Victuallers' Recognizances

The earlier recognizances are often separate, but normally a form of general recognizance listing the victuallers and their sureties is adopted.

<p>A separate series of Victuallers' recognizances listed in early Index Books, 1775 - 1827, are noted to have been destroyed. Three membranes, however, have been recovered for 1781, which were used as wrappers for the West Sussex Treasurer's statements of accounts (QAF/2/2/13-15). Earlier recognizances will be found filed on the Sessions Rolls up to at least 1727; and one dated 17 Mar 1612 (- 13) has been used as a cover for the Libri Cleri, Vol 3 1st book (1626 - 36) of the Archdeaconry of Lewes (II/10 in Diocesan Record Office, Chichester).</p>

Under 5 and 6 Edward VI, c25 (1552) alehouse keepers and victuallers were to be licensed by 2 justices or at Quarter Sessions, and bound by recognizance from time to time (soon yearly) to keep good order and rule. The recognizances were to be 'certified' to the next Quarter Sessions. 2 George II, c28 (1729) established the yearly petty divisional licensing sessions to be held within the first 20 days of September; and the main licensing provisions were consolidated and enlarged by 26 George II, c31 (1753). Under the latter act the Clerk of the Peace was required to keep registers of alehouses but none are extant for this county. The powers of justices were severely limited by 9 George IV, c61 (1828) and 11 George IV and 1 William IV, c64 (1830) (note there, list of acts repealed), and the latter provided an alternative form of licensing by excise authorities. Other provisions relating to the killing, dressing and selling of meat in Lent and on fish days derive from 2 and 3 Edward VI, c19 (1548) and 1 Jas I, c29 (1604).