LONDON CLERGY AND THE FIRE ACT

Minute book of the City of London clergy with livings regulated by the Fire Act. 30 October 1813-19 March 1819. After the Fire of London in 1666, when 85 churches were damaged or destroyed, the stipends of the ministers of the 51 churches to be restored were fixed by Act of Parliament. In 1804 the clergy regulated by the Fire Act achieved an increase in their stipends through 'An Act for the relief of certain incumbents of livings in the city of London' (44 George III c.89). In 1813 the clergy considered that, notwithstanding this increase, their stipends were by no means sufficient for their support. They resolved to petition Parliament for a further increase. The minutes open with a meeting at Sion College, called by William Goode (1762-1816), President of Sion College 1813-14. This appointed a Committee to pursue the issue, comprising for the most part the officers and past Presidents of Sion College. The minute book includes minutes of the Committee, chaired by John Moore (1742-1821), Rector of St. Michael's Bassishaw, copies of the petition, correspondence and other related papers. The petition was considered by a Parliamentary committee, and debated in the House of Commons on 24 March 1819, when leave was given to bring in a Bill. (London Clergy Bill, Hansard, 24 March 1819).

For earlier minutes and papers, 1799-1803, see Moore 5, ff. 135-148.

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