Note 222 — BILLS OF MORTALITY.

This society was incorporated by Letters Patent of the 17th Henry iii, in 1239, by the style of the “Fraternity of Saint Nicholas;” and they were re-incorporated by charter of the 9th of James i. In 1625, they obtained a decree from the Star chamber, allowing them to keep a press in their hall, for the printing of the weekly and general bills of mortality of the city and liberties of London: and for this purpose the Archbishop of Canterbury appoints a printer. All which privileges were subsequently confirmed by a charter granted by Charles ii.