156 "Justice in Warminster in the Olden Time." 



Same names Easter Sessions next year (1580). 



The sessions then and early in the seventeenth century were ex- 

 ercised much about men called " Badg-ers," (barley -bailiffs, for that 

 seems the probable meaning- of the term,') who having been specially 

 licensed by the magistrates were permitted to buy corn in one market 

 and sell it in another, a privilege which the laws of those days 

 denied to men in general. There are many entries and orders 

 relating to this matter, and I have here a copy of a petition addressed 

 by the mayor and magistrates of Bath to the quarter sessions of 

 Wilts :— 



" WoESHiPFUL after our very hearty commendacons whereas there is not come 

 BiiflS.cyent brought to the markett of our Citty of Bathe to make provision of 

 bread for the inhabitants thereof and others resorting thither and by meanes 

 thereof his majties subjects abidinge and cominge to this Cittye are like to 

 be destitute of bread for their money unless ihe bakers here or fi"om and 

 by yx allowance may have free libertye and accesse to [Wanninster ?] marketts 

 to buy wheate to serve their customers with bread wee therefore haiiely praye 

 you that you will be pleased that John More of Wraxall in the County of 

 WUtes husbandman may have for allowance weekly to buy for Mr. John Sarch- 

 field the chief Baker of ye Citty in yor Market of Warminster four quarters of 

 wheate and one quarter of barlee therw'h to make breade for the inhabitants and 

 comers to our Cittye. In doing whereof we shall acknowledge ourselves very 

 much beholding to you and wiU be reddy and pray to requite you the same and 

 so not doubtinge of the grantinge of this our request do leave you to the safEe 

 keepinge of the Highest and do byd you very hartily ffarewell Bathe this Eight 

 of July 1608 



Yr lovinge fEryend to ye 



Thomas Wtatt, Mayor 

 William Egeeton 

 John Sabchfield" 



Indorsement : — 



" To ye Rt Worshipf ull 

 Jas Marden and S"' 

 Jasper More Knighte and in 

 their absence to any other His Majestes 

 Justices in the County of WUtes 

 &c These " 



At bottom of petition, in diflPerent hand : — 



* As to " Badger," Bailey's Dictionaiy gives : " Badger (Bagagier F.) a carrier 

 of luggage. Badger (in Law) one that buys corn or other provisions in one place 

 in order to sell them at another ; a Huckster." 



