To the Right Worsppll. His Maties Justices of the peace of the County
of Middlx at their General Quarter Sessions Assembled

The Humble Petition of the Church warden and Overseers of the Poor of
the Hamlett of Ratcliffe in the Said County in behalfe of themselves and the rest of
the Inhabitants of the said Hamlett.

Humbly Sheweth

That the Several Sumes of many hereon after particularly Specifies are charges upon the
Inhabitants of the said Hamlett for this present Year 1726 (Vizt) on She rate for
maimed Soldiers and Marriners 5s,,6d King Bench and Hospital 4s 4d, for passing Rogues
and Uagabounds £8,,13s,,1d in the whole Nine pounds two Shillings and Eleven pence

That by the Late Dreadfull Fire which happened within the said Hamlett
in the month of May last past Sixty Old houses many of them of considerable Value
being Front houses were burnt downe and consumed which houses had they been now
Standing would have been chargeable with the said Rates but being destroyed as aforesaid
the said houses are not only last but many of the Inhabitants are become Chargeable by
which the said Rates will fall heavy upon the rest of the Indictments unless received by
this Honbll. Court

Yor. Peticoners further Show that the Land Tax for this present
Year well also be very Curthourans [..] them by means of [..] Reasesunnent to make
good the Defecionces which the loss of so many houses has occasioned the amount of
which is one third part of the whole

In Tender Consideracon where of and also for that
trade within savd Hamlett is much decreased by reason of the said Dread full
Calamity, yor. Petitioners pray this Honbl. Court would be Pleased to Reduce the said
Rates so charged upon them for this prsent year as this Court Shall seem meet

And yor.E [..] Petr Shall Ever Pray Etc

Sam Benham< no role > Church warden

Frans Barnfield< no role > Constbles

Rovt Stagg< no role >
William Toy< no role > }
Over seers for
the poor