bridge, was estimated at
fourscore thousand pounds; and as the improving, widening, and enlarging
London bridge was calculated for the general good of the public, for the
advancement of trade and commerce, and for making the navigation upon
the river Thames more safe and secure; they, therefore, prayed the house
to take the premises into consideration. This petition being recommended
by his majesty to the consideration of the house, was referred to the
committee of supply, and produced the resolution of granting fifteen
thousand pounds towards the rebuilding of London bridge. A bill was
prepared, under the title of an act to improve, widen, and enlarge the
passage over and through London bridge, enforcing the payment of
the toll imposed upon loaded vessels, which had been found extremely
burdensome to trade; but this incumbrance was prevented by another
petition of several merchants, tradesmen, and other inhabitants of
the borough of Southwark, taking notice of the fifteen thousand pounds
granted towards the repair of London bridge, and, as they were informed,
intended to make the said bridge free for all his majesty's subjects:
they said they hoped to partake of this public bounty; but afterwards
hearing that the bill then depending was confined to the tolls formerly
granted for repairing the said bridge, they represented the hardships
which they and all traders would continue to labour under; they alleged,
that the surveyors and workmen then employed upon this work, had
discovered the true principles on which the bridge was built; that the
foundation of the piers consisted of hard durable stone, well cemented
together, and now as strong and firm as when first built; that when the
bridge should be finished, great savings would be made in keeping it in
repair, from the sums formerly expended, on a mistaken opinion, that
the foundation was of wood: that there were very considerable estates
appointed solely for the repairs of the bridge, which they apprehended
would be sufficient to maintain it without any toll; or if they should
not be thought adequate to that purpose, they hoped the deficiency
would not be made up by a toll upon trade and commerce, but rather by
an imposition on coaches, chariots, chaises, and saddle-horses. This
remonstrance made no impression on the house. The bill being, on a
motion of sir John Philips, read a third time, passed through both
houses, and obtained the royal assent.

ACT FOR ASCER