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Wicklow Borough Corporation Minutes 1662-1707

Wicklow Town became a borough by royal charter in 1613, granted by James I. This entitled the borough to return two members to parliament. Wicklow Borough Corporation consisted of a Portreeve (similar to a mayor) chosen annually from among the burgesses. These twelve burgesses were elected for life from among the freemen who were admissible by birth, apprentice­ship, marriage or grace especial (special favour). The minute book of the Wicklow Borough Corporation opens a door into the world of Wicklow Town as it developed in the 17th and 18th centuries, detailing the proceedings of the meetings of the town burgesses from 1662 to 1707.

Extract from the minute book:

Secretary hand

While the volume is written in English, the style of handwriting, known as secretary hand, is one that very few people can now read.  You will see underneath the digitised files of the minute book below, that a transcription of the text has also been provided.  The entire volume was meticulously transcribed for the County Archives by local historian Therese Hicks.  Local historian John Finlay kindly assisted with proof reading the text.  See also a brief essay exploring some of the salient themes of these minutes, and notes on interpreting them.