Note 85 — Chapter V · HOUSES, FURNITURE, ETC.
Reading edition
The houses were principally heated by coals, except in the bedrooms, and, coals being all sea-borne, prices were sometimes very high; thus, latter end of April 1702—'Coals are at 33s. per Chaldron in the Pool, because of the great Impress. No Ships are to sail till the Fleet is compleatly mann'd.' Besides this there was a tax of 2s. per chaldron, 'to be applyed towards finishing St. Paul's Cathedrall,' which was, on Nov. 26, 1702, ordered to be continued till after the year 1708.[85] This high price was partly fictitious, a 'ring' having been formed in coals; but they managed those things better then than now, and held public inquiry on 'forestalled and regraters.'[86] 'The lords ordered several persons to attend upon account of engrossing Coals, and among them two noted quakers; 'tis said the chief reason of their being so dear is, that several persons in the north, and some Londoners, have farmed most of the Coal pits about Newcastle, with design to sell them at what price they please.' It was even suggested that Government should take the matter up. ''Tis said a proposal is made to the parliament, that the queen be the free importer of Coals, and that they shal never exceed 25s. per Chaldron, nor be under 20s.'[87]