• Reference
    P85/18/1
  • Title
    Contract for the maintenance of the Poor:
  • Date free text
    28 Mar 1749
  • Production date
    From: 1749 To: 1749
  • Scope and Content
    i)Anthony Barton of Luton, grocer; Jonathan Chapman of Biscott, yeoman, Churchwardens of Luton; George Dennis, barber; Joseph Brown, grocer; Thomas Webster of Biscott, yeoman; Henry Pitchford of Falconers Hall, yeoman; and William Halsey of the New Inn, Luton, yeoman, Overseers of the poor of Luton ii)Thomas Freestone of Luton, yeoman Reciting vestry meeting of same date, and conference with ii) as to the means of maintaining the poor of Luton NOW i) agree to pay ii) £540 annually for three years at the rate of £20 15s. 4.5d. a fortnight from 18 August 1749 i) also to let ii) have the use of the workhouse rent free, to pay the rent of the pest house and to repair the work house and pest house out of the rates ii) is to have the use of the pest house for inmates of the workhouse afflicted with smallpox, and the use of all the contents of the workhouse i) will bear the cost of disputed removals ii) will provide lodging, food (to include bread made from grist flour and meat 3 times a week), clothing, heating and lighting, medicine and medical care, and costs of burial for the poor sent to the workhouse ii) may have the profit and benefit of the work of the poor in the workhouse ii) is to teach the poor reading in the English tongue, and the children the church catechism; he is to bring the poor to church every Sunday ii) is bound in penal sum of £200 to perform covenants witnesses: Willm. Reaves, Edwd. Ewer signature: ii)28 March 1749 endorsed: inventory of contents of workhouse, signed by Thomas Freestone also endorsed: approval of contract by George Barnard, vicar; John Rickson; John Love; Saml. Marson; Edwd. Ewer; Wm. Reaves. 11 December 1749
  • Level of description
    item