The Dublin City Assembly Rolls record the Minutes of the Dublin City Assembly (council) from 1441 to 1841. Transcriptions of these rolls exist as the ‘Calendar of Ancient Records of Dublin’. The calendars record a lot of the history of Dublin city, construction of the Bull Wall, the various prisons. Names given are not just those of the councilmen (aldermen, Sheriffs etc) but of ordinary people. Petitions were made to the council for monetary support. The index on this page lists the surnames found on the various abstracts on this web site and the manuscript number as given in the calendar transcription. Abstracts from a number of years are covered and it is hoped that more will be added to this web site.
Article: Roll xix m. 53
1717. Apri1 5.
[1.] Certain of the commons having set forth that the committee for taking in and setting out in lots and surveying the strand between Mabbotts mills and the sheds of Clantarffe, have made the following report:
‘Pursuant to the order of last assembly, we, the committee, havee surveyed the Strand, and are of opinion that the Strand on the north side of Ballybough river, from the highest ground on the north end of Clantarffe Island to the next angle on the west side of Clantarffe house, on the road, containing seventy seven acres, be divided with the Strand on the south side of Ballybough river, containing in all four hundred forty one acres; that Ballybough river be carried on the south end of Clantarffe island in a straight line from the first angle on the east side of Ballybough Bridge in a new canal, the same canal to be eighty foot wide; that the front lots of the channel be divided into eighty eight lots, and the lots to the rear into forty four lots, which make one hundred thirty two lots, and that all the rest of the ground be divided into one hundred thirty four lots, two whereof to be reserved to the city, videlicet, number seventy seven, number ninety two, videlicet, seventy seven on the south side and ninety two on the north side of the canal, for such public use as shall be thought necessary; that that part of the Strand undivided be reserved in common for raising of stones, for carrying on the whole work and improving the same, and accordingly there is a map drawn, which is hereunto annexed; the meares and bounds of the Strand mentioned in Mr. AMORYS lease are described in the map hereunto annexed; that each person whose name is in a list hereunto annexed have two lots.
For the better and more effectual carrying on of the said work, we, the committee, are of opinion that a committee of directors be chosen, consist ing of four aldermen and eight commons, adding thereto the Lord Mayor and Sherriffs for the time being, the aldermen to be chosen by the Mayor and aldermen that are proprietors, and the commons to be chosen by their respective classes of proprietors:
[i.] That five be a quorum, of which the Lord Mayor, one Sheriff, one alderman and two of the commons that are proprietors be present; that the said committee of directors be invested with full power of contracting with workmen, to buy materials, and for carrying on the said work.
[ii.] That any of the said committee may, by the majority of votes by his proper class, be removed, and another chosen in his place, and likewise, on the death of any of the said committee, the said proprietors in like manner to make choice of another in his place from time to time.
[iii.] That every quarter the committee do lay before (Roll xix. M. 53b) the body of proprietors their proceedings, which body shall consist of twenty one proprietors at least.
[iv.] That every person intituled to draw the said lots do, before the said lots are drawn, give their note for five pounds, sterling, value received, to such person as shall be appointed treasurer by the assembly to take the same, and the money to be applied towards fencing out the sea and carrying on the work, and so to be mentioned in the said note.
[ v.] That any person refusing, or on his behalf a sufficient person neglecting, to give such note, he shall not be intituled to draw any lot.
[ vi.] That every proprietor shall perfect his deed in three months after the said lots are drawn, or his grant to be void, and the five pounds to be lost to him, but applied to the publick work.
[ vii. ] That a wall shall be built to keep out the sea ; that the canal be made and walled in.
[ viii]. That the whole ground fronting to the channel containing the 132 lots be taken in at the publick charge, and likewise all the streets in the said 132 lots be walled foundation high, and filled up at the publick charge, and also a key, to be continued, from the northeast corner of the 132 lots to Clantarfe Island, and from thence to the shore on the angle on the west of Clantarfe house, be built at publick charge.
[ix. ] That there be a clause in every deed that the proprietors shall pay quarterly till all aforesaid work be finished, two pounds ten shillings per quarter, the first payment to be made next Michaelmas.
[ x. ] That a fee farm be granted to each proprietor at a pepper corn per annum, if demanded.
[ xi]. That the fees of the city seal be remitted. Mr. Recorder and the Town Clerk are willing to remit their fees; and nothing to be paid but to the clerk for ingrossing.
[xii.] That the committee of directors, or the quorum at least, have power to draw from time to time out of the treasurers hands what sums they shall think fit for carrying on the work.
[xiii. ] That this committee be continued, or a new one appointed, to see what is further to be done, and report their proceedings to the next assembly.
[xiv.] That there be inserted in the fee farm deed Deed. such other clauses as the Recorder and such other council as he shall think fit to advise with [sic].
[ xv.] That the road or strand leading from the Abbotts wall towards Ballybough Bridge, from thence to Clantarfe, be all eighty foot wide, and that the key fronting the channel and also the key continued to Clantarfe Island, and from thence to the angle on the road to the west of Clantarfe house, be all sixty foot wide.
(m. 52. )[ xvi.] That the streets, videlicet, the middle street, back street and all the cross streets, as described in the map containing the eighty eighth and forty fourth lots, be all fifty foot wide, and that the three roads running through the other lots all to be left two perch wide :
All which is humbly submitted to the honorable assembly, this 20th March, 1717: ,
Ordered that the annexed report with the following amendments be confirmed, videlicet :
That the canal be eighty foot wide at the west end of the canal, and to be enlarged from thence so that the mouth of the canal in the east be 120 foot, the enlargement to be taken out of the lots equally of each side of the canal.
That if the Lord Mayor and Sherriffs be not proprietors, then any five of the committee of directors be Sheriffs a quorum.
That if any proprietor shall fail to take out his deed in the time appointed by this report, the committee of directors may give further time to perfect such deed not exceeding three months further time than appointed (Roll xix. M. 52) and by the said report.
That the within committee be continued to consider further, and report to the next assembly what is proper to be done.
That the little brook near Hollybrook be conveyed into the sea at public charge.
That Mr. COGGIN, one of the numbers in the place of Adam REA, deceased, have REA’s lot.
That John NICHOLSON, dyer, being dead, be left out of the list of proprietors.
That the committee of directors do account quarterly, and swear to their accounts once a year.
That the note to be given for the five pounds mentioned in the within report, be made payable within fifteen days after the giving the same.
That alderman BURTON be appointed treasurer, and Mr. Lewis JONES, clerk; that Friday in Easter week be appointed for signing the notes and drawing the lots, and the said committee that is now continued take care that notes be given and the lots drawn in such manner as they shall think proper.
April 26.- Post assembly.( m.52b.)
Upon the petition of certain of the commons, setting forth that there is a vacant lot left for one of the numbers of the corporation of sheermen and dyers, on the death of John NICHOLSON, and that the said lot is to be disposed of: it is ordered that Mr. Robert BULL have a lot according to the condition of the former act of assembly.
May 3.- Second Friday after Easter.( Easter day, 21 April, 1717). (m.56.)
[1.] Daniel COOKE, clerk to the right honorable the Lord Mayor, setting forth that his Lordship, Thomas BOLTON, esquire, came into the Mayoralty sooner than he expected, and thereby obliged to neglect his own private affairs; that the prices of provisions are advanced, and that a lord lieutenant is expected and a parliament tomeet, by which the expence of the Mayoralty must be greater than otherwise it would be, and therefore prays an augmentation for his Lordships use: ordered that the treasurer of the city do pay to the petitioner, on the Lord Mayors warrant, for his Lordships use, four hundred pounds, sterling, the same to be allowed the treasurer on his accounts.
[2.] Jacob PEPPARD, esquire, town clerk, setting forth that the present Sherriffs, William EMPSON and David KING, esquires, unexpectedly entered on the office of Sheriffs, and their time wholly taken up in discharge thereof, and that the income wont bear half the expence, and therefore pray consideration: ordered that the treasurer do pay the petitioner for the use of the Sherriffs, on the Lord Mayors warrant, two hundred pounds, sterling, the same to be allowed on his accounts.
[3.] William PARRY, setting forth by his petition at a former assembly that in the year 1700 he obtained a lease in reversion from the city of a tenement and two back houses in Cooke street for a term of years commencing 1717; that about two years ago one BUTLER, who was possessed of both the said back houses, knowig his time was to determine at the commencement of the petitioners said lease in reversion, pulled down the said two houses and carried away the materials, of which the petitioner gave early notice to the treasurer of this honorable city, who went and forbid the same, thepetitioner having no right to the said two houses till his aforesaid lease in reversion. commenced, and therefore could not in his own name or right any ways interrupt the waste so committed by the said BUTLER, he not deriving under the petitioner: ; that by reason of said waste the premises are much less in value than even the said original reserved rent of ten pounds, sterling; that (Roll xix m. 56) the petitioner has been much reduced in his fortune by losses at sea in the late war, besides several losses and discouragements which he sustained in the late times by his known zeal for the Protestant succession, and his voting and appearing in the interest of the city, and he is not able to rebuild the said two back houses; in tender consideration of the premises and the citys own right only to sue for the said waste, and in regard the antient reserved rent was but ten pounds, that the petitioner being no way accessory or liable to the said waste, and paid ten pounds as a fine for his lease in reversion and advanced five pounds per annum rent in expectation of enjoying the whole three houses, whereas (m. 56b) he has now but the old house left to enter upon at the advance rent, besides the loss of his fine since 1700 ; therefore prays to take his case into consideration so far as to grant him such relief therein as this honourable city shall think fit: whereupon the same was referred to a committee, who have made the following report : Pursuant to your honours order of last assembly to us directed, we, the above committee, have viewed the within premises, and find that there have been great wastes committed on the same to the prejudice of the petitioner; that Mr. BUTLER, who made the said, waste, is no ways ingaged by articles to repair the premises, nor able to make compensation: we are therefore of opinion, in regard to the petitioners loss, that five pounds per annum be remitted him out of the yearly rent of fifteen pounds, which he is obliged by lease to pay the city, which we submit to your honours this 22nd of February, 1716:’
Thereupon it was ordered that the said report be confirmed and made an act of assembly.
[4.] On the petition of Elizabeth JENNINS, alias NOYCE, setting forth that her husband was a freeman and served Sheriffe in this city, and that she is much reduced from a flourishing condition by sickness and old age, and therefore prays relief: ordered that the treasurer on the Lord Mayors warrant, do pay the petitioner six pounds, the same to be allowed on his accounts and that she petitioned no more.
[5.] George SERGANT, shoemaker, having petitioned and prayed to be admitted into the place and imployment of Conn MATHEWS, deceased, late regulator of the corn and meale markets of this city: ordered that the petitioner do serve in the room of Conn MATHEWS, deceased, to have the usual salary and perquisites dureing the citys pleasure.
[6.] Certain of the commons, praying to enlarge the assembly: ordered that the assembly be enlarged to nine o’clock.
[7. ] The report of the committee of directors for the Ballast Office to the general assembly of the 3rd of May, 1717 :
That the weather has been so bad that we have not been able to go on with piling or any, other of our works, and likewise the produce of the Office has not been sufficient to carry on any work this winter, as doth appear by the annexed abstract of the cash, but we design to carry on the works as money shall come in, the season of the year now permitting: ‘ Ordered to proceed.
‘That we have agreed with Mr. SHRIGLEY for a number of kishes, and expect them daily, and desire to know whether we may proceed in buying any more kishes:
Ordered to buy more if occasion.
‘That the new engine is not finished; the maker has promised to have it speedily finished, but his promises have been so ill performed for the time past, that thereis no depending on him; therefore we desire to be advised by your honours what course shall be taken to make him perform his contract: ‘ Ordered that the committe do as they shall think fit.
(m. 55) That we design to go on with the old engine in driving the short piles on the South Bull as money comes in: Ordered to proceed.
That there is a dispute between Sir John ROGERSON and the office about sand which was delivered according to an agreement made with your honours, a copy of which agreement and your honours order thereupon is hereunto annexed, together with Sir Johns account and answer.
An abstract of the cash now in the Office is hereunto annexed :
All which is humbly submitted to this honorable assembly:
Mathew PEARSON – Thomas CURTIS – Edward SURDEVILLE -John PORTER -Thomas SOMERVILLE –William EMPSON – Henry GLEGG -Phillip COOLEY – William ASTON – Joseph KANE – James KING – William MAPLE’
An abstract of the Ballast Office accounts from the 17th day of January, 1716[-17], exclusive, to the 2nd day of May, 1717, inclusive :
Ballast Office, Dr.
To balance of the accounts to the By sundry disbursements on the 17th Jannary, 1716[-17,] inclusive: £12 11 s. 7 ½ d.
To cash received from ships etc., from 17th January, exclusive to 2nd May 1717 inclusive: £385 13s 11d.
To cash received from Mssrs Burton and Harrison: £150 0s. 0d.
Total: £748 5s. 6 ½ d.
In Messrs BURTON and HARRISON’s hands: £550 0s 0d.
Deduct the balance on the other side: £44. 6s. 0 ½ d.
Balance in Cash ; £505 13s. 11 ½ d.
Per Contra Credit
By sundry dibursments on the Office Account from the 17th January 1716(17), exclusive to the 2nd May 1717, inclusive : £752 11s. 7d.
By Money paid towards making the new engine: £40 0s. 0d.
Total: £792 11s. 7d.
Deduct: 748 5s. 6 ½ d.
Balance: £44 6s. 0 ½ d.
Sir John Rogerson to the Ballast Offire,.Dr.
To 390 tun of fine sand at six pence per tun £9 15s. 0d.
To 12,000 tun of sand to his wall at three pence per tun ..£150 0s. 0d.
Total.. £159 15s. 0d.
Of which received £50 0s. 0d.
Remains due £109 15s. 0d.
(Roll xix. M. 55)
To Sir John ROGERSON, knight :-March the 20th, 1716[-17.].
Sir,-The Office having earnest occasion for money we desire you would be pleased to pay the above balance of one hundred and nine pounds fifteen shillings to Thomas Pearson, esquire, “or order, and you will oblige your humble servants,- Mathew PEARSON – Henry GLEGG -James KING -Thomas STRINGER – William MAPLE- Phillip COOLEY’
Sir John ROGERSON’s answer to the Ballast master,
March 22, 1716[ -17] :
That he has kept an account between him and the Office, and that he has as much to defalk from them as Bog they now charge him with; that the Office has not pursued their agreement with him, for that he was to have gabbards to attend his work at certain times with ballast for filling, which not being observed he has suffered extremely for want of them, and through their default he has had more earth wasted away by the floods than what he stands charged with by the Office, and that as soon as he has leisure to look into the account, if any balance is due he will pay it.’
Sir John ROGERSON having informed us that he designs very speedily to take in the Strand between Lazy Hill and Ringsend, which we humbly conceive will not only be an advantage to trade, but will also contribute very much to the mending our new channel; therefore he desires to be furnished by the Ballast Office with gravel or sand dredged out of the channel by their gabbardmen (when they have no business in supplying of shipping or any other matter relating to the good of the Office), he paying so much a tun for the mens labour and reasonable wear and tear; and are of opinion that three pence per tun may be sufficient for the same to be delivered at his wall or keay, he finding hands to throw the said ballast out of the gabbards, and not to delay them longer than a proper time for throwing out such ballast. we mustlikewise acquaint you that sir John being obliged by his lease to leave as much Strand as shall be thought proper for enlarging the channel to the southward, your honors will think fit to appoint a committee to see the said Strand staked out between the anchorsmiths shop and Ringsend point: which is humbly submitted to your honors.’
[8.] Certain of the commons, setting forth that it has been customary to present the new Government with the freedom of the city in a gold box, that in regard of the great zeal and fast friendship of the right honorable the Lord BRODRICK(Alan BRODRICK, created viscount Midleton in 1717) lord high chancellor of Ireland, now one of the lords justices of this kingdom, shewn to the city interest on the late troubles in this city by his many services and advice on all occasions, and appearing on hearings and consultations without fees, as also when Speaker in the house of commons, as a mark of the citys gratitude, notwithstanding his former freedom, he should have the same certified in a gold box; and therefore pray the same be certified accordingly: ordered that his excellency the lord high chancellor of Ireland, one of the lords justices, have his freedom certified under the city seal in a gold box not exceeding thirty pounds.
[9.] Certain of the Commons, setting forth that it has been customary to present the new Government of this kingdom with the freedom of this city in a gold box, that in regard of the great zeal and friendship of his excellency William CONOLLY, (speaker of House of Commons, Dublin, 1715) esquire, one of the lords justices of this kingdom, shewn in the house of commons and else where on all occasions in favour of this city in the late troubles, that as a mark of the citys gratitude, acknowledgment thereof, notwithstanding his former freedom, he should have the same certified in a gold box, and therefore pray the same be certified accordingly: ordered that his excellency William CONOLY, esquire, one of the lords justices of Ireland, have his freedom certified under the city seal in a gold box not exceedingthirty pounds
(m 54.)
[10.] Certain of the commons, setting forth that the committee appointed for regulating the tolls and customs had made the following report, and prayed to make the same an act of assembly, and to continue the committee or appoint a new one, which report is as followeth : –
Pursuant to your honors order of the last assembly to us directed, we, the committee appointed to inspect into the city tolls and customs, have made further inquiry into the same, and have ordered Mr. PEPPARD to lay the charter of the three penny customs and the act of parliament before Mr. Recorder, to have his opinion in writing thereon as to the citys right in receiving the said three penny customs, which by reason of the shortness of time we have not as yet received, and therefore think it proper that the said committee be continued or a new one appointed; we have likewise made some further inquiry into the petty customs, but have not brought the same to a conclusion; there is a new toll house built at Stephens Green, and some other toll houses are repaired: which we submit to your honour’s this 29th April, 1717 : ,
Ordered that the report be confirmed and the committee continued.
[11.] Alderman Anthony BARKEY is elected Lord Mayor for the ensuing year, commencing from Michaelmas next.
[12.] Mr. John REYSON and Mr. Vincent KIDDER are elected Sherriffs for the ensuing year, commencing from Michaelmas next.
(m. 57) Admissions to franchise. ”
1717. July 19.- Fourth Friday after 24 June.
[1.] Richard LOVE, officer at mace, having petitioned to surrender his imployment: ordered that he be discharged.
(Roll xix m. 59b)
[2.] William LEECH having petitioned for said imployment : ordered that William LEECH be admitted officer at. mace in the room of Richard LOVE during citys pleasure, and giving bonds to indempnifie the city.
[3.] Richard WEST, Rowland PARKER, Gilbert KELLY and Mathew BOWEN, city adjutants, praying consideration for their services and time spent in exercising the militia : ordered that the treasurer, on the Lord Mayors warrant, do pay them twenty pounds, sterling, five pounds each to be allowed on account.
[4. ] John COLCOTT, setting forth that by act of assembly in the Mayoralty of sir Michael MITCHELL, John MORRISON, then keeper of Newgate, was obliged to pay him ten pounds per annum daring the said COLCOTTs life, and paid the same till the said MORRISON died, and after his death, John SAUNDERSON, present keeper of Newgate, agreed to pay the petitioner the same before he was admitted into the said imploy, and paid the same, and prays that SAUNDERSON’s successor may be obliged to pay the said annuity as formerly: ordered that the petitioner be paid ten pounds per annum by half yearly payments by the gaoler of Newgate.
[5.] Peter DESMYNIERES, son to Peter DESMYNIERES, who served Lord Mayor, (John DESMYNIERES was Lord Mayor of Dublin 1666, 67. Lewis DESMYNIERES held that office in 1669-70.) praying relief, having wife and children: ordered that the treasurer, on the Lord Mayors warrant, do pay the petitioner six pounds, sterling, per annum, half yearly, to commence from Easter last, the same to continue during the citys pleasure, or till he is otherwise provided for.
[6.] Samuel ORD, mace bearer, praying consideration for the loss of perquisites which his predecessors had ordered that the treasurer, on the Lord Mayors warrant, do pay the petitioner ten pounds, sterling, the same to be allowed on his accounts, and that the petitioner apply no more.
[7.] Jane BROOKS, widow of John BROOKS, late peruke maker, and one of the numbers of this city, praying relief for two children her late husband had by a former wife: ordered that the treasurer, on the Lord Mayors warrant, do pay six pounds, sterling, for putting out the said two children to trades as he shall think fit, to be allowed the same on his accounts.
(m. 59b)
[8.] Joseph FALKINER, praying the citys charity, being reduced: ordered that the treasurer, on the Lord Mayors warrant, do pay to the petitioner six: pounds, sterling, the same to be allowed him on his accounts.
[9.] Certain of the commons, praying to inlarge the assembly: ordered that the assembly be inlarged till nine a clock.
[10.] Robert KING, gentleman, praying to be admitted King city attorney: ordered that he be admitted during citys pleasure.
[11.] The committee of directors for the proprietors of the North Strand, praying further time to prepare a draught of the fee farm deed: ordered that the time be inlarged to the next assembly.
[12.] William OAKLY having formerly petitioned and set forth that the petitioner is tenant to the city for a house situate at the Old Bridge foot, built on one of the arches of the said Bridge, which house is very much out of repair and untenantable in the winter time, occasioned by danke coldes that arise through the floor of the same; that he is willing to rebuild the said house provided he could obtain a lease and leave to enlarge the said house frontwards as far as the arch runs, which he humbly proposes to do without interrupting the water course, praying the same to be taken into consideration, which petition. was referred to a committee, who made the following report :
Pursuant to your honors order of the last assembly (Roll xix m. 59b)
To us directed, we have viewed and surveyed the within premises, and are of opinion that the petitioner have a lease of the same, together with an addition on the north side thereof to the first pier of the Old Bridge, containing in front thereof seventeen feet, and in depth eastward, to the extent of the said house, twenty one foot; that he do not obstruct the passage of the water through the arch ; that he pay twelve pounds, sterling, per annum for the term of ninety nine years, payable half yearly on every Easter and every Michaelmas, capons to the Lord Mayor, and ten shillings, on the perfection of the leases, to the Poor house, for the use of the poor; a map of the old tenement together with the new addition is hereunto annexed:
Thomas BOLTON, William EMPSON, David KING, William QUAYLE, Francis ARMSTEED : ,
Ordered that the petitioner have a lease pursuant to the committees report; leases to be drawn as Mr. Recorder shall advise, and the rent of twelve pounds do commence from Michaelmas next, the petitioner paying and discharging his present rent to that time.
[13.] The report of the committee of directors for the Ballast Office to the general assembly of the 19th of July, 1717 :
That we have since our last report laid and filled with stones on the north side of the channel 258 kishes, and are laying more: ‘ Ordered to proceed.-Allowed.
‘ That we have drove on the South .Bull above, three hundred piles with the old engine, in three rows, and are filling between them with stones and hurdles:
Ordered to proceed.-Allowed.
‘The new engine is now finished; and we hope to have (m.58) it at work next week; if so, we design it to drive the long piles, and the old one the short piles, by which means the work on the South Bull will go on with better speed than it has done, if money comes in fast enough to keep them at work: ‘ Ordered to proceed.-Allowed.
We do find that of twenty seven gabbards and four Gabwherries, which are said to belong to Mr. John MERCER, and do not pay their dues to the Office, Mr. Thomas HOLT, one of the Office surveyors, has an interest in, and part of, sixteen of the said gabbards and three of the said wherries, and are of opinion that the said Mr. HOLT ought to pay the Office for them: ‘ Ordered that Mr. HOLT pay the whole where he is a partner.-Allowed.
‘There are other owners of gabbards, etc., that are come-atable who refuse to pay the office dues, whom we have ordered to be prosecuted before my Lord Mayor, according to the act of parliament: ‘ Ordered to proceed. -Allowed.
‘ We have agreed with one Mr. CALDWELL, a merchant, for two hundred tun of oak timber, fit for piles, at two pounds thirteen shillings per tun, to be delivered by fifty tun at a time, the first fifty this month, and the last in December, next: ‘ granted.-Allowed.
On a malicious report being spread by some people that the Ballast Office had occasioned the bar to rise much higher than it formerly was, we caused the same to be sounded, and do find that the said report is not only false and groundless, but that the bar, by keeping the channel clear and suffering the water to have a full current against it, is much lower than it formerly was, as may appear by the annexed chart: ‘ Ordered that the directors of the Ballast Office do publish the same: -Allowed.
‘An abstract of the cash now in the Office is hereunto annexed: all which is humbly submitted to this honorable assembly:
Mathew PEARSON – Thomas CURTIS -Thomas SOMERVELLE -Joseph KANE -William EMPSON – William ASTON – James KING -William MAPLE -Philip COOLEY’.
Roll xix m. 58
An abstract Of the Ballast Office accounts, from the 4th day of May 1717, exclusive to the 18th of July, 1717 inclusive.
Ballast Office Dr.
To cash received from ships etc., from the 2nd May 1717, exclusive to the 18th July, 1717, inclusive £735 4s. 0d.
Deduct: £550 6s. 9 ½ d.
Balance in Office £ 184 17s. 2 ½ d.
Besides in Messrs Burton and Harrisons hands £550 0s. 0d
Total in cash: £734 17s. 2 ½ d
N.B. That there are several debts due and growing due from the Office which when paid will sink a considerable part of the above cash.
Per Contra Cr.
By balance of the accounts due to the 2nd May, 1717 inclusive £44 6s. 0 1/2d
By sundry disbursements on the Office account, from the 4th May 1717, exclusive to the 18th July 1717 inclusive £506 0s 9d
Total £550 6s. 9 ½ d.
Admissions to Franchise (m. 60)
September 21.-Post assembly. (m.61.)
Certain of the commons, setting forth that the committee to whom the inspection of the management of the city lights were referred, have made the following report, and prayed the same might be made an act of assembly, which report is as followeth :
“Pursuant to your honours order of last assembly to us directed, we, the committee appointed to inspect into the management of the city lights, have accordingly met, and think it proper that there should be lights placed on the dead walls at the same distance as in the streets, and lights fixed on the four bridges, videlicet, Essex Bridge, Ormonde Bridge, the Old Bridge and Elliss’ Bridge, one in the middle and one at each end of every bridge, to continue burning all night, all the lamps to be of the same white glass mentioned in the present act, the lamps to be lighted at five o’clock in the evening, and to continue burning till one of the clock next morning ; that a penalty be laid on those who shall break the said lights, or carry away the lanthorns or the irons which hold the same, and upon those who shall hinder the lamp men from lighting the said lamps; that the present light man do deliver up all the lanthorns to the city when they shall require or demand the same, to be all in good repair and glazed with white glass as aforesaid, as by the said act is directed; that the said act is now near expired, and that application be made to the present parliament for continuing the said act in the city, with such other directions as your honours shall think fit ;’ Ordered that the said report be confirmed and referred to Mr. Recorder and Mr. Alderman BURTON, the city representatives in parliament, to act therein as they shall think proper.-Allowed.
1717. October 18. –Third Friday after September 29.
Lord Mayor: Anthony BARKEY ; Sheriffs: John REYSON and Vincent KIDDER.
[1.] Samuel COOKE; clerk to the right honorable the Lord Mayor, praying an allowance as usual for his Lordship to support the dignity of the Mayoralty: ordered that the treasurer do, on the said Lord Mayors warrant, pay to the petitioner for his Lordships use Pay the sum of five hundred pounds, sterling, one moietie to be paid at Christmas next and the other moietie at midsummer next, the same to be allowed the treasurer on his accounts.
[2.] Samuel COOKE, praying a consideration for his trouble and services as clerk to the commissioners of array of the horse and foot militia of the city of Dublin, for four or five years past: ordered that the petitioner be paid by the treasurer, on the Lord Mayors warrant, the sum of forty pounds, sterling, for his services [stated] in his said petition, the same to be allowed the treasurer on account.
[3.] James CATHCART, clerk, setting forth that by the promotion of Mr. BULKLY, present city chaplain, the said (m. 63) chaplainship will now become vacant, and therefore prays the citys favour in being admitted city chaplain : ordered that the petitioner be admitted city chaplain during the citys pleasure, with the usual salary.
[4. ] Mary AUSTIN, widow, praying to be admitted one of the city poor widows, in the room of her sister ; ordered that the petitioner be admitted and allowed three pounds per annum, to be paid quarterly during the citys pleasure.
[5.] Ann COSSART, setting forth that she is the widow of alderman David COSSART, deceased, and that she is in her fortune much reduced since his decease, and praying an annual allowance for her relief and subsistence : ordered that the petitioner be paid thirty pounds per annum, half yearly, by the treasurer, the payment to commence from Michaelmas last, and to be allowed the treasurer on his accounts.
[6.] Charles MATHEWS, praying to be admitted city scavengeer for the south side of the river Anna Liffy, for one year from the expiration of Mr. ALLEN’S time, to enter into such articles as Mr. Recorder shall advise to have the same salary as Mr. ALLEN lately had.
[7. ] Thomas PILKINGTON, praying to be continued in his employment of city scavenger of that part of this city lying on the north part of the river Anna Liffy: ordered that the petitioner be continued in his employment for one year longer, to commence from the expiration of his present term.
[8.] David DUNBARR, esquire, setting forth that it was proposed that the city should contribute forty Pounds to cover with an arched shore a nuisance on the north side of Lazy hill; that he had contracted with Mr. Nicholas CARTER to make the same, and therefore prays the said forty pounds may be paid to the said Nicholas CARTER: ordered that the said Nicholas CARTER be paid the sum of forty pounds when the work is finished, and the same to be allowed the treasurer on his accounts.
[9.] The committee of directors for the proprietors of the North Strand, setting forth that there is now due from each proprietor fifty shillings, and pray the payment of the same may be postponed; that the deeds are not ingrossed, and pray further time to perfect the same, etc. : ordered that further time be given for the perfecting the deeds of fee farm within mentioned for the proprietors of the North Strand, and that the payment of the fifty shillings from each proprietor be postponed till Christmas next, and that whatsoever is necessary further to be inserted in the said deed, to be referred to the committee for the said Strand.
[10] Certain Commons, praying to inlarge the assembly :- ordered that the assembly be inlarged till nine o’clock.
[11.] Certain commons, setting forth that his majestie king George, upon his seasonable and happy accession to the crown of these realms, having confirmed to this city its ancient rights and privileges, which had been invaded and almost subverted by the illegal and arbitrary measures taken by Sir Constantine PHIPPS, and also honoured it with many distinguishing marks of his royal favour, and particularly in sending over his royal picture to this city, and placing upon the establishment of this kingdom the sum of three hundred pounds per annum in augmentation of the city revenues, to the end that they of this city may in some measure express and perpetuate their gratitude for So many and great benefits they daily enjoy under his majesties most gracious protection; and therefore pray that a statue of his most sacred majestie king George may be erected in honour of his majestie, and placed in such convenient part of this city as to this city shall be thought most proper for that purpose: ordered that to perpetuate, as far as in us lies, the many distinguishing marks of his majesties royal bounty conferred upon the city, and the inestimable blessings we daily enjoy under his majesties most auspicious government, and as a lasting monument of that profound veneration with which our hearts are so justly filled for his most sacred of maiestie our second deliverer, a statue be erected in this city, and that the right honourable the Lord Mayor, Sherriffs, treasurer, Sir John ROGERSON, aldermen BURTON, sir John ECCLES, CURTIS, SURDEVILLE and PORTER, and twelve of the commons, to be named by the commons, or any seven of them, whereof the Lord Mayor and one of the Sherriffs to be always two, are appointed a committee to consider of a proper place within this city for erecting the same in, and to treat with some skilful and able statuary in Great Britain or this kingdom for such statue, and to report their proceedings to the next assembly: [Commons :Sir Nathaniel WHITWELL, Joseph KANE, Humphry FRENCH, Peter VERDOEN, William ALDRICH, William EMPSON, Joseph WALKER, John MEAKINGS, Christopher INCH, Jeremiah PEPYAT, Edward DUDGEON, John WRIGHT.
[12.] Jeremiah PEPYAT, city stationer, having formerly petitioned that he was apprehensive that it would be necessary that a committee should be appointed to examine his accounts for the year ending Michaelmas next, and to report their opinion to the next assembly, and prayed that a committee may be accordingly appointed, and a committee was thereupon appointed, who made the following report :
“Pursuant to your honours order of last assembly, we have viewed and examined the petitioners accounts, and are of opinion that he be paid in full of the said account fifty nine pounds, eighteen shillings, and one penny, sterling, which we submit to your honours this 11th day of October, 1717 : ‘ and having this assembly petitioned and prayed that the said report may be confirmed and made an act of this assembly: it is therefore ordered that the said report be confirmed and made an act of this assembly.
[13.] The report of the committee of directors for the Ballast Office to the general assembly of the 18th of October, 1717 :
Roll xix. M 62
‘In our last we gave your honours an account that there were three hundred piles driven on the South Bull, since which there are 567 piles more driven on the same in three rows, and part of the intervals between the said rows filled with stones, and the rest afilling as fast as the weather will allow; the said row contains a length from east to west about thirty eight perches. The charge in driving and filling between the said piles, when finished, will amount to above six hundred pounds over and above what the timber cost, which amounts to above three hundred pounds more, so that the whole charge of the said piles will amount to nine hundred pounds:’ ordered to be considered next assembly-
‘The season of the year will not permit the engines to work any longer this winter, and the next spring it may be considered whether or no your honours will think fit to carryon the said work.
“We have laid and filled with stones on the North Strand this summer four hundred kishes, and stopped the gap that was formerly laid open at the request of Sir John ROGERSON, and are going on in laying and filling more kishes on the Strand, and have bought five hundred kishes for that use, part of which are already laid and filled ‘ ordered to proceed as the season will permit.
‘There is some progress made in filling the City Keay, and that work going on at all times when the gabbards can be spared from the office work :’ ordered to continue the work till finished.
‘Of the two hundred tun of timber, reported in our last to be bought, we have yet received but twenty odd tuns.
‘We have taken a yard at Ringsend, to lay timber and other materials belonging to the Office in, at seven pounds ten shillings per annum, much nearer the work than the former yards, and more commodious than the said two yards which we before had at fifteen pounds pet annum : approved of.
Roll xix. m.62
‘An abstract of the cash is hereunto annexed: all which is humbly submitted to this honorable assembly: Thomas BOLTON – Math. PEARSON -Thomas CURTIS – John PORTER -Thomas SOMERVILLE – William MAPLE – William ASTON -Joseph KANE – James KING -Philip COOLEY – William EMPSON -Peter VERDOEN -Thomas STRINGER’
An abstract of the Ballast Office accounts from the (m.62b). 18th of July, 1717, exclusive, to the 17th day of October, 1717, inclusive :
Ballast Office. Dr.
To balance of accounts to the 18th By sundry disbursements on the
day of July, 1717, inclusive £184 17s. 2 ½ d.
To cash received from ships, etc., 18th July to the 17th October, 1717, inclusive
£738 12s. 7d.
To cash received from Messrs. Burton and Harrison £200 0s. 0d.
Total £1123 9s. 9 ½ d.
Deduct £1093 16s 5 ½ d.
Balance in Office £29 13s. 4d.
Besides in Messrs. Burton and Harrisons hands. .£350 0s. 0d.
Per Contra, Cred.
By sundry disbursements on the Office Account from 18th July, 1717 exclusive to the 17th October 1717 inclusive £1038 19s. 6d.
By money expended since the 18th July 1717, in filling and backing the City Kay on the city account £54 16s. 11d.
Total: £1093 16s. 5d.
m. 64
Admissions to Franchise
m. 66
1717[-18.] January 17.- Fourth Friday after 25 December, 1717.
[1.]Lord Mayor and Sherriffs, aldermen BOLTON, Sir John ROGERSON, WALTON, Sir John ECCLES, PLEASANT, QUAYLE, FORBES, SURDEVILLE, SOMERVILLE, and eighteen of the commons, to be named by the commons, or any nine of them, whereof the Lord Mayor and one of the Sherriffs to be always two, are appointed auditors of the city accounts for the last year :
[The eighteen of the commons: ] Joseph KANE, Major ALDRICH, Charles HENDRICK, James SOMERVILLE, – Henry GLEGG, John SHAW, Thomas GLEDSTAINES, James STEVENSON, David LATOUCH, Major VERDOEN, Samuel CARD, John MEAKINS, Joseph WALKER, Anthony ALLEN, James ESDALE, Timothy DOW[TON], Edward DUDGEON, Terence REA.
[2.] William EMPSON and David KING, late Sherriffs, are appointed masters of the city works for the ensuing year.
[3.] Committee of the water course: :~
Lord Mayor and Sherriffs, and twelve of the Commons, to be named by the commons, or any nine of them, whereof the Lord Mayor and one, of the Sherriffs to be always two, are appointed a committee to view the water course: everyone of the committee to have timely notice of their meeting.
[The twelve of the commons :] Joseph Kane, Richard Blair, Peter Verdoen, William Milton, Charles Hendrick, James Somerville, Hugh Cuming, George Cholmondly,
Thomas Cogan – James Esdall, Joseph Walker, John Paine:
[4.] Mark Henry Blackhall, setting forth that he is the son of George Blackhall, who served Lord Mayor and treasurer of this city for several years, and that [he is now] by several mischances much reduced, and therefore praying some provision in the city for his support : ordered that the petitioner be paid eight pounds per annum, to be paid quarterly, and to commence from Christmas last, during citys pleasure.
[5.] Margaret Stoughton, setting forth that she is the daughter of George Stoughton, who formerly lived in a plentiful condition, upon whose death your petitioners mother had ten pounds per annum during her life settled on her by the city, which ten pounds was the main support as well of the petitioner as of her mother, now deceased, and therefore prays the citys charity and consideration: ordered that the petitioner be paid the sum of five pounds per annum, the same to be paid half yearly, and the same to commence from Christmas last.
[6.] Edward Foreman, setting forth that he has been a freeman of this city of Dublin upwards of fifty four years, and has served the city in the capacity of clerk (Roll xix, m. 66) Clerk to the market upwards of twenty years, and faithfully and honestly discharged his duty; that through great age and weakness he is now incapable of serving himself or the city, and therefore praying the citys charity and consideration: ordered that the petitioner be paid ….. shillings now and four pounds per annum, the same to be paid quarterly, to commencing from Christmas last, during the citys pleasure.
[7] James Tasker, by his petition, setting forth that he is an antient inhabitant of this city and freeman of the same, and is now so reduced that he cannot subsist without the citys charity, and therefore prays the citys charity and consideration: ordered that the petitioner be paid the sum of four pounds a year, to be payable quarterly, and the same to commence from Christmas last, during the citys pleasure, arid further that the treasurer do pay him twenty shillings this present assembly.
[8] Maurice Fitzmaurice, praying to be admitted city attorney: granted during citys pleasure.
[9.] James Ramsey, praying to be city surveyor, for that he served his apprenticeship with Mr. Joseph Moland, late in that imployment, now deceased: ordered that the petitioner be admitted city surveyor during the citys pleasure.
[l0.] Certain of the commons, praying to enlarge the assembly till nine of the clock: ordered accordingly.
[11] The committee of directors for the proprietors of the North Strand, setting forth that there is now become due from the proprietors of the North Strand the sum of fifty shillings each, as per act of assembly, for fencing out the sea and carrying on the work; and desire the said payment of fifty shillings, sterling, may be postponed till midsummer next, by reason of the deeds not being as yet perfected; ordered accordingly; and whereas by former order the first payment was to be made at Christmas: it is now ordered that the first payment be made at midsummer next, pursuant to the prayer of the within petition.
[12.] Certain of the commons, setting forth that Richard Jones, gentleman, has preferred a bill in the high court of chancery against several persons, and has made the Lord Mayor, Sherriffs, commons and citizens of this city defendants in the said bill, and likewise with others they are made defendants to a bill preferred by David Elwood against lord Lanesborough, and praying that Mr, Recorder may draw the answers, and that the same be put under the city seal: ordered that Mr. Recorder do draw answers to the said bills, and the same to be put under the city seal.
Comment: Taken from “The Calendar of the Assembly Rolls of the Corporation of the City of Dublin”. Extracts from the Rolls of 1717.