By the Major.
WHereas the City of London, and the Liberties thereof, is exceedingly pestered with Rogues, Vagabonds and Sturdy Beggars, aswel Men as Women, which wander abroad about the Streets and Lanes thereof, to the dishonour of the City, and grievance of the good Inhabitants of the same: These are therefore at the instance of the Corporation for setting the Poore on worke within this City, straightly to charge and command you, in the name of the Keepers of the Liberties of England, by Authority of Parliament; That forthwith upon sight hereof, you call before you your Deputy, and all the Constables within your Ward, and give straight charge unto the said Constables, that from henceforth from time to time they doe apprehend and take all manner of Rogues, Vagabonds and Sturdy Beggars, both Men and Women whatsoever, which shall be found begging or wandring idlely abroad in any part of your Ward, and them from time to time either to punish at the Whipping-post according to the Law, and so send them away by Passe to such place as the Law doth require; or otherwise to carry and convey them and every of them to Bridewell, where order is already taken for their imployment and setting on worke: And that all and every the said Constables be from time to time assistant unto the Marshalls of this City and their men, and every of them, for the conveying to Bridewell of all such Rogues, Vagabonds and Sturdy Beggars, as they or any of them shall find or take up in any the Streets or Lanes of this City, or the Liberties thereof, as aforesaid. Whereof see you fail not, as you will answer the neglect of your Duty therein, and the contempt of this Precept, at the Sessions to be holden for the City.
Printed by Richard Cotes, Printer to the Honorable City of LONDON, 1649▪