Poor Relief Act 1662

VIII. Any Alderman of London, or Two Justices in Westminster, &c. may authorize Churchwardens, &c. to receive Assessments;

and in default of Payment, Distress.

And it is further enacted by the Authority aforesaid That it shall and may be lawfull to and for any Alderman of the City of London or his Deputy or the Burgesses and Justices of Peace of the City of Westminster and the Liberties thereof or any two or more of them or any two Justices of Peace of the respective Counties of Middlesex and Surrey by theire Warrant under theire Hands and Seales to authorize the Church wardens or Overseers for the Poore within the Places and Parishes aforesaid to demand gather and receive of every person and persons such su[m]m and su[m]ms of money as shall be assessed upon them by vertue of the Taxations and Contributions aforesaid And for default of payment within ten dayes after demand thereof made or notice in writing left att the dwelling House or Lodging of every person so assessed to levy the same by Distresse and Sale of the goods of every such person and after satisfaction made to restore the surplusage to the party so distrained