Document two
A fraudulent attempt to claim poor relief in Dartford 1733Some local people tried to obtain Poor Relief by false pretences, as evidenced by the following report from Rev. C. Chambres, vicar of Dartford:
"October 1st 1733. I was called upon to visit the widow Brown being extraordinary ill and between 3 and 4 this afternoon I visited her, and surprised her and her Daughter at Dinner upon Eels and I understand about noon, she and her son James and her daughter, and the Widow Preston were at dinner upon hot mutton.
When I came she attempted to throw herself in her Cloths upon the bed, but I got in before she could be covered. She spoke very heartily to me and did not seem near so ill as I expected. Her daughter desired me to take her into the workhouse for she had nothing to support her, nor any friends able to do it for her. I told her it was not in the power of any visiting Governor to take her into the Work House of his own accord, but to take care of her when she was regularly brought there.
I understand she had sold her bed and goods, but to whom and for what money it is proper for the Parish Officers to inquire. I believe it is a mock sale to prevent the Parish having them towards her support, if any fraud can be discovered the Parish will have them nevertheless and she has goods worth having, especially her bed. I hear she has sold her new stocks of coals so it is resolved to come here soon, but I think her Daughter should first complain to a Justice of her Poverty, and thereupon have an Order to the Overseers to take care of her and the Overseers at the same time complain of her fraudulent taking away of her goods, and have an Order to restore them paying the money she received for them before the Visiting Governors can take her in..."