443 
a seven years’ apprenticeship to a Freeman or by purchase from 
the Council. 
The “Mr. Axford” mentioned in the Chamberlain’s roll of 
1672-3 as purchasing tokens (certainly for smelting) became a 
Freeman by purchase. 
In the Minute Book, December 1664, occurs--“‘ fohn Axford 
of Rowde in ye County of Wilts Brasier bids 5 li to be made 
free of this Cittie.” ‘ Agreede that ye above named John 
Axford shall be sworne a ffreeman of this Citty he giving bond to 
this Corporaton not to use any other trade but ye trade of a 
Brasier or pewterer within ye saide Citty.” 
Axford had considerable influence as he was admitted to the 
Council in August 1669, and elected as one of the Bailiffs in 
1672 and Mayor in 1697. 
His shop was in the High Street, and the business continued in 
his family until 1796, Samuel Whitchurch (of Token fame) then 
taking it over. 
Dealing with the Traders’ Tokens in order A to W, I use the 
following abbreviations :— 
M. B.: Minute book of the City Council. 
Ch. Ac. : Chamberlain’s rolls of accounts. 
WILL BATH 
7. 3.0: RICHARD + abBoTT=The Mercers Arms. 
ke: IN ¢ BATH «+ MERCER=R + A 
Richard Abbott was a Churchwarden of the Abbey in March 
1638, and this position he occupied for many years, and entries 
are frequent as to his family in the Registers of the Abbey. 
1633—Dec. 4. Richard Son of Richard Abbott Christened 
1635—Jan. 18. Johnson of Richard Abbott & Sara ¥ 
1637—Nov. 19. Sara dau of Richard Abbott & Sara “ 
- 1639—Jan. 26. Thomas, son of Richard Abbott & Sara i 
1641—Nov. 21. Dorcas, dau of Richard Abbott & Sara ¥ 
