List of acts of the Parliament of Great Britain, 1715–1719 facts for kids

This page lists important laws made by the Parliament of Great Britain between 1715 and 1719. These laws helped shape the country during a time of change.

Before 1707, England and Scotland had their own Parliaments and made their own laws. After 1707, the two countries joined to form Great Britain, and a single Parliament made laws for both.

Each law has a special number called a "chapter number." This number, along with the year of the king's rule when the law was passed, helps people find and refer to specific laws. For example, a law might be called "1 Geo. 1. St. 2 c. 5," meaning it was the 5th law passed during the second session of the first year of King George I's reign.

Back then, laws didn't always have short, easy-to-remember names. Sometimes, later laws gave them shorter titles. Also, before 1793, a new law was considered to have started on the very first day of the Parliament session it was passed in, even if it was actually approved much later in the year.

1714 (1 Geo. 1. St. 2)

This section covers laws passed during the first meeting of the 5th Parliament of Great Britain, which took place from March 17, 1715, to June 26, 1716.

Public Acts

These were laws that affected everyone.

• Land Tax Act 1714 (c. 1): A law about collecting taxes on land to help the King.
• Malt Duties, etc. Act 1714 (c. 2): This law continued taxes on malt (used for beer), cider, and perry. It also helped replace lost government money tickets.
• Mutiny Act 1714 (c. 3): A law for managing the army and making sure soldiers were paid and housed properly.
• Naturalization Act 1714 (c. 4): This law helped explain rules about who could become a British citizen.
• Riot Act 1714 (c. 5): A very famous law designed to stop large, unruly crowds and punish people involved in riots more quickly.
• Tithes and Church Rates Recovery Act 1714 (c. 6): This law made a previous act permanent. It allowed the solemn promise of Quakers (a religious group) to be accepted instead of an oath, and helped with collecting church payments from them.
• Imprisonment of Certain Traitors Act 1714 (c. 7): A law that continued to hold certain people in prison who were suspected of plotting against King William III.
• Habeas Corpus Suspension, etc. Act 1714 (c. 8): This law gave the King power to hold people he suspected of plotting against the government, temporarily stopping a law that usually protects people from being held without charge.
• Mutiny (No. 2) Act 1714 (c. 9): This law made the first Mutiny Act stronger to better prevent soldiers from rebelling or running away.
• Queen Anne's Bounty Act 1714 (c. 10): A law to help increase the income for poorer clergy members.
• Highways Act 1714 (c. 11): This law tried to stop wagons and carts from using more than five horses in a line, likely to protect roads.
• National Debt (No. 2) Act 1714 (c. 12): A law to increase the Bank of England's money and set up funds to help pay off the country's debts. It also dealt with payments for the Blenheim Palace building project.
• Security of the Sovereign Act 1714 (c. 13): This law aimed to further protect the King and the Protestant line of succession to the Crown, trying to stop any hopes of the "pretended Prince of Wales" (James Francis Edward Stuart) from taking the throne.
• Militia Act 1714 (c. 14): A law to make the local defense forces in England more effective and to keep track of money collected for them.
• Woollen Manufacture Act 1714 (c. 15): This law aimed to improve and encourage the wool industry, especially for broadcloth, and ensure workers were paid fairly. It also dealt with measuring woollen cloth made in Yorkshire.
• Attainder of Viscount Bolingbroke Act 1714 (c. 16): A law that declared Henry, Viscount Bolingbroke, guilty of high treason unless he surrendered by a certain date.
• Attainder of Duke of Ormonde Act 1714 (c. 17): Similar to the above, this law declared James, Duke of Ormonde, guilty of high treason unless he surrendered.
• Fish Act 1714 (c. 18): A law to stop foreign ships from bringing fresh fish into Britain, protect young fish, and allow lobsters and turbots to be imported on foreign ships. It also aimed to protect salmon in English rivers.
• National Debt (No. 3) Act 1714 (c. 19): This law raised money for public services by selling annuities (yearly payments) and allowed for a discussion about private rights related to sugar-houses in Scotland.
• Treason in Scotland Act 1714 (c. 20): A law to encourage loyalty to King George in Scotland and to discourage rebellious actions. It also aimed to stop dishonest land deals that might prevent the government from taking property from rebels and allowed for disarming people suspected of disloyalty.
• National Debt (No. 4) Act 1714 (c. 21): This law increased the South Sea Company's funds and used that money to help pay off public debts. It also raised more money by selling annuities and set aside funds for various government needs.
• Provision for Princess of Wales Act 1714 (c. 22): A law to set up an income for the Princess of Wales if she outlived the Prince of Wales.
• Building of Churches, London and Westminster Act 1714 (c. 23): This law made plans for providing income for the ministers of the 50 new churches being built in London and Westminster, and for rebuilding St. Mary Woolnoth Church.
• Debts Due to the Army Act 1714 (c. 24): A law to appoint people to check and confirm the money owed to the army.
• Navy, etc. Act 1714 (c. 25): This law aimed to prevent problems caused by sailors and protect naval supplies. It also clarified a law about preventing theft of war supplies and helped stop fraud in paying sailors' wages. It also continued a law to stop piracy.
• Continuance of Laws, etc. Act 1714 (c. 26): This law kept in effect several existing laws related to coal, hemp, flax, Irish and Scottish linen, and the rules for making bread. It also allowed for postponing court sessions in Anglesey.
• Equivalent Act 1714 (c. 27): A law to figure out and settle the money owed to Scotland as part of the union agreement, and to help public creditors in Scotland.
• Yule Vacance Act 1714 (c. 28): This law cancelled a previous act that had ended the "Yule vacance" (Christmas holiday) for courts in Scotland.
• Foreign Protestants Naturalization Act 1714 (c. 29): A law that gave more time for 213 Protestant families from Palatine, who had settled in Ireland, to take oaths and gain the benefits of a previous naturalization act.

Private Acts

These laws usually affected specific people, families, or local areas.

• Enabling the Barons of the Court of Exchequer in Ireland to grant a commission to persons in England to administer to Henry Temple and Luke King, the oaths of their office of Remembrancer of the Court of Exchequer in Ireland. (c. 1)
• Enabling the Barons of the Court of Exchequer in Ireland to grant a commission to some of the Barons of the Court of Exchequer in England to administer to Thomas Hopkins the usual oaths for the due execution of the office of Searcher, Packer and Gauger in the Port of Dublin. (c. 2)
• Robert, Marquis of Lindsey, Great Chamberlain of England: settling his precedency when made a Duke of Great Britain. (c. 3)
• John Digby: appointing persons to take care of his person and estate. (c. 4)
• Vesting in All Souls' College houses and ground belonging to St. Mary's parish, Oxford. (c. 5)
• Enabling the Barons of the Court of Exchequer in Ireland to grant a commission to persons in Great Britain to administer to Henry Temple the oaths of office of Chief Remembrancer of the Court of Exchequer in Ireland. (c. 6)
• William Betts' Estate Act 1715 (c. 7): A law to sell part of William Betts's estate to pay off debts and confirm a previous settlement of his other property.
• Thomas Trenchard's Estate Act 1715 (c. 8): This law allowed trustees to rent out parts of the land left by Thomas Trenchard.
• Relief of William Paterson. (c. 9): A law to give William Paterson money from the "Equivalent-money" (funds related to the union with Scotland).
• Naturalization of Florian Goebell. (c. 10): This law made Florian Goebell a British citizen.
• Naturalizing of Herman Meyer. (c. 11): This law made Herman Meiier a British citizen.
• Hertford and Middlesex Highways Act 1715 (c. 12): A law for repairing roads through several parishes in Hertfordshire and Middlesex.
• Sale of reversion of manor of Darrington by George, Earl of Cardigan to Theophilus Shelton. (c. 13)
• Nicholas Fry's Estate Act 1715 (c. 14): A law to sell part of Nicholas Fry's estate to pay his debts.
• Enabling Henry, Earl of Rochester and William, Viscount Mountjoy to take the oaths of office for their offices in Ireland and to qualify themselves for the enjoyment of those offices in England. (c. 15)
• Thomas Panton's Estate Act 1715 (c. 16): This law clarified a previous act about selling part of Thomas Panton's estate to pay debts and secure a jointure (income for his wife).
• William Courtenay's Estate Act 1715 (c. 17): A law to sell certain lands belonging to Sir William Courtenay and use the money to buy other lands in Devon, near his family home, to be kept for the same family uses.
• Richard and Humphrey Wynche's Estate Act 1715 (c. 18): This law allowed Sir Richard Wynche and his son Humphry to set up a jointure (income) for any woman Humphry might marry.
• George Heneage's Estate Act 1715 (c. 19): A law to allow George Heneage to sell a rectory (church property) and some lands in Lincolnshire, and instead settle other lands of greater value for the same purposes.
• Richard Lee's Estate Act 1715 (c. 20): This law allowed Richard Lee, who was still a minor (under 21), to rent out parts of his estate with the agreement of his trustees.
• St George's Church Liverpool Act 1715 (c. 21): A law for building and funding a church on the site of Liverpool Castle and clarifying a previous act about building another church there.
• John Tanner's Estate Act 1715 (c. 22): A law to sell John Tanner's estate to pay his debts.
• John Bromfield's Estate Act 1715 (c. 23): This law confirmed a sale of part of John Bromfield's estate and allowed other parts to be sold to pay his debts. It also aimed to settle the remaining property as intended by his marriage agreement and provide for him, his wife, and children.
• Kennet Navigation Act 1715 (c. 24): A law to make the River Kennet navigable (suitable for boats) from Reading to Newbury.
• Repair of Highways between Tyburn and Uxbridge Act 1715 (c. 25): A law for repairing roads between Tyburn and Uxbridge in Middlesex.
• Enabling Richard Viscount Rosse to settle a jointure on his wife Mary and make a settlement for his issue male, with provision for younger children, despite his minority, and other provisions. (c. 26)
• Relief of Anne Milner, Thomas Colmore, William Hunt, William Parrott and others as to customs of goods destroyed in the fire at Thames Street, London. (c. 27)
• Sir Hungerford Hoskins' Estate Act 1715 (c. 28): A law to allow Sir Hungerford Hoskins to raise money to pay his brothers' and sisters' portions and to set up a jointure for a wife.
• Robert Cope's Estate Act 1715 (c. 29): This law allowed Robert Cope to provide an additional income for his wife Elizabeth from his estate, and to raise money for his daughters and younger children. It also allowed future owners of the estate to do the same.
• Sale of part of the manor of Low Laiton (Essex) and laying out the proceeds in the purchase of lands in Lincolnshire to be settled to the same uses. (c. 30)
• Naturalization of Frederica Countess of Holderness, Peter Gravier, Theodore Bouchier and Francis Masson. (c. 31)
• Naturalization of Robert de Ultegar, George Christian Luders and Others Act 1715 (c. 32)
• Naturalization of Henry Cornelison Act 1715 (c. 33)
• Vesting Duke of Atholl in James Murray Act 1715 (c. 34): A law to transfer the title and estate of John, Duke of Atholl, to James Murray (Lord James Murray) after the Duke's death.
• Naturalization of Frederick Guliker Act 1715 (c. 35)
• Naturalization of Gerard Roeters Act 1715 (c. 36)
• Middlesex and Hertfordshire Roads Act 1715 (c. 37): A law to continue and improve a previous act for repairing roads from Shoreditch to Enfield.
• Enabling the Prince of Wales to qualify himself in Great Britain for the legal enjoyment of the office of Chancellor of the University of Dublin. (c. 38)
• Enabling Charles Earl of Sunderland and Henry Earl of Rochester to take in Great Britain the oath of office of Vice Treasurer, Receiver General and Paymaster General of His Majesty's revenues in Ireland and to qualify themselves for the enjoyment of the office. (c. 39)
• Enabling Richard Earl of Burlington and Cork to take in England the oath of office of High Treasurer of Ireland and to qualify himself in England for the legal enjoyment of the office. (c. 40)
• Vesting in new trustees manors, messuages, lands and hereditaments late of Charles Earl of Dorset and Middlesex of which James Duke of Ormond was seised as surviving trustee at the time of his attainder. (c. 41)
• Stockton Parish (Amendment) Act 1715 (c. 42): This law clarified and made more effective a previous act that made the Chapelry of Stockton a separate parish.
• Naturalization of Casper White Act 1715 (c. 43)
• Earl of Macclesfield Restitution Act 1715 (c. 44): A law to more effectively reverse and cancel the declaration of guilt against Charles, Earl of Macclesfield, who had passed away.
• Discharging Sir Alexander Rigby from his imprisonment and vesting his estate and effects in trustees for the benefit of his creditors. (c. 45)
• Peter Sunderland's Estate Act 1715 (c. 46): A law to sell certain lands belonging to Peter Sunderland to pay debts that were on the property before his marriage settlement.
• Thomas Proctor's Estate Act 1715 (c. 47): This law allowed Thomas Proctor to raise money from his estate to pay his debts and provide for his younger children.
• Naturalization of Erengard Melosine Baroness of Schulenburgh Act 1715 (c. 48)

1716 (3 Geo. 1)

This section covers laws passed during the second meeting of the 5th Parliament of Great Britain, which took place from February 20, 1717, to July 15, 1717.

Public Acts

• Commerce with Sweden Act 1716 (c. 1): A law to allow the King to stop or limit trade with Sweden.
• Mutiny Act 1716 (c. 2): A law for punishing soldiers who rebel or run away, and for ensuring the army is paid and housed.
• Land Tax Act 1716 (c. 3): A law for collecting taxes on land in Great Britain for the year 1717.
• Taxation Act 1716 (c. 4): This law continued taxes on malt, cider, and perry. It also allowed for payments to certain tax collectors, clarified rules for goods from the Channel Islands, set duties on sheep and lamb skins, and aimed to prevent fraud in starch duties. It also dealt with lost government money tickets and fraud related to printed paper and fabrics.
• Edinburgh Beer Duties Act 1716 (c. 5): A law to continue a tax on ale and beer sold in Edinburgh to benefit the city, and to stop collecting certain local customs fees during this time.
• Dumfries Beer Duties Act 1716 (c. 6): A law to put a tax on ale and beer sold in Dumfries to pay the town's debts, build a church, and create a harbor.
• National Debt Act 1716 (c. 7): This law aimed to reduce the country's debts by changing the South Sea Company's yearly payments and raising up to two million pounds for debt reduction.
• Bank of England Act 1716 (c. 8): A law to change how the Bank of England's funds were managed and to require the Bank to lend more money (up to 2.5 million pounds) to help reduce national debts. It also continued funding for the King's government expenses.
• National Debt (No. 2) Act 1716 (c. 9): This law aimed to pay off debts from previous lottery acts and hereditary excise duties. It also set up a general yearly fund for annuities (yearly payments) that could be bought and sold at the Bank of England, and helped pay off other debts. It also removed duties on imported flaxseed and exported British linen.
• Queen Anne's Bounty Act 1716 (c. 10): A law to improve the collection of the "tenths" revenue from the clergy.
• Game Act 1716 (c. 11): A law to clarify and improve existing laws for protecting game animals.
• Bankruptcy Act 1716 (c. 12): This law allowed commissioners to issue certificates for bankrupts and for judges to confirm them, even though previous related acts had expired. It also continued a rule for settling accounts between bankrupts and those who owed them money.
• Pilotage Act 1716 (c. 13): A law for better regulating pilots who guide ships from Dover, Deal, and the Isle of Thanet up the Rivers Thames and Medway.
• Equivalent Act 1716 (c. 14): This law continued a previous act about figuring out and settling the money owed to Scotland as part of the union agreement.
• Estreats Act 1716 (c. 15): A law for better managing the office of sheriffs and setting their fees for official documents and accounts.
• Sheriffs Act 1716 (c. 16): A law to make it easier for sheriffs to get their official documents and manage their accounts.
• Debts Due to the Army Act 1716 (c. 17): A law to allow the King to appoint people to check and confirm the money owed to the army.
• Papists Act 1716 (c. 18): This law clarified a previous act that required Catholics to register their names and properties. It also extended the time for registration and protected purchases made by Protestants.
• General Pardon Act 1716 (c. 19): A law granting a general pardon from the King.
• Forfeited Estates (Time for Claims) Act 1716 (c. 20): A law to extend the time for people to make claims on estates that had been taken by the government.
• Exportation, etc. Act 1716 (c. 21): This law continued the right to export Irish linen cloth to British colonies in America without paying duties. It also aimed to better find and prosecute those who illegally exported wool and woollen goods from Ireland, and provided relief for John Fletcher regarding duty paid for salt lost during export to Ireland.

Private Acts

• Liverpool Docks Act 1716 (c. 1): A law to extend the time given by a previous act for building a dock at Liverpool for ships.
• Naturalization of Isaac Kuyckan Microp Act 1716 (c. 2)
• Sunderland Harbour and River Wear Act 1716 (c. 3): A law for protecting and improving the River Wear and the port of Sunderland.
• Middlesex and Hertfordshire Roads Act 1716 (c. 4): A law for repairing roads leading towards Highgate Gatehouse and Hampstead, and for choosing trustees to maintain roads from Highgate Gatehouse to Barnet Blockhouse and between Kilburn Bridge and Sparrows Herne.
• St. Mary Rotherhithe Act 1716 (c. 5): A law to allow the people of St. Mary, Rotherhithe, to finish their parish church using money from funeral fees.
• Estates of John, Duke of Rutland and his son John Manners, Marquis of Granby: settlement on marriage of the Marquis of Granby to Bridget Sutton, daughter of Lord Lexington and sale of estates of Lord Lexington and Bridget Sutton for her marriage portion. (c. 6)
• John Brownlowe Estate Act 1716 (c. 7): A law to confirm a recent division of Sir John Brownlowe's estate and related agreements, and to make valid a fine and recovery (legal actions) for part of the estate.
• John Barrington, alias Shute: change of surname to Barrington, pursuant to the settlement of Francis Barrington, deceased. (c. 8)
• Enabling the Barons of the Exchequer in Ireland to grant a commission to some of the Barons of the Exchequer in England to administer to Thomas Hopkins the oaths for the due execution of the office of Searcher, Packer and Gauger in the Port of Dublin, granted to him for his life. (c. 9)
• Enabling Susanna Catherina Nugent to sue for, recover and hold the portion of £1,400, provided for her out of her father's estate, notwithstanding her coverture (married state) and the outlawry of her husband, Hyacinthus Nugent. (c. 10)
• Francis Fulford's Estate Act 1716 (c. 11): This law allowed Francis Fulford and his sons to use the power to grant leases as stated in the will of Francis Fulford, deceased.
• Estate of Sir Thomas Heath (deceased): vesting in trustees to be sold for payment of debts and other uses. (c. 12)
• Robert Davis' Estate Act 1716 (c. 13): A law to fix problems in a settlement made by Robert Davies for his estates in Denbigh and Flint. It also aimed to ensure his debts were paid, provide for his son's younger children, and settle the estates accordingly.
• Kensington, Staines and Cranford Bridge Roads Act 1716 (c. 14): A law for repairing roads from Kensington to the Powder Mills (towards Staines) and Cranford Bridge (towards Colnbrook).
• Explaining and making more effectual the Acts of the years 5 Ann. and 8 Ann. for amending Hockley and Stony-Stratford road. (c. 15)
• Duke of Montague's estate: sale of part. (c. 16): A law for selling part of the Duke of Montagu's estate for specific purposes and settling other estates in their place for the same uses.
• Enabling Richard, Earl of Scarborough to take in Great Britain the oath of office as Vice Treasurer and Receiver General and Paymaster General of His Majesty's revenues in Ireland and to qualify himself for the enjoyment of the said office. (c. 17)
• Enabling His Majesty to make provision for the wives and children of James, late Earl of Southesque, James, late Lord Drummond, the late Sir Hugh Patterson of Bannockburn and James Sterling, late of Keir. (c. 18)
• Enabling His Majesty to make such provision for, and settlement on, Margaret the wife of James, late Earl of Panmuir as she would have been entitled to if her husband were naturally dead. (c. 19)
• Enabling His Majesty to make provision for Lady Nairn and her children out of her paternal estate forfeited during the life of her husband William Murray, late Lord Nairn. (c. 20)
• Raising and paying Lady Amelia Butler's portion out of lands in Ireland. (c. 21)
• Robert Dashwood's and Cholmley Turner's estates: confirmation of partition of manors, lands and hereditaments in Oxfordshire. (c. 22)
• Confirmation of an agreement between John Wind, vicar of Thirkleby (Yorkshire) and Sir Thomas Frankland for exchange of the vicarage house and certain lands. (c. 23)
• Estate of Thomas Middleton (deceased): sale for the more speedy raising of maintenance money and portions for his daughter and for other purposes. (c. 24)
• Edward Rolt's and John Boteler's estates: exchange of woodland in Hertfordshire. (c. 25)
• Vesting an estate in Corsham (Wiltshire) in the surviving trustee and executor of Henry Frederick Thynne and his heirs to be sold for the execution of the trusts created by his will. (c. 26)
• Roger Strafford: change of surname to Wollacombe, according to the will of Roger Wollacombe. (c. 27)
• John Stone and John Stone the younger's estate: sale for the discharge of incumbrances and securing residue money as mentioned. (c. 28)
• William Newman's estate: sale of part of the estate of his marriage settlement for payment of debts and settlement of another estate in lieu. (c. 29)
• Estate of Thomas Richmond (deceased): sale for payment of debts, legacies and funeral expenses. (c. 30)
• Declaration of uses of two fines levied by John and Margaret Cuff to Joseph Kelly and his heirs and Maurice Cuff of certain lands and tithes in Counties Down and Cavan (Ireland). (c. 31)
• Patrick Wemys' estate: sale of houses in Dublin for payment of debts and settling lands in Kilkenny and elsewhere to the same uses. (c. 32)
• Naturalization of John Jacob Heldt, Theodore Van Rheden and others. (c. 33)

1717 (4 Geo. 1)

This section covers laws passed during the third meeting of the 5th Parliament of Great Britain, which took place from November 21, 1717, to March 21, 1718.

Public Acts

• Land Tax Act 1717 (c. 1): A law for collecting taxes on land in Great Britain for the year 1718.
• South Sea Company Act 1717 (c. 2): A law to allow the King to be the governor of the South Sea Company.
• Taxation, etc. Act 1717 (c. 3): This law continued taxes on malt, cider, and perry. It also allowed for replacing lost government money tickets and set aside funds for government spending.
• Mutiny Act 1717 (c. 4): A law for punishing soldiers who rebel or run away, and for ensuring the army is paid and housed.
• Saint Michael, Cornhill Building Act 1717 (c. 5): A law for finishing the tower of St. Michael Cornhill church in London, using funds from a previous act for building new churches.
• Hawkers Act 1717 (c. 6): A law to help wholesale traders of English bone-lace by clarifying rules in acts for licensing traveling sellers.
• Silk Manufacturers Act 1717 (c. 7): This law made a previous act more effective. That act aimed to create jobs for manufacturers by encouraging the use of raw silk and mohair yarn.
• Crown Lands (Forfeited Estates) Act 1717 (c. 8): A law to sell lands in Great Britain and Ireland that had been taken by the government, to raise money for public use. It also aimed to help people who had legal claims on these lands and to collect rents from them until they were sold.
• Debts Due to the Army, etc. Act 1717 (c. 9): A law to appoint people to check and confirm the money owed to the army, and to examine the money requested by foreign princes and states for help during the recent war.
• National Debt Act 1717 (c. 10): This law made it so that dividends (payments) from certain government annuities (yearly payments) would be paid every six months at the Bank of England.
• Piracy Act 1717 (c. 11): A law to further prevent robbery, burglary, and other serious crimes. It also aimed to more effectively send criminals and illegal wool exporters to other places, and clarified rules about pirates.
• Stranded Ships, etc. Act 1717 (c. 12): This law made a previous act permanent. That act was about protecting ships and goods that were forced ashore or stranded. This new law also made it a death penalty offense for those who intentionally burned or destroyed ships.
• Dover Harbour Act 1717 (c. 13): A law to extend the time allowed by previous acts for repairing Dover harbour.
• Saint Giles in the Fields Rebuilding Act 1717 (c. 14): This law allowed commissioners (people in charge) to rebuild the parish church of St. Giles in the Fields instead of one of the 50 new churches planned for London and Westminster.

Private Acts

• George Bubb: change of surname to Dodington. (c. 1)
• Naturalization of Abraham Boetefeur. (c. 2)
• Bristol Hospitals and Workhouses Act 1717 (c. 3): A law to clarify and make more effective previous acts for building hospitals and workhouses in Bristol, to employ and support the poor.
• London, East Grinstead, Sutton and Kingston Roads Act 1717 (c. 4): A law for improving roads from London to East Grinstead, Sutton, and Kingston.
• Southwark, Greenwich and Lewisham Roads Act 1717 (c. 5): A law for repairing roads leading from Kent Street in Southwark to East Greenwich and Lewisham Church.
• Maidenhead, Twyford and Henley Roads Act 1717 (c. 6): A law for repairing roads from Maidenhead Bridge to Sunning Lane-end (towards Reading) and from Maidenhead Bridge to Henley Bridge.
• Reading and Basingstoke Road Act 1717 (c. 7): A law for repairing roads from Reading to Basingstoke, passing through parts of Berkshire, Wiltshire, and Hampshire.
• Estates of William, Duke of Devonshire and William Cavendish, Marquis of Hartington: settlement of estates on the marriage of the Marquis of Hartington with Catherine Hoskins. (c. 8)
• Enabling the Duke of Kent and Antony Grey, Earl of Harrold to make jointures for the wife or wives of the Earl of Harrold and other purposes therein mentioned. (c. 9)
• Vesting the manor of Esher Wattervile and other land in Thomas, Duke of Newcastle in consideration of rent charges issuing out of the same and other lands, in lieu thereof, to the use of the Corporation of Kingston-upon-Thames (Surrey) in trust for the poor of the town. (c. 10)
• Earl of Burlington's Estate Act 1717 (c. 11): A law to allow Richard, Earl of Burlington, to lease out a piece of land behind Burlington House.
• Confirmation of sales of a fee farm rent and other lands in Bedfordshire made between John Lord Carterett and William Hilderson and discharge of the same from estates, terms and trusts to which they are respectively liable by settlements made thereof. (c. 12)
• Vesting the great tithes and glebe lands of the rectory of Saxby (Leicestershire) in Bennet, Lord Harborough in lieu of other lands and an annuity to be settled on said rector and his successors forever, and other provisions. (c. 13)
• Estate of John late Earl of Kildare (deceased): sale of part for payment of debts. (c. 14)
• Establishing the disposition of the personal estate of Sir Benjamin Bathurst, deceased, and the settlement on his three sons under his will and exchanging ground rents in Wapping (Middlesex) for another of similar value, and other provisions. (c. 15)
• James Bertie's Estate Act 1717 (c. 16): A law to better allow James Bertie to raise money for his younger children.
• Making more effectual certain articles of agreement made between Sir George Downing and Dame Mary Forester and her trustees. (c. 17)
• Confirmation and better performance of an agreement made between the relict and sons of Sir John Napier, deceased, concerning his real and personal estate and for vesting lands in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire in trustees for the better performance of the agreement. (c. 18)
• Charles Eversfield's Estate Act 1717 (c. 19): A law to transfer lands belonging to Charles Eversfield in Sussex to trustees, to provide for his son and pay Charles Eversfield's debts.
• Joseph Thurston's Estate Act 1717 (c. 20): A law to sell part of Joseph Thurston's estate in Suffolk and Essex to pay his debts and provide for his children.
• Francis Cornwall's Estate Act 1717 (c. 21): A law to free Francis Cornwall's lands from certain agreements made before his marriage.
• Ralph Shipperdson's Estate Act 1717 (c. 22): A law to allow Ralph Shipperdson to sell his estate in Studley Roger, free from the conditions of his marriage settlement, and to settle his estate in East Mourton for the same purposes.
• Enabling the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury or Lord High Treasurer to compound with John Offley for the debt owed to the Crown for duties on tobacco. (c. 23)
• Naturalization of Peter Rose and others. (c. 24)
• Naturalization of Martin Ludolph, Ulrick Jansen, John Ludolph Spellerbergh, John Spiker and Laurence Gundeloah. (c. 25)

1718 (5 Geo. 1)

This section covers laws passed during the fourth meeting of the 5th Parliament of Great Britain, which took place from November 11, 1718, to April 18, 1719.

Public Acts

• Land Tax Act 1718 (c. 1): A law for collecting taxes on land in Great Britain for the year 1719.
• Taxation, etc. Act 1718 (c. 2): This law continued taxes on malt, cider, and perry. It also extended the time for registering certain annuities and aimed to better secure duties on hides, skins, vellum, and parchment.
• National Debt Act 1718 (c. 3): A law to use extra money and funds raised by lottery and loans to pay off government bills and reduce the cost of these bills. It also aimed to keep the remaining bills in circulation and allow them to be exchanged for cash.
• Religious Worship Act 1718 (c. 4): A law to strengthen the Protestant religion in Great Britain and Ireland.
• Mutiny Act 1718 (c. 5): A law for punishing soldiers who rebel or run away, and for ensuring the army is paid and housed.
• Corporations Act 1718 (c. 6): A law for making sure local governments (corporations) were stable and peaceful.
• Tobacco Trade Act 1718 (c. 7): This law continued a previous act that encouraged the tobacco trade.
• Poor Relief (Deserted Wives and Children) Act 1718 (c. 8): A law for more effectively helping wives and children who were left by their husbands or parents and became a burden on the local community.
• National Debt (No. 2) Act 1718 (c. 9): This law continued certain taxes on coal and established funds to build new churches and complete government spending. It also aimed to stop private lotteries more effectively.
• Bridlington Piers Act 1718 (c. 10): A law to extend the time allowed by two previous acts for repairing the piers of Bridlington and to make those acts more effective.
• Adulteration of Coffee Act 1718 (c. 11): A law to prevent the secret smuggling of goods without paying customs duties and to stop fraud related to customs.
• Highways Act 1718 (c. 12): A law to make existing acts for repairing and improving highways more effective.
• Writs of Error Act 1718 (c. 13): A law to improve legal documents called "writs of error" and to further prevent the stopping or overturning of court judgments after a verdict.
• Debts Due to the Army, etc. Act 1718 (c. 14): This law continued the work of commissioners appointed to check and confirm the money owed to the army, and to examine the money requested by foreign princes and states for help during the recent war.
• Deer Stealers Act 1718 (c. 15): A law to make a previous act more effective. That act was about finding and punishing people who stole deer.
• Dunbar Beer Duties Act 1718 (c. 16): A law to put a tax on ale or beer sold in Dunbar to improve and maintain the harbor, repair the town hall, build a school, and provide fresh water for the town.
• Inverness Beer Duties Act 1718 (c. 17): A law to put a tax on ale or beer sold in Inverness to pay the town's debts, build a church, and create a harbor.
• Salt Duties Act 1718 (c. 18): A law to help the reputation of the British fishing industry in other countries and to better secure the taxes on salt.
• National Debt (No. 3) Act 1718 (c. 19): This law aimed to pay off lottery tickets from 1710 by allowing owners to subscribe to the South Sea Company's stock. It also raised money to pay off other debts, set aside funds for government spending, and set time limits for legal actions related to bonds for exporting cards and dice.
• Revenue of Scotland Act 1718 (c. 20): A law to set up yearly funds from Scotland's revenue to pay public debts in Scotland and for other uses mentioned in the Treaty of Union. It also aimed to prevent future arguments about these funds.
• Trade to the East Indies Act 1718 (c. 21): A law for better protecting the legal trade of British subjects to and from the East Indies, and for more effectively preventing British subjects from trading there under foreign permissions.
• Crown Lands (Forfeited Estates) Act 1718 (c. 22): A law to extend the time for people to make claims on estates that had been taken by the government.
• Forfeited Estates, etc. Act 1718 (c. 23): A law to appoint a new commissioner and trustee to manage the powers and authorities related to forfeited estates and estates used for "superstitious purposes," replacing George Treby.
• Bankrupts Act 1718 (c. 24): A law for better preventing fraud committed by people who declare bankruptcy.
• Continuance of Laws Act 1718 (c. 25): This law continued a previous act from Queen Anne's reign about regulating the price and size of bread. It also continued an act about encouraging the making of sailcloth in Great Britain.
• Keeping of Gunpowder Act 1718 (c. 26): A law to prevent dangers that might happen from keeping too much gunpowder in or near London and Westminster.
• Artificers Act 1718 (c. 27): A law to prevent problems caused by skilled workers in British manufacturing being lured to foreign countries.
• Destruction of Deer (England) Act 1718 (c. 28): A law for further punishing people who illegally kill or destroy deer in parks or enclosed areas.
• Church Patronage (Scotland) Act 1718 (c. 29): A law to make more effective the rules for ministers and preachers in Scotland taking oaths to support the government.
• Highway (Scotland) Act 1718 (c. 30): A law for improving and making more effective the laws for repairing highways, bridges, and ferries in Scotland.
• Colne River, Essex Navigation Act 1718 (c. 31): A law to extend the time given by a previous act for cleaning and making the channel from Colchester to Wivenhoe navigable, and to make that act more effective.
• Relief of Sufferers, West Indies Act 1718 (c. 32): A law to help people from the islands of Nevis and Saint Christopher's who had settled there and proved their settlement before December 25, 1712.

Private Acts

• Stokenchurch and New Woodstock Road Act 1718 (c. 1): A law for repairing roads from Stokenchurch Hill to Enslow Bridge, and from Wheatley Bridge through Oxford to New Woodstock. It also prevented road commissioners from having profitable jobs related to road tolls.
• Beaconsfield and Stokenchurch Road Act Act 1718 (c. 2): A law for repairing roads from Beaconsfield to Stokenchurch.
• Making more effectual agreements made between Thomas Holles, Duke of Newcastle, Henry Pelham, Lord Harley and Lady Henrietta his wife and William and Gilbert Vane in relation to the will and estate of John late Duke of Newcastle and settling the same according to such agreements, and other provisions. (c. 3)
• Vesting fee and inheritance of Halifax House in St. James's Square (Westminster) and castle and manor of Fotheringhay (Northamptonshire) in trustees to be sold, together with a term of 500 years, devised by William Marquis of Halifax, to his executors, in trust, for better performance of his will. (c. 4)
• Relief of Sir Nicholas Tempest relating to an estate demised to him by William, late Lord Widdrington and Lady Jane, his wife, many years before Lord Widdrington's attainder. (c. 5)
• William Glanville: enabling him to take the surname of Glanville instead of Evelyn, pursuant to the will of William Glanville. (c. 6)
• Enabling William Pulteney and those in remainder to lease houses and grounds therein mentioned and to rectify mistakes in two leases from King Charles II to Sir William Pulteney and King William III to John Pulteney. (c. 7)
• Thomas Jett's estate: vesting lands and tenements in Somerset in trustees to be sold other land to be purchased and settled in lieu from the proceeds. (c. 8)
• Vesting in John Porrett and heirs part of the estate of Thomas Davidson at Stranton, Seaton, Carew and Thorp Thewles (Durham) free from uses and trusts of Davidson's marriage settlement and settling other lands of better value to the same uses. (c. 9)
• Thomas Earl of Westmorland's estate: sale of property in Kent and purchase and settlement of lands in or near Northampton from the proceeds. (c. 10)
• Francis Phelips' estate: vesting an estate in Barking (Essex) to be sold for purposes therein mentioned. (c. 11)
• Thomas Willoughby's estate: enabling him and those in remainder to make a jointure. (c. 12)
• Enabling Katherine Paul to transfer certain trusts as if she were twenty-one years of age. (c. 13)
• Confirmation of an agreement between the City of London Corporation, as Governors of the hospitals of Edward King of England the sixth, of Christ, Bridewell and St. Thomas the Apostle, and the Governors of the schools founded by Erasmus Smith. (c. 14)
• Robert Barnwell's estate: sale of part and purchase of other lands to be settled in lieu. (c. 15)
• Nathaniel Long's estate: sale for payment of debts and application of the residue in accordance with his will. (c. 16)
• Naturalization of Peter Sejourne, Samuel Dufresmay and Peter Lucas. (c. 17)
• Naturalization of Lodowick Christian Sprogell. (c. 18)
• Making town and township of Sunderland a distinct parish from the parish of Bishop Wearmouth (Durham). (c. 19)
• Philip Duke of Wharton's estate: vesting the manors of Askie and Catterton and other lands in Yorkshire in trustees to be sold or mortgaged for certain purposes. (c. 20)
• Enabling the Treasury to compound with Jasper Cullum for debts he stands engaged for to the Crown on account of Richard Lee, Thomas Corbin, Heneage Robinson and John Fox for duties on tobacco. (c. 21)
• Enabling the Treasury to compound with Robert Wemes for the debt due from him to His Majesty in relation to the duties on salt. (c. 22)
• Enabling Robert and Mary Packer, Winchcombe Howard Packer, Henrietta Winchcombe, Thomas Skerret and Dame Elizabeth Winchcombe to enter claims before Commissioners and trustees concerning claims upon forfeited estates and to empower the Commissioners and trustees to hear and determine them. (c. 23)
• Relief of Edward Clent, executor of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Clent, for an army debenture lost in the pay office. (c. 24)
• Naturalization of Peter Lamy de Hame and Charlotte Whetstone. (c. 25)

1719 (6 Geo. 1)

This section covers laws passed during the fifth meeting of the 5th Parliament of Great Britain, which took place from November 23, 1719, to June 11, 1720.

Public Acts

• Land Tax Act 1719 (c. 1): A law for collecting taxes on land in Great Britain for the year 1720.
• Taxation, etc. Act 1719 (c. 2): This law continued taxes on malt, cider, and perry. It also allowed the Treasury to call in and cancel certain government bills using money set aside for that purpose.
• Mutiny Act 1719 (c. 3): A law for punishing soldiers who rebel or run away, and for ensuring the army is paid and housed.
• National Debt Act 1719 (c. 4): This law allowed the South Sea Company to increase its funds by taking over certain public debts. It also raised money to reduce public debts and allowed for new government bills to be issued and exchanged for cash.
• Dependency of Ireland on Great Britain Act 1719 (c. 5): A law that aimed to make sure Ireland remained dependent on the Crown of Great Britain.
• Excessive Loading of Vehicles, London and Westminster Act 1719 (c. 6): A law to prevent wagons from carrying too much meal, malt, bricks, and coal within ten miles of London and Westminster.
• Montrose Beer Duties Act 1719 (c. 7): A law to put a tax on ale or beer sold in Montrose to provide fresh water for the town and for other purposes.
• Bruntisland Beer Duties Act 1719 (c. 8): A law to put a tax on beer or ale sold in Bruntisland to increase the town's public income and for other purposes.
• Pittenweem Beer Duties Act 1719 (c. 9): A law to put a tax on beer and ale sold in Pittenweem to repair the harbor and maintain other public works in the town.
• National Debt (No. 2) Act 1719 (c. 10): This law allowed for new government bills (not exceeding one million pounds) to be issued at a certain interest rate. These bills could be lent to the South Sea Company at a higher interest, with the money repaid to the government to reduce public debts. It also allowed these bills to be exchanged for cash.
• Plate Duty Act 1719 (c. 11): A law for taxing wrought plate (items made of precious metals) and using money from the sale of forfeited estates to help the King's finances. It also removed drawbacks (refunds) on hops exported to Ireland, allowed for new annuities (yearly payments) to be purchased, and set aside funds for government spending. It also aimed to prevent the faking of receipts from the South Sea Company and clarified rules about foreign salt.
• Customs Act 1719 (c. 12): A law to prevent fraud and misuse in the allowances given for damaged wines, and to extend the time for refunds on exported wines.
• Manufacture of Serges, etc. Act 1719 (c. 13): A law for setting the correct widths and preventing fraud in making serges, plaidings, and fingrums, and for regulating the making of stockings in Scotland.
• Importation Act 1719 (c. 14): A law to stop the import of raw silk and mohair yarn from Asia from certain ports, except those within the Grand Seignior's (Ottoman Sultan's) lands.
• Importation (No. 2) Act 1719 (c. 15): This law cancelled part of a previous act that prevented the import of deal boards and fir timber from Germany.
• Preservation of Timber Trees, etc. (Scotland) Act 1719 (c. 16): A law to clarify and improve a previous act that encouraged planting timber, fruit, and other trees for beauty, shelter, or profit, and for preventing the burning of woods and protecting fences around them.
• Debts Due to the Army, etc. Act 1719 (c. 17): A law to appoint commissioners to check and confirm the money owed to the army, and to examine the money requested by foreign princes and states for help during the recent war.
• Royal Exchange and London Assurance Corporation Act 1719 (c. 18): A law to better protect certain powers and privileges given by the King for insuring ships and goods at sea, and for lending money on ships. It also aimed to stop certain wild and unauthorized business practices.
• Perpetuation of Acts, etc., 1719 (c. 19): This law made permanent parts of previous acts related to building and repairing county jails, and an act for more effectively stopping piracy. It also made more effective an act for regulating and governing the King's ships of war and sea forces.
• Hertfordshire Highways Act 1719 (c. 20): A law to continue and make more effective previous acts for repairing highways in Hertfordshire.
• Excise Act 1719 (c. 21): A law for preventing fraud and misuse in public revenues from excise duties, customs, stamp duties, the Post Office, and house taxes.
• Insolvent Debtors' Relief, etc. Act 1719 (c. 22): A law for helping people who couldn't pay their debts and for making it easier for bankrupts to be released from prison after their certificates were approved.
• Robbery, etc. Act 1719 (c. 23): A law for further preventing robbery, burglary, and other serious crimes, and for more effectively sending criminals to other places.
• Crown Lands (Forfeited Estates) Act 1719 (c. 24): A law for better explaining how properties taken by the government in Scotland should be transferred to buyers, and for preventing problems in deciding claims on these estates. It also allowed judges in Ireland to question witnesses about claims on forfeited estates there, and allowed corporations buying these estates to grant annuities. It also provided relief for the widow and daughters of Sir Donald Mac Donald.
• Stevenage and Biggleswade Road Act 1719 (c. 25): A law for repairing roads from Stevenage to Biggleswade.
• Surrey and Kent Roads Act 1719 (c. 26): This law extended the time given by previous acts for repairing roads from Kent Street to East Greenwich and Lewisham Church, and from Westminster Ferry to New Cross. It also clarified and improved those acts.
• River Darwent, Derby Navigation Act 1719 (c. 27): A law for making the River Derwent in Derbyshire navigable (suitable for boats).
• River Douglas, Wigan Navigation Act 1719 (c. 28): A law for making the River Douglas (also called Asland) navigable from the River Ribble to Wigan.
• River Ouse, Huntingdonshire Navigation Act 1719 (c. 29): A law for protecting and improving the navigation of the River Ouse in Huntingdonshire.
• River Idle, Nottinghamshire Navigation Act 1719 (c. 30): A law for making the River Idle navigable from East Retford to Bawtry Wharfs.

Private Acts

• Settlement and assurance of Orton and Bottle Bridge manors and other premises in Huntingdonshire to uses mentioned in Margarett Duchess of Newcastle's will. (c. 1)
• Earl of Hadington's Estate Act 1719 (c. 2): A law to sell part of Thomas, Earl of Hadinton's estate and use the money to buy other lands of similar value to be kept for the same family uses.
• Enabling Anne Walker alias Baugh (a minor), wife of Thomas Folliot Walker to sell and convey to William Conolly her share of lands in Ireland devised to her by Thomas Lord Folliot's will. (c. 3)
• Confirmation of a petition made between George Lord Carbery and Henry O'Brien of certain lands in Northamptonshire and Rutlandshire. (c. 4)
• Baltonsbury Common (Somerset) Inclosure Act 1719 (c. 5): A law for enclosing the common land called Baltonsbury Common.
• Thomas Dove's estate: raising £2000 upon his estate at Upton, Sutton, Aylesworth and Caston and sale of his estate at Heathencote (Northamptonshire) for payment of his and his father's debts, incumbrances and portions for his siblings. (c. 6)
• Gratwood Heath in Eccleshall (Staffordshire) Inclosure Act 1719 (c. 7): A law for enclosing the common land called Gratwood Heath.
• Enabling lessees and farmers of Daniel Whitby, prebendary of Teington Regis to make leases of copyhold lands of manors of Preston, alias Preston and Churchland, alias Parsons land (Devon). (c. 8)
• Making townships of Shipston and Tidmington a distinct parish from Tredington (Worcestershire) and dividing rectory of Tredington in three. (c. 9)
• Supplying the defects in, and better performance of, the will of Edmund Dunch. (c. 10)
• Discharging certain estates in Lincolnshire and Warwickshire from uses and limitations contained in marriage settlement of Sir William Keyte and for settling other lands in Gloucestershire. (c. 11)
• Estates of Sir John and Sir Christopher Hales (deceased): vesting in trustees to be sold for raising money for paying and discharging debts. (c. 12)
• Sir John Chichester's estate: sale of part for certain purposes. (c. 13)
• Enabling Elizabeth Gomeldon and trustees to enter claims before Commissioners and trustees of forfeited estates and empowering them to hear and determine the same. (c. 14)
• Enabling Lawrence Broderick (an infant) to perform articles of an agreement entered into by his deceased mother. (c. 15)
• John Sandford's estate: sale of part for payment of debts and legacies. (c. 16)
• William Pembroke's estate: sale for purposes therein mentioned. (c. 17)
• Estate of John Pendarves (deceased): vesting in new trustees. (c. 18)
• John Rosier: change of surname to Reynolds. (c. 19)
• Naturalization of Mary, Viscountess Howe, wife of Scroope, Viscount Howe. (c. 20)
• Naturalization of Gerard Van Neck. (c. 21)
• Naturalization of Bennet Erasmus Hopfer. (c. 22)
• Naturalization of John Backer and George Kruger. (c. 23)
• Naturalization of Samuel Gampert. (c. 24)
• Naturalization of Cornelius Backer and Henry de Putter. (c. 25)
• Naturalization of Francis and John Van Hermert, Frederick Morgan and Henry Sander. (c. 26)
• Naturalization of John Henry Grutzman. (c. 27)
• Gilbert Nicholetts' estate: vesting in trustees for payment of debts and sisters' portions and making provision for his widow and child. (c. 28)
• Shrewsbury Estate Act 1720 (c. 29): A law for connecting the late Duke of Shrewsbury's estate to the Earldom of Shrewsbury and confirming Gilbert, Earl of Shrewsbury's settlement for this purpose.
• Estates of Bishopric of London and Charles Earl of Peterborough and Monmouth: exchange of several small parcels of lands in the parish and manor of Fulham. (c. 30)
• Enabling any corporations within University of Cambridge, or any other persons, to sell and convey messuages and ground to the university for enlarging their public library. (c. 31)
• Church of St. Martin-in-the Fields Act 1719 (c. 32): A law for rebuilding the Parish Church of Saint Martin in the Fields in Westminster, paid for by the local residents.
• Bamfylde's Estate Act 1719 (c. 33): A law to sell part of Sir Coplestone Warwick Bampfylde's estate and settle another, more valuable estate for the same family uses.
• Lumley's Estate Act 1719 (c. 34): A law to allow Sir James Lumley to set up a suitable jointure (income for his wife).
• Naturalization of Philip Germain and George Hallmans. (c. 35)
• Naturalization of George Angell. (c. 36)

See also

• List of acts of the Parliament of Great Britain