several Oath for the due Execution of the said Office last mentioned
Nevertheless the said William Vickery< no role > the Defendt. little regarding his
Duty in this behalf but intending and endeavouring totally to neglect and
omit the due Execution of his said office last mentionedto witcontinually
after his said Election to the said office last last mentd. to wit on the said
Monday next after the Feast of the Epiphany and continually afterward
hither to until the Day of the taking of this Inquisition (altho' often
requested) at the Parish and Ward last aforesd. voluntarily obstinately &
contemptuously hath altogether refused & denied and doth yet refuse &
deny to take his said Oath for the due Execution of his Office last mentioned
or in any manner to execute his said Office contrary to his said Duty
In manifest Contempt of our said Lord the King and his Laws To the
great Hindrance of Justice To the bad Example of all others in the like
Case offending and against the Peace Etc.

Plea

Prosecutor 's Case

21st. December 1784

This being Saint Thomas's Day on which according to ancient
custom and Usage the Common Councilmen Inquestmen Constables and other
Ward Officers are annually elected by the several Wards of this City Mr. Wm.
Vickery< no role > being an Inhabitant and resiant within the Parish of St. Martin
Outwick in the Ward of Bishopsgate was chosen a Constable of the said
Ward for the Year ensuing and on the same day a regular & usual due Notice
was given him of such Elbition by the Beadle of the Ward and from him to
attend tat the Guildhall on Monday the 7th. Day of Janry following
being Plow Monday and the usual & Customary Day for swearing in the
Constables Inquestmen Etc of this City in order to be Sworn into that
office.

When this Notice was given to Mr. Vickry his Answer [..]
[..] was that he should refuse serving that Office apprehending
himself not eligible thereunto or compellable to serve it for the followg