1630 BOOK OF ORDERS FOR THE RELIEF OF THE POOR: THE BASIS OF POOR LAW ADMINISTRATION 002. (ORDERS.) Orders and Directions together with a Commission for the better administration of Justice, and more perfect information of His Majestie: How, and by whom the Laws and Statutes tending to the reliefe of the Poore, the well ordering and training up of youth in all Trades, and the reformation of Disordered persons, are executed throughout the Kingdome... London: Imprinted by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings Most Excellent Majestie: and by the Assignes of John Bill. 1630. Quarto. 33p + 21p + final imprint leaf. Quarter morocco, marbled boards. Two minor tears neatly repaired in the initial leaf blank except for the decorated signature letter "A", otherwise a fine, clean, crisp copy. STC. 9252,2; GOLDSMITHS 613. The first edition. The issue, with "Commaund" on Dar line 1. A special body of "Commissioners for the Poor" was set up in June 1630, consisting of ten of the Council. These were the first recorded Poor Law Commissioners. This commission appears to have been of exceptional activity and importance. The "Book of Orders", was the medium for the promulgation of elaborate rules and procedures for the regulation of the Poor. It appears to have enjoyed wide circulation. From it we gain a vision of the activities of a group of vigilant and indefatigable Privy Councillors wielding unquestioned authority and imposing a real degree of uniformity through central control. It emphasised the need for diligence in the execution of their duties by the Justices and set up a procedure which saw to it that all officials concerned did what was required of them. This "Book of Orders" according to the Webbs "Formed the basis of Poor Law administration" in its most effective early phase, that is to say for the remainder of the period of centralised direction which lasted until about 1640. See Sidney and Beatrice Webb. English Local Government: English Poor Law History: Part I. 1927. p.76-79.