70 Some Western Circuit Assize Records 
have been secured by the breaking of Charles Stewart’s great seal 
on the 11th of August, when we gave the pieces of silver, of which 
it was in part composed, to the Speakers of both Houses, interesting 
mementoes of past Royalty! Let there be an assize.” 
And the Judges “ going ” Circuit were advised, or advised them- 
selves, to search out and report on the general condition of the country 
—to take heed that the Grand Juries (who had been summoned by 
“ Parliament-appointed High Sheriffs”) weve not hindered in making 
presentments with regard to the prospect of affairs in their own 
neighbourhoods—their men and manners. 
In the Western Circuit Order Book of the period we read what 
happened in Dorset. It is of historic value, so given in full, for 
I have only drawn attention to it hitherto. 
Western Crrecuit Orper Book. 
Dorset Summer Assize, 1646. 
“ Alo houses. Upon the greate complaynt of the Gentlemen of the Grand 
Inquest of this County made to this Court at this p’sent Assizes 
against the multiplicity of ale houses win this County and the 
dayly abuses and disorders kept and suffered in such ale houses 
' especially on the Sabboth dayes, whereby the service of Allmighty 
This order to God is much hindered. Ffor reforminge whereof this Court 
be observed doth thinke fitt and declare that the Justices of the peace within 
through the the. several divisions and libities of this County shall with all 
whole Cireuite. convenient speede informe themselves by the best wayes and 
meanes that possibly they can, concerninge the said abuses com- 
mitted and suffered by such ale house keepers and not to suffer 
or licence any to sell ale or beer but such as can bringe their 
certificate under the hands of the most sufficient and best In- 
habitants of the several places and parishes where they dwell, 
concerninge their good behaviour and carriage, and the con- 
veniency of the places fitt for such alehouses to be kept. And 
to take speedy course for the punishinge and supp'ssinge of all 
Ex‘. other ale houses also accordinge to the Statute in that case made 
Lords day and and provided. Whereas this Court is informed that the last 
fast day to Wednesday in the month w® is appoynted a day for solemne 
be observed. fastinge and humiliation over the whole kingdom is not observed 
and kept as it ought to be by divers persons and in many places 
w'tin this County, and alsoe that the Lords day likewise ap- 
This order to poynted to be kept holy is profaned by many lewde people and 
be observed not kept and observed in many places as it ought to be, it is 
through the therefore ordered by this Court that if any p'son or p‘ssons 
whole Circuite. hereafter shall not observe and keep the said ffast day, or shall 
