of their court for trial of civil actions between party and party,
which is held usually on Wednesday every week. They have also a
court-leet, held annually on St. Thomas's Day, for the choice of
officers, and removal of nuisances. The deputy-steward supplies the
place of sheriff of Westminster, except in the return of members of
Parliament, which is done by the high bailiff, an officer nominated
by the dean and chapter, and confirmed by the high steward. The
high-bailiff also is entitled to all fines, forfeitures, waifs and
strays in Westminster, which makes it a very profitable post.

The high constable, chosen by the burgesses at their court-leet, and
approved by the steward or his deputy, is an officer of some
consideration in this city also, to whom all the rest of the
constables are subject.

The burgesses are sixteen in number, seven for the city and nine for
the liberties of Westminster, appointed by the high steward or his
deputy, every one of whom has his assistant, and has particular
wards or districts: out of these burgesses are chosen two chief
burgesses, one for the city, the other for the liberties. The dean,
high steward, or his deputy, the bailiffs and burgesses, or a quorum
of them, are empowered to make bye-laws, and take cognisance of
small offences, within the city and liberties of Westminster. But I
look upon it that the justices of peace for Westminster have in a
great measure superseded the authority of the burgesses (except as
to weights, measures, and nuisances), by virtue of whose warrants
all petty offenders almost are apprehended and sent to Tothill
Fields Bridewell; and for higher offences, the same justices commit
criminals to Newgate, or the Gatehouse, who receive their trials
before commissioners of oyer and terminer at the Old Bailey, as