ALMSHOUSE

The two volumes in matching green cloth quarter-bindings, with marbled covers (one set green and the other brown). Both affected by damp at the head, and in worn bindings, but in acceptable overall condition, with text entirely legible. Two interesting and informative documents of local and social history. ONE (Almshouses Charity): 64pp., tall 8vo. In manuscript on cover: 'ALMSHOUSES CHARITY ACCOUNTS'. Among the signatories are two Rectors of Baldock, W. J. Skilton and John D. Nairne, and T. Rigby Kewley, Thomas G. Simpson and Frederick Archdale.

One page, cr. 8vo, stained but text clear and complete. With excisions and corrections (hence draft). The first (with the narrower width) is a letter drafted 8-9 February 1647 (new style date) on behalf of the mayor of Bristol and addressed to the mayor of another city, which further details and the context make clear is London. The letter concerns a gift made by the late Dr. Thomas White (d. 1624) that included an annual payment to the Town of Bristol, now in arrears to the amount of 104 pounds. It was supposed to have been paid on the previous Bartholomew's Day (Aug. 24), but wasn't.

4to, 2 pp. 23 lines. Text clear and complete. Very good on lightly-aged paper. Reporting the 'record character' of the 'financial result of the recent Anniversary Festival', and thanking Harmsworth for his 'great personal interest in the Festival which has led to the Funds of the Institution being so considerably increased' and 'splendid service', and requesting permission for his 'name to be thus permanently connected wtih the Charitable Work which your kind efforts have so very materially advanced'.