these voluntary

Provision. . . . . .

grants into a permanent provision, in fear lest the incoming
Council might cut down the stipends to the legal amount.

" The Council having adverted to the proceedings adopted in the House
of Commons with reference to the future provision for the Rectors of the
Parish, and the situation of several of the Clergy officiating at churches
in the patronage of this Corporation whose stipends are not permanently
fixed,

Resolution. " Resolved, that it is expedient to take into consideration the propriety
of securing a permanent income or provision for the Rectors of the Parish
and such of the Clergy of the several churches in the patronage of the
Corporation as are at present without any adequate endowment. That a

Committee. Committee be appointed to carry this resolution into effect, to report to a
future Special Council."

1835, Octr. 12. The Council met to reconsider the subject.

They confirmed the previous resolution as to the endowment,

Deputation. an( i deputed the Town Clerk to proceed to London to take

the advice and opinions of the most eminent counsel as to

the best mode of carrying this resolution into effect.

1835, Octr. 28. The Town Clerk reported that he had

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 409

had a consultation with Sir Frederick Pollock, Mr. Cresswell counsels 1
and Mr. Jacob, when the proposal had been very fully dis-
cussed and the opinion stated below had been given by
those counsel.

" ' Copy Opinion.

" ' It is impossible to point out any mode by which the Corporation can Opinion,
effect the object of permanently continuing the present provision for the
Clergy of Liverpool so as to be entirely secure from being impeached
hereafter. And it is only by the exercise of the discretionary power vested
in the King in Council by the latter part of the 97'" Section of the Stat.
5 th & 6 th Will 4. ch 76, that any such arrangement can be rendered
available.

'"We consider upon the whole that the plan most adviseable would Plan,
be, for the Corporation to raise by Mortgage of part of their Real Estates Mortgage,
a sum sufficient to produce the annual stipends proposed to be secured.
And we should recommend that the money so raised should be invested Investment,
in the names of Trustees upon trust to pay those stipends to the Ministers,
unless the Mortgage should be successfully impeached and in that case to
restore the money to the persons advancing it. And we should think it
best that the Mortgage and the declaration of Trusts of the Money should
be included in the same deeds or so connected as to form one transaction.

" ' FRED. POLLOCK
'"CRESS. CRESSWELL

" ' Temple 19* October 1835.' " ' EDWARD JACOB

" The Committee having taken into consideration the foregoing Opinion,
directed the Treasurer to make inquiries and submit a list of parties Inquiries,
willing to make the advance and in conjunction with the Surveyor and
Clerk of Committees, to report what portion of the Corporate Estate it
would be most convenient to mortgage.

" The Council then proceeded to consider the several annual sums which Annual
they recommend to be secured by the proposed endowments and payments.

" Resolved,

"That the present Rectors and their four Curates, and the several
present officiating Ministers at St George's, St Thomas's, St Paul's,
St John's, St Anne's, and St David's Churches now receiving annual Stipends
stipends from the Corporation, do continue to receive the amounts of such P rovided -
annual stipends for their respective lives, and that the future Rectors be Rectors,
endowed in perpetuity with the sum of ^710 per annum to each Rector
for his own use, and also with the further sum of ^"360 per annum to each
Rector for two Curates.

" That the future Chaplains of St George's be endowed in perpetuity st. George's,
with the sum of ^250 per annum, in addition to the sum of 50 $ an.

F F F

410

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

payable by the Act of Parliament ; and that there be also paid a Lecturer
or second Minister of that Church at the sum of 200 $ an.

St. Thomas's. " That the future senior Minister of St Thomas's be endowed with the
sum of 220 $ an. in addition to the sum of 80 $ an. now payable by
Act of Parliament and that there be also paid to a Lecturer or second
Minister the sum of ^165 $ an.

" That after the death, resignation or removal of the present evening

St. Paul's, lecturer at St Paul's there be only two Ministers appointed to the same.

That the future senior Minister be endowed with ^170 $ an. in addition

to 5 & an - payable under the Act of Parliament, and that there be also

a lecturer or second Minister at 100 $ an.

St. John's. < That there be a lecturer or second Minister of St John's at 180 $ an.
St. Anne's. " That the future Minister of St Anne's be endowed with ^"140 $ an.
and the future Minister of St David's with 100 $ an.

" Resolved, that the Town Clerk be directed to prepare such deeds as

may be necessary to carry the foregoing resolutions into effect, and for the

Mortgages, necessary mortgage security for such a sum of money as may require to

be raised for that purpose."

Letter from "1835, Nov. 4. A letter was read from Mr Thos Bolton protesting
Bolton. against the proposed endowments out of the Corporate Funds."

" 1835, Nov. n. The Town Clerk reported that in pursuance of the
Resolution of the last Meeting he had communicated with John Moss Esq,
Chairman of the Grand Junction Railway Company, and that at a Meeting
Investment, of the Directors they had agreed to receive a sum of about 100,000 upon
security of their land, Works and Capital at 4 $ cent $ an. interest, and
with the understanding that the principal money might be called in at a
short notice.

Resolution. " Resolved, that it be recommended to the Council to invest the money
to be raised for the proposed endowment of the Clergy, with the Grand
Junction Railway upon the security before mentioned.

Amount. Resolved, that the sum of ^"105,000 appears to this Committee suffi-

cient to be raised and invested for this purpose, and that a Trust Deed
declaring the purposes to which the interest is to be applied be prepared,
and that the following gentlemen be named as the Trustees
" THE RIGHT REV D . THE LORD BISHOP OF CHESTER
" MESSRS JOHN BOURNE " MESSRS RICHARD HOUGHTON

"JOHN WRIGHT "JAMES COCKSHOTT

" CHARLES LAWRENCE " ROBERTSON GLADSTONE

" JAMES ASPINALL "JAMES POWNALL

"THOMAS SHAW " SIR THOMAS BRANCKER."

" 1835, Nov. 13. Jas Aspinall Mayor.
" Special Council.

Protest, " At this Council, a Protest signed by one hundred and twenty five

Burgesses of the existing Borough of Liverpool, and persons qualified to

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 411

be Burgesses under the Municipal Reform Act, against the endowment of
certain Churches and the payment of the Parochial and other Clergy, and
against the intended loan and mortgage and all the proceedings of this
Council in relation thereto was read.

" Resolved, that the proceedings, resolutions and recommendations of
the Committee of the whole Council be hereby adopted, approved, ratified Confirma-
and confirmed by this Council, and that the same be fully carried into tlon
effect under the directions of the Select Finance Committee."

" 1835, Novr. 18. Special Council.

" The Mayor having laid before this Council the copy of minutes of an
Order of Injunction made on the i4th of November instant by his Honor Injunction,
the Master of the Rolls, on the information of the Attorney General at the
relation of Thomas Bolton and Timothy Jevons, restraining this Corpora-
tion from carrying into effect the proposed endowment of the Clergy,

" And a letter from the Town Clerk stating that he had proceeded to
London there to await the directions of the Council having been read,

" Resolved, that the Town Clerk do immediately advise with Counsel Counsel's
as to the course to be pursued by the Corporation, and that he take such a vice '
steps as he may be recommended to adopt."

" 1835, Deer. 2. The Town Clerk having acquainted the Council that
he had conferred with counsel as to the validity of the Bonds proposed to Bonds.
be given to secure the repayment of the money to be borrowed, and that
counsel had under the circumstances recommended that a mortgage of
some portion of the Corporation Estate should be given to the parties as
an additional security,

" Resolved, that the Select Finance Committee be authorized to cause
such mortgage security as they may think expedient to be granted on Mortgages,
some part of the Corporate Estate, and that the necessary deeds be
executed under the Common Seal.

" The Town Clerk reported that he had attended in London and . had
prepared and filed an affidavit fully detailing the existing provisions made
for the Clergy, and also the entire proceedings of the Council and its
Committees in relation to the proposed endowment in respect to which
the injunction had been granted by the Master of the Rolls, that a motion
had been made to dissolve the injunction, which had been fully argued injunction
by counsel on both sides, and that the judgment of the Court was to be dis P uted -
given yesterday.

" Resolved, that the above proceedings of the Town Clerk be approved,
ratified and confirmed, and that he be directed to cause a copy of the
shorthand writer's notes of the argument and determination of the Court Notes of the
to be printed and published at the expense of the Corporation." argument.

" 1835, Deer. 22. The following Resolutions of a meeting of the Clergy
of this town, held on the 17 th inst were read and ordered to be entered on
the proceedings.

412

CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

Meeting of
Clergy.

Resolution.

" At a meeting of the Clergy of Liverpool held in the Blue Coat

Hospital on Thursday the ij* Dec' 1835
" It was Resolved unanimously,

" That the Clergy, deeply sensible of the important services
rendered by the Common Council of Liverpool to the maintenance of true
religion, by the building of Schools and Churches and providing for the
moral and religious education of the people in the principles of the Estab-
lished Church, are unwilling to permit the Members of the present Council
Expression of to render up their trust into other hands, without expressing a grateful
gratitude. sense of the favour and protection which the Church has experienced from
them ; more particularly by their last act in securing as far as lay in their
power the independence of the Clergy by a sufficient permanent provision
for those Churches which before were inadequately endowed.

" Resolved, that the two Rectors be appointed to wait on the Mayor,
and request him to communicate this Resolution to the Council."

Old Muni-
cipality.

Here terminate the Records of the old Regime of the
Municipality of Liverpool, which had existed for more than
six hundred years. Like most, if not all its sister Corpo-
rations, it had become an anachronism, unsuited to the
circumstances of the times. The antique bonds of exclu-
siveness of the middle ages could no longer restrain the
expansive movements of modern society, and had to be
burst asunder.

In passing judgment on the Old Corporation, we must
Allowances, not be too exacting. We must make allowance for the
spirit of the age, for the traditional influences which had
operated during a long series of years, for the mistaken
principles of commerce and political economy which pre-
vailed to a late period, and for the natural desire to
maintain privileges which had once been enjoyed.

It must be acknowledged that the old Municipality was
exclusive in a double sense, first in the monopoly of the
Burgesses and Freemen, with its exclusions and restric-
tions, driving away trade and preventing competition ; and,
secondly, in the self-election of the governing body, the
illegality. Common Council, which illegally, contrary to the tenor of

Mistaken
Principles.

Exclusive-
ness.

ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 413

the charters, and in spite of repeated adverse decisions of
the courts, persisted in retaining the management of Cor-
porate affairs to the exclusion of the Burgesses.

Admitting all this, there is much to be said on the other
side. Any one who reads the Records impartially, will be
struck with the vigour, tenacity, courage and pluck manifested vigour,
during the whole of their history by the Burgesses and Courage.'
Council of the town. From the year 1573, when it is
related that "Mr. Mayor and all the town made ready Readiness,
upon the Heath, every man with their best weapons, eager
as lions," they have always been ready to defend them-
selves, from whatever quarter the attack might come.
Allowing for the prejudices of the age, there is much good Good sense.
sense in many of their proceedings.

Coming down to a later period, when the property and
income of the Corporation became important and valuable,
there is no evidence of the venality and corruption which Honesty.
unfortunately disgraced some Municipalities. Nepotism un-
doubtedly existed in the promotion of their own families to
places of trust and emolument, but on the whole the town
was honestly served. The Corporate property was well
husbanded, and the improvements of 1786 and 1825 were improve-
carried out on a large scale without the slightest tax upon
the inhabitants. In this respect the reformed Cerporation
does not compare advantageously with its predecessor.

Our local institutions have been popularized and the
powers of self-government ostensibly diffused throughout
the community. This is right in principle, and in accord-
ance with the spirit of the age, but there are a few dangers
which should be borne in mind one, and that the most
obvious, is the control of the Central Government. The
Ancient Corporation by virtue of its Charter, was an
independent body, holding its own courts, appointing its

4H CHAP. IV, A.D. 18001835.

own Recorder, its Judge of the Court of Passage, and
other officials. These offices are now in the gift of the
Ministry of the day. This tendency to centralization
manifests itself in a variety of ways, and is fostered and
encouraged by the permanent officials of the Government.
Vigilance on the part of the Municipalities is required to
guard against this bureaucracy, which would infringe upon
and eventually destroy the self-governing principle which is
the great characteristic of the Anglo-Saxon race.

If five hundred years hence the Municipality of the
coming age can present a Record as full of interest and
progress, of difficulties overcome, and of bright anticipations
of the future, the task of its historian will be as pleasing
as the one now brought to a close.

INDEX.

Abercromby square, 401.

Adams, , 128.

Addresses to the Crown, 105, 113, 114, 116, ng,

175, 178, 180, 188, 189, 286, 290, 291, 292, 294,

295. 296, 297, 301, 302, 303.
Aldersey, Richard, 94, 98.
Alehouses, 202.
Alexander, Peter, 83.
Allegiance, oath of, 195.
Almshouses, 45, 63, 155, 156, 262, 385.
Amherst, John, 108.
Anderton, George, 53.

Thomas, 83.

Ansdell, James, 173.

Apprentices, 54.

Aqueduct at Runcorn, 244.

Arcades to warehouses, 232.

Archery, 84.

Armitage, Robert, 142, 143, 154.

Armour (coronation), 300.

Armoury, , 36, 41.

Arms, record of, 105, 128.

Arms of Liverpool, 191.

Art exhibitions, 313, 314.

Ashcroft, Abraham, 173.

Askew, John, 342.

Ashton, William, 83.

Aspinall, James, 303, 304, 334, 337, 362, 405, 410. '

John Bridge, 307, 317, 356.

Assemblies, 130, 131.
Assizes, removal of, 318, 321.
Athenaeum, 381.
Atherton, James, 55.

John, 166.

Peter, 58.

Rev. Robert, 66.

street, 58, 62.

Athol, Duke of, 104, 305.

Back o' th' Castle, 58.

Baines, John, 173, 283, 284, 395.

Baldwin, Rev. Thomas, 69, 128, 172.

Bank hall, 262.

Banks, Mr., 154.

Banks, run upon the, 249.

Bardesley, Rev. , 173.

Bardswell, Charles, 396.

Barnes, John, 217, 218.

Barracks, 290.

Barrett, William, 395.

Barton, Rev. Henry, 386, 388.

Sir William, 296, 316, 369.

Bateman, Samuel, 53.

Bath street, 184, 249, 263.

Batman, William, 357.

Batteries, 118, 150, 181, 182, 183, 294, 384,

Beacon's gutter, 363.

Beauclerk, Lord Sidney, 105.

Beaumaris, 52.

Bedford, Duke of, 112.

Bell, Rev. Thomas, 69.

Bells, complaints about, 398.

Bellingham, John, 294.

Bendish, Major, 108, HI.

Benett, , M.P., 331.

Benn, James, 6, 57, 58, 73,

Benson, Major-General, 287.

Robert, 383.

Bent, Theophilus, 121.
Bernard, M., 53.
Berry, Henry, 273.

street, 396.

Bevington bush, 395.
Bibby, William, 47.
Bidston lighthouse, 242.
Billinge, John, 249.
Birch, Thomas, 211, 239.

416

INDEX.

Birchall, Daniel, 54.

Bird, Joseph, 107, 114, 122, 129, 143, 158.

Birkenhead docks, 341, 342, 345.

Blackburn, John, 175, 201, 231, 240, 241, 257, 276.

Jonathan, 42.

Blackburne, Robert, 242.

Architect, 260.

Blackstock, Edward, 282, 382, 402.
Bladwell, William, 108.
Blair, Captain, 185.

Sir John, n.

Blevin, James and Ann, 80.

Bluecoat hospital, 75, 284.

Blues, Liverpool, 184.

Blundell, Bryan, 20, 29, 64, 74, 75, 86, 89, go, 96,

124, 143.
Hollinshead, Henry, 185, 197, 204, 206, 217,

280, 308, 348, 373, 381.

Jonathan, 297, 339, 354, 358, 364.

Bold, Jonas, 262, 286, 289, 307, 386.

Street, 262, 366, 381, 396, 398.

Bolton, John, 202, 250, 308.

Thomas, 410.

Ogden & Co., 324, 325, 326.

Booth, Langham, 15.

Bootle, Thomas, 5, 12, 15, 16, 61, 70, 79, 86, 87, 91.

Springs, 24, 25, 209, 210.

Botanic garden, 380, 381.
Boundary boulevard, 366.

stones, 137.

Bounties to seamen, 180, 181.
Bourne, John, 294, 311, 410.
Bowling-green house, 139, 255.
Bowen, Owen, 209.
Braddock, William, 50, 52, 58.
Bradshaw, Ellen, 82.
Braithwaite, secretary, n.
Branagan, Owin, 22.
Brancker, Peter, 217, 219.

Peter Whitfield, 218, 306, 357.

Sir Thomas, 302, 330, 355, 361, 410.

Brandreth, James, 400.
Brereton, Owen Salusbury, 190.

Thomas, 92, 93, 94, 98, 142, 149.

Brees, Christopher, 59.

Brett, , 167.
Bribery, notice against, 331.
Bricks, making of, 32.
Bridge, John, 255.

proposed to Birkenhead, 359.

Bridgwater, Duke of, 244, 247.

Brindley, James, 243, 245.

Bristol, 22, 149.

Britannia, statue of, 267.

British prisoners, relief to, 294.

Broadneux, Col. Robert, 84,

Bromfield, James, 109, no, 112, 121, 139, 143, 153.

Brooks, James, 45.

John, 93, 105, 107, 157, 158, 160, 165, 169.

Rev. Jonathan, 405.

Roger, 136.

Brooke, James, 401.

Brookes, Joseph, 200, 227, 234, 250, 254, 285.

Brown, Henry, 212, 227.

William George, 305.
Brownell, , 226.
Brown Low, The, 32, 382.
Brownlow hill, 129, 156, 157, 227, 228.

street, 139.

Brunei, J. K., 385.

Brunelagh, 156.

Brunswick street, 363.

Bryer, Thomas, 209, 210.

Buckingham, Marquis of, 189.

Building Act, 367.

Bull-baiting, 83.

Bull and Punchbowl tavern, 364.

Bullin, Richard, 312, 319, 379, 397.

Burgage rents, 227.

Burial ground, new, 138.

Butchers, 43, 136.

Butler, Henry, 195.

Byrom, George, 273.

street, 60, 273, 366.

Cable street, 47, 136, 261.
Cairnes, Sir Alexander, 23.
Caldwell, Charles, 204, 206.

INDEX.

Caldwell, Smyth & Co., 249.
Callender, John, 255.
Campbell, George, 128, 200.
Canals, Bridgewater, 243.

Derbyshire and Mersey, 243.

to Docks, 246.

Hull to Liverpool, 244.

Leeds and Liverpool, 221, 222, 245, 246, 354.

Weaver and Trent, 243.

Canning, George, 300, 301, 305, 375, 376.

Lady, 301.

Canning place, 377.

Cannon, Patrick, 82.

Carr, William, 124, 136.

Carter, Robert, 57.

Case, George, 204, 206, 218, 220, 250, 258.

- Thomas, 296, 320, 375.
Castle, 33, 36, 37, 39, 41, 60, 61, 69, 70, 71, 135.
ditch, 61, 365.

hey, 58, 154.

hill, 35.

street, 58, 229, 258, 259, 274, 363, 366, 378, 379.

Lower, 379.

Cattle market, 379.
Cearns, Edward, 401.
Certiorari, writ of, 67.
Chadwick, James, 64.
Chaffers, 192.
Chanting, 167.
Chantrey rents, 227.
Chantrey, F., 300.
Chapel yard, 58.

street, 43, 58, 135, 232.

Charitable funds, 45.
Charlotte, Princess, 296.
Charters, 3, 4, 21, 101, 104.
Cheesemongers, 48.
Cherbourg, 117.
Cheshire lands, 341.

Mrs., 166.

Chester, Bishop of, 144, 387-393, 395, 400.
Cheyn, John, 187.
China trade, 350.
Cholera, 318.
Chorley, John, 195.

G G

Church building, 276, 281.
Clarence, Duke of, 217, 220, 291.
Clarke, John, 292, 378, 397.

Mary, 285.

William, 285.

Clay, Henry, 290, 308.
Clayton, John, 73.

Richard, 133, 134.

Sir Richard, 226.

William, 37, 62, 75.

Clegg, Joseph, 101, 102, 103, 104, no, 112, 113,

123, 124, 130, 158, 159, 169, 177.
Clemens, James, 180, 192, 199, 246, 264.
Cleveland, John, 4, 15, 37, 38, 75.

square, 233.

Clergy, non-residence, 387.

provision for, 335, 408.

salaries, 387.
Clitherall, Joseph, 63,
Clothes for officers, 127.
Coals, 63.

boring for, 31.

Cockshott, James, 410.
Cockshutte, John, 38.
Colquitt, John, 154.

Scrope, 124.

Commerce, committee of, 237, 238.
Commercial loans, 250.
Commission to raise forces, 107.
Common hall, 96, 97, 203, 204, 207.

shore, 157, 260.

Coney, Charles, 198.

Conscience, court of, 129.

Conservancy of navigation, 143, 240, 351, 355.

Constable of castle, 33.

Conway bridge, 357.

General, 193.

Cook street, 58, 330.

Cooper, Joseph, 73.

Cooper's row, 261.

Coore, Thomas, 38, 55, 64, 68, 78, 166.

Coppuck, , 167.

Coronation, George III., 177.

George IV., 298.

William IV., 302.

418

INDEX.

Coroner, dispute with, 82.

Corn Exchange, 383.

Correction, house of, 227.

Council, 3, 19, 20, 23, 29, 36, 89, 90, 95, 97, 99, 105.

room, 369.

Court of Bequests, 180.

room, 369.

Courtney, John, 127.
Covent garden, 58.
Cowdock, Robert, 81.
Crabtree lane, 380.
Cragg, John, 403.

William, 53.

Crescent, 366.
Cresswell, Mr. Justice, 409.
Crompton, Alice, 82.
Crosbie, James, 128, 144, 170.

John, 201, 236, 243.

William, 181, 199, 200, 255, 260, 261, 311.

Cross-hall, 137.

Cross, Thomas, 137.

Crosse, John, 283.

Crosses, 155, 378.

Crown street, 30.

Culcheth's yate, 59.

Cumberland, William, Duke of, no, 112, 113.

Cunliffe, Sir Ellis, 116, 117, 118, "9, i?6-

Sir Foster, 27, 31, 50, 79, 90, 96, 97, 135, 162,

Robert, 118, 137, 143, 150.

Curfew bell, 83.
Currie, Dr. James, 304.

William Wallace, 320.

Cust, Sir John, 120.

Custom house, 63, 373, 374, 377-

Dale street, 58, 63, 81, 137, 152, 156, 161, 259, 262,

363. 364. 366-
Dalzell, Archibald, 215.
Dandy, Daniel, 98.
Dansey, James, 134.
Dartmouth, Earl of, 236.
Davies, Frances, 122.

Joseph, 114, 122, 143, 147, 154. 158.

Dawnay, Bryan, 45.

Dawson (engineer), 254.
Major, 182.

Pudsey, 229, 233, 274, 282, 401.

Deare, John, 313.

Dedimus, writ of, 10.

Dee, river, 92.

Defences of the town, 117, 181, 183, 184, 185, 186,

187, 254, 287, 289, 290.
Denison street, 184.

Derby, Edward, i2th Earl, 195, 249, 260, 291, 319.

- James, loth Earl, 9, 28, 41, 59, 78, 96, 98, 195.

square, n, 24, 55, 60, 61, 135, 163,232,233,

365, 378.

Derrick, Samuel, 130.
Despard, Col., 286.
Dinners, 125, 126, 199, 200, 316.
Directory, 367.
Dirom, Major-Gen., 294, 372.
Disfranchisement threatened, 331, 333.
Distillation, restrictions on, 348.
Distress, 124, 149, 192, 249, 311, 348.
Dixon, Robert, 92.
Dobb, Thomas, 233, 234.
Dobson, of Downham, 398.
Dock trust, 335.
Docks, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 62, 133, 141, 142, 347, 348,

305, 373. 374-

rating of, 249.

Doghouse lane, 154.

Dog kennels, 26:.

Dove, Samuel, 64.

Drinkwater, Sir George, 301, 312, 323, 350, 355,

361. 375-

James, 294, 317, 386.

Dry dock, 143.

Ducking stool, 81.

Duke street, 137, 262, 382.

Dunbar, Sir George, 185, 199, 209, 250.

Duncan, Lord Viscount, 189.

Earle, John, 27, 28, 46, 48, 49, 60, 75, 133.

Thomas, 206, 214, 227, 234, 250, 262.

William, 251, 306.

Willis, 204, 206, 207,

INDEX.

419

East India Co.'s charter, 249, 349.
Eden, Henley, 320.

John, 149.

Edge, Richard, 42.

lane, 381.

Edmund street, 154.

Edmunds, Simon, 25.

Elections, 4, 93, 328, 329.

Elliot street, 379.

Ellison, Robert, 241.

Entwistle, John, 14, 136.

Estate of Corporation, 30, 132, 338.

reports on, 222, 345.

Euston, Dorothy, 53.

Evans, W. David, 381.

Ewart and Denison election, 329, 331.

petition against return, 330.

Exchange, 81, 90, 149, 154, 157, 158, 160, 258, 264,
265, 266, 269, 368.

new, 369.
Excise bill, 148.
Executions, 79.

Exhibitions of pictures, 313, 314.
Expulsion of councillors, 309.
Eyes, John, 144, 146, 221, 260, 263.

map, 382.

Eyre, Mr. Justice, 79

Fabius, Daniel, 60.
Falkner, Edward, 250.
Fall well, 273.
Farrington, William, 36, 39.
Fauster, Elizabeth, 82.
Fawcett, Thomas, 53,
Fawkener, Everard, 113.
Fazakerley, John, 122, 158.

street, 58.

Fearon, , 146.

Fenwick street, 259.

Ferguson, , 249.

Ferries, 227, 241, 356.

Festivals, musical, 312, 398.

Festival hall, 370.

Fillingham, Thomas, 28, 46, 51, 64.

Fire at Exchange, 269.
Fire police, 366.
Fish dock, 261.

market, 135, 379, 380.

supply, 146, 241.

yards, 144, 240, 241.

Fitchett, , 358.

Flashes, The, 81, 257, 262.

Fogg, Thurstan, 53.

Footpads, 318.

Forbes, , 114, 130, 143, 147, 158.

Foreshore, claim of Crown to, 355.

Formby, , 50.

channel, 51.

Rev. Richard, 279.

Forsyth and Lawton, 358.

Fortifications, 33, 78, 79, 106, 107, 254, 290.

Forts (see batteries).

Foster, John, 226, 235, 257, 262, 265, 266, 271, 272,

278, 280, 364, 374, 396, 399, 401.
- Thomas, 326, 330, 334.
Frederick William, Prince, 289, 290.
Free Grammar School, 171, 283, 395.
Freemen, 54, 90, 91, 94, 99, 194, 307,
Freemen's fines, 30.
French, landing of the, 185.

prisoners, 183, 186, 234, 257.

Frodsham, Edward, 371.
Frog lane, 260.

Gage, M. A., 367.
Gallagher, James, 318.
Galley, , 101.
Galloway, Randle, 72.
Gallows field, 62.

mills, 62, 262.

Gaol, 133, 234, 256, 311. 371, 372.
Gascoyne, Bamber, 183, 239.

General, Isaac, 185, 210, 219, 286, 305.

George I., proclaimed, 78.

II., do. 79.

George's dock, 263.
Georgia, emigration to, 92.
Gerard, , 242.

INDEX.

Gerard, James, M.D., 292, 307, 373.

Gibson, William, 273.

Gildart, James. 114, 147, 201, 254, 264.

Richard, 17, 31, 43. 55. 64. 69. 9'. 98. 99. i8,

120, 123, 129, 134, 142. H5. 156, 160, 163, 164,

166, 255.

Gildoes, Nehemias, 60.
Giles, , 358.
Gladstone, Sir John, 230, 249, 250, 309, 350, 383,

403-

Robert, 401.

Robertson, 410,

Right Hon. William Ewart, 230, 383.

Glasshouses, 55.

Gloucester, Duke of, 290.

Golightly, Thomas, 181, 199, 207, 316.

Goodrick, Francis, 49.

Goodwin, John, 19, 54, 61, 70.

William, 117, 133. W-

Goore, Charles, 114, 126, 128, 130, 144, 146, 158,

167, 169, 200, 244, 263, 277.
Gordon, Lieut.-Col., 108, in, 182, 183.
Gore, John, 249.
Goree, 259, 863, 264.

Gorge, Lieut.-Gen., 42.

Gowns, 78, 79, 197. V5-

Grace, Widow, 55.

Graham, General, 108, in.

Grant Peter & Co., 280.

Grason, David, 55.

Gray, Sir Charles, 189.

Great Charlotte street, 378.

George street, 282.

Green, , 72.

Edward, 165, 166.

Isaac, 51.

Samuel, 217, 218.

Tuttle & Barry, 24, 25, 26.

Greenhalgh, Mary, 82.

Ann, 82.

Gregson, William, 178, 254-

Grimbleston, William, 68, 75.

Gryffith, George, 57.

Gwyllim, Robert, 242. .

Hackin's hey, 58, 60, 154.

Halberdiers, 19, 126.

Hall, Peter, 18, 36.

Halsall, James, 3, 65.

Hamilton, Arthur, 92, 157.

Hamlett, , 138.

Hamson, Thomas, 316.

Hanover street, 50, 157, 262, 273.

Hargreaves, James, 364.

Harper, William, 250, 307, 356, 371, 383.

Harrington town, 306.

street, 35.

Harris, Rev. Raymond, 215, 216.
Harvey and Wain, 279.
Hassell, Rev. Thomas, 401.
Hatton garden, 263.
Hawkesbury, Lord, 191.
Haymarket, 261.

Heath, The, 30, 58, 132, 137, 338.
Henderson, Rev. John, 277.
Herbert, , Hon., 144.
Herford, Jonathan, 53.
Hertford, Earl of, 273
Heskain, , Rev., 168.
Hesketh, Rev. W., 404.

William, 197.

Heywood, Captain Nathaniel, 118.

Richard, 195.

High cross, 42, 64, 155.
High street, 43, 136, 158.
Highways, 64, 152.
Hilbree Island, 45, 342.
Hodges, C. ., 77.
Hodgson, Rev. George, 284.
Hodson, Rev. Dr., 388.
Hogarth, Rev, James, 277.
Hog's hey nook, 151, 181, 186.
Holden, Rev. George, 242.
Holding, Christopher, 278.
Holland, Ralph, 167.
Hollis, Marquis of Newcastle, 108.
Holroyd (Q.C.), 309.
Holt, Henry, 53.

INDEX.

421

Hood, Lord, 189.

Hope, John, 256, 263, 264, 280.

street, 140.

Hopkins, John, 54.

Thomas, 149.

Hornby, Joseph, 322, 324, 326.

William, 153.

Horse races, 83.
Horsfall, Charles, 320.
Horwood, R., 275.
Hotel, Corporation, 274.
Hough, Charles, 146.
Houghton, John, 283.

Richard, 410.

Hounds, Corporation, 129, 262.
Howard, John, 380.
Hoyle lake, 92, 143, 146, 242.
Hughes, John, 17, 19, 32, 86, 89, 90, 91, 98, 99, 100,
163.

Richard, 122, 124, 131, 145, 244.

Thomas, 82.

Hunt, Joseph, 311.
Hurst street, 231.

Thomas, 50.

William, 36, 59, 75.

Huskisson, Right Hon. William, 302, 305, 320, 355,

375, 376.

Huss, Henry, 47.
Hutcbinson, Captain William, 146, 147, 148.

Illuminations, 293, 295.
Improvement Acts, 363, 365, 366.
Infirmary, 139, 161, 262, 378, 383.
Ingates and Outgates, 126, 136, 379.
Inmates, 80, Si.
Inquiry Commissioners, 334.
Ireland, union with opposed, 211, 239.

export of arms to, 239.

Islington market, 379.

Jackson, , 256.

Jacob, Edward, 409.

James street, 60, 61, 135, 136, 150, 365, 366, 379.

Jeffry, Captain, 118.
Jenner, Dr. Edward, 304.

George, 404.

Jervis, Sir John, 189.

John street, 365.

Johnson, Alice and Margaret, 139,

Thomas, senr., 57, 59.

Sir Thomas, 4, 5, 12, 13, 15, 24, 37, 42, 47, 48,

5'. 53, 57, 75. 139-

Thomas, (Lord street), 197, 254, 264.

street, 364.

Jones, Ellis, 270.

Elizabeth, 395.

James, 209.

Rev. Thomas, 283, 400.

Paul, 182, 183.

Roger, 59.

Jordan, John, 208, 209.
Jubilee of George III., 292.
Juggler street, 57, 58, 365.
Justice, Jane and Margaret, 81.

Kaye, Mrs., iCC.

Kelsall Richard, 6, 27, 55, 63, 69, 71, 79, 96, 97, 98,

142.

Kemp, James, 59,
Kendrick, , 6.
Kennish, Robert, 138.
Kent street, 402.
Kenyon, James, 61.

Lord, 229.

Key street chapel, 59.
King street, 51.
Kingsmill (ship), 350.
Kisshaw, Richard, 59.
Kitchen, Rev. Philip, 386, 388.
Knight, John, 203.
Knives and forks, 125.

Ladies' walk, 155, 245, 256.
Laird, William, 342.
Lamb, Hon. George, 320.
Lancaster, Earl of, 30, 132.

422

INDEX.

Lancaster, John, 82.
Landing places, 385.
Landmarks, 50, 146.
Langdale, Henry, 83.
Langhorn, John, 202.
Langton, Joseph, 299.
Lathom, Earl of, 15, 17.

Lawrence, Charles, 318, 341, 359, 361, 362, 374,
410.

Sir Thomas, 298.

Lawson, Thomas, 112.

- William, 366.
Lead ore, 31.
Leasing, 89, 339.
Leather hall, 55, 108.
Leece street, 366.
Legh of Lyme, n.
Leverton, , 265.
Leyland, Thomas, 210, 234, 274, 295, 298, 316, 363,

365. 379. 383. 387-
Libels, 67, 90, 102.
Liberties, riding the, 126, 316.
Licensing alehouses, 316.
Lighthouses, 242, 384.
Lighting streets, 64, 83, 154.
Lightoller, 242.
Lime street, 379.
Linacre, Anna, 82.
Linaker, Martha, 130, 315.

Robert, 134.

Litherland, Edward, 32, 71, 156, 163.
Littledale, Thomas, 300, 317, 358, 374.
Liverpool Arms Hotel, 291.

Blues Regiment, 108, 109, in.

Liverpool, Earl of, 190, 304.

office, 309.

Livesey, John, 156.

Lloyd, Edward, 10.

Lobsey, John, 91.

Local courts, 28.

Loggerheads Tavern, 154, 279.

London City, disputes with, 21, 212, 213.

Lord Mayor of, 21.

road, 366.

Longworth, Nicholas, 44.

Lord street, 55, 58, 61, 71, 154, 227, 261, 365,
Louisbourg, capture of, 117.
Love lane, 365.
Lowe, James, 326.

Robert, 20.

Lowther, Lord, 355.
Loxham, Rev. Richard, 388.
Lukenars, , 81.
Lunatic Asylum, 383, 384.
Lyceum, the, 381.
Lyon, widow, 72.
Lyons, Edward, 55.

McGee, John, 82.

McHoy, James, 127.

McKenzie, , 240.

Macclesfield, Earl of, 39.

Maddock, Rev. , 165, 168.

Maddocks, Agnes, 272.

Magazines, 254.

Magistrates (county), 212.

Maida transport, 311.

Maiden's green, 255.

Malpas, Viscount, 91.

Mandamus (writ), 90, 95, 96, 102, 104, 177, 307.

Manesty, , 124, 128.

John, 254.
Mansfield, Lord, 102.
Maps, 64.
Market tolls, 30.
Markets, 42, 60, 61, 135, 232, 263, 373, 377, 378,

379. 380.
Markland, 154.
Marsden, William, 63, 68, 70.
Marshall street, 365.
Martin, Rev., , 172.

William, 267.

Martindale, John, 17, 132, 157.

Martindale's house, 140.

Mason and Bourne, 262.

Matthews, John, 215.

Maudit, Jasper, 5, 6, 20, 36, 75.

May (ship), 300.

Mayor's allowance, 8, 88, 95, 125, 199.

INDEX.

423

Mechanics' Institute, 310.
Melbourne, Viscount, 321.
Menai bridge, 212, 357.
Meoles, 146.
Mercer, , 339.

Richard, 134, 135.

Meredith, Sir William, 176.
Mersey Street, 152, 365, 374.

and Irwell navigation, 353.

Meyetye, Jane, 81.
Mile house, 162.

lane, 255.

Miles, Richard, 217.

Mollinex, of Mossborough, 50.

Molyneux, Lord, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 58, 60,

132, 168, 226.

Sir Richard, 34.

Thomas, 307, 347.

William, 319.

Monk, Rev. George, 386.

Montague, Baron, 79.

Moorcroft, Sylvester, 6, 10, n, 12, 13, 17, 18, 26,

38. 53, 54. 62, 98.
Moor street, 58, 136, 263, 379.
Moore, Sir Cleave, 25, 27, 28, 57, 208.

Sir John, 311.

Moorfields, 58, 363.
More, Captain, 150.
Moss, John, 361, 362, 380.

Robert, 204, 206, 258.

Thomas, 43.

Rev. Thomas, 388.

Moss Lake, 28, 30, 58, 132, 156, 363, 382.
Mostyn, Sir Roger, 92.
Mount pleasant, 140,

Sion, 32, 255.

Municipal Reform Act, 336, 405 to 412.

Naming streets, 367.
Navigation, conservancy of, 143, 240.
Naylor, Thos., 190, 193, 218, 227, 253.
Nelson, Lord, 189, 290.

monument, 296.

New Quay, 231, 249.

Newsrooms, 381, 382.
Nicholls, John, 165.
Nicholson, William, 309.
Norman, Robert, 129.
Norris, Rev. John, 105.

Richard, 5, 6, 10, n, 12, 38, 42, 47, 48, 75, 83.

Robert, 215, 217, 218.

North, , Hon., 199.

: Lord, 183.

Northey, Sir Edward, 10, 40.

Norton, George, 125, 133, 141.

Notes issued by Corporation, 252.

Numbering houses, 367.

O'Neill, Hugh, 318.

Oath of abjuration, 78, 196.

.mayor, 7.

Octagon, The, 279.
Okill, Charles, 356.

John, 136, 137, 169, 339.
Old Buffs Regiment, 119.

Church alley, 138.

yard, 138.

Oldhall street, 42, 58, 63, 152, 161, 232, 255.

Onslow, Sir Richard, 189.

Orange street, 284.

Organs, 73, 278.

Orme, , Rev. 68.

Oxford street, 380.

Oyl Mill Field. 139, 161.

Oysters, 54, 143.

Palatines, 22, 23, 24.

Palmer, John, 189.

Paradise street, 47, 58, 62, 260, 261, 282,

Parish, disputes with, 227.

Park lane, 395.

Parke, Thomas John, 309.

Parker, C. S., 381.

Edmund, 152.

Sir Thomas, 10.

Parkgate, 92.
Parlour hey, 57.

424

INDEX.

Parr, John, 198, 236, 245, 258, 264.

Patrick's cross, 257, 259.

Paving streets, 152, 273, 274.

Pearse, Thomas, 129.

Peel, Sir Robert, 301, 320.

Pellew, Sir Edward, 189.

Penmon, 52.

Penny, James, 215, 217, 218.

Perceval, Spencer, 294.

Perrin, Geddes & Co., 292.

Peters, Francis, 10.

Ralph, n, 14, 36, 38, 39, 40, 42, 49, 53, 200,

209, 238, 285.
Phenwick alley, 58.

street, 58.

Phillips, John, 401.

Robert, 367.

Pickance, William, 264.

Pier in river, 143.

Pinfold lane, 154.

Pipe making, 55.

Pitt, Right Hon. William (Lord Chatham), 119.

street, 402.

Plague, 45.
Plate, 73, 198.
Pluckington, , 59.

bank, 231, 352.

Plumbe, Mrs., 279.

Thomas, 186.

Point of Air lighthouse, 242.

Pole, Charles, 91, 116, 177, 259.

William, 93, 94> 95, 96, 99. i7i " 2 i "9. 124.

126, 130, 137, 146, 153, 164, 167, 170, 204.
Police, 201, 317.
Pollock, Sir Frederic, 409.
Pool, The, 152.

bridge, 60.

lane, 51, 58, 60, 61, 135. '36. 154. 232. 263,

365, 374, 379-

stream, 30, 62.

Poole, David, 155.

Josia, 44, 5. 63, 65, 72