And if the company of watermen neglect setting up the said bells, and appointing proper persons to ring them, they shall forfeit 50_l._ as shall such persons appointed to ring the said bells, forfeit 40_l._ for every neglect.
WATERMEN’S HALL near London Bridge, a handsome brick building situated with its front towards the Thames.
WATER _street_, 1. Arundel street: 2. Black Friars: 3. Bridewell Precinct.
WATFORD, a market town in Hertfordshire on the east side of Cashiobury, and seventeen miles from London, is situated upon the Colne, where it has two streams that run separately to Rickmansworth. The town is very long but consists of only one street, which is extremely dirty in winter, and the waters of the river at the entrance of the town, were frequently so much swelled by floods as to be impassable: But in the year 1750, the road at the entrance of Watford was raised by a voluntary contribution; by which means the river is now confined within its proper bounds. In the church are several handsome monuments; there are also a free-school and several almshouses belong to the town.
WATLING _street_, St. Paul’s church-yard; thus called from the Roman road of the same name, which ran through this street. _Maitland._
WATSON’S ALMSHOUSE, in Old street, near Shoreditch, was erected chiefly at the expence of Mr. William Watson, citizen and weaver, for the widows of twelve weavers, who annually receive 20_s._ and twenty-four bushels of coals, with a gown every second year. _Maitland._
WAX CHANDLERS, a company incorporated by letters patent granted by King Richard III. in the year 1483. This corporation is governed by a master, two wardens, and twenty assistants; with 113 liverymen, who upon their admission pay a fine of 5_l._ They have a handsome hall in Maiden lane, Wood street.
WEATHERBY’S _rents_, Whitecross street Cripplegate.†
WEAVER _alley_, near Spicer’s street, Spitalfields.
WEAVERS, this company, which was anciently denominated _Thenarii_, appears to have been the most ancient guild of this city, for in the reign of Henry I. they paid 16_l._ a year to the crown for their immunities. Their privileges were afterwards confirmed at Winchester by letters patent granted by Henry II. which are still in the company’s possession; but are without a date; and in these letters, the annual sum payable to the crown is fixed at two marks of gold, to be paid yearly at Michaelmas, on the penalty of 10_l._