Paupers having been created by restraints preventing them seeking employ
where work was to be had, of course became troublesome. Hence the
serjeant-at-mace orders the constables at Madeley upon oath to report
what felonies have been committed, and what vagrants and sturdy beggars
have passed through.
The same constables were to ascertain how many persons of the age of
sixteen absented themselves from church, and for how many Sabbaths. Also
who destroyed hawks, hares, pheasants, &c.; and who bought by greater and
sold by lesser weights.