72 Some Western Circuit Assize Records 
to the Justices of Devon “att their next Quarter Sessions to take 
some speedy course for the re-payment to the High Sheriffe of the 
County of Devon a some of [money left in blank] or upwards, 
disbursed by him for to prepare a halle in the Castle of Exeter and 
fittings for the Assizes and Quarter Sessions to be kept.” These 
duties have long disappeared from the Assize. 
Then follows an order interesting to lawyers, as shewing the old 
procedure in pauper settlement appeals. Under the statutes of 
Elizabeth, and of Philip and Mary three years’ residence in a parish 
gave a right of irremoveability to paupers. This order tells us 
“that the Court [of Assize] is informed that there is a difference 
betweene the inhabitants of Upton Pyne and St. Giles’, neere 
Torrington, both in this county [Devon], about the settlement of 
one John ffurseman a poore and impotent man att Upton Pyne 
aforesaid. This Court doth therefore desire the justices of the peace 
att the next quarter sessions to examine the said difference and end 
it if they cann. Butt iff they cannott compose it then to state the 
case and certifie the same to the judges at the next assizes to be 
holden for this county for their resolucion therein. Att which tyme 
the inhabitants of both places must attend that a fynall order may 
be made therein. And this Courte doth thinke fitt That ye p'rish 
on which the said settlement shall happen to be should reimburse 
all surcharges thatt th’ other parish hath been att about ye same.” 
The trial of these appeals has long since ceased to weary the Judges 
of Assize. They are decided at the Quarter Sessions, with the right 
of appeal to the Queen’s Bench, but only on points of law, 
And now I find an order which tells us that Wiltshire was not, 
in the opinion of some, as well-behaved as it should be :— 
“Wittrs. Att the Assizes and Generall Gaole delivery of the County Afore- 
said holden at New Sarum in the same County the one and twentieth day of 
July in the yeare of the Lord 1656 before William Steele Cheife Barron of the 
Publique Exchequer. 
“Onthe fforasmuch as it appeareth to this Cort by the Grand Inquest att 
Grand this Assizes. 
Juries That the constables of hundreds doe neglect theire duties in p'sentinge 
protm*. offences comitted w'*in theire hundreds, in regard That the petty 
Constables and Tything men doe make noe pr'sentmts unto them, 
