From an order given to the constables of the parish of Madeley in 1690,
we get an insight of the laws of Settlement which imposed such
restrictions upon our ancestors, compelling a labourer to remain in the
place where he was born to the end of his days, and preventing him
bettering his condition. The order was that whereas Thomas Richardson
had endeavoured to make a settlement in Madeley contrary to the law, &c.,
that they, the constables, bring his body to the serjeant’s house, Much
Wenlock, to answer all matters brought against him by the overseers of
the poor of the parish of Madeley. The constables were also to bring
John York, smith, before some justice of the peace to give sureties for
his own and his wife’s good behaviour.