II. On the word Proctor, as employed in the Will of Richard Watts, the Founder of the Rochester Alms-Houses. By Francis Cohen, Esq. F.S.A.

Extract

Some time in the reign of Elizabeth, Richard Watts Esq. built the alms-houses in the city of Rochester which continue to bear his name: and he afterwards devised the greater part of his property for the support of the charitable establishment which he had founded. Amongst the directions which he gives for the management of the alms-houses, he desires that there shall be provided “six good mattrices or flock-beds, and other good and sufficient furniture, to harbour and lodge poor travellers or wayfaring men, being no common “rogues nor proctors, and they the said wayfaring men to harbour “and lodge therein no longer than one night.”