Beadles & the 17th Century

Isacc Watts - 1674 to 1748.

At the end of 1675, Isaac Watts, father of the hymnologist, refused to renounce the covenant and take the oaths on being appointed a beadle, and having refused office was fined £3.

On being chosen again beadle for the ward of St Michaels and St John, he was freed from office for 7 years for a fine of 40 shillings, and in 1703 when chosen for the office of constable, was excused on payment of 5 guineas.