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/ 7 



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 J uries (who had been summoned by 

 " Parliament-appointed High Sheriffs ") were 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 Circuit Order Book. 



Dorset Summer Assize, 1646. 

 w Ale houses. Upon the greate complaynt of the Gentlemen of the Grand 

 Inquest of this County made to this Court at this p r sent Assizes 

 against the multiplicity of ale houses w th in 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 Circuite. 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 tinder 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 r ssinge of all 

 Ex d . 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 ch is appoynted a day for solemne 

 be observed. f astinge and humiliation over the whole kingdom is not observed 

 and kept as it ought to be by divers persons and in many places 

 w th in 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 

 he 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 r son or p r ssons 

 whole Circuite. hereafter shall not observe and keep the said ffast day, or shall 



