Minutes of Council. Book No. VII. (3). 1818–1833.

A thin quarto, bound in rough calf.

Cardiff Town
to Wit

At a Court of Aldermen holden in the Council Chamber of the said Town on Monday the second day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

Resolved: That an Alderman be elected in the room of Thomas Morgan Senior he having accepted the office of Common Attorney.

Resolved: That John Bradley Gentleman Capital Burgess be elected Alderman in the room of the said Thomas Morgan.

M^r Thomas Morgan refused to leave the Council Chamber at a Court of Aldermen when requested by the Bailiffs to withdraw and persisted in remaining unless turned out by main force and then and there appeared to take minutes of the proceedings entered into.

Same date. Court of Common Council.

John Bradley Gentleman having been this day elected an Alderman in the room of Thomas Morgan Senior Common Attorney: Resolved That the Reverend John Jones Vicar of Cardiff be elected a Capital Burgess in the room of the said John Bradley.

The Oath of Office and the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance were administered to the said John Jones, Clerk.

Resolved: That the plan of the intended alterations to the Town Hall now produced, and which has been submitted to and approved of by the Honourable M^r Chief Justice Wingfield be adopted and that the Bailiffs of the Town be requested to carry the same into effect and to sell and dispose of as many Rumney Bridge Deed Polls, Mortgages or Assignments as shall be requisite to defray the necessary expences.

A Letter having been received from Richard Reece Esquire Secretary to the Cardiff School Building Committee requesting payment of the sum of Three Hundred Pounds the Corporation Subscription towards the erection of a School Room: Resolved That three Rumney Bridge Deed Polls Mortgages or Assignments for securing the sum of One Hundred Pounds each be transferred or Assigned by the Bailiffs Aldermen and Burgesses or the Common Attorneys of the Town for the time being to Thomas Bates Rous Esquire one of the building Committee of the Cardiff School for the use of the said Building Committee.

Ordered, That the Common Seal now used by the Bailiffs Aldermen and Burgesses of this Town be changed and that in lieu thereof a new Common Seal be made under the direction of the Bailiffs of this Town and that they be empowered to expend any sum not exceeding Ten Pounds towards procuring such new Common Seal. (fn. 1)

Ordered: That the Bailiffs of this Town be empowered to advance any sum not exceeding One Hundred Pounds towards contributing to the expences of the Severn Exemption Bill.

Cardiff Jan^y 30. 1818.

Sir, Understanding from the Town Clerk M^r William Bird, that you have thought fit to decline giving him the Corporation papers, we have to request you will forward to us at the Town Hall at 12 o'clock in the forenoon on Monday next (on which day we have summoned a Common Council Meeting) all accounts between the Common Attorneys and the Bailiffs of the Town from the year 1796 to Michaelmas last, as well as the Rentals during that period, and an abstract of all Corporation Leases now in force. We are Sir, Your Obedient Servants.

To Nicholl Wood Esq^e

A Letter having been transmitted by Evan Lewis, Serjeant at Mace, to M^r Nicholl Wood as above, and the papers applied for not having been produced: Resolved that a letter be addressed by the Bailiffs to the Most Honourable the Marquess of Bute, Lord of the Borough, respectfully soliciting his interference to compel the production of the accounts and rentals referred to in such letter, and an investigation of the same, and to take such legal steps as may be deemed adviseable for that purpose, at the expence of the Corporation.

Feby. 5. Resolved that Henry Hollier, Esquire, Alderman, be removed from his Office for bad Government in not having attended a Corporation Meeting for the space of Two Years last past and for other reasonable causes, and that another Alderman be elected in his room.

Resolved that Edward Priest Richards, Capital Burgess, be elected Alderman in the room of the said Henry Hollier; who then took the oaths of office, supremacy and allegiance.

Resolved that William Ray, Esquire, be elected a Capital Burgess in the room of the said Edward Priest Richards.

Thomas Bourne, esquire, was elected a Capital Burgess, in the room of Thomas Stephen Todd, resigned.

Ordered that the Water Bailiffs Salary be Ten Pounds per annum.

Ordered that the Town Pump be removed from its present situation and placed under the Hall Steps.

The Constable of the Castle having informed the Court that it was the wish of The Lord of the Borough that a moiety of the expence of the Piece of Plate voted to John Richards Esquire late Constable of the Castle should be defrayed by his Lordship: Resolved that the Order made in June last be rescinded and that a Piece of Plate with an appropriate inscription of the value of One Hundred Pounds be immediately procured at the joint expence of the Lord of the Borough and the Corporation and presented to M^r Richards forthwith.

May 4 Monday. Thomas Morgan senior, gentⁿ, was sworn Alderman in the Castle by William Owen, gentⁿ, Deputy Constable of the Castle, who signs the record.

7^th Thursday. The following were sworn in Burgesses or Freemen, before the Bailiffs in open Court:—
Robert Richard Roberts, of Cardiff, esquire.
William Bradley, gentleman.
James Jacob, of Llantrissent, gentleman.
William Williams, of Llanmaes, gentleman.
William Price, of Llantwit Major, gentleman.
David Evans, mercer.
William John Vine, gentleman.
Thomas Hopkins, grocer.
William Wheeler, gentleman.
Edward Edmunds, of Penyrhos, gentleman.

Sept^r 22 Tuesday. Court of Aldermen. John Bradley resigned his office of Alderman.

Resolved that the Constable of the Castle for the time being has a right to be present at any Court of Aldermen to be held for this Town.

Same date. Common Council. William Lewis of Spring Garden having Replevied his Goods taken in distress for rent due to the Corporation: Ordered that the Town Clerk do proceed therein.

Miss Mary Priest proposes taking a Lease of the Brewhouse at the back of Womanby Street, which she now holds as Tenant under the Corporation, together with a piece of Land adjoining thereto, for 42 years.

Ordered that in future no Lease be granted of any property belonging to the Corporation, without a Map of the demised premises being drawn in the Lease.

Ordered that the Town Clerk make out and Transmit to the Bailiffs a statement of all fees and sums of money received by him on account of the admission of Freemen or Burgesses since his appointment as Town Clerk.

Ordered that application be made by the Town Clerk to the Executors of the late Town Clerk for an account of the monies by him received on the like account.

Ordered that in future the following fees (this day approved by the Bailiffs) be paid on the Admission or Swearing of a Burgess.

To the Corporation:
If entitled as the Son of a Burgess 6s. 8d.
f otherwise entitled the sum to be fixed by the Bailiffs but not under [figure illegible].
To the Bailiffs £5. 5s.
To the Town Clerk for Oath enrolling and entering 6s. 8d. To be
paid on admission or swearing in.
Stamp and Parchment as out of Pocket.
To the Town Clerk for Copy of Admission and Certificate 6s. 8d. To,
be paid on delivery of Certificate.
To the Serjeants at Mace 2s.
To the Hallkeeper 1s.

1818 Sept^r 29 Tuesday. William Prichard and Thomas Charles were elected Bailiffs and sworn in the Castle by the Constable, together with the Serjeants at Mace.

The same day and place William Llewellin and Edward Jones were sworn into the office of Ale Tasters of the said Town.

The same day and place Charles Jones was Sworn into the Office of Water Bailiff of the said Town.

The same day and place Phillip Woolcott and Joseph Wheeler were both Sworn into the Office of Common Attorneys of the said Town.

[Only two persons were this year elected to be Constables to each Ward.]

1819 January 4 Monday. At a Court of Bailiffs, Aldermen and Capital Burgesses of the said Town, held at the Guildhall of the said Town, to consider the propriety of presenting an Address of Condolence to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent on the Decease of the Queen; it was resolved that an address should be adopted, prepared, signed and sent from Cardiff and the Contributory Boroughs.

1819 August 2 Monday. The £ 452. 14. 9 lent to the Corporation by Lord Bute in 1790, having now been swelled by the accumulated interest to £1060. 3. 3, the Marquess consents to postpone repayment at the Corporation's convenience.

3^rd Tuesday. Ordered that Application be made by the Bailiffs to the Executors of the late John Wood Esquire to hand over to the Town Clerk all and every papers deeds or writings in their possession belonging to the Corporation.

It appearing that several parts of the Hayes have been enclosed and part of the Town Wall taken down: Ordered that the Bailiffs peruse the Leases and take Counsel's opinion hereon.

Ordered that the thanks of the Corporation are due to the Bailiffs of this town for the Prosecution of Thomas Thomas the younger at the last Quarter Sessions for an aggravated Assault on M^r William Wynn one of the Constables of the said town.

M^r William Wynn and Richard Jones two of the Constables of this town having been indicted by the said Thomas Thomas the younger: Ordered, That the Bailiffs be requested to take such steps as they may deem necessary for their Defence at the Expence of the Corporation.

M^r Nathaniel French senior having failed to pay over to his partner, M^r Thomas Jones, the latter's share of the money paid by the Corporation to him for the Councilmens' gowns, it was ordered that the Corporation should pay any expence incurred by M^r Jones in suing M^r French for his said share.

Ordered that the sum of £30 be paid by the Common Attorneys to the Treasurer of the Cardiff School, being three years Subscription at £10 per annum due to the said School up to the 24^th day of June next.

Ordered that the sum of £2. 2s. 0d. be paid M^r John Bird the Treasurer of the Society for the Suppression of the Profanation of the Lord's Day.

A Meeting being called by the Bailiffs pursuant to a Requisition to them for the purpose of establishing an Auxiliary Bible Society for this town and neighbourhood: Ordered that the sum of £10. 10. 0 be annually subscribed by the Corporation and paid by the Common Attorneys for the time being to the Treasurer of the said Society.

M^r Walker on behalf of the Marquess of Bute, having signified his Lordship's wish that some Acknowledgment should be paid by The Marquess of Bute to the Corporation for the Aisle called the Alderman's Aisle in S^t John's Church Cardiff, converted by his Lordship into a Seat by permission of the Corporation as appears by an Order of Common Council bearing Date the 28^th day of November 1811: Ordered that a Lease be granted to the said Marquess of the said Aisle for the term of 42 years at the Annual Rent of £1. 1s. The said Marquess to keep and support the same in Good Repair and to allow the Aldermen of Cardiff to be buried within the Aisle, and that the Town Clerk affix the Corporation Seal to such Lease on the same being tendered to him for that purpose at a Corporation Meeting.

Ordered that the Corporation Seal be not affixed to any Deed or Document whatsoever by the Town Clerk or by the Bailiffs for the time being unless at a Court of Common Council legally convened.

Sept^r 29 Wednesday. William Prichard and John Bird were both sworn (in the Castle of Cardiff) into the Office of Bailiffs of the said Town of Cardiff by Thomas Collingdon, gentleman, Deputy Constable of the Castle of Cardiff.

The like of the Serjeants at Mace.

Four Constables nominated, and two of them sworn, to each Ward.

1820 January 10 Monday. Ordered that William Prichard & Tho^s Charles Esquires be requested to apply to Messrs. Wood for information relating to the Gurnos property, the Rev. M^r Edwards having referred them to Messrs. Wood for that purpose; & that Messrs. Wood be desired to prepare their Bill in the Gurnos Cause in order to be examined.

Will. Prichard
J. Bird
John Wood
John Thackwell
Thomas Charles
E. P. Richards
Edw^d Bird
Philip Woolcott
Joseph Wheeler
William Ray.

Feby. 25. Ordered that the Order or Resolution heretofore made for Leasing Corporation Property for the term of 42 years only be rescinded.

M^r Joseph Davies was granted a lease of part of Spring Garden, for 99 years at £15, he engaging to lay out £1500 in suitable dwellinghouses.

Ordered that the Lessee of the Golate [or Gollygate (fn. 2) ] Quay be called upon to fulfill the Covenants of the Lease.

Ordered that the Protection of the Bulwarks against the River in the parish of S^t Mary's be taken into consideration by the Bailiffs & Corporation with the least possible delay, and that the Bailiffs report the same at the next Meeting.

May 23. Special Council Meeting "for the purpose of considering the propriety of disposing of part of the Corporation Lands."

The following properties were leased:—
Several closes of land in the parish of S^t John Baptist, containing 49a. or. 16p., and another piece of land near the Black Weir; to the Marquess of Bute, rent £94.
Cottage, garden and piece of land at Black Weir; to Joseph Davies, rent £7.
Piece of land in Barry Lane; to Edward Thomas, rent £5.
Part of the Spittle; to Thomas Edwards, rent £28.
Other part of the Spittle; to Joseph Davies, rent £6. 6s.
Ruin in Smith Street; to Edward Bird, rent, £10. 10. 0.
The term of years of the 2^nd, 3^rd and 6^th lots was extended to 99.
The Corporation purchased Elizabeth Richards' lease of part of the Town Wall.

They also purchased "a ruin near the Old Post House and a Garden in the Hayes," for the purpose of taking down the ruin to improve the town; it being understood that M^r David Stewart, on behalf of the Marquess of Bute, intended to purchase the remainder of the buildings for the same purpose.

The Corporation recovered possession of "the lands on the Great Heath agreed to be sold M^r Hollier and now in the possession of M^r Carpenter and Llewellin Prosser, which at the last Autumn Great Sessions was recovered by Ejectment from M^r Moggridge."

The sum of £1060. 3. 3 with Interest from the 21^st day of Oct^r last being due to The Marquess of Bute from the Bailiffs Aldermen and Burgesses, and several other demands having also been made on them, and it appearing that if part of the Land on the Great Heath were Sold and the said several debts discharged the funds of the Corporation would be thereby improved: Ordered that the Bailiffs be requested and they are hereby empowered to sell or dispose of, either by Public Auction or private contract under and subject to such Conditions of Sale and at such time as to them shall seem meet, All that Messuage or Tenement and several Closes pieces or parcels of Land called Merry Hill (heretofore agreed to be sold Colonel Capper but since recovered by Ejectment) containing by admeasurement 47a. 1r. 7p. or thereabouts, being part and parcel of the Great Heath situate in the parish of Landaff, And also All that piece or parcel of Land containing 14a. 1r. 12p. (heretofore agreed to be sold the said Colonel Capper and exchanged by him with the Marquess of Bute) situate in the several parishes of Landaff and Lanishen, for the purpose of liquidating and discharging the said several debts.

Ordered that immediate steps be taken to prevent further Encroachments of the river in Saint Mary's, And that the Bailiffs and Messrs. Thomas Morgan, John Wood, Thomas Charles, Thomas Morgan the Elder, Captain Morgan, Joseph Wheeler and Captain Ray be empowered to carry the same into effect.

Ordered that D^r Griffiths be called on to pay 6d. per Annum as an Acknowledgment for building a Quay on the Corporation Property near the Black Weir.

Sept^r 29 Friday. Thomas Charles and John Thackwell sworn Bailiffs in the Castle by Peter Taylor Walker, Esquire, Constable of the Castle; as also were the Serjeants at Mace; the Ale Taster, William Llewellyn; the Common Attorneys, Joseph Wheeler and Philip Woolcott; and two Water Bailiffs, Charles Jones and Edward Thomas.

The same day two Constables were elected and nominated to each Ward. The same were sworn by the Bailiffs 5^th October.

1821 Sept^r 29 Saturday. William Prichard and John Bird elected Bailiffs and sworn as before by the Deputy Constable, William Bird. So also were the Serjeants at Mace, the Common Attorneys, Samuel Dimond and William Ray; the Water Bailiffs, Charles Jones and Edward Thomas, and the following:—
2 Toll Gatherers, Keepers of the Cross, and Clerks of the Markets.
2 Clerks of the Shambles Markets.
2 Toll Gatherers and Keepers of the Cattle Markets and Fairs.

Four Constables were elected to each Ward.

October 4 Thursday. Three Constables were sworn to each of the four Wards.

Nov^r 29. The Improvement of the Town in the Hayes being taken into consideration, It is proposed that M^r Wood should surrender his Lease of the Hayes as also his Interest in the Lease of the Town Wall, including and from the Cocks Tower to the Milkmaids Bridge, as also to convey the freehold of a certain part of his Garden as marked in line with a new street now forming there, in lieu of or Exchange for the freehold of a small piece; Also in lieu of the same road part of the Hayes and the freehold of the Town Wall of the said Town, from the Southern end of Cocks Tower to the Milk Maid's Bridge. Ordered that such Exchange be made and that the Bailiffs direct the necessary reconveyances.

Ordered that a Schedule be made by the Town Clerk of all Charters, Deeds and Books in his custody belonging to the Corporation, and that such Schedule be by him delivered to the Bailiffs on or before the 25^th day of December next.

Ordered that the Bailiffs be requested to apply to the Marquess of Bute, the Lord of the Borough, for a Schedule of all Charters, Deeds and Books in his Custody or power belonging to the Corporation.

An application having been made by M^r Joseph Davis for leave to Exchange part of the Spittle with M^r Lewis for a piece of Land adjoining: Ordered that he be allowed to do so at his own expence and on receiving an equal quantity of Land.

Ordered that the Bailiffs & M^r Wheeler be requested to obtain an Estimate of the Expence of repairing the Cocks Tower for the general use of the public.

1822 Sept^r 29 Sunday. Thomas Charles and John Thackwell elected Bailiffs and sworn at the Castle by the Deputy Constable, William Bird; as also were the Serjeants at Mace; the Common Attorneys, Joseph Wheeler and Edward Bird; the Water Bailiffs, Charles Jones & Edward Thomas; the Keepers of the Cross; the Clerks of the shambles, and the Keepers of the Cattle Markets and Fairs.

Six persons were elected Constables for each of the four Wards. Three of them were sworn to each Ward 3^rd October.

1823 March 17. Merry Hill was sold to Lord Bute for £1000.

It was discovered that the garden at the Black Weir, demised to M^r Joseph Davies, was not the property of the Corporation but belonged to the Marquis of Bute.

Application having been made by the Trustees of Wells's Charity for an Account of money received by the Corporation on account of the Charity from the death of M^r John Jones in December 1792 to 1817 and it appearing impossible from the loss of accounts and the death of parties to ascertain the exact amount received: Ordered that £100 be paid over by the Common Attorneys to the Treasurer of the Charity in lieu and satisfaction of all monies received.

Ordered that the Bailiffs be requested to present the Rev^d Thomas Stacey with the sum of £10. 10/- as a well deserved compliment from the Corporation for his having voluntarily given evening Lectures during the past Winter.

Committee appointed to select site for a proposed new Market House.

Cardiff Town
to Wit

At the Castle of Cardiff on Monday the Twenty eighth day of April 1823. Having received an Instrument bearing date the [blank] day of [blank] 182 [blank] under the hand and seal of the Most Honorable John Chrichton Stuart, Marquess of Bute and Earl of Dumfries, Lord of the Borough of Cardiff in the County of Glamorgan, appointing Patrick James Herbert Chrichton Stuart, commonly called Lord James Stuart, Constable of the Castle of Cardiff, the said Patrick James Herbert Chrichton Stuart was accordingly sworn into the said office on this day before us.
Thomas Charles
John Thackwell.

Sept^r 29 Monday. William Prichard and John Bird elected and sworn Bailiffs at the Castle by John Homfray, Esq., Deputy Constable; as also were the Serjeants at Mace, the Common Attorneys, the Water Bailiffs (same persons as before), the Keepers of the Cross, the Clerks of the Shambles, and the Toll Gatherers of the Cattle Markets and Fairs.

Six Constables elected, to the East, High Street, and West Wards. On 2 October, three were sworn to each of the four Wards.

October 24. A letter having been received from M^r Stuart of which the following is a Copy:

"Cardiff 14^th Oct^r 1823.

Sirs,

I beg leave on behalf of the Marquis of Bute to state that I am anxious to purchase the rights of the Corporation of Cardiff (whatever those rights may be) in and to the Slip of Land between the High Street and the river Taff, called the Bulwarks, in the Town of Cardiff. Should the Corporation agree to sell those rights to his Lordship he will undertake to defend for ever the adjoining part of the Town from the river Taff, and engage not to enclose or erect any kind of building on that Slip of Land, under the penalty of any sum the Corporation may please to name. Lord Bute will also engage that the above Slip of Land shall be for ever open to the public and shall not be converted to any purpose which shall in any way injure or annoy the Inhabitants of the Town; his Lordships sole object being to open a road at the back of the Town, between it and the river, which road shall be open to the Inhabitants and public in common with his Lordship for ever. I have the honor to be, Sirs,
Your very Obed^t Hble. Serv^t
D. Stuart.

W^m Prichard and John Bird Esq^res
The Worshipful Bailiffs of Cardiff."

Ordered that the above letter be taken into consideration at a future Meeting.

1824 Feby. 19 Thursday. John Bradley, Assistant and Capital Burgess, having been elected Alderman, was this day sworn accordingly " within the Castle of the said Town before John Homfray Esquire Deputy Constable of the Castle & also took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy."

John Homfray, esquire, who was elected a Capital Burgess of this Town, was this day Sworn in a Capital Burgess of this Town and also took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy.

" Ordered that three Locks and three Keys be provided for an Iron Chest which is also to be provided to be placed in the Justice Room & that on the 25^th Day of March next & that the Town Clerk deposit all Charters Deeds Books admissions & papers in his Custody in such Chest & that in future they be kept there for the inspection of the Corporation One Key being in the Custody of the Town Clerk & the other Keys in the Custody of the Bailiffs for the time being.

" Ordered that application be made to the Marquess of Bute to deliver up any Charters Deeds Books Admissions or papers in his Custody belonging to the Corporation for the purpose of placing them with the other Documents to be deposited by the Town Clerk in the Chest."

Sept^r 1 Tuesday. Francis Minnitt was elected and sworn an Assistant or Capital Burgess.

"Ordered That the Town Clerk do furnish the Bailiffs with a Statement of the Proceedings under the Gurnos Charity.

"Ordered That the Records Charters and Deeds belonging to this Corporation as well as all Books in which the Resolutions or Orders of the Aldermen or Court of Common Council are entered be kept in the Cupboard in the Justice Room in the Guildhall That the present Bailiffs be requested Immediately to provide three Locks and keys for such Cupboard and that the Town Clerk or his Deputy on the Twenty Eighth day of September Instant deliver over to the Bailiffs for the time being such records Charters Deeds and Books for the purpose of being deposited in such Cupboard and that the keys thereof be kept by the Bailiffs for the time being and the Town Clerk."

Another gift of ten guineas to the Rev. Thomas Stacey for winter evening lectures.

"Ordered That the Thanks of the Bailiffs and Corporation be given to Sir Digby Mackworth Bar^t for the Handsome Picture of his late father now hung up in the Guildhall of the said Town and that the Bailiffs transmit a Copy of this Order to Sir D. Mackworth."

Twenty sovereigns subscribed to Cardiff Races.

"Ordered that the Bailiffs be requested to Present the Freedom of this Corporation to Sir Digby Mackworth Bar^t an Opportunity Occur."

Sept^r 29 Wednesday. Thomas Charles and John Bradley elected Bailiffs and sworn at the Castle by the Right Honourable James Patrick Crichton Stuart, Constable of the Castle; as also were the Serjeants at Mace; Common Attorneys; Water Bailiffs, Edward Thomas and Alexander Wilson; Ale Taster, Edward Phillpott; Keepers of the Cross; Clerks of the Shambles; and Toll Gatherers of the Cattle Markets and Fairs.

Sept^r 30. Three Constables sworn to each of the four Wards.
William Towgood was one of the Constables sworn to the High Street Ward, but a substitute was sworn in his place the same day.

1825 May 6 Friday. The Bill of Costs of M^r Nicholl Wood Town Clerk, amounting to £164. 1. 8, for legal work done on behalf of the Corporation, is to be paid "on the Town Clerk's delivering up to the Corporation all papers in his possession belonging to the said Corporation to be deposited in the Town Hall."

M^r French's offer for the erection of suitable Lodgings for the Judges having been submitted to this Meeting: Ordered That the same be accepted and that the Bailiffs be empowered to enter into an agreement with M^r French for a lease thereof for 42 years at £30; twenty pounds only to be paid in case the Sessions are removed from Cardiff once in the year, and the lease to be at an end in case the Sessions are entirely removed.

The Bailiffs are authorised to treat with Sir Digby Mackworth, bart., for the purchase of a house in Church Street adjoining the church, at a sum not exceeding £300, in order that part of the same may be taken down and a road opened into Trinity Street.

July 1 Friday. John Homfray, capital burgess, elected Alderman vice Thomas Morgan deceased. He was sworn at the Castle by the Constable on the 20^th.

Sept^r 20 Tuesday. Whitlock Nicholl, esq., is elected Assistant or Capital Burgess.

"Whereas a Petition of the Ship Owners and others concerned in the Navigation of the River Taff from the Sea Lock Gates to the said Rivers Mouth having been Presented to this Meeting for the want of Perches being planted and Mooring Buoys laid down in proper situations in the said River: Ordered That the Bailiffs for the time being do give directions to Erect the necessary Mooring Buoys required.

"It appearing to this Meeting that it is requisite to employ a Chief Constable for the purpose of preserving the peace &c; of the said Town: Ordered That the Bailiffs for the time being be requested to employ such person as they approve of and that he be allowed a Salary of Thirty Pounds per Annum.

"It being considered advantageous to the Interests of the Town that the Tolls hitherto collected by the Serjeants at Mace be discontinued: Ordered That from the 29^th day of September Instant no Tolls be Collected by or on behalf of the Serjeants at Mace and that in lieu of such Tolls the Serjeants be allowed a Salary of Seven Pounds and Ten Shillings per Annum each.

"Ordered that the Bailiffs be requested to ascertain what Tolls have heretofore been Collected for the Corporation that some regulations in this respect may be made for the guidance of the renter.

"It being expedient to promote the Interests of this Town by furthering the Subscription to the Racing fund: Resolved That next year the sum of Twenty Pounds be Allowed towards a Plate of Fifty Pounds to be called a Town Plate; Provided there be a Subscription of Thirty Pounds made by the Inhabitants of the said Town towards the said Plate. And also that a sum of Ten Guineas be allowed by the Corporation towards the said racing fund."

Resolved that the annual Dinner of the Corporation be held on the fifth day of November.

Ordered that the Town Clerk deliver up to M^r Richards, the Solicitor of the Marquess of Bute, the Counterpart of the Lease of the piece of Ground adjoining the Tan Yard, the same having been given in Exchange by the Corporation to the Marquis.

Ordered That One Hundred Pounds be allowed to the Treasurer of the Cardiff School Building Fund, for the purpose of erecting a School House for the Master and Mistress.

Ordered that Reversionary Leases for 999 years be granted to the Marquis of Bute and Capt. Ray of the several pieces of ground in Little Troy behind their respective premises, at the rent of One Pound per annum from each.

Ordered That the Corporation do subscribe two shares of fifty pounds each towards the building of a Theatre in this town.

Sept^r 29 Thursday. William Prichard and John Bird were elected Bailiffs and sworn at the Castle by the Constable; so also were the other officials, as mentioned under the former entry. But this year two Aletasters were sworn. Edward Thomas and Alexander Wilson were the Water Bailiffs.

Oct^r 13 Thursday. Three Constables sworn to each of the four Wards, before the Bailiffs.

"At the same time and place John Llewellyn of the said Town Yeoman was sworn into the office of Deputy Constable of the said Town in the Room of David Rees Constable of High Street Ward in the said Town before William Prichard Esquire Bailiff of the said Town."

Similarly Edward Charles, yeoman, was sworn Deputy Constable of the Town in the room of Morgan Fairclough, Constable of High Street Ward.

Thomas Rees, yeoman, was sworn Deputy Constable of the Town in the room of Joseph Brown, one of the Constables of the South Ward.

Robert Griffiths, yeoman, was sworn Deputy Constable of the Town in the room of James Petherick, one of the Constables of the South Ward.

Nov^r 10 Thursday. Thomas Stroud, gardener, was this day "sworn into the Office of Constable of the said Town," before the said Senior Bailiff.

Evan William, yeoman, was sworn a Deputy Constable of the Town in the room of the said Thomas Stroud, late one of the Constables of the East Ward.

Dec^r 7 Wedn. Ordered that the Marquess of Bute be requested to furnish the Corporation with a Copy of the Grant under which his Lordship claims the reserved Rent of £5. 13. 7½ from the Corporation.

Whitlock Nicholl, gentleman, was sworn Capital Burgess in the room of John Homfray, esquire, chosen Alderman, and took the Oaths of allegiance and supremacy, as such Capital Burgess.

8^th Thursday. David Evans, yeoman, sworn into the office of Deputy Constable of the said Town in the room of Thomas Rees, before the Senior Bailiff.

1826 Feby 15. Wedn. (The Agenda for the Council Meeting have lately been announced in the heading to each set of Minutes.)

Reciting the previously recorded Minutes relative to the Gurnos Charity, namely the Free School founded by M^rs Jane Herbert, and that since a Decree was obtained in 1813 no further proceedings appeared to have been taken, "and this Corporation having expended several Hundred Pounds in prosecuting the suits and a period of fifty three years having elapsed since the suits were first instituted: Ordered, That Messrs. William Prichard, Thomas Charles, Thomas Morgan, John Bradley and Edward Priest Richards be and they are hereby Authorized and Empowered to adopt such proceedings take such steps and employ such Solicitor" as they may think fit for establishing the Charity or enforcing the Decree; costs to be borne by the Corporation.

The Executors of the late M^r Wood are to be called upon to hand over all documents in their custody respecting such suits.

"An action having been commenced against M^r Thomas Watkins (the Lessee of the Tolls) by M^r Stanley for distraining for Toll due for a standing in the Market: Ordered, That the Bailiffs be requested to inquire into and ascertain the Custom respecting such Tolls" and to take such further action as they may deem fit. (fn. 3)

Sir Digby Mackworth to be paid £320 for the house in Church Street, the Bailiffs to let the same for 99 years, "reserving a sufficient Carriage Road into Trinity Street."

Ordered That M^r Richards be authorised to give M^r Cross, the Barrister, a general retainer on behalf of the Corporation.

Corporation tenants are to be sued for arrears of rent.

The Town Clerk, M^r Nicholl Wood, is to be paid £160. 13. 10 for his Bill of Costs, and no more; and if he sues the Corporation for a balance, the Bailiffs are to take such measures as they think fit on behalf of the Corporation.

Aug^t 7 Monday. Edward Bird and Whitlock Nicholl, capital burgesses, chosen Aldermen vice Rev. Powell Edwards and Edward Thomas, who are both lately deceased.

12^th His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester being expected this evening at the Castle: Resolved, That a dutiful and loyal Address be presented to him.

13^th Sunday, 2 p.m. The following Address was agreed upon:—
"To His Royal Highness William Frederick Duke of Gloucester &c; &c; &c;, The Humble Address of the Constable of the Castle, Bailiffs, Aldermen and Burgesses of Cardiff.

May it please your Royal Highness:

We the Constable of the Castle, Bailiffs, Aldermen and Burgesses of the Ancient and Loyal Borough of Cardiff respectfully embrace the permission given us to approach your Royal Highness to express the gratification we feel in the honour done us by the visit of your Royal Highness to this Town." [The Address contains formal expressions of loyalty to the Throne and respect for the Royal Family. It was signed by the Constable of the Castle and sealed with the Common Seal.]

Lord James Stuart, accompanied by the Bailiffs, six Aldermen and four Capital Burgesses, with M^r William Jenkins, Deputy Town Clerk, went to the Castle and were introduced to his Royal Highness, with whom were Major Forster and the Marquess of Bute.

Lord James Stuart having congratulated his Royal Highness on his arrival in this Town, the Address was read by the Deputy Town Clerk, and was most graciously received. His Royal Highness expressed his pleasure to be enrolled a Burgess of the Town.

18^th Friday. Edward Bird and Whitlock Nicholl were sworn Aldermen by the Constable at the Castle.

"William Prichard Esq^re was this day Sworn in as Senior Alderman of the said Town and as such Justice of the Peace within the said Town Before The Right Honourable James Patrick Crichton Stuart Constable of the Castle (and John Bird Esq^re one of the Bailiffs of the said Town) and the said William Prichard took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy on his qualification to the said Office of Sen^r Alderman and Justice of the Peace."

24^th Thursday. John Wick Bennett and Charles Crofts Williams, gentlemen, elected Capital Burgesses.

The Common Attorneys to be directed to pay a donation of £10 to the widow of the late Alderman John Hussey, she being considered a fit object for the charity of the Corporation.

Sept^r 29. Thomas Charles and John Bradley elected Bailiffs and sworn by the Constable at the Castle; as also were the Serjeants at Mace; Common Attorneys; Water Bailiffs, John Lucas and John Morgan; Clerks of the Market; and Keepers of the Cattle Markets and Fairs.

Oct^r 12 Thursday. Three Constables sworn to each of the four Wards. Among them were:—

26^th Thursday. For one Constable of each of the Wards, a Deputy Constable was sworn, the deputies being apparently men of a humbler station in life than the Ward Constables above appointed. This system is continued for some years hence.

1827 Sept^r 29 Saturday. John Bird and Whitlock Nicholl elected Bailiffs and sworn by the Constable at the Castle; as also were John Morgan, Water Bailiff; two Aletasters; and the other officials, as before.

Oct^r 11 Thursday. Twelve Ward Constables and six Deputy Constables appointed as before.

Nov^r 23 Friday. Rev. Edward Windsor Richards and William Bradley chosen Assistants or Capital Burgesses, vice Samuel Dimond and William Ray, deceased.

"Resolved That in future the Vegetable Market and all Standings for Merchandize and other Articles in all the Streets within this Town (Except High Street) be removed to S^t Mary Parish and that in future all Vegetable and other Merchandize shall be pitched in Saint Mary Parish on each side the Road leading from the Town Hall to the South Gate and at no other place. And that the place to be occupied for such purpose extend on the East side from the South end of the Corner House, and on the West side from the North end of the Griffin Public House; and that a thoroughfare of sixteen feet be preserved through High Street for the free passage of Travellers and others and that no Commodity whatever be allowed to be exposed to Sale on any of the Pavements within the said Town And that a fine of five Shillings for each Offence be Imposed upon every Person who shall act Contrary to the directions of this Resolution.

"Ordered that the thanks of this Meeting be given to M^r Alderman Richards for his handsome conduct in Securing, on behalf of this Corporation, the Lease of the Town Wall in the said Town extending from the Cocks Tower in the said Town to the East Gate of the said Town (Excepting a certain part adjoining premises belonging to M^r Frederick Wood.)"

In future 20 guineas, instead of 10, is to be subscribed to the Cardiff Dispensary.

Ordered that the Bailiffs, Aldermen, Capital Burgesses, Serjeants at Mace and Deputy Town Clerk dine together on the 26^th of December, and that £20 be allowed for the expense. William Nicholl, esquire, Steward, is to be invited to the dinner.

1828 Sept^r 29 Monday. Thomas Charles and John Bradley elected Bailiffs, and sworn by John Homfray, esquire, Deputy Constable, at the Castle; as also were the other officials. John Lucas was Water Bailiff; John Thomas and William Llewellyn, Ale Tasters.

Ward Constables and their Deputies sworn as before; i.e., three Constables to each Ward, and three Deputy Constables.

Oct^r 4 Friday. Special Meeting. "Ordered that the Bailiffs be requested to Build a Wall Eight feet in height extending from the Arch Way near the Church to a House belonging to M^r Lambert Williams."

Nov^r 7 Friday. John Wick Bennett elected Alderman, vice Thomas Morgan deceased.

John Langley, esquire, elected Assistant and Capital Burgess.

"Ordered that a Poundage of five pounds per cent, be allowed only on the actual receipts of Rent and such receipts not to include the Sums received by M^r Edward Thomas for Harbour Dues &c; or Balances from preceding Common Attorneys.

"Ordered that the Bailiffs be requested to let the ground extending from the Milk Maid's Bridge to the Steam Mill for Wharfs or Gardens either by Auction or private Contract for Forty two years if adviseable.

"There appearing to be a Balance of four hundred Pounds and upwards in the hands of the Common Attorneys: Ordered, That the Bailiffs be requested to purchase 400l. Stock in the four per Cents in the names of Thomas Charles and John Bradley Esquires for the use of the Corporation.

"Cardiff Town
to Wit

At a Court of Bailiffs and Aldermen of the said Town duly Summoned and held at the Council Chamber of the said Town on Thursday the fifteenth day of January 1829, for the purpose of Electing a Steward for the said Town in the Room of the late William Nicholl Esquire Deceased

"Whereas the Office of Seneschal or Steward of the said Town is now vacant by the decease of William Nicholl Esquire We the Undersigned Bailiffs and Aldermen in Pursuance of the Power Granted to us by the Charters of the said Town as [also] according to the Ancient Custom of the said Town Choose Elect and name Onesiphorus Tyndall Bruce Esquire Barrister at Law to be and Act in the Office of Seneschal or Steward of the said Town in the stead and place of the said William Nicholl To Hold during our Will and Pleasure."

Resolution of respect was passed to the memory of the late Steward, who had held the office for 36 years.

Same date. Common Council.
M^r Richards purchased, for £150, of Messrs. Savery & Co., a warehouse and garden near the Old Quay, and disposed of the premises to the Corporation for the same price, to be used as a Pig Market.
Ordered That the thanks of this Meeting be given to M^r Richards for the handsome manner in which he has accommodated the Corporation with the above premises.

March 5 Thursday. John Wick Bennett was sworn Alderman, at the Castle, by the Deputy Constable, M^r Homfray, and took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy.

27^th Friday. Onesiphorus Tyndall Bruce, esquire, was sworn in as Seneschal or Steward of the Town of Cardiff, before the Bailiffs, and took the above Oaths.

May 12 Tuesday. M^r Richard Williams surrendered his term of three years in M^r William Vachell's house in Saint Mary Street, and the same was purchased by the Corporation for the Judges' Lodgings, together with part of the furniture.

Alderman Edward Bird took a lease of a piece of ground near Little Troy, extending 40 feet in front and adjoining the Chapel to the South, for 99 years at £1; power reserved to the Corporation at any time to resume possession on paying £40 for such buildings as shall be erected thereon.

June 19 Friday. M^r Thomas Watkins is to live at the Judges' Lodgings and have charge of the premises at all times.

Sept^r 29 Tuesday. Thomas Minnitt, gentleman, chosen Assistant and Capital Burgess.

"John Langley, Esquire, this day took and subscribed the Declaration required to be taken on his Qualification to the Office of Deputy Constable of the Castle of Cardiff, under the 9^th George 4. c. 17."

John Bird and John Wick Bennett were elected Bailiffs, and sworn by the Deputy Constable at the Castle, with the other officers. James Lucas, Water Bailiff. Same Aletasters as last year. Thomas Watkins and William Bird senior were sworn into the offices of (1) Toll Gatherers and Clerks of the Markets, and (2) Clerks of the Shambles Markets, Toll Gatherers and Keepers of the Cattle Markets and Fairs.

Twelve Ward Constables and eight Deputy Ward Constables were sworn this year.

1830 July 20 Tuesday. Address of Condolence voted:—
"To the Kings Most Excellent Majesty.
The Humble Address of the Bailiffs Aldermen and Burgesses of the Town of Cardiff in the County of Glamorgan We Your Majestys dutiful and Loyal Subjects The Bailiffs Aldermen and Burgesses of the Town of Cardiff in Common Council Assembled beg leave to tender to your Majesty our deep feelings of regret and Sincere Condolence on the death of our late Most Gracious Sovereign King George the fourth We also most respectfully offer to your Majesty our hearty and Cordial Congratlations upon your Majestys Accession to the Throne of these realms And we pray that your Majesty may long Reign over us being well assured that Your Majesty will Continue to be Governed by the same Constitutional Principles which have heretofore ever distinguished The Royal and Illustrious House of Brunswick."

Ordered, that this Address be forwarded to Lord James Stuart, M.P., the Constable of the Castle, with a request that His Lordship will be pleased either to present the same or forward it to the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

That a Copy of the above Resolutions and of the address be inserted in the next Cambrian Newspaper.

The Common Attorneys are to pay £44. 6. 7, amount of the Bill of Costs of M^r Williams Jenkins, the Deputy Town Clerk.

"Ordered, That steps be taken to enforce the payment of the Several Tolls in the Market Erected by M^r William Vachell and in Case of refusal that an Opinion of Counsel be taken as to the most effectual Measures to be adopted for recovery of the Tolls and that the Bailiffs be authorized to proceed accordingly.

"Resolved, That the Common Attorneys Accounts be Settled Annually on the Twenty Eighth day of September and that they be handed over on the following day to the new Bailiffs.
J. Bird Bailiff.

Sept^r 29 Wednesday. Thomas Charles and John Bradley elected Bailiffs, and sworn at the Castle by the Constable, the Honourable Patrick James Herbert Crichton Stuart. Officers sworn as before.

Oct^r 6 Wedn. "Resolved, That for the future the sum of Ten Pounds only be Annually Subscribed to the Races and that the Bailiffs be requested to communicate this Resolution to the Clerk of the Course.

"Resolved, That in future no Money be Paid by the Corporation to the Cardiff Bell Ringers for ringing on the fifth day of November."

Town Clerk to proceed against Thomas Edwards for arrears of rent of the Spittle.

The Storehouse and House at the Blunch Gate, the premises lately held by M^r Homfray, and the premises purchased of M^r Richards, are to be let by auction.

The Bailiffs to purchase £250 of 3½ per cent. Stock, out of the balance now in hand.

The Bailiffs are to apply to M^r William Vachell for payment of a reasonable weekly sum for toll on goods sold in his new market house.

The Bailiffs are to let the Tolls &c. under the Market House; and the Corn Tolls.

7^th Thurs. Two Constables each were elected to the East and South Wards, and three each to the High Street and West Wards; and four Deputy Ward Constables. Charles M^c Carthey was one of the Constables of the High Street Ward, and David Evans was a Deputy Constable.

1831 Aug^t 4 Thursday. "Ordered, That the Sum of Ten Pounds and Ten Shillings be paid to the Rev^d Daniel Jones, Curate of Cardiff Church, for the Evening Lectures preached in Cardiff Church during last Winter."

The Bailiffs having informed the Water Bailiff, M^r Edward Thomas, of their intention to reduce the rate of poundage hitherto allowed him for collecting the harbour dues, M^r Thomas wrote them, pointing out that he had served the Corporation over 25 years; that, previous to 1805, the Corporation received no more than £20 from his predecessor, Charles Jones, "the payment of these dues being then much disputed & frequently evaded, "and that he himself has been "instrumental in bringing it into the present train of willing payments." He therefore begs the Bailiffs not to take off more than 7½ per cent from his present allowance.

Ordered, that M^r Thomas's proposal be acceded to.

"Messrs. Prichard & Bradley having Committed Ellen Barnett an Unmarried Woman and with Child to Gaol for Contempt in not answering questions put to her touching her Settlement and it appearing that on her delivery in Gaol she was not discharged and doubts being entertained whether they were justified in detaining her in Prison," they took Counsel's Opinion and paid Ten Pounds to her Solicitor. Ordered, that the Bailiffs be reimbursed the ten pounds and M^r Richards' charge for obtaining M^r Talfourd's Opinion.

Ordered, that the Bailiffs for the time being be authorised to concur in any arrangement with the proprietors of the Cardiff Theatre, for the disposal of the Corporation shares in the said theatre.

Sept^r 29 Thursday. John Bird and Whitlock Nicholl were elected Bailiffs, and sworn in the Castle before the Deputy Constable; as also were the Water Bailiff, John Lucas, and the other officers. William Jenkins (Deputy Town Clerk) was for the second time sworn one of the Common Attorneys. The Aletasters were the same as for the two preceding years. Thomas Watkins was one of the Toll Gatherers, he having held that office several years in succession. William Bird was usually appointed with him.

Constables sworn as before. Among them is Solomon Marks.

Oct^r 28 Friday. The Bailiffs reported a balance of £300 in the hands of the Common Attorneys.

An application having been made by five Debtors confined in the Town Prison for an enlargement of the prison, and the same having been taken into consideration: Ordered, that the Bailiffs be empowered to make such enlargement as they deem necessary, at the most reasonable expence the same may be done.

Ordered, that the Bailiffs be requested to make enquiry into the Tolls of this Town and make their report thereon to an adjournment of this Meeting.

Ordered, that the sum of twenty pounds be allowed David Evans for extra services as Keeper of the Town Prison and the loss by him of rent due from M^rs Manning, late tenant of the Corporation.

Messrs. Noble resign their tenancy of the tolls at the Steam Mill in this Town.

Ordered, that Evan Evans be appointed to collect the Tolls belonging to the Corporation, for the term of three months. He is to be paid 10s. per week and £15 per cent., and is expected to act as an Assistant Constable.

Ordered, that David Evans, constable, be appointed Hallkeeper of this Town (instead of Sarah Llewellyn).

1832 April 19 Thursday. Ordered, that the Town Seal be affixed to a Lease to the Marquess of Bute of a piece of land, part of little Troy, for 999 years at £1 per annum, pursuant to an Order made 20 September 1825.

July 23 Monday. The County Gaol is to be purchased of the County Magistrates, and (except the Governor's House and part of the Debtors' Yard behind the same) is to be converted into Markets.

1833 March 25 Monday. "M^r Vivian, M.P. for Swansea, having given Notice of his intention to apply for leave to bring into Parliament a Bill for removing the Summer Assizes from Cardiff to Swansea, and a Petition against such Bill having been prepared and signed by the Principal Inhabitants of this Town and Neighbourhood and forwarded to M^r Nicholl, M.P. for Cardiff, for presentation to the House of Commons: Ordered, That the Bailiffs be empowered at the expence of the Corporation to adopt such measures as to them may seem most expedient to oppose such Bill."

The Old Gaol and premises having been offered to Sale by Auction, and no bidder having appeared, the Corporation agreed to purchase the same for £2000.

It was resolved that the Old Bake House premises, near the Gaol, should also be purchased.

Sept^r 29 Saturday.
"Thomas Charles and John Homfray Esquires were Nominated Elected and Chosen According to the usual Custom Bailiffs of the said Town of Cardiff and Sworn in the Castle of Cardiff into the said Office Before Jonathan Howells Deputy Constable of the said Castle of Cardiff." The like of the following officers:
Serjeants at Mace, John Lloyd and James Jacob.
Common Attorneys, William Jenkins and William Bird the elder.
Water Bailiff, John Lucas.
Ale Tasters, William Llewellyn and John Thomas.

Toll Gatherers and Clerks of the Market, Thomas Watkins and Thomas Stephen Todd.

Clerks of the Shambles Markets, Toll Gatherers and Keepers of the Cattle Markets and Fairs, Thomas Watkins and Thomas Stephen Todd. (Only Thomas Watkins was actually sworn in both these cases.)

Three Constables sworn to each of the four Wards, with three Deputy Ward Constables; and two Assistant Constables for the Town, viz., Evan Evans and Daniel M^cDonald.

July 22 Monday. At a Court of Bailiffs Aldermen and Capital Burgesses of the said Town held in the Council Chamber of the said Town duly summoned and assembled.

The Corporation will purchase of M^r Homfray the land and stable near the New Market House, for £545; M^r Homfray undertaking not to let any of his ground opposite the north side of the Market, nor to build any houses thereon for the sale of butchers' meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, butter, cheese or any other articles usually sold in Markets.

The present Town Gaol being wholly unfit for the purposes of the Town and for the reception of Debtors and other prisoners: Ordered, That the Gaol formerly used as the County Gaol be from henceforth considered and used as the Town Gaol, and that the Bailiffs be requested to take immediate steps for the removal of the present Town Gaol and the Prisoners in his custody accordingly.

Thomas Charles, Bailiff

Footnotes