Reference
BorBB1/1
Title
"BLACK BOOK OF THE TOWN OF BEDFORD"
Title Page: 'The Blacke Book of the Towne of Bedford made in the Moneth of November Anno Domini 1562 and Anno Regine Elizabeth 5'
Hen [Henry] Lawrence. Maior
Geoffery Lawrence and William Gascoign. Bailiffs
Thomas Bedells. Steward this year
On two pages previously is written 'Memorandum that the bake is made for 3 cheiff causes and devyded into thee parses. The first is of all constitutions. The seconde is record in all fines. The thyrde is to recorde and inroll all manner of deds and indenture of bargayne and sale of lands and tenements within thys boroughe.'
Date free text
1562 - 1650
Production date
From: 1562 To: 1650
Scope and Content
Includes transcripts of Final Concords levied in the Borough in the 17th century at the Court of Common Pleas. The descriptions of the property are made in general terms. There are also a number of transcripts of actual deeds included. Together they give a good idea of land ownership in the town.
Pages 4 - 9:
The Constitucions of the Towne of Bedford made at sondry leats their holden and kept:
1) For the clean keeping of the Butcher Row
2) For the clean keeping of Goose Ditch
3) For complaining out of the said Town
4) For any Burgess revealing Counsel and other base disorder himself
5) For Hogs and Pigs
6) For Sheep
7) For Bitches
8) For Fishers
9) For Setters up (i.e. outsiders setting up occupation in the Town)
10) Against Slanderers
11) Accountants to Mayor etc (i.e. debtors to Borough)
12) For Hogs
13) For Burgesses Children and Children
14) For Extraordinary Charges and Rewards
15) For coming to the Hall and Council Chamber (repealed 16 August 1650)
16) For the Election of the Mayor, Bailiffs and the renewing of the Charter
17) For the Bridge House
18) For Servants
Exent
120, No. of pieces: 1
manuscript
Format
volume
Level of description
item