A Chronological Outline of the History of Bristol and the Strangers Guide through its streets and neighbourhood ---- by John Evans, Printer. 1824
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GEORGE THE FIRST.
A.D. 1717
...persons, all men of note, besides bearers and officers, and six ministers.'
June 26, John Clements elected as Mr. Day’s successor, for the remainder of the year. In the account of the ceremony of swearing in at the Guildhall, we find mention of 'the Charters both old and new, the four swords, the red book, the pocket and other seals, &c.'
Dec. 6, Abraham Elton, sen. of Bristol, esq. created a baronet.
1718 The first insurance-office in Bristol against fire, The Crown, established; capital, £40,000.
An Act of Parliament, repealing the appointment, in 1714, of Junior Church Wardens, as Guardians of the Poor, and 'for the better explaining, &c.’
Edmund Mountjoy, Mayor. In this mayoralty the ducking-stool on the Weir was used as a cure for scolding, in one particularly inveterate instance; but the husband of the lady whose 'evil spirit' was so 'laid,' when the year of civic supremacy expired, brought his action of battery in behalf of his peaceful rib, before Sir Peter King at the Guildhall, 'and the man (says our authority) recovered such damages, that the Ex-Mayor could not endure the mention of cold duck any more.' (Qu. Was this species of discipline the origin of the endearing domestic appellation, my duck?)— Peace to the remains of that preserver of 'a quiet life !' As true-bred antiquaries, we would not have its strength and beauty restored for the world. In the nineteenth century is seldom heard a wish to revive its influence. We let the sweet tongues wag without restraint, either wet or dry. The fair interlocutors enjoy their tea the better, and sleep the sounder, for the free exercise of their loyal and dutiful lungs.
May 17, 18, There is, so much rain, that the river Froom overflowed as high as the wall at the ducking stool.
1720 The wife of the Rev. Samuel Bury, named Elizabeth, aged 76, celebrated in an elegy by Dr. Isaac Watts, buried in St. James’s Church. Her husband died in 1729.
1721 Sir Abraham Elton, bart. and Joseph Earl, esq, chosen representatives in Parliament for Bristol.
The Gaunts’ Chapel, St. Mark’s, since the sequestration used as a chapel for French Protestant refugees, fitted up for the constant use of the Corporation, with a new peal of bells. A Chapel for the French Protestants built in Orchard-street; completed in 1727. See 1818.
Strange’s Alms-house rebuilt, below St. John’s steps. See 1630.
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