Poor Relief Act 1662

XVIII. Constables, &c. may make Rate to reimburse themselves;

to be confirmed by Two Justices; and may be levied by Distress.

And whereas Constables Headboroughs or Tithingmen are or may bee att great charge in releiving conveying with Passes and in carrying Rogues Vagabonds and Sturdy Beggars to Houses of correction or the Work-houses herein mentioned and as yet have no power by Law to make Rates to reimburse themselves Bee it therefore enacted by the Authority aforesaid That all Constables Headboroughs and Tithingmen so out of purse as aforesaid togeather with the Church wardens and Overseers of the Poore and other Inhabitants of the said Parish shall hereby have power and authority to make an indifferent Rate and to tax all the Occupiers of Lands and Inhabitants and all other persons chargeable by the Statute of the [X1 Three and fourtieth] of Elizabeth concerning the Office and Duty of Overseers for the Poore within the said Parish which Rate being confirmed under the Hands and Seales of any Two Justices of Peace as aforesaid the said Constable Headborough or Tithing men shall have power by warrant under the Hands and Seals of Two Justices of Peace to levy by distresse and Sale of the Goods of any person or persons refusing to pay the same rendring the Overplus to the Owner if any shall be

Editorial Information

X1 Variant reading of the text noted in The Statutes of the Realm as follows: 43th O. [O. refers to a collection in the library of Trinity College, Cambridge]