Woollen Cloth Act 1662

1. Introductory Text

2. Recital that divers Abuses have been had of late in the making Broad Woollen Cloth in the West Riding of York.

3. II. Justices of Peace, Masters, Wardens, and Assistants, and the Free Clothiers of the West Riding, to be such Corporation, by the Name herein mentioned;

4. III. Justices, &c. may make a Common Seal, and ordaiu By-laws, &c.

5. IV. Penalty not to exceed 20s.

6. V. Justices, Masters, &c. may appoint Searchers of Cloth, who are to be sworn.

7. VI. Recital that there is no Standard for the New Drapery.

8. VII. Searcher not duly executing his Office, nor setting to Seal; Penalty £5. Any other Searcher with a Warden may research.

9. VIII. Power to Searchers to enter Shops, Warehouses, &c. to search for suspected Cloths. Party resisting, Penalty £10. If faulty Cloth found, forfeited, and may be disposed of by the said Justices &c.

10. IX. No persons, not having served Apprenticeship, to make Broad Cloths for Sale; Penalty. Exception.

11. X. The said Justices, Masters, &c. may appoint a Clerk and other Officers; and give them Oath to execute Office.

12. XI. Penalties to be levied by Distress. Exception.

13. XII. Counterfeiting Seal of Corporation;

14. XIII. All Clauses in any Act made touching the said Abuses, and repugnant to this Act, to be void.

15. XIV. Proviso for Rights and Duties of the King's Aulnager or his Deputies within the West Riding.

16. XV. No Persons free of the said Corporation enabled by this Act to lower Wages as allowed by Quarter Sessions.

17. XVI. Continuance of Act.